In the latest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly, out August 21, we reflect on the most beautiful, chaotic and exhausting Test series in recent memory.
Following India’s breathless victory in the finale at The Oval, leaving the contest all-square at 2-2, Phil Walker unpacks the defining moments from an unforgettable five weeks before Katya Witney speaks to surprise star turn Washington Sundar and Aadya Sharma hails the relentless perseverance of Mohammed Siraj. Ben Gardner examines when Joe Root could surpass Sachin as Test cricket’s leading run-scorer following the Yorkshireman’s three-ton series and we throw forward to the Ashes as Adam Collins explains why this England side get under the skin of Aussie fans and pundits.
Elsewhere in the magazine, we unveil the top 25 young female cricketers in the world, Ravi Bopara reveals his ambition to become England head coach, Sam Dalling goes behind the scenes at the South Asian Cricket Academy, and Richard Whitehead takes us back to the epic 1954/55 Ashes series and the dethroning of Alec Bedser.
As the domestic summer approaches crunch time, we have news from all 18 counties including interviews with Hampshire quick Eddie Jack and Lancashire’s resurgent Tom Hartley, Lawrence Booth considers the financial inequities between the haves and have-nots, and guest diarist Tom Westley talks us through an eventful month at Essex.
Kent stalwart Joe Denly speaks to Jo Harman-McGowan about the highs and lows from his run-laden career, Adam Hopkins asks what the future holds for The Hundred, Rob Smyth profiles an Australian batting great who quickly faded from view, and Andrew Miller says that for all the thrilling entertainment served up in this summer’s Test series, Ben Stokes’ side have yet to create a legacy which will stand the test of time.
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10 standout quotes from the new issue:
"Over time, memories of these monster series tend to narrow in on a few players, reducing the rest to walk-ons. But this one feels like a true ensemble piece, a series of great moments between two beautifully flawed cricket teams."
Phil Walker on the enthralling tussle between England and India
"I want to be a cricketer where the team will be able to put me in any situation and believe I will be successful."
India's surprise package Sundar Washington speaks to Katya Witney
"The Indian cricket team remains a sacred space in the country, one that's distinct from class or religion-based discrimination. Talent, and talent alone, takes you to the top. Siraj has elevated himself to the status of national treasure, part of a system where he is solely defined by his skill."
Aadya Sharma hails Mohammed Siraj
"Heroic failure is noble, and very much a staple of the English sporting experience, but trophies are what count in the end, for they are the images that hang on the walls to inspire the uninitiated, and jump out from the records pages when eras come to be compared."
Andrew Miller says thanks for the entertainment, but Ben Stokes' England need landmark wins to secure their legacy
"Australians don’t live in a cricketing culture where Test cricket feels under threat. They just don’t get why the English keep saying it requires saving."
Adam Collins on why Aussies find Stokes' England hard to stomach
"There will be no one-size-fits-all solution, because in county cricket there never is. By casting a forensic eye over the inequities of the domestic game, the Leonard Curtis report confirms English cricket’s essential problem: 18 clubs have 18 different business models."
Lawrence Booth on the financial inequities of the county game
"My wife is a rock star, she’s completely managed the move, all while doing a proper job as a lawyer. But then I’m better at clipping it off my legs, so we both have our strengths and weaknesses."
In 'The Diary', Essex skipper Tom Westley recounts a busy month including a mid-season house move
"Throughout my career I’ve tried to take on too much responsibility. I wish I hadn’t. I wish I’d been more careless, just like I was when I first came around."
The mercurial Ravi Bopara considers what he'd do differently if he had his time again
"I’ve never really been a massive spinner of the ball, but one of my main attributes is that I don't miss very often. Getting carried away trying to turn the ball, or trying to get a certain shape on it, lost me some accuracy. This year I’ve found that varying my speeds has got me back to my best."
Lancashire spinner Tom Hartley on his recent resurgence
"Player-led team talks is something the staff have introduced slowly over time, conscious that survival at the highest level hinges on soft skills as well as performances with bat and ball."
Sam Dalling goes behind the scenes at the SACA dream factory
To buy Wisden Cricket Monthly issue 90 in print or digital form, click here.
