England Test captain Ben Stokes is reportedly considering retirement following his involvement in a nightclub incident with teammate Gus Atkinson after the first Test against New Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an investigation into the breach of team protocols, while former pacer Steve Harmison has defended Stokes, urging caution until all facts emerge.
England cricket captain Ben Stokes is reportedly considering his leadership future after being involved in a nightclub incident that has triggered an investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Fast bowler Gus Atkinson is also under investigation following the undisclosed incident after England's Test victory over New Zealand.
'The format has almost completely died out, apart from World Cups and Champions Trophy. It is the worst format to play and I think there are many reasons for that.'
Chris Gayle has criticised South Africa's stand-in skipper Wiaan Mulder for declaring the innings despite being within reach of Brian Lara's world record Test
Ollie Pope believes the young Indian side, led by a 'fantastic' Shubman Gill, has plenty of depth and talent, but it will miss the aura of Virat Kohli
England fast bowling great James Anderson enjoyed his battles against Indian stalwarts Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli over the course of his 21-year long career but he found bowling to the latter a tad tougher.
The twin retirements mean India will not only have a new captain at the helm but will be without two of their most experienced players.
To say the least, a relatively inexperienced batting line up led by Shubman Gill would be relieved to see the name of James Anderson
Ben Stokes responded to former cricketer Steve Harmison's criticism of England's preparation for the upcoming Test series against India.
'If the ball's hitting the stumps, the ball's hitting the stumps. I think that should take away the umpire's call.'
Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali said that running out a non-striker for backing too is not "their thing"
The pair will face England in their World Cup match at Lord's on June 25 and are also likely to endure hostile reception during the Ashes, which begins at Edgbaston on August 1.
Uncapped spinners Amar Virdi and Matt Parkinson have also been named in England's squad for the Test series against West Indies.
Steve Smith was suspended for a year along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft after being indicted in the sandpaper-gate during a Test match against South Africa in Cape Town. Smith was also banned from taking any leadership roles for two years - a suspension which has now expired.
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Smith has been England's tormentor-in-chief in the ongoing Ashes series, which Australia have already retained after winning the fourth Test in Manchester on Sunday.
Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar, who started his international career in 2000, will stand in a record 129th Test match when Australia take on New Zealand in the first Test in Perth on Thursday.
Kevin Pietersen wants to hug Andrew Strauss and resolve his differences with his former captain, the controversial ex-England batsman said on Thursday.
