England Test captain Stokes to retire from international cricket

June 29, 2026 1:16 AM

England Test captain Stokes to retire from international cricket

England test captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the current test against New Zealand, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on a career that included the 2019 World Cup triumph and one of the most celebrated Ashes innings of the modern era at Headingley the same year. When the news was announced at Trent Bridge it drew a standing ovation from the crowd. The timing may have been intended to inspire his teammates to deliver one...

Zak Crawley axed as England pick Emilio Gay for first Test against New Zealand

May 13, 2026 5:08 PM

Zak Crawley axed as England pick Emilio Gay for first Test against New Zealand

England have dropped opener Zak Crawley and selected Emilio Gay as Ben Duckett's opening partner in a reshaped squad for the first test against New Zealand, signalling the start of a rebuild after their 4-1 Ashes thrashing in Australia. Durham's Gay, 26, earned his opportunity after an impressive County Championship run that includes three centuries. Uncapped fast bowler Sonny Baker and wicketkeeper-batter James Rew were also included. The overhaul followed criticism of England's reluctance to...