In the pantheon of cricketing statistics, some numbers stand out more for their peculiarity than for their grandeur. One such statistic is the number of times a batsman has been dismissed in the 40s in Test cricket, a score that teases greatness but falls just short of the coveted half-century. This article delves into the curious case of Brian Lara, Sourav Ganguly, and Virat Kohli, all of whom have been dismissed in the 40s more times than most, yet their contributions to Test cricket and other formats are nothing short of legendary.
3 Batsmen With Most Number Of 40s In Test Cricket:
Brian Lara – The Record Holder
Brian Lara, with 22 dismissals in the 40s from 232 innings in test format, holds the record for this peculiar statistic. Known for his elegant stroke play and record-breaking innings, Lara’s career was a blend of sublime highs and frustrating near-misses. His dismissals in the 40s often came when he was well-set, showcasing his ability to dominate bowling attacks but also his occasional lapse in concentration or a moment of bad luck. Lara’s cricket was about flair, and while these dismissals might suggest a flaw, they also highlight his aggressive approach, where he often played his shots regardless of the score.
Sourav Ganguly – The Prince of Kolkata
Sourav Ganguly, with the same number of dismissals as Lara but in fewer innings (188), brings a different narrative. Ganguly, known for his regal cover drives and leadership that transformed Indian cricket, had a knack for getting out in the 40s. His dismissals often came when he was looking set for a big score, perhaps a testament to his aggressive mindset or the pressure of expectation. Ganguly’s approach was less about accumulating runs and more about setting the tempo of the innings, which might explain these dismissals. His contribution to Indian cricket, especially through leadership, far outweighs this statistic, yet it remains a curious footnote in his illustrious career.
Virat Kohli – The Modern Great
Virat Kohli, with 21 dismissals in the 40s from 194 innings, represents the modern era of cricket. Kohli’s career has been marked by consistency and an insatiable hunger for runs. His dismissals in the 40s, while fewer than Lara and Ganguly, still highlight moments where he was on the cusp of a big score but fell short. Kohli’s approach, especially in recent years, has been about converting starts into big scores, making these dismissals particularly frustrating for fans. However, Kohli’s overall record, including his conversion rate of 40s into 50s and 100s, remains one of the best in the game.
The Psychology of the 40s
What makes these dismissals intriguing is the psychological aspect. The 40s are a peculiar range in cricket. A batsman is well-set, the initial nerves are gone, but the pressure to convert into a half-century or beyond starts to mount. This phase requires a shift in mindset, from survival to domination, which might explain why even the best fall here. For Lara, Ganguly, and Kohli, these dismissals could be seen as moments where they pushed the boundaries of their game, sometimes to their detriment but often to the delight of spectators with their audacious play.
The statistic of most dismissals in the 40s might seem trivial, but it offers a unique lens through which to view these cricketing giants. It speaks to their aggressive approach, their occasional lapses, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in a game where even the best can falter. For fans, it’s a reminder that even in failure, there’s beauty and learning. For players like Lara, Ganguly, and Kohli, these dismissals are but small blemishes on careers filled with monumental achievements, each dismissal a story of risk, reward, and the human element in cricket.
