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18 Best Test Matches in the Past 4 Years That Have Revived Test Cricket – Who Said Test Matches Are Boring?

by | Aug 27, 2021 | Article Index, India, World Test Championship, World XIs - With Twists

We bring to you the list of best Test matches over the past four years. Thrilling finishes galore! Who said Test matches are boring?

by Nitesh Mathur, 08/27/2021

West Indies’ 1-wicket victory against Pakistan and India’s comeback at Lord’s have added another couple of great matches in our memory banks. We have seen some exhilarating Test cricket in the past couple of years.

If there was ever any doubt on the quality of Test cricket, here are 18 matches that have revived Test cricket in the past 4 years.

Table of Contents

1. Pakistan tour of West Indies, 2017 (3rd Test)

Result/ Scorecard: Pakistan won by 101 runs

Match Summary: Pakistan: 376 & 174/8 declared; West Indies: 247 & 202

Player of the Match: Roston Chase

The Tension

After 95 overs of resistance, with only 7 balls to go for a valiant draw, Shannon Gabriel heaves Yasir Shah and gets bowled. Roston Chase stranded on 101* (239) after batting for an epic 366 minutes. Strategic stroke or brain fade from Gabriel?

Commentary/Winning Moment

“Got him! Why did he do that? Unbelievable.” You can watch the magic moment here.

Significance

Pakistan’s first ever series win on West Indian soil as they claim the the series 2-1. Misbah-ul-Haq & Younis Khan retire in style in this famous “Mis-You” series.

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2. Australia tour of UAE, 2018 (1st Test)

Result/ Scorecard: Match Drawn

Match Summary: Pakistan: 482 & 181/6 declared; Australia: 202 & 362/8

Player of the Match: Usman Khawaja

The Tension

In their first innings, Australia had collapsed from 161-1 to 202-10. In the second innings, they had 462 runs to chase or 140 overs to bat. And 140 overs they batted. The man of the hour was Usman Khawaja – 85 (175) & 141 (302), batting for a total of 766 minutes (around 13 hours) to give Australia one of their most savored draws.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“It was assumed that Australia would lose that Test match. What Australia was looking for…was a test of character” – Amazon Prime The Test

Significance

This was Australia’s first true moral victory since Steve Smith & David Warner were banned. Usman Khawaja had never truly solidified his place in the Australian XI, but this innings ensured his career would always be remembered due to this legendary knock.

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3. New Zealand tour of UAE, 2018 (1st Test)

Result/Scorecard: New Zealand won by 4 runs

Match Summary: New Zealand: 153 & 249; Pakistan: 227 & 171

Player of the Match: Ajaz Patel

The Tension

In a chase of 176, Pakistan collapsed in the most Pakistan fashion from 147/4 to 171/10. With a mandatory run-out of course. NZ somehow won by 4 runs. Ajaz Patel with a 5-fer on Test debut.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“And what a victory for the New Zealanders. They deserve it. WOOW! …It’s an unbelievable victory for New Zealand. You can see how much it means to them.” Commentary Video

Significance

New Zealand followed up with another incredible victory in the third test, thereby winning their first victory over NZ in 49 years. Here are some reactions.

4. Sri Lanka Tour of South Africa, 2019 (1st Test)

Result/ Scorecard: Sri Lanka won by 1 wicket

Match Summary: South Africa: 235 & 259; Sri Lanka: 191 & 304/9

Player of the Match: Kusal Perera

The Tension

In a mammoth chase of 304, Sri Lanka were struggling at 110/5. What followed was a knock for the ages. Kusal Perera hit a miraculous 153* (200) with 12 sixes & 5 fours. The last wicket partnership between Perera & Vishwa Fernando was 78*, with only 6* (27) coming from Fernando’s bat.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“He’s done it! He absolutely does it. One of the greatest see from a Sri Lankan outside Sri Lanka…What a historical day at Durban.” Watch the winning moment here, a contender for the greatest Test match innings of all time.

Significance

Sri Lanka go on to win the series 2-0. First time an Asian team won a Test series in South Africa.

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5. Ashes, 2019 (Entire Series)

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Result/Scorecards: England won by 1 wicket (3rd Test, Leeds); All Test matches scorecards here.

Match Summary: Australia: 179 & 246; England: 67 & 362/9

Player of the Match: Ben Stokes

The Tension

Despite being a wonderful series to watch all around, the thunder was stolen by Ben Stokes’ 135*, Jack Leach’s glasses, Nathan Lyon’s run out opportunity, and Tim Paine’s missed DRS review. A 76* (62) partnership for the final wicket. Oohs & Aahs. Reverse sweeps, scoops, and hoicks. Just a great day to be a cricket fan. One of the greatest innings of all time.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“Cut away. Cut away for 4. What an innings. What a player. Take a bow Ben Stokes. The Ashes well and truly alive because of one cricketer & that cricketer is Benjamin Stokes.” (Nasser Hussain) Entire Day 5 minute highlights

Significance

This series had so many moments. Stuart Broad 23 wickets & dismissed Warner 7 times. Steve Smith’s legendary masterclass was breathtaking. 774 runs, 3 tons, 3 fifties, best of 211, 110.57 average. Jofra Archer’s Test debut, Smith’s concussion, and Marnus Labuschagne’s entrance as cricket’s first concussion substitute—353 runs, 4 fifties at 51.00. Not a bad start, I say. Ideal beginning for the World Test Championship, a 2-2 Ashes series.

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6. West Indies Tour of England, 2020 (1st Test)

Result/Scorecard: West Indies won by 4 wickets

Match Summary: England: 204 & 313; Sri Lanka: 318 & 200/6

Player of the Match: Shannon Gabriel

The Tension

It was a Test match that went all the way to session 3 of Day 5, which became a common theme for Test matches post the COVID break. After Shannon Gabriel’s 9-fer & #1 all-round Jason Holder had given West Indies the advantage, they characteristically lost it on the final day. The Windies had collapsed for 27/3 in a chase of 200. Then an inspirational 95 by Jermaine Blackwood 2.0 brought WI back with the supporting cast of a hobbling John Campbell & the engine room—Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, and Jason Holder.

Commentary/Winning Moment (None other than than Ian Bishop)

“Victory for the West Indies. A most significant moment for Jason Holder and his team. Great credit to their skill, their commitment. The West Indian people and world credit owes them a great debt…” Commentary Video

Significance

The coronavirus had hit and ravaged the world. Worldwide lockdown was in-effect and sports had closed its doors for months. Thanks to the West Indies & England cricket boards, players, the support staff, & essential works, cricket made a comeback via bio-bubbles.

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7. Pakistan Tour of New Zealand, 2020-21 (2nd Test)

Result/Scorecard: New Zealand won by 101 runs

Match Summary: New Zealand: 431 & 180/5 declared; Pakistan: 318 & 200/6

Player of the Match: Kane Williamson

The Tension

With a chase of 373 at hand in tough New Zealand conditions, Pakistan were 4/2 at tea on Day 4. One of those one-sided home victories for New Zealand again? Not this time. Not with Fawad Alam. With support from the ever dependable trio Azhar Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, and Faheed Ashraf, Alam scored 102 over 6 and a half hours. Yet a Pakistan-esque collapsed followed after surviving 123.3 overs. Pakistan lost with only 4.4 overs to go. What a jumping catch by Santner as well for the last wicke.t. The drama.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“[Catch it] Oh he’s done it. He’s pulled a hander! Mitchell Santner has done it! Mitchell Santner has finished the game for New Zealand. Look at the scenes!” Commentary Video

Significance

Last match of the decade. Turning point for Test cricket. Brilliant rearguard effort despite the loss. And Fawad Alam. What a story. Dropped after 3 Tests despite scoring a 168 on debut. Criticized for scoring hard, ugly runs with a weird stance. Left out for a decade. . Grinded in domestic cricket. Runs after runs. Till he could be ignored no more. Has now scored 4 hundreds since his comeback. Patience is, indeed, the key to success.

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8. India Tours of Australia, 2018/19, 2020/21 (Border-Gavaskar Trophy)

Result/Scorecard: India won by 3 wickets; All Test matches scorecards here; 2018 Border Gavaskar results

Match Summary: Australia: 369 & 294; England: 336 & 329/7 (4th Test, Brisbane).

Player of the Match: Rishabh Pant

Player of the Series: Pat Cummins

The Tension

India had won the 2018 series 2-1 on the back of Pujara’s toil – 521 (1258). Could they repeat the magic in 2021 with Warner & Smith?

It began with the 36 All-Out at Adelaide. Spectacular bowling performance from Australia. Then Rahane’s century & calm captaincy rejuvenated India at Melbourne. Show of resilience and immense mental strength followed from Vihari-Ashwin after the Pujara-Pant show to secure a draw in Sydney. Finally the young brigade breached the Gabba Fortress. Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, Mohammad Siraj, and Rishabh Pant the stars.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“Pujara, to a younger generation is just a curiosity. As the game moves more and more towards T20, which is the modern savior of our game, the word resilience starts to go out because there is no time for resilience. ” – Harsha Bhogle on Pujara in Amazon Prime’s The Test

Significance

The 2018 victory was the first instance an Asian team has won a Test series in Australia. The 2021 series? Arguably the best Test series since Ashes 2005—This series had everything—bowling excellence, centuries, youngsters, experience, banter, sledging, draws, collapses, and chases. Even with a so-called injured ‘third string,’ squad, whenever India were down, they came back with new hope & stars.

Also Read: India Vs Australia Series Review 2020-21: The Greatest Story of Them All? Better Than Ashes 2005?

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9. England Tour of Sri Lanka, 2021 (1st Test)

Result/Scorecard: England won by 7 wickets

Match Summary: Sri Lanka: 135 & 359; England: 421 & 76/3

Player of the Match: Joe Root

The Tension

The Joe Root Vs Lasith Embuldeniya series. On paper, does not look too close, but the 1st Test was actually engrossing to watch. In chase of 74, England were 14/3 with Joe Root run out (the only way he can get out these days). Jonny Bairstow & Dan Lawrence took England home but the tension was high. 4 innings, 446 runs for Root, 15 wickets for Embuldeniya. Individual brilliance.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“Massive, massive. This is massive. England in a spot of bother.” (After Root’s dismissal) Commentary Video

Significance

Start of Root’s magical year; English fan stranded in Galle cheers from the fort; England won the series 2-0 to extend their overseas winning streak to 5 after they had won 3-1 in South Africa earlier. They would win another in Chennai before Axar Patel decimated England’s subcontinental dreams. (England had also won the 2018 tour of Sri Lanka 3-0 in this same timeframe).

Also Read: Joe Root Vs Lasith Embuldeniya 2020 Series Review: Oops, I Meant England Vs Sri Lanka

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10. West Indies Tour of Bangladesh, 2021 (1st Test)

Result/Scorecard: West Indies won by 3 wickets

Match Summary: Bangladesh: 430 & 223/8 declared; West Indies: 259 & 395/7

Player of the Match: Kyle Mayers

The Tension

Imagine that you are not sending your 1st XI to Bangladesh, a spin-heavy nation that has had an impeccable record in the past 5 years. No expectations before hand. Bangladesh would have been happy with their effort with centuries from Mehidy Hasan Miraz & Mominul Haque. They even declared in the second innings.

A successful chase of 395 runs followed in 127.3 overs with two debutants, Kyle Mayers (40 & 210*) & Nkrumah Bonner (86) sealing it for the West Indies with a remarkable partnership of 216 runs. Fourth innings match-winning double century on debut in the subcontinent. Wow.

Commentary/Winning Moment (Ian Bishop Again)

“A win to warm the hearts of every West Indian wherever you are in the world! New heroes have emerged from the ashes..” Commentary Video

Significance

West Indies won the series 2-0 in Bangladesh with a depleted squad. The greatest chase of all-time?

Also Read: West Indies Vs Bangladesh 2021 Series Review: Young West Indies Rises Again In the East

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11. World Test Championship Final, 2021

Result/Scorecard: New Zealand won by 8 wickets

Match Summary: India: 217 & 170; New Zealand: 249 & 140/2

Player of the Match: Kyle Jamieson

The Tension

Under difficult batting conditions and rain all around, both teams fought it out till the very end. The WTC Final was expected to be a boring draw two rains and bad light. Instead, it became a thriller that went deep into Day 6, final session. With a chase of 139, Latham-Conway had departed to spin trial by R Ashwin. Reversed DRS decision, maidens, and a dropped catch later. At 44/2, anything could have happened the way Ashwin was bowling. When the time came, the experienced duo Kane Williamson & Ross Taylor came together, soaked in the pressure, and after took New Zealand home safely.

Commentary/Winning Moment (Ian Bishop Again)

Watch ICC’s montage of Drama on the Final Day of the WTC Final

Significance

First major victory for Kiwis in an ICC event. BJ Watling retires on a high, Taylor-Williamson finish, Jamieson shines, 6th Day finish, rain—what else do you need?

Also Read: World Test Championship Final Review 2021, Prediction Results, WTC XI, and Stats: It Is New Zealand’s Time

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12. Pakistan Tour of West Indies, 2021 (1st Test)

Memorable Moment: Kemar Roach & understudy Jayden Seales seal a 1-wicket victory in a tense finish; Both teams with a chance of victory at the end of the fourth session

Result/Scorecard: West Indies won by 1 wicket

Match Summary: Pakistan: 217 & 203; West Indies: 253 & 168/9

Player of the Match: Jayden Seales

The Tension

168 target. West Indies collapse to 16/3. After a classic 55 by Jermaine Blackwood, West Indies slip to 114/7. Pakistan needed 3 wickets. West Indies 54 runs. Then Kemar Roach came to the party and had to the take the responsibility of ‘batting with the tail.‘. Roach’s 30* and a valiant 17-run partnership between the mentor-protege pair, Roach-Jayden Seales guided West Indies to a memorable 1-wicket victory.

Commentary/Winning Moment (Ian Bishop Screaming)

“THE WEST INDIES HAVE WON. A MOST REMARKABLE TEST VICTORY. FOR THE TEACHER AND HIS STUDENT—KEMAR ROACH AND JAYDEN SEALES—TAKE A BOW!”

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13. India Tour of England, 2021 (2nd Test)

Result/Scorecard: India won by 151 runs

Match Summary: India: 217 & 203; England: 253 & 168/9

Player of the Match: KL Rahul

The Tension

Day 5, All Results possible. England Favorites. India, not known for their tailender run-machines, unleash Mohammad Shami (56*) & Jasprit Bumrah (34*). 89* partnership as India declared with 2 sessions to go. Then, the pacers fire in unison as India wreck England for 120.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“Unbelievable performance from India. They were up against it. England were favorites coming into Day 5. Kohli an his men have turned it all around.” Commentary Video

Significance

Victory at Lord’s. Another display of fighting it out and not giving up for Team India. Australia tour was not a fluke. This Indian team is on the rise.

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14. New Zealand Tour of India, 2021 (1st Test)

Result/Scorecard: Match Drawn

Match Summary: India 345 & 234/7 declared; New Zealand 296 & 165/9

Player of the Match: Shreyas Iyer

The Tension

By Tea on Day 5, the main batters for New Zealand—Latham, Williamson, and Taylor had all departed. Somerville’s 36 (125) delayed what seemed inevitable for India. Little did India know that they would run into Test debutant Rachin (Rahul + Sachin) Ravindra—18* (91) & Ajaz Patel 2* (29) to hold out for a memorable draw. Add bad light to the drama as well.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“For a long period of time, New Zealand have struggled to find wins or draws in this country. There is a lot of respect between these two sides. Lot of respect between the skippers.” Commentary Video

– Simon Doull

Significance

NZ extend undefeated streak to 10 (longest in their Test history). Next Test that followed, Ajaz Patel became the 3rd bowler after Jim Laker & Anil Kumble to get 10 wickets. A series that went under the radar but had plenty of amazing moments.

15. Bangladesh Tour of New Zealand, 2022 (1st Test)

Result/Scorecard: Bangladesh won by 8 wickets

Match Summary: New Zealand 328 & 169; Bangladesh 458 & 42/2

Player of the Match: Ebadot Hossain

The Tension

After Bangladesh took lead in the first innings, but Will Young-Ross Taylor had taken NZ to 136/2. In the next hour, 136/3, 136/4, 136/5, 154/6, 160/7, 160/8, 161/9, 169/10. The hour that changed it all feat Ebadot Hossain.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“There it is! Finds the gap and Bangladesh have finally conquered the World Test Champions. And have their first ever Test victory over New Zealand, home or away. It has taken 16 attempts against New Zealand but historic ground has now been broken.” Commentary Video

Significance

The greatest comeback of all time? World Test Champions, undefeated at home for a few years, against a team not known for winning overseas. The best part of all? Bangladesh dominated the entire Test and new heroes emerging—Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Liton Das, Mehdiy Hasan Miraz, Ebadot Hossain. No Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, & Mahmudullah, and Mushfiqur Rahim only scoring 12 & 5.

16. Ashes, 2022 (4th Test)

Result/Scorecard: Match Drawn

Match Summary: Australia 416/8 declared & 265/6 declared; England 294 & 270/9

Player of the Match: Usman Khawaja

The Tension

England 3-0 down in the Ashes series. Very likely the series could have become 5-0. First innings, Australia scored 400+, courtesy Khawaja’s comeback century. England came out with a positive attitude, with Jonny Bairstow recording England’s first ton of the series. Khawaja followed with another ton, which set the Test beautifully for Day 5, fifth session. Last batter to go, Labuschagne and Steve Smith bowling leggies in tandem. Against Stuart Broad & jimmy Anderson. Mouthwatering stuff.

Commentary/Winning Moment (Stokes’s shirt over his mouth in tension. Nail-biting finish)

“Last ball…He’s done it! He’s survived it. England have survived it. They’ve batted out the day. They’ve batted a hundred and two overs.

Significance

Last shining moment for the Broad-Anderson duo? In terms of Test cricket, this week (starting on January 43rd, 2022) was the peak. NZ vs Bangladesh, Ashes 4th Test, and Ind vs SA 2nd Test, all classic thrillers.

17. India Tour of South Africa (2nd Test)

Result/Scorecard: South Africa won by 7 wickets

Match Summary: India 202 & 266; South Africa 229 & 243/3

Player of the Match: Dean Elgar

The Tension

India had won the first Test of the series comfortably. This was India’s best chances to conquer South Africa. Successful overseas victories in Australia and England, an unparalleled depth, and a South Africa team at their lowest point. In a low scoring series, 202 & 266 were decent scores. Day 4, 240 monumental target for SA against a bowling line up of Bumrah-Shami-Thakur-Siraj-Ashwin, and what happens? Elgar takes body blows, does not hesitate, and makes a glorious 96*. No captain Kohli. India succumbs to defeat by 7 wickets.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“That’s it! History has been made at the Wanderers. and South Africa have fought back brilliantly! Take a bow, Dean Elgar….Fantastic effort, leading from the front. He’s worn a few on the body but hasn’t bothered him. Shown character and desire, grit & determination to get his team over the line. And set up the series beautifully.” Commentary Video

Significance

A win against India at Wanderers at last. First 200+ chase for SA in a decade. After losing the first Test of a series, this was truly a comeback of the ages. India missed their golden chance due to some tough cricket from the Proteas. Third Test, captain Kohli came back. Rishabh Pant scored 100*, but Keegan Petersen’s 72 & 82 meant that SA chased 212/3 yet again.

18. Women’s Ashes, 2022 (Only Test)

Result/Scorecard: Match Drawn

Match Summary: Australia 337/9 declared & 216/7 declared; England 297 & 245/9 declared

Player of the Match: Heather Knight

The Tension

Heather Knight’s Test, but Australia had the upper hand. After they declared for 216/7 in the 2nd innings, England took on the challenge for the chase of 257. At 218/3 with Nat Sciver & Sophia Dunkley, it seemed that England might win this. But Alana King, Beth Mooney’s catch, Sutherland’s bouncers, and a run out ensured England’s collapse. Last ball, full toss, England 245/9. The narrowest of draws.

Commentary/Winning Moment

“And it’s a full toss. It is a drawww! And it is one of the very best Test matches we have seen in women’s Ashes.

Significance

In Women’s Test cricket, this was a friendly reminder that Test cricket can flourish if given the chance and plenty of opportunities, both at the domestic and international level. With focus on the 4-day vs 5-day debate, this Test came at hte right time.

Also Read: India Women Turn the Impossible Into Possible: Case For 5-Day Tests In Women’s Cricket? Interview: Australia Vs England Women’s Ashes Test from a Fan’s Perspective

Why Are We Seeing Close Test Matches So Frequently?

For an away team to win a Test match, it takes an immense amount of effort and equal amount of fightback from the home team. Hence, winning an away Test usually means going deep into the 4th of 5th Day, which makes for an interesting viewing. On the other hand, home team in friendly bowling conditions mean Test matches can end within 3-4 days (even 2 days).

More away victories or draws means more close Test matches.

Dismal 2010s

What do you remember about Test cricket in the 2010s? Mitchell Johnson 2013, the advent of the Day-Night Test, Smith-Warner saga, South Africa’s blockathon in Delhi, and excellence from the South African team, Dale Steyn, Anderson-Broad, Boult-Southee, Starc-Hazlewood-Lyon-Cummins, Jadeja-Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson.

Above all, though, I remember disproportionate margins by which home teams won. India losing in England 0-4 (with RP Singh flying from Miami due to excessive injury list) & Australia 0-4 (2011). India came back to England with 1-3 (2014), and 1-4 (2018). Their record in South Africa and New Zealand, remains disastrous till today. England and Australia were either swept apart or struggled to make a mark in India or Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Pakistan had made UAE their fortress under Misbah-ul-Haq.

Post the 2010-12 England generation (think Alastair Cook Ashes 2010 & England victory 2-1 in India), except for South Africa, no other team seemed competitive overseas. Only Faf du Plessis’ Adelaide debut & England’s defiance via Matt Prior against New Zealand (2013) stretched to the end of Day 5.

From the list above, we can see that the tide is finally turning. Even in England’s disaster tour of India earlier this year (1-3), they won the first Test in Chennai.

Rise of Away Wins, Sporting Declarations, and Pakistan/West Indies

So why have we seen a resurgence of overseas victory?

It can be attributed to 4 factors – (1) Increase depth in cricket teams in general, (2) sporting declarations (#1, #2, #5, #8, #13, #15, #17), (3) captains like Virat Kohli focusing their resources and energy on Test cricket, (4) the rise of the West Indies/Pakistan.

One might argue that West Indies still have a dismal Test record. However, we can see that they made it in this list 3 times. They have definitely become a competitive force under Jason Holder although consistency is now needed. ‘Second tier Test’ teams like West Indies, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa and Sri Lanka punching above their weights and winning overseas matches adds to the excitement (A Relegation-Promotion System in the World Test Championship might help out).

Anyway, here is to more great Test matches. Yes, live audience in Test cricket is decreasing and overkill of cricket/new formats might threaten Test Cricket, but as long as the cricket is good, Test matches will remain alive.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 08/27/2021, updated on 02/26/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).