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The great escape by New Zealand in the second Test against India in Wellington highlighted how much their cricket has improved this summer. Here are 11 reasons why a new era has dawned. Brendon McCullum's leadership Even before becoming New Zealand's first triple-century-maker, the skipper had gelled the operation; a scenario scarcely imaginable a year ago when cricket in New Zealand threatened to implode following the Ross Taylor captaincy demotion. McCullum deserves credit for balancing the needs of senior players, in particular Taylor, while convincing younger players they belong at international level. The 32-year-old is generally composed and communicates clearly, something the team has responded to well under pressure, like in the first-Test win at Eden Park. Then came McCullum's 302, something no New Zealander had achieved in 84 years of Tests. It wasn't so much the figure as the circumstances of its execution. His tenacity left an indelible mark on the co...

Nepal joined Afghanistan and Ireland, becoming the third team to qualify for the World T20 2014 in Bangladesh with a last-ball win against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. It's the first time Nepal will be heading to a global event. Nepal entered the final over needing 13 to win and Sharad Vesawkar swung a six down the ground followed by an inside-edged four through fine leg. Vesawkar was back on strike to face the final delivery with scores level and pierced a packed ring through extra cover to send Nepal through to Bangladesh with a five-wicket win. Chasing 144, Nepal got off to a solid start, but Hong Kong kept chipping away every time it appeared Nepal was about to seize control. Tanwir Afzal bowled opener Subash Khakurel behind his legs for 16 and Sagar Pun made 22 off 19 before he was pinned on the crease by a full delivery by Haseeb Amjad. Gyanendra Malla and Paras Khadka came together and added 33 for the third wicket before Malla heaved Aizaz Khan to deep midwi...

Virat Kohali Virat Kohli and Vivian Richards played in vastly different eras. Back then, the bats were lighter, the boundaries bigger, bowling attacks menacing, protective equipment scant, and scoring runs much tougher. It was a mind-boggling feat then for Richards to average in the 50s in both formats of the game. But if there's anything that ties Sir Viv with Virat, it's the love of scoring big runs while dominating their opponents. We compared their careers at the point each crossed 5000 ODI runs. Richards did it back in 1987 when there were just four-odd years left in his career. Limited overs cricket hadn't yet proliferated and it took a full career to achieve those many runs. In fact, Richards was the first man to pass 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 ODI runs. His final tally of 6721 runs was a record later overtaken by team-mate Desmond Haynes. In Kohli's case, 5000 runs may constitute a fraction of what is turning out to be a great career....

·   Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar: All my friends, (pause) settle down, let me talk. I would like to thank people who have played an important role in my life. For the first time, I'm carrying a list so that i don't forget them. The most important person in my life, I miss him, since 1999, my father. Without his guidance, I don't think I would be standing in front of you. He told me, "chase your dreams and don't find shortcuts." He told me to to be a very good human being. Whenever I've done something special, when I raised my bat, it was for my father. ·   Tendulkar continues: My mother, I don't know how she managed such a naughty child like me. She took care of me. She started praying for me before I started playing cricket. Her prayers are blessings and a big thank you for all her sacrifices. ·   "I can't forget my uncle and aunt who I stayed with during my school day. My aunt fed me when I was tired after playing so that I could be st...