Tag: New Zealand

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.

READ: England suffer major setback ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 opener

Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday in their frenetic opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign that has been utterly overshadowed by war, politics and protests.

The Iranian team’s very presence at the Los Angeles Stadium had long felt uncertain, after months of military conflict between their nation and the United States.

At last able to focus on the football, the Iranian players twice found themselves trailing to the tournament’s lowest-ranked team, thanks to goals from New Zealand striker Elijah Just.

However, with a vocally pro-Iran crowd drowning out planned protests by anti-government demonstrators, equalisers from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi spared Team Melli any further embarrassment.

The Iran team have dealt with a gamut of obstacles before even arriving at this World Cup, from delayed and refused US visas, to moving their training camp to Mexico at the last minute.

Hundreds of protesters against Iran’s ruling regime demonstrated outside the venue on Monday, saying the team does not represent their people.

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Many inside the stadium sported anti-government emblems, nonchalantly flouting FIFA rules against political messaging, and the Iranian anthem received boos and cheers.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei had insisted on the eve of the game that his players would not “pay attention to any of the hype.”

But his side was stunned by an early New Zealand goal on the counter created by veteran striker Chris Wood. Collecting a long pass in the seventh minute, the Nottingham Forest target man expertly held up the ball, turned and played in the onrushing Elijah Just.

After a sharp exchange of passes with Sarpreet Singh and Wood, Just leapt and smashed a volley into the net.

Iran’s star forward Mehdi Taremi nearly levelled in the 23rd minute, the former Inter Milan man’s long-range effort ricocheting off the right post.

They came close again as Kiwi keeper Max Crocombe was tackled outside his box, only able to watch as a lobbed effort at his open goal faded wide.

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Iran’s equaliser did come in the 32nd minute with a poacher’s finish from wingback Rezaeian. Rezaeian latched onto a rebound following Saman Ghoddos’ smart pass into Shahriyar Moghanlou, whose shot on the turn was blocked by the outstretched leg of Finn Surman.

Iran defender Ali Nemati thought he had scored in first-half stoppage time, but his header from a free kick was comfortably offside.

New Zealand retook the lead in the 55th minute. Motherwell striker Just bagged a brace via a crisp one-two with Wood, after Liberato Cacace had stolen the ball on the halfway line.

But they were again pegged back nine minutes later, as Mohebi’s leaping header from Rezaeian’s superb cross glanced off the inside post.

The game’s final half hour saw Iran on the front foot, but unable to grab a winner due to a combination of sloppy finishing and dogged New Zealand defending.

The draw dents Iran’s hopes of progressing to the knockouts for the first time, though fellow Group G contenders Egypt and Belgium also drew on Monday. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s wait for a first World Cup win goes on.

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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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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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Batter Will Young was drafted into the New Zealand Test squad on Saturday in place of Kane Williamson, who called time on his international career mid-series against England.

Young will arrive in London on Sunday and join the squad ahead of the second Test at the Oval from Wednesday, Cricket New Zealand said.

Williamson, New Zealand’s most prolific run-scorer, stunned the cricketing world with his retirement announcement on Friday ahead of the second Test.

The 35-year-old former skipper, who played in the first England Test, said that “it just feels like the right time for me to step away”.

“I feel really good about it,” said Williamson, one of the ‘Fab Four’ batter of his generation alongside India’s Virat Kohli, Australia’s Steve Smith and England’s Joe Root.

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His decision sparked a slew of praise from some of the leading lights of the game.

“From an opponent to a friend over the years,” Kohli said of Williamson.

“It’s been a pleasure watching you bat and compete against you over so many years but more than that I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond.”

Fellow Indian great Sachin Tendulkar was equally effusive.

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“A thorough gentleman and a true role model for youngsters,” Tendulkar said. “His retirement will probably be received with unexpected relief in more than a few bowling camps.”

Young has played 23 Tests but is yet to score a century, with a highest score of 89.

England lead the three-Test series 1-0 after winning the opener at Lord’s by 115 runs.

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New Zealand’s most prolific run-scorer and arguably greatest batter Kane Williamson announced his immediate retirement from international cricket on Friday in the middle of their series against England.

The 35-year-old former skipper called time ahead of the second Test at The Oval next week. He played in the Black Caps’ defeat in the first Test at Lord’s, making 0 and 18.

“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time,” he said.

“I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand.

“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.

Williamson said he felt “optimistic” about the team’s direction.

“There’s a huge amount of talent and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team,” he said.

Williamson made his international debut in 2010 and played 378 games for his country, finishing as New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer with 19,346 including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

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He played 110 Tests, smacking 33 centuries on his way to 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06.

His leadership style was much admired and he captained the side in all three formats during a golden period from 2016 to 2024.

During that time, New Zealand made two World Cup finals, three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

“Anyone who’s had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person,” said New Zealand coach Rob Walter.

“His numbers and batting skills speak for themselves, but it’s what he means to this Black Caps team, as well as world cricket — that will be his legacy.

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“His impact on the culture and standards of this team will remain embedded in its DNA.”

Williamson’s list of accolades is immense, including being named the ICC Cricketer of 2015 and Test player of the year in 2019, while also winning the domestic Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on a record four occasions.

New Zealand great Hadlee hailed him as “a wonderful player and fine leader”.

“He’s demonstrated a willingness to continually advance his game to the highest level in all three formats and he rightfully finishes as one of the best players of his era,” he said.

“The way he prepared himself physically and mentally was perhaps the most impressive part. He was always committed to working hard and developing his technique to ensure he was ready to be a world class player.

“He’s been an unflappable leader and the architect of some of our greatest moments in cricket.”

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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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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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Gus Atkinson took a five-wicket haul as England thrashed New Zealand by 115 runs to win the first Test at Lord’s on Sunday.

Surrey paceman Atkinson took 5-30 — his fourth five-wicket innings haul in three Tests at Lord’s — as England went 1-0 up in a three-match series.

But fellow seamer Ollie Robinson was named player-of-the-match after marking his first Test in over two years with seven wickets in the match — including a Test-best haul of 5-39, featuring a rare triple-wicket maiden, in New Zealand’s meagre first-innings 113.

England’s success also owed much to debutant opener Emilo Gay’s 57 in their second-innings 226.

On Sunday, Devon Conway (41) and Glenn Phillips (44 not out) kept England at bay with a seventh-wicket partnership of 53 — New Zealand’s highest of a low-scoring match.

England still only needed 19 overs to take the five wickets they required for victory as their first Test since a woeful 4-1 Ashes series loss in Australia, ended in a comprehensive success.

New Zealand’s overnight 55-5 became 58-6 when Tom Blundell was lbw to fast bowler Josh Tongue.

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Left-handed opener Conway, who resumed on 19 not out, slashed Tongue through gully for four.

He should have been out next ball for 24 when Harry Brook dropped a two-handed chance above his head at second slip after the batter tried to uppercut Tongue.

New batter Phillips drilled Robinson through extra-cover for four on another overcast morning that favoured the fast bowlers, with stroke-play far from easy on a pitch of inconsistent bounce.

The aggressive Phillips thrashed a slightly wide Robinson delivery through the covers for four.

England captain Ben Stokes brought himself on but Phillips clipped his fifth ball through midwicket for four to bring up New Zealand’s hundred.

Stokes did break through when he squared up Conway with a good-length ball that took the edge, Jacob Bethell holding a fine low catch in the gully to end a gritty 91-ball innings.

New Zealand’s 111-7 was transformed into 116-8 when Atkinson had Nathan Smith caught behind.

And the Black Caps were nine wickets down and on the brink of defeat when Kyle Jamieson, who made 38 not out in the first innings, fell for six after clipping Atkinson to midwicket

Phillips defiantly pulled Tongue for six – one of eight boundaries in 52 balls faced.

But there was nothing he could do when Atkinson bowled last man Matt Henry for a duck to finish with innings figure of 5-30 in 11.3 overs.

The series now moves across London to the Oval, where the second Test starts on June 17.

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