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Jonathan Agnew

Sidebottom swings match England's way

Napier: day two of third Test - Ryan Sidebottom’s amazing return to Test cricket goes from strength to strength, and he has now become the highest England wicket taker ever on a tour of New Zealand.

More significantly, perhaps, he has rescued England from the real prospect of defeat in the final Test and put them in the position from which they should take the series.

His achievement has to be measured against the fact that if England’s batting on the first day was dreadful, New Zealand’s first innings was not of Test quality.

I don’t think, in 18 years, I have seen a quite such an inept performance from a senior Test-playing team in such an important match...

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Alison Mitchell

Farewell to Trescothick

Marcus Trescothick’s retirement from international cricket seemed inevitable once he withdrew from Somerset’s pre-season tour to Dubai.

It would not have been an easy decision to end any chance of returning to play for his country, and he must be respected for it.

It is a good move, finally freeing him from any torment and nagging in his mind about if, when and how he could get back into the England team; a prospect that was becoming increasingly remote as time went on.

It also gives England a chance to move forward – something he has acknowledged.

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