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ESPNcricinfo staff20-Nov-2015Hales started fluently in a 54-run stand for the first wicket•Getty ImagesBut Mohammad Irfan removed him for 22 to break that partnership•Getty ImagesRoy, however, kept England’s score ticking in the first half of the innings•Getty ImagesHe eventually brought up his maiden ODI century from 113 balls•Getty ImagesRoy and Joe Root added 140 for England’s second wicket•Getty Images… setting the stage for Jos Buttler to unfurl his full repertoire•Getty ImagesEoin Morgan was stumped for 14 from 13 balls as England pursued quick runs•Getty ImagesBut Buttler kept powering along to an incredible 46-ball hundred•Getty ImagesHe crashed eight sixes and ten fours in an epic performance•Getty ImagesAzhar Ali’s 32-ball 44 gave Pakistan a flying start to their run-chase•Getty Images… although David Willey’s breakthroughs kept England in control•Getty ImagesMohammad Hafeez was run out for 37 to break a threatening stand of 65 with Babar Azam•Getty Images,,, and Babar himself was caught for 51 by Alex Hales, who made amends for an earlier drop•Getty ImagesAdil Rashid had Mohammad Rizwan caught behind for 11 as England chipped away•Getty ImagesShoaib Malik’s 30-ball half-century kept Pakistan on course …•Getty Images… but his dismissal to a Reece Topley full-toss spelt the end of their hopes•Getty Images

South Africa’s maiden ODI series win in Sri Lanka showcased the lessons they had learned from a chastening 1-4 drubbing the last time they visited – An improved top-order and a better spin attack

Firdose Moonda12-Jul-2014If progress can be measured by the way the result changes when going to back to the same place, South Africa’s one-day team has made some impressive advances.South Africa’s last visit to Sri Lanka 12 months ago presented them as a disjointed unit, lacking in key players, and clear game plans. Russell Domingo’s coaching tenure began with a 1-4 drubbing and the side deserved every bit of flak it attracted. But over the last week, South Africa have buried those memories with two clinical and energetic team performances to earn a first-ever ODI series win in Sri Lanka. They are due some generous praise and it was good to see the captain, AB de Villiers, leading the chorus.”We learnt from our mistakes. We came back here a more experienced team this time,” de Villiers said. “When I pushed on the buttons, everyone came forward and performed for the team.”Being wiser and responding to expectations were not the only differences between the South African class of 2013 and 2014. This year’s group had better personnel, improved techniques, sound strategies and a more focused mindset, all of which bode well for the future.They have dropped the dead weight from a year ago when Colin Ingram and Alviro Petersen were part of a rotating opening pair that never quite clicked and Robin Peterson was still being used as the premier spinner.Quinton de Kock’s progress has contributed to South Africa gaining better solidity. Twelve months ago he was a talented, but clueless kid who was riding on his promise but unravelled when he couldn’t meet his potential.De Kock returned home and demanded seemingly never-ending net sessions with his franchise coach Geoffrey Toyana. He honed his skills against spin and also worked on his temperament and timing. The results were evident last December when de Kock joined an elite club of six batsmen to have scored centuries in three consecutive innings. But there was still a question over his ability in the subcontinent. After two quiet games, de Kock answered them with a century that showcased improved levels of concentration to match his capability. He has inked his place as Hashim Amla’s partner.While de Kock’s international career is just starting, South Africa’s administration appear to have ended Peterson’s. His phasing out had begun during the T20 series in Sri Lanka last year, and Imran Tahir has taken over in all formats. Tahir was not part of South Africa’s limited-overs squads to Sri Lanka last year which cost the visitors dearly. From his international debut at the 2011 World Cup, the legspinner announced himself as a threat, particularly in subcontinent conditions and ideally should have had more matches under his belt by now.But Tahir is the type of bowler who does not mind being hit and South Africa have traditionally preferred a spinner who can contain. On this tour, Tahir has proved he can do both. He was South Africa’s second-most successful bowler with six wickets. He accounted for Mahela Jayawardene, an excellent player of spin, in all three matches and maintained an economy of 4.44.He also had an able partner in JP Duminy whose bowling has developed to the point where Domingo no longer considers him a part-timer. Duminy plays as one of three, perhaps, four allrounders in a South African side that likes the depth he provides. Although he lacked for runs in this series, his ability to find them in future should provide stability in the batting line-up and set David Miller up for a final assault. Miller was also not a major player in South Africa’s success but showed that he can be. Together with Ryan McLaren he added teeth to the lower middle-order and appears to have grown comfortable in his role as finisher.However, it was McLaren who was the find of the series for South Africa, if a 31-year-old more than a decade into his career can still be considered as such. He averaged 13.11 and his nine wickets was the best tally for the series from both teams. He was effective in the powerplay and at the death and out bowled the men he usually operates in the shadows of – Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.Steyn’s return was thought to bolster South Africa’s attack but he had only a modest impact. Morkel had better success, but McLaren, often operating at third-change was the danger man. His unlikely rise to heroism is a sign South Africa’s talent identification and nurturing is working.The individual components of South Africa’s one-day outfit have only two major questions: how much longer will they wait on Jacques Kallis to find form and if he delivers against Zimbabwe will that be enough to continue benching Faf du Plessis? And how does Vernon Philander fit into the attack? The return of Lonwabo Tsotsobe to full fitness may make the latter a moot point.There has been a sense of community in South Africa’s performance, which should buy them some time in answering those questions. It could be picked up in how JP Duminy was careful in ensuring de Villiers got as much strike as possible in Hambantota, from how the irritation is subdued when a catch is dropped as De Kock found out when he failed to convert a chance Dale Steyn produced or when Kallis, despite not bowling himself, was seen offering advice to the rest of the attack.There’s also evidence that South Africa are having fun: They enjoyed a team dinner at Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene’s restaurant, Morkel flew kites in Colombo and Steyn, McLaren and Miller went for a stroll on the beach to do some bird-watching in Hambantota.Their maiden series win in Sri Lanka ranks highly not simply because it allows them to enter new territory and make history but it also helps them override the more recent past; a past many of them were part of. Returning to the scene of their most severe series defeats and emerging victorious this time is something to be savoured.But de Villiers knows it is just the start. “It’s not a World Cup but it’s a huge step in the right direction.” Now, South Africa have to stay the course.

From Brendan Layton, Australia
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves In lieu of England’s loss to South Africa, and KP’s declaration afterwards that if they play like they did in their consolation win they will beat Australia, I must warn England not

Cricinfo25-Feb-2013Brendan Layton, Australia
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves In lieu of England’s loss to South Africa, and KP’s declaration afterwards that if they play like they did in their consolation win they will beat Australia, I must warn England not to get too far ahead of themselves as they count down to the Ashes 2009 already. To be honest, I actually hadn’t been thinking about that particular series until KP came out with his quote of the week. I found it amazing that England had just lost a series to South Africa, dropping them to fifth on the ICC test rankings, they had a tough series against India approaching, and the next thing on their mind is the Ashes.This has been a systematic problem of English cricket. Only one opponent seems to matter anymore, and that is Australia, despite the fact that South Africa, India and Sri Lanka are now considered superior cricket teams. While the Ashes rivalry is the founding block of Test cricket, the nations that now play have improved and contributed healthily to modern game. For England to ignore India, for example, who defeated them in their backyard last year, as a threat, they are sowing seeds for a further drop down the ladder.The single-minded focus on the Ashes helped England win in 2005, yes. But on the way to that, they restructured their team to find the right combination and beat South Africa in South Africa and knocked off a majority of other competitors to claim 2nd place. Their victory was wildly praised and celebrated and in the ecstasy and overlong glory that followed, England lost their chance to secure their place at the top.Now that team is looking to 2009 and a lot has changed. KP is now captain, and while aggressive, we have yet to see whether he can marshal his troops and match wits with a strong Australian side. There is no Vaughan. No Trescothick. Several of the players who will play in that series were part of the squad that was humbled in 2006-2007 5-0. Several of the players have showed glimpses of ability but have failed to follow this through, classic examples being the graceful but spineless Ian Bell and the determined but technically flawed Alastair Cook. And there will be no opponent more relentless on exposing those problems than Australia. However, both England and Australia have a multitude of test series ahead of them that they should be focusing on instead.Australia has its mind set on what may be a spiteful series in India, followed by home series against New Zealand and the improving South African side. England should be focusing on their visit to India, the West Indies, and a prelude to the Ashes against the mighty Sri Lankas, who will surely be bringing their little pals Murali and Mendis. Then England can perhaps focus on the Ashes. Australia will only be thinking about hen the time comes to wage war once more in the middle. Until then there are more important things to focus on.

Pollard disappointed, but there was a Dilscoop, and sitting at The Oval on a summer’s evening is its own reward

Andy Ryan01-Jul-2011Choice of game
While I’m usually more of a County Championship fan, the batting power of these two sides tempted me. I wasn’t too worried about an epic battle between bat and ball; a boundary fiesta would do me just fine.Disappointment of the day
The sight of Kieron Pollard coming in to bat got me very excited. The big man swaggered to the crease, practising a host of bold-looking shots. I was confident that there was going to be carnage, and I got ready to take cover. Seven runs off six balls, with just one four, wasn’t even minor carnage.One thing I’d have changed
With so many good batsmen on show, it would have been great to see one of them go on and play a really special knock. Several made promising starts but none played a truly memorable innings.Playground memories
It’s very odd watching someone you know play professional sport; it’s like they’ve crossed over into another world. Zafar Ansari was a few years below me at school, and I can give you the not-very surprising scoop that he was rather good even then. Still only 19, he’s got prodigy written all over him. Brought on to bowl in the midst of a spell of Somerset dominance, he showed great nous and composure in stemming the flow of runs. Later on, he came to the crease with the game lost and made an accomplished 24. Remember the name.England’s loss is Somerset’s…
Just days after England’s Twenty20 openers failed to make an impact, former England opener Marcus Trescothick made it look so easy, despatching the bowling with calm authority.Key performer
Trescothick brought fireworks, but he departed with lots of hard work still to do. It was James Hildreth who carried the load. It was one of those odd innings where a player gets to 50 without you really noticing. There weren’t a huge number of boundaries but Hildreth kept the scoreboard ticking over, and set up the victory.Crowd meter
One small group, made bold through booze, would not give up trying to start a Mexican Wave. This was despite the fact that the rest of the crowd was evidently disinterested. They gave a very long and very loud countdown. Then with a large “whey”, they all stood up – only to be ignored by almost everyone. Appalled by the apathy of their fellow fans, they booed. This ritual was repeated on at least eight occasions. It never worked.I think it is fair to say that the weird cardboard rattle/fan things being given out did not catch on. I saw no one using them. Despite extensive experimentation I was unable to get a good noise out of mine.Shot of the day
Stuart Meaker is seriously quick. After seeing a bouncer fly past his head, Jos Butler was well aware of that, but that didn’t stop him from playing a ridiculously impudent Dilscoop. I don’t believe there is a more fun way to score four runs. Meaker, however, did get his revenge, having Buttler caught behind.Overall
After their bowlers hit back following Somerset’s belligerent start, Surrey’s batsmen utterly failed to turn this game into a contest. Their line-up performed a sort of lacklustre hara-kiri through a mix of unconvincing slogs and foolish stumpings.Marks out of 10
5. Surrey’s chase never really looked on, and that took the spice out of the contest. There were, however, enough moments of quality to keep a fan interested. Forgetting the cricket, sitting at The Oval under a sunset with a beer in hand is a fine way to spend any summer evening.

It would be ridiculous to suggest that a new world order is upon us but one thing has been re-established at Perth: Australia v India is the Test rivalry of the decade

Sambit Bal at the WACA19-Jan-2008

India achieved their win through teamwork and not individual brilliance © AFP
Australia must wonder why they always run into India when in full flow. The same opponents had halted them in 2001 by conjuring a miracle in Kolkata; now they have done one better by overwhelming them at the bastion of Australian supremacy. Perth didn’t quite live up to the hype, but it was still the paciest, bounciest track the Indians have experienced this summer and it is likely to remain so.More significantly, though, after a blip in Melbourne, a great rivalry has been restored to health. Just over four years ago India had taken a Test off Australia in Adelaide and now they have done it again. It would be ridiculous to suggest that a new world order is upon us but one thing has been re-established: Australia v India is the Test rivalry of the decade. England popped up spectacularly in 2005 but only India have been able to match, fight and beat Australia over a sustained period.Since India’s disastrous tour in 1991-92, the teams have met 21 times in Test cricket; the numbers now stand at 10-8 in Australia’s favour. In the corresponding period Australia’s record stands at 27-9 against England, 12-2 against Pakistan, 15-4 against South Africa and 9-1 against Sri Lanka. And India were the last team to humble Australia in a home Test.Till 2001, contests between India and Australia followed a familiar pattern: India were hopeless in Australia and Australia could never beat India in India. Steve Waugh’s team, though it lost that great series, actually started the change – Australia were two wicket-taking balls away from winning the series – and Sourav Ganguly’s Indians continued it during a magnificently competitive series in 2003-04.There was a real danger of this series ending as a washout. A less resilient side would have been shattered by the heartbreaking last-minute loss at Sydney, and the other distractions it brought. India are fortunate to have a man of Anil Kumble’s resolve and calm, and a bunch of steely senior players in the dressing room. Instead of licking their wounds when they retreated to Canberra after the stand-off, they renewed their spirit to fight on and found the calm to be able to do so. Kumble spoke after the win about the special bond within the team and this is as united a team as India have ever been.Kumble had no hesitation in ranking this win the greatest of his career and he is hardly off the mark. The good thing about this Indian side is that the wins have been getting better and better. Adelaide in 2003 was special because no one had given them a chance of competing against Australia before the series and, more so, because they were 85 for 4 in the first innings chasing 556. Like Kolkata, it had a touch of the miraculous to it. And of course, Australia had contributed to their defeat by some reckless batting.Not so here. This was a Test in which India looked Australia in the eye from the first session and never blinked. Apart from batting and bowling better than their opponents, they even caught more safely. Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid showed what difference technique can make by batting through a challenging period when Brett Lee and Stuart Clark were at their best on the first day; when they failed in the second innings VVS Laxman stood up. Virender Sehwag’s two wickets in successive overs hastened India’s win but his contribution with the bat was equally vital. He got India off to quick starts in both innings and in fact had looked to have regained his form in the second innings. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is still far from his booming best but this is his first tour of Australia and his restrained 38 in the second innings saved India from a collapse.This was a Test India dominated pretty much throughout. Apart from batting and bowling better than their opponents, they caught more safelyBut the bowlers won India the match and, staggeringly, they outbowled their rivals. Even more staggeringly the bowling line-up, had injury not intervened, would have read Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth and Munaf Patel. Rarely has the gap between expectation and delivery been so huge in a positive sense. Even though Perth was expected to deliver pace and bounce, the Indians always knew they had to do it with swing and, irrespective of what the pitch did, they were prepared to throw it up.Teamwork has been a feature of India’s recent wins and, as in Trent Bridge and Delhi, there were no singular performances here. Wasim Jaffer and Sourav Ganguly were the only failures of the match, and even Jaffer played his part in the first innings. It’s a sign of strength and a healthy departure from the not-so-distant past when they were over-reliant on individual brilliance.The result in Perth was also a victory for world cricket and there were few Australian journalists in the press box who were not alive to the fact; they were even prepared to rejoice over it. Australia’s dominance has been boring and unhealthy and, even though this is not a sign of a decline, to see them challenged itself is uplifting.The Australian season began in misery with Sri Lanka belying their promise. Now, Test cricket is alive again. The trophy has been won but there is a series that can be shared. Adelaide is a salivating prospect.

Earlier comprising just ODIs, the trophy will now be awarded for all white-ball series between the trans-Tasman rivals

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Feb-2024

The Chappell-Hadlee trophy, earlier awarded to the winner of bilateral ODI series between Australia and New Zealand, will now also be played for in T20I series between the trans-Tasman rivals, starting with the three-match contest beginning on Wednesday in Wellington.The change will also mean that when the two teams face off in back-to-back ODI and T20I series, there will be a points structure including both formats so as to prevent the trophy from changing hands within days.”It’s great that the trophy will have more visibility and profile. I like the new conditions too – especially in the event of back-to-back 20-over and 50-over series,” Sir Richard Hadlee was quoted as saying on behalf of his family in a release.Related

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“It means all games will continue to be relevant, and that the trophy will remain on the line for a longer period – plenty to play for.”Greg Chappell said he was “pleased” with the decision to include bilateral T20I series under the Chappell-Hadlee trophy.”I am a great believer in promoting young players through the pathways and national system and it will be particularly pleasing to see some young Australian players competing with their Kiwi counterparts for the trophy in years to come,” he was quoted as saying.