In Case You Missed It: Bowlers, backchat and battles royale
Our best content from last week
ESPNcricinfo staff
31-Dec-2018
Dale Steyn's long wait for his 422nd wicket is finally over • Getty Images
What a way to close out a year. A Boxing Day bonanza (three Tests!), broken records, batting collapses, bowling blowouts - we're definitely seeing 2018 end in fireworks. It's also a good time for a retrospective, and we've got report cards, quizzes and recaps of a truly memorable year. We'll see you on the other side. What was your favourite moment of 2018?
India go 2-1 to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy
With more twists and turns than an M Night Shyamalan movie, the India-Australia Boxing Day Test was one for the ages, with India's bowlers bringing it all home. Jasprit Bumrah was the fast bowler the best batsman in the world didn't want to face, while Pat Cummins was Australia's saving grace with both bat and all. Sidharth Monga, though, is throwing his lot in with Cheteshwar Pujara, India's hardest working No. 3.
With more twists and turns than an M Night Shyamalan movie, the India-Australia Boxing Day Test was one for the ages, with India's bowlers bringing it all home. Jasprit Bumrah was the fast bowler the best batsman in the world didn't want to face, while Pat Cummins was Australia's saving grace with both bat and all. Sidharth Monga, though, is throwing his lot in with Cheteshwar Pujara, India's hardest working No. 3.
Tim Paine's Australia in dire need of Steven Smith and David Warner's return
After the Melbourne defeat, the Australia captain bluntly admitted that the team has been unable to fill the hole left by the duo. Daniel Brettig, though, had already called it.
After the Melbourne defeat, the Australia captain bluntly admitted that the team has been unable to fill the hole left by the duo. Daniel Brettig, though, had already called it.
David Warner encouraged me to tamper with ball - Cameron Bancroft
Meanwhile, the men in question have new revelations to make about the Newlands scandal. Last week Steven Smith said he knew about plans to tamper with the ball. Now Cameron Bancroft has said he accepted Warner's advice because he "just wanted to fit in and feel valued" in the team. But coach Justin Langer has confirmed the possibility of Smith and Warner coming back for the Pakistan ODIs, and these new interviews aren't changing CA's mind. What have these last nine months been like for Bancroft? Andrew McGlashan revs up his time machine.
Meanwhile, the men in question have new revelations to make about the Newlands scandal. Last week Steven Smith said he knew about plans to tamper with the ball. Now Cameron Bancroft has said he accepted Warner's advice because he "just wanted to fit in and feel valued" in the team. But coach Justin Langer has confirmed the possibility of Smith and Warner coming back for the Pakistan ODIs, and these new interviews aren't changing CA's mind. What have these last nine months been like for Bancroft? Andrew McGlashan revs up his time machine.
Wagner, Boult bowl New Zealand to record win
They needed only 14 deliveries on the final day to clinch a series win that took New Zealand to No. 3 in the Test rankings. "I was just trying to pitch the ball up" says Trent Boult on his remarkable 6 for 4 on Day 2 of the match, while Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal is pleased about the 2018 Sri Lanka have had, despite losing four out of their last five Tests.
They needed only 14 deliveries on the final day to clinch a series win that took New Zealand to No. 3 in the Test rankings. "I was just trying to pitch the ball up" says Trent Boult on his remarkable 6 for 4 on Day 2 of the match, while Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal is pleased about the 2018 Sri Lanka have had, despite losing four out of their last five Tests.
South Africa send Pakistan packing in first Test
South Africa comfortably got to their target of 149 in time for tea on the third day. But yet another batting collapse for Pakistan meant they were being served something else in their dressing room and batting coach Andy Flower describes it as not the happiest place. Here's Danyal Rasool lamenting Pakistan's middle order.
South Africa comfortably got to their target of 149 in time for tea on the third day. But yet another batting collapse for Pakistan meant they were being served something else in their dressing room and batting coach Andy Flower describes it as not the happiest place. Here's Danyal Rasool lamenting Pakistan's middle order.
Steyn surpasses Pollock to become South Africa's top wicket-taker
It took 19 balls on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at Centurion for Steyn to finally achieve the landmark almost a year in waiting - here's a showreel of his top moments. Of course, people had feelings, though stats editor S Rajesh says Shaun Pollock still has an edge in a few areas.
It took 19 balls on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at Centurion for Steyn to finally achieve the landmark almost a year in waiting - here's a showreel of his top moments. Of course, people had feelings, though stats editor S Rajesh says Shaun Pollock still has an edge in a few areas.
Watch: 'I might not have played the 281 match if not for Andrew Leipus'
VVS Laxman answers 25 questions on the people who made him laugh, his heroes outside of cricket, his favourite Australian, and why batsmen are cooler than bowlers.
VVS Laxman answers 25 questions on the people who made him laugh, his heroes outside of cricket, his favourite Australian, and why batsmen are cooler than bowlers.
England sizzle, Pakistan blow hot and cold, New Zealand spin to win
It's the end of the year, which can only mean one thing - report cards. In our first batch of team revies for 2018: England, Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Ireland. Second batch includes India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, Afghanistan and women's cricket.
It's the end of the year, which can only mean one thing - report cards. In our first batch of team revies for 2018: England, Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Ireland. Second batch includes India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, Afghanistan and women's cricket.
How closely did you follow cricket in 2018?
You've been asking Steven Lynch questions all year, and now it's time for #StevenAsks. Take our quiz on the people and events that made the year.
You've been asking Steven Lynch questions all year, and now it's time for #StevenAsks. Take our quiz on the people and events that made the year.