Five Famous test wins in the last ten years

Test match is often known as the real test of a cricketer and rightfully so. It is the hardest format of the game and may rank up in entertainment more than T20s in certain periods. In this article, we look at Five famous test wins in the last decade.

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5. West Indies vs Bangladesh, 1st Test (2021)

West Indies did what others thought to be impossible. Bangladesh put up a massive score on the board, 430 in the first innings with a century from Mehidy Hasan. However, West Indies couldn't even get to the tiger's first innings score and were all out for just 259. With the help of a century from Monimul Haque in the second innings, they put up 223 on the board and declared hoping they would win by bundling out West Indies before they reach 395 runs.

Little did that know, this will come to bit them back. Kyle Mayers scored a double ton and chased the impossible target of 395. Definitely, Bangladesh didn't saw it coming neither their fans, it all ended in huge disappointment in the Bangladeshi camp. On the other hand, the Caribbean dugout was full of joy that they registered one of the most famous test wins in history.

4. England vs India, 2nd Test (2021)

India pulled off an extremely important victory in the Lords on Monday. Although England was in a strong position and looked favourites most of the match. India set up a score of 364 in their first innings after a brilliant century from KL Rahul. However, England answered back strongly scoring 391 of their own with a brilliant 180* from Joe Root.

In the second innings, the Indian openers failed to provide a good start but Pujara and Rahane somehow prevented the Indian innings from collapsing. England was on top of India coming into day 5, but they face an unexpected force in the form of Mohammed Shami who smashed the ball out of the park and scored a brilliant half-century. At 298/8 Kohli declared and hoped they would bundle out England before the day ends. Consequently, the bowlers didn't disappoint as Bumrah and Siraj ran riots over the English batsmen and registered a historic win in the home of cricket.

Also Read: Shami – Bumrah: India's highest 9th wicket partnership in away tests

3. Australia vs India, 4th test (2020/21)

India pulled off of what can be said one of the greatest test victories in India's history. Australia scored 369 in their first innings, in reply to which India failed to get a lead and scored 336. In the second Innings, the Aussies put 294 on the board and set a target of 328 in 97 overs for the Indian team which was without their biggest stars.

However, the youngsters came back strong, the test which looked pretty much in Australia's grasp was now going away for them. The newly minted superstar Rishabh Pant scored a responsible 89 in the second innings and saw the blues home. It is regarded as one of the famous test wins considering the Indian team and the record of the Australian team at the Gabba.

2. South Africa v Sri Lanka,1st Test (2019)

Sri Lanka was one of the top teams earlier in the decade, but with veterans retiring from the game, the Lankan lions have fallen out of the fold of great teams. However, the story of this test completely contrasts with their current scenario. After getting thrashed by Australia many believed the story would be the same with South Africa.

Chasing 304 for victory in the first test, they were 206-5 at one stage before they lost four quick wickets. At 226-9, the game seemed all but over. However, Kusal Perera had other ideas as he smashed the Proteas bowlers across all parts to score 153 not out and dramatically saw Sri Lanka over the line. Much like the situation of Ben Stokes and Jack Leach, Vishwa Fernando stuck around at the other end.

Also Read: Most test wickets at Lord's

1. England v Australia, 3rd Test (2019)

England played their absolute worst and absolute best in a single test match itself. After getting bundled out for just 67, England's hope of winning the Ashes was lost. Even without Steve Smith, the Aussies set a target of 359 for England to win. It was nearly a mission impossible for the three lions considering their batting form and lineup. Moreover, England couldn't capitalise after a great start.

After a decent partnership between Bairstow and Stokes, the batting line-up collapsed like a pack of cards. England needed 73 to win with just 1 wicket in hand, with Stokes set on one end and the tail-ender Jack Leach on the other. Similar to Perera, Stokes sent the ball around the park and helped England record one of the most famous test wins ever. Headingley erupted and Leach's 1 run not out innings will probably go down as one of the greatest 1 run innings ever.

Honourable Mentions:

#1 Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 3rd Test (2014)

It is one of the best test matches, if not the best in Pakistan cricket's history. Pakistan were 1-0 down coming into this test and they needed a win in this test to level the series. Sri Lanka scored 428 in their first innings and Pakistan fell 87 runs short of the total.

However, they bounced back and bowled Sri Lanka out for just 214, and now needed to chase a target of 302 but in 60 overs. Scoring runs is tough in tests, but Pakistan decided to take on a different approach. They played aggressively right from the start and chased down the runs in just 57 overs. A brilliant century by Azhar Ali and quickfire runs by Sarfaraz Ahmed and Misbah-ul-Haq made it possible for Pakistan.

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#2 West Indies v Pakistan, 1st Test (2021)

West Indies pulled off a thriller against Pakistan and went 1-0 up in the series and have added crucial points in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Pakistan scored 217 in the first innings and in reply West Indies scored 253. West Indies were right back at it as they bundled out Pakistan for 203 in the second Innings.

But chasing a mere 168, West Indies collapsed and were in a do or die situation where they needed 26 runs with just 2 wickets in hand. After taking a five-for in the morning, No. 11 Seales hung around for his partner Roach and took the Caribbeans over the line.

#3 England v Australia, 4th Test (2010/11)

As history suggests, Australia had been dominating over the English men, especially in Ashes. However, in 2010 scenes were different as it would be the closest Ashes by far. The Boxing Day test began with the series at 1-1.

England was far superior in the first two tests but struggled in Perth. They bowled out the strong Aussie batting lineup just for 98 and were 59 runs ahead at the end of the day. The three lions went on to score 513 with the help of Jonathan Trott. England retained The Ashes in a historic way in the Aussie backyard.