Before you can hit it, you have to think it

May 18, 2016: The scoop, the sweep and all of the other shots that are now becoming standard in cricket began as acts of imagination, driven by necessity

'I preferred winning four-day games to T20'

May 18, 2016: Justin Kemp, who called time on a two-decade-long career at the end of the last season, looks back at his playing days

England v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Headingley

Third England tour brings back fond memories for Herath

May 17, 2016: Before Rangana Herath wrapped up Pakistan's second innings at Galle in his comeback Test in 2009, he was playing in the Staffordshire leagues

IPL 2016

Leg injury rules Russell out of Lions game

May 17, 2016: Andre Russell will not play in Kolkata Knight Riders' crucial match against Gujarat Lions in Kanpur on Thursday

South Africa news

Club v country debate on the horizon for Steyn

May 17, 2016: A bun fight could be brewing over Dale Steyn's national versus club duties as reports linking him to Glamorgan continue to swirl

Eng v SL, 1st Test, Headingley

Cook needs 36 runs, and a steady opening partner

May 17, 2016: A few key numbers, leading into England's Test series against Sri Lanka

Readers' comments: what a variety

May 17, 2016: A breakdown of the types of reader comments that feature on ESPNcricinfo

Rising Pune Supergiants v Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2016, Visakhapatnam

Dinda, Zampa set up win in rain-curtailed match

May 17, 2016:

England v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Headingley

England's enjoyment helps Vince settle in

May 17, 2016: A new season will start with at least one new face in England's Test line-up as they aim to iron out a few areas of concern and live up to their billing as strong favourites

County news

Warwickshire escape pitch penalty

May 17, 2016: Warwickshire will face no penalty for the pitch prepared for the County Championship match against Somerset which was rated "poor" by the umpires for uneven bounce

England v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Headingley

Daunting challenge for Sri Lanka to repeat 2014 heist

May 17, 2016: Two years ago, when these sides last met, Sri Lanka were the buoyant side and England struggling. This time the roles are reversed and it will be a significant surprise if the result isn't as well

England news

Captaincy would be 'massive honour' - Knight

May 17, 2016: Heather Knight has said she would be honoured to take on the challenge of leading England into a 'new chapter' following the retirement of Charlotte Edwards

Rising Pune Supergiants v Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2016, Visakhapatnam

The case of the carefree canine

May 17, 2016: Plays of the day from the IPL match between Rising Pune Supergiants and Delhi Daredevils in Vishakapatnam

Rising Pune Supergiants v Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2016, Visakhapatnam

Supergiants bowlers dent Daredevils' playoff push

May 17, 2016: Three-wicket hauls from fast bowler Ashok Dinda and legspinner Adam Zampa crafted Rising Pune Supergiants' 19-run win via D/L method and hurt Delhi Daredevils' chances of making the playoffs

Worcestershire v Sussex, Specsavers Championship Div 2, New Road, 3rd day

Joyce, Wells and forecast give Sussex hope

May 17, 2016: Worcestershire's push for a first victory of the season was held up by Ed Joyce after Sussex were forced to follow on 213 runs behind

Surrey v Middlesex, Specsavers Championship Div 1, Kia Oval, 3rd day

Surrey's resistance is a sober lesson for young souls

May 17, 2016: Surrey's dour resistance gave thousands of schoolchildren at Kia Oval a tough lesson in life that nothing comes easily - entertainment included perhaps

Somerset v Yorkshire, Specsavers Championship Div 1, Taunton, 3rd day

Groenewald crows as Yorkshire's collapse signals a change in the wind

May 17, 2016: A dramatic Yorkshire collapse gave Somerset hope of pushing for victory on the final day if the weather stays clear

Notts v Warwickshire, Specsavers Championship Div 1, Trent Bridge, 3rd day

Fletcher's comeback tale dented by late wickets

May 17, 2016: Luke Fletcher was determined that no one would steal his storyline a second time as Nottinghamshire pushed for a second win of the season

Northants v Kent, Specsavers Championship Div 2, Wantage Road, 3rd day

Kleinveldt and Stone earn lead as bat holds sway

May 17, 2016: A third draw in three matches at Wantage Road became the most likely outcome after the third day between Northamptonshire and Kent.

Gloucestershire v Glamorgan, Specsavers Championship Div 2, Bristol, 3rd day

Hogan's four keeps Glamorgan in contention

May 17, 2016: Michael Hogan claimed four wickets to give Glamorgan a victory opportunity on the third day of the Specsavers County Championship match with Gloucestershire in Bristol