LIFE IS A TEST MATCH

As a kid I always enjoyed watching and playing Cricket, I was an amid follower of the game and fondness for the game was huge. Initially I only followed ODI matches as they were easy to understand and game lasts only a day so it was convenient for me, and T20s were not in action at that time. I had some knowledge about Test matches but it was very less to understand the dynamics of the game. But one thing I always used to hear from many people including experts that  'Test is Best' and I always wondered why is it so? I mean if it was 'BEST' it should have been more popular than the shorter format of the game ,which was surely not the case. So I decided to watch a test match and find it out what exactly a test match is all about. I saw the first match and I must say I was amazed, just kidding, it was  nowhere near it. I didn't understood many things, and cherry on the top was that match ended in DRAW (Huge disappointment for me at that time).

With the passage of time I watched more test matches and was finally able to understand the DYNAMICS of the game and this time I was literally amazed with the whole concept of the game. As somehow I find the game very similar to an event known as LIFE . Let's have a closer look at this.

Rahul Dravid - An Epitome of Patience and Class
Source - Google Images

If you ask a Batsman that what are some of the toughest condition to bat on ,I am pretty sure that 8 out of 10 player will have the same answer i.e., Opening a test match inning in an overcast condition, a green pitch and facing a fast bowlers like Mitchell Starc or James Anderson (this list can be long). To Bat in such condition it requires immense level of concentration, determination, patience, passion and temperament. You have to play each ball according to its merit and there are no easy runs. There is nothing you can do to change the conditions as you have got no control over it, what you can do is to believe in yourself and back your abilities. It doesn't matter whether you hit the ball for boundary or leave the ball, whatever you do it should be with conviction. Whether its Life or a Test match , the ultimate key to success is planning and having a positive attitude . One must be not afraid of stepping out his comfort zone and face the uncertainties of life , as it will surely enhance their skills and will reveal their true character. Even if you don't have the most favorable conditions ,you must still be courageous enough to stand our ground with a right mindset and always look for the opportunities to rise .    

A sight which is definitely not enjoyed by any Batsman
Source- Google Images

Unlike limited over cricket in test match you need to take 20 wickets in order to win the match. But sometimes there is a long partnership between two batsman and  taking wickets is not an easy job as players don't play any rash shots and are generally very focused. In such situations Patience is the key to success and you must stick to your basics. Bowlers should not get frustrated when the things aren’t going their way and must stick to their line and length and continue to execute their plans .So is the case with LIFE as well, sometimes we do not get results according to our expectations. Things may get frustrating at some points but we all know that not everything can be controlled . All we can do is to make plans which will work best for us and put our sincere efforts to achieve our goals. So results may vary according to conditions but what is more important is to trust the process ,as following the correct process will increase the probability of getting better results exponentially.

Glenn McGrath- Neither fastest nor swings the ball much but one of the most consistent in terms of line and length 
Source - Google Images

There is often a perception that the test matches are boring  and there is no intensity. There are more fielders around batsman than on boundaries still they plays at very low strike rate ,we see more defensive approach and less attacking strokes . Moreover even after playing for 4-5 days, the match ends in draw which is a big disappointment for as far as audience are concerned. All in all it doesn't have the elements which are required to be visually attractive or fancy .Despite of this, people who understand this game, knows its beauty and appreciate it. As everything can't be done just to satisfy everyone as their is no way to do so .Imagine a batsman hitting few sixes in a row ,audience will certainly be happy but what if he gets out in attempting one more ,same people will be critical on him . In our Life as well we come across people who over exhibit the things in order to gain attention from people without thinking of its future consequences. Instead it is important that you need to analyze the situation and work accordingly .Do the things which may not seem fancy but are effective and will be helpful in long run. The right audience will surely acknowledge them.

                                                  

Shivnarine Chanderpaul- Not considered to be most visually elegant Batsman but was surely effective .
Source - Google Images

People say that life is all about second chance ,in test match even if you fail in the first inning you still got a second inning to perform well. In Life we goes with different phases and various ups and down. Similarly, the 22-yard pitch undergoes a lot of changes through the course of five match day. 

At last I would only say that a Test match itself is a mini Life where you experience almost each and every element of Life .Their will be situations where you will be winning by an inning and their will also be situations where you are struggling to avoid a follow-on. You will meet people who will sledge you and try to demotivate you and their will also be people who will trust your skill and will always encourage you to give your best ,even in the most difficult times. So, Life and a Test match is all about surviving and countering the tough time to come up on the top.

Typical Test match field - Never miss any Opportunity
Source- Google Images

I am pretty sure that there can be more resemblance between Life and Test match .Have you noticed some? Discuss in comments.