5 iconic cricket rivalries and the names that can be used for those Test series

From the fabled Ashes to the euphoric Border-Gavaskar Trophy, there are plenty of captivating rivalries in Test cricket. Teams, with no love lost for each other, square off on the hallowed 22 yards for the flaming aim of procuring bragging rights. Quite a few high-profile Test series are being contested for glittering trophies which have been named after players or events of historical significance. However, there are also some absorbing rivalry-tinged series which take place without befitting names for the trophies up for grabs.

Here are five suitable trophy names that can be used to celebrate some of the most historic rivalries in Test cricket. Apart from honouring those legendary players by using their names, christening the various series (both home and away) in such a manner also adds an extra dimension to the on-field action. Only iconic cricketers who have played against each other are considered for this segment. Those stalwarts, whose names are already in use for other trophies (either international or at senior domestic level), are excluded to avoid repetition.

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#5 Lara-Tendulkar Trophy (India vs West Indies)

For the vast majority of the 90s, the title for the best batsman exchanged between Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar on a regular basis. Admittedly, Australia's Steve Waugh also figured prominently in the discussion. However, the Caribbean magician and gifted Mumbaikar dominated world-class bowlers across both Tests and ODIs. There cannot be a better way to honour the two batting legends other than extending their popular names to a trophy contested between India and West Indies.

Unlike some of the other rivalries in the modern era, the face-off between India and West Indies has rapidly swung in favour of the former as a result of the latter's drastic slip in standards during recent times. India have won each of the six previous Test series between the two teams. In fact, the last time that they lost a Test match to West Indies was way back in 2002.

The sharp reversal of fortunes can be construed as nature's way of evening the proceedings. After all, West Indies had won each of the first five Test series that they played against India. From 1983 till 2002, the Caribbean juggernaut did not lose a single Test series to the Indians.

#4 Botham-Imran Trophy (Pakistan vs England)

Ian Botham and Imran Khan are two of the greatest all-rounders to grace the game

Filled with intense action on the field and plenty of acrimonious incidents off it, the rivalry between Pakistan and England is criminally under-rated as a result of the two countries' epic battles against their respective traditional foes. The most recent Test series between the two teams on English soil saw some of the most fierce cricket seen in the last few years. While both teams shared the spoils as a consequence of the 2-2 stalemate, Misbah-ul-Haq's troops emerged from the tour with heads held high as satisfied smiles beamed on their faces.

From the last five completed Test affairs between the two teams, Pakistan have triumphed twice at their adopted home in UAE and England have also sealed two series victories in their shores. As evidenced by their three consecutive series wins during the late 80s and early 90s, Pakistan's pacers have traditionally enjoyed bowling on English soil. On the other hand, the ingrained resilience of England's vast array of batsmen has seen them triumph on two occasions in Pakistan's homeland.

It is such a shame that the two teams do not battle it out for a properly named trophy. If one finds a common threat between them, the engaging duels between Imran Khan and Ian Botham stand out distinctly. Naming the series trophy after two of the greatest all-rounders to play the game can even go a long way in bringing the charismatic stars together. In doing so, the memories of the infamous libel suit between the two all-rounders can be buried in the hinterlands.

#3 Martin Crowe Memorial Trophy (England vs New Zealand)

Martin Crowe's dexterous batting and sharp tactical acumen endeared him to the connoisseurs

The entire cricket world united in palpable grief when the affable Martin Crowe passed away during the March 3rd of 2016 in Auckland. When the agony of losing one of their own subsided, poignant memories of the legendary New Zealand batsman's splendid playing career and his propensity for innovation began to seep into the minds of true patrons of the game.

Although the International Cricket Council have acknowledged his greatness by inducting him into the official Hall of Fame, Crowe's legacy will be complete when a major cricket series is named after him. Yes, his Cricket Max was the pioneer of the razzmatazz of T20 cricket. However, the technically astute batsman's heart lay in the sport's rightful place. The purity of Test cricket meant a lot to him. Considering that, the Test rubber between New Zealand and England can be played for the Martin Crowe Memorial Trophy.

Extra Cover: Addicted to cricket - The Martin Crowe story

Even as the other four ideas for prospective trophy names stem from the bipolarity of eminent cricketers, an exception can be made for the great man. Crowe was an integral part of the New Zealand team which won a home and away series each against England during the mid 80s. The 2-1 triumph on English soil in the summer of 1999 remains the only other series victory for New Zealand against the Old Blighty.

#2 Boucher-Gilchrist Trophy (Australia vs South Africa)

Mark Boucher and Adam Gilchrist occupy the top two spots in the pantheon of wicket-keeping greats

With a combined tally of 971 dismissals, Mark Boucher and Adam Gilchrist form an impenetrable hegemony in the annals of wicket-keeping greatness. While the South African legend's glove-work was truly unparalleled, the Australian icon triggered a massive revolution by adding the 'batsman' tag to his ilk who had grown accustomed to their primary role of standing behind the stumps.

Unlike their counter-parts in the game, a wicket-keeper is understood to have done a good job if he does not creep into the limelight. Often touted as a thankless job, the position of specialist gloveman is an indispensable part of every successful team in the traditional format of the game. Aside from hailing the impact created by the two stalwarts, naming a tightly-contested series after Boucher and Gilchrist could also be deemed as a way of recognising the importance of accomplished wicket-keepers.

In an era where the home team mostly runs riot, the extremely competitive rivalry between Australia and South Africa comes across as a breath of fresh air. While the Aussies have won three of the last four series (the other one was drawn) away from home, South Africa are only the third team in the history of the game to win three successive Test series on Australian soil.

#1 Fazal-Merchant Trophy (India vs Pakistan)

Fazal Mahmood and Vijay Merchant are responsible for Pakistan's bowling and India's batting legacies

One of the peripheral debate in Indian cricket surrounds the origin of their enviable batting culture. Which of the two Vijays (a third protagonist with the surname of Manjrekar came later) lit the flame and started it all? Was it the enigmatic Merchant or the stoic Hazare? While both icons can lay claim to being the fore-runner of the Indian batting legacy, Merchant edges ahead after factoring their order of appearances into account. There is also the small matter of him laying the foundation to Mumbai's astounding factory-line of technically distinguished batting legends.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, there is no doubt whatsoever regarding who influenced their regal fast bowling culture. When Fazal Mahmood spearheaded a fledgling nation to an unforgettable Test victory at The Oval in 1954, he was not only representing the hopes of Pakistan but also the collective will of the subcontinental people who were still reeling from the after-effects of British oppression.

It is inexplicable that cricket's most enthralling rivalry does not boast of a trademark trophy. If the Ashes sets the benchmark in Test cricket, the India-Pakistan rivalry unites and captivates a significantly larger amount of people. While some could argue that Gandhi-Jinnah Trophy sounds a lot more patriotic, naming the Test trophy after the fathers of their respective cricket identities is a much better way of paying tribute to the beautiful game. It has been ten long years since India and Pakistan met each other in a Test match. When the exhilarating moment finally returns, the sight of Virat Kohli and Sarfraz Ahmed posing with the Fazal-Merchant Trophy could be one to behold.