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.

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.

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.

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he hopes to become England's head coach after retiring from professional cricket, saying he wants to remain actively involved in the game beyond his playing career.

The 35-year-old all-rounder, who is expected to retire from international cricket in June 2026, said he is already preparing for the next phase of his career by completing his coaching qualifications.

Preparing for Life After Retirement

Speaking on the Love of Cricket podcast, Stokes said he is pursuing his Level-3 coaching certification so that he is ready to transition into coaching once his playing career comes to an end.

"I want all my coaching preparations to be complete when I stop playing. I want to stay involved with cricket," Stokes said.

One of England's greatest modern all-rounders, Stokes has represented his country in 122 Tests, 114 One-Day Internationals and 43 T20 Internationals, while leading the Test side during the aggressive "Bazball" era.

Concern Over Joe Root's Captaincy

Stokes also spoke about England's new Test captain Joe Root, expressing concern about the pressure leadership can place on him.

According to Stokes, Root has always prioritised the team's success over his own performance, and he hopes the added responsibility does not affect his game.

He said his biggest concern was ensuring Root does not place excessive pressure on himself, recalling the challenges he faced during his previous stint as Test captain.

Surprised by Harry Brook Decision

The former skipper admitted he expected Harry Brook to succeed him as England's Test captain.

Brook, who served as vice-captain and currently leads England's white-ball teams, was widely viewed as a potential candidate for the role.

Stokes said he was surprised by the selectors' decision and believes players with leadership potential should be given opportunities to captain the national side.

Retirement Influenced by Ashes Timeline

Stokes said the decision to retire was made only after carefully assessing whether he could continue performing at the highest level through the 2027 Ashes.

After considering his fitness and long-term plans, he concluded that stepping away from international cricket was the right decision and indicated that he has no intention of reversing it.

Big Bash League Interest Grows

Although retirement from international cricket is approaching, Stokes is unlikely to step away from franchise cricket.

Australian media reports suggest several Big Bash League (BBL) franchises are interested in signing the England all-rounder, with Sydney Sixers reportedly leading the race.

If the deal materialises, Stokes could reportedly earn around AUD 600,000 (approximately ₹3.4 crore), potentially making him the highest-paid overseas player in Big Bash League history.

A move to Sydney would also reunite him with former England white-ball coach Matthew Mott, under whom England won the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

One of England's Modern Greats

Stokes has enjoyed an illustrious international career, scoring more than 7,000 Test runs, including 14 centuries, while also claiming 252 Test wickets.

He played pivotal roles in England's memorable victories in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final and the famous Headingley Ashes Test the same year, performances that cemented his reputation as one of cricket's greatest match-winners.

As his playing career enters its final phase, Stokes has made it clear that coaching—and continuing to contribute to English cricket—remains firmly on his agenda.

Joe Root has been appointed England's Test captain, returning to the leadership role more than four years after stepping down from the position. Root will replace Ben Stokes, who recently retired from international cricket, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been appointed as England's new Test coach. The changes mark the beginning of another phase for England's red-ball side after a turbulent few months. Root's first assignment after returning as captain will be the three-match Test series against Pakistan, beginning in Leeds on August 19. For the experienced batter, captaincy is hardly unfamiliar territory. Root previously led England's Test team for around five years, from February 13, 2017, to April 15, 2022, captaining the side in 64 matches before eventually stepping down. His return means England have opted for an experienced hand at a time when the Test setup is going through significant changes both on and off the field.

The developments come after a difficult period for the England cricket setup. According to the information provided, Stokes faced suspension following a late-night drinking incident and nightclub controversy in Chelsea after the opening match of a series. He subsequently announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year, leaving England searching for a new Test captain. Alongside Root's return to leadership, England have brought in Stephen Fleming to take charge of the Test team. The 51-year-old has built a strong reputation as a coach, particularly through his long association with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Under Fleming's coaching, CSK won the IPL title five times, making him one of the most successful coaches in the competition's history. His coaching experience is not restricted to the IPL. Fleming has also worked with CSK's sister franchises in South Africa's SA20 and Major League Cricket in the United States. He also has a long connection with English domestic cricket. During his playing career, Fleming represented Middlesex, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, while more recently he worked as head coach of Southern Brave in The Hundred.

Brendon McCullum, meanwhile, has stepped away from his role as England's Test coach but will continue as head coach of the ODI and T20I teams until the end of next year, according to the details provided. The arrangement means England will now have separate coaching leadership for red-ball and white-ball cricket. Fleming and McCullum have been close friends and professional associates for a long time, something that could help England maintain coordination between the two setups despite the change in responsibilities. For Root, the immediate challenge will be different. His first stint as captain lasted 64 Tests and placed him at the centre of England's red-ball cricket for five years. This time he returns as a far more experienced player and with a new coach alongside him. The Pakistan series beginning on August 19 will provide the first indication of how the Root-Fleming combination intends to shape England's Test side. With Stokes no longer part of international cricket and McCullum concentrating on the limited-overs teams, England have effectively reset their Test leadership. Root's return offers continuity and experience, while Fleming arrives with a coaching record built around sustained success in franchise cricket. Attention will now turn to Leeds, where their new partnership is set to face its first major test.

The search for a new red-ball coach gained momentum after England's recent home Test series defeat to New Zealand, which prompted a review of the team's performance and coaching structure. While the ECB has not officially announced a successor, Langer is understood to be among the strongest contenders currently under consideration.

The development comes amid speculation surrounding several high-profile names from international cricket. However, former India head coaches Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri are reportedly not part of the race, despite their extensive experience at the highest level.

Former England coach Andy Flower, another respected figure who was linked with the position, has also stepped away from contention. His decision has further narrowed the field and strengthened Langer's position as a leading candidate.

Langer's coaching résumé remains one of the strongest in world cricket. He took charge of the Australian men's team in 2018 following one of the most turbulent periods in the country's cricketing history. Under his leadership, Australia rebuilt its image and returned to the top level of international competition.

During his tenure, Australia won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021 and retained the Ashes against England. Langer was widely credited for restoring discipline and creating a stronger team culture after the fallout from the ball-tampering scandal that had shaken Australian cricket.

His potential appointment would represent a significant move by England as the team looks to regroup after recent setbacks in the longest format.

The ECB is believed to be searching for a coach capable of maintaining England's aggressive style of Test cricket while improving consistency against top-ranked opponents. England's defeat to New Zealand exposed several weaknesses in the squad, leading to increased scrutiny of the team's long-term direction.

One factor likely to influence discussions is Langer's current role in franchise cricket.

The former Australian coach is presently associated with Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. If he accepts the England Test coaching position, scheduling demands and workload considerations could make it difficult for him to continue his IPL commitments.

Although no decision has been announced regarding his franchise future, a move to England would almost certainly require adjustments to his coaching calendar.

The coaching vacancy has attracted widespread attention because England remains one of the most prominent teams in world cricket. The new coach will be expected to prepare the side for a demanding international schedule that includes major bilateral series and future World Test Championship campaigns.

For England, securing the right appointment is viewed as crucial to rebuilding momentum in red-ball cricket.

Neither Langer nor the ECB has publicly commented on the reports, and the board has yet to confirm a final shortlist. Sources close to the process indicate that discussions remain ongoing and that a formal announcement could still take some time.

While uncertainty remains over the final decision, Justin Langer's name continues to dominate the conversation. If selected, he would become one of the most high-profile overseas coaches to lead England's Test side and take charge of a team eager to return to winning ways after a difficult series against New Zealand.

India’s last ODI win at Lord’s came in 2004. Since then, the team has played four one-day internationals at the ground, losing three and finishing one in a tie. Despite the recent struggles, India’s overall ODI record at Lord’s remains evenly balanced, with four wins and four defeats from nine matches.

The decider comes at an important stage for both teams after an evenly contested series. While England bounced back strongly after the opening game, India will take confidence from its ability to recover under pressure and push the hosts all the way.

Historically, India have enjoyed a slight edge in the overall ODI rivalry. The two sides have met 112 times in the format, with India winning 62 matches and England claiming victory in 45. Two games ended in ties, while three produced no result.

On English soil, however, the hosts have generally been more successful. England have won 24 of the 46 ODIs played between the teams in the country, while India have managed 19 victories.

Much of India’s batting hopes will once again rest on captain Shubman Gill, who has been the standout performer of the series. Gill has accumulated 111 runs in two matches and remains the highest scorer for India so far. His unbeaten 80 in the series has highlighted his consistency and ability to anchor the innings.

All-rounder Axar Patel has also played a key role. The left-arm spinner has picked up five wickets in the series and maintained control through the middle overs. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball could prove crucial in the series finale.

England, meanwhile, have relied heavily on Joe Root’s experience. The former captain has been the leading run-scorer across both teams in the series, amassing 175 runs in two matches. His unbeaten 99 in the previous game helped England level the series and underlined his importance in the middle order.

Fast bowler Jofra Archer has also made an impact. Archer has claimed four wickets in two games and continues to trouble batters with pace and bounce. Conditions at Lord’s are expected to suit his style of bowling, particularly with the new ball.

India could make at least one change to the playing XI. All-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remainder of the series after suffering a hamstring strain during the Cardiff ODI. Left-arm spin all-rounder Harsh Dubey has been added to the squad as his replacement.

There is also a strong possibility of KL Rahul returning to the side after recovering from illness. If selected, Rahul is likely to replace Ishan Kishan in the batting lineup. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav remains another option depending on team balance and pitch conditions.

The Lord’s surface traditionally offers assistance to seam bowlers early in the innings before becoming more favourable for batting. Teams chasing have generally enjoyed success at the venue, making the toss an important factor.

A total of 71 ODIs have been played at Lord’s. Teams batting first have won 35 matches, while sides chasing have secured 33 victories. Two matches ended in ties and one produced no result.

Weather conditions are expected to remain favourable throughout the day. Forecasts indicate clear skies in London with temperatures ranging between 14 and 24 degrees Celsius. No significant rain interruptions are expected.

With the series level, a historic venue, and both teams carrying momentum, the stage is set for a high-stakes contest that could provide another memorable chapter in the India-England ODI rivalry.

After being asked to bat first, India appeared well placed at 104 for 1 with Kohli and Iyer taking control of the innings. Kohli continued his impressive form with a fluent 65 off 66 balls, while Iyer anchored the middle overs with 66 from 71 deliveries. The pair added a crucial partnership that looked set to power India beyond the 280-run mark.

However, England's pace attack turned the match on its head. India lost seven wickets for just 55 runs as Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson dismantled the middle and lower order. Archer finished with figures of 3 for 47, while Atkinson claimed 3 for 50, restricting India to 233 in just 44 overs. Jasprit Bumrah's unbeaten 20 ensured the visitors crossed the 230-run mark, but the total proved below par after their dominant start.

England's chase also encountered early setbacks, but Joe Root once again demonstrated his class under pressure. The experienced batter played a composed unbeaten knock of 99 from 133 deliveries, narrowly missing out on a century while steering England to victory with 35 balls remaining. His partnerships with Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson proved decisive as the hosts recovered from a difficult position to complete the chase.

Root's innings extended his remarkable run of consistency in ODI cricket, registering his fifth consecutive score of fifty or more. Despite finishing just one run short of a century, the former England captain prioritised the team's victory over personal milestones and was widely praised for anchoring the innings.

For India, the defeat exposed concerns over the middle-order's inability to capitalise on strong starts. Captain Shubman Gill admitted after the match that the batting unit failed to convert a commanding position into a match-winning total, pointing to the dramatic collapse as the turning point.

The result means the three-match ODI series is now evenly poised at 1-1. India had won the opening match in Birmingham by six wickets, but England's response in Cardiff has set up a winner-takes-all finale at Lord's on July 19.

With experienced campaigners Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely to play key roles in the decider, India will look to address their batting inconsistencies and finish the tour on a winning note. England, meanwhile, will take confidence from Root's masterclass and the effectiveness of their pace attack as both sides head into the final ODI with the series on the line.

 India will look to clinch the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series as they take on England in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday. The visitors head into the contest with a 1-0 lead after registering a convincing six-wicket victory in the opening match of the series.

The second ODI is expected to play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the bilateral series. A win for India would hand them an unassailable 2-0 lead and secure the series with one match still to be played. England, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back and level the series to force a decider.

India Carry Winning Momentum

India produced a disciplined all-round performance in the first ODI at Edgbaston. The bowling attack restricted England before the batting unit completed the chase with confidence. The victory reflected India's balanced approach with both bat and ball and provided the team with early momentum in the series.

The Indian camp will be hoping to continue the same form in Cardiff, where another strong performance could help them extend their dominance in the 50-over format.

England Eye Strong Comeback

England face a must-win situation after suffering defeat in the series opener. The hosts are expected to make tactical adjustments as they seek to overcome India's bowling attack and improve their batting consistency.

Playing at home, England will rely on familiar conditions and home support to challenge the visitors. A victory would keep the series alive and set up an exciting final ODI.

Focus on Key Performers

The match is likely to witness another battle between India's in-form batting line-up and England's pace attack. The performance of the top-order batters, middle-order finishers and bowling units from both teams could prove decisive.

Captains of both sides will also have to manage bowling changes carefully, especially if weather conditions influence play during the day.

Series at Stake

With the ICC calendar featuring several major tournaments in the coming months, the series provides both teams with an opportunity to test combinations and assess player form. Consistent performances in the remaining matches could strengthen selection prospects ahead of future international assignments.

Cricket fans across the world are expected to closely follow the Cardiff encounter as two of the sport's strongest ODI sides battle for supremacy.

The match is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM IST (1:00 PM local time) at Sophia Gardens.

The ODI leg assumes added significance for India after the visitors failed to register a victory during the recently concluded T20I series, which England won convincingly. The return of experienced players is expected to strengthen both the batting and bowling departments as the team begins preparations for next year's major ICC events.

Shubman Gill will continue to lead the side, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return to the top order after missing the T20Is. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is also back in the squad, providing a major boost to India's bowling attack after concerns over consistency during the shortest-format series.

England, meanwhile, have announced their playing XI ahead of the opening ODI. Joe Root returns to the side, adding experience to a batting unit already featuring captain Harry Brook, Jos Buttler and Ben Duckett. Jacob Bethell has been promoted to open the innings, while Josh Tongue has also been included in the lineup. Buttler is set to make his 200th ODI appearance, another milestone in an already distinguished international career.

The match offers India an opportunity to reset after a difficult white-ball stretch in England. While the T20 series exposed weaknesses in both departments, the ODI format presents a different challenge where experienced campaigners such as Rohit and Kohli have traditionally excelled.

Rohit, in particular, enjoys an impressive record at Edgbaston. The Indian captain has accumulated more than 400 ODI runs at the venue at an outstanding average, making him one of India's key players heading into the series opener. Kohli, who recently recovered from a hamstring injury, will also be under close watch as he resumes international cricket.

India are expected to field a balanced combination featuring KL Rahul behind the stumps, while Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav are likely to shoulder the spin responsibilities. The pace attack is expected to revolve around Bumrah alongside Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna, although the final combination will depend on pitch conditions.

England enter the series with confidence after dominating the T20Is. Harry Brook's aggressive batting and the bowling unit led by Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Sam Curran played a crucial role in that success. Ben Duckett has also indicated that England will look to test India's experienced batters with aggressive fast bowling whenever conditions permit.

Conditions at Edgbaston are expected to favour batting once the initial movement with the new ball subsides. Early assistance for fast bowlers could make the opening overs crucial before the surface becomes easier for stroke-making. Weather forecasts indicate clear conditions throughout the match, reducing the possibility of interruptions.

For India, the series is about more than just immediate results. It offers the team management an opportunity to reintegrate senior players, assess combinations and rebuild confidence after a difficult T20 campaign. England, on the other hand, will look to carry forward their recent momentum and begin the ODI series with another statement victory in front of their home crowd.

The developments come at a sensitive time for the Indian team, which is looking to recover from a disappointing white-ball run. India recently suffered successive T20I series defeats, including a 4-0 loss to England, putting the coaching staff and senior players under increased scrutiny.

According to multiple reports from the training session at Edgbaston, Kohli spent a significant amount of time working alongside batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, while Gambhir was seen interacting with captain Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and other members of the squad. Although both Kohli and Gambhir were present throughout the session, there was reportedly no visible one-on-one conversation between them, fuelling fresh discussions about an alleged rift within the dressing room.

Neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Indian team management nor the two individuals have commented on the reports.

The speculation has gained traction largely because of the long public history between Kohli and Gambhir. The two shared several heated on-field exchanges during their Indian Premier League careers before later appearing to put those differences behind them. Earlier this year, BCCI officials had dismissed similar rumours, maintaining that the relationship between the coach and the former India captain remained cordial.

Despite the latest reports, there has been no official indication that the alleged lack of interaction has affected India's preparations for the ODI series.

Kohli returns to international cricket after recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained during the IPL 2026 final. The 37-year-old missed India's ODI series against Afghanistan but rejoined the squad in Birmingham after being declared fit. His return significantly strengthens India's batting line-up ahead of a crucial white-ball assignment in English conditions.

The former India captain has also been actively involved in preparations. During recent practice sessions, Kohli was seen spending time with captain Shubman Gill, reportedly sharing inputs on batting plans and shot selection against England's bowling attack.

India enter the ODI series under pressure after an underwhelming T20 campaign. The series against England presents an opportunity for the team management to reset before the next phase of international cricket, with experienced players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah returning to the squad.

For Gambhir, the series is equally important. Questions surrounding team selection, recent results and India's overall direction have intensified following consecutive setbacks across formats. However, the focus inside the camp remains on producing an improved performance rather than responding to off-field speculation.

Whether the reported silence between Kohli and Gambhir reflects anything significant or simply routine practice dynamics remains unclear. With no official confirmation of any disagreement, attention is now expected to shift quickly to India's performance when the ODI series gets underway against England.

The decision comes at a turbulent time for English cricket, with the national side struggling for results in the longest format and former captain Ben Stokes having already stepped away from international cricket in recent weeks. The twin developments effectively bring an end to the aggressive "Bazball" era that reshaped England’s approach to Test cricket over the last four years.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that McCullum will no longer oversee the Test team, though he is expected to continue his involvement with England’s white-ball setup. The move follows a disappointing stretch in which England lost seven of their last nine Test matches, raising questions about the sustainability of the attacking philosophy that had initially transformed the side.

McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, took charge of England’s Test team in 2022. Working alongside Stokes, he introduced a fearless brand of cricket built around positive intent, rapid scoring and aggressive decision-making. At a time when England had struggled badly for results, the approach immediately produced a dramatic turnaround.

The early months of the McCullum-Stokes partnership were marked by a string of memorable victories. England chased down challenging fourth-innings targets, scored at unprecedented rates and earned praise for making Test cricket more entertaining. The team’s success also sparked a wider debate about whether traditional approaches to the format needed to evolve.

However, the momentum gradually faded.

Several high-profile defeats over the last two seasons exposed the risks associated with constant attacking cricket. Critics argued that England’s commitment to aggressive tactics sometimes came at the expense of match awareness and game management, particularly in pressure situations.

The recent home series defeat against New Zealand intensified scrutiny. With England already searching for answers following a poor run of results, the board appears to have concluded that a fresh direction is needed before future marquee assignments, including the next Ashes cycle.

McCullum acknowledged the decision and thanked players and support staff for their commitment during his tenure. While disappointed to leave the Test role, he indicated that he would continue focusing on England’s limited-overs teams.

The end of McCullum’s tenure also leaves England searching for a new leadership structure. Stokes’ departure created a vacancy in the captaincy, and several names have already been discussed as potential successors. Among them, Harry Brook is widely viewed as a leading candidate given his growing influence within the squad and strong performances across formats.

The ECB is also expected to begin the process of identifying a new Test coach. Former international players and experienced domestic coaches are likely to be considered as England looks to balance attacking cricket with greater consistency.

Beyond personnel changes, attention will now turn to whether England alters the playing style that became synonymous with Bazball. Under McCullum and Stokes, pitches often favoured aggressive batting and high-scoring contests. Some analysts believe England could return to more traditional conditions that place greater emphasis on seam bowling and tactical discipline.

What remains undisputed is the impact McCullum had on England’s Test identity. Even critics acknowledge that the New Zealander revived interest in the format and encouraged players to approach the game with greater freedom.

As England prepares for a new era, the challenge will be retaining the confidence and positivity that defined Bazball while addressing the shortcomings that ultimately contributed to its decline. The coming months could determine whether England builds on that legacy or moves decisively in a different direction.