The pre-Test era: when Bangladesh fell in love with cricket

The pre-Test era: when Bangladesh fell in love with cricketThe pre-Test era: when Bangladesh fell in love with cricket

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Between 1947 and 1971, only one Pakistani cricketer from the east of the country was picked in the Test team. Then Bangladesh was born, and there were far more important matters to attend to than worrying about cricket. But the passion survived in pockets and slowly, through schools and club


A strike, a ban and a mountain to climb: India v Bangladesh Test series preview

A strike, a ban and a mountain to climb: India v Bangladesh Test series previewA strike, a ban and a mountain to climb: India v Bangladesh Test series preview

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We preview the upcoming 2-Test series between India and Bangladesh – which will include the first ever day-night Test to be held in India. Talking Points: Bangladesh’s tumultuous lead-up to the series The Shakib Al Hasan shocker Why would Bangladesh’s greatest-ever cricket overlook something so fundamental? How public sentiment fluctuated


Pakistan in 1999: the allure, the magic, and the heartbreak

Pakistan in 1999: the allure, the magic, and the heartbreakPakistan in 1999: the allure, the magic, and the heartbreak

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It was a year when everything came together… until it fell spectacularly apart. There was something magical about Pakistan in 1999… till they time they crumbled. For a generation of Pakistan fans, the year 1999 meant much. Shoaib Akhtar emerged as a force of nature. Shahid Afridi provided a glimpse


Cricket in Mumbai – stories, legends, and folkloreCricket in Mumbai – stories, legends, and folklore

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We are thrilled to bring you the 50th episode of the 81allout podcast. Our special guest for the occasion is Clayton Murzello, group sports editor of Mid-Day in Mumbai. We chat with Clayton about his journey – from running a bookstore, managing a cricket club, and covering local sports… before


South Africa embark on Mission: (Almost) Impossible

South Africa embark on Mission: (Almost) ImpossibleSouth Africa embark on Mission: (Almost) Impossible

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We preview the upcoming 3-Test series between India and South Africa – where points count for the World Test Championship. Talking Points: A rivalry that often goes under the radar South Africa’s historically impressive record in Asia An inexperienced batting line-up coming up against the world’s best side A chance


No dazzle like the Azza dazzle – South Africa’s tour of India, 1996-97

No dazzle like the Azza dazzle – South Africa’s tour of India, 1996-97No dazzle like the Azza dazzle – South Africa’s tour of India, 1996-97

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In the latest 81allout podcast we look back at South Africa’s tour of India in 1996-97. India continued their winning run at home, pulling off a close win at Ahmedabad. South Africa came back with a dominating win in Calcutta. And India rounded off the series with a resounding victory


‘A golden age for watching Test cricket in Sri Lanka’

‘A golden age for watching Test cricket in Sri Lanka’‘A golden age for watching Test cricket in Sri Lanka’

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In our latest episode we chat with ESPNcricinfo’s Sri Lanka correspondent – and one of the finest cricket writers in the world – Andrew Fidel Fernando. Highlights: A brief review of the recent Sri Lanka v New Zealand Test series Three great Test innings in the last five years –


Bumrah and Co lead the rout

Bumrah and Co lead the routBumrah and Co lead the rout

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We review India’s thumping win against West Indies in the recently concluded two-Test series. Talking Points: Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari bolstering the Indian middle order. India’s superlative bowling performance in the two Tests Shannon Gabriel’s under-par performance Jasprit Bumrah’s magic balls The decision to pick Jadeja over Ashwin The