Published: Aug 04, 2016, 01:57 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 04, 2016, 01:57 PM (IST)
It may have taken half a century, but West Indies finally have had a cricketer who has broken a record which was held by no other than Sir Garry Sobers. To witness a five-for and a century in the same Test in an era when West Indies cricketers only excel in Twenty20 cricket, it was indeed special. Roston Chase’s five-wicket haul and his maiden century — which helped West Indies salvage a draw — was indeed special as the lowly Caribbean side needed some inspiration. Chase’s performance was somewhat similar to what was seen last week, with a young Kusal Mendis turning the tables on Australia and delivering a memorable victory to the Sri Lankans. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs West Indies 2016, 2nd Test at Kingston
If not a big promise, these two young cricketers have certainly given a peek into the future of their respective teams.
Chase’s performance was surprising, but not shocking as the cricket fraternity waited with anxiety to see if all West Indies will fight back against India. Every passing day kept firming the belief that West Indies may not play to their potential, and thus, India were expected to saunter to yet another easy victory. ALSO READ: India vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Day 5 Highlights: Roston Chase’s maiden Test ton draws second Test
Heading into the final day of the second Test, all odds were against West Indies. They did not have enough batting, and backing, to force a draw, which would have been a far-off achievement for a team struggling on all fronts. But Chase stood tall, with the men around him also battling hard, enforcing a draw and preventing India from taking an unassailable lead.
Chase and Mendis, in their respective capacities, may have certainly brought back the confidence to their respective teams which they desperately needed. Sri Lanka were just not able end their horrendous run in Test cricket with their prolonged re-building phase, whereas every passing game kept West Indies searching for the very purpose they were competing in Test cricket. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sri Lanka vs Australia 2016, 2nd Test at Galle
Not many would have imagined the two cricketing powerhouses, who have produced many legendary players, to go through the horror they have in last few years. But West Indies and Sri Lanka, who found unlikely heroes in Mendis and Chase can finally take a sigh of relief for a while and not worry about lack of performances from their new players.
Neither West Indies nor Sri Lanka can be said to be back on track, having put the dark past behind them. There is a long way to go for both the teams where consistency across deparments resulting in overseas victories will certify their growth. Chase and Mendis’ achievements were just small glimmer of hopes, as they signified the fact that both West Indies and Sri Lanka need to be patient with the young talent that has been discovered and thrust into international cricket.
(Devarchit Varma is senior writer with CricketCountry. He can be followed on Twitter @Devarchit)
