Cricket

Harry Brook, the rising star of English cricket, has been handed the captaincy reins for the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia. This appointment marks a significant milestone in Brook's career and underscores his growing stature within the England setup.Brook's elevation to the captaincy comes amidst the unfortunate absence of Jos Buttler, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the summer due to a persistent calf injury. Buttler's injury has also paved the way for the recall of Liam Livingstone, who has impressed with his all-round abilities in the ongoing T20I series against Australia.Brook has long been earmarked as a future England captain, having captained the Under-19 World Cup team in 2018. He has also gained valuable leadership experience as vice-captain to Ollie Pope in the recent Test series victory over Sri Lanka.The 23-year-old Brook has demonstrated his leadership qualities in various domestic competitions, including the T20 Blast and the Hundred. His ability to inspire and motivate his teammates, coupled with his tactical acumen, makes him an ideal candidate for the captaincy role.However, Buttler's prolonged absence raises concerns about his fitness, given his history of calf issues. The England management will be keen to manage his workload carefully to prevent further setbacks.Livingstone's return to the ODI squad is a testament to his impressive performances in the T20I series. His leg-spin bowling and explosive batting have been instrumental in England's success.The ODI series against Australia will provide Brook with an opportunity to showcase his leadership skills and further enhance his reputation as a future star of English cricket. The series begins at Trent Bridge on Thursday and runs until September 29.

Tom Latham, a potential successor to Kane Williamson as New Zealand's ODI captain, acknowledges the need for flexibility in adapting to players opting out of central contracts for franchise deals.With Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne unavailable for the latest contracts, Latham emphasizes the changing landscape of cricket. He suggests that the team must be fluid in its approach, recognizing that players may prioritize franchise opportunities at different stages of their careers.Latham highlights the importance of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and the need to adapt to the absence of key players. He believes that the contract system has worked well but acknowledges the need to review it in light of the evolving game.Latham's own captaincy ambitions are not at the forefront, as he primarily focuses on Test and ODI cricket. However, he expresses his willingness to lead if given the opportunity.Coach Gary Stead confirms that Latham is among the candidates for the ODI captaincy but emphasizes the need for a long-term commitment leading up to the next World Cup.New Zealand will face Sri Lanka and Pakistan in six ODIs during their home summer before participating in a tri-series in Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Kane Williamson, New Zealand's legendary cricketer, has made a significant decision to decline a central contract for the 2024-25 season. This move is part of a strategic plan to prolong his illustrious international career. Williamson, who currently holds the captaincy of the T20I and ODI teams, will also step down from these leadership roles.Williamson's decision stems from his desire to prioritize his family and explore overseas opportunities during the New Zealand summer. Despite relinquishing his central contract, he remains committed to representing his country and is open to accepting a contract in the future."Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished," Williamson said. "However, my life outside cricket has changed, and spending more time with my family is even more important to me."Williamson's decision comes after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign for New Zealand, where they failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2014. He remains coy about his T20I future, stating that he will assess the situation later.Williamson's legacy as a cricketer is unparalleled. He has played 100 Tests, 165 ODIs, and 93 T20Is for New Zealand, leading them in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 75 T20Is. Under his captaincy, the Blackcaps reached the finals of the World Test Championship 2021, the ODI World Cup 2019, and the T20 World Cup 2021.NZC CEO Scott Weenink expressed his support for Williamson's decision, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to New Zealand cricket. "This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Blackcaps," Weenink said.Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has also declined a central contract offer, citing similar reasons. Ferguson has played one Test, 65 ODIs, and 42 T20Is for New Zealand.