Cricket

England captain Heather Knight has urged her team to "put on a show" with the bat in the third and final T20I against Pakistan at Headingley. The hosts have already secured the series after winning the first two matches, but Knight is keen for her side to maintain their momentum."We were back to our best in Northampton," said Knight, referring to England's 65-run victory in the second T20I. "That was a proper performance."England have made one change to their team, bringing in the extra pace of Lauren Filer for Lauren Bell. Knight believes the pitch at Headingley may offer some assistance to the seamers, but she expects it to dry out quickly on a sunny afternoon.Pakistan, meanwhile, have also made one change, adding opener Ayesha Zafar to their batting lineup in place of spinner Nashra Sandhu. Captain Nida Dar acknowledged that her team needs to improve their batting performance."We have been doing well in the fielding and bowling," said Dar. "We need to work on the batting side."

Jofra Archer's impressive return to action for Sussex's second XI against Kent has raised hopes that he will be ready for England's upcoming series against Pakistan. The fast bowler, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, bowled six overs and took one wicket, showcasing his pace and aggression.Archer's comeback has been a long and arduous journey. After struggling with a long-term elbow injury, he returned to action in early 2023, only to suffer a stress fracture of the back. However, his performance against Kent suggests that he may finally be putting his injury woes behind him.The 29-year-old's first delivery was a short and wide loosener, but he quickly found his rhythm, bowling with pace and accuracy. He dismissed Ekansh Singh with a sharp bouncer that the batter fenced loosely at, and also had a strong appeal for a leg-side catch turned down.Archer's return is a major boost for England, who are preparing to defend their T20 World Cup title in Australia later this year. White-ball captain Jos Buttler has hailed Archer's comeback as a "huge encouragement," but has also cautioned against expecting too much too soon."Everyone knows what he is capable of and the attitude he possesses," Buttler said. "As a captain, he is someone you can always turn to in a game because he always has a trick up his sleeve.""It's great to be able to call on him, but it's important to manage expectations. He has been out of it for a while now, so we will need to look after him and realize that it might just take him a little while to be the Jofra of 2019."Archer's return to fitness is a testament to his resilience and determination. If he can stay healthy, he will be a key asset for England in their quest to retain the T20 World Cup.

Lauren Bell, England's pace spearhead, has vowed to maintain an aggressive approach with the ball, aiming to "attack the stumps" as a default strategy. This approach will be crucial for England's success in the remaining T20I series against Pakistan and in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, where slow, low wickets are expected.Bell's determination stems from a rusty first spell in the opening T20I against Pakistan, where she conceded 12 runs in her first over. However, she bounced back strongly, dismissing three batters and helping England secure a 53-run victory.Despite acknowledging flaws in England's performance, Bell emphasized that their execution, rather than intent, was the issue. She believes that the team's depth and character allowed them to overcome a shaky start and ultimately prevail.With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Bell is adamant that England will not abandon their aggressive approach, which has been instilled by head coach Jon Lewis. She recognizes that failures may occur, but the team remains committed to their attacking style of play.Under Lewis' guidance, Bell has emerged as England's attack leader, a role she embraced during last summer's Ashes. Despite a challenging moment in the series, she has gained confidence from the support of her captain and coach.Bell's decision to prioritize international cricket over a lucrative WPL deal reflects her commitment to leading England's bowling attack. While acknowledging the potential benefits of playing on subcontinental pitches in the WPL, she believes that her focus must remain on international success.As England prepares for the Bangladesh World Cup, Bell recognizes the importance of adapting to the slow, low conditions. She emphasizes the need to keep the stumps in play and bowl with pace-off.Bell's determination to attack the stumps and maintain consistency will be key for England's success in the remaining Pakistan series and the upcoming T20 World Cup. Her aggressive approach and leadership will be crucial as the team aims to overcome the challenges of subcontinental wickets and emerge victorious.

With the T20 World Cup looming on the horizon, overseas players have begun to withdraw from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season to prioritize their national duties. England cricketers have led the exodus, leaving the league to prepare for the ICC tournament starting next month.Liam Livingstone, Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals), Will Jacks, and Reece Topley (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) have all departed the IPL to join the defending champion England squad ahead of their T20I series against Pakistan, commencing on May 22.The absence of Livingstone and Buttler was evident in Rajasthan Royals' recent defeat to Punjab Kings, while RCB will also feel the void left by Jacks and Topley in their crucial encounter with Chennai Super Kings on May 18.Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed his displeasure with overseas players leaving the IPL during its crucial stages. "Either be available for the full season or don't come," Pathan stated on social media after the Royals' fourth consecutive loss.Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has also called for decisive action from the BCCI and IPL franchises against players and their respective cricket boards for withdrawing from the IPL prematurely."I am all for players choosing a country before anything else, but having assured various franchises about their availability for the full season, if they pull out now, it will be letting down the franchises," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid Day.Gavaskar advocated for measures to hold players and cricket boards accountable for breaching their commitments.Punjab's stand-in skipper Sam Curran confirmed after Wednesday's game that he and Jonny Bairstow will return home on Thursday, missing their side's final league game of the season.

When coach Brendon McCullum flew over from New Zealand to inform Jimmy Anderson, England's most successful Test bowler, that his time was up, it was a testament to both parties. Anderson's unwavering intensity and competitive spirit were evident in his desire to continue, while McCullum's decision to personally deliver the news spoke volumes about his coaching style and the reasons behind England's recent success.In contrast, the Indian administration has sometimes handled such matters with less sensitivity. In 1979, the team's skipper, Venkatraghavan, was informed of his sacking via a pilot's announcement during a flight home from England. This was the first time Venkatraghavan had heard of the decision.Anderson, who will turn 42 in July, is likely to play his 188th and final Test against West Indies at Lord's the same month. Only Sachin Tendulkar (200) has played more Tests, and only Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708) have taken more wickets than Anderson's 700. Remarkably, Anderson claimed 220 of those wickets after the age of 35, at a better average, demonstrating his ability to improve with age.For several years after his debut, Anderson carried two burdens. One, that he was effective only in home conditions where the ball swung, and two, that while he was capable of producing magical deliveries, he seemed more focused on bowling dot balls. However, when England won a series in India after 28 years in 2012-13, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni attributed the victory to Jimmy Anderson.Anderson credited Zaheer Khan for teaching him the art of reverse swing and admitted that his famous wobble ball was somewhat of a lottery due to its unpredictable nature. Few players have spoken with such honesty about their craft.Despite its dignity and humanism, it seemed incongruous that a coach's nudge was necessary before such an obvious decision was made. Perhaps Anderson himself was relieved that the decision had been taken out of his hands. Most sportsmen have an instinct for recognizing when the time comes, but great ones sometimes don't, because they have often come out of slumps in the past and believe they can do so again.Anderson's five wickets in four matches in the Ashes series at an average of 85.4 was a hint he refused to acknowledge. He struggled in India (except for a magical spell in Visakhapatnam), but kept repeating variations of "I am as fit as I have been; I am at my best now," statements he had made in the past.Yet, even if he got his timing slightly wrong, it didn't detract from his stature as one of the greats of the game. It would be a toss-up between him and Glenn McGrath for the title of the finest bowler of their type in modern times.McGrath hit his groove early and finished with nearly the same average bowling at home or away. Yet it was Anderson who might win the argument as a player who asked more questions more consistently of batters who were conscious of the fact that the near-unplayable ball was just around the corner — and he could bend it as few could.Anderson played for longer and reinvented himself periodically, cutting pace for accuracy and bowling with a grace and seeming lack of effort which is one of the game's great sights. He was experimenting with a new run-up at 41. "His ability to keep wanting to improve has been extraordinary," wrote his former captain and friend Alastair Cook.Anderson has played 70% of all the Tests England have since his debut. That, for a fast bowler, is an incredible record, testimony to his skill, fitness, hunger, success, consistency, and ability to improve.Should players be allowed the time and place for the final goodbye? It can be a tribute to long years of service (Anderson made his debut in 2003) as well as a profitable marketing ploy. Anderson's time had come. He was allowed to choose the place. It is a happy compromise.

Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, is set to make his long-awaited return to competitive cricket for Durham in the County Championship against Lancashire this week. Stokes' last competitive match was in the final Test of England's tour of India in March, where he bowled just five overs due to a troublesome left knee.Since then, Stokes has undergone surgery to clear out the knee issue and has been gradually building up his bowling intensity. He has ruled himself out of the upcoming T20 World Cup to focus on his Test summer, where he aims to play a full part with both bat and ball.Stokes' return to Durham is a major boost for the team, who are currently fifth in Division One of the County Championship. Head coach Ryan Campbell believes Stokes' presence will have a significant impact on the squad and the competition as a whole."We're looking to kickstart our season and we're looking forward to welcoming England captain Ben Stokes back into our team for the first time - it will be absolutely awesome," Campbell said. "I suggest if you've got a few days over the weekend you get down to Blackpool and watch the great Ben Stokes return for Durham."Stokes' return to bowling is particularly important for England, who have struggled to balance their team without a seam-bowling allrounder. Men's managing director Rob Key is encouraged by Stokes' progress and believes he is feeling pain-free for the first time in a long time."Ben in particular is feeling, for the first time in quite some time, that he is bowling pain free, and is able to bowl almost, straight away, into his top end speed," Key said. "And he's not having to go through pain barriers all the time to do it. I think he feels liberated by the fact the knee op has been a success and he feels he can now look to this part of his career being able to do both things, which is always a big thing for an allrounder."Stokes is expected to play four red-ball matches for Durham before the first Test against West Indies on July 10. It is still unclear whether he will be available for Durham's Vitality Blast campaign, which begins on May 30.

England's management team, comprising Rob Key, Brendon McCullum, and Ben Stokes, met with veteran fast bowler James Anderson in Manchester last month to inform him that it was time for him to retire from international cricket. The decision was reached after a 90-minute meeting, where the team management expressed their belief that it was time for a transition in the bowling department.Key, the managing director of the England men's teams, stated that Anderson had been expecting the conversation but was not completely surprised. The team management had been monitoring Anderson's performances and felt that his time at the top level was coming to an end.Anderson has decided to play one final Test match, which will be against West Indies at Lord's in July. Key emphasized that the decision to retire was Anderson's own, and the team management did not pressure him into it.The retirement of Anderson leaves a significant void in England's bowling attack, but Key expressed excitement about the prospect of new players stepping up. He mentioned several young fast bowlers who are in contention for selection, including Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, and Ollie Robinson.Key also acknowledged that Robinson needs to improve his robustness and consistency. He stated that when Robinson is at his best, he is a very good bowler, but when his pace drops, he becomes less effective.Jofra Archer, another fast bowler in England's central contract, is not expected to play Test cricket this summer but could feature in Sussex's 2nd XI fixture against Kent this week. Ben Stokes, meanwhile, could play in Durham's County Championship fixture against Lancashire from Friday.

Jos Buttler, the dynamic wicket-keeper batsman, has bid farewell to the Indian Premier League (IPL) to join the England squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Buttler's departure comes as England prepares for a crucial four-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting May 22, where he will lead the Three Lions.Buttler's leadership will be instrumental in England's quest to retain their T20 World Cup title. His ability to inspire and lead by example has been evident throughout his career, and he will be expected to play a pivotal role in the team's success on the global stage.In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Buttler has been in exceptional form, amassing 359 runs in just 11 matches, including two centuries. His contributions have been crucial for Rajasthan Royals, who currently sit second in the 10-team table.Rajasthan Royals bid an emotional farewell to their star player through a heartfelt video shared on social media. "We'll miss you, Jos bhai!," the team wrote, expressing their gratitude for his contributions.Buttler's departure leaves a void in the Rajasthan Royals lineup, but the team remains in contention for a playoff berth. The top four teams will qualify for the playoffs, with the final scheduled for May 26 in Chennai.Rajasthan Royals last won the IPL title in 2008 under the legendary Shane Warne's captaincy. The team will be hoping to replicate that success this season, but they will need to overcome the absence of their star wicket-keeper batsman.