Mission possible: Can Gloucestershire break their winless streak?

Gloucestershire’s latest defeat to Glamorgan has added to their winless run this season. Fans are frustrated, and the team sits at the bottom of the table with zero wins. After this tough loss, many ask the same question: can they still turn things around?

The tournament is still early

The good news is that the tournament has only just begun. Vitality Blast Men 2025 started on May 29, 2025 and ends in September. Plenty of matches remain to play, and nothing is final yet. In past seasons, teams have come back strong after slow starts, and Gloucestershire can do the same.

One win could be all it takes to change their momentum. A single good match might boost the players’ confidence and morale, which can help them get back on track.

A change in strategy

Currently, their game plan isn’t working as intended. Since this could be a good time to try something new, perhaps the team should consider adjusting the batting order, giving younger players more opportunities, or modifying their bowling strategy during specific parts of the game.

Some problems are clear: the top batters haven’t scored many runs, and the bowlers have struggled to stop the other teams from scoring. These are problems that can be fixed, but it will take wise choices and teamwork from the coach and the players.

The team has good players

Their current roster consists of a good mix of senior and younger players. The team composition is pretty good, with veterans like Miles Hammond, David Payne, and Cameron Bancroft, who can pull off a massive comeback in the next matches.

They also have some rising stars in the roster, like Oliver Price and Zaman Akhtar, who both made significant contributions to the game. As of now, their combined efforts are still not enough to secure a win or even push for a draw. However, with their skill, their next matches may be on their side.

Their last year’s performance was good

As part of the South Group, Gloucestershire did well during last year’s Vitality Blast Men 2024. According to the tournament table, they cemented themselves in the fourth spot in the South Group division and secured seven wins out of 14 matches. They only suffered six losses and one draw.

Judging their current performance, they still haven’t breached their previous number of defeats, so it is still possible that they can make a comeback in the next matches.

Believing in the potential of the Gloucs

Despite consecutive letdowns, the Gloucs are still alive and fighting. For their next fixture against Kent, a massive effort is needed to defeat the current sixth. However, with their impressive roster of players and the fire to win the next game, this may be their comeback match.

Why Jack Russell is arguably the best wicket-keeper in history

Cricket is an exciting sport, and most of the time, batting first comes to mind. Explosive numbers usually stand out in cricket, so batsmen and bowlers are often the star players. Wicket-keepers also deserve a spotlight because they play a big role.

Only a few players have mastered the art of wicket-keeping. One player who could arguably be the best to ever play the position is Jack Russell, one of England’s greatest players in its long history.

Russell had unmatched technical skill

During his career, Russell was known for his quick hands, but he was more than that. He was a master technician with his movements behind the stumps. Precision was always a big part of his glove work, which impressed the fans who watched the matches.

Russell rarely missed a beat, as he easily dealt with late movement off the seam or a variable bounce. It is tough to keep up with top-tier players like England’s spin-bowling maestro Phil Tufnell or swinging bowler Angus Fraser.

Adaptability was one of Russell’s biggest strengths as he kept playing around the world on suboptimal pitches, but his footwork never wavered.

His consistency made him a technically proficient wicket-keeper who continues to be the gold standard. That makes him one of the best in his position during his time, and possibly the greatest ever.

Russell had many iconic performances and records

The aesthetics of his game were not the best part of Russell’s game. He combined that elegant play with some of the best numbers and performances you can get from a wicket-keeper.

Russell’s most iconic moment came during a match against South Africa in Johannesburg in 1995. He had a match-saving 93 not out, which showed his mental toughness and technical skill under pressure.

In first-class cricket, Russell racked up 540 dismissals, including 1,192 catches and 91 stumpings. Those numbers place him in the top tier of keepers. For England, he played 54 Tests and 40 One-Day Internationals, which he kept contributing to as a crucial keeper.

A strong cultural and cricketing influence

Russell was more than just a cricketer because he was a character off the field. He left a lasting impression on people who liked English cricket as he was famous for his fun training routines, painting skills, and even his love for tea. He can be described as a cult hero for England, as he was a serious player, but he had some eccentric tastes.

His legacy remains strong today because he inspired the modern-day keepers. Players like Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow see him as their idol, which should cement Russell as one of the best, even the outright best.

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India's cricket transition: Is it the start of something bigger?

For Indian cricket fans, 2024 felt like an emotional whiplash wrapped in blue. It was a year full of ups and downs, like a long, painful ride that never stopped. While the good times felt thrilling, the bad ones left fans dizzy and tired.

What’s it like to cheer for a team that changes faster than you can follow? While the cricket heroes grow old, do you see the new stars waiting outside, ready to take over?

The high point: World Cup redemption

India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024 was deeply personal for fans, helping to heal old wounds after an agonising 11-year wait since their last in 2013. That long wait hurt, especially after the sad loss in the 2023 ODI final. However, Rohit Sharma, a player many thought was done, led with strength and fire.

Rahul Dravid, often seen as 'too quiet', gave his boldest moment yet. In the final, Virat Kohli stepped up when it mattered most. Hardik Pandya, who missed the 2023 final in Ahmedabad due to injury, found redemption. At last, the 'almost' years were over. For a moment, the past didn’t hurt anymore— but was it the end, though?

The fall that followed: A steep, sudden collapse

After the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, India's Test form faced significant challenges. The tour of Australia began with optimism but soon highlighted the team's vulnerabilities.

Rohit struggled to score runs, while Kohli didn’t play like himself. The team lost its sharp edge. Rahul stepped down as head coach, and Gautam Gambhir took over in July 2024. Amidst inconsistent performances and leadership changes, fans pondered: was this the dawn of a new era or the end of a golden chapter?

The new guard: Fresh blood, fierce fire

While the older players struggled, India’s young players took the spotlight with energy, confidence, and no fear. Yashasvi Jaiswal brought style at the top, playing match-winning innings with ease. Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh added power and steadiness.

Tilak Varma also stayed calm and wise beyond his age in the middle order. This new group showed hunger, style, and a strong will to move past the old ways. Now, the question isn’t if they can take charge— it’s 'should they'?.

A team at the crossroads

By the end of 2024, India looked like two teams in one: one chasing old goals, the other trying for a fresh start. The confidence that once felt natural now seemed weak. With the 2026 T20 World Cup coming soon, tough questions need answers.

What is the real path for this team? How long can India hold on to the past and change at the same time without falling apart? India didn’t just go from hot to cold in 2024— they burned and froze. Somewhere in the middle, the future quietly showed up.

Why Don Bradman is arguably the best batsman ever

When discussing the all-time great players in cricket history, Don Bradman is often mentioned. Lovingly called ‘The Don’, Bradman is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen ever. While calling him the pinnacle of batting seems bold, his remarkable legacy and unbelievable statistics make a compelling case.

Bradman was a dominant player

Bradman played during a time when batting was more difficult than it is today. He played in uncovered pitches that were unpredictable. During those days, there was limited protective gear. Helmets weren’t used, and gloves and pads were far less advanced than today’s standards. That meant it would have been tougher and more dangerous to be a batsman, but Bradman made it look easy.

During his career, Bradman was dominant, which was enough for England to use their infamous Bodyline tactic to stop him. That was a brutal and short-pitched attack aimed at his body, so he would find it tough to bat away. Despite its partial effectiveness, Bradman still managed to dominate with his exceptional batting.

That is proven by his Test numbers, averaging 99.4, which is unmatched in cricket history. That average meant he was nearly scoring a century every time he walked out to bat, a feat no other player has come close to replicating. Bradman was not only a prolific batsman, but he was also the biggest threat on the field.

Bradman’s amazing impact

During the Great Depression in Australia, the nation needed hope and inspiration. For a lot of people, Bradman was the man who lifted their spirits at a time when the country was struggling. Cricket was the sport that enticed people and Bradman consistently delivered awesome performances, which kept the people happy and captivated.

The country became a dominant force in world cricket because of Bradman. He was even knighted for his services to the game, one of a few cricketers to receive such an honour. Bradman has a lasting legacy because of his achievements on the field, with tributes found across Australia through stamps, coins, museums, and awards in his honour.

Bradman stacks up to the modern greats

Bradman will inevitably get compared to the modern-day greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli. Today’s players benefit from advanced equipment and optimal pitch conditions. Bradman did not have that back in the day. Despite that, his stats still surpass those of many greats, which is an impressive feat due to the sport’s evolution since Bradman’s playing days.

Even though he played fewer matches, Bradman’s dominance still stands tall against everyone. He has a strong case for being one of the greatest batsmen in history, possibly the greatest to ever do it. The Don stands head and shoulders above most of the cricket world, potentially surpassing every batsman who has ever played the sport.

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Why Shane Warne deserves more respect as an all-time great

Shane Warne is widely regarded as one of the most beloved Aussie cricketers in history. He was celebrated for being a brilliant spinner, but his legacy took a hit due to the controversies he dealt with during his career. It is unfortunate, as his achievements make him one of the all-time greats.

Warne redefined the spinner role

During the early 1990s, leg-spin bowling was seen as a dying art. Fast bowlers started to dominate the cricket world, but Warne was defiant. He consistently proved that leg-spin bowling is viable, as batsmen kept struggling to play against Warne.

This culminated in 1993 when Warne delivered the iconic ‘Ball of the Century’ to Mike Gatting, which was a ball delivery that pitched well outside leg stump and spun sharply to clip the top of off stump. It remains a magical moment that showed why leg-spin bowling should never be phased out of the game.

Warne combined classical technique with flair, which made him such a tough player to go against. His bowling was consistently challenging due to his skill and dramatic flair in delivering his shots. Warne’s impact is still felt today because he brought charisma to spin bowling that has inspired more young cricketers to follow in his footsteps.

Warne was a consistent star in big matches

Greatness in cricket is not defined by good performance once in a while, it is also about delivering consistent excellence. Achieving that can be tough since every player has some bad days, but more often than not, Warne was a tough opponent.

Warne always loved playing in big matches like the Ashes against England. His best performance in a significant match was the 1999 World Cup semifinal against South Africa. Warne’s performance turned the tide for the Aussies, earning him Man of the Match.

Australia has had many world-class players, many of whom played alongside Warne, like Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist. However, Warne kept standing out by taking wickets in clutch situations, proving he is worthy of being an all-time great despite his controversial reputation.

Warne took accountability for some of his mistakes

Warne had an eventful career on the field, but he also had a lot of moments outside of it. He received rightful criticism for his banned substance scandal, infidelity, and public feuds with people like Steve Waugh. He was in the wrong multiple times, but he took responsibility for the majority of his mistakes.

As he grew older, Warne became wiser as he took accountability for his mistakes. His honesty earned him the respect of some of his critics, but some people often forget how good he was as a cricketer. Amidst all the controversies, Warne rightfully earns his place among Australia’s best-ever cricket players.

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Why Kane Williamson should be recognised as an all-time great

Kane Williamson, New Zealand cricket, Black Caps

Kane Williamson’s legacy is already stamped and undeniable at this point. He is a figurehead in Kiwi cricket as he has been a consistent star throughout his career. Williamson has carved out a career that has put him alongside the modern-day greats. However, he has cemented himself as an all-time great who deserves more recognition.

Williamson is a consistently excellent batsman

Most of today’s cricket is filled with aggressive and fast-paced players. But Williamson sets himself apart with his classic technique, good composure and strong consistency. He excels across all formats of the game without compromising that style.

During his career, Williamson has amassed over 8,000 runs in Test matches. That is already a strong reason why he deserves to be a top batsman, but he finds ways to step up under pressure. He has scored centuries across many formats against many top-tier cricketing nations.

Beyond Test cricket, he has scored over 7,000 runs in One-Day International cricket and over 2,600 runs in T20I cricket. That kind of versatility across many formats shows he is one of the best. He knows how to step up and carry New Zealand across many innings, cementing himself as a star.

Williamson’s iconic reputation as New Zealand’s captain

Many players shine through individual brilliance, but Williamson stands out not only for his exceptional skills but also for being a great leader. He is regarded as one of the most impressive leaders in modern cricket, as seen with the team’s success. He led the Black Caps to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final, but they came close to winning.

He redeemed himself and the team by leading them again two years later in the ICC World Test Championship, becoming the first-ever country to win the event. Furthermore, he succeeded due to his calm and thoughtful decision-making.

Apart from his leadership, he is also one of the most humble players you’ll see in cricket. Williamson is known for his grace when winning or losing, as he exudes the quiet authority that most cricketers would want to have.

Williamson has superb longevity

Since he debuted in international cricket in 2010, Williamson has become one of the most enduring players in cricket. He has faced some injuries throughout his career, but he has kept up being part of the New Zealand system. Any time his name is called, he steps up and delivers, which cements his legacy further.

He is the fastest Kiwi to score 7,000, 8,000, and 9,000 runs. Williamson has sustained excellence for a long time, which has proven he belongs alongside Kiwi legends like Martin Crowe and Brendon McCullum.

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Why Joe Root deserves to be known as a star cricketer

Joe Root has become one of the most recognisable names in English cricket history due to his leadership and productivity. He made the latest headlines in May 2025 after becoming the first English player and fifth-ever player to score more than 13,000 runs in Test cricket.

This is the latest feat in his career, which deserves a deeper dive. Have a look at why Root deserves more love as a superstar cricket player.

Consistent performance across many formats

A big part of why Root is a star player is his ability to adapt. He is a well-travelled player as he has performed at the highest level across all three formats of cricket. He knows how to play more patiently in Test cricket, keep up with the pace that picks up in ODI, and compete in the fast-paced environment of the T20 format.

This ability to naturally switch across formats made him invaluable to English cricket. He was a mainstay for England for over a decade, getting over 30 centuries and pulling off magical moments often.

A good example of this is his innings of 180 and 200 in 2013 and 2014. It was a strong performance that cemented him as one of England’s top players and leaders.

England had outstanding batting strength because of Joe Root. He was a big part of the team as a productive batsman despite the rest of the team’s struggles with inconsistent batting outside of Root.

A reliable leader

Root’s legacy goes beyond the stats as he was England’s Test captain for a long time. He took over as captain in 2017 and lasted until 2022 after leading them 64 times. Root always had strong leadership qualities, as he always stayed calm under pressure. He led from the front with a bat, but he never shied away from criticism.

Root handled the role with humility and grace amidst all the ups and downs. He was a big part of how England rebuilt the team, as he brought the stability the team needed after a tough time in the mid-2010s. When he stepped away, he knew it was time. However, he was proud of what he did as a leader.

He is respected by his peers

The cricketing world respects Root for what he has done as a player. He carries himself with the right attitude, which helps him earn everyone’s respect. Players like Steve Smith and Kane Williamson loved watching and playing against him.

With all these reasons, it is fair to say that Root deserves more respect. He is a top-tier player, and he will continue to stand out as a superstar for England.

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Jimmy Anderson returns with impact for Lancashire

You saw James Anderson return for Lancashire at Old Trafford, and he did not waste time making an impact. In just 18 balls, he took his first wicket, clipping Caleb Jewell’s off stump. He grabbed another soon after, forcing David Lloyd to glove behind. Anderson ended with figures of two for 24 from five overs. Derbyshire closed the day four wickets down.

Lancashire’s total passed 450, with several batters grinding out runs. But the biggest cheer wasn’t for the top scorers. It was for Anderson, back after nearly a year when he walked out at number 11. Fans watched closely as he warmed up, phones out, eager to see him bowl again. George Bell, who scored 57, summed it up: 'That was class. I always enjoy it when he’s bowling, especially when I’m stood in the slips, something I didn’t think I’d ever have the chance to do'.

Young stars and record-breakers shine elsewhere

At Chester-le-Street, 17-year-old nightwatchman James Minto became the youngest Durham player to pass 50. His 67 helped the team close in on Nottinghamshire’s lead. Alex Lees and Emilio Gay added fifties as Durham moved within 87 runs of levelling the score.

At Hove, Sussex were forced to follow on after a tough first innings. Somerset’s Craig Overton starred with three wickets and three slip catches. Sussex made a strong start in their second innings with a 100-run stand between Daniel Hughes and Tom Haines. But then, they lost four wickets for just 21 runs.

Peter Handscomb scored 79 at Lord’s to give Leicestershire a narrow edge over Middlesex. Zafar Gohar helped with four wickets to keep Middlesex under pressure.

Strong performances build leads across counties

In Cardiff, Glamorgan built a big total with four batters reaching half-centuries like Ben Kellaway, Sam Northeast, Kiran Carlson, and Timm van der Gugten. They then reduced Northants to 49 for three in their second innings. Northants still trail by 190 runs.

Cameron Green stood firm for Gloucestershire, finishing unbeaten on 102 against Kent. His knock gave Gloucestershire a fighting chance after earlier trouble.

At the Oval, Ben Foakes and Australia’s Kurtis Patterson scored in the 80s to place Surrey in a strong spot against Yorkshire. Meanwhile, Over in Birmingham, Warwickshire were bowled out cheaply by Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott. Fletcha Middleton then built on the lead, taking Hampshire’s advantage to 265 runs.

Essex struggled at New Road and bowled out for 157. Tom Taylor led the attack for Worcestershire. But Worcestershire also stumbled, collapsing to 58 for five. Still, they ended the day with a 259-run lead.

From Anderson’s quick wickets to strong middle-order efforts across the country, Day Two of county cricket brought back legends, broke records, and left games finely poised.

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Aussie dilemma as Indian cricket league conflicts with the WTC

India paused its domestic cricket league due to rising safety concerns linked to tensions with Pakistan. As a result, many foreign players, including stars like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, left the country. The league resumes on May 17, but this overlaps with other commitments for Australian players.

Australian players now face a tough choice: return to India for league play or represent their country in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa. Cricket Australia (CA) has expressed support for whatever decision players make, leaving the choice up to each individual.

Aussie cricketers confirmed returning to India

Pat Cummins and Travis Head chose to play Hyderabad’s remaining matches in India. Since their team is already out of the playoff race, these will be their only games before returning to join Australia’s WTC squad.

On the other hand, Josh Hazlewood also confirmed that he will return to play for his team in India. He had been sidelined with an injury, and many expected him to skip the league and focus on the WTC instead. However, he chose to return and play for Bengaluru, but with intentions to also commit to the Australian WTC squad.

Aussie players who are uncertain to return to India

Josh Inglis and Aaron Hardie are likely to be available, but haven’t confirmed their plans. Since neither was selected for the WTC squad, they are more likely to return to India. Cricket Australia continues to support players’ choices, giving them the option to return home due to safety concerns.

Aussie players who won’t be in India to finish the league

Jake Fraser-McGurk will not return to the remaining matches of the 2025 Indian cricket league. Mustafizur Rahman, the left-arm fast-bowler from Bangladesh, will fill in for the Australian player’s absence. Unlike the other players, he cited ‘personal reasons’ for deciding to skip the rescheduled league and has decided to keep it private.

Mitchell Starc has also declared skipping the rest of India’s cricket league. Reasons he cited include his commitment to the WTC and concerns about his safety in the country. He will be dedicating his following day's training to Team Australia moving forward.

Cricket Australia supports players’ individual decisions

CA went through different stances. Originally, they wanted Australian players to prioritise the WTC, given that the Indian league group stage is ending just 8 days before their match with South Africa. This changed to giving individual players freedom to choose concerning players’ commitment and their partnership with India.

Aussie cricketer dilemma: WTC, India, and safety

The Indian domestic T20 league, the international WTC final, or personal safety? That’s the question running through many Australian players’ minds. Players like Cummins, Starc, Head, and Hazlewood have all three to juggle, while others only have to fear for their safety. Eventually, they made their decision, and CA decided to respect it.

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Mayank Yadav returns: Comeback or risky move for Lucknow’s pace star?

Due to a severe back injury and a stubbed toe, Mayank Yadav was benched for six months and missed the start of the 2024-2025 season of a prestigious Indian cricket tournament. But now, he’s back on the pitch again since late April.

From fast bowls that exceeded 150 kilometers per hour, his recent ones only reached around 140 kilometers per hour. Because of this, fans say he’s not ready yet and may need more time to recover his previous glory. How true is that?

Enough time for recovery

The pace star had six months of recovery for his injuries—an adequate time frame for a full recovery. He suffered from a lumbar stress injury, and on average, it takes 20-30 weeks (5 to 7 months) for a full recovery. Since Mayank Yadav got injured in October last year and was back on the pitch in April 2025, he had six months of recovery in total.

Lack of confidence or lack of pace?

Former Indian cricket star Ambati Rayudu said in an interview, 'I think it is a lack of confidence more than a lack of pace, because once you are coming back from an injury, it is hard to bend your back and get back to your best. We have seen Archer, it took him six months to be back at his best,’ when asked about Yadav’s performance versus Punjab’s local team.

This might be the case since, as mentioned earlier, Yadav had enough time to recover. His confidence in his bowls might not be back yet, but he’ll regain his composure and throw lightning-fast bowls again in time.

Did his team rush him back?

Since Yadav is a vital player for his team, people were speculating that they rushed his recovery so he could play as soon as possible. However, Lucknow’s team mentor, Zaheer Khan, reassured fans that the cricket star’s team were cautious not to rush his recovery.

‘Even though he had joined the team, we were taking our time just to create that comfort around him. I know that fast bowling is never easy, especially in this format when the batters are coming so hard at you. So, that was the thought process,’ he said in an interview.

Despite this, Ambati Rayudu disagreed and stated, ' It will be tough if we say he (Mayank) is not performing, but LSG might have just shown some desperation to just get him into the mix, maybe he is not ready yet.’

Is he ready?

Only Mayank Yadav can answer this question, but based on the facts, he is ready for the pitch—he just needs time to get used to it again. His recent performances were not optimal, but settling in again is part of recovery as well.