Madhya Pradesh’s experienced off-spinner Saransh Jain has received his maiden call-up to the Indian Test team for the upcoming series in Sri Lanka, with his selection coming as a reward for his outstanding performances in domestic cricket over the last decade.

The selectors announced a 15-member squad on Tuesday for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka next month. PTI had reported on Sunday that 33-year-old Saransh could replace Washington Sundar in the Indian squad after the all-rounder suffered a muscle strain during the England tour.

The two-Test series is part of the World Test Championship. The first Test will be played from August 15 to 19 in Galle, while the second Test will take place from August 23 to 27 at the SSC in Colombo. As part of their preparation for the series, India will also play a four-day practice match from August 7.

With Washington unavailable, the Shubman Gill-led side needed a right-arm finger spinner, which led to Saransh’s inclusion in the squad. The tall off-spinner was a key member of Madhya Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy-winning team under coach Chandrakant Pandit. During India A’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, Saransh impressed with six wickets in two matches and also scored an unbeaten 70 in one innings.

Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar are both left-arm orthodox spinners, while Kuldeep Yadav is a left-arm wrist spinner. The selectors opted to add Saransh as an off-spinner to bring variety to India’s spin department.

Jadeja has returned to the squad after being rested for the only home Test match against Afghanistan played in June. Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian, who was brought into the team as a replacement for R Ashwin after the latter retired during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, failed to maintain consistency in his performances and did not receive support from the selection committee.

The selection of the remaining players was largely expected. Right-arm fast bowler Gurnoor Brar, who took 10 wickets in a match against Sri Lanka A, has retained his place in the squad.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and batter Sai Sudharsan have been included subject to fitness. Their fitness will be assessed at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (COE) later this month before the team departs for Sri Lanka.

No official standby player has been named so far. However, in case Bumrah fails to make a complete recovery from his injury, Vidarbha fast bowler Yash Thakur and Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi are available as options.

The Indian Test squad for the Sri Lanka series is: Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal and Saransh Jain.

The inclusion of Saransh Jain marks a significant moment in his career as India prepares for a crucial World Test Championship assignment in Sri Lanka, while the fitness of key players remains a major factor ahead of the team’s departure

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will enter the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 with renewed confidence after a year defined by resilience, determination and consistent progress. From narrowly missing direct qualification at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 to securing a World Cup berth on home soil before lifting the FIH Nations Cup title in New Zealand, the team has transformed disappointment into momentum ahead of the sport’s biggest global tournament.

The FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 will be held from 15 August to 30 August 2026. India has been drawn in Pool D alongside China, England and South Africa. All of India’s group-stage matches will be played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The campaign will begin against China on 16 August, followed by South Africa on 18 August and England on 20 August.

India came agonisingly close to securing direct qualification during the Women’s Asia Cup 2025. After an impressive run to the final, the team fell short against hosts China, missing the automatic qualification spot for the World Cup. Although the defeat was a major setback, it proved to be a defining moment for the squad, which used the disappointment as motivation to strengthen its preparations and remain focused on earning qualification through the next available opportunity.

The turning point came at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifiers held in Hyderabad in March 2026. Playing in front of home supporters under Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne, India remained unbeaten throughout the competition on its way to the final. The team confirmed its place at the World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Italy in the semi-final. England later edged past India in the final, but the silver medal marked a successful campaign as India officially secured qualification for the prestigious global tournament.

Experienced forward Navneet Kaur emerged as one of India’s standout performers during the qualifiers. She finished the tournament with four goals, including a hat-trick against Wales, and was deservedly named the Player of the Tournament for her outstanding performances.

India delivered its strongest statement of intent at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month, where the team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament to win the title and secure promotion back to the FIH Pro League. The campaign began with a spirited 3-2 comeback victory over the United States after India had trailed by two goals. The team then defeated Japan and Uruguay to finish at the top of its group.

Led by captain Salima Tete, India produced a commanding 6-0 victory over Chile in the semi-final before defeating New Zealand 2-0 in the championship match to lift the Nations Cup trophy. Drag-flick specialist Deepika finished with six goals during the tournament, ending as the joint highest scorer and highlighting the attacking strength India will carry into the World Cup.

The past year also witnessed several significant individual milestones within the Indian squad. Navneet Kaur completed 200 international appearances during the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 before adding the Player of the Tournament honour at the World Cup Qualifiers. Defender Nikki Pradhan reached the milestone of 200 international appearances during the qualifiers in Hyderabad, while captain Salima Tete celebrated her 150th international appearance in the tournament final against England.

With recent success, valuable international experience and a squad that combines seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, India will travel to Belgium and the Netherlands carrying confidence, momentum and belief. As the countdown to the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 enters its final phase, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team will aim to convert its steady progress into a memorable campaign against the world’s leading teams and establish itself among the elite of international hockey.

The Indian Under-21 Men's Hockey Team concluded its highly competitive exposure tour of Belgium on Friday with an impressive victory over the Netherlands, bringing to an end a demanding six-match campaign against some of Europe's strongest hockey nations. Newly appointed head coach Frederic Soyez praised the team's steady improvement throughout the tour, describing the experience as a significant step in the squad's long-term development.

The exposure tour was held from 5 July to 18 July 2026 and featured six challenging matches against Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Facing elite European opposition in a highly competitive environment, the young Indian side displayed growing tactical maturity, resilience, and adaptability with each successive match.

India began its campaign at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre with a hard-fought 2-4 defeat against Austria. The team responded strongly in the second fixture by producing a commanding 4-1 victory over the same opponents, scoring three field goals and converting one penalty corner to level the series.

The Indian team then faced hosts Belgium in the third match, where it suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat after a spirited performance. The fourth fixture saw another closely contested encounter against Germany, with India losing 0-1 after Germany secured the decisive goal through a last-minute penalty-corner strike. India then faced Belgium again in the fifth match and went down 2-4 despite another determined display.

The tour concluded at the Hockey Centre of Excellence in Antwerp, where India delivered its finest performance of the campaign. In a thrilling contest against the Netherlands, the young Indian side produced an outstanding attacking display to register a hard-earned 4-3 victory, ending the tour on a winning note.

Reflecting on the campaign, head coach Frederic Soyez said the Belgium tour had been an outstanding experience both on and off the field. He stated that competing against high-quality opposition in a demanding environment had provided invaluable opportunities for growth, learning, and team development.

Soyez emphasized that the team's greatest achievement was not merely the final results but the visible progress made from one match to the next. He said every performance reflected the players' commitment, adaptability, and willingness to learn. While acknowledging the narrow defeats against Belgium and Germany, he described the overall performances as highly encouraging and said the squad had taken away many valuable lessons.

The coach added that the team's final performance against the Netherlands clearly demonstrated the progress achieved during the tour, highlighting the character, resilience, and determination shown by the players in securing a well-deserved victory against one of Europe's leading hockey nations.

Looking ahead, Soyez said the experience gained during the Belgium tour would play a vital role in the players' continued development. He acknowledged that further improvement was needed, particularly in maintaining consistency and becoming more efficient during crucial moments of matches. However, he stressed that the team's progress was evident and that the tour had strengthened the squad's confidence while providing a solid foundation for future training and international competition.

The successful conclusion of the Belgium exposure tour marks an important milestone in the preparation of the Indian Under-21 Men's Hockey Team, with the valuable experience against Europe's top teams expected to contribute significantly to the squad's growth and future international ambitions.

Pakistan star all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been suspended for three months after testing positive in a dope test conducted during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the decision on Friday, confirming that the violation involved a “substance of abuse” and was not connected to enhancing sporting performance.

The ICC stated that Nawaz has accepted a three-month period of ineligibility for breaching the ICC Anti-Doping Code. However, his suspension will be reduced to one month if he successfully completes a substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programme approved by the governing body.

Nawaz’s period of ineligibility has been backdated to May 1, the date on which he began serving his suspension. The ICC confirmed that the remaining part of the ban will not be required if Nawaz completes the rehabilitation programme to the satisfaction of the organisation.

The ICC said in an official statement, “Pakistan spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has accepted a three-month period of ineligibility, which will be reduced to one month on completion of a substance of abuse treatment programme, for breaching the ICC Anti-Doping Code.”

The governing body further added that Nawaz would not need to serve the remainder of the three-month suspension, subject to successfully completing the required rehabilitation programme.Nawaz Tested Positive for Cannabis Metabolite

The 32-year-old cricketer tested positive for Carboxy-THC, an inactive metabolite produced in the liver after the consumption of cannabis. The sample was collected following Pakistan’s T20 World Cup match against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7.

The tournament was jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, while Pakistan played all its matches in Sri Lanka under an agreement with the ICC.Nawaz Accepted the Violation

The ICC confirmed that Nawaz accepted the charge and established that the substance was consumed outside the competition period and had no relation to improving his sporting performance.

“Nawaz admitted to the offence and demonstrated that the substance had been used out-of-competition, in a manner unrelated to sport performance,” the ICC stated.

After accepting the sanction and agreeing to undergo rehabilitation, Nawaz’s provisional suspension was lifted as he had already served two and a half months of the penalty period.Match Records Disqualified Under Anti-Doping Rules

According to the ICC Anti-Doping Code, Mohammad Nawaz’s records from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup match against the Netherlands on February 7, along with all subsequent matches played until May 1, have been disqualified.

The suspension marks a significant disciplinary action under international cricket’s anti-doping regulations and highlights the ICC’s continued enforcement of its rules regarding prohibited substances, regardless of whether their use is linked to sporting performanc

As the countdown begins for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, India’s women’s hockey team enters the global showcase after a remarkable period of consistency and success. Ranked among the world’s competitive hockey nations, India has secured top-two finishes in each of its last three major competitions, building strong momentum ahead of the tournament.

India’s impressive run started at the Asia Cup 2025 in Hangzhou, where only hosts and eventual champions China managed to defeat them. Forward players Navneet Kaur and Mumtaz Khan, the 2022 FIH Young Player of the Year, scored six goals each as India secured the silver medal. The team narrowly missed the title after losing 4-1 to Olympic silver medallists China in the final.

Six months later, India claimed another silver medal at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers held in Hyderabad, India. Navneet Kaur was named Player of the Tournament and added four more goals to her growing international record. India reached the final after recording three wins and one draw, defeating Uruguay and Wales, while drawing 2-2 against Scotland. They then defeated Italy 1-0 in the semi-final. Although England won the final 2-0, India’s outstanding performances secured their qualification for the World Cup.

India’s latest achievement came at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, in June, where they delivered their strongest performance by winning all five matches and securing promotion to the next season of the FIH Hockey Pro League. India defeated the United States 3-2, Japan 2-1, Uruguay 3-2, Chile 6-0 and hosts New Zealand 2-0 to finish at the top of the standings.

Deepika played a crucial role in the Nations Cup triumph, scoring six penalty-corner goals, while Lalremsiami, the 2019 FIH Young Player of the Year, was named Player of the Match in the final against the Black Sticks.

India qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 by finishing second at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, India.

India’s notable achievements include a bronze medal at the FIH Champions Challenge in 2002, a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2002, a Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2006, fourth-place finishes at the Olympic Games in 1980 and 2021, an Asian Games gold medal in 1982, Asian Games silver medals in 1998 and 2018, four Asian Games bronze medals in 1986, 2006, 2014 and 2022, two Asia Cup gold medals in 2004 and 2017, and Asia Cup silver medals in 1999, 2009 and 2025.

India’s previous Women’s Hockey World Cup rankings include fourth place in 1974, seventh place in 1978, 11th place in 1983, 12th place in 1998, 11th place in 2006, ninth place in 2010, eighth place in 2018 and ninth place in 2022.

Head coach Sjoerd Marijne returns to lead India after previously overseeing a transformative phase between 2017 and 2021. Under his guidance, India achieved a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were held in 2021. After stepping down following the Olympics to spend more time with his family, the former Netherlands women’s and India men’s head coach returned to the role in 2025. Having already made an immediate impact, Marijne will look to create another memorable chapter at the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Head Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “We are looking forward to the World Cup as we see this as a new step with the team after the Nations Cup. We come with confidence and are ready to face the challenges ahead for us.”

Captain Salima Tete said, “Preparing for the World Cup is not just about sweating it out on the field; it is a continuous process of improving ourselves every day. With discipline, hard work and unity, the Indian team is fully prepared to make the nation proud at the World Cup.”

Navneet Kaur remains one of the key players to watch for India. A vital member of the team’s talented and dynamic forward line, she brings pace, skill and creativity capable of challenging any defence. At the time of reporting, she had scored 94 goals in 211 international appearances while also contributing numerous assists since making her international debut against Ireland in April 2014 at the age of 18.

With recent achievements, experienced leadership and a confident squad, India’s women’s hockey team heads into the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 determined to strengthen its position on the global stage.

Hockey India has announced a nationwide Coaching and Officiating Education Pathway Workshop programme beginning 18 July as part of its continued efforts to strengthen the sport’s development ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to provide internationally recognised learning opportunities while equipping coaches and technical officials with advanced coaching methodologies, technical expertise and updated officiating standards.

The programme has been designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of hockey coaches and technical officials while promoting a structured education system for the sport in India. Separate workshops will be conducted for coaches and officials, with sessions led by International Hockey Federation educators and experts.

Through this long-term initiative, Hockey India aims to strengthen hockey at the grassroots level by creating a strong network of qualified coaches and technical officials across the country. The programme focuses on making high-quality hockey education more accessible nationwide and building a sustainable ecosystem that supports the growth of players, coaches, officials and the sport as a whole.

Speaking about the initiative, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “The growth of Indian hockey depends not only on our players but also on the quality of our coaches and technical officials. Through these workshops, we are committed to creating a strong education pathway that reaches every corner of the country. By bringing International Hockey Federation educators and experts, we aim to ensure that modern coaching practices and officiating standards are accessible to everyone, ultimately strengthening the foundation of the sport in India.”

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and development in hockey. He said, “At Hockey India, we believe continuous education is essential for the long-term development of the sport. These Coaching and Officiating Education Pathway workshops will provide valuable learning opportunities for aspiring and experienced coaches and officials. By conducting these workshops nationwide, we are creating a more inclusive and structured system that will contribute to the overall progress of Indian hockey.”

The nationwide workshops mark another significant step by Hockey India towards developing a professional education pathway for coaches and officials. By integrating global expertise and modern training standards, the initiative aims to strengthen the foundation of Indian hockey and support the continued growth of the sport at every level.

New Delhi: India have been drawn alongside hosts Malaysia, Syria and Iraq in Group E of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers after the official draw was conducted at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 16.

Following the Young Tigresses' historic first-ever appearance in the knockout stage of the previous edition, India will now aim to secure qualification for back-to-back AFC U17 Women's Asian Cups for the first time. Group E of the Qualifiers will be hosted by Malaysia from October 5 to 11, 2026, with all matches being played in a centralized single round-robin league format.

India will begin their qualifying campaign against Iraq on the opening matchday, followed by a clash with Syria in their second fixture. The team will conclude the group stage against hosts Malaysia in what could prove to be the decisive encounter for qualification.

Only the winners of each of the eight qualifying groups will earn a place in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Finals, scheduled to be held in Suzhou, China, from March 31 to April 17, 2027. The tournament will be staged in China for the second consecutive edition.

For the qualification draw, 30 participating teams were seeded into four pots and an additional hosts' pot based on a points system derived from their final rankings across the previous three editions of the competition. India were placed in Pot 1 before the teams were divided into eight groups, including six groups of four teams and two groups of three teams.

The eight group winners will join the four teams that secured direct qualification through their performances in the 2026 edition. Defending champions DPR Korea, runners-up Japan, and semi-finalists Australia and China PR have already qualified automatically for the finals.

The AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 will also serve as the qualifying tournament for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2027, with the four semi-finalists earning direct qualification for the global competition.

The official draw placed Korea Republic, Jordan, Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates in Group A. Group B features Indonesia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, while Group C consists of Chinese Taipei, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Laos and Cambodia. Group D includes Vietnam, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Northern Mariana Islands and Palestine. Group E comprises India, Malaysia, Syria and Iraq. Group F features Thailand, Lebanon, Macau and Bhutan. Group G includes Myanmar, Hong Kong and Guam, while Group H consists of the Philippines, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan.

India's qualification campaign will begin against Iraq before facing Syria and concluding with a crucial encounter against hosts Malaysia. With qualification available only to the group winners, every match will carry significant importance as the Young Tigresses pursue another historic appearance at the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup and an opportunity to move one step closer to the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2027.

India and England have confirmed their playing XIs ahead of their One Day International encounter, with Virat Kohli making his return in India colours after missing the Afghanistan series due to injury. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah also returns to India's ODI setup for the first time since the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, strengthening the team's pace attack for the highly anticipated contest.

India have named Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top of the order, with Gill leading the side as captain. Virat Kohli returns to bolster the batting lineup alongside Shreyas Iyer and wicketkeeper KL Rahul. The all-round department features Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, while the bowling attack includes Gurnoor Brar, Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna.

England have opted for a balanced combination featuring two specialist spinners and three seam bowlers. Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett will open the innings, followed by Joe Root and captain Harry Brook. Jos Buttler will take the wicketkeeping responsibilities, while Sam Curran and Will Jacks provide all-round options. The bowling unit comprises Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue and Adil Rashid.

England's decision to field two spinners in Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid, supported by the pace trio of Sam Curran, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue, underlines a tactical approach for the match. India, meanwhile, will rely on the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with the return of Jasprit Bumrah, to strengthen both their batting and bowling departments.

The confirmed playing XIs set the stage for a closely contested ODI, with India boosted by the return of two of their most experienced players and England backing a balanced squad featuring a mix of established stars and emerging talent.

Playing XIs

England: Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (Captain), Jos Buttler (Wicketkeeper), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Adil Rashid.

India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Gurnoor Brar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna.

Indian cricket fans are set for a major international comeback as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah return to ODI action when Team India begin their three-match series against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Tuesday. The return of the experienced trio adds significant strength to India’s squad ahead of the opening ODI.

Along with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also making his comeback to ODI cricket for the first time since India’s defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. His return will provide a major boost to India’s bowling attack as the team looks to begin the series on a winning note.

The inclusion of Kohli and Bumrah in the playing eleven is expected to affect the chances of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan and Gurnoor Brar, who could be left out of the final lineup. With Kishan not featuring in the squad, KL Rahul is likely to take responsibility as wicketkeeper for the first ODI.

Bumrah, who was rested for the ODI series against Afghanistan as well as the T20I series against Ireland and England, will play his first ODI match in more than 950 days. He is expected to join Arshdeep Singh and Gujarat Titans pacer Prasidh Krishna in the pace department. Krishna enters the contest with confidence after claiming a five-wicket haul in his last ODI appearance against Afghanistan last month.

𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘬𝘦 𝘛𝘝 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘬𝘩𝘪𝘺𝘦 𝑹𝑶𝒀𝑨𝑳𝑻𝒀 𝒊𝒏 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆! 💙👑

RoKo, Captain Gill and Bumrah are all set to light up the #ENGvIND ODI series.

Watch the 1st ODI tomorrow, 2:30 PM onwards, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV… pic.twitter.com/XhoNBRslOc

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 13, 2026

India will also miss the services of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been ruled out of the series due to injury. The team management will have to choose between spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube as Pandya’s replacement in the playing eleven.

Indian T20I captain Shreyas Iyer is set to retain his place in the middle order after an impressive performance in the recently concluded T20I series. Despite India suffering a 4-0 defeat against England, Iyer emerged as the team’s leading run-scorer, scoring 218 runs in five innings at an average of 54.5.

Iyer was the second-highest run-scorer in the T20I series, finishing behind England captain Harry Brook. Brook scored 229 runs in four innings at an average of 114.5, leading England’s batting charge.

For England, all-rounder Jacob Bethell will open the innings alongside Ben Duckett in the ODI series. Bethell will become Duckett’s fifth different opening partner since the beginning of 2025. Jos Buttler, who scored a brilliant century in the fifth T20I match last week, will move down the batting order.

England will also strengthen their middle order with the return of experienced batter Joe Root, whose presence is expected to add stability and depth to the team’s batting lineup.

India’s probable playing eleven includes Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill as captain, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul as wicketkeeper, Shivam Dube or Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna or Gurnoor Brar.

England’s probable playing eleven includes Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook as captain, Jos Buttler as wicketkeeper, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue and Adil Rashid.

The opening ODI between India and England will mark the return of some of the biggest names in international cricket and will set the tone for a highly anticipated three-match series. With experienced campaigners back in action and both teams looking to strengthen their ODI combinations, the Birmingham contest promises to be a crucial battle for early momentum.

India’s historic triumph in the first-ever women’s Test match at Lord’s was followed by an emotional farewell ceremony for two of England’s most celebrated cricketers, Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, as the duo brought down the curtain on remarkable international careers.

India defeated England by 270 runs at the Home of Cricket, but the celebrations soon turned into a heartfelt tribute for two players who have played a significant role in shaping the modern women’s game.

The emotional moments took place inside the dressing room after the conclusion of the match. India opener Smriti Mandhana presented Heather Knight with an India jersey featuring Knight’s name on the back before sharing a warm embrace with the former England captain.

Jemimah Rodrigues then hugged Tammy Beaumont as Indian players applauded the experienced opening batter. Beaumont was also presented with a jersey signed by the entire Indian team.

“Cricket is all about making memories, and we as the Indian team just want to leave you with a small memory on your last match for England. Congratulations and all the best for everything,” Jemimah Rodrigues said.

The tributes had begun earlier during the Test match when Indian players formed guard of honours for both Knight and Beaumont as they walked out to bat in their final appearances for England. The two cricketers received standing ovations from teammates, opponents and spectators at Lord’s, marking an emotional farewell at the iconic venue.

The occasion became even more memorable with the presence of Sachin Tendulkar, who met Knight and Beaumont during the match and congratulated them for their outstanding contributions to cricket. The England pair later shared photographs with the batting legend, adding another special moment to their farewell Test.

Wholesome moment as India present Tammy and Heather with a token of their appreciation 🤝 pic.twitter.com/GCNpMfDI4M

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 13, 2026

Heather Knight retires as one of England’s most influential cricketers after a 16-year international career. She represented England in more than 300 matches across formats and served as captain from 2016 to 2025, leading the team through one of the most successful phases in its history.

Knight’s greatest achievement came in 2017 when she guided England to Women’s World Cup glory at Lord’s. In a dramatic final, England defeated India by nine runs in front of a packed crowd, with Knight becoming only the third England captain to lift the trophy.

Apart from her leadership achievements, Knight established herself as one of England’s most reliable batters, scoring more than 7,000 international runs and playing a crucial role in strengthening England’s position in women’s cricket.

Tammy Beaumont announced her retirement after a remarkable international career that began in 2009. The 34-year-old has been one of England’s finest opening batters, scoring more than 8,000 international runs and holding the record as England Women’s leading ODI century-maker with 12 hundreds.

A key member of England’s 2017 World Cup-winning squad under Heather Knight’s leadership, Beaumont became known for her consistency at the top of the batting order. She is also among the select group of England women cricketers to have scored international centuries in all three formats.

The retirements of Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont mark the end of a significant chapter in England women’s cricket. Both players leave behind lasting legacies built through performances, leadership and contributions that extend beyond statistics and trophies.

For India, the victory at Lord’s will remain a historic achievement in women’s cricket. However, the memorable images of Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues honouring Knight and Beaumont, the guard of honour from Indian players, and Sachin Tendulkar’s meeting with the retiring stars highlighted the lasting connections and respect that define the spirit of cricket.

India’s emphatic 270-run victory over England in the first-ever women’s Test match at Lord’s has further strengthened one of the most extraordinary records in women’s Test cricket history. The landmark win extended India’s unbeaten Test record in England to 40 years, adding another memorable chapter to their remarkable overseas journey.

India maintained their unbeaten record in women’s Tests on English soil with their latest success at the iconic Lord’s ground. Since their first tour of England in 1986, India have played 10 Tests in the country, securing three victories and seven draws. The Lord’s triumph became the newest milestone in a dominant run that has continued for four decades.

Overall, India and England have faced each other 16 times in women’s Test cricket. With this victory, India moved ahead in the head-to-head record with four wins, while England have won only one match and 11 encounters have ended in draws.

England’s only victory against India came by a narrow two-run margin in Jamshedpur in 1995. India have now won each of the last two completed Tests between the two teams, underlining their growing dominance in the longest format of the game.

The latest victory was built on a complete all-round performance by India. After scoring 285 runs in the first innings, India’s bowlers dismissed England for 170, securing a commanding lead and putting the hosts under immediate pressure.

Yastika Bhatia created history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s. Her outstanding innings of 113 runs played a crucial role as India declared their second innings at 341 for seven, setting England a challenging target of 457 runs.

Smriti Mandhana also made a significant contribution, scoring 70 runs after her first-innings score of 83. Richa Ghosh provided further momentum with an unbeaten half-century, helping India accelerate towards the declaration.

England’s chase never gained momentum as India’s bowling attack exploited the conditions with precision. Kranti Gaud, who had claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings, added two more wickets in the second innings to finish with seven wickets in the match. Sneh Rana and Sayali Satghare maintained consistent pressure and prevented England from building any strong partnership.

The victory followed India’s dominant 347-run win over England in Navi Mumbai in 2023 and further highlighted the team’s increasing strength in women’s Test cricket.

At a venue rich in cricketing heritage, India achieved another historic milestone by extending their unbeaten streak in England, a remarkable record that has now continued across four decades. The Lord’s victory stands as another defining moment in India’s women’s cricket journey and reinforces their position as a formidable force in the longest format.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised India's response after the team suffered a 0-4 defeat against England in the T20I series, stating that removing head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Shreyas Iyer or a few underperforming players would be an easy decision but would not address the actual reasons behind the team's struggles.

India endured a disappointing overseas campaign, losing the five-match T20I series against England 0-4 after the opening match was abandoned due to rain. The defeat followed a 0-2 series loss against Ireland, leaving the reigning T20 World Cup champions without a single victory across the two overseas tours.

Speaking in a video posted on Instagram, Manjrekar said that making changes to the coaching staff, leadership group or players would not resolve the deeper issues affecting the team.

"The easiest thing to do for India would be to sack Gautam Gambhir, sack the captain, sack some of the players who did not perform well in Ireland and England. That would be the easy thing to do," Manjrekar said.

Shreyas Iyer, who took over the T20I captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav after India's World Cup triumph, has faced a difficult start to his leadership tenure. Under his captaincy, India lost six of their seven T20I matches, while one game was abandoned due to rain.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaysphotos)

The heavy defeat against England also resulted in India losing the top position in the ICC Men's T20I rankings to England.

Manjrekar said India's biggest issue was a lack of preparation for overseas conditions. He argued that the team selection process focused heavily on performances in the Indian Premier League rather than assessing players' ability to succeed in challenging international environments.

"The right thing to do would be to identify the main reason for India's setback. And the main reason is that these T20 matches were played in Ireland and England, overseas conditions," he said.

He added that most players were selected based on their IPL performances, which did not always reflect their ability to handle difficult bowling conditions outside India.

"Our batters and our team were poorly prepared for these conditions. Why? Because the selectors actually picked all these players based on their IPL performances," Manjrekar said.

Manjrekar also criticised the batting-friendly conditions in the IPL, saying such surfaces make it difficult to accurately judge the capabilities of Indian batters in challenging situations.

"The IPL puts on a very heavy makeup on Indian batters, all batters. The IPL batting conditions are the easiest I have ever seen in my life. And that is why it flatters to deceive. And that is why you see so many batters at the top of the order doing the crazy things that they do," he said.

He further explained that IPL success does not always translate into international success, especially when pitches provide assistance to bowlers.

"So you do not really know which player will do well when there is something there for the bowlers. And it is not as easy as batting on a marble sheet as it is in the IPL. And that is where the selectors need to be smart and pick people like Shubman Gill, who will succeed in Ireland, England, everywhere as a T20 batter," Manjrekar said.

Concluding his remarks, Manjrekar said the focus should move beyond changing players and instead examine the decisions behind creating batting-dominated IPL conditions.

"Go deeper and actually sack those guys who have been advising the BCCI that batting-friendly conditions make IPL more popular and more commercially viable. Let's have more fours and sixes. Let's have more 100-plus scores," he stated.

Manjrekar's comments have highlighted concerns over India's preparation strategy, player selection approach and the influence of domestic T20 conditions on international performances. The debate has intensified after the team's consecutive overseas series defeats and the loss of its top position in the ICC Men's T20I rankings.