Nottingham: Trent Rockets continued their impressive run in The Hundred Women's competition with a commanding six-wicket victory over Birmingham Phoenix at Trent Bridge, securing their fourth consecutive win and climbing to the top of the standings. Sophia Dunkley produced another outstanding batting display, scoring a match-winning 65 off just 37 deliveries to guide the Rockets to 124 for 4 in pursuit of Birmingham's modest total of 122 for 7. Her innings, packed with elegant stroke play and powerful hitting, further strengthened her position as the tournament's leading run-scorer while also making her the all-time leading run-getter in the women's Hundred. Dunkley dominated the chase from the outset, mixing clever placement with aggressive shot-making. She reached her half-century in just 26 balls, highlighted by two towering sixes off leg-spinner Alana King. Even after Trent Rockets lost Nat Sciver-Brunt (24) and Ash Gardner in consecutive deliveries with the score on 82, Dunkley maintained control of the innings. Her innings ended on 65 when she was caught at deep midwicket attempting to clear the boundary off Alice Capsey, but by then the Rockets were firmly in command. Sophie Luff finished the chase in style with a quick burst of boundaries as Trent Rockets reached the target with 16 balls remaining. Earlier, Birmingham Phoenix endured another difficult outing with the bat. Davina Perrin provided a positive start with 18 before mistiming Kim Garth to mid-on. The innings quickly lost momentum as Alice Capsey was bowled for 1, captain Ellyse Perry was stumped after overbalancing against Ash Gardner, and Tammy Beaumont was run out following a brilliant direct throw from Dunkley, leaving Phoenix struggling at 55 for 4. Emma Lamb, making her first appearance of the tournament, anchored the innings with a composed 45, while Annerie Dercksen added valuable support in a 45-run partnership. However, both batters fell to Kim Garth, who delivered an excellent spell of 4 for 23 to restrict Birmingham to a below-par total. Chasing 123, Trent Rockets' strong batting lineup ensured there were few alarms as they comfortably overhauled the target. The victory extends their winning streak to four matches and reinforces their credentials as title contenders. For Birmingham Phoenix, the defeat was their third in five matches, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging by a thread. After being named the Meerkat Match Hero, Dunkley credited the team's fearless approach to batting. "I just try to go out and play with freedom. Having such a strong batting line-up gives us a lot of belief, and it's nice to go out there and express myself," she said. "We're very brave with the bat and keep taking the game on. That aggression has worked well for us, and the bowlers have been excellent too. It was another really good all-round performance."

Ireland allrounder Orla Prendergast delivered a match-winning performance with the ball as Welsh Fire secured a tense three-wicket victory over Manchester Super Giants in the Women's Hundred at Emirates Old Trafford, strengthening their chances of reaching the knockout stage. Prendergast, who joined Welsh Fire as a replacement for injured captain Sophie Devine, produced the best bowling figures of the Women's Hundred season with 4 for 18, helping dismiss three of Manchester's top four batters within the opening 15 deliveries. After opting to bowl first, Welsh Fire produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict Manchester Super Giants to 85 for 9 from their 100 balls. Although the hosts managed to collect 14 runs from the final six deliveries, the total proved well below par. Manchester's innings began brightly when Smriti Mandhana launched Grace Potts for a six early in the innings. However, Prendergast quickly turned the tide by removing Mandhana and Paige Scholfield, leaving the Super Giants struggling before they had reached 40. The pressure was maintained throughout the innings by Fire's bowling unit. Sophia Smale conceded just nine runs from her 20 balls, while captain Georgia Wareham gave away only 13 runs. Heather Graham also impressed, claiming 2 for 19 as Manchester's batting lineup failed to build any meaningful partnerships. Only a late unbeaten 18 from Ryana MacDonald-Gay, featuring three boundaries, helped the Super Giants push their total beyond 80. Chasing a modest target of 86, Welsh Fire made a steady start through tournament leading run-scorer Georgia Voll and Sarah Bryce, who both scored 16. Captain Wareham then injected momentum into the chase, striking three boundaries in her first six deliveries. However, England spinner Sophie Ecclestone sparked a dramatic collapse by dismissing Freya Kemp and Prendergast in successive deliveries before removing Wareham, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 14. Meg Lanning played a key role in the field, taking three catches. The chase became tense after Grace Thompson was run out and Niamh Holland was bowled by Kathryn Bryce, reducing Fire to seven wickets down with victory still within Manchester's reach. Rhianna Southby steadied the innings with two timely boundaries before Heather Graham, who also struck the winning runs in Fire's previous match, sealed the victory once again with nine balls remaining. The win leaves Welsh Fire firmly in the race for the playoffs, while Manchester Super Giants remain just two points ahead in third place, thanks largely to the points earned from their rain-abandoned fixture against Birmingham Phoenix. Reflecting on the victory, Wareham praised her side's resilience despite a nervy chase. "There's a lot of help out there for me as captain. Meg Lanning knows exactly how to squeeze a game and make it difficult for the opposition. We had a few mistakes with the bat, but they were forced by the pressure they created. We'll take the win, learn from it and move forward. The crowd and atmosphere were fantastic," Wareham said.

Former New Zealand captain and legendary allrounder Suzie Bates has signed a domestic contract with Otago for the first time in two decades, marking a new chapter in her illustrious cricket career after retiring from international cricket earlier this year. The 38-year-old called time on her international career following New Zealand's group-stage exit at the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Bates, who is currently serving as the batting coach for Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred under head coach Adi Birrell, will now shift her focus entirely to the Otago Sparks for the upcoming New Zealand domestic season. According to an Otago Cricket statement, Bates will be available for both the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and the Super Smash, continuing a remarkable domestic career spanning 23 years. Last season, Bates was restricted to just one one-day appearance for Otago after suffering a tendon injury while fielding in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. The injury also ruled her out of the Super Smash campaign. Her return to a full domestic contract comes in an interesting twist, with promising batter Abby Fookes, who was born in 2006—the same year Bates last held an Otago domestic contract—earning her maiden deal with the Sparks. Otago women's pathway manager Sarah Tsukigawa welcomed the blend of youth and experience in the squad. "It's exciting for Abby to be in the Sparks squad with the experience that Suzie brings. Abby will learn a lot about being a cricketer both on and off the field from Suzie. We are very fortunate to be able to watch Suzie play for the Sparks for another season," Tsukigawa said. She also praised Fookes' potential, describing the young batter as a mature cricketer with a bright future ahead. Bates retires from international cricket as New Zealand's highest run-scorer across all formats and the leading run-scorer in Women's T20 Internationals, leaving behind one of the most distinguished careers in the history of the women's game. Claudia Green and Gemma Sims Step Away from Cricket Meanwhile, New Zealand domestic cricket will bid farewell to two more players. Central Districts seamer Claudia Green has announced her retirement from both domestic and international cricket at the age of 28. Green toured England twice with the New Zealand squad in 2021 as a reserve bowler before deciding to pursue opportunities outside the game. In a statement, Central Districts said the former physical education graduate and teacher was stepping away from cricket to focus on her professional career and explore new opportunities beyond the sport. Wellington Blaze batter Gemma Sims has also decided to retire from professional cricket shortly after celebrating her 25th birthday. Sims made her domestic debut for the Central Hinds during the 2020–21 season before moving to the Wellington Blaze ahead of the 2023–24 campaign. Reflecting on her career, she said the friendships, challenges and shared experiences with the Blaze would remain her fondest memories. "I'm excited to watch the Blaze continue to grow and create more special moments together," Sims said. New Zealand Women's Domestic Contracts Announced New Zealand Cricket's six major associations have confirmed their contracted players for the upcoming domestic season. Otago: Suzie Bates, Emma Black, Anna Browning, Harriett Cuttance, Chloe Deerness, Abby Fookes, Louisa Kotkamp, Hannah O'Connor, Anika Todd, PJ Watkins, Saffron Wilson. Auckland: Olivia Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Elizabeth Buchanan, Prue Catton, Ella Drumm, Amie Hucker, Talia Hurley, Ayaan Lambat, Eve Meachen, Josie Penfold, Anika Tauwhare, Kat Thomas. Canterbury: Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Kate Chandler, Stella Cornelius, Olivia Gain, Abigale Gerken, Ciara Hartland, Abigail Hotton, Kate Irwin, Darcy Prasad, Gabby Sullivan. Central Districts: Aniela Apperley, Georgia Atkinson, Elizabeth Cohr, Grace Foreman, Kate Gaging, Yasmeen Kareem, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Jess Ogden, Cate Pedersen, Kerry Tomlinson, Abby Treder. Northern Districts: Lucy Boucher, Skye Bowden, Sophie Court, Marama Downes, Catlin Gurrey, Rishika Jaswal, Kayley Knight, Marina Lamplough, Holly Topp, Tash Wakelin, Jess Watkin, Eve Wolland. Wellington: Hannah Francis, Isla McKenzie, Isy Parry, Jess McFayden, Jess Simmons, Natasha Codyre, Neha Ramanathan, Nicole Baird, Rachel Bryant, Rebecca Burns, Sam Mackinder, Xara Jetly.

Australia fast bowler Michael Neser has suffered a right calf strain during a training session but remains optimistic of recovering in time for Australia's Test tour of South Africa in October. The 36-year-old, who starred in Australia's Ashes triumph earlier this year, sustained the injury while completing a running session during the team's training camp in Brisbane. The setback is expected to require approximately one month of rehabilitation before Neser resumes bowling and builds up his workload ahead of the South Africa series. Neser was not included in Australia's 13-man squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against Bangladesh, beginning next Thursday in Darwin, following the return of frontline pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood from injury. However, he had been training with the squad and remained on standby should an injury occur among Australia's first-choice fast bowlers. The experienced seamer enjoyed a breakthrough Ashes campaign, claiming 15 wickets at an average of 19.93. His performances included a maiden five-wicket haul at his home ground, the Gabba, as well as two four-wicket hauls in Melbourne and Sydney. His contributions proved instrumental in Australia's emphatic 4-1 series victory over England. After overcoming a significant hamstring injury sustained while playing for Australia A in November 2024, Neser has remained injury-free until this latest setback. Following his Ashes heroics, he was awarded a Cricket Australia central contract and opted against returning to county cricket with Hampshire to focus on Australia's demanding international schedule, which could feature up to 21 Test matches over the next year. Australia's selectors and support staff have emphasized the importance of maintaining depth in the pace-bowling department, particularly with an experienced fast-bowling group expected to shoulder a heavy workload across multiple Test series. Neser has credited his recent success to changes in his training methods, focusing on higher-speed running and more intense bowling sessions while reducing overall workload. During the Ashes, he consistently touched speeds of 140 km/h, recording some of the fastest deliveries of his Test career. Apart from Neser's injury, Australia's training camp has been largely positive. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis experienced back spasms during a centre-wicket practice session, but the issue is understood to be a recurrence of a previous condition and is not expected to affect his availability for the Bangladesh series. Australia's pace quartet of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland all came through training without any concerns. Team management is expected to choose between Hazlewood and Boland for the final pace-bowling spot in the playing XI for the opening Test in Darwin. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon also impressed on his return from hamstring surgery, bowling extended spells during practice and taking three wickets, strengthening his chances of featuring in the first Test. The batting unit also showed encouraging signs, with Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald and Cameron Green all registering half-centuries during the two-day practice match. Green is expected to bat at No. 5 following Usman Khawaja's retirement, while Beau Webster is also likely to be included in the XI. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has made one change to its CA XI squad for the three-day tour match against Bangladesh in Darwin. Promising Queensland left-handed batter Jack Clayton has replaced Victoria's Tom Rogers, who has departed to participate in the Lanka Premier League as a replacement player. New South Wales batter Kurtis Patterson will captain the Cricket Australia XI, while all 13 selected players will be eligible to bat and bowl in the non-first-class fixture. South Australia all-rounder Noah McFadyen has been omitted from the final squad.

Australia fast bowlers Tayla Vlaeminck and Darcie Brown have been named in the Australia A Women's squad for the upcoming multi-format tour of India in September, marking significant returns for both pacers. Vlaeminck, 27, is set for her long-awaited comeback after being sidelined for nearly two years with a recurring shoulder injury. The speedster has not featured in either international or domestic cricket since sustaining the injury while diving in the field during the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Despite her immense talent, Vlaeminck's career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries. She has represented Australia in just 29 matches over the past eight years, with Cricket Australia carefully managing her latest rehabilitation. The prolonged absence also resulted in her being left off Cricket Australia's national contract list. Joining Vlaeminck in the squad is fellow fast bowler Darcie Brown, who also returns after missing Australia's successful Women's T20 World Cup campaign in England. Brown was overlooked for the tournament as team management opted for left-arm seamer Lucy Hamilton alongside a spin-heavy bowling attack better suited to English conditions. Both pacers have been included for the white-ball leg of the India tour, which comprises three T20 matches in New Chandigarh followed by three One-Day matches in Mohali. However, neither Vlaeminck nor Brown will feature in the four-day fixture scheduled to be played in Dharamshala. National selector Shawn Flegler welcomed the return of the experienced fast bowlers, highlighting the value they will bring to the emerging squad. "It's great to have Tayla back in the green and gold and to have Darcie back in action. Both bring invaluable international experience to the group, and having them alongside some of our younger players provides a great opportunity for those emerging cricketers to learn from two world-class fast bowlers while continuing their own development," Flegler said. Australia A has also appointed different captains for each format as part of its leadership development strategy. Nicole Faltum will lead the side in the T20 series, Tahlia Wilson will captain the 50-over team, while Rachel Trenaman has been entrusted with leading the squad in the four-day match. The tour is expected to provide valuable match experience for Australia's next generation of cricketers while allowing returning players to regain form ahead of future international assignments. Australia A Women's Squad for India Tour Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, Charli Knott, Anika Learoyd, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Frankie Nicklin, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Rachel Trenaman, Courtney Webb, Tahlia Wilson and Tayla Vlaeminck.

Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape have strengthened their squad ahead of the fifth season of the SA20 by signing Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who is set to make his debut in South Africa's premier franchise T20 competition. Marsh joins an already formidable line-up featuring Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs and Adam Milne. The Eastern Cape franchise has established itself as the most successful team in SA20 history, winning three of the tournament's four editions. The 2027 SA20 season will begin on January 17, with a mini-auction scheduled for October 7. A total of 20 player slots remain available across four franchises, while Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals have already completed their 19-player squads. Each team can include a maximum of seven overseas players and must have at least two players under the age of 23. Among the notable omissions from this year's retained and pre-signed squads are former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, veteran spinner Imran Tahir, Rassie van der Dussen, Kieron Pollard and Trent Boult. Sunrisers Eastern Cape Add Marsh and Rishad Hossain Sunrisers Eastern Cape have retained the core of their title-winning squad, with Tristan Stubbs continuing as captain and Marco Jansen spearheading the bowling attack. In addition to Marsh, the franchise has signed Bangladesh leg-spinning all-rounder Rishad Hossain, who impressed during the 2024 T20 World Cup with 14 wickets, matching Rashid Khan's tally. Hossain replaces Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar, who is absent from this season's competition. The champions currently have two squad spots remaining before the auction. Pretoria Capitals Bring Back Phil Salt Last season's runners-up, Pretoria Capitals, have retained explosive batter Dewald Brevis and welcomed back England wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt, who represented the franchise during its first two seasons. Australian all-rounder Matthew Short has also been added, while promising 19-year-old fast bowler Bayanda Majola joins after an impressive Under-19 World Cup campaign. The Capitals parted ways with Jordan Cox, Shai Hope, Roston Chase and several other players, leaving five spots to be filled at the auction. Paarl Royals Complete Squad Paarl Royals have finalized their squad ahead of the auction, highlighted by the return of England Test captain Joe Root. However, Root's participation is expected to be limited due to England's tour of Bangladesh. The Royals also retained a strong overseas contingent, including Sikandar Raza, Gudakesh Motie and Azmatullah Omarzai, while Under-19 fast bowler JJ Basson has been added to bolster the pace attack. With 19 players confirmed, Paarl Royals will not participate in the player auction. Joburg Super Kings Enter New Era Joburg Super Kings are set for a significant transition after appointing Albie Morkel as head coach following Stephen Fleming's departure. The biggest talking points are the exclusions of long-time captain Faf du Plessis and veteran spinner Imran Tahir, both of whom had been integral to the franchise since the inaugural season. West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder returns to the SA20 after previously representing Durban's Super Giants, while Leus du Plooy has also joined the squad. With seven vacancies remaining, Joburg is expected to target fast bowlers after releasing Nandre Burger, Reece Topley and Wiaan Mulder. Durban's Super Giants Make Minimal Changes Durban's Super Giants have opted for continuity, making only three changes to their squad while completing all 19 roster spots before the auction. England all-rounder Sam Curran headlines the new arrivals after previously playing for MI Cape Town. Devon Conway and Kyle Simmonds also join the squad, replacing David Wiese, Noor Ahmad and Dayyaan Galiem. The franchise will once again rely on a star-studded core featuring Heinrich Klaasen, captain Aiden Markram, Jos Buttler, Sunil Narine, Liam Livingstone and Kane Williamson. MI Cape Town Face Major Rebuild After finishing bottom of the table last season, MI Cape Town have begun a significant rebuild by releasing several experienced campaigners. Rassie van der Dussen, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult and Dwaine Pretorius are among the high-profile departures. England all-rounder Will Jacks is the franchise's only confirmed new signing so far, leaving six vacancies to be filled during the mini-auction. With key players such as Rashid Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Kagiso Rabada and Ryan Rickelton retained, MI Cape Town will be aiming for a stronger showing in the upcoming season. As the October 7 mini-auction approaches, franchises with remaining vacancies will look to strengthen their squads in preparation for another highly competitive SA20 campaign beginning on January 17.

Manchester Super Giants have suffered a major setback in their Hundred campaign after captain Aiden Markram returned to South Africa for personal reasons, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament. The franchise confirmed the development on Wednesday, extending its support to the South African all-rounder. "Manchester Super Giants can confirm that men's captain Aiden Markram has returned to South Africa due to personal reasons. Everyone at the Super Giants would like to extend our very best wishes to Aiden at this time, and thank him for his contribution to the team during this year's competition," the club said in an official statement. To fill the vacancy, Manchester Super Giants have signed New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell as Markram's replacement. Bracewell, 35, recently featured for Lahore Qalandars in the Global Super League and represented Southern Brave in last year's Hundred. Although he is not expected to arrive in time for Wednesday's clash against Welsh Fire at Emirates Old Trafford, he is likely to be available for the team's final two group-stage matches. In Markram's absence, England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler will take over the captaincy. Buttler previously led the Manchester-based franchise during the first three editions of The Hundred and returns to a leadership role for the first time since stepping down as England's white-ball captain following the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Markram's exit comes at a crucial stage of the competition. Manchester Super Giants began their campaign with back-to-back victories but have since suffered three consecutive defeats, placing added pressure on the side in the race for the playoffs. The South African skipper endured a mixed tournament with the bat. After scoring just 67 runs across his first four innings, Markram bounced back with a timely half-century against Oval Invincibles on Sunday, offering hope of a return to form before his unexpected departure. His absence also forces Manchester Super Giants into their first change of the season, having fielded an unchanged playing XI in each of their opening five matches. The squad still includes Tawanda Muyeye, Max Holden, Paul Walter, Tom Hartley, James Sales, George Scrimshaw and Adam Finch as available options alongside Bracewell's arrival. Manchester Super Giants will now look to regroup under Buttler's leadership as they aim to secure a place in The Hundred playoffs despite the loss of their captain.

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has voiced his support for Joe Root's return as England's Test skipper while admitting he is concerned about the toll the role could once again take on his close friend. Speaking on the latest episode of the For The Love Of Cricket podcast alongside Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad, Stokes revealed that his biggest concern is not Root's ability to lead the team, but the personal sacrifices the star batter may make after previously stepping down from the captaincy in 2022. Root resigned from the role four years ago after describing his first stint as captain as a "very unhealthy relationship," with the pressures of leading England during the Covid-19 era taking a significant emotional toll. Stokes, who succeeded Root and recently retired as Test captain following the New Zealand series, said he had already spoken to Root after his reappointment. "I love Rooty and wish him nothing but success," Stokes said. "My only worry is Joe himself. He always puts the team first and himself second. Having seen what he went through the last time he was captain, I just don't want to see that happen again because I care about him a lot." Fleming's Arrival Boosts Confidence Stokes expressed confidence that newly appointed Test head coach Stephen Fleming will provide valuable support to Root, having previously worked with the former New Zealand captain in the Indian Premier League. According to Stokes, Fleming's experience and leadership style could help Root enjoy his second spell as captain while easing some of the burdens that accompanied his previous tenure. Stokes Questions Brook Decision The former captain also questioned the England and Wales Cricket Board's decision not to promote vice-captain Harry Brook to the top job after Stokes' retirement. Brook, who was appointed vice-captain ahead of the Ashes, was overlooked despite being the designated deputy. ECB Managing Director Rob Key recently explained that the board felt it was "too soon" to hand Brook full leadership responsibilities following recent off-field issues. Stokes disagreed with that assessment. "If someone is good enough to be vice-captain, then trust them with the captaincy when the opportunity comes," he said. "When I missed a Test earlier, I wondered why Brook wasn't leading. If he's vice-captain but doesn't become captain when the captain is unavailable, what message does that send?" Stokes also pointed out that he had no previous leadership experience when he was appointed England captain in 2022. Cricket's Relationship with Alcohol Addressing questions about England's off-field culture, Stokes rejected suggestions that the national team has a drinking problem. Instead, he argued that alcohol has long been embedded in cricket at every level of the game. "I don't think England has a drinking culture," he said. "I think cricket has a drinking culture. From club cricket right through to the international game, alcohol has always been part of the sport." Stokes acknowledged that the issue can become problematic and admitted he had experienced periods in his own career where his relationship with alcohol had become "potentially dangerous." However, he said his approach has changed significantly in recent years. While sports science, nutrition and professionalism have evolved dramatically, Stokes believes cricket's association with alcohol has remained largely unchanged and deserves greater attention. Coaching Ambitions Looking ahead, Stokes revealed he hopes to remain involved in cricket after his playing career by pursuing coaching. The 35-year-old is currently completing his ECB Level Three coaching qualification while continuing to play domestic cricket for Durham. He said coaching England in the future would be an ambition. "I want to be a coach," Stokes said. "Would I love to coach England one day? Absolutely. Whether it happens or not, I don't know." No Retirement U-Turn Stokes also dismissed speculation that he could reverse his retirement from Test cricket, insisting his decision is final. Although he had initially planned to retire after the 2027 Ashes, recurring injuries and the physical demands of international cricket convinced him to step away earlier. The all-rounder explained that after dedicating much of his career to leading England, he could not imagine returning to the side solely as a player. "I was very comfortable with retiring," Stokes said. "If I was going to play for England, it was going to be as captain. I gave everything to that role, and I don't see myself coming back just as a player." With Root beginning a second chapter as England's Test captain and Stokes turning his attention toward coaching, the team's leadership enters a new era while one of its most influential figures prepares for life beyond international cricket.

Ireland and Afghanistan are set to usher in a new chapter in their ODI journeys as they face off in a five-match series beginning at Bready. Both teams enter the contest under new leadership, with fresh coaching setups and an eye on building towards qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. For Ireland, the series marks the beginning of Gary Wilson's tenure as head coach following the team's historic 2-0 T20I series victory over India. The hosts will also benefit from the expertise of former Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott, who has joined the Irish setup as a short-term consultant after spending more than three successful years transforming Afghanistan into one of the most competitive ODI teams. Although Ireland arrive with confidence after their recent T20I success, they have not played an ODI in over 15 months, making the series a crucial opportunity to rebuild and experiment. Afghanistan are also entering a new phase. Richard Pybus has taken over as head coach following Trott's departure, while veteran batter Rahmat Shah has replaced Hashmatullah Shahidi as ODI captain. Afghanistan have enjoyed an impressive run in the 50-over format since 2024 and defeated Ireland 2-0 in their previous ODI series in Sharjah. However, they will be eager to bounce back after their winning streak was halted by India earlier this year. Players to Watch Ireland's spotlight will be on left-arm pacer Jai Moondra, who is poised to make his ODI debut after an outstanding Player-of-the-Series performance against India in the recent T20Is. With several frontline Irish seamers sidelined through injury, Moondra has an opportunity to establish himself despite having played only nine List-A matches. For Afghanistan, explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz will once again be the key figure. The wicketkeeper-batter enters the series in outstanding form after scoring 87, an unbeaten 107, and 102 in the Shpageeza Cricket League before helping Guyana Amazon Warriors win the Global Super League with a string of consistent performances. Recently appointed vice-captain, Gurbaz will shoulder additional leadership responsibilities alongside his batting and wicketkeeping duties. Injury Concerns for Ireland Ireland's bowling attack has been severely affected by injuries, with Josh Little, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Matt Hollard, Jordan Neill, and David Delany all unavailable. The depleted squad could hand ODI debuts to right-arm seamer Byron McDonough and middle-order batter Ben Calitz, while spinner Gavin Hoey is expected to play a vital role. Afghanistan, meanwhile, receive a timely boost with the return of pace bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has opted out of the series, while spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman remains unavailable due to injury. Pitch and Conditions Bready has hosted only one men's ODI, back in 2019, but recent women's internationals at the venue produced high-scoring contests, with successful run chases of 242 and 270. Similar batting-friendly conditions are expected for the opening two matches, although forecasts suggest a 35 percent chance of rain on Wednesday. Key Statistics Afghanistan have won each of their last six ODIs against Ireland. Ireland's last ODI victory over Afghanistan came in May 2019. George Dockrell needs three wickets to become Ireland's leading wicket-taker in ODI history. In the only previous men's ODI at Bready, Ireland successfully chased 255 against Zimbabwe, with Mark Adair claiming four wickets and Andrew Balbirnie scoring a match-winning century. With both teams embarking on new journeys under fresh leadership, the five-match series promises to be an important test of progress, squad depth, and long-term ambitions in the ODI format.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former South African first-class cricketer and experienced coach Michael Smith as the batting coach of the Pakistan men's national team. Smith, a Level 4 qualified coach, will work with both the Test and white-ball squads. His first assignment will be Pakistan's upcoming three-match Test series against England, beginning on August 19 in Leeds. The PCB officially confirmed Smith's appointment on July 4, filling a role that had remained vacant in recent months. Before his arrival, national selector Asad Shafiq had occasionally assisted with batting responsibilities, but Smith will now assume the role on a full-time basis. Smith is no stranger to Pakistan cricket, having previously worked in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as a coach with Islamabad United. More recently, he served as assistant coach of Multan Sultans, gaining valuable experience within Pakistan's domestic and franchise cricket setup. His appointment comes at a time when Pakistan's batting, particularly in Test cricket, has faced intense criticism following a series of disappointing performances. The team's recurring batting collapses have been a major factor behind its struggles in the longest format. In their most recent Test against the West Indies, Pakistan squandered a commanding position after slipping from 244 for 3 to lose their final seven wickets for just 38 runs in the first innings. The visitors then failed to chase 211, collapsing for 120 in the fourth innings to suffer another defeat. Such performances have contributed to Pakistan losing 13 of their last 17 Test matches, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in the batting department. The lower order has been another area of concern. Since the start of 2025, Pakistan's last four batters have averaged just 9.91 runs per wicket, the lowest among all Test-playing nations during that period. Their struggles have been compounded by the bowling unit's inability to dismiss opposition tailenders cheaply, with rival teams' last four wickets averaging 27.02 runs per wicket against Pakistan since May 2024—also the worst record among Test sides. The PCB will hope Smith's experience and coaching expertise can strengthen Pakistan's batting unit as the team prepares for a challenging Test series in England. The opening Test of the three-match series will begin at Headingley, Leeds, on August 19.