Proteas' year in review: by the numbers
From captain Faf du Plessis’ struggles in Test cricket and relative success in ODI competition, to fast bowler Junior Dala’s T20I breakthrough and more – here’s South Africa’s 2018 in review.
Dane, Kapp star for Sixers
Player of the Match Dane van Niekerk (2-12, econ 3.00) and Marizanne Kapp (2-21, econ 5.25) starred for the Sydney Sixers as they restricted the Adelaide Strikers to 139-8 to claim a win that puts them four points clear at the top of the Women’s Big Bash League.
WATCH: What a catch down under!
An astonishing catch on the boundary as Adelaide Strikers fielder Jake Weatherald holds a skier from Sydney Thunder batter Shane Watson, before flipping it into the field of play for teammate Jake Lehmann (son of Darren) to take the catch to remove danger man Watson for 28.
KG, Kohli the Kings of 2018
Proteas paceman Kagiso Rabada and India captain Virat Kohli ended 2018 as the top Test bowler and batter respectively in the ICC Test Player Rankings.
No Rabada in Bhogle’s Test XI
AB de Villiers makes Harsha Boghle’s 2018 Test XI, but there’s no space for the No 1 wicket-taker of 2018, Kagiso Rabada.
NZ overtake SA in Test rankings
New Zealand have leapfrogged South Africa to third position in the International Cricket Council’s rankings for Test teams.
Flower: We don't know who is the leaker
Batting coach Grant Flower has conceded Pakistan’s ‘atmosphere isn’t the best at the moment’ during the ongoing Test series against South Africa.
Chandimal proud of Mendis' prolific year
The star performance of batsman Kusal Mendis stood at the fore, as captain Dinesh Chandimal summarised Sri Lanka’s year.
Langer puts faith in Finch
Batsman Aaron Finch will likely be retained at the top of the order for Australia’s fourth and final Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground this week.
Marnus: I'm a little bit overwhelmed
The South African-born Marnus Labuschagne is eager to capitalise on a recall to Australia’s Test squad.
Labuschagne recall 'dumbfounds me'
Former opener Ed Cowan has heavily critcised the South African-born Marnus Labuschagne’s recall to Australia’s Test squad.
Burn the boats … there's no turning back
Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés from the 1500s is best remembered through a great military quote: when you arrive on your enemy’s shore and you want your soldiers to fight like hell, ‘burn the boats’, said Cortés.
Hobart Hurricanes waltz to top of Big Bash League
The Hobart Hurricanes moved to the top of the Big Bash League as Cameron Bancroft’s return to pro cricket after his nine-month ban was ended by a peach of a delivery. His Perth Scorchers side suffered their third loss in four matches.
WATCH: Winning away from home an obsession - Kohli
Indian captain Virat Kohli heaped praise on his team – and especially Jasprit Bumrah – for helping him fulfil his obsession of winning Test matches away from home.
WATCH: We need Smith and Warner back - Tim Paine
Watch Australian captain Tim Paine discuss changes for the final Test in Sydney and how the return of Steve Smith and David Warner is clearly needed in order to get Australia competitive again.
