Cricket news round-up – 3 August: Rory Burns’ fighting ton gives England control

Rory Burns hit back against the critics with a fighting ton on the second day of the Edgbaston Ashes Test, giving England firm control of proceedings. Elsewhere, Andre Russell ruled himself out of the USA-leg of the India series, and Mark Wood was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Burns’ fighting century gives England upper hand

Rory Burns, the England opener, scored a fantastic 125* to help weather the storm against Australia on the second day of the Edgbaston Ashes Test.

England suffered wobbles, when Jason Roy (10), Joe Denly (18) and Jos Buttler (5) were dismissed for small scores, but Burns batted through the day and had partnerships of 132 with Joe Root (57) and 73* with Ben Stokes (38*) to help England end the day just 17 runs adrift of Australia’s total, with six wickets in hand.

The century was Burns’ first in Tests, and he will look to carry on with Stokes on the third morning to give England a commanding lead.

No Russell for India T20Is

Andre Russell has ruled himself out of the USA-leg of India’s tour of the West Indies, meaning he will miss the first two T20Is in Lauderhill, Florida.

The all-rounder had only recently returned to action after surgery in his knee – it had forced him to miss most of the World Cup 2019 – but experienced discomfort while playing in the Global T20 Canada League.

Jason Mohammed has been called up into the squad as replacement, and he will get to revive his international career, who last played for West Indies in April 2018.

Wood ruled out for remainder of season

England paceman Mark Wood will play no part in the Ashes after it emerged his side strain, suffered during the World Cup, was bad enough to rule him out of the entire season.

Wood is also battling an injury to his right knee, and the combination of these problems means he will need the rest of the season to recover full fitness.

The news adds to England’s injury woes, with Jimmy Anderson pulling up four overs into his spell on the first day, with a possible recurrence of his calf problem. It remains unclear whether he will bowl again in this match, or indeed, in the series.

Vancouver Knights win again to snap at Brampton’s heels

Vancouver Knights got their second win of the GT20C 2019 campaign against Edmonton Royals to keep up with runaway leaders Brampton Wolves at the top of the table.

The Royals posted a tricky 166-run target, thanks to Ben Cutting’s 41-ball 72 and Mohammad Nawaz’s 27-ball 40, but once Chris Gayle fired for the Knights – the captain scored a 44-ball 94 – the Royals had no hope.

Shoaib Malik later added a 17-ball 34* to close out the chase, in the company of Daniel Sams (16 off 12).

Vitality Blast round-up

Worcestershire saw off Yorkshire by five wickets, with Riki Wessels scored a 51-ball 91 in Leeds.

Somerset eased past Surrey by eight wickets, mowing down the 204-run target after half-centuries from Tom Banton (71) and Eddie Byrom (54).

Essex posted 206/3 thanks to half-centuries from Tom Westley (86*), Cameron Delport (51) and Daniel Lawrence (56) and then held off Gloucestershire for a 25-run win.

Lancashire continued their charge at the top of the North Group table with a five-wicket win over Durham – they remain undefeated in six matches.

Nottinghamshire were comfortable winners, by 71 runs, against Birmingham, posting 184/4 before bundling out the Bears for 113.

Sussex beat Kent by nine wickets, first keeping them to 154/8, before half-centuries from Phillip Salt (63*) and Laurie Evans (65*) helped them breeze through.

Northamptonshire managed 180/5 after batting first, with captain Josh Cobb scoring a 50-ball 84, but that wasn’t sufficient against Derbyshire, who coasted the chase with half-centuries from Luis Reece (60) and Wayne Madsen (59*).

Glamorgan remained win-less an