London, June 3 (IANS) England captain Ben Stokes has supported the decision to rest fast bowler Jofra Archer for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. He warned that a different approach could drive players away from international cricket.Archer, who played 16 matches for Rajasthan Royals during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season as the team reached the playoffs, was omitted from England’s squad for the first match. Head coach Brendon McCullum has also indicated that the 31-ye…
Latest Ben Stokes News & Updates
London, June 3 (IANS) Former England batter Mark Butcher has expressed reservations over skipper Ben Stokes’ decision to drop down to number seven in the batting order for the first Test against New Zealand, starting at Lord’s on Thursday.Stokes has batted only 17 times out of 216 innings in Tests, compared to 131 times at number six. His batting returns have dipped since the 2023 Ashes, averaging 28.17 from 23 matches with one century and seven fifties.“Why does he need to drop down to se…
London, June 2 (IANS) England have named uncapped batter Emilio Gay and fast bowler Sonny Baker for their 12-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. The opening Test of the English home summer, which commences on Thursday, marks the beginning of a crucial rebuilding phase following England’s dismal 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.England men have named a 12-player squad for the first Test against New Zealand, which begins on Thursday at Lord’s.”Durham top-order batter Emilio …
New Delhi, June 2 (IANS) Former England pacer Steven Finn believes that the focus on England’s batting changes has overshadowed the bowlers, who will be under scrutiny as the English team takes on New Zealand at Lord’s on Thursday to begin the home summer season.In a column for the BBC, Finn expressed that England is undergoing a period of rebuilding following their Ashes failures and that the nation will need to develop a new identity as a pace bowling side, due to the retirement of a few estab…
London, May 13 (IANS) England have recalled seamer Ollie Robinson after a two‑year absence and named uncapped trio Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker in the squad for the first Test against New Zealand, starting at Lord’s on June 4. The match will also mark England’s first outing since their dismal Ashes campaign. Robinson, 32, returns as England seek an attack leader following the retirements of Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Chris Woakes. He has 76 wickets from 20 Tests, but was dro…
New Delhi, May 7 (IANS) Former Australia batter Marcus North is reportedly set to take over as England’s new national selector, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expected to formalise the appointment in the coming days. The Durham director of cricket has emerged as the frontrunner for the role after the completion of the interview process, edging out former England pacers Steven Finn and Darren Gough.North is likely to step into a position that carries broader responsibilities tha…
New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has described himself as fortunate to have avoided more serious consequences after sustaining a facial injury earlier this year, as he continues his recovery with an eye on the upcoming international season.Stokes sustained a broken right cheekbone and several facial injuries in February after being hit by a cricket ball while training with Durham’s academy players. He subsequently had surgery and is now close to returning to compe…
New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) England captain Ben Stokes has quashed the talks of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, calling it a “massive overstatement”, but indicated that he may work with the head coach in a “slightly different way”.England’s 4-1 defeat in the Ashes in Australia was described as a systemic failure, with poor preparation and the collapse of the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach leaving the side exposed.After an ECB review, the duo have been cleared to hold onto their roles …
New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) England captain Ben Stokes has confirmed that his return to competitive cricket has been delayed until May due to complications from a cheekbone injury. The 34-year-old all-rounder, who was hit by a ball during a training session with Durham’s academy players in early February, underwent surgery a week later to repair the fractured cheekbone.Stokes had originally intended to return during Durham’s County Championship opening game against Kent this Friday. However, …
London, March 21 (IANS) Despite England head coach Brendon McCullum retaining his role, he now faces scrutiny due to damning allegations about the team’s culture during the Ashes, raising questions over discipline, leadership and professionalism in the set-up.England’s 4-1 defeat in the Ashes in Australia was described as a systemic failure, with poor preparation and the collapse of the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach leaving the side exposed.Before that, white-ball captain Harry Brook bei…