It's been contest after exciting contest in England where Ireland reprised their memorable victory over the hosts in the final ODI and then England and Pakistan faced off in a thrilling Test at Old Trafford. The IPL is falling into place, the CPL has already finished their first round of Covid-19 tests, and cricket is well and truly back. Catch up on this week's excitement here.
Chris Woakes, Jos Buttler lead England home in memorable fourth-innings chase
A fighting century stand between Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler carried England to a stunning three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the opening match of their three-Test series. England had conceded a 107-run first-innings lead to Pakistan's excellent bowling attack, but they bounced back to dismiss them for 169 in the second innings and complete an exciting chase on the final day. The burning question from the match: Who's more handsome: Woakes or Imran Khan?.
India retains T20 World Cup in 2021, Australia to host in 2022
The ICC Business Corporation met virtually this week to take decisions on the T20 World Cup and the women's ODI World Cup, which has been deferred by a year, to 2022.
IPL 2020: UAE to host tournament from September 19 to November 10
The IPL's dates have been firmed, with the BCCI close to getting the go-ahead from the Indian government. In keeping with the new rules, each squad will be allowed a maximum of 24 players, and unlimited Covid-19 substitutes. The IPL has also announced rigorous testing protocols for players, and though families are currently allowed to travel and stay within the biosecure bubble, it's up to the franchises to take the final decision.
Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie set up famous chase as Ireland hunt down 329
Though England won the ODI series 2-1, Ireland brought back memories of the Bangalore 2011 World Cup heroics, chasing down the same score in the third ODI.
Why have Pakistan done well in England?
Since 1987, their record shows they have been competitive with the very best teams on tours there. Osman Samiuddin has the numbers. And traditionally, Pakistan's fast bowlers have done best in England of all countries. Will this be the summer of young 'uns Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi?
No, no way! You cannot do that, Mohammad Abbas!
Osman Samiuddin says the more you watch the Ben Stokes dismissal and the more you break it down, the better it gets.
Which batsman had the longest streak of single-digit scores in Tests?
And which bowler took at least one wicket in 52 consecutive innings? Anantha Narayanan analyses streaks in Test cricket.
Come to think of it: Was Shoaib Akhtar's talent overshadowed by his sagas?
He was an almost one-of-a-kind bowler, who heightened the effect of raw pace to a degree rarely seen at the highest level of the game. Did he lose out in the pace race, asks Karthik Krishnaswamy .
Watch: Cricketbaazi: Ishant Sharma - 'Want to be part of a World Cup-winning team'
The fast bowler talk to Deep Dasgupta about his ambitions, landmarks, and a particular turning point.
Who among Younis, Inzamam, Misbah and Yousuf makes it to Pakistan's greatest Test XI of the last 30 years?
And who opens with Saeed Anwar? Our panelists discuss in the latest episode of Dream Team.
Let's praise the members of the 500-wicket club
Says Ian Chappell, as Stuart Broad joins their ranks. Who are the others in the bracket?
The first sportsperson I wanted to be: Irfan Pathan: 'There was no bigger hero than Kapil Dev when I was growing up'
The former India allrounder on imitating, and befriending, his idol
The balls of the century
ESPNcricinfo staff voted for the top deliveries bowled this century and coming in at No. 20 is one bowled by Monty Panesar to Sachin Tendulkar at Wankhede stadium in 2012 , followed by Jason Krejza's offbreak to VVS Laxman in Nagpur at No. 19 .