Muneeba to lead new-look Pakistan T20I squad against SL in Sana's absence
Pakistan have dropped Riaz, Javed and Baig and have called up eight players for the tour
Pakistan have dropped Riaz, Javed and Baig and have called up eight players for the tour
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West Indies, New Zealand meet in Sobers' country to celebrate him
Cricket takes a backseat as emotional occasion awaits both teams at Kensington Oval
Cricket takes a backseat as emotional occasion awaits both teams at Kensington Oval
David Willey: 'Somerset looked like they thought they'd won it'
"That's like a red rag to a bull to me," says Northants captain after inspiring turnaround win
"That's like a red rag to a bull to me," says Northants captain after inspiring turnaround win
Weatherley 88* sets standard as Hampshire sweep past Notts
Partnership of 126 with captain Vince helps put three-time champions out of reach
Partnership of 126 with captain Vince helps put three-time champions out of reach
Rowles 201 crushes England U19s before Basson wreaks havoc
England stutter to 144 for 5 in reply to 460 at end of second day in Hove
England stutter to 144 for 5 in reply to 460 at end of second day in Hove
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Vasconcelos leads the fight as Northants scrap for thrilling third T20 Blast title
Willey's never-say-die team see off Hampshire despite Baker's five-for and Weatherley runs record
Willey's never-say-die team see off Hampshire despite Baker's five-for and Weatherley runs record
Lehmann cool on England job, suggests ECB has identified McCullum successor
Australian says he has had no contact from ECB about Test vacancy
Australian says he has had no contact from ECB about Test vacancy
Los Angeles Knight Riders pull off last-ball win for first MLC title
The see-sawing match went down to the final over, bowled by Shadley van Schalkwyk, and then to the last ball, before a run out gave Los Angeles Knight Riders a one-run win
The see-sawing match went down to the final over, bowled by Shadley van Schalkwyk, and then to the last ball, before a run out gave Los Angeles Knight Riders a one-run win
📢Nahid Rana ruled out of Zimbabwe T20I decider; Bangladesh pacer faces race against time for Australia Tests
Nahid Rana ruled out of Zimbabwe T20I decider; Bangladesh pacer faces race against time for Australia Tests. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Bangladesh has suffered a major injury setback ahead of the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe , with pace sensation Nahid Rana ruled out of the series decider due to a side strain. The injury has also cast doubt over his availability for Bangladesh's upcoming two-match Test series against Australia.
The 23-year-old sustained the injury during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. After bowling just 2.3 overs, Rana was forced to leave the field, finishing with figures of 1/15. Earlier in the series, he had starred with the ball, registering career-best T20I figures of 4/26 in the opening match.
Rana is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks, leaving Bangladesh anxious ahead of their red-ball assignment in Australia next month.
A member of Bangladesh's national selection panel confirmed that Rana will miss the third T20I and revealed that the team management is awaiting the scan results to determine the severity of the injury.
"He (Rana) is certainly missing the third T20I against Zimbabwe and we feel the side strain will take at least two to three weeks to recover," the selector was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
While the initial assessment suggests a short-term layoff, Bangladesh is hopeful that the injury is not serious enough to keep the young fast bowler out of the Australia tour.
"We are waiting for the scan report while we keep our fingers crossed, as we still have some time before the first Test against Australia," he continued.
The selector admitted that losing Rana for the Australia series would be a significant blow, considering the impact he has made in Bangladesh's pace attack over the past year.
"The way he is bowling at the moment, missing him in the Australia tour would be a big blow, so we are waiting to see the depth of his injury and actually how many days he will take to recover," he added.
Australia Test series under threat
Rana is now in a race against time to regain full fitness before the opening Test against Australia, which is scheduled to begin on August 13 in Darwin. The second and final Test of the series will be played in Mackay from August 22.
The report further stated that Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and the national selectors met at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday to discuss preparations for the Australia tour, with Rana's fitness emerging as a key talking point.
Nahid Rana ruled out of Zimbabwe T20I decider; Bangladesh pacer faces race against time for Australia Tests. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Bangladesh has suffered a major injury setback ahead of the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe , with pace sensation Nahid Rana ruled out of the series decider due to a side strain. The injury has also cast doubt over his availability for Bangladesh's upcoming two-match Test series against Australia.
The 23-year-old sustained the injury during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. After bowling just 2.3 overs, Rana was forced to leave the field, finishing with figures of 1/15. Earlier in the series, he had starred with the ball, registering career-best T20I figures of 4/26 in the opening match.
Rana is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks, leaving Bangladesh anxious ahead of their red-ball assignment in Australia next month.
A member of Bangladesh's national selection panel confirmed that Rana will miss the third T20I and revealed that the team management is awaiting the scan results to determine the severity of the injury.
"He (Rana) is certainly missing the third T20I against Zimbabwe and we feel the side strain will take at least two to three weeks to recover," the selector was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
While the initial assessment suggests a short-term layoff, Bangladesh is hopeful that the injury is not serious enough to keep the young fast bowler out of the Australia tour.
"We are waiting for the scan report while we keep our fingers crossed, as we still have some time before the first Test against Australia," he continued.
The selector admitted that losing Rana for the Australia series would be a significant blow, considering the impact he has made in Bangladesh's pace attack over the past year.
"The way he is bowling at the moment, missing him in the Australia tour would be a big blow, so we are waiting to see the depth of his injury and actually how many days he will take to recover," he added.
Australia Test series under threat
Rana is now in a race against time to regain full fitness before the opening Test against Australia, which is scheduled to begin on August 13 in Darwin. The second and final Test of the series will be played in Mackay from August 22.
The report further stated that Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and the national selectors met at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday to discuss preparations for the Australia tour, with Rana's fitness emerging as a key talking point.
Hope wants West Indies to get 'the results we really want' as tribute to Sobers
West Indies are 2-1 down in the five-match series against New Zealand, and need more wins to ensure direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup
West Indies are 2-1 down in the five-match series against New Zealand, and need more wins to ensure direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup
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📢Mohammad Kaif suggests one change to India's Playing XI at Lord's for injured Washington Sundar
Mohammad Kaif suggests one change to India's Playing XI at Lord's for injured Washington Sundar (Source: Ranjith Kumar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has suggested one change to the Playing XI of the Indian team for the third ODI against England. The series decider will be played at the Lord's Cricket Ground, and Kaif wants the injured Washington Sundar to be replaced with senior player KL Rahul. Notably, Rahul had missed the second ODI in Cardiff due to a fever, as India lost after poor batting by their middle-order unit.
Kaif believes that the third and final encounter of the series is going to be a huge test for the Gautam Gambhir -led unit. He further opined that a fit-again Rahul should definitely make a comeback to the playing XI since the game on Sunday is a do-or-die contest with the series currently levelled at 1-1. However, he also feels that India will be compromising their bowling attack by bringing Rahul in.
"I think this is a bit of a test for the team now because of the five bowlers that were there in the second ODI, plus KL Rahul if he is fit. Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill like having batting till No. 8; this has been the template that has been followed. They have compromised their bowling but never their batting till No. 8. I don't remember them doing anything like that, and now it is a do-or-die game," Kaif said on Cricbuzz.
The team management is currently under the scanner for benching unorthodox spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the first couple of games. While left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey has been added to the squad as a replacement for the departed Sundar , Kaif believes that a seasoned campaigner like Kuldeep should make the cut.
"Since this is a series decider, two questions arise. Will they bring Kuldeep Yadav or KL Rahul? If KL Rahul comes, then they will have the same bowlers from the second ODI, which includes Shivam Dube. If you ask me, I would like Kuldeep Yadav to play in this decider match. He is a wicket-taker and he should get a chance," Kaif added.
The third ODI between India and England will be played at Lord's, London, on Sunday, July 19. The winner of this encounter will also win the series 2-1.
Mohammad Kaif suggests one change to India's Playing XI at Lord's for injured Washington Sundar (Source: Ranjith Kumar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has suggested one change to the Playing XI of the Indian team for the third ODI against England. The series decider will be played at the Lord's Cricket Ground, and Kaif wants the injured Washington Sundar to be replaced with senior player KL Rahul. Notably, Rahul had missed the second ODI in Cardiff due to a fever, as India lost after poor batting by their middle-order unit.
Kaif believes that the third and final encounter of the series is going to be a huge test for the Gautam Gambhir -led unit. He further opined that a fit-again Rahul should definitely make a comeback to the playing XI since the game on Sunday is a do-or-die contest with the series currently levelled at 1-1. However, he also feels that India will be compromising their bowling attack by bringing Rahul in.
"I think this is a bit of a test for the team now because of the five bowlers that were there in the second ODI, plus KL Rahul if he is fit. Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill like having batting till No. 8; this has been the template that has been followed. They have compromised their bowling but never their batting till No. 8. I don't remember them doing anything like that, and now it is a do-or-die game," Kaif said on Cricbuzz.
The team management is currently under the scanner for benching unorthodox spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the first couple of games. While left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey has been added to the squad as a replacement for the departed Sundar , Kaif believes that a seasoned campaigner like Kuldeep should make the cut.
"Since this is a series decider, two questions arise. Will they bring Kuldeep Yadav or KL Rahul? If KL Rahul comes, then they will have the same bowlers from the second ODI, which includes Shivam Dube. If you ask me, I would like Kuldeep Yadav to play in this decider match. He is a wicket-taker and he should get a chance," Kaif added.
The third ODI between India and England will be played at Lord's, London, on Sunday, July 19. The winner of this encounter will also win the series 2-1.
📢Jason Gillespie hits out at selector Aaqib Javed for alleged lies over his PAK coaching tenure
Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie hits out at selector Aaqib Javed for alleged lies (Photo Source: Twitter/X)
Former Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie has hit out strongly against criticisms and accusations of negligence from Pakistan Chief Selector Aaqib Javed.
Gillespie spent a tumultuous eight months, starting in April 2024, overseeing the red ball teams and the white ball teams for a short span. A significant milestone during his time was the 2-1 Test series win against England in the winter of 2024, who had whitewashed Pakistan at home two years prior. Javed had hit out at Gillespie and then-captain Shan Masood for their perceived negligence for not being able to beat the Englishmen after they had decimated Pakistan in the first Test of the series in Multan. Gillespie, recounting what was said, quoted Javed's words regarding the issue.
"I think this is a bit personal for me as well. It's a question that Aaqib Javed, who's the chairman of selectors of the Pakistan cricket team. Why did Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie resign? And then he's come out and been quoted, and I'm going to read it verbatim. Frankly speaking, they used to overrule every selector.
"They weren't willing to listen to anyone. I went to Multan and spoke with Jason and Shan Masood, the captain. I asked them, what was your plan after the first test against England? They had no plan. I said, this isn't going to work. We need to change both the pitch and the team. We brought in the spinners. Pakistan won. That's when things started to go wrong," Gillespie said on the Fast Bowling Cartel Podcast .
Pakistan played the second Test on the same wicket as the first Test, which they eventually ended up winning. Revealing the behind-the-scenes details, Gillespie said that Javed walked into the dressing room and told the team that the team would be changed, with the inclusion of spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, and that they would be playing on the same pitch as in the first Test. The former Australian fast bowler also revealed the criteria for the selection of players, a fitness parameter, which was also breached by Javed when he made changes to the team.
"You didn't ask. You walked in and you said, this is what we're doing, we're changing the team. We are playing on the same surface that we just played a five-day test on in four days' time, so it was going to be a day 10 or 11 surface. And I asked him, why are we doing that, we've got other surfaces prepared, because you've got to prepare the best surface, you play on the best surface available. He decided that they were going to change," Gillespie further revealed.
"The reason we didn't play the spinners was because we were instructed, before Aaqib and the new selectors came in, we were instructed that you could only pick players that had passed the fitness testing criteria. There was a 2K time trial, and if you didn't satisfy that criteria, you weren't allowed to pick them. So there were a number of players that we weren't allowed to pick. So I communicated this with Aaqib. He said, I've spoken to the chairman, and we can pick who we want, I can pick who I want," he added.
Gillespie also expressed frustration with the pitch curators, who were deliberating about putting sand on the surface to encourage turn and with their attempts to wear down the pitch artificially.
"What I had an issue with was with the pitch, was that I didn't agree with the suggestion to sprinkle it with sand as well. Not only was it a 10-11 day pitch, to sprinkle it with sand, what? I don't agree with that. That's what I didn't agree with. What I also didn't agree with is when we went to Rawalpindi after that test match that we won, they had big industrial dryers on the pitch. And men, they're scraping them with nails. So I didn't agree with that either," Gillespie said.
Gillespie further stated that Gary Kirsten, who was Pakistan 's white-ball coach at the time, was let go after their loss in the first Test, after whic
Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie hits out at selector Aaqib Javed for alleged lies (Photo Source: Twitter/X)
Former Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie has hit out strongly against criticisms and accusations of negligence from Pakistan Chief Selector Aaqib Javed.
Gillespie spent a tumultuous eight months, starting in April 2024, overseeing the red ball teams and the white ball teams for a short span. A significant milestone during his time was the 2-1 Test series win against England in the winter of 2024, who had whitewashed Pakistan at home two years prior. Javed had hit out at Gillespie and then-captain Shan Masood for their perceived negligence for not being able to beat the Englishmen after they had decimated Pakistan in the first Test of the series in Multan. Gillespie, recounting what was said, quoted Javed's words regarding the issue.
"I think this is a bit personal for me as well. It's a question that Aaqib Javed, who's the chairman of selectors of the Pakistan cricket team. Why did Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie resign? And then he's come out and been quoted, and I'm going to read it verbatim. Frankly speaking, they used to overrule every selector.
"They weren't willing to listen to anyone. I went to Multan and spoke with Jason and Shan Masood, the captain. I asked them, what was your plan after the first test against England? They had no plan. I said, this isn't going to work. We need to change both the pitch and the team. We brought in the spinners. Pakistan won. That's when things started to go wrong," Gillespie said on the Fast Bowling Cartel Podcast .
Pakistan played the second Test on the same wicket as the first Test, which they eventually ended up winning. Revealing the behind-the-scenes details, Gillespie said that Javed walked into the dressing room and told the team that the team would be changed, with the inclusion of spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, and that they would be playing on the same pitch as in the first Test. The former Australian fast bowler also revealed the criteria for the selection of players, a fitness parameter, which was also breached by Javed when he made changes to the team.
"You didn't ask. You walked in and you said, this is what we're doing, we're changing the team. We are playing on the same surface that we just played a five-day test on in four days' time, so it was going to be a day 10 or 11 surface. And I asked him, why are we doing that, we've got other surfaces prepared, because you've got to prepare the best surface, you play on the best surface available. He decided that they were going to change," Gillespie further revealed.
"The reason we didn't play the spinners was because we were instructed, before Aaqib and the new selectors came in, we were instructed that you could only pick players that had passed the fitness testing criteria. There was a 2K time trial, and if you didn't satisfy that criteria, you weren't allowed to pick them. So there were a number of players that we weren't allowed to pick. So I communicated this with Aaqib. He said, I've spoken to the chairman, and we can pick who we want, I can pick who I want," he added.
Gillespie also expressed frustration with the pitch curators, who were deliberating about putting sand on the surface to encourage turn and with their attempts to wear down the pitch artificially.
"What I had an issue with was with the pitch, was that I didn't agree with the suggestion to sprinkle it with sand as well. Not only was it a 10-11 day pitch, to sprinkle it with sand, what? I don't agree with that. That's what I didn't agree with. What I also didn't agree with is when we went to Rawalpindi after that test match that we won, they had big industrial dryers on the pitch. And men, they're scraping them with nails. So I didn't agree with that either," Gillespie said.
Gillespie further stated that Gary Kirsten, who was Pakistan 's white-ball coach at the time, was let go after their loss in the first Test, after whic
h the former Aussie fast bowler was made to step into the role. Gillespie pointed out the amusing nature of the issue.
"And you know the funniest thing about that? Gary Kirsten was relieved of his duties as a selector after a test match loss that we had. He last coached the white ball team three months ago. So he got sacked from doing nothing for three months.
"Like there was no cricket for three months and he was relieved of his duties as a selector. And then that's when the team was, he'd been part of the process to pick the squad to go to Australia. And then Aaqib came in and changed the whole squad. And Gary actually said, well, what I didn't, I wasn't consulted on any of this," Gillespie concluded.
"And you know the funniest thing about that? Gary Kirsten was relieved of his duties as a selector after a test match loss that we had. He last coached the white ball team three months ago. So he got sacked from doing nothing for three months.
"Like there was no cricket for three months and he was relieved of his duties as a selector. And then that's when the team was, he'd been part of the process to pick the squad to go to Australia. And then Aaqib came in and changed the whole squad. And Gary actually said, well, what I didn't, I wasn't consulted on any of this," Gillespie concluded.
📢LPL 2026: Match 6, DS vs KR Match Prediction – Who will win today’s LPL match between Dambulla Sixers vs Kandy Royals?
LPL 2026: Match 6, DS vs KR Match Prediction – Who will win today’s LPL match between Dambulla Sixers vs Kandy Royals? (Source: Dambulla Sixers & Kandy Falcons/IG)
The Dambulla Sixers (DS) will lock horns with the Kandy Royals (KR) in Match 6 of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla , on Tuesday, July 21 . With both teams heading into their third match of the season, they will be eager to strengthen their position in the points table.
The Sixers have enjoyed a promising start to the campaign, registering an 18-run win over Kandy Royals in their previous outing. Reeza Hendricks starred with an unbeaten 87, while Gulbadin Naib's late fireworks powered the side to 205/6. Dambulla's bowling attack then held its nerve to defend the total successfully.
Meanwhile, the Royals will be looking to bounce back after suffering that defeat. Despite a fighting effort with the bat, they fell short by 18 runs while chasing 206.
DS vs KR: Match Details
Match
Dambulla Sixers vs Kandy Royals, Match 6 , Lanka Premier League 2026
Date and Time (IST)
Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 7:30 PM (IST)
Venue
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Broadcast and Live-Streaming
JioStar Network Channels and JioHotstar (App & Website)
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla: Pitch Report
The surface at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball. Batters should enjoy good value for their shots early in the innings, while the spinners are likely to come into the game as the pitch slows down.
DS vs KR: Head-to-Head Record
Matches Played
3
Won By DS
1
Won By KR
2
No Result
1
First-ever Fixture
November 30, 2020
Most Recent Fixture
July 18, 2026
DS vs KR: Predicted Playing 11s
Dambulla Sixers:
Sahibzada Farhan, Reeza Hendricks, Marques Ackerman, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Dinesh Chandimal (C), Pavan Rathnayake, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Vishwa Lahiru, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana
Kandy Royals:
Dale Phillips, Lahiru Udara(w), Muditha Lakshan, Angelo Mathews(c), Vijay Shankar, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Vishen Halambage, Shaheen Afridi
DS vs KR: Probable Best Performers of the Match
Probable Best Batter: Reeza Hendricks
Reeza Hendricks has looked in sublime touch to begin the tournament. The South African opener smashed an unbeaten 87 off just 50 balls in the previous meeting between these sides, striking 11 fours and two sixes. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a high scoring rate makes him the biggest batting threat for Dambulla once again.
Probable Best Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana
Maheesh Theekshana could play a decisive role with the ball on the Dambulla surface. The mystery spinner is renowned for controlling the middle overs and breaking crucial partnerships. With the pitch expected to assist spin, Theekshana's variations could trouble Kandy's batting lineup.
Today's Match Prediction : Dambulla Sixers to win the match
LPL 2026: Match 6, DS vs KR Match Prediction – Who will win today’s LPL match between Dambulla Sixers vs Kandy Royals? (Source: Dambulla Sixers & Kandy Falcons/IG)
The Dambulla Sixers (DS) will lock horns with the Kandy Royals (KR) in Match 6 of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla , on Tuesday, July 21 . With both teams heading into their third match of the season, they will be eager to strengthen their position in the points table.
The Sixers have enjoyed a promising start to the campaign, registering an 18-run win over Kandy Royals in their previous outing. Reeza Hendricks starred with an unbeaten 87, while Gulbadin Naib's late fireworks powered the side to 205/6. Dambulla's bowling attack then held its nerve to defend the total successfully.
Meanwhile, the Royals will be looking to bounce back after suffering that defeat. Despite a fighting effort with the bat, they fell short by 18 runs while chasing 206.
DS vs KR: Match Details
Match
Dambulla Sixers vs Kandy Royals, Match 6 , Lanka Premier League 2026
Date and Time (IST)
Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 7:30 PM (IST)
Venue
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Broadcast and Live-Streaming
JioStar Network Channels and JioHotstar (App & Website)
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla: Pitch Report
The surface at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball. Batters should enjoy good value for their shots early in the innings, while the spinners are likely to come into the game as the pitch slows down.
DS vs KR: Head-to-Head Record
Matches Played
3
Won By DS
1
Won By KR
2
No Result
1
First-ever Fixture
November 30, 2020
Most Recent Fixture
July 18, 2026
DS vs KR: Predicted Playing 11s
Dambulla Sixers:
Sahibzada Farhan, Reeza Hendricks, Marques Ackerman, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Dinesh Chandimal (C), Pavan Rathnayake, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Vishwa Lahiru, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana
Kandy Royals:
Dale Phillips, Lahiru Udara(w), Muditha Lakshan, Angelo Mathews(c), Vijay Shankar, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Vishen Halambage, Shaheen Afridi
DS vs KR: Probable Best Performers of the Match
Probable Best Batter: Reeza Hendricks
Reeza Hendricks has looked in sublime touch to begin the tournament. The South African opener smashed an unbeaten 87 off just 50 balls in the previous meeting between these sides, striking 11 fours and two sixes. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a high scoring rate makes him the biggest batting threat for Dambulla once again.
Probable Best Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana
Maheesh Theekshana could play a decisive role with the ball on the Dambulla surface. The mystery spinner is renowned for controlling the middle overs and breaking crucial partnerships. With the pitch expected to assist spin, Theekshana's variations could trouble Kandy's batting lineup.
Today's Match Prediction : Dambulla Sixers to win the match
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📢'Need to play this one for the great man' - West Indies to play 4th ODI as tribute to Garry Sobers
Garry Sobers (Source: Getty Images)
West Indies ODI skipper Shai Hope paid tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers ahead of the fourth ODI of the five-match series against New Zealand and is aiming to win the game in honour of the late all-rounder, who passed away on Friday, July 17.
The cricketing world suffered a significant loss with the passing of the legendary all-rounder, who was credited for his contributions to West Indies cricket and the game as a whole. Hope acknowledged that the occasion would be significant for the team, and they would be looking to get a result in honour of the all-rounder.
"It was a sad one. It's something that he [Sobers] has shown what West Indies cricket really means. He's one of the first legends of the game, really set and paved the way for us all. So I think tomorrow should be a big inspiration for us, a big confidence-booster for us," Hope said at the pre-match press conference.
"Not saying that we're looking at the death only to raise us, but we need to play this one for the great man, and hopefully we can get the results that we really want in his honour as well," The wicketkeeper-batter added.
The Windies trail 2-1 in the series, having lost the previous two games. With the series shifting towards Barbados after the first three games in Guyana, Hope stated that each game is important for the team, considering their qualification hopes for the 2027 ODI World Cup rest on their results.
"It's very important. I've been mentioning for the last few series now, every single game is very important, especially for what's at stake. We've got a big qualification period, so I think these games hold a lot more weight, probably a bit more than the others.
But we've still got to play each game as it comes. We've got to ensure that we're following all of our processes and executing when the time comes, because as you name a game, tomorrow especially, being able to execute under pressure and in those crucial moments," the experienced cricketer added.
Hope stated the series in fine fashion, scoring an unbeaten 87 off 92 balls in a seven-wicket victory. He has followed it up with scores of 7 and 8 in the next two games, struggling against the New Zealand spinners. He believes that stepping up on the day is more important than form and doing everything necessary for the team.
"I don't really believe in form. It's about doing what's required on the day. There are games you'll be batting really well and don't get much, and vice versa: there are some games you feel out of sync and you come in and score runs. It's just about being able to execute on the day, doing whatever is necessary and what is required for the team on a given day," he said.
Personally, I always feel good going into the game. Once I cross the line, I always believe I can get the job done. The main aim for me is just trying to execute under pressure," Hope concluded.
The match will be played at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Sunday, July 19. The same venue will also host the final game of the series.
Garry Sobers (Source: Getty Images)
West Indies ODI skipper Shai Hope paid tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers ahead of the fourth ODI of the five-match series against New Zealand and is aiming to win the game in honour of the late all-rounder, who passed away on Friday, July 17.
The cricketing world suffered a significant loss with the passing of the legendary all-rounder, who was credited for his contributions to West Indies cricket and the game as a whole. Hope acknowledged that the occasion would be significant for the team, and they would be looking to get a result in honour of the all-rounder.
"It was a sad one. It's something that he [Sobers] has shown what West Indies cricket really means. He's one of the first legends of the game, really set and paved the way for us all. So I think tomorrow should be a big inspiration for us, a big confidence-booster for us," Hope said at the pre-match press conference.
"Not saying that we're looking at the death only to raise us, but we need to play this one for the great man, and hopefully we can get the results that we really want in his honour as well," The wicketkeeper-batter added.
The Windies trail 2-1 in the series, having lost the previous two games. With the series shifting towards Barbados after the first three games in Guyana, Hope stated that each game is important for the team, considering their qualification hopes for the 2027 ODI World Cup rest on their results.
"It's very important. I've been mentioning for the last few series now, every single game is very important, especially for what's at stake. We've got a big qualification period, so I think these games hold a lot more weight, probably a bit more than the others.
But we've still got to play each game as it comes. We've got to ensure that we're following all of our processes and executing when the time comes, because as you name a game, tomorrow especially, being able to execute under pressure and in those crucial moments," the experienced cricketer added.
Hope stated the series in fine fashion, scoring an unbeaten 87 off 92 balls in a seven-wicket victory. He has followed it up with scores of 7 and 8 in the next two games, struggling against the New Zealand spinners. He believes that stepping up on the day is more important than form and doing everything necessary for the team.
"I don't really believe in form. It's about doing what's required on the day. There are games you'll be batting really well and don't get much, and vice versa: there are some games you feel out of sync and you come in and score runs. It's just about being able to execute on the day, doing whatever is necessary and what is required for the team on a given day," he said.
Personally, I always feel good going into the game. Once I cross the line, I always believe I can get the job done. The main aim for me is just trying to execute under pressure," Hope concluded.
The match will be played at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Sunday, July 19. The same venue will also host the final game of the series.
📢'They've not answered the main question' - Sadagoppan Ramesh slams BCCI's update on Rohit Sharma's future
Rohit Sharma playing shot (Source: BCCI)
Sadagoppan Ramesh wasn't too pleased with the amount of clarity that BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia provided on Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket after the third ODI against England. According to initial reports, this match, which will be played at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Sunday, July 19, was going to be Rohit's last match in the India jersey.
However, these reports were rubbished by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who confirmed that the encounter at the Home of Cricket won't be the last time fans see the five-time IPL-winning captain playing for the Men in Blue.
"There has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord's on Sunday. Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, Lord's ODI won't be his last match," Saikia was quoted as saying by India Today.
However, former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh said that these remarks from Saikia didn't give any clarity about Rohit's partiticipation in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
"The only lines to consider from the statement is the 'as long as he is in the scheme of things'. They've not answered the main question with this statement. Is Rohit Sharma part of your scheme of things in the future? Everyone knows a person has to book tickets to go to a place. But is he going or not is the question? The same applies here for Rohit," Ramesh said on his Instagram handle.
"A brilliant knock in the Lord's game will enhance those chances" - S Ramesh on Rohit Sharma
Rohit has had a dismal series against England so far. In the first two games, he has registered scores of 11 and 26. Ramesh opined that the decisive third ODI could be a chance for the right-handed batter to make a significant impact on what could be his last international appearance at the iconic venue.
"Performance must be the parameter for anyone's selection. But India still has a lot to gain from Rohit Sharma is my belief. Thus, him going out on a high is paramount and a brilliant knock in the Lord's game will enhance those chances," said Ramesh (via the aforementioned source).
"For Rohit's sake, a brilliant knock in the Lord's match will do wonders. It has nothing to do with his future selections or 2027 World Cup selection. It's just so that a player with such pedigree and ability dictate their own destiny with satisfaction. That's how it should be and not a decision that's forced upon him."
Rohit Sharma playing shot (Source: BCCI)
Sadagoppan Ramesh wasn't too pleased with the amount of clarity that BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia provided on Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket after the third ODI against England. According to initial reports, this match, which will be played at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Sunday, July 19, was going to be Rohit's last match in the India jersey.
However, these reports were rubbished by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who confirmed that the encounter at the Home of Cricket won't be the last time fans see the five-time IPL-winning captain playing for the Men in Blue.
"There has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord's on Sunday. Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, Lord's ODI won't be his last match," Saikia was quoted as saying by India Today.
However, former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh said that these remarks from Saikia didn't give any clarity about Rohit's partiticipation in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
"The only lines to consider from the statement is the 'as long as he is in the scheme of things'. They've not answered the main question with this statement. Is Rohit Sharma part of your scheme of things in the future? Everyone knows a person has to book tickets to go to a place. But is he going or not is the question? The same applies here for Rohit," Ramesh said on his Instagram handle.
"A brilliant knock in the Lord's game will enhance those chances" - S Ramesh on Rohit Sharma
Rohit has had a dismal series against England so far. In the first two games, he has registered scores of 11 and 26. Ramesh opined that the decisive third ODI could be a chance for the right-handed batter to make a significant impact on what could be his last international appearance at the iconic venue.
"Performance must be the parameter for anyone's selection. But India still has a lot to gain from Rohit Sharma is my belief. Thus, him going out on a high is paramount and a brilliant knock in the Lord's game will enhance those chances," said Ramesh (via the aforementioned source).
"For Rohit's sake, a brilliant knock in the Lord's match will do wonders. It has nothing to do with his future selections or 2027 World Cup selection. It's just so that a player with such pedigree and ability dictate their own destiny with satisfaction. That's how it should be and not a decision that's forced upon him."
📢ENG vs IND 2026: Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing in the 3rd ODI?
Bumrah (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
India and England lock horns in the decisive third and final ODI at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Sunday, July 19.
The series is all square at 1-1. India won the first ODI at Edgbaston but England restored parity by emerging victorious at Sophia Gardens. It will be interesting to see who gets the win and bags the series on Sunday.
ENG vs IND, 3rd ODI: Toss Update
Harry Brook won the toss and decided to bat first. He reckoned that the pitch looks good for batting and hoped that the hosts would be able to put on a decent score to put the Men in Blue under pressure. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill said that he was going to elect to bowl first anyway had he won the toss.
ENG vs IND, 3rd ODI: Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing?
Shubman Gill mentioned India's three changes at the toss. Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah , and Washington Sundar have made way for KL Rahul, Prince Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh. While Sundar was ruled out of the third ODI due to a hamstring injury, Gill shared a worrying update on Bumrah at the toss, saying that he had sustained a knee injury. Dube's snub is mostly due to a change in combination that India wanted to try.
England, on the other hand, made just one change. Josh Tongue has come into the side in place of fellow right-arm speedster Saqib Mahmood.
ENG vs IND, 3rd ODI: What did the captains say?
Harry Brook, England captain, said
We're going to have a bat today. It looks like a good surface, hopefully we can get a decent score on the board and put them under pressure. Tongue comes back in for Saqib. [On the most pleasing aspect of England's win in Cardiff] Well, there's loads of periods, I thought we did really well through the middle overs with the ball to restrict them. I can't remember what the figures were, but I think they went for 30 runs in 10 overs or so. And then the way that Rooty batted sets a great template for all of our batters. [On the chance to seal the series] Yeah, it'd be beautiful, wouldn't it? Hopefully we'll be lifting that trophy at the end of the day, but we've got to go in there, assess conditions as well as we can, and adapt to the conditions as well.
Shubman Gill, India captain, said
[On losing the toss] We were bowling first. We have got three changes. Boom misses out, he's unavailable due to some knee injury. And so is Washington Sundar. Dube also misses out. KL comes in, Prince Yadav comes in, and Arshdeep comes back into the team. [On selecting Arshdeep Singh] We're not the one who relies on stats so much. We think he's a great bowler, and we were looking for four seamers on this ground. We have seen in the middle overs, spinners don't really offer much as compared to the fast bowlers. [On what India need to improve from the second ODI] I think we were in a great position up until the 25 overs of the match, and then we lost too many wickets in the middle overs, end of the middle overs. So hopefully, if you're in that kind of position, we post a good total close to 280-300. And then we have seen it's not easy to score freely in the past couple of matches. So hopefully, if we are able to get good runs and put the team in a comfortable position.
ENG vs IND, 3rd ODI: Playing XIs
England
Ben Duckett , Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook(c), Jos Buttler(w), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue.
India
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli , Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Axar Patel, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
Bumrah (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
India and England lock horns in the decisive third and final ODI at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Sunday, July 19.
The series is all square at 1-1. India won the first ODI at Edgbaston but England restored parity by emerging victorious at Sophia Gardens. It will be interesting to see who gets the win and bags the series on Sunday.
ENG vs IND, 3rd ODI: Toss Update
Harry Brook won the toss and decided to bat first. He reckoned that the pitch looks good for batting and hoped that the hosts would be able to put on a decent score to put the Men in Blue under pressure. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill said that he was going to elect to bowl first anyway had he won the toss.
ENG vs IND, 3rd ODI: Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing?
Shubman Gill mentioned India's three changes at the toss. Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah , and Washington Sundar have made way for KL Rahul, Prince Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh. While Sundar was ruled out of the third ODI due to a hamstring injury, Gill shared a worrying update on Bumrah at the toss, saying that he had sustained a knee injury. Dube's snub is mostly due to a change in combination that India wanted to try.
England, on the other hand, made just one change. Josh Tongue has come into the side in place of fellow right-arm speedster Saqib Mahmood.
ENG vs IND, 3rd ODI: What did the captains say?
Harry Brook, England captain, said
We're going to have a bat today. It looks like a good surface, hopefully we can get a decent score on the board and put them under pressure. Tongue comes back in for Saqib. [On the most pleasing aspect of England's win in Cardiff] Well, there's loads of periods, I thought we did really well through the middle overs with the ball to restrict them. I can't remember what the figures were, but I think they went for 30 runs in 10 overs or so. And then the way that Rooty batted sets a great template for all of our batters. [On the chance to seal the series] Yeah, it'd be beautiful, wouldn't it? Hopefully we'll be lifting that trophy at the end of the day, but we've got to go in there, assess conditions as well as we can, and adapt to the conditions as well.
Shubman Gill, India captain, said
[On losing the toss] We were bowling first. We have got three changes. Boom misses out, he's unavailable due to some knee injury. And so is Washington Sundar. Dube also misses out. KL comes in, Prince Yadav comes in, and Arshdeep comes back into the team. [On selecting Arshdeep Singh] We're not the one who relies on stats so much. We think he's a great bowler, and we were looking for four seamers on this ground. We have seen in the middle overs, spinners don't really offer much as compared to the fast bowlers. [On what India need to improve from the second ODI] I think we were in a great position up until the 25 overs of the match, and then we lost too many wickets in the middle overs, end of the middle overs. So hopefully, if you're in that kind of position, we post a good total close to 280-300. And then we have seen it's not easy to score freely in the past couple of matches. So hopefully, if we are able to get good runs and put the team in a comfortable position.
ENG vs IND, 3rd ODI: Playing XIs
England
Ben Duckett , Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook(c), Jos Buttler(w), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue.
India
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli , Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Axar Patel, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
Bumrah misses Lord's decider with injury; England bring in Tongue and bat
KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav come in for India; England leave out Saqib Mahmood in favour of Josh Tongue
KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav come in for India; England leave out Saqib Mahmood in favour of Josh Tongue
Manjot Kalra denies fixing allegations in LPL 2026
Former India Under-19 player Manjot Kalra has been remanded until July 31 in Colombo
Former India Under-19 player Manjot Kalra has been remanded until July 31 in Colombo
📢Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir share laugh during Indian team's High Commission visit
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir share laugh during Indian team's High Commission visit (Source: BCCI)
The Indian Men's Cricket Team met with members of the Indian High Commission ahead of the third ODI against England at Lord's, interacting with members of the Indian diaspora during the visit.
The event, which took place on July 18, the day before the game, saw BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla also at the venue, addressing the gathering along with head coach Gautam Gambhir , skipper Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Prasidh Krishna, who responded to questions from members of the diaspora.
During the visit, Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were seen interacting cheerfully with head coach Gautam Gambhir. Photographs from the event saw the trio seated together in the front row during the event, and also shared conversations and anecdotes among them.
The two veterans in the team have been in the news of late, along with their coach, for various reasons. Ahead of the series, fans noted cold interactions between Kohli and Gambhir during net sessions, which became a talking point due to past history between the pair. Rohit has been in the news with speculations over his retirement coming in the final ODI quashed by the BCCI ahead of the game.
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir share laugh during Indian team's High Commission visit (Source: BCCI)
The Indian Men's Cricket Team met with members of the Indian High Commission ahead of the third ODI against England at Lord's, interacting with members of the Indian diaspora during the visit.
The event, which took place on July 18, the day before the game, saw BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla also at the venue, addressing the gathering along with head coach Gautam Gambhir , skipper Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Prasidh Krishna, who responded to questions from members of the diaspora.
During the visit, Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were seen interacting cheerfully with head coach Gautam Gambhir. Photographs from the event saw the trio seated together in the front row during the event, and also shared conversations and anecdotes among them.
The two veterans in the team have been in the news of late, along with their coach, for various reasons. Ahead of the series, fans noted cold interactions between Kohli and Gambhir during net sessions, which became a talking point due to past history between the pair. Rohit has been in the news with speculations over his retirement coming in the final ODI quashed by the BCCI ahead of the game.
Zimbabwe opt to bat in series decider
Bangladesh were without Nahid Rana, who suffered a side strain on Friday
Bangladesh were without Nahid Rana, who suffered a side strain on Friday
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