“I saw [the report] yesterday. I can’t decline an offer I never got officially invited to,” Ionescu said while talking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon. “So I was pretty surprised to see that. Never got invited. Whether it’s against Steph Curry or in the W, I always go out and try and beat my record every single time I’ve gone out. So yeah, I mean, I just kind of wanted to set the record straight. That was just false.
“But I’m really excited for the participants in it and obviously there is going to be a new winner, so I’m excited to see who wins.”
ESPN reported Tuesday that Ionescu, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBrideall declined invitations to participate in the event. Ionescu is a two-time 3-point contest winner. She won the event last year, two years after setting a record (both WNBA and NBA) with a score of 37 in her 2023 win. During that performance, she made 25 of 27 shots, including 20 in a row. She also participated in the historic NBA vs. WNBA “Stephen vs. Sabrina” shootout with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend.
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While Ionescu set the record straight, it is unclear whether or not Clark received an invite. As for McBride, the WNBA’s active leader in career 3-pointers with 796, she said she “received a half ass invite” through a text by her agent.
“Sooo posting things like I’m afraid of shooting smoke is weird and if you didn’t hear it from me prob shouldn’t believe it,” she wrote on her Instagram story. “We should focus on the great shooters in it already!!!”
WNBA fans have been waiting for an Ionescu vs. Clark showdown since Clark — the leading scorer in NCAA Division I history — joined the league in 2024. While this is her third year in the league, the former Iowa star has not participated in a 3-point contest yet. She declined an invitation as a rookie but was set to participate last year. However, she ended up missing both the 3-point contest and All-Star Game because of a groin injury.
While Ionescu, Clark and McBride are out, No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd and Marina Mabrey, who leads the league in 3-pointers made this season, are among the participants for the event on Friday night at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) signals the referee against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Training camp is a time of optimism for the vast majority of NFL teams. The Vikings are clearly among the teams dreaming of a big season ahead, especially if they stay healthy and get better overall production from the quarterback position.
After a month of vacation time, the Vikings coaches are back to work and preparing for 2026 training camp that opens with the rookies reporting on Sunday and the vets two days later. There will be the usual ramp-up period before things crank up in earnest with the first padded practice on Monday, August 3, before the usual full house of fans at Vikings HQ in Eagan.
The Vikings defense should be solid coming off a top-five season, but there will be several new starters, and young players are being counted on to produce, especially along the defensive line. We expect Brian Flores’ defense to perform up to recent standards.
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Quarterback Clarity Will Drive the Entire Summer
The key to a playoff season in 2026, contending for the NFC North title and possibly making a playoff run, seems to point to the offense that is loaded with supporting talent for whoever is running the show at quarterback. The QB — whether it’s Kyler Murray (most likely) or J.J. McCarthy — has to lead the offense to better production than last season when the Vikings ranked 28th in yards per game, 29th in passing offense, 23rd in rushing yards, and 26th in scoring after being a top 10 team in most offensive categories in the 14-win season of 2024.
The Vikings also led the NFL in giveaways with 30 and threw the most interceptions (21). Murray has generally been good at protecting the ball. He has a 2% career interception rate, whereas McCarthy was at 4.9% in his first season as a starter in 2025, but his numbers should improve with experience.
Let’s further break down the offense by position and identify what the team needs to do this season:
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Quarterbacks
All eyes are on Murray and McCarthy entering training camp. We’ll be watching to see how Kevin O’Connell handles the first-team reps early on, with the expectation Murray and McCarthy will basically split them for the first week or so. O’Connell will want to get Murray the lion’s share as soon as possible if it’s obvious he’s going to be the September 13 starter against the Packers.
May 19, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray attends the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
We know it’s not an easy offense to learn, and Murray was up and down in OTAs and minicamp as he dealt with the learning curve. He’d better get it together quickly in camp, or the door could open for McCarthy, especially if Murray struggles in the two days of joint practices with the Ravens in Week 3 of training camp.
As I’ve said during the offseason, Murray is at a career crossroads, and a big season will likely lead to another $50 million-plus-per-year contract with the Vikings or elsewhere. So the pressure is on big-time, and he needs to know this offense inside and out as quickly as he can and perform at the level expected for a first overall pick. And neither player should say a word about how many reps they’re getting. Just go to work and don’t complain.
Keeping Murray and McCarthy healthy through training camp is obviously critical since they’ve both had injury issues in recent seasons. Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer should get the bulk of the playing time in the three preseason games, but the hope is neither of them plays in the regular season.
The reality is we won’t know how the QB position is shaking out in terms of overall productivity this season and prospects until after the 2026 season, as we remember well McCarthy was Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the 2025 season opening win in Chicago and then his season was a roller coaster from there. And Sam Darnold was terrific in 2024 until he laid an egg in the last two games.
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Running Backs
I think the position is well-stocked with a mix of styles among Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Zavier Scott and the intriguing rookie speedster Demond Claiborne.
Does Jones still have the juice to be a productive starter at 31 years old? I think he does, but we’ll be watching him in camp and early regular season to see if he can play at his excellent 2024 level when he had a combined 1,548 yards rushing and receiving with seven TDs. He needs to stay on the field after missing five games last season. Mason averaged 4.8 yards per carry and should be even better if the O-line stays healthy (especially tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill). Scott did some nice things in limited duty, especially as a receiving back.
Claiborne is the wild card in this group. He brings elite speed (4.37 in the 40) and is a dual-threat player. He’ll play a lot in preseason games when Jones is held out, so he’ll have an opportunity to carve out a role for the regular season if he performs well (and possibly a bigger role in the future).
Fifth-round bulldog Max Bredeson takes on the C.J. Ham fullback role as lead blocker and special teams contributor. We’ll see how much he becomes part of this offense, but he appears to be a good fit.
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Wide Receivers
This is the strongest position on the team. Justin Jefferson is one of the two or three best in the league, and I expect a huge season from him with better QB play leading to 1,500-plus receiving yards and a lot more TDs than the two he had in 2025. Jordan Addison is one of the best No. 2 WRs but needs to avoid the drops that hurt him and the team last season. Jauan Jennings is a solid third who should make as many catches as the departed Jalen Nailor.
Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) runs with the ball against Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during the third quarter of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Tai Felton looked improved this offseason so we’ll see if he can make a move towards more play time and being the No. 3 at a cheaper price than Jennings in 2027. There’s some talent among the other wide receivers in camp, including Dillon Bell, Myles Price, Jeshaun Jones, and Dontae Fleming. It will be fun to watch these players in camp practices and preseason games, with the top three unlikely to play much in the three games (and Jefferson not at all).
Tight Ends
At 29 years old, T.J. Hockenson should still be a Pro Bowl-caliber player and a big intermediate target for the Vikings QBs. The Vikings need him to be back in his 2023 form before his ACL injury, when he had a career-best 95 catches for 960 yards and five TDs. It will be interesting to see how he connects with the Vikings QBs in camp and what his role looks like. I expect a big season for Hockenson, who took a pay cut and wants to re-establish himself as an elite tight end ahead of his potential free agency in 2027.
Josh Oliver remains a critical part of the blocking scheme in the run game and pass protection as one of the league’s best in these areas. He also had four TD catches last season and has proven to be a dependable receiver.
Ben Yurosek and Gavin Bartholomew will compete for the third tight end spot, but it would not be a surprise if Bredeson takes on that role in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
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Offensive Line
I have a strong feeling the offensive line will be a team strength this season and that the potentially elite tackles — Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill — will be much healthier than in recent years (they missed a combined 11 games last season). Darrisaw looks much more confident in his knee that limited him last season (after the 2024 ACL tear). He should make his first Pro Bowl this year. O’Neill is looking for an extension as he enters the last year of his contract, and like Darrisaw, he’s an excellent player when healthy.
Will Fries and Donovan Jackson are solid as starting guards, with Jackson sure to make a leap as a second-year player following a good rookie season.
The big question is at center, where the Vikings passed on signing the top free agent centers and then didn’t draft a center until taking Gavin Gerhardt in the seventh round. O’Connell apparently believes Blake Brandel can do the job as a run blocker, pass protector, and in making the line calls. He has 31 starts in his career but only a few at center last season in relief of Ryan Kelly. He seemed to do OK, and if he ups his game while the rest of the starting O-line stays healthy, the team should have one of the league’s best units.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) gets by Minnesota Vikings guard Will Fries (76) during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
In the critical backup tackle roles, the Vikings signed restricted free agent Ryan Van Demark and drafted Caleb Tiernan, a giant at 6-8, 323 pounds, in the third round. They should be a significant upgrade over last year’s backup tackles. Tiernan also is projected to be able to play guard in the NFL.
Joe Huber showed some promise last season as a backup guard. Gerhardt and Michael Jurgens will battle for the backup center job unless the Vikings add another center to the mix, which is a possibility if they’re not confident in Brandel or the backups (despite limited cap space, currently about $14 million under top 51 rules, and it’s possible much of that is being held for Harrison Smith if he returns).
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Next Week: Looking at the defense and special teams in my training camp preview.
Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond
Instead, Benn twice fought stateside as a super-welterweight and then twice boxed fierce rival Chris Eubank J as a middleweight, before announcing plans to return to the welterweight division and challenge for world honours.
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On his way back down to 147lbs, Benn entered the ring against Regis Prograis earlier this year in a 150lb catchweight contest and underwhelmed, but still he has landed his title shot, with a fight against Garcia now formally confirmed.
Speaking on the Fight Your Corner Podcast, Kell Brook looked ahead to the fight and admitted that whilst he gives Benn ‘a good chance’, he feels as though the power of Garcia means that a win for the Californian is more likely.
“I give him [Benn] a good chance, but I do lean towards Garcia winning the fight, I do. In his last fight he boxed well but in the fight before, he didn’t box so good. I just think that he will rise to the occasion, they are champions and I think that we are going to see the best of both of ‘em.
“I just think that Garcia has got that get-out-of-jail card. When I boxed Shawn Porter, I went to Vegas to finish some sparring off and I was some sparring with some good kids. I put it onto this kid and had a really good spar, I was punching hard.
“We had something to eat after and I said, who is the biggest puncher you’ve been to, don’t forget I’m a lot older than Garcia, and he said, ‘I have never been hit as hard as by Ryan Garcia,’. That punch power that he has got, that snap [is impressive].”
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Garcia-Benn takes place on Saturday, September 12, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with undefeated cruiserweight Jai Opetaia expected to appear on the undercard.
Think great golf shoes have to cost $200? Think again. Today’s athletic golf shoes are packed with the comfort, traction and weather protection you’d expect from premium models, all for around $100 or less. Better yet, golf shoes have never been more comfortable, with lightweight cushioning and sneaker-inspired designs that make walking 18 holes easier than ever.
To help you decide which ones are the best for your game, we rounded up five of our favorite golf shoes for under $100 that you can buy at PGA Tour Superstore.
5 great shoes for under $100 you can buy at PGA Tour Superstore:
Known mostly for its running shoes, Asics brings that same comfort-first approach to the course with the Gel-Course Glide. Lightweight cushioning, excellent stability and dependable spiked traction make it a great option for golfers who walk the course and value all-day comfort.
1 thing we really like: They have a unique look and the soft, responsive fit is comfortable from the first tee to the final putt.
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All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.
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The GEL-COURSE™ Glide golf shoe provides improved traction and cushioning for the fairway with a low-profile, yet sophisticated design. The upper is designed with a seamless toe section and an integrated quarter-panel to reduce forefoot irritation, while the internal heel counter adds greater rearfoot stability. This technology is complemented with GEL® technology in the heel and a FLYTEFOAM® technology application in the midsole to supply a blend of lightweight comfort and ample cushioning. Excellent for increasing stability, this shoe incorporates a supportive midfoot paneling and an internal molded heel counter, while the outsole is constructed with a spiked pattern to boost traction throughout the course. With an insole that provides additional cushioning and ventilation, the GEL-COURSE™ Glide golf shoe equips you with the tools to assist in nailing powerful drives down the fairway and sinking putts. Product Details: Seamless Construction The use of seamless materials reduces the potential for irritation and friction caused by traditional stitches and seams. FLYTEFOAM® Technology Provides lightweight cushioning. Seamless toe panel GEL® Technology Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption Rearfoot GEL® technology cushioning system Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance. Spike Patterned Outsole Increased durability and traction on all surface. FLYTEFOAM® Midsole Technology Our FLYTEFOAM® technology provides exceptional bounce back and responsiveness no matter the distance, utilizing organic super fibers to help reduce packing out that traditionally happens with softer, low density foams.
The FootJoy Fuel blends modern sneaker styling with golf-specific performance. Lightweight, stable and waterproof, it’s a versatile shoe that delivers the comfort you want with the traction and support you need for every round. (Buying last year’s style is a great way to save extra money.)
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1 thing we really like: The lightweight EVA cushioning provides excellent comfort.
Traditional styling meets All Day Comfort. FJ Traditions offer complete traction and can be easily maintained round after round. Lightweight comfort and super-cushioned foam deliver an incredibly flexible and comfortable ride. FJ, The #1 Shoe in Golf. Overview: Premium Prohide Leather Waterproof Construction Modern Silhouette Laser Street Last Style #57953 Product Details: 1-Year Waterproof Warranty: FJ warrants that this golf shoe will be waterproof in normal use for one year (U.S. Warranty). Fashionable Leather: Premium prohide leather offers outstanding waterproof comfort, breathability, and durability. Lightweight Construction: A foam midsole provides lightweight comfort. Complete Support: A molded high density EVA Fit-Bed® ensures all-day underfoot comfort. Insert System: The insert system refers to the type of receptacle found on the sole of your golf shoes. This model utilizes the Fast Twist 3.0 cleat system with Pulsar spikes. The Fast Twist 3.0 cleat system is the most advanced insert system on the market. The lower profile design offers improved comfort while still securing each cleat with consistent torque for maximum comfort. Laser Street Fit: Offers a full rounded toe character, standard fit across forefoot and instep, with a slightly narrow heel.
The adidas Adipower ’26 Spikeless combines athletic styling with all-day wearability. A comfortable leather upper, responsive Repetitor cushioning and Traxion outsole provide the stability and grip golfers need, all in a sharp spikeless design.
1 thing we really like: The Repetitor cushioning keeps every step feeling comfortable and responsive, making these a great choice for golfers who walk.
Inspired by power design DNA from past models, the Adipower 26 Spikeless Golf Shoes are designed for golfers who demand more from their footwear, providing a contemporary touch to your golf attire. Whether perfecting your swing or navigating the course, these shoes blend style and performance. The Repetitor cushioning technology provides consistent energy return, helping you stay comfortable throughout your round. These shoes provide a snug fit and breathability for long days on the turf. The rubber outsole with Traxion technology helps you grip the course, allowing you to move with ease and stability. With bold adidas branding, including the iconic 3-Stripes on a leather upper, these shoes are as stylish as they are functional. ADIPOWER 26 Spikeless Regular fit Power Lacing system with TPU saddle Full-grain waterproof leather upper REPETITOR midsole Molded INSITE sockliner
The PUMA IGNITE Elevate X blends modern sneaker style with golf-ready performance, and it’s currently on sale for under $100. Featuring responsive Ignite foam cushioning and Floatplate stability technology, it’s built to keep you comfortable while delivering a stable platform throughout your swing. What more could you want?
1 thing we really like: Outstanding stability. The Floatplate tech creates a more planted feel while swinging a club.
Elevate X, simply put, Built Different. Unlock your style and performance with the latest innovation in the spikeless game. IGNITE Elevate X delivers off-course style with on-course performance. IGNITE foam keeps you comfortable all day. FLOATPLATE Technology redefines stability for a powerful, controlled swing. Details: IGNITE FOAM FLOATPLATE EXOSHELL CRYSTAL RUBBER 1-YEAR WATERPROOF SKU: 310221
The New Balance Fresh Foam Contend v2 is built with walkers in mind. Plush Fresh Foam cushioning, excellent arch support, and a lightweight spikeless outsole combine to deliver exceptional comfort and stability from the first tee to the clubhouse.
1 thing we really like: Fresh Foam is a staple among runners and walkers who long for added cushioning and comfort. Great seeing it in golf shoes for those who walk!
The ultimate walking shoe! The Fresh Foam Contend v2 utilizes an innovative Fresh Foam® midsole that provides superior medial arch & heel support to promote proper alignment & stability while walking the course. Smart rubber spikeless outsole has pressure mapping colors to highlight key performance zones 10mm drop* Fresh Foam® innovative midsole provides ultra-cush, cloud-like feel Molded CUSH+® insole for superior comfort Welded forefoot water-guard for extra protection 2 year waterproof warranty* Weight: 8.9 oz
Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United training but a key decision was made during his time away from the club
11:58, 23 Jul 2026Updated 12:10, 23 Jul 2026
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Marcus Rashford will face an awkward reality when he returns to Manchester United as he is currently without a squad number. He last played for United in December 2024, subsequently spending time away on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
The 28-year-old showed signs of returning to his best form at Villa before being loaned to Barcelona last summer. Rashford scored and assisted 14 goals apiece in all competitions as the Catalan club won La Liga but Barcelona opted not to trigger their £26million buy option. A further £40m release clause has also since expired for other sides.
Rashford is set to report back to United training after his summer break. The England international was part of the squad that earned a World Cup bronze medal, making six tournament appearances, including three starts.
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Despite falling out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford’s camp have held positive talks with United over returning for pre-season. However, the forward faces a potentially awkward conversation with the United hierarchy over finding a new squad number after losing the number 10 shirt during his time away from Old Trafford.
The iconic number 10 was given to Matheus Cunha after his move from Wolves last year. It had been Rashford’s number since 2018, following in the footsteps of many United heroes such as Wayne Rooney.
Rashford initially wore number 39 when he made his first team breakthrough in the 2015/16 campaign. He was subsequently handed the number 19 shirt for the next two seasons before being given the prestigious number 10.
In 2018, Rashford tweeted about his new number: “Wearing the shirt worn by United legends, honoured.” United boss Jose Mourinho explained the reason for giving the then-20-year-old the iconic shirt number.
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“He wanted it,” Mourinho told MUTV in 2018. “He always wanted it. Of course, he respected the big Rooney and then Zlatan wanted to have it.
“Of course, he was in the shadow, waiting for the opportunity and now the shirt is empty. It’s something fantastic for the kid, let’s give the shirt to him”
In his time away from Old Trafford, Rashford wore nine for Villa, a number he previously wore for United’s academy sides. He also sported the number 14 shirt during his season with Barcelona.
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Both numbers from his respective loan spells are currently up for grabs at United. Aside from nine and 14, numbers 20, 21 and 24 are also available to Rashford within the top 25 slots.
However, in terms of his other old United numbers, Bryan Mbeumo occupies 19 and youngster Tyler Fletcher wears 39 in Michael Carrick’s squad. Summer signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tieleman have taken 17 and 18, respectively, while new backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow will wear number 12.
Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
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Official premium experiences at Old Trafford are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.
NEW DELHI: India’s fast-bowling production line has unearthed another exciting prospect, with Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma making his international debut in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday.The 24-year-old received his maiden India cap after a remarkable rise through domestic cricket and the IPL, as captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field first in the opening match of the three-game series.Speaking after the toss, Iyer explained the decision to bowl first, citing the expected bounce on the Harare surface.“We are going to bowl first. This is my first time here, so I don’t know how the wicket is going to play. But looking at the practice wickets, there was a decent amount of bounce,” Iyer said.India opted for a balanced attack comprising three seamers and one specialist spinner, handing Ashok the opportunity to begin his international journey alongside fellow speedster Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav.
India Playing XI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (capt), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav.
Ashok Sharma: From a Rajasthan village to the India cap
Ashok’s journey to the national team is a story of perseverance and family sacrifice.Hailing from Rampura, a small village near Jaipur, Ashok grew up with limited cricketing opportunities. His father is a farmer, and the family’s financial situation meant they could only support one son in pursuing cricket seriously.His elder brother, Akshay Sharma, who had himself played district-level cricket, put his own ambitions aside so that Ashok could continue chasing his dream.Years of hard work eventually paid off as Ashok emerged as one of India’s fastest-rising pacers during the 2025-26 domestic season.
Record-breaking domestic season and IPL breakthrough
Ashok announced himself on the national stage in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets in just 10 matches. His ability to consistently bowl hard lengths at speeds exceeding 150 kmph quickly attracted the attention of IPL franchises.Gujarat Titans secured his services for Rs 90 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction, a move that proved to be an inspired investment.Working under head coach Ashish Nehra, Ashok impressed with his raw pace and steep bounce throughout the season. His standout moment came against Rajasthan Royals when he clocked 154.2 kmph to bowl the fastest delivery of IPL 2026, sending down a thunderbolt to Dhruv Jurel at the Narendra Modi Stadium.Despite playing only six matches, the right-arm pacer claimed six wickets and consistently troubled batters with his express pace.
London, July 23 (IANS) The Oval has been confirmed as the venue for the 2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2027 will be played at The Oval, with the title clash scheduled from June 9 to 13. The venue will host the prestigious match for the second time after previously staging the 2023 final.The decision follows the ICC Annual Conference in 2025, where the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) secured the hosting rights for the next three WTC Finals—2027, 2029 and 2031. England has now become the home of the championship decider, having hosted every WTC Final since the competition was introduced.The inaugural WTC Final took place in Southampton in 2021, where New Zealand defeated India to become the first champions. Australia then lifted the mace after beating India at The Oval in 2023, while South Africa claimed their maiden WTC title at Lord’s in 2025 with a five-wicket victory over Australia.
2027 final to coincide with 150 years of Test Cricket
The 2027 WTC Final will conclude the fourth cycle of the championship and will carry added significance as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of Test cricket, making it one of the landmark events in the history of the longest format.ECB Managing Director of Competitions and Major Events Neil Snowball welcomed the confirmation, saying England was proud to continue hosting the pinnacle event of Test cricket and provide a fitting stage for the world’s top two Test teams. Speaking on the announcement, ICC General Manager, Events & Operations, Gaurav Saxena, said: “The ICC World Test Championship Final has established itself as one of the most prestigious occasions in the global cricket calendar, bringing together the two best Test teams in the world after two years of sustained excellence and consistency.“The 2027 World Test Championship Final will hold special significance as cricket celebrates 150 years of Test cricket. The Oval has played a proud role in the history of our sport and has hosted some of its most memorable moments. We look forward to working closely with the ECB to deliver another world-class event that celebrates the enduring legacy of Test cricket and creates lasting memories for fans around the world.”Neil Snowball, ECB Managing Director, Competitions and Major Events, said: “We are honoured to be staging the next three ICC World Test Championship Finals in England and Wales, and we’re pleased to confirm that The Oval will play host again next year. The 2023 final at The Oval was a huge hit with broadcasters and fans, and I’ve no doubt that next year’s event will be extra special again.”
Australia lead current WTC standings
Australia currently sit at the top of the World Test Championship standings with 87.50 percentage points, while defending champions South Africa are second with 75.00. New Zealand occupy third place, followed by Bangladesh and India in fourth and fifth respectively. Sri Lanka are sixth, with England, the West Indies and Pakistan completing the standings in seventh, eighth and ninth.
Welcome to I Tried It, a GOLF.com series about golf items — apparel, gear, accessories, etc. — that we’ve recently taken out for a spin. We’re here to give our honest, no-frills takes on the latest and greatest golf or golf-adjacent items. So, scroll down to read about what we love about golf’s newest (or new to us) products.
Does your golf glove double as skincare? If not, it sounds like it may be lagging behind in the technology department, because not only do Callaway’s women-specific Aura gloves provide all the grip and palm protection you need throughout your round, they also nourish your skin.
That one-two punch is an intriguing idea for a must-have accessory, and I was excited to try the glove during a recent round. After testing the Aura for a full 18 holes, here’s my report on everything I loved about it.
The fit
There is one essential thing a glove needs in order to be a functional accessory, and that is a snug, comfortable fit. The Aura passes the test with flying colors. It feels luxurious right off the bat, thanks to the inclusion of “Umorfil Beauty Fiber” material on the top of the hand, and Cabretta leather on the palm, fingers and thumb. The Velcro wrap closure extends all the way across the wrist, making the glove feel nice and secure.
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The feel
The Umorfil Beauty Fiber material on the top of the hand is moisture-wicking, cool to the touch and offers UV protection. Perhaps most importantly, it really does feel silky and elevated in comparison to other gloves I’ve worn. The material is infused with bio-tech recycled polymers, ocean collagen peptides and rayon. The result? Light, stretchy and breathable hand-feel that offers complete freedom of movement.
The performance
The glove’s performance was exactly as I’d hoped for in terms of grip, fit and comfort. But one thing I did notice was that I didn’t even feel the need to take the glove off between shots — and that’s saying something when the temperature soared above 100 degrees during my round. Sweaty hands were a non-issue, too — another remarkable feature.
So does wearing this glove actually constitute “skincare”? Playing one round in one probably isn’t enough for me to make that call. But when I did ultimately take off the glove, the skin on my hand still felt smooth and hydrated — and that’s not always the case after completing a full round of golf!
In short, this glove’s many positive attributes make it a very welcome addition to my bag, and it’s definitely a glove I’ll be reaching for in rounds to come. Ready to try one for yourself? Click on the link below to order yours now.
The Callaway Aura Golf Glove is designed for women fusing performance with skincare. Featuring Coolagen™, a blend of Umorfil® beauty fiber with ocean collagen peptides, and 30+ UPF protection for soft feel, skin nourishment, and sun protection. FEATURES AND BENEFITS Umorfil® Beauty Fiber® – a skin-loving, moisture-wicking material infused with bio-tech recycled polymers, ocean collagen peptides, and rayon to offer a silky touch with lasting skincare benefits. Cabretta leather – luxuriously soft and placed throughout the palm, fingers, and thumb for an impeccable grip and flawless feel. Advanced thermoregulation & UPF protection – helps keep hands comfortably cool while providing 30+ UPF defense. Innovative wrap closure – a refined design for a secure, tailored fit.
No college football team is a bigger favorite to win its conference than the Miami Hurricanes. One season after losing to Indiana in the CFP national championship game, the Hurricanes are -136 favorites to win the ACC. No other team in the country is shorter than -105 to win its conference. According to DraftKings, SMU (+700), Louisville (+800) and Clemson (+1400) are Miami’s top challengers to lift the ACC trophy.
But should the Hurricanes be such big favorites to win the conference? Remember, this is a program that has never won the ACC title since joining the conference in 2004 and didn’t even qualify for the ACC championship game last year. In addition, Miami has to replace pass rush demons Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, four offensive line stalwarts and quarterback Carson Beck.
With multiple months until this season’s conference title game, there’s no reason to ride with the Hurricanes at a short price. There’s another team that provides better value.
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The case for SMU
On the final day of the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte last week, SMU coach Rhett Lashlee started unbuttoning his white dress shirt in front of a gaggle of reporters. He was not uncomfortably hot or trying to do his best Clark Kent-to-Superman impression. Instead Lashlee was trying to unveil what was underneath: a white t-shirt that read JENNINGS FOR HEISMAN.
Indeed, the case for the Mustangs to win the ACC begins with quarterback Kevin Jennings. The fifth-year senior from Dallas is one of the winningest and most prolific signal callers in the country returning this season, which makes him a contender for the stiff-arm statuette. He is 18-6 over the last two seasons, and those 18 wins rank third in the nation. Over that time, he has passed for 6,886 yards (third in the FBS) and 49 touchdowns (tied for eighth).
Behind Jennings, the Mustangs reached the College Football Playoff two years ago and just missed out on the ACC Championship Game last season after losing a convoluted tiebreaker.
Jennings could be the difference for a team that was close last year. Though the Mustangs went 9-4, they led in the fourth quarter in all four losses, and three of their four defeats came on the final play of the game. Most notably, they beat eventual CFP runner-up Miami 26-20 in Dallas.
But more than being an experienced playmaker at the game’s most important position, Jennings also gives SMU continuity. That means something in a conference in which 11 of the 17 teams will have a new face behind center. That includes the other four teams listed as contenders to win the conference: Miami, Louisville, Clemson and Virginia.
Jennings won’t need to be a one-man show for the Mustangs. He will have four starters back from the offensive line, led by All-ACC tackle PJ Williams. That should help improve a running game that took a step back in 2025 (133.8 yards per game, 95th in the country).
SMU is not without some warts. The defense, which ranked 88th in the FBS last season in yards per game (395.1), needs to return to its 2024 level when it was 26th in the country (326.0), and it will have to do so with just four returning starters. Also, Jennings, who has thrown 14 interceptions over the last two seasons, has to stay away from making the big mistakes.
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But Lashlee and the program’s strong NIL pull have been successful at bringing talent to Dallas (through both the high school and transfer portal avenues), which should help address at least some of the holes on both sides of the ball.
The ACC schedule also works in the Mustangs’ favor. SMU avoids Miami, NC State and Clemson. The slate is front-loaded with a Monday night season opener at Florida State and a Week 3 matchup at Louisville. Even a split of those games could be enough to get the Mustangs to Charlotte in early December.
The Hurricanes are heavy favorites to not only get to Charlotte but lift the ACC trophy, which is understandable given last season. But SMU is more than four times the price of Miami in futures markets, which makes the Mustangs the value play in the conference.
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“We’ve been good,” Lashlee said at the ACC Kickoff. “But we’re in pursuit of great.”
LIV Golf’s 2026 season continues this week with its stop in the United Kingdom, the final international tournament before the final three events are scheduled for August in the United States. “Scheduled” is the key word as LIV Golf faces an uncertain future after losing its financing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
There are no guarantees that all three events will take place as planned.
On Wednesday, Cleeks GC captain Martin Kaymer informed Ben Parsons of “Today’s Golfer” that, based on limited information team captains received in a meeting, it was “highly likely” the season finale in Michigan would get canceled, giving it a “5% chance’ of happening.
“I know that Indianapolis most likely is happening,” Kaymer added. “There was a conversation yesterday. Michigan, highly unlikely. So basically, what we already knew. That’s why I think it became a captains’ meeting and not a players’ meeting, because they couldn’t give us much more than we had before.”
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Kaymer and the players seem just as in the dark as everyone else about LIV Golf’s funding and future plans. Kaymer pointed to speculation that the league could turn the Indianapolis event into the team championship, but he was concerned about losing a second individual event after already having the New Orleans event canceled earlier this season.
“Of course we are disappointed,” Kaymer said. “I heard yesterday, actually, on the Golf Channel, that there were talks that Indianapolis could become a team event instead of Michigan. That we don’t know. I think that would be a shame that we get reduced even more individual tournaments. On the other hand, how do you want to have a team winning the whole season if you don’t have a team event? We need to be honest. The whole season was a bit of a … there was so much happening. Yeah. Canceled New Orleans. Canceled most likely the last event. So, I think it’s important to just finish the season, and hopefully, we’ll have a plan for 2027.”
For now, it seems like there will be three more events, not four, on the 2026 LIV Golf calendar, including this week in the UK. The 2027 schedule and structure is anyone’s guess, as CEO Scott O’Neill tries desperately to salvage the league’s finances after losing its chief backing.
When India begin their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, the spotlight will not only be on the result but also on the fresh faces hoping to begin their international journeys.Over the years, tours of Zimbabwe have evolved into India’s preferred platform for testing emerging talent in the shortest format. Rather than fielding full-strength squads, the BCCI has consistently used these bilateral series to reward standout domestic and IPL performers with their maiden T20I caps. The numbers underline that trend. A total of 22 Indian men’s cricketers have made their T20I debuts against Zimbabwe, making the African nation one of India’s most frequent proving grounds for future stars.
India’s tradition of handing out debuts in Zimbabwe dates back to 2010. During the two-match T20I series, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Naman Ojha all made their debuts in the opening game as India secured a comfortable six-wicket win. Kohli remained unbeaten on 26, Ashwin impressed with figures of 1/22, while Ojha managed two runs. In the following match, Amit Mishra became the fourth debutant of the series and returned figures of 1/21.That tour also marked another milestone, with Suresh Raina captaining India in T20Is for the first time.
2015: Sanju Samson, Axar Patel gets India breakthrough
Five years later, India again arrived in Zimbabwe with a youthful squad. The 2015 series featured first T20I caps for Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Stuart Binny, Axar Patel and Sandeep Sharma in the opening game, while Sanju Samson debuted in the second T20I.Although several batters endured modest starts, Axar Patel stood out with an impressive spell of 3/17. Manish Pandey scored 19, Kedar Jadhav made 9, Stuart Binny contributed 11 and Sandeep Sharma went wicketless. Samson scored 19 off 24 balls in his maiden appearance.The same tour also witnessed Ajinkya Rahane making his captaincy debut in both ODIs and T20Is.
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2016: Chahal, KL Rahul join the growing list
India continued the trend in 2016, handing opportunities to another crop of newcomers. KL Rahul, Mandeep Singh, Jaydev Unadkat, Rishi Dhawan and Yuzvendra Chahal all made their T20I debuts in the opening match. It proved a difficult initiation for several players as Zimbabwe posted 170/6. Unadkat, Dhawan and Chahal all endured expensive spells, while Rahul was dismissed for a first-ball duck. Mandeep Singh provided one of the few positives with 31 off 27 balls, although India lost the match by two runs.The second T20I brought more debutants. Barinder Sran enjoyed a dream start to his international career, producing figures of 4/10, which remain the best bowling figures by an Indian on T20I debut. Dhawal Kulkarni also debuted in that match and claimed 1/32.
India once again used the Zimbabwe tour in 2024 to blood a fresh batch of youngsters. Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel made their T20I debuts in the opening match of the five-game series. Sai Sudharsan was handed his maiden cap in the second T20I, while Tushar Deshpande made his debut in the fourth match.Among the debutants, Abhishek made the biggest impact. After a modest start in his first T20I, the left-hander bounced back with a stunning 46-ball century in just his second international appearance, announcing himself on the biggest stage. Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sai Sudharsan and Tushar Deshpande also began their international journeys during the series.The tour also marked another significant milestone as Shubman Gill captained India in T20Is for the first time. Leading a young side, Gill guided India to a commanding 4-1 series victory.
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2026: Prabhsimran, Ashok, Yash and Harsh await their chance
The 2026 tour could once again add new names to India’s growing list of T20I debutants in Zimbabwe. Prabhsimran Singh, Ashok Sharma, Yash Thakur and left-arm spin all-rounder Harsh Dubey are all in contention to earn their maiden India caps during the three-match series. With Sanju Samson omitted from the squad, Prabhsimran has travelled as the third specialist opener. While Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are expected to be India’s preferred opening pair, it remains to be seen whether Prabhsimran gets an opportunity during the series. The pace department also features two uncapped fast bowlers in Ashok Sharma and Yash Thakur. Ashok impressed throughout IPL 2026, consistently clocking speeds in excess of 150 kmph and delivering the fastest ball of the tournament at 154.7 kmph, performances that earned him his maiden senior India call-up. Thakur, meanwhile, featured in just one IPL game for Punjab Kings but has long been part of the BCCI’s targeted player pool. He also enjoyed an impressive Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, with the selectors rewarding his consistent progress with a place in the national squad. Harsh Dubey is another uncapped player who could make his international debut in Harare. The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder has featured in 11 IPL matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad, claiming 13 wickets, while also producing a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket to force his way into the national reckoning. If any of the quartet make their debut in Harare, they will become the latest additions to a long list of Indian cricketers whose T20I journeys began in Zimbabwe.
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