In Case You Missed It: Let's talk about Tests, baby
Our best content from last week
ESPNcricinfo staff
14-Jan-2019
The gloss hasn't worn off India's first ever Test series win in Australia • Mark Evans/Stringer
We've tumbled headlong into a World Cup year talking only of Tests. And why not? The afterglow of India's historic Australian win hasn't faded, even though India lost the first ODI following the Test series. South Africa have won their series against Pakistan already, but are still grinding their opponents down in the final Test. Here's everything that happened in a very busy last week in cricket.
IPL 2019 to be played entirely in India, will begin on March 23
The full schedule will likely drop in February, but Chennai will host the tournament opener and the final. These dates have now thrown Zimbabwe's tour of India - a Test and three ODIs - in March in doubt, as there's only a ten-day window between the Australia's limited-overs tour to India and the IPL.
The full schedule will likely drop in February, but Chennai will host the tournament opener and the final. These dates have now thrown Zimbabwe's tour of India - a Test and three ODIs - in March in doubt, as there's only a ten-day window between the Australia's limited-overs tour to India and the IPL.
Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul suspended pending inquiry
After Pandya and Rahul's controversial comments on a talk show sparked widespread outrage, they have been suspended from all forms of cricket pending an inquiry. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, has said it has been made clear to the players that their comments are not acceptable and the personal opinions are not the view of the India team. But Jayaditya Gupta says Pandya, by speaking without filters, has shown us a glimpse of the conversation and mindset in wider Indian society and gives everyone - his minders, the BCCI, the team - an opportunity to address it.
After Pandya and Rahul's controversial comments on a talk show sparked widespread outrage, they have been suspended from all forms of cricket pending an inquiry. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, has said it has been made clear to the players that their comments are not acceptable and the personal opinions are not the view of the India team. But Jayaditya Gupta says Pandya, by speaking without filters, has shown us a glimpse of the conversation and mindset in wider Indian society and gives everyone - his minders, the BCCI, the team - an opportunity to address it.
Steven Smith international return date in doubt due to elbow surgery
The elbow injury that forced Smith out of the BPL could now see him wear a brace for six weeks before returning to training, making him unlikely to be fit to resume his international career when his ban expires at the end of March and potentially leaving him short of time to prepare for the World Cup.
The elbow injury that forced Smith out of the BPL could now see him wear a brace for six weeks before returning to training, making him unlikely to be fit to resume his international career when his ban expires at the end of March and potentially leaving him short of time to prepare for the World Cup.
Celebrate the historic moment, but don't ignore history, India
The hangover from India's historic Test series win isn't fading anytime soon. Sidharth Monga relives the 13 days that paved the way for India's historic moment, but Sambit Bal says to become the first Asian team to win a series in Australia is fantastic, but we must remember that it's a win that has been two decades in the making.
The hangover from India's historic Test series win isn't fading anytime soon. Sidharth Monga relives the 13 days that paved the way for India's historic moment, but Sambit Bal says to become the first Asian team to win a series in Australia is fantastic, but we must remember that it's a win that has been two decades in the making.
We should never have dropped so quickly in T20s - Lasith Malinga
Once the No. 1 T20I side in the world, Sri Lanka have slipped to ninth in the rankings, and are now forced to play a qualifying tournament to make it to the World T20 Cup.
Once the No. 1 T20I side in the world, Sri Lanka have slipped to ninth in the rankings, and are now forced to play a qualifying tournament to make it to the World T20 Cup.
Why isn't BJ Watling a bigger deal than he is?
He has often swooped in to save the day when all has seemed lost for New Zealand, but the wicketkeeper-batsman prefers flying under the radar. Alagappan Muthu profiles the Black Caps' unassuming hero.
He has often swooped in to save the day when all has seemed lost for New Zealand, but the wicketkeeper-batsman prefers flying under the radar. Alagappan Muthu profiles the Black Caps' unassuming hero.
Get the pitch right and the balance between bat and ball will sort itself out
Pitches and over rates matter. Spectators must feel that their attendance is valued, says Mark Nicholas. Liam Brickhill, though, is just happy that Test cricket is sexy again.
Pitches and over rates matter. Spectators must feel that their attendance is valued, says Mark Nicholas. Liam Brickhill, though, is just happy that Test cricket is sexy again.
Shan Masood, from accidental starter to unlikely star
Danyal Rasool analyses the improved technique and a bloody-mindedness at the crease that have catapulted the left-hand batsman to the top of the run charts in the South Africa-Pakistan Test series. Osman Samiuddin, meanwhile, has been tracking another duel - Dale Steyn v Babar Azam.
Danyal Rasool analyses the improved technique and a bloody-mindedness at the crease that have catapulted the left-hand batsman to the top of the run charts in the South Africa-Pakistan Test series. Osman Samiuddin, meanwhile, has been tracking another duel - Dale Steyn v Babar Azam.
Australia's need for an ODI finisher
With the World Cup just a few months away, Andrew McGlashan maps the three issues that the current cup holders might want to sort out before they put the trophy up for grabs, while Nagraj Gollapudi wants India to find answers to three key questions in the 13 ODIs they have left to play before May 30.
With the World Cup just a few months away, Andrew McGlashan maps the three issues that the current cup holders might want to sort out before they put the trophy up for grabs, while Nagraj Gollapudi wants India to find answers to three key questions in the 13 ODIs they have left to play before May 30.
Why Bumrah is hard to face
Aakash Chopra breaks down the factors that make him a challenge for batsmen.
Aakash Chopra breaks down the factors that make him a challenge for batsmen.
What Seb Gotch's short sleeves tell us about the Big Bash
Australian cricket is an awfully serious place at the moment but the BBL can provide relief - for everyone, says Sam Perry.
Australian cricket is an awfully serious place at the moment but the BBL can provide relief - for everyone, says Sam Perry.
Why do we think Test chases of over 300 aren't all that tough?
Despite the evidence of history, we continue to pin our hopes on teams chasing 300-plus in the fourth innings in Tests. Jarrod Kimber tut-tuts.
Despite the evidence of history, we continue to pin our hopes on teams chasing 300-plus in the fourth innings in Tests. Jarrod Kimber tut-tuts.