The weather forecast looks magnificent for the highly anticipated third Test between England and India at Lord’s. India levelled the series thanks to a superb performance at Edgbaston, where they hammered the hosts by 336 runs. Shubman Gill’s team will be looking to build on that display.
On the other hand, England need a quick bounceback. They have decided to make one change, with Jofra Archer to play his first Test since 2021, in place of Josh Tongue.
Lord’s weather forecast for 3rd Test: Warm weather all match
AccuWeather forecasts very warm conditions for the entire Test. Temperatures are expected to cross 30 degrees on each of the first four days, with a high top of 29 on day five as well.
Lord’s weather for days 1 and 2 of the 3rd ENG vs IND Test.
Conditions may encourage the captain who wins the toss to bowl. Although there is a possibility the Lord’s surface will spin later in the game due to the heat, the pitch is expected to have the most assistance for the fast bowlers on day one. Also, the warm conditions can then settle the pitch down into one that becomes a dream for batting on days two and three.
So, batting well on day one is crucial. The team batting the majority of days two and three could go on to win this Test.
However, a closely fought first innings will make for an interesting finish. Given the hot and dry weather, the spinners may have a say on days four and five. This is potentially why England have chosen to persist with Shoaib Bashir despite calling for a pitch with “plenty of life in it”.
Lord’s weather for days 3, 4 and 5 of the 3rd ENG vs IND Test
Also, India may persist with the same team combination that took the field at Edgbaston, with Jasprit Bumrah for Prasidh Krishna the only change. Should India go with this approach, the thinking is Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep can deliver when the pitch is offering assistance. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar can then impact the match later on.
South Africa won the recent World Test Championship Final after opting to bowl. 28 wickets fell on days one and two, before the Lord’s pitch eased out under sunshine on day three. Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram stitched a magnificent, matchwinning partnership that all but sealed the mace for the Proteas.
After beating Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs in Bulawayo, South Africa became the third nation to in history to win 10 or more consecutive Tests. It has been an excellent run dating back to last year, just a few months after the cricket world reacted to the Proteas sending a significantly understrength team to New Zealand as that series coincided with the 2024 SA20.
In this article, we will look at the teams South Africa joined in this elite list of 10+ consecutive wins in Tests.
Which team has the most consecutive wins in Tests?
16: Australia 1999-2001
The Australia team under Steve Waugh won 16 consecutive Tests between October 1999 and March 2001. The streak began with a ten-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Harare.
Along the way, Australia beat both Pakistan and India 3-0 at home in the summer of 1999/00. They also beat New Zealand 3-0 away in March 2000, followed by thrashing West Indies 5-0 at home in 2000/01.
Australia won 16 Tests again, this time under Ricky Ponting between December 2005 and January 2008. The run began by beating South Africa by 184 runs in the 2005 Boxing Day Test, with Mike Hussey’s memorable 122 the standout performance as he and Glenn McGrath put on 107 runs for the tenth wicket. The latter contributed 11.
Australia went on to beat South Africa 3-0 in that series, which included Ponting hitting two centuries in his 100th Test. Two months later, the Australians beat the Proteas 3-0 away, before prevailing 2-0 in Bangladesh just a few weeks after finishing their tour of South Africa. Jason Gillespie hit his famous double century in the second Test at Chattogram. Later that year, Australia swept England 5-0 to reclaim the Ashes.
In November 2007, Australia kept the run going with a 2-0 series win at home to Sri Lanka. The run continued in the first two Tests against India in 2007/08, with the 16th victory coming in very controversial circumstances in Sydney. India were buoyed by this, ending Australia’s streak at 16 once again by achieving an outstanding victory in Perth.
11: West Indies 1984
The great West Indies team won 11 consecutive Tests in 1984. The run started by thrashing Australia by ten wickets in Barbados in March. Clive Lloyd’s team then went on to win the next two Tests to seal that series 3-0.
West Indies thrashed England 5-0 away from home just a few months later, before winning the first three Tests of their 1984/85 tour of Australia. The run came to an end in the Melbourne Test where Australia held on for a draw with just two wickets to spare.
10*: South Africa 2024-2025
After a rain-affected draw in their series opener in West Indies, South Africa began their 10-match winning streak by beating Kraig Brathwaite’s team by 40 runs in the second match.
Then, in a series where Bangladesh were a chance given they were playing at home, Proteas swept the hosts aside with ease. Following that tour, the Proteas beat Sri Lanka and Pakistan across four Tests at home to seal qualification to the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
June 2025 will go down as one of the great months in South African cricket. Temba Bavuma’s team overcame the odds by knocking off defending champions Australia at Lord’s. Bavuma himself was outstanding, battling injury to put on a matchwinning partnership with the magnificent Aiden Markram.
It was a victory Allan Donald deemed as one that “shuts the door that’s over 30-odd years old.”
The Proteas then notched up their next two wins by thrashing Zimbabwe 2-0. Lhuan dre-Pretorius made headlines for his debut hundred, before Wiaan Mulder drew widespread reaction for his decision to declare when batting on 367* in the second Test.
South Africa’s next Test assignment is two matches away to India in November 2025.
Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald was full of praise for Wiaan Mulder after the stand-in captain opted to declare when batting on 367 in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
Mulder was well on track to break Brian Lara’s record of the highest individual score in Test history (400*), before deciding to cut the innings short with the Proteas having amassed 626/5d by lunch on day two.
““Well, first things first, I thought we’ve got enough, we need to bowl. And secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real,” Mulder said.
“He got 401 [400*] or whatever it was against England. And for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special. I think if I get the chance again, I’d probably do the same thing.”
Allan Donald on Wiaan Mulder and his reaction to the decision to declare on 367*
In an exclusive interview with CricBlog, Donald praised Mulder as a cricketer and predicts a very bright future for the all-rounder. He shed light on his strengths and how his words about Brian Lara reflect his character. Below is the audio plus full transcript from the interview.
Praise for Wiaan Mulder…
“I’m extremely privileged to be working with this talented young man, Wiaan Mulder. He is an unbelievable cricketer. For me, he is a proper batter that can bowl. And I think the world is just about seeing what talent he really is, and what he can do.
“There’s already people going around saying ‘yeah, but it’s Zimbabwe’… I really, really couldn’t care less. When these opportunities come along, you’ve still got to cash in and go big. And that’s exactly what he’s done.”
On what the future holds for Wiaan Mulder…
I thought he played… I don’t think I’ve seen him play better than that [367* vs Zimbabwe]. And he will, I think at some point…. he will, against the bigger teams…. wouldn’t say he’s going to break world records like that against class, real class bowling attacks, but he will get hundreds.
“I think he’s an outstanding talent. Now armed with a national contract, I don’t think we’re going to be seeing him much at the Lions. I think he’s destined now to fill this space in the national team in all formats, and that’s his destiny and so it should be.
“He’s now ready and I think he’s found his mojo in Test cricket now. Whether he bats at three now moving on… a lot of other players are being rested for these two Test matches [against Zimbabwe], he’s really shown what class he has at number three.”
On declaring on 367 not out…
“His words were amazing, and that just typifies what a human being he is. Whether he decided it’s the right time to declare, I don’t know whether he was aware of the world record [Brian Lara’s 400*]. I’m pretty sure that he did. Whether Brian Lara knew or kept an eye on that is another thing, but for him to say that space belongs to Brian Lara and how he looks up to him as a cricketer vs. cricketer…. or ex-cricketer…. it just typifies what Wiaan Mulder stands for.
“And it’s wonderful to see him say that… that space belongs to the great Brian Lara. I know Brian extremely well… and he’s broken many, many records in his lifetime, and an outstanding cricketer.
“I’m pretty sure that someone would have told him [Lara], ‘hey there’s a young guy from South Africa that’s going to break the world record,’ and then all of a sudden that [the declaration] happens, and he has now gone past Graeme Smith, he’s gone past Gary Kirsten… hopefully this is the start of many, many big scores to come.
“He’s good to watch. He’s got time. He makes it look effortless. And long may it continue.”
South Africa went on to win the match by an innings and 236 runs. The victory was their tenth consecutive in Tests – their best run ever.
England are expected to go in with a new-look 11 for the third Test against India at Lord’s. The bowling attack is set to have some changes after the hosts conceded a whopping 1,849 runs across the first two matches. Plus, the bowlers have endured a heavy workload so far in the series.
Following the 336-run loss at Edgbaston, England brought Gus Atinkson into the squad. Jofra Archer is also available for selection, as are Jamie Overton, Sam Cook and Jacob Bethell.
England squad for Lord’s Test against India: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
England predicted 11 for Lord’s Test against India: 1. Ben Duckett, 2. Zak Crawley, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes (c), 7. Jamie Smith (wk), 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Gus Atkinson, 10. Jofra Archer, 11. Sam Cook/Shoaib Bashir
England’s top seven should remain the same despite concerns around the form of Zak Crawley and Ben Stokes. It is the bowling where big changes are expected, with the potential of a completely new attack.
Jofra Archer hasn’t played a Test since February 2021. According to ESPNcricinfo, however, Archer bowled regularly during intervals at Edgbaston with the aim of being ready for the Lord’s Test.
“He’s [Archer] fit and ready to go. Obviously the other boys have had two Test matches on the spin now, so you’d anticipate you would make a change at some stage with the line-up, and Jofra is one we’ll look at,” said coach Brendon McCullum on BBC’s Test Match Special, as quoted byESPNcricinfo.
Gus Atkinson is also set to return according to Matt Roller’s report in the aforementioned publication. “We need to have a good look at Gus,” McCullum said. “We’ll just see how the dust settles on this [Test]. The guys had quite a heavy workload. When you chase a bit of leather, you obviously go pretty deep into your spells as well. So we’ll see how they are, and then we’ll make the decision when we get down the road.”
McCullum confirms England aren’t considering Jacob Bethell in place of Shoaib Bashir
Also, despite the option of Jacob Bethell batting down the order, England won’t pick him in place of Shoaib Bashir. “He’s [Bethell] a batting option. He’s the next one in if something happens, but we don’t crowbar anything,” the England coach said.
“He’s taking the opportunity, while he’s got some downtime away from playing and still being around the squad, to work on his spin, and I think that’s got to be a good thing… But that’s certainly not what we’re looking at [bringing in Bethell for Bashir], at the moment.”
Bashir has largely struggled so far, with India picking him off with ease. The offspinner has taken eight wickets at 59.50, with the majority of his wickets caught on the boundary. However, McCullum threw his support behind the youngster and Roller reported that “Shoaib Bashir will also retain his spot after taking eye-watering match figures of 5 for 286 last week.”
“[Bashir] is a tough kid. We know how talented he is, and we believe he’s got an immensely high ceiling. We know he’s not the finished article yet, but I feel like he’s getting better and better… I think he continues to improve, and when conditions allow, he’s going to be a real force.”
However, given England have asked for a Lord’s pitch with “pace, bounce and movement,” the thinktank may decide to play four pace bowlers. This could prove vital in managing the workloads of Archer and Atkinson.
Assuming England go with four quicks including Archer and Atkinson, they will need to pick two of Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook and Jamie Overton.
Woakes has taken three wickets at 96.66 in this series. England may avoid playing the 36-year-old after a short turnaround. However, Woakes has an outstanding record at Lord’s, with 32 wickets at an average of 12.91.
Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse have struggled for impact at certain stages, with Tongue’s ability to clean up the tail yielding him more wickets. But, England may opt for Sam Cook if the pitch has movement.
The third Test begins on Thursday July 10, three days after the completion of the second at Edgbaston. The five-match series is currently level 1-1.
Wiaan Mulder drew widespread reaction when he opted to declare batting on 367*, just 33 away from Brian Lara’s all-time record score of 400. The South Africa captain pulled the plug on the innings at lunch on day two of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, after the Proteas had amassed 626/5.
South Africa bowled Zimbabwe out for just 170 in their first innings, with spinner Prenelan Subrayen taking 4/40 on debut. Mulder took two wickets himself before enforcing the follow on. The hosts ended day two 51/1, still trailing by 405 runs.
Why did Wiaan Mulder declare on 367*? The South Africa captain speaks out
Speaking to Shaun Pollock for SuperSport, Mulder said the record should remain Brian Lara’s. The captain said he also wanted his team to be bowling after lunch.
“Well, first things first, I thought we’ve got enough, we need to bowl. And secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real,” Mulder said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“He got 401 [400*] or whatever it was against England. And for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special. I think if I get the chance again, I’d probably do the same thing.”
Mulder revealed he spoke to Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, who encouraged him to ensure Lara’s record remained intact.
“I know I was speaking to Shuks [coach Shukri Conrad],” said Mulder. “He kind of said to me as well, like listen, let the legends keep the really big scores. You never know what’s my fate or whatever you want to call it, what’s destined for me. But I think Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.”
Mulder still broke a number of records. He went past Hashim Amla’s 311* as the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket. Amla achieved the feat against England in 2012.
“And to be honest, when I went past Hash’s score, I didn’t really notice what actually happened until I looked up. I was on 312. I was like, oh, wow! I was just on 300. I don’t know how I got there, but yeah, I was truly special,” Mulder said.
Mulder’s 367* is now the fifth-highest individual score in Test history, behind on Lara (400*), Matthew Hayden (380), Lara again (375) and Mahela Jayawardene (374).
India have levelled the five-match series 1-1 after thumping England by 336 runs at Edgbaston. Apart from a 303-run partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, it was all India as they piled on the runs and took 20 wickets to seal their first-ever win on this ground.
Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with an outstanding performance, amassing 430 runs with a hundred and double hundred. However, the big questions heading into the Test for India is whether their attack had enough firepower to take 20 wickets. They did so with ease in the end.
Akash Deep delivered in spades. Brought into the side in place of the rested Jasprit Bumrah, Akash is now more than just a replacement, but rather an important member of India’s quest to achieve a first series win in England since 2007.
The pacer was magnificent, taking 10 wickets for the match, including six in the second innings. He had the new ball on a string, nipping the ball around to leave England’s top order in tatters in both innings.
Deep was beautifully supported by Mohammed Siraj. He often steps up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, and did so again with 6/70 in the first innings. This haul set up the game for India as they took a big first innings lead – one they took full advantage of as they piled on 427/6 second time around.
England, disappointingly for their fans, displayed a lack of fight in the fourth innings as the target of 608 was too far gone. To bat just 160 overs in total on such a surface is poor. However, the result goes back to the first innings. Bowling first (and poorly) on a flat Edgbaston pitch, England were always chasing the game, and were unable to match the template they executed at Headingley, albeit with the help of poor Indian fielding.
All in all, Deep and Siraj extracted far more out of the surface than England did. Also, the hosts have now conceded 1,849 runs for the series – a damning stat that is sure to see a bowling attack shakeup for the Lord’s Test. With that match just a few days away, England need to regroup quickly.
Reactions to India smashing England by 337 runs at Edgbaston
Virat Kohli reacted to the fabulous India win. “Brilliantly led by Shubhman with the bat and in the field and impactful performances from everyone. Special mention to Siraj and Akash for the way they bowled on this pitch,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Here are some of the other reactions to India’s big win.
Great victory for India at Edgbaston. Fearless and kept pushing England to the wall. Brilliantly led by Shubhman with the bat and in the field and impactful performances from everyone. Special mention to Siraj and Akash for the way they bowled on this pitch. 👏🇮🇳 @ShubmanGill…
Special and a memorable win. 3/5 bowlers Prasidh, Akashdeep, Sundar have a combined experience of 20 odd tests. And a batting line up where Jadeja with 3500 odd runs is your most experienced batter. Clinical performance by Captain saab after being 200/5 on day 1
Most of us were worried for Kuldeep not playing with the old ball and India did miss his services, but that's what cricket is about, has lot more factors involved.
The side is still learning, hopefully will see more close in fields, better options, always room to improve. 🙏
India become only the second team in Test history after Australia (in 1938 v ENG at Oval & 1969 v WI, SCG) to score 1000+ runs and pick up 20 wickets in a match.
Bazball, now that's a nice, flat benchmark. #INDvENG
We all made a mistake by overestimating Prasidh Krishna as a Test bowler. Akash Deep had shown enough signs in Australia that he has that consistent full length in him and we should have persisted with him in Leeds. Bumrah Siraj Akash Deep wilm be a mouthwatering combo in Lord's.
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) July 6, 2025
England's top six scored 310 runs between them in this Test. Their No7, Jamie Smith, scored 272.
17 wickets between Akashdeep and Siraj on this Edgbaston road where close to 1800 runs were scored!Perhaps the greatest bowling performance by an Indian fast bowling pair ever. Such wins are therapy 🔥🔥🔥 #INDvENG
It’s objectively quite funny that despite the relentless Bumrah glazing Indians go in for, they conceded 380 in the fourth innings of the match he played in and have blown England away in the match he didn’t
Alex Carey has made a habit of scoring important runs. Since becoming a regular in Australia’s Test and ODI sides, Carey has produced numerous performances under pressure to lead his team out of trouble.
The keeper-batter can divide opinion at times with the nature of his dismissals, most notably the reverse sweeps. However, he has played a number of important knocks that resulted in victories, giving him the title of one of the more clutch players going around.
Here is a look at 17 important Alex Carey knocks across formats.
List of Alex Carey’s most important knocks: A man for a tricky situation
Tests
106 vs England, 3rd Test, Adelaide, 2025
Carey walked into chaos in the first over after lunch on day one of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide. Australia had fallen to 94/4 courtesy of woeful shots by Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green against a consistent and fast Jofra Archer.
Carey, however, was unflustered. He was positive from the get go, with his offside play a sight to behold. He put pressure on the England bowlers throughout, helping Australia to a 300+ total courtesy of his third Test century.
Batting on 72, Carey was at the centre of another controversial Ashes moment. He admitted he may have got lucky regarding a non-caught behind call. However, it was still a fabulous innings given the circumstances.
98* vs New Zealand, 2nd Test, Wellington 2024
Arguably Carey’s most clutch innings to date, walking in at 80/5 chasing 279 against New Zealand. He combined for 140 runs with Mitchell Marsh to take Australia to 220/6 in pursuit of 279, but the job was far from done after the latter was dismissed for 80.
Mitchell Starc was dismissed first ball to leave Australia needing 59 with just three wickets in hand. However, Carey stood firm alongside captain Pat Cummins (32*) to seal a series-clinching victory.
65 vs West Indies, 1st Test, Barbados 2025
Australia’s three-match tour of the West Indies began in difficult fashion. The batting lineup, criticised during and after the WTC Final against South Africa, managed just 180 in the first innings. Things looked shaky once again in the second, with Australia falling to 65/4 with a lead of just 55.
Travis Head (61) and Beau Webster combined for 102 runs, but Australia were still not out of the woods. Leading by 157 with only the bowlers to come, Carey played an excellent counterattacking knock of 65 off 75 balls to catapult Australia towards a 300-run lead.
The bowlers were then far too good, rolling the hosts for 141 to seal victory by 159 runs.
63 vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Grenada 2025
New Test, same top order problems for Australia. Pat Cummins’ side fell from 47/0 to 50/3 and then 93/4 on the stroke of lunch on day one of the second Test against West Indies. When Travis Head was dismissed for 29, Australia were tottering again at 110/5.
Carey (63 off 81 balls) put on 112 with Beau Webster to take Australia past 220 on a tricky pitch. It was an excellent innings by Carey, with some wonderful footwork down the pitch to the pace bowlers. He was dismissed in soft fashion pulling to midwicket, but it took little away from another fine innings under pressure.
43 vs South Africa, WTC Final, Lord’s 2025
When it comes to entry points, it doesn’t get much harder than 73/7 in a WTC Final against a fantastic South Africa attack extracting plenty of movement. Australia, leading by 147 at that point, needed a lift to get a lead of at least 200.
Carey counterattacked superbly, hitting 43 off 50 balls as he combined with Starc to put on 61 for the eighth wicket. Australia went on to lose by five wickets, but Carey’s innings was important in the context.
Alex Carey played a key role in helping Australia get a lead of 200+ in the 2025 WTC Final.
156 vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Galle 2025
Australia thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in the first Test of their 2025 series. The second was shaping up a little differently with Australia 91/3 in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 257 on a Galle surface offering turn.
Carey (156) combined with Steve Smith (131) to blow the game wide open. The pair put on 259 in a magnificent partnership in the context of the game. From 350/4, Australia then collapsed to 414 as the pitch took more spin.
In reply, Sri Lanka couldn’t cope with Matt Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon, making just 231 to leave Australia needing 75 for a 2-0 series sweep. The visitors achieved this easily with nine wickets to spare.
Alex Carey was excellent in Sri Lanka.
65 vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Brisbane 2024
Alex Carey walked in with Australia reeling at 54/5 in response to West Indies’ 311 at the Gabba in January 2024. The keeper-batter played one of his trademark counterattacking knocks, hitting 65 off 49 balls to turn the tide.
Pat Cummins also contributed (64) along with Usman Khawaja (75) to eventually get Australia to 289/9d. But, West Indies eventually managed to get over the line thanks to an all-time spell by Shamar Joseph (7/68) to seal a memorable victory by nine runs.
53 vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, MCG 2023
Australia were in all sorts of trouble, collapsing to 16/4 in the second innings of the 2023 Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. They were leading by just 68 at this point. Mitchell Marsh (96) and Steve Smith (50) combined for a crucial 153-run stand, but Australia still needed more.
Carey ensured Australia kept chipping away. He was unusually circumspect for his 101-ball 53, holding things together well as he batted through to the end of the innings.
In the end, Australia’s 316-run lead was enough to win a memorable Test match by 79 runs.
66 vs England, 1st Test, Edgbaston 2023
Australia fell to 67/3, 148/4 and 220/5 in response to England’s 393/8d in the classic Edgbaston Test of 2023. Still 173 behind with the bowlers to come, Carey (66 off 99 balls) combined with Usman Khawaja for a crucial 118-run stand that brought Australia right back in the contest.
Pat Cummins (38) contributed in the first innings to take Australia to 386. The captain went even better in the second, getting Australia home by two wickets alongside Nathan Lyon to spark memorable scenes.
66* vs India, WTC Final, The Oval 2023
Australia were playing from in front in the 2023 WTC Final against India after tons to Steve Smith and Travis Head on day one. After making 469, Australia then took a 173-run first innings lead.
However, India had belief of a stunning comeback when they reduced Australia to 124/5 in the second innings. The Aussies were leading by 295 at that point, and while they were still favourites, even a chase of 350 was possible on a pitch holding up well.
Carey (66* off 105) played beautifully to snuff out any realistic hope of an Indian revival. He first combined with Cameron Green for 43 runs and then Mitchell Starc for 93 to put Australia on course for a first WTC title, which they eventually won by 209 runs.
67 vs Pakistan 3rd Test 2022
With the 2022 series locked at 0-0 on very flat pitches, Australia were in a spot of bother at 206/5 in the third Test at Lahore. Carey struck an important 105-ball 67 to help ensure Australia made a strong first innings total of 391.
From there, Australia were in the driving seat, and Pat Cummins made a sporting declaration at 227/3 in the second innings to leave Pakistan needing 351 for victory. The visitors prevailed, with Cummins (3/23) and Nathan Lyon (5/83) the chief destroyers.
45 vs Sri Lanka 1st Test 2022
On a sharp turner in Galle, Australia faced the prospect of a tricky fourth innings total unless they took a strong first innings lead. At 157/5 in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s 212, a second innings shootout looked a possibility.
However, Carey (45 off 47) combined with Cameron Green for a vital 74-run stand to give Australia a lead. Green went on to make 77, and with contributions from the lower order, the visitors’ lead of 109 was way to much for Sri Lanka, who were rolled for 113 in just 22.5 overs. Travis Head took 4/10.
Australia chased the target of five with a four and six by David Warner.
ODIs
69 vs England, 2025 Champions Trophy, Lahore
Australia, missing a host of first-team players, were 136/4 and in trouble chasing England’s 351/8 in their Champions Trophy opener. However, Josh Inglis (120* off 86 balls) and Alex Carey (69 off 63 balls) ensured it was Australia’s day. The pair were magnificent, managing the run chase perfectly thanks to a mix of proactive strike rotation and aggressive strokeplay to ensure they found the boundary often enough.
Carey was dismissed with the score 282 in the 42nd over. Glenn Maxwell (32* off 15) ensured there were no further hiccups as Australia won with ease in the end.
74 vs England, 2nd ODI, Leeds 2024
Australia were in all sorts of trouble in the second ODI of their 2024 tour of England. They lost nine wickets in 36.3 overs with just 221 in the board. However, Carey was still at the crease and 250 was still a possibility.
The keeper-batter ensured Australia went well past that figure. His 67-ball 74 propelled Mitch Marsh’s team to 270 – a total that proved 68 too many for England.
Alex Carey played an important innings of 74 against England.
85 vs New Zealand, 1st ODI, Cairns 2022
Australia collapsed to 44/5 in their 2022 series opener against New Zealand in Cairns. On a slow pitch, none of the Australians could get going, until Carey and Cameron Green got together.
Carey’s 99-ball 85 helped take the hosts past 200. However, Australia quickly collapsed from 202/5 to 207/8, before Adam Zampa (13 off 13) stuck around with man of the match Green (89* off 92) to seal a thrilling two-wicket win.
106 vs England, 3rd ODI, Old Trafford 2020
73/5 chasing 303 usually means game over. This was the scenario Australia faced on the deciding ODI of their 2020 series in England.
Carey (106 off 114) combined with Glenn Maxwell (108 off 90) to put Australia on the brink of a memorable victory. The pair put on 212 runs, but Australia were in such trouble at one point that victory still needed to be sealed in the final over by Mitchell Starc (11 off 3 balls).
Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell with a magnificent partnership in 2020.
71 vs New Zealand, 2019 World Cup, Lord’s
Carey produced a man of the match performance in their 2019 World Cup showdown against New Zealand. Australia were in trouble at 92/5 when the keeper-batter walked in. He took the game by the scruff of the neck, hitting a 72-ball 71 on a surface where batters from both teams struggled.
Australia eventually reached 243/9 and won easily by 86 runs. Mitchell Starc took 5/26.
Alex Carey played an important knock against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup.
Fans will be hoping for good weather at Edgbaston for what promises to be an enthralling day 5 of the second Test between England and India. Conditions in Birmingham have been kind in what has been a run-filled contest, and more runs will be on the menu should the weather hold up.
India are seven wickets away from levelling the five-match series. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep were outstanding once again on the fourth evening, reducing England to 72/3 in pursuit of a mammoth target of 608. The Edgbaston surface is still excellent for batting, but an England win from here will be Test cricket’s biggest miracle.
Edgbaston weather forecast: Some showers forecast for day 5
AccuWeather predicts a top of 20 degrees and some showers in the morning. However, it’s nothing too threatening that would cause major delays. “Mainly cloudy with a couple of showers in the morning, then becoming breezy,” reads the official forecast.
Edgbaston weather for day 5 of 2nd Test between England and India.
Just 0.5mm is forecast to fall during the day. According to AccuWeather’s hourly forecast, there is a chance of showers between 7 and 10am. There is no rain expected from the start time of 11am onwards.
“The forecast is OK for tomorrow, although there will be a little more cloud around,” said Ian Ward on commentary in the second session on day four.
This shaped India’s declaration decision. Edgbaston conditions have favoured the new ball, so India bowled later on day four, targeting an England side that had spent a lot of time on the field. Plus, the target gives India plenty of breathing room.
BBC forecasts similar conditions, with the bulk of the showers to fall before the fifth day’s play is scheduled to begin.
England currently lead the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 1-0 after victory in Headingley.
Despite winning the first Test by 159 runs, Australia’s tour of the West Indies has been challenging. The top order has struggled, with Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas and Cameron Green under the microscope after meagre returns to date.
Konstas and Khawaja have managed just 33 and 80 runs respectively across the four innings so far. Khawaja continues to struggle against pace, and is now targeted relentlessly by inswingers from around the wicket. Stuck on the crease, the 38-year-old isn’t able to adjust as quickly as he has so often in the past against quality bowling.
Konstas, on the other hand, has been dismissed by a wide range of deliveries. A loose drive and cut in the second Test has raised questions as to his readiness for this level. The 19-year-old cut a forlorn figure after his second innings dismissal, and fans are calling for the youngster to spend more time honing his game in Sheffield Shield cricket.
This was the view of Konstas’ former batting mentor Neil D’Costa before last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Head and feet in no position to play that shot. Youngster Konstas with lots to work on. Said last year he needs more time in Shield and it's important he develops there.#WIvAUSpic.twitter.com/YlUZNDoqf1
In addition to the openers, Cameron Green has struggled so far at number three. He too has been loose around offstump, with technical deficiencies exposed further up the order. He begins day three of the second Test unbeaten on six, and needs a good score for both his confidence and Australia’s precarious position in Grenada.
Australia fans call for top order adjustments for the 2025/26 Ashes
The Ashes begin in just over six months’ time. The top order inspires very little confidence currently. Fans have called for change, which makes the first few rounds of the Sheffield Shield hugely intriguing.
Tom Moody said it’s not unthinkable that Australia go into the Ashes with two new openers.
“It’s not unreasonable to think that Australia could have two new openers for the 1st Ashes Test,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Harris, Patterson & Bancroft with over a decade of work in domestic cricket are ready and waiting… Could do worse than getting them to the Caribbean for the 3rd Test!”
Andrew Menczel of The Cricket Unfiltered Podcast had the same view. “Australia are really faced with the prospect of picking two new openers for the Ashes. Khawaja is done, Konstas not ready,” he said.
Here are some of the reactions from Australian supporters after Pat Cummins’ team ended day two 12/2, leading West Indies by just 45.
It's not unreasonable to think that Australia could have two new openers for the 1st Ashes Test. Harris, Patterson & Bancroft with over a decade of work in domestic cricket are ready and waiting… Could do worse than getting them to the Caribbean for the 3rd Test!
🚨 Crisis at the top! Khawaja's done, and there's no clear replacement. Are we seriously going back to Bancroft? Meanwhile, England’s top order is firing. 🎧 Full breakdown on Cricket Unfiltered – link in bio.#cricket#Ashes#ENGvIND#WIvAUS@amennerspic.twitter.com/sC1rQxQVUu
— Cricket Unfiltered Podcast – founded 2013 (@auscricketpod) July 5, 2025
Sadly you have to give Konstas the ashes, I know he has been struggling, but that's reality. Khawaja on the other hand is done, you can't open with him anymore, srilanka brought him time, but now it's over. Any opener that makes runs in the shield before ashes MUST PLAY #AUSvWI
i genuinely feel sorry for konstas. he might be good enough one day, but he isnt right now and he's been completely hung out to dry by selectors.
— Zhouz O’Dea (Alpha Male) (@ZeusODea) July 4, 2025
Konstas needs at least 2-3 years of Shield cricket before he’s given another chance at test level after this tour. George Bailey needs to held accountable for the Warner farewell tour and Smith opening the batting, plus the other mistakes he’s made #WIvsAUS
Agreed. To say “oh he deserves the Ashes send off” is sentimental bullshit. Overall a great career, part 2 especially, but his time is up. But we really need konstas plus someone else to show they can semi do the damn job.
It's one thing to get Bumrahd, but Khawaja getting out like this against everyone just means he's done. It's a shame, but I cant seen him having an impact on the Ashes at all
Khawaja's been solid for three years, but age is catching up, and he’s gotta bounce. He can’t handle top quality pacers anymore. Ashes? He’d be a straight-up walking wicket. Time to dip, bro….
Australia are killing their team for a false messiah. Cameron Green is not that good. He is a decent 6 who can be a more than handy seam bowler on flat decks. He is not Bradman. Stop this madness. McDonald and Bailey need to go!
— North Melbourne's bravest soldier (@hdhdnxh627w7w) June 26, 2025
I'm a huge fan of Cameron Green, but he ain't a number 3 batsman.#WIvAUS
Ben Stokes became the sixth England Test captain in history to win 20+ matches. After taking over a side that won just one of 17 Tests across 2021 and 2022, Stokes has gone on to have the best win-percentage of any England captain who has led in at least 15 Tests.
But, where does Stokes currently rank in terms of wins among England Test captains? Here is a look at the top five.
Most wins as captain for England in Tests
Joe Root: 27
Joe Root, who captained England between 2017 and 2022, has the most wins with 27. However, he also has the most defeats (26), with a very difficult finish to his tenure.
Along the way, Root oversaw series wins against India at home in 2018 and Sri Lanka 3-0 away in the same year. England also won 2-0 in Sri Lanka in 2021 – another highlight of Root’s tenure.
Joe Root had an up and down tenure as England Test captain.
Michael Vaughan: 26
Michael Vaughan had an excellent win-loss ratio of 2.36, having won 26 and lost 11 of his 51 Tests as skipper (14 draws). Vaughan as captain oversaw a successful period in England Test cricket between 2003 and 2008, with the 2005 Ashes undoubtedly the highlight.
Self-belief was a huge part of Vaughan’s mantra. He has spoken of his team talk after Australia held on for a thrilling draw at Old Trafford. “Look at that lot celebrating a draw,” he said. “Let’s go to Trent Bridge and do it again.”
Andrew Strauss: 24
Andrew Strauss led England to a dominant Ashes victory down under in 2010/11. With Alastair Cook at the peak of his powers in a well balanced and well drilled unit, England won 3-1, with all three of their victories coming by an innings. Strauss himself had a solid series with the bat, scoring three fifties and a hundred in seven innings.
Strauss, a sound leader and tactician, soon led England to the top of the Test rankings after beating India 4-0 at home in 2011. When he retired in 2012, Strauss finished with 24 Test wins, more than double the amount lost (11). There were also 15 draws.
Alastair Cook: 24
Alastair Cook began his England captaincy career in 2010 when Andrew Strauss was rested for the Bangladesh tour. Cook made the perfect start, hitting two centuries in two Tests in a series sweep for England.
However, when he took over full time from Strauss in 2012, England were facing a few challenges. They had lost 2-0 at home to South Africa, before a tour of India that is arguably the hardest task for a new captain.
Cook delivered. He topped the run scoring charts with 562 runs at 80.28, and led the team excellently after a tough first Test.
Afterwards, Cook endured challenges as captain, including the 5-0 Ashes defeat in 2013/14 and some lean form on occasions. In the end, Cook finished with a win/loss ratio of 1.09, with 24 wins, 22 losses and 13 draws from 59 Tests as captain.
Ben Stokes: 22
Ben Stokes knows a thing or two about taking over at a tricky time. England were on the mat after copping another thrashing in Australia (4-0 in 2021/22), and the subsequent 1-0 defeat in West Indies was the catalyst for change.
England hired Brendon McCullum as coach to partner Stokes the captain. A new, aggressive style of play was immediately on show as England defeated reigning World Test Champions New Zealand 3-0, India in a one-off Test (as a completion of the 2021 series) and South Africa 2-1, all at home.
However, it was Pakistan in 2022 that is still arguably England’s finest series win under Stokes as captain. On very flat pitches, England focused on rapid scoring to give their bowlers more time to take 20 wickets. They ended up winning 3-0.
Since then, it has been a bit of an up and down ride. A series win in New Zealand in 2024 was a welcome result after throwing away wins in the 2023 Ashes, losing 4-1 in India, and then 2-1 in Pakistan, with critics pointing to “Bazball” not focused enough on winning.
Ahead of the 2025 series against India, Stokes spoke of the importance of winning, compared to the past where entertainment seemed to be the key objective. As of 1 July 2025, Stokes has 22 wins in 36 Tests – the best win percentage (61.11%) as mentioned.
