Australia’s quicks were frustrated by Kane Williamson’s century in a rain-hit Champions Trophy game at a ground where their bowlers have struggled latelyBeer sales were just a little brisker than typical on the 7.43 out of Euston on Friday morning, but then it wasn’t carrying your usual commuter crowd. There were a few hundred expat cricket fans on board, making the early run up to Birmingham for the Trans-Tasman derby between Australia and New Zealand at Edgbaston. As the train left Coventry the announcer reassured them all that, if they were quick, they had time for one more round before they reached New Street. Which set the day up perfectly. Because in between all the longueurs while the showers blew...
England’s white-ball buccaneers start against Bangladesh on Thursday aiming to capture the hearts, minds and disposable income of the massesOver to you then, Morgs, Stokesey, lads. No pressure. Just remember to play without anxiety, without pressure and without the fear of losing. Particularly – and this is very important – when you’re most anxious, when the pressure is on and when you really can’t afford to lose right now.After a buildup of unusual intensity the Champions Trophy is upon us, with England’s team of white-ball buccaneers kicking off things against Bangladesh at The Oval on Thursday morning. The early signs are of course good. Players, coaches and surrounding hierarchy have had a distinct unity of purpose about them for the...
India are likely to face their stiffest opposition from South Africa, England and New Zealand in defence of the title they won at Edgbaston four years agoCoach Darren Lehmann Related: Everything up for grabs for England in the quickfire Champions Trophy | Vic Marks Related: England deserve Champions Trophy favourites status under Eoin Morgan | Vic Marks Continue reading...
The Champions Trophy’s format is a favourite with players and fans and all eight teams in it, including England, can dream of victoryAll eight teams competing in the Champions Trophy are here now; all can harbour thoughts of winning it. It takes five wins in a row to be guaranteed the delight of raising the cup to the skies in south London on 18 June. This is a far more palatable format for the players than the World Cup because no time is wasted. It is far more palatable for the fans as well. If the sun continues to shine the tournament will be a success.From 1 June to 12 June there will be a match every day at one...
The Champions Trophy is a tournament to be savoured from the first match with England players in the IPL hearing that opponents are petrified of themThe Champions Trophy is on the horizon. This may not be a source of universal excitement in the sporting firmament but for cricket fans it should be treasured. This tournament can be a cracker. The format allows no slack: with eight teams participating there are no dead games and 18 days between the opening match at The Oval and the final there on 18 June.Bangladesh, who ousted West Indies from the final eight thereby splintering the old order, are already around, meeting Ireland in a rain‑ruined match in Dublin on Friday. So, too, are New...