Mahela Jayawardene takes over the Sri Lankan captaincy for the second time and his first challenge is to take on the out-of-sorts world champions. The value lies with the outsiders, the value lies with Sri Lanka, says Richard O’Hagan.

Kevin Pietersen has his own nemesis, and everyone knows it’s left-arm spin. Except KP himself refuses to admit it publicly says Frank Gregan. And that could be England’s downfall ahead of the ODI series against Pakistan.

Ed Hawkins crunches the numbers to answer the question: how has technology changed Test cricket?

Ed Hawkins eats a bit of humble pie over the scoring ability of Azhar Ali and pours cold water on any faint England hopes of an unlikely victory…

England’s bowlers made a good start, then their batsman let them down before Younis Khan starred on day two. It all leaves Michael Vaughan feeling glum despite the fact that his match odds bet looks likely to come in…

Ed Hawkins marvels at Younis Khan’s innings as Pakistan take firm control of the third Test. Meanwhile, our man recommends a lay bet on an England batsman whose technique leaves a lot to be desired…

After a three year hiatus, the Commonwealth Bank Series is back and Andrew Hughes thinks India have what it takes to win the opener.

Ed Hawkins was not impressed by the tourists, who showed exactly why the series has already been lost

There was no sign of an Indian revival in the first Twenty20 and Andrew Hughes thinks the momentum is all with Australia ahead of Friday’s sequel

There’s no reason why the confident and settled side who are 2-0 up should go into the Third Test as slight underdogs and Pakistan represent excellent value, says Michael Vaughan.

Ed Hawkins has lost patience with England and can’t understand why Pakistan are not favourites for the third match, which starts in Dubai on Friday

He’s far from being the most obvious candidate for a Test captain but Misbah Ul Haq’s tenure as leader of the Pakistan cricket team has been remarkable, especially in the longest format. What’s the secret, wonders Frank Gregan.

Ed Hawkins says England’s defeat in Abu Dhabi shows how they have taken their position as the No 1-ranked side for granted

Tourists lose from a winnable position as Pakistan spinners cast their spell

Ed Hawkins says there could be more turns on day four as England look to get back into the series

The last hour and a half of day two really put the brakes on England’s progress and facing Saeed Ajmal isn’t going to get any easier. Batting last on this pitch may be like playing on a minefield and that means Pakistan are curently in control, says Michael Vaughan.

Ed Hawkins is worried about England batting last at the Sheikh Zayed Stadioum after a topsy-turvy day

Ed Hawkins says England are close to rediscovering their identity after taking charge in Abu Dhabi

All the talk is of mountains of runs on a flat pitch but England are rarely involved in draws and there’s a great chance we’ll get another result. If there are runs to be scored, expect Jonathan Trott to be amongst them, says Michael Vaughan.

With England’s opening pair about to step out together for 100th time, Ralph Ellis pays tribute to a steady, successful partnership which is integral to the world’s best team. Can they engineer victory against Pakistan in the second Test?