In Case You Missed It: India extend home win streak, England, Australia ponder questions
Our best content from the week gone by
ESPNcricinfo staff
13-Mar-2021
Washington Sundar came within touching distance of his maiden Test hundred again, only for India's tail to fall short • Getty Images
India sealed their 13th consecutive Test series victory at home with a resounding innings win over England in the final Test in Ahmedabad, securing their place opposite New Zealand in the World Test Championship final later this year. Also riding a winning streak are New Zealand, who beat Australia in a thrilling series decider in the fifth T20I in Wellington. The 2021 IPL has a launch date, but they will do well to learn from the PSL, which is still seeking answers in the aftermath of its postponement after a Covid-19 surge in its ranks. There's been no lull in the cricket this week and there's a fair but to catch up on, so get stuck in.
India wrap up victory against England to make WTC final
R Ashwin and Axar Patel picked up five each to spin England out again after Washington Sundar was left stranded on 96. For England, it was one of their worst series in terms of batting since 1909, and Jonny Bairstow has taken the brunt of criticism for his non-performance, but George Dobell argues that Bairstow is only partially culpable for his batting struggles since his recall. While India will now face New Zealand in the WTC final in Southampton later this year, they remain the best Test team irrespective of the WTC standings, with a bowling attack to be dominant in half the world and competitive in the other half, says Sidharth Monga. India's head coach, Ravi Shastri, explained the secrets behind a high-performing unit that beat Australia in Australia and then humbled England.
R Ashwin and Axar Patel picked up five each to spin England out again after Washington Sundar was left stranded on 96. For England, it was one of their worst series in terms of batting since 1909, and Jonny Bairstow has taken the brunt of criticism for his non-performance, but George Dobell argues that Bairstow is only partially culpable for his batting struggles since his recall. While India will now face New Zealand in the WTC final in Southampton later this year, they remain the best Test team irrespective of the WTC standings, with a bowling attack to be dominant in half the world and competitive in the other half, says Sidharth Monga. India's head coach, Ravi Shastri, explained the secrets behind a high-performing unit that beat Australia in Australia and then humbled England.
Washington Sundar: A batsman blossoming in a bubble of serene self-assurance
He may have gained wider attention as a clever, restrictive offspinner in T20s, but he has always been a batsman first, says Karthik Krishnaswamy.
He may have gained wider attention as a clever, restrictive offspinner in T20s, but he has always been a batsman first, says Karthik Krishnaswamy.
New Zealand take the final T20I to claim a 3-2 series victory
Martin Guptill led the charge with Devon Conway to put together a century stand after Australia's batting fell away from a solid platform. Andrew McGlashan says New Zealand have been rewarded for thinking outside the box to maintain their winning season, in which they won all five series played, while for Australia familiar questions remain in their T20 jigsaw puzzle.
Martin Guptill led the charge with Devon Conway to put together a century stand after Australia's batting fell away from a solid platform. Andrew McGlashan says New Zealand have been rewarded for thinking outside the box to maintain their winning season, in which they won all five series played, while for Australia familiar questions remain in their T20 jigsaw puzzle.
England women complete 3-0 sweep as New Zealand women crumble for 96 in final T20I
Katherine Brunt struck twice in the first over as England defended 128 with ease.
Katherine Brunt struck twice in the first over as England defended 128 with ease.
Mithali Raj becomes first Indian to score 10,000 runs in women's cricket
The milestone, though, came in defeat, as India lost the third of five T20Is against South Africa. England's Charlotte Edwards is the only other batter to have reached the milestone.
The milestone, though, came in defeat, as India lost the third of five T20Is against South Africa. England's Charlotte Edwards is the only other batter to have reached the milestone.
IPL 2021 to kick off on April 9; will be played across six Indian cities
Initial reports said the tournament will be played behind closed doors "to begin with", and all games will be at neutral venues, but BCCI president Sourav Ganguly later hinted that opening up venues to crowds will be "bit of a risk".
Initial reports said the tournament will be played behind closed doors "to begin with", and all games will be at neutral venues, but BCCI president Sourav Ganguly later hinted that opening up venues to crowds will be "bit of a risk".
PSL 2021 to resume in June
The 2021 edition was suspended last week following a spate of Covid-19 cases among players and support staff. But now the PCB and the franchises have agreed to restart the season in Karachi in two and a half months' time.
The 2021 edition was suspended last week following a spate of Covid-19 cases among players and support staff. But now the PCB and the franchises have agreed to restart the season in Karachi in two and a half months' time.
Reliving the Women's T20 World Cup final one year on
A year ago, the biggest event in women's cricket, the T20 World Cup, played out to a crowd of over 86,000 as Australia clinched the title at home. Megan Schutt, top scorer Beth Mooney, and coach Matthew Mott look back at the final. Meanwhile, the other finalists, India, have lost an entire year of cricket, and it's not all because of Covid-19, says Annesha Ghosh.
A year ago, the biggest event in women's cricket, the T20 World Cup, played out to a crowd of over 86,000 as Australia clinched the title at home. Megan Schutt, top scorer Beth Mooney, and coach Matthew Mott look back at the final. Meanwhile, the other finalists, India, have lost an entire year of cricket, and it's not all because of Covid-19, says Annesha Ghosh.
Charlotte Edwards: 'I'm not seeing enough competitive cricket at the international level'
The first female chief of the Professional Cricketers' Association in England spoke about her new role, and what's worrying her about the global women's game.
The first female chief of the Professional Cricketers' Association in England spoke about her new role, and what's worrying her about the global women's game.
Why is Dawid Malan a superstar in T20Is but not quite in T20?
Matt Roller lists likely reasons why - including good old luck.
Matt Roller lists likely reasons why - including good old luck.
Anna Harris is flying the flag for women umpires everywhere
Valkerie Baynes profiles Harris and veteran Claire Polosak, who talk about breaking the mould in a male-dominated space.
Valkerie Baynes profiles Harris and veteran Claire Polosak, who talk about breaking the mould in a male-dominated space.
Suryakumar Yadav - from distracted hothead to calm run machine
At 30, he is poised to become India's latest T20I debutant, and the call-up will be every bit deserved, says Shashank Kishore.
At 30, he is poised to become India's latest T20I debutant, and the call-up will be every bit deserved, says Shashank Kishore.
Tymal Mills: 'I want to play for England again. I think I have skills that aren't replicated in English cricket'
The star of England's last T20I series in India has fallen off their radar, but he doesn't think he's out of it just yet.
The star of England's last T20I series in India has fallen off their radar, but he doesn't think he's out of it just yet.
Sam Billings: 'I just want to be tricky to bowl at'
After missing out on the 2019 World Cup squad, Billings is looking to the India series to help him lock down a middle-order slot for the T20 World Cup.
After missing out on the 2019 World Cup squad, Billings is looking to the India series to help him lock down a middle-order slot for the T20 World Cup.