Cricket news: How England’s XI could shape up for the second Test v New Zealand
Joe Root captains the England side as they take on New Zealand at The Oval on Wednesday in the second of their three-match Test series.
The starting XI was announced on Monday and includes four players who didn’t feature at Lord’s: Jofra Archer, Matt Fisher, Sonny Baker and Jordan Cox - with the latter two making their Test debuts, writes Sports News Blitz’s Jacob Hibbert.
The changes come after Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were involved in an incident at a nightclub after the first victory of the English Test summer.
Cricket betting tips: Best value bets for England vs New Zealand and India vs Afghanistan
England host New Zealand in the second Test of their three-match series, while India look to wrap up their ODI series against Afghanistan in Lucknow this week.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket expert Himanshu Sharma breaks down the best bets, value plays, and key betting angles for this week’s fixtures.
Cricket news: Ben Stokes under pressure - five contenders for the captain’s role
England men’s cricket captain Ben Stokes has been in the press for all the wrong reasons since Sunday night, alongside team-mate and bowler Gus Atkinson.
Following this, it remains unclear as to whether Stokes will continue as England captain.
He has been left out of the 15-man squad for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, with former captain Joe Root set to lead the side.
Without an obvious successor, Sports News Blitz writer Jacob Hibbert takes a look at five candidates to take over as England captain if Stokes’ time comes to an end.
Ashes news: Five takeaways from the second Test as Australia outsmart weak England at The Gabba
England are on the verge of yet another series defeat Down Under following the second Ashes Test at The Gabba, where Australia claimed an eight-wicket victory to go 2-0 up in the series.
With three Tests remaining, victory is not guaranteed for the Aussies, but it does feel like an inevitability following two comfortable wins against a touring side that continues to disappoint.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Joseph Ould examines five takeaways from Brisbane.
The Ashes news: Australia vs England – Five questions that will decide the series Down Under
The 2025/26 Ashes series between Australia and England is shaping up to be one of the most hotly anticipated cricketing battles in years.
And if England are to win Down Under for the first time in 15 years, the details are going to make all the difference.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Joseph Ould takes a look at five key questions that could decide the blockbuster match-up.
Cricket betting tips: England vs India – Joe Root, Jasprit Bumrah to dominate 2025 Test series
England and India are set to begin a new chapter in their historic rivalry this summer when the two face off in a much-anticipated five-match Test series.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket writer Bilal Patel takes a look at the betting odds and offers some expert tips ahead of the thrilling match-up.
England announce Champions Trophy squad: Joe Root and Jamie Overton in, Ben Stokes and Surrey trio miss out
England have named their 15-man squad for the upcoming white-ball series in India and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Sports News Blitz writer Dom Harris is here with the details of the squad announcement.