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 [...]
Chris Tremlett: England must find room in their squad for Jofra Archer – even if he doesn’t impress against Pakistan April 17, 2019 The problem for England in one-day cricket used to be who to pick – now it’s who to leave out and I think that just shows what a strong position they are in. The exclusion of Jofra Archer from the preliminary 15-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, but inclusion for the upcoming Pakistan one-day [...]
England’s Cricket World Cup squad: Jofra Archer and the other selection dilemmas for the hosts to consider April 16, 2019 The Cricket World Cup is lurching ever closer and with just 44 days to go until the hosts kick things off against South Africa at the Oval we’ve reached a significant step. England will name their provisional 15-man squad tomorrow ahead of the 23 April deadline. Read more: Chris Tremlett: It's open season for England's batsmen [...]
Chris Tremlett: It’s open season for England’s batsmen with places up for grabs at the top of the order April 10, 2019 The start of the County Championship seasons brings excitement and opportunity, with players knowing a run of performances could put them onto England’s radar. This year, with the bowling ranks settled, it’s the top order batting where places could be up for grabs, meaning early-season runs are bound to catch the eye of selectors. Unless [...]
Defending champions Surrey embracing the role of frontrunners as County Championship returns April 3, 2019 Surrey may have broken their 16-year duck to win the County Championship Division One trophy last season, but they are not content to stay stuck on title No19. The club hierarchy know all too well they’ve underachieved. Now, with the monkey off their back, the goal is to establish a dynasty capable of monopolising county [...]
Chris Tremlett: Surrey’s squad depth makes them favourites to retain their County Championship title April 3, 2019 There are so many factors and variables which go into a County Championship season, but looking at the squads I think Surrey must be considered favourites to defend their title. The first round of Division One fixtures begin on Friday, although Surrey kick off their campaign at home to Essex next week, and conditions, injuries [...]
Chris Tremlett: Ashwin’s Mankad was borderline cheating and should be banned from cricket for good March 27, 2019 Ravichandran Ashwin’s conduct in the Indian Premier League has caused debate right across the cricketing world this week. With his side, Kings XI Punjab, up against it on Monday the Indian spinner decided to run out Rajasthan Royals’ batsman Jos Buttler while he was backing up at the non-strikers’ end. The dismissal, known as a [...]
Cricket’s growing trend? How the success of Twenty20 leagues could lead to a rise in white-ball only contracts March 27, 2019 It’s been over a year since Adil Rashid sparked debate across the cricket world – not with a spinning delivery, but by signing a piece of paper. The England leg-spinner drew criticism after turning his back on first-class cricket by agreeing a white-ball only contract with his county Yorkshire in February 2018. Read more: Meet [...]
Karl McDermott interview: Lord’s head groundsman on the Cricket World Cup, Ireland’s Test match against England and more March 26, 2019 When the Cricket World Cup final rolls around at the height of this summer the two teams and their fans won’t be the only nervous people inside Lord’s. Cricket, more than any other sport, is shaped by the surface it’s played on, and the man tasked with delivering the perfect one for its biggest occasion [...]
Shane Warne: Don’t compare Australia’s Steve Smith and David Warner to Pablo Escobar March 24, 2019 For Steve Smith and David Warner the wait is nearly over. After a year of soul-searching, knuckling down in the nets, avoiding paparazzi and plying their trade in far-flung Twenty20 leagues, the batsmen are about to be let back into the fold. From Friday, Australia’s former captain and vice-captain will be eligible to play for [...]