Tag: England

India star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has explained the reason behind not captaining the Indian team in the five-match Test series against England.

While speaking during a recent interview, Bumrah disclosed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had approached him for the captaincy role.

“Before Rohit and Virat retired during the IPL, I had spoken to the BCCI about my workloads going forward in a five-test match series,’ he said.

“I’ve spoken to the people who have managed my back. I’ve talked to the surgeon as well, who’s always spoken to me about how smart you have to be about the workloads, Bumrah told Dinesh Karthik during the interview on Sky Sports.

The right-arm pacer deemed workload management as a key reason for not opting to captain Team India in the whites.

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‘So I did speak to him, and then we came to the conclusion that I have to be a little smarter. So then I called the BCCI and said I don’t want to be looked at in a leadership role because I won’t be able to give all the Test matches in a five-test match series,” Bumrah added.

Jasprit Bumrah also emphasised a team-first approach, noting that it was not fair to lead in only two Test matches.

“Yes, the BCCI was looking at me for leadership. But then I had to say, no, that it’s not fair for the team as well, that, you know, a five-Test match series, three matches, somebody else is leading, two matches, somebody else is leading. It’s not fair to the team. And I always wanted to put the team first,” he concluded.

For the unversed, following the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill was handed the reins of the Indian team in the longest format with the upcoming series as his major assignment.

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England batting maestro Joe Root is on the verge of achieving multiple milestones during the five-match Test series against India, set to commence on 20 June at Leeds.

The star batter will be eyeing to move up to second in the list of the highest run getters in Test cricket, surpassing Australia legend Ricky Ponting, who has amassed 13,378 runs in 168 Tests at an average of 51.85 with 42 centuries.

Joe Root, who recently crossed the 13,000 run-mark in the one-off historic test against Zimbabwe, requires 373 runs to surpass Ponting. Moreover, he needs 282 runs to cross India legend Rahul Dravid, while 283 to South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis.

Top five run-scorers in Test cricket

• Sachin Tendulkar 15921 in Tests
• Ricky Ponting 13378 in 168  Tests
• Jacques Kallis 13289 in 166 Tests
• Rahul Dravid 13288 in 164 Tests
• Joe Root 13006* in 153 Tests

Apart from this, reaching this feat, Joe Root will also aim to surpass Rahul Dravid’s highest-ever batting average in India-England Tests.

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The highest run-getter for England in Tests, Root, was in sublime form in the previous ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, amassing 1968 runs in 22 Tests.

The right-handed batter’s runs came at a staggering average of 54.66, with seven tons and an equal number of half-centuries, including a mammoth career-best 262 against Pakistan in Multan.

Joe Root could also become the first-ever batter to score 6,000 runs in WTC history. Currently, he has 5,543 runs in 64 matches at an average of 51.80 centuries and 21 fifties in 117 innings.

India vs England Test Series Schedule:

• 1st Test: Friday, June 20, Leeds
• 2nd Test: Wednesday, July 2, Birmingham
• 3rd Test: Thursday, July 10, London
• 4th Test: Wednesday, July 23, Manchester
• 5th Test: Thursday, July 31, London

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Former South African speedster Dale Steyn has predicted the winner of the upcoming Tendulkar-Anderson trophy, comprising a five-match Test series between England and India, slated to commence on June 20.

Earlier this month, the long-established Pataudi Trophy was renamed the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The trophy honours legends Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson for their significant contributions to Test cricket.

After the ICC World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa at the iconic Lord’s, Steyn predicted that England would win the upcoming five-match series, which will be fiercely contested with no draws.

“Every match will be tightly contested, but there will definitely be a result in each one. I expect England to win 3-2. None of the matches will be one-sided; all five will be closely fought,” Dale Steyn said.

It is noteworthy to mention that Team India will be without their ace batters, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who announced their retirements from the longest format of the game a month ago.

After Rohit Sharma’s retirement, Shubman Gill was appointed as the captain of the Test team, with India set to face England in the series opener at Headingley.

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Dale Steyn also shed light on South Africa’s journey to clinching the WTC title, citing the victories that led to the final.

“From the start of this World Test Championship cycle, South Africa knew they had to win a certain number of games to make it to the final — and they did that, winning seven in a row, regardless of the opposition,” Steyn said.

“It doesn’t matter who you’re up against, anyone who’s played Test cricket will tell you that winning even a single Test match is never easy. To win seven consecutively, earn a spot in the final, and then go on to get over the line today — that’s absolutely huge,” the 41-year-old concluded.

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The England Women’s selectors have named a 14-member squad for England Women’s upcoming T20I series against India.

Among the notable inclusions was left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who will return to international cricket after a break to prioritise her well-being.

Ecclestone bolsters a group coming off the back of a 3-0 win against West Indies, the first series in charge for Edwards and new captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Following the squad announcement, head coach Charlotte Edwards stated that England are set to face one of the best sides in world cricket, India.

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“We’re really looking forward to taking on India. They’re one of the best sides in the world, and it’ll be a huge test for us,” she said.

“There was lots to be happy about in the West Indies series, but equally lots of things we want to keep improving on – we’re always looking at getting better,” she added.

Charlotte Edwards emphasised the importance of ICC T20 World Cup, marking the series against India as crucial ahead of the mega event.

“Five games against India in front of big crowds at great venues will serve us really well. This is a significant series for us with the countdown well and truly underway towards the home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.”

England Women will take on India in five matches, starting on June 28 at Trent Bridge. A three-match ODI series will follow, with the squad to be confirmed at a later date.

Schedule of England vs India T20I Series

1st T20I, June 28, Trent Bridge

2nd T20I, July  1, Bristol

3rd T20I, July  4, Kia Oval

4th T20I, July  4, Old Trafford

5th T20I, July  12, Edgbaston

England Women T20I squad:

Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Issy Wong

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India head coach Gautam Gambhir has flown back to New Delhi from England due to a family emergency, just before the team’s intra-squad match against India A in Kent.

India are currently in the United Kingdom, gearing up for a crucial five-match Test series against England, set to begin on June 20 at Headingley.

The series will also mark the start of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the beginning of Shubman Gill’s tenure as India’s Test captain.

In Gambhir’s absence, assistant coaches Sitanshu Kotak and Ryan ten Doeschate will oversee preparations alongside bowling coach Morne Morkel. Meanwhile, Hrishikesh Kanitkar continues to head the India A setup.

Gambhir’s absence comes at a decisive moment, especially as the team management was expected to finalise the batting lineup in the lead-up to the first Test.

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With the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two key spots in the batting order are up for grabs. B Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair are currently in contention to fill those shoes.

After replacing Rahul Dravid as head coach post the T20 World Cup last year, Gautam Gambhir has faced a mixed start to his tenure, enduring Test series defeats against New Zealand and Australia before bouncing back to lead India to glory at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

As for the playing XI, one of the pressing questions revolves around the seam-bowling allrounder role.

Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy are the frontrunners, with Reddy taking two wickets in 26.5 overs and Thakur bagging two across 43 overs during the first-class fixtures against Lions.

India’s pace unit also remains a topic of debate, with Jasprit Bumrah a certainty and two of Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna expected to partner him in the series opener.

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LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) granted permission for star batter Phil Salt to withdraw from the T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies.

Salt, who is taking time away on paternity leave following the birth of his child earlier this week, will now spend time at home.

He was away from his family due to his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played for the eventual champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

However, he briefly flew back to England to be with his partner, Abe Salt, for the birth of their first child.

He returned to India in time for the final match against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad, which RCB won, clinching their first-ever IPL trophy after an 18-year wait.

It’s worth noting that Phil Salt was instrumental in RCB’s title victory, having scored 403 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 175.98.

Meanwhile, the ECB named Surrey batter Jamie Smith as Salt’s replacement in the squad for the T20I series against the West Indies, which will start on June 6 in Durham.

The second T20I is scheduled in Bristol on June 8, while the third match will be played on June 10 at Southampton

England squad for T20I series against West Indies

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

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Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced their T20I squads for the upcoming white-ball assignments against England and Ireland, with experienced all-rounders Jason Holder and Andre Russell making their return to international action.

West Indies will take on England in a three-match T20I series, which follows the conclusion of their ongoing ODI series at The Oval on Tuesday.

The squad then shifts focus to a three-match T20I tour of Ireland, although several senior players and key coaching staff will be rested for that leg, including Russell, who will sit out the Ireland series.

This series marks a fresh chapter for the West Indies in the shortest format, with Shai Hope set to lead the T20I side for the first time, replacing Rovman Powell as captain.

Holder, who last featured in a T20I for West Indies in February 2024, returns after missing the World Cup due to injury.

Russell also makes his comeback after suffering an ankle injury during the West Indies’ home series against England last year.

The squad sees the return of Sherfane Rutherford, who missed the Bangladesh series, while Keacy Carty has been selected for the Ireland leg only, replacing Brandon King, who has been granted leave.

Additionally, newly appointed Test captain Roston Chase will depart after the England series to begin preparations for the upcoming Test tour of Australia. His absence opens the door for batter Jyd Goolie, who earns his maiden senior call-up for the Ireland series.

With a Test camp scheduled from June 13-21 in Barbados, the coaching staff — head coach Daren Sammy, Floyd Reifer, and Ravi Rampaul — will return early, with Rayon Griffith stepping in as interim coach for the Ireland leg.

West Indies Men’s T20I Squad for England: Shai Hope (captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

West Indies Men’s T20I Squad for Ireland: Shai Hope (captain), Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Jyd Goolie, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

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BIRMINGHAM – Veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid on Thursday became only the ninth player to represent England in 150 ODI matches as the hosts began their three-match series against West Indies with a resounding 238-run victory at Edgbaston.

Rashid, 37, reached the milestone more than 15 years after making his debut in 2009 and joined an elite list of England cricketers with 150-plus ODI appearances.

The list includes Eoin Morgan, Paul Collingwood, James Anderson, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Alec Stewart, Ian Bell, and Darren Gough.

Most ODI appearances for England

• Eoin Morgan – 225 matches
• Paul Collingwood – 197 matches
• James Anderson – 194 matches
• Jos Buttler – 188 matches
• Joe Root – 178 matches
• Alec Stewart – 170 matches
• Ian Bell – 161 matches
• Darren Gough – 158 matches
• Adil Rashid – 150 matches

Rashid has so far taken 215 wickets in ODIs at an average of 32.82, with best figures of 5/27 against Ireland in 2017.

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He remains one of only three English bowlers to claim over 200 wickets in the format, behind only Anderson (269) and Gough (234).

Celebrating his milestone match in style, Rashid picked up two wickets in the second innings after England had posted a mammoth 400/8 in their 50 overs, courtesy of strong contributions from the middle order.

Jacob Bethell led the charge with a quickfire 82 off 53 balls, while Ben Duckett (60), Harry Brook (58), and Joe Root (57) also chipped in with half-centuries.

In reply, the West Indies were blown away for just 162 in 26.2 overs. Number 11 Jayden Seales was the top scorer with an unbeaten 29 off 14 balls.

Saqib Mahmood and Jamie Overton bagged three wickets apiece for the hosts, while Rashid claimed two. With this comprehensive win, England took a 1-0 lead in the series.

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CHELMSFORD: England women secured a narrow 17-run victory over West Indies in the third T20I, completing a whitewash despite Hayley Matthews’ defiance here on Monday.

With this victory, England clinched the T20I series 3-0 under the new captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Heather Knight was the team’s stand-out performer, making her highest T20I innings on home soil with a 47-ball 66.

The visiting team’s skipper Hayley Matthews kept the game alive and the 3,500-strong crowd entertained, but when she fell with 31 runs still required, the outcome became clear.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt lost her first toss as full-time England Women captain and on a wicket that offered some assistance to the bowlers, her side were indebted to her predecessor Knight for her role in getting up to 144-5.

Lauren Bell took a wicket with the first ball of the West Indies’ reply, and would finish her four overs going for just 11 runs. Linsey Smith, Em Arlott and Charlie Dean each took two wickets apiece.

Matthews wasn’t to end up on the winning side, but she did claim both Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

England and the West Indies will go head to head again in Derby on Friday in the first game of the ODI series. The final match will be played on 7 June at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

England vs West Indies T20I Series Result

1st Vitality IT20: 21 May – England Women won by eight wickets.
2nd Vitality IT20: 23 May – England Women won by nine wickets.
3rd Vitality IT20: 26 May – England Women won by 17 runs.

England vs West Indies ODI Series Schedule

1st Metro Bank ODI: 30 May – The County Ground, Derby
2nd Metro Bank ODI: 4 June – Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester
3rd Metro Bank ODI: 7 June – Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

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India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar has broken his silence on the absence of Mohammed Shami from the Test squad for the upcoming England tour.

The 33-year-old, one of India’s most reliable red-ball performers, was expected to play a crucial role in the high-stakes five-Test series.

However, the BCCI has confirmed that Shami has been ruled out due to a fresh injury setback.

BCCI selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar addressed the media after the squad announcement and provided clarity on the exclusion of Mohammed Shami.

“He’s had a bit of a setback over the past week and got some MRIs done. He was not going to be able to play five Tests,” Agarkar explained.

“We don’t think his workload is where it needs to be. The medical team has confirmed that he’ll be unavailable.

“We were hoping he could play some part, but if he’s not fit, we’d rather pick players who are ready and available.”

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It’s worth noting that Mohammed Shami has been a key figure in India’s pace attack for years, with 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71.

The BCCI also officially announced Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain, marking the beginning of a fresh era in Indian cricket.

The 25-year-old replaces Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from the format along with veterans Virat Kohli and R Ashwin.

Gill will lead India for the first time in a challenging five-match series against England, with the first Test scheduled at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20.

The remaining matches will be played at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

India squad for the Test series against England

Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain & wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.

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