A summer of Test cricket around the world: Upsets, grit, and the fight for its future

ASHLEY DUBE 

The recent summer of Test cricket delivered a captivating trifecta of series across the globe; with the New Year's Test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan ending in a 72-run victory for the latter in Bulawayo. Alongside South Africa hosting Pakistan and India clashing with Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, this period showcased the heart and soul of Test cricket: thrilling contests, compelling storylines, and memorable individual performances.

Afghanistan during the second Test vs Zimbabwe [Image: Zimbabwe Cricket]

This period saw new talent emerge. Ben Curran, brother of England's Sam Curran, debuted for Zimbabwe. At the MCG in Australia, 19-year-old Sam Konstas fearlessly faced Jasprit Bumrah on debut for Australia. Rising pace sensations, Kwena Maphaka for South Africa and Newman Nyamhuri for Zimbabwe, also announced their arrivals on the international stage.

While the series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, two of the lower-ranked teams, might have been overshadowed by their higher ranked counterparts, it provided edge-of-your-seat cricket across both matches at Queens Sports Club. 

The first Test ended in a high-scoring draw, with Zimbabwe posting their highest-ever Test total (586), anchored by centuries from Sean Williams (154), Craig Ervine (104), and the unbeaten Brian Bennett (110*). 

Afghanistan responded with a mammoth 699, highlighted by double centuries from Hashmatullah Shahidi (246) and Rahmat Shah (234). The pair dominated Day 3, grinding down the Zimbabwean bowlers, and despite rain interruptions, the match ended in a draw with Zimbabwe on 142-4.

The second Test swung dramatically. Zimbabwe initially held the advantage, dismissing Afghanistan for 157 and securing an 86-run lead. 

While half-centuries from Craig Ervine (75) and Sikandar Raza (61) contributed, Sean Williams’s gritty 49 at number eight, despite a back injury, stole the show, displaying immense tenacity and rare sportsmanship by walking out after edging a ball to the wicketkeeper even when the umpire had not given him out. 

Rahmat Shah's second-innings century (139) turned the tide for Afghanistan, setting Zimbabwe a record run chase. Despite the finely balanced contest going into the last day and a half, Rashid Khan’s seven-wicket haul proved decisive as Zimbabwe fell 72 runs short of the target.

This series perfectly encapsulated the raw emotional power of Test cricket, one which, as was evident by a remarkable 2024, continues to offer fierce competition globally. 

New Zealand's stunning 3-0 whitewash of India was a key highlight, but there were numerous other upsets – such as Bangladesh’s away win against Pakistan and West Indies, the West Indies’ own triumph at the Gabba in Australia and Sri Lanka’s victory in England, resulting in a record 21 overseas wins.

However, it is this very essence of emotional investment in Test cricket, and sport, that must be understood and valued by those that govern the game. 

Spectacle alone is insufficient. Fans crave meaning, context, and a compelling narrative. While technology can deliver instant gratification, it cannot replicate sport's power to stir tribal loyalties. 

Authentic sporting performance is unscripted and cannot be faked. 

Administrators, therefore, must prioritize nurturing a deeper investment in the sport rather than simply looking to extract more revenue, as suggested by World Cricket Connects. 

The core question remains: can Test cricket still be saved, or will the growing influence of T20 leagues eclipse it entirely?