Bigger is better but England need rebuild – what we learned from T20 World Cup

The T20 World Cup is over, with India walking away as champions after a memorable final against South Africa.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some the most striking conclusions from the tournament.

It’s the end of an era for England

Matthew Mott has presided over the loss of England’s white-ball trophies (Mike Egerton/PA)

As recently as September England were the double world champions, having won the 50-over crown in 2019 and the 20-over title in 2022. Now, they find themselves well off the pace as a limited-overs unit. Having made a fearful mess of their ODI defence in India they had a chance to prove it was just a blip and that they could still be trailblazers. But despite reaching the final four, they never looked a threat. Three heavy wins over associate nations cannot paper over three defeats from four games against their peers and their exit against the eventual champions showed just how far they had fallen. A rebuild is needed and it seems clear the leadership team of head coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler is not working.

Bigger is better for World Cup cricket

Nepal are holding their heads high after a riveting performance in St Vincent 🇳🇵#T20WorldCup #SAvNEPhttps://t.co/7xOWrjQ7Ey

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 15, 2024

After receiving plenty of criticism for making the 50-over World Cup a closed shop of 10 teams, it was good to see the shorter format open its arms wider. The field was expanded to 20 teams and the growth paid off with some memorable moments. The United States carried the flag for the associates by storming into the Super 8 stage courtesy of a shock victory over Pakistan, while there were other underdog moments to cheer. Uganda suffered heavy defeats but also tasted victory for the first time at this level, Nepal pushed runners-up South Africa to the wire and Namibia and Oman battled to a nailbiting super over. The argument has been won.

The old guard are making way

Virat Kohli is one of many high-profile departures (PA)

Global tournaments are often a watershed moment for ageing players but the cohort of departing names is a significant one this time. Virat Kohli, the sport’s biggest star, announced his retirement from T20s before he had even left the field following India’s long-awaited win. He was followed by the format’s record run-scorer Rohit Sharma and later by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Elsewhere, Australia’s David Warner wore green and gold for the final time and one of New Zealand’s finest ever bowlers, Trent Boult, called time. Plenty more who did not announce their departures will have the decision made for them, clearing the way for new stars to emerge.

Afghanistan mean business but their women need help

Afghanistan lit up the tournament but bigger issues remain unresolved (PA)

Afghanistan have been on a rapid upward trajectory for several years but, even so, their charge to the final four was a stunning achievement. They qualified ahead of New Zealand in the first round and Australia in the second, with head coach Jonathan Trott adding steeliness to an already talented playing squad. That Rahmanullah Gurbaz finished as the tournament’s top scorer and Fazalhaq Farooqi was joint leading wicket-taker shows they have strong foundations. But the ongoing issue of their women’s team being outlawed by the country’s Taliban rulers cannot be ignored any longer. The ICC must find a way to support them in exile and the successes of their male counterparts only go to prove it.

The American experiment has legs

Tied second-most sixes (10) in a Men’s #T20WorldCup innings 🔥

USA’s Aaron Jones was unstoppable in Dallas.

Innings highlights ➡️ https://t.co/y4iQztozUR pic.twitter.com/zx8z1Iroe7

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 2, 2024

It is not hard to see the attraction of the USA to cricket administrators but handing them co-host status at a World Cup was still a gamble. There were setbacks along the way – including the under-prepared pitch in New York and the relentless rain in Lauderhill – but it was a qualified success. The performance of the United States team was a huge boost in terms of raising awareness and there was good buy-in from the existing cricket-lovers and ex-pats. Breaking into the conversation among the wider population is a bigger ask but with Major League Cricket attracting the likes of Pat Cummins and the sport returning at the Los Angeles Olympics, it is not impossible.

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England new boy Jamie Smith makes hundred for Surrey on testing day for batters

Jamie Smith produced the perfect dress rehearsal for his England debut on day one of Surrey’s top-of-the-table Vitality County Championship clash with Essex.

Named on Sunday morning as the only wicketkeeper in England’s 14-man squad for the first Test against the West Indies a week on Wednesday, Smith struck his second century of the season.

The 23-year-old made exactly 100 with two sixes and 14 fours as the hosts reached 248 for eight on a rain-shortened day at The Oval.

Tweets by CountyChamp

Keaton Jennings’ fourth hundred of the campaign steered Lancashire to 344 for eight against Nottinghamshire at Southport.

The England batter made an unbeaten 183 off 258 balls after the visitors had threatened to take charge following lunch.

Lyndon James shone with three for 53 as a sell-out crowd were denied the opportunity of seeing James Anderson in action for Lancashire one more time.

Hampshire skipper James Vince made his second century in a week against Kent at Utilita Bowl.

Vince followed up an unbeaten 166 against Warwickshire last week with 149 not out as Hampshire recovered from 56 for three to end the day 310 for three.

Back to back at Southport for @JetJennings! 😮‍💨💯

🌹 #RedRoseTogether https://t.co/ux9zTJyL0n pic.twitter.com/euPymhwrCu

— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) June 30, 2024

Wicketkeeper-batter Ben Brown also reached three figures late in the day to finish on an unbeaten 106.

Warwickshire fought back against Somerset at Taunton with Michael Burgess’ century taking them to 373 for eight.

Number eight batter Burgess made an unbeaten 126 from 167 balls as the Bears recovered from 40 for four and 145 for six.

Chris Woakes contributed 39 to an eighth-wicket stand of 110 after Somerset seamer Migael Pretorius had taken four for 72.

Wickets clattered at Chester-le-Street as Durham were dismissed for 190, England’s Test captain Ben Stokes top scoring with 56.

England captain Ben Stokes top scored with 56 in Durham’s first innings against Worcestershire (Tim Markland/PA)

Stokes then took one for 23 from eight overs as Worcestershire were bowled out for 112 in reply. Matthew Potts (four for 29) and Ben Raine (three for 33) took the plaudits.

Durham reached 33 for three at the close to carve out a lead of 111.

In Division Two, Sussex’s Ollie Robinson bounced back from being overlooked for England’s Test squad against Northamptonshire.

Robinson claimed four for 42 as the hosts were dismissed for 97 on an eventful day at Northampton.

On a day which saw 22 wickets fall, Sussex had themselves been bowled out for 143 – Jack White taking four for 23 as the visitors lost six wickets for 47 in 19 overs – and closed at 83 for two and a lead of 129.

An absolutely ludicrous take

Ollie Robinson bowls Ben Sanderson and John Simpson takes a one-handed catch off the stumps pic.twitter.com/99FZfVPH5K

— Vitality County Championship (@CountyChamp) June 30, 2024

Yorkshire’s Sri Lanka pace bowler Vishwa Fernando helped skittle Derbyshire for 76 at Chesterfield.

Fernando took five for 30 and Jordan Thompson claimed four for 31 as Derbyshire subsided on a challenging surface in less than 28 overs.

Yorkshire turned the screw with James Wharton racing to a maiden first-class hundred from only 101 balls.

When bad light ended play, Wharton was 116 not out and Johnny Tattersall unbeaten on 41 with Yorkshire 283 for five, a commanding lead of 207.

Ben Mike’s career-best spell of five for 22 enabled Leicestershire to dismiss Middlesex for 86.

Leicestershire’s Ben Mike returned career-best figures of five for 22 against Middlesex (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Loan signing Ben Green also returned personal-best figures of four for 28, with only Leus Du Plooy (28) and Sam Robson (10) reaching double figures.

Leicestershire had earlier made 179 – Lewis Goldsworthy top scoring with 41 – and reached stumps at 40 for one in their second innings, 133 ahead.

Gloucestershire recovered from 88 for eight at lunch to post 179 in their first innings against Glamorgan at Cheltenham.

Marchant de Lange (46 not out) shared a record-breaking last-wicket stand of 75 with Ajeet Singh Dale (32) as Glamorgan’s Timm van der Gugten returned season-best figures of five for 59.

Glamorgan finished an astonishing day 133 for seven, with Gloucestershire’s overseas all-rounder Beau Webster enjoying a three-wicket burst in 12 balls.

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So special – Maia Bouchier revels in maiden hundred as England seal ODI series

Maia Bouchier spoke of her “special” England hundred after scoring the first century of her professional career.

Bouchier made an unbeaten 100 from 88 balls as England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against New Zealand with an eight-wicket win at Worcester.

“The relief was there, I’ve put a lot of work to get to that point,” player-of-the-match Bouchier told Sky Sports after building on her 50-ball 67 in the opening nine-wicket victory at Chester-le-Street.

What a moment for Maia Bouchier! 👑

First international century, pure class 🙌#EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/MwI0uX2XtQ

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 30, 2024

“It was great to play in front of this crowd and to get my hundred for England was so special.

“It’s taken time to get my processes right and make sure I’m not getting too ahead of myself.

“The hundred was just a number, I kept saying that to myself and work on that process.”

Bouchier, 25, was helped to her hundred by Nat Sciver-Brunt reining in her renowned attacking instincts.

Sciver-Brunt made an unbeaten two from 12 balls and went into full blocking mode, with Bouchier just having enough runs on her side as New Zealand’s paltry 141 was overtaken in just 24.3 overs.

Maia Bouchier celebrates after reaching her century with Natalie Sciver-Brunt, who played a key role in the landmark hundred (Nigel French/PA)

“I was just hoping she would (not score) at the other end,” said Bouchier.

“She played well and it was great to have her in the middle. A calm person to keep me in check, saying ‘one ball at a time’ and ‘always watch and react to the ball’.

“That was key for me getting the hundred, to watch and react. This will give me so much confidence going into ODI cricket.

“I’ve worked behind the scenes on my 50-over game, and coming into this ODI series I was hoping to get that opportunity to play those full amount of overs.

No words left to describe Sophie Ecclestone 🤯#EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/ZYEcZxZCy7

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 30, 2024

“Such an important part of batting is taking your time and realising you have more time than you think, especially in 50-over cricket. I’m so proud of myself.”

New Zealand lost seven wickets for 27 runs in collapsing from 114 for three to 141 all out, and England will be expected to complete a series whitewash at Bristol on Wednesday.

Spinner Sophie Ecclestone did most of the damage by taking five wickets for 25 from nine overs.

England captain Heather Knight said: “She’s great to chuck the ball to. She was a bit annoyed when I took her off after the first spell actually.

England bowler Lauren Filer celebrates the wicket of New Zealand’s Suzie Bates with teammates (Nigel French/PA)

“She loves taking wickets and sometimes I have to do funky things with the field because she gets a little bit bored. I have to keep her engaged.

“We held our length, managed to put pressure on the Kiwis, and got a couple up front.

“When we were on top I loved the way we kept going and trying to hunt for wickets.

“The spinners did what they do. They got a bit out of it and made it look a very tough surface.”

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England shake up Test squad with three uncapped players for West Indies series

England have unveiled a radical shake-up of their Test side, axeing Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Jack Leach, and calling up three uncapped players.

Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith is joined by two new seamers, Gus Atkinson and Dillon Pennington, for the forthcoming series against the West Indies, while spinner Shoaib Bashir has been preferred to his Somerset team-mate Leach in a changing of the guard.

In what appears to a watershed moment for the team, and the first stage of Bazball 2.0, head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have carried out major surgery on their squad.

England captain Ben Stokes, left, and head coach Brendon McCullum have shaken up their Test squad (Mike Egerton/PA)

Having already decided to call time on the illustrious career of record wicket-taker James Anderson after the first Test at Lord’s, a hard call taken with one eye trained firmly on rebuilding the team for the 2025/26 Ashes, they have now gone even further.

Bairstow is the most high-profile casualty, dropped on exactly 100 caps, with the highly-rated Smith beating off a crowded field to take the keeper’s spot. Smith, who made his ODI bow against Ireland last September, has long been one of the most exciting prospects in the domestic game but his selection behind the stumps will attract scrutiny given he is not even first-choice gloveman for his county.

Foakes does that job for the Brown Caps, and also featured in all five games of the winter tour in India, but he has also been cut. A 4-1 defeat in that series seems to have been a catalyst for change, with Bairstow’s top score of 38 in 10 innings placing him in the firing line.

Durham’s Ollie Robinson, another attack-minded keeper who averages 82 in the Division One for Durham this season, can consider himself unlucky.

Jonny Bairstow is the highest-profile casualty to be dropped by England (Mike Egerton/PA)

The selection panel, chaired by director of cricket Rob Key, have also had to restructure the bowling group. With Stuart Broad retiring at the end of last summer and Anderson following close behind, they need to fill the gap left by two greats who boast a combined 1,304 Test wickets.

Chris Woakes, returning for the first time since being named player of the series in last summer’s Ashes, will take on the mantle of leader of the attack in the short term, but the real interest is in the fresher faces.

The field has been thinned by fitness problems with the likes of Sam Cook, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton and Saqib Mahmood, but Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson has still been overlooked.

He has had several warning shots about his fitness and conditioning, and faces a long road back after an unimpressive stint in India and the ignominy of being hit for a record 43 in an over by Leicestershire’s Louis Kimber earlier this week.

England’s pace attack faces a huge void left by Stuart Broad, left, and Jimmy Anderson (David Davies/PA)

Instead, England go back to Durham’s Matthew Potts, a gutsy seamer who made a strong start to his England career in 2022 and has 23 wickets at 29.26 in his six caps. Atkinson, who impressed with his pace last year and was an unused squad member in India, steps up as does Nottinghamshire’s Pennington.

Tipped as one to watch by Key earlier this year, he has progressed well since moving to Trent Bridge this season.

The decision to back 20-year-old off-spinner Bashir over Leach is perhaps surprising. Stokes has shown great loyalty to the left-armer, but it was his injury that allowed Bashir to earn a fast-track debut in India. He took 17 wickets in three Tests, including five-fors in Ranchi and Dharamsala.

Even so, he has not overtaken Leach at Taunton and was forced to go out on loan to Worcestershire in June seeking first-team cricket. Having been unable to displace Leach in the Somerset side, he has been handed his Test shirt instead.

England squad for the first two Tests against the West Indies: B Stokes (c), J Anderson (first Test only), G Atkinson, S Bashir, H Brook, Z Crawley, B Duckett, D Lawrence, D Pennington, O Pope, M Potts, J Root, J Smith, C Woakes.

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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire from format after India’s T20 World Cup win

India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli helped end their country’s decade-long hunt for silverware with victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final then immediately announced their retirement from the format.

The duo are the two top run-scorers in the history of T20 internationals, both boasting over 4,000 runs, and they picked their moment of shared triumph to leave the stage.

Kohli top-scored with 76 from 59 balls in a gripping seven-run victory over the Proteas in Barbados, while Sharma finally got his hands back on a trophy he first won as a youngster in 2007.

Kohli, 35, and Sharma, 37, both shed tears at the end of the game, overcome by the emotion of a long-awaited triumph and by the realisation that they would soon be saying farewell.

Just two modern-day legends posing with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy #T20WorldCup | #TeamIndia | #SAvIND | @ImRo45 | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/AGmPsR7pAK

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 29, 2024

Kohli, still the sport’s most bankable star, was first to go as he confirmed his departure at the post-match presentation.

“This was a now-or-never situation. This is my last T20 game playing for India, my last World Cup, so I wanted to make the most of it,” he said.

“This was an open secret. It’s time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward.

“It’s been a long wait for us, waiting to win an ICC tournament. We wanted to win that cup. It’s been difficult to hold things back and I think it’s going to sink in later. It’s been an amazing day and I’m thankful.”

Virat Kohli celebrates after India’s win is confirmed (Ricardo Mazalan/AP)

Sharma kept his cards closer to his chest, getting through the formalities, the initial dressing room celebrations and the vast majority of his press conference before finally springing his surprise.

“This was my last game as well,” he said.

“There’s no better time to say goodbye to this format. I’ve loved every moment of this.

“I started my India career in T20 and this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to win the cup and say goodbye.”

For an India side who have finished as runners-up five times in ICC finals in the past decade, spanning all three formats, this was a moment of catharsis.

Jasprit Bumrah’s superb bowling has earned him the @Aramco POTT Award #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/61zPP4XsKX

— ICC (@ICC) June 29, 2024

“It’s hard to sum up what we’ve been through… a lot of high-pressure games that we’ve been on the wrong side of,” said Sharma.

“Guys understand when the pressure is on what needs to be done and today was a perfect example. We stuck together with our backs to the wall. We wanted this really badly.”

Sharma failed to leave his own mark on the final, dismissed for just nine, but was thankful for Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, who took two for 18 and changed the game at the death.

“Come the occasion, big players stand up. No one was in doubt about Virat, he’s been on top of his game for the last 15 years. Jasprit? I don’t know how he does it. It’s just a masterclass. Class act.”

South Africa were playing in their first World Cup final in Barbados (Ricardo Mazalan/AP)

Proteas skipper Aiden Markram, whose side were chasing a first ever World Cup win and failed to get over the line despite needing only 30 runs from the last 30 balls.

“It’s gut-wrenching… the way this game went only adds to the emotions,” he said.

“I’d like to think we’re one step closer to getting that first win. It hurts quite a bit but I’m incredibly proud.

“South Africans are competitive, respectful and will go down with a fight. This is still a proud moment for us.”

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Jasprit Bumrah’s fine spell helps India beat South Africa in T20 World Cup final

India’s decade-long trophy drought is over after a stunning spell from Jasprit Bumrah and a sensational late catch from Suryakumar Yadav carried them to a thrilling seven-run T20 World Cup final victory against South Africa.

The two sides, both unbeaten on their way to the showpiece, served up a see-saw classic at the Kensington Oval with India only sure of their first piece of silverware since 2013 in the last over of this month-long competition.

A furious knock of 52 from 27 balls from Heinrich Klaasen had put the Proteas in sight of their first ever global title but their unwanted tag as tournament ‘chokers’ will not go away after they failed to get over the line from the winning position he created.

Emotion. Elation. Joy. 🇮🇳😍#T20WorldCup | #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/n5yFaQVrmV

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 29, 2024

Chasing 177, they needed just 30 runs from 30 balls with five wickets in hand but fell apart under pressure at the death to finish 168 for eight.

Bumrah was the architect of their downfall, re-entering the attack with his side seemingly on the floor at the start of the 16th. Already an undisputed master of his craft, he only raised his reputation as he gave up just six runs from his next two overs and added the wicket of Marco Jansen to finish with two for 18.

It was a jaw-dropping display of menace and control from the best bowler in the world and left South Africa flailing from a position of strength. Remarkably, they might still have won it despite needing 16 off the 20th over.

David Miller clubbed the first ball from Hardik Pandya down the ground and would have had six had it not been for some amazingly deft work from Yadav, whose safe hands were complimented by brilliant footwork as he danced around the boundary rope and pulled off a one-man relay catch.

India had earlier relied on Virat Kohli’s 76 to get them to 176 for seven, the highest score in a T20 World Cup final.

Heinrich Klaasen’s big hitting had put South Africa on course (Ricardo Mazalan/AP)

Kohli, little more than a passenger in the campaign so far, played a long and at times conservative innings but in the end must be commended for correctly delivering a winning score.

He started brightly with three fours off Jansen in the opening over but that early onslaught proved something of a red herring. Instead, when South Africa picked up three huge wickets in the powerplay, he shifted down the gears and did not score a single boundary between the fourth over and the 18th.

He watched from the other end while Keshav Maharaj dismissed in-form captain Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant in the space of three balls, both perishing to the sweep, then saw Yadav caught off Kagiso Rabada.

He was the junior partner in a stand of 72 with the pinch-hitting Axar Patel and only caught fire in the latter stages as he heaved two sixes and two fours in a long-awaited charge.

The total looked a steep one and things got not easier when Bumrah bowled Reeza Hendricks with a gem, angling in then snaking past the outside edge before hitting off stump. It was a masterful moment worthy of the stage.

King Kohli reigns supreme 👑

Virat Kohli is awarded the @Aramco POTM after his 76 off 59, played a pivotal role in India lifting the #T20WorldCup trophy 🏆#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/Lgiat14xm6

— ICC (@ICC) June 29, 2024

Proteas skipper Aiden Markram lasted just five balls but Quinton de Kock (39) and Tristan Stubbs (31) kept the contest alive with a half-century partnership.

It was not until Klaasen got into the game that the mood really changed. They needed 107 of 67 balls when he emerged at number five and, after failing to score from his first four balls, he began taking huge chunks out of the target.

Three of his next seven deliveries disappeared for six, Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav all going the distance. Even De Kock’s departure, holing out to Arshdeep with 71 needed, seemed a minor distraction.

He hit the button in the 15th over, blazing 24 off Patel including one monster hit into the roof of the stand. The task now looked simple but Bumrah had other ideas. After he shut the scoring down, Klaasen edged Pandya behind, before Bumrah cranked the pressure even higher. In the 18th he gave away just two singles and took Jansen’s leg stump for a souvenir.

Miller’s presence gave South Africa an outsider’s chance but Yadav’s super take on the ropes at long-on ended them for good.

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Gus Atkinson hopes trophies and Test debut can give Alec Stewart a farewell lift

Gus Atkinson has no shortage of motivation to win a Test debut this summer, but one of his driving factors is to put another feather in the cap of Surrey stalwart Alec Stewart.

Stewart announced in March that he would leave his role as director of cricket at the Kia Oval club at the conclusion of 2024 following more than a decade in the job.

Atkinson is one of several Surrey academy graduates to have paid back Stewart’s faith and while the 26-year-old has made his England white-ball debut over the past 12 months, he is eager to win red-ball honours for a man who backed him during multiple stress fractures of the back.

Keep ’em busy

Gus Atkinson kept Kashif Ali on his toes and earned the reward in the end with a well-directed bouncer

🤎 | #SurreyCricket pic.twitter.com/HxascPs3o3

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 26, 2024

“Hopefully we can win a few trophies to see him off,” Atkinson told the PA news agency.

“There is no one else really who has done more for me. He was here when I signed my first contract at Surrey and he probably saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.

“I went through a few seasons with stress fractures and to keep backing me, to keep sticking with me…to be here now and played for England, played for Surrey, yeah I owe a lot to Stewie.

“I can’t speak for him but I am sure he loves seeing players that he’s seen come through at Surrey go on and play for England. It is probably what his job is all about, so yeah I am sure that would be amazing (if I could be another).”

Atkinson hoped to follow in the footsteps of Ollie Pope, Sam Curran and Will Jacks when he was named in England’s Test squad for the five-match series in India earlier this year, but was overlooked on several turning wickets.

Nevertheless, he “learned a lot” during his two months in the subcontinent and especially from back-of-the-bus pal Mark Wood, another bowler to make the transition from speed merchant on the county circuit to a point of difference in the Test area after the pair bonded during the 50-over World Cup last year.

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A post shared by Gus Atkinson (@gusatkinson)

Atkinson said: “We were back of the bus in the World Cup, me, Woody and Toppers (Reece Topley).

“We lost Toppers through injury so it was just me and Woody there at the end. Then obviously back in India for the Test series, we were back of the bus crew.

“Woody is such a good lad and he’s not shy to ask me if there is anything I think he could be doing differently when I am running on a drink. He is asking me if I have seen anything and it’s nice that he can do that. He is such an easy guy to speak to as well.

“Obviously I would have loved to have played but I still feel like I learned a lot on the trip.

“I tried to get as much out of it as possible and I hope I left a good impression.”

That certainly appeared the case when Brendon McCullum, England’s red-ball head coach, tipped Atkinson for a summer Test debut at the end of the India series.

England name their Test squad for the July series with West Indies next week before they play Sri Lanka in three matches across August and September to round off the home summer.

Atkinson, who clocked 95mph in the 2023 Hundred, has been carefully managed during recent months after it was decided he would not compete in the Indian Premier League.

Jofra Archer’s return saw him miss out on the T20 World Cup, but the fast bowler has taken 14 wickets in the Vitality County Championship this season to help Surrey sit at the summit ahead of Sunday’s home match at the Kia Oval with Essex, which doubles up as the club’s festival of red-ball cricket day.

Another eye-catching display by Atkinson will aid his twin 2024 goals of sending off Stewart with more silverware and becoming his latest fledgling to play red-ball cricket for England.

“I want to play for England as much as I can this summer and in the future,” Atkinson admitted.

“Playing Tests in the summer is definitely something I want to do and to play in front of an English crowd in England would be pretty amazing.”

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Aiden Markram insists squad effort is key to guiding South Africa to T20 final

India and South Africa are competing to rewrite their stories in a titanic T20 World Cup final, as the tournament’s two unbeaten teams go head to head at the Kensington Oval.

There can be no doubt that the best sides in the competition have made it to Saturday’s showpiece in Barbados, with both boasting perfect records to outlast the pack.

The Proteas have won eight from eight, sometimes by tighter margins than they would like, while only a washout against Canada has held up a star-studded India squad’s onward march over the past month.

The unstoppable forces meet 🇿🇦🇮🇳

Aiden Markram 🆚 Rohit Sharma – who will lift the #T20WorldCup trophy? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hlR4hasBIp

— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2024

But both sides are looking to shake off an unwanted reputation. South Africa are into the final for the first time ever, overcoming a litany of near misses, as they look to banish the cruel tag of ‘chokers’ for good. India, meanwhile, have a golden generation that is conspicuously light on silverware.

Since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013 they have repeatedly failed to turn their vast resources – in both financial muscle and personnel – into trophies.

In the past decade they have finished as runners-up five times across three formats, coming up short in the 2014’s T20 World Cup, the 2017 Champions Trophy, last year’s 50-over World Cup on home soil and two World Test Championship finals.

There are two unwanted narratives but only one can fall.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram has gone further than illustrious predecessors like Hansie Cronje, Shaun Pollock, Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis ever did, but he insists their efforts echo even now within his own side.

“There has been a lot of support from back from past players which is very special for us a group, these are the guys who inspired us when we were young,” he said.

“To be making them proud and to have their support means a hell of a lot to us as a team. I don’t see it as just me who has got us in this position, it’s a squad effort. We have been on a journey and now that journey has got us here to our first final.

“It is a proud and special feeling, not just for me, but for everyone here.”

For India head coach Rahul Dravid, who leads his country for the final time and hopes to sign off in style, the message is to stay in the present and move on from past failures.

🗣️🗣️”𝐅𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭”

An eventful coaching journey in the words of #TeamIndia Head Coach Rahul Dravid, who highlights the moments created beyond the cricketing field ✨👏

𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙤𝙤𝙣 on… pic.twitter.com/iiSb3LxgZ1

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 28, 2024

Just seven months ago his side were defeated in front of 100,000 Indian fans in Ahmedabad, stumbling at the last hurdle having established themselves as front-runners over seven long weeks.

“I don’t think players go in keeping the baggage of the past and what has happened before,” he said

“Every day is a fresh day and players are very good at moving on from things. Just as we will move on from Ahmedabad, I’m sure South African will not be thinking about history and it will be a fresh day.

“I think that everyone will agree that probably the top two teams in this tournament, who played the best cricket, are South Africa and India. They have as much right to win it as we do but we hope that we will play better cricket on the day.”

7️⃣ checkmates on the road to glory, 1️⃣ more to go ⏳

Rohit Sharma leads an unbeaten India into the #T20WorldCup Final 🤩 pic.twitter.com/JYCfSx0oXa

— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2024

India boast one of the tournament’s standout batters in captain Rohit Sharma, who needs 34 runs to become the top run-scorer, while their attack is led by the incomparable Jasprit Bumrah and his impeccable economy rate of 4.12 an over.

South Africa have spread the work more evenly, but rely on the pace pair of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje to disquiet opposition batters and rarely lose when Quinton de Kock cuts loose in the powerplay overs, as England found out their peril in St Lucia.

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England left to sweat ahead of India semi-final by rain in Guyana

England faced a nervy wait in Guyana as their T20 World Cup semi-final against India was delayed by rain.

The gloomy forecasts came true as showers peppered the Providence Stadium in Georgetown, rendering a scheduled 10.30am start impossible.

Controversially, there is no reserve day for the game despite taking place in the region’s rainy season, leaving England in danger of being ousted without a ball bowled.

In the event of an abandonment, India would take their place in Saturday’s final against South Africa, having finished top of their Super 8 group while England came second.

The rain is still falling here…

Providence Stadium, Guyana#EnglandCricket | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/7QNJzu58et

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 27, 2024

This match is alone among the three knockout games not to have a spare day scheduled but an extra 250 minutes have been allocated to get a minimum 10-over contest in.

Speaking on the eve of the match, England coach Matthew Mott took a measured view but suggested the International Cricket Council should assess its policy.

“It’s something we’ve known about since the start of the tournament so to cry foul over it now probably doesn’t make a lot of sense,” he said.

“But I’m not going to lie, it would be great to have a reserve day because the weather can change from day to day. We’ve been through that the entire tournament sweating on weather reports, so that’s nothing new to us but in an ideal world maybe that’s something the ICC need to look at long term.”

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England dumped out of T20 World Cup after heavy semi-final defeat to India

England’s reign as T20 world champions was ended in brutal fashion by India in Guyana, with their batting hopelessly exposed in a 68-run semi-final defeat.

Eight months ago England held both white-ball crowns and, while this T20 World Cup has been an improvement on the 50-over debacle that unfolded India last year, they were outclassed by a side who outstripped them on all measures.

On an awkward surface at the Providence Stadium, a low and slow turner that required guile and impeccable judgement, India still found their way to 171 for seven while England stumbled to 103 all out.

Only two of their top six managed double figures as they lacked the tools to take on an outstanding attack that reduced their plans to ruins. While India will head to Barbados for Saturday’s final against South Africa, their beaten opponents head for home after a turbulent campaign.

Head coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler arrived in the Caribbean with their jobs under scrutiny and, although reaching the last four shows progress of sorts, they lost heavily to Australia in the first round, botched a chase against South Africa in the Super 8 and failed to come close to India.

Three of their four wins here came against against associate nations, with a solitary win against the West Indies in the higher-profile contests. And while they were always second favourites against the world’s number one side, particularly on a pitch better suited to India’s strengths, the gulf between the teams was yawning.

Rohit Sharma starred with 57 in a decisive stand of 73 with Suryakumar Yadav, while spin twins Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav shared six wickets at a cost of just 42.

Yet, for a few fleeting minutes at the start of their chase England gave the illusion of being on sound footing. Buttler took the fight to Arshdeep Singh as he hurried the score to 26 off three overs.

But his flurry was all too brief. The very first ball of spin from Patel proved fatal, stooping into a reverse slog-sweep but getting his timing all wrong. Instead of racing away to the boundary it looped off the toe of the bat and nestled gently in the wicketkeeper’s gloves.

It was a hammer blow but one that Phil Salt could not dwell on as he set about the fiendish task of taking down Jasprit Bumrah. Aiming a booming drive at the seamer he hit nothing but fresh air as a smart off-cutter rattled the stumps.

India were enjoying themselves and plunged England further into the mire when Patel saw off Jonny Bairstow for a three-ball duck. Looking to hit with turn that never came he paid for the error with his off stump.

By now the game plan was in the bin. Left-handers Moeen Ali and Sam Curran were both promoted, to three and six respectively, but never laid a glove on the bowlers. Moeen charged Patel but flopped to his knees by the time he was stumped and Curran was frazzled enough to review an lbw decision plumb in front of middle stump.

At 49 for five, it was all but over. Harry Brook made 25 in quick time, extracting some enjoyment from a grim enterprise, but was bowled off the reverse-sweep as the excellent Kuldeep Yadav whirled away.

Jofra Archer hit two sixes but ran out Liam Livingstone with a bad call, with Adil Rashid also caught short of his ground as the wheels came off and the innings subsided in 16.4 deliveries.

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England face challenging chase to reach T20 World Cup final

England faced a stiff target of 172 to claim a place in the T20 World Cup final after a finely poised first innings against India in Guyana.

Regular wickets meant the defending champions did not allow their opponents to dominate in this semi-final, despite a crucial stand of 73 between Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, but a testing surface at the Providence Stadium means chasing 171 for seven promises to be anything but straightforward.

With slow turn and low bounce in play, free-flowing strokeplay is unlikely to be easy as they attempt to book their date with South Africa in Barbados.

The match was twice delayed by rain, with two-and-a-half hours lost to the weather in total, but clear skies in Georgetown suggested the game would reach its conclusion.

Chris Jordan took three for 37, including two in two balls at the death, while spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone found conditions to their liking during tidy spells.

After sending India in to try and exploit any early assistance from the pitch, Jofra Archer almost delivered the big wicket of Sharma for just five in his first over. But, as the ball skewed up towards point, Phil Salt appeared to lose sight of it as it sailed over him at catchable height.

Reece Topley made up for that missed opportunity at the other end, threading the gap between bat and pad to knock over Virat Kohli’s leg stump for nine as India’s A-lister continued a positively C-list run of form.

Sharma survived a couple of mis-hits before finding his timing with a couple of sweet strikes off Topley but England picked off another when Rishabh Pant hacked across the line at Sam Curran and picked out short midwicket.

The all-rounder bellowed in celebration as the ball stuck in Jonny Bairstow’s hands, leaving India 46 for two at the end of the powerplay.

The rain returned with India 65 for two off eight overs, Yadav scooping Jordan for six just before the break. India added 106 for five when they resumed for the last 12, a handy score in trying circumstances.

Livingstone was a surprise package, getting through four overs for 24 and allowing just one six and one four. Rashid conceded only one run more but also snapped up the key scalp of Sharma for 57 off 39 balls, with some treacherous low bounce enough to render his googly unplayable.

India’s key moment came in the 13th over, the returning Curran blasted for 19 as Sharma and Yadav both hammered him over the ropes. With Sharma gone, Yadav was unable to see the innings home – flaying Archer high in the air just a few balls later to exit for 47.

Jordan closed out for England, conceding two sixes and taking two wickets in the 18th as he duelled with Hardik Pandya, and adding Axar Patel with the penultimate ball of the innings.

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South Africa through to first T20 World Cup final with demolition of Afghanistan

South Africa are through to their first T20 World Cup final after a dominant nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Tarouba.

On an unruly pitch, the Afghanistan batsmen could do little against a rampaging Proteas’ bowling attack.

Tabraiz Shamsi and Marco Jansen took three wickets each as South Africa finally put an end to their run of seven straight semi-final exits in World Cup competitions.

Afghanistan’s Cinderella run in the tournament looked in danger from the first over when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was caught for Jansen’s first.

Afghanistan were bowled out for 56 (Ricardo Mazalan/AP)

Gulbadin Naib was dismissed for nine, and was quickly joined in the clubhouse by Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi to leave Afghanistan in all sorts of trouble on four for 20 through just four overs.

Afghanistan desperately needed to make a stand, but their efforts were fruitless as each new batsman was picked apart in quick succession.

They ultimately managed just 56 from their innings, Azmatullah Omarzai top-scoring with 10.

Afghanistan were able to dismiss Quinton de Kock for just five as the uneven bounce also proved tricky for the Proteas.

But they were unable to replicate the consistent pressure of South Africa’s bowling attack, Reeza Hendricks getting the winning runs with a boundary in the ninth over.

South Africa will face either England or India in the final.

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Matthew Mott: England ready for India battle after returning from ‘rock bottom’

England head coach Matthew Mott believes his side have gone from “rock bottom” to the real deal as they prepare to fight for a place in the T20 World Cup final.

A blockbuster semi-final against world number ones India awaits in Guyana on Thursday, giving Mott the chance to complete a radical shift in fortunes after plumbing the depths just seven months ago.

Back in November, Mott and his captain Jos Buttler oversaw a torturous 50-over World Cup on Indian soil, losing six of their nine group games before bowing out with big questions over the duo’s leadership.

But England’s director of cricket Rob Key held the line, insisting they had earned the right to defend the title they won together in 2022 and has watched them walk a tightrope all the way into the last four.

And Mott, bore the brunt of the criticism last time around, thinks hard experience has helped he and Buttler forge the team’s identity.

“Anyone in life, when they reach rock bottom it is an opportunity to reflect and really be true to what you believe in,” he said.

“What we have tried to do is double down on the things we think are incredibly important to this team. We have really recognised we need to stand for what we believe in and to let go the things we can’t control.

“Jos and I have a great combination going. We really enjoy our influence on the group and a lot of the senior players are really contributing as well.

“We will be judged at the end of the tournament – we haven’t achieved anything yet in this World Cup but we are really excited about the challenge ahead.”

Recent form places England as underdogs, with India winning all six of their completed games at the competition while Mott’s side have already been turned over by Australia in the first round and South Africa in the Super 8 stage.

They have survived a couple of near misses, almost bundled out by the rain in Antigua and only squeezing past Scotland on net run-rate, tribulations which have brought our their true character according to Mott.

“We have not had the dream run yet but I would like to think we will put our best foot forward in this game,” he said.

“We’ve had to play most of this tournament from behind and with adversity and we’d love to throw that first punch, get in front and really hammer that home.

“We’ve had to fight and scratch and claw our way to get to the position we’re in and it’s really galvanised us as a group. We all come at this with a clean slate and if you’d given us that opportunity a couple of weeks ago we certainly would have taken it with both hands.”

There is no reserve day for the match, the only knockout game not to have one allocated, meaning a washout would send India through by virtue of winning their Super 8 group.

And while Mott declined to gripe about the logistical quirk which has left his side looking nervously at a concerning weather forecast in Georgetown, he did urge the International Cricket Council to review the policy for future events.

“It’s something we’ve known about since the start of the tournament so to cry foul over it now probably doesn’t make a lot of sense,” he said.

“I’m not going to lie, it would be great to have a reserve day because the weather can change from day to day.

“We’ve been through that the entire tournament sweating on weather reports, so that’s nothing new to us but in an ideal world maybe that’s something the ICC need to look at long term.”

England’s analysts have challenged the stereotype that Guyanese conditions support lavish turn, instead suggesting that the predominance of spinners – who tend to bowl around half the overs in T20s here – is down to the slow, low bounce.

There will still be conversations to be had over the balance of the XI, with four seamers in their side perhaps one too many.

If one dropped out, possibly Sam Curran, there would be a temptation to recall Will Jacks as an additional power-hitting option in the middle order.

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England ease to victory in opening ODI against New Zealand

Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier both struck half-centuries as England cruised to a nine-wicket win against New Zealand in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street.

England were impressive with both bat and ball and made light work of taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against under-cooked opponents.

New Zealand, who had not played since losing a three-match ODI series 2-1 on home soil against England in April, were reduced to 156 all out with over 16 overs left after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

A statement win!!! 🔥#EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/rVlKuLcVr2

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 26, 2024

England’s Charlie Dean took four for 38 before Beaumont and Bouchier set about a modest run chase in fine style.

Beaumont struck 11 fours and a six for an unbeaten 76 off 69 balls, with Bouchier departing in the 18th over for a 50-ball 67.

Beaumont reached a 46-ball half-century in the 14th over by lofting a six over long on and three balls later Bouchier smashed another six to take England to 100.

A four over mid on soon after took Bouchier to a 38-ball half-century and England cruised to 117 without loss after 15 overs.

England Maia Bouchier, left, reached her half-century off 38 deliveries (Nigel French/PA)

Brooke Halliday made a belated breakthrough when she had Bouchier well caught by Suzie Bates at short cover after the England opener had hit 12 fours and a six in her 67.

Beaumont was given out lbw off Fran Jonas in the 19th over, but survived comfortably after a review and a reverse sweep for four carried England to 145 for one at the end of the over.

England captain Heather Knight (nine not out) struck the winning boundary in the 22nd over, lifting her side to 157 for one.

England all-rounder Dean’s four for 38 off nine overs had earlier helped reduce New Zealand to 134 for nine in the 29th over and they were all out for 156 in the 34th.

England’s Charlie Dean celebrates after trapping Izzy Gaze lbw at Chester-le-Street (Nigel French/PA)

The tourists made a solid start after winning the toss and recovered from the early loss of opener Bates to reach 56 for one after the powerplay.

But after fellow opener Georgia Plimmer was run out for 29, New Zealand lost their next three wickets for the addition of 19 runs and were 75 for five in the 15th over.

Number six batter Halliday, who made 51 off 60 deliveries, and wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze lifted New Zealand to 103 for five in the 21st over before the latter was trapped lbw by Dean’s off-spin.

Hannah Rowe, Jess Kerr and Molly Penfold all fell cheaply to Dean and Halliday was the last wicket to fall, caught by skipper Knight off Sarah Glenn with 16.3 overs remaining.

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England yet to hit top form in ODIs, says captain Heather Knight

Heather Knight admits England are still working on finding their best form in ODI cricket as they prepare for their upcoming series against New Zealand.

They begin the series with three 50-over matches, kicking off in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.

England enjoyed T20 and ODI wins over the White Ferns in New Zealand earlier this year and followed up with victories in both formats against Pakistan on home soil.

They completed an ODI series victory against Pakistan with an emphatic display at Chelmsford, where Nat Sciver-Brunt hit an unbeaten 124 off 117 balls before taking two wickets for 11.

England secured an ODI series victory against Pakistan last month (John Walton/PA)

Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt also contributed with the bat, while Sophie Ecclestone took three for 15 and England captain Knight believes that game is the “perfect blueprint” for future ODI success.

She said: “We’re still finding our best cricket in the ODI format, I think. We’re really playing some brilliant cricket in T20, but ODI there’s a few areas we can do a little bit better.

“That last game against Pakistan at Chelmsford was the perfect blueprint about how we want to play our ODI cricket and dominate those sorts of teams in the way that we played.

“The tempo of the game, we got that really right in that game so we just want to do more of the same.

England kick off their ODI series against New Zealand on Wednesday (John Walton/PA)

“T20 is a bit more of a focus with the World Cup coming up, but there’s a hell of a lot of big ODI games in the next couple of years, so making sure we’re training really well and getting real clarity on how we want to play the game and put in some good individual performances.”

England have called seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay into the ODI squad.

The 20-year-old will link up with the squad ahead of Wednesday’s match as a replacement for Kate Cross, who is out of the first ODI with an abdominal niggle.

Knight said: “We’re hoping she (Cross) can recover in the next few days and be available for that second and third game.

New additon to the ODI squad for England Women

Welcome, Ryana! #EnglandCricket

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 25, 2024

“She’s that leader of the attack. We’ve got quite a young seam bowling group so Kate’s the kind of old stalwart of that and you know what you’re going to get with Kate.

“She’s just picked that (the injury) up in the development game she played against New Zealand on Friday. A bit of a blow, but calling up Ryana is to give us a little bit more cover.

“Ry’s a brilliant young player, she really impressed in the England A trip to New Zealand and she’s been a standout bowler domestically in 50-over cricket.

“She’s a really bright prospect, really accurate, really good skills and is an exciting young cricketer.”

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Vitality County Championship leaders Surrey on top against Worcestershire

Division One leaders Surrey remained on course to win their fifth Vitality County Championship match of the season despite prolonged resistance from Worcestershire’s Gareth Roderick and Kashif Ali on day three at New Road.

Surrey claimed the final three Worcestershire first-innings wickets before lunch to enforce the follow-on with a lead of 278 despite resistance from Jake Libby, Ben Allison and Adam Finch.

Opener Roderick and Kashif then dug in to add 135 from 34 overs in relatively untroubled fashion for the second wicket but three wickets then fell in three overs to turn the game firmly back in Surrey’s favour in the final session of the day.

We stuck at it today 👊

Highlights ➡️ https://t.co/5jYNwrKFvb

🤎 | #SurreyCricket https://t.co/hsgtL13hZN pic.twitter.com/ctJ5QrvGZJ

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 25, 2024

Lancashire closed in on a huge victory over fellow Division One strugglers Kent after continuing their domination at Canterbury.

The Red Rose reduced the hosts to 143 for six at stumps on day three, leaving Kent trailing by 162, with Charlie Stobo and Beyers Swanepoel the not-out batters on 25 and 18 respectively.

Lancashire declared on 549 for nine, a lead of 305, with Josh Bohannon making 205 and Matty Hurst 50, while George Garrett claimed three for 89.

CLOSE DAY THREE: 143-6 (53)

A productive afternoon and evening for Lancs as we get Kent six down in our pursuit of victory at Canterbury.

🌹 #RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/fj2v3l77ZS

— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) June 25, 2024

Will Williams and Tom Bailey then both took two wickets apiece to leave Kent six down at stumps.

Wicketkeeper Michael Pepper equalled the Essex record for most County Championship wickets in a match but his side will need 405 runs to beat Durham on the final day.

Pepper’s four catches and a stumping in the second innings took his tally for the match to nine.

Paul Walter completed the second century of his career but Matthew Potts’ exceptional fast bowling gave Durham a 248-run first-innings lead as the hosts were dismissed for 339 at Chelmsford, before Durham declared on 188 for eight and Essex reached 28 for one at stumps.

Vince and Daws piled on the runs today at Edgbaston 🤝

Take a look at the best bits from a batting masterclass on day three 😍

📺 Watch Day Three Highlights ⤵️

— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) June 25, 2024

James Vince and Liam Dawson both hit centuries as Hampshire declared on 453 for six on the third day of their match against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

Vince scored an unbeaten 166 from 197 balls, his 29th first-class century, and Dawson 120 from 157, his 15th, in a sixth-wicket partnership of 255 in 53 overs to set the home side a victory target of 498 in a day and 12 overs.

Warwickshire reached 40 for one by the close after Kyle Abbott’s first ball trapped Alex Davies lbw, but a draw remains the likeliest outcome on a flattening pitch.

9️⃣5️⃣* Runs7️⃣1️⃣ Balls8️⃣ Fours6️⃣ Sixes1️⃣3️⃣4️⃣ Strike rate

Watch all 14 Migael Pretorius’ boundaries in case you missed this destructive innings earlier 📺#NOTvSOM#WeAreSomerset pic.twitter.com/dNo6ehLyZ6

— Somerset Cricket 🏆 (@SomersetCCC) June 25, 2024

South African all-rounder Migael Pretorius added an unbeaten 95 to his four first-innings wickets to help Somerset carve out a 110-run first innings lead on day three against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

However, with Nottinghamshire 177 for one in their second innings at the close, Craig Overton’s team have a lot to do if they are to take home a third Championship win of the season.

In Division Two, Yorkshire wrapped up their first win of the season inside three days with an emphatic innings-and-22-run victory over Gloucestershire at Scarborough.

Special 💙

Day 3 highlights are available now 🎥👇 https://t.co/wRLfDEbzlu pic.twitter.com/DS5L2EAKWk

— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) June 25, 2024

The White Rose took 13 wickets on day three to record a 22-point haul and breathe life into a promotion push which has struggled to get out of the blocks since being labelled as Division Two title favourites in April.

Gloucestershire, replying to 456, started the day on 168 for seven in their first innings and were made to follow-on 259 runs in arrears having been bowled out for 197. Despite a career-best 70 from Zaman Akhter, they were bowled out for 237 after tea.

Sussex took four wickets in the final hour to put themselves in a strong position to see off unbeaten Leicestershire at Hove and consolidate top place spot.

Off-spinner Jack Carson removed Foxes’ skipper Lewis Hill, makeshift opener Ian Holland and Lewis Goldsworthy as four wickets fell for 30 runs in 12 overs, leaving Leicestershire on 139 for five and still needing 325 in their pursuit of a target of 464.

🗣️ | LEUS DU PLOOYWe caught up with Leus du Plooy following day three of our Vitality County Championship clash against Derbyshire at Lord’s.

We set our visitors 397 to win on the final day.

WATCH HERE ⬇️ | #OneMiddlesex

— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) June 25, 2024

Middlesex captain Toby Roland-Jones tore through Derbyshire’s tail with a five-wicket haul on the third day at Lord’s.

Seamer Roland-Jones finished with five for 81 as the visitors, who began day three on 308 for four, were hustled out inside the opening hour at Lord’s for 339.

Having top-scored with 163 in Middlesex’s first innings, Ryan Higgins took three for 60 before helping his side stretch their overall lead to 396 with a total of 302 second time around.

Two late wickets from Mason Crane kept Glamorgan in front against Northamptonshire in Cardiff, with the visitors set to begin the final day on 236 for four, just 25 runs in front with six second-innings wickets in hand.

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England look to channel spirit of 2022 in T20 World Cup semi-final against India

England will hope history repeats itself when they take on world number ones India in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup, calling on memories of a triumphant night in Adelaide.

The two teams met at the same stage of the competition when it when it was held in Australia in 2022, with the eventual champions producing a stunning 10-wicket victory as captain Jos Buttler and Alex Hales shared an unbeaten stand of 170.

Against an India side who have won 12 of their last 13 T20s, on a notoriously tricky Guyana pitch renowned for taking spin, England will need to harness all the confidence they can. And where better to look than a game which stands as their most impressive display since former skipper Eoin Morgan retired two years ago.

Definitely England in the semi-finals ✈️

🔜 Guyana #EnglandCricket | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/mMELo4t92Q

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 25, 2024

Moeen Ali, one of eight squad members to play in the match, said: “That was a great day and a great performance.

“We were clinical in our planning and preparation. We took the game on and were unbelievable with the bat but we set the game up with the ball.

“India have looked very, very strong this year, like they did at the last World Cup, and they’re just a brilliant side. They’ve got everything covered, so we’re going to have to be at our best to beat them. I’m looking forward to it… it’s nice to be here when you’re two games from winning a World Cup.”

If the pitch at the Providence Stadium does assist slow bowlers, as expected, India will become even stronger favourites with a varied spin attack featuring Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal.

But England have their own ace in the pack in the form of leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who has hit top form at the tournament and boasts nine wickets with an excellent economy rate of 6.70. In three crunch fixtures against the West Indies, South Africa and United States in the Super 8s stage, he sent down 12 overs and took combined figures of four for 54.

“Rash is experienced and he just adapts to conditions really well,” said Moeen.

Adil Rashid, left, has impressed Moeen Ali with his form during the tournament (Ricardo Mazalan/AP)

“He knows his game now and he’s just proper at the moment, confident. He’s been unbelievable. He’s in some of the form of his life at the moment and just enjoying it. That’s great to see and it’s what we need. You can expect some sort of spin and a toughish wicket.”

Moeen’s off-breaks are likely to be another key part of the England game plan, Liam Livingstone offers further variation and there could be an outside chance for Will Jacks to return as a spin-bowling all-rounder and six-hitting option.

The England team traditionally attract plenty of followers on their travels, with committed touring supporters and a reliably large media presence, but that is set to change for their visit to the outer reaches of South America.

Tour groups were unable to sell packages with any confidence given the short turnaround time and several opted out entirely, instead focusing on the earlier rounds and late offers for the final in Barbados.

With stark travel advice for Guyana warning of high levels of violent crime and with hotel capacity severely stretched, it would be a surprise to see more than a sprinkling of England fans in the stands.

Anyone know what happened last time? 🤔

🗓️ June 27⏰ 3.30pm (UK) 🏟️ Guyana National Stadium#EnglandCricket | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/oNmHh7quAx

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 24, 2024

The same cannot be said for their opponents, as a large Indian diaspora prepares to turn out in force. India have also been aided by a longstanding guarantee that they would play in Guyana if they reached the final four, a certainty no other side at the tournament was offered.

It is a clear and regrettable discrepancy in a World Cup that strives for competitive balance but one that is understood to exist to satisfy the lucrative Indian television market.

There is also set to be a notable lack of English-based reporters on site. While former England captains Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton and Morgan all flew from Barbados with the team as part of their duties with the International Cricket Council’s official commentary team, a lack of commercial flights and accommodation has kept most other journalists grounded.

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Danni Wyatt welcomes England competition – even from bridesmaid Sophia Dunkley

Danni Wyatt has welcomed the competition for places in the England squad after the recall of her bridesmaid Sophia Dunkley for the upcoming white-ball series with New Zealand.

England play the first of three ODIs in Durham on Wednesday before five T20s against the White Ferns in July.

Wyatt featured in five of the six matches with Pakistan earlier this summer and smashed 87 in Leeds last month, while fellow batter Dunkley is back in the set-up for both formats after a string of impressive domestic scores.

Squad looking strong #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/s2jBpd0lmD

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 20, 2024

Wyatt said: “She is one of my good mates, Dunks. One of my bridesmaids actually for my wedding, so really happy for her.

“She has really got her head down, worked really hard and batted really well for her domestic team. I am sure she is chomping at the bit to get a chance in this series and I’m really delighted she is back.

“That is what we want. We want competition for places in the squad to keep pushing us, so I am sure everyone will get their head down, focus on themselves and do their best for the team if they get a chance.”

England faced New Zealand during the spring and recorded an impressive 4-1 T20 series victory before they edged out the hosts in three ODIs 2-1.

The T20 World Cup takes place later this year in Bangladesh, but Wyatt insisted they would treat the 50-over matches during the next week with the utmost respect.

“There is a real buzz around the group at the minute and we can’t wait to get going on Wednesday,” Wyatt added.

“It’s still white-ball cricket, so for me, I’ll still play my natural game and, if the ball is there, I’ll try and hit it.

“We want to focus on winning the ODI series and we’ve seen how good New Zealand are as a team having recently just played them.

“Ultimately we want to win this series, play at our best and then focus on the T20 series with an eye on Bangladesh coming up. Yeah, lots of exciting cricket coming up.”

It has also been a memorable time off the field for Wyatt after she married long-term partner Georgie Hodge earlier this month ahead of a bigger event planned for August.

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A post shared by Georgie Hodge (@georgiehodge)

Wyatt said: “It was so lovely.

“That was the small registry wedding and the big day is in August in France. It was a nice warm-up ready for the big day.

“Even on Saturday when I was playing for (Southern) Vipers, everyone in the crowd said congrats. It’s so nice. That is what you get for putting it all over Instagram!”

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India beat Australia to set up T20 World Cup semi-final against England

India captain Rohit Sharma hit a superb 92 to help guide his side to a 24-run win over Australia and set up a T20 World Cup semi-final against England.

Australia’s decision to field after winning the toss in St Lucia soon came under scrutiny as Rohit led by example, racing to a half-century off just 19 balls before India went on to post 205 for five in their last Super 8s Group 1 game.

David Warner, making what could be his final international appearance, was out in the first over of the reply before Axar Patel produced a magnificent one-handed catch to account for Australia captain Mitch Marsh.

Although opener Travis Head made a valiant 76, India continued to take regular wickets, Arshdeep Singh claiming three, as they closed out another impressive win to maintain their unbeaten run at the tournament and leave Australia’s hopes of making the semi-finals in the balance.

India players celebrate the dismissal of Australia’s David Warner (Ramon Espinosa/AP)

Earlier, Virat Kohli’s struggles had continued when he was caught for a five-ball duck before India captain Rohit swiftly helped his side race to 43 for one ahead of a short rain delay.

Australia – stunned by a 21-run defeat to Afghanistan on Sunday – eventually picked up another wicket when Rishabh Pant (15) edged high out to mid-off from Marcus Stoinis to leave India at 93 for two at the end of the eighth over.

Rohit then fell just short of his century when removed on 92 by a yorker from Mitchell Starc, having hit seven boundaries and eight sixes from 41 deliveries.

Suryakumar Yadav added a swift 31 and Shivam Dube a 22-ball 28, with Hardik Pandya also making an unbeaten 27 to add to India’s formidable total.

Australia’s Travis Head celebrates his half-century (Ramon Espinosa/AP)

Australia’s reply got off to the worst possible start when Warner was caught at slip by Suryakumar off Singh in the final ball of the first over.

However, Head and Marsh soon got stuck in to India’s attack, bringing the total up to 65 for one at the end of the powerplay before the Australian skipper was out on 37 to a stunning take from Patel at deep square.

As Head passed a fine half-century from 24 balls, Glenn Maxwell weighed in with a swift 20 to push Australia on to 128 for three in the 14th over.

India’s bowlers, though, kept the pressure on after Stoinis was out for just two as the required run-rate crept up.

𝙎𝙚𝙢𝙞-𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨 ✅ ✅

𝘼 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧(𝙗) 𝙒𝙞𝙣! 🙌

Make that 3⃣ victories in a row in the Super Eight for #TeamIndia as they beat Australia by 24 runs! 👏👏#T20WorldCup | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/LNA58vqWMQ

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 24, 2024

Australia’s hopes were all but ended at 150 for five once Head sent a slower ball from Jasprit Bumrah to Rohit at cover in the 17th over, leaving India to close out another impressive win.

India will next meet defending champions England, who had secured their semi-final place with a huge 10-wicket win over the United States in Guyana on Thursday.

Australia, meanwhile, will be out if Afghanistan go on to beat Bangladesh in their last group game later, with South Africa waiting in the other semi-final.

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Andrew Flintoff’s son Rocky hits match-winning 106 for England Under-19s

Rocky Flintoff hit a match-winning 106 as England Under-19s chased down 288 to beat a Young Lions Invitational XI by two wickets at Loughborough.

The 16-year-old son of former England all-rounder Andrew hit eight fours and three sixes in a 111-ball innings which steered his side to victory after they lost both openers in the first five overs.

Flintoff and Charlie Allison put on 81 for the fifth wicket as they eased the Under-19s back into a game which was rapidly slipping away from them.

A century for Rocky Flintoff as he helped England U19’s to victory over Young Lions invitational XI! 👏

🌹 #RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/BmMexBxUFf

— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) June 24, 2024

They had come together at 52 for four in the 12th over and the partnership remained intact until Allison was caught by Travis Holland off the bowling of Archie Vaughan, the 18-year-old son of former England captain Michael, for 56 with the score on 133 for five.

When Flintoff was finally caught by James Dunn, England needed only 14 more runs to win and Harry Moore, who finished on an unbeaten 45, and Tazeem Ali duly obliged to see them over the line.

Earlier, Vaughan had top-scored for the Lions with 85 from 83 balls, including 10 fours and a six.

Batting at four, he arrived at the wicket to join Kesh Fonseka, who made 54, with the score on 102 for two and departed at 281 for nine as his side were dismissed for 288 with 11 balls to spare.

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