In Case You Missed It: IPL auction breaks records, South Africa fall inside two days
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ESPNcricinfo staff
24-Dec-2022
Ho ho no: Dean Elgar has much to ponder ahead of the Boxing Day Test • AFP/Getty Images
It's a white-wash Christmas for England, who begin their holidays wrapping up a 3-0 win away in Pakistan. South Africa will have much to mull over Christmas as they go into the Boxing Day Test with a two-day defeat to Australia. India took the first Test, but Bangladesh are still in the reckoning to seal the second. Australia women sealed an easy 4-1 win over India while packing stadiums in Mumbai, and over in Kochi, a new batch of millionaires are minted at the IPL auction. All this and more in our weekly round-up.
Cummins, Head, Starc lead Australia to victory inside two days
On a green pitch at the Gabba that earned a below average rating, Australia claimed victory in six sessions as 34 wickets fell in fewer than 145 overs in the second-shortest Test in Australia. For South Africa it was - as Ian Chappell foresaw - a case of fragile batting underpinning their troubles, their capitulation at the Gabba the latest in a year where they have averaged just 24.63 in Tests.
On a green pitch at the Gabba that earned a below average rating, Australia claimed victory in six sessions as 34 wickets fell in fewer than 145 overs in the second-shortest Test in Australia. For South Africa it was - as Ian Chappell foresaw - a case of fragile batting underpinning their troubles, their capitulation at the Gabba the latest in a year where they have averaged just 24.63 in Tests.
Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel share seven wickets to wrap up big India win
It took India just 11.2 overs on the fifth morning to take the final four Bangladesh wickets and go 1-0 up. For Bangladesh, debutant Zakir Hasan, who made a century on Test debut after years of domestic toil, was a highlight.
It took India just 11.2 overs on the fifth morning to take the final four Bangladesh wickets and go 1-0 up. For Bangladesh, debutant Zakir Hasan, who made a century on Test debut after years of domestic toil, was a highlight.
Ben Duckett 82* seals England 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan
England cleaned up 3-0 in Pakistan as Ben Stokes' side continued their unstoppable march, completing an eight-wicket win inside the first hour on the fourth morning, capping Pakistan's worst streak at home since 1959. Eighteen-year-old debutant Rehan Ahmed, who picked up a five-for, is already emerging as a difference maker for England. It's been a long, bumpy ride for England but they've come through Grand Prixs, viruses, funky bowling, and Nighthawks to overcome history in Pakistan, says Vithushan Ehantharajah. The series was also defining for Ben Stokes as captain, and few foresaw the depths of psychological and tactical insight that England's Test leader would bring to the role. With the football World Cup running alongside the Test series, Osman Samiuddin enjoyed two acts of grand-wizard magic - one by Messi, one by Jimmy Anderson.
England cleaned up 3-0 in Pakistan as Ben Stokes' side continued their unstoppable march, completing an eight-wicket win inside the first hour on the fourth morning, capping Pakistan's worst streak at home since 1959. Eighteen-year-old debutant Rehan Ahmed, who picked up a five-for, is already emerging as a difference maker for England. It's been a long, bumpy ride for England but they've come through Grand Prixs, viruses, funky bowling, and Nighthawks to overcome history in Pakistan, says Vithushan Ehantharajah. The series was also defining for Ben Stokes as captain, and few foresaw the depths of psychological and tactical insight that England's Test leader would bring to the role. With the football World Cup running alongside the Test series, Osman Samiuddin enjoyed two acts of grand-wizard magic - one by Messi, one by Jimmy Anderson.
How many batters have made three or more hundreds in their first six Test innings?
And what has been the lowest match aggregate by a player while still top-scoring for his team in a Test? Steven Lynch takes your questions in the last trivia column of the year.
And what has been the lowest match aggregate by a player while still top-scoring for his team in a Test? Steven Lynch takes your questions in the last trivia column of the year.
Who was the most expensive overseas buy at the 2022 IPL auction?
And which player has been the most expensive buy ever? Some of these records have already been broken this time around but test your knowledge of IPL auctions past.
And which player has been the most expensive buy ever? Some of these records have already been broken this time around but test your knowledge of IPL auctions past.
Which players win the most T20s - and does it matter?
Matt Roller examines how win-loss records can be a blunt instrument to measure a player's worth with, but franchises are still likely to keep an eye on them during the IPL auction.
Matt Roller examines how win-loss records can be a blunt instrument to measure a player's worth with, but franchises are still likely to keep an eye on them during the IPL auction.
Watch: Which of her team-mates would Grace Harris go to for relationship advice?
Australia's cheeriest batter picks team-mates most likely to care for her, be her dance partner, and bail her out of trouble.
Australia's cheeriest batter picks team-mates most likely to care for her, be her dance partner, and bail her out of trouble.