Cricket Live Line

Sydney Sixers have appointed former England and Australia coach Matthew Mott as their new men's head coach on a two-year contract ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League season. Mott replaces James Hopes and takes charge after serving as an assistant coach with the Sixers' men's setup over the last two seasons. The 52-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the role, having guided England to the 2022 T20 World Cup title and led Australia's women's team to multiple ICC trophies during one of the most successful eras in women's cricket. His appointment is expected to strengthen the Sixers' pursuit of another BBL championship. Mott expressed his excitement about leading a club with a strong winning culture and rich history, while the Sixers management highlighted his proven track record and leadership qualities as key factors behind the appointment. 

Indian batting all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma has signed for Hampshire for the 2026 One-Day Cup, with the tournament set to begin on July 21. The 27-year-old, who represents Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will strengthen Hampshire’s squad as the county aims to improve on last season’s runner-up finish in the competition. Ashutosh has earned a reputation as a powerful finisher in domestic and franchise cricket. He holds the record for the fastest T20 half-century by an Indian batter, reaching the milestone in just 11 balls. Welcoming the signing, Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White expressed confidence that the Indian all-rounder would make a valuable contribution. “We’re really pleased to sign Ashutosh for the One-Day Cup. He is a player of great potential and has done well for Delhi Capitals in the IPL recently, so he knows what it’s like to perform at a high standard. We look forward to welcoming him into the group and seeing what he can do in a Hampshire shirt...

India have suffered a major setback ahead of the series-deciding third ODI against England, as star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out with a knee injury. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed at the toss that Bumrah was unavailable due to a knee issue, forcing India to make changes to their playing XI. Reports indicate that Bumrah experienced reactive swelling in his left knee and was not fit enough to take the field for the crucial match at Lord's. His absence is a significant blow to India's bowling attack, given his ability to deliver breakthroughs in key moments. With the ODI series level at 1-1, India will now rely on the likes of Arshdeep Singh and the rest of the pace unit to fill the void left by their premier fast bowler.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting that the third ODI against England at Lord's will be Rohit Sharma's final international appearance. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that there has been no discussion regarding Rohit's retirement and reiterated that the veteran opener remains an important part of India's ODI plans. Speculation about Rohit's future intensified following reports claiming that selectors were looking beyond the 39-year-old for the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, the BCCI has rejected such claims, emphasizing that no official decision has been made regarding the former Indian captain's international career. Despite recent debates surrounding his form and future, Rohit continues to enjoy the support of the team management and cricket board. The experienced batter remains one of India's most accomplished ODI players and is expected to continue contributing to the national side. 

New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi will step down from his role with the BLACKCAPS after the upcoming home series against India later this year. Ronchi is set to take over as head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL). The former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter has been a key member of the coaching staff since becoming the full-time batting coach in 2020. During his tenure, New Zealand achieved several notable successes, including winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, securing a historic 3-0 Test series sweep over India in 2024, and recording impressive series victories against both India and England. Ronchi expressed gratitude for his time with the national team, describing the opportunity to work with the BLACKCAPS as a dream come true. He will remain with the squad through the India series, which runs from October 22 to December 1, before beginning his new coaching challenge in Australia. New Zealand Cricket will now be...

Former England batter Jonathan Trott has joined Ireland’s men’s cricket team in a short-term consultancy role ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Trott will work with the Irish squad for 14 days and assist the team during the opening matches of the five-game ODI series. The appointment comes at a time when Trott is being linked with England’s vacant Test head coach position. Following recent changes in England’s coaching setup, the former Afghanistan head coach is reportedly among the candidates being considered for the prestigious role. Ireland Cricket believes Trott’s experience, particularly his successful coaching stint with Afghanistan, will be valuable as the team prepares for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2027. His knowledge of Afghanistan’s strengths and strategies is expected to provide Ireland with a competitive edge in the upcoming series. Trott enjoyed a distinguished international career with England, scoring 13 international centuries and p...