Hitting v Batting: the choice that dictates the shape of a T20 contest

Hitting v Batting: the choice that dictates the shape of a T20 contestHitting v Batting: the choice that dictates the shape of a T20 contest

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In the latest episode of the podcast we discuss a fundamental question that underpins a T20 contest: does batting have a place in T20? Are elite batters like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam and Steve Smith good fits in the T20 format – and what metrics tell us how good a


India too good for Sri Lanka – by day and by night

India too good for Sri Lanka – by day and by nightIndia too good for Sri Lanka – by day and by night

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We review the two-Test series between India and Sri Lanka – which India won 2-0 in emphatic fashion. Note: Readers in India can now buy Mike Marqusee’s classic cricket book War Minus The Shooting on Flipkart and Amazon. Readers outside India, can buy the book on Amazon. Talking Points: India’s


A thumping finish: India v England, 4th Test review

A thumping finish: India v England, 4th Test reviewA thumping finish: India v England, 4th Test review

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We discuss the fourth Test between India and England in Ahmedabad. Talking Points: India’s terrific achievement across eight Tests A triumph of depth for the Indian team Axar’s 27 wickets and his perfect debut series Why Ashwin’s value to the side is double that of their best batsman Mohammad Siraj


Ashwin’s triumph in Chepauk: India v England, 2nd Test review

Ashwin’s triumph in Chepauk: India v England, 2nd Test reviewAshwin’s triumph in Chepauk: India v England, 2nd Test review

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We discuss the second Test between India and England in Chennai Talking Points: Was there anything wrong with the pitch? How Rohit Sharma tackled the tricky surface England’s rotation policy – and would they have followed this during the Ashes? R Ashwin’s glorious home Test in front of an adoring


It takes all sorts

The theatre of spinThe theatre of spin

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By Siddhartha Vaidyanathan I grew up at a time when India won (nearly) every Test at home and lost (nearly) every Test abroad. The phrases that punctuated newspaper reports back then: ‘designer pitches’, ‘underprepared pitches’ and ‘doctored pitches’. The players were ‘tigers at home, lambs abroad’, prospering on tracks they