Former England skipper Charlotte Edwards has been appointed as England Women's cricket team head coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday (April 1). Edwards, who represented England in more than 300 games and was captain of the team for a decade, succeeds Jon Lewis after England's embarrassing 16-0 Ashes whitewash against Australia earlier this year.

A Return to the Three Lions

"I am thrilled to be back as part of the England Women's cricket team leadership, and I am not looking forward to taking this team forward and pushing us to success," Edwards said. "It means the world to me to have the three lions on my chest again. Being captain of England was my life for 10 years, and I will always be passionate about this team and our heritage. We have such a great bunch of players, and I am looking forward to working with them and developing them as individuals and as a team."

Her immediate challenge will be two home series against West Indies and India, followed by the ICC Women’s World Cup in India later this year and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at home in 2026. She will also be responsible for restoring team morale after England’s recent poor performances, including their unexpected group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in the UAE last October.

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A Decorated Career On and Off the Field

Through her 20-year career on the field, Edwards was a two-time World Cup and five-time Ashes series winner. Since retiring in 2017, she has lived a life of tremendous success as a coach. She took Mumbai Indians to two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles in three seasons and took Southern Vipers to five titles, two of which were in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, England's domestic T20 competition named for her.

Her coaching record also features taking Southern Brave to three Women's Hundred finals, claiming victory in 2023, and taking Sydney Sixers to the final of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) for 2022-23. Edwards will now leave her position with the Sixers and Hampshire Women.

ECB Supports a "Proven Winner"

ECB deputy CEO and England Women's cricket managing director Clare Connor welcomed Edwards' appointment: "She has the experience, passion, and expertise to take this team to success. The results she has achieved as a head coach in various environments since retiring as one of the greatest-ever England players is a relentless and high standard."

Connor also recognized Edwards's extensive understanding of the game at home and abroad and stressed the need to create a competitive but also supportive atmosphere for the national team.

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Transition in Leadership and Challenges Ahead

Edwards' appointment comes as England changes leadership, with Heather Knight retiring as captain. The ECB has not yet announced her replacement, although vice-captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is the favorite to take over.

On Wednesday, Edwards and Connor will speak to the media at Lord's to set out their vision for England Women's cricket. With the growing professionalization of the women's game and the recent struggles of England, Edwards is likely to introduce more stringent fitness and performance requirements to restore the team's competitive swagger.

As England prepares for a key stage in women's cricket, including the possibility of the sport being added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Edwards' appointment promises a new dawn. The ECB will expect that her record as a player and coach is replicated internationally.

Joe Root has confirmed he is not in the running to become England’s next white-ball captain following Jos Buttler’s resignation after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 34-year-old batter, who led England’s Test team from 2017 to 2022, stated that his time as captain is over.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Root said, “I think that ship has sailed. I’ve done my time as a captain in an England shirt. I’m sure whoever gets the opportunity will be extremely proud and do a brilliant job.”

While Root never captained England in limited-overs formats, he returned to the ODI side this year and finished as one of the top performers in the Champions Trophy. He was England’s leading batter in the tournament, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer overall, and nearly took his team over the line in their final match against Afghanistan with a gritty century.

Despite his personal success, England endured a disappointing campaign, failing to reach the semifinals. Jos Buttler stepped down as captain shortly before their final group game against South Africa. Since then, England has yet to announce a new leader for the ODI side.

Among the contenders, vice-captain Harry Brook is currently seen as the front-runner. However, managing director Rob Key has hinted that Ben Stokes could be considered for the white-ball captaincy, potentially uniting both red and white-ball leadership under one figure. Brendon McCullum has not ruled out the option of having separate captains for ODIs and T20Is.

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Root acknowledged England’s recent struggles but remains confident in the squad’s potential. “We didn’t play anywhere near what we’re capable of. But there’s so much talent and so much more to come. This is a good opportunity to reset and move forward as a group.”

Despite not being a regular in England’s T20I squad since 2019, Root's form in franchise cricket has drawn attention. He impressed in this year’s SA20 tournament with the Paarl Royals, scoring 279 runs at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate of 140.20.

Looking ahead, Root turned his focus to the upcoming Test summer, starting with a five-match series against India at home from June 20. The series will kick off the new cycle of the World Test Championship.

“India coming over means there’s no hiding place. It’s a long series, and we’ll need to deliver match-winning performances consistently,” Root said.

With Root stepping aside from the leadership conversation, England’s white-ball future now rests on the next generation to take the team forward.

Rohit Sharma is likely to continue as India’s Test captain for the five-match series in England. After winning the Champions Trophy, the BCCI and selectors believe he is the right man for the job.

There has been a lot of discussion about Rohit’s future in Test cricket, especially after his struggles in the recent home series and a tough tour of Australia. His decision to skip the final Test in Sydney only added to the speculation about a possible captaincy change. But India’s big win in Dubai seems to have put those doubts to rest, keeping him in charge for now.

“He has proved himself as a leader. Everyone involved feels he is the best choice to lead India in England. Rohit himself is eager to continue playing Test cricket,” a source told The Indian Express. While Rohit hasn’t spoken much about his long-term plans, he is clearly enjoying his role in the team. After India’s win over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, he shut down any talk about retirement.

🚨 ROHIT TO REMAIN TEST CAPTAIN. 🚨

- Rohit Sharma has been backed by the BCCI to captain in the 5 match Test series in England. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/ux88AIO8mi

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 15, 2025

When asked if he plans to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, he kept things open-ended. “Right now, I’m playing well and enjoying my time with the team. The team enjoys having me around too, which is great,” he told.

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“There’s so much pride in playing for India, and with the way this team is performing, I don’t want to step away. We’re having a lot of fun playing together, and that makes it even more special,” he added.

"Runs can come anytime, maybe in a few months or even sooner. Cricket keeps changing every moment. I believe in myself, but I also need to be realistic," he told Star Sports in January.

During India’s tour of Australia, there were rumors of tension in the dressing room, especially after Rohit sat out the last Test. But India’s Champions Trophy win seems to have put those stories to rest. Rohit’s batting form hasn’t been the best lately his highest score in the Australia series was just 10, and he hasn’t hit a half-century since October 2024 against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma will lead India in the Test series against England.

As England’s white-ball team attempts to revamp its structure, keeper batsman Sam Billings has made himself available for the captaincy. After Jos Buttler’s rough tenure post the England T20 World Cup victory in 2022, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) may seek new leadership in the limited overs after England's dismal performances in other competitions alongside his own underwhelming performance as a captain.

Billings is 32 years old and has been a part of the England white-ball setup for almost ten years. While it is true he has been ousted by some more famous players, his captaincy of Kent combined with other domestic and franchise leagues gives him ample experience. His strong mental fortitude with the ability to cope with an array of different match situations makes him suitable for the captaincy.

England's ODI World cup defense was lackluster at best, and their title as champions was stripped from them. This early exit placed further scrutiny on captain Buttler, who may consider one of the best white-ball played currently.If the ECB decides to make any changes, Billings would be a prime target after strongly reiterating his desire for increased responsibility.

🚨 SAM BILLINGS EYES ENGLAND CAPTAINCY! 🚨

- The wicketkeeper-batter has expressed his desire to lead England in white-ball cricket. (BBC Sport) 🏏🔥#SamBillings #EnglandCricket #WhiteBallCaptaincy #BBCSport pic.twitter.com/CmLXQTyHBR

— Akaran.A (@Akaran_1) March 15, 2025

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Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, and even fresh talents like Harry Brook are also options, so Billings is not the only name in dispute. For now, however, the obvious option is Billings, as his experience, tactical understanding, and leadership credentials can distinguish him from the others in the pack.

Everyone is focused as to what decision will be made in terms of Billings and the rest of the squad and the role he will play for the England team as they prepare in advance for their two assignments involving fifty over matches. If his appointment comes to pass, he will have an opportunity to change the current England philosophy of white ball cricket and reinvigorate the team with new energy.

Now, all that is left to see is the announcement, but it is certain that Sam Billings has come forward for the position.

The 35-year-old England fast bowler Mark Wood has been effectively ruled out from the upcoming key home summer Test series against India as he will miss the game for four months following an operation on his knee. 

During the Group B match against Afghanistan in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Mark Wood left the field during his fourth over after experiencing locking in his knee. Although he returned to the field after 38 minutes, he bowled four more overs as he had the bowling figures of 8-0-50-0. While England lost that match by eight runs to be eliminated from the tournament with one match yet to be played, the last batter Wood was not out for two runs in three balls.  

Wood missed out on England's last group stage game against South Africa. On Wednesday (March 12) morning, Wood underwent surgery in London after scans confirmed medial ligament damage. After the successful surgery, the English fast bowler will be out of the game for four months. 

See Also: 🚨 BROOK BANNED FOR 2 YEARS 🚨

I can't wait to get back: Mark Wood

In a statement released, Wood said, "I'm gutted to be out for so long after representing England across all formats since the start of last year. I want to thank the surgeon, the doctors, staff, my England teammates and coaches for their support - and, of course, our fans. I can't wait to get back and contribute to what is going to be a huge 2025 for us as a team."

Wood and surgery isn't a new story as it was his eighth surgery. While the India tour of England for the five-match Test series will begin on June 20, Wood has very little chance to be part of the English team for any match of the series. The last Test of the series will begin on July 31, and Wood is unlikely to feature in the game, especially as he will hardly have a chance to prepare for it. 

Mark Wood will be essential for England in the away Ashes

Due to his furious speed, Wood is an important character in the English fast bowling line-up in any format. While he has the central contract, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has restricted him from joining the Indian Premier League 2025 edition to manage his workload. But the recent injury has forced him to miss out on important home Test series against India. The English team management will now hope to get him fit for the away Ashes in the 2025-26 edition.

India vs England Test Series: The Battle Begins on June 20

Cricket fans, get ready, The much-awaited India vs England Test series is set to begin on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds stadium. This five-match series is not just about pride but also plays a big role in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027. Both teams will be eager to start strong and gain valuable points for the next World Test Championship Trophy.

The Schedule

1st Test: June 20-24 – Headingley, Leeds

2nd Test: July 2-6 – Edgbaston, Birmingham

3rd Test: July 10-14 – Lord’s, London

4th Test: July 23-27 – Old Trafford, Manchester

5th Test: July 31-August 4 – The Oval, London

THE PROMO FOR INDIA vs ENGLAND TEST SERIES 📢

- It all begins on June 20th...!!!! pic.twitter.com/S0BYi6eV7g

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 12, 2025

A Rivalry Full of History

India and England have had some classic battles over the years. India’s last Test series win in England was in 2007, led by Rahul Dravid. Since then, England has faced a tough challenge in their home. The last time these two teams met in England (2021-22 series), ended with 2-2 in a thrilling match.

This series is more than just another cricket battle, It will shape the future of both teams in the World Test Championship 2025-2027. Winning in England is never easy, but India will be determined to break their long drought win. England, on the other hand, will look to continue their dominance at home.

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SQUADS

No squads have been announced for this series

Ben Stokes, who last played an ODI in England's underwhelming 2023 World Cup bid, is still a top contender for the white-ball captaincy and Managing Director Rob Key commended Stokes' leadership, adding, "Ben Stokes is one of the best captains I've ever seen, so it'd be stupid not to look at him." Yet he conceded that Stokes had problems juggling Test and ODI captaincy.

England are also mulling over having different captains for the ODI and T20I sides. Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Harry Brook are the ones who have been touted as possible candidates. Key stressed the need to make the right choice instead of a hasty one. "We're searching for the best individual who can drive this forward," he said.

A Wake-Up Call for England

England's premature exit from the Champions Trophy laid bare critical problems in the squad. Heavy losses against Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa hinted at defects in team balance and selection. England had opted for an all-pacing approach to subcontinental surfaces, which paid disastrous dividends. Brydon Carse and Mark Wood's injuries reduced the squad further. Adil Rashid was the lone specialist spinner from the start, and Rehan Ahmed was introduced later as an alternative.

ECB Director confirms England not ruling out the option to appoint Ben Stokes as the ODI captain. pic.twitter.com/TDTezdNzNJ

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 6, 2025

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Looking back at the team's travails, Key conceded, "We were very poor. We haven't been particularly good in white-ball cricket since Eoin Morgan's time. The batting, in particular, has fallen off a cliff."

Addressing the Decline

England's white-ball woes had been evident well before the Champions Trophy, with heavy losses in India in ODIs and T20Is. It was reported that only Joe Root trained in the nets during the ODI series, but Key refuted these reports. "That story wasn't true," he explained. "I saw the team in Pakistan, and they practiced hard. It wasn't a lack of preparation that caused poor performances."

With England seeking to rebuild, the choice for their new white-ball captain either Stokes or someone new will be important in deciding the direction of the team

In a gripping exhibition of grace and poise, Hashim Amla reminded the world of cricket why he remains among the greatest openers ever. The seasoned batsman played an unbeaten match-winning 82 in the ILT20*, reminding us again that form may be transitory, but class is permanent.

Amla's Vintage Knock Stuns the Opposition

Amla turned back the clock with a perfectionist 82,* leading his side to win in ILT20. Hi

Amla's ILT20 Masterclass: A Combination of Experience and Class

1. A Confident Start

Right from the very first ball, Amla seemed to be in command. Rather than taking on monstrous big shots in a rash manner, he set up a platform well, ensuring stability for his side.

2. Precision Over Power

Rather than sheer strength, Hashim Amla relied on timing and placement. His innings featured:

• Trademark cover drives – a joy for those who value cricket above all else.
• Sculptured strokes between mid-wicket seem easy, with elegant efficacy.
• Clever single movements - along with multiple smoother movements - ensure that the score does not remain stagnant.

3. Changing Speed at the Right Time

Amla timed his innings well, changing his tempo for each stage of the innings:

• First few overs: Concentrated towards constructing a base.
• Middle overs: Kept the scorecard ticking with intelligent singles and timely boundaries.
• Death overs: Took advantage of loose bowling to finish well.

His measured acceleration left the opposition grasping at straws.

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The Turning Point: Amla's Composed Acceleration

As the required run rate mounted, Amla rose to the occasion at the right moment.

• Kept his cool when tensions were rising and wickets were falling around him.
• Picked his moments astutely to go attacking without playing loose cricket.
• Got the fielding in order to perfection, keeping his side in control on the hunt.

By the final overs, Amla had already secured a comfortable victory for his team..

Experience Triumphs Over Youth

At 41, Amla demonstrated that experience is still very much worth its weight in T20 cricket. His game-reading skills and ability to adjust were a lesson for young players.

His innings weren't merely about the runs—it was a statement. The cricketing world saw a master reminding everyone that class never goes out of fashion.

Jos Buttler resigned as England white-ball cricket captain after the side's premature ICC Champions Trophy exit. The resignation has sparked rumors of possible replacements ready to spearhead England limited-overs cricket into a fresh era. There are three well-known candidates, as follows:

1. Harry Brook – The Emerging Talent

Harry Brook, 26 years old, has quickly become an intimidating batsman across all formats. Fresh from being appointed as vice-captain by Buttler, Brook captained England in a September 2024 five-match ODI series against Australia, amassing the most runs, illustrating his leadership prospects. His style of batting fits into England's contemporary white-ball cricket approach. There have, however, been concerns about pushing him too early at a relatively young age with a suggestion of caution before assigning him the role of captain. 

2. Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone has experience as well as the ability to fill several roles. He led England on a West Indies tour when Buttler was not available, hit an unbeaten 124, and won the match. His ability to perform with both bat and ball makes him a serious contender, even though he lacks experience as an international captain.

3. Ben Duckett – The Dependable Performer

Ben Duckett has been a dependable performer for England, especially in difficult situations. His adaptability and composure make him a dependable option in the batting lineup. Duckett's domestic cricket experience and present form could make him a good bet for leadership. But his lack of experience in captaincy roles at the international level could be a factor the selectors would have to consider.

 The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has a significant decision to make at this  moment. They should consider factors like experience, leadership, and pressure handling. This is because there is the  need to consider the workload of the players who are likely to represent England in different formats. The new  captain will be an important factor in determining whether England will continue to be a force in limited overs cricket or not.

After a disappointing journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, English captain Jos Buttler has resigned from the leadership roles in the white-ball formats. Their last game of the Group B in the ongoing Champions Trophy, which will be played against South Africa on Saturday (March 1) at the National Stadium in Karachi, will be Buttler's last match as an England captain. 

Till the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Jos Buttler has been leading the England team in the ODI and T20I formats. Meanwhile, from the England tour of India for the white-ball series, which was played just before the ongoing ICC tournament, the Test coach Brendon McCullum started his journey also as the white-ball coach of the team. However, his "Bazball" theory has completely hurt the English team, and it is facing severe backlash from the experts. 

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India likely to go with new captain against New Zealand

England captain Jos Buttler has no clue how to handle "Bazball"

Jos Buttler was already under pressure since their semi-final exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. While Buttler led the English team to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, the defending champions underperformed in the 2024 edition, which was hosted by the West Indies and the United Arab Emirates. 

Just before the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Buttler's England lost both the T20I and ODI series against the hosts India by 4-1 and 3-0, respectively. Their overaggressive batting seemed to lack strategies. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which England have played only Pakistan as the Group B team, they lost against Australia and Afghanistan. While Australia successfully chased down the 350+ target, a record total in the tournament, and won by five wickets, Afghanistan beat the English side by eight runs to eliminate them before their last fixture in the competition's group stage. 

BREAKING: Jos Buttler has stood down as England white-ball captain, following his side's Champions Trophy exit 🚨 pic.twitter.com/BQ5yiy4yTa

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 28, 2025

Jos Buttler is also struggling with the bat

The Group B match against South Africa will be the English skipper Buttler's last game, as he is resigning from the leadership role. The right-handed batter is also struggling with the bat, while many experts believe that he should bat at the top of the order in ODI cricket. The English team is currently in a big mess as the new English white-ball captain will have a very challenging task.