Guptill retires from international cricket

International Signings and Surprises

The draft witnessed significant international acquisitions:

• David Warner: The Australian opener was secured by Karachi Kings, marking his debut in the PSL.
  

• Daryl Mitchell: New Zealand's all-rounder became the first pick, joining Lahore Qalandars to strengthen their batting lineup.
  

• Kane Williamson: Despite his stature, the New Zealand captain went unsold in the first round, mirroring his experience in the recent IPL auction.

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International games

No International games.

James Anderson Extends Lancashire Contract

James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, has signed a one-year contract extension with Lancashire for the 2025 season.

At 42, Anderson remains committed to playing in both the County Championship and the Vitality Blast, indicating a potential return to T20 cricket after more than a decade.

After retiring from international cricket in July 2024, and concluding a distinguished career with 704 wickets in 188 Test matches, Anderson transitioned into a bowling mentor role for England. Despite his coaching commitments, he maintained his fitness and bowling regimen, expressing enthusiasm about rejoining Lancashire. "This club has played a huge part in my life since I was a teenager, so to have the opportunity to wear the Red Rose again and help the side in both red and white-ball cricket is one that I am really looking forward to," Anderson remarked.

Lancashire's director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, praised Anderson's decision, highlighting the invaluable experience he brings to the squad. "To be able to share a dressing room with England's all-time leading wicket-taker and one of cricket's greatest players is incredible for our squad," Chilton stated.

Lancashire, relegated to Division Two last season, will commence their County Championship campaign on April 4. Anderson's return is anticipated to boost the team's performance as they aim for promotion. Additionally, his participation in the Vitality Blast could see him play his first T20 match since 2014, adding depth to Lancashire's bowling attack in the shorter format.

While Anderson's coaching role with England is set to continue during the ICC Champions Trophy in February and March, he emphasised that playing for Lancashire will be his main priority for the summer. "It's only fair that I give it a good crack and that'll take precedence over anything else during the summer," he affirmed.

Domestic cricket + T20 leagues

1. SA20  

   - MI Cape Town: 172/7 (20 overs)  vs Paarl Royals: 139/9 (20 overs, Target: 173)

2. International League T20

• MI Emirates: 187/7 (20 overs)  vs Dubai Capitals: 161/6 (20 overs, Target: 188)

3. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)  

 - Rangpur Riders: 186/5 (20 overs)  vs Khulna Tigers: 178/9 (20 overs, Target: 187)  

   - Chittagong Kings: 203/6 (20 overs)  vs Sylhet Strikers: 173/8 (20 overs, Target: 204)

4. Big Bash League (BBL) 

-  Sydney Thunder: 158/7 (20 overs)  vs Perth Scorchers: 97 (17.2 overs, Target: 159)

Monday Stat

The Longest Individual Innings by Minutes in Test Cricket History

Test cricket, the purest and most traditional form of the game, has long been a platform for showcasing skill, patience, and mental fortitude. While the modern audience has shifted towards fast-paced formats like T20s and ODIs, the longest format continues to produce remarkable displays of endurance. In Test cricket, playing a long innings requires more than just skill—concentration, physical stamina, and mental resilience are equally critical. Amongst the many great knocks in Test cricket's storied history, three players have etched their names in record books for playing the longest innings (by time spent at the crease).  

Let’s take a look at these iconic performances:  

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1. Hanif Mohammad – 970 minutes  

Hanif Mohammad’s 337 against the West Indies in 1958 remains the longest individual innings in the history of Test cricket by duration. Spending an incredible 970 minutes (16 hours and 10 minutes) at the crease, he single-handedly saved Pakistan from defeat. Played at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, Hanif’s monumental knock helped Pakistan recover from a follow-on situation. After the hosts declared their first innings at 579/9, Pakistan, in response, slumped to 106 all out. Batting again, the visitors were tasked with staying at the crease long enough to salvage a draw.  

Hanif rose to the occasion, defying a fierce West Indies bowling attack on a challenging pitch. His impeccable concentration and skill allowed Pakistan to score 657/8 in the second innings, securing a draw. This heroic knock is often described as one of the greatest displays of batsmanship ever witnessed in cricket history.  

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 2. Brian Lara – 778 minutes

No list of extraordinary batting feats can be complete without Brian Lara, and in April 2004, the world witnessed his sheer genius once again. Playing against England at Antigua’s Recreation Ground, Lara scored an unbeaten 400 runs off 582 balls, rewriting history with the first and only quadruple century in Test cricket. What makes this innings even more remarkable is the time he spent at the crease—a staggering 778 minutes (12 hours and 58 minutes)—the second-longest duration in history for an individual Test innings.  

This marathon knock came at a time when Lara’s captaincy and form were under scrutiny. Facing an England bowling lineup featuring greats like Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, and Andrew Flintoff, Lara put on a batting masterclass. His 400* remains the highest score ever in Test cricket, and it carried the West Indies to a mammoth total of 751/5 declared. It was truly a display of creativity, endurance, and determination—cementing his legacy in the game.  

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 3. Alastair Cook – 836 minutes

Former England opener Alastair Cook, renowned for his patience and temperament, holds the record for the third-longest individual Test innings. In October 2015, during a match against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, Cook batted for a mind-boggling 836 minutes (13 hours and 56 minutes), scoring a crucial 263 runs off 528 deliveries.  

Pakistan had piled on a massive first-innings score of 523/8 declared, and England needed a monumental effort to respond. Cook led from the front, opening the innings and batting for nearly two days to help his team recover from precarious situations. His knock allowed England to post a solid 598/9 and helped secure a draw. This innings was a prime example of the grit and resolve that made Cook one of the most revered batters in modern Test cricket. 

On This Day

1930

New Zealand's first Test, in Christchurch, ended today, in less than two days. England were comfortable winners by eight wickets in a game where nobody reached 50. What was more memorable were the deeds of debutant Maurice Allom: in his eighth over in Test cricket he took four wickets in five balls, including a hat-trick. England were playing a concurrent series in the West Indies; this remains the only instance of a country playing in two Tests on the same day.

Coming tomorrow

SA 20,2025

• Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrise Eastern Cape

• Durban Super Giants vs Joburg Super Kings

BIG BASH LEAGUE

• Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Renegades

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE T20,2025

• Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers

What else is happening

• Rohit Sharma to Practice with Mumbai Ranji Team: Indian captain Rohit Sharma is set to train with the Mumbai Ranji team as he looks to regain form after a poor performance in Australia. Injuries have impacted the Mumbai squad, with Sarfaraz Khan and Tushar Deshpande expected to miss crucial games. Allrounder Shivam Dube returns, boosting the team ahead of their clash against Jammu & Kashmir.

• Tom Kohler-Cadmore May Quit Red-Ball Cricket: Somerset batsman Tom Kohler-Cadmore and other county players might abandon first-class cricket contracts due to new ECB rules restricting participation in overseas franchise tournaments. The ECB's policy on "no objection certificates" (NOCs) prevents multi-format county or ECB contracted players from joining overseas tournaments that clash with the English season, except for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) is seeking legal advice and considering measures against the ECB's decision.

• Jasprit Bumrah's Impact on Don Bradman's Average: Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has claimed that Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah could have lowered Don Bradman's batting average, highlighting Bumrah's exceptional bowling skills.

Question for you

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