Stone replaces injured Wood in England XI

Olly Stone has been recalled to the England side for the first time in three years as the replacement for Mark Wood in the only change for the second Test against Sri Lanka.

England double down on Bazball

England’s hyper-attacking Bazball approach is coming under intense scrutiny after a crushing Test defeat in India but captain Ben Stokes appears determined to stick to his guns.

England’s Topley braces for India ‘away game’

Reece Topley expects to feel as if he is playing away from home when England face India in Sunday’s ODI series decider at Old Trafford.

Five takeaways from Proteas’ pummelling of India

The Proteas clobbered India in Cuttack in a performance laden with lessons. RYAN VREDE examines the five standouts.

World Cup make or break for nearly man Miller

David Miller had the potential to be among the world’s most potent T20 players. He has flirted with mediocrity throughout his career, but the World Cup is his defining moment, writes RYAN VREDE.

Markram emerges as Proteas’ unlikely anchor

In the absence of Faf du Plessis, Aiden Markram’s form will be absolutely crucial to the Proteas at the T20 World Cup, writes RYAN VREDE.

England name strongest available squad for Ashes tour

England’s stars have committed to the Ashes tour to Australia after coronavirus quarantine fears.

Lack of domestic batting quality frightening

The CSA Provincial T20 Knock Out has exposed glaring deficiencies across the board in our cricket, most notably in our batting. It is going to cost the Proteas dearly in the years ahead. An intervention is urgently needed and it starts with Graeme Smith, writes RYAN VREDE.

Strength of World Cup challenge rests on Proteas bowlers

Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi are the foil to a misfiring batting lineup. They will be the foundation upon which any strong World Cup challenge is built, writes RYAN VREDE. 

The ‘us’ and ‘them’ gulf in cricket has never been wider

England, Australia, India and, most recently, New Zealand have reiterated that they are the game’s controlling quartet. The International Cricket Council is powerless to curb their behaviour, the most recent examples of which robbed Pakistan of life-giving tours, writes RYAN VREDE. 

Maharaj shows up as potential Test skipper

It only took a chance opportunity for Keshav Maharaj to push his name to the forefront of the candidates to succeed Dean Elgar as Test skipper, writes RYAN VREDE.

The coaching crisis that threatens cricket’s future

The appointment of ex-Proteas players to key international coaching positions despite most having a complete lack of experience is perplexing and potentially damaging for the game. It’s time we start giving elite coaching the respect and attention it deserves, writes RYAN VREDE. 

Set expectations low for Proteas’ World Cup campaign

The T20 World Cup has come a year and a coach too soon for the Proteas, writes RYAN VREDE.

Steyn’s legacy is far more than wickets

Dale Steyn’s standing as one of the game’s greatest fast bowlers is indisputable. Yet his greatness extends beyond that and was rooted in his ability to retain an identity that wasn’t corrupted by what he did professionally, writes RYAN VREDE.  

All eyes on Smith, De Villiers’ response as SJN nears critical point

Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers’ responses to allegations made against them at the Social Justice and Nation Building hearings will define the success or failure of this process, writes RYAN VREDE.