Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Shadows and glory – 5 iconic England vs Pakistan Test masterclasses

Shadows and glory – 5 iconic England vs Pakistan Test masterclasses

England are set to host Pakistan in a three Test series with games scheduled to be held at Headingley, Lords and Edgbaston. There have been many epic encounters between these two nations since Pakistan made their first foray into Test cricket back in 1952.

To date England and Pakistan have played each other 92 times with England winning 30 and Pakistan 23.

There have been 39 draws. Let’s take a moment to look back through the archives as we remember five of the all-time best performances from games between these two rivals.

1. The magician of The Oval: Fazal Mahmood (1954)

In only their fourth Test match on English soil, a young Pakistani side achieved the unthinkable by defeating a powerhouse England team at The Oval. The architect of this legendary victory was medium-pacer Fazal Mahmood.

In a low-scoring game, on a damp, treacherous surface, Mahmood bamboozled the English batsmen with his deadly leg-cutters. He picked up phenomenal figures of 6/53 in the first innings and backed it up with an even better 6/46 in the second.

His match haul of 12 for 99 secured a historic 24-run victory, proving that Pakistan belonged on the world stage.

2. The golden arm and the double-ton at Lord’s (1982)

Pakistan had not tasted a Test victory in England for 28 long years until they arrived at Lord’s in the summer of 1982.

While Imran Khan marshalled the side as captain, it was opening batsman Mohsin Khan who laid a magnificent platform for his team by grinding out a masterful, eight-hour 200 in the first innings.

The defining drama, however, came on the final day. With two of Pakistan’s frontline seamers sidelined with injuries, part-time medium-pacer Mudassar Nazar stepped up to produce an unexpected spell that earned him the nickname “The Man with the Golden Arm.”

Nazar tore through the heart of England’s batting order to pick up career-best figures of 6 for 32. His gentle, pinpoint bowling triggered an extraordinary second-innings collapse, sealing a famous 10-wicket victory at the Home of Cricket.

Also read: Masterful milestones – the 7 highest Test scores against Australia down under since 2000

3. Wasim and Waqar’s reverse swing masterclass (1992)

The 1992 tour of England is remembered for introducing the mainstream cricketing world to the dark art of reverse swing. At Lord’s, the legendary duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were at their devastating best.

England had conceded a 38-run lead after the first innings were completed, but they were slowly going about building a useful lead as they reached 148 for five with Alec Stewart well set.

What followed was total carnage as Wasim and Waqar made the old ball talk, producing late, unplayable inswinging yorkers at extreme pace. They took the final five wickets for just 27 runs, bundling England out for 175.

On a deteriorating pitch, the England collapse and the small first innings lead meant Pakistan were just able to squeeze to victory with eight wickets down when they finally got the job done.

Wasim Akram who ended the game with six wickets was the man at the crease, undefeated on 45 when the game came to an end.

4. The Rawalpindi run-fest and Jack Leach’s heroics (2022)

In one of the most bizarre and thrilling Test matches ever played, England’s “Bazball” revolution met the flat tracks of Rawalpindi. England smashed a monumental 657 runs in their first innings at more than six runs an over.

However, the real masterpiece happened on day five. On a lifeless pitch, Ben Stokes made a daring declaration, leaving Pakistan to chase 343.

As the sun set rapidly on the final evening, spinner Jack Leach trapped Naseem Shah LBW with only minutes of light remaining, sealing a famous 74-run win in the dying gloom. In total there were seven centuries scored on a wicket that was a true batter’s paradise.

5. Multan’s historical triple-century: Harry Brook (2024)

History was rewritten in Multan during the 2024 tour. After Pakistan piled on a massive first-innings score of 556, England responded with an aggressive, record-breaking onslaught.

Middle-order dynamo Harry Brook played the innings of his life, blasting a sensational 317 off just 322 balls. Alongside Joe Root (who struck 262), Brook dismantled the Pakistani bowling attack to guide England to a mammoth 823/7 declared.

This incredible batting performance set up an unimaginable innings-and-47-run victory.

Read next: A tale of two timelines – Bangladesh’s golden dawn and Australia’s creaking sunset

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Monday, August 17, 2026

How good was Hasan Mahmud? The 7 best Test bowling performances against Australia this century

How good was Hasan Mahmud? The 7 best Test bowling performances against Australia this century

Bangladesh opening bowler Hasan Mahmud was in superb form on the opening day of the first Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Darwin as he ripped through the Baggy Green batting line-up, returning figures of six for 55 from his 17 overs.

Playing in just his 15th Test and with a modest career average, the spell represented the best figures of his young Test career. But how do they compare with the great performances produced against Australia in the modern era?

Since 2000, Australia have been one of the most dominant Test cricket sides in world cricket, making outstanding bowling displays against them particularly memorable. Here are seven of the finest innings returns recorded against Australia this century.

1. Stuart Broad: 8 for 15, Trent Bridge, 2015

This remains the benchmark. Broad produced one of the most devastating spells in Test history during the Ashes at Trent Bridge, reducing Australia to 60 all out inside a session.

Swinging the ball late and relentlessly attacking the stumps, Broad claimed eight wickets for just 15 runs in 9.3 overs. It was not merely a great performance against Australia; it was one of the greatest fast bowling displays the game has ever seen.

2. Harbhajan Singh: 8 for 84, Chennai, 2001

Harbhajan’s spell came during the famous 2001 Border-Gavaskar series that changed Indian cricket history.

Bowling on a wearing Chennai surface, he dismantled a powerful Australia batting order that included Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh.

His off-spin, bounce and control were exceptional, and the performance helped India to secure a memorable victory.

Also read: Masterful milestones – the 7 highest Test scores against Australia down under since 2000

3. Anil Kumble: 8 for 141, Kolkata, 2004

Kumble’s figures were far more expensive than the others on this list, but they came in a marathon effort against a formidable Australian side. He bowled tirelessly across a huge innings, taking eight wickets through persistence, accuracy and subtle variation.

It was a classic Kumble performance, built on endurance as much as skill.

4. Ravindra Jadeja: 7 for 42, Delhi, 2023

Another Indian spinner, Jadeja was almost unplayable in Delhi during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Exploiting turn and variable bounce, he ripped through Australia’s middle and lower order to finish with seven for 42.

The spell highlighted his transformation from a supporting spinner into one of the most complete bowlers in world cricket.

5. Rangana Herath: 7 for 64, Galle, 2016

Herath tormented Australia in Galle with a masterclass in left-arm spin. Using drift, dip and sharp turn, he repeatedly drew Australian batters into mistakes and finished with seven for 64.

The spell underlined why Herath became one of Sri Lanka’s greatest spin bowlers after Muttiah Muralitharan’s retirement.

6. Matt Henry: 7 for 67, Christchurch, 2024

Henry’s performance in Christchurch was a reminder that Australia can still be overwhelmed by high-quality seam bowling in helpful conditions.

Extracting movement off the pitch and through the air, he removed several key batters and kept New Zealand competitive throughout the innings. It was one of the best fast-bowling performances by a New Zealander against Australia in modern times.

7. Shamar Joseph: 7 for 68, Brisbane, 2024

Joseph’s spell at the Gabba was extraordinary for both its quality and its context.

Playing with a painful toe injury, the young West Indian quick produced a spell of pace, aggression and heart to bowl Australia out and secure a famous West Indies victory.

The performance instantly became part of Caribbean cricket folklore.

Where does Hasan Mahmud fit in?

Hasan Mahmud’s six for 55 does not yet displace any of the seven performances above, but it belongs in the conversation. Compared with Broad’s 8 for 15 or Harbhajan’s 8 for 84, it falls short in scale and historical impact.

Yet for a bowler with limited Test experience to take six wickets against Australia on Australian soil is a significant achievement – notably each of the top six best returns were achieved with Australia playing away from home.

What makes Hasan’s effort stand out is the stage. Australia rarely lose early wickets in home conditions, and visiting seamers often struggle for sustained success there.

His six for 55 is already among the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi bowler against Australia and offers a glimpse of what he might achieve as his career develops.

Read next: A tale of two timelines – Bangladesh’s golden dawn and Australia’s creaking sunset

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Wednesday, August 12, 2026

The elite 6 – Every year-end No. 1 ODI batter since 2008

The elite 6 – Every year-end No. 1 ODI batter since 2008

As we all know the ICC ranks its member nations and their players across all formats. As it stands India are the top ranked ODI cricket side, England are top in T20I, and Australia top the Test rankings.

Players are tracked and ranked as batsmen, bowlers and allrounders. As each game is completed the rankings are updated and positions shift and it’s safe to say that there is a considerable amount of up and down on the rankings.

But what is fascinating, is that if you put a stick in the ground, and you use the year end as a marker, then since 2008, only six players have been top of the ICC ODI batting rankings.

Let’s take a moment to look back over the last 18 years to see the players who have dominated the rankings and been top at the end of each calendar year.

1. MS Dhoni (India): Two years (2008, 2009)

The legendary wicketkeeper and finisher supreme ruled the fifty over format at the start of this era, holding the coveted top spot at the conclusion of both 2008 and 2009.

Finishing his ODI career with a remarkable batting average of 50.57, Dhoni was universally famous for his ice-cold demeanour under extreme pressure and his unparalleled ability to calculate successful run chases.

A standout knock from his reign was his masterclass 101 not out against Sri Lanka in 2010, which perfectly highlighted his clinical finishing ability – and his unique ability to remain undefeated.

2. Hashim Amla (South Africa): Three years (2010-2012)

The elegant South Africa opener took control of the rankings for three consecutive years from 2010 through 2012. He maintained a stellar career ODI average of 49.46 and became the fastest batsman to reach multiple milestone aggregates in cricket history.

His immaculate consistency at the top of the order provided South Africa with a rock-solid platform, beautifully illustrated by his spectacular 150 against England at Southampton in 2012.

3. AB de Villiers (South Africa): Four years (2013-2016)

Affectionately known as Mr 360, this genius batsman dominated the global standings for four consecutive calendar years between 2013 and 2016. De Villiers possessed an extraordinary career average of 53.50 and completely reinvented limited overs batting.

His defining moment at number one was smashing the world record for the fastest ODI century, blistering 149 runs off just 44 balls against the West Indies in 2015.

Also read: When will India let go of Gautam Gambhir?

4. Virat Kohli (India): Four years (2017-2020)

The modern maestro took the baton from De Villiers and enjoyed a phenomenal four year run at the absolute peak from 2017 to 2020. Kohli maintained an astonishing batting average of 58.07, elevating run chasing to an art form.

His relentless hunger for centuries solidified his status as an all-time great, emphasized by his magnificent 160 not out against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018.

5. Babar Azam (Pakistan): Three years (2021-23)

The Pakistani superstar disrupted the Indian and South African duopoly by finishing at the peak for consecutive years spanning 2021 to 2023. Carrying an impressive ODI batting average of 56.72, Babar provided his team with world class stability.

His masterclass 158 against England at Birmingham remains a signature standout performance during his prolonged peak.

6. Rohit Sharma (India): One year (2025)

The current Indian captain and explosive opening batsman earned his spot at the pinnacle by finishing as the top ranked ODI batter for the calendar year of 2025.

Famously known as the Hitman, Rohit pairs a magnificent 49.12 average with an elite ability to destroy bowling attacks for India.

His elite pedigree was perfectly demonstrated by his brutal 131 against Afghanistan, proving that his world class ability remains permanent at the highest level of international cricket.

Read next: England and India’s most classic white-ball finishes

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South Africa’s 9 captains in last 2 years – unheralded spinner is surprising latest pick

South Africa’s 9 captains in last 2 years – unheralded spinner is surprising latest pick

South Africa named their squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Namibia and Zimbabwe with Bjorn Fortuin named as skipper. With different teams for different formats and with a heavy rotation policy to manage player load, the Proteas have been led by a huge number of different players in the last year. Let’s take a quick look at all the different players who have skippered the Proteas since the start of 2025.

 Temba Bavuma (Tests & ODIs)

The primary anchor of the Proteas leadership group, Temba Bavuma, has remained the default long-form and 50-over leader when fit. But fitness has been a consistent issue. Navigating various away tours and key ICC World Test Championship cycles, Bavuma provides the tactical stability Cricket South Africa relies on amidst a wave of experimental rest periods for key multi-format superstars. A sensational leader, Bavuma has yet to taste defeat as a Test captain.

Aiden Markram (T20Is & Tests)

Serving as South Africa’s regular T20I skipper, Aiden Markram led the team through major global campaigns and bilateral series in the shortest format. He also stepped up as the stand-in captain in Test cricket whenever Bavuma was sidelined with injuries, maintaining continuity in intent and aggression across both the red and white-ball teams.

Wiaan Mulder (Tests)

One of the most jaw-dropping captaincy cameos came in July 2025 during the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Handed the reins for the first time in his 21st match, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder played a legendary captain’s knock, smashing an unbeaten 367 runs off 334 balls as he registered the fifth-highest individual Test score in cricket history. In a supreme display of team-first leadership, Mulder declared at lunch on day two just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s all-time world record of 400 to hunt for a victory.

Keshav Maharaj (Tests, ODIs, & T20Is)

South Africa’s premier spin general Keshav Maharaj has been the ultimate fallback captain across all three formats. Known for his calm demeanour and astute understanding of field placements, Maharaj skippered crucial matches in 2025, ensuring the Proteas never missed a beat when Markram or Bavuma were rested.

Matthew Breetzke (ODIs)

As heavy player management became the norm, top-order batter Matthew Breetzke earned the honour of becoming South Africa’s 20th ODI captain. Breetzke, who enjoyed a historic start to his standard 50-over career with a record-setting string of consecutive half-centuries, proved that Cricket South Africa’s grooming process for young leadership is working flawlessly.

Rassie van der Dussen (ODIs & T20Is)

The experienced middle-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen was drafted into the hot seat during transitional white-ball assignments. His cool head and meticulous planning allowed senior selectors to safely rest first-choice players without sacrificing the competitive edge expected from a Proteas side.

David Miller (ODIs & T20Is)

The legendary finisher “Killer Miller” lent his massive wealth of international experience to the captaincy ledger during highly specific rest windows. David Miller has skippered standard international squads and provided crucial field guidance to young bowling line-ups navigating high-pressure death overs.

Donovan Ferreira (T20Is)

Illustrating just how deep the rotation structure goes, explosive utility player Donovan Ferreira was officially added to South Africa’s elite captaincy ranks as the 17th T20I captain in the nation’s history. Ferreira took charge during rapid-fire bilateral T20I matches to let core regulars recuperate.

Bjorn Fortuin (T20Is & ODIs)

The newest man on the list is left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin, who has officially been named the 18th T20I and 21st ODI captain for South Africa. He leads a hungry, youth-heavy 15-player contingent heading to Windhoek for a multi-format tour against Namibia and Zimbabwe. Known as a proven champion at the domestic level with the Lions, Fortuin’s appointment highlights a dynamic era where leadership opportunities are shared widely to protect the game’s brightest assets.

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Thursday, August 6, 2026

The quiet catalyst – taking a moment to appreciate Shukri Conrad

The quiet catalyst – taking a moment to appreciate Shukri Conrad

The international cricket coaching landscape currently resembles a game of musical chairs. Stephen Fleming has taken over as the new Test coach of England, replacing the brilliant but often controversial Brendon McCullum, who now retreats to the white ball setup.

At the same time, massive systemic dissatisfaction and immense public scrutiny are brewing in India over their coaching direction. In times of global leadership transition, it’s valuable to take a look at the situation on the home front.

South Africans should take a moment to truly appreciate what they have in Shukri Conrad. While some nations chase flashy headlines, the Proteas possess a quiet catalyst who embodies the true spirit of collective sportsmanship.

A cricket coach should always be a steady figure working diligently in the background. If a coach is hogging the headlines, then something is fundamentally wrong with the team dynamics.

Modern cricket media loves a maverick mastermind, but a leader who outshines the team can inadvertently absorb the oxygen needed for actual growth. Conrad balances this reality perfectly by intentionally keeping the spotlight away from himself.

Also read: When will India let go of Gautam Gambhir?

By operating from the shadows, he ensures that the public focus remains strictly on the unfolding action on the pitch rather than on the off-field coaching philosophies or personal eccentricities.

This background presence reinforces the most crucial tenet of any successful sports culture. It is never about the coach, and it is never about the individual players, because it is always about the team.

When a locker room embraces this hierarchy, egos melt away and a singular purpose emerges. Conrad understands this balance deeply and has created a culture where collective triumph supersedes personal milestones.

Under his guidance, individual stars do not play for personal accolades, and the coaching staff does not hunt for personal vindication.

The entire apparatus exists solely to serve the badge. South Africa may be the World Test Champions, but nobody has ever suggested that they have reached the top by playing ShukriBall (or for that matter BavumaBall).

The primary job of a national coach is to ensure that the team functions as effectively as possible. This requires meticulous preparation, quiet tactical astuteness, and an unwavering commitment to structural health.

Conrad brings an unparalleled domestic pedigree to the role, having coached at youth, academy, and franchise levels before ascending to the national side.

This deep knowledge allows him to manage player workloads, design optimal training regimens, and implement clear game plans without creating unnecessary noise or disruption. Efficiency, not spectacle, remains his primary goal.

Crucially, an effective coach must make his players feel backed and believed in. Test cricket is a brutal mental battle, and a player who feels insecure about his position cannot perform at his peak. Conrad excels at instilling this vital psychological safety.

He provides clear communication, shows immense loyalty to his selections, and acts as a protective shield against external media criticism. When athletes know that their leader genuinely believes in their ability, they play with greater freedom and courage.

This appreciation is not to say that McCullum was a bad coach for England. His explosive era brought immense excitement to the game.

However, as England undergoes complex structural changes and India grapples with coaching discontent, South Africa sits in a position of rare stability.

Conrad offers exactly what the Proteas need right now, which is substance over style, and stability over hype. South Africans should celebrate having a leader who understands his true purpose, and in turn they should look forward to what the summer ahead will bring.

Read next: England and India’s most classic white-ball finishes

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Brendon McCullum has lost the red-ball job, but is it time his white-ball gig with England goes to?

Brendon McCullum has lost the red-ball job, but is it time his white-ball gig with England goes to?

The sweeping revolution known as Bazball reached a sudden and dramatic conclusion in English Test cricket.

Following a turbulent run of seven defeats in nine matches, the England and Wales Cricket Board pulled the trigger on head coach Brendon McCullum’s tenure, relieving him of his red ball duties.

The charismatic New Zealander, who originally took over the Test squad before expanding his empire to inherit the limited-overs teams in early 2025, now finds himself in a fascinating professional paradox.

While his red ball tenure collapsed under the weight of heavy defeats against top sides, his white ball trajectory tells an entirely different story. This striking divergence raises a crucial question for English cricket: is McCullum better suited for the shorter formats of the game?

The tale of the win percentages

When assessing the raw data, McCullum leaves the Test arena with a respectable but ultimately flawed record. Across 49 Test matches in charge, he secured 27 victories alongside 20 defeats and a mere two draws, yielding a win rate slightly above 55 percent.

While this initially looked impressive for a side that had won just once in 17 matches before his arrival, the formula eventually stagnated.

Conversely, his white ball tenure has offered immediate numerical validation.

Despite a group stage exit at the 2025 Champions Trophy, he quickly rallied his troops, steering the Twenty20 squad to a ruthless peak that culminated in England claiming the top spot in the global rankings.

Key victories and the evolution of intent

The high points of his Test career were defined by breathtaking, historic chases.

Early in his tenure, McCullum oversaw dominant 3-0 sweeps against New Zealand and Pakistan, including a memorable day in Rawalpindi where England smashed 500 runs in a single day of Test cricket.

Yet, his white ball achievements feel more structurally sustainable. His crowning achievement came in the immediate lead-up to his Test dismissal, masterminding a resounding 4-0 demolition of India in a T20 series.

This clinical performance showed that while his ultra-aggressive style may be unsustainable over five gruelling days, it serves as a perfect blueprint for short-form dominance.

Also read: When will India let go of Gautam Gambhir?

 Standout moments and final hurdles

Every coaching era is judged by its defining moments. For McCullum’s Test side, the peak was arguably the thrilling 2-2 home Ashes draw in 2023, where fearlessness captured the public imagination.

However, the modern red ball era fell apart through a brutal 4-1 away Ashes defeat in Australia and a 2-1 home series loss against New Zealand.

In stark contrast, his white ball standout moment involves navigating the team to the semi-finals of the recent T20 World Cup, pushing eventual champions India to the limit.

The verdict

Ultimately, the limitations of Bazball in Test cricket became its undoing. The five-day game demands patience, tactical flexibility, and physical endurance, qualities that were occasionally rejected by McCullum’s rigid commitment to constant attack.

Limited-overs cricket, by its very nature, provides the perfect canvas for his philosophies. In the shorter formats, there is no need to preserve wickets for days or ponder complex declarations; every ball demands the exact aggression McCullum personifies.

Freed from the relentless scrutiny of the red ball role, the Kiwi looks perfectly primed to lead England toward silverware at the 2027 World Cup.

Read next: England and India’s most classic white-ball finishes

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Tuesday, July 28, 2026

5 classic white-ball finishes between England and India

5 classic white-ball finishes between England and India

When England and India clash in white-ball cricket, scripts are thrown out the window. They add to a rich history of dramatic, down-to-the-wire encounters.

From iconic modern chases to high-stakes tournament finals, matches between these nations routinely produce legendary finishes.

Here are five of the most unforgettable, heart-stopping limited-overs conclusions that cricket fans will never forget.

1. NatWest Series final (2002, Lord’s)

Chasing a mammoth 326 at the Home of Cricket felt impossible in 2002. When India slumped to 146-5, England looked completely out of reach. Enter young guns Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif.

The duo launched a fearless, counterattacking 121-run partnership. Even after Yuvraj fell, Kaif anchored the tail with masterclass composure.

With just two balls to spare, India scrambled the winning runs, prompting captain Sourav Ganguly’s iconic, shirt-waving celebration on the Lord’s balcony.

2. World Cup tie (2011, Bengaluru)

This group-stage masterpiece remains one of the greatest World Cup games ever played. Andrew Strauss played the innings of his life, smashing 158 as England boldly chased India’s formidable 338.

A late-order collapse turned a comfortable English victory into a chaotic, final-over scramble.

With Needing 14 from the final over bowled by Munaf Patel, Graeme Swann and Ajmal Shahzad held their nerve, with Swann striking an early boundary before England secured a remarkable tie on 338.

Also read: Ranked – Ben Stokes compared to arguably the best all-rounder in Test cricket history

3. Champions Trophy final (2013, Birmingham)

Rain reduced this marquee final to a frantic 20-overs-a-side shootout. India scraped together a modest 129, and England looked primed for victory with Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara cruising. However, MS Dhoni’s tactical genius turned the tide.

Ishant Sharma struck twice in two balls, triggering a sudden, panicked English collapse. Needing six from the final ball, James Tredwell could only manage a single from Ravichandran Ashwin, sealing India’s five-run victory.

4. T20 World Cup semi-final (2022, Adelaide)

While not a traditional final-over thriller, this match was a masterclass in sheer, ruthless dominance. India posted a competitive 168, relying on a late surge from Hardik Pandya. What followed was an absolute demolition.

England openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales put on an unbeaten 170-run partnership, chasing down the target with four overs to spare. The flawless 10-wicket victory shocked Indian fans and propelled England directly toward the T20 World Cup trophy.

5. ODI series decider (2021, Pune)

The final match of this thrilling three-game series went right to the absolute limit. India set England a target of 330, but a disciplined bowling display left England reeling at 200-7. Sam Curran then played a heroic, lone-warrior innings, scoring an unbeaten 95 from number eight.

England dragged themselves to the final over needing 14 runs. Thangarasu Natarajan held his nerve brilliantly, repeatedly landing his yorkers to secure a seven-run victory. Curran finished undefeated with one of the greatest England knocks in a losing cause.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

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