Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Bangladesh: War games ahead of England cricket battle

Bangladeshi army commandos abseiled into the national stadium on October 6 in a show of strength designed to reassure England’s cricketers over their security on the eve of the opening ODI of their controversial tour.

More than a dozen commandos scaled down ropes from helicopters hovering over the nets at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, which is hosting the first two games in a three-match series beginning on Friday night.


The side is being skippered by Jos Buttler after regular one-day captain Eoin Morgan decided not to go on the tour in the wake of an attack by jihadists earlier this year on a cafe full of foreigners.

Twenty-two people were killed in July’s assault on the Holey Artisan Cafe in Dhaka’s upmarket Gulshan district, casting doubt over whether Bangladesh’s security forces could guarantee the England team’s safety.

But speaking to reporters on October 6, Buttler insisted there had been no sense of unease among the players since they had arrived last weekend.

“Everything has been in good order. Travel to and from the ground has been great for us although I’m sure it’s been a bit frustrating for the locals,” he said in reference to road closures ordered on security grounds.

“Security has been great so far, I think the guys within the group haven’t even mentioned it. That’s fantastic for us as the guys in the group are very settled and focused on cricket.”

Reg Dickason, the England board’s security chief who endorsed the tour after a field trip to Bangladesh, expressed his satisfaction on October 6 with the safety measures.

“It gives a lot of confidence,” he told reporters. “The security overall ... in Bangladesh is outstanding.”

Bangladesh is desperate to avoid the fate of Pakistan who – apart from a lone series against Zimbabwe – have not hosted any international cricket since gunmen attacked Sri Lanka’s team bus during a 2009 Test in Lahore.

Australia pulled out of a planned tour a year ago after their cricket board cited a “risk of terrorism” while Australia’s football team was only persuaded to travel to Dhaka for a World Cup qualifier last November after authorities drew up an extensive security plan.

While Morgan has stayed home, Alistair Cook will fly out later to take charge of the team for two Test matches that follow the three ODIs, the last of which is being held in the port city of Chittagong.

Buttler, who hit an unbeaten 80 in their only warm-up, said his team would start as “underdogs” against a side which has won home ODI series against India, New Zealand and Pakistan in the last few years.

“They are very strong at home in their own conditions,” he said.

With opener Alex Hales also staying home on security grounds and Joe Root being rested for the ODIs, Buttler indicated that batsmen James Vince and Ben Duckett would be in the starting XI.

England were soundly beaten by Bangladesh in Adelaide during last year’s World Cup but they have improved dramatically since and recently broke the record for the highest ODI score by spanking 444 against Pakistan.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said England were now a very different proposition from the team they humbled in Adelaide.

“If you look at the makeover of England team I think we are going to play one of the best team in the world. Since the World Cup they’ve played like champions,” said Mortaza.

Bangladesh have recalled paceman Al-Amin Hossain in their 14-man squad after he was left out for the recent home series against Afghanistan.

Left-arm spinner Mosharraf Hossain, who played his first ODI in more than eight years against Afghanistan last Saturday, has been retained for the England ODIs.

More For You

ICC World Test Championship Final

Marnus Labuschagne is opening the batting for Australia for the first time in his Test career. (Photo: Getty Images)

South Africa bowl first against Australia in WTC final at Lord's

SOUTH AFRICA captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl against Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Wednesday.

The conditions in London were overcast, which could assist South Africa's fast bowlers. Australia, the reigning champions, also have a strong pace attack.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dhoni-Tests-Getty

The ICC described Dhoni as someone who redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batter, bringing 'brute force and power-hitting' to a position traditionally filled by lower-order players. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

MS Dhoni among seven inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

FORMER India captain MS Dhoni has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame for 2025, along with six other cricketers, including South Africa’s Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith, and two women players – former Pakistan captain Sana Mir and England’s Sarah Taylor.

Also inducted were Australia’s Matthew Hayden, New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, and England’s Taylor, who joins Mir as the only two women recognised this year.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Alcaraz-French-Open-Getty

Alcaraz became the first man to win a Grand Slam after saving match point since Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final.

getty images

Alcaraz beats Sinner in historic French Open final

CARLOS ALCARAZ came from two sets down to defeat Jannik Sinner in a five-set French Open final on Sunday, saving three championship points in a match that lasted five hours and 29 minutes.

Alcaraz, the defending champion, won 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (10/2) to claim his fifth Grand Slam title. The 22-year-old remains unbeaten in Grand Slam finals and ended Sinner's 20-match winning streak in majors.

Keep ReadingShow less
KL-Rahul-Getty

Rahul, who has experience batting across the order, is seen as a likely option to partner Jaiswal at the top. (Photo: Getty Images)

KL Rahul hits ton as opener in warmup game ahead of England Test series

KL RAHUL scored a century in the second unofficial Test against England Lions, offering some clarity to India’s top-order plans ahead of the five-match Test series in England.

Rahul, opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, made an unbeaten 116 on Friday in Northampton. He batted on a lively pitch under overcast skies without offering any chances.

Keep ReadingShow less
World Cup winner Piyush Chawla retires from cricket

FILE PHOTO: Piyush Chawla. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup winner Piyush Chawla retires from cricket

VETERAN leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, who played key roles in India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday (6) after more than two decades in the sport.

The 36-year-old made the announcement through an Instagram post, describing his decision as the end of an "incredible journey" while hinting at a new unspecified venture ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less