Chris Woakes injured as England’s promising day turns towards India

Chris Woakes injured as England’s promising day turns towards India

from Cricket https://ift.tt/NOg0eVU

7 mighty scores recorded by No.3s in Test cricket: Lara, Sangakkara make the cut

Traditionally, teams used to put their best batters at first drop in Test cricket.

The number three batters need to have the technical ability to face the new ball, because they can be required to come in to bat in the first over, should a wicket fall early.

They might also be required to come in later and be able to push the game forward. Below, we list the batters who scored the most runs in an innings at number three.

1. Brian Lara

• West Indies
• 400 not out against England

Brian Lara was 34 and playing in his 106th Test. His experience showed in his masterful shot selection and execution; however, what was not on display was his age.

Lara sprinted singles with the eagerness of a man in the early years of his Test career. The Prince, as he is widely known, was in control of the innings and barely gave an opportunity to the England bowlers who toiled without joy.

Lara’s unbeaten marathon lasted for 12 hours and 58 minutes. The left-hander faced 582 deliveries on his way to an imperious 400, the highest individual score in Test cricket. His knock helped the West Indies reach 751/5d, one of their highest Test scores in the sport.

2. Brian Lara

• West Indies
• 375 against England

Brian Lara was a master against England. He walked out to bat against them in 31 Tests and averaged a century every four Tests against them.

He also has his two highest scores against them, his unbeaten 400 in 2004 and his brilliant 375 in a decade earlier. Both came at St John’s, in Antigua.

The 375 was Lara’s third Test century, and it confirmed what he had hinted at with his first two tons; he had an enormous appetite for runs. His first two were 277 and 167. The 375 helped the West Indies reach 593/5d.

Also read: Who has the most Test 100s? Joe Root in hot pursuit of No.1 spot

3. Wiaan Mulder

• South Africa
• 367 not out against Zimbabwe

No one was as relieved as Zimbabwe’s bowlers when Mulder declared South Africa’s innings in the second Test at Queen’s Sports Club in July 2025.

Mulder, who walked in to bat after Tony de Zorzi’s early demise, did not give a chance to Zimbabwe in his 410-minute stay at the crease.

The number three batter was part of two partnerships that broke Zimbabwe’s back. First, a 184-run third-wicket stand with David Bedingham and, second, a 217-run fourth-wicket partnership with Lhuan-dre Pretorius.

Mulder’s effort steered South Africa to 626/5d before the South African bowlers bundled out Zimbabwe’s batters 170 and 220 to secure victory by an innings and 236 runs.

Mulder faced 297 balls to complete his triple-century to become the second-fastest batter to do so in Test cricket. He trails Virender Sehwag, who took 278 balls for his triple-hundred against South Africa at Chennai in 2008.

4. Garry Sobers

• West Indies
• 365 not out against Pakistan

The West Indies built their dominant victory over Pakistan, at Sabina Park in February 1958, on the foundation built on Garry Sobers and Conrad Hunte’s 446-run second-wicket partnership.

The pair’s partnership made Imtiaz Ahmed’s first innings century insignificant as they lifted the West Indies to 790/3d.

Garry Sobers, who often batted at number five or six, walked out to the crease at first drop and plundered an unbeaten 365 runs against a Pakistan bowling attack that had no answers for the left-hander’s brilliance.

Sobers, who was 21 at the time, registered a record that would stand for 36 years. It was the highest individual Test score until Lara scored his 375.

5. Wally Hammond

• England
• 336 not out against New Zealand

Bill Bowes executed one of the best bowling displays against New Zealand in Auckland in April 1933. He took two wickets in two balls to reduce New Zealand to 0/2, but the main feature of his bowling in the innings was that he castled all six batters he dismissed.

However, despite Bowes’s brilliance, the star of the match was Wally Hammond. England was on 56/1 when Hammond arrived at the crease. The number three batter spent 318 minutes in the middle as he piled on an unbeaten 336 against a hapless New Zealand attack.

Hammond’s score shepherded England to 548/7d. His innings was one of the most dominant displays of batting.

6. Don Bradman

• Australia
• 334 against England

The media played up the rivalry between Bradman and Wally Hammond. It was an inevitable outcome; the pair were the greatest batters of their era and competed often.

The question of who would finish a match with the most runs fascinated fans who eagerly followed the contests between Australia and England.

In July 1930, Bradman took home bragging rights. He outscored Hammond by some distance. He basically opened the innings after arriving at the crease to replace Archie Jackson, who had faced a mere nine deliveries in his short stay at the crease.

Bradman faced 448 balls as he batted his way to 334 runs. Bradman batted only once but outscored Hammond, who made 113 and 35 in the match.

7. Kumar Sangakkara

• Sri Lanka
• 319 against Bangladesh

Sangakkara’s 319 against Bangladesh in February 2014 was his 34th Test century and ninth double century. It drew him equal to Brian Lara in second place on the list of batters with the most double centuries in their career.

The milestone came just over a year before his retirement, and Sangakkara added two more double centuries to finish his career with 11, one behind Don Bradman.

Sangakkara scored 319 from 482 balls after Sri Lanka elected to bat first. His score powered Sri Lanka to 587. He went on to score another century in the third innings, 105, to put an exclamation mark on his dominance in the Test.

Younis Khan and Hashim Amla are the only other two batters with totals above 300 at number three. Khan made 313 against Sri Lanka in Karachi in February 2009, while Amla’s unbeaten 311 came against England at the Oval in 2012.

Read next: Ben Stokes blocked from IPL 2026 as shock rule preventing his return to India revealed

The post 7 mighty scores recorded by No.3s in Test cricket: Lara, Sangakkara make the cut appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/LbtuGFO

The fastest 100s in T20Is history: A new entrant joins this top 10 list

Since its arrival on the international stage, T20I cricket has seen all sorts of records brutally shattered.

One of the most incredible records that has been repeatedly broken over the years is the number of balls needed to score a century.

The speed at which batters are scoring is simply quite extraordinary.

While this is a record that features several players from smaller nations at the top – batsmen who have smashed average bowling attacks out of smaller grounds, there are also plenty of players from top nations that feature on this list.

Let’s take a moment to look at the list of top performers in terms of fastest T20I tons ever scored.

1. Sahil Chauhan – 100 off 27 balls

• Estonia vs Cyprus, 2024

No one has bettered Sahil Chauhan’s blitzkrieg effort from 2024. Little-known Chauhan may play for minnow outfit Estonia, but he holds the record for the fastest T20I century ever.

Representing Estonia against Cyprus in 2024, Chauhan blasted his way to a ton in just 27 balls.

It was the kind of innings that redefines what was possible, featuring a barrage of sixes and barely any dots. Cyprus’ bowlers had no answer to his assault, and Chauhan’s knock put Estonian cricket briefly in the global spotlight.

Chauhan’s knock ended on 144 not out from 41 balls with an astounding 18 sixes. While some may argue the quality of opposition, nothing should detract from the clean ball-striking and sheer dominance of the innings.

It was the perfect storm of form, confidence, and conditions.

2. Muhammad Fahad – 100 off 29 balls

• Turkey vs Bulgaria, 2023

Another player from an emerging cricket nation, Muhammad Fahad became a national hero in Turkey with his 29-ball hundred against Bulgaria.

Much like Chauhan’s effort, this was a match where the boundaries were short and the bowlers lacked consistency, but that shouldn’t undermine the power and precision Fahad displayed.

He mixed brute force with clever placement, rotating the strike when needed but launching ferocious attacks at every opportunity. His innings underlined how T20I cricket is helping grow the game in regions far from its traditional centres.

Also read: Meet the elite – Four Test all-rounders who boast 10-plus centuries and five five-wicket hauls

3. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton – 100 off 33 balls

• Namibia vs Nepal, 2024

Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton broke headlines with a sensational 33-ball hundred against Nepal. This innings stood out not just for its speed but for its quality; it came against a more competitive bowling attack on a trickier pitch.

Loftie-Eaton used all areas of the ground, demonstrating a fine understanding of field placements and angles. Namibia has become a consistent presence in ICC events over the past decade, and performances like this are part of the reason why.

4. Sikandar Raza – 100 off 33 balls

• Zimbabwe vs Gambia, 2024

Experienced all-rounder and Zimbabwe skipper, Sikandar Raza has often been the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s T20I side. Against Gambia, he showcased his enduring class with a rapid 33-ball century.

Coming in with Zimbabwe already on top, Raza turned a strong start into a crushing display of dominance. Using his experience and clean hitting, he picked apart Gambia’s bowlers with disdain.

Raza’s knock wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was also part of what became the highest ever team score in a T20I as Zimbabwe posted a score of 344 for four (in a game they won by 290 runs).

5. Kushal Malla – 100 off 34 balls

• Nepal vs Mongolia, 2023 Asian Games

Still a teenager at the time, Kushal Malla’s 34-ball hundred against Mongolia sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. It was the fastest T20I hundred by a full ICC member at the time, and the youngest on this list.

Malla’s stroke-play was astonishing, mixing innovation with sheer brutality. Granted, Mongolia was making their debut in international cricket and their bowlers struggled for control, but Malla didn’t miss a beat.

His innings is now part of Nepalese cricket folklore and a symbol of the country’s growing influence in white-ball formats.

6. David Miller – 100 off 35 balls

• South Africa vs Bangladesh, Potchefstroom, 2017

Nicknamed ‘Killer Miller’ for good reason, David Miller produced one of the most iconic T20I innings of all time in 2017. His 35-ball century against Bangladesh was a brutal display of controlled aggression.

Batting first, South Africa was in a solid position when Miller came to the crease, but his innings elevated them to unreachable heights. He smashed five consecutive sixes in one over and punished anything remotely loose.

This century, coming against a top ten ranked side, underscored Miller’s reputation as one of the most destructive T20 batters in the world.

7. Rohit Sharma – 100 off 35 balls

• India vs Sri Lanka, Indore, 2017

In the same year as Miller’s heroics, Rohit Sharma matched his feat with a jaw-dropping 35-ball hundred against Sri Lanka. Opening the innings, Sharma took full advantage of a flat track and fast outfield, smashing 10 sixes and 12 fours in a typically effortless display.

What set Rohit’s innings apart was the ease with which he found the boundary, his timing and placement as sharp as ever. This knock came against an established international side and added another chapter to Rohit’s legacy as one of the format’s greatest.

8. Sudesh Wickramasekara – 100 off 35 balls

• Czech Republic vs Turkey, 2019

One of the earliest entrants to the ultra-fast T20I hundreds club was Sudesh Wickramasekara of the Czech Republic. In a game against Turkey in 2019, he bludgeoned a 35-ball ton that helped put Czech cricket on the map.

Wickramasekara’s hitting was relentless, and the Turkish bowling lacked any real penetration.

The match itself was one-sided – Czech Republic scored 278 for four before dismissing Turkey for 21; but the innings caught the imagination of the cricketing world, reminding everyone that incredible feats can come from anywhere.

9. Abhishek Sharma – 100 off 37 balls

• India vs England, 2024

In 2024, Abhishek Sharma announced himself on the international stage in style.

Playing in a high-profile series against England, he smashed a 37-ball century that showcased his IPL-honed skills on the global stage.

Sharma has long been viewed as a prodigy, and this innings, featuring powerful slog-sweeps, lofted drives, and innovative strokes, cemented his status as a future star.

What made this century particularly special was the quality of opposition and the pressure situation under which it came.

10. Tim David – 100 off 37 balls

• Australia vs West Indies, 2025

Tim David has made a name for himself as a T20 gun-for-hire in franchise leagues around the world, and in July 2025, he lit up the international stage with a 37-ball century against the West Indies.

This innings was a masterclass in power-hitting. David targeted the arc between long-on and square leg, launching six after six with minimal footwork and maximum efficiency.

Against a side known for its own big hitters, David stood tall, producing one of Australia’s fastest T20I hundreds and underlining his value in the format. In all David hit 11 maximums and six fours as the Baggy Greens continued their dominance over the Windies.

Read next: Fastest to 2,000 runs in T20Is – India and Pakistan big-ticket players dominate top 9

The post The fastest 100s in T20Is history: A new entrant joins this top 10 list appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/bjIDE4v

Forgotten England spinner resurfaces with career best figures after 11-wicket haul

Mason Crane’s County Championship performances are roaring louder than ever – even if the wider cricketing world has stopped listening.

In the periphery of the Test match madness, the Glamorgan leg-spinner and forgotten England man has taken career-best first-class figures of 6/19 against Lancashire.

The spell from the man once tipped as the future of English spin bowling came just days after taking 11 wickets in a second XI match, as he proves he’s still a force in the longest format of the game.

Crane’s figures of 5-22 and 6-66 were paramount in Glamorgan’s Second XI 74-run victory over Kent, suggesting his talent never faded, only the attention did.

Fast forward six days, and Crane was back in the Division Two fold with the first team against Lancashire at Old Trafford: a ground that has offered little to spinners of late, as demonstrated by Liam Dawson’s sole wicket in the Test last week.

Glamorgan battled to 261 with Lancashire’s Chris Green claiming six scalps and captain James Anderson rolling back the years with an economical 1/34.

The hosts came out to bat and started well on a flat wicket, reaching 107 for three before Crane found his famous top gear – five wickets in 41 deliveries for just 12 runs, not bad for a forgotten man.

Despite his repeated periods of first-class excellence over the years, Crane remains one of England’s most easily forgotten one-and-done Test players.

It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since Crane made his sole appearance at the Test arena; the final Ashes Test of the 2017/18 series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Talk about getting thrown in at the deep end.

At just 20 years of age, Crane was thrown in with the lions, becoming England’s youngest specialist spinner in decades.

Debut figures of 1/193 were far from ideal, though hardly surprising when considering the magnitude of his sole bite of the cherry before England again rolled the dice with the likes of Dom Bess and Jack Leach.

Mason Crane: Not old. Not finished.

His limited opportunities on the Test stage are what make his recent appearances all the more compelling.

On a flat Lancashire pitch, identical to that of the Test match last week, Crane shone with rigid turn and bounce to dismantle the hosts and remind the selectors of the skill that earned him such an early Test cap.

Described as “world-class” by his captain, Sam Northeast, he’s not short of admirers in the English domestic game; instead, the silence from the selectors, pundits and ECB since that fateful week in Sydney.

Bazball is the way England now play, with Crane a classic leg-spinner who banks on his guile, smarts and rhythm to claim his victims.

But the new style rewards aggression and flamboyance – there’s no specialist spinner in the England Test XI for the final game against India at The Oval.

Still, he’s only 28. Not old. Not finished. And by no means out of ideas.

In first-class cricket, his 159 wickets and six five-wicket hauls speak for themselves, with Crane ensuring the message has never been clearer.

Mason Crane never went away – the cricket world just stopped paying attention.

READ MORE: Stuart Broad speaks out on why India deserved to bat on in Old Trafford draw

 

The post Forgotten England spinner resurfaces with career best figures after 11-wicket haul appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/kShmTUs

Revealed: The highest-ever individual scores from opening Test batsmen

Opening the innings is one of the toughest jobs in Test cricket.

Teams deploy their best bowlers, the ball is still new, and conditions will still be helpful to bowlers. Despite all that, there are batters who not only conquer the position, but also vanquish bowlers.

Who are those batters? Below, we list the highest score in an innings by opening batters.

1. Matthew Hayden

• Australia
• 380 vs Zimbabwe

The contest between Australia and Zimbabwe in Perth was a David versus Goliath contest. Unlike the Biblical tale, David had neither a slingshot nor a stone close at hand. David showed up empty-handed and was clubbed to death by Goliath.

Heath Streak, the Zimbabwe captain, won the toss, elected to bat first, and watched Matthew Hayden carve 38 fours and 11 sixes as he galloped to a monstrous 380 from 437 balls. This was the 15th of the 30 centuries the opener scored in his 15-year career.

The century helped Australia to 735/6d, their highest Test innings score, surpassing their 758/6d against the West Indies in 1954-55.

2. Len Hutton

• England
• 364 against Australia

Victory by an innings and 579 runs is one of the biggest margins in the history of Test cricket. For such a win to be possible, a single batter needs to stand tall and play an innings that goes into the history books.

Hutton was 22 when he walked out to bat after his captain, Wally Hammond, had won the toss and elected to bat first. Hutton stayed in the middle for a total of 13 hours and 20 minutes as he accumulated 364 runs from 847 balls.

His contribution helped England reach a mammoth 903/7d, one of the highest totals in the history of Test cricket.

Also read: Meet the elite – Four Test all-rounders who boast 10-plus centuries and five five-wicket hauls

3. Sanath Jayasuriya

• Sri Lanka
• 340 against India

India delivered the first punch through Navjot Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, and Mohammad Azharuddin. The trio scored centuries, 111, 143, and 126, as India registered 537/8d after electing to bat first.

India batted for close to two days as they mounted a total that ensured that there was no possibility of them losing the tie.

Jayasuriya opened the batting with Marvan Atapattu and stitched a 39-run stand.

Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama dampened any hope that India had of bundling Sri Lanka out for a middling total with a 576-run second-wicket stand that shot Sri Lanka past India’s total.

Jayasuriya’s tally helped Sri Lanka reach 952/6d, the highest score in the history of the game.

4. Hanif Mohammad

• Pakistan
• 337 against West Indies

Pakistan was in trouble when they met the West Indies in Bridgetown in January 1958. The West Indies, who won the toss and elected to bat first, scored 579/9d, courtesy of centuries from Conrad Hunte and Everton Weekes.

Instead of mounting a strong reply, Pakistan stumbled to 106.

Gerry Alexander, the West Indies captain, sensed an opportunity to win the contest and asked Pakistan to follow on.

Mohammad, who had fallen for 17 in Pakistan’s first innings, set up a fort in the middle and batted the visitors back into the innings with a patient 337 in 970 minutes.

Mohammad’s score helped Pakistan to get to 657/8d, which helped them to avoid defeat.

5. David Warner

• Australia
• 335 not out against Pakistan

There is no saying how far Warner could have gone had Tim Paine not decided to declare the innings when Australia reached 589/3. The Australia opener was looking good and increasingly dangerous with each delivery.

The left-hander opened the innings with Joe Burns, with whom he shared a brief eight-run opening stand. However, Warner got Australia back on track when he joined forces with Marnus Labuschagne.

They cobbled a 361-run second-wicket partnership, the second-highest second-wicket stand for Australia in Test cricket.

Warner looked as if he was batting on a different surface. Not once did Pakistan score 335 or more runs in an innings in the match.

6. Mark Taylor

• Australia
• 334 not out against Pakistan

Twelve hours. That is how long Mark Taylor’s innings lasted when Australia batted first against Pakistan in Peshawar in October 1998.

The Australian captain was so locked in that Michael Slater’s dismissal for two in the ninth over did not affect his approach. Taylor barely made a mistake as he worked his way to an unbeaten 334 in 564 balls. He hit 32 fours and a six.

The score helped him become the fourth Australian to pass 7,000 Test runs. His score equalled Don Bradman’s highest Test score.

7. Graham Gooch

• England
• 333 against India

The contest between England and India at Lord’s in July 1990 should be known as Gooch’s Test. He scored a mountain of runs, bowled well and took a wicket, and also took some catches. He did it all as he captained England to a 247-run victory.

Gooch lost the toss, but it was a good toss to lose. Mohammad Azharuddin asked Gooch and England to bat first, and the hosts replied with a first innings score of 653/4d. The total was possible thanks to centuries from Allan Lamb and Robin Smith, and Gooch’s outstanding 333.

The England captain also scored a century in the third innings, a fantastic 123.

Chris Gayle equalled Gooch’s tally 20 years later, when the West Indies played against Sri Lanka in Galle in November 2010. Unfortunately, unlike Gooch’s score, which helped England win, Gayle’s triple hundred was in a draw.

He was also the only other opener to go past the 330-run mark.

Read next: Fastest to 2,000 runs in T20Is – India and Pakistan big-ticket players dominate top 9

The post Revealed: The highest-ever individual scores from opening Test batsmen appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/pENco9F

Revealed: The wicketkeepers with the most Test runs in another country

One of the toughest things in cricket is to score consistently away from home; a select number of batters have performed equally well abroad as they do or did at home.

Below, we list the wicketkeepers with the most runs in a foreign country:

1. Rishabh Pant (India)

• 1035 runs in England in 24 innings
• 2018 to present

Pant’s Test career started in England in August 2018. He didn’t take long to find his feet and registered his maiden Test century in his sixth innings, a well-played 194-ball 114. The milestone was a sign of things to come: England was going to be Pant’s favourite hunting ground.

The wicketkeeper has eight centuries, and half of them have come on English soil. His second ton was a brisk 111-ball 146 in Birmingham in March 2022. Pant’s last two centuries in England came in Leeds in 2025, where he chalked up back-to-back hundreds, a first innings 134 and 118 in his second dig.

He is the only wicketkeeper with a thousand or more runs in a venue away from home.

2. Rishabh Pant (India)

• 879 runs in Australia in 21 innings
• 2018 to present

Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant took turns hammering runs off Australia’s bowlers when India travelled to Sydney in 2019. Pujara smashed an imperious 193 from 373 balls, while Pant cantered to an unbeaten 159 from 189 balls. Their centuries powered India to 622/7d.

The total was enough for India to bat once and take a loss off the table. The two sides eventually drew the series. The draw also helped India to make history, as they became the first Asian country to record a series win in Australia.

That was Pant’s finest innings in Australia and his only century down under. The wicketkeeper also has three half-centuries in Australia and averages a decent 46.26.

3. MS Dhoni (India)

• 778 runs in England in 23 innings
• 2007 to 2014

Most of Dhoni’s Test runs came against England. The mercurial wicketkeeper scored 1157 against English sides in India and in England, and more than half of those runs came in England. Dhoni scored eight of his 12 half-centuries against England in England.

His first half-century on English soil was an unbeaten 76 at Lord’s in July 2007 in his first match in England. Fittingly, his last half-century came in his final match in England, a well-made 82 at the Oval in August 2014.

Read more: Meet the elite: Four Test all-rounders who boast 10-plus centuries and five five-wicket hauls

4. Rod Marsh (Australia)

• 773 runs in England in 23 innings
• 1972 to 1981

Marsh bookended his trips to England with half-centuries. Australia was in a distressing position, floundering on 120/6 in the fourth innings, after England had set them a 342-run target for victory. Marsh did his best to draw Australia close to the target with a counterattacking 91 from 111 deliveries, but his effort was in vain.

His final match on English soil was at the Oval in August 1981. Dirk Wellham and Alan Border had rescued Australia’s second innings with a brilliant 101-run fifth-wicket partnership after an early wobble by the visitors’ top order. Marsh carried on the good work by establishing an 86-run sixth-wicket stand with Wellham that took Australia close to 300.

Marsh’s positive 83-ball 52 helped to ensure that Australia would not lose the encounter. The half-century was his sixth in England, and his 91 in Manchester in 1972 was the closest he came to a century in England.

5. Andy Flower (Zimbabwe)

• 771 runs in India in six innings
• 1993 to 2000

Andy Flower loved two things: wicketkeeping and batting in India. The Zimbabwean star represented his country in 10 innings in India, and he did not keep the wickets in four of them. Flower did not do well without the gloves; he scored 103 runs at an average of 25.75, with a single half-century to his name.

With the gloves, Flower plundered three centuries and three half-centuries in six innings at an average of 239. He scored 115 and an unbeaten 183 in Delhi in 1993 and 2000, respectively, and then registered his career-best Test score, an unbeaten, imperious 232 in Nagpur in 2000.

6. John Waite (South Africa)

• 684 runs in England in 27 innings
• 1951 to 1960

In July 1955, Waite walked to the crease and mounted a 212-run sixth-wicket partnership with Paul Winslow that took South Africa from 245/5 to 416/6 and positioned the visitors in a position of strength. Waite scored 113 runs in his 339-minute stay at the crease. His century and an unbeaten 10 runs in the fourth innings spurred England to a three-wicket win over England in Manchester in 1955.

That was his lone century on English soil. Waite also scored six half-centuries on his travels to England.

7. Alan Knott (England)

• 643 runs in Australia in 22 innings
• 1970 to 1977

Alan Knott waited until his 11th Test in England before he scored his first century. The milestone was a brilliant display of batting with England’s backs against the wall in Adelaide in January 1975. England was drowning on 76/5 when Knott arrived at the crease. The wicketkeeper scored an even-paced 106 from 205 balls as he resurrected the visitors’ innings.

Knott did his best to farm the strike while trying to save the match; however, his efforts were in vain. He watched his partners get dismissed and was left stranded, unbeaten on 106, and England lost the match.

In addition to the century, Knott also scored four half-centuries in England.

Read next: Best of the worst: The 9 highest-scoring No. 11s in Test cricket

The post Revealed: The wicketkeepers with the most Test runs in another country appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/Rb21TQU

The Hundred 2025: Everything you need to know and where to watch worldwide

The Hundred returns in 2025 with fast-paced action, star-studded squads and daily men’s and women’s games across August.

From key dates and venues to overseas legends playing and the format, here’s everything you need to know about cricket’s fastest game.

What is The Hundred?

The Hundred is a 100-ball cricket franchise competition in England and Wales that was launched by the ECB in 2021.

The competition was brought to life with the ambition of appealing to new audiences through a shorter and more dynamic format.

It features eight UK city-based franchises, boasts some of the world’s best limited overs firepower and brings even more symmetry to the men’s and women’s sides.

The Hundred format: Key rules and where it differs

The Hundred has several rules that make it unique:

• 100 balls per innings – 20 less than a T20
• Bowlers deliver five or 10 ball sets – no six-ball overs
• Each bowler has a maximum of 20 deliveries per match
• Powerplay lasts 25 balls
• A strategic timeout is available in each innings

When does The Hundred 2025 start and finish?

The Hundred 2025 will get going at Lord’s this year, with the first matchday a London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles double-header on August 5th in the capital.

The competition will run through the entirety of August and culminate with two finals in a split-bill double-header at Lord’s on August 31st.

Where is The Hundred played?

The Hundred takes place across eight venues in England and Wales:

• Edgbaston (Birmingham Phoenix)
• Lord’s (London Spirit)
• Old Trafford (Manchester Originals)
• Headingley (Northern Superchargers)
• The Oval (Oval Invincibles)
• Utilita Bowl (Southern Brave)
• Trent Bridge (Trent Rockets)
• Sophia Gardens (Welsh Fire)

Who won The Hundred last year?

In the women’s competition, it was the London Spirit who came through an eliminator win, where they then beat the Welsh Fire in the final to win The Hundred 2024.

It was the Oval Invincibles who claimed their second men’s Hundred crown at Lord’s, beating the Southern Brave to become 2024 champions.

Which teams are playing in The Hundred 2025?

The same eight franchise teams will compete in 2025, with changes expected for The Hundred next year:

1. Birmingham Phoenix

2. London Spirit

3. Manchester Originals (Manchester Super Kings in 2026)

4. Northern Superchargers

5. Oval Invincibles

6. Southern Brave

7. Trent Rockets

8. Welsh Fire

Who are the star players in 2025?

There are several leading stars in the women’s game across The Hundred this year, with the likes of Ellyse Perry, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Grace Harris, Meg Lanning, Hayley Matthews and Sophie Ecclestone all set to feature.

The men’s side of the event is also littered with star power, with Joe Root, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Jofra Archer, and even James Anderson bringing their firepower.

How can I watch The Hundred?

In the United Kingdom:

• Sky Sports: Full coverage and official rights-holders
• BBC Sport: selected matches and highlights

The Hundred 2025 coverage abroad:

• Australia – Kayo Sports
• India – Fancode
• South Africa – Supersport
• Caribbean – ESPN
• North America – Willow and DAZN

What’s new for 2025?

Several efforts have been made to enhance The Hundred this year, with 2025 set to be the most amazing spectacle yet.

• More international player slots per team will see more of the world’s best players in The Hundred.
• Enhanced in-game graphics and even more fan engagement
• Youth ticket schemes have been extended, meaning a younger audience to grow the game
• Greater availability of overseas stars with scheduling changes

Why watch The Hundred 2o25?

The Hundred 2025 is well worth watching, whether you’re a seasoned cricket fan or new to the format or sport entirely.

Here’s why to watch The Hundred this year:

• Fast-paced action in under three hours
• Daily double-headers
• The world’s best overseas stars
• Family-friendly atmosphere and engaging in-stadium experience
• It’s short, sharp, full of drama and perfect for summer evenings.

READ MORE: Joe Root’s stunning 38 Test century journey: Dominance at home but gaps abroad

The post The Hundred 2025: Everything you need to know and where to watch worldwide appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/yLs1EVi

Stuart Broad speaks out on why India deserved to bat on in Old Trafford draw

Former England cricketer, Stuart Broad, has defended the actions of Indian centurions Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, claiming they were right to go: “I’m going to go and get 100”.

As the final session of the fourth Test between England and India approached an inevitable draw at Old Trafford, England captain Ben Stokes removed his cap and offered a handshake to Jadeja in order to draw the game.

But Jadeja and Sundar had other plans, with both batters four hours deep into their match-saving innings and nearing Test centuries.

For Sundar, it was a maiden Test century, with both bringing up three digits after refusing to walk away, despite the result being confirmed.

Speaking on his new For The Love of Cricket podcast with co-host Jos Buttler, Stuart Broad offered an honest and balanced perspective on what played out in Manchester.

“The Indian batters are right to go: I’ve worked really hard for the last four hours. Actually, I’m going to go and get a hundred,” backed Broad, in support of their decision to push on despite the hosts’ fatigue.

Stokes’ response to their continuation was to toss the ball to part-timer Harry Brook – essentially putting the Indian pair’s centuries on a plate.

“Then Harry Brook came on and bowled absolutely filthy off-spin, it was a bit of an embarrassing moment,” Broad joked.

He added: “It looked like a bit of a poor man’s Dan Lawrence action.”

Behind the comical description of proceedings, Broad revealed a heartwarming moment in Sundar’s interview following his battling, first Test century.

“He was a bit emotional and said, ‘This is for my family’, what a special moment, your first Test match hundred.”

“I was like, damn right – Test match hundreds are bloody hard to get, and he deserved it. He didn’t get his Test match 100 in the last 15 minutes – he did it in the four hours before when India saved the game.”

During his long international career, where he claimed 604 Test wickets for England, Broad was renowned for enjoying the fight and fiery cauldron of the Test arena.

Co-host and fellow England hero, Buttler, is the first person to understand Broad’s mind and questioned how he would have responded if he was on the field in the last 15 minutes of the fourth Test.

Broad chuckled: “I’d have been wanting to get off, there were some frustrated comments from England’s fielders naturally.”

After 173 overs in the field and what looked a likely win for England slip away from them, the pair could fully understand their frustrations.

The stretch of tension has been the latest example of a string of heated incidents in a series so far that has encapsulated what Test cricket is all about – it is alive and kicking.

India’s dogged draw in Manchester, spearheaded by another brilliant century from captain, Shubman Gill, means England remain 2-1 up and have been forced into a series decider at The Oval.

READ MORE: Joe Root’s stunning 38 Test century journey: Dominance at home but gaps abroad

The post Stuart Broad speaks out on why India deserved to bat on in Old Trafford draw appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/ZV1YEdt

Meet the elite: Four Test all-rounders who boast 10-plus centuries and five five-wicket hauls

Genuine all-rounders are a rare and special breed. Players who can hold their own in a side as both a batsman and a bowler are not easy to find – especially in the world of Test cricket.

It’s slightly different perhaps in the white-ball arena where the requirements are perhaps less onerous, although by no means easy. But if one is to look for the truly elite performers at Test level, who are the all-rounders who can claim at least ten centuries in a career along with at least five five-wicket hauls?

There are not many who have achieved the feat. In fact, when Ben Stokes joined the group during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, he became just the fourth player to reach the milestone. Here are the four members of one of cricket’s most exclusive clubs:

1. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

• Centuries: 45
• Five-wicket hauls: 5
• Matches: 166

Arguably the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen (that’s certainly what people from South Africa will tell you), Jacques Kallis was the ultimate rock for South Africa for over a decade. A technically impeccable batsman capable of anchoring innings and churning out hundreds with robotic regularity, Kallis ended his career with a staggering 45 Test centuries, a stat that sees him second only to Sachin Tendulkar.

What made his achievements even more remarkable was his contribution with the ball.

Though often seen as a support seamer rather than a front-line threat, Kallis still managed to bag five five-wicket hauls, often breaking crucial partnerships with his canny seamers. His versatility and longevity are what truly separate him; few players have ever combined run-scoring consistency with strategic bowling impact the way Kallis did.

2. Garry Sobers (West Indies)

• Centuries: 26
• Five-wicket hauls: 6
• Matches: 93

Sir Garfield Sobers is the original template for the complete all-rounder.

A batsman of sublime skill and effortless grace, Sobers was equally effective as a bowler where he was capable of delivering pace, orthodox spin, or Chinamen depending on the conditions. He scored 26 centuries in just 93 Tests, including a then-world record 365 not out against Pakistan.

Sobers also took six five-wicket hauls, proving he was no part-timer with the ball. A cricketer ahead of his time, his ability to influence a match in every department set him apart in an era when specialisation was beginning to take hold. Sobers was a one-man team, a genius who could win matches with bat or ball.

Read next: Who has the most Test hundreds? Joe Root in hot pursuit of No.1 spot

3. Ian Botham (England)

• Centuries: 14
• Five-wicket hauls: 27
• Matches: 102

When it comes to impact, drama, and pure entertainment, few cricketers come close to Ian Botham. The archetypal English all-rounder, Botham exploded onto the scene in the late 1970s and quickly made a name as a match-winner.

His 14 Test centuries often came at vital moments and at breakneck pace, with little regard for the opposition or scoreboard pressure.

But it was with the ball that Botham frequently stamped his authority. With 27 five-wicket hauls, he was often England’s primary strike bowler.

His performances in the 1981 Ashes series, particularly his heroics at Headingley, have passed into cricketing folklore. Botham didn’t just play the game; he grabbed it by the scruff of the neck.

4. Ben Stokes (England)

• Centuries: 13
• Five-wicket hauls: 5
• Matches: 114 (as of July 2025)

The newest entrant into this illustrious club, Ben Stokes has become the heartbeat of modern English cricket. Whether it’s dragging England to a miraculous win at Headingley in 2019 or delivering key wickets as a tireless enforcer, Stokes epitomises the spirit of the modern all-rounder.

A wonderful leader, he reached the 1000-run, 100-wicket milestone early in his career, but with his fifth five-wicket haul at Old Trafford against India, he elevated himself into rare air.

Stokes’ 13 centuries have come mostly in high-pressure situations, often counterattacking, often decisive.

His ability to rise in moments of adversity and inspire those around him has made him not just a stat-compiler, but a generational figure for English cricket.

Special Mentions

Several great cricketers came close to joining the elite quartet but fell just short of meeting the mark:

Steve Waugh (Australia)

• Centuries: 32
• Five-wicket hauls: 3
• Matches: 168

Primarily known as a gritty batsman and captain par excellence, Waugh began his career as an all-rounder but phased out bowling as he matured. Nevertheless, he took over 90 wickets and came within two five-fors of joining the list.

Carl Hooper (West Indies)

• Centuries: 13
• Five-wicket hauls: 4
• Matches: 102

A stylish batsman and crafty off-spinner, Hooper was an elegant contributor across formats. His calm temperament masked a competitive edge, and he came tantalisingly close to making the elite group.

Tony Greig (England)

• Centuries: 8
• Five-wicket hauls: 6
• Matches: 58

A strong and imposing figure, Greig’s numbers are impressive given his relatively short Test career. He cleared the five-wicket hurdle but just fell short on centuries.

As a combative cricketer and colourful personality, he remains one of England’s most intriguing all-rounders.

South African-born and quite possibly best remembered as an ‘Australian’ given his long career as a commentator, Greig played his international cricket for England.

Read next: Ben Stokes blocked from IPL 2026 as shock rule preventing his return to India revealed

The post Meet the elite: Four Test all-rounders who boast 10-plus centuries and five five-wicket hauls appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/zrOL8Ud

Joe Root’s stunning 38 Test century journey: Dominance at home but gaps abroad

Joe Root climbed to second on the all-time Test run scorers list, passing Ricky Ponting with his 38th century coming against India in the 4th Test.

England’s greatest Test batter now has the all-time record holder, Sachin Tendulkar, to pass as he continues to shine and prove he’s one of, if not the greatest, Test run-scorers in history.

Root has been prolific at number four for his country, averaging over 50 home and away and scoring match-winning hundreds at will.

But even Root’s greatness has struggled in some countries, with his record having some interesting patches of dominance and areas in which he’s, for his high standards, struggled.

Cricket365 breaks down the trends and excellence in Joe Root’s 38 Test hundreds for England.

1. Joe Root at home – 22 Test centuries

Against and century number (total):

• New Zealand: 1, 2, 26, 27 (4)
• Australia: 2, 7, 8, 30 (4)
• Sri Lanka: 3, 33 (2)
• India: 4, 5, 14, 21, 22, 23, 28, 37, 38 (9)
• Pakistan: 10 (1)
• West Indies: 13, 32 (2)

Joe Root has scored an impressive 22 Test centuries at home, establishing a clear dominance over India when they tour England.

He averages 59.07 against India at home and away and has cashed in when they visit English cricket grounds.

Root’s back-to-back centuries against India during the 2021 series, including a stunning unbeaten 180 at Lord’s, were memorable.

He has enjoyed regular success when Australia and New Zealand make the long journey over and has four Test centuries at home against both nations.

Surprisingly, South Africa is the only major touring nation on which he’s never scored a century on home soil despite multiple opportunities.

His dominance at favourite home venues such as Lord’s and Trent Bridge has been significant.

2. Joe Root away from home – 16 Test centuries

Against and century number:

• West Indies: 6, 16, 24, 25 (4)
• South Africa: 9 (1)
• India: 11, 20, 31 (3)
• Sri Lanka: 15, 18, 19 (3)
• New Zealand: 17, 29, 36 (3)
• Pakistan: 35 (1)

In all of Root’s greatness, he will always receive criticism for being unable to convert a Test hundred to date in an Ashes Test in Australia.

He’s made plenty of starts but never managed to convert a century Down Under, perhaps the only blemish left in his spectacular Test career to address.

On the contrary, Root has been prolific in sub-continent conditions, thriving in tours of India and Sri Lanka with three centuries while visiting each nation.

Two double centuries and a century at Galle and Chennai in 2021 capped off a tremendous year statistically for Root, both home and away for England.

He recently scored a maiden century in Pakistan with his mammoth knock of 262 on a spinning Multan track in 2024 a memorable one.

His adaptability to different conditions has given England the luxury to have a shoo-in at number four home and away for over a decade.

But the big question remains, will that Test century in Australia come in the 2024/25 Ashes – or will it elude him?

3. Countries where Joe Root has toured and never scored a Test century

• Australia: No Test centuries in 14 Tests
• Bangladesh: No Test centuries in two tests

He has never toured Ireland, Zimbabwe or Afghanistan.

4. Joe Root’s 38 Test centuries full list

1. 104 vs New Zealand – Headingley, Leeds – 24 May 2013

2. 180* vs Australia – Lord’s, London – 18 July 2013

3. 200* vs Sri Lanka – Lord’s, London – 12 June 2014

4. 154* vs India – Trent Bridge, Nottingham – 9 July 2014

5. 149* vs India – The Oval, London – 15 August 2014

6. 182* vs West Indies – National Cricket Stadium, St. George’s – 21 April 2015

7. 134 vs Australia – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff – 8 July 2015

8. 130 vs Australia – Trent Bridge, Nottingham – 6 August 2015

9. 110 vs South Africa – Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg – 14 January 2016

10. 254 vs Pakistan – Old Trafford, Manchester – 22 July 2016

11. 124 vs India – Rajkot – 9 November 2016

12. 190 vs South Africa – Lord’s, London – 6 July 2017

13. 136 vs West Indies – Edgbaston, Birmingham – 17 August 2017

14. 125 vs India – The Oval, London – 7 September 2018

15. 124 vs Sri Lanka – Pallekele – 14 November 2018

16. 122 vs West Indies – Gros Islet – 9 February 2019

17. 226 vs New Zealand – Seddon Park, Hamilton – 29 November 2019

18. 228 vs Sri Lanka – Galle – 14 January 2021

19. 186 vs Sri Lanka – Galle – 22 January 2021

20. 218 vs India – Chennai – 5 February 2021

21. 109 vs India – Trent Bridge, Nottingham – 4 August 2021

22. 180* vs India – Lord’s, London – 12 August 2021

23. 121 vs India – Headingley, Leeds – 25 August 2021

24. 109 vs West Indies – North Sound – 8 March 2022

25. 153 vs West Indies – Bridgetown – 16 March 2022

26. 115* vs New Zealand – Lord’s, London – 2 June 2022

27. 176 vs New Zealand – Trent Bridge, Nottingham – 10 June 2022

28. 142* vs India – Edgbaston, Birmingham – 1 July 2022

29. 153* vs New Zealand – Basin Reserve, Wellington – 24 February 2023

30. 118* vs Australia – Edgbaston, Birmingham – 16 June 2023

31. 122* vs India – Ranchi – 23 February 2024

32. 122 vs West Indies – Trent Bridge, Nottingham – 18 July 2024

33. 143 vs Sri Lanka – Lord’s, London – 29 August 2024

34. 103 vs Sri Lanka – Lord’s, London – 31 August 2024

35. 262 vs Pakistan – Multan – 7 October 2024

36. 106 vs New Zealand – Basin Reserve, Wellington – 6 December 2024

37. 104 vs India – Lord’s, London – 10 July 2025

38. 150 vs India – Old Trafford, Manchester – 23 July 2025

READ MORE: Who has the most Test tons for England? Root, Cook and Boycott all ranked

The post Joe Root’s stunning 38 Test century journey: Dominance at home but gaps abroad appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/bQmZuBj

Churlish and exhausted, England let India turn this series on its head

Churlish and exhausted, England let India turn this series on its head

from Cricket https://ift.tt/Rx9HXdC

The Oval’s greatest Test records – a triple century, collapses and unbreakable feats

The Oval in Vauxhall, London, has been home to several historic Test matches for England over the decades.

It’s one of the biggest grounds in the country with a rich history and some of the most incredible records that have stood the test of time.

The Oval’s sporting history includes playing host to the first Test match on English soil, a game in which WG Grace scored a century in England’s win against Australia in 1880.

Significantly, it was at The Oval that the legend of the Ashes was born, and the great Sir Donald Bradman played his final Test innings at the ground.

Apart from cricket, the venue was also host to the first official international football match, as well as the first rugby international in England in the early 1870s. Another notable fixture was the first ever FA Cup final in 1872.

The venue was the birthplace of the Ashes and has since played host to some dramatic proceedings. From the 1968 Ashes Test when supporters pitched in to mop a sodden ground in time for Derek Underwood to bowl the Australians out to square the series, to Kevin Pietersen’s match-saving – and series-winning – 158 in 2005 against the same opposition, The Oval’s history is sprinkled with magical moments and memories.

It too was the scene of Inzamam-ul-Haq and company’s defiant walk-off in 2006 after umpire Darrell Hair’s accusations broke the proverbial camel’s back.

A spectacular new stand to complement the huge pavilion has made for a more pleasant viewing experience, and the famous old ground continues to be developed, with floodlights the latest new arrival in South London. The most well-known feature, of course, is the gasometers to the east of the ground.

• Established: 1845
• Capacity: 27,500
• Floodlights: Yes
• Ends: Pavilion End, Vauxhall End
• Home Team: Surrey
• Head Groundsman: Lee Fortis

1. Who has the most Test runs at the The Oval?

• Len Hutton (England) – 1521 Test runs

Hutton dominated The Oval in an era where batting was tough and often perilous.

Despite the passing of time, Hutton’s dominance at the venue makes him an all-time great who set the standard for English Test cricket in the decades to come.

2. Who has the most Test wickets at the The Oval?

• Ian Botham (England) – 52 Test wickets

Botham was one of England’s greats with both the bat and the ball, with his ability to swing the ball bowl aggressively, making him a ruthless all-rounder.

He thrived in London, taking 52 Test wickets at the venue during the 1980s.

3. What is the highest Test team total at the The Oval?

• England (1938) – 903/7 declared

The historic total was built upon a stunning triple century from Len Hutton and remains one of Test cricket’s most towering totals.

It was a huge moment for England against Australia, having lost the previous Ashes series 4-0 down under.

4. What is the lowest Test team total at the The Oval?

• Australia (1896) – 44 all out

The lowest Test score at the venue has stood the test of time as Australia collapsed over a century ago in an Ashes Test match.

England’s bowlers dismantled the Aussies in an effort that has long been etched in cricketing history.

5. Who has the highest individual Test score at the The Oval?

• Len Hutton (1938) – 364 runs

It’s that man again, Len Hutton, who made a mesmerising innings of 364 runs, lasting over 13 hours and lifting the nation at The Oval.

At just 22 years old, he broke the record and wowed with his stamina, concentration and mental fortitude.

6. Who has the best Test bowling figures at the The Oval?

• Devon Malcolm (1994) – 9/57

Malcolm demonstrated the pace and venom that helped him claim 128 Test wickets for England throughout the 1990s.

He dismantled the South African batting lineup and took nine of the ten wickets for his country at the venue.

READ MORE: Revealed: How many more Test runs Joe Root now needs to beat Sachin Tendulkar

The post The Oval’s greatest Test records – a triple century, collapses and unbreakable feats appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/JvKgQ7I

England’s attack toothless without Stokes as Rahul and Gill lead India revival

England’s attack toothless without Stokes as Rahul and Gill lead India revival

from Cricket https://ift.tt/Pog1BMJ

Ben Stokes blocked from IPL 2026 as shock rule preventing his return to India revealed

A new Indian Premier League rule change means Ben Stokes is now ineligible to play in IPL 2026.

The England all-rounder is seemingly back to his best in the Test series after numerous injury setbacks in recent months.

A blistering 141 against India at Old Trafford was his first Test century in two years and followed a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

He joined an exclusive club of players to have scored a hundred and taken five wickets in a Test match, highlighting his versatility and form.

While Stokes continues to amaze with his enduring performances on the Test stage, many are wondering why the destructive multi-format star will not feature in IPL 2026.

Stokes absent in the Mega Auction – but why does that matter?

Changes to IPL regulations mean foreign players are required to enter the initial mega auction cycle in order to be eligible for future mini auctions.

If the player elects to skip the mega auction without an approved injury or medical reason, they now forfeit their right to register in the next cycle’s mini auction.

And there’s method behind the world-leading franchise league’s change in regulation.

In years gone by, many overseas stars exploited a loophole to skip the larger auction in an attempt to land a more lucrative deal in the more limited mini auctions.

The mini auctions involve IPL franchises with large purses who compete for a smaller pool of talent – team needs and limited options tend to increase bidding to chase a marquee name.

The IPL now requires all players to commit to the full auction cycle and with Stokes absent from the recent mega auction, he will no longer stand a chance of being picked up in 2026.

A huge loss

The 34-year-old has been no stranger to the IPL with stints for the Chennai Super kings in 2023, Rajasthan royals from 2018 to 2021 and Rising Pune Supergiant where he was player of the tournament in 2017.

Stokes is a match-winner and offers versatility while being incredibly marketable in T20 cricket, he would definitely have been picked up by a franchise with a lucrative contract if he entered the mega draft.

His absence in IPL 2026 will be a major blow for fans and franchises with the England Test captain one of the biggest stars in world cricket.

Having not featured in the world’s biggest T20 league since 2023, it suggests that red-ball cricket has Stokes’ full and undivided attention.

In his six IPL tournaments to date, Stokes has hit two centuries and amassed 935 runs.

He’s been equally effective with the ball and has 28 IPL wickets to his name with fiery bowling spells.

The move highlights the IPL’s everchanging rules as an attempt to reshape player availability and team strategy in building their options.

The IPL is a financial powerhouse that is increasing in global popularity year on year with the organisers closing any room for manipulation from prospective talent.

For now, all eyes will remain on Stokes’ return to form on the international stage – a potential IPL return, though not in 2026, would generate mass anticipation.

READ MORE: Revealed: How many more Test runs Joe Root now needs to beat Sachin Tendulkar

 

The post Ben Stokes blocked from IPL 2026 as shock rule preventing his return to India revealed appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/OIsuF6G

Most runs for England in Tests: Ben Stokes 13th to reach 7,000 – who are the other 12?

Who has scored the most runs in Test cricket for England?

Find out more about England’s highest run-scorers in Tests.

There are several notable names, including Ben Stokes.

1. Joe Root

• Runs: 13,409
• Span: 2012-2025
• Highest score: 262

2. Alastair Cook

• Runs: 12,472
• Span: 2006-2018
• Highest score: 294

3. Graham Gooch

• Runs: 8,900
• Span: 1975-1995
• Highest score: 333

4. Alec Stewart

• Runs: 8,463
• Span: 1990-2003
• Highest score: 190

5. David Gower

• Runs: 8,231
• Span: 1978-1992
• Highest score: 215

Also read – Revealed: How many more Test runs Joe Root needs to beat Sachin Tendulkar

6. Kevin Pietersen

• Runs: 8,181
• Span: 2005-2014
• Highest score: 227

7. Geoff Boycott

• Runs: 8,114
• Span: 1964-1982
• Highest score: 246 not out

8. Michael Atherton

• Runs: 7,728
• Span: 1989-2001
• Highest score: 185 not out

9. Ian Bell

• Runs: 7,727
• Span: 2004-2015
• Highest score: 235

10. Colin Cowdrey

• Runs: 7,624
• Span: 1954-1975
• Highest score: 182

11. Wally Hammond

• Runs: 7,249
• Span: 1927-1947
• Highest score: 336 not out

12. Andrew Strauss

• Runs: 7,037
• Span: 2004-2012
• Highest score: 177

13. Ben Stokes

• Runs: 7,032
• Span: 2013-2025
• Highest score: 258

Read next: England’s fastest-ever Test centuries: Bazball players attack, but not at No.1

The post Most runs for England in Tests: Ben Stokes 13th to reach 7,000 – who are the other 12? appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/fx6LKBu

100 and 5-for in same Test: Ben Stokes joins illustrious list

The mark of a good all-rounder is that they can hold their place in a team as either a batsman or a bowler – it’s a statement that makes a lot of sense.

But on their day and in the right circumstances, anybody can score some solid runs or bag a handful of wickets. So how do you really judge true all-round ability?

The coveted batting landmark is the century, while for bowlers it is five wickets in an innings. A top all-rounder should be able to do both in the same game.

It sounds sensible, but the reality is that in the almost 150-year history of Test cricket, it’s a feat that has only been achieved on 40 occasions, by only 28 players.

South Africa’s Corbin Bosch managed the feat in the recently completed first Test against Zimbabwe. But who else has done it, and more impressively, done it multiple times?

Here are the select few players who have scored a century and taken a five-wicket haul in an innings in the same Test on more than one occasion.

1. Garry Sobers (West Indies) – twice

1. 104 and 5/63 vs India, Kingston, April 1962
2. 174 and 5/41 vs England, Leeds, August 1966

Garry Sobers is often regarded as the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen. A classical left-handed batsman with immense range and a bowler who could switch between pace and spin, Sobers’ all-round brilliance came to full expression twice.

His performance against India in 1962 was vintage Sobers – graceful with the bat, clinical with the ball. Four years later, his domination of England at Headingley confirmed that when Sobers was in the mood, he could control all aspects of the game.

2. Mushtaq Mohammad (Pakistan) – twice

1. 201 and 5/49 vs New Zealand, Dunedin, February 1973
2. 121 and 5/28 vs West Indies, Port of Spain, April 1977

Mushtaq Mohammad’s name may not be as widely recognised outside Pakistan, but his all-round skills were exemplary. In Dunedin, he became the first Pakistani to make a double century and take five wickets in a single match.

His second instance, four years later against a strong West Indies side, underlined his match-winning capabilities. A stylish middle-order batsman and shrewd leg-spinner, Mushtaq’s contribution to Pakistan cricket was immense.

Interestingly, while most people on this list completed the achievement at home, Mushtaq Mohammad achieved the feat twice away from home.

Also read: Revealed – how many more Test runs Joe Root needs to beat Sachin Tendulkar

3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – twice

1. 110 and 5/90 vs West Indies, Cape Town, January 1999
2. 139 not out and 5/21 vs Bangladesh, Potchefstroom, October 2002

Perhaps the most statistically dominant all-rounder since Sobers, Jacques Kallis was primarily seen as a batting giant. But when needed, he delivered with the ball.

His five-for against the West Indies came during the early years of his career and helped announce him as a true all-format cricketer.

His unbeaten 139 and 5/21 against Bangladesh might have come against weaker opposition, but the balance and poise with which he delivered both innings reaffirmed his status as one of the greats.

4. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – twice

1. 144 and 6/82 vs Pakistan, Mirpur, December 2011
2. 137 and 5/80, 5/44 vs Zimbabwe, Khulna, November 2014

The best cricketer Bangladesh has ever produced, Shakib Al Hasan’s influence was colossal. In 2011 against Pakistan, his all-round display was the only beacon in an otherwise underwhelming Bangladesh side.

His performance in Khulna three years later, where he claimed two five-wicket hauls alongside a century, is one of the most dominant all-round showings in Test history.

No matter the opposition, Shakib’s ability to control matches on his own terms, places him in rare company. It is no surprise that he spent a considerable period of time atop the ICC’s all-rounder rankings.

5. Ravindra Jadeja (India) – twice

1. 175 not out and 5/41 vs Sri Lanka, Mohali, March 2022
2. 112 and 5/41 vs England, Rajkot, February 2024

India’s Ravindra Jadeja is a modern-day marvel. Long seen as a handy spinning all-rounder, Jadeja turned himself into a world-class contributor with both bat and ball.

In Mohali, he rescued India from early trouble to post a huge score and then dismantled Sri Lanka with the ball. Two years later, against England in the 2024 series, he did it again, showing off his improved batting maturity alongside relentless accuracy and guile with the ball.

His fielding prowess only added to the overall package.

6. Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 4 times

1. 103 and 5/156 vs West Indies, Wankhede, November 2011
2. 113 and 7/83 vs West Indies, North Sound, July 2016
3. 106 and 5/43 vs England, Chennai, February 2021
4. 113 and 6/88 vs Bangladesh, Chennai, September 2024

Ashwin stands alone as the only man to achieve this remarkable feat four times in Test history. Known primarily as a bowling wizard with 500+ Test wickets, his batting, especially at home, evolved to the extent that it could be match-defining.

His debut series in 2011 was memorable, but the 2021 and 2024 efforts came during phases when he was redefining himself as a batting force as well.

Versatile, intelligent, and fearless, Ashwin’s ability to adapt makes him a truly elite all-rounder. His retirement at the start of the year has been keenly felt.

7. Ian Botham (England) – 5 times

1. 103 and 5/73 vs New Zealand, Christchurch, February 1978
2. 108 and 8/34 vs Pakistan, London, June 1978
3. 114 and 6/58, 7/48 vs India, Mumbai, February 1980
4. 149 not out and 6/95 vs Australia, Leeds, July 1981
5. 138 and 5/59 vs New Zealand, Wellington, January 1984

The king of the all-round double, Ian Botham achieved it more than anyone else, an incredible five times in the space of just six years. The statistics are eye-watering.

In one Test, he scored a century and took 13 wickets. In another, he single-handedly turned the Ashes in 1981 with a whirlwind century and match-winning bowling. Botham’s peak from the late 1970s through the mid-1980s was one of relentless match-winning brilliance.

Brash, charismatic and fearless, he is arguably the ultimate example of a Test match all-rounder for England.

8. Ben Stokes (England) – once

1. 141 and 5/72 vs India, Manchester, July 2025

Here’s an honourable mention for Ben Stokes, who hasn’t yet achieved the feat twice, but might in the future. He scored a century and took an innings five-for in the same Test for the first time in 2025. It was against India at Old Trafford.

Battling cramp and other niggles, he put in superb performances with the ball and bat – and became the 13th England star to pass 7,000 Test runs in the process.

Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?

The post 100 and 5-for in same Test: Ben Stokes joins illustrious list appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/KkRAna0

Most Test wickets for India vs England: Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja surge up list

India and England have played each other in 136 Tests since they first squared up against each other in 1932. Over the years many of the greatest bowlers of all time have featured in clashes between these two cricket powers.

Indeed, four of the top eight Test wicket takers of all time were either English or Indian. Now, as we prepare for a five Test series in the England summer, let’s take a moment to see which Indian bowlers have had the greatest success against England.

Here’s the top eight, featuring all the Indian bowlers with 60 or more wickets against England.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin

• 114 wickets for India vs England in Tests

Ravichandran Ashwin stands atop this list, and rightly so. The premier off-spinner of his generation, Ashwin has taken more wickets against England than any other Indian bowler in Test history.

He’s been effective in both India and England — though more dominant at home – thanks to his ability to adapt. Ashwin, who has now retired, added tricks to his armoury over the years: the carrom ball, the slider, the floater — and he used them all with great success against England’s right-handed-heavy line-ups.

In 2021, he was instrumental in India’s home series win, taking 32 wickets in four Tests. His battles with England almost defined his legacy and with 44 more wickets than the highest ranked active player on this list, it may be a while before his record is broken.

2. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar

• 95 wickets for India vs England in Tests

Arguably the most unorthodox bowler India has ever produced, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar was a leg-spinning enigma. Polio-affected and awkward in action, he turned his physical challenges into a weapon, delivering leg-spin with unpredictable bounce and trajectory.

England, in particular, struggled against him. His most iconic performance came at The Oval in 1971, when his 6 for 38 helped India win their first ever Test on English soil. He was part of India’s golden age of spin and constantly delivered against the English – home or away.

3. Anil Kumble

• 92 wickets for India vs England in Tests

Anil Kumble was not a traditional spinner in the mould of Bedi or Ashwin, but his flat trajectory, relentless accuracy, and subtle variation made him one of India’s most dangerous bowlers across all conditions.

Against England, he was no different — often their undoing during home series, particularly in the early 2000s. He took wickets even when surfaces didn’t offer much assistance, relying on bounce, zip, and his unerring control.

Kumble’s best effort came at The Oval in 2007, when he took 7 for 63, becoming only the second Indian bowler to take a five-for at that venue.

4. Bishan Singh Bedi

• 85 wickets for India vs England in Tests

A bowler of supreme artistry, Bishan Bedi brought elegance and flight to the craft of left-arm orthodox spin. Against England, he was particularly effective — able to tease and torment batsmen with subtle changes in pace and angle.

Bedi’s battles in the 1967, 1972 and 1976 series are still remembered fondly, especially his efforts in Indian conditions where he extracted wicked turn and bounce. His economy was exceptional, and he was known for wearing batsmen down over long spells.

Alongside Chandrasekhar and Prasanna, he was part of India’s famed spin quartet that found great success against England.

Also read: Is there space for Stuart Broad and James Anderson – or just one – in England’s best Test XI since 1985?

5. Kapil Dev

• 85 wickets for India vs England in Tests

India’s first great fast bowler, Kapil Dev led the Indian attack throughout the 1980s and became a beacon of inspiration for future generations of pacers.

His record against England might not boast the lowest average, but it’s hard to argue with the volume of wickets. He often bowled in batsman-friendly conditions yet managed to consistently trouble English line-ups with his swing, accuracy, and stamina.

Kapil had a knack for getting breakthroughs when India most needed them, and he formed a memorable part of several India v England battles both home and away.

6. Jasprit Bumrah

• 75 wickets for India vs England in Tests

Still very much active and at the peak of his powers, Jasprit Bumrah’s rise as one of the most feared pacemen in world cricket has been marked by his consistent dominance against England.

Bumrah’s record against them is exceptional — not just in terms of wickets, but in sheer economy and penetration. His ability to extract movement even on flat decks, combined with an awkward action and pinpoint accuracy, has made him a nightmare for English batsmen.

From the 2021 tour of England to his sharp spells in India, Bumrah has left a lasting impression – one that will likely grow even further in the upcoming series.

7. Ravindra Jadeja

• 75 wickets for India vs England in Tests

A master of control and consistency, Ravi Jadeja has grown from being a useful support spinner to a genuine match-winner in the longest format. Against England, his record speaks to that evolution.

His accuracy and subtle variations, combined with his athleticism and all-round capabilities, have made him invaluable in home and away series alike.

At home, he’s been near-unplayable on crumbling pitches, while abroad he’s used bounce and tight lines to frustrate English batsmen into mistakes. With more cricket ahead of him, Jadeja will be hoping to climb higher on this list.

8. Ishant Sharma

• 67 wickets for India vs England in Tests

Ishant Sharma’s career has seen many highs and lows, but his record against England is a testament to his durability and ability to deliver when it matters most. He’s bowled long spells in unhelpful conditions, often acting as the workhorse for India overseas.

His most memorable performance came at Lord’s in 2014, where his fiery 7-wicket haul bowled India to a historic win. That spell was classic Ishant: hostile, bouncy, and relentless.

His longevity in the side ensured he played many Tests against England, and his knack of getting key wickets gave him a valuable place in this list.

Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?

The post Most Test wickets for India vs England: Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja surge up list appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/PVHL2Ki

‘Little boy’ Root magisterial as the Bazballers grow up

‘Little boy’ Root magisterial as the Bazballers grow up

from Cricket https://ift.tt/HafkNtq

Most wickets in career in T20Is – genuinely surprising name at No. 3

Who are the bowlers with the most wickets in T20 Internationals?

We list the top seven bowlers below.

There are some surprising names.

1. Tim Southee

• 164 T20I wickets
• New Zealand, 2008 to 2024

Southee had a fruitful 16-year-long T20I career. The right-arm swing bowler was often New Zealand’s third or fourth bowler in the shorter format, and he delivered in spades. Southee bagged 164 wickets in 123 innings at an average of 22.38.

The seamer took two four-wicket hauls and as many five-wicket hauls.

He delivered his best performance against Pakistan in December 2010.

Southee stumped Pakistan’s attempt to build a sizable total by ripping through their middle order in three balls, dismissing Younis Khan, Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Akmal in the eighth over.

He also accounted for Ahmed Shehzad and Abdul Razzaq on his way to 5/18.

He bagged his second five-wicket haul against the UAE in August 2023.

2. Rashid Khan

• 161 T20I wickets
• Afghanistan, 2015 to present

No bowler has had as huge an impact on T20 cricket as Rashid Khan; the Afghanistan spinner was made for the format. The leg spinner has numerous variations, but is most lethal with his googly and ties down batters with his stump-to-stump line.

Khan, who has two five-wicket hauls to his name, put his genius on display when he bagged five wickets for three runs in two overs as Afghanistan decimated Ireland in 2017. His two-over spell was so brilliant that it also included a hat-trick.

Khan has 161 wickets in 96 T20I cricket innings at an incredible average of 13.80 for an economy of 6.08. He strikes at a mindblowing 13.6.

Also read: The fastest to 7,000 Test runs – which Australian is in a league of his own?

3. Ish Sodhi

• 150 T20I wickets
• New Zealand, 2014 to present

Sodhi has been a fixture in the New Zealand T20 side since 2014 and has featured in the second-most T20Is for the island nation after Tim Southee. His 150 wickets came in 120 innings at an average of 23.06 at an economy of eight.

The leg-spinner is yet to bag a five-wicket haul and has come close three times. He bagged four-wicket hauls against Australia, Bangladesh, and Scotland. His best performance was a brilliant 4/28 against Australia in February 2021. He also racked up several three-wicket hauls.

4. Shakib Al Hasan

• 149 T20I wickets
• Bangladesh, 2006 to 2024

Shakib is both Bangladesh’s greatest player and their first global star. The all-rounder has the most runs and wickets for his country in T20Is. The left-arm spinner has 149 wickets in 126 innings. Fifty of those scalps came at T20 World Cups, which makes him the highest wicket-taker in the event’s history.

Much of Shakib’s success with the ball comes from his variations, consistency, and accuracy. He put all three on display in December 2018 when he bagged one of his two five-wicket hauls.

He took five wickets for 20 runs against a strong West Indies side. He bagged his second five-wicket haul five years later, against Ireland.

Shakib also has six four-wicket hauls to his name.

5. Mustafizur Rahman

• 138 T20I wickets
• Bangladesh, 2015 to present

If there is anyone who can overtake Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, it’s Mustafizur Rahman. The left-arm pacer is the country’s finest fast bowler in their short history in international cricket.

Mustafizur is one of the best exponents of cutters in the format, and he uses them to good effect, bamboozling batters at every turn. He did so at the 2016 T20 World Cup, on his way to a maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket. He finished the match with an outstanding 5/22.

However, his best performance was an unbelievable 6/10 against the USA in May 2024. He has taken 138 wickets in 109 innings at an average of 21.07 and an economy of 7.36.

6. Adil Rashid

• 135 T20I wickets
• England, 2009 to present

It’s not often that a bowler can walk away from a match with an economy of less than a run-a-ball. Adil Rashid is one of the few who have achieved it.

Eoin Morgan threw the ball to Rashid in the 10th over, and the spinner bagged a wicket with his first delivery. It was the start of an outstanding 2.2-over spell that yielded four wickets for two runs.

Rashid’s haul of 135 wickets came in 122 innings at an average of 24.45 at an economy of 7.41. The spinner is England’s most prolific wicket-taker in T20Is. The next best is Chris Jordan with 108 wickets, and no other England bowler has more than 100 scalps.

7. Wanindu Hasaranga

• 131 T20I wickets
• Sri Lanka, 2019 to present

Hasaranga celebrated his 24th birthday in style. He bagged four wickets for nine runs in four overs. The spinner unfurled that performance in July 2021 against India. Hasaranga has taken four wickets in a match three times; however, this was his best performance for Sri Lanka.

Hasaranga has established himself as Sri Lanka’s most prolific bowler in the format and is on track to plant a record that will be tough to beat.

He has 131 wickets in 77 innings at an average of 15.41 at an economy of 6.98. Lasith Malinga has the second-most wickets for Sri Lanka in the format with a haul of 107. No other bowler has more than 100 scalps.

Mark Adair (Ireland), Ehsan Khan (Hong Kong), and Mitch Santner (New Zealand) round up the list of bowlers with 120 or more wickets in the format with 128, 126, and 122 wickets apiece.

Read next: The fastest to 5,000 Test runs – who is India’s lone representative in this top 7?

The post Most wickets in career in T20Is – genuinely surprising name at No. 3 appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/H0zRcZL

England in driving seat after openers’ blistering reply to India’s 358

England in driving seat after openers’ blistering reply to India’s 358

from Cricket https://ift.tt/O0NfhBx

Revealed: India’s 7 most prolific six-hitters in Test cricket

Traditionally, sixes were not the domain of Test cricket; the purists frowned on them, and they were considered indulgences for lower-order batsmen who didn’t have the technique to play the ball along the ground through the covers.

But we are not living in the 1930s anymore; we are living in the era of ‘Bazball’ and at a time when white-ball cricket is exerting a strong influence over traditional Test fare.

As Test strike-rates increase and results become increasingly common, sixes are now a regular sight in the longest form of the game.

As India takes on England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, one player is just a couple of lusty blows away from claiming the record for the most sixes hit in Tests for India. So, who currently holds the record?

And who are the other biggest six-hitters for India in red-ball cricket? Here’s a look at the seven Indian batsmen with the most Test cricket sixes:

1. Virender Sehwag – 90 sixes in Tests for India

• Innings: 178
• Strike rate: 82.18

At the top of the list sits prolific opener Virender Sehwag, the original disruptor of Test batting norms for India.

Long before England’s ‘Bazball’ redefined aggressive red-ball cricket, Sehwag had already written the blueprint. Known for his fearlessness and devastating stroke play, he was just as happy taking on the new ball as he was dispatching spinners into the stands.

Sehwag’s 90 sixes came at a blistering strike rate of over 82, comfortably the highest among Indian top-order players. His willingness to take risks, even in the early overs, made him a game-changer.

That he also made two triple centuries, both at a rapid clip, underscores how much he trusted his aggressive instincts. It’s fitting that he tops this list.

2. Rishabh Pant – 88 sixes in Tests for India

• Innings: 81
• Strike rate: 74.19

Rishabh Pant is the most modern name on this list and the man currently closing in on Sehwag’s record. With 88 sixes from just 81 innings, he has a chance to become India’s most prolific six-hitter of all time before he turns 30.

Pant’s appeal lies in his audacity. Whether it’s dancing down the track to James Anderson at Lord’s in England or reverse-scooping Pat Cummins, the left-hander thrives on chaos.

While he has been accused of gifting his wicket injudiciously on occasion, his seat-of-the-pants approach, his excellent eye and his uncompromising bravery make him a treat to watch.

His strike rate of 74.19 is evidence of how he accelerates games, often swinging momentum with a single over of explosive hitting.

Also read: The fastest to 7,000 Test runs – which Australian is in a league of his own?

3. Rohit Sharma – 88 sixes in Tests for India

• Innings: 116
• Strike rate: 57.05

Sharing second place on teh list is former India captain Rohit Sharma, who has also cleared the ropes 88 times in Tests. While his white-ball reputation as a six-machine is well established, it took time for Rohit to settle into Test cricket.

But once he started opening the batting in 2019, his Test career transformed.

Rohit combined elegance with power, and while his strike rate in Tests is quite naturally lower than in T20s or ODIs, his ability to launch spinners over midwicket or go aerial through cover remained intact right up until his retirement from the red-ball game.

4. Mahendra Singh Dhoni – 78 sixes in Tests for India

• Innings: 144
• Strike Rate: 59.11

Arguably India’s most influential white-ball captain, MS Dhoni brought a similar no-nonsense approach to Test cricket. His 78 sixes often came at vital moments, either helping to turn draws into wins or with rebuilding innings from the middle-order.

Dhoni didn’t always dominate in away Tests, but when the conditions suited him, especially at home, he was a fearsome striker. His helicopter shots and trademark flicks weren’t just ODI features; Test bowlers too were on the receiving end.

His high strike rate reflects his aggressive mindset, even when captaining under pressure.

5. Ravindra Jadeja – 74 sixes in Tests for India

• Innings: 124
• Strike rate: 54.99

A more surprising inclusion is Ravindra Jadeja, who continues to evolve as a Test all-rounder. Once viewed as a bits-and-pieces player, Jadeja has become indispensable, offering control with the ball and increasingly destructive ability with the bat.

His 74 sixes reflect how confident he has become in his own batting. Whether launching spin over long-on or taking on pacers with the pull, Jadeja has become a genuine lower-middle order threat.

With some good years left in him yet, he could well move further up this list in the near future.

6. Sachin Tendulkar – 69 sixes in Tests for India

• Innings: 329
• Strike rate: 54.04

The Little Master wasn’t known primarily for clearing the boundary, but Sachin Tendulkar still hit 69 sixes during his iconic Test career. In over 300 innings, Tendulkar picked his moments.

His sixes often came from beautifully timed straight lofts or nonchalant flicks over deep square. What’s notable is that he played through multiple eras; from the dominance of seam in the 1990s to the spin-heavy 2000s – and adapted seamlessly regardless.

Though more famous for his drives and cuts, Tendulkar’s sixes were a reminder of his range and authority. Tendulkar was an outstanding batsman who makes this list less as a lusty-hitter and more simply due to his huge body of work.

With 329 Test innings to his credit, it was inevitable that there were going to be sufficient bad balls to punish as opposed to having to chance his arm.

7. Kapil Dev – 61 sixes in Tests for India

• Innings: 184
• Strike rate: 79.33

Completing the list is the great Kapil Dev, India’s first true all-rounder and a man who played Test cricket with flair and freedom. His strike rate of nearly 80 is a testament to how attacking he was in an era that rarely encouraged such aggression.

Known more as a bowler, Kapil was nevertheless a fearless batsman who played with instinct. His high-impact cameos regularly turned matches in India’s favour. In many ways, Kapil was a cricketer well ahead of his time.

Read next: The fastest to 5,000 Test runs – who is India’s lone representative in this top 7?

The post Revealed: India’s 7 most prolific six-hitters in Test cricket appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/uDPvfzK

Pant retires hurt after crushing blow on foot before bad light stops play

Pant retires hurt after crushing blow on foot before bad light stops play

from Cricket https://ift.tt/niIlXML

How to watch England vs India 4th test in the UK and India

England will host India at Old Trafford, Manchester, in the fourth test with a chance to win the entire series after three thrilling tests so far.

The hosts edged a tense test at Lord’s last time out to take a 2-1 series lead and a win in Manchester would make that lead unassailable.

The match will be shown on Sky Sports in the UK and Hotstar in India. See below for more information on how to watch and live stream the entire test, or catch highlights of each day.

Ben Stokes’ side have made just the one change, replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir with Liam Dawson. Fast bowler Jofra Archer’s long-awaited return turned the tie last time out with five wickets and he keeps his place in the side.

India will be without Nitish Kumar Reddy, while fast bowlers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh could also miss the test through injury.

Remarkably, the Manchester weather report suggests there should be plenty of play. Rain is not forecast until Saturday and there will be a mix of clear skies and cloud today for the opening day of the test.

You can watch the match through the following methods:

How to watch in England

The entire Old Trafford test will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket. You can get that as part of a Sky Sports subscription here. If you do not have a Sky subscription you can watch via a NowTV pass. A monthly pass will allow you to watch the entire test and means you do not have to sign up for a full 12- or 24-month contract.

Highlights will be shown on BBC at the end of each day.

How to watch in India

The match will be shown on Hotstar in India. It can be live streamed on devices or watched on TV when you sign up here.

For those with a Hotstar subscription who are outside India you will need a VPN to access it. A VPN allows you to set your location to India to ensure you are able to watch Geolocked streams. You can get a VPN here.

The post How to watch England vs India 4th test in the UK and India appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/mtRA0jV

Why is the Kookaburra ball causing draws and run-fests?

This week’s round of County Championship Division One and Two fixtures in England will again see the red Kookaburra ball in action, and likely, conversations.

The Kookaburra ball has again replaced the traditional Dukes ball in competition this week, with the ECB rolling out these changes as part of a long-term plan to improve the quality of cricket in England.

But throughout the 2025 season and beyond, the Kookaburra has drawn criticism for completely favouring the batters, leading to high-scoring games, all too frequent draws and taking away from the fair battle between bat and ball.

We take a look at the differences between the two red balls used in the County Championship and the effect they have had on results…

Kookaburra vs Dukes

Kookaburra ball:

• Machine stitched, meaning more consistency in each ball being the same as the next.
• A shallower, pronounced seam offers the bowlers less movement off the surface.
• The ball will swing early in the match but quickly lose its shape and hardness.
• After the first 20-30 overs, the ball will offer very little movement or variation to the bowler.
• Designed for hard, dry and abrasive cricket pitches.
• Typically used in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, etc, due to suiting their cricket pitches.

Dukes ball:

• Hand-stitched individually with exactly six rows of thread
• The pronounced seam is bigger and offers consistent swing and seam movement
• Maintains its shape and stays harder for longer, making it effective deeper into innings
• Built for green English pitches
• Typically used in England, Ireland and the West Indies

Why are Kookaburra balls in use?

The idea to use Kookaburra cricket balls in selected rounds of both divisions of the County Championship was introduced following an ECB High Performance Review in 2022, led by former England opening batter, Sir Andrew Strauss.

There were a series of aims from the initiative, with the main ambition being to better prepare English players for overseas Test conditions where they have struggled in the past.

Playing multi-day domestic red-ball cricket with a ball used in overseas conditions has been seen as a clear avenue to improve English talent rising to the senior ranks.

Strauss also stated in his review that the initiative would encourage the development of genuine pace and high-quality spin, with the players expected to adapt.

However, many bowlers have struggled to adapt to operating with a different ball on flat wickets and consequently, batters have been cashing in on easier opportunities to score.

What are the flaws of the initiative?

One hot topic debate over the continued use of the Kookaburra ball is that the intention is to improve England Test players through exposure to the ball.

However, several fixtures where the Kookaburra ball has been in use have coincided with England Test matches, meaning none of the senior squad have gained from the initiative.

In order for the spinners to be able to utilise the change of ball, they need the bowling conditions to work with.

The Kookaburra wall works best on hard, abrasive pitches, and not enough pitches have been prepared in a manner where spinners are in the game late in the match.

Are Dukes having problems too?

While the Kookaburra has undoubtedly allowed batters to dominate the County Championship in recent months and facilitated a record number of draws, Dukes balls have also been criticised of late.

The traditional Dukes ball that is being used in the England Test series against India has been going out of shape far too easily, with the ball being changed often and therefore, slowing down the game.

The fact that Dukes build their balls by hand allows them slight room for ‘human error’.

However, the criticism that both brands of ball have been receiving and the negative effect on cricket suggest something needs to change, and quickly.

READ MORE: 7 richest English cricketers in 2025: Who boasts a staggering £50m net worth?

The post Why is the Kookaburra ball causing draws and run-fests? appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/OPjZ1Gp