Latest news with #IanBotham
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Pat Cummins is set to star in a woke new cricket show for kids
Pat Cummins has landed himself a new job. The Australian cricket captain is set to lead his side out in the final Test of their tour of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday, as the Baggy Greens look to secure a series win. But on Wednesday, Cummins announced that he would be taking up a new venture in television, appearing on the new animated kids' cartoon series Snick and Willow. The plot revolves around two cricket-loving kids, called Snick and Willow, who happen upon a hidden trophy room beneath their local cricket team's clubhouse. Here they uncover a robotic floating cricket ball, called Perci, who reveals to them that the club's future is doomed unless they find several cricketing artefacts from the club. Cummins is not the only famous cricketer to have played a part in the show's creation, with England legend Lord Ian Botham also involved as an ambassador. 'Hello world, are you ready?' the show wrote on its official Instagram story, posting a preview of the series. 'We'd like to introduce to you all, Snick & Willow. 'With @cricketaustralia now an official partner alongside the great @sirianbotham as our ambassador, Snick & Willow is now positioned to take the world by storm in an exciting 3D cricket animation series.' The show's creators are aiming to target all audiences and people of all ages, as they look to help grow the game of cricket. 'We hold strong value in multiculturalism, diversity & gender equality. Via this incredible series, we will bring fun, magic and mystery to families all around the world through the great game of cricket,' Snick and Willow added. 'It's an exciting time, you're going to love it.' Cummins' animated character in the show is yet to be revealed, but he is excited about how the show can increase youth participation in the game around the world. 'Growing the game of cricket has always been incredibly important to me, what Snick and Willow is doing is really special — it's a fun, vibrant way to bring cricket to kids everywhere,' the 32-year-old cricketer said. 'I'm especially excited about the role of Willow in the series, and how her journey can help inspire young girls to fall in love with cricket. This show has the potential to leave a real mark on the sport's future.' Ahead of the final test in Jamaica, Cummins has also spoken on what young batsman Sam Konstas needs to do to get back in the groove. The NSW batter has struggled to find a big score during the Caribbean tour, with Konstas hitting scores of three and five in Barbados, following that up with a 25 and a duck in Grenada. The 19-year-old's current average across the four tests he has featured in currently sits at 18.25 and he is set to win his fifth cap this week in Kingston. Cummins, though, urged Konstas to stay patient and to look at the wider picture, not just assess his performances on a game-by-game basis. 'I think for anyone who's starting out their Test career, you are kind of picked for a reason and you at your best we know is good enough,' Cummins said. 'It's just about concentrating on what makes you a really good player. For someone like a batter, it might be where you score, what tempo do you normally operate at [when at] your best. And just don't get too caught up in every innings [feeling] like [it's] the biggest thing in the world. 'I think the stat is, even the best batters in the world don't hit their average three out of four times or something like that. You're going to fail more often than you're going to succeed. So just as long as you're a quick learner, as long as you're moving well… and judge yourself after a series or so, not innings by innings.'
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
There was magic everywhere in England's special win over India - it was a statement of intent for an epic year, writes OLIVER HOLT
The elements buffeted Headingley all day. Proud old oaks on Kirkstall Lane swayed in the wind, their branches dancing and lurching with every gust. In the skies above, planes on the approach to Leeds-Bradford airport pitched and yawed. It was one of those days in England's north where the threat of showers only ever felt a breath away. When the spectators on the Western Terrace lifted their faces to the breeze on the fifth day of the first Test, the terror of rain delays was always in the air. But by the time early evening came, the clouds had lifted and there were patches of pale blue above. The fear that the elements might ruin England's day had gone and the only thing in the air was magic. Magic everywhere. Magic in a quite spellbinding innings from Ben Duckett, who swept and carved India to every corner of the ground and broke India's spirit. Magic even when he fell for 149, the same score Ian Botham got here in perhaps England's most famous victory of all, against Australia in 1981. Some were lucky enough to have witnessed that day and this one, too. A colleague remembered coming here with his grandad 44 years ago as a 10-year-old and watching bewitched as a huge Botham six landed in the row in front of them at the Football Stand End. And now there was the magic of witnessing another historic England victory. The thrill of seeing this team, wrought by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, continue to redefine the parameters of modern Test cricket and challenge our ideas of what is within reach. For England cricket fans, these are days of wonder. India had set England 371 to win and, a brief wobble aside when Harry Brook was dismissed first ball, Stokes's men knocked off the runs without much ado. It was the second highest run chase in this country's Test history, just behind the 378 for three, also against India, amassed at Edgbaston three years ago in the infancy of the McCullum-Stokes regime. For slightly wider context, it was the 10th highest run chase in Test history. So this was something special. It was achieved, do not forget, against the world's best fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, and a spinner of the quality of Ravi Jadeja. 'Squeaky Bumrah Time', one newspaper headline had warned yesterday morning but England did not flinch. Nothing fazes this side. Nothing seems to dent its belief. With this five-wicket victory, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the series, they became the first team in first-class history to win a match in which they have conceded five centuries to the other team. Not so long ago, England would have shied away from a chase like yesterday's because they feared defeat more than they yearned for victory but those days have long gone. England have now won 12 of their 14 matches 'chasing' at home under Stokes and McCullum. Bazball does not do draws, unless it pours with rain all day in Manchester. The match was an enthralling spectacle but it was also a hugely significant victory for Stokes, in particular. Before the match, some sought to lecture him about how it was time for Bazball to grow up and make compromises in the pursuit of victory. Everyone was aware that this Test marks the start of a run of 10 matches against the two most powerful Test nations in the world, India and Australia. All roads lead to our obsession with the Ashes this winter and this game was pitched as the beginning of the defining period for the style of cricket Stokes has pioneered. This victory restated his authority and restated the ethos of this side. Everything Stokes stands for, every decision he made, was vindicated by the indomitability and the certainty and the confidence and the swagger and the poise that underscored this victory. This was a statement of intent for the summer and the winter ahead. Stokes defied the received wisdom and put India into bat on Friday. And, as India racked up 471 runs, he was subjected to pockets of criticism. 'Imagine thinking that way at the end of the first day when we have not even had a chance to bat on it,' Stokes said pointedly after the match. 'Test matches are played over five days.' Victory proved him right. Victory reminded everyone that Stokes is still the brains of this operation as well as its most explosive player. He is the smartest man in the room when it comes to analysing and reading the game. Those who called for evolution in the Bazball approach saw plenty of evidence of it, too. The characterisation of this team as a thrash-and-bash outfit has always been heavily simplistic and it seemed even more so here. Zak Crawley was patient and there was no sign of looking wild or desperate at any stage England played with intelligence and control in this fourth innings. They played aggressive cricket, too, but, aside from Brook's aberration, this performance was about discipline and picking the moment to attack wisely. Patience mixed with dash. Caution mixed with daring. Zak Crawley's 111-ball half century, for instance, was the slowest of his career. It was about building pressure on India slowly but surely and never letting them get to a point where momentum was with them. England never looked desperate. They never looked wild. It sounds laughable considering what they achieved, but there was even a sense England were playing within themselves. If they had been set 450 to win, they would have got it. 'We are a simple-minded pair, me and Baz,' Stokes said afterwards, as he spoke of 'stripping it all back' and trying to make sure that his players felt in the best possible frame of mind when they went out to the middle. 'What a mint game,' he added, and he was right. More days of wonder lie ahead, stretching through this summer and into the fire of the Ashes series that looms already in the distance.
The Herald Scotland
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Headingley hits: A look at England's thrilling Test tussles in Yorkshire
Here, the PA news agency looks at some more memorable moments in Leeds. Botham's Ashes Ian Botham, left, led England to a memorable win in 1981 (PA Archive) Arguably England's most famous Test match of all time, the hosts were set for defeat in the 1981 Ashes as they slumped to 135 for seven following on in their second innings. Ian Botham then came to the party, blasting an unbeaten 149 to help set a target of 130, which Australia fell short of thanks to Bob Willis' inspired spell of eight for 43. Stokes on fire 🕞 3:17pm – 268-9🕓 4:17pm – England win by one wicket "The Ashes well and truly alive because of one cricketer!" Ben Stokes wrote his name into #Ashes folklore with an astonishing 💯 as England levelled the series with a historic one-wicket win at Headingley. #AshesBitesize — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 25, 2019 Ben Stokes evoked memories of Botham with a magical performance to help England climb off the canvas in the 2019 Ashes. Chasing an unlikely 359 to keep their Ashes hopes alive, England looked dead and buried at 286 for nine. But Stokes produced one of the finest Test innings to finish 135 not out and guide his side home. England clinch a tight one England's Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, left, celebrate following their victory (Mike Egerton/PA) Four years later there was more drama and, with Australia leading 2-0 in the Ashes series, England came out on top in a much lower-scoring third Test match which ebbed and flowed. Things were again looking dicey when they fell to 171 for six, chasing 251, but Harry Brook's 75 and an unbeaten 32 from Chris Woakes kept alive the series, which eventually ended 2-2.
The Independent
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Ben Stokes delighted as England add to good memories at Headingley
Ben Stokes celebrated another red-letter day at Headingley after Ben Duckett's 149 inspired England to an improbable chase of 371 to down India in the first Rothesay Test. Duckett followed the likes of Ian Botham in 1981 and Stokes himself in 2019 into Headingley folklore with a titanic fourth-innings knock to underpin a five-wicket win and a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. England's last visit also produced another nail-biting finale, with Chris Woakes and Mark Wood bringing the 2023 Ashes alive by getting Stokes' side home in pursuit of 251 with three wickets to spare. 'We've been pretty good at this ground for the last few years,' Stokes said. 'We've got some good memories here and it's one more to add.' This was England's second highest successful pursuit ever, just seven runs off the target they reeled in against the same opponents at Edgbaston in 2022 at the outset of the Stokes-Brendon McCullum era. 'I think we're just a very simple-minded pair, me and Baz, when it comes to cricket,' Stokes said. 'Everyone knows what cricket is about, it's about scoring more runs than the opposition. When you strip it all back, that's it. We try to keep everything simple and calm as we possible can. 'When you're chasing totals like that, how you are in the dressing room is very important.' Only Mark Butcher, with 173 at Headingley in 2001, has scored more among Englishmen in a fourth-innings win than Duckett, who was dropped on 97 but majestic in setting the tone for England on the final day. A stand of 188 with Zak Crawley, who made a composed 65, provided ideal foundations as the openers took the sting out of India's formidable bowling attack to move past 2,000 runs as a partnership. 'Ducky has been incredible since coming into the team,' Stokes said. 'He's shown he can score runs pretty much all over the world in any conditions he's faced with. 'He's a quality player, such a hard person to bowl to with the new ball. I love the way that his natural game is to look to score and put bowlers under pressure from ball one. 'Ducky got the 149 but Zak was so, so important, too. They compliment each other so well. I'm sure you could ask the opposition bowlers about why they're a nightmare when they are in for a long period.' Jasprit Bumrah was wicketless and while India rallied to leave England 253 for four when Duckett and Harry Brook were out off successive balls, Joe Root's 53 not out and Jamie Smith's 44no got them home with 14 overs still available. While India will lick their wounds and look to regroup at Edgbaston for the second Test, starting next Wednesday, Stokes can feel vindicated after his decision to bowl first at the toss came under scrutiny. India racked up 359 for three in glorious batting conditions after the first day and were at one stage 430 for three – they were also 333 for four in the second innings – but England fought back both times. 'It's a good job Test cricket is played over five days,' Stokes added. 'You make a decision and you don't know what is going to happen. Both teams had a lot of luck go their way.' India coach Gautam Gambhir revealed they will not divert from their strategy to play Bumrah for only another two Tests, despite the rest of the bowling attack lacking a consistent cutting edge. 'We won't change the plans,' Gambhir said. 'To manage his workload is more important. Before he came on this tour, it was already decided he would play three Tests but let's see how his body turns out. 'We haven't decided which two other Test matches he's going to play. We absolutely have the bowling attack to take 20 wickets. We pick the squad on trust, not on hope.'
Glasgow Times
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Headingley hits: A look at England's thrilling Test tussles in Yorkshire
Ben Duckett's 149 helped Ben Stokes' side chase down a massive target of 371, their second-highest pursuit. Here, the PA news agency looks at some more memorable moments in Leeds. Botham's Ashes Ian Botham, left, led England to a memorable win in 1981 (PA Archive) Arguably England's most famous Test match of all time, the hosts were set for defeat in the 1981 Ashes as they slumped to 135 for seven following on in their second innings. Ian Botham then came to the party, blasting an unbeaten 149 to help set a target of 130, which Australia fell short of thanks to Bob Willis' inspired spell of eight for 43. Stokes on fire 🕞 3:17pm – 268-9🕓 4:17pm – England win by one wicket "The Ashes well and truly alive because of one cricketer!" Ben Stokes wrote his name into #Ashes folklore with an astonishing 💯 as England levelled the series with a historic one-wicket win at Headingley. #AshesBitesize — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 25, 2019 Ben Stokes evoked memories of Botham with a magical performance to help England climb off the canvas in the 2019 Ashes. Chasing an unlikely 359 to keep their Ashes hopes alive, England looked dead and buried at 286 for nine. But Stokes produced one of the finest Test innings to finish 135 not out and guide his side home. England clinch a tight one England's Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, left, celebrate following their victory (Mike Egerton/PA) Four years later there was more drama and, with Australia leading 2-0 in the Ashes series, England came out on top in a much lower-scoring third Test match which ebbed and flowed. Things were again looking dicey when they fell to 171 for six, chasing 251, but Harry Brook's 75 and an unbeaten 32 from Chris Woakes kept alive the series, which eventually ended 2-2.
