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The week in Cricket
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England began the week with Joe Root resetting the team's leadership and Pakistan facing Babar Azam's absence and a captaincy change. Their seam attack then turned that uncertainty into an innings-and-103-run victory inside three days.
India moved from a first-innings lead and dominant bowling display to a 165-run win that put them 1-0 up. Padikkal's replacement success became a selection issue as injuries and Sri Lanka's weakened batting order shaped the second Test.
Australia recovered from losing the opening Test by reducing Bangladesh to 64 and taking a 101-run first-innings lead in the second. Mitchell Starc then completed a ten-wicket match haul as Australia won by an innings and 51 runs.
Somerset repeatedly built control against Essex, enforced the follow-on, survived a substantial recovery and then won to return to second place. Nottinghamshire delivered the week's clearest rival statement by beating Surrey away by 145 runs, while Warwickshire also preserved its title position.
Yorkshire moved from pressure in a close contest with Hampshire to a 39-run victory that delivered valuable points. Hampshire's defeat deepened the consequences of the relegation fight.
Durham's repeated strong showing against Derbyshire culminated in a 338-run victory inside three days. Ben Stokes contributed with both bat and ball as Durham reinforced its promotion credentials.
South Africa selected emerging quicks and a spinner for a reshaped tour squad, then lost Kagiso Rabada to a hamstring injury. The changes turned a development opportunity into an immediate test of reserve pace resources.
Questions over Marnus Labuschagne's Test future appeared at the start of the week and returned as pressure for a replacement grew. The recurring discussion put his place back on the selection agenda.
Day’s Recap