In Case You Missed It: An Ashes clash for the ages, a mountain to climb for Afghanistan
Our best content from the week gone by
ESPNcricinfo staff
17-Jun-2023
Urn notice: Cummins and Stokes have a vase to go to claim the title • Getty Images
It's being heralded as the possibly greatest Ashes series since 2005, in which an all-conquering England take on World Test Champions Australia, while the rest of the world runs out of things to prefix "Baz" to. Bangladesh have set Afghanistan a mammoth 640 runs to get in Mirpur in the second innings, and the Asia Cup finally has venues, if not dates. Here's a round-up of this week's action.
Four Asia Cup matches in Pakistan; remaining nine in Sri Lanka
The Asia Cup impasse was finally broken last week with the ACC's official announcement but the detailed schedule of games is still awaited
The Asia Cup impasse was finally broken last week with the ACC's official announcement but the detailed schedule of games is still awaited
Ashes 2023 squad vs squad: Who looks stronger?
The spinners have varied backstories - including Moeen Ali's return to the Test fold. The batters approach the game differently. And when it comes to fast bowlers, there's very little to pick between. With both teams in prime form, Andrew McGlashan looks for the slightest edge to separate the two squads by, while Matt Roller analyses England's golf-putting, less-is-more, pressure-off approach to the Ashes
The spinners have varied backstories - including Moeen Ali's return to the Test fold. The batters approach the game differently. And when it comes to fast bowlers, there's very little to pick between. With both teams in prime form, Andrew McGlashan looks for the slightest edge to separate the two squads by, while Matt Roller analyses England's golf-putting, less-is-more, pressure-off approach to the Ashes
Stuart Broad has no regrets over not walking at Trent Bridge
Ten years on from his official anointing as the Ashes' pantomime villain, Broad looks back on that controversy. But he is more than the moustache-twirling antagonist of the series - Charles Reynolds makes a case for Broad as a fine judge of lbws by looking at his celebrappeals. Alan Gardner spotlights how England learned to Baz-bowl, but is also happy just soaking in all the vibes and bluster as Test cricket hits its peak, in this month's Light Roller.
Ten years on from his official anointing as the Ashes' pantomime villain, Broad looks back on that controversy. But he is more than the moustache-twirling antagonist of the series - Charles Reynolds makes a case for Broad as a fine judge of lbws by looking at his celebrappeals. Alan Gardner spotlights how England learned to Baz-bowl, but is also happy just soaking in all the vibes and bluster as Test cricket hits its peak, in this month's Light Roller.
Will Bazball work against Australia? Where will the Ashes be won and lost?
Our writers on the ground make their predictions for the Ashes, as do Andrew McGlashan, Matt Roller and Alan Gardner on the Switch Hit podcast.
Our writers on the ground make their predictions for the Ashes, as do Andrew McGlashan, Matt Roller and Alan Gardner on the Switch Hit podcast.
My life through the Ashes: from Deadly Derek to Warnie to Stokes' boys
Mark Nicholas looks back at the last 50 years of the rivalry, while Andrew McGlashan rues one large void in this season - the presence of Shane Warne, which that always loomed large over the series, as player and as commentator.
Mark Nicholas looks back at the last 50 years of the rivalry, while Andrew McGlashan rues one large void in this season - the presence of Shane Warne, which that always loomed large over the series, as player and as commentator.
Ladies who Switch: England unveil Women's Ashes Test squad
And with the Women's Ashes kicking off next week, Valkerie Baynes and Firdose Moonda discuss newcomers and old hands.
And with the Women's Ashes kicking off next week, Valkerie Baynes and Firdose Moonda discuss newcomers and old hands.
Associate players are picking county cricket over the World Cup Qualifier. And why shouldn't they?
Matt Roller looks at why key cricketers are turning their backs on the Qualifiers as the World Cup shrinks, and with it the Associates' share of ICC revenue.
Matt Roller looks at why key cricketers are turning their backs on the Qualifiers as the World Cup shrinks, and with it the Associates' share of ICC revenue.
Devon Conway: 'Playing in high-intensity games has allowed me to be clearer in different T20 scenarios'
The New Zealand opener was a vital cog in Chennai Super Kings' title win. He spoke to Shashank Kishore about his experience this season and the impact it has had on his own game
The New Zealand opener was a vital cog in Chennai Super Kings' title win. He spoke to Shashank Kishore about his experience this season and the impact it has had on his own game
'They said my method wouldn't work at Test level. I fit the Bazball mould'
Colin Munro averaged 51.58 with a strike rate of 98.79 in first-class cricket, but only played one Test match
Colin Munro averaged 51.58 with a strike rate of 98.79 in first-class cricket, but only played one Test match
How often has a Test innings started with one captain bowling to the other?
And how many Test batters have converted their last two Test centuries into doubles? Steven Lynch has the answers in this week's Ask Steven.
And how many Test batters have converted their last two Test centuries into doubles? Steven Lynch has the answers in this week's Ask Steven.