Tag: England

Australia skipper Pat Cummins said Friday he hoped to play in all five Ashes Tests against England but conceded he will need to see how his back injury holds up, local media said.

Pace spearhead Cummins has been ruled out of the October white-ball series against New Zealand and India with “lumbar bone stress”.

The 32-year-old has not bowled since the Test tour of the West Indies in June-July, and no firm date has been set for his return.

Cummins said Friday that although he hopes to be part of the Ashes, he would need to “wait and see”.

“There are no hard and fast plans yet,” the skipper told reporters.

“I’m still doing a bit of gym and keeping things kicking over, but with this kind of injury, it’s rest and then we’ll build back and kind of work back from the Ashes,” he said.

“Still really hopeful to be able to be part of the Ashes. But it is a little bit of a wait-and-see.”

Pat Cummins told reporters he aimed to play in all five Tests, but conceded a decision would have to be made closer to the time.

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“It’s honestly too far out to say. But the aim at the moment is to try and be ready for all of it,” he said.

Cummins has suffered severe back issues several times over the years, including a flare-up in 2018 that kept him out of action for a full off-season.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald said this week he was confident Cummings would play a key part in the Ashes.

But he acknowledged to SEN radio that the uncertainty around Cummins “is not ideal”, but it was an “overreaction” to say the skipper would not play.

“It’s not ideal. I’m not going to sit here and say that it’s ideal,” McDonald told the radio station.

The first Ashes Test against England in Perth starts on November 21.

Australia retained the Ashes in England in 2023 after the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

They enjoyed a 4-0 sweep of England at home in 2021-22. Cummins was the leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps at an average of 18.

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England coach Brendon McCullum has left open the possibility of Harry Brook replacing Ollie Pope as vice-captain during the upcoming Ashes tour of Australia.

Pope officially took on the role in May 2023 after securing his place as England’s number three in Test cricket, and has since led the team five times when inspirational skipper Ben Stokes has been absent through injury.

Stokes is back training following a shoulder problem, but his coach at county side Durham, Ryan Campbell, was “not 100 percent sure” the all-rounder would feature in all five Tests against Australia, with England bidding for their first Ashes series win since 2015.

Doubts have been raised about Pope’s tactical acumen, with England white-ball captain Brook regarded as a more proactive leader in the field.

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And should Stokes be ruled out of a Test during the Ashes series, which starts on November 21 in Perth, the 26-year-old Brook could now be asked to lead England in red-ball cricket as well.

McCullum, asked Sunday whether Pope will take up his usual role as Stokes’ deputy in Australia, replied: “We will work on that one. We will chat about that over the coming days as we finalise our Ashes squad.

“I think it’s a pretty easy squad to pick. We don’t need too big a squad, but we have a very settled group of batters, a cartel of fast bowlers, and Shoaib Bashir as our frontline spinner.”

The former New Zealand captain, speaking after England’s third and deciding T20 against South Africa in Nottingham, which was washed out without a ball being bowled, added: “I think it’s no secret Harry Brook is emerging as a leader within English cricket, so that’s something we need to work out.”

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Phil Salt hit his highest T20I score and quickest century by an England batter in a T20 international as the hosts hammered South Africa by 146 runs to level their three-match series at 1-1 during a record-breaking evening at Old Trafford on Friday.

Opening batter Salt’s astounding 141 not out was the cornerstone of England’s mammoth 304-2.

It was the first time in a T20 international between two Test-playing nations a side had reached 300, with India having come closest previously, scoring 297-6 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in 2024.

South Africa, faced with a colossal chase, unsurprisingly lost early wickets and were dismissed for 158 in under 17 overs, with skipper Aiden Markram’s 41 their top score.

An elated Salt told Sky Sports: “That was really good fun. A personal milestone, but the fact we got 300 and won by such a big margin, I can’t have asked for much more.”

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Only Zimbabwe, with 344 against the Gambia in October last year, and Nepal, who amassed 314 when playing Mongolia two years ago, have made more at this level.

Jofra Archer took 3-25 in three overs after the England express quick did not feature in the Proteas’ series-opening win in a rain-shortened match in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Salt’s 119, the existing England record at this level, had been at the heart of his country’s previous highest T20 total of 267-3 against the West Indies in Trinidad in December 2023.

The 29-year-old, out for a golden duck in Cardiff, turned the tables in style with a remarkable 60-ball innings featuring 15 fours and eight sixes on his Lancashire home ground.

His fourth T20 hundred — no other England batter has more than one — came off 39 deliveries.

It was also the quickest century in any format by an England batter, surpassing Liam Livingstone’s 42-ball effort in a T20 against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2021.

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CARDIFF: Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch took two wickets apiece as South Africa beat England by 14 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-marred first T20I here on Wednesday.

Bad weather reduced what should have been a 40-over contest at Sophia Gardens to just 12.5 in total.

England, chasing a revised 69 in five overs for victory, finished on 54-5 as they failed to keep pace with a daunting run rate of nearly 14 an over against a quality attack.

Jansen (2-18) and Bosch (2-20) did the bulk of the damage in an England innings where only Jos Buttler (25) passed 20.

Earlier, several South African batsmen made quickfire 20s in a total of 97-5 in 7.5 overs after Brook won the toss.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram struck 28 off 14 balls, with two fours and two sixes, although he was dropped in the deep by Phil Salt.

Donovan Ferreira, the player of the match, hit three sixes in his 25 not out and Dewald Brevis made 23.

Fast bowler Luke Wood was only playing after the hosts decided against risking Jofra Archer in the wet conditions following the express quick’s four-wicket haul in England’s record 342-run win over South Africa in the third ODI at Southampton.

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But Wood had opener Ryan Rickelton caught behind for a golden duck in a haul of 2-22.

“It feels like madness, but you can think about things. It was swinging about with the new ball, but you need one or two guys to make a cameo and you can reach a good score,” said Markram who led the Proteas to a 2-1 ODI series win, at the presentation ceremony.

England captain Harry Brook added: “We can’t read into that too much. We didn’t execute as well as we could have done.”

Both Salt, who holed out off the very first ball of the chase to the returning Kagiso Rabada, and Brook were out for ducks.

In between Jacob Bethell, fresh from his maiden professional century at Southampton, made seven before he skyed Jansen to cover.

Buttler kept England in the hunt before he was caught behind, off Jansen’s last ball of the fourth over.

England now needed 26 off six balls and Bosch, who dismissed Tom Banton with the opening delivery of the last over, ensured they never really got close, with South Africa going 1-0 up in this three-match series ahead of Friday’s second T20 at Old Trafford.

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South Africa suffered the heaviest loss in ODI history as England dismissed the tourists for just 72 in a 342-run victory inspired by Jofra Archer’s blistering bowling and Jacob Bethell’s maiden hundred on Sunday.

Chasing 415 to complete a clean sweep of the three-match series, the Proteas surrendered in humiliating fashion in 20.5 ignominious overs in Southampton.

It was the biggest winning margin in the history of the ODI format when batting first, surpassing India’s 317-run victory against Sri Lanka in 2023.

South Africa narrowly avoided beating their lowest ODI total of 69 against Australia in 1993.

England’s previous biggest margin of victory was a 242-run success against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2018.

After Bethell smashed 110 from just 82 balls and Joe Root reached a typically efficient 100, Archer set about demolishing the South Africans.

The pace bowler finished with impressive figures of 4-18 in nine overs as he removed four of South Africa’s top five batsmen.

It was the kind of fearsome form that underlined why England are so keen to keep Archer fit for the Ashes series in Australia later this year.

Beaten by seven wickets in the series opener at Headingley before losing the second game at Lord’s by five runs, England managed to save face thanks to their record-breaking performance in the final match.

England’s fifth-highest ODI total of 414-5 was more than enough to see off South Africa.

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Jos Buttler’s 62 not out and 62 from opener Jamie Smith added to the run spree alongside the precocious Bethell and the prolific Root.

Bethell’s vibrant innings featured 13 fours and three sixes as the 21-year-old showed why England have been so keen to fast-track him in all formats.

He easily surpassed his previous career-best score of 96 in a Test match against New Zealand in 2024.

Bethell, who will become England’s youngest captain in an ODI series against Ireland later this month, fell for one against South Africa at Headingley.

But he hit 58 from 40 balls at Lord’s, having been moved up to number four, and maintained that form to prove his point with an even more dynamic display on Sunday.

The Proteas’ chase got off to a disastrous start when Aiden Markram was caught behind off Archer in the first over.

Wiaan Mulder also perished for a duck in the next over as he lofted Brydon Carse to Harry Brook.

Under a suddenly leaden sky that favoured the bowlers, Archer strengthened England’s grip, inducing an edge from Ryan Rickelton that left the tourists reeling on 6-3.

Proving unplayable with his potent combination of pace and bounce, Archer had Matthew Breetzke ducking into a caught-behind to end his bid for a sixth successive ODI half-century.

Archer’s blitz wasn’t over as he dialled up the pace to over 90mph and had Tristan Stubbs caught in the slips by Will Jacks.

South Africa had slumped to 18-5, and England showed no mercy, and Adil Rashid took three wickets to ensure they finished a difficult series on a memorable note.

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Tottenham’s Djed Spence said the opportunity to make history as the first male player who publicly identifies as a Muslim to represent England was a “blessing” as he prepares for a potential debut.

The 25-year-old defender was one of two new faces included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

It is understood Spence could become the first Muslim man to play for England’s senior team.

“I’ve seen that,” the versatile full-back said at England’s training base. “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing. I did see something like that.

“I was surprised, really, first ever. It’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really.”

But the former England Under-21s international said he did not feel under extra pressure, adding: “I just play football with a smile on my face.”

Spence’s faith is a major part of his identity and is something he frequently acknowledges on social media.

“First things first, God is the greatest,” he said. “I pray a lot. I give gratitude to God.

“In the toughest moments of my life, the darkest moments, I’ve always believed that God has always been by my side.

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“When I’m winning, when I’m in a good moment, I promote God as well because he’s always been by my side. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.”

Spence’s rise has been a slow one. After impressing in the Championship for Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, he moved to Premier League Tottenham in 2022.

But he initially struggled to make an impression under former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, and spent time on loan at Rennes, Leeds, and Genoa.

The defender only made his full Spurs debut in December, two-and-a-half years after he joined the club in what proved a breakthrough campaign that culminated in Europa League glory.

He came on as a substitute in the Bilbao final, having initially been omitted from Ange Postecoglou’s group-stage squad earlier in the season.

“Without (a strong) mentality, you won’t make it to the top,” said Djed Spence. “I definitely think I have got a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges.”

“I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong,” he added.

Now the full-back hopes to inspire others.

“If I can do it, you can do it,” he said. “Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it.”

England face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before travelling to play Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.

Tuchel’s men are top of Group K with three wins from three matches so far.

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South Africa opener Tony de Zorzi has been sidelined from the ongoing ODI series against England after picking up a left hamstring injury during the opening match in Leeds.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury while making a diving stop to deny Jos Buttler a boundary on Tuesday.

Though his effort saved runs, de Zorzi was left in visible discomfort and had to leave the field. Team management later confirmed he would only bat if required.

With South Africa chasing a modest 132-run target, the left-hander was not needed in their seven-wicket win.

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He will now return home for scans to assess the severity of the injury.

Tony de Zorzi had come in place of Matthew Breetzke, who was sidelined with a hamstring issue of his own. However, Breetzke has since recovered and is expected to reclaim his spot.

South Africa have not named a replacement for de Zorzi, with the rest of the squad remaining unchanged.

The Proteas lead the three-match series 1-0 after their dominant display in the first ODI. The second match will be played at Lord’s on Thursday.

South Africa squad for England ODIs

Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs.

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Australia captain Pat Cummins is in a race against time to be fit ahead of the opening match of the highly anticipated Ashes 2025-26, slated to commence on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Cummins underwent scans on Monday morning.

According to the report, Cricket Australia’s (CA) chief medical officer, alongside the team doctor and physio, will take time to discuss the scan results.

Moreover, Pat Cummins’s back trouble could rule him out of all the white-ball fixtures that will be played before the first Ashes Test. The star pacer is also unlikely for the T20 squad against New Zealand.

“Depending on the seriousness of Cummins’ back trouble, he may miss all the white ball games that precede the first Ashes Test in Perth in late November and could also need to avoid playing a Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales,” the report said.

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“As it is, he will be missing from the Twenty20 squad that will be named on Tuesday to tour New Zealand,” it added.

Subsequently, Cummins is likely to be fit for the start of the Ashes, having previously undergone similar scans last summer before the Border-Gavaskar series.

Pat Cummins’ injury concerns arose during the West Indies tour, where he played all three Test matches. Overall, the right-arm pacer has bowled 85 overs across four Tests, including the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa.

After his absence, ace batter Steve Smith could be in line for captaincy due to his vast experience under his belt.

For context, Pat Cummins has a longstanding problem with back injuries during the early stages of his career.

After making his Test debut in 2011, Cummins missed six years of cricket. However, in recent times, the fast bowler has been pivotal in Australia’s success.

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England all-rounder Jamie Overton has chosen to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket, which means he will not be available for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia later this year.

The 31-year-old Surrey pacer, who featured in the fifth Test against India at The Oval in July, admitted that his body can no longer cope with the demands of all formats.

Overton has battled recurring back stress fractures throughout his career, restricting him to just two Test appearances.

“After a great deal of thought, I have decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket,” Overton said in a statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

“First-class cricket laid the foundation for my career and gave me every opportunity I’ve had in the game.

“But with the sport now running across a 12-month calendar, it’s no longer possible for me to fully commit to every format, both physically and mentally.

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“My focus now will be on white-ball cricket, and I’ll continue giving everything to perform at the highest level for as long as I can.”

Jamie Overton made his Test debut against New Zealand in 2022, impressing everyone with a solid score of 97.

However, his second Test appearance came three years later, when he faced India earlier this summer.

A regular feature in county cricket, Overton has 99 first-class appearances to his name but will now shift his attention to England’s white-ball commitments.

He has been named in the squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa starting Tuesday at Headingley, followed by the T20Is against the Proteas and the ODI tour of Ireland in September.

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The England Women’s selectors have named their 15-member squad to represent the Three Lions at the ICC Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The 13th edition of the marquee event is set to run from 30 September to November 2. It marks the first ICC tournament for both Head Coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Among the notable inclusions is former captain Heather Knight, who has been recalled as she continues her comeback from injury.

Sarah Glenn and Danni Wyatt-Hodge return to the ODI squad having missed out against India this summer.

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Glenn is one of four specialist spinners and one of six players embarking on their first ODI World Cup.

Following the squad announcement, head coach Charlotte Edwards shared her thoughts.

“Being selected to play for your country in a World Cup is one of the biggest honours in sport, and I’m delighted for all the players named in the squad,” she remarked.

“Like all global tournaments, it will be a huge challenge, but we want to go as far as we possibly can in India, and I believe that if we play our best cricket, we can compete with anyone,” she concluded.

England Women’s Squad

Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

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