Curran in line for Test comeback, could return for third Pakistan Test
Curran, who last played in the format in 2021, missed out on England's squad to play Pakistan due to concerns around his fitness
Lancashire Sign Pakistan Spinner Noman Ali For Six Matches Of The County Championship
Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground: Lancashire have signed Pakistan's experienced spinner Noman Ali for the last six matches of the County Championship at the Old Trafford Stadium as they look to move up in the division before the season comes to an end. Since making his Test debut in 2021, he has taken over 100 wickets at an average of around 25, including a career-best 8 for 46 against England, and became the first Pakistan spinner to take a Test hat-trick, achieving the feat against West Indies in 2025. Last October, Ali was ranked No. 2 in the ICC Men's Test bowling rankings after his ten-wicket haul in the first Test against South Africa in Lahore. Noman is expected to make his debut for Lancashire as they take on Northamptonshire in the County Championship, starting on Thursday 20 August. The game is also the Club's Red Ball Celebration fixture at Old Trafford Cricket Ground. I am looking forward to playing for Lancashire and experiencing county cricket in England for the first time. The County Championship is a great competition, and I'm very excited to play at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Lancashire is one of the biggest clubs in the UK, with so much history and heritage. I am following in the footsteps of a Pakistan hero, Wasim Akram, who played for Lancashire for many years, Noman said in an official statement. I'm looking forward to joining up with my new teammates and will be doing all I can to make an impact on and off the field, he added. Mark Chilton, Lancashire's director of cricket, said: Noman is a hugely skilful and experienced spin bowler, and we're delighted to bring him to Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground for the County Championship run-in. I'm looking forward to joining up with my new teammates and will be doing all I can to make an impact on and off the field, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lancashire sit seventh in Division Two of the Championship, though retain an outside chance of promotion if they can string together a series of wins in their final six fixtures. Article Source: IANS
Brijesh Sharma Links Up With Jammu & Kashmir Team Ahead Of 2026/27 Domestic Season
Bengal Pro T20 League: Fast bowler Brijesh Sharma has joined the Jammu and Kashmir squad for the upcoming 2026/27 domestic season. Brijesh hails from Mada town in Udhampur district and came into the limelight after making his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals earlier this year. Though Brijesh had registered as a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) player for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, hes now all set to turn out for his home state Jammu and Kashmir, the current Ranji Trophy holders. Yes, Brijesh Sharma has linked up with the Jammu & Kashmir team for the Ranji Trophy. Hes with the team for the preparation camp and has been progressing well, said a well-placed source in the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) to IANS on Thursday. Recently, Brijesh was named in J&Ks list of players who will play practice games against Uttarakhand from August 10-17 at the SK Stadium in Srinagar, with both teams set to report to the city on August 8. Brijesh played for J&K age-group teams before relocating to Delhi to train under coach Deepak Punia, who was a former pacer in the Ranji Trophy. He earned his IPL contract on the back of a strong showing in the 2025 Bengal Pro T20 League, where he took 11 wickets in seven games for Smashers Malda. In IPL 2026, Brijesh picked up 14 wickets in 13 games in his debut season for Rajasthan Royals (RR), who acquired him at a base price of Rs 30 lakh despite his not having played senior domestic cricket before the tournament. Brijesh played for J&K age-group teams before relocating to Delhi to train under coach Deepak Punia, who was a former pacer in the Ranji Trophy. He earned his IPL contract on the back of a strong showing in the 2025 Bengal Pro T20 League, where he took 11 wickets in seven games for Smashers Malda. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Former Delhi wicketkeeper-batter Punit Bisht, who was Jammu and Kashmir U23 mens head coach, could be promoted to the senior team coaching staff. A search for a suitable replacement for Krishnakumar, who has played an instrumental role in the side becoming a force to be reckoned with in the red-ball format and in the rise of pacer Auqib Nabi, is still on. Article Source: IANS
Noman Ali signs six-match deal with Lancashire
Noman will be in the UK and available to fill in if Pakistan need spin-bowling cover for their Test series against England
England Recall Lawrence For First Two Tests Against Pakistan, Cox To Bat At No.3
Pakistan Tests: Jordan Cox is set to bat at the crucial number three position, while batting all-rounder Dan Lawrence has earned a Test recall after two years after being named in Englands 16-member squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan, starting on August 19 at Headingley. Cox steps into the top order to replace Jacob Bethell, who has been ruled out of the entire three-match series after failing to recover from a right knee injury sustained during the recent 2-1 ODI series win over India. Lawrence has been rewarded for an outstanding County Championship season with Surrey where he leads Division One with five centuries and 788 runs. He will slot in at number six, while his off-spin bowling will also help fill the all-rounder void following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket. The series will also mark Joe Root's first official assignment in his second stint as Englands Test captain since stepping down in 2022. The squad selection involved newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming along with Marcus Trescothick, who will oversee the team as interim head coach for this series before the former assumes full charge. Wicketkeeper-batter Ollie Pope and pacer Brydon Carse make their returns to the Test setup for the first time since last winter's Ashes series, while seamer Sam Cook and fast bowler Ollie Robinson have also been included. We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team. Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season so far with Surrey and we believe he has the right level of experience, maturity and skill to complement our middle order. Wicketkeeper-batter Ollie Pope and pacer Brydon Carse make their returns to the Test setup for the first time since last winter's Ashes series, while seamer Sam Cook and fast bowler Ollie Robinson have also been included. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England squad for first two Tests against Pakistan: Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, and Josh Tongue Article Source: IANS
Three T20Is added to India Women's tour of South Africa
The tour originally comprised a tour game, one Test and three ODIs
LNS vs ML: Approaching Milestones and Records Ahead of Match 23, The Hundred Mens 2026
LNSvs ML,Approaching Milestones and Records :The ongoing Hundred Women's 2026 has intensified as only a few matches are left to play in the group stage. Match no. 23 of the tournament will be played between MI London and London Spirit. This contest is scheduled to start at 11 PM IST on Thursday at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. It is the second time these two teams will face each other. MI London won the previous game by seven wickets. London Spirit are very close to elimination from the tournament. They are placed in seventh place on the table with only one win in five matches. They are virtually eliminated, and only a miracle can save them from here. They need to win the remaining three games, and the other results should go in their favor. MI London have moved to fourth place with 12 points. They beat Manchester Super Giants by 45 runs in the last game. It was a comprehensive win, and they must be confident after that win. Here, we will talk about big records and milestones which are lined up and can be achieved in the LNSvs MLMatch 23 at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London. LNSvs ML: Approaching Test Records and Cricket Milestones Ahead of the LNSvs MLMatch 23 atLord's Cricket Ground in London 3 - Andrew Tye has 367 wickets in 266 T20 matches. He needs three more wickets to surpass Hasan Ali (369). 50 - Jonny Bairstow recorded a golden duck in the last game, but he is near a big record. Bairstow needs 50 runs to surpass Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Will Jacks, Shimron Hetmyer, and Heinrich Klaasen in the run-scoring chart in T20s. 33 - Liam Livingstone (8300) needs 33 runs to surpass Moeen Ali and become the ninth-highest scorer for England in T20 cricket. 108 - Will Jacks has been in good form in this tournament. He needs 108 runs to complete 7000 runs in T20 cricket. Three more fours will help Jacks complete 650 boundaries in T20s. 66 - All-rounder Sam Curran needs 66 runs to complete 6000 T20 runs in his career. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 1 - Sherfane Rutherford needs one six to complete 300 T20 sixes.6 - Nathan Sowter needs six more wickets to reach 200 wickets in T20 cricket.
Labuschagne's 'longest break' leaves him feeling confident
He has not scored a Test hundred since 2023 and Australia are likely to need him to shine over the coming months
Chiripal Squash Excellence gears up for Olympics in Los Angeles
The Chiripal Squash Excellence Programme collaborates with the All Gujarat Squash Rackets Association and the Squash Rackets Federation of India to organize activities in Gujarat and beyond
Sonal Dinusha To Lead SLC XI In Three-day Warm-up Fixture Against India
Sri Lanka Cricket: Young bowling all-rounder Sonal Dinusha has been named captain of a 15-member Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI squad for the upcoming three-day warm-up match against India, scheduled to begin at the NCC Grounds here on Friday. The practice match, which starts at 10am local time, serves as the lone warm-up fixture for the Shubman Gill-led Indian team before the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka gets underway at Galle on August 15. The SLC XI features a strong core of seven Test team contenders - apart from Dinusha, pacers Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando, off-spinner Ramesh Mendis, as well as Nishan Madushka, Pavan Rathnayake, and Anjala Bandara are present. The squad also includes promising performers like left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera, who previously impressed with a 10-wicket match haul against India A, and bowler Kesara Nuwantha, who bagged a five-wicket haul against the same opposition. Dinusha made his Test debut against Bangladesh last year, and has three appearances so far. With several first-team regulars currently featuring in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL), the warm-up fixture presents a vital opportunity for the selected players to push their case for selection ahead of SLC naming its final squad for the two-game Test series. For India, the three-day fixture will provide crucial match practice ahead of facing turning pitches in the island nation. Senior left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is expected to feature in his first competitive outing since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, while newly called-up uncapped players Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi are also set to get game time. Dinusha made his Test debut against Bangladesh last year, and has three appearances so far. With several first-team regulars currently featuring in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL), the warm-up fixture presents a vital opportunity for the selected players to push their case for selection ahead of SLC naming its final squad for the two-game Test series. Also Read: Live Cricket Score SLC XI squad: Nishan Madushka, Ravindu Rashantha, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha (captain), Anjala Bandara (wk), Nipun Dananjaya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asanka Manoj, Isitha Wijesundara, Ramesh Mendis, Kesara Nuwantha and Dilum Sudeera Article Source: IANS
England recall Lawrence to Test team with Cox to bat at No. 3 vs Pakistan
Injured Bethell out of Pakistan series with Pope, Carse and Cook recalled
Mehidy Hasan Miraz century lifts Bangladesh after Corey Rocchiccioli takes six
Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway fell cheaply against Bangladesh's new-ball attack
'Became Greedy In Searching For Runs': Labuschagne Opens Up On Lean Patch Ahead Of Bangladesh Series
Marnus Labuschagne: Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne admitted that a desperate search for runs made him greedy at the crease during his recent lean patch in Tests. At the same time, he expressed confidence that an unprecedented eight-week hiatus has allowed him to reset his technique ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Labuschagne, 32, has failed to reach three figures in his last 22 matches for Australia since his ton during the 2023 Ashes. Despite this pressure and Australia set to begin a rigorous 12-month schedule, Labuschagne is expected to retain his number three spot in the first Test starting in Darwin next Thursday. Sitting here now after eight weeks, being able to go back to my fundamentals and spending hours and hours on my game and the simple things. Its something that I definitely needed, when youre on the road playing for the last seven or eight years straight. This is the longest break Ive had. Its hard to find long-term solutions in such a short time frame when youve only got three weeks between tours and things like that, Labuschagne told reporters at the teams ongoing training camp on Thursday. Reflecting on his prolonged slump, the former world number one Test batter admitted that anxiety over a lack of runs often compounded his problems on the field. When youve missed out a few times, you get a little greedy and start searching for runs instead of letting the game come to you. This is the longest break Ive had. Its hard to find long-term solutions in such a short time frame when youve only got three weeks between tours and things like that, Labuschagne told reporters at the teams ongoing training camp on Thursday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The preparation for the past five weeks here with Australia has been great for that and hopefully we can see the results off the back of all the hard work, he added. Article Source: IANS
WI Could've Made Room For An Extra Spinner, Admits Roston Chase After Loss To Pakistan
Park Oval: Following their eight-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the second Test at the Queens Park Oval, West Indies captain Roston Chase admitted that his team got their bowling balance wrong and could have played another spinner on a pitch where the slower bowlers dominated. On a pitch where spinners accounted for 20 of the 28 wickets to fall, West Indies fielded only left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Chase, who usually bowls off-spin, was hampered by an ongoing finger injury that limited his bowling capabilities. West Indies had another spinner in Joshua Bishop, but they didnt make him play. I don't want to say we misread the pitch, but we didn't think that it was going to spin as much from so early. So I think that that is where the problem came in. And also my injury, I think that we thought I would have been able to bowl a lot more, but rushing back from the injury a bit too quickly, and I was still in some pain in terms of bowling. So I think that was a bit of a dilemma for us. Captaining the side, I would never leave myself out to play anyone else. If I am outright injured and can't play, then I would sit out. But once I can still play as a batsman, I will always play. But I do think that we could have made room for an extra spinner, but it wouldn't have been (instead of) myself at all, said Chase to reporters at the conclusion of the series. Reflecting on the match, Chase felt the fast bowlers failed to adjust quickly enough to the conditions, allowing Pakistan to build a dominant position early in their first innings. I think that we took a bit too long to adapt to the conditions. The wicket wasn't one that was assisting the fast bowlers as much like (the) Brian Lara (Stadium in Tarouba, which hosted the first Test). So I think it's a case where we needed to be more patient and just try to defend one side of the wicket and just try to squeeze them as much as possible into making a mistake, but we still tried to blast them out per se, and I think that gave them too many runs before we really locked it down and stuck to the plan and were a bit more disciplined. West Indies were also pegged back by a leg injury to all-rounder Justin Greaves while batting, which ruled him out of bowling during the match. It was a big miss for me because when things tend to start straying away, Justin is a guy that I can always call on to come and pull it back. He's that guy that he's more of a holding bowler, but he holds so well that it creates so much pressure that he tends to get wickets as well, by batsmen making mistakes, and we saw it in the last game - once he gets going, he's really hard to stop. So, it was a big miss for us as well with that injury. So I just hope that he can get back to full fitness as quick as possible, he stated. West Indies were also pegged back by a leg injury to all-rounder Justin Greaves while batting, which ruled him out of bowling during the match. It was a big miss for me because when things tend to start straying away, Justin is a guy that I can always call on to come and pull it back. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I thought he really stuck to the task and just put the ball in front of the batsman, put the ball in front of the batsman and allowed the pitch to work for him, and he finally reaped the reward. So I want to say congrats to Jomel Warrican and especially for a guy who hasn't been playing as many matches given that we tend to go with the pacers more often than not. Article Source: IANS
DPL 2026: Ranjan Draws Inspiration From Djokovic For Celebration In Maiden Win For Strikers
North Delhi Strikers: North Delhi Strikers captain Sarthak Ranjan revealed that his viral half-century celebration was a tribute to tennis icon Novak Djokovic after his explosive knock of 95 set up a comfortable six-wicket victory for his side over East Delhi Riders in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Chasing 172, Strikers found themselves in early trouble at 39/2 before Ranjan and Yash Bhatia turned the game around with a blistering 113-run stand for the third wicket. Ranjan led from the front, smashing eight sixes and seven fours in his 50-ball 95, including a game-changing 29-run over off pacer Simarjeet Singh, before falling just short of a well-deserved century. It feels great to win, especially because this is my first victory as captain. We lost two early wickets, so the plan was to build a partnership and make sure we didn't fall behind in the powerplay. Once Yash Bhatia came in, things became easier. We had a good partnership in the last match as well, and today he took a lot of pressure off me by finding the boundaries regularly. We just focused on building the innings and knew that one big over would eventually come. I didn't expect it to be that big, but thankfully it worked in our favour, Ranjan said in a statement on Thursday. Ranjan, who caught attention with his unique celebration upon reaching his half-century, admitted it was inspired by 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic. I'm a huge fan of Novak Djokovic, so the celebration was just a tribute to him. I've seen him do it after his victories, and I wanted to celebrate in a similar way, he revealed. We had a good partnership in the last match as well, and today he took a lot of pressure off me by finding the boundaries regularly. We just focused on building the innings and knew that one big over would eventually come. I didn't expect it to be that big, but thankfully it worked in our favour, Ranjan said in a statement on Thursday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Following the solid platform laid by Ranjan, Bhatia finished unbeaten with a fluent unbeaten 53 off 34 balls, laced with seven fours and a six, to seal the win for Strikers with four overs to spare. Article Source: IANS
How Tom Blundell's Old School Tactic Ended England's 'Bazball' Era
Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell believes his standing up to the stumps in England -- a move that helped kill off the Bazball era -- was a case of New Zealand shelving their egos for the good of the team. Blundell's heroic efforts in fearlessly standing close behind the stumps to his fast bowlers enabled New Zealand to fight back from 1-0 down and win the series 2-1 in June. England captain Ben Stokes retired during the third Test and, soon after, coach Brendon Baz McCullum was sacked, bringing down the curtain on the pair's attacking style of Test cricket, widely dubbed Bazball. Blundell managed to avoid serious injury from fielding so close to New Zealand's speed merchants, a tactic that is fraught with danger, but described how he woke every morning with swollen and aching hands. It was just a constant sort of barrage, but I was fortunate not to get hit on the end of a finger or anything, Blundell told AFP. Blundell began standing up in 2023 in Wellington to keep England's attacking batsmen quiet during a home series, after a request by seam bowler Matt Henry. We were the first ones to try it out, Blundell said. We used it for Ollie Pope initially. He was getting a long way out of the crease, and it happened quite organically. Matt Henry was the one to ask me to come up. I was quite reluctant at the time. Usually a fast bowler doesn't want you to come up, it hurts the ego a little bit, but Matt Henry is such a team guy, he'll do anything for the team. The players noticed the move kept England's batsmen stuck in the crease and slowed the scoring rate. It led to the run-out of danger man Harry Brook for a duck in the second innings of the second Test -- a match New Zealand won by a single run. Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey employed a similar strategy for Australia in their 4-1 Ashes series win in 2025-26. Blundell said he was surprised, when he tried it again in June, that England's batsmen still struggled to adjust. - 'It was so bizarre' - Even Harry Brook, who dances down the wicket so well, he's a totally different player when the keeper's up, said Blundell. I thought he would run at it, and I was just waiting. But it never happened. He never did. I was surprised. I remember he snicked off to first slip, and that's just not him. That's not how Harry Brook gets out. For all of England's talk of a new ultra-positive style of Test cricket, it was an old-school tactic that finally killed off Bazball. That and what Blundell said was the way that Stokes announced his retirement during play in the third Test. It was just bizarre, he said of the fourth day at Trent Bridge, when New Zealand effectively sealed the series as Stokes tried to finish his career in a blaze of glory, only to suffer a rapid defeat. We saw on TV that Ben Stokes had retired, and we were like: 'What's going on here?', he said of the retirement bombshell that dropped just before tea. Then when we declare and (Stokes) comes running out to open the batting. They actually got a great start but then they just kept coming so hard. We had the whole field out, they could have worked it around, surely that's what you want, but they kept picking fielders out. New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra was heard asking, What are they doing?, as England collapsed to 212 all out to hand New Zealand a 160-run win and the series. Blundell described it as a laugh-off, rather than a traditional send-off for Stokes. It was just so bizarre, honestly. McCullum has been replaced with another former New Zealand captain, Stephen Fleming, as England turn a new page with Joe Root reinstalled as captain. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As for Blundell, he said he may be back up to the stumps when New Zealand play Tests against India and Australia later this year.
Facing Bangladesh In Unfamiliar Darwin A 'refreshing' Challenge: Josh Hazlewood
Facing Bangladesh: Senior fast bowler Josh Hazlewood believes Australia's upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh in Darwin presents a refreshing challenge, as they prepare to face them in conditions which are unfamiliar to them. The series opener at Marrara Stadium on August 13 marks Australia's return to Test cricket at the venue after a 22-year hiatus. For Hazlewood, who has over 400 professional matches to his name, but has faced Bangladesh just nine times in his 15-year international career, the unique setup forces the team to think on their feet. There's a lot of unknowns going in. You've got the ground, that's an unknown. The wicket in particular, (and) the opposition in these conditions. So there are a lot of unknowns, but I think it's exciting. There's definitely footage and we can find some trends against these batters, but it might be a case of summing it up out there and coming up with plans on the run as well, which is always refreshing, he said on the Unplayable Podcast on Thursday. Former Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson warned that the drop-in surface in Darwin, baked under the dry winter sun, is unlikely to offer traditional Australian pace and bounce. He instead pointed to low-bounce conditions reminiscent of the subcontinent. I'm not sure what to expect (regarding the conditions). It's not going to be Perth Stadium, day one, or the Gabba. I don't think it will be that typical Australian Test pitch where the quicks are super effective in terms of seam movement and swing and bounce, but it could be more similar to what Bangladeshi conditions are, in terms of low bounce. Hazlewood, who currently sits on 295 Test wickets, acknowledged that while conditions and opposition might require mid-game adjustments, his overarching strategy remains focused on basic discipline over long spells. I'm not sure what to expect (regarding the conditions). It's not going to be Perth Stadium, day one, or the Gabba. I don't think it will be that typical Australian Test pitch where the quicks are super effective in terms of seam movement and swing and bounce, but it could be more similar to what Bangladeshi conditions are, in terms of low bounce. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You have time to adapt out there. You might be halfway through your first spell and think, 'Oh, let's try this, let's try that'. In T20, you don't have that time if you're a touch off, it's six, he added. Article Source: IANS
Babar Ecstatic As Pakistan Jump To Eighth Spot In WTC Standings With Win Over WI
World Test Championship: Pakistan captain Babar Azam was very delighted after leading his team to a resounding eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in Trinidad, a win that ended a three-year away Test drought and helped them jump to the eighth position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Chasing a modest target of 75 early on day four of the second Test, Babar fittingly sealed the victory by launching spinner Jomel Warrican for back-to-back sixes, and help Pakistan draw the two-match series 1-1 at the Queens Park Oval. The triumph marks Pakistan's first Test win on foreign soil since July 2023. More importantly, the points earned from the win allowed the visitors to leapfrog the West Indies on the WTC points table ahead of their upcoming Test assignment against England. Pakistans victory was set up by Abdullah Shafique's magnificent, unbeaten first-innings century, and supported by Babar's own solid contribution with the bat. The management's tactical decision to drop senior quick Mohammad Abbas for an extra spinner also proved decisive, as Ali Usman and Sajid Khan bagged four wickets each in the West Indies' second innings. When we saw the pitch it looked more similar to how they are in Pakistan. We decided to play an additional spinner and it had an impact on our combinations because of which we had to leave out our senior players. Obviously you are satisfied when you win, but most important for us was the way we executed our plans. The way Abdullah (Shafique) played in the first innings and the way the spinners bowled in the second innings really made the difference, Babar was quoted as saying by ICC at the end of the series. Player of the Match Shafique, who was only added to the touring party as a late replacement for the injured Abdullah Fazal, expressed his joy at seizing the opportunity with both hands. Obviously you are satisfied when you win, but most important for us was the way we executed our plans. The way Abdullah (Shafique) played in the first innings and the way the spinners bowled in the second innings really made the difference, Babar was quoted as saying by ICC at the end of the series. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pakistan will next travel to England for a three-match Test series, starting at Headingley on August 19, and is followed by matches at Lords (August 27-31) and Edgbaston (September 9-13). Article Source: IANS
Chase: 'We could have made room for an extra spinner'
On a pitch where spinners took 20 of the 30 bowler wickets that fell in the match, West Indies picked only one frontline spinner
Be Ready With Every Answer From Day One, Gambhir Tells Team India Ahead Of SL Tests
Sinhalese Sports Club: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged the Shubman Gill-led Test squad to be mentally and physically prepared to tackle any challenge right from the opening day of the upcoming two-game series against Sri Lanka, starting in Galle on August 15. The Indian team began its practice session at Colombo's NCC ground on Wednesday morning, and are scheduled to play a three-day practice match at the same venue from August 7-9. Following this, the visitors will head to Galle for the series opener on August 15. The second and final Test is scheduled to be played at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) from August 23 to 27. Guys, we know what's in front of us. We know what we are playing for. We can do the volume, we can push our limits, we can tick all the boxes. Come 15th morning, whether we are batting first, or whether we are bowling first, we're absolutely ready with every answer, every question that's thrown at us and every answer we're ready to give. So make sure we tick all the boxes from now on, said Gambhir in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on their official social media handles on Thursday. India's current standing in the World Test Championship (WTC) is at fifth with a points percentage (PCT) of 48.150, while Sri Lanka is at sixth spot with 41.67 PCT. Gambhir also took the opportunity to officially welcome newcomers, off-spin bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain and pacer Auqib Nabi to the Test setup, alongside the newly appointed fielding coach, Subhadeep Ghosh. Guys, welcome everyone. We've got a couple of new guys in. To start with, Saransh, congratulations, you've worked extremely hard to be here. Make sure that you make your family and country proud whenever you get that opportunity. India's current standing in the World Test Championship (WTC) is at fifth with a points percentage (PCT) of 48.150, while Sri Lanka is at sixth spot with 41.67 PCT. Gambhir also took the opportunity to officially welcome newcomers, off-spin bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain and pacer Auqib Nabi to the Test setup, alongside the newly appointed fielding coach, Subhadeep Ghosh. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He's worked with so many teams for so many years. I'm sure his passion, his commitment will carry this team forward and make sure that his energy levels will help everyone achieve the target, which we want to do, added Gambhir. Article Source: IANS
New Zealand A to play in Top End T20 Series and one-dayers in Australia
The squad of 16 features 13 internationally capped players
NZ 'A' Men To Tour Australias Northern Territories For T20 Series
NT Top End T20 Series: New Zealand 'A' squad, featuring 13 international players, tours Australias Northern Territories (NT) for the Top End T20 Series, between August 20-30 in Darwin. The T20 squad will compete for the first time in the NT Top End T20 Series, a tournament comprising nine teams scheduled to play six regular-round matches before finals. Top End began in 2022 and is a tournament that provides an international pathway for high-potential talent and has built its identity around national teams, high performance teams and T20 franchises. Following the conclusion of Top End, the 50-over squad will play three matches against South Australia, Tasmania, and Nepal. Thirteen NZ A squad members have international experience including Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Jayden Lennox, and Ben Lister, who featured in New Zealands five-match ODI series win in the West Indies last month. Left-arm orthodox Lennox, who was named the Player of the Series in the West Indies and claimed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul (5-19), will lead the NZ A spin contingent alongside leg-spinner Adi Ashok, with allrounder Foxcroft another spin option. The pace bowling unit will be made up of Kristian Clarke, Fisher, Lister, Zak Gibson, and allrounders Muhammad Abbas and Josh Clarkson. Gibson earned his maiden NZ A call-up off the back of a successful summer for Northern Brave who claimed their third Super Smash title in five years. The squad boasts a destructive batting line-up, including openers Tim Robinson and Katene Clarke, the former who notched his maiden international century with a blistering unbeaten 106 from 66 balls in the first T20I against Australia at Bay Oval last summer. Middle-order weapons include Bevon Jacobs, Matt Boyle, Abbas, Clarkson, and Foxcroft, alongside keeper-batters Max Chu and Hay who will share the gloves. Rhys Mariu, who made his New Zealand debut in 2025 and already has an ODI half-century to his name, has been selected for the 50-over matches. NZCs Head of High Performance Development Pete Sanford said the visit to Darwin balanced out the NZ A mens programme, as historically A tour prioritised only four-day and 50-over cricket. From a high-performance perspective, we see the Top End as a fantastic opportunity for players who are deeper in the succession plan to experience a high level of T20 cricket, said Sanford. Top End will give our next best cricketers game time against high-level opponents in a tournament structure, supporting our pinnacle event planning. This tour also provides valuable time on grass wickets during New Zealands winter so these players can prepare for the home summer starting in just a couple of months' time, he added. From a high-performance perspective, we see the Top End as a fantastic opportunity for players who are deeper in the succession plan to experience a high level of T20 cricket, said Sanford. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand A squad: Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Matt Boyle, Max Chu, Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Zak Gibson, Mitch Hay, Bevon Jacobs, Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Tim Robinson Article Source: IANS
Pakistan End Away Test Drought With Dominant Win Over West Indies
Pakistan levelled the brief series against the West Indies on Wednesday, completing an eight-wicket win just after lunch on the fourth day of the second and final Test at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad. Beaten by 90 runs in the first Test the previous week at the Brian Lara Stadium in the south of the island, the visitors were left with a target of only 75 runs after the home side -- already in deep trouble overnight at 103 for six in the second innings -- were dismissed for 117 half-an-hour into the start of the day's play. Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam guided their team to victory after openers Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais fell cheaply to pacers Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph with Babar hoisting consecutive sixes off spinner Jomel Warrican to seal the result. It gave Pakistan a share of the series in the same manner of their last campaign in the Caribbean in 2021, when they rebounded similarly from losing the first Test to take the second, both matches played then at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. Their last meeting in Pakistan, for two Tests in Multan in January of 2025, also finished 1-1. This match was a personal triumph for Shafique. Not included in the original touring party and only flown in last week as replacement for the injured Shan Masood, his unbeaten 160 was the cornerstone of Pakistan's first innings total of 387. This felt like a debut match for me, it was really unexpected, said Shafique on receiving the Player of the Match award and reflecting on his own stop-start international career. I haven't been able to get the opportunities recently, but as a professional you have to work towards a comeback and give of your best. This was also Pakistan's first Test victory at Queen's Park Oval since 1977, when captain Mushtaq Mohammad's all-round performance took his team to a series-levelling win in the fourth Test of a five-match series. West Indies however won the decider in Kingston to take that rubber 2-1. Obviously you are satisfied when you win, but most important for us was the way we executed our plans, said Barbar, who has now won nine of his 12 Test matches as captain away from home. The way Abdullah (Shafique) played in the first innings and the way the spinners bowled in the second innings really made the difference. - Frontline spinners star - Pushing aside the hotly-debated omission of senior seamer Mohammad Abbas on the first morning of this Test, Pakistan prevailed with their two frontline spinners starring in the victory. Off-spinner Sajid Khan, who was omitted for the first Test, made the most of his recall with a match haul of eight for 117, although he was not required on the final morning as the other spinner, left-arm orthodox Ali Usman, took two of the last three wickets to fall to claim four for 39 in the innings and match figures of six for 119. West Indies were hampered by the absence of regular opening batsman Brandon King who was unable to bat because of back spasms suffered in effecting the run out of Pakistan captain Babar Azam for 88 the day before. Khan had taken four for 32 to engineer the West Indies second innings collapse late on day three, yet Babar opted for the combination of Usman and seamer Mohammad Ali to complete the job on the fourth morning. They were aided though by poor shot selection from the hosts' lower order. Kemar Roach, noted for his tailender's defiance as displayed in the first innings, swung hopefully at the second delivery he faced from Usman to be bowled for a duck. Justin Greaves, the last real hope for any meaningful West Indian resistance, dragged an attempted pull at Mohammad Ali onto his middle stump, and the innings was wrapped up when Shamar Joseph, having already struck two boundaries, essayed another big swing at Usman only for a skied leading edge to be easily pouched by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. We should probably have gone into the match with an extra spinner as I underestimated the extent of my finger injury, West Indies captain Roston Chase admitted. As for the batting, I thought we should have made a better effort of coping with the spin in the second innings so as to give our bowlers something reasonable to defend. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pakistan's win also broke a streak of eight consecutive Test match defeats away from home, which started with a 360-run annihilation at the hands of Australia in Perth in December 2023.
Trent Rockets soar clear at top with fifth consecutive victory
Sam Billings seals scrappy chase after Phoenix stutter to 111 for 6 despite Joe Clarke fifty
LNS-W vs ML-W: Approaching Milestones and Records Ahead of Match 23, The Hundred Womens 2026
LNS-W vs ML-W,Approaching Milestones and Records :The two-time champion MI London Women failed to qualify for the playoff last season, and this season also they are almost eliminated from the race. They are at the bottom and have played five games without a win. They will lock horns with London Spirit on Thursday. This contest will commence at 7:30 PM IST at Lord's Cricket Ground. MI London need a miracle to qualify, but it looks almost impossible. But they can spoil the party of London Spirit. The Spirit need this win to survive in the competition. MI London have only four points, and they will still be in the bottom two even if they win. On the other hand, London Spirit will move into the first half of the points table with a win. But they need to focus on their batting, which has been a little inconsistent. They are coming into this game on the back of two consecutive defeats and are searching for form. Here, we will talk about big records and milestones which are lined up and can be achieved in the LNS-W vs ML-W Match 23 at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London. LNS-W vs ML-W: Approaching Test Records and Cricket Milestones Ahead of the LNS-W vs ML-WMatch 23 atLord's Cricket Ground in London 36 - South African star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp is approaching a big milestone. She has scored 4964 runs in 371 matches. She needs 36 more runs to complete 500 runs in women's T20s. 5 - Not with the bat, Marizanne Kapp is also near a big bowling record. With 360 wickets, she is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in women's T20s. She needs five more wickets to become the third-highest wicket-taker in this format. 1 - Only five bowlers in history have taken 350 or more wickets in women's T20s. Hayley Matthews can be the next one. She needs one more wicket to join this elite club. 7 - Nicola Carey needs seven wickets to complete 200 wickets in women's T20 cricket. With the bat, she needs four boundaries to complete 300 fours in T20 cricket. 6 - Hayley Matthews has scored 888 runs in the Hundred Women's competition. She needs six more runs to become the fifth highest scorer in this league. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 3 - Hayley Matthews has been one of the best all-rounders in this league. She is just three wickets away from completing 50 wickets in this tournament.
LNS vs ML Match 23, The Hundred Mens 2026 Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
LNSvs MLMatch 23, Cricket Tips :The defending champion MI London have found some form at the right time in the ongoing Hundred Men's 2026. They beat Manchester Super Giants in the last game by 45 runs. That win should give them enough confidence going into the next round. They will face London Spirit in match 23. This contest is scheduled to kick off at 11 PM IST on August 6 (Thursday) at Lord's Cricket Ground. Another win will help them to inch closer to the next round. Meanwhile, London Spirit are in desperate need of a win. They are in the bottom two, and their qualification is almost impossible from here. LNS vs ML: Match Details Date : August 6, 2026 (Thursday) Time : 11 PM IST Venue : Lord's Cricket Ground, London LNS vs ML: Live Streaming Details The LNS vs ML clash will be live on the Star Sports Networks on the cable TVs. The live stream of this game will be on the FanCode mobile app or website. LNS vs ML: Head-to-Head in The Hundred Total Matches : 11 London Spirit : 2 MI London : 8 No-result: 1 LNS vs ML: Ground Pitch Report This is the second consecutive game at this venue. It is expected to offer good movement and swing early on. The bounce is good, and the surface will allow fast bowlers to trouble the batters. The record suggests that batting second will be key here. LNS vs ML: Possible XIs London Spirit : Jonny Bairstow (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Liam Livingstone (C), James Rew, Dewald Brevis, James Coles, Jamie Overton, Andrew Tye, David Willey, Adam Milne, Adam Zampa MI London: Will Jacks, James Vince, Sam Curran (C), Nicholas Pooran (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Ollie Pope, Rashid Khan, Tom Curran, Trent Boult, Nathan Sowter, Richard Gleeson LNS vs ML: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Liam Livingstone and Nicholas Pooran are two batters with attacking natures, and they can change the game on their own. Probable Best Bowler Rashid Khan and David Willey are coming off good performances in the last game. They will be confident going into this game.Today Match Prediction: MI London have been the better side, and they will start this game as favorites. LNS vs ML Match 23, The Hundred Men's Competition 2026, Today Match LNS vs ML, LNS vs ML Prediction, LNS vs ML Predicted XIs, Injury Update for LNS vs ML Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
LNS-W vs ML-W Match 23, The Hundred Womens 2026 Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
LNS-W vs ML-W Match 23, Cricket Tips :MI London Women are the only team that has not won a single game in the ongoing Hundred Women's 2026. They are at the bottom of the points table and are virtually knocked out. They have played five games and have yet to win a single match. MI London Women will face London Spirit Women in the next game. This contest will start at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday at Lord's Cricket Ground. The situation of London Spirit is not good either. They have six points and three games left to play. They need to win three remaining games to survive in the competition. LNS-W vs ML-W: Match Details Date : August 6, 2026 (Thursday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Lord's Cricket Ground, London LNS-W vs ML-W: Live Streaming Details The live action of the LNS-W vs ML-W clash will be televised on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can watch the live stream of the game on the Jio Hotstar app or website. LNS-W vs ML-W: Head-to-Head in The Hundred Total Matches : 7 London Spirit : 2 MI London: 4 No-result: 1 LNS-W vs ML-W: Ground Pitch Report Lord's Cricket Ground has a good wicket to bowl. The fast bowlers will get a good amount of swing and movement. The consistent bounce will allow these bowlers to trouble the batters. These batting conditions will get a little better, and chasing will be ideal in these conditions. LNS-W vs ML-W: Possible XIs London Spirit Women : Amy Jones (wk), Grace Harris, Marie Kelly, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Charis Pavely, Deandra Dottin, Katie George, Charlotte Dean (c), Trudy Johnson, Hannah Rainey MI London Women: Alice Davidson-Richards, Hayley Matthews, Hollie Armitage (c), Amelia Kerr, Nicola Carey, Chinelle Henry, Alice Monaghan, Kira Chathli (wk), Tara Norris, Alexa Stonehouse, Kirstie Gordon LNS-W vs ML-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Grace Harris is the leading scorer for London Spirit and will be key for them. For MI London, Hayley Matthews is someone who can score runs at any stage and change the game. Probable Best Bowler Charli Dean and Kirstie Gordon are two in-form bowlers and will have an important role in this game. Today Match Prediction: MI London are struggling with their form, which is why London Spirit are expected to win this game. LNS-W vs ML-W Match 23, The Hundred Women's Competition 2026, Today Match LNS-W vs ML-W, LNS-W vs ML-W Prediction, LNS-W vs ML-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update forLNS-W vs ML-W Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Lumsden, Abbott run through Glamorgan to keep Hampshire in contention
Jake Lehmann and Ben Brown hit fifties in comfortable win for home side
Patel drives Surrey before Lawes four-for sinks Kent
Dom Sibley and Tommy Ealham also impress to maintain Surrey's bid for knockouts
Shafique, spinners give Pakistan rare overseas win
Pakistan made short work of West Indies on the fourth morning to register their first away Test win in three years
Dunkley 65 helps fire Rockets joint top of table
Phoenix chances hit after struggling effort with the bat at Trent Bridge
Central Delhi Kings: Central Delhi Kings continued their impressive run in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Purani Dilli 6 in a rain-curtailed 15-over contest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. The Kings produced a complete team performance, with Money Grewal leading the way with the ball before Yash Dhull stole the show with a sensational unbeaten century during the chase. Reflecting on the victory, Grewal praised Dhulls match-winning knock. Yash is the kind of player who takes responsibility and wins matches for the team. As long as he is at the crease, we always believe we are in the game, regardless of the target. He has been in outstanding form, he said. Speaking about his own bowling performance, Grewal added, Our plan at that stage was to keep attacking and bowl in the right areas during the death overs. We knew that if we could pick up a few more wickets and expose the new batters, it would become difficult for them to score freely. I just focused on executing my plans, and thankfully it worked for us. Asked to bat first, Purani Dilli 6 were rocked early as Money Grewal dismantled the top order. Central Delhi Kings reduced them to 55/5 in the ninth over, putting them under immense pressure. With the innings in trouble, Rohan Rathi and Ashwini Chillar came to the rescue with a valuable 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Rathi played an aggressive knock of 46 off just 21 balls, while Chillar anchored the innings with a composed 38 off 29 deliveries. Their partnership helped Purani Dilli 6 recover and post a competitive 140/7 in their 15 overs. Asked to bat first, Purani Dilli 6 were rocked early as Money Grewal dismantled the top order. Central Delhi Kings reduced them to 55/5 in the ninth over, putting them under immense pressure. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In reply, Central Delhi Kings made light work of the chase. Yash Dhull led from the front with a breathtaking unbeaten century, reaching the milestone in just 47 balls. His flawless innings, filled with elegant strokeplay and powerful hitting, ensured there were no hiccups during the chase. Article Source: IANS
DPL 2026: Dhull's Century Powers Central Delhi To Dominant Win Over Purani Dilli
Central Delhi Kings: Central Delhi Kings continued their impressive run in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Purani Dilli 6 in a rain-curtailed 15-over contest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, riding on a sensational unbeaten century from captain Yash Dhull. Asked to bat first, Purani Dilli 6 endured a difficult start as Central Delhi Kings' pace attack struck early. Money Grewal was the chief destroyer, dismantling the top order with a disciplined spell that left the batting side struggling at 55/5 in the ninth over. His incisive bowling ensured Purani Dilli 6 remained under pressure for the majority of the innings. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Rohan Rathi and Ashwini Chillar steadied the innings with an important sixth-wicket partnership. The pair added 85 runs to revive the innings after the early collapse and gave their side a fighting chance. Rathi took the aggressive approach, smashing 46 runs from just 21 deliveries with a series of attacking strokes that shifted the momentum briefly in Purani Dilli 6's favour. Chillar played the supporting role to perfection, remaining composed throughout his 38-run knock off 29 balls and ensuring the partnership flourished. Thanks to their rescue act, Purani Dilli 6 recovered to post a competitive total of 140/7 from their allotted 15 overs. Money Grewal finished as the standout bowler for Central Delhi Kings, returning impressive figures of 3/22 from his three overs. Gavnish Khurana also played a key role in restricting the opposition, claiming 2/22 while maintaining pressure during the middle overs. Chasing a target of 141, Central Delhi Kings produced a batting display of the highest quality. Opening the innings, Yash Dhull dominated the Purani Dilli 6 bowling attack from the outset and never allowed the required run rate to become an issue. Money Grewal finished as the standout bowler for Central Delhi Kings, returning impressive figures of 3/22 from his three overs. Gavnish Khurana also played a key role in restricting the opposition, claiming 2/22 while maintaining pressure during the middle overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Supported by his batting partner, Dhull guided Central Delhi Kings to the target with remarkable ease as they sealed a comprehensive nine-wicket victory well inside the allotted overs. Article Source: IANS
Ireland to play Qualifier for 2027 ODI World Cup
A washout in the first ODI against Afghanistan ended Ireland's chances of securing direct entry into the World Cup
Prendergast stars as Fire boost qualification hopes
Manchester Super Giants manage just 85 but make Fire work hard for points
APL 2026: Dibrugarh Warriors Overcome Early Jitters To Beat Charaideo Sunrisers By Five Wickets
Assam Cricket Association Stadium: Dibrugarh Warriors shrugged off a disastrous start to register a composed five-wicket victory over Charaideo Sunrisers in Match 8 of the Assam Premier League (APL) at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 121, the Warriors recovered from 3/3 to seal the contest with 13 balls to spare. Opting to field first, Dibrugarh Warriors made early inroads through Doikho Das, who removed Pradyun Saikia and Kirti Azad before adding the wicket of Reshabh Dipak to leave the Sunrisers reeling. Hrishikesh Tamuli (22) and skipper Sumit Ghadigaonkar (17) attempted to rebuild, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Soumya Kanti Paul provided the lone bright spark with a counter-attacking 46 off just 29 balls, striking three fours and three sixes to lift Charaideo to 120 in 19.1 overs. Doikho Das starred with 4/33, while Roshan Alam returned excellent figures of 3/16. In reply, Dibrugarh endured a nightmare start as Ronit Akhtar, Parvej Musaraf and Diwiz Pathak were dismissed with only three runs on the board. Ayush Agarwal then steadied the innings with a patient 45 off 44 balls before combining with Rituraj Biswas in a crucial 88-run partnership. Biswas matched Agarwal's contribution with a well-crafted 45 off 44 deliveries, ensuring the chase stayed on course despite the early collapse. Although the Sunrisers struck twice in the closing stages through Mayukh Hazarika and Reshabh Dipak, captain Saahil Jain finished unbeaten on a brisk 18 off eight balls, while Sidhartha Sankar Baruah's unbeaten 8 ensured Dibrugarh Warriors crossed the finish line at 121/5 in 17.5 overs to complete a hard-earned five-wicket win. Brief scores: Charaideo Sunrisers 120 all out in 19.1 overs (Soumya Kanti Paul 46, Hrishikesh Tamuli 22; Doikho Das 4/33, Roshan Alam 3/16, Jitumoni Kalita 1/15) Brief scores: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Result: Dibrugarh Warriors beat Charaideo Sunrisers by 5 wickets Article Source: IANS
2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier Set To Be Held From February 22 To March 23: Report
ODI World Cup Qualifier: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly finalised the window for the 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier, with the 10-team tournament set to be held from February 22 to March 23 next year, marking the final pathway to cricket's showpiece 50-over event. While the dates have now been locked in, the host nation for the tournament is yet to be confirmed. The Qualifier will determine the final teams advancing to the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 21. As reported by Cricinfo, the ICC has completed the scheduling of the tournament but is still finalising the venue. The qualification pathway follows the revamped format announced by the governing body in July, introducing a new structure for the expanded 14-team World Cup. Under the revised system, the winner of the Qualifier will progress directly to the 12-team main stage of the World Cup. The teams finishing second, third and fourth will advance to the newly introduced Super Series, the opening phase of the tournament, where they will compete for the final place in the main group stage. The Qualifier will feature 10 teams comprising the two lowest-ranked Full Member nations in the ICC ODI rankings, excluding hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, as of September 30, 2026. They will be joined by the top four teams from the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 and four teams emerging from the World Cup Qualifier Playoff. Under the revised system, the winner of the Qualifier will progress directly to the 12-team main stage of the World Cup. The teams finishing second, third and fourth will advance to the newly introduced Super Series, the opening phase of the tournament, where they will compete for the final place in the main group stage. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Their hopes of avoiding the Qualifier will also depend on the outcome of Afghanistan's upcoming ODI series against Ireland, with ranking permutations likely to determine the final automatic entrants. Article Source: IANS
New England Test Coach Stephen Fleming Approaches Hussey For Batting Coach Role: Report
While Australian David Saker: Newly-appointed England red-ball head coach Stephen Fleming has approached former Australian batter Michael Hussey to join his support staff as the team's batting coach, said a report by 7News Australia on Wednesday. Fleming, who was handed the reins of the Test side recently after the sacking of Brendon McCullum, reached out to Hussey, 51, to gauge his interest in taking up the role. The report also said although no formal contract has been offered yet by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Hussey remains Fleming's primary choice for the position. Hussey is currently coaching Welsh Fire in 'The Hundred' and is yet to make a decision regarding his availability for the assignment. He also serves as the batting coach of five-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where Fleming had been the head coach since 2009. The potential appointment would see a remarkable Ashes reunion 14 years after Hussey last played for Australia in 2013. Fleming and Hussey share a long-standing professional relationship spanning over 15 years, having first played together for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, before working together as coach and assistant coach at the franchise. Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, is scheduled to officially take charge of the England side during their three-match Test tour of South Africa in December. Former England batter Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach for the upcoming three-Match Test series against Pakistan, starting August 19 at Headingley. The potential appointment would see a remarkable Ashes reunion 14 years after Hussey last played for Australia in 2013. Fleming and Hussey share a long-standing professional relationship spanning over 15 years, having first played together for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, before working together as coach and assistant coach at the franchise. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As of now, Simmons is a bowling consultant at CSK and had been Indias bowling coach when they won the 2011 Mens ODI World Cup and even worked in the South Africa set-up. Article Source: IANS
Suzie Bates takes up domestic contract with Otago after 20 years
The former NZ allrounder is currently part of Sunrisers Leeds' support staff in the women's Hundred
TRT vs BPH: Approaching Milestones and Records Ahead of Match 22, The Hundred Mens 2026
TRTvs BPH,Approaching Milestones and Records :Trent Rockets and Birmingham Phoenix are on opposite sides of the points table in the ongoing Hundred Men's 2026. This is the evening match to be played on Wednesday, which will kick off at 11 PM IST at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. These teams will enter into this contest with contrasting motives. Trent Rockets have a chance to get close to a place in the next round. They have 16 points on the board, and 20 or more points ensure a place in the next round. Trent Rockets have been very good with the bat, and their bowlers are ensuring a good platform for the team. Contrastingly, Birmingham Phoenix have failed to find form. Captain Jacob Bethell was ruled out ahead of the season's start. It has hurt the combination of the team badly, and they are struggling with the bat. Their bowling unit has also not done enough, and they are left with no choice but to win this game. Here, we will talk about big records and milestones which are lined up and can be achieved in the TRTvs BPHMatch 22 at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. TRTvs BPH: Approaching Test Records and Cricket Milestones Ahead of the TRTvs BPHMatch 22 atTrent Bridge in Nottingham 52 - Finn Allen has shown great form in the ongoing edition. He is also very close to reaching 6000 T20 runs and needs 52 more runs to achieve that feat. Finn will be only the ninth Kiwi to achieve this milestone. 1 - Sam Billings has hit 699 fours in his T20 career and needs one more to touch the figure of 700. 14 - Joe Clarke has scored 6486 runs in 268 T20 games. He needs 14 more runs to complete 6500 runs. 37 - Will Smeed is also approaching a T20 feat. He is just 37 runs away from completing 4000 T20 runs in his career. 5 - Laurie Evans has scored 7624 runs in 368 T20 matches. He needs five more runs to surpass MS Dhoni in the all-timer list. With six more sixes, he will complete 300 T20 sixes also. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 17 - Ben Duckett has been in red-hot form in this competition. He needs 17 more runs to become the leading run scorer in this tournament.
Namibia cricket chair urges Associates to look at 'bigger picture' in ODI World Cup restructuring
If you look at viewership numbers or if you look at popularity for ODI cricket, we don't really know where it is going, van Vuuren said at the launch of the 2027 World Cup
Public Works Department: In a modern cricketing landscape obsessed with speed guns, former Jammu and Kashmir captain Samiullah Beigh believes true quality lies in the ability to move the ball off the pitch, a trait he identified in fellow fast-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi. Nabis sensational rise has earned him a maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, thus making him the first player from Jammu and Kashmir to get a call-up to the national red-ball side. Beigh, who also works as an assistant engineer in the Public Works Department in Srinagar, spoke exclusively to IANS about the all-rounder, the physical and mental endurance essential in unearthing relentless seamers in the valley, and how overcoming adversity makes players from smaller states uniquely tenacious. Excerpts- Q. Back in 2022, you mentioned somewhere that Auqib Nabi is someone to watch out for. Now that he has been called up to the Indian Test team as Jasprit Bumrahs replacement, how does it feel to see that prediction become a reality? A. Yes, back in 2022, I held a two-month coaching camp for the senior Ranji team at the JKCA ground in Srinagar. I could see raw talent in him, wherein he could move the ball off the pitch from the same spot without any major change in action. Having played at higher level myself as a fast-bowling all-rounder, I immediately spotted that this trait is extremely rare in the cricketing world, and this lad could go places if groomed properly. In that camp, we worked on a few things without tinkering with his natural abilities. Q. Nabi's teammates call him Hacker because of hitting the exact same spot relentlessly without overcomplicating things. How crucial can this specific brand of discipline be in international cricket compared to the sheer raw pace of someone like Umran Malik? A. In modern-day cricket, raw pace means nothing unless it is backed up with the ability to deviate the ball off the pitch. Umran Malik is a glaring example of a bowler with raw pace only, which is why he is struggling to get into the state team. Auqib has magic in his wrists, and the cricketing world will be really surprised to see his skill set in slightly helpful conditions, though Sri Lanka may not necessarily be the place for his ideal debut. Q. The dry, sluggish pitches in Sri Lanka historically reward seamers who plug away at disciplined lengths and extract subtle movement. Given Nabi's success on flat decks and in stifling humidity in the Ranji Trophy, how well-equipped do you think he is to succeed in Galle or Colombo? A. Galle as well as Colombo are historically non-ideal for pacers; they are either very flat or square turners. Any fast bowler would hate to make his debut in such conditions. But Auqib, being a rare commodity, will definitely provide lots of control to the team if given a chance, and he will surely make the new ball talk at least for a few overs. Q. You have spoken previously about how you would carry drinks for the zonal team despite being amongst the wickets as players from traditional powerhouse states were mainly in the playing eleven. With Auqib in the Test team and six J&K players recently making the North Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, do you feel that systemic bias has finally been dismantled? A. No, systemic bias takes a lot to overcome it is an inherent bias. Although live broadcasts and J&K creating history by winning the Ranji Trophy have helped, I believe the mindset of selectors and people who matter has still not overcome that block regarding selecting players from J&K. If that were not the case, Auqib should have been selected for the tours of England, the West Indies, or Afghanistan, or at least in the first-choice squad for the Sri Lanka series. Q. Coach Ajay Sharma mentioned that J&K cricketers used to be picked for the Duleep Trophy merely as quota players. As a former player, what does it mean to you to see J&K players now single-handedly pulling their team into winning the Ranji Trophy and commanding spots in the Duleep Trophy on merit? A. This statement by coach Ajay Sharma exactly highlights that the bias towards cricketers from this part of the country hasn't gone away. There was never a quota system. If that were so, I recall at least two instances where I was not picked for the North Zone squad despite being the highest wicket-taker in the league round of the Ranji Trophy. Simply put, the selectors wouldn't take our performances seriously, and I think not much has changed. Q: Former J&K players Abdul Qayoom and Mohammed Mudhasir have spoken a lot about the fast bowling talent in J&K. What exactly is it about the J&K cricketing environment that breeds fast bowlers with such relentless stamina? A. Fast bowling is about genes and passion. Here, we are naturally well-built and very passionate about fast bowling from a very young age. Plus, our diet and climate help build the stamina and strength needed for a fast bowler to survive the test of time and longevity. Most of our good fast bowlers have served for a decade or so. For instance, Abid Nabi and I played for about 16 to 17 years for the senior J&K Ranji team. Q. A few years ago, you stated that for J&K to truly capitalize on its gold mine of fast bowlers, the BCCI and JKCA needed to appoint a permanent fast-bowling coach and trainer. With the rise of first Umran and now Auqib, is that need fulfilled, or are the players still relying mostly on raw talent and short-term mentorship? A. Yes, the JKCA has to appoint a full-time, all-weather bowling consultant for J&K fast bowlers, and not just for one season. Fast bowling is about preparing in off-season and pre-season camps, when J&K currently has no coach available to train and groom fast bowlers across various age groups. The J&K Cricket Association would do well to think along those lines. Q. What immediate impact do you think Nabi sharing a dressing room with Mohammed Siraj and the Indian support staff will have on the young fast bowlers currently training back in Baramulla, Srinagar and various parts of J&K? A. Yes, the JKCA has to appoint a full-time, all-weather bowling consultant for J&K fast bowlers, and not just for one season. Fast bowling is about preparing in off-season and pre-season camps, when J&K currently has no coach available to train and groom fast bowlers across various age groups. The J&K Cricket Association would do well to think along those lines. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Everything we achieve now feels like a bonus because, given the adversity we have seen, not many expect us to reach those levels. And when we do, we don't look back. I am sure Auqib will do wonders in the days to come. Article Source: IANS
Marsh, Root, Curran Among Major Signings For SA20 Season Five, Faf, Tahir Released
Proteas T20I Player: Australias T20I captain Mitchell Marsh, alongside England stars Joe Root, Sam Curran, and Phil Salt, are leading a galaxy of international marquee signings announced by the six SA20 franchises ahead of the upcoming season five player auction. The six teams unveiled their retained and pre-signed players on Wednesday ahead of the auction on October 7, which will feature only 19 available slots. T20 World Cup winner Marsh is set to make his SA20 debut for triple champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, where he will pair up with 2026 Player of the Season Quinton de Kock and Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossein. His presence promises an explosive opening match when the Sunrisers host Pretoria Capitals at St George's Park. His Australian team-mate Matthew Short will also feature in the tournament for the first time after being signed by Pretoria Capitals, who are welcoming back Salt. The duo will feature alongside Sherfane Rutherford, Dewald Brevis, and newly crowned Proteas T20I Player of the Year Lungi Ngidi. Meanwhile, Durbans Super Giants and Paarl Royals have already completed their full 19-player rosters ahead of the auction. England Test captain Joe Root returns to the Royals for a second stint, and will reunite with Ottneil Baartman, David Miller, and young sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Royals have also signed Afghanistans seam-bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Durbans Super Giants have been bolstered by entry of Curran, who joins a star-studded group featuring Proteas T20I skipper Aiden Markram, his England team-mate Jos Buttler, West Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine, and ex-South Africa batter Heinrich Klaasen. MI Cape Town have pre-signed destructive England all-rounder Will Jacks, who spent three seasons at Capitals. Jacks joins a strong outfit featuring Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, and Nicholas Pooran. The move completes MI franchise trilogy for Jacks, who has represented Mumbai Indians, MI Emirates and MI London. West Indies flavour remains strong as Jason Holder moves to Joburg Super Kings to team up with countryman Akeal Hosein, alongside James Vince, Donovan Ferreira, and Dian Forrester at the Wanderers. League Commissioner Graeme Smith highlighted the competition's growing global appeal following the roster announcements. Season 5 is shaping up to be our strongest yet. Bringing in a player of Mitchell Marsh's calibre alongside the class of Joe Root, Sam Curran and Phil Salt shows the growing pull of our league on the global stage. What excites me most is seeing that quality sit alongside the prime of South Africa's international and domestic stars. At the same time, notable releases have also been recorded. Pretoria Capitals have released Shai Hope, Jamie Overton, Tymal Mills, and Will Smeed. Joburg Super Kings decided against retaining former skipper Faf du Plessis, who led them in first four seasons, as well as all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, pacer Nandre Burger, and Daniel Worrall, while leg-spinner Imran Tahir has also parted ways with the franchise. Triple champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape have parted ways with Beyers Swanepoel and England veteran Jonny Bairstow, as well as Tharindu Rathnayake, AM Ghazanfar, Chris Wood and Chris Green. MI Cape Town have released top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen, veterans Trent Boult and Kieron Pollard. Paarl Royals parted company with leg-spinner Nqaba Peter, West Indies power-hitter Rovman Powell, Sri Lanka pacer Eshan Malinga and young Proteas pacer Kwena Maphaka. Durbans Super Giants have released Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad, all-rounder David Wiese, and Dayyaan Galiem. Joburg Super Kings and MI Cape Town will be the most active franchises at the auction, each needing six players, including one Under-23 cricketer. Pretoria Capitals have five vacant spots, while Sunrisers Eastern Cape have two remaining. Paarl Royals parted company with leg-spinner Nqaba Peter, West Indies power-hitter Rovman Powell, Sri Lanka pacer Eshan Malinga and young Proteas pacer Kwena Maphaka. Durbans Super Giants have released Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad, all-rounder David Wiese, and Dayyaan Galiem. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Season 5 of SA20 gets underway on January 17, 2027, at St Georges Park in Gqeberha, and will culminate with the final at Newlands in Cape Town on February 21. Article Source: IANS
ICC Rankings: Edwards, Van Der Merwe Lead Netherlands Surge In ODI Charts
Cricket World Cup League: Netherlands players were rewarded for their recent performances in the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup League 2 as several members of the Dutch side made significant gains in the latest ICC Mens ODI rankings released on Wednesday. The Netherlands have been in impressive form during the ongoing League 2 competition and recently registered a 57-run victory over Nepal in Utrecht to strengthen their position inside the top four of the standings, keeping themselves on course for a place in the ICC World Cup Qualifier. Captain Scott Edwards was among the biggest beneficiaries of the latest rankings update after his match-winning knock of 57 against Nepal. The right-handed batter climbed four places to joint 34th in the ODI batting rankings. The Dutch bowlers also enjoyed notable gains following the win over Nepal. Veteran left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe moved up 11 places to joint 63rd in the ODI bowling rankings after claiming two wickets in the contest. Fast bowler Logan van Beek also progressed, rising three spots to 76th after taking two wickets in the same match. Nepal players were also rewarded for their performances during the tri-series involving the Netherlands and Namibia. Wicketkeeper-batter Aasif Sheikh climbed two places to 76th in the ODI batting rankings. Among the bowlers, Lalit Rajbanshi improved by one position to reach 45th, while pace-bowling all-rounder Karan KC made one of the biggest jumps for Nepal, rising seven places to joint 83rd in the ODI bowling rankings. Namibia, who also featured in the League 2 tri-series, had four players register gains across the batting, bowling and all-rounder rankings. Jan Frylinck made the biggest leap among Namibias batters, climbing 16 places to joint 90th in the ODI batting rankings. Namibia, who also featured in the League 2 tri-series, had four players register gains across the batting, bowling and all-rounder rankings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Scholtz moved up one position to joint 34th in the ODI all-rounders rankings, while Smit climbed three places to joint 47th, capping a productive rankings update for the Namibian contingent following their League 2 campaign. Article Source: IANS
Aiden Markram to miss remainder of the Hundred due to personal reasons
Jos Buttler will take over the Manchester Super Giants captaincy for rest of season
SA20: Sunrisers Eastern Cape sign Mitch Marsh; Salt returns to Pretoria, Root to Royals
Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals have completed their 19-player squads before the mini-auction on October 7
Viv Richards Urges Joseph And Sammy To Resolve Differences, Rebuild Mutual Respect
Legendary West Indies: Legendary West Indies batter Sir Vivian Richards has urged fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and head coach Daren Sammy to resolve their differences and rebuild respect for each other following a public disagreement over the pacer's decision to skip the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. Joseph opted out of the two-match Test series, citing personal reasons, leading Sammy to remark that he had 'declined selection' - a comment the fast bowler later criticised as controversial, without context. West Indies are currently 1-0 up in the series, with the second game still underway at Queen's Park Oval. This sometimes hampers guys professional careers, you know. Such statements, if its not true and stuff like that, a lot of things linger. The two had a great relationship when he was with the St Lucia franchise, so Im not quite so certain why relations have gone a bit south. The relationship, I know, is much bigger than what we hear on the air so it would be of importance to try and rekindle that. We sometimes misstep at times and so long as we have a heart at times, knowing that sometimes the mistakes that we make, we can always put things together and get these guys going again, said Richards to Antigua Observer on Wednesday. This sometimes hampers guys professional careers, you know. Such statements, if its not true and stuff like that, a lot of things linger. The two had a great relationship when he was with the St Lucia franchise, so Im not quite so certain why relations have gone a bit south. Also Read: Live Cricket Score To get the coach saying and to me it looks like he (was saying) he (Alzarri) refused selection, and thats pushing it in my opinion, its pushing it in a very big way. Id like to think that Alzarri would have gone about it in the professional way, and so that at least the statement from coach Sammy wasnt really necessary in my opinion, noted Richards. Article Source: IANS
World Cup 2027 Qualifier set to be played from February 21 to March 23
The venue for the tournament is yet to be finalised
MSG vs WEF: Approaching Milestones and Records Ahead of Match 21, The Hundred Mens 2026
MSGvs WEF,Approaching Milestones and Records :Welsh Fire are very close to making it to the next round of the Hundred Men's 2026. But still, their qualification needs a couple of good wins. Welsh Fire are currently sitting in second spot with 16 points. They have won four of the five matches played so far this season. They are coming off two good chases and are looking in good form. They will be in action on Wednesday against Manchester Super Giants. This contest is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM IST at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. The Super Giants have slipped to sixth place on the table with 8 points. They will enter this game with some poor form and a losing streak of three matches. Aiden Markram and co. need to break this streak before it gets too late for them. Other teams are surpassing them in the qualification race and only a win here can give them a push. Here, we will talk about big records and milestones which are lined up and can be achieved in the MSGvs WEFMatch 21 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. MSGvs WEF: Approaching Test Records and Cricket Milestones Ahead of the MSGvs WEFMatch 21 atEmirates Old Trafford in Manchester 65 - Tim Seifert has scored 7935 runs in 334 T20 matches. He is just 65 runs away from completing 8000 runs in T20 cricket. Only three kiwi batters have achieved this feat before him. 22 - Jos Buttler is near to a world record in T20 cricket. He has 14782 runs in 521 matches in the shorter format. He needs 22 more runs to surpass Kieron Pollard and become the leading scorer in this format. Adding to that, Buttler also needs 10 boundaries (fours + sixes) to complete 2000 boundaries in T20s. Only Chris Gayle has achieved this feat so far. 87 - Heinrich Klaasen is 87 runs away from completing 7000 runs in T20 cricket. 58 - All-rounder Matthew Short needs 58 more runs to complete 4500 runs in T20 cricket. He is also one six away from completing 200 T20 sixes. 15 - Phil Salt needs 15 more runs to become the leading scorer in the Hundred Men's competition. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 2 - Sam Cook needs two more wickets to enter the top five wicket-takers in the Hundred Men's competition.
'6-fer Against Pakistan Felt Extremely Special, Says WI Spinner Jomel Warrican
But West Indies: West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican said picking a six-wicket haul against Pakistan in the ongoing game at the Queens Park Ova; as extremely special, adding that stepping up to carry the bowling workload in the absence of injured captain Roston Chase made the performance even more gratifying. With Chase nursing an index finger injury that restricted him to just seven overs, Warrican shouldered the bulk of the bowling duties, by sending down 46 overs. His figures of 6-112 helped West Indies trigger a Pakistani collapse on day three, thus restricting the visitors lead to just 43 runs after they lost eight wickets for 106 runs. I think that's probably the (performance) I'll cherish the most, because the team was down and the skipper was struggling with his finger, and I had to take up the mantle of working hard and bowling all those extra overs to help out the team. In terms of workload and to get rewarded for bowling so many overs, it felt extremely special, Warrican said at the end of day threes play. It was Warrican's third five-wicket haul in Test cricket and first on home soil. I always wanted a five-for at home. That's something that I will cherish, because watching the highlights when it's showing old clips, it's always home series, and I always wanted to be in the dressing room watching an old clip of me getting a five-for, and it happened in this game, so I'm really happy about that, he added. I think that's probably the (performance) I'll cherish the most, because the team was down and the skipper was struggling with his finger, and I had to take up the mantle of working hard and bowling all those extra overs to help out the team. In terms of workload and to get rewarded for bowling so many overs, it felt extremely special, Warrican said at the end of day threes play. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As a team we've got to get close to 150-175 to be comfortable and have a game. So we've got to have a plan on how we're going to get it, and execute it when we get to bat tomorrow. Article Source: IANS
PCB Warns Players Of Ban For Participating In Unsanctioned Cricket Events
The International Cricket Council: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has warned former Pakistan cricketers against participating in unsanctioned overseas tournaments, announcing a series of disciplinary measures for those found to have featured in the ongoing 20th Asian Legends League in Zambia without obtaining the mandatory approvals. In an official statement, the PCB said it had taken serious notice of the participation of certain former Pakistan players in the tournament, which the International Cricket Council (ICC) has classified as an unsanctioned or disapproved cricket event under the ICC Regulations on the Sanctioning of Events and Player Release. The PCB also noted that the competition has not been sanctioned by the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU), making participation in the event a violation of the applicable ICC regulations. The International Cricket Council (ICC) considers this league as an unsanctioned/disapproved cricket event under the ICC Regulations on the Sanctioning of Events and Player Release and the tournament has not been sanctioned by the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU) as well, the PCB stated in a press release. According to the PCB statement, the ICC has reiterated that all foreign players must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective home board before taking part in overseas cricket events. The regulations also require member boards to take appropriate disciplinary action against players who participate in unsanctioned competitions. Failure to enforce these regulations could invite action against the respective member board. The PCB said any individual found to have participated unsanctioned event without obtaining the requisite approvals from the PCB will face strict disciplinary action. As part of the sanctions, the Board will impose ban of two years from the issuance of any PCB No Objection Certificate for participation in approved overseas cricket leagues or events. In addition, the individuals concerned will be declared ineligible for any cricketing, coaching, consultancy, mentoring and/or other assignments with the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for a period of two year. PCB said it remains fully committed to implementing the ICCs regulatory framework governing international cricket. In addition, the individuals concerned will be declared ineligible for any cricketing, coaching, consultancy, mentoring and/or other assignments with the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for a period of two year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score PCB said it will continue to work closely with the ICC and fellow Member Boards to ensure compliance with the international regulatory framework governing the sport. Article Source: IANS
Injury Blow For Australia As Neser Ruled Out Of Bangladesh Tests With Calf Strain
Allan Border Medal: Australia's fast-bowling reserves have taken a hit ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, with veteran seam-bowling all-rounder Michael Neser ruled out after sustaining a right calf strain during a training session. Neser was training with the national squad in Brisbane as a standby bowler for the series against Bangladesh, with the first game to be played in Darwin on August 13. Australian fast bowler Michael Neser has sustained a strain in his right calf muscle which will prevent him from training or playing for several weeks. Neser has been training with the Australian squad in Brisbane this month as a standby fast bowler for the Test Series against Bangladesh. He will now set his sights on the tour of South Africa laer this year, said Cricket Australia (CA) in a statement on Wednesday. With senior quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood returning from injuries that cut short their Ashes campaign, Neser was in line as the primary backup pacer. For the first game in Darwin, Australia will choose between Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland for its fast-bowling make-up, with veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon offering spin-bowling option. Cameron Green and Beau Webster also provide seam bowling options as all-rounders. Neser enjoyed an impressive Ashes series last summer, taking 15 wickets at an average of 19.93 in three appearances. However, fitness issues have repeatedly troubled him, including a severe hamstring injury during the 2024/25 season and a calf injury while playing county cricket in England. With senior quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood returning from injuries that cut short their Ashes campaign, Neser was in line as the primary backup pacer. For the first game in Darwin, Australia will choose between Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland for its fast-bowling make-up, with veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon offering spin-bowling option. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Cummins-led Australian squad travels to Darwin on Saturday ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh, after the Allan Border Medal for the 2025/26 season is given at an event in Brisbane on Friday. Article Source: IANS
England Skipper Sciver-Brunt To Miss WBBL 12, Confirms Hobart Hurricanes Coach Coleman
T20 World Cup: Reigning WBBL champions Hobart Hurricanes have suffered a major setback ahead of their title defence with England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt set to miss the upcoming season in order to manage her injury workload, confirmed head coach Jude Coleman on Wednesday. Nat played a crucial role in leading the Hurricanes to their maiden WBBL title last season as their marquee international signing. But after managing persistent calf issues throughout the English summer, which forced her to play predominantly as a specialist batter, including in the Womens T20 World Cup, Nat has opted to skip the tournament. We have already heard from Nat Sciver-Brunt that she's not coming back this year at all to the tournament. It's a disappointing loss for us, but we completely understand. She's had a heavy English summer fighting injuries. She'll also have the WPL (Women's Premier League) in January, so it's really her only time to get some time at home with her son and wife, Coleman was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au, on the sidelines of a promotional event. The calf issue had led to Nat missing the series against New Zealand and India before the T20 World Cup began, where England finished as runners-up to eventual winners Australia. Despite missing Nat, Jude stated that the Hurricanes remain focused on retaining core international and domestic players, including England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge, as they look to defend their crown when the new WBBL season starts on October 29. The calf issue had led to Nat missing the series against New Zealand and India before the T20 World Cup began, where England finished as runners-up to eventual winners Australia. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We'll be trying to do that again this year (and) trying to keep our internationals as consistent as we can. And our key (local) players like Molly (Strano), Heather (Graham) and Nicola (Carey), we'll be trying to keep them together as best we can, she added. Article Source: IANS
Neser suffers calf strain at training, but hopeful for South Africa tour
Ashes hero was not selected in Australia's 13-man squad for the home two-Test series against Bangladesh, which starts next Thursday in Darwin
No Warm-up Games Ahead Of India Tour In 2027: Andrew McDonald
World Test Championship: Head coach Andrew McDonald has revealed that Australia have decided against playing a warm-up match ahead of their 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of India, adding that their focus will be on a dedicated pre-series training camp to prepare for turning conditions. The five-match Test series will start on January 21 in Nagpur and end on March 3 in Ahmedabad. It will mark Australia's longest tour of India in 50 years. With the marquee series commencing less than two weeks after the conclusion of their home Test series against New Zealand, Australia face a tight preparation timeline. Australia previously used a similar method head of the 2023 tour of India by having a camp in Alur on the outskirts of Bengaluru, as well as traveling to Dubai prior to their two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. In Alur, they got local Indian bowlers like Baroda off-spinner Mahesh Pithiya to replicate the angle of former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. We feel as though we've got enough time to immerse ourselves in those conditions. We won't be taking on a practice game. It'll just be more around the location. We've got a couple of options there. We have gone to the UAE previously and we have also gone into India last time into Bangalore, so we're just working through what that would look like in terms of how we then manage the individuals. A lot of that would happen on the back of the four Tests against New Zealand, seeing where players are at. We'll potentially have some different players with different skill sets that we believe can perform in India, so it won't necessarily be the squad that finishes the Test series (against NZ that then heads to India). There'll be some players that we need to put a little bit more prep into, and that'll start in Australia also, balancing out Big Bash commitments and things like that. Ultimately, if you can have a dedicated venue that you're able to use and replicate as close to the conditions that you believe you may get in the first Test match or throughout a Test series, that's ideally what you want. You case those locations you want a connection in terms of conditions and climate. We believe we'll get that right in terms of where we go, it just hasn't been confirmed yet, McDonald told cricket.com.au on Wednesday. Test fringe players like Matthew Kuhnemann, Todd Murphy, Cooper Connolly, Peter Handscomb, and Matthew Renshaw are among those in consideration for the tour as Australia seek their first Test series victory on Indian soil since 2004. While Australia are not playing tour games in India, McDonald confirmed they plan to play warm-up fixtures ahead of their three-game Test series in South Africa and the 2027 Ashes in England, provided they do not qualify for the World Test Championship final. We don't always take the opportunity to play warm-up games or first-class games on the entry, and that's probably because we haven't traditionally had the space and time, and also we've had an experienced group. Some players are going to be coming out of IPL, some players are going to be coming out of April, May in Australia preparing back here, some might be in county cricket, so we're going to have players at all different stages of prep. We don't always take the opportunity to play warm-up games or first-class games on the entry, and that's probably because we haven't traditionally had the space and time, and also we've had an experienced group. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We're not against practice games as long as they can fit in. That's always the hard part with a schedule that that does get compressed. We feel like a game on a Test venue against a quality opponent potentially is the best thing for that (UK) tour, he added. Article Source: IANS
Inglis To Be Available For First Test Against Bangladesh Despite Back Spasm: McDonald
Allan Border Field: Australia wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will be available for selection for next week's first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, confirmed head coach Andrew McDonald, despite concerns over him picking a back spasm during an intra-squad match. Inglis experienced a flare-up in the back during Australia's preparatory game at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane this week. But McDonald reassured that the setback remains minor and will not affect his availability for the upcoming game starting on August 13 at the Marrara Stadium. He's had a back flare up. He has had these from time to time. There'll be no issue, it'll just be letting it settle down and then getting him back into work. We've got enough time. We'll probably be conservative on that, make sure that's right before you see him return into the nets and the preparation phase there is no concern around whether he would be available or not, McDonald told cricket.com.au on Wednesday. The match simulation saw key performers get valuable game time, with Cameron Green spending significant time at the crease, while spinner Nathan Lyon continued his comeback from hamstring surgery by dismissing Travis Head. Opening batter Jake Weatherald also hit a brisk 40 before retiring, as he signalled his intentions to partner Head at the top of the order against Bangladesh. McDonald noted that the match simulations formed the centerpiece of a month-long training block designed to get the squad ready after travelling between home bases and Brisbane. The match simulation saw key performers get valuable game time, with Cameron Green spending significant time at the crease, while spinner Nathan Lyon continued his comeback from hamstring surgery by dismissing Travis Head. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It's a group that's keen to get back into it and we've got a couple more days on Thursday and Friday to finish off that preparation. The guys have been doing a lot of work coming back and forth to Brisbane, he added. Article Source: IANS
Starc On Verge Of Surpassing Dev, Steyn During Bangladesh Tests
World Test Championship: Veteran Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc is on the verge of surpassing fast-bowling legends Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn on the all-time Test wicket-takers list as Australia prepare for a two-match World Test Championship series against Bangladesh, starting on August 13 in Darwin. Left-arm pacer Starc, 36, currently has 433 Test scalps to his name. A solid performance against Bangladesh could see him eclipse former India captain Dev (434) and South African great Steyn (439) and break into the top 10 wicket-takers in mens Test history. However, Starc insisted individual milestones remain secondary as Australia aim to secure points for next year's World Test Championship final at The Oval. It means I've played a bit. It is cool and very humbling to be spoken about it with those guys. But that stuff doesn't mean a whole lot while you're still playing. You don't get too far ahead, Starc was quoted as saying by the ICC on Wednesday Australia currently lead the WTC standings, as the Bangladesh series kicks off a demanding seven-month Test schedule that includes away matches against South Africa, followed by series against New Zealand and India. However, Starc insisted individual milestones remain secondary as Australia aim to secure points for next year's World Test Championship final at The Oval. It means I've played a bit. It is cool and very humbling to be spoken about it with those guys. But that stuff doesn't mean a whole lot while you're still playing. You don't get too far ahead, Starc was quoted as saying by the ICC on Wednesday Also Read: Live Cricket Score When you're 36 and you've been around for 16 years, you'd like to think you've improved or got better at something. You're also around that long because you're able to develop and learn and improve. And you add in a few things like the wobble seam, consistency and other things. I have a pretty clear mindset on it all, he added. Article Source: IANS
Dubey, Kotian, Nigam, Shivang Join India Squad As Net Bowlers Ahead Of First SL Test
Nondescripts Cricket Club: Spin-bowling all-rounders Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, and Vipraj Nigam, along with left-arm wrist-spinner Shivang Kumar, have joined the Indian team as net bowlers to assist the team in preparations ahead of the opening Test against Sri Lanka, starting on August 15 in Galle. Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian and Vipraj Nigam have joined the Indian squad as net bowlers to assist the team in the build up to the first Test against Sri Lanka, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in an official update on Wednesday, after the Shubman Gill-led side began its first practice sessions at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground. While the quartet is unlikely to feature in the main squad or playing eleven unless forced by exceptional circumstances, the stint serves as a major development area for them. Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Dubey, who turns out for Vidarbha in domestic cricket, made his ODI debut against Afghanistan earlier this year and was in the squad for one-off Test against Afghanistan, third 50-over game against England and T20I series in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Mumbais off-spinner Kotian has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket over the last two seasons and was even in the India squad for the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket after the third game in Brisbane. While the quartet is unlikely to feature in the main squad or playing eleven unless forced by exceptional circumstances, the stint serves as a major development area for them. Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Dubey, who turns out for Vidarbha in domestic cricket, made his ODI debut against Afghanistan earlier this year and was in the squad for one-off Test against Afghanistan, third 50-over game against England and T20I series in Zimbabwe. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After featuring in a three-day practice match at the NCC in Colombo from August 7-9, the Indian team will travel to Galle where the first Test will be played at the Galle International Stadium starting on August 15. It is followed by the second Test to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club from August 23-27. Article Source: IANS
Vlaeminck and Brown to tour India with Australia A
Injury-prone speedster will finally play for Australia A having not played any international or domestic cricket since injuring her shoulder in 2024
Warrican cherishes 'extremely special' six-for after 46 overs of toil
With a finger injury limiting Roston Chase's role with the ball, Warrican sent down 40% of the overs in Pakistan's first innings
DPL 2026: West Delhi Lions Cruise To 5-wicket Win Over South Delhi Superstarz
West Delhi Lions: West Delhi Lions registered a convincing five-wicket victory over South Delhi Superstarz in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Lions produced an excellent all-round performance, first bowling South Delhi Superstarz out for 160 in 19.5 overs before comfortably chasing down the target. South Delhi Superstarz never managed to build any significant partnerships as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The batting line-up struggled to find momentum, with the Lions' bowlers maintaining tight lines throughout the innings. A late counterattack from Vision Panchal gave the Superstarz something to fight for. He played a quick cameo of 24 off just 12 balls, helping his side reach the 160-run mark. Mayank Gusain was the standout performer with the ball, producing a sensational spell of 3/13 in his four overs. Nitish Rana also made an impact with figures of 1/30, while experienced pacer Kulwant Khejroliya chipped in with two wickets for 31 runs in his four-over spell. Chasing 161, West Delhi Lions also had a shaky start as they slipped to 26/2 inside the powerplay. However, Nitish Rana and Krish Yadav steadied the innings with a valuable 58-run partnership for the third wicket. Rana led from the front with a composed 32 off 25 balls before being dismissed. Although the Lions lost a few more wickets in the middle overs, they remained in control of the chase. Chasing 161, West Delhi Lions also had a shaky start as they slipped to 26/2 inside the powerplay. However, Nitish Rana and Krish Yadav steadied the innings with a valuable 58-run partnership for the third wicket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gusain guided West Delhi Lions home with ease as they completed the chase with five wickets in hand. Article Source: IANS
Ben Stokes Rules Out England Return, Reveals Dream of Coaching National Team
Ben Stokes has revealed his ambition to coach England in the future, but ruled out any chance of ending his shock retirement from international cricket. Stokes quit as England Test captain and retired from the international stage after a 2-1 Test series defeat by New Zealand in June. The all-rounder had been dropped for the second Test against New Zealand after he and team-mate Gus Atkinson broke a team curfew in a nightclub incident following the opening match of the series. Stokes said his turbulent four-year reign as captain had left him exhausted. He famously reversed his one-day international retirement to play in the 2023 World Cup and England managing director of men's cricket Rob Key last week said he wouldn't be surprised if Stokes were to return to Test action. But Stokes, 35, said he is definitely not coming back to the Test arena while speaking on the 'For the Love of Cricket' podcast. I'm doing my level three coaching now while I'm still playing, because when the day comes that I'm not playing anymore, I'd love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done, Stokes said. On his coaching plan, Stokes added: I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach. And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely. I just really like the idea of being in some form of leadership away from playing. Joe Root has been reappointed as England's Test skipper after Stokes' exit, with Harry Brook -- who has served as vice-captain -- overlooked for a promotion. Brook was given Stokes' endorsement but the white-ball captain's nightclub incident in New Zealand, hours before leading England in an ODI, continues to cast a large shadow over him. Stokes remains surprised that Brook was passed over, saying: If you think someone's going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them it. Even when I missed that Test match, I was like, 'Why is Brooky (not the captain?) - he's vice-captain'. And I sort of got it. I understood the reasoning why they were saying it. But I was still like 'what message is that sending to him?' He's vice captain. And then the captain is not playing, but he's not captain. What? Also Read: Live Cricket Score I had no leadership or captaincy experience when I took over.
Marsh, Rickelton, Brook blast Sunrisers to record total in big win
Headingley plays host to highest-scoring game in Hundred history but London Spirit fall well short
TRT-W vs BPH-W: Approaching Milestones and Records Ahead of Match 22, The Hundred Womens 2026
TRT-W vs BPH-W,Approaching Milestones and Records :Trent Rockets Women are searching for their maiden title as they have failed to win a single championship in the first five seasons. But they have shown an improved display in the ongoing Hundred Women's 2026. They have moved to the second spot on the ladder. With 16 points, they are looking good to qualify for the next round. They have now won three consecutive matches, and one more win will put them at the top. Trent Rockets Women will face Birmingham Phoenix Women in match no. 22. This contest will be held at 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. It is a must-win contest for Birmingham Phoenix because they have just won one game in four matches. Only a miracle can save them from getting eliminated. Especially, a defeat here will put them near elimination. They are coming off a win in the last game; they will be feeling confident going into this contest. Here, we will talk about big records and milestones which are lined up and can be achieved in the TRT-W vs BPH-W Match 22 at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. TRT-W vs BPH-W: Approaching Test Records and Cricket Milestones Ahead of the TRT-W vs BPH-WMatch 22 atTrent Bridge in Nottingham 9 - Beth Mooney is the third-highest scorer in the history of women's T20 cricket. She has scored 11166 runs in 348 T20s with six centuries and 93 half-centuries. She needs nine runs to surpass Suzie Bates (11174) and become the second-highest scorer in women's T20s. She is also four boundaries away from completing 1400 fours in T20s. She will be the first woman to do so. 1 - Nat Sciver-Brunt needs one more wicket to complete 250 wickets in women's T20 cricket. 4 - Samantha Bates needs four more wickets to complete 150 wickets in women's T20 cricket. 128 - Ellyse Perry is approaching a big milestone in T20 cricket. She needs 128 runs to become only the fourth woman to reach 10000 T20 runs. 35 - Sophia Dunkley needs 35 more runs to become the leading run-scorer in the Hundred Women's competition. 34 - Tammy Beaumont needs 34 more runs to become the fifth-highest scorer in the Hundred Women's league. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 7 - Linsey Smith needs seven more wickets to reach 50 wickets in the Hundred Women's league.
MSG-W vs WEF-W: Approaching Milestones and Records Ahead of Match 21, The Hundred Womens 2026
MSG-W vs WEF-W,Approaching Milestones and Records :The Hundred Women's 2026 is getting to the business end of the tournament. Every game and every defeat will make a big change on the points table. Two exciting matches are scheduled to be played on Wednesday in this tournament. The first game will feature a clash between Manchester Super Giants Women and Welsh Fire Women. This contest is scheduled to commence on Wednesday at 4 PM IST at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester Super Giants Women are coming off a win over MI London. Sophie Ecclestone bowled a superb spell of 2/7 and played a key role in the win. On the other hand, Welsh Fire Women recorded their second win in the last game against Southern Brave Women. Heather Graham scored an unbeaten 35 off 28 balls to take the team over the line. But they need to keep winning to stay alive in the race. They have been a little consistent, which is one area of concern for them. Here, we will talk about big records and milestones which are lined up and can be achieved in the MSG-W vs WEF-W Match 21 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. MSG-W vs WEF-W: Approaching Test Records and Cricket Milestones Ahead of the MSG-W vs WEF-WMatch 21 atEmirates Old Trafford in Manchester 3 - Smriti Mandhana is all about hitting fours and sixes. She needs three fours to complete 100 fours in T20 cricket. 51 - Meg Lanning has scored 9449 runs in 319 innings in T20 cricket. She needs 51 more runs to become only the fifth batter to reach 9500 T20 runs. 74 - Paige Scholfield needs 74 more runs to complete 1500 T20 runs. 1 - Richa Ghosh needs one more six to reach the landmark of 100 sixes in T20 cricket. 5 - Kathryn Bryce is just five fours away from completing 400 boundaries in the shorter format. 1 - Sophia Ecclestone has 349 wickets in T20 cricket and is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in this format. She needs one wicket to reach the landmark of 350 wickets. 8 - Freya Kemp is just 8 runs away from completing 1500 runs in T20s. 4 - Georgia Wareham needs four more sixes to complete 50 T20 sixes. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 7 - Heather Graham is just seven runs away from completing 2500 runs in T20 cricket.
TRT vs BPH Match 22, The Hundred Mens 2026 Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
TRTvs BPHMatch 22, Cricket Tips :Birmingham Phoenix suffered a blow when captain Jacob Bethell was ruled out ahead of the Hundred Men's 2026. It broke the combination of the team. Despite that, they scored 214 in the opening game, but it was followed by three consecutive defeats. Their bowling is always struggling, and the batting is not clicking. They are at the bottom of the table, and it will be a miracle if they qualify from this situation. Birmingham Phoenix will face the table-topper Trent Rockets. This contest is scheduled to start at 11 PM IST on Wednesday at Trent Bridge. This win will give the Rockets four important points, and they will be close to the next round. TRT vs BPH: Match Details Date : August 5, 2026 (Wednesday) Time : 11 PM IST Venue : Trent Bridge, Nottingham TRT vs BPH: Live Streaming Details The live action of the TRT vs BPH match will be available on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can watch this game on the Jio Hotstar app or website also. TRT vs BPH: Head-to-Head in The Hundred Total Matches: 10 Trent Rockets : 4 Birmingham Phoenix: 6 No-result: 0 TRT vs BPH: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Nottingham is good for batting. It is a high-scoring venue, where even 481 has been scored in an ODI. The average score here is between 150 and 160. The bounce and pace of the wicket are excellent, and chasing will be recommended. TRT vs BPH: Possible XIs Trent Rockets : Ben Duckett, Finn Allen, Sam Billings (c & wk), Aneurin Donald, Tim David, Mitchell Santner, Craig Overton, Lewis Gregory, Calvin Harrison, Matt Henry, Md. Amir Birmingham Phoenix: Joe Clarke (wk), Will Smeed, Rehan Ahmed, Donovan Ferreira (c), Laurie Evans, Mitch Owen, Sean Dickson, Chris Wood, Scott Currie, Saqib Mahmood, Usman Tariq TRT vs BPH: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Ben Duckett and Joe Clarke are two batters from either side who are scoring quick runs at the top and will have a key role in the powerplay. Probable Best Bowler Craig Overton and Saqib Mahmood have been bowling at good speed and are using the bounce to trouble the batters. Today Match Prediction: Birmingham Phoenix are struggling with form, and Trent Rockets are performing well in all departments. Hence, we predict Trent Rockets will win this game. TRT vs BPH Match 22, The Hundred Men's Competition 2026, Today Match TRT vs BPH, TRT vs BPH Prediction, TRT vs BPH Predicted XIs, Injury Update for TRT vs BPH Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
MSG vs WEF Match 21, The Hundred Mens 2026 Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
MSGvs WEFMatch 21, Cricket Tips :Welsh Fire have been pretty consistent in the Hundred Men's 2026, and they are placed second on the ladder. They have bagged four wins and will be looking for their fifth as they head into the next game on Wednesday. This is the first game of the double header. They will face Manchester Super Giants at 7:30 PM IST at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Another win will help Welsh Fire to get closer to a place in the next round. But this win is very important for the campaign of the Super Giants, who have only two wins in five games. They need to win their remaining three games to remain in contention. MSG vs WEF: Match Details Date : August 5, 2026 (Wednesday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Old Trafford, Manchester MSG vs WEF: Live Streaming Details The live action of the MSG vs WEF clash in India will be televised on the Star Sports Networks, whereas the live stream option will be available on the Jio Hotstar app or website. MSG vs WEF: Head-to-Head in The Hundred Total Matches: 5 Manchester Super Giants: 2 Welsh Fire : 3 No-result: 0 MSG vs WEF: Ground Pitch Report Old Trafford has been a happy hunting ground for the batting sides. It has excellent bounce, and it allows the batters to use the bounce and pace and play their shots. It will be hard to defend a total here. The average score here is around 145-155. MSG vs WEF: Possible XIs Manchester Super Giants: Aiden Markram (c), Tim Seifert, Jos Buttler (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Leus du Plooy, Tom Moores, Liam Dawson, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Noor Ahmad, Sonny Baker Welsh Fire : Phil Salt (c & wk), Matt Short, Rachin Ravindra, Joe Root, Jordan Cox, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Marco Jansen, Ben Kellaway, Chris Woakes, Lockie Ferguson, Sam Cook MSG vs WEF: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Phil Salt and Jos Buttler are in excellent form and are scoring runs for their teams. They will be the ones to watch out for. Probable Best Bowler Lockie Ferguson and Noor Ahmad are two proven match-winners with the ball. They can change the game with their spells.Today Match Prediction: Welsh Fire are in excellent form, and we predict them to win this game. MSG vs WEF Match 21, The Hundred Men's Competition 2026, Today Match MSG vs WEF, MSG vs WEF Prediction, MSG vs WEF Predicted XIs, Injury Update for MSG vs WEF Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Former Pakistan players could face bans for playing in Asian Legends League
The league in Zambia was ot sanctioned, approved or endorsed by the country's official governing body
Zaheer Khan co-owned Anchor Sports AB acquires Jaffna Kings
The team will now be rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, two weeks after their previous ownership was terminated
Annabel Sutherland keeps Sunrisers Leeds' slim Eliminator hopes alive
Australian allrounder comes to the fore with a wicket before toppling London Spirits' 136 for 7
Stokes Says Not Ready To Return As Player But Open To Coaching Role With England
Ben Stokes: Ben Stokes has insisted that his England career as a player has ended but said he is open to returning to the dressing room in a coaching capacity in the future, the former all-format captain of England said in a podcast. Stokes ended his international career in controversial circumstances after a 2-1 Test series defeat to New Zealand in June. After being dropped due to disciplinary reasons following their win in the Lord's Test, Stokes admitted that four years as captain had exhausted him and that he did not have any more fight left in me. England Director of Mens cricket Rob Key stated last week he wouldnt be surprised if Stokes were to return. Stokes, who had earlier reversed his ODI retirement to play in the 2023 World Cup, told the For the Love of Cricket podcast by former team-mate Jos Buttler that he has definitely retired. The 35-year-old Stokes added: Im doing my level three coaching now while Im still playing, because when the day comes that Im not playing anymore, Id love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done. I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach. And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely. I just really like the idea of being in some form of leadership away from playing, Stokes said. Joe Root, who led the Test team after the Lord's match against New Zealand, has since been reappointed as Test captain. Root won a record 27 Tests during his first stint as captain between 2017 and 2022, but his reign ended on a low note with one win in 17 matches while navigating Covid restrictions. Joe Root, who led the Test team after the Lord's match against New Zealand, has since been reappointed as Test captain. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Stokes added: I wish him nothing but success. I hope he goes on and achieves amazing things in his role as captain and I think hes going to really enjoy it with Flem. Hes a great man. Article Source: IANS
Pakistan in danger of falling into same trap after self-destructive morning
An improved bowling performance from West Indies wiped off Pakistan's gains from last evening
PCB axes WAPDA and Sahir Associates from 2026-27 domestic season
The board said the two departments were unable to comply with the regulations it introduced in June
Outer Delhi Warriors Monu Shukla: Outer Delhi Warriors edged past New Delhi Tigers in a nail-biting, rain-affected 15-over contest to claim their first Super Over victory in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday. New Delhi Tigers initially set a steep target of 156/5, anchored by a blistering 101-run stand between skipper Himmat Singh (61 off 25) and Lakshay Thareja (62* off 41). Outer Delhi Warriors seemed completely out of the chase after being reduced to 80/5, before making a comeback. The architect of this sensational turnaround was Monu Shukla, who produced a masterclass in aggressive finishing by smashing a fearless 45 off just 17 balls to drag his team back into the contest. Shukla then carried his electric touch directly into the Super Over, blitzing a crucial cameo to power the Warriors to a formidable 20 runs. The Tigers' chase collapsed almost immediately in response. Reflecting on his match-winning effort, Shukla said, It feels great to register our first win of the season. We had come very close in the previous match but couldn't finish the job, so the team was naturally disappointed. This victory has given us a lot of confidence, and everyone is very happy with the result. Talking about his mindset during the high-pressure chase, Shukla added, I was happy with the way I batted. The plan was to play positively and take the game deep. We felt we could have finished the chase without a Super Over, but once it went there, we stayed confident and backed ourselves. Reflecting on his match-winning effort, Shukla said, It feels great to register our first win of the season. We had come very close in the previous match but couldn't finish the job, so the team was naturally disappointed. This victory has given us a lot of confidence, and everyone is very happy with the result. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Thankfully, we stayed positive, won the Super Over, and in the end, luck smiled on us, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
DPL 2026: Monu Shukla Shines As Outer Delhi Warriors Win In Super Over Against New Delhi Tigers
The Delhi Premier League: The Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 witnessed its first Super Over of the season as New Delhi Tigers and Outer Delhi Warriors played out a thrilling contest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the Warriors eventually holding their nerve to seal a memorable victory. New Delhi Tigers posted 156/5 in their allotted 15 overs against Outer Delhi Warriors after rain reduced the contest. The innings got off to a shaky start, with the Tigers slipping to 37/2 in the sixth over before rain interrupted play. After the break, captain Himmat Singh and Lakshay Thareja took control of the innings with a superb 101-run partnership, shifting the momentum firmly in their team's favour. Himmat led from the front with a blistering 61 off just 25 balls, smashing five sixes and four fours to put the Warriors' bowlers under pressure. At the other end, Lakshay played the perfect supporting role and remained unbeaten on 62 off 41 deliveries, ensuring the Tigers finished with a competitive total. For Outer Delhi Warriors, Siddhant Sharma was the standout bowler, returning figures of 2/25 in his three overs, while the rest of the attack struggled to break the crucial partnership. In reply, Outer Delhi Warriors got off to a decent start, but the New Delhi Tigers bowlers pulled things back brilliantly with regular wickets. The Warriors were reduced to 80/5, putting them under immense pressure. However, Monu Shukla produced a sensational counterattack to keep his side in the contest. The right-hander played a fearless knock of 45 off just 17 balls, taking on the bowlers with some clean hitting and bringing the equation within reach before he was eventually dismissed. The match went right down to the wire. Needing nine runs in the final over, Shivam Sharma got the Warriors off to a perfect start by hitting the first ball for a boundary before taking a single off the next delivery. A no-ball on the third delivery handed the batting side a free hit and shifted the momentum further in their favour. Just when it looked like the Warriors would complete the chase, the game took another dramatic turn. Siddhant Sharma was run out, leaving the team needing one run off the final ball. The last delivery produced one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament. Himmat Singh initially fumbled the ball at mid-off and kicked it away. The ball, however, struck the stumps at the non-striker's end, where the batter was found short of his crease while attempting a run. The remarkable sequence resulted in a run-out and forced the match into the first Super Over of the DPL 2026. Just when it looked like the Warriors would complete the chase, the game took another dramatic turn. Siddhant Sharma was run out, leaving the team needing one run off the final ball. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chasing 21, New Delhi Tigers began brightly as Himmat Singh launched the very first ball for a massive six. However, he was dismissed off the very next delivery, leaving his side needing 15 runs from the remaining four balls. On the very next delivery, Hrithik Shokeen top-edged the ball and was caught by the wicketkeeper as the side was all out. Article Source: IANS
Barak Legends Prevail Over Guwahati Royals By Three Wickets Via VJD Method
Assam Cricket Association Stadium: Barak Legends held their nerve in a rain-affected contest to register a three-wicket victory over Guwahati Royals via the VJD Method in Match 7 of the Assam Premier League (APL) at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday. Chasing a revised VJD target of 118 in 19 overs, Barak Legends rode on composed knocks from skipper Sibsankar Roy and Saurav Dey before sealing the contest. Earlier, Guwahati Royals recovered from early setbacks to post 126/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Put into bat, Guwahati Royals were rocked early as they slipped to 2/2 before Rishav Das and Nibir Deka rebuilt the innings with a crucial 58-run partnership. Nibir top-scored with a fluent 47 off 40 deliveries, while Rishav contributed a steady 30. Gunjan Jyoti Deka added a valuable 22 off 19 balls to push the Royals past the 120-run mark. Mohit Thakur was the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3/12 in his four overs. Abdul Kuraishi chipped in with 2/16 to keep Guwahati in check. In reply, Barak Legends lost wickets at regular intervals but found stability through captain Sibsankar Roy, who struck a composed 36 off 36 balls, and Saurav Dey, whose 29 off 33 deliveries kept the chase on track. Bishal Saha provided early impetus with a quickfire 15, while Abdul made a useful contribution before falling late in the innings. Guwahati Royals fought back through Deepak Gohain, who claimed 3/11, while Mrinmoy Dutta picked up two wickets. However, Harsh Kumar and Bhargab Pratim remained unbeaten to steer Barak Legends to 118/7 in 19 overs and secure a hard-earned three-wicket victory under the VJD Method. Brief scores: Guwahati Royals 126/9 in 20 overs (Nibir Deka 47, Rishav Das 30, Gunjan Jyoti Deka 22; Mohit Thakur 3/12, Abdul Ajij Kuraishi 2/16, Saurav Dey 2/41) Brief scores: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Result: Barak Legends beat Guwahati Royals by 3 wickets (VJD Method) Article Source: IANS
TRT-W vs BPH-W Match 22, The Hundred Womens 2026 Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
TRT-W vs BPH-W Match 22, Cricket Tips :Trent Rockets Women are aiming for the top spots on the points table of the Hundred Women's 2026. They have been pretty consistent and have earned four games out of five matches played. With 16 points, they are just one win away from jumping to the top of the ladder. Trent Rockets will lock horns with Birmingham Phoenix Women on Wednesday at 7:30 PM IST at Trent Bridge. The Phoenix have slipped to sixth spot. They have six points and finally recorded a win in their previous game. But before that, they had three winless matches. They will be confident after the recent win but need an improved performance to challenge in-form Trent Rockets. TRT-W vs BPH-W: Match Details Date : August 5, 2026 (Wednesday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Trent Bridge, Nottingham TRT-W vs BPH-W: Live Streaming Details The TRT-W vs BPH-W clash will be live on the Star Sports Networks in India. Fans can watch the live stream of the game on the Jio Hotstar app or website. TRT-W vs BPH-W: Head-to-Head in The Hundred Total Matches : 5 Trent Rockets: 3 Birmingham Phoenix : 2 No-result : 0 TRT-W vs BPH-W: Ground Pitch Report Trent Bridge has produced good batting wickets in this tournament. Two matches have been played here, and the average score here is around 140-145. Fast bowlers will get early assistance, but the wicket is expected to get better. That will make it easier to chase. TRT-W vs BPH-W: Possible XIs Trent Rockets Women: Sophia Dunkley, Beth Mooney (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Sophie Luff, Bess Heath, Georgia Adams, Georgia Elwiss, Kim Garth, Charley Phillips, Samantha Bates Birmingham Phoenix Women : Tammy Beaumont, Davina Perrin, Alice Capsey, Ellyse Perry (c), Annerie Dercksen, Fatima Sana, Jemima Spence (wk), Alana King, Eva Gray, Linsey Smith, Lauren Filer TRT-W vs BPH-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Sophia Dunckley has played a key part in taking Trent Rockets to the top two. She is the second-highest scorer and will be the key batter. Captain Ellyse Perry has scored 123 runs in three innings and holds the key for them. Probable Best Bowler Ash Gardner has bowled well and is the second-highest wicket-taker this season. Alice Capsey has been the pick of the bowlers for the Phoenix and the one to watch out for. Today Match Prediction: Birmingham Phoenix have struggled with their bowling unit, and their best bowler is not even in the top 20 of this season. That tells about their struggle. We predict Trent Rockets to win this game. TRT-W vs BPH-W Match 22, The Hundred Women's Competition 2026, Today Match TRT-W vs BPH-W, TRT-W vs BPH-W Prediction, TRT-W vs BPH-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update for TRT-W vs BPH-W Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: As anticipation builds for the fourth season of the UP T20 League, the Noida Kings have stacked up their squad. Set to commence on August 14, the UP T20 League will feature 34 matches spread across 24 days, with the action split between the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow and Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. Following a highly strategic player auction, Noida Kings owner Anuj Sharma expressed immense satisfaction with the teams new roster, noting that the franchise successfully executed its core game plan. The auction was very good for us. We achieved nearly 100 percent of the targets we had set, said Sharma. When building a team combination, you try your best to get strong batters, a good wicketkeeper, quality bowlers, and capable all-rounders. Our team is completely built according to our planning, and now it is time for the team to perform. A primary focus for the Noida Kings was identifying and securing specialist T20 talent. The franchise aggressively pursued Shubham Gautam, a rising star identified through the official UPCA Speed Hunt initiative, and secured him as their costliest pick for Rs 21.5 lakh. Securing Shubham Gautam, who we scouted from the UPCA speed hunt, was undoubtedly our best pick, Sharma explained. We knew lots of people would be targeting him, and we were confident from the beginning about securing him and Shiva Singh. We had saved money for Shiva, expecting to spend around 25 lakhs, but we got him for 17.5 lakhs. That gave us the margin to bid for Gautam successfully. Everything was fulfilled properly. The newly assembled Noida Kings squad boasts a formidable mix of experienced campaigners and explosive young talent with proven track records. The retention of star all-rounder Prashant Veer is a massive boost for the franchise. Veer, who recently secured an IPL contract with the Chennai Super Kings, was a destructive force in the previous UP T20 League season, amassing 320 runs at a staggering strike rate of 155.34 and claiming eight wickets at an economy rate under seven. He is joined by retained left-arm pacer Naman Tiwari, who represented India at the U-19 World Cup and proved lethal in the previous UP T20 League edition, claiming 19 wickets to finish as one of the tournament's top bowlers. Adding to the batting firepower is Madhav Kaushik, who joins the Kings via trade. Kaushik brings aggressive top-order stability and has a history of big scores in the competition. The spin department is anchored by auction-buy Shiva Singh, a former U-19 World Cup winner whose slow left-arm orthodox bowling will be crucial on turning tracks. With a well-rounded squad secured, the Noida Kings are now focused on their training camp as they prepare to compete for the prestigious UP T20 League title. Adding to the batting firepower is Madhav Kaushik, who joins the Kings via trade. Kaushik brings aggressive top-order stability and has a history of big scores in the competition. The spin department is anchored by auction-buy Shiva Singh, a former U-19 World Cup winner whose slow left-arm orthodox bowling will be crucial on turning tracks. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Prashant Veer, Naman Tiwari, Ravi Singh, Aaditya Sharma, Kunal Tyagi, Anivesh Choudhary, Karthik Sidhhu, Madhav Kaushik, Anchit Yadav, Shaurya Singh, Shoaib Siddiqui, Rajat Sanserwal, Shiva Singh, Shubham Gautam, Piyush Singh, Vansh, Deepak Rajput, and Siddharth Choudhary Article Source: IANS
MSG-W vs WEF-W Match 21, The Hundred Womens 2026 Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
MSG-W vs WEF-W Match 21, Cricket Tips :The Hundred Women's 2026 will host a doubleheader on Wednesday. Two exciting matches will entertain the fans. The first game of the day will be played between Manchester Super Giants Women and Welsh Fire Women. This contest will start at 4 PM IST on Wednesday at Old Trafford in Manchester. MSG-W are currently placed in the third spot on the points table with 14 points. They have only lost one game in five matches, and a win here will put them in the second spot on the table. Welsh Fire Women are in a must-win situation. They have only 8 points on the board, and they can't afford a defeat here. MSG-W vs WEF-W: Match Details Date : August 5, 2026 (Wednesday) Time : 4:00 PM IST Venue : Old Trafford, Manchester MSG-W vs WEF-W: Live Streaming Details The live action of the MSG-W vs WEF-W will be available on Star Sports Networks. Fans can watch the live stream of the game on the Jio Hotstar app or website. MSG-W vs WEF-W: Head-to-Head in The Hundred Total Matches: 5 Manchester Super Giants: 2 Welsh Fire: 2 No-result: 1 MSG-W vs WEF-W: Ground Pitch Report Old Trafford is known for offering a good batting track. It offers bounce and pace, which will allow the batters to play their shots. The square boundaries are smaller, and the outfield is fast. However, the overcast conditions will let the ball move for a longer time. MSG-W vs WEF-W: Possible XIs Manchester Super Giants Women : Smriti Mandhana, Meg Lanning (c), Mady Villiers, Paige Scholfield, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kathryn Bryce, Maitlan Brown, Joanne Gardner, Sophie Ecclestone, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Grace Ballinger Welsh Fire Women: Georgia Voll, Ella McCaughan, Freya Kemp, Georgia Wareham (c), Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, Grace Thompson, Niamh Holland, Rhianna Southby (wk), Sophia Smale, Grace Potts MSG-W vs WEF-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll are two in-form batters going into this game. Probable Best Bowler Grace Potts have shown good form in recent matches, and she will be good at the start. Sophie Ecclestone has been brilliant this season and will be a threat to the opposition. Today Match Prediction : MSG-W are in excellent form, and we predict them to beat Welsh Fire Women in this game. MSG-W vs WEF-W Match 21, The Hundred Women's Competition 2026, Today Match MSG-W vs WEF-W, MSG-W vs WEF-W Prediction, MSG-W vs WEF-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update for MSG-W vs WEF-W Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
IRE vs AFG 1st ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
IRE vs AFG 1st ODI , Cricket Tips :Afghanistan have landed in Ireland, and they will play a five-match ODI series with the hosts. The series will see Rahmat Shah making his captaincy debut after replacing Hashmatullah Shahidi as the new ODI captain. For Ireland, captain Paul Stirling and all-rounder Mark Adair are back after injuries. Ireland beat India in a recent T20I series, and they will be confident going into this squad. The first ODI will be held at Bready Cricket Club on Wendesday at 3:15 PM IST. Both teams have faced each other more often than not and know about each other's strengths and weaknesses. That will make this series more interesting. IRE vs AFG: Match Details Date : August 05, 2026 (Wednesday) Time : 3:15 PM IST Venue : Bready Cricket Club, Bready, Northern Ireland IRE vs AFG: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the ODI series live on the FanCode mobile streaming app or website. IRE vs AFG: Head-to-Head in ODI Total Matches : 32 Afghanistan : 18 Ireland : 13 No-result : 01 IRE vs AFG: Ground Pitch Report Bready Cricket Club offers a good surface for a cricket match. It has excellent bounce and pace for the fast bowlers. Early on, there will be good assistance for the bowling side, and the overcast conditions will add more for the bowlers. Hence, it will be wise to bat second here. IRE vs AFG: Possible XIs Ireland : Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Liam McCarthy, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra Afghanistan : Rahmat Shah (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, N. Kharoti, Allah Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai IRE vs AFG: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Lorcan Tucker and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are two batters who scored runs in the last series and are in form with the bat. Probable Best Bowler Jai Moondra troubled the Indian batters and was MVP of the series win. He will be tough to face. For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan holds the key in the middle overs. Today Match Prediction: Ireland know these conditions, but Afghanistan have an all-round combination. That is why we predict Afghanistan to beat Ireland in the first ODI. IRE vs AFG Match 1st ODI, Today Match IRE vs AFG, IRE vs AFG Prediction, IRE vs AFG Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Ireland vs Afghanistan Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Ireland, Afghanistan kick off new eras with five-match ODI series
The two teams will face off in Bready, where only one men's ODI has been played previously
'We're Laser-focused On 50-over Cricket': Gary Wilson Eyes World Cup Return For Ireland
Cricket World Cup Qualifier: Just one week into his appointment as head coach of Ireland, Gary Wilson has made it clear what his ambitions are, namely securing qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. The player who previously served as Ireland's wicketkeeper-batter and took over as head coach from Heinrich Malan in June hopes that his team will earn a spot in the 14-team tournament which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Ireland have taken part in the men's 50-over World Cup on only three occasions, Wilson being present at their two most recent appearances in 2011 and 2015. This week Ireland's campaign to qualify gets under way as they take on Afghanistan in a five-match ODI series which starts on Wednesdaythis being their first 50-over internationals in over a year. The series will provide important preparation for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, in which the four teams who finish at the top of the 10-team tournament will secure their places in the 2027 World Cup. Wilson stated that the whole arrangement is designed with that objective in mind. We're laser-focused on 50-over cricket right now for that reason, Wilson told BBC Sport. I've been lucky enough to be part of two and they are amazing experiences. The 39-year-old looked back on Irelands progress over the past 20 years, citing several landmark achievements, before challenging his players to write new chapters in that journey. Irish cricket is really in its infancy in many ways and there's been a lot of firsts within the last 20 years, he said. We've had Ed Joyce as the first player to play for England, we've had the first World Cup in 2007, we've had the first Test win, why can't we go on and do something huge at a World Cup? If you'd said 30 or 40 years ago where the Irish rugby team would be now, you'd have got laughed at. The 39-year-old looked back on Irelands progress over the past 20 years, citing several landmark achievements, before challenging his players to write new chapters in that journey. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With a crucial ODI cycle now underway, Wilson hopes Ireland can translate that belief into results and earn another shot on cricket's biggest stage in 2027. Article Source: IANS
Stokes Wants To Coach England In Future; Rules Out 2027 Ashes Return
For The Love: Former skipper expressed his ambition to coach England in the future and suggested that he had retired for good and opened up on his longer-term goals, ruling out the possibility of making an international return during the 2027 Ashes series. Stokes retired from international cricket after the Test series against New Zealand, bringing the curtain down on one of the most remarkable careers in English cricket. The decision came after a tough week when Stokes missed the second Test of the series due to an incident at a London nightclub. I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game - which is to be a coach. I'm doing my level three coaching now while I'm still playing, because I want, when the day comes that I'm not playing any more, I'd love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done, said Stokes on For The Love of Cricket podcast hosted by former team-mates Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler. I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach. And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely. I just really like the idea of being, again, like, in some form of leadership away from playing, he said. Stokes, who had backed Harry Brook to succeed him in the role, expressed surprise at Joe Root being appointed to the role instead of Brook, who was promoted to Stokes' vice-captain in the Test side for last winter's Ashes tour. I think just if you think someone's going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give it to them. I understood the reasoning, but I was still like, well, what message is that sending to him? He's vice-captain. And then the captain is not playing, but he's not captain. What? said Stokes. I love Rooty. I wish him nothing but success. I hope he goes on to achieve amazing things in his role of captain, and I think he's going to really enjoy it with Flem. He's a great man. I've worked with Flem before,' he said. Stokes held the Test captaincy for four years from 2022, working alongside head coach Brendon McCullum as the pair reshaped England's playing style, dubbed as 'Bazball'. McCullum's exit from his Test role was announced two weeks after Stokes announced his retirement. Later, England appointed former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as the new Test coach. McCullum's four-year tenure as Test coach began in 2022 and saw an initially blockbuster period of progressive cricket built on ultra-aggressive batting. But the team's fortunes plummeted of late, losing seven of their past nine Tests. I was surprised. If I hadn't made the decision that I made four weeks ago, Baz would still be coach. So it's my fault! said Stokes. Stokes added, When I told Baz (about retirement), he was making toast, and I just went 'oh, I'm done'. I'd obviously had discussions with him anyway and then told him over toast. Then, again, he was like 'yeah, I've been given the tap on the shoulder' and I was like 'oh'. But he's still very excited and very happy to be moving forward with the white-ball because he's doing a very good job there. Stokes also ruled out any possibility of returning in next summer's home Ashes series after Rob Key, the managing director of the England mens cricket team, said the door is still open for him to come out of international retirement. Then, again, he was like 'yeah, I've been given the tap on the shoulder' and I was like 'oh'. But he's still very excited and very happy to be moving forward with the white-ball because he's doing a very good job there. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I was very comfortable retiring from playing and not thinking about playing for England, he said. Article Source: IANS
India vs Sri Lanka Tests: Rishabh Pant Seeks MS Dhoni's Help Before WTC Clash
With India's two-match Test series against Sri Lanka just around the corner, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has sought the guidance of one of the country's greatest cricketing minds-former captain MS Dhoni. Pant has been training in Ranchi with Dhoni ahead of the
Former South Africa: Former South Africa captain and ICC Hall of Famer Graeme Smith believes the return of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup to Africa after more than two decades represents a significant milestone for the game, saying the continent 'deserves' to host another global event. South Africa last co-hosted the Men's Cricket World Cup in 2003 alongside Zimbabwe and Kenya. The 2027 edition will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the venues and tournament brand unveiled during a star-studded ceremony in Johannesburg. It's been a long time coming since Africa or South Africa hosted a men's world cricket event again. I think the vibrancy of these three nations, the quality of players, the fan base certainly deserve a world event in the game, so it's great to have it back, Smith told ICC. The 2027 tournament will be played across 12 venues, including eight in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek. It will be only the third Men's Cricket World Cup to be staged across three host nations after the 1996 and 2003 editions. Smith also highlighted the enduring significance of the Cricket World Cup despite the changing landscape of the sport. The 2027 edition will be the 14th Men's Cricket World Cup and the first since 2015 to feature 14 teams, marking an expansion from the 10-team format used in the previous two editions. Drawing comparisons with the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2026, which featured 48 teams, Smith said the expansion would add to the tournament's appeal. We've just come off a football World Cup where you've seen a massive amount of nations compete and the cultures and the coming together of many different countries getting behind their teams. It's amazing. With 14 teams now, you hope that many people decide to come and travel to South Africa and be a part of the event, Smith said. I think from a world sporting event perspective, most World Cups happen every four-year cycle. It's seen as the event to win. It's obviously got a lot more tradition, a lot more stature. I think still when you get to this ODI World Cup it's going to be intense, the fandom is going to be great. I think it's the one that everyone wants to get their hands on, he added. We've just come off a football World Cup where you've seen a massive amount of nations compete and the cultures and the coming together of many different countries getting behind their teams. It's amazing. With 14 teams now, you hope that many people decide to come and travel to South Africa and be a part of the event, Smith said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think you've seen the fan base and the teams coming through. I think that's improved dramatically over the last few years. I think we want to see cricket grow, he said. Article Source: IANS
T20I Batting Rankings: Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has climbed to a career-best sixth position in the latest ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings after playing a key role in her side's T20I series victory over Pakistan. Athapaththu scored 39 in the opening match before following it up with 40 in the series-clinching second T20I, earning a one-place rise to sixth and achieving a new career-high rating. Australia opener Beth Mooney continues to top the ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings following her Player of the Tournament-winning performances at the recently concluded ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Athapaththu's teammate Imesha Dulani was another major gainer after smashing an unbeaten 101 in the opening T20I against Pakistan. The maiden T20I century helped Dulani jump 33 places to a career-best 23rd in the batting rankings. Pakistan also had reasons to celebrate despite the series defeat, with Muneeba Ali moving up four places to a career-best 30th, while Shawaal Zulfiqar surged from outside the top 100 to 52nd after scores of 63 and 48 in the first two matches. The Women's ODI rankings also saw notable movement following the completion of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Sri Lanka clinched the ODI series 2-1 after an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the decider, with Player of the Series Harshitha Samarawickrama finishing as the leading run-scorer with 173 runs across three matches. Harshitha's unbeaten 73 in the final ODI lifted her four places to 13th in the ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings. Sri Lanka's Hasini Perera also gained two places to move to 35th, while Pakistan's Gull Feroza climbed nine spots to 45th and captain Fatima Sana advanced six places to 56th. Sri Lanka clinched the ODI series 2-1 after an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the decider, with Player of the Series Harshitha Samarawickrama finishing as the leading run-scorer with 173 runs across three matches. Also Read: Live Cricket Score From the Sri Lankan contingent, Athapaththu climbed one place to 31st in the ODI bowling rankings, while all-rounder Kavisha Dilhari rose three spots to 33rd. Article Source: IANS
Spinners, Zafar hand Pakistan a consolation win
Sri Lanka lost all six wickets to spin, and their spinners couldn't sustain enough pressure defending 113 in Dambulla
SUL vs LNS: Approaching Milestones and Records Ahead of Match 20, The Hundred Mens 2026
SULvs LNS,Approaching Milestones and Records :Match no. 20 of the Hundred Men's 2026 will see a face-off between Sunrisers Leeds and London Spirit. This contest will be held at Headingley in Leeds on August 4 (Tuesday). This is a must-win game for both sides, because a defeat at this stage can be dangerous for the campaigns. Sunrisers Leeds have 8 points in four games. They have won two games in the first half of the group stage. In the last game, they suffered a close defeat by five runs at the hands of Trent Rockets. They will be looking to get back to the winning ways and get four points. On the other hand, London Spirit have slipped into the bottom two of the points table. They have only four points, courtesy of a solitary win in the first half of the group stage. They must win their remaining four games to stay in contention. If they lose on Tuesday, it will be all over for them. Here, we will talk about big records and milestones which are lined up and can be achieved in the SULvs LNSMatch 20 at the Headingley in Leeds. SULvs LNS: Approaching Test Records and Cricket Milestones Ahead of the SULvs LNSMatch 20 atHeadingley in Leeds 127 - Mitchell Marsh has scored 6873 runs in 253 matches. He needs 127 runs to complete 7000 runs in T20 cricket. 2 - David Willey has 389 wickets in 390 games in T20 cricket. He needs two more wickets to surpass Lasith Malinga's tally of 390 wickets in the shorter format. 3 - Australian speedster Andrew Tye has 367 wickets in 265 T20 matches. He needs three more wickets to surpass the Pakistani duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi (369) and Hasan Ali (369). 4 - Adam Zampa has 423 wickets in 341 T20 matches in his career and has the most T20 wickets as an Australian bowler. He needs four more wickets to surpass Adil Rashid (426) and become the ninth highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket. 4 - Only five batters have hit 50 or more sixes in the Hundred Men's league. Harry Brook needs four more to enter that list. He needs 22 more runs to become the seventh highest scorer in this league. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 23 - Liam Livingstone needs 23 runs to surpass Jos Buttler and become the fifth highest scorer in this league.
'Every Ball Has A Wicket-taking Purpose': Pujara Hails Jadeja's Mindset Change Ahead Of SL Tests
Galle International Stadium: Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes Ravindra Jadejas evolution into an attack-minded bowler has been one of the biggest factors behind his success in Test cricket, saying the all-rounder now approaches every delivery with the intention of claiming a wicket rather than merely containing runs. Speaking ahead of Indias two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, Pujara said Jadeja has undergone a significant mental transformation in recent years, making him an even more potent weapon in the longest format. The two-match series begins at the Galle International Stadium from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be played in Colombo from August 23 to 27. Earlier, when Ravindra Jadeja used to bowl, his mindset was not to give away too many runs, especially in red-ball cricket. If there was a little help in the wicket, then he would try to take wickets. But if the wicket was not conducive to bowlers, his focus was on restricting the runs, Pujara told Jio Star. But now, he has understood his own strengths and is bowling accordingly. In every game, he is trying to land the ball in the line of the stumps and get the batter out, he added. Pujara explained that the left-arm spinners outlook has become far more aggressive, allowing him to explore different angles and variations without compromising control. Earlier, his mindset was a little more defensive, but now he is delivering every ball with the purpose of taking a wicket. So, you think a little more about your game. You use the crease a little better, try to go wider, and adjust your length according to the batter. That mental shift is very important for the game, he explained. Jadeja is set to return to Test cricket after an extended absence. The veteran left-arm spinner suffered an elbow injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year, forcing him to miss Indias one-off Test against Afghanistan last month despite the hosts registering a comfortable victory. The upcoming series in Sri Lanka will mark Jadejas first Test appearance since November 2025, when he featured in Indias two-match home series against South Africa. Jadeja is set to return to Test cricket after an extended absence. The veteran left-arm spinner suffered an elbow injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year, forcing him to miss Indias one-off Test against Afghanistan last month despite the hosts registering a comfortable victory. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With spin expected to play a decisive role on Sri Lankan pitches, Jadejas return provides India with a major boost as they look to strengthen their World Test Championship final chances. Article Source: IANS
PCB Confirms Michael Smith's Appointment As Batting Coach
The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of former South Africa first-class cricketer Michael Smith as the new batting coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team for a two-year term. Smith will join the Pakistan team ahead of the three-match Test series against England, commencing on August 19. He will work with the team across both red-ball and white-ball formats. The 46-year-old South African, who has featured in 89 first-class matches, 72 List-A matches and 16 T20 matches from 2003 to 2013, has served on the coaching staff in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and, earlier this season, was Multan Sultans' assistant coach. He has also worked as batting coach with Australias Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania and was a coaching consultant for South Africas KZN Inland and Eastern Province Pakistan has had frequent changes in the team management, with Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Andrew Puttick and Shafiq serving in the post in the last three years.Their batting has been failing in Test matches as they have lost eight successive Tests abroad, the worst sequence in their history. The 46-year-old South African, who has featured in 89 first-class matches, 72 List-A matches and 16 T20 matches from 2003 to 2013, has served on the coaching staff in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and, earlier this season, was Multan Sultans' assistant coach. He has also worked as batting coach with Australias Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania and was a coaching consultant for South Africas KZN Inland and Eastern Province Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pakistan, who are currently playing a Test series against the West Indies, are placed ninth in the ICC World Test Championship standings. They will need to win the rest of their matches to pose a challenge for a top-two spot. Article Source: IANS
