Author: Zahid Noor

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has named the men’s squad for the white-ball series against West Indies, set to commence later this month.

England, led by new captain Harry Brook, will play three ODIs and three T20Is against the West Indies.

The ODI series gets underway with the opening match on Thursday, 29 May at Edgbaston.

Liam Dawson is among the notable inclusions to the T20I squad, making his comeback for the first time since September 2022. The left-arm spinner, known for his versatility, will look to add to his 11 T20I caps.

Additionally, Luke Wood also returns to the England T20 set-up, having last featured in September 2023.

For ODI, England has looked to continuity, as the majority of the squad is the same that played in the ICC Champions Trophy. Tom Hartley, who last represented England in September 2023 against Ireland, has been included in the ODI squad.

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While batting all-rounder Will Jacks has been named in both squads, marking a return to the England set-up.

England ODI Squad:

Harry Brook (Captain), Jofra Archer,  Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton,  Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks,  Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Joe Root , Jamie Smith

England T20I Squad:

Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood

Schedule for ODI and T20I Series:

1st ODI: England v West Indies, Thursday 29 May 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham

2nd ODI: England v West Indies, Sunday 1 June 2025, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

3rd ODI: England v West Indies, Tuesday 3 June 2025, Kia Oval, London

1st IT20: England v West Indies, Friday 6thJune 2025, Banks Home Riverside, Durham

2nd IT20: England v West Indies, Sunday 8th June 2025, Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol

3rd IT20: England v West Indies, Tuesday 10thJune, Utilita Bowl, Southampton

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Uncapped batter James Rew has been called up to the England squad to replace the injured Jordan Cox ahead of the forthcoming Test match against Zimbabwe, which gets underway at Trent Bridge on 22 May.

Cox was ruled out of the squad after injuring his abdominal muscles while batting for Essex against Somerset in the latest round of the County Championship.

In his absence, 21-year-old Rew has been called up to the England squad due to his impressive form for Somerset this season. Rew is currently averaging 54.21 with the bat, including a highest score of 152.

A graduate of the England Lions pathway, Rew toured Australia with the Lions last winter and played a pivotal role in the Young Lions team that reached the ICC U19 World Cup final in 2022, alongside current internationals Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell.

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Rew will join the Test squad at their pre-series training camp next week as they prepare for the start of the international summer.

England aims to use the upcoming Test against Zimbabwe to build momentum ahead of their five-match Test series against India, which begins on June 20 at Headingley.

The match at Trent Bridge will mark Zimbabwe’s first Test in the UK since 2003, representing a historic return after more than two decades.

England squad for Zimbabwe Test

Ben Stokes (Durham) – captain, Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Cook (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), James Rew (Somerset), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire).

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The England Men’s selection panel has named a 13-player squad for the upcoming Rothesay Test match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, which begins on Thursday, 22 May 2025.

This historic fixture marks Zimbabwe’s first Test on English soil since 2003 and is set to launch England’s international summer.

The squad includes two uncapped players at Test level – Essex duo Sam Cook and Jordan Cox.

Cook, 27, has been one of the most consistent bowlers in County cricket in recent years.

He boasts 318 first-class wickets at an average of 19.77 and impressed on the England Lions tour of Australia over the winter, taking 13 wickets across three matches.

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Nottinghamshire seamer Josh Tongue earns a recall to the Test squad, having last featured during the Ashes in 2023.

After overcoming a series of injuries, he has been in impressive form this season with 15 wickets at an average of 24 in the Championship.

The batting lineup remains mostly the same from England’s previous Test series against New Zealand, with Zak Crawley keeping his place despite short of runs-he has not scored a half-century in his last five Tests.

This will also be England captain Ben Stokes’ first competitive match of the year after suffering from a hamstring injury for the second time in six months in England’s final Test in New Zealand.

England Men’s squad for Test Match against Zimbabwe

Ben Stokes (Durham) – Captain, Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Cook (Essex), Jordan Cox (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday confirmed that all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt has been appointed as the new captain of the national women’s team.

Sciver-Brunt succeeds Heather Knight, who left her role following England’s 2025 Women’s Ashes series after a near nine-year tenure and will lead in all three formats, working alongside recently appointed head coach Charlotte Edwards.

The 32-year-old has been an integral part of England’s set-up since making her debut in 2013 and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most gifted cricketers.

Sciver-Brunt has a notable collection of awards, including winning the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2022 and 2023.

She was also named PCA Women’s Player of the Year in 2017 and 2022 and was a part of the ICC Women’s ODI and T20 Teams of the Year in 2023.

Currently ranked number three in the ICC world batting rankings in ODI cricket, Nat Sciver-Brunt has spent the previous three years as vice-captain.

In 2021, Sciver-Brunt captained her country for the first time in international cricket for the third T20I match against New Zealand and also took charge for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

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Sciver-Brunt was part of the team that won the 2017 World Cup and has played 259 times for England across formats to date. She averages 46.47 in Tests, 45.91 in ODIs and 28.45 in T20Is, whilst also taking 181 international wickets.

Most recently, Sciver-Brunt ended the 2025 Women’s Premier League in India with 523 runs, becoming the first player to accumulate more than 500 runs in a single season. She also became the first to score 1,000 runs in the WPL.

“I’m really proud to take on the role of captain of the England Women’s team, and it’s an honour to have been asked by Charlotte, someone I’ve always looked up to,” Nat Sciver-Brunt said on her appointment as England Women’s Captain.

“Ever since I made my England debut back in 2013, all I have wanted to do is help the team in every way that I can. I will try my best to lead this team to success, whilst empowering them to be the best version of themselves.

“We have a really talented group, and we have a group that’s united. It’s a team I believe in and a team that can have a lot of success together.

“It’s hugely exciting to be working with Charlotte, having had the pleasure of working with her in the last three years at Mumbai Indians. Her love of cricket and passion for the England Women’s team is inspiring, and I’m excited to see where this partnership leads us.”

England Women will begin their 2025 home summer campaign on 21 May with a home series against the West Indies, featuring three Metro Bank One Day Internationals and three Vitality T20Is.

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Harry Brook has been named as new England Men’s White-Ball team captain, England and Wales Cricket Board(ECB) announced on Monday.

Brook succeeds Jos Buttler, who stepped down from the role following England’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy last month in Pakistan.

The right-handed explosive batter has been a key part of England’s white-ball set-up since making his debut in January 2022 and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most talented batters across formats.

Brook, who has spent the past year as vice-captain in both ODI and T20I formats, is at number two spot in the ICC world batting rankings in Test cricket.

The right-hander explosive batter led the team in the Metro Bank ODI series against Australia last September in Buttler’s absence, earning praise for his tactical awareness and calm leadership.

A former Young Lions captain, Brook also skippered England at the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

Brook has played 26 ODIs for England, scoring 816 runs at an average of 34.00, with a top score of 110.

In T20Is, he has earned 44 caps and the highest score of 81. He was also part of the team that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2022.

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Following the announcement, Harry Brook expressed gratitude for being entrusted with this role.

“It’s a real honour to be named England’s white-ball captain. Ever since I was a kid playing cricket at Burley in Wharfedale, I dreamed of representing Yorkshire, playing for England, and maybe one day leading the team. To now be given that chance means a great deal to me.” he said.

“I want to thank my family and coaches who’ve supported me every step of the way. Their belief in me has made all the difference and I wouldn’t be in this position without them, ” he added.

Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, expressed his excitement after Brook accepted the captaincy.

“I’m delighted that Harry Brook has accepted the role as England’s white-ball captain across both formats. He’s been part of our succession planning for some time, albeit this opportunity has come slightly earlier than expected, ”  he said.

“Harry is not only an outstanding cricketer, but also has an excellent cricketing brain and a clear vision for both teams that will help drive us towards winning more series, World Cups and major global tournaments, ” concluded Key.

England Men begin their 2025 white-ball campaign at the end of May with a home series against the West Indies, featuring three Metro Bank One-Day Internationals and three Vitality IT20s.

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LONDON: The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced Charlotte Edwards as the new Head Coach of the national women’s cricket team.

Edwards is a former England captain who represented her country over 300 times, winning two World Cups and lifting the Ashes five times across a 20-year playing career.

Since retiring from playing in 2017, Edwards has coached across English domestic cricket and global T20 leagues, enjoying success with Southern Vipers in regional cricket, Southern Brave in The Hundred, Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League and Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League.

Charlotte Edwards said: “I am so delighted to once again be part of the leadership of the England Women’s cricket team, and I cannot wait to take this team forward and drive us to success.

“It means the world to me to have the three lions on my chest once again. Leading England as captain was my life for 10 years and I will forever be passionate about this team and our legacy.

“We have such a talented group of players, and I am excited about working with them and improving them both as individuals and as a team.

“We have the immediate challenge of two home summer series, and then it’s straight into the ICC Women’s World Cup in India this autumn, with a home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next summer.

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“There’s also the mouth-watering prospect of the first ever Olympics for women’s cricket in LA 2028. I’m relishing the prospect of winning trophies and taking this team forward.”

ECB Deputy CEO and Managing Director England Women’s Cricket Clare Connor said: “When we drew up the criteria for the job it became apparent very quickly that Charlotte was the outstanding candidate.

“She has the experience, passion and expertise to lead this team to success. The results she has achieved as a Head Coach in multiple environments, since retiring as one of the greatest ever England players, is testament to her relentless drive and the standards she sets for those around her.

“She is a proven winner; she has won repeatedly as a player and now as a coach. She possesses a deep knowledge of the game, both in England and across the world, and she understands the importance of creating an environment that is both challenging and supportive.

“We are delighted to be able to appoint her as Head Coach of the England Women’s team and we’re hugely excited for what’s to come.”

Edwards joins the ECB from Hampshire. Her first game as England Women’s Head Coach will be 21 May, against West Indies at Canterbury. England Women’s new Captain will be announced in due course.

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Heather Knight is to leave her role as captain of the England Women’s cricket team after nearly nine years following the heavy 16-0 defeat in this winter’s multi-format Ashes series.

Knight has captained England Women 199 times since 2016, including leading the team to a home World Cup victory in 2017 and to two other ICC tournament finals.

She oversaw 134 victories as England Women captain, second on the list of England Women’s all-time most successful captains.

She also led the team to a record-breaking run of eight consecutive ODI series wins including defeating Australia during the 2023 home Ashes, in which England also won the T20I series to draw a thrilling Women’s Ashes that took interest in international women’s cricket to a new level.

However, on the back of disappointing performances by the team in last year’s T20 World Cup in the UAE and the recent Ashes in Australia, the ECB has decided to appoint a new captain to lead the team into a new era.

Clare Connor, ECB Managing Director, England Women, and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said: “Heather has been an outstanding leader as England Women’s Captain. She has led the team by example as a role model off the pitch, and through the runs she has scored on it – often in the toughest conditions.

“Heather has enjoyed many highlights as England captain. I particularly remember the century she scored in the Ashes Test at Canberra in 2022 where her individual brilliance nearly helped the team pull off a famous win. It was an innings of great skill and great heart.

“She led the team brilliantly to win a World Cup on home turf, creating memories we will never forget. That magical day at Lord’s acted as a catalyst for so much of the growth we have seen for women’s and girls’ cricket in the years since.

“Heather is passionate about inspiring young girls to play cricket and to playing her part in making our sport gender-balanced. She is a powerful role model to young professional female players and to recreational players alike. Having started her England career as an amateur, she has always understood the important connection between the England team and the grassroots game.”

Heather Knight said: “Captaining my country for the last nine years has been the biggest honour of my life and I will look back on my tenure with an enormous sense of pride. I have loved the challenge of leading the team, but all good things come to an end and it’s time for me to go back into the ranks and focus on being the best batter and teammate that I can be for the team.

“Winning the ICC Women’s World Cup on home turf at Lord’s in 2017 will always be a huge highlight, but being a part of the huge steps forward made in the women’s game off the pitch brings me just as much pride.

“Thank you to all the players and staff, who have given it everything along the way – especially Mark, Lisa and Jon, three head coaches that I’ve loved working with. The people make the job.

“Thank you to the fans that have supported me and the team through the highs and the lows. Finally, to my friends, family and long-suffering partner Tim, you live the journey with me and I wouldn’t be here without your support.

“I have loved being England Captain, it’s been the most rewarding period of my career, but for now I’m excited to focus on my batting and supporting the team and the new captain in the best way I can.”

Knight made her England debut in 2010 and ten years later became the first England men’s or women’s player to score an international century in all three formats of the game.

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’m immensely thankful for everything Heather has given in her time as Captain. The World Cup win and the thrilling 2023 Women’s Ashes will live long in the memory.

“Heather’s influence as Captain has extended far beyond her impact on the pitch. Through her leadership and dedication, she has inspired many women and girls to get involved in the sport, fuelling the transformation of women’s cricket we have seen since 2016.

“As one of the world’s best batters, I look forward to watching Heather play on for England for many years to come.”

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Jon Lewis has stepped down from his position as head coach of the England Women’s team following the heavy 16-0 defeat in this winter’s multi-format Ashes series.

Lewis has been in charge since November 2022, during which time England Women won 52 of their 73 matches.

Currently, the team is second behind Australia in the ICC world rankings for T20I and ODI cricket.

Following his resignation, Clare Connor, managing director of England women’s cricket and the deputy CEO of the English Cricket Board (ECB), thanked Jon for his services and acknowledged his role in uplifting the women’s team in challenging times.

“I’d like to thank Jon for all he has given in his time as Head Coach. He came into the role after a very challenging period for cricketers during the Pandemic, and one of his priorities was to create the right conditions for the team to flourish and develop, ” she stated.

“Under his leadership, the team held off Australia to draw a thrilling 2023 Women’s Ashes – attracting record crowds with an entertaining brand of cricket.

“While the team’s consistent success in bilateral cricket included a remarkable eight consecutive ODI series wins for which he should take real credit, ” she remarked.

Clare highlighted the talent pool in women’s cricket despite a disappointing campaign in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and Women’s Ashes in Australia.

“While the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and Women’s Ashes in Australia have been disappointing, there is no doubt about the talent we have available and we will look to appoint a successor shortly, ” she said.

“We must be ready for an exciting summer of international cricket and to challenge for two World Cups over the next 15 months, including the T20 World Cup in this country next year.”

Before becoming England Women’s Head Coach, Lewis had been ECB’s Elite Pace Bowling Coach since 2021, working alongside the England Men’s Test and white-ball teams.

He was previously Head Coach of the Young Lions, having joined the ECB from the coaching staff at Sussex CCC.

Jon Lewis took over 1,200 professional wickets in a 19-year professional career at Gloucestershire, Surrey, and Sussex and played 15 times for his country.

Jon Lewis expressed that he had thoroughly enjoyed his time as England Women’s Head Coach.

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However, he mentioned that he would not be able to complete the challenging yet enjoyable task of developing the young team while also striving to win and grow women’s cricket in the country.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as England Women’s Head Coach. Unfortunately I won’t be able to finish this incredibly challenging but enjoyable job of developing this young team, whilst winning and growing the women’s game in this country, ” he remarked.

He stated that he had worked tirelessly with the young players to enhance their skills and understanding of modern white ball cricket, achieving an impressive win rate of 83% in their games during 2023 and 2024.

“I have worked tirelessly with this group of young players to develop their skills and understanding of modern-day white ball cricket, whilst still making good progress in 2024, winning 83% of all our games.”

“I am proud that we have seen unprecedented bumper crowds in 2023 and 2024 and I am determined to continue to help drive women’s cricket forward in whatever comes next for me.”

“I wish all the players the best and thank them for letting me be part of their journeys.” he concluded.

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer stated that Jon had given his all to England Women’s cricket, as well as to the Men’s and Young Lions teams prior to that.

He expressed gratitude for Jon’s contributions and wished him the best for the future.

“Jon has given his all for England Women’s cricket, as well as for the Men’s and Young Lions sides beforehand. We are very grateful to him and wish him the best for the future, ” he stated.

“With India and the West Indies visiting this summer, followed by World Cups in India in the autumn and at home next year, this is an exciting time for England Women.”

“I look forward to seeing this team achieve new heights, and to continue driving the growth of women’s and girls’ cricket, ” he said.

The ECB will update on plans for a new Head Coach in due course.

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Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has finally been cleared of his suspect bowling action after months of uncertainty, marking the end of a frustrating chapter in his career.

The 37-year-old, who had previously failed two reassessments, has now successfully rectified his action, receiving clearance in his latest test.

This development comes as a massive relief for Shakib, whose suspension from bowling cost him a place in Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy squad, with selectors unwilling to pick him solely as a specialist batter.

The ICC event had been seen as a potential farewell tournament for the former captain, but his bowling suspension ruled him out of contention.

Speaking to a local sports platform, Shakib Al Hasan confirmed the news with evident joy, sharing that he cleared his bowling action test in England.

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“The news is right (about passing the bowling test), and I am cleared to bowl again,” he said.

Shakib’s troubles began in September 2024, when his bowling action was reported during a County Championship match for Surrey against Somerset.

Following an independent evaluation, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) deemed his action illegal, leading to his suspension.

Determined to make a comeback, Shakib underwent two reassessments—first in England and then in India—but failed both attempts before finally clearing the test in his latest effort.

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LONDON: England Women A squad for the upcoming tour of Australia has been revealed on Thursday by the country’s cricket board.

The England Women A squad, led by  Head Coach and Performance Batting Coach Jon Lewis, will play three T20s, three 50-over matches and a four-day match against Australia A.

Returning batter Paige Scholfield, who had to withdraw from the England Women’s tour to South Africa in November 2024, is named in all three squads.

She is joined by players from the England Women Pace Programme, including Surrey teammates Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Emma Jones (T20 and 50-over) and Alexa Stonehouse, who is selected across all formats.

Alice Capsey and Danielle Gibson (both 50-over and four-day only), as well as Bess Heath and Freya Kemp (all formats), were part of the England Women’s Ashes squads earlier this year.

Capsey and Gibson will join the tour following their time in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and all are selected for this tour to provide continued opportunity to play competitive matches against a strong Australian side.

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The majority of the group have recently been preparing at a training camp in Abu Dhabi to further their skills in warm conditions and gain some competitive scenario practice. The group depart for Sydney on 17 March.

England Women A Head Coach Jon Lewis said: “We are looking forward to testing ourselves against a national side with great depth. We are aware of the challenge ahead.

“There has been some good work done by the players based in England and those who have been playing cricket over the winter around the world, and this tour provides an opportunity for players to push for selection into the senior squad through strong performances against the Australians.”

Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women’s Cricket, added: “We have a good mix of experience across the three squads with all players striving to perform and push for selection into the senior team.

“The experience they will gain through highly competitive matches within a multi-format schedule will be really exciting and hopefully invaluable for them in accelerating their development. A tour to Australia is what so many young cricketers dream of, and we wish them well.”

England Women A T20 squad: Hollie Armitage (Durham), Georgia Davis (Warwickshire), Mahika Gaur (Lancashire), Jodi Grewcock (Essex), Bess Heath (Durham), Emma Jones (Surrey), Freya Kemp (Hampshire), Ryana MacDonald-Gay (Surrey), Charis Pavely (Warwickshire), Grace Potts (Lancashire), Paige Scholfield (Surrey), Grace Scrivens (Essex), Seren Smale (Lancashire), Bryony Smith (Surrey), Alexa Stonehouse (Surrey), Mady Villiers (Durham), Issy Wong (Warwickshire)

England Women A 50-over squad: Hollie Armitage (Durham), Alice Capsey (Surrey), Georgia Davis (Warwickshire), Mahika Gaur (Lancashire), Danielle Gibson (Somerset), Kirstie Gordon (The Blaze), Jodi Grewcock (Essex), Bess Heath (Durham), Emma Jones (Surrey), Freya Kemp (Hampshire), Ryana MacDonald-Gay (Surrey), Charis Pavely (Warwickshire), Grace Potts (Lancashire), Paige Scholfield (Surrey), Grace Scrivens (Essex), Seren Smale (Lancashire), Bryony Smith (Surrey), Alexa Stonehouse (Surrey), Mady Villiers (Durham), Issy Wong (Warwickshire)

England Women A four-day squad: Hollie Armitage (Durham), Alice Capsey (Surrey), Georgia Davis (Warwickshire), Danielle Gibson (Somerset), Kirstie Gordon (The Blaze), Jodi Grewcock (Essex), Bess Heath (Durham), Freya Kemp (Hampshire), Charis Pavely (Warwickshire), Grace Potts (Lancashire), Paige Scholfield (Surrey), Grace Scrivens (Essex), Seren Smale (Lancashire), Alexa Stonehouse (Surrey), Mady Villiers (Durham), Issy Wong (Warwickshire)

Schedule

Wednesday, 26 March 2025: 1st T20 (Hurstville Oval)

Friday, 28 March 2025: 2nd T20 (Hurstville Oval)

Sunday, 30 March 2025: 3rd T20 (Hurstville Oval)

Wednesday, 2 April 2025: 1st 50-over match (Cricket Central)

Friday, 4 April 2025: 2nd 50-over match (Cricket Central)

Monday, 7 April 2025: 3rd 50-over match (Cricket Central)

Saturday, 12 April – Tuesday, 15 April 2025: Four-day match (Cricket Central)

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