Matches (10)
WTC (1)
WCL 2 (1)
WI Women vs SA Women (1)
WI-A vs SA-A (1)
IRE vs WI (1)
Vitality Blast Men (3)
Vitality Blast Women (1)
MLC (1)
Photos of the year

Candid camera

Adam Gilchrist erased any concerns over his place at the top of Australia's order as his brutal century led his side to a convincing six-wicket victory with nine overs to spare in a VB Series match against Sri Lanka. He entered the match as stand-in captain with questions over his position and a debate over whether he should slip back to No. 7, but when he crashed his fifty off 44 deliveries his poor form had all but been forgotten
Adam Gilchrist erased any concerns over his place at the top of Australia's order as his brutal century led his side to a convincing six-wicket victory with nine overs to spare in a VB Series match against Sri Lanka. He entered the match as stand-in captain with questions over his position and a debate over whether he should slip back to No. 7, but when he crashed his fifty off 44 deliveries his poor form had all but been forgotten •Getty Images
...but the final outcome was far from what India expected. All of 23, Mohammad Asif's accuracy and use of the seam at lively pace evoked the incomparable Glenn McGrath. Sachin Tendulkar was just one of Asif victims. Here he's floored - literally - by one that kept slightly low to cannon into the middle of off stump. Asif finished with seven in the match, and Pakistan won by 341 runs
...but the final outcome was far from what India expected. All of 23, Mohammad Asif's accuracy and use of the seam at lively pace evoked the incomparable Glenn McGrath. Sachin Tendulkar was just one of Asif victims. Here he's floored - literally - by one that kept slightly low to cannon into the middle of off stump. Asif finished with seven in the match, and Pakistan won by 341 runs •AFP
Andrew Flintoff salutes the crowd after England's stunning win over India at Mumbai. Missing six frontline players, dogged by injury and health problems, England defied all odds and pulled off a magnificent series-levelling 212-run win, their biggest victory on the subcontinent since that memorable performance in Karachi in 2000-01
Andrew Flintoff salutes the crowd after England's stunning win over India at Mumbai. Missing six frontline players, dogged by injury and health problems, England defied all odds and pulled off a magnificent series-levelling 212-run win, their biggest victory on the subcontinent since that memorable performance in Karachi in 2000-01•Getty Images
On a frenetic fifth afternoon at Fatulllah - a day the first Test between Bangladesh and Australia was not even supposed to go into - Ricky Ponting's awesome 118 not out sealed a great win but the battle was much, much harder than it seemed. When push comes to shove Ponting has always been the aggressor, and this day was no exception
On a frenetic fifth afternoon at Fatulllah - a day the first Test between Bangladesh and Australia was not even supposed to go into - Ricky Ponting's awesome 118 not out sealed a great win but the battle was much, much harder than it seemed. When push comes to shove Ponting has always been the aggressor, and this day was no exception•AFP
West Indies held their nerve in a nail-biting finish to sneak a one-run win over India in their home ODI series, thanks to Dwayne Bravo's straight, yorker-length slower ball that clean bowled Yuvraj Singh. Bravo's dismissal sparked a revival, and West Indies went on to beat India 4-1. Bravo celebrated with wild exultation at Sabina Park
West Indies held their nerve in a nail-biting finish to sneak a one-run win over India in their home ODI series, thanks to Dwayne Bravo's straight, yorker-length slower ball that clean bowled Yuvraj Singh. Bravo's dismissal sparked a revival, and West Indies went on to beat India 4-1. Bravo celebrated with wild exultation at Sabina Park •AFP
Mahela Jayawardene came within 26 runs of Brian Lara's record for the highest Test score, Kumar Sangakkara fell 13 short of a triple-hundred and the two put on a historic 624 runs, the highest ever partnership for any wicket in Test or first-class cricket, as Sri Lanka hammered home the advantage and pushed South Africa into a corner on the third day of the first Test at Colombo
Mahela Jayawardene came within 26 runs of Brian Lara's record for the highest Test score, Kumar Sangakkara fell 13 short of a triple-hundred and the two put on a historic 624 runs, the highest ever partnership for any wicket in Test or first-class cricket, as Sri Lanka hammered home the advantage and pushed South Africa into a corner on the third day of the first Test at Colombo•AFP
The one that always got away finally landed in Australia's grasp. After a couple of early hiccups and a rain delay that lasted more than two hours, Australia sauntered to their first Champions Trophy triumph, defeating West Indies by eight wickets. When it came to the crunch, with a major trophy at stake, Australia's greater experience and quality came to the fore. Call them Dad's army or what you will, but they can play the game like no one else
The one that always got away finally landed in Australia's grasp. After a couple of early hiccups and a rain delay that lasted more than two hours, Australia sauntered to their first Champions Trophy triumph, defeating West Indies by eight wickets. When it came to the crunch, with a major trophy at stake, Australia's greater experience and quality came to the fore. Call them Dad's army or what you will, but they can play the game like no one else•Getty Images
Before December 18, 2006 India had never won a Test in South Africa. Going into the best-of-three series, having been thrashed in the ODIs, no one gave them a chance. A poll on the SABC Sport website asked viewers: Going by India's performance in South Africa, what will be the scoreline in the Test series? The options were 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 (all in favour of South Africa) and a draw. Humble pie was handed around to all and sundry, as India stormed to one of their most memorable wins of all time amid historic scenes at the Wanderers, wrapping up a comprehensive 123-run victory on the fourth day of the first Test
Before December 18, 2006 India had never won a Test in South Africa. Going into the best-of-three series, having been thrashed in the ODIs, no one gave them a chance. A poll on the SABC Sport website asked viewers: Going by India's performance in South Africa, what will be the scoreline in the Test series? The options were 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 (all in favour of South Africa) and a draw. Humble pie was handed around to all and sundry, as India stormed to one of their most memorable wins of all time amid historic scenes at the Wanderers, wrapping up a comprehensive 123-run victory on the fourth day of the first Test•AFP
Two of Australia's greatest matchwinners announced that they would retire after the final Ashes Test at Sydney in the new year. Just a day before, Glenn McGrath refused to confirm his retirement; he will continue to play one-day cricket until the World Cup. Shane Warne and McGrath gave the all-conquering Australians an unparalleled bowling attack. Just how much they will be missed remains to be seen
Two of Australia's greatest matchwinners announced that they would retire after the final Ashes Test at Sydney in the new year. Just a day before, Glenn McGrath refused to confirm his retirement; he will continue to play one-day cricket until the World Cup. Shane Warne and McGrath gave the all-conquering Australians an unparalleled bowling attack. Just how much they will be missed remains to be seen•Getty Images
Irfan Pathan became the first bowler in Test history to take a hat-trick in the first over of a Test when he reduced Pakistan to 0 for 3 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Salman Butt was undone by appreciable away movement, with Rahul Dravid taking a low catch at first slip, and Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf - with four centuries between them in the series - had no answer to Pathan's stock ball, the one that swings into the right-hander and nips back off the pitch. Younis was plumb in front to a full delivery, while Yousuf played around one that darted back between bat and pad. Suddenly, on a pitch that actually had something for the bowlers, the series had come alive...
Irfan Pathan became the first bowler in Test history to take a hat-trick in the first over of a Test when he reduced Pakistan to 0 for 3 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Salman Butt was undone by appreciable away movement, with Rahul Dravid taking a low catch at first slip, and Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf - with four centuries between them in the series - had no answer to Pathan's stock ball, the one that swings into the right-hander and nips back off the pitch. Younis was plumb in front to a full delivery, while Yousuf played around one that darted back between bat and pad. Suddenly, on a pitch that actually had something for the bowlers, the series had come alive...•AFP
Chris Cairns turned out one last time, for New Zealand's Twenty20 match against West Indies at Auckland on February 16. The old warhorse bowled his quota, took a catch and effected a run-out. No sixes over long-on, alas - but what are memories for anyway?
Chris Cairns turned out one last time, for New Zealand's Twenty20 match against West Indies at Auckland on February 16. The old warhorse bowled his quota, took a catch and effected a run-out. No sixes over long-on, alas - but what are memories for anyway?•AFP
Makhaya Ntini decimated the Australians with a career-best 6 for 22, the best figures by a South African in one-day internationals, in the second ODI of the hosts' series win. Ntini's early burst of four wickets in three overs sent Australia tumbling to 7 for 4 and they eventually crashed for 93.
Makhaya Ntini decimated the Australians with a career-best 6 for 22, the best figures by a South African in one-day internationals, in the second ODI of the hosts' series win. Ntini's early burst of four wickets in three overs sent Australia tumbling to 7 for 4 and they eventually crashed for 93. •Getty Images
In 2006, Australia's quick bowling largely revolved around New South Wales' Stuart Clark, who thundered to a Man-of-the-Series award on debut in South Africa - he recorded the third-best debut by an Australian with 9 for 89 at Cape Town and collected 20 victims at 15.75 in three Tests - and has been loud ever since
In 2006, Australia's quick bowling largely revolved around New South Wales' Stuart Clark, who thundered to a Man-of-the-Series award on debut in South Africa - he recorded the third-best debut by an Australian with 9 for 89 at Cape Town and collected 20 victims at 15.75 in three Tests - and has been loud ever since•Getty Images
Celebrations broke out after the fall of Corey Collymore's wicket on the third day of the Jamaica Test, as Anil Kumble's six-wicket haul sealed India's second series victory in the Caribbean, 35 long years after Ajit Wadekar and his men had seen off the challenge posed by Sir Garfield Sobers's team
Celebrations broke out after the fall of Corey Collymore's wicket on the third day of the Jamaica Test, as Anil Kumble's six-wicket haul sealed India's second series victory in the Caribbean, 35 long years after Ajit Wadekar and his men had seen off the challenge posed by Sir Garfield Sobers's team•AFP
Sunday, August 20, 2006 will be remembered as a black day in cricket history. The fourth and final Test between England and Pakistan took an unsavoury and controversial twist midway through the afternoon session as the umpires changed the ball, unhappy with how its condition had altered. Darrell Hair was the umpire who took a close look at the ball, signalled five penalty runs...and sparked off a controversy
Sunday, August 20, 2006 will be remembered as a black day in cricket history. The fourth and final Test between England and Pakistan took an unsavoury and controversial twist midway through the afternoon session as the umpires changed the ball, unhappy with how its condition had altered. Darrell Hair was the umpire who took a close look at the ball, signalled five penalty runs...and sparked off a controversy•AFP
Brian Lara was at his fiercest best during a 77-ball hundred before lunch on day four of the second Test at Multan. Lara was particularly explosive against Danish Kaneria in the morning, hitting him for 60 off 29 balls - 26 off one over. Kaneria didn’t bowl badly, but against Lara he posed as much threat as a grasshopper does to a lawnmower on overdrive
Brian Lara was at his fiercest best during a 77-ball hundred before lunch on day four of the second Test at Multan. Lara was particularly explosive against Danish Kaneria in the morning, hitting him for 60 off 29 balls - 26 off one over. Kaneria didn’t bowl badly, but against Lara he posed as much threat as a grasshopper does to a lawnmower on overdrive•AFP
This year's Ashes was hyped beyond imagination. Tickets were sold out well before England even touched Australian shores, and after two comprehensive wins in the first two Tests, Australia reclaimed the Ashes with a 206-run win two balls after lunch on the final day at the WACA. The pain of the past 18 months had been erased, while an injury-hit England's 463-day Ashes reign, the shortest in history, came to an end
This year's Ashes was hyped beyond imagination. Tickets were sold out well before England even touched Australian shores, and after two comprehensive wins in the first two Tests, Australia reclaimed the Ashes with a 206-run win two balls after lunch on the final day at the WACA. The pain of the past 18 months had been erased, while an injury-hit England's 463-day Ashes reign, the shortest in history, came to an end•Getty Images
Oh, you beauty. In his second last Test, in front of his home crowd, Warne bowled Andrew Strauss to become the first man to reach 700 Test wickets. It was a surreal moment, and all of the MCG was brought to its feet in celebration of a true champion
Oh, you beauty. In his second last Test, in front of his home crowd, Warne bowled Andrew Strauss to become the first man to reach 700 Test wickets. It was a surreal moment, and all of the MCG was brought to its feet in celebration of a true champion •Getty Images
After losing the Test series to Pakistan, India stormed back to win the ODI contest 4-1, thanks to a superb showing by the batsmen in some thrilling run chases. Here, the dressing room erupts after Suresh Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni knocked off the runs in the fourth ODI to clinch the series
After losing the Test series to Pakistan, India stormed back to win the ODI contest 4-1, thanks to a superb showing by the batsmen in some thrilling run chases. Here, the dressing room erupts after Suresh Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni knocked off the runs in the fourth ODI to clinch the series•AFP
On March 12, 2006 South Africa ripped off the chokers tag with victory in a match even more extraordinary and nail-shredding than its illustrious forebear, the semi-final of the 1999 World Cup. Australia had just posted a world-record 434 for 4 in a single innings - the first 400-plus total in the history of the game - and yet they still lost, by one wicket, with one ball to spare, and with the Wanderers stadium erupting in a tumult of the highest order. The celebrations in Jo'burg lasted all starry night long
On March 12, 2006 South Africa ripped off the chokers tag with victory in a match even more extraordinary and nail-shredding than its illustrious forebear, the semi-final of the 1999 World Cup. Australia had just posted a world-record 434 for 4 in a single innings - the first 400-plus total in the history of the game - and yet they still lost, by one wicket, with one ball to spare, and with the Wanderers stadium erupting in a tumult of the highest order. The celebrations in Jo'burg lasted all starry night long•Getty Images
KP, KP, KP. Kevin Pietersen's magical 148 against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston - famous for this extraordinary left-handed reverse-sweep for six over point off Muralitharan - was a treat to watch, and included some of the most creative hitting ever seen in a Test arena
KP, KP, KP. Kevin Pietersen's magical 148 against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston - famous for this extraordinary left-handed reverse-sweep for six over point off Muralitharan - was a treat to watch, and included some of the most creative hitting ever seen in a Test arena •Getty Images
Muralitharan made what could have been his last Test in England a memorable one, taking 8 for 70 in England's second innings as Sri Lanka stormed to a 134-run victory at Trent Bridge to level the three-Test series. Muralitharan ripped through England with a mesmerising spell that brought back memories of his first Test in this country - when he took nine at The Oval in 1998
Muralitharan made what could have been his last Test in England a memorable one, taking 8 for 70 in England's second innings as Sri Lanka stormed to a 134-run victory at Trent Bridge to level the three-Test series. Muralitharan ripped through England with a mesmerising spell that brought back memories of his first Test in this country - when he took nine at The Oval in 1998 •Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images
The sight of a turbaned spin bowler bringing English crowds to their feet, waving flags, chanting his name, cheering his every move, was a lasting memory from the English summer. Monty Panesar, the first Sikh to play for England, went from gangly spinner to cult hero to bona fide match-winner with 27 wickets from three Tests at home
The sight of a turbaned spin bowler bringing English crowds to their feet, waving flags, chanting his name, cheering his every move, was a lasting memory from the English summer. Monty Panesar, the first Sikh to play for England, went from gangly spinner to cult hero to bona fide match-winner with 27 wickets from three Tests at home•Getty Images
This was a spectacular year for Mohammad Yousuf. It started off with a 199-ball 173 against India at Lahore, and since that knock, he never looked back, finishing with an aggregate of 1788, beating Viv Richards's tally of 1710 quite comfortably to wrest the record of most number of Test runs in a calendar year. Yousuf scored plenty of runs in all the series he played in this year but he saved his best for last - his series aggregate of 665 against West Indies made him the third-highest scorer in a three-Test series
This was a spectacular year for Mohammad Yousuf. It started off with a 199-ball 173 against India at Lahore, and since that knock, he never looked back, finishing with an aggregate of 1788, beating Viv Richards's tally of 1710 quite comfortably to wrest the record of most number of Test runs in a calendar year. Yousuf scored plenty of runs in all the series he played in this year but he saved his best for last - his series aggregate of 665 against West Indies made him the third-highest scorer in a three-Test series•AFP
Sangakkara dominated the first day of the second Test at the Basin Reserve with an unbeaten century, his second in a row and the 12th of his career, to save Sri Lanka from freefall. He looked at ease against all the bowlers and pounced on anything loose, and played a stellar role in Sri Lanka coming back from behind to tie the series
Sangakkara dominated the first day of the second Test at the Basin Reserve with an unbeaten century, his second in a row and the 12th of his career, to save Sri Lanka from freefall. He looked at ease against all the bowlers and pounced on anything loose, and played a stellar role in Sri Lanka coming back from behind to tie the series•Getty Images