India grind out healthy start on Boxing Day
Australia’s bowlers toiled hard on day one at the MCG, while the Indian batters built a solid foundation in the Boxing Day Test as they look to take a lead in the Test series.
14 wickets tumble as NZ fight back
New Zealand were rolled out for 178 in the first innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Christchurch, but fought back to reduce the visitors to 88-4 by the close of play.
Steyn’s milestone victims: first to 400th
We recall fast bowler Dale Steyn’s milestone dismissals, as he breaks Shaun Pollock’s record to become the leading South African wicket-taker.
Hamza: Number on my cap won’t be important
Batsman Zubayr Hamza will become the 100th post-isolation Proteas Test cricketer if named in the XI for the series opener against Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion this week.
Bancroft: Dave suggested I do it
Batsman Cameron Bancroft has confirmed that teammate David Warner encouraged him to tamper with the ball during Australia’s Test series against South Africa earlier this year.
Faf: Hashim is our rock at No 3
Captain Faf du Plessis has confirmed that batsman Hashim Amla will return to third position in the order for South Africa’s Test series opener against Pakistan, which gets under way in Centurion on Wednesday.
Steyn must stem emotions
Former Proteas spinner PAT SYMCOX says Dale Steyn will need to keep his emotions in check on the cusp of becoming South Africa’s most successful Test wicket-taker.
Pace the key against Pakistan – Elgar
Dean Elgar believes the pace and bounce at Centurion will hassle Pakistan as the players make their final preparations for the first Test on Boxing Day.
Stats: SA vs Pakistan, Centurion
SuperSport Park in Centurion will play host to the Boxing Day Test match for the first time in history, but it will be a known enemy that the Proteas will encounter when they face off against Pakistan for the 13th time on home soil.
Molefe a product of a growing spin pipeline
Kgaudise Molefe’s Khaya Majola Week campaign affirms South Africa’s strong spin-bowling production line, writes KHALID MOHIDIN.
Abbas out of Boxing Day Test
Pakistan have confirmed that their danger man, Mohammad Abbas, will miss out on the Boxing Day Test against the Proteas at Centurion, with Shadab Khan also on the injured list.
India drop openers
India have ditched their experienced opening pair and replaced them with two Test novices, while Peter Handscomb has been given the boot by the Australian selectors, as all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been recalled for the high-pressure Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Thunder take top spot in WBB
The Sydney Thunder moved to the top of the Women’s Big Bash League with a six-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes at Sydney on Monday, while the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder enjoyed comfortable wins in the men’s Big Bash.
Five fine fielding picks
The 4-Day Franchise Series match between the Warriors and the Cape Cobras at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth (won by the Cobras with 3.2 overs to spare) showcased some terrific fielding moments.
Steyn looks beyond Pollock record
Fast bowler Dale Steyn does not want to be limited to just surpassing former seamer Shaun Pollock’s record as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in Test cricket.
