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Brighton midfielder James Milner believes his former Liverpool teammate Adam Lallana has all the attributes to become a successful first-team manager, praising the 37-year-old’s passion for the game and tactical insight. Milner, who last weekend became the Premier League’s outright all-time appearance holder during Brighton’s 2-0 victory at Brentford, singled out Lallana when asked by SPORTbible which of his past or present colleagues he expects to move into management. “Adam Lallana. He’s really dived into his coaching. He hasn’t been finished that long but loves it, loves the game and is very knowledgeable,” Milner said. The pair spent five seasons together on the pitch—four at Anfield and one on the south coast—giving Milner a close-up view of Lallana’s footballing intellect. Since hanging up his boots, Lallana has already taken his first steps in the technical area, assisting interim bosses Andrew Crofts and Simon Rusk at Brighton and Southampton before accepting full-time charge of Southampton’s Under-21s last month. Early results have been mixed—one win, two draws and two defeats—but the sample size is small and the ambition is clear. Milner, still playing at 40 and older than current Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler, has long been tipped as a future coach himself. Anecdotes from Jürgen Klopp about Milner’s role in enforcing squad discipline at Liverpool underline the leadership qualities that could translate to the dugout. With both former Reds now plotting careers off the pitch, a return to Merseyside as part of a future coaching setup—or even as the main man—cannot be ruled out.

London – Hosts England will begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on 11 June, before facing two of the tournament’s freshest qualifiers in a group that guarantees historic firsts for British soil. Scotland and Ireland, who secured their berths through the qualifying tournament held in Nepal earlier this month, were drawn alongside England, West Indies, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Group Two. The fixtures released on Monday confirm that England will meet Scotland at Headingley on 20 June, the first time the neighbouring nations have clashed in any World Cup fixture—men’s or women’s—on home soil. Ireland’s date with England comes four days earlier, on 16 June at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, while the Celtic rivals will open their own tournament accounts against each other at Old Trafford on 13 June. The 12-team competition, the largest in the 17-year history of the Women’s T20 World Cup, will split the sides into two groups of six. Bangladesh and the Netherlands joined Scotland and Ireland in progressing from the qualifier, slotting into Group One with Australia, South Africa, India and Pakistan. Group matches will be staged at Edgbaston, Old Trafford, Headingley, Southampton and Bristol, leading into semi-finals at The Oval on 30 June and 2 July. New Zealand, champions in the United Arab Emirates in 2022, will defend their title in the final at Lord’s on Sunday, 5 July, marking the first time the women’s event has returned to England since the inaugural edition in 2009.

Manchester United are exploring the possibility of bringing Scott McTominay back to Old Trafford just two seasons after sanctioning his departure to Napoli, according to reports in Spain. The 29-year-old Scotland international, who left United for the Serie A side in a deal worth significantly less than the mooted £70 million valuation now being placed upon him, has impressed in Italy and is now being viewed as a potential solution to Erik ten Hag’s midfield conundrum. Napoli, who are understood to be open to a sale, would stand to make a substantial profit on a player they signed for a fraction of the current asking price. United’s hierarchy are believed to be monitoring the situation closely, with the club’s recruitment team assessing whether a formal approach would represent value in what is expected to be a busy summer window. Meanwhile, Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has emerged as a surprise target for a trio of Premier League clubs. Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all keeping tabs on the 31-year-old Scotland captain, who has entered the final 12 months of his Anfield contract. Although no formal offers have been tabled, sources indicate that all three clubs are preparing contingency plans should Robertson decide to seek a new challenge away from Merseyside. The potential movement of two of Scottish football’s most recognisable stars comes amid a flurry of transfer chatter involving British-based talent. Elsewhere, Feyenoord remain the only club to have maintained regular scouting missions on Chivas striker Armando Gonzalez, despite previous links to Celtic, Barcelona and West Ham United. The 22-year-old recently turned down a £15 million switch to CSKA Moscow in order to focus on securing a place in Mexico’s World Cup squad. In Glasgow, Rangers are eager to extend Mikey Moore’s loan from Tottenham, though the London club have inserted a relegation clause that would recall the 18-year-old winger instantly if Spurs drop into the Championship. Hearts’ on-loan striker James Wilson, 18, has been fast-tracked to Tottenham’s senior bench after impressing under-21 coach Igor Tudor, while Motherwell’s out-of-contract midfielder Callum Slattery is attracting admiring glances from English second and third-tier sides. Aberdeen skipper Graeme Shinnie, 33, revealed that no discussions have yet taken place over a new deal, insisting his focus remains on reversing the club’s recent slide, and Dundee United full-back Ryan Strain, 28, is similarly in the dark over fresh terms as he battles back from injury. Finally, Sweden boss Graham Potter is being monitored by Celtic as a long-shot candidate for their permanent managerial post, with his current national-team deal potentially extendable should they navigate March’s World Cup play-off path. SEO keywords:

St James’ Park has become a theatre of two faces this season. On Champions League nights, Anthony Gordon glides across the turf like a man who has memorised every blade of grass, his nine continental appearances already yielding ten goals. Yet when the Premier League circus rolls into Tyneside, the same 24-year-old – shunted between left wing and a makeshift centre-forward role – has managed only three league goals, two from the spot. Gordon’s Jekyll-and-Hyde split is the perfect cipher for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle: irresistible on foreign soil, oddly blunt at home. The numbers tell the story. Newcastle are second only to Bournemouth in the division’s athleticism index, but sit 11th in the table, level on 36 points with neighbours Sunderland. Their preferred recipe – suffocating press, relentless running, chaos by design – has proved devastating against opponents who dare to play. Qarabag discovered as much in Baku last week, Gordon plundering four goals as the Azerbaijani champions were lured into Howe’s pressing trap. Yet domestic foes have wised up: cede possession, sit deep, watch Newcastle run themselves into cul-de-sacs. “We’re better out of possession,” Howe conceded, a rare public admission that his side’s strengths are rooted in what they do without the ball. The corollary is sobering: when the press is bypassed, Newcastle look short of ideas. Barcelona’s 2-1 victory in September was a masterclass from Pedri, the Catalan conductor unpicking the frenzy with a metronome’s calm. Howe has not stood still. The manager who once idolised Arsène Wenger’s silk has spent recent summers in Spain, apprenticing himself to the high priests of intensity: Andoni Iraola at Rayo Vallecano and Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid. He even trialled Simeone’s ploy of deliberately launching the ball into touch from kick-off, only for Sandro Tonali and others to reject the tactic as “anti-football”. The search for balance continues. Nick Woltemade, signed from Stuttgart, offers velvet touch and improvisational link play, but lacks the pace and press that Howe demands from his forwards. After five goals in eight games, the German has one in his last 17 and has been repurposed from No 9 to No 10 to a left-sided No 8. “Nick plays better between the lines than stretching the lines,” Howe noted, labelling him a midfielder in the manager’s ideal 4-3-3. That tweak hints at a broader dilemma. A style predicated on perpetual motion carries a heavy tax: fatigue, injury risk, autumnal burnout. If Newcastle truly covet the game’s glittering prizes, a more measured, tempo-controlling approach feels imperative. Whether Howe, the evangelist of the press, can reinvent himself once more is the question that will define the next chapter on Tyneside. First, there is the small matter of seeing out progression against Qarabag on Tuesday, Gordon likely to spearhead the attack again. Then comes Everton on Saturday, a fixture that could expose the same old fault lines. European swagger or domestic struggle: the split personality endures.

Two German clubs – Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen – will be in action as the 2025/26 Champions League continues with the second leg of the knockout phase play-off ties this midweek. Below, we examine the predicted starting XIs that could decide which sides advance to the round of 16. Borussia Dortmund are expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 shape that served them well in the first leg, relying on a high-tempo press and rapid transitions. The back four should remain unchanged, with the centre-back pairing providing aerial dominance and the full-backs pushing high to overload the flanks. In midfield, the double pivot will be tasked with shielding the defence while quickly springing attacks. The creative hub sits in the No. 10 role, supplying the in-form striker who has already bagged four goals in this season’s competition. Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, are likely to mirror the 3-4-2-1 that earned them a narrow first-leg advantage. A back three offers extra cover against Dortmund’s wing play, while wing-backs provide width on both sides. The midfield box will look to control tempo through crisp passing sequences, and the dual attacking midfielders are expected to roam between the lines to create overloads. Up front, the leading scorer is set to lead the line again, hunting the away goal that could prove decisive. With progression on a knife-edge, tactical tweaks from either bench could swing the tie. Dortmund may introduce fresh legs on the flanks to stretch Leverkusen’s back three, whereas Leverkusen could opt for an additional holding midfielder if they need to protect a slender lead. Regardless of the scenarios, the midweek return legs promise high drama as both German sides chase a place among Europe’s last 16.

Kensington Oval is bracing for a high-stakes chess match on Tuesday when England meet Pakistan in a pivotal Super Eights encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with slow, turning conditions set to place an even brighter spotlight on the rival spin departments. England arrive buoyed by a comprehensive 51-run victory over Sri Lanka that vaulted them to the summit of the group standings. While their batting unit has yet to fire in unison, the bowling corps—led by the wiles of Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson—has masked any top-order frailties. Will Jacks’ all-round utility has been a recurring highlight, and Phil Salt’s recent return to form offered timely encouragement even as Jos Buttler and captain Harry Brook continue to search for substantial contributions. “We still haven’t had that perfect game with the bat,” Brook conceded in the lead-up. “Hopefully rewards can come a little bit later down the line for the lads.” Pakistan’s path is far starker. A no-result against New Zealand in their opener leaves them with negligible wiggle room; defeat here would all but extinguish semi-final hopes. Much will rest on a spin triumvirate of Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, while Sahibzada Farhan—Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the tournament—must again anchor a batting lineup under duress. With the surface expected to deteriorate and favour the slower bowlers as the evening progresses, the outcome could hinge on which set of spinners exerts the stranglehold, and which batting line-up adapts quickest to the gripping conditions. Predicted Playing XIs Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid Full Squads Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq England: Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

Manchester United’s resurgence under interim guidance continued with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Everton, the club’s fifth win in six outings since Michael Carrick took the reins. The result lifts United to fourth in the table, three points adrift of Aston Villa in third and, while the performance was short on flair, it brimmed with the resilience that has eluded the side in recent campaigns. Central to the renaissance has been the re-energised form of Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot. Restored to his natural position, the 26-year-old produced another all-action display at Goodison Park, underpinning a rare away clean sheet while offering a consistent threat on the front foot. Defensively, Dalot was immaculate. He recorded three tackles, winning 100 % of them, supplemented by four clearances and a key block to deny Everton a sight of goal. Aerially he dominated, claiming two of three duels, and he edged two of four ground contests to stifle the hosts’ wide threat. In possession, Dalot’s influence was equally telling. Operating with 88 % pass accuracy, he threaded one key pass and advanced the ball ten times, completing his lone dribble to stretch the Toffees’ back line. The full-back even engineered two chances of his own: a first-half drive that whistled inches wide and a second-half effort that forced Jordan Pickford into a smart save after Dalot had surged unchecked down the right. Tactical versatility also shone through in the closing stages. When Noussair Mazraoui entered the fray for the final quarter-hour, Dalot pushed higher up the pitch, helping United see out the victory and secure another precious three points in the race for Champions League qualification. Dalot’s upward trajectory under Carrick is becoming impossible to ignore; Monday’s showing was further evidence that the defender has rediscovered confidence, consistency and a crucial edge at both ends of the pitch.

Pallekele, 24 February 2026 – England and Pakistan lock horns in a pivotal Super 8 encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 under the Pallekele floodlights on Tuesday night, with slow bowlers poised to dictate the narrative on a surface already showing signs of wear. England enter the contest atop the group after a thumping 51-run victory over Sri Lanka in their Super 8 opener, a result that shored up their net run-rate and continued a winning habit at the venue. Jos Buttler’s side swept a three-match T20I series here earlier this month and will draw confidence from that familiarity as they target a second successive win. Pakistan, meanwhile, will lean heavily on a spin-laden attack to upset English plans. Usman Tariq, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz give the Men in Green a five-pronged slow-bowling arsenal, an asset that could prove decisive as the pitch slows up in the second innings. Historical numbers favour England—21 wins in 31 T20I meetings against Pakistan’s nine—but knockout contexts often render history secondary. With points at a premium and a semi-final berth on the horizon, the side that negotiates the turning ball better under pressure is likely to seize the advantage. Match details Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026 Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Toss: 6:30 PM IST Start: 7:00 PM IST Where to watch India: Star Sports Network (television); live streaming on Jio Hotstar app and website. Live ball-by-ball updates and in-depth coverage will also run on TimesofIndia.com.

Manchester United’s summer rebuild is gathering pace in the engine room, with the recruitment team adding Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana to an ever-lengthening midfield shortlist. While Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba remain the primary targets, Onana’s Premier League pedigree has earned him a place among the contenders, according to Football Insider. The Belgian’s inclusion underscores United’s determination to leave no stone unturned as they look to cure the side’s midfield malaise. With a new name linked to Old Trafford almost daily, the club’s due-diligence operation shows no sign of slowing. At the same time, Marcus Rashford’s future remains in flux. The forward has impressed during his loan spell at Barcelona, yet El Nacional reports that head coach Hansi Flick would rather pursue Manchester City winger Savinho than turn Rashford’s temporary move into a permanent arrangement. Across the continent, Darwin Nunez could be heading back to England sooner than expected. The Uruguayan’s Saudi sojourn at Al-Ahli has hit the rocks after foreign-player registration limits pushed him out of the squad following Karim Benzema’s arrival. Fabrizio Romano says Nunez’s representatives have already offered his services to Newcastle and Tottenham, with a Premier League return firmly on the agenda. Tottenham, meanwhile, face a fight to keep one of their brightest prospects. Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall, 20, has attracted firm interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa. Spurs rebuffed enquiries last month and have now slapped a £57 million valuation on the player, FotbollDirekt understands, as the north London club brace themselves for a potential exodus should results continue to nosedive.

Tottenham Hotspur’s search for defensive reinforcements has taken concrete shape with the emergence of Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger as a leading target, yet the north-London club face stiff competition from Juventus for the 32-year-old’s signature. With Spurs conceding goals at an alarming rate this season, hierarchy at Hotspur Way have prioritised adding an experienced centre-back to steady a back line that has wobbled with alarming regularity. The potential departure of both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero—each attracting admiring glances—has only intensified the need for a commanding presence in the heart of defence. Rüdiger, whose contract at the Santiago Bernabéu expires in June, is available on a free transfer and fits the profile of a battle-tested leader who has already proved himself in the Premier League during his time at Chelsea. Sources indicate that Tottenham have already registered their interest, viewing the Germany international as the ideal candidate to marshal a reshuffled defensive unit. But Spurs are unlikely to have a clear run at the player. Serie A heavyweights Juventus have placed Rüdiger on their shortlist as they look to overhaul an ageing rearguard, according to a report published by TuttoJuve. The Turin club are attracted by the defender’s Champions League pedigree and the cost-effective nature of a Bosman deal, factors that strengthen their hand as they seek an immediate upgrade. For Tottenham, the challenge is twofold: convincing Rüdiger that the project in N17 offers a genuine pathway to silverware, and overcoming the lack of guaranteed European football next season. Juventus, by contrast, can dangle the carrot of continental competition—an influential bargaining chip when courting a player who has grown accustomed to performing on club football’s biggest stage. Managing director of football Johan Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham are expected to lead negotiations, tasked with selling a long-term vision that casts Rüdiger as both on-field general and dressing-room catalyst. Financially, Spurs believe they can outbid the Bianconeri on wages and are banking on the allure of the Premier League to tip the scales in their favour. Whether that sales pitch proves persuasive remains to be seen. With Juventus now firmly in the race, Tottenham must move decisively or risk watching another defensive target slip through their grasp.

St James’ Park is braced for a celebratory evening on Tuesday as Newcastle United look to rubber-stamp their passage into the Champions League last 16 against Qarabag. Eddie Howe’s side carry a near-insurmountable 6-1 lead from the first leg in Azerbaijan, a record-breaking night inspired by Anthony Gordon, and an 11-match scoring streak in the competition that underlines their free-scoring form. English clubs have historically owned this fixture: nine wins from 10 previous continental meetings with Qarabag, an aggregate score of 33-2, and a psychological edge Newcastle will be eager to extend. Howe, however, must juggle fitness issues with the need to keep momentum intact ahead of a prospective knockout tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea. Central defence is the pressing concern after Malick Thiaw’s first-leg caution triggered a suspension, yet there is optimism that Sven Botman could rejoin the squad after injury. Between the posts, Nick Pope is set to start. Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn are expected to anchor the back line, while midfield balance should be provided by Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock. Width is likely to come from Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, and there is growing speculation that Nick Woltemade could feature in an experimental forward line. All eyes will again be on Gordon. The England winger has plundered 10 goals in only 15 Champions League appearances, making him the second-fastest Englishman to reach double figures in the competition, and he has already matched the single-season European tallies posted by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Erling Haaland. Newcastle United predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Botman, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Barnes; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon. Kick-off at St James’ Park is 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. UK viewers can watch live on TNT Sports and Amazon Prime Video, with live streaming available on the discovery+ app.

Madrid, Feb. 24 — With a pivotal Champions League date against Benfica looming tomorrow, tension inside the Real Madrid community is palpable. A candid rallying cry circulated across club-centric channels Monday evening: “WE BETTER NOT LOSE THIS BENFICA MATCH … let’s not lose this game.” The message, posted in the daily discussion space known as The Daily Merengue, has become an informal barometer of supporter nerves ahead of the last-16 second leg. The forum, self-described as “a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football,” concedes an “overt RMCF bias,” a slant its moderators wear almost as a badge of honor. Shout-outs were issued to the volunteer team—Valyrian Steel, Ezek XI, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho—whose oversight keeps the discourse alive around the clock. Monday’s thread also carried a lighter metric for tracking form: “Each time Vinicius plays well, Arbeloa’s Life XP increases by 10%,” one contributor quipped, underscoring how the Brazilian’s flashes of brilliance have become a morale multiplier for fans who still recall the Spaniard’s glory days on the Bernabéu flank. Hope was directed toward the women’s side as well. After recent heavy defeats to Barcelona in both the men’s and women’s fixtures, supporters urged the femenino squad to “do us proud” in upcoming engagements, signaling a growing appetite for success across all sections of the club. Away from the pitch, Kylian Mbappé secured a notable victory in court. The forward’s prolonged legal tussle with former employer Paris Saint-Germain over unpaid bonuses—reportedly exceeding €60 million—has concluded in his favor. While Madrid stumbled on the field, Mbappé’s camp hailed the ruling as closure on a saga that, according to sources close to the player, had become a “major mental detractor.” The decision is expected to free the Frenchman’s focus for the decisive stretch of the season. In a footnote that quickly spiraled into its own subplot, Dean—no surname offered—landed in hot water on Chinese social media, though specifics of the incident remain scant. As Tuesday night approaches, the message from Madrid’s digital terraces is simple: deliver against Benfica, and the rest can wait. SEO keywords:

Barcelona’s Ateneu Barcelonès was transformed into a blue-and-garnet celebration on Thursday night as club president Joan Laporta unveiled his memoir, Així hem salvat el Barça (This is How We Saved Barça), before an audience heavy with symbolism and star power. Flanked by first-team coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, Laporta used the 90-minute presentation to frame the last five years as a story of crisis, reconstruction and, ultimately, vindication. “I didn’t want to sound arrogant, but we saved Barça from a very complex situation,” Laporta told the packed hall, gesturing toward the book’s cover image: the president in a worker’s vest, sleeves rolled up, at a construction site inside Spotify Camp Nou. “It wasn’t done in offices, nor with a suit and tie. It was done by rolling up our sleeves and working hard.” The president’s narrative arc began with the club’s liquidity woes in 2020 and ended with last season’s historic treble, a feat he described as “the excitement that has enamored all Barcelonistas.” Yet the evening’s most pointed remarks were reserved for the two club officials seated in the front row. “I want to highlight Deco’s work. It’s admirable because the situation was extremely difficult. We now have an economic surplus over the past three seasons and the squad has been renewed,” Laporta said, adding that seeing both Flick and Deco in attendance “are two of the things that make me happiest.” The memoir launch did not shy away from lingering wounds. Addressing Lionel Messi’s 2021 exit, Laporta called it “the most difficult moment” of his tenure, explaining that “the economy wasn’t strong or solid enough to accommodate Messi. The most difficult moments are always saying that a player, a coach, or a staff member can’t continue. It was best for Barça and that’s life.” Former players and administrators reinforced the air of continuity. Ex-forward Bojan Krkić, now the club’s football coordinator, sat alongside former president Joan Gaspart and several ex-board members, lending the event the feel of an institutional reunion. With elections on the horizon, Laporta closed on an upbeat note, hinting that a future edition might yet include a chapter on “who we saved Barça from,” a remark interpreted as a veiled swipe at past political rivals. For now, the president’s message is clear: the reconstruction, captured in the pages presented Thursday night, is both his legacy and his platform.

New Delhi: Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has launched a scathing assessment of India’s bowling strategy following their 76-run defeat to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super 8, singling out all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube for failing to provide the bite needed at the death. Speaking on Tapmad after the loss, Akhtar said the pair’s combined figures of 1 for 67 in six overs laid bare a glaring lack of pace and menace against a Proteas line-up that finished with 205 for 5. “Hardik and Shivam Dube were bowling at around 120 kmph. It’s not as if they are Malcolm Marshall — someone who would intimidate a batting line-up of South Africa’s calibre. If you deploy them in the death overs, such a counterattack from the Proteas is inevitable,” he argued. The Rawalpindi Express insisted the tactic of entrusting the closing stages to medium-pace options backfired spectacularly, allowing South Africa’s hitters to accelerate unchecked. Beyond the Pandya-Dube axis, Akhtar contended that India’s entire attack appeared vulnerable, with even frontline bowlers struggling to stem the flow of runs. He reserved particular criticism for mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, whose usual 97-98 kmph variations dipped to 94 kmph on the night. “When he came into the attack, he was hit for a no-look six by Dewald Brevis,” Akhtar noted, highlighting a moment that encapsulated India’s inability to exert control. According to the 49-year-old, the absence of wrist-spin prodigy Kuldeep Yadav has left the attack predictable. “The missing link here is Kuldeep Yadav. He is someone who can deceive batters in the air and pick up wickets when needed. He is a proven match-winner,” Akhtar said, urging the management to reshuffle the XI. He also observed that the presence of both Chakaravarthy and off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar offers similar skill sets, making India’s plans easier to decode for elite opponents. With the tournament entering its knockout phase, Akhtar’s verdict is clear: unless India rediscover wicket-taking variety and genuine pace threat, their campaign risks unravelling against the first heavyweight outfit they encounter.

MONROE COUNTY — Bedford, Gibraltar Carlson, Flat Rock and Ida opened the state boys basketball tournaments with dramatic victories Monday night, punching tickets to Wednesday’s district semifinals while Monroe, Airport, Dundee, Milan and St. Mary Catholic Central saw their seasons end. Bedford 53, Trenton 51 TRENTON — Nick Coberley’s buzzer-beater capped a stunning comeback for the Mules, who trailed 11-0 before scoring and were down 16 at halftime. Ish Hakki poured in 23 points and Henry Albring added 10 as Bedford improved to 9-14 and advanced to Wednesday’s 7 p.m. Division 1 semifinal against Woodhaven at Trenton. Gibraltar Carlson 45, Monroe 28 TRENTON — The Marauders held Monroe to 16 points through three quarters and rode Trent Ison’s 14 points to the win. Jacob Collins and Carmine Carafelli each chipped in 9 for Carlson, now 14-8 and winners of three straight. They face New Boston Huron in Wednesday’s 5:30 p.m. Division 1 semifinal at Trenton. Julian Espinoza scored a season-best 8 for the 2-20 Trojans. Flat Rock 59, Airport 54 NEWPORT — Evan Szalay posted 22 points and 5 rebounds and Jorand Godfrey supplied 14 points, 5 boards, 5 assists and 2 steals as the Rams swept Airport in a week after an earlier-season loss. Airport, closing at 10-13, had four players in double figures: Aidyn Stahr 14, Dillon Byrd 10, Jack Baker 10 and Wally Sisler 10. Flat Rock (9-14) meets host Jefferson in Wednesday’s 7 p.m. Division 2 semifinal. Ida 45, Dundee 32 NEWPORT — Luke Hennessey buried two early triples and Connor Zimmerman finished with 12 points as the Blue Streaks beat their rival for the third time this season. Owen Snyder added 9 and Gavin Albring keyed the defense for 15-7 Ida, which faces Grosse Ile in Wednesday’s 5:30 p.m. Division 2 semifinal at Jefferson. Elsewhere, defending state champion Gabriel Richard ended St. Mary Catholic Central’s year in Erie, 55-31. Brock Cousino scored 11 for the 3-20 Falcons. Milan bowed out at Tecumseh, with Landon Talladay scoring 11 and Kingston Webster 9 in the 4-19 Big Reds’ finale. Wednesday’s semifinals will trim the field again as the chase for a state title rolls on.

NEW DELHI – India’s path to the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals has narrowed to a single lane after a chastening 76-run loss to South Africa in their opening Super 8 encounter at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Suryakumar Yadav’s side, now third in Group 1 with a Net Run Rate of -3.800, must win their remaining two fixtures against West Indies and Zimbabwe to keep their campaign alive. South Africa’s 187 for 7, built around David Miller’s measured 63 and Dewald Brevis’s 45 off 22 balls, proved too steep for an Indian line-up that folded for 111 in 17.2 overs. Jasprit Bumrah’s 3 for 15 was the lone bright spot with the ball, while Marco Jansen’s career-best 4 for 29 scythed through the middle order and extinguished any hope of a successful chase. The result, coupled with West Indies’ 107-run demolition of Zimbabwe, has left the standings delicately poised: West Indies lead on two points and a healthy NRR, South Africa sit second, and India are precariously placed in third. Scenario 1 – India win both matches If India defeat West Indies and Zimbabwe, they will finish on four points. Should South Africa also win their remaining games, India and South Africa will progress. If South Africa lose once, three sides could finish on four points, sending the decision to Net Run Rate. In the unlikely event that South Africa lose both matches, India and West Indies would advance. Scenario 2 – India win one match A solitary victory will not suffice; any combination of one win and one loss will see India eliminated regardless of other results. With no further margin for error, India’s campaign now hinges on back-to-back wins and a potential NRR shoot-out, beginning with their must-win clash against the in-form West Indies.

With the FA Cup fifth round looming, Liverpool supporters are being invited to share their views on the competition’s place in the modern game. The Athletic has launched a dedicated survey, open until 27 February, designed to gauge sentiment among Reds fans as the tournament enters its decisive phase. Jürgen Klopp’s side advanced to the last-16 with a fourth-round victory over Brighton, and are now only two wins from a Wembley semi-final. Four victories, the club’s website notes, would secure a first FA Cup triumph since 2006, yet the poll seeks to discover whether silverware at Wembley still outweighs the lure of Champions League qualification in the eyes of supporters. Questions also touch on satisfaction levels with the current head coach and the club’s ownership, offering fans a chance to voice opinions on wider strategic direction. Results will be published after the survey closes. To participate, supporters can complete the questionnaire on The Athletic’s platform before the 27 February deadline.

UEFA has handed Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni a one-match provisional suspension after Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior accused him of racist abuse during last week’s Champions League playoff first leg. The ban rules the 19-year-old Argentine out of Wednesday’s decisive return fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid defend a 1-0 aggregate lead earned in Lisbon. European football’s governing body acted swiftly after receiving the complaint, opting for an interim ban while disciplinary investigators gather evidence and hear witness testimony. No timeline has been given for a final ruling, but the suspension is effective immediately, forcing Benfica to plan without one of their emerging attackers for the must-win encounter. Vinícius, who has previously spoken out against racism in Spanish football, alerted match officials and later UEFA after the incident allegedly occurred during the closing stages of the first-leg contest. Benfica have yet to comment publicly on the accusation or the suspension. Real Madrid’s narrow advantage, courtesy of a solitary goal in the Portuguese capital, leaves the tie delicately poised, but Prestianni’s absence could deprive the visitors of a late attacking option as they seek to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the group stage. UEFA said it will not make further statements until the investigation is complete.

London – Two-time T20 World Cup champions England have dismissed the idea that Tuesday night’s Super Eights decider against Pakistan will hinge solely on the enigmatic off-spinner Usman Tariq, insisting their game plan is built around countering an entire spin-heavy attack rather than one headline act. Left-arm spinner Liam Dawson, fresh from a disciplined two-wicket display in Friday’s 51-run win over co-hosts Sri Lanka, told reporters that England’s analysts have widened the lens to include every slow-bowling option Pakistan can deploy. “It’s not all about Tariq,” Dawson said on the eve of the Antigua contest. “They’re a very good team with some dangerous players, and Tariq’s obviously a very good bowler. But we’re not going to just look at him. We’ll look at the whole team and see how we can nullify them.” The warning comes as England attempt to secure a top-two finish in Group 2 and book a semifinal spot. A victory would complete a rapid rebound after their opening Super Eights stumble, yet concerns linger over their ability to negotiate quality spin: four of England’s top five batters fell to Sri Lankan slow bowlers last time out, a vulnerability that could be exploited by Pakistan’s six-pronged spin contingent of Tariq, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha and Mohammad Nawaz. Tariq has been the tournament’s curiosity, his action punctuated by a pronounced pause before the ball is released. England captain Harry Brook mimicked the hesitation during training on Monday, but Dawson stressed that imitation was part of preparation, not obsession. Dawson, 34, believes England’s own varied spin trio can shape the match. Against Sri Lanka he combined with off-spinner Will Jacks and leg-spinner Adil Rashid to claim seven of the ten wickets as the chase of 146 was throttled at 95 all out. “We’re all very different types of spinners,” Dawson explained. “Jacksy gets a lot of overspin and a lot of bounce. Dilly has all his variations. Me – I sort of don’t get the bounce that the other two get. It will be a different challenge on Tuesday night. We might get a better batting wicket. We’ll have to see.” He added: “Out of the three or four of us, I’m probably more the defensive spinner in this, and I know that’s my role, and I’m just trying to be consistent for the captain. Adil can use all his tricks, and he comes on to get the wickets and get us back in games or put us ahead in games.” England’s slow-bowling unit carries a combined 200-plus T20 caps, a resource Dawson believes breeds calm under pressure. “We’re all very experienced. If you look at the amount of cricket that me and Adil have played, even Jacks as well, it’s probably only with Beth that’s probably got a little bit less experience. But there’s a lot of trust in the guys that go out there and try to execute what you want to try and do.” With a semifinal berth on the line, England’s message is clear: Pakistan may arrive armed with mystery, but the champions are braced for the full repertoire, not just its most talked-about exponent.

Mount Enterprise, Texas — In a swift, unanimous decision Monday night, the Mount Enterprise ISD board tapped East Texas native Daniel Davis to steer the Wildcats’ athletic department and lead the football program, filling the void left by Scott Ponder’s January departure for Alto. Davis, a 2001 New Diana graduate, arrives from Weatherford ISD, where he spent recent seasons molding football and powerlifting athletes. Stops at Godley and Seymour dot a résumé built on small-town roots and a belief that community and team are inseparable. During a brief interview after the special-called meeting, Davis said the district’s vision mirrors his own, citing the family atmosphere that first drew him to the rural campus. “Extremely excited,” Davis said. “Our family and I are really excited to be here. We’re very excited to get to serve this community and get the football program going in the direction I feel like we need to go.” Davis promised supporters a fast, physical product built on discipline and selfless play. “We’re gonna be team first,” he said. “Again, we’re meant to serve others and so that’s what we’re gonna try to do as a team. That’s kind of the vision that we’re gonna build here.” Athletic department officials have not announced a timetable for spring practices, but Davis indicated he will waste no time implementing his system and meeting players, teachers, and community leaders.

Madrid—When the Champions League anthem rings out at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night, the stadium will welcome back Jose Mourinho for the first time since his Real Madrid exit in 2013. Yet the Portuguese tactician’s highly anticipated return as head coach of Portuguese giants Benfica has been clouded by a suspension that will keep him off the touchline and by an ongoing racism controversy that has dominated headlines across Europe. Mourinho, who guided Real Madrid to a La Liga title and a Champions League semi-final during his three-year tenure in the Spanish capital, has not set foot inside the Bernabeu as an opposing coach since departing the club more than a decade ago. The mid-week group-stage clash was expected to be an emotional reunion, but UEFA’s disciplinary ruling means the 60-year-old will watch from the stands rather than the dugout, complicating preparations for a Benfica side eager to secure a pivotal away result. Club officials confirmed on Tuesday that Mourinho will address the squad in the dressing room before kick-off and will relay instructions via a designated assistant throughout the 90 minutes. The suspension, linked to prior disciplinary action, has overshadowed what was billed as a celebratory homecoming for a manager who once thrived on the Bernabeu’s demanding stage. Compounding the tension, European football’s governing body continues to investigate allegations of discriminatory behavior that surfaced after Benfica’s previous continental fixture. Although no formal verdict has been delivered, the episode has intensified scrutiny on Mourinho and his staff, adding an unwelcome subplot to a match already heavy with narrative. For Real Madrid supporters, Wednesday offers a chance to salute a coach who ended Barcelona’s domestic dominance and delivered a Copa del Rey triumph. For Mourinho, it represents an opportunity to reassert his Champions League pedigree—albeit from a distance—while guiding Benfica toward the knockout rounds. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CET, with both clubs aware that three points could prove decisive in a tightly balanced group. Regardless of the off-field turbulence, the encounter promises drama, nostalgia, and the unmistakable sense that, even in absentia, Jose Mourinho remains a central figure in European football’s theatre.

Adelaide — Kelsian Group has posted a record first-half for the six months ended 31 December 2025, lifting revenue 10.6% to AUD 1.186 billion and upgrading full-year underlying EBITDA guidance to AUD 303–312 million on the back of indexation-linked contract growth, booming U.S. employee shuttle demand, and resilient marine and tourism trading. Chief executive Graeme Legh told analysts the result was built on “both sides of the ledger,” with revenue and earnings expanding in tandem. Underlying EBITDA rose 16.4% to AUD 153.8 million, underlying EBIT jumped 26.5% to AUD 75.3 million, and profit before amortisation surged 32.2% to AUD 52.5 million. Net profit after tax leapt 62% to AUD 32.4 million, while the board maintained a fully franked interim dividend of AUD 0.08 per share and kept the dividend discount plan open. Cash generation remained robust: operating cash flow climbed 26.1% to AUD 83.1 million, equating to a 95% conversion rate and gross operating cash of AUD 100 million. Net debt finished December at AUD 664.9 million, translating to pro-forma leverage of 2.7×, down from 3.2× four years earlier. All bank covenants, management stressed, were “comfortably met.” Capital discipline stayed on script. Kelsian deployed AUD 78.3 million on new and replacement assets—vessels, buses, motor coaches—resulting in net capex of AUD 76 million after routine disposals. Full-year FY2026 capex is now forecast at AUD 135 million, including an extra AUD 7 million to accelerate U.S. shuttle fleet expansion. The group also confirmed binding agreements to divest its entire tourism portfolio to Journey Beyond for AUD 161 million, with completion slated for first-half FY2027 pending ACCC and FIRB clearances. Two additional tourism properties will be sold separately for roughly AUD 3 million. Once settled, Kelsian will re-emerge as a “global commuter and contracted transport business,” Legh said, with marine operations retained under long-term service contracts. Divisional snapshot Australian Bus: Contract indexation and the Bankstown rail-replacement service underwrote earnings, offsetting electric-bus and depot delays plus elevated maintenance on ageing diesel fleets. A two-year extension for Sydney Region 6 is being finalised, effective July 2026, alongside a new Queensland contract for Ipswich and Logan services starting November 2025. International Bus: The segment delivered EBIT growth above 130%, led by U.S. LNG-linked and technology-shuttle volumes. New depots in Texas and Louisiana have been leased to support Gulf Coast growth, while Singapore’s five-year Sentosa contract has commenced and the recent South Wales Transport acquisition positions the group for further U.K. tenders. Marine & Tourism: Pricing initiatives and yield management lifted top-line and EBIT, despite scheduled out-of-water maintenance. Investment continues in new Kangaroo Island vessels and South Moreton Bay Island infrastructure, with the second vessel delivered in November. Looking ahead, Legh flagged continued U.S. shuttle expansion, full-year Bankstown revenues, and AUD 4 million of Kangaroo Island mobilisation costs. January trading remains in line with expectations, driven by international bus momentum.

BOULDER, Colo. — A chance encounter between two University of Colorado students and head football coach Deion Sanders offered a brief but telling snapshot of the reverence the Hall of Famer expects on his own turf. While relaxing on a campus bench earlier this week, the undergraduates spotted Sanders strolling past and greeted him with an excited, “Deion Sanders?” followed by, “How you doing, Deion?” Sanders, ever the showman, paused just long enough to deliver a playful correction: “They call me Coach around here,” before offering a fist bump and continuing on his way. The lighthearted exchange, captured in a moment that quickly circulated among students, underscored the identity Sanders has embraced since taking over the Buffaloes program. The 2025 season tested that identity as never before. After star quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way phenom Travis Hunter departed for the NFL, Colorado’s on-field results fell short of preseason optimism. Yet within the context of Sanders’s personal trials—most notably a summer bladder-cancer diagnosis that required surgery and a forced hiatus from preseason activities—program insiders still label the calendar year a success. Doctors ultimately declared the 58-year-old cancer-free following a bladder replacement, and Sanders credits the temporary step away with reshaping his lifestyle and dietary habits. Off the field, 2025 brought additional milestones. In March, Sanders signed an eight-year, $8.9 million annual contract that places him among the highest-paid head coaches in college football. Weeks later, both of his sons heard their names called during the NFL Draft, capping a bittersweet but triumphant spring. Still, Colorado’s roster depth remains a concern. The 2025 squad lacked the volume of four- and five-star signees needed to compete consistently in the Big 12, exposing the lag between national buzz and tangible recruiting victories. Analysts caution that until Sanders and his staff convert publicity into elite commitments, the Buffaloes risk remaining on the periphery of the national conversation. Yet those same analysts acknowledge that overcoming cancer has a way of re-ordering priorities. If Sanders’s health scare offered clarity, his brief interaction with the students offered a reminder: titles matter, and in Boulder, “Coach” is the only one he’s ready to answer to.

Peoria, Ariz. – While much of the Cactus League chatter has centered on roster battles and injury updates, the Seattle Mariners’ camp has been electrified by two arms who have no interest in playing it safe. Kade Anderson, the third-overall selection in last summer’s draft, and Ryan Sloan, MLB Pipeline’s No. 33 prospect, have arrived in big-league camp with a shared mandate: fill the zone, get ahead, and let the strikeouts pile up. Both right-handers threw live batting-practice sessions this week that left hitters shaking their heads and evaluators reaching for notebooks. Anderson, who helped pitch LSU to the 2025 College World Series title, worked a fastball that appeared to jump the zone and paired it with a mid-80s slider that dove late. Sloan, fresh off a 10-start cameo with High-A Everett, showcased a four-seamer that rode through the top of the zone and a change-up that died on left-handed swings. The early returns confirm what the organization already suspected: these pitchers would rather see a swing-and-miss than a ball in play. “If I want to talk about strikeouts, I have to get ahead in the count,” Sloan said matter-of-factly after his session. “That’s the only way the punch-out becomes an option.” General manager Justin Hollander endorsed the approach without hesitation. “Don’t let the ball in play decide your outcome,” he told club staffers, according to the Seattle Times. “Just get ahead, and finish guys as quickly as you can.” Pitching coach Pete Woodworth has watched both prospects since instructional league and believes the conviction is authentic. “They’re hungry,” Woodworth said. “They’re not just here to get to know people and have a good time in big-league camp. They’re here to compete, to get ahead, and to punch a lot of tickets. It’s fun to hear.” The divergent paths that delivered Anderson and Sloan to the same mound this spring add intrigue. Anderson rocketed up draft boards after a dominant postseason run in the SEC, while Sloan climbed steadily through the system since being selected out of a Wisconsin high school two years ago. Yet both speak the same language on the rubber: attack, expand, and end the at-bat. Woodworth sees the shared mentality as a separator. “For how young they are, there is a lot of true self-confidence,” he said. “It’s not fake. They truly believe it, and you can see it when they pitch.” With full-season assignments still to be finalized, the Mariners have no reason to rush either arm. Still, every fastball that pops the mitt and every helpless flail from a veteran visitor sends a quiet message through the organization: the next wave of Seattle strikeout artists has already started its climb.

TAYLORS — In the record books, Mountain View Prep is barely 18 months old. On the hardwood, the Stars already play like seasoned veterans. The school opened its doors in July 2024. Twelve months ago the boys basketball team stepped into the SCHSL playoffs as an unknown quantity and exited quickly, falling 63-56 to Palmetto in the opening round. That taste of early elimination, coach Nick Lagroone said, became the program’s accelerant. “We knew we didn’t need a decade to build something special,” Lagroone reflected after Mountain View’s 49-30 dismantling of St. Joseph’s Catholic on Feb. 23 in the Class 3A quarterfinals at Greer Middle College. “We needed buy-in, reps, and a refusal to accept the idea that ‘new’ equals ‘behind.’” The Stars turned a tight first half into a rout with a 21-2 third-quarter blitz, holding the Knights to a single field goal over the final 16 minutes. Senior guard Ma’Ori Henderson scored 13 of his team-high points after intermission, while junior two-sport standout Mak Anderson—best known as the school’s star quarterback—chipped in 10 and hounded St. Joseph’s ball-handlers on the perimeter. “When I traded shoulder pads for high-tops, I had to check my ego,” Anderson said. “Basketball isn’t about one position leading; it’s about five pieces fitting.” The victory vaults Mountain View (20-6) into the Upper State finals against Christ Church on Feb. 27, completing a single-season leap from first-round fodder to final-four participant. Athletic director Hailey Martin, herself in her first year on campus, called the run validation of a culture constructed overnight. “Coach Lagroone laid the foundation last year; these guys believed in it and stacked bricks every day,” she said. “You see it in how they celebrate and how they respond when things go sideways.” Henderson, one of only two seniors in the rotation, echoed the sentiment. “Playoffs reset everyone to 0-0,” he said. “We wanted to be the bigger dogs, and we’re not done growing yet.” Lagroone plans a brief celebration before turning the page. “Christ Church has winning in its DNA,” he noted. “We’ll enjoy tonight, then get back to chopping wood.” In just two years, Mountain View Prep has turned the concept of program-building on its head, proving that in high-stakes postseason play, heart and cohesion can outpace the calendar.

Orlando City are in discussions with France’s 2018 World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann about a potential move to Major League Soccer, a source close to the negotiations confirmed to AFP on Monday. The 34-year-old forward, who this season has 12 goals in 35 appearances for Atlético Madrid, holds the Spanish club’s all-time scoring record with 210 goals across two spells interrupted by his 2019-2022 sojourn at Barcelona. Griezmann retired from international duty in 2024 after 137 caps and 44 goals for France. Talks between the player’s camp and Orlando City have taken place, the source said, stressing that “nothing has yet been agreed.” The Florida club owns Griezmann’s MLS discovery rights, a mechanism that gives Orlando priority in negotiating his transfer. The Athletic first reported the dialogue. Long linked with a future in the United States, Griezmann has previously expressed admiration for American sports culture, including the NBA and NFL. A switch to MLS would mark another high-profile arrival for a league whose transfer window remains open through late March before reopening in the summer. Orlando, which missed last season’s playoffs, has a history of marquee signings, most notably 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaká. Adding a player of Griezmann’s pedigree would represent a significant statement of intent as the club looks to rebound in the current campaign that kicked off last weekend. Griezmann’s existing contract with Atlético Madrid runs until June 2027, signed following his return to the capital last year.

Joan Laporta has branded the criminal complaint filed against him and senior Barcelona officials “opaque, suspicious, and nonsense of the highest order,” insisting the case is a politically timed attempt to derail his bid to reclaim the club presidency. The outgoing president, who is campaigning to return to the post he previously held from 2003-10, appeared before Spain’s Audiencia Nacional after a lawsuit accused him, his brother Xavier, five board members, and three executives of money laundering, tax fraud, and channeling illicit commissions through companies in Spain, Cyprus, Croatia, Estonia, and Dubai. The deals under scrutiny involve Barça Vision, New Era Visionary Group, Turkish contractor Limak, Nike, and premium seating arrangements at Camp Nou. Speaking publicly for the first time since the complaint was reported by El Periódico, Laporta dismissed the allegations as part of a broader effort to destabilize both his candidacy and the club. “Everything is opaque, suspicious, and nonsense of the highest order,” he said. “There is an interest in harming us.” The 56-year-old lawyer defended Barcelona’s confidentiality policies, arguing that full contract disclosure could jeopardize the club’s strategic position. “We cannot make all contracts public. Transparency has limits, set by the club’s strategy. Some documents could hurt Barça or contain confidential clauses. Within those limits, we are as transparent as possible. This is normal in business.” Barcelona’s official response backed their outgoing president, describing the claims as “implausible and detached from reality” and warning of potential legal action against the socio who lodged the suit and any media outlets that present the accusations as proven fact. The timing is critical. Laporta enters the final stretch of the election campaign as the heavy favorite, promising members that the club is “stronger than five years ago” and cautioning against handing the reins to inexperienced leadership. Rivals hope the court case will erode his support, but early reactions from key blocs suggest the lawsuit has galvanized his base, which views it as a smear tactic. With ballots set to be counted in the coming weeks, Laporta’s ability to keep the narrative focused on sporting and economic recovery—rather than courtroom drama—could prove decisive in determining who sits in the presidential chair at Camp Nou next month.

Eight years after the Sandpapergate scandal sent shockwaves through world cricket, Australia will set foot on South African soil for a three-Test series, their first in the republic since the controversy erupted. The tour, scheduled for September and October, will also feature three One-Day Internationals leading into the red-ball contests, Cricket Australia confirmed. The upcoming visit marks Australia’s first Test campaign in South Africa since the 2017-18 series that was overshadowed by the ball-tampering affair in Cape Town. That incident, now widely referenced as Sandpapergate, led to lengthy bans for three Australian players and a sweeping review of team culture. With the next chapter of the rivalry looming, attention will again focus on the on-field action and the broader narrative of redemption that has framed subsequent encounters between the two sides. Australia, fresh from their recent assignments, will use the limited-overs fixtures as a primer for the Tests, giving both management and fans an early gauge of form and combinations. While exact venues and dates have yet to be released, officials from both boards have expressed optimism that the tour will proceed without disruption and rekindle one of cricket’s most fiercely contested matchups. South Africa, eager to reassert home dominance, views the series as an opportunity to climb the World Test Championship standings, while Australia will aim to consolidate their position at the top. The contests are expected to be played in early-spring conditions, potentially offering seaming wickets and a stern examination of batting technique. Cricket South Africa and Cricket Australia have committed to working closely on biosecurity protocols, mindful of the lingering effects of the global pandemic that forced the cancellation of the previous Australian tour to the region in 2021-22. Ticket sales, broadcast arrangements, and community engagement initiatives will be announced in the coming months, with both nations hoping for capacity crowds after recent restrictions. As anticipation builds, players and coaches on both sides have spoken of respect for the history between the teams and a determination to let performances with bat and ball shape the storyline this time around. With the Sandpapergate memories still vivid, the 2025 showdown offers a chance for a new narrative to emerge.

Martinsburg, W.Va. — Spring Mills turned a two-point deficit after one quarter into a 25-point blowout, outscoring Martinsburg 23-2 in the second period en route to a 73-48 victory that completed a regular-season sweep of their city rivals. The Bulldogs controlled the tempo early, leading 14-12 when the first eight minutes ended, but the Cardinals flipped the script as soon as the second quarter began. A blur of transition baskets ignited a 14-0 burst that stretched well beyond the Martinsburg bench’s first timeout and never truly stopped until the halftime horn sounded with Spring Mills up 35-16. “I told them that we needed to get out in transition,” head coach Shannon Layton said. “We are really good when we push the tempo and they finally decided to follow the game plan. When we did that, we probably went on about a 14-0 run. The goal was to get out in transition, get them on their heels, and good things will happen.” Good things indeed followed. The Cardinals’ defense, which has now held six of nine conference opponents under 50 points, limited Martinsburg to single digits in both the second and fourth quarters. Layton had set a pre-game target of keeping the Bulldogs under 45; the final 48 still felt like mission accomplished. “I know in order to compete again for another state championship, we have to get after it on the defensive end,” Layton added. Offensively, Spring Mills showcased a balanced arsenal. Senior guard Chase Jones poured in a game-high 21 points, while versatile wing Akwasi Opoku-Achampong contributed 20. Opoku-Achampong’s slashing style collapsed the Martinsburg defense, creating kick-outs that found Jones and others for clean looks. “Akwasi does a lot for this team, on and off the court,” Layton said. “But on the court, he gets into the paint. He gets kickouts to the Jones’ and other players on the floor to get them wide open shots. Not only does he do it on the defensive end, offensively he gives us 20 points a game and he averages about six assists per game. That’s a tough guy to deal with if you are an opposing team.” Tyler Jones rounded out the double-digit scorers with 16 points, and WVU football signee Xavier Anderson supplied an emotional lift in his first game back after a month-long injury layoff, chipping in eight points, relentless defense, and key rebounds. “He brings so much energy to our program,” Layton said of Anderson. “He gets after it on defense. He gets us rebounds.” The win lifts Spring Mills to 16-2 overall and extends its current winning streak to four games. The Cardinals, fresh off last season’s historic Class AAAA state title, now prepare for a Wednesday visit to Hedgesville and have added a March 5 road date at University. Martinsburg, which fell to 8-11, was paced by Nykeem Thompson’s 15 points. Brayden Amsler added 13 and Mikey Green finished with 11, but the Bulldogs never recovered from the second-quarter avalanche.

Liverpool — Benjamin Sesko climbed off the bench to fire Manchester United back into the Premier League’s top four, his 71st-minute strike sealing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday. The Slovenia international, signed from RB Leipzig in the summer, has quickly become Michael Carrick’s go-to impact player, and his latest intervention maintained the interim boss’s remarkable unbeaten start. Carrick has now presided over nine matches across two spells in the Old Trafford dugout, winning seven and drawing two — a sequence bettered only by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s 11-game run in 2018-19 and Herbert Bamlett’s 10 in 1927. In a contest short on clear openings, United’s 1.27 expected goals trumped Everton’s 0.62, yet the decisive moment arrived with surgical precision. Collecting a raking diagonal from Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo ghosted inside Michael Keane before teeing up Sesko, who thundered a first-time finish beyond Jordan Pickford. Everton, chasing a response, pumped 10 corners into the United box, but Senne Lammens stood firm amid the aerial barrage and produced smart stops to deny Keane and Tyrique George. Pickford later clawed away a Sesko drive that would have sealed a brace, yet the single goal proved sufficient for the visitors. The result extends United’s resurgence under Carrick and deepens Everton’s home-grown gloom; the Toffees have now lost six league fixtures at Hill Dickinson Stadium this term, surpassing the five they suffered all last season at Goodison Park. Despite edging the shot count 12-11 and efforts on target 4-3, Sean Dyche’s side failed to craft a single ‘big chance’, whereas United fashioned two — the second of which Sesko buried with typical composure. Sesko’s statistics continue to soar. No Premier League player has scored more goals as a substitute this campaign than his three, a tally matched only by Emiliano Buendía, Junior Kroupi and Samuel Chukwueze. Across all competitions, the 21-year-old has struck six times in his last seven appearances in red, underlining his growing value to a side with renewed Champions League ambitions. With the victory, United leapfrog rivals into fourth place, the latest evidence that Carrick’s tactical tweaks and faith in youthful firepower are steering the club toward European contention once more.