Many games affected the sport of cricket matches, pushed numerous rules, and left their stamp on history. Numerous games did this, but we won’t discuss them all here; instead, we’ll focus on the games we believe to be the most significant and the ones that fundamentally altered how we view sports today.
Cricket Matches That Changed the Game
1. Ashes
The “Ashes” is a cricket test series between England and Australia, first used in a lighthearted obituary in The Sporting Times. The ashes were taken to Australia after the first Test match on English soil in 1882. English captain Ivo Bligh vowed to “regain those ashes” before the game, and the journey was referred to as the “search to retrieve the Ashes.”
2. M.S. Dhoni’s Six
The notorious six in Indian cricket matches, led by Ravi Shastri, won the 2011 World Cup after 28 years. This victory marked India’s second global championship and the first time the team won the World Cup at home.
3. Kapil Dev 1983
Kapil’s motivation led Zimbabwe to win more than just cricket, marking an upheaval in Indian cricket matches. This led to India’s triumph in the 1983 World Cup and subsequent spectacular achievements. Dev’s “Man of the Match” performance revitalized India’s campaign, sparking a strong interest in cricket in the nation.
4. Brian Lara 400
Brian Lara scored 400 not out against England in 2004, breaking the previous record for the highest individual score in Test cricket matches. Lara hit 43 fours and four sixes, putting England’s fielders on the hunt for the leather.
This record remains with him, making him the first batter to achieve this feat in St. Lucia, surpassing Matthew Hayden’s previous mark of 380 runs. Lara’s previous record of 375 was broken by Hayden in 2003 against Zimbabwe.
5. Phillip’s Huges Death
On November 25, 2014, a cricketer was batting at the Sydney Cricket Stadium when he attempted to hook a bouncer from New South Wales bowler Sean Abbott. Despite safety procedures, he fell to the ground and was pronounced dead two days later. This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket.
6. Sandpaper Gate
In March 2018, Cameron Bancroft was caught swinging the ball during a Test match between South Africa and England. Cricket Australia punished Warner and Smith, leading to a loss of faith in the Australian cricket team’s honesty and concerns about the competition’s sportsmanship.
7. 1992 World Cup Semi-Final
South Africa made their World Cup debut after two decades in exile due to apartheid. They had the chance to see the final in their first event, but fate or weather intervened. The Proteas scored one run on the last ball, while England prevailed with a 19-run margin. England scored 252/6 in 45 overs.
8. 2019 World Cup Final
The Lord’s game between England and New Zealand was a notorious incident that led to changes in the game and umpire’s regulations. The controversial play of Ben Stokes striking the ball for four runs, giving the team six runs, caused controversy. England won due to more boundaries, and the backlash led to the implementation of many rules after the game.
9. IPL
India won numerous ICC awards, including the Test Maze, Champions Trophy, T20 World Cup, and 2011 World Cup. During this time, they had a leader who demonstrated composedness in stressful situations. India initially resisted participating in the T20 World Cup, but a young team led by rookie skipper MS Dhoni was sent to South Africa for the match.
10. The World Series Cricket
In the 1970s, the World Series Cricket (WSC) was a rebel tournament staged without official consent, transforming cricket by introducing ODI cricket matches, colorful jerseys, and the acquisition of top players.
Conclusion
Cricket’s history is enriched by significant moments, such as the historic “Ashes” series, iconic performances, and Kapil Dev’s leadership in the 1983 World Cup. Regrets and scandals have shattered records, while scandals like the “Sandpaper Gate” and World Cup finals have highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and fairness.
The IPL and World Series Cricket have introduced innovations like T20 cricket matches, colorful jerseys, and global players. These games have contributed to cricket’s rich history and shaped its future. As cricket matches evolve, it is crucial to cherish and learn from these moments, as they continue to inspire players and fans for generations to come.