Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Kohli honoured to be World Cup target for 'X-factor' Archer

India captain Virat Kohli said on Thursday (23) it was a "big compliment" to be a target wicket for England newcomer Jofra Archer at the upcoming World Cup.

Barbados-born fast bowler Archer, who has impressed in the Indian Premier League, was included in England's 15-man squad for the tournament despite having played just three one-day internationals.


The 24-year-old Sussex quick, capable of bowling at 90 miles-an-hour (145 kmh), celebrated his inclusion by setting his sights on dismissing Kohli, long one of the world's leading batsmen, during the competition.

"I'd quite like to get Virat Kohli out because I wasn't able to in the IPL," Archer, who only qualified for England in March, told Sky Sports.

Kohli, who had been told of Archer's comments at a captains' press conference in London on Thursday, said: "That's news to me, news to Morgs (England skipper Eoin Morgan) as well. I don't really focus on these things.

"I take a lot of pride in performing well for the team and making a big impact on each game I play, so if Jofra said that it's a big compliment as he himself is a world-class bowler."

- 'Intimidating' -

Kohli added: "And the way he has come through in the IPL over the last couple of years, I have seen him and he's played all around the world and done well so there's a good reason why he's been fast-tracked into playing for England in a tournament like the World Cup.

"I think he's going to be the X-factor because he has all the skill-sets and he's very different from anyone else.

"He can generate a lot of pace, which can be intimidating, and you don't really expect that from his run-up."

England have climbed to the top of the ODI rankings since their humiliating group-stage exit at the 2015 World Cup and are threatening the smash the 500-run barrier, once considered all but impossible in 50 overs.

But Kohli predicted that some World Cup matches would be low-scoring affairs.

"They (England) seem to be obsessed with getting to 500 before anyone else," he said. "They smash it from ball one and for the full 50 overs."

"It could be pretty high scoring, but 260-270 is going to be as difficult to get as chasing 370, 380 in a World Cup," he added.

"When you get closer to the knockout phase that is going to bring greater pressure and no-one is going to go gung-ho from ball one," he said.

"Generally teams will find a way but I see pressure playing a massive role."

England launch the World Cup against South Africa at The Oval on May 30.

With all 10 teams playing each other in the group phase, England are scheduled to play India at Edgbaston on June 30.

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less