Jofra Archer was recalled by England for the first time in over a year after being named in a 14-man squad for an upcoming three-match ODI series in South Africa on Thursday. Sussex fast bowler Archer was one of the stars of England's 2019 50-over World Cup triumph but his career has since been blighted by elbow and back injuries.
The 27-year-old Barbados-born quick last played for England in a Twenty20 international against India at Ahmedabad in March 2021, but it is more than two years since the most recent of his 13 ODIs.
But having missed the whole of the 2022 English season through injury, Archer played for the second-string England Lions in a warm-up match against the Test side in Abu Dhabi last month ahead of their 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan.
Just six balls into the practice match, Archer hit Zak Crawley on the helmet with a bouncer. An England and Wales Cricket Board also statement issued Thursday said Archer was "recovering well from an elbow injury and is expected to return to international cricket in South Africa next month".
Meanwhile, rising star Harry Brook, fresh from three superb Test hundreds in Pakistan, has added to an ODI squad for the first time.
The three-match series will be played over six days. Two fixtures in Bloemfontein starting on January 27 before the final game takes place in Kimberley on February 1.
England ODI squad: The comeback of Jofra Archer
Jos Buttler (Captain) Moeen Ali Jofra Archer Harry Brook Sam Curran Ben Duckett Dawid Malan Adil Rashid Jason Roy Phil Salt Olly Stone Reece Topley David Willey Chris Woakes
ENG-A vs IND-A: Karun Nair makes solid return to India set up; scores unbeaten 186 on Day 1
Karun Nair headlined the day with a solid, unbeaten 186 with the bat for India A against England Lions, in the first unofficial test match. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel also scored fifties.
India A started their England tour on a great note with a solid Day 1 display against the England Lions in Canterbury. Karun Nair headlined the day with a solid, unbeaten 186 with the bat for India A.
England Lions captain James Rew won the toss and decided to bowl first on a greenish pitch at the St. Lawrence Ground.
When it looked like that, Rew took the right decision of bowling first, Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair put up a 181-run partnership for the third wicket to give India A the advantage after Day 1’s play.
Karun Nair, who last played a test match in 2017, continued his great form and completed his fifty in 85 balls.
Soon, Sarfraz Khan, who was dropped from the test squad, completed his fifty in 84 balls as well. When both batters were looking to get to the hundred mark first, Sarfraz was caught down the leg side on 92 off 119 balls and missed his ton.
Sarfaraz Khan gets dismissed 8 short of a well-deserved hundred.
Sarfaraz was looking good but was eventually caught down the leg side on 92.
Nair, who was dropped on 89 off Ajeet Singh Dale, completed his 24th first-class ton off 155 balls.
Post that, incoming batter Dhruv Jurel and Nair started smashing the bowlers and changed their gears. Nair reached the landmark of 150 in 205 balls while Jurel reached his fifty in just 68 balls.
At the end of Day 1 of the 4-day unofficial test match, Jurel remained unbeaten on 82 off 104 balls while Nair remained unbeaten on 186 from 246 balls, with India A finishing with 409/3.
IPL 2025: Here are the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament
Will your favourite overseas IPL star leave mid-season? Check out the list of overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament in IPL 2025.
As IPL 2025 faced disruptions and was suspended on 9th May, 2025, most of the overseas players returned back to their respective home countries.
The tournament is set to resume from 17th May, 2025, and it raises a crucial question about how many overseas players can rejoin their franchises.
Given their international commitments and other issues, check out the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament in IPL 2025 for each team.
IPL 2025 Points Table
Firstly, see where each team stands before the tournament resumes.
ICC increase prize money for WTC 2023-25: Here is how much the teams would get
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised the prize money for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, announcing a massive $3.6 million prize for the winners of the upcoming final between Australia and South Africa
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised the prize money for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, announcing a massive $3.6 million prize for the winners of the upcoming final between Australia and South Africa, set to take place at Lord’s from June 11-15.
This record-breaking purse, more than double the $1.6 million awarded to previous champions New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023), underlines the ICC’s commitment to elevating Test cricket’s prestige and importance.
The losing finalists will also walk away with a hefty $2.1 million, surpassing the prize money awarded to past winners. This significant financial boost reflects the ICC’s push to sustain the momentum of the nine-team competition, now in its third thrilling cycle.
The stage is set for a clash of titans at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, hosting its first-ever WTC Final. South Africa, buoyed by commanding 2-0 home series wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, clinched their spot with 69.44 percentage points.
Defending champions Australia, finishing with 67.54 points, are eager to retain the Test Mace in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed his excitement, stating, “The third cycle of the World Test Championship has been captivating, with the finalists decided only in the closing stages. Australia and South Africa will deliver a fitting celebration of Test cricket at Lord’s, and I’m confident fans worldwide will witness top-class action.”
A battle of wills, minds and hearts in the Ultimate Test 👊
Australian captain Pat Cummins, reflecting on the honour of defending their title, said, “Playing at Lord’s for the World Test Championship is a proud moment for us. South Africa will bring a tough challenge, and we’re ready to give it our all at the home of cricket.”
South Africa’s Temba Bavuma echoed the sentiment, emphasising the significance of the occasion. “Reaching the WTC Final is a huge opportunity to win an ICC title. Lord’s is the perfect stage, and we’re determined to put our best foot forward against Australia.”
World Test Championship (WTC) finalist South Africa and Australia have announced their squad. The WTC Final match will be played at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground on June 11.
The Proteas have been strengthened by the return of Lungi Ngidi, who was out of action for most of the domestic summer season due to a back injury. Ngidi was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025.
South Africa has made only two changes in its team from the last Test series against Pakistan. Ngidi has been included in place of young player Kwena Maphaka, while top order batsman Matthew Breetzke has not been included.
Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad has today announced the 15-player squad for the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia, taking place from 11 – 15 June at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
Temba Bavuma will lead the team. He helped South Africa finish first in the WTC standings. The team won many games under his captaincy. He has done well as a leader.
The top-order batters include Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Ryan Rickelton. These players have scored runs in recent matches. They can handle tough bowling attacks.
David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs are part of the middle-order. They are in good form. Bavuma also bats in the middle order. Kyle Verreynne will keep wickets. He is quick and can score runs fast.
Strong bowling attack
South Africa’s bowling attack is strong. Kagiso Rabada is their top pacer. He is back in the team. The fast bowler had a one-month break due to a ban. He completed a rehab program. Now, he can play again.
Lungi Ngidi joins Rabada. Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, and Dane Paterson complete the pace unit. All can bowl fast and take wickets.
Keshav Maharaj leads the spin group. Senuran Muthusamy is the second spinner. They both have good control and experience.
Cameron Green return to Australian squad
Earlier, defending champion Australia also announced its squad today for WTC Final. The Kangaroo team has almost the same members who played against India and Sri Lanka earlier this year. This same Australian team will play a three-match Test series in the West Indies starting June 25.
Cameron Green's return to the Test squad after back surgery also has been confirmed, with spinner Matt Kuhnemann also included. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood missed Australia's most recent Test series in Sri Lanka due to injury, while Green is in line to make his first Test appearance in more than 12 months after recovering from back surgery.
Big names return in Australia's squad for next month's World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord's 👊
Australia's squad is full of experience and at full strength for the Proteas' clash with Cummins joined by fellow quicks Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Hazlewood in a 15-player squad that also has two spinning options in Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann.
Meanwhile, teenager Sam Konstas is also included, with Green and fellow all-rounder Beau Webster battling it out with key batters Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head and Josh Inglis for a spot in the XI.
On the other hand, Inglis can provide support for first-choice keeper Alex Carey, while Brendan Doggett will travel with the squad as a reserve.
As we reach the halfway mark of IPL 2025, the overseas stars are undeniably playing good cricket. Here are some impactful overseas players in IPL 2025.
In IPL 2025, we have seen some great performances from the Indian stars, along with a few overseas players as well. Players like Josh Hazlewood, Nicholas Pooran and Jos Buttler have shown why they are considered one of the best in the world in T20 cricket.
In this article, we all talk about a few of those impactful overseas players in IPL 2025 who have helped their teams win in the tournament so far. Read the full article to know about a few new names as well.
Nicholas Pooran (West Indies) | LSG
Nicholas Pooran during his iconic knock of 87* from 36 balls against KKR in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
The West Indies power-hitter, Nicholas Pooran, is having an incredible season with the bat this year. He has consistently proved himself and played some match-winning knocks for LSG in IPL 2025.
Pooran is also among the top 5 contenders in the race for orange cap. He has scored 377 runs in 9 matches with a strike rate above 200.
Pooran's stats in IPL 2025 so far
Matches: 9
Runs: 377
Batting Average: 47.12
Highest Score: 87*
Strike Rate: 204.89
Josh Hazlewood (Australia) | RCB
Josh Hazlewood during his match-winning spell of 4-33-4 against RR in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
The Australian pacer, Josh Hazlewood, is a key bowler for RCB in IPL 2025. His wicket-taking abilities in the death overs has turned out to be game changing for the team. His experience brings a strong balance in the bowling unit of RCB.
Hazlewood’s strong impact is highly crucial for RCB's progress in the tournament.
Hazlewood's stats in IPL 2025 so far
Matches: 9
Wickets: 16
Economy Rate: 8.37
Best Bowling Figure: 4/33
Jos Buttler (England) | GT
Jos Buttler in action against DC to score 97* off 54 balls in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Jos Buttler is having yet another magnificent IPL season this year. He consistently stood up for the Gujarat Titans, keeping them ahead in the points table. He scored three half-centuries this season, with 97* from 54 balls being his highest so far.
Just like previous years, Buttler has once again proved to be one of the most impactful overseas players in IPL 2025.
Noor Ahmad during his 4 wicket haul against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025. Image | Pinterest
Noor Ahmad, the young spinner from Afghanistan, has been impressive this season. He picked up crucial wickets for CSK and proved to be one of the impactful overseas players in IPL 2025.
Noor will definitely have a fair shot at being the purple cap holder if CSK qualifies for the playoffs. He also has a decent bowling average and economy.
Noor's stats in IPL 2025 so far
Matches: 9
Wickets: 14
Economy Rate: 8.03
Best Bowling Figure: 4/18
Ryan Rickelton (South Africa) | MI
Ryan Rickelton celebrating his maiden half century in IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians. Image | IPL T20
Ryan Rickelton is a South African wicket-keeper batsman who made his debut in IPL 2025 for the Mumbai Indians. He is also the highest scorer among the overseas batters in the team. He contributes impressively, not only with the bat, but also with gloves behind the wickets.
Mitchell Starc in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
The Australian legend, who was a part of the winning team in IPL 2024, is one of the leading wicket-takers for Delhi Capitals this season. Mitchell Starc is the only bowler to take five wickets in a match, having the best bowling figures in IPL 2025 so far.
Starc undoubtedly falls in the category of impactful overseas players in IPL 2025 for the gem of a player he is.
Starc's stats in IPL 2025 so far
Matches: 8
Wickets: 11
Economy Rate: 10.06
Best Bowling Figure: 5/35
Mitchell Marsh (Australia) | LSG
Mitchell Marsh after scoring his 3rd IPL half-century of the season. Image | BBC
Another international star from Australia to make a spot in this list for his impactful batting performance in IPL 2025. Mitchell Marsh opens with the bat for LSG and gives a head start with his steady batting.
Marsh has scored 4 half-centuries in IPL 2025, with 81 off 48 balls being his highest score so far in the tournament.
Marsh's stats in IPL 2025 so far
Matches: 8
Runs: 344
Batting Average: 43.00
Highest Score: 81
Strike Rate: 160.74
Jofra Archer (England) | RR
Jofra Archer after taking his third wicket in a match against PBKS in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The right-arm fast bowler from England is the key bowler for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. Jofra Archer has been one of the impactful overseas players to have bowled the most dot balls this season. His pace with the new ball has given a tough time to the batters facing him.
Other impactful overseas players to watch out for in IPL 2025
Apart from the well-crafted list above, there are some other international names that hold to potential to be as impactful. Here are such players, based on their ongoing performance in IPL 2025:
1. Aiden Markram (South Africa) | LSG
Aiden Markram has been contributing as a compact all-rounder for the Lucknow Super Giants.
2. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) | RR
Hasaranga adds a pillar of strength with his wicket-taking spells for Rajasthan.
3. Trent Boult (New Zealand) | MI
Despite having a mediocre start to the tournament, Trent Boult is picking up the pace with each passing match.
4. Phil Salt (England) | RCB
Phil Salt has showed a glimpse of his batting storm this season and is yet to score more by staying at the crease for longer.
5. Marco Jansen (South Africa) | PBKS
Marco Jansen has strengthened the bowling unit of PBKS, contributing to their close-finish victories.
6. Moeen Ali (South Africa) | KKR
Having played only 4 matches so far, Moeen Ali proved to have the best bowling economy in IPL 2025 so far.