Cricket conversations
We review the fifth Test between Australia and India in Sydney where Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a thrilling three-day win. Talking Points: Australia’s superior bowling depth wins the day The remarkable Mr Boland India’s muddled approach to this series: neither batting heavy nor bowling heavy Why didn’t India
We review the the first Test between Australia and India at Perth – a remarkable game where the ball dominated the bat… until it did not. Talking Points: The significance (and surprise) of India’s 295-run victory at Perth The toss advantage, and how India made the most of it Watching
We preview the upcoming five-Test series between Australia and India. Talking Points: The marketing of the India v Australia rivalry: and its evolution over the years The profusion of India-Australia cricket in the last 25 years – and the relative dearth in the 15 years prior The influence of Kerry
We review the third Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai where Ajaz Patel bowled New Zealand to an incredible win. Talking Points: Is this the finest Test series win of all time? New Zealand overcome great odds in dream sequence The categories of outrage accompanying an Indian defeat
We review the final of the T20 World Cup and end of India’s wait for an ICC trophy. Talking Points: How trophy wins don’t define India’s legacy. The unfairness of labelling South Africa chokers. The peerless Bumrah. Virat Kohli’s change of approach and his great swansong T20 innings
We review the Super 8 phase of the T20 World Cup and touch upon Afghanistan’s glorious triumph, India’s sweet win against Australia, and the hopes for the semis and final. Talking Points: Afghanistan’s historic wins over Australia and Bangladesh Gurbaz and Zadran – the rocks around Afghanistan’s journey Playing their
We review the first two weeks of the T20 World Cup and chat about the heartwarming performances of USA and other Associate teams. Plus Pakistan’s insistence on opening with Babar and Rizwan; Kohli’s attempts to change; Pant’s hitting training; and the umpiring decision that Bangladesh are furious about. Talking Points:
The 2024 edition of the IPL has seen hitters step up to a new level – with 200-plus totals becoming routine and 200-plus chases being achieved too. Is this an inflection point for the format? And how should we be talking about the sport if this is the new normal?
How much does bowling matter in T20s and how does one measure the potency of a bowler in this format? What are the measures of excellence for a T20 bowler? Talking Points: How does one describe a good T20 bowler? Is it possible to separate actions and outcomes for T20
We review the two-Test series between South Africa and India – which ended 1-1 after a bowler-dominated shootout in Cape Town. Talking Points: India’s missed opportunity to finally win a series in SA Why the Cape Town pitch backfired on South Africa India’s lack of fast bowling depth – a
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