It was supposed to be a cricketing year like none other. 2020 was supposed to host the T20 World Cup in 2020 in Australia. IPL was scheduled to happen in India. It was to serve as a platform for players to make an impact before the World Cup. Crowds were expected to throng the stadiums when India toured Australia in the latter half of 2020. But 2020 had taken the world by surprise and cricket was not far behind. In a time where social distancing, quarantine, and masks became the new normal, cricket adapted to emerge stronger as the year passed. We at Stumpsandbails bring you defining moments of the year 2020!
#1 The Women’s T20 World Cup: The high before the low!
The Women’s T20 World Cup which culminated on March 8th, 2020 was one of the most-watched sporting events in recent history. A global unique audience of 89 million were reported to have watched the game. The World Cup final was seen by around 53 million people globally. This event was a big high before the world laid low owing to coronavirus.
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#2 Brave men who brought the game back
After 117 days of no cricket in the corona era, cricket finally resumed thanks to the great spirit shown by the touring West Indies team to England. They agreed to put their lives on the line by risking to tour England amidst the global scar of coronavirus. Jason Holder, the captain of the West Indies team believed that the show must go on and the Windies nation will do anything in its capacity to ensure that the sport finds its place even during the pandemic.
#3 Gentlemen’s game accused of racism
If 2020 wasn’t enough to damage many souls, the ugly face of racism reared its head, even in cricketing circles. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement gained momentum when cricketers started speaking about it and addressed the issue openly. Many cricketers took a knee to support the movement. Cricketers stood in solidarity across the globe to condemn the act of racism.
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#4 India’s T20I juggernaut
India landed in New Zealand to play the T20I series with a gap of just 72 hours after playing Australia in India. But they got to business soon and blanked Kiwis 5-0 thereby laying out a blueprint for other teams to follow. They continued their solid run in T20 cricket when they defeated Australia 2-1 down under. India missed key players on both their series wins and yet managed to emerge victorious convincingly.
#5 England’s bull run in limited-overs
England’s limited-overs side is playing the game on a different level. They bat all the way till number 11. While they have 7-8 bowling options even when not playing their best side. The way they chased down a score of 190+ against South Africa in South Africa showed the world what they are capable of. The world saw the rise of Dawid Malan during this period. Another clean hitter among the presence of many power hitters in the England team.
#6 IPL found a new home but a familiar champion
The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) was held in the UAE. There was widespread speculation about how and where the IPL will be held. People thought that the IPL might not take place in 2020. But the BCCI found an ally in UAE and staged a remarkable IPL in UAE. The tournament was conducted seamlessly and nobody could pinpoint a flaw. It was another feather in the cap for Sourav Ganguly led BCCI. On the cricketing front, even though this was a closely fought IPL, Mumbai Indians emerged comfortable winners and thereby became only the 2nd team after the Chennai Super Kings to defend their IPL title.
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#7 The year of debutants
Indian cricket thanks to its strong domestic circuit and the IPL produces players who are match ready when it comes to international cricket. Players like Shubman Gill, T. Natarajan have impressed everyone not just with their game but also with their attitude. Natarajan’s success story is nothing short of a fairytale. While Mohammad Siraj who has impressed everyone on his Test Debut had to overcome the loss of his father. But as per his late father’s wish, he continued to represent the country and did not go for his father’s last rites.
#8 Legends who bid goodbye in 2020:
Fondly called the professor, Dean Jones was a much loved cricketing legend who passed away while on broadcasting duties for the IPL. The world recently lost cricketing icons Robin Jackman and John Edrich, which made us remember how unfair the year 2020 has been.
Sunil Gavaskar lost his famous opening partner, Chetan Chauhan to coronavirus, and Indian cricket lost an able administrator in him.
#9 ICC Awards of the Decade
India and Indians rightfully dominated the ICC awards of the Decade which were announced today. Virat Kohli won the ODI cricketer of the Decade and Cricketer of the Decade award. In addition to this, he was the only cricketer whose name featured in all the teams across formats. He was appointed the captain of the Test team of the Decade while Mahendra Singh Dhoni was anointed the skipper of the limited-overs sides. Dhoni also went on to win the spirit of the cricket award.
#10 Cricket wins over corona
It was a year mired in fear, panic, and depression. But there have been positive developments right through the pandemic too. Players played in empty stadiums for fans rooted in their homes. Cricket has done its bit to motivate and encourage people to take the challenges of the post covid world head-on.
The Indian cricket team at the brink of victory in the Boxing day Test match at Melbourne is a shining example of overcoming all odds. They didn’t have their regular skipper, nor did they have their star opener, they lost two of their pace spearheads to injury and were humiliated in the previous Test. But they came roaring back in the ongoing test to show the world that when you are met with a challenge, consider it as an opportunity otherwise you will forever be bogged down and burdened.
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