The Guardian

Opener had not played 50-over cricket in more than two years, meaning the England selectors are going on instinct Another continent, fresh pyjamas and, after the disappearance of spin in Australia, a contest dominated by the slow stuff. But it was natural at times to rewind to the Ashes during England’s series-opening defeat against Sri Lanka on Thursday, stretching their losing run away from hom…

Blues’ record signing on adapting to English football culture, the challenge of leaving family behind and being well taught by Sonia Bompastor Alyssa Thompson is no stranger to the limelight. Despite being only 21, her undeniable natural talent and eye‑catching career have propelled her into the headlines ever since her hometown club, Angel City, made her the first pick in the 2023 National Women…

Initial optimism has faded after arrival of former Burnley manager, who needs to get more from a struggling squad There was plenty for Sean Dyche to stew on as he marched off the pitch at Estádio Municipal de Braga with the frustrations of the Nottingham Forest supporters ringing in his ears. The boos were not universal, but fans who follow the team over land and sea are usually a decent baromete…

Saints full-back has recovered from a calf injury Fisilau, Sella and Iyogun all included by Borthwick George Furbank has been included in England’s squad for the forthcoming Six Nations, handing Steve Borthwick a timely boost after recovering from a calf injury. The Northampton full-back has not appeared for his club since 20 December and missed the entire autumn internationals campaign but retur…

The Super Bowl match-up will be set this weekend as a weakened Denver take on New England and two NFC West rivals clash in Seattle What New England need to do to win: Clean up their act. Last week against the Houston Texans , Drake Maye was blindsided too often by edge rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. The pair wreaked havoc, sacking Maye five times and forcing him into three of his four…

Once a nearly man of US sprinting, Marvin Bracy-Williams’ ban has exposed a sport gripped by doping, distrust and whispered betrayals Marvin Bracy-Williams dreamed of ranking in the pantheon of elite male US sprinters alongside Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson and Maurice Greene. He’s quick – 9.85sec for 100m – but his problem was he could only ever finish second: silver at the world indoors in 2014, …

⚽ The latest football news heading into the weekend ⚽ Premier League: 10 things to look out for | Mail Niall A few Premier League managers spoke to the media on Thursday, including the man with football’s most exceptional voice, Daniel Farke . He takes his Leeds side to Everton on Monday night, and isn’t planning to make any big January signings beyond the loan move for Brighton’s Facundo Buonano…

Updates from the evening session at Melbourne Park Mboko sets up Sabalenka clash after win | Mail Katy Up next: we’ve got De Minaur v Tiafoe on Rod Laver and Norrie v Zverev on John Cain and Svitolina v Shnaider on Margaret Court. Tumaini has more on Mboko’s victory – and Sabalenka’s. Because they’ll play each other in the last 16: Victoria Mboko has given herself a shot at Aryna Sabalenka , the …

England wing on handling Test pressure, the ‘awesome’ setup at Pennyhill Park and Northampton’s big ambitions Tommy Freeman is known for being multi-talented, so it is fitting that he arrives brandishing a golf club. Thankfully none of the ensuing questions provoke its use in a non-sporting capacity. The Northampton back’s handicap will have to wait, because after a trip to Sale on Saturday he wi…

The Free Solo star will attempt to climb the 1,667ft skyscraper without ropes in a live Netflix broadcast, drawing awe, ethical concern and global attention Alex Honnold has spent the past three months training for this moment: free soloing – climbing without ropes or a harness – one of Asia’s tallest skyscrapers, Taipei 101 . It is an ambition that began more than a decade ago and is now close t…

First round at Wijk aan Zee delayed for over an hour after protesters dump coal at venue and unveil banner reading ‘no chess on a dead planet’ Tata Steel Wijk aan Zee, the “chess Wimbledon”, has been sponsored for all its 88 years by the local steelworks, either in its previous incarnations as Hoogovens and Corus or under its current Indian management. Its relations with the local community have …

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James Bord’s consortium is the preferred bidder to take over Sheffield Wednesday but his data-led player recruitment record is mixed, especially with United Sheffield Wednesday fans will be delighted to hear that one associate of James Bord describes the preferred bidder for their club as “a mini Tony Bloom”, although the professional poker player’s references from the other side of the Steel Cit…

Wright to go after World Cup citing travel demands Departure announced in middle of post Ashes review Luke Wright will leave his role as a selector after next month’s Twenty20 World Cup in the first major change within the England hierarchy following their comprehensive Ashes defeat in Australia. Amid speculation over the futures of Rob Key, the men’s director of cricket, and Brendon McCullum, he…

US star will reportedly be world’s highest-paid women’s player Rodman turned down ‘compelling’ offers to leave Saga spurred debate around NWSL’s ability to keep talent Trinity Rodman, the US national team forward, has signed a new three-year contract to stay with Washington Spirit and will reportedly be the world’s highest-paid women’s player. The record deal, announced on Thursday, ends months o…