In case you missed it: Ajaz's perfect ten, England's bumpy start, India's new white-ball captain
Our best content from the week gone by
ESPNcricinfo staff
11-Dec-2021
Wicket game: Ajaz Patel got a jersey signed by all his victims courtesy R Ashwin • BCCI
A record for Ajaz Patel even if it came in a disappointing Test for New Zealand, his ten-for going in vain as India sealed a massive 372-run victory. Over in Australia, England has had a rocky start to the Ashes and Joe Root and Dawid Malan's fightback isn't enough to turn their fortunes around. For Bangladesh, it's another abysmal defeat as Pakistan sealed the series 2-0 with an innings win in the second Test. Catch up on all the action in our weekly round-up.
Malan and Root put up big third-wicket stand as England fight back
England endured a horror start to their Ashes at the Gabba, dismissed for 147 in the first innings with the batting barely putting up a fight - and it wasn't the first time. England spinner Jack Leach had an equally torrid time with the ball, picking up a solitary wicket while conceding 102 in 13 overs. Why did England pick a man they have usually handled so delicately to bowl at a spinners graveyard, asks Jarrod Kimber. The visitors however rallied in the second innings, ending the third day at 220 for 2. It's imperative that England make a strong showing in Brisbane if they don't want Australia to run away with the Ashes, says Ian Chappell.
England endured a horror start to their Ashes at the Gabba, dismissed for 147 in the first innings with the batting barely putting up a fight - and it wasn't the first time. England spinner Jack Leach had an equally torrid time with the ball, picking up a solitary wicket while conceding 102 in 13 overs. Why did England pick a man they have usually handled so delicately to bowl at a spinners graveyard, asks Jarrod Kimber. The visitors however rallied in the second innings, ending the third day at 220 for 2. It's imperative that England make a strong showing in Brisbane if they don't want Australia to run away with the Ashes, says Ian Chappell.
Ajaz Patel's taken ten but India canter to victory as Jayant, Ashwin return four-fors
The result sealed the series 1-0 for India, who also regained the No. 1 spot in ICC Test rankings. It was a surreal, bittersweet match for Ajaz Patel who became only the third bowler to take all ten wickets in an innings, but he would probably have liked more from his team-mates, says Sidharth Monga. For India, Mayank Agarwal gave a masterclass on how to play spin, producing his A game under the toughest circumstances, says Aakash Chopra.
The result sealed the series 1-0 for India, who also regained the No. 1 spot in ICC Test rankings. It was a surreal, bittersweet match for Ajaz Patel who became only the third bowler to take all ten wickets in an innings, but he would probably have liked more from his team-mates, says Sidharth Monga. For India, Mayank Agarwal gave a masterclass on how to play spin, producing his A game under the toughest circumstances, says Aakash Chopra.
Sajid and Pakistan rage against the dying light to snatch victory
A routine win turned into a fifth-evening thriller just before bad light claimed the day, with Pakistan routing Bangladesh by an innings in the second Test, Sajid Khan taking his 12th wicket of the match to seal victory. Bangladesh's top order found themselves out of their depth in the absence of Tamim Iqbal, and Mohammad Isam says based on their current showing, it will take a brave man to predict a better fate for the top four in their upcoming series against New Zealand.
A routine win turned into a fifth-evening thriller just before bad light claimed the day, with Pakistan routing Bangladesh by an innings in the second Test, Sajid Khan taking his 12th wicket of the match to seal victory. Bangladesh's top order found themselves out of their depth in the absence of Tamim Iqbal, and Mohammad Isam says based on their current showing, it will take a brave man to predict a better fate for the top four in their upcoming series against New Zealand.
Rohit Sharma's ascent to ODI captaincy predictable and sensible
News broke this week that Virat Kohli had been stood down from ODI captaincy with Rohit Sharma taking his place. Sidharth Monga says there is intrigue in the way the BCCI has handled and communicated the removal of Kohli, but that is not new with the board.
News broke this week that Virat Kohli had been stood down from ODI captaincy with Rohit Sharma taking his place. Sidharth Monga says there is intrigue in the way the BCCI has handled and communicated the removal of Kohli, but that is not new with the board.
How many New Zealanders have taken ten wickets in an innings?
Also: who has played the most Tests since 2005 without appearing in a T20I? Steven Lynch has the answers.
Also: who has played the most Tests since 2005 without appearing in a T20I? Steven Lynch has the answers.
Who's the only England bowler to take an Ashes hat-trick since the start of the 20th century?
And what are the best innings figures in an Ashes Test down under? How well do you know your Ashes trivia? Take our quiz and find out.
And what are the best innings figures in an Ashes Test down under? How well do you know your Ashes trivia? Take our quiz and find out.
Looks fast, feels faster - why the speed gun is only part of the story
Data on release points and trajectory are helping to break down the mysteries of why some bowlers are harder to face than others. Cameron Ponsonby has the story.
Data on release points and trajectory are helping to break down the mysteries of why some bowlers are harder to face than others. Cameron Ponsonby has the story.
Which were the most dominant teams in the T20 World Cup?
Anantha Narayanan's analysis of the tournament looks at resources remaining at the end of each match.
Anantha Narayanan's analysis of the tournament looks at resources remaining at the end of each match.
One small Lancashire club, two Aussie giants
Scott Oliver throws back to 30 years ago, when Mark Taylor and Matthew Hayden spent a summer each as the overseas pro at an English club.
Scott Oliver throws back to 30 years ago, when Mark Taylor and Matthew Hayden spent a summer each as the overseas pro at an English club.