Mini-session Analysis, 2nd test, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Basin Reserve 2014/15

Here is the mini-session analysis for the second test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Basin Reserve, Wellington

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis, 1st test Pakistan vs New Zealand, Abu Dhabi

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the first test between Pakistan and New Zealand at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis 1st Test NZvInd, Eden Park 2013/14

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the first test between New Zealand and India at Eden Park, Auckland

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis, 2nd test, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Dubai 2013/14

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the second test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis, 3rd test, NZvWI, Seddon Park, Hamilton

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the third test between New Zealand and West Indies at Seddon Park, Hamilton

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis, First test, Pakistan vs South Africa, Abu Dhabi, 2013

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the first test between Pakistan and South Africa at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis 1st Test Bangladesh vs New Zealand from Chittagong 2013

Here is the mini-session analysis for the first test between Bangladesh and New Zealand at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis, 2nd test, Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, Harare 2013

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the second test between Zimbabwe and Pakistan at Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis, 1st test Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, Harare, 2013

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the first test between Zimbabwe and Pakistan at Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis 5th Ashes test - The Oval, 2013

Here is the mini-session analysis for the Fifth test between England and Australia at The Oval, London, England

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis, 4th Ashes Test, Chester-le-Street, 2013

Here is the mini-session analysis for the fourth test between England and Australia at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, England

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis, 3rd Ashes test, Old Trafford, 2013

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the third test between England and Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester, England

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis, 2nd Ashes test, Lord's, 2013

Here is the mini-session analysis for the second test between England and Australia at Lord's, London, England

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis 1st Ashes Test, Trent Bridge, 2013

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the first test between England and Australia at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-session Analysis 2nd Test, England vs New Zealand, Headingley 2013

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the second test between England and New Zealand at Headingley, Leeds, England

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-Session	Score	Winner
2-1a	England 32/1 off 14	New Zealand
2-1b	England 35/2 off 12	New Zealand
2-2a	England 43/0 off 16	England
2-2b	England 68/1 off 16	England
2-3a	England 70/0 off 17	England
2-3b	England 89/3 off 19	New Zealand
3-1a	England 17/3 off 5	New Zealand
3-1b	New Zealand 62/2 off 18	England
3-2a	New Zealand 37/4 off 14	England
3-2b	New Zealand 75/4 off 11.4	New Zealand
3-3a	England 55/0 off 14	England
3-3b	England 35/1 off 14	New Zealand
3-3c	England 26/0 off 13	draw
4-1a	England 67/0 off 15	England
4-1b	England 66/2 off 14	England
4-2a	England 38/2 off 6	England
4-2b	New Zealand 68/3 off 22	England
4-3a	New Zealand 72/0 off 20	New Zealand
4-3b	New Zealand 18/3 off 12.4	England
4-1b	New Zealand 61/2 off 10.5	England
4-2a	New Zealand 1/2 off 11	England

Final update, click here

England win the mini-session count 13 - 7


Stumps, Day 4: England lead the mini-session count 11-7

New Zealand's lack of spin, and lack of ability against spin has shown through in this test clearly. Paul Wiseman has been taken on as New Zealand's spin coach, and it's possibly the most important cricket role in the country at the moment.

Lots of questions have been asked about Cook's decision-making and how conservative he has been in this test. However I feel that (if he had taken the wider view of looking at the series more than the match) then his decision was sensible, if a little boring. He had New Zealand in a situations where they couldn't possibly win the match, and therefore the series was secured. I personally prefer test captains to treat each match as being worth winning, but I can understand why he decided to use the tactics that he did. - Mykuhl

Lunch, Day 4: England lead the mini-session count 12-7

After some phyrric counter-punching by Southee and Bracewell, New Zealand were saved their blushes by the rain. If it stays wet for the rest of the day, then New Zealand will get a very undeserved draw. - Mykuhl

End of match, Day 4: England win the match and the mini-session count 13-7

It took 11 overs, but England managed to clean up the tail eventually. The standard New Zealand tail end tactic of not taking any singles, so that the batsmen get comfortable with one bowler worked reasonably well, so Cook was forced to change the ends of the bowlers. The decision to change ends had immediate effect with Anderson picking up the 10th wicket for the second innings in succession. - Mykuhl

Mini-session Analysis, 1st Test, England vs New Zealand, Lords, 2013

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the first test between England and New Zealand at Lord's, London, England

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-Session	Score	Winner
1-1a	England 37/0 off 15	England
1-1b	England 19/1 off 14	New Zealand
1-2a	England 28/1 off 13	New Zealand
1-2b	England 29/1 off 14	New Zealand
1-3a	England 31/0 off 17	draw
1-3b	England 16/1 off 7	New Zealand
2-1a	England 26/0 off 14	draw
2-1b	England 23/4 off 10	New Zealand
2-2a	England 23/2 off 8.2	New Zealand
2-2b	New Zealand 54/2 off 19	England
2-3a	New Zealand 65/1 off 18	New Zealand
2-3b	New Zealand 34/1 off 12.4	England
3-1a	New Zealand 29/2 off 12.2	England
3-1b	New Zealand 25/4 off 7	England
	England 12/0 off 2
3-2a	England 46/2 off 13	New Zealand
3-2b	England 33/0 off 11	England
3-3a	England 65/0 off 22	England
3-3b	England 24/4 off 11	New Zealand
4-1a	England 33/4 off 9.3	New Zealand
4-1b	New Zealand 29/6 off 11.4	England
4-2a	New Zealand 39/4 off 10.5	England

Final update, click here

New Zealand won the mini-session count 10 - 9, but England won the match.

First drinks, Day 1: England lead the mini-session count 1-0

A slow but safe start from England. Boult and Southee both bowled some deliveries that had the batsmen troubled, but they generally looked composed and patient. - Mykuhl

Lunch, Day 1: The mini-session count is tied up, 1-1

The first wicket came in a rather unexpected manner. First was the bowler, Bruce Martin. With all the pre-match talk about the swinging conditions, there would not have been many expecting him to be bowling over 22, let alone there to be no wickets down. Then the fact that the ball genuinely turned. It was pitched on a good length, shaping towards middle and off, and moved away towards first slip. Compton went after it, but was beaten both in flight and by the turn, and ended up just spooning it to point.

While England have only lost one wicket, they have only put on 56 runs. Boult has bowled 8 overs for 6 runs and Martin 4 overs for 3 runs. It's really quite an impressive feat of discipline from both teams so far. The opening is quite even, but New Zealand are probably slightly ahead. - Mykuhl

Middle drinks, Day 1: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 2-1

England are now down to two an over. There was a lot of talk that New Zealand had prepared low, slow wickets because they were scared of England's pace bowlers. Perhaps England are also scared of New Zealand's bowlers? Boult's return so far would suggest that would be sensible: 13-4-23-1. - Mykuhl

Stumps, Day 1: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 4-1

The promised rain finally arrived, just after Wagner managed to get Bell to angle one to Watling. The match position is certainly advantage New Zealand. They start tomorrow with a new ball and only 2 wickets before getting amongst the bowlers. If the ball swings tomorrow like it did today, the two left-armers could be very difficult for the English bowlers to handle. - Mykuhl

First drinks, Day 2: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 4-1

While England only scored 26 runs in the hour, they managed to survive 14 overs with the new ball without losing a wicket. The New Zealand bowlers managed to cause some problems, but it was really just more attritional cricket. - Mykuhl

Lunch, Day 2: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 5-1

Another hour to New Zealand. England will probably struggle to get to 260 now. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, that's hardly a good return. The best moment in that hour for England was in the final over, when Martin managed to get a ball to spit out of the footmarks. It was harmless coming from Martin and spinning away, but it would have be a different story from Swann. - Mykuhl

Change of Innings, Day 2: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 6-1

New Zealand managed to clean up the English tail reasonably cheaply, despite some stubborn resistance. England did manage to get their overall rpo over 2, but not by much. Despite not looking very comfortable at any point at the crease, Bairstow ended up being the top scorer with 41. - Mykuhl

Stumps, Day 2: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 7-3

Someone needed to take the attack to the bowlers in this match, and Ross Taylor was the man. It was the old Taylor, the one who smashed the ball through the covers, rather than the one we're more used to seeing recently who had put his cover drive away. He scored 10 boundaries through the off side. New Zealand are dominating the mini-session count, but the game is really much closer than 7-3 would suggest. - Mykuhl

First drinks, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 7-4

England are well into this match now. New Zealand now really need a good partnership from Southee and Watling. Even Watling (who normally is very assured on defense) was playing away from his body with hard hands. That was a product of the pressure that the English bowlers have managed to exert on the New Zealand batsmen this morning. We are generally getting a display of quality bowling. - Mykuhl

Lunch, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 7-5

England are now starting to take control of this match. That may prove to be the decisive hour in the course of the match. England cleaned up New Zealand's tail, and then set an aggressive platform with the bat. - Mykuhl

Middle drinks, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 8-5

This game is turning into a great match. New Zealand have probably played the most good cricket, but England is probably in the lead by a small margin. New Zealand won't want to be chasing more than 270. - Mykuhl

Tea, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 8-6

New Zealand slowed the game down considerably in that hour, trying to stop England's progress. It was to no avail. England have moved into a convincing lead now. - Mykuhl

Final drinks, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 8-7

New Zealand are in some serious trouble now. The way things are going at the moment, England are looking like they are heading towards a substantial lead. Trott and Root have been magnificent. The pitch seems to be getting slightly better, but I'm not sure if it's getting better quickly enough for New Zealand to be able to chase down a score near 400. - Mykuhl

Stumps, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 9-7

And in the space of 7 overs the game changes again. This game is now pure intrigue. With the chance of rain on Monday, all 4 results are still possible. It's hard to say who is in the lead at this point in the game. It is quite conceivable that New Zealand will bowl out England for another 40 runs, and then knock off the target. It's also not beyond the realms of possibility that 14 wickets could fall tomorrow, and England win in a canter. This is exactly why test cricket is the ultimate in sporting events. - Mykuhl

Change of Innings, Day 4: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 10-7

New Zealand will be happy with that. Southee was irresistible, picking up 10/108, the second best match figures by a New Zealander in England after Dion Nash's 11/169. New Zealand need 239 to win. The game is evenly poised, but New Zealand are probably slight favorites. - Mykuhl

Lunch, Day 4: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 10-8

And just like that the game swings totally in England's favour. Stuart Broad has treated the New Zealand batsmen like a Jack Russell terrier treats a rat. He's shaken them up, and then killed them off. It's a demonstration of cricketing virtuosity. - Mykuhl

End of match: New Zealand win the mini-session count 10-9 but England win the match.

And England clean it up. A match that was evenly balanced was completely turned on it's head in one decisive hour. Broad has threatened to do this a number of times, but today he has realised the potential that he has shown in the past. - Mykuhl

Mini-session analysis, 3rd test, New Zealand England, Eden Park, 2012/3

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the third test between New Zealand and England at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-Session	Score	Winner
1-1a	New Zealand 31/0 off 15	draw
1-1b	New Zealand 48/1 off 13	New Zealand
1-2a	New Zealand 48/0 off 15	New Zealand
1-2b	New Zealand 46/0 off 16	New Zealand
1-3a	New Zealand 36/0 off 13.4	New Zealand
1-3b	New Zealand 41/0 off 17.2	New Zealand
2-1a	New Zealand 24/1 off 14	England
2-1b	New Zealand 38/2 off 14	England
2-2a	New Zealand 53/1 off 10.4	New Zealand
2-2b	New Zealand 49/1 off 17.2	draw
2-3a	New Zealand 29/4 off 6	New Zealand
2-3b	England 50/2 off 25	New Zealand
3-1a	England 22/3 off 11.5	New Zealand
3-1b	England 20/0 off 17.1	New Zealand
3-2a	England 39/0 off 15	England
3-2b	England 45/1 off 14	draw
3-3a	England 28/4 off 6.2	New Zealand
3-3b	New Zealand 20/3 off 11	England
3-3c	New Zealand 15/0 off 12	England
4-1a	New Zealand 47/1 off 12.3	New Zealand
4-1b	New Zealand 94/0 off 13.3	New Zealand
4-2a	New Zealand 65/2 off 8.2	New Zealand
4-2b	England 45/1 off 16	New Zealand
4-3a	England 32/1 off 20	New Zealand
4-3b	England 13/2 off 16.1	New Zealand
5-1a	England 37/0 off 16.5	England
5-1b	England 31/1 off 14	New Zealand
5-2a	England 41/1 off 13	England
5-2b	England 38/1 off 14.3	draw
5-3a	England 38/0 off 17.3	England
5-3b	England 40/2 off 15	New Zealand

Final update, click here
The match is drawn, but New Zealand win the mini-session count 19 - 8

First drinks, Day 1: The mini-session count is tied up, 0-0

A steady, but unspectacular start from New Zealand after being inserted. I do wonder if McCullum was actually foxing about wanting to bowl first.

Lunch, Day 1: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 1-0

A good start by Rutherford and Fulton was soured by a loss of concentration by Rutherford at the end of the session. Still New Zealand are in a good position.

Final drinks, Day 1: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 4-0

England have almost seemed to give up on trying to get a wicket, and are hoping that these two batsmen will get themselves out. Their lines and lengths have not been what should be expected of a test attack. Only Stuart Broad has had the batsmen under any sort of pressure.

Stumps, Day 1: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 5-0

This pitch is not as easy to bat on as these two are making it look. I was watching the majority of that hour from square of the wicket, and the bounce was variable.

First drinks, Day 2: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 5-1

England finally found a way through this partnership. It's the third largest partnership against England in New Zealand, and the third largest 2nd wicket partnership at Eden Park.

Final drinks, Day 2: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 7-2

Southee batting at 8 doesn't make much sense when a team is trying to save a match. In a situation like this, however, it's a great move. He has taken the game to England, and New Zealand now have a respectable first innings score, and much faster than it was looking like.

Stumps, Day 2: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 8-2

Trent Boult picked up two wickets to make it well and truely New Zealand's day. England will need to bat well tomorrow.

First drinks, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 9-2

Boult and Southee were in Sri Lanka form this morning. They looked unstopable. England are in serious trouble now.

Lunch, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 10-2

20 runs in the hour. While Wagner and Martin didn't make the breakthrough, they certainly kept things tight.

Tea, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 10-3

England were looking very good there until Prior made a bad call and played a shot that he will regret. New Zealand now have one end open with the new ball.

Change of innings, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 11-3

Trent Boult and Tim Southee finished off the tail. Boult was probably unlucky that Southee dismissed Root at the end, as he would have probably backed himself to pick up Monty fairly quickly and turn 6 into 7. McCullum chose not to enforce the follow on, which seems the right decision to me. It means he gets to chose the heavy roller twice, he gets to give his bowlers a rest and he isn't going to have to bat last on a potentially deteriorating pitch. I'd expect this pitch to take some real turn on the last day and a half.

Final drinks, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 11-4

What a disastrous start by New Zealand. Anderson and Borad have combined to leave New Zealand in tatters. England have a serious sniff now. Perhaps McCullum made the wrong call.

Stumps, Day 3: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 11-5

New Zealand see out the day, but what was their day suddenly took a dive at the end. Still New Zealand are in a stronger place at the end of the day than at the start of it. 11 wickets fell again today. This is starting to look very interesting.

First drinks, Day 4: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 12-5

Fulton and Brownlie made some steady progress in the morning. They have gone close to getting New Zealand to safety. Probably New Zealand want about another 80 runs before a lunchtime declaration.

Lunch, Day 4: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 13-5

With Fulton into the 90s, a lunchtime declaration is now probably off the cards. Perhaps once he gets to 100 it will be time to head back?

Middle drinks, Day 4: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 14-5

McCullum took a lot longer to declare than I was expecting, but it might have been due to the runs being so easy to score this morning. The fear that one English batsman would "do an Astle" is probably too strong. Cook is likely to be criticized for his tactics in that hour, but they were sensible, given the situation.

Tea, Day 4: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 15-5

An early breakthrough, and England are looking shaky now. They need a big partnership.

Stumps, Day 4: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 17-5

The thought that Kane Williamson would have provided the vital breakthroughs at the end of the day was quite surprising, but he certainly bowled well. Cook looked furious at himself, while Finn looked like a wicket waiting to happen.

First drinks, Day 5: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 17-6

Solid batting from Root and Bell. New Zealand really need a wicket before lunch, so they can bowl at new batsmen with the new ball.

Lunch, Day 5: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 18-6

The wicket came with the first delivery of the new ball. And there could have been more. First Bairstow survived an lbw shout that turned out to be very close, and then both batsmen were dropped off Boult's second over with the new ball. The big question now is if they will make the most of their lives.

Middle drinks, Day 5: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 18-7

England make steady progress through the day, but New Zealand chip out another one. Prior is living dangerously. His 20 has come off 24 balls, and has included a couple of top edges, some playing and missing, and two very close umpiring calls.

Tea, Day 5: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 18-7

It had started to look like these two were going to see it out, but then Wagner removed Southee to complete the session, and now the impetus is back with New Zealand.

Final drinks, Day 5: New Zealand lead the mini-session count 18-8

Superb from Prior and Broad. This is a big innings for Broad in particular. He has been talked up as a batsman for a long time, here is a chance for him to deliver.

Stumps, Day 5: The match is drawn, but New Zealand take the mini-session count 19-8

A thrilling end, even if somewhat of a let down for the home-town supporters. There was an older gentleman, probably in his late 70's or early 80's sitting a couple of seats along from me. When Anderson was dismissed he was up out of his chair, waving his hand above his head and shouting. No sport creates emotion like a test match. In the end New Zealand didn't do quite enough to win the match. They will rue the dropped catches, as well as the ball hitting Prior's stumps, but not knocking the bails off.

England will probably be more relieved than proud of their effort. Prior stood out like a sore thumb amongst his compatriots, while New Zealand had a number of candidates for an internal man of the match. It's a match that will live on in the memories of everyone who was fortunate enough to have watched it.

Mini-session analysis 4th test India v Australia, Delhi, 2013

Here is the final mini-session analysis for the fourth test between India and Australia at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-Session	Score	Winner
1-1a	Australia 47/1 off 14	Australia
1-1b	Australia 47/1 off 14	Australia
1-2a	Australia 35/4 off 18.2	India
1-2b	Australia 24/1 off 20.4	India
1-3a	Australia 44/1 off 18	draw
1-3b	Australia 34/0 off 13	Australia
2-1a	Australia 31/2 off 7	Australia
2-1b	India 59/0 off 14	India
2-2a	India 49/1 off 11.1	India
2-2b	India 24/1 off 12.5	Australia
2-3a	India 73/3 off 13	Australia
2-3b	India 61/3 off 17.1	Australia
3-1a	India 6/2 off 2.1	India
	Australia 51/3 off 16
3-1b	Australia 38/2 off 15	India
3-2a	Australia 68/4 off 13.4	India
3-2b	Australia 7/1 off 1.5	India
	India 72/1 off 12
3-3a	India 56/3 off 14.4	draw
3-3b	India 30/0 off 4.4	India

Final update, click here
India win the match by 6 wickets and the mini-session count 9 - 7


Lunch, Day 1: Australia lead the mini-session count 2-0

A positive start for Australia. They slightly edged both hours. The attacking version of Philip Hughes that was unleashed in the second innings of the last test, and again here, doesn't last any longer than the defensive version, but it's certainly much more fun to watch.

Middle drinks, Day 1: Australia lead the mini-session count 2-1

And like that the game changes. India pick up 4 quick wickets and Australia are placed in a lot of trouble. While they are leading the mini-sesison count, they are well behind in the match now.

Tea, Day 1: The mini-session count is tied up, 2-2

One has to wonder if Australia and New Zealand have swapped teams. New Zealand have batted out a day with only losing one run against England, while Australia are relying on their bowlers for the runs. An almost complete role reversal.

Final drinks, Day 1: The mini-session count is tied up, 2-2

India will be frustrated that they haven't been able to take more than the one wicket this hour.

Stumps, Day 1: Australia lead the mini-session count 3-2

It's India's day, despite them really only being dominant for one hour. But what an hour. Australia will be hoping that Siddle can complete his 50, and they can frustrate the Indian bowlers longer tomorrow. Starc top scored in the last match, and now Siddle in this one. It's almost like watching Northern Districts.

Lunch, Day 2: Australia lead the mini-session count 4-3

Pujara and Vijay are looking relentless. They are scoring at over 4 an over, at the start of the innings against some good bowlers. This match might descend into a real drubbing if this continues.

Middle drinks, Day 2: The mini-session count is tied up, 4-4

A fantastic partnership comes to an end. It was good batting, and it may have set a platform for India to take the match away from Australia here.

Tea, Day 2: Australia lead the mini-session count 5-4

During that hour, the Australian pace bowlers created huge pressure. They conceded 6 runs from 8 overs (4 each from Pattinson and Johnson). That allowed Lyon the pressure to look like a world class spinner. All spin bowlers require pressure to really threaten. This is posibly the first time that Lyon has had that luxury this series.

Final drinks, Day 2: Australia lead the mini-session count 6-4

Now the match gets interesting 73 runs, but 33 wickets. The pressure of the last hour was released, but it came at a significant cost. Australia are back in this match.

Stumps, Day 2: Australia lead the mini-session count 7-4

Another good hour for Australia. Nathan Lyon completed his 5-for and India are now in some difficulty. They lead by 4 with 2 wickets in hand. They are still probably in the better position, but not by much.

First drinks, Day 3: Australia lead the mini-session count 7-5

A good start for Australia, followed by an even better start for India.

Lunch, Day 3: Australia lead the mini-session count 7-6

It looks like the Australians are expecting their bowlers to score the runs again. That worked quite well in the first innings, but I'm not sure it's a good tactic.

Middle drinks, Day 3: The mini-session count is tied up, 7-7

Ravindra Jadeja doesn't look particularly venomous, but he certainly is effective. Australia are in a world of trouble now. They need another big effort from Siddle here to avoid being beaten in 3 days.

Tea, Day 3: India lead the mini-session count 8-7

One has to wonder if Cheteshwar Pujara has a plane to catch. He has approached this run chase as if it was a t20 match. It's very heady batting, as he has denied the bowlers a chance to settle. If they had that opportunity on this pitch then they would have had a chance to bowl Australia into a winning position. It was risky, but it was a risk worth taking.

Final drinks, Day 3: India lead the mini-session count 8-7

Australia are threatening, but India look to be too far ahead. Australia's bowlers have put up a good fight, but their batting was just too inept, and undid all the good work their bowlers did with the bat and ball.

End of match, Day 3: India Win the match by 6 wickets and the mini-session count 9-7

Lyon fell short of his 10 wicket haul, but Siddle managed to join an exclusive group to have been batting on every day of a test. He's also the first number 9 to hit fifties in each innings and to top score in each innings. The last statistic is one that every Australian batsman should hang their heads over. This was a tricky pitch, and the new ball was difficult to navigate, but it wasn't as bad as they made it look. - Mykuhl

Mini-session analysis 2nd test, WI Zim, Rosseau, 2013

Here is the mini-session analysis for the first test between West Indies and Zimbabwe at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-Session	Score	Winner
1-1a	Zimbabwe 43/2 off 10.3	West Indies
1-1b	Zimbabwe 50/1 off 16.3	draw
1-2a	Zimbabwe 27/1 off 13	West Indies
1-2b	Zimbabwe 38/3 off 16	West Indies
1-3a	Zimbabwe 17/3 off 4.5	Zimbabwe
	West Indies 57/2 off 14
1-3b	West Indies 57/0 off 13	West Indies
2-1a	West Indies 33/1 off 14	Zimbabwe
2-1b	West Indies 54/1 off 17	draw
2-2a	West Indies 52/0 off 16	West Indies
2-2b	West Indies 42/0 off 16	West Indies
2-3a	West Indies 54/0 off 13	West Indies
2-3b	West Indies 32/4 off 14	Zimbabwe
3-1a	Zimbabwe 45/1 off 12	Zimbabwe
3-1b	Zimbabwe 32/3 off 14	West Indies
3-2a	Zimbabwe 59/3 off 14.5	West Indies
3-2b	Zimbabwe 5/3 off 1.3	West Indies

Final update, click here
West Indies win the mini-session count 10 - 4


Summary West Indies win the match by an innings and 41 runs, and the mini-session count 10-4

I was mocked by a number of people for putting Shane Shillingford into my world test XI at the end of last year. He has again shown why I rate him highly. He takes wickets. Quite a lot of wickets. A few years ago West Indies vs Zimbabwe was quite a close contest. This series shows both how far West Indies have come under Sammy and how far Zimbabwe have fallen in the last 12 years.

Mini-session Analysis 2nd Test, Sri Lanka Bangladesh, Premadasa 2013

Here is the mini-session analysis for the second test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

A mini-session is (normally) half a session, either between the start of the session and the drinks break or the drinks break and the end of the session. Occasionally a long session will have 3 mini-sessions where it will be broken up with 2 drinks breaks.

Mini-Session	Score	Winner
1-1a	Bangladesh 31/1 off 14	Sri Lanka
1-1b	Bangladesh 31/1 off 13	Sri Lanka
1-2a	Bangladesh 45/1 off 15	draw
1-2b	Bangladesh 48/2 off 13	Sri Lanka
1-3a	Bangladesh 41/1 off 16	Sri Lanka
1-3b	Bangladesh 44/4 off 12.3	Sri Lanka
	Sri Lanka 18/1 off 4
2-1a	Sri Lanka 34/2 off 12	Bangladesh
2-1b	Sri Lanka 29/1 off 12	Bangladesh
2-2a	Sri Lanka 51/0 off 16	Sri Lanka
2-2b	Sri Lanka 43/0 off 14	Sri Lanka
2-3a	Sri Lanka 56/0 off 15	Sri Lanka
2-3b	Sri Lanka 63/2 off 20	Bangladesh
3-1a	Sri Lanka 35/2 off 14	Bangladesh
3-1b	Sri Lanka 17/2 off 4.3	Bangladesh
	Bangladesh 23/0 off 7
3-2a	Bangladesh 50/0 off 15	Bangladesh
3-2b	Bangladesh 20/1 off 17	Sri Lanka
3-3a	Bangladesh 35/1 off 14	Sri Lanka
3-3b	Bangladesh 30/2 off 16	Sri Lanka
4-1a	Bangladesh 44/3 off 12.5	Sri Lanka
4-1b	Bangladesh 63/3 off 18.5	Sri Lanka
4-2a	Sri Lanka 46/1 off 9.1	Sri Lanka
4-2b	Sri Lanka 57/0 off 13.5	Sri Lanka
4-3a	Sri Lanka 47/2 off 14	Bangladesh
4-3b	Sri Lanka 10/0 off 4.4	-

Latest update, click here
Sri Lanka lead the mini-session count 15 - 7


End of match, Day 4: Sri Lanka lead the mini-session count 15-7

This was quite a good test match. There were two decisive things in it. First the partnership between Sangakkara and Chandimal that put Sri Lanka into a dominant position, then the bowling of Herath in the second innings. Bangladesh are certainly improving as a test team. This was a genuine match, and while Sri Lanka were the better side, they are a very good team at home. - Mykuhl