India Makes Test History with Ultra-Attacking Display in Second Test Against West Indies
The Indian cricket team recently made headlines after rewriting the Test record books with a rare display of ultra-attacking cricket during the second Test against West Indies. Captained by Rohit Sharma and coached by Rahul Dravid, the Indian team showcased a brand of cricket that can be termed Dravball, combining the positive and attacking gameplay of England’s Bazball with their own unique style.
During their second innings, Team India switched into white-ball cricket mode and scored a staggering 181 runs in just 24 overs before declaring their innings. This aggressive approach resulted in a run rate of 7.54, which is the highest ever recorded by a team in Test cricket during an inning lasting at least 20 overs.
In doing so, India surpassed Australia’s previous record of scoring 241/2 in 32 overs against Pakistan in Sydney in 2017, where they had achieved a run rate of 7.53. Notably, Team India also established a new record for the fastest team hundred in Test cricket history.
The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal played a pivotal role in India’s blistering innings, putting on a stand of 98 runs in just 71 balls (11.5 overs). The team reached the 100-run mark in a mere 12.2 overs, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 22-year-old record of achieving the milestone in 13.2 overs against Bangladesh during the Asian Test Championship in 2001.
Among the standout performers, Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan were highly instrumental in Team India’s dominate performance. Rohit, known for his explosive batting in T20Is, smashed his fastest half-century, reaching the milestone in just 35 balls. Not to be outdone, Kishan achieved his own half-century in a mere 33 balls, making it the second-fastest fifty by an Indian wicketkeeper. Rishabh Pant still holds the record for the fastest half-century by an Indian keeper, achieved in just 28 balls.
At the time of the declaration, Kishan remained unbeaten on 52 runs off 34 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, at a striking rate of 152.94. This striking rate ranks as the fourth-highest in a Test inning (minimum 50 runs) by an Indian player. The all-time record for the highest strike rate in an innings of a minimum 50 runs belongs to legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev, who smashed 89 runs off just 55 balls against England at Lord’s in 1982.
Looking beyond Team India, Adam Gilchrist of Australia holds the record for the highest strike rate during an innings of at least 50 runs among designated wicketkeepers. Gilchrist scored an unbeaten 102 runs off 59 balls against England in 2006/07, achieving a staggering strike rate of 172.88. Rishabh Pant also showcased his aggressive batting skills, scoring his half-century off 31 balls at a strike rate of 161.29 against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru in 2022.
Team India’s ultra-attacking display has sparked mixed reactions from cricket enthusiasts and purists. While some celebrate the team’s aggressive approach and emphasis on achieving clear results, others question the impact of such play on the traditional and tactical aspects of Test cricket. Nevertheless, India’s record-breaking performance in the second Test against West Indies has undoubtedly left a lasting imprint on the history of the sport.
In conclusion, Team India’s adoption of an ultra-attacking approach during the second Test against West Indies has made Test cricket history. Their display of Dravball showcased a unique blend of positive and aggressive gameplay, setting records for the highest team run-rate in a Test inning lasting a minimum of 20 overs and the fastest team hundred in Test cricket. While opinions may vary on this style of play, there is no denying the excitement and impact it brought to the game.
