2018 is a year to be remembered, for Test cricket. This year, we have seen highs and lows of the sport, retirement of legends to the bursting of youngsters to the scene and one sided games to nail-biting games.
New Year Ashes Test saw Australia win the test by an innings and 123 runs at Sydney. Usman Khawaja and Marsh brothers hit centuries and Patrick Cummins 8-fer totally decimated England.
New Year Ashes Test saw Australia win the test by an innings and 123 runs at Sydney. Usman Khawaja and Marsh brothers hit centuries and Patrick Cummins 8-fer totally decimated England.
India tour of South Africa
This series was the opportunity for the No.1 ranked team India to win a test series in South Africa. Little did the Indian Captain Virat Kohli know that his favourite RCB team-mate AB deVilliers would stand between India and the series, which India eventually lost by 1-2! This was Virat Kohli's first test series loss as full-time test captain.
This series will be remembered by Indians for controversial playing XI for the first two games, like Rohit Sharma being picked ahead of Ajinkya Rahane. Bhuvneshwar Kumar being dropped even after a spectacular performance. This was rectified in the last game, which India won on a surface which had created a lot of debate.
This series saw two young players making a mark, Jasprit Bumrah and Lungisani Ngidi. Ngidi took 6-fer in his debut game to decimate the Indian batting in Centurion. Bumrah improved innings by innings and finally took a 5-fer in Johannesburg.
The star of the batting was Virat Kohli, while in bowling, it was Kagiso Rabada. The intriguing competition between Rabada and Kohli was the hallmark of the series.
Most runs - Virat Kohli - 286 (100s - 1, 50s - 1, HS - 153 at Centurion)
Most wickets - Vernon Philander - 15 (Best - 6 for 42 at Cape Town)
Kagiso Rabada - 15 (Best - 3 for 34 at Cape Town)
Mohammed Shami - 15 (Best - 5 for 28 at Johannesburg)
Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh
This series was the comeback of Sri Lanka in terms of winning a test series. Over the years, Bangladesh has become a team to beat at home. While, Sri Lanka were coming into the series with a series loss to India in India. Sri Lanka did not put wrong foot and won the series 1-0!
First test was a drawn high scoring game, while the second was the Sri Lanka dominated low scoring game. Akila Dhananjaya on his debut along with Rangana Hearth ran through Bangladesh's batting line-up with their spinning abilities. While talking point of the series was the overly spinning Dhaka pitch, which was rated poor.
Mominul Haque starred with the bat and Taijul Islam with the ball for Bangladesh. While for Sri Lanka it was Kusal Mendis and Rangana Herath.
Most runs - Mominul Haque - 314 (100s - 2, 50s - 0, HS - 176 at Chittagong)
Most wickets - Taijul Islam - 12 (Best - 4 for 76 at Dhaka)
Australia tour of South Africa
This series was the lowest point of the sport in 2018. The sport was in the news for wrong reasons. Ball-tampering saga dominated the news rather than the South Africa clinching the series 3-1!
Win at all cost mentality led to the ball-tampering at Cape Town. Australian reputation of "we play hard, but fair" reputation came under scrutiny. The outrage of Australian public led to the 12 months ban of then Captain, Steve Smith and his deputy, David Warner and 9 months ban on Cameron Bancroft.
This was also the last time for cricket fraternity to watch AB deVilliers in action in Test cricket. He announced his retirement from international cricket, which shocked the whole world. In his last test series, he scored 427 runs at an average of 71.
Aiden Markram and ABD were the stars with the bat, while Kagiso Rabada and Patrick Cummins starred with the ball.
Most runs - Aiden Markram - 480 (100s - 2, 50s - 1, HS - 152 at Johannesburg)
Most wickets - Kagiso Rabada - 23 (Best - 6 for 54 at Port Elizabeth)
England tour of New Zealand
This 2 match test saw New Zealand winning the series 1-0! Both the teams played with a lot of character.
First test saw Trent Boult and Tim Southee destroying English batting by dismissing them for just 58! After that kind of batting shocker, England tried to catch up with the game only to lose by an innings and 49 runs. But, second game was closely contested draw, thanks to Ish Sodhi and Neil Wangner batting out of their skins and put up a match saving partnership of 47 runs in 188 balls for the 9th wicket.
Jonny Bairstow and Kane Williamson starred with the bat, while Trent Boult and Tim Southee with the ball.
Most runs - Jonny Bairstow - 163 (100s - 1, 50s - 0, HS - 101 at Christchurch)
Most wickets - Trent Boult - 15 (6 for 32 at Auckland)
Pakistan tour of Ireland
Ireland played their first ever test match and they showed that they belonged at the highest level. After nervous first innings they came out with never say die attitude. But Pakistan being the experienced side beat Ireland by 5 wickets.
Kevin O'Brien starred with the bat. while Mohammad Abbas with the ball.
Most runs - Kevin O'Brien - 158 (100s - 1, 50s - 0, HS - 118 at Dublin)
Most wickets - Mohammad Abbas - 9 (Best - 5 for 66 at Dublin)
Pakistan tour of England
The two match series was held at 1-1!
England's harrowing decision to opt to bat resulted in Pakistan winning the first test, while Pakistan collapsing under crucial junctures resulted in English winning by an innings in the second.
Jos Buttler starred with the bat, while Mohammad Abbas with the ball.
Most runs - Jos Buttler - 161 (100s - 0, 50s - 2, HS - 80 at Leeds)
Most wickets - Mohammad Abbas - 10 (Best - 4 for 23 at Lord's)
Sri Lanka tour of West Indies
This was another closely contested series but another controversy took the limelight. The series scorecard read 1-1!
Windies took the first took the first game. Sri Lanka could have won the second, if not for their drama on Day 3. Sri Lanka did win the third.
Sri Lanka players refused to take the field on Day 3 on time at St. Lucia as they were charged of ball tampering by the umpires Ian Gould and Aleem Dar and the players claimed that they didn't. But the video footage did show the Captain Dinesh Chandimal altering the condition of the ball. Chandimal was handed one test match ban and four ODIs ban along with the coach and team manager for "conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game".
Shane Dowrich and Kusal Mendis were the stars with the bat while Shannon Gabriel and Lahiru Kumara with the ball.
Most runs - Shane Dowrich - 288 (100s - 1, 50s - 2, HS - 125 at Port of Spain, Trinidad)
Most wickets - Shannon Gabriel - 20 (Best - 8 for 62 at Port of Spain, Trinidad)
Afghanistan tour of India
This was a mismatch. Afghanistan who were playing their first ever test match were made to play against the No.1 test team. India outclassed Afghanistan in just two days by winning by an innings and 262 runs.
This series also saw a moment of "Spirit of the game" as Indian Captain Ajinkya Rahane invited the Afghanistan team to pose along the Indian team as Champions.
Entire Indian top order scored heavily, while Indian bowlers did their usual job of decimating opponents at home.
Most runs - Shikhar Dhawan - 107 (100s -1, 50s - 0, HS - 107 at Bengaluru)
Most wickets - Ravindra Jadeja - 6 (Best - 4 for 17 at Bengaluru)
Bangladesh tour of West Indies
Windies outclassed Bangladesh in two match test series to win 2-0!
Bangladesh failed to find their mojo after being bundled out for 43 in 19 overs in the first test match, with Kemar Roach ending with a spell of 5-1-8-5! None of the Bangladesh batsmen portray desired composure and technique to put up a performance.
Kraigg Brathwaite top scored in the series while the Windies Captain Jason Holder starred with the ball.
Most runs - Kraigg Brathwaite - 239 (100s - 2, 50s- 0, HS - 121 at Antigua)
Most wickets - Jason Holder - 16 (Best - 6 for 59 at Jamaica)
India tour of England
Another opportunity for India to win a test series in SENA countries turned out to be a less than the opportunity as India lost the 5 match test series by 1-4! But, it was a closely contested test series. The scoreline does not show that, but it was.
Sam Curran, a 20 year old English boy tormented India by his all-round performances throughout the series. All the tests, he was part of England won. It was a shame that he was not part of the third test, which India won comfortably. It was he, who stood between India and the trophy. The selection howlers cost India too. Pujara being dropped for the first game, playing two spinners on seam-friendly track in the second game and playing half-fit (injured) Ashwin for the fourth. Bumrah not being able to play first two tests due to his hand injury, did not help India's case. Bumrah proved to be the massive game-changer as he took 5 wicket haul on his return and won India the third test.
The Edgbaston test match was a classic as the pendulum oscillated hour by hour towards each side. England won the test by 31 runs. Indian batsmen failing resulted in innings defeat at Lord's. India came back strongly to win by 203 runs at Trent Bridge. Despite getting a lead in first innings at Southampton, India lost the test as India struggled to take the wickets of lower middle order in second innings. At Kennington Oval, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant tried, but the target on that kind of surface was always out of reach after Sir Alastair Cook's fairy tale end to his career.
Virat Kohli buried his ghosts of 2014 and scored whooping 593 runs at an average of 59.3. James Anderson as usual at home conditions took a plenty of wickets. Anderson would not be pleased that he could not take the wicket of his 2014 bunny Virat Kohli.
Most runs - Virat Kohli - 593 (100s - 2, 50s - 3, HS -149 at Edgbaston)
Most wickets - James Anderson - 24 (Best - 5 for 20 at Lord's)
South Africa tour of Sri Lanka
South Africa's inability to play on spinning tracks were on exhibition again. After having a terrific test run of South Africa, they were expected to be all over Sri Lanka in the 2 test match series. But, it was other way around. Sri Lanka were all over South Africa and won the test series 2-0!
In the very first test match, South Africa chasing 352, succumbed to their lowest fourth innings total of 73. In the second test, after Keshav Maharaj's heroics with the ball in first innings, South Africa crumbled again doing no justice to Maharaj's heroics. This was the test series of South Africa after ABD's retirement.
Dimuth Karunaratne starred with the bat with no scores less than 50 in the entire series, while Dilruwan Perera and Keshav Maharaj with the ball.
Most runs - Dimuth Karunaratne - 356 (100s - 1, 50s -3, HS - 158 at Galle)
Most wickets - Dilruwan Perera - 16 (Best - 6 for 32 at Galle)
Keshav Maharaj - 16 (Best - 9 for 129 at Colombo)
West Indies tour of India
According to their recent form, Windies never had the chance in India to win a test series in India. India as usual rampaged at home and clinched the test series 2-0!
In the first test, apart from KL Rahul, all other batsmen among top 6 were among the runs. Debutant Prithvi Shaw, Captain Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja scored brilliant centuries to ensure that they do not have to bat again. Then, the bowlers handed India their biggest win in terms of innings (innings and 272 runs). Another clinical performance from India in second test, which ended in just three days.
19 year old Prithvi Shaw top scored while Umesh Yadav had a terrific series with the ball.
Most runs - Prithvi Shaw - 237 (100s - 1, 50s - 1, HS - 134 at Rajkot)
Most wickets - Umesh Yadav - 11 (Best - 6 for 88 at Hyderabad)
Australia and Pakistan in UAE
Pakistan has always been the team to beat in UAE, their adopted home. The depleted Aussies were not given a chance by many cricket pundits even before the series began. Pakistan did take the series 1-0!
In the first test, Pakistan were on top since day 1 and set huge target of 462 to Australia to chase. The hard fighting Australians came out with a lot of character. Usman Khawaja played a match saving knock of 141 in 302 balls. But, he could not replicate the same along with his team-mates resulting a loss in the second test and hence the series.
Khawaja top scored in the entire series and Mohammad Abbas had a fantastic series with the ball.
Most runs - Usman Khawaja - 229 (100s - 1, 50s - 1, HS - 141 at Dubai)
Most wickets - Mohammad Abbas - 17 (Best - 5 for 33 at Abu Dhabi)
England tour of Sri Lanka
The English dominated and blanked Sri Lanka 3-0 in their on backyard! England became the third team to white wash Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.
Rangana Herath's farewell test at Galle was ruined due to Keaton Jennings and Ben Foakes centuries as Sri Lanka lost the first test by 211 runs. Another complete team performances at Pallekele and Colombo meant England white washing Sri Lanka.
Ben Foakes was outstanding with bat in his debut series. Dilruwan Perera was again the best with the ball.
Most runs - Ben Foakes - 277 (100s - 1, 50s - 1, HS - 107 at Galle)
Most wickets - Dilruwan Perera - 22 (Best - 5 for 75 at Galle)
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh
The scoreline at the end of the series read 1-1! But, both the matches in the series were one-sided.
Zimbabwe dominated the first at Sylhet, while Bangladesh staged a comeback at Dhaka and won the second.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Brendan Taylor were outstanding with the bat. Taijul Islam starred with the ball.
Most runs - Mushfiqur Rahim - 270 (100s - 1, 50s - 0, HS - 219 at Dhaka)
Most wickets - Taijul Islam - 18 (Best - 6 for 108 at Sylhet)
New Zealand and Pakistan in UAE
New Zealand had a love affair at Abu Dhabi. New Zealand won the series 2-1! Two matches held in Abu Dhabi was won by New Zealand while the match held at Dubai was won by Pakistan.
The first test match at Abu Dhabi was a classic nail-biter! This was a rare test match, in which all three results were possible. Debutant Ajaz Patel took 5 wickets in the fourth innings to win the match for New Zealand by 4 runs. Pakistan came back strongly in the second at Dubai. Yasir Shah ran through New Zealand in the first innings as he took 8 wickets. New Zealand reached to 90/10 from 50/0. Yasir took 6 wickets in the second innings handing Pakistan an innings victory. New Zealand staged a terrific comeback in the third test at Abu Dhabi. Debutant William Somerville and Ajaz Patel joined together and bowled outstanding spells. Familiar Pakistan collapse resulted in Kiwis win.
Kane Williamson was his usual self and top scored, while Yasir Shah had a breakthrough series.
Most runs - Kane Williamson - 386 (100s - 1, 50s - 2, HS - 139 at Abu Dhabi)
Most wickets - Yasir Shah - 29 (Best - 8 for 41 at Dubai)
West Indies tour of Bangladesh
Bangladesh avenged their series loss against Windies earlier this year. Bangladesh blanked Windies 2-0!
The spin played in the minds of Windies. They lost all 20 wickets to spin in the first test at Chittagong. 18 year old Nayeem Hasan took 5 wickets in his debut innings. While another Hasan called Mehidy Hasan devoured Windies wickets like a tiger devouring its prey in the second test at Dhaka.
Shimron Hetmyer continued from where he had left off in India, Bangladesh Captain Mahmudullah starred with the bat, while Mehidy Hasan rocked with the ball.
Most runs - Shimron Hetmyer - 222 (100s - 0, 50s - 2, HS - 93 at Dhaka)
Most wickets - Mehidy Hasan - 15 (Best - 7 for 58 at Dhaka)
Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand
The Black Caps had a great year in tests. They won straight fourth test series by beating Sri Lanka by 1-0!
The first test at Wellington was set by Southee's 6-fer. Then, Tom Latham carried his bat with a score of 264, highest individual score in 2018. Just when Sri Lanka were staring the innings defeat at 13/3, Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews had other plans. They put up a stellar match saving unbeaten 274 run partnership by batting for 108.4 overs that is 652 balls! The Boxing Day test match at Christchurch started as a close contest but ended as a one sided game with Kiwis winning by whooping 423 runs. Suranga Lakmal ran through Kiwis line up to skittle them out to 178. Southee bowled a fiery spell. Then came the Boult show. He took 6 wickets in just 15 deliveries. From 94/4 to 104/10. Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls put up a batting performance. The Kiwi bowlers did rest of their job to complete the victory.
Tom Latham found himself to be in imperious form, while Boult-Southee combo created mayhem in opponents camp.
Most runs - Tom Latham - 450 (100s - 2, 50s - 0, HS - 264* at Wellington)
Most wickets - Tim Southee - 13 (Best - 6 for 68 at Wellington)
India tour of Australia
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How often visiting team had come with the tag of 'favourites' to Australia? This was one of the rare occasions. India did not disappoint this time. India are right now leading 2-1 in a four match series with one more to go. India have retained Border-Gavaskar Trophy!
A classic Pujara century set the tone for India in the first test at Adelaide. A clinical performance from the bowlers ensured that India will get a slender lead of 15. Top order built on the lead and set the target of 323. The Aussies fought back, but eventually went down by 31 runs.
India had the perfect opportunity of going 2-0 up at Perth, but a selection howler of not playing a spinner backfired on India heavily as Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon found and purchased as many as 8 wickets in the entire match. Virat Kohli scored his customary century and Shami's 6-fer went in vain as India lost by 146 runs.
Even before Boxing Day Test at Melbourne began, India dropped their under-performing openers, KL Rahul and Murali Vijay. After scoring heavily and waiting for the door to open, Mayank Agarwal broke the door and made his debut. Hanuma Vihari became his partner. A collective batting effort of Indian batsmen with patience and grit on a slow and sluggish track reaped rewards. Bumrah bowled like as always and got a 6-fer. On a crumbling pitch, India decided against follow-on. Mayank Agarwal stood out with great application among the wreckage caused by Patrick Cummins. Chasing 399, Australia crumbled but a determined batting performance by Cummins meant they had one more day to fight. Among the rain scare, India finished the job by taking last two wickets and won by 137 runs.
Will India make 3-1 at Sydney or will Australia deny it? Let's find out on New Year's test.
Stats-
Most runs - Cheteshwar Pujara - 328 (100s - 2, 50s - 1, HS - 123 at Adelaide)
Most wickets - Jasprit Bumrah - 20 (Best - 6 for 33 at Melbourne)
Pakistan tour of South Africa
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Starting the series on Boxing Day at Centurion and South Africa lead 1-0 with 2 more to go.
Injury to Vernon Philander meant that Duanne Olivier got his debut. He took 6 wickets and Pakistan was bowled out to 181. Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock ensured South Africa gets a lead of 42 runs. Pakistan crumbled again due to Olivier's 5-fer. Hashim Amla returned to form and finished off the comprehensive victory.
Will Pakistan bounce back or will South Africa rampage on? It is to be seen in 2019
Stats-
Most runs - Shan Masood - 84 (100s - 0, 50s - 1, HS - 65 at Centurion)
Most wickets - Duanne Olivier - 11 (Best - 6 for 37 at Centurion)
Top performers-
Virat Kohli - 1322 runs at 55 (100s - 5, 50s - 5, HS - 153 at Centurion)
Kagiso Rabada - 50 wickets (2 5 wicket hauls Best - 6 for 54)
# - Ongoing
Considered from Jan 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018
This series will be remembered by Indians for controversial playing XI for the first two games, like Rohit Sharma being picked ahead of Ajinkya Rahane. Bhuvneshwar Kumar being dropped even after a spectacular performance. This was rectified in the last game, which India won on a surface which had created a lot of debate.
This series saw two young players making a mark, Jasprit Bumrah and Lungisani Ngidi. Ngidi took 6-fer in his debut game to decimate the Indian batting in Centurion. Bumrah improved innings by innings and finally took a 5-fer in Johannesburg.
The star of the batting was Virat Kohli, while in bowling, it was Kagiso Rabada. The intriguing competition between Rabada and Kohli was the hallmark of the series.
Most runs - Virat Kohli - 286 (100s - 1, 50s - 1, HS - 153 at Centurion)
Most wickets - Vernon Philander - 15 (Best - 6 for 42 at Cape Town)
Kagiso Rabada - 15 (Best - 3 for 34 at Cape Town)
Mohammed Shami - 15 (Best - 5 for 28 at Johannesburg)
Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh
This series was the comeback of Sri Lanka in terms of winning a test series. Over the years, Bangladesh has become a team to beat at home. While, Sri Lanka were coming into the series with a series loss to India in India. Sri Lanka did not put wrong foot and won the series 1-0!
First test was a drawn high scoring game, while the second was the Sri Lanka dominated low scoring game. Akila Dhananjaya on his debut along with Rangana Hearth ran through Bangladesh's batting line-up with their spinning abilities. While talking point of the series was the overly spinning Dhaka pitch, which was rated poor.
Mominul Haque starred with the bat and Taijul Islam with the ball for Bangladesh. While for Sri Lanka it was Kusal Mendis and Rangana Herath.
Most runs - Mominul Haque - 314 (100s - 2, 50s - 0, HS - 176 at Chittagong)
Most wickets - Taijul Islam - 12 (Best - 4 for 76 at Dhaka)
Australia tour of South Africa
This series was the lowest point of the sport in 2018. The sport was in the news for wrong reasons. Ball-tampering saga dominated the news rather than the South Africa clinching the series 3-1!
Win at all cost mentality led to the ball-tampering at Cape Town. Australian reputation of "we play hard, but fair" reputation came under scrutiny. The outrage of Australian public led to the 12 months ban of then Captain, Steve Smith and his deputy, David Warner and 9 months ban on Cameron Bancroft.
This was also the last time for cricket fraternity to watch AB deVilliers in action in Test cricket. He announced his retirement from international cricket, which shocked the whole world. In his last test series, he scored 427 runs at an average of 71.
Aiden Markram and ABD were the stars with the bat, while Kagiso Rabada and Patrick Cummins starred with the ball.
Most runs - Aiden Markram - 480 (100s - 2, 50s - 1, HS - 152 at Johannesburg)
Most wickets - Kagiso Rabada - 23 (Best - 6 for 54 at Port Elizabeth)
England tour of New Zealand
This 2 match test saw New Zealand winning the series 1-0! Both the teams played with a lot of character.
First test saw Trent Boult and Tim Southee destroying English batting by dismissing them for just 58! After that kind of batting shocker, England tried to catch up with the game only to lose by an innings and 49 runs. But, second game was closely contested draw, thanks to Ish Sodhi and Neil Wangner batting out of their skins and put up a match saving partnership of 47 runs in 188 balls for the 9th wicket.
Jonny Bairstow and Kane Williamson starred with the bat, while Trent Boult and Tim Southee with the ball.
Most runs - Jonny Bairstow - 163 (100s - 1, 50s - 0, HS - 101 at Christchurch)
Most wickets - Trent Boult - 15 (6 for 32 at Auckland)
Pakistan tour of Ireland
Ireland played their first ever test match and they showed that they belonged at the highest level. After nervous first innings they came out with never say die attitude. But Pakistan being the experienced side beat Ireland by 5 wickets.
Kevin O'Brien starred with the bat. while Mohammad Abbas with the ball.
Most runs - Kevin O'Brien - 158 (100s - 1, 50s - 0, HS - 118 at Dublin)
Most wickets - Mohammad Abbas - 9 (Best - 5 for 66 at Dublin)
Pakistan tour of England
The two match series was held at 1-1!
England's harrowing decision to opt to bat resulted in Pakistan winning the first test, while Pakistan collapsing under crucial junctures resulted in English winning by an innings in the second.
Jos Buttler starred with the bat, while Mohammad Abbas with the ball.
Most runs - Jos Buttler - 161 (100s - 0, 50s - 2, HS - 80 at Leeds)
Most wickets - Mohammad Abbas - 10 (Best - 4 for 23 at Lord's)
Sri Lanka tour of West Indies
This was another closely contested series but another controversy took the limelight. The series scorecard read 1-1!
Windies took the first took the first game. Sri Lanka could have won the second, if not for their drama on Day 3. Sri Lanka did win the third.
Sri Lanka players refused to take the field on Day 3 on time at St. Lucia as they were charged of ball tampering by the umpires Ian Gould and Aleem Dar and the players claimed that they didn't. But the video footage did show the Captain Dinesh Chandimal altering the condition of the ball. Chandimal was handed one test match ban and four ODIs ban along with the coach and team manager for "conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game".
Shane Dowrich and Kusal Mendis were the stars with the bat while Shannon Gabriel and Lahiru Kumara with the ball.
Most runs - Shane Dowrich - 288 (100s - 1, 50s - 2, HS - 125 at Port of Spain, Trinidad)
Most wickets - Shannon Gabriel - 20 (Best - 8 for 62 at Port of Spain, Trinidad)
Afghanistan tour of India
This was a mismatch. Afghanistan who were playing their first ever test match were made to play against the No.1 test team. India outclassed Afghanistan in just two days by winning by an innings and 262 runs.
This series also saw a moment of "Spirit of the game" as Indian Captain Ajinkya Rahane invited the Afghanistan team to pose along the Indian team as Champions.
Entire Indian top order scored heavily, while Indian bowlers did their usual job of decimating opponents at home.
Most runs - Shikhar Dhawan - 107 (100s -1, 50s - 0, HS - 107 at Bengaluru)
Most wickets - Ravindra Jadeja - 6 (Best - 4 for 17 at Bengaluru)
Bangladesh tour of West Indies
Windies outclassed Bangladesh in two match test series to win 2-0!
Bangladesh failed to find their mojo after being bundled out for 43 in 19 overs in the first test match, with Kemar Roach ending with a spell of 5-1-8-5! None of the Bangladesh batsmen portray desired composure and technique to put up a performance.
Kraigg Brathwaite top scored in the series while the Windies Captain Jason Holder starred with the ball.
Most runs - Kraigg Brathwaite - 239 (100s - 2, 50s- 0, HS - 121 at Antigua)
Most wickets - Jason Holder - 16 (Best - 6 for 59 at Jamaica)
India tour of England
Another opportunity for India to win a test series in SENA countries turned out to be a less than the opportunity as India lost the 5 match test series by 1-4! But, it was a closely contested test series. The scoreline does not show that, but it was.
Sam Curran, a 20 year old English boy tormented India by his all-round performances throughout the series. All the tests, he was part of England won. It was a shame that he was not part of the third test, which India won comfortably. It was he, who stood between India and the trophy. The selection howlers cost India too. Pujara being dropped for the first game, playing two spinners on seam-friendly track in the second game and playing half-fit (injured) Ashwin for the fourth. Bumrah not being able to play first two tests due to his hand injury, did not help India's case. Bumrah proved to be the massive game-changer as he took 5 wicket haul on his return and won India the third test.
The Edgbaston test match was a classic as the pendulum oscillated hour by hour towards each side. England won the test by 31 runs. Indian batsmen failing resulted in innings defeat at Lord's. India came back strongly to win by 203 runs at Trent Bridge. Despite getting a lead in first innings at Southampton, India lost the test as India struggled to take the wickets of lower middle order in second innings. At Kennington Oval, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant tried, but the target on that kind of surface was always out of reach after Sir Alastair Cook's fairy tale end to his career.
Virat Kohli buried his ghosts of 2014 and scored whooping 593 runs at an average of 59.3. James Anderson as usual at home conditions took a plenty of wickets. Anderson would not be pleased that he could not take the wicket of his 2014 bunny Virat Kohli.
Most runs - Virat Kohli - 593 (100s - 2, 50s - 3, HS -149 at Edgbaston)
Most wickets - James Anderson - 24 (Best - 5 for 20 at Lord's)
South Africa tour of Sri Lanka
South Africa's inability to play on spinning tracks were on exhibition again. After having a terrific test run of South Africa, they were expected to be all over Sri Lanka in the 2 test match series. But, it was other way around. Sri Lanka were all over South Africa and won the test series 2-0!
In the very first test match, South Africa chasing 352, succumbed to their lowest fourth innings total of 73. In the second test, after Keshav Maharaj's heroics with the ball in first innings, South Africa crumbled again doing no justice to Maharaj's heroics. This was the test series of South Africa after ABD's retirement.
Dimuth Karunaratne starred with the bat with no scores less than 50 in the entire series, while Dilruwan Perera and Keshav Maharaj with the ball.
Most runs - Dimuth Karunaratne - 356 (100s - 1, 50s -3, HS - 158 at Galle)
Most wickets - Dilruwan Perera - 16 (Best - 6 for 32 at Galle)
Keshav Maharaj - 16 (Best - 9 for 129 at Colombo)
West Indies tour of India
According to their recent form, Windies never had the chance in India to win a test series in India. India as usual rampaged at home and clinched the test series 2-0!
In the first test, apart from KL Rahul, all other batsmen among top 6 were among the runs. Debutant Prithvi Shaw, Captain Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja scored brilliant centuries to ensure that they do not have to bat again. Then, the bowlers handed India their biggest win in terms of innings (innings and 272 runs). Another clinical performance from India in second test, which ended in just three days.
19 year old Prithvi Shaw top scored while Umesh Yadav had a terrific series with the ball.
Most runs - Prithvi Shaw - 237 (100s - 1, 50s - 1, HS - 134 at Rajkot)
Most wickets - Umesh Yadav - 11 (Best - 6 for 88 at Hyderabad)
Australia and Pakistan in UAE
Pakistan has always been the team to beat in UAE, their adopted home. The depleted Aussies were not given a chance by many cricket pundits even before the series began. Pakistan did take the series 1-0!
In the first test, Pakistan were on top since day 1 and set huge target of 462 to Australia to chase. The hard fighting Australians came out with a lot of character. Usman Khawaja played a match saving knock of 141 in 302 balls. But, he could not replicate the same along with his team-mates resulting a loss in the second test and hence the series.
Khawaja top scored in the entire series and Mohammad Abbas had a fantastic series with the ball.
Most runs - Usman Khawaja - 229 (100s - 1, 50s - 1, HS - 141 at Dubai)
Most wickets - Mohammad Abbas - 17 (Best - 5 for 33 at Abu Dhabi)
England tour of Sri Lanka
The English dominated and blanked Sri Lanka 3-0 in their on backyard! England became the third team to white wash Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.
Rangana Herath's farewell test at Galle was ruined due to Keaton Jennings and Ben Foakes centuries as Sri Lanka lost the first test by 211 runs. Another complete team performances at Pallekele and Colombo meant England white washing Sri Lanka.
Ben Foakes was outstanding with bat in his debut series. Dilruwan Perera was again the best with the ball.
Most runs - Ben Foakes - 277 (100s - 1, 50s - 1, HS - 107 at Galle)
Most wickets - Dilruwan Perera - 22 (Best - 5 for 75 at Galle)
Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh
The scoreline at the end of the series read 1-1! But, both the matches in the series were one-sided.
Zimbabwe dominated the first at Sylhet, while Bangladesh staged a comeback at Dhaka and won the second.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Brendan Taylor were outstanding with the bat. Taijul Islam starred with the ball.
Most runs - Mushfiqur Rahim - 270 (100s - 1, 50s - 0, HS - 219 at Dhaka)
Most wickets - Taijul Islam - 18 (Best - 6 for 108 at Sylhet)
New Zealand and Pakistan in UAE
New Zealand had a love affair at Abu Dhabi. New Zealand won the series 2-1! Two matches held in Abu Dhabi was won by New Zealand while the match held at Dubai was won by Pakistan.
The first test match at Abu Dhabi was a classic nail-biter! This was a rare test match, in which all three results were possible. Debutant Ajaz Patel took 5 wickets in the fourth innings to win the match for New Zealand by 4 runs. Pakistan came back strongly in the second at Dubai. Yasir Shah ran through New Zealand in the first innings as he took 8 wickets. New Zealand reached to 90/10 from 50/0. Yasir took 6 wickets in the second innings handing Pakistan an innings victory. New Zealand staged a terrific comeback in the third test at Abu Dhabi. Debutant William Somerville and Ajaz Patel joined together and bowled outstanding spells. Familiar Pakistan collapse resulted in Kiwis win.
Kane Williamson was his usual self and top scored, while Yasir Shah had a breakthrough series.
Most runs - Kane Williamson - 386 (100s - 1, 50s - 2, HS - 139 at Abu Dhabi)
Most wickets - Yasir Shah - 29 (Best - 8 for 41 at Dubai)
West Indies tour of Bangladesh
Bangladesh avenged their series loss against Windies earlier this year. Bangladesh blanked Windies 2-0!
The spin played in the minds of Windies. They lost all 20 wickets to spin in the first test at Chittagong. 18 year old Nayeem Hasan took 5 wickets in his debut innings. While another Hasan called Mehidy Hasan devoured Windies wickets like a tiger devouring its prey in the second test at Dhaka.
Shimron Hetmyer continued from where he had left off in India, Bangladesh Captain Mahmudullah starred with the bat, while Mehidy Hasan rocked with the ball.
Most runs - Shimron Hetmyer - 222 (100s - 0, 50s - 2, HS - 93 at Dhaka)
Most wickets - Mehidy Hasan - 15 (Best - 7 for 58 at Dhaka)
Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand
The Black Caps had a great year in tests. They won straight fourth test series by beating Sri Lanka by 1-0!
The first test at Wellington was set by Southee's 6-fer. Then, Tom Latham carried his bat with a score of 264, highest individual score in 2018. Just when Sri Lanka were staring the innings defeat at 13/3, Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews had other plans. They put up a stellar match saving unbeaten 274 run partnership by batting for 108.4 overs that is 652 balls! The Boxing Day test match at Christchurch started as a close contest but ended as a one sided game with Kiwis winning by whooping 423 runs. Suranga Lakmal ran through Kiwis line up to skittle them out to 178. Southee bowled a fiery spell. Then came the Boult show. He took 6 wickets in just 15 deliveries. From 94/4 to 104/10. Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls put up a batting performance. The Kiwi bowlers did rest of their job to complete the victory.
Tom Latham found himself to be in imperious form, while Boult-Southee combo created mayhem in opponents camp.
Most runs - Tom Latham - 450 (100s - 2, 50s - 0, HS - 264* at Wellington)
Most wickets - Tim Southee - 13 (Best - 6 for 68 at Wellington)
India tour of Australia
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How often visiting team had come with the tag of 'favourites' to Australia? This was one of the rare occasions. India did not disappoint this time. India are right now leading 2-1 in a four match series with one more to go. India have retained Border-Gavaskar Trophy!
A classic Pujara century set the tone for India in the first test at Adelaide. A clinical performance from the bowlers ensured that India will get a slender lead of 15. Top order built on the lead and set the target of 323. The Aussies fought back, but eventually went down by 31 runs.
India had the perfect opportunity of going 2-0 up at Perth, but a selection howler of not playing a spinner backfired on India heavily as Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon found and purchased as many as 8 wickets in the entire match. Virat Kohli scored his customary century and Shami's 6-fer went in vain as India lost by 146 runs.
Even before Boxing Day Test at Melbourne began, India dropped their under-performing openers, KL Rahul and Murali Vijay. After scoring heavily and waiting for the door to open, Mayank Agarwal broke the door and made his debut. Hanuma Vihari became his partner. A collective batting effort of Indian batsmen with patience and grit on a slow and sluggish track reaped rewards. Bumrah bowled like as always and got a 6-fer. On a crumbling pitch, India decided against follow-on. Mayank Agarwal stood out with great application among the wreckage caused by Patrick Cummins. Chasing 399, Australia crumbled but a determined batting performance by Cummins meant they had one more day to fight. Among the rain scare, India finished the job by taking last two wickets and won by 137 runs.
Will India make 3-1 at Sydney or will Australia deny it? Let's find out on New Year's test.
Stats-
Most runs - Cheteshwar Pujara - 328 (100s - 2, 50s - 1, HS - 123 at Adelaide)
Most wickets - Jasprit Bumrah - 20 (Best - 6 for 33 at Melbourne)
Pakistan tour of South Africa
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Starting the series on Boxing Day at Centurion and South Africa lead 1-0 with 2 more to go.
Injury to Vernon Philander meant that Duanne Olivier got his debut. He took 6 wickets and Pakistan was bowled out to 181. Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock ensured South Africa gets a lead of 42 runs. Pakistan crumbled again due to Olivier's 5-fer. Hashim Amla returned to form and finished off the comprehensive victory.
Will Pakistan bounce back or will South Africa rampage on? It is to be seen in 2019
Stats-
Most runs - Shan Masood - 84 (100s - 0, 50s - 1, HS - 65 at Centurion)
Most wickets - Duanne Olivier - 11 (Best - 6 for 37 at Centurion)
Top performers-
Virat Kohli - 1322 runs at 55 (100s - 5, 50s - 5, HS - 153 at Centurion)
Kagiso Rabada - 50 wickets (2 5 wicket hauls Best - 6 for 54)
# - Ongoing
Considered from Jan 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018
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