Darren Lehmann could return to the team for the Tests in New Zealand depending on medical advice Andrew Matthews / © PA Photos Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann will not travel with the team to New Zealand for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in February as he awaits medical clearance to be able to fly after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. Cricket Australia hoped Lehmann would join the team for the two…
Australia series 'pinnacle of season' – Boult
Trent Boult was the joint highest wicket-taker in the Trans-Tasman Test series in November last year © Getty Images New Zealand must win one of the two remaining ODIs against Pakistan to seal the series, but already there is hype developing for the tour to come. Australia – their neighbourhood rivals, and opponents in some of the most storied clashes of the past year – have picked their ODI squad,…
Anderson confident of another great escape
[embedded content] James Anderson is adamant England’s batsmen have what it takes to pull off another famous draw in South Africa on the final day of the fourth Test at Centurion. The tourists have it all to do on the last day to preserve their 2-0 series lead after closing on 52 for three in pursuit of an unlikely 382. England have a reputation of completing great escapes in South…
Player training focus in SA: Alastair Cook
[embedded content] Skipper Alastair Cook has revealed his positioning at the crease was the focus of his training in the nets leading into the Centurion Test where he returned to form with a first-innings half-century. The opening batsman had endured a quiet series by his own high standards in South Africa, scoring 103 runs from six innings, albeit in seamer-friendly conditions. He showed signs of returning to his best in…
Here's Jonny! Bairstow video diary 4
[embedded content] Jonny Bairstow is blogging exclusively for ECBtv during England’s trip to South Africa, providing insights into life on tour for an international cricketer. The Yorkshire wicketkeeper returned to the international scene last summer when he played a part in his second Ashes triumph. In the fourth edition the 26-year-old chats from the Mamelodi township where England were holding a training session at a local cricket club. This is a new…
Glamorgan seal permanent move for Meschede
Craig Meschede impressed during his season-long loan © Getty Images Glamorgan have signed Craig Meschede from Somerset on a permanent deal after he was released from his contract at Taunton. He has signed a three-year deal and will report for pre-season training this week. The all-rounder spent the 2015 season on loan at Glamorgan and quickly becoming an integral member of the side in all formats. He hit his maiden…
Cook's best Test innings
Alastair Cook became the first Englishman to reach 10,000 Test runs on day four of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Durham. Take a look at the top five innings of the England skipper’s stellar career. 1. 104 v India, Nagpur, 2006 As if scoring 60 on debut, when away from home and opening the innings, wasn’t worthy enough to be on this list, Cook would well and truly make his…
Nicholls leads New Zealand to victory over Pakistan
A solid 82 by Henry Nicholls followed by a ninth-wicket batting blitz carried New Zealand to a convincing 70-run victory in the opening one-day international against Pakistan in Wellington on Monday. In reply to New Zealand’s 280-8, Pakistan were skittled out for 210 with four overs remaining.Nicholls apart, New Zealand’s recognised run-makers struggled against a fired-up Pakistan attack, with the other six batsmen in the top seven contributing just 47…
New-ball strikes set up SA victory push
England 342 and 52 for 3 (Root 19*, Taylor 19*) need 330 more runs to beat South Africa 475 and 248 for 5 (Amla 96, Bavuma 78, Anderson 3-47)Scorecard and ball-by-ball details South Africa made significant inroads late on the fourth day © Getty Images South Africa will be confident that a first Test win in 10 attempts will fall their way on the final day of the fourth Test…
Vince ton in vain for battling Lions
James Vince hit his first one-day century for England Lions but it was not enough to prevent Pakistan A recording their first victory of the 50-over series in Dubai today. Vince, who has been in fine form since the Lions returned to the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, stroked 102 from 118 balls to lead the pursuit of a taxing target of 289. But his dismissal, run out by…