Former England batter Mark Butcher has criticised the ECB’s decision to bring Joe Root back as England’s Test captain, arguing that the move risks taking the side in the wrong direction after the leadership shift that followed Ben Stokes’ rise. Root was officially reappointed on July 31, with the ECB also confirming Stephen Fleming as […]

Former England batter Mark Butcher believes Shubman Gill’s fluent start in the second ODI against England created the illusion that batting at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff was easier than it actually was. According to Butcher, the Indian captain’s brilliant strokeplay masked the true nature of a challenging surface, which troubled both batting line-ups throughout the […]

Former England batter Mark Butcher’s bold comparison of India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to West Indies great Garry Sobers stopped the cricket world in its tracks — and for good reason. Watching video of Sooryavanshi’s 175 in the Under-19 World Cup final against England, Butcher traced a line between the two players that goes beyond […]

The cricketing world is talking about Pakistan’s sudden decision to boycott their T20 World Cup clash against India. However, this move was sparked by Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament for refusing to travel to India for their group-stage matches, stating ‘security concerns’. “The public in both countries, by and large, are sort of brothers and […]

The political undercurrents surrounding India–Pakistan cricket have flared up again, this time threatening to cast a shadow over the 2026 T20 World Cup. Former England batter Mark Butcher believes Pakistan’s show of solidarity with the Bangladesh cricket team could prove a “disaster” for both India and the ICC, given the financial and commercial weight of […]

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, […]