The result handed the Caribbean side their first home Test series win in four years and their first Test series triumph since 2023, marking an important moment for a team that has struggled for consistency in the longer format in recent seasons.

Having crushed Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs in the opening Test, West Indies entered the final day of the second match in a commanding position. Sri Lanka resumed their second innings on 92/2 and adopted an aggressive approach in an attempt to force a result.

The visitors scored quickly during the morning session, adding runs at a brisk pace despite losing wickets regularly. Dinesh Chandimal led the charge with a fluent 71, while Kamindu Mendis also played positively as Sri Lanka pushed their total to 251/9 before declaring.

The declaration left West Indies with a target of 302 runs and limited time to chase victory.

Sri Lanka’s intent was evident throughout the opening session of the day. The visitors added 139 runs in 24 overs, but their attacking strategy also resulted in six wickets falling. Kamindu Mendis was dismissed by Jayden Seales, while captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Chandimal and Kusal Mendis all departed after getting starts. Sonal Dinusha was run out while attempting a second run.

With the match moving towards a draw, the focus shifted to how West Indies would respond to the target.

Openers John Campbell and Brandon King ensured there would be no late drama. The pair negotiated the Sri Lankan pace attack comfortably and handled left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya with patience. Their disciplined approach denied Sri Lanka any breakthrough during the chase.

By the tea interval, West Indies had moved to 65 without loss.

A brief rain interruption in the final session halted play for around 10 minutes, but conditions improved quickly enough for the match to resume. When play restarted, the hosts had advanced to 109 without losing a wicket.

With neither side in a realistic position to force a result, the captains eventually agreed to shake hands and settle for a draw, confirming West Indies as series winners.

Brandon King survived two significant LBW appeals during his innings. On the first occasion, a review showed the ball was passing over the stumps. The second appeal was turned down on umpire’s call, allowing the opener to continue his unbeaten stay at the crease.

While the second Test ended without a winner, the series belonged firmly to West Indies, largely due to their dominant display in the opening match and several standout individual performances.

Justin Greaves emerged as the leading figure of the series. The all-rounder was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series after contributing a crucial 180 runs in West Indies’ first innings and also claiming a wicket. Across the series, Greaves scored 183 runs and picked up four wickets, underlining his growing importance to the team.

The series victory offers a timely boost for West Indies cricket as the team looks to rebuild its standing in Test cricket. Winning at home has been a challenge in recent years, and the result against Sri Lanka provides encouragement ahead of future assignments.

For Sri Lanka, the drawn Test showed resilience after the heavy defeat in the opener, but the visitors leave the Caribbean without a series win despite producing several competitive individual performances during the second match.

At stumps, Hope was unbeaten on 86 off 173 deliveries, while Greaves remained not out on 85 from 162 balls. Their resilient stand for the fifth wicket frustrated the Sri Lankan bowling attack and helped West Indies recover from a difficult position.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had declared their first innings at a commanding 549/9, putting the visitors under immediate pressure. West Indies began the third day looking to build on their overnight score but suffered an early setback when opener John Campbell was dismissed before lunch.

Campbell and Kevlon Hodge had laid a solid foundation with an 89-run partnership for the second wicket. The pair consumed 233 deliveries and helped steady the innings against Sri Lanka’s disciplined attack. However, pacer Asitha Fernando broke the stand before the lunch interval, providing the hosts with a crucial breakthrough.

Sri Lanka continued to apply pressure after lunch. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya struck twice in quick succession, removing Amir Jangoo for 9 and Hodge for 31. Those wickets reduced West Indies to 141/4 and strengthened Sri Lanka’s hopes of forcing a follow-on.

With the innings at a critical stage, Hope and Greaves combined to produce the most significant partnership of the match for West Indies. The duo adopted a patient approach, avoided unnecessary risks and gradually shifted the momentum away from the hosts.

Both batters displayed excellent temperament against spin and pace alike. Their ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries ensured Sri Lanka failed to make further inroads during the final session. Notably, it was the first session of the West Indies innings in which Sri Lanka failed to take a wicket.

The flat nature of the surface also worked in favour of the visitors as the Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to find consistent breakthroughs. Hope and Greaves remained composed throughout the evening session and steadily reduced the deficit.

Despite Sri Lanka still holding a substantial first-innings lead of 231 runs, the balance of the match shifted slightly in West Indies’ favour by the close of play. The visitors will now aim to avoid the follow-on early on Day 4 and continue building a competitive total.

For Sri Lanka, the challenge will be to break the Hope-Greaves partnership quickly and regain control of the contest. With both batters closing in on well-deserved centuries, the opening hour of the fourth day could prove decisive in determining the direction of the Test match.

The PCB announced the Test squad on Sunday ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies. While Masood has been retained in the squad as a player, he will no longer lead the team.

The move follows a difficult period for Pakistan in red-ball cricket. The national side has lost its last seven Test matches, equalling one of the longest losing streaks in the country's Test history. The results intensified pressure on the leadership group and prompted a review of the team’s direction before a busy international schedule.

PCB High-Performance Director Aaqib Javed said the team had repeatedly failed to convert winning positions into victories. According to PCB officials, concerns were raised not only about results but also about on-field decision-making during crucial moments of matches.

Masood’s removal ends a challenging captaincy spell. He led Pakistan in 16 Test matches, with the team suffering 12 defeats during that period. Statistics from Pakistan’s Test history show that no captain had previously lost as many as 12 of his first 16 matches in charge.

Despite the disappointing team results, Masood’s individual form remained one of the few positives. His batting average improved after taking over the captaincy, and he contributed two centuries and seven half-centuries during his tenure. PCB officials acknowledged his performances with the bat but indicated that leadership is ultimately judged by team outcomes.

The board’s decision reflects a broader effort to stabilize the Test side before important overseas assignments. Pakistan will face the West Indies in a two-match Test series later this month. The first Test is scheduled to begin on July 25 in Tarouba, while the second match will start on August 2 in Port of Spain.

Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan are expected to travel to England, making the upcoming series an important opportunity for the team to regain confidence and momentum.

For Babar Azam, the appointment marks a return to familiar territory. Widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading batters of the modern era, Babar previously captained the Test team in 20 matches. Under his leadership, Pakistan recorded 10 victories and secured notable series wins.

His previous tenure included a home Test series victory over South Africa and successful campaigns against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Those results helped establish Pakistan as a competitive Test side during that period.

However, Babar’s earlier captaincy was not without setbacks. One of the most significant disappointments came when Pakistan suffered a historic 3-0 home series defeat against England, a result that drew criticism and raised questions about the team’s long-term planning.

The PCB now appears to believe that Babar’s experience can help guide the side through a crucial phase. With a mix of senior players and emerging talent in the squad, the board will be hoping that a change in leadership can produce better results on the field.

Pakistan’s upcoming Test assignments carry added significance as the team looks to rebuild its standing in international red-ball cricket. The West Indies series will provide the first indication of whether the leadership change can spark an immediate turnaround.

Further attention is likely to remain on both Babar Azam and Shan Masood as Pakistan begin a new chapter in their Test cricket journey.

Debutant Lahiru Udara produced a memorable performance on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies, smashing a brilliant 188 to put Sri Lanka in a commanding position at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Riding on the opener's marathon innings, Sri Lanka closed Day 1 at 338 for 5, while West Indies pacer Jayden Seales reached the milestone of 100 Test wickets late in the day's play.

Winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bat first on a surface that initially offered assistance to the fast bowlers. The decision appeared risky during the opening session as the visitors were reduced to 25/2, with Shamar Joseph striking twice to remove Nishan Madushka and experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal cheaply.

With Sri Lanka under pressure, Lahiru Udara, making his long-awaited Test debut at the age of 32, showcased remarkable composure and determination. Replacing regular opener Pathum Nissanka in the playing XI, Udara seized his opportunity with both hands, anchoring the innings through disciplined shot selection and calculated aggression.

The turning point of the innings came through a magnificent 215-run partnership between Udara and Kamindu Mendis. The duo steadied Sri Lanka after the early setbacks and gradually shifted momentum in the visitors' favour. Their stand became Sri Lanka's highest-ever third-wicket partnership in Test cricket on West Indian soil, underlining the significance of their effort.

Kamindu Mendis contributed a fluent 84 off 120 deliveries, mixing solid defence with elegant stroke play. His innings ended when Justin Greaves broke the partnership, with wicketkeeper Shai Hope completing a sharp stumping.

Udara, however, continued his outstanding innings. Displaying confidence against both pace and spin, he reached his maiden Test century in style by clearing the boundary with a six. He eventually scored 188 from 248 balls, an innings decorated with several boundaries and four towering sixes.

Although he narrowly missed a double century, falling just 12 runs short, his knock firmly established him as the standout performer of the day and one of Sri Lanka's most impressive Test debutants in recent years.

Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva added valuable support, contributing 33 runs during a crucial 93-run fourth-wicket partnership with Udara. Their stand further consolidated Sri Lanka's advantage before the West Indies staged a late fightback.

The hosts enjoyed success in the final session when Udara was finally dismissed, followed shortly by the wicket of De Silva, who edged Jayden Seales to the slip cordon. The dismissal carried added significance for Seales, who claimed his 100th wicket in Test cricket, becoming one of the fastest West Indies bowlers to reach the milestone in terms of balls bowled. Former fast bowler Ian Bishop remains the quickest West Indian to achieve the landmark.

Despite Sri Lanka's dominance, West Indies will reflect on missed opportunities that proved costly. Udara received a major reprieve when he was on 55, after a catch off Seales' bowling was spilled due to confusion between John Campbell and Justin Greaves in the slips.

Kamindu Mendis also survived on 41 when the fielding side failed to appeal for an edge behind the wicket. Television replays using UltraEdge later confirmed that the ball had indeed brushed the bat, making it another missed chance that could have altered the course of the innings.

At stumps, Sonal Dinusha remained unbeaten on 5, with Sri Lanka well placed to push for a substantial first-innings total on Day 2.

For the West Indies, an early breakthrough on the second morning will be essential if they hope to prevent Sri Lanka from building a match-defining lead. For Sri Lanka, however, the opening day belonged almost entirely to Lahiru Udara, whose unforgettable debut innings has given his side a significant advantage and marked the arrival of a promising new Test opener on the international stage.

The achievement makes Kishan only the fourth Indian batter to reach the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings. Before him, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma had attained the milestone.

Kishan’s rise comes on the back of a remarkable run in international cricket, particularly during the recent T20 World Cup. The left-handed batter scored 317 runs in the tournament at a strike rate close to 200, emerging as one of India’s most impactful performers. His match-winning display against Pakistan in Colombo, where he earned the Player of the Match award, proved crucial in boosting his rating points.

According to the latest rankings, Kishan now holds 876 rating points. Abhishek Sharma slips to second place, while Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan occupies third position with 848 rating points.

The development underlines India’s growing dominance in T20 cricket, with multiple Indian batters featuring prominently in the global rankings over the last few years. Kishan’s aggressive approach and consistency across major tournaments have helped him establish himself among the leading players in international white-ball cricket.

There were changes in the bowling rankings as well.

Indian bowlers Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah both slipped one place in the ICC Men’s T20I bowling charts. Chakravarthy dropped to third position, while Bumrah moved down to sixth. Afghanistan star Rashid Khan retained his place at the top of the rankings, continuing his long-standing dominance in the format.

The latest update also brought significant movement in the Test rankings.

Australia’s Travis Head climbed to the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s Test batting rankings after a series of strong performances. England’s Joe Root, who previously held the top spot, slipped to third place following the latest revision.

For India, Test captain Shubman Gill gained one position and moved up to sixth in the batting rankings. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, however, dropped one place and is now ranked ninth.

Head’s rise reflects his growing importance in Australia’s batting lineup across conditions and formats. The left-hander has been among the most consistent performers in world cricket over the past year and has delivered several crucial innings in high-pressure matches.

In the Test bowling rankings, Jasprit Bumrah continues to lead the charts despite his drop in the T20I standings. The Indian pace spearhead remains the No.1 ranked Test bowler in the world and maintains a healthy lead over his closest challengers.

New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry occupies second place with 861 rating points, followed by Australia’s Mitchell Starc in third with 838 points. Australian captain Pat Cummins is fourth on the list with 832 points, while South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen rounds off the top five with 825 rating points.

The latest ICC rankings highlight the continued influence of Indian players across formats, with Kishan’s rise to the top of T20I batting and Bumrah’s sustained dominance in Test bowling providing major positives for Indian cricket ahead of a busy international calendar.

England mounted an impressive response on Day 2 of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, finishing at 223 for 2 in their first innings after dismissing the visitors for 438 runs. Opener Ben Duckett starred with a rapid century before Joe Root and Jacob Bethell ensured England ended the day in a strong position.

New Zealand resumed their innings after a dominant opening-day performance and were eventually bowled out for 438. The visitors laid the foundation through an outstanding 317-run opening partnership, with captain Tom Latham scoring 151 and Devon Conway contributing 157. Their partnership put England under pressure early in the contest and marked one of New Zealand's best opening stands in Test cricket.

England, however, recovered quickly after an early setback in their reply.

The hosts lost opener Emilio Gay for a duck with just eight runs on the board. Gay faced five deliveries before edging a ball from Will O'Rourke to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, giving New Zealand the ideal start.

Duckett then transformed the innings with an aggressive counterattack that shifted the momentum back in England's favour.

The left-handed opener reached his seventh Test century in just 88 balls, registering the second-fastest Test hundred by an England batter. The innings followed Duckett's reputation for attacking cricket and came after he had received an early reprieve on eight runs, a chance New Zealand failed to convert.

Duckett eventually fell for 113 off 98 deliveries, striking 18 boundaries before being bowled by Nathan Smith. His innings provided England with the platform they needed after the early loss and significantly reduced the pressure created by New Zealand's imposing first-innings total.

Following Duckett's dismissal, Jacob Bethell continued England's positive approach while showing greater patience. The young batter remained unbeaten on 74, displaying maturity in building the innings alongside experienced campaigner Joe Root, who ended the day unbeaten on 21.

Duckett and Bethell added a crucial 179-run partnership for the second wicket, ensuring England stayed firmly in the contest heading into Day 3.

New Zealand also suffered a setback in the field when fast bowler Blair Tickner was ruled out of the match after experiencing concussion symptoms. Tickner had earlier been struck on the helmet by a delivery from Jofra Archer while batting. Although he briefly returned to the field, he later reported nausea and was withdrawn under concussion protocols.

As a result, Jack Foulds was approved as Tickner's concussion replacement for the remainder of the Test.

Despite conceding a strong partnership, New Zealand still hold a first-innings advantage, while England will look to build on the solid platform provided by Duckett, Root and Bethell. With plenty of batting still to come and conditions remaining favourable, the third day's play is expected to play a decisive role in determining the direction of the Test match.

Kuldeep Yadav's double strike on final day seals record-breaking victory as debutant Manav Suthar shines with seven wickets

India registered their biggest-ever Test win on Saturday, thrashing Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs inside three days at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. Kuldeep Yadav triggered the final collapse with two wickets in two balls as the visitors folded for 112 in their second innings.

The victory margin surpasses India's previous best—an innings and 262 runs against Afghanistan themselves in 2019. For Afghanistan, this was only their fourth Test match since gaining Full Member status, and the gulf in experience showed.

Spinners run through fragile line-up

Asked to follow on after conceding a 412-run first-innings lead, Afghanistan never looked like saving the contest. Fourteen wickets tumbled on Day 3 alone, with the pitch offering increasing turn and variable bounce.

Washington Sundar finished with four second-innings wickets while Kuldeep picked up three. Debutant Manav Suthar and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with one each. The Afghan batters, barring Sediqullah Atal's 42 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 24, offered little resistance. Seven batters failed to reach double figures.

The Indian attack needed just 35.5 overs to wrap things up in the second dig.

Suthar's dream debut

The Rajasthan left-arm spinner, called up after impressive domestic performances, ended with match figures of 7 for 62. After taking three wickets on Day 2, Suthar added four more on Saturday morning to clean up the first innings at 152.

"He bowled stump to stump and was really disciplined," Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted after the game. "The scoreboard pressure was there, and the pitch behaviour kept changing session by session."

Suthar's parents had travelled from Sri Ganganagar to watch him but returned home before his heroics—apparently due to superstition, according to team sources.

Batting foundation laid early

India's victory was set up by their first-innings total of 564 for 8 declared. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul struck centuries while Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan contributed 81 runs each. Washington Sundar's 52 provided late impetus after India won the toss and opted to bat first on a dry surface.

The plan was to post 350-plus no matter where you're batting," Gill said after the match. "For the spinners, it was about gaining experience—how to set up batters in home conditions."

 India surpass West Indies' win tally

The victory marked India's 186th Test win in 599 matches, moving them ahead of the West Indies' tally of 185. Only Australia (426), England (405) and South Africa (191) have won more Tests. The result also provided some relief for the home side after losing 0-2 to South Africa last year, though that series was away from home against stronger opposition.

Afghanistan's Mohammad Saleem, who picked up a six-wicket haul in India's first innings, emerged as a rare positive for the visitors alongside Rahmat Shah's fighting 60.

The focus now shifts to the ODI series starting June 13.

Afghanistan struggle at 128/6, still trail India by 436 runs in New Chandigarh

Morning proceedings on Day 3 of the one-off Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium followed a familiar pattern, as Prasidh Krishna removed Azmatullah Omarzai for a 10-ball duck to extend Afghanistan's misery.

The visitors resumed their first innings at 113/5, still needing 252 runs just to avoid the follow-on. That target now looks distant.

Early Breakthrough Sets Tone

Krishna needed only four deliveries into the third day's play to make an impact. Omarzai, who had looked tentative overnight, failed to open his account before edging one to the slips. The seamer's maiden over to start the morning put Afghanistan immediately on the back foot.

According to initial reports from the venue, the dressing room气氛 grew tense as the follow-on danger inched closer.

Debutant Suthar's Memorable Outing

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, making his Test debut for India, delivered figures that his family back in Sri Ganganagar would have regretted missing. His parents reportedly travelled back home before witnessing his three-wicket haul on Day 2 due to superstition.

Suthar removed Abdul Malik on the fourth ball of his very first over, then sent back Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afsar Zazai to finish with 3 for 21. The young spinner has looked increasingly comfortable on a surface offering gradual turn.

Rahmat Shah Breaks New Ground

Amid the collapse, Rahmat Shah quietly authored a piece of history. The experienced batter reached his half-century in 100 deliveries, becoming the first Afghanistan batsman to score a Test fifty against India.

Sources within the Afghan camp indicated that Shah's knock has brought some stability after top-order failures. He remains unbeaten on 53 off 112 balls at the lunch interval, having watched partners fall around him.

India's Batting Domination Sets Up Contest

The context of Afghanistan's struggles traces back to India's massive first innings declaration at 564/8. Captain Shubman Gill led with 126, while KL Rahul converted his start into a hundred. Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan contributed identical 81-run knocks.

This represents India's highest Test total against Afghanistan. Teenage pacer Mohammad Saleem Safi claimed 6 wickets on debut, a silver lining for the visitors.

For Afghanistan to avoid an innings defeat, Shah must find support from the lower order. The pitch remains true, but the pressure of history is telling.

What Follows Next

The next session could decide the match. Afghanistan trail by 436 runs with four wickets standing. Another wicket before lunch would likely trigger thoughts of the follow-on.

Local authorities confirmed arrangements remain in place for a full five days, though few expect this contest to stretch that far.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its squads for the upcoming multi-format tour of India, making a notable omission by leaving out star leg-spinner Rashid Khan from the one-off Test match. While Rashid has been rested from the longest format to manage his workload and physical longevity, key players Azmatullah Omarzai, Sediqullah Atal, and veteran batsman Rahmat Shah have returned to the red-ball setup. The highly anticipated one-off Test match against India is scheduled to begin on June 6 at the newly constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.

Managing Rashid’s Workload

According to team sources, the decision to leave Rashid Khan out of the red-ball fixture came after direct consultations with head coach Richard Pybus. The team management is prioritizing Rashid’s long-term fitness, given his heavy workload across international cricket and global T20 leagues. Rashid, who last played a Test match in July 2025, will however return to captain the side for the subsequent limited-overs segment. In his absence from the Test arena, the spin bowling responsibilities will be spearheaded by Qais Ahmad, alongside Sharafuddin Ashraf and young Nangeyalia Kharote.

Key Names Rejoin Red-Ball Setup

Experienced middle-order batsman Rahmat Shah makes a welcome return to the Test side. Having featured in 11 of Afghanistan’s 12 historic Test matches, Shah’s experience will be crucial on a fresh subcontinental track in New Chandigarh. He missed the country’s last Test assignment against Zimbabwe but is expected to anchor the top order here. Alongside him, explosive all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai and top-order batter Sediqullah Atal have earned recalls to the 15-member squad led by regular skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi. Both Atal and Omarzai have played just a single Test match each so far, both coming during the 2024 series against Zimbabwe.

Transition in the Pace Battery

For the three-match ODI series starting on June 14, left-arm fast bowler Fareed Malik has earned a recall to the white-ball squad. Malik, who last played an ODI in 2024, adds variation and raw pace to a bowling line-up that relies heavily on its spinners. The rest of the ODI squad remains largely identical to the combination that secured a comprehensive series clean-sweep over Bangladesh late last year, signaling that selectors are looking for structural stability ahead of upcoming multi-nation ICC tournaments.

New Venue to Make Test Debut

The one-off Test will mark a historical milestone for Punjab cricket, as the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh prepares to host its first-ever five-day international match from June 6 to June 10. Local authorities have confirmed that pitch preparations are underway to ensure a balanced contest between bat and ball. Following the Test match, the tour moves to the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala for the first ODI, before traveling to Lucknow and Chennai for the final two games.

Fresh Faces in the Indian Roster

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously announced its squad, naming young batsman Shubman Gill as the captain for both formats, while veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature exclusively in the ODI team. The selectors have rested frontline speedster Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to manage their workloads. Interestingly, dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has earned an ODI recall after nearly three years out of the format. The Indian squads also boast several uncapped domestic standouts, including Prince Yadav in the ODI team, spinner Manav Suthar in the Test squad, and all-rounders Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey across both formats.

Touring Squads for the Series

Afghanistan Test Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi.

Afghanistan ODI Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Allah Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami.

India Test Squad: Shubman Gill (c), KL Rahul (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel.

India ODI Squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to discuss a major expansion of the World Test Championship (WTC), with the number of participating teams likely to increase from nine to 12 in future cycles. The proposal has been recommended by an ICC working group led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose. The move is aimed at providing more opportunities to emerging Test-playing nations including Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe.

Working Group Recommendations

According to reports, the ICC had formed the working group last year to evaluate possible structural reforms for the World Test Championship. The panel has now suggested expanding participation and making the competition more inclusive for full-member nations currently outside the regular WTC structure. At present, only nine teams compete in the championship cycle.

More Teams May Get Opportunity

If approved, the revised structure could allow teams like Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe to compete regularly in the WTC for the first time. Cricket administrators believe the change could help strengthen Test cricket globally and encourage smaller nations to invest more in the longest format of the game. The proposal is also being viewed as an effort to balance the competitive gap between established and emerging cricket nations.

ICC Meetings Scheduled

The ICC Chief Executives Committee (CEC) is expected to discuss the proposal during a virtual meeting scheduled for May 21. Following that, the ICC Board will hold an in-person meeting in Ahmedabad on May 30 and 31 during the IPL final weekend. The discussions are expected to focus on the future structure of Test cricket, scheduling challenges and financial implications of expansion.

Final Decision Likely in July

A final decision on the proposed WTC expansion could be taken during the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Edinburgh, Scotland, in July. The AGM will take place after the conclusion of the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England from June 12 to July 5. Sources indicated that member boards are currently evaluating the long-term impact of increasing participation in the championship.

One-Test Series Proposal

The ICC working group has also recommended including one-match Test series in the WTC points system. Under the current format, a bilateral series must consist of at least two Test matches to be counted in the World Test Championship standings. If implemented, the proposed change could help smaller cricket boards host more meaningful Test matches without the financial burden of organising longer series.

Current WTC Cycle Unchanged

Despite the recommendations, reports suggest that the ongoing WTC structure is likely to remain unchanged until the 2027–29 cycle. The fourth cycle of the World Test Championship is currently underway, and major structural reforms may only be introduced afterward. Under the present format, the nine participating teams play six bilateral series over two years — three at home and three away.

England to Host 2027 Final

The current ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) will conclude in March next year. The next World Test Championship final is scheduled to be played in England in June 2027. England has hosted all WTC finals so far, including the inaugural final won by New Zealand national cricket team.

Venue Shift for ICC Meetings

The ICC’s quarterly meetings were initially planned in Doha, Qatar. However, the venue was shifted to Ahmedabad due to regional security concerns and tensions in West Asia. The venue change has also drawn attention because of uncertainty surrounding the participation of Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

PCB Chairman’s Visit Uncertain

With political relations between India and Pakistan remaining sensitive, it is still unclear whether Mohsin Naqvi will travel to India for the ICC meetings or join virtually. The matter is being closely watched by cricket administrators as the meetings are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of international Test cricket.

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England have announced a revamped 15-member squad for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, making several major changes after their disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia earlier this year. The squad, revealed on Wednesday, marks the beginning of a new phase under recently appointed national selector Marcus North, who has introduced fresh faces and recalled experienced players in an attempt to rebuild England’s red-ball setup ahead of an important home summer.

The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the exclusion of opening batter Zak Crawley. Once regarded as one of England’s most promising Test batters, Crawley has struggled for consistency over the last year, and his poor returns in the Ashes series eventually forced the selectors to look elsewhere. Replacing him is Durham opener Emilio Gay, who has been rewarded for his exceptional performances in county cricket this season.

Gay has been one of the standout performers in the County Championship, scoring 552 runs at an impressive average of 92, including three centuries. The 24-year-old left-hander is expected to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett and could make his Test debut at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground when the three-match series begins on June 4.

Another notable inclusion is Somerset youngster James Rew, who has been selected as a backup batter and wicketkeeping option. Rew has consistently impressed in domestic cricket with his calm batting temperament and adaptability. England see him as one of the future prospects in red-ball cricket, and his inclusion signals the selectors’ willingness to invest in youth ahead of the next World Test Championship cycle.

The squad also includes uncapped fast bowler Sonny Baker from Hampshire. Baker recently grabbed attention with a five-wicket haul in county cricket and has earned his maiden national call-up. England management believes his raw pace and attacking style could prove useful, especially with injuries affecting the pace department.

England’s bowling attack has undergone significant changes due to the absence of several senior fast bowlers. Mark Wood and Brydon Carse have both been ruled out because of injuries, creating opportunities for others to step up. One of the biggest beneficiaries is Ollie Robinson, who returns to the Test setup after nearly two years.

Robinson’s comeback follows a strong domestic season with Sussex, where he recently picked up six wickets and demonstrated improved rhythm and fitness. The tall seamer is expected to play a key role alongside Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue in England’s pace attack. Robinson’s ability to maintain tight lines and extract movement from English conditions could be crucial against a strong New Zealand batting lineup.

Captain Ben Stokes is also likely to contribute with the ball. Since recovering from previous fitness concerns, Stokes has gradually increased his bowling workload and may once again be used as a fourth seam option during the series.

England have selected two spin options in the squad — Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir. Young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed continues to be viewed as one of England’s exciting all-format talents. He is currently part of Delhi Capitals in the IPL but will join the national squad ahead of the series. Bashir, meanwhile, has impressed with his control and consistency in county cricket while representing Derbyshire.

Conditions at Lord’s traditionally favor seam bowlers, so England may opt for only one specialist spinner in the playing XI. However, both Rehan and Bashir are expected to play important roles during the series, particularly if the pitches begin to wear later in the matches.

The rest of the batting lineup features several familiar names, including Joe Root and Harry Brook. Root remains England’s most experienced batter and will once again be central to the team’s middle-order stability. Brook, despite an inconsistent Ashes series, continues to enjoy strong backing from the team management due to his aggressive batting style and match-winning potential.

Jacob Bethell has also retained his place in the squad after showing promise in recent appearances. Jamie Smith will continue as the primary wicketkeeper, while Matthew Fisher provides additional pace-bowling depth.

England’s squad announcement also included a historic coaching decision. Former England women’s star Sarah Taylor has been appointed as the fielding coach for the men’s Test team during the New Zealand series. She becomes the first woman to work with the senior England men’s side in such a role.

Taylor has been brought in on a short-term basis to replace Carl Hopkinson, who is currently working with Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers and fielders in women’s cricket history, Taylor’s appointment has been praised as a progressive step by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The upcoming Test series against New Zealand is expected to be an important challenge for England as they look to rebuild confidence after their Ashes disappointment. The selectors’ decision to make seven changes reflects a clear intent to refresh the squad and reward domestic performances.

New Zealand, known for their disciplined bowling and resilient batting, are expected to provide strong competition. England will hope that the blend of youth and experience in the squad helps them start the home summer positively and lay the foundation for future Test success.

The full England squad for the first Test includes Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

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