In Case You Missed It: Sun troubles and stunning wins
Our best content from last week
ESPNcricinfo staff
28-Jan-2019
The Gabba is not Sri Lanka's comfort zone • Getty Images
Have you ever heard of a match delayed by great weather? That's exactly what happened in the first ODI between New Zealand and India when sun stopped play in Napier, and it's not the first time it's happened either. It's been that sort of a week in cricket - plenty of drama, some shockers of matches, and players saying things they really shouldn't. Here's everything that went down.
Sri Lanka flunk the Gabba examination
Australia thumped Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series, in Perth, by an innings and 40 runs. It was always going to be a tough ask on the type of surface the Australians have dreamed of all season, but Andrew McGlashan was still disappointed that the visitors capitulated twice.
Australia thumped Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series, in Perth, by an innings and 40 runs. It was always going to be a tough ask on the type of surface the Australians have dreamed of all season, but Andrew McGlashan was still disappointed that the visitors capitulated twice.
The enduring fire that fuels West Indies when England come to play
Seventy-seven all out in the first innings, then a 381-run loss - England were handed quite the reality check by West Indies in the first Test in Bridgetown. But not having won a series in the West Indies since 2004, England really shouldn't be surprised why their record in the region continues to be so poor, says George Dobell.
Seventy-seven all out in the first innings, then a 381-run loss - England were handed quite the reality check by West Indies in the first Test in Bridgetown. But not having won a series in the West Indies since 2004, England really shouldn't be surprised why their record in the region continues to be so poor, says George Dobell.
Rohit, spinners dominate as India go 2-0 up
India might have been disappointed with 324 after looking good for 350, but their bowlers quickly washed it off with a comfortable defence to take a 2-0 lead in the five-ODI series in New Zealand.
India might have been disappointed with 324 after looking good for 350, but their bowlers quickly washed it off with a comfortable defence to take a 2-0 lead in the five-ODI series in New Zealand.
Mandhana century caps nine-wicket thrashing of New Zealand
Meanwhile, a day after the men's team thrashed New Zealand in Napier, India women spun New Zealand women out for 192 and Smriti Mandhana helped chase it down with great authority, scoring her fourth ODI century along the way.
Meanwhile, a day after the men's team thrashed New Zealand in Napier, India women spun New Zealand women out for 192 and Smriti Mandhana helped chase it down with great authority, scoring her fourth ODI century along the way.
Sarfraz Ahmed gets four-match suspension for racist comment
What a week it's been for Sarfraz Ahmed. The Pakistan captain was caught on the stump mic making a racist comment against South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo in the second ODI, after which he tweeted that it was not 'directed towards anyone in particular'. There was forgiveness from the South African team, a personal apology from Sarfraz to Phehlukwayo, then finally a four-match suspension from the ICC, after Sarfraz had already played the third ODI. Sarfraz will now miss the rest of the ODI series and the T20s after.
What a week it's been for Sarfraz Ahmed. The Pakistan captain was caught on the stump mic making a racist comment against South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo in the second ODI, after which he tweeted that it was not 'directed towards anyone in particular'. There was forgiveness from the South African team, a personal apology from Sarfraz to Phehlukwayo, then finally a four-match suspension from the ICC, after Sarfraz had already played the third ODI. Sarfraz will now miss the rest of the ODI series and the T20s after.
ICC awards: Virat Kohli wins big three after fantastic 2018
India's captain becomes the first to win all three top honours in a year, while also being named captain of the Test and ODI teams.
India's captain becomes the first to win all three top honours in a year, while also being named captain of the Test and ODI teams.
Ross Taylor second only to Virat Kohli since 2015 World Cup
Ever since he's had surgery to correct a growth in his left eye, the New Zealand batsman's game has hit the stratosphere. Andrew Fidel Fernando charts his rise.
Ever since he's had surgery to correct a growth in his left eye, the New Zealand batsman's game has hit the stratosphere. Andrew Fidel Fernando charts his rise.
Pandya, Rahul can certainly be role models - Rahul Dravid
The India A coach hopes that Pandya and Rahul controversy will act as a catalyst to help both players achieve their true potential, and stresses the need for senior players to set an example at all levels.
The India A coach hopes that Pandya and Rahul controversy will act as a catalyst to help both players achieve their true potential, and stresses the need for senior players to set an example at all levels.
Types of T20 teams
Tim Wigmore concludes his analysis of T20 teams with the cautious starters, the ones unfazed by dot balls, and the flexible team, who think in terms of roles and not set positions in the order.
Tim Wigmore concludes his analysis of T20 teams with the cautious starters, the ones unfazed by dot balls, and the flexible team, who think in terms of roles and not set positions in the order.
High Fives: Let's try this another way
Daniel Gallan lists five innovations that changed cricket forever, all because players approached things a little differently.
Daniel Gallan lists five innovations that changed cricket forever, all because players approached things a little differently.
ESPNcricinfo Awards 2018
We are giving out awards for the best performances of 2018 in Tests, ODIs, T20Is and separate awards for Associates, women's cricket, plus picking a captain of the year and a debutant of the year. Did your favourite performances of the year make our list of nominees? Will the jury pick Pujara's century over Williamson's? Roy's 180 over Fakhar's double?
We are giving out awards for the best performances of 2018 in Tests, ODIs, T20Is and separate awards for Associates, women's cricket, plus picking a captain of the year and a debutant of the year. Did your favourite performances of the year make our list of nominees? Will the jury pick Pujara's century over Williamson's? Roy's 180 over Fakhar's double?