In Case You Missed it: Unstoppable England, and the Bazball buzz
Our best content from the week gone by
ESPNcricinfo staff
09-Jul-2022
Thrill of the chase: India had no answer to Root and Bairstow's twin threats • Getty Images
Bazball has claimed another victim, this time a confident India men's side, who had looked to break England's three-match winning streak before being bulldozed by Jonny Bairstow. Australia men are looking to repeat their spin success from the first Test against Sri Lanka, while India Women have made it three in three in Sri Lanka. Here's a wrap of all the notable news and events from the week.
No stopping Root and Bairstow as 'new' England make it 2-2
England chased down their fourth successive 250-plus score - the 378 against India being their highest yet, as both batters hit centuries. And as much as England's batters stole the show, their bowlers executed astute plans to outfox both New Zealand and India, says Osman Samiuddin. Not everyone in the England side performed, though. Zak Crawley, who's now had 23 single-figure scores in 45 innings, is running out of ways to fail even as he's smothered by England's unwavering support. No such qualms for Joe Root, whose striking form has continued even as he's reinvented himself. On the other side, there's India's continuing fourth-innings fumbles. What has gone wrong? Karthik Krishnaswamy investigates.
England chased down their fourth successive 250-plus score - the 378 against India being their highest yet, as both batters hit centuries. And as much as England's batters stole the show, their bowlers executed astute plans to outfox both New Zealand and India, says Osman Samiuddin. Not everyone in the England side performed, though. Zak Crawley, who's now had 23 single-figure scores in 45 innings, is running out of ways to fail even as he's smothered by England's unwavering support. No such qualms for Joe Root, whose striking form has continued even as he's reinvented himself. On the other side, there's India's continuing fourth-innings fumbles. What has gone wrong? Karthik Krishnaswamy investigates.
Bazball broken down, it's pretty simple really
It's the buzzword of the season, but what exactly is Bazball? Vithushan Ehantharajah examines how Stokes, McCullum, and their motley collection of entertainers, rock stars and dudes - have breathed new energy into English cricket. But Andrew Fidel Fernando sees this as Baz news for cricket with teams competing to out-nice-guy each other the world over.
It's the buzzword of the season, but what exactly is Bazball? Vithushan Ehantharajah examines how Stokes, McCullum, and their motley collection of entertainers, rock stars and dudes - have breathed new energy into English cricket. But Andrew Fidel Fernando sees this as Baz news for cricket with teams competing to out-nice-guy each other the world over.
It's no surprise that Stokes and Cummins have succeeded as captains
They are both inspirational leaders and they understand bowling, which is key for decision-makers on the field, says Ian Chappell.
They are both inspirational leaders and they understand bowling, which is key for decision-makers on the field, says Ian Chappell.
Has anyone scored more runs at a higher strike rate than Jonny Bairstow did against New Zealand?
And how many batters have managed a hundred in each Test of a three-match series? Steven Lynch has the answers.
And how many batters have managed a hundred in each Test of a three-match series? Steven Lynch has the answers.
Who is a genuine allrounder? Do Kallis, Hadlee and Jadeja fit the bill?
Kartikeya Date says looking at it on the basis of players' batting and bowling contributions per match throws up some interesting lists.
Kartikeya Date says looking at it on the basis of players' batting and bowling contributions per match throws up some interesting lists.
Who among Babar, Root, Kohli, Smith and Williamson has the most ODI wickets?
How well do you know the exploits of the Fab Five? Take our quiz to find out.
How well do you know the exploits of the Fab Five? Take our quiz to find out.