The Test of Patience, Intent and Confidence | Test 1 | Match insights and learnings

Test match is the longest format of cricket. Each match continues for the maximum of 5 days. The test ideally was a format formed to test the mental and physical abilities of the cricketer. It is a test of a team’s ability and endurance.

Also read: Match summary and highlights

Test is how life is!!!

Sometimes the teams win and sometimes they lose.

I connect to the test matches for the sole purpose that it is a format that tests you at every ball and when we move beyond the game, life tests you every moment. Sometimes we come out stronger and sometimes we hit the lows. Both these experiences make us stronger and wiser.

The test of patience and confidence

When it comes to test matches, the slow monotonous approach bores some of the viewers but if we think of it, it is somewhere developing patience not only in the player on the field but also the viewer. Remember the time when Rahul Dravid sir took 40 balls to score 1 run but the stands were full throughout? That was a real test for the audience to be patient and wait for something to happen.  As much as it was a display of good cricket, it was a test to see whether the batsman gives in the pressure or thrives through it.

Similarly in the 1st Test match of India, it was a good display of cricket on the first two days. The confidence with which the players stepped on the field was at test once the first ball was bowled. With the performance pressure hanging over them, one side fell to it while the other emerged from it. With an early wicket, the confidence of the squad seemed to have shook a little and the bowling unit capitalized on that and kept attacking. It was Pujara, known as the 2nd wall of India, who redefined the meaning of being patient under pressure.

The  first innings of the game was all about performing under pressure and not losing your focus from the game. The Australian unit was strong with its intent from the first ball and it was important for the Indian squad to soak in the pressure and then start working through it.

In life, we often feel that the time is wrong or there is a lot of pressure from everyone around us to do something, perform or be successful but as an individual, one has to understand that some people perform well under pressure while some find it difficult to perform under pressure. The stress threshold is different for everyone. While some give into the pressure, some find themselves doing better under pressure. Pujara has been known as someone who will perform under pressure too and not give into it. It is a prime example of how when you are in a situation which seems to be difficult, one has to believe in their abilities and block the noise around them.

Individuals in any field have to be prepared for the challenges to some extent. Your training for years and experience in the field, together comes to a testing point. We have to be confident about our abilities and strengths and be patient when things seems to be falling apart. Being patient in such situations helps you think better and perform better.

The swing 

As much as it was India’s game in the first six sessions, Day 3 was nothing less than a horror to witness. The collapse was real and the intent to fight was almost going away. While India performed well in the first six session and kept Australia under pressure, day 3 came in as a surprise and caught the players off guard. The quick fall of wickets and some exceptional spells from the Australian bowling unit, India saw its fate swing to the other end in a span of an hour. The day and the test every fan wishes to forget.

As much as it was a disappointing hour to watch, the after hours of the game spoke a lot about the spirit of the fans. The love showered on them  despite the fun that was made and hate that was voiced. It makes us believe that some stay by us in strength and in weak moments. The team’s body language after the game was different as compared to how they started but the love for the team remains the same.

They say that test matches are boring and predictable but what happened here was not predicted. Just like our lives. We never know what comes next to us. We can only build ourselves to face whatever it is and walk with our chin up.

The lesson 

You may come across a situation/ moment in life where you and the other person might be driven by the same motive, and the only difference would be the intensity along with intention. You have to fight your ground. You may have some moments of self-doubt and fear to pass through but once you do that, you learn to fight back stronger. You have to keep fighting and doing your part.

The only difference between you an them would be how much you are putting in and how strong is your intent in that situation/ competition. Lack of intent or no intent can lead to bad performance and failure. As we did hear Virat Kohli talk about how the intent to win and stay on the crease for longer time was not that strong and it has costed them the whole match.

We had a lead of 60-odd when we arrived. And then just collapsed. Played two days of good cricket to get in a position and then just lose it in an hour. It really hurts. Probably didn’t have enough intent in the batting today. It’s something that needs to be reflected and learnt from.

Virat Kohli

Similarly, at any point in our own journey of work, project, etc., we need to have a strong & good intent and stick by it. If the intent is strong, we are internally motivated to perform better and fight the external pressures.

Urvi Shah Author, Beyond the matches