In Case You Missed It: A time of reckoning for South Africa and New Zealand
Our best content from last week
ESPNcricinfo staff
03-Feb-2020
With friends like these: Williamson and Kohli have a chat on the sidelines, probably railing against the injustices of Super Overs • Getty Images
The tragic saga of star-crossed lovers New Zealand and Super Overs added two new chapters over the last week with two consecutive ties, that eventually ended in losses, that really rubbed in their 5-0 loss to India in T20Is. Zimbabwe brought the fight to Sri Lanka in the second Test but Kusal Mendis' stubborn hundred forced a draw. It's been a busy week and here's what you may have missed out on.
India seal 5-0 whitewash as New Zealand suffer another meltdown
A Kane Williamson-less New Zealand lost 6 for 25, the game, and the series as India thumped a depleted side in the final match. Two of the five T20Is ended in Super Overs, and as it has been over the last 12 months, each time New Zealand came up second best again. Ian Chappell says winning has become quite the habit for India under Virat Kohli. And Karthik Krishnaswamy asks if Ravindra Jadeja has become undroppable in white-ball cricket.
A Kane Williamson-less New Zealand lost 6 for 25, the game, and the series as India thumped a depleted side in the final match. Two of the five T20Is ended in Super Overs, and as it has been over the last 12 months, each time New Zealand came up second best again. Ian Chappell says winning has become quite the habit for India under Virat Kohli. And Karthik Krishnaswamy asks if Ravindra Jadeja has become undroppable in white-ball cricket.
Kusal Mendis ton helps Sri Lanka secure draw and seal series 1-0
Despite a scrappy performance in the second Test, Zimbabwe's bowling lacked the necessary killer instinct to take ten wickets on the final day
Despite a scrappy performance in the second Test, Zimbabwe's bowling lacked the necessary killer instinct to take ten wickets on the final day
Pakistan set up semi-final showdown against India in Under-19 World Cup
Afghanistan have exited the U-19 World Cup following their six-wicket defeat in a match that saw a fair bit of drama after left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad ran out Pakistan opener Mohammad Huraira at the non-striker's end, bringing the debate about run-outs of non-strikers back into focus.
Afghanistan have exited the U-19 World Cup following their six-wicket defeat in a match that saw a fair bit of drama after left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad ran out Pakistan opener Mohammad Huraira at the non-striker's end, bringing the debate about run-outs of non-strikers back into focus.
All-star match, no-ball umpires - IPL returns with upgrades
With the IPL scheduled to kick off at the end of March, a number of tweaks have been announced, including umpires for no-balls, and concussion substitutes as in international cricket. Four teams will contest the women's challenge, and an all-star match comprising players from all the eight franchises will precede the tournament proper.
With the IPL scheduled to kick off at the end of March, a number of tweaks have been announced, including umpires for no-balls, and concussion substitutes as in international cricket. Four teams will contest the women's challenge, and an all-star match comprising players from all the eight franchises will precede the tournament proper.
How Labuschagne became mighty Marnus
He was always destined to be a prolific Test batsman. What stood in his way was himself. Daniel Brettig on the overnight success of Marnus Labsuchagne that was years in the making.
He was always destined to be a prolific Test batsman. What stood in his way was himself. Daniel Brettig on the overnight success of Marnus Labsuchagne that was years in the making.
Team report cards
England's comprehensive series win in South Africa was made possible by a variety of big performances. George Dobell hands out marks out of ten for key performers (spoiler: Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope and Mark Wood go to the top of the class), while Firdose Moonda takes stock of the South Africa line-up and finds a lone bright spot in Anrich Nortje.
England's comprehensive series win in South Africa was made possible by a variety of big performances. George Dobell hands out marks out of ten for key performers (spoiler: Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope and Mark Wood go to the top of the class), while Firdose Moonda takes stock of the South Africa line-up and finds a lone bright spot in Anrich Nortje.
Young England embrace old-fashioned virtues with eye on 2021-22 Ashes
In England's win, Dobell finds hope for the next Ashes and says the success of a clutch of players aged 24 or under means Joe Root can look forward with optimism. Mark Nicholas asks if Mark Wood is England's fastest bowler ever.
In England's win, Dobell finds hope for the next Ashes and says the success of a clutch of players aged 24 or under means Joe Root can look forward with optimism. Mark Nicholas asks if Mark Wood is England's fastest bowler ever.
Why players are listening to commentators more than ever before
Jarrod Kimber observes that cricketers are now willing and eager to take inputs from the former cricketers in the commentary boxes.
Jarrod Kimber observes that cricketers are now willing and eager to take inputs from the former cricketers in the commentary boxes.
My family's love affair with Zimbabwe and the Harare Sports Club
A family of cricket tragics has always made its presence felt at Harare Sports Club for each of Zimbabwe's games at the ground, right since the inaugural Test in 1992. Liam Brickhill charts a proud family tradition.
A family of cricket tragics has always made its presence felt at Harare Sports Club for each of Zimbabwe's games at the ground, right since the inaugural Test in 1992. Liam Brickhill charts a proud family tradition.
100 days after the player strike: have things changed in Bangladesh cricket?
Some things have improved, but many issues remain in cold storage - Mohammad Isam takes stock.
Some things have improved, but many issues remain in cold storage - Mohammad Isam takes stock.
Alas, poor South Africa
How much worse will it get for Faf du Plessis and company before it gets better? Andrew Fidel Fernando's sympathies are with South Africa in the Briefing for January.
How much worse will it get for Faf du Plessis and company before it gets better? Andrew Fidel Fernando's sympathies are with South Africa in the Briefing for January.
High Fives: The streakers
Mike Jakeman on five batsmen and bowlers who enjoyed stretches of world-beating excellence
Mike Jakeman on five batsmen and bowlers who enjoyed stretches of world-beating excellence