Cricket

Jos Buttler, England's white-ball captain, has been ruled out of the Hundred tournament due to a calf injury. The injury occurred during preparations for the competition, and an initial scan proved inconclusive. However, a subsequent assessment confirmed the severity of the injury, forcing Buttler to withdraw from the tournament.Buttler's absence is a significant blow to Manchester Originals, who have lost their first three matches in his absence. Phil Salt, Buttler's opening partner, has captained the team in his stead but has struggled for runs, scoring only 23 in three innings. The Originals' batting lineup has looked vulnerable without Buttler's presence.Buttler's injury history includes several calf injuries, including a strain two years ago that ruled him out of England's T20I series in Pakistan. The injury also threatened his participation in the 2022 T20 World Cup.Despite the setback, Buttler is expected to be fit in time for England's first T20I against Australia on September 11. Managing director Rob Key has confirmed that Buttler will continue as England's white-ball captain, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim coach during the series.The Originals are yet to announce a replacement for Buttler, but they had initially lined up Keaton Jennings as a potential candidate. However, the move stalled due to confusion over Buttler's status, and Jennings has since signed for London Spirit.Buttler's injury is a reminder of the physical demands of modern cricket, particularly in the shorter formats. Calf injuries are common among fast bowlers and all-rounders, but they can also affect batsmen who rely on quick acceleration and agility.

Kumar Sangakkara, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, has expressed interest in the vacant England limited-overs coaching position but has not yet received a formal approach. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is seeking a new white-ball coach after sacking Matthew Mott following disappointing performances in the 2023 50-over World Cup and T20 World Cup.Sangakkara, who has worked with England captain Jos Buttler at the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, has been linked with the role. However, the 46-year-old has downplayed the speculation, stating that he has not been contacted by the ECB."I know my name has been mentioned, but there has not been any approach as such," Sangakkara told PA news agency. "The England white-ball job is an exciting prospect for anyone, but there are so many good candidates out there."Sangakkara praised Mott's tenure as England coach and expressed admiration for the leadership of Rob Key, the managing director of England men's cricket. He believes that England is on the right track and that the decision-making has been spot on."I think the decision making in the England camp has been spot on," Sangakkara said. "I really love the leadership that Rob Key has provided...I think he has been a really smart, practical man, very commonsensical in terms of how he makes decisions and very forward-thinking in how he has set the vision for England cricket."Sangakkara, who is currently a member of Sky Sports' commentary team for The Hundred, expressed contentment with his current role at the Rajasthan Royals. He also praised Sri Lankan cricketer Chamari Athapaththu for her inspiring leadership and her recent success in guiding the Sri Lanka women's team to Asia Cup glory.

England's Test attack has received a significant boost with the emergence of two fast bowlers, Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson. Their performances in the recent series against West Indies have showcased their potential to excel in overseas conditions where medium-pace seam and swing tend to be less effective.Wood, a 34-year-old veteran, has consistently bowled at speeds exceeding 90mph, making him one of the fastest bowlers in the world. In the second Test, he delivered three of the fastest overs ever recorded by an Englishman. Despite a slow start in the series, Wood's focus on skill rather than outcome, guided by James Anderson's mentorship, led to a remarkable spell of 5 for 9 in six overs, setting England on course for a 10-wicket victory.Atkinson, on the other hand, has impressed with his pace and ability to move the ball, claiming 22 wickets at an average of 16.22 in the series. He took 12 wickets on debut at Lord's, bowling alongside Anderson, and has since taken on the responsibility of taking the new ball in Anderson's absence. Atkinson credits Anderson's guidance for boosting his confidence and helping him settle into his new role.Both Wood and Atkinson have made technical adjustments to improve their performances. Wood has extended his run-up, while Atkinson has focused on consistency at the crease. Atkinson aims to increase his pace over longer spells, while Wood is determined to maintain his high speeds over back-to-back appearances.Despite their impressive pace, both bowlers recognize their primary role in the team is to create opportunities and make things happen. Wood emphasizes his ability to swing the Dukes ball at pace, while Atkinson is willing to adapt his bowling style to the captain's instructions.The emergence of Wood and Atkinson has given England a formidable bowling attack that can challenge opponents in a variety of conditions. Their ability to bowl consistently at high speeds and move the ball makes them a potent threat, and they will be key to England's success in upcoming overseas tours.

Matthew Mott's tenure as England Men's white-ball head coach has come to an abrupt end, with the Australian stepping down with immediate effect. Mott's departure marks a significant shift in the team's leadership, following a disappointing performance at the recent T20 World Cup.Appointed in May 2022, Mott's tenure was marked by both triumph and disappointment. He guided England to a memorable T20 World Cup victory in 2022, but the team failed to defend their title this year, bowing out in the semi-finals. Additionally, England's hopes of retaining the 50-over World Cup crown they won in 2019 were dashed at the 2023 edition, where they managed only three wins in nine games.Mott's decision to step down follows a review into the team's recent performances, which saw England drop out of the top three in the ICC T20I rankings. The review, conducted by ECB managing director of England men's cricket Rob Key, concluded that the team needed a new direction to prepare for future challenges.Key praised Mott's contributions to the team, acknowledging his role in England's T20 World Cup triumph. However, he emphasized the need for a fresh approach to address the team's recent struggles.Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the home summer, which includes three T20Is and five ODIs against Australia in September. The search for a full-time replacement for Mott will begin immediately.Mott expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach England, highlighting the team's character and passion during his tenure. He also thanked the players, management, and ECB staff for their support.The departure of Mott leaves a void in England's coaching setup, with the team facing a crucial period in their development. The upcoming Champions Trophy and the next cycle of white-ball competition will test the team's resolve and determine their future trajectory.

The England cricket team is reportedly considering a major shake-up in its coaching department, with the departure of current white-ball head coach Matthew Mott expected next week. As England seeks to regain its dominance in limited-overs cricket, it is eyeing a high-profile addition to its coaching staff.Despite a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup and failure to reach the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, England is reportedly set to retain Jos Buttler as captain. However, Buttler's Rajasthan Royals boss, Kumar Sangakkara, has emerged as a leading candidate for the head coach role.According to The Telegraph UK, Sangakkara is among the favorites to replace Mott. The former Sri Lankan captain has served as Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals since 2021, guiding the franchise to the IPL final during his tenure.Buttler has flourished under Sangakkara's leadership at the Royals, and their familiarity could foster a strong bond at the helm of the England team. Other candidates reportedly in the running include former Australia batsman Michael Hussey and Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott.Trott has led Afghanistan to significant achievements during his one-and-a-half-year tenure, including sixth place in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Hussey, meanwhile, is already familiar with the English dressing room, having served as their batting coach from 2022 to 2023.Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is reportedly unlikely to remain in contention for the head coach role. England has enjoyed success and adopted an aggressive approach in Test cricket under the coaching of Brendon McCullum. The new appointment will aim to replicate that success in white-ball cricket and restore England to the top of the limited-overs rankings.

England's 3-0 Test series victory over West Indies has been hailed by head coach Brendon McCullum as a testament to the team's newfound resilience and the successful integration of new faces.Despite facing pressure from West Indies at various points, England's ability to withstand those challenges and emerge victorious has impressed McCullum. He attributes this to a focus on "refinement" and a determination to improve when behind the game.The series has also seen the seamless integration of debutants Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Shoaib Bashir. Atkinson's 22 dismissals earned him the Player of the Series award, while Smith's batting and wicketkeeping contributions have been equally impressive. Bashir's five-wicket haul in the second Test further vindicated the decision to hand him the main spinner's role.McCullum acknowledges that the transition from old to new was not entirely smooth, but the performances of the new players have justified the changes made. He also praises the influence of James Anderson, who has taken on a fast-bowling mentor role and provided valuable insights to the team.Looking ahead, McCullum expresses support for limited-overs coach Matthew Mott, who has faced criticism after two unsuccessful World Cup campaigns. He emphasizes Mott's qualities as a coach and believes that he will continue to be successful regardless of the outcome of the ongoing review.

Jonathan Trott, the former England batsman, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, replacing Graham Ford. Trott, who is currently the head coach of Afghanistan, will take over the reins of the Capitals ahead of the 2025 season.Trott's appointment comes after a successful stint with Afghanistan, where he has overseen a significant improvement in the team's results. Under his guidance, Afghanistan has defeated top teams like Australia, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in global events. They also reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20I World Cup, losing to South Africa.The Capitals, on the other hand, have had a disappointing second season in the SA20, winning only three matches and finishing fifth. They were losing finalists in the competition's first edition in 2023 after topping the table.Trott's appointment is part of a broader shake-up at the Capitals, which also saw the departure of Ricky Ponting as head coach. Ponting had been with the Delhi franchise for seven years.Trott's decision to join the Capitals raises questions about his future with Afghanistan. His contract with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is due to expire in December, and it is unclear whether he will renew it.If Trott does not renew his contract with the ACB, he could be in contention for the England limited-overs job. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is expected to make a decision on the future of incumbent head coach Matthew Mott in the coming days.Trott, who earned 127 caps for England, has previously coached on the pathway, both for the Under-19 and Lions teams. He is highly regarded as a coach and his appointment by the Capitals is a major coup for the franchise.

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.

Jonny Bairstow, the England wicketkeeper-batter, has acknowledged the toll that an extended period of international cricket has taken on him. After losing his place in the Test team, Bairstow expressed his desire to continue playing for England but admitted that the demands of playing all three formats and the IPL had necessitated sacrifices.Bairstow emphasized the importance of the break he has taken since returning from the T20 World Cup. "It was a much-needed break," he said. "It was nice to spend time at home, get away from cricket, and catch up with family."Bairstow was the only England player to participate in all four major tournaments this year: the 50-over World Cup, the Test series in India, the IPL, and the T20 World Cup. While he scored a century for Punjab Kings in the IPL, his form in other competitions was inconsistent."I had the best part of seven months away from home since January," Bairstow said. "That's the scheduling of the game. That's being lucky enough to be a part of all three formats, but it also means sacrificing time at home."Bairstow's absence from the Test squad for the West Indies series has raised questions about his future in the team. However, he remains determined to regain his place. "I think you know me well enough to know that all I want to do is play for England," he said.Despite his recent struggles, Bairstow believes he has a point to prove. "I've been around long enough," he said. "It's a case of just playing some cricket, scoring some runs, and winning the game."