Author: Zahid Noor

BELFAST: England opener Tammy Beaumont on Monday, bagged multiple records with her marathon 150-run knock against Ireland in the second ODI of the three-match series here at Civil Service Cricket Club.

Beaumont was too good for the Irish bowlers as she carried her bat all the through and returned unbeaten with a 150-run knock which came off 139 deliveries and featured 17 boundaries including a six.

Her 150 was the fourth-highest individual score by an England player in Women’s ODIs. She, however, had scored 168 not out against Pakistan in 2016.

Furthermore, Tammy Beaumont went past England legend Charlotte Edwards as the leading century-scorer with her 10th century. Overall, she climbed to the third in the list of most centuries in Women’s ODIs, only behind Australia’s Meg Lanning and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates.

Most hundreds in Women’s ODIs

Meg Lanning: 15
Suzie Bates: 13
Tammy Beaumont: 10
Chamari Athapaththu: 9
Charlotte Edwards: 9
Nat Sciver-Brunt: 9

Beaumont’s superb knock was supported by Freya Kemp, who scored 65 off 47 balls as England piled up a massive total on the board.

Chasing a daunting total, Ireland’s batting unit faltered big time and was unfolded on a paltry 45 to hand England a massive 275-run victory.

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Opening batter Una Raymond-Hoey waged a lone battle for Ireland with a gutsy 22 up the order.

The rest of the batters, however, failed to put up a fight against a disciplined England bowling attack and the touring party, as a result, bundled out in just 16.5 overs.

Kate Cross and Lauren Filer bagged three wickets each while Georgia Davis and Freya Kemp took two wickets each.

The two sides meet again at the same venue on Wednesday (11 September).

READ: Chris Woakes makes Nasser Hussain fall off his chair

Right-arm England speedster Mark Wood has been ruled out of all forms of cricket for the rest of the year due to a right elbow injury.

According to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Wood suffered a bone stress injury of the right elbow injury.

The right-arm pacer noticed stiffness and discomfort in his elbow during the home Test series against West Indies but went on to take full part until the opening Test of the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka.

“Medical scans have confirmed that Wood has a bone stress injury of the right elbow injury,” shared ECB in a release.

“He had noticed increasing stiffness and discomfort in his elbow during the Rothesay Test series against the West Indies earlier in the summer. He played a full part in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford managing the discomfort whilst he was bowling,” the statement added.

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The cricketing body further revealed that Mark Wood also sustained an injury to his right thigh in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

“During that Test match, Wood also sustained a right thigh injury, which is being managed and from which he is recovering well.

“Wood will continue to work closely with the ECB medical team on his management and rehabilitation.”

As a result, Mark Wood will miss England’s upcoming winter Test tours of Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December.

He aims to return to full fitness by early 2025, in time for England’s white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, scheduled to begin in February 2025.

READ: Ollie Pope scores century as England make Sri Lanka struggle

England Men’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Australia.

In Buttler’s absence, Phil Salt, who has captained the Manchester Originals in The Hundred this season, will lead the T20I side.

Buttler is currently nursing a right calf injury and is doubtful for the ODI series against Australia, scheduled later this month.

All-rounder Jamie Overton has been called up as Buttler’s replacement in the T20I squad.

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The three-match T20I series is set to begin next week at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton, on 11 September 2024.

Additionally, Jordan Cox has been added to the ODI squad as cover. The five-match ODI series is scheduled to start on 19 September at Trent Bridge.

England T20I Squad for Australia series

Phil Salt (c), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, John Turner

England ODI Squad for Australia series

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

T20I Series Schedule

1st T20I: Wednesday 11 September 2024
2nd T20I: Friday 13 September 2024
3rd T20I: Australia, Sunday15 September 2024

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: Wasim Akram ’embarrassed’ over Pakistan’s series defeat against Bangladesh

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today confirmed that Men’s Test Head Coach Brendon McCullum will also take on the role of England’s White-Ball Head Coach as part of a strategic restructure of the England Men’s senior set-up.

McCullum, who has been at the helm since May 2022, has extended his contract until the end of 2027.

He will assume leadership of both the Test and white-ball teams starting January 2025, coinciding with England’s white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy.

In the interim, Marcus Trescothick will serve as Interim Head Coach for the upcoming series against Australia and the tour of the Caribbean later this year.

Commenting on the restructure, Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said:

“I’m delighted that Brendon has chosen to do both roles now with England. I believe we are incredibly fortunate that a coach of his quality is prepared to commit wholeheartedly to English cricket.

“Being able to align all teams now is particularly exciting and we look forward to taking on all challenges that come our way.

“For the last two years, constant clashes between formats have made it challenging for the white-ball environment; fortunately, these are easing starting from January.

“The timing of the schedule (from January) will allow him to dedicate the necessary focus to both roles, and we’re confident this restructure will bring out the best in our players and coaching staff.”

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Brendon McCullum, England Men’s Head Coach, added:

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test team, and I’m excited to extend my role to include the white-ball sides. This new challenge is something I’m ready to embrace, and I’m eager to work closely with Jos (Buttler) and the team to build on the strong foundations that are already in place.

“Rob Key’s vision for the future of English cricket is something that really resonated with me. The idea of a unified coaching structure, especially with the schedule easing next year, made perfect sense. I’m energised by the prospect of guiding both teams and am grateful for the support from the ECB and my family as I take on these added responsibilities.

“The talent within English cricket is immense, and I’m looking forward to helping these players reach their full potential. My goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and where we can continue to compete at the highest level across all formats.”

After the Test series ends against Sri Lanka at the Kia Oval next week, McCullum will take a short break at home in New Zealand before joining the Test team for their winter tours of Pakistan in October and the three-match Test series against New Zealand in December.

READ: Shan Masood highlights Pakistan’s shortcomings against Bangladesh

LONDON: Wicketkeeper batter Jonny Bairstow and experienced all-rounder Moeen Ali have been left out of England’s white-ball squad for the upcoming home series against Australia.

Both Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali were under tight scrutiny due to their below-par performances in the recent ICC tournaments.

As a result, England’s T20I squad features five uncapped players: Essex batter Jordan Cox, Warwickshire pair Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley, Leicestershire seamer Josh Hull, and Hampshire fast bowler John Turner.

In the ODI squad, players from the current Test squad – Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Matthew Potts, Jamie Smith – have been included as England start their preparation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which gets underway early next year.

Josh Hull, who was added to the Test squad yesterday, is included alongside uncapped players Bethell and Turner.

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England will host Australia for a three-match T20I series, scheduled to run from September 11 to 15. The opening match of the series will be played at Utilita Bowl in Hampshire while the remaining two T20Is will be played at Sophia Gardens and Old Trafford respectively.

The two sides will then lock horns in a five-match ODI series, scheduled from September 19 to 29.

The third and fifth ODI will take place at Seat Unique Riverside in Bristol while the first, second and fourth fixtures are scheduled at Trent Bridge, Headingley and Lord’s.

England T20 squad to play Australia: Jos Buttler (Lancashire, captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Jordan Cox (Essex), Sam Curran (Surrey), Josh Hull (Leicestershire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Dan Mousley (Warwickshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Reece Topley (Surrey), John Turner (Hampshire)

England ODI squad: Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts (Durham), Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (Surrey), Reece Topley, John Turner.

READ: “Pakistan in a mess,” says Michael Vaughan after Bangladesh defeat

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) unveiled the calendar for the upcoming 2025 home international season, encompassing fixtures for both the men’s and women’s cricket teams.

England Women will open the international summer at the Spitfire Ground, Canterbury, on 21 May with the first of the three-match T20I series against West Indies Women. Following the T20Is, the two teams will compete in three ODIs.

Meanwhile, a three-match ODI series between England Men and West Indies Men will begin a few days later at Edgbaston on 29 May, with a three-match T20I series straight after.

This follows the conclusion of a historic Test match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, starting on 22 May, which will be the first time Zimbabwe have played a Test match in England since 2003.

The West Indies series will be followed by concurrent England Men’s and England Women’s series against India.

A five-match Men’s Test series will be interspersed by England Women’s five T20Is and three One Day Internationals.

The Men’s Test series against India promises to be a thrilling clash, with the sides currently at numbers two and three in the ICC world rankings.

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The last series ended in a 2-2 draw after England won the rescheduled fifth Test by seven wickets in 2022 in Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s first summer at the helm. The match had been delayed by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

England Men’s series will begin at Headingley on 20 June before matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s and Emirates Old Trafford. The series will conclude at The Kia Oval in early August.

England Women’s series also promises to be exciting after England triumphed in the IT20 series and India took the ODI crown the last time the two sides met in this country in 2022.

Next year England Women’s series will begin with T20Is at Trent Bridge, Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium, The Kia Oval, Emirates Old Trafford and Edgbaston, before three Metro Bank ODIs at Southampton’s Utilita Bowl, Lord’s and the Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street.

The home international summer will then conclude in early September, with England Men taking on South Africa in three ODIs and three T20Is before the team travels to Ireland for three ODIs from 17-21 September.

It has also been confirmed that India Women will return in 2026 for a one-off Test match at Lord’s – the first-ever Women’s Test to be staged at the Home of Cricket.

England Women have played white-ball matches at Lord’s for the past three years, with another scheduled next year, but it will be the first time the ground has hosted a Women’s Test match.

READ: Warwickshire takes responsibility for Hasan Ali’s medical treatment

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named Ollie Pope as the skipper.

Stokes suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s fixture of The Hundred between Manchester Originals and Northern Superchargers.

The all-rounder, who bats as an opener for the Superchargers, sprinted for a quick single in the early phase of the run chase and suffered the injury after completing the run.

He was then carried off the field by the medical staff and looked in extreme discomfort.

After his side’s triumph, Ben Stokes was seen using crutches and the Superchargers affirmed that the star all-rounder may have suffered a hamstring issue, which puts his participation in England’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka in jeopardy.

As a result of the scans conducted in Leeds on Tuesday, Ben Stokes will miss England’s three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins at Old Trafford on Wednesday, 21 August.

He will be replaced by vice-captain Ollie Pope as England’s Test captain for the upcoming series.

“Surrey batter Ollie Pope will captain the side against Sri Lanka in Stokes’ absence and England will not be adding to the squad ahead of team meeting up next week in Manchester,” stated ECB.

Sri Lanka Squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (vc), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake.

England Squad: Ollie Pope (c), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

READ: England legend appointed as Sri Lanka’s batting coach

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday that Matthew Mott has stepped down as the national men’s white-ball head coach with immediate effect.

The decision follows England’s recent ICC T20 World Cup campaign, where the team was knocked out at the semi-final stage by eventual winners India.

Mott, who met with Rob Key, ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, last week, will leave his role after two years in office.

Appointed in May 2022, the 50-year-old Mott enjoyed immediate success, leading the team to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in the autumn of 2022.

Under his leadership, England achieved white-ball series victories against Australia, Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Pakistan.

Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will take charge on an interim basis for the rest of the home summer.

In September, the team will play a white-ball series against Australia, which includes three T20Is and five ODIs from 11 to 29 September.

Rob Key expressed gratitude towards Mott for his services to the English cricket during his two-year tenure as the head coach.

“On behalf of everyone connected to England cricket and me personally, I would like to thank Matthew [Mott] for all he has done for the team since his appointment,” said Key.

“After three World Cup cycles in a short space of time, I now feel the team needs a new direction to prepare for the challenges ahead. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team’s future success.

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“With our focus shifting towards the Champions Trophy early next year and the next cycle of white-ball competition, it is crucial that we ensure the team is focused and prepared.”

Key then announced that Trescothick will lead the side until the board finds a full-time replacement for Mott.

“Marcus Trescothick is well respected in the dressing room and will take charge of team affairs alongside white-ball captain Jos Buttler,” added Key.

“The search for a full-time replacement will now begin. It is essential that we go through the right process to ensure we get the best person for the job.”

Matthew Mott shared that he is honored to serve England as the head coach and thanked the board as well as players and his support staff.

“I am immensely proud to have coached the England Men’s team; it has been an honour. We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022,” said Mott.

“I would like to thank the players, management, and everyone at the ECB for their commitment, support, and hard work during my time. I leave with many great friendships and incredible memories.”

Meanwhile, Trescothick expressed his excitement to serve in the role of interim head coach.

“I am looking forward to working with Jos Buttler, the players and coaches over the next few weeks. The focus is building towards the series against Australia and our plans for next year’s Champions Trophy campaign,” stated Trescothick.

“England cricket is in a strong position, and the potential is huge, given the quality we have available. It is about harnessing that potential and developing the work that has already been put in place by Matthew Mott and the rest of the set-up. I’m excited about the challenge and shaping how we want to play.”

READ: Waqar Younis set to get a major position in PCB: sources

England’s Test captain and star all-rounder Ben Stokes will feature in The Hundred 2024, following the conclusion of the ongoing home Test series against West Indies.

Ben Stokes, the England Men’s Test captain, missed last year’s competition but will be available for four games for Andrew Flintoff’s Northern Superchargers team this season.

The batters in England Men’s Test squad – Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith – will all be available for their teams in The Hundred immediately after the end of the third Test match at Edgbaston, scheduled to start on Friday 26 July.

The availability of England Men’s bowlers will be dependent on workload and international selection, but Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts and Dillon Pennington are all likely to feature in The Hundred from the early rounds. Chris Woakes is expected to be available from Tuesday 6 August.

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In addition, it is expected that England Men’s players picked in the squad for the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday 21 August will be available for The Hundred Eliminator (Saturday 17 August) and The Hundred Final (Sunday 18 August), depending on player role and workload management.

England Women’s players are available for The Hundred with their summer international commitments finished.

A number of replacement players have also been confirmed, covering England Men’s international selection in the early rounds and injury. India’s Deepti Sharma will now be a part of The Hundred, as will Australia’s Kim Garth, as well as New Zealand duo Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner.

England Men’s Player Availability and Player Replacements

Birmingham Phoenix

Tim Southee (New Zealand) will replace Naseem Shah for the duration of the competition

Louis Kimber (Leicestershire CCC) will replace Will Smeed for the duration of the competition

Chris Woakes (available from Tuesday 6 August)

Ben Duckett (available after England Men’s third Test match v West Indies)

Jamie Smith (available after England Men’s third Test match v West Indies)

London Spirit

Deepti Sharma (India) will replace Grace Harris for the duration of the competition

Erin Burns (Australia) will replace Deepti Sharma while she is on international duty

Zak Crawley (available after England Men’s third Rothesay Test match v West Indies)

Ollie Pope (available after England Men’s third Rothesay Test match v West Indies)

Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand) will replace Zak Crawley while he is on international duty

Matthew Taylor (Gloucestershire CCC) will replace Ollie Pope while he is on international duty

Manchester Originals

Bethan Ellis (Central Sparks) will replace Mahika Gaur for the duration of the competition

Kim Garth (Australia) will replace Sophie Molineux for the duration of the competition

Northern Superchargers

Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) will replace Daniel Sams for the duration of the competition

Harry Brook (available after England Men’s third Rothesay Test match v West Indies)

Ben Stokes (available for four games after England Men’s third Test match v West Indies)

Dillon Pennington (first appearance tbc depending on workload management)

Matthew Potts (first appearance tbc depending on workload management)

Oval Invincibles

Harrison Ward (Sussex CCC) will replace Gus Atkinson while he is on international duty

Mohammad Amir (Pakistan) will replace Spencer Johnson for Oval Invincibles’ first game on 23 July

Gus Atkinson (first appearance tbc depending on workload management)

Tash Farrant has been withdrawn from the competition

Trent Rockets

Joe Root (available after England Men’s third Rothesay Test match v West Indies)

Riley Meredith (Australia) will replace Joe Root while he is on international duty

Welsh Fire

Beth Langston (Northern Diamonds) will replace Claire Nicholas for the duration of the competition

READ: Nida Dar-led Pakistan gear up for ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has paid tribute to fast bowler James Anderson after his final appearance for England Men, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year Test career.

Anderson signed off today taking a 704th and final Test wicket as England sealed a win in the First Men’s Test Match against West Indies at Lord’s.

ECB Chair Richard Thompson termed himself lucky to be able to witness James Anderson’s Test debut 21 years ago at Lord’s and asserted that no one would have predicted the longevity of the bowling genius then.

“I was lucky enough to be at Lord’s when Jimmy made his Test debut 21 years ago and while his prodigious talent was immediately obvious as he took a five-wicket haul, no-one could have predicted the significance and sheer longevity of his bowling genius.

“Seeing him then get his 700th wicket at Dharamshala and now as the curtain comes down at Lords I feel very privileged to have seen how his extraordinary career has unfolded.

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“He is quite simply the best Test pace bowler there has ever been and the sense of occasion that has engulfed Lord’s this week has befitted a man who will forever be an England legend. On behalf of English and Welsh cricket, thank you Jimmy.”

ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould echoed similar remarks for James Anderson and asserted that the pacer has earned a place as one of the all-time iconic names in world cricket.

said: “Jimmy has rightly earned a place as one of the all-time iconic names from world cricket. It is testament to the way he has combined his rare talent with outstanding professionalism and work ethic that he bows out still bowling so well more than 20 years after his Test debut.

“There was nothing more enjoyable than watching him slice through opposition batting line-ups who were helpless in the face of the skills and precision he crafted over two decades. It has been a privilege to witness and matched only by the humility he has shown while standing at the top of the game.”

READ: James Anderson gets dream farewell as England rout West Indies