Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year has done little to mask a growing problem in the longest format. The side’s Test performances have dipped noticeably, and despite improved results in limited-overs cricket under head coach Gautam Gambhir, the red-ball setup remains a concern. Losses at home to New Zealand and South Africa have underlined that India are no longer invincible in their own conditions, with their World Test Championship final hopes now looking increasingly unlikely. Recognising the issue, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has moved to reset its long-term Test structure. According to PTI, the Centre of Excellence, headed by VVS Laxman, has rolled out a detailed plan to rebuild India’s red-ball depth by focusing on the next generation. Central to this strategy is a four-day intra-CoE competition scheduled across June and July. Talents such as Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are set to feature in the tournament, which will include 64 players aged below 25. These players will be split into four teams of 16, with each side playing two multi-day fixtures on varied surfaces to simulate different match scenarios. The idea is to build a consistent pipeline of red-ball players who can serve India over the next decade. As part of this shift, coaches and selectors have been instructed to make red-ball development the priority at High Performance Camps in Bengaluru over the coming year. “The India Emerging side will comprise of only U-25 players and they will also constitute India A teams for shadow tours also. The roadmap will be created keeping senior chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir in the loop,” a BCCI source told PTI. “Once the IPL ends, India U-19 and Emerging (U-25) will both tour Sri Lanka for four-day games. The squad will be selected based on Intra-COE tournament performances,” the source added. India’s difficulties in Tests, especially their declining effectiveness against spin even at home, have been a key trigger for this overhaul since Gambhir took charge. The new system is designed to address those gaps through sustained exposure to longer-format cricket. For selection, 25 U-23 players will be chosen by the junior panel led by S Sharath. Another 25 players, spanning U-23 and U-25 categories, will be picked by the senior selection committee based on performances in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with the condition that these players must not have been part of the IPL. The remaining 14 spots will go to players who featured in the IPL, including Mhatre, Sooryavanshi and Sameer Rizvi, completing the 64-player pool. “The idea is to select 25 after the intra-COE tourney, and this core group of cricketers will represent both Emerging and India A in shadow tours. The BCCI brass and Team India management is pretty clear — even for U-19s, the focus for next one year has to be red ball,” the source said.

Lauren Price hopes to still hear wedding bells and walk down the aisle next month after her victorious bloody battle against Stephanie Pineiro in Cardiff.

Price was a clear winner on the scorecards – two judges scoring it 98-92 and the other 99-91 – over a pulsating 10-rounder that saw the WBA, WBC and IBF world welterweight belts remain in Wales.

But Price ended the contest covered in blood after a cut mouth prompted nervous glances among her fans from the fifth round onwards – and hopes her partner Carlie Jones will still marry her on May 30.

Price attended a brief press post-fight conference before heading to a nearby hospital for a check up.

“I think it looks a lot worse than it is if I’m honest,” said Price, 31, after taking her unblemished professional record to double figures.

“It’s a little cut in my mouth, but (trainer) Rob McCracken kept me calm and collected.

“Hopefully my partner’s still going to marry me in May.”

Although the cuts and bruises might not have disappeared before her hen night next Saturday, Price will venture out in Cardiff still on top of the world after producing another measured display in difficult circumstances.

Pineiro was emboldened by Price’s blood-splattered face and vest, but the Puerto Rican was unable to bridge the gap in class as her own unbeaten record fell.

Price said: “I knew it was going to be tough, I’ve been out of the ring for a year and it was a mandatory defence as well.

“She’s probably second best in the division well and a tough girl.

“But I showed another level in there in toughness in front of the home fans.

“Another level of maturity. Stay calm, stick to my boxing, and get through.”

Four-weight world champion Claressa Shields was ringside in Cardiff, and Price is targeting a two-fight deal with the American with talks already under way between the respective camps.

The pair faced off in the ring after and a match could be made at middleweight – the division at which Price won Olympic gold in Tokyo five years ago.

Price said: “I fully respect Shields. I think she’s the best in the game and to be the best you have to beat the best.

“Full credit to her for what she’s done her in her career, but I honestly believe in myself. I’m just getting better and better.

“I’m in this game for the biggest fights and I want to be a multi-weight world champion.

“What a great honour it would be to share the ring with Shields, and not just for one fight.

“I said to her ‘I’ll go to America and you come to Wales’ and she shook on it.”

Price’s Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom said: “Lauren’s that good a fighter that a lot of fighters don’t fancy it.

“Shields is the biggest name in the sport. She recognises that Lauren is coming into her prime at 31 and wants legacy fights.

“Hopefully one in the stadium here in Cardiff because she’s probably too big for this arena now.”

Marvel Stadium will play host to Friday’s
Round 4 AFL game between North Melbourne Kangaroos and
Carlton Blues. The game kicks off at 3:15 pm with Carlton Blues heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Melbourne Kangaroos vs.
Carlton Blues
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday April 3, 2026 at 3:15 pm

Where: Marvel Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Carlton Blues Odds

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Carlton Blues Preview

North Melbourne and Carlton meet at Marvel Stadium in a contest that offers both sides a chance to build early momentum. Carlton’s midfield depth and scoring efficiency remain key strengths, while North Melbourne continues to show signs of growth through its emerging talent. The Roos’ ability to apply pressure and transition quickly will be critical against a more polished Blues outfit. Expect a physical contest around the ball, with clearance work and defensive accountability likely to prove decisive. For both teams, this match presents an opportunity to solidify their identity and take a step forward in their 2026 campaigns.

The UConn Huskies men’s basketball team is headed back to the national championship game for the third time in the last four years after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four.

The Huskies, who were leading by as much as 14 points, fended off a late 10-0 run from Illinois to keep their championship hopes alive. Tarris Reed Jr. ended the run with a lay-up in the paint, then a turnover led to a Solo Ball one-handed slam.

UConn forward Jayden Ross celebrates his shot against Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four in Indianapolis on April 4, 2026. (Abbie Parr/AP)

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

A new speedster is here – Ashok Sharma. Remember the name. The Gujarat Titans pacer breached the 150 kmph mark twice in the IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday. First, he bowled a 150.7 kmph delivery on the fourth ball of the 16th over to Donovan Ferreira. Then, on the final delivery of the over, Ashok unleashed a 154.2 kmph screamer to Dhruv Jurel. Ashok currently has the fastest and third-fastest deliveries of IPL 2026. Lucknow Super Giants’ Anrich Nortje (150.9 kmph) has the second-fastest delivery.

154kpmh from Ashok Sharma @StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/DE2VMZU9n4

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Talking about the match, Dhruv Jurel beautifully blended aggression with discretion in his 42-ball 75 to guide Rajasthan Royals to a challenging 210 for 6 against Gujarat Titans after the opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi laid the platform in an IPL match here on Saturday. In the RR innings, Jaiswal looked to be getting back into the groove with a 55 off 36 balls after ‘Boy Wonder’ Sooryavanshi smashed an 18-ball 31 in an opening stand of 70 in just 6.2 overs.

Jurel seemed settled in his new role at No. 3 and showed that there is room for conventional shots while still striking at a rate of over 150. The pick-up pull off Ashok Sharma after completing his fifty was a delight-a testament to his strong core and excellent hand-eye coordination. He hit five sixes and an equal number of boundaries.

For Gujarat Titans, Ashok Sharma (1/37 in 4 overs), in only his second IPL game, emerged as the ‘next big pace hope’ after clocking 154.2 clicks and consistently bowling at speeds north of 145 kmph. However, BCCI coaches would need to be cautious, as there are lessons to be learned from the stories of Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik.

Jurel’s knock was a throwback to the early days of the IPL, when one batter would hold the innings together before throwing the kitchen sink at the opposition. A six off Rashid Khan over deep mid-wicket after dancing down the track was the highlight of his innings.

With Shubman Gill missing from the playing XI due to muscle spasms, Royals skipper Riyan Parag rightly opted to bat, and the explosive opening pair did not disappoint. The Sooryavanshi-Jaiswal combination may still be relatively new, having come together last year, but a statistic from Cricviz underlines their dominance.

Out of 113 pairs in IPL history with 500-plus runs together, Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi stand out with a scoring rate of 12.04 runs per over and are third on the list behind Travis Head–Abhishek Sharma (12.57) and Sunil Narine–Phil Salt (12.46).

With the quartet of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna and Ashok extracting extra bounce and pace off the surface, shot-making during the Powerplay became relatively easy, as batters were able to use the pace of the ball.

The fearless Sooryavanshi started with a flurry of boundaries, including one off Rabada lofted over mid-off. The standout shot was a last-moment adjustment to a short ball from Ashok, which he cut uppishly for a six.

Rashid Khan eventually dismissed Sooryavanshi, who played one shot too many, but Jurel and Jaiswal added another 56 runs for the second wicket

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The Los Angeles Lakers appeared to have taken another hit to their lineup with only five games remaining before the playoffs tip-off.

The Lakers will be without Austin Reaves for the rest of the regular season as the guard suffered a left oblique muscle injury, ESPN first reported on Saturday. Reaves is reportedly expected to miss 4-6 weeks. The team will have a road game against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves drives against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell during the first half of an NBA game in Oklahoma City on April 2, 2026. (Gerald Leong/AP)

The franchise later announced the injury.

Reaves has emerged as one of the Lakers’ top players since he joined Los Angeles before the 2021-22 season. The former Oklahoma and Wichita State player joined the Lakers as an undrafted free agent. He started to earn starting time during his third season with the franchise.

The 27-year-old has played in 51 games this year. He’s averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game. He played 27 minutes in the team’s 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.

NBA FACES PRESSURE TO ALTER 65-GAME ELIGIBILITY RULE FOR PLAYERS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AWARDS

Lakers guard Austin Reaves brings the ball up court during the second half against the Washington Wizards in Los Angeles on March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP)

Word of Reaves’ season-ending ailment came a day after the team also lost Luka Doncic for the rest of the regular season with a left hamstring strain. Doncic was in the running for the NBA MVP award and scored 600 points in the month of March.

“Our mission, it hasn’t changed,” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said earlier Saturday. “The rest of these guys and my staff, we’re going after the 3-seed, and we’re going to try to win a playoff series.”

Reaves will be eligible for a lucrative contract extension in the offseason if he declines his player option for the 2026-27 season. Reports indicated that Reaves will likely decline the option.

The Lakers’ final game of the season will come on April 12 against the Utah Jazz.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves drives against Washington Wizards guard Will Riley during the second half of an NBA game in Los Angeles on March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP)

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Derek Chisora suffered a points defeat by Deontay Wilder in a wild heavyweight contest at London’s O2 Arena in what is expected to be his final professional bout.

Chisora, 42, was dropped in the eighth round and sent through the ropes. The Briton looked close to being stopped several times as Wilder pushed for the finish, but the veteran somehow fought his way back.

American Wilder was awarded a split decision with scores of 115–111 and 115–113, while one judge scored it 115–112 to Chisora.

Post-fight, Wilder said: “I had an adorable opponent. I knew Derek was going to bring everything he had.

“In the ring I saw his temple start to swell, I said ‘you’ve got to live for your kids’. Too many lives have been lost in this ring, nobody gives a damn about us. Us fighters have to look out for each other.

“Tonight, I looked out for him, I want him to live for his kids. It’s time for us to take care of each other. I have seven of my own, those are my best friends. Kids, I’m coming home.”

Both men absorbed heavy punishment as the contest, almost inexplicably, went the distance.

Chisora had his moments, notably stunning Wilder, 40, in the fifth round, but the former world champion ultimately deserved the decision.

Remarkably, it was the 50th bout of both men’s careers. Londoner Chisora – now with 14 defeats – had said beforehand it would be his last fight, but he hesitated to confirm his retirement when joined in the ring by his family.

It was not pretty, nor particularly elite, but it was undeniably entertaining. For Wilder, this represents his best win in recent years and extends a career that may also be nearing its end.

After completing his career grand slam at last year’s Masters, Rory McIlroy will try to make it two in a row at Augusta National Golf Club. He enters the 2026 Masters as one of the favorites at +1200 (risk $100 to win $1,200), behind Scottie Scheffler, who is +500 in the 2026 Masters odds, and Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, both at +1000. McIlroy, 36, has 44 professional wins, including 29 on the PGA Tour. Besides last year’s Masters, he has major wins at the PGA Championship (2012, 2014), U.S. Open (2011) and The Open Championship (2014).

The Masters 2026 gets underway on Thursday, April 9, and this will be the 90th edition of the event. The tournament, with a $21 million Masters purse, will be played on a par-72 course measuring 7,555 yards. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will not play this year for personal reasons. Before making any 2026 Masters picks, you need to see the 2026 Masters predictions and best bets from golf expert Brady Kannon. 

Kannon is an elite golfing betting handicapper with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. He has called eight major winners since 2013 and hit six PGA winners, including 110-1 longshot Harris English at the Farmers Insurance Open, in 2025. He also hit on Matt Fitzpatrick (15-1) at the Valspar Championship on March 22 for an outright winner. Additionally, he’s 32-27-4 on head-to-head bets since joining SportsLine.

Now, Kannon has focused his attention on the 2026 Masters Tournament field and locked in his best bets, sleepers and golfers to avoid. You can only see them here. 

Top 2026 Masters expert picks

One of Kannon’s 2026 Masters Tournament predictions: He’s fading Tyrrell Hatton at 70-1, avoiding him in outright bets and head-to-head bets.

“I see the other three majors as better fits for Hatton and not the test that the Masters presents. Furthermore, his game has been quite inconsistent on the LIV circuit this season with finishes of 47th, 45th and 38th wrapped around a 3rd and a 10th. The Masters, or any major, really, is not necessarily receptive to volatility in one’s current game. Remember: Here, we are dealing with 50-some players on LIV and Hatton ranks 44th in scrambling, 33rd for greens in regulation and 27th in putting average. Normally, I might say Hatton is worth a look at a top 20 finish, but with the way he’s been all over the place this season on LIV, another missed cut at the year’s first major championship could be in Hatton’s near future.” See who Kannon is backing at SportsLine.

How to make 2026 Masters picks

Kannon has revealed his best bets, and his top outright pick is a surprising longshot who hasn’t won an event in more than three years. He’s a perfect course fit, and anyone who backs him could hit it big. You can only see who it is at SportsLine.

What are the best bets for the 2026 Masters, and which overlooked golfer should you target? Check out the 2026 Masters odds below, then visit SportsLine to see Brady Kannon’s top picks for the 2026 Masters, all from the expert who nailed six outright winners last season. 

2026 Masters odds, field

See Masters picks, best bets and predictions here.

Odds via FanDuel (subject to change)

Scottie Scheffler +500
Bryson DeChambeau +1000
Jon Rahm +1000
Rory McIlroy +1200
Xander Schauffele +1600
Ludvig Åberg +1600
Matt Fitzpatrick +2200
Cameron Young +2200
Tommy Fleetwood +2200
Justin Rose +3000
Robert MacIntyre +3300
Patrick Reed +3300
Collin Morikawa +3500
Hideki Matsuyama +4000
Jordan Spieth +4000
Brooks Koepka +4000
Min Woo Lee +4000
Si Woo Kim +4500
Chris Gotterup +5000
Viktor Hovland +5000
Russell Henley +5500
Shane Lowry +6000
Akshay Bhatia +6000
Adam Scott +6500
Justin Thomas +6500
Sepp Straka +7000
Tyrrell Hatton +7000
Patrick Cantlay +7000
Jason Day +7000
Jake Knapp +8000
Jacob Bridgeman +8000
Marco Penge +8000
Sungjae Im +10000
Sam Burns +10000
Harris English +10000
Corey Conners +10000
J.J. Spaun +10000
Cameron Smith +10000
Nicolai Højgaard +10000
Maverick McNealy +10000
Gary Woodland +10000
Max Homa +10000
Daniel Berger +12500
Ben Griffin +12500
Rasmus Højgaard +15000
Kurt Kitayama +15000
Aaron Rai +15000
Wyndham Clark +15000
Ryan Gerard +15000
Brian Harman +15000
Sam Stevens +17500
Max Greyserman +17500
Ryan Fox +17500
Jarvis Casey +17500
Keegan Bradley +17500
Haotong Li +17500
Dustin Johnson +17500
Alex Noren +17500
Harry Hall +17500
Nicolas Echavarria +17500
Sami Valimaki +22500
Nick Taylor +22500
Sergio Garcia +22500
Carlos Ortiz +22500
Kristoffer Reitan +25000
Matt McCarty +25000
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen +25000
Andrew Novak +25000
Aldrich Potgieter +25000
Tom McKibbin +25000
Michael Brennan +35000
Michael Kim +35000
Davis Riley +50000
Bubba Watson +50000
John Keefer +50000
Zach Johnson +50000
Charl Schwartzel +75000
Angel Cabrera +100000
Mason Howell +100000
Fifa Laopakdee +100000
Ethan Fang +100000
Brian Campbell +100000
Vijay Singh +100000
Jose Maria Olazabal +100000
Brandon Holtz +100000
Naoyuki Kataoka +100000
Danny Willett +100000
Jackson Herrington +100000
Fred Couples +100000
Mateo Pulcini +100000
Mike Weir +100000