In this interview, Desert Vipers' Luke Wood, who has played in the Indian Premier League for the Mumbai Indians, talks about the ongoing debate on the best Test batter in the modern era. While acknowledging the greatness of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam as multi-format players, Wood believes that Joe Root's consistent performance in the Test format makes him the best. He also shares his experience of playing in the IPL and how the Twenty20 format presents a unique challenge for bowlers.
In the final ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, both teams were looking for a strong finish to a rain-interrupted series. However, the New Zealand top-order finally clicked in the absence of their star players, with Will Young and Henry Nicholls leading the attack. Despite their efforts, the rain prevented any further play and Sri Lanka ultimately secured a 2-0 series victory. This win is promising for Sri Lanka's future in ODI cricket as they continue to build a strong team for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, New Zealand will now focus on the Test series against England.
After ESPNcricinfo's report of Aqib Javed replacing Jason Gillespie as the head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team, the PCB has stepped in to clarify that the former Australian cricketer will continue to coach the team for the upcoming two red-ball matches against South Africa. This comes after speculation of Gillespie's potential removal following Pakistan's loss at home against Bangladesh and subsequent win against England. With the PCB clarifying the situation, Gillespie's role as head coach remains secure for now.
The interim head coach of the England national team finished his tenure in style, as the Three Lions demolished 10-man Ireland in a dominant second-half display. The victory not only secured promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, but it also set a new record for England's biggest-ever win in a game that was goalless at half-time. To top it off, four different players scored their first goals for England in the same game, a feat that had not been achieved since 1930. The win ensured that England would finish at the top of their group and avoid the hassle of a playoff in the spring.
England dominated in their final game of Lee Carsley's interim tenure, easily defeating Republic of Ireland 5-0 in the Nations League. Goals from Kane, Gordon, Gallagher, Bowen, and Harwood-Bellis propelled England to a win and earned them a promotion to the top tier of the Nations League. Ireland, on the other hand, now face a relegation play-off. Fans can get involved in the conversation on social media using #bbcfootball.
In a rain-affected finale to their white-ball tour of the West Indies, England came out victorious in the T20I series, clinching a 3-1 win against the hosts. After three consecutive wins, the West Indies managed to earn a consolation victory in the fourth T20I, chasing down 219. However, the fifth and final match was ultimately washed out after only five overs, securing England's victory. This win marks a successful end to Marcus Trescothick's time as manager for the white-ball team, with Brendon McCullum set to take over in January as head coach for the Test team.
After a successful 17-year career, New Zealand's star seamer Tim Southee has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The second highest wicket-taker in New Zealand's cricket history, Southee will play his final match against England at his home ground of Seddon Park in Hamilton. The 35-year-old made his Test debut against England in 2008 and has since taken 385 wickets in 104 Test matches.
In a dominant performance, England's football team secured promotion back to League A of the Nations League after thrashing 10-player Republic of Ireland 5-0 at Wembley. Three second-half goals from Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon, and Conor Gallagher, followed by maiden strikes from Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, sealed the victory. This was the perfect send-off for interim manager Lee Carsley, who will now step down to make way for the permanent manager.
England's hopes of a 5-0 series sweep against West Indies in the fourth T20 were dashed by a stunning century stand from Shai Hope and Evin Lewis, who helped the hosts chase down a target of 219 with six balls to spare. Despite a valiant effort from Jacob Bethell (22-ball fifty), who powered England to an imposing 218-5, the West Indies openers took control of the match with a 136-run partnership. Although England fought back with three quick wickets in the 10th over, West Indies regrouped to clinch their first victory thanks to a confident knock from Rovman Powell and a series of back-to-back sixes from Sherfane Rutherford. The win was also the fourth consecutive victory for the side chasing in the series. However, England's concerns over Liam Livingstone's injury may dampen their spirits as they head into the final match of the series.
In an exhilarating showdown, West Indies claimed a nail-biting victory over England in the fourth T20 international, winning by five wickets in a successful chase of 219. The thrilling match had fans on the edge of their seats as the West Indies team staged an impressive comeback to seal the victory. This win marks a major upset in the series, as England had previously dominated with three consecutive wins.