Having seen the pitch on match eve, Brendon McCullum declared that “it’s not going to be necessarily a pleasant time out there with bat in hand” © Getty Images Brendon McCullum is renowned for his relentless attack, whether hurling himself into the advertising boards in a desperate attempt to save a boundary, or setting Test-like slip cordons during one-day games. So it should be no surprise that on the eve…
McCullum could pick all-pace attack in Christchurch
Having seen the pitch on match eve, Brendon McCullum declared that “it’s not going to be necessarily a pleasant time out there with bat in hand” © Getty Images Brendon McCullum is renowned for his relentless attack, whether hurling himself into the advertising boards in a desperate attempt to save a boundary, or setting Test-like slip cordons during one-day games. So it should be no surprise that on the eve…
Relaxed Australia eye No. 1 ranking
John Hastings: “Darren Lehmann and Steve Smith have created an environment where everyone is equal, honesty is the key and communication is the key.” © Getty Images One of the more revealing Australian cricket interviews of the past week occurred on Melbourne radio rather than in New Zealand, and featured not a member of the Test squad but a limited-overs specialist. It was John Hastings, one-time Test cricketer and some-time…
Relaxed Australia eye No.1 ranking
John Hastings: “Darren Lehmann and Steve Smith have created an environment where everyone is equal, honesty is the key and communication is the key.” © Getty Images One of the more revealing Australian cricket interviews of the past week occurred on Melbourne radio rather than in New Zealand, and featured not a member of the Test squad but a limited-overs specialist. It was John Hastings, one-time Test cricketer and some-time…
Team culture more relaxed under Smith than Clarke – Hastings
John Hastings: “No question is too dumb. If you think you’ve seen something on the field you bring it up, people don’t shoot you down” © Getty Images One of the more revealing Australian cricket interviews of the past week occurred on Melbourne radio rather than in New Zealand, and featured not a member of the Test squad but a limited-overs specialist. It was John Hastings, one-time Test cricketer and…
Australia's test of nerve, McCullum's last hurrah
Match facts February 20-24, 2016Start time 10.30 local (21.30 GMT) Another well-grassed surface awaits the teams at Hagley Oval © Getty Images Big Picture Australia need only a draw to become the world’s No. 1 Test team. Easier said than done, for a few reasons. First, it has been an awful long time since Australia have been consistent away from home. Australia won consecutive Tests in the Caribbean against the…
Morgan wants strongest T20 XI on the park
Skipper Eoin Morgan has confirmed England will select their strongest Twenty20 XI for the two-match series with South Africa as they build up to the World T20. Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Joe Root, who have played all nine competitive matches on this tour, were rested for the tourists’ 44-run warm-up win over South Africa at Boland Park last night. But with the World T20 in India next month, Morgan…
Billings hails invaluable PSL experience
Sam Billings believes his experience in franchise cricket this winter will prove invaluable ahead of England’s Twenty20 international series against South Africa. The Kent wicketkeeper-batsman has just linked up with the England squad after his stint with Islamabad United in the inaugural Pakistan Super League. Prior to playing with the likes of Misbah-ul-Haq, Brad Haddin, and Shane Watson in the PSL, Billings featured for England Lions during their tour of United…
Shrubsole leads sensational fightback
Anya Shrubsole took three late wickets as England women mounted a remarkable late fightback to win the first T20 International against South Africa by 15 runs in Paarl. The hosts looked to be cruising when they reached 96 without loss in reply to England’s 147 for seven. But Shrubsole took 3-9 in her second two-over spell, and with the run-rate mounting South Africa capitulated to finish on 132 for six….
Tredwell, Borthwick, Onions in MCC XI
James Tredwell will come up against several England team-mates in the Yorkshire side © Getty Images The MCC has named a team featuring five England Test cricketers to play Yorkshire in the Champion County match next month. Ian Bell had already been announced as captain and he will lead his Warwickshire team-mate Rikki Clarke, Graham Onions, James Tredwell and Scott Borthwick. Kent offspinner Tredwell played for England most recently, alongside…