Top 5 Test matches of 2015

The year 2015 saw Test matches held all across the globe with each country involved in a fairly decent amount of Test cricket. There were a number of one-sided matches and some thrilling finishes which went into the last session.This year was a rebuilding phase for many teams with a number of legends retiring. It would be fair to say that each team is now seen in a different light from when the year began. Some countries came out well and seem to be heading towards a bright future.India, Australia and England seem to have found a good combination whereas South Africa, despite being the No.1 ranked team are struggling. Let’s have a look at some of the best test matches this year produced which included some game-changing performances by individuals too.

#5 NZ vs SL, Hamilton, 2nd Test

Kane Williamson made the difference in a low-scoring match

On a green track, Sri Lanka took a first innings lead of 55 which was very handy in those conditions, thanks to a brilliant five-for from 23-year-old Dushmantha Chameera. In their second innings, Sri Lanka were well placed at 71-0 before a stunning collapse turned the game upside down.

A combination of short pitch bowling and poor shot selection led to Sri Lanka losing their last 10 wickets for just 62 runs. With a target of 188, things got tricky as Chameera knocked over 4 top order wickets at the score of 130, but Williamson showed why he is considered one of the best young batsmen going around as he scored a composed and mature hundred to take his side home.

#4 Eng vs NZ, Lord\'s, 1st Test

Ben Stokes stars in England’s fightback against New Zealand

Having conceded a lead of 134 runs in the first innings, it looked as if the best result England could get out of the match was a draw. Placed precariously at 74-3 in the second innings, England looked down and out but Root and Cook had other ideas with the latter scoring a big hundred.

But the match would be remembered for the incredible counterattacking century by Ben Stokes (101 off 92), who backed up the 92 he scored in the first innings. It was an innings with intent and took the game away from New Zealand with the blink of an eye.

From a huge deficit, they turned things around to set a target of 345 for New Zealand and eventually won by 124 runs. More importantly, it shut up the critics who were questioning the mettle of the team as it took great character and mental strength to bounce back from a near hopeless position and end up with an emphatic margin of victory.

#3 WI vs Eng, Antigua, 1st Test

Jason Holder’s unbeaten ton salvaged a draw for West Indies

It’s no secret that the West Indies are no longer regarded as a force in world cricket, especially in Tests and against England, they were expected to lose badly. England had 130 overs to get them all out in the final innings with the target virtually out of their reach.

It was supposed to be an easy victory, especially when England had them reeling at 189-6 in the 80th over.

But the West Indies skipper had other ideas.

West Indies survived the next 50 overs losing just one wicket in the process with Jason Holder scoring a magnificent unbeaten hundred, showcasing great composure and maturity. The 23-year-old all-rounder absorbed all the pressure and produced a gem giving the West Indian fans a lot to cheer about.

He was ably supported by Ramdin and Roach but this knock gave them a lot of confidence and they later went on to finish the 3 match series at 1-1, which was a result very few could have predicted. Though this team disappointed everyone with their mediocore performances later this year, this match was a bright star in an otherwise dark sky for West Indian cricket.

#2 Aus v NZ, Adelaide, 3rd Test

Josh Hazelwood swung Australia to victory in the first Day-Night Test

It was a historic game as it was the first ever Day-Night Test and the pink ball was used for the first time in an international cricket match. But that’s not the only reason it makes this list. This match turned out to be a low scoring, thrilling and a controversial affair.

DRS came into light for all the wrong reasons once again as a clear edge off the bat of Nathan Lyon for a catch wasn’t considered enough to overturn the original decision, which was not out. It was arguably the turning point of the match.

With a target of 187, Boult managed to give Australia a scare by picking up a five-for and took a couple of wickets late in the day, but Australia got home with 3 wickets to spare. It got closer than expected in the end. Hazelwood picked up 9 wickets in the match and he swung the ball under lights. This match was considered to be a success and might shape the future of Test cricket.

#1 Ind v SL, Galle, 1st Test

Chandimal‘s counter-attacking ton set up the win against India

India had taken a first innings lead of 192 on the back of centuries by Dhawan and Kohli. After an abysmal batting display by Sri Lanka in the first innings, many questioned if they would be able to even make India bat again. But what followed was the greatest comeback of 2015.

Dinesh Chandimal’s beautiful strokeplay will live long in the memory of every Sri Lankan supporter as he went on to score an unbeaten 162 off just 169 deliveries. It was one of the best counterattacks you are ever likely to see.

India were left with a 4th innings target of 176 and all hopes of an Indian victory were laid to rest as Rangana Herath produced a magical spell of 48-7 and Sri Lanka won by 63 runs. It was an innings to remember for all those present in the stadium and a historic comeback.