Saturday 24 August 2013

Greatest rivalries in the game of cricket


By on 11:41

IND vs PAK
Sport has thrown-up many unforgettable contests in multiple disciplines. While individual rivalries are like gladiator battles, these rivalries earn a new aura and dimension when the battle is between two teams, slugging it out on the field to achieve a much cherished victory.While cricket may not be classified as the most followed and loved sport across the world, it witnesses mad passion in the countries where it is played. India, treats this game as a religion. Lets have a look at the most worshiped rivalries in the world of cricket:

1) India v/s Pakistan

For obvious reasons of political animosity, the two sub-continental neighbors have always been at logger heads in every field. But when it comes to cricket, a religion in both these countries, the rivalry is unprecedented. Even though the tempers have turned mild in the recent years, winning this match is the ultimate prize. Fans may forgive the players on losing bigger trophies, but this is a must-win game. Who can ever forget the 2011 Cricket World Cup semi-final match up, when both the countries came to a standstill and every eye followed the game. The celebrations at the end of the game, won by India, were probably more than the celebrations witnessed after the World Cup Final win.

2) Australia v/s England
 
ASHES, the word summarizes the rivalry between these two teams, which runs for more than 100 years now. Colonial animosity was expressed in cricket and the players went for broke, to win this contest. The famous Bodyline series highlights the desperation of the English to win the Ashes series. Even though, Australia dominated the Ashes easily in 90s and 2000, England won back-to-back Ashes in 2009 and 2011 to re-ignite the rivalry. Don Bradman, Ian Botham and many others attained cult status for achieving an Ashes win.

3) India v/s Australia

It would not have featured in the famed rivalries section, but for the recent aura attained by this rivalry. While Australia always dominated this rivalry, they were not able to win a Test series in India for a long time. Steve Waugh's 'Invincibles' came to India to capture the final frontier in 2001, but returned with disappointment after an epic test series which India won 2-1. This was the turning point of this rivalry. Since then, the two teams have played out many interesting duels, including the ICC World Cup 2003 final, which the Aussies won handsomely. In 2004, they even captured the final frontier. But India had their revenge by winning the Commonwealth Bank ODI series in 2008. Did someone just here the word 'monkey gate'? One Mr. Symonds is definitely listening.

Author: Amey S Pendse

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