Norm Da Costa
LATEST STORIES BY NORM DA COSTA
DA COSTA: First it was ‘sandpaper-gate’ now Aussies under fire for doctoring Brisbane wicket
Forget the Ashes. For a moment forget Christmas greetings and peace on earth. That’s all on hold as the attention in Australia and South Africa has shifted to the heavyweight clash between two giants of the game in this festive season. And there’s a good reason as it’s the first time they’re going head-to-head since that “sandpaper-gate” scandal in 2018 that rocked the world.

DA COSTA: Aussies set sights on Proteas after thrashing West Indies
With steel bands blaring in the stands and fans decked out in the colours of the various Caribbean islands the Calypso Kings rocked the world of cricket some two decades ago. Now the drums have gone silent. The exciting, pulsating brand with bat and ball has lost its rhythmic beat.

DA COSTA: Bumper Pakistani crowds to greet Stokes and England
England’s Test squad is back in Pakistan after a 17-year absence and one can expect bumper crowds for each of the three matches. In contrast, the West Indies will play in front of more empty seats than fans in their two-Test series in Australia.

DA COSTA: Buttler the mastermind behind England’s fabulous World Cup victory
England won the Twenty20 World Cup. Pakistan won everyone’s hearts. This tournament was one for the ages with favourites being dumped, minnows having their day in the sun and England proving that it’s head and shoulders above every other white ball nation. Before a rollicking crowd of 80,000 fans mostly clad in green at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and millions worldwide on television England pulled off an incredible five-wicket victory. Pakistan may have reached the final through the back door thanks to The Netherlands but it once again lived up to its reputation as the most unpredictable team in world cricket.

DA COSTA: India could well end up pipping neighbours Pakistan in thrill-filled World Cup
There have been thrills galore in this action-packed Twenty20 World Cup that will go down in history as the most upset-filled tournament. Who in their wildest dreams would guess two-time champion West Indies would head home even before its players had the time to don their pads? Who would expect the host nation and defending champion Australia would wave the white flag before the semifinals?
