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Ben Stokes ‘Hurting’ With How Pakistan Series Has Unfolded, Says Head Coach Brendon Mccullum

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England head coach Brendon McCullum said captain Ben Stokes will be “hurting” after the 2-1 Test series defeat against Pakistan. Despite winning the opening match of the series, England failed to make big inroads in the last two games and faltered against the spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali in Multan and Rawalpindi to lose their second series under Stokes’ leadership. The all-rounder missed the first Test owing to a hamstring injury and only scored 53 runs in four innings and went wicketless in the 10 overs he bowled.

“He’s disappointed but he’s our skipper and we know he’s tough. He’ll make sure he’ll come back. It’s our job to make sure we wrap our arms around him and help him along the way,” McCullum said.

“He is disappointed, naturally. We all know how competitive and driven the skipper is. He’ll be hurting right now with how the series has unfolded.

“That injury was quite significant. He had to put in a lot of graft and subconsciously maybe you’re not quite as screwed down as you can be in terms of decision-making. That’s natural,” he added.

Stokes has faced an inconsistent couple of years with his fitness. Throughout much of 2023, his bowling was limited by a persistent left knee issue. He underwent surgery in November of that year and returned as a full all-rounder during the summer home series. However, he then injured his hamstring while playing in The Hundred in August.

The 33-year-old missed four Tests, including the series opener in Pakistan, which England won. He returned for the second match – a loss on a reused pitch in Multan – and particularly struggled in the final Test in Rawalpindi.

Stokes managed just 15 runs across two innings and didn’t bowl. On the second afternoon, his typically proactive captaincy seemed unusually passive as Saud Shakeel scored a century, putting Pakistan in control.

In England’s second innings, Stokes was strangely dismissed lbw to a delivery from spinner Noman Ali after not offering a shot. England were ultimately bowled out for 112, their lowest total in Pakistan, setting up a nine-wicket victory for the hosts.

England face a quick turnaround to their next tour: a three-Test series in New Zealand starting at the end of November. The squad is expected to be announced soon, with few changes anticipated. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed may be replaced, possibly by an additional batter or wicketkeeper, to cover Jamie Smith, who could miss part or all of the tour due to the birth of his first child.

The first Test will be held in Christchurch, where Stokes was born before moving to the UK at age 12.

“He’ll be better for the run, no doubt. It will be a couple of weeks off, freshen up and back to conditions which are a bit more similar to England. It’s another opportunity for us,” said McCullum.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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West Indies Pacer Alzarri Joseph Storms Off Pitch After Heated Spat With Captain Shai Hope. Watch

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West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph stormed off the field after clashing with skipper Shai Hope during the 3rd ODI against England at Kensington Oval on Wednesday. The incident unfolded in the fourth over of England’s innings as Joseph left the field after a heated exchange over field placements. The incident ignited a huge controversy, leaving fans completely stunned. Despite bowling a wicket-maiden, Joseph was not happy with Hope’s field placements. He was seen making animated gestures to express his frustration.

Joseph’s protest led to an unusual scene as the pacer stormed off the ground. He was seen having a chat with teammate Hayden Walsh in the dugout. As a result, West Indies fielded with 10 players for one over before Joseph returned to the ground.

Meanwhile, Brandon King and Keacy Carty blasted centuries as the West Indies scored a series-clinching eight-wicket victory over England in the third and final game.

Replying to the visitors’ total of 263 for eight, King and Carty featured in a second-wicket stand of 209, the duo making light of what could have been a daunting task following the early loss of Evin Lewis.

King fell for 102 with victory in sight but Carty finished on an unbeaten 128 after hitting the winning boundary as West Indies coasted home on 267 for two with seven overs to spare.

Carty’s maiden ODI century spanned 114 balls and was highlighted by 15 fours and two sixes.

King stroked 13 fours and one six off 117 balls.

Earlier, England were indebted to Phil Salt‘s top-score of 74 as he averted a complete collapse after the tourists slumped to 24 for four after being put in.

He finally got support from the lower order as Sam Curran contributed 40 while Dan Mousley stroked his way to 57 in successive 70-run partnerships with the pugnacious opener.

Salt’s innings off 108 balls (four fours, one six) was ended by the superb athleticism of King, who leapt high at the midwicket boundary to prevent a six and then relayed the ball to waiting teammate Alzarri Joseph before falling over the boundary rope.

Quickfire 30s from Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer led the plundering of 100 runs off the final ten overs with part-timer Sherfane Rutherford, brought on to complete the spell of the hobbled Romario Shepherd, suffering the most as 57 runs were plastered off his 3.5 overs.

In contrast, seamer Matthew Forde was the epitome of consistency and economy in claiming three for 35 from his ten overs while Joseph and Shepherd took two wickets each.

West Indies’ 2-1 series triumph over the English was a repeat of their success 11 months earlier in the Caribbean as the teams shared the first two matches in Antigua before the home side prevailed in the decider in Barbados.

Personnel adjustments to the two squads will now take place as they remain in Barbados for the first two T20 Internationals of a five-match series at the weekend.

(With AFP Inputs)

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“India Haven’t Become A Bad Team”: New Zealand Star Gives Mammoth Verdict

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New Zealand skipper Tom Latham remained considerate even after the historic 3-0 Test series clean sweep against India recently, asserting that Rohit Sharma’s “quality” side has the ability to make a resounding comeback soon. The Kiwis, under Latham, became the first visiting side to whitewash India in a three-match home series, winning the Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai Tests. “Indian cricket in general is really special. We’ve played against them a lot. The guys play with them at the IPL. They were certainly gracious in defeat and they’re still a quality side,” Latham said after arriving from India.

“They certainly don’t become a bad team overnight and I’m sure they’ll turn things around in time,” he added.

Latham said the series victory became much sweeter because New Zealand suffered 0-2 defeat against Sri Lanka before landing in India.

“When we were in Sri Lanka a few weeks, where things didn’t necessarily go our way, so, I think it makes these times extra special when you’re able to achieve something that hasn’t been achieved before.

“It is just about enjoying everyone’s company, celebrating together. We had a couple of extra days to recover over there, so that was great,” he said.

New Zealand will now face England in a three-match series at home, and Latham said fronting up to the ‘Bazball’ brand of cricket will offer his team a vastly different challenge.

“I think it’s an exciting one. I guess you look at the Test matches in the past against England, whether it be home or away, they’ve always tended to be reasonably exciting. So, I’m sure this series will be no different.

“They’ve got an attacking brand that they like to play and I’m sure it will be no different in terms of how they like to approach it. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to it. Yeah, it’ll be a great challenge,” said Latham.

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Controversial Ex-India Coach’s Heartfelt Note To Prithvi Shaw: “Even Don Bradman…”

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Greg Chappell has penned a heartfelt note to out-of-favour batter Prithvi Shaw.© AFP




Former India head coach Greg Chappell has penned a heartfelt note to out-of-favour batter Prithvi Shaw, extending his support to latter after he was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team. Shaw, who first caught the limelight after leading India to the U-19 World Cup title in 2018, made a hundred on Test debut against West Indies in Rajkot. Cut to present, Shaw didn’t even find a place in Mumbai’s squad for the ongoing round of Ranji Trophy owing to ‘poor fitness’. While he last played for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2021, his last Test appearance came during the tour of Australia in 2020/21.

However, Chappell has reached out to Shaw through a heartfelt letter, reminding him how career lows can often lead to positive changes in life.

“Hi Prithvi, I understand you’re facing a challenging time right now, being out of the Mumbai team. It’s natural to feel frustrated and perhaps a bit uncertain, but I want you to know that these moments are often the turning points for athletes, helping to shape both their careers and their character,” Chappell wrote in a letter accessed by Times of India.

“I remember watching you play for India’s under-19 team, where you showcased an extraordinary talent and a spark that made it clear you were among the most exciting young cricketers of your time. Those of us who recognize your potential are still keenly watching your journey, knowing that the best is yet to come.”

Chappell also recalled out how Australia great Don Bradman and even himself were once dropped from the team but then fought their way back to the top.

“Remember, setbacks are a part of every great athlete’s story. Even legends like Don Bradman experienced being dropped and having to fight their way back. What made them great was not avoiding challenges, but how they responded to them. In my own career, being dropped was one of the most humbling yet valuable experiences. It forced me to review every aspect of my game and, more importantly, my approach,” the letter added.

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