4 h. ago McCullum’s challenge now is to find more than just a new England captain | Ali Martin

Jos Buttler’s decision to step down emphasises the task their coach faces to reinvigorate England’s white-ball teamsOnce Jos Buttler walked into the press conference room at Karachi’s National Stadium on Friday night, flanked by Brendon McCullum, what followed was no surprise. This Champions Trophy was always make or break for England’s white-ball captain and, after two defeats extinguished any semi-final hopes, the latter won out.The cat was pretty much out of the bag two nights earlier in Lahore when, slightly shell-shocked from England’s failed run chase against Afghanistan, Buttler said he would be considering his future. When a captain begins openly asking whether they are “part of the problem” – Buttler’s words that evening – the story rarely ends any other way. Continue reading...

Politics

29 h. ago Steve Harmison thinks time is up for Jos Buttler as England white

The team have endured a miserable 18-month period in which they have given up both limited-overs World Cups.

Events

37 h. ago Who could succeed Jos Buttler if he steps down as England white

Back-to-back defeats to Australia and Afghanistan have guaranteed a group-stage exit for England.

Events

51 h. ago Jos Buttler considering future after England’s sorry Champions Trophy exit

Captain on brink after third group exit in a rowAfghanistan outplay England to win thrillerJos Buttler will consider his future as England’s white-ball captain after the agonising eight-run defeat by Afghanistan in Lahore that terminated his side’s Champions Trophy hopes, and left him wondering whether he is part of the problem.England fly to Karachi on Thursday for their final group game – against South Africa on Saturday – already out of the running for the semi-finals. Their defeat by Afghanistan, following the loss against Australia last Saturday, made it a third consecutive tournament failure under Buttler’s leadership. Continue reading...

Sport

3 d. ago Jos Buttler admits stakes high for England and his captaincy against Afghanistan

Captain hopes to banish negative thoughts from sideEngland look to get back on track after opening defeatJos Buttler goes into Wednesday’s crunch encounter with Afghanistan in Lahore knowing a win is not simply a non-negotiable as regards England’s Champions Trophy prospects but potentially his future as their white-ball captain.The washout between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi on Tuesday has at least clarified England’s situation. Barring further rain affecting Group B, two wins would rule out any net run-rate calculations and guarantee a semi-final berth. By the same token, it also means they are just one defeat from flying home at the earliest opportunity. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Arsenal: Thomas Tuchel holds Ben White talks before naming first England squad

Gunners defender has not played for the Three Lions since leaving their 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar

Events

4 d. ago Ben White may end England exile after holding talks with Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel will name his first England squad ahead of World Cup qualification fixtures next month and has reached out to Arsenal defender Ben White before making his selection

Events

7 d. ago 5 key talking points as England prepare to face Australia in Champions Trophy

Brendon McCullum’s reign as England’s white-ball coach got off to an inauspicious start with T20 and ODI series defeats in India.

Politics