Ben Stokes set to captain England while Joe Root attends birth of second child

Ben Stokes will captain England for the first time in next week’s opening Test against the West Indies, taking over from regular skipper Joe Root as he takes time out for the birth of his second child.Root’s wife Carrie is due to give birth later this week and, with the strict protocols in place to ensure the series takes place in a ‘bio-secure’ environment, he will need to be isolated from the group for at least a week on his return from hospital.That means the rubberstamping of Stokes’ temporary promotion at the Ageas Bowl next week, having never before taken the reins in his professional career.

Ben Stokes eyes “positive” approach to England captaincy

Ben Stokes has vowed to captain England with the same attacking instincts that have made him one of the most exciting players in international cricket.Stokes is increasingly certain to earn a temporary promotion during next week’s first Test against the West Indies, with regular skipper Joe Root expecting his second child in the coming days.Ordinarily Root would return to lead the team at the earliest possible opportunity but, given the strict protocols around the series’ ‘bio-secure’ bubble, he will need to isolate himself from team-mates for a week following his trip to the maternity ward.

Coronavirus: How has sport been affected?

In the cricket England will play the West Indies in a Test series from July 8 and in Formula One the season will start with eight races in Europe, the first in Austria on July 5.

West Indies cricket team arrive in UK for test series

Cricket West Indies (CWI) arrive in Manchester ahead of the three-test series against England.

West Indies arrive in Manchester ahead of three-Test tour

The West Indies squad have arrived in Manchester ahead of their three-Test tour of England. Every member of the 39-strong touring party, including 25 players, tested negative for Covid-19 before they set off on a charter flight to Manchester Airport. They were each due to be tested again at their new base at Emirates Old Trafford, where they will live and train in a "bio-secure" environment for the vast majority of their seven-week stay.

ECB prepares 'bad bank' for wave of toxic debt - sources

Reuters sources say the ECB is preparing a 'bad bank' to cope with the expected wave of unpaid debts sparked by the economic crisis. Julian Satterthwaite reports.

Global stocks and euro gain ahead of U.S. jobs report

World stocks held their ground near three-month highs as the euro hit its highest level since March 10, thanks to Europe's stimulus boost, fueling hopes for a global rebound. Ciara Lee reports

ECB nearly doubles stimulus programme to fight coronavirus economic crisis

ECB nearly doubles stimulus programme to fight coronavirus economic crisis