In Case You Missed It: A week of wins for India, England and the Hundred
Our best content from the week gone by
Deepti Unni
24-Jul-2021
Lights, camera, pyros: the Hundred wasn't holding back on the entertainment • Getty Images
It's here, it's here, the Hundred is finally live… and it's not terrible? Cricket's latest format launched with plenty of frippery, but in the end it looks a lot like the game we know and love. Elsewhere conventional cricket continued as usual, with England squeaking past Pakistan in the last T20I, India pulling a come-from-behind victory over Sri Lanka, Bangladesh whomping Zimbabwe comfortably and South Africa going 2-0 over Ireland in the T20I series. It's been a busy week of cricket and you'll need our cheat sheet to catch up on all the action.
The Hundred's opening night provides the fireworks
After years of planning, postponements, hype and anxiety, the Oval's curtain-raiser lived up to its billing, and Alan Gardner was there to give us the highlights and the behind-the-scenes action. Still not entirely sure what the Hundred is all about? Gardner also has a ready reckoner handy. And Sidharth Monga is looking beyond the laughs of the playing conditions to how the tournament could evolve in the future. But for Andrew Miller, the Hundred's hoopla is a stark reminder of how the ECB failed to capitalise on the T20 revolution, choosing instead to reinvent the wheel with the new tournament.
After years of planning, postponements, hype and anxiety, the Oval's curtain-raiser lived up to its billing, and Alan Gardner was there to give us the highlights and the behind-the-scenes action. Still not entirely sure what the Hundred is all about? Gardner also has a ready reckoner handy. And Sidharth Monga is looking beyond the laughs of the playing conditions to how the tournament could evolve in the future. But for Andrew Miller, the Hundred's hoopla is a stark reminder of how the ECB failed to capitalise on the T20 revolution, choosing instead to reinvent the wheel with the new tournament.
Jason Roy, Adil Rashid tip scales for England in tense series decider
England secured victory in the third T20I after wobbles against spin in their chase, powered by a whirlwind half-century by Jason Roy, who, Matt Roller, says has justified England's faith by finding his groove.
England secured victory in the third T20I after wobbles against spin in their chase, powered by a whirlwind half-century by Jason Roy, who, Matt Roller, says has justified England's faith by finding his groove.
No. 8 Deepak Chahar blindsides Sri Lanka in epic finish
India looked like they were in trouble in the second ODI at 116 for 5 in the 18th over, but Deepak Chahar's 82-ball 69 powered India to a series win, Chahar achieving his boyhood dream in the process.
India looked like they were in trouble in the second ODI at 116 for 5 in the 18th over, but Deepak Chahar's 82-ball 69 powered India to a series win, Chahar achieving his boyhood dream in the process.
India and England have impressive depth, Australia not so much
If the pandemic era has shown us anything it's that teams with a large pool of players have a huge advantage over those who don't, says Ian Chappell.
If the pandemic era has shown us anything it's that teams with a large pool of players have a huge advantage over those who don't, says Ian Chappell.
Why Headingley 1981 is a work of art
Osman Samiuddin remembers the Greatest Ashes Test as unique and inimitable, one that can be interpreted in multiple ways.
Osman Samiuddin remembers the Greatest Ashes Test as unique and inimitable, one that can be interpreted in multiple ways.
What is the most extras conceded in an innings in any match?
Also: has there ever been a Test innings where all 11 players have bowled? Steven Lynch knows.
Also: has there ever been a Test innings where all 11 players have bowled? Steven Lynch knows.
What's wrong with Pujara? The answer might lie in his feet
He seems more hesitant and is moving his feet a lot less against pace. Aakash Chopra looks at what's changed.
He seems more hesitant and is moving his feet a lot less against pace. Aakash Chopra looks at what's changed.
How Sri Lanka Cricket is toying with Sri Lanka's cricket
Andrew Fidel Fernando on how the governing body, in order to win a contracts dispute, has compromised team unity.
Andrew Fidel Fernando on how the governing body, in order to win a contracts dispute, has compromised team unity.
Nivethan Radhakrishnan, from Tamil Nadu to Tasmania, creating opportunities with both hands
Deivarayan Muthu profiles the ambidextrous fingerspinner who just landed a contract with Tasmania and whose rise up the ranks shows he's more than just a novelty.
Deivarayan Muthu profiles the ambidextrous fingerspinner who just landed a contract with Tasmania and whose rise up the ranks shows he's more than just a novelty.
How many Test series have India won in England?
How well do you remember England-India series played in England? Take our quiz and find out.
How well do you remember England-India series played in England? Take our quiz and find out.
Photo feature: Where's that ball got to now?
In the ferns, under the hedge, behind the seats, in the parking lot - there are plenty of places to disappear to when you're a little white (or pink, or red) orb.
In the ferns, under the hedge, behind the seats, in the parking lot - there are plenty of places to disappear to when you're a little white (or pink, or red) orb.
Deepti Unni is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo