Sussex lose third game in a row to dent qualification chances

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2025

James Vince hit the turbo button to smoke 98 not out to beat Sussex Sharks and put Hampshire Hawks on course for the Men’s Vitality Blast quarter-finals.Captain Vince led from the front in a magnificent 49-ball knock to chase down 168 and secure a third straight Hawks victory – and only failed to reach figures by hitting the winning runs with a four rather than a six.James Fuller supported with three wickets before Joe Weatherley partnered up for 62 – and 43 himself – as Hampshire found form at the right time of the competition.They now have seven wins – the traditional benchmark for qualification – while Sussex have stalled. They have lost their last three matches.Vince has blown hot and cold in the Blast, with three half-centuries but plenty of single-figure scores. This was a boiling day for him.The second ball he faced flew over the square ropes, with two more joining it to go with 12 other boundaries – it was vintage Vince, punishing anything that wasn’t an A-class delivery.A record 12-ball half-century looked temporarily on before settling for 19 balls, and from there he found a rhythm to tick off the runs quickly and risk-free.Toby Albert put 54 on with him at the top before frustrating himself with a pull to midwicket and Danny Lamb snuck one past Tom Prest. But in-form Weatherley provided the firmest support, while also plundering a quartet of sixes to make sure there was no pressure on the chase and Vince.He fell for 43, and Hilton Cartwright followed before Fuller helped Vince to get over the line.Sussex’s innings came in three acts. The cagey start, the run-frenzied middle and then the run drought at the death.Having chosen the bat, neither side could get an advantage in what felt like an ‘eight-pointer’ match due to their positions in the table and their closeness to qualifying.The Sharks probably edged the powerplay with a six off the last ball taking them to 51 for 1 – with Daniel Hughes been and gone after cutting to cover.That maximum sparked Tom Clark and George Thomas into life as they whacked 63 in the following six-and-a-half overs. Clark’s pair of sixes off Benny Howell was the apex of the innings, as the duo ran hard and piled the pressure onto the hosts.But both departed in the 13th over, Fuller dislodging each of them to spark a slow down – with only 60 runs coming from the last eight overs.Scott Currie repeated Fuller’s trick by seeing off Tom Alsop and James Coles in the 16th over, before only conceding four runs in the 18th over.Chris Wood also only went for four runs in the following over with two more wickets – the latter of which a controversial boundary catch which caused a fracas at the interval – as Hampshire took control.The visitors snared 15 runs from the last to take them to 167 for 7. But it was far from enough as Hampshire won with 16 balls to spare.

The chips fell perfectly and Major League Baseball has the New York Yankees-Los Angeles Dodgers World Series that will provide the biggest spotlight on the sport in a long, long time. That's something to celebrate and and enjoy. Game 1 will get going later Friday night and the long wait between the Championship Series and Fall Classic will be in the rearview mirror.

MLB Network put together a tease to tide audiences over that chronicles all the times these two storied franchises have squared off with everything on the line. With some help from The Killers.

It's kind of wild to watch this as superstar after superstar shows up to do something amazing. There are five former MVP winners scheduled to suit up between the teams and potentially seven future Hall of Famers in the mix altogether. The challenge to be the most important hero amid a crowded group of heroes could really inspire something great.

It's baseball so anything can and will happen. Yet it's hard to imagine this matchup not to deliver something special.

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto gave his team a gift on Saturday. He carried a one-hit game into the seventh inning of a World Series outing against the New York Yankees. And while the opening part of that sentence was nice—of course—it was the clause that followed that might ultimately prove to be the most important. This was one of the best games that Yamamoto has pitched in his first year in MLB. But its greatest value may come from its length.

The Dodgers are in an enviable position. They now sit up 2–0 in the World Series over the Yankees after Saturday’s 4–2 win. But there are still pockets of this roster worthy of concern. This rotation could generously be described as threadbare: The only place to look for a full starting five around here is on the injured list. Los Angeles has navigated the playoffs thus far with just three starting pitchers, two of whom missed significant time with injuries this year themselves, making it difficult to rely on them for any serious length. The Dodgers’ top relievers have admirably carried the resulting load, including navigating bullpen games in every round, even in critical situations. But that weight accumulates. Yet they collectively got a critical opportunity for breathing room with Yamamoto’s outing Sunday.

It was just the second time in 13 playoff games this year that a Dodgers starter pitched into the seventh. 

“Obviously, the bullpen is going to be leaned on a lot during this series,” said Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech, who pitched the eighth inning on Saturday. “And for him to give us some length and not only be able to pitch well, but dominate, that’s huge.” 

This was the most important start that Yamamoto has made for the Dodgers, and it was one of his best, too. In 6 1/3 innings, he allowed just one hit and two walks and struck out four. Yamamoto managed to look his best as he settled in and the night wore on: He retired the last 11 batters he saw. It was a performance made all the more impressive by the fact that it had been more than four months since he worked so deep into a game. 

A strained rotator cuff kept Yamamoto out for much of this summer. Entering Saturday, he had not thrown more than 79 pitches in any game since he returned to the mound in mid-September, and he had not pitched beyond the fifth inning. While the Dodgers have won in all four of his outings this postseason, his performance had been somewhat uneven, with a notably rough first career playoff start in the National League Division Series. Yet he cruised through the middle innings of his first World Series game with such ease that Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts had no doubts about letting him go past 80 pitches to get to the seventh inning.

“Watching how he was throwing the baseball,” the manager said, “there wasn't much stress in the game.”

Chelsea have now reportedly joined the race to sign Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz, who has already revealed where his “dream” move away lies.

Those at Stamford Bridge aren’t wasting any time before thinking about 2026 reinforcements in an attempt to improve Enzo Maresca’s young side. They were at their ruthless best against Wolverhampton Wanderers, dispatching of the managerless relegation candidates to win 3-0.

Full of praise for his side following a convincing victory, Maresca expressed his delight whilst also admitting that Chelsea could have scored even more goals at Stamford Bridge.

That said, as happy as Maresca was, improvements could still be on the way. BlueCo haven’t exactly been shy when it comes to recruitment in recent years and that looks set to continue in 2026.

After spending big last summer, the Blues are already reportedly eyeing Karl Etta Eyong who has admitted that he dreams of completing a move to Stamford Bridge to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Didier Drogba.

The Levante star has scored six goals in 12 games this season and is now one of the hottest prospects in European football. When next summer arrives, he could yet get the chance to realise his Chelsea dream, whilst another transfer target also potentially gets his move.

Chelsea join Daniel Munoz race as "dream" move shared

According to reports in Spain, Chelsea have now joined the race to sign Munoz from Crystal Palace following an excellent spell at Selhurst Park. Joining the Blues in pursuit of the right-back, however, is Barcelona. The Spanish giants are looking to spoil Chelsea’s plans and help Munoz realise what he previously admitted is a dream move when playing for Belgian side Genk.

Having now ticked off his Premier League dream, it’s difficult to imagine a world in which Munoz turns Barcelona down if they come calling. The good news for Chelsea is that, either way, they’ll be able to bid farewell to playing against such a talented star.

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Praised as “amazing” by Palace boss Oliver Glasner last year, it was only back in August that Munoz was pocketing Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens in a 0-0 draw – limiting the winger to just two touches in the opposition box.

Chelsea star criticised vs Wolves after having fewer touches than Sanchez

Arsenal will want to spend money in the January transfer window and could now sell one of their big-name assets to bankroll some mid-season incomings for Mikel Arteta.

Mikel Arteta looks to cope with Martin Odegaard's Arsenal absence

Martin Odegaard’s latest injury blow wasn’t ideal for Arsenal, but they managed to cope without their club captain as the North Londoners sealed another vital win against Fulham this evening.

Arteta has a few players capable of replicating the Norwegian’s impact in the engine room. Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze are both thriving this campaign in their respective roles, for instance, while youngster Ethan Nwaneri has a chance to get a lot more minutes in Odegaard’s absence.

That being said, Odegaard will be a miss, and it took yet another dead-ball situation for Arsenal to grind out that narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

Following his immediate setback after recovering from a shoulder problem, Arteta praised his mental strength in the face of another frustrating blow.

Ultimately, injuries are part of football and Arsenal know more than most about the impact they can have, as seen with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz being long-term absentees.

Some would argue the duo being absent for large periods last season cost the Gunners a tilt at the Premier League title, though they appear to be in the race for the long haul this time around and excitement is brewing over what they could achieve.

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Even then, there could need to be squad surgery in January to ensure Arteta has the right balance to bring a first league crown back to North London since 2004, which could now lead to an intriguing departure.

Arsenal in talks over selling Gabriel Jesus

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal could sell striker Jesus to Flamengo, and the Brazilian side have “initiated talks” over a potential deal that could net the Gunners in the region of £26 million.

Still, the price-tag on the Brazil international could prove to be an obstacle in negotiations, not to mention his £265,000-per-week salary, albeit Arteta has given himself plenty of time to work out a formula after putting the experienced forward up for sale ahead of the January window.

Gabriel Jesus and his goalscoring record at Arsenal

Appearances

96

Goals

26

Assists

20

There is scope for a loan or permanent exit, and Jesus is believed to be considering the prospect of a fresh start in South America with the hope of playing his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Of course, the former Manchester City man hasn’t featured since tearing his cruciate ligament at the beginning of 2025, so it would make sense for Arsenal to recoup what they can as he works his way back to full fitness.

Viktor Gyokeres will thrive in time and Havertz is soon to return from injury, creating a natural set of circumstances where an exit for Jesus could suit all parties.

Chelsea’s scouts have now reportedly been spotted keeping close tabs on a Premier League star ahead of making a potential move in 2026.

Chelsea's January transfer plans

Enzo Maresca is gradually beginning to discover the best formula for success at Stamford Bridge. Without the injured Cole Palmer, the likes of Moises Caicedo and summer signing Joao Pedro have all stepped up – replacing one of the best players in the Premier League in the process. But, there is still something missing before the Blues can become serious title contenders.

As impressive as they are in midfield and going forward at times, Chelsea’s backline still needs work. Amid a number of suspensions and ill-timed injuries, their lack of quality at centre-back has been particularly exposed.

Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill all represent solid options, but it’s difficult to pick a leader out of any of those four players. That must change in 2026. Instead of setting their sights on yet another offensive addition, BlueCo should look to land a major defensive upgrade.

On that front, a number of players have already been linked with moves to West London. Among them is Ronald Araujo, whose Barcelona future continues to be thrown into doubt.

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If the Blues are looking for a defensive standout then signing of La Liga’s finest certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea. Araujo would offer fresh experience to Maresca’s backline whilst still performing at the peak of his powers at 26 years old.

He’s not the only name mentioned in recent reports, however. The West London club have also been linked with a Premier League option, who shares an agent as Liam Delap.

Chelsea scouts spotted watching Ezri Konsa

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Chelsea scouts have now been spotted watching Ezri Konsa, who has attracted interest from across the Premier League thanks to his performances at Aston Villa.

The England international is one of a number of players who could yet leave to ease Villa’s PSR problems and, if that does prove to be the case, Chelsea could be lying in wait.

Questions must be asked as to whether Konsa would solve Chelsea’s problems, however. When compared to Colwill last season, it is the Blues’ current star who stands out both in possession and out of it. The last thing that Maresca needs is simply a like-for-like player rather than an upgrade.

That said, the Villa defender has still earned plenty of praise over the years, including from former Manchester City star Micah Richards.

The Sky Sports pundit had nothing but positives after Konsa’s England performance against Switzerland at Euro 2024, saying: “Can you control your nerves? Can you do the basics very well?

“And he has done all of these things. I just think his overall game has been fantastic. He has been excellent, he really has.”

Thomas Tuchel has warned his England players to avoid a Cristiano Ronaldo situation and receive their marching orders against Albania on Sunday. Ronaldo was sent off in Portugal's 2-0 loss to Ireland earlier this week and will miss their final World Cup qualifying meeting with Armenia. The Al-Nassr forward will also sit out Portugal's World Cup opener should they make the 2026 showpiece.

Getty Images SportTuchel warns plays not to do anything silly

Portugal still top Group F despite defeat to Ireland last week, but are now just two points clear of Hungary in second ahead of the final group games. The Selecao take on Armenia in Porto today and need to win to guarantee top spot, a match that Ronaldo won't be in attendance for having been sent home from the national team.

England don't face the same problem having already guaranteed first in Group K ahead of their game against Albania this evening. The Three Lions have won all seven matches in World Cup qualifying and will fancy their chances of rounding off their own campaign with a 100% record.

However, Tuchel has revealed that he will warn his players not to do anything silly when they travel to Albania, who are guaranteed a play-off spot, for their final group game.

Advertisement'No red cards please'

Ahead of the game against Albania, Tuchel said: "It is important, I'm aware of it and we will talk about it. No red cards please. If we have a doubt then, because we are through and we are in a position with last man then the player holds the shirt he gets the red card. If there's a doubt then it would be smarter not to do it.

"If he goes in the last man example and if we can avoid it no red card of course but I don't want to make it too big a subject because then you have a cloud above you. But if you have the choice: don't do it."

Tuchel will be forced into at least one change for the game against Albania, with Ezri Konsa absent after suffering a calf strain against Serbia. The Aston Villa man may have played the full 90, but has since returned to his club side.

"Ezri is not with us, he has a tight calf and got assessed in the afternoon and didn’t take the risk so we didn't take him," Tuchel added. "Everyone else is ready to go. He has had a lot of matches for Aston Villa so was a candidate to have a rest."

Getty Images SportTuchel 'didn't like' Frank snub by Spence

Tuchel also revealed that he has scolded defender Djed Spence for his Tottenham behaviour. The full-back snubbed Thomas Frank after Spurs' recent 1-0 loss to rivals Chelsea, storming down the tunnel alongside Micky van de Ven as the north London side put in a poor showing against the Blues.

And while Tuchel didn't consider leaving Spence out of the England squad as a result, the German has made it clear that he did not like that the 25-year-old ignored his manager.

"Yeah, I didn't like it," the Three Lions boss said of the incident. "Because the players know they are not only national players when they are the 10 days in camp, they are always national players and the standard of behaviour is always important."

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Bellingham, Foden & Eze all pushing to start

With qualification wrapped up and just a 100% record to play for, Tuchel may make some changes to the side that started against Serbia. Spence is among those who could start at full-back, while Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah are competing to deputise for Konsa at the back.

Adam Wharton, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze are also hoping to feature from the outset in Tirana, the latter trio all replacing Morgan Rogers, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford, respectively, on the hour mark against Serbia on Thursday.

And it was Bellingham, Foden and Eze who linked up well for the latter's late strike to wrap up the three points after Bukayo Saka had put England ahead in the first half.

لا يزال داني ميرفي نجم ليفربول السابق، يفضل المصري محمد صلاح على الدولي الإنجليزي بوكايو ساكا، نجم آرسنال، على الرغم من تراجع مستوى جناح الريدز هذا الموسم.

وكان صلاح من أفضل وأكثر لاعبي الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ثباتاً في أدائه خلال المواسم القليلة الماضية، وساهم في فوز ليفربول باللقب الموسم الماضي.

ومع ذلك يعاني فريق آرني سلوت خلال موسم 2025-2026 ويحتل ليفربول المركز الثامن في جدول الترتيب، وسجل صلاح هدفين فقط آخر سبع مباريات له.

اقرأ أيضاً.. شبكة إنجليزية عن خسارة مصر ضد أوزبكستان: محمد صلاح كان متواضعًا أمام المصنف 55

وقال ميرفي في تصريحات لشبكة “TALKSPORT”: “على الأرجح سأستمر في تفضيل صلاح، هو قادر على تسجيل الأهداف من أي مكان، لديه هذه الموهبة التي تمكنه من تسجيل أهداف مذهلة بانتظام أكبر”.

جدير بالذكر أن النجم المصري الدولي محمد صلاح قد أحرز 250 هدف وصنع 116 تمريرة حاسمة خلال 417 مباراة مع ليفربول حتى الآن.

MatériaMais Notícias

No dia 17 de dezembro, os maiores craques recentes do futebol brasileiro se reunirão no Estádio Canindé, em São Paulo, para juntos celebrarem o futebol, a música e a tecnologia no Jogo Lendário, promovido pelos irmãos Richarlyson e Alecsandro. Os amantes do futebol poderão ver de perto jogadores que marcaram época e influenciaram uma geração.

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A pré-venda para a partida já está aberta. Até o momento, o Time Alecgol conta com Léo Moura, André Santos, Fernando Prass, Bolívar, Tinga, Deco, Vampeta e Rafael Marques, tendo Argel como técnico. Por outro lado, o Time Richarlyson anunciou nomes como Diego Tardelli, Grafite, Lugano, Roger Flores, Denilson, Josué, Cicinho, Dagoberto e Aloísio Chulapa, com Muricy Ramalho no comando.

Novos jogadores serão anunciados e existe a promessa de outros campeões mundiais em 2002 marcarem presença.

Além disso, após a partida, os craques do futebol se reunirão para uma noite de música, resenha e descontração ao lado dos fãs e de artistas consagrados da música brasileira.

A bola está marcada para rolar das 15h às 17h. Após a partida, o evento continua com shows das 17h até as 23h.

He suffered the injury while attempting a catch on July 26 against Australia

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Aug-2025

Rovman Powell, the West Indies batter, was officially ruled out of the T20I series against Pakistan following the wrist injury he suffered during the preceding series against Australia. West Indies will not name a replacement.Powell, 32, sustained the injury while attempting a catch in the fourth T20I against Australia on July 26 in St Kitts. He did not feature in the fifth T20I against Australia following the injury, and neither was he part of the first T20I against Pakistan in Florida’s Lauderhill on July 31 that West Indies lost by 14 runs.West Indies and Pakistan face off again on August 2 and 4 in Lauderhill in the three-match T20I series. The two teams then fly to Tarouba in Trinidad & Tobago for a three-ODI series starting August 8. Powell is unlikely to feature in the West Indies ODI squad as he last played in the format in 2023.