Australia ruthlessly grind out nearly 350 for 3 against the hapless Windies on Day 1 of the Boxing Day test. The only light is the early dismissal of Warner.

Sri Lanka are 27-5 against a half-strength NZ before recovering to 180, with reserve strike bowler Matt Henry taking 4 of the first 5. NZ score at 9 an over to win by 7 wickets. Guptill becomes the leading ODI scorer this season, with Kane and Ross also in the top 5 (non-Kiwis allowed to join the party are ABdV and Dilshan). Williamson's injury means he's unlikely to break the calendar year run scoring record, especially if SL keep getting bowled out this cheaply. Future world #1 Henry Nicholls makes his debut and hits a rapid 23. I_J wanks himself silly in response.

It's moist in Durban so the start is delayed, but SA win the toss and put England in: "we might get some early wickets", Amla says, demonstrating that he's sussed out the whole point of this cricket business. Hales makes his debut, lots of other comparative newcomers.... BUT WAIT! STOP THE PRESSES! As this post was going to press Cook edges and is caught for a duck! England 3-1! Game on! Amla was right!

AOB?