The First Test between Australia and New Zealand at Optus Stadium showcased some fine short-pitched bowling. Patrick Noone analyses the role the bouncer played throughout the contest. Short-pitched bowling in Perth is nothing new. The old WACA ground had a well-earned reputation for being one of the...
As England suffer heavy defeat in the First Test in Mount Maunganui, Patrick Noone looks at some worrying trends in Joe Root's recent Test dismissals We need to talk about Joe Root. It was another failure for England’s captain as the tourists lost the First Test in Mount...
Patrick Noone analyses the New Zealand all-rounder's maiden Test ton If Day 3 was a case of England being ground down by New Zealand, Day 4 was little more than the remains of the tourists’ faint hopes of salvaging a win in this Test match being disdainfully cast aside...
Patrick Noone analyses the New Zealand wicketkeeper's century The term ‘dark horse’ is a label that follows the New Zealand cricket team to every major tournament they compete in. No matter how many World Cup finals they reach, or how many world class players they produce, there remains the...
Patrick Noone analyses how a familiar foe hurt England again Tim Southee’s participation in this Test was not guaranteed in the build-up to the game. Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry were both vying for selection, but the Black Caps opted for the experience of their senior...
Patrick Noone analyses the Day 1 action from Bay Oval "When you win the toss – bat. If you are in doubt, think about it, then bat. If you have very big doubts, consult a colleague – then bat." The above quote, attributed to WG Grace, is reflective of a...
Patrick Noone looks at how Australia's number three lit up Adelaide Oval in the first T20I. In cricket, and indeed all sports, there are countless examples of players just fancying it on a certain ground or against a certain opposition. Circumstances which, for whatever reason, bring the best out...
Ben Jones analyses whether or not the red ball genius should be in the T20 side. After a year in which ODIs and Tests have each had their moment in the spotlight, attentions around the world have begun to turn to T20. The World Cup for...
Patrick Noone reflects on another dominant series for India India are becoming even better at home There are no signs that India’s formidable record on home soil is likely to change any time soon. On the contrary, even as pitches differ more across the many different venues India play at, they...
Patrick Noone looks at the make-up of each Hundred team after yesterday's draft *All 'Best XI' lists assume availability for whole squad Trent Rockets Stephen Fleming has assembled a side rich with local talent, as has been his tendency as coach of T20 franchises around the world. Luke Wood, Tom...