6 h. ago Jos Buttler defends England selection but pinpoints where bowlers must improve after Australia defeat

Australia chased down a mammoth total as England suffered an early Champions Trophy blow

Politics

16 h. ago Champions Trophy: Records tumble as Australia condemn England to agonising defeat

England’s one-day problems continue despite notching the highest total and individual score in competition history

Politics

16 h. ago Champions Trophy: England still have 'optimism and belief' despite damaging Australia loss

Josh Inglis ensured England’s one-day struggles continued in Lahore despite Ben Duckett brilliance

Politics

46 h. ago Champions Trophy make or break for Buttler as England look to stop slide

After defeat in India, England start tournament against Australia, who are without their feared fast-bowling trioIn contrast to the drawn-out 50-over World Cup and its T20 equivalent, the Champions Trophy is quite a cutthroat affair, with one slip-up in the group stage manageable but two likely terminal. Jos Buttler called it a brutal format before England’s opener against Australia in Lahore on Saturday, while his opposite number, Steve Smith, spoke of needing a “quarter-final” mentality.As unforgiving as it is, there is a fair bit riding on this Champions Trophy for Buttler, a captain who lifted the T20 World Cup in 2022 straight after replacing Eoin Morgan but has struggled to live up to it since. Series results have nose-dived, both world titles were surrendered meekly, and the messaging has often been confusing. Matthew Mott paid the price as head coach last year but not every shortcoming was his. Continue reading...

Politics

50 h. ago Jos Buttler determined to rediscover form with bat in Champions Trophy

In 33 ODIs since being appointed permanent white-ball skipper in June 2022, Buttler averages 33.13.

Politics

50 h. ago Champions Trophy 2025: Jos Buttler backs Jamie Smith to thrive at three against Australia

The wicketkeeper-batter has been promoted to back up openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett

Politics

52 h. ago Nothing will faze him – Jos Buttler backs Jamie Smith to thrive at three

The wicketkeeper-batter has been promoted to back up openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in the Champions Trophy.

Politics

66 h. 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

Politics

69 h. 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...

Politics

2 d. ago Jamie Smith bumped up the order to three for England’s Champions Trophy opener

The 24-year-old missed England’s last two T20s against India and the three-match ODI series owing to a left calf injury.

Politics

3 d. ago England hopeful over Champions Trophy fitness while NZ crush Pakistan in opener

Duckett, Archer and Smith all likely to be fit for AustraliaYoung and Latham hit tons in 60-run win for Black CapsEngland begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Australia in bustling Lahore on Saturday and, while recent results have set alarm bells ringing, there is growing optimism that a previously lengthy injury list is at least beginning to ease.So much so, in fact, that Jos Buttler, the captain, and Brendon McCullum, the head coach, may even be able to select from a fully fit squad for their Group B opener, with all 15 players taking part in their first training session at Pakistan’s National Academy on Wednesday. Continue reading...

Sport

4 d. ago Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti targets £75m transfer reunion with Everton star

Carlo Ancelotti handed Jarrad Branthwaite his debut for Everton and now the Real Madrid boss wants to reunite with the £75million-rated England defender in the Spanish capital

Economics

4 d. ago Champions Trophy 2025: England under pressure as Pakistan look to defend title

Competition finally returns after eight-year hiatus

Events

4 d. ago ‘His form has faded’ – Nasser Hussain questions England captain Jos Buttler’s struggles

England’s 3-0 ODI series defeat to India has raised concerns over Jos Buttler’s form and leadership, with Nasser Hussain questioning his struggles ahead of England’s Champions Trophy campaign

Politics

5 d. ago FA defends WFH agreement with Thomas Tuchel as new England manager misses Premier League games

Tuchel has missed three Premier League weekends in his first six-and-a-half weeks in the job

Politics