Cricket Today: Aussie theatre

Welcome to Cricket Today where we examine what is going on in the world of Cricket365 and the seething mass of donkey droppings we know as social media.
What’s on the site
Australia are locked in an intense battle with hosts South Africa in the first Test in Durban but that hasn’t stopped Steve Smith taking his antics at the crease to a new high.
The Proteas welcomed back their own inspirational skipper Faf du Plessis.
Hashim Amla will join Hampshire for a spell in County Cricket in 2018 replacing overseas pro George Bailey.
India coach Ravi Shastri launches scathing attack on India’s critics.
We spoke to Graeme Smith ahead of the series against Australia.
What’s in the news
Nuwan Pradeep and Suranga Lakmal return to boost injury hit Sri Lanka.
Stephen Fleming would be open to a role with the Black Caps T20I team.
Ireland will build a new national stadium to replace Malahide after earning Test status.
Sandeep Lamichhane says he is not in it for the glory as Nepal warm up for their Cricket World Cup qualifier campaign.
Corey Anderson will rejoin Somerset for the Blast in 2018.
What’s on Social Media
There was a whole lot of wither Test cricket going on since the first day of the series between South Africa and Australia saw a small crowd gather, on a weekday at 10 am…
Tragedy that has befallen Test cricket https://t.co/Q8N0hgOLiJ
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 1, 2018
But old Daggers was able to get in a moan about Test cricket and e-sports in one tweet…
Hang on… I’ve just realised something. Is this the future? Goodness I hope not… pic.twitter.com/h3BeOqiAOp
— Charles Dagnall (@CharlesDagnall) March 1, 2018
Ok that is just silly but the king of silly Shahid Afridi was born on this day at some stage in the past and that is as specific as we are willing to be.
Happy Birthday Boom Boom @SAfridiOfficial! 💥💥
What do you prefer watching by him – wickets or massive sixes? pic.twitter.com/70hP0xlYnt
— ICC (@ICC) March 1, 2018
What’s on TV
Friday 2nd March
South Africa v Australia Test Series 2018
South Africa 08:00 Australia
Sky Sports Cricket (07:55), Sky Sports Main Event (08:00)
Saturday 3rd March
South Africa v Australia Test Series 2018
South Africa 08:00 Australia
Sky Sports Cricket – Red Button (07:55), Sky Sports Main Event (09:00), Sky Sports Cricket (09:00)
New Zealand v England ODI Series 2018
New Zealand 01:00 England
Sky Sports Main Event (00:30), Sky Sports Cricket (00:30)
Latest
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News
A golden summer for England’s Yorkshire run machines
Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow have been responsible for seven centuries between them.
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England
Joe Root relishing being a ‘rock star’ after England’s historic win over India
New Test captain Ben Stokes wants team to be entertainers.
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England
Fans found guilty of racist abuse at Edgbaston face bans from cricket grounds
Investigations have been launched into allegations of abuse during the fifth Test between England and India.
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England
England’s historic chase of 378 against India is eighth-highest of all-time
West Indies hold the Test record with 418 against Australia in 2003.
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England
England complete record chase of 378 to beat India and level series
England completed a staggering seven-wicket success as Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow saw them comfortably over the line.
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England
Ben Stokes’ England revelling in thrill of the chase
The Test team completed the largest fourth-innings run chase in their history against India.
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News
Allegations of racist abuse among the crowd at Edgbaston being investigated
The Bharat Army has claimed “many” of its members were targeted.
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England
Edgbaston officials to investigate allegations of racist abuse among crowd
The claims were highlighted by former cricketer Azeem Rafiq.
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News
Alex Lees: England have ultimate belief they can complete chase against India
India set the winning line at 378, higher than any England side has ever managed, but the hosts need just 119 more with seven wickets in hand.
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News
Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow leave England daring to dream against India
No England side has ever hunted down more than 359 but they have their eyes set on a record chase of 378 at Edgbaston.