Sports
Desperate England looking for Ashes miracle in Adelaide – SUCH TV
Eight-wicket defeats in Perth and Brisbane mean England have now gone 17 Tests since winning in Australia, dating back to their last series victory there in 2010-11.
Equally damning, a win for the hosts will ensure the five-match showdown will be over inside three Tests for the fourth consecutive series in Australia.
The mountain England must climb is huge. Only once in history has a team come from 2-0 down to win the Ashes, all the way back in 1936-37, when a Don Bradman-inspired Australia overcame the deficit.
With the Ashes on the line, England have axed paceman Gus Atkinson with Josh Tongue coming in as a like-for-like replacement.
It was the only change announced by the team on Monday, with off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks keeping his place ahead of Shoaib Bashir.
Atkinson failed to take a wicket in the series opener in Perth, although he did make a useful 37 runs with the bat in the second innings, before returning figures of three for 151 in Brisbane.
Right-arm quick Tongue has taken 31 wickets in six Tests at an average of 30 and took five wickets in his only previous Test against Australia at Lord’s in 2023. He will complement a pace attack led by Jofra Archer, skipper Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse, who was expensive at the Gabba.
Bashir’s omission for a third straight Test was a surprise.
He was considered England’s number one spinner leading into the tour, but was overlooked in an all-pace attack for Perth, then Jacks got the nod in Brisbane.
Jacks only bowled 11.3 overs at the Gabba, taking 1-34, but was composed with the bat, cracking a gritty 41 in the second innings in a 96-run stand with Stokes.
It is a big call by England. Spin is likely to play a role in Adelaide with extreme temperatures forecast during a Test they must win to avoid a crushing series defeat with two Tests to play.
England kept faith with their misfiring top seven, giving the under-performing Ollie Pope another crack at number three in preference to Jacob Bethell.
Only Joe Root has an average above 30 through the first two Tests against an attack led by Mitchell Starc, who has taken 18 wickets so far.
Coach Brendon McCullum insisted on Sunday that England’s aggressive style of batting will not change but batter Harry Brook said on Monday he needed to rein himself.
Brook, who has contributed 98 runs to England’s cause over four innings so far, conceded two of his dismissals in Perth and Brisbane were the result of “shocking shots” that he would reconsider if he had his time again.
“I’ll admit that every day of the week, especially that one in Perth, it’s nearly a bouncer and I’ve tried to drive it. It was just bad batting,” he told reporters at the Adelaide Oval.
“The one in Brisbane, I’ve tried to hit for six so that’s what I mean when I say that I need to rein it in a little bit. I can almost just take that and hit it for one and get down the other end.
“I’ll be the first person to stand up and say that they were bad shots. I don’t regret them, but if I was there again, I’d try and play it slightly differently. Sometimes we’ve got to learn when to absorb the pressure a little bit more and then realise when the opportunity arises to put pressure back on them. I feel like I probably haven’t done that as well as I usually do in this series so far.”
Brook paid tribute to the skill and discipline of the Australian bowlers and said the England players also needed to stand up and be counted in crunch moments if they were to avoid going 3-0 down in the five-match series.
“There’s them pressure situations, which we haven’t been really that good at so far,” he conceded. “When we’re head-to-head, they’ve managed to be the better side and sneak in front. And everybody realises that. We’ve just got to stand up in them certain situations, read the game slightly better [and] just have a little bit of grit and determination about you.”
Lyon ready to roar again
Australia are set to be reinforced by skipper Cummins, who missed the first two Tests with a back injury, leading the attack alongside the outstanding Starc, and Brook said it was imperative that England step up.
“You can’t take this bowling attack lightly,” said the 26-year-old. “They don’t miss often and you’ve got to tip your hat to them, they’ve bowled really well this series.”
Veteran spin king Nathan Lyon is also expected to play after being overlooked for Brisbane — his first omission while fit in 12 years, with Brendan Doggett and either Scott Boland or Michael Neser likely to make way.
Lyon made clear his disappointment at being dropped for the day-night Test at the Gabba but is only looking forward before the third Test at a ground he knows very well.
“Every opportunity that there’s a Test match on, I want to be a part of, I love playing cricket,” Lyon, who was part of the Adelaide Oval ground staff before becoming Australia’s most successful Test off-spinner, told reporters after being added to the stadium’s ‘Avenue of Honour’ on Monday.
“So there was a lot of disappointment, but there’s no point looking back now, we’re looking forward and moving on, and looking at what my role looks like this week.”
Lyon has only bowled two overs so far in the series, something he is keen to put right at a ground where he has taken 63 Test wickets.
“I haven’t really had the opportunity to get my teeth into this Test series yet, but that opportunity will hopefully come soon, and we’ll put it into play,” he added.
Lyon needs two more wickets in Adelaide to surpass fellow Australian Glenn McGrath’s 563 and move into sixth on the all-time list.
In a minor worry, Steve Smith, who captained the side in Perth and Brisbane, was unwell and skipped a net session on Monday.
The main selection question for Australia is whether a fit-again Usman Khawaja reclaims his place as opener or the hosts persist with the aggressive Travis Head alongside Jake Weatherald.
Chief selector George Bailey has indicated he was open to Khawaja dropping down the order. He could also be axed, potentially spelling the end of his 85-Test career.
Liverpool are considering Newcastle United‘s Anthony Gordon as an upgrade on Cody Gakpo, while Roma‘s defender Wesley França is a target for Arsenal.
Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Liverpool could replace Cody Gakpo with Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon in the summer, according to TEAMtalk. Gakpo has been offered to clubs in the Premier League, including Tottenham Hotspur, and around Europe as Liverpool attempt to gauge interest in the Netherlands international through third-party representatives. Gakpo’s departure could make way Gordon who continues to impress Reds’ officials, though Newcastle have made no secret of their intention to keep the 25-year-old on Tyneside. Gordon spent part of his youth development at Liverpool before joining Merseyside rivals Everton in 2012, where he began his professional career at Everton.
– Arsenal are stepping up their quest for Roma’s in-form defender Wesley França, with Ben White set to make way in the summer, according to TEAMtalk. Brazilian right-back França has been a revelation since joining the Italians from Flamengo last summer, the 22 year old impressing with a four-goal haul. Arsenal scouts have also noted his athleticism, defensive diligence and attacking capabilities. Everton are also interested. The Gunners are also monitoring Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, Eintracht Frankfurt‘s Nnamdi Collins and Monaco‘s Vanderson. Meanwhile, White’s departure has been sanctioned by the club if the right offer comes along.
– Barcelona and Real Madrid are both planning to test the water for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the summer, but City are not planning on allowing the 25-year-old to leave, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke. Haaland is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2031, and City are looking to sign players in other positions around him, rather than allow their main striker to leave. Haaland has been out of form by his high standards — scoring just five goals in 18 appearances since the turn of the year — prompting suggestions he may consider a new challenge, and the two Spanish giants remain intent on trying to lure the Norway international to LaLiga as a statement signing. O’Rourke also reports that should manager Pep Guardiola leave the club, City would prefer to replace him with Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany, rather than other possible candidates such as Enzo Maresca or Luis Enrique.
– Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti is keen on signing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger and, in doing, so fend off interest from a number of Premier League clubs, according to Tuttosport. Spalletti and Rüdiger worked together at Roma, and it remains an ambition of the Bianconeri boss to re-sign the 33-year-old, ideally on a two-year deal, to bring some stability to his back line. Spalletti sees the Germany defender as the perfect short-term addition to his squad, with his UEFA Champions League experience and leadership qualities both valuable qualities. Rüdiger is available on a free transfer at the end of the season. However, Diario AS reports that there has been a “radical twist” in the situation, with a contract renewal for the defender now on the cards. Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa enthusiastically said on Saturday that he’d “build a statue to Rüdiger and put it in my garden.”
– Atlético Madrid have bid €35 million plus bonuses for Atalanta midfielder Éderson, according to Sportitalia’s Alfredo Pedulla. The Italian club are hoping to recoup closer to €40 million for the Brazilian. Éderson was a key member of the team as Le Dea won the Europa League and finished fourth in Serie A in 2023-24, and since then he has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs for several seasons. The 26-year-old’s contract in Bergamo is due to expire at the end of next season.
EXPERT TAKE
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Nicol: Slot shouldn’t get sacked if Liverpool miss out on a UCL spot
Steve Nicol debates Arne Slot’s future after Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Brighton in the Premier League.
OTHER RUMORS
– Liverpool are ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers in the region of €50 million. (Caught Offside)
– Despite being heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle, particularly to Manchester United, Bruno Guimarães is committed to the north-east. (Newcastle Chronicle)
– Inter Milan and Juventus are tracking the situation of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, hoping the 21-year-old could form an integral part of their midfield rebuilds in the summer. (Ekrem Konur)
– Arsenal could allow a number of players to leave in the summer as they look to freshen up their squad and build on what they hope will be a title-winning season. (Daily Telegraph)
– Liverpool winger Giorgi Mamardashvili is a target for European clubs and he could be tempted with the promise of more game time. (Football Insider)
– Rangers boss Danny Röhl has expressed his desire to extend Mikey Moore‘s deal beyond the end of the season, whether it’s a loan move or permanent deal. The 18-year-old was on the scoresheet for Rangers against Aberdeen on Saturday. (Daily Mail)
– Xabi Alonso is the leading contender to replace Arne Slot should the Dutchman be relieved of his duties as Liverpool Manager. Slot came under fresh pressure following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. (Football Insider)
Sports
PSL matches to go ahead without spectators under govt’s austerity drive amid regional crisis: Naqvi
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in a major announcement on Sunday, said that the much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will be held without spectators as part of the government’s austerity measures amid ongoing regional crisis.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the tournament will be limited to two venues, Karachi and Lahore. He added that the decision aims to reduce public movement.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.
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No. 12 High Point put everyone on notice for the second time in as many games this March Madness, but could not find the same success.
After advancing to the Round of 32 following an upset victory over No. 5 Wisconsin, the Panthers’ season ended after No. 4 Arkansas ran away from them late Saturday night.
High Point led by as many as five early in the game, and they were up 56-52 with 14:17 to go after going on a 12-2 run.
Both teams exchanged buckets for several minutes, with no one expanding their respective leads by more than three points for a little while.
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High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and guard Rob Martin (3) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
With 7:04 to play, the Panthers took a 72-71 lead, to which the Razorbacks responded with a 10-2 run, putting them up by seven and giving them their largest lead of the night.
The game was then quickly tied at 83 after a wild run by High Point, but over the final 3:19, Arkansas outscored High Point, 11-5, to snatch the victory, despite a valiant effort from the Panthers.
High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) drives against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) and forward Billy Richmond III (24) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
Arkansas was favored by 11.5, and while they couldn’t cover, it was another Sweet 16 appearance for legendary head coach John Calipari.
Two Panthers, Rob Martin (30) and Cam’Ron Fletcher (25), combined for 55 points, but Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas trumped everyone by dropping 36.
Arkansas will face the winner of No. 1 Arizona and No. 9 Utah State in the Sweet 16.
High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and forward Braden Hausen (15) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
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High Point’s victory over Wisconsin on Thursday marked their first ever in March Madness after making the tournament last year for the first time.
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