England name two-Test squad; McCullum era under debate; Ashes venues shift for 2027–31
Brydon Carse is being investigated after footage shows him in handcuffs outside a Derby nightclub. He has been stood down from the second Test squad as the Cricket Regulator probes the incident. Sonny Baker has been drafted into the squad in his place.
England fast bowler Brydon Carse is under investigation by the Cricket Regulator after an incident in Derby. He has been removed from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan and replaced by Sonny Baker. The ECB says the Regulator will establish the facts as videos circulated online show Carse in handcuffs outside a Derby venue. No charges have been brought. This follows a string of off-field incidents afflicting England’s players this summer.
Brendon McCullum has indicated Ben Stokes is likely to return as England captain for the third Test against New Zealand, after curfew-breach suspensions and ECB investigations. Stokes has been withdrawn from county duty while the ECB probes the incident, and Joe Root has captained in his absence. The team faces a pivotal moment as selection is announced ahead of Trent Bridge.
Harry Brook has expressed willingness to become England’s Test captain following Ben Stokes’s retirement; he would also captain England across all formats if offered, after prioritising England cricket and forgoing most overseas franchise leagues.
India has defeated England by 270 runs in the one-off women’s Test at Lord’s, with Kranti Gaud’s five-wicket haul and Yastika Bhatia’s century guiding a dominant performance. England’s Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight retire after the match, while Sophie Ecclestone posts England’s first Test fifty.
The Hundred's rebranding under private owners has aimed to broaden appeal with bold branding and new identities, including Sunrisers Leeds and Manchester Super Giants. While ventures like free merchandise activations have boosted engagement, questions remain about sustainability, fan loyalty, and the economics of franchise cricket as competition nears its finals.