Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif of Pakistan watch the big-screen replay during day two of the 4th Test Match between England and Pakistan at Lord’s on August 27, 2010 in London, England. (left) and archive photo of the front cover of the News of the World newspaper. (Photo/Getty Images)

England has not often been a happy place for Pakistan cricket in recent times. In the ongoing three-Test series, Pakistan have already lost the first two matches by big margins. They suffered an innings defeat in the series opener at Headingley before losing the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs. The third Test is set to begin at Edgbaston on Wednesday.However, what followed the defeat at Lord’s surprised even those familiar with the unpredictable nature of Pakistan cricket.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent seven players home and called up another seven, with five of the replacements uncapped at Test level.The PCB also removed Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. They were replaced by Pakistan’s white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.Salman Ali Agha, who captained Pakistan at Headingley in the absence of the injured Babar Azam, was among those sent home. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who took a five-wicket haul in that Test, was also released.Experienced wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq were also told to leave. Imam did not bat in either innings at Lord’s because of a calf injury.Hesson admitted last week that the changes had added to the uncertainty around the team.“The guys are probably more used to a little bit of chaos than I am. I don’t think anyone wants this to happen in the middle of a series.”The situation took another turn on Monday when the PCB announced an investigation into the squad’s conduct during the England tour, bringing the issue of match-fixing back into focus.As reported by TimesofIndia.com, the changes within Pakistan cricket were driven by reasons that were “more than cricket” and were not simply a response to the team’s poor performances.According to Pakistani outlet 365 News, the players’ devices have been handed over to the PCB and will remain in the board’s custody until the final Test is completed. The report did not reveal which players had their phones taken, while the PCB has not publicly explained why the devices were confiscated.

Horror of 2010

The developments have also brought back memories of Pakistan’s 2010 spot-fixing scandal, one of the biggest corruption cases in cricket.The scandal took place during Pakistan’s tour of England, during the fourth Test at Lord’s. It centred on allegations that Pakistani players had deliberately bowled no-balls at specific points in the match in return for money.When Mohammad Amir overstepped the crease while bowling a no-ball against England on the opening day of the 2010 Lord’s Test, there was no indication that the moment would become part of a fixing scandal that would affect Pakistan cricket for years.Two days later, it emerged that three no-balls — two by Amir and one by his pace partner Mohammad Asif — were part of a betting deal.Pakistan captain Salman Butt had arranged the deliberate no-balls in return for money offered by undercover journalist Mazhar Majeed, who was posing as a bookmaker.The scandal, exposed in the sting by Britain’s now-defunct News of the World tabloid, rocked the cricketing world , and aftershocks can still be felt more than a decade on in Pakistan. Not only did that dark morning at the revered ‘home of cricket’ derail the careers of three players who were banned and jailed, the saga also led to calls for Pakistan to be booted from international cricket. Butt, Amir and Asif were tried in a London court for offences under the Gambling Act and were jailed in November 2011.Announcing the sentences, the judge underscored the severity of the crime. “The image and integrity of what was once a game, but is now a business, is damaged in the eyes of all, including the many youngsters who regarded three of you as heroes,” Justice Jeremy Cooke said. It marked a new low for Pakistan cricket, already reeling from the aftermath of terror attacks in Lahore on the Sri Lankan team a year before, which triggered the suspension of home internationals.In November 2011, after a high-profile trial in London, all three players were found guilty of corruption and conspiracy to accept illegal payments. Salman Butt received a 30-month prison sentence, Mohammad Asif was jailed for a year, and Mohammad Amir, due to his age and early confession, was sentenced to six months.Only one of them, Amir, returned to international cricket after serving the ICC-ban when he made his comeback in 2016.

Under the rules as they stand, England are unable to call on players such as Toulouse back row Jack Willis – who was voted the best player in France in 2024-25 – as well as Kyle Sinckler, Manu Tuilagi, Billy Vunipola, Lewis Ludlam and former Exeter star Sam Simmonds.

Prem clubs benefit from central payments from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for their England players, with the national side having a greater say on their management as a result.

England’s policy is similar to that of Ireland and New Zealand, while nations such as Scotland, South Africa and Australia do pick players from overseas.

“You can’t pick and choose a model just to decide this is what will be good or bad for a country,” added Baxter.

“For some countries they’re very strict on it and it works really well for them. We’ve got to decide what we’re comfortable with and stick to it.”

Lindermann has returned to his peak form, while Fangirl may have raced for the last time following the delayed Group 2 $300,000 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick today.

A significant storm, bringing heavy rain and gale-force winds, swept across Randwick shortly after the Concorde Stakes, leading to a 20-minute delay for the Chelmsford Stakes.

The weather had improved by the time the weight-for-age mile race was run, and Lindermann, with Nash Rawiller in the saddle, led throughout, a near carbon copy of his victory in the same race last year.

The only notable difference this year was Lindermann’s more decisive win, finishing nearly two lengths clear.

Chris Waller, the Hall of Fame trainer who secured his ninth Chelmsford Stakes title with Lindermann, was full of praise for the horse and rider.

“That was Lindermann at his best, Nash at his best,” Waller said.

“He came through that first-up run which had a frantic pace and bounced back today.

“He has his confidence back now.”

Lindermann, the $2.70 favourite, shot clear in the straight and ran away to win by almost two lengths from the closing Ceolwulf ($3.60), with Fangirl ($3.30) a further three-quarters of a length behind in third.

Both Ceolwulf and Fangirl surpassed the $11 million prizemoney barrier with their placings in the Chelmsford Stakes, but the reactions from the connections of each horse were starkly different.

Trainer Joe Pride and jockey Chad Schofield were ecstatic with Ceolwulf’s fast-finishing second, which puts the horse in a strong position for a third consecutive victory in the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.

“He was huge,” Schofield stated regarding Ceolwulf. “We knew the race lacked pressure and we knew Lindermann would get the lead he got.

“We just didn’t want to go reinventing the wheel with him second up by putting him up on speed. I took him back from a bad draw and he ripped home late. I’m very happy.”

Fangirl had won the King Charles III Stakes in 2023, but Waller admitted the mare is not performing at her peak.

“Fangirl was brave again but I would say that will be her last run,” Waller conveyed. “I will have a talk with the Ingham family on Monday.

“She was gallant but nowhere near her best. She would have got them a year ago, even a few months ago.

“She has been an awesome horse for Sydney to follow but I would say she has run her last race. She has been so good for so long.”

Lindermann has also been a standout performer for the Waller stable, and as a seven-year-old gelding, he is racing as well as ever.

“We were going hard enough early and you don’t have to be in a hurry to get over with this horse,” said Rawiller after his fifth win in the Chelmsford Stakes.

“Once Lindermann got into that rhythm, he is tough to run down. He is a beauty.

“I trialled him and was so happy with him then his first-up he was too bad to be true but to Hugh Bowwan’s credit, he didn’t knock the horse around when he was beaten and that was why he was able to bounce back today.

“The last 12 months have been his best, he is going so well. There is some talk he might go to the Group 1 Underwood Stakes next – he would be hard to beat around Caulfield.”

Waller admitted he was unsure about Lindermann’s next step, though he hesitated at the possibility of a clash with stablemate, the champion mare Autumn Glow, in the Group 2 $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on September 19.

“I’m not sure where to go next with Lindermann, we will have a look at things,” Waller concluded.

“Then the 7 Stakes is going to be tricky in two weeks time but we will weigh everything up and see what is best for him.”

Get the best racing odds by checking out these online bookmakers.

India’s para-archer Sheetal Devi, left, and others compete during the World Archery Para Series. (PTI Photo)

India’s para archers enjoyed a strong penultimate day at the World Archery Para Series Stage III, with the men’s recurve and compound teams winning gold while the women’s recurve team secured silver.In the men’s compound team final, reigning world champion Toman Kumar and Shyam Sunder Swami defeated Iraq’s Abbas Kadhim and Anwer Aldawod 152-139 to claim the top prize.The recurve team of double Paralympic medallist Harvinder Singh and Vijay Sundi also finished on the highest step of the podium after beating Slovakia’s David Ivan and Denis Ivan 6-2.India’s women’s recurve team of Bhawna and Pooja, meanwhile, had to settle for silver after China won the final 6-0. The country also narrowly missed another medal in the women’s compound event, with Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag losing the bronze-medal playoff to China.

Toman and Swami deliver compound gold

Toman and Swami overcame a sluggish beginning to take control of the men’s compound final.The Indian pair managed only an 8 in the opening end but quickly raised their level. Their accuracy improved over the next 12 arrows, during which they dropped just five points.That consistency allowed the Indians to build a substantial advantage over their Iraqi opponents. They maintained their scoring pressure through the remainder of the contest to complete a convincing victory and secure the gold medal.

Harvinder leads recurve fightback

Harvinder and Sundi had to recover from an early setback before securing India’s second men’s team gold of the day.The Slovakian pair took the opening set 37-34 after India managed a 7 without finding a 10. The Indians responded immediately, producing stronger scores in the following sets.Harvinder, who won bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics before becoming the first Indian archer to win Paralympic gold at Paris 2024, played a key role in India’s recovery.India moved ahead 4-2 after winning the third set 38-34, with the pair producing three 10s. They then held their nerve in the fourth set, winning it 35-31 to complete the 6-2 victory.

Bhawna and Pooja take silver

Bhawna and Pooja could not match China in the women’s recurve final, losing 0-6.China took the opening set 34-23 after India struggled with scores of 4, 5 and 6. The Indians improved in the second set, shooting three 8s and a 9, but still lost 33-35.The third set remained tight at 30-31, but India again struggled for consistency and failed to register a single 10 across the entire final.China did not produce its most clinical performance either, but India’s inconsistent arrow placement allowed the Chinese pair to retain their advantage and secure gold.

Sheetal and Payal miss bronze

Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag were also left without a medal after China’s Wang Huiting and Gao Fangxia won the women’s compound bronze-medal playoff.The Indian pair found it difficult to maintain their scoring level across the 16-arrow contest. Their strongest spell came in the second end, when they trailed by just one point at 73-74.However, a poor third end allowed China to open up a decisive gap. India could not recover from there and eventually had to settle for fourth place.With two golds and a silver on the penultimate day, India remain in contention for a strong finish at the World Archery Para Series Stage III.

The Cincinnati Bengals began their training camp on Wednesday, and fuses were lit almost immediately.

All-Pro receiver Ja’Marr Chase found himself in the middle of quite the brouhaha during practice, launching a helmet in the process.

It’s not clear what started the ruckus between Chase and cornerbacks DJ Turner and Jalen Davis, but Chase “jawed with the entire defense,” according to WLWT.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase confronts cornerback DJ Turner II during training camp at Kettering Health Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 29, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

The Athletic also reported that a punch was thrown, but it’s not known by who.

Davis later told reporters that the skirmish was nothing more than “just competing.”

“That’s all it is,” he said.

In fact, he even said he wanted there to be a fight “every day.”

“I always feel like the energy’s gotta be like that. It’s gotta be like that on both sides of the field,” Davis added.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase confronts cornerback DJ Turner II during training camp at Kettering Health Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 29, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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Davis even squared up at Chase for a split second before cooler heads prevailed.

The Bengals defense hasn’t shown much fight in recent years, giving up the third-most points in the NFL last season and the seventh-most the year prior.

Chase was named a First-team All-Pro for the second time in as many years this past season, cementing himself as maybe the game’s best receiver. In his first five seasons, he has eclipsed 6,837 yards on 767 receptions and 54 touchdowns – an average of 113 catches, 1,490 yards and 11.8 scores per season.

Cincinnati went 6-11 last year and lost Joe Burrow to a severe case of turf toe.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’marr Chase confronts cornerback DJ Turner II during training camp at Kettering Health Practice Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 29, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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This brief fight wasn’t the only news out of Cincinnati, as defensive lineman Shemar Stewart suffered an ugly-looking leg injury and had to be carted off.

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Welcome back to our summer tracking series, where we take an in-depth look at some of the best talent in the NFL before the 2026 regular season begins. After ranking the best offensive lines last week, we turn our attention toward the defensive lines this week.

An defensive line’s key role is to stop opposing offense’s running plays and rush the quarterback on passing plays. They serve as the first line of defense and are a critical group for ever team. Here, we rank the five best defensive lines in the NFL for the 2026 season.

Tier 2: The Elite Operators

#5. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers boast a solid defensive line heading into the upcoming season. We have them at No. 5 on our list.

The Steelers’ defense will be led by veteran T.J. Watt. The eight-time Pro Bowl defensive end has recorded 115.0 sacks since the team drafted him in 2017.

Moreover, with Keanu Benton, Cameron Ward and Alex Highsmith, the Steelers have forged a formidable rearguard.

#4. Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos‘ defensive line has garnered some attention in the past few seasons. They are ranked at No. 4 on our list.

Denver’s star defensive end Zach Allen, who has been with the team for three seasons, is expected to play a key role for the franchise in the upcoming season. He has posted 32.0 sacks since being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019.

Moreover, Denver also has Eyioma Uwazurike, D.J. Jones and Malcolm Roach as a defensive line that works well in a group.

#3. Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have arguably the most balanced defensive line in the league for the upcoming season. We’ve ranked them at No. 3.

The Eagles’ defensive will be led by two-time Pro Bowler Jalen Carter. The defensive tackle has recorded 108 tackles and13.5 sacks in three seasons with the franchise.

Philly’s defensive line is also boosted by Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo and Nolan Smith Jr., all of whom played key roles in helping the team win the Super Bowl in 2025.

Tier 1: The Gold Standard

#2. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have become a force in the past few seasons due to their defensive line. We’ve ranked them at No. 2 on our list.

Will Anderson Jr. has grown into a key player for the franchise since Houston drafted him in 2023. The defensive end has racked up 136 tackles and 30.0 sacks in the past three seasons.

The Texans also have Logan Hall, Sheldon Rankins and Danielle Hunter that operates in a solid system.

#1. LA Rams

The LA Rams appear to have the most dominant defensive line in the NFL as we enter the 2026 season. We have ranked them at No. 1.

The Rams acquired defensive end Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade this offseason. Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time Pro Bowler, set the record for the most sacks in a season (23.0) when he played for the Cleveland Browns last season.

With Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Young filling up the defensive line, the Rams are considered on of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl.

Garrett and the Rams lead this week’s defensive line efficiency rankings. However, our list could change in the coming weeks, depending on the preseason performances and other factors. Stay tuned for our next edition, in which we will shed light on a different position on the gridiron.