Former England captain Michael Atherton has named as the ideal replacement for Matthew Mott as England‘s head white-ball coach.

ECB announces Matthew Mott’s departure 

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently revealed ??that Mott has stepped down from his role following a series of underwhelm??ing performances.

England’s disappointing campaigns in the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, where they finished in seventh place, and the T20 World Cup 2024, where they lost in the semi-finals, led to Mott’s resignation. With the search for a new head coach now underway, Marcus Trescothick has been ??appointed as an interim coach while other candidates are considered.

Michael Atherton names the perfect candidate

Now Atherton shown his support towards former cricketing great Andy Flower for the coaching job. Flower, whose tenure with England saw them achieve significant milestones including their first T20 World Cup victory and a top Test ranking, is seen as a prime candidate to rejuvenate the team’s white-ball fortunes.

In his column for The Times, Atherton reflected on Flower’s not?able achievements in franchise cricket, which he believes make Flower an excell?ent fit for the role.

“Flower transformed Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League; won the Abu Dhabi T10; took St Lucia to their first CPL final; and won the Hundred with Trent Rockets. These successes demonstrate Flower’s ability to adapt and excel in various competitive environments, skills that are crucial for the white-ball role,” Atherton wrote.

Also READ: Nasser Hussain explains why Brendon McCullum shouldn’t be E???ngland’s white-ball coach

Evolution since previous tenure

Despite previous criticisms of Flower’s intensit?y, Atherton suggested that Flower has likely evolved since his last stint with England.

“Flower has changed, too. He is said to have mellowed somewhat, possibly due to age or the evolving dynamics of player power. His extensive experience across different coaching roles has broadened his approach, making him potentially more adaptable and effective,” Atherton observed.

Managing workload

Flower’s current coaching role with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) could present a challenge in balancing both commitments. However, Atherton argues that managing both roles could be feasi?ble.

“International jobs are less sought after than before, and Flower’s IPL commitment might be a sticking point. However, there is no international cricket during the IPL window, and Flower’s involvement in the IPL can keep him attuned to emerging trends and players, benefiting his role with England,” Atherton concluded.

Also READ: England legend Stuart Bro??ad cautions young spinner Shoaib Bashir for Ashes 2025 in Australia

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In a riveting display of skill and mastery during the second Test in Visakhapatnam against England, Jasprit Bumrah, India‘s pace spearhead, emerged as a relentless force, inflicting substantial trouble upon the England batters in both innings. The contest unfolded as a saga of cricketing brilliance, marked by Bumrah’s extraordinary performance that left an indelible mark on the match and the series at large.

Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling masterclass class against England in Visakhapatnam Test

As the second Test commenced, England found themselves at one stage in a strong position at 114/2 in response to India’s formidable first-innings score of 396. However, the narrative took a dramatic turn with the entry of Bumrah into the bowling attack. Displaying an exceptional spell of reverse-swing bowling, he orchestrated the downfall of the visitors, bundling them out for 253. Bumrah’s figures of 6/45 in 15.5 overs showcased his dominance and showcased his unparalleled ability to dismantle even the most resilient batting lineups.

The fourth innings witnessed a repeat performance of Bumrah’s brilliance as England, tasked with chasing a challenging target of 399, faced the relentless onslaught of the pace maestro. Bumrah emerged once again as the chief destroyer, claiming three crucial wickets that played a pivotal role in scripting India’s resounding 106-run victory. His total tally of nine wic?kets in the match rightfully earned?? him the prestigious Player-of-the-Match award.

Also READ: England’s great Geoffrey Boycott rips apart Ben Stokes, Brendon Mc??????????????????????????Cullum for their ‘bazball�?approach after defeat aga?inst India in the 2nd Test

Michael Atherton reveals crucial weakness in Ben Stokes and Joe Root’s technique

Speaking to Sky Cricket, former England captain Michael Atherton, in the aftermath of the game, extolled the virtuosity of Bumrah, emphasizing the unsettling impact of his extraordinary skills on even the most accomplished English batters. Atherton’s analysis delved into the challenges faced by Ben Stokes, a seasoned campaigner, in coping with the sheer pace and precision of Bumrah’s deliveries. The scrutiny extended to Joe Root, England’s stalwart, who found himself repeatedly at the mercy of Bumrah’s cricketing genius.

“Picking with the speed of the ball is tough with him and I’ve noticed with Stokes, even Stokes actually is an excellent player of fast bowling. He’s hurried with Bumrah. He struggles to pick up the pace, and a couple of times when he’s got him, it looks as though the ball has kept low, which has but it also almost beaten him for pace as well,” Atherton said.

“I think that’s the issue with Bumrah. A kind of stuttering run-up and suddenly like a thunderbolt at 90 miles an hour. So, if you’re a person like Root who has kind of pre-movements. Some batters like Zak Crawley for example stand very still, he just stands there and plays the shot. Whereas most batters have triggers or pre-movements, and Root is one of those, he has kind of rhythmical back and forward and that I think is the problem,” the 55-year-old concluded.

India vs England

With the series finely poised at 1-1, following England’s triumph in the first Test in Hyderabad and India’s emphatic comeback in the second, the cricketing fraternity eagerly anticipates the unfolding drama in the upcoming third Test scheduled to commence in Rajkot on February 15. The stage is set for another chapter of enthralling cricket, as both teams vie for supremacy in this engrossing five-match series.

Also READ: Head coach Rahul Dravid spills beans on Ishan ??Kishan’s absence from India squ?ad

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When it comes to modern-day cricket, which is adorned with a constellation of talent from around the globe, there are few luminaries that shine as brightly as the titans who grace the field with their unparalleled skill and charisma. As the sport evolves and embraces new dimensions, one figure consistently commands the spotlight, captivating audiences with his prowess and passion. Recently, England legend Michael Atherton shed light on the towering presence of this cricketing colossus, hailing him as the “biggest star” of contemporary cricket.

The modern-day cricket pantheon: Icons of the game

In a landscape where the boundaries of achievement are continually pushed, modern-day cricket boasts an array of stalwarts who have etched their names in the annals of the sport. From the imperious batting of Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson to the explosive power of Chris Gayle and Rohit Sharma, the cricketing world is replete with icons who redefine the boundar?ies of excellence with each stroke of the bat or delivery bowl??ed.

Michael Atherton identifies the premier superstar

Amidst this galaxy of stars, Atherton’s discerning eye recently singled out a figure whose influence transcends boundaries and resonates with fans around the world. Atherton’s admiration was directed towards none other than Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian cricke??ter whose name reverberates across stadiums and continents.

“He is by far the biggest star in the game here. The supporters are often drawn to the superstars of the game, and there is none bigger than Virat Kohli here,” said Atherton during Sky Sports Cricket Vodcast.

Also READ: Rahul Dravid reveals the major mistake o??f Team India in the Hyderaba??d Test against England

Atherton’s admiration for Kohli extends beyond his cricketing exploits and delves into the very fabric of his persona on and off the field. He termed the Indian phenom as the magnetic and charismatic cricketer who tends to attract each and everyone with a mere presence on the field even if he’s not playing.

“I find him a fascinating batter to watch. I find him an absolutely fascinating cricketer in general. When he is on the field, even when he is not contributing, he just buzzes around with so much energy. He is a very magnetic and charismatic cricketer,” Atherton added.

Kohli h??as so far played 113 Tests, 292 ODIs and 117 T20Is for India, in which he has amassed 8848, 13,848, and 4037 runs, respectively. He has managed to slam 29 Test tons, 50 ODI hundreds and one century in the shortest format.

Also READ: Aussie spin maestro Nathan Lyon picks the next ‘Jacques Kallis�?of international cric?ke??t

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As England prepares to face India in a momentous five-match Test series, the team led by Ben Stokes as a captain and head coach Brendon McCullum anticipates one of its most challenging assignments. Having reshaped the dynamics of Test cricket and demonstrated prowess against formidable opponents, England now confronts the spin-friendly conditions in India. The duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja poses a significant challenge on turning tracks, testing England’s adaptability.

Michael Atherton’s prediction regarding the winner between India and England

Speaking to Sky cricket, renowned former England cricketer Michael Atherton shared his perspective on the impending Test series against India. Emphasizing the pivotal role of spin in Indian conditions, Atherton believed that India, led by Rohit Sharma, posses?ses a distinct advantage, primarily due to their formidable spin bowling unit and are the clear favourites to win the series.

“I think India will win. Their spinners are better than England’s, and that will be the defining thing in the end. If you go to India, spin will play a big part. It historically has done, and I suspect it always will do. India do have a very strong seam attack as well,” Atherton said.

Also READ: Will James Anderson retire after th?e Test series against India? Answers former England pacer Steven Finn

A formidable record

India will enter the five-game Test series against England with an impressive record at home, having secured victory in 16 consecutive Test series since their 2012 loss to England. Notably, this included? comprehensive triumphs over England in 2016-17 (4-0) and 2021 (3-1).

The streak underscores India’s prowess in home conditions and sets the stage for a challenging series for England. The series opener is scheduled at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on January 25, adding anticipation to this high-stakes cricketing encounter.

Also READ: Rinku Singh among the key players added to India A squad for ?unofficial Tests against England ?Lions

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Following England’s surprising 69-run loss to Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup 2023 match at the Arun Jaitley International Stadium in Delhi on October 15, former England cricketer Michael Atherton didn’t mince his words in expressing his disappointment.

Before their game against Afghanistan, England had already experienced a loss in their opening game against New Zealand, followed by a victory against Bangladesh in their most recent outing in Dharamshala. On the other hand, Afghanistan had faced defeat in their first two fixtures.

England’s struggles and historic victory for Afghanistan

However in a significant turnaround, the Afghan team exhibited an exceptional all-around performance, creating a stark contrast to their previous performances. Asked to bat first, Afghanistan posted 284 in 49.5 overs, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz emerging as the highest run-scorer with 80 runs.

In response to Afghanistan’s challenging target, the three lions’ batting order faltered, and they were bowled out for 215, resulting in a 69-run loss. Among England’s batters, Harry Brook stood out as the top scorer with 66 runs from 61 balls. This victory marked a historic moment for Afghanistan in World Cup history, as it was their first win over a full-member team. The Player of the Match accolade went to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, highlighting his exceptional contribution to Afghanistan’s success.

Also READ: World Cup 2023: Twitter world goes mad as clinical Afg?hanistan upset England in Delhi

Michael Atherton lashes out at England

Speaking ?to Sky Sports after the game, Atherton placed the blame on the English bowlers and fielders, emphasizing their role in allowing opposing teams to establ??ish strong starts.

“England haven’t bowled well enough and teams have got off to fliers against them. There are reasons. Many of the players are undercooked in terms of cricketing time, time in ODIs. But they have not hit the ground running and have made things very difficult for themselves now. I think England started badly today,” Atherton said.

“They were sloppy. Five wides to start, Curran giving away a free hit in the early overs. A misfield from Bairstow that went for four. They just looked a bit off the pace and that set the tone. They were always chasing the game from that point on,” the 55-year-old concluded.

Also WATCH: Mujeeb Ur Rahman clea?ns up Joe Root with a jaffa during E??NG vs AFG clash

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Pakistan sports journalist Zainab Abbas has found herself at the centre of a controversy during the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Zainab, who was in India to cover the multi-nation tournament, has reportedly left the country? ahead ?of the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka match in Hyderabad. The controversy erupted after some of her old tweets, which were perceived as derogatory toward India and Hindus, went viral across the internet.

Deportation or Voluntary Departure?

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the circumstances of Abbas’ departure from India. While some sources suggest that she was deported from the country, others indicate that she chose to leave due to security concerns. The situation came to public attention when a lawyer filed a complaint against Abbas, accusing her of making derogatory remarks on social media against Hindus and India.

Viral fake quotes allegedly from Michael Atherton and Simon Doull

In the midst of this controversy, some social media users on the X platform (formerly Twitter) shared alleged quotes from prominent cricket personalities, attempting to link them to the controversy. One such fake quote attributed to former England cricketer and current broadcaster Michael Atherton claimed that he criticized the Board of Control for Cricket i??????????????????????????n India (BCCI) for its role in the situation.

Also READ: CWC 2023 – ICC finally reveals why Pakistan sports presenter Zainab Abbas left the tournament midway

The fake quote read, “Michael Atherton on mic: ‘Forcing Zainab Abbas to leave the country is another shameful stunt from BCCI, they keep mixing politics with cricket, ICC should stop being a dummy and never let them host any tournament again.’ Atherton didn’t hold back.”

Michael Atherton on 🎙�?

"Forcing Zainab Abbas to leave the country is another shameful stunt from BCCI, they keep mixing politics with cricket, ICC should stop being a ??dummy and never let them host any tournament again"

Atherton didn't hold back 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/39tU8EtoEG

— Hamxa 🏏🇵🇰 (@hamxashahbax21) October 9, 2023

Another fake statement attributed to New Zealand’s Simon Doull implied that the cricketer-turned-commentator had severely criticized BCCI, ICC, and the Indian government over Zainab’s controversy.

The fabricated quote read, “Zainab Abbas is an amazing person but unfortunately, BCCI and the Indian Govt’s politics have made her life hell in India. This is the World Cup, not the India Cup. If one of our colleagues is not safe here, how can we feel safe? This is pathetic.”

Zainab Abbas is an amazing person but unfortunately, BCCI and Indian Govt's politics have made her life hell in India. This is the World Cup, not the India Cup. If our one of colleagues is not safe here, how can we feel safe? This is pathetic. #CWC23

Simon Doull via SkySport NZ pic.twitter.com/xmpHCgXpMX

— Muhammad Yassal (@OyeYassal) October 9, 2023

Clarifying the situation

It is essential to clarify that both of the above quotes are fake and have been debunked. These fabricated quotes were disseminated by users attempting to escalate and fuel the ongoing controversy surrounding Abbas’ departure from India. As such, it is important to rely on verified information from credible sources when assessing the facts related to this incident.

Also READ: Is?? P??akistan sports presenter Zainab Abbas married? Here are her family details

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The much-anticipated ODI World Cup 2023 finally kicked off on October 5 as England faced off against New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament. However, the result of the match left England supporters and fans disappointed as the defending champions lost the c?ontest by nine wic??kets.

Former English captain Michael Atherton was also far from thrilled with his nation’s performance and didn’t hold back his emotions as he launched a scathing attack on Jos Buttler and Co., labelling their performance as ‘rusty and drab.

The match overview

Asked to bat first, England began their innings decently. However, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals as the match progressed and managed to post a modest total of 282/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Joe Root top-scored with 77 off 86 deliveries for his team, while Jos Buttler contributed a crucial 43 runs. The pick of the bowlers for New Zealand was Matt Henry, who bagge?d three wickets for 48 runs in his 10-over spell.

Also READ: Mohammad Amir highli?ghts ??four players he believes deserved a spot in Pakistan’s 15-member squad

In reply, New Zealand’s batters made it look like a one-sided affair, comfortably chasing down the target in just 36.2 overs with nine wickets remaining. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra put on sensational centuries to guide the Blackcaps to victory. Conway smashed a brilliant 152 runs off 121 balls, while Ravindra scored an impressive 123 off 86 deliveries. Among English bowlers, only Sam Curran managed to take a solitary wicket.

Michael Atherton’s scathing attack and criticism

The defeat against New Zealand left England facing a barrage of criticism from fans and experts alike. Known for his candid analysis, Atherton also did not mince his words when assessing the team’s performance.

In an article for The Times, Atherton took a brutal jibe at the Buttler-led side and stated that there was “No barest of margins here,” referring to England’s nail-biting victory in the previous edition’s final against the same opponents.

Atherton further went on to express his disappointment with England’s performance, calling it “rusty and drab.” He also noted that England would need to show significant improvement quickly, especially after a defeat that was unusual for a team of their calibre.

“England will have to show significant improvement very quickly after a rusty and drab performance brought defeat in a manner that has rarely befallen them in recent times. No barest of margins here, just a hammering. Buttler’s players were thankful, no doubt, that there were not more viewers in the ground to witness matters,” said Atherton.

Also READ: Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble predicts four semifinalists for the OD?I World Cup 2023

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When the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) unveiled their provisional 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, the absence of Harry Brook, widely regarded as one of the brightest young ?talents in the cricketing world, was a glaring omission that sent shockwaves through the cricketing community.

Brook’s exceptional recent performances for England across various formats couldn’t secure him a spot in the squad, as the defending champions opted to include Ben Stokes, who initially retired from the 50-over format, reversed his decision and m??ade a comeback. This choice sparked a diverse range of opinions among passionate cricket fans.

Michael Atherton provides his thoughts on Harry Brook

Now, Michael Atherton, a former cricketer turned commentator, has ??stepped into the fray and offered his perspective.

During a pre-game discussion ahead of the second T20I between England and New Zealand in Manchester, Atherton was asked about his take on the matter by Nick Knight.

Also WATCH: Harry Brook hits an as??tonishing reverse-sweep against Ish Sodhi

Atherton asserted that Brook is an indispensable talent, and the idea of a World Cup squad without him seems unthinkable. However, the 55-year-old also acknowledged that Brook appears to have fallen victim to the limited opportunities he’s had in one-day cricket, having been somewhat caught in between Test and franchise cricket.

“Like many people, I was surprised when he was left out. I couldn’t envisage a squad without Harry Brook actually, I think he’s an exceptional talent. Trying to understand the reason England have not picked him, it’s obviously a consequence of [Ben] Stokes�?return and the balance of the side �?maybe his IPL form counted against him, he wasn’t particularly good apart from one hundred �?and obviously the schedule has counted against him. If you’re an all-format player and you’re playing Test cricket and you’re playing in the IPL and the Hundred, you just don’t play many fifty-over games,” Atherton said.

It’s important to note that Brook has only featured in three ODIs thus far, accumulating 86 runs at an average of 28.66, with a solitary fifty to his name. Nonetheless, his recent red-hot form in T20 cricket, including impressive knocks of 43 not and 67 in the last two matches against New Zealand, has underlined his potential and left cricket enthusiasts wondering about his exclusion from the upcoming multi-national event.

Also READ: Michael Atherton draws parallels between Jofra Archer and England’s young pace sensation Gus Atkinson

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England’s young sensation Gus Atkinson got off to a great start to his international career and claimed four wickets on debut against New Zealand in the second T20I of the three-match series. The brilliant bowling performance from Atkinson helped England seal the leg and gain an unassailable le??ad, as they had already won the opening game.

Gus Atkinson’s four-wicket haul guides England to a comprehensive win over New Zealand

The match took place at the Manchester and saw Atkinson finish with an impressive figures of 2.5-0-20-4 after England posted a total of 198/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Jonny Bairstow‘s unbeaten 86 runs off 60 deliveries and Harry Brook‘s 67 off 36 balls were the major highlights of England’s innings.

In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for just 103 runs in 13.5 overs, with Atkinson claiming the wickets of Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson in his spell of four overs.

Also READ: ??AB de Villiers pre?dicts the leading run-scorer of Asia Cup 2023

Michael Atherton draws parallels between Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson

Following England’s victory over New Zealand in the second T20I, many fans and cricket experts lauded Atkinson for his sensational bowling performance. Among all, England’s former skipper Michael Atherton also heaped praises on the 25-year-old by drawing similarities between him and Jofra Archer.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Atherton appreciated Atkinson’s sheer pace by highlighting his performance in the recently concluded The Hundred 2023. He also observed that sustaining injuries have made the pacer more confident and the he’s bowling much faster than before.

Atherton further drew ??parallels between Archer and Atkinson, stating that both the seamers have a beautiful wrist action and target the stumps.

“He has eye-catching pace. He bowled an unbelievably fast spell against Buttler in The Hundred [for Oval Invincibles against Manchester Originals]. I think his game has gone up a level this year,” said Atherton.

“He feels confident in his body at last having gone through many injuries as a young player and is bowling quicker than before. I think there are similarities with Archer. A beautiful wrist action and in tight to the stumps,” he added.

Also READ: Lisa Sthalekar names Virat?? Kohli amongst 5 players she would pick in her Dream ODI XI

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