Cricket

Moeen Ali, a veteran of England's white-ball triumphs, has expressed unwavering confidence in Brendon McCullum's ability to revitalize the team's fortunes. Ali believes that McCullum's charisma and experience will empower captain Jos Buttler, who has faced criticism for his recent performances.McCullum, a former New Zealand captain and renowned batter, brings a unique aura to the dressing room, according to Ali. His on-field accomplishments will give him instant credibility, unlike his predecessor, Matthew Mott. Ali emphasized that McCullum's energy and leadership will alleviate the pressure on Buttler, allowing him to focus solely on his role as captain.Ali's comments stem from his observations of Buttler's demeanor during the recent World Cup, where he appeared visibly frustrated. McCullum's appointment is expected to provide Buttler with a much-needed support system.Despite his retirement from international cricket, Ali remains optimistic about England's future. He believes that a new generation of players is emerging, and that Buttler will have no shortage of capable lieutenants. Phil Salt and Harry Brook are among those who have shown leadership potential.Ali also highlighted the importance of Buttler establishing his own leadership style. While he acknowledges that he may have overstepped his role as vice-captain at times, he believes that Buttler will create an environment where players feel comfortable sharing their ideas.With McCullum at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, Ali is confident that England can rebuild and regain their status as a white-ball powerhouse.

England's Revenge Tour: Botham's Record-Breaking Performance and Gavaskar's InjuryIn 1982, the England cricket team embarked on a tour of India, seeking redemption after their disappointing performance in the previous series. Despite losing both Tests and ODIs, England was determined to turn the tables.The first Test at Lord's proved to be a close contest, with Dilip Vengsarkar scoring a century for India. However, England's pace duo of Bob Willis and Ian Botham proved too strong, leading their team to victory.The second Test in Manchester ended in a high-scoring draw, curtailed by rain. The third Test at the Oval witnessed a remarkable performance by Botham, who set a new record for the fastest double century, reaching the milestone in just 220 balls. Kapil Dev also impressed with a blistering 97 off 93 balls, but the match ultimately ended in a draw.Beyond his record-breaking performance, Botham also made headlines for an unfortunate incident. While fielding at silly point, he smashed a drive off Ravi Shastri into the left leg of Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, breaking his tibia. Gavaskar was immediately taken off the field and later diagnosed with a broken tibia above the left ankle."I knew I'd hit it hard. I'm sorry to have put Sunny out of the Test," Botham reportedly said at the close of play.The injury to Gavaskar was a major blow to India, and England capitalized on the opportunity to win the series 1-0. Botham's all-round performance, including his record-breaking double century and the unfortunate injury to Gavaskar, made this series a memorable one in the annals of cricket history.

Moeen Ali, the versatile England all-rounder, has bid farewell to international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career spanning nearly a decade. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the 37-year-old announced his retirement from all formats of the game.Ali's decision stems from his omission from England's squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia. "I'm 37 years old and didn't get picked for this month's Australia series," he explained. "I've played a lot of cricket for England. It's time for the next generation, which was also explained to me. It felt the time was right. I've done my part."Since his international debut in 2014, Ali has amassed an impressive record across all formats. In 68 Tests, he scored 2,914 runs, including eight centuries and 28 half-centuries, while claiming 195 wickets. In 138 ODIs, he contributed 2,417 runs and 87 wickets, and in 92 T20Is, he scored 1,347 runs and 84 wickets.Ali's last international appearance came in England's semi-final defeat to India at the T20 World Cup in Guyana. Reflecting on his career, he expressed immense pride in his achievements. "When you first play for England, you don't know how many games you're going to play. So to play nearly 300…My first few years were all about Test cricket. Once Morgs [Eoin Morgan] took over the one-day stuff, that was more fun. But Test cricket was the proper cricket."Despite his retirement from international cricket, Ali remains passionate about the game and plans to continue playing franchise cricket. He has already signed up as a replacement player for defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). In the past year, he has also represented Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, and Chittagong Vikings in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).Beyond playing, Ali aspires to pursue a career in coaching. "Coaching is something I want to do -- I want to be one of the best," he said. "I can learn a lot from Baz [Brendon McCullum]. I hope people remember me as a free spirit. I played some nice shots and some bad shots, but hopefully people enjoyed watching me."Moeen Ali's retirement marks the end of an era for English cricket. His all-round abilities and infectious personality will be sorely missed by fans and teammates alike. As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, he leaves behind a legacy of success and inspiration.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the upcoming home Test series against England will take place in Pakistan, despite earlier reports suggesting a possible shift to Sri Lanka or the UAE. The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, will proceed as planned with matches in Multan and Rawalpindi.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi quashed reports of a venue change, stating that the venues are final and games will not be played outside the country. "No Tests will be played outside (the country). Multan and Rawalpindi venues are final," Naqvi said.The confirmation comes after reports emerged that the series might be moved out of Pakistan due to ongoing renovation work at stadiums in preparation for next year's ICC Champions Trophy. However, Naqvi clarified that the venues are ready and will not be affected by the construction activities.Recently, the PCB had to shift the second Test of their series against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi because of similar renovation work. Spectators were barred from attending that match due to the construction activities. Experts had advised that construction could continue during playing hours, potentially distracting players because of the noise and dust.England head coach Brendon McCullum had expressed concerns about the venue uncertainty, saying it made team selection difficult. "We don't know (what is happening in Pakistan), but we can't pick a team until we know where we're going to play. It would be nice if, over the next couple of days, we found out. Then we'll sit down and make sure we've got the right team for the right conditions and the right opposition," McCullum had said.The first Test of the three-match series between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin on October 7 in Multan. The second match will take place in Karachi starting October 15. The series will conclude with the third Test in Rawalpindi on October 24.

England's Woakes Bowls Off-Spin Due to Bad Light in Third Test Against Sri LankaIn an unusual turn of events, England pacer Chris Woakes was forced to bowl off-spin during the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Kennington Oval due to poor light conditions.With skies darkening and light fading rapidly in London on Saturday, Woakes was seen bowling off-spin against the Lankan batters. The incident occurred in the 7th over of Sri Lanka's first innings when the on-field umpires informed skipper Ollie Pope that the light was insufficient for fast bowlers to operate.Woakes, who had just dismissed Pathum Nissanka on the second ball of his fourth over, had four more deliveries to bowl when the umpires intervened. This forced him to complete his remaining balls by bowling off-spin, much to the amusement of England bowling coach Jeetan Patel and the players on the field.With a couple of slips, a leg slip, and a short-leg in place, Woakes bowled three off-spinning deliveries, one of which was dispatched to the boundary. He then completed the over with an arm ball.Earlier, bad light had also forced early stumps on the opening day of the Test. Riding on Pope's 154, England scored 325 before being bowled out in the 70th over. Already 2-0 up in the series, England are aiming for a whitewash against Sri Lanka.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has hailed Ben Duckett's audacious knock of 86 on day one of the third Test against Sri Lanka as a testament to his risk-taking approach that lies at the heart of England's aggressive batting philosophy.Duckett's blistering innings, featuring nine fours and two sixes, set the tone for England's imposing 221/3 at The Oval. Hussain praised Duckett's ability to unsettle the Sri Lankan bowlers with his relentless attacking intent."Duckett never let them settle at all," Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Mail. "They kept bowling on the legs early on, or even outside the line of the pads, and then when they over-corrected, they were short and wide. Where does Duckett like the ball the most? Short and wide outside off-stump. He put them to the sword."Hussain highlighted Duckett's unique approach compared to traditional England openers who often left deliveries outside off-stump. Duckett's willingness to attack these balls has resulted in a remarkable leave percentage of just 1.7%, significantly lower than other Test openers."His career leave percentage is 1.7%, making him nearly five times as likely to play than Pakistan's Abdullah Shafique, the next man on the list with 8.3%," Hussain noted. "When everything is in the bowlers' favor, that is exactly how the England team management want him, Duckett to play - putting pressure back on the opposition."Hussain acknowledged that Duckett's attacking instincts could be exploited by Australia in next year's Ashes. However, he believes Duckett will remain true to his style of play."With batsmen, however, your strengths can also be your weaknesses and I expect Australia to play on this in next year's Ashes," Hussain said. "But I can't see him changing. He will give it a go and that aligns with the constant messaging from the England dressing room."Hussain concluded by emphasizing the importance of allowing players to play to their strengths, even if it occasionally leads to dismissals. "If a player scores runs with a particular shot, they do not want them to put it away if they get out to it," Hussain added.

Mark Wood, England's premier fast bowler, has been dealt a major setback as he has been ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a bone-stress injury to his right elbow. This unfortunate news means that Wood will miss England's upcoming Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.Wood's injury woes began during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, where he suffered a right thigh strain while bowling. As a precautionary measure, he was withdrawn from the ongoing series. However, subsequent scans revealed a more concerning issue in his right elbow, which Wood had been experiencing discomfort in.In a heartfelt Instagram post, Wood expressed his disappointment and frustration: "During what I thought was a routine check on a previously troublesome elbow, I was shocked to learn I've got some bone stress in my right elbow."This diagnosis has forced Wood to withdraw from England's remaining six Tests of the year, three against Pakistan in October and three against New Zealand in December. The ECB medical team will continue to monitor Wood's progress closely, with the aim of having him fully fit by early 2025. This would allow him to participate in England's white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which is scheduled to begin in February 2025.Wood's absence is a significant blow to England's bowling attack. His pace and aggression have been instrumental in England's recent Test successes. His ability to generate reverse swing has also been a key factor in his effectiveness.England will now have to find a suitable replacement for Wood in their Test squad. Potential candidates include Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, and Craig Overton. However, none of these bowlers possess the same combination of pace and swing as Wood.Wood's injury is a reminder of the physical demands of fast bowling. The constant stress on the body can lead to a variety of injuries, including bone stress fractures. It is important for bowlers to manage their workload carefully and to listen to their bodies when they are feeling pain.

Ollie Pope's resurgence as England's captain continued on Friday as he notched his maiden century in the role during the first day of the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval.Pope, playing on his home ground, rediscovered his batting touch, scoring an unbeaten 103 off just 103 balls. His innings propelled England to a strong position of 221-3 at the close of play, despite poor light conditions forcing an early end to the day.Sri Lanka, who trail the three-match series 2-0, won the toss and opted to field first. However, they failed to capitalize on the overcast skies and green-tinged pitch, as England's openers made a solid start.Ben Duckett, who missed out on a century on Friday, struck consecutive fours off Milan Rathnayake's deliveries. However, Dan Lawrence, playing as a makeshift opener, struggled and was dismissed for just five runs.Pope, batting at number three, got off to a positive start, cutting a loose delivery from Rathnayake for four and later hooking a six off Lahiru Kumara. Duckett raced to a brisk fifty in just 48 balls, including seven boundaries.Despite the floodlights being on, the umpires deemed conditions too unsafe to continue and halted play due to bad light. Rain further delayed the match, which resumed at 1410 GMT.Duckett continued his aggressive approach, ramping Kumara for six over fine leg and then uppercutting him high over third man. However, he fell short of his fourth Test century when he mistimed a scoop off Rathnayake and was caught by wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal.Pope, 26, had a stroke of luck when a top-edged six off Kumara went his way. He completed his seventh Test hundred - and his first at The Oval - when he elegantly square-drove Asitha Fernando for his 13th boundary.However, bad light once again forced the players off the field, and no further play was possible on Friday.England, who have already secured a 3-0 victory against the West Indies earlier in the season, are now aiming for their first clean sweep in a home Test campaign since 2004.

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, will continue his role as bowling consultant for the England men's team during their upcoming winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. Anderson's initial stint, which began after his retirement from Test cricket in June, has been extended through the end of the year.The 42-year-old Anderson has been working closely with the England team since his retirement, providing guidance and expertise to the bowlers. The ECB is keen to retain his knowledge and experience as they build towards the 2025-26 Ashes series.Anderson's role as bowling consultant has been mutually beneficial. It has allowed him to explore a potential coaching career while also providing valuable support to the England team. The team has benefited from his insights and experience, particularly in the development of young bowlers like Josh Hull.Anderson's presence has also been a positive influence on the team's culture. His knowledge and experience have been invaluable to the younger players, who have been able to learn from one of the greatest bowlers of all time.While Anderson is currently focused on his role as bowling consultant, he has not ruled out the possibility of playing franchise cricket in the future. However, he is aware that he needs to get back to playing white-ball cricket before he can consider that option.The extension of Anderson's role as bowling consultant is a testament to his value to the England team. His knowledge, experience, and positive influence make him an invaluable asset to the team as they prepare for future challenges.