This is only the first of three Tests, so premature declarations of victory are uncalled for. At Centurion, however, India again showed why they’ve become the world’s pre-eminent Test cricket power. It is mostly to do with the spectacular rise of Indian pace. But batting challenges fester and need addressing.
Omicron surge, R value crossing 2 calls for caution, not knee-jerk paranoia
The Omicron surge, Delhi and Mumbai’s R values crossing 2 for the first time in the Covid pandemic is worrying. It calls for caution and discipline but not knee-jerk paranoia. Each variant is different, and we know little about Omicron yet. Hospitalisation and fatality figures need to be watched closely.