Just days after being added to England’s Test squad for their upcoming series against Pakistan, Ollie Pope has come crashing back to earth after being retired out in The Hundred.
Joe Root’s masterful Hundred cameo shows risk England are taking with captaincy recall | Ali Martin
A trip to watch a strokeplay exhibition by England’s restored captain serves as a reminder of what can be lost amid the demands of leadership
My wife and I walked the kids down the hill to Edgbaston last Saturday afternoon, where our latest attempt at cricket indoctrination was the Birmingham Phoenix versus Welsh Fire game in the men’s Hundred.
Though a one-sided defeat for the hosts – the Phoenix women at least got the win earlier in the day – it was decent enough, with the youngest (six) the only one to get restless before some tactical popcorn lifted spirits towards the back end of the game. The kindness of strangers meant she was happy regardless, having been gifted two foam meerkat paws and a giant red/orange Phoenix flag that looks as if she now supports some obscure separatist movement in the Balkans.
Continue reading...‘People will start talking’: Aussie coach lifts lid on how key question will be answered in bumper year
Australia’s men’s cricket coach Andrew McDonald said that the team’s hierarchy and its superstars are willing to upset a few people with their player management decisions in the coming year.
Little known quick’s incredible haul rips apart Bangladesh in nightmare Test series prep
Australia’s bowling attack will be licking its lips ahead of next week’s first Test in Darwin as Bangladesh were knocked over for just 54 to lose their three-day tour game against a Cricket Australia XI by an innings and 38 runs.
Stokes question that refuses to die; why Aussie selection race is set to explode — Talking Points
The countdown to cricket’s greatest rivalry is officially on.
Andrew Flintoff makes surprise exit as England Lions head coach after two years
Other demands meant he was unable to commit fully
Mike Yardy will step in for upcoming Pakistan fixture
Andrew Flintoff has decided to step down as the head coach of England Lions with immediate effect before his winter spell working in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
The former all-rounder, 48, has been in charge of England’s second string since September 2024 and had been given the all-clear to leave this winter’s Lions tour of South Africa early to take up his new role at BBL side Sydney Thunder.
Continue reading...Aussie cricket history as Head wins back-to-back AB Medals, joins greats after thrilling count
After his elevation to opener proved critical to retaining the Ashes, Travis Head sits atop the Australian order once again after being anointed the Allan Border Medallist for the second year in succession.
Emerging Test prospect smashes century against Bangladesh in reminder to selectors
West Australian young gun and future Test hopeful Teague Wyllie has continued to press his claims for higher honours, leading Cricket Australia XI to a commanding first-innings lead over Bangladesh in Darwin.
England’s Aussie selector responds to Stokes’ successor jab as greats fear for ‘troubled’ Test squad
Selector Marcus North has responded to Ben Stokes questioning Harry Brook not being made England Test captain as several English greats raised their concerns with the 16-player squad named for the first two Tests of the upcoming home series against Pakistan.
‘It drains you’: Marnus’ honest admission on 1,112-day drought… and the big change to break it
Fresh off two months without cricket, Marnus Labuschagne has admitted a “lack of confidence” contributed to his prolonged form slump.
England begin post-Stokes era by recalling Lawrence, Cox and Pope for Pakistan series
Jordan Cox handed No 3 position due to Bethell injury
Root’s first assignment back as captain is at Headingley
Life after Ben Stokes begins with a reshuffle of England’s Test squad. Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence and Sam Cook have all earned recalls for the start of the three-match series against Pakistan, while Jordan Cox also returns and will bat at No 3 after Jacob Bethell was ruled out of the series through injury.
Joe Root’s first assignment back as permanent Test captain gets underway at Headingley on 19 August and a 16-strong squad means plenty of options at his disposal. Without a genuine all-rounder post-Stokes, the big question will be whittling this number down to give Root a balanced XI.
Continue reading...Test hopeful’s huge message to selectors but Konstas misfires in Bangladesh tour opener
West Australian spinner Corey Rocchiccioli has continued his push for higher honours, producing a superb six-wicket haul as Cricket Australia’s XI took on Bangladesh in a tour match in Darwin.
Big Ashes twist on the cards as Aussie icon centre of England cricket raid
New England Test cricket coach Stephen Fleming has turned his attention to poaching Aussie icon Mike Hussey in a move sure to make waves in the cricket world.
Second Aussie injury blow in two days as fast bowler ruled out of Bangladesh Test series
Australia’s Test squad has suffered its second injury in two days, with fast bowler Michael Neser ruled out of the Top End series against Bangladesh, which begins next Thursday.
Young gun Campbell Kellaway explains key to Aussie Test dream ahead of Darwin audition
After making a significant adjustment in the off-season, Campbell Kellaway is struggling to find the consistency he is after as he prepares to play Bangladesh in Darwin on Thursday.