England are in complete control against New Zealand and hold a second innings lead of 533 runs at stumps on day two in Wellington.
India on ropes in 14-wicket chaos as Head ton, brutal Aussie session swings series
Australia is charging towards victory in the pink-ball Test against India after hometown hero Travis Head blasted a swashbuckling century on day two at Adelaide Oval.
‘It causes chaos’: Big praise for ‘generational’ English marvel after latest statement against NZ
Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Harry Brook is a generational talent, while David Warner has likened the English marvel to Australian star Travis Head after he scored another outstanding century against New Zealand.
Starc couldn’t even explain his pink-ball dominance… but one of India’s coaches has a theory
Mitchell Starc may have taken his best ever haul in Test cricket in Adelaide on Friday, but it was the deeds of Australia’s besieged top order and fellow fast bowlers which caught the eye of the pink-ball bowling wizard.
‘Someone hasn’t paid their bills here’: Bizarre cause of Adelaide Oval lighting drama
South Australia’s electricity problems hit the second Test of the summer with the floodlights going out twice at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
The Spin | ‘A spiritual journey’: the story behind cricket’s new Crowe-Thorpe Trophy
Artist behind prize for winner of New Zealand v England series explains emotional process of fusing cricketers’ bats
In the moments before the first Test started in Christchurch last week the television cameras alighted on the new Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, the prize that awaits the winners of the ongoing series between New Zealand and England. On TNT Sports Alastair Cook grew effusive. “It’s not often that boards get things absolutely spot on but that is a brilliant trophy,” he said, “and whoever came up with the idea, it’s fantastic.”
That will be the Maori artist David Ngawati. ““I did different concepts and drawings for New Zealand cricket,” he says. “I guess it’s a co-creation really. People tell me the story and then I create concepts from that, then they decide what they want to go with.”
Continue reading...‘Worst of all time’: Indian star roasted over comical review of ‘ball of the century’
Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has produced a contender for the worst review of all-time after coming up with a howler in Adelaide.
Harry Brook’s ‘favourite hundred’ puts England in charge against New Zealand
- Yorkshire player records his eighth Test hundred
- Tourists score 280 before reducing hosts to 86-5
Harry Brook hailed a game-changing century against New Zealand as his best yet after taming a tricky Wellington pitch and rescuing England on day one of the second Test.
The bowlers from both sides enjoyed a field day on a lively surface at Basin Reserve, England rounded up for 280 before reducing the Black Caps to 86 for five in response. A total of 15 wickets fell across three sessions at a rate of one every 5.4 overs but Brook was alone in dominating with bat in hand. He pounded out 123 runs in just 115 balls, blasting five fearless sixes and 11 fours.
Continue reading...‘Nothing more demoralising’: Cruel twist blows up cult hero’s perfect 516-day moment
It’s been 516 days since Scott Boland’s last Test match for Australia, and it was oh so nearly the perfect return at the top level.
‘The ultimate leveller’: Young gun’s Starc sledge brutally back fires in wild first ball scene
It was the response the Australian cricket team needed.
Konstas ramps up heat on Aussies as young gun pushes Test case again: Shield Wrap
Teen star Sam Konstas has continued his red-hot form with an unbeaten 55 on the first day of New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia.
England take control in New Zealand after Brook blasts another century
- Second Test day one: England 280; New Zealand 86-5
- Brook’s 123 leads revival from 43-4; Carse then strikes
Harry Brook stood head and shoulders above the crowd with a magnificent century in Wellington, allowing England to take charge on day one of the second Test against New Zealand.
Having ridden his luck somewhat on the way to 171 in last week’s victory in Christchurch, Brook was imperious at Basin Reserve, smashing 123 on a day when 15 wickets fell as ball dominated bat. England were reeling at 43 for four after being sent in and would have been sunk had Brook not taken charge of a precarious situation. He steered a counterattacking stand of 174 alongside the rejuvenated Ollie Pope (66), with the fifth-wicket pair guiding the tourists towards 280 all out.
Continue reading...New Zealand v England: second men’s cricket Test, day one – as it happened
Harry Brook’s spectacular 123 and a ferocious burst from Brydon Carse were the highlights of a scintillating first day in Wellington
31st over: England 158-4 (Brook 70, Pope 43) Pope jabs at Smith and edges this far short of Latham at second slip. He gets the next ball away, back cutting efficiently to the fence.
So, this medium-term No3, who should it be?
Ben Stokes Technically suited but his brain whirs far too much in the field, even when he doesn’t bowl, so he needs a rest.
Joe Root Doesn’t want to bat there, vulnerable to the new ball and especially extra bounce.
Harry Brook Still too soon, especially in Australia with the extra bounce
Ollie Pope Far better at No6
Jamie Smith Too soon even if he doesn’t keep wicket, never mind if he does.
Jacob Bethell Too soon against India and Australia, plus he’s not in the best XI at the moment.
Continue reading...Ex-Aussie player slams Indian great over ‘rubbish’ Hazlewood conspiracy theory
Former Australian bowler Ryan Harris has fired back at “rubbish” claims from Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar over Josh Hazlewood’s side strain injury, which has sidelined him from the second Test in Adelaide.
Tables turned on India as under-fire Aussies deliver after Starc’s career demolition
Mitchell Starc ripped through India’s top order before Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne tamed the swinging pink Kookaburra under lights to put Australia in a commanding position at stumps on day one of the Adelaide Test.