Rômulo scored nine goals and provided four ****** ists in 30 Bundesliga appearances in his maiden campaign for RB Leipzig, helping the Saxony club secure a place in this season's UEFA Champions League.
And now, speaking during his team's training camp in Saalfelden, the Brazilian has expressed his excitement at the upcoming season and his desire to remain at Leipzig.
"I'm happy here and I've now adapted to the league and the club," he explained. "I want to stay here for as long as possible and play for Leipzig in the Bundesliga and the Champions League." The latter of which "is every footballer's dream."
Martín Demichelis replaced Ole Werner this summer, but Rômulo relishes playing under the Argentine coach. "It's a different style [of football]," he said.
"Micho wants us to have more possession and greater control. I need to control the ball well and hold it up, help the team, link the play and create chances."

#leipzig

BlueCo-owned Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg have signed Genesis Antwi (19) from Chelsea FC, both clubs have announced. The Sweden U21 international right-back is the first Chelsea player to join the Alsatians on loan this summer. Mykhailo Mudryk could follow suit. Antwi has regularly played for Chelsea's Under-21 side in the past two seasons.
The right-back made his first senior team appearances during Chelsea's run to their maiden UEFA Conference League ***** le in 2024-2025. Antwi remained contracted with the Premier League side until 2028. Strasbourg were in need of bolstering their right-back options with Guéla Doué seemingly of interest for PSG.
"The 19-year-old will now spend the forthcoming campaign on loan in the French top flight. We look forward to monitoring Genesis' progress and wish him the best of luck at Strasbourg", Chelsea say.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#Chelsea #genesis #league #first

Michael Thorbjornsen has claimed a superb maiden win on the PGA Tour after triumphing at the Rocket Classic.
On his 65th PGA Tour start, the 24-year-old secured his first win with a two-shot victory over fellow American Xander Schauffele.
Detroit Golf Club played host to the tournament, where the champion carded four rounds under 70 to finish on 18-under.
His immediate plans have now emerged following the ******* le, with Thorbjornsen taking the opposite approach to recent fellow first-time winner Jackson Koivun.
Immediately after winning the Rocket Classic, Thorbjornsen has decided to withdraw from this week's event.

#tour #rocket #classic #fellow

NEW DELHI: There was a time when Auqib Nabi didn't own a pair of bowling spikes.

For his first U-19 trial in Jammu & Kashmir, the fast bowler from Baramulla borrowed a pair from a friend. When he eventually earned selection, fate threw up another twist. The friend who had lent him the spikes didn't make the squad. Auqib borrowed another pair from him and played his entire first U-19 tournament in borrowed shoes.

Today, Auqib is making a name for himself with a skill that many fast bowlers spend years trying to master: the ability to swing the ball both ways. He has now earned his maiden India call-up, with the 29-year-old seamer from Jammu & Kashmir replacing the injured Jasprit ******* rah in India's Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Nabi has picked up 104 wickets over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, virtually breaking the selection door down with his performances. He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two First Class matches.
Yet, the road to the Indian dressing room wasn't built in fancy academies or elite fast-bowling programmes. It was shaped by a long journey, borrowed equipment and an obsession with learning.

"My parents are government school teachers. Initially, they wanted me to focus on studies, which was natural. Cricket wasn't something we had planned. A friend told me about the Under-19 trials. Until then, I didn't even know they were happening," Auqib had told reporters after picking up a five-wicket haul on the opening day of the Delhi vs Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in November 2025.

Like countless youngsters in Kashmir, his cricketing education began with tennis-ball matches. The transition to leather-ball cricket, however, brought a different challenge.
"The most basic thing a fast bowler needs is a turf wicket," he had said. "Baramulla had turf, but you couldn't bowl there wearing spikes. So I had to travel to Srinagar to practice."

The one-and-a-half-hour journey from Baramulla to Srinagar became part of his routine. Hours on the road simply to bowl a few overs on a proper surface. For many aspiring cricketers, inadequate facilities become a convenient excuse. Auqib never allowed himself that luxury.

"If you want to play for India, these things cannot become excuses. If you want it badly enough, you have to do it."
That philosophy continues to define him.

The philosophy kept motivating him day in and day out, but it was his obsession with learning that made him the bowler he is today.

"When he first joined the J&K team for the Buchi Babu Trophy in Salem in 2023, he could only bowl the outswinger. But he wanted to bowl both ways. So I started working on his inswing," P. Krishnakumar, Jammu & Kashmir's bowling coach, told TimesofIndia.com.

"He has a great wrist position, which is one of his biggest strengths," he said.
There were no shortcuts, and Nabi knew it. He started working on

India's injury woes have opened the door for one of domestic cricket's most persistent performers, with Auqib Nabi named as Jasprit ****** rah's replacement in the Test squad for Sri Lanka.
The Jammu and Kashmir seamer earns a maiden senior call-up after years of prolific returns in red-ball cricket. ****** rah was ruled out of the two-Test series after failing to fully recover from the left-knee issue he sustained during the ODI series in England.
With the BCCI medical team advising caution, the selectors turned to a bowler whose weight of wickets had made him impossible to ignore any longer.
For the 29-year-old, the call represents the culmination of a long and often frustrating wait for recognition. Having dominated the Ranji Trophy for two seasons, Nabi now stands on the brink of a Test debut on turning tracks that could suit his disciplined seam bowling.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

#jasprit #kashmir

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team after senior pacer Jasprit ******* rah was ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported that the J & K pacer was the frontrunner to replace the 32-year-old in the squad, who has not yet fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.

"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as ******* rah's replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team," A BCCI release said.

Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.

He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.

The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be held in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
132822556
Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.

*Subject to fitness clearance

#nabi #test #jammu #maiden

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for India's two-match Test series against the hosts on their tour of Sri Lanka in August.
With Jasprit ******* rah ruled out and Auqib Nabi set to earn his maiden senior national team call-up, and the Test squad captained by captain Shubman Gill, India return to action on August 15 as they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series at Galle.
The squad includes experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj, and the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi, has been selected on the basis of his impressive domestic performances.
Although ******* rah was initially in the squad, he is not available because he continues to recover from his left knee injury sustained in the ODI series against England. Participation of Sai Sudharsan is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

#series

Following Enzo Maresca's maiden game as Manager, in which City drew 1-1 with Inter Milan before a 3-1 penalty shootout defeat, our attention now turns to our next friendly.
Live
The team have made the short trip from Hong Kong to South Korea in anticipation of our clash with the K-League All Stars on Wednesday 5 August, with kick-off set for 12:00 (UK).
Ahead of what is expected to be an exciting match-up against some of the Korean league's best players, here is all the key pre-match information you need, including how to follow all the action live, below…
The Blues take on the K-League All Stars at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Wednesday 5 August.

#league #august #manager

Brentford FC have signed Lens defensive midfielder Mamadou Sangaré (24), both clubs have announced. The Malian international's €48m transfer represents a club-record deal for both Lens and Brentford. Sangaré has signed a five-year contract with Keith Andrews's Bees, who were in the market for a midfielder after parting ways with Chelsea-bound England international Jordan Henderson.
Signed last summer in a €8m deal from Rapid Vienna, Sangaré impressed for Pierre Sage's Lens, with his all-energy displays earning rave reviews. Sangaré was a mainstay for Les Sang in Or in their push towards UEFA Champions League football and their maiden Coupe de France ***** re.
The Malian won the 2026 Marc-Vivien Foé Award, which is presented annually to the best African player in Ligue 1, and was deservedly billed as GFFN's Signing of the Season.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#brentford #mamadou

CWG 2026: Former Sri Lanka fast bowler Rumesh Pathirage stuns IND-PAK duo Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem to win javelin gold originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage wins Sri Lanka's first-ever Commonwealth Games javelin gold medal.
Former fast bowler beats Neeraj Chopra; Yashvir Singh takes bronze medal.
Arshad Nadeem finishes ninth as anticipated India-Pakistan showdown fails to materialise.
A former medium pacer turned javelin thrower has written his name into history, as Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage delivered Sri Lanka's maiden Commonwealth Games gold in the men's javelin throw by overcoming a heavyweight field at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow on Friday, July 31.

#Gold

The Tour de France Femmes begins on Saturday with possibly the most difficult route yet for women's cycling's flagship race.
This year the peloton will tackle the infamous Mont Ventoux on a gruelling stage seven, the queen stage of the nine-day race, but the battle for the general classification could go right down to the wire with four summits of the Col d'Eze, outside Nice, crammed into less than 100km in an explosive final stage.
Dutchwoman and 2023 champion Demi Vollering is arguably the favourite to regain her crown but will face fierce competition from reigning champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, who has had a mixed season but with everything building towards her **** le defence, and 2024 winner Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, who has finished on the podium in every edition.
Elsewhere Britain's Zoe Backstedt is one of the favourites to take a maiden stage win on stage four's individual time trial, as the 21-year-old makes her Tour de France debut.
Here's everything you need to know to watch the race.

#race #france #femmes

Life comes at you fast in Formula 1, and no team is feeling the whiplash of the 2026 regulations quite like McLaren. Just months after celebrating Lando Norris's maiden World Championship victory, the papaya garage has found itself completely on the back foot.
As McLaren desperately tries to claw back performance against the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari, the paddock rumor mill is already spinning. According to former Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner, if McLaren cannot fix their underlying issues, their star driver won't hesitate to trigger an exit strategy.
But to understand why Norris might be looking for the door, you have to look at the massive technical overhaul introduced for the 2026 season.
The new regulations fundamentally changed how F1 cars generate power, removing the complex MGU-H and demanding a 50:50 power delivery split between the internal combustion engine and the electric MGU-K. This aggressive shift to electrification has heavily favored factory works teams.
McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) during the Lenovo Grand Prix Du Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

#driver

How do you react when you're told you'll be racing the Tour de France for the first time? For Britain's Zoe Backstedt, "When you get the phone call to say that you've been selected, it's like, OK, don't scream. You can scream after you've put the phone down."
The 21-year-old beams as she recounts the moment on video call with The Independent, a couple of days before her debut at the biggest race on the calendar. An electric first half of the season, including defending her ***** le at the Baloise Ladies Tour, top-five finishes at Dwars door Vlaanderen and Tour of Flanders, and the clean sweep of British national road and time-trial crowns, means the Welshwoman is full of confidence heading to the start line in Lausanne this weekend.
She still hadn't necessarily expected the call-up and was terrified of "jinxing it". "You don't want to say anything or do anything that could potentially make you not selected. It was basically showing that I was good enough at every time trial I've done this season, just giving it 110 per cent, really proving that I'm good enough to go."
Backstedt's prowess against the clock this year, in particular, has been remarkable, with four wins from five ITTs or prologues and her only defeat a second place in the Tour de Suisse time trial, won by none other than the reigning world champion, Marlen Reusser. Backstedt is also the current under-23 world champion in the discipline and will be among the favourites to take a maiden stage win in the Tour's time trial, a 21km run from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon on stage four.
She is philosophical about the prospect of pressure on her shoulders, saying: "I'm still young. I've still got years to prove myself as well. For now it's like a focus on everything that you can do, to the best of your ability, really just keeping to myself and trying not to think too much outside of what I need to do on the day. A top 10, a top five, top three, even a win, all of those I think I can still be grateful for and and really be happy with.

#trial #five #really #i 've

We at Sherdog provide regular, in-depth preview coverage for allmajor events, including our oft-praised preview column along withour "Sheehan Show" handling all sorts of related matters includingbetting. With those official sources for picks handled, we wouldlike to take the edge off here and get a bit lighter with one finalbreakdown.

The industry of sports betting is exploding before our very eyes,with billions of dollars pumping in since legalization stateside.Oftentimes, those driving the lines are right on the money withtheir openings, valuations and ***** yses. Occasionally, they are wayoff, or otherwise merit some additional conversation. That is wherewe come in with this reinvigorated series of Prime Picks, where,swiping a line from game show host Sam Reich, we hold hands andjump into the abyss together for the Ultimate Fighting Championship's maiden voyageto Serbia on Saturday. Try it out.
JanBlachowicz (+260)
OR
MarcinTybura (+280)
Why Not Both Total: (+1268)

First off, we are not suggesting that one should go out on a limbfor both Blachowicz and Tybura, but rather that one should choosetheir poison. The most daring, optimistic bettors might be temptedto throw a few bucks on the flier, but we see that as just a way topad the betting company's bank account. One or the other, however,could pull off the upset as elder statesmen in their respectivedivisions of light heavyweight and heavyweight. The "fightinguncle" movement is still very much in play.

Having turned 43 in February, former champ Blachowicz isunquestionably on the tail end of his UFC career. The last time hewon a fight, GloverTeixeira held the belt in their weight class and future starPaddyPimblett just picked up his second win under the UFC banner.There is an age cliff that every athlete encounters, and thatincludes Yoel Romeroeven as he draws Darren Tillsoon without gloves on. With that gloom-and-doom surrounding thePolish vet's tenure out in the open, there are still ample ways hecan pick up the win. After all, if a top-10 BogdanGuskov—whom he drew with in December—is the worst loss he hassuffered in that stretch, who is to say how "washed" he is againstburgeoning talent?

Blachowicz is an equal opportunity finisher despite his reputationof "Polish Power," with that expectation looming so large that mostforget he posts an equal number of subs to knockouts. It has notbeen since 2018 that he landed one, and it is not the implicationthat he will put NavajoStirling in danger with offensive submission grappling, butrather that he has demonstrated a wherewithal in the field to addanother wrinkle to his game. Additionally, Blachowicz serves ***** neakily effective takedown artist, practically shutting downIsraelAdesanya in a performance that at the time seemed shockingwhile in hindsight might have been predictable. Blachowicz canspoil the record of the unbeaten upstart in a variety of ways, aslong as he does not keep his chin on the proverbial gunnery rangehoping to s

NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane never sought the spotlight. In an era dominated by classy stroke-makers and larger-than-life personalities, he quietly built a reputation as one of India's most dependable overseas batters and one of the country's most respected leaders.

On Thursday, the 38-year-old brought the curtain down on his international career, ending a journey that spanned more than a decade and produced some of Indian cricket's most memorable moments.

Having played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is, Rahane finished with 8,414 international runs, 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries. Yet, numbers only tell part of his story.

"The reality of life is that everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. When that time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I always relied on timing in my batting, and I've always understood its important," Rahane said in his retirement video.
If there is one chapter that defines Rahane's legacy, it is India's remarkable 2020-21 Test series win in Australia.

After India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide and Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave, few believed the injury-hit side could compete, let alone win.

Rahane stepped in as captain and led a depleted Indian team to a stunning 2-1 series victory, one of the greatest triumphs in Indian cricket history.
His century in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne not only rescued India's campaign but also made him the only Indian to score a Boxing Day Test hundred against Australia both as a player and as captain.

Under his leadership, India never lost a Test match, making his captaincy record (6 matches with 4 wins and 2 draws) one of the finest in Indian cricket.
Rahane earned a reputation for producing his best performances away from home. He became the first Indian batter to score both his maiden Test and ODI centuries in SENA countries, proving his ability to thrive in the toughest conditions.

His 12 Test hundreds often came in pressure situations, and remarkably, India never lost a Test whenever Rahane scored a century. He was also the first Indian to score a century in the World Test Championship, adding another milestone to an already impressive career.
One of his finest individual performances came against South Africa when he became the only Indian batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test while batting at No. 5 or lower.

#test

According to a report from L'Équipe, Mamadou Sangaré (24) has left RC Lens's squad as he closes in on a move to Brentford FC.
The Mali international was with the Lens squad in Italy as they participated in the Como Cup, albeit he was not involved in the two matches on Tuesday. He'll also no longer be available for the friendly against Villarreal on Saturday, as he has travelled to Paris ahead of the transfer to the Premier League side being finalised.
The midfielder, who arrived last summer on a €5m plus €3m in bonuses move from Austrian side Rapid Vienna, is set to break transfer records for both Lens and Brentford in a reported €48m transfer. He'll be Lens's biggest ever sale and Brentford's largest ever purchase.
In his sole season in the north of France, Sangaré was one of the standout performers, helping Lens win their maiden Coupe de France and secure automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League after running Paris Saint-Germain close to the ******* le.
GFFN | Nick Hartland

#transfer #Paris #league

NEW DELHI: West Indies captain Roston Chase said his team's 90-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test was a tribute to legendary all-rounder Garry Sobers, with the players determined to honour the cricket great. Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the game's history, passed away on July 17 at the age of 89. Tuesday marked what would have been his 90th birthday.
Following West Indies' victory at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Chase revealed that the team had spoken about Sobers before the match.

"We wanted to make him proud and had a chat about it before the match. I hope he is smiling down on us."

Chase also thanked the fans who turned up to support the home side.

"I also want to thank the Trinidad crowd for coming out and supporting us. It was not a big crowd, but it gave us enough energy and support to go out there and perform," Chase said.

The win handed West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.
West Indies entered the Pakistan series after a 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka, and Chase said the team's recent performances were the result of months of hard work.

"I think these two teams that we've played, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, they're closer to us in the rankings. I don't want to say they're teams we should beat, but I think it's a more even contest between us."
He further said, "The guys are confident and over the last few months we've been putting in some extra hard work. We had a camp as well before the Sri Lanka series and I think that really helped us become closer as a unit and also work on our weaknesses and improve our strengths as well. So I think that this is the upliftment of that practice and camp."
Fast bowlers dominated throughout the match at Tarouba, with all 40 wickets falling to seam bowling.

Justin Greaves starred with 5/27 in Pakistan's first innings, while Jayden Seales claimed 5/20 in the second innings. Together, they picked up 13 wickets.

Greaves also produced the rare achievement of bowling five successive wicket maidens in Pakistan's first innings.

Speaking about the conditions, Chase said, "I think it just goes to show that it was more friendly towards the seamers. The Pakistani spinner (Ali Usman) bowled a number of overs (13 in the first innings), he didn't get a wicket. (Jomel) Warrican bowled a few (18 across two innings), didn't get a wicket and didn't look too threatening as well. The (fast bowlers) really put the ball in the right areas and it paid off."

#west

Cruz Hewitt - the 17-year-old son of former world number one Lleyton Hewitt – earned his first ATP victory in his main singles draw debut.
The Australian beat fellow qualifier Marcos Giron of the United States 6-3 6-4 in 74 minutes.
His maiden win came at the Washington Open – a competition his father won in 2004.
It was one of his father's 30 career ******* les, including the 2002 Wimbledon men's singles crown.
"It's a pretty special moment," Hewitt said. "Seeing my dad play this tournament and to get my first tour win, it feels really cool."

#hewitt #australian

The journey to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 final has officially begun. After South Africa lifted their maiden WTC **** le in the 2023-25 cycle, attention has now shifted to the next two-year red-ball competition as nine Test-playing nations battle for a place in the final.
The fourth edition of the WTC runs from June 2025 to mid-2027 and features India, Australia, England, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and West Indies.
Each team will play six Test series during the cycle, three at home and three away. Every result is crucial as teams aim to secure valuable points early in the race to qualify for the final.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
The 2025-27 World Test Championship follows the same format used in previous editions. A total of 27 Test series comprising 71 matches will be played over two years.

#final #three

Ireland have announced a 14-member squad for the first three ODIs of their five-match series against Afghanistan, beginning on August 5, with several first-choice players unavailable due to injuries. The selectors have opted to announce the squad only for the opening three matches, with the remaining two ODIs to be finalised after ****** sing the fitness of injured players.

One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of Jai Moondra, who made his T20I debut against India earlier this month and impressed during Ireland's historic T20I series triumph over the reigning world champions. The youngster has now received his maiden ODI call-up and is one of two capped T20I players in the squad, alongside Ben Calitz, yet to make their 50-over international debut.

Ireland have also handed a first international call-up to medium pacer Byron McDonough. The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive domestic campaign with Leinster Lightning, helping them win the Inter-Provincial Limited Overs Cup after claiming eight wickets in five matches. Across nine List A appearances, McDonough has picked up 15 wickets at an average of 29.33.
Captain Paul Stirling returns to lead the side after missing the recent T20I series against India through injury. However, Ireland continue to deal with a lengthy injury list, with Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill and David Delany all unavailable due to injuries or return-to-play protocols. Cricket Ireland confirmed that the squad for the final two ODIs will be announced later, with changes possible depending on the recovery of the injured players.

The Afghanistan series will mark the first ****** ignment for newly appointed head coach Gary Wilson, who recently replaced Heinrich Malan. Former England batter Jonathan Trott will also join the Irish camp as a consultant for the first two ODIs against Afghanistan, having previously served as the Afghan national team's head coach.

The five-match series will also be Ireland's first men's bilateral ODI ****** ignment since hosting the West Indies in May 2025. The opening two matches will be played in Bready, while the remaining three fixtures will take place at Stormont.
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker.

#ireland #t20i #squad

Walsall have made their 10th signing of the summer transfer window with the arrival of Harrogate Town winger Reece Smith on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old featured in all but one of Harrogate's League Two games last term, having joined from non-league Maidenhead United where he came through the academy and spent four and a half seasons in the first team.
Smith, who played in Harrogate's 2-0 win at the Pallet-Track Stadium in the penultimate game of last season, said his move to Walsall felt like "a big step up" and added boss Lee Grant's plan to use him on the left or as a number 10 was "music to my ears".
Grant, who is putting the finishing touches to his first pre-season at the club having taken charge in May, described the deal for Smith as "another coup" for the Saddlers having been keen to sign him for "a very long time".
Walsall begin the new campaign in the Carabao Cup at Bristol City on 6 August before opening their League Two programme away to Gillingham the following Saturday.

#year

TAROUBA, Trinidad (AP) — Pakistan's top-order crumbled against West Indies fast bowlers in pursuit of a challenging target of 211 on a tricky pitch in the first test on Tuesday.
Jayden Seales bowled two consecutive wicket maiden overs to leave Pakistan stuttering at 28-3 at lunch on a Day 4 wicket that has plenty of variable bounce to trouble the batters.
Captain Babar Azam was unbeaten on 16 after Pakistan suffered a blow when first innings century-maker Shan Masood couldn't bat at his usual No. 3 position due to a finger injury while batting on the third day.
The team management said Masood will bat, if required.
Earlier, Mohammad Abbas bagged 5-22 — his seventh five-wicket haul in test cricket — but West Indies tailenders swelled the lead past the 200-run mark before it got bowled out for 181.

#indies #Pakistan #test

New Delhi: On March 27 this year, Saransh Jain posted photos and videos on Instagram, thanking former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh for the valuable lessons he learnt during a five-day camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

In the caption, Saransh mentioned a line Harbhajan Singh told him that touched him the most. It read: "Kuch paane ke liye kuch khona nahi, kuch karna padta hai (To achieve something, you don't have to lose something, you have to do something)." Saransh further wrote: "These aren't just words. They were deeply felt and will stay with me."
Now, months later, the 33-year-old has earned his maiden India call-up.

"He is a very humble guy who knows exactly what he needs to do. I wish him all the very best because this is a special moment for him, his family and everyone who has supported him," Harbhajan told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.

Saransh, who has played extensive First-Class cricket and has been a regular for Madhya Pradesh, impressed the selectors with his consistency during the domestic grind and was recently rewarded with an India A call-up. In his outing for India A against Sri Lanka A, Saransh picked up seven wickets in the two unofficial Tests. In the second match, he claimed six wickets and scored an unbeaten 70 in the first innings, paving the way for India's 10-wicket victory.
"He has worked incredibly hard and spent many years in domestic cricket, which, in many ways, is tougher than people realise. Bowling long spells of 40 or 50 overs across a match teaches you a lot. The more you bowl, the more you learn," says Harbhajan, while lauding Saransh's domestic grind.

Washington Sundar's injury opened the door for Saransh. With Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav in the squad, Saransh is the fourth spinner but the lone off-spinner. If he goes on to make his debut, Saransh will become the first India player to debut after the age of 33 since Robin Singh in 1998.

"At 33, he is still young for a spinner, but he now has the experience of bowling to some of the best players of spin in domestic cricket. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to spend four or five days with him," says Harbhajan, backing Saransh to do well.
Over the years, Saransh's flight, dip and high-arm action have proved difficult for batters to pick. Those are exactly the attributes that caught Harbhajan Singh's attention during the specialist camp for off-spinners at the CoE.

"The first thing I noticed was his action. He has a very good action and keeps things simple. He isn't trying too many fancy variations. He has a lot of experience, an excellent seam position and tremendous control. Those qualities make a big difference," says Harbhajan.

"Experience teaches you to trust your strengths and bowl the right line and length consistently. What impressed me the most was his attitude. His mindset is always about taking wickets. Today, many bowlers are focused on simply getting thr

Harbhajan Singh reveals the one quality that makes Saransh Jain different ahead of potential India Test debut originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Saransh Jain earned his maiden India call-up for the Sri Lanka Test series on Tuesday.
Harbhajan Singh praised the off-spinner's clean action, control and hunger for wickets.
The 33-year-old impressed Harbhajan during a specialist camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Saransh Jain's long grind through the domestic circuit was rewarded on Tuesday when the BCCI named the 33-year-old off-spinner in India's squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka. The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder earned his maiden call-up after Washington Sundar was ruled out through injury, opening a door years in the making.

#harbhajan #test

Justin Greaves etched his name into Test cricket history with a sensational spell against Pakistan, becoming the first bowler in recorded Test history to deliver five consecutive wicket-maidens during the opening Test in Tarouba, Trinidad.

The West Indies all-rounder produced a devastating burst on Day 3 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, turning the match on its head after Pakistan appeared well placed in their first innings. Greaves finished with career-best figures of 5/27 from 11 overs, with all five wickets coming in five successive maiden overs without conceding a single run. It was also the 31-year-old's maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Pakistan resumed the day trailing West Indies' first-innings total of 311 and looked to be building a strong reply through Shan Masood and Salman Agha. The pair safely negotiated the opening hour before Shamar Joseph broke the stand by bowling Agha.

What followed was one of the most remarkable spells in recent Test history.

Greaves dismissed centurion Shan Masood for 109 when the Pakistan batter chopped the ball back onto his stumps. He then removed Aamer Jamal with a delivery that jagged back sharply before trapping Ali Usman leg-before for a duck in the very next over.

Pakistan's hopes rested on Mohammad Rizwan, but Greaves forced the wicketkeeper-batter into flashing at a wide delivery, resulting in an edge behind. In the first over after lunch, he completed his five-wicket haul when Mohammad Abbas poked outside off stump and was caught behind.

The astonishing burst triggered a dramatic collapse, with Pakistan losing five wickets for just 15 runs before eventually being bowled out for 282, handing West Indies a first-innings lead of 29.

Greaves' feat surpassed the previous record of four consecutive wicket-maidens, achieved by former England fast bowler Stuart Broad against South Africa in Johannesburg in January 2016.

The spell not only marked Greaves' maiden Test five-for but also ensured his name entered the record books with an achievement never before seen in available Test records.

#greaves

Saransh Jain earns maiden India call-up: Why is 33-year-old spinner included in India Test squad for Sri Lanka tour originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Saransh Jain, 33, gets maiden India Test call-up for Sri Lanka.
Injury to Washington Sundar opens door for MP off-spinner.
Jain faces an uphill battle to break settled spin trio's grip.
Off-spinning all-rounder Saransh Jain has been rewarded with his first-ever Test call-up, joining India's squad for the upcoming two-match series in Sri Lanka this August. It is a breakthrough that arrives at the relatively advanced cricketing age of 33.

#jain #call

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion during India's first T20I against Zimbabwe on Thursday, becoming the youngest player ever to score a maiden T20I half-century.

The 15-year-old became the youngest player to score a maiden T20I half-century after racing to an 18-ball fifty in Harare. It was a timely response from the teenage batter, who had managed scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his first three appearances for India during the T20I series against England.

Following those outings, Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI for the fifth and final T20I. His exclusion came amid intense scrutiny over India's selection decisions. Earlier in the England series, Sanju Samson, who had been India's Player of the Tournament during their T20 World Cup-winning campaign, was dropped from the side, with Sooryavanshi brought into the XI. However, for the fifth match, the management reversed course, restoring Samson and leaving out the youngster. Samson was subsequently omitted from India's squad for the Zimbabwe tour.

Former India captain and ex-BCCI selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth admitted he was baffled by the decision to drop Sooryavanshi after only three failures and took aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir over the move.

"He (Sooryavanshi) has an effortless range of shots, yet, not one shot was cross-batted. This boy is really something special. How did Gautam Gambhir foolishly drop him, of all people, after three failures to crush his confidence?" said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda.

With Gambhir not accompanying the team on the Zimbabwe tour, former India batter VVS Laxman is serving as the side's interim head coach.

Srikkanth also highlighted the youngster's commitment to improvement, revealing that Sooryavanshi immediately returned to work after the England series rather than taking a break.

"I salute Vaibhav for his dedication. After the England series, he didn't go home and instead went straight to the Rajasthan Royals camp. He has been working on his batting against the short ball because he wants to prove to the whole world that he is special," Srikkanth added.

The 1983 World Cup winner was equally impressed by the fearless approach shown by Sooryavanshi despite the pressure of retaining his place in the national side. According to Srikkanth, many young players would have opted for a safer route after a string of low scores, but the teenager remained committed to his attacking game.

"The ease at which he scores at a 250 strike rate is extraordinary. Normally, after three failures, other players would have tried to safeguard their place in the Indian team by taking singles and twos. But he played fearlessly without worrying about the consequences. Scoring a 50 off 18 **** has become child's play for him. That's his greatness," Srikkanth elaborated.

Sooryavanshi's explosive innings not only earned him a place in the record books bu

After the bruising their T20 side endured on the UK tour, this Zimbabwe series could be just the ideal fillip India needed.
Having finally recorded their maiden win under new T20 captain Shreyas Iyer after seven winless matches at the helm, India will look to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead when they take on Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Following a difficult run that saw them whitewashed by Ireland (0-2) and England (0-4), India's convincing sevenwicket victory in the seriesopener has restored some much-needed confidence.
Yet, even as the visitors look to build on that momentum, one player who will be under the scanner is explosive opener Abhishek Sharma.
Two years ago, Harare was the venue where Abhishek announced himself on the international stage with a breathtaking maiden T20I hundred in only his second game.
The stylish left-hander returns to the same ground searching for a spark after a worrying dip in form. Having begun the England series promisingly with scores of 59 and 43, Abhishek's returns thereafter have read 10, 16, 3 and 1. In Thursday's opener, his uncomfortable eight-ball 1 suggested a batter short on rhythm and confidence.
With competition for places intensifying, Abhishek knows he needs runs. Senior opener Sanju Samson, though absent on this tour, remains in the selectors' plans and has been named in India's squad for the Asian Games later this year. A substantial score in Harare would not only help India seal the series but also strengthen Abhishek's own case in a rapidly evolving T20 setup.
India, though, found a new hero in the opening match.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a stunning 18-ball fifty, becoming the youngest player to score a T20I half-century.
The 15-year-old, who had endured a difficult England tour where pacy bowlers like Jofra Archer tested him relentlessly with short-pitched bowling, responded in style against Zimbabwe.
Taking on Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani fearlessly, he produced a blistering innings that underlined why he is so highly rated.
Supported by Ishan Kishan's brisk 35 and an unbeaten 28 from skipper Iyer, Sooryavanshi ensured India chased down the target with more than six overs to spare.
Head coach VVS Laxman would have been equally pleased by the performance of India's revamped pace attack. The biggest positive was the return of Mayank Yadav, who made an impressive comeback after two injury-ravaged years. The Delhi quick finished with figures of 2 for 18 and consistently touched high speeds, with his opening delivery to Brian Bennett at 150 kmph indidcating that his pace remains intact.
Prince Yadav also showed signs of improvement after a lean England tour, while debutant Ashok Sharma displayed enough promise to suggest he could become another exciting fast-bowling option.

#zimbabwe #harare #iyer

Shreyas Iyer finally ended his wait for a victory as India's T20I captain after leading the side to a convincing seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the three-game series in Harare on Thursday.

The result marked Shreyas' first win since taking over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav earlier this year. India had endured a difficult run under his leadership, beginning with a shock 2-0 series defeat to Ireland before suffering a 4-0 drubbing against England in a five-match T20I series.

Former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh said the celebrations following the Zimbabwe win were understandable given the team's recent struggles, insisting the victory would come as a major relief for the skipper.

"Many are saying India shouldn't be so excited for just a win over Zimbabwe. Yet, when you are starving for a victory for so long in T20Is, even leftover food will taste like a wedding meal. Shreyas Iyer will be relieved, considering India's fall under his captaincy. He would have reached a point where a win over anyone would have been enough for him," Ramesh said in a video uploaded on Instagram.

Ramesh also reserved praise for VVS Laxman, who is serving as India's interim head coach for the Zimbabwe tour. He credited the former India batter for consistently delivering positive results whenever he takes charge of the national side.

"VVS Laxman also deserves high praise. India perform well every time he's the head coach. Under him, India seem to always whitewash the opponents, even at a time the other teams are constantly whitewashing India otherwise. It got to the point where India just needed a win of any kind and hence their elation after beating even Zimbabwe," he added.

India's victory was further highlighted by a historic knock from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old blazed his way to a maiden international half-century in just 18 ****** , becoming the youngest player to score a fifty in men's international cricket.

Sooryavanshi reached the milestone at the age of 15 years and 118 days, eclipsing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar. The batting great was 16 years and 213 days old when he registered his maiden international fifty against Pakistan in a Test at Faisalabad in 1989.

#shreyas #victory #series

Mayank Yadav's return to international cricket could hardly have gone better, and former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the young fast bowler deserves patience after overcoming a difficult spell with injuries.

Playing his first international match since October 2024, Mayank announced his comeback in style during the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare. The speedster was named Player of the Match after producing a match-winning spell that began with a wicket off the very first ball of the contest.

Mayank removed Brian Bennett for a duck with a hard-length delivery that straightened after pitching, forcing an outside edge that was safely taken behind the stumps. He continued to test Zimbabwe's batters with his pace and discipline, dismissing Dion Myers during the powerplay to leave the hosts under immediate pressure. His spell laid the platform for India's commanding bowling display.

The performance marked a significant moment in the pacer's career after an injury-plagued period stalled his rapid rise. Initially fast-tracked into the Indian side as part of the team's long-term plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Mayank spent the past two years battling recurring fitness issues that repeatedly interrupted his progress.

Speaking on 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin reflected on the challenges of returning from multiple injuries and urged fans to avoid judging players too quickly.

"It is not easy to go through a stress fracture at a young age. We often see and think, why is he always retained? He is always injured. We easily tell this. No player plays to get injured. Injury can be very painful. It is not just physical but also a mental barrier, especially if you are injured twice. It is not easy on the body. If it resurfaces, it plays on your mind. Mayank Yadav has a lot of time and is exceptionally talented. I want him to play more," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.

Ashwin also acknowledged India's convincing start to the series and congratulated new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer on securing his maiden victory as skipper.

"Congratulations to Shreyas for the first win. He would have been searching for it. There is not a lot to see when you restrict Zimbabwe to 120-odd. Mayank, Prince, and Ashok all got an opportunity," he said.

Mayank's impressive return has not only revived India's pace options but also reinforced why he continues to be viewed as one of the country's most exciting fast-bowling prospects when fully fit.

#ashwin #first #baat