In Case You Missed It: Records, recaps and reviews

We're only a week into the new year and new firsts are already being written - some great, like India's first Test series win in Australia, some not, like Australia's being forced to follow-on at home for the first time in 31 years. Given how explosive 2018 was in cricket - we've got all the recaps for you - 2019 could hardly have started out tame. Here's everything that happened in this busy opening week.

India become first Asian side ever to win a series in Australia
Despite rain washing out what could have been a 3-1 win, after Australia were forced to follow on at home for first time in 31 years, India have scripted a historic win 72 years in waiting. Ian Chappell credits part of India's form to Pujara, calling him "the world's most effective blunter of a bowling attack", while Sidharth Monga dissects India's other weapon of mass destruction - Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia make wholesale changes, bring back Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon for ODIs
Australia have dramatically reshaped their one-day squad for the three-match series against India with only six players retained from those that faced South Africa earlier in the season, a selection Andrew McGlashan is calling "chaotic". Meanwhile, CA CEO Kevin Roberts has put the team's selections policies under the microscope, and Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was left out, had some criticism for it as well.

Amla injured but Elgar seals South Africa's fourth-morning victory
Despite Hashim Amla being forced to retire hurt, South Africa ticked off the 41 runs required for victory, sealing the series 2-0 with one more Test to go. Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed was withering in his assessment of his own bowlers after their second consecutive loss but, Danyal Rasool is asking, why are Pakistan ignoring Faheem Ashraf?

New Zealand pull off narrow win after Thisara Perera's 140
A spectacular power-hitting showcase by Perera was not enough to lift Sri Lanka out of a pit of the middle order's making, and they have lost their second ODI of the series. New Zealand won this match by 21 runs but it may not have been as close if they had just held on to the chances that came their way.

Sachin Tendulkar's coach Ramakant Achrekar dies at 86
Achrekar's academy in Mumbai's Shivaji Park area churned out several others who played for India, including Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Ajit Agarkar and Ramesh Powar.

PSL franchises incurred big losses in first two seasons
Losses ranging from PKR 200 million to 700 million have led the teams to seek a financial restructuring of the league as well as tax exemptions from the government.

Afghanistan earn direct qualification in 2020 World T20
Afghanistan's progression up the T20I rankings corresponds with a slip down the order for Sri Lanka, who will now have to go through the opening round of the tournament to qualify.

Bangladesh's Mashrafe Mortaza wins parliament seat
The fast bowler secured over 96% of the votes in his constituency as part of a landslide victory for Awami League. Mohammad Isam went on the campaign trail with him to see how Bangladesh's most popular cricketer hopes to use his influence to help better the lives of the people of Narail.

Smriti Mandhana, Alyssa Healy named ICC ODI, T20I Players of 2018
England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone was named the Emerging Player of the Year.

Rashid Khan determined to play remainder of BBL despite father's death
He also revealed he had turned down the chance to play in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League in order to remain in Australia, citing his preparation for the World T20 in Australia in 2020 as a priority.

The A to Z of ESPNcricinfo
The only crash course you need on the 25-year history of the site.

India's fast bowlers make the big leap
Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami led the way in a year when India's fast bowlers came of age. Plus, just how well did bowlers do in 2018? We look at that and other statistical trends.

Test cricket is great again. Thank the bowlers for it
In 2018, the premier format was more competitive and evenly balanced than it has been for a while. ESPNcricinfo editor Sambit Bal has the numbers to prove it.

'I knew if I scored a century against Australia I'd have a big future'
Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Mendis on learning to build an innings, and dealing with criticism on social media.

Watch: Mic drops, homecomings, candles and beer
Everything that happened in cricket over the past year, from the awesome to the absurd, in animation.