Cricket News

England off-spinner Dom Bess is relishing the prospect of wickets that play to his strengths in Sri Lanka and India – although Friday’s practice pitch at Hambantota presented a surprise.

England captain Joe Root hit an unbeaten 74 in the build-up to his side’s first Test against Sri Lanka as the tourists began their intra-squad warm-up game on Friday in Hambantota.

Paul Stirling’s 10th ODI century was not enough as Ireland slid to a shock six-wicket defeat in the opening game of their four-match series against the United Arab Emirates.

Steve Smith held Australia's batting together on day two against India at the SCG as he registered his first Test century on home soil for more than three years.

England have been given the green light to step up their preparations in Sri Lanka, beginning with an intra-squad warm-up match in Hambantota, after returning a second clear round of Covid-19 tests.