Test Cricket Archives

Todd Murphy Enters the Fray with Australia Questioning Spin

Posted on January 1, 2026 by [email protected]

Australia’s spin department is back under the spotlight as Todd Murphy enters the fray, reigniting debate over the team’s spin-bowling balance ahead of crucial international fixtures. With conditions expected to offer assistance to slower bowlers, selectors and team management are reassessing their spin options, searching for the right mix of control, wicket-taking ability, and adaptability.

Murphy, who impressed early in his Test career with his calm temperament and sharp off-spin, has emerged as a strong contender at a time when Australia’s spin strategy is being questioned. Traditionally reliant on Nathan Lyon as their premier spinner, Australia now faces a transition phase as workload management and form considerations come into play. Murphy’s inclusion signals a willingness to look beyond established names and invest in younger talent.

The debate has intensified due to Australia’s recent performances on spin-friendly surfaces, where opposition spinners have often had a greater impact. Critics argue that Australia need a more attacking spin option to complement their pace-heavy approach, especially in subcontinent conditions and slow pitches at home. Murphy’s accuracy, bounce, and ability to challenge batters over long spells make him a compelling option in this context.

Team insiders suggest that Murphy’s confidence and game awareness have grown significantly since his debut, and his domestic performances have strengthened his case. While he may not yet match Lyon’s experience, his hunger and adaptability could offer Australia a fresh edge as they plan for the future.

As Australia continue to question their spin combination, Murphy’s entry into the contest adds intrigue and healthy competition within the squad. Whether as a primary spinner or part of a two-spin attack, his role could prove vital in shaping Australia’s bowling strategy in the months ahead.

Gus Atkinson Ruled Out of Final Ashes Test in Sydney

Posted on December 29, 2025December 29, 2025 by [email protected]

England have suffered another major setback ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with fast bowler Gus Atkinson ruled out due to injury. The England camp confirmed that Atkinson will miss the series finale after scans revealed a hamstring strain, dealing a further blow to an already depleted pace attack.

Atkinson sustained the injury during the fourth Test. Where he experienced discomfort while bowling and was unable to complete his full workload. Medical assessments following the match showed that the injury would require rest and rehabilitation, prompting team management to take a cautious approach and rule him out of the Sydney Test.

The absence of Atkinson compounds England’s growing injury concerns. With Mark Wood and Jofra Archer already unavailable. England’s fast-bowling resources have been stretched thin throughout the series. Atkinson had been one of the brighter performers, offering pace, control, and crucial breakthroughs in challenging Australian conditions. His ability to hit the deck hard and extract bounce made him a key component of England’s bowling plans.

Gus Atkinson

Selectors are now expected to reshuffle the bowling combination for the final Test. Bowlers such as Matthew Potts or Matthew Fisher are likely to be considered as replacements. While England may also lean heavily on all-rounders and their remaining fit seamers to shoulder the workload. The management will also closely monitor player fitness given the physical toll of a long and demanding Ashes series.

For England, Atkinson’s absence is not just a tactical loss. But also a psychological one, as the team looks to finish the tour on a positive note. The Sydney Test traditionally offers something for both batters and bowlers. And England will need disciplined bowling and smart field placements to challenge a confident Australian side.

Despite the injury setback, England’s focus remains on showing resilience and character in the final Test. The team will hope that the incoming bowler can rise to the occasion and that senior players step up to deliver a competitive performance at the SCG.

The Ashes may already be decided. But pride, momentum, and individual performances remain firmly on the line as England aim to end the series with a statement in Sydney.

Australia Seize Handy Lead After Josh Tongue Five-For on 20-Wicket Day

Posted on December 26, 2025 by [email protected]

Australia tightened their grip on the Test match after a dramatic 20-wicket day, seizing a handy lead as England pacer Josh Tongue claimed an impressive five-wicket haul. The match witnessed relentless pace, sharp movement, and fluctuating momentum, making it one of the most action-packed days of the contest.

The day began with conditions heavily favoring fast bowlers, and both teams’ batting line-ups found survival difficult. Josh Tongue emerged as England’s standout performer with the ball, exploiting seam movement and bounce to dismantle Australia’s middle and lower order. His five-wicket haul not only kept England in the contest but also prevented Australia from posting a commanding first-innings total.

Josh Tongue

Despite Tongue’s heroics, Australia managed to secure a crucial lead, thanks largely to valuable contributions from their lower order and disciplined batting at key moments. Runs were hard to come by, but Australia showed resilience, grinding out partnerships that ultimately proved decisive in the context of the match.

England’s reply, however, mirrored Australia’s struggles. The Australian pace attack, led by their experienced quicks, struck early and often. Seamers found consistent movement, and the pitch continued to offer uneven bounce, making stroke-making a risky affair. England’s top order faltered under pressure, losing wickets in clusters and allowing Australia to dictate terms for most of the day.

The turning point came during a devastating spell after lunch, when Australia removed England’s set batters in quick succession. Tight lines, aggressive fields, and relentless accuracy forced errors, leaving England reeling. While a few batters showed resistance, partnerships failed to flourish, and the scoreboard pressure continued to mount.

By stumps, a total of 20 wickets had fallen, underlining the bowler-dominated nature of the day. Australia’s ability to capitalize on key moments ensured. They ended the day with a valuable lead, one that could prove match-defining given the challenging batting conditions.

Josh Tongue’s five-for will be remembered as a major highlight, showcasing his growing importance in England’s bowling attack. His pace, bounce, and control troubled even Australia’s most accomplished batters. His performance will boost England’s confidence heading into the remainder of the match.

For Australia, the focus now shifts to building on their advantage. With a handy lead already secured, they will look to bat with greater freedom in the next innings, aiming to put England under immense pressure. England, on the other hand, must regroup quickly, with their batters needing to show discipline and adaptability. If they are to stay in the contest.

As the Test heads into the next phase, the balance still hangs delicately. But Australia’s edge after this explosive 20-wicket day places them firmly in the driver’s seat. With conditions continuing to assist the bowlers, fans can expect more drama as the match unfolds.

England Rocked by Changes as Jofra Archer Is Ruled Out and Pope Dropped for Melbourne

Posted on December 24, 2025 by [email protected]

England’s Ashes campaign has suffered another major setback with fast bowler Jofra Archer ruled out of the remainder of the series. While Ollie Pope has been dropped from the squad for the Melbourne Test. As the team management looks to arrest a disappointing run of results in Australia.

Archer’s absence is a significant blow for England, who had hoped the express pacer would provide cutting edge and intimidation against a dominant Australian batting lineup. The 29-year-old has struggled with recurring fitness issues, and team officials confirmed that he will return home to continue his rehabilitation. After failing to recover in time for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. England’s medical staff have opted not to take further risks, prioritising Archer’s long-term fitness over a rushed comeback.

Since making his Ashes debut in 2019, Archer has been one of England’s most potent weapons in hostile conditions. However, injuries have repeatedly interrupted his career. And his latest setback further underlines England’s growing concerns around fast-bowling depth in long overseas tours.

Jofra Archer

Adding to England’s challenges, Ollie Pope has been left out of the playing XI for the Melbourne. Test following a lean run of form. Pope, who was expected to play a key role in the middle order, has struggled for consistency throughout the series. Failing to convert promising starts into substantial scores. With England trailing heavily in the Ashes, selectors have opted for a shake-up in hopes of injecting fresh energy into the side.

The decision to drop Pope signals a more ruthless approach from the England management as pressure mounts after a string of underwhelming performances. Reports suggest the team is keen to explore alternative batting options. Potentially giving opportunities to players who can better adapt to Australian conditions and apply greater resilience against pace and bounce.

England’s tour has been plagued by injuries, form slumps, and tactical challenges. While Australia have capitalised ruthlessly at home. The absence of Archer weakens England’s pace attack, placing added responsibility on the remaining bowlers to deliver breakthroughs on flat pitches. Meanwhile, changes in the batting lineup reflect England’s urgency to find a winning combination before the series slips further away.

The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne now looms as a crucial encounter for England’s pride, if not the series outcome. With Australia enjoying momentum and home advantage, England face an uphill task to remain competitive and restore confidence within the squad.

As England regroup and reassess, the focus will be on rebuilding consistency, managing player workloads. Preparing for future challenges beyond the Ashes. The decisions surrounding Archer and Pope highlight a transitional phase for the team one that demands both patience and bold selection calls.

🏏 Travis Head Hometown Heroics Crush England’s Ashes Hopes

Posted on December 19, 2025 by [email protected]

Adelaide, December 19, 2025: Australia’s Travis Head delivered a breathtaking performance at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, smashing an unbeaten 142 to put England’s hopes of a comeback in the third Ashes Test in serious jeopardy. His century — scored in front of a raucous home crowd — was the cornerstone of Australia’s dominant position on day three of the series.

Head’s unbeaten knock was the highlight of a commanding day for the hosts. Who finished the third day on 271-4 in their second innings, leading England by 356 runs with wickets still in hand. The strong total effectively floors any realistic chance England had of staging a comeback. After a brief resurgence earlier in the match.

📊 Match Context

Earlier in the day, England had shown signs of resistance thanks to a spirited batting effort that included useful contributions from Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. Raising hopes they might claw back into contention. However, despite those efforts, Australia’s bowling attack kept England under pressure. Before Travis Head and fellow South Australian Alex Carey (unbeaten 52) took charge with the bat.

Head’s innings thrilled the Adelaide crowd and reinforced his reputation as one of Australia’s most reliable Test performers, especially on home soil. His fourth century in as many Tests at the historic venue marked a rare achievement and helped Australia tighten their grip on not just this match. But the Ashes series as a whole.

Meanwhile, England’s spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel admitted that England faces an uphill struggle to turn the tide, calling for “something magical” from his side. If they are to salvage the Test match. With a huge deficit and two more games to play, the visitors are now under immense pressure to find a breakthrough performance.

Australia, already up 2-0 in the five-match series. Are now within sight of retaining the coveted Ashes urn — needing only a draw from this game to clinch the series.

Jadeja, Rahul, and Jurel torment the West Indies for centuries. IND vs WI

Posted on October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 by [email protected]

IND vs WI: KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja all scored hundreds to increase India’s advantage to 286 at the close of the second day of play, effectively burying the West Indies under a mound of runs. For the third time in 2025, India scored three hundred runs in a single innings: at Leeds, Manchester, and now Ahmedabad. At 448/5, India went to the wire.

Perhaps a good example of how difficult it can be for a visiting team with a novice bowling unit to make an impression in India was the first hour of the second morning. After barely perspiring, Rahul and Shubman Gill led India above the first-innings total of the West Indies by drinks. Jayden Seales gave the West Indies one opportunity to humiliate Rahul by eking out an outside edge. However, because the first slip was positioned a little too wide, the ball sailed between him and the goalkeeper. In his essay, Gill, who mentioned his ninth half-century in Test cricket, was in total control.

West Indies changed their strategies during the drinks break. Kharry Pierre, a left-arm spinner who used to spin from around the stumps, changed sides to attempt to take benefit of the footmarks outside the leg stump. In an attempt to stop the easy flow of runs, the line was also helpful. After defending a few deliveries, Rahul performed a smart reverse sweep.

Gill ended up hitting to the first slip when he attempted the similar shot against Chase, who was bowling from round the stumps in the following over. The spinners made good use of the tough spots over the long stretch of play in which the West Indies halted the flow of runs. Rahul finished the session with his 11th Test century and only his second at home.

IND vs WI

India looked to break the scoring drought going into the post-lunch session. Ravindra Jadeja and Jurel continued their attack after Jomel Warrican deceived Rahul into smashing a thrown up delivery to Justin Greaves at extra cover. Jadeja lead Warrican to two sixes over long on in the same over, while Jurel pulled Chase for the game’s opening six over deep square leg. As India’s lead increased, the two hitters were always searching for ways to score.

In an attempt to see reverse swing ruffle feathers, Chase brought back Jayden Seales prior to the new ball being due. At refreshments in the second session. However, Jadeja and Jurel extended India’s advantage to 112. So that was not to be. Chase persisted in using the old ball and his spinners, with the odd ball remaining low and continuously spinning sharply (average turn of 3 degrees compared to 2.4 on Day 1). Despite switching ends, Warrican received the same treatment from Jadeja. Against Warrican, he struck a fourth six over long on to surpass MS Dhoni’s Test sixes total of 79. Rohit Sharma (88), Virender Sehwag (90), and Rishabh Pant (90) are the only ones with more in the format.

In the last session, West Indies were no closer to making an incision. But they were able to dry up the boundaries for a long time. After taking the new ball in the 98th over. In the second half of the last session. Jurel reached his first Test century, demonstrating his ability to cover for Rishabh Pant. Contrary to the flow of play. He struck 15 fours and three sixes in his 210-ball 125 before Kharry Pierre caught him behind. However, Jadeja achieved his three-figure milestone after three overs. He surpassed Rahul to finish the day as India’s second-highest Test scorer in 2025.

Brief scores:

India 448/5 (Dhruv Jurel 125, Ravindra Jadeja 104*, KL Rahul 100, Shubman Gill 50; Roston Chase 2-90) lead West Indies 162 (Justin Greaves 32; Mohammed Siraj 4-40, Jasprit Bumrah 3-42, Kuldeep Yadav 2-25) by 286 runs

Mitchell Starc announced he will retire from T20Is.

Posted on September 2, 2025 by [email protected]

Mitchell Starc wishes to play Test cricket. Particularly as Australia is packed with work from the latter part of 2019 and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Starc debuted in T20I in 2012 and has appeared in 65 matches until now. Mitchell Starc was a member of the Australian team that won the 2021 T20 World Cup. His recent T20I was in 2024, and he retired six months prior to the following T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He is now ranked second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is for Australia. With his best being 4 wickets for 20 against the West Indies in 2022.

Starc declared, “My primary priority has always been and will remain Test cricket.”.

I’ve enjoyed all the games I’ve played, particularly the 2021 World Cup, not for winning, but for the team and the wonderful experience we shared.

Australia is set to have a lot of Test matches lined up from mid-2026.

These are a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-game series against New Zealand, five Tests in India in January 2027, a special match against England at the MCG for its 150th anniversary, and the Ashes series towards the end of 2027.

During October and November 2027, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will stage the ODI World Cup, and Australia will be the champions.

Starc feels quitting T20Is is the best decision for his health and being ready to his potential for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the Ashes, and the Indian Tests.

It also provides the bowling unit with time to prepare.

Mitchell Starc was famous for his yorker and new-ball swing.

Though Australia have won 14 of their previous 17 games since Starc last appeared in a T20I, his pace is not easily replaceable as the team heads to the forthcoming World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

George Bailey commented, “I don’t think we’ll find someone swinging the new ball at 145 kph.”.

A like-for-like substitute may not necessarily be available. He has worked with the new ball and bowled vital overs when it really counted.

So, have we demonstrated the sort of players who can replace him?

Nathan Ellis has been a regular in the T20 side. Ben Dwarshuis is great. Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott have also gotten their chance. It could be just a matter of a slight position adjustment.

I believe his record stands for itself.

I’m happiest that he’ll be playing one-day and Test cricket for a long period of time.

When Australia named their most recent T20I squad for the three-match series against New Zealand early last month in October, Starc made the revelation.

Cameron Green can become a returnee to bowling by missing out on the trip to feature for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield.

Nathan Ellis will be absent when his first child with his wife, Connie, is born.

Matt Short, who was absent from the last two series against the West Indies and South Africa with a side injury, has returned. Mitchell Owen, concussed in Darwin last month, also returns. Marcus Stoinis, who played in the Hundred and was not picked for the last two series. Returns having come to terms with the selectors regarding his availability.

Australia T20I team vs New Zealand:

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.

In men’s Test cricket, Mitchell Starc records the fastest five-wicket haul history.

Posted on July 15, 2025 by [email protected]

In dramatic fashion, Mitchell Starc reached the 400-wicket club on the third day at Sabina Park. Taking the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history. In just 15 balls after destroying the top order of the West Indies with a triple-wicket opening over.

Mitchell Starc produced one of the best opening overs in his 100th Test match. When the left-hander edged a superb outswinger to replacement wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who was filling in for the injured Alex Carey. He removed John Campbell first ball, marking the fourth time in his career that he had done so with the first delivery of an innings.

Debutant Kevlon Anderson reviewed the plumbest of lbws despite shouldering arms four balls later as the ball spun around to hit his leg in front of the middle stump. The stumps were destroyed by another delivery that bent back to take Brandon King’s inside edge. It was the sixth time a team had gone 0 for 3 in Test history.

Mikyle Louis was the fourth Australian bowler to reach the 400th wicket, following Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Nathan Lyon. He survived the hat-trick ball at the beginning of Starc’s second over. But he duly took his 400th wicket with another of his signature inswingers, trapping Louis leg before wicket.

Two balls later, he added Shai Hope leg before wicket to reach a five-wicket total in just 15 deliveries, breaking the previous record. Which was shared by Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad, and Scott Boland, by four deliveries. The incredible sights continued.

Starc used to rule the pink-ball cricket format in Australia. Confirming his position as the sport’s king. This is the team’s first abroad day-night test.

Shanto leads Bangladesh, but there is a greater chance of a draw.

Posted on June 21, 2025June 21, 2025 by [email protected]

There was a lot of doubt at the start of the day about how Bangladesh would bat and how long they would give themselves to bowl Sri Lanka out. As it turned out, they were essentially powerless to make the decision because lunch was called ten minutes sooner than planned. It started to rain a little more than an hour into the morning session.

We will hopefully witness 94 overs of play during the day because the break was too short to allow for any over loss. However, with Bangladesh’s advantage at 247. Which is probably enough for a sporting declaration, the most likely outcome currently appears to be a draw.

When the rain started, Mushfiqur Rahim was running out after a stand of 109 with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was undefeated at 89. To reach his fifty, Mushfiqur was looking for a tight single. But he was just a hair short of the crease after a direct hit from mid-on.

Shanto

Only one additional stop happened during this Test. On the second afternoon, despite the fact that rain was a constant threat. However, given the constant risk of rain. It was odd that neither Shanto nor Mushfiqur showed any hurry in the hour and a little play.

Both sides had shown an intention to fight for a result the previous afternoon. But Bangladesh were happy to grind around at a session run rate of just 3.15. Clearly ready to bat through lunch or maybe beyond.

Traditional wisdom would have suggested that it would take at least two sessions to bowl Sri Lanka out. Since Bangladesh certainly wanted a lead of at least 300 likely close to 350 a run rate of five or more seemed to be the norm. However, since Sri Lanka was also content to set defensive fields, Bangladesh. Who had recently experienced a very poor run rate in Test matches. Had no intention of sacrificing important World Test Championship points.

When Shanto smoked his first delivery faced today and Mushfiqur hammered one down the ground off the fifth ball of the morning. There was first some optimism that Bangladesh might advance the match. Both batters were happy to dead-bat the spinners. But generally dot balls won.

The only delivery that went wrong for the Sri Lankan spinners was the occasional one. They were unable to obtain the same purchase off the ground that Nayeem Hasan had so brilliantly used on the fourth afternoon.

Overall, it looks like a day that started out with the possibility of a sprint finish will end in an easy draw.

Mehidy will return to Colombo for the second Test.

Posted on June 20, 2025 by [email protected]

Test vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz is expected to be available for selection in the second match of the current two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Colombo. So Bangladesh can exhale with relief.

Mehidy was rested for the premiere of the series after missing the two-day training session. Before the first Test in Galle because of an illness.

There were some questions about his availability for the second Test as he had been absent from the ground for the first two days of the Galle Test. Mehidy, however, removed every doubt on Thursday, June 19, by attending the training.

The all-rounder is reportedly making a full recovery from the fever and will probably be eligible for selection.

A top-order batter Haque Anamul In the first Test. Bijoy took Mehidy’s place but was ineffective, scoring a duck in the first innings.

Mehidy surely will improve the team as one of Bangladesh’s leading run scorers in Test cricket, particularly as the Colombo pitch is predicted to help spinners. June 25 is when the second Test is expected to start.

Mushtaq Ahmed, a spin bowling consultant, left Galle on June 17 in advance of the current Test match, according to a BCB official. He is anticipated to return during the ODI series. Which starts in early July.

In preparation for the Test series, Mushtaq had trained intensively with the spinners in Galle and Dhaka.

“The contract between BCB and Mushtaq is based on the quantity of working days. He arrived during the preparatory stage and departed once his given duties were finished. On July 6, he will be back,” Nafees continued.

Tag: Test Cricket