In Case You Missed It: England salvage a draw, South Africa blow India away
The best content from the week gone by
ESPNcricinfo staff
15-Jan-2022
"I've enjoyed watching you try, Mr Anderson" • Getty Images
England dashed Australia's hopes of a 5-0 Ashes with an edge-of-the-seat draw in Sydney last week, and the battle for bragging rights moves on to the final Test in Hobart. South Africa sealed a come-from-behind 2-1 win against India in the final Test. Bangladesh return home with a triumphant first win in New Zealand even if the second Test ended in an innings defeat. Catch up on a mixed bag of a week in our round-up.
England cling on for thrilling final-over draw
The fourth Ashes Test came down to the last hour, the last over and the last balls as Jack Leach, Stuart Broad and James Anderson mounted a resistance that saw England squeak through with a draw despite after a late Steven Smith strike. Andrew McGlashan particularly enjoyed the twist in the Anderson-Smith contest while pJarrod Kimber wondered what went wrong with the bat for Smith, who has struggled with spin and the length ball in recent times.
The fourth Ashes Test came down to the last hour, the last over and the last balls as Jack Leach, Stuart Broad and James Anderson mounted a resistance that saw England squeak through with a draw despite after a late Steven Smith strike. Andrew McGlashan particularly enjoyed the twist in the Anderson-Smith contest while pJarrod Kimber wondered what went wrong with the bat for Smith, who has struggled with spin and the length ball in recent times.
How South Africa won the pace-bowling battle at the Wanderers
While the match may have been won with the bat, it was the bowling that made the key difference, says Karthik Krishnaswamy - in the battle of the pace attacks, South Africa came out on top because their bowlers are taller, and able to extract more bounce out of the pitch. Shiva Jayaraman wonders if something is amiss with Jasprit Bumrah - since his return from a stress fracture in early 2020, his bouncer seems to have lost some of its bite. Aakash Chopra has a few tips for bowlers on how to dismiss a batter like Dean Elgar.
While the match may have been won with the bat, it was the bowling that made the key difference, says Karthik Krishnaswamy - in the battle of the pace attacks, South Africa came out on top because their bowlers are taller, and able to extract more bounce out of the pitch. Shiva Jayaraman wonders if something is amiss with Jasprit Bumrah - since his return from a stress fracture in early 2020, his bouncer seems to have lost some of its bite. Aakash Chopra has a few tips for bowlers on how to dismiss a batter like Dean Elgar.
Taylor ends Test career with final wicket as New Zealand square series
There was no repeat miracle for Bangladesh after Mt Maunganui as New Zealand forced the visitors into following on after a massive 521 for 6 declared, and to an eventual defeat. It was also Ross Taylor's final Test, and Andrew Fidel Fernando bids farewell to the kid with the unpronounceable name from Masterton who would go on to become a batting giant for New Zealand and a star at No. 4. Mohammad Isam says Bangladesh have plenty of positives to take away from their New Zealand experience, not least that Litton Das is ready for more responsibility.
There was no repeat miracle for Bangladesh after Mt Maunganui as New Zealand forced the visitors into following on after a massive 521 for 6 declared, and to an eventual defeat. It was also Ross Taylor's final Test, and Andrew Fidel Fernando bids farewell to the kid with the unpronounceable name from Masterton who would go on to become a batting giant for New Zealand and a star at No. 4. Mohammad Isam says Bangladesh have plenty of positives to take away from their New Zealand experience, not least that Litton Das is ready for more responsibility.
The many silences of Heath Streak
Firdose Moonda traces the rise and fall of the former Zimbabwe great whose love for cricket and the country drew him back to both time and again, and which eventually came to be his undoing.
Firdose Moonda traces the rise and fall of the former Zimbabwe great whose love for cricket and the country drew him back to both time and again, and which eventually came to be his undoing.
FAQs: Your ready reckoner for the 2022 Under-19 World Cup
Defending champions Bangladesh will be hoping to make it two in a row while India are on the hunt for title number five. Who are the players to watch this year? Sreshth Shah has a list and he's also kept tabs on the star performers from the last tournament who have made a splash in senior cricket after.
Defending champions Bangladesh will be hoping to make it two in a row while India are on the hunt for title number five. Who are the players to watch this year? Sreshth Shah has a list and he's also kept tabs on the star performers from the last tournament who have made a splash in senior cricket after.
Ramiz Raja to propose Pakistan involvement in annual four-team series including India
The PCB chairman is set to present the idea of an annual quadrangular T20I tournament featuring Pakistan, India, England and Australia to the ICC board in March.
The PCB chairman is set to present the idea of an annual quadrangular T20I tournament featuring Pakistan, India, England and Australia to the ICC board in March.
Dane van Niekerk ruled out of 2022 Women's World Cup with ankle injury
South Africa's captain is out of action for three months because of an ankle fracture she sustained after slipping on a wet surface at home.
South Africa's captain is out of action for three months because of an ankle fracture she sustained after slipping on a wet surface at home.
Which cricketer has the most runs after 100 Tests?
And how many people have been stranded on 99 not out overnight in a Test? All the cricket questions you weren't afraid to ask are answered in this week's Ask Steven.
And how many people have been stranded on 99 not out overnight in a Test? All the cricket questions you weren't afraid to ask are answered in this week's Ask Steven.
Dale Steyn and Wasim Akram bowling in tandem? Here's a Test side where that happens
Anantha Narayanan compiles an all-time Test XV picked by readers.
Anantha Narayanan compiles an all-time Test XV picked by readers.