GEORGE DOBELL IN NOTTINGHAM: We enter the final day with all three – dare we say all four? – results still possible. And at a time when the format is fighting for oxygen and relevance, that can only be a good thing.
It’s not yet clear at what stage of this match it became apparent we might be in for something of a classic.
It might have been when Ben Stokes, coming into bat with his side still in deficit by more than 200 runs, reacted as if were in the final throes of a T20 match. Or it might have been when Devon Conway, utilising the reverse-sweep liberally, started to accelerate against Jack Leach on a fourth-day that really could have fizzled out. Or it might have been when New Zealand, pushing for extra runs, lost the second of their second-innings wickets to a run-out.
Either way, by the time Michael Bracewell – on Test debut, it might be noted – was caught at mid-on attempting to thrash another boundary, it was apparent that neither side was going to accept a draw.
Indeed, you imagine that, if these sides planned a poker evening starting at 7pm, one of them would leave at 7.15pm having lost their money, their car and their first born child. It’s kind of mad. It’s also kind of wonderful.
So all-in has been the cricket of both teams, that we enter the final day with all three – dare we say all four? – results still possible. And at a time when the format is fighting for oxygen and relevance, that can only be a good thing.
Michael Bracewell batted aggressively late on day four [Stu Forster/Getty Images]
A few years ago, this match would almost certainly have petered out. England’s batters – who, you might remember, declined the opportunity to chase around 270 in 70-odd overs against this same opposition only a year ago - would have attempted to take time out of the game in their first innings or New Zealand’s batters would have tried to kill the game in their second. Fair enough, too: both tactics would be eminently sensible.
But things have changed. Partly because of the World Test Championship – New Zealand need to win this series to sustain realistic hopes of retaining their title – and partly because of a change of mind-set inspired in both sides, in no small degree, by Brendon McCullum, the game has changed. Both sides have been prepared to risk to lose in the hope of winning. It might be a bit reckless at times, but it’s a lot of fun.
Matthew Potts mentioned at Lord’s that, as he saw it, if New Zealand threw two punches in this series – figurative punches, it should be noted – England would throw four. That’s how this fourth day felt. Ben Foakes said he had never played in a Test like it; Bracewell said New Zealand hadn’t even considered playing for a draw.
Whisper it quietly, but the final day could even see a full-house crowd. Nottinghamshire, to their immense credit, have sensed the mood in the room and recognised that the relatively small amount of money they would have brought in from a fifth-day crowd is outweighed by the long-term benefits of inspiring a new audience with the possibility of a thrilling final day.
It’s exactly the sort of far-sighting management the game needs. The response has been so overwhelming that they believe that all seats have now been allocated.
Test cricket didn’t used to be like this. Not often, anyway. And while some may moan a certain recklessness – they might point to the run-outs, to Conway’s top-edged sweep, or to Tom Blundell falling for the trap and pulling to backward squad - more will surely revel in the reverse scoops, the wobble seam and the endless sense of adventure from two teams who just won’t stop. The game has changed, for sure. And yes, it may have lost a thing or two. But it’s gained plenty more.
Anything could still happen on the final day. New Zealand, leading by 238 heading into it, could take their lead beyond the horizon or England could knock off the runs pretty easily. There’s little sign of deterioration in the surface and New Zealand are without Kyle Jamieson, who is injured. But scoring 250 in the fourth innings remains an unusual achievement.
What seems unlikely is that either side will, until it’s absolutely necessary, take the safe approach. Or even the pragmatic approach. Maybe it will still peter out. But it seems rather more likely we could be in for a thriller.
Whatever happens on the final day, this has been a memorable game. And a game which suggests the next few years could be a lot of fun for followers of England’s Test team. Will they also be successful years? Who on earth could say. For now, let’s sit back and enjoy the ride.
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