In Case You Missed It: England's Pindi-cation, Pakistan's attempt at redemption, and India's ODI woes
Our best content from the week gone by
ESPNcricinfo staff
10-Dec-2022
Been stoked: Multan gets a eyeful of the England captain ahead of the second Test • Getty Images
England fashioned an extraordinary victory on a Rawalpindi road in the first Test against Pakistan, in a display of Ben Stokes' canny captaincy, but will have a greater challenge of it in Multan. Australia dominated the first Test against West Indies and are looking to do the same in the second. In Bangladesh, India were found wanting as the hosts sealed the ODI series with two victories in a row. With cricket now scheduled for almost every day of the month right up till the early weeks of January, here's all the stuff to catch up on this week.
England share the burden and the glory in Ben Stokes' crowning victory
After England's thrilling victory, Vithushan Ehantharajah says it was the captain's inspirational leadership that dredged an impossible win from a Rawalpindi road, and made England's commitment to changing the face of Test cricket just that much more meaningful. On the Switch Hit podcast Alan Gardner, Andrew Miller and Osman Samiuddin sifted through the runs and records produced over those five days, and Vithushan Ehantharajah went searching for the real Pakistan during the first Test, but only just got past the security cordon.
After England's thrilling victory, Vithushan Ehantharajah says it was the captain's inspirational leadership that dredged an impossible win from a Rawalpindi road, and made England's commitment to changing the face of Test cricket just that much more meaningful. On the Switch Hit podcast Alan Gardner, Andrew Miller and Osman Samiuddin sifted through the runs and records produced over those five days, and Vithushan Ehantharajah went searching for the real Pakistan during the first Test, but only just got past the security cordon.
Pakistan's craven conservatism no match for England team on a mission
Danyal Rasool dissects Pakistan's performance and says the side's determination not to lose at all costs defeats the purpose of inviting the big teams to play. While the Rawalpindi pitch came under heavy criticism, not least from the Pakistan captain himself, Osman Samiuddin says PCB president Ramiz Raja's preoccupation with the pitches might be the bigger problem. And as Pakistan prepared to play the second Test in Multan, Danyal Rasool says the team are still far from feeling at home playing in Pakistan.
Danyal Rasool dissects Pakistan's performance and says the side's determination not to lose at all costs defeats the purpose of inviting the big teams to play. While the Rawalpindi pitch came under heavy criticism, not least from the Pakistan captain himself, Osman Samiuddin says PCB president Ramiz Raja's preoccupation with the pitches might be the bigger problem. And as Pakistan prepared to play the second Test in Multan, Danyal Rasool says the team are still far from feeling at home playing in Pakistan.
Mahmudullah and Mehidy script cross-generational tale of strength in crisis
Bangladesh scripted a famous series win over India, in large part due to these two players - one of whom has been Bangladesh's troubleshooter all his life and the other who is quickly taking on the mantle. Mohammad Isam says for Mehidy Hasan Miraz, it's also a coming of age as his self-belief and clear thinking have made him Bangladesh's man of the moment. Vishal Dikshit says for India, it's a bowling problem to solve as a toothless second-string bowling attack failed to land a knockout punch from winning positions.
Bangladesh scripted a famous series win over India, in large part due to these two players - one of whom has been Bangladesh's troubleshooter all his life and the other who is quickly taking on the mantle. Mohammad Isam says for Mehidy Hasan Miraz, it's also a coming of age as his self-belief and clear thinking have made him Bangladesh's man of the moment. Vishal Dikshit says for India, it's a bowling problem to solve as a toothless second-string bowling attack failed to land a knockout punch from winning positions.
Lauren Bell claims four wickets to seal series for England with a game to spare
Amy Jones and Sophia Dunkley set visitors up with half-centuries to take the series. Before the series, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews spoke to Firdose Moonda about how her WBBL experience and T20 leagues in general have played a big part in changing the standard of the women's game.
Amy Jones and Sophia Dunkley set visitors up with half-centuries to take the series. Before the series, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews spoke to Firdose Moonda about how her WBBL experience and T20 leagues in general have played a big part in changing the standard of the women's game.
Marcus Trescothick: 'I still work on myself, but it is a much better place than where I was 15 years ago'
The England assistant coach reflected on mental health journey that began in Multan on the 2005-06 tour.
The England assistant coach reflected on mental health journey that began in Multan on the 2005-06 tour.
Virat Kohli is India's slowest-scoring batter in T20 internationals. Should he go down the order?
Kartikeya Date says in T20, how quickly a player scores depends on how quickly they accelerate, not on their strike rate at the end.
Kartikeya Date says in T20, how quickly a player scores depends on how quickly they accelerate, not on their strike rate at the end.
Have all four openers scored centuries in a Test before Rawalpindi?
And what's the record for most hundreds scored in a Test? Rawalpindi records and more in this week's Ask Steven.
And what's the record for most hundreds scored in a Test? Rawalpindi records and more in this week's Ask Steven.
How 'chronic overthinker' Tahlia McGrath learned to keep calm and be world-class
S Sudarshanan spoke to McGrath, who has been one of the world's best allrounders since her return from long-term injury, and who's now embracing a leadership role in the Australia side.
S Sudarshanan spoke to McGrath, who has been one of the world's best allrounders since her return from long-term injury, and who's now embracing a leadership role in the Australia side.
It's time to restrict Test cricket to the countries with the infrastructure for it
Ian Chappell says a strong first-class system is the foundation of a healthy Test nation, and not every country can afford to invest heavily in one for relatively limited returns.
Ian Chappell says a strong first-class system is the foundation of a healthy Test nation, and not every country can afford to invest heavily in one for relatively limited returns.
The narrowest victory ever: when Walsh and Co broke Aussie hearts in Adelaide
Ian Bishop, Craig McDermott, Justin Langer and Tim May look back with Alex Malcolm at the thrilling Australia-West Indies Test from 30 years ago.
Ian Bishop, Craig McDermott, Justin Langer and Tim May look back with Alex Malcolm at the thrilling Australia-West Indies Test from 30 years ago.
Signed, sealed, delivered
Hemant Brar looks at the somewhat forgotten art of autograph-hunting in this photo feature.
Hemant Brar looks at the somewhat forgotten art of autograph-hunting in this photo feature.