Tag: England

The England Women’s selection panel has named the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies, set to begin on 21 May.

England will play three T20Is and three ODIs under new captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.

The T20I series, the first under Sciver-Brunt and head coach Charlotte Edwards’ leadership, gets underway with the opening match on Wednesday, 21 May in Canterbury.

Warwickshire duo Emily Arlott and Issy Wong are selected. Arlott, who is yet to make her international debut, is named in both groups.

She scored a century batting at number seven against Essex and has taken 13 wickets so far in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, while fast bowler Wong impressed for England Women A in their recent tour of Australia and in her county’s opening matches.

Alice Davidson-Richards and Emma Lamb have made a comeback in the ODI side.

Davidson-Richards last represented her country against Sri Lanka in an ODI in September 2023, while Lamb is the leading run-scorer in the county, also taking 12 wickets in her opening six matches for Lancashire.

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The Blazing opening batter Tammy Beaumont and spinner Linsey Smith – the leading wicket-taker in the Metro Bank One Day Cup – are selected in both squads.

Sophie Ecclestone has been unable to play domestic cricket due to a knee injury, and her return to the Lancashire side has come too late for her to be deemed ready for selection for this series.

Meanwhile, the England Cricket Board (ECB) is delighted to confirm Lydia Greenway as England Women’s new National Selector.

The former England batter will work alongside Head Coach Edwards, Managing Director Clare Connor and Performance Director Jonathan Finch as part of the four-strong selection panel. Greenway has advised on the selection of this squad.

It is pertinent to mention that all-rounders Freya Kemp and Danielle Gibson are unavailable due to injury.

England Squad For T20Is:

Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Emily Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell , Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

England Squad For ODIs :

Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Alice Davidson-Richards, Emily Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Mahika Gaur , Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith

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The England Cricket Board (ECB) has named the men’s squad for the white-ball series against West Indies, set to commence later this month.

England, led by new captain Harry Brook, will play three ODIs and three T20Is against the West Indies.

The ODI series gets underway with the opening match on Thursday, 29 May at Edgbaston.

Liam Dawson is among the notable inclusions to the T20I squad, making his comeback for the first time since September 2022. The left-arm spinner, known for his versatility, will look to add to his 11 T20I caps.

Additionally, Luke Wood also returns to the England T20 set-up, having last featured in September 2023.

For ODI, England has looked to continuity, as the majority of the squad is the same that played in the ICC Champions Trophy. Tom Hartley, who last represented England in September 2023 against Ireland, has been included in the ODI squad.

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While batting all-rounder Will Jacks has been named in both squads, marking a return to the England set-up.

England ODI Squad:

Harry Brook (Captain), Jofra Archer,  Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton,  Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks,  Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Joe Root , Jamie Smith

England T20I Squad:

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

Schedule for ODI and T20I Series:

1st ODI: England v West Indies, Thursday 29 May 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham

2nd ODI: England v West Indies, Sunday 1 June 2025, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

3rd ODI: England v West Indies, Tuesday 3 June 2025, Kia Oval, London

1st IT20: England v West Indies, Friday 6thJune 2025, Banks Home Riverside, Durham

2nd IT20: England v West Indies, Sunday 8th June 2025, Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol

3rd IT20: England v West Indies, Tuesday 10thJune, Utilita Bowl, Southampton

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India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has reportedly opted out of contention for the Test captaincy.

Bumrah, who was considered a frontrunner to succeed Rohit Sharma in the longest format, has communicated to the board that he is not in a position to commit to playing all five Tests in a series, primarily due to workload management concerns.

According to media reports, selectors are now looking for someone who can consistently feature across an entire Test series, a critical factor with the five-match series against England on the horizon and the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle about to begin.

“Bumrah was seen as the most likely candidate to take over from Rohit, but he has made it clear that managing his fitness and longevity as a fast bowler remains the priority,” a source close to the development revealed.

“Given the intensity of the five-Test series, especially in a short window, his decision is understandable.”

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With Jasprit Bumrah stepping aside, the BCCI’s focus has now shifted to younger names like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, both seen as long-term prospects who could lead India into the next generation of Test cricket.

Veteran batter KL Rahul, despite his experience and recent performances in Australia, is reportedly not in the running. At 33, selectors are said to have reservations over his consistency and long-term viability.

Rahul scored 276 runs in five Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, including two gritty half-centuries, and is expected to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in England.

Interestingly, Rahul also boasts a solid Test record in English conditions, with 614 runs in nine matches at an average of 34.11, including a memorable 149 at The Oval in 2018.

But the selectors appear keen on building a team and leadership core that can last through the next WTC cycle.

The five-match Test series against England kicks off at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, followed by matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

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India’s legendary batter Virat Kohli has informed the BCCI of his intention to retire from Test cricket, sources close to the development revealed, with the five-match Test series in England around the corner.

The 36-year-old has reportedly been in talks with top BCCI officials for the past month, exploring the possibility of stepping away from the longest format of the game, a format he once ruled and revolutionised as captain.

Should Kohli follow through with this decision, it would mark the end of a remarkable red-ball career that has spanned over 14 years.

Having already retired from T20Is in 2024 following India’s World Cup triumph, Kohli’s Test exit would signal the closing of an era for Indian cricket, especially coming so soon after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.

Despite reports suggesting Virat Kohli might be included in the squad for the England series, primarily due to his vast experience, clarity is still awaited.

With India set to tour under a new Test captain, his presence could prove vital, even if just to steady a transitional phase.

Statistically, Kohli’s Test journey boasts 123 matches and 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including a memorable tenure as captain across 68 Tests.

However, his red-ball form has seen a noticeable decline, with his average dipping to 32.56 in the past two years, despite a century in Perth in late 2024.

Kohli remains among the elite A+ category in the BCCI’s central contracts — a bracket usually reserved for all-format players.

But with T20Is already behind him and his future in Tests uncertain, a shift in his cricketing priorities seems increasingly likely.

It’s worth noting that the Test series between India and England will kick off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, followed by matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

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Uncapped batter James Rew has been called up to the England squad to replace the injured Jordan Cox ahead of the forthcoming Test match against Zimbabwe, which gets underway at Trent Bridge on 22 May.

Cox was ruled out of the squad after injuring his abdominal muscles while batting for Essex against Somerset in the latest round of the County Championship.

In his absence, 21-year-old Rew has been called up to the England squad due to his impressive form for Somerset this season. Rew is currently averaging 54.21 with the bat, including a highest score of 152.

A graduate of the England Lions pathway, Rew toured Australia with the Lions last winter and played a pivotal role in the Young Lions team that reached the ICC U19 World Cup final in 2022, alongside current internationals Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell.

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Rew will join the Test squad at their pre-series training camp next week as they prepare for the start of the international summer.

England aims to use the upcoming Test against Zimbabwe to build momentum ahead of their five-match Test series against India, which begins on June 20 at Headingley.

The match at Trent Bridge will mark Zimbabwe’s first Test in the UK since 2003, representing a historic return after more than two decades.

England squad for Zimbabwe Test

Ben Stokes (Durham) – captain, Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Cook (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), James Rew (Somerset), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire).

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ANTIGUA: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a largely unchanged 15-player squad for the upcoming ODI series against Ireland and England.

West Indies will play three ODIs against Ireland, slated to commence on 21 May. This will be followed by a similar number of ODIs against England, beginning on 29 May.

West Indies squad remains unchanged from the successful series against Bangladesh and England in 2024. The tours will provide the West Indies with an opportunity to build a team for the 2027 World Cup.

Shimron Hetmyer is among the notable exclusions from the previous squad that whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 in December 2024, while Wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew returns to the team.

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West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy welcomed the team building ahead of the next World Cup.

“These matches form a critical component towards the 2027 World Cup, and there are signs of the team building consistency following the series sweep against Bangladesh and the win over England late last year,” he said.

“We expect the conditions to be challenging but we are creating a culture and mindset which emphasize playing the brand of cricket that is taking us closer to some of our overall objectives,” he added.

The West Indies are eyeing a direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe as they currently sit in ninth place in the ICC ODI rankings.

West Indies Squad:

Shai Hope (C), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

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Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza has been recalled as Zimbabwe announced their 15-member squad for the one-off Test against England, scheduled to begin on May 22 at Trent Bridge.

The fixture holds historical significance, as it will be Zimbabwe’s first Test on English soil in over two decades, with their last appearance dating back to 2003.

Zimbabwe recently played a competitive two-match Test series in Bangladesh, which ended 1-1. The visitors had stunned the hosts with a three-wicket win in the first Test before Bangladesh bounced back to level the series.

Three changes have been made to the squad that toured Bangladesh. Sikandar Raza replaces Jonathan Campbell, adding much-needed experience and balance to the side.

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Clive Madande, fit again after an injury layoff, slots in as the backup wicketkeeper in place of Nyasha Mayavo.

Pacer Newman Nyamhuri has been brought in for the seamer-friendly English conditions, replacing young spinner Vincent Masekesa, who impressed on debut with a five-wicket haul but misses out this time.

Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion and urged his players to back themselves against a world-class England outfit.

“We’re up against one of the best teams in the world, but the message is simple — we belong here,” said Sammons. “I want to see the guys walking out there with belief, embracing and enjoying the moment.”

Zimbabwe squad for England Test

Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.

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The England Men’s selection panel has named a 13-player squad for the upcoming Rothesay Test match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, which begins on Thursday, 22 May 2025.

This historic fixture marks Zimbabwe’s first Test on English soil since 2003 and is set to launch England’s international summer.

The squad includes two uncapped players at Test level – Essex duo Sam Cook and Jordan Cox.

Cook, 27, has been one of the most consistent bowlers in County cricket in recent years.

He boasts 318 first-class wickets at an average of 19.77 and impressed on the England Lions tour of Australia over the winter, taking 13 wickets across three matches.

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Nottinghamshire seamer Josh Tongue earns a recall to the Test squad, having last featured during the Ashes in 2023.

After overcoming a series of injuries, he has been in impressive form this season with 15 wickets at an average of 24 in the Championship.

The batting lineup remains mostly the same from England’s previous Test series against New Zealand, with Zak Crawley keeping his place despite short of runs-he has not scored a half-century in his last five Tests.

This will also be England captain Ben Stokes’ first competitive match of the year after suffering from a hamstring injury for the second time in six months in England’s final Test in New Zealand.

England Men’s squad for Test Match against Zimbabwe

Ben Stokes (Durham) – Captain, Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Cook (Essex), Jordan Cox (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)

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England fast bowler Olly Stone will miss the majority of a five-match Test series against India after undergoing knee surgery, which will rule him out for 14 weeks.

Stone played the last of his five Tests against Sri Lanka in September and had been hoping to push for further honours with Nottinghamshire this year.

But the latest in a long line of fitness issues means he will be starting a long recovery period of more than three months as the county season gets underway on Friday.

He joins fellow England quicks Mark Wood and Brydon Carse on the sidelines at the start of the domestic campaign.

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“England and Nottinghamshire fast bowler Olly Stone has been ruled out of all cricket for 14 weeks following scans and subsequent surgery this week, which confirmed a right knee injury,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.

“Stone experienced increasing discomfort during Nottinghamshire’s pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi last month.

“Further scans conducted this week revealed the need for surgery. He will now begin a period of rehabilitation, working closely with the medical teams at both the ECB and Nottinghamshire.”

England will face Zimbabwe in a one-off Test from May 22 in preparation for the visit on India, with the five-match Test series beginning on June 20.

Stone could be back in action by the time of the final two Tests but is more likely to return for the London Spirit in the Hundred, which begins on August 5.

READ: ‘It’s selfish’: Michael Vaughan warns against giving white-ball captaincy to Ben Stokes

England star batter Harry Brook, on Monday, pulled out of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying he needed “to recharge” and focus on international cricket.

The 26-year-old, who is regarded as a front-runner to replace Jos Buttler as England white-ball captain, was signed to Delhi Capitals for the new IPL season beginning later this month.

“I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL,” Brook posted on his social media. “I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters.”

Free-scoring batsman Brook also withdrew from his contract with the Delhi side last season after the death of his grandmother.

He now faces a possible two-year suspension under rules designed to prevent late pullouts from the money-spinning T20 league by overseas players. Exceptions can be made, mostly for injuries.

“I love cricket. Ever since I was a young boy, I have dreamt of playing for my country, and I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to play the game I love at this level,” Brook added.

England are set to play five Tests against India from June during their home summer this year, followed by an Ashes tour to Australia starting in November.

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Either side of the India Tests, England host white-ball series against each of the West Indies, South Africa and Ireland plus a one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May.

“It is a really important time for England cricket, and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series,” he further stated. “In order to do this, I need time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date.”

Buttler resigned as white-ball captain after England’s dismal group-stage exit at the Champions Trophy, where they failed to win a match.

“I know not everyone will understand, and I don’t expect them to, but I have to do what I believe is right, and playing for my country remains my priority and focus, said Brook.

“I remain hugely grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the support I receive.”

Harry Brook played one previous season in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023, when he scored a 55-ball century against Kolkata Knight Riders.

The 2025 IPL begins on March 22, when defending champions Kolkata host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens.

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