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Fast bowler Rene Farrell has announced her retirement from ODIs

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Apr-2017Fast bowler Rene Farrell has announced her retirement from ODIs. She will, however, remain available for Australia’s Test and T20I teams and will continue playing domestic cricket for the NSW Breakers, the Sydney Thunder and the Surrey Stars.Farrell, who made her international debut in 2007, played 44 ODIs, taking 42 wickets at an average of 30.78. She has also played three Tests and 54 T20Is.”With preparations about to begin ahead of this year’s World Cup, the time felt right for me to retire from one-day cricket for Australia,” Farrell said. “I’ve had mixed fortunes in this format over the last few years and I no longer feel I can give what is required to compete at this level.”It was an honour to be a part of the ICC Women’s Championship and to be part of the inaugural winning side is something I regard as very special in my ODI career. I still have the desire to represent Australia in the T20 and Test arenas and look forward to spending more time with the NSW Breakers and taking on more of a mentoring role to help our up and coming players progress to the next level.”I’d like to wish all teams the very best of luck for the World Cup and I know that that those picked to represent Australia will do us proud.”

Somerset will need to find rare batting resilience to avoid defeat on the final day at the Kia Oval

Tim Wigmore at Kia Oval21-Sep-20171:33

County Championship round-up: Finn eases Middlesex fears

The majesty of Kumar Sangakkara’s innings, which extended to 157 in a blissful hour’s batting in the morning, gave way to an afternoon of attritional cricket in keeping with the gloomy skies at The Oval.For Somerset, facing a deficit of 164 runs while trying not to be disheartened by events five miles north, where Middlesex were securing a crucial Championship victory, this was a day to scrap and fight, knowing that their cherished Division One status could depend upon it.On an Oval wicket offering unusual assistance for seam, at least by its normally docile standards, the task threatened to be a daunting one, especially when Sam Curran curved the eighth ball of Somerset’s reply away from Marcus Trescothick, who glided it into the hands of third slip.By the time play was truncated, as bad light and then rain left 37 overs in the day unbowled, Somerset had given an unwelcome reminder of the batting frailties that have undermined a season that had begun with genuine hope that they could improve on their Championship position by a solitary position and so take the title to the Quantocks for the very first time.Such optimism died long ago, replaced by the sobering reality that Somerset’s Division One berth is imperilled. They have enjoyed 10 unbroken years in Division One, the highest of any county – and, indeed, an all-time record.It is a testament to what Somerset have achieved with an exemplary youth system – one that develops talent not just in the county’s confines but in the entire South-West, with Devon producing alone producing a formidable home-grown bowling attack in recent years – and fierce local pride.They have outperformed counties who enjoy the benefits of hosting Test cricket and financial clout, either from their grounds or, more often, from generous local backers. Their status as the most popular second county in the shies, both for what the success of the club means to the county and for how they have challenged financial determinism in domestic cricket, is well-established.If three Championship runners-ups medals in seven seasons have brought no medals – and there has been copious heartbreak in the other competitions too – their performances have brought huge pride.After a chastening season, marred both by defeats on the field and poorly managed contractual situations for their players off it, the same pride has been evident in recent weeks too. Somerset responded to a thumping at Chelmsford with back-to-back victories at Edgbaston and at home to Lancashire. These were compelling all-round performances, the sort to briefly rekindle memories of those September dreams of 2016.Sangakkara leaves The Oval for the last time•Getty Images

Escaping The Oval with a draw would be a huge help if Somerset are to winter looking forward to an 11th straight year in Division One.The diligence with which Somerset approached their task in sepulchral conditions reflected how seriously they are taking their task. What was lacking – Somerset will hope it comes tomorrow from Tom Abell or Steve Davies, and preferably both – was a truly substantive innings, the sort of exercise in bloody mindedness that can inoculate a team against defeat.There were admirable contributions from George Bartlett and Eddie Byrom, infused with grit, but both departed before the weather intervened.Bartlett, like James Hildreth, was the victim of Stuart Meaker, who showcased the pace, reverse swing and ferocity that makes it easy to see why he played for England in some limited overs cricket in 2011 and 2012. Both batsmen succumbed to full deliveries, though Hildreth might have got bat on the yorker before it hit his pads.Byrom’s dismissal was bizarre. Gareth Batty, astute and showcasing immaculate control, produced a beautiful offspinner which just evaded Byrom’s edge and then just missed offstump too – at least, that’s how it appeared. As Batty turned in despair at his own ill-luck, only Ben Foakes noticed that his delivery had actually clipped the offbail, so delicately that it might not have disturbed a zing bail. Byrom remained motionless for a few seconds after, unable to believe his fate.Somerset will need the same obduracy, and a little more luck – either on the field or from the heavens – if they are to avoid a sixth Championship defeat of the season. Should they indeed leave London with another five points, they will guard them as closely as a parent would their newborn child.

Sekhukhune, Mlaba tie down hosts on gusty day in Dublin as Goodall and Bosch breeze past target

Firdose Moonda08-Jun-2022On a day so windy that it was too dangerous for the broadcast cameras to be mounted on the stanchions, it was Ireland who were blown away in the series decider against South Africa. After Ireland took the lead in the opening match on Friday, the contest between the two sides became progressively less intense as South Africa’s bowlers adjusted to the slower, lower surfaces and proved difficult to get away.

Brits receives demerit point for dissent

South Africa opener Tazmin Brits has received an official reprimand for a Level 1 breach of the ICC’s code of conduct during the third ODI against Ireland. Brits was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the code, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”
Brits, according to an ICC release, “showed displeasure while staying on at the crease” and “expressed her dissent when she walked past the umpire” after she was adjudged caught behind for 3 in the second over of South Africa’s chase of 105.
Brits admitted to her offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Graham McCrea, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

Ireland made a positive start and were 64 for 2 at the halfway stage of their innings but career-best hauls from Nonkululeko Mlaba and Tumi Sekhukhune, and able support from Nadine de Klerk and Ayabonga Khaka, restricted them to 104 and bowled them out with nine deliveries left in their innings. That total included South Africa’s 11 wides, as the gusts challenged their control of the ball. Ireland were more disciplined and sent down only three wides but South Africa swatted away the score in 13.5 overs.More for Mlaba After opening the bowling in the first two matches in the series – with just one over upfront – left-arm spinner Mlaba was given a second over in the Powerplay after her first cost just two runs. One of them was a wide, and she didn’t bowl to Gaby Lewis, who had taken her on in the first two matches, so with Lewis off strike at the start of the third over, Mlaba continued. She conceded two singles and then had Mary Waldron out lbw to leave Ireland in a shaky position on 11 for 2. She even got rid of Lewis, but only when she returned in the 11th over and had Lewis caught at mid-on, and ended with career-best figures of 2 for 15.Get Gaby on strike Ireland’s stand-in captain did not face any of the first 10 balls of the innings but watched from the other end as her opening partner Leah Paul struggled against Mlaba and was then caught at wide slip off Khaka. Lewis faced two balls off Khaka but was soon back to the non-striker’s end for Mlaba’s second over. After five overs, Lewis had scored only six off 12 balls. She went on to score 23 more runs off the next 20 balls she faced, including five fours and shared in a 54-run second-wicket partnership with Shauna Kavanagh. They set Ireland up well but, as was the case in the previous two matches, Lewis was unable to bat through and her dismissal caused a mini-collapse. Ireland lost their last eight wickets for 39 runs in eight overs to fall away in the second half of their innings.Tazmin’s tirade Without many to defend, Ireland needed an early breakthrough and Jane Macguire got it. She had Tazmin Brits caught behind off her second delivery, which moved away from the right-hander and appeared to take the outside edge. All the Irish players were in celebration, when Brits’ unhappiness became clear. She stood next to the pitch, with her arms outstretched, as if to ask why she had been given out, and then left muttering. She may yet be sanctioned for her disbelief at her dismissal but it did not do too much damage to South Africa’s chances. Good, better, but not yet best Lara Goodall’s promotion to the top of the order saw her dismissed for a duck in the first match this series, score her first T20I half-century in the second and could have seen her bat South Africa to victory in the third. She was two short of fifty, and had played an aggressive knock laced with nine fours, when Anneke Bosch asked her to hustle through for a single but Lewis’ throw came in quickly to Waldron. Goodall was short of her ground when the stumps were broken and her second-wicket stand with Bosch ended on 72, but she left in good spirits. She fist-bumped Bosch before making her way off and smiled as she left the ground, leaving Bosch and Laura Wolvaardt to seal the deal. Bosch was unbeaten on 44 at the end.

Pakistan, on the other hand, are coming into the T20 series with the confidence of a fantastic run in limited-overs matches this year

The Preview by Danyal Rasool25-Oct-2017

Big Picture

At this point of the series, even traditionalists can’t wait for the T20 series. After a one-sided ODI series that seemed to stretch out interminably, the focus now turns to a three-match T20 series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Tests saw a clean sweep for Sri Lanka, while Pakistan avenged the loss in a comprehensive 5-0 whitewash in the ODIs.Sri Lanka have had a dismal ODI record this year, but their T20 record in 2017 has been much more impressive. They began the year with two away series wins – in South Africa and Australia, no less – and boast a winning record over the year, having won five of nine games. They will look to make that count to ensure they bookend the tour with positive memories to dull the pain of the ODI thrashing.Complicating things, however, are the peculiar scheduling arrangements of this series. With the third T20 to be held in Lahore, the Sri Lankan management have decided to only select players willing to travel to Pakistan. That means Sri Lanka will be without Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella and Akila Dananjaya for the T20s.That means a new-look Sri Lanka gear up for the series, while Pakistan have their full squad at their disposal. That, and recent form, makes the Pakistan firm favourites, but with T20 cricket, predictions are a thankless task.

Form guide

Sri Lanka LLWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan WLWWL

In the spotlight

Babar Azam‘s T20 form is every bit as impressive as in ODIs. Averaging 54, he has never been dismissed in single figures in the format. This ability to feel comfortable in a high-pressure format is part of his growing appeal and reputation. Sri Lanka’s captain this series Thisara Perera will know all about that, given he was part of the World XI that toured Pakistan last month. Babar Azam was the leading run-scorer over the tour and won Man-of-the-series.Thisara Perera takes over the captaincy reins in difficult times for his country. What bodes well for him is his game is most suited to the T20 format. But his experience will be required in more ways than one, especially in the Lahore T20, as he was the only Sri Lankan in the World XI side.

Team news

Usman Khan, after his five-for in the fifth ODI, may had done enough to secure a consistent run, beating off competition from Rumman Raees. Imam-ul-Haq impressed in the ODIs, but Ahmed Shehzad got big runs against the World XI, and could return.Pakistan (probable): 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt, wk), 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shadab Khan, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Usman KhanSri Lanka’s T20 squad was put together hurriedly, and they might not be sure of their best XI yet.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Dilshan Munaweera, 2 Danushka Gunathilaka, 3 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 4 Mahela Udawatte, 5 Ashan Priyanjan, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Seekkuge Prasanna, 8 Thisara Perera (capt.), 9 Sachith Pathirana, 10 Jeffrey Vandersay, 11 Lahiru Gamage

Pitch and conditions

Dew could play a role in Abu Dhabi, but as it could impact both teams since it’s a night game. The slow surface is likely to assist spin bowlers.

Stats and trivia

• Thisara Perera has played more T20Is (60) than the rest of the 16-man Sri Lankan squad put together (47). Eleven players in the squad are yet to make their T20I debut
• Abu Dhabi doesn’t have a reputation for particularly high scores, but it does boast one of the highest totals in T20I cricket. That came in a World T20 qualifier in 2013 when Ireland amassed 225 against Afghanistan

Quotes

“We are very happy because we will be playing at home and if we can go on to lift the trophy in front of home fans, then nothing like it”
“I think we can do something special in this series. I believe in my team and think we can give a good challenge for the Pakistan team”

ECB set to appoint interim coach for West Indies tour with squad to be picked by panel

Andrew Miller04-Feb-2022Graham Thorpe has joined Chris Silverwood in paying the price for England’s Ashes debacle, but Joe Root will continue as captain for the upcoming tour of West Indies, after receiving the endorsement of Andrew Strauss, England’s interim director of cricket.Speaking at Lord’s in the wake of Thursday’s sacking of Silverwood as head coach, Strauss – who was himself appointed on Wednesday in place of the outgoing director of men’s cricket, Ashley Giles – admitted that Root was feeling “bruised” after England’s 4-0 defeat in the Ashes, the second time he has led the team to such a scoreline down under.However, Strauss added, Root retains the “energy and motivation” to carry on, as well as the respect of the players – understandably so, after an incredible run of form in 2021, in which he scored 1708 Test runs at 61.00, more than three times more than any of his team-mates, as well as six of England’s seven Test centuries in the calendar year.Related

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“Having spoken to Joe, it is absolutely clear the extent of his commitment to taking this side forward,” Strauss said. “He has incredible motivation and energy to do that. He is bruised, and hugely disappointed by what went on in the Ashes but he sets a magnificent example, both on and off the field, so I will give him my full support and make sure he has right structure around him to take pressure off him and make sure he can do his job properly.”Thorpe, however, has become England’s third Ashes casualty in as many days. His position had become untenable in the fallout from a tour clouded not only by poor results on the field, but by reports of an off-field drinking culture and poor fitness levels.With Thorpe’s primary remit being the oversight of the squad’s batters, the fact that England failed to pass 300 in ten attempts during the Ashes told against him, while his fate was effectively sealed following a bizarre incident on the morning after the fifth Test in Hobart, when the police had to be called after he reportedly lit a cigar in an indoor space in the team hotel.However, with the Test squad due to depart for the Caribbean on February 24, in less than three weeks’ time, no interim coaching appointments have yet been announced. Silverwood’s remit was expanded last year to include squad selection, following the removal of national selector Ed Smith last summer – a workload that Strauss described as “an impossible strain” – and as a consequence, the West Indies tour party will be picked by panel, the make-up of which will be determined by the identity of the interim head coach.Potential names in the frame for that role include Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket who has expressed an interest in the post, as well as the Young Lions head coach Richard Dawson, who is currently in the Caribbean preparing for the Under-19 World Cup final, and the incumbent assistant coach, Paul Collingwood, who oversaw last week’s 3-2 defeat in the T20Is against West Indies.”There are some soundings-out to be done, both inside and outside the organisation, and there are some decisions to be made about the actual focus of this tour,” Strauss added. “You can look at it in a number of ways – we are in the business of winning, and it’s very, very important we go out there and win, but it is also about looking forwards, so we have to look at that, both with regards to the interim coach, but also with our approach to selection and everything else associated with that.”England have won just one series in the Caribbean since 1968, and were defeated 2-1 on their last visit, in the spring of 2019. Strauss – who captained England’s tour of the West Indies in similarly chaotic circumstances in 2009 – said the onus was on the players themselves to lift their standards.”I think the players are the ones that go on the pitch, and they are accountable for their performances,” he said. “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see performances have been poor for the last 12 months. Anyone who thinks otherwise is deluding themselves. The players have to hold up their hands, accept they have to get better. They have the best possible example right there with them in the dressing room in Joe Root in terms of what world-class performance looks like. That has to be their ambition, to reach that level of performance.”The job of the coaching staff is to provide the right environment for them to do that. Make sure no stone is left unturned in helping them achieve that. International cricket is a tough old gig and you have to have resilience, toughness, you have to want it. That is the challenge for those players.”I know what it’s like as England captain. There is always scrutiny on your position, especially when you lose Ashes series. I am sure Joe felt that. I think at this moment in time he is 100% the right person to take the team forward. At some stage in the future we will have a new managing director, a new head coach, they will look at things with fresh eyes. For me he’s a great example to those young players and he needs our support right now.”Strauss confirmed that he would not be interested in returning to the England director job on a full-time basis, but said he was “always keen to help English cricket going forward and this role is manageable”.On the subject of who might take charge as Silverwood’s successor, Strauss said that while he wouldn’t rule out Justin Langer – Australia’s current men’s head coach but involved in ongoing internal wrangling about a contract extension – it would depend on the requirements for the role.”Now let’s take a step back. What are we looking for? Are we looking for split coaches or one coach? And what are the requirements in each of those formats, so to speak. Justin Langer, I know him well. On the surface, he’s done a very good job of that with the Australian team. So I wouldn’t rule him out, but I’m sure there are plenty of others as well.”

The captain says getting over jet lag and a quick turnaround after England T20Is will also be a challenge

Shashank Kishore05-Feb-20222:31

Who will be the key batters for West Indies?

It was only less than a week ago that West Indies were involved in back-to-back T20Is against England in Barbados with the series delicately poised. A few hours after wrapping up a morale-boosting series win, the Kieron Pollard-led side left for India. After a three-day quarantine in Ahmedabad, and negative Covid tests, they were allowed to train in groups of four on Friday.On Saturday, they held their first and only training session ahead of the series. And on Sunday, they will be thrown into the cauldron against a hurt Indian team looking to move on quickly from their 3-0 whitewash in South Africa. West Indies themselves are searching for answers, having lost the ODIs 2-1 at home to Ireland in January.”For us, we have to crack on,” Pollard said. “Today (Saturday) is the only full practice we had, and then we have to have our meetings and discussions, and stuff like that. Again, we know these are some of the things people don’t want to hear and understand because we need to perform on the cricket field, but these are some of the challenges we have to face as international cricketers. The most we can do in a short space of time is to try and be in the right mental space, have discussions about it, sort of visualise and plan as to how we want to go about it.Related

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“From a physical point of view, we can do it. We have to get over jet lag. Some of us are still living in the Caribbean time [zone]. It’s night here in India but the guys have eyes wide open, but we have to get up early in the morning to play a day-night game. So, the challenges are there, but that’s why it’s international cricket, and we try and overcome it, and not use that as an excuse.”We’re doing what is necessary to try to take the field and perform at that optimum level. Hopefully, we can overcome these things and can make us better cricketers as well as individuals at the end of the day when we stick out and look out for one another.”The limited acclimatisation time has given West Indies little time to try and address the batting problem Pollard felt they had after the Ireland series. But the talk has revolved around three things: learn to adapt, take learnings from their series loss, and try to bat out 50 overs. Along the way, they want to draw inspiration from the fight they showed in their previous ODI series in India. They had taken a 1-0 lead before losing the next two games to concede the series. This time they want to better that.”We need to put our heads together and try to improve in every area of our game we fell short against Ireland”•Associated Press

“For this series against India, the learning we need to take forward is how we bat 50 overs,” he said. “We haven’t batted 50 overs in the last couple of series against Ireland and Australia, so that is something we need to look at. As a team, we need to follow the template and plans that are put out there so that we can go out there and be successful.”For us, it’s another opportunity to improve our skills, another opportunity to test where we are in international cricket against a formidable Indian team. The last time we were here, if my memory jogs me right, we did okay. We didn’t win the series, but we pushed them. So now we’re looking to push that one step further. Having said that, we need to put our heads together and try to improve in every area of our game we fell short against Ireland.”Pollard has been vocal about the team’s need to improve fitness standards. He hasn’t been shy of calling out issues in selection – like being categorical about how average returns in the Regional Super50, West Indies’ domestic 50-over competition, can’t become the basis for international call-ups. This appears to have ruffled a few feathers higher up in the West Indies cricket administration, but as captain, Pollard insists he is “in a good space” and isn’t going to allow off-field chatter to come in the way of his vision.”Obviously, I didn’t tour Pakistan [for the limited-overs series in December], so I got some much-needed time off to refresh the mind and body,” he said. “Coming back in the Ireland series, yes it was difficult. And the England series was another tough series, but these things happen. Once you have the intention of playing the sport, emotions, mental space, [and] physical capabilities – all these things get tested.”I’ve played my entire career with a lot of things riding on it, and I have come through it with a smile on my face. That is how I’m going to finish my career as well. For me personally, I’m in a good space and always looking forward to a challenge.”As captain, one of the things he is doing is wearing a bigger cape around his broad shoulders to shield his players from external noise and give them the security to perform. For this, Pollard said it was imperative for him to “continue his process and judgment”.”For me, it is just a matter of backing my skill, ability, back my cricketing acumen in terms of leading,” he said. “Sometimes you have to take the bull by the horns. Sometimes you have to put guys in a situation where they can thrive with their confidence and stuff like that. For me, those are a couple of things coming out of it, just letting things happen and continuing my process and judgment.”

World Cup-winning captain to call time on era-defining seven-and-a-half-year reign

Matt Roller27-Jun-2022Eoin Morgan is expected to step down as England’s white-ball captain and retire from international cricket on Tuesday after seven-and-a-half years in charge.Morgan was appointed in 2014 and has spearheaded England’s revolution in limited-overs cricket, transforming the one-day sides and leading them to their first World Cup in 2019, but his form and fitness have left him considering his future.He has been unable to play games on back-to-back days this year due to regular muscle injuries in his right leg, and missed Wednesday’s third ODI against the Netherlands with a “groin niggle” after consecutive ducks in the first two games of the series.The reported on Sunday night that Morgan was considering his future and he looks set to announce his international retirement. Jos Buttler, who has regularly deputised as captain, is expected to replace him.”He obviously feels like he’s done with international cricket,” Moeen Ali told the BBC’s Test Match Special, “and the team for him still comes first, which just shows how unselfish he is. He’s done a remarkable job and he’s the best we’ve ever had, for sure.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“It is and it isn’t [a surprise] at the same time. It is because of the World Cup not being too far away at the end of the summer and he for us is our perfect leader. He’s done an amazing job, he knows what it takes to win. It’s a shame, it’s strange to comprehend the side without him at the moment. Obviously things move on and you kind of get used to it, but it is sad.”And I’m not surprised at the same time because he’s a very selfless person and he’s thinking about the team more than anything. We’ve been so strong over the years and he probably himself feels like his time is done and he’s given enough time for Jos or whoever the captain is going to be to embed his way.”Morgan enjoyed some of the best form of his career in 2019 and 2020 but his returns have nose-dived in the last 18 months. He has scored a single half-century in 48 innings across domestic and international white-ball cricket since the start of 2021 and failed to score a run in two innings against the Netherlands.It remains to be seen whether Morgan will remain involved with the set-up in some capacity under Matthew Mott, the new white-ball head coach, and whether he will retire from all cricket or continue to play in franchise leagues.Moeen has also deputised for Morgan on occasion, but threw his support behind Buttler. “The great thing is he has captained before,” he said. “Obviously when Morgs doesn’t play, Jos captains when he’s playing and he’s got extreme experience now. He’s been around the world playing franchise cricket and he’s been part of this whole journey. He knows what it takes and he’s tactically fantastic.”Reacting to the news ahead of the final day’s play of the Headingley Test, Nasser Hussain, the former England captain, told Sky Sports:
“Eoin Morgan has been the most influential white-ball cricketer England have ever had. He’s been our best white-ball captain, and he has been a fantastic player. And he gave us the best moment in English white-ball cricket that we’ve ever had, at Lord’s. It was an incredible day, an incredible finale, and a lot of it was down to the skipper.”

Lack of availability of England players heightens scrutiny on county cricket’s big day out

Matt Roller15-Jul-2022The ECB have insisted they are “committed to driving progress and increasing the reach” of the Vitality Blast after the competition’s 20th season saw a 15 percent decline in ticket sales compared to pre-pandemic numbers.The Blast’s 2022 season concludes with Finals Day at Edgbaston on Saturday, which will be the competition’s earliest-ever finish. The Blast has been squeezed into a shorter window at the start of the summer in order to accommodate the month-long window for the Hundred, which starts on August 3.Several counties were unhappy about their fixture lists, with many games taking place on week-nights during term-time, and ESPNcricinfo understands that the total attendance figure for the tournament will be around 800,000 – including a sell-out crowd at Edgbaston on Saturday.That figure is down from around 920,000 in 2019, the most recent Blast season in which full crowds were permitted. The 2020 season was played behind-closed-doors in its entirety, while full crowds only returned for the knockout stages in 2021.”After the impact of Covid and the restrictions that were in place for two summers, in addition to the changing consumer habits that has impacted other sports and entertainment, it has been heartening to see crowds returning up and down the country,” Neil Snowball, the ECB’s managing director of county cricket, wrote in a blog post.”We are undergoing research to further understand the changing consumer habits and how we can develop the Vitality Blast’s offer to fans. What is certain is that there has never been more ways to watch and follow the Vitality Blast, whether it is at-venue or across the various digital platforms, and we’re committed to driving progress and increasing the reach of a competition that has become much loved since its inception in 2003.”The Vitality Blast is a short-format competition unlike any other, partly due to age-old county rivalries that play out every year across the country. Over the years, all 18 first-class counties have established their own rich history in a competition that continues to attract top players from across the world and also provide a stage for homegrown players to develop their skills.”Related

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There has been controversy surrounding the non-availability of six England players for Finals Day in Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, David Willey (all Yorkshire), Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone (both Lancashire) and Craig Overton (Somerset), who will be playing in Sunday’s deciding third ODI against India instead.The ECB were forced to reschedule the white-ball leg of the India series due to the postponement of the fifth Test last summer, prompting the clash between Finals Day and the end of the ODI series, but Tom Abell, Somerset’s captain, said that the occasion would not be “diminished in any way” by their absence.”The Blast can still take pride of place,” Abell said. “If there are really good games in the Blast, that creates huge interest and excitement around the competition in itself. Everyone really buys in and you really see the passion for it. If you’re getting good sides playing against each other, that fuels the passion for the T20 Blast and for county cricket.”Tim David, Lancashire’s overseas player, said it was “frustrating” to be without several England players. “Personally, I think it’s disappointing when you have clashes with international fixtures,” he said. “As a team, of course you want your best players available – but it happens everywhere. You have fixture clashes. I think it can be done better but I’m not going to offer any solutions at this stage.”Obviously there is some really high-quality stuff happening in the Blast but there’s also some different challenges with the scheduling and the number of teams,” David added. “It’s a different intensity to other tournaments: guys will be off playing a four-day game and then the next day, they’ve got a T20 match. It’s certainly a different challenge to franchise tournaments.”Five venues reported record T20 attendances this season: Edgbaston, Taunton, the Ageas Bowl, New Road and Grace Road, where Leicestershire reaped the benefits after deciding to cut their prices significantly midway through the group stages. “Last week’s quarter-finals attracted a combined 42,000 spectators – the most ever for the last-eight stage,” Snowball said.The new TV deal signed between the ECB and Sky Sports this week includes a 50 percent increase in the number of televised group-stage games, as well as a weekly highlights show on free-to-air television. Snowball said that the deal “reiterates the value and importance that is placed” on the Blast and “reflects the loyalty and passion fans have for it”.

Spinning allrounder recalled to balance side in wake of England’s struggles at Trent Bridge

George Dobell10-Aug-2021Moeen Ali has been recalled to the England squad and looks set to play in the second LV= Insurance Test at Lord’s.Moeen, the off-spinning all-rounder, is expected to join up with the squad at training today (Tuesday) as England attempt to balance a side missing key all-rounder Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes.England were unable to find a place for a frontline spinner in the team that drew the first Test.While Moeen has only played one first-class game in the last 23 months, he has been in fine form in the white-ball game. He hit a 23-ball half-century for Birmingham Phoenix on Monday night and has captained the side to the top of the table.He last played a Test in February, also against India in the second Test in Chennai, where he claimed eight wickets in the match, but subsequently returned home as part of England’s rest and rotation policy.The call-up means that Moeen is set to play his first Test on home soil since the 2019 Ashes, when he featured in England’s defeat in the series opener at Edgbaston, then took an indefinite break from the format, for the remainder of the series as well as the subsequent tours of New Zealand and South Africa.To date in Test cricket he has claimed 189 wickets at 36.24 in 61 matches, at a sub-60 strike rate that is better than each of the more celebrated spinners above him in England’s wicket-takers’ list – Derek Underwood, Graeme Swann and Jim Laker.Meanwhile his record on home soil against India is particularly impressive. He has taken 31 wickets at 22.22 across seven previous matches in 2014 and 2018, including a Player-of-the-Match-winning nine-wicket haul at the Ageas Bowl following his mid-series recall in 2018.Moeen has also struck five Test centuries in his career to date, and though the most recent of those came in December 2016, it was also made against India – the second of his two on that winter’s tour. His most recent Test innings was a hard-hitting knock of 43 from 18 balls, made from No.9 in the closing moments of England’s defeat in Chennai in February.Asked about the prospect of his recall on Monday, in the wake of Birmingham Phoenix’s 93-run win at Edgbaston, Moeen told the BBC: “Of course if you get the call-up, then playing for England is the highest thing you can get. If I get the call then I’ll be available.”It’s a win-win for me, things are going really well for me here and the team.”

Alastair Cook has admitted that he had “been to the well” too many times to carry on as England captain, as he spelled out his reasons for stepping down after a record 59 Tests in charge
Speaking at Lord’s on the day it was confirmed that Cook, 32,

Andrew Miller07-Feb-20171:57

Dobell: Cook served England with distinction

Alastair Cook has admitted that he had “been to the well” too many times to carry on as England captain, as he spelled out his reasons for stepping down after a record 59 Tests in charge.Speaking at Lord’s for the first time since his resignation was confirmed, Cook admitted that he had been left drained by a tough winter campaign in the subcontinent, which culminated in five Test defeats in England’s last six matches, including a maiden Test defeat against Bangladesh and a 4-0 series loss to India.”It was an incredibly tough decision to make,” Cook told Sky Sports. “I’ve loved every minute as England captain, but it’s a job you have to commit 100% to, and there’ve been certain times throughout my four or five years in the job when I’ve been to the well and dug pretty deep.”And coming back from India, the way I felt then, I didn’t think I had it in me to do it again, because this isn’t a job where you can operate at 95%.”When I looked in that mirror, I felt it was time. It was sad in one way, because I’ve loved the honour and prestige of all of it. I’ve been leading some great men and had some great moments as England captain, but I do think it’s the right time for me and for the team.”Cook’s career included some notable high points, not least his maiden series as full-time captain in 2012-13, when he led England to a stunning 2-1 series win in India, and last year’s away win in South Africa. But the low moments were particularly bruising, not least the Ashes whitewash in 2013-14, which presaged the most testing period of his tenure – the sacking of Kevin Pietersen ahead of the 2014 home season.Cook was present at the ECB meeting that signalled the end of Pietersen’s England career, and he bore the brunt of much of the fall-out for the rest of that summer. “I think we all have regrets over how it was handled,” he admitted. “I was part of that decision, I wasn’t the be-all-and-end-all of it, but what followed was part of the responsibility I had as England captain.”The fallout wasn’t great for English cricket, we were in the headlines for the wrong reasons, especially when our job as players is to promote the game as best we can, so it was not the best six months. But things have moved on, and since Andrew Strauss has come in [as England director], he’s done a great job and made it clear that the side has moved on.”While insisting that his tenure wasn’t “all doom and gloom”, Cook did single out England’s supporters for particular gratitude, not least those who gave him an ovation at the Ageas Bowl during the 2014 home series against India, when Cook was enduring some of the worst batting form of his career.”I’ll never forget Southampton, the warmth I had there in 2014,” he said. “That kept me going, and of course my family and friends who mean the world to me and stuck with me through the tough times.”Asked if he would have any advice for his younger self, or for that matter the player who is appointed to succeed him, Cook – a famously stubborn individual – was revealingly candid.”The advice I needed was to make sure you don’t always do it your way,” he said. “There are a lot of great people out there who watch a lot of cricket who know probably more than you do. So use that advice and be open to it. Ultimately you have to make the decision out there yourself, but use as much as you can. A lot of people want you to do well, because people love seeing England win games of cricket.”It is a challenging job, you don’t know what will be thrown at you at certain times. But I have loved it, and that is what has made the decision quite hard, because I knew what I was giving away. I look forward to the next part of my career, supporting the next guy as best I can, and hopefully scoring some runs as well and being part of England’s success.”