Joe Root today pulled out of England&#39;s Twenty20 tri-series against Australia and New Zealand, as Ben Stokes confirmed his return to international cricket would be delayed by a court appearance.

Test captain Root, who has played in all five Ashes matches and the first three ODIs against Australia this month, will return to England before playing in the one-day international series against New Zealand in late February.

Root said he did not like missing games but made a decision to &quot;have a little break&quot;. His replacement has not yet been named.

&quot;I came into this tour wanting to play everything. I love playing for England and I don&#39;t like missing games of cricket,&quot; the 27-year-old Yorkshire batsman said in a statement.

&quot;I had a long chat with (coach) Trevor Bayliss about things and there&#39;s obviously a big summer ahead and a lot of cricket still to be played.

&quot;It&#39;s going to be really important to make sure that I&#39;m available for all of that.&quot;

Stokes is due in court to face charges of affray on February 13, the same day England play New Zealand in the T20 series.

The 26-year-old missed England&#39;s Ashes series defeat in Australia after he was suspended from international duty by the England and Wales Cricket Board following his involvement in an incident outside a nightclub in September.

He was last week included in the squad to play the triangular T20 tournament.

&quot;As has been confirmed in the media a first hearing date at court has been set for 13th February,&quot; Stokes tweeted Tuesday.

&quot;In the circumstances, I have decided that it would not be right to join my teammates until after attending court on the 13th.&quot;

The news came ahead of this year&#39;s Indian Premier League auction set for January 27-28 in Bangalore, with both Root and Stokes lining up as among the top-ranking players the eight teams can bid for.

Australian captain Steve Smith has been rested for the T20 games ahead of the crucial Test tour to South Africa, with David Warner stepping up to lead the team.

The T20 tri-series takes place in Australia and New Zealand from February 3-21.

England&#39;s five-match ODI series against New Zealand runs from February 25 to March 10.&nbsp;

Root's replacement has not yet been named

Joe Root today pulled out of England's Twenty20 tri-series against Australia and New Zealand, as Ben Stokes confirmed his return to international cricket would be delayed by a court appearance. Test captain Root, who has played in all five Ashes matches and the first three ODIs against Australia this month, will return to England before playing in the one-day international series against New Zealand in late February. Root said he did not like missing games but made a decision to "have a little break". His replacement has not yet been named. "I came into this tour wanting to play everything. I love playing for England and I don't like missing games of cricket," the 27-year-old Yorkshire batsman said in a statement. "I had a long chat with (coach) Trevor Bayliss about things and there's obviously a big summer ahead and a lot of cricket still to be played. "It's going to be really important to make sure that I'm available for all of that." Stokes is due in court to face charges of affray on February 13, the same day England play New Zealand in the T20 series. The 26-year-old missed England's Ashes series defeat in Australia after he was suspended from international duty by the England and Wales Cricket Board following his involvement in an incident outside a nightclub in September. He was last week included in the squad to play the triangular T20 tournament. "As has been confirmed in the media a first hearing date at court has been set for 13th February," Stokes tweeted Tuesday. "In the circumstances, I have decided that it would not be right to join my teammates until after attending court on the 13th." The news came ahead of this year's Indian Premier League auction set for January 27-28 in Bangalore, with both Root and Stokes lining up as among the top-ranking players the eight teams can bid for. Australian captain Steve Smith has been rested for the T20 games ahead of the crucial Test tour to South Africa, with David Warner stepping up to lead the team. The T20 tri-series takes place in Australia and New Zealand from February 3-21. England's five-match ODI series against New Zealand runs from February 25 to March 10.

Ahead of IPL XI auction, Joe Root pulls out of England's T20 tri-series

England beat Australia in the second One Day International at the Gabba, Brisbane on Friday and now lead the series with 2-0.

Australia had won the toss and opted to bat. After restricting Australians to 270/9, the English achieved the total with 5.4 overs to spare.

Though Australia started off well, it was assumed that they would give a target of more than 300 runs but English bowlers struck and restricted the team at an achievable total of 270 runs.

For Australia, both the openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner made a good&nbsp;start, Finch slammed a century and David Warner scored 35 runs for the team before Moeen Ali had caught him at slip.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-david-warners-daughter-cheering-for-england-29956" target="_blank">Watch: David Warner&#39;s daughter cheering for England</a>

Joe Root had taken two very crucial wickets of Steve Smith and Travis Head for 18 and 7 respectively and Plunkett got another important wicket of Aaron Finch for 106 runs.

Adil Rashid trapped Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis LBW at 36 runs and 4 runs respectively and Chris Woakes brilliantly run out debutant Alex Carey for 27 runs and Andrew Tye for 3 runs.&nbsp;

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2-0! England&#39;s batsmen back up the work of the bowlers to chase down their target of 271 and win the 2nd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvENG</a> ODI by 4 wickets.<a href="https://t.co/BQE9tjgWuh">https://t.co/BQE9tjgWuh</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wlp7oVPThb">pic.twitter.com/Wlp7oVPThb</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/954304219124830209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Aaron Finch was dominating fast bowlers, then English captain E Morgan turned to his spinners with immediate effect.

&quot;I thought our bowlers were exceptional,&quot; England captain Eoin Morgan said.

&quot;On a really hot day, they coped very well.&quot;

All of England&#39;s batsmen contributed to the run chase, which was always in control following a 117-run second wicket partnership between Jonny Bairstow (60) and Alex Hales (57).

Joss Buttler (42), Morgan (21) and Chris Woakes (39 not out) all made handy contributions, while Joe Root held the innings together with a measured 46 not out and got player of the match.

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A superb all round performance with both bat and ball sees <a href="https://twitter.com/root66?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@root66</a> win the Player of the Match award for the 2nd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvENG</a> ODI. 
 
SCORECARD: <a href="https://t.co/BQE9tjgWuh">https://t.co/BQE9tjgWuh</a> <a href="https://t.co/EyRUuBaPyw">pic.twitter.com/EyRUuBaPyw</a>
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After losing the game Smith conceded Australia were well beaten.

&quot;We&#39;re not playing good enough one day cricket at the moment,&quot; he said.

&quot;We were in a good position at 3-209 with 11 overs to go and we only scored 60 with seven wickets in hand,&quot; he added.

&quot;That&#39;s not enough against a quality English batting line up.&quot;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joe Root held the innings together with a measured 46 not out and awarded player of the match

England beat Australia in the second One Day International at the Gabba, Brisbane on Friday and now lead the series with 2-0. Australia had won the toss and opted to bat. After restricting Australians to 270/9, the English achieved the total with 5.4 overs to spare. Though Australia started off well, it was assumed that they would give a target of more than 300 runs but English bowlers struck and restricted the team at an achievable total of 270 runs. For Australia, both the openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner made a good start, Finch slammed a century and David Warner scored 35 runs for the team before Moeen Ali had caught him at slip. Watch: David Warner's daughter cheering for England Joe Root had taken two very crucial wickets of Steve Smith and Travis Head for 18 and 7 respectively and Plunkett got another important wicket of Aaron Finch for 106 runs. Adil Rashid trapped Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis LBW at 36 runs and 4 runs respectively and Chris Woakes brilliantly run out debutant Alex Carey for 27 runs and Andrew Tye for 3 runs. 2-0! England's batsmen back up the work of the bowlers to chase down their target of 271 and win the 2nd #AUSvENG ODI by 4 wickets.https://t.co/BQE9tjgWuh pic.twitter.com/Wlp7oVPThb — ICC (@ICC) January 19, 2018 × Aaron Finch was dominating fast bowlers, then English captain E Morgan turned to his spinners with immediate effect. "I thought our bowlers were exceptional," England captain Eoin Morgan said. "On a really hot day, they coped very well." All of England's batsmen contributed to the run chase, which was always in control following a 117-run second wicket partnership between Jonny Bairstow (60) and Alex Hales (57). Joss Buttler (42), Morgan (21) and Chris Woakes (39 not out) all made handy contributions, while Joe Root held the innings together with a measured 46 not out and got player of the match. A superb all round performance with both bat and ball sees @root66 win the Player of the Match award for the 2nd #AUSvENG ODI. SCORECARD: https://t.co/BQE9tjgWuh pic.twitter.com/EyRUuBaPyw — ICC (@ICC) January 19, 2018 × After losing the game Smith conceded Australia were well beaten. "We're not playing good enough one day cricket at the moment," he said. "We were in a good position at 3-209 with 11 overs to go and we only scored 60 with seven wickets in hand," he added. "That's not enough against a quality English batting line up."

England beat Australia in second ODI, lead 2-0

In the first One Day International, England beat Australia by 5 wickets.&nbsp;A record innings for England, as it is the first ever chase of the 300-plus total by any side at Melbourne Cricket Club ground.

Opener Jason Roy recorded the highest-ever one-day international score by an England player as the tourists finally had something to celebrate with a five-wicket win over Australia on Sunday.

After their wretched Ashes campaign, in which they were beaten 4-0, the tourists chased down a hefty Australian total at the Melbourne Cricket Ground&nbsp;to win with seven balls to spare in the opener of the five-match ODI series.

Set 305 to win, Roy&#39;s daring 180 helped England make 308 for five.

The successful chase was also a record for a one-day international at the MCG, eclipsing Australia&#39;s 297 for four against England in 2011, and vindicated captain Eoin Morgan&#39;s decision to bowl first.

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Sum up that <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonRoy20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JasonRoy20</a> innings in one word? 
 
Scorecard: <a href="https://t.co/N5EeoUHDzR">https://t.co/N5EeoUHDzR</a> <a href="https://t.co/QLUY2ZLGZ1">pic.twitter.com/QLUY2ZLGZ1</a>
&mdash; England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/952501917661396993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Having been an onlooker for the Test series, Roy was an unlikely hero. But he rode his luck to produce a record in limited-overs cricket for England and also a new benchmark for a batsman at the MCG in a one-day international.

The swashbuckling right-hander lived dangerously throughout his innings, charging along at better than a run a ball and reaching his half-century off only 32 balls.

He survived a run-out scare and an lbw decision which was overturned upon review and lofted several balls just out of the reach of frustrated Australian fielders on the way to his fifth ODI century.

Roy was just five when Mitchell Starc could have run him out with a direct hit. He duly punished the Australian fast bowler by taking 14 off his next over as the tourists raced past 50 in the fifth over.

He was seemingly trapped lbw by 91 by spinner Adam Zampa on 91, but a review showed the ball hit him outside the line of off stump and the decision was overturned.

Roy wasted little time making the most of that piece of fortune, driving the next ball just over a leaping Aaron Finch on the long-on boundary for six.

He reached his hundred just moments later from 92 balls, with nine fours and three sixes.

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England batsman Jason Roy acknowledges the applause after being dismissed by Australia&#39;s for 180. (AFP)
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Fittingly, the 27-year-old passed team-mate Alex Hales&#39;s England record knock of 171 against Pakistan in 2016 with a chip just over the head of a despairing Australian fielder.

He finally fell to Starc after skying one into the outfield, having faced 151 balls -- hitting 16 fours and five sixes.

Roy was still coming to terms with his achievement after the match.

&quot;Incredibly special, I don&#39;t have too many words right now,&quot; he said. &quot;Halesy was pretty disappointed.&quot;

Australian captain Steve Smith praised Roy for his bold knock.

&quot;He didn&#39;t give us a chance, and he changed his arm,&quot; Smith said. &quot;They got off to an absolute flyer and we couldn&#39;t pull them back.&quot;

Roy had a willing partner in Test captain Joe Root, who had been tormented all tour by the Australians and was in no mood to let a rare victory slip.

Root made an unbeaten 91 and he and Roy put on 221 -- an English ODI record -- for the third wicket.

Aaron Finch&#39;s ninth one-day international century was the cornerstone of the Australian total of 304 for eight.

Finch&#39;s 107 was backed by half-centuries for Mitchell Marsh (50) and Marcus Stoinis (60) as Australia recovered from a shaky start in which the tourists finally managed to get bogeyman Steve Smith cheaply.

Fresh from scoring three centuries as Australia won the Ashes 4-0, Smith looked in commanding touch again as he scored at better than a run a ball, but was caught behind off spinner Adil Rashid for just 23.

Scoreboard:

Australia:&nbsp;Total 304/8

A. Finch 107, D. Warner&nbsp; 2, S. Smith&nbsp; 23, T. Head 5, M. Marsh&nbsp; 50, M. Stoinis 60, T. Paine&nbsp; 27, P. Cummins&nbsp; 12, M. Starc&nbsp; 0, A. Tye 4

Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Warner), 2-58 (Smith), 3-78 (Head), 4-196 (Finch), 5-205 (Marsh), 6-285 (Stoinis), 7-296 (Paine), 8-300 (Cummins)

&nbsp;

England:&nbsp;Total 308/5

J. Roy 180, J. Bairstow 14, D. Hales 4, J. Root 91, E. Morgan 1, J. Buttler 4, M. Ali 5

Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Bairstow), 2-60 (Hales), 3-281 (Roy), 4-288 (Morgan), 5-302 (Buttler)

Man of the match: J. Roy (ENG)

&nbsp;

Roy was awarded man of the match for his splendid performance

In the first One Day International, England beat Australia by 5 wickets. A record innings for England, as it is the first ever chase of the 300-plus total by any side at Melbourne Cricket Club ground. Opener Jason Roy recorded the highest-ever one-day international score by an England player as the tourists finally had something to celebrate with a five-wicket win over Australia on Sunday. After their wretched Ashes campaign, in which they were beaten 4-0, the tourists chased down a hefty Australian total at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to win with seven balls to spare in the opener of the five-match ODI series. Set 305 to win, Roy's daring 180 helped England make 308 for five. The successful chase was also a record for a one-day international at the MCG, eclipsing Australia's 297 for four against England in 2011, and vindicated captain Eoin Morgan's decision to bowl first. Sum up that @JasonRoy20 innings in one word? Scorecard: https://t.co/N5EeoUHDzR pic.twitter.com/QLUY2ZLGZ1 — England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 14, 2018 × Having been an onlooker for the Test series, Roy was an unlikely hero. But he rode his luck to produce a record in limited-overs cricket for England and also a new benchmark for a batsman at the MCG in a one-day international. The swashbuckling right-hander lived dangerously throughout his innings, charging along at better than a run a ball and reaching his half-century off only 32 balls. He survived a run-out scare and an lbw decision which was overturned upon review and lofted several balls just out of the reach of frustrated Australian fielders on the way to his fifth ODI century. Roy was just five when Mitchell Starc could have run him out with a direct hit. He duly punished the Australian fast bowler by taking 14 off his next over as the tourists raced past 50 in the fifth over. He was seemingly trapped lbw by 91 by spinner Adam Zampa on 91, but a review showed the ball hit him outside the line of off stump and the decision was overturned. Roy wasted little time making the most of that piece of fortune, driving the next ball just over a leaping Aaron Finch on the long-on boundary for six. He reached his hundred just moments later from 92 balls, with nine fours and three sixes. England batsman Jason Roy acknowledges the applause after being dismissed by Australia's for 180. (AFP) × Fittingly, the 27-year-old passed team-mate Alex Hales's England record knock of 171 against Pakistan in 2016 with a chip just over the head of a despairing Australian fielder. He finally fell to Starc after skying one into the outfield, having faced 151 balls -- hitting 16 fours and five sixes. Roy was still coming to terms with his achievement after the match. "Incredibly special, I don't have too many words right now," he said. "Halesy was pretty disappointed." Australian captain Steve Smith praised Roy for his bold knock. "He didn't give us a chance, and he changed his arm," Smith said. "They got off to an absolute flyer and we couldn't pull them back." Roy had a willing partner in Test captain Joe Root, who had been tormented all tour by the Australians and was in no mood to let a rare victory slip. Root made an unbeaten 91 and he and Roy put on 221 -- an English ODI record -- for the third wicket. Aaron Finch's ninth one-day international century was the cornerstone of the Australian total of 304 for eight. Finch's 107 was backed by half-centuries for Mitchell Marsh (50) and Marcus Stoinis (60) as Australia recovered from a shaky start in which the tourists finally managed to get bogeyman Steve Smith cheaply. Fresh from scoring three centuries as Australia won the Ashes 4-0, Smith looked in commanding touch again as he scored at better than a run a ball, but was caught behind off spinner Adil Rashid for just 23. Scoreboard: Australia: Total 304/8 A. Finch 107, D. Warner 2, S. Smith 23, T. Head 5, M. Marsh 50, M. Stoinis 60, T. Paine 27, P. Cummins 12, M. Starc 0, A. Tye 4 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Warner), 2-58 (Smith), 3-78 (Head), 4-196 (Finch), 5-205 (Marsh), 6-285 (Stoinis), 7-296 (Paine), 8-300 (Cummins) England: Total 308/5 J. Roy 180, J. Bairstow 14, D. Hales 4, J. Root 91, E. Morgan 1, J. Buttler 4, M. Ali 5 Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Bairstow), 2-60 (Hales), 3-281 (Roy), 4-288 (Morgan), 5-302 (Buttler) Man of the match: J. Roy (ENG)

Jason Roy's century galvanize England to victory against Australia

Registration of players for VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) closed on Friday, January 12, 2018, and over&nbsp;1000 players registered themselves.

The auction&nbsp;is scheduled to take place on Jan 27-28, in Bengaluru.

&quot;The list that has been sent out to the eight IPL franchises has 281 capped players, 838 uncapped players, including 778 Indians and three players from the associate nations,&quot; as per a BCCI media release.

A fierce bidding war is expected to break out when Indian stars Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, off-spinners R. Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav and openers KL Rahul and M. Vijay will go under the hammer.

The franchises will leave no stone unturned when Chris Gayle, Ben Stokes, Chris Lynn, Eoin Morgan and pacers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins come up for VIVO IPL Player Auction 2018.

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NEWS: Over 1000 players sign up VIVO IPL Player Auction 2018 
 
More details here - <a href="https://t.co/9FJEEBNNZK">https://t.co/9FJEEBNNZK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction</a> <a href="https://t.co/8m1ElDuENd">pic.twitter.com/8m1ElDuENd</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/952036590703923200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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England&rsquo;s Test captain Joe Root has also thrown his hat into the ring and will be the new entrant to the world&rsquo;s most popular T20 league.

Dwayne Bravo, Carlos Brathwaite, Evin Lewis and Jason Holder will add the Caribbean flavour to the league.

Lasith Malinga will lead Sri Lanka&rsquo;s entourage that includes Angelo Mathews, the exciting Niroshan Dickwella&nbsp;and Thisara Perera.

Showing his full range of strokes will be Glenn Maxwell, all-rounder Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson, who bowled Mumbai Indians for their third title last season with his final over heroics.

Hashim Amla, who hit two centuries for Kings XI Punjab in the 10th season will be hoping for a high bid with compatriots Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada.

Kane Williamson, Colin Munro and Tom Latham from New Zealand will add their charm to the league.

India captain Virat Kohli will pick up the IPL&#39;s largest-ever salary -- $2.7 million -- in this year&#39;s tournament after his team Royal Challengers Bangalore retained the star player.

The country-wise breakdown of 282 overseas players:

Country&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;No. of players registered

Afghanistan &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;13

Australia &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 58

Bangladesh &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;8

England&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;26

Ireland &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2

New Zealand &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 30

Scotland&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1

South Africa&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;57

Sri Lanka &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 39

The USA&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2

West Indies&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 39

Zimbabwe&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7

&nbsp;

282 overseas players have registered for the 11th edition of Indian Premier League

Registration of players for VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) closed on Friday, January 12, 2018, and over 1000 players registered themselves. The auction is scheduled to take place on Jan 27-28, in Bengaluru. "The list that has been sent out to the eight IPL franchises has 281 capped players, 838 uncapped players, including 778 Indians and three players from the associate nations," as per a BCCI media release. A fierce bidding war is expected to break out when Indian stars Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, off-spinners R. Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav and openers KL Rahul and M. Vijay will go under the hammer. The franchises will leave no stone unturned when Chris Gayle, Ben Stokes, Chris Lynn, Eoin Morgan and pacers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins come up for VIVO IPL Player Auction 2018. NEWS: Over 1000 players sign up VIVO IPL Player Auction 2018 More details here - https://t.co/9FJEEBNNZK #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/8m1ElDuENd — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) January 13, 2018 × England’s Test captain Joe Root has also thrown his hat into the ring and will be the new entrant to the world’s most popular T20 league. Dwayne Bravo, Carlos Brathwaite, Evin Lewis and Jason Holder will add the Caribbean flavour to the league. Lasith Malinga will lead Sri Lanka’s entourage that includes Angelo Mathews, the exciting Niroshan Dickwella and Thisara Perera. Showing his full range of strokes will be Glenn Maxwell, all-rounder Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson, who bowled Mumbai Indians for their third title last season with his final over heroics. Hashim Amla, who hit two centuries for Kings XI Punjab in the 10th season will be hoping for a high bid with compatriots Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada. Kane Williamson, Colin Munro and Tom Latham from New Zealand will add their charm to the league. India captain Virat Kohli will pick up the IPL's largest-ever salary -- $2.7 million -- in this year's tournament after his team Royal Challengers Bangalore retained the star player. The country-wise breakdown of 282 overseas players: Country No. of players registered Afghanistan 13 Australia 58 Bangladesh 8 England 26 Ireland 2 New Zealand 30 Scotland 1 South Africa 57 Sri Lanka 39 The USA 2 West Indies 39 Zimbabwe 7

England's Joe Root to debut in IPL 2018

Australia maintains its winning streak by claiming an innings victory over England in fifth Ashes Test and whitewashed England by completing a 4-0 series.

Nathon Lyon took three wickets for 54 off 35 overs.&nbsp;Pat Cummins struck twice just after the lunch break. He took&nbsp;Jonny Bairstow leg before wicket for 38 and having Stuart Broad caught behind off a short ball for four. For his outstanding performance, he got Man of the Match also he was the leading wicket-taker in the series by taking 23 wickets.

&quot;To get through the five Tests and end the series here at home. I couldn&#39;t&nbsp;ask&nbsp;for much more,&quot; said Cummins.

Australian captain Steve Smith seemed exponentially happy after&nbsp;winning the series and receiving the honour of Man of the Series on which he said,&nbsp;&quot;It has been a great couple of months. The cricket that we have played in the last couple of months has been outstanding&quot;

&quot;We have just been able to get on top and win those key moments and not let them back in the game which is crucial,&quot; he added.

England finished at 180 for nine off 88.1 overs as Australia won by an innings and 123 runs.&nbsp;

Joe Root did not come out to bat after lunch as he continued to experience discomfort after his overnight stomach bug.

England&#39;s remote chances of saving the Test disappeared when Root failed to appear at the crease after lunch.

Australian bowlers struck hard, Aussie took a grip on the final Test with a massive 303-run innings lead and then reduced the battle-weary tourists to 93 for four at the close on the fourth day.

Scoreboard:

England first innings 346 (J. Root 83, D. Malan 62; P. Cummins 4-80)

Australia first innings 649 for 7 declared (U. Khawaja 171, S. Marsh 156, M. Marsh 101; M. Ali 2-170)

England second innings (overnight 93 for 4)

A. Cook&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b Lyon&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10

M. Stoneman&nbsp; lbw b Starc&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0

J. Vince&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c Smith b Cummins&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;18

J. Root&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; retired ill&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;58

D. Malan&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;lbw b Lyon&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5

J. Bairstow&nbsp; lbw b Cummins&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 38

M. Ali&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;lbw b Lyon&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;13

T. Curran&nbsp; &nbsp; not out&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 23

S. Broad&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c Paine b Cummins&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4

M. Crane&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c Paine b Cummins&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2&nbsp;

J. Anderson&nbsp; c Paine b Hazlewood&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2&nbsp;&nbsp;

Total (all out; 88.1 overs)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 180

Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Stoneman), 2-15 (Cook), 3-43 (Vince), 4-68 (Malan), 5-121 (Ali), 6-144 (Bairstow), 7-148 (Broad), 8-156 (Crane), 9-180 (Anderson)

Bowling: Starc 16-4-38-1, Hazlewood 17.1-6-36-1, Lyon 35-12-54-3, Cummins 17-4-39-4, Smith 2-0-6-0, M. Marsh 1-1-0-0

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Australians took a grip on the final Test with a massive 303-run innings lead and then reduced the battle-weary tourists to 93 for four at the close on the fourth day.

Australia maintains its winning streak by claiming an innings victory over England in fifth Ashes Test and whitewashed England by completing a 4-0 series. Nathon Lyon took three wickets for 54 off 35 overs. Pat Cummins struck twice just after the lunch break. He took Jonny Bairstow leg before wicket for 38 and having Stuart Broad caught behind off a short ball for four. For his outstanding performance, he got Man of the Match also he was the leading wicket-taker in the series by taking 23 wickets. "To get through the five Tests and end the series here at home. I couldn't ask for much more," said Cummins. Australian captain Steve Smith seemed exponentially happy after winning the series and receiving the honour of Man of the Series on which he said, "It has been a great couple of months. The cricket that we have played in the last couple of months has been outstanding" "We have just been able to get on top and win those key moments and not let them back in the game which is crucial," he added. England finished at 180 for nine off 88.1 overs as Australia won by an innings and 123 runs. Joe Root did not come out to bat after lunch as he continued to experience discomfort after his overnight stomach bug. England's remote chances of saving the Test disappeared when Root failed to appear at the crease after lunch. Australian bowlers struck hard, Aussie took a grip on the final Test with a massive 303-run innings lead and then reduced the battle-weary tourists to 93 for four at the close on the fourth day. Scoreboard: England first innings 346 (J. Root 83, D. Malan 62; P. Cummins 4-80) Australia first innings 649 for 7 declared (U. Khawaja 171, S. Marsh 156, M. Marsh 101; M. Ali 2-170) England second innings (overnight 93 for 4) A. Cook b Lyon 10 M. Stoneman lbw b Starc 0 J. Vince c Smith b Cummins 18 J. Root retired ill 58 D. Malan lbw b Lyon 5 J. Bairstow lbw b Cummins 38 M. Ali lbw b Lyon 13 T. Curran not out 23 S. Broad c Paine b Cummins 4 M. Crane c Paine b Cummins 2 J. Anderson c Paine b Hazlewood 2 Total (all out; 88.1 overs) 180 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Stoneman), 2-15 (Cook), 3-43 (Vince), 4-68 (Malan), 5-121 (Ali), 6-144 (Bairstow), 7-148 (Broad), 8-156 (Crane), 9-180 (Anderson) Bowling: Starc 16-4-38-1, Hazlewood 17.1-6-36-1, Lyon 35-12-54-3, Cummins 17-4-39-4, Smith 2-0-6-0, M. Marsh 1-1-0-0

Ashes: Oz beat England in final Test, seal series by 4-0

England won the toss and chose to bat against Australia in the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday. After a rain delay and an early lunch, the play was started a bit late.

&quot;It looks a good wicket, there is a bit of weather about but if we bat well enough in the first few sessions I expect the pitch to deteriorate and spin will come in the game later on,&quot; England captain Joe Root said.

Seamer Chris Woakes has been ruled out with a side strain, opening the way for young leg-spinner Mason Crane to make his debut for England.

&quot;Mason is a very excited young man and we expect him to do really well in his first Test,&quot; Root said.

Australia captain Steve Smith said he was in two minds about what he would have done if he had won the toss. &quot;I&#39;m not too bothered and not too disappointed to lose the toss,&quot; Smith said.

&quot;There&#39;s a bit of moisture in the wicket coupled with overhead conditions and the wicket is a pretty good one.&quot;

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Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc returns to Australia&#39;s bowling line-up. Left-arm Starc is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 19 despite only playing three Tests.

Australia has already clinched the Ashes with an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-Test series ahead of the Sydney finale.

England is bidding to save face in Sydney, where they have won twice in the last four Ashes Tests.

England were 122&nbsp;for three&nbsp;at tea on the opening day of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

&nbsp;

England won the toss and chose to bat against Australia in the final Ashes Test, England were 122-3?at tea

England won the toss and chose to bat against Australia in the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday. After a rain delay and an early lunch, the play was started a bit late. "It looks a good wicket, there is a bit of weather about but if we bat well enough in the first few sessions I expect the pitch to deteriorate and spin will come in the game later on," England captain Joe Root said. Seamer Chris Woakes has been ruled out with a side strain, opening the way for young leg-spinner Mason Crane to make his debut for England. "Mason is a very excited young man and we expect him to do really well in his first Test," Root said. Australia captain Steve Smith said he was in two minds about what he would have done if he had won the toss. "I'm not too bothered and not too disappointed to lose the toss," Smith said. "There's a bit of moisture in the wicket coupled with overhead conditions and the wicket is a pretty good one." England have won the toss and elected to bat as the 5th and final #Ashes Test finally gets underway. Follow LIVE: https://t.co/zIa7LHi9S8 #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/QvMRupT1C3 — ICC (@ICC) January 4, 2018 × Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc returns to Australia's bowling line-up. Left-arm Starc is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 19 despite only playing three Tests. Australia has already clinched the Ashes with an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-Test series ahead of the Sydney finale. England is bidding to save face in Sydney, where they have won twice in the last four Ashes Tests. England were 122 for three at tea on the opening day of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Cricket: England is bidding to break through in the final Ashes Test

Alastair Cook completed a sparkling century in a stellar return to form as England savoured a rare day of domination in the fourth Ashes test against Australia on Wednesday.

Cook raised his 32nd Test ton with a pull-shot to the fence in the final over before stumps, and strode off the ground unbeaten on 104, having pushed England to 192 for two on day two at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

His successor as captain, Joe Root was 49 not out, the pair having reduced Australia`s lead to 135 runs.

English cheer has been in short supply this series after Australia took back the urn by winning the first three tests but Wednesday`s fightback thrilled sun-baked Britons in the raucous crowd of 67,882.

Stuart Broad, another Englishman under the microscope after playing a negligible part in the first three tests, captured 4-51 as Australia`s day one resistance melted in the morning heat.

The hosts started the day in a position of strength at 244 for three but were bowled out for 327, losing their last seven wickets for 67 runs.

After labouring on a slow and flat pitch on day one, England`s bowlers were transformed in the morning, with debutant paceman Tom Curran proving the unlikely catalyst.

The 22-year-old Surrey seamer bowled Steve Smith for 76 with the second ball of his first spell, having the skipper drag a wider, short delivery onto his stumps.

It not only secured Curran his first test wicket but ended Smith`s unbeaten reign at the MCG since his last dismissal in the Boxing Day test against India in 2014.

It was also a huge relief for Curran, who had opener David Warner caught on 99 on day one but missed out on the wicket for over-stepping his mark.

ACROBATIC DISMISSAL

Smith was one of three Australian batsmen out chopping onto the stumps, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (nine) and wicketkeeper Tim Paine (24) falling in the same fashion.

Shaun Marsh dug in to raise his third half-century of the series before being trapped leg before by Broad for 61, the wicket awarded after the bowler demanded a review.

James Anderson bowled Paine for his 520th test wicket, pulling past West Indies great Courtney Walsh to fifth on the all-time list, and grabbed a third victim for the innings by dismissing Nathan Lyon lbw for a duck.

Broad capped off a dominant morning for England by trapping tail-ender Jackson Bird lbw for four and having Pat Cummins caught at slip for four after lunch.

England`s rookie top order batsmen Mark Stoneman (15) and James Vince (17) fell cheaply but Cook carried the fight to Australia, riding his luck when Smith dropped him on 66 in the slips.

He and Root combined for a 112-run partnership to give England hope of mowing down Australia`s first innings total and taking a substantial lead.

Starting England`s response after lunch, Cook and Stoneman fended off Australia`s opening pace salvo before Lyon intervened with a brilliant caught and bowled.&nbsp;

The off-spinner coaxed a leading edge from Stoneman and leaped high to pull down a one-handed catch, reviving memories of his acrobatic dismissal of Moeen Ali during the second test at Adelaide Oval.

Vince was given out lbw when paceman Josh Hazlewood sent a full, straight ball thudding into his pads.

He neglected to review the decision and would have regretted it later, with the `snicko` technology showing he had nicked the ball with his bat.

Root and Cook then frustrated Australia for most of the final session, the hosts` task made heavier with sickly seamer Pat Cummins hampered by a stomach ailment.

Cook raised his 32nd Test ton with a pull-shot to the fence in the final over before stumps

Alastair Cook completed a sparkling century in a stellar return to form as England savoured a rare day of domination in the fourth Ashes test against Australia on Wednesday. Cook raised his 32nd Test ton with a pull-shot to the fence in the final over before stumps, and strode off the ground unbeaten on 104, having pushed England to 192 for two on day two at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His successor as captain, Joe Root was 49 not out, the pair having reduced Australia`s lead to 135 runs. English cheer has been in short supply this series after Australia took back the urn by winning the first three tests but Wednesday`s fightback thrilled sun-baked Britons in the raucous crowd of 67,882. Stuart Broad, another Englishman under the microscope after playing a negligible part in the first three tests, captured 4-51 as Australia`s day one resistance melted in the morning heat. The hosts started the day in a position of strength at 244 for three but were bowled out for 327, losing their last seven wickets for 67 runs. After labouring on a slow and flat pitch on day one, England`s bowlers were transformed in the morning, with debutant paceman Tom Curran proving the unlikely catalyst. The 22-year-old Surrey seamer bowled Steve Smith for 76 with the second ball of his first spell, having the skipper drag a wider, short delivery onto his stumps. It not only secured Curran his first test wicket but ended Smith`s unbeaten reign at the MCG since his last dismissal in the Boxing Day test against India in 2014. It was also a huge relief for Curran, who had opener David Warner caught on 99 on day one but missed out on the wicket for over-stepping his mark. ACROBATIC DISMISSAL Smith was one of three Australian batsmen out chopping onto the stumps, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (nine) and wicketkeeper Tim Paine (24) falling in the same fashion. Shaun Marsh dug in to raise his third half-century of the series before being trapped leg before by Broad for 61, the wicket awarded after the bowler demanded a review. James Anderson bowled Paine for his 520th test wicket, pulling past West Indies great Courtney Walsh to fifth on the all-time list, and grabbed a third victim for the innings by dismissing Nathan Lyon lbw for a duck. Broad capped off a dominant morning for England by trapping tail-ender Jackson Bird lbw for four and having Pat Cummins caught at slip for four after lunch. England`s rookie top order batsmen Mark Stoneman (15) and James Vince (17) fell cheaply but Cook carried the fight to Australia, riding his luck when Smith dropped him on 66 in the slips. He and Root combined for a 112-run partnership to give England hope of mowing down Australia`s first innings total and taking a substantial lead. Starting England`s response after lunch, Cook and Stoneman fended off Australia`s opening pace salvo before Lyon intervened with a brilliant caught and bowled. The off-spinner coaxed a leading edge from Stoneman and leaped high to pull down a one-handed catch, reviving memories of his acrobatic dismissal of Moeen Ali during the second test at Adelaide Oval. Vince was given out lbw when paceman Josh Hazlewood sent a full, straight ball thudding into his pads. He neglected to review the decision and would have regretted it later, with the `snicko` technology showing he had nicked the ball with his bat. Root and Cook then frustrated Australia for most of the final session, the hosts` task made heavier with sickly seamer Pat Cummins hampered by a stomach ailment.

Alastair Cook grabs ton as England savour dominant day

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon turned the screws with two early wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Joe Root to leave England in trouble at 119 for five at lunch on day four of the first Ashes test on Sunday.

Moeen Ali, on 26 not out, and new batsman Jonny Bairstow, who had scored one, will resume after the break facing a huge task to increase England&#39;s 93-run lead to a competitive total as the wicket wears.

England captain Root had to pass a concussion test to be deemed fit to play in the morning after being struck on the helmet by a fierce Mitchell Starc bouncer late on day three.

He battled to reach his 33rd test half-century on a steamy day at the Gabba but was out the next ball, trapped lbw for 51 to leaving the tourists reeling with 10 minutes left until lunch.

England had resumed on 33 for two, with Root on five and Mark Stoneman on 19, and the batsmen survived a tough pace examination before Australia captain Steve Smith turned to offspinner Lyon to break the stand.

Lyon duly obliged, having Stoneman play forward and edge to the Australia skipper, who took a fine lunging catch at slip to remove the batsman for 27.

Not long after, Lyon had England number five Dawid Malan also nick straight to Smith for four.

Moeen survived an early scare with a nick behind off Starc that fell just short of a leaping Smith, who managed to get a finger on the ball before it hit the grass.

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon turned the screws with two early wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Joe Root to leave England in trouble at 119 for five at lunch on day four of the first Ashes test on Sunday

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon turned the screws with two early wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Joe Root to leave England in trouble at 119 for five at lunch on day four of the first Ashes test on Sunday. Moeen Ali, on 26 not out, and new batsman Jonny Bairstow, who had scored one, will resume after the break facing a huge task to increase England's 93-run lead to a competitive total as the wicket wears. England captain Root had to pass a concussion test to be deemed fit to play in the morning after being struck on the helmet by a fierce Mitchell Starc bouncer late on day three. He battled to reach his 33rd test half-century on a steamy day at the Gabba but was out the next ball, trapped lbw for 51 to leaving the tourists reeling with 10 minutes left until lunch. England had resumed on 33 for two, with Root on five and Mark Stoneman on 19, and the batsmen survived a tough pace examination before Australia captain Steve Smith turned to offspinner Lyon to break the stand. Lyon duly obliged, having Stoneman play forward and edge to the Australia skipper, who took a fine lunging catch at slip to remove the batsman for 27. Not long after, Lyon had England number five Dawid Malan also nick straight to Smith for four. Moeen survived an early scare with a nick behind off Starc that fell just short of a leaping Smith, who managed to get a finger on the ball before it hit the grass.

Root gone as England stagger to 119-5 at lunch

Joe Root scored an unbeaten century as tournament hosts England beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the opening match of the 2017 Champions Trophy at the Oval on Thursday.

England, set 306 for victory, finished on 308 for two with 16 balls to spare.

Root was a career-best 133 not out and England captain Eoin Morgan 75 not out, with their unbroken stand worth 143.

Opener Alex Hales was out for 95.

Earlier, Bangladesh made 305 for six after losing the toss.

Tamim Iqbal top-scored with 128 and put on 166 for the third wicket with Mushfiqur Rahim (79).

(AFP)

England, viewed by many as the favorites to win the trophy, rode on Joe Root's ton to beat Bangladesh by eight wickets and 16 balls to spare

Joe Root scored an unbeaten century as tournament hosts England beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the opening match of the 2017 Champions Trophy at the Oval on Thursday. England, set 306 for victory, finished on 308 for two with 16 balls to spare. Root was a career-best 133 not out and England captain Eoin Morgan 75 not out, with their unbroken stand worth 143. Opener Alex Hales was out for 95. Earlier, Bangladesh made 305 for six after losing the toss. Tamim Iqbal top-scored with 128 and put on 166 for the third wicket with Mushfiqur Rahim (79). (AFP)

Champions Trophy: England chase down Bangladesh's 305 with ease

Joe Root compiled a composed, unbeaten 90 while all-rounder Chris Woakes hit an undefeated 68 as England completed a four-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second one-day international on Sunday.

Responding to the home side&rsquo;s total of 225 all out off 47.5 overs after they chose to bat first, the tourists reached 226 for six off 48.2 overs to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead with the final match to be played in Barbados next Thursday.

England, who won the first match at the same venue two days earlier by the relatively comfortable margin of 45 runs, were cantering towards the target on the back of opening batsman Jason Roy&rsquo;s belligerent half-century at 108 for two in the 21st over.

But then the specialist spinners got the West Indies back into the match, triggering a slide which saw four England wickets tumbling for 16 runs.

Ashley Nurse returned his best-ever figures of three for 34 while Devendra Bishoo claimed two for 43.&nbsp;

However with fast bowler Shannon Gabriel unavailable after an opening three-over spell because of a side strain, captain Jason Holder resorted to part-time spinners on a helpful track without success.

Woakes, the more adventurous of the seventh-wicket pairing in a stand that put on an unbroken 102 runs, was missed at long-on by substitute fielder Rovman Powell off Carlos Brathwaite in what was the West Indies&rsquo; last real chance of staying in the game and squaring the series.&nbsp;

He was dropped again, by Holder at mid-off off Kraigg Brathwaite in the 47th over, by which time England were on the verge of victory.

Root struck just three boundaries in a controlled innings, his only blemish being an edge off Bishoo between the wicketkeeper and slip.

&ldquo;It was just about staying calm because we were so far ahead of the required rate,&rdquo; he explained after victory was formalised. &ldquo;Chris (Woakes) took a lot of the pressure off me with his aggression.&rdquo;

Fresh from claiming career-best ODI figures (4 for 40) in the first match, seamer Liam Plunkett played a key role in stifling West Indies&rsquo; quest to accelerate on a bright morning.&nbsp;

He removed topscorer Jason Mohammed (50) and Jonathan Carter (39) before adding the scalp of Nurse to finish with three for 32.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid, apart from showing a safe pair of hands with the catches to dispose of both Mohammed and Carter, also accounted for dangerous big-hitters Holder, via a steepling catch of his own bowling, and Carlos Brathwaite.

Fast bowler Steven Finn did the early damage to the West Indies innings on the same pitch used for the series-opener which England won by 45 runs on Friday.

Poor shot selection contributed to Evin Lewis&rsquo; demise, a leading edge giving a simple catch to Sam Billings at cover, while a miscued pull by new batsman Kieran Powell presented Finn with the catch off his own bowling that took him to the milestone of 100 ODI wickets.

Reaching the landmark in his 67th match, he is the third-fastest Englishman to the feat behind Darren Gough and Stuart Broad.

&ldquo;We need to seize the opportunities that come our way,&rdquo; Holder noted in reflecting on batsmen failing to capitalise on good starts and also chances missed in the field in both matches in Antigua.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We keep losing too many wickets to poor shots at the top.&rdquo;

(AFP)

Chasing 226, England were 124 for 6 at one point before Root and Woakes steered them to safety

Joe Root compiled a composed, unbeaten 90 while all-rounder Chris Woakes hit an undefeated 68 as England completed a four-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second one-day international on Sunday. Responding to the home side’s total of 225 all out off 47.5 overs after they chose to bat first, the tourists reached 226 for six off 48.2 overs to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead with the final match to be played in Barbados next Thursday. England, who won the first match at the same venue two days earlier by the relatively comfortable margin of 45 runs, were cantering towards the target on the back of opening batsman Jason Roy’s belligerent half-century at 108 for two in the 21st over. But then the specialist spinners got the West Indies back into the match, triggering a slide which saw four England wickets tumbling for 16 runs. Ashley Nurse returned his best-ever figures of three for 34 while Devendra Bishoo claimed two for 43. However with fast bowler Shannon Gabriel unavailable after an opening three-over spell because of a side strain, captain Jason Holder resorted to part-time spinners on a helpful track without success. Woakes, the more adventurous of the seventh-wicket pairing in a stand that put on an unbroken 102 runs, was missed at long-on by substitute fielder Rovman Powell off Carlos Brathwaite in what was the West Indies’ last real chance of staying in the game and squaring the series. He was dropped again, by Holder at mid-off off Kraigg Brathwaite in the 47th over, by which time England were on the verge of victory. Root struck just three boundaries in a controlled innings, his only blemish being an edge off Bishoo between the wicketkeeper and slip. “It was just about staying calm because we were so far ahead of the required rate,” he explained after victory was formalised. “Chris (Woakes) took a lot of the pressure off me with his aggression.” Fresh from claiming career-best ODI figures (4 for 40) in the first match, seamer Liam Plunkett played a key role in stifling West Indies’ quest to accelerate on a bright morning. He removed topscorer Jason Mohammed (50) and Jonathan Carter (39) before adding the scalp of Nurse to finish with three for 32. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid, apart from showing a safe pair of hands with the catches to dispose of both Mohammed and Carter, also accounted for dangerous big-hitters Holder, via a steepling catch of his own bowling, and Carlos Brathwaite. Fast bowler Steven Finn did the early damage to the West Indies innings on the same pitch used for the series-opener which England won by 45 runs on Friday. Poor shot selection contributed to Evin Lewis’ demise, a leading edge giving a simple catch to Sam Billings at cover, while a miscued pull by new batsman Kieran Powell presented Finn with the catch off his own bowling that took him to the milestone of 100 ODI wickets. Reaching the landmark in his 67th match, he is the third-fastest Englishman to the feat behind Darren Gough and Stuart Broad. “We need to seize the opportunities that come our way,” Holder noted in reflecting on batsmen failing to capitalise on good starts and also chances missed in the field in both matches in Antigua. “We keep losing too many wickets to poor shots at the top.” (AFP)

England beat West Indies to clinch ODI series

Joe Root has been announced as the new captain of England&#39;s Test team.

The right-handed batsman, who viewed as one of the best batsmen of the current generation, will succeed Alastair Cook, who stepped down from the captaincy last week.

&ldquo;It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy,&quot; Root said in an ECB statement. &quot;I feel privileged, humbled and very excited.&quot;

All-rounder Ben Stokes will Root&#39;s new deputy.

Root started his Test career under Cook&#39;s captaincy against India in December 2012.

Cook, England&#39;s all-time leading Test run-scorer, is set to continue his career in the five-day game, with&nbsp;Root&nbsp;also able to call upon the experience of senior fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, as well as coach Trevor Bayliss and assistant Paul Farbrace.

&quot;We have a very good group of players, and I&#39;m looking forward to leading them out in the summer -- building on Alastair&#39;s achievements and making the most of our talents in the years ahead,&quot; said&nbsp;Root.

&quot;The senior guys in the changing room play a very influential role - and while there&#39;s a natural progression for me, it&#39;s a huge support to know that they are there to help and advise.&quot;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Root replaces Alastair Cook, who stepped down from the captaincy last week

Joe Root has been announced as the new captain of England's Test team. The right-handed batsman, who viewed as one of the best batsmen of the current generation, will succeed Alastair Cook, who stepped down from the captaincy last week. “It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy," Root said in an ECB statement. "I feel privileged, humbled and very excited." All-rounder Ben Stokes will Root's new deputy. Root started his Test career under Cook's captaincy against India in December 2012. Cook, England's all-time leading Test run-scorer, is set to continue his career in the five-day game, with Root also able to call upon the experience of senior fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, as well as coach Trevor Bayliss and assistant Paul Farbrace. "We have a very good group of players, and I'm looking forward to leading them out in the summer -- building on Alastair's achievements and making the most of our talents in the years ahead," said Root. "The senior guys in the changing room play a very influential role - and while there's a natural progression for me, it's a huge support to know that they are there to help and advise." (WION with inputs from AFP)

Joe Root to be next England Test captain

Stylish batsman Joe Root scored a smashing 124 before being pulled down by India&#39;s Umesh Yadav on the first day of the opening Test against India on Wednesday.

Root was in top form during his 144-ball knock, which was studded with nine fours, almost replicating his 154 not out against India during the 2014 series.

The 25-year-old right-hander shared a 107-run stand with Moeen Ali, who was on 48, to take England to 209-3 at tea at the Saurashtra Cricket Association ground in Rajkot.

The unbroken stand for the fourth wicket steadied England after the visitors were reduced to 102-3 in the first session.

Root, who struck his 24th Test half-century and fifth against India, survived a review for lbw after replays showed an inside edge, while the left-handed Ali also frustrated the Indian bowlers.

Nothing seemed to go India&#39;s way in the afternoon as leading seamer Mohammed Shami limped with a likely hamstring injury.

The opening session saw Haseeb Hameed, 19, become the youngest player to open the batting for England on debut.

The youngster, dubbed &quot;Baby Boycott&quot; for his unflappable style, made 31 during his 98-minute stay at the crease before falling lbw to world number one-ranked spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (2-60).

Ashwin also dismissed Ben Duckett for 13 after skipper Alastair Cook elected to bat on what seemed a placid wicket.

Hameed as well as Cook (21) benefited from the largesse of India&#39;s fielders who were guilty of dropping some early chances.&nbsp;

Cook was dropped off Shami off the third ball of the innings while Hameed got a reprieve on 13 when Murali Vijay grassed his catch at first slip.

The England skipper, who surpassed Michael Atherton&#39;s record of 54 Tests as England captain, was adjudged leg before off left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja (1-42).&nbsp;

TV replays showed the ball would have missed the leg stump but Cook did not refer to the third umpire even though the decision review system is being used for the first time by India in a home series.

Hameed showed little sign of nerves against top-ranked India, twice hitting Shami for boundaries in an over and driving Ashwin for an elegant four in the covers.

(AFP)

His unbroken stand for the fourth wicket steadied England after the visitors were reduced to 102-3 in the first session

Stylish batsman Joe Root scored a smashing 124 before being pulled down by India's Umesh Yadav on the first day of the opening Test against India on Wednesday. Root was in top form during his 144-ball knock, which was studded with nine fours, almost replicating his 154 not out against India during the 2014 series. The 25-year-old right-hander shared a 107-run stand with Moeen Ali, who was on 48, to take England to 209-3 at tea at the Saurashtra Cricket Association ground in Rajkot. The unbroken stand for the fourth wicket steadied England after the visitors were reduced to 102-3 in the first session. Root, who struck his 24th Test half-century and fifth against India, survived a review for lbw after replays showed an inside edge, while the left-handed Ali also frustrated the Indian bowlers. Nothing seemed to go India's way in the afternoon as leading seamer Mohammed Shami limped with a likely hamstring injury. The opening session saw Haseeb Hameed, 19, become the youngest player to open the batting for England on debut. The youngster, dubbed "Baby Boycott" for his unflappable style, made 31 during his 98-minute stay at the crease before falling lbw to world number one-ranked spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (2-60). Ashwin also dismissed Ben Duckett for 13 after skipper Alastair Cook elected to bat on what seemed a placid wicket. Hameed as well as Cook (21) benefited from the largesse of India's fielders who were guilty of dropping some early chances. Cook was dropped off Shami off the third ball of the innings while Hameed got a reprieve on 13 when Murali Vijay grassed his catch at first slip. The England skipper, who surpassed Michael Atherton's record of 54 Tests as England captain, was adjudged leg before off left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja (1-42). TV replays showed the ball would have missed the leg stump but Cook did not refer to the third umpire even though the decision review system is being used for the first time by India in a home series. Hameed showed little sign of nerves against top-ranked India, twice hitting Shami for boundaries in an over and driving Ashwin for an elegant four in the covers. (AFP)

Cricket: Root scores century for England in first test against India

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