New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) Experiencing a five-Test series feels akin to binge-watching a captivating drama that engrosses you completely and seeps into your subconscious. In many respects, Test cricket and a web series strive for the same goal: to enthrall and entirely occupy your thoughts, making everything else in the world seem dull in comparison.

Just as unforgettable characters and iconic quotes from a series begin to resonate in daily life, Test cricket creates its own engaging universe—featuring intricate players, intense tension, and shaped by plot twists that can alter the game's storyline in a mere session. When it finally concludes, you find yourself grappling with an ambiguous feeling—is it relief, or a void?

This is the lingering sentiment echoing in the minds of cricket enthusiasts now that the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has reached its conclusion. A 2-2 scoreline seems just, yet it hardly encapsulates the magnitude of this emotional roller-coaster ride. This series was constructed on heroic displays, relentless drama, players overcoming extreme adversity, and moments so poignant they have left a lasting impression on everyone involved—both on and off the field.

“It has been that kind of series, hasn't it? It took a lot out of you, but when it's over, you're left thinking, ‘Wow, it's finished’. How often do Test series stretch all the way to the fifth day of every match? The fact that all five Test matches came down to the wire on each of those days speaks volumes about the quality of cricket played,” remarked Deep Dasgupta, former India wicketkeeper, who balanced radio and TV broadcasting responsibilities during the five-match series, in an exclusive conversation with IANS.

The final day of the series, enabled by rain intervening late on day four at The Oval, was a continuous whirlwind of emotions. It began with two boundaries off the first two balls from Jamie Overton, one struck with force, the other benefitting from good fortune, instantly reducing the target from 35 to 27 runs. In a matter of two balls, the stakes soared.

“It was an emotional rollercoaster through those 57 minutes. When it began, England needed 35 runs, and there was a sense of ‘they still have a chance’. The first two balls resulted in consecutive boundaries, dropping the target to 27, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, what’s happening here? Can they rally?’

“It’s the last day of the series, and fatigue is setting in. Siraj has bowled over 180 overs, and then in the next over, he claims the wicket of Jamie Smith. Once again, hope begins to rise, and it turned into a rollercoaster from there,” Dasgupta added.

For a brief moment, it didn’t feel like cricket—it felt like the web series was heading toward a shocking climax. Those frenetic final moments of the series resembled a single continuous shot rather than a sequence of overs. With England requiring a six to win and India needing just one more wicket, the tension peaked.

The climax arrived when Mohammed Siraj, who had already bowled over 180 overs in the series, delivered a yorker that shattered Gus Atkinson's off-stump—wrapping up the series in a manner that will linger in the memories of all viewers, whether in the stadium or watching on TV/mobile.

“By that point, it seemed inevitable that he would hit a six, and there was a dropped catch by Akash Deep. Seeing that, I thought, ‘Oh my God.’ Then, when that moment occurred (Siraj dismissing Atkinson), it felt like, ‘Wow, what a sensation’. It's hard to put it into words even now. I was broadcasting live for the BBC at that moment, and Michael Vaughan was with me; it was simply extraordinary,” he expressed.

“The atmosphere was one of elation, relief, and a whirlwind of emotions. I’m certain for the players, it was an unbelievable experience, but for those of us covering it, it was emotionally taxing because it was such an emotional series—it included everything: camaraderie, light banter, and a hint of rivalry, if you will. There was exceptional cricket, some lackluster moments, and numerous subplots,” Dasgupta continued.

This was not just another Test series—it unfolded like a 25-part epic, filled with momentum shifts, heated confrontations, collapses, comebacks, redemption stories, and unforgettable individual brilliance.

“I was speaking to someone recently, saying, ‘You could easily adapt this for an OTT platform, and it would make a 25-part blockbuster series’. So, working with the BBC, I mentioned that since they have a highlight reel of every day’s play, they could compile it into a 25-day feature, and it would undoubtedly be a massive hit,” Dasgupta added.

For the time being, the cricket community will revel in the afterglow of a series brimming with every form of emotion and energy. Soon, the bustling international calendar will resume. Yet this series, akin to a cherished show one hesitates to let go of, will remain etched in the minds of all for a while longer.

“As a broadcaster, I didn’t cover the 2020/21 Australia series (which India won 2-1). That was a miraculous series victory considering everything that transpired—injuries and unavailability. But I haven’t covered anything quite like this. This was a genuine roller coaster, wouldn’t you agree? It’s true that this series is something we all will remember for a long time,” concluded Dasgupta.