England tour of south africa

Rabada's role is particularly important after he was given an extended period of rest for the England series, then returned with 0 for 45 in three overs at the Wanderers, before tightening up in Port Elizabeth. Nkwe believes Rabada still has room for improvement. "I feel there is a lot more. He feels the same," he said. "He is working hard. He is about 60-70% to his best. Hopefully tomorrow he manages to give himself the best chance to be as close as possible to his best but sometimes it does take a while to get going." … [Read more...] about South Africa’s search for the winning formula

By contrast, when Rabada was cleared to play the Newlands Test, Steven Smith took every media opportunity he had, to express a level of emotion that had previously been lacking in his press conferences. He also admitted that he was not in a great mental state. That showed in the rest of his team, and particularly with Warner, who became so irate with his treatment by the crowds that his determination to win at all costs might well have ended his international career. As Australian cricket was launched into crisis, a calm South Africa went about their business. … [Read more...] about When South Africa soared above physical and emotional strain

'That's an easy assumption to make,' he insisted. 'A lot went into the World Cup, not just last summer but over four years, and the realisation of it all coming together can confuse you. So you've got to quickly re-assess but I maintain I just haven't played as well as I'd like to have done.' … [Read more...] about ‘I’ve made too many mistakes… But I have massive self-belief’: Jos Buttler vows to cement his place in England’s Test side on upcoming Sri Lanka tour

“We obviously want to win every game and win every series but I think looking forward, the big picture view is if we can get those chases right in a World Cup final or a semi or something like that, then we’ll take the experience now.” … [Read more...] about Australia’s Cape Town return just got harder. It’s a blessing in disguise

Strauss, whose eight-Test career coincides with England's record winning streak, went on the attack immediately on Tuesday morning. He set the tone by smashing a six and a four off quick bowler Dale Steyn in the third over of the day. … [Read more...] about Strauss gives England record win