Vernon Philander, South Africa’s new-ball Test sensation, admitted it is “a good thing” he did not get picked up in the IPL this year, because he will benefit more from his stint at Somerset in the County Championship

Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s six-hour unbeaten century in the first Test in Barbados has given West Indies the upper hand against Australia, although they must hope the time their batsmen used won’t cost them later in the game

The thousands who made their maiden trip to the brand new Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium in the outskirts of Pune got their money’s worth as Pune Warriors pulled off a comprehensive 22-run win against Kings XI Punjab

He may not have been the first injured player to inspire admiration for his defiance at Headingley, but the determined innings of Richard Pyrah was enough to ensure Yorkshire found enough resolve to prevent defeat in their opening championship match again