There’s a searing tendency to be destructive nowadays and the theory of a good Test batsman needing a tight defence has pretty much gone out of the window.

Irrespective of what the causes are — the effects of one-day and T20 cricket on the long-format perhaps, but Virender Sehwag’s innings in Chennai, which set up a brilliant chase, has ensured that Test cricket is entering its most exciting phase even as concerns of extinction are gathering steam.

Test cricket has shed its traditional outlook, and is now flaunting a result-oriented attitude — of the last 30 Test matches played, only eight have ended in draws. And even the International Cricket Council (ICC), which seldom does more than ask for better over-rates and organise award functions, has been speaking out, hoping this India-England series will turn the tide.

The ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat has passionately called on all Indians to turn out in large numbers at the venues to answer the terror threats that put sports in jeopardy for a week. And now, after the historic victory in Chennai, he’s hoping people will brave the early winter, bask in the sun, so that all will be well with Test cricket again.

But Mohali may not provide too many happy memories on that front.

This is the ground that was practically empty when Sachin Tendulkar went past Brian Lara’s world record, and India recorded a historic victory over world champions Australia. This is where the organisers had to save themsleves embarrassment by requesting nearby schools to release its students so the spectator-count could go past 1000. The open stands — only the VIP areas are covered, while the rest of the spectators are left to bake in the heat — was said to be one big reason.

IS Bindra, the Punjab Cricket Association president and also the ICC principal advisor, is hopeful that the Chennai win might draw a decent crowd this time around. “The ticket sales have picked up slightly, and we are hopeful that 10-15,000 fans.(The Indian Express)