Sydney: Australia have announced their 17-member ODI squad for upcoming series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, with selectors making a significant call by leaving out experienced batter Marnus Labuschagne.The squad includes several key players returning to the 50-over side, including captain Mitch Marsh and opener Travis Head, while fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been selected for the South Africa leg of the tour.The six-match tour is being viewed as an important preparation phase for Australia's title defence at the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Labuschagne misses out

The biggest selection talking point is the omission of Marnus Labuschagne, who has been a regular member of Australia's ODI side in recent years.Labuschagne has averaged just 21.87 across his last 18 ODI innings, according to Cricket Australia, and has now been left out of the squad despite being part of Australia's 2023 World Cup-winning campaign.The decision comes less than a year before the next World Cup and could put further pressure on Labuschagne's position in Australia's 50-over plans.However, national selector George Bailey stressed that ODI selection is being considered separately from Test cricket. Labuschagne could still remain in contention for Australia's upcoming Test series in South Africa.

Youngsters retain their places

Australia have continued to invest in younger players, with Oliver Peake and Joel Davies retaining their places after featuring in the team's recent ODI campaigns.Cooper Connolly has also been included, giving Australia's selectors an opportunity to assess the next generation ahead of the 2027 World Cup.Bailey said the six-match African tour would provide valuable exposure because the same countries will host next year's World Cup.The selectors also want the younger players to continue developing within the senior setup before the tournament.

Cummins and Starc to join in South Africa

Australia's ODI captain Pat Cummins has been included but will only feature in the South Africa portion of the tour.Mitchell Starc is similarly listed for the South African matches. Both fast bowlers are expected to use the ODIs as preparation for Australia's three-Test series against South Africa in October.Cummins has played only two ODIs since leading Australia to the 2023 World Cup title, so the South Africa matches will represent an important return to the format.

Mitch Marsh to lead in Zimbabwe

No separate captain has been named in the announced squad.Marsh is expected to lead Australia during the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, with Cummins joining the squad for South Africa. Cummins has previously indicated that he may not play every ODI on the six-match tour because the subsequent Test series remains a priority.The Zimbabwe series will be played in Harare on September 15, 18 and 20.The South Africa ODIs will follow on September 24 in Durban, September 27 in Johannesburg and September 30 in Potchefstroom.

Australia ODI squad

Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (South Africa only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa only) and Adam Zampa.

World Cup preparation begins

The African ODI tour will give Australia six matches in conditions similar to those expected at the 2027 World Cup.For the reigning champions, the immediate focus will be on balancing experience with emerging talent while giving senior players valuable match practice. The omission of Labuschagne also signals that competition for places is already intensifying ahead of the tournament

The ODI futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have returned to the centre of debate as India begins shaping its plans for the 2027 World Cup.

Performance Still Matters

Both veterans have shown that they can produce decisive ODI innings. Rohit recovered from a difficult start in England with a century at Lord’s, while Kohli contributed two half-centuries during the series.

No Automatic Selection

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have avoided guaranteeing places so far ahead. Age, fitness, form and the team’s balance will influence the final decision closer to the tournament.

Experience Has Value

World Cups demand calm under pressure, tactical awareness and the ability to handle knockout matches. Removing both senior players too early could leave India without two of its most experienced ODI performers.

Long Runway Ahead

The selectors should judge them over a meaningful sequence of matches rather than one or two innings. The central question is not reputation alone, but whether both remain among India’s best options when the squad is selected.

Set 269 to win after New Zealand posted 268 for 9, West Indies stumbled early, slipping to 123 for 4 as New Zealand's spin attack — led by Mitchell Santner, who came on in the 10th over — tightened its grip through the middle overs, conceding just 37 runs across 13 overs in tandem. The chase looked to be slipping away again when Jacob Duffy struck twice in two balls during the 45th over, leaving West Indies needing 21 off 32 balls with only two wickets in hand.

That's when Hetmyer took over. Having built a crucial 91-run stand with Sherfane Rutherford earlier in the innings, he responded to the late pressure by hitting Duffy for two sixes in the same over, effectively settling the match. He finished unbeaten on 69 off 64 balls, studded with two fours and four maximums, guiding West Indies home in 47.3 overs and earning the Player of the Match award — only the third time in his ODI career he's finished a successful chase not out. Rutherford's 61 off 58 balls, including five sixes, had earlier provided the platform that kept West Indies in the hunt.

New Zealand's total of 268 for 9 was built on a trio of contributing innings — Will Young made 56, Nick Kelly 64, and captain Tom Latham anchored the innings with a fluent 69, with the visitors adding 70 runs in the final Powerplay to push their total to the highest first-innings score of the series. Jayden Lennox and Duffy each finished with three wickets for New Zealand, while Alzarri Joseph and Vitel Lawes picked up two apiece in the chase.

Despite the defeat, New Zealand collected the series 3-2, extending their run to four consecutive bilateral ODI series wins over West Indies. For the hosts, the victory — arriving after the series was already lost — offers a timely confidence boost heading into their upcoming World Cup Qualifier campaign. Speaking after the match, Hetmyer said he'd stopped thinking about reaching a personal milestone partway through the innings and focused purely on seeing the team across the line, a mindset that's become something of a trademark for the 29-year-old finisher across his 59 ODI appearances since debuting in 2017.

The result provided a positive finish for the Caribbean side after a challenging series and highlighted the impact of experienced batter Shimron Hetmyer, whose unbeaten innings guided the team across the finish line.

Chasing 269, West Indies completed the target in 47.3 overs despite losing wickets at crucial intervals. Hetmyer remained unbeaten on 69 and was named Player of the Match for his composed knock under pressure.

Earlier, New Zealand recovered from a shaky start to post 268 for nine after being asked to bat.

The visitors suffered an early setback when Henry Nicholls was dismissed for 10 with only 16 runs on the board. However, opener Will Young and Nick Kelly steadied the innings with an important partnership that rebuilt momentum after the early breakthrough.

The pair added 86 runs for the second wicket and helped New Zealand regain control. Young went on to score 56, while Kelly contributed 64 as the visitors crossed the 100-run mark.

Even after both set batters departed, New Zealand continued to accumulate runs through the middle overs. Tom Latham played a significant role in maintaining the scoring rate and added a valuable 69-run innings. His contribution ensured the visitors remained on course for a competitive total.

Captain Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith added useful runs towards the end of the innings, helping New Zealand finish on 268/9 from their allotted 50 overs.

For West Indies, Alzarri Joseph and Vitel Lewis claimed two wickets each, while the remaining bowlers chipped in with timely breakthroughs.

The chase began positively for the home side.

Openers Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves provided a solid foundation and added more than fifty runs before New Zealand struck back. Despite the promising start, West Indies soon lost wickets in quick succession and found themselves under pressure.

Keacy Carty and captain Shai Hope got starts but were unable to convert them into substantial scores. At one stage, the hosts were reduced to 123 for four, bringing New Zealand back into the contest.

The turning point came through a crucial partnership between Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer.

The duo counterattacked effectively and added 95 runs for the fifth wicket. Their stand not only repaired the innings but also shifted momentum firmly in West Indies' favour.

Rutherford played an aggressive knock of 61 before being stumped by Tom Latham off the bowling of Michael Bracewell. By then, however, the hosts had moved significantly closer to the target.

With Rutherford back in the pavilion, Hetmyer took responsibility for steering the chase. He paced his innings carefully, mixing caution with timely boundaries, and remained unbeaten until the winning runs were scored.

His 69 not out proved decisive as West Indies crossed the target with more than two overs remaining.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy and Jaden Lennox were the standout bowlers, taking three wickets each. Despite their efforts, the visitors were unable to defend the total in the closing stages.

Although West Indies celebrated victory in the final match, New Zealand finished the series with the overall honours after winning three of the five games. The visitors also collected individual awards, with Jaden Lennox being named Player of the Series for his consistent performances throughout the contest.

The result gives West Indies valuable confidence heading into upcoming international assignments, while New Zealand will be encouraged by securing a series win away from home despite the setback in the final fixture.

The 31-year-old announced his decision through a social media post, citing personal reasons for relinquishing the role. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has not yet named a successor, and an official announcement regarding the new ODI captain is expected in the coming days.

Shahidi took over the ODI captaincy in 2022 and led Afghanistan during a transformative period for the team. Under his leadership, Afghanistan gained recognition as one of the most competitive emerging sides in world cricket and delivered several memorable performances on the global stage.

His tenure is particularly remembered for Afghanistan's campaign at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India. The team stunned several established cricket nations, defeating England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands during the tournament.

Those victories elevated Afghanistan's status in international cricket and highlighted the growing depth and confidence within the squad. Although the team narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth, its performances were widely regarded as one of the major stories of the competition.

Shahidi also captained Afghanistan during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, continuing to guide a side that has become increasingly competitive against higher-ranked opponents.

In his statement announcing the resignation, Shahidi described the captaincy as an honour and thanked players, coaches and cricket administrators for their support during his tenure.

He indicated that the decision was driven by personal considerations rather than cricketing reasons and emphasized that he remains committed to representing Afghanistan as a player.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has yet to comment on possible replacements, though discussions around the next captain are expected to intensify given the team's busy international schedule.

While Afghanistan cricket prepares for a leadership transition, another major sporting story unfolded in Chennai, where reigning World Chess Champion D. Gukesh suffered his second consecutive defeat at the Chennai Grand Masters tournament.

The setback has come as a surprise to many chess followers, given Gukesh's remarkable rise over the past year and his status as one of the world's most promising young grandmasters.

The Chennai Grand Masters has attracted significant attention because it features several elite players competing on Indian soil. Expectations were particularly high for Gukesh following his recent achievements on the international circuit.

However, the world champion has struggled to find momentum in the event and now finds himself under pressure after back-to-back losses.

Chess experts noted that consecutive defeats are rare for players of Gukesh's calibre, making the development one of the biggest talking points of the tournament so far.

Despite the disappointing results, observers have cautioned against drawing long-term conclusions. Elite chess tournaments are often decided by fine margins, and even the strongest players can experience difficult stretches during demanding competitions.

For Indian chess fans, the tournament remains important not only because of Gukesh's participation but also because it reflects India's growing influence in global chess. The country has produced a remarkable generation of young grandmasters in recent years, with Gukesh emerging as one of its leading figures.

The latest developments in cricket and chess underline contrasting moments for two prominent athletes. While Shahidi has voluntarily brought a successful chapter of leadership to a close, Gukesh is facing a challenging period in a tournament where expectations remain exceptionally high.

Attention will now turn to Afghanistan's search for a new ODI captain and Gukesh's efforts to bounce back in the remaining rounds of the Chennai Grand Masters.

Santner Leads New Zealand to Series Victory

New Zealand survived a tense finish to chase down a target of 189 and clinch the ODI series with one match remaining. The visitors appeared in serious trouble at 149 for 6 after losing wickets at regular intervals, but captain Mitchell Santner guided his side home with an unbeaten 34-run knock under pressure.

The dramatic turning point came late in the chase when New Zealand required only three runs to win with just one wicket in hand. Santner offered a chance in the 44th over, but a collision between fielders Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves resulted in the catch being dropped. The missed opportunity proved costly as Santner struck a boundary on the first ball of the next over to seal victory and the series.

Earlier in the chase, Mark Chapman played a crucial role after New Zealand stumbled to 6 for 2. The left-hander scored 80 runs from 82 deliveries and rebuilt the innings with a composed approach. However, West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie brought the hosts back into contention by claiming five wickets and triggering a middle-order collapse.

Despite Motie’s impressive spell, Santner remained calm at the crease and combined with last-man Jayden Lennox to complete the chase.

West Indies Struggle with the Bat

After being asked to bat, West Indies were bowled out for 188. The hosts failed to build substantial partnerships for most of their innings before Amir Jangoo and Gudakesh Motie added 81 runs together to provide some resistance.

However, the recovery came too late to push the total beyond a competitive score. New Zealand’s bowling attack maintained control throughout the innings, with Santner and Matthew Fisher picking up two wickets each.

The victory gives New Zealand a winning 3-1 lead heading into the final ODI and continues the team's strong form in limited-overs cricket.

Bangladesh Complete Comeback Against Zimbabwe

In Bulawayo, Bangladesh recovered from an opening-match defeat to win the final two games of the T20I series and secure a 2-1 triumph over Zimbabwe.

The visitors entered the decider under pressure after losing the first match of the series but responded strongly to claim their first T20I series victory of 2026.

For Zimbabwe, the match was significant for captain Sikandar Raza, who became the country's most-capped international cricketer across formats with his 314th appearance. The landmark, however, ended in disappointment as the hosts failed to defend a modest total.

Myers’ Fifty Not Enough

Zimbabwe struggled to accelerate after a promising start. Dion Myers scored a half-century and shared a 71-run partnership with Brian Bennett, helping the hosts establish a solid platform.

Bangladesh’s bowlers fought back brilliantly in the closing stages. The visitors conceded only 25 runs in the final four overs while taking four wickets, preventing Zimbabwe from posting a bigger score.

Mohammad Saifuddin was among the standout performers with the ball, claiming two important wickets during the death overs.

Tanzid Hasan Anchors the Chase

Bangladesh’s response was built around an impressive innings from Tanzid Hasan. The opener registered another half-century, reaching the milestone from 45 deliveries and recording the 13th fifty-plus score of his T20 career.

His knock placed him level with Shakib Al Hasan for the joint-most fifty-plus scores by a Bangladeshi player in T20 internationals. Partnerships with Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy ensured Bangladesh remained in control for most of the chase.

The match produced late drama when Brad Evans struck twice in the final over to revive Zimbabwe’s hopes. A controversial moment followed when an LBW appeal against Mehidy Hasan Miraz was ruled a dead ball, leading to discussions between players and umpires.

Bangladesh eventually ended the contest when a boundary reduced the target, sealing victory with two balls remaining and completing a successful comeback in the series.

While Bangladesh celebrated a morale-boosting T20I triumph, Zimbabwe will now turn its attention to the upcoming series against India, with middle-order inconsistency remaining a key concern.

Chasing a daunting target of 388, Rohit produced one of the finest overseas innings of his ODI career, scoring 138 runs from 110 deliveries. His innings, which included 17 fours and five sixes, kept India in contention for much of the chase before England eventually secured a 27-run victory and sealed the three-match series 2-1.

The knock was significant for several reasons. Most notably, Rohit became the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground. No Indian player had previously reached three figures in a men's ODI at the venue, making Rohit’s innings a landmark achievement in Indian cricket history.

The century also strengthened Rohit’s reputation as one of the most successful overseas ODI batters. It was his eighth ODI hundred in England, the highest by any visiting batter in a single foreign country. In doing so, he moved past Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar and former Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar, who had each scored seven ODI centuries in a foreign nation.

Adding another milestone to an already memorable day, Rohit became the oldest Indian cricketer to score an international century. At 39 years and 80 days, he surpassed Tendulkar’s previous record, underlining his longevity and continued importance to the Indian batting lineup.

Kohli and Rohit Add Another Record Partnership

The innings also saw Rohit and Virat Kohli add another chapter to their long and successful partnership. After Shubman Gill’s dismissal, Rohit and Kohli stitched together a 113-run stand for the second wicket that briefly tilted momentum back towards India.

It was the 21st century partnership between the two in ODI cricket, taking them past Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan on the all-time list. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, who combined for 26 century stands, remain ahead of the Indian duo.

The match also marked another landmark for the pair. Rohit and Kohli played their 400th international match together, becoming the first Indian combination to reach that milestone. Across formats, the duo has shared thousands of runs and several memorable partnerships for India over the last decade and a half.

Rohit’s Lord’s Century Among Fastest at the Venue

Rohit’s century came off just 84 deliveries, making it the third-fastest ODI hundred ever recorded at Lord’s. Only England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, who reached three figures in 61 balls against Sri Lanka in 2014, and one other batter have scored faster ODI centuries at the iconic ground.

His aggressive approach kept India within striking distance despite England’s imposing total and earned him a standing ovation from the Lord’s crowd when he eventually departed.

England Rewrite Record Books

While Rohit dominated headlines from India’s perspective, England’s batting unit also produced several record-breaking performances.

Ben Duckett scored 141 runs, registering the highest individual ODI score at Lord’s and surpassing Sir Vivian Richards’ long-standing record. Alongside Jacob Bethell, who made 91, Duckett put together a 192-run opening stand, the highest partnership for any wicket by England against India in ODI cricket.

England eventually posted 387 for 3, their highest ODI total against India and the highest ODI team score ever recorded at Lord’s.

Joe Root added another record of his own. His unbeaten 74 meant he finished the series with 249 runs without being dismissed, setting a new record for the most runs scored in a bilateral ODI series without losing his wicket.

Memorable Moments Beyond the Numbers

The match also featured several emotional and memorable scenes. Players observed a minute’s silence in memory of West Indies great Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away earlier this month. Indian legend Yuvraj Singh was invited to ring the traditional Lord’s bell before the start of play.

Another talking point emerged when television cameras showed Rohit using a bat belonging to Mumbai teammate Shardul Thakur. The image quickly gained attention among fans, with Thakur joking during commentary that Rohit had borrowed several bats from him over the years.

Although India finished on the losing side, Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking century ensured his performance remained the defining individual story of a dramatic series finale at Lord’s.

Chasing a daunting target of 388, India produced a spirited response led by Rohit Sharma’s magnificent century. However, despite his 138-run knock, the visitors fell short and were bowled out for 360 in 50 overs.

The result capped a disappointing white-ball tour for India. Earlier, England had also won the T20I series, while India arrived in the UK after suffering a T20I series defeat against Ireland.

Rohit Leads the Fightback

India’s chase began strongly as Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill put together a 147-run opening partnership. The pair kept India in contention with aggressive stroke play against England’s pace attack.

Gill made 77 from 78 deliveries before being trapped lbw by Adil Rashid. Rohit continued to dominate and brought up a historic century at Lord’s, becoming the first Indian batter to score a men’s ODI hundred at the iconic venue.

The veteran opener struck 138 runs from 110 balls, hitting 17 fours and five sixes. He also became the first Indian to register an ODI century at Lord’s and added another memorable innings to his overseas record.

Virat Kohli provided valuable support with 74 off 60 balls. His innings included four boundaries and three sixes as he shared a crucial partnership with Rohit for the second wicket.

However, once Rohit departed in the 39th over, England regained control of the contest.

England Hit Back Late

India still had hopes of completing the chase with Kohli at the crease, but England’s bowlers struck at regular intervals in the closing stages.

Sam Curran emerged as the match-winner with the ball. The left-arm all-rounder removed Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli and Axar Patel to derail India’s pursuit.

Jofra Archer also produced a key breakthrough by bowling KL Rahul, while England’s fielding remained sharp under pressure.

India required a strong finish in the final overs but continued losing wickets, eventually ending on 360 and falling 27 runs short.

Duckett and Bethell Lay the Foundation

Earlier, England posted a massive 387 for 3 after captain Harry Brook elected to bat first.

Openers Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell provided the platform with a commanding 192-run partnership. Duckett played a superb innings of 141 from 135 deliveries, registering the highest individual ODI score at Lord’s.

Bethell narrowly missed a century, scoring 91 from 93 balls with 11 fours and two sixes.

After the opening stand was broken, Joe Root and Jos Buttler accelerated dramatically in the final overs. Root remained unbeaten on 74 from 48 balls, while Buttler smashed 41 not out from only 13 deliveries.

England collected 126 runs in the last ten overs and 82 runs in the final five overs, turning a strong total into a daunting one.

Series Decider Turns England’s Way

The decisive match reflected the pattern of the series. India won the opening ODI convincingly, but England bounced back in the second match before producing another strong all-round performance at Lord’s.

For England, Duckett, Bethell and Curran played decisive roles in the series-clinching victory. For India, Rohit Sharma’s brilliant century stood out, but the team’s inability to contain England’s batting attack and finish the chase ultimately proved costly.

The win gives England momentum ahead of their upcoming international assignments, while India will look to address concerns in both bowling and death-over execution following another difficult overseas white-ball campaign.

Speaking on the importance of merit-based selection, Kapil said players should continue to represent India as long as they are contributing consistently and helping the team win matches. His comments underline a long-standing principle in international cricket — form and fitness remain the ultimate criteria for selection.

The former all-rounder acknowledged the immense value that Rohit and Kohli bring to the side through their experience and match-winning ability. However, he maintained that even the most accomplished players cannot be guaranteed a place in the playing XI indefinitely.

According to Kapil, Indian cricket has always thrived when competition for places remains strong. He said senior players deserve opportunities as long as they justify their selection through performances, but team management must simultaneously prepare the next generation to ensure a smooth transition whenever change becomes necessary.

The remarks come at a time when Indian cricket is balancing experience with youth across formats. Several emerging players have impressed in domestic cricket and international opportunities, increasing competition for places in the national setup.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain among the most influential figures in Indian cricket. Both players announced their retirement from T20 Internationals after India’s triumphant campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Since then, they have continued to represent the country in One-Day Internationals and Test cricket.

Despite stepping away from the shortest format, the duo continues to play a crucial role in India's plans for major tournaments and bilateral series. Their experience has often been viewed as a key factor in guiding younger players through high-pressure situations.

Kapil's comments also highlight a broader challenge faced by every successful cricket team — balancing established stars with future prospects. While experienced players provide stability and leadership, selectors must also identify and nurture replacements before transitions become unavoidable.

Indian cricket has witnessed several such transitions over the decades. From the retirement of legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev himself to later generations led by Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni, the team has repeatedly evolved while maintaining competitiveness at the highest level.

The debate surrounding senior players often intensifies ahead of major tournaments, particularly when younger cricketers begin pushing for opportunities. However, Kapil suggested that performance should remain the only benchmark rather than age or reputation.

His remarks are likely to resonate with selectors and cricket followers alike, especially at a time when India is building squads for future global events. The message was clear: past achievements earn respect, but continued selection must be driven by present-day performances.

For Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom remain among the most accomplished batters in modern cricket, the focus continues to be on delivering results whenever they take the field. As long as those performances continue, Kapil believes their place in the team remains justified.

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.

According to reports, the selectors have informed Rohit that he will no longer be an automatic selection in India's ODI plans beyond the England tour. The move is believed to be part of a broader strategy to build a younger squad capable of competing at the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Team management is reportedly keen to provide greater opportunities to emerging players over the next 18 months.

The reports also suggest that head coach Gautam Gambhir has been kept informed about the selectors' long-term roadmap. Although Gambhir has not made any public comments on Rohit's future, the transition plan is said to have been discussed internally as India prepares for its next World Cup cycle.

The developments come despite earlier indications that India intended to manage the workload of senior players rather than phase them out immediately. Ahead of the England ODI series, discussions reportedly centred on implementing a rotation policy for experienced cricketers such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, allowing younger players to gain international exposure without completely sidelining the veterans.

Interestingly, ODI captain Shubman Gill had recently reiterated that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remained important to India's plans for the 2027 World Cup. Gill had emphasised the value of experience while highlighting the need to balance senior players with the next generation of cricketers. Those remarks now appear to contrast with the latest reports surrounding Rohit's future.

Rohit's recent performances have also come under scrutiny. The veteran opener has struggled for consistency during the England ODI series, and questions over his long-term role have intensified following India's defeat in the second ODI at Cardiff. While he remains one of India's most successful white-ball captains, selectors are reportedly looking beyond immediate results as they shape the squad for the next global tournament.

If the reports prove accurate, the third ODI at Lord's on July 19 could become Rohit's final appearance in Indian colours. However, neither the BCCI nor Rohit Sharma has issued an official statement confirming retirement or exclusion from future squads. Until such confirmation arrives, the reports remain part of the ongoing selection discussions rather than a formal decision.

The uncertainty also raises questions about the future of India's experienced core. With Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and other senior players expected to be managed carefully over the next year, the selectors face the challenge of balancing continuity with the need to prepare a competitive squad for the 2027 World Cup.

For now, all eyes remain on Lord's, where India and England will meet in the series-deciding third ODI. Whether it marks another milestone in Rohit Sharma's illustrious career—or the end of his ODI journey—may become clear only after the England tour concludes.

After being asked to bat first, West Indies appeared well placed at one stage but suffered a dramatic collapse. The hosts eventually finished on 140/9, losing six wickets for just 19 runs during the latter stages of the innings.

The collapse proved decisive as New Zealand chased down the target with relative comfort, reaching 141/4 and securing an important victory ahead of the final two matches.

West Indies' innings suffered an early setback when opener John Campbell was forced to retire hurt in the sixth over. While attempting a single, Campbell appeared to suffer a hamstring injury and had to leave the field with assistance, disrupting the home side's momentum.

Despite the setback, Casey Carty and Shimron Hetmyer rebuilt the innings impressively. The pair steadied the batting effort and guided West Indies to 121/3, putting the hosts in a strong position to post a competitive total.

However, the turning point arrived when New Zealand's spinners tightened their grip on the contest.

Captain Michael Bracewell first trapped Carty leg-before wicket, breaking a crucial partnership. In the following over, Hetmyer attempted to accelerate the scoring but was caught in the deep while trying to clear the boundary.

From that point onward, the innings unraveled rapidly.

Jaden Lennox once again emerged as New Zealand's standout bowler. The spinner, who had claimed a five-wicket haul in the previous match, followed it up with figures of 4/52. His spell dismantled the lower middle order and helped trigger the collapse that left West Indies well below a competitive score.

The performance also saw Lennox equal New Zealand's record for the most wickets by a spinner in a bilateral ODI series, underlining his growing importance in the team's bowling attack.

Chasing 141, New Zealand did not have everything their own way.

West Indies fought back with the ball and reduced the visitors to 77/3. Nineteen-year-old spinner Vitelle Lawrence impressed on ODI duty, removing Henry Nicholls with a delivery that shattered the stumps. Mark Chapman and Will Young also departed, giving the hosts a brief opportunity to push for an unlikely victory.

A key moment came when New Zealand required 33 more runs for victory. Dean Foxcroft was struck on the pads by Lawrence, but the on-field umpire ruled the delivery as runs rather than an LBW appeal. West Indies opted not to review the decision.

Television replays later suggested the ball would have gone on to hit the leg stump, meaning a successful DRS review could have given the hosts another breakthrough at a crucial stage.

Instead, New Zealand capitalised on the reprieve.

Captain Tom Latham anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 51 off 53 deliveries. He found solid support from Dean Foxcroft as the pair added an unbroken 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

The duo absorbed the pressure effectively and ensured there were no further setbacks. A couple of loose deliveries from Lawrence helped ease the tension, and New Zealand eventually crossed the finish line without losing another wicket.

The victory gives New Zealand a commanding position in the series with two matches remaining. Another win in the fourth ODI would secure the series for the visitors.

For West Indies, the defeat will be particularly frustrating given their strong position at 121/3. The batting collapse exposed familiar issues in the middle and lower order, and the team now faces a must-win situation heading into the remaining games.

The final two ODIs will be played in Barbados, where West Indies must win both matches to keep their hopes of a series victory alive. New Zealand, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their momentum and seal the series at the earliest opportunity.