REVIEW – The spin theory that spun back

Just about a week ago, India looked confident and determined to achieve their goal of a ‘revenge’ series whitewash. It had all gone according to script in the first Test – a slow track at Motera, England as expected succumbing to spin, and an easy 9-wicket triumph for the hosts. But captain MS Dhoni […]

Specials – Best of the Tests at the Wankhede

Test cricket in the bustling city of Mumbai shifted for good to the Wankhede Stadium in the 1974-75 season, after it was built due to disputes between the Cricket Club of India (who own the historic Brabourne Stadium), which is a stone’s throw away from the Wankhede and has hosted only one Test in […]

Famous Test Matches – Australia v South Africa, Sydney, 1993-94

This was South Africa’s first Test series in Australia since readmission, and the first Test, the Boxing Day Test, was a rain-affected draw. The second Test was played in the new year, from 2nd to 6th January, at Sydney, with both teams set for battle after barely getting a chance to impress at Melbourne. […]

REVIEW – Bangladesh lose a golden chance

For a few periods in the first Test against the West Indies at Mirpur, Bangladesh seriously looked like adding a third victory over their opponents in Test cricket, the first two being in the Caribbean in 2009. But in the end, the game followed a familiar script, and Bangladesh fell to their 64th defeat […]

IN FOCUS – England in India Test series 2012-13, preview

England are set to begin their quest of winning a series in India after 28 years when they take on the hosts in a 4-Test series from November 15. The trophy will be called the Anthony D’Mello Trophy, after the BCCI clarified that the Pataudi Trophy is at stake only when the two teams […]

Famous Test Matches – Australia v England, Sydney, 1894-95

The Ashes were still young – 12 years to be precise, when England travelled Down Under for a five-Test series in 1894-95 to defend the urn that they had won courtesy a narrow 1-0 win in the three-Test series at home in 1893. This was only the second time that the two nations were […]

IN FOCUS – West Indies in Bangladesh Test series 2012-13 preview

The West Indies will make their second trip to Bangladesh in two years, following their 1-0 win in the 2-Test series last season. Bangladesh will be playing their first Tests since they hosted Pakistan 11 months back. The Matches As is expected of any series played in Bangladesh, this one too will be […]

IN FOCUS – South Africa in Australia Test series 2012-13 preview

Come November 9, Australia will start its international season with a much-anticipated Test series against world champions South Africa. The Proteas were crowned champions when they beat England 2-0 in England in August. The Matches Fortunately, there are at least three Tests in this series, unlike last season’s series between the two countries […]

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT – Vizzy the villain

The 1936 tour of England was India’s second Test tour of the mother country – having first played their inaugural series there in 1932. England won the 3-Test series comfortably, naturally being the stronger team. However it was not just England’s strength that condemned India to the defeat. India’s captain for the series, the Maharajkumar of […]

Record Book – The longest Test innings

Hanif Mohammad, known as the original ‘Little Master’, was Pakistan’s first great batsman. Besides ending with a healthy 55-Test career, he also had a penchant for creating records. In 1958-59, he would go on to make 499 in 635 minutes (with 64 fours) – before astonishingly getting run out – while playing for […]