West Indies v England: fifth men’s T20 cricket international – match abandoned

England’s final match of their West Indies tour was abandoned after heavy rain meaning Jos Buttler’s side won the five-game series 3-1

1st over: West Indies 6-0 (Lewis 5, Hope 0) Evin Lewis nearly perishes second ball! He opts to pull a lifter that’s too far outside off and thick-edges it over first slip, where not even Jamie Overton can reach it. He gets four for that, followed by a single for another false shot, also a pull – a leading edge that squirts into the covers. And then he gets away with a third edge as a failed swish sends the ball into the ground before it goes through to Phil Salt. Archer, as so often lately, is looking good without getting his just deserts.

The players are out there, under grey skies. Jofra Archer has the new ball.

Continue reading...

Trescothick eyes permanent England role after bettering mental health

  • Anxiety issues curtailed former batter’s playing career
  • Rob Key states ambition for future English head coach

Marcus Trescothick has revealed he wants to become England’s head coach on a permanent basis after learning to cope with his mental health problems. The former England batter is serving as the men’s white-ball interim head coach during the West Indies tour before Brendon McCullum steps up from his Test role to take charge in all formats from January.

“Previously I thought I wanted to be a head coach, but taking the reins for the two series against Australia and here versus the West Indies has confirmed to me that I would like the opportunity to do it at some point,” Trescothick told the Mail on Sunday. “I’d love to have an opportunity, when the time comes.”

Continue reading...

West Indies beat England by five wickets in thrilling fourth men’s T20 cricket international – as it happened

Shai Hope and Evin Lewis power West Indies to victory in a thrilling run-chase t0 breath life into the series

If you spot Jos Buttler, Jamie Overton and Marcus Trescothick in black armbands and wonder why, it is in memory of long-time Somerset supporter and fundraiser Mary Elworthy, who died yesterday aged 90. RIP Mary.

West Indies: Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy.

Continue reading...

Spencer Johnson’s record haul earns Australia T20 series win over Pakistan

Spencer Johnson produced the greatest-ever figures by an Australian quick in a men’s Twenty20 international to bowl his side to a 13-run win over Pakistan.

With Australia defending 9-147 at the SCG on Saturday night, Johnson bagged five for 26 with the ball to have Pakistan all out for 134 and help the hosts to an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

Continue reading...

Australia beat Pakistan by 13 runs: second Twenty20 international – as it happened

A riotous opening partnership and Spencer Johnson’s maiden five-for gave Australia a series-clinching victory at the SCG

Haris Rauf comes into the attack. Short works him for two to bring up the fifty in just 3.1 overs, a record for Australia in T20 cricket. Pakistan are already in death-bowling mode, with lots of variations, and it has brought the first wicket.

Fraser-McGurk is hit in the gut by a slower ball, then swats a very short ball high over extra cover. Salman Agha backpedals to take an excellent catch; Fraser-McGurk goes for 20 from 9 balls.

Continue reading...