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url('https://web.archive.org/web/20170308054936im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/s3/files/styles/size2/public/thumbnails/image/2017/03/07/18/alex-hales-cricket.jpg');"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-west-indies-tour-alex-hales-recovers-from-injury-a7616786.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-west-indies-tour-alex-hales-recovers-from-injury-a7616786.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Hales back in England squad for third ODI with West Indies</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>Hales broke his hand in the outfield during the new year tour of India but is set for a return</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="2-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc" style="background-image: url('https://web.archive.org/web/20170308054936im_/https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/03/07/17/kevin-pietersen-surrey-2014.jpg');"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/kevin-pietersen-surrey-t20-blast-a7616641.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/kevin-pietersen-surrey-t20-blast-a7616641.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Pietersen re-joins Surrey for summer's T20 Blast</a></h1> </div> </div> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="2-2"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc" style="background-image: url('https://web.archive.org/web/20170308054936im_/https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/03/07/11/viratkohli.jpg');"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/virat-kohli-steve-smith-india-vs-australia-a7615701.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/virat-kohli-steve-smith-india-vs-australia-a7615701.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Kohli rages at Smith's 'cheating' as India vs Australia turns ugly</a></h1> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1" data-locked="true"> <div id="mpu0" class="grid-mod-single-mpu"> </div> </article></div><div class="row" data-tb-region="row-2"><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-vs-australia-latest-a7614471.html" data-tb-region-item="1-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/03/06/16/cheteshwarpujara-ap.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-vs-australia-latest-a7614471.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-vs-australia-latest-a7614471.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>India fight back as second Test vs Australia remains in the balance</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>India saw their opponents reply with 276 but reached a creditable 213 for four in their second for a lead of 126 heading into day four</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="2-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/03/05/21/gettyimages-648349264.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/west-indies-england-joe-root-rescues-series-clinching-four-wicket-win-report-a7613046.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/west-indies-england-joe-root-rescues-series-clinching-four-wicket-win-report-a7613046.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Root rescues England from the brink to inspire series-clinching win</a></h1> </div> </div> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="2-2"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-bc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/03/03/21/morgan.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-west-indies-eoin-morgan-century-hundred-first-odi-one-day-international-a7610746.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-west-indies-eoin-morgan-century-hundred-first-odi-one-day-international-a7610746.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Morgan century inspires England to victory over West Indies</a></h1> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/eoin-morgan-england-west-indies-tour-players-opportunity-champions-trophy-a7608696.html" data-tb-region-item="3-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-cc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/03/02/21/eoin-morgan-tour.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/eoin-morgan-england-west-indies-tour-players-opportunity-champions-trophy-a7608696.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/eoin-morgan-england-west-indies-tour-players-opportunity-champions-trophy-a7608696.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Morgan urges England's fringe players to seize their opportunity</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>The England captain has ambitiously targeted a series clean sweep against the West Indies and has urged several players to take their opportunity to gatecrash their way into the team</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ben-stokes-interview-england-cricket-caribbean-pune-rising-super-giants-a7606901.html" data-tb-region-item="4-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/03/01/23/ben-stokes.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ben-stokes-interview-england-cricket-caribbean-pune-rising-super-giants-a7606901.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ben-stokes-interview-england-cricket-caribbean-pune-rising-super-giants-a7606901.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Stokes may have struck gold but he remains as grounded as ever</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>The Rising Pune Super Giants recenlty paid £1.7m for Stokes but the Durham all-rounder is adamant this won't change his perspective on the game</p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div><div class="row" data-tb-region="row-3"><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1" data-locked="true"> <div id="ayl" class="grid-mod-single-mpu"> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story grid-mod-half-height " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/pakistan-super-league-final-luke-wright-tymal-mills-kevin-pietersen-withdraw-safety-fears-a7604941.html" data-tb-region-item="1-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1_half/public/thumbnails/image/2017/03/01/07/luke-wright.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/pakistan-super-league-final-luke-wright-tymal-mills-kevin-pietersen-withdraw-safety-fears-a7604941.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/pakistan-super-league-final-luke-wright-tymal-mills-kevin-pietersen-withdraw-safety-fears-a7604941.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Wright, Mills and Pietersen withdraw from PSL final over safety fears</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>England trio will not play in the final when Quetta Gladiators face either Karachi Kings or Islamabad United</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story grid-mod-half-height " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/tom-curran-called-up-by-england-cricket-west-indies-surrey-conveyor-belt-of-talent-a7604461.html" data-tb-region-item="2-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1_half/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/28/17/tom-curran3.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/tom-curran-called-up-by-england-cricket-west-indies-surrey-conveyor-belt-of-talent-a7604461.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/tom-curran-called-up-by-england-cricket-west-indies-surrey-conveyor-belt-of-talent-a7604461.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Curran the latest England call-up from Surrey's talent conveyor belt</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>The 21-year-old will join up with England in the Caribbean immediately, and team-mate Stuart Meaker tells <em>The Independent</em> that nobody who has been around Curran is shocked by his call-up</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1" data-locked="true"> <div id="mpu3" class="grid-mod-single-mpu"> </div> </article></div><div class="row" data-tb-region="row-4"><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-cricket-west-indies-tour-injuries-jake-ball-a7602906.html" data-tb-region-item="1-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/27/22/ball-injury.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-cricket-west-indies-tour-injuries-jake-ball-a7602906.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-cricket-west-indies-tour-injuries-jake-ball-a7602906.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>England on form in the Caribbean but injuries pose selection headaches</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>England have won both their warm-up games but Jake Ball's knee injury dented their preparations for three-match one-day series in the Caribbean</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-st-kitts-ben-stokes-caribbean-vice-chancellor-s-xi-a7599826.html" data-tb-region-item="2-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/25/20/ben-stokes.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-st-kitts-ben-stokes-caribbean-vice-chancellor-s-xi-a7599826.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-st-kitts-ben-stokes-caribbean-vice-chancellor-s-xi-a7599826.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Stokes flashes hot and cold as England triumph in Saint Kitts</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>The Durham all-rounder, who is still coming to terms with the life-changing sum the Pune franchise paid for him, saw his opening over go for 23 runs</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="3-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-cc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/25/10/australia-ap.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-vs-australia-defeat-end-unbeaten-streak-report-scoreboard-a7598921.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-vs-australia-defeat-end-unbeaten-streak-report-scoreboard-a7598921.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Australia thrash India in rare home defeat and end unbeaten streak</a></h1> </div> </div> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="3-2"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/23/22/england-cricket.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-t20-carribean-tour-champions-trophy-wining-momentum-summer-a7596651.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-t20-carribean-tour-champions-trophy-wining-momentum-summer-a7596651.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>England know they have chance to build winning momentum for the summer</a></h1> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ryan-sidebottom-retires-retired-yorkshire-england-bowler-a7594056.html" data-tb-region-item="4-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/22/16/ryan-sidebottom.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ryan-sidebottom-retires-retired-yorkshire-england-bowler-a7594056.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ryan-sidebottom-retires-retired-yorkshire-england-bowler-a7594056.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Sidebottom to retire from cricket after County Championship season</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>The 39-year-old will call time on his 20-year career spanning three decades</p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div><div class="row" data-tb-region="row-5"><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1" data-locked="true"> <div id="mpu1" class="grid-mod-single-mpu"> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/englands-young-guns-ipl-auction-jason-roy-ben-stokes-tymal-mills-a7590536.html" data-tb-region-item="1-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2015/11/23/23/58-jason-roy-get.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/englands-young-guns-ipl-auction-jason-roy-ben-stokes-tymal-mills-a7590536.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/englands-young-guns-ipl-auction-jason-roy-ben-stokes-tymal-mills-a7590536.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>England's young guns steal the show at the IPL auction</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>The likes of Ben Stokes, Tymal Mills and Roy hogging the headlines serve to show that English T20 cricket is being taken seriously</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="2" class="weight-2"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ben-stokes-ipl-auction-worlds-highest-paid-player-rising-pune-supergiants-a7589116.html" data-tb-region-item="2-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size2/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/20/07/ben-stokes.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ben-stokes-ipl-auction-worlds-highest-paid-player-rising-pune-supergiants-a7589116.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ben-stokes-ipl-auction-worlds-highest-paid-player-rising-pune-supergiants-a7589116.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Stokes becomes the world's highest paid player in IPL auction</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>Tymal Mills secures a £1.4m deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore but Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Chris Jordan all go unsold</p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div><div class="row" data-tb-region="row-6"><article data-weight="2" class="weight-2"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-bright-future-as-young-guns-continue-reap-rewards-of-t20-cricket-psl-a7587751.html" data-tb-region-item="1-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size2/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/18/18/sam-billings-1.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-bright-future-as-young-guns-continue-reap-rewards-of-t20-cricket-psl-a7587751.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-bright-future-as-young-guns-continue-reap-rewards-of-t20-cricket-psl-a7587751.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>England young guns continue to reap rewards of T20 cricket</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>With the emergence of thriving T20 franchise leagues all over the globe, English players are becoming increasingly hot property as they take full advantage of the opportunities on offer</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="2-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/17/18/imran-tahir.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/imran-tahir-south-africa-new-zealand-sri-lanka-victory-australia-a7586531.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/imran-tahir-south-africa-new-zealand-sri-lanka-victory-australia-a7586531.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Tahir's T20 best steers South Africa to win over New Zealand</a></h1> </div> </div> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="2-2"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/15/20/joe-root.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/joe-root-england-test-captain-alastair-cook-south-africa-a7582621.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/joe-root-england-test-captain-alastair-cook-south-africa-a7582621.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Root confident he has not been left holding the baby</a></h1> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-west-indies-david-willey-injury-a7580691.html" data-tb-region-item="3-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/14/23/david-willey.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-west-indies-david-willey-injury-a7580691.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-west-indies-david-willey-injury-a7580691.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Willey ruled out of England's West Indies tour</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>The left-armer has undergone surgery on a shoulder problem</p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div><div class="row" data-tb-region="row-7"><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/joe-root-england-captain-six-things-address-test-series-alastair-cook-a7577896.html" data-tb-region-item="1-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/13/13/joe-root.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/joe-root-england-captain-six-things-address-test-series-alastair-cook-a7577896.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/joe-root-england-captain-six-things-address-test-series-alastair-cook-a7577896.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Six things Root must address after taking the England captaincy</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>Root faces the daunting task of injecting a new lease of life into an England side that has grown 'stagnant' in recent years</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="2-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-cc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/13/11/joe-root.jpg"> <span class="icon-play medium"></span> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/joe-root-england-captain-test-cricket-replaces-alastair-cook-a7577266.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/joe-root-england-captain-test-cricket-replaces-alastair-cook-a7577266.html">Root confirmed as England Test cricket captain</a></h1> </div> </div> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="2-2"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/12/09/joe-root.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-cricket-joe-root-captaincy-stuart-broad-alastair-cook-a7575806.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-cricket-joe-root-captaincy-stuart-broad-alastair-cook-a7575806.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Broad backs Root for England captaincy but wouldn't turn it down</a></h1> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-bangladesh-virat-kohli-four-double-century-a7574441.html" data-tb-region-item="3-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/10/20/virat-kohli.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-bangladesh-virat-kohli-four-double-century-a7574441.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-bangladesh-virat-kohli-four-double-century-a7574441.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Kohli scores four double-centuries in four straight series</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>The India captain hit a superb 204 to set a new Test record</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1" data-locked="true"> <div id="mpu2" class="grid-mod-single-mpu"> </div> </article></div><div class="row" data-tb-region="row-8"><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/data-important-in-the-twenty20-revolution-a7572356.html" data-tb-region-item="1-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/09/18/chris-gayle-t20.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/data-important-in-the-twenty20-revolution-a7572356.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/data-important-in-the-twenty20-revolution-a7572356.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Data analysis increasingly important to the Twenty20 revolution</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>With the realisation that Twenty20 is exceptionally conducive to detailed data analysis, the format is no longer the light-hearted frolic it was initially perceived to be</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="2-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-cc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2016/12/19/11/karun-nair-reuters1.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-karun-nair-test-match-bangladesh-england-cricket-a7570056.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-karun-nair-test-match-bangladesh-england-cricket-a7570056.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>India drop Nair despite triple century last time out against England</a></h1> </div> </div> <div class="container-half grid-mod-half-story " data-tb-region-item="2-2"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/08/13/dukes-cricket-ball-0.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/dukes-ball-australia-ashes-kookaburra-sheffield-shield-dilip-jajodia-history-fear-losing-a7569006.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/dukes-ball-australia-ashes-kookaburra-sheffield-shield-dilip-jajodia-history-fear-losing-a7569006.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>How Australian cricket broke with history through a fear of losing</a></h1> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="2" class="weight-2"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/indian-cricket-300-runs-t20-match-mohit-ahlawat-world-record-a7568391.html" data-tb-region-item="3-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-cc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size2/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/08/09/cricket.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/indian-cricket-300-runs-t20-match-mohit-ahlawat-world-record-a7568391.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/indian-cricket-300-runs-t20-match-mohit-ahlawat-world-record-a7568391.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Indian cricketer becomes first man to hit 300 runs in T20 match</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>Mohit Ahlawat of Dehli scored exactly 300 runs to post the world's biggest run total inside 20 overs</p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div><div class="row" data-tb-region="row-9"><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/alastair-cook-england-cricket-captain-joe-root-a7567376.html" data-tb-region-item="1-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size1/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/07/15/alastair-cook4.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/alastair-cook-england-cricket-captain-joe-root-a7567376.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/alastair-cook-england-cricket-captain-joe-root-a7567376.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Cook stepped down because he couldn't give it his all anymore</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>Joe Root is tipped to take over from the opening batsman after his decision to resign as England Test captain on Monday</p> </div> </div> </div> </article><article data-weight="1" class="weight-1"><div class="container grid-mod-list no-title"> <ul class="simple-news-list"> <li class="story" data-tb-region-item="2-1"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/alastair-cook-england-captain-resigns-quit-successes-ashes-south-africa-india-a7565681.html"> <div class="image-holder"> <img class="lazy" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-original="https://web.archive.org/web/20170308054936/https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/storylist/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/06/17/cook.jpg"/> </div> <h2>Cook takes off the England armband but don't forget his successes</h2> </a> </li> <li class="story" data-tb-region-item="2-2"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/alastair-cook-resigns-england-captain-kevin-pietersen-recall-bringbackkp-graham-gooch-a7564876.html"> <div class="image-holder"> <img class="lazy" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-original="https://web.archive.org/web/20170308054936/https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/storylist/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/06/11/kevin-pietersen-alastair-cook.jpg"/> </div> <h2>Gooch tried to talk Cook out of resigning as Pietersen wants recall</h2> </a> </li> <li class="story" data-tb-region-item="2-3"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/alastair-cook-resigns-england-test-captain-joe-root-india-series-defeat-a7564601.html"> <div class="image-holder"> <img class="lazy" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-original="https://web.archive.org/web/20170308054936/https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/storylist/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/06/10/alastair-cook1.jpg"/> <span class="icon-play vsmall"></span> </div> <h2>Alastair Cook resigns as England Test captain</h2> </a> </li> <li class="story" data-tb-region-item="2-4"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/twenty20-england-india-series-defeat-paradox-time-for-change-a7559981.html"> <div class="image-holder"> <img class="lazy" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-original="https://web.archive.org/web/20170308054936/https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/storylist/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/02/17/india-t20.jpg"/> </div> <h2>The paradox of T20 cricket must be addressed - it's time for change</h2> </a> </li> <li class="story" data-tb-region-item="2-5"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-england-t20-twenty20-series-eight-wickets-a7557966.html"> <div class="image-holder"> <img class="lazy" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-original="https://web.archive.org/web/20170308054936/https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/storylist/public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/01/17/india-cricket.jpg"/> </div> <h2>England's astonishing collapse hands India Twenty20 series victory</h2> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </article><article data-weight="2" class="weight-2"><div class="container grid-mod-story bottom-text grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-vs-england-joe-root-icc-twenty20-drs-incorrect-dismissal-a7555401.html" data-tb-region-item="3-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-cc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size2/public/thumbnails/image/2017/01/31/15/joe-root-ap.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/india-vs-england-joe-root-icc-twenty20-drs-incorrect-dismissal-a7555401.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" 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grow-photo " data-url="/web/20170308054936oe_/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-india-report-twenty20-jasprit-bumrah-root-a7552296.html" data-tb-region-item="2-1"> <div class="image_wrapper"> <div class="image image-align-tc lazy" data-original="https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/size2/public/thumbnails/image/2017/01/29/18/bumrah.jpg"> <a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-india-report-twenty20-jasprit-bumrah-root-a7552296.html"></a> </div> </div> <div class="content"> <div class="capsules" data-capsule-count="0"> <ul> <li class="shares"> <span class="icon-trending"></span> <span class="label"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <h1><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-india-report-twenty20-jasprit-bumrah-root-a7552296.html"><span class="media-prefix "></span>Bumrah denies England at the death as India level Twenty20 series</a></h1> <div class="lead"> <p>A combination of brilliant death bowling and risible umpiring saw India claim victory over England and set up a winner-takes-all clash in Bangalore</p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <footer id="mastfooter" tynt-data="no-content"> <div class="stamp"></div> <ul class="follow"> <li>Follow us:</li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170308054936/https://www.facebook.com/TheIndependentOnline" target="_blank" title="Facebook" class="icon-facebook"></a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170308054936/https://twitter.com/independent" target="_blank" title="Twitter" class="icon-twitter"></a> </li> </ul> <ul class="links"><li><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html" title="">User Policies</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20170308054936/http://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html" title="">Privacy Policy</a></li> <li><a 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