Cricket

England's women's cricket team, led by captain Heather Knight, won the toss and elected to bat first in the third and final ODI against Pakistan at Chelmsford. The match marked a welcome change from the dismal weather that had plagued the previous two days of the series, with clear skies and only a slight chance of scattered showers.England made one change to their lineup, bringing in Lauren Bell to lead the attack in place of Lauren Filer. Pakistan, on the other hand, fielded the same XI that had narrowly lost the opening fixture in Derby.England's batting lineup got off to a solid start, with Maia Bouchier and Tammy Beaumont putting on a 50-run partnership for the first wicket. Beaumont continued to anchor the innings, scoring a well-paced 64 before being dismissed by Diana Baig.Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey then combined for a 70-run partnership, with Sciver-Brunt scoring a fluent 50. Danni Wyatt and Amy Jones also made valuable contributions, helping England post a competitive total of 261/9 in their allotted 50 overs.Pakistan's chase got off to a shaky start, with Sidra Ameen and Sadaf Shamas falling cheaply. Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership, but England's bowlers kept the pressure on.Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone were particularly impressive, taking three wickets each. Pakistan's middle order failed to capitalize on the platform set by Ali and Zafar, and they were eventually bowled out for 190 in the 45th over.England's victory secured a 2-1 series win over Pakistan, a result that will boost their confidence ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Will Jacks, the rising star of English cricket, is eager to showcase the invaluable lessons he learned from batting alongside Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as England prepares to defend its T20 World Cup title.Jacks, who has played a pivotal role in England's recent warm-up victory over Pakistan, credits Kohli for providing him with crucial guidance during their partnership in the IPL. He believes that Kohli's unwavering intensity and attention to detail have left a lasting impression on him."He's a very good role model," Jacks said of Kohli. "The way he approaches all the training and every aspect of the game off the field, his intensity, everything he does is a 100 percent attention."Jacks particularly values the insights Kohli shared with him about pacing the game and maintaining focus during high-pressure chases. He believes that these lessons will be invaluable as England embarks on its World Cup campaign."When we were batting together, he was coaching me through there," Jacks revealed. "I learned some valuable things about chasing in that innings and pacing the game, which was really helpful."Despite his impressive performances in the IPL, Jacks remains humble about his England record. He acknowledges that his T20 average of 18.16 is a "mixed bag," but he is determined to improve his consistency and make a significant contribution to the team's success."I've been getting starts every game and it's about how do I change those into match-winning scores," Jacks said. "That's more of a mindset thing. It doesn't matter what I'm averaging: if the team's winning, then it's good."As England gears up for its World Cup opener against Scotland, Jacks is confident that the team is building in the right direction. He is excited to represent his country on the global stage and believes that the lessons he has learned from Kohli and other experienced players will help him make a positive impact.

England and Pakistan's T20 World Cup preparations have been hampered by persistent rain, with their second match in Cardiff abandoned without a toss. The match was the second abandonment of the series, following the weather-ruined series opener in Leeds.England captain Jos Buttler, who left the squad on Saturday to be with his wife for the imminent birth of their third child, would have been replaced by Moeen Ali as captain. Mark Wood was set to make his first appearance for England since early March, while Sam Curran was also expected to feature. Jofra Archer was reportedly set to be rested as England manage his workload after a lengthy injury layoff.Buttler is expected to join the England squad in Barbados on Friday and could potentially return for the final match of the series at The Oval on Thursday. However, the weather forecast for south London is not promising, raising concerns about the possibility of a shortened match.Heavy rain throughout the day in Cardiff forced the umpires to repeatedly delay the toss. The rain eventually returned at around 5.15pm, leading to the abandonment of the match at 8.12pm.The lack of match practice is a concern for both England and Pakistan as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. England will hope to get some game time in the final match of the series, while Pakistan will have a warm-up match against Afghanistan on October 17 before the tournament begins.

England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I: Pakistan Faces Do-or-Die Battle in CardiffThe Pakistan cricket team, led by Babar Azam, faces a crucial encounter against England in the third T20I at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Tuesday. The match is a must-win for Pakistan after they suffered a 23-run defeat in the second T20I, while the first match was washed out.The two teams last met in the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022, where England emerged victorious. Pakistan enters the series on the back of a 2-1 T20I series win against Ireland.Pakistan's batting lineup will be led by Azam, who is in excellent form, having scored a century in the second T20I against Ireland. Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Shan Masood will provide support. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Nawaz.England, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their winning streak after their victory in the second T20I. Jos Buttler, the captain, will be the key batsman, along with Dawid Malan, Phil Salt, and Ben Duckett. The bowling attack will feature Mark Wood, Sam Curran, and Adil Rashid.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having a strong chance of victory. Pakistan will be desperate to level the series, while England will be aiming to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Jos Buttler, England's talismanic wicketkeeper-batter, will miss the third T20I against Pakistan due to paternity leave. Buttler, who captained England to a 23-run victory in the second T20I at Edgbaston, has traveled home to London to be with his wife Louise, who is expecting their third child imminently.Buttler's absence is a blow to England, but it ensures that he will be available for the entire T20 World Cup campaign, which begins next Tuesday in Barbados. The 31-year-old had previously confirmed that he would be at the birth regardless, raising the prospect that he could miss a group-stage match.Moeen Ali, England's vice-captain, is expected to lead the team in Buttler's absence. Ali played down the significance of the leadership change, saying, "Nothing will change too much: it's just taking over from what he's doing and then when he comes back, he takes over."In Buttler's absence, England are likely to make a few changes to their side. Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow could move up a spot each in the batting order, with Ben Duckett coming in at No. 4. England could also add another bowling allrounder to their side in Sam Curran.Mark Wood, who bowled with a heavily strapped knee before Saturday's T20I, could also come into contention in Cardiff if England opt to take a cautious approach to Jofra Archer's fitness following his international comeback.However, Tuesday night's match is under threat from the weather. If the match is washed out, England will have a 1-0 lead in the four-match series heading into the final match at The Oval on Thursday night.

England's IPL Departure: A Missed Opportunity for T20 World Cup PreparationThe premature departure of English players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the playoffs has raised concerns about their readiness for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024. Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that the decision to recall players for a series against Pakistan may have hindered their development.Vaughan argues that players like Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Will Jacks would have benefited significantly from the high-pressure environment of the IPL playoffs. He emphasizes the importance of playing under intense scrutiny from fans, owners, and social media, which he believes is more valuable preparation than a T20 match against Pakistan."I think you're going to miss the trick by sending all their players home," Vaughan said. "Playing in the IPL in the eliminators, pressure, crowd, expectation. I would argue that playing here is better preparation than playing a T20 game against Pakistan."Vaughan acknowledges the priority of international cricket but believes that the IPL offers a unique opportunity for players to enhance their skills in a competitive and demanding environment. He particularly highlights the potential benefits for Jacks and Salt, who have limited experience at the international level."But Will Jacks and Phil Salt, I think they'd have been better prepared staying here playing in the IPL, then going back to head and let's play a game," Vaughan concluded.While England secured a comfortable victory in the first T20I against Pakistan, Buttler, Jacks, and Salt failed to make significant contributions with the bat. This performance raises questions about their readiness for the challenges of the T20 World Cup.Vaughan's comments underscore the importance of balancing international commitments with opportunities for players to develop their skills in high-pressure environments. The IPL provides a platform for players to test their abilities against the world's best and gain valuable experience that can translate into success at the international level.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has strongly criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for its decision to recall players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the T20I series against Pakistan. Vaughan believes that the players would have benefited more from participating in the IPL playoffs than playing in the T20I series.Vaughan's comments come after England players Will Jacks, Phil Salt, and Jos Buttler were ordered to return for international duty, missing out on the IPL playoffs. Vaughan argues that playing in the high-pressure environment of the IPL playoffs would have been better preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup than playing in a T20I against Pakistan."I think England missed a trick by sending all their players home," Vaughan said on the 'Club Prairie Fire' podcast. "I think Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler in particular, playing in the IPL in the eliminations (playoffs), pressure, crowd, expectation, I would argue that playing here is better preparation than playing a T20 game against Pakistan."Vaughan emphasized that he is not advocating for club cricket to take precedence over international duty. However, he believes that the pressure and intensity of the IPL playoffs would have been more beneficial for the players' development in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup."I am all for international cricket, but...this tournament (IPL) in particular is so exposed to pressure...players are under a huge amount of pressure from fans, owners, social media; it's massive," Vaughan said. "I just felt Buttler, probably not as much but I still think he could have stayed here, but Will Jacks and Phil Salt, I think they would have been better prepared (for the T20 World Cup) staying here and playing in the IPL than going back to Headingley to play a (T20I) game."Former Australia captain Adam Gilchrist agreed with Vaughan's assessment, stating that the players who were actively involved in the IPL playoffs should have been allowed to stay back. "I am sure there are a number of (England) players who could have fulfilled those obligations (for T20I series against Pakistan) in the international setup there, but the guys that were actively involved in the IPL, in the finals period (should have stayed back). I think that's a missed opportunity, spot on," Gilchrist said.The IPL final will be played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday in Chennai, while the T20 World Cup will begin on June 2 in the US and West Indies.

Issy Wong, the 22-year-old England fast bowler, has joined Western Storm on loan for the Charlotte Edwards Cup after being omitted from the Central Sparks team for their first two T20 matches.Wong, who made her England debut in 2022, has struggled for consistency this season, taking only three wickets in five Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy fixtures. She was also a surprise omission from the Sparks' T20 side, despite their winning start to the campaign.The ECB, Wong's primary employer, has approved her loan move to ensure she gains competitive playing time. Storm, who have lost their opening two matches, will welcome Wong's experience and skill.Wong played all three formats for England in 2022 and was one of the stars of the inaugural season of the Women's Premier League (WPL), taking 15 wickets for Mumbai Indians. However, she has since lost her place in England's squads.Wong is expected to play a significant role for Storm, who are without Lauren Filer due to England duty. She will also aim to contribute more with the bat, having batted at No. 8 in 50-over cricket this season.The loan move is a positive step for Wong, who will be eager to regain her form and prove her worth to England. Storm, meanwhile, will hope that Wong can help them turn their fortunes around in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.