Tag: England

LONDON: Ace batter Joe Root remained confident after speaking for the first time since returning as England captain ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, starting Wednesday at the Oval. 

Speaking on the eve of the second test, Root revealed what it was like captaining the side despite never expecting to return to the role.

“I never thought I’d be sat here talking to you guys as England captain again. Zero chance… 0.1 percent,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

Root returns as skipper for the first time since 2022 after Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were left out of the squad following a nightclub controversy.

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Stokes and Atkinson were involved in an incident in a London nightclub after the first Test win against the BlackCaps. Following the incident, there were reports that the former would either be sacked or call time on his international cricket career.

Root remarked on bringing out the best in his side, noting that doing so would have a significant impact on his personal life.

“The only thinking that came to my mind is what is the best thing for this team, is it going to have a big effect on me and my personal life and which outweighed the other,” he said.

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He remained optimistic despite his poor record during his previous stint as England captain.

“The fact is it felt like it was the right thing to take this on, so I tried to make it as simple as that. I think I am in a very different place to when I finished.”

“To be captaining this group of players is a really exciting opportunity. It’s a game-by-game basis, I think. Let’s not look beyond this week,” he concluded.

It is worth mentioning that England managed to win only one out of 17 Tests before Root decided to step down as captain.

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England have suffered another setback ahead of the second Test against New Zealand after pace bowler Ollie Robinson was ruled out with a knee injury.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Robinson experienced soreness in his knee during a training session in Hove on Friday and will undergo further scans to assess the extent of the issue.

Despite being unavailable for the second Test, England remain hopeful that the right-arm pacer could return for the third and final match of the series at Trent Bridge, scheduled to begin on June 25.

Robinson will stay with the squad and continue to be monitored by the medical staff over the coming days.

The latest injury concern adds to England’s growing selection problems, with Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson already unavailable due to disciplinary reasons.

Ollie Robinson had made an impressive return to Test cricket in the series opener at Lord’s after spending two years out of the side.

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The Sussex seamer led England’s bowling attack and produced career-best match figures of 7-77, playing a key role in the hosts’ victory.

To cover for Robinson’s absence, England have called up his Sussex teammate Henry Crocombe.

The uncapped seamer has been one of the standout performers in county cricket this season, claiming 21 wickets in Division One at an average of 28.61.

Crocombe also impressed earlier this month while representing the England Lions, taking 4-65 in the first unofficial Test against South Africa A.

England have already bolstered their pace-bowling options by recalling Jofra Archer to the squad following the absence of Stokes and Atkinson.

Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker are also available as seam-bowling options for the second Test.

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Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas said officials at “local, state and federal levels” were investigating after World Cup equipment belonging to England was stolen ahead of the squad’s arrival at their training base on Saturday.

Balls and boots are reportedly among items taken after vehicles transferring equipment to the team’s Swope Soccer Village base were broken into, according to the BBC.

Lucas issued a statement on X with the title: “Statement on heist in transit of English national team equipment”.

“Yesterday, officials in Kansas City learned that at some point between their over-the-road transport from Florida to their arrival at the training facility in Kansas City, goods belonging to the English national team were stolen from the team’s transport vehicle,” Lucas said in the statement.

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“Public safety officials at the local, state and federal levels are working to trace where in the United States the items were seized and all individuals who may have been involved. Further information will be provided by authorities at a later time.”

Thomas Tuchel’s England are due to train at Swope Soccer Village for the first time at 5:00 pm (2200 GMT) on Saturday after transferring from their pre-tournament base in Florida.

They open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, before further games in Group L against Ghana and Panama.

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England have included uncapped Henry Crocombe ahead of the second Test against New Zealand as cover for fast bowler Ollie Robinson.

Robinson, who impressed on his return to international cricket with seven wickets in the match, felt knee soreness following a training session on Saturday. The right-arm medium pacer will undergo a “precautionary” scan tomorrow.The

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the addition in a press release statement.

“Uncapped seamer Henry Crocombe has been called into the England Men’s Test squad as cover for Ollie Robinson. Robinson experienced knee soreness after a training session on Friday and is set to undergo a precautionary scan on Saturday, June 13,” the board confirmed in a press release statement.

Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox have also been brought into the squad ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, starting on Wednesday at The Kia Oval.

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The second fixture of the three-match series begins on Wednesday at Trent Bridge.

The 24-year-old Crocombe has collected 21 wickets at an average of 28.61 in seven County Championship matches for Sussex in 2026. He also impressed for England Lions against South Africa A last month.

Overall, he has picked up 104 wickets in the 47 matches at an average of 36.32, including a five-wicket haul

The Three Lions have been without the services of seamer Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes after a nightclub incident.

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Crocombe has never been added to the England squad, but has been mentioned by England coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key in recent weeks.

The other seamers in the squad are Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, and Matt Fisher for the second New Zealand Test.

England Updated Squad for Second Test

Joe Root (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Henry Crocombe, and Josh Tongue.

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Michael Vaughan has backed Ben Stokes to retain the England captaincy despite being investigated for breaking the team’s curfew.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced they were looking into Stokes’ involvement in a nightclub incident on Monday morning following England’s win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

England team-mate Gus Atkinson and Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa were also involved. Media reports on Tuesday suggested Stokes may resign as Test skipper.

The second Test against New Zealand at the Oval gets underway in a week’s time.

But former England captain Vaughan said Stokes had sufficient “credit in the bank” to avoid being sacked.

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“Yes, Ben Stokes broke a curfew,” Vaughan wrote in the Daily Telegraph. “Yes, he made a mistake. But is that a sacking offence as England’s Test captain? I do not think som” he added.

“Stokes has a lot of credit in the bank for all he has done for England as captain and all-rounder. There is no way that those making the big decisions at the England and Wales Cricket Board have the same credit in the bank.”

“I do not see how you can tell Stokes he is not captain anymore just for going over the curfew by a couple of hours after a win.”

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“A short suspension would be fine, but this is not a big enough incident over which to lose the captaincy,” Vaughan concluded.

It is the latest controversy concerning the England team after the tour of Australia where the side faced allegations of a drinking culture during a 4-1 Ashes series loss.

Earlier, England announced the squad for the second New Zealand Test, leaving out Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, with Joe Root named as interim captain.

England Squad for Second Test

Joe Root (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

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England have announced the squad for the second Test against New Zealand, with Joe Root named as interim captain after Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were left out due to an ongoing investigation.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the duo was unavailable for selection as the investigation into the nightclub incident continues.

“The England & Wales Cricket Board can confirm that, given the ongoing investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for selection for the Rothesay 2nd Test against New Zealand, which starts at the Kia Oval on Wednesday 17 June,” the board said in a statement.

Stokes and Atkinson have been replaced by Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox in the 15-man squad. Meanwhile, Root has been picked as the stand-in captain ahead of the vice-captain, Harry Brook.

Previously, Root has led the side in 64 matches between 2017 and 2022. The ace batter has opted not to take the role after handing over the reins to Stokes.

However, Brook himself was fined and cautioned for the New Zealand nightclub incident last year. Root has stepped in as captain as the most senior member of the English side.

For the unversed, Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson are facing a probe by the ECB for breaking team rules in the early hours of Monday morning following England’s win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

It is the latest controversy involving the England team following a tour of Australia during which the side faced allegations of a drinking culture amid a 4-1 Ashes series defeat that concluded in January.

The second Test between England and New Zealand will begin on 17 June at the Kia Oval.

England Squad for Second Test

Joe Root (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

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All-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to step down as England captain and bring his glittering international career to an end. 

Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson are facing a probe by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaking team rules in the early hours of Monday morning following England’s win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

It is the latest controversy involving the England team following a tour of Australia during which the side faced allegations of a drinking culture amid a 4-1 Ashes series defeat that concluded in January.

According to a report in TalkSport, Stokes is likely to resign, and there is even a possibility of his retirement from international cricket.

The report quoted Senior correspondent at ‘The Cricketer’, George Dobell, as saying: “I fear from everything I hear that Stokes is going to act first. And, regretfully, I hear that he is going to step down and possibly even retire.

England have also delayed announcing their squad for the second Test, with two changes likely.

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Another ESPNcricinfo report claims that the ECB gave Stokes the option to resign and continue playing international cricket. However, if the 35-year-old does not take that option, the board could sack him.

With growing calls for a change in dressing-room culture, it is inevitable that the all-rounder will retain his position.

Ben Stokes’ position as England cricket captain was in jeopardy on Monday after officials announced he was being investigated for a nightclub incident reportedly involving a Saracens rugby player.

Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson are facing a probe by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaking team rules in the early hours of Monday morning following England’s win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

It is the latest controversy concerning the England team following a tour of Australia, where the side faced allegations of a drinking culture during a 4-1 Ashes series loss concluded in January.

If Stokes is stripped of the captaincy, vice-captain Harry Brook, already the skipper of England’s white-ball teams, could lead the hosts in next week’s second Test across London at the Oval.

This would represent a remarkable reversal for Brook, who was fined and censured for late-night drinking and clashing with a nightclub bouncer before captaining England in a one-day international in Wellington in October.

“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand,” the governing body said in a statement issued Monday.

“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.

“We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course.”

Britain’s Daily Telegraph reported players from Saracens, who compete in English rugby union’s top-flight Prem, were also present for the London club’s end-of-season party.

Saracens subsequently issued a statement confirming an academy player had been involved in an incident in the early hours of Monday.

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“We are aware of an incident involving an academy player connected to Saracens,” it said.

“The club is currently establishing the full facts and is in contact with the relevant authorities and individuals involved. Once this process is complete, the matter will be reviewed and addressed appropriately. We will make no further comment at this time.”

Stokes led England as they thrashed New Zealand by 115 runs on Sunday with more than a day to spare in their first Test match since their Ashes humiliation, Surrey paceman Atkinson helping finish things off with a second-innings haul of 5-30.

Brook’s clash in Wellington led England to impose a midnight curfew on all players and staff, which is understood to still be in place.

During the Australia tour, the England squad’s conduct during a mid-series break in the coastal town of Noosa came under particular scrutiny, with a video of opening batsman Ben Duckett in an apparent state of intoxication posted on social media.

England director of cricket Rob Key, who investigated the squad’s behaviour in Noosa, denied the team had a drinking culture, as did head coach Brendon McCullum.

Following the conclusion of the Ashes, details of the incident involving Brook in October were revealed. Brook claimed to have been alone at the nightclub in Wellington, only for it to emerge he was alongside team-mates Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue.

The midnight curfew was first imposed for England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January and the T20 World Cup that followed, both when Brook was captain.

In 2017, Ben Stokes was involved in an incident outside a nightclub in Bristol, southwest England, that led to him being charged with affray.

He subsequently missed the Ashes tour of 2017/18 before he was found not guilty of the charge following a trial at Bristol Crown Court in August 2018.

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England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaching the code of conduct after the first Test against New Zealand.

The Three Lions outplayed New Zealand by 115 runs in the series opener on a topsy-turvy Lord’s surface that drew criticism from former cricketers.

ECB has confirmed an incident in a press release statement regarding Stokes and Atkinson.

“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand,” the board said.

“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place,” it added.

England’s governing body also hinted at a possible change in the second Test lineup, with further updates to be provided in due course.

“We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course.

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“The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible,” it concluded.

For those unaware, this was the first Test match since the Ashes debacle for England. The tour down under was also marked by scrutiny of England’s off-field behavior, resulting in a fine on white-ball captain Harry Brook for misconduct in New Zealand.

Brook was punched ahead of the Ashes by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington before the ODI against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Stokes was previously involved in a late-night incident outside a nightclub in Bristol following an ODI match against the West Indies in 2017. A fight broke out involving Stokes and another man, leaving the former with a hand injury.

He was later arrested and charged, but the prosecution service dropped the charges, allowing him to continue his international career.

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England could face a tricky decision over Jofra Archer’s return, with coach Brendon McCullum “hopeful” that the fast bowler will be available for next week’s second Test against New Zealand.

Archer, despite having an England central contract, was not considered for the series opener at Lord’s following a lengthy stint in the Indian Premier League.

The 31-year-old rested up instead in his native Barbados as England, who are looking to recover from a humiliating Ashes series loss in Australia, started their international season with a comprehensive 115-run win over the Black Caps.

England’s pace attack made the most of excessively seam-friendly conditions in what was the 150th Test staged at Lord’s, the most of any ground, with Ollie Robinson and Gus Atkinson taking seven wickets each and Josh Tongue bagging five.

The trio will all expect to feature at the Oval, where England will bid to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Express quick Archer, however, has long been regarded as a first-choice selection when fit and available.

Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir did not send down a single over at Lord’s but, with improved batting conditions expected at the Oval, England may decide they still need a specialist slow bowler.

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Archer is due back in England later this week and could be added to the squad.

“In the next couple of days we’ll probably drill down on that but we’re hopeful he will be available for the second Test, then we’ll work out conditions-wise where we’re at,” said McCullum.

“He’s following a plan (in Barbados). He’s bowling.

“We completely trust Jof and he’s shown us in the past what he does, which is get himself ready based on the plans we get together and come up with. He’s always turned up in the condition we wanted from him.”

England captain Ben Stokes is the fourth seamer in the pace attack, and the all-rounder was more of a support act at Lord’s, a ground where he often has been the star of the show.

He only bowled himself for seven overs in the match, taking one wicket on Sunday’s fourth and final morning, and was dismissed for 12 and nought.

Batters on both sides struggled on a pitch of sharply uneven bounce, but Stokes has been light on runs for England for a couple of years.

Since the start of 2024, he has averaged a modest 27.09, with just one hundred in his past 48 innings.

Stokes has just moved down a place in the batting order to number seven, and McCullum believes his skipper, who turned 35 during the first Test, has the experience to succeed in the new role.

“Stokesy obviously hasn’t got the runs that he wanted of late but I’m confident with the work he’s been doing,” said McCullum. “I feel like he’s moving a lot better. I feel like his fluency is starting to come back.

“Number seven is quite a nice role for him. With his experience and cricketing nous, he’s able to operate and guide the tail quite nicely, plus he’s got the raw power if you’re eight or nine wickets down.”

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