2 months ago
PAWTUCKET – Jim Fleming wasn't interested in capping his team's best drive of the day with a field goal.
A short kick would have meant the lead early in the fourth quarter at Centreville Bank Stadium, but the University of Rhode Island coach felt more was needed. The Rams hadn't come all the way out from their own 2 to settle.
Terrence Campbell smashed up the middle from 1 yard out, a touchdown that served as fuel for No. 8 URI over the final 15 minutes. What was a frustrating, tense start to this Coastal Athletic ***** ociation opener with Elon wound up a relatively comfortable victory.
The Rams forced five turnovers and finally found some offensive rhythm in the second half while posting a 31-10 triumph on brilliant Saturday afternoon, Sept. 12. That's now 16 straight for URI in home games, and this temporary residence while Meade Stadium undergoes its extensive renovation was christened properly.
"You were wondering what the heck was going on in the first half," Fleming said. "As is representative of this group, they continue to go ahead and find ways."
#stadium #centreville #bank #rhode
A short kick would have meant the lead early in the fourth quarter at Centreville Bank Stadium, but the University of Rhode Island coach felt more was needed. The Rams hadn't come all the way out from their own 2 to settle.
Terrence Campbell smashed up the middle from 1 yard out, a touchdown that served as fuel for No. 8 URI over the final 15 minutes. What was a frustrating, tense start to this Coastal Athletic ***** ociation opener with Elon wound up a relatively comfortable victory.
The Rams forced five turnovers and finally found some offensive rhythm in the second half while posting a 31-10 triumph on brilliant Saturday afternoon, Sept. 12. That's now 16 straight for URI in home games, and this temporary residence while Meade Stadium undergoes its extensive renovation was christened properly.
"You were wondering what the heck was going on in the first half," Fleming said. "As is representative of this group, they continue to go ahead and find ways."
#stadium #centreville #bank #rhode
2 months ago
Four-star small forward Carson Crawford has committed to Arizona State, he told Rivals.
The 6-foot-6 senior out of Fleming Island (FL) is ranked as the No. 47 overall recruit in the 2027 class and the No. 12 ranked small forward, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an average of all three major recruiting media companies (Rivals, ESPN, 247Sports).
Crawford is a strong pickup for new Sun Devils coach Randy Bennett, who arrived in Tempe this offseason after 25 years at Saint Mary's, where he became the program's all-time winningest coach with 589 wins and led the Gaels to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Along with Arizona State, Crawford received offers from Florida State, Ole Miss, Providence, Syracuse, and others.
This summer, he won a Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship with the Florida Rebels, where he averaged 7.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting better than 55% from the field during the ******* le run.
#arizona #forward #four
The 6-foot-6 senior out of Fleming Island (FL) is ranked as the No. 47 overall recruit in the 2027 class and the No. 12 ranked small forward, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an average of all three major recruiting media companies (Rivals, ESPN, 247Sports).
Crawford is a strong pickup for new Sun Devils coach Randy Bennett, who arrived in Tempe this offseason after 25 years at Saint Mary's, where he became the program's all-time winningest coach with 589 wins and led the Gaels to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Along with Arizona State, Crawford received offers from Florida State, Ole Miss, Providence, Syracuse, and others.
This summer, he won a Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship with the Florida Rebels, where he averaged 7.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting better than 55% from the field during the ******* le run.
#arizona #forward #four
2 months ago
A new era of English cricket begins with Stephen Fleming as head coach when Pakistan continue their tour of the country for the three-match series.
Joe Root also returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement and will hope for a winning start to life back in charge. The visitors are touring England for Test cricket after six years, having lost the three-match series in 2020.
STREAM: England vs. Pakistan LIVE on fubo via Willow TV
The opening Test at Headingley saw England win by an innings and 103 runs, with the two subsequent matches scheduled to be played at Lord's and Edgbaston.
How will Pakistan respond at Lord's this week?
#Cricket #series #english #stephen
Joe Root also returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement and will hope for a winning start to life back in charge. The visitors are touring England for Test cricket after six years, having lost the three-match series in 2020.
STREAM: England vs. Pakistan LIVE on fubo via Willow TV
The opening Test at Headingley saw England win by an innings and 103 runs, with the two subsequent matches scheduled to be played at Lord's and Edgbaston.
How will Pakistan respond at Lord's this week?
#Cricket #series #english #stephen
2 months ago
Where to watch England vs. Pakistan free live stream, TV channel, start time for 2nd Test originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A new era of English cricket begins with Stephen Fleming as head coach when Pakistan continue their tour of the country for the three-match series.
Joe Root also returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement and will hope for a winning start to life back in charge. The visitors are touring England for Test cricket after six years, having lost the three-match series in 2020.
The opening Test at Headingley saw England win by an innings and 103 runs, with the two subsequent matches scheduled to be played at Lord's and Edgbaston.
How will Pakistan respond at Lord's this week?
#start #three #match
A new era of English cricket begins with Stephen Fleming as head coach when Pakistan continue their tour of the country for the three-match series.
Joe Root also returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement and will hope for a winning start to life back in charge. The visitors are touring England for Test cricket after six years, having lost the three-match series in 2020.
The opening Test at Headingley saw England win by an innings and 103 runs, with the two subsequent matches scheduled to be played at Lord's and Edgbaston.
How will Pakistan respond at Lord's this week?
#start #three #match
2 months ago
East Union's Ann Fleming Leflore has been voted the Daily Journal Female Athlete of the Week, while New Albany's Coen Foster and Nettleton's Tyler Gilbert are Male co-Athletes of the Week for Aug. 17-22.
Leflore, an outside hitter for the volleyball team, had a huge week. Over the course of six matches, the junior notched 91 kills, including 52 during the Union County Tournament, which East Union won. Leflore earned 59.4% of the vote in the Female Athlete of the Week Twitter poll, beating out Myrtle's Ally Murphy and Walnut's Molly-Kate Rolison.
Foster and Gilbert tied in the Male Athlete of the Week poll, as each earned 38.5% of the vote. Foster, a cross country runner, won the Myrtle Invitational race on Saturday with a time of 16 minutes, 23.47 seconds. Gilbert, a member of Nettleton's football team, scored two touchdowns in a 16-15 jamboree win versus Mantachie on Friday.
Hamilton's Sebastian Joslin was the other nominee.
#male #union
Leflore, an outside hitter for the volleyball team, had a huge week. Over the course of six matches, the junior notched 91 kills, including 52 during the Union County Tournament, which East Union won. Leflore earned 59.4% of the vote in the Female Athlete of the Week Twitter poll, beating out Myrtle's Ally Murphy and Walnut's Molly-Kate Rolison.
Foster and Gilbert tied in the Male Athlete of the Week poll, as each earned 38.5% of the vote. Foster, a cross country runner, won the Myrtle Invitational race on Saturday with a time of 16 minutes, 23.47 seconds. Gilbert, a member of Nettleton's football team, scored two touchdowns in a 16-15 jamboree win versus Mantachie on Friday.
Hamilton's Sebastian Joslin was the other nominee.
#male #union
2 months ago
Portugal have found a rather unexpected way to avenge their FIFA World Cup heartbreak against Spain.
Just over a month after Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by their neighbours, Portugal got one back — not on a football pitch, but on a cricket field.
Portugal defeated Spain by 57 runs in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier C in 2026, ending Spain's campaign and keeping their own dream of reaching the 2028 T20 World Cup alive.
The football defeat had come in July, when Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, USA. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in stoppage time of regulation time, sending Ronaldo's Portugal out of the tournament.
This time, though, it was Portugal celebrating at Spain's expense.
Led by former Australia international Moises Henriques, Portugal produced a composed performance to claim the crucial qualifying victory.
Spain captain Christian Munoz-Mills won the toss and chose to field, but Portugal built a competitive total of 160/6.
Dhavalkumar Norotam made 23 and Christopher De Freitas scored 39 as Portugal made a steady start without quite managing to dominate the Spanish attack. Henriques, meanwhile, contributed 18 but could not convert his start into a substantial innings.
Portugal accelerated late in the innings through Craig Cachopa, who struck 25 off 21 ****** , while Carlos Nunes added 15 off nine. Jeremy Martins provided an important final push with an unbeaten 18 off just eight deliveries.
Yasir Ali and Lorne Burns were Spain's best bowlers, taking two wickets apiece.
Spain's chase initially threatened to become interesting, but Portugal's bowlers quickly put the brakes on the pursuit.
Sebastian de Oliveira made the breakthrough early, while Martins also chipped in as Portugal reduced Spain to 32/3. Yasir Ali and Daniel Doyle Calle then began rebuilding the innings and gave Spain hope of mounting a serious chase.
Siraj Ullah Khadem changed the complexion of the contest in the 11th over when he bowled Yasir for 29.
With the pitch making life difficult for incoming batters, Portugal steadily tightened their grip. Khadem finished with impressive figures of 2/19, while Edward Fleming delivered the decisive blow with a three-wicket haul for just 13 runs.
Spain's promising chase soon turned into a procession, and Martins completed the job by bowling Lorne Burns as Portugal wrapped up a 57-run victory.
The triumph sends Portugal into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in 2027, putting them one step closer to a place in the global qualifying tournament for the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Portugal join Jersey and Denmark in the Europe Qualifier, while Scotland enter directly because of the exceptional circumstances surrounding their participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Italy and the Netherlands, meanwhile, advance directly to the Global Qualifier.
For Portugal,
Just over a month after Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by their neighbours, Portugal got one back — not on a football pitch, but on a cricket field.
Portugal defeated Spain by 57 runs in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier C in 2026, ending Spain's campaign and keeping their own dream of reaching the 2028 T20 World Cup alive.
The football defeat had come in July, when Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, USA. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in stoppage time of regulation time, sending Ronaldo's Portugal out of the tournament.
This time, though, it was Portugal celebrating at Spain's expense.
Led by former Australia international Moises Henriques, Portugal produced a composed performance to claim the crucial qualifying victory.
Spain captain Christian Munoz-Mills won the toss and chose to field, but Portugal built a competitive total of 160/6.
Dhavalkumar Norotam made 23 and Christopher De Freitas scored 39 as Portugal made a steady start without quite managing to dominate the Spanish attack. Henriques, meanwhile, contributed 18 but could not convert his start into a substantial innings.
Portugal accelerated late in the innings through Craig Cachopa, who struck 25 off 21 ****** , while Carlos Nunes added 15 off nine. Jeremy Martins provided an important final push with an unbeaten 18 off just eight deliveries.
Yasir Ali and Lorne Burns were Spain's best bowlers, taking two wickets apiece.
Spain's chase initially threatened to become interesting, but Portugal's bowlers quickly put the brakes on the pursuit.
Sebastian de Oliveira made the breakthrough early, while Martins also chipped in as Portugal reduced Spain to 32/3. Yasir Ali and Daniel Doyle Calle then began rebuilding the innings and gave Spain hope of mounting a serious chase.
Siraj Ullah Khadem changed the complexion of the contest in the 11th over when he bowled Yasir for 29.
With the pitch making life difficult for incoming batters, Portugal steadily tightened their grip. Khadem finished with impressive figures of 2/19, while Edward Fleming delivered the decisive blow with a three-wicket haul for just 13 runs.
Spain's promising chase soon turned into a procession, and Martins completed the job by bowling Lorne Burns as Portugal wrapped up a 57-run victory.
The triumph sends Portugal into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in 2027, putting them one step closer to a place in the global qualifying tournament for the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Portugal join Jersey and Denmark in the Europe Qualifier, while Scotland enter directly because of the exceptional circumstances surrounding their participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Italy and the Netherlands, meanwhile, advance directly to the Global Qualifier.
For Portugal,
3 months ago
SOUTH KINGSTOWN — AJ Peña and Justin Carcel are practicing for a 2026 college football season in which they might not play.
Jim Fleming isn't certain whether or not his All-American edge rusher and veteran defensive back will be available.
Players and coaches alike are still attempting to pick their way through an ever more complicated landscape involving the NCAA, the legal system, additional years of eligibility and much more. What's definite is this — the University of Rhode Island will visit Merrimack for a Friday night kickoff, the No. 7 team in the nation looking for a third straight Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth.
"I'm in the middle of it, but I'm trying not to think about it too much," Peña said after Friday morning's practice at Meade Stadium. "I've got Aug. 28 — that's really what I'm focused on. It's Week 1."
Truthfully, that everyday preparation is all Peña can control. State courts, circuit courts, a governing body in college sports that keeps getting put on the deck through temporary injunctions and restraining orders — it's a dizzying current state of affairs. Fleming has been in coaching for more than four decades and couldn't imagine such changes when he started out in the 1980s.
#Friday #state
Jim Fleming isn't certain whether or not his All-American edge rusher and veteran defensive back will be available.
Players and coaches alike are still attempting to pick their way through an ever more complicated landscape involving the NCAA, the legal system, additional years of eligibility and much more. What's definite is this — the University of Rhode Island will visit Merrimack for a Friday night kickoff, the No. 7 team in the nation looking for a third straight Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth.
"I'm in the middle of it, but I'm trying not to think about it too much," Peña said after Friday morning's practice at Meade Stadium. "I've got Aug. 28 — that's really what I'm focused on. It's Week 1."
Truthfully, that everyday preparation is all Peña can control. State courts, circuit courts, a governing body in college sports that keeps getting put on the deck through temporary injunctions and restraining orders — it's a dizzying current state of affairs. Fleming has been in coaching for more than four decades and couldn't imagine such changes when he started out in the 1980s.
#Friday #state
3 months ago
The Commanders' King Boylston scored the deciding two-point conversion in overtime after White stopped Trinity's two-point try, winning a thriller. … White's King Mercer scored a two-point try with 32 seconds left to force OT. … Terel Dallas took a fumble all the way to the end zone to push Trinity in front in the third quarter, and Micah Anderson followed with a touchdown run in a spurt of 28 unanswered points. … King Boylston's 90-yard touchdown run sparked the Commanders (1-0) to an early 14-0 lead.
The visiting Senators struck fast to down Sandalwood (0-1) in a Gateway Conference rivalry.
Zion Longmire's 80-yard touchdown run started Fleming Island (1-0) on the road to victory over the Stingrays (0-1). … Greyson Critch also found Ryan Siliac for a touchdown pass.
KJ Palmer ran for two touchdowns and Paxon (1-1) bounced back with a win over Wolfson (0-1).
The Barracudas had a feeding frenzy in their opener against the Greyhounds (0-1).
#mercer
The visiting Senators struck fast to down Sandalwood (0-1) in a Gateway Conference rivalry.
Zion Longmire's 80-yard touchdown run started Fleming Island (1-0) on the road to victory over the Stingrays (0-1). … Greyson Critch also found Ryan Siliac for a touchdown pass.
KJ Palmer ran for two touchdowns and Paxon (1-1) bounced back with a win over Wolfson (0-1).
The Barracudas had a feeding frenzy in their opener against the Greyhounds (0-1).
#mercer
3 months ago
Lots of movement over the weekend.
Iowa left-hander Josh Fleming was released.
Iowa right-hander Tyler Santana was activated off the Development List.
Left-hander Ethan Flanagan was promoted to Double-A Knoxville from High-A South Bend.
Outfielder Ethan Conrad was promoted to South Bend from Low-A Myrtle Beach.
#hander #promoted #lots #fleming
Iowa left-hander Josh Fleming was released.
Iowa right-hander Tyler Santana was activated off the Development List.
Left-hander Ethan Flanagan was promoted to Double-A Knoxville from High-A South Bend.
Outfielder Ethan Conrad was promoted to South Bend from Low-A Myrtle Beach.
#hander #promoted #lots #fleming
3 months ago
Pakistan suffer a major setback ahead of the first Test against England as newly reappointed captain Babar Azam is ruled out with a finger injury. Babar injures the middle finger of his right hand while batting against the West Indies and aggravates it during a warm-up game in Beckenham.
"Pakistan captain Babar Azam is unavailable for the first test match," Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said. "Salman Agha will be the captain for the first test."
Ahmed confirms that Babar's finger is not broken but says the team hopes the pain settles in time for the second Test at Lord's, starting August 27. Babar's absence is a significant blow after he recently returned as captain and was Pakistan's leading run-scorer against the West Indies.
Agha is set to captain Pakistan in a Test for the first time, having already led the team in T20 cricket. Shan Masood, who was replaced by Babar as captain, also returns after recovering from a broken finger.
"Our practice match gave us a lot of confidence," Ahmed said. "Whatever bases we needed to cover with bat and ball, we did. We believe we'll do very well here."
England, meanwhile, begin the series under a changed leadership setup. Joe Root returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement, while Brendon McCullum has also left the coaching role. Marcus Trescothick takes interim charge as new coach Stephen Fleming misses the series.
Root, who previously led England from 2017 to 2022, says his experience has prepared him for another stint as captain.
"I feel as ready as any other England captain that's ever been before," Root said. "To have that amount of experience is invaluable."
Harry Brook remains vice-captain, with Root confident of his support.
"I fully feel he's got my back like the rest of the guys do," Root said.
#root #england #finger #azam
"Pakistan captain Babar Azam is unavailable for the first test match," Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said. "Salman Agha will be the captain for the first test."
Ahmed confirms that Babar's finger is not broken but says the team hopes the pain settles in time for the second Test at Lord's, starting August 27. Babar's absence is a significant blow after he recently returned as captain and was Pakistan's leading run-scorer against the West Indies.
Agha is set to captain Pakistan in a Test for the first time, having already led the team in T20 cricket. Shan Masood, who was replaced by Babar as captain, also returns after recovering from a broken finger.
"Our practice match gave us a lot of confidence," Ahmed said. "Whatever bases we needed to cover with bat and ball, we did. We believe we'll do very well here."
England, meanwhile, begin the series under a changed leadership setup. Joe Root returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement, while Brendon McCullum has also left the coaching role. Marcus Trescothick takes interim charge as new coach Stephen Fleming misses the series.
Root, who previously led England from 2017 to 2022, says his experience has prepared him for another stint as captain.
"I feel as ready as any other England captain that's ever been before," Root said. "To have that amount of experience is invaluable."
Harry Brook remains vice-captain, with Root confident of his support.
"I fully feel he's got my back like the rest of the guys do," Root said.
#root #england #finger #azam
3 months ago
Chennai Super Kings are preparing for a significant transition after the end of Stephen Fleming's 18-year ***** ociation with the franchise, and former India opener K Srikkanth believes Michael Hussey could be the ideal man to take the team forward. Fleming's departure has left CSK searching for a new head coach for the first time in nearly two decades. The former New Zealand captain joined the franchise as a player in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before taking over as head coach in 2009.
Over the next 17 years, Fleming became one of the central figures behind CSK's identity, guiding the franchise to five IPL ***** les and two Champions League T20 trophies. His exit comes after CSK missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
Fleming has since taken up a new challenge, being appointed England's Test head coach, replacing Brendon McCullum.
As speculation grows over Fleming's successor, former India and CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin recently suggested that former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan could be among the names in contention. Srikkanth, however, has firmly rejected that possibility.
"I won't go for Eoin Morgan for sure. He was a good player and a good captain for England. But as a coach, I won't accept him as an option. Even for KKR as their captain, he didn't do anything great. It'll be best if he just sticks to commentary," said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel.
He also advised CSK against considering Brendon McCullum, who previously coached Kolkata Knight Riders and guided them to the IPL final in 2021.
"It'll be good for CSK if they don't appoint Brendon McCullum as the head coach. They should say no to both Morgan and McCullum," he added.
Instead, Srikkanth believes CSK already have a familiar figure within their ecosystem who could seamlessly step into the role. His choice is former CSK opener Michael Hussey, who has previously worked with the franchise as a batting coach.
"CSK don't need anyone from outside when they have Mr Cricket with him. Michael Hussey should be the automatic head coach. He will be the best choice," Srikkanth said.
The coaching vacancy is only one part of a much bigger transition facing CSK. The franchise's most successful era was built around the close partnership between Fleming and MS Dhoni, with the duo forming the tactical and cultural backbone of the team for years.
Dhoni's future is another major question for the franchise, particularly as CSK look to build around captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a younger core. Srikkanth himself believes that issue needs to be settled before the franchise can properly determine its next coaching structure.
"But what will MS Dhoni's place in CSK be going forward? That arrangement has to be fixed first, and only then will everything else fall in place," he said.
That could prove to be the most important decision of CSK's transition.
#coach #franchise #fleming
Over the next 17 years, Fleming became one of the central figures behind CSK's identity, guiding the franchise to five IPL ***** les and two Champions League T20 trophies. His exit comes after CSK missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
Fleming has since taken up a new challenge, being appointed England's Test head coach, replacing Brendon McCullum.
As speculation grows over Fleming's successor, former India and CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin recently suggested that former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan could be among the names in contention. Srikkanth, however, has firmly rejected that possibility.
"I won't go for Eoin Morgan for sure. He was a good player and a good captain for England. But as a coach, I won't accept him as an option. Even for KKR as their captain, he didn't do anything great. It'll be best if he just sticks to commentary," said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel.
He also advised CSK against considering Brendon McCullum, who previously coached Kolkata Knight Riders and guided them to the IPL final in 2021.
"It'll be good for CSK if they don't appoint Brendon McCullum as the head coach. They should say no to both Morgan and McCullum," he added.
Instead, Srikkanth believes CSK already have a familiar figure within their ecosystem who could seamlessly step into the role. His choice is former CSK opener Michael Hussey, who has previously worked with the franchise as a batting coach.
"CSK don't need anyone from outside when they have Mr Cricket with him. Michael Hussey should be the automatic head coach. He will be the best choice," Srikkanth said.
The coaching vacancy is only one part of a much bigger transition facing CSK. The franchise's most successful era was built around the close partnership between Fleming and MS Dhoni, with the duo forming the tactical and cultural backbone of the team for years.
Dhoni's future is another major question for the franchise, particularly as CSK look to build around captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a younger core. Srikkanth himself believes that issue needs to be settled before the franchise can properly determine its next coaching structure.
"But what will MS Dhoni's place in CSK be going forward? That arrangement has to be fixed first, and only then will everything else fall in place," he said.
That could prove to be the most important decision of CSK's transition.
#coach #franchise #fleming
3 months ago
As we remain in the doldrums of the NBA offseason, today, we begin our annual series in which we project the top players at each position for the campaign ahead.
We begin with the Top 27 point guards for the 2026-27 season, a project that was not easy to put together, as the point guard position is arguably the most loaded in the NBA today. The Top 2 feature MVP-caliber talents, the third-place finisher here finished Top 5 in the MVP vote himself, and a player who only just cracked the Top 5 led his team to a championship and earned Finals MVP honors just last year.
Just missed the cut: Kingston Flemings, Andrew Nembhard, Davion Mitchell
2026-27 salary: $8,021,640 (204th overall)
The reigning No. 7 overall pick and one of just two rookie point guards in this ranking, Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr.
#point #position #overall #kingston
We begin with the Top 27 point guards for the 2026-27 season, a project that was not easy to put together, as the point guard position is arguably the most loaded in the NBA today. The Top 2 feature MVP-caliber talents, the third-place finisher here finished Top 5 in the MVP vote himself, and a player who only just cracked the Top 5 led his team to a championship and earned Finals MVP honors just last year.
Just missed the cut: Kingston Flemings, Andrew Nembhard, Davion Mitchell
2026-27 salary: $8,021,640 (204th overall)
The reigning No. 7 overall pick and one of just two rookie point guards in this ranking, Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr.
#point #position #overall #kingston
3 months ago
Joe Root scraps ECB curfew set after Ben Stokes controversy, tells England players to 'be grown adults' originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Reappointed Test captain Joe Root scraps any talks of a curfew time for the England team.
The curfew was introduced in July after disciplinary actions were taken during the Ben Stokes controversy.
Root remained disappointed by Brendon McCullum's exit, but he remains excited to play under Stephen Fleming.
Newly appointed Test captain Joe Root was quick to scrap any curfew timings for the England cricket team ahead of the three-match Test series against Pakistan next week. The curfew was part of a strict set of guidelines that saw players having to check in to their hotels by 10 p.m. and included strict rules against appearing to be under the influence of alcohol.
#root #test #stokes #players
Reappointed Test captain Joe Root scraps any talks of a curfew time for the England team.
The curfew was introduced in July after disciplinary actions were taken during the Ben Stokes controversy.
Root remained disappointed by Brendon McCullum's exit, but he remains excited to play under Stephen Fleming.
Newly appointed Test captain Joe Root was quick to scrap any curfew timings for the England cricket team ahead of the three-match Test series against Pakistan next week. The curfew was part of a strict set of guidelines that saw players having to check in to their hotels by 10 p.m. and included strict rules against appearing to be under the influence of alcohol.
#root #test #stokes #players
3 months ago
R Ashwin names ODI World Cup-winning captain as surprise choice for next CSK head coach originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
R Ashwin has named Eoin Morgan as a surprise contender for the CSK head coach role.
Morgan captained England to their maiden ODI World Cup **** le in 2019.
CSK are searching for a successor to Stephen Fleming ahead of IPL 2027.
Chennai Super Kings' search for a new head coach has thrown up its most unexpected name yet, with R Ashwin suggesting England's 2019 ODI World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan could be in the frame. The former India spinner floated the idea while discussing the franchise's coaching vacancy.
#ashwin #head #coach #captain
R Ashwin has named Eoin Morgan as a surprise contender for the CSK head coach role.
Morgan captained England to their maiden ODI World Cup **** le in 2019.
CSK are searching for a successor to Stephen Fleming ahead of IPL 2027.
Chennai Super Kings' search for a new head coach has thrown up its most unexpected name yet, with R Ashwin suggesting England's 2019 ODI World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan could be in the frame. The former India spinner floated the idea while discussing the franchise's coaching vacancy.
#ashwin #head #coach #captain
3 months ago
'Take the good stuff': Jason Gillespie reveals what Stephen Fleming can learn from the McCullum-Stokes era originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jason Gillespie urges new England Test coach Stephen Fleming to retain positives from the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era.
Joe Root returns as captain after Stokes' retirement.
Fleming misses Pakistan series; Marcus Trescothick takes charge as interim coach.
Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie has advised Stephen Fleming to preserve what worked well during the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era while working on the areas that fell short.
#stokes #jason
Jason Gillespie urges new England Test coach Stephen Fleming to retain positives from the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era.
Joe Root returns as captain after Stokes' retirement.
Fleming misses Pakistan series; Marcus Trescothick takes charge as interim coach.
Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie has advised Stephen Fleming to preserve what worked well during the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era while working on the areas that fell short.
#stokes #jason
3 months ago
MS Dhoni part of CSK management? MSD held talks with Brendon McCullum in England over Chennai Super Kings head coach job - Report originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Chennai Super Kings' search for a new head coach continues after Stephen Fleming vacated the role.
CSK's priority remains finalising a new head coach before handling fresh IPL trades.
MS Dhoni is reportedly part of CSK team management now.
Dhoni met Brendon McCullum in England and held talks over the vacant coach's job.
#head #brendon
Chennai Super Kings' search for a new head coach continues after Stephen Fleming vacated the role.
CSK's priority remains finalising a new head coach before handling fresh IPL trades.
MS Dhoni is reportedly part of CSK team management now.
Dhoni met Brendon McCullum in England and held talks over the vacant coach's job.
#head #brendon
3 months ago
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.
133071954
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
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.
133071954
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
3 months ago
Bloomin' Brands raised its full-year earnings guidance Wednesday after higher menu prices pushed second-quarter profit above ***** yst expectations. The owner of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar reported net income of $31.3 million, or 36 cents a share, for the quarter ended June 28, up from $25.4 million, or 30 cents a share, a year earlier.
Adjusted earnings per share came in at 39 cents. ***** ysts had expected 29 cents, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Total revenue rose 1.3% to $1.02 billion. ***** ysts had projected $1.00 billion.
U.S. comparable restaurant sales grew 2.3% in the quarter. Bonefish Grill posted the strongest gain among the company's chains, with an 8.1% increase. Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Fleming's each rose more than 1%. The company said revenue growth was driven by higher comparable restaurant sales, partially offset by net restaurant closures.
Higher menu prices lifted the per-guest tab, which the company said was the key driver of improved margins during the period. Spending on the Outback turnaround plan also declined during the period, contributing to lower general and administrative costs and a wider operating margin.
#cents #Share #restaurant
Adjusted earnings per share came in at 39 cents. ***** ysts had expected 29 cents, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Total revenue rose 1.3% to $1.02 billion. ***** ysts had projected $1.00 billion.
U.S. comparable restaurant sales grew 2.3% in the quarter. Bonefish Grill posted the strongest gain among the company's chains, with an 8.1% increase. Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Fleming's each rose more than 1%. The company said revenue growth was driven by higher comparable restaurant sales, partially offset by net restaurant closures.
Higher menu prices lifted the per-guest tab, which the company said was the key driver of improved margins during the period. Spending on the Outback turnaround plan also declined during the period, contributing to lower general and administrative costs and a wider operating margin.
#cents #Share #restaurant
3 months ago
Bloomin' Brands (NASDAQ:BLMN) shares surged around 20% in pre-market trading after the restaurant operator reported second-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street expectations and raised its earnings guidance for the full year.
The company posted adjusted earnings of $0.39 per share, outperforming the ***** yst consensus estimate of $0.29 by $0.10. Revenue increased 1.3% year over year to $1.02 billion, exceeding market expectations of $1.0 billion.
Bloomin' Brands recorded U.S. comparable restaurant sales growth of 2.3% during the quarter.
Bonefish Grill led the group's performance with comparable sales growth of 8.1%, followed by Carrabba's Italian Grill at 1.7%, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at 1.6% and Outback Steakhouse at 1.4%.
Following the stronger-than-expected quarter, Bloomin' Brands increased its adjusted earnings guidance for fiscal 2026.
#bloomin #year #grill #market
The company posted adjusted earnings of $0.39 per share, outperforming the ***** yst consensus estimate of $0.29 by $0.10. Revenue increased 1.3% year over year to $1.02 billion, exceeding market expectations of $1.0 billion.
Bloomin' Brands recorded U.S. comparable restaurant sales growth of 2.3% during the quarter.
Bonefish Grill led the group's performance with comparable sales growth of 8.1%, followed by Carrabba's Italian Grill at 1.7%, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at 1.6% and Outback Steakhouse at 1.4%.
Following the stronger-than-expected quarter, Bloomin' Brands increased its adjusted earnings guidance for fiscal 2026.
#bloomin #year #grill #market
3 months ago
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
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
3 months ago
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
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
3 months ago
India captain who conquered Test series in Australia gives verdict on England coach Stephen Fleming before Ashes 2027 originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ajinkya Rahane has praised England's new Test coach Stephen Fleming ahead of the 2027 Ashes.
Rahane played under Fleming at Chennai Super Kings, winning the IPL 2023 ******* le.
He credited the coach for the freedom and security he gave players.
Ajinkya Rahane knows a thing or two about thriving under pressure, having famously led a depleted India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2020-21. Now the veteran has offered a glowing verdict on Stephen Fleming, the man tasked with reviving England's Test fortunes ahead of the 2027 Ashes.
#stephen #rahane #Cricket
Ajinkya Rahane has praised England's new Test coach Stephen Fleming ahead of the 2027 Ashes.
Rahane played under Fleming at Chennai Super Kings, winning the IPL 2023 ******* le.
He credited the coach for the freedom and security he gave players.
Ajinkya Rahane knows a thing or two about thriving under pressure, having famously led a depleted India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2020-21. Now the veteran has offered a glowing verdict on Stephen Fleming, the man tasked with reviving England's Test fortunes ahead of the 2027 Ashes.
#stephen #rahane #Cricket
3 months ago
Phoenix Suns rookie Koa Peat had a productive debut in the NBA Summer League, and the team is eager to see him take the court when training camp begins next month.
Peat logged four appearances with the Suns in Las Vegas, averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 ****** ists and 1.5 steals while shooting 51% from the field. He scored 12 or more points in each game, highlighted by a 19-point effort on July 19.
The 30th overall pick faces an uphill battle to carve out consistent playing time on a team that qualified for the playoffs last season. But Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein, speaking on the "Burns & Gambo Show" on Tuesday, said Peat will have the chance to prove himself.
I think we'll have an incredibly competitive training camp. We are deep. When you look at our depth, I think that is one of our strong suits. At the wing, you have Rasheer (Fleming), who is young, and Ryan Dunn, who is young, and Koa, who is young, on top of Miles (Bridges) and (Jordan Goodwin) and Dillon (Brooks), so Koa's job is to come compete every day and earn rotation minutes. I think we are deep there.
You saw the success of Khaman (Maluach) and Rasheer playing in the G League a little bit and ultimately really contributing the last half of the year, but Koa's mindset after a really good summer league is to come in and earn minutes right away. ... I want Koa to go out and say, 'I want to earn 20 minutes a game from the start.' Luckily, we've really built some depth at that position where there won't be pressure on him to do just that.
#peat #really
Peat logged four appearances with the Suns in Las Vegas, averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 ****** ists and 1.5 steals while shooting 51% from the field. He scored 12 or more points in each game, highlighted by a 19-point effort on July 19.
The 30th overall pick faces an uphill battle to carve out consistent playing time on a team that qualified for the playoffs last season. But Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein, speaking on the "Burns & Gambo Show" on Tuesday, said Peat will have the chance to prove himself.
I think we'll have an incredibly competitive training camp. We are deep. When you look at our depth, I think that is one of our strong suits. At the wing, you have Rasheer (Fleming), who is young, and Ryan Dunn, who is young, and Koa, who is young, on top of Miles (Bridges) and (Jordan Goodwin) and Dillon (Brooks), so Koa's job is to come compete every day and earn rotation minutes. I think we are deep there.
You saw the success of Khaman (Maluach) and Rasheer playing in the G League a little bit and ultimately really contributing the last half of the year, but Koa's mindset after a really good summer league is to come in and earn minutes right away. ... I want Koa to go out and say, 'I want to earn 20 minutes a game from the start.' Luckily, we've really built some depth at that position where there won't be pressure on him to do just that.
#peat #really
3 months ago
Stephen Fleming wants Australian Ashes hero and CSK colleague Michael Hussey as England Test batting coach originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Stephen Fleming has reportedly made an informal approach to Mike Hussey to be England's batting coach.
The pair spent years together at Chennai Super Kings, first as players and then part of the IPL franchise's coaching staff.
The former Australia batter is currently head coach of Welsh Fire in The Hundred.
Stephen Fleming has barely had time to settle into the England Test job, but the newly appointed head coach is already moving to shape his backroom staff. Having been handed the reins less than a week ago, the former New Zealand captain is reportedly looking to bring a familiar face from his Chennai Super Kings days into the England setup.
#kings
Stephen Fleming has reportedly made an informal approach to Mike Hussey to be England's batting coach.
The pair spent years together at Chennai Super Kings, first as players and then part of the IPL franchise's coaching staff.
The former Australia batter is currently head coach of Welsh Fire in The Hundred.
Stephen Fleming has barely had time to settle into the England Test job, but the newly appointed head coach is already moving to shape his backroom staff. Having been handed the reins less than a week ago, the former New Zealand captain is reportedly looking to bring a familiar face from his Chennai Super Kings days into the England setup.
#kings
3 months ago
Former England captain Ben Stokes has said he would like to coach the England team after retiring from the game. The former all-rounder said he is already working towards his coaching qualifications and wants to stay involved in cricket once his playing days are over.
Stokes retired from international cricket in June during England's Test series against New Zealand. The 35-year-old had an outstanding career, playing a key role in England's 2019 ODI World Cup triumph and producing his unforgettable match-winning innings in the Ashes Test at Headingley later that year.
After Stokes retired, Joe Root returned as England's Test captain, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was appointed as the team's head coach.
Stokes said he has already started preparing for life after cricket by taking up a coaching course.
"I'm doing my Level 3 coaching now while I'm still playing, because I want, when the day comes that I'm not playing any more, I'd love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done."
He said coaching is the path he wants to follow after retirement.
"I want to be a coach. I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach. And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely."
The former England skipper believes his experience of leading the national side has prepared him for a coaching role.
"I would do a pretty good job at it because now I have an understanding of responsibility on the shoulders. I don't actually mind making big decisions."
Stokes captained England's Test team from 2022 before stepping away from the position.
Stokes also praised England's white-ball captain Harry Brook, calling him a highly talented cricketer. He said he was surprised that Brook was not asked to lead the Test side when Stokes missed a match against New Zealand.
"If you think someone is going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them (the opportunity)."
He recalled his reaction at the time.
"Brook was made vice-captain. Even when I missed that Test match (against New Zealand), I was like, 'Why is Brook vice-captain?'"
While Stokes understood the thinking behind the decision, he felt it sent the wrong signal.
"I understood the reasoning behind it, but I was still thinking, what message does that send to him? He's vice-captain, and the captain isn't playing, but he's still not captain. What does that say?"
#zealand #brook #playing #former
Stokes retired from international cricket in June during England's Test series against New Zealand. The 35-year-old had an outstanding career, playing a key role in England's 2019 ODI World Cup triumph and producing his unforgettable match-winning innings in the Ashes Test at Headingley later that year.
After Stokes retired, Joe Root returned as England's Test captain, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was appointed as the team's head coach.
Stokes said he has already started preparing for life after cricket by taking up a coaching course.
"I'm doing my Level 3 coaching now while I'm still playing, because I want, when the day comes that I'm not playing any more, I'd love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done."
He said coaching is the path he wants to follow after retirement.
"I want to be a coach. I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach. And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely."
The former England skipper believes his experience of leading the national side has prepared him for a coaching role.
"I would do a pretty good job at it because now I have an understanding of responsibility on the shoulders. I don't actually mind making big decisions."
Stokes captained England's Test team from 2022 before stepping away from the position.
Stokes also praised England's white-ball captain Harry Brook, calling him a highly talented cricketer. He said he was surprised that Brook was not asked to lead the Test side when Stokes missed a match against New Zealand.
"If you think someone is going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them (the opportunity)."
He recalled his reaction at the time.
"Brook was made vice-captain. Even when I missed that Test match (against New Zealand), I was like, 'Why is Brook vice-captain?'"
While Stokes understood the thinking behind the decision, he felt it sent the wrong signal.
"I understood the reasoning behind it, but I was still thinking, what message does that send to him? He's vice-captain, and the captain isn't playing, but he's still not captain. What does that say?"
#zealand #brook #playing #former
3 months ago
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
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
3 months ago
Joe Root has hailed incoming England Test coach Stephen Fleming as a major reason behind his enthusiasm for leading the side again, saying the former New Zealand captain's vision has left him excited about the team's future.
England confirmed Fleming as their new Test coach earlier this week after parting ways with Brendon McCullum last month. The 53-year-old will officially begin his tenure later this year.
Root returned as England captain during the second Test against New Zealand in June after Ben Stokes was removed from the role following a nightclub brawl incident after the series opener. Although Stokes was later cleared and returned to play his final Test, Root retained the captaincy, marking his second stint as England's Test skipper.
Speaking about his first interactions with Fleming, Root said the conversations immediately convinced him that the pair shared a similar outlook.
"I've admired him from afar, first as a player and recently as a coach. To get the chance to work together is going to be great fun. Once I'd spoken to Stephen about it and saw his energy and excitement for it, and saw we're very aligned on it, I got excited very quickly. Hopefully, we can work and build on a lot of the good things that have happened over the last four years," Root told BBC Sport.
Root also paid tribute to McCullum and Stokes, crediting the former leadership duo for transforming England's Test setup and changing his own perspective on the game.
"I think Brendon and Ben did a brilliant job, in many ways, of turning things around and getting us in a position where hopefully now we can carry that forward in a slightly different way. Hopefully, we can work and build on a lot of the good things that have happened over the last four years.
"The last four years have been the most fun I've had in professional cricket, and a big part of that was down to the way they [McCullum and Stokes] got me to see the game.
"Clearly, the last little while is probably what's fresh in everyone's mind, but you're looking at a four-year period where we did a lot of amazing things. I've taken a lot from that, and I feel it will be a big part of how I want to approach things moving forward as a leader of this team," he added.
England's next Test ***** ignment is a three-match home series against Pakistan, beginning on August 19 at Headingley. Fleming, however, will not take charge for that series. ***** istant coach Marcus Trescothick will oversee the team before Fleming officially starts his tenure during England's series against South Africa in December.
#fleming
England confirmed Fleming as their new Test coach earlier this week after parting ways with Brendon McCullum last month. The 53-year-old will officially begin his tenure later this year.
Root returned as England captain during the second Test against New Zealand in June after Ben Stokes was removed from the role following a nightclub brawl incident after the series opener. Although Stokes was later cleared and returned to play his final Test, Root retained the captaincy, marking his second stint as England's Test skipper.
Speaking about his first interactions with Fleming, Root said the conversations immediately convinced him that the pair shared a similar outlook.
"I've admired him from afar, first as a player and recently as a coach. To get the chance to work together is going to be great fun. Once I'd spoken to Stephen about it and saw his energy and excitement for it, and saw we're very aligned on it, I got excited very quickly. Hopefully, we can work and build on a lot of the good things that have happened over the last four years," Root told BBC Sport.
Root also paid tribute to McCullum and Stokes, crediting the former leadership duo for transforming England's Test setup and changing his own perspective on the game.
"I think Brendon and Ben did a brilliant job, in many ways, of turning things around and getting us in a position where hopefully now we can carry that forward in a slightly different way. Hopefully, we can work and build on a lot of the good things that have happened over the last four years.
"The last four years have been the most fun I've had in professional cricket, and a big part of that was down to the way they [McCullum and Stokes] got me to see the game.
"Clearly, the last little while is probably what's fresh in everyone's mind, but you're looking at a four-year period where we did a lot of amazing things. I've taken a lot from that, and I feel it will be a big part of how I want to approach things moving forward as a leader of this team," he added.
England's next Test ***** ignment is a three-match home series against Pakistan, beginning on August 19 at Headingley. Fleming, however, will not take charge for that series. ***** istant coach Marcus Trescothick will oversee the team before Fleming officially starts his tenure during England's series against South Africa in December.
#fleming
3 months ago
Following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket, England have turned to a familiar face to lead their Test side once again. While there had been widespread speculation that Harry Brook could take over the captaincy, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has instead entrusted the role to Joe Root, who is set to begin his second stint as Test captain.
Root, who stepped down from the role in 2022 after a five-year tenure, admitted he is relishing the opportunity to lead England again, believing his previous experience has better prepared him for the challenges ahead.
"Very much the same, to be honest. I don't think that will ever change. Whenever you get the opportunity to lead your country, it's all of those things. I guess, the unique and nice position that I find myself in this time is I've got a wealth of experience in terms of knowing what it takes, knowing what it looks like, having seen success with it and seeing some hard times as well,'' said Root in a video on the official ECB website.
"I've got a lot to fall back on and look at and help me and the team moving forward into this next little while. So, I don't think many captains get that opportunity and certainly not with the amount of games that I have behind me and the experiences that I've had in between now and that period there. So, I'm very much looking forward to it, very excited by the challenge that lies ahead and all the great cricket that we have coming up," Root added.
Root captained England in 65 Test matches, registering 27 victories, the most by any England Test captain. Although he stepped down in 2022 after a difficult phase for the team, he has continued to be one of England's most dependable batters.
The 35-year-old will officially begin his second stint as Test captain when England host Pakistan in the first Test of the series, starting August 19, as he looks to lead the side into a new chapter alongside new Test head coach Stephen Fleming.
#test #i 've #captain
Root, who stepped down from the role in 2022 after a five-year tenure, admitted he is relishing the opportunity to lead England again, believing his previous experience has better prepared him for the challenges ahead.
"Very much the same, to be honest. I don't think that will ever change. Whenever you get the opportunity to lead your country, it's all of those things. I guess, the unique and nice position that I find myself in this time is I've got a wealth of experience in terms of knowing what it takes, knowing what it looks like, having seen success with it and seeing some hard times as well,'' said Root in a video on the official ECB website.
"I've got a lot to fall back on and look at and help me and the team moving forward into this next little while. So, I don't think many captains get that opportunity and certainly not with the amount of games that I have behind me and the experiences that I've had in between now and that period there. So, I'm very much looking forward to it, very excited by the challenge that lies ahead and all the great cricket that we have coming up," Root added.
Root captained England in 65 Test matches, registering 27 victories, the most by any England Test captain. Although he stepped down in 2022 after a difficult phase for the team, he has continued to be one of England's most dependable batters.
The 35-year-old will officially begin his second stint as Test captain when England host Pakistan in the first Test of the series, starting August 19, as he looks to lead the side into a new chapter alongside new Test head coach Stephen Fleming.
#test #i 've #captain
3 months ago
Ohio State is known for its long list of standout wide receivers, and this year's roster will have no shortage of talent. But there's a name that may not be at the top of the list of potential x-factors that could raise the Buckeyes' ceiling even more. According to ESPN, Ohio State freshman wide receiver Chris Henry is labeled as the key x-factor for the Buckeyes' success in 2026.
"Can Henry make an impact as a true freshman, alongside All-American Jeremiah Smith and veteran Brandon Inniss? At 6-foot-5, Henry has the tools to become a dangerous downfield and red zone weapon for quarterback Julian Sayin," ESPN's Jake Trotter wrote. "Defenses will be loading up to slow Smith, which figures to give Henry plenty of favorable opportunities to show he can be Ohio State's next great wide receiver."
Henry was a consensus five-star prospect in the 2026 class and enters his true freshman season as a pivotal part of the offense for Ohio State. While Smith and Innis will be one of the top 1-2 combos at wideout across the entire country, adding the skill and size that Henry brings to the field would be another addition to an already explosive offense.
Ohio State has always had two stars on the outside, but what has made its offense so dependable and effective year after year is the ability to have 3-4 wideouts consistently on the field and producing. Whether it was Smith, Emeka Egbuka, Innis and Carnell Tate or the years of Marvin Harrison Jr, Julian Fleming, Egbuka or the dating back to the early 2020's of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba -- the talent level at wideout has made it nearly impossible for opposing defenses to slow down Ohio State's offense.
With the 2026 season right around the corner, though there's still a competition and other veterans in the room, Henry appears to be the guy that Ohio State is looking at to step up and be impactful from day one.
#freshman
"Can Henry make an impact as a true freshman, alongside All-American Jeremiah Smith and veteran Brandon Inniss? At 6-foot-5, Henry has the tools to become a dangerous downfield and red zone weapon for quarterback Julian Sayin," ESPN's Jake Trotter wrote. "Defenses will be loading up to slow Smith, which figures to give Henry plenty of favorable opportunities to show he can be Ohio State's next great wide receiver."
Henry was a consensus five-star prospect in the 2026 class and enters his true freshman season as a pivotal part of the offense for Ohio State. While Smith and Innis will be one of the top 1-2 combos at wideout across the entire country, adding the skill and size that Henry brings to the field would be another addition to an already explosive offense.
Ohio State has always had two stars on the outside, but what has made its offense so dependable and effective year after year is the ability to have 3-4 wideouts consistently on the field and producing. Whether it was Smith, Emeka Egbuka, Innis and Carnell Tate or the years of Marvin Harrison Jr, Julian Fleming, Egbuka or the dating back to the early 2020's of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba -- the talent level at wideout has made it nearly impossible for opposing defenses to slow down Ohio State's offense.
With the 2026 season right around the corner, though there's still a competition and other veterans in the room, Henry appears to be the guy that Ohio State is looking at to step up and be impactful from day one.
#freshman
3 months ago
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition is heating up, and no one is backing down on social media from defending who they think should win the job. Through it all, the coaching staff has remained steadfast in their execution of this quarterback competition, while some on the outside consider it already Kyler Murray's job to lose.
However, based on early notes from the first two days of training camp, it seems McCarthy is lacking some early explosiveness in his passing.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert shared his notes from practice on Thursday, July 30, and he hinted that McCarthy is being more conservative while Murray is pushing the ball down the field.
Seifert shared, "Perhaps the biggest takeaway Thursday from the competition between quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy is that Murray is more often pushing the ball downfield. He threw an accurate floater about 45 yards downfield to receiver Dontae Fleming, as well as a deep corner to receiver Justin Jefferson. He also missed tight end T.J. Hockenson down the right sideline."
Reports from others in camp are mixed, but the reports of Murray pushing the ball down the field are consistent. Some do have McCarthy ahead in the race, but it's just two days in, plenty of things and momentum will change. It will be interesting to see how they come out in a few days following their first break after three consecutive practice days.
#pushing #seifert
However, based on early notes from the first two days of training camp, it seems McCarthy is lacking some early explosiveness in his passing.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert shared his notes from practice on Thursday, July 30, and he hinted that McCarthy is being more conservative while Murray is pushing the ball down the field.
Seifert shared, "Perhaps the biggest takeaway Thursday from the competition between quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy is that Murray is more often pushing the ball downfield. He threw an accurate floater about 45 yards downfield to receiver Dontae Fleming, as well as a deep corner to receiver Justin Jefferson. He also missed tight end T.J. Hockenson down the right sideline."
Reports from others in camp are mixed, but the reports of Murray pushing the ball down the field are consistent. Some do have McCarthy ahead in the race, but it's just two days in, plenty of things and momentum will change. It will be interesting to see how they come out in a few days following their first break after three consecutive practice days.
#pushing #seifert
