Almanac Cricket – Australia v Pakistan: First Test – Performance reflective of the ’06 glory days.

With a dominant innings defeat of Pakistan in the books, in this current side Sean Mortell saw some glimmers of the most recent golden era of Australian cricket under the leadership of Ricky Ponting.

The Ashes – First Test, Day 5: Aussies Ease to Victory, But the Fire for the Urn Burns

And so it came to pass that Australia romped home by 10 wickets. But don’t worry – Callum O’Connor can see plenty to look forward to in this Ashes series.

Australia v South Africa: Perth Test Day 2 – Test Cricket is Alive and Well

Cirus Bob reports in from the WACA on a day where the Aussie team continued to puzzle.

Australia v South Africa – Perth Test: Saffas slow out of the blocks

John Butler’s view on the first day of the Perth Test, where lack of resolve and test cricket nous has left South Africa in a bit of a hole.

Australia v New Zealand – Gabba Test, Day 5: Easy as A-B-C

Smokie, middle-aged bloke of rusted-on habits, on Day 5 of the Test. Reporting from Apollo Bay.

The Ashes 2015 – First Test, Day Three: Lions Still Hold the Whip Hand

Citrus Bob Utber’s report on Day Three of the First Test only just arrived at Almanac HQ. In it, Citrus Bob discusses the walk to the ground, entry to the ground, and the food available at the ground. He also discusses the day’s cricket for good measure. Thanks to Peter Lalor for ensuring that this report arrived at all!

Adelaide Test, Australia v India – Day Four: The Beauty of Day Four

Jill Scanlon offers a beautiful summary of Day 4, as the gathering storm for a torrent of wickets (or runs?) to come as the cricket drought breaks over Day 5 of the Adelaide Test.

Adelaide Test, Australia v India – Day Two: “Do your job”

Day Two saw what will be one of Michael Clarke’s more memorable centuries – but what will it cost him and his side? Callum O’Connor reports.

Gabba Test – Day 4: To the tune of Abba’s ‘Waterloo’

Almanackers across Australia join hands and Mick Jeffrey, put on your white silk flared jump suit and join in Mick’s celebratory song.

First Test – Day 1: Who is Ashton Agar?

The hopes of an entire nation will rest on the shoulders of Steve Smith and Phil Hughes when day 2 starts. A scary thought for most of us, a huge opportunity for the maligned duo.

First Test – Day 2: Lie back and think of England

With the second day’s play as interesting as a Saturday arvo in Lismore, Andrew Starkie’s thoughts have turned to England. With two Ashes campaigns scheduled for 2013, uncertainty hangs over the line-up of the Australian team.

First Test – Day 2: A record breaking day of a day of records being broken, all day

Day 1 had produced so many vital statistics and records that Sean Curtain was sure that Day 2 would be a day for not only breaking the amount of records that were either broken or set on Day 1, but also being a red letter day for records of all sorts.

First Test – Day 1: Cricket for the sleep deprived and office bound

Paperwork, you want it when? Hang on, I’ll just check the cricket score first. Another day in the office for Ben Footner.

First Test – Day 1:The post-Ponting era

Many questions about Australia’s top 4 remain unanswered, says Luke Reynolds.

First Test – Day 5: Clarke’s rubber

Round 1 of test cricket’s championship bout took a rather odd, scenic route that ultimately saw the Aussies confound the hastily convened critics (I was one) and emerge a moral points victor.

First Test – Day 2: Not quite singing in the rain

Miss the action from the second day’s play? Gabba stalwart Mick Jeffrey brings you up to speed. (We don’t know why Channel 9 played alternative programs all day, no shortage of action here.)

Clarke’s counter-punching saves the day

  It didn’t have the feel of the first morning of an Ashes series. But it should have. It seems obvious these two competitors should play five-Test series, home and away, every couple of years. Or at least three and three if neither home broadcaster will give up their summer income. But it was a [Read more]