England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of cricket for at least three months because of a torn left hamstring. Stokes will undergo surgery on the hamstring next month, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement on Monday. He was injured a week ago during the third test loss to New Zealand in Hamilton. The 33-year-old allrounder had already been left out of England's squad announced on Sunday for the Champions Trophy in February and March in Pakistan. Hamstring issues previously forced Stokes to miss the home summer series against Sri Lanka and the first test in Pakistan in October.

Muhammad has emerged as the most popular name for baby boys in England and Wales in 2023, with over 4,600 babies registered under the name, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), as reported by the BBC. This marks a significant milestone, as the name has been in the top 10 since 2016 but has now overtaken Noah, the previous favorite. Other spellings of the name, including Mohammed and Mohammad, also ranked within the top 100. The ONS treats these variations as distinct names, each contributing to the broader popularity of Muhammad over the years. For girls, Olivia continues its reign as the most popular name, followed by Amelia and Isla, unchanged from 2022. Hyphenated names have seen a surge, with over 19,140 instances recorded in 2023, up significantly from around 12,330 the previous year. New entries to the top 100 include Lilah, Raya, and Hazel for girls, and Jax, Enzo, and Bodhi for boys. The ONS highlighted the role of pop culture in shaping naming trends, pointing to influences such as singers Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, and music icons Miley Cyrus, Kendrick Lamar, and Elton John. The rise of names like Miley, Rihanna, and Elton coincided with high-profile album releases and tours in 2023. Television also played a role, with names like Wednesday gaining popularity, likely inspired by Netflix's Wednesday, released in late 2022. Seasonal names also trended, with Summer climbing to 86th place and Autumn ranking 96th. Royal names saw a decline in 2023, continuing a downward trend from recent years. Names like George, Archie, Harry, Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Charles became less popular compared to previous years. The ONS noted that changing cultural and media influences continue to shape naming preferences in the UK. The data for 2023 provides a snapshot of these evolving trends, with the list of 2024's most popular names yet to be announced.

England claimed an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first test on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. New Zealand resumed on day four with only a four-run lead and four wickets in hand. The home side's Daryl Mitchell stood firm with 84 runs, providing a resilient rearguard action before becoming the final wicket to fall, as New Zealand was bowled out for 252 in their second innings. Brydon Carse, in just his third test, took a remarkable 6-42, finishing with match figures of 10-196. England, needing just 104 runs to win, lost Zak Crawley (1) early, followed by Ben Duckett (46), but Jacob Bethell (50*) and Joe Root (23) guided the team to victory at 104-2 in just 12.4 overs, achieving a run rate of over eight runs per over. The win was completed with more than a day and a half to spare. Carse's exceptional bowling performance saw him become the first Englishman since Monty Panesar in 2012 to take 10 wickets in a test overseas. He expressed his pride in the team's efforts, saying, "I'm very proud of the outcome today...we stuck to certain plans and we got our rewards during the game." England's victory was bolstered by Harry Brook's brilliant 171 in their first innings, supported by Ollie Pope (77) and Ben Stokes (88). England posted 499 in reply to New Zealand's 348, taking a crucial 151-run lead. While Carse shone with the ball, England faced a slight injury scare with captain Ben Stokes, who had to leave the field briefly due to a concern with his hamstring strain. However, he returned to complete his role, showing no obvious signs of injury. Read: Kingston Test: Shadman shines with a fifty after rain cut the day England's strong position from the start was further solidified by New Zealand's poor catching, with the hosts dropping seven chances, including multiple opportunities off Brook. Despite Mitchell's valiant effort in New Zealand’s second innings, the game ended with England securing an easy victory. The second test of the series will begin at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Friday. Source: With inputs from agencies 

England's top-order crumbled against spin-heavy Pakistan on a reused pitch after Ben Duckett hit a robust century in the second test on Wednesday. The tourists slipped to 239-6 at stumps on Day 2 and still trail by 127 runs after Pakistan tailenders had resisted before being bowled out for 366 shortly after lunch. Duckett’s 114 off 129 balls looked to have kept England in the driver's seat before it lost four late wickets in a sensational collapse against spinners Sajid Khan (4-86) and Noman Ali (2-75). Khan struck three times in 10 deliveries and got the big wickets of Joe Root (34), Duckett and Harry Brook (9). Ben Stokes, returning to test cricket from a torn hamstring, got caught close to the wicket of Ali’s left-arm spin after scoring just 1 off five balls. Jamie Smith was unbeaten on 12 as Pakistan spinners exposed England’s long tail with Brydon Carse not out on 2 from 19 balls. Duckett had dominated the spinners with his authoritative sweep shots and added 86 runs with Root before Khan struck late on a dry wicket, tailor-made to suit the home team’s all-out spin attack. Leach take 2 wickets as Pakistan reaches 79-2 on 1st day of 2nd test against England Root, who scored a memorable 262 in England’s massive innings and 47-run win in the first test, dragged Khan back onto his stumps and then Duckett edged the off-spinner to slip after the ball had spun enough from the rough. Brook, the triple-century maker at the same venue last week, then paid the price of exposing his stumps to Khan’s length ball and got clean bowled as Pakistan sliced the strong England batting lineup with its spinners, who haven’t played first-class cricket for the last nine months. Opening batter Zak Crawley made a shaky 27 and couldn’t capitalize on chances as Khan made a mess of a run-out chance when he broke the stumps before grabbing the ball at the non-striker’s end. Duckett later convinced Crawley to go for a successful lbw television referral before he finally got caught behind of Ali after contributing 73 runs for the first wicket stand. Duckett had bossed the spinners for 16 boundaries with his strong sweep shots before Pakistan's spinners hit back late. Earlier, Jack Leach grabbed 4-114 and fast bowlers Carse (3-50) and Matthew Potts (2-66) shared five wickets in between them before Pakistan was dismissed shortly after lunch. The tailenders batted around all-rounder Aamer Jamal’s 37 to frustrate England with Ali also playing a little cameo of 32 off 61 balls as Pakistan added 107 to its overnight 259-5. Pakistan lost the overnight pair of Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Ali Agha (31) before Jamal, who received treatment on his hip while batting, chipped away by adding 49 runs with Ali. Rizwan’s scrappy knock ended in the third over of the day when Jamie Smith made a spectacular diving catch as Carse squared up the batter with his pace. Jamal and Noman defied England in the latter half of the first session as Pakistan added 99 runs to its overnight 259-5 before Leach and Carse ended the frustration by dismissing the home team after lunch. Debutant Kamran Ghulam made headlines on Day 1 with a resolute century as Pakistan looks for its first home win in 12 matches by packing its playing XI with three specialist spinners and only one fast bowler in Jamal. Ghulam had been scoring well in Pakistan’s domestic seasons for the last four years, but got his chance after Pakistan rested its premier batter Babar Azam for the remaining two test matches of the series against England.

Cricket's 2,553th test match won't be forgotten in a hurry. England set records and reached milestones in compiling an extraordinary 823-7 declared against Pakistan in Multan. Here's a flavor of them: TOTAL SCORE It was the fourth time a team scored more than 800 runs — and the first time this century. Only three totals have been bigger: Sri Lanka's 952-6 declared against India in 1997; England's 903-7 declared against Australia in 1938; and England's 849 all out against the West Indies in 1930 JOE ROOT Root became England's highest run-scorer in tests during his career-best knock of 262 as he surpassed Alastair Cook. He moved to fifth place on the all-time list, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid. 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will retire from tennis after next month's Davis Cup finals HARRY BROOK Brook outscored Root in hitting 317, tied for 20th in the list of highest individual scores in test cricket. He became the sixth Englishman to make a triple-hundred, and the first since Graham Gooch in 1990. Jurgen Klopp to take on new role as head of global soccer at Red Bull PARTNERSHIP Root and Brook put on a partnership of 454 runs, the highest ever for England and the fourth highest in test history. The biggest remains 624 between Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene for Sri Lanka against South Africa in 2006. BOWLING Six Pakistan bowlers conceded more than 100 runs. It is just the second time that has happened in tests, after Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in 2004.  

Educational institutions are the cornerstone of a nation's ability to develop skilled manpower. The presence of qualified professionals across all levels of societal development and cultural reform is key to ensuring overall socio-economic progress. This, in turn, fosters a higher quality of life for the population. England, a leading country within the UK (United Kingdom), stands at the forefront of Europe in these matters. As home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, it is a prime destination for students aspiring to build successful careers. This comprehensive guide delves into the benefits of higher education in England, including the application process, study costs, and available scholarships. Why England is a Great Destination for Higher Education It is the universities of England that play a pivotal role in making the country the top choice for students seeking a career in education. Four English universities have consistently ranked in the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings. Among them, the University of Cambridge holds second place, followed closely by the University of Oxford. Imperial College London and University College London are ranked 6th and 9th, respectively. Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s in Romania: Application Process, Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students England is considered a haven for international students, with London ranking as the top city for students in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2024. In addition to providing a world-class education, England offers a high standard of living, which foreign students can experience through attractive scholarship programs. Prerequisites for Higher Education in England A key requirement for admission to undergraduate programs is a minimum of 13 years of academic study, with upper secondary qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels or a National Diploma. Applicants must also meet the IELTS language proficiency requirement, with scores between 5.5 and 6. For admission to top universities, a high school GPA of 80 to 95 percent is typically required. Those with results between 60 and 80 percent may still apply to mid-tier institutions. Some universities accept applications based on the medium of instruction (MOI) in English for the last completed degree, but in most cases, a strong IELTS score remains essential. Read more: How to Register for IELTS Exam in Bangladesh For graduate studies, an IELTS score of 6 to 6.5 is generally required, while pre-master programs may accept scores between 5.5 and 6. Direct postgraduate programs often demand scores between 6 and 7, though requirements may vary by institution. MBA applicants are typically expected to have 2 to 3 years of work experience, with an IELTS score of 6.5 to 7. Ph.D. programs also require a master's degree, with similar IELTS band score expectations. Certain postgraduate programs may require additional entrance test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, depending on the field of study. Leading Universities and High-Demand Courses for Studying in England The top English universities in the world - University of Cambridge- University of Oxford- Imperial College London- University College London- University of Edinburgh- University of Manchester- King's College London- London School of Economics and Political Science- University of Bristol- University of Warwick. Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s Degree in Hungary: Cost, Scholarships, Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students The subjects most chosen by students going to England Law, Physiotherapy, Actuarial Science, Sports Management, psychology, Data Science, Medicine and Surgery, Computer Science, Business Studies, and Business Analytics. Application Process for Universities in England Colleges and universities in England typically open their admission process during three main periods: Summer (May to June), Autumn (September to October), and Spring (January to February). Regardless of the chosen admission season, students are advised to begin their application process 9 to 10 months before the start of the program. For undergraduate courses, applications across the UK, including England, are submitted through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service) platform. Applicants can complete their registration and upload the necessary documents online at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-to-university. For postgraduate courses, applications must be submitted individually through each university's website. Read more: Study in France: Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Required Documents for Admission - Completed online application form  - Higher Secondary School diploma or equivalent, along with academic transcripts  - Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate (for certain universities)  - Valid passport  - National Identity Card  - Certificate of English proficiency (IELTS score)  - Personal statement  - Reference letter  - CV (if applicable).   Additional Documents for Postgraduate Applications - Bachelor's degree certificate  - Work experience certificate (for MBA applicants)  - Entrance exam scores (GRE, GMAT, if applicable). Read more: Staying Safe When Studying Abroad: Essential Considerations Additional Documents for Ph.D. Applications - Certificates of graduation and post-graduation  - Research proposal   Receiving Offer Letter The primary mode of communication between universities and applicants is email. After reviewing the submitted documents, universities will provide instructions, which may include requests for additional materials, entrance exams, or interviews. If the evaluation is positive, the university will issue an offer letter, known as the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This CAS is a prerequisite for applying for a student visa, which must be done within six months of receiving the CAS. Read more: Higher Education Abroad: How Bangladeshis Can Open Student Files Applying for a Student Visa in England To pursue long-term higher education in England, students must apply for a student visa, previously known as the Tier 4 student visa. Applicants must be at least 16 years old to be eligible. The visa's duration depends on the length of the chosen course, with students typically allowed to stay in England for up to 5 years for degree-level programs, such as undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Visa applications are submitted online through this link- https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply-online Applicants must upload all required documents during the application process. After submission, the completed form should be downloaded and printed. Read more: Graduate Programs in the US: Guide for Bangladeshi Students Required Documents for Visa Application - Printout of the completed online application form- Proof of parental or guardian consent (for applicants under 18)  - Offer letter – CAS and accompanying visa letter, issued no more than six months before the application  - Valid passport with at least one blank page for the UK visa seal  - Proof of funds – covering tuition for the first year and living expenses for up to 9 months, with the amount depending on whether the applicant is studying in or outside London. The funds must remain in the account for at least 28 days.  Living Expenses for 9 Months (excluding tuition fees): For cities outside London: GBP 1,334 per month (BDT 290,030), totaling GBP 12,006 (BDT 1,881,272) for nine months.For London: GBP 1,023 per month (BDT 160,298), totaling GBP 9,207 (BDT 1,442,685) for nine months.- Proof of student loan or sponsorship (if applicable)  - Tuberculosis test results  - Visa fee payment confirmation  - Previous educational qualification certificates and original mark sheets  - Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS score)  - Entrance test scores (GMAT, GRE) if applicable. Read more: Distance Learning: Top Universities Offering Online Courses for International Students   Visa Application Submission and Biometric Registration Applicants must schedule an online appointment before submitting the application in person. This can be done by visiting the VFS website- https://visa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/gbr/your-appointment. The interview date will be provided to the applicant via email. Embassy Address: VFS Bangladesh Private Limited, Nafi Tower, 53, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan-1, 7th Floor, Dhaka-1212. On the scheduled date, original copies of all visa application documents must be submitted to the embassy. During the visit, the applicant’s photograph and fingerprints will be collected. A receipt will be issued upon visa fee payment, which must be presented when collecting the passport with the visa. Read more: Study in New Zealand: Application process, cost for international students Visa Processing Time and Collection The standard processing time for an England study visa is at least 3 working weeks, though delays may occur due to paperwork issues. For an additional fee, applicants can opt for expedited processing: Priority Visa – processed within 5 working days after biometric submission.  Super Priority Visa – issued within 24 hours. Visa Processing Costs The student visa cost is GBP 490 (BDT 79,265). The priority visa fee is GBP 500 (BDT 78,347), while the super priority visa fee is GBP 800 (BDT 125,356). An additional healthcare surcharge is required as part of the application, granting access to the National Health Service in England. The amount of this surcharge depends on the visa’s duration. To calculate the exact cost, use this link: https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type Read more: Study in Ireland: Application process, cost for international students Study and Living Costs in England Generally, courses in humanities, arts, and general education are relatively inexpensive, while programs in medicine and engineering tend to be more costly. Postgraduate fees are typically higher than undergraduate fees, and the cost of MBA programs is high, similar to other countries. The annual cost for a bachelor's degree ranges between GBP 10,000 and GBP 20,000, which is approximately BDT 1,566,943 to BDT 3,133,886. The average cost for postgraduate studies is GBP 12,000 to GBP 22,000 per year, or BDT 1,880,332 to BDT 3,447,275. For doctoral degrees, students should budget GBP 15,000 to GBP 24,000 (BDT 2,350,415 to BDT 3,760,663) annually, although most PhD programs are fully funded. Living outside London is more budget-friendly. For a shared room, average housing costs are around GBP 554 (BDT 86,809) per month. Utility bills can range from GBP 40 to GBP 50 (BDT 6,268 to BDT 7,835) per month, while GBP 160 to GBP 200 (BDT 25,071 to BDT 31,339) should be allocated for food and household items. Mobile phone bills range between GBP 15 and GBP 50, or about BDT 2,351 to BDT 7,835. With a student travel pass, transportation costs around GBP 32 (BDT 5,014). Read more: Study in Thailand: Admission process, cost for International Students Scholarship Benefits in England The Commonwealth Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship scheme across the UK and Europe, including England. Bangladeshi students, as part of the Commonwealth, can benefit from this scholarship, which provides full or partial funding for Master's or Doctoral degrees, covering tuition fees, airfare, and living allowances. The British Council Great Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate or postgraduate students, valued at GBP 5,000 to GBP 25,000, which is approximately BDT 783,472 to BDT 3,917,358. These funds significantly cover the tuition fees. The Chevening Scholarship is one of the fully funded programs, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare. International students can apply for this scholarship to complete a one-year postgraduate course at top universities in England. Read more: Higher Study Opportunities in Turkey for International Students: Process, Cost Part-Time Job Opportunities During Study The employment benefits under the Tier 4 student visa include opportunities such as:   - Sabbatical Officer in the Student Union  - Various part-time jobs, except for professional athletes or sports coaches  - Students are permitted to engage in part-time work for up to 20 hours a week throughout the academic term and can switch to full-time work during holiday breaks. - On-campus part-time jobs include library assistant, teaching assistant, lab assistant, campus guide for new students, and campus ambassador. Off-campus jobs include customer service representative, sales specialist, restaurant service assistant, and delivery assistant. On average, students earn GBP 200 to GBP 500 (BDT 31,338 to BDT 78,347) per week. However, it's important to note that part-time jobs in the UK are subject to income tax and national insurance. Those earning more than GBP 1,042 (BDT 163,276) per month are required to pay income tax, while those earning over GBP 166 (BDT 26,012) per week must pay the insurance fee. Employers typically deduct these fees before paying them wages. Read more: Study in Japan: Scholarships, Tuitions, Application Process for Bangladeshi Students In a Nutshell England is an ideal destination for higher education, offering world-renowned institutions, abundant job opportunities, and a high standard of living. However, the cost of education and living may pose a challenge. Scholarships are the best way to alleviate financial burdens. Excellent academic results and IELTS scores can open doors to these opportunities.  Additionally, the convenient location of the Visa Application Center in Dhaka offers a significant advantage. Maintaining a well-planned and uninterrupted process from application to visa approval is crucial for success.

The highly anticipated conclusion to the England tour of West Indies is upon us. With the series poised at 2-2, the final T20 International on December 21 at The Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad & Tobago promises a spectacular finale. Dramatic Series Unfolds The series began with West Indies seizing early victories in the first two T20Is, signaling a potential sweep. England, however, roared back with victories in the next two matches, displaying resilience and skill. The series, filled with remarkable performances, has now set the stage for a thrilling decider. Read more: From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand Key Performances and Turning Points Andre Russell's return to form was pivotal for West Indies in the opening match at Kensington Oval, Barbados. His three wickets were crucial in restricting England, despite Phil Salt's explosive 40 off 20 balls. The chase, led by Brandon King's brisk start and a crucial seventh-wicket stand, saw West Indies home with four wickets in hand. The second match showcased the prowess of Brandon King and Rovman Powell, propelling the Caribbean side to a 10-run victory. In contrast, England's comeback was marked by Phil Salt's sensational 109 off 56 balls in the third match and a magnificent 119 off 57 in the fourth, tying the series and setting up a mouthwatering showdown. England T20I Squad Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Phil Salt, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Rehan Ahmed, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Tymal Mills, Josh Tongue, Adil Rashid, and John Turner Reece Topley. West Indies T20I Squad Rovman Powel, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, .Nicholas Pooran,  Sherfane Rutherford,  Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers,  Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd,Matthew Forde,  Akeal Hosein,  Johnson Charles,  Oshane Thomas,  and Gudakesh Motie. Predictions and Expectations As the final match looms, excitement builds. Both teams, champions in their own right, are prepared to battle for supremacy. While it's a tight contest, England might just edge out with their current momentum. Expect a thrilling four hours of high-octane cricket, filled with drama and excitement, as future stars and established veterans clash in this epic finale. Read more: New Zealand cruise home to win ODI series, Soumya’s century in vain

The highly anticipated clash between India and England in the ICC World Cup 2023 is set to start at 2:30 pm Bangladesh time on October 29, 2023. This thrilling ENG vs. India encounter will take place at the iconic Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. IND vs. ENG ODI in the 2023 ICC World Cup: Match Preview England’s Performance In the Ongoing Men’s ODI World Cup England had a tough time in the Cricket World Cup, losing their fourth game out of five. They suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in Bangalore. As a result, Jos Buttler’s team is now in a tough spot, and it is unlikely they’ll make it to the semi-finals. Right now, England is in the 9th position with a 1-4 record. In their recent game on Thursday night, they had a tough time against Sri Lanka. When they batted first, they only managed to score 156 runs before losing all their wickets in just 33.2 overs. The only noteworthy performance came from Ben Stokes, who scored 43 runs off 73 balls. Further, England’s performance with the ball was disappointing as they managed to take only two wickets, and Sri Lanka easily reached the target in 25.4 overs. England has only managed to score over 300 runs in one out of their five games played. If we look at the scores from their last three matches, it’s quite concerning: they were bowled out for 215 against Afghanistan, 170 against South Africa, and 156 against Sri Lanka. Technically, England has not been ruled out of the semi-final race, but their fate now depends on other teams’ results, and they cannot afford to lose another game if they want to have a shot at the semi-finals. It is unclear which direction the England team will take for the upcoming match. They have been trying out various lineups during the tournament but have not found the winning combination yet. Players like Sam Curran, Harry Brook, and Gus Atkinson could be considered for the team, especially after the loss to Sri Lanka on Thursday. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List Performance of India In the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup While England is struggling, India is performing exceptionally well in the ICC Cricket World Cup. They have won all five of their opening games, making them a perfect 5-0 and putting them in a strong position for a spot in the semi-finals. Their team is well-equipped with depth and flexibility, enabling them to adjust to various weather conditions and pitch conditions on any match day. In the last game, Virat Kohli maintained his excellent form by scoring 95 runs from 104 balls, playing a leading role with the bat. Rohit Sharma contributed with 46 runs at the top of the order. Since all-rounder Hardik Pandya is still sidelined due to injury, it is probable that India will stick with the same team for their upcoming match against England, which means they will rely on just five bowlers. India vs England Head-to-Head ODI India has won 57 out of the 106 games they have played against England. On the other hand, England has won 44 times. In their most recent five one-day matches, India has won three, and they also won the last series with a score of 2-1 when they played against a team led by Jos Buttler in July 2022. Table: England vs India Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far Matches England Won India Won No Result Tie 106 44 57 3 2 Predicted India XI Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj. Predicted England XI Johnny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, David Willey, Mark Wood. Read more: World Cup 2023: England outplayed as Afghanistan script historic win in Delhi Key Indian Players to Watch Virat Kohli Kohli has been exceptional in this tournament, consistently scoring runs in all parts of the cricket field. His average in the tournament is an incredible 118. So far, he’s scored a total of 354 runs in 5 innings. This includes a century in the match against Bangladesh and three fifties in games against Australia, Afghanistan, and New Zealand. Rohit Sharma Rohit Sharma’s performance with the bat in this World Cup has been absolutely outstanding. The captain of the Indian team seems determined and unstoppable, scoring a total of 311 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 133.47. He has played 19 ODI matches against England and scored 637 runs, with 137 highest score. So, we might see another incredible performance against England. Mohammed Shami In his first match of the World Cup 2023, Mohammed Shami had a remarkable comeback. He took five wickets in the game against New Zealand. Shami was brought into the team to replace Shardul Thakur because of an injury to Pandya. Due to Pandya’s absence, India had to change their playing XI and went in with five specialist bowlers instead of having an all-rounder in the lineup. And Shami’s inclusion worked very well. So, he will surely give his best against the English. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis Key English Players to Watch Dawid Malan Dawid Malan is doing quite well in the team in ICC World Cup 2023, with an average of 44. He’s been the top scorer for his team, with a total of 220 runs in five innings. He even managed to score a century against Bangladesh. It’s very likely that he’ll continue to open the innings along with Jonny Bairstow. Ben Stokes Ben Stokes is taking the captain’s role for England for the rest of the tournament. He only played two matches so far. In his first World Cup match against South Africa, the all-rounder didn’t have a great game. He only scored 5 runs off 8 balls and got out by chipping a catch back to Kagiso Rabada. In the second match against Sri Lanka, he scored 43 runs from 73 balls. However, he has a good record against India, scoring 522 runs from 22 matches. So, he might turn out to be a savior for England. Reece Topley With 8 wickets in three matches in this World Cup, Topley is the top wicket-taker for England. So, he might throw his spell against India. Final Words Things haven’t been going well with the England team. The expectations for the English side were incredibly high before the tournament began, but their performance has been quite disappointing. They appeared completely lost, especially after their unexpected loss to Afghanistan. India has a good opportunity to win this IND vs. ENG match, which would mark their sixth consecutive victory in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online

Ranked at 8th and 9th places, Sri Lanka and England, respectively, are gearing up to face each other with the intent of strengthening their campaigns in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Both teams find themselves in a must-win situation as they go head to head in the 25th match of the 2023 World Cup on Thursday, October 26, at 2:30 pm Bangladesh time. This crucial showdown will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium at Bengaluru in India. England vs. Sri Lanka ODI in ICC Men’s World Cup 2023: Match Preview England Team’s Performance in the World Cup So Far The England team is facing significant challenges. Having managed to secure just one victory out of their four matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 group stage, the defending champions are on the edge of a potentially embarrassing elimination. This disappointing turn of events has left fans disheartened. England, however, is not alone in their struggles. Just slightly ahead of them in the standings due to a better net run rate, Sri Lanka is sharing the bottom spot with England. The 2023 tournament began on a sour note for England as they suffered a defeat against New Zealand. They appeared to regain their footing by defeating Bangladesh in the next match. Nevertheless, a surprising loss to Afghanistan halted England's resurgence, and a significant defeat at the hands of South Africa landed them in the ninth position in the league standings. Jos Buttler's team suffered their most substantial ODI loss ever against South Africa, effectively signaling the demise of England's weak defense of their World Cup title at the Wankhede Stadium. The Proteas exhibited ruthless efficiency against an underwhelming England bowling unit, scoring 399 runs on the scoreboard in their allotted 50 overs, with Heinrich Klaasen demonstrating a brilliant display of aggressive batting. In reply, Buttler and his team struggled, and it was only a partnership between Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson that prevented England from facing complete humiliation. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings Performance of the Sri Lanka Team in the World Cup So Far On the other hand, Sri Lanka commenced their campaign with three high-scoring matches, although they concluded with losses to South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia. A crucial win against the Netherlands injected some momentum into the Sri Lankan challenge. However, Sri Lanka's batting has generally been sharp, with scores exceeding 300 in two matches against South Africa and Pakistan and a successful chase of 253. However, their bowling has been somewhat inconsistent, particularly when facing stronger opponents. This is an area that England will likely aim to capitalize on, while the Lankans aim to capitalize on the confidence they gained from a win over the Netherlands. When it comes to their team selection, England has already utilized all 15 players they brought along, leaving them with limited options. However, there is a remaining hope that Brydon Carse, who is set to join the team, can have a similar impact to Liam Plunkett, bolstering their performance in the middle overs. The batting department has underperformed, with only one century and four fifties so far, but they might find some comfort in facing a Sri Lankan bowling attack that initially struggled by conceding scores of 428 for 5 and 345 for 4 in the tournament. Regarding Sri Lanka's aspirations, securing a spot in the top four is a tough challenge, especially with upcoming matches against India and New Zealand. Nevertheless, they have displayed flashes of their potential, primarily through Kusal Mendis, who has taken on the captaincy in addition to his wicketkeeping duties, and Sadeera Samarawickrama's batting performances. Additionally, Dilshan Madushanka has demonstrated his wicket-taking skill with the ball. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online ENG vs. SL Head-to-Head Records in ODI In ODI cricket, England and Sri Lanka have played a total of 78 matches. Out of these 78 games, England emerged as winners in 38, while Sri Lanka won 36 matches. Three matches concluded without a result, and one match ended in a tie. Table: England vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far Matches England Won Sri Lanka Won No Result Tie 78 38 36 3 1 Predicted Playing XI for England Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (capt, wk), Harry Brook, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood. Predicted Playing XI for Sri Lanka Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (capt, wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha/Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List English Players to Watch Dawid Malan Dawid Malan's remarkable innings of 140 against Bangladesh paved the way for England's only victory in the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup as of the time of writing. Teaming up with Jonny Bairstow as an opening batsman, Malan has displayed occasional brilliance but has also struggled with consistency. However, his explosive potential is evident when he is at his best. Adil Rashid Once again, the ever-reliable Adil Rashid has been England's primary choice to stop the opposition's batting aggressiveness and capture key wickets, particularly during the crucial middle overs. Rashid has notched up six wickets in four matches in this World Cup and stands as the second most prolific bowler for the reigning champions, trailing only behind the injured Reece Topley. Gus Atkinson Gus Atkinson, who played only one match and bowled for nine overs, managed to take two wickets but gave away 60 runs in the process. He might be the solution to England's bowling needs. His upcoming contest against the effective Sri Lankan batters on Thursday could determine how the important game unfolds. Sri Lankan Players to Watch Dilshan Madushanka To stop the English batsman from scoring, Sri Lanka is expected to bring in Dilshan Madushanka as their bowler. This left-arm fast bowler has been performing well in the tournament so far, taking 11 wickets in four matches, which is the second-best performance. In one of the matches, he took four wickets for 50 runs when they played against the Netherlands. Sadeera Samarawickrama Sadeera Samarawickrama has been performing really well. The 28-year-old has had a standout tournament, scoring a total of 230 runs in four games. Notably, he scored 91 runs in one match against the Netherlands and 108 runs against Pakistan. So, he can replicate this against England. Kusal Mendis Mendis played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's first two games. He scored 76 runs off 42 balls in a challenging chase against South Africa and followed that with a hundred in just 65 balls against Pakistan. It's worth noting that he's one of the four remaining players in the Sri Lankan team who were part of the squad that caused an upset by defeating England at Headingley in the 2019 World Cup. Final Words October 26’s ODI match between England and Sri Lanka is expected to be a closely fought contest, as both teams have been dealing to uplift their ranking in the points table. As both teams have had their moments of success in the past, any of them can win the match. Not to mention, the ENG vs SL ODI match in the ICC World Cup 2023 would be quite interesting and is full of possibilities. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Shakib leaves team in India for personal practice sessions in Dhaka

The highly anticipated clash between England and South Africa in the ICC World Cup 2023 will take at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on October 21, 2023, at 2:30 pm Bangladesh time. As the two teams compete for supremacy, fans can expect a display of top-notch batting, bowling, and fielding. Let’s see the match preview before you get ready to watch the ENG vs. SA ODI match. Preview of England vs. South Africa in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 This upcoming game will feature a clash between two tough cricket teams, both recovering from recent unexpected defeats against underdogs. England didn’t do well in the World Cup so far. They lost to New Zealand but won against Bangladesh and then lost to Afghanistan. Their effort to defend the title isn’t going great at the beginning. However, the tournament is long, and each team plays nine matches before the semi-finals. England has a chance to fix things and improve, starting with their next game. In a closely contested game against New Zealand, England fought hard, posting a competitive score of 282/9, but fell short as New Zealand secured victory with 283/1. The team, however, bounced back in their next match against Bangladesh, dominating with a difficult total of 364/9 and limiting Bangladesh to 227, securing a convincing win. Unfortunately, their momentum was halted in the following encounter with Afghanistan, where England faced a challenging target of 284 but could only manage a total of 215. These results emphasize the unpredictability of cricket and highlight the need for strategic adjustments as England progresses through the tournament. Read more: Mushfiqur Rahim emerges as 2nd Bangladeshi cricketer to score 1000 plus runs in ICC World Cup England might not struggle as much against spin when facing South Africa compared to their match against Afghanistan. However, the fast bowlers from South Africa could be a challenge, especially in favorable conditions. So far in the tournament, only Dawid Malan, Joe Root, and Harry Brook from the England team have scored 100 runs or more. The other batsmen need to step up their game. On the bowling front, Reece Topley and Adil Rashid have been performing well individually and as a pair. England might use the combination of left-arm seam with right-arm wrist spin again. Additionally, they have the outright pace of Mark Wood, which could be effective against South Africa. The good news for England is that Ben Stokes has confirmed that he is ready to play in his first match of the World Cup. He’ll be joining the England team for a crucial match against South Africa in Mumbai on Saturday. On the other hand, South Africa had a strong start to their World Cup journey, securing convincing victories against Sri Lanka and Australia with margins exceeding 100 runs in both matches. However, as they aimed for a third consecutive win, South Africa faced a loss, suffering a 38-run defeat against the Netherlands. This marked the Netherlands’ first win in the competition, having previously lost to Pakistan and New Zealand. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List So, a win in the upcoming match not only allows South Africa to bounce back to their winning form but also puts a World Cup rival, England, on the edge of elimination, further setting South Africa’s position in the tournament. Nevertheless, the decision to opt for Gerald Coetzee over Tabraiz Shamsi in the previous match against the Netherlands didn’t yield favorable results for South Africa. There’s a possibility that they might reconsider their strategy, leaning towards Shamsi, the spinner, over the seamer for the upcoming match. While some experts suggest the inclusion of an extra batsman, the likelihood of Reeza Hendricks being chosen at this stage seems minimal. Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock emerged as South Africa’s standout performers in the tournament, with De Kock amassing 229 runs compared to Markram’s 163. The team is heavily reliant on their consistent contributions, but similar to England relying on Malan and Brook, other players must step up to provide crucial support for more balanced and effective team performance. Read more: Mumbai Travel Guide: Must-visit Places and Fun Activities ENG vs. SA Head to Head in ODI In the ODI format, England and South Africa have encountered each other 69 times. England emerged victorious in 30 matches, while South Africa secured the win in 33 ODIs. There were five games that ended in No Result, and one game concluded in a Tie. Table: England vs South Africa Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far Matches England Won South Africa Won No Result Tie 69 30 33 5 1 Predicted Playing XI for England Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c) (wk), Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Ben Stokes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley. Predicted Playing XI for South Africa Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi. Read more: Bangladesh's Fixtures for ICC World Cup 2023 English Players to Watch Joe Root Root is crucial for uniting both the top and middle order. In the last 16 matches against South Africa, he has been a key player with an impressive average of 48.64. During this period, he scored 681 runs, including two centuries and two half-centuries against South Africa. Jos Buttler Despite having an impressive overall ODI record with an average of 41.13 in 172 matches, accumulating 4895 runs featuring 11 centuries and two half-centuries, Jos Buttler is currently facing a challenging phase in the ongoing World Cup. In the three matches played so far, he has managed to score only 72 runs. But he has a good record against South Africa, with a 49.09 average in 16 appearances. Reece Topley Reece Topley had a challenging outing in the previous match against Afghanistan, managing to take just one wicket while conceding 52 runs, which is a below-average performance. However, in the overall context of the World Cup, he has shown better form, claiming a total of 5 wickets in two matches. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings South African Players to Watch Aiden Markram Aiden Markram had a disappointing performance in the last match, getting out after scoring just one run. Despite this setback, his role will be crucial in the upcoming match against England. In the last three World Cup matches, he managed to score 163 runs. Quinton de Kock He has been in sensational form in the World Cup, impressively scoring two centuries in the first two matches. His outstanding record against England includes an average of 60.13, featuring three centuries and four half-centuries. Kagiso Rabada Kagiso Rabada is set to be the primary bowler for the South African team, and his wicket-taking record against England is remarkable. In the nine ODI matches he has played against England, Rabada has taken an impressive 20 wickets. Final Words While South Africa has displayed dominant form, England stands as a strong contender. The outcome of this match is yet to unfold, but our prediction leans towards England. The possible return of Ben Stokes has the potential to shift the dynamics, and with their versatile squad, England seems to have the advantage in the ENG vs SA ODI Match in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 contest. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online