Errol the Fernando in Melbourne, writing to his alter ego, Gavin Assauw, 24 June 2025
Dear Gavin,
This is exactly what Ben Stokes had in mind when he won the toss and inserted. He wanted a fourth innings chase on Day 4 or Day 5. Obviously, Stokes expects to have a successful chase because he has had some amazing success over the years. He certainly will not be playing for a draw. It is simply win or lose and this gives India a very good chance of winning. Only a total fool would attempt to predict the result. The main point is that the winner is the actual GAME of CRICKET. This is why Cricket is unquestionably the GREATEST game – incomparably greater than football, golf, soccer. tennis, rugby or anything else. None of those keeps us riveted for FIVE whole days. There is simply no comparison.
England has EIGHT batsmen which is a huge advantage. India has only ONE bowler which is a huge disadvantage. However, that one bowler happens to be the best in the world by far. Can one bowler win a match on his own ? It is possible that part-time spinner Jadeja may get something out of a fifth day wicket.
You would know, Gavin, that when I sit down to watch at 8pm tonight I will not move till 4am tomorrow. I do not want to watch the rain. That would be too sad. With reluctance may I be a total fool and say that Stokes will win this match. However, if brand new captain Gill wins, I will raise a big glass to him too. Watching him bat is sheer joy.
Happy watching, Gavin,
Errol
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My overwhelming impression of the cricket so far has been the
bravado of both sides. The batsmen’s fearless intent has blurred the lines between traditional Test cricket and the fast pace of the ODI. The evolution of the game sees every ball a momentum changer. When I was a kid, momentum changes took days.