A
few weeks ago I read with great interest Andy Zaltzman’s article for BBC Sport, analysing data proving that in Test cricket fast bowlers have been
fighting back against the bat’s dominance. Innings of 500+ are becoming
thankfully rarer and we’re seeing more sides bowled out. Kabiso Rabada has been
a consistent performer in the past two years, averaging little more than 20, and Kemar Roach was irresistible against England.
Perhaps
it is no coincidence that this comes alongside higher and higher ODI scores.
When at Bridgetown yesterday the Windies fashioned an innings of 360-8, I bet
nobody batted an eye nor wrote off England’s chances of hunting down such a huge
target. After a lethargic start, Chris Gayle – now resembling more a genial Kingston
tourist boat skipper than a sportsman - clubbed 12 sixes (out of a record 23 in
the entire innings) in his 24th ODI century, but Jason Roy and Joe
Root each reached three figures in pulling, cutting, driving and slog-sweeping
their way to victory with more than an over to spare.
There
have been only two higher successful run chases in ODI history, both achieved
by South Africa. In October 2016 at Durban, Australia won the toss and duly
savaged the home attack. Dale Steyn’s ten overs went for a remarkable 96 runs
as Warner and Smith made hay. However, David Miller’s unbeaten 118 ensured the
372 target was reached without too much hassle, albeit off a second-string bowling
line-up. It’s now thirteen years since the grand-daddy of them all, when at Jo’burg,
Herschelle Gibbs et al squeaked home with 438-9. It’s an extraordinary record
but one which will surely be beaten in the next year or two. I wouldn’t bet
against England doing it at the next World Cup.
However,
the most intriguing record this month was Sri Lanka’s astonishing comeback, again
at Durban but this time at the expense of their hosts. Bowlers had again
been on top during the first three days and, when Steyn and friends had extended
that dominance to have Sri Lanka on the ropes at 226-9, a South Africa victory
looked assured. Kusal Perera, batting at number five, looked set to be stranded
not far short of his hundred.
Most
teams would probably have adopted T20 mode and gone for broke; if we’re gonna
lose, might as well go out in a blaze of glory. Not Sri Lanka. New batsman
Vishra Fernando played it sensibly while at the other end Perera marshalled the
strike brilliantly. Not even a world-class seam attack could break the stand,
and Perera steered his side to triumph by punishing the poor ball (five sixes)
and keeping a calm head in a tenth-wicket partnership of 78. Such a stand was
not only the highest ever in a successful chase in a Test, but in any first-class
match. The previous best had come way back in 1936.
Perera’s
innings of 153 not out must be one of the best performances of all time,
especially in the context of current bowling pre-eminence. This is one record
which could endure for many years to come.
