Former cricketer Soniya Dabir, who has represented India in 4 women’s one-day International and 13 Twenty20 International matches shares her thoughts relating the ongoing pandemic situation with the longest Test Match ever and how can we win over our opponent Coronavirus. Soniya writes:
I always felt that I should have got a chance to play a Test match for my country, but I couldn’t. Though I did play one-dayers and T20 for India. I also played two-day cricket in the domestic circuit which was fun too. Years passed and suddenly there is this Corona Virus popped up in our lives and it’s getting dangerous day by day. This has caused a big lockdown in many countries and cities all over the world. Initially, there was an announcement of step out of the house only to be extended for another 21 days and it now feels an eternity.
As the 21 days lockdown began, it was very tough just thinking that we have to be at home for 21 long days, especially when you have some fixed routine in your life. As the days passed I decided to look at this lockdown in a more positive way. I told myself let’s consider this lockdown as the Longest Test match and try our best to save the wickets and eventually win the match against this deadly opponent called coronavirus.
This mindset or approach changed things for me slowly. Cricket is the game or for that matter, any game teaches you to be mentally and physically strong not only when you are playing but for the rest of your life. Looking into the positives of this longest Test match ever, it has made me more patient, more innovative, a better cook, a better organizer and is teaching me that whatever the situation in life just smile and face it.
Managing a 3 and a half-year-old kid who suddenly has become so very understanding and has helped me stay at home and stay safe and face the situation. The time I’m spending with my family is getting more and more precious.
This Corona Virus is actually helping people understand the value of being connected to each other and the importance of being together without meeting. This Test match requires a perfect combination of teamwork, partnerships, sharing the workload, responsibilities, and keeping patience in difficult times.
I guess after the lockdown is over, not just me but all of us can proudly say that we won the longest and the toughest Test match in our career.
Loves all things female cricket