Will Macpherson

Joe Root's red-inker takes his ODI average back above 50

MCC have acted following the "unsatisfactory" pitch for the NZ Test at Lord's last month. They are going to start relaying pitches that "underperform" telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2026/0…

Attended the launch today of a commendable initiative by @SussexCCC to boost cricket in state schools in the county. The private-public sector imbalance in English cricket isn't sustainable - or acceptable. It's called 'Breaking Boundaries.'

Good stuff from the retiring Heather Knight. If women’s Tests are going to thrive, they need at least some red-ball domestic cricket beneath them, and for a decent window of prep, not just a couple of net sessions after a t20 block telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2026/0…

England may allow Andy Flower to miss Tests for the IPL if he becomes next coach. The fresh availability of Stephen Fleming today has also piqued their interest telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2026/0…

It’s almost time – Blue for Bob is tomorrow! Make sure you’ve got it in the diary and are ready to tune in. If you're coming to the game, get involved by wearing blue. If not, you can still support by watching @SkyCricket and buying a virtual seat: seats.bobwillisfund.org/stadium

Utter domination for India over England in the Test at Lord’s. They’re celebrating with their fans in the Grandstand

@freddiejturner I hear you. The 430 thing is clearly an unfortunate/nasty one-off. I would expect next year the clash will be with the Ashes, not an England white ball series, so it’ll go back to same structure as last year

@willis_macp 4 QFs all at 4.30 on a Wednesday on the same day as England’s WC SF. 3 days notice to buy tickets. Perhaps better for finals day but this is much worse for the QFs, which used to be the best week of the domestic summer.

Tasty lineup this. New format has a rushed ending around the World Cup and England’s ODI series, but it’s got to be better than having knockouts in deepest, darkest September, two months after the groups end

It's official: Brendon McCullum sacked as Test coach. Stays on in white-ball job. Rob Key stays too. McCullum says he is "gutted" but "respects" the decision telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2026/0…

England take down double world champions India by 56 runs, thanks to Jos Buttler and Harry Brook's extraordinary partnership of 233. England win five-match series 4-0, and go top of the T20i rankings.

Jos Buttler has still got it: sensational 51-ball hundred. Second fifty came in 17 balls, and he's nine fours and six sixes. Dropped next ball; India are all over the shop

Jos Buttler's first T20i half-century in 19 innings

Simply supreme batting from Harry Brook

Shambles that the t20 at the Utilita Bowl has had to be delayed by 30 mins due to traffic (it was very bad). I like this venue but it has to be a concern ahead of an Ashes Test here next year. Anyway, England lose the toss again and are batting first

Over 50 former England players were involved in ringing the bell to signal the start of the first Women’s Test match to be played at Lord’s, 50 years after the first women’s international at the ground. @twiggsonia has more ⬇️ telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2026/0…

England updated their alcohol policy in the wake of the Rex Rooms fiasco. It is much tighter than the first edition in January, and includes a recommendation that players do not drink even the day after a match. More here: telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2026/0…

Three very impressive wins over India for England's T20 side. Harry Brook has very much got this team in order, playing some pretty smart, pragmatic cricket

Tom Banton hasn’t done much with the bat but he’s fielded outstandingly in this t20 series

@LancsCCMG I heard it was a very slow start and then picked up in last few weeks. Expecting similar numbers to last year

@willis_macp With ticket prices now higher, is there any information on ticket sales v last year?

Hundred teams have been finding it difficult to secure shirt sponsors – 12 days before the comp, at least two have not done deals This has led to gambling sponsors being allowed for 2026 only, before a full ban next year. 100 is styled as family friendly telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2026/0…