Ben stokes

England captain Ben stokes made a strong return to cricket after a cheekbone injury, bowling 20 overs and taking two wickets for Durham. This comeback, his first match since January, offers a significant boost to England's bowling options ahead of a busy summer of Test cricket, including upcoming series against New Zealand and Pakistan.

Babar Azam's resilient 68 guided Pakistan through a tough spot on Day 2 against Bangladesh, marking his return from injury. This crucial half-century propelled him past Ben stokes in the ICC World Test Championship's most fifty-plus scores list, showcasing his consistent performance in the prestigious tournament.

Darren Gough said Brendon McCullum was “very lucky” to remain England coach after the team’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. Gough believes England’s aggressive style needs more discipline and toughness. He also admitted feeling hurt after missing out on the national selector’s role, saying he could have challenged the current management with his experience.

Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been appointed as the fielding coach for the senior men's Test team for the upcoming series against New Zealand. ECB Director of Cricket Rob Key praised Taylor's expertise, calling her "one of the best in the business." This short-term role comes as regular fielding coach Carl Hopkinson is unavailable due to IPL commitments.

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is in hot water after visuals of him vaping in the dressing room during an IPL 2026 match went viral. This incident raises serious concerns as vaping is banned in India. It adds to a string of player conduct controversies in the league. The league faces renewed scrutiny over player behavior and rule enforcement.

Tilak Varma delivered a historic IPL century, smashing 101 off 45 balls to lead Mumbai Indians to a dominant 99-run victory. His explosive innings, featuring a remarkable turnaround in scoring rate, saw him outscore the entire Gujarat Titans lineup. Varma's maiden century also marked a personal milestone, earning him his first Player-of-the-Match award.

Tilak Varma delivered a stunning counterattack for Mumbai Indians, smashing an unbeaten 101 off 45 balls against Gujarat Titans. After a slow start, he unleashed a brutal assault, scoring 82 runs in his last 23 deliveries. This remarkable century, achieved at No. 5, silenced recent form concerns and marked a powerful resurgence.

Ben stokes described a training incident that broke his cheekbone as a "pretty nasty" but ultimately fortunate event, stating he feels "quite lucky" to be alive. The injury delayed his return to cricket, forcing a reassessment of his fitness plan. Stokes also dismissed speculation about his working relationship with Brendon McCullum, emphasising their shared goal for the team.

England Test captain Ben stokes' return to cricket is delayed due to a serious facial injury sustained in February. Recovering from a fractured cheekbone, Stokes will miss Durham's opening County Championship match. Head coach Ryan Campbell confirmed the injury's severity and Stokes' determination to regain fitness after a challenging Ashes campaign and personal difficulties.

Rajasthan Royals, on a two-match winning streak, face a Mumbai Indians side seeking consistency. Mumbai Indian anticipate the return of captain Hardik Pandya, who missed their last game due to illness. Rajasthan Royals' confident batting unit will challenge Mumbai Indians' bowling attack, setting up a clash of momentum against experience.

England captain Ben stokes has revealed the recent Ashes defeat was the most challenging period of his captaincy. Despite the 4-1 loss and internal issues, Stokes reaffirmed his commitment to leading the team forward with head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key, vowing to improve and bring pride to the fans.

England white-ball captain Harry Brook and team-mate Jacob Bethell have been warned about their future conduct after a nightclub incident on the pre-Ashes tour of New Zealand last year. The Regulator "issued a caution notice to Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell in relation to their conduct", said a statement.

The review, which was announced soon after the final Test in January, was completed on Monday. ECB chief executive Richard Gould said removing individuals would have been the easier option but the board has chosen not to take that route.

The IPL 2026 season kicks off March 28. The Most Valuable Player is determined by a points system rewarding fours, sixes, wickets, dot balls, catches, and stumpings. Sunil Narine holds the record for most MVP awards with three wins. Suryakumar Yadav was the MVP in 2025.

Ben stokes retired hurt during Day 3 of the fourth Test against India after a resilient 66, raising concerns about his fitness. His composed innings helped England build a significant first-innings lead at Old Trafford. The decision to retire appeared precautionary, and the team awaits further assessment of his condition as they aim to extend their advantage.

England, led by Ben stokes, lost the 2025/26 Ashes series 4-1 to Australia cricket team. The tour is still under review by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Michael Atherton critiqued Ben stokes' declining batting form and leadership amidst England's defeat to India, highlighting Stokes' lack of preparation due to his limited playing schedule. He also highlighted how his counterpart Shubman Gill has been acing his new role as India skipper. India and England lock horns again on Thursday at Lord's.

England test skipper Ben stokes has been out of action for around five months, ever since he tore his hamstring in the series against New Zealand. With recovering in time for the Zimbabwe series at the top of priorities, the all-rounder has chosen to give up alcohol to get back to his very best.

The drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford saw England captain Ben stokes' frustration boil over as India declined his offer to end play early, with Jadeja and Sundar pursuing centuries. Stokes' actions drew criticism from commentators like Nasser Hussain and Manjrekar, who deemed his behavior 'spoiled.' However, Kevin Pietersen defended Stokes' emotional response, emphasizing the players' mindset and charged atmosphere.

Following Yashasvi Jaiswal's impressive century, Rishabh Pant immediately asserted his presence at Headingley. Jaiswal's composed 101 off 159 balls ended when he was dismissed by Ben stokes. Pant wasted no time, driving Stokes for a boundary, signaling India's intent to capitalize on the foundation laid by Jaiswal.

England Test captain Ben stokes has signed a new two-year central contract with the ECB, extending his commitment until the end of the 2027 home Ashes series. This move secures key multi-format players, while Jonny Bairstow and Jack Leach have not had their contracts renewed.

Nobody in world cricket is even close to England all-rounder Ben stokes, who is "in his own league", reckons former India opener Gautam Gambhir.

Star all-rounder Ben stokes has a "smart cricket brain" and is the "obvious" choice to take over as England Test captain following the exit of Joe Root, according to former captains Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hussain.

England all-rounder Ben stokes while thanking the International Cricket Council (ICC) for inducting him in the ODI and Test Team of the Decade pointed how the Test team cap was 'Baggy and Green'.

All-rounder Ben stokes played one of his best knocks under pressure as England won the World Cup for the first time after New Zealand matched their 15 in a Super Over but lost on fewer boundaries scored in the match in an extraordinary final at Lord's on Sunday.

Ben stokes lauded the India-England Test series as a testament to the format's enduring appeal, despite England's narrow defeat in the final Test. Mohammed Siraj's exceptional bowling performance, including a match-winning five-wicket haul, secured India a series-levelling victory. The match was marked by displays of resilience, including Chris Woakes batting with a damaged shoulder, highlighting the players' commitment.

Ben stokes, England's Test captain, underwent surgery for a hamstring tear sustained during the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton. The injury, sustained while fielding, requires three months of recovery. Stokes will miss upcoming matches but aims to recover before the home series against India.

Sanjay Manjrekar criticized Ben stokes for his conduct in offering a draw before the final hour, labeling it as behaving like a 'spoiled kid.' Jonathan Trott defended Stokes, citing common practice in England, but Manjrekar countered that the world doesn't play cricket the 'English way.