“We’re not just competing against other sports”: The Hundred’s managing director explains why English cricket needs a new format May 21, 2019 The staggered launch of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s great new hope hasn’t gone exactly to plan. Although it was always unlikely to begin in textbook fashion, The Hundred has so far experienced the full repertoire of problems on the runway, leaving the majority of its passengers apprehensive ahead of take-off. After all, the [...]
From the World Cup to Ashes series and The Hundred: English cricket’s battle for hearts and minds May 21, 2019 With the biggest ever summer of international cricket about to start, featuring a men’s World Cup as well as men’s and women’s Ashes series, the sport faces perhaps its greatest challenge. But will such riches put cricket back in the public consciousness for the first time since 2005? That year’s Ashes series marked the end [...]
Lord’s last One-Day Cup final? MCC head of cricket John Stephenson on Hampshire v Somerset, the domestic 50-over competition’s future and The Hundred May 20, 2019 John Stephenson knows a thing or two about one-day cricket. As a fan, player and now head of cricket at Marylebone Cricket Club, he has watched, participated in and enjoyed the format as it has evolved. As a child his interest was piqued by Gloucestershire’s Mike Procter, who scored 94 in a win over Sussex [...]
Chris Tremlett: With Bairstow and Buttler firing England have the best ODI batting line-up in the world May 15, 2019 If the last two games have shown us anything it’s that the sky is the limit for England’s batsmen. Twice in the past week they’ve scored over 350 in One-Day International victories against Pakistan. It’s happening so frequently now that it’s really no longer a surprise. England have the best 50-over batting line-up in the [...]
Chris Tremlett: Joe Denly’s position as third spinner is a bonus not a problem – England shouldn’t overthink his place May 8, 2019 Moeen Ali’s absence from the first One-Day International against Pakistan today threw up another small selection dilemma for England ahead of the World Cup. While Moeen’s rib injury isn’t serious, it meant Joe Denly was thrust into the spotlight to audition as the third spin option. Unfortunately for him, the rain denied him a chance [...]
Chris Tremlett: Alex Hales only has himself to blame – England were right to drop him over drugs breach May 1, 2019 I don’t have a lot of sympathy for Alex Hales. The batsman was this week dropped from England’s World Cup squad after failing a recreational drugs test and I think director of cricket Ashley Giles has made the right decision. It’s not the first time he’s been in the spotlight for his actions away from [...]
Eoin Morgan interview: England captain on World Cup preparation, reaching world No1 and squad make-up April 30, 2019 With the Cricket World Cup just around the corner you could forgive the captain of the hosts and favourites for displaying some signs of nerves. After all, the events between 30 May and 14 July will define Eoin Morgan’s four years of hard work. Alongside coach Trevor Bayliss, Morgan has been instrumental in turning England [...]
Chris Tremlett: England’s bowlers are beginning to feel the pressure with World Cup edging closer April 24, 2019 Having watched England push the boundaries of one-day cricket over the past four years it’s clear to me just how much the format has changed since I retired. I used to bowl pretty much the same way with the red ball and the white ball. Like most seamers I tried to hit the classic Glenn [...]
Alec Stewart interview: Surrey’s director of cricket on rising stars Ryan Patel and Will Jacks and the club’s ethos April 23, 2019 Alec Stewart has seen a lot of players come through the ranks at Surrey. While he witnessed it first hand as a player, between the years of 1981 and 2003, it is since February 2014 that he has taken a particular interest. Having been appointed director of cricket five years ago, Stewart has set about [...]
Middlesex fast bowlers Steven Finn and Toby Roland-Jones targeting England returns after shaking off injuries April 22, 2019 The maxim “it’s the taking part that counts” isn’t usually applicable to professional sport, but right now Steven Finn and Toby Roland-Jones are exceptions to the rule. With the county cricket season well under way, both bowlers have already achieved their first goal of the campaign by simply being on the pitch for Middlesex’s opening [...]