The Latest Breaking News from England

Midfielder admits he “lost” his smile during run to final this summer

Captain sat out of lucrative T20 tournament in bid to ease his workload

Ben Stokes's all-round skills would have seriously challenged the top spot in the most-expensive list of the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Jeddah, but England's Test captain did not register himself. He has now revealed that he did so to extend his international career.

There is plenty on the line heading into a blockbuster 2025 that sees England face India at home before heading to Australia for the Ashes

In today’s newsletter: Our environment reporter on what went wrong following Storm Bert and whether widespread flooding might make the government to face up to the country’s leaky defences

PA looks at some of the main areas of interest ahead of the opening game against New Zealand.

Eddie Jones has urged Japan to keep faith in him despite lacklustre results that have included several heavy defeats since he returned as head coach almost a year ago.

The all-rounder insists he is focused on giving his all to England having signed a two-year central contract in October.

Former captain selected in XI at expense of in-form Will Young with Nathan Smith to debut for Black Caps at Hagley Oval

Stokes took time out from England’s final preparations for the first Test in New Zealand to reflect on an incident that shocked the game.

ANALYSIS: In 2024, touring teams are winning Test matches more often that ever. After India’s win over Australia in Perth continued the trend, Harry Latham-Coyle explores if this is an aberration or a sign of a sea change for the sport