Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued his meteoric rise, smashing two half-centuries as India completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe in Harare.
The 15-year-old’s fearless batting helped the world champions reclaim the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I rankings after they had briefly surrendered it following a disappointing tour of England.
Despite resting several senior campaigners, India showcased their enviable depth as Zimbabwe proved no match for the visitors.
Injuries a concern ahead of Sri Lanka Tests
India are sweating over the fitness of several key players ahead of next month’s two Test series in Sri Lanka.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is expected to return after months on the sidelines, but Washington Sundar remains doubtful after sustaining a hamstring injury during the England tour. With Sri Lanka expected to field several left-handers, Sundar’s off-spin could prove invaluable.
The selectors are also awaiting an update on Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the final ODI against England with a knee niggle. Given his heavy workload in recent months, India may opt to rest their premier fast bowler.
Nitish Kumar Reddy also remains doubtful after missing the England tour with a quadriceps injury.
Root set for second stint as England captain
Joe Root is poised for a second spell as England’s Test captain after the ECB cooled on handing the job to heir apparent Harry Brook.
Brook, already England’s white-ball captain, had been the overwhelming favourite to succeed Ben Stokes. However, an altercation with a nightclub bouncer during the New Zealand tour has cast doubt over his immediate elevation.
Root could lead England through the home series against Pakistan and the subsequent winter assignments before the ECB reviews its long term plans ahead of next summer’s Ashes.
Marcus Trescothick is expected to remain interim head coach for the Pakistan series while the ECB continues its search for a permanent replacement. Tom Moody, Jonathan Trott, Stephen Fleming, Richard Dawson and Rahul Dravid are among the names being linked with the role.
Brendon McCullum was relieved of his Test coaching duties following England’s heavy series defeat to New Zealand but has retained responsibility for the white-ball teams.
Joseph declines West Indies call up
Just when it appeared West Indies had finally turned a corner with a settled batting line-up and an exciting pace attack, fresh controversy has emerged.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph declined selection for the upcoming Test series despite being picked by the selectors, head coach Darren Sammy revealed.
Joseph is centrally contracted, and it remains to be seen what disciplinary action Cricket West Indies may take.
Could India host an Ashes Test?
The prospect of a one off Ashes Test in India is gathering momentum as administrators explore the commercial opportunities offered by the world’s biggest cricket market.
Cricket Australia has already decided to stage the Big Bash League season opener in Madras this year and is now understood to be receptive to the idea of taking an Ashes Test to India.
The commercial appeal is obvious. An ECB financial report revealed that the board expects healthy profits this year thanks largely to India’s white ball tour of England. Ironically, despite hosting the Ashes in 2027, the ECB is forecast to incur losses.
While the ECB has yet to publicly endorse the proposal, India has reportedly welcomed the idea. A Test in Ahmedabad or Calcutta could comfortably attract crowds exceeding 60,000 a day.
LPL suffers another setback
The Lanka Premier League has suffered another setback after Sri Lanka Cricket terminated the franchise agreement of the Jaffna Kings.
The franchise has faced controversy before, with one of its owners arrested over an alleged attempt to corrupt a match. SLC said the latest decision was taken because the franchise had failed to fulfil its contractual obligations.
The team will now be operated directly by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Lord’s loses World Test Championship final
Lord’s has lost the right to host the 2027 World Test Championship final, with the showpiece event moving across London to The Oval.
The decision follows the ICC awarding Lord’s pitch a demerit point after the recent England-New Zealand Test was played on a substandard surface.
The MCC has already begun work to improve pitch standards and remains hopeful that the WTC finals scheduled for 2029 and 2031 will return to the Home of Cricket. The ICC has already confirmed that England will host all three finals.
The switch is a significant boost for Surrey, with The Oval now set to stage two Test matches next summer, bringing a sizeable financial windfall.
Interestingly, it was The Oval, not Lord’s, that staged the first ever Test match played in England.
Old Trafford and Headingley miss out
Old Trafford and Headingley, two of England’s most iconic Ashes venues, have been overlooked for next summer’s Ashes.
Instead, Trent Bridge and the Rose Bowl have been awarded Tests alongside Lord’s, Edgbaston and The Oval.
The series will begin at Trent Bridge on June 11 before moving to Lord’s for the second Test. Edgbaston will host the third, the Rose Bowl the fourth and The Oval will stage the traditional series finale.
England will be desperate to regain the Ashes, but after recent disappointments there remains plenty of rebuilding to do.
