England are facing a significant challenge as they prepare for the remainder of the English summer without their dynamic Test captain, Ben Stokes. Stokes, a pivotal figure in the squad, has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during The Hundred 2024. His absence leaves a considerable void in both leadership and all-round performance, as he has been a cornerstone of England’s success in recent years. The team will undoubtedly miss his aggressive captaincy and match-winning abilities as they head into a crucial Test series against Sri Lanka.

Ollie Pope reacts on becoming the Test skipper

With Stokes sidelined, Ollie Pope has been handed the responsibility of leading England’s Test side. The 26-year-old expressed his excitement and sense of responsibility through an Instagram story, saying, “A real honour to lead the side out over the next few weeks. Gutted for the skipper going down but can’t wait to get going.”

Pope, who has been a consistent performer in the middle order for England, now has the opportunity to showcase his leadership skills on the international stage. His elevation to captaincy marks a significant moment in his career as he takes on this new role in Stokes’ absence.

Also READ: ENG vs SL – Michael Vaughan lists out biggest challenge for Ollie Pope in the absence of Ben Stokes

Pope to begin his captaincy stint in England versus Sri Lanka Test series

Pope’s first assignment as England’s Test captain will be the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 21. The series is highly anticipated, with England looking to build on their momentum from previous matches despite the absence of their regular captain.

For Pope, this will be a critical test of his leadership abilities as he navigates the ??challenges of capt??aining the national side in a high-pressure series. The England squad, now under his command, will be aiming for a strong performance against a competitive Sri Lankan team.

Fans’ expectations from Pope as new Test captain

England fans are eagerly awaiting Pope’s debut as Test captain, hoping that he can bring a fresh perspective to the role and lead the team effectively in Stokes’ absence. Known for his calm demeanor and solid technique, Pope will need to balance his responsibilities as a captain while maintaining his batting form in the middle order. Expectations are high, with fans looking for Pope to not only guide the team to victory but also inspire confidence in his leadership abilities for the future. All eyes will be on the young captain as he takes on this new challenge in his cricketing journey.

Also READ: Sri Lanka Cric?ket appoints Ian Bell as batting coach for their upcoming Engla?nd tour

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The world of cricket continues to captivate fans with its relentless pace and ever-evolving narrati?ve. From personal milestones to major appointments, the cricketing landscape is a blend of thrilling performances, off-field developments, and unexpected twists. Each week brings a fresh set of stories that not only shape the present but also set the stage for the future of the game.

This weekly roundup highlights the most significant events that have made waves in the cricketing world, showcasing the sport’s ability to inspire, entertain, and unite fans across the globe. Whether it’s the rise of new stars, strategic decisions by cricket boards, or the personal journeys of players, cricket remains a constant source of excitement and drama.

Major highlights of the week in cricketing world

Jitesh Sharma gets engaged to Shalaka Makeshwar

Jitesh Sharma, the talented Indian cricketer, recently announced his engagement to Shalaka Makeshwar. He sh?ared the happy news on social media, expressing his love and excitement for their future together. The couple hails from Maharashtra and have been in a relationship for?? some time now. Shalaka is a talented engineer with a passion for design. The news met with widespread congratulations from fans, fellow cricketers, and the cricketing fraternity.

Kieron Pollard destroys Rashid Khan with 5 back-to-back sixes in The Hundred 2024

Kieron Pollard, representing the Southern Brave, produced one of the most incredible batting displays in cricket history by smashing Rashid Khan, the star spinner for Trent Rockets, for five consecutive sixes in a single over during The Hundred 2024. Pollard’s explosive power-hitting turned the match on its head, showcasing his dominance, leaving fans and experts in awe of his extraordinary performance.

West Indies and South Africa share the spoils

The first Test match between West Indies and South Africa ended in a draw, despite a valiant effort from the West Indian batters to chase down a challenging target. South Africa’s bowlers were disciplined and managed to keep the hosts under pressure throughout the match. While the result was disappointing for the West Indies, the match showcased some exciting cricket, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance.

Read the full report here: Alick A??thanaze’s fightback helps West Indies earn a draw aga??????????????????????????inst South Africa in the first Test

Toronto Nationals clinch maiden Global T20 Canada title

Toronto Nationals secured their first Global T20 Canada title with a dominant 8-wicket victory over defending champions Montreal Tigers. Andries Gous‘ unbeaten half-century guided the Nationals to a comfortable chase after restricting Montreal to a modest total.

Graham Thorpe’s Wife reveals heartbreaking truth about former cricketer’s demise

Former England cricketer Graham Thorpe tragically took his own life after a prolonged battle with depression and anxiety, his wife Amanda has revealed. Despite his success on the cricket field and being known for his mental strength, Thorpe’s private struggle with mental health intensified over the past few years, ultimately leading to this heartbreaking outcome.

Ben Stokes ruled out of the entire English summer

England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out for the remainder of the English summer after suffering a hamstring injury while playing in The Hundred. The all-rounder will miss the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, with Ollie Pope taking over as captain. Stokes is targeting a return for England’s tour of Pakistan in October.

Also R?EAD: South Africa unveils T20I squad for West Indies tour; Kwena Maphaka earns maiden call-up

Bollywood glamour to light up UPT20 league

The UP T20 League 2024 promises a grand opening ceremony with Bollywood stars Janhvi Kapoor and Ananya Panday set to enthral?l the audience with their performances. The event is expected to be a dazzling showcase of music, dance, and entertainment, building anticipati??on for the cricket matches to follow.

BCCI eyes IPL like league for retired cricketers

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a groundbreaking initiative to launch an IPL-style league exclusively for retired cricketers. This proposed league aims to provide a platform for former cricket stars to contin?ue engaging with the sport and entertain fans, while also potentially generating additional revenue for the BCCI.

James Anderson considers T20 encore

James Anderson, the legendary England pacer, has hinted at a potential return to T20 cricket after recently retiring from Test cricket. Despite being 42, Anderson believes he still possesses the skills to excel in the shortest format? and is considering opportunities in franchise leagues. His decision to explore a T20 comeback has generated significant excitement among fans, eager to witness the master swing bowler in action once again.

BCCI reshuffles schedule for India’s home series

The BCCI has made significant changes to the schedule for India’s upcoming home T20I series against Bangladesh and England. The first T20I against Bangladesh, originally slated for Dharamsala, has been shifted to Gwalior due to stadium renovations. Additionally, the venues for the first two T20Is against England have been swapped, with Kolkata hosting the opener and Chennai taking the second match due to scheduling conflicts with Republic Day events in Kolkata.

Duleep Trophy teams finalized

The BCCI has announced the squads for the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25. The tournament will feature four teams captained by Shubman Gill, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shreyas Iyer. The?? competition promises to be a platform for young and emerging talent to showcase their skills alongside established stars?.

See the complete squads here: BC??CI ??announces squads for the Duleep Trophy; Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead

Morne Morkel appointed as India’s bowling coach

Former South African pacer Morne Morkel has been appointed as the new bowling coach of the Indian cricket team. Morkel will take charge from the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. His appointment marks a significant addition to the Indian coaching staff, with high hopes for his expertise in developing India’s fast bowling attack.

T20I series split between Ireland and Sri Lanka Women

The Ireland and Sri Lanka Women’s teams have played out a thrilling T20I series, which concluded in a 1-1 draw. Both teams showcased their skills and determination, with the series providing valuable experience for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

BCCI turns down ICC’s request to host the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in India

The BCCI has turned down the ICC’s request to host the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in India. Citing the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup in India next year and the monsoon season, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has stated that hosting two Women’s World Cups consecutively could create a wrong impression. This decision leaves the ICC with the challenge of finding an alternative host for the tournament amidst the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, the original host nation.

Also READ: WI vs SA: Fast bowlers dominate as ??17 wickets fall on Day 1 of Guyana Test

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MI Cape Town have made a significant statement of intent ahead of the 2025 SA20 season, securing the services of England Test captain Ben Stokes and Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. The duo joins an already formidable roster that includes Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Nuwan Thushara, and Chris Benjamin.

Ben Stokes brings experience and leadership

Stokes, a dynamic all-rounder renowned for his match-winning abilities, adds immense value to the MI Cape Town squad. Despite a recent hamstring injury sustained during The Hundred, he is expected to be fully recovered by the start of England’s Test series against Pakistan in October. With England’s Test commitments concluding in December, ?Stokes is likely to be available for the entirety of the SA20 tournament.

The England captain brings a wealth of experienc??e and leadership qualities to the table, making him a pivotal figure for any team. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with his exceptional fielding ski??lls, makes him a formidable opponent.

Amatullah Omarzai adds depth to all-round options

Omarzai, a talented all-rounder, strengthens MI Cape Town’s options in the middle order. Known for his aggressive batting and handy off-spin, Omarzai has been making waves in international cricket. His inclusion in the squad adds depth to the team’s batting lineup and provides another bowling option for the captain.

Also READ: Ben Stokes ruled ou?t of the entire English summer; ECB appoints new captain for the Sri Lanka series

A star-studded lineup

With the addition of Stokes and Omarzai, MI Cape Town boast a formidable squad that is capable of challenging for the SA20 title. The franchise has already assembled a core group of world-class players, inc??luding Rashid, Boult, and Thushara, who have proven their abilities in T20 cricket.

The inclusion of Benjamin, a hard-hitting batsman, adds further firepower to the ba?tting lineup. Th??e Jamaican has shown his ability to clear the ropes consistently and will be a valuable asset for MI Cape Town.

Building a strong foundation

MI Cape Town have clearly identified the areas they need to strengthen and have acted decisively in the transfer market. The acquisition of Stokes and Omarzai is a clear ind??ication of the franchise’s?? ambition to compete at the highest level.

The SA20 has quickly established itself as one of the premier?? T20 leagues in the world, attracting top talent from ?around the globe. MI Cape Town’s investment in star players highlights the growing importance of the tournament and the potential for significant returns on investment.

As the 2025 SA20 season approaches, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the clash of titans as the best players in the world compete for glory. MI Cap?e Town, with their star-studded roster, are undoubtedly one of the teams to watch.

Also WATCH: Ben Stokes suffers a horrif?ic injury, walks on crutches after returning from the hospital

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Nasser Hussain has strongly criticized the cricket scheduling in England, highlighting the impact of excessive cricket across various formats on player health and performance. His comments came in the wake of England Test captain Ben Stokes being ruled out of the upcoming three-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a hamstring injury.

Ben Stokes’ injury

The injury occurred during a game in ongoing The Hundred Men’s 2024, where Stokes was playing for the Northern Superchargers against the Manchester Originals. The 33-year-old all-rounder suffered the injury while taking a run, and it is expected to sideline him for the series. Stokes hopes to recover in time for the Test tour of Pakistan starting in October. His absence is a significant blow to England’s plans, as Stokes has been a key player in?? recent series.

Stokes had previously undergone knee surgery last November and opted out of the T20 World Cup earlier this year to focus on his fitness for Test cricket. Despite a str??ong performance, including taking? five wickets in a 3-0 series victory over the West Indies this summer, Stokes suffered a hamstring tear during The Hundred.

Also READ: Ben Stokes ruled out of the ?entire English summer; ECB appoints new captain for the S?ri Lanka series

Nasser Hussain’s criticism

Hussain has voiced strong criticism regarding the congested cricket schedule in England. According to Hussain, the proliferation of various cricket formats – such as T20 matches, 50-over games, Test cricket, and The Hundred – has led to excessive strain on players.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain remarked, “Injuries happen in any sport, professional sport, it could’ve been a Blast game, or County Championship games. I don’t think the format got him injured. There are just too many formats of the game. There’s too much pressure on everyone concerned with the game, whether it’s the ground staff, umpires, players. Everyone wanting their piece of the pie, something has to give. Rob Key has to sit there and he’ll be under pressure,” 

Impact on players and their workload

Hussain also compared Stokes’ situation to that of Jofra Archer, who has faced a series of injury problems. Archer missed several games for Southern Brave due to workload management issues, a situation Hussain beli??eved reflects a broader problem within the cricketing calendar.

“We hear James Vince at the toss, talk about Jofra. We are hugely disappointed that Jofra is not playing. James Vince says nothing to do with us, ECB have pulled him out. He’s a blow with a long-term history of injuries. You gotta look after your cricketers,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.

Consequences of a packed cricket calendar

Huss?ain concluded his critique by addressing the consequences of the overloaded cricket schedule, linking it to both player injuries and the quality of playing conditions.

“Everyone wants Ben Stokes to play in every format and a person who historically gets injured has got injured again. So, it’s a consequence of having Blast, Hundred, 50-over Metro Cup, County Championship, Test cricket in a county calendar and a calendar that’s only that finite, and in the end someone’s got to give yourâ€?Something why our pitch is slightly poor this year,” Hussain concluded.

Also READ: Sri Lanka Cric??ket appoints Ian Bell as batting coach for their upcoming England tour

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England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to miss the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka due to an injury he sustained in The Hundred 2024. In the absence of Stokes, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed Ollie Pope as the captain. There is not denial in saying that the absence of Stokes has cast a long shadow over the team’s upcoming assignment. The weight of expectation has now fallen squarely on the shoulders of the Pope. While the role is a testament to his talent and potential, it’s undeniable that filling Stokes’ boots will be a daunting task.

The Ben Stokes-shaped hole

Stokes is more than just a cricketer; he’s a match-winner, a leader, and a talisman. His impact on the English team extends far beyond his statistics. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with his aggressive captaincy, has transformed England’s Test cricket. Without him, the team loses a significant chunk of its firepower and experience.

Michael Vaughan highlights Ollie Pope’s leadership challenge

Pope is undoubtedly a talented batter with a bright future. However, captaincy is a completely different ball game. He inherits a team that has grown accustomed to playing with a fearless, attacking mindset, largely instilled by Stokes. Maintaining this aggressive approach while managing the team’s resources effectively will be a crucial test for Pope.

Speaking about the same, former England captain Michael Vaughan highlighted the significant challenge Pope faces as captain in the absence of Stokes. He asserted that without Stokes, England’s XI is considerably weaker, estimating a 25 percent drop in the team’s overall strength. This decline puts added pressure on Pope, especially in terms of team composition.

Also READ: Ben Stokes ruled out of the entire E??nglish?? summer; ECB appoints new captain for the Sri Lanka series

Vaughan suggested that Pope will need to make crucial early decisions, such as whether to opt for a four-man bowling attack, including a spinner, given the fragility of the current seamers, who are either nearing the end or just starting their careers. This scenario underscores the complexity of Pope’s leadership task in managing a team missing its most influential player.

“The biggest challenge for Pope is managing without Stokes in his team. The XI is immediately 25 per cent worse than the one Stokes usually has. They will have an early decision to make on whether they go in with a four-man attack, including a spinner, because the seamers are all a bit fragile, either towards the end or at the start of their careers,” wrote Vaughan in his column for The Telegraph.

The Brendon McCullum factor

Vaughan emphasized that despite Pope’s temporary role as captain, the team fundamentally remains Stokes’, and Pope is merely filling in for a short period. Vaughan suggested that Brendon McCullum, as head coach, may need to take a more active role in supporting Pope during this transition. However, Pope will benefit from the presence of experienced senior players like Joe Root, who can provide valuable guidance and stability, ensuring that the team remains cohesive and competitive during Stokes’s absence.

“Besides, there is no question that this is still Stokes’s team. Pope is just stepping in for a few games. Brendon McCullum might have to step up and be a bit more hands on as head coach to help Pope out, but he has lots of senior players around him like Root,” added Vaughan.

Also READ: Sri Lanka Cricket appoints Ian Bell as batting ?coach for their upcoming England tour

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