Analysis

Pakistan cricket doesn't lend itself to analysing. For nobody yet knows what motivates its cricketers, or what brings them down.

On today's evidence, it's going to be nigh on impossible to resist affording Steve Harmison one final, final shot at redemption if England are to claim anything from this series. It really is looking that desperate right now

Brad Haddin is a batsman, not a wicketkeeping thrasher, even though he can comfortably find the stands with his driving

Tillakaratne Dilshan is no mood to let go of any opportunity that comes his way, not even wicketkeeping

It is that 1989 series that most readily springs to mind now, with Ricky Ponting elevated to Allan Border's uber-veteran role

Cricinfo looks into the crisis among the West Indies players which have led to a second-string team taking on Bangladesh in the first Test at St Vincent

Cricinfo takes a look at the history of contract rows

Bangladesh's new captain retains the exuberant spirit that marked him as a talent to watch, and he wants his team-mates to play the same way

Australia outdid themselves by benching Stuart Clark, but Ben Hilfenhaus ensured Australia's day wasn't entirely dominated by defensive tactics from Ricky Ponting

Shortly after his hideous flap at Nathan Hauritz's threat-free spin, Kevin Pietersen was caught by the cameras slapping his forehead on the pavilion balcony, and little wonder

Sophia Gardens has its charms but its hosting of the first Test is a naked commercialisation of cricket's most precious crown jewel

Even their captain didn't look rattled at the staggering reversal of fortune, this tendency has become so predictable

That this win came through three largely uncelebrated players has to be the most pleasing aspect for Sri Lanka

With Brett Lee ruled out of the first Ashes Test with a left side strain, Cricinfo takes a look at Australia's options for Cardiff

By his own admission, Mohammad Yousuf was not at his fittest best and had little batting practice before coming to Galle and scoring a serene century

The Australians drew their last warm-up match, against the England Lions, ahead of the first Ashes Test at Cardiff. Here are five lessons learned at New Road