A year in sport: highlights of January 2022

JANUARY 2022

January 5: Bangladesh beat New Zealand for the first time in Tests

Bangladesh beat New Zealand for the first time in Test cricket with a sensational eight-wicket win in the first Test in Tauranga. – REPORTING

January 7: Benjamin Mendyreleased on bail pending trial

Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy, who has been accused of several serious sexual offenses against young women, has been released on bail. The 27-year-old France international had been in custody for more than four months since he was arrested and charged on August 26, 2021. – REPORTING

January 14: South Africa won the series 2-1 against India

South Africa secured a 2-1 series win over India with a seven-run win in the third Test in Cape Town. Keegan Petersen hit 82 as the Proteas chased down 212 on day four at Newlands. – REPORTING

16 January: Australia defeat England in the fifth Test to win the Ashes 4-0

England’s dismal Ashes tour ended in defeat as Australia cruised to a 146-run victory in the final Test to win the series 4-0. Needing 271 to win, England were 68-0 before being bowled out for 56 in Hobart. – REPORTING

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic walks through Melbourne Airport before boarding a flight after the Federal Court upheld the government’s decision to cancel his visa to play in the Australian Open. | Image credit: REUTERS

January 16: Novak Djokovic expelled from Australia

Novak Djokovic was arrested in January for refusing to take a Covid vaccination. He was deported from Australia 10 days later despite a successful legal challenge. – REPORTING

January 29: Ash Barty ends 44-year wait against Australian Open home winner

Ashleigh Barty beat Danielle Collins to win the Australian Open, ending the home nation’s 44-year wait for a women’s singles Grand Slam title. – REPORTING

January 30: Nadal wins a record 21st major title at the Australian Open

Rafael Nadal won a record 21st Grand Slam title, battling from two sets down to beat Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in a classic Australian Open final. Sixth-ranked Nadal won 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena. January 30, 2022. – REPORT