Famous Test Matches – England v Pakistan, Lord’s, 1992

This was the second Test of Pakistan’s five-match series in England, played between June 18 and 21. The two teams renewed their battle at Lord’s after the first Test at Edgbaston resulted in a rain-affected draw. Graham Gooch elected to bat first and immediately blunted the much-vaunted Pakistan attack, which comprised of the swing twins Wasim Akram and Waqar […]

Famous Test Matches – West Indies v Pakistan, St. John’s, 2000

The West Indies had endured a tough series in New Zealand at the start of the year, having lost both the Tests and all five one-dayers. Captain Brian Lara duly gave up the captaincy and took a sabbatical from the game, thus further weakening the brittle batting line-up. A year earlier, the Windies were swamped […]

FAMOUS TEST MATCHES – New Zealand v England, Wellington 1977-78

This was the 48th Test played between England and New Zealand, and the first one was played 48 years ago – New Zealand having not won a single Test over them. England had started the season with a 3-0 win in the Ashes, before settling for a 0-0 stalemate in Pakistan, and were expected to beat […]

VIEWPOINT – The rankings story

South Africa celebrate after scaling the summit (source – dailymail.co.uk) England saved their best for the fag end of the recently-concluded three-Test series against South Africa, but it was not enough for them to cling on to their crown for a bit longer. The South Africans, perennial chokers in many a limited-overs tournament, staved […]

IN FOCUS – V.V.S Laxman, the elegant champion of Test cricket

Indian cricket became poorer for the second time this year, with VVS Laxman following Rahul Dravid into the sunset of retirement. Laxman’s announcement came as a surprise to many, especially since he was picked for the home season-opening two Test series against New Zealand, and the fact is that he was also given a […]

Specials – It all started at Lord’s : Andrew Strauss special

When Andrew Strauss led England on to the Lord’s, it was his 100th test match for England. What makes it better is that its at the same venue when he scored century on debut against Kiwis in 2004. THE BRIGHT START Andrew Strauss had a very bright first year in international cricket hitting 4 […]

IN FOCUS – All set for the Battle Royale

The most awaited Test series of recent times gets underway this Thursday at the Oval. After all, there is much more at stake than just the coveted Basil D’Olivera trophy. This series between the two evenly matched outfits will decide who is the world champion of Test cricket, at least for the current season. […]

Why aren’t South Africa Number One yet?

South Africa embark upon English shores this summer for a three-Test series, which in all likelihood will decide which is the world’s top-most Test team – the ultimate accolade of being true world champions. England, after a below-par Asian sojourn, have soothed their nerves by seeing off the West Indies whereas South Africa won […]

Simon Katich – One of Australia’s best ?

Former Australian batsman Mark Waugh has remarked that the recently-retired Australian opener Simon Katich should be remembered as one of Australia’s best batsmen. The 36 year old Katich called a day on his first class career, having played his last Test at Adelaide in the 2010/11 Ashes. Katich was indeed in great touch […]

If they don’t mean it, they shouldn’t say it

“We will do everything within our limits to protect Test cricket” – random cricket official “Nothing can replace the pride of a Test cap” – modern-day international cricketer “Country over club, ALWAYS” – most probably, a Twenty20 mercenary We have all surely heard such statements countless number of times, as everyone worth their salt is […]