India's declaration against Bangladesh on Day 4 in Kanpur becomes historic Test feat

India made history by being the first team in the 21st century, with the occurrence being only the second in 70 years as they declared their first innings in under 35 overs in Kanpur.

With a couple of days in which no play was possible in India's second Test against Bangladesh at Green Park in Kanpur due to a wet outfield, India's battle against time was pretty obvious considering there are crucial World Test Championship 2023-25 points at stake.

As soon as Bangladesh was bundled out for 233 in the second session of the day, Rohit Sharma & Co. unleashed an extraordinary blitz on the Bangladeshi bowlers. In fact, the power-packed bashing was so lethal that India broke the record for the fastest-ever team 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 - all in a single inning before the skipper, in consultation with the management, decided to declare their innings on 285 runs.

Infamous 2000 Test is another instance of the aforementioned case

Unlike the genuine interest of Rohit and the Indian backend staff, it was Hansie Cronje who heinously forfeited the second innings of South Africa in the fifth and final Test of the series against England in early 2000.

In a game where Day 1 came to a premature close due to rain, with there being relentless precipitation during the night as well as scheduled hours on the second and third days, and light rain coupled with a wet outfield on Day 4 of the game, Cronje, declared the first innings of his side on a score of 248.

After having a word with the English skipper, Nasser Hussain, both the sides declared the second and third innings of the game to let England have a crack at a 249-run target with 85-plus overs to go.

While at the time, it seemed as if it was an authentic gesture by Cronje to try and force a result, it was later revealed that he did it all at the behest of a bookmaker to make a quick buck under the table.

Also Read: India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test, Day 4 Stats Review: 300 wickets for Ravindra Jadeja, India's Bazball and other stats

In return, Cronje received a leather jacket and R50,000. However, in doing so, he brought an indelible tarnish to the nation as well as his legacy.