England all-rounder Stokes facing uncertain summer after knee operation May 24, 2016 England all-rounder Ben Stokes has revealed his anguish at facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a cartilage tear to his left knee. Stokes is certain to miss the remaining two instalments of the current three-Test series against Sri Lanka after aggravating his knee as England emphatically won last week’s first [...]
England call on Woakes as fears grow over Stokes injury May 23, 2016 Warwickshire's Chris Woakes has been drafted into the England squad for this week’s second Test against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street amid fears that Ben Stokes faces a lengthy absence. All-rounder Stokes hurt his left knee while bowling during last week’s emphatic first-Test win and is due to see a specialist on Tuesday to determine the [...]
Strauss admits to Stokes concerns as England prepare for potential series clincher May 22, 2016 All-rounder Ben Stokes could miss this week’s second Test against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street as England chiefs weigh up the team’s hunt for a series-clinching win against the player’s long-term fitness. Stokes was due to be assessed by England doctors on Sunday after hurting his left knee while bowling on Friday – day two of the [...]
Hales shines as debutant Shanaka rains on England’s parade May 19, 2016 Opener Alex Hales vowed to continue improving after his timely spike in form helped England recover from a shaky start to their summer on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley. Hales’s patient 71 not out steered the hosts to 171-5 after visiting debutant Dasun Shanaka had plundered three wickets from [...]
England skipper Alastair Cook eyes 10,000th Test run and place in history books May 18, 2016 Skipper Alastair Cook admits the prospect of assuming the status of the youngest ever player to amass 10,000 Test runs is at the forefront of his mind as England begin their international summer on Thursday. Cook – aged 31 years, four months and 24 days – needs just 36 runs to reach the milestone and surpass [...]
Even as a teenager, England debutant James Vince was destined to achieve big things – I doubt he’ll be fazed by his Test bow May 18, 2016 I first saw James Vince when he was about 17 years old and it was immediately apparent that he was a very talented kid. Even at such a young age he was facing bowlers of 85mph plus and he always seemed to have so much time. When someone has that skill and elegance – comparisons [...]
Test rookie James Vince eager for debut as England prepare for Sri Lanka battle at Headingley May 17, 2016 Test hopeful James Vince admits it is beginning to resonate that his debut may be just hours away as England prepare to kickstart their international summer against Sri Lanka at Headingley on Thursday. Hampshire batsman Vince is poised to fill the middle-order vacancy created by the retirement of James Taylor, who was forced to call [...]
Vince and Ball handed England chance as selectors keep faith with Hales and Compton for first Test against Sri Lanka May 12, 2016 Hampshire batsman James Vince admits he was shocked after England selectors put him in line for a first Test cap in the opening match of the home series with Sri Lanka next week. The captain of the England Lions development team is joined in the 12-man squad by Nottinghamshire seamer and fellow Test newcomer Jake [...]
The ECB’s North versus South initiative should be embraced as it will boost England’s one-day credentials May 11, 2016 We have seen over the last 12 months that England’s limited-overs cricket is going from strength to strength so the announcement of a North versus South one-day series can only be a positive in my eyes. It’s just another element designed to improve the national team. The clashes will take place in Abu Dhabi each [...]
Chris Tremlett column: The secret life of a domestic cricketer May 4, 2016 I haven't missed playing at all since I announced my retirement in August last year, although that’s more to do with being in quite a lot of pain towards the end of my career due to injuries. With the domestic campaign up and running again, I wanted to give a flavour of what it’s like [...]