Tag: England

England Test captain and dynamic all-rounder Ben Stokes is open to once again returning to One-Day Internationals (ODIs) ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year.

Stokes, who announced his retirement from ODI cricket during the home series against South Africa in 2022, undid his decision to represent England in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

The defending champions did not fare well in the tournament, suffering an early exit and finishing seventh with six points in nine matches.

Ben Stokes, who was brought out of the ODI retirement by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), however, did well with the bat as he scored 304 runs in six appearances at a brilliant average of over 50. He also scored a century in the global event.

The all-rounder has not played an ODI since England’s last ICC World Cup 2023 fixture against Pakistan.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, in his recent interview with Sky Sports, Ben Stokes lauded England’s new talent, currently in action against a five-match ODI series against Australia.

“This white-ball team has gone in a new direction,” said Stokes.

“We’ve seen some unbelievable talent come through, just to point out one: Jacob Bethell, who I think is going to be a superstar.

“I’ve played a lot of white-ball cricket for England, I’m very happy and content with what I’ve achieved in that form of the game.”

The all-rounder then went on to share that if he gets a call to represent England in both white-ball teams, he would say “yes”.

“If I am part of the white-ball teams’ plans going forward in any way, shape or form then great,” said Stokes. “If I get the call, saying ‘do you want to come and play?’ It’s definitely going to be a ‘yes’,” said Stokes.

“But I’m not going to be too disappointed if I don’t because it means someone’s come in and doing really well. I can just sit back and watch everyone else go out and smack it,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Ben Stokes is set to undergo a scan for his hamstring injury next week ahead of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.

The star all-rounder is currently nursing a hamstring injury, which he suffered in August during the The Hundred 2024.

READ: Pakistan’s Haris beats England’s Blackwell in second round of British Open

England women’s cricket captain Heather Knight has been reprimanded and given a suspended £1,000 ($1,300) fine after a historical photograph of her in “blackface” emerged on social media.

Knight, set to lead England at next month’s Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, said she was “truly sorry” for conduct that was deemed “racist and discriminatory” by Cricket Discipline Commission adjudicator Tim O’Gorman.

However, O’Gorman accepted there was no racist or discriminatory intent by Heather Knight, who was 21 when the image was taken at a sports-themed fancy dress party in 2012.

Knight, whose fine has been suspended for two years, said in a statement: “I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012. It was wrong and I have long regretted it.

“Back then, I simply was not as educated as to the implications and consequences of my actions as I have become since. There was no ill-intent meant.

“Whilst I can’t change the past, I am passionate and committed to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game, ensuring under-represented groups are afforded the same opportunities and fulfilment within the game as I have.”

The picture of Heather Knight in blackface was posted to the Facebook account of another person.

Knight promptly accepted the charges brought last month, showed remorse and apologised for her conduct.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Her punishment also takes into account the fact she did not have any education about the issues involved in posing for such a photo at the time and the work she undertakes to promote diversity and inclusion.

O’Gorman’s judgement said: “At a ‘sports stars’ themed party in 2012, Ms Knight appeared in a photo in fancy dress with blackface. This, I find, was racist and discriminatory conduct.

“(But) I find and accept that there was no racist or discriminatory intent in the blackface itself.

“It is accepted that Ms Knight did not herself post the photograph on any social media platform, has no power to delete the photo and has no power to control how it has been posted (or might be posted in future).

“I consider that it is inappropriate and unnecessary to require a further apology.”

Heather Knight’s teammate Danni Wyatt-Hodge was reprimanded two years ago for charges relating to blackface from an Instagram post in 2013.

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould said: “Heather recognises this was a serious error of judgement which took place more than 10 years ago and has rightly apologised.

“As a public figure and leader, Heather has worked tirelessly to foster a more inclusive and equitable future for cricket.”

READ: Adil Rashid breaks silence on retirement plans

CHESTER-LE-STREET: England leg-spinner Adil Rashid on Monday, opened up regarding the future of his professional career, stating he has no plans to retire “any time soon”.

The 36-year-old spinner and right-arm speedster Jofra Archer are the only two members of England’s World Cup-winning team in the squad for the ongoing white-ball home series against Australia.

Rashid is the oldest member of the inexperienced England side by five years with fellow World Cup winners Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow left out of the squad, which features new faces.

Meanwhile, Adil Rashid remained confident about his future in the young team and said he has not thought about retirement yet.

“I have not thought about it [retirement] yet,” Rashid told the BBC.

“Keep playing, enjoy it, stay fit, bowl well, contribute to wins, hopefully World Cups and Champions Trophies – that is my ultimate aim.

“I have not thought about retiring or calling it a day any time soon.”

England, who failed to defend both their ODI and T20 World Cup titles, enter a rebuilding process with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in view or more certainly the next T20 World Cup in 2026 and 2027 ODI World Cup.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Three Lions had a rough start to their rebuilding process, having suffered crushing defeats in the first two ODIs of the five-match series against Australia. Their defeat in the second fixture at Headingley was their 10th in the last 14 matches.

“There have been big changes, new batters, new bowlers,” he said.

“It will take time. It will always take time when it is a rebuilding process.

“We have got every base covered in terms of bowling, batting, keeping.

“Everything is there for us. All we have to do now is play the game of cricket, enjoy it, string a few games together of winning and then off we go.”

Despite succumbing to a heavy defeat, England had something to cherish as Adil Rashid became just the third from the nation to amass 200 wickets in ODIs.

“I’m playing each game and each series as it comes and if I’m still enjoying it and performing well, I’ll keep carrying on,” Rashid stated ahead of the third ODI between England and Australia, scheduled here on Tuesday.

Rashid’s “best friend” Moeen Ali announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this month, just days after being left out of England’s white-ball squads for the Australia series.

“We always have that banter and vibes,” he added. “That’s not there anymore but that is life. Everything moves on.”

READ: Team ‘unity’ among key points discussed in Connection Camp

England captain Ben Stokes is set to undergo a scan for his hamstring injury next week ahead of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.

The star all-rounder is currently nursing a hamstring injury, which he suffered in August during the The Hundred 2024.

He was playing for the Northern Superchargers in the tournament when he tore his left hamstring which kept him away from cricket for the rest of the summer season, including the home Test series against Sri Lanka.

However, he resumed light batting training in late August. He recently partook in a lengthy net session at Durham’s Chester-le-Street last week and participated in the Celebrity Pro-Am at the PGA Championship golf at Wentworth.

The scan next week will determine Stokes’ fitness level and his ongoing recovery ahead of the first Test against Pakistan, which is set to commence on October 7.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Notably, Ben Stokes was named in England’s 17-member squad for the Test series against Pakistan, however, his participation would be subject to fitness.

Furthermore, left-handed opener Zak Crawley, who is recovering from a thumb injury was also among England’s 17-member squad for the Pakistan Tests.

Crawley sustained the injury while attempting a catch in the last Test of the three-match series against West Indies.

England will tour Pakistan with momentum as the side recently secured series victories over West Indies and Sri Lanka while the Green Shirts succumbed to a new low after losing the two-match home series against Bangladesh 2-0.

England last toured Pakistan in 2022 for a three-match Test series and blew away the home side, securing a whitewash.

England Men’s Test Squad:

Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

READ: Asif Ali aims to earn Pakistan recall with strong Champions Cup display

SOUTHAMPTON: Travis Head made a valuable 59 and leg-spinner Adam Zampa took two cheap wickets as Australia beat England by 28 runs in the first T20I at The Rose Bowl on Wednesday.

Opening batsman Head’s quickfire innings was the cornerstone of Australia’s seemingly below-par 179 all out.

But with Zampa taking an economical 2-20 in a match where England’s slow bowlers also impressed, it was more than enough as the hosts were dismissed for 151 to leave Australia 1-0 up in a three-match series.

“It was a nice start,” said player-of-the-match Travis Head at the presentation ceremony, adding: “For me it was about using the pace well which I think I did.”

Stand-in England captain Phil Salt, leading the team in place of the injured Jos Buttler, said: “Everything was good (about captaincy) apart from the result.”

Turning to Head’s 23-ball innings, which featured eight fours and four sixes, Salt said: “When the ball starts flying like that it is all about how to shut him down.

“Maybe we could have done a bit better but it has given something to get clarity on in the next game.”

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh praised Head and opening partner Matthew Short for their “exciting” start against England before also lauding Zampa and experienced fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

“We’re lucky to have guys like Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood in our team, especially for some of our younger guys to learn from,” he said. “I went back to them and they both applied the pressure when needed.”

England collapsed to 52-4 inside eight overs in their first limited-overs international since sacking white-ball coach Matthew Mott after the Australian presided over lacklustre defences of their 50-over and T20 World Cup titles.

Jordan Cox, one of three England debutants, fell for 17 when he was brilliantly caught in the deep, with the sprinting Tim David diving full length to hold a two-handed chance over his shoulder.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Salt, a potential dangerman, pulled Sean Abbott to deep square leg before Jacob Bethell was clean bowled by Zampa.

Liam Livingstone took up the attack with a 37 featuring a huge six over midwicket off Marcus Stoinis.

Together with Sam Curran, he added 54 until the latter clothed a pull off Sean Abbott to backward square leg.

And 106-5 became 108-6 in the 14th over when Livingstone played on to Hazlewood (2-32).

Zampa all but ended the game when he had Jamie Overton (15) playing on to leave England 128-8.

Earlier, Australia were set for a total in excess of 200 after being sent into bat.

But Livingstone took 3-22 and fellow spinner Adil Rashid, the world’s top-ranked T20 bowler, a typically economical 1-23 in his four overs as England fought back.

Left-hander Head took advantage of wayward fast bowling and hit 30 runs off one Curran over.

But going for another big hit, the 30-year-old holed out off Saqib Mahmood to deep square leg, where Cox held a safe catch.

Four balls later Australia’s 86-1 became 89-2 when Marsh was clean bowled by Rashid as he heaved across the line.

Livingstone took two wickets in two balls, both lbw on review, when he dismissed Stoinis (10) and David, with fast bowler Jofra Archer doing the same late on.

READ: USA cricketer makes massive claim about future game against Pakistan

England all-rounder Moeen Ali announced to hang up his boots from international cricket, bringing curtains down on an illustrious 10-year career.

“I’m 37 years old and didn’t get picked for this month’s Australia series,” Moeen said in a Daily Mail interview.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket for England. It’s time for the next generation, which was also explained to me. It felt like the time was right. I’ve done my part.”

The Birmingham-born left-handed batter and right-arm spinner has played in 68 tests, 138 ODIs and 92 T20Is for England since 2014, with his last international appearance in June.

He has scored five centuries in tests and three in ODIs, also taking 366 wickets across all three formats.

Moeen Ali was part of England’s squad during their successful ODI World Cup in 2019 and T20 World Cup in 2022.

Ali, who holds the England record for the fastest half-century in T20Is having reached fifty in 16 balls against South Africa in 2022, said he was proud of his international career.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I’m very proud. When you first play for England, you don’t know how many games you’re going to play. So to play nearly 300…I know they were the best days of my life,” he said.

“My first few years were all about Test cricket. Once Morgs [Eoin Morgan] took over the one-day stuff, that was more fun. But Test cricket was the proper cricket.

“Even now, I’ve tried to be realistic. I could hold on and try to play for England again, but I know in reality I won’t.

Even retiring, I don’t feel it’s because I’m not good enough — I still feel I can play. But I get how things are, and the team needs to evolve into another cycle. It’s about being real to myself.”

The all-rounder also announced that he will continue to play franchise cricket across the globe and will look forward to taking coaching roles in the future.

“A bit of franchise cricket, because I still love playing. But coaching is something I want to do — I want to be one of the best,” he added.

“I can learn a lot from Baz [Brendon McCullum]. I hope people remember me as a free spirit. I played some nice shots and some bad shots, but hopefully, people enjoyed watching me.”

READ: PCB chief Naqvi addresses venue concerns regarding England Test series

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson admits he is a big fan of “phenomenal” Joe Root, believing England’s top-ranked Test batsman will break many more records.

New Zealand will begin their South Asia tour against Afghanistan in a one-off Test near New Delhi on Monday, ahead of two Tests in Sri Lanka and three more in India.

Williamson is one of the current generation of leading Test batsmen alongside Root, Virat Kohli of India and Australia’s Steve Smith, who were dubbed the “Fab Four” by late New Zealand great Martin Crowe.

“(Root) has been phenomenal, and I’m obviously a big fan of his,” 34-year-old Williamson told reporters at the Greater Noida ground on Saturday, the venue for the Afghanistan clash.

“I’ve enjoyed watching not just him, but obviously those other guys,” he said, referring to Kohli and Smith.

He called all three “amazing players” that have “moved the game forward in a big way”.

Root has been among the runs lately, in contrast to the dipping form of Kohli and Smith.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The former England captain Joe Root has been in blazing form in recent weeks, scoring three centuries and three fifties in five home Tests, including hundreds in both innings against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.

Root scored his 34th Test century in the process to go past Alastair Cook’s previous England record of 33 tons and now stands in seventh spot on the list of the all-time run-scorers with 12,390 runs.

India, batting great Sachin Tendulkar, tops the chart with 15,921 runs and 51 centuries in a glittering 200-Test career that ended in 2013.

Kane Williamson said Root, who is only 33 years old and has played 146 Tests, has the potential to surpass Tendulkar.

“There is a lot of attention on what he might achieve in the years to come,” he said.

New Zealand will be playing their first Test in six months when they take on Afghanistan, but Williamson said he felt confident.

“Playing for my country, for my team, makes me perform on the field,” he said, adding he was “very excited” to play six away Tests which will count towards the World Test Championship.

“In some ways, it’s like a tournament sport, even though it’s over a long period”, he said.

READ: WATCH: Chris Woakes bowls spin in third Test against Sri Lanka

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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

Test coach Brendon McCullum says he wants to make England’s white-ball teams feel “10 feet tall and bulletproof” when he takes charge of the limited-overs sides in a major leadership shake-up.

The New Zealander has reinvigorated England’s Test set-up alongside captain Ben Stokes since 2022 and will seek to bring his attacking approach to the limited-overs teams.

McCullum, 42, has extended his contract until the end of 2027, officially taking over the one-day international and Twenty20 sides in January to coincide with a tour of India and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

He will succeed Matthew Mott, sacked as coach in July following lacklustre defences of England’s 50-over and Twenty20 World Cup titles.

One of McCullum’s most pressing tasks is to revive the fortunes of limited-overs skipper Jos Buttler.

Buttler, 33, will miss the upcoming T20 series against Australia with a calf injury but McCullum backed the man he called England’s greatest-ever white-ball player to come good in the twilight of his career.

“He’s not naturally as expressive as some may be but I think he’s done a great job. He’s an incredibly gifted player and he’s a fine leader,” said McCullum.

“My job is to get the best out of him so that all those guys that sit in the dressing room feel like they can be 10 feet tall and bulletproof when they walk out to play.”

The former New Zealand captain added: “Jos and I actually start from a strong base. We know each other, we’re mates, we have similar styles of play.

“If he was to retire today, he’d go down as probably the greatest white-ball player England’s ever produced, so the opportunity for the next three or four years is just to enjoy it.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Brendon McCullum was speaking at The Oval, where England face Sri Lanka in the final Test of their 2024 home campaign starting Friday.

England are already 2-0 up in the three-match series, having whitewashed the West Indies 3-0 earlier in the season.

One more win would give England their first perfect home Test season in 20 years and be a further endorsement of their progress under McCullum and Stokes.

They could now be together for at least two more Ashes series, with McCullum also leaving the door open for Stokes to continue to feature in major white-ball events.

“The skipper and I haven’t spoken about that actually but I’m assuming he’s all in. He seems like that sort of bloke.”

Stokes, 33, came out of one-day international retirement to play in the 50-over World Cup last year but has not played white-ball cricket for England since.

“There’ll be some bilateral series where we simply can’t have all of our best players playing at the same time,” added McCullum.

“But when it comes to major events and big series, I think those players are very much in those discussions.

“Ben loves big moments and big stages.”

As for his own increased responsibilities, an optimistic McCullum said: “I don’t see it being a problem… It’s going to be an added workload that’s for sure, but some bets are worth it, right?”

READ: England seek Pakistan clarity after reports say Test could be moved

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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