Ben Stokes capped a supreme allround performance with two wickets in three balls as Bangladesh’s hearts were broken on the fifth and final morning of an epic Test match at Chittagong.

The Report by Andrew Miller24-Oct-2016England 293 and 240 (Stokes 85, Bairstow 47, Shakib 5-85) beat Bangladesh 248 and 263 (Sabbir 64*) by 22 runs

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsBen Stokes capped a supreme allround performance with two wickets in three balls – his fifth and sixth of the match, to go alongside his total of 103 runs – as Bangladesh’s hearts were broken on the fifth and final morning of an epic Test match at Chittagong.Resuming on 253 for 8, with 33 runs still required, Bangladesh had visions of securing only their eighth Test victory in 94 attempts, and their first against England in nine. However, a brace of lbws in the fourth over of the morning – the first reviewed in optimism by England, the second in desperation by the last man, Shafiul Islam – left their hero of the second innings, Sabbir Rahman, high and dry on 64 not out.Facing a dilemma when play resumed, Alastair Cook showed his hand from the outset, handing Stuart Broad the first over of the morning, following on from his marathon nine-over spell on the fourth evening, and partnering him with Stokes, the man whose mastery of reverse swing had proven so illegible to Bangladesh’s tail in the first innings.But Bangladesh began their morning’s work with confidence. Sabbir opened his account with a push through the covers for two, before Taijul Islam – once again trusted to hold his own with the bat – flashed a Stokes short ball over the keeper’s head for four.The new ball was available after two overs but Cook opted to persevere with the old, with the long-sleeved Joe Root once again charged to preserve its precious shine. But the hooping reverse of the first innings remained elusive as Bangladesh chiselled out their singles, every run greeted with ecstasy by a small contingent of Bangladesh fans who made an otherwise echoing stadium sound packed to the rafters.However, Stokes’ determination could not be denied, and after coming round the wicket to Taijul, he persuaded Cook to gamble one of England’s two reviews – which had been topped up at the 80-over mark – as the No. 10 stepped too far across his stumps and was pinned in front of middle and leg.The verdict was greeted with a huge roar from the huddle of England players watching the big screen, and there was an extra sense of expectation as Shafiul shuffled out to face the pumped-up Stokes. Five years ago, on this very ground, he had been Bangladesh’s hero with a brilliant 24 not out in Bangladesh’s two-wicket World Cup win over England. This time, however, he was trapped on the crease second-ball and, though he was struck outside the line of off stump, Kumar Dharmasena felt that he had not quite been playing a shot as he raised his finger for the final time in the game. And this time, it stayed raised, as victory was confirmed via a record 26th DRS decision of the match.Afterwards, Cook was relieved but happy to have overseen such a tense finale to the contest. “It was a really good Test match,” he said during the post-match presentations. “It was such a tight game, so credit to both sides. I’m glad we held our nerve, with the quality we have in our attack, we got it reversing.”Cook admitted that the option of turning to the new ball with his spinners would have been a “gamble”, which was not a ringing endorsement of the trio at his disposal. But ultimately he was grateful to have a competitor of Stokes’ quality in his ranks.”Not just with ball in hand but the way he batted, he balances the side,” he said. “Those cricketers don’t come around very often and he’s got an enormous heart as well. He’s a seriously good cricketer.”Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh’s captain, put a brave face on another near-miss for his team, and credited his players for a hugely spirited performance in their first Test match since August 2015.”Probably it was not in our favour, 33 runs and two wickets, but the boys put in so much effort over the last five days, after 15 months, I’m really proud. Our boys fought it out which is really impressive and hopefully we’ll do the same in the next match.”

They began the morning needing only a further 37 runs to beat the home team Western Australia

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Oct-2016
ScorecardWestern Australia were soundly beaten in their first game of the season, at home•Getty Images

South Australia cruised to a 10-wicket win over Western Australia on the fourth day at the WACA, where they began the morning needing only a further 37 runs for victory. Openers Jake Weatherald (37 not out) and Kelvin Smith (29 not out) carried the Redbacks to their target of 69 without loss, needing only 15.3 overs on the final day to get the job done.South Australia’s Chadd Sayers was named Man of the Match for his match haul of 6 for 108, although much of the focus from the outside was on Shaun Marsh, who secured his Test place with scores of 73 and 110. Callum Ferguson and Tom Cooper also posted centuries for South Australia.

Stafanie Taylor struck 90 off 51 balls to help West Indies chase down 151 with six wickets and five balls to spare against India Women in the first T20I in Vijayawada

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Nov-2016
ScorecardFile photo – Stafanie Taylor dominated a third-wicket stand of 70 with Merissa Aguilleira to help West Indies chase down 151•Getty Images/ICC

Stafanie Taylor dominated West Indies’ chase of 151, slamming 90 off 51 balls to take them to 154 for 4 in 19.1 overs and a six-wicket win in the first T20 international against India Women in Mulapadu. Taylor slapped 12 fours and three sixes and scored over 58 percent of West Indies’ runs. That, after India Women put up 150 for 4, with Harmanpreet Kaur justifying her decision to make first use of the surface with an unbeaten 68, and Veda Krishnamurthy scoring an even 50.Taylor began by playing second fiddle to Hayley Matthews in a brisk opening stand of 31 in four overs. After Matthews’ dismissal for 18, Taylor took charge of proceedings, dominating partnerships of 40 for the second wicket with Britney Cooper (16) and wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira, with whom she added 70 for the third wicket. When Aguilleira fell, three balls after Taylor, she had scored just 15. It was Shikha Pandey, the right-arm medium pacer, who dismissed both batsmen, but by then, West Indies were left with just nine to get off 13 balls, and Deandra Dottin and Kycia Knight saw them home with five balls remaining. Pandey finished with 3 for 31 in four overs, while Preeti Bose, the offspinner, took the other wicket, having Cooper stumped.West Indies could have been chasing much lesser after having reduced India to 28 for 2 in the sixth over with their new-ball duo of Shakera Selman and Dottin sending back both the openers. Krishnamurthy and Kaur repaired the damage with a third-wicket partnership of 88 off 69 balls. Krishnamurthy fell for 50 off 46 balls, but Kaur stayed till the end to lift the total. Kaur played a more brisk 68 off 50 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes.Selman and Dottin were both economical and took three wickets between them. Matthews, though wicketless, kept India quiet, giving away just 14 runs in four overs.The second match takes place on Sunday, before the series concludes on Tuesday. Both matches take place at the same venue.

Firdose Moonda24-Dec-20161:52

‘As a left-arm spinner, you want to model yourself on Herath and Vettori’

While most of the South African squad will try to exploit Sri Lanka’s weaknesses in the upcoming three-Test series, at least one of them will be concentrating on the opposition’s biggest strength. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj is keen to learn as much as he can from his counterpart, Rangana Herath, a man he lists among his heroes.”I have always looked up to him. He is one of the left-arm spinners along with Daniel Vettori that you will try and model yourself on, in terms of variations,” Maharaj, who is yet to meet Herath, said. “I am looking forward to rubbing shoulders with him and hopefully learning from him. I am still new to the international scene and he has been around for a while so hopefully he can impart some of his knowledge and skill onto me.”The two are yet to meet, but Herath has already cast his eye over Maharaj and the early verdict is positive. “I have only seen him play against Australia, but from what I’ve seen, he’s a very accurate bowler,” Herath said. “He’s got all the essentials – with his accuracy, his line and his lengths. If he improves his variations he’ll go far.”For now, Maharaj has been in consultation with another senior, Paul Harris, who he contacted ahead of his maiden series in Australia. Back then, Harris spoke to Maharaj about “dealing with (foreign) conditions”. This time, Harris’ advice is about how to play at home and the primary focus is on patience. I’ve just got to hit my length for as long as I can,” Maharaj said.That kind of strategy suggests South Africa may have gone back to seeing their spinner as being a container rather than a wicket-taker, although conditions at St George’s Park could demand otherwise. It is likely to be the slowest and driest of the three surfaces and may bring Maharaj into the game a little more.He can’t be too sure though, because his only long-form experience at this ground came eight years ago in a provincial three-day match for Kwa-Zulu Natal. Maharaj took thee wickets in each innings in the drawn fixture and admitted that he doesn’t really know what to expect from a surface that will be as foreign to him as the ones in Australia were.In Perth, particularly, he showed he could adapt easily and that there is more to him than just his bowling. Maharaj is a handy batsmen and hopes he can use this series to show his value to the side in other disciplines. “In my earlier days I took my batting for granted. I always knew I could bat but I was just a hit-and-run type of player. I want to become a complete allrounder,” he said. “It helps you get selected a lot easier. I’ve taken my batting quite seriously in the last year or two and I’m looking forward to contributing with some runs.”Maharaj has identified the correct gap to try and take. South Africa are still searching for someone who can play a consistent two-in-one role. Vernon Philander has emerged as one option but South Africa won’t complain about having another. If Maharaj can do that, he may make the spin spot his own.Already, the selectors have showed they are thinking along those lines. Maharaj is the only spinner in the squad for the first two Tests, having edged out Tabraiz Shamsi, who he continues to share a close relationship with. “We are team-mates at the end of the day, whether he plays or I play, we will be supporting each other,” Maharaj said. “We played a lot of cricket together at the Dolphins and we always want each other to do well.”Shamsi will likely come into contention in special circumstances, such as as the day-night Test where he made his debut when South Africa want to include more than one spinner. But Maharaj is a long-term option and this will be his chance to show it. Whatever he learns from Herath will no doubt be a bonus.”I’d like to play a home series first before I know my future in terms of cementing my place,” he said. “I will take it one ball at a time and one game at a time. It’s nice to have that backing from the selectors. I’ve got to grab the opportunity with both hands.”

Kane Williamson scored an unbeaten 78 and led New Zealand’s strong reply with Jeet Raval after South Africa were all out for 308 on the second day

The Report by Andrew McGlashan09-Mar-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:29

Moonda: South Africa might be concerned about resources

Kane Williamson led a strong New Zealand first innings on the second day in Dunedin, but they had a significant injury cloud over Ross Taylor who was forced to retire hurt in the final session. Until that point things could barely have gone better for New Zealand after they removed the last six South Africa wickets for 56 before a stand of 102 between Williamson and Jeet Raval set up the reply.New Zealand were still handily placed at the close on 177 for 3, with Williamson unbeaten on 78 alongside nightwatchman Jeetan Patel. However, they also lost Henry Nicholls, brilliantly caught at slip by Hashim Amla, to give left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj his second wicket so South Africa will be aware they can target the middle order on the third morning with Taylor’s future participation in the match uncertain.

NZ’s top second-wicket stand v SA

• 0 Number of second-wicket partnerships for New Zealand in Tests against South Africa higher than the 102-run stand between Jeet Raval and Kane Williamson in this match. Nathan Astle and Matt Horne had added 90 runs in the first innings at the Eden Park in 1998-99.

• 49.09 Trent Boult’s bowling average against South Africa in Tests before this match. He had taken 11 wickets with a best of 3 for 52 which had come in the first innings of the Durban Test in 2016. He took 4 for 64 in South Africa’s first innings.

• 23 Runs by New Zealand openers in six innings in the two-Test series in South Africa last year. Martin Guptill and Tom Latham had managed a highest score of 8 between them. While Tom Latham was out for 10, Raval hit the first fifty by a New Zealand opener against South Africa in five Tests.

• 9 Runs scored by Williamson off 35 balls at a strike-rate of 25.71 from Vernon Philander in this innings. Williamson was cautious against Philander who had dismissed him four times in Tests at 17.50 runs apiece before this match. Off the other bowlers, Williamson made 69 runs at a strike-rate of 62.

Williamson batted outstandingly. He has the highest Test average by a New Zealand captain but, if the record is viewed highly critically, has yet to play a defining innings as leader: his average is boosted by early runs against Zimbabwe and his unbeaten century against Bangladesh in Wellington rubber-stamped a comeback victory rather than set it up. He has the chance now to shape a Test match against a side New Zealand have only beaten once at home – in Auckland in 2004.South Africa had resumed on 229 for 4, but once Dean Elgar fell for 140 the lower order was whittled away. There was an opening session of sustained accuracy by New Zealand which continued their efforts from the first day when even though wickets dried up the scoring did not run away. The value of keeping South Africa’s rate under control came to the fore when Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma, the last recognised batsmen, departed in quick succession.It did not take long for South Africa to respond. Tom Latham was dropped during the one-day series and there was no immediate upturn in fortunes against the red ball when Vernon Philander switched to round the wicket, drawing him into pushing away from his body. In contrast, Raval left the ball well, forcing the bowlers to go straighter and then took them off through the leg side.It was an excellent innings from Raval, who is in his fifth Test, after facing Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier in the season, and he was able to pick off Maharaj as he moved to a third Test fifty from 95 balls. But, as against Pakistan were he twice made 55, he could not go further when he clipped Maharaj to short midwicket.The early contest between Williamson and Philander was absorbing; a classy new-ball bowler making it nibble against one of the game’s leading batsmen. The value of Williamson’s early caution was evident after tea when he started to milk Maharaj then took three boundaries in a row off Kagiso Rabada, including a brace of textbook on-drives, to move him past 50 off 87 balls.In the period around when Taylor was forced to retire hurt with the score on 148 for 2, Morne Morkel, playing his first Test since January 2016, had returned for a second spell and opted for a burst of short deliveries. He struck Taylor on the helmet two balls before a leg injury ended the batsman’s day and also had Williamson ducking, but finished his first foray back into the longer format wicketless form 10 overs.Jeet Raval batted solidly at the top•Getty Images

Before play, Elgar had spoken about South Africa aiming to bat until tea and make around 380. They fell considerably short on both accounts. Neil Wagner bowled an 11-over spell in which he only faded towards the end; Patel kept his hold over de Kock and Trent Boult followed up Wagner’s unyielding stint. Between them, New Zealand’s two frontline quicks bowled more than 63 overs for seven wickets.The first hour was nip-and-tuck – five runs coming off the first six overs of the day – and Elgar needed some fortune to reach a new career-high when he top-edged a short ball from Wagner over the slips. Wagner’s finally extracted Elgar with another well-directed short ball which the left-handed batsman didn’t know whether to play or leave, glancing a top-edge to BJ Watling – who caught him 104 runs after his leg-side miss the previous day.Bavuma went to a 143-ball half-century, his first in eight innings since Hobart against Australia, and the reward for his watchfulness started to come when he took three boundaries off the last over of Wagner’s spell: a clip, a pull through midwicket and a flat-batted swat straight past mid-on. But he couldn’t fully cash in, feathering Boult down the leg side when he shuffled well across his crease.By then, de Kock, someone who could have lifted the scoring rate, had also departed to the man who has troubled him most on this tour. Patel claimed him in each of the final two ODIs and added his name again here, luring de Kock into reaching for a drive and spooning a catch to backward point where Wagner still had the energy to dive forward.Boult returned to prevent any significant tail-end contributions, ending the innings shortly after lunch when he speared one through Philander to finish with 4 for 64. He and Wagner will have hoped for a long time with their feet up. Their captain could hold the key to that.