Cricket

Jonny Bairstow's versatility has earned him a crucial role in England's T20 World Cup defense. Despite missing the 2022 triumph due to injury, Bairstow is set to play a key role in the middle order, a position he has ample experience in.Bairstow's adaptability is evident in his ability to open the batting or bat at No. 4, where he has scored a career-best 90. His experience at No. 4, where he has batted most frequently outside of opening, makes him a valuable asset to England's lineup.The rise of Phil Salt has pushed Bairstow down the batting order, but he remains confident in his ability to contribute. He believes his skillset allows him to bat effectively at No. 4, where he can utilize his experience in Test cricket to recall his skills.Bairstow's recent performances have been encouraging. He played a key role in England's victory over Pakistan at The Oval, helping finish off the chase with an unbroken stand of 46 off 27 balls alongside Harry Brook.Despite a grueling winter program, Bairstow is confident heading into the T20 World Cup. He achieved significant milestones during the winter, playing his 100th ODI and 100th Test, and roared back into form with a scintillating 108 not out from 48 balls in the IPL.Bairstow downplayed the significance of England's failed World Cup campaign in India last year, emphasizing the different format, conditions, and group. He expressed optimism about England's chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Liam Livingstone, England's explosive all-rounder, has revealed his struggles with a persistent knee injury that has plagued him for the past 18 months. The pain had significantly impacted his enjoyment of the game, leaving him in a "pretty crap place." However, thanks to an anti-inflammatory injection, Livingstone played "pain-free" during England's recent T20I series against Pakistan.Livingstone's injury woes began in 2022 when he rushed back from an ankle injury to represent England at the T20 World Cup. Shortly after, he injured his right knee while fielding on his Test debut in Pakistan. Since then, he has battled with both form and fitness.Despite his struggles, Livingstone played in the 50-over World Cup in India and the early stages of this year's IPL. However, his performances were underwhelming, prompting him to return home early from the IPL to address his knee issue.The injection has provided much-needed relief for Livingstone, who described the pain as "something underneath my kneecap that keeps catching" on the bone. He expressed his gratitude for the medical intervention, saying, "Just being able to play cricket pain-free for the first time in two years is the exciting part for me."Livingstone's role in England's T20 team is as a designated finisher, but he has faced limited opportunities in recent series. He acknowledged the challenges of his position, stating, "You've got to manage your expectations and realize that actually, when the time comes, I'm going to get an opportunity - at some time, at some point - to win a game of cricket for England."Despite his limited batting opportunities, Livingstone believes he can make a significant contribution to England's World Cup campaign in the Caribbean. He highlighted his value as a spin bowler, saying, "I love coming back to play for England because Jos [Buttler] and Motty [Matthew Mott] really trust my bowling, which not many people do in different competitions."Livingstone's return to form and fitness is a boost for England as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. His all-round abilities and positive mindset will be crucial to their success in the tournament.

Pakistan's recent 2-0 T20I series loss to England has raised concerns among cricket enthusiasts, with former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja expressing his dissatisfaction with the team's management. Raja criticized the team's experimentation and lack of a consistent approach, which he believes has hindered their performance.In the fourth T20I at Kennington Oval, England dominated Pakistan in all aspects of the game, chasing down a target of 158 with ease. Pakistan's batting lineup lacked power in the middle order, while their pace bowlers failed to provide the necessary support.Raja expressed his concerns about the constant changes in Pakistan's white-ball setup. He criticized the management for experimenting with the team's composition, which has led to a lack of stability and consistency."They should stop experimenting with the team. Go into a game with a proper combination. You need to get out of the phobia of strike rate because you don't have that kind of players. Aapne is team ka satyanash kar diya hai (You have completely made a cock-up of this team)," Raja said on his YouTube channel.Raja also questioned the decision to introduce Saim Ayub as an opening batsman, which disrupted the successful partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Ayub's performance at the top of the order has been underwhelming, and Pakistan's middle-order batsmen have also struggled to contribute consistently."You have ruined the team by breaking the opening pair (of Babar and Rizwan). The role of the middle order is not defined. You have put all-rounders in the middle and two wicket-keepers are playing. You are changing the fast bowlers. Your spinners don't spin the ball and don't have the confidence. You put Imad Wasim out of the playing XI. There is no sideways movement and you have completely dismantled the team just before the T20 World Cup," he added.Pakistan's batting woes were evident in their recent T20I series against New Zealand. Ayub struggled to find form initially but showed some improvement in the first match. However, his overall performance was underwhelming, and Pakistan's middle-order batsmen failed to step up.Heading into the upcoming T20 World Cup, Pakistan finds itself in a challenging position. They are placed in Group A alongside India, Canada, USA, and Ireland. Their journey begins with a match against the USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas on Thursday.

England's IPL Absence: A Blessing or a Curse Ahead of T20 World Cup?England's decision to withdraw their players from the IPL 2024 playoffs to prepare for the series against Pakistan has sparked a debate among cricket pundits. Former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized the England Cricket Board (ECB), arguing that the IPL would have provided better preparation than facing Pakistan.However, former England captain Nasser Hussain has praised the IPL for its role in developing players for big games. "They're a very balanced side, they've played in a lot of big games," Hussain said on Sky Sports. "We don't talk enough about the IPL and how that obviously sets you up as a cricketer but also sets you up in big games. And under pressure and big crowds and that's what you need going into a World Cup."Hussain believes that England's IPL experience will be crucial in the upcoming T20 World Cup. "They've done all that they could do," he said. "They've just got to be better than they were at that 50-over World Cup. They went into that with a lot of hope and it didn't start well and they didn't react well. So they need to have a Plan B."Despite their IPL absence, Hussain believes England are well-prepared for the T20 World Cup. "They're in a real good place," he said. "They just got to go and do it."

Mark Wood's Unplayable Delivery Stuns Azam Khan in England's T20I VictoryEngland's Mark Wood unleashed an astonishing delivery that left Pakistan's Azam Khan bewildered during the fourth T20I at the Oval on Thursday. Wood's 88.4mph rocket stunned Khan, forcing him to take evasive action and ultimately leading to his dismissal.The incident occurred in the 11th over of Pakistan's innings. Wood charged in and delivered a vicious bouncer that angled in from back of length. The ball rose sharply and hurried onto Khan, who was caught off guard. Khan attempted to duck out of the way, but the ball kissed his glove and looped off his shoulder to England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.The unplayable delivery sent Khan packing for a five-ball duck. The dismissal was a testament to Wood's exceptional pace and accuracy. The England speedster has been in impressive form throughout the series, consistently troubling Pakistan's batters with his raw pace and movement.In the match, England restricted Pakistan to 157 all out, with Wood claiming two wickets. England then chased down the target with 27 balls remaining, securing a 2-0 series victory over Pakistan. The win gives England a boost of confidence heading into the defense of its T20 World Cup title.Wood's delivery has been widely praised by cricket experts and fans alike. It is a reminder of the devastating impact that a well-executed bouncer can have on a batter. The dismissal also highlights the importance of quick reflexes and anticipation in the game of cricket.

Pakistan's wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan has come under fire from fans after a disappointing performance in the fourth T20I against England on Thursday. Khan was dismissed for a duck after facing just five deliveries and dropped two easy chances while fielding.Khan's poor performance has sparked outrage among fans, who have criticized his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Many believe that Khan's inclusion in the squad is a result of nepotism, as he is the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan."Azam Khan is the best example of nepotism in our country," tweeted Mubasher Lucman. "Mediocrity rules here in every department. Shameless people who persisted with him must be charged and sentenced. This is a criminal act, not a simple mistake."Khan's struggles have been evident in recent matches. He has failed to make a significant contribution with the bat and has been criticized for his poor fielding."Azam Khan is an embarrassment to international cricket," tweeted Yang Goi.England's victory in the fourth T20I was a comprehensive display of their all-round strength. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid was named player of the match after taking 2-27 from his four overs, while Phil Salt and Jos Buttler provided a blistering start to England's chase with an opening stand of 82.Harry Brook finished the game with a six off paceman Haris Rauf, who was the pick of the Pakistan attack with 3-38. England finished on 158-6 to win with more than three overs to spare.The victory gave England a 2-0 triumph in the four-match T20 series, with games at Headingley and Cardiff washed out without a ball bowled."We have worked hard in training and there is a good feeling around the squad," Buttler told Sky Sports.

Defending T20 World Cup champions England showcased their dominance with a resounding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their final warm-up match at The Oval. The triumph capped off a 2-0 series win for England, who will now turn their attention to the upcoming global tournament.Pakistan's innings got off to a promising start, with openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan putting on a 59-run partnership. However, England's bowlers, led by leg-spinner Adil Rashid, applied pressure and triggered a collapse. Rashid claimed two crucial wickets, while Jofra Archer and Mark Wood also chipped in with key dismissals. Pakistan was eventually restricted to a modest 157.England's chase was a clinical display of batting prowess. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, who was captaining the side in place of the rested Eoin Morgan, put on a blistering 82-run opening partnership in just seven overs. Salt departed for 45, but Buttler continued his impressive form, scoring 39 before being dismissed.Harry Brook, who has been in excellent touch for England in recent matches, provided the finishing touches with a six off Haris Rauf. England reached their target with more than three overs to spare, securing a comprehensive victory.Rashid was named player of the match for his economical spell of 2 for 27. Buttler praised his team's performance, highlighting the hard work and positive atmosphere within the squad. He also acknowledged the experience of his players, many of whom have featured in the Indian Premier League.England will now head to Barbados for their T20 World Cup opener against Scotland on June 4. Pakistan, the 2009 champions, will face co-hosts the United States in Dallas two days later.

England, led by returning captain Jos Buttler, have opted to field first against Pakistan in the fourth T20I at the Kia Oval. The decision was influenced by overcast skies and the threat of rain, as confirmed by Buttler.England have made one change to their lineup, with Mark Wood replacing Reece Topley. Jofra Archer retains his place in the side, while Sam Curran, the Player of the Tournament in England's T20 World Cup triumph, remains on the sidelines.Pakistan, who need a victory to keep their series hopes alive, have also made two changes. Usman Khan replaces the out-of-form Saim Ayub at the top of the order, while Naseem Shah comes in for Imad Wasim, who is experiencing discomfort in his ribcage.The match marks the return of the opening partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, after Pakistan's experiment of separating the duo failed.

Nat Sciver-Brunt's all-around brilliance propelled England to a resounding 178-run victory over Pakistan in the third and final ODI at Chelmsford. Sciver-Brunt's unbeaten 124 from 117 balls anchored England's innings of 302 for 5, while her two wickets in her designated five-over spell, including Pakistan's top-scorer Muneeba Ali, showcased her return to bowling after a knee niggle.Despite leaving the field with a slight hamstring niggle, Sciver-Brunt expressed satisfaction with her performance. "I had a great time, and it's a great way to finish the series," she said. "The body is pretty sore! It's probably not my quickest five overs ever, but I was happy to bowl in a consistent area."England's bowling attack was spearheaded by Lauren Bell's two wickets in the powerplay, while Sophie Ecclestone's 3 for 15 included her 100th ODI wicket in a record-breaking 64 matches. However, Sciver-Brunt's batting heroics overshadowed the team's overall performance.Sciver-Brunt's ninth ODI century, her fourth in her last nine innings, was a testament to her exceptional skill and mental fortitude. She negotiated the loss of openers and played second-fiddle to Danni Wyatt before taking the initiative in the final overs, smashing consecutive sixes off Diana Baig."I'm pretty happy with the level of skill, but the mental game of it as well," Sciver-Brunt said. "I managed to get through those tougher patches today and communicate well with my batting partner."Despite her self-proclaimed scratchiness, Sciver-Brunt's only clear-cut chance came on 86, when she was dropped by the wicketkeeper. Her ability to battle through adversity resonated with Heather Knight's pre-series assessment that England needed to improve their management of challenging moments in 50-over innings.Sciver-Brunt acknowledged the need for players to adapt between formats, with the 20-over World Cup looming and the 50-over version approaching in 2025. "At the end of the day, the skill is pretty much the same," she said. "It's just elongated, or you might use different things in your armoury at different times."