Cricket

Shannon Gabriel, the towering West Indian fast bowler, has bid farewell to international cricket after a decade-long career. The 36-year-old, known for his fiery pace and intimidating presence, has played 59 Tests, 25 ODIs, and two T20Is for his country, claiming a total of 202 wickets.Gabriel's Test career was particularly impressive, where he utilized his height and strength to extract bounce and movement from even the most docile pitches. His best performance came against Sri Lanka in 2018, where he recorded match figures of 13 for 121, the fourth-best by a West Indian bowler.West Indies fast bowling legend Courtney Walsh compared Gabriel to Patrick Patterson and Ian Bishop, recognizing his ability to generate pace and bounce. By 2017, he had become a regular member of the team, contributing to famous victories such as the Headingley Test against England.However, Gabriel's career was not without its controversies. In 2019, he was banned for four ODIs for an alleged homophobic remark towards Joe Root. While he accepted the sanction and apologized, he later claimed that the incident was exaggerated.Despite his international retirement, Gabriel remains active in domestic cricket, representing Trinidad and Tobago and participating in the Abu Dhabi T10 earlier this year. He plans to continue playing for his country, club, and franchise teams around the world.Gabriel's retirement marks the end of an era for West Indies cricket. His pace, aggression, and passion will be missed by fans and teammates alike.

England's 2025 home cricket season promises an exciting array of fixtures, with both the men's and women's teams hosting major series. The highlight will be the five-Test series against India, which will run concurrently with a five-match T20I series between the women's teams.The season kicks off on May 21 with England Women facing West Indies in the first of three T20Is. The men's team will then take on Zimbabwe in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge from May 22-25. This will be the first Test meeting between the two sides since the 2007 World T20.The white-ball series against West Indies will follow, with three ODIs and three T20Is scheduled. The men's team will then host India for a five-Test series, starting at Headingley on June 20. The women's team will also face India in a five-match T20I series, beginning at Trent Bridge on June 28.The Hundred is likely to occupy much of August, but England Men will conclude their international program with six white-ball games against South Africa before traveling to Ireland for a three-match ODI series.In 2026, Lord's will host its first women's Test when India return for a one-off game. This will be a historic occasion, marking a significant milestone in the growth of women's cricket.ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, saying, "Staging England Men's and England Women's series alongside each other has been popular with fans and supported the continued growth of the women's game."He added, "India touring is always a big draw and a highlight of any cricket summer. I'm delighted we'll also be welcoming both West Indies teams back again for white-ball series, following this year's men's Test series."

West Indies Cricketers Prioritize T20 Leagues Over Tests, Says Andre RussellAndre Russell, the explosive West Indian all-rounder, has shed light on the ongoing issue of premier West Indian cricketers opting out of Test matches in favor of lucrative T20 leagues around the world. Russell believes that the lack of interest in Tests stems from a shift in priorities rather than financial concerns."I don't think it's the money, I don't think money is the issue," Russell told Press Association. "Based on the amount of T20 and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests."Russell's comments come amidst West Indies' struggles in the World Test Championship, where they currently languish at the bottom of the table. Despite a recent draw against South Africa, the team has been plagued by inconsistent performances and a lack of depth in the Test format.Russell, along with several other high-profile West Indian players, has been absent from the Test team in recent years, opting instead to participate in T20 leagues such as The Hundred. This has raised concerns about the future of Test cricket in the Caribbean."I'm always excited watching the other West Indian batters, especially when they're hitting boundary after boundary," Russell said. "As long as you can do well from contracts outside your nation I think they are going to grab that opportunity but everyone wants to play on the big stage."Russell believes that the allure of T20 leagues, with their shorter format and higher financial rewards, has made it difficult for players to commit to the rigors of Test cricket. He also acknowledges that the physical demands of Test cricket may not be suitable for all players."Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don't think my body will keep up with Test cricket," he said. "But those in the team at the moment are fit enough and taking on the challenge."Russell's comments highlight the challenges facing West Indies cricket as it grapples with the changing landscape of the sport. The team's struggles in Test cricket have raised questions about the future of the format in the Caribbean, while the popularity of T20 leagues has created a new set of priorities for players.

Clive Lloyd, the legendary West Indies cricketer who led the team to back-to-back World Cup victories in 1975 and 1979, has been bestowed with the prestigious Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC). This honor, the highest in the region, recognizes Lloyd's exceptional contributions to cricket and his unwavering leadership.As a batter, Lloyd was renowned for his aggressive style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace. His astute tactical acumen as a captain played a pivotal role in West Indies' dominance during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Under his leadership, the team became the first-ever world champions in cricket.Lloyd's legacy extends beyond his playing career. He has served as a coach, selector, and match referee, continuing to contribute to the development of cricket. His dedication to the sport and his unwavering commitment to the Caribbean region have earned him widespread admiration.In addition to his cricketing achievements, Lloyd has also made significant contributions to Guyana as a civil servant in the Ministry of Health. His knighthood in 2019 further recognized his exceptional service to the nation.The OCC award is a testament to Lloyd's enduring impact on the Caribbean and the sport of cricket. His leadership, determination, and sportsmanship have set an enduring example for generations of West Indians.

England's 3-0 Test series victory over West Indies has been hailed by head coach Brendon McCullum as a testament to the team's newfound resilience and the successful integration of new faces.Despite facing pressure from West Indies at various points, England's ability to withstand those challenges and emerge victorious has impressed McCullum. He attributes this to a focus on "refinement" and a determination to improve when behind the game.The series has also seen the seamless integration of debutants Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Shoaib Bashir. Atkinson's 22 dismissals earned him the Player of the Series award, while Smith's batting and wicketkeeping contributions have been equally impressive. Bashir's five-wicket haul in the second Test further vindicated the decision to hand him the main spinner's role.McCullum acknowledges that the transition from old to new was not entirely smooth, but the performances of the new players have justified the changes made. He also praises the influence of James Anderson, who has taken on a fast-bowling mentor role and provided valuable insights to the team.Looking ahead, McCullum expresses support for limited-overs coach Matthew Mott, who has faced criticism after two unsuccessful World Cup campaigns. He emphasizes Mott's qualities as a coach and believes that he will continue to be successful regardless of the outcome of the ongoing review.

England's dominance over the West Indies continued in the third and final Test at Edgbaston, as they secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory to complete a 3-0 series sweep. The match concluded more than two days ahead of schedule, highlighting England's overwhelming superiority.Ben Stokes, England's captain, led the charge with a blistering innings that saw him reach a remarkable milestone. Opening the batting in place of the injured Zak Crawley, Stokes smashed the fastest fifty by an England batsman in Test cricket, reaching the mark in just 24 deliveries. His aggressive display included nine boundaries and a six, surpassing the previous record held by Ian Botham since 1981.Stokes' innings not only contributed to England's rapid chase but also etched his name in the record books. He remained unbeaten on 57, finishing the match with a six off the bowling of West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite.Mark Wood, Stokes' Durham teammate, played a pivotal role in England's victory with an exceptional bowling performance. He claimed five wickets for nine runs in six overs, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup and leaving England with a modest target of 82 runs.West Indies opener Mikyle Louis showed some resilience with a maiden Test fifty, scoring 57 runs. Kavem Hodge also contributed 55 runs, but their efforts were not enough to set a challenging target. The next highest score in the innings was a mere 12 runs, shared by Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, and extras.England's victory was a testament to their all-round dominance throughout the series. They outplayed the West Indies in all departments, showcasing their superior batting, bowling, and fielding skills. The 3-0 sweep further strengthens England's position as one of the top Test teams in the world.

Deandra Dottin, the explosive West Indian all-rounder, has made a sensational return to international cricket after a two-year hiatus. The 33-year-old, who retired abruptly in 2022, has expressed her eagerness to represent the West Indies once again, citing a desire to contribute to the team's success and mentor younger players.Dottin's decision is a major boost for the West Indies ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh this October. With her vast experience and exceptional skills, she is expected to add significant value to the team."Representing West Indies in international cricket has always been a matter of great pride and passion for me," Dottin said in a statement. "I am confident that my experience, maturity, and skills will add value to the team as it has done in the past."Dottin's return comes after a period of reflection and dialogue with Cricket West Indies (CWI) officials, including President Dr. Kishore Shallow. She had previously expressed concerns about the "non-conducive" environment within the West Indies set-up, but it appears that those issues have been addressed.CWI has welcomed Dottin's decision, with Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe stating, "Deandra is a player of immense ability and experience. We are pleased with her decision to return to international cricket and be eligible for selection."Dottin has an impressive track record in international cricket. She has played 143 ODIs, scoring 3727 runs at an average of 30.54, and 127 T20Is, amassing 2697 runs. She holds the record for the fastest century in women's T20Is, a 38-ball hundred against South Africa in the 2010 T20 World Cup.Since her retirement, Dottin has been active on the T20 league circuit, but she has not played competitive cricket since September 2023. She will captain the Trinbago Knight Riders team in the upcoming women's Caribbean Premier League, which will serve as a warm-up for the West Indies camp in August ahead of the T20 World Cup.Dottin's return is a testament to her love for the game and her desire to make a positive impact on West Indies cricket. Her experience, leadership, and match-winning abilities will undoubtedly be invaluable to the team as they aim to achieve success on the international stage.

England's victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Trent Bridge marked their first multi-match series win since the end of 2022. This triumph has instilled a sense of optimism within the team, with vice-captain Ollie Pope expressing his hope that it can become a habit.Despite losing only one series under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England's recent defeat to India highlighted the need to regain their winning ways. The team's success in this series, which gives them a 2-0 lead heading into the final Test at Edgbaston, has provided a much-needed boost.The series victory has been achieved with the help of several new faces, reinforcing Pope's belief in the team's future. Gus Atkinson's impressive debut performance, with 12 wickets in the match, has compensated for the absence of James Anderson. Jamie Smith's 70 in his maiden innings and seven catches have ensured a smooth transition in the wicketkeeper position. Shoaib Bashir's match-winning 5 for 41 in the second Test vindicated the decision to select him over Jack Leach.The seamless integration of new players into the team is a testament to the positive environment fostered by the selectors. Pope believes that the team has a "really nice balanced attack and batting line-up" that can continue to build on its success.Pope's own contribution to the batting line-up was evident at Trent Bridge, where he scored 121 in England's first innings and 51 in the second. Despite being dropped twice, he has emerged from a slump that saw him average just 19.05 in his previous 18 red-ball knocks.The team's ability to score 400 runs in both innings for the first time in history is a testament to their aggressive approach. Pope acknowledges that the batters are looking to adopt a more "ruthless" approach while retaining their capacity to attack opposition attacks.

Brian Lara's autobiography, "LARA: The England Chronicles," has sparked controversy with its claims about former West Indies captain Viv Richards. Lara alleges that Richards was an intimidating and abusive leader, causing him and teammate Carl Hooper to cry.Richards and Hooper have vehemently denied these accusations, releasing a joint statement condemning Lara's "gross misrepresentations." They assert that Richards was never aggressive towards Hooper and instead acted as a supportive mentor.Lara's book claims that Richards' "intimidating tone of voice" could affect anyone who was "not strong." However, Richards and Hooper maintain that their relationship was built on mutual respect and camaraderie.The controversy stems from an excerpt in Lara's book where he writes, "Viv used to make me cry every three weeks, but he would make Carl cry once a week. Viv's tone of voice is intimidating and if you're not strong enough, you can take that personally and be affected by it."Richards and Hooper have demanded a public retraction and apology from Lara, stating that his claims have caused undue distress to them and their families.Lara and Richards were teammates in only one match for the West Indies, while Lara played under Hooper's captaincy and later led the team that included Hooper.The controversy has raised questions about the nature of leadership in sports and the impact of verbal abuse on players. It has also highlighted the importance of accurate and respectful representation in autobiographies and other public accounts.