3 days ago
Former Australia opener David Warner found himself in a playful social media exchange with England's famous fan group, the Barmy Army, on Friday, and the banter quickly moved from Saim Ayub's ducks to Marnus Labuschagne's century drought, England's curfew troubles and Warner's long-running Stuart Broad problem.
It all started when the Barmy Army took a dig at Warner after Pakistan batter Saim Ayub registered a pair of ducks in the final Test against England at Edgbaston. The England fan group posted a statistic pointing out that Ayub had now registered a pair twice on English soil.
Replying to the Barmy Army, Warner wrote: "Interesting stat. When was the last time I went 42 innings without a Test hundred??"
The reference was not actually about Warner. The 42 innings was a cheeky dig at former Australia teammate Marnus Labuschagne, who had gone through a lengthy drought without a Test century. Labuschagne's last Test hundred came against England at Headingley in 2023, and his drought had stretched to 42 innings.
But he wasn't finished. Then came the curfew dig.
Warner followed his 42-innings reference with another jab: "Oh do you guys still have a curfew? Asking for a mate."
That was a reference to England's recent off-field disciplinary issues involving players breaking team curfew and going out drinking. The issue had become a talking point around the England setup, with fast bowler Brydon Carse among the players caught up in the recent controversy.
#australia
It all started when the Barmy Army took a dig at Warner after Pakistan batter Saim Ayub registered a pair of ducks in the final Test against England at Edgbaston. The England fan group posted a statistic pointing out that Ayub had now registered a pair twice on English soil.
Replying to the Barmy Army, Warner wrote: "Interesting stat. When was the last time I went 42 innings without a Test hundred??"
The reference was not actually about Warner. The 42 innings was a cheeky dig at former Australia teammate Marnus Labuschagne, who had gone through a lengthy drought without a Test century. Labuschagne's last Test hundred came against England at Headingley in 2023, and his drought had stretched to 42 innings.
But he wasn't finished. Then came the curfew dig.
Warner followed his 42-innings reference with another jab: "Oh do you guys still have a curfew? Asking for a mate."
That was a reference to England's recent off-field disciplinary issues involving players breaking team curfew and going out drinking. The issue had become a talking point around the England setup, with fast bowler Brydon Carse among the players caught up in the recent controversy.
#australia
12 days ago
England have named a 15-member squad for the third and final Rothesay Test against Pakistan, with the hosts looking to complete a 3-0 series sweep at Edgbaston from September 9. England have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after a dominant innings-and-103-run victory at Headingley and a 194-run win at Lord's.
Fast bowler Brydon Carse remains absent from the squad as he continues to be under police investigation following his arrest in Derby last month.
Brydon Carse was left out of the second Test at Lord's after being arrested outside a nightclub on August 22. Derbyshire Police confirmed that an investigation is ongoing into allegations of ******* ault. Although Carse returned to domestic cricket last week and featured in Durham's County Championship win over Gloucestershire, he was not selected for their ongoing fixture against Northamptonshire and has not been recalled to the England squad.
Uncapped Hampshire seamer Sonny Baker, who replaced Carse ahead of the Lord's Test, retains his place in the squad. Matthew Fisher is the only player to be left out from the group that travelled to Lord's.
With England set to play six white-ball matches against Sri Lanka immediately after the Pakistan series, the management could opt to rotate some of its frontline quicks. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue are among those who could be managed, potentially opening the door for Baker, Sam Cook or Shoaib Bashir to feature at Edgbaston.
Cook has played just one Test, against Zimbabwe last summer, while Bashir is yet to feature in the ongoing series after England opted for an all-pace attack. Baker, meanwhile, has one Test appearance to his name, having played against New Zealand at The Oval in June.
Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Jordan ******* , Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.
#england #series #cook
Fast bowler Brydon Carse remains absent from the squad as he continues to be under police investigation following his arrest in Derby last month.
Brydon Carse was left out of the second Test at Lord's after being arrested outside a nightclub on August 22. Derbyshire Police confirmed that an investigation is ongoing into allegations of ******* ault. Although Carse returned to domestic cricket last week and featured in Durham's County Championship win over Gloucestershire, he was not selected for their ongoing fixture against Northamptonshire and has not been recalled to the England squad.
Uncapped Hampshire seamer Sonny Baker, who replaced Carse ahead of the Lord's Test, retains his place in the squad. Matthew Fisher is the only player to be left out from the group that travelled to Lord's.
With England set to play six white-ball matches against Sri Lanka immediately after the Pakistan series, the management could opt to rotate some of its frontline quicks. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue are among those who could be managed, potentially opening the door for Baker, Sam Cook or Shoaib Bashir to feature at Edgbaston.
Cook has played just one Test, against Zimbabwe last summer, while Bashir is yet to feature in the ongoing series after England opted for an all-pace attack. Baker, meanwhile, has one Test appearance to his name, having played against New Zealand at The Oval in June.
Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Jordan ******* , Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.
#england #series #cook
13 days ago
A senior member of Pakistan's selection committee has questioned the seriousness of Imam-ul-Haq's calf injury and called for an inquiry after the opener did not bat in either innings during Pakistan's 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord's.
Aaqib Javed, who is part of Pakistan's four-member selection panel, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will investigate how Imam was managed after suffering the injury during the match.
"An inquiry will be conducted into this matter," Aaqib Javed told Pakistan's private news channel Geo TV during an interview aired on Tuesday night, as quoted by news agency AP.
Javed questioned how a player could miss both innings because of a muscle injury.
"How is it possible that you failed to come out to bat in both innings after pulling up a muscle?" Javed said.
He added that players have batted through injuries in the past and described Imam's case as a matter of concern.
"Injuries do occur and we have seen instances in the past where players -- even with casts -- have gone out and made an effort. This situation is different. It is a matter of great concern, and action will be taken regarding it."
Imam injured his calf while fielding on the opening day of the Lord's Test and took no further part in the match.
After former chief selector Mohammad Wasim questioned Imam's absence, the opener appeared on the outfield before play on the fourth day. He was seen shadow batting with his left calf heavily strapped but was visibly limping.
Imam was one of seven players recalled from England after Pakistan lost the first two Tests at Headingley and Lord's. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also sent back by the PCB.
Pakistan have appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke to take charge of the team for the third Test, which starts in Birmingham on September 9.
The selectors have picked five uncapped players for the final Test, along with openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have played a combined 10 Tests.
Javed also addressed reports of differences between the selectors and the team management over the playing XI for the Lord's Test.
According to Javed, he wanted the team to include fast-bowling all-rounder Ubaid Shah, wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori and another pace option instead of Mohammad Rizwan. Instead, only Salman Ali Agha was dropped after leading Pakistan in the first Test in Babar Azam's absence.
"We can't just keep waiting," Javed said. "I had actually spoken to both the captain and the coach after the first Test, suggesting they include Ubaid, who bowls at 140 kph. Agha was rightly rested, Ghazi Ghori was available on the tour and should have played instead of Rizwan."
#Pakistan #coach
Aaqib Javed, who is part of Pakistan's four-member selection panel, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will investigate how Imam was managed after suffering the injury during the match.
"An inquiry will be conducted into this matter," Aaqib Javed told Pakistan's private news channel Geo TV during an interview aired on Tuesday night, as quoted by news agency AP.
Javed questioned how a player could miss both innings because of a muscle injury.
"How is it possible that you failed to come out to bat in both innings after pulling up a muscle?" Javed said.
He added that players have batted through injuries in the past and described Imam's case as a matter of concern.
"Injuries do occur and we have seen instances in the past where players -- even with casts -- have gone out and made an effort. This situation is different. It is a matter of great concern, and action will be taken regarding it."
Imam injured his calf while fielding on the opening day of the Lord's Test and took no further part in the match.
After former chief selector Mohammad Wasim questioned Imam's absence, the opener appeared on the outfield before play on the fourth day. He was seen shadow batting with his left calf heavily strapped but was visibly limping.
Imam was one of seven players recalled from England after Pakistan lost the first two Tests at Headingley and Lord's. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also sent back by the PCB.
Pakistan have appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke to take charge of the team for the third Test, which starts in Birmingham on September 9.
The selectors have picked five uncapped players for the final Test, along with openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have played a combined 10 Tests.
Javed also addressed reports of differences between the selectors and the team management over the playing XI for the Lord's Test.
According to Javed, he wanted the team to include fast-bowling all-rounder Ubaid Shah, wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori and another pace option instead of Mohammad Rizwan. Instead, only Salman Ali Agha was dropped after leading Pakistan in the first Test in Babar Azam's absence.
"We can't just keep waiting," Javed said. "I had actually spoken to both the captain and the coach after the first Test, suggesting they include Ubaid, who bowls at 140 kph. Agha was rightly rested, Ghazi Ghori was available on the tour and should have played instead of Rizwan."
#Pakistan #coach
14 days ago
Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to release seven players from the squad midway through the England Test series, arguing that the move could have a damaging impact on the remaining members of the team.
The PCB confirmed on Monday evening that Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq were among the seven players sent back to Pakistan after the team's disappointing results in the first two Tests against England.
The board also announced seven replacements ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham. In another major shake-up, Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were released from their roles, with white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking over.
Akmal questioned the need to send senior players home when they could simply have been left out of the playing XI.
"There was one more Test left. You could have had both Agha and Rizwan in the squad. You could have dropped them from the playing XI. You should have kept them in the squad. They are your senior players. They have been captains. Sending them back is not a good message for the remaining players," Akmal said on the 'Game Plan' show.
The former wicketkeeper-batter believes the decision could increase the pressure on those still in the squad, particularly with Pakistan already struggling during the series.
"This will result in more pressure for the remainder of the team. It is not a good decision; if you are sending them back, then the chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, needs to rejig the entire system. Make a new team. This decision to send back players is not good for our country, and it doesn't send a good message to the rest of the world," he added.
Agha's situation has also raised questions over the timing of the decision. He captained Pakistan in the opening Test at Headingley in Babar Azam's absence but was subsequently dropped when the regular captain returned for the Lord's Test.
Rizwan, meanwhile, endured a difficult series with the bat. He managed only 61 runs across his four innings against England and was also criticised for his shot selection and lack of game awareness.
Imam's situation was different. After struggling in the opening Test, the opener picked up a calf injury while fielding on the first day of the second Test. He did not come out to bat afterwards, leading to questions over the seriousness of the injury. The controversy intensified when a former Pakistan selector later alleged that Imam had previously faked injuries.
#Pakistan #players
The PCB confirmed on Monday evening that Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq were among the seven players sent back to Pakistan after the team's disappointing results in the first two Tests against England.
The board also announced seven replacements ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham. In another major shake-up, Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were released from their roles, with white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking over.
Akmal questioned the need to send senior players home when they could simply have been left out of the playing XI.
"There was one more Test left. You could have had both Agha and Rizwan in the squad. You could have dropped them from the playing XI. You should have kept them in the squad. They are your senior players. They have been captains. Sending them back is not a good message for the remaining players," Akmal said on the 'Game Plan' show.
The former wicketkeeper-batter believes the decision could increase the pressure on those still in the squad, particularly with Pakistan already struggling during the series.
"This will result in more pressure for the remainder of the team. It is not a good decision; if you are sending them back, then the chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, needs to rejig the entire system. Make a new team. This decision to send back players is not good for our country, and it doesn't send a good message to the rest of the world," he added.
Agha's situation has also raised questions over the timing of the decision. He captained Pakistan in the opening Test at Headingley in Babar Azam's absence but was subsequently dropped when the regular captain returned for the Lord's Test.
Rizwan, meanwhile, endured a difficult series with the bat. He managed only 61 runs across his four innings against England and was also criticised for his shot selection and lack of game awareness.
Imam's situation was different. After struggling in the opening Test, the opener picked up a calf injury while fielding on the first day of the second Test. He did not come out to bat afterwards, leading to questions over the seriousness of the injury. The controversy intensified when a former Pakistan selector later alleged that Imam had previously faked injuries.
#Pakistan #players
15 days ago
Hypotheticals and hindsight are not typically the favoured topics of the professional sports team but there is an alternative England scenario worth pondering. Had Sam Curran been fully fit to bowl ahead of this Pakistan series, the likelihood is that the Surrey all-rounder would have earned a recall to the Test squad for the first time in five years, a replacement of sorts after Ben Stokes had gone down in a blaze of gory batting at Trent Bridge.
Would Curran have featured in England's XI? The **** umption must be that he would not have but the very fact that he was under consideration at all shows the tricky question that Joe Root's side were attempting to answer. How does one replace the irreplaceable? Well, it seems, the answer is to not replace Stokes at all. There is no point, of course, selecting a seam all-rounder when you have specialists bowling the way that England's pace foursome have in this series so far.
England wrapped up a speedy victory over Pakistan at Lord's (Getty)
One must weigh Pakistan's paucity as mitigation against declarations of the brilliance of this attack but the evidence is increasingly persuasive about the group's potential. After the Headingley Test, Root had declared that the quartet of Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson did not know how good they could be and another standout showing at Lord's will not dim his praise. Of all English bowlers in Test history, Root can currently call upon three of the five men with strike rates beneath 44 and still have Archer to spare; if the fast forwarding of Test cricket is partly to blame, any skipper would enjoy that sort of potency.
"Each day it will be someone else's turn," Archer said during the second Test. "Everyone is relentless, everyone wants wickets and it feels like no-one is ever going to be overworked because everyone shares the overs out. You don't have to do too much because someone is going to back you up until you find your feet again."
#Pakistan
Would Curran have featured in England's XI? The **** umption must be that he would not have but the very fact that he was under consideration at all shows the tricky question that Joe Root's side were attempting to answer. How does one replace the irreplaceable? Well, it seems, the answer is to not replace Stokes at all. There is no point, of course, selecting a seam all-rounder when you have specialists bowling the way that England's pace foursome have in this series so far.
England wrapped up a speedy victory over Pakistan at Lord's (Getty)
One must weigh Pakistan's paucity as mitigation against declarations of the brilliance of this attack but the evidence is increasingly persuasive about the group's potential. After the Headingley Test, Root had declared that the quartet of Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson did not know how good they could be and another standout showing at Lord's will not dim his praise. Of all English bowlers in Test history, Root can currently call upon three of the five men with strike rates beneath 44 and still have Archer to spare; if the fast forwarding of Test cricket is partly to blame, any skipper would enjoy that sort of potency.
"Each day it will be someone else's turn," Archer said during the second Test. "Everyone is relentless, everyone wants wickets and it feels like no-one is ever going to be overworked because everyone shares the overs out. You don't have to do too much because someone is going to back you up until you find your feet again."
#Pakistan
17 days ago
LONDON (AP) — Rain was delaying England's bid for victory on Day 3 of the second test against Pakistan at Lord's on Saturday.
Play wasn't able to start on time at the home of cricket because of showers which are forecast for most of the day in northwest London.
If play is possible, England will resume on 81-3 in its second innings and with a commanding lead of 261 runs.
England won the first test by an innings at Headingley last week so it is looking to clinch the three-match series.
___
#london #play #Pakistan
Play wasn't able to start on time at the home of cricket because of showers which are forecast for most of the day in northwest London.
If play is possible, England will resume on 81-3 in its second innings and with a commanding lead of 261 runs.
England won the first test by an innings at Headingley last week so it is looking to clinch the three-match series.
___
#london #play #Pakistan
17 days ago
Geoffrey Boycott reveals he offered to help Harry Brook reach the 'realms of Lara and Tendulkar' but was ignored originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
England legend Geoffrey Boycott claims Harry Brook could reach the level of Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar but wastes his talent.
Boycott revealed he offered advice through Brook's uncle at Headingley, but never heard back from the batter himself.
Brook hasn't scored a Test century in over a year, despite averaging 53 and holding the world's No. 1 ranking.
Geoffrey Boycott hasn't held back his admiration for Harry Brook's raw ability, but the Yorkshire legend has revealed a personal frustration too, as an offer to help the England batter never got a response.
#boycott #brook #Cricket #england
England legend Geoffrey Boycott claims Harry Brook could reach the level of Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar but wastes his talent.
Boycott revealed he offered advice through Brook's uncle at Headingley, but never heard back from the batter himself.
Brook hasn't scored a Test century in over a year, despite averaging 53 and holding the world's No. 1 ranking.
Geoffrey Boycott hasn't held back his admiration for Harry Brook's raw ability, but the Yorkshire legend has revealed a personal frustration too, as an offer to help the England batter never got a response.
#boycott #brook #Cricket #england
19 days ago
Hull FC winger Tom Briscoe has announced he will retire from playing at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old former England international started his career with the Black and Whites in 2008 and has scored 232 tries in 471 appearances to date.
He joined Leeds Rhinos for the 2014 season and won two Grand Finals and three Challenge Cups during his eight years there, before winning another Challenge Cup with Leigh Leopards in 2023.
Briscoe returned to Hull in April 2024 and has scored 17 tries in 64 games in his second stint.
He said it "felt like the stars have aligned a little bit" that his final career appearance will be against Leeds at Headingley.
#briscoe #challenge #scored #england
The 36-year-old former England international started his career with the Black and Whites in 2008 and has scored 232 tries in 471 appearances to date.
He joined Leeds Rhinos for the 2014 season and won two Grand Finals and three Challenge Cups during his eight years there, before winning another Challenge Cup with Leigh Leopards in 2023.
Briscoe returned to Hull in April 2024 and has scored 17 tries in 64 games in his second stint.
He said it "felt like the stars have aligned a little bit" that his final career appearance will be against Leeds at Headingley.
#briscoe #challenge #scored #england
19 days ago
After a strong start to the series, England head to Lord's for the second Test against Pakistan hoping to seal the series.
In the opening Test in Headingley, the hosts dismantled Pakistan inside three days. The innings and 103-run victory handed Joe Root the perfect start to his second stint as Test captain.
Pakistan, by contrast, must win or draw simply to keep the contest alive before the finale at Edgbaston. Bowled out for 171 and 135 in Leeds, they were dismissed twice inside 86 overs.
The visitors do at least welcome back their captain. Babar Azam missed the opener with a finger injury sustained in the West Indies and aggravated during the warm-up fixture at Beckenham, but has since completed a full batting session and declared himself 90 per cent fit.
England have made one change to their squad, with Brydon Carse omitted following the incident outside a Derby nightclub and uncapped seamer Sonny Baker called up in his place.
#inside #captain #headingley #root
In the opening Test in Headingley, the hosts dismantled Pakistan inside three days. The innings and 103-run victory handed Joe Root the perfect start to his second stint as Test captain.
Pakistan, by contrast, must win or draw simply to keep the contest alive before the finale at Edgbaston. Bowled out for 171 and 135 in Leeds, they were dismissed twice inside 86 overs.
The visitors do at least welcome back their captain. Babar Azam missed the opener with a finger injury sustained in the West Indies and aggravated during the warm-up fixture at Beckenham, but has since completed a full batting session and declared himself 90 per cent fit.
England have made one change to their squad, with Brydon Carse omitted following the incident outside a Derby nightclub and uncapped seamer Sonny Baker called up in his place.
#inside #captain #headingley #root
20 days ago
A new era of English cricket begins with Stephen Fleming as head coach when Pakistan continue their tour of the country for the three-match series.
Joe Root also returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement and will hope for a winning start to life back in charge. The visitors are touring England for Test cricket after six years, having lost the three-match series in 2020.
STREAM: England vs. Pakistan LIVE on fubo via Willow TV
The opening Test at Headingley saw England win by an innings and 103 runs, with the two subsequent matches scheduled to be played at Lord's and Edgbaston.
How will Pakistan respond at Lord's this week?
#Cricket #series #english #stephen
Joe Root also returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement and will hope for a winning start to life back in charge. The visitors are touring England for Test cricket after six years, having lost the three-match series in 2020.
STREAM: England vs. Pakistan LIVE on fubo via Willow TV
The opening Test at Headingley saw England win by an innings and 103 runs, with the two subsequent matches scheduled to be played at Lord's and Edgbaston.
How will Pakistan respond at Lord's this week?
#Cricket #series #english #stephen
20 days ago
Where to watch England vs. Pakistan free live stream, TV channel, start time for 2nd Test originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A new era of English cricket begins with Stephen Fleming as head coach when Pakistan continue their tour of the country for the three-match series.
Joe Root also returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement and will hope for a winning start to life back in charge. The visitors are touring England for Test cricket after six years, having lost the three-match series in 2020.
The opening Test at Headingley saw England win by an innings and 103 runs, with the two subsequent matches scheduled to be played at Lord's and Edgbaston.
How will Pakistan respond at Lord's this week?
#start #three #match
A new era of English cricket begins with Stephen Fleming as head coach when Pakistan continue their tour of the country for the three-match series.
Joe Root also returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement and will hope for a winning start to life back in charge. The visitors are touring England for Test cricket after six years, having lost the three-match series in 2020.
The opening Test at Headingley saw England win by an innings and 103 runs, with the two subsequent matches scheduled to be played at Lord's and Edgbaston.
How will Pakistan respond at Lord's this week?
#start #three #match
21 days ago
'Look at your Virat Kohli': Ex-Pakistan star drags India legend's record in England to slam Dinesh Karthik for his Babar Azam comment originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tanveer Ahmed hit back at Dinesh Karthik over his comments on Babar Azam.
The former Pakistan pacer pointed to Virat Kohli's Test record in England.
Babar Azam missed the first Test at Headingley through a hand injury.
The Virat Kohli and Babar Azam comparison has produced more heat than light for the best part of a decade, and former Pakistan pacer Tanveer Ahmed has now used it to fire back at one of India's most prominent voices.
#england
Tanveer Ahmed hit back at Dinesh Karthik over his comments on Babar Azam.
The former Pakistan pacer pointed to Virat Kohli's Test record in England.
Babar Azam missed the first Test at Headingley through a hand injury.
The Virat Kohli and Babar Azam comparison has produced more heat than light for the best part of a decade, and former Pakistan pacer Tanveer Ahmed has now used it to fire back at one of India's most prominent voices.
#england
22 days ago
England fast bowler Brydon Carse is under investigation after an incident at a nightclub in Derby on Saturday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Sunday.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show Carse being led away from a club in handcuffs by four police officers. Carse, who is part of England's squad for the second Test against Pakistan, was seen outside a nightclub in Derby.
Durham and England teammate Matthew Potts was seen speaking to Carse, while former England captain Ben Stokes also appeared in the background.
Carse was briefly detained at the scene but was not arrested, according to The Telegraph. He returned to the team hotel soon afterwards.
"We are aware of an incident which is reported to have taken place in Derby last night, and are currently investigating," the ECB said in a statement.
"We will provide a further update when possible."
Carse and Potts had played for Durham earlier on Saturday as they beat Derbyshire by 338 runs in a second-division County Championship match in Derby.
Carse, 31, has played 14 Tests and was included in England's squad for the first two Tests of the three-match series against Pakistan. He did not feature in the opening Test at Headingley, where England lost by an innings and 103 runs inside three days.
The second Test at Lord's starts on Thursday.
The incident comes amid a series of off-field episodes involving England players over the past year.
The most serious involved Test vice-captain Harry Brook, who was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington in the early hours of November 1 last year, shortly before he was due to lead England in an ODI against New Zealand.
During the Ashes, a mid-series break in Noosa also drew attention to the players' drinking.
More recently, Stokes and Gus Atkinson stayed out beyond England's new midnight curfew after the first Test against New Zealand this summer. Both were stood down for the following Test at The Oval as part of a disciplinary process.
Stokes retired from Test cricket at the end of that series and was replaced as captain by Joe Root, who had previously led England from 2017 to 2022.
One of Root's first decisions after returning to the role was to remove the curfew and tell his players to "be adults".
#england #derby
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show Carse being led away from a club in handcuffs by four police officers. Carse, who is part of England's squad for the second Test against Pakistan, was seen outside a nightclub in Derby.
Durham and England teammate Matthew Potts was seen speaking to Carse, while former England captain Ben Stokes also appeared in the background.
Carse was briefly detained at the scene but was not arrested, according to The Telegraph. He returned to the team hotel soon afterwards.
"We are aware of an incident which is reported to have taken place in Derby last night, and are currently investigating," the ECB said in a statement.
"We will provide a further update when possible."
Carse and Potts had played for Durham earlier on Saturday as they beat Derbyshire by 338 runs in a second-division County Championship match in Derby.
Carse, 31, has played 14 Tests and was included in England's squad for the first two Tests of the three-match series against Pakistan. He did not feature in the opening Test at Headingley, where England lost by an innings and 103 runs inside three days.
The second Test at Lord's starts on Thursday.
The incident comes amid a series of off-field episodes involving England players over the past year.
The most serious involved Test vice-captain Harry Brook, who was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington in the early hours of November 1 last year, shortly before he was due to lead England in an ODI against New Zealand.
During the Ashes, a mid-series break in Noosa also drew attention to the players' drinking.
More recently, Stokes and Gus Atkinson stayed out beyond England's new midnight curfew after the first Test against New Zealand this summer. Both were stood down for the following Test at The Oval as part of a disciplinary process.
Stokes retired from Test cricket at the end of that series and was replaced as captain by Joe Root, who had previously led England from 2017 to 2022.
One of Root's first decisions after returning to the role was to remove the curfew and tell his players to "be adults".
#england #derby
24 days ago
Ben Stokes claims the ECB's decision to leave Headingley off the men's Ashes 2027 schedule is "shambolic".
A lack of a northern venue has attracted widespread scrutiny from many inside English cricket.
And former England captain Stokes was left furious with the reality of no Ashes Test in Leeds.
Stokes added, "Great win though," after England's innings-and-103 run thrashing of Pakistan.
The debate comes after England captain Joe Root, admitted it is a "shame" to not see Headingley part of next year's schedule, particularly given the strong home record there.
#england
A lack of a northern venue has attracted widespread scrutiny from many inside English cricket.
And former England captain Stokes was left furious with the reality of no Ashes Test in Leeds.
Stokes added, "Great win though," after England's innings-and-103 run thrashing of Pakistan.
The debate comes after England captain Joe Root, admitted it is a "shame" to not see Headingley part of next year's schedule, particularly given the strong home record there.
#england
25 days ago
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has delivered a blunt verdict on Pakistan, describing them as a "poor side" and backing England to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the three-Test series.
Speaking on The Love for Cricket Podcast, Broad was critical of Pakistan's current Test team and suggested England should be expected to dominate the series.
"They are a poor side, they are not a really good side. You would imagine and you'd think that England should win 3-0. And pretty comfortably," Broad said.
The former England pacer, however, acknowledged that a clean sweep cannot be taken for granted. He added that failing to win the series would represent a major disappointment for the hosts.
"But that isn't guaranteed. But if England don't come out with a Test match series win, it really is a huge failure," Broad said.
His comments came after Pakistan endured a difficult opening two days in the first Test at Headingley in Leeds. Pakistan were bowled out for just 171 on the opening day, with England's bowlers exposing the tourists' batting problems.
England then took firm control with the bat, reaching 366-8 by stumps on Day 2 to secure a 195-run first-innings lead.
Joe Root and Harry Brook were among four England batters to register half-centuries. Root made 66 and shared a 150-run partnership with Jordan ******* , who scored 73, while Dan Lawrence contributed 51 on his return to Test cricket after two years.
Brook, meanwhile, narrowly missed out on a century at his home ground. The world's top-ranked Test batter made 91 after surviving an early scare when he was dropped on one. He was eventually dismissed by Pakistan spinner Ali Usman, who claimed 5-92 for his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
England maintained a brisk scoring rate of 4.46 runs per over, although the approach was less aggressive than the traditional Bazball style ******* ociated with the previous Stokes-McCullum era.
Root also missed an opportunity to add another landmark century to his record. After reaching 66, England's new Test captain was trapped lbw by Khurram Shahzad and wasted a review, with the ball-tracking showing it would have hit the middle stump.
At stumps, Jamie Smith was unbeaten on 16, with Jofra Archer yet to score.
With England already holding a commanding position in the first Test, Broad's prediction of a 3-0 series victory will only add to the pressure on Pakistan as the visitors look to fight their way back into the contest.
133395898
#england #first #root #side
Speaking on The Love for Cricket Podcast, Broad was critical of Pakistan's current Test team and suggested England should be expected to dominate the series.
"They are a poor side, they are not a really good side. You would imagine and you'd think that England should win 3-0. And pretty comfortably," Broad said.
The former England pacer, however, acknowledged that a clean sweep cannot be taken for granted. He added that failing to win the series would represent a major disappointment for the hosts.
"But that isn't guaranteed. But if England don't come out with a Test match series win, it really is a huge failure," Broad said.
His comments came after Pakistan endured a difficult opening two days in the first Test at Headingley in Leeds. Pakistan were bowled out for just 171 on the opening day, with England's bowlers exposing the tourists' batting problems.
England then took firm control with the bat, reaching 366-8 by stumps on Day 2 to secure a 195-run first-innings lead.
Joe Root and Harry Brook were among four England batters to register half-centuries. Root made 66 and shared a 150-run partnership with Jordan ******* , who scored 73, while Dan Lawrence contributed 51 on his return to Test cricket after two years.
Brook, meanwhile, narrowly missed out on a century at his home ground. The world's top-ranked Test batter made 91 after surviving an early scare when he was dropped on one. He was eventually dismissed by Pakistan spinner Ali Usman, who claimed 5-92 for his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
England maintained a brisk scoring rate of 4.46 runs per over, although the approach was less aggressive than the traditional Bazball style ******* ociated with the previous Stokes-McCullum era.
Root also missed an opportunity to add another landmark century to his record. After reaching 66, England's new Test captain was trapped lbw by Khurram Shahzad and wasted a review, with the ball-tracking showing it would have hit the middle stump.
At stumps, Jamie Smith was unbeaten on 16, with Jofra Archer yet to score.
With England already holding a commanding position in the first Test, Broad's prediction of a 3-0 series victory will only add to the pressure on Pakistan as the visitors look to fight their way back into the contest.
133395898
#england #first #root #side
25 days ago
'Prove them wrong!': Ramiz Raja gives emotional war cry to Pakistan after Michael Vaughan's humiliating 'weakest team' jibe originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
England dominated Day 2 at Headingley, closing on 366/8 for a commanding 195-run first-innings lead over Pakistan.
Ramiz Raja urged Pakistan to fight back after Michael Vaughan called them the "weakest team" to tour England.
Harry Brook fell agonisingly short of a century, dismissed for 91 by debutant spinner Ali Usman's five-wicket haul.
Ramiz Raja has issued an impassioned rallying cry to the Pakistan cricket team, urging them to hit back with a fight after Michael Vaughan handed a brutal ****** sment of the tourists.
#Pakistan #ramiz #michael #vaughan
England dominated Day 2 at Headingley, closing on 366/8 for a commanding 195-run first-innings lead over Pakistan.
Ramiz Raja urged Pakistan to fight back after Michael Vaughan called them the "weakest team" to tour England.
Harry Brook fell agonisingly short of a century, dismissed for 91 by debutant spinner Ali Usman's five-wicket haul.
Ramiz Raja has issued an impassioned rallying cry to the Pakistan cricket team, urging them to hit back with a fight after Michael Vaughan handed a brutal ****** sment of the tourists.
#Pakistan #ramiz #michael #vaughan
25 days ago
Joe Root added another landmark to his extraordinary Test career on Thursday, equalling Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket during England's first Test against Pakistan at Headingley.
Root brought up his 68th Test fifty on the second day before being dismissed for 66 off 112 ******* , including 10 boundaries. The milestone put the England captain level with Tendulkar at the top of the all-time list for most fifties in the longest format.
West Indies batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul is third on the list with 66, while former Australia captain Allan Border and India great Rahul Dravid have 63 each. Ricky Ponting is next with 62.
For Root, the achievement came on a significant day in his international career as he returned to the England Test captaincy following Ben Stokes' retirement.
68* - Joe Root
68 - Sachin Tendulkar
66 - S Chanderpaul
63 - Allan Border
#tendulkar #allan
Root brought up his 68th Test fifty on the second day before being dismissed for 66 off 112 ******* , including 10 boundaries. The milestone put the England captain level with Tendulkar at the top of the all-time list for most fifties in the longest format.
West Indies batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul is third on the list with 66, while former Australia captain Allan Border and India great Rahul Dravid have 63 each. Ricky Ponting is next with 62.
For Root, the achievement came on a significant day in his international career as he returned to the England Test captaincy following Ben Stokes' retirement.
68* - Joe Root
68 - Sachin Tendulkar
66 - S Chanderpaul
63 - Allan Border
#tendulkar #allan
26 days ago
First Rothesay Test, Headingley (day two of five)
Pakistan 171 all out: Shafique 61; Tongue 5-46, Robinson 5-51
England 366-8: Brook 91, **** 73, Root 66; Usman 5-92
England are 195 runs ahead
Scorecard
#headingley #tongue
Pakistan 171 all out: Shafique 61; Tongue 5-46, Robinson 5-51
England 366-8: Brook 91, **** 73, Root 66; Usman 5-92
England are 195 runs ahead
Scorecard
#headingley #tongue
26 days ago
LEEDS, England (AP) — The start of play on Day 2 of the first test between England and Pakistan at Headingley was delayed Thursday because of heavy rain.
If the rain subsides, England will resume on 112-2 in reply to Pakistan's 171 all out in barely two sessions on Wednesday.
Joe Root, back as captain following the retirement of Ben Stokes, is 37 not out and Jordan ***** is 23 not out.
___
See AP's full cricket coverage here
#Pakistan #root
If the rain subsides, England will resume on 112-2 in reply to Pakistan's 171 all out in barely two sessions on Wednesday.
Joe Root, back as captain following the retirement of Ben Stokes, is 37 not out and Jordan ***** is 23 not out.
___
See AP's full cricket coverage here
#Pakistan #root
27 days ago
ENG vs PAK 1st Test session timings: Start times, lunch and tea breaks for Pakistan tour of England at Headingley originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
England host Pakistan in the 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds.
The three-Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
Each day's play is scheduled to feature three sessions with lunch and tea breaks.
England and Pakistan begin the three-match Test series at Headingley, Leeds, on August 19. Both teams will hope to build up some momentum in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
#test #Cricket #leeds #championship
England host Pakistan in the 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds.
The three-Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
Each day's play is scheduled to feature three sessions with lunch and tea breaks.
England and Pakistan begin the three-match Test series at Headingley, Leeds, on August 19. Both teams will hope to build up some momentum in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
#test #Cricket #leeds #championship
27 days ago
The first Test between England and Pakistan starts on August 19 at Headingley, Leeds, with both teams looking to improve their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings.
The hosts enter the series after a 2-1 Test series defeat to New Zealand, while their last major ****** ignment, the Ashes in Australia, ended in a 4-1 loss.
Pakistan, meanwhile, beat the West Indies 2-1 in their most recent Test series and also defeated a County Select XI by seven wickets in their warm-up.
The series comes at an important stage of the World Test Championship (WTC), with both teams looking to strengthen their standings.
The Sporting News has all you need to know about England vs. Pakistan 1st Test, including date, time, and how and where to watch it.
#Pakistan #series #World #championship
The hosts enter the series after a 2-1 Test series defeat to New Zealand, while their last major ****** ignment, the Ashes in Australia, ended in a 4-1 loss.
Pakistan, meanwhile, beat the West Indies 2-1 in their most recent Test series and also defeated a County Select XI by seven wickets in their warm-up.
The series comes at an important stage of the World Test Championship (WTC), with both teams looking to strengthen their standings.
The Sporting News has all you need to know about England vs. Pakistan 1st Test, including date, time, and how and where to watch it.
#Pakistan #series #World #championship
28 days ago
Joe Root believes his vast experience will prove crucial in steadying England's Test team as he steps back into the captaincy, but insists he has no plans to abandon the Bazball blueprint.
The 35-year-old begins his second spell as skipper at Headingley this week in the first of a three-Test series against Pakistan. He ***** umes leadership following a turbulent spell marked by Ben Stokes' dramatic retirement and the removal of Brendon McCullum as red-ball head coach.
Root's initial five-year tenure ended unhappily in 2022 and earned him a reputation for conservative leadership. While bringing him back hinted at a desire to move away from the tactical excesses of Stokes' reign, he indicated a gentler transition lies ahead.
"I don't think there's a huge amount we need to change," he said. "It's small things that will make a big difference.
"It's not about ripping it up, I think it's about keeping a lot of the good stuff we've been doing for a period of time, stuff that Ben and Baz built for a long while.
#test #stuff
The 35-year-old begins his second spell as skipper at Headingley this week in the first of a three-Test series against Pakistan. He ***** umes leadership following a turbulent spell marked by Ben Stokes' dramatic retirement and the removal of Brendon McCullum as red-ball head coach.
Root's initial five-year tenure ended unhappily in 2022 and earned him a reputation for conservative leadership. While bringing him back hinted at a desire to move away from the tactical excesses of Stokes' reign, he indicated a gentler transition lies ahead.
"I don't think there's a huge amount we need to change," he said. "It's small things that will make a big difference.
"It's not about ripping it up, I think it's about keeping a lot of the good stuff we've been doing for a period of time, stuff that Ben and Baz built for a long while.
#test #stuff
28 days ago
It was, of course, inevitable that Test cricket's return to this parched England summer would bring with it the welcoming relief of rain. Seeking an end to a long dry spell? Well, scheduling a first men's international red-ball fixture for seven sun-soaked weeks has done the trick with an altogether spottier forecast for Headingley.
That drought has taken with it a coach and a captain, the dead-heading that felt inevitable after a barren winter postponed from spring to summer to bring about a regime change of curious timing. Already, one might suggest, a series has been squandered; the risk now for England is not letting another slip as they look to germinate and bed in a crop that it is hoped can be made to flourish with a little more careful nurturing.
A new-look England taken on Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley (PA)
Back to tend the garden in his own backyard is one of Yorkshire's own – though that would have been true had England landed on the other side of a choice of flawed options. It could be said, though, that Joe Root's perennial status as his side's man for a crisis has counted in his favour as he is tossed an unenviable duty once more. Having got the nod ahead of Harry Brook, Root has spoken well in his limited media dealings since being reappointed Test captain of learning from the mistakes and missteps of his first stint – both those of his own and from figures above him, who saddled their skipper with duties that reached beyond the remit of an already-challenging role during the Covid pandemic particularly.
Joe Root has been reinstalled as England Test captain ahead of Harry Brook (Getty)
#already
That drought has taken with it a coach and a captain, the dead-heading that felt inevitable after a barren winter postponed from spring to summer to bring about a regime change of curious timing. Already, one might suggest, a series has been squandered; the risk now for England is not letting another slip as they look to germinate and bed in a crop that it is hoped can be made to flourish with a little more careful nurturing.
A new-look England taken on Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley (PA)
Back to tend the garden in his own backyard is one of Yorkshire's own – though that would have been true had England landed on the other side of a choice of flawed options. It could be said, though, that Joe Root's perennial status as his side's man for a crisis has counted in his favour as he is tossed an unenviable duty once more. Having got the nod ahead of Harry Brook, Root has spoken well in his limited media dealings since being reappointed Test captain of learning from the mistakes and missteps of his first stint – both those of his own and from figures above him, who saddled their skipper with duties that reached beyond the remit of an already-challenging role during the Covid pandemic particularly.
Joe Root has been reinstalled as England Test captain ahead of Harry Brook (Getty)
#already
28 days ago
'Someone that I've looked up to': Jordan ******* recalls Virat Kohli's words before appearing vs Pakistan in 1st Test originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jordan ******* says Virat Kohli's advice will stay with him "forever" ahead of Pakistan Tests.
Cox will replace injured Jacob Bethell at No. 3 for England at Headingley.
Cox spent IPL 2026 with Kohli at RCB.
He recalled Kohli's support after a broken thumb ruled him out in 2024.
#jordan #tests
Jordan ******* says Virat Kohli's advice will stay with him "forever" ahead of Pakistan Tests.
Cox will replace injured Jacob Bethell at No. 3 for England at Headingley.
Cox spent IPL 2026 with Kohli at RCB.
He recalled Kohli's support after a broken thumb ruled him out in 2024.
#jordan #tests
28 days ago
ENG vs PAK 1st Test predicted playing XI: Likely Pakistan and England lineups as Babar Azam remains doubtful originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Joe Root leads England against Pakistan for the first time since 2022 in the post-Ben Stokes era.
Jordan ****** is set to bat at number three with Jacob Bethell ruled out injured.
Babar Azam remains doubtful for the match after a hand injury scare in the warm-up game.
England begin their three-match Test series against Pakistan on August 19 at Headingley, with valuable World Test Championship 2025-27 points on offer as Joe Root takes charge for the first time since relinquishing the captaincy in 2022. It marks the start of the post-Ben Stokes era for the hosts.
#babar #azam #doubtful
Joe Root leads England against Pakistan for the first time since 2022 in the post-Ben Stokes era.
Jordan ****** is set to bat at number three with Jacob Bethell ruled out injured.
Babar Azam remains doubtful for the match after a hand injury scare in the warm-up game.
England begin their three-match Test series against Pakistan on August 19 at Headingley, with valuable World Test Championship 2025-27 points on offer as Joe Root takes charge for the first time since relinquishing the captaincy in 2022. It marks the start of the post-Ben Stokes era for the hosts.
#babar #azam #doubtful
29 days ago
Joe Root returns to the England captaincy and Headingley offers him a fittingly symbolic stage for his second act as England take on Pakistan.
Ben Stokes has retired, taking with him the balance he provided across bat and ball, while Root inherits a side still searching for identity after a bruising summer against New Zealand.
Pakistan's Caribbean triumph ended a miserable run without an away win and Babar Azam's troublesome hand has dominated the build-up.
England come into this series as deserved favourites, with conditions at Headingley only strengthening their case.
Home advantage has counted for plenty here down the years, and England's fast-bowling depth gives them several routes to unsettle Pakistan's top order. Jofra Archer has returned to something like his best, and his pace should trouble a batting line-up containing three left-handers who haven't always looked entirely comfortable against extreme speed.
#jofra
Ben Stokes has retired, taking with him the balance he provided across bat and ball, while Root inherits a side still searching for identity after a bruising summer against New Zealand.
Pakistan's Caribbean triumph ended a miserable run without an away win and Babar Azam's troublesome hand has dominated the build-up.
England come into this series as deserved favourites, with conditions at Headingley only strengthening their case.
Home advantage has counted for plenty here down the years, and England's fast-bowling depth gives them several routes to unsettle Pakistan's top order. Jofra Archer has returned to something like his best, and his pace should trouble a batting line-up containing three left-handers who haven't always looked entirely comfortable against extreme speed.
#jofra
29 days ago
In a parallel universe, this week is Harry Brook's first as England's new Test captain.
There are numerous reasons why it will be Joe Root, rather than Brook, leading England into a new era against Pakistan at Headingley: the timing of Ben Stokes' retirement, Brook's workload as white-ball captain and Root's surprise willingness to resume the job among them.
Inescapably, there is also what happened during the winter, when Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international against New Zealand.
In June, Brook said it would be an "honour" to be asked to succeed Stokes. Almost two months later, he does not know if the Wellington incident has cost him the top job, at least for now.
"I dunno," he tells BBC Sport. "I honestly don't know. I don't really look at it like that.
#brook #wellington #captain #england
There are numerous reasons why it will be Joe Root, rather than Brook, leading England into a new era against Pakistan at Headingley: the timing of Ben Stokes' retirement, Brook's workload as white-ball captain and Root's surprise willingness to resume the job among them.
Inescapably, there is also what happened during the winter, when Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international against New Zealand.
In June, Brook said it would be an "honour" to be asked to succeed Stokes. Almost two months later, he does not know if the Wellington incident has cost him the top job, at least for now.
"I dunno," he tells BBC Sport. "I honestly don't know. I don't really look at it like that.
#brook #wellington #captain #england
1 month ago
Pakistan have been handed a fitness concern ahead of their three-Test series against England after captain Babar Azam was forced to retire from a warm-up game following a blow to his hand.
Babar was batting on five for Pakistan against a Professional County Club Select XI when a rising delivery from England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden struck his bottom hand. The Pakistan batter was visibly in pain after the blow and did not bat again in the practice match.
The extent of the injury is not yet known, but the Pakistan Cricket Board said Babar's withdrawal was a precautionary measure following an ****** sment by the team doctor.
"Following an ****** sment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remainder of the practice match," the PCB said in a media release.
Pakistan have, however, indicated that Babar is expected to return to practice before the first Test. The board said the Test captain will join the team's training session at Headingley Cricket Ground on Monday, August 17.
The development comes just two days before Pakistan's three-match Test series against England begins on August 19. Babar's fitness will therefore be closely monitored in the coming days, with the 31-year-old a key figure in both Pakistan's batting line-up and their leadership group.
Babar was recently re-appointed as Pakistan's Test captain and will be looking to build on a positive result from his first ****** ignment since returning to the role. Pakistan drew their two-Test series in the West Indies 1-1, ending a run of eight consecutive overseas Test defeats with an eight-wicket victory in the second Test.
The England series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. England are currently seventh in the standings with a points percentage of 24.36, while Pakistan are eighth on 22.22.
Pakistan will hope the latest concern surrounding Babar proves to be minor, particularly with the series against England carrying importance for their World Test Championship campaign. The visitors have already received a boost with Shan Masood returning from injury and being available for the series.
Babar's availability will nevertheless remain a key talking point as Pakistan enter the final phase of their preparations. His scheduled return to training on Monday should provide a clearer indication of whether the hand blow has any impact on his readiness for the opening Test at Headingley.
For now, Pakistan's team management will be keen to avoid taking any unnecessary risks with their captain, while hoping the precautionary rest is enough for Babar to recover fully before the series gets underway.
Pakistan Test squad: Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah
England vs Pakistan Tes
Babar was batting on five for Pakistan against a Professional County Club Select XI when a rising delivery from England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden struck his bottom hand. The Pakistan batter was visibly in pain after the blow and did not bat again in the practice match.
The extent of the injury is not yet known, but the Pakistan Cricket Board said Babar's withdrawal was a precautionary measure following an ****** sment by the team doctor.
"Following an ****** sment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remainder of the practice match," the PCB said in a media release.
Pakistan have, however, indicated that Babar is expected to return to practice before the first Test. The board said the Test captain will join the team's training session at Headingley Cricket Ground on Monday, August 17.
The development comes just two days before Pakistan's three-match Test series against England begins on August 19. Babar's fitness will therefore be closely monitored in the coming days, with the 31-year-old a key figure in both Pakistan's batting line-up and their leadership group.
Babar was recently re-appointed as Pakistan's Test captain and will be looking to build on a positive result from his first ****** ignment since returning to the role. Pakistan drew their two-Test series in the West Indies 1-1, ending a run of eight consecutive overseas Test defeats with an eight-wicket victory in the second Test.
The England series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. England are currently seventh in the standings with a points percentage of 24.36, while Pakistan are eighth on 22.22.
Pakistan will hope the latest concern surrounding Babar proves to be minor, particularly with the series against England carrying importance for their World Test Championship campaign. The visitors have already received a boost with Shan Masood returning from injury and being available for the series.
Babar's availability will nevertheless remain a key talking point as Pakistan enter the final phase of their preparations. His scheduled return to training on Monday should provide a clearer indication of whether the hand blow has any impact on his readiness for the opening Test at Headingley.
For now, Pakistan's team management will be keen to avoid taking any unnecessary risks with their captain, while hoping the precautionary rest is enough for Babar to recover fully before the series gets underway.
Pakistan Test squad: Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah
England vs Pakistan Tes
1 month ago
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should keep Babar Azam away from the English media during the team's upcoming three-Test tour of England.
Latif believes Babar could come under scrutiny from the English media and has suggested that former Pakistan captain Shan Masood should handle more of the team's media interactions during the series.
"An England tour is a difficult ***** ignment, and the English media often tries to unnecessarily involve visiting teams in news stories," Rashid said while speaking to Geo News.
"Babar Azam is an experienced player, so it would be better for the PCB management to keep him away from the English media and send former captain Shan Masood to speak to them more often," he added.
"Shan has played in England and has better experience of dealing with the English media," Rashid said.
Latif's comments came after Babar made an important contribution during Pakistan's recent two-Test series against the West Indies.
Babar remained unbeaten on 58 in Pakistan's 90-run defeat in the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. Pakistan were bowled out for 120 while chasing 211, with Babar left unbeaten as the rest of the batting order collapsed.
Babar then scored 88 off 147 ***** in Pakistan's first innings of the second Test at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain. His innings helped Pakistan reach 387 after the West Indies had scored 344.
He followed it with an unbeaten 24 off 30 ***** in the second innings as Pakistan chased down 75 to win by eight wickets and level the series 1-1.
The victory ended Pakistan's eight-match losing streak in away Tests and gave Babar his first overseas Test win since returning as captain.
Pakistan will now prepare for their England tour, with the first Test scheduled to begin at Headingley in Leeds on August 19. The second Test will be played at Lord's from August 27, while the series will conclude at Edgbaston from September 9.
#Media
Latif believes Babar could come under scrutiny from the English media and has suggested that former Pakistan captain Shan Masood should handle more of the team's media interactions during the series.
"An England tour is a difficult ***** ignment, and the English media often tries to unnecessarily involve visiting teams in news stories," Rashid said while speaking to Geo News.
"Babar Azam is an experienced player, so it would be better for the PCB management to keep him away from the English media and send former captain Shan Masood to speak to them more often," he added.
"Shan has played in England and has better experience of dealing with the English media," Rashid said.
Latif's comments came after Babar made an important contribution during Pakistan's recent two-Test series against the West Indies.
Babar remained unbeaten on 58 in Pakistan's 90-run defeat in the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. Pakistan were bowled out for 120 while chasing 211, with Babar left unbeaten as the rest of the batting order collapsed.
Babar then scored 88 off 147 ***** in Pakistan's first innings of the second Test at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain. His innings helped Pakistan reach 387 after the West Indies had scored 344.
He followed it with an unbeaten 24 off 30 ***** in the second innings as Pakistan chased down 75 to win by eight wickets and level the series 1-1.
The victory ended Pakistan's eight-match losing streak in away Tests and gave Babar his first overseas Test win since returning as captain.
Pakistan will now prepare for their England tour, with the first Test scheduled to begin at Headingley in Leeds on August 19. The second Test will be played at Lord's from August 27, while the series will conclude at Edgbaston from September 9.
#Media
1 month ago
England have received a boost ahead of their three-match Test series against Pakistan, with opener Emilio Gay reportedly expected to recover in time for the first Test at Headingley, beginning August 19. Gay suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Durham against Middlesex on Friday, but scans have reportedly shown no serious damage.
Gay made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year and scored two half-centuries in the three-match series. Despite some inconsistency, his partnership with Ben Duckett impressed England's management, who want to give him more opportunities after dropping Zak Crawley.
According to the Daily Mail Sport, Gay's scan on Saturday revealed no major injury, meaning he should be available to resume his opening partnership with Duckett against Pakistan.
The series will also be Joe Root's first official ******* ignment as England's Test captain since returning to the role. Newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming has been involved in selecting the squad, while Marcus Trescothick will oversee the team as interim head coach for this series before Fleming takes full charge.
133071954
England will be without top-order batter Jacob Bethell, who has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury during the team's recent 2-1 ODI series win over India.
England enter the series after losing 2-1 at home to New Zealand, while Pakistan drew their recent Test series in the West Indies.
England squad for first two Tests against Pakistan: Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan ******* , Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, and Josh Tongue.
#duckett #fleming
Gay made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year and scored two half-centuries in the three-match series. Despite some inconsistency, his partnership with Ben Duckett impressed England's management, who want to give him more opportunities after dropping Zak Crawley.
According to the Daily Mail Sport, Gay's scan on Saturday revealed no major injury, meaning he should be available to resume his opening partnership with Duckett against Pakistan.
The series will also be Joe Root's first official ******* ignment as England's Test captain since returning to the role. Newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming has been involved in selecting the squad, while Marcus Trescothick will oversee the team as interim head coach for this series before Fleming takes full charge.
133071954
England will be without top-order batter Jacob Bethell, who has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury during the team's recent 2-1 ODI series win over India.
England enter the series after losing 2-1 at home to New Zealand, while Pakistan drew their recent Test series in the West Indies.
England squad for first two Tests against Pakistan: Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan ******* , Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, and Josh Tongue.
#duckett #fleming
