India are in a commanding position in the second Test against Sri Lanka, but weather could become the biggest hurdle in their push for victory on Day 3. After rain interruptions affected the second day's play, the forecast for Tuesday, August 25, again points to cloudy conditions and showers in Colombo.

India declared their first innings at 503/9, with Dhruv Jurel unbeaten on 115. Rishabh Pant also made a valuable contribution with a 63 off 89 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal had earlier scored 117.

Sri Lanka's reply then suffered an early setback. Prasidh Krishna dismissed Lahiru Udana for one, while Manav Suthar trapped Prabath Jayasuriya lbw for two as the hosts slipped to 8/2. Sri Lanka therefore began Day 3 trailing India by 495 runs in the latest end-of-day position reported after Monday's play.

Colombo Weather Forecast for Day 3

According to the AccuWeather forecast cited in the available reports, Colombo is expected to remain largely cloudy on Tuesday, with showers possible during different parts of the day.

The morning forecast puts the temperature around 31 degrees Celsius, with an 82 per cent chance of precipitation. The afternoon could see a 56 per cent precipitation probability, while the chance is expected to rise to 86 per cent in the evening. Cloud cover could reach around 98 per cent later in the day, with humidity around 79 per cent.

The weather threat is significant because rain has already interrupted proceedings in the match. Another series of stoppages could reduce the amount of cricket available to India as they attempt to bowl Sri Lanka out and build a position from which they can force a result.

India in Strong Position Despite Weather Concern

India's position remains heavily in their favour. The visitors have already put 503 runs on the board and removed two Sri Lankan batters cheaply.

For Sri Lanka, the immediate priority will be survival. Kamil Mishara was unbeaten when play ended, with the hosts having lost two wickets in only three overs. India, meanwhile, will want their bowlers to make the most of whatever time is available on the field.

The bigger question for Day 3 is therefore not India's advantage but how much uninterrupted cricket the weather allows. With rain forecast at multiple stages, every lost session could become increasingly important as the Test moves towards its final two days.

India currently lead the Test series 1-0 after winning the opening Test in Galle by 165 run

Yashasvi Jaiswal has responded to the criticism surrounding his on-field altercation with Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando during the first day of the second Test in Colombo, saying Fernando had “crossed the line” during their exchange.

The incident took place after Jaiswal was dismissed for 45. As the Indian opener walked back towards the dugout, he and Fernando became involved in a heated confrontation. Footage from the match appeared to show Jaiswal moving his head towards the Sri Lankan bowler, with the two players making contact.

Other players intervened soon afterwards and the situation did not escalate further. However, the incident quickly attracted attention, with Jaiswal facing criticism over his reaction.

Jaiswal has now offered his side of the incident through a comment on social media. Responding to a post on Instagram, the Indian batter indicated that something said by Fernando had prompted his reaction.

“If you don't know what he said then please don't make your judgement if anyone cross the line we need to let them know this India will fight and reply,” Jaiswal wrote.

The incident occurred after what had been a useful contribution from Jaiswal during India’s innings. His dismissal for 45 came at a time when the visitors were attempting to build a strong position in the second Test.

The exchange with Fernando overshadowed the dismissal, with discussion quickly shifting from Jaiswal’s batting to his conduct on the field. The footage prompted debate among cricket fans and experts over whether the confrontation crossed the boundaries of acceptable on-field behaviour.

Jaiswal’s response has now added another layer to the controversy. Rather than detailing exactly what Fernando allegedly said, the Indian batter maintained that viewers who did not know the full context should avoid making a judgment about his reaction.

The second Test between India and Sri Lanka is being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Both sides are competing for an important result in the series, making the match a high-pressure contest.

On-field confrontations are not unusual in Test cricket, where players spend long periods competing against each other in intense conditions. However, physical contact between players can attract particular scrutiny, especially when it follows a dismissal.

For now, Jaiswal’s comments have provided his explanation but have not ended the discussion surrounding the incident. Any further action, if considered by match officials, would depend on their assessment of what happened during the exchange.

The focus will now return to the Test itself, with both teams looking to gain control of the match as play continues in Colombo.

Devdutt Padikkal continued his impressive start to the Test series against Sri Lanka, scoring his second successive century on Sunday as India took control of the opening day of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club. The left-handed batter followed his career-best 167 in the first Test at Galle with another composed hundred in Colombo. His latest century strengthened India’s position after the visitors made a solid start with the bat.

Padikkal’s knock has been one of the major talking points of India’s campaign in the series. After breaking through for a big score in Galle, he carried that confidence into the second Test and again showed patience at the crease. His ability to build a long innings has given India valuable stability against the Sri Lankan bowling attack.

The second Test began on Sunday, with India looking to build on the momentum from the opening match of the series. Padikkal’s century came at an important stage as India sought to put up a substantial first-innings total and put pressure on the hosts. His back-to-back hundreds also mark a significant phase in his Test career. The 167 in Galle had been his highest score in the format, and following it with another century underlines the consistency he has brought to the series.

India’s batting effort was further helped by contributions from the rest of the line-up, leaving the visitors in a strong position by the end of the opening day. Sri Lanka now face the task of breaking through India’s middle order and preventing the tourists from building a sizeable first-innings advantage. The match is being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, one of Sri Lanka’s established cricket venues. Conditions in Colombo can traditionally offer assistance to spinners as the match progresses, making India’s first-innings score particularly important.

The second Test is also drawing attention because of developments away from the playing XI. Former India leg-spinner Karn Sharma announced his retirement from international and Indian domestic cricket at the age of 38. Sharma represented India in one Test, two ODIs and one T20I during his international career. He also enjoyed a successful Indian Premier League career, winning four IPL titles. Sharma is set to play his final professional match on August 25, bringing an end to a domestic career that spanned several seasons.

For India, however, the immediate focus remains firmly on the Test in Colombo. With Padikkal once again converting his opportunity into a major score, the visitors have made a strong statement on the opening day. Sri Lanka will need wickets early in the next phase of the match to prevent India from turning its advantage into a commanding total. India, meanwhile, will look to extend its dominance and put itself in a position to control the Test from here.

England captain reaches another milestone against Pakistan as his 66-run knock helps hosts build a big first-innings lead at Headingley

Root matches Tendulkar record

England captain Joe Root has equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket, reaching his 68th fifty during the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley.

Root, 35, scored 66 runs on the second day of the Test on Thursday, August 20, adding another landmark to his already remarkable career.

With his latest fifty-plus score, Root moved level with Tendulkar, who also recorded 68 Test half-centuries during his international career.

The England batter now sits at the top of the list alongside the Indian great, while West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul is third with 66 fifties.

Root moves past two legends

Root’s latest milestone also saw him move clear of former Australia captain Allan Border and India great Rahul Dravid.

Border and Dravid finished their Test careers with 63 half-centuries each, three fewer than Root and five behind Tendulkar's tally.

The achievement further underlines Root's consistency in the longest format. Unlike a record based solely on centuries, the fifty-plus tally reflects how regularly a batter has contributed substantial scores without necessarily converting every start into three figures.

Root's 66 against Pakistan therefore adds to a statistical record built over years of sustained Test cricket.

Fifth among Test captains

Root has also entered the top five among captains for the most 50-plus scores in Test cricket.

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith leads that list with 61 such scores. Australia's Ricky Ponting is second with 54, followed by Allan Border with 51.

Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq occupies fourth position with 43, while Root has now moved into fifth place.

The latest achievement comes soon after Root returned to the England captaincy following Ben Stokes' retirement.

Root returns as England captain

Root originally became England's Test captain in February 2017 after Alastair Cook stepped down.

He was England's 80th Test captain and remained in the position until April 2022, when he resigned and Stokes took over.

Stokes retired from international cricket in July 2026, paving the way for Root to return to the leadership role.

His latest innings therefore came in his first Test series back as captain, adding extra significance to the record.

England dominate second day

Root's 66 was part of a strong batting display by England in the first Test.

England reached 366 for eight at stumps on Day 2, giving them a substantial 195-run first-innings lead over Pakistan.

Harry Brook was England's leading scorer with 91, while Jordan Cox contributed 73. Dan Lawrence also made a half-century, scoring 51.

Root and Cox put together a century partnership that helped England establish control after Pakistan were dismissed for 171 in their first innings.

Pakistan face uphill battle

Pakistan's first-innings total of 171 left England with a significant advantage, and the hosts capitalised by putting together a strong response.

Cox's 73 and Root's 66 provided the stability needed in the middle order, while Brook's 91 pushed England's lead towards a commanding position.

By the close of play, England had eight wickets down but remained comfortably ahead on the scoreboard.

For Root, however, the day's play was about more than England's lead. His 68th Test fifty brought him level with Tendulkar, while also moving him beyond several of the game's most celebrated batters in the overall fifty-plus rankings.

At 35, Root now has another statistical milestone within reach: moving outright ahead of Tendulkar for the most Test half-centuries.

India opened their World Test Championship campaign with a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday, August 19. Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the standout performer, claiming a 10-wicket match haul as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 while chasing 372. 

The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series and marks a strong start to the side's latest WTC assignment.

Suthar Delivers Match-Winning Spell

Playing only his second Test, Suthar produced a decisive performance with the ball. He took 6/55 in Sri Lanka's second innings, completing a 10-wicket match haul and repeatedly troubling the home batters on the Galle surface. 

His final-innings spell effectively ended Sri Lanka's hopes of completing what would have been a record chase. The hosts were eventually dismissed for 206 in 77.4 overs. 

India Set 372-Run Target

India had established control of the Test with a strong first-innings total of 462, led by Devdutt Padikkal's outstanding 167. KL Rahul also contributed 82, while Sri Lanka's bowlers managed to fight back during the latter stages of the innings. 

Sri Lanka responded with 284, leaving India with a substantial first-innings advantage.

India then declared their second innings at 193, with Rishabh Pant contributing a brisk 66, setting the hosts a daunting 372-run target. 

Sri Lanka Lose Momentum

Sri Lanka's chase began with the required run rate looking demanding, and India's bowlers gradually tightened the pressure. After reaching 84/4 at the end of the fourth day's play, the hosts needed another 288 runs with six wickets remaining. 

The final day belonged largely to India's bowling attack. Suthar's ability to extract control and create pressure proved crucial as Sri Lanka's lower order failed to sustain the chase.

Padikkal Named Player of Match

While Suthar's bowling dominated the final day, Devdutt Padikkal played a major role in setting up India's victory. His 167 in the first innings was his maiden Test century and provided India with the platform for a substantial total. He was subsequently named Player of the Match. 

Padikkal's contribution was particularly important after he came into the No. 3 position during the match.

Gill Starts WTC Campaign Strongly

The result also provides a boost to Shubman Gill's Test captaincy as India began this phase of their WTC campaign with a win away from home.

Gill later praised Suthar's performance, describing the young spinner as a promising player who could serve Indian cricket for a long time. 

The victory puts India ahead in the series and gives the team valuable momentum before the second Test.

India Take 1-0 Lead

With Sri Lanka bowled out for 206, India completed a 165-run victory with a session to spare. The result was built on a combination of Padikkal's first-innings century, contributions from India's batting unit and Suthar's match-winning 10 wickets. 

The second Test will now offer Sri Lanka an opportunity to level the series, while India will look to seal a series victory after an impressive opening performance in Galle.

England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has thrown his full support behind Joe Root's return as England's Test captain, calling him the ideal leader to guide the team through its transition period. At the same time, McCullum revealed that Harry Brook is being developed as England's long-term captain for the red-ball format.

McCullum backs Root's leadership

McCullum praised the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to hand the Test captaincy back to Root following Ben Stokes' retirement. He believes Root's experience, leadership qualities, and understanding of the game make him the perfect choice to lead England during a rebuilding phase. 

Harry Brook seen as future captain

While backing Root for the present, McCullum made it clear that Harry Brook is a key part of England's long-term leadership plans. He said the young batter will be mentored and developed to eventually take over the Test captaincy in the future. 

Stephen Fleming's arrival welcomed

McCullum also praised the appointment of Stephen Fleming as England's new Test head coach, saying his vast coaching experience will strengthen the red-ball side and help shape the team's future

England enters rebuilding phase

With Root back as captain, Fleming taking charge of the Test team, and Brook being groomed for leadership, England appears to be focused on building a stable long-term structure after a period of transition. The changes are aimed at restoring consistency and strengthening England's position in Test cricket.

Team India has stepped up its preparations for the opening Test against Sri Lanka by recreating Galle-like conditions during practice in Colombo. Ahead of the first Test, starting on August 15 in Galle, head coach Gautam Gambhir ensured the batters trained on a specially prepared cracked pitch designed to simulate Sri Lanka's challenging spin-friendly conditions.

According to media reports, the Indian team arrived in Sri Lanka 11 days before the first Test and has already completed two intensive three-hour training sessions at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) in Colombo. The team will also play a three-day warm-up match against the SLC XI starting Friday to further adapt to local conditions.

Gambhir Confident of India's Preparation

Speaking during the training session, Gambhir expressed confidence in the team's readiness.

"Whether we bat first or bowl first on the morning of August 15, we will have answers to every challenge that comes our way," he said.

Special Practice Pitch Replicates Galle Conditions

To prepare the batters for the sharp turn and uneven bounce expected in Galle, Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak supervised the creation of a special 22-yard uncurated practice wicket at the NCC ground.

The surface was deliberately left with cracks, loose soil, and patches of grass to mimic the conditions typically seen during the fourth and fifth days of a Test match in Galle.

Local School Spinners Join the Practice

Initially, India's net bowlers bowled to the batters before local schoolchildren and young spinners were invited to bowl on the challenging surface.

The unpredictable wicket produced deliveries that either turned sharply or stayed unusually low, allowing India's top-order batters to spend extended periods practicing against difficult spin conditions.

Gill Recovers; Rahul and Padikkal Train Against Spin

Captain Shubman Gill, who injured his thumb during Wednesday's practice session, returned fully fit on Thursday and batted comfortably in the nets.

KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal also underwent lengthy batting sessions against India's frontline spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.

Crucial Series in World Test Championship Race

The two-Test series is significant for India's campaign in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Strong performances against Sri Lanka will be vital to keeping India's hopes of reaching the WTC Final alive.

India drew the Test series 2-2 in England earlier this year but suffered a 0-2 defeat in South Africa, making this series even more important.

Bumrah, Washington Sundar Unavailable

India will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar for the opening Test due to fitness concerns. Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan is still awaiting clearance from the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

To assist the batters during practice, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Vipraj Nigam, and Shivang Kumar have joined the squad as net bowlers.

Players Prepared Individually Before Departure

Several players completed individual training before leaving for Sri Lanka.

• KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal trained at indoor facilities in Mumbai.

• Shubman Gill practiced with the red ball in Chandigarh.

• Rishabh Pant focused on batting and fitness in Ranchi.

Tight Security During Practice

Security remained extremely strict throughout India's training sessions at the NCC ground in Colombo. Media personnel were allowed entry only after thorough security checks, while armed security personnel guarded the venue.

India's Dominance Over Sri Lanka

India has dominated the rivalry in recent years. Of the 17 Test series played between the two nations, India has won 10, Sri Lanka has won 3, while 4 have ended in draws.

Sri Lanka has not beaten India in a Test series since 2008, meaning they have gone nearly 18 years without a series victory against their neighbours.

New Delhi: Former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has advised cricket fans and experts against rushing to predict Vaibhav Suryavanshi's future in Test cricket, saying the teenage sensation should be given time to grow without unnecessary expectations. Rahane believes it is still too early to judge whether the 15-year-old is ready for the longest format of the game, especially considering the significant difference between franchise cricket and international competition.

Speaking on the 'Stick to Cricket' podcast alongside former England cricketers David Lloyd, Phil Tufnell, Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan, Rahane said young players perform best when they are allowed to progress naturally rather than being burdened with comparisons and expectations at an early stage.

According to Rahane, the excitement surrounding Vaibhav's performances is understandable, but discussions about his Test career should be approached with caution. He said the youngster has already attracted enormous attention after his breakthrough performances and should now be given enough opportunities to continue learning and improving his game.

The former India batter pointed out that success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) should not automatically be seen as an indicator of readiness for Test cricket. While explosive batting can change the course of a T20 match within a few overs, Rahane said performing consistently at the international level requires a completely different mindset, technique and temperament.

He explained that scoring quick runs in franchise cricket and succeeding against international bowling attacks are two very different challenges. According to him, players need time to adapt to different formats, conditions and the mental demands of representing the country.

Rahane also said he does not want additional pressure to be placed on the teenager, noting that conversations around Vaibhav have already reached extraordinary levels. He believes the best approach is to allow the youngster to enjoy his cricket and continue developing without being weighed down by expectations of immediate success in every format.

Vaibhav's introduction to international cricket produced mixed results. He made his debut during India's T20I series against England but found the transition difficult, managing only 42 runs in three matches. Despite the modest start, selectors retained confidence in him for the subsequent tour of Zimbabwe, where he responded with a series of impressive performances.

The left-handed batter announced his arrival by scoring a half-century in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe before contributing 20 runs in the second match. He then capped off the series with an outstanding 81-run innings in the final game, finishing as one of India's standout performers.

His performances earned him the Player of the Series award and significantly strengthened his reputation as one of India's brightest young batting prospects. The series also highlighted his ability to recover quickly from early setbacks, something many former cricketers have described as a valuable quality for long-term success.

Vaibhav's strong showing against Zimbabwe also had a major impact on the ICC Men's T20I Batting Rankings. He climbed an impressive 230 places to reach 48th position with 536 rating points, entering the top 50 for the first time in his career.

Rahane, who officially retired from international cricket on July 30, believes India should continue investing in young talents while ensuring they are not rushed into roles before they are fully prepared. The veteran represented India in 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20Is, building a career that included several memorable performances both at home and overseas.

His comments come at a time when Indian cricket is entering a new phase, with several young players emerging as potential long-term options across formats. While Vaibhav's talent has impressed fans and experts alike, Rahane's message is clear: patience remains just as important as potential.

As discussions continue around India's next generation of cricketers, selectors and team management are expected to focus on giving promising youngsters adequate opportunities while allowing them to progress steadily through international cricket.

New Delhi: India's upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka is shaping up to be much more than a routine overseas assignment. For years, tours to Sri Lanka were considered among India's most comfortable away series, with the visitors dominating both the conditions and the opposition. This time, however, the contest carries a different narrative. The focus has shifted from Sri Lanka's weaknesses to India's own vulnerability against quality spin bowling, making the series a significant test for captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

When India last toured Sri Lanka in 2017, they completed a comprehensive 3-0 whitewash, winning all three Tests by massive margins. At the time, the gap between the two teams appeared wider than ever, with Sri Lanka struggling through a rebuilding phase following the retirement of several legendary players.

Nearly a decade later, the balance has changed considerably. While Sri Lanka have gradually rebuilt their strength at home, India's batting against spin has emerged as an area of growing concern. Recent performances suggest that what was once India's greatest strength has become one of its biggest challenges.

Sri Lanka's resurgence at home has been driven largely by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who has established himself as one of the most effective bowlers in familiar conditions. Rather than relying on mystery deliveries, Jayasuriya has consistently troubled batters through accuracy, patience and disciplined line and length. His impressive record of 41 wickets in 13 innings reflects his ability to exploit turning surfaces and build pressure over long spells.

India's recent struggles against spin have only increased expectations surrounding the upcoming series. The warning signs first became evident during the home Test series defeat against New Zealand in 2024, when left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel repeatedly exposed technical shortcomings in the Indian batting line-up. The following year, South African off-spinner Simon Harmer also enjoyed considerable success as India suffered another difficult home series.

These performances have raised questions about whether Indian batters have gradually lost the confidence and technical assurance that once made them among the world's finest players of spin. In previous generations, Indian batters were known for decisive footwork, soft hands and the ability to rotate strike with ease. Today, analysts believe hesitation has replaced certainty, with many batters appearing caught between attacking and defending.

Cricket experts attribute this shift to several factors. The growing influence of white-ball cricket has encouraged more aggressive batting techniques, while domestic pitches have evolved over time. Preparation has also increasingly focused on handling fast bowling in overseas conditions, sometimes at the cost of developing traditional skills against high-quality spin.

Against this backdrop, the Sri Lanka series assumes greater significance. Although officially an overseas tour, the conditions are expected to closely resemble those India have historically mastered. As a result, many observers believe the series will effectively serve as an assessment of whether India can still dominate spin-friendly conditions or whether their recent difficulties represent a deeper technical issue.

The series also marks another important chapter in Shubman Gill's tenure as India's Test captain. Having recently taken over leadership responsibilities, Gill is still shaping his identity as captain while guiding a team in transition. With several senior players no longer part of the squad, the responsibility of building a new core rests heavily on his shoulders.

For head coach Gautam Gambhir, the tour also carries added importance. India's recent Test performances have invited increased scrutiny, and the Sri Lanka series offers another opportunity for the team management to demonstrate progress. Strong performances against quality spin could ease concerns surrounding the batting unit, while another disappointing showing may intensify questions about India's long-term approach in red-ball cricket.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will enter the series with growing confidence. Success in home conditions over the past few years has strengthened belief within the squad, and recent examples of India's struggles against spin provide further encouragement. The hosts are expected to rely heavily on their spin attack and attempt to dictate matches from the opening sessions.

Despite being just a two-Test series, the contest could prove highly significant for both teams. For Sri Lanka, it represents an opportunity to confirm their growing competitiveness at home. For India, it is a chance to prove that their recent difficulties against spin are only temporary rather than a lasting weakness.

As the teams prepare for the series opener, the spotlight will remain firmly on India's batting. The performances over the next two Tests may not only determine the outcome of the series but also offer valuable insight into the future direction of India's Test side under its new leadership.

Kingston: Pakistan's batting mainstay Babar Azam came agonisingly close to ending one of the longest and most talked-about droughts of his Test career, only to suffer a heartbreaking run-out on 88 against the West Indies. The dismissal not only ended a promising innings but also extended his wait for a Test century to more than 1,300 days, leaving the former Pakistan captain visibly devastated on the field.

The defining image of the day came moments after the dismissal. Babar remained on his knees near the crease even after television replays confirmed that he had failed to make his ground. His bat was stretched desperately towards the crease, but the stumps had already been broken. While West Indies players celebrated the breakthrough, Babar stayed motionless for several seconds, reflecting the disappointment of letting another opportunity slip away.

The right-handed batter looked in complete control throughout his innings. He scored 88 runs off 147 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries and one six. More importantly, he played a crucial role in rescuing Pakistan after the early loss of two wickets. Batting alongside Abdullah Shafique, Babar stitched together a 183-run partnership for the third wicket, putting Pakistan in a commanding position in reply to the West Indies' first-innings total.

Unlike many of his recent innings, Babar's knock was built on patience and composure rather than aggressive stroke play. He negotiated the new ball confidently, handled the spinners comfortably, and gradually settled into his rhythm. As the innings progressed, it appeared increasingly likely that he would finally register the Test century that had eluded him for years. However, a mix-up while attempting a quick single brought an abrupt end to the innings.

Television replays showed Babar diving desperately to make his ground after turning back midway through the run. Despite extending his bat as far as possible, he fell just short of the crease. The dismissal proved especially painful because he had already done the hard work required to build a substantial innings and was only 12 runs away from reaching three figures.

Babar's last Test century came on December 26, 2022, against New Zealand in Karachi, where he scored a magnificent 161. Since then, he has crossed the fifty-run mark on several occasions but has repeatedly failed to convert promising starts into hundreds. By the time he was dismissed for 88 against the West Indies, his wait for another Test century had stretched to 1,317 days, leaving his tally of Test hundreds stuck at nine.

For a batter once regarded among the finest across all formats, the prolonged absence of a Test hundred has become an unusual statistic. During the peak of his career, Babar built his reputation on converting starts into match-defining centuries. His ability to bat for long periods and dominate bowling attacks consistently placed him among the world's elite batters. However, that conversion rate has noticeably declined in the longest format over the past few years.

Although Babar ended his overall international century drought by scoring an unbeaten ODI hundred against Sri Lanka in November 2025, success in Test cricket has continued to evade him. Every innings since then has carried additional scrutiny, with fans and experts waiting for the former captain to rediscover the consistency that once defined his red-ball career.

Despite missing out on the landmark, Babar's innings played a significant role in strengthening Pakistan's position in the match. His partnership with Abdullah Shafique helped the visitors recover from early setbacks and put them in control against the West Indies bowling attack. The innings also showed encouraging signs of rhythm and confidence, even though it ultimately ended in disappointment.

The dismissal has once again sparked discussions among former cricketers and analysts about Babar's inability to convert solid starts into centuries in Test cricket. While many believe his fluent 88 indicates that another hundred may not be far away, others point out that finishing innings has become the biggest challenge in his recent red-ball career. With Pakistan scheduled to play more Test cricket later this year, all eyes will remain on whether one of the modern game's finest batters can finally bring an end to his lengthy wait for a Test hundred.

London: Former England captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he hopes to coach the England cricket team after bringing the curtain down on his playing career. The veteran all-rounder said he has already started preparing for life after retirement by pursuing formal coaching qualifications and remains determined to stay connected with the game. Stokes, who retired from international cricket during England's Test series against New Zealand earlier this year, believes his experience as a player and captain has equipped him for a future coaching role.

Speaking about his post-retirement plans, Stokes said he is currently working on his Level 3 coaching qualification, ensuring that he is fully prepared when the opportunity arises. The 35-year-old explained that he wants to complete all the necessary coaching certifications while he is still actively involved in cricket so that he can smoothly transition into coaching after retirement.

"I’m doing my Level 3 coaching now while I’m still playing because I want everything completed by the time I finish playing," Stokes said. "I know what I want to do after my playing career, and that is to become a coach."

The former England skipper admitted that coaching the national team remains one of his biggest ambitions. He said that if the opportunity ever comes to lead England from the dressing room instead of the field, he would gladly accept the challenge.

"I want to be a coach, and would I love to coach England one day? Absolutely," Stokes said. "I believe I would do a good job because I now understand the responsibilities that come with leading a team. I don't mind making big decisions, and captaincy has helped me develop that mindset."

Stokes captained England's Test side from 2022 before stepping away from the leadership role following his retirement. During his tenure, he played a key role in reshaping England's approach to Test cricket with an aggressive and fearless style alongside head coach Brendon McCullum. His leadership was widely credited for transforming England's performances in the longest format of the game.

One of the greatest all-rounders of his generation, Stokes enjoyed an illustrious international career spanning more than a decade. He was instrumental in England's historic 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup triumph, delivering a match-winning performance in the dramatic final against New Zealand. The same year, he produced one of the most memorable innings in Test history with his unbeaten knock at Headingley during the Ashes, helping England pull off an extraordinary victory against Australia.

Following Stokes' retirement, Joe Root returned as England's Test captain, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was appointed as the team's head coach. The new leadership combination has already begun preparing for England's upcoming international assignments.

During the interaction, Stokes also shared his thoughts on England's current white-ball captain Harry Brook. He praised Brook's leadership qualities and questioned the decision not to appoint him as stand-in Test captain when Stokes missed a Test match against New Zealand. According to Stokes, if the management believes a player has leadership potential, they should give him the opportunity rather than delaying the responsibility.

"I thought Brook should have been given the chance," Stokes said. "If someone is your vice-captain and the captain isn't available, then naturally he should lead the team. Otherwise, it sends the wrong message."

Stokes explained that while he understood the reasoning behind England's decision at the time, he still felt it could have affected Brook's confidence. He believes that trusting young leaders early in their careers helps them grow into stronger captains in the future.

Even after retiring from international cricket, Stokes remains closely connected with the sport and continues to contribute through mentoring younger players and preparing for a coaching career. His latest comments indicate that his association with English cricket is far from over, with the former captain now setting his sights on shaping the next generation from the sidelines.