Cricket

England's Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies has undergone a significant overhaul, with debutant Jamie Smith set to take over the wicketkeeping duties. The 23-year-old Surrey player has impressed with his batting and wicketkeeping skills, earning him a call-up ahead of established incumbents Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow.The squad also features several other changes, including the omission of Jack Leach, Mark Wood, and Ollie Robinson. Dillon Pennington, another debutant, is likely to compete with Gus Atkinson for a place in the seam attack, while Matthew Potts returns to contention after a year-long absence.Shoaib Bashir has been preferred as the spin-bowling option, despite Somerset allowing Jack Leach to go out on loan. Dan Lawrence is the spare batter, having made an impressive start to the season with Surrey.Smith's selection as Test keeper marks a fresh start for England, who have struggled to find a consistent gloveman in recent years. Smith has averaged over 50 in the County Championship this season and is Surrey's leading run-scorer in the Blast.The absence of Ollie Robinson, who was once seen as the heir apparent to James Anderson and Stuart Broad, is also noteworthy. Robinson has been affected by fitness issues and has been in modest form in the Championship.Instead, Chris Woakes, England's Player of the Series during the 2023 Ashes, is likely to inherit the mantle of attack leader from Anderson. Woakes has the experience in English conditions to help bring through the next crop of seamers, which also includes Atkinson and Potts.Most intriguing is Pennington, who has moved from Worcestershire to Nottinghamshire with the aim of boosting his international prospects. He currently sits joint-second on the Division One wicket-takers' list with 29 at 23.03.England's managing director, Rob Key, said: "The first Test of the summer is always a special moment, but it will be extra poignant with it being Jimmy's last Test before he retires. We all would like to wish him well as he walks out at Lord's for the last time for England."

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team secured a historic victory over West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series, marking their first triumph over the Caribbean side in this format since 2015.The foundation for Sri Lanka's success was laid by the exceptional bowling performances of Chamari Athapaththu and Inoshi Priyadharshani. Athapaththu, who registered a career-best 4 for 29, and Priyadharshani, who claimed 3 for 28, combined to restrict West Indies to a modest total of 134 for 8.In response, Sri Lanka's batters displayed resilience and determination. Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama forged a crucial 46-run partnership for the second wicket, with Gunaratne contributing a brisk 35. Samarawickrama continued to anchor the innings, scoring 35 before being dismissed.Despite losing wickets in quick succession, Sri Lanka remained composed. Nilakshika Silva played a crucial role in guiding the team to victory, remaining unbeaten on 17.West Indies' batting effort was hampered by an injury to Stafanie Taylor, who was forced to leave the field in the third over. Hayley Matthews top-scored for the visitors with a run-a-ball 30, while Aaliyah Alleyne and Afy Fletcher provided some late impetus with a 33-run partnership.The victory gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the series, which continues with the second T20I on Saturday.

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team secured a historic 3-0 series whitewash against the West Indies in the third ODI in Hambantota, thanks to a comprehensive 160-run victory.Chamari Athapaththu, Nilakshika Silva, and Anushka Sanjeewani led the way for Sri Lanka with half-centuries, while Sachini Nisansala claimed a maiden five-wicket haul to dismantle the West Indies batting lineup.Chasing Sri Lanka's imposing total of 275 for 6, the West Indies struggled from the outset. Rashada Williams and Shemaine Campbell were dismissed cheaply, leaving Chedean Nation and Stafanie Taylor to rebuild the innings. The pair put on a 57-run partnership, but Taylor's dismissal triggered a collapse.Athapaththu removed Nation, and Nisansala took over with her slow left-arm orthodox bowling. She trapped Zaida James leg before, and Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, and Qiana Joseph all fell in quick succession. Aaliyah Alleyne's cameo ended when she chipped one back to Nisansala, completing her five-wicket haul.Earlier, Sri Lanka's openers, Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne, put on a 93-run stand. Gunaratne fell for 44, but Athapaththu continued to anchor the innings. She shared a 57-run partnership with Nilakshika before being dismissed for 91.Nilakshika and Sanjeewani then took control, adding 117 runs for the fifth wicket. Sanjeewani (55) and Nilakshika (63) fell in the final over, but Sri Lanka had already amassed a formidable total.The West Indies' bowlers struggled to contain Sri Lanka's batters, with Ramharack taking 2 for 46 as the most successful bowler. The victory marks Sri Lanka's first-ever series whitewash against the West Indies and is a testament to the team's growing strength in women's cricket.

England's Phil Salt continued his impressive form in the T20 World Cup 2024, guiding his team to a thrilling victory over West Indies in the Super 8 match. Chasing a target of 181, Salt played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 87, including a remarkable 30-run over off Romario Shepherd.Salt's innings began with a boundary through extra cover, bringing up his half-century. He followed it up with a six straight down the ground. Shepherd's slower delivery was met with a four, and the pressure mounted as he struggled to maintain his line and length.A wide delivery outside the off-stump sailed over long-off for six, and the fifth ball of the over was another six over backward square leg. The final ball was a juicy full-toss, which Salt dispatched over wide mid-off for four.Salt's destructive batting earned praise from England skipper Jos Buttler. "It was an incredible innings, a mature senior player's innings," Buttler said. "He batted with a lot of power."England's victory was also aided by a strong bowling performance, restricting West Indies to 180/6. Adil Rashid was particularly impressive, taking 2/24 in his four overs.The win puts England in a strong position in the Super 8 stage, as they look to defend their T20 World Cup title. Salt's form will be crucial to their success, and his performance against West Indies has sent a clear message to their opponents.

USA opener Steven Taylor is set to face his childhood heroes, the West Indies, in a T20 World Cup 2024 clash on Friday night in Barbados. Taylor, born in Florida to Jamaican parents, will be singing David Rudder's "Rally Round The West Indies" as he lines up against the team he grew up supporting.Despite being raised on America's south-east coast, Taylor's West Indian heritage has always been a strong part of his identity. He expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing against the West Indies, saying, "It will be a wonderful feeling. I'm representing my parents, my Jamaican heritage. At the end of the day, I might be born American, but I speak more Jamaican than I speak American sometimes."Taylor's confidence stems from his belief that USA can beat West Indies. He recalled their close encounter in the 50-over World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe last year, where USA lost by just 39 runs. "We gave them a fight at the end of the day and we know that we have a chance of beating them once we play good cricket on the day," he said.Taylor's familiarity with some of the West Indies players, including his former Barbados Tridents teammate Akeal Hosein, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match. "He's a good friend of mine," Taylor said of Hosein. "I know most of his tricks so for sure I'll be hunting him, first ball."Despite their opening defeat to South Africa in the Super Eight, Taylor remains optimistic about USA's chances. He praised Andries Gous' unbeaten 80 and the team's comeback with the ball. "I would say we're playing good cricket and the team is gelling well together," he said. "At the end of the day, we know that we're going to be the underdogs for all teams that we play against in the Super Eights. So, we're just here to play good cricket and if we go in, we win; if we lose, we lose."

Jofra Archer's decisive over proved pivotal in England's comprehensive eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in St Lucia. After West Indies captain Rovman Powell had plundered 20 runs off Archer's previous over, the hosts looked poised to accelerate their innings with five overs remaining.However, Archer responded with an exceptional over of wide yorkers, outswinging at increasing pace. Nicholas Pooran, who had just reached 200 runs in the tournament, was dismissed for a thin edge to Jos Buttler. The over culminated in a crucial collapse of 3 for 6 in 12 deliveries, effectively ending West Indies' hopes.Archer's impact was significant for England. It demonstrated his tactical acumen and the success of his recovery from long-standing injuries. He acknowledged that the lively pitch encouraged him to crank up his pace, a strategy that had not been as effective earlier in the tournament.Beyond his bowling contribution, Archer emphasized his commitment to contributing in all aspects of the game. He expressed his joy in giving back to the team and his willingness to embrace pressure situations.The victory over West Indies, who had won eight consecutive matches, was a significant boost for England. However, Archer cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that it was only the first game of the Super Eight stage.England's next challenge is against South Africa, the team that inflicted a crushing defeat on them in the 50-over World Cup. Archer downplayed the significance of that match, stating that England had moved on and would approach the game with a fresh plan.

Nicholas Pooran, the swashbuckling Trinidadian, has etched his name in the annals of West Indies cricket history by becoming the leading T20 run-scorer, surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Pooran's unwavering determination and relentless hard work.Pooran's journey to the top has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. After a promising start in the 2014 Under-19 World Cup, he suffered a major setback in a car accident that sidelined him for an extended period. Undeterred, Pooran persevered, honing his skills in various franchise leagues.His international breakthrough came at the 2019 50-over World Cup, where he showcased his explosive batting with a brilliant 118 against Sri Lanka. However, a four-game suspension for ball-tampering later that year cast a shadow over his career.In 2022, Pooran was appointed captain of the T20 squad for the World Cup in Australia. Despite the team's disappointing losses to Scotland and Ireland, Pooran remained resolute in his belief in his abilities.Now, as the West Indies prepare for the Super Eights stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pooran's experience and leadership will be crucial. He has vowed to continue the legacy of Chris Gayle, entertaining fans and inspiring the next generation of West Indian cricketers.Pooran's success is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible. His journey from adversity to triumph is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes.

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team clinched a historic series victory against West Indies in the second ODI in Hambantota, securing a 2-0 lead with one match remaining. The triumph marks Sri Lanka's first series win over the Caribbean side since 2008.Chasing a modest target of 93, Sri Lanka's batting was anchored by Vishmi Gunaratne's brilliant half-century. The opener struck a fluent 50 off 50 deliveries, including nine boundaries and a six, to guide her team to victory. Kavisha Dilhari provided valuable support with a 28-ball 28.The West Indies bowlers struggled to contain Gunaratne, who appeared to be batting on a different surface. The visitors managed only 13 boundaries in their entire innings, highlighting the dominance of Sri Lanka's spinners.Dilhari was the star performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 20. Her left-arm spin proved too much for the West Indies batters, who struggled to rotate the strike effectively. Sachini Nisansala and Sugandika Kumari also played key roles, keeping the pressure on from the other end.West Indies' innings was characterized by a lack of fluency. Rashada Williams showed patience at the top of the order with a 62-ball 24, but the rest of the batters failed to make significant contributions. Aaliyah Alleyne and Afy Fletcher briefly threatened with a 28-run partnership, but their efforts were cut short by Dilhari and Chamari Athapaththu.Sri Lanka's bowlers set the tone for the victory, restricting West Indies to a below-par total. Udeshika Prabodhani and Achini Kulasuriya were economical in the opening overs, while Athapaththu and Dilhari made crucial breakthroughs in the middle and late stages.The series victory is a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, who have been rebuilding their women's cricket program in recent years. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff, and a sign of promising times ahead for Sri Lankan women's cricket.

Barbados, the "cricket paradise," has embraced the T20 World Cup with open arms. From the moment visitors arrive at the airport, they are greeted by the iconic image of Sir Garfield Sobers, a testament to the island's deep-rooted love for the sport.Unlike the United States, where cricket is still gaining traction, Barbados exudes a palpable sense of cricket fever. Volunteers and locals alike wear T20 World Cup shirts, while conversations at every turn revolve around the tournament. The island's rich cricketing legacy is evident in the posters of legendary players like Sobers, Joel Garner, and the 3Ws adorning the airport.The bond between Barbadians and cricket goes beyond celebrity worship. Taxi drivers have personal anecdotes of encounters with Sir Garry, while locals like Solly, who grew up playing with the Pathan brothers, now share the field with Dyawne Smith and Kyle Mayers.However, a tinge of sadness lingers among older generations who witnessed the glory days of West Indies cricket. The team's failure to qualify for the ODI World Cup has left a void, and for them, T20 is not the true measure of world champions.Despite their disappointment, Barbadians remain hopeful for a strong showing from the West Indies in the T20 World Cup. Tickets for the final on June 29 are sold out, and even those who don't have faith in the team express a desire for India to win, recognizing their exceptional talent.As the tournament progresses, Barbados will continue to serve as a haven for cricket enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of history, passion, and the thrill of the game.