The most controversial Ashes series of them all was brought about by a desire to curb Bradman's phenomenal run-scoring.

Accolades were bestowed and heartfelt tributes flowed as Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladeshi to enter the 100-Test club against Ireland in Dhaka on Wednesday. But for the celebrations to feel truly complete, it needed the history-maker himself to produce something special.

Despite a five-day extension to secure mandatory bank guarantees from all five franchises, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains off track.

While the stadium buzzed with anticipation, one of Mushfiqur’s closest teammates, Shakib Al Hasan, took to Facebook to share a deeply personal and inspiring message.

Habibul Bashar, who had presented Mushfiqur with his original Test cap in 2005, handed him a special commemorative cap to mark the milestone

I was already a regular member of the Bangladesh team when Mushfiqur Rahim arrived on the scenes in 2005 in the England tour. He announced himself by scoring a hundred and a fifty in practice matches against County sides. He then made his Test debut at Lord’s as a specialist batter as Pilot bhai (Khaled Mashud) was still our wicketkeeper. But after the Lord’s Test, he unfortunately twisted his ankle while coming down the staircase and had to return home.

As Mushfiqur Rahim walks out to play his 100th Test match, Bangladesh cricket celebrates not just a milestone, but a man whose impact on our game goes far beyond statistics. I have had the privilege of coaching Mushfiqur in two different periods of Bangladesh cricket -- first from 2014 to 2017, and again from 2023 to 2024 -- and what remains constant is his unwavering professionalism, commitment, and leadership.

What does it take to play a 100 Tests? After sifting through the statements of the 83 players who have achieved this feat till now, a few common qualities stand out: hard work, grit, discipline, and a bit of luck.

Being thousands of miles away from home did not stop Ireland batter Harry Tector from rejoicing in his country’s recent 3-2 win over Hungary in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. He was even more excited with the prospect of taking part in the next ICC World Test Championship and hoped it would lead to the resumption of red-ball cricket back home. Tector said all this and more in an interview with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan.

The 38-year-old is set to become the first from the country to reach the milestone when Bangladesh face Ireland in the second Test on Wednesday. 

“I see him at the hotel every morning at 6:15, having breakfast and heading straight to warm-ups."

Australia head into the Ashes with an ageing "Dad's Army" group of players and concerns about a lack of depth to follow in their footsteps, but chief selector George Bailey is adamant the team's veteran core still has what it takes.

It was South Africa's first Test win in India since 2010 and Bavuma led by example.

Chasing 124 for victory, India folded for 93 on a minefield of a pitch.

Spinner Simon Harmer claimed a match haul of eight wickets to lead South Africa to a thrilling 30-run win over India inside three days of a low-scoring opening Test on Sunday.

Fast bowler Marco Jansen ripped out both India openers before lunch Sunday as the hosts stuttered in their chase of 124 to win the first Test after South Africa captain Temba Bavuma's unbeaten 55.

England's fast bowling cartel are relishing playing in Australian conditions with star quick Jofra Archer in a "happy place" and brimming with confidence while Mark Wood is "full of energy".

Top-order batsman Gill felt pain in his neck after scoring a boundary on the second day on Saturday in Kolkata and left the field.

With the auction scheduled for December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, teams will now focus on addressing gaps and identifying key match-winners.

South Africa faltered in their second innings as well and were reeling on 93-7 at stumps.