England Announce Home Fixtures for 2025, India Series to Highlight Season

England Announce Home Fixtures for 2025, India Series to Highlight Season

England’s 2025 home cricket season promises an exciting array of fixtures, with both the men’s and women’s teams hosting major series. The highlight will be the five-Test series against India, which will run concurrently with a five-match T20I series between the women’s teams.

The season kicks off on May 21 with England Women facing West Indies in the first of three T20Is. The men’s team will then take on Zimbabwe in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge from May 22-25. This will be the first Test meeting between the two sides since the 2007 World T20.

The white-ball series against West Indies will follow, with three ODIs and three T20Is scheduled. The men’s team will then host India for a five-Test series, starting at Headingley on June 20. The women’s team will also face India in a five-match T20I series, beginning at Trent Bridge on June 28.

The Hundred is likely to occupy much of August, but England Men will conclude their international program with six white-ball games against South Africa before traveling to Ireland for a three-match ODI series.

In 2026, Lord’s will host its first women’s Test when India return for a one-off game. This will be a historic occasion, marking a significant milestone in the growth of women’s cricket.

ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, saying, “Staging England Men’s and England Women’s series alongside each other has been popular with fans and supported the continued growth of the women’s game.”

He added, “India touring is always a big draw and a highlight of any cricket summer. I’m delighted we’ll also be welcoming both West Indies teams back again for white-ball series, following this year’s men’s Test series.”

Harry Singh, Son of Former Indian Cricketer, Makes History with England Debut

Harry Singh, Son of Former Indian Cricketer, Makes History with England Debut

Harry Singh, the son of former Indian cricketer RP Singh Senior, made history by serving as the 12th man for England in their first Test match against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford in Manchester. This marked a significant moment for the young cricketer, who has strong ties to Indian cricket.

RP Singh Senior, Harry’s father, played for India in two ODIs against Australia in 1986. As a left-arm fast bowler, he had a successful domestic career, representing India in 59 first-class matches, taking 150 wickets, and scoring 1413 runs. After retiring, he moved to England in the late 1990s and became a coach for Lancashire County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Harry Singh has inherited his father’s passion for cricket and has been making steady progress in his own career. In July 2023, he made his List A debut for Lancashire in the One-Day Cup. In seven matches, he scored 87 runs and claimed two wickets with his off-breaks.

Singh’s talent was recognized in 2022 when he was selected to represent England’s U19 team for their home series against Sri Lanka. His performance in the series caught the attention of the England selectors, who invited him to join the senior team as the 12th man for the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Harry Singh’s journey to the England Test team is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has followed in his father’s footsteps and is now making a name for himself in international cricket. As he continues to develop, he has the potential to become a valuable asset to the England team.

Hayden Opposes Smith as Test Opener, Emphasizes Importance of Top Three

Hayden Opposes Smith as Test Opener, Emphasizes Importance of Top Three

Former Australian opening batter Matthew Hayden has expressed his disapproval of the idea of Steven Smith opening the batting in Tests. Hayden believes that Smith should continue to bat in the middle order, where he has been most successful.

Hayden, who was Australia’s most prolific Test opener before David Warner surpassed him in 2023, emphasized the importance of protecting the top three batting positions in Test cricket. He argued that opening the batting is a specialized role that requires different skills and experience than batting in the middle order.

Smith’s brief stint as an opener earlier this year yielded disappointing results. In eight innings, he was dismissed for 12 or less on five occasions and averaged only 28.50. In contrast, he averages 67.07 at No. 3 and 61.50 at No. 4.

Hayden believes that moving Smith to the opening slot would be a mistake. He pointed out that Smith is one of the world’s best batters in his current position and that changing his role would send the wrong message to the first-class system.

If Australia decides to move Smith back down the order, they will need to find a new opening partner for Usman Khawaja. Hayden acknowledged that Warner’s departure has left a void in the opening slot, but he expressed confidence that Australia has talented players in the pipeline who can fill the role.

Smith himself has stated that he is open to batting anywhere for the team. However, both captain Pat Cummins and national selector George Bailey have indicated that Australia is likely to stick with the same top six for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.

India A Spinners Dominate Australia A on Day One

India A Spinners Dominate Australia A on Day One

India A’s spinners, Minnu Mani and Priya Mishra, put on a dominant performance on the opening day of the four-day match against Australia A in Gold Coast, sharing nine wickets to restrict the hosts to 212.

Australia A, opting to bat first, made a promising start with openers Emma de Broughe and Georgia Voll. However, Mishra’s introduction in the 13th over proved pivotal as she dismissed de Broughe with a wrong’un. Mani then joined the party, trapping Australia A captain Charlie Knott in front.

Voll played a fluent innings, scoring 71 off 95 balls, but was eventually caught behind off Mannat Kashyap. Mishra and Mani continued to bowl with discipline, picking up regular wickets on a surface that was not as spin-friendly as expected.

Kate Peterson and Grace Parsons showed patience and used the crease well against the spinners, adding 60 runs for the ninth wicket. However, Mani broke the stand by trapping Parsons lbw, while Mishra’s wrong’un accounted for Peterson.

In reply, India A lost Priya Punia early to a short ball from Maitlan Brown. Shubha looked at ease against the fast bowlers but was trapped lbw by Peterson. Shweta Sehrawat and Tejal Hasabnis then steadied the innings, adding an unbroken 53-run stand for the third wicket.

Sehrawat, who finished the day unbeaten on 40, looked increasingly comfortable as the innings progressed. Hasabnis, with 31 not out, provided solid support. India A ended the day on 100 for 2, trailing Australia A by 112 runs.

BCB President Faruque Ahmed Reiterates Call for Hathurusinghe's Removal

BCB President Faruque Ahmed Reiterates Call for Hathurusinghe’s Removal

Faruque Ahmed, the newly appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, has reiterated his stance that Chandika Hathurusinghe should no longer continue as the head coach of the Bangladesh national cricket team. Ahmed had previously expressed this view before taking up the BCB job.

“I have not moved from my previous stance,” Ahmed said. “I have to see some stuff officially, but I have to speak to my colleagues over the next two or three days and see if we can find someone better than him.”

Ahmed had resigned as the chief selector in 2016 after then-BCB president Nazmul Hassan put in place a two-tier selection panel, reportedly at Hathurusinghe’s request. Hathurusinghe’s current contract as the head coach runs till the end of February 2025.

Ahmed questioned Hathurusinghe’s credibility and background, stating that there was no reason for him to stay as Bangladesh’s coach. He believes that Hathurusinghe’s presence is causing greater damage to the team.

When Hathurusinghe was brought back for a second stint in 2023, Ahmed was one of those who had questioned his return. Despite the BCB showing confidence in Hathurusinghe, Bangladesh’s performance has not improved.

Within a few months of Hathurusinghe’s appointment, there was instability in the dressing room, with Tamim Iqbal retiring and Shakib Al Hasan lashing out at Tamim in the media. Allan Donald soon left his role as fast-bowling coach. Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup performance was also sub-par, with many questioning Hathurusinghe’s decision-making.

Ahmed believes that it was a blunder to bring back Hathurusinghe for a second stint. He feels that Hathurusinghe had left Bangladesh in trouble when he left the job in 2017 and that Bangladesh was merely a stepping stone for him.

Ahmed also expressed his desire to understand if Shakib Al Hasan is willing to play in Bangladesh this year. Shakib was an Awami League member of parliament until the government fell on August 5.

Ahmed is hopeful of Tamim Iqbal’s return to international cricket. He believes that Tamim can still play for two or three more years and that he has leadership qualities.

Wasim Akram and Shaniera Celebrate 11th Anniversary with Social Media Humor and Heartfelt Messages

Wasim Akram and Shaniera Celebrate 11th Anniversary with Social Media Humor and Heartfelt Messages

Wasim Akram and Shaniera Celebrate 11th Wedding Anniversary with Social Media Creativity

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram and his wife Shaniera marked their 11th wedding anniversary on August 19th with a touch of humor and heartfelt messages on social media.

Shaniera took to the social media platform ‘X’ to wish her husband in a unique way. She showcased her photoshopping skills by portraying Akram with a bald head and a thick beard. “11 years on, you look as good as the day I met you,” she captioned the humorous image.

Shaniera, an Australian-born social worker in Pakistan, is Akram’s second wife. His first wife, Huma, passed away in 2009.

In a heartwarming message, Shaniera expressed her gratitude for Akram’s presence in her life. “Thank you for everything you are and everything you give to my life, you are my world and 11 years on you look as good as the day I met you, you haven’t changed a bit!” she wrote.

Akram, who has 916 international wickets across formats, responded with a heartfelt letter to his wife. “Happy anniversary to the love of my life. With you in my life, I became a better person. You are that gift that keeps on giving, not just to me but to everyone around you. Your positive energy is so infectious it lifts everyone around you and shines wherever you go,” he wrote.

Shaniera later tweeted a more recent photo of Akram, saying, “Ok ok I’ll be nice, here is a more current pic haha! I love you more every day. No matter what look you go for, as long as that smile stays the same. Happy 11 years to us!”

Akram and Shaniera met in Melbourne in 2011 and married in 2013. They have one child together, born in 2014.

Rahul Dravid Hints at Bollywood Debut in Biopic

Rahul Dravid Hints at Bollywood Debut in Biopic

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer and former head coach, has hinted at a possible Bollywood debut during an awards function. With his characteristic wit, Dravid suggested that he might play himself in his biopic if the financial compensation is attractive.

During a Q&A session following India’s long-awaited ICC T20 World Cup victory over South Africa, Dravid was asked who would portray him in a biopic. With a broad smile, he replied, “If the money is good enough, I will play the role.”

Dravid’s humorous response has sparked interest in the possibility of seeing him on the silver screen. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic brilliance, Dravid recounted the team’s journey to T20 World Cup success. He attributed their unbeaten run to consistent preparation and strategy.

“Honestly, I did not want to do anything different,” Dravid said. “We ran a fantastic campaign in the one-day World Cup. The common consensus among the team was that we needed to create the same energy, vibe, and team atmosphere that we had before, and then just hope for a bit of luck.”

Dravid also shared his unique experience of participating in a World Cup campaign in India as a coach rather than a player. He highlighted the enthusiasm of fans across the country:

“To travel all over this country and to experience the joy and passion of the fans was phenomenal. It was incredible to see what this game means to the people of this country.”

Dravid’s witty comment about his potential Bollywood debut has added to his charm and sparked interest in the idea of seeing him on the silver screen.

Shakeel and Rizwan Complete Rare All-Run Four in Pakistan's Dominant Partnership

Shakeel and Rizwan Complete Rare All-Run Four in Pakistan’s Dominant Partnership

In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan etched their names in the annals of Test cricket by completing an all-run four during the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. This rare feat, a testament to their exceptional agility and understanding, highlighted a dominant partnership that propelled Pakistan to a commanding position.

The incident unfolded in the 49th over of Pakistan’s innings. Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana unleashed a fiery delivery at 147.6 km/h, which Shakeel drove straight towards mid-off. Fielder Shoriful Islam managed to slow down the ball, but it still threatened to reach the boundary. However, it fell short, giving the batsmen ample time to complete four runs without the ball crossing the fence.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto gave chase from mid-on, but Shakeel and Rizwan had already seized the opportunity to run all four. This rare all-run four showcased the sharp running between the wickets and the clear communication between the two batters.

Shakeel, who remained unbeaten on 86 from 169 balls, and Rizwan, not out on 89 from 129 deliveries, played pivotal roles in resurrecting Pakistan’s innings after a shaky start. The hosts had been in trouble on the first day, losing three wickets for just 16 runs. However, a solid 98-run stand between Shakeel and Saim Ayub (56 off 98) for the fourth wicket laid the foundation for Pakistan’s fightback.

Their ongoing partnership for the fifth wicket has now surpassed 100 runs, putting Pakistan in a strong position as they look to build a substantial lead against Bangladesh. The all-run four, a rare and exhilarating moment, further cemented the dominance of Shakeel and Rizwan, who have emerged as key figures in Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Team India's Champions Trophy Preparations Hit by Limited ODI Schedule

Team India’s Champions Trophy Preparations Hit by Limited ODI Schedule

The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy looms large on the horizon, but Team India’s limited-over schedule before the tournament raises concerns. With only three ODIs remaining, the recent series defeat against Sri Lanka has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations.

Former India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has weighed in on the team’s composition, particularly the opening department. Karthik believes Shubman Gill is the ideal partner for skipper Rohit Sharma, while Yashasvi Jaiswal should serve as the backup opener.

“Rohit and Shubman are a very good combination,” Karthik said. “Jaiswal has a great opportunity to be the backup opener and will get his chance if Shubman doesn’t perform as expected.”

Karthik expressed confidence that Gill and Rohit will open the batting for India in the Champions Trophy. However, the tournament’s location remains uncertain, with Pakistan scheduled to host but the BCCI reportedly seeking alternative venues.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the event in Pakistan, submitting a draft schedule to the ICC. However, the BCCI has reportedly expressed concerns about the security situation in Pakistan and is exploring the possibility of moving the matches to the UAE or another country.

“The PCB is fully committed to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at three of Pakistan’s iconic venues,” the PCB said in a statement.

The uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s location adds another layer of complexity to Team India’s preparations. With limited opportunities to fine-tune their game before the Champions Trophy, the team will need to make the most of their remaining matches to ensure they are ready for the challenge.

Tim Southee Hails Jasprit Bumrah as World's Best All-Format Bowler

Tim Southee Hails Jasprit Bumrah as World’s Best All-Format Bowler

Tim Southee, the New Zealand Test captain, has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the world’s best all-format bowler, echoing the sentiments of Australian legend Ricky Ponting. Bumrah’s remarkable return from an 11-month injury layoff has seen him excel in all three formats, earning him the Player of the Tournament award at the T20 World Cup.

Southee praised Bumrah’s ability to juggle multiple formats with ease, saying, “He’s probably more experienced, understands his game a bit more… I think we’ve just seen a great version of Jasprit Bumrah across all three formats.”

Southee also acknowledged the challenges of playing in subcontinental conditions, where spin plays a significant role. He indicated that he may not play every Test match in India and Sri Lanka, but emphasized his desire to feature in as many as possible.

“I love Test cricket, but I understand there is a balance to the side… We have got nine Test matches in the next few months so there is a lot of Test cricket. So it is all about managing workloads,” Southee said.

Regarding the impact of T20 leagues on player availability for international cricket, Southee expressed uncertainty. He noted that New Zealand Cricket’s decision to allow Devon Conway and Finn Allen to decline central contracts while remaining available for most Test matches was a step in the right direction.

“It would be nice to see the international and the leagues working together in some way because especially Test cricket, I think a lot of players, it’s still the pinnacle of the format,” Southee said.

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