The much-awaited three-match ODI series between England and India gets underway at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Tuesday, July 14. After England emerged victorious in the T20I series, both teams will now shift their focus to the 50-over format, where experienced players are set to return to the spotlight.

With conditions in England expected to assist both seamers and spinners at different stages of the game, bowlers could play a defining role in the series opener. While India will be boosted by the return of one of the world’s finest fast bowlers, England possesses an attack capable of troubling any batting lineup.

Here are 3 bowlers who could make an impact in the first ODI:

3. Adil Rashid (England)

Veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid remains one of England’s most reliable white-ball bowlers and will once again be a key weapon in the opening ODI.

The 38-year-old enjoyed another productive T20I series against India, using his variations and control to keep the batters under pressure during the middle overs. His ability to break partnerships and bowl in pressure situations makes him a vital member of England’s bowling attack.

Rashid’s ODI numbers further underline his consistency. In 161 ODIs, he has picked up 242 wickets, making him one of England’s most successful bowlers in the format. With several right-handers in India’s batting order, Rashid will look to make full use of the conditions and provide crucial breakthroughs.

2. Jofra Archer (England)

Jofra Archer enters the ODI series after an impressive performance in the recently concluded T20Is against India. The right-arm pacer claimed seven wickets in four matches while consistently troubling the Indian batters with his express pace and accuracy.

Archer’s biggest strength has always been his ability to generate extra bounce while bowling at high speeds. The conditions at Edgbaston are also expected to suit his style, especially with the new ball.

If he manages to strike early against India’s experienced top order, England could seize control of the contest. His battle against Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is likely to be one of the key match-ups to watch in the series opener.

1. Jasprit Bumrah (India)

All eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah as the Indian pace spearhead returns to ODI cricket after a long absence. Bumrah last featured in the format during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia, making this his first ODI appearance in nearly three years.

India has struggled to produce consistent results in recent months, and Bumrah’s return comes as a massive boost for the visitors. Widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers across formats, the right-armer brings experience, control, and the ability to deliver in every phase of an innings.

Against an aggressive England batting lineup, India’s hopes of making a winning start will largely depend on how much impact Bumrah can create with the ball. If he finds his rhythm early, he could prove to be the difference-maker in the first ODI.

Brendon McCullum has been removed from his post as England Men’s Test coach, marking the end of the Bazball era that once promised a revolution in Test cricket. Ben Stokes’ shock international retirement and England’s subsequent capitulation to a series defeat have left the ECB under pressure to not only find his replacement as Test captain but potentially rip up the entire Bazball era and start afresh.

The search for the next England Test head coach is now underway, with the 2027 Ashes looming as a critical deadline. The ECB must identify a leader who understands English cricket culture, commands respect from the dressing room, and can build a disciplined yet competitive Test unit.

The next coach will inherit a side bruised by recent failures but filled with talented batters and bowlers. England’s Test ranking and world standing now depend on finding the right voice to steer the ship. The timing couldn’t be tighter, with international cricket’s flagship series approaching fast.

Here are three former England internationals who possess the credentials and experience to lead the nation back to Test glory:

3 players who can replace Brendon McCullum as England’s Test head coach

Jonathan Trott

Jonathan Trott is a former England cricketer who is the former head coach of the Afghanistan cricket team. Afghanistan’s final T20 World Cup 2026 group stage game against Canada in Chennai was Trott’s final game in charge, when the Rashid Khan-led side beat Pakistan and England in the ODI World Cup 2023 and qualified for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in 2024. His tenure with Afghanistan, though mixed in recent years, demonstrated his ability to elevate a team from underdogs to genuine contenders on the world stage.

After stepping down as Afghanistan coach, Jonathan Trott expressed pride in his tenure and revealed his ambition to coach England in the future, now open to considering new opportunities following the T20 World Cup 2026. Trott said he would love to one day have the opportunity to coach a team that he holds so dear to his heart, though acknowledged there are many people who would love the job. Trott worked as a batting coach for the senior England men’s team on their tour of India in 2021 and understands the modern English player mentality. His blend of coaching experience and deep ties to English cricket give him a realistic shot at the role.

Alastair Cook

Cook scored 12,472 runs in 161 Tests for England between 2006 and 2018, with only Joe Root having more runs for the country, and captained them in 59 matches, winning 24, losing 22 and drawing 13. His resume speaks to a player who thrived under pressure, mastered varied conditions, and understood what it takes to lead a world-class Test team. Cook’s retirement from all cricket in 2023 has left him free of coaching commitments, making him immediately available.

Cook expressed a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to the future of English cricket should the right opportunity present itself. He emphasised that there has been “zero contact” from the board so far, noting that the team currently has a full staff in place, and remains open to the idea of helping the squad in the future. If McCullum’s great strength is making his players feel 10 feet tall, Cook could help with the drive and the discipline, according to veteran analyst Michael Atherton. His technical prowess, championship mindset, and experience battling Australia in their own backyard make him a compelling choice.

Eoin Morgan

Morgan captained England in limited overs cricket from 2015 until his international retirement in June 2022 and is regarded as one of England’s greatest limited-overs captains, under whose captaincy England won the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and reached the final of the 2016 ICC World Twenty20. While his pedigree is limited-overs focused, his leadership credentials are unmatched in modern English cricket.

Morgan is a cricket commentator and former cricketer who played for Ireland and England, currently without a coaching role and available immediately. Morgan previously said the timing for everything in his life at that moment was not right, citing a young family and spending more time at home while loving what he’s doing watching cricket through commentary. However, the England Test job carries prestige that could change his calculus. His revolutionary impact on England’s white-ball culture, combined with his tactical intelligence and player management skills, could translate well to the red-ball arena if he chooses to pivot into full-time coaching.

The ECB will weigh experience against fresh perspective as it navigates this crucial transition. With the 2027 Ashes in Australia on the horizon, England must move decisively to appoint the right leader.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has produced some of the most memorable moments in the history of women’s cricket. From thrilling last-over finishes to record-breaking performances, several finals have left a lasting impact on fans across the world.

As the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup final between England Women and Australia Women is set to take place at Lord’s on July 5, cricket followers are eagerly awaiting another blockbuster title clash. England will aim to lift their second T20 World Cup trophy in front of their home supporters, while Australia will be chasing a record-extending seventh title.

Here let us take a look at top three Women’s T20 World Cup finals:

New Zealand Women vs South Africa Women – Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

The 2024 final marked a historic occasion as New Zealand Women lifted their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title with a commanding performance against South Africa Women. Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 158/5 in their 20 overs. Melie Kerr played a crucial knock of 43 runs, anchoring the innings, while Brooke Halliday provided valuable support. South Africa’s standout bowler was Nonkululeko Mlaba, who returned impressive figures of 2/31.

In reply, South Africa struggled to keep up with the required run rate and eventually finished on 126/9. Captain Laura Wolvaardt was the highest scorer with 33 runs, but regular wickets prevented any meaningful partnership. New Zealand’s bowlers dominated the chase, with Rosemary Mair claiming 3/25 and Melie Kerr delivering an all-round masterclass by taking 3/24. The 32-run victory secured New Zealand’s first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup crown and marked one of the most memorable moments in the nation’s cricketing history.

Australia Women vs India Women – Women’s T20 World Cup 2020

The 2020 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground remains one of the biggest occasions in women’s cricket, with a record attendance of over 86,000 spectators witnessing Australia’s dominant display. Australia elected to bat first and amassed an imposing 184/4. Alyssa Healy produced one of the finest innings in a Women’s T20 World Cup final, smashing 75 off just 39 deliveries, including seven fours and five sixes. Beth Mooney complemented her brilliantly with an unbeaten 78 from 54 balls. Deepti Sharma was India’s best bowler, taking 2/38.

Chasing a daunting target, India never found momentum and were bowled out for just 99. Deepti Sharma top-scored with 33 runs, while Australia’s bowling attack proved too strong. Megan Schutt starred with figures of 4/18, and Jess Jonassen chipped in with 3/20 as Australia claimed a comprehensive 85-run victory to win their fifth Women’s T20 World Cup title.

Australia Women vs New Zealand Women – Women’s T20 World Cup 2010

The 2010 final produced one of the closest finishes ever seen in a Women’s T20 World Cup final. Australia, batting first, struggled against a disciplined New Zealand attack and managed only 106/8 in 20 overs. Leah Poulton was the highest scorer with 20 runs, while Nicola Browne (2/11) and Sophie Devine (2/21) impressed with the ball.

New Zealand looked well placed during the chase, thanks to an unbeaten 38 from Sophie Devine, but Australia held their nerve in the closing stages. Ellyse Perry delivered a match-winning spell of 3/18 to restrict New Zealand to 103/6, sealing a dramatic three-run victory. The match remains the narrowest winning margin in a Women’s T20 World Cup final and showcased Australia’s ability to thrive under pressure on the biggest stage.