Former England top-order batter Wayne Larkins passed away at the age of 71 following a short illness. Larkins, famously called "Ned" originally hailed from Northamptonshire. He made 13 appearances and 25 appearances for England in Test and ODI cricket, respectively. Besides, he also featured in the 1979 World Cup Final, where he came in to bat at number 7 and bowled two overs. This was only his second appearance for England.

But the most defining moment of his career came when Larkins hit the winning runs to give England a surprising 1-0 lead during the 1989-90 tour of the West Indies. However, just as any accomplished cricketer, Larkins also went through a dark phase in his career when he faced a ban of three years for his involvement in the rebel tour of South Africa in 1982.

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More about Wayne Larkins' cricketing background

Larkins was renowned for his elegant strokeplay and displayed a very welcoming off-the-field character.  He spent most of his time playing for Northamptonshire, making a staggering 700 appearances for them. He subsequently moved to Durham, before drawing his cricketing career to a close that saw him amass as many as 40,000 runs and 85 hundreds. 

While addressing the media, Larkins's wife Debbie expressed her grief at his demise and also gave a glimpse of what his personality was like. She further added how people were drawn to his infectious energy and never wanted the party to finish.

"He loved his soul mate of a wife and his precious daughters so much. He will be partying up in the sky, drinking a toast to everyone and to his own life. We are devastated but we'll never forget his undeniably unique presence and his impact on our lives. We will carry him in our hearts forever."

As per growing reports, Jofra Archer's four-year-long wait for a Test return may come to an end very soon. The express pacer aims to make a comeback ahead of England's second Test fixture against India, due to take place at Edgbaston. Archer is currently involved in County duties and is representing Sussex in the First Division County Championship 2025. 

The 30-year-old last featured for England in whites against India in the Ahmedabad Test in the 2021 series. Since then, Archer has had to contend with a series of unfortunate injuries that have kept him away from a lot of action recently. He did not get a single game in 2022. But then he recovered in 2023 only to be injured again. However, in 2024, Archer made a full-fledged recovery, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) seems keen on having them in their ranks in the ongoing home series. 

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Archer aims to make a comeback on the back of a sublime performance in the County Championship

Archer was initially not a part of the 12-member Sussex squad when it was announced ahead of their four-day clash with Durham. However, he was later added to the squad and travelled to Chester-le-Street later. The clash is currently being staged at Seat Unique Riverside Stadium in Chester-le-Street. 

Previously, Sussex had opted to bat first and registered a score of 361 before getting bundled out. Archer was seen in action with the bat where he mustered a valuable 31 runs low down the order. Subsequently, he got a chance to bowl later on. Archer has bowled 14 overs so far in the Durham innings and has accounted for the dismissal of Emilio Gay on 34 while being very economical with the ball.

If Archer manages to remain injury-free in this ongoing County Division match, he could see himself in contention for the second Test match against India, which starts on July 2 at Edgbaston. Archer has made 12 Test appearances for England, out of which two came against India. With the ball, Archer averages 30.50 against India with career-best figures of 3/98 against them.

Before the much-anticipated India vs England Test series kicked off, it was decided that Jasprit Bumrah would be carefully managed and feature in only three of the five Tests to protect him from injuries. However, after watching his stunning performance at Headingley, several experts and fans are hoping he reconsiders. On a flat pitch that offered little help, Bumrah once again proved why he is India’s pace spearhead, bagging a five-wicket haul and almost single-handedly keeping India in the contest against Ben Stokes’ England.

Bumrah’s figures of 5 for 83 in England’s first innings were even more impressive given the number of chances India let slip in the field. Dropped catches in the slip cordon denied him an even better return. His vital breakthroughs  including the prized wickets of Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Ben Duckett ensured India limited England’s lead and eked out a narrow advantage.His form has fueled optimism that India can put an end to their long wait for a Test series win in England, where they last won in 2007.

Even though Bumrah has been the standout bowler, his workload is an area of concern for the team management and the selectors. The superstar pacer has battled back allegations in the past, most notably suffering a spasm in the back during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney that kept him out of action for three months and cost him the 2025 Champions Trophy. To prevent it from happening again, it was decided ahead of the series that Bumrah would miss two games and manage his fitness well.

Watch video:

Sanjana Ganesan requesting Jasprit Bumrah to play all 5 Tests. 😄pic.twitter.com/DLB7ldPlw1

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 23, 2025

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Gavaskar and Pujara Join Fans in Requesting Bumrah to Play More

After his brilliant showing, the calls for Bumrah to play the entire series have grown louder. Even during a quick chat with Sony Sports Network, presenter and his wife Sanjana Ganesan conveyed a special message from cricket great Sunil Gavaskar and senior batter Cheteshwar Pujara, politely urging him to consider staying on for all five Tests.

Bumrah now faces a tricky decision balancing his fierce competitive spirit with the bigger goal of staying fit for India’s long season ahead. For now, fans can only hope that their champion fast bowler can keep delivering match-winning spells and, just maybe, lead India to a historic series triumph in England.

The countdown for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final clash draws to a close as South Africa and Australia gear up for a mouthwatering showdown at the Lord's Cricket Ground on June 11. While Australia have already made it to the WTF final once, for South Africa, it remains an unfamiliar territory. 

However, South Africa's chances of triumphing in the summit clash have been bolstered following the inclusion of Stuart Broad, who will act as a bowling consultant for the Proteas. Broad will take part in South Africa's preparatory work starting from June 9, just prior to the kick-off of the WTC Final. This will also be his first coaching assignment since his international retirement in 2023.

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Broad's experience holds key to SA's success 

The legendary English seamer has a wealth of experience in red-ball cricket, a format in which he thrived the most. Across 164 Test outings, Broad emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker for England in red-ball cricket with 604 scalps under his kitty. The legendary paceman trails marginally behind his own teammate, Jimmy Anderson. 

During his prime days, Broad used to be a thorn in the side of the Australian team. He went on to bag 153 wickets against the Aussies, the most by any player in Test cricket history. Besides, he has also claimed over 100 Test scalps at Lord's as well, making him one of the most revered bowling personalities in international cricket. 

Broad's expertise will prove vital for the South African team as he has first-hand experience in operating under these conditions. Under his guidance, South Africa can benefit the most and would have high hopes of dethroning Australia in the upcoming WTC final.

Joe Root scripted his name in the history of Test cricket during England’s one-off Test match against Zimbabwe today (May 22) at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Root became the fifth cricketer in history to complete 13,000 Test runs.

 Joe Root, considered one of the best batters in the modern era of cricket, was only 28 runs away from the milestone. On the first ball of the 80^th over against Zimbabwe, by taking a single, Victor Nyauchi was the bowler at that time. Along with claiming the 13,000^th Test run, Root broke former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis’ record, who made this number of runs playing only 159 matches, which was the fastest so far.

Root took only 153 matches to find himself at the top of the list. Though, in terms of total innings, the Englishman is the slowest one to reach the landmark. The star cricketer’s 13K Test runs came during his 279^th innings in the white. Legendary Sachin Tendulkar is still top of the list, having scored 13 thousand runs in 266 innings.

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Overall, Joe Root is the first England cricketer to score 13,000 Test runs and the 5th in the international circuit to achieve this incredible feat. The right-hander made his Test debut on December 13, 2012, against India in Nagpur. Since then, Root has claimed a truck full of runs throughout his decorating career. He enjoyed most of his time against Australia, India, and New Zealand. In more than 2,000 Test runs, he scored against Australia and India, and over 1,000 runs came against New Zealand.

🚨 1️⃣ 3️⃣, 0️⃣ 0️⃣ 0️⃣ 🚨

Enough said. pic.twitter.com/wYdaIAiVhm

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 22, 2025

Batters who have scored 13,000 Test runs so far:

1) Sachin Tendulkar (India)- 266 innings

2) Jacques Kallis (South Africa)- 269 innings

3) Ricky Ponting (Australia)- 275 innings

4) Rahul Dravid (India)- 277 innings

5) Joe Root (England)- 279* innings  

England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett produced a strong start in the new home season, as they recorded a 200+ partnership for the first wicket on the opening day of the only Test against Zimbabwe at Nottingham. 

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett recorded a 231-run opening partnership

Finally, we have come to the historic day when England and Zimbabwe have been facing each other in a Test match for the first time since May 2003. After Zimbabwe chose to field first, English openers provided a solid start for the hosts with a 231-run partnership for the first wicket. Both the English opening batters, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, scored centuries in that innings.

English openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fired up with a 231-run partnership for the first wicket in 41.3 overs. Duckett recorded a 100-ball century and scored 140 off 134 balls (20 fours and two sixes) before Wessly Madhevere took his wicket, while Crawley later completed his century in 145 balls with the help of 12 fours. 

The 231-run opening partnership was very special for England. In the following, we are going through some key records of the special partnership. 

• It was the third-highest Test opening partnership for England at home. The top two records are 290 runs between Colin Cowdrey and Geoff Pullar (vs South Africa at The Oval in 1960) and 268 runs between Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe (vs South Africa at Lord's in 1924).
• It was England's first 150+ partnership for any wicket in a Test innings against Zimbabwe. 
• It was also the fourth-highest Test opening partnership for any team against Zimbabwe. 

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Both English openers scored centuries

While both the English openers recorded centuries, it was the first time since the 1991 home season when both the English openers recorded centuries in the same innings of a home Test. Last time, it happened during the 1990 Manchester Test against India. Meanwhile, both England's opening batters scored centuries in the same Test innings previously during the 2022 Rawalpindi Test. It was the 15th time when both the English openers scored centuries in the same Test innings. 

Ben Stokes has made a bold and impactful decision ahead of the much-anticipated Test series between England and India. The move, if executed as intended, could set a powerful precedent not just for fellow cricketers but for athletes across various sports. Known for his fearless approach both on and off the field, Stokes’ choice highlights his commitment to the game and his leadership qualities. Fans and experts alike are keenly watching how this decision will influence the upcoming series.

Stokes, one of England's best all-rounders of all time, last played his international match in December 2024. Since then, he has been out of any type of contest due to a hamstring injury. Before the series against India, the Three Lions will face Zimbabwe in a one-off Test, where Stokes can make his comeback. As per reports, the star cricketer is nearing the conclusion of rehabilitation.

 As knowledgeable people say, hard times come with wise lessons. Ben Stokes has a self-realization about this injury. In a podcast, the 33-year-old cricketer revealed that since January this year, he has not consumed a single drop of alcohol; that's only to make the body more favorable for a quick recovery. Stokes even thinks that perhaps consumption of alcohol could've exacerbated his hamstring issue. 

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Stokes explained the reasons behind his decision 

In a conversation, Ben Stokes admitted that he and a few others had a drink four or five nights earlier, and questioned whether that might have affected his condition, acknowledging that it likely didn’t help. He then realized it was time to start making changes in his lifestyle. Although he mentioned he doesn’t think he’ll ever be completely sober, he revealed that he hasn’t had a drink since January 2 and made a promise to himself to stay off alcohol until he completes his injury rehab and returns to the field.

"We did have a bit of a drink four or five nights ago; could that have played a part?' It wouldn't have helped. Then I was like, 'OK, I need to start changing what I do.' I don't think I'll ever be completely sober, but I've not had a drink since January 2. I said to myself, Not until I finish my injury rehab and get back on the field," Stokes said in a conversation. 

🚨 STOKES QUIT ALCOHOL. 🚨

- Ben Stokes decides to quit Alcohol to stay fit for India Test series and the Ashes. Drinking might've contributed to his recurring hamstring injury. (Telegraph). pic.twitter.com/IRXRg1JicG

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2025

From this month (May), England will have to face a tight schedule with matches after matches, starting with a one-off series against Zimbabwe, followed by ODI and T20I series against the West Indies. Then England will host a 5-match Test series against India, which will mark a new circle of the World Test Championship (WTC). 

Former England skipper Charlotte Edwards has been appointed as England Women's cricket team head coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday (April 1). Edwards, who represented England in more than 300 games and was captain of the team for a decade, succeeds Jon Lewis after England's embarrassing 16-0 Ashes whitewash against Australia earlier this year.

A Return to the Three Lions

"I am thrilled to be back as part of the England Women's cricket team leadership, and I am not looking forward to taking this team forward and pushing us to success," Edwards said. "It means the world to me to have the three lions on my chest again. Being captain of England was my life for 10 years, and I will always be passionate about this team and our heritage. We have such a great bunch of players, and I am looking forward to working with them and developing them as individuals and as a team."

Her immediate challenge will be two home series against West Indies and India, followed by the ICC Women’s World Cup in India later this year and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at home in 2026. She will also be responsible for restoring team morale after England’s recent poor performances, including their unexpected group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in the UAE last October.

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A Decorated Career On and Off the Field

Through her 20-year career on the field, Edwards was a two-time World Cup and five-time Ashes series winner. Since retiring in 2017, she has lived a life of tremendous success as a coach. She took Mumbai Indians to two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles in three seasons and took Southern Vipers to five titles, two of which were in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, England's domestic T20 competition named for her.

Her coaching record also features taking Southern Brave to three Women's Hundred finals, claiming victory in 2023, and taking Sydney Sixers to the final of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) for 2022-23. Edwards will now leave her position with the Sixers and Hampshire Women.

ECB Supports a "Proven Winner"

ECB deputy CEO and England Women's cricket managing director Clare Connor welcomed Edwards' appointment: "She has the experience, passion, and expertise to take this team to success. The results she has achieved as a head coach in various environments since retiring as one of the greatest-ever England players is a relentless and high standard."

Connor also recognized Edwards's extensive understanding of the game at home and abroad and stressed the need to create a competitive but also supportive atmosphere for the national team.

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Transition in Leadership and Challenges Ahead

Edwards' appointment comes as England changes leadership, with Heather Knight retiring as captain. The ECB has not yet announced her replacement, although vice-captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is the favorite to take over.

On Wednesday, Edwards and Connor will speak to the media at Lord's to set out their vision for England Women's cricket. With the growing professionalization of the women's game and the recent struggles of England, Edwards is likely to introduce more stringent fitness and performance requirements to restore the team's competitive swagger.

As England prepares for a key stage in women's cricket, including the possibility of the sport being added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Edwards' appointment promises a new dawn. The ECB will expect that her record as a player and coach is replicated internationally.

Joe Root has confirmed he is not in the running to become England’s next white-ball captain following Jos Buttler’s resignation after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 34-year-old batter, who led England’s Test team from 2017 to 2022, stated that his time as captain is over.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Root said, “I think that ship has sailed. I’ve done my time as a captain in an England shirt. I’m sure whoever gets the opportunity will be extremely proud and do a brilliant job.”

While Root never captained England in limited-overs formats, he returned to the ODI side this year and finished as one of the top performers in the Champions Trophy. He was England’s leading batter in the tournament, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer overall, and nearly took his team over the line in their final match against Afghanistan with a gritty century.

Despite his personal success, England endured a disappointing campaign, failing to reach the semifinals. Jos Buttler stepped down as captain shortly before their final group game against South Africa. Since then, England has yet to announce a new leader for the ODI side.

Among the contenders, vice-captain Harry Brook is currently seen as the front-runner. However, managing director Rob Key has hinted that Ben Stokes could be considered for the white-ball captaincy, potentially uniting both red and white-ball leadership under one figure. Brendon McCullum has not ruled out the option of having separate captains for ODIs and T20Is.

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Root acknowledged England’s recent struggles but remains confident in the squad’s potential. “We didn’t play anywhere near what we’re capable of. But there’s so much talent and so much more to come. This is a good opportunity to reset and move forward as a group.”

Despite not being a regular in England’s T20I squad since 2019, Root's form in franchise cricket has drawn attention. He impressed in this year’s SA20 tournament with the Paarl Royals, scoring 279 runs at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate of 140.20.

Looking ahead, Root turned his focus to the upcoming Test summer, starting with a five-match series against India at home from June 20. The series will kick off the new cycle of the World Test Championship.

“India coming over means there’s no hiding place. It’s a long series, and we’ll need to deliver match-winning performances consistently,” Root said.

With Root stepping aside from the leadership conversation, England’s white-ball future now rests on the next generation to take the team forward.

Rohit Sharma is likely to continue as India’s Test captain for the five-match series in England. After winning the Champions Trophy, the BCCI and selectors believe he is the right man for the job.

There has been a lot of discussion about Rohit’s future in Test cricket, especially after his struggles in the recent home series and a tough tour of Australia. His decision to skip the final Test in Sydney only added to the speculation about a possible captaincy change. But India’s big win in Dubai seems to have put those doubts to rest, keeping him in charge for now.

“He has proved himself as a leader. Everyone involved feels he is the best choice to lead India in England. Rohit himself is eager to continue playing Test cricket,” a source told The Indian Express. While Rohit hasn’t spoken much about his long-term plans, he is clearly enjoying his role in the team. After India’s win over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, he shut down any talk about retirement.

🚨 ROHIT TO REMAIN TEST CAPTAIN. 🚨

- Rohit Sharma has been backed by the BCCI to captain in the 5 match Test series in England. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/ux88AIO8mi

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 15, 2025

When asked if he plans to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, he kept things open-ended. “Right now, I’m playing well and enjoying my time with the team. The team enjoys having me around too, which is great,” he told.

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“There’s so much pride in playing for India, and with the way this team is performing, I don’t want to step away. We’re having a lot of fun playing together, and that makes it even more special,” he added.

"Runs can come anytime, maybe in a few months or even sooner. Cricket keeps changing every moment. I believe in myself, but I also need to be realistic," he told Star Sports in January.

During India’s tour of Australia, there were rumors of tension in the dressing room, especially after Rohit sat out the last Test. But India’s Champions Trophy win seems to have put those stories to rest. Rohit’s batting form hasn’t been the best lately his highest score in the Australia series was just 10, and he hasn’t hit a half-century since October 2024 against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma will lead India in the Test series against England.