Cricket

England's cautious approach to Jofra Archer's workload will continue during the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia. Archer has been gradually reintegrated into international cricket after recovering from back and elbow injuries.Despite his impressive performance in the T20 World Cup, Archer has been carefully managed to avoid overexertion. He played only 3.3 overs in the T20I series against Australia and was rested for the second game in Cardiff.England's interim coach, Marcus Trescothick, emphasized the need to manage Archer's workload throughout the ODI series. "He's played a really good stint of T20 cricket, but there's a jump in intensity getting loads up to taking full part in an ODI," Trescothick said.Archer's long-term goal is to return to red-ball cricket, but he has not played a first-class match since May 2021. Trescothick confirmed that Archer is comfortable with the ECB's plan to manage his workload."He knows the plan," Trescothick said. "It's discussed long in advance of picking the team on each day. We know what we're doing with him, and where we're going."Trescothick will continue to assist England as an assistant coach for the Test series in Pakistan and New Zealand. He believes his experience working with Brendon McCullum will ensure a smooth transition when McCullum takes charge across formats in January."I'm directing it in a way that I know will be very similar to when he comes in," Trescothick said. "He'll talk the same way, manage in the same fashion, and debrief in the same way."

England vs Australia: T20I Abandoned Due to Rain, ODI Series LoomsThe highly anticipated third and deciding T20I between England and Australia was unfortunately abandoned due to persistent rain in Manchester on Sunday. The match was called off shortly after 4pm, leaving both teams to share the spoils in the three-match series.The visitors had emerged victorious in the opening match in Southampton, while England responded with a thrilling chase in Cardiff. However, the weather conditions in Manchester proved too challenging for any meaningful cricket to take place.Both teams were expected to recall key fast bowlers for this game. Jofra Archer and Josh Hazlewood had been rested in Cardiff, while Australia had only 11 players to choose from due to Mitchell Marsh's illness. However, the rain prevented any XIs from being named.Attention now turns to the five-match ODI series, which begins on Thursday in Nottingham. The forecast for the ODI series is more promising, and both teams are expected to field strong lineups.England have named Harry Brook as captain in place of the injured Jos Buttler, while Australia will welcome back Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Starc for the 50-over games.The ODI series will serve as an important preparation for next February's Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Both England and Australia will be looking to experiment with various options over the five games, which will be played in the space of 11 days.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has highlighted the importance of Adam Zampa's leg-spin to Australia's success, emphasizing that when Zampa is neutralized, the team struggles to win. This was evident in England's three-wicket victory in the second T20I at Cardiff, where Zampa's figures of 0-37 from four overs proved ineffective.Ponting pointed out that Zampa's performance in victories stands in stark contrast to his performance in defeats. In wins, he boasts an impressive average of 15.20 and an economy rate of 6.38, while in defeats, his average jumps to 40.07 and his economy rate to 8.49.England's strategy in the second T20I was clear: target Zampa's weaknesses. They identified that he is more vulnerable to left-handed batters, and Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt adopted a cautious approach against him, rotating the strike rather than attacking him aggressively.However, it was Jacob Bethell's audacious performance that truly turned the tide. The 20-year-old hit Zampa for 26 runs off just 11 balls, including a remarkable 100m six over long-on. Bethell's aggressive approach and willingness to use his feet forced Zampa to vary his lengths, creating scoring opportunities.Ponting also criticized Australian batters Jake Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis for their ineffective approach against England's spinners, particularly Livingstone. Their tendency to step away from their bodies and mishit shots towards long-on left them vulnerable.In conclusion, Zampa's struggles in the second T20I highlighted his importance to Australia's success. England's strategy of targeting his weaknesses proved effective, and Bethell's aggressive approach further exposed his vulnerabilities. Australia will need to find a way to protect Zampa and neutralize England's spinners if they want to regain the lead in the series.

England's Liam Livingstone played a pivotal role in his team's thrilling three-wicket victory over Australia in the second T20I at Sophia Gardens on Friday. His blistering 87 off 47 balls propelled England to a challenging target of 194 runs, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.Livingstone's second T20 half-century in his 50th match for England proved crucial. He formed a match-winning partnership of 90 runs with Jacob Bethell (44 off 24 balls) after England faced early setbacks.England captain Phil Salt's aggressive start, hitting three successive sixes in the third over, was cut short by Sean Abbott's dismissal of Will Jacks and Jordan Cox. Salt's departure for 39 off 23 balls left England in a precarious position at 79/3 in the ninth over.However, Livingstone and Bethell steadied the innings, with Livingstone showcasing his power-hitting prowess with six fours and five sixes. Despite Livingstone's dismissal in the 19th over by Matt Short, who took five wickets, England reached the target with six balls to spare.Reflecting on his performance, Livingstone expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I feel like I'm in decent nick with the bat and ball. It's nice to play with a smile on my face." He also praised Bethell, calling him an "incredible talent" and a "fearless kid" who performed well under pressure.Australia, led by Travis Head in place of the unwell Mitchell Marsh, posted a competitive 193/6. Head, leading for the first time, scored 31 off 14 balls before being dismissed by Brydon Carse. Jake Fraser-McGurk scored his first international T20 half-century with 50 off 31 balls before being caught by Jamie Overton off Livingstone's bowling.Commenting on the game, Head said, "We got a really good score and we got really close. Jake Fraser-McGurk played nicely. We didn't get the win, but we move on to Manchester."The victory came after England's 28-run defeat in the first match at Southampton. The series will conclude with the final game in Manchester on Sunday.

England and Australia are set to face off in the first of three T20Is at the Utilita Bowl near Southampton, with both teams making notable changes to their lineups.England, led by debutant captain Phil Salt, have opted to field a young and inexperienced side. Salt, who will also keep wicket, is joined by fellow debutants Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox. Jamie Overton, who is playing as a specialist batter, also earns his maiden T20I cap.Australia, on the other hand, have recalled Matthew Short from paternity leave to open the batting alongside Travis Head. Short was not initially expected to join the squad until the ODI leg of the tour, but the early arrival of his first child allowed him to travel over ahead of schedule.Josh Hazlewood also returns to the Australian side, replacing Cooper Connolly. Xavier Bartlett will share the new ball with Hazlewood, taking the place of Aaron Hardie.England won the toss and chose to bowl first, with Salt citing the pitch conditions and the fact that chasing teams generally enjoy more success at the Utilita Bowl.The match marks a significant milestone for Hampshire Cricket, as the club has installed 1,044 newly-installed solar panels at the venue. The initiative is part of Hampshire's commitment to being "the greenest international cricket venue."

England and Australia are set to clash in a thrilling series of eight T20Is over the next 18 days, starting with the first match in Southampton. Despite a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, England boasts a strong squad with a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Australia, too, is looking to make a statement after their early exit from the World Cup.The series marks the beginning of a new era for England's T20 team, with Brendon McCullum taking over as head coach in January. Marcus Trescothick will lead the team for this series and the upcoming tour of the West Indies. Phil Salt will captain the side in the absence of the injured Jos Buttler.Australia, on the other hand, is gradually transitioning its team with an eye towards the 2026 T20 World Cup. While some Test players are missing due to the busy schedule, the squad still features a blend of experience and youth. Josh Inglis and Cameron Green impressed in the recent matches against Scotland, while Josh Hazlewood has joined the squad after recovering from a minor injury.The spotlight will be on England's Jacob Bethell, an all-rounder who has generated buzz with his performances in the T20 Blast. Australia's Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has been given the opportunity to replace David Warner at the top of the order, will be eager to prove his worth.England has confirmed its XI for the first T20I, with Bethell and Jordan Cox making their debuts. Jamie Overton will also make his T20I debut as a batter-only. Australia has not yet named its XI, but Mitchell Marsh has confirmed that Hazlewood will return after his calf niggle.The match will be played on a surface with minimal grass and some of the largest boundaries in the country, which could favor Australia. The weather forecast is fair, although chilly in the evening. The match is a sellout, and Hampshire is installing 1000 solar panels at the Utilita Bowl before the game.

Scotland, buoyed by their impressive performance against Australia at the T20 World Cup, are determined to make history by securing their first-ever ODI series victory over the formidable Aussies.In the T20 World Cup, Scotland pushed Australia to the brink, with a win potentially eliminating England from the tournament. Despite falling short, the Scots believe they have the potential to go even further in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Edinburgh.Australia's inexperienced squad, coupled with Scotland's home advantage and three games in four days, presents a golden opportunity for the hosts. Left-arm spinner Mark Watt expressed their ambition to not only win a game but to claim the entire series."We're after a little bit of blood this week," Watt said. "We can take inspiration from the T20 World Cup, but we also have a point to prove. We believe we should have won that game and gone further. We got close, but we're disappointed we didn't win."Scotland's squad remains unchanged from the T20 World Cup, with the addition of pace bowler Charlie Cassell, who made a sensational ODI debut with a seven-wicket haul against Oman."It's a great opportunity for our players to share the field with world-class players," said Scotland head coach Doug Watson. "We want to compete and push this Australia team. Our goal is to win this series."Scotland's success in hosting Australia is a testament to their resilience, as Ireland was initially scheduled to host the series but faced financial constraints. The last time Australia played a bilateral match against Scotland was in 2013, where Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh shared a record-breaking opening partnership.Despite their impressive performances, Scotland remains frustrated by the limited opportunities they have to face top-tier nations outside of global events."It's frustrating we don't get the opportunities to play the big boys," said Michael Leask. "We would take any opportunity, because the more high-quality cricket we get, the better we get."Scotland's determination and home advantage make them a formidable opponent for Australia. The series promises to be a thrilling contest, with the Scots eager to prove their worth and secure a historic victory.

Australia's women's cricket team has unveiled its 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which has been relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Bangladesh. The squad, led by Alyssa Healy, features a blend of experience and youth, with the aim of securing a fourth consecutive T20 title.Darcie Brown, who has recovered from a stress fracture of the foot, has earned a spot in the team, providing Australia with an additional pace option alongside Tayla Vlaeminck. Phoebe Litchfield, a rising star, will make her World Cup debut.The squad is largely unchanged from the one that toured Bangladesh earlier this year, with the notable absence of Jess Jonassen. Jonassen, a key member of Australia's team for over a decade, has been left out of the World Cup for the first time when available for selection.National selector Shawn Flegler expressed confidence in the squad's stability and balance, highlighting the leadership qualities of Healy and Tahlia McGrath. He also praised Litchfield's potential and the pace duo of Brown and Vlaeminck.Regarding Jonassen's omission, Flegler acknowledged her misfortune but emphasized that the door remains open for her to regain her place in the team during the upcoming season, which includes an Ashes series.The squad named for the World Cup will also participate in three T20Is against New Zealand next month, with the addition of allrounder Heather Graham, who will not travel to the UAE.

Josh Hazlewood's calf strain has ruled him out of Australia's T20I series against Scotland next month, adding to the team's injury woes. Riley Meredith has been called up as his replacement.Hazlewood sustained the injury during training last week, and while it is described as minor, the selectors are likely to take a cautious approach ahead of a busy home summer that includes five Tests against India. He is expected to be available for the T20Is and ODIs against England later in September.Meredith, who last played for Australia in 2021, has been in impressive form for Somerset in England's white-ball competitions. He has taken 14 wickets in the T20 Blast and six in the one-day cup, including a match-winning 4 for 27 against Middlesex at Lord's.Hazlewood's absence is the second blow to Australia's pace attack, with Spencer Johnson also ruled out with a side strain. The pace attack for the Scotland series will now feature Meredith, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis, alongside allrounders Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis. Adam Zampa and the uncapped Cooper Connolly will provide the spin.Hazlewood was the only one of Australia's "big three" quicks initially included for the full tour of the UK. Mitchell Starc will feature in the ODIs against England, while Pat Cummins is missing the entire trip to focus on strength and conditioning ahead of the home summer."The priority at the moment is to smash out some gym work and start reassessing in a few weeks a path forward," Cummins said last week. "I'm just trying to fill up the bucket again after two years of non-stop bowling. [Hoping] come that first Test [against India] in as good of a position as I have been in for a few years."Australia fly out to Scotland on Monday with the first T20I taking place in Edinburgh on September 4.