For someone who has 100 international hundreds to his name,the 74 could appear trivial.But make no mistake,this is one of his best knocks,one that would definitely figure in his top 10 list.
One can't simply imagine the pressure he had to endure.It might be the pressure of all the 200 Tests matches been put together.But the way he soaked it and came out to bat was exemplary,which only champions can produce.He is accustomed to pressure-people expect him to score hundred in every match and anything less that they can't digest but the pressure ahead of this match was something else.
And what an innings he played.Almost everything came right from the middle of his bat and the timing of some of those shots was breathtaking .It had all the vintage shots that made him the cuts,the back foot,cover drives and the straight drives.His straight drives were such a treat to behold,as it always had been.It underlined the fact that chapms will always be champs,they rise to the occasion and make things look so simple and he has done that for 24 years .
"A majestic last innings that promised much more,shots all round the park and the final raising of his bat to the crowd before he disappeared inside the confines of the dressing room.It was an 'I was there' moment for every spectator present-a tale to be told to grandchildren.
You may leave cricket but you will never leave our hearts and especially me- i am holding you tightly :P
