Wrestling news outlet SEScoops has retracted its story reporting that ESPN would not be renewing its contract with WWE when the current agreement between the two companies expires in 2030.
"Before a story like this runs, the subject deserves a direct chance to respond, and that step wasn't taken to the appropriate standard," SEScoops said in a statement posted to social media. "Since publication, it's come to light that this effort fell way short. We ran it and the buck stops with us."
SEScoops added that it had "parted ways" with BJ Bethel, who wrote the report.
Statement on our WWE–ESPN report
Yesterday we published a report from BJ Bethel on WWE’s relationship with ESPN. We are retracting that story in its entirety.

#bethel #statement #Wrestling

Hampton Preview

Head coach: Woodrow Wilson
2025 record: 10-2 (Won Peninsula district ******* le, lost to Phoebus in Class 4A Region Semis)
Players to watch: Marcus Chapman (QB), Gene Jones (DL)
2026 schedule:
Sept. 4 vs Lake Taylor
Sept. 12 at Menchville
Sept. 18 vs Woodside
Sept. 25 at Glen Allen
Oct. 2 vs Denbigh
Oct. 8 at Kecoughtan
Oct. 15 vs Phoebus
Oct. 22 at Warwick
Oct. 30 vs Heritage
Nov. 5 vs Bethel
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.

#head #hampton #preview #region

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has called for a severe punishment following Brydon Carse's latest involvement in a nightclub incident, saying the ECB must take action strong enough to deter the entire England cricket setup from similar behaviour.

Carse became the latest England player to attract scrutiny after a video emerged showing the fast bowler handcuffed by police outside a nightclub. He was briefly arrested while out with Durham team-mates Ben Stokes and Matthew Potts, leading the England and Wales Cricket Board to investigate the incident.

Carse had been part of England's squad for two of the three Tests against Pakistan but was released to play for Durham after being left out of the XI for the first Test at Leeds. He contributed 26 runs and returned figures of 2-82 as Durham beat Derbyshire inside three days.

The 30-year-old then went out with his Durham team-mates to celebrate the victory, during which the incident occurred.

The ECB subsequently confirmed that Carse "will no longer be available for selection" for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's on Thursday. Hampshire right-arm seamer Sonny Baker has been called up as his replacement.

Vaughan believes the latest episode requires a response that sends a clear message across English cricket.

"Someone is going to have to get a punishment that sends a shiver down the whole England cricket team and right down through the programme, so that everyone knows that if you misbehave or bring any kind of bad reputation on to this team, you know what's going to come," former England captain Vaughan said on BBC Radio. "It's the only punishment that will really hurt players."

Carse's case comes amid a series of off-field incidents involving England players over the past year. Last October, white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a bouncer outside a nightclub in Wellington, New Zealand, while Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were also present.

During the Ashes tour of Australia, Ben Duckett was filmed apparently drunk during England's holiday in Noosa.

Then, in June, former Test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson broke a team curfew and were present when a member of England's security staff was punched by Saracens rugby player in a London nightclub.

Vaughan acknowledged that Carse could feel hard done by if he is punished heavily in light of the wider pattern of incidents.

"I hope Carse is getting good support around him. He is a character who can be a little bit loose and if you give him a bit of rope he'll take a huge amount of it. He needs people around him who are giving him better advice.

"I would feel for Carse if he is the one who takes the rap for what has happened over the past nine months, but somewhere, somehow, something has to be done to set a precedent that they won't stand for that behaviour any more," said Vaughan.

#vaughan #nightclub

Following Saturday night's mock game, there's no doubt about freshman outside linebacker Ramzak Fruean's role with the Washington Huskies.
"Ramzak's going to start for us," coach Jedd Fisch said after the scrimmage. "There's no question about that."
Throughout both spring and fall camp, the former four-star recruit out of in-state Bethel High School has flashed elite athleticism that has had Fisch's entire coaching staff buzzing about his potential. Over the last few weeks, that has turned into first-team reps along the defensive line, which has resulted in the havoc plays that defensive coordinator Ryan Walters wants to see from his pass rush, including a sack in Saturday's scrimmage.
"It's been exponential," outside linebackers coach Aaron Van Horn said of Fruean's growth. "Obviously, it's something you hope for from young guys especially; there's so much to learn as far as maturity-wise off the field and on the field."
"He takes things seriously, so he's taken a huge jump as far as the football school piece of it...the technique, the fundamentals. And the other piece of it that you can just watch is he practices as hard as just about anybody; you can just watch it, he practices everything. That's one of the things that he embodies, and it's showing up."

#field #watch

Through a dozen preseason practices, Texas A&M's loaded wide receiver rotation is one of the team's biggest strengths heading into the 2026 season, even after losing KC Concepcion to the NFL, who led the Aggies with 919 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns last season. Now led by star junior Mario Craver, fellow junior and former five-star prospect Terry Bussey has shined during fall camp and could be headed toward a career year.
After the Aggies' closed practice on Friday, Bussey, for the first time during fall camp, spoke to the local media in attendance, discussing his weight gain, adding a solid 10 pounds, mostly muscle, to his frame, which was necessary given his injury history that kept in him behind the 8 ball after suffering an ankle injury this spring, and was beat up for most of the 2025 season.
Bussey's play during several preseason practices has provided Aggie fans and those of us in the media with a highlight reel of one-handed catches, while his route running has been crisp and equally impressive, and coach Mike Elko and first-year OC Holmon Wiggins, who served as A&M's wide receivers coach over the past two seasons, have consistently praised Bussey's football IQ.
Bussey's elite versatility provided Mike Elko the option for him to play at corner or wide receiver, and given the former blue-chip prospect's size and natural playmaking ability, playing receiver was the best route. Right now, Bussey is contending for the starting Z receiver job with redshirt sophomore Ashton Bethel-Roman, but is expected to be a significant part of each offensive game plan no matter his starting or reserve status.
Bussey spoke for nearly eight minutes, looking more confident than ever, while praising several of his wide receiver cohorts who continue to build chemistry with quarterback Marcel Reed, who is entering his second full starting season.

#receiver

'Someone that I've looked up to': Jordan ******* recalls Virat Kohli's words before appearing vs Pakistan in 1st Test originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jordan ******* says Virat Kohli's advice will stay with him "forever" ahead of Pakistan Tests.
Cox will replace injured Jacob Bethell at No. 3 for England at Headingley.
Cox spent IPL 2026 with Kohli at RCB.
He recalled Kohli's support after a broken thumb ruled him out in 2024.

#jordan #tests

ENG vs PAK 1st Test predicted playing XI: Likely Pakistan and England lineups as Babar Azam remains doubtful originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Joe Root leads England against Pakistan for the first time since 2022 in the post-Ben Stokes era.
Jordan ****** is set to bat at number three with Jacob Bethell ruled out injured.
Babar Azam remains doubtful for the match after a hand injury scare in the warm-up game.
England begin their three-match Test series against Pakistan on August 19 at Headingley, with valuable World Test Championship 2025-27 points on offer as Joe Root takes charge for the first time since relinquishing the captaincy in 2022. It marks the start of the post-Ben Stokes era for the hosts.

#babar #azam #doubtful

Texas A&M's 2026 season-opener vs. Missouri State is less than three weeks away, and entering his third sesaon at the helm, coach Mike Elko should be encouraged by what he's witnessed from the redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, who has improved accuracy, especially on the deep ball, which was on full display during Saturday's scrimmage after hitting Alabama transfer wideout Isaiah Horton in stride on a 30-plus yard throw.
The only thing preventing Marcel Reed, in my opinion, from matching his 2025 production is whether the revamped offensive line, featuring four new starters, gels early in the year. This group will feature returning starting center Mark Nabou, four new SEC transfers, and several rising offensive linemen from the 2025 signing class.
Again, if this group at least becomes an above-average pass-blocking unit, Marcel Reed will be passing to what is nationally considered one of the deepest wide receiver rotations in the country, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, who brings much-needed size at 6'4", while Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman, Terry Bussey, and freshman Aaron Gregory fill out the rotation.
Last season, Reed passed for a career-high 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, while 8 of his 12 interceptions came against top-35-ranked defenses, which has been the focus this offseason, working with new OC Holmon Wiggins and QB coach Joey Lynch. Entering the 2026 season with a solid 77.9 QBR, On3 ranks Reed 9th nationally.
"Reed was tremendous in leading Texas A&M to an 11-0 start last season. Then, he was fairly pedestrian — and that might be generous — in the team's two losses to Texas and Miami to close out the 2025 campaign. Decision-making in big moments is the real key for Reed. He needs to avoid costly turnovers in big games. But in terms of raw skill, he's got as much as anyone in the country. And he's probably aptly motivated after the way 2025 ended."

#entering

Texas A&M's ninth preseason practice may not have been open to the media, but thanks to the Aggie media team, one of redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed's best throws of the day was captured, providing media members and Aggie fans alike another glimpse into Reed's improvement as a pocket passer, delivering strike after strike since fall camp began.
The Aggies' offensive line will replace four starters at left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle. Third-year coach Mike Elko landed four SEC starters from the transfer portal, who are all expected to start at this point in the preseason, but nothing is set in stone. If this group comes through, Reed is expected to, yes, take the next step, especially with the addition of Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton.
Standing 6'4" and 215 pounds, Horton's size and ability to stretch the field and make contested catches fill the hole that plagued the Aggies last season, despite transfer wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver's elite speed, which led to a combined total of nearly 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns.
While Concepcion is already the Cleveland Browns' No. 1 wide receiver after being selected 24th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mario Craver is back for a final season and, paired with Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey, who have also shined, especially Bussey, this preseason, Marcel Reed and Isaiah Horton's connection was on full display during Saturday's first scrimmage.
In tight coverage against freshman cornerback Victor Singleton, Horton made a contested catch off a perfectly thrown ball from Marcel Reed, an area the veteran QB struggled last season. With the 2026 season-opener just three weeks away, this connection could take the Aggie passing game to the next level under first-year OC Holmon Wiggins.

#preseason #aggies

Kickoff against Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, is inching closer, marking the debut of Texas A&M's new offensive and defensive coordinators.
After spending the last two seasons in Bryan-College Station as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, Holmon Wiggins is preparing for his first campaign as the primary play-caller, entering his 23rd year coaching football. The Los Angeles, California, native was named the replacement for Colin Klein, who accepted the head coaching opening at his alma mater, Kansas State.
The return of quarterback Marcel Reed and a slew of playmakers like Mario Craver, Terry Bussey, Ashton Bethel-Roman and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton provides Wiggins with one of the most talented groups in the Southeastern Conference.
On the other side of the ball, Lyle Hemphill is set for his first year as defensive coordinator, after being in the same role at James Madison in 2024. Last season, he served as the **** ociate head coach for the defense, but was promoted after Jay Bateman left to be Kentucky's defensive coordinator.
While Mike Elko is the primary defensive mastermind of the Aggies, Hemphill has been coaching for 24 years and has spent eight total seasons as the primary defensive coordinator with the Dukes, Wake Forest and Stony Brook.

#primary #offensive

Whenever you ask any member of the Washington Huskies coaching staff about freshman outside linebacker Ramzak Fruean, it's hard for them to contain their excitement.
Following the Dawgs After Dark spring game, defensive coordinator Ryan Walters had a massive smile on his face while discussing the former four-star product of nearby Bethel High School and the splash plays he made as a pass rusher. It felt as if every single practice, the explosive 6-foot-4, 235-pound athlete showcased his speed to get into the backfield for a sack or a tackle for loss.
So far during fall camp, he has continued to showcase the pure athleticism that made him such a priority for Jedd Fisch's coaching staff, along with plenty of growth.
"It's been exponential," outside linebackers coach Aaron Van Horn said of the freshman's improvement since the spring. "Obviously, it's something you hope for from young guys especially; there's so much to learn as far as maturity-wise off the field and on the field."
"He takes things seriously, so he's taken a huge jump as far as the football school piece of it...the technique, the fundamentals. And the other piece of it that you can just watch is he practices as hard as just about anybody; you can just watch it, he practices everything. That's one of the things that he embodies, and it's showing up."

#staff

Texas A&M's third preseason practice, and first full practice open to the media, on Saturday showcased the rise of junior wide receiver Terry Bussey and provided more proof that redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, entering his second full starting season, has significantly improved his accuracy and ball placement.
Among the Aggies' 17 transfer portal additions this offseason, former Northwestern Edge Anto Saka and Tennessee transfer cornerback Rickey Gibson III continue to shine in their roles, looking to replace unanimous All-American pass rusher Cashius Howell and veteran corner Will Lee, who were two of A&M's record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
On Monday, Texas A&M's fifth preseason practice further emphasized the offense, as Marcel Reed and his elite wide receiver rotation, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, continued to build chemistry, which is already established with Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman, while freshmen Aaron Gregory and Madden Williams would likely start for several SEC teams who don't possess the Aggies' depth.
Texas A&M's running battle between Rueben Owens and Jamarion Morrow continues to take shape, and after an impressive performance this weekend, freshman KJ Edwards' athleticism continues to impress coach Mike Elko and his staff. Redshirt freshman back Tiger Riden showed off his blocking skills on Monday, and senior linebacker Daymion Sanford's return is nothing short of incredible given the severity of his fibula injury.
Here are the best highlights from Texas A&M's fifth preseason practice on Monday evening.

#full

England have received a boost ahead of their three-match Test series against Pakistan, with opener Emilio Gay reportedly expected to recover in time for the first Test at Headingley, beginning August 19. Gay suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Durham against Middlesex on Friday, but scans have reportedly shown no serious damage.

Gay made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year and scored two half-centuries in the three-match series. Despite some inconsistency, his partnership with Ben Duckett impressed England's management, who want to give him more opportunities after dropping Zak Crawley.

According to the Daily Mail Sport, Gay's scan on Saturday revealed no major injury, meaning he should be available to resume his opening partnership with Duckett against Pakistan.

The series will also be Joe Root's first official ******* ignment as England's Test captain since returning to the role. Newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming has been involved in selecting the squad, while Marcus Trescothick will oversee the team as interim head coach for this series before Fleming takes full charge.
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England will be without top-order batter Jacob Bethell, who has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury during the team's recent 2-1 ODI series win over India.

England enter the series after losing 2-1 at home to New Zealand, while Pakistan drew their recent Test series in the West Indies.

England squad for first two Tests against Pakistan: Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan ******* , Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, and Josh Tongue.

#duckett #fleming

Texas A&M's 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State is just over three weeks away, while the Aggies have already completed two preseason practices since Wednesday evening. Overall, the takeaways have been varied, ranging from starting quarterback Marcel Reed's increased accuracy and confidence as a passer to junior wide receiver Terry Bussey, who bulked up this summer and improved as a route runner.
Sticking with Texas A&M's borderline elite wide receiver corps, former Alabama wideout Isaiah Horton brings much-needed size to a rotation built on NFL-level talent, led by Mario Cravers' elite twitch and quickness, paired with Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey's track speed. After transferring from Mississippi State before the 2025 season, Craver reeled in 59 receptions for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns, developing immediate chemistry with Marcel Reed.
Reed and Isaiah Horton go back to their high school playing days in Tennessee, and while they have yet to play together at the college level, it's clear that after two practices, both players are on the same page. Horton's catch radius was on full display during Thursday's practice, captured by Texas A&M's media team after the senior wideout snagged Reed's well-thrown pass.
Horton is in line to earn the starting X receiver job, and, on paper, will open up the passing game for Reed, allowing Mario Craver to roam the middle of the field and allowing the redshirt junior to take more 50/50 shots downfield, which was not the case last season given the lack of size on the outside.
Losing star WR KC Concepcion, who led the Aggies in receiving yards and touchdowns last season, likely won't have a massive impact on new OC Holmon Wiggins' ability to push the ball down the field on early downs given his background as one of the top wide receivers coaches.

#season #wide #receiver #marcel

England have named a 16-member squad for the first two Tests of the three-match series against Pakistan, which begins later this month and is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.

The squad marks the start of a new phase for England after the retirement of Ben Stokes and the departure of head coach Brendon McCullum.

Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence and Sam Cook have all returned to the Test squad, while Jordan ******* is also back and is expected to bat at No. 3, according to The Guardian. ******* gets the opportunity after Jacob Bethell was ruled out of the series with an injury.

England are coming into the series after losing to New Zealand and will now begin life under returning captain Joe Root and interim head coach Marcus Trescothick.

Root, who was reappointed Test captain in July, will lead England for the first time since returning to the role. Fleming, who has been appointed as McCullum's replacement, will take charge from the Test series against South Africa in December.

The first Test begins at Headingley on August 19. England have named a 16-player squad, giving Root several options before deciding on the final XI.
133008880
One of the main selection decisions will be how to balance the side without a genuine all-rounder following Stokes' retirement.

Shoaib Bashir remains England's main spin option in the squad, while Lawrence's recall is not only because he is the leading run-scorer in Division One of the County Championship. He is set to bat at No. 6, but his off-spin could allow England to field four frontline fast bowlers at Headingley.

England squad: Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan ******* , Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.

#test #squad #ollie #stokes

England have been dealt a major blow with Jacob Bethell ruled out of the Test series against Pakistan – with Surrey batters Ollie Pope and Dan Lawrence recalled to the squad.
Bethell suffered a knee injury in the final ODI against India and is set to miss all three Tests in a major set-back for the young left-hander.
Jordan ***** , who made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier in the summer, will bat at No 3 in Bethell's absence, with Pope returning to the squad having been dropped during the Ashes to provide experienced batting and wicket-keeping cover.
England's Jordan ***** (left) will bat at No 3 against Pakistan (PA Wire)
Lawrence, meanwhile, is rewarded for an outstanding summer for Surrey that currently sees him as the second top run-scorer in Division One of the County Championship, and will bat at No 6.

#test

Surrey duo Ollie Pope and Dan Lawrence have been recalled to the England squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan.
The pair have been named in a 16-man squad before the series opener at Headingley on Wednesday 19 August but Jacob Bethell will miss the entire series through injury.
The three-match series marks England's first Test outing since the retirement of captain Ben Stokes and sacking of head coach Brendon McCullum.
Joe Root will captain the side for the first time since being reappointed to the role in July, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim head coach. McCullum's replacement, Stephen Fleming, will begin his tenure against South Africa in December.
England's 16-man squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan ****** , Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.

#first #tests

Texas A&M's 2026 wide receiver rotation will be led by junior Mario Craver, who, after transferring from Mississippi State before the 2025 season, reeled in a career-high 59 receptions for 917 yards and 4 touchdowns and is widely considered one of the most dangerous players after the catch, averaging nearly 9 yards after contact.
Combined with redshirt sophomore Ashton Bethel-Roman, who recorded 28 receptions, 547 yards and 5 touchdowns during his first starting season, and junior Terry Bussey, who has yet to live up to his elite potential, experience will not be an issue, while the offseason addition of Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton, who brings much-needed size to the rotation at 6'4" completes one of the more dangerous receiver room in the nation.
Redshirt freshman and former five-star wideout Jerome Myles, and freshman Aaron Gregory, who stood out this spring as one of several first-year players who could see early playing time, provide redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed with the size, speed, and versatility to keep Craver, Bethel-Roman, Bussey, and Horton healthy and avoid overusage later in the year.
Among returning wide receivers in the SEC, Isaiah Horton's 8 touchdowns last season with the Crimson Tide lead the conference, along with Ashton Bethel-Roman (5) and Mario Craver (4), making Texas A&M the only SEC program with three receivers on the list of most touchdown receptions.
Marcel Reed's focus this offseason has been improving his accuracy, touch, and decision-making in the pocket, especially eliminating "mental mistakes" that led to throwing four interceptions in losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff last season. If Reed fails to reach his ceiling, no one can blame this wide receiver rotation; that's for sure.

#rotation

A curious summer for England will continue in August as Pakistan arrive for a three-Test tour with Marcus Trescothick in interim charge of the hosts.
Stephen Fleming has been installed as Brendon McCullum's successor with the Test team but will not take up his role until September, leaving Trescothick to join a reappointed Joe Root in trying to set a new direction after a bruising series against New Zealand earlier in the year.
While Fleming will have some say in selection, the indications are that Trescothick and Root will be prominent voices, too, alongside selector Marcus North – who is set to speak after the squad is unveiled next week.
The retirement of Ben Stokes leaves a significant hole with England apparently lacking a like-for-like replacement as a seam-bowling all-rounder, with the knock-on impacts perhaps significant for the composition of the rest of the attack.
There may be batting places to think about, too, with Jacob Bethell a slight injury doubt. Here are five key decisions to be made:

#marcus #august

NEW DELHI: India's stand-in bowling coach Sunil Joshi has urged everyone to keep the spotlight firmly on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's batting, lavishing praise on the teenage sensation after his record-breaking knock in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe while revealing that the youngster's bowling will be developed gradually at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).

Sooryavanshi lit up the Harare Sports Club with a breathtaking 18-ball half-century, becoming the youngest player to score a T20I fifty. His whirlwind innings, featuring four fours and four sixes, turned India's chase of 126 into a one-sided affair as the reigning T20 World Cup champions sealed victory with 40 ****** to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Ahead of the second T20I, Joshi said the teenager's explosive batting should remain the primary focus.

"I think the first thing is, let's focus on his batting. He's been sensational and I'm glad that he has done well. This is a happy hunting ground for him. He performed well in the U19 World Cup finals here. He had a good performance yesterday as well," Joshi told reporters.

The former India spinner also disclosed that Sooryavanshi's bowling is part of the long-term plan.

"Vaibhav has been very comfortable with his batting. Whenever we get time in his bowling, I'll work with him in the CoE. Whenever we see him bowling well, we'll definitely and quickly focus on that," he said.
Joshi also called for patience with emerging seam-bowling all-rounder Suryansh Shedge, who has drawn comparisons with established stars such as Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

The stand-in bowling coach insisted every player has their own journey and warned against making premature comparisons.

"Look, we shouldn't compare. Suryansh is making his place in the Indian team. Hardik has made his place. Shivam has also made his place. So, he's a rising talent. We have to persist with him. He's working on good things and good areas. That's what we want in the T20 format," he said.

Joshi also highlighted the bowling depth available in India's squad, pointing to top-order batters Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, who can also contribute with the ball.

"I think all three are good bowlers and all-rounders, although Abhishek Sharma has improved a lot. The coaches always want him to improve every time for the better. We also have Tilak Varma with us. He's another optional bowler. We have conversations with him about not giving too many runs, bowling more dot ****** , and focusing on the basics," he further added.
Joshi also praised leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, revealing that a minor adjustment to his run-up helped him bounce back after a difficult outing against England earlier this month.

Bishnoi endured a forgettable spell of 0/60 in Manchester, where England batter Jacob Bethell smashed 29 runs in a single over. However, the leg-spinner responded impressively in Harare with figures of 1/24 from four overs.

According to Joshi, t

England great Alastair Cook has revived the debate over Jacob Bethell's IPL stint, saying international cricket should always come before franchise leagues.

His comments have resurfaced after Bethell was ruled out of this year's The Hundred with a knee injury, denying him valuable match practice ahead of England's Test series against Pakistan.

Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast alongside Mo Bobat and Dinesh Karthik, Cook doubled down on his earlier criticism of Bethell staying in the IPL despite limited opportunities.

"What I'm saying, I think this is where it's really important. I'm here for the Test match in a week's time, and one of our No. 3 players (is sitting on the bench)... I think it's really important that English cricket is more important than an IPL or a franchise. That's what I think, and apparently, I'm not allowed to think it, because the IPL is the best tournament in the world," the former skipper said.
— StickToCricket (StickToCricket)
Cook also questioned the value of Bethell spending another IPL season on the bench, adding: "So I'm taking it from Jacob Bethel, who sat on the bench the year before and learnt from all those players, who then also sitting on the bench is not playing. I'm sitting here going, my No. 3 to the side I actually really want to win, which is England, no disrespect to RCB and all those franchises, I want England to be the most successful side."

Cook's comments have gained fresh attention after Bethell suffered a knee injury during England's ODI series against India, forcing him to withdraw from The Hundred, where he was due to captain Birmingham Phoenix.

The setback has also raised doubts over his availability for England's upcoming Test series against Pakistan.
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Earlier this year, Bethell defended his decision to remain at Royal Challengers Bengaluru despite limited game time, saying there is "no right or wrong way" and insisting training in the IPL had helped his development even when he wasn't part of the playing XI.

#england #think

'English cricket is more important than IPL' - Alastair Cook and RCB director Mo Babat in heated debate over Jacob Bethell originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Alastair Cook renewed criticism of Jacob Bethell staying with RCB over England prep.
Mo Bobat defends Bethell, blaming scheduling clashes, not player choices.
Debate reignites after Bethell ruled out of The Hundred with injury.
England legend Alastair Cook has reignited a long-running debate around Jacob Bethell's decision to stay with the IPL despite limited playing time, insisting international duty should always take precedence over franchise commitments.

#bethell #jacob #debate #babat

England all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the 2026 edition of The Hundred after sustaining a right knee injury during the recently concluded ODI series against India.

Bethell, who was retained by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 340,000 ahead of The Hundred's inaugural player auction, had also been appointed captain for the upcoming season. However, an MRI scan conducted on Monday confirmed the extent of the injury, forcing the 22-year-old to withdraw from the tournament. He is set to begin his rehabilitation programme immediately.

The setback comes after a mixed white-ball series against India, where Bethell produced flashes of brilliance despite inconsistent returns. He struck an unbeaten 76 off 46 **** in the second T20I before finishing the ODI series with a composed 91 in the final match.
Birmingham Phoenix head coach Shane Bond admitted the franchise was disappointed to lose both its captain and one of its most influential players but stressed that Bethell's long-term recovery remains the priority.

"We're all incredibly disappointed for Jacob and gutted he won't be able to join us this year. It's frustrating to lose a player of his quality, not least your captain, this close to the tournament, but his long-term fitness has to be the priority. Everyone at the club wishes him the very best with his recovery and we look forward to seeing him back on the field as soon as possible, " Bond said in the official statement released by the franchise.

Bond also confirmed that Donovan Ferreira will take over the captaincy, backing the South African to lead the side.

"In Donovan Ferreira we have a real leader who knows what it takes to go deep into the competition. He's won it before and will be a great person for the younger members of the squad to learn from. We're lucky to have someone of his stature to step into the captaincy," he added.
Reacting to the injury, Bethell expressed his disappointment at missing the tournament, particularly the opportunity to play in front of Birmingham Phoenix supporters at Edgbaston.

"It's frustrating to miss out on The Hundred, especially representing Birmingham Phoenix in front of our supporters at Edgbaston. Unfortunately, I need to take the time to get back to full fitness, " Bethell said in the statement.
Jacob Bethell played a key role for Birmingham Phoenix during The Hundred 2025, featuring in eight matches as a middle-order all-rounder. He scored 122 runs at a strike rate of 143.53 while also picking up three wickets with his left-arm spin, impressing with his finishing ability and versatility. His performances in the tournament proved to be a springboard to international cricket, earning him selection for England's senior white-ball squads later that year.

#captain

England youngster Jacob Bethell has opened up about the unforgettable experience of opening the batting alongside Virat Kohli at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during his stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), describing the atmosphere as unlike anything he had experienced before.

Bethell, who joined RCB after being signed in the 2025 IPL mega auction, shared the dressing room with Kohli during the franchise's back-to-back ******* le-winning campaigns in 2025 and 2026. Although the young all-rounder had a mixed season with the bat, he said the opportunity to walk out alongside one of the game's modern greats remains a career highlight.
Speaking on the Super Over podcast on YouTube, Bethell admitted he was overwhelmed by nerves before his first home appearance in Bengaluru.

"That was crazy. I remember being really nervous before. It was only my first game in front of home fans. I was nervous to say the least. But as soon as I got onto the ground, I just felt a sense of excitement. I ran drinks for quite a lot of the competition. Looking at the atmosphere and wanting to get a piece of it,'' Jacob Bethell said.

"We were walking out to bat. I can only hear myself think... the place is bouncing, there is no gap in it. You feel like they are on top of you. Luckily enough, we managed to put on a few runs; I scored a few, he scored a few. I remember I hit my second ball for four and I have never heard a sound that loud," he added.
Bethell also shed light on Kohli's personality away from the spotlight, saying the former RCB captain is far more relaxed than his fiery on-field persona suggests.

"Away from cricket and off the field, he's actually a very chilled individual. Great to talk to, great to spend time around. But it's just that ability to then flip into that competitive nature in and around cricket or training, " Bethell revealed

Bethell's IPL 2026 campaign yielded 163 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 140.52, but the England all-rounder has previously credited Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Dinesh Karthik in a video posted by RCB on their official handle for helping him improve his game, particularly against spin, during his time with the Bengaluru franchise.

#england

If Texas A&M has any chance at making it back to the College Football Playoff for the second straight season, redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed must improve in several areas, including eliminating the mental mistakes that heavily contributed to the Aggies' back-to-back losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
This offseason, Reed quickly went to work on his own, spending several weeks at the D1 Training facility in Nashville, Tennessee, his hometown, adding more muscle to his frame, while sitting down for a long-form interview that has since been cut up for your viewing pleasure.
Tuesday's release centered around Reed's goals for the 2026 season, which, heading into his third year and second full starting campaign, the NFL remains in his sights, and naming all the wide receivers he'll be throwing to this fall, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, who joins Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman, Terry Bussey, and, likely to crack the lineup, standout freshman Aaron Gregory, Texas A&M's offense is in good hands.
Last season, which Reed acknowledged, his personal stats skyrocketed, completing 62% of his passes for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns, while his 12 interceptions were the main issue, tied for second in the SEC, with four of his interceptions coming against Texas and Miami.
Eliminating turnovers is one thing, but consistency, especially completing a high percentage of his passes from start to finish, and making good decisions while avoiding passing attempts in double coverage, and taking the easy throw to move the chains, should result in late-season success and a shot at being selected in the 2027 or 2028 NFL Draft.

The England Test players with the most to lose after Brendon McCullum's exit: Who stays and who could make way originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Brendon McCullum sacked as England Test coach; Andy Flower emerges as favourite replacement.
Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith and Jacob Bethell must perform or perish.
New coach might not hand them a bigger safety net.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik believes Andy Flower would be an outstanding candidate to succeed Brendon McCullum as England's Test head coach but feels the Zimbabwean is unlikely to leave the IPL franchise because of his existing commitments.

England are searching for a new Test coach after McCullum stepped down from the role following a disappointing run in red-ball cricket. While he will continue to oversee England's white-ball teams, the Test side is looking for a fresh leader after the end of the 'Bazball' era.

Flower, who previously guided England to the top of the ICC Test rankings and their last Ashes triumph in Australia, has emerged as one of the names linked with the vacancy. However, Karthik believes balancing England's Test calendar with Flower's commitments at RCB would be extremely difficult.

"In all seriousness, I think he'll be a great candidate," Karthik said on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.

"He definitely should be one of the names thought of, but I would be very surprised if he took it, considering where England are and his packed schedule as well. He used to do a lot of leagues, and I'm sure that he didn't have time. I read an article which said that England will be happy to accommodate IPL and then the rest of Test cricket, but with the schedule being the way it is, [it'll be very difficult]. Like, when Jacob Bethell didn't come in for the first Test, Jofra Archer not being available, it kicked up a fuss, and there were plenty of people saying, 'Why? How come one of the players is not there?'"

Karthik also questioned whether England could accept their Test coach missing matches during the IPL, pointing to Flower's commitment with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

"With Andy Flower, with an already pre-signed contract with RCB, which would mean that he would miss parts of all those [Tests]. Will it be okay for England in the preparation for the Ashes if they don't have a coach for a Test match or two? I heard there's a Test match against Bangladesh in May next year, and if Andy Flower is doing RCB, that could be a challenge as well."

Despite those concerns, Karthik had no doubts about Flower's coaching credentials.

"Is he good? Definitely. He is probably one of the best in the world, if not the best. Will he have time? That's the question. I would be very surprised if the answer is a yes," he said.

Flower joined RCB ahead of the 2024 IPL season on a three-year deal and has remained a key figure in the franchise's coaching set-up. While he is among the leading contenders to replace McCullum, Karthik believes the demands of international cricket and franchise commitments make such a move difficult to envisage.

India's disappointing UK tour has continued to unravel on the field, but the latest ICC Men's T20I Rankings have provided a rare silver lining, with Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma holding on to the top two batting spots despite the team's struggles against Ireland and England.

India's white-ball campaign has endured a miserable run, beginning with a 2-0 series defeat to Ireland before Shreyas Iyer's side slipped to a 2-0 deficit against England in the ongoing five-match T20I series after the opening match was washed out. England's emphatic 125-run victory in the third T20I also went down as India's biggest-ever defeat in the format.

Yet, even amid the setbacks, India's premier T20I batters continue to dominate the global rankings.
The latest ICC rankings confirmed that Ishan Kishan remains the world's No. 1 T20I batter, with teammate Abhishek Sharma retaining the No. 2 position.

There was another positive for India in the form of new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, who enjoyed one of the biggest jumps of the week. After scoring 68 in the rain-hit opening game against England and following it up with 37 in the second T20I, Iyer surged an astonishing 425 places to joint 93rd in the batting rankings.

England, meanwhile, were richly rewarded for their commanding performances.

Jacob Bethell climbed seven places to No. 8 after his unbeaten 76 off 46 **** helped England secure victory in the second T20I.

Sam Curran also enjoyed a productive week, rising 12 places to No. 108 among batters after contributing an unbeaten 41 and climbing 12 spots to joint 71st in the bowling rankings following figures of 3/33. His all-round exploits also lifted him six places to joint 13th among T20I all-rounders.
Veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid returned to the top three of the T20I bowling rankings after moving up one place to No. 3 thanks to his miserly figures of 2/14 in England's record win.
132261879

Second Twenty20 international, Emirates Old Trafford
India 190-7 (20 overs): Kishan 49 (40), Sharma 43 (24), Iyer 37 (22); Curran 3-33
England 191-6 (19 overs): Bethell 76* (46), Brook 39 (15), Banton 39 (32), Arshdeep 3-40
England won by four wickets, lead five-match series 1-0
Scorecard

Jun. 30—New divisional ******* ignments for fall sports were unveiled by the Ohio High School Athletic ******* ociation on Thursday, June 25.
The changes were made effective as of June 17.
Volleyball saw 19 schools changing divisions.
Bethel is the most affected school. Four of its six fall sports teams will be moving up one division.
Xenia has three of its teams changing divisions with one program moving up and two moving down.