Rishad returns to Lahore Qalandars for PSL finals

The Bangladesh legspinner has taken nine wickets in five matches so far this season

Mohammad Isam22-May-2025

Rishad Hossain will resume his season at the PSL•AFP/Getty Images

Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain has returned to Lahore Qalandars ahead of their eliminator match in the PSL on Thursday. Qalandars take on Karachi Kings from 8:00pm local time in Lahore.Rishad was in Sharjah on Wednesday, playing in the third T20I between Bangladesh and UAE. He featured in two of the three matches in the series that UAE won 2-1.Related

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Rishad was one of several overseas cricketers who were transported out of Pakistan when the tournament was suspended amid the border tensions earlier in the month.Qalandars now have a three-man Bangladeshi spin attack. Alongside Rishad they have Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz joining the side. Shakib has played one game, while Mehidy joined a couple of days ago.Rishad has already played five games for Qalandars, taking nine wickets at 16.44 average. However, he didn’t have a good time against UAE in the two matches, taking three expensive wickets.Qalandars face some interesting selection decisions around their bowling line-up as they have covered most of the variations. They have fast bowlers in Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, but who they choose among the three spinners will be worth looking at.Rishad will remain available for the rest of Qalandars’ PSL campaign. The BCB has extended his No Objection Certificate (NOC) from May 22 to 25. Bangladesh’s first T20I against Pakistan is on May 28 in Lahore, while the PSL final is on May 25.

Postecoglou has his new Maddison at Nottingham Forest & it's not Gibbs-White

Nuno Espirito Santo has officially been axed at Nottingham Forest. It’s time for a new era at the City Ground.

Despite picking up 30 wins in charge of the Tricky Trees, with Europa League football also on the menu this season, the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers boss’ fiery relationship with chairman Evangelos Marinakis and Edu has ultimately been his downfall.

Forest have moved swiftly to secure an immediate successor to Nuno, with the Premier League side having announced Ange Postecoglou as their new boss on Tuesday afternoon.

He, of course, guided Spurs to a Europa League triumph just last campaign and is seen as the man to take the Midlanders to the next level.

Known for an exciting brand of attacking football while situated in North London, he could well be a breath of fresh air away from Nuno’s more attritional approach.

That means Morgan Gibbs-White could thrive even more under the Australians’ new methods.

Why Gibbs-White could thrive under Ange

Postecoglou will walk into the dug-out at the City Ground pretty content with the attacking options at his disposal.

Of course, he will have the imposing goal machine of Chris Wood to rely on – who has two Premier League strikes already this season – alongside knowing he also has an enthralling playmaker setting him up with chances galore in the aforementioned Gibbs-White.

Staggeringly, it wasn’t too far back that Forest fans were resigned to the prospect of their star man defecting to Postecoglou’s ex-employers.

Now, however, he could be the 60-year-old’s leading attacking force alongside Wood, with a bumper 15 goal contributions last season from 34 Premier League clashes setting the very high standards.

After all, Postecoglou, when back at Spurs during his up-and-down stint, got the very best out of similarly skilful, but potent presences in attack, as seen in him overseeing Maddison picking up a whirlwind 23 goals and assists last campaign.

The former Celtic boss would even herald Maddison as “loveable little rogue” during their time together at the Lilywhites.

Therefore, you might well expect Gibbs-White’s numbers to rise to these lofty heights shortly.

However, the soon-to-be new Tricky Trees manager might well see even more promise in a rising star at Forest as his next potential Maddison-style project.

Ange Postecoglou and James Maddison celebrate

Ange's new Maddison at Nottingham Forest

Despite Nuno falling out with Marinakis regularly at the City Ground, it’s fair to say the now jobless 51-year-old was backed in the summer transfer window, before parting ways dramatically.

Indeed, the likes of Dilane Bakwa would join on deadline day for a whopping £35m to bolster the options available on the right wing, on top of plenty of exciting English talent also entering the building in the form of record signing Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee.

In particular, the brand-new Forest number 24 might well have caught the eye of the incoming manager, with McAtee once being noted as being a “special” talent by his former Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, before severing ties with his boyhood side to join Forest.

More first-team opportunities should come the ex-Sheffield United loanee’s way at the City Ground, with a hope on Postecoglou’s end that he can get even more out of another entertaining and captivating number ten who was previously seen as the next best thing, like he did so effortlessly with Maddison at Spurs.

Games played

75

200

Goals scored

16

67

Assists

21

37

Trophies

1x

9x

After all, much like his fellow compatriot who scored and assisted a bumper 96 times for Leicester City, McAtee has shown off his class for the Citizens at both a senior and youth level, as well as starring out on loan at the Blades, with a mammoth 67 goals and 37 assists to shout about for his fledgling career to date.

With Postecoglou managing to extract 16 goals and 21 assists from Maddison in North London, it remains to be seen what magic the Australian can now conjure up with yet another thrilling attacking midfielder.

The up-and-coming 22-year-old will likely have to fight it out with Gibbs-White for a starting spot under Postecoglou.

But, if he can shine when thrown into the action, it could well be that McAtee goes on to be the former Spurs manager’s second coming of Maddison, as he embarks on a daunting new adventure himself in a fresh Premier League dug-out.

Nottingham Forest join race for "intelligent" Man City gem who Pep loves

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 6, 2025

Weakened Australia look for Champions Trophy answers

Four players originally selected are absent meaning there is uncertainty for the ODI World Cup champions as they prepare to head to Pakistan

Andrew McGlashan11-Feb-2025

Steven Smith and Charith Asalanka ahead of the ODI series•Getty Images

Big Picture: Australia hit by injury, retirement; SL not at the partyAustralia’s four-day victory in Galle gave them an extra 24 hours before flicking into one-day mode as they enter a brief period of preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025. Originally there was just going to be a single ODI in Colombo but a second was squeezed in which will basically be the team’s warm-ups before heading to Pakistan.Injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh along with the surprise retirement of Marcus Stoinis means there is a bit of a patched-up feel to the Australia squad although a familiar core of the 2023 World Cup-winning team remains with the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa around.Related

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Six players have been added to the originally selected group: Jake-Fraser McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha. It is likely they will all get at least one of the two matches in Sri Lanka as some of those who played both Tests are given a short break. Smith appears set to take the captaincy.It appears likely that Head and Matt Short will form the first-choice opening partnership although Fraser-McGurk could make a late entry. He and Short struggled in the home series against Pakistan in November. Another point of interest is whether Alex Carey finds himself a place in the middle order.Sri Lanka missed out on the Champions Trophy due to their poor ODI World Cup so these matches have little immediate context although they can have half an eye on the road to 2027. They have, however, played the most matches in the format since the previous World Cup (21), notching 13 wins in that time including five series victories. Ironically, they are probably as attuned to the one-day format as anyone.Form guideSri Lanka WLLWW
Australia LLWWLAustralia’s depth will be tested due to injury•Associated Press

In the spotlight: Dunith Wellalage and Matt ShortIt was during Australia’s previous visit to Sri Lanka in 2022 that Dunith Wellalage burst onto the international scene with nine wickets in five matches. He only played a bit-part role in the 2023 World Cup but either side of that tournament claimed five-wicket hauls against India in the Asia Cup and last year’s ODI series. He has also shown his prowess with the bat with a top score of 67 not out in a tied match against India. Clearly a key part of Sri Lanka’s future.Matt Short couldn’t quite take his opportunity at the top of the order against Pakistan but the absence of Mitchell Marsh means he’s likely to find a spot in the first choice XI. His 109 off 54 balls for Adelaide Strikers against Brisbane Heat in the BBL was a reminder of what he can bring against the white ball. His offspin is another handy string to his bow and he’s an excellent fielder.Mitchell Starc could be rested for the ODIs•Getty Images

Team news: Starc likely to restGiven the odd nature of this series and the short turnaround, it’s tricky to know what each side will do. It was announced on Wednesday that Mitchell Starc had withdrawn from the Champions Trophy and was also unavailable for these two ODIs.Australia squad: Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer SanghaSri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Mohamed Shiraz, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith WellalagePitch and conditionsThe R Premadasa Stadium has not staged a day ODI since 2014 so statistics are not that relevant although in recent times, matches at the venue have been on the lower-scoring side. The forecast is for warm and sunny days.Stats and trivia Glenn Maxwell needs 50 runs for 4000 in ODIs and Alex Carey needs 22 for 2000
Wanindu Hasaranga needs five wickets for 100 in ODIs
Overall, Sri Lanka have a 35-64 win/loss record against Australia

USMNT’s Max Arfsten reportedly extends Columbus Crew deal after Middlesbrough links

U.S. international Max Arfsten has reportedly extended his contract with MLS side Columbus Crew, ending speculation over the near future for the wingback. Arfsten was linked with a move away from Columbus, with Middlesbrough reportedly being the most interested club. Now the Crew secure a player whose stock is rising under USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino.

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    Staying in Ohio

    An invaluable member of the Crew, Arfsten has also become a rising player in the USMNT setup. He received his first cap under Pochettino in January and played in 12 matches overall in 2025. 

    The Crew reportedly ensured that they'll retain a homegrown player who has a good chance of making next year's World Cup roster. Arfsten is also in the midst of another banner year for the club, having four goals and six assists in 26 games.

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    A growing trend

    The U.S. Gold Cup roster featured 15 MLS players, reflecting a growing trend of U.S. internationals choosing to extend their futures in the league or return after stints abroad. 

    Goalkeeper Matt Turner rejoined the New England Revolution on loan, while Paxten Aaronson signed with the Colorado Rapids after a season at Utrecht. Homegrown talents such as Matt Freese and now Max Arfsten have also opted for new deals with their MLS clubs instead of testing the waters in Europe.

  • Growing USMNT influence

    According to U.S. Soccer Players, there are 86 players with at least one U.S. cap in MLS. 

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    Big matches ahead for the Crew

    The Crew, uncharacteristically, find themselves scrapping to stay in the playoff chase after being one of the Eastern Conference's perennial contenders under manager Wilfried Nancy. They sit eighth in the conference and have a pivotal match against No. 9 team, the Chicago Fire, on Saturday. 

Pedrinho diz que dispensa do São Paulo foi injusta e alega ser vítima em caso de agressão: 'Baseado em vazamento criminoso'

MatériaMais Notícias

Dispensado do São Paulo na sexta-feira (28), o meia-atacante Pedrinho divulgou nota no início da madrugada deste sábado (29), assinada em conjunto com seu advogado, Daniel Leon Bialski, criticando o clube do Morumbi pela decisão. O texto ainda pontua a versão do jogador para a acusação de que teria agredido a ex-namorada, uma influenciadora digital de 20 anos, no final de fevereiro. O caso é investigado pela Polícia Civil paulista e o ex-camisa 12 tricolor alegou ser inocente.

Na tarde de sexta, o São Paulo divulgou nota oficializando o fim do empréstimo de Pedrinho junto ao Lokomotiv, da Rússia, em razão do vazamento de imagens de um aplicativo de mensagens por celular onde o jogador ofende e supostamente ameaça a ex-namorada. O acordo entre tricolores e o time europeu ia até o final do ano.

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Em sua versão, Pedrinho alega que existia medida judicial favorável a ele que impedia a divulgação das mensagens e o permitia voltar a atuar pelo Tricolor. O meia-atacante ainda definiu como ‘incompreensível’ a decisão do clube.

– Infelizmente, a rescisão contratual foi baseada em criminoso vazamento seletivo de antigas e editadas mensagens, que desobedeceu a medida judicial existente a meu favor. Aguardava, como aguardarei, o arquivamento da caluniosa acusação contra mim lançada – diz o texto.

– Reitero, mais uma vez, respeitando os limites do segredo de justiça imposto ao caso, que não agredi ninguém, mas, sim, fui agredido, o que, no meu entendimento, me torna apto a exercer minha profissão – completa o posicionamento de Pedrinho.

A medida judicial favorável ao jogador foi revelada no último dia 17, quando Henrique Gomes, o Baby, presidente da Torcida Independente, principal organizada do clube, divulgou manifesto pedindo a utilização do jogador.

Desde que o caso veio à tona, Pedrinho e São Paulo decidiram que o ideal era não mais utilizá-lo nas partidas. Chegou-se a anunciar seu afastamento, mas o jogador vinha trabalhando normalmente no cotidiano do CT da Barra Funda, participando inclusive dos jogos-treinos comandados pelo então técnico Rogério Ceni na inter-temporada. Ele, inclusive, chegou a ser inscrito para a disputa da Copa Sul-Americana.

Dirigentes do clube alegaram na ocasião que faltava amparo jurídico para separá-lo do elenco. E que aguardariam o desfecho das negociações para tomar uma decisão mais concreta.

– Desde o dia 3 de março, em comum acordo, eu e o clube entendemos que era melhor demonstrar que, em realidade, fui vitima, o que, recentemente, se concretizou com o deferimento das medidas protetivas a meu favor. Eu vinha treinando normalmente com o elenco principal. Inclusive, realizei todas as atividades de hoje, junto com os meus companheiros – aponta Pedrinho em sua nota.

– Nunca deixei de cumprir minhas obrigações e sempre exerci, com profissionalismo e alto rendimento, meu contrato, aguardando o momento de ser relacionado, novamente, para as partidas – completa.

O texto foi publicado também nas redes sociais de Pedrinho e jogadores do elenco demonstraram solidariedade curtindo a mensagem, entre eles Arboleda, Jandrei e David, pelo menos até a publicação desta reportagem.

O LANCE! apurou que o caso Pedrinho vinha sendo tratado internamente pelo novo técnico são-paulino, Dorival Júnior, com a diretoria. Em conversas com líderes do plantel, o comandante teria ouvido pedidos pelo retorno do meia-atacante. Mas foi orientado pelos cartolas a esquecer o ex-camisa 12 de seus planos.

O caso segue investigado pela 4ª Delegacia de Defesa da Mulher, da Zona Norte de São Paulo (SP), onde a ocorrência foi registrada como violência doméstica, ameaça, injúria e lesão corporal. Segundo a polícia, a vítima ‘apresentava sinais de lesões, que foram fotografadas e anexadas ao inquérito policial. Além disso, ela representou criminalmente contra o autor.’

Primeiro reforço do São Paulo para 2023, Pedrinho chegou ao clube ainda no ano passado. Atuou ao todo em dez partida, duas delas como titular, marcando três gols.

Liverpool may now be offered Real Madrid star to sell £86m Slot favourite

With Liverpool approaching their return to competitive action under unprecedented circumstances, Arne Slot will take pride in what his side has managed to do in the transfer window up until this point.

Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, among others, will add considerable strength on top of a squad that managed to claim Premier League glory in his debut campaign.

Nevertheless, there is more to come at Anfield, and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is the dream target for Liverpool, even if they are more likely to turn their attention towards Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike due to financial demands relating to the former.

Speaking of Ekitike, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the France Under-21 international wants to come to England in light of interest from the Reds, albeit there are also clubs around Europe and in Saudi Arabia circling.

He stated: “There is movement on Hugo Ekitike, with interest from Saudi, but the priority of the player remains England. And with Newcastle interested in Hugo Ekitike, there is still interest also from more clubs. Because clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea have been calling for the player for weeks, since June, for example, being informed on the situation of Hugo Ekitike.”

Hughes lining up Liverpool move for £34m Guehi alternative who's Konate 2.0

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ByRobbie Walls Jul 13, 2025

Moving away from the search for attacking prowess, Liverpool could also move for Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, solidifying the thought that they could look to strengthen the engine room.

Recent developments could point them in that direction, but not in the way supporters would expect, given previous events this window.

Liverpool could be offered Arda Guler in exchange for Alexis Mac Allister

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool could be offered Real Madrid star Arda Guler as the La Liga giants look to sign Alexis Mac Allister, and it is claimed the Argentina international may be tempted by the prospect of working with former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso.

However, the 26-year-old hasn’t shown any major signs of wanting to change clubs and is said to be ‘happy’ in England, though Los Blancos may throw Turkish sensation Guler into the mix to try and bring down the cost of any potential deal with the Reds valuing their star at £86m.

Alexis Mac Allister in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

49

Goals

7

Assists

6

Arda Guler in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

49

Goals

6

Assists

11

Intriguingly, Guler, who has previously been labelled “tremendous” by Carlo Ancelotti, has outperformed £150,000 per week earner Mac Allister in the field of goal contributions, certifying that he would be able to replicate his creative influence at Anfield.

However, the latter is someone who Arne Slot believes holds a unique standing in the football world, so it is hard to envisage the Dutchman entertaining any notion of a sale under any circumstances.

Patriots bring in Hasaranga and Clarkson as reinforcements

Hasaranga had been ruled out of CPL 2024 earlier but now comes in for Sikandar Raza

Deivarayan Muthu04-Sep-2024

Josh Clarkson has played 89 T20s so far•Getty Images

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who had been depleted by injuries in the opening week of CPL 2024, have now been bolstered by the return of Wanindu Hasaranga* and signing of New Zealand’s big-hitting allrounder Josh Clarkson. Hasaranga had been ruled out of the tournament only last month because of a hamstring injury, and was replaced by Tabraiz Shamsi at the time, but he now comes in for the injured Sikandar Raza. Clarkson, on the other hand, will slot in for Tristan Stubbs, who will return to South Africa for national duties.Shamsi is also headed home for CSA commitments for a week, and he will be temporarily replaced by the Pakistan-born USA wristspinner Mohammad Mohsin. Mohsin, 28, has played 14 games for Stephen Fleming’s Texas Super Kings in the MLC, picking up 15 wickets at an economy rate of 7.43.Clarkson is arguably the hardest hitter of a cricket ball in New Zealand and can also bowl at brisk pace. On Tuesday, Clarkson was awarded his first New Zealand central contract, but he is not in the Test scheme of things yet, so he has signed up for his first franchise T20 league stint. Clarkson has played 89 T20s so far, scoring 1673 runs at a strike rate of 147.40 and taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.15.Related

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Patriots head coach Malolan Rangarajan, the former Tamil Nadu allrounder who also works with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, rued the injuries, which have disrupted the balance of their side. “Obviously, we started off the tournament with an unfortunate injury to Sikandar Raza, who was a well-thought out and important pick for us,” Malolan said on Tuesday before Patriots had announced Clarkson as their new signing.”We’ve scrambled and we’ve tried to sign a replacement and we’ve had a few hiccups at the start of [the season], with Sherfane [Rutherford] missing out the first game and Rilee [Rossouw] getting injured in the first innings of our fielding. But I think the boys have responded brilliantly to all the challenges that’ve been posed at them.”While Patriots began the season with a thrilling last-ball win against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in Antigua, they suffered back-to-back defeats at home against Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Kings. They posted 200-plus totals in both innings, but their bowlers came in for heavy punishment in both games. Their fielding has also come into sharp focus: they have dropped at least seven chances so far. Patriots captain Andre Fletcher has called for a stronger response from his team.”Well, it’s all about execution,” Fletcher said. “We’ve been working hard as a bowling unit, I must say. Even before the tournament started, we had a camp here in St Kitts and then we played a practice game in Nevis. We’ve been working hard as a bowling unit. The guys have been putting in the effort as to bowling with the wet ball and bowling [at the] death and bowling actually to one side of the field, thinking about whether this batter from the other team is playing and how we’re going to bowl to this batsman. The effort is there and the practice as I mentioned we put in a lot, but it just boils down to execution. We haven’t been executing as well as we ought to but, I’m confident.”Fletcher: ‘I’m big on players being comfortable and enjoying themselves’Losing and losing on the bounce might result in an unhealthy dressing room – Patriots have just won two out of their 12 games across the past two seasons – but Fletcher said that they have stuck together and blocked the outside noise.”As a leader, I try to be not under pressure,” Fletcher said. “Yes, I know a lot will be going around, especially when you lose a game. The first game we win…spectators and fans will be like: ‘good leader and great leader’ and two games lost ‘you’re the worst’.”It’s expected and they always want a win. For me, I just try my best to see where maybe I can improve as a leader. I wouldn’t doubt myself; I’ve done it before and it’s just a matter of getting the guys together. One thing I don’t want is pointing fingers and we’ve responded well after the two losses, so we are gelling really well as a team and for me that’s important. When teams lose people start segregating and the vibe of the team tends to go down, so I’m big on players being comfortable and enjoying themselves.”A chain is as strong as its weakest link, so for me as a leader I will continue to keep the guys together and ensure that they’re comfortable. People would love to see us go out there and entertain them, but it doesn’t make sense to entertain with a loss. We have to entertain with a win and it’s straightforward.”*0315hrs, September 5, The story was updated after the CPL sent a release about the replacement players

BCCI to release INR 1 crore for Aunshuman Gaekwad's cancer treatment

The BCCI has decided to release INR 1 crore for the treatment of former India batter Aunshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer at a medical facility in London.The BCCI’s decision came after Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil urged the board to help Gaekwad.”Mr Jay Shah has instructed the BCCI to release INR 1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance to India’s veteran cricketer Mr Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling cancer,” the BCCI apex council said in a statement.”Shah has also spoken to Mr Gaekwad’s family to take stock of the situation and extend support,” the statement continued. “The board stands by Gaekwad’s family in this hour of crisis and will do whatever is essential for Mr Gaekwad’s quick recovery.”The BCCI will continue to monitor Mr Gaekwad’s progress and is confident that he will come out of this phase strongly.”Gaekwad, 71, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975 and 1987. Later, he became a selector and then the coach of the national team.

Nat Sciver-Brunt: 'Being myself and free is the best way of displaying Pride'

England allrounder on life, love, happiness and an extraordinary run of batting form post-marriage

Vithushan Ehantharajah25-Jun-2024″I didn’t really think at the time it would blow up as much as it did,” Nat Sciver-Brunt says. “It just felt like the normal reaction, I guess.”The allrounder is talking about a photo (below) taken after England’s defeat to Australia in 2022’s ODI World Cup final. As Nat starts to process the loss, physically and emotionally exhausted after almost single-handedly carrying England’s pursuit of a 357-run target with 148 not out, her now-wife, Katherine Sciver-Brunt, teary-eyed, holds her face and consoles her.It is a beautiful shot. There they stand, among a throng in the middle of the Hagley Oval, and somehow alone together. Love and pain in oddly comfortable harmony.”I like the photo,” Nat adds. “Well, I like the photo more for Katherine’s face than what’s gone on in the game.”This intimate shot of England cricket’s first openly same-sex couple went viral on social media. Though the pair don’t really indulge beyond “the odd scroll here and there”, they were aware of the volume of positivity sent their way for being themselves and being so visible while at the peak of their sport. It is something they hear first-hand, too.”You might be signing autographs, and people will say little bits to me and Katherine as well. In that way, it’s quite nice that it’s in-person, and people are able to say directly to us how either we’ve inspired them, or they’re really happy for us.”Those comments reinforce the role cricket can play in the LGBTQ community. This year, England Cricket are celebrating the Rainbow Laces between June 29 and July 7, with professional and recreational clubs marking the campaign at games across the country. An array of representatives from English cricket – beyond simply the ECB – will also march in the Pride in London parade.Katherine Brunt consoles her then-fiancée Nat, after England’s loss in the 2022 World Cup final•ICC/Getty ImagesUnfortunately, Sciver-Brunt has yet to attend a Pride march because of the regular clash with cricket. This year, it’s the second of a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on Wednesday. “I suppose I have to do my work in other spaces,” she says.”I guess being myself and being free in that is my best way of displaying that. Me and Katherine being who we are, together in public and just being normal about it all, really – that’s our way of being part of Pride. Pride to me is being comfortable enough to be who you are, and not having to hide it. That’s our way of being part of the march.”Achieving that “comfort” has come in stages for Sciver-Brunt.”I’m not really sure if there were any gay people at school,” she says. “There’s something about moving away from home and probably not having the expectations of your family, or living under that roof. You’re sort of left to your own devices and working out your own way of doing things.”Going to uni and not having anyone to tell you what to do or anything like that. People grow up in that phase, don’t they?”Playing for England added an extra dimension. Sciver-Brunt arrived on the scene in 2013, just as women’s cricket was about to undergo a dramatic evolution. The fact that this coincided with her own emergence as one of the sport’s finest allrounders brought its own challenges of fame and interest. She eventually warmed to both, and, in October 2019, Nat and Katherine announced their engagement in an interview with “There was no hiding within the team,” Sciver-Brunt says, when asked about coming out via the engagement. “It was just a matter of timing before doing a few media interviews around it.

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“Being in the public eye sort of found me, rather than seeking it out, if you know what I mean? I had to spend time in that space before feeling comfortable about it. I do now.”There were still aspects to overcome. She used to put her left hand in her pocket to hide her engagement ring to avoid awkward conversations about her relationship. Now, the only awkwardness comes from forgetting to put her wedding ring back on.”Katherine’s always like – ‘get that ring out, you show people!’ It feels weird when I forget to put it back on, actually. I take it off quite a lot and I don’t always remember to put it back on – but not through not wanting to put it back on!”But people are, I don’t know, more understanding, more welcoming, feel more inclusive. It’s not a thought in my mind to hide it.”It’s worth noting that marriage has had a profound effect on Sciver-Brunt’s cricket. Since tying the knot on May 29, 2022, her batting averages across formats are through the roof; 76.50 in Tests set against a career average of 43.26; 73.91 compared to 46.72 in WODIs; 35.10 to 27.21 in WT20Is. Not only has she scored her only Test hundred since tying the knot, but four of her nine 50-over hundreds have come in this period too.She laughs when this matrimony streak is brought up. It has been a point of conversation in the dressing-room.”Well, Kate Cross actually told me when we were playing against Pakistan in that final game (when she scored that ninth WODI century). So, I sort of roughly know the stats.Related

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“But I need to tell Katherine the actual numbers now. Because I’m sure she’ll be like ‘see, well, it’s inevitable. You’ve got married to me, obviously – it was always going to happen’.”She cannot pinpoint what changed. But she does know it goes beyond watching the ball and holding better shapes into her more full-blooded slaps down the ground.”Maybe it’s more maturity? Or knowing what I need as a cricketer? What my best training would be like? What best prepares me for a game? Just being mentally ready for those challenges. And probably after I took a break from cricket (in 2022), I feel more comfortable knowing where I am mentally.”It coincided with everything just clicking, I guess? More people should just get married, shouldn’t they?”Cricketers often say having kids also has a liberating effect on their output. Sciver-Brunt grins: “Well yeah … look out!”At the start of the summer, she missed the first T20I against Pakistan to have her eggs frozen. The procedure would allow her, at 31, to continue playing without worrying about when her and Katherine could start a family. Both would like to carry a child.”You start with going to see the doctors, and you’re injecting yourself every day. From start to finish, it’s about three or four weeks until you start feeling right to push yourself in training.”Finding the time was difficult, but ultimately, if it’s something really important to you, you just do it whenever you’re ready. Cricket will be there when you get back. It’ll be waiting for you.”It certainly will be for some time. Series victories over Pakistan now lead into a ODI and T20I series against New Zealand. Another season with Trent Rockets in the women’s Hundred follows before matches against Ireland ahead of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh – all before November.Having returned to bowling in her last appearance at the end of May against Pakistan – taking 2 for 11 “very slowly” – she has been using the time since to build herself back up. Sessions have centred around fitness and strength conditioning instead of skills. She regards the last four weeks as invaluable.”I’m sort of raring to go again, which is nice.”Nice for Sciver-Brunt, nice for England and nice for those who see her as an inspiration.

Blame Virat Kohli for Jonny Bairstow acceleration, now that's just too easy

What exactly was said, we’ll never know but Kohli didn’t awaken a beast – he’s been up for a while

Vithushan Ehantharajah03-Jul-20225:48

#PoliteEnquiries: Is Kohli allowed to sledge Bairstow?

The easiest excuse – indeed the best for Search Engine Optimisation purposes – is to blame Virat Kohli.Jonny Bairstow was just 13 from 61 deliveries, with only a single four to his name. He’d survived an lbw appeal from Jasprit Bumrah, and had just about made it through a stern examination from Mohammed Shami, who beat both edges of Bairstow’s bat five times up to that point. England’s hero of the summer so far was in desperate need of rescuing.And then Kohli decided to engage Bairstow. What exactly was said, we’ll never know. But there he was, personifying India’s bolshiness at the time, with the Dukes ball doing just as much baiting of the opposing batters as the former captain. Bairstow boomed a drive at the next delivery, missing completely. Kohli bellowed with laughter. Then Bairstow struck 93 off his next 79 deliveries and moved onto his 11th Test hundred.Kohli, however, did not awaken a beast. “There was literally nothing to it,” said Bairstow with a smile in his press conference at stumps.Besides, the beast has been up for a while. And no longer is it fuelled by antagonism. New Zealand didn’t say a word to Bairstow and look what happened to them.Related

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Test century No. 5 of 2022 means Bairstow is well on course to beat the English record of six in a calendar year, with an innings to come here, three Tests against South Africa before the summer is over, then a couple of Tests in Pakistan in December. Joe Root equalled that record only last year, and no one in their right minds would have thought it would be under threat so soon. We’ve only just got into July.Weird as it feels to say when someone blitzes the last 87 runs of their 100 from 58 balls, but this was pretty regulation by Bairstow’s new standards. Shami and Bumrah were tonked down the ground, and by the time Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj came on, the Jonny Eyes were in. Both were taken for six deep into the leg side in among the fours flicked off the pads and slapped straight or driven square. The boundary that took him over the line, a punch to the cover-point boundary, was more of timing than malice, and still beat the fielder to the sponge.You’d think after three hundreds in the last 20 days, in which time he has scored 8.96% of all his Test runs, we’d have a better answer than “clarity” when asked to explain this absurd hot streak. But that’s exactly it.”I’ve never been a great technician, have I?” he joked. “That’s why you lot have torn me to shreds a few times: going leg side of it, going off side of it, bowled through the gate. Nah, genuinely, I’ve not really thought of technique and stuff like that to be honest with you. I’ve just stripped everything back and trying to focus on watching the ball. There’s my honest answer.”The result is a man batting in a way that is uniquely him. If Root is the poster boy of conforming, perfecting the side on, straight lines of this world, then Bairstow is the radical who is thriving by being himself. No longer is he hamstrung by the need to make all the necessary shapes to fit in. He’s simply trusting his eyes and hands, in turn making believers of countless doubters who had made their minds up on him after, in their defence, averaging 21 in 18 Tests between the start of 2019 and the end of 2021, while he was still trying to do an impression of a Test cricketer.Jonny Bairstow scored his fifth Test century of 2022•Getty ImagesWe should also note, it hasn’t just been brute thrashing, regardless of what a breakdown of his 485 runs so far this summer suggest. The strike rate is 110, and 67% of his runs have come in boundaries (75 in total, 12 of them sixes), with one every 5.9 deliveries. But only four of those have been what you might term “loose”, meaning even at his most aggressive, the likelihood of him going for a big shot and nailing it exactly where he wants is 94.7%. Of the 44 batters who have hit 50 or more to the fence in an English summer, no one has exhibited more control.The other conclusion to take from all of this is that “Bazball” is nothing without Bairstow. In fact, had he not batted as he did at Trent Bridge, blitzing 136 from 92 to see England most of the way to a chase of 299 from 50 overs, “Bazball” might not even be a thing. The broader concept of getting players to express themselves and play for enjoyment and entertainment might still be there, but the scale of belief, the sense of altruism and the fearlessness would not. All of which has come almost exclusively from Bairstow.On Sunday, we perhaps got our clearest indication he can only do so much to carry the team, and that his clear thinking isn’t quite catching on. Root’s tame demise for 31 on the evening of day two, edging behind when trying to cut Siraj when the ball was too close, was compounded by captain Ben Stokes slapping Thakur to Bumrah at mid off. Having been dropped twice, including the ball before by the Indian skipper, Stokes offered an immediate chance to make amends. England were eventually 284 all out and trail India by 257 going into day four, with seven second-innings wickets still to be taken.For all the excitement of Stokes’ charges down the wicket and Root’s reverse lap sweeps, their method carries a freneticism that Bairstow’s does not. They are both more than capable of pumping up the run rate and moving games along, as they’ve shown in previous eras, without needing to take the kind of risks they are. No need to chug – just sip the Kool-Aid.”Whatever they set, they set, and we’ll go about it whatever,” announced Bairstow, reading straight from the pamphlet. “We’ll be going about it in the same manner and we’re looking to take the game forward. Why not?”We know he will. The question is – who else is going to join him?

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