Can Gambhir ace red-ball test in Sri Lanka?

Gautam Gambhir's coaching career highlights a notable dichotomy: outstanding results in white-ball cricket juxtaposed with disappointing performances in Test matches. With a pivotal series against Sri Lanka approaching, questions arise about his tenure. While his white-ball teams celebrated significant victories and a bold playing style, the lackluster Test outcomes raise concerns about possible exclusion from the WTC final.

Sunrisers Leeds finally registered their first home win of the ongoing Women’s Hundred, defeating London Spirit by five wickets at Headingley.

Chasing 137, the hosts reached the target with two balls to spare, with Annabel Sutherland anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 37 off 21 balls. milkshakeslot.online

Sunrisers had lost both their previous home matches against Southern Brave and Manchester Super Giants. However, this time, despite a mini collapse, they held their nerve to avoid a third successive defeat at Headingley.

Bryony Smith and Phoebe Litchfield gave Sunrisers a flying start with a 57-run opening partnership. However, the hosts then lost three wickets for just two runs, allowing London Spirit to claw their way back into the contest.

Skipper Dani Gibson responded with a valuable 25, adding a crucial 48-run partnership with Sutherland to steady the chase.

Sutherland came into the match on the back of an unbeaten 59 off 30 in the previous game, an effort that ended in a losing cause. This time, she once again stayed till the end, and with Jess Jonassen contributing a quickfire unbeaten 13 off five balls, Sutherland sealed the win in style with a towering six.

Earlier, Sutherland also chipped in with a wicket and was deservedly named Player of the Match.

The unbeaten knock lifted Sutherland to third on the run-scorers’ list this season with 183 runs in five innings at an average of 91.50 and a strike rate of 156.41.

Speaking after the win, a relieved Sutherland said: “We just haven’t quite got over the line in the last few but we felt like we’ve been there and thereabouts. So, it’s nice to get the win.”

The victory lifted Sunrisers Leeds to fourth in the standings. They will next face Birmingham Phoenix in Birmingham on August 7.

For More Exciting Articles: Follow RevSportz

The post Women’s Hundred 2026: Sutherland Shines as Sunrisers Leeds Finally Win at Home appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.

Former England captain Ben Stokes has raised concerns over the decision to bypass vice-captain Harry Brook for the Test leadership role following Stokes' retirement from international cricket.

Stokes argued that promising leaders should be trusted with the role directly, pointing out that he possessed minimal captaincy experience when he was appointed to lead the national side. Instead of handing the reins to Brook, the selectors opted to reappoint Joe Root for a second stint at the helm.

"If you think someone is going to be a good captain or a good leader, just give it to them. Brooky [was] made vice-captain. I'm not there anymore, but even when I missed that Test match [against New Zealand] I was like 'why is Brooky not captain? He's vice-captain," Stokes said on the For The Love of Cricket podcast.

"And I understood the reasoning why they were saying it, but I was still like, what message is that sending to him? He's vice-captain, and the captain is not playing, but he's not captain. Then the same again here. I had no leadership or captaincy experience when I took over. It was just thought I was going to be a good captain," he added.

Stokes offers support and concern for Joe Root's return

Despite his reservations regarding Harry Brook's omission, Stokes offered his complete backing to Root as he resumes the captaincy. Root previously served as England's Test captain from 2017 to 2022, securing 27 wins in 65 matches to become England's most successful Test skipper, and recently served as interim captain during the Test match against New Zealand at The Oval.

Stokes emphasised that his primary consideration is Root's personal well-being, acknowledging the heavy toll and selfless commitment required during his earlier tenure.

"I wish him [Root] nothing but success. I hope he goes on and achieves amazing things in his role as captain. I told Joe, I said my only worry is just you. And that's all I really care about now, just because I have seen what he went through and how much he put himself through for someone. He's just always put the team first - he always comes second," Stokes said.

Australia will not engage in practice matches leading up to the 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, opting instead for a comprehensive training camp in India. This preparation phase will kick off following their concluding home series against New Zealand. Depending on local conditions, squad choices for the Indian tour might change. Fans can mark their calendars—the five-Test series launches in Nagpur on January 21, 2027.