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Coming up in December....two Tests between India and England at Chennai and Mohali...

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 CHENNAI......MY MOST MEMORABLE TEST

Thursday, 18th December, 2008

CHANDIGARH, PUNJAB

What an incredible script. The Chennai Test had all the hallmarks of a brilliant Bollywood movie.   After the savagery and sadness of the Mumbai attacks, who could have imagined the drama that would unfold before our very eyes?

Speaking of Bollywood, check out the electronic signage spotted at the Chennai Test and featured above this report.

In the preparations leading up to Chennai, we were confronted with an incredible assortment of security measures designed to ensure the smooth operation of the Indian Test cricket machine.  Police and commandos were in attendance at every turn. To be honest, I felt as comfortable and secure as I have always experienced here in India.

And what a wonderful spectacle was witnessed, complete with a fairytale finish.

There were so many moments of brilliance and bravado during this match that one could only wonder how the future of Test cricket could ever be challenged. How many batsmen have scored centuries in both innings, only to finish on the losing side? Andrew Strauss was a picture of composure as he nudged and deflected his way to both hundreds. Graeme Swann captured two key wickets in his opening over in Test cricket, a feat only ever completed once before in 131 years of history. Virender Sehwag's blistering onslaught to kick start India's fourth innings run chase was simply outrageous. And Sachin Tendulkar's boundary to complete his 41st century and his nation's victory was enough to have one holding back tears of joy and excitement.

I know how appreciative was the Chepauk Stadium faithful, but surely that victory must have been uplifting for a nation rocked to the core by the loss of innocent life only a week earlier. I confess it was an exhilarating experience for me.

I have never before felt under so much pressure and under such scrutiny in any cricket match.  It was a marvellous example of why we love Test cricket. England dominated for all but the fourth innings. But India was not to be denied. Their application and concentration was superb. Tendulkar and Yuvraj guided the team to a six wicket victory...yes...Victory. That's the name of the movie, to be released later in January. Look out for Brett Lee getting hammered by a brash young unknown Indian batsman...and watch to see who is signalling the boundaries. Watch closely...I may yet be only found on the cutting room floor.

Cheers

Daryl

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