Injured Rushworth aiming for September return
Rushworth took 53 wickets in his first season with Warwickshire in 2023 after moving on from Durham following a wicket-record breaking 19 years., externalInjuries restricted him to only six matches last summer and his only completed appearance this season saw him take seven wickets in the rain-affected draw against the Pears at New Road in May.As for Rushworth's chances of playing a part in the Bears final three red-ball games in September against Surrey at The Kia Oval, at home to Essex and the trip to Nottinghamshire, Westwood is staying optimistic."Rushy, to his credit, it still determined to try to get himself fit and put his name in the hat for those final three games, which might be really important," he said. Warwickshire are currently fifth in the Division One table, on 117 points, 23 points behind leaders - and defending champions - Surrey.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
2 hours ago
- Reuters
Rahul, Pant shine as India extend lead over England to 357
BIRMINGHAM, England, July 5 (Reuters) - KL Rahul scored a half-century before Rishabh Pant literally threw his bat at everything as India moved on to 177-3 to stretch their commanding lead to 357 runs over England at lunch on day four of the second test at Edgbaston on Saturday. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter walked in at 126-3 and immediately entertained the crowd, smashing sixes and boundaries before providing the day's most memorable moment when he lost his grip on his bat. He sent his willow flying to square leg where it landed safely, much to the amusement of the Edgbaston crowd, but not the England bowlers who had a productive first hour before their momentum was halted. Pant was unbeaten on 41 alongside skipper Shubman Gill (24 not out) at the interval, their quickfire partnership of 51 runs coming off 53 balls. Resuming on their overnight 64-1, the morning session in overcast conditions with the floodlights on began with both Karun Nair and Rahul surviving early scares when thick edges flew through gaps in the slip cordon. But Brydon Carse's persistence paid off when he tempted Nair into a drive and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith's eyes lit up when he took the catch to dismiss the Indian batter for 26. Rahul remained patient and he continued to find gaps on the offside as he brought up his 18th test fifty, but Josh Tongue struck with a ball that seamed off the pitch to go past the Indian batter's defence and hit the stumps. Tongue's delight was short-lived, however, as Pant walked in and unsettled the fast bowler with a boundary before he danced down the track to smash it over his head for six. Pant survived when, on 10, he smashed the ball straight to mid off where Zak Crawley spilled the catch, and he made the bowlers pay with a flurry of fours and another six. England won the first test at Headingley by five wickets.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
England set to face mammoth chase as Rishabh Pant helps India stretch big lead
England were facing up to the prospect of a record-breaking chase at Edgbaston as India stretched their lead to 357 on the fourth morning of the second Rothesay Test. Ben Stokes' side have earned their reputation as a fearless fourth-innings unit, but with seven wickets still to take before they even get their chance, they are likely to require a world record. India took lunch on 177 for three, Rishabh Pant unbeaten on 41 and attacking hard as he made the most of a bad drop by Zak Crawley on 10. The tourists held all the cards as play began, 244 in front with nine wickets in hand. England needed things to happen quickly if they were to drag themselves back into the battle and Brydon Carse did what he could to oblige. Charging in with good rhythm he got on top of KL Rahul and Karun Nair, beating the bat and picking up a couple of edges that failed to go to hand. India had almost survived his spell but Carse got his rewards when Nair nicked an attempted cover drive to Jamie Smith. The wicketkeeper, whose unbeaten 184 on Friday prevented England's position being even more painful, added a solid diving catch to his list of achievements and showed impressive glovework by standing up to the stumps off Chris Woakes. Rahul was a thorn in England's side, reaching 50 and then taking the lead past 300 with a thick edge through the vacant gully area. He was beginning to look at home when Josh Tongue sent him packing in no uncertain terms, firing a quick ball through his defences and detonating middle stump. That brought Pant to the crease and the madness quickly followed. He pulled his third delivery for four, then stepped back to his fourth and swatted Tongue back down the ground for six. That should have been the extent of his scoring but when he backed away to leg and pumped a simple chance to mid-off, Crawley fumbled badly. It did not take long for England to start counting the cost, Pant stooping to sweep Tongue for six more over square-leg, before punishing some drag downs from Shoaib Bashir. At one stage he swung so hard he launched his bat 20 yards into the outfield, a comedy moment he followed by offering another chance off the leading edge. Woakes sprinted in vain to reach the looping ball but could not reel it in.
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
England v India: second men's cricket Test, day four
Update: Date: 2025-07-05T11:28:11.000Z Title: 30th over: India 136-3 (Gill 14, Pant 10) Content: Edgbaston updates, 11am BST start | Sign up to The Spin England keep India WT20 series alive | And mail James James Wallace (now) and Rob Smyth (later) Sat 5 Jul 2025 07.28 EDT First published on Sat 5 Jul 2025 05.23 EDT 7.28am EDT 07:28 Pant pulls a short ball from Tongue away for four and then charges down the track to bloodaxe a SIX into the stands. Pant missed out in the first innings and this situation is tailor made for him. 7.25am EDT 07:25 Pant looks to run down the track first ball and Tongue follows him with a full ball into the pads. DO. NOT. GO. ANYWHERE. 7.23am EDT 07:23 Buckle up knuckleheads, here comes Rishabh Pant. 7.22am EDT 07:22 Yes he can! Tongue is a wicket taker and he rushes a ball through KL Rahul's defences to send the middle stump cartwheeling. Rahul was rushed by the speed and seemed to play down the wrong line too. England have their second of the morning. Updated at 7.25am EDT 7.20am EDT 07:20 29th over: India 126-2 (Rahul 55, Gill 14) Stokes brings himself on and immediately finds the edge of Rahul's blade but wouldyoubelieeeevit the edge flies through the vacant third slip region. England are trying to stem the runs and take wickets and they can't have fielders everywhere, the ball has mostly flown in the gaps so far this morning. Top over from Stokes, can Tongue back him up at the other end? 7.18am EDT 07:18 28th over: India 119-2 (Rahul 50, Gill 13) Josh Tongue replaces Chris Woakes and immediately the pressure is released. This is becoming a problem for England, Tongue is a wicket taker but he has also been particularly loose this summer so far. Ten runs off the over as Tongue is too full, driven for three by KL Rahul - as the opener notches another half century - and Tongue is then pinged through the covers for four by Gill. Some commentary cliches courtesy of Kandukuru Nagarjun and Gary Naylor. 'Gavaskar on Indian commentary just said, while praising Karun Nair as a slipper, that he catches them 'more often than not.' I hate that phrase - in this case, it implies Nair could be dropping upto 49% of 'em. Also: 'He's good at the hook shot; he middles them more often than not.' 'It's basically a good pitch for batting. A bit on the slow side, but if you can get through the new ball, there's plenty of runs in it. There's a chance it might break up a little on the fourth day and offer some turn to the spinners later in the match.' Every. Single. Test.' 7.11am EDT 07:11 27th over: India 109-2 (Rahul 46, Gill 7) Carse has been excellent this morning, he returns after a slurp of electrolytes and bowls a zippy and probing maiden to KL Rahul. Ben Stokes is warming up, he'll be a handful in these overcast conditions ifhe can find his groove too. Good morning to Tom v d Gucht: 'The OBO has its own rich tapestry of unique clichés. Id say my favourite would be oblique references to or quotes from Peep Show. For example, 'I'm not the sort of person who makes things happen. I'm the sort of person things happen to.' Keep them coming.' Have you heard the Big Beats OBO manifesto recently? The OBO manifesto is short posts are the best, do quotes all the time… 7.05am EDT 07:05 26th over: India 109-2 (Rahul 46, Gill 7) Jamie Smith stands up to the stumps to Chris Woakes. Plenty of ego driven club bowlers wouldn't like the keeper insulting their pace by doing the same. Woakes gets on with the task in hand and skims one past Gills edge, Smith shows off some fast hands behind said sticks. Gill angles the blade to pick up four to deep third, it's time for a drink for the players and a vat of Kenco pour moi. Updated at 7.10am EDT 7.02am EDT 07:02 25th over: India 105-2 (Rahul 46, Gill 3) Carse has looked the most dangerous bowler this morning, he gets one to lift at Rahul who flashes an angled blade outside off and gets a meaty edge wide of point for four. That was risky but India are in a position where they can take a few. 7.00am EDT 07:00 24th over: India 101-2 (Rahul 42, Gill 3) A maiden from the Wizard. England are bowling well this morning, India's lead stands at 281, they haven't pulled away yet this morning. 6.53am EDT 06:53 23rd over: India 101-2 (Rahul 42, Gill 3) England lose a review much to Ben Stokes' chagrin. Gill gets a scratch of an inside edge on straight on from Carse, the keeper and slips all fancy it but Stokes – at mid off - reckons he heard something woody. The troops convince their general to give it a whirl but DRS confirms the bat was tickled. Democracy is overrated eh Ben? 'Morning James!' back atcha Anand Kumar. 'Wonder how all pundits say the same thing about the same things for all test matches? First hour is the key. New ball is vital. First half hour of this session is important. This last hour before close of play is crucial Do fellow OBOers have their favourite clichés?' Fine to join in - as long as they aren't OBO cliches (actually…) 6.45am EDT 06:45 22nd over: India 98-2 (Rahul 41, Gill 1) Gill gets off the mark with a nudge into the leg side off Woakes. There's some movement in the air and the clouds have a grey-ish tinge to them. The floodlights are on and these are about the best conditions for bowling in the match so far. 6.41am EDT 06:41 21st over: India 96-2 (Rahul 40, Gill 0) Shubman Gill arrives in the middle… he won't be on strike as Nair fell to the last ball of the over. The lead stands at 276 runs. England would dearly love a couple of quick ones to put a bit of pressure back onto India. Easier said than done of course. Updated at 6.43am EDT 6.38am EDT 06:38 These two batters are two of the most elegant players you could wish to watch, Nair pings a cover drive for four but is then GONE! Carse deserves that, he's hammered away at a good length and eventually Nair drives at one that wasn't quite there and the nick goes to hand, Jamie Smith taking a sharp catch with the gloves. Updated at 6.46am EDT 6.35am EDT 06:35 20th over: India 88-1 (Nair 18, Rahul 40) Woakes has Kl Rahul beaten a couple of times in the over, one nip backer and one that holds its line that the normally unflappable Rahul has an undistinguished flap at. There's something happening with the ball out there and England are trying to harness it. 6.32am EDT 06:32 19th over: India 86-1 (Nair 17, Rahul 39) Carse has found some real rhythm this morning, he looks to be less bothered by his troublesome toes and is pounding away at a handkerchief sized spot back of a length. He beats Nairs edge with one that moves away late and then gets the edge but it is a thick one and runs away for four backward of point. No justice eh Brydon? 6.28am EDT 06:28 18th over: India 81-1 (Nair 13, Rahul 38) Woakes stitches together a maiden. England have bowled well this morning but with no luck so far. 'Morning James. A packed day of sport today, it's what the OBO/MBM was made for!' Indeed Guy Hornsby, it is in fact the busiest weekend of the year on the Guardian Sports desk. 'These next two sessions should be fascinating in how the game is set up. England will feel they can't chase anything, but yesterday showed that even a monster partnership can't solve a big total on its own. India will want, you feel, 450+, and England will give that a go. It's a far cry from forlorn hope of the draw in my formative 1990s. This team has made it an endangered species. But it shouldn't be off the table, either. Going down in a blaze of boundaries to lose by 200 doesn't help us in the series. But we're all just passengers now, eh.' Spot on Mr Hornsby. Slightly more problematic thinking from Tim Sanders… 'Good morning James. I think Howard Banwell might be mistaken if he caps England's run-chase ambitions at 350-400. It's three years to the day, at the same ground, against the same opposition, since Joe and Jonny's partnership chased down 378 with seven wickets in hand. I think if, come tomorrow evening, England were to need 720 from 20 overs, they'd give it a good go.' Updated at 6.30am EDT 6.22am EDT 06:22 17th over: India 81-1 (Nair 13, Rahul 38) Eventful over as Carse clangs Karun Nair on the helmet with a brutish delivery and then draws the edge with the next ball but it flies in the large-ish gap between first and second slip! England can't believe their luck but they were trying to have a bob each way. Nair survives. Top over from Brydon Carse, he really bent his back in that one and got some life out of this placid wicket. 6.19am EDT 06:19 16th over: India 76-1 (Nair 8, Rahul 38) 'India are only going to get better as the series goes on' purrs Ravi Shastri, and he's not wrong. If they win this game sans Bumrah then the series is well and truly anyones with three to play. A leg bye sees India stretch the lead up to 250. 6.10am EDT 06:10 15th over: India 75-1 (Nair 8, Rahul 38) Rahul unfurls another picture perfect cover drive, how good is he at that shot? He never seems to miss out. Carse nips one back and the inside edge from KL saves him from succumbing lbw. Carse asked the question but Stokes wasn't interested in the review and rightly so. Edge! Safe. Rahul punches off the back foot and the edge flies wide of second slip. Four more for India, they are rollocking along at five an over. 6.08am EDT 06:08 14th over: India 67-1 (Nair 8, Rahul 30) There are no alarms or surprises in the wicket, the roller was on it this morning and it is still very easy paced. We have seen the odd ball nip and bounce, the wickets of Brook and Stokes for example. Kl Rahul picks up a couple of singles in his usual princely fashion. Nair then clips a ball off his hip for a single to make it three off the first over of the day. It's cloudy but still flat as all flip out there. 6.03am EDT 06:03 Righto, the players are out on the field, its a bit more overcast and breezy in Edgbaston. Chris Woakes is going to start with the ball, England need some wickets to try and keep India in check. India will look to bat most of the day. Fingers crossed for another belter. WinViz gives England just 3 per cent chance of winning, might be worth a flutter you know… 6.00am EDT 06:00 'I'm torn.' Says Howard Banwell, getting his Natalie Imbruglia on. 'I like very much the positive, go-for-it England approach to test cricket in recent years, but here I would rather see a draw than an England loss. I reckon it depends on the lead India is allowed to rack up today. If England restrict them to a 350 to 400 lead (or Shubman declares with that target on the table), Stokes will be very tempted to go for the chase. More than that, I suspect even Stokes will pucker up and kiss his sister.' 5.48am EDT 05:48 Our man Ali Martin had the task of summing up a quite bonkers day of Test cricket: Pressure? What pressure? Or to pinch a line from Keith Miller, the great Australian all-rounder and a fighter pilot during the second world war: 'There is no pressure in Test cricket. Real pressure is when you are flying a Mosquito with a Messerschmitt up your arse.' Notwithstanding this old truism, there was still a fair bit on the line when Jamie Smith strode out to middle at 11.12am here on the third morning. Joe Root had been uncharacteristically strangled down leg, Ben Stokes had been blown away by a brutish first ball and Mohammed Siraj, a fiery fast bowler known to get on a roll, was eyeing up a hat-trick. Oh, and England were 84 for five, 503 runs behind India's first innings.' 5.43am EDT 05:43 Ease yourself into Saturday morning with Mr Andy Bull: The field was set, the slips were waiting, the crowd was up. There was, everyone watching felt sure, only one way the game was heading. The ball was a good one, on a length just outside off and moving in towards middle. Smith took a half-step forwards and, crack, thumped it back down the ground for four. Everyone else in this England team had to unlearn a lot of what they had been taught to begin to bat like this. But not Smith. He and Harry Brook are hothouse kids.' 5.23am EDT 05:23 James Wallace Here's something I wrote earlier: 'A draw is like kissing your sister,' Edward J Erdelatz said to the New York Times in 1954. Erdelatz was the United States Navy's head football coach and his side had just drawn 0-0 against Duke University. 'No one asked the mild spoken navy coach to explain,' the report adds. Well, quite. But sister or not, everyone knew what he meant. Erdelatz's unique take on the merits or otherwise of not winning are ingrained in American sports where a Lombardian win-at-all-costs mentality prevails. Try explaining Test cricket to an American sports fan, they say, with a wry chuckle – the fact that two teams can battle it out for five full days and in the end, there is not necessarily a winner. Good luck, they smirk. Adelaide 1961? You may as well be describing the plot of Christopher Nolan's Memento to a toddler. Old Trafford 2005? More chance of a cider-addled bee getting to grips with quantum theory. They do not get it, be gone with your quaint English ways, five days and no winner. That's crazy, man. Yet draws are intrinsic to Test cricket, they are written in its DNA – a double helix in the shape of a deadlock. Draws speak to its beguiling and maddening qualities, a testament to the game's downright peculiarity. That a side can battle back from a point of seemingly no return to pull off the heist of shared spoils, drop anchor, defy logic, battle against their opponents' desire, their own self-belief, against conditions under their feet and above their heads, against time itself. This makes the game what it is, why it is called what it is called. Even when you are on top, it is still really hard to finish a side off and win a Test match.' At what point in this game do you think Ben Stokes might decide to pucker up and play for the draw? Or will he laugh in the face of such outdated thinking? Preferring his side to go down in a blaze of wickets rather than entertain not entertaining and batting out to share the spoils? England are playing a more nuanced version of Bazball but whether they still have the stomach to suck up a draw remains to be seen. India are currently 64 for one and hold a lead of 244. India captain Shubman Gill knows all too well that England will try and chase whatever they are set, at least initially, and 371 wasn't enough last week in Headingley. Harry Brook and Jamie Smith's barnstormingly epic three hundred run partnership showed the path of one possible outcome just as England's quacking and creaking batting card containing six ducks showed the other. Of one thing we can be sure, it'll be unmissable viewing on day four at Edgbaston. Play gets underway at 11am and I'm very much here for your thoughts and theories on where this second Test match might be headed. Updated at 5.24am EDT
