England Are Learning — But These Issues Must Be Solved
England's ODI form has improved dramatically in 2025, but with the next World Cup just a year away, several selection headaches still need addressing. Jamie Hall analyses the key issues.

Cricket Writer
Jamie Hall is a seasoned cricket expert with a deep understanding of the game. A former kids' cricket coach from Newcastle, his years of experience on and off the pitch have equipped him with a wealth of knowledge, making him a go-to resource in the cricket world.
England's ODI form has improved dramatically in 2025, but with the next World Cup just a year away, several selection headaches still need addressing. Jamie Hall analyses the key issues.

Glamorgan were left frustrated at Sophia Gardens as persistent rain brought a premature end to their County Championship clash with Essex, denying the hosts a probable victory. The draw sees Glamorgan finish sixth in Division One, with Essex escaping to eighth.
Durham wrapped up a remarkable unbeaten County Championship Division Two title-winning campaign with a rain-affected draw against Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford, finishing 47 points clear of second-placed Kent.

Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill plundered magnificent hundreds as India cruised to a dominant eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the opening ODI at Thiruvananthapuram.
David Miller and Temba Bavuma produced century partnerships of the highest quality as South Africa overpowered Australia by 32 runs in Johannesburg to clinch the ODI series with a match to spare.

Tom Banton made the cricketing world sit up and take notice with a long-awaited maiden international century, helping England post 355-7 and seal a series victory over Sri Lanka at The Oval.
Josh Bohannon struck an unbeaten 125 to drag Lancashire out of trouble against Durham, with his partnership with Matthew Hurst offering rare batting optimism at Emirates Old Trafford.
Ben Allison produced the finest bowling performance of his first-class career as Worcestershire demolished Derbyshire by 175 runs inside three days at New Road, Worcester.

Sussex closed out their 2026 County Championship season in dominant fashion, beating bottom-side Hampshire by 197 runs at Southampton to seal a top-three finish.
Somerset posted their highest ever total against Surrey — a mammoth 691-8 — as Tom Abell and Tom Lammonby both cashed in with career-best double centuries on day three at Taunton.

Jonny Bairstow marked his 37th birthday in style, flat-batting Mohammad Ali for six to seal a dramatic one-wicket victory over Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge and give Yorkshire a third straight Championship win.

A composed century stand between Max Holden and Ben Geddes sealed a seven-wicket win for Middlesex at Lord's, simultaneously confirming Kent's promotion to the County Championship's top flight.