Who could be considered as England’s new white-ball coach?

England are on the lookout for a new white-ball coach after Matthew Mott agreed to leave the post following two disappointing World Cup campaigns.

Here, the PA news agency assesses some of the names who could be considered.

Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara ticks plenty of boxes for England with his glittering CV (Martin Rickett/PA)

The former Sri Lanka international has credibility to burn. One of the best players of his generation, the 46-year-old was a T20 World Cup winner in 2014 and has experience in a high-profile head coaching role with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, where he has worked closely with England captain Jos Buttler. He has a home in England and even had a stint in county cricket with Surrey. The only question is – would he want it?

Andrew Flintoff

Flintoff remains one of England’s best known cricketing personalities (Adam Davy/PA)

A couple of years ago the very idea that ‘Freddie’ would leave behind a burgeoning entertainment career to get involved in the cut and thrust of international sport was pure fantasy. But he has made a gradual return to the cricketing coalface, working as a mentor with England Lions and as part of Mott’s backroom team in recent months. He has also accepted a first head coach’s role with Northern Superchargers in the Hundred. Feedback from players has been excellent and supporters still love him but a job as big as this one has probably come along too soon. Don’t rule him out in future, though.

Mike Hussey

Mike Hussey has already worked in the England environment (Rui Vieira/PA)

Affectionately known as ‘Mr Cricket’ during his playing days, Hussey has already has already crossed the Ashes divide once before. He joined Mott’s coaching staff as a batting consultant when England won the T20 World Cup Down Under and garnered impressive notices for his work with the team. He spent time at Chennai Super Kings with Ben Stokes at last year’s IPL and is currently in his second season at the helm of Welsh Fire in The Hundred.

Jonathan Trott

Jonathan Trott has experienced international cricket as player and coach (Simon Cooper/PA)

Once best known as a stoic top-order batter, the Cape Town-born Trott won 127 caps for England across all three formats before retiring in 2015. He previously worked with the country’s under-19s and Lions teams before taking over as Afghanistan’s head coach. He has had great success in that position, scoring some impressive wins at the 2023 World Cup – not least a comfortable victory over England in Delhi – before taking the side to its first-ever ICC semi-final in this summer’s T20 World Cup. His current deal expires at the end of the year.

An internal candidate

Marcus Trescothick has been given the job on a caretaker basis (Mike Egerton/PA)

As it stands, it is unclear whether Marcus Trescothick is keen on turning his temporary caretaker job into a permanent deal. But he does have a chance to make an early impact, with old rivals Australia heading over soon for three T20s and five ODIs. He is not the only former England player in the setup, with Paul Collingwood also part of it. He won the T20 World Cup as captain in 2010 and led the Test team in the West Indies in 2022 after Chris Silverwood’s sacking. Richard Dawson, the former Under-19 and Lions head coach could also apply.

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England white-ball head coach Matthew Mott stands down

Matthew Mott has stood down as England’s white-ball head coach, leaving Marcus Trescothick in charge while the search for a permanent replacement begins.

Mott’s two-year reign came to an end after Rob Key, the managing director of England’s men’s cricket, concluded “new direction” was needed in an under-performing team.

But captain Jos Buttler, whose position also came under scrutiny after two hugely disappointing World Cup title defences in the space of eight months, has been backed to continue leading the side.

Matthew Mott has stepped down as England Men’s white-ball Head Coach.

Assistant Coach Marcus Trescothick has been appointed on an interim basis.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2024

Mott and Buttler won the T20 World Cup together in 2022, within months of starting work together, but the last two tournaments were a major disappointment.

England surrendered the 50-over crown last year in dismal fashion, losing six of their nine games in a joyless trudge around India, and beat only one full member nation before being thrashed in the semi-finals of last month’s T20 World Cup.

Trescothick, a hard-hitting opener and 2005 Ashes winner, will take over for for the visit of Australia in September while a successor is secured.

Highly-respected former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who has worked closely with Buttler as head coach of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, is an early front-runner. He would be seen as the ideal candidate to dovetail with Buttler, but unpicking – or accommodating – his franchise commitments could take time.

Andrew Flintoff, left, and Kumar Sangakkara are among the candidates to replace Mott (John Walton/PA)

The vacancy could come too soon for Andrew Flintoff, the fan favourite who has returned to cricket following a life-threatening car crash while filming for Top Gear and is currently leading Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.

Other high-profile names who have been linked include Australia’s Mike Hussey, Jonathan Trott and Simon Katich. Eoin Morgan, Buttler’s predecessor who retired within a few days of Mott taking up the role, has ruled himself out.

Announcing the news, Key said: “After three World Cup cycles in a short space of time, I now feel the team needs a new direction to prepare for the challenges ahead.

“This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team’s future success. With our focus shifting towards the Champions Trophy early next year and the next cycle of white-ball competition, it is crucial that we ensure the team is focused and prepared.

“Marcus Trescothick is well respected in the dressing room and will take charge of team affairs alongside white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Marcus and Jos have a good rapport, and I think their partnership will help us maintain continuity and stability.

Marcus Trescothick has been placed in temporary charge (Nick Potts/PA)

“On behalf of everyone connected to England cricket, and me personally, I would like to thank Matthew for all he has done for the team since his appointment.

“He can be proud of his achievements as he leaves his post as one of only three coaches who have won a Men’s World Cup with England.”

Mott, who insisted after the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean that he remained the right man for the job, said: “I am immensely proud to have coached the England Men’s team; it has been an honour.

“We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022.

“I would like to thank the players, management, and everyone at the ECB for their commitment, support, and hard work during my time. I leave with many great friendships and incredible memories.

“Finally, I would like to thank the England fans, who have always backed us and given us fantastic support wherever we have travelled around the world.”

Trescothick, whose aggressive style of batting was ahead of its time when he was holding court at the top of England’s batting order between 2000-2006, added: “England cricket is in a strong position, and the potential is huge, given the quality we have available.

“It is about harnessing that potential and developing the work that has already been put in place by Mathew Mott and the rest of the set-up. I’m excited about the challenge and shaping how we want to play.”

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Andrew Flintoff could tell tale of how crash ‘changed life forever’ in TV series

Andrew Flintoff has suggested he could speak in a forthcoming TV series about the high-speed car crash in which he suffered life-changing injuries.

The former England all-rounder was badly hurt in an accident while filming an episode of the motoring programme Top Gear, of which he was a presenter, in December 2022.

The 46-year-old has not spoken to the media about the incident but has returned to public life over the past year, first as a member of the England backroom team and now as head coach of The Hundred team Northern Superchargers.

Andrew Flintoff has gradually returned to public life over the past year (Joe Giddens/PA)

Flintoff, whose facial scars are still visible, has hinted he could open up on the matter in a trailer for ‘Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams on Tour’, which it has been announced will air on the BBC later this summer.

The documentary follows on from a first series in 2022 in which Flintoff moulded a group of unlikely teenagers from his hometown of Preston into a cricket team. This time they are due to tour India.

In the trailer, Flintoff says: “I wanted the boys to learn to be outside their comfort zone… but something happened which changed my life forever.”

Flintoff, right, played 79 Tests for England (Gareth Copley/PA)

A narrator then adds: “This is the story of the most unlikely cricket tour that almost didn’t happen.”

Flintoff had largely focused on his TV career since retiring from cricket but his recent return to the game has seen him linked with the England one-day coaching position.

The national side are looking for a new white-ball head coach following the decision of Matthew Mott to stand down on Tuesday.

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England’s Gus Atkinson keen to bowl faster despite impressive debut series

Gus Atkinson has challenged himself to bowl even faster for England, despite a remarkable introduction to Test cricket.

Atkinson was a runaway success in his first outings at the highest level of red-ball cricket, being named player of the series after taking 22 West Indian wickets at 16.22.

It was an eye-catching calling card for the Surrey seamer, who regularly attacked the stumps, showcased a dangerous bouncer and got enough sideways movement to bring the outside edge into play.

But most important of all for a side who are looking to rebuild their bowling group with a new emphasis on pace as a weapon, he did it all while being able to touch 90mph.

Yet the 26-year-old, who watched on as team-mate Mark Wood hit the dizzy heights of 97mph at Trent Bridge, is keen to keep pushing the speed gun as far as he can.

“It will be pretty tough to get up to that sort of pace, but I will always be looking to improve my speed,” he said.

“That is something I will try to improve on, getting my pace higher and higher. The quicker I can bowl the better, 100 per cent. It’s definitely something I will focus on, trying to get quicker for long periods of time.

“It’s very hard and (Wood) doing that in Test matches is amazing. In white-ball cricket it might be a bit easier, but you are not going to be able to do it for 20 overs throughout the day, but if there’s periods where you can do it for three or four overs, that is something I’m looking to do.”

5️⃣ wickets in just 2️⃣1️⃣ balls 🤯

A frightening spell from Mark Wood! pic.twitter.com/tJcXywhS1t

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 28, 2024

Few bowlers have been able to maintain the kind of fierce speeds Wood has normalised over the past five years, ever since an extended run-up unlocked a whole new level for the Durham quick.

After a long, luckless sequence against the West Indies he finally got his rewards in the third innings at Edgbaston as he hoovered up five wickets in 21 deliveries.

The 34-year-old rattled through the tail with abandon and went on to admit an element of empathy with those on the receiving end of his rockets.

“I don’t even want to be facing 70mph bowling! ” he said.

“Looking at the screen and seeing it coming in at over 90 mile an hour is pleasing for me because it means the opposition get to see the screens as well. If I’m a lower order player and I’m facing high speed bowling, I am thinking: I’m not going to last long here.

“So I’m mainly in the team to bowl fast and try to make something happen.”

Mark Wood (centre) rattled through the West Indies tail with a rapid spell (Nick Potts/PA)

While several of England’s Test batters are making a swift return to action in The Hundred, those pace bowlers are taking the chance to recharge their batteries.

Atkinson plans to make himself available for Oval Invincibles for “a few games, probably towards the end of the group stage”, while Wood is unattached and happy to sit out before cranking himself back up to speed to face Sri Lanka in three weeks.

“I’m not going to play in it but I am going to bowl in nets, do some running and maybe have one piece of Toblerone to treat myself,” he said.

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England make inroads to close in on series sweep

England crept closer to a series sweep over the West Indies as they chalked off three more wickets on the third morning at Edgbaston.

The third Test looks certain to go the same way as its predecessors at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, with the tourists unable to consistently compete against a side who refuse to let them off the leash.

At lunch they were 151 for five in their second innings, just 57 ahead, after Shoaib Bashir, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson took one apiece.

Need a wicket?

Call Ben Stokes today! pic.twitter.com/NaKUfm5aBI

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 28, 2024

Mikyle Louis (57) and Kavem Hodge (52no) brought the fight but it will take a lot more where that came from to leave England looking over their shoulders.

Resuming with the score on 33 for two the hosts opened up with spin and speed, Bashir setting up camp at the Birmingham End and Mark Wood kicking off with a five-over blast of pace.

The variation worked a treat to unsettle Alick Athanaze, who was hit on the body by a short ball from Wood then mistimed a sweep against Bashir and fell lbw for 12.

Exactly a week ago in Nottingham the West Indies collapsed in a heap in the their second innings and the early wicket raised the prospect of another Sunday surrender.

That could well have happened when Hodge nicked his first ball, a tester from Bashir, but it flew between wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and Joe Root at first slip and skipped away for four.

Hodge, coming off a first-innings duck, was just as fortunate with his second scoring shot, another edge off Wood finding its way past the cordon. Good luck soon gave way to good judgement, though, as he began to assert himself on the situation.

Kavem Hodge pulls for four on his way to a half-century at Edgbaston (Nick Potts/PA)

He took back-to-back boundaries off Wood, playing back then pressing forward in anticipation, and hit two more off Stokes as the skipper targeted the stumps.

After an hour’s play the scores were level and Louis took that as a sign to shift up a gear. Twice he smashed Bashir down the ground for six, the first of which took him to 50 in joyous fashion.

His fun was about to end though. Stokes had been working himself into a strong rhythm, sending down his fastest recorded spell for four years, and got something to show for it when he forced through an away swinger on a fourth-stump line. Louis was drawn in, Zak Crawley swallowed the catch at second slip and England were on the move again.

Crawley’s hands let him down when Jason Holder offered another chance off Stokes but Atkinson spared his team-mate’s blushes in the very next over as he pinned the all-rounder lbw.

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England white-ball head coach Matthew Mott stands down

Matthew Mott has stood down as England’s white-ball head coach, leaving Marcus Trescothick in charge while the search for a permanent replacement begins.

Mott’s two-year reign came to an end after Rob Key, the managing director of England’s men’s cricket, concluded “new direction” was needed in an under-performing team.

But captain Jos Buttler, whose position also came under scrutiny after two hugely disappointing World Cup title defences in the space of eight months, has been backed to continue leading the side.

Matthew Mott has stepped down as England Men’s white-ball Head Coach.

Assistant Coach Marcus Trescothick has been appointed on an interim basis.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2024

Mott and Buttler won the T20 World Cup together in 2022, within months of starting work together, but the last two tournaments were a major disappointment.

England surrendered the 50-over crown last year in dismal fashion, losing six of their nine games in a joyless trudge around India, and beat only one full member nation before being thrashed in the semi-finals of last month’s T20 World Cup.

Trescothick, a hard-hitting opener and 2005 Ashes winner, will take over for for the visit of Australia in September while a successor is secured.

Highly-respected former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who has worked closely with Buttler as head coach of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, is an early front-runner. He would be seen as the ideal candidate to dovetail with Buttler, but unpicking – or accommodating – his franchise commitments could take time.

Andrew Flintoff, left, and Kumar Sangakkara are among the candidates to replace Mott (John Walton/PA)

The vacancy could come too soon for Andrew Flintoff, the fan favourite who has returned to cricket following a life-threatening car crash while filming for Top Gear and is currently leading Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.

Other high-profile names who have been linked include Australia’s Mike Hussey, Jonathan Trott and Simon Katich. Eoin Morgan, Buttler’s predecessor who retired within a few days of Mott taking up the role, has ruled himself out.

Announcing the news, Key said: “After three World Cup cycles in a short space of time, I now feel the team needs a new direction to prepare for the challenges ahead.

“This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team’s future success. With our focus shifting towards the Champions Trophy early next year and the next cycle of white-ball competition, it is crucial that we ensure the team is focused and prepared.

“Marcus Trescothick is well respected in the dressing room and will take charge of team affairs alongside white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Marcus and Jos have a good rapport, and I think their partnership will help us maintain continuity and stability.

Marcus Trescothick has been placed in temporary charge (Nick Potts/PA)

“On behalf of everyone connected to England cricket, and me personally, I would like to thank Matthew for all he has done for the team since his appointment.

“He can be proud of his achievements as he leaves his post as one of only three coaches who have won a Men’s World Cup with England.”

Mott, who insisted after the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean that he remained the right man for the job, said: “I am immensely proud to have coached the England Men’s team; it has been an honour.

“We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022.

“I would like to thank the players, management, and everyone at the ECB for their commitment, support, and hard work during my time. I leave with many great friendships and incredible memories.

“Finally, I would like to thank the England fans, who have always backed us and given us fantastic support wherever we have travelled around the world.”

Trescothick, whose aggressive style of batting was ahead of its time when he was holding court at the top of England’s batting order between 2000-2006, added: “England cricket is in a strong position, and the potential is huge, given the quality we have available.

“It is about harnessing that potential and developing the work that has already been put in place by Mathew Mott and the rest of the set-up. I’m excited about the challenge and shaping how we want to play.”

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Harry Brook backed as possible future England captain by Adil Rashid

Adil Rashid has backed Harry Brook to flourish as Northern Superchargers captain and admitted it could potentially be the start of a journey to leading England in the future.

The Hundred franchise announced Brook as their skipper for the 2024 tournament earlier in July and the 25-year-old will assume the role for Tuesday’s fixture against Southern Brave at Headingley.

Brook, who has previously led England’s Under-19 team and is third in the ICC Test batting rankings, was made captain over more experienced figures and it occurred amid speculation he could be in the running to replace national white-ball captain Jos Buttler.

“He’s touched with a bit of genius.” 💬

Relive @Harry_Brook_88‘s 105 not out last summer! ⚡️ #TheHundred | #EveryBallCounts

— The Hundred (@thehundred) March 11, 2024

England team-mate Rashid told the PA news agency: “With Brooky having the captaincy, it is something fresh and hopefully looking forward into the future it is something I personally believe he can take (forward).

“He will bring that calmness, that clarity, obviously he will bring those world-class skills as a player.

“It is an exciting time for him to lead the Superchargers, the first time he is doing it, but he has all the backing of everyone here.

“Potentially (it could lead to the England captaincy). Everyone starts somewhere.

“Some captains started at 22 or 23, got into that role and become captain of more squads and teams as they got better, with more experience and they gained more confidence. When that happens, naturally they go on further and represent England (as captain).

“This is definitely a starter for him to captain here at the Superchargers and it is just about getting that experience. I am sure he will be a captain that is calm, but is positive and looks at things in a positive manner.”

Adil Rashid in action for Northern Superchargers (ECB/Handout)

What adds further intrigue to Brook being made Superchargers captain is the fact he will partner up with Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, who has been made head coach of the franchise.

It is Flintoff’s first head coach role in the sport after he only returned to cricket last year following a horror crash at the end of 2022 while filming for the BBC show Top Gear, but he has been a regular fixture around the England set-up since and has been touted as a replacement for under-fire Matthew Mott.

“I think Fred is a natural leader,” Rashid reflected.

“When he does speak, people listen and get inspired by his talk, by the language he uses, which is a big positive. To listen to someone who has been there, done it, I am sure he will do wonders.

“He also brings something fresh, something new as to how he looks at cricket as a coach with that enjoyment factor, that freedom to express yourself. So far he has fitted in really well.

“Both Fred and Brooky are very calm individuals, but also very confident, very positive and fearless characters.

“I am sure them two will complement each other really well on and off the pitch. We have a great bunch of lads here in terms of cricketing ability and minds so hopefully everything clicks well.”

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Ex-England captain Flintoff tasted defeat in his maiden match on Friday, but will soon have Ben Stokes available and in multiple World-Cup winner Rashid the overall leading wicket taker in the competition with 31 scalps.

Last week, the Yorkshire spinner had a mural unveiled at Bradford Cricket Ground and is excited for the 100-ball tournament to attract more fans to the sport.

Rashid acknowledged: “Yeah, it’s a great feeling.

“Hopefully young kids see it and are inspired to potentially play cricket and become a professional. Knowing it is possible regardless of where you come from, religion, race or background, it is doable.”

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Ben Stokes on song and new faces shine – 5 things we learned from Windies series

England completed their first assignment of the summer by securing a 3-0 whitewash of the West Indies at Edgbaston.

Here, the PA news agency looks at what lessons can be learned from the series.

Ashes on the agenda

England captain Ben Stokes (right) has his eyes firmly on regaining the Ashes (PA Archive).

The early days of Ben Stokes’ captaincy were marked by an insistence on focusing squarely on the next game at hand, or in the words of head coach Brendon McCullum, ‘living where your feet are’. But the high drama of last summer’s drawn series against Australia, followed by a first major setback in India over the winter, appears to have inspired a shift in tone. Both men are now openly talking about building a side that can tackle the ultimate goal of regaining the urn in 2025/26 and picking teams with that in mind. The here and now might be in good order, but it is clear that risks will be taken and big calls made with one eye on a trip Down Under that could define the entire project.

There is life after James Anderson

Jimmy Anderson’s final ever Test wicket, set to the Titanic music – because why not? 😭 pic.twitter.com/emkeanKMBQ

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2024

Parting ways with the most prolific fast bowler in the history of the game was never going to be simple, but England finally cut the cord on the man who has led their attack for most of the past two decades. Anderson resisted the idea of scripting his own ending so eventually had the final chapter written for him by the selectors. With nobody capable of replicating his exact skills, England are banking on pace as the new defining feature of their bowling attack. Gus Atkinson stepped up brilliantly with 22 wickets in his first Test series and hitting 90mph along the way, while Mark Wood’s lightning bolts became more integral than ever. With Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue likely to come back into the Test equation next summer, England are eyeing a pace arsenal with real firepower.

Smith is the real deal

• Runs: 207
• Average: 51.75
• Top-score: 95
• Strike-rate: 71.62
• Catches: 14

Even after deciding to move on from 100-cap veteran Jonny Bairstow and the silken-gloved Ben Foakes, England had a big decision to make behind the stumps. Ollie Robinson was posting serious numbers at Durham and Phil Salt’s performances in the white-ball team catapulted him into contention. Instead they backed Jamie Smith, effectively Foakes’ wicketkeeping understudy at Surrey. His handiwork was quietly impressive against the West Indies, but it was his effervescent batting at number seven that really wowed. He smashed sixes out of the ground at Lord’s and Edgbaston and came within one more big blow of a century in his final knock. Every inch a ‘Bazball’ cricketer, the 24-year-old now looks inked into the core of the side.

Surgery has saved Stokes

Ben Stokes is fit and firing on all cylinders after undergoing knee surgery last year (Nick Potts/PA),

The England captain resisted an operation on his long-term knee condition, but his decision to go under the knife last year has breathed new life into both him and his team. He had been operating at reduced capacity for at least 18 months, unable to take his share of the bowling load, stiff in the field and often pained at the crease. He looks lean and vibrant, fit and able to step up as fourth seamer and running with his old hunger. Ben Stokes the captain has no better player at his disposal than Ben Stokes the all-rounder.

West Indies plight is a warning sign

“The key is to stay tough mentally, believe in yourself, know where we got to improve, myself included, and do our best to do it.”

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite talks about the path forward ahead of the South Africa Test series.#ENGvWI #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/z8ppKFgPwn

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 28, 2024

Without taking anything away from England’s efforts, seeing the West Indies routed in 10 days of a scheduled 15 represents a red flag. Ticket sales have been outstanding once again this summer, but a one-sided series means there is no room for complacency. Watching the likes of Kirk McKenzie struggle to compete while T20 stars like Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer compete in The Hundred is a bad look for the game. The West Indies need more financial muscle to keep their best players involved and the England and Wales Cricket Board must do more – financially and politically – to fight for the global game.

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Ben Stokes says Mark Wood has ‘heart of a lion’ as England whitewash West Indies

England captain Ben Stokes finished off the West Indies in a blaze of glory at Edgbaston then praised Mark Wood for showing “the heart of a lion” to set up the win.

The hosts celebrated a 3-0 whitewash over the tourists as they roared to a 10-wicket victory in the third Test, putting together a sprint finish for the second Sunday in a row.

Stokes ended things in riotous fashion as they chased down a slender target of 82 on the third afternoon, crashing 57 not out in just 28 balls after promoting himself to opener.

Standing in for Zak Crawley, who fractured his little finger in the field, Stokes reached his half-century in only 24 deliveries – shaving two off Sir Ian Botham’s 38-year-old record for England’s fastest ever half-century.

He dumped a pair of sixes into the stands to wrap things up in just 7.2 overs but was happier to shine a light on Wood’s outstanding efforts with the ball.

The 35-year-old was remarkably unlucky to leave Trent Bridge with only two wickets last week after an outstanding display of pace bowling that saw him top 97mph but finally got his just deserts in a destructive post-lunch spell that saw him take the West Indies last five wickets in the space of 21 balls.

Wood intimidated the tourists with bumpers, threatened their outside edges with reverse swing and blitzed the stumps when he went full and fast.

“It was an amazing spell. He’s got the heart of a lion and that’s exactly what you want as a captain,” he said.

“The skill and the X-factor he has…it looked like he was going to take a wicket every ball. He’s walked off with five-for but I still don’t think he’s got the rewards he actually deserves for the effort he’s put in over the last two Test matches.

“He’s just been incredible. He’s known for running in spell after spell, ball after ball, and giving everything he possibly can towards the team and the shirt but that spell this afternoon was awesome. Not only was it fast but it was extremely skilful and came at a time when I sensed it was time to blow them away.”

As for his big-hitting cameo with the bat, which ended both the game and the series with a crescendo, Stokes admitted he was a man on a mission.

“I was always going to go out there and try to be ultra positive. At a certain stage it was just about trying to hit every ball for four or six,” he said.

“Once one hit the middle I was like, yeah I might as well have a crack. I genuinely didn’t know about the record. Paul Collingwood told me up in the dressing-room that I had the fastest 50 for England, he’s the one that checks the records. I’m pretty chuffed to go past Beefy. A bottle of champagne would be appreciated!”

It is only a matter of weeks since England made some major changes to their side, taking a handful of big decisions after the 4-1 series loss in India. Out went Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Jack Leach – joined after one Test by record wicket-taker James Anderson – and in came a new guard of Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson and Shoaib Bashir.

All three have had a significant impact, Atkinson named player of the series after harvesting 22 wickets, Bashir taking a match-winning five-for in the second Test and Smith producing knocks of 70 and 95 to go with some tidy wicketkeeping.

“I feel what we are good at is identifying something in a player that stands out. It’s nice to see those decisions pay off,” said Stokes.

“I love nothing more than seeing my team-mates do well and flourish. You always want them to go out and succeed, I’m quite exuberant in that sense.”

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England make inroads to close in on series sweep

England crept closer to a series sweep over the West Indies as they chalked off three more wickets on the third morning at Edgbaston.

The third Test looks certain to go the same way as its predecessors at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, with the tourists unable to consistently compete against a side who refuse to let them off the leash.

At lunch they were 151 for five in their second innings, just 57 ahead, after Shoaib Bashir, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson took one apiece.

Need a wicket? 🤔

Call Ben Stokes today! 📞 pic.twitter.com/NaKUfm5aBI

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 28, 2024

Mikyle Louis (57) and Kavem Hodge (52no) brought the fight but it will take a lot more where that came from to leave England looking over their shoulders.

Resuming with the score on 33 for two the hosts opened up with spin and speed, Bashir setting up camp at the Birmingham End and Mark Wood kicking off with a five-over blast of pace.

The variation worked a treat to unsettle Alick Athanaze, who was hit on the body by a short ball from Wood then mistimed a sweep against Bashir and fell lbw for 12.

Exactly a week ago in Nottingham the West Indies collapsed in a heap in the their second innings and the early wicket raised the prospect of another Sunday surrender.

That could well have happened when Hodge nicked his first ball, a tester from Bashir, but it flew between wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and Joe Root at first slip and skipped away for four.

Hodge, coming off a first-innings duck, was just as fortunate with his second scoring shot, another edge off Wood finding its way past the cordon. Good luck soon gave way to good judgement, though, as he began to assert himself on the situation.

Kavem Hodge pulls for four on his way to a half-century at Edgbaston (Nick Potts/PA)

He took back-to-back boundaries off Wood, playing back then pressing forward in anticipation, and hit two more off Stokes as the skipper targeted the stumps.

After an hour’s play the scores were level and Louis took that as a sign to shift up a gear. Twice he smashed Bashir down the ground for six, the first of which took him to 50 in joyous fashion.

His fun was about to end though. Stokes had been working himself into a strong rhythm, sending down his fastest recorded spell for four years, and got something to show for it when he forced through an away swinger on a fourth-stump line. Louis was drawn in, Zak Crawley swallowed the catch at second slip and England were on the move again.

Crawley’s hands let him down when Jason Holder offered another chance off Stokes but Atkinson spared his team-mate’s blushes in the very next over as he pinned the all-rounder lbw.

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England vs West Indies: Score and latest updates from third Test, day three

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Jamie Smith vows to continue fearless cricket after taking attack to West Indies

England new boy Jamie Smith has promised to continue playing fearless cricket after facing down a bouncer barrage from the West Indies on his way to a game-changing 95 at Edgbaston.

The Surrey wicketkeeper’s innings was the difference between the teams on day two of the third Test, with the home side’s first-innings lead of 94 almost exactly matching his contribution from number eight.

With the platform set, England took two late wickets to leave the West Indies trailing by 61 heading into the third day.

SMASHED out of the ground by Jamie Smith! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SHlMtEYvuA

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2024

It was a second striking performance in four innings since the 24-year-old was catapulted into the side ahead of the seasoned duo of Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes, and all the more notable given the circumstances.

England were still 51 behind when he came to the crease but his bold strokeplay quickly turned things around, particularly when the tourists decided to test him with a burst of short stuff.

Seamer Jayden Seales revealed Smith had been marked down as a “compulsive hooker” in the away dressing room but their attempts to expose a weakness fell flat. Instead Smith responded with pulls and hooks, launching a huge six over the Eric Hollies Stand and cashing in after tea as the bumpers continued.

“I guess it’s nice to have to set it out quite early on in your career, that you are someone who’s going to go out and be positive, not afraid of opposition,” Smith said.

“Moving forward, you’re not just that sitting target. People are going to come and attack you and you’re going to go and attack them.

“It might bring about my wicket a few times but I’m really not too worried about that because I’m out there to score runs. Pull shot, hook shot…I’m always thinking about taking it on first.”

Smith was calm about missing out on a maiden Test hundred by just five runs, content instead to have helped shape the game in England’s favour and played one utterly unforgettable shot.

He had scored just nine when he launched Alzarri Joseph for a monster six, high and handsome over the Eric Hollies Stand. He also sent one out of Lord’s on his debut earlier this month and is making waves as a big-hitter.

“It’s a great memory to look back on,” he said.

“Hopefully that’s a trend moving forward because that means I’m probably moving the right direction. When I come back here with Surrey, it’ll be something to brag about to a few of the lads as well.

“If anyone said to me at the start of the day you’ve got 95, I’m definitely taking that. I’m a little bit gutted, I guess, and I’m sure I will be in a couple of days, looking back on missing out on only five runs. But milestones aside, it was great to put in a performance for team.”

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Jamie Smith denied maiden Test century but England in charge against West Indies

Jamie Smith came within touching distance of a first Test century at Edgbaston to help set England on course for a clean sweep in their series against the West Indies.

Smith hit a dashing 95 in just his fourth innings at the top level as the hosts flipped their fortunes from 54 for five to 376 all out on day two of the third Test.

Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson then plunged the tourists into further peril, striking with the new ball as the West Indies closed on 33 for two – trailing by 61.

Jamie Smith shines 🏏More Root records 📈Three Lions take charge 🦁Day Two #ENGvWI highlights 👇

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2024

Joe Root had started the fightback with a controlled 87, passing 12,000 Test runs and leapfrogging Caribbean great Brian Lara along the way, but it was Smith’s verve that carried England into an eventual lead of 94.

The 24-year-old, picked ahead of Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes for this series in a changing-of-the-guard moment, bristled with attacking intent as he showed off the flair that inspired the selectors to make the switch.

There were 12 fours in his 109-ball stay as he worked through his range of shots but he will remember the innings best for an audacious six that cleared the Eric Hollies Stand. He had only been at the crease a few minutes when he launched a pull high over the rowdiest crowd in the country and, for the second time in three games, the stadium was not big enough to contain him.

On the balcony Ben Stokes’ eyes were on stalks as he watched the ball sail over the roof, the England skipper visibly excited by the power of his newest recruit.

Later, with almost 25,000 fans waiting excitedly to celebrate Smith’s hundred, Stokes threw his head back in dismay as Shamar Joseph’s cutter zipped through low and thumped the off stump. The expectation evaporated as Smith dragged himself reluctantly towards the pavilion but this was a moment to cheer an emerging talent, not bemoan his near miss.

Having taken three quick wickets on Friday evening, the West Indies added two more in the first four overs on Saturday – Ollie Pope diverting the ball into middle stump and Harry Brook nicking a flat-footed drive behind – to establish possibly their best position of the series.

With half of their wickets down, the hardness not yet off the ball and a deficit of 228, England were the ones under pressure. But the West Indies had already missed a trick, failing to call for DRS when Jayden Seales had a strong lbw shout against Root.

A referral would have ended Root’s stay there and then but instead he built a crucial partnership of 115 with Stokes. He barely put another foot wrong as he ticked off his latest selection of milestones – surpassing Lara’s career mark of 11,953 with his 14th run and becoming the seventh player in history to reach 12,000 with his 60th.

It was a typically measured effort, accumulating in a reliably risk-free fashion as he sapped the bowlers’ enthusiasm.

There was a more bruising quality to Stokes’ strokeplay but the skipper looked in good touch all the way up to the point he drilled a pull straight to midwicket on 54.

It was an even bigger surprise when Root was undone in sight of a 33rd hundred, beaten in defence by a sliver of turn from Gudakesh Motie to fall lbw.

At 231 for seven, England might still have given up a lead. But Smith had plans of his own. He announced himself with that remarkable swipe out of the ground, milked runs off Motie then showed his range with driven fours through cover and past midwicket.

His 50 hurried by in just 60 balls and both he and Woakes helped themselves as the tourists lost the plot after tea. An extended period of short-pitched bowling did nothing to alarm the pair, who merely took the chance to reel off a lengthy sequence of profitable pull shots.

Smith had so much time on his hands that he banged a couple past mid-on rather than turning them round the corner. He was attempting a similar outcome when he was finally dismissed, beaten as much by the low bounce as a subtle shift in pace.

By then England were 55 ahead, thanks to a stand of 106 between Smith and Woakes (62), and that had stretched to 94 by the conclusion.

English pressure continued to weigh heavily on the away team, Kraigg Brathwaite bowled for a first-over duck as he played the wrong line to Woakes and the hapless Kirk McKenzie banking a sixth successive failure when he edged Atkinson behind.

Mikyle Louis was dropped on nine by Stokes and sent sprawling by a Mark Wood yorker that crushed his boot, rendering it a game of survival by stumps.

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Joe Root moves up to seventh all-time run-scorer as he helps steady England ship

Joe Root moved up to seventh on the all-time run-scorers list as he and Ben Stokes led England back from the brink of collapse in the third Test against the West Indies.

Ollie Pope and Harry Brook both fell early on the second morning to leave the hosts in trouble on 54 for five at Edgbaston, but a century stand between the past and present captains put the side back on firmer footing.

England reached 157 for five at lunch in response to 282, with Root 58 not out and Stokes unbeaten on 48.

⬆️ Joe Root | 11,954*⬇️ Brian Lara | 11,953

Joe Root takes another step up the mountain 🏔️ pic.twitter.com/4rZBeBKps6

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2024

In the process of frustrating the current generation of West Indian cricketers Root leapfrogged the most prolific Caribbean batter in history, sweeping past the great Brian Lara at the ground he once called home with Warwickshire.

Lara retired with 11,953 runs in 131 Tests, with Root going past him in his 143rd appearance.

England resumed on 38 for three after a tricky eight-over spell on the first evening and soon found themselves in an even bigger hole as Pope departed in the third over of the morning. Cramped for room as he tried to work Shamar Joseph away with an angled bat, he dragged down his middle stump via an inside edge.

That is just perfect from Ben Stokes 🤌 pic.twitter.com/eOgUMpKg1C

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2024

England lost their second wicket in seven balls when Brook made the briefest of cameos, lining up a lavish drive over extra cover only to nick Jayden Seales behind after a hint of movement off the pitch.

At the other end Root was having no such trouble, easing a single to reach 14 and move beyond Lara in the record books. The crowd saluted his achievement as it flashed up on the big screen and Root marked the moment by hitting his next two deliveries for four.

Stokes also showed a willingness to counter-attack, carving Alzarri Joseph through point when he strayed outside off and punching him straight when he over-pitched. The tourists had lost some of their early zip and began to let Root dictate a tone of calm accumulation.

Joe Root hit another Test match half-century (Nick Potts/PA)

He passed 50 without a single moment of alarm before Stokes decided to play catch-up. Moving quickly up the gears, he crunched Jason Holder down the ground then slog-swept Gudakesh Motie for six over mid-wicket.

Stokes reached the interval two short of his half-century, having seen another big swipe fall short of the ropes.

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England vs West Indies: Score and latest updates from third Test, day two

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Chris Woakes says newcomer Gus Atkinson making Test cricket look ‘quite easy’

Chris Woakes claimed his new England team-mate Gus Atkinson is making life as a Test seamer look “quite easy” after the pair combined to knock over the West Indies on day one at Edgbaston.

The two bowlers dovetailed as the tourists were bowled out for 282 on day one of the third Test, Atkinson battering down the door with pace as he picked up four for 67 and Woakes weaving his way to three for 69.

Woakes was able to lean on the experiences of 51 caps and 11 years, not to mention the advantage of playing on his home ground, but for Atkinson it was simply the continuation of a charmed start to his breakthrough.

It’s… It’s perfect 😍 pic.twitter.com/3SIPGAHx9A

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2024

The 26-year-old has now collected 20 scalps in just five innings since being handed his debut earlier this month, showing a natural aptitude for the stage.

“He’s making it look quite easy isn’t he? Credit to him, he has come in and bowled really well,” said Woakes.

“He came in at Lord’s and did fantastically well, got his rewards, and he’s also done it now on back-to-back flat wickets. Trent Bridge was hard work for the seamers last week, especially in the beating sun on day two, but he’s really showcased his skills.

“He’s got the ability to swing the ball and a good wobble seam, he’s got some pace behind him so he can use the short-ball ploy well. He looks the all-round bowler.”

Woakes, 35, has grown into his role as the wise old head of the bowling group in the days since James Anderson’s retirement. There had been some suggestion that England could rest him with an unassailable 2-0 lead already in the bag, with the likes of Dillon Pennington and Matthew Potts in the wings, but he had no intention of sitting out.

“There was no discussion around that with management. Whenever the captain or coach come to you and say they’re keen for you to play, once you get the nod it’s hard to say you don’t fancy it,” he said.

“I’m just pleased to put three back-to-back Tests together. I probably came in a bit undercooked to the series, I didn’t feel great at Lord’s but as the series has gone on I’ve picked up more rhythm.

“I’ve tried to be less tentative and more confident with my skills and showcase that a little more.”

The West Indies made three late breakthroughs at Edgbaston (Nick Potts/PA)

West Indian spirits were raised as England stuttered to 38 for three in a short eight-over burst before the close, Jayden Seales striking twice and Alzarri Joseph chipping in as Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and nightwatcher Mark Wood perished to leave the home side trailing by 244.

Jason Holder, who made a measured 59 with the bat, took a pair of smart catches at slip to ensure the Windies landed their blows before the end of the day.

“It was a bonus to get three wickets. We played that passage really well,” he said.

“At that stage the runs are irrelevant, we could just attack. With 40 mins to bowl you can run in and give everything you can. It’s really set up for a nice one now.”

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England lose three late wickets after Gus Atkinson helps peg back West Indies

England’s top order suffered a late wobble after Gus Atkinson seized the initiative from the West Indies on a lively first day of the third Test at Edgbaston.

With a series win, and the Richards-Botham Trophy already in the bag, England positioned themselves to push for a 3-0 clean sweep after bowling out the tourists for an under-par 282.

Atkinson took four for 67 as he continued to impress on the big stage, bowling with heat and heart as he manufactured openings on a true pitch, while there were three wickets for the subtler skills of Chris Woakes.

A finely balanced game ⚖️

3️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ runs1️⃣3️⃣ wickets

Watch all of the highlights from Day 1 at Edgbaston 👇

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2024

But ball continued to get the better of bat after the changeover, as England’s hopes of establishing a position of dominance came undone in an eight-over spell that left them 38 for three at stumps.

Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph dismissed openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett with consecutive deliveries before Mark Wood’s failed his test as nightwatcher, caught behind for a duck off Seales. That left work to do after a day that saw 13 wickets fall and the game moving forward with haste.

The West Indies, outclassed at Lord’s and outlasted at Trent Bridge, got the better of the initial exchanges, winning the toss and posting the biggest opening partnership of the series.

Between them Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis put on 76 in just under 22 overs, despite some handy swing for the English bowlers. On a flat deck, England were just beginning to wonder how they might gain a foothold in the game when Atkinson secured one.

Hanging in the channel just outside off stump at good speed he got one to nip slightly away, taking Louis’ edge as he pushed tentatively. Kirk McKenzie was next up, willing but unable to reverse a dire sequence of scores at number three. His knock of 12 was both his best of the tour and further evidence that the 23-year-old has been over-promoted at this stage of his career.

Dismissals do not come for comprehensive than his, Wood detonating his middle stump at high speed as he left a tell-tale gap between bat and pad.

The West Indies still had a chance of ending the first session with honours even but gave up their claim when Alick Athanaze dragged down his own stumps off the final ball before lunch, Atkinson benefiting from a short one that kept low.

At 97 for three England were well on the way and things continued falling into place when the man responsible for almost two thirds of those runs gave way. Brathwaite’s dogged stay ended when he gloved Wood down leg for 61, concluding an extended examination around the hip and ribs.

When Kavem Hodge, scorer of a fine century in Nottingham last week, lost his off stump to Woakes without playing a shot there seemed no way back from losing five for 39. Step forward Jason Holder (59) and Josh Da Silva (49).

Both men have Test best scores against England and, after each survived lbw reviews in single figures, they set about rebuilding the innings. They kept the hosts at bay until tea, playing with due care and attention before taking a liking to Shoaib Bashir.

The 20-year-old spinner enjoyed a memorable finish to the second Test, scooping up a five-for as the West Indies crumbled on the fourth evening, but there was precious little to work with on day one here and he leaked boundaries at a rapid rate.

England needed to part the two batters to get back on top and Woakes finally tempted Da Silva out of his comfort zone, seaming one away as the batter followed a lost cause and nicked off for 49.

Alzarri Joseph somehow lasted 31 balls before plonking Woakes to mid-off but it was Holder’s demise that effectively ended the resistance. Atkinson had kept his pace up throughout his various spells and saw the dividend when he tossed one up at off stump at a lively clip.

Holder thought he could work the ball through mid-wicket but was a fraction late as Atkinson took out off stump. The Surrey paceman also had too much heat for Gudakesh Motie, who flapped nervily at a bouncer and was well caught by Joe Root. Stepping in behind Smith, Root kept an eagle eye on the ball as it looped over the keeper.

Bashir then wrapped things up when Shamar Joseph holed out, leaving England a seemingly straightforward mini-session at the close.

That turned into something more taxing as Crawley chased a teaser, Duckett played on and Wood got a fine edge to Holder outside off. Root and Ollie Pope ensured no further drama and will resume 244 behind.

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England take five wickets but West Indies put up a fight at Edgbaston

England took five West Indies wickets for 39 either side of lunch as they looked to seize control on day one of the third Test at Edgbaston.

Heavy wins at Lord’s and Trent Bridge mean the hosts have already secured the series, and with it the Richards-Botham Trophy, and they are now angling for a 3-0 clean sweep.

West Indies showed enough to prove they were still up for the fight, with the openers putting on 76 before an unbroken sixth-wicket stand between Jason Holder (42no) and Josh Da Silva (35no) took them to tea at 194 for five. But their efforts were undercut by a chaotic period in between.

That’s tea at Edgbaston ☕️

🏝️ 1️⃣9️⃣4️⃣-5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/vICAdt0Fos

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2024

They lost three for 26 at the end of the first session, Gus Atkinson striking twice and Mark Wood detonating Kirk McKenzie’s middle stump, before top-scorer Kraigg Brathwaite (61) and Kavem Hodge followed at the start of the afternoon.

The tourists chose to bat first and, despite some early swing, kept England waiting almost 22 overs for their first breakthrough.

Atkinson got things moving, finding Mikyle Louis’ outside edge with a nice ball that snaked away and nestled in Jamie Smith’s gloves. Louis, who had taken 21 deliveries to get off the mark and was beaten on a handful of occasions as he struggled to master the early swing, departed for 26 and opened up his side’s vulnerable middle order.

Nobody has proved more prone than McKenzie and he continued a horror sequence at number three, smearing a couple of boundaries before being outgunned by an inswinging yorker from Wood that uprooted middle in dramatic fashion. McKenzie’s knock of 12 left him with a meagre total of 25 in five innings on tour and no shortage of regrets.

Kraigg Brathwaite scored a half-century for West Indies (Nick Potts/PA)

Brathwaite was doing well to get through the trying times but lost another partner off the very last ball of the session, Alick Athanaze dragging a pull into his own stumps after Atkinson’s short ball scuttled through low.

West Indies appeared to be crumbling in quick time when their linchpin fell, Brathwaite gloving Wood down the leg side – the culmination of an extended examination around the rib area. Hodge paid for a costly misjudgement, leaving one from Chris Woakes then watching as it nipped back in and clipped the top of off.

At 115 for five an abject collapse was on the cards, a fate that Holder and Da Silva resisted. Both survived lbw appeals in single figures as Ben Stokes gambled with DRS but settled in as the ball softened up.

They batted with care and attention, allowing themselves a couple of flourishes only when Shoaib Bashir’s spin entered the attack, and shored up the score with a partnership worth 79 by tea.

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West Indies lose three quick wickets before lunch to hand England initiative

Gus Atkinson struck twice for England as the West Indies frittered away a fighting start to reach lunch on 97 for three in the third Test at Edgbaston.

With the series already lost following heavy defeats at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, the tourists were looking to salvage some pride in Birmingham and appeared to be up for the battle.

Led by skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, who reached lunch on 56 not out, they put on the highest opening stand of the series as he and Mikyle Louis added 76.

Three wickets in the morning session ☝️☝️☝️

Watch the best of the action so far on Day 1 via our Catch Up highlights 📺

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2024

But, after waiting almost 22 overs for their first breakthrough, England moved quickly to snatch three wickets in 26 deliveries before lunch.

Atkinson got things moving, finding Louis’ outside edge with a nice ball that shaped away and nestled in Jamie Smith’s gloves. Louis, who had taken 21 deliveries to get off the mark and was beaten on a handful of occasions as he struggled to master the early swing, departed for 26 and opened up his side’s vulnerable middle order.

Nobody has proved more prone than Kirk McKenzie and he continued a horror sequence at number three, smearing a couple of boundaries before being outgunned by an inswinging yorker from Mark Wood that blasted middle stump out of the ground.

England’s Mark Wood (centre) celebrates with Zak Crawley (left) and Ben Duckett after dismissing Kirk McKenzie (Nick Potts/PA)

McKenzie’s knock of 12 left him with a meagre total of 25 in five innings on tour and no shortage of regrets.

England had not been able to find a way past Brathwaite, who was unfazed by the occasional plays and misses which punctuated the innings and found a way to get into the contest with seven boundaries, but he lost another partner to the very last ball of the session.

Alick Athanaze was guilty of a poor stroke, swivelling into a short one from Atkinson which did not get as high as he expected. His attempted pull shot cannoned off the bottom edge, dragged down onto the stumps and gave England a major shot in the arm after a slow start gave way to a familiar clatter of wickets.

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England vs West Indies: Score and updates from third Test at Edgbaston

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England captain Ben Stokes hopes packed international schedule is ‘addressed’

England captain Ben Stokes believes the international cricket schedule needs to be “addressed” and would like some input on future tour programmes.

Following the final Test against West Indies at Edgbaston, England will take a three-week break to cater for The Hundred tournament before they face Sri Lanka in another three-match series.

That is the most rest England internationals will receive until the end of the year as Sri Lanka’s Test series will finish on September 10, with Australia’s white-ball team kicking off their own eight-match tour just a day later at the Ageas Bowl.

Ben Stokes has previously spoken about the issue of England’s packed schedule (Nigel French/PA)

England will essentially be playing non-stop cricket from there on, with the end of the Australia series followed by a Test tour to Pakistan a little over a week later before they travel to the West Indies for a white-ball series and finish the year with three Tests in New Zealand.

The tight scheduling of cricket fixtures particularly affects those who want to play in all three formats due to the short amount of time between each series.

Stokes has previously stated that the quality of the international game is harmed by the scheduling and also thinks England’s captains, who are himself and white-ball skipper Jos Buttler, should have some input into the demands being put on players.

Asked whether the schedule may affect Stokes’ options as captain, he replied: “I hope not.

“It is something that does need to get addressed. Who knows what international cricket is going to look like with the franchise stuff as well.

England will face Australia in a T20 match just one day after the Sri Lanka Test series (Tim Goode/PA)

“It does need to get looked at, the landscape is constantly changing. I don’t think anyone can put their hand on their heart and say this is what it’s going to look like even in two years’ time, I’ve got no idea.

“With me being captain of the Test team it is quite an easy thing for me to stay pretty switched on with that and not have to worry about too much outside of that.

“Some consultation might be quite nice to Jos (Buttler) and myself. That’s where the future tour programmes can be run by people who are playing, they can be consulted and I’m sure we’ll be able to put some quite good input into that.”

Stokes retired from the ODI format in 2022 citing it as “unsustainable” due to the schedule and “what is being expected” from them before coming out of retirement before last year’s World Cup.

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Ben Stokes says naming unchanged England XI against West Indies ‘easy decision’

England captain Ben Stokes insists it was an “easy decision” to stick with an unchanged side as they look to seal a series whitewash in the third Test against West Indies at Edgbaston.

An unchanged XI means Nottinghamshire seamer Dillon Pennington’s wait for a Test debut goes on, while Matthew Potts also sits out.

Pennington has taken 31 wickets for Nottinghamshire in Vitality County Championship Division One this season – a total bettered by only three players.

Dillon Pennington will have to wait for his first Test match (David Davies/PA)

England have already handed Test debuts to Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson in this series and Stokes says Pennington’s first cap will “naturally” come with the demands of Test cricket.

Mark Wood was forced out of the bowling line-up on day two at Trent Bridge due to fatigue, but the 34-year-old has been deemed fit enough to go again in Birmingham.

Stokes said: “Two-nil up and very good all-round team performances, pretty easy decision to stick with same 11 and want to wrap up the series and hopefully take it 3-0.

“That (Pennington’s inclusion) will come naturally with six Test matches, even though we have a decent break; fast bowling is hard so naturally we will see change in the bowling line up.

“It is tough not to play but for Potts and for Dillon it’s great for them to be in the squad – it’s tough but they work incredibly hard so if the opportunity comes around for either of them they will be ready to go.

“We’ve stuck with the same team for the first three games because we don’t feel a necessary opportunity to change.

“Though he (Pennington) hasn’t got the opportunity, we know how hard he works out in the middle, there’s no doubt an opportunity will come for him and he’ll be ready to go.”

Ben Stokes bowled 12 overs in the first innings at Trent Bridge (Nigel French/PA)

Following knee surgery last year, Stokes is stepping up his duties as a full all-rounder and, after he bowled 12 overs in the first innings, the England captain felt he was not needed in the second as England tore through West Indies on day four.

He added: “I’m very happy, in a good place with my all-round abilities; being able to bowl is massive for me and I know it affects the make up of the team.

“I wasn’t required to bowl in the fourth innings just because of how well (Shoaib) Bashir bowled and the ball got reverse swinging quite nicely, when I looked at Woody and Gus, I thought those guys would win us the game because of reverse swing.

“Even though it’s only one option it feels like four or five more because I can manipulate the bowling attack a lot more and try use two guys at either end.”

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How Joe Root compares as he closes in on Brian Lara on Test run-scorers list

Joe Root is up to eighth on the list of all-time Test run-scorers and goes into the third Test against the West Indies on the verge of passing Brian Lara for seventh.

Here, the PA news agency looks at how he compares.

Chasing Lara

Joe Root is only 13 Test runs behind Brian Lara (PA graphic)

West Indies great Lara scored 11,953 runs in 131 Tests, with Root 13 behind on 11,940 in 142 games after his second-innings 122 in the second Test at Trent Bridge.

Lara holds the record Test score of 400 not out, made against England in 2004. That was one of his 34 Test centuries, with a batting average of 52.89 for his career. He played 130 Tests for the Windies and also scored five and 36 in a solitary appearance for an ICC World XI.

Root’s average of 49.96 is three runs fewer than Lara’s, despite having 21 not-out innings to only six for Lara – he has batted 28 times more overall. He is behind by just two centuries having made 32 but does have significantly more half-centuries, 62 to 48.

Lara made his runs at an impressive strike rate of 60.51. Root, who has faced over 21,000 deliveries in Test cricket, has accelerated his own strike rate in the last couple of years in England’s ‘Bazball’ era to stand at 56.63 – behind only Lara and Ricky Ponting of the top 10 Test run-scorers.

Lara struck 1,559 fours and 88 sixes – the latter figure exactly double that of Root, who has 44 to go with 1,299 fours.

England record in sight

While Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara is the next name ahead of Lara on the list with 12,400 runs, Root could be forgiven for his sights straying another 72 runs beyond that mark.

Only Sir Alastair Cook, Root’s predecessor as captain, has made more Test runs for England and his 12,472 – and fifth place on the all-time Test list – is on the horizon.

Cook himself predicted in early 2021 that Root would “fly past” his total and with three-Test series remaining this year against each of Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand, the record should soon belong to the Yorkshireman barring a long-term injury.

India’s Rahul Dravid is ahead of Cook on the global list with 13,288, just one run behind former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis in third.

Ex-Australia captain Ponting is second all-time with 13,378 while the record belongs to India great Sachin Tendulkar, with 15,921 runs at an average of 53.79 – his 200 Tests and 51 centuries are also records.

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I want to be my own batter, not anybody else – Harry Brook out to carve own path

Harry Brook is determined to be his own man as he brushed off comparisons to cricketing greats following his first Test century on English soil.

The 25-year-old scored his first ton in England to help inspire the hosts to a crushing victory by 241 runs over the West Indies at Trent Bridge

Brook had four previous Test centuries to his name, achieved overseas against Pakistan and New Zealand, but his speedy 109 from 132 balls further cemented his name in England’s top order.

Brilliance from Brook 🙌His fifth Test century 🏏Watch all his boundaries here 👇

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 21, 2024

The Yorkshire batter reached his hundred alongside club-mate Joe Root, who also helped himself to his first Test century of the summer.

Brook played a major role in helping England come from 2-0 to rescue an Ashes series draw against Australia last summer, scoring 363 runs and four half-centuries.

Asked whether his batting was a combination of the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Jos Buttler, he replied: “I want to be my own batter, I want to be Harry Brook, not anybody else.

“But nowadays you have to take different parts of other batters and put it into your game. An example is Rooty playing the ball so late or AB de Villiers hitting all around the ground, Kevin Pietersen for his power.

“You do see little bits of other people’s games and try to fit it into yours. I’ve done a little bit of that, not too much.

“I mean Rooty has just gone eighth in the all-time Test runs list, so I’d be stupid to not be tapping into his cricket knowledge.

Joe Root and Harry Brook both hit centuries at Trent Bridge (Nigel French/PA)

“I was glad to get it (the hundred) on the board, being my first in England.

“I was nearly getting to the spot where I thought, ‘God, I need a hundred in England’. I didn’t get a big one in the Ashes last year, but I was happy with my performances.”

Brook withdrew from the Indian Premier League earlier this year to prioritise his mental well-being following the death of his grandmother.

He also pulled out of England’s five-Test tour to India in January due to personal reasons, later revealing his grandmother was “ill and didn’t have long left”.

With his family in attendance, Brook brought up his century at Trent Bridge with a mis-hit drive toward mid-on.

Brook raised his bat and removed his helmet as his team-mates applauded from the balcony, but thoughts of his late grandmother immediately sprung to mind.

Brook’s century was his first Test ton on English soil (Nigel French/PA)

He said: “It was the first (century) with family there and obviously loads more English fans as well, it was a very nice moment.

“I’m not a massive celebrator at a hundred, I just try to soak it all in. I did it all for my grandma.

“As soon as I got it, it was just like, ‘Yes, a hundred’. But a couple of moments later I got a bit emotional inside, I just didn’t show it. I was thinking about her.”

England have four Test matches still to play this summer as the series finale at Edgbaston is followed by the visit of Sri Lanka at Old Trafford in August.

In a world where more players are now prioritising franchise T20 cricket across the globe, Brook admits Test matches are his priorities.

He said: “I want to play every Test match I can for England.

“Test cricket and playing for England is my priority. I don’t want to think too far ahead, the Ashes is a long way away and we have a lot of Test cricket before then.”

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Lauren Filer excited by chance of Hundred glory with Manchester Originals

England bowler Lauren Filer is excited to sample life with Manchester Originals and has backed more breakout stars to emerge during The Hundred.

The 100-ball competition started on Tuesday and Originals begin their campaign on Thursday with a home fixture against Welsh Fire at Emirates Old Trafford.

Somerset seamer Filer has limited experience of playing at Old Trafford after she represented Fire and Southern Brave during the first three editions of the tournament but is looking forward to calling Manchester home for the coming weeks.

Want to see how a fast bowler practice their technical skills? 👀

Watch as Lauren Filer takes us through her bowling challenge 👇#EnglandCricket

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 15, 2024

“I think we have a great group of girls,” Filer told the PA news agency at a KP Snacks event with Manchester City footballer Lauren Hemp at Cheetham Hill, the site of one of 100 all-weather community cricket pitches to be installed across England and Wales by 2025.

“Manchester as a city is great as well, so hopefully we’ll have plenty of people supporting us for the first game on Thursday.

“When I played at Old Trafford in The Hundred a couple of years ago it has definitely got some pace and bounce to it, which suits my bowling. I’m super excited.”

It has been a whirlwind 12 months for Filer, who earned an international debut during the 2023 Ashes and has followed it up with appearances in all formats for England.

The 23-year-old marked her Test bow with the scalp of Australia opener Beth Mooney, who will be her Originals team-mate during The Hundred.

Filer is happy to be on the same side as Mooney and South Africa batter Laura Wolvaardt, while England’s world number one spinner Sophie Ecclestone will captain Originals, which adds to the growing confidence they can qualify for a maiden final in this year’s tournament.

She added: “Super excited to be back with some of the players and also people I haven’t played with, like Laura Wolvaardt. It’s really exciting to see how we go as a group.

“They (Wolvaardt and Mooney) are both very, very good players and I definitely prefer not to be bowling at them so I’m happy.

“We’ve spoken quite a lot about having the belief that we can go on and get to the final. That is what we’ll look to do and put in some performances as good as we can. I’m really excited to get going and see where we’re at.”

A big feature of The Hundred has been the platform it has given to young players to flourish on the biggest stage.

Lauren Bell starred in the 2021 edition and has become an England regular, while Maia Boucher impressed in last year’s tournament and has nailed down her place at the top of the order for England.

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A post shared by Lauren Hemp MBE (@lauren_hemp)

“It’s a really good comp to get young players or players that have played a while the attention they deserve,” Filer said.

“Like with Belly, since the way she played a few years ago, she has obviously worked really hard, got into England and is now shining like an England superstar. There is nothing stopping anyone else doing that.

“It is a really great competition to bring people out of their shell and show what they can do.”

:: KP Snacks, the Official Team Partner of The Hundred, is continuing its initiative to build 100 new community cricket pitches across England and Wales, with 35 brand new pitches going down in 2024.

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West Indies seamer Jeremiah Louis ruled out of third Test against England

West Indies fast bowler Jeremiah Louis has been ruled out of the third Test against England with to a hamstring injury sustained at Trent Bridge.

The 28-year-old, who did not feature in the first two Tests, will remain in the UK to receive treatment, and has been replaced in the squad by Akeem Jordan.

Jordan was already in the UK at the time of his call-up and will train with the squad at Edgbaston on Wednesday, Cricket West Indies announced in a statement.

Jeremiah Louis has only featured as a substitute fielder (Nigel French/PA)

Uncapped Louis has only featured as a substitute fielder as England have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Jordan is uncapped at Test level and will join Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales and Jason Holder as seam options.

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