Cricket

Ollie Pope's appointment as England's Test captain for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka has sparked discussions about his leadership potential and the team's preparations for the Ashes next year. Former captain Nasser Hussain believes Pope's experience as captain will be invaluable, especially if Ben Stokes is injured in the future.Hussain emphasized the importance of having multiple leadership options, particularly in a high-stakes series like the Ashes. He noted that Pope's appointment will allow him to gain valuable experience and develop his leadership skills. However, Hussain also acknowledged that Pope's leadership style may not be as natural as Stokes's.Michael Atherton echoed Hussain's views, suggesting that Pope may feel like a "caretaker" captain in Stokes's absence. He believes Pope may be hesitant to make significant changes to the team's approach, given Stokes's strong influence.The article also discusses England's selection dilemmas, with Zak Crawley ruled out due to injury. Hussain believes head coach Brendon McCullum will prioritize innovation over recalling dropped players. He suggests that younger players like Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, and Olly Stone could be considered for higher batting positions.Atherton highlighted the potential of Dan Lawrence to bring his aggressive style to the top order in Crawley's absence. He believes Lawrence will relish the opportunity to open the batting and contribute to England's positive approach.Overall, the article provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing England as they prepare for the Sri Lanka series and the Ashes. Pope's leadership, the team's selection decisions, and the impact of McCullum's coaching philosophy will be key factors to watch in the upcoming matches.

Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, has signed with MI Cape Town for the upcoming season of the SA20, joining Azmatullah Omarzai as the franchise's marquee overseas signings. The duo will bolster a squad that includes Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Nuwan Thushara, and Chris Benjamin, who have been retained from the previous season.MI Cape Town's domestic contingent is equally impressive, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, and George Linde. They are joined by Delano Potgieter, Thomas Kaber, and Connor Esterhuizen, who have been added to the roster.For Boult, this marks his fourth stint with a Mumbai Indians-owned team, having previously played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, MI New York in MLC, and MI Emirates in the ILT20.The SA20 franchises have been actively targeting top English Test players for the 2025 season, with Joe Root joining Paarl Royals, Ollie Pope signing with Pretoria Capitals, and Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes joining Joburg Super Kings and Durban's Super Giants, respectively. Zak Crawley has been acquired by Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the two-time SA20 champions.England's Test tours to Pakistan and New Zealand in the winter of 2024-25 will conclude before Christmas, making English players available for the full duration of the ILT20 and SA20. The 2025 edition of the SA20 will run from January 9 to February 8.Stokes' England contract expires in September, and he has not played a white-ball game for England since the 2023 ODI World Cup. He is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, but is targeting a return for England's Test tour of Pakistan in October.If Stokes participates in the SA20, it will be a rare appearance for him in a franchise league. His previous IPL stints were disrupted by injuries, and he opted out of IPL 2024 to manage his workload.

England's Test captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out for the remainder of the summer due to a torn left hamstring. The injury occurred during a Hundred match for Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals on Sunday.Stokes sustained the injury while attempting a quick single. He pulled up in pain after completing the run and collapsed to the ground, clutching his left leg. He required assistance to leave the field and returned to the dugout on crutches.A scan on Tuesday confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling Stokes out of the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins in Manchester on August 21.Ollie Pope, Stokes' vice-captain for over a year, will assume full captaincy duties for the series.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated that Stokes aims to return for England's winter Test tour of Pakistan, which commences in Multan on October 7. Zak Crawley, who is missing the Sri Lanka series with a finger injury, is also targeting the Pakistan tour for his comeback.England has opted not to name a replacement for Stokes in their squad for the Sri Lanka series. In his absence, Jordan Cox could make his Test debut as a specialist batter at No. 6. Alternatively, the team could adjust its balance by promoting Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes to No. 6 and 7, respectively, and selecting an additional seamer like Matthew Potts or Olly Stone.Stokes' injury is a significant blow to England's Test team. He is a key all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. His absence will test the depth of England's squad and provide opportunities for other players to step up.

England Test captain Ben Stokes and opener Zak Crawley have suffered injuries that will impact their availability for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.Stokes, 33, was carried off the field while playing for the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred on Sunday. The all-rounder appeared to suffer a hamstring injury and was assisted into the stands by team staff. England's first Test against Sri Lanka begins on August 21 at Old Trafford, the same ground where Stokes sustained his injury.Meanwhile, Crawley has been ruled out of the series due to a broken finger. The 26-year-old fractured his little finger on his right hand while attempting to take a catch during the third Test victory over the West Indies. Crawley will now focus on recovering in time for England's tour of Pakistan in October.With Crawley sidelined, Dan Lawrence is expected to open alongside Ben Duckett. Lawrence has been included in several England squads but has not played a Test since 2022. The 27-year-old has impressed in the County Championship this season, averaging 53.09 with two centuries and three fifties.England have made several other changes to their squad ahead of the Sri Lanka series. Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith, who made their Test debuts against the West Indies, have been retained. Essex batsman Jordan Cox has received his first call-up, while uncapped seamer Dillon Pennington has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.Nottinghamshire seam bowler Olly Stone returns to the Test squad for the first time since 2021. The 29-year-old will be hoping to add to his three Test caps.The first Test against Sri Lanka starts at Old Trafford on August 21, with the second match at Lord's and the third at The Oval.

England's preparations for the upcoming three-Test series against Sri Lanka have been thrown into disarray following the withdrawal of all-rounder Chris Woakes from The Hundred tournament due to injury. The news comes just days after captain Ben Stokes was assisted off the field during a Hundred match with a suspected hamstring injury.Woakes, 35, was a key member of England's Test squad and was expected to play a significant role in the series against Sri Lanka. However, his withdrawal from The Hundred has raised concerns about his fitness ahead of the first Test, which begins on August 21 at Old Trafford."Chris Woakes has withdrawn from the competition with injury. The England bowling all-rounder will no longer be a part of this year's competition," Birmingham Phoenix announced on their Instagram account late Monday.The injury to Woakes is a major blow to England, who are already without Stokes. The Test skipper sustained a suspected hamstring injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. If both all-rounders are ruled out of the Sri Lanka series, England's squad depth will be severely tested.England's preparations for the series are now under scrutiny as they await further assessments on the fitness of Woakes and Stokes. The team management will be hoping that both players can recover in time for the first Test, but their absence would be a significant setback.

Northern Superchargers' Nicholas Pooran played a pivotal role in their thrilling seven-wicket victory over Manchester Originals in The Hundred, smashing an unbeaten 66 off just 33 balls. The win keeps Superchargers' hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.However, the match was overshadowed by an injury to England Test captain Ben Stokes, who is now a doubt for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Stokes sustained a suspected hamstring injury while running a single in the second innings.Pooran's heroics came after Manchester Originals had posted an imposing 156 for 3, with Phil Salt contributing 61. But Superchargers' spinners, led by Mitchell Santner (3-24), restricted Originals' scoring rate in the latter stages of their innings.In the chase, Superchargers lost two early wickets but Pooran's arrival at the crease changed the game. He struck eight sixes and four fours, ably supported by Harry Brook (43) and Adam Hose (26 not out).The victory was a testament to Superchargers' resilience and the brilliance of Pooran, who has been in exceptional form throughout the competition. However, the injury to Stokes is a major concern for England, who are set to face Sri Lanka in a three-Test series starting on August 21.

Ben Stokes' participation in England's upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka is in jeopardy after he suffered an injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred on Sunday.During a chase against Manchester Originals, Stokes attempted a quick single but pulled up injured after completing the run. He was assisted off the field by medical staff, clutching the back of his left leg near the hamstring and knee.The injury occurred after Stokes was struck in the gut by a hard-length ball from Tom Aspinwall. He initially appeared winded but attempted to run a single before collapsing in pain.The injury raises concerns about Stokes' availability for the first Test, which begins on August 21 in Manchester. He has previously managed a chronic left-knee injury but returned to bowling earlier this year after undergoing surgery.England are already without Zak Crawley for the Sri Lanka series due to a fractured finger. Dan Lawrence is expected to open the batting in his absence, with Jordan Cox called up as batting cover. Ollie Pope, the vice-captain, would lead England for the first time in international cricket if Stokes is ruled out.The extent of Stokes' injury is still being assessed, but it is a significant blow to England's hopes of a strong start to the series. The all-rounder is a key figure in the team, both as a batsman and a bowler.

England's dominance over the West Indies continued in the third and final Test at Edgbaston, as they secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory to complete a 3-0 series sweep. The match concluded more than two days ahead of schedule, highlighting England's overwhelming superiority.Ben Stokes, England's captain, led the charge with a blistering innings that saw him reach a remarkable milestone. Opening the batting in place of the injured Zak Crawley, Stokes smashed the fastest fifty by an England batsman in Test cricket, reaching the mark in just 24 deliveries. His aggressive display included nine boundaries and a six, surpassing the previous record held by Ian Botham since 1981.Stokes' innings not only contributed to England's rapid chase but also etched his name in the record books. He remained unbeaten on 57, finishing the match with a six off the bowling of West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite.Mark Wood, Stokes' Durham teammate, played a pivotal role in England's victory with an exceptional bowling performance. He claimed five wickets for nine runs in six overs, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup and leaving England with a modest target of 82 runs.West Indies opener Mikyle Louis showed some resilience with a maiden Test fifty, scoring 57 runs. Kavem Hodge also contributed 55 runs, but their efforts were not enough to set a challenging target. The next highest score in the innings was a mere 12 runs, shared by Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, and extras.England's victory was a testament to their all-round dominance throughout the series. They outplayed the West Indies in all departments, showcasing their superior batting, bowling, and fielding skills. The 3-0 sweep further strengthens England's position as one of the top Test teams in the world.

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, possesses exceptional skills comparable to England's premier all-rounder and captain, Ben Stokes. However, former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris believes that Pandya needs to demonstrate greater consistency in his performances.Styris acknowledges Pandya's immense talent, stating that he is "in a similar ability-zone as someone like Ben Stokes." However, he emphasizes the need for Pandya to translate his abilities into consistent performances. "He's got much more talent than that (his recent performances)," Styris said.Styris highlights the importance of Pandya's availability and fitness in delivering consistent performances. "He is a phenomenally skilled cricketer. But he hasn't quite shown it yet as consistently enough for my liking," Styris said. "I want to see him get his body right and be that dominant all-rounder that we know."Styris also praises left-arm all-rounder Axar Patel, who he believes will play a crucial role in India's upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka. "I'm a huge fan of Axar Patel," Styris said. "He's one of those players who always gets in the fight, always gets in the contest."Styris also expresses his desire to see a larger role for Rinku Singh, who missed out on India's T20 World Cup squad. "I would still like to see Rinku come in first," Styris said. "The way he's performed for India, he hasn't done anything wrong."Styris commends the timing of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja's retirements from T20Is. "I think it was the perfect time for those three to step away," Styris said. "It's a real opportunity for India to give some experience to the next generation of players."Styris believes that the young Indian cricketers have immense talent, as evidenced by their performances in the IPL. "They won't have those senior guys around to lean on," Styris said. "But the one thing that we can take away from the IPL is the next wave of Indian batsmen are talented."