The Wisden Book of Test Cricket 2014-2019

By Bloomsbury Publishing

The Wisden Book of Test Cricket, first published in 1979, is well established as an invaluable and unique source of reference essential to any cricket library. This new volume includes full coverage of every Test match from late 2014 to the end of the 2019 season in England. Each Test match features Wisden's own scorecard, a detailed match report, details of debutants, close of play scores, umpires and referees, with number of appearances, and Man of the Match winners. Also included is a complete individual Test Career Records section and player index.

Edited by Steven Lynch, this new volume brings collectors' libraries up to date, ensuring they have a complete and accurate record - essential for any truly self-respecting cricket enthusiast.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: May 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781472965462

Book preview

Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments

Test Match Scorecards

Individual Test Career Records

Index of Player Names

Preface and Acknowledgments

This book follows on from the previous four volumes of The Wisden Book of Test Cricket, the most recent of which was published in 2015. Since then, over 220 Test matches have been played around the world, taking the total number well over 2,350. This volume fills the gap, with scorecards of all the Tests played since September 2014, up to the end of the English season of 2019.

The scorecards are taken directly from Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. The match reports are usually edited versions of Wisden’s own accounts, and include the Almanack’s traditional mix of informative comment, facts and figures – and, occasionally, fun. The information given includes close-of-play scores, changes of batting and bowling order in the second innings, details of substitute catchers, the identity of umpires (including the TV official) and referees – and the number of matches in which they have stood – plus the winners of Man of the Match awards, while the fall-of-wicket information includes the identity of the outgoing batsman. For the first time, this volume also includes the identity of players performing run-outs (one name means a direct hit, while two or more indicate a return to a player near the stumps or a relayed throw), and also identifies wicketkeeping dismissals made by someone other than the designated keeper in the match. These are signified by a dagger (†) next to the player’s name.

Test career records are given at the back of the book, as well as an Index showing in which matches a particular player appeared. A range of other records, regularly updated, can be found on the wisden.com website.

Each match has a reference number to show its overall position, and its place in that particular series. For example this volume – as the cover shows – includes the first Test match ever played with a pink ball under floodlights: Australia v New Zealand at Adelaide in November 2015. Its full reference number here is Test No. 2187/55 (A783, NZ404). This indicates that it was the 2,187th Test match overall, and the 55th played between Australia and New Zealand; furthermore, it was Australia’s 783rd Test, and New Zealand’s 404th. The overall numbers are arranged chronologically by series – so all the Tests of a particular series appear together and in numerical sequence, even if a match started in another country before the end of the series in question.

Many people gave invaluable assistance in compiling this latest volume. Christopher Lane at Wisden had the original idea for an update, while my colleagues Lawrence Booth, Hugh Chevallier, Harriet Monkhouse and Richard Whitehead were always helpful, and didn’t seem to mind that I was occasionally diverted from helping to produce next year’s Almanack by having my nose stuck in previous editions. Charlotte Croft, Katy McAdam and Zoë Blanc at Bloomsbury saw the project through, while the typesetters Deanta Global Publishing Services dealt capably with the demanding layout. Philip Bailey produced the Test Career Records and the Index with his customary accuracy and speed, while Charles Barr assisted with the proofreading. And at home, my wife Inese was a great help, while my sons Daniel and Mark showed welcome signs of being captivated by cricket: they sat spellbound through the closing stages of Headingley 2019, as their father had been by Headingley ’81.

Finally, a great many people contributed to the accuracy of the original facts and figures in ­Wisden, and they are acknowledged in appropriate annual editions of the Almanack.

STEVEN LYNCH

October 2019

Test No. 2140/58 (P383, A768)

PAKISTAN v AUSTRALIA 2014–15 (1st Test)

At Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 October 2014.

Toss: Pakistan.      Result: PAKISTAN WON BY 221 RUNS.

Debuts: Pakistan – Imran Khan, Yasir Shah. Australia – M. R. Marsh, S. N. J. O’Keefe.

Man of the Match: Younis Khan.

Younis Khan was the key in an unexpected Pakistan triumph. Twin hundreds took him past Inzamam-ul-Haq (25) as their leading century-maker. He became the seventh Pakistani to score a century in each innings, the first from anywhere to do so against Australia since New Zealand’s Glenn Turner in 1973–74, and the first Pakistani to make hundreds against all nine Test nations. Younis had entered at seven for two, but steadied the innings with Azhar Ali and Misbah-ul-Haq. Then Sarfraz Ahmed’s second-day hundred came straight out of the Adam Gilchrist manual, ripping the game away from the opposition just when they had a sniff. He reached three figures from 80 balls; among wicketkeepers, only Gilchrist had got there faster. Pakistan’s four frontline bowlers had only eight caps between them; Saeed Ajmal had been suspended for an illegal bowling action, while Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz were injured. But once Rogers played on, an end was opened up, and the bowlers could expose Australia’s weakness against spin in Asian conditions. Warner made his third century in successive Test innings, before he was finally beaten by a ripping leg-break from the debutant Yasir Shah. Once Pakistan had secured a substantial lead, the game was up. Younis made his second hundred, and helped Ahmed Shehzad to another. The end came seven overs after tea on the final day, mainly thanks to Yasir and slow left-armer Zulfiqar Babar, who wrapped up victory – and his maiden Test five-for – a few weeks short of his 36th birthday.

Pakistan

In the first innings Zulfiqar Babar retired hurt at 454-8.

Johnson 31–18–39–3; Siddle 24–11–50–1; O’Keefe 30–3–107–2; Marsh 17–4–44–0; Lyon 37–4–148–2; Smith 6–0–50–1. Second innings—Johnson 12–2–34–0; Siddle 14–5–44–0; Lyon 18–0–72–0; O’Keefe 27–3–112–2; Marsh 7–1–19–0.

Australia

Rahat Ali 19–0–55–2; Mohammad Hafeez 25.4–5–54–1; Imran Khan 15–3–41–1; Zulfiqar Babar 27–2–81–2; Yasir Shah 16.3–1–66–3. Second innings—Imran Khan 7–2–22–1; Rahat Ali 13–4–36–0; Mohammad Hafeez 15–4–29–0; Zulfiqar Babar 31.1–7–74–5; Yasir Shah 25–6–50–4.

Umpires: M. Erasmus (South Africa) (27) and R. A. Kettleborough (England) (23).

Third umpire: N. J. Llong (England).        Referee: R. S. Madugalle (Sri Lanka) (151).

Close of play: first day, Pakistan 219–4 (Misbah-ul-Haq 34, Asad Shafiq 9); second day, Australia 113–0 (Rogers 31, Warner 75); third day, Pakistan 38–0 (Ahmed Shehzad 22, Azhar Ali 16); fourth day, Australia 59–4 (Rogers 23, Smith 3).

Test No. 2141/59 (P384, A769)

PAKISTAN v AUSTRALIA 2014–15 (2nd Test)

At Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on 30, 31 October, 1, 2, 3 November, 2014.

Toss: Pakistan.        Result: PAKISTAN WON BY 356 RUNS.

Debuts: none.

Man of the Match: Misbah-ul-Haq.        Man of the Series: Younis Khan.

Pakistan completed their first series victory over Australia since 1994-95 in emphatic fashion. It put Misbah-ul-Haq level with his country’s most successful Test captains, Imran Khan and Javed Miandad, on 14 wins. And he could now boast the joint-fastest Test century, alongside Viv Richards: after a 166-ball hundred in the first innings, he reached three figures in the second in just 56, with 11 fours and five sixes, four of them off Smith. Misbah overshadowed Younis Khan’s double-century, and Azhar Ali’s own twin tons. It was only the second time two batsmen from one team had scored two hundreds in a Test, after the Chappell brothers against New Zealand at Wellington in 1973–74. That series also contained the most recent instance of anyone scoring two in a match against Australia; now three Pakistanis had done it in a fortnight (and Virat Kohli would follow suit for India in December). Australia’s batsmen struggled on a slow, low pitch, and their bowlers managed just nine wickets. Where Pakistan coaxed both spin and reverse swing, Australia managed little of either, although Lyon bowled well in patches. Clarke admitted sombrely that his team had not improved in these conditions from their 4–0 defeat in India in 2012–13. The only bright spots for his side came during Smith’s 97, their most assured innings against spin, while Mitchell Marsh’s 87 in his second Test bulged with promise. But neither was anywhere near enough to avert Pakistan’s biggest Test victory by runs – and a 2–0 whitewash.

Pakistan

Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali and Imran Khan did not bat.

Johnson 25–7–59–1; Starc 27–3–86–2; Siddle 31–8–75–1; Lyon 37–1–154–1; Marsh 12–2–32–0; Maxwell 16–2–78–0; Clarke 6–0–24–0; Smith 10–0–41–1. Second innings—Johnson 7–1–45–2; Lyon 18–3–48–0; Starc 11.4–2–56–0; ­Siddle 14–4–48–0; Smith 6–0–54–1; Marsh 4–1–15–0.

Australia

Imran Khan 14–1–60–3; Mohammad Hafeez 5.2–0–13–1; Zulfiqar Babar 25–5–94–2; Rahat Ali 9–0–41–2; Yasir Shah 14–2–47–2. Second innings—Rahat Ali 8–6–3–0; Imran Khan 8–1–29–0; Mohammad Hafeez 17–4–38–2; Zulfiqar Babar 32.3–2–120–5; Yasir Shah 22–4–44–3; Azhar Ali 1–0–1–0.

Umpires: R. A. Kettleborough (England) (24) and N. J. Llong (England) (26).

Third umpire: M. Erasmus (South Africa).        Referee: R. S. Madugalle (Sri Lanka) (152).

Close of play: first day, Pakistan 304–2 (Azhar Ali 101, Younis Khan 111); second day, Australia 22–1 (Warner 16, Lyon 1); third day, Pakistan 61–2 (Azhar Ali 21, Younis Khan 16); fourth day, Australia 143–4 (Smith 38, Marsh 26).

Test No. 2142/12 (B86, Z95)

BANGLADESH v ZIMBABWE 2014–15 (1st Test)

At Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka, on 25, 26, 27 October, 2014.

Toss: Zimbabwe.        Result: BANGLADESH WON BY THREE WICKETS.

Debuts: Bangladesh – Jubair Hossain. Zimbabwe – T. Kamungozi.

Man of the Match: Taijul Islam.

After two days this match was intriguingly poised. But 17 wickets tumbled for 210 on a crazy third day, which ended with Bangladesh stumbling over the line to complete their fifth Test victory. Zimbabwe lost seven wickets before lunch on that third day: Taijul Islam, in only his third Test, took eight for 39, Bangladesh’s best figures, beating Shakib Al Hasan’s seven for 36 against New Zealand at Chittagong in 2008–09. Only two left-armers had recorded better figures: Rangana Herath for Sri Lanka against Pakistan just two months earlier, and Johnny Briggs for England in South Africa in 1888–89. Needing just 101, Bangladesh nosedived to nought for three, only the fifth such scoreline in Test history. It could have been worse: Mahmudullah and Shakib were both dropped by Nyumbu in the gully before the total passed five. After taking two early wickets, Chigumbura returned after tea with a double-wicket maiden; Bangladesh were soon 82 for seven. But Taijul collected 15 of the 19 required, including a pulled four to win the match. The excitement of the third day was a far cry from the sober cricket that had preceded it. Sikandar Raza lasted more than three hours for 51, but the rest of Zimbabwe’s batting was disappointing. Their total looked rather better when Bangladesh could improve it by only 14. Mominul Haque made 53, and Mahmudullah 63 in three and a half hours – but otherwise only Mushfiqur Rahim lasted for long as seamer Panyangara picked up a maiden Test five-for.

Zimbabwe

Shahadat Hossain 14–1–45–1; Al-Amin Hossain 8–2–22–0; Shakib Al Hasan 24.5–5–59–6; Taijul Islam 13–3–42–1; Jubair Hossain 15–1–58–2; Mahmudullah 1–0–2–0. Second innings—Shahadat Hossain 8–2–25–1; Shakib Al Hasan 10–2–44–1; Taijul Islam 16.5–7–39–8; Jubair Hossain 1–0–6–0.

Bangladesh

Panyangara 23–5–59–5; Chatara 22–11–27–0; Chigumbura 14–6–34–0; Nyumbu 15–1–65–0; Kamungozi 21–5–51–1; Sikandar Raza 3–0–12–1. Second innings—Chigumbura 10.3–4–21–4; Panyangara 8–2–30–2; Chatara 8–2–34–1; ­Kamungozi 5–1–7–0; Sikandar Raza 1–0–1–0; Nyumbu 1–0–4–0.

Umpires: H. D. P. K. Dharmasena (Sri Lanka) (27) and S. Ravi (India) (4).

Third umpire: B. F. Bowden (New Zealand).        Referee: B. C. Broad (England) (63).

Close of play: first day, Bangladesh 27–1 (Shamsur Rahman 8, Mominul Haque 14); second day, Zimbabwe 5–0 ­(Sibanda 5, Chakabva 0).

Test No. 2143/13 (B87, Z96)

BANGLADESH v ZIMBABWE 2014–15 (2nd Test)

At Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, Khulna, on 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 November, 2014.

Toss: Bangladesh.        Result: BANGLADESH WON BY 162 RUNS.

Debuts: Zimbabwe – B. B. Chari, N. Mushangwe.

Man of the Match: Shakib Al Hasan.

Shakib Al Hasan marked Khulna’s second Test with 137, then took five wickets in each innings, a Test double previously achieved only by Ian Botham and Imran Khan. A positive result had looked unlikely when Bangladesh batted almost 20 overs into the final day, before leaving a target of 314 in 68 overs. But Zimbabwe were soon 15 for three, and all out shortly after tea. Slow left-armers Shakib and Taijul Islam took the new ball, and shared eight wickets. Ervine fell to the last ball before tea, and Masakadza soon afterwards: the final four wickets could add only nine. It was hard on Masakadza, who had survived seven hours in the first innings for his fourth Test century, and a further 144 minutes in the second. Determined batting had been a theme of the first four days. Bangladesh’s big total was set up by contrasting centuries from Tamim Iqbal (whose 312-ball ton was their slowest in Tests) and a friskier one from Shakib. Zimbabwe also had two century-makers: Masakadza added 147 for the sixth wicket with wicketkeeper Chakabva, who made his maiden Test hundred. At 336 for five Zimbabwe looked set for a lead, but the rest tumbled for 32. With Bangladesh showing little urgency on the fourth day, a draw looked the likeliest result until Shakib took a hand. It was only the second time Bangladesh had won successive Tests, after the 2009 West Indian tour. Zimbabwe off-spinner Waller was reported – and later banned – for a suspect action.

Bangladesh

Panyangara 29–10–49–2; Chigumbura 22–5–60–1; Chatara 27–7–61–2; Mushangwe 40.5–7–127–1; Waller 23–4–65–2; Sikandar Raza 11–2–31–0; Masakadza 6–1–28–1. Second innings—Chigumbura 6–2–13–0; Panyangara 12–3–45–1; Chatara 7–3–19–0; Waller 27–4–59–4; Sikandar Raza 6–0–22–0; Mushangwe 25.5–2–82–4.

Zimbabwe

Shahadat Hossain 11–2–24–0; Taijul Islam 32.1–6–96–3; Shakib Al Hasan 41–11–80–5; Jubair Hossain 19–2–64–0; Rubel Hossain 22–6–55–2; Shuvagata Hom 7–0–27–0; Mominul Haque 1–1–0–0; Mahmudullah 2–0–13–0. Second innings—Taijul Islam 15.1–3–44–3; Shakib Al Hasan 18–5–44–5; Shuvagata Hom 4–2–9–0; Rubel Hossain 4–2–8–0; Jubair Hossain 10–0–42–2.

Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pakistan) (91) and B. F. Bowden (New Zealand) (80).

Third umpire: S. Ravi (India).        Referee: B. C. Broad (England) (64).

Close of play: first day, Bangladesh 193–3 (Tamim Iqbal 74, Shakib Al Hasan 13); second day, Zimbabwe 53–1 ­(Chari 21, Masakadza 15); third day, Zimbabwe 331–5 (Masakadza 154, Chakabva 75); fourth day, Bangladesh 201–5 ­(Mahmudullah 63, Shuvagata Hom 23).

Test No. 2144/14 (B88, Z97)

BANGLADESH v ZIMBABWE 2014–15 (3rd Test)

At Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, on 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 November, 2014.

Toss: Bangladesh.        Result: BANGLADESH WON BY 186 RUNS.

Debuts: none.

Man of the Match: Mominul Haque.        Man of the Series: Shakib Al Hasan.

Bangladesh completed their first 3–0 whitewash with a confident performance after taking first use of a perfect track: the openers responded with a stand of 224. Tamim Iqbal and the recalled Imrul Kayes reached their hundreds just before tea: it was the first time Bangladesh’s openers had survived the first two sessions of a Test. Tamim’s sixth Test century equalled Mohammad Ashraful’s national record. Zimbabwe had more success next day, but a fluent 71 from Shakib and a late blast from Rubel Hossain helped Bangladesh pass 500 for only the fourth time. Although Chari fell to Rubel for a duck, Sikandar Raza and Hamilton Masakadza put on 160, before a clatter of wickets made it 209 for five. Chakabva (relieved of the wicketkeeping gloves) then added 113 with Chigumbura, whose 88 was a Test-best, and the follow-on was avoided – but the tail again failed to make much headway. Teenage leg-spinner Jubair Hossain took his maiden five-for in his third Test. Bangladesh rattled along as the lead mounted, with Mominul Haque cantering to his fourth hundred in only his 12th Test, the ninth in succession in which he had scored at least a half-century. A target of 449 predictably proved well beyond Zimbabwe. The unfortunate Chari completed a pair and, after some resistance from Raza and Masakadza, only Chakabva hung around. He was still there at the end, after 208 minutes – but no one else lasted an hour. Bangladesh now had seven Test victories (five against Zimbabwe) to offset 70 defeats.

Bangladesh

Panyangara 20.4–2–70–2; Chigumbura 14–4–40–0; S. W. Masakadza 25–5–77–2; Mushangwe 47–5–149–0; Sikandar Raza 36–2–123–3; Chari 2–0–9–0; H. Masakadza 9–1–23–2. Second innings—S. W. Masakadza 7–0–28–0; Panyangara 12–3–31–2; Sikandar Raza 25–0–114–1; Mushangwe 18–2–77–2; Chigumbura 9–2–19–0; H. Masakadza 7–1–39–0.

Zimbabwe

Shafiul Islam 18–5–50–2; Rubel Hossain 9–1–46–1; Taijul Islam 30–2–100–1; Shakib Al Hasan 25–4–67–1; Jubair Hossain 20–1–96–5; Shuvagata Hom 1–0–1–0; Mahmudullah 3–0–7–0. Second innings—Shafiul Islam 9–1–17–2; Rubel Hossain 4–2–16–2; Taijul Islam 22–4–48–1; Jubair Hossain 19–3–56–2; Shakib Al Hasan 11–2–35–0; Shuvagata Hom 16–1–66–2; Mahmudullah 4–1–4–1.

Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pakistan) (92) and C. B. Gaffaney (New Zealand) (2).

Third umpire: H. D. P. K. Dharmasena (Sri Lanka).        Referee: B. C. Broad (England) (65).

Close of play: first day, Bangladesh 303–2 (Mominul Haque 46, Mahmudullah 5); second day, Zimbabwe 113–1 ­(Sikandar Raza 54, H. Masakadza 51); third day, Bangladesh 23–0 (Tamim Iqbal 8, Imrul Kayes 11); fourth day, Zimbabwe 71–1 (Sikandar Raza 43, H. Masakadza 26).

Test No. 2145/51 (P385, NZ395)

PAKISTAN v NEW ZEALAND 2014–15 (1st Test)

At Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 November, 2014.

Toss: Pakistan.        Result: PAKISTAN WON BY 248 RUNS.

Debuts: none.

Man of the Match: Rahat Ali.

Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss, said We’ll bat, and galloped to the shade of the dressing-room, sentencing New Zealand to almost two days of desert sun; the only respite during Pakistan’s 566 for three was a westerly wind to wick away sweat. The openers started by putting on 178, and the rest joined in: for the first time in a Test, the top five all passed 80. New Zealand’s bowlers stuck at it, although the fielding suffered. Ahmed Shehzad motored to 176 – his third century in eight Tests – before his bat fell on to the stumps after he was clonked on the helmet by Anderson. He had a minor skull fracture, and sat out the rest of the series. Misbah cruised to another hundred, after two in his previous Test, also on this ground, against Australia. Apart from Latham – and No. 10 Sodhi in the second innings – the visitors floundered against spin and reverse swing, while the cacophony of chirping around the bat must have felt like being in an aviary. Latham’s maiden century made him and Rod the third New Zealand father and son to score Test hundreds, after Walter and Richard Hadlee and Ken and Hamish Rutherford. There was a brief interlude as Pakistan topped up their lead, taking their match aggregate to 741 for five. When Mohammad Hafeez (who would miss the next match for tests after his bowling action was reported again) reached his hundred, Misbah declared for the fifth successive innings, and soon had a national-record 15th Test win as captain.

Pakistan

Asad Shafiq, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali and Imran Khan did not bat.

Boult 26–7–62–0; Southee 23–5–62–0; Craig 33–1–126–0; Sodhi 43–6–162–1; Anderson 19–3–68–2; Neesham 16–0–50–0; McCullum 10.5–1–32–0. Second innings—Boult 7–2–25–0; Southee 9–0–33–0; Sodhi 13–1–66–2; Anderson 5–1–11–0; Craig 5–0–29–0; McCullum 0.2–0–3–0.

New Zealand

Rahat Ali 17–10–22–4; Imran Khan 11–2–29–0; Zulfiqar Babar 27.3–5–79–3; Mohammad Hafeez 15–1–60–1; Yasir Shah 17–1–65–1. Second innings—Rahat Ali 11–1–48–2; Imran Khan 10.3–1–37–2; Zulfiqar Babar 24–6–48–2; Yasir Shah 18–1–74–3; Mohammad Hafeez 7–0–21–1.

Umpires: R. E. J. Martinesz (Sri Lanka) (5) and R. J. Tucker (Australia) (34).

Third umpire: P. R. Reiffel (Australia).        Referee: A. J. Pycroft (Zimbabwe) (31).

Close of play: first day, Pakistan 269–1 (Ahmed Shehzad 126, Azhar Ali 46); second day, New Zealand 15–0 (Latham 5, McCullum 9); third day, Pakistan 15–0 (Mohammad Hafeez 5, Azhar Ali 9); fourth day, New Zealand 174–8 (Craig 27, Sodhi 27).

Test No. 2146/52 (P386, NZ396)

PAKISTAN v NEW ZEALAND 2014–15 (2nd Test)

At Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 November, 2014.

Toss: New Zealand.        Result: DRAWN.

Debuts: none.

Man of the Match: L. R. P. L. Taylor.

New Zealand emerged with respect after their Abu Dhabi trouncing. McCullum set Pakistan 261 in 72 overs, and they finished 65 short of victory, with New Zealand five wickets away. Off-spinner Craig dismissed Azhar Ali and Younis Khan, but he and Sodhi did not use the footmarks as effectively as Pakistan’s slow men; in New Zealand’s second innings, Zulfiqar Babar and Yasir Shah took all nine wickets before the declaration. Taylor negotiated them well for his 12th Test century before Yasir had him stumped – for the first time in a Test – but his seventh-wicket partnership of 60 with Craig extricated New Zealand from a perilous position with a day remaining. They had claimed the early honours, with Latham making 137 on the first day to become the second New Zealander, after John F. Reid in 1984–85, to score centuries in consecutive Tests against Pakistan, before Watling and Craig lifted them towards 400. Pakistan had fielded the same side in winning their last three Tests, but were forced to change both openers, with disappointing results. Azhar Ali and Younis Khan fought back, but the rest looked out of touch, which was unsurprising: Pakistan had not needed to call on anyone beneath No. 5 in four of their previous seven innings. At 312 for nine they were facing a potentially terminal deficit, but Sarfraz Ahmed and Rahat Ali put on 81, a tenth-wicket record against New Zealand. Sarfraz finally slapped a return catch, McCullum’s first wicket in any form of top-level cricket.

New Zealand

Rahat Ali 32–8–69–1; Ehsan Adil 29–9–73–2; Zulfiqar Babar 45–8–137–4; Yasir Shah 41–7–92–2; Azhar Ali 9–1–23–1. Second innings—Rahat Ali 8–0–39–0; Ehsan Adil 8–1–33–0; Zulfiqar Babar 27.5–5–96–4; Yasir Shah 21–1–79–5.

Pakistan

Boult 30–8–69–2; Southee 30–5–67–3; Craig 28–5–117–1; Sodhi 39–9–92–2; Anderson 7–0–26–0; Neesham 11–2–12–1; McCullum 2–1–1–1. Second innings—Boult 10–6–12–2; Southee 11–3–21–1; Craig 17–3–66–2; Sodhi 21–5–63–0; Anderson 3–1–4–0; Neesham 2–1–1–0; McCullum 3–0–12–0.

Umpires: R. E. J. Martinesz (Sri Lanka) (6) and P. R. Reiffel (Australia) (12).

Third umpire: R. J. Tucker (Australia).        Referee: A. J. Pycroft (Zimbabwe) (32).

Close of play: first day, New Zealand 243–3 (Latham 137, Anderson 7); second day, Pakistan 34–2 (Azhar Ali 4, Younis Khan 1); third day, Pakistan 281–6 (Sarfraz Ahmed 28, Yasir Shah 1); fourth day, New Zealand 167–6 (Taylor 77, Craig 0).

Test No. 2147/53 (P387, NZ397)

PAKISTAN v NEW ZEALAND 2014–15 (3rd Test)

At Sharjah C. A. Stadium on 26, 27 (no play), 28, 29, 30 November, 2014.

Toss: Pakistan.        Result: NEW ZEALAND WON BY AN INNINGS AND 80 RUNS.

Debuts: none.

Man of the Match: M. D. Craig.        Man of the Series: Mohammad Hafeez.

The death in Sydney on November 27 of the Australian batsman Phillip Hughes cast a pall over this match; the scheduled second day was abandoned, and another added. But after losing the toss on a pitch of shiny batting-friendly clay, New Zealand regrouped to square the series. Vettori, whistled up for a 112th and final cap 28 months after his 111th, claimed two wickets, but Craig led the way, becoming only the third New Zealand spinner, after Vettori himself (three times) and John Bracewell, to take ten in a Test – and the first from anywhere to do so at Sharjah, eclipsing Shane Warne’s two hauls of eight in October 2002. On what became the second morning, the absence of exultation when Southee had Misbah-ul-Haq caught behind reflected the change of mood; as Pakistan lost seven wickets for 70, it was as if the mute button had been pressed. Misbah admitted his side lost their focus. Records tumbled when New Zealand batted: 690 was their highest total, and the second-biggest conceded by Pakistan, while 22 sixes was the most (by five) in any Test innings. McCullum’s 78-ball hundred was his country’s fastest, and he joined Don Bradman (1930), Ricky Ponting (2003) and Michael Clarke (2012) in scoring three or more double-centuries in a year. Leading by 339, New Zealand were thankful for a breeze which helped Southee and Boult bend the ball around. Pakistan limped to 24 for three on the fourth morning, and fell short despite Asad Shafiq’s stylish 137.

Pakistan

Boult 21–6–54–0; Southee 24–4–54–1; Vettori 19–5–41–1; Anderson 12–4–28–0; Craig 27.4–5–94–7; Sodhi 22–3–76–1. Second innings—Boult 15–6–38–4; Southee 11–3–20–0; Craig 20.3–2–109–3; Vettori 5–2–8–1; Sodhi 12–0–82–2.

New Zealand

Mohammad Talha 22–2–136–0; Rahat Ali 29–2–99–4; Zulfiqar Babar 23–1–135–0; Yasir Shah 44.1–4–193–4; Mohammad Hafeez 23–2–110–2; Azhar Ali 2–0–8–0.

Umpires: P. R. Reiffel (Australia) (13) and R. J. Tucker (Australia) (35).

Third umpire: R. E. J. Martinesz (Sri Lanka).        Referee: A. J. Pycroft (Zimbabwe) (33).

Close of play: first day, Pakistan 281–3 (Mohammad Hafeez 178, Misbah-ul-Haq 38); second day, no play; third day, New Zealand 249–1 (McCullum 153, Williamson 76); fourth day, New Zealand 637–8 (Craig 34).

Test No. 2148/87 (A770, I484)

AUSTRALIA v INDIA 2014–15 (1st Test)

At Adelaide Oval on 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 December, 2014.

Toss: Australia.        Result: AUSTRALIA WON BY 48 RUNS.

Debuts: India – K. V. Sharma.

Man of the Match: N. M. Lyon.

This series was delayed after the death of Phillip Hughes on November 27, but Adelaide Oval provided the perfect setting for an event marinated in emotion. Warner started by channelling the grief of the loss of his little mate to make a sizzling 145. Clarke retired hurt after aggravating back and hamstring problems, but was back next day to reach a record seventh century here, and helped Smith put on 163. Then Kohli, captaining for the first time as Dhoni was injured, made a sumptuous hundred, although Lyon mopped up to give Australia a lead of 73. Warner rode his luck to complete his second hundred of the game, to reprise his feat at Cape Town in March, and an overnight declaration left India 364 in 98 overs. At tea they needed 159 with Kohli purring along and eight wickets left, but Lyon trapped Vijay in front for 99, and Rahane went five balls later, caught – off pad only – at short leg. The tide was turning, but Kohli was more like Cnut. His second century reduced the requirement below 100 – but finally he picked out Marsh on the midwicket fence. More than 16 overs remained: India might still have managed a draw, but the tail hit out. Lyon, who at one point had one for 116, finished with seven for 152, and was the first Australian off-spinner to take 12 wickets in a home Test. He was lauded by team-mates and the largest fifth-day crowd at Adelaide (24,836) since Bodyline.

Australia

R. J. Harris and P. M. Siddle did not bat.

In the first innings Clarke, when 60, retired hurt at 206-2 and resumed at 354-6.

Mohammed Shami 24–2–120–2; Aaron 23–1–136–2; I. Sharma 27–5–85–1; K. V. Sharma 33–1–143–2; Vijay 13–3–29–0. Second innings—Mohammed Shami 11–2–42–1; I. Sharma 14–3–41–0; K. V. Sharma 16–2–95–2; Vijay 6–0–27–0; R. G. Sharma 12–2–35–1; Aaron 10–0–43–1.

India

Johnson 22–6–102–2; Harris 21–6–55–1; Lyon 36–4–134–5; Siddle 18.4–2–88–2; Marsh 11–4–29–0; Watson 5–1–13–0; 
Smith 3–0–19–0. Second innings—Johnson 16–2–45–2; Harris 19–6–49–1; Lyon 34.1–5–152–7; Siddle 9–3–21–0; Watson 2–0–6–0; Smith 3–0–18–0; Marsh 4–1–11–0.

Umpires: M. Erasmus (South Africa) (28) and I. J. Gould (England) (42).

Third umpire: M. D. Martell (Australia).        Referee: J. J. Crowe (New Zealand) (68).

Close of play: first day, Australia 354–6 (Smith 72); second day, Australia 517–7 (Smith 162, Johnson 0); third day, India 369–5 (R. G. Sharma 33, Saha 1); fourth day, Australia 290–5 (Smith 52, Haddin 14).

Test No. 2149/88 (A771, I485)

AUSTRALIA v INDIA 2014–15 (2nd Test)

At Wolloongabba, Brisbane, on 17, 18, 19, 20 December, 2014.

Toss: India.        Result: AUSTRALIA WON BY FOUR WICKETS.

Debuts: Australia – J. R. Hazlewood.

Man of the Match: S. P. D. Smith.

Inconspicuous in the First Test, Johnson now made two devastating interventions. Australia were drifting when he surged to 88; next day he splintered India’s middle order like matchwood with three for ten in 11 balls. He was batting when the winning runs were scored, extending Australia’s undefeated streak at the Gabba to 26 Tests, only seven of them drawn. It was India’s sixth successive defeat in Australia. Smith, in his first Test in charge – Clarke was injured, and vice-captain Haddin bypassed – remained unruffled after losing the toss and watching India amass 311 for four on a boiling day. Vijay compiled a polished 144, although he was dropped twice by Shaun Marsh, playing his first Test alongside his brother. Josh Hazlewood, on debut, forced his way through on the second morning, and Haddin finished with six catches. Smith then took breezy command, collecting the first century by a new Australian captain since Graham Yallop against England in 1978–79, before a riotous partnership of 148 with Johnson; the last four wickets eventually added 258 in just 48.3 overs. Before the start of the fourth day, Dhawan – struck on the wrist in the warm-up – decided he could not resume; instead, Kohli entered, and soon dragged Johnson on. India had been almost level, but now lost four for 11. Dhawan soon returned, and showed no ill-effects while progressing to 81. Left 128, Australia were grateful to Rogers’s second 55 of the match. The overall run-rate of 4.12 was the highest in Australian Test history.

India

In the second innings Dhawan, when 26, retired hurt at 71-1 and resumed at 117-6.

Johnson 21–4–81–0; Hazlewood 23.2–6–68–5; Starc 17–1–83–0; M. R. Marsh 6–1–14–1; Lyon 25.4–2–105–3; Watson 14.4–6–39–1; Warner 1–0–9–0; Smith 1–0–4–0. Second innings—Johnson 17.3–4–61–4; Hazlewood 16–0–74–2; Starc 8–1–27–2; Watson 13–6–27–0; Lyon 10–1–33–2.

Australia

I. Sharma 23–2–117–3; Aaron 26–1–145–2; Yadav 25–4–101–3; Ashwin 33.4–4–128–2; R. G. Sharma 2–0–10–0. Second innings—I. Sharma 9–2–38–3; Yadav 9–0–46–2; Aaron 5.1–0–38–0.

Umpires: M. Erasmus (South Africa) (29) and I. J. Gould (England) (43).

Third umpire: S. D. Fry (Australia).        Referee: J. J. Crowe (New Zealand) (69).

Close of play: first day, India 311–4 (Rahane 75, R. G. Sharma 26); second day, Australia 221–4 (Smith 65, M. R. Marsh 7); third day, India 71–1 (Dhawan 26, Pujara 15).

Test No. 2150/89 (A772, I486)

AUSTRALIA v INDIA 2014–15 (3rd Test)

At Melbourne Cricket Ground on 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December, 2014.

Toss: Australia.        Result: DRAWN.

Debuts: Australia – J. A. Burns. India – K. L. Rahul.

Man of the Match: R. J. Harris.

Australia regained the Border–Gavaskar Trophy after Smith set India 384 in two sessions on a blameless pitch. He might have wished for more time when they promptly slumped to 19 for three, but rested content with the first draw at Melbourne for 17 years. Shortly afterwards, Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket was announced after a match in which he made an Indian-record nine dismissals. After Rogers and Watson shared a steady second-wicket partnership of 115, Smith became the first to score centuries in his first two Tests as Australia’s captain. Having given away at least 486 for the eighth time in 2014, India began their reply under pressure, but it didn’t show: the fourth-wicket pair played with authority, eventually adding 262. Kohli took 11 of his 18 fours off an increasingly disgruntled Johnson, but Rahane arguably played even better, outscoring his glamorous partner. He eventually fell to Lyon, the first of seven wickets in 21 overs as India conceded an advantage of 65, and Australia were back in charge. Midway through the fourth afternoon, they were nearly 200 ahead and only two down – but tight bowling in the last 32-over session brought three wickets and only 87 runs. Rain shortened the final day, and Smith eventually settled for the draw. Shaun Marsh looked set for a century before he pushed to Kohli at mid-off and ran – and became the third Australian to be run out for 99 in a home Test, after Bill Brown (1947–48) and Arthur Morris (1952–53).

Australia