Jonathan Trott interview: International past is no hard place for England’s rock October 4, 2016 If he had his own way Jonathan Trott might still have the ringing in his ears from an international curtain call this summer, but as he knows only too well, scripts sometimes need redrafting. Such a picture book ending would have afforded the South Africa-born batsman, who became England’s rock at No3, a last opportunity to score [...]
English cricket bosses relegate financially-stricken Durham after handing out rescue package October 3, 2016 Durham cricket chiefs have expressed their disappointment after the financially-stricken club was handed a string of sanctions, including demotion, by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The north-east outfit have been relegated to Division Two of the County Championship, docked 48 points for next season and stripped of their Test match status after [...]
Joe Root set for £1m pay deal as England cricket chiefs confirm biggest shake-up to central contract system for more than a decade September 29, 2016 England cricket chiefs have confirmed the biggest shake-up to the way that the country’s centrally-contracted players are paid for more than a decade. The England and Wales Cricket Board have for the first time awarded central contracts to regulars in the one-day team as well as those in the Test side. Mainstays of both teams, [...]
ECB proposal to give greater rewards and a central deal to one-day players is on the money September 28, 2016 The England and Wales Cricket Board’s proposed revamping of the central contract structure, which could see the introduction of standalone deals for one-day players for the first time, is a positive step forward. Currently, central contracts are handed to the mainstays of the Test set-up, while fringe players and those featuring in limited-overs cricket are [...]
Intriguing final day in prospect as Middlesex and Yorkshire look to conjure victory in title decider September 22, 2016 Middlesex seamer Tim Murtagh admits his side face a dilemma on the final day of their crunch title-decider against Yorkshire after Somerset wrapped up a convincing victory over Somerset at Taunton. In some ways the equation is clear; whoever prevails between Middlesex and Yorkshire will be crowned county champions, while Somerset will only seal first [...]
Former England all-rounder Tim Bresnan leads Yorkshire’s revival against Middlesex and eyes swinging pendulum September 21, 2016 Former England all-rounder Tim Bresnan is backing the pendulum to swing Yorkshire’s way after his unbeaten knock of 72 boosted his side’s bid to secure a third successive County Championship title. Yorkshire were wobbling at 53-4 before Bresnan and wicketkeeper Andy Hodd shared a century stand as the visitors ended day two at Lord’s on [...]
Tough on counties but ECB right to rest England players for final Championship fixtures September 21, 2016 I fully appreciate how disappointing it must be for counties and their supporters that their international players are not playing in the final round of Championship fixtures but on balance I believe the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are right. Of the eight Division One teams in action this week, six have something to [...]
Opener Nick Gubbins stands firm as leaders Middlesex fight back against Yorkshire in title bout September 20, 2016 Middlesex opener Nick Gubbins declared himself satisfied after he led his side’s revival against reigning champions Yorkshire as day one of their potential title decider at Lord’s ended with the tussle finely poised. Gubbins was dropped on 22 but finished unbeaten on 120 as leaders Middlesex recovered from a precarious 97-4 to reach 208-5 before [...]
England leg-spinner Adil Rashid defends decision to opt out of Yorkshire’s crunch clash with champions-elect Middlesex September 19, 2016 England leg-spinner Adil Rashid has defended his request to be omitted from defending county champions Yorkshire’s squad for their potential title decider against Middlesex at Lord’s, which starts today. Rashid, along with team-mates Liam Plunkett and David Willey, was made available by the England and Wales Cricket Board for Yorkshire’s final two games of the [...]
Teenage Lancashire batsman Haseeb Hameed expected to get England call for tour of Bangladesh September 15, 2016 England are expected to pick teenage Lancashire star Haseeb Hameed for next month’s controversial tour of Bangladesh when they name their squad on Friday. Hameed has played his way into contention to become captain Alastair Cook’s opening partner after a stellar county season which has yielded more than 1,000 runs. The 19-year-old from Bolton is [...]