Cricket

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised concerns about Ollie Pope's suitability as the Test captain, despite his recent victory over Sri Lanka. Vaughan believes Pope lacks the confidence and experience necessary for the role, citing his poor batting form and excessive use of unsuccessful reviews.Pope's leadership has been under scrutiny after England's 190-run victory at Lord's, where he scored only 1 and 17. His fidgety manner at the crease and questionable field placements have also raised eyebrows. Vaughan argues that Pope is better suited as a vice-captain, providing tactical advice and support to Ben Stokes."Ollie Pope is the ideal vice-captain for England," Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph. "He is a very good guy, trains well, and is a real team man. But he is better kept in that role than elevated to captain."Vaughan believes that Pope's insecurity stems from his lack of experience as a leader. He points out that not all vice-captains are capable of becoming captains, and that Pope may not have the necessary authority to command the respect of his teammates."I would be happy to be proven wrong on Pope," Vaughan added. "But I think he is someone who is a bit insecure. I can see why they gave him the vice-captaincy to give him a boost, but he really did not need the captaincy at this stage of his career."Vaughan also suggests that Harry Brook would be a better fit as England's next Test captain, due to his natural leadership qualities and aggressive approach. He also proposes that Joe Root could take up the mantle on an interim basis if necessary."Looking ahead, Harry Brook would be a better fit as captain for this side," Vaughan said. "But if there is another interim period when Stokes is injured and there are concerns about whether Brook is ready, what is wrong with giving the captaincy to Joe Root?"

Ben Stokes, England's talismanic all-rounder, is on the mend and on track to make a full recovery from his hamstring injury in time for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in October. Stokes sustained the injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred two-and-a-half weeks ago, ruling him out for the remainder of the English summer.Despite his absence, Stokes has remained with the England squad during their ongoing series against Sri Lanka, batting in the nets at Lord's ahead of Thursday's second Test. England are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on October 2, with the first Test set to commence five days later in Multan.A return to full fitness for Stokes would be a significant boost to England's chances in Pakistan, where they triumphed 3-0 in their most recent tour in 2022. During that series, Stokes bowled only 35 overs due to a chronic knee injury.Stokes expressed his eagerness to return to action, describing it as "scratching an itch." He emphasized his gradual progress in rehab and his belief that being surrounded by the medical team would expedite his recovery.England's stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, praised Stokes's dedication and believes he will be "as fresh as anyone" heading into the winter tours to Pakistan and New Zealand. Pope highlighted Stokes's ability to improve his game during injury setbacks and his positive impact on the squad.Zak Crawley, who is also missing the Sri Lanka series due to a broken finger, visited Lord's on Tuesday and is targeting a return for the Pakistan tour in October. Mark Wood, another injured player, has been replaced by Olly Stone in England's XI for the second Test at Lord's.Pope expressed his excitement for Stone to showcase his abilities as a high-pace bowler, despite acknowledging that he may not reach Wood's top speeds. Stokes commended Pope's seamless transition into his interim role and enjoyed observing the team's performance from the dressing room in Manchester.

England's selectors are considering recalling Joe Root and Ben Stokes for the 2025 Champions Trophy despite their absence from 50-over cricket since last year's World Cup. Both players are currently unavailable due to rest and injury, respectively, and will miss the upcoming ODI series against Australia and the tour to the West Indies.The Champions Trophy, scheduled for mid-February in Pakistan, will provide England with a crucial opportunity to prepare for the tournament. The team will play three ODIs in India at the start of the month, which will be the only chance for Root, Stokes, and other all-format players like Chris Woakes and Mark Wood to gain experience in the 50-over format before the tournament.England's selector, Luke Wright, emphasized the importance of fielding a strong team for the Champions Trophy. "We'll want to be as strong as possible," Wright said. "There's no Test cricket around at that point, so it gives us an opportunity to play our strongest team."Despite Root's struggles at the World Cup, Wright defended the decision to rest him against Australia, citing his heavy workload in recent years. "He's given a lot to English cricket," Wright said. "There's no reason why he can't then come into the major tournaments… we know how important Joe is to the England team."Wright acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the 50-over format, which English players rarely play. "It's a challenge for everyone, isn't it? And even more so for us in England… Those top players are able to adapt as well as possible, as I don't think it's as big a problem for them as it would be for some of the others."England have dropped Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow from both their T20I and ODI squads, but Wright denied that their international careers are over. "They're disappointed to miss out," he said. "I certainly won't be saying that that's the end for them. They're fine cricketers, but right now, we just want to give some other opportunities."Jos Buttler remains as captain despite England's recent struggles in white-ball cricket. He is under pressure heading into the Australia series and may hand over the wicketkeeping duties to Phil Salt in the T20Is. Wright indicated that Buttler is considering fielding at mid-off to be closer to his bowlers.Wright emphasized the need to restore energy to the white-ball set-up after two disappointing World Cup campaigns. "I wouldn't say [things have been] stale," Wright said. "Those guys have given us some of the best times we've had in white-ball cricket. It's life… It's a great time now: without a World Cup just round the corner as there hasn't been for a while is an opportunity to blood some new players."England's squad for the Australia ODIs includes three uncapped players: Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull, and John Turner. Wright highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for younger players in the 50-over format.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has asserted that tearaway pacer Mark Wood has become an indispensable player for the Test team, even more crucial than Ben Stokes on flat pitches. Wood's absence from the last two Tests against Sri Lanka due to a thigh injury is a significant blow, according to Vaughan.Vaughan believes that Wood's unique attributes make him a game-changer. "When you get on a flat pitch, Mark Wood is the most important player for England's Test match team. Yes, even more than Ben Stokes. Wood is that good," Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph.Vaughan cited Sri Lanka's second innings on day four as an example of where England will miss Wood. With Wood unavailable to bowl, Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal batted through the morning session and set England a target of 205, which they achieved with five wickets remaining."How much England miss him was evident on the fourth morning with that fantastic partnership from Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis when the pitch got flat and it became much easier for batting," Vaughan observed. "We might get a lot of those conditions in the next year or so - definitely in Pakistan, and maybe a bit in New Zealand too. England need to find a way to take 20 wickets on wickets like that."Vaughan emphasized that Wood's pace and ferocity set him apart from other England fast bowlers. "The point of difference that Wood brings is so important," he said. "England have got to wrap him in cotton wool to try and get him available for 60 or 70 per cent of Tests in the next year.""Wood is now the most important cog in this England Test match wheel for them to go and beat India, for them to go and win in Australia," Vaughan declared. "He's the player that opponents would most like to see not in the England side."Vaughan concluded by praising Wood's impact on the game. "He is not only obviously brilliant for the team, he's brilliant for the game," he said. "Get out of the bar and make sure you're there watching Mark Wood. He is that bowler. A bowler like that doesn't just give a team a great point of difference. It also sends a shudder to the opponents' dressing room."

Ben Stokes' Doppelganger Makes a Grand Re-Appearance at England vs Sri Lanka TestThe ongoing England vs Sri Lanka first Test in Manchester witnessed a delightful spectacle on Friday as Ben Stokes' doppelganger made a grand re-appearance, much to the amusement of the England skipper and the crowd.In his latest guise, Stokes' doppelganger showcased his Test jersey during the second session on Day 3, leaving the Old Trafford crowd in awe. The Stokes look-alike first gained prominence during the second Test between England and West Indies in Nottingham last month.Upon being spotted and displayed on the giant screen, Stokes was seen giving a thumbs-up to his doppelganger. The doppelganger then revealed his Test jersey, emblazoned with 'no.55 and Stokesy,' eliciting cheers and smiles from all corners of the stadium.The re-emergence of Stokes' doppelganger brought a touch of lightheartedness to an otherwise somber occasion. The England captain was recently ruled out for the rest of the season due to a torn hamstring. The 33-year-old all-rounder sustained the injury while batting for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred on Sunday.Vice-captain Ollie Pope has taken over as Test skipper for the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Despite his absence, Stokes' doppelganger ensured that his presence was felt at Old Trafford, providing a moment of joy and camaraderie amidst the competitive atmosphere.

England's Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka has been announced, with several notable changes. Fast bowler Matthew Potts has been recalled to the team, while Ollie Pope will take over as captain in the absence of Ben Stokes.Stokes, who has been a key figure in England's recent resurgence under coach Brendon McCullum, is set to miss the entire series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Hundred. His absence will be a significant blow to the team, as he has been a driving force behind their aggressive "Bazball" approach.Pope, who has only captained Surrey in one first-class match, will now lead the side. The 25-year-old is a talented batsman who has been in good form for England in recent months. However, he will have a tough task on his hands, as Sri Lanka are a dangerous team, especially in their own conditions.Potts, who has impressed for Durham in the County Championship this season, has been recalled to the Test squad for the first time since making his debut against Australia in 2022. The 24-year-old is a promising young bowler who could add some much-needed pace to England's attack.Other players who have been given a chance to prove themselves in Stokes's absence include batter Harry Brook and all-rounder Jamie Overton. Brook has been in excellent form for Yorkshire in the County Championship, while Overton has impressed for Somerset.England will be hoping to start the series well at Old Trafford, where they have a good record. However, Sri Lanka will be no pushovers, and they will be looking to make a statement against a weakened England side.

Ollie Pope, the 82nd captain of England's Test team, will lead the side against Sri Lanka on Wednesday in the absence of injured skipper Ben Stokes. Pope, who has captained only once in first-class cricket, is determined to deliver "the same messages from a different voice" while acknowledging that "it's still Stokesy's team."Despite his limited captaincy experience, Pope has been England's vice-captain since last summer and has led Surrey in eight T20 Blast matches this season. He believes that his appointment as captain is a "great honor" and an opportunity for the team to "take a step forward."Stokes, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, will remain with the squad and provide support to Pope. Pope welcomes Stokes' presence, stating that he can "lean on him" if needed. He also appreciates Stokes' guidance on managing bowlers, an area where he seeks to improve.Pope's recent batting form has been inconsistent, but he is confident that his captaincy responsibilities will not hinder his performance. He emphasizes the importance of compartmentalizing his roles and relying on experienced teammates like Harry Brook and Joe Root for support.England will face a Sri Lankan team that recently defeated India in an ODI series. Pope is wary of Sri Lanka's experience but insists that England's focus is on their own performance. He aims for a 3-0 series whitewash but acknowledges that Sri Lanka poses a significant challenge.

England's Test series against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, commencing Wednesday, presents an opportunity for several players to prove their worth in the absence of injured captain Ben Stokes. Stokes' hamstring injury has ruled him out of the three-match contest, leaving England without their inspirational leader for the first time since the inception of the dynamic "Bazball" era under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.Ollie Pope, England's vice-captain, will assume the captaincy despite having led Surrey in only one first-class match. The team announced on Monday that fast bowler Matthew Potts has been recalled, bolstering their attack to five bowlers.Dan Lawrence, rarely deployed as an opener in county cricket, returns to the England side after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, filling the vacancy created by Zak Crawley's fractured finger. Crawley sustained the injury during England's 3-0 whitewash of the West Indies last month.England is expected to achieve a similar result against Sri Lanka, who, like the West Indies, have played only one warm-up match before the first Test. However, England's approach under McCullum has often defied conventional cricket wisdom, so it is unsurprising that they have opted against replacing Crawley with a specialist opener.Lawrence himself believes his aggressive style aligns well with the current England setup. "I think that's the style of cricketer that Baz McCullum and Ben Stokes are generally after," Lawrence said. "I'm just going to go out there and try to be as free as possible."Sri Lanka, while lacking the star power of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, boasts experienced performers in Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne. Dhananjaya de Silva's side will also benefit from the guidance of interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya, a Sri Lankan great, and former England batsman Ian Bell, who provides local knowledge.Sri Lanka's last Test match was in April, but they recently upset India in a three-match one-day international series. Jayasuriya believes the timing of the current campaign could favor Sri Lanka. "The fact that we have got a late-summer tour is great," he said. "It's more similar to our conditions than the early summer tours."

Matthew Potts has been named as Ben Stokes' replacement in the XI for England's first Test against Sri Lanka, with Harry Brook stepping into the vice-captaincy role for the series to assist stand-in captain Ollie Pope.Potts, who earned the last of his six Test caps in the one-off Test against Ireland last summer, has been given the nod ahead of fellow quick Olly Stone and uncapped batter Jordan Cox after Stokes was ruled out of the rest of the summer with a hamstring injury sustained during the Men's Hundred.The 25-year-old Potts is a team-mate of Stokes for both Durham and Northern Superchargers, and will slot in at No.9 for the fixture at Emirates Old Trafford, which begins on Wednesday. That means promotions up the order for Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, and Gus Atkinson, who will occupy six, seven, and eight, respectively.While not quite an allrounder, Potts is a handy lower-order batter, as showcased by an unbeaten 149 against Warwickshire earlier this season, which was his maiden first-class century. Nevertheless, the selection adds to the peculiar nature of the XI, which also features Dan Lawrence as opener following Zak Crawley's finger injury sustained during the last Test against West Indies.The England team for the first Test against Sri Lanka is as follows:1. Dan Lawrence2. Ben Duckett3. Ollie Pope (capt)4. Joe Root5. Harry Brook6. Jamie Smith (wk)7. Chris Woakes8. Gus Atkinson9. Matthew Potts10. Mark Wood11. Shoaib Bashir