YOUSUF: ALI'S GOT REASON TO BE PROUD

SAJ SADIQ discusses the main talking points from the series with former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yussuf

Silverwood has plenty to ponder for Ashes series

FOR England coach Chris Silverwood, trying to pick a team to win in the here and now while also planning ahead for next year’s Ashes series in Australia, is a difficult balancing act.

BEEFY'S RIGHT, STOKES IS BEST WE'VE EVER HAD

A crack of Ben Stokes’ bat on the ball; a nanosecond of hush, an eruption of noise from the Headingley crowd almost matched by a roar from the man himself and the completion of England’s highest run chase in Test cricket in one of the greatest matches ever played, let alone in an Ashes series.

Is it now time to introduce the pink ball?

FRUSTRATION was the word on everyone’s lips after the second Test between England and Pakistan limped towards its drawn conclusion.

Lees lashes out again as leaders are given target

ALEX Lees continued his strong form in the Bob Willis Trophy with a third half-century on an even opening day between Derbyshire and Durham.

FOR ONCE, AUSSIE EYES ARE ON THE WHITE BALL

In Australia, during normal times, cricket coverage is almost totally neglected during the winter off-season. These are, of course, not normal times and Australian cricket has been in the news for mostly the wrong reasons.

Captain Adam aims to keep his Steelbacks on right track

FROM the great highs of 2019, Northamptonshire have been brought back down to earth this year.

BAME PLAYERS COULD BE LOST TO THE GAME

RICHARD EDWARDS tells how this summer might change the recreational game for good – and bad

ALAM'S BIG COMEBACK IS ALMOST IMMEDIATE

Following Fawad Alam’s recall to the Pakistan side after over ten years and 88 Tests, Roderick Easdale reflects on some other Test careers weirdly interrupted or abruptly curtailed

Our Honour To Be Playing For Bob, Says Richardson

ALAN Richardson revealed how much Worcestershire’s players feel “honoured and privileged” to perform in a competition named after the late, great Bob Willis following their sun-drenched draw with Glamorgan.

Record duo etch names alongside the greats

UNTIL this week just one huge figure had dominated the thoughts of commentators able to watch cricket behind Covid-19’s close doors.

Sibley aiming to ensure Sri Lanka won't get him in a spin this winter

FOR Dom Sibley, there is just one more Test match this summer, against Pakistan in Southampton starting on Friday, and then the biggest challenge of his career – playing spin in Asian conditions.

Patterson proud but Notts' wait continues

CAPTAIN Steve Patterson praised the character of his Yorkshire side after this impressive come from-behind victory left Nottinghamshire still waiting for a first first-class success since June 2018.

NOOYI WOULD BREAK DOWN ALL BARRIERS

Politicking is heating up for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) top job. After the resignation of Shashank Manohar, whose two-term tenure was notable for alleviating the stranglehold of the mighty BCCI, the race has been on to find his successor.

Magic Malan claims hero status with a timely ton

DAWID Malan scored his first Yorkshire century as the White Rose took control of their North Group top-of-the-table clash with Derbyshire at Headingley.

FOUR-DAY TESTS MAY JUST BE WORTH A GO

Sometimes a small piece of information is required to highlight a bigger problem. It was the case this week when Mohammad Isam, the esteemed Dhaka-based writer for ESPNcricinfo, tweeted that when Bangladesh tour Sri Lanka in October, it will be the first time they have taken part in a three-Test series for six years. Now, I’ve written and complained about Bangladesh’s treatment for years, but never has anything earned as much traction as my re-posting of this fact, noting that it is a reminder of how poorly Bangladesh are treated.

FINAL HOPES WASHED AWAY!

Rain hits England World bid

ENGLAND MUST TAP IN TO JIMMY'S KNOW HOW

James Anderson’s response to having his future once again called into question after the first Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford was everything we have come to expect of England’s greatest pace bowler.

DADA DOING HIS PEOPLE PROUD!

GARFIELD ROBINSON explains how adopting a new style has transformed Jermaine Blackwood

Science Of Swing Not A Grey Area!

Tradition dictates that cloudy skies cause the ball to move sideways. But Garfield Robinson reveals it’s all a myth

Ton-up Tim makes big impression on Farbrace

WARWICKSHIRE got an instant return on their investment in Tim Bresnan as the former England all-rounder marked his debut with his first century in four years.

VAUGHAN'S RIGHT, BABAR IS TURNING IN TO A SUPERSTAR

Derek Pringle discusses whether Pakistan’s latest batting sensation Babar Azam really belongs among the world’s elite

Rushworth upstaged as Fisher reels Durham in

IN a match where one of the greats of the county game over the last decade recorded 500 first-class wickets, an exciting seamer on the rise proved to be the match winner.

REECE'S BACK IN THE SWING – WITH A NEW LEASE OF LIFE

Richard Edwards meets the bowler who has rediscovered his love for the game after very nearly quitting

LEGACY OF CAPTAIN JOE IS ON THE LINE!

JAMES WALLACE says the next year and a half will decide how history judges Joe Root’s captaincy of England

Heroic stand puts England in dreamland

THIS match will forever be known as the Miracle of Manchester as England, seemingly dead and buried on at least three occasions during this absorbing First Test, somehow contrived to pull off an improbable three-wicket win against Pakistan.

Clarke is still learning from youngsters at the age of 38!

THEY say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but try telling that to Surrey veteran Rikki Clarke.

BOLD BUTTLER SEIZES HIS CHANCE OF A REPRIEVE

Jos Buttler strode into the ‘Last Chance Saloon’ yesterday and, dispensing with all caution, played the innings that may just have extended his Test match career.

Andersson resistance frustrates Hampshire

A CAREER-BEST knock from Martin Andersson helped Middlesex recover from a sloppy start to their innings and post a middling 252 all out against Hampshire at Radlett.

Repay The Favour And Help Us Out Of Our Crisis

In years to come this series will be remembered for the performances of England’s Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad. Yet, it will be the contribution of West Indies that will live longest in the memory.