Brendon McCullum is satisfied with England's progression, but the Test coach says his team know they are not "the finished article" just yet.
England wrapped up a 3-0 series win over West Indies on Sunday, as Ben Stokes and Mark Wood starred in a 10-wicket victory at Edgbaston.
It was a memorable series for England, as James Anderson retired following the first Test, while paceman Gus Atkinson showed that there is plenty of hope for the future.
"I thought, overall, it was a progression of where we wanted to get to as a team," coach McCullum told BBC Sport.
"We're not the finished article – we know that. But I think this series has been a step forward for us. It has been a while for us to get a series win and we'll never take that for granted."
Jamie Smith also impressed, and McCullum was quick to hail the wicketkeeper.
"When you’re in that position at seven and wicketkeeper you're like the drummer in the band," he said.
"You need to be prepared to take risks and he's happy to do that, and he backs himself that he's got the power game when the field is out.
"No [criticism of] guys that have been before, they've done great jobs for us, but we identified that it was an area where we wanted to add a little bit more punch."
Of Atkinson, who took 22 wickets across the three matches, McCullum added: "He's such a quiet man. He’s got inner confidence and a real confidence in his ability and skills.
"He's moved the ball off the seam both ways, hits great lengths, bowled high pace and committed to the bouncer plan and done what the captain asked and sustained it.
"He's been outstanding and he's quite cheeky within the group too and the guys love him."
Captain Stokes, meanwhile, also took on a starring role in the final Test, as he plundered England's quickest Test half-century, knocking off 50 in just 28 balls.
Darren Sammy and Hayley Matthews named to CPL Health, Fitness and Wellbeing Advisory Board
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced the formation of a new Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing Advisory Board, with the aim of promoting healthy living initiatives throughout the Caribbean region. The board, which will meet quarterly with senior CPL staff, includes prominent figures such as West Indies men's white-ball coach Darren Sammy and West Indies women's captain Hayley Matthews.
The advisory board also features Dr. Akshai Mansingh, CPL’s Joint Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards, Principal Medical Officer at the Trinidad & Tobago Ministry of Health. This diverse team of experts is tasked with advising the CPL on leveraging its platform to create and promote health and wellness programs.
Pete Russell, CPL’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, "Health, fitness, and wellbeing are very important issues across the Caribbean and around the world, and we want to use cricket and our platform as a force for good in this area. We are looking forward to working with the advisory board to create meaningful and long-lasting programs that have a positive impact on health and wellbeing across the region. Starting this season, there will be activities at the games that will create a fun vibe around health and fitness, allowing everyone to join in and be part of it."
Darren Sammy, the newly appointed West Indies men's head coach, emphasized the importance of health and wellbeing, especially for young people. "The health and wellbeing of the Caribbean people is hugely important to me, especially our young people who we work very hard through my foundation. I am excited to be involved in this great initiative from CPL and I look forward to being involved in creating meaningful programs that come from this new collaboration."
Hayley Matthews, West Indies women's captain and a passionate advocate for women's and girls' participation in sports, shared her enthusiasm as well. "I am passionate about women and girls across the Caribbean being involved in sport and fitness, and I am looking forward to working with the Health and Wellbeing Advisory Board and CPL to create initiatives that will encourage participation. As someone who manages a sporting career while suffering with diabetes, I hope that I can add a unique perspective to the discussions."
The CPL's Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing Advisory Board represents a significant step towards integrating health and wellness into the fabric of Caribbean cricket, ensuring that the sport not only entertains but also contributes positively to the community. The upcoming season will see the introduction of various activities at games designed to promote a fun and engaging atmosphere around health and fitness, inviting fans and participants alike to join in and be part of this initiative.
India seal series win as Sri Lanka suffer another late collapse
India sealed a T20I series win over Sri Lanka with a game to spare, following another late collapse by the hosts on Sunday.
In a rain-hit match, India dominated with the ball before quickly hitting their chase target on DLS with nine balls remaining to win by seven wickets.
Sri Lanka's openers had a strong game on Saturday, but they could not carry that form into the second game as Kusal Mendis was caught for 10, before Pathum Nissanka was dismissed with just 32.
However, it looked like they had found their footing with Kusal Perera's knock of 58, only for India's bowlers to step up the pressure.
Hardik Pandya took Perera and Kamindu Mendis (26) at the start of the Sri Lanka collapse, while Ravi Bishnoi finished with 3-26, including getting out Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga for ducks as the hosts finished with 161-9.
India only played three balls at the start of their innings before rain interrupted proceedings once again, meaning they were set a target of 78 in eight overs on DLS.
Yashasvi Jaiswal got them almost halfway on his own, hitting 30, but it was Pandya who eventually carried them over the line, finishing with back-to-back fours as India moved into an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Data Debrief: Sri Lanka woes continue
Sri Lanka left the T20 World Cup disappointed after an underwhelming campaign, and things have not got much better for them since then.
Their openers have been strong, but in the last two games, Sri Lanka have lost 16 for 68 in the last six overs.
Take nothing away from India's bowlers though, as Patel, Bishnoi and Singh all have four wickets each for the series after dominant displays.
Windies Player of the Series Jayden Seales reflects on comeback and success with Sussex after 3-0 series loss to England
Despite the West Indies' 3-0 series defeat to England, fast bowler Jayden Seales emerged as a standout performer, earning the Player of the Series award for his team. Seales, who recently returned to international cricket after a long injury layoff, expressed his pride in representing the West Indies once more and highlighted the role playing for Sussex played in his successful return.
Seales, who took 13 wickets in the three-match Test series at an average of 27.23, spoke about the significance of his comeback. "I'm proud of being able to represent the West Indies again. Coming back and doing well for the team is rewarding. I'm just looking to improve going forward," he said.
Reflecting on his time with Sussex, Seales noted that it was instrumental in preparing him for the series against England. "Playing for Sussex was great. It allowed me to understand the conditions and how they can help me. The experience was invaluable," he added.
Seales joined Sussex in early April and impressed with his performance, taking 24 wickets in six matches, including two five-wicket hauls, at an average of 24.25. His stint in English county cricket undoubtedly played a role in his readiness for the West Indies tour of England.
"England's attacking approach was tough at times. They take opportunities to score if you give them a chance, so you have to be on it all the time," Seales remarked about the challenges he faced against England's aggressive batting lineup.
Despite the series loss, Seales remains optimistic about the future of the West Indies bowling attack. "I think once we grow and learn, we can be a force to be reckoned with," he said. "The body is not too bad, just trying to get some recovery in and looking forward to the series against South Africa at home."
Seales' journey back to the West Indies squad began after he was sidelined with a knee injury in December 2022. His impressive performance for Sussex earned him a recall, and during the series against England, he reached a personal milestone by picking up his 50th Test wicket.
While the series result was disappointing for the West Indies, Seales' performance provided a bright spot and a glimpse of the potential within the team. His contributions will be crucial as the West Indies prepare for their upcoming series against South Africa, where Seales hopes to continue his upward trajectory and help his team achieve success.
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