Stephen Fleming (ANI Photo)

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach and New Zealand great Stephen Fleming has been appointed as England men’s Test head coach, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirming one of the biggest coaching moves in world cricket.The 53-year-old replaces fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum, who stepped down from the Test role after England’s series defeat to New Zealand in June, although he continues to oversee the white-ball teams.Fleming will officially begin his tenure later this summer after spending time with his family in New Zealand. Marcus Trescothick will remain interim coach for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan before Fleming takes charge ahead of England’s tour of South Africa.The appointment also marks a reunion with Joe Root, who returns as England’s Test captain after replacing the retired Ben Stokes.

Fleming eager to build on England’s foundations

Despite never coaching an international side before, Fleming arrives with one of the strongest coaching resumes in franchise cricket.He spent 18 years with CSK, guiding the franchise to five IPL titles and 10 finals, while also coaching Southern Brave in The Hundred, Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, and CSK’s affiliated teams in South Africa and the United States.As a player, Fleming captained New Zealand in a record 80 Tests, winning 28 matches, and remains one of the country’s greatest Test leaders.Speaking after his appointment, Fleming said he was honoured to take charge of one of cricket’s biggest jobs.“I’m incredibly excited to be joining England as Test Coach. It’s one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket, and I am honoured to be appointed,” he said.He added that England’s immediate ambition would remain winning matches while ensuring the team continues to develop for the future.“The ambition is always to win now. But equally, it’s about ensuring the team is well placed for the medium and long-term future. There is a lot of young talent in and around the team and our aim is to help them fulfil their potential as world-class cricketers,” he added.Fleming also welcomed the opportunity to work alongside returning skipper Root.“I’m particularly looking forward to working with Joe Root as Captain… There is still plenty more to come from him,” Fleming said.He also identified Harry Brook‘s development as a key priority, adding: “The best players are never finished products.”Reflecting on his long association with English cricket, Fleming said: “English cricket gave that to me, and it is a privilege to have this chance to give something back.”

Root and ECB back new partnership

Root described his return as England captain as “a great honour and privilege” and said working with Fleming was a major reason for accepting the role again.“The opportunity to do that alongside Stephen is also a huge motivator. He has proved over a long period of time that he is an exceptional leader with a great knowledge of the game,” he said.ECB managing director Rob Key called Fleming “one of the most highly respected figures in cricket” and said he believes the New Zealander can turn England’s talented squad into “a world-class outfit” capable of sustained success.England currently sit seventh in the World Test Championship standings, and Fleming’s arrival signals the start of a fresh chapter as they attempt to rebuild their red-ball fortunes.

In about two weeks, EA Sports will release Madden NFL ’27 ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Every year, before the latest edition of the game is released, Madden’s player rankings are made public for gamers. Their calculation process for these rankings is extensive, and each position has measurements weighted differently. A lot of the ranking has to do with their performance over the last season, which is why Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels finished with only a 79 overall rating, while 2024 classmates Drake Maye and Caleb Williams finished inside the top 10.

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Yes, Daniels was wildly disrespected, but he only played in seven games last season. Even in the games he played, Daniels was nursing injuries, so his game wasn’t up to par with his 2024 season.

Daniels isn’t the only one disrespected by Madden this year, though. In the rookie rankings, first-round draft pick Sonny Styles ranks 13th overall. He is the highest-ranked MIKE, but he landed behind guys like Keldric Faulk, Malachai Lawrence, and Akheem Mesidor, all of whom were drafted after him in the 2026 NFL Draft. Styles was the No. 7 overall pick, and many believed he’d go somewhere in the top five.

Styles received an overall grade of 78. The breakdown is as follows: Speed – 90, strength – 74, agility – 81, change of direction – 77, injury – 87, and awareness – 78.

It’s interesting how change of direction and agility are such different numbers when they go hand in hand. Styles’ speed and agility are enough to overcome any perceived lack of awareness. It’s possible that the game will adjust his ranking once the season starts, but this is not what was expected for Styles.

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The rest of the Commanders‘ rookies received the following overall rankings: Antonio Williams – 73, Joshua Josephs – 72, Kaytron Allen – 71, Matt Gulbin – 64, and Athan Kaliakmanis – 62.

While these rankings won’t change by much even after the season starts, the good news is that they have no bearing on the actual NFL season. Gamers can pre-order Madden ’27 now. Standard edition and public availability for the game is August 13, while existing MVP+ members get access on August 6, and Deluxe edition buyers get access on August 10.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders’ rookies disrespected in Madden ’27 ratings

Following Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua‘s respective warm-up fights, one Hall of Fame inductee has re-evaluated his prediction for their expected showdown.

The two heavyweights came through their respective outings against Mariusz Wach and Kristian Prenga over the weekend, with both of them winning by stoppage.

As it happened, though, Joshua was made to overcome two knockdowns in the opening round, causing many to raise doubts over his punch resistance.

Alarmingly, the 36-year-old was floored within the first 20 seconds – courtesy of a Prenga right uppercut – before climbing off the canvas a second time to stop his man in round two.

Fury, too, seemed a shadow of his former self but nonetheless stopped the 46-year-old Wach in seven rounds.

This followed his dominant, yet somewhat flawed, display against Arslanbek Makhmudov, who he unanimously outpointed with a pedestrian performance in April.

One man who has now commented on the expected clash between Fury and ‘AJ’ is former world champion Barry McGuigan, who was one of many who was initially favouring the superior power of Joshua.

It is now harder to make that same prediction with any real certainty, and while the Irish boxing icon highlighted on social media that Fury hardly produced the most convincing performance, he felt that Joshua looked ‘completely shot’ against Prenga.

“I wrote in my Daily Mirror column last week that I believed Joshua’s punch resistance had evaporated, but I still thought he could beat Fury.

“But AJ looked completely shot [against Prenga]. Having said that, Fury looked pretty mediocre against Wach.”

While Joshua has always carried considerable power, Fury’s style is clearly more reliant on fast-twitch reflexes and mobility.

At the age of 37, however, it would appear that ‘The Gypsy King’ is unable to carry out this approach to the same extent he did a few years ago.

San Miguel Beermen’s CJ Perez during a game vs Titan Ultra Giant Risers in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–CJ Perez played only a handful of minutes in San Miguel Beer’s lopsided win over Titan Ultra in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday despite nursing a groin injury.

Perez was doubtful going into the contest after getting hurt during the first half of the Beermen’s loss to the NLEX Road Warriors last Sunday.

But San Miguel inserted Perez for the start of the fourth and played for two minutes and 27 seconds before spending the rest of the game on the bench.

“Papawis para makacontribute, so that he might feel a bit comfortable,” assistant coach Peter Martin said after the 143-105 win that improved San Miguel’s record to 4-1.

The brief appearance allowed Perez to keep his streak of consecutive PBA games played intact. He appeared in his 279th career game, leaving him one shy of tying Dante Gonzalgo for sixth all-time in consecutive games played.

With the conference in its early stages, it gave San Miguel the luxury of virtually resting Perez.

“His injury is a groin pull,” said Martin. “CJ doesn’t feel it, but his X-rays show that there’s a tear. If it is a Finals game or a semifinal game, he will play.

“We’re just trying to manage his injury,” he added.

The Aug. 3 trade deadline is only five days away. The Connelly-Early-for-Curtis-Mead swap is the summer’s most significant trade so far, though give it a few days and the action will pick up. The biggest blockbusters figure to happen close to the 6 p.m. ET deadline on Monday. Until then, here are Wednesday’s deadline rumors.

Playing MLB trade deadline matchmaker: 10 players and teams that just make sense together

Mike Axisa

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Teams blame Mets for Peralta’s poor year

Despite his down season, several teams have interest in Mets rental righty Freddy Peralta, and, according to the New York Post, some of them blame the Mets and their poor defense for his ugly results. Both the surface stats (4.99 ERA) and the under-the-hood numbers (4.47 FIP) are Peralta’s worst since he became a full-time starter in 2021. New York’s defense ranks 25th in outs above average.

The Cubs have been rumored as a potential landing spot for Peralta given his relationship with manager Craig Counsell dating back to their time together with the Brewers. Peralta’s track record is terrific — he finished fifth in the NL Cy Young voting just last year — and there’s no doubt several teams believe they can get him on track, and perhaps get a high-end starter at a discounting price.

Harper: ‘I think we need some help’

Following Tuesday night’s loss (MIA 1, PHI 0), Phillies star Bryce Harper admitted the team needs a boost at the trade deadline. “I think we need some help. But you know, I think we’ve proved pretty much all year we’ve done a pretty good job. But anytime you can get some help in here and reinforcements, I think it helps,” Harper said (via MLB.com). Don Mattingly addressed those comments on Wednesday.

Philadelphia is 3-8 since the All-Star break and has scored only 43 runs in those 11 games, which include a 10-run game and an 11-run game. They badly need another outfielder, specifically a right-handed hitter, plus a third base upgrade over Alec Bohm. Brian Keller’s elbow injury created a need in the bullpen as well. The Phillies have a two-game lead on a wild-card spot.

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Multiple teams scouted Holmes

The Diamondbacks, Rays, Red Sox, White Sox, and others had scouts in attendance for Clay Holmes‘ rehab start on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. The Mets right-hander threw 59 pitches in four scoreless innings in Low Class-A, and averaged 93.1 mph with his sinker. It was his second rehab start after a comebacker broke his leg on May 15.

Even with the injury, it is likely Holmes will decline his $12 million player option after the season and become a free agent. That makes him a rental. He can start and he has plenty of bullpen and postseason experience, making him an appealing option for any team in contention, even those who feel pretty good about their rotation and/or bullpen.

Rangers add catcher, reliever

The Rangers have made a deal with the Angels for catcher Logan O’Hoppe and reliever Chase Silseth. Minor-league infielder Angel Arredondo is the return for the Angels. 

O’Hoppe, 26, is under team control through 2028. He’s hitting .209/.271/.295 (62 OPS+) with -0.6 WAR this season. He was productive in 2024 with 20 home runs and a 2.7 WAR, so the Rangers are looking for some of that magic to return. Elias Díaz and Austin Wynns are the current Texas catching duo. 

Silseth, 26, has a 2.72 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 48 strikeouts against 22 walks in 39 ⅔ innings this season. 

Twins ready to buy

The Twins are preparing to add at the trade deadline, not sell, GM Jeremy Zoll said after Tuesday’s walk-off win (MIN 3, KC 2). “It wasn’t some situation where (we) were prepping to sell and we’re switching. Now we’re looking forward to try and execute on that work … All along, we were optimistic we were going to be in this spot to be able to add,” Zoll said (via The Athletic).

Minnesota has one of the deadline’s top rentals in catcher Ryan Jeffers. Controllable starter Joe Ryan would be in demand as well. Considering they’re carrying three catchers (also Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson), it’s possible the Twins could trade Jeffers anyway, but in a deal that brings back MLB talent rather than prospects. The Twins are a half-game behind the third wild-card spot.

Marlins open to trading Hicks

Thanks to the emergence of rookie Joe Mack, the Marlins are open to trading first baseman/catcher Liam Hicks, reports MLB.com. Miami wants controllable players in any trade, not rentals, according to The Athletic. Six teams are known to be in the market for catching help: Dodgers, Rangers, Rays, Red Sox, White Sox, and Yankees. 

Hicks, 27, is under team control through 2030. Although he’s a capable backstop, he is only catching once every four or five games right now in deference to Mack. He’s primarily a first baseman/DH at the moment. Mack, one of the game’s top throwing catchers, has emerged as a building block piece for Miami. If nothing else, there’s no harm in seeing what the market is for Hicks.

Cardinals still planning to trade May, Stanek

Despite hanging around the wild-card race, the Cardinals aren’t expected to deviate from the long-term plan, reports The Athletic. Rental pitchers Dustin May and Ryne Stanek are likely to be moved and St. Louis is looking to acquire players with control beyond this season, not rentals. The Cardinals are facing a bit of a dilemma at the trade deadline.

Trading May would open a rotation spot for Hunter Dobbins, who has pitched well in spot starter duty. Rental lefty JoJo Romero is on the injured list after having an appendectomy, but could still be moved at the deadline. Lars Nootbaar, however, will remain under team control next season, so there is no urgency to move him. He could stay with the Cardinals beyond the deadline.

Moses Itauma is deemed by many to be the most dangerous heavyweight on the planet, but when quizzed on whom he believes to be the biggest puncher in the division, the 21-year-old named one man above himself. 

Itauma has halted 12 of his 14 opponents thus far and has not yet fought beyond the sixth round – he is currently on a nine-fight streak of winning by stoppage inside five rounds ahead of his biggest test to date when he faces off against Filip Hrgovic on August 29.

Last time out, the Kent-based fighter did what Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua couldn’t and handed America’s Jermaine Franklin a first knockout defeat, dispatching of the durable American in round five.

As a result, many fight fans now regard Itauma as one of the heavyweight division’s most fearsome knockout artists. With Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder both appearing to be in decline, the door has opened for the next generation of punchers to stake their claim as the hardest-hitting fighter in the world.

In an interview with DAZN Boxing, Itauma named Daniel Dubois as the most dangerous heavyweight but when is came to selecting the hardest hitter, Itauma refused to name himself or ‘DDD’ and instead opted for stablemate and former WBO heavyweight world champion, Fabio Wardley.

“Earnie Shavers of all time, and I would say Fabio Wardley currently.” 

Wardley has won by knockout in all bar one of his 20 triumphs, but was stopped himself by Dubois in his most recent outing, as he lost both his WBO crown and undefeated record.

However, the Ipswich fan-favourite has since activated his rematch clause and he is expected to challenge for his old belt before the end of 2026.

Several media outlets reported on Thursday that UEFA had called an afternoon meeting of its 55 members to discuss a response to FIFA’s plans to create a new commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion (roughly €17.5 billion) and sell a non-controlling minority stake of it to investors.

UEFA, European football’s governing body, came out publicly in opposition to the plan within an hour of it first being reported by the Financial Times and Times on Monday.

Shortly after the newspaper reports, FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, issued a statement in which it confirmed the plan. In a later statement, it gave FIFA’s 211 member associations until September 19 to express their written support for the scheme. The proposal requires  a simple majority and approval from the FIFA Council to pass. 

UEFA doubled down on its criticism after learning of the deadline, saying: “Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything ​you need to know about this plan.

 It added that talks with many stakeholders showed that “there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme. FIFA cannot to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends.”

DFB: FIFA plan ‘problematic and unacceptable’

Germany’s mass-circulation Bild paper reported that key UEFA officials including German FA (DFB) President Bernd Neuendorf had already discussed the FIFA plans via a video call on Wednesday.

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“We must not lose the fans’ support, but we are well on the way to squandering that,” he told public broadcaster ZDF afterwards. “I consider this to be extremely problematic and unacceptable,” he added.

“If UEFA rejects this request (for approval of the plan), then it is dead, because I believe that you won’t be able to find any investor who would be willing to go ahead with this project if UEFA is out.”

Other critics have expressed fears that the deal could lead to more tournaments, teams and matches to increase revenue and boost the value of investors’ stakes.

UEFA hasn’t been the only confederation to criticize the report. CONCACAF, responsible for North and Central America, as well as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also expressed concerns that the proposal was made public without their consultation while the African confederation (CAF) have said they will discuss the plans next week. Members of the FIFA Council, including Neuendorf, have said they were not consulted on the latest proposal.

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FIFA: Subsidiary could raise billions ‘this year’

FIFA has said the new subsidiary, to be known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) would be valued at $20 billion and that it would aim to raise up to $4.2 billion “this year” by “carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests” in the company. FFE would be responsible for FIFA’s commercial rights like broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing contracts. By far the most valuable of these are those linked to the World Cup,

Under the ​plan, FIFA said it could make $10 billion available for development beginning in 2027. Each federation would be eligible for up to $20 ​million in one-time Fast Forward funding, in addition to $20 million through the regular FIFA Forward program during the 2027-30 ⁠cycle. Without ​approval, FIFA projects a development package of about $2.7 billion.

Infantino: ‘A golden opportunity’

In face of the opposition, FIFA President Gianni Infantino released a video on Wednesday evening, describing the project a “golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.”

He added that the proposal was “part of a democratic process” and in comments directed to football fans, he stressed that “the sport they watch and love will not change.”

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Edited by: Matt Pearson

Joe Root has been reappointed as England’s permanent Test captain with Stephen Fleming confirmed as the new head coach.

Root England’s greatest-ever Test run-scorer, previously served as captain from 2017-2022 but gave up the role after winning just one of his final 17 Test matches as skipper. The 35-year-old also lost when filling in for Ben Stokes, who has since retired from international cricket,in the second Test against New Zealand earlier this summer.

Yet given all the furore around vice-captain Harry Brook’s ill-discipline off the pitch over the winter in New Zealand, alongside a dearth of other candidates, Root will return as permanent captain for the three-match series against Pakistan later this summer.

Fleming, meanwhile, replaces fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum as Test head coach. However, he will not start his role until after the start of the series against Pakistan, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim boss.

The 53-year-old led Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles over 17 years in charge and is one of the world’s most highly-rated coaches, though this will be his first international job. He will start his England tenure in September to allow him to spend time with his family in New Zealand, before flying to the UK later this summer to begin preparations for December’s tour of South Africa.

Beyond that, Root and Fleming look set to be the partnership to lead England into the 2027 Ashes series against Australia next summer.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining England as Test Coach,” Fleming, who was New Zealand’s longest-serving Test captain as a player, said. “It’s one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket and I am honoured to be appointed.

“Of course, the ambition is always to win now. But equally, it’s about ensuring the team is well placed for the medium and long-term future. There is a lot of young talent in and around the team and our aim is to help them fulfil their potential as world-class cricketers.

“I’m particularly looking forward to working with Joe Root as captain – a generational talent who has achieved so much already. There is still plenty more to come from him, and I’m excited to support him so he can enjoy and thrive in the role in what is a different context to his first stint.”

Root, who won 27 of his 65 Tests in his first stint as captain, added: “It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to be England Men’s Test captain again. The Test captaincy is a difficult but hugely rewarding job and, after enjoying a brief taste of it again working with Baz McCullum last month, I am excited to lead this next generation of players forward.

“The opportunity to do that alongside Stephen is also a huge motivator. He has proved over a long period of time that he is an exceptional leader with a great knowledge of the game, and I am looking forward to working with him and helping to build a winning environment.”

The ECB insisted they followed a “rigorous process” involving “numerous high-quality candidates” as they looked to replace McCullum, who was sacked earlier this month after the series defeat to New Zealand, which came off the back of a damaging 4-1 Ashes series loss to Australia.

Rob Key, managing director of England Men’s Cricket, said: “Stephen Fleming is one of the most highly respected figures in cricket, and we are very fortunate that someone of his calibre is willing to take on the challenge of being the England Men’s Test Head Coach.

“I believe he is the best person to guide a team stacked full of potential and turn that talent into a world-class outfit that can not only achieve success but sustain it.

“I am excited by the prospect of him working with Joe Root who will get the opportunity to lead free from the Covid restrictions that the Test team faced at the end of his first stint as captain. Joe is undoubtedly an England great and he is passionate about leading this team into a new era.”

Root’s first match back as captain will be the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, starting on 19 August.