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    PUMA Sponsors Zimbabwe Cricketer Ryan Burl After His Heartwarming Post

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    Ryan Burl got sponsor from PUMA after he posted a heart warming pic in Twitter and pleaded for sponsorship
    Ryan Burl got sponsor from PUMA

    Zimbabwe cricketer Ryan Burl got sponsored by the International sporting brand PUMA after he made an open request on Twitter regarding his sponsorship.

    Ryan Burl Got Sponsor from PUMA

    Zimbabwe cricketer Ryan Burl had shared an emotional post for sponsorship. He posted a pic of his torn shoe along with a glue bottle. He indicates that they are in a position of repairing their shoes once for every series they play.

    “Any chance we can get a sponsor so we don’t have to glue our shoes back after every series @newbalance @NewBalance_SA @NBCricket @ICAssociation.”

    PUMA Comes forward to Help

    The tweet went viral and the fans began urging for a sponsor.

    “Time to put the glue away, I got you covered,” Puma Cricket had responded to Burl’s tweet after the Zimbabwe cricketer sought help from household sporting brands.

    Harbhajan Singh Lauds PUMA

    Indian cricketer and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) superstar Harbhajan Singh lauded the sports gear brand for their incredible gesture.

    Harbhajan, who enjoys a massive fan following across all social media platforms took to Twitter and praised Puma Cricket for offering a helping hand to Zimbabwe international.

    “Always there for the players @pumacricket well done,” Harbhajan said in his tweet. Harbhajan’s response has come after Puma Cricket publicly announced to help Zimbabwe’s Burl.

    The 27-year-old Burl has played 2 Tests, 18 ODIs, and 25 T20Is since making his international debut in 2017. A middle-order batter, so far, he has scored a combined 660 runs across formats.

    Recently, Zimbabwe suffered a whitewash at home to Pakistan in a two-match Test series. However, in the shortest format of the game, they managed to defend 119 by bowling out Pakistan for 99 inside 20 overs. Zimbabwe eventually lost the three-match Twenty20 International series 2-1.

    In July 2019, the International Cricket Council had suspended Zimbabwe Cricket due to political interference in their functioning. This decision saw the funding from ICC to Zimbabwe Cricket being frozen. The suspension was later lifted in October 2019.

    Boyd Rankin, Only Player to Play for 2 Countries Announces Retirement

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    Boyd Rankin retires from international and inter-provincial cricket
    Ireland Pacer Boyd Rankin retires from international cricket

    England and Ireland pacer Boyd Rankin, the only cricketer to have played for two countries in all three formats, has announced his retirement from international cricket.

    Boyd Rankin Announces Retirement

    Rankin made his Ireland debut in 2003 and played last for the country in a T20 against Afghanistan in Greater Noida in 2020.

    “To retire from international cricket is always a tough call, but I feel now is the right time to step away,” he said in a statement.

    “I have put my heart and soul into playing cricket professionally since 2003 and have loved every minute of it. “I never dreamt I would play for Ireland as much as I did and to travel the world playing in numerous World Cups and to pull on the Irish jersey is something I will never forget.”

    Rankin is among the 15 players who have played Test cricket for two countries.

    “To have also a long career in county cricket especially during my 11-year stint with Warwickshire where we won the County Championship, 50-over competition twice, and the T20 Blast in 2014 was very special and something I am very grateful for,” he said.

    “I always strived to be the best player I could be and to play at the highest level possible, so to make my Test debut for England during a time when Ireland wasn’t a Test-playing nation was a very proud moment.

    I will miss all the guys I played alongside the most and enjoying the wins we had along the way,” he added.

    The 36-year-old has also played an Ashes Test for England on the 2013-14 tour besides seven ODIs and two T20s. He went back to play for Ireland after they got the Test status in 2017. In all, he played three Tests, 75 ODIs, and 50 T20s.

    Watch Boyd Rankin’s impressive bowling

    Also read: How to watch IPL in UK? – IPL 2021 Live Streaming

    Monty Panesar Believes India Could make a 5-0 Win Against England

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    Monty Panesar
    Monty Panesar

    Monty Panesar believes that India could hand the hosts a 5-0 whipping if the wickets during the impending series offer turn.

    Monty Panesar praises India

    After the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, India will take on England in a five-match Test arrangement. The two groups last met in India, where Virat Kohli’s men drubbed the Englishmen 3-1.

    As per Monty Panesar, Indian spinners could make use of England’s shortcomings if the surfaces offer some help. Bringing up that the conditions would be hotter in August when the Test series starts, Monty Panesar tweeted:

    “5 test matches are in August where we will expect warmer conditions. Indian spinners will come into the game, India have a chance 5-0.”

    India has the accomplished duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in their crew as the two primary spinners. Both demonstrated amazing success in

    Australian conditions a couple of months prior. Further, Axar Patel, who unleashed destruction during his presentation Test arrangement against England at home, and Washington Sundar are the other spin alternatives for Team India.

    A Twitter user couldn’t help contradicting Monty Panesar’s claim and composed:

    “It is not easy at all for India in seaming conditions, 5-0 with England that is a big joke.”

    The 39-year-old likewise supported the Indian seamers to do well against an amateur England top-order lineup. As indicated by Monty Panesar, England are vigorously subject to their captain Joe Root to score runs.

    Reacting to a tweet on the India-England arrangement, Monty Panesar believes:

    “If Joe Root scores large England win. But, you anticipate that Joe Root should score all the runs? India has seamers to exploit inexperienced English batting. The top order will be England’s issue” he said.

    India’s squad for England Tour

    Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (Captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohd. Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav,

    Subject to fitness clearance

    KL Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper)

    Standby players

    Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Arzan Nagwaswalla

    India’s tour of England – 2021-22

    S. No Date Match Venue
    A 18th – 22nd June WTC Final vs NZ Southampton
    1 4th – 8th August 1st Test vs England Nottingham
    2 12th – 16th August 2nd Test vs England London (Lord’s)
    3 25th – 29th August 3rd Test vs England Leeds
    4 2nd – 6th September 4th Test vs England London (Oval)
    5 10th – 14th September 5th Test vs England Manchester

    Shimron Hetmyer Backs to WI Squad for 15 T20I Matches

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    Shimron Hetmyer backs to the West Indies Squad for the upcoming 15 T20I matches various against various team
    Shimron Hetmyer

    Shimron Hetmyer, who last played a game for West Indies(WI) back in January 2020, is back in the squad for the back-to-back series against South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia.

    Shimron Hetmyer Backs to WI Squad

    ‘Hetty’ as he is known among his teammates wasn’t able to make it into the side when Sri Lanka came calling in March, reason: he failed to clear the mandatory physical test.  His skipper Kieron Pollard made it very clear that this was unacceptable at the highest level.

    He knows his task is to cut out especially when it comes to the physical aspect of the game.

    “We love Hetty. He is a young, talented cricketer. He is a guy who we know, deep in our hearts, can take West Indies cricket forward from a generational point of view with his skill and what he can achieve on a cricket field,” said Kieron Pollard.

    Kieron Pollard
    Kieron Pollard

    “He knows the truth and he knows what it is. We would love Hetty to be playing all three formats, but as the saying goes, ‘You can only take the horse to the water, but you can’t force him to drink.’ With that being said, I will leave it right there and for the individual to get things together,” he told Line & Length TV Show on Sportsmax.

    “He has a fantastic record in ODI cricket. We saw what he can do in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and it’s just for him to take what’s in front of him. The world is at his feet,” he added.

    West Indies Squad for Home Schedule

    West Indies have named an 18 man provisional squad for three back-to-back five-match T20I series against Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan.

    That amounts to as many as 15 T20Is, the Men in Maroon will have a busy schedule ahead of them. Most of the players who feature in a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka have managed to retain their place in the squad.

    This includes Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, and Hayden Walsh Jr.

    Also read: ICC Men’s T20I Cricket Team Ranking – Current Updates

    Chahal Opens Up on How Rishabh Pant Felt Post 2019 WC Failure

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    Yuzvendra Chahal
    Yuzvendra Chahal

    Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal who was a part of the Indian team that played the 2019 World Cup in England explains how Rishabh Pant felt after his dismissal in the semi-finals.

    Yuzvendra Chahal on Rishabh Pant

    In the crunch semi-final, Pant scored 32 before slog sweeping to the fielder. As we walked off the field, the expression on Virat Kohli’s face said it all.

    The India captain was not pleased with Pant’s shot selection as India tried to recover from the hollows of 5/3 in chase of 240.

    As a disappointed Pant walked off, Chahal revealed how the dismissal and the result had impacted the youngster, which is why seeing Pant perform the way he has in the last six months, gives him immense happiness.

    Rishabh Pant
    Rishabh Pant

    “Rishabh Pant’s batting style hasn’t changed, but he has become mentally tougher. He is more clear about what he wants to do now and has begun to take greater responsibility. I would say he has really matured of late,” Chahal said on Sports Tak.

    “I remember he had come into the team midway through the 2019 World Cup. When we lost the semi-final (against New Zealand), he was really hurt. As an elder brother I could see that he had been impacted a lot. I spoke to him during that phase and he came out of it well.”

    The maturity which Chahal talks about is visible crystal clear in Pant’s batting. After batting form for the better part of 2020, Pant roared back with scintillating performances in the Australia Test series and took it forward in the England Tests at home. After a couple of 90-plus scores, Pant floored England with a century in the final Test in Ahmedabad, which Chahal feels are a testament to how long the 23-year-old has come since the heartbreak in Manchester.

    “In Australia, he scored that 89 not out at the Gabba to take the team to victory. Even in the Ahmedabad Test (fourth Test against England), when the ball was turning a lot, he managed to crack an excellent hundred. Those knocks proved his maturity and his hunger,” Chahal explained.

    Saha Explains the Environment When IPL 2021 Played Without Foreign Players

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    Wriddhiman Saha
    Wriddhiman Saha

    Indian wicket-keeping batsman Wriddhiman Saha feels that playing the remaining matches of IPL 2021 without foreign players would be like playing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

    Saha on playing IPL 2021 without Foreign Players

    Owing to the surge in COVID19 positive cases BCCI decides to postpone the IPL 2021. BCCI seeks all possible ways to host the remaining matches of the cash-rich league inside or outside India.

    One of the major problems that arise with this decision is the inclusion of foreign players in the rescheduled IPL 2021. Notably many foreign tours get clash with the IPL 2021 if it rescheduled later this year.

    Apart from all these, players will have to enter the mandatory quarantine periods in prior to get part in the tournament. This could really a devastating move for the players who plays in back-to-back biosecure bubble matches.

    With the possibility of the event resuming without a majority of overseas stars, Saha reckons the league will be reduced to just an enhanced version of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – India’s domestic T20 competition.

    England cricketers are in verge of missing IPL 2021 remaining matches
    England cricketers

    “Majority of the foreigners are from Australia, England and the West Indies. So I personally feel the resumption of the league this year is doubtful. Without the overseas players, IPL will just be an enhanced version of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” Saha told Sportskeeda.

    There were several media reports that the BCCI has had informal discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board about tweaking the India-England Test series schedule to accommodate the remainder of IPL 2021.

    It was widely reported that the BCCI wants ECB to advance the start of the Test series by a week to ensure an early finish to India’s UK tour and thus giving the cricket board more time to host the remaining IPL matches.

    However, as per another report, ECB have denied receiving any formal request from their Indian counterpart of any such nature, saying the series will go ahead as per the original schedule.

    India Test squad leg by Virat Kohli is in Mumbai from where they depart for UK in the first week of June. From June 18, they will first face New Zealand in the final of the ICC World Test Championship while from August 4, they take on England in a five-match series.

    Indian Bowler Umesh Yadav Opens on Playing the WTC Finals

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    Umesh Yadav
    Umesh Yadav

    In an interaction with ANI, Umesh Yadav opened up about his preparation ahead of the WTC final, the role of skipper Virat Kohli in developing such a potent pace attack, and how challenging it would be to bowl in England.

    Umesh Yadav playing in WTC Finals

    Umesh Yadav, who has been a tried and tested performer on the big stage, says he would like to win the World Test Championship (WTC) final which is equal to winning the World Cup.

    “The only preparations going on right now, during the lockdown, is of individual physical fitness and being strong mentally. We are all trying to stay positive and just looking forward to playing the World Test Championship final. We are all training individually now so that when we come together we are even better,” said Umesh.

    “Yes, Ishant Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane are correct. As a player when you are playing Test matches, the WTC is like a World Cup for you. WTC final is different because you reach at that place by defeating a lot of good teams,” Umesh told ANI.

    “It’s very uncertain if we are going to get to play ODIs in the near future. So, as a Test match player, WTC is like a World Cup only.

    “I also think the same. WTC final is different because you reach at that place by defeating a lot of good teams,” he added.

    In the past few months, India’s Test group has been in a commendable structure. India scripts history by crushing Australia in the four-match Test series.

    After the Australia test series, India conveyed forward the winning momentum as they whipped England by 3-1 in the four-match home Test arrangement.

    In August, India is scheduled to play a five-match Test series against England at their home. At the point when Umesh was addressed whether winning in England would resemble overcoming the last wilderness, the 33-year-old affirmed that it feels great to win against solid groups like Australia and England.

    Additionally, he accepts that India has been doing very well for as long as a couple of years.

    Salman Butt Explains the Reason for Prithvi Shaw’s Inconsistency

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    Salman Butt Highlights Reason Behind Prithvi Shaw’s Inconsistency
    Salman Butt

    Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt cites the reason behind the lack ness of young India opener Prithvi Shaw in consistency with the bat.

    Shaw is ranked amongst the brightest future prospects of Indian cricket as he announced his arrival on the international stage with a century in his debut Test against West Indies.

    Salman Butt cites Prithvi Shaw

    Despite a promising start to his international career, Shaw failed to cement his place in the Indian team due to a lack of consistency.

    The 21-year-old has played 5 Tests so far, in which he scored 339 runs. The young starlet was exposed by Australian pacers in the Border-Gavaskar Test series last year.

    However, the Mumbaikar bounced back with some extraordinary form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year where he slammed record-breaking 827 runs in the season.

    Shaw continued his golden form in the 2021 Indian Premier League for Delhi Capitals as he scored 308 runs in 8 matches at an average of 38.50.

    Prithvi Shaw
    Prithvi Shaw

    Butt feels that Shaw plays too many early in his innings which forces him to make errors despite the plethora of talent he posses.

    “There is no dearth of talent in Prithvi Shaw and he has scored runs. But I still believe he is playing too many shots too early because of which he lacks consistency. Usually, they (India) go in with stable players, who are more dependable and those who mould their game accordingly. So far, we have seen that Prithvi only plays one way. He plays his shots,” Butt said on his youtube channel.

    Salman Butt Praises KL Rahul

    The former Pakistan skipper further claims that KL Rahul will be the first-choice opener for Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

    KL Rahul
    KL Rahul

    “They currently have a set-up wherein KL Rahul opens. He also keeps wickets and that’s an added advantage for him because he’s a pure batsman who does wicketkeeping, so he brings more balance to the team. The captain has a choice to play either an extra bowler or an extra batsman or whatever he wants to do. So, I feel he will be the first choice,” he added.

    Also read: Deepak Chahar Names THIS Player to Lead India in Sri Lanka Tour

    Deepak Chahar Names THIS Player to Lead India in Sri Lanka Tour

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    Deepak Chahar
    Deepak Chahar

    Indian fast bowler Deepak Chahar needs Shikhar Dhawan to lead the team India in the Sri Lanka tour in the absence of their regular skipper.

    Team India is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka without their key players saying it even clear India will play the Sri Lanka tour with whole new combinations. Regular team India is scheduled to play the WTC finals followed by a 5 match test series against England in UK.

    Deepak Chahar needs Shikhar Dhawan to lead 

    In absence of both Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul too, Shreyas Iyer looked like the most viable option, however, he still hasn’t recovered from his shoulder surgery and might be unavailable for the tour, which means India will have to look further for the choice.

    While a BCCI source had mentioned that one of Shikhar Dhawan or Hardik Pandya could be given the captaincy, the Rajasthan pacer backed the experienced left-handed batsman to do the job because of him being the most senior player in the squad.

    Speaking to The TOI, Chahar said, “Shikhar bhai will be a good choice (for captain). He has been playing for a long time and has a lot of experience. For me, a senior person should become a captain. Because players see that player as a senior and respect him and obey him with honesty. Players should respect their captain. He (Dhawan) will be a good choice.”

    BCCI is still yet to name the captain and the squad, Chahar expressed his excitement for the tour because of his form in the IPL.

    “I am all set for the Sri Lanka tour. I bowled well in the IPL. I was in good touch. I am excited to play in Sri Lanka. In my opinion, experience gives you a lot of confidence. I have experience now and I am confident of a good showing in Sri Lanka. I am sure we will emerge victorious against Sri Lanka. Our second-string team is looking as strong as the main team. We have a lot of options,” Chahar said.

    Earlier BCCI confirms that Indian former cricketer Rahul Dravid will play the head coach role for Team India during their Sri Lanka tour. As the regular players and coaches have moved to UK to play the WTC finals and England test Series during the same July month BCCI comes up with the idea of playing with an alternate team.

    The Indian team for the Sri Lanka series is expected to be selected at the end of the month and the boys will have to undergo quarantine in the Island Nation before playing the three ODI and three T20I games.

    The three ODIs will be played on July 13, 16, 19 and the T20Is are expected to be played from July 22-27.

    BCCI asks ECB to Cut Short the Test Match to Stage IPL 2021

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    BCCI

    ECB denies the request from BCCI to cut short the England Test series to stage the remaining IPL 2021 season matches. BCCI postponed the IPL 2021 owing to the increase in the COVID19 positive cases inside the bio bubble.

    ECB denies the request from BCCI

    As things stand, the first Test is scheduled to begin on August 4 and the series to end on September 14. The move is aimed at having a longer window in September to finish the remainder of the IPL season, which was suspended midway due to a growing number of Covid-19 cases among players and staff.

    According to ANI, an ECB spokesperson has confirmed that the two cricket boards have been in constant touch as they have been discussing multiple issues.

    However, the official also went on to reveal that there have been no official requests from BCCI’s end for re-scheduling the Test series.

    In a conversation with ANI, a BCCI official also confirmed the same that the Indian board has not requested ECB to re-schedule the series.

    IPL 2021 may host by UAE

    The UAE is fast emerging as the preferred venue for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with the backing of the BCCI’s interim CEO Hemang Amin.

    The Emirates has already successfully hosted the IPL twice – once in 2014 and the other during the pandemic in 2020 and the teams, players, support staff, administrators and broadcasters are familiar with the protocols and procedures.

    It also gives the BCCI no headaches with respect to weather with dry conditions prevailing in September-October which may not be the case in England where rain may play spoilsport.

    It is being learned that the BCCI’S interim CEO and also the COO of the IPL, Hemang Amin, has already chalked out two different plans and schedules for the remaining 31 matches of IPL 2021 – one for the UAE and the other for England with the Indian Board very keen to host the marquee league in the window between mid-September and mid-October.

    Reason Why VVS Laxman Claims Siraj as Future Star for India

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    VVS Laxman praised Siraj for his ability and Stamina
    VVS Laxman believes Siraj would become a huge star in International format for India in future

    Indian former cricketer VVS Laxman praises Mohammed Siraj for his ability and Stamina. Laxman feels that Siraj would become a huge name in international cricket in the future.

    VVS Laxman Praises Siraj

    In an interview with Siasat.com, Laxman said: “If Siraj continues to work hard over the next few years, he can be a huge name in international cricket. He certainly has all the qualities and the potential to do so.”

    With Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah available for the selection, it will be interesting to see if Siraj gets a go-ahead against New Zealand in the World test Championship (WTC).

    Mohammed Siraj
    Mohammed Siraj

    Laxman’s advice to Indian skipper Virat Kohli is to bowl Siraj whenever he gets a go, in long spells.

    ”Siraj is a very skillful bowler. For any fast bowler, there are two very important requirements. Firstly, he must have the ability to swing the ball deceptively. Siraj has this ability in abundance. Secondly, a fast bowler has to be able to bowl long spells. This ability too, Siraj has in him. He has tremendous stamina. He can come back for his third spell and bowl with just as much venom as he did in his first two spells,” VVS Laxman told Siasat.com.

    ”This ability to maintain his speed, bounce, and movement over a long period is what makes Siraj such a dangerous bowler. There is no time for the batsmen to relax. Siraj just keeps coming back again and again and he keeps hammering away at the batsmen. That is why he picks up wickets even in his third spell. It is an important quality for any fast bowler to possess,” explained Laxman.

    The former Indian cricketer further reckoned that if Mohammed Siraj continues to work hard in the next years then he can impinge himself as one of the leading names in international cricket.

    ”Provided he continues to work hard over the next few years, Siraj can be a really big name in international cricket. He certainly has the qualities and the potential to do so,” said Laxman.

    India will face New Zealand for ETC finals at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton, starting from June 18. A five-match test series against England will follow it.

    Jofra Archer is on Verge of Missing the Test Series Against India

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    Jofra Archer
    Jofra Archer

    England pacer Jofra Archer may miss the Test series against India owing to another Elbow injury. Virat Kohli led India were scheduled to play 5 match test series against England post the WTC finals against New Zealand.

    Jofra Archer may skip Test vs India 

    Archer, who had returned to action for Sussex in the County Championship against Kent last week at Hove, only bowled five overs. He was suffering from pain in his right elbow when bowling and as a result, he was unable to bowl in the final two days of the match.

    England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday then confirmed that Archer has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand.

    “Jofra has been reviewed by a medical consultant in respect of his right elbow soreness. He will now proceed to surgery tomorrow,” the England Cricket tweeted.

    Earlier this year, Archer had suffered a cut to his hand while cleaning at his home in January shortly before flying to India to prepare for the Test series.

    The ECB’s medical team managed the injury throughout the tour, and it did not impact his availability. A fragment of glass was removed during the operation to his middle finger on his right hand in March.

    Archer had played two Tests and all the five T20Is against India, and then he was ruled out from the ODI series and the first half of the IPL. England and New Zealand are slated to lock horns in a two-match Test series, which gets underway on June 2.

    England Squad For New Zealand Tests

    Joe Root, James Anderson, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood.

    England have back to back schedule this year, including home assignments against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India followed by the T20 World Cup and the Ashes series Down Under.

    It is too soon to determine a post-procedure time frame for Archer’s rehab but the firebrand seamer is set for a significant spell on the sidelines.