Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has launched a strong critique of India’s recent approach to home Test pitches, calling the strategy “completely insane” and counterproductive. After India’s shock 30-run defeat to South Africa at Eden Gardens — their fourth loss in six home Tests, a rare slump not seen in over five decades — Butcher […]

India Test captain Shubman Gill’s technically sound game and calm temperament have left a mark on former England opener Mark Butcher, who feels Gill has taken ownership of Virat Kohli’s number four spot quite comfortably despite the “enormous scrutiny”. Butcher has also been impressed with Gill, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. All three scored hundreds […]

As the second Test at Edgbaston approaches, former England cricketer Mark Butcher has underlined the critical importance of Jasprit Bumrah’s presence in India’s playing XI. With India trailing 0-1 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, Butcher believes Bumrah’s inclusion could significantly tilt the balance in the visitors’ favour. Bumrah’s workload, however, remains a talking point. Prior […]

Former England batter Mark Butcher believes veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah must play the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston, starting July 2 as well. Despite India trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, Bumrah’s participation in the second Test remains uncertain due to his workload management. Talking about the same on the Wisden Cricket […]

Mark Butcher, former England cricketer, has cast doubt over England’s chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy, citing their lack of experience in 50-over cricket. Led by Jos Buttler, England has struggled in ODIs since the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, winning only four of their last 14 matches. Their recent 0-3 series defeat in India, […]

Former England player Mark Butcher felt that Pacer Ollie Robinson had been omitted from the Test team because of a loss of trust between him and the team management. The veteran did not feature in any of England’s six Tests in the home summer and he has also been left out of the team for […]

Former England batter Mark Butcher slammed the Sri Lankan side for a lack of game awareness at the start of Day 3 of the first Test against England in Manchester on August 23 as well. With England on 259/6 in response to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 236 at stumps on Day 2, the […]

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher said that England shouldn’t be surprised about their key batter Joe Root’s lack of runs in the ongoing Test series against India. He also feels Root’s bowling workload has certainly affected his batting, with the Yorkshire cricketer bowling a lot of overs in the first three Tests as well. He […]

Former England player Mark Butcher opined on the side’s lack of preparation for the upcoming five-match Test series in India. It will start in Hyderabad on January 25. Apart from an 11-day training camp in Abu Dhabi, England will not play any practice matches in India before the first Test as well. They will arrive […]

Former England batter Mark Butcher feels that veteran wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes might miss out on the playing XI yet again when England will tour India for a five-match Test series. However, Foakes was controversially dropped from the playing XI during the Ashes series to make way for both in-form middle-order batters, Jonny Bairstow and Harry […]