In Case You Missed It: Bancroft's bombshell, de Villiers' firm farewell
Our best content from the week gone by
Deepti Unni
22-May-2021
Cameron Bancroft found himself back in the eye of a storm this week • Getty Images
In a quiet week for cricket, the ghost of Newlands came back to haunt Australia when Cameron Bancroft reignited the ball-tampering debate in a new interview. In South Africa, AB de Villiers dashed all hopes of a return to the national side, while India women prepped for Tests - their first in nearly seven years. Here's all the news and views you may have missed.
Cameron Bancroft on Newlands Test : 'Self-explanatory' that bowlers were aware of ball-tampering tactics
The conversation around the Newlands scandal was revived this week when Bancroft, in an interview, implied that a wider circle of bowlers were in the know about the ball-tampering plans during the South Africa Test. But while Cricket Australia said that it's still open to hearing and investigating any new information about the incident, Australia's bowlers want the "rumour-mongering and innuendo" to stop. Daniel Brettig argues that while Australia's transgression was by far the most brazenly egregious, ball-tampering has been a global issue and cricket needs a global inquiry to clear the air.
The conversation around the Newlands scandal was revived this week when Bancroft, in an interview, implied that a wider circle of bowlers were in the know about the ball-tampering plans during the South Africa Test. But while Cricket Australia said that it's still open to hearing and investigating any new information about the incident, Australia's bowlers want the "rumour-mongering and innuendo" to stop. Daniel Brettig argues that while Australia's transgression was by far the most brazenly egregious, ball-tampering has been a global issue and cricket needs a global inquiry to clear the air.
AB de Villiers decides 'his retirement will remain final' - CSA
Last month it had emerged he was in discussions over a possible South Africa comeback with an eye on the T20 World Cup, but Mark Boucher says de Villiers was "concerned" about taking away another player's spot
Last month it had emerged he was in discussions over a possible South Africa comeback with an eye on the T20 World Cup, but Mark Boucher says de Villiers was "concerned" about taking away another player's spot
India women to play their first day-night Test during Australia tour
India women also are set to play their first Test since 2014 in England next month. The Australia tour will feature three ODIs and three T20Is as well. India batter Shafali Verma has been called up for her maiden Tests and ODIs, and her target, she says, is to "learn about choosing the right balls to play".
India women also are set to play their first Test since 2014 in England next month. The Australia tour will feature three ODIs and three T20Is as well. India batter Shafali Verma has been called up for her maiden Tests and ODIs, and her target, she says, is to "learn about choosing the right balls to play".
Harpreet Brar's slow road to the top
The Punjab Kings spin-bowling allrounder has been a revelation this IPL, but earlier was resigned to turning up for trials and bowling one over. Then his luck changed. Hemant Brar follows his story.
The Punjab Kings spin-bowling allrounder has been a revelation this IPL, but earlier was resigned to turning up for trials and bowling one over. Then his luck changed. Hemant Brar follows his story.
Cricket-obsessed Rachin Ravindra prepped for New Zealand call of duty
The 21-year-old New Zealand allrounder tells Shashank Kishore he's especially relishing the prospect of learning from Kane Williamson on his maiden overseas Test trip.
The 21-year-old New Zealand allrounder tells Shashank Kishore he's especially relishing the prospect of learning from Kane Williamson on his maiden overseas Test trip.
Who has the best cover drive in the game today?
It's the most acclaimed shot in the game, a marker for batting aesthetics - but who currently plays it best? Four members of our staff weigh in.
It's the most acclaimed shot in the game, a marker for batting aesthetics - but who currently plays it best? Four members of our staff weigh in.
What will the world's best Test XI look like ten years from now?
In this edition of Dream Team, Raunak Kapoor, Alan Gardner and Danyal Rasool imagine a 11 under-25s they think are destined for great things.
In this edition of Dream Team, Raunak Kapoor, Alan Gardner and Danyal Rasool imagine a 11 under-25s they think are destined for great things.
Faf du Plessis: in the skin of a lion
Alpha male, natural leader, Australia's nemesis - he has worn, and shed, many identities as one of South Africa's most charismatic players, but which is the real du Plessis? Daniel Gallan attempts to find out.
Alpha male, natural leader, Australia's nemesis - he has worn, and shed, many identities as one of South Africa's most charismatic players, but which is the real du Plessis? Daniel Gallan attempts to find out.
Why Bruce Laird's World Series knocks were as good as Test hundreds
Ian Chappell says the opener's gritty innings against Roberts, Holding and Co were worth their weight in gold, and his team-mates knew it.
Ian Chappell says the opener's gritty innings against Roberts, Holding and Co were worth their weight in gold, and his team-mates knew it.
Photo feature: Soggy days are here again
Is it really a cricket summer without rain?
Is it really a cricket summer without rain?
Watch: 25 Questions with Washington Sundar
How often has Sundar got Virat Kohli out in the nets? And what spin skills would he like to steal from R Ashwin? We put the bowling allrounder on the spot.
How often has Sundar got Virat Kohli out in the nets? And what spin skills would he like to steal from R Ashwin? We put the bowling allrounder on the spot.
Deepti Unni is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo