Match 14 of the T20 World Cup edition will see the Eoin Morgan-led England (ENG) take on the defending champions Kieron Pollard-led West Indies (WI) on Saturday (October 23). The game will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

This will be the first match in the T20 World Cup for both the teams and the second match of the Super-12 stage. West Indies have lost both the warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Pakistan whereas England won a close match against New Zealand and lost to India.

The last edition of T20 World Cup 2016 which was held in Kolkata saw both teams in the finals where West Indies won by 6 wickets. England would be looking to revenge its defeat on Saturday evening.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-mohammad-kaif-reveals-which-team-will-be-under-more-pressure-between-india-and-pakistan-423243">T20 World Cup: Mohammad Kaif reveals which team will be under more pressure between India and Pakistan</a>

Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: 

Where is the T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies taking place? 

The T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

What time does the T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies begin? 

The T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies begins at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mentor-ms-dhoni-and-billion-cheers-jersey-why-indias-t20-world-cup-2021-campaign-will-be-remembered-forever-422991">Mentor MS Dhoni and Billion Cheers Jersey: Why India's T20 World Cup 2021 campaign will be remembered forever</a>

Where and how to watch live coverage of the T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies? 

The T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the T20 World Cup match between ENG vs WI will be available on Hotstar. The T20 World Cup matches will be shown on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD, and DD Sports.

Match 14 of the T20 World Cup edition will see the Eoin Morgan-led England (ENG) take on the defending champions Kieron Pollard-led West Indies (WI) on Saturday (October 23).

Match 14 of the T20 World Cup edition will see the Eoin Morgan-led England (ENG) take on the defending champions Kieron Pollard-led West Indies (WI) on Saturday (October 23). The game will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. This will be the first match in the T20 World Cup for both the teams and the second match of the Super-12 stage. West Indies have lost both the warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Pakistan whereas England won a close match against New Zealand and lost to India. The last edition of T20 World Cup 2016 which was held in Kolkata saw both teams in the finals where West Indies won by 6 wickets. England would be looking to revenge its defeat on Saturday evening. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Mohammad Kaif reveals which team will be under more pressure between India and Pakistan Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies taking place? The T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. What time does the T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies begin? The T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies begins at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday. IN PICS | Mentor MS Dhoni and Billion Cheers Jersey: Why India's T20 World Cup 2021 campaign will be remembered forever Where and how to watch live coverage of the T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies? The T20 World Cup match between England vs West Indies will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the T20 World Cup match between ENG vs WI will be available on Hotstar. The T20 World Cup matches will be shown on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD, and DD Sports.

T20 World Cup, ENG vs WI live streaming: When and where to watch England vs West Indies match?

The T20 World Cup 2021's main draw is set to start from October 23. While the automatically-qualified teams completed their warm-up encounters, the qualifying round is set to conclude by Friday (October 22). Ahead of the Super 12, there are many teams who can be termed as strong contenders for the ICC event.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-know-what-insecurity-we-salman-butt-slams-babar-azam-co-ahead-of-t20-wc-opener-vs-india-422635">'I don't know what insecurity we' - Salman Butt slams Babar Azam &amp; Co. ahead of T20 WC opener vs India</a>

Prior to England's T20 WC opener, versus West Indies on Saturday (October 23), Eoin Morgan &amp; Co.'s swashbuckling opener Jason Roy named two teams that can be serious threats to his national side. Speaking at the virtual press-conference ahead of the fifth season of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, where he will represent Delhi Bulls, Roy told wionnews.com, "I think in our group, South Africa had a great warm-up game last night (versus Pakistan). You can never write them off. They have plenty of match-winners. India are playing some amazing cricket as well. You just can't write off any team as each other as ridiculous match-winners. I might have to sit on the fence and be boring but it will be an exciting&nbsp;tournament for sure."

On being asked if he would like to improve any aspect of his game in the T10 league (shortest format in the sport), Roy said, "Umm, I guess you have to be consistent with your ball-striking. In T20s, you can give yourself more time but in T10, you need to go hard after the word go. My last T10 tournament was few years back now. Obviously, Covid has messed that all up. I am intrigued to see what I can do this time around."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-take-squid-game-challenge-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-opener-only-two-succeed-watch-422580">Team India take 'Squid Game' challenge ahead of T20 World Cup opener, only two succeed - WATCH</a>

Coming back to the T20 WC, England are placed in Pool A along with Australia, South Africa, West Indies whereas two more teams will join from the qualifiers. On the other hand, Pool B comprises India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan while they will also see two more teams join from the qualifying round.&nbsp;

To back Roy's claims, there are no certain favourites for the coveted T20 WC title. Teams such as India, England, West Indies, Pakistan, New Zealand are very strong whereas South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan will also challenge other sides. Even the ones who will join from the qualifiers can upset big teams and&nbsp;spoil several campaigns.

The T20 World Cup 2021's main draw is set to start from October 23. While the automatically-qualified teams completed their warm-up encounters, the qualifying round is set to conclude by Friday (October 22).

The T20 World Cup 2021's main draw is set to start from October 23. While the automatically-qualified teams completed their warm-up encounters, the qualifying round is set to conclude by Friday (October 22). Ahead of the Super 12, there are many teams who can be termed as strong contenders for the ICC event. ALSO READ | 'I don't know what insecurity we' - Salman Butt slams Babar Azam & Co. ahead of T20 WC opener vs India Prior to England's T20 WC opener, versus West Indies on Saturday (October 23), Eoin Morgan & Co.'s swashbuckling opener Jason Roy named two teams that can be serious threats to his national side. Speaking at the virtual press-conference ahead of the fifth season of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, where he will represent Delhi Bulls, Roy told wionnews.com, "I think in our group, South Africa had a great warm-up game last night (versus Pakistan). You can never write them off. They have plenty of match-winners. India are playing some amazing cricket as well. You just can't write off any team as each other as ridiculous match-winners. I might have to sit on the fence and be boring but it will be an exciting tournament for sure." On being asked if he would like to improve any aspect of his game in the T10 league (shortest format in the sport), Roy said, "Umm, I guess you have to be consistent with your ball-striking. In T20s, you can give yourself more time but in T10, you need to go hard after the word go. My last T10 tournament was few years back now. Obviously, Covid has messed that all up. I am intrigued to see what I can do this time around." ALSO READ | Team India take 'Squid Game' challenge ahead of T20 World Cup opener, only two succeed - WATCH Coming back to the T20 WC, England are placed in Pool A along with Australia, South Africa, West Indies whereas two more teams will join from the qualifiers. On the other hand, Pool B comprises India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan while they will also see two more teams join from the qualifying round. To back Roy's claims, there are no certain favourites for the coveted T20 WC title. Teams such as India, England, West Indies, Pakistan, New Zealand are very strong whereas South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan will also challenge other sides. Even the ones who will join from the qualifiers can upset big teams and spoil several campaigns.

T20 WC: India, Pak or WI? England opener Jason Roy names two biggest threats to Eoin Morgan & Co.

The T20 World Cup 2021 edition has started with the qualifying round underway whereas the automatically-qualified teams are engaged in the warm-up encounters. Before the main draw of the showpiece event, former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a big claim on Virat Kohli-led Team India.&nbsp;

While many former cricketers and experts of the gentlemen's game feel India are one of the favourites for the seventh edition of the T20 WC, Vaughan begs to differ.&nbsp; "England for me are the favourites. I don’t know how India get the “favourites” tag in T20 cricket. I just think they’ve been a long way off in the last few tournaments,’ Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-fan-asks-shaheen-afridi-for-indo-pak-match-tickets-pacer-responds-in-hilarious-manner-watch-422308">T20 WC: Fan asks Shaheen Afridi for Indo-Pak match tickets, pacer responds in hilarious manner - Watch</a>

He further asserted, "West Indies and Pakistan will be threats. I wouldn’t write off Pakistan either. New Zealand have high-class players and you know they will come up with strategies to win games. I’ll say it now, I don’t give Australia much chance. In T20 cricket they’ve struggled. Glenn Maxwell’s exceptional so he will have to have an incredible tournament. But I don’t see the Aussies doing too much. England, India, West Indies, New Zealand, one of those four and maybe Pakistan because of the conditions."&nbsp;

“The pitches will be interesting because they’ve been used and slow [during the Indian Premier League]. I think 150-160 might be defendable scores,” Vaughan added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-shahid-afridi-issues-stern-warning-says-pakistan-can-surprise-anyone-rule-them-out-at-own-peril-422118">T20 WC: Shahid Afridi issues stern warning, says 'Pakistan can surprise anyone, rule them out at own peril'</a>

For the unversed, India are placed in Pool B along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two more teams will join from the qualifiers. The Men in Blue will like to end their ICC-title drought as Kohli &amp; Co. haven't won any mega event since 2013 Champions Trophy. In the previous edition, in 2016, India ended their campaign in the semi-finals after losing to eventual winners West Indies.&nbsp;

How far will India go in the T20 WC? Will they end their title-drought? Only time will tell...

The T20 World Cup 2021 edition has started with the qualifying round underway whereas the automatically-qualified teams are engaged in the warm-up encounters. Before the main draw of the showpiece event, former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a big claim on Virat Kohli-led Team India.

The T20 World Cup 2021 edition has started with the qualifying round underway whereas the automatically-qualified teams are engaged in the warm-up encounters. Before the main draw of the showpiece event, former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a big claim on Virat Kohli-led Team India. While many former cricketers and experts of the gentlemen's game feel India are one of the favourites for the seventh edition of the T20 WC, Vaughan begs to differ. "England for me are the favourites. I don’t know how India get the “favourites” tag in T20 cricket. I just think they’ve been a long way off in the last few tournaments,’ Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Fan asks Shaheen Afridi for Indo-Pak match tickets, pacer responds in hilarious manner - Watch He further asserted, "West Indies and Pakistan will be threats. I wouldn’t write off Pakistan either. New Zealand have high-class players and you know they will come up with strategies to win games. I’ll say it now, I don’t give Australia much chance. In T20 cricket they’ve struggled. Glenn Maxwell’s exceptional so he will have to have an incredible tournament. But I don’t see the Aussies doing too much. England, India, West Indies, New Zealand, one of those four and maybe Pakistan because of the conditions." “The pitches will be interesting because they’ve been used and slow [during the Indian Premier League]. I think 150-160 might be defendable scores,” Vaughan added. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Shahid Afridi issues stern warning, says 'Pakistan can surprise anyone, rule them out at own peril' For the unversed, India are placed in Pool B along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two more teams will join from the qualifiers. The Men in Blue will like to end their ICC-title drought as Kohli & Co. haven't won any mega event since 2013 Champions Trophy. In the previous edition, in 2016, India ended their campaign in the semi-finals after losing to eventual winners West Indies. How far will India go in the T20 WC? Will they end their title-drought? Only time will tell...

Don’t know how India get favourites tag, says Michael Vaughan ahead of Virat Kohli & Co.'s Pakistan tie

Top England batting all-rounder Moeen Ali could become a casualty of the gruelling season ahead, and the 34-year-old veteran of 64 Tests is understood to be not interested at the "prospect of an extended time away from home" for the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE and the subsequent Ashes series Down Under. 
 
In a report published by espncricinfo, the website said that Moeen, who also is an integral part of the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings side that is a title contender in IPL 2021, "has decided he no longer has the hunger to play the longest format. In particular, he is uncomfortable with the prospect of an extended time away from home in the coming months as a likely member of both the T20 World Cup and Ashes squads." 
 
Moeen, who has scored close to 3,000 Test runs and is just five wickets shy of 200 Test wickets, is understood to have informed the England chief coach Chris Silverwood, and skipper Joe Root about his intentions. 
 
"He is keen to continue his career for England in white-ball cricket and is also expected to continue to play county and franchise cricket. It seems unlikely he will continue to play first-class cricket but no firm decision has yet been taken on that," the report added. 
 
Moeen, who has also played more than a century of ODI games and has been a prolific run-getter for his side, would add to the selection dilemma of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which has been kept on tenterhooks by several top cricketers who have reservations about going to Australia due to stringent Covid-19 protocols in the country. 
&nbsp;

Top England batting all-rounder Moeen Ali could become a casualty of the gruelling season ahead, and the 34-year-old veteran of 64 Tests is understood to be not interested at the "prospect of an extended time away from home" for the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE and the subsequent Ashes series Down Under.

Top England batting all-rounder Moeen Ali could become a casualty of the gruelling season ahead, and the 34-year-old veteran of 64 Tests is understood to be not interested at the "prospect of an extended time away from home" for the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE and the subsequent Ashes series Down Under. In a report published by espncricinfo, the website said that Moeen, who also is an integral part of the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings side that is a title contender in IPL 2021, "has decided he no longer has the hunger to play the longest format. In particular, he is uncomfortable with the prospect of an extended time away from home in the coming months as a likely member of both the T20 World Cup and Ashes squads." Moeen, who has scored close to 3,000 Test runs and is just five wickets shy of 200 Test wickets, is understood to have informed the England chief coach Chris Silverwood, and skipper Joe Root about his intentions. "He is keen to continue his career for England in white-ball cricket and is also expected to continue to play county and franchise cricket. It seems unlikely he will continue to play first-class cricket but no firm decision has yet been taken on that," the report added. Moeen, who has also played more than a century of ODI games and has been a prolific run-getter for his side, would add to the selection dilemma of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which has been kept on tenterhooks by several top cricketers who have reservations about going to Australia due to stringent Covid-19 protocols in the country.

Moeen Ali might not be part of Ashes 2021, likely to quit Test cricket: Reports

England have withdrawn their men`s and women`s teams from next month`s tour of Pakistan, the country`s cricket board (ECB) said on Monday, three days after New Zealand abandoned their tour&nbsp;of the country amid security concerns. 
 
The England teams were each scheduled to play two Twenty20 international matches on Oct. 13 and 14 in Rawalpindi, with the women`s side due to stay on for a three-match one-day international series from Oct. 17-21. 
 
"The ECB Board convened this weekend to discuss these extra England Women`s and Men`s games in Pakistan and we can confirm that the Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip," the ECB said in a statement. "The mental and physical well-being of our players and support staff remains our highest priority and this is even more critical given the times we are currently living in. 
 
"We know there are increasing concerns about travelling to the region and believe that going ahead will add further pressure to a playing group who have already coped with a long period of operating in restricted COVID environments." 
 
The ECB added that the men`s team touring under such conditions would not be ideal preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup next month. 
 
"We understand that this decision will be a significant disappointment to the PCB, who have worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket in their country," it added. "We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on cricket in Pakistan and emphasise an ongoing commitment to our main touring plans there for 2022." 
 
New Zealand abruptly abandoned their tour of Pakistan on Friday citing a security alert, in a massive blow to the South Asian country`s hopes of staging regular international cricket. 
 
The tour was due to get underway with the first of three one-dayers in Rawalpindi on Friday but the New Zealand team did not travel to the stadium. 
 
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern backed New Zealand Cricket`s decision to end the tour. 
 
International teams have largely refused to tour Pakistan since an attack by Islamist militants on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009 that killed six policemen and two civilians. 
 
There are fears that New Zealand`s decision to go home will keep them away and Australia, who are scheduled to visit in February-March next year, also appear wary. 
 
A Cricket Australia spokesperson said the organisation was monitoring the situation and would "talk with the relevant authorities once more information becomes known".

England have withdrawn their men`s and women`s teams from next month`s tour of Pakistan, the country`s cricket board (ECB) said on Monday, three days after New Zealand abandoned their tour of the country amid security concerns.

England have withdrawn their men`s and women`s teams from next month`s tour of Pakistan, the country`s cricket board (ECB) said on Monday, three days after New Zealand abandoned their tour of the country amid security concerns. The England teams were each scheduled to play two Twenty20 international matches on Oct. 13 and 14 in Rawalpindi, with the women`s side due to stay on for a three-match one-day international series from Oct. 17-21. "The ECB Board convened this weekend to discuss these extra England Women`s and Men`s games in Pakistan and we can confirm that the Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip," the ECB said in a statement. "The mental and physical well-being of our players and support staff remains our highest priority and this is even more critical given the times we are currently living in. "We know there are increasing concerns about travelling to the region and believe that going ahead will add further pressure to a playing group who have already coped with a long period of operating in restricted COVID environments." The ECB added that the men`s team touring under such conditions would not be ideal preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup next month. "We understand that this decision will be a significant disappointment to the PCB, who have worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket in their country," it added. "We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on cricket in Pakistan and emphasise an ongoing commitment to our main touring plans there for 2022." New Zealand abruptly abandoned their tour of Pakistan on Friday citing a security alert, in a massive blow to the South Asian country`s hopes of staging regular international cricket. The tour was due to get underway with the first of three one-dayers in Rawalpindi on Friday but the New Zealand team did not travel to the stadium. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern backed New Zealand Cricket`s decision to end the tour. International teams have largely refused to tour Pakistan since an attack by Islamist militants on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009 that killed six policemen and two civilians. There are fears that New Zealand`s decision to go home will keep them away and Australia, who are scheduled to visit in February-March next year, also appear wary. A Cricket Australia spokesperson said the organisation was monitoring the situation and would "talk with the relevant authorities once more information becomes known".

England call off Pakistan tour after New Zealand security scare

Virat Kohli-led India are on cloud nine as they step into the third Test, of the five-match series, versus Joe Root-led England with a 1-0 lead. The second Test, at Lord's cricket ground, was a topsy-turvy ride before India stunned England with a terrific all-round display to win the contest by 151 runs on the final day.&nbsp;

Resuming Day 5 at 181-6, India had an overall lead of only 154 with Rishabh Pant and the tail-enders left with plenty to do. As India were reduced to 209-8, with both the overnight batters such as Pant and Ishant Sharma back in the pavillion, England lost the plot in trying to unsettle Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, with their overaggressive tactics, as the ninth-wicket pair added an unbeaten 89-run stand. As a result, India declared at 298-8, setting up a challenging 272-run target for the hosts in 60 overs.&nbsp;

Charged up by James Anderson &amp; Co.'s aggressive tactics, Team India rose to the occasion and bundled out Root &amp; Co. for 120 to win the Lord's Test by 151 runs. This became India's third win at the venue overall. While India also had a 1-0 lead after the conclusion of the second Test, at Lord's, during their 2014 England tour, it went all downhill for the then MS Dhoni-led visitors who lost the series 3-1.&nbsp;

Hence, Kohli-led India will be wary of not losing steam in the remainder of the series and will&nbsp;aim for an unassailable 2-0 lead. For the unversed, the likes of Shardul Thakur, Hanuma Vihari, R Ashwin and Mayank Agarwal are available for selection. While Vihari might be considered in place of underperforming Cheteshwar Pujara, the latter's vital 46 in India's second essay at Lords might help him retain his place.&nbsp;

It will be interesting to see if Ashwin gets a look-in. Many had touted him to be a part of India's XI at Lord's. While two spinners might also feature, given that India's 4-pace attack is doing wonders, Ashwin can come in only at the expense of Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja has been effective with the bat, but remains wicketless with the ball in hand.

If India need to add a swashbuckling batsman in their line-up and surprise the English camp, Suryakumar Yadav might also get a look-in.

India's predicted XI for the 3rd Test: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara/Hanuma Vihari/Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja/R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur/Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

Virat Kohli-led India are on cloud nine as they step into the third Test, of the five-match series, versus Joe Root-led England with a 1-0 lead. The second Test, at Lord's cricket ground, was a topsy-turvy ride before India stunned England with a terrific all-round display to win the contest by 151 runs on the final day.

Virat Kohli-led India are on cloud nine as they step into the third Test, of the five-match series, versus Joe Root-led England with a 1-0 lead. The second Test, at Lord's cricket ground, was a topsy-turvy ride before India stunned England with a terrific all-round display to win the contest by 151 runs on the final day. Resuming Day 5 at 181-6, India had an overall lead of only 154 with Rishabh Pant and the tail-enders left with plenty to do. As India were reduced to 209-8, with both the overnight batters such as Pant and Ishant Sharma back in the pavillion, England lost the plot in trying to unsettle Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, with their overaggressive tactics, as the ninth-wicket pair added an unbeaten 89-run stand. As a result, India declared at 298-8, setting up a challenging 272-run target for the hosts in 60 overs. Charged up by James Anderson & Co.'s aggressive tactics, Team India rose to the occasion and bundled out Root & Co. for 120 to win the Lord's Test by 151 runs. This became India's third win at the venue overall. While India also had a 1-0 lead after the conclusion of the second Test, at Lord's, during their 2014 England tour, it went all downhill for the then MS Dhoni-led visitors who lost the series 3-1. Hence, Kohli-led India will be wary of not losing steam in the remainder of the series and will aim for an unassailable 2-0 lead. For the unversed, the likes of Shardul Thakur, Hanuma Vihari, R Ashwin and Mayank Agarwal are available for selection. While Vihari might be considered in place of underperforming Cheteshwar Pujara, the latter's vital 46 in India's second essay at Lords might help him retain his place. It will be interesting to see if Ashwin gets a look-in. Many had touted him to be a part of India's XI at Lord's. While two spinners might also feature, given that India's 4-pace attack is doing wonders, Ashwin can come in only at the expense of Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja has been effective with the bat, but remains wicketless with the ball in hand. If India need to add a swashbuckling batsman in their line-up and surprise the English camp, Suryakumar Yadav might also get a look-in. India's predicted XI for the 3rd Test: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara/Hanuma Vihari/Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja/R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur/Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

Will Virat Kohli & Co. include R Ashwin, Suryakumar Yadav and Shardul Thakur? Predicting India's XI for 3rd Test vs England

England Women on Wednesday announced a 17-strong squad for the Test match against India, starting June 16. There is a first international call-up for Central Sparks seamer Emily Arlott, fresh off a hat-trick in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at the weekend, while South East Stars captain Tash Farrant is also included.

It’s expected the squad will be trimmed ahead of the Test match to allow non-selected players to play in the next round of the RHF Trophy.

It has also been confirmed that Nat Sciver will become vice-captain across all forms of international cricket.

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<h2>England Women squad for one-off Test versus India Women:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Heather Knight (Western Storm, cap)</li>
	<li>Emily Arlott (Central Sparks)</li>
	<li>Tammy Beaumont (Lightning)</li>
	<li>Katherine Brunt (Northern Diamonds)</li>
	<li>Kate Cross (Thunder)</li>
	<li>Freya Davies (South East Stars)</li>
	<li>Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)</li>
	<li>Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder)</li>
	<li>Georgia Elwiss (Southern Vipers)</li>
	<li>Tash Farrant (South East Stars)</li>
	<li>Sarah Glenn (Central Sparks)</li>
	<li>Amy Jones (Central Sparks)</li>
	<li>Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds, vice cap)</li>
	<li>Anya Shrubsole (Western Storm)</li>
	<li>Mady Villiers (Sunrisers)</li>
	<li>Fran Wilson (Sunrisers)</li>
	<li>Lauren Winfield-Hill (Northern Diamonds)</li>
</ul>

Head Coach Lisa Keightley said: “It’s been hard to pick a squad given the balance of needing cover in a COVID world while wanting to give players as much chance as possible to play cricket.

“We want players to have opportunities out in the middle so we’re looking to reduce our numbers slightly ahead of the Test to give the non-selected players that chance.

“I’m really excited by the summer ahead. We’ve been working really hard across the last 10 weeks, India are a strong side and it’s the beginning of a two-year journey for us that takes in two ICC World Cups, an Ashes and the Commonwealth Games.”&nbsp;

England Women on Wednesday announced a 17-strong squad for the Test match against India, starting June 16. There is a first international call-up for Central Sparks seamer Emily Arlott, fresh off a hat-trick in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at the weekend, while South East Stars captain Tash Farrant is also included.

England Women on Wednesday announced a 17-strong squad for the Test match against India, starting June 16. There is a first international call-up for Central Sparks seamer Emily Arlott, fresh off a hat-trick in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at the weekend, while South East Stars captain Tash Farrant is also included. It’s expected the squad will be trimmed ahead of the Test match to allow non-selected players to play in the next round of the RHF Trophy. It has also been confirmed that Nat Sciver will become vice-captain across all forms of international cricket. ALSO READ: Cricket: ECB to take 'appropriate action' as several offensive tweets by England players resurface England Women squad for one-off Test versus India Women: Heather Knight (Western Storm, cap) Emily Arlott (Central Sparks) Tammy Beaumont (Lightning) Katherine Brunt (Northern Diamonds) Kate Cross (Thunder) Freya Davies (South East Stars) Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars) Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder) Georgia Elwiss (Southern Vipers) Tash Farrant (South East Stars) Sarah Glenn (Central Sparks) Amy Jones (Central Sparks) Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds, vice cap) Anya Shrubsole (Western Storm) Mady Villiers (Sunrisers) Fran Wilson (Sunrisers) Lauren Winfield-Hill (Northern Diamonds) Head Coach Lisa Keightley said: “It’s been hard to pick a squad given the balance of needing cover in a COVID world while wanting to give players as much chance as possible to play cricket. “We want players to have opportunities out in the middle so we’re looking to reduce our numbers slightly ahead of the Test to give the non-selected players that chance. “I’m really excited by the summer ahead. We’ve been working really hard across the last 10 weeks, India are a strong side and it’s the beginning of a two-year journey for us that takes in two ICC World Cups, an Ashes and the Commonwealth Games.”

Cricket: England Women announce squad for one-off Test vs India Women

England Men’s Head Coach Chris Silverwood has named a 15-player squad for the two-match Test Series against New Zealand starting at Lord’s on&nbsp;June 2,&nbsp;2021.

England Men’s Test Squad

<ul>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">James Anderson (Lancashire)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">James Bracey (Gloucestershire)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Rory Burns (Surrey)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Zak Crawley (Kent)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Ben Foakes (Surrey)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Dan Lawrence (Essex)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Jack Leach (Somerset)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Craig Overton (Somerset)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Ollie Pope (Surrey)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Ollie Robinson (Sussex)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Dom Sibley (Warwickshire)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Olly Stone (Warwickshire)</li>
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Mark Wood (Durham)</li>
</ul>

Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson have been called up to the Test squad for the first time. Both have been in impressive form during the early stages of the&nbsp;County Championship. Bracey has scored 478 Championship runs so far in this campaign at an average of 53, while Robinson has taken 29 wickets at an average of 14.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-jos-buttler-names-two-indian-legend-who-inspired-him-to-play-cricket-385817" hreflang="en">England's Jos Buttler names two Indian legend who inspired him to play cricket</a>

Both are familiar with the England set-up, having toured as reserves during England’s winter Test programmes in Sri Lanka and India. They were part of the extended squads during last summer’s behind closed doors Test series against West Indies and Pakistan, respectively.

There is a recall for Somerset all-rounder Craig Overton, who last featured for England in a Test match in September 2019 against Australia at Emirates Old Trafford – he will be looking to add to his four Test caps.

Multi-format players Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes are rested after completing a quarantine period following the cancellation of the Indian Premier League earlier this month. They will spend some time resting before joining up with their respective counties in due course.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-cannot-ignore-him-now-aakash-chopra-names-a-player-indian-selectors-cant-look-past-385813" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Cannot ignore him now': Aakash Chopra names a player Indian selectors can't look past</a>

Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes (fractured finger) and Sussex seamer Jofra Archer (right elbow) were not considered for selection.

Stokes is progressing well from his fractured left index finger and is set to return to action next month for Durham in the Vitality Blast competition.

Archer is to meet with a medical consultant later this week to determine the seriousness of his right elbow soreness.

England Men’s Head Coach, Chris Silverwood, said:

“The summer of Test cricket will be fascinating. Playing the top two teams in the world, in New Zealand and India, is perfect preparation for us as we continue to improve and progress towards an Ashes series in Australia at the back end of the year.

“With several players not available through injury or being rested for the New Zealand series, it is an opportunity for us to reward those who have been on the fringes of England squads over the past 12 months.

“James Bracey and Ollie Robinson deserve their call ups to the Test squad. They have been consistent performers in the County Championship this season and over the past 18 months, have excelled for the Lions on the field and in the various camps they have been involved in.

“Having spent all winter and last summer in the company of our established Test players, they have immersed themselves in preparing and understanding what it takes to play at this level. The environment and culture will be something they are used to, and should they be in a position to make their Test debuts, they will be ready to showcase their skills.

“They are both resilient characters and have demonstrated to me, the captain and coaches that they have the desire, temperament and the ability to continually improve to give themselves every chance of succeeding on the international stage.”

In respect of those players injured and rested, Silverwood, added:

“Jofra Archer is to see a consultant this week to understand the severity of his right elbow injury. He struggled in Sussex’s Championship fixture last week and he wasn’t able to bowl on the final two days of the match. We need to get this resolved once and for all to give him the best chance of being fully fit as we build up to an intense winter, which will include a T20 World Cup and the Ashes. We need him firing in all formats of the game.

“Ben Stokes is making excellent progress following his fractured left index finger sustained last month in the Indian Premier League. If he continues to improve without any impact on his rehabilitation, we could see him return next month for Durham in the Vitality Blast competition. We will assess him again towards the end of this month.

“As for the players who have just come out of quarantine after the cancelled IPL, we felt it necessary for them to have an extended break. We need them to recharge mentally. We will then take a view when they return to cricket. It will mean that they will get some competitive matches with their respective counties either in the&nbsp;County Championship or the Vitality Blast next month. We will work closely with each individual on when they are likely to play again.

“This is the start of our international summer and an exceptionally long winter, so we are mindful that we need the players ready both physically and mentally. Understanding players needs are paramount in our planning and something that will continually develop across the year leading into the World Cup and Ashes campaigns.”

The England Men’s Test squad will report to its London base on Friday 28 May ahead of the first&nbsp;Test starting at Lord’s on Wednesday 2 June.

England Men’s Head Coach Chris Silverwood has named a 15-player squad for the two-match Test Series against New Zealand starting at Lord’s on June 2, 2021. England Men’s Test Squad Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain James Anderson (Lancashire) James Bracey (Gloucestershire) Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire) Rory Burns (Surrey) Zak Crawley (Kent) Ben Foakes (Surrey) Dan Lawrence (Essex) Jack Leach (Somerset) Craig Overton (Somerset) Ollie Pope (Surrey) Ollie Robinson (Sussex) Dom Sibley (Warwickshire) Olly Stone (Warwickshire) Mark Wood (Durham) Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson have been called up to the Test squad for the first time.

England Men’s Head Coach Chris Silverwood has named a 15-player squad for the two-match Test Series against New Zealand starting at Lord’s on June 2, 2021. England Men’s Test Squad Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain James Anderson (Lancashire) James Bracey (Gloucestershire) Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire) Rory Burns (Surrey) Zak Crawley (Kent) Ben Foakes (Surrey) Dan Lawrence (Essex) Jack Leach (Somerset) Craig Overton (Somerset) Ollie Pope (Surrey) Ollie Robinson (Sussex) Dom Sibley (Warwickshire) Olly Stone (Warwickshire) Mark Wood (Durham) Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson have been called up to the Test squad for the first time. Both have been in impressive form during the early stages of the County Championship. Bracey has scored 478 Championship runs so far in this campaign at an average of 53, while Robinson has taken 29 wickets at an average of 14. ALSO READ: England's Jos Buttler names two Indian legend who inspired him to play cricket Both are familiar with the England set-up, having toured as reserves during England’s winter Test programmes in Sri Lanka and India. They were part of the extended squads during last summer’s behind closed doors Test series against West Indies and Pakistan, respectively. There is a recall for Somerset all-rounder Craig Overton, who last featured for England in a Test match in September 2019 against Australia at Emirates Old Trafford – he will be looking to add to his four Test caps. Multi-format players Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes are rested after completing a quarantine period following the cancellation of the Indian Premier League earlier this month. They will spend some time resting before joining up with their respective counties in due course. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Cannot ignore him now': Aakash Chopra names a player Indian selectors can't look past Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes (fractured finger) and Sussex seamer Jofra Archer (right elbow) were not considered for selection. Stokes is progressing well from his fractured left index finger and is set to return to action next month for Durham in the Vitality Blast competition. Archer is to meet with a medical consultant later this week to determine the seriousness of his right elbow soreness. England Men’s Head Coach, Chris Silverwood, said: “The summer of Test cricket will be fascinating. Playing the top two teams in the world, in New Zealand and India, is perfect preparation for us as we continue to improve and progress towards an Ashes series in Australia at the back end of the year. “With several players not available through injury or being rested for the New Zealand series, it is an opportunity for us to reward those who have been on the fringes of England squads over the past 12 months. “James Bracey and Ollie Robinson deserve their call ups to the Test squad. They have been consistent performers in the County Championship this season and over the past 18 months, have excelled for the Lions on the field and in the various camps they have been involved in. “Having spent all winter and last summer in the company of our established Test players, they have immersed themselves in preparing and understanding what it takes to play at this level. The environment and culture will be something they are used to, and should they be in a position to make their Test debuts, they will be ready to showcase their skills. “They are both resilient characters and have demonstrated to me, the captain and coaches that they have the desire, temperament and the ability to continually improve to give themselves every chance of succeeding on the international stage.” In respect of those players injured and rested, Silverwood, added: “Jofra Archer is to see a consultant this week to understand the severity of his right elbow injury. He struggled in Sussex’s Championship fixture last week and he wasn’t able to bowl on the final two days of the match. We need to get this resolved once and for all to give him the best chance of being fully fit as we build up to an intense winter, which will include a T20 World Cup and the Ashes. We need him firing in all formats of the game. “Ben Stokes is making excellent progress following his fractured left index finger sustained last month in the Indian Premier League. If he continues to improve without any impact on his rehabilitation, we could see him return next month for Durham in the Vitality Blast competition. We will assess him again towards the end of this month. “As for the players who have just come out of quarantine after the cancelled IPL, we felt it necessary for them to have an extended break. We need them to recharge mentally. We will then take a view when they return to cricket. It will mean that they will get some competitive matches with their respective counties either in the County Championship or the Vitality Blast next month. We will work closely with each individual on when they are likely to play again. “This is the start of our international summer and an exceptionally long winter, so we are mindful that we need the players ready both physically and mentally. Understanding players needs are paramount in our planning and something that will continually develop across the year leading into the World Cup and Ashes campaigns.” The England Men’s Test squad will report to its London base on Friday 28 May ahead of the first Test starting at Lord’s on Wednesday 2 June.

Cricket: Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer miss out as England announce squad for Test Series against New Zealand

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday&nbsp;announced a restructure of its selection system for men's international teams.

As part of the restructure, the role of National Selector, currently held by Ed Smith, who was appointed in spring 2018, will no longer exist, and Smith will leave the ECB at the end April. England have enjoyed success across all formats, including becoming ICC 50-Over World Champions in 2019 and are currently ranked 1st, 1st and 4th across the three formats.

This new structure, developed by Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Ashley Giles, will give clear accountability to the England Men's Head Coach, Chris Silverwood, who will have overall responsibility for future squad selections from this point.

The Head Coach and the respective red-ball and white-ball Captains, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan, will continue to work together on selecting the final playing eleven.

Supporting this system will be a resource that will provide intelligence from performance analysis, talent ID, scouting, medical and sports science.

There will be further input from the England Men's Performance Director, Mo Bobat and James Taylor, who will see his job title change from England Selector to Head Scout. Coaches aligned to the men's international teams will all feed into this process.

Ashley Giles, Managing Director, England Men's Cricket, said:

"I would like to personally thank Ed for his contribution to the England men's teams over the past three years. Ed's input has helped deliver successes for all our England Teams, and he has worked with commitment and professionalism throughout his time as National Selector. I wish him well in his future endeavours.

"The current process of selecting England teams has been in place for over 120 years. Even though this system has its merits, with advances in technology and a greater information gathering resource at our disposal than ever before, the restructure is in the best interests of helping England men's teams be successful.

"The new structure also makes lines of accountability much clearer, with Chris Silverwood, as Head Coach, taking ultimate responsibility for picking England senior men's squads."

Ed Smith, said:

"It has been a huge privilege to work with great people trying to help England cricket and I am excited about watching England's continued development.

"I've been very lucky to work with James Taylor, and I'm delighted that he will remain part of the new structure. My thanks to the dedicated team of scouts and to all the coaches, data analysts, medics and members of the ECB Pathway, who are available every day of the year at all hours to help England's decision-makers.

"England's two captains, Joe and Eoin, have already completed remarkable achievements in an England shirt. England has two men dedicated to playing cricket in a way that makes the country proud. The role of National Selector has been enjoyable and rewarding, and that is significantly due to my interaction with all of the England players.

"At such a high point for England cricket, I wish Ashley Giles, the coaches and all support staff good fortune over the coming months. I know how hard Ashley and his team work for England cricket. In particular, I'd like to wish Chris Silverwood good luck and every success going forward."

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced a restructure of its selection system for men's international teams. As part of the restructure, the role of National Selector, currently held by Ed Smith, who was appointed in spring 2018, will no longer exist, and Smith will leave the ECB at the end April.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced a restructure of its selection system for men's international teams. As part of the restructure, the role of National Selector, currently held by Ed Smith, who was appointed in spring 2018, will no longer exist, and Smith will leave the ECB at the end April. England have enjoyed success across all formats, including becoming ICC 50-Over World Champions in 2019 and are currently ranked 1st, 1st and 4th across the three formats. This new structure, developed by Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Ashley Giles, will give clear accountability to the England Men's Head Coach, Chris Silverwood, who will have overall responsibility for future squad selections from this point. The Head Coach and the respective red-ball and white-ball Captains, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan, will continue to work together on selecting the final playing eleven. Supporting this system will be a resource that will provide intelligence from performance analysis, talent ID, scouting, medical and sports science. There will be further input from the England Men's Performance Director, Mo Bobat and James Taylor, who will see his job title change from England Selector to Head Scout. Coaches aligned to the men's international teams will all feed into this process. Ashley Giles, Managing Director, England Men's Cricket, said: "I would like to personally thank Ed for his contribution to the England men's teams over the past three years. Ed's input has helped deliver successes for all our England Teams, and he has worked with commitment and professionalism throughout his time as National Selector. I wish him well in his future endeavours. "The current process of selecting England teams has been in place for over 120 years. Even though this system has its merits, with advances in technology and a greater information gathering resource at our disposal than ever before, the restructure is in the best interests of helping England men's teams be successful. "The new structure also makes lines of accountability much clearer, with Chris Silverwood, as Head Coach, taking ultimate responsibility for picking England senior men's squads." Ed Smith, said: "It has been a huge privilege to work with great people trying to help England cricket and I am excited about watching England's continued development. "I've been very lucky to work with James Taylor, and I'm delighted that he will remain part of the new structure. My thanks to the dedicated team of scouts and to all the coaches, data analysts, medics and members of the ECB Pathway, who are available every day of the year at all hours to help England's decision-makers. "England's two captains, Joe and Eoin, have already completed remarkable achievements in an England shirt. England has two men dedicated to playing cricket in a way that makes the country proud. The role of National Selector has been enjoyable and rewarding, and that is significantly due to my interaction with all of the England players. "At such a high point for England cricket, I wish Ashley Giles, the coaches and all support staff good fortune over the coming months. I know how hard Ashley and his team work for England cricket. In particular, I'd like to wish Chris Silverwood good luck and every success going forward."

ECB confirms restructuring as head coach Chris Silverwood named selection in-charge

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has been joined by members of the England Men’s cricket team and the ECB’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nick Peirce, in a discussion about the Covid-19 vaccine, hosted by presenter Isa Guha.

In a new film released on Friday, teammates Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran virtually joined Professor Van-Tam for the question-and-answer session from India, where they are competing in their Twenty20 series.

At a time when some of England’s most famous cricket grounds, including Lord’s, are being used as centres to support the NHS vaccine rollout, the impact of the pandemic on the cricketing world has been felt for players and fans alike.

Discussing the national vaccine rollout, the players got the chance to ask Professor Van-Tam the questions on many people’s lips – “are there any side effects?”, “How does the vaccine protect people from coronavirus?” and “is it safe for all ethnic groups to take?”.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mithali-raj-becomes-first-indian-woman-to-score-10000-international-runs-369902" hreflang="en">Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs</a>

With a noted rise in misinformation, Professor Van-Tam encouraged hesitant groups to seek information from trusted sources, reiterating that these effective vaccines are the best way to protect people from coronavirus and will save thousands of lives.

Separating fact from fiction, the players were informed that vaccines are tested through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they meet the gold standard and that, like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. However, most of these are mild and short-term, lasting no longer than a week, and not everyone gets them.

Professor Van-Tam addresses other questions from the players around safety, reassuring them that it the vaccine suitable for people from all ethnic backgrounds.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-gets-ioc-funded-chinese-coronavirus-jab-369895" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics gets IOC-funded Chinese coronavirus jab</a>

Whilst the national restrictions imposed to help tackle the spread of coronavirus mean that cricket fans have been unable to attend matches in the UK for the last year, with the incredible deployment speed of the Covid-19 vaccine, the ECB remains hopeful that stadiums will soon be full again if people take their vaccine when notified.

Concluding their chat, when asked if they would get their vaccine, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran together pledged that they would when called because they trust the advice from experts and their doctors that it’s safe and the best way for life to return to normality.

England cricketer, Chris Jordan, said: “It’s been a strange experience playing in empty stadiums and I can’t wait to have our fans back the team in person. Like many, I’ve had my own questions about the vaccine.

“With my understanding of the direction the world is heading in, and after speaking to Professor Van-Tam with my teammates, there’s no doubt in my mind that I will get the vaccine when it’s my turn.”

England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said: “It was a real pleasure to join some of England’s cricket players and answer their questions about the vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to protect people from COVID and will save thousands of lives. Over 22 million people have now had their first dose, if people follow the guidance then we all hope that people will be cheering our cricketers and other sport stars on from the stands again soon.”

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said: “Our brilliant healthcare workers and volunteers across the country have been working flat out to give the vaccine to millions of people, including at the vaccination site at Lord’s Cricket Ground which has delivered more than 10,000 vaccinations. We are already seeing the real-world positive effect of the vaccine programme on reducing hospitalisations and deaths and I would urge everyone who is offered it to get their jab to protect yourself and those around you.”

Chief Medical Officer at England and Wales Cricket Board, Professor Nick Peirce, said: “I’m proud of the way the England Cricket Community has adapted to adhere to the strict Covid guidelines and supported the NHS vaccine rollout however they can. We join in encouraging everyone to do their own research through trusted sources, like the NHS website, to be sure of the facts and get their vaccine when called.”

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden CBE, said: “Cricket has made an outstanding contribution throughout the pandemic, and it was a real pleasure to visit the Lord’s vaccine centre recently where volunteers, NHS staff and the cricket community were working together to knock Covid for six. I want to thank the England squad for joining us in encouraging people to take up the vaccine when they are notified. A successful vaccine rollout is the best way we can get everyone back safely watching and playing, and I want us to have a brilliant summer of cricket.”

To reach a time when fans can return to stadiums to watch cricket matches live, high vaccine uptake and maintaining the Hands. Face. Space key behaviours is very important.

The Covid-19 vaccination programme is the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history, with over 20 million vaccinations carried out to date.

New data shows that both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines significantly reduce severe COVID-19 in older adults and that the vaccines are working to reduce infections and save lives.

The UK’s vaccination programme is continuing to build up steadily with more people becoming eligible in the weeks and months in order of age and risk.&nbsp;

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has been joined by members of the England Men’s cricket team and the ECB’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nick Peirce, in a discussion about the Covid-19 vaccine, hosted by presenter Isa Guha.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has been joined by members of the England Men’s cricket team and the ECB’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nick Peirce, in a discussion about the Covid-19 vaccine, hosted by presenter Isa Guha. In a new film released on Friday, teammates Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran virtually joined Professor Van-Tam for the question-and-answer session from India, where they are competing in their Twenty20 series. At a time when some of England’s most famous cricket grounds, including Lord’s, are being used as centres to support the NHS vaccine rollout, the impact of the pandemic on the cricketing world has been felt for players and fans alike. Discussing the national vaccine rollout, the players got the chance to ask Professor Van-Tam the questions on many people’s lips – “are there any side effects?”, “How does the vaccine protect people from coronavirus?” and “is it safe for all ethnic groups to take?”. ALSO READ: Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs With a noted rise in misinformation, Professor Van-Tam encouraged hesitant groups to seek information from trusted sources, reiterating that these effective vaccines are the best way to protect people from coronavirus and will save thousands of lives. Separating fact from fiction, the players were informed that vaccines are tested through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they meet the gold standard and that, like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. However, most of these are mild and short-term, lasting no longer than a week, and not everyone gets them. Professor Van-Tam addresses other questions from the players around safety, reassuring them that it the vaccine suitable for people from all ethnic backgrounds. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics gets IOC-funded Chinese coronavirus jab Whilst the national restrictions imposed to help tackle the spread of coronavirus mean that cricket fans have been unable to attend matches in the UK for the last year, with the incredible deployment speed of the Covid-19 vaccine, the ECB remains hopeful that stadiums will soon be full again if people take their vaccine when notified. Concluding their chat, when asked if they would get their vaccine, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran together pledged that they would when called because they trust the advice from experts and their doctors that it’s safe and the best way for life to return to normality. England cricketer, Chris Jordan, said: “It’s been a strange experience playing in empty stadiums and I can’t wait to have our fans back the team in person. Like many, I’ve had my own questions about the vaccine. “With my understanding of the direction the world is heading in, and after speaking to Professor Van-Tam with my teammates, there’s no doubt in my mind that I will get the vaccine when it’s my turn.” England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said: “It was a real pleasure to join some of England’s cricket players and answer their questions about the vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to protect people from COVID and will save thousands of lives. Over 22 million people have now had their first dose, if people follow the guidance then we all hope that people will be cheering our cricketers and other sport stars on from the stands again soon.” Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said: “Our brilliant healthcare workers and volunteers across the country have been working flat out to give the vaccine to millions of people, including at the vaccination site at Lord’s Cricket Ground which has delivered more than 10,000 vaccinations. We are already seeing the real-world positive effect of the vaccine programme on reducing hospitalisations and deaths and I would urge everyone who is offered it to get their jab to protect yourself and those around you.” Chief Medical Officer at England and Wales Cricket Board, Professor Nick Peirce, said: “I’m proud of the way the England Cricket Community has adapted to adhere to the strict Covid guidelines and supported the NHS vaccine rollout however they can. We join in encouraging everyone to do their own research through trusted sources, like the NHS website, to be sure of the facts and get their vaccine when called.” Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden CBE, said: “Cricket has made an outstanding contribution throughout the pandemic, and it was a real pleasure to visit the Lord’s vaccine centre recently where volunteers, NHS staff and the cricket community were working together to knock Covid for six. I want to thank the England squad for joining us in encouraging people to take up the vaccine when they are notified. A successful vaccine rollout is the best way we can get everyone back safely watching and playing, and I want us to have a brilliant summer of cricket.” To reach a time when fans can return to stadiums to watch cricket matches live, high vaccine uptake and maintaining the Hands. Face. Space key behaviours is very important. The Covid-19 vaccination programme is the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history, with over 20 million vaccinations carried out to date. New data shows that both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines significantly reduce severe COVID-19 in older adults and that the vaccines are working to reduce infections and save lives. The UK’s vaccination programme is continuing to build up steadily with more people becoming eligible in the weeks and months in order of age and risk.

England cricket stars bowled over by vaccine rollout

The accolades have been pouring in for England all-rounder Ben Stokes since his superb player of the match display in the second Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford.

England's talisman went to the top of the Test all-rounder rankings after helping the hosts square the three-match series at 1-1 with two perfectly judged innings -- a painstaking 176 and a rapid 78 not out -- as well as three key wickets.

"Where would England be without him?," former captain Michael Vaughan told William Hill.&nbsp;

"If you look at the last two years, every single England win you could argue that Ben Stokes played the pivotal role."

Meanwhile James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, promptly hailed Stokes as the best all-rounder he'd played with, surpassing even 2005 Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff, heading into Friday's decider with the West Indies.

But is it yet right to rank Stokes above Ian Botham, the man whose England wickets record Anderson broke and widely regarded as the country's best all-rounder of the modern era?

Since the start of 2019, Stokes has averaged over 55 with the bat and under 29 with the ball in Test cricket.

The 29-year-old's corresponding Test career figures, however, stand at 38.58 and 31.73.

Botham finished his 102-Test career with a batting average of 33.54 and 383 wickets at 28.40.

Left-handed batsman Stokes already has 10 hundreds from 65 Tests.

It will be a major surprise if, as arguably a more versatile run-getter, he does not surpass Botham's tally of 14 before he's finished.

<h2>- 'Beyond ordinary mortals' -</h2>

But whereas Botham often took the new ball, such is the current depth of England's bowling resources that Stokes is mainly deployed as a fourth seamer.

"Stokes will prove to be the more reliable run‑scorer but he will never be able to match Botham the bowler when he was at his lithe peak between 1978 and 1981," former England off-spinner Vic Marks wrote in the Observer.&nbsp;

"Both impose their will on proceedings in a manner way beyond ordinary mortals," added Marks, a team-mate of Botham's at Somerset.&nbsp;

Yet for all his heroics, notably last year when he starred in England's World Cup triumph and oversaw a staggering one-wicket Test win over Australia at Headingley with a breathtaking hundred, Stokes hasn't quite reshaped a series the way Botham did the 1981 Ashes.

Having been stripped of the England captaincy, with the hosts 1-0 down, Botham's remarkable, attacking centuries at Headingley and Old Trafford, as well as a stunning spell of five wickets for one run at Edgbaston, saw England to a trio of victories in a 3-1 series win.

And despite Stokes' brilliance in the field, he's yet to match Botham, who revolutionised the position of second slip by standing yards in front of the cordon while taking a succession of staggering catches.

But Stokes, as Anderson pointed out, has room for improvement.

"He's becoming the best all-rounder that England's ever had," Anderson said. "There's no reason why he can't go on and be even better."

The accolades have been pouring in for England all-rounder Ben Stokes since his superb player of the match display in the second Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford.

The accolades have been pouring in for England all-rounder Ben Stokes since his superb player of the match display in the second Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford. England's talisman went to the top of the Test all-rounder rankings after helping the hosts square the three-match series at 1-1 with two perfectly judged innings -- a painstaking 176 and a rapid 78 not out -- as well as three key wickets. "Where would England be without him?," former captain Michael Vaughan told William Hill. "If you look at the last two years, every single England win you could argue that Ben Stokes played the pivotal role." Meanwhile James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, promptly hailed Stokes as the best all-rounder he'd played with, surpassing even 2005 Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff, heading into Friday's decider with the West Indies. But is it yet right to rank Stokes above Ian Botham, the man whose England wickets record Anderson broke and widely regarded as the country's best all-rounder of the modern era? Since the start of 2019, Stokes has averaged over 55 with the bat and under 29 with the ball in Test cricket. The 29-year-old's corresponding Test career figures, however, stand at 38.58 and 31.73. Botham finished his 102-Test career with a batting average of 33.54 and 383 wickets at 28.40. Left-handed batsman Stokes already has 10 hundreds from 65 Tests. It will be a major surprise if, as arguably a more versatile run-getter, he does not surpass Botham's tally of 14 before he's finished. - 'Beyond ordinary mortals' - But whereas Botham often took the new ball, such is the current depth of England's bowling resources that Stokes is mainly deployed as a fourth seamer. "Stokes will prove to be the more reliable run‑scorer but he will never be able to match Botham the bowler when he was at his lithe peak between 1978 and 1981," former England off-spinner Vic Marks wrote in the Observer. "Both impose their will on proceedings in a manner way beyond ordinary mortals," added Marks, a team-mate of Botham's at Somerset. Yet for all his heroics, notably last year when he starred in England's World Cup triumph and oversaw a staggering one-wicket Test win over Australia at Headingley with a breathtaking hundred, Stokes hasn't quite reshaped a series the way Botham did the 1981 Ashes. Having been stripped of the England captaincy, with the hosts 1-0 down, Botham's remarkable, attacking centuries at Headingley and Old Trafford, as well as a stunning spell of five wickets for one run at Edgbaston, saw England to a trio of victories in a 3-1 series win. And despite Stokes' brilliance in the field, he's yet to match Botham, who revolutionised the position of second slip by standing yards in front of the cordon while taking a succession of staggering catches. But Stokes, as Anderson pointed out, has room for improvement. "He's becoming the best all-rounder that England's ever had," Anderson said. "There's no reason why he can't go on and be even better."

Ian Botham v Ben Stokes - Who is the greatest England all-rounder?

England cricket great Ian Botham is to be made a Lord by Boris Johnson as a reward for his support of Brexit, according to a report in The Times.

The newspaper said Botham would be among 30 new life peers announced by British Prime Minister Johnson to mark his first year at 10 Downing Street.&nbsp;

Botham, one of cricket's most outstanding all-rounders with 5,283 Test runs and 383 wickets, publicly backed the Brexit campaign and appeared alongside Johnson before the 2016 referendum that saw Britons vote to leave the European Union.

There was no immediate comment from Downing Street.

The 64-year-old Botham is currently officially known as "Sir Ian" after he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 for services to charity -- he has raised millions of pounds, mainly for leukaemia research -- as well as cricket.

Being made a peer would mean Botham became a member of the unelected House of Lords, one of the two chambers of Britain's parliament alongside the democratically elected House of Commons.

If elevated to the peerage, Botham would also be the ninth Test cricketer to sit in the Lords.

That list includes the late former England captains David Sheppard and Colin Cowdrey, West Indies' Learie Constantine -- Britain's first black peer back in 1969 -- and former England women's captain Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who died three years ago.

England cricket great Ian Botham is to be made a Lord by Boris Johnson as a reward for his support of Brexit, according to a report in The Times. The newspaper said Botham would be among 30 new life peers announced by British Prime Minister Johnson to mark his first year at 10 Downing Street.

England cricket great Ian Botham is to be made a Lord by Boris Johnson as a reward for his support of Brexit, according to a report in The Times. The newspaper said Botham would be among 30 new life peers announced by British Prime Minister Johnson to mark his first year at 10 Downing Street. Botham, one of cricket's most outstanding all-rounders with 5,283 Test runs and 383 wickets, publicly backed the Brexit campaign and appeared alongside Johnson before the 2016 referendum that saw Britons vote to leave the European Union. There was no immediate comment from Downing Street. The 64-year-old Botham is currently officially known as "Sir Ian" after he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 for services to charity -- he has raised millions of pounds, mainly for leukaemia research -- as well as cricket. Being made a peer would mean Botham became a member of the unelected House of Lords, one of the two chambers of Britain's parliament alongside the democratically elected House of Commons. If elevated to the peerage, Botham would also be the ninth Test cricketer to sit in the Lords. That list includes the late former England captains David Sheppard and Colin Cowdrey, West Indies' Learie Constantine -- Britain's first black peer back in 1969 -- and former England women's captain Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who died three years ago.

England cricket great Botham to be made a peer: report

England pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-injures-england-cricketer-rory-burns-271899">James Anderson</a> has been ruled out of the remaining Test matches against South Africa due to an injury.

The bowler had sustained a left rib injury during the second Test between the two countries at Cape Town.

"Anderson felt tightness and discomfort at the end of the morning session during day five and as a result, he was able to bowl just eight overs in the day," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-meghan-markle-quit-royal-front-line-in-shock-move-273083">England</a> Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.

In the second match against Proteas, the pacer finished with the figures of 2-23 in the second innings.

Now, the 37-year-old will be returning to the United Kingdom in the next few days.

England managed to defeat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-england-by-107-runs-in-first-test-270868">South Africa</a> by 189 runs in the second Test to level the four-match series.

Both sides will now lock in the third Test, slated to begin from January 16.

England pacer James Anderson has been ruled out of the remaining Test matches against South Africa due to an injury. The bowler had sustained a left rib injury during the second Test between the two countries at Cape Town.

England pacer James Anderson has been ruled out of the remaining Test matches against South Africa due to an injury. The bowler had sustained a left rib injury during the second Test between the two countries at Cape Town. "Anderson felt tightness and discomfort at the end of the morning session during day five and as a result, he was able to bowl just eight overs in the day," England Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement. In the second match against Proteas, the pacer finished with the figures of 2-23 in the second innings. Now, the 37-year-old will be returning to the United Kingdom in the next few days. England managed to defeat South Africa by 189 runs in the second Test to level the four-match series. Both sides will now lock in the third Test, slated to begin from January 16.

James Anderson ruled out of Test series against South Africa

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stokes-and-broad-bicker-as-england-end-first-test-with-a-loss-270971">Ben Stokes</a> took the last three wickets as England subdued a stubborn South Africa to win a thrilling second test by 189 runs late on day five on Tuesday, their first victory at Newlands since 1957.

Quinton <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-de-kock-leads-south-africa-fightback-against-england-270522">de Kock</a> and Rassie van der Dussen had frustrated England for 44 overs before Stokes provided late drama to finish the match with 8.2 overs to spare and level the four-match series.

The win will be especially pleasing for England for the way they stuck to their task on a flat fifth-day wicket, with Stokes's superb burst earning the all-rounder figures of 3-35.

"A great day's play and a great test match," England seamer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/james-anderson-and-stuart-broad-key-to-ashes-glory-says-harmison-239049">Stuart Broad</a> told Sky Sports. "We had to work incredibly hard, we knew we were going to have to do that.

"It was incredible discipline from South Africa throughout the day but we kept saying one bit of magic.

"We set some funky fields. One breakthrough and we could apply some pressure. You need a lot of character and skill to chase 10 wickets. We are proud of taking our chances."

Chasing a test record 438 to win, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-de-kock-leads-south-africa-fightback-against-england-270522">South Africa</a> looked relatively comfortable as they reached 237 for five with 26 overs remaining in the match.

For the second time in the innings, however, a key man gave his wicket away. De Kock (50) attempted to pull a dragged down delivery from part-time leg spinner Joe Denly and succeeded only in picking out Zak Crawley at mid-wicket.

It was an unnecessary stroke that opened the door for England and when Broad removed the obdurate Van der Dussen (17 from 140 balls), it was well and truly ajar.

Stokes accounted for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-england-by-107-runs-in-first-test-270868">Dwaine Pretorius</a> and Anrich Nortje in successive balls, both caught at slip, and sealed the victory in front of an ecstatic Barmy Army when Vernon Philander was caught fending a lifting delivery to Ollie Pope.

South Africa had given themselves a chance with some stern resistance, not least from debutant opener Pieter Malan who lasted 288 balls for his 84.

But England looked on course for victory at lunch after grabbing the key wicket of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis (19), who will be disappointed with his shot selection as he tried to take on spinner Dom Bess with a powerful sweep and picked out Denly at square leg.

"The boys fought very hard. They <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-archer-may-miss-test-against-south-africa-271563">bowled</a> really well and congrats to them," De Kock said.

"Obviously we tried to push them as far as we can. Unfortunately, we fell just short. I was disappointed because we had a good partnership going and I smoked one straight to a fielder."

South Africa won the first test in Pretoria by 107 runs.

The third match in the four-test series starts in Port Elizabeth on January&nbsp;16.

Ben Stokes took the last three wickets as England subdued a stubborn South Africa to win a thrilling second test by 189 runs late on day five on Tuesday, their first victory at Newlands since 1957.

Ben Stokes took the last three wickets as England subdued a stubborn South Africa to win a thrilling second test by 189 runs late on day five on Tuesday, their first victory at Newlands since 1957. Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen had frustrated England for 44 overs before Stokes provided late drama to finish the match with 8.2 overs to spare and level the four-match series. The win will be especially pleasing for England for the way they stuck to their task on a flat fifth-day wicket, with Stokes's superb burst earning the all-rounder figures of 3-35. "A great day's play and a great test match," England seamer Stuart Broad told Sky Sports. "We had to work incredibly hard, we knew we were going to have to do that. "It was incredible discipline from South Africa throughout the day but we kept saying one bit of magic. "We set some funky fields. One breakthrough and we could apply some pressure. You need a lot of character and skill to chase 10 wickets. We are proud of taking our chances." Chasing a test record 438 to win, South Africa looked relatively comfortable as they reached 237 for five with 26 overs remaining in the match. For the second time in the innings, however, a key man gave his wicket away. De Kock (50) attempted to pull a dragged down delivery from part-time leg spinner Joe Denly and succeeded only in picking out Zak Crawley at mid-wicket. It was an unnecessary stroke that opened the door for England and when Broad removed the obdurate Van der Dussen (17 from 140 balls), it was well and truly ajar. Stokes accounted for Dwaine Pretorius and Anrich Nortje in successive balls, both caught at slip, and sealed the victory in front of an ecstatic Barmy Army when Vernon Philander was caught fending a lifting delivery to Ollie Pope. South Africa had given themselves a chance with some stern resistance, not least from debutant opener Pieter Malan who lasted 288 balls for his 84. But England looked on course for victory at lunch after grabbing the key wicket of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis (19), who will be disappointed with his shot selection as he tried to take on spinner Dom Bess with a powerful sweep and picked out Denly at square leg. "The boys fought very hard. They bowled really well and congrats to them," De Kock said. "Obviously we tried to push them as far as we can. Unfortunately, we fell just short. I was disappointed because we had a good partnership going and I smoked one straight to a fielder." South Africa won the first test in Pretoria by 107 runs. The third match in the four-test series starts in Port Elizabeth on January 16.

Cricket: Inspired Stokes seals dramatic England victory

England&nbsp;won cricket's World Cup in 2019 but in the Test&nbsp;arena, it proved 12 months of&nbsp;frustration&nbsp;for captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-england-by-107-runs-in-first-test-270868">Joe Root</a> as they began the&nbsp;year&nbsp;with defeat in the West Indies and ended it with a loss in Pretoria.

"It's been frustrating. It's been quite a big&nbsp;year&nbsp;of transition in Test&nbsp;cricket. There's been a lot of change over the&nbsp;year," said Root, reflecting on how&nbsp;England&nbsp;played 12 Tests in 2019, winning four, drawing two and losing the other six.

They went down 2-1 in the series in the Caribbean at the start of the&nbsp;year, almost botched a first-ever&nbsp;test&nbsp;against Ireland and failed to regain the Ashes at home in a 2-2 drawn series which followed the euphoria of their World Cup triumph.

Then they were beaten 1-0 in a two-match series in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">New Zealand</a> in November and December and finished by losing by 107 runs to South Africa on Sunday in the first of their four-match series.

On the flip side, English cricket fans will always cherish one of their great Test&nbsp;triumphs at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-england-captain-bob-willis-dies-at-70-266269">Headingley</a> against Australia in August when Ben Stokes's remarkable unbeaten 135 carried them to the unlikeliest of one-wicket triumphs.

"If you look at where we were at the back end of Sri Lanka (in 2018), you'd really have thought we were making strides away from home with signs that things had improved," said Root.

England&nbsp;won 3-0 away in Sri Lanka in November 2018 to suggest their young side would have a much more fruitful 2019.

Yet Root now has to look to a busy 2020 to turn things round with the&nbsp;England&nbsp;line-up still unsettled and new coach Chris Silverwood yet to make his mark.

"There is still a long way that this team can go and we are looking at all the areas where we can get better," added Root.

"It's a determined group of players who are very keen to do that. You cannot fault anyone's effort, anyone's desire, the character to want to improve.

"Over time, if we can learn these lessons and find ways of shifting our mentality into the first innings from the second innings, then we are going to give ourselves a much better chance of winning games."

Next up for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-england-fancied-for-test-series-as-host-look-for-fresh-energy-269648">England&nbsp;</a>is the second&nbsp;test&nbsp;in Cape Town and after they finish in South Africa, they will go to Sri Lanka in March before hosting the West Indies and Pakistan in the summer of 2020.

England won cricket's World Cup in 2019 but in the Test arena, it proved 12 months of frustration for captain Joe Root as they began the year with defeat in the West Indies and ended it with a loss in Pretoria.

England won cricket's World Cup in 2019 but in the Test arena, it proved 12 months of frustration for captain Joe Root as they began the year with defeat in the West Indies and ended it with a loss in Pretoria. "It's been frustrating. It's been quite a big year of transition in Test cricket. There's been a lot of change over the year," said Root, reflecting on how England played 12 Tests in 2019, winning four, drawing two and losing the other six. They went down 2-1 in the series in the Caribbean at the start of the year, almost botched a first-ever test against Ireland and failed to regain the Ashes at home in a 2-2 drawn series which followed the euphoria of their World Cup triumph. Then they were beaten 1-0 in a two-match series in New Zealand in November and December and finished by losing by 107 runs to South Africa on Sunday in the first of their four-match series. On the flip side, English cricket fans will always cherish one of their great Test triumphs at Headingley against Australia in August when Ben Stokes's remarkable unbeaten 135 carried them to the unlikeliest of one-wicket triumphs. "If you look at where we were at the back end of Sri Lanka (in 2018), you'd really have thought we were making strides away from home with signs that things had improved," said Root. England won 3-0 away in Sri Lanka in November 2018 to suggest their young side would have a much more fruitful 2019. Yet Root now has to look to a busy 2020 to turn things round with the England line-up still unsettled and new coach Chris Silverwood yet to make his mark. "There is still a long way that this team can go and we are looking at all the areas where we can get better," added Root. "It's a determined group of players who are very keen to do that. You cannot fault anyone's effort, anyone's desire, the character to want to improve. "Over time, if we can learn these lessons and find ways of shifting our mentality into the first innings from the second innings, then we are going to give ourselves a much better chance of winning games." Next up for England is the second test in Cape Town and after they finish in South Africa, they will go to Sri Lanka in March before hosting the West Indies and Pakistan in the summer of 2020.

It has been frustrating, big year of transition in Test cricket: Joe Root

Nobody doubted&nbsp;England's title credentials in their home World Cup after the spectacular metamorphosis of Eoin Morgan's side into a white-ball juggernaut since their embarrassing exit from the 2015 tournament.

But few anticipated the drama that would mark their crowning moment as they ended a 44-year wait for a maiden 50-over World Cup title at a mesmerised Lord's.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/englands-ben-stokes-travels-rocky-road-en-route-success-245836">Stokes</a>'s international future had been in doubt after he was involved in a court case over a fight outside a nightclub, but with that behind him, he returned to the fold in spectacular style.

In the final, he channelled his inner gladiator to almost single-handedly drag&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-draw-second-test-with-england-win-series-265850">England</a>&nbsp;to a tie with New Zealand as, after six weeks of cricket, the game was decided by a Super Over.

That too ended level but&nbsp;England&nbsp;knew it would be enough to win the trophy on the obscure boundary countback rule, triggering wild celebrations at the home of cricket and heated debate about the fairness of the rule.

Defeated captain Kane Williamson, adjudged player of the tournament, handled gracefully the heartbreak that cemented New Zealand's reputation as the tournament's perennial bridesmaids.

Three months after the July 14 final, the game's governing body discarded the rule, prompting a sarcastic response from New Zealand's Jimmy Neesham.

"Next on the agenda: Better binoculars for the ice spotters on the Titanic," tweeted the all-rounder who faced five of the six deliveries from Jofra Archer in that fateful Super Over.

Stokes&nbsp;also lit up the Ashes series.

After&nbsp;England&nbsp;had been bowled out for 67 and were running out of batsmen in their second innings, he smashed an incredible unbeaten 135 to secure an astonishing victory in the third Test at Headingley.

His heroics earned him the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, but even the great all-rounder had to bow to&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;when it came to dominating the series.

&nbsp;

ASHES REDEMPTION

In a drawn series, Australia retained the Ashes largely because&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;redeemed himself in extraordinary fashion after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

Stripped of the captaincy and smeared in ignominy after the Cape Town fiasco,&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;became Australia's immovable rock as he amassed 774 runs in seven innings at an average of 110, despite missing the third Test with a concussion.

Financial powerhouse India lost in the World Cup semi-finals but flexed their muscles in the long format. Virat Kohli and his men top the confused and confusing World Test Championship table with seven wins in as many matches, including their first pink-ball Test against Bangladesh last month.

That victory marked their 12th consecutive Test series win at home.

In other significant developments, women's T20 got the nod to feature in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, while Test cricket returned to Pakistan after more than a decade with a two-match series against Sri Lanka.

The game continued to grapple with corruption issues and Bangladesh captain Shakib-Al-Hasan was given a two-year ban, one of which is suspended, for failing to report fixing approaches.

Player-board disputes flared up in Bangladesh and South Africa, the latter also grappling with a tricky transition after quick Dale Steyn quit Test cricket while batsman Hashim Amla and leg-spinner Imran Tahir retired altogether.

The game also lost former&nbsp;England&nbsp;captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-england-captain-bob-willis-dies-at-70-266269">Bob Willis</a>, one of the heroes of the classic 1981 Ashes series who died of cancer aged 70 this month.

Nobody doubted England's title credentials in their home World Cup after the spectacular metamorphosis of Eoin Morgan's side into a white-ball juggernaut since their embarrassing exit from the 2015 tournament.

Nobody doubted England's title credentials in their home World Cup after the spectacular metamorphosis of Eoin Morgan's side into a white-ball juggernaut since their embarrassing exit from the 2015 tournament. But few anticipated the drama that would mark their crowning moment as they ended a 44-year wait for a maiden 50-over World Cup title at a mesmerised Lord's. Stokes's international future had been in doubt after he was involved in a court case over a fight outside a nightclub, but with that behind him, he returned to the fold in spectacular style. In the final, he channelled his inner gladiator to almost single-handedly drag England to a tie with New Zealand as, after six weeks of cricket, the game was decided by a Super Over. That too ended level but England knew it would be enough to win the trophy on the obscure boundary countback rule, triggering wild celebrations at the home of cricket and heated debate about the fairness of the rule. Defeated captain Kane Williamson, adjudged player of the tournament, handled gracefully the heartbreak that cemented New Zealand's reputation as the tournament's perennial bridesmaids. Three months after the July 14 final, the game's governing body discarded the rule, prompting a sarcastic response from New Zealand's Jimmy Neesham. "Next on the agenda: Better binoculars for the ice spotters on the Titanic," tweeted the all-rounder who faced five of the six deliveries from Jofra Archer in that fateful Super Over. Stokes also lit up the Ashes series. After England had been bowled out for 67 and were running out of batsmen in their second innings, he smashed an incredible unbeaten 135 to secure an astonishing victory in the third Test at Headingley. His heroics earned him the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, but even the great all-rounder had to bow to Smith when it came to dominating the series. ASHES REDEMPTION In a drawn series, Australia retained the Ashes largely because Smith redeemed himself in extraordinary fashion after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year. Stripped of the captaincy and smeared in ignominy after the Cape Town fiasco, Smith became Australia's immovable rock as he amassed 774 runs in seven innings at an average of 110, despite missing the third Test with a concussion. Financial powerhouse India lost in the World Cup semi-finals but flexed their muscles in the long format. Virat Kohli and his men top the confused and confusing World Test Championship table with seven wins in as many matches, including their first pink-ball Test against Bangladesh last month. That victory marked their 12th consecutive Test series win at home. In other significant developments, women's T20 got the nod to feature in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, while Test cricket returned to Pakistan after more than a decade with a two-match series against Sri Lanka. The game continued to grapple with corruption issues and Bangladesh captain Shakib-Al-Hasan was given a two-year ban, one of which is suspended, for failing to report fixing approaches. Player-board disputes flared up in Bangladesh and South Africa, the latter also grappling with a tricky transition after quick Dale Steyn quit Test cricket while batsman Hashim Amla and leg-spinner Imran Tahir retired altogether. The game also lost former England captain Bob Willis, one of the heroes of the classic 1981 Ashes series who died of cancer aged 70 this month.

Fuelled by Stokes, foiled by Smith: England headline 2019 act

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has taken a break from test cricket after losing out on a central contract for the longest format for the 2019-20 season following a dismal summer.

The 32-year-old off-spinner and left-handed batsman lost his place in England's World Cup winning team before being dropped from the test side after the defeat in the first Ashes test.

"It's just to get away from it a little bit. I feel like I want to enjoy my batting and this will give me a bit of a break," Moeen said to a news website.&nbsp;

"I want to spend some time with my family. I've been playing for England for five years and it's been quite tough. The intensity is obviously higher in test cricket so this is just to give me a break and then we will see what happens after that," he said.

"I'm not ruling out playing test cricket in the future. I've had long chats and thought about it quite a lot. I just want to give myself a bit of time to refresh my batteries and see where it goes after that."

Ali has played 60 tests, 101 one-dayers and 25 Twenty20 internationals - scoring eight hundreds while taking 280 wickets across formats.

He has, however, retained his white-ball contract and is expected to be a key member for 50-over champion England's World Twenty20 campaign in Australia next year.

England's director of cricket, Ashley Giles, supported Ali's decision.

"For all the guys, not just Moeen, it's been a really challenging summer," Giles said. "A World Cup and an Ashes back-to-back has had a massive effect on many of these guys psychologically, as much as physically.

"His experience in the first (Ashes) test wasn't a great one, but that's cricket. He's has been a great servant for his team. And that's why I encouraged him to leave that option open to come back.

"He might just need to go away and freshen up. But he's been a really good servant for this team. And he's still relatively young."

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has taken a break from test cricket after losing out on a central contract for the longest format for the 2019-20 season following a dismal summer.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has taken a break from test cricket after losing out on a central contract for the longest format for the 2019-20 season following a dismal summer. The 32-year-old off-spinner and left-handed batsman lost his place in England's World Cup winning team before being dropped from the test side after the defeat in the first Ashes test. "It's just to get away from it a little bit. I feel like I want to enjoy my batting and this will give me a bit of a break," Moeen said to a news website. "I want to spend some time with my family. I've been playing for England for five years and it's been quite tough. The intensity is obviously higher in test cricket so this is just to give me a break and then we will see what happens after that," he said. "I'm not ruling out playing test cricket in the future. I've had long chats and thought about it quite a lot. I just want to give myself a bit of time to refresh my batteries and see where it goes after that." Ali has played 60 tests, 101 one-dayers and 25 Twenty20 internationals - scoring eight hundreds while taking 280 wickets across formats. He has, however, retained his white-ball contract and is expected to be a key member for 50-over champion England's World Twenty20 campaign in Australia next year. England's director of cricket, Ashley Giles, supported Ali's decision. "For all the guys, not just Moeen, it's been a really challenging summer," Giles said. "A World Cup and an Ashes back-to-back has had a massive effect on many of these guys psychologically, as much as physically. "His experience in the first (Ashes) test wasn't a great one, but that's cricket. He's has been a great servant for his team. And that's why I encouraged him to leave that option open to come back. "He might just need to go away and freshen up. But he's been a really good servant for this team. And he's still relatively young."

England all-rounder Moeen Ali takes a break from Test cricket

England cricket greats Geoffrey Boycott and Andrew Strauss have been given knighthoods by Theresa May in her resignation honours list.

Boycott and Strauss both received the honour for their services to sport after outstanding careers for England.

"We couldn't be more delighted that Sir Andrew Strauss joins other giants within the sport who have been knighted for their achievements," England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison said in a statement.

"Aside from his achievements on and off the pitch, Andrew is widely regarded as an exceptional person in our game and this wonderful accolade will be celebrated around the cricketing world.

"Our heartfelt congratulations also go to Sir Geoffrey Boycott, honoured for his long career and passionate dedication to the sport."

Boycott was one of May's sporting heroes and the former British Prime Minister spoke of her admiration for his bloody-minded style of play on several occasions.

During the painfully slow Brexit negotiations last year, May defended her stance by saying: "Can I just say that you might recall from previous comments I have made about cricket that one of my cricket heroes was always Geoffrey Boycott.

"And what did you know about Geoffrey Boycott? Geoffrey Boycott stuck to it and he got the runs in the end."

May, who stepped down as Prime Minister earlier this year, once said she had baked Boycott a batch of chocolate brownies and joked that the former Yorkshire batsman still had the Tupperware box she delivered them in.

Boycott, 78, was a polarising figure for his conservative batting and acerbic personality, but that didn't stop him amassing 8,114 Test runs at an average of 47.72 in an England career that ran between 1964 and 1982.

He was forced to apologise in 2017 after joking that he would have to "black up" to receive a knighthood, pointing out that the honour had been bestowed on West Indian cricketers including Viv Richards, Garfield Sobers and Curtly Ambrose.

Boycott was also given a three-month suspended prison sentence in 1998 after being convicted of assault against former girlfriend Margaret Moore.

Former England and Middlesex batsman Strauss hit 7,037 runs in 100 Tests from 2004 to 2012.

Strauss captained England to Ashes triumphs against Australia in 2009 and 2010/2011, the latter campaign making him the first English skipper to win a Test series on Australian soil since Mike Gatting in 1986-87.

South Africa-born Strauss served as England's director of cricket between 2015 and 2018 before resigning when his wife suffered the lung cancer that would eventually lead to her death.

The 42-year-old's time in the England hierarchy was credited with laying the foundations for the team's first 50-over World Cup victory earlier this year.

England cricket greats Geoffrey Boycott and Andrew Strauss have been given knighthoods by Theresa May in her resignation honours list. Boycott and Strauss both received the honour for their services to sport after outstanding careers for England.

England cricket greats Geoffrey Boycott and Andrew Strauss have been given knighthoods by Theresa May in her resignation honours list. Boycott and Strauss both received the honour for their services to sport after outstanding careers for England. "We couldn't be more delighted that Sir Andrew Strauss joins other giants within the sport who have been knighted for their achievements," England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison said in a statement. "Aside from his achievements on and off the pitch, Andrew is widely regarded as an exceptional person in our game and this wonderful accolade will be celebrated around the cricketing world. "Our heartfelt congratulations also go to Sir Geoffrey Boycott, honoured for his long career and passionate dedication to the sport." Boycott was one of May's sporting heroes and the former British Prime Minister spoke of her admiration for his bloody-minded style of play on several occasions. During the painfully slow Brexit negotiations last year, May defended her stance by saying: "Can I just say that you might recall from previous comments I have made about cricket that one of my cricket heroes was always Geoffrey Boycott. "And what did you know about Geoffrey Boycott? Geoffrey Boycott stuck to it and he got the runs in the end." May, who stepped down as Prime Minister earlier this year, once said she had baked Boycott a batch of chocolate brownies and joked that the former Yorkshire batsman still had the Tupperware box she delivered them in. Boycott, 78, was a polarising figure for his conservative batting and acerbic personality, but that didn't stop him amassing 8,114 Test runs at an average of 47.72 in an England career that ran between 1964 and 1982. He was forced to apologise in 2017 after joking that he would have to "black up" to receive a knighthood, pointing out that the honour had been bestowed on West Indian cricketers including Viv Richards, Garfield Sobers and Curtly Ambrose. Boycott was also given a three-month suspended prison sentence in 1998 after being convicted of assault against former girlfriend Margaret Moore. Former England and Middlesex batsman Strauss hit 7,037 runs in 100 Tests from 2004 to 2012. Strauss captained England to Ashes triumphs against Australia in 2009 and 2010/2011, the latter campaign making him the first English skipper to win a Test series on Australian soil since Mike Gatting in 1986-87. South Africa-born Strauss served as England's director of cricket between 2015 and 2018 before resigning when his wife suffered the lung cancer that would eventually lead to her death. The 42-year-old's time in the England hierarchy was credited with laying the foundations for the team's first 50-over World Cup victory earlier this year.

England greats Geoffrey Boycott, Andrew Strauss given knighthoods

England's football club Tottenham Hotspur on Friday handed all-rounder Ben Stokes a personalised jersey.

"Never supported a club, always wanted to but never loved football enough really, my first ever football top was actually a Tottenham one, it was the blue and yellow kit with Thomson on the front. But after getting sent this I guess I'm now officially a Spurs fan @SpursOfficial #coys," Stokes tweeted.

The all-rounder is riding on a high after the match-winning performance against Australia in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes.

Stokes played one of the finest knocks in Test cricket as he guided England to an improbable one-wicket win against Australia on the fourth day of the third Test.

The left-handed batsman went on to play an unbeaten knock of 135 runs.

Chasing 359 for the win, England were left 286/9, still, 73 runs away from the target.

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Never supported a club,always wanted to but never loved football enough really,my first ever football top was actually a Tottenham one,it was the blue and yellow kit with Thomson on the front. But after getting sent this I guess I’m now officially a Spurs fan <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpursOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coys?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coys</a> <a href="https://t.co/VqaxgRSF9I">pic.twitter.com/VqaxgRSF9I</a>
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It was then that Stokes decided to play in an aggressive manner and he took on the Aussie bowlers, smashing them all around the park.

He found support in the number eleven batsman Jack Leach and the duo stitched together an unbeaten partnership of 76 runs, in which Leach only contributed 1 run from 17 balls.

With this performance, Stokes gained his career-best ranking in the Test format.

The left-handed batsman has moved to the 13th position in the batting rankings whereas he sits on the second place in the all-rounder rankings.

Earlier this year, Stokes had also played a match-winning knock in the World Cup final to hand England their maiden 50-over World Cup triumph.

England and Australia will next face each other in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, beginning September 4.&nbsp;

England's football club Tottenham Hotspur on Friday handed all-rounder Ben Stokes a personalised jersey. "Never supported a club, always wanted to but never loved football enough really, my first ever football top was actually a Tottenham one, it was the blue and yellow kit with Thomson on the front.

England's football club Tottenham Hotspur on Friday handed all-rounder Ben Stokes a personalised jersey. "Never supported a club, always wanted to but never loved football enough really, my first ever football top was actually a Tottenham one, it was the blue and yellow kit with Thomson on the front. But after getting sent this I guess I'm now officially a Spurs fan @SpursOfficial #coys," Stokes tweeted. The all-rounder is riding on a high after the match-winning performance against Australia in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes. Stokes played one of the finest knocks in Test cricket as he guided England to an improbable one-wicket win against Australia on the fourth day of the third Test. The left-handed batsman went on to play an unbeaten knock of 135 runs. Chasing 359 for the win, England were left 286/9, still, 73 runs away from the target. Never supported a club,always wanted to but never loved football enough really,my first ever football top was actually a Tottenham one,it was the blue and yellow kit with Thomson on the front. But after getting sent this I guess I’m now officially a Spurs fan @SpursOfficial #coys pic.twitter.com/VqaxgRSF9I — Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) August 30, 2019 × It was then that Stokes decided to play in an aggressive manner and he took on the Aussie bowlers, smashing them all around the park. He found support in the number eleven batsman Jack Leach and the duo stitched together an unbeaten partnership of 76 runs, in which Leach only contributed 1 run from 17 balls. With this performance, Stokes gained his career-best ranking in the Test format. The left-handed batsman has moved to the 13th position in the batting rankings whereas he sits on the second place in the all-rounder rankings. Earlier this year, Stokes had also played a match-winning knock in the World Cup final to hand England their maiden 50-over World Cup triumph. England and Australia will next face each other in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, beginning September 4.

Tottenham Hotspur hand Ben Stokes personalised jersey

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the rest of the season, including the current Ashes series against Australia, due to a side strain and a knee injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Friday.

Wood, who picked up the side strain during England's win over New Zealand in the 50-over World Cup final last month, also had knee surgery this week to clear up excess cartilage.

"As a result of these injuries, he will be unavailable for any cricket for the remainder of the season," the ECB was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Wood was England's second-highest wicket-taker at the World Cup with 18 in 10 matches after Jofra Archer on 20.

England are struggling with injuries in the bowling department with Archer, who also suffered a side strain, left out for the first Test against Australia and James Anderson re-injuring his calf during his opening spell on Thursday.

Anderson battled to be fit for the series opener at Edgbaston after picking up an injury playing for his county, Lancashire, last month and bowled only four overs on Thursday before he left the field and did not return.

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the rest of the season, including the current Ashes series against Australia, due to a side strain and a knee injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Friday.

England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out for the rest of the season, including the current Ashes series against Australia, due to a side strain and a knee injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Friday. Wood, who picked up the side strain during England's win over New Zealand in the 50-over World Cup final last month, also had knee surgery this week to clear up excess cartilage. "As a result of these injuries, he will be unavailable for any cricket for the remainder of the season," the ECB was quoted as saying by the BBC. Wood was England's second-highest wicket-taker at the World Cup with 18 in 10 matches after Jofra Archer on 20. England are struggling with injuries in the bowling department with Archer, who also suffered a side strain, left out for the first Test against Australia and James Anderson re-injuring his calf during his opening spell on Thursday. Anderson battled to be fit for the series opener at Edgbaston after picking up an injury playing for his county, Lancashire, last month and bowled only four overs on Thursday before he left the field and did not return.

England's Mark Wood ruled out of Ashes series through injury

Chris Woakes saluted England's "incredible" eight-wicket demolition of Australia as the hosts swaggered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-australia-by-eight-wickets-to-reach-world-cup-final-235127">into their first World Cup final since 1992</a>.

Woakes won the man-of-the-match award at Edgbaston after taking 3-20 in a lethal eight-over spell that included the key wicket of opener David Warner.

Thanks to Woakes and fellow pacemen Jofra Archer, Australia collapsed to 14-3 and never really recovered as they were dismissed for 223.

England took just 32.1 overs to reach their victory target and book their final date with New Zealand at Lord's on Sunday.

Woakes admitted it was a perfect day for England, who have never won the 50-over World Cup.

"I'm pretty speechless. It was an incredible performance from the whole team, started well with the bowling and then the batting was outstanding," Woakes told Sky Sports.

"The way we have produced the goods shows how good we are and we're really pleased.

"I don't think it was a bad wicket, we just found the right length and they had to rebuild and we kept the pressure on.&nbsp;

"We got off to a flyer and when chasing a relatively small total, that's the difference."

Woakes admitted England's stars had been nervous ahead of their country's first World Cup semi-final since 1992, but they quickly banished the butterflies with a blistering start.

"There were some nerves around this morning, a few anxious people in the dressing room but that's natural," Woakes said.

"I just got my length wrong for the first ball. A world-class player in David Warner is going to put that away. But I got my length right after that and felt good."

England have lost all three of their previous World Cup finals, against Pakistan in 1992, Australia in 1987 and the West Indies in 1979.

Asked how it felt to help take England to within touching distance of their first World Cup crown, Woakes said his team had tried their best to block out the potentially historic nature of their campaign.

"We have tried not to think about getting to the final, it hasn't sunk in yet," he said.

He added: "We were tipped as favourites so it was important to get to the semi-final in the first place and then to win this in this fashion against this Australia side on the best ground in the world is amazing."

Chris Woakes saluted England's "incredible" eight-wicket demolition of Australia as the hosts swaggered into their first World Cup final since 1992. Woakes won the man-of-the-match award at Edgbaston after taking 3-20 in a lethal eight-over spell that included the key wicket of opener David Warner.

Chris Woakes saluted England's "incredible" eight-wicket demolition of Australia as the hosts swaggered into their first World Cup final since 1992. Woakes won the man-of-the-match award at Edgbaston after taking 3-20 in a lethal eight-over spell that included the key wicket of opener David Warner. Thanks to Woakes and fellow pacemen Jofra Archer, Australia collapsed to 14-3 and never really recovered as they were dismissed for 223. England took just 32.1 overs to reach their victory target and book their final date with New Zealand at Lord's on Sunday. Woakes admitted it was a perfect day for England, who have never won the 50-over World Cup. "I'm pretty speechless. It was an incredible performance from the whole team, started well with the bowling and then the batting was outstanding," Woakes told Sky Sports. "The way we have produced the goods shows how good we are and we're really pleased. "I don't think it was a bad wicket, we just found the right length and they had to rebuild and we kept the pressure on. "We got off to a flyer and when chasing a relatively small total, that's the difference." Woakes admitted England's stars had been nervous ahead of their country's first World Cup semi-final since 1992, but they quickly banished the butterflies with a blistering start. "There were some nerves around this morning, a few anxious people in the dressing room but that's natural," Woakes said. "I just got my length wrong for the first ball. A world-class player in David Warner is going to put that away. But I got my length right after that and felt good." England have lost all three of their previous World Cup finals, against Pakistan in 1992, Australia in 1987 and the West Indies in 1979. Asked how it felt to help take England to within touching distance of their first World Cup crown, Woakes said his team had tried their best to block out the potentially historic nature of their campaign. "We have tried not to think about getting to the final, it hasn't sunk in yet," he said. He added: "We were tipped as favourites so it was important to get to the semi-final in the first place and then to win this in this fashion against this Australia side on the best ground in the world is amazing."

Chris Woakes hails 'incredible' England after hosts power into World Cup final

England fast bowler Mark Wood is a doubt for Friday's World Cup clash with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trevor-bayliss-will-have-to-live-with-the-sheldon-salute-says-jason-holder-226942">West Indies at Southampton</a> because of a flare-up of an ankle injury, captain Eoin Morgan said on Thursday.

Wood, who has taken four wickets in England's three matches so far, has struggled since the win over Bangladesh on Saturday.

The 29-year-old is the only worry for England ahead of the game with off-spinner Moeen Ali available following the birth of his daughter earlier this week while vice-captain Jos Buttler is expected to keep wicket following a hip problem.

"Jos is fully fit," Morgan told reporters after net practice on Thursday. "Mark Wood will have a fitness test in the morning.

"His ankle is swollen. He has not bowled for two days so we will see how he is, if he is sore then we may not take the risk.

"Mo's wife gave birth to a baby girl, all healthy and well, so it is great to see him back. We might go with four seamers or two spinners, whichever is more effective."

Morgan is expecting a tough battle against West Indies with whom they drew 2-2 with in a ODI series earlier this year.

Despite being ranked eighth in the ODI standings, West Indies have a potent attack featuring the likes of Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas and Carlos Brathwaite.

They also have the destructive batting of Chris Gayle, who averages 51.42 against Engkand in ODIs.

"They are a strong outfit, we expect the same tomorrow," said Morgan, whose side have beaten South Africa and Bangladesh but suffered a surprise defeat by Pakistan.

"They are explosive with the bat and a different challenge with the ball. The seamers are tall and they hit the wicket hard, for most of the time they play with one spinner."

England fast bowler Mark Wood is a doubt for Friday's World Cup clash with West Indies at Southampton because of a flare-up of an ankle injury, captain Eoin Morgan said on Thursday.

England fast bowler Mark Wood is a doubt for Friday's World Cup clash with West Indies at Southampton because of a flare-up of an ankle injury, captain Eoin Morgan said on Thursday. Wood, who has taken four wickets in England's three matches so far, has struggled since the win over Bangladesh on Saturday. The 29-year-old is the only worry for England ahead of the game with off-spinner Moeen Ali available following the birth of his daughter earlier this week while vice-captain Jos Buttler is expected to keep wicket following a hip problem. "Jos is fully fit," Morgan told reporters after net practice on Thursday. "Mark Wood will have a fitness test in the morning. "His ankle is swollen. He has not bowled for two days so we will see how he is, if he is sore then we may not take the risk. "Mo's wife gave birth to a baby girl, all healthy and well, so it is great to see him back. We might go with four seamers or two spinners, whichever is more effective." Morgan is expecting a tough battle against West Indies with whom they drew 2-2 with in a ODI series earlier this year. Despite being ranked eighth in the ODI standings, West Indies have a potent attack featuring the likes of Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas and Carlos Brathwaite. They also have the destructive batting of Chris Gayle, who averages 51.42 against Engkand in ODIs. "They are a strong outfit, we expect the same tomorrow," said Morgan, whose side have beaten South Africa and Bangladesh but suffered a surprise defeat by Pakistan. "They are explosive with the bat and a different challenge with the ball. The seamers are tall and they hit the wicket hard, for most of the time they play with one spinner."

World Cup: England wait on Mark Wood's fitness for Windies clash

England's pacer James Anderson said, "My God, she is beautiful," when he saw Stuart Broad for the first time in the dressing room.&nbsp;

James Anderson revealed it in his new book, excerpts of which were published by British tabloid The Sun.&nbsp;Anderson twitted about his new book&nbsp;'Bowl. Sleep. Repeat.' which will be released on June 3.&nbsp;

In his new book, James Anderson gave an insight into his world and penned down what really happened in his cricket life beyond the boundary rope.&nbsp;

In the book, he wrote, "The first time Stuart Broad walked into the dressing room, with his flowing blond hair, striking blue eyes and perfect figure, I thought: 'My God, she's beautiful'. It’s surreal we’ve taken more than 1,000 wickets between us."&nbsp;

About Broad, he further wrote, "We've never been in competition as bowlers because our skills are different. Stuart has been under pressure at times from bowlers who get steep bounce and move the ball off the seam and I have from the skiddier ones who swing the ball. It’s never been me or him in selection."

"I really respected the way Stuart responded to being left out in favour of Sam Curran in the West Indies in 2019," the pacer added.&nbsp;

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I’m delighted to announce that my new book BOWL. SLEEP. REPEAT. will be hitting the shelves on June 3rd this year! Step inside my world as I give you my insight into what really goes on tour and beyond the boundary rope! Available to pre-order now, <a href="https://t.co/CLXSK47ndL">https://t.co/CLXSK47ndL</a> <a href="https://t.co/XMpST903XV">pic.twitter.com/XMpST903XV</a>
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Anderson also mentioned another hilarious incident that included Graeme Swann. He wrote, "I remember when Andy Flower had taken over and we were having a team talk."

"Flower required a respectful silence when he was speaking," he added.&nbsp;

"Halfway through, Swanny farted. It was loud. To this day, the loudest fart I’ve ever heard. Flower looked at him, in borderline shock, then paused. Swanny apologised," wrote Anderson.&nbsp;

Anderson also penned down his thoughts about&nbsp;Alastair Cook. He said, "I remember my first meeting with Alastair Cook clearly."

"We became very close. He’s godfather to my eldest, Lola, and our family gets down to his farm when we can. Cooky has replaced parts of his banister with stumps from landmark Tests. My interest was piqued as I’ve been &nbsp;wondering what to do with my balls and stumps," said Anderson.&nbsp;

"I have two pictures of me with the Queen by the bathroom, but other than that nothing on display. Cooky is a proper, real-life farmer. He certainly knows his way around a sheep," he added.&nbsp;

Anderson, known for his swing bowling has played 148 Test matches and took 575 wickets.&nbsp;

England's pacer James Anderson said, "My God, she is beautiful," when he saw Stuart Broad for the first time in the dressing room. James Anderson revealed it in his new book, excerpts of which were published by British tabloid The Sun.

England's pacer James Anderson said, "My God, she is beautiful," when he saw Stuart Broad for the first time in the dressing room. James Anderson revealed it in his new book, excerpts of which were published by British tabloid The Sun. Anderson twitted about his new book 'Bowl. Sleep. Repeat.' which will be released on June 3. In his new book, James Anderson gave an insight into his world and penned down what really happened in his cricket life beyond the boundary rope. In the book, he wrote, "The first time Stuart Broad walked into the dressing room, with his flowing blond hair, striking blue eyes and perfect figure, I thought: 'My God, she's beautiful'. It’s surreal we’ve taken more than 1,000 wickets between us." About Broad, he further wrote, "We've never been in competition as bowlers because our skills are different. Stuart has been under pressure at times from bowlers who get steep bounce and move the ball off the seam and I have from the skiddier ones who swing the ball. It’s never been me or him in selection." "I really respected the way Stuart responded to being left out in favour of Sam Curran in the West Indies in 2019," the pacer added. I’m delighted to announce that my new book BOWL. SLEEP. REPEAT. will be hitting the shelves on June 3rd this year! Step inside my world as I give you my insight into what really goes on tour and beyond the boundary rope! Available to pre-order now, https://t.co/CLXSK47ndL pic.twitter.com/XMpST903XV — James Anderson (@jimmy9) April 18, 2019 × Anderson also mentioned another hilarious incident that included Graeme Swann. He wrote, "I remember when Andy Flower had taken over and we were having a team talk." "Flower required a respectful silence when he was speaking," he added. "Halfway through, Swanny farted. It was loud. To this day, the loudest fart I’ve ever heard. Flower looked at him, in borderline shock, then paused. Swanny apologised," wrote Anderson. Anderson also penned down his thoughts about Alastair Cook. He said, "I remember my first meeting with Alastair Cook clearly." "We became very close. He’s godfather to my eldest, Lola, and our family gets down to his farm when we can. Cooky has replaced parts of his banister with stumps from landmark Tests. My interest was piqued as I’ve been wondering what to do with my balls and stumps," said Anderson. "I have two pictures of me with the Queen by the bathroom, but other than that nothing on display. Cooky is a proper, real-life farmer. He certainly knows his way around a sheep," he added. Anderson, known for his swing bowling has played 148 Test matches and took 575 wickets.

'My God, she's beautiful,' thought James Anderson when he saw Stuart Broad for the first time

Ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2019, England are boosted by a 4-0 series win against Pakistan in the five-match One-Day International series, the first match was washed out.&nbsp;

In the final match, Chris Woakes took five wickets as England beat Pakistan by 54 runs to win the match at Headingley on Sunday.&nbsp;

In the match, England bowler Adil Rashid pulled off a magnificent run out to dismiss Pakistan's Babar Azam.&nbsp;

In the 27th over, Sarfraz was batting and set off for a single.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-world-cup-2019-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-211495#england-211485">ICC World Cup 2019: All teams and their squad list</a>&nbsp;

But&nbsp;England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler moved quickly from behind the stumps to throw the ball to the bowler's end where Rashid, with Babar trying to regain his ground, flicked the ball onto the stumps from behind his back without looking to complete a run-out.&nbsp;

Rashid, in front of his Yorkshire home crowd, then dismissed Shoaib Malik with a diving left-handed catch off his own bowling.&nbsp;

Sarfraz was denied what would have been his third ODI hundred in bizarre fashion.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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Mad skills Adil Rashid <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/AQCMe2oGqJ">pic.twitter.com/AQCMe2oGqJ</a>
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🙈 The no-look run out! 😱👏 
 
Fabulous work from Adil Rashid! A back-flick onto the stumps without looking does for Babar (80)... 
 
Video by <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@englandcricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/s3bkM57lSo">pic.twitter.com/s3bkM57lSo</a>
— FanOfCricket (@FanOfCricket16) <a href="https://twitter.com/FanOfCricket16/status/1130236050935205889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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England will have to reduce their 17-man squad to 15 for the World Cup and captain Eoin Morgan told BBC Radio's Test Match Special: "I could pick 17 at the moment. It is going to be an extremely tough selection."&nbsp;

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who top-scored for his side with 97, said, "Result-wise it is not ideal for the World Cup. But the way the batsman are batting we are ready for the World Cup.&nbsp;

"We have taken some positives but we need to sort out our bowling and fielding," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2019, England are boosted by a 4-0 series win against Pakistan in the five-match One-Day International series, the first match was washed out.

Ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2019, England are boosted by a 4-0 series win against Pakistan in the five-match One-Day International series, the first match was washed out. In the final match, Chris Woakes took five wickets as England beat Pakistan by 54 runs to win the match at Headingley on Sunday. In the match, England bowler Adil Rashid pulled off a magnificent run out to dismiss Pakistan's Babar Azam. In the 27th over, Sarfraz was batting and set off for a single. Also Read | ICC World Cup 2019: All teams and their squad list But England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler moved quickly from behind the stumps to throw the ball to the bowler's end where Rashid, with Babar trying to regain his ground, flicked the ball onto the stumps from behind his back without looking to complete a run-out. Rashid, in front of his Yorkshire home crowd, then dismissed Shoaib Malik with a diving left-handed catch off his own bowling. Sarfraz was denied what would have been his third ODI hundred in bizarre fashion. Watch: Mad skills Adil Rashid #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/AQCMe2oGqJ — George Dowse-Brenan (@georgedb) May 19, 2019 × 🙈 The no-look run out! 😱👏 Fabulous work from Adil Rashid! A back-flick onto the stumps without looking does for Babar (80)... Video by @englandcricket pic.twitter.com/s3bkM57lSo — FanOfCricket (@FanOfCricket16) May 19, 2019 × England will have to reduce their 17-man squad to 15 for the World Cup and captain Eoin Morgan told BBC Radio's Test Match Special: "I could pick 17 at the moment. It is going to be an extremely tough selection." Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who top-scored for his side with 97, said, "Result-wise it is not ideal for the World Cup. But the way the batsman are batting we are ready for the World Cup. "We have taken some positives but we need to sort out our bowling and fielding," he added.

Watch: England's Adil Rashid pulls off MS Dhoni-like run out against Pakistan

England batsman Alex Hales, who was named in their <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-name-preliminary-world-cup-squad-jofra-archer-left-out-211187/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi3refK9t3hAhV06nMBHRnuCb44ChAWCA4wAw&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2olK8zm8FiFHoXSfpSUw_x">provisional squad for the Cricket World Cup</a>, has taken an indefinite break from the game due to personal reasons, his club Nottinghamshire have said.

"Alex Hales has made himself unavailable for selection for personal reasons and no timetable has been set for his return to action," Nottinghamshire said in a statement on their website.

Hales missed Nottinghamshire's 50-over match against Lancashire on Friday.

It is unclear whether the 30-year-old opening batsman, who has played 70 ODIs, will be available for England's one-dayer against Ireland on May 3 or a five-match ODI series and Twenty20 international against Pakistan.

Those matches will be England's final internationals before they begin their campaign to win their maiden 50-over World Cup during the May 30-July 14 tournament on home soil.

England batsman Alex Hales, who was named in their provisional squad for the Cricket World Cup, has taken an indefinite break from the game due to personal reasons, his club Nottinghamshire have said.

England batsman Alex Hales, who was named in their provisional squad for the Cricket World Cup, has taken an indefinite break from the game due to personal reasons, his club Nottinghamshire have said. "Alex Hales has made himself unavailable for selection for personal reasons and no timetable has been set for his return to action," Nottinghamshire said in a statement on their website. Hales missed Nottinghamshire's 50-over match against Lancashire on Friday. It is unclear whether the 30-year-old opening batsman, who has played 70 ODIs, will be available for England's one-dayer against Ireland on May 3 or a five-match ODI series and Twenty20 international against Pakistan. Those matches will be England's final internationals before they begin their campaign to win their maiden 50-over World Cup during the May 30-July 14 tournament on home soil.

England batsman Alex Hales takes break for 'personal reasons'

Mark&nbsp;Ramprakash&nbsp;will leave his role as England's batting coach amid reports Graham Thorpe is ready to take the job in time for this year's Ashes.

Ramprakash&nbsp;had worked with England since 2014 and was focusing on the Test team while Thorpe worked regularly in the one-day set-up.

Former Middlesex and Surrey batsman&nbsp;Ramprakash&nbsp;was contracted until the end of the forthcoming season.

But has been ousted following the arrival of new director of men's cricket Ashley Giles.

Ramprakash, whose last England assignment was the 2-1 Test series defeat against the West Indies, tweeted the news on Friday.

"I've just been informed that I will not be involved in the Ashes series," the 49-year-old wrote.

"It's been a huge privilege to support the team over the last 5 years. I'd like to wish all the staff &amp; players the very best of luck for the future."

Ramprakash&nbsp;is the second senior member of the backroom team to leave ahead of head coach Trevor Bayliss' departure at the end of his contract in September.

Bayliss's assistant Paul Farbrace, begins work as Warwickshire's sporting director next week.

An ECB spokesman said: "We will finalise the coaching set-up for the Ashes in the next couple of weeks.&nbsp;Mark&nbsp;Ramprakash&nbsp;will not be part of the coaching set-up for the Ashes."

Mark Ramprakash will leave his role as England's batting coach amid reports Graham Thorpe is ready to take the job in time for this year's Ashes. Ramprakash had worked with England since 2014 and was focusing on the Test team while Thorpe worked regularly in the one-day set-up.

Mark Ramprakash will leave his role as England's batting coach amid reports Graham Thorpe is ready to take the job in time for this year's Ashes. Ramprakash had worked with England since 2014 and was focusing on the Test team while Thorpe worked regularly in the one-day set-up. Former Middlesex and Surrey batsman Ramprakash was contracted until the end of the forthcoming season. But has been ousted following the arrival of new director of men's cricket Ashley Giles. Ramprakash, whose last England assignment was the 2-1 Test series defeat against the West Indies, tweeted the news on Friday. "I've just been informed that I will not be involved in the Ashes series," the 49-year-old wrote. "It's been a huge privilege to support the team over the last 5 years. I'd like to wish all the staff & players the very best of luck for the future." Ramprakash is the second senior member of the backroom team to leave ahead of head coach Trevor Bayliss' departure at the end of his contract in September. Bayliss's assistant Paul Farbrace, begins work as Warwickshire's sporting director next week. An ECB spokesman said: "We will finalise the coaching set-up for the Ashes in the next couple of weeks. Mark Ramprakash will not be part of the coaching set-up for the Ashes."

Mark Ramprakash axed as England batting coach

West Indies produced a dramatic comeback to beat England by 26 runs in Barbados on Friday and level their five-match one-day series at 1-1.

The hosts, who ended a 10-match losing streak in one-day internationals against England, made 289 for six with left-hander Shimron Hetmyer hitting a magnificent unbeaten 104 from 83 balls, including four sixes.

Chris Gayle, who scored a century in the opening match of the series won by England, had laid the foundation with a solid 50 from 63 balls.

But it was Hetmyer, the 22-year-old Guyanese, who got the crowd on their feet with his flamboyant innings including some powerful improvised strokes as well as sensible accumulation.

The century was Hetmyer's fourth in the format at international level and suggests he could be a player to watch in the World Cup later this year.

But having chased down 361 at the Kensington Oval on Wednesday, England would have been confident of extending their lead in the series.

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The tourists were given a strong platform as captain Eoin Morgan made 70 and they needed 62 to win from 61 balls with six wickets remaining before West Indies skipper Jason Holder removed Ben Stokes (79), Jos Buttler (34) and Tom Curran -- the latter with a questionable lbw decision after England had used their reviews.

Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell returned to the attack and won the game for the Caribbean side with the wickets of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid -- celebrating with his trademark military salute.

Cottrell, a Jamaican Defence Force soldier brought into the side as an extra bowler, ended with his career-best ODI figures of 5-46.

Carlos Brathwaite got the final wicket when Liam Plunkett holed out to Holder at long-off and England were dismissed for 263 to the delight of the Kensington Oval crowd.

Holder was quick to praise his key men.

"I am really pleased, credit to Hetty (Hetmeyr), he set it up on a sticky wicket, and credit for the way we defended it, led by Sheldon Cottrell," he said.

"When I came back I knew we needed a wicket, I got two in the over and had England under pressure. You need options in this day and age, Cottrell added variation, I love his energy, he's one for the future," added the West Indies captain.

Morgan felt his team should have done better

"A game is never won until right at the end. We thought 290 was well without our capabilities. We made mistakes and it hurt us, and West Indies deserved to win," he said.

"Collectively, we need to chase a total like that in partnerships, but we failed to nail it down."

West Indies produced a dramatic comeback to beat England by 26 runs in Barbados on Friday and level their five-match one-day series at 1-1. The hosts, who ended a 10-match losing streak in one-day internationals against England, made 289 for six with left-hander Shimron Hetmyer hitting a magnificent unbeaten 104 from 83 balls, including four sixes.

West Indies produced a dramatic comeback to beat England by 26 runs in Barbados on Friday and level their five-match one-day series at 1-1. The hosts, who ended a 10-match losing streak in one-day internationals against England, made 289 for six with left-hander Shimron Hetmyer hitting a magnificent unbeaten 104 from 83 balls, including four sixes. Chris Gayle, who scored a century in the opening match of the series won by England, had laid the foundation with a solid 50 from 63 balls. But it was Hetmyer, the 22-year-old Guyanese, who got the crowd on their feet with his flamboyant innings including some powerful improvised strokes as well as sensible accumulation. The century was Hetmyer's fourth in the format at international level and suggests he could be a player to watch in the World Cup later this year. But having chased down 361 at the Kensington Oval on Wednesday, England would have been confident of extending their lead in the series. 'We are on a rise as a team and are trying to take one step at a time' – Shimron Hetmyer is pleased with the direction the Windies are moving in.#WIvENG REACTION 👇https://t.co/8Uo2TjVnv8 pic.twitter.com/uTxfDqGOaS — ICC (@ICC) February 23, 2019 × The tourists were given a strong platform as captain Eoin Morgan made 70 and they needed 62 to win from 61 balls with six wickets remaining before West Indies skipper Jason Holder removed Ben Stokes (79), Jos Buttler (34) and Tom Curran -- the latter with a questionable lbw decision after England had used their reviews. Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell returned to the attack and won the game for the Caribbean side with the wickets of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid -- celebrating with his trademark military salute. Cottrell, a Jamaican Defence Force soldier brought into the side as an extra bowler, ended with his career-best ODI figures of 5-46. Carlos Brathwaite got the final wicket when Liam Plunkett holed out to Holder at long-off and England were dismissed for 263 to the delight of the Kensington Oval crowd. Holder was quick to praise his key men. "I am really pleased, credit to Hetty (Hetmeyr), he set it up on a sticky wicket, and credit for the way we defended it, led by Sheldon Cottrell," he said. "When I came back I knew we needed a wicket, I got two in the over and had England under pressure. You need options in this day and age, Cottrell added variation, I love his energy, he's one for the future," added the West Indies captain. Morgan felt his team should have done better "A game is never won until right at the end. We thought 290 was well without our capabilities. We made mistakes and it hurt us, and West Indies deserved to win," he said. "Collectively, we need to chase a total like that in partnerships, but we failed to nail it down."

Impressive Windies fight back to level series with England

Alastair Cook believes England can end decades of World Cup disappointment with a triumph on home soil this year.

England have never won the men's World Cup, but with 100 days to go until the start of the latest edition, a team captained by Eoin Morgan are top of the 50-over world rankings.

Former England skipper Cook, who retired from international cricket last year as the country's highest Test run-scorer and most-capped player, said there were several reasons why Morgan's men could go one better than the England teams that lost in the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals.

"They’re a very settled side, they’ve got 15 players pretty much nailed on for that squad," Cook told AFP at a World Cup event in London's Trafalgar Square on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"Everyone knows their role, they're very comfortable in their role, they've got a lot of strength in depth, they seem to have a lot of options covered and they're an exciting team to watch.&nbsp;

"They are a brilliant one-day side.”

Cook never played in a World Cup, with the left-handed opening batsman dramatically dropped from the squad that then failed to beat a fellow Test nation while suffering a group-stage exit at the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand.

But Cook said a change of attitude lay behind England's rise up the one-day rankings since that dismal display.

"Probably over the years we've really concentrated on Test cricket as a nation. Over the last three or four years we've really given the one-day cricket its due," he said.

'Sky's the limit'

It was a point emphasised by former England spinner Graeme Swann, who said: "I just think England are picking the right team these days.&nbsp;

"They're picking one-day specialists and the sky's the limit.&nbsp;

"When they bat, people like Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, they think that (scoring) 400 is feasible rather than an impossible dream. I think England have finally picked a very aggressive team as well, with Eoin Morgan, who's a brilliant captain.

"They've got a team that is putting them in firm contention to win this World Cup," insisted Swann, who added "I never thought we (England) would win it deep down when I was there."

Swann was a member of the only England men's side to have won a major global trophy -- the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean -- and sees parallels between that team and Morgan's men. &nbsp;

"The only world trophy I thought we had a genuine chance of winning was the World Twenty20 in the West Indies that we did, &nbsp;because we were ahead of the curve there.

"We picked a team of specialists, people like Craig Kieswetter, Michael Lumb -- and I think that's what England have finally started doing in the one-day game as well."

'Never write off India'

But Swann warned that England would face several tough opponents in their quest for World Cup glory.

"You can never write off India, they are an exceptional one-day team, Virat Kohli is a brilliant captain, brilliant player."

As for champions Australia, England's oldest rivals and five-times World Cup-winners, Swann said: "The Aussies are like Germany in the football -- you can never write them off at a World Cup."

Swann though said he was particularly looking forward to watching Pakistan, who won the 2017 Champions Trophy one-day tournament in Britain.

"They are so mercurial, you never know what you are going to get. When they are on fire, they are absolutely explosive and when they're not, they're awful."

Alastair Cook believes England can end decades of World Cup disappointment with a triumph on home soil this year. England have never won the men's World Cup, but with 100 days to go until the start of the latest edition, a team captained by Eoin Morgan are top of the 50-over world rankings.

Alastair Cook believes England can end decades of World Cup disappointment with a triumph on home soil this year. England have never won the men's World Cup, but with 100 days to go until the start of the latest edition, a team captained by Eoin Morgan are top of the 50-over world rankings. Former England skipper Cook, who retired from international cricket last year as the country's highest Test run-scorer and most-capped player, said there were several reasons why Morgan's men could go one better than the England teams that lost in the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals. "They’re a very settled side, they’ve got 15 players pretty much nailed on for that squad," Cook told AFP at a World Cup event in London's Trafalgar Square on Tuesday. "Everyone knows their role, they're very comfortable in their role, they've got a lot of strength in depth, they seem to have a lot of options covered and they're an exciting team to watch. "They are a brilliant one-day side.” Cook never played in a World Cup, with the left-handed opening batsman dramatically dropped from the squad that then failed to beat a fellow Test nation while suffering a group-stage exit at the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand. But Cook said a change of attitude lay behind England's rise up the one-day rankings since that dismal display. "Probably over the years we've really concentrated on Test cricket as a nation. Over the last three or four years we've really given the one-day cricket its due," he said. 'Sky's the limit' It was a point emphasised by former England spinner Graeme Swann, who said: "I just think England are picking the right team these days. "They're picking one-day specialists and the sky's the limit. "When they bat, people like Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, they think that (scoring) 400 is feasible rather than an impossible dream. I think England have finally picked a very aggressive team as well, with Eoin Morgan, who's a brilliant captain. "They've got a team that is putting them in firm contention to win this World Cup," insisted Swann, who added "I never thought we (England) would win it deep down when I was there." Swann was a member of the only England men's side to have won a major global trophy -- the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean -- and sees parallels between that team and Morgan's men. "The only world trophy I thought we had a genuine chance of winning was the World Twenty20 in the West Indies that we did, because we were ahead of the curve there. "We picked a team of specialists, people like Craig Kieswetter, Michael Lumb -- and I think that's what England have finally started doing in the one-day game as well." 'Never write off India' But Swann warned that England would face several tough opponents in their quest for World Cup glory. "You can never write off India, they are an exceptional one-day team, Virat Kohli is a brilliant captain, brilliant player." As for champions Australia, England's oldest rivals and five-times World Cup-winners, Swann said: "The Aussies are like Germany in the football -- you can never write them off at a World Cup." Swann though said he was particularly looking forward to watching Pakistan, who won the 2017 Champions Trophy one-day tournament in Britain. "They are so mercurial, you never know what you are going to get. When they are on fire, they are absolutely explosive and when they're not, they're awful."

Alastair Cook confident England can end World Cup drought

With 100 days until the 2019 World Cup gets underway, might it be the year that England lift the global game's premier limited-overs trophy at long last?&nbsp;

England - the pioneers of one-day cricket as a professional sport - have taken part in every World Cup since staging the inaugural men's event in 1975.&nbsp;

But all they have to show for their efforts are runners-up medals from the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals.&nbsp;

Test cricket has long been the priority for everyone in English cricket, be they players, fans or administrators.&nbsp;

That changed, however, after another World Cup group-stage exit at the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand was sealed with a woeful loss to Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Then England and Wales Cricket Board supremo Andrew Strauss decreed that white-ball cricket would no longer be the "poor relation", with the former England captain sacking head coach Peter Moores and bringing in Australian Trevor Bayliss specifically to turn round the team's limited-overs form.&nbsp;

The transformation has been remarkable with a newly-liberated England twice setting new records for the highest ODI totals -- their 444 for three against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2016 a prelude to last year's colossal 481 for six at the same ground.&nbsp;

England, captained in 50-over cricket by former Ireland batsman Eoin Morgan, with the side featuring Test skipper Joe Root and the hard-hitting talents of Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Jos Buttler, now sit atop the ODI world rankings heading into their upcoming five-match series away to the West Indies.&nbsp;

'Now is the time'

"We can say we were the best ODI side to play for England... But without a trophy, it will be difficult to say that," said all-rounder Moeen Ali, looking to help England's men win just their second major global event following the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean.&nbsp;

"We have come close and we feel now is the time."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We don't feel we have to win it, it's more 'this is the time to win it'. We are an amazing side but we know this year is massive for us," added Moeen, with England, as was the case in 1975, playing host to a World Cup and an Ashes series in the same season.&nbsp;

But unlike that first eight-team edition 43 years ago, which featured two then non-Test sides in East Africa and the long since elevated Sri Lanka, this year's event will be a 10-team affair contested solely by Test nations.&nbsp;

Ever since India and Pakistan were both knocked out in the group stage of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, thereby putting a huge dent in broadcast audiences, attendance figures and commercial revenues for the rest of the tournament, International Cricket Council chiefs have been determined no such 'nightmare scenario' will ever befall both Asian giants again.&nbsp;

The result has been a decrease in the number of non-Test nations involved to the point none will take part this year.&nbsp;

That has seen the ICC criticised for making the World Cup too narrow at a time when other sports are expanding rather than cutting the number of teams involve in their global showpiece events.&nbsp;

But ICC officials point to the creation of a qualifying tournament -- from which two-time champions West Indies only narrowly emerged -- as proof the non-Test world still has a shot at the World Cup.&nbsp;

Rather than have pool stages this year, the ICC have opted for an all-play-all group format -- a move that many believe has more to do with ensuring India, cricket's financial powerhouse, are guaranteed a minimum of nine matches than sporting fairness for all the teams taking part.&nbsp;

Such a lengthy group phase ahead of the semi-finals does reduce the chances of any team going through to the July 14 final at Lord's unbeaten.&nbsp;

Reigning champions Australia, set to be boosted by the return of star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner following their lengthy ball-tampering bans, will be bidding for a sixth title.&nbsp;

India, with Virat Kohli at the helm, are a major force in all formats while Pakistan defied expectations to win the 2017 Champions Trophy in England.&nbsp;

New Zealand will be keen to go one better after losing in 2015 final, while South Africa will arrive hoping to end years of World Cup heartbreak.&nbsp;

West Indies, the 1975 and 1979 champions, will have an extra incentive this year after Sunday's announcement that star batsman Chris Gayle will retire from ODIs following this year's World Cup.&nbsp;

With 100 days until the 2019 World Cup gets underway, might it be the year that England lift the global game's premier limited-overs trophy at long last? England - the pioneers of one-day cricket as a professional sport - have taken part in every World Cup since staging the inaugural men's event in 1975.

With 100 days until the 2019 World Cup gets underway, might it be the year that England lift the global game's premier limited-overs trophy at long last? England - the pioneers of one-day cricket as a professional sport - have taken part in every World Cup since staging the inaugural men's event in 1975. But all they have to show for their efforts are runners-up medals from the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals. Test cricket has long been the priority for everyone in English cricket, be they players, fans or administrators. That changed, however, after another World Cup group-stage exit at the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand was sealed with a woeful loss to Bangladesh. Then England and Wales Cricket Board supremo Andrew Strauss decreed that white-ball cricket would no longer be the "poor relation", with the former England captain sacking head coach Peter Moores and bringing in Australian Trevor Bayliss specifically to turn round the team's limited-overs form. The transformation has been remarkable with a newly-liberated England twice setting new records for the highest ODI totals -- their 444 for three against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2016 a prelude to last year's colossal 481 for six at the same ground. England, captained in 50-over cricket by former Ireland batsman Eoin Morgan, with the side featuring Test skipper Joe Root and the hard-hitting talents of Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Jos Buttler, now sit atop the ODI world rankings heading into their upcoming five-match series away to the West Indies. 'Now is the time' "We can say we were the best ODI side to play for England... But without a trophy, it will be difficult to say that," said all-rounder Moeen Ali, looking to help England's men win just their second major global event following the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean. "We have come close and we feel now is the time." "We don't feel we have to win it, it's more 'this is the time to win it'. We are an amazing side but we know this year is massive for us," added Moeen, with England, as was the case in 1975, playing host to a World Cup and an Ashes series in the same season. But unlike that first eight-team edition 43 years ago, which featured two then non-Test sides in East Africa and the long since elevated Sri Lanka, this year's event will be a 10-team affair contested solely by Test nations. Ever since India and Pakistan were both knocked out in the group stage of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, thereby putting a huge dent in broadcast audiences, attendance figures and commercial revenues for the rest of the tournament, International Cricket Council chiefs have been determined no such 'nightmare scenario' will ever befall both Asian giants again. The result has been a decrease in the number of non-Test nations involved to the point none will take part this year. That has seen the ICC criticised for making the World Cup too narrow at a time when other sports are expanding rather than cutting the number of teams involve in their global showpiece events. But ICC officials point to the creation of a qualifying tournament -- from which two-time champions West Indies only narrowly emerged -- as proof the non-Test world still has a shot at the World Cup. Rather than have pool stages this year, the ICC have opted for an all-play-all group format -- a move that many believe has more to do with ensuring India, cricket's financial powerhouse, are guaranteed a minimum of nine matches than sporting fairness for all the teams taking part. Such a lengthy group phase ahead of the semi-finals does reduce the chances of any team going through to the July 14 final at Lord's unbeaten. Reigning champions Australia, set to be boosted by the return of star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner following their lengthy ball-tampering bans, will be bidding for a sixth title. India, with Virat Kohli at the helm, are a major force in all formats while Pakistan defied expectations to win the 2017 Champions Trophy in England. New Zealand will be keen to go one better after losing in 2015 final, while South Africa will arrive hoping to end years of World Cup heartbreak. West Indies, the 1975 and 1979 champions, will have an extra incentive this year after Sunday's announcement that star batsman Chris Gayle will retire from ODIs following this year's World Cup.

100 days to go: England expects as World Cup looms into view

England all-rounder Moeen Ali differs with coach Trevor Bayliss and believes turning up the stump microphones could curb sledging in cricket.

West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was banned for four one-day internationals on Wednesday after found guilty of 'personal abuse' aimed at England skipper Joe Root in the St Lucia test.

It follows a similar four-match ban on Sarfraz Ahmed after stump microphones caught the Pakistan captain's on-field rant at South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during a one-dayer in Durban last month.

"It's time for people to behave themselves," Moeen said before flying to West Indies for the five-match ODI series beginning at Bridgetown on Wednesday.

"Turn the stump mics up. Why turn them down? So people can swear? There is no reason to get personal.

"... it's the way society is: things come out of people's mouths. You're not going to get away with it now. You have to be careful."

The 31-year-old's view contrasts that of Bayliss who advocates turning down the microphones to protect players.

"I've said it once before, no I'm not in favour of it and I'm not going to change my mind," Bayliss said before Gabriel's ban was announced.

"I think (stump mics) should be down. I know there are people who think the opposite and think it is good for the game but sometimes in the heat of battle things are said, when guys given a bit of time to sit down and think about it would give themselves a bit of a kick up the backside."

Moeen, who in his autobiography claimed being called 'Osama' by an unidentified Australia player during the 2015 Ashes series, said turning up the microphones could also catch harmless, entertaining banter between players.

"Imagine all the legendary old stories, if we had them recorded," Moeen said.

"We can do the same now. It doesn't have to be swearing. Keep it funny. We want people to be attracted to the game. There's brilliant ways to sledge."

England all-rounder Moeen Ali differs with coach Trevor Bayliss and believes turning up the stump microphones could curb sledging in cricket. West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was banned for four one-day internationals on Wednesday after found guilty of 'personal abuse' aimed at England skipper Joe Root in the St Lucia test.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali differs with coach Trevor Bayliss and believes turning up the stump microphones could curb sledging in cricket. West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was banned for four one-day internationals on Wednesday after found guilty of 'personal abuse' aimed at England skipper Joe Root in the St Lucia test. It follows a similar four-match ban on Sarfraz Ahmed after stump microphones caught the Pakistan captain's on-field rant at South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during a one-dayer in Durban last month. "It's time for people to behave themselves," Moeen said before flying to West Indies for the five-match ODI series beginning at Bridgetown on Wednesday. "Turn the stump mics up. Why turn them down? So people can swear? There is no reason to get personal. "... it's the way society is: things come out of people's mouths. You're not going to get away with it now. You have to be careful." The 31-year-old's view contrasts that of Bayliss who advocates turning down the microphones to protect players. "I've said it once before, no I'm not in favour of it and I'm not going to change my mind," Bayliss said before Gabriel's ban was announced. "I think (stump mics) should be down. I know there are people who think the opposite and think it is good for the game but sometimes in the heat of battle things are said, when guys given a bit of time to sit down and think about it would give themselves a bit of a kick up the backside." Moeen, who in his autobiography claimed being called 'Osama' by an unidentified Australia player during the 2015 Ashes series, said turning up the microphones could also catch harmless, entertaining banter between players. "Imagine all the legendary old stories, if we had them recorded," Moeen said. "We can do the same now. It doesn't have to be swearing. Keep it funny. We want people to be attracted to the game. There's brilliant ways to sledge."

Turn up stump mics to curb sledging, says England all-rounder Moeen Ali

England wrapped up a comprehensive 232-run victory over West Indies in the third Test in St Lucia on Tuesday after home batsman Roston Chase made a century but got little help.

Number five Chase scored an unbeaten 102 for his fifth Test ton, after England pace bowler James Anderson ripped through the home side's top order with three quick wickets.

Although West Indies had already won the series with victories in the first two Tests, England's win in the finale will provide a pick-me-up as they eye a home Ashes series against Australia starting in August.

"This week should be a real confidence booster going into a very exciting summer of cricket," England captain Joe Root said at the victory presentation.

Chasing an unlikely target of 485 runs for victory on day four, West Indies made 252 in their second innings.

Chase brought up his century with his team already nine wickets down when he cut part-timer spinner Joe Denly for four.

He was aided by an entertaining 34 by tailender Alzarri Joseph, who slogged three sixes, but pickings were otherwise slim for the hosts, who crumbled again after scoring only 154 in their first knock.

"We still have a lot of improvement to make but lots of positives came out of the series," said West Indies captain Jason Holder, who was suspended for the match due to his team's slow over-rate in the second Test.

NO ANSWER

West Indies' top order had no answer to Anderson's movement off the seam, with John Campbell (golden duck), Kraigg Brathwaite (eight) and Darren Bravo (duck), all caught in the slip-gully cordon.

Mark Wood, who picked up five wickets in the first innings, continued his outstanding match when he had Shai Hope (14) caught at cover off a leading edge just before lunch. Wood was later named Player of the Match.

"He bowled fantastically well, a huge amount of pace," Root said. "It's great to see him come back into the side and put in such a strong performance... and now prove how good a player he is."

Anderson finished with 3-27, while spinner Moeen Ali had 3-99 as England won with more than a day to spare.

Denly also did his part, delivering an excellent throw from the outfield to run out Shimron Hetmyer for 19.

Earlier, Root declared his team's second innings immediately upon his dismissal for 122, with the visitors 361 for five. Ben Stokes was unbeaten on 48.

England batted for only 5.2 overs, adding a quick 36 runs to their overnight total.

England wrapped up a comprehensive 232-run victory over West Indies in the third Test in St Lucia on Tuesday after home batsman Roston Chase made a century but got little help.

England wrapped up a comprehensive 232-run victory over West Indies in the third Test in St Lucia on Tuesday after home batsman Roston Chase made a century but got little help. Number five Chase scored an unbeaten 102 for his fifth Test ton, after England pace bowler James Anderson ripped through the home side's top order with three quick wickets. Although West Indies had already won the series with victories in the first two Tests, England's win in the finale will provide a pick-me-up as they eye a home Ashes series against Australia starting in August. "This week should be a real confidence booster going into a very exciting summer of cricket," England captain Joe Root said at the victory presentation. Chasing an unlikely target of 485 runs for victory on day four, West Indies made 252 in their second innings. Chase brought up his century with his team already nine wickets down when he cut part-timer spinner Joe Denly for four. He was aided by an entertaining 34 by tailender Alzarri Joseph, who slogged three sixes, but pickings were otherwise slim for the hosts, who crumbled again after scoring only 154 in their first knock. "We still have a lot of improvement to make but lots of positives came out of the series," said West Indies captain Jason Holder, who was suspended for the match due to his team's slow over-rate in the second Test. NO ANSWER West Indies' top order had no answer to Anderson's movement off the seam, with John Campbell (golden duck), Kraigg Brathwaite (eight) and Darren Bravo (duck), all caught in the slip-gully cordon. Mark Wood, who picked up five wickets in the first innings, continued his outstanding match when he had Shai Hope (14) caught at cover off a leading edge just before lunch. Wood was later named Player of the Match. "He bowled fantastically well, a huge amount of pace," Root said. "It's great to see him come back into the side and put in such a strong performance... and now prove how good a player he is." Anderson finished with 3-27, while spinner Moeen Ali had 3-99 as England won with more than a day to spare. Denly also did his part, delivering an excellent throw from the outfield to run out Shimron Hetmyer for 19. Earlier, Root declared his team's second innings immediately upon his dismissal for 122, with the visitors 361 for five. Ben Stokes was unbeaten on 48. England batted for only 5.2 overs, adding a quick 36 runs to their overnight total.

England beat West Indies by 232 runs in final Test

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