[PICTURES] The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Discussion thread

[FearlessRoar]

England and Warwickshire batter Jacob Bethell has been awarded an England Men’s Central Contract upgrade

The 21-year-old, who made his Test debut last week during England’s first Test victory over New Zealand in Christchurch, has signed a two-year contract running until September 2026. This follows his recent development contract, awarded just last month.

Bethell made an impressive start to his Test career, scoring a maiden half-century in the second innings to help secure England’s win at Hagley Oval.

In addition, three of England’s prominent seamers – Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Matthew Potts – have all extended their contracts until September 2026.

England Men Centrally Contracted Players 2024/2025

England Two-Year Central Contracts

Jofra Archer (Sussex)

Gus Atkinson (Surrey)

Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire)

Harry Brook (Yorkshire)

Jos Buttler (Lancashire)

Brydon Carse (Durham)

Matthew Potts (Durham)

Joe Root (Yorkshire)

Jamie Smith (Surrey)

Ben Stokes (Durham)

Mark Wood (Durham)

England One-Year Central Contracts

Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)

Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)

Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)

Zak Crawley (Kent)

Sam Curran (Surrey)

Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)

Will Jacks (Surrey)

Jack Leach (Somerset)

Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)

Ollie Pope (Surrey)

Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)

Phil Salt (Lancashire)

Olly Stone (Nottinghamshire)

Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)

Reece Topley (Surrey)

Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

England Development contracts

Josh Hull (Leicestershire)

John Turner (Hampshire)

 

[BouncerGuy]

Half a million runs...WOAH.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1865259799803498907

 

[BouncerGuy]

England Men’s Lions Announce Squad for Australia Tour

England Men’s Lions have confirmed a 16-player squad for their upcoming tour of Australia in January.

The England A tour features two four-day matches against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane, followed by a first-class Test against Australia A in Sydney.

England Men’s Lions Squad:

Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)
Pat Brown (Derbyshire)
James Coles (Sussex)
Sam Cook (Essex)
Alex Davies (Warwickshire)
Rocky Flintoff (Lancashire)
Tom Hartley (Lancashire)
Tom Lawes (Surrey)
Freddie McCann (Nottinghamshire)
Ben McKinney (Durham)
James Rew (Somerset)
Hamza Shaikh (Warwickshire)
Mitch Stanley (Lancashire)
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
John Turner (Hampshire)

The squad includes five players – Shoaib Bashir, Pat Brown, Tom Hartley, Josh Tongue and John Turner – who have all represented England at senior level.

Following strong domestic campaigns in the County Championship, Essex seamer Sam Cook, Warwickshire top-order batter Alex Davies and Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew bring valuable experience to the squad. Davies, 30, who took over the captaincy at Warwickshire last season, averaged over 50 in the Championship and amassed more than 1,000 runs, including four centuries.

A key figure in Essex’s bowling attack, Cook has been a regular in Lions squads in recent years. His consistent performances saw him take 43 Championship wickets in 2024 at an average of 17.30.

Rew, 20, continues to excel as a wicketkeeper-batter in Championship cricket. He recorded 45 dismissals in 2024 and averaged 36 with the bat, including two centuries.

Lancashire teenager Rocky Flintoff is a notable inclusion. The 16-year-old received a late call-up to the Lions squad earlier this month during the training camp in South Africa, where he featured in the four-day match against South Africa A. Flintoff impressed in domestic cricket last summer, making his professional debut for Lancashire and becoming a consistent performer for the England Young Lions over the past 12 months.

The squad will be coached by Andrew Flintoff, supported by Neil Killeen, Richard Dawson and Graeme Swann. Australian batting coach Trent Woodhill has also been brought in as a consultant for the tour.

England Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney, said:

“We have rewarded players who have proven themselves at this level and those with significant potential. Matches and tours of Australia are always important and we relish the opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition. This tour allows us to evaluate performances, refine preparation and continue working with some of the best emerging talent in the country.

“I’m also delighted to see Josh Tongue returning to competitive cricket. Josh has had a challenging time with injuries but is progressing well and will benefit from this tour as he steps up his preparation. We hope this marks the start of a prosperous and impactful return to cricket for him in 2025.

“Josh Hull continues his rehabilitation from injury and will travel with the squad as part of his development and return-to-bowling programme.”

The tour party departs on 3 January.

England Lions Tour Schedule:

Four-day match: Cricket Australia XI v England Lions, 14-17 January 2025, Shaw Park, Brisbane

Four-day match: Cricket Australia XI v England Lions, 22-25 January 2025, AB Field, Brisbane

Unofficial Four-day Test: Australia A v England Lions, 30 January – 2 February 2025, Cricket Central, Olympic Park, Sydney

 

[BouncerGuy]

England Cricket and Castore reveal three new kits

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Castore have launched three new playing kits and training wear to be worn by the three England teams across a huge summer of cricket.

The new Test, ODI and IT20 kits were revealed in a ‘A Call To All’ video featuring England legend Andrew Flintoff alongside Lauren Bell, Anthony Clapham, Zak Crawley, Jonny Gale, Ollie Pope and Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

The new playing kits and training wear with new principal partners Toyota displayed on front of shirt will be on display throughout a highly anticipated summer, with England Men’s, England Women’s and England Men’s Mixed Disability sides all playing host to India – as well as South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

The summer of 2025 will see England Men’s Mixed Disability side making history and taking to the field together for the first time as a newly formed team, while Harry Brook will lead England Men’s white-ball team as their new skipper and Charlotte Edwards will be back in the three lions having returned to the side she captained 220 times as the new England Women’s Head Coach.

The film to support the launch of the kit takes its inspiration from the defining moments that see people fall in love with cricket and with the England teams, whether it’s witnessing world class action in a professional stadium or playing with your friends in the back garden – the film is a reminder that one shared kit can make us all feel part of a community.

Crafted with advanced performance fabrications, the kits are engineered to support freedom of movement, moisture management and durability empowering athletes to reach their peak, no matter the conditions.

Each kit design has its own relationship to England Cricket and the format it represents. Castore have utilised research to design a Test kit that is less restrictive than ever before, allowing players to perform at their absolute best, while still boasting a fresh new look with fashionable trims and a pop of colour.

The IT20 shirt incorporates a geometric triangle pattern to reflect the explosive entertainment and fireworks of the shortest form of the game, and because global superstars are made in their local community - the print on the ODI shirt has been created by taking the county border lines in England and Wales and adding the three lions from the England crest.

Commercial Director at the ECB Alex Perkins said: "We’re really excited to launch these new kits, and to represent our three teams in one high-impact, unified moment. We wanted to reflect the pride in the shirt that is shared by fans and players alike and Castore have supported us in that vision. The kit represents a shared sense of unity and acts as a reminder of the moments that brought us all into cricket, whether that’s playing in the park or at the highest level, and we look forward to seeing that love of the game on show across the country this summer – both on the pitch and in the stands.”

Danny Downs, Chief Commercial Officer at Castore said: “This season marks a significant milestone in our partnership with the ECB – a testament to our commitment to uncovering marginal gains. The kit has been developed through detailed research into bowlers’ movements, with the aim of creating a shirt that not only fits better but flows with each player's unique style. This new range is lightweight, breathable, and engineered for performance – crafted with precision and our shared ambition to push boundaries year after year.”

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Half a million runs...WOAH.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1865259799803498907

Whatz the breakup for the rest of the pack?

 

[BouncerGuy]

ECB appoints Tim Southee as specialist skills consultant for England Men’s teams

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is pleased to announce the appointment of former New Zealand international Tim Southee as a Specialist Skills Consultant for the England Men’s teams on a short-term basis.

Southee, 36, who retired from international cricket in December as New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker, will support England’s squads across all formats through to the conclusion of the Rothesay Test series against India. With his vast experience of playing in a wide range of conditions around the world and across all formats, he brings valuable insight and knowledge to the players.

Following his consultancy stint, he will resume playing duties in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix.

Southee will link up with the squad ahead of England’s opening fixture of the international summer – the Rothesay Test against Zimbabwe – which gets underway at Trent Bridge next Thursday.

ECB

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Richard Thompson has been reappointed as Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) until September 2028

Mr Thompson was originally appointed in 2022 for one five-year term, expiring in September 2027. However, ECB Members voted earlier this year to revise the ECB’s Articles of Association, changing the term for a Chair from a five-year term to a three-year term, with a Chair able to serve a maximum of two three-year terms.

Changing to a three-year term brings the ECB in line with standard governance practice across other National Governing Bodies and the ECB’s own County Governance Framework.

The ECB’s Non-Executive Directors have now decided unanimously to reappoint Mr Thompson for a second three-year term, extending his period in office by one year.

On becoming Chair, Mr Thompson set out the vision for cricket to become the most inclusive team sport. The ECB has also invested record amounts into the professional and recreational counties, overseen the continued rapid growth of women’s and girls’ cricket and attracted world-leading investors into The Hundred with the proceeds set to underpin the whole game in England and Wales.

Katie Bickerstaffe, the ECB’s Senior Independent Director who led the reappointment process, said: “Richard is respected throughout the game. The Board and the wider game is fully supportive of his agenda to become the most inclusive team sport, grow and unite the game, and to lead cricket through a period of global transformation.”

The Board has decided to confirm Mr Thompson’s reappointment well in advance of the end of his current term to ensure stability and continuity ahead of a period when the ECB will be introducing the eight new investors into The Hundred and hosting the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2026. Mr Thompson is also a key figure in leading cricket back into the Olympics in 2028, sitting on the ICC Olympic Working Group and Chairing the ICC Global Growth Committee.

Richard Thompson said: “I’m honoured to be able to continue serving the game I care so passionately about. Whether it’s growing participation and breaking down barriers or supporting our professional game and England teams, I’ll continue to work closely with our stakeholders to deliver a game that truly reflects and inspires our communities.

“I’m grateful to the Board for their confidence and to everyone across the cricketing family for their continued support.”

ECB

 

[BouncerGuy]

England to host five countries in blockbuster 2026 summer of international cricket

England Men and England Women will host five international teams across all formats in a bumper 2026.

The summer will also see England Women host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on home soil from 12 June to 5 July, bringing the global spotlight to women’s cricket.

Ben Stokes’ England Men’s Test team will welcome New Zealand and Pakistan in two Rothesay Test series, while Harry Brook’s white-ball side will face India and Sri Lanka in Metro Bank ODIs and Vitality IT20s.

Meanwhile, either side of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead England Women in a packed home schedule featuring New Zealand, India and Ireland, including a Rothesay Test match against India at Lord’s.

International disability fixtures will be announced in due course, with the England Men’s Mixed Disability team recently trialling mixed disability cricket at international level.

ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould said: “We’re really excited to unveil what promises to be a spectacular summer of international cricket in 2026. With world class opposition visiting iconic venues across the country, fans will have the chance to witness the very best of the men’s and women’s game.

“The highlight of the summer will undoubtedly be the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, hosted here in England for the first time since 2009. It’s a huge moment for the women’s game, for Nat Sciver-Brunt and her team, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation of players and fans. And just after that, we're thrilled that Lord's will also host an England Women's Test match for the first time, marking a really special period of time for the women’s game.

“I’m sure fans will be excited to watch Ben Stokes’ and Harry Brook’s England teams, the Men's red-ball and white-ball teams both offering so much in the way of entertainment. It's terrific to see so many different nations coming over to compete and we can expect another summer of big crowds and fantastic cricket."

2026 England International Fixtures

England Women v New Zealand

Sunday 10 May: 1st Metro Bank ODI – Banks Homes Riverside, Durham, 11am

Wednesday 13 May: 2nd Metro Bank ODI – The County Ground, Northampton, 1pm

Sunday 16 May: 3rd Metro Bank ODI – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, 11am

Wednesday 20 May: 1st Vitality IT20 – The Central Co-op County Ground, Derby, 6:30pm

Saturday 23 May: 2nd Vitality IT20 – The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury, 2:30pm

Monday 25 May: 3rd Vitality IT20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove, tbc

England Women v India

Thursday 28 May: 1st Vitality IT20 – Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford, 6:30pm

Saturday 30 May: 2nd Vitality IT20 – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, tbc

Tuesday 2 June: 3rd Vitality IT20 – The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton, 6:30pm

Friday 10 July: 1st Rothesay Test – Lord’s, London, 11am

England Women v Ireland

Tuesday 1 September: 1st Metro Bank ODI – The Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester, 1pm

Thursday 3 September: 2nd Metro Bank ODI – The Central Co-op County Ground, Derby, 1pm

Sunday 6 September: 3rd Metro Bank ODI – Visit Worcestershire New Road, Worcester, 11am

England Men v New Zealand

Thursday 4 June: 1st Rothesay Test – Lord’s, London, 11am

Wednesday 17 June: 2nd Rothesay Test – The Kia Oval, London, 11am

Thursday 25 June: 3rd Rothesay Test – Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 11am

England Men v India

Wednesday 1 July: 1st Vitality IT20 – Banks Homes Riverside, Durham, 6:30pm

Saturday 4 July: 2nd Vitality IT20 – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, 2:30pm

Tuesday 7 July: 3rd Vitality IT20 – Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 6:30pm

Thursday 9 July: 4th Vitality IT20 – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, 6:30pm

Saturday 11 July: 5th Vitality IT20 – Utilita Bowl, Southampton, 6:30pm

Tuesday 14 July: 1st Metro Bank ODI – Edgbaston, Birmingham, 1pm

Thursday 16 July: 2nd Metro Bank ODI – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, 1pm

Sunday 19 July: 3rd Metro Bank ODI – Lord’s, London, 11am

England Men v Pakistan

Wednesday 19 August: 1st Rothesay Test – Headingley, Leeds, 11am

Thursday 27 August: 2nd Rothesay Test – Lord’s, London, 11am

Wednesday 9 September:

3rd Rothesay Test – Edgbaston, Birmingham, 11am

England Men v Sri Lanka

Tuesday 15 September: 1st Vitality IT20 – Utilita Bowl, Southampton, 6:30pm

Thursday 17 September: 2nd Vitality IT20 – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, 6:30pm

Saturday 19 September: 3rd Vitality IT20 – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, tbc

Tuesday 22 September: 1st Metro Bank ODI – Banks Homes Riverside, Durham, 12:30pm

Thursday 24 September: 2nd Metro Bank ODI – Headingley, Leeds, 12:30pm

Sunday 27 September: 3rd Metro Bank ODI – The Kia Oval, London, 10:30am