Mark Butcher

Former England batter Mark Butcher expressed bewilderment over Jofra Archer's exclusion from the first Test against New Zealand, despite a stellar IPL season. Butcher questioned the decision, highlighting Archer's value as a premier fast bowler and the limited home Test schedule. He also pondered Ben Stokes' move to bat at number seven.

Former England opener Mark Butcher is perplexed by the controversy surrounding Jonny Bairstow's dismissal in the second Ashes Test, dismissing the ongoing discussions in cricketing circles as "nonsense" and stating that the decision was clear-cut.

England enter the Champions Trophy after a 3-0 series loss to India in ODIs. Former batter Mark Butcher pointed at the squad's inexperience in the 50-over format, attributing it to not playing enough ODIs. With only four wins in 14 matches since the 2023 World Cup, England's players, even seasoned ones, lack the experience compared to their opponents.

Former England opener Mark Butcher feels the visitors will be happy not to face Ravindra Jadeja in the first two Tests. The Sri Lanka series saw England struggle against left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya --- the leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps.

Former England batsman John Edrich, who made more than 100 first-class centuries, has died at the age of 83, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Friday.

Former opener Mark Butcher is proud of the multi-cultural England cricket team but admits that there needs a structural shift which is inclusive in nature for black and coloured people.

Mark Butcher, who is currently in South Africa for commentary duties in the SA20 season two, had the opportunity to witness Klaasen's remarkable performance during the ICC Cricket World Cup in India. His explosive innings, particularly his stroke-filled 109 runs off 67 balls, left a lasting impression on the former England batter , reinforcing his belief in Klaasen's prowess in the T20 format. While Klaasen's standout performance may have taken place in the 50-overs version of the game during the ICC World Cup, he has been consistently impressive in T20 competitions globally over the past 18 months.

Former opener Mark Butcher feels the ECB should have agreed to the BCCI's request to change the Test series schedule to accommodate the remaining games of IPL as it would have given the England Board the leverage to get top Indian players for its 'Hundred' tournament.

Former England batter Mark Butcher criticises England's technical decline, attributing it to an overemphasis on "intent" at the expense of fundamental batting skills. He argues that flaws exposed on Australian pitches, such as driving on the up with hands far forward, are punished on faster surfaces, leading to their Ashes struggles.

Former England Test batter Mark Butcher has criticised the International Cricket Council's World Test Championship (WTC), arguing that it has done more harm than good to the longest format of the game. He believes the WTC fails to capture the imagination of fans and players, which is essential for maintaining competitiveness and interest in the bilateral series.

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The much-awaited 5-Test series begins in Hyderabad from January 25 and the England team is likely to arrive in the country just three days ahead of the first game. With no warm-up games taking place, former batter Mark Butcher said he is 'a bit terrified' of what awaits the England side as he feels players are underprepared and lack practice.

Nasser Hussain believes India faces pressure to secure a win on Day 5 against England in the second Test, questioning Shubman Gill's trust in his bowlers if they fail. Mark Butcher suggests a draw would be a moral victory for England, fueled by India's late declaration, urging them to seize the opportunity and entertain fans with a resilient performance.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lashed out at the Federation for International Cricketers Association (FICA) for advising players not to tour Pakistan due to an extremely elevated state of insecurity in the country.

Like the previous four Tests in the series against England in the UK, contested last year, Ravichandran Ashwin was left out again as India chose a four-pronged seam attack and the lone spinner's spot went to left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja.

Mark Butcher lauded Shubman Gill's composure and technique as India's Test captain, highlighting his success in Virat Kohli's former position. Gill's impressive form in the England series, with 585 runs, has solidified his position. Butcher also praised KL Rahul's consistency and Yashasvi Jaiswal's hunger for runs, calling Jaiswal a generational talent.

Cricket commentators recently shared their alternate career aspirations, revealing interesting insights beyond the cricket field. Nasser Hussain, known for his candor, imagined himself as a PE teacher. Mark Butcher, passionate about music, would have pursued a career in a band.

Mark Butcher questions Jacob Bethell's captaincy for the Ireland T20Is. Butcher highlights Bethell's limited summer cricket. He points out the absence of key players like Harry Brook. Butcher suggests it disrespects Ireland's cricket. The series features players like Jordan Cox and Liam Livingstone. Butcher questions the necessity of Bethell's role given upcoming Ashes.

Mark Butcher urges India to prioritise winning the Edgbaston Test over managing Jasprit Bumrah's workload, emphasising the importance of leveling the series after England's Headingley victory. Despite Bumrah's desire to play at Lord's, Butcher believes his presence is crucial at Edgbaston. Captain Gill confirms Bumrah's availability, with a decision pending pitch assessment.

Rishabh Pant faces potential ICC sanctions after an on-field incident at Headingley. Pant's frustration over an umpire's decision regarding a ball change request led to a heated exchange and him throwing the ball in protest. Former coach Ravi Shastri attributed Pant's actions to frustration, while co-commentator Mark Butcher questioned the need for such behavior.

Michael Vaughan hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the finest bowler he's ever witnessed after his T20 World Cup final heroics. Vaughan compared Bumrah's impact to football legends Messi and Ronaldo, stating his presence guarantees victory. Fellow experts agreed, though Alastair Cook questioned his iconic Test spells, a point Vaughan countered with Bumrah's impressive overseas Test records.

Ever since India started touring Australia in 1947, they could never dominate proceedings Down Under. They have won only five and drawn 11 out of 44 Test matches they have played in Australia. However, things could change quite easily considering the turmoil the Australian team is in at the moment.

Ex-England batsman and Surrey captain Mark Butcher dismissed reports linking him to the ICL, even as his county also clarified that another player, Ramprakash, has not received any such offer either.

England faces a daunting 371-run target at Headingley to win the first Test against India. Openers Crawley and Duckett offer a glimmer of hope, closing Day 4 at 21 for no loss. Headingley is renowned for dramatic run chases, including Australia's record 404 in 1948 and England's own 362 in 2019.

Sky Sports on Monday confirmed its star-studded commentary line-up for The Hundred. With 100 days to go until the launch of The Hundred, Sky Sports revealed a line-up for its coverage of the summer's blockbuster sporting event.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa joins the SA20 Season 3 commentary team, alongside cricketing legends like AB de Villiers, Kevin Pietersen, and Shaun Pollock. The tournament runs from January 9 to February 8, 2025, to be broadcast on Sports18 and JioCinema in India. Uthappa's expertise will provide Indian viewers with unique insights into this rapidly growing T20 league.

Amid the reducing interest in Test cricket, former England batter Mark Butcher and former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez recently suggested universal standard of money for Test match appearances for players and Chopra backed the suggestion saying the salaries should be standardized as it will help the format.

During the India-England Test match, a lighthearted fashion contest emerged among the Sky Sports commentary team. Michael Atherton initiated the banter by criticising Nasser Hussain's casual attire, leading to a humorous awards ceremony. Ravi Shastri ultimately claimed the title of "Best Dressed Commentator" with his stylish white jacket, celebrated for its flair and confidence.

SA20 has announced a powerhouse commentary team for Season 4, with Robin Uthappa, Dale Steyn, and Eoin Morgan joining an already elite panel. The line-up blends global cricket icons, legendary Proteas stars, and top broadcasters, promising world-class insights across all 34 matches.

'Bazball' was put on the backburner as South Africa's seamers made inroads into England's top order and despite a half-century for Ollie Pope reduced the home side to 100 for five at lunch on the opening day of the first Test at Lord's on Wednesday.