3 h. ago Joe Root comments on Jos Buttler speak volumes as he makes England cricket statement

England are staring down the barrel of Champions Trophy elimination if they don't beat Afghanistan, but former captain Joe Root is convinced they're on the right track - despite Jos Buttler's side's struggles in the last 18 months

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6 h. ago Joe Root backs ‘brilliant leader’ Jos Buttler as England face crucial game

Make-or-break match looms against Afghanistan Brydon Carse ruled out of tournament with injuryJoe Root has stressed Jos Buttler’s white-ball setup is in better shape than the Test side that buckled towards the back end of his own captaincy, as England attempt to keep their Champions Trophy hopes alive in their controversial match against Afghanistan on Wednesday.Battling to reach the semi-finals after the record-breaking five-wicket defeat against Australia over the weekend, England have endured a further blow with news that the fast bowler Brydon Carse has been ruled out of the tournament with the recurrence of a toe injury. Continue reading...

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7 h. ago Joe Root convinced England on right track under ‘brilliant leader’ Jos Buttler

England have lost 17 of their last 24 ODIs heading into Wednesday’s must-win Champions Trophy clash with Afghanistan.

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14 h. ago Brydon Carse set to miss England’s crucial Champions Trophy tie against Afghanistan

Ongoing toe issue saw Carse miss training on MondayEngland need victory after opening five-wicket defeatBrydon Carse appears set to be ruled out for England’s must-win game against Afghanistan this week – and possibly the remainder of their Champions Trophy campaign – after being a notable absentee at training on Monday.Jos Buttler’s men head into Wednesday’s day-nighter at the Gaddafi Stadium desperate for victory following their chastening five-wicket defeat to Australia on the same ground last Saturday. Carse, who had been touch and go to play due to a toe injury, finished as their most expensive bowler on the night, going at 9.85 per over. Continue reading...

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4 d. ago Jamie Smith to bat at three in England's Champions Trophy opener against Australia

Wicket-keeper to come in ahead of Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jos Buttler

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4 d. ago Jamie Smith at No 3 for England’s Champions Trophy opener against Australia

Joe Root moves down to No 4 in batter-heavy lineupSmith has batted first-drop just once in his List A careerIt was as if they could not wait to share the news, England naming their XI for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against Australia well in advance of the toss and springing a surprise too. Jamie Smith is back from a calf injury and will keep wicket but, more eye-catchingly, he will bat at No 3.The team emerged as Jos Buttler’s side trained under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday evening and, on the eve of a major tournament, represents something curve-ball. Talented but inexperienced, Smith has batted first-drop just once in his List A career at Surrey, while Joe Root, England’s record centurion in ODI cricket, has moved down a spot. Continue reading...

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