Abhishek Sharma replaces Head to take the No. 1 spot as a T20I batsman.

Abhishek Sharma of India overtook Travis Head, his opening partner for Sunrisers Hyderabad, to take the top spot in the T20I batting rankings.

Travis Head had maintained his top spot since defeating Suryakumar Yadav in June of last year, but after missing Australia’s five-match series in the West Indies and playing his last T20I in September 2024, he dropped a spot as Abhishek Sharma became the third Indian to top the T20I batting charts, behind Virat Kohli and Suryakumar.

Abhishek last played for India during the five-match Twenty20 International series against England in February. In the series’ last game, he scored 135 runs off of 54 balls.

Josh Inglis rose six spots to ninth in the rankings after scoring 172 runs in the five games against the West Indies, finishing as the series’ third-highest run scorer. Despite ranking second on the series’ run rankings after a century, Shai Hope remained in tenth place.

Cameron Green was the series’ greatest mover, leaping 64 spots to No. 24, while Tim David went up 12 spaces to 18th after scoring Australia’s quickest T20I century and Brandon King gained nine slots.

Nathan Ellis, a fast bowler, moved up nine ranks to go joint-eighth among the bowlers.

India’s Ravindra Jadeja, who has been playing well in the current series between the two countries, is still at the top of the Test all-rounders’ ratings, while England skipper Ben Stokes moved up three spots to No. 3 after his century and five-wicket haul at Old Trafford.

After recording his first Test century in Manchester, Washington Sundar rose eight spots to share thirteenth place with a career-high 193 ranking points.

Ben Stokes will not play in the final Test match against India.

Ben Stokes, the captain of England and their best all-round player, will not play in the final Test match against India due to a shoulder injury. In the third and fourth Test matches of this series, the in-form player’s all-around performance earned him Player of the Match. Ollie Pope will captain the team in place of him when they play India at The Oval in London on Thursday, July 31.

The pacers Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and spinner Liam Dawson were also left off of the eleven that drew with India in Manchester. In addition to Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell has been added to the team and is slated to start at number six.

England’s XI:

Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c),  Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue

When India batted for 143 overs over five sessions in the final innings to draw the Test, Ben Stokes had a lengthy bowling stint. During the session, Stokes was clearly gripping his right shoulder and had bowled 35 overs in both innings.

The depth of Stokes’ injuries and the challenging decision-making process were disclosed. During the news conference held on the eve of the fifth Test.

“I don’t know how to phrase it; therefore, I can’t state that I have a good rip in one of my muscles. We took as much time as possible to decide on that. When you discover what you’ve done, there is undoubtedly some emotion involved. To give myself every chance, I came down here this morning. As soon as we received the scan findings. Bowling was obviously ruled out for the sake of playing as a hitter.

Ben Stokes

However, I believe that in order to really understand the decision we made. You need to spend that time talking with the medical staff and Baz [Brendon McCullum]. Before spending nearly twenty minutes alone outside in the middle of the morning. Yes, it’s one of those situations where you have to balance the risks and rewards. The risk was simply too great to cause any more harm than what has already been done. “With an injury like this, I wouldn’t expect to put anyone else, any of my other players, at risk,” Stokes added.

Stokes recognized that long-term fitness must take precedence above immediate rewards, even if he was a competitive person. “My goal when I’m on the pitch is to win. I give it my all, all within my power. In a game, I believe there comes a point at which I must set aside all of my emotions, and I will. It’s because I value this team, playing for England, and winning above all else. But I couldn’t have done anything at all earlier. As a professional athlete, injuries are inevitable, and there is nothing I can do about it.

Now that the Ashes series is starting in November. Ben Stokes is going to focus on getting well.

I must begin my recovery immediately and, of course, concentrate on our upcoming winter plans. It’s clear that I’m disappointed. But I simply needed a little more time to decide than I usually give such matters. We can choose from a very good and powerful roster to put a side out. There that we believe can win this week, which helps.

The Headingley Test and the match at Lord’s were won by the hosts. Who now lead the series 2-1. Their loss was at Edgbaston.

Sciver-Brunt has taken back the top rank in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings.

Nat Sciver-Brunt, the captain of England, scored 98 runs in the final of the three-match series against India in Durham. Regaining her position at the top of the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings.

In what turned out to be a losing effort, the all-rounder stabilized the batting. When the openers’ early wickets fell, and India won the match by 13 runs and clinched the series 2-1.

Sciver-Brunt took the top spot for the third time in her career after defeating Smriti Mandhana by three points. She had previously held the top spot from June to December 2024 and from July 2023 to April 2024.

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of India, moved up 10 spots to 11th place in the batters’ list after her brilliant and game-winning century (102 off 84 balls).

Richa Gosh rose nine spots to 39th position with a career-high rating of 516 points. While her teammate Jemimah Rodrigues rose two spots to 13th.

Other changes in this week’s report include the Ireland vs. Zimbabwe series in Belfast. Which the home team won 2-0.

Following hits of 50 and 67, Player of the Series Orla Prendergast moved up 12 spots to a career-best, joint-22nd position. In addition, she broke into the top 10 of the all-rounders’ list from 13th position last week and moved up 10 spots to 33rd among the bowlers. Reaching a personal-best rating of 447. After taking two wickets for 20 in the opening game.

Sciver-Brunt

Ireland’s players also had some notable improvements. Amy Hunter rose two spots to 28th place in the batters’ list, while skipper Gaby Lewis went up one spot to 17th.

Teammate Modester Mupachiwana has moved up two spots to 53rd place. While Zimbabwe’s skipper, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, has reached a career-high 40th position with rating points of 513 thanks to her 48 and 56 scores.

The second and third games in the three-match T20I series between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Dublin. Where the visitors were once again thoroughly thrashed, are also included in this week’s edition.

Lewis was the series’ top batsman, hitting 154 runs to win Player of the Series. She moved up to a tie for 14th place with Rodrigues of India after scoring 67 and 87 in the second and third innings, respectively.

In the first two games, Cara Murray took three wickets for 19 and three for 17, moving her up three spots to 45th on the bowlers’ list. With seven wickets taken, she was the series’ top wicket-taker at the conclusion.

Jamie Overton’s recall to the England Test squad ahead of the Oval Test

England have made just one change to their squad for the decisive fifth Test of the 2025 series against India. All‑rounder Jamie Overton has been brought back into the 15‑member side for the match starting July 31 at The Oval. This is Overton’s first involvement in Test cricket since June 2022. When he played his only Test for England at Headingley scoring a magnificent 97 and taking two wickets during that lone appearance.

Standing at 6′5″, the Surrey paceman provides both batting depth and seam‑bowling options, making him an ideal candidate to help balance the injury‑stretched England seam attack. Skipper Ben Stokes had flagged the urgent need for fresh legs after the front‑line bowlers grinded through a gruelling 257 overs in the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and returning pace spearhead Jofra Archer have carried a heavy workload through the series to date. Woakes alone has bowled 167 overs, while Archer just returning from a four‑year break has compiled his heaviest outing ever at Old Trafford with 49.1 overs. Stokes acknowledged that after their exertions, rotation or reinforcement may be essential ahead of the turnaround to Oval.

Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue already in the squad but unused at Old Trafford are the likely competition for places. Atkinson recently returned from hamstring injury with a strong outing in Surrey’s Second XI. While Tongue has taken 11 wickets in the series so far but has struggled with consistency.

The Oval Test

Overton’s inclusion is not only about workload management. As a local Surrey player, he brings familiarity with the conditions at The Oval. He rejoined Surrey permanently in 2021. After a loan spell, and has seen strong county form throughout the current season—and even featured for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.

Selectors have retained all 14 members from the squad that fielded at Old Trafford, with Overton being the single addition to the group. This inclusion reflects the confidence the selectors and Stokes have in his ability to contribute, despite his limited international exposure.

At 31 years old, Overton ticks the box of experience and readiness. His return underscores England’s urgent need for fresh pace support and batting flexibility in the middle to lower order. If he makes the XI, it could be a pivotal chance to shrug off the “one‑cap wonder” tag and establish himself firmly in the Test frame.

With the five‑match series poised at 2‑1 in England’s favour. The Oval Test promises to be the decider. Overton’s role whether as a squad reserve or a playing option will be pivotal in how England manage their pace resources with a tilt at sealing the series on home turf.

Abhishek Nayar: Coaching Evolution at UP Warriorz

Former India all-rounder and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has emerged as a key mentor figure within the UP Warriorz setup. During the Women’s Premier League (WPL), particularly in the franchise’s training camps and off-season programs.

Role within UP Warriorz Structure

Although Jon Lewis was officially the head coach for UP Warriorz through the 2025 season. Nayar joined the setup in unofficial yet influential capacities. He participated in the team’s off-season training camp at Bengaluru in 2023. Alongside Jon Lewis, assistant coach Anju Jain, and mentor Lisa Sthalekar. Nayar expressed his excitement at working with budding local talents like Parshavi Chopra, Yashasri and Shweta Sehrawat. While also interacting with veterans like Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad to understand and enhance their elite-level psychologies.

Within these camps, Nayar focused on player development and fostering coach‑player trust, stating: “You can’t ask a player to open up. Coaches must build that trust … players will trust you when they know you have their best interests in mind.” He emphasized developing clarity of roles and building connections that often get lost during result‑focused competitive seasons.

Coaching Philosophy & Player Development

Abhishek Nayar draws from successful stints in franchise cricket, notably with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, where he played a pivotal role in rejuvenating veterans like Dinesh Karthik and mentoring rising stars like Shubman Gill. On WPL dynamics, he shared that working with veterans involves challenging long-ingrained thought patterns, while working with youth is more about building their skillsets from scratch. His approach blends technical coaching with mental strengthening, especially in short‑term tournaments like the WPL.

Recent Coaching Appointments & Broader Trajectory

While Nayar was not formally titled head coach of UP Warriorz. He continues to be linked with high-profile coaching roles elsewhere. In early 2025, he joined Kolkata Knight Riders’ coaching staff once again ahead of IPL 2025. Around the same time, the Mumbai Cricket Association appointed him as the mentor for the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals in the revived T20 Mumbai League scheduled from May 26 to June 8, 2025.

This came shortly after his departure as assistant coach of the Indian men’s cricket team following a disappointing Test tour in Australia, where BCCI terminated his role along with other support staff hired under Gautam Gambhir’s regime.

Implications for UP Warriorz

With Jon Lewis stepping down as head coach after UP Warriorz finished bottom in WPL 2025, the franchise is now in search of a new coach for the 2026 season. Nayar’s visible involvement in player camps and his success in nurturing young talent could position him as a potential candidate to take a more formal role in the franchise. Though no official confirmation has been made.

Summary

  • Primary head coach through 2023–25: Jon Lewis; Nayar was not officially in that role
  • Nayar’s actual role: Off‑season mentor and development coach in WPL camps with UP Warriorz, focusing on youth development and mental trust‑building
  • Current positions: Mentor for Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals in T20 Mumbai League 2025; part of KKR’s IPL‑2025 coaching staff

In conclusion, while Abhishek Nayar is sometimes described as head coach in casual references. His official title with UP Warriorz has been mentor or development coach—working under head coach Jon Lewis—particularly during off-season camps. His expert guidance in player development, both technically and psychologically, has made a significant impact on the squad, and his broader movement in domestic leagues keeps him firmly in the limelight. If UP Warriorz leadership changes ahead of WPL 2026. Nayar’s past contributions may well position him for a formal leadership role. Though nothing has been confirmed publicly at this point.

In Australia, Markram and Bavuma are back to lead South Africa.

In August, South Africa is going on a white-ball tour to Australia. Which will be led by Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. Markram was one of the few seniors given time off, while Bavuma has been sidelined since the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June due to a hamstring issue. They did not attend the two Test matches in Zimbabwe, and Markram did not play in the ensuing T20I tri-series there, which also featured New Zealand.

Head coach Shukri Conrad remarked, “It’s great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final.” As we continue to develop a solid core in all forms, their expertise and caliber truly benefit the group. From now on, each series contributes to the development of our teams for the 2027 home 50-over World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Australia is a difficult country to visit. Their intensity and conditions will put us to the test in every department, and that’s precisely the kind of challenge we’re looking for.

South Africa T20I squad:

Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Rassie van der Dussen

South Africa ODI squad:

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Prenelan Subrayen

Following his recent Test debut in Zimbabwe, South Africa has also called up Prenelan Subrayen for the first time in both ODI and T20I. The Dolphins won the One-Day Cup earlier in March under the leadership of the off-spinner.

Additionally, Lhuan-dre Pretorius was included in the ODI squad for the first time. Over the past month, the hard-hitting batter. Who attracted attention in the T20 circuit, made his Test and T20I debuts in Zimbabwe. Both squads have included Brevis, who also made his Test debut in Zimbabwe.

In addition to these two, both teams include players like Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Kagiso Rabada.

The three 50-over matches on August 19, 22, and 24. Will come after the T20Is on August 10, 12, and 16.

The Champions League T20 will return after more than 10 years.

The Champions League T20 (CLT20) is about to make a reappearance. It will be even better and bigger this time. The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) members recently met in Singapore as part of the ICC Annual Conference. Formally decided to bring back the competition with teams from various domestic Twenty20 leagues. Assuming all proceeds as planned. The league might resume as early as the next year.

Cricbuzz understands that the international boards will meet soon to hash out the mechanics of the league. Particularly in view of the fact that many franchise owners have teams across many nations. Addressing this cross-team ownership structure will be a significant challenge for the authorities. Who are expected to set up a Governing Council (GC) or a Board to regulate the league.

The Champions League T20

Creating the league’s size and scope will be another significant obstacle for the regulators to overcome. In 2015, the Champions League T20 was discontinued, leaving. Just a few big Test-playing countries with franchise-based leagues. The T20 scene has changed significantly in the past ten years. With leagues springing up all over the cricketing ecosystem and even Associate nations like the USA and UAE hosting their own competitions. This technique has also been adopted by countries such as Canada and Nepal. Approximately eleven major franchise leagues, including The Hundred in England. Exist worldwide as of the most recent count.

Apart from deciding how clubs from different leagues will be distributed. The organizers will also need to locate a window in a busy calendar. Like in the previous edition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Its famous Indian Premier League (IPL) are likely to lead the planned leadership.

It is also expected that Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Which did not play in the previous league, will be active members. It’s unknown who else will be engaged. The framework could possibly include Cricket South Africa (CSA), one of CL T20’s three creators.

Launched in 2009, the CL T20 was shut down during the 2014 season. When broadcaster Star Sports proposed to dissolve the league. Which was agreed by the league’s original three members: the BCCI, CA, and CSA. In 2015, following major financial problems. Star offered a compensation proposal that was approved by all three boards.

Everything will therefore start where it finished. Before achieving anything else, the new members will need to submit a tender to bring on a broadcaster.

Pavan Rathnayake ton leads dominant Sri Lanka A batting display

The visitors built a huge first innings total, largely due to a century from Pavan Rathnayake. Australia A’s hitters faced a searching test to salvage their two-game series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin.

Sri Lanka A totally retaliated against rival captain Jason Sangha’s decision to put them in by advancing to declare 486 for 6 on day two of the second four-day match, having started at 263 for 4.

At the Marrara Cricket Ground on Monday, the hosts were 76 for 1 at stumps, with Jake Weatherald at 45 and Kurtis Patterson at 19. The first game was tied, leaving them with a mountain to climb to win the series.

Nathan McSweeney, the former Test opener for Australia. A was bowled between bat and pad by offspinner Nishan Peiris for 12, failing to duplicate his excellent 94 from the first game.

Pavan Rathnayake

When Rathnayake returned at 43. He took full advantage of a perfect batting strip to reach 122 off 223 balls, his team’s second century after Nuwanidu Fernando’s 102 on the first day.

Sonal Dinusha, who returned on five, joined the run-fest by reaching 88 off 191 deliveries. In 53 overs, he and Rathnayake contributed 170 for the fifth wicket.

Rathnayake was tempted into a reckless clip to short midwicket by left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh. Who was superbly caught low down by Oliver Peake, ending their stand.

Dinusha and Sohan de Livera kept punishing the bowlers, scoring 40 runs in 14 overs. When Patterson caught Dinusha at mid-on after he mishit a lofted pull.

The finest of the eight bowlers used was Zeh, a 22-year-old unknown who had never participated in state cricket at the top level. Look a third wicket as a result. As Australian officials continue to look for good left-arm spinners. The Queenslander was chosen for the first game from the left-field.

De Livera finished 50 not out at the time of the declaration. Being the fifth batter to reach a half-century or more.

McSweeney was bowled between bat and pad after hitting two fours in his 20 balls. The home team was led to victory by Weatherald and Patterson. Who added 44 without suffering any more losses.

🏏 Nitish Kumar Reddy Appointed Captain of Bhimavaram Bulls for APL 2025 🏆

In a significant move ahead of the Andhra Premier League (APL) 2025 season. Dynamic all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been named the captain of the Bhimavaram Bulls. The announcement was made on July 17. Sending waves of excitement among fans of Andhra cricket and followers of the domestic T20 scene.

Reddy has already garnered media attention for his outstanding domestic and international cricket performances. He is going to guide the Bulls into the APL’s fourth season. August 8–August 24, 2025 is the planned occurrence date at the Visakhapatnam-based Dr. YSR ACA–VDCA Stadium.

🌟 Rising Star Takes Charge – Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy has rapidly climbed the cricketing ladder, with impressive displays across formats. His leadership appointment reflects the franchise’s vision to build a team around a young, aggressive, and tactically aware cricketer. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Reddy’s all-round skills are expected to bring a perfect balance to the Bulls’ strategy.

In 2024, he made his Test debut for India and delivered standout performances in T20 Internationals, showcasing maturity beyond his years. He is currently among the most promising cricket players coming out of Andhra Pradesh based on his career thus far.

🐂 Bhimavaram Bulls – A Team Reimagined

The Bhimavaram Bulls have also unveiled a strong 20-player squad for APL 2025 .With a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting youngsters. The team looks well-equipped to challenge for the title this season. Key players alongside Reddy include Satyanarayan Raju, Hari Shankar Reddy, and Pinniti Tejaswi, among others.

This season, the Bulls are expected to adopt a fearless brand of cricket. Nitish Kumar Reddy bringing his aggressive mindset and calm leadership to the forefront.

🏆 APL 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better

The Andhra Premier League has grown in popularity over the years and the 2025. Edition is set to feature seven teams for the first time, up from six in the previous season. The inclusion of top domestic stars and rising talents is a major attraction for fans.

The recent APL auction saw intense bidding, with top players like Paila Avinash and Satyanarayan Raju fetching high prices. Amidst this, Bhimavaram Bulls have quietly assembled a versatile squad, and with Reddy at the helm. They are tipped as serious contenders this season.

🔊 Reddy’s Reaction

Speaking after his appointment, Nitish Kumar Reddy expressed his gratitude and excitement:

“It’s a proud moment to lead Bhimavaram Bulls. I look forward to taking on this responsibility and helping our team play competitive and spirited cricket. We are ready to give our best and aim for the championship.”

📰 Final Take

All eyes will be on Nitish Kumar Reddy as he leads his side through the pressure of a high-stakes competition as the countdown to the APL 2025 gets underway. Reddy’s leadership, talent, and temperament could be the deciding factor that propels the Bhimavaram Bulls to victory.

Andre Russell will retire from international cricket, After the Jamaica T20Is

Following the first two Twenty20 Internationals against Australia at his home stadium, Sabina Park in Jamaica, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will announce his retirement from international cricket.

Russell, 37, presently has 84 caps and has only played in T20Is since 2019. He will retire seven months before the next T20 World Cup, which will take place in February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. In addition, he played 56 ODIs and one Test.

There are no words to describe what that meant. “One of the proudest achievements of my life has been representing the West Indies,” Russell stated. I never imagined I would reach this level when I was younger, but the more you play and develop a passion for the sport, the more you realize what you are capable of. I wanted to make an impression in the maroon colors and serve as an inspiration to others, so this motivated me to improve.

In addition to performing for the West Indies, I enjoy performing at home in front of my loved ones, which allows me to show off my skills and give better performances. I want to be a role model for the upcoming generation of Caribbean cricket players and end my international career on a strong note.

Russell will leave international cricket in less than two months, making him the second well-known West Indies player to do so after Nicholas Pooran. It is believed that Russell’s announcement caught the West Indies’ selectors off guard.

In 2012, Russell was a member of the West Indies team that won the T20 World Cup. In 2016, he took the new ball and got rid of Alex Hales in the second over in Kolkata.

According to coach Daren Sammy, Andre has always been a hard competitor and the epitome of professionalism. His will to compete and win for the West Indies has never faltered. Whether I was captaining him or am currently coaching him. I hope he continues to inspire future generations and wish him luck on his next journey.

Andre Russell

Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde in the roster for the St Kitts leg of the match versus Australia.

In the meantime, 23-year-old Jediah Blades and adolescent Jewel Andrew received their first calls-ups to the West Indies T20I team. Andrew became the youngest West Indian and the second youngest player overall to score a fifty in a major T20 league in the 2024 CPL at the age of 17 years and 266 days. In Guyana’s current Global Super League (GSL), Andrew plays for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Blades has not yet participated in the CPL. But he made an impression with the new ball at the first West Indies breakout league. A competition recently established to find up-and-coming talent in the area. In addition to Rovman Powell, who missed the GSL for the Dubai Capitals. Shai Hope will continue to captain the team.

“We have strategic plans and goals that are in line with winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” Sammy stated. As a team, we will continue to refine our style and brand in preparation for the World Cup. We have continuity in the roster from the previous series.

As we build momentum for next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic bunch of players. We aim to get back to our prior form at home, where we lost both of our previous T20 series. We start against Australia.

West Indies squad

Andre Russell, Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd