England Test captain Joe Root has welcomed Kevin Pietersen’s return to the national set-up, saying the former England batter’s “honest opinions” and extensive experience could prove valuable to the white-ball teams ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup. Pietersen, 46, has joined England’s limited-overs set-up as a “specialist mentor” under head coach Brendan McCullum and captain Harry Brook. His appointment marks a return to the England environment more than a decade after his international career ended following the 2013-14 Ashes. Root, who played alongside Pietersen during the early stages of his own international career, believes the former batter’s outspoken nature will be an asset rather than a concern. “I think it’ll be fine,” Root said ahead of the third and final Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston. “You want people to give their honest opinion. Why would you get him involved if you didn’t want him to tell you what he thinks and to give his insight into the game?” Root highlighted Pietersen’s knowledge of batting and his ability to bring energy into a dressing room. “He’s very knowledgeable. He’s got a very good understanding of batting in particular and he’s got a huge amount of energy. I think he’s going to be great for the group and I’m really looking forward to getting him involved,” Root said. The pair first worked together during England’s historic Test tour of India in 2012. Root, then 21, made his Test debut in Nagpur and scored 73 in the first innings, sharing a 40-ball partnership with Pietersen. Root went on to play alongside Pietersen 21 times for England across Tests and ODIs. He recalled how much he learned from the senior batter during that first tour of India. “I really enjoyed him as a senior player coming into the team,” Root said. “He was someone that I’d be shadowing all the time.” “On that first tour of India in particular, I’d try and buddy up with him in the nets, watch how he practised, watch how he did things, ask him for advice. And he was really open, really honest, very helpful in terms of how to get the best out of my game against spin.” Pietersen is one of several changes and additions being made to England’s coaching structures. Jonathan Trott has been working with the Lions, while further additions are expected to the Test coaching staff once Stephen Fleming takes charge following the Pakistan series. England have also brought back performance psychologist David Young on a temporary basis. Young previously played an important role in England’s successful 2019 ODI World Cup campaign and has returned to work with the Test squad. Root believes Young’s presence can provide players with an important outlet during challenging periods. “I think it’s good for the guys to have that sounding board and someone to speak to about the game,” Root said. “Clearly it worked extremely well with us for a long period of time and [was] quite instrumental in that 2019 World Cup.” Young was part of the England set-up when the team faced a difficult period during the 2019 World Cup. Ahead of the group match against India at Edgbaston, he and then-captain Eoin Morgan organised a team meeting where players openly discussed their emotions and concerns. The intervention helped England regroup and eventually win their first men’s 50-over World Cup. Meanwhile, Root has backed opener Emilio Gay to overcome a difficult first Test summer. The 26-year-old has scored 72 runs in three innings against Pakistan after beginning his international career with two half-centuries against New Zealand. With batting conditions proving particularly challenging this season, Root believes Gay has shown encouraging signs despite the pressure of opening the innings. “He’s prepared as well as he possibly can. He leaves no stone unturned and... he’s in the hardest possible position,” Root said. “You’re top of the order, fresh bowlers, new pitch, brand new ball. And it’s been really tough work this summer.” Root said he remained confident in Gay’s ability and temperament and hoped the opener would use his next opportunity to demonstrate his qualities. “I think he’s done really well and the context is a really important part of when you find yourselves in these extremities,” Root said. “I’m excited for him to get the opportunity to go and hopefully show again the composure that he has, the calm nature in which he starts innings, and show everyone his ability and his talent.” With England already having won the series against Pakistan, Gay could have another opportunity to strengthen his position before the winter tour. However, competition for opening spots could intensify when Jacob Bethell returns from knee surgery ahead of England’s tour of South Africa. For now, Root has backed Gay to make the most of his chance, while England will hope Pietersen’s return can provide another boost to their white-ball ambitions.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to overhaul the Test squad following the defeat at Lord’s was taken without his knowledge, input or approval. Speaking ahead of the third Test against England at Edgbaston, Babar admitted that he was caught off guard by the sweeping changes and only learned about them after the PCB issued its official announcement. “It was news to me. I found out after. The PCB decided it, so they’ll be able to explain better,” Babar said. The captain added that the board must have had its reasons for making the changes and suggested that questions about the decision should be directed to the PCB. “The PCB’s decision must have been taken after some thought process. It’s better if you ask them why,” he said. The overhaul came a day after Pakistan suffered a heavy 194-run defeat at Lord’s. The PCB released seven players from the squad, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from their positions. Seven new players were subsequently brought into the squad, five of whom are yet to make their Test debuts. Although Babar said the developments had not made the week particularly difficult for him, he acknowledged that he was surprised by the board’s decision. His comments also highlighted the apparent disconnect between the captain and the PCB’s decision-making process. Babar also said he had no further information about an inquiry announced by the PCB into reports concerning discipline and conduct within the team. The board had said the matter was being reviewed internally following media reports. Rather than focusing on the upheaval, Babar insisted that Pakistan’s attention had now shifted towards the third Test. With England already leading the series, the captain urged his players to approach the match with freedom and confidence. “The series is lost but we have nothing to lose,” Babar said. “We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team.” He said the new players had settled into the group and were excited about the opportunity to represent Pakistan. “We’ve practised a couple of days and explained things to the new boys. Any young player who comes in is excited, and that excitement is visible. I believe that will be visible in the match, too,” he added. Pakistan’s team selection for the first two Tests had also come under criticism, particularly from high-performance director Aaqib Javed after the Lord’s defeat. Babar, however, defended the decisions made by the team management, saying the selections were based on their assessment of the pitch and conditions. “We didn’t play well in all three facets as a team,” he said. “And when you don’t get results, then you’ll get plenty of criticism from outside.” “But we did what we thought was best at the time. The way we read the pitch and conditions, the XIs we went with were what we thought was best at the time. But we did not get the results or performance we expect of ourselves.” With five uncapped players now in the squad, Pakistan’s playing XI for Edgbaston remains uncertain. Babar said the senior members of the team would need to shoulder greater responsibility, with the captain himself under pressure to deliver. Babar scored 8 and 6 in the second Test at Lord’s after missing the opening match at Headingley due to a hand injury. He has also never played a Test at Edgbaston. “As a senior player, you have to take on more responsibility,” Babar said, stressing the need for the team to move on from its recent setbacks. “I firmly believe you need to grab opportunities and perform in difficult conditions. That’s why we play cricket, because we have to perform and dominate in difficult conditions. We need to forget about past failures and shift focus to the future,” he added.

India allrounder Deepti Sharma has climbed two places to No. 6 in the latest ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings after an impressive start to the Women’s T20 Asia Cup. Deepti has taken eight wickets in three matches at the tournament, helping India become the first team to secure a place in the semi-finals. Her performances, alongside those of fellow spinner N Shree Charani and newcomer Prema Rawat, have played a key role in India’s unbeaten campaign so far. Shree Charani currently occupies the top spot in the T20I bowling rankings, having claimed seven wickets in her three appearances at the Asia Cup. Deepti had previously been the world’s No. 1 T20I bowler in December last year before being overtaken by her India team-mate. England’s Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean and Lauren Bell, along with South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba, sit between the two Indian spinners in the rankings. However, the difference between Shree Charani at No. 1 and Deepti at No. 6 is just 70 rating points. Deepti Becomes Leading T20I Wicket-Taker Deepti also reached a major milestone during the Asia Cup, becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20I cricket. She moved past Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong after returning remarkable figures of 3 for 0 in just 1.1 overs against Thailand in the tournament opener. Putthawong has also climbed the rankings following her performances in the competition, moving up four places to 47th after taking five wickets in three matches. Smriti Mandhana Leads India’s Batting Rankings India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana remains the country’s highest-ranked batter, occupying fifth place in the Women’s T20I batting rankings. Mandhana made headlines during the Asia Cup after scoring a century against Hong Kong. The innings took her international tally to 18 hundreds and also saw her surpass Mithali Raj as the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. Shafali Verma is ranked seventh, while Harmanpreet Kaur occupies 10th place, giving India three batters inside the top 10. Nashra Sandhu Slips Despite Record Figures Pakistan left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu produced one of the tournament’s standout bowling performances, taking a remarkable 6 for 7 against Hong Kong on Monday. Despite her record-breaking figures, Sandhu slipped one place to No. 8 in the latest T20I bowling rankings. Amy Hunter Makes Major ODI Rankings Move There was also significant movement in the ICC Women’s ODI rankings following England’s series sweep over Ireland. England allrounder Charlie Dean moved one place up to ninth among allrounders. She also climbed two spots to joint 11th among ODI bowlers after taking three wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 4.12. Ireland batter Amy Hunter was the biggest mover among the batters. After scoring 165 runs in the series, she jumped from 20th to 11th in the ODI batting rankings. Hunter finished as the third-highest run-scorer in the series, behind England’s Sophia Dunkley, who made 212 runs, and Maia Bouchier, who scored 188. With the Women’s T20 Asia Cup entering its decisive stages, Deepti’s rise and Shree Charani’s continued presence at the top underline the growing strength of India’s spin attack as the team targets the tournament title.

Afghanistan are set for a busy home season, with Bangladesh and Zimbabwe scheduled to tour the UAE for a series of matches across all three formats between October and November 2026. All matches will be played in the United Arab Emirates, which has regularly served as Afghanistan’s home venue, although the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is yet to confirm the specific venues. The packed schedule will begin with a one-off Test against Bangladesh from October 9 to 13. The match will take place just six days after the Asian Games T20 final in Japan, meaning Afghanistan could potentially move quickly from the multi-sport event into Test cricket if they progress deep into the tournament. ODI Tri-Series to Follow An ODI tri-series involving Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will follow the Test match. The tri-series will begin on October 17, with Bangladesh taking on Zimbabwe. Afghanistan will then face Zimbabwe on October 19 before playing Bangladesh on October 21. The top two teams will qualify for the final, scheduled for October 23. The tournament will provide all three sides with valuable preparation and competitive cricket ahead of their respective international commitments. Zimbabwe Series to Feature T20Is and Tests Afghanistan will then face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series. The first T20I will be played on October 27, followed by the second on October 29, with the final match scheduled for November 1. The two sides will then switch formats for a two-Test series. The first Test is scheduled for November 5-9, while the second will take place from November 13-17. The demanding schedule means Afghanistan will play international cricket across all three formats within a little over a month. Afghanistan Set for Record Test Year The upcoming assignments will also mark a significant milestone for Afghanistan’s Test programme. Afghanistan have already played one Test this year, against India in New Chandigarh in June. The three additional Tests against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will take their total to four Test matches in 2026, the highest number they have played in a single calendar year. Afghanistan have faced Bangladesh twice in Test cricket, winning one and losing one. Against Zimbabwe, they have played five Tests, recording two victories, two defeats and one draw. ACB Welcomes Busy International Calendar ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan welcomed the confirmation of the schedule and said the series would provide Afghanistan’s players with valuable exposure across formats. “We are pleased to confirm this important period of international cricket for the Afghanistan National Team,” Khan said. “Playing Bangladesh and Zimbabwe across different formats will provide our players with valuable competitive opportunities and offer our supporters an exciting period of international cricket.” Khan also stressed the ACB’s commitment to maintaining regular international fixtures for the national team. “The Afghanistan Cricket Board remains committed to providing our national team with regular, high-quality international cricket. We highly value our relationships with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Zimbabwe Cricket and appreciate their cooperation in making these important assignments possible,” he added. Afghanistan vs Bangladesh and Zimbabwe: UAE Schedule October 9-13: One-off Test — Afghanistan vs Bangladesh October 17: ODI — Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe October 19: ODI — Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe October 21: ODI — Afghanistan vs Bangladesh October 23: ODI tri-series final October 27: 1st T20I — Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe October 29: 2nd T20I — Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe November 1: 3rd T20I — Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe November 5-9: 1st Test — Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe November 13-17: 2nd Test — Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe The UAE-hosted programme promises to be one of Afghanistan’s busiest stretches of international cricket, while also giving Bangladesh and Zimbabwe an opportunity to gain valuable match practice across multiple formats.

Jofra Archer is on course for his busiest English season yet, a remarkable turnaround after years of injuries and rehabilitation that repeatedly disrupted his international career. The England fast bowler is expected to retain his place for the third and final Test against Pakistan, with England already having secured the series after winning the opening two matches. If selected, Archer will make his 35th appearance of the summer across formats and continents. With three T20Is and three ODIs against Sri Lanka still to come later in September, the 31-year-old could surpass the 37 matches he played in 2018, the summer before he became eligible to represent England. Both campaigns began with Archer featuring for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. The numbers underline just how significant his current run has been. After years of stress fractures and setbacks, Archer has enjoyed a sustained period of fitness over the past 18 months, allowing him to build the consistency that had previously proved elusive. The third Test will also mark Archer’s 23rd appearance in Test cricket. A victory would give him only the fourth series win of his Test career and his first since 2020. More significantly, it would be the first outright series triumph in which he has played every Test. England’s Pace Attack Taking Shape England’s investment in Archer’s rehabilitation and long-term fitness has been substantial, and his resurgence represents one of the notable successes of the team’s recent planning. Alongside Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson have added genuine pace, while Ollie Robinson has returned to lead the attack through his control, movement and accuracy. The quartet has inevitably drawn comparisons with England’s celebrated 2005 Ashes-winning pace group of Andrew Flintoff, Stephen Harmison, Simon Jones and Matthew Hoggard. All four current quicks are capable of taking the new ball and operating effectively with the older ball. However, Robinson has emerged as the attack’s spearhead, partly because of his impressive numbers in the series. Robinson has taken 16 wickets at an average of 7.18, compared with Archer’s eight wickets at 21.87. Robinson also has the responsibility of choosing the ball England use during their bowling innings. Archer, however, sees his role in simpler terms. “It’s the same as everyone’s role,” Archer said. “You come in and you try to make an impact. If the guy at the other end is going well, you complement him, and if he’s not you try to take it up and be the aggressor. That’s it, everyone just push-and-pulls.” Archer Focused on His Own Role England’s pace attack has benefited from the freedom given to each bowler to operate according to his own strengths. That approach appears to suit Archer, whose focus remains firmly on his own preparation and performance. The fast bowler admitted that he does not pay much attention to how his teammates prepare for matches and was even unaware of the extent of Pakistan’s problems since the second Test at Lord’s. England have dominated the series so far, with both Tests ending inside seven days. Pakistan have struggled to put sustained pressure on the English bowling attack, spending no more than 51 overs at the crease in either match. Archer believes the third Test at Edgbaston could provide a greater challenge. “This wicket usually goes five days, so we’ll see how we go if we have the opportunity to be out there a bit longer than the past two games,” he said. “But, regardless, everyone is very relentless. Gus and Tonguey are due for another big haul. Hopefully it can come in this game.” Years of Rehabilitation Behind Archer Archer’s current workload is all the more impressive given the difficult journey that preceded it. His career has been repeatedly interrupted by stress fractures and other injuries, forcing him to spend long periods away from England squads across both red-ball and white-ball cricket. Those rehabilitation periods often left Archer working largely on his own, despite the support of the England and Wales Cricket Board, physiotherapists and strength-and-conditioning staff. Looking back, Archer acknowledged that his extended spells away from cricket also gave him an opportunity to reconnect with life in Barbados. The fast bowler moved away from the island permanently at around 19 to pursue his professional career, beginning his journey with Sussex. His injury-enforced breaks subsequently gave him rare opportunities to spend extended periods with friends and family. “With my rehab… I’d be lying if I didn’t say I had a good time away from everything,” Archer said. “Now, the present, and everything is really nice. My body is in a good place, the team is in a good place and everyone is in a good place. I just want to play cricket.” He admitted that missing cricket remained the most frustrating aspect of his injuries but said the time at home helped him regain perspective. “You get to catch up with your friends and family, that you would have grown apart from. I came over when I was 19 or 20. For four years, it was all about cricket,” Archer said. “To get a few months back it made me feel really nice, really grounded. At some point cricket is going to end, so then what are you going to do after that?” A New England Dressing Room The England dressing room has also changed dramatically since Archer made his international debut during the 2019 Ashes. Of the teammates he debuted alongside during that series, only captain Joe Root remains. Ben Stokes retired from international cricket three months ago, marking the end of another era for England’s Test side. For Archer, however, the focus is on creating new memories and helping England complete another series victory. The current Pakistan series has been markedly different from England’s five-Test battle against India last summer, when every match went into the fifth day. England’s quick victories against Pakistan have provided less opportunity to test their bowling attack over extended periods. Questions therefore remain about how durable this pace unit will prove over a full season and against stronger opposition. England’s upcoming challenges against South Africa and Australia will offer a far greater test. For now, though, Archer is concentrating on finishing the Pakistan series strongly and maintaining the fitness that has finally allowed him to play cricket consistently. “As long as we get the job done - usually here it goes five days - all the boys are ready,” Archer said. “We’ve been fortunate with two early finishes, but I think we’re ready. Last year every game went all five days. That is as good a prep as you will ever get. The boys are definitely ready if it does go for five days.”

Karnataka batter Karun Nair’s decision to leave the South Zone squad after being overlooked for the Duleep Trophy final has raised fresh questions over team selection. Nair, who was not picked for either the Duleep Trophy semi-final or the ongoing final against Central Zone in Chennai, returned to Bengaluru and joined the KSCA Secretary XI for the Thimmappiah Trophy, a red-ball tournament that traditionally serves as part of Karnataka’s preparations for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. The batter had attended South Zone’s training session at Chepauk on Saturday, the eve of the Duleep Trophy final. According to reports, Nair left the squad on Sunday after learning that he had once again been left out of the playing XI. A day later, he made his presence felt with the bat, scoring a century for KSCA Secretary XI against Chhattisgarh at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. South Zone coach Vikram Verma said after the second day’s play in the Duleep Trophy final that Nair had returned home for “personal reasons”. However, Nair’s post on X, formerly Twitter, appeared to suggest that his departure was linked to his non-selection, bringing greater scrutiny to the decision-making within the South Zone camp. Verma defended the team’s selection, explaining that the combination of the squad and the opposition’s bowling attack influenced the decision to leave Nair out. “We went with a good combination because every team has two left-arm spinners. So we thought a left-hand batter in the middle order would give us a chance to dominate them,” Verma said. He added that South Zone had initially given an opportunity to youngster Kodimela Himateja in the match against North Zone before Devdutt Padikkal returned to the squad, making the selection of the middle order even more competitive. “In the first match against North Zone, we gave a chance to a youngster, Himateja. Now since Padikkal has come back again, the team combination was that. So it was difficult to leave him out, but that's the combination we have,” Verma said. South Zone’s Opening Combination Under Scrutiny The selection has also attracted attention because South Zone entered the final with only one specialist opening batter, N Jagadeesan. On the eve of the final, South Zone captain Tilak Varma defended the decision, saying vice-captain Ricky Bhui could step up to open alongside Jagadeesan. Bhui had already opened during the semi-final in Bengaluru, scoring 5 and 42. However, opening is not a regular role for him, as he has started the innings in only three of his 90 first-class appearances. “Bhui has played before and has opened the innings before, but it has been some time. Ricky was playing in the middle order, but now he can adjust and he’s a senior player. That’s why we thought to open with him and Jaggi,” Tilak said. The situation surrounding Nair has therefore added another layer of intrigue to the Duleep Trophy final, particularly given his experience and recent domestic performances. Selection Process The Duleep Trophy squads are selected differently from India’s national teams. The squads are picked by selectors representing the individual state associations within each zone rather than by the national selectors. Nair’s exclusion, followed by his return to Karnataka and immediate century in the Thimmappiah Trophy, has consequently placed renewed focus on the selection process and the team combination chosen by South Zone for the tournament. While South Zone have justified their decision on tactical and combination grounds, Nair’s latest performance is likely to keep the debate around his non-selection alive as Karnataka and Indian domestic cricket move towards the Ranji Trophy season.

Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is set to make his long-awaited Caribbean Premier League (CPL) debut after joining table-toppers Guyana Amazon Warriors as a replacement for Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi. Mehidy has been brought into the Amazon Warriors squad for the remainder of CPL 2026, while Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has joined the franchise as a replacement for Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Both Nabi and Gurbaz are leaving the CPL to join Afghanistan’s national team for a three-match T20I series against India, beginning September 13. Nabi, who missed Afghanistan’s recent ODI series against Ireland because of his CPL commitments, has now made himself available for the T20I series. Nabi has been one of the key performers behind Guyana Amazon Warriors’ impressive campaign this season. The franchise has won 10 of its 11 matches across the Global Super League and CPL. The Afghanistan allrounder leaves the CPL as the leading wicket-taker among spinners, having claimed 12 wickets in six innings at an economy rate of below six. Four of those wickets came in Amazon Warriors’ victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Providence on Sunday, a result that secured their place in the playoffs. Amazon Warriors captain Imran Tahir praised Nabi’s contribution and admitted that the team would miss his presence. “He’s been an absolute legend,” Tahir said. “He’s one of the best offspinners in world cricket at the moment and that’s the reason we got him. He can bat and is a really good slip fielder.” Tahir also highlighted Nabi’s influence away from his individual performances, particularly his experience and willingness to share knowledge with his teammates. “He’s also been good with us, sharing his knowledge and the way he’s been bowling has been brilliant. From GSL till now, his lengths are so good and he never missed anything in any game. We’re really going to miss him,” he added. Mehidy Finally Set for CPL Appearance Mehidy has been associated with the CPL previously but has never played a match in the competition. He was selected by Trinbago Knight Riders as a replacement player in 2017 but did not make an appearance. The Bangladesh allrounder is not part of his country's T20I squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, meaning he will be available to Amazon Warriors for the remainder of their CPL campaign. His arrival provides Guyana with a like-for-like replacement for Nabi, with Mehidy offering both offspin bowling and useful contributions with the bat. Haris Returns to Guyana Mohammad Haris is a familiar name to the Amazon Warriors setup. The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter represented the franchise during the Global Super League in July and August this year. With Gurbaz departing, Amazon Warriors have several options for their top order. They could bring New Zealand allrounder Glenn Phillips back into the XI and use Shai Hope as wicketkeeper. The franchise could also turn to local Guyana batter Matthew Nandu, who is in the squad as a reserve opener, if they prefer a left-handed option at the top of the order. Gurbaz leaves after making a useful contribution in his two CPL 2026 appearances, scoring 93 runs. He made 54 from 35 balls against Jamaica Kingsmen before following it up with 39 from 25 balls against the Patriots. Tahir Warns Amazon Warriors Against Complacency Despite already securing their playoff place, Tahir has urged his side to maintain its intensity and avoid becoming complacent. “Just really proud of the boys, we’ve been playing really good cricket in all the departments,” Tahir said. “Maybe now and then we lose a bit of grip but anyone can come and be a hero. That’s been the story so far in our group. Like I said before, we enjoy each other’s success.” Tahir also praised the support received by the franchise and stressed the importance of continuing to represent the team with commitment. “When we go and do our work, we do it sincerely; we’re representing this beautiful franchise. We’ve been looked after really well and fans come and support us from all over the world. We’re nicely sitting on top of the table, but we’re not taking things for granted,” he said. St Lucia Kings Sign Kemol Savory Elsewhere in the CPL, St Lucia Kings have signed Guyana batter Kemol Savory as a replacement for Ackeem Auguste. The 29-year-old Savory, who is yet to make his CPL debut, joins the Kings after Auguste was ruled out for medical reasons. Auguste featured in five matches for St Lucia during CPL 2026. The Kings confirmed that Auguste’s health remains the priority and said he would receive the necessary care and support during his recovery. The franchise also wished the young batter a full and speedy recovery and expressed its hope that he would return once medically cleared.

New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has opted to move from a full-time New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contract to a casual playing agreement after signing a deal to participate in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) in December. Chapman will remain available for New Zealand’s upcoming white-ball series against India in November before travelling to Australia for the BBL. His BBL franchise has not yet been confirmed. The decision places Chapman alongside fellow New Zealand internationals Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert, who are also on casual NZC contracts. The arrangement gives the players greater flexibility to participate in overseas leagues during the New Zealand domestic summer. “I’m thankful to New Zealand Cricket for their support now and throughout my career,” Chapman said. “The upcoming India series is one all us players are really excited for, and I’m committed wholeheartedly to performing in that series.” Chapman’s BBL commitment comes at a time when New Zealand will be touring Australia for a Test series. However, the 30-year-old batter has not played first-class cricket since 2024 and has never represented the Black Caps in Test cricket. He was previously called into New Zealand’s Test squad for the tour of India in 2024 but did not make his debut. Earlier this year, Chapman also requested not to be considered for Test cricket when NZC finalised its initial central-contract list. His decision to move off the main contract list has opened a spot for fast bowler Matt Fisher, who has been added to New Zealand Cricket’s central contract list. New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said the team would need considerable pace-bowling depth with a demanding Test schedule ahead, featuring series against India, Australia and Sri Lanka. “With the heavy schedule of cricket coming up, notably the Test matches against India, Australia, and Sri Lanka, we know we’ll need good depth in our fast-bowling stocks to give the Black Caps the best chance of success,” Larsen said. “Matt is someone able to bowl that express pace which is extremely valuable to the balance of any side, so we’re excited to have him on the central contract list.” Fisher has represented New Zealand in one Test, against Zimbabwe in 2025. He has also played three ODIs and one T20I for the Black Caps. Chapman will now focus on the November white-ball series against India before making the move to Australia for his BBL campaign in December.

Middlesex’s director of cricket, Alan Coleman, will step down from his role at the end of the 2026 season, bringing an end to his five-year tenure at the club. Coleman took charge in 2021 following Stuart Law’s departure as head coach. Before becoming director of cricket, he had worked with Middlesex as an assistant coach and academy director. During his time in the role, Coleman oversaw both the men’s and women’s senior teams. Among the key achievements of his tenure were the men’s return to Division One of the County Championship in 2022 and Sunrisers’ success in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2024. His decision comes during a challenging period for Middlesex away from the field. Former chief executive Andrew Cornish was dismissed in June after previously taking a leave of absence amid a Cricket Regulator investigation into his conduct. The club had also been placed under special measures by the ECB in September 2023 following breaches of the County Partnership Agreement and financial regulations. Coleman said he was proud to have led the cricket department at the club he had supported since childhood, particularly during what he described as one of the most difficult periods in Middlesex’s history off the field. He also paid tribute to the players, coaches and staff he worked with, including men’s head coaches Richard Johnson, Dane Vilas and Peter Fulton, women’s coaches Andy Tennant and Marc Broom, and Sunrisers regional director of cricket Danni Warren. Middlesex interim CEO Julie Harrington thanked Coleman for his contribution and praised his dedication to the club. She said his focus on developing and winning with homegrown players would remain an important part of Middlesex’s future. The club has already begun the process of finding Coleman’s successor. He will remain involved through the end of the calendar year, overseeing the beginning of the winter training programme and helping ensure a smooth transition to his replacement.

Former England batter Jonathan Trott has been appointed interim head coach of the England Lions for their upcoming two-match T20 series against Sri Lanka and is reportedly among the leading candidates to take the role on a permanent basis. Trott will take charge of the Lions after applying for the position advertised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last month. The vacancy opened following Andrew Flintoff’s resignation from the role after he was appointed head coach of Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. The 44-year-old Trott recently ended a highly successful four-year spell as head coach of Afghanistan, stepping down after the T20 World Cup in February. During his tenure, Afghanistan reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup and recorded notable victories over Sri Lanka, England and Pakistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup. Trott will lead the Lions in their two T20 matches against Sri Lanka on September 11 and 13. The games will serve as preparation for Sri Lanka ahead of their white-ball series against England, which includes three T20 internationals and three ODIs. He will be assisted by former England internationals Ravi Bopara and Graeme Swann, while ECB pace-bowling lead Troy Cooley and fielding specialist Carl Hopkinson will also be part of the coaching staff. Trott’s experience extends beyond international cricket, having also worked in franchise leagues. His successful record with Afghanistan could put him in contention for a future role with England’s senior white-ball setup, particularly when Brendon McCullum’s tenure eventually comes to an end. Strong Squad Named for Lions The ECB announced a 20-man squad for the two Lions fixtures on Monday. The squad has been selected in consultation with the counties, allowing players to remain available for County Championship commitments where necessary. Six players from England’s T20I squad have been included. Tom Banton and Will Jacks are set to return following a quad injury and appendicitis respectively, while James Coles, Aneurin Donald, Jamie Overton and Saqib Mahmood have also been selected. Henry Crocombe, who is part of England’s ODI squad, will also feature for the Lions. Three players from England’s Under-19 World Cup campaign earlier this year — Caleb Falconer, Ben Mayes and Joe Moores — have received call-ups. Lancashire left-arm seamer Luke Wood has also been included after missing out on England’s T20I squad. Essex all-rounder Paul Walter could make his Lions debut following an impressive Hundred campaign with Manchester Super Giants. Sri Lanka will enter the series with Charith Asalanka set to deputise as T20I captain after regular skipper Kusal Mendis was ruled out with injury. England Lions vs Sri Lanka: Fixtures September 11: 1st T20 — Chelmsford, floodlit September 13: 2nd T20 — Beckenham England Lions Squad Tom Banton, Jafer Chohan, James Coles, Mason Crane, Henry Crocombe, Aneurin Donald, Caleb Falconer, Tom Hartley, Eddie Jack, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Ben Mayes, Ben McKinney, Joe Moores, Jamie Overton, Matthew Revis, James Sales, Ollie Sykes, Paul Walter, Luke Wood.