Author: Zahid Noor

BENONI: Nat Sciver-Brunt gave an all-round performance, leading England Women to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match T20I series over South Africa with a 36-run victory in the second T20I here at Willowmoore Park on Wednesday.

The tourists hit their joint third-highest total in women’s T20 internationals in Benoni, setting the Proteas a target of 205.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge hit 78 from 45 becoming the first England Women’s player to score 3000 T20I runs while Nat Sciver-Brunt finished unbeaten on 67 from 43 balls. Player of the match Sarah Glenn took four wickets.

Captain Heather Knight and Amy Jones both contributed with 26 and 19 respectively.

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Sciver-Brunt took the early wicket of Tazmin Brits and Charlie Dean dismissed South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt.

Glenn removed Faye Tunnicliffe, Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase and Chloe Tryon to seal her side’s victory.

England and South Africa will play the final T20I at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Saturday (30 November).

South Africa Women Playing XI: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Faye Tunnicliffe, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nondumiso Shangase, Nadine de Klerk, Sinolo Jafta (wk), Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayanda Hlubi

England Women Playing XI: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (capt), Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Filer

READ: How can India qualify for WTC final after crushing Australia in Perth Test?

England Men’s batter-wicketkeeper, Jordan Cox, has been ruled out from the upcoming Test series against New Zealand after sustaining a fractured right thumb during a net session in Queenstown.

The Essex player, poised to make his Test debut in Christchurch next week as a stand-in for Jamie Smith (on paternity leave), suffered the injury ahead of play on day two of the two-day tour match against the New Zealand Prime Minister’s XI at Sir John Davies Oval.

In Cox’s absence, Surrey’s Ollie Pope stepped in as wicketkeeper for the final day of the warm-up fixture.

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“I’m gutted for Jordan (Cox),” Test head coach Brendon McCullum said. “He has been shaping up nicely, both with the bat and gloves, since we got to New Zealand.

“That’s sport, and unfortunately, these things happen. We will get around him and look after him. He is resilient, and his time will come at some point in the future.”

England will name a replacement in due course.

Squads

England: Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

New Zealand: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Tour Itinerary:

First Test: 28 November-2 December 2024, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Second Test: 6-10 December 2024, Basin Reserve, Wellington

Third Test: 14-18 December 2024, Seddon Park, Hamilton

READ: Zimbabwe defeat Pakistan in first ODI by 80 runs on DLS method

Carl Hopkinson and Richard Dawson, who have been part of the coaching staff of the England men’s team, will leave their roles following the conclusion of the current tour of the West Indies.

Hopkinson became part of the England Men’s coaching staff in 2018 as the fielding coach, contributing to the team’s victory in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2019 on home soil and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

Meanwhile, Dawson, who played seven Tests for England between 2001 and 2003, was the head coach of the Young Lions team that reached the ICC Men’s U19s World Cup 2022 final.

He was later added to the senior team’s coaching staff ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

“It has been a career highlight not only to be part of the England coaching set-up for the past seven years but also to be involved in two historic World Cup victories, which is something I’ll always cherish,” said Carl Hopkinson.

“After starting as National Lead Fielding coach I worked alongside Richard Dawson to help the England Men U19s reach their first World Cup final for 24 years.

“It has been exciting to see young players we worked with at the World Cup grow into full England internationals as well as more recently helping some of the best white-ball players in the world continue to develop.”

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“I have enjoyed every minute in the England environment and working with some of the best white-ball players in the world as well as great people in the coaching team and backroom staff from the U19s to the senior team,” Dawson stated.

“Being head coach of the England U19 team that reached the World Cup final was a career highlight while it has been a pleasure working with some of the top spinners in the world while also developing the strength and depth of spin bowling talent from across the country.

“I look forward to seeing the white-ball team continue to progress and hopefully win more trophies.”

Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key heaped praise on both coaches, acknowledging their services to the team

“Hoppo and Daws are two outstanding coaches who have played important roles in the success of our white-ball teams,” Key said.

“In addition to their coaching expertise with our senior teams, they have also developed young players through the age groups to help set up the next era of our white-ball teams.

“England Cricket is in a better place because of them and I wish them well in the next chapter of their careers.”

READ: Aaqib Javed appointed as interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the updated Central Contract list for the Men’s international cricket season for 2024-25.

A total of 29 players received England central contracts, including seven players who were awarded two-year contracts, 19 securing annual contracts, and three receiving Development contracts.

England Men’s captains Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler have both signed extensions and are now contracted on two-year deals. Test captain Stokes was previously on a one-year contract and white-ball captain Buttler was on a two-year contract.

Five players have signed England Central Contracts for the first time under the new multi-year system that was introduced last year.

Jamie Smith has signed a two-year contract while Will Jacks, Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt and Olly Stone have signed one-year contracts.

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Jacob Bethell and Josh Hull have earned England Development Contracts for the first time to join John Turner.

A further three players who were already contracted have also renewed with Gus Atkinson signing a two-year contract while Jack Leach and Reece Topley have agreed on a further one-year contract each.

The system, which covers both red-ball and white-ball players, considers the likelihood of players featuring in England teams across formats over the next period while recognising performances in the preceding year.

Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, said: “The strength and depth of talent across England Men’s red and white-ball cricket is clear in the quality of players who are centrally contracted.

“These contracts reward the players we believe will play an important role for our England Men’s teams. Both our captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed two-year central contracts that showcase the commitment of all the players to prioritise playing for their country.

“I want to congratulate all the players who have signed new central contracts ahead of what is set to be an exciting period for England Men’s cricket.”

England Men Central Contract List

Two-year contracts: Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes, and Mark Wood.

One-year contracts: Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Josh Tongue, Reece Topley, Chris Woakes

Development contracts: Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull and John Turner.

READ: Hong Kong Sixes: Asif Ali’s blitz powers Pakistan to victory over India

LONDON: Warwickshire all-rounder Jacob Bethell received maiden call-up as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming away Test series against New Zealand.

England made only one change to their squad, which suffered a 2-1 series defeat against Pakistan as wicketkeeper batter Jamie Smith is expecting the birth of his first child.

“Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith will miss the tour as he takes paternity leave for the birth of his first child, with Cox in line to take on wicketkeeping duties and the opportunity of winning his first Test cap,” shared ECB in a statement.

Smith’s absence paved the way for 21-year-old Jacob Bethell to earn his maiden call-up in the format.

The attacking left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, has made his international debut, when he represented England in white-ball series against Australia this summer.

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Bethell is currently with the England white-ball squad in the Caribbean and, along with Rehan Ahmed and Jordan Cox, will join the Test team following their commitments against the West Indies.

Prior to the three-match Test series, a two-day warm-up match is scheduled between New Zealand Cricket XI versus England XI at Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown from 23-24 November.

England Squad for New Zealand Tests:

Ben Stokes (Durham) (Captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Jordan Cox (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jack Leach (Somerset), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Olly Stone (Nottinghamshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).

Tour Itinerary:

Two-day warm-up: New Zealand Cricket XI v England XI, 23-24 November 2024, Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown

First Test: 28 November-2 December 2024, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Second Test: 6-10 December 2024, Basin Reserve, Wellington

Third Test: 14-18 December 2024, Seddon Park, Hamilton

READ: PCB chief meets Rizwan, Salman ahead of Australia tour

England Men’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler will belatedly join the upcoming tour of the West Indies for the T20I series only as he completes his recovery from a calf injury.

Buttler will miss the three-match ODI series against West Indies after suffering a slight setback in his rehabilitation.

Liam Livingstone will step in as captain for the ODI series with the Lancashire all-rounder set to lead England for the first time. A decision on whether to add a replacement player to the squad is still to be decided.

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The squad flies out to the Caribbean early next week with Buttler to join up in Barbados ahead of the five-match T20I series, which begins on Saturday 9 November.

The three-match ODI series will kick off in Antigua on Thursday 31 October.

England squad for white-ball tour of West Indies

Jos Buttler (c) (T20 series only), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Jafer Chohan, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, John Turner

*Two further players will be added from the Test squad currently in Pakistan.

Schedule of England vs West Indies white-ball series

Thursday 31 October: 1st ODI – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua
Saturday 2 November: 2nd ODI – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua
Wednesday 6 November: 3rd ODI – Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Saturday 9 November: 1st T20 – Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Sunday 10 November: 2nd T20 – Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Thursday 14 November: 3rd T20 – Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia
Saturday 16 November: 4th T20 – Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia
Sunday 17 November: 5th T20 – Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

READ: Kane Williamson ruled out of second India Test

SHARJAH: Nat Sciver-Brunt played a brilliant knock to steer England to a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the ninth match of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium here on Monday.

While chasing a 125-run target, England achieved the target in the final over with Nat Sciver-Brunt hitting the match-winning boundary.

With this victory, England topped Group B with four points after two games. In their tournament opener, they defeated Bangladesh by 21 runs.

Nat Sciver-Brunt top-scored with an unbeaten 48 off 36 balls with the help of six boundaries. Meanwhile, Danni Wyatt-Hodge also made a valuable contribution of 43 runs from as many balls, featuring four boundaries.

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South Africa dominated the powerplay with the ball as they removed Maia Bouchier early. Marizanne Kapp impressed, starting with a maiden over and recording figures of 1-5 after her first three overs.

However, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 64-run partnership tilted the match completely in England’s favour.

Earlier, South African captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and elected to bat. She struck a 39-ball 42 to help her side put up a 124-run total against England’s dominant bowling.

Sophie Ecclestone recorded bowling figures of 2-15, with the key wickets of Wolvaardt and Kapp, while fellow spinners Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn claimed a wicket each.

Heather Knight’s England will return to action for their third match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday (13 October) when they take on Scotland at the same venue.

READ: Skipper Stirling leads Ireland to ODI win over South Africa

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday, announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming white-ball series against West Indies, marking the return of their regular captain Jos Buttler.

Buttler missed the recent T20I and ODI series against Australia as he continued his recovery from a calf injury.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire leg-spinner Jafer Chohan earned his maiden call-up, becoming the first graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy to be selected to an England Men’s squad.

Besides Chohan, John Turner and Dan Mousley are the other uncapped players. The duo were a part of the recent white-ball squads against Australia while Turner also toured the West Indies last December.

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The English board further shared that the ‘initial’ 14-player squad will be supplemented with two players from the Test squad in Pakistan.

“A decision on the two players to join the white-ball squad in the Caribbean is to be made after selection for the third Test in Rawalpindi, which begins on Thursday 24 October,” stated ECB.

England Men’s squad for white-ball series against West Indies:

Jos Buttler (Lancashire – Captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Jafer Chohan (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Will Jacks (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Dan Mousley (Warwickshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Reece Topley (Surrey), John Turner (Hampshire).

England white-ball tour of West Indies schedule:

1st ODI: Thursday, 31st October at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua

2nd ODI: Saturday, 2nd November at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua

3rd ODI: Wednesday, 6th November at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

1st T20: Saturday, 9th November at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

2nd T20: Sunday, 10th November at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

3rd T20: Thursday, 14th November at Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

4th T20: Saturday, 16th November at Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

5th T20: Sunday, 17th November at Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

READ: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 commentary panel unveiled

Harry Brook will lead England in the ODI series against Australia after regular white-ball captain Jos Buttler was ruled out.

Jos Buttler is currently nursing a right calf injury, which ruled him out of the ongoing T20I series against Australia, where Phil Salt is serving as the captain.

It’s worth noting that this will be Harry Brook’s first stint as the captain of England’s ODI team.

Meanwhile, pace bowler Josh Hull is also sidelined for the ODI series with a quad injury. All-rounder Liam Livingstone has been brought into the squad for the five-match series which begins as Trent Bridge on Thursday 19 September.

Previously, England also included Olly Stone in the squad as the replacement for Gus Atkinson, who has been given a rest from the ODI series against Australia.

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The right-arm pacer played a pivotal role in England’s 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka, picking up 12 wickets at an average of 27.41.

He turned heads with his batting skills in the recently concluded series when he scored his maiden century in the second Test at Lord’s while batting at No.8.

Gus Atkinson was initially named in England’s ODI squad which marked the absence of key players like wicketkeeper batter Jonny Bairstow and experienced all-rounder Moeen Ali.

England ODI Squad for Australia series

Harry Brook (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Reece Topley, John Turner

ODI Series Schedule

1st ODI: Thursday 19 September 2024
2nd ODI: Saturday 21 September 2024
3rd ODI: Tuesday 24 September 2024
4th ODI: Friday 27 September 2024
5th ODI: Sunday 29 September 2024

READ: Imad Wasim reveals he was ‘surprised’ to see Babar Azam as captain again

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday, unveiled a strong 17-member squad for the Test series against Pakistan, scheduled next month.

England will tour Pakistan for a three-match series, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), scheduled to run from October 7 to 28.

The England squad features two uncapped players Durham’s Brydon Carse and Essex’s Jordan Cox while spinners Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach also returning to the Test side.

Meanwhile, England’s regular Test captain Ben Stokes, who missed the recently-concluded series against Sri Lanka due to an injury which he sustained in The Hundred also returned to the side but his participation would be subjected to the fitness.

Furthermore, left-handed opener Zak Crawley, who is recovering from a thumb injury was also among England’s 17-member squad for the Pakistan Tests.

Crawley sustained the injury while attempting a catch in the last Test of the three-match series against West Indies.

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England will tour Pakistan with momentum as the side recently secured series victories over West Indies and Sri Lanka while the Green Shirts succumbed to a new low after losing the two-match home series against Bangladesh 2-0.

England last toured Pakistan in 2022 for a three-match Test series and blew away the home side, securing a whitewash.

England Men’s Test Squad:

Ben Stokes, Durham, Captain; Rehan Ahmed, Leicestershire; Gus Atkinson, Surrey; Shoaib Bashir, Somerset; Harry Brook, Yorkshire; Brydon Carse, Durham; Jordan Cox, Essex; Zak Crawley, Kent; Ben Duckett, Nottinghamshire; Josh Hull, Leicestershire; Jack Leach, Somerset; Ollie Pope, Surrey; Matthew Potts, Durham; Joe Root, Yorkshire; Jamie Smith, Surrey; Olly Stone, Nottinghamshire; Chris Woakes, Warwickshire.

It is worth mentioning here that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may announce a revised schedule for the upcoming Test series against England due to the unavailability of the venues.

It was reported last week that the second Test of the series which was originally scheduled at the National Stadium in Karachi may get relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi refuted the claims and confirmed that all the three matches will be played in Pakistan.

READ: Afghanistan unhappy with Greater Noida stadium facilities