In Case You Missed It: A whitewash, IPL injuries, and a question of strike rates
Our best content of the week
ESPNcricinfo staff
10-Oct-2020
Australia won five of their six limited-overs games in their home series against New Zealand • AFP via Getty Images
The IPL is coming up to its halfway stage in the UAE. This week there were a few one-sided games, a couple of injury setbacks, and a warning issued to all non-strikers. Meanwhile down under, Australia, having successfully hosted the New Zealand women for a limited-overs series, are looking forward to the WBBL and India men's visit in December. Here's your catch-up for the week.
What's going on with KL Rahul's batting?
The Kings XI captain was questioned for the way he batted at the top of the order in his team's loss against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, chasing 202 - he first ran out fellow opener Mayank Agarwal in the second over and then struggled to get going as wickets fell at the other end. Rahul responded by saying his sedate approach was linked to his responsibilities as captain and that "strikes rates is very, very overrated".
The Kings XI captain was questioned for the way he batted at the top of the order in his team's loss against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, chasing 202 - he first ran out fellow opener Mayank Agarwal in the second over and then struggled to get going as wickets fell at the other end. Rahul responded by saying his sedate approach was linked to his responsibilities as captain and that "strikes rates is very, very overrated".
Watch: The Chatter: The Pant and Stoinis "brewmance" moment
There's plenty going on in the IPL aside from the games itself - coffee love, biryani cravings, and a lot of flexing at training. Alexis Nunes brings you up to speed.
There's plenty going on in the IPL aside from the games itself - coffee love, biryani cravings, and a lot of flexing at training. Alexis Nunes brings you up to speed.
Australia women equal record 21-ODI winning streak with rout of New Zealand
After winning the T20Is 2-1, Australia did one better in the ODIs, whitewashing New Zealand 3-0 and, in the process, equalling the world-record 21 consecutive victories in the format put together by Ricky Ponting's side in 2003. In the third match, despite missing captain Meg Lanning and allrounder Ellyse Perry, they made their second-highest ODI total at home and obliterated New Zealand for 93 all out. Here's a look at their unstoppable streak that began two years ago.
After winning the T20Is 2-1, Australia did one better in the ODIs, whitewashing New Zealand 3-0 and, in the process, equalling the world-record 21 consecutive victories in the format put together by Ricky Ponting's side in 2003. In the third match, despite missing captain Meg Lanning and allrounder Ellyse Perry, they made their second-highest ODI total at home and obliterated New Zealand for 93 all out. Here's a look at their unstoppable streak that began two years ago.
Meg Lanning: 'I've been more willing to show my emotions and build relationships with the squad'
The Australia captain and superstar batsman spoke to Annesha Ghosh about her batting ambitions, how she has matured as a leader, and watching Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy grow into superstars.
The Australia captain and superstar batsman spoke to Annesha Ghosh about her batting ambitions, how she has matured as a leader, and watching Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy grow into superstars.
Australia vs India Test series to start with pink-ball game in Adelaide
India are set to play only their second day-night Test, and their first one away from home, during their tour of Australia starting in December. The series is likely to begin with three ODIs in Brisbane, followed by three T20Is in Adelaide, and Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The Indian contingent is expected to travel directly from the UAE to Brisbane immediately after the completion of the IPL on November 10.
India are set to play only their second day-night Test, and their first one away from home, during their tour of Australia starting in December. The series is likely to begin with three ODIs in Brisbane, followed by three T20Is in Adelaide, and Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The Indian contingent is expected to travel directly from the UAE to Brisbane immediately after the completion of the IPL on November 10.
Ashwin issues season's 'first and final warning' to all batsmen straying out of crease
R Ashwin, no fan of batsmen taking unfair advantage, chose not to run out Aaron Finch during the Delhi Capitals' match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, but later tweeted that it was the "first and final warning for 2020". The Capitals coach Ricky Ponting, who has disagreed with Ashwin on his stance, calling it against the spirit of cricket, smiled from the dugout watching the let-off.
R Ashwin, no fan of batsmen taking unfair advantage, chose not to run out Aaron Finch during the Delhi Capitals' match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, but later tweeted that it was the "first and final warning for 2020". The Capitals coach Ricky Ponting, who has disagreed with Ashwin on his stance, calling it against the spirit of cricket, smiled from the dugout watching the let-off.
What's it like being the cricket-playing son of a famous cricketer?
Vishal Dikshit talks to four cricketing sons: Mark Butcher, Bazid Khan, Rohan Gavaskar and Rajdeep Sardesai about expectations and their relationships with their fathers.
Vishal Dikshit talks to four cricketing sons: Mark Butcher, Bazid Khan, Rohan Gavaskar and Rajdeep Sardesai about expectations and their relationships with their fathers.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to miss the rest of the IPL due to thigh injury
The India fast bowler was ruled out of the IPL due to an injury he picked against the Chennai Super Kings. The Sunrisers have announced left-arm fast bowler Prithvi Raj Yarra as replacement. Meanwhile the Capitals lost legspinner Amit Mishra for the rest of the season due to a finger injury.
The India fast bowler was ruled out of the IPL due to an injury he picked against the Chennai Super Kings. The Sunrisers have announced left-arm fast bowler Prithvi Raj Yarra as replacement. Meanwhile the Capitals lost legspinner Amit Mishra for the rest of the season due to a finger injury.
The balls of the century, No. 7: Muttiah Muralitharan to Mark Butcher
Our countdown continues: this week, a ball that looked like it was going to leg stump but instead went to knock the top of off.
Our countdown continues: this week, a ball that looked like it was going to leg stump but instead went to knock the top of off.
Afghanistan batsman Najeeb Tarakai dies after road accident
The top-order batsman succumbed to his injuries after he was "severely injured in a car accident" on October 2 and subsequently underwent surgery. He was 29.
The top-order batsman succumbed to his injuries after he was "severely injured in a car accident" on October 2 and subsequently underwent surgery. He was 29.
All the squads and signings of the 2020-21 WBBL
The Women's Big Bash League kicks off later this month. Are you up to date with who's playing for whom? If not, check out our ready reckoner.
The Women's Big Bash League kicks off later this month. Are you up to date with who's playing for whom? If not, check out our ready reckoner.
Imad Wasim: 'I don't think there are many aggressive spinners like me in the powerplay'
The Pakistan left-armer took eight wickets in nine games for T20 Blast winners Nottinghamshire. He talks to Matt Roller about how he became a new-ball bowler, and his hopes of being recognised as an allrounder in T20s.
The Pakistan left-armer took eight wickets in nine games for T20 Blast winners Nottinghamshire. He talks to Matt Roller about how he became a new-ball bowler, and his hopes of being recognised as an allrounder in T20s.
Was Rajasthan Royals' 226 for 6 the highest successful chase in the IPL?
And, is Pakistan's 574 against Australia in 1972-73 the highest Test total in a defeat? Steven Lynch has all the answers.
And, is Pakistan's 574 against Australia in 1972-73 the highest Test total in a defeat? Steven Lynch has all the answers.