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Man United handed double boost as £42.7m agreement reached and Liverpool ‘pull out of race’

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Manchester United have been linked with a transfer interest in PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye this summer, but face a lot of competition.

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Manchester United have been handed a double boost in their hopes of signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye. United have been linked with an interest in the highly-rated 18-year-old this summer, and have reportedly made contact over a possible transfer.

There is, however, a lot of competition for the teenager, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Porto, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Roma and Aston Villa. Latest reports suggest that Liverpool have now pulled out of the race, deeming a deal for him too expensive.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano claims that Andoni Iraola’s side have stepped away from a possible transfer after holding talks with agent Jorge Mendes. They withdrew their interest after reportedly being quoted a price of €200 million (£171m) for both Bradley Barcola and Mbaye.

While a deal for Barcola would represent the majority of that fee, reports claim that PSG are asking for between €40 and €50m (£34.2m-£42.7m) for Mbaye. It’s a price Liverpool feel is too high, leading them to withdraw their interest.

It’s a situation United could look to take advantage of, especially given PSG’s latest transfer activity. The Athletic reports that the European champions have agreed a £42.7 million fee with Barcelona to sign Ferran Torres.

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His arrival at les Parc des Princes is only going to reduce the Mbaye’s playing time further, and therefore make PSG more open to a sale. AS reports that the club could even be open to sanctioning a loan move.

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The winger was an unused substitute for PSG’s 2-1 European Super Cup win over Aston Villa on Wednesday night. That’s despite him scoring the team’s goal in the 1-1 pre-season draw against United just four days earlier.

Mbaye made 31 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring three goals and providing two assists. But of those appearances, just 11 were in the starting XI.

He mainly plays on the right, but is also able to play on the left. If United do manage to win the race for him, he will join the likes of Marcus Rashford, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, Patrick Dorgu and Shea Lacey as wide attacking options for Michael Carrick this season.

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United are back in pre-season action on Saturday when they take on AC Milan (3.45pm kick-off), a game which could see Rashford make his return to action for the club.

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Precious Opinion Books Place in World U20 Triple Jump Final

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Nigerian triple jumper Precious Opinion has qualified for the World Athletics U20 Championships final in Eugene, Oregon.

Opinion produced a lifetime-best 16.00m in qualifying, automatically securing his place in the final.

The performance also moved him up to No. 3 on the University of Minnesota’s all-time outdoor triple-jump list, another milestone for the young athlete.

  • Copa América returns to Its Four-Year Cycle in 2028Copa América returns to Its Four-Year Cycle in 2028

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Opinion is a Nigerian sophomore at Minnesota, where he competes for the Golden Gophers. Now he gets the chance to compete for a medal on the world junior stage. The final awaits.

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal in talks with Jarell Quansah and eye Victor Osimhen, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez deadline looms

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Cody Gakpo to remain at Liverpool if Tottenham strike Savinho deal?

With Tottenham’s talks with Manchester City over a £65m deal for Savinho moving in the right direction, is Cody Gakpo set to stay at Liverpool?

The Dutchman was recently linked to Liverpool with Andoni Iraola set to chase a new winger over the final weeks of the window.

Liverpool are pursuing Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola but it would take a club record fee to sign the winger, with PSG demanding up to £140m.

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Mike Jones14 August 2026 11:48

Enzo Maresca provides update on Manchester City’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez ahead of Chelsea deadline

The Italian’s former club said they wanted the Argentina midfielder’s future to be settled by 5pm on Friday as they told potential buyers to pay their £120m asking price this week.

Richard Jolly14 August 2026 11:45

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Jaissle on taking over at Newcastle

During his unveiling as the new Newcastle United manager, Matthias Jaissle spoke about the future.

“It’s a challenge, a big challenge, always when there’s a transitional period. But it’s not time to complain, it doesn’t ⁠make sense to see the negative things,” Jaissle said at his unveiling.

“We want to seethe chance in that situation and that’s our approach from day one. We are here to do our best job. We want to support the players, the current squad.

“There will be adjustments to see ‌in the coming days, weeks. But for now ‌it’s only focused on the daily work, the work we can influence. That’s all that matters now.”

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Mike Jones14 August 2026 11:36

Have Real Madrid and Barcelona been too opportunistic?

Man City are holding firm on their own £60m valuation of Rodri, having found Barcelona’s initial approach derisory.

The player’s camp is said to have been a little baffled by the situation, since he would have expected to have signed for one of the big Spanish two by now. It’s all the more curious given his status as the World Cup-winning captain.

There is a sense that both Real Madrid and Barcelona have tried to be too opportunistic here, having seen that City were allowing a long-term legend to leave on good terms.

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They still want the right terms.

Rodri won the Golden Ball as the 2026 World Cup’s best player (Bradley Collyer/PA)
Rodri won the Golden Ball as the 2026 World Cup’s best player (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer14 August 2026 11:31

Chelsea-City relationship not that smooth

The word from the Chelsea training ground is that, since returning from World Cup duty, Enzo Fernandez does not give off the sense of staying around for long. The links with Manchester City have only escalated since The Independent reported it last Friday, with all sides intent on getting a deal done.

Fernandez is Enzo Maresca’s top target for the position. Chelsea do currently want £120m – as well as clarity by Friday’s 5pm – and the relationship with City is not that smooth right now.

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Miguel Delaney14 August 2026 11:25

Djed Spence to Inter Milan?

Sky Italy also reports Tottenham and Inter Milan are to hold further talks over the future of Djed Spence.

The England international, who impressed at this summer’s World Cup, has been a key Inter target this window as they look for someone who can play as right wing-back.

The Serie A club are reportedly hoping to seal the deal for £30m.

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(Reuters)

Mike Jones14 August 2026 11:24

Arsenal in talks over Quansah

Sky Sports News are reporting that Arsenal are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over the possible signing of England defender Jarell Quansah.

Mikel Arteta is said to be in favour of the move and sees Quansah as a solid addition to the back line with versatility at both centre-back and right back.

(AP)

Mike Jones14 August 2026 11:17

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Tielemans apologises to Aston Villa fans after claiming Manchester United are ‘above’ former club

Tielemans made the switch from Villa Park to Old Trafford this summer for a £35m fee having twice held talks previously about joining Manchester United.

Harry Latham-Coyle14 August 2026 11:12

Youri Tielemans reveals he nearly joined Manchester United twice before

It was third time lucky for Youri Tielemans when he joined Manchester United last month.

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As a deal to buy Brazil midfielder Ederson stalled, the Red Devils activated a £35m release clause to sign Tielemans from Aston Villa – but the move might have happened years ago for a player previously linked with United several times.

United reportedly considered Tielemans in the summer of 2019 as his loan spell at Leicester from Monaco ended but he instead joined the Foxes permanently. Tielemans was linked with United again in both 2022 and 2023.

Speaking at United’s pre-season training camp in County Kildare, the Belgium international said there had been direct talks in the past.

“There have been two times that I spoke with the club, but it didn’t (come) to anything, so I was just very calm about it,” Tielemans said.

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Asked if he thought his opportunity to join United had passed, Tielemans added: “No, listen, I am very calm about it. When a move comes up, then if it needs to happen, it will happen.

“At the times that I have been linked with the club before, it did not happen, but it is what it is. I just keep working, keep doing my thing on the pitch and then it happens.”

Mike Jones14 August 2026 11:00

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Inter Milan circling for Curtis Jones

Inter Milan are negotiating a move for Davide Frattesi which would free them up to make a bid for Curtis Jones, according to Sky Italy.

Inter are wrangling with Lazio over terms for an initial loan deal with obligation to buy for Frattesi, which would allow them to go back to Liverpool to try to close a deal for Jones, who is a major target for them this summer.

(Getty)

Mike Jones14 August 2026 10:48

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MLB roundup: Pirates’ Braxton Ashcraft goes distance, fans 10 Marlins

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Aug 13, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Rafael Flores Jr. (43) congratulates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft (35) after defeating the Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesAug 13, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Rafael Flores Jr. (43) congratulates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft (35) after defeating the Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Braxton Ashcraft pitched his first career complete game and struck out 10 batters as the Pittsburgh Pirates ended Miami’s four-game winning streak by defeating the host Marlins 13-1 on Thursday afternoon.

Other than Owen Caissie’s shutout-spoiling homer to lead off the ninth, Ashcraft (12-5) did not allow a runner past first base. He surrendered just three hits and one walk and was aided by his defense, as the Pirates turned three double plays and threw out a runner attempting to steal second base.

The Pirates’ offense was nearly as dominant, with Jared Triolo and Jake Mangum combining for six hits, four RBIs and six runs, and Rafael Flores Jr. slugging a pair of three-run homers.

Marlins starter Tyler Phillips (3-6) gave up four runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Brewers 5, Dodgers 4

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Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell and Jake Bauers delivered RBI singles in the ninth inning as Milwaukee struck the first blow in a key four-game series by rallying to beat host Los Angeles.

Down 4-2 in the ninth inning, the Brewers received consecutive one-out singles from Joey Ortiz, David Hamilton, Chourio and Mitchell against Edwin Diaz (2-2) to tie the score 4-4. Bauers’ go-ahead single to right came against Alex Vesia.

Max Muncy hit a three-run pinch-hit homer for the Dodgers, who had their three-game winning streak end. Los Angeles first baseman Freddie Freeman played one day after he tumbled onto the concrete in the visitors’ dugout while chasing a foul ball. He finished 0-for-3 with a walk and a run.

Phillies 7, Twins 1

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Kyle Schwarber hit two homers and drove in three runs as Philadelphia pulled away for a win over Minnesota in the annual Field of Dreams game at Dyersville, Iowa.

Brandon Marsh finished 2-for-2 with a homer and two RBIs for the Phillies, who won on a warm, dry night on the famed Iowa farmland that served as the setting of the 1989 baseball movie blockbuster for which the game is named. Aaron Nola (4-9) limited the Twins to one run on five hits in five innings.

Luke Keaschall went 2-for-3 with a double and a homer to lead Minnesota. Taj Bradley (9-5) gave up five runs on seven hits in four innings.

Red Sox 7, Blue Jays 0

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Payton Tolle allowed two hits over eight innings, Caleb Durbin hit a grand slam and Boston ended a five-game losing streak by shutting out host Toronto.

Durbin’s second career slam broke open a 1-0 game in the eighth inning to help the Red Sox salvage the finale of the four-game series. Durbin finished with three hits and five RBIs. Tolle (8-6) retired the final 17 batters he faced.

Boston scored a run against Max Scherzer (1-5) in the first — the 3,000th inning pitched by the right-hander. Scherzer then retired nine straight before eventually exiting the game after five innings still trailing 1-0. Boston put the game away after a pair of singles and an intentional walk loaded the bases and set the stage for Durbin.

Reds 9, White Sox 8

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Tyler Stephenson belted a three-run home run and Sal Stewart and Eugenio Suarez also homered as visiting Cincinnati edged Chicago.

The Reds took two of three from the White Sox and have won six of their eight series since the All-Star break. Tejay Antone (2-0) struck out the side in the sixth to earn the victory.

Edgar Quero had three hits and two RBIs for the White Sox. His two-out, run-scoring single brought Chicago within one in the ninth, but Julian Garcia recovered to notch his second save.

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Tigers 3, Guardians 0

Eduardo Valencia homered and Keider Montero pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, fueling host Detroit to a win over Cleveland.

Montero (9-7) limited the Guardians to three hits and one walk. Tyler Holton got the next five outs, allowing one hit, and Kenley Jansen tossed a clean ninth for his 15th save. The Tigers recorded the first major league shutout without a strikeout since July 1, 2014, when Detroit’s Rick Porcello blanked the then-Oakland Athletics.

Spencer Torkelson had two hits and drove in a run for the Tigers, who have won nine of 12. Rookie Chase DeLauter had two of the Guardians’ four hits.

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Mariners 1, Yankees 0

Logan Gilbert pitched six sharp innings to help Seattle stop its six-game losing streak with a shutout of host New York.

Weston Wilson homered in the second inning off Max Fried (4-4) for the only run as the Mariners avoided being swept for the second straight series.

Gilbert (9-7) permitted four hits, struck out seven and authored his fifth scoreless start this season. Fried allowed one run on five hits in five innings for his first decision since returning from the injured list on July 22.

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Nationals 7, Cubs 0

Cade Cavalli carried a no-hit bid into the seventh before settling for a one-hit gem after eight innings, fueling host Washington to a shutout victory over Chicago. The Cubs lost for just the second time in 10 games.

Washington rookie Abimelec Ortiz belted a three-run shot during a five-run fifth inning, his fourth homer of the season and third in his past four games. Ortiz, who was playing in his 11th career game, also scored on Dylan Crews’ RBI double in the fourth inning.

Cavalli (10-5) retired the first 15 batters he faced before Dansby Swanson drew a four-pitch walk to open the sixth. The Cubs’ lone hit was Michael Busch’s two-out single in the seventh.

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Angels 7, Rangers 0

Mike Trout went 3-for-5, drove in a run and scored another while rookie Walbert Urena allowed two hits over six innings, leading Los Angeles past Texas in Anaheim, Calif., for its third straight win.

Denzer Guzman also had three hits to go with an RBI and two runs while Josh Lowe collected two hits and two RBIs for the Angels. Urena (8-8) lowered his ERA to 2.67. He has a 1.75 ERA over his past seven starts.

Jacob deGrom (8-8), who left after two innings with what the Rangers called right triceps fatigue, allowed two runs on six hits. Texas went 1-7 in Anaheim this season.

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–Field Level Media

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Jackie Young powers Aces to playoff-clinching win over Mystics

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Aug 13, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) reacts to scoring against the Washington Mystics in the first quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn ImagesAug 13, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) reacts to scoring against the Washington Mystics in the first quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Jackie Young pumped in a season-high 32 points with a stellar start and a clutch late-game stretch as the Las Vegas Aces fended off visiting Washington for an 83-76 victory on Thursday, topping the Mystics for the second time in three nights.

With the result, Las Vegas (24-11) clinched a playoff berth for the eighth consecutive season. The defending champion Aces are aiming for their fourth title in five years.

Young made 10 of 14 shots, including 5 of 8 from 3-point range, while reaching the 30-point level for the first time this season.

WNBA scoring leader A’ja Wilson added 15 points despite 5-for-14 shooting from the field for Las Vegas. Reserve Jewell Loyd provided 13 points, a total boosted by three 3-pointers.

The Aces outscored Washington 25-8 on free throws.

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Shakira Austin led the Mystics (19-14) with a season-best 29 points, hitting 12 of 20 shots. Sonia Citron tacked on 17 points and eight assists, but no other member of the team had more than five points.

The rematch was a tussle after the Aces prevailed 86-76 on Tuesday night, also in Las Vegas.

Austin left the Thursday game in the third quarter due to a potential head injury, but she was back on the floor in the fourth quarter.

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Washington also navigated foul trouble for Kiki Iriafen, who had five fouls before the end of the third quarter.

The Mystics, who trailed by 10 points in the third quarter, pulled even at 62-62 on Austin’s driving layup early in the fourth. Young then produced a 3-pointer, two free throws after she was fouled on a 3-point attempt and a layup as Las Vegas built a 69-64 edge with 5:05 to play.

Young kept it going with two more foul shots and then another 3-pointer, extending the lead to 74-64 with 4:18 remaining.

Earlier, Young racked up 10 points as the Aces raced to a 14-2 lead in the first five minutes.

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The Mystics threatened to come all the way back in the second quarter before trailing 38-32 at halftime.

Washington took a brief two-point edge, its first lead of the game, with 3:07 left in the third quarter before the Aces responded and held a 58-55 advantage going to the final period.

–Field Level Media

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GB’s European gymnastics team take on ‘Honesty Cards’

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Team-mates and friends from GB’s gymnastics squad reveal their unfiltered truths, as they take on BBC Sport’s ‘Honesty Cards’, ahead of the 2026 European Gymnastics Championships in Croatia.

Watch the 2026 European Gymnastics Championships on BBC iPlayer

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The all-weather finger spinner India needs after Ravindra Jadeja

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Manav Suthar: The all-weather finger spinner India needs after Ravindra Jadeja
India’s Ravindra Jadeja, front left, and Manav Suthar (PTI Photo)

TimesofIndia.com in Galle: In times when variation, mystery and darts have become the survival norm, Manav Suthar is a throwback to an era gone by. The beats and drops of techno music have captured the imagination around the world, but Suthar continues to be the classic which never gets old – come for the tone, enjoy the verse and stay for the ending. The ease with which he stands on top of the bowling mark, the grace with which he approaches the crease and the effortless magic of his wrist make him a rare breed.‘Kalai mai jaadu hai, alag ball chalta hai iske haath se (He has magic in his wrists. The ball spins viciously from his hand),’ has been the unanimous observation of those who have seen him climb up the ladder in the last few years. Selectors were convinced at first sight, and since then his progression has been gradual, aiming not only to prepare for life after Ravindra Jadeja but also to secure an all-weather finger spinner.As someone who made the great Bishan Singh Bedi take note of his classical left-arm spin, Maninder Singh’s eyes light up when he talks about Suthar and his craft. It is as if the former India cricketer is playing his own visuals in the backdrop while explaining the nuances of left-arm spin and the attributes which set the youngster apart.“The first thing I notice in a spinner is how the ball comes out of the hand, and in his case, it comes out beautifully. His seam position is excellent. As they say, the seam should point towards first or second slip, and that’s exactly what I saw. I watched him in the Test match [vs Afghanistan] and even in a couple of IPL games. I don’t think he completed his full quota of overs in those matches, but even then I felt he was a delight to watch.“He has a beautiful future ahead. I believe he is going to play for India for a long time because I have not seen a classical left-arm spinner like him in a very long time,” explains Maninder, one of the finest of his era.“His run-up is simple, his action is simple, and the release of the ball from his hand is beautiful. When a spinner releases the ball like that, it tells you he has put in countless hours in the nets. That hard work builds character, and you can see it when he bowls in a match,” he adds.

India's Manav Suthar<br>

India’s Manav Suthar (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)

‘Revs on the ball’ was a phrase which went out of currency with the advent of shorter formats and tweakers opting for darts over craft. Suthar, however, came as a breath of fresh air, reintroducing guile, deception and beating the batter in the air. Right from his domestic cricket days through the subsequent India A fixtures, close-in fielders have always been impressed by the sound the ball makes when it leaves Suthar’s hand. The poetry isn’t interrupted by a late jerk or twitch, and it all just flows like a smooth brush stroke on a canvas.“I have heard from fielders standing at silly point and short leg that they can actually hear the sound when the ball leaves his hand. That comes from the revolutions he imparts on the ball. When I say the ball comes beautifully out of his hand, it is because of those revolutions. His run-up, action and release all come together perfectly,” Maninder further explains.Not just in India, the ‘revs on the ball’ also made a lot of noise in England, where Suthar joined Warwickshire to get a taste of County cricket and bowl with a different cricket ball. Head coach Ian Westwood was very pleased with his signing. Even though Suthar played just two games, they can’t wait to have him back for more fixtures.

India's Rishabh Pant, left, talks to Manav Suthar<br>

India’s Rishabh Pant, left, talks to Manav Suthar (AP Photo)

“He has all the ingredients to succeed in a competitive set-up like India’s. The ball leaves very nicely from his hand, and the revolutions he imparts make him the kind of spinner who will succeed in every condition. He is a very smart operator. We only had him for a couple of games but he was well liked within the group,” says Westwood.Days after making his Test debut against Afghanistan, Suthar boarded the long flight and turned up for the fixture against Yorkshire. The turnaround time between the two games was just three days, but it did not affect how he operated in the middle. The game against Afghanistan ended in Mullanpur on June 8, and Suthar took the field for Warwickshire in Scarborough on June 12.“I remember the turnaround time between his international assignment and County game was very short, but he arrived ready and made an impact. Apart from his bowling, Suthar made useful contributions lower down the order, which makes him an asset for any side. Bowling in England, with different conditions and a different ball helps a spinner’s overall development and will hold him in good stead for his international assignments,” adds Westwood.

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India's Manav Suthar bats<br>

India’s Manav Suthar bats (AP Photo)

The coaches who have worked closely with Suthar at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) have been very appreciative of his work ethic ever since VVS Laxman had asked a former cricketer to groom the left-armer. After minute technical adjustments, such as shortening the delivery stride, he was ready for the ‘A’ challenge and responded emphatically.Preparation has always been a focus for the 24-year-old, with no compromise on volume. The coaches assert that this work ethic helps him seamlessly make the adjustments and be battle-ready whenever opportunity comes his way.

Those revolutions create drift because the ball cuts through the air. That drift will always work to his advantage. He is someone who can take wickets on any kind of surface. He doesn’t need a turning pitch.

Maninder Singh

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Well before he left for Sri Lanka, Suthar visited the CoE to work on other finer nuances of spin bowling and returned with a pro tip. The wind in Galle can significantly affect how a spinner operates.“Use the breeze to your advantage. Whatever angle you bowl from, make sure the ball finishes on the stumps. Learn to use the drift according to the wind,” was the advice he received before packing for the island nation.Maninder further explains how the revs will help create drift, and if he can master that art and use the wind to his advantage, Suthar will remove the pitch from the equation and become a banker for the side in any conditions.“Those revolutions create drift because the ball cuts through the air. That drift will always work to his advantage. As I said earlier, he is someone who can take wickets on any kind of surface. He doesn’t need a turning pitch. Whether it is at home or overseas, he has the ability to pick up wickets. In the future, if India plays with only one spinner overseas, I believe he has the potential to become that bowler,” says Maninder.Since arriving in Colombo in the first week of August, Suthar has looked very impressive in the net sessions, warm-up fixtures and the session in Galle. The magic in his wrist has even forced the think tank to consider fielding three spinners – even if all of them release from the hand.That’s a rare instance in cricket, but so is Suthar. In a world of techno, he continues to make batters dance to classical tunes.

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Stampeders QB Vernon Adams injured in loss to Lions

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The B.C. Lions continued to dig themselves out of an early-season hole with a third straight win Thursday.

The Lions, who lost three straight to start the season, held off the Calgary Stampeders 30-26 to get to a record of 4-5 in the CFL’s West Division.

“We’re trending upwards, for sure,” Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke said. “We’ve got lots of things to clean up, which is a good thing. We haven’t peaked quite yet.”

The Stampeders (4-6) lost a fourth game this season by four points or less. 

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Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. and league-leading rusher Dedrick Mills both left the game in the fourth quarter with injuries and didn’t return.

“Both are going to be like head injuries,” Stampeders head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson said. “Those can last a long time. You don’t know when they’re going to be healthy, but for all of us, we just want to rally and find a way to win a game, a close game.”

Calgary threatened from B.C.’s 10-yard line with half a minute to play, but a T.J. Lee interception on a Josh Love throw sealed the victory for the visitors. 

Rourke, who suited up for second game since missing almost three because of an injury in his non-throwing arm, rushed for a touchdown and threw two more to Keon Hatcher Sr. 

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The league’s Most Outstanding Player in 2025 amassed 301 passing yards on the night and was intercepted once.

Rourke reached 100 career touchdown passes to become the second Canadian quarterback to do so in the CFL after Russ Jackson (239).

The Lions were minus-1 in rushing after the first quarter, but finished with 152 yards on the ground, including Zander Horvath’s rushing touchdown for his team-leading eighth. 

“The defence keeps us in that game in that first half,” Lions head coach Buck Pierce said. “We were able to stick to our game plan, mix some things up in the second half and still be able to run the football.

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“To be able to run the football effectively you’ve got to do it multiple times. We popped some big ones in the second half and we were able to generate some momentum.”

Sean Whyte kicked a field goal from 45 yards and three convert points for the Lions, whose next opponent is the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-2) on Aug. 23.

Erik Brooks caught a touchdown pass and Quincy Vaughn rushed for his eighth major for the Stampeders, who headed into a bye week. 

Damien Alford caught a two-point convert in front of an announced 17,076 at McMahon Stadium.

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Jude McAtamney kicked field goals from 55, 13, 29 and 44 yards, but missed a late try from 39 yards out.

The Lions led 23-18 early in the fourth quarter when Adams, who spent parts of three seasons with the Lions from 2022 to 2024, had his head slammed into the turf when he was tackled on a six-yard carry. He walked to the medical tent on the sidelines, but didn’t return to the game.

“You never like to see anyone hurt, whether it’s a quarterback or any other position,” said Rourke. “You want to be able to play against the best. To me, he’s playing at the highest level right now. 

“You hate to see someone go down, especially someone that you know. I wish him nothing but the best in his recovery and hopefully, it’s nothing serious.”

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Calgary led 18-13 at halftime, but poor red-zone play hurt them early as they settled for field goals from inside of 20 yards twice in the first quarter. 

With Love drawing in for Adams, the Stampeders pushed back with Vaughn’s go-ahead, short-yardage touchdown and Alford’s two-point conversion for a 26-23 lead with just over three minutes to play.

But Calgary wasted a recovered fumble on B.C.’s 30-yard line on the subsequent kickoff. The Stampeders didn’t convert it into a touchdown and McAtamney missed from 39 yards out. 

Rourke’s second TD throw to Hatcher and Lee’s defensive heroics kept the Lions in the win column.

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“We’re just trusting in each other and trusting in our process,” Rourke said. “There’s only so much you can control so you have to trust that the other unit is going to be able to do their job.

“Offensively we knew that the only thing that was stopping us from moving the ball was us. We knew if we had the right opportunity, we had enough time we could go down and score.” 

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Cardinals open crucial 11-game trip with 3 games vs. Cubs

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Aug 2, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesAug 2, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals enjoyed a day of rest on Thursday. They probably are going to need it.

The Cardinals will begin an 11-game road trip on Friday afternoon when they play the opener of a three-game series against the rival Chicago Cubs.

St. Louis plays 17 of its final 41 games against National League Central opponents. The Cardinals and Cubs have split their first 10 meetings this season.

St. Louis recorded its third straight series victory with a 7-1 shellacking of the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.

“So, what I love about a series like this is, you were playing against a team that’s built to make a deep run into the playoffs — and we played like one, too,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said.

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Alec Burleson flexed his muscles in the three-game set, driving in three runs in the finale to finish 5-for-10 with two doubles and six RBIs in the series.

Another highlight for St. Louis on Wednesday was rookie Cesar Prieto leading off the fifth inning with a single, ending an 0-for-27 drought to start his season.

“He needed that,” Marmol said. “You can tell by the reaction of the dugout, it was good for everybody. I’m glad he got that out of the way.”

The Cubs head home after a disappointing 7-0 setback to the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Chicago mustered just one hit — Michael Busch’s bloop single with two outs in the seventh inning — while taking just its second loss in 10 games.

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The Cubs will try their luck on Friday afternoon against St. Louis left-hander Matthew Liberatore (5-9, 5.15 ERA), who will look to bounce back from another rough outing.

Liberatore fell to 0-3 in his past four starts after allowing five runs on nine hits in five innings during an 8-6 home loss to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

Liberatore, 26, is 2-3 with a 3.76 ERA in 13 career appearances (seven starts) vs. the Cubs.

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He has faced Chicago three times this season, with each start getting progressively worse.

He scattered three hits over 5 1/3 scoreless innings in a 5-1 home win on May 31 before giving up four runs, three earned, in five-plus innings of a 6-4 loss at Chicago on July 5. Three weeks later, he took another loss against the Cubs, giving up eight hits and three runs over 3 2/3 innings in a 7-3 setback on July 27.

Chicago right-hander Clay Holmes (4-5, 2.86 ERA) will supply the opposition on Friday.

Holmes struggled in his debut with the Cubs on Saturday, permitting four runs on six hits in four innings during a 6-3 loss to the Royals in Kansas City. He was making his return to a major league mound after a lengthy recovery process from a fractured fibula, an injury sustained on May 15 while he was pitching for the New York Mets.

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“It took a lot of work to get back to this point, and it definitely felt good to just be back in the big-league game — obviously, that’s not the full goal,” said Holmes, who was acquired by Chicago from New York in an Aug. 3 trade. “You want to be back and helping this team win games, and I just wasn’t quite sharp enough (against the Royals), but it was a good step.

“It’s rewarding to be able to come back, and I’m really close to being myself.”

Holmes won his lone meeting with the Cardinals this season, yielding two runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings in his first start of the season, a 4-2 Mets road win on March 30. In his career, Holmes is 2-2 with one save and a 5.28 ERA in 14 games (three starts) vs. St. Louis.

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–Field Level Media

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Mitchell Starc surpasses Kapil Dev as Australia face Bangladesh nightmare in Darwin

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Mitchell Starc surpasses Kapil Dev as Australia face Bangladesh nightmare in Darwin
Mitchell Starc of Australia (AP/PTI)

Mitchell Starc moved past India great Kapil Dev on the all-time Test wicket-takers list on Friday, giving Australia a rare positive moment during a difficult first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin.Starc had matched Kapil’s tally of 434 Test wickets on Thursday after dismissing Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam. He went one step further on the second day when he removed wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das for a duck, taking his tally to 435 wickets and moving into 11th place among the highest wicket-takers in Test cricket.The milestone also strengthened Starc’s position as the second-most successful Australian pace bowler in Test history, behind Glenn McGrath, who finished with 563 wickets.Starc is now within touching distance of the top 10. South Africa great Dale Steyn currently occupies 10th place with 439 wickets, leaving Starc just five wickets short.Starc had already created history on the opening day in Darwin by becoming the most successful left-arm bowler in Test cricket.However, his personal milestones have come amid a difficult outing for Australia, who were bowled out for 198 on Day 1 and have struggled to contain Bangladesh’s batting response.The visitors continued their impressive performance on Friday, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim producing a historic maiden Test century before Bangladesh closed the second day firmly in control at the Marrara Cricket Ground.Bangladesh resumed their first innings after Australia’s early collapse and made full use of the favourable batting conditions. Tanzid and Mominul Haque put together a 102-run partnership for the second wicket before Mominul was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 49.Tanzid then reached his maiden Test hundred, becoming the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century in Australia. The 25-year-old eventually made 101 off 188 balls, striking eight fours and a six, before Nathan Lyon ended his innings.Bangladesh continued to build their advantage after Tanzid’s dismissal and reached 348/6 by the close of play after 106 overs.Mehidy Hasan Miraz was unbeaten on 29, while Hasan Mahmud was not out on 13 at stumps.Bangladesh therefore ended Day 2 with a 150-run lead over Australia, leaving the hosts with plenty of work to do to stay in the contest.

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Pinstriped seeks redemption in 2026 PB Lawrence Stakes

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Horse racing action with two jockeys in white and red silks riding forward at Caulfield Racecourse near a striped barrier fence

Trainer Enver Jusufovic has faced considerable challenges with the career of his Group 1-winning gelding, Pinstriped.

Pinstriped suffers from kissing-spine, an ailment that requires careful management.

Currently, the gelding is moving well, a contrast to his trainer, who is hobbling due to a hamstring strain.

Jusufovic’s personal difficulties have not hindered his preparation of Pinstriped for an attempt at the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, a race in which the gelding has twice finished second.

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Mr Brightside defeated Pinstriped in the 2023 edition, with Gentleman Roy getting the better of him in 2024.

Last year, Pinstriped finished seventh in the race, behind the victorious Private Eye.

This year, Jusufovic opted for a different preparation strategy, giving Pinstriped a run at Caulfield over the same distance last month, where he finished fourth behind Coeur Volante.

The Cranbourne-based conditioner described the run as a “passmark”.

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“It was encouraging that it was the first time, for a while, that he’s really hit the line and gone through the line,” Jusufovic commented.

“He was carrying 62 kilos on his first-up run after a long break. I considered his performance to be a definite passmark.

“Rather than subjecting him to three jump-outs, as I usually do, and then running him first-up over 1400 metres, I felt this was an opportune moment to give him a start in a restricted class race and evaluate his performance.

“The pace was moderate, and he generally thrives on a strong tempo, similar to when he won the Memsie Stakes with Pride Of Jenni leading.

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“Such a scenario is advantageous for him, but this was a good starting point, and importantly, he handled it well.”

Following that Caulfield appearance, Pinstriped had a week off in the paddock. Since returning to the stable, his training regime has been altered from the methods that proved successful in the past.

“I’m training him differently this time, more akin to a sprinter, I suppose, but he has the stamina to cover the mile, so it’s about keeping him engaged and competitive,” Jusufovic stated.

“The repetitive nature of the same work day in and day out can become tedious, so we implement variations in their training environment to maintain their happiness and interest.

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“He appears to have overcome his back ailment and is spending more time in the stable environment nowadays, rather than needing to go out to the paddock and then be brought back in.”

Jusufovic indicated that Saturday’s race outcome would guide their future decisions, but he acknowledged that the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), a race Pinstriped won in 2024, is shaping up to be a highly competitive event this year on August 29.

“We will determine our course of action after Saturday,” Jusufovic said.

“There are numerous options available.”

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The PB Lawrence Stakes presents a valuable opportunity for Pinstriped to showcase his capabilities. Check out the racing betting markets for this event.

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