Golden oldies – 7 oldest cricketers to ever play a men’s ODI

Zimbabwe have named veterans Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer in their team to face Australia. It goes without saying that the duo, who made their respective ODI debuts in April 2004 and January 2009, are old. In fact, when Taylor was making his international debut for Zimbabwe, his current teammates Newman Nyamhuri and Brian Bennett hadn’t even been born.

It brings us to the question of who are the oldest players ever to appear in an ODI for a full member side? While neither Taylor nor Cremer make the list, they are not far off a place in the top team; which, curiously, is topped by a Zimbabwean. From spin wizards defying Father Time to legendary captains answering an emergency SOS call, let’s take a look at the seven oldest players in the history of ODI cricket from Full Member nations.

 

John Traicos (Zimbabwe) – 45 years, 312 days

The Match: versus India (25 March 1993)

Sitting comfortably atop this timeless mountain is the legendary off-spinner John Traicos. Born in Egypt, Traicos boasts one of the most resilient CVs in international cricket history. He actually made his Test debut for South Africa in 1970 before their apartheid-era isolation, only to re-emerge more than two decades later representing Zimbabwe on the global stage. When he walked onto the field against India in 1993 at nearly 46 years of age, he didn’t just participate; he was still an elite asset, regularly choking opposing batsmen with his metronomic accuracy and proving that class truly is permanent.

Norman Gifford (England) – 44 years, 361 days

The Match: versus Pakistan (26 March 1985)

Norman Gifford was a fierce, orthodox left-arm spinner who spent decades torturing batsmen in English county cricket. His international ODI career was remarkably limited, but it culminated in a historic golden hour just four days shy of his 45th birthday. Captaining England in the Rothmans Four-Nations Cup in Sharjah against Pakistan, Gifford bowed out of international cricket at an age when most of his peers were long settled into the commentary box. He remains England’s oldest-ever ODI representative. He is not just the second oldest player ever to play an ODI, he is also the oldest ever ODI debutant. It is worth noting that while Gifford was late to the ODI party, he had made his Test debut for England 21 years previously in 1964. He played 25 Tests for England to go with his two ODIs.

Somachandra de Silva (Sri Lanka) – 42 years, 261 days

The Match: versus West Indies (27 February 1985)

Long before Muttiah Muralitharan took over the world, Somachandra de Silva was the premier spin bowler for Sri Lanka during their transition into a Full Member Test nation. A master of leg-break bowling, de Silva made his ODI debut well into his thirties. By the time he faced a fearsome West Indies lineup in World Championship of Cricket clash in Melbourne in 1985, he was nearly 43. Despite his advanced age, his shrewd tactical brain and sharp variations made him a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s early golden era.

Bob Taylor (England) – 42 years, 223 days

The Match: versus New Zealand (25 February 1984)

Widely regarded as one of the most technically flawless wicketkeepers England has ever produced, Bob Taylor was the ultimate model of longevity. Standing behind the stumps requires immense physical fitness, flexibility, and razor-sharp reflexes; all traits that Taylor maintained deep into his forties. His final ODI appearance came against New Zealand in 1984, where his neat glovework and veteran presence anchored the English side, setting a physical benchmark for modern keepers everywhere.

Clive Rice (South Africa) – 42 years, 114 days

The Match: versus India (14 November 1991)

Clive Rice’s inclusion on this list is both historic and bittersweet. One of the greatest all-rounders of his generation, Rice lost the prime of his career due to South Africa’s sporting isolation. When the nation was finally readmitted to international cricket in late 1991, Rice was justly named captain for their historic, emotional three-match ODI tour of India. At 42 years old, he finally got to display his fierce, competitive drive on the international stage, making his debut and his final appearances on the exact same tour, in what was more a gesture of respect from the selectors than anything else. After Norman Gifford, Rice is the second oldest player to ever make an ODI debut.

Fred Titmus (England) – 42 years, 105 days

The Match: versus New Zealand (9 March 1975)

Fred Titmus was an exceptionally tough competitor whose career survived a horrific boating accident in 1968 where he lost four toes. Defying medical odds, the off-spinner and handy lower-order batsman fought his way back to the highest level. His final ODI appearance came during England’s 1975 tour of New Zealand. Titmus’s inclusion in the early days of one-day international cricket proved that elite spin and tactical discipline could effortlessly cross generation gaps.

Bob Simpson (Australia) – 42 years, 68 days

The Match: versus West Indies (12 April 1978)

Bob Simpson’s appearance on this list is the result of one of the most famous rescue missions in cricket history. Ten years after originally retiring, Simpson was asked to return at age 41 to captain an Australian side completely depleted by the World Series Cricket schism. He answered the SOS call, leading a team of rookies against the brutal, world-conquering West Indies team. His final ODI in April 1978 capped off an extraordinary act of selflessness and enduring athletic greatness.

The post Golden oldies – 7 oldest cricketers to ever play a men’s ODI appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/6RCS0iI

Passing the baton – 7 stars waiting to inherit Rohit Sharma’s ODI mantle

As the cycles turn and thoughts gradually shift toward building a bulletproof squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, the future of India’s iconic opening slot has become a burning talking point.

Rohit Sharma has anchored the 50-over side with a legendary blend of early patience and devastating acceleration, but the relentless ticking of the clock means the transition blueprint must be drawn now.  Rohit hasn’t retired yet, but there are rumours aplenty.

Replacing a man who makes ODI double-centuries look routine is a monumental task that requires more than just raw boundary-hitting ability.

It demands an appreciation for building an innings over 50 overs, navigating the shifting fields of the middle phase, and adapting to global conditions. Fortunately for India, the domestic production line is overflowing with elite top-order options ready to step into the vacancy.

These seven exceptionally gifted batsmen have shown the temperament, technical elegance, and tactical acumen required to inherit the former captain’s mantle at the top of the order.

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Already establishing himself as a formidable force across formats, Yashasvi Jaiswal is the most natural successor to the opening throne. The left-hander brings a rare combination of structural solidity and explosive stroke play that perfectly echoes Rohit’s tactical blueprint.

Jaiswal understands how to respect the moving new ball before completely dismantling bowling attacks once he finds his rhythm – he has shown this perfectly in Test cricket.

His superb standard of fitness and hunger for massive, match-winning hundreds could make him the ideal partner to line up alongside Shubman Gill for the next decade.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

If the selectors are looking for pure, unadulterated class and standard technical perfection to weather tough overseas spells, Ruturaj Gaikwad could be the answer.

Gaikwad’s spectacular List A record (he averages near the 60-run mark) proves that he possesses the exact pacing required for the 50-over game.

He does not rely on reckless hitting; instead, he manipulates gaps, glides through the middle overs with supreme spin-playing capabilities and possesses a gear shift that can devastate death bowling. He offers the calm, calculated presence that stabilizes a high-pressure chase.

3. Abhishek Sharma

For a post-Rohit era that demands immediate aggression right from the first over of the powerplay, Abhishek Sharma represents the ultimate high-risk, high-reward investment.

The dynamic left-hander bats with a fearless mentality, utilizing incredible hand-eye coordination to loft frontline seamers over the infield.

Previously ranked as the number one batsman in T20I he knows his way to the boundary in white ball cricket, but is he too much of a 20-over specialist?

Beyond his blistering strike rate, Abhishek provides a critical secondary tactical advantage as a highly capable left-arm orthodox spinner. Having an aggressive opener who can regularly deliver five to six tight overs makes him an enticing option for a balanced starting eleven.

4. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping generational talent to emerge in recent memory, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has torn down the door of international cricket at just 15 years old.

The teenage prodigy dominated at the Under-19 ODI World Cup in 2026 where he was named the Player of the Tournament,” capped off by a historic 175 off 80 balls in the final.

Having already broken senior records in the IPL and made his senior T20I debut, Sooryavanshi possesses a jaw-dropping Lara-esque high backlift and unprecedented core-driven hand speed.

His staggering List A strike rate of 176.80 and fearless boundary-hitting mean he is more than capable of stepping right into Rohit’s shoes as India’s ultimate Powerplay enforcer.

5. Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan has already offered international cricket a glimpse of his immense potential, showing a maturity that belies his young age. Sudharsan is a textbook accumulator who excels at turning over the strike, rotating singles, and ensuring the scoreboard never stagnates.

In an era dominated by hyper-aggressive T20 intents, his ability to anchor an innings and bat through the difficult middle overs provides the necessary insurance policy for the power-hitters around him. He is the glue that can hold a transitioning top order together.

6. Abhimanyu Easwaran

While many on this list rely on modern, T20-fueled fireworks, Abhimanyu Easwaran is a master of domestic consistency and traditional multi-day discipline.

The Bengal veteran has routinely stacked up massive runs in the Duleep Trophy and Vijay Hazare circuits, demonstrating an outstanding understanding of how to build long white-ball innings.

Easwaran offers the selectors a structurally solid, technically perfect traditional opening option.

He provides the steel required to absorb the moving new ball in challenging overseas conditions like England or South Africa, mimicking the defensive resilience that Rohit developed later in his career.

7. Ishan Kishan

Having already smashed a historic ODI double-century, Ishan Kishan provides the selectorial committee with an experienced yet youthful option who understands the demands of international cricket.

Kishan’s instinct is always to attack, making him a terrifying prospect for opposition captains during the initial powerplay restrictions. Crucially, his status as a frontline wicketkeeper-batsman adds massive tactical flexibility to India’s squad depth.

If India wishes to maintain a left-right opening combination that can effectively disrupt a bowler’s line and length, Kishan remains an incredibly attractive option.

The post Passing the baton – 7 stars waiting to inherit Rohit Sharma’s ODI mantle appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/1lUkzcX

Will drop-in pitches harm the 2027 Cricket World Cup?

Drop-in pitches are being installed at several grounds around South Africa, like Newlands, The Wanderers and St George’s Park.

With a heavy schedule of international cricket on its way and the small matter of a World Cup later next year, what are the implications of these drop-in pitches?

To understand the sudden anxiety rippling through South African cricket circles, one must first understand what a drop-in pitch is and how it functions.

 

Unlike a traditional cricket wicket, which is curated and grown directly on the stadium block over decades, a drop-in pitch is a modular playing surface grown completely off-site or adjacent to the ground in large steel trays.

When required, these heavy trays are transported by massive cranes and literally “dropped” into a pre-excavated slot in the middle of the stadium.

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

The logistical advantages of this system are precisely why Cricket South Africa (CSA) has pushed for this major transformation. In multi-purpose modern stadiums, traditional turf pitches limit a venue’s utility.

A permanent cricket square cannot survive a heavy concert or a rugby match without sustaining severe, sometimes permanent damage.

Drop-in technology allows a stadium to host a massive entertainment event on a Friday night, roll out the stage, drop in a fresh cricket pitch on a Tuesday, and have a match-ready surface by the weekend.

As Evan Flint, the former head groundsman at both Newlands and Wanderers said, drop-ins allow groundsmen to cultivate multiple pitches simultaneously off-site and rotate them as needed to handle high-traffic domestic and international fixtures.

However, cricket is a unique sport where the surface dictates the entire strategic flow of the game, and this is where the downsides become glaring.

Historically, South African cricket grounds have boasted fiercely distinct personalities. If you visit The Wanderers in Johannesburg, you expect steep, hostile bounce.

If you head down to Newlands in Cape Town, you brace for a surface that assists lateral movement and eventually takes turn. These unique characteristics are a product of local soil composition, regional weather patterns, and years of natural weathering.

Drop-in pitches threaten to homogenise the sport. Because they are grown in artificial trays under highly controlled conditions, they frequently lack the deep-rooted sub-soil character of traditional squares for ODI cricket.

The result is often a surface that plays incredibly flat, offering plenty of runs for batsmen but agonizingly little assistance for bowlers.

We saw a catastrophic example of this during the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, where poorly settled drop-in pitches were heavily criticised for highly unpredictable and substandard behaviour for T20 cricket.

This brings us to the ultimate question: will this shift be a help or a hindrance? Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad has made his stance transparently clear, expressing deep disquiet.

Speaking to IOL Sport, Conrad warned that installing these drop-in pitches across major venues could completely “nullify” the Proteas’ home advantage ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Conrad’s concerns are entirely valid. Winning a World Cup on home soil requires exploiting the unique intricacies of your own backyard; intricacies that local players understand intimately and which visiting teams fear.

If South Africa rolls out flat, uniform drop-in wickets that mimic neutral venues like Dubai or Melbourne, they effectively hand an advantage to powerhouse subcontinental batting lineups.

While venue flexibility and stadium revenue are essential for the financial survival of the sport, they should never come at the cost of competitive advantage.

If CSA forces the Proteas to play the 2027 World Cup on untested, characterless trays, they may find they have fixed a commercial problem while breaking South Africa’s best shot at global glory – and let’s face it, South Africa needs every possible advantage it can grab if it is to finally break its duck and win a Cricket World Cup.

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

The post Will drop-in pitches harm the 2027 Cricket World Cup? appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/1Me6Bv8

7 completed Tests with the lowest aggregate scores – where does Mackay mayhem rank?

When heading to a Test, cricket fans usually expect boundaries, centuries, and days of intense battle under the sun. However, every so often, the red ball dominates the willow so ruthlessly that a five-day match wraps up in the blink of an eye and for just a handful of runs.

This weekend, history was rewritten in Mackay during the second Test match between Australia and Bangladesh.

In a staggering display of bowling dominance, and let’s be honest, vengeance, the match concluded with a remarkably low total aggregate, instantly booking its place among the shortest completed Tests ever played.

Fascinatingly, this extreme brand of low-scoring cricket is something of an Australian specialty.

The boys from Down Under feature in all but one of the seven lowest-scoring matches in the long history of the format.

From the treacherous, uncovered pitches of the 19th century to modern-day collapses, let’s look at the seven completed Test matches with the lowest aggregate number of runs scored.

1. Australia v South Africa (Melbourne, 1932) – 234 runs

Winner: Australia

The gold standard for ball dominating bat occurred at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in February 1932. Australia and South Africa combined for a mere 234 runs. The match was completely dominated by the bowlers on a treacherous, rain-affected pitch.

A staggering 29 wickets fell across the brief contest, while the teams made it through just 109.2 overs in total.

South Africa were bundled out for scores of 36 and 45, enabling Australia to wrap up an easy innings victory despite scoring a modest 153 all out in their only turn at bat. It remains the lowest aggregate score in a completed Test.

2. England v Australia (Lord’s, 1888) – 291 runs

Winner: Australia

The historic rivalry between England and Australia has produced legendary high-scoring sagas, but their 1888 tour saw the exact opposite. Playing at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, the batsmen were utterly helpless against the moving ball.

The maximum of 40 wickets fell as both sides were rolled over twice in rapid succession. Across 198 overs of intense, attritional cricket, the two sides cobbled together a tiny aggregate of just 291 runs.

Australia eventually emerged victorious by 61 runs, but the match is remembered as a brutal examination of batting technique on an unpredictable surface.

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

3. New Zealand v Australia (Wellington, 1946) – 295 runs

Winner: Australia

When Australia crossed the Tasman Sea to face New Zealand in Wellington just after World War II, nobody anticipated a match that would finish before it even had a chance to breathe.

In March 1946, the Basin Reserve witnessed a chaotic affair where only 295 runs were scored in total. Bowlers on both sides feasted on the green conditions, picking up 28 wickets in just 145.2 overs.

New Zealand were skittled for a paltry 42 in their first innings and 54 in their second. Australia’s first-innings declaration at 199 for 8 proved more than enough to secure a crushing victory.

4. West Indies v England (Bridgetown, 1935) – 309 runs

Winner: England

This is the only entry on our list that does not feature the Australian national team, proving that historical collapses can happen to anyone. In January 1935, Kensington Oval in Bridgetown became a graveyard for batsmen during a bizarre clash between the West Indies and England.

Due to a severely waterlogged and sticky wicket, both captains tactically declared their innings early to force the opposition back out to bat in terrible conditions.

A total of 29 wickets fell in just 112.0 overs, with the match aggregating 309 runs. England narrowly chased down a target of 75 to win by 4 wickets.

5. England v Australia (Manchester, 1888) – 323 runs

Winner: England

The 1888 Australian tour of England was so notoriously bowler-friendly that it occupies two spots on this list. Just weeks after the low-scoring madness at Lord’s, the action moved to Old Trafford in Manchester, yielding a similarly brief contest.

Batting remained an impossible chore as 30 wickets were lost for a combined total of 323 runs. The match lasted only 197.0 overs.

This time, England exacted their revenge on the touring Australians, riding home on a masterful bowling display from Bobby Peel (who claimed 11 wickets in the game), to seal a comprehensive victory by an innings and 21 runs.

6. England v Australia (The Oval, 1882) – 363 runs

Winner: Australia

This legendary encounter at Kennington Oval is not just famous for its incredibly low aggregate score; it is also the historic birthplace of “The Ashes.” In August 1882, Australia managed to score only 63 and 122, setting England a modest target of 85 runs for victory.

In a thrilling, nerve-wracking finale, the English batting lineup crumbled under immense pressure, falling short by 7 runs.

A total of 363 runs were scored, 40 wickets tumbled, and 269.3 overs were bowled, prompting a British newspaper to publish the famous mock obituary celebrating the death of English cricket.

7. Australia v Bangladesh (Mackay, 2026) – 369 runs

Winner: Australia

The newest entry into this historic hall of infamy happened far more recently than the other games on this list. After being crashed by Bangladesh in the Darwin in the opening game of a two-match series Australia were hungry for revenge when they arrived in Mackay.

Facing off in a highly anticipated Test match, neither Australia nor Bangladesh found an answer to a hyper-responsive pitch and relentless bowling attack. The entire match flew by in just 125.0 overs, with 30 wickets falling across the short-lived contest.

The final aggregate settled at 369 runs, officially making it the seventh lowest-scoring completed Test match in the sport’s long history and proving that bowler dominance is far from a thing of the past.

Read next: Masterful milestones – the 7 highest Test scores against Australia down under since 2000

The post 7 completed Tests with the lowest aggregate scores – where does Mackay mayhem rank? appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/l3vaHpK

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

The post Shadows and glory – 5 iconic England vs Pakistan Test masterclasses appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/HpneAV8

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

The post How good was Hasan Mahmud? The 7 best Test bowling performances against Australia this century appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/d8KjwGM

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

The post The elite 6 – Every year-end No. 1 ODI batter since 2008 appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/m13DY7x

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.

The post South Africa’s 9 captains in last 2 years – unheralded spinner is surprising latest pick appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/m9WSTsF

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

The post The quiet catalyst – taking a moment to appreciate Shukri Conrad appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/aeTjBRf