Cricket

Australia, led by stand-in captain Steven Smith, will face England in the decisive third ODI at Bristol, with both teams seeking to clinch the series. Australia has been forced to make changes due to an injury to Mitchell Marsh, while England has rested Jofra Archer.Despite the series being on the line, England has opted to rest Archer, who has played two consecutive matches. Olly Stone returns to the side as the only change, with Harry Brook confirming that he would have also chosen to bowl first on an overcast day.Australia's captaincy duties fall to Smith, who has frequently filled in as skipper in recent years. Sean Abbott has also been dropped after three costly outings, with Aaron Hardie returning to the team. Cooper Connolly makes his debut, providing Australia with another spin option and an additional left-hander in the lower order. Alex Carey has lost his spot, while Matthew Short will open the batting.England's lineup remains largely unchanged, with Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Olly Stone, Matthew Potts, and Adil Rashid all retaining their places.Australia's team for the match is as follows: Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steven Smith (capt), Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams eager to secure the series victory. The weather forecast predicts rain later in the afternoon, which could potentially impact the outcome of the game.

Afghanistan Captain Surprises with Rashid Latif as Wicketkeeper in Dream ODI XIIn a recent interview, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi unveiled his all-time ODI World XI, sparking discussions among cricket enthusiasts. Surprisingly, Shahidi opted for Pakistan's Rashid Latif as his wicketkeeper, a choice that raised eyebrows considering the legendary status of MS Dhoni in the role.Shahidi's dream team boasts an array of iconic players. The opening pair features the elegant Saeed Anwar and the prolific Rohit Sharma. The middle order is anchored by the batting brilliance of Virat Kohli and Kumar Sangakkara, while Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mahela Jayawardene provide experience and depth. Andrew Flintoff adds versatility as an all-rounder.The bowling attack is equally formidable. Rashid Khan's spin wizardry is complemented by the pace and swing of Waqar Younis and the precision of Jasprit Bumrah.Shahidi's decision to exclude Dhoni from his team has generated considerable debate. Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the greatest finishers and wicketkeepers in cricket history, is often an automatic choice for such dream teams. However, Shahidi's selection of Latif highlights the latter's exceptional skills behind the stumps and his ability to contribute with the bat.Latif, who played for Pakistan from 1992 to 2003, was known for his lightning-fast reflexes, acrobatic catches, and aggressive batting style. He was a key member of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning team and played a pivotal role in their triumph.While Dhoni's absence from Shahidi's team may be surprising, it underscores the depth of talent available in the wicketkeeper-batter position. Latif's inclusion serves as a reminder of his own exceptional abilities and the diverse range of players who have excelled in this crucial role.

Jofra Archer's resurgence has been a beacon of hope for England's cricket team, as the fast bowler continues to prove his worth after a series of setbacks. In the fourth ODI against Australia at Lord's, Archer claimed two crucial wickets to help England level the series 2-2.Archer's performance was a testament to his enduring talent, which was first showcased in the 2019 ODI World Cup final and his Test debut in the Ashes. Despite suffering stress fractures in his back and elbow, Archer has remained resilient and is now reaping the rewards of his hard work.The 29-year-old has played 24 competitive matches this summer, including the T20 World Cup, and is on track to surpass his previous season's tally of 681 deliveries. This is a significant milestone for Archer, who was sidelined for 14 months before making his return in May.Archer's return has been carefully managed, with a focus on avoiding further injuries. He has been excluded from Test cricket until 2025, but is expected to feature in the limited-overs series in the Caribbean and the Champions Trophy next year.Beyond his on-field contributions, Archer's experience and leadership will be invaluable to England's white-ball team. As one of the senior players and a two-time World Cup winner, Archer will play a key role in mentoring the younger players and fostering a winning culture.

Mitchell Starc's nightmare at Lord's on Friday was a chilling reminder of the brutal onslaught he endured at the hands of Rohit Sharma during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. In the fourth ODI between Australia and England, Starc was subjected to a relentless assault by Liam Livingstone, who smashed 29 runs off his over, equaling the costliest over by an Australian bowler in ODIs.Starc's torment began in the final over of England's innings, with the home team needing 15 runs to win. Livingstone, who had already struck a blistering 67 off 27 balls, took aim at the Australian left-arm pacer, hitting four sixes in a row. The over, which read 6, 0, 6, 6, 6, 4, brought back haunting memories of Rohit's sensational knock in the T20 World Cup match.In that match, Rohit played arguably the best innings of the tournament, smashing eight sixes and seven fours in his 41-ball 92. The highlight of his innings was the third over bowled by Starc, in which the Indian captain plundered four sixes and a four off the pacer, making it a 29-run over.Starc's struggles against Livingstone and Rohit have exposed a vulnerability in his bowling that opposition batters are eager to exploit. The Australian pacer, who has been one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket, is now facing questions about his ability to handle the pressure in high-stakes matches.After the match, Starc admitted that he had bowled five bad balls and that Livingstone had punished him for them. "I've played a lot against him. He had a good tournament, especially in our game. I think he targeted that wind in St. Lucia as well. If you look at the runs from each end, one end went for a lot more than the other. I bowled from that end," Starc said on the LiSTNR Sport podcast.Starc's struggles are a concern for Australia, who are looking to regain their dominance in ODI cricket. The team has lost two of the first four matches in the series against England, and Starc's inability to contain the opposition's batters is a major factor.

Adil Rashid, the English leg-spinner, has reached a significant milestone in his career by becoming the first England spinner to take 200 ODI wickets. This achievement came during the second game of the five-match series against Australia at Leeds, the same ground where he made his Test debut in 2006.Rashid's journey to this milestone has been marked by his unique style and determination. Growing up, he was inspired by his father, who introduced him to leg-spin at a young age. Despite leg-spin not being a popular choice in England at the time, Rashid persevered and developed his skills.His talent was recognized early on, and he made his international debut in 2009. However, it was not until the 2015 World Cup that Rashid truly made his mark on the international stage. He played a crucial role in England's victory, taking 17 wickets in the tournament.Since then, Rashid has been a mainstay in the England ODI team. He has been praised for his ability to turn the ball sharply and his deceptive variations. His success has also inspired a new generation of young spinners in England.In an interview with The Hindu, Rashid spoke about the importance of nurturing young spinners and the bright future of spin bowling in England. He also reflected on his time under Eoin Morgan, who he described as "the ultimate package as a captain."Rashid's achievement of 200 ODI wickets is a testament to his skill, dedication, and the growing popularity of spin bowling in England. As he continues to play, he will undoubtedly inspire more young spinners to take up the craft and contribute to the success of the English cricket team.

Cameron Green's back injury has cast a shadow over Australia's ODI series against England and raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming home summer. The allrounder was ruled out of the final two ODIs after scans revealed soreness following the third match in Durham.Green's injury history includes stress fractures of the back, which he suffered in 2019 and during his time in the domestic system. While the extent of his current injury is yet to be determined, a prolonged absence would have significant implications for Australia's plans.Green's absence would create a vacancy in the middle order, potentially allowing Steven Smith to return to his preferred No. 4 position. It could also open the door for a specialist opener to partner Usman Khawaja.Head coach Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that the incumbent top six would start the Test series against India, but Green's injury could force a rethink. Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, and Marcus Harris are among the candidates who could be considered for a recall.Green's bowling would also be missed. Pat Cummins had anticipated that Green and Mitchell Marsh would share the workload with Australia's frontline attack during the Tests. If Green is unable to bowl, Marsh's role would become even more crucial.Ricky Ponting expressed concern about Green's injury, noting his history of back problems. However, he suggested that Green could still play as a specialist batter if his bowling is affected.Green was expected to feature in at least one Sheffield Shield match in October before the start of Australia's home international season. Pakistan will visit for T20Is and ODIs ahead of the Tests against India, which begin on November 22 in Perth.

England vs Australia 4th ODI Live Updates: England Eye Series Leveler at Lord'sEngland will be aiming to level the ongoing five-match ODI series against Australia at 2-2 when the two teams clash in the fourth ODI at Lord's on Thursday. After suffering comprehensive defeats in the first two ODIs, England's batting finally came to the party in the third ODI, as they secured a rain-hit 46-run victory.The hosts will be buoyed by their performance in the third ODI, where they posted a competitive total of 287/9, thanks to half-centuries from Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone. Their bowlers then restricted Australia to 241/9, with David Willey and Adil Rashid claiming three wickets each.Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to seal a series win away from home against their arch-rivals. The visitors have been in impressive form throughout the series, with their bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, proving to be a handful for the English batsmen.However, the weather could play a significant role in the fourth ODI, with rain forecast for London. If the rain does intervene, it could potentially spoil the contest and force a no-result.Key Players to Watch:* England: Dawid Malan, Liam Livingstone, David Willey* Australia: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Steve SmithMatch Details:* Date: Thursday, July 14, 2023* Time: 11:00 AM BST* Venue: Lord's, London

Matthew Potts, the rising star of English cricket, is on a mission to become an all-formats, all-conditions bowler. Currently halfway through a white-ball series against Australia, Potts is set to embark on a month-long Test tour to Pakistan, a testament to his versatility.Potts' journey to becoming a multi-faceted quick began with a focus on increasing his ball speed. He believes this is crucial for his success not only in England but also on overseas tours. By refining his run-up and using his front arm more efficiently, Potts aims to generate greater pace.Despite his impressive debut season, Potts acknowledges that he may not have been ready for the challenges of Pakistan's pitches two years ago. However, he has since worked tirelessly to improve his game, particularly his ball speed. With James Anderson, Mark Wood, and Ollie Robinson unavailable for the upcoming tour, Potts is determined to step up and fill the void.In the ongoing ODI series, Potts has showcased his dexterity as a new-ball bowler. His control and ability to swing the ball have been impressive, with a standout wicket against Steve Smith in the second ODI. Potts' performance has put him in contention to replace Chris Woakes in England's white-ball plans.Potts' versatility extends beyond his bowling. He is also a capable batsman, as evidenced by his half-century in the first Test against Sri Lanka. This all-round ability makes him a valuable asset to any team.As Potts prepares for the Pakistan tour, he is confident in his ability to contribute to England's success. He is eager to prove that he can be a viable replacement for Woakes and help England rebuild their white-ball dynasty.

England's hopes of an Ashes-style comeback in the ODI series against Australia received a boost with their victory at Chester-le-Street. After losing the first two matches, Harry Brook's team secured a crucial win, setting the stage for a potential turnaround.Brook, the stand-in skipper, led the charge with a maiden ODI century, guiding England to a comfortable chase of 305. His 156-run partnership with Will Jacks showcased their ability to adapt to the format's demands.Despite missing key players like Travis Head and Adam Zampa, Australia remained competitive. Steven Smith's half-century and Aaron Hardie's late cameo highlighted the depth of their squad. However, the end of their 14-game winning streak will not be a major concern.Will Jacks and Alex Carey emerged as key performers for their respective teams. Jacks' 84 from 82 balls was his best international performance to date, while Carey's consistent batting and assured presence behind the stumps have created a "good problem" for Australia.England are expected to field an unchanged team for the third ODI at Lord's, with Jofra Archer set to play back-to-back games. Australia, on the other hand, have a clean bill of health, including Zampa, who was absent in Durham.The pitch at Lord's is not known for its high-scoring nature, but recent rain could make it seamer-friendly. The weather forecast, however, remains a concern, with showers predicted for the morning and early afternoon.Statistically, Mitchell Starc overtook Mitchell Johnson as Australia's fourth-highest ODI wicket-taker, while Brook's century was only his second in the format. Australia have a strong record at Lord's, winning six of their last seven ODIs against England at the ground.