The Times of India

England captain Ben Stokes will return for the third Test against New Zealand despite an ongoing disciplinary investigation over a curfew breach. Coach Brendon McCullum confirmed Stokes will lead the side after impressing with Durham. Gus Atkinson is also in line for a comeback. McCullum dismissed talk of tensions, insisting there remains mutual respect between him and Stokes.

Matt Henry delivered a career-defining performance at The Oval, claiming 11 wickets to help New Zealand level the Test series against England. His exceptional spell, including a devastating 6-29 in the second innings, etched his name in the venue's history, mirroring legendary feats. Recovered from an injury-plagued first Test, Henry's resurgence showcased his prowess as New Zealand's leading pace bowler.

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu blamed her team's batting collapse for the five-wicket defeat to West Indies in the Women's T20 World Cup. Bowled out for 98 after slipping to 9/3, Sri Lanka left themselves with too little to defend. Athapaththu praised the bowlers' effort but stressed that better batting is essential as must-win games against Ireland and Scotland loom.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's blistering 94 off 29 balls powered India A to a 66-run victory over Sri Lanka A in the tri-series final. The teenage sensation's record-breaking half-century set the stage for a massive total of 377. Despite a spirited chase from Sri Lanka A, strong bowling from Yash Thakur and Vipraj Nigam secured the championship for India A.

Joe Root's batting prowess shone at The Oval, but England's heavy defeat to New Zealand saw him equal Stephen Fleming's record for most Test captaincy losses with 27. Despite a strong performance from Root, England's depleted side, featuring three debutants, struggled against a dominant New Zealand, who secured a commanding 253-run victory. Matt Henry's exceptional bowling proved decisive in the series-levelling win.

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were withdrawn from their county matches at the ECB's request, fuelling speculation over a return for the third Test against New Zealand. The pair, sidelined from the second Test after breaking curfew, impressed for Durham and Surrey respectively. Their cases remain under investigation as England seek to recover from a 253-run defeat at The Oval.

A TV presenter has resigned after mistakenly announcing Lionel Messi's father's death on live television. Florencia Pena shared the false news, claiming it was verified by her show's production team. Luzu TV has terminated staff involved, emphasizing their commitment to responsible journalism. Messi's family confirmed his father is recovering from an undisclosed medical condition, following a triumphant World Cup opener for the star player.

New Zealand thrashed England by 253 runs in the second Test at The Oval to level the series 1-1 and force a decider in Nottingham. Matt Henry starred with match figures of 11-109, including 6-29 in the second innings, securing his maiden 10-wicket haul in Tests. England were bowled out for 209 within 48 minutes on the final day.

Cricket Ireland has confirmed the upcoming T20I series against India will proceed as planned in Belfast on June 26 and 28. Following a security review with local authorities, officials are confident in the safety measures for players and spectators. This marks India's return to Stormont after nearly two decades, with anticipation building around potential senior debut for young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Australia clinched a dominant 3-0 T20I series victory over Bangladesh with a seven-wicket win in the final match. After Bangladesh posted a modest 109/8, Australia's Mitchell Marsh smashed a blistering 60 off 28 balls, leading the chase. The visitors comfortably reached 112/3, sealing the series sweep with 54 balls remaining, a strong comeback after their ODI defeat.

Jasprit Bumrah has returned to India's ODI squad for the England series after being rested for the Afghanistan ODIs. Since the 2023 World Cup, the pace spearhead has missed eight ODI assignments as part of workload management. With India beginning a new World Cup cycle, Bumrah's return provides a major boost to the team's pace attack in English conditions.

India defeated hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final to win their second FIH Women's Nations Cup title and secure promotion to the FIH Women's Pro League. Goals from Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo sealed the victory as India completed an unbeaten campaign. Lalremsiami was named Player of the Match, while Deepika finished as the tournament's joint-highest scorer with six goals.

Former India bowler Dodda Ganesh has slammed the team management for resting KL Rahul in the final ODI against Afghanistan, questioning the decision as Rahul had faced minimal deliveries. Despite this, India secured a dominant 3-0 series victory, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring an unbeaten century and Prasidh Krishna taking a five-wicket haul. The win marks India's first ODI series triumph under captain Shubman Gill.

Sportspersons are often advised to play according to occasion, to minimise risk when the pressure rises. Sooryavanshi appears to have chosen a different route. Whether it was the World Cup final, the IPL knockout or Sunday's tri-series final, he has trusted the same game that brought him here in the first place. He has trusted the attack and his wrists.

Japan striker Ayase Ueda scored his first FIFA World Cup goals with a brace in a historic 4-0 victory over Tunisia, helping the Samurai Blue strengthen their grip on Group F. While the Eredivisie's leading scorer continues to shine on the pitch, Ueda remains grounded off it, dedicating his goals to family, supporters and those who helped shape his career.

Young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 15, delivered a sensational 94 off 29 balls in the Tri-Nation Series final against Sri Lanka A. This explosive innings, featuring a world-record 11-ball fifty, highlights his immense talent. However, it's not his fastest knock, with a 144 off 42 balls against UAE in 2025 holding that record, showcasing his consistent brilliance.

Glenn Maxwell's extraordinary fielding prowess stole the show in MLC 2026, leading to Quinton de Kock's dismissal. On the final ball of the first over, Maxwell, with lightning reflexes, executed a sensational underarm flick between his legs to run out De Kock for a single. This stunning moment provided Washington Freedom with a dream start in their defense.

Indian prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved a historic feat in the Tri-Nation Series final, smashing the fastest fifty in List A cricket history. The 15-year-old opener blazed to his half-century in a mere 11 deliveries against Sri Lanka A. This electrifying performance, marked by powerful hitting, shattered the previous world record and showcased the young talent's remarkable prowess on the international stage.

Cricket legend Kieron Pollard has shattered T20 history, becoming the all-time leading run-scorer with his second career century. Despite this monumental achievement for MI New York, the team fell short in a high-scoring clash against Washington Freedom. Pollard's remarkable 100 runs were not enough to chase down a massive target set by an explosive innings from Mitchell Owen.

India's search for consistent middle-over wickets has prompted a shift in strategy, with Shubman Gill backing tall fast bowlers like Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana to shoulder the responsibility. The captain explained why India is prioritising pace, bounce and flexibility over fixed bowling roles ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

The result also confirmed Germany's place in the knockout stage after their 2-1 win over Ivory Coast earlier in the day.

Rohit Sharma or Yashasvi Jaiswal? India's biggest selection headache before England ODIs

The 37-year-old will lead India in a key Group A clash against South Africa at Old Trafford.

Japan and Tunisia will make FIFA World Cup history when they contest the tournaments 1,000th match at Monterrey Stadium. The landmark Group F encounter marks a milestone nearly a century in the making, prompting special FIFA tributes and global attention. Beyond its historical significance, the match carries crucial implications for both nations hopes of reaching the Round of 32.

The Netherlands secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden at FIFA World Cup 2026, bouncing back from their opening draw with Japan to book a place in the Round of 32. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo scored twice each, while Crysencio Summerville added a fifth. Despite Swedens dominance in shots, Dutch clinical finishing proved decisive in Group F.

India all-rounder Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the remainder of the Womens T20 World Cup after suffering a right ankle injury against the Netherlands. Calling it her toughest setback, Shreyanka thanked fans for their support and vowed to return stronger. India have named leg-spin all-rounder Prema Rawat as her replacement ahead of the South Africa clash.

Englands Joe Root became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to surpass 14,000 Test runs, reaching the milestone during the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval. The 36-year-old achieved the feat in his 302nd innings and now ranks second on the all-time run-scoring list, further cementing his status among Test crickets greatest batters.

Shubman Gill press conference: On Rohit Sharma future, squad for England ODI, Playing XI and more

Shubman Gill admitted India have a good kind of headache over the opening combination after Yashasvi Jaiswal's second ODI hundred in three matches intensified the selection debate around Rohit Sharma ahead of the England tour. While backing Jaiswal's talent, Gill said the final XI would depend on the squad and players' fitness.

Australia continued their unbeaten Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 98-run win over the Netherlands. Beth Mooney starred with 74 before retiring hurt as Australia posted 219/6, equalling the tournament's highest total. The Netherlands managed 121/3, with captain Babette de Leede scoring an unbeaten 56 as Australia secured their third successive victory.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's unbeaten 110 and Rohit Sharma's 79 powered India to a nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in Chennai and a 3-0 ODI series sweep. Earlier, Prasidh Krishna's career-best 5/23 reduced Afghanistan to 36/4 before captain Hashmatullah Shahidi's maiden ODI century helped the visitors recover to 218, which India chased down in 28.4 overs.

The Indian women's hockey team showcased a dominant performance, thrashing Chile 6-0 in the semifinals of the Nations Cup to secure a spot in the final against hosts New Zealand. Navneet Kaur and Deepika each scored twice, with Neha and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal adding one goal apiece. The team's fluid play and clinical finishing, especially from penalty corners, have them brimming with confidence for the title clash.

Afghanistan wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided a bizarre moment during the third ODI against India when a top edge from Rohit Sharma bounced off his knees and ran away for four, leaving fans amused. Gurbaz appeared to hurt himself while attempting the save but resumed play after treatment. Afghanistan later posted 218, with Hashmatullah Shahidi scoring a century.

India launched their chase against Afghanistan with a record-shattering 23 runs in the opening over, fueled by Yashasvi Jaiswal's aggressive batting and several extras. This remarkable start, following a five-run penalty against Afghanistan, set the tone for the chase. Earlier, Afghanistan posted 218, with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scoring a century, but were undone by Prasidh Krishna's stellar 5-wicket haul.

India's chase against Afghanistan began with a surprising 5/0 score, thanks to a five-run penalty awarded after Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi repeatedly ran on the protected pitch area. Despite this, Shahidi scored a maiden ODI century, guiding Afghanistan to 218. Prasidh Krishna was the star bowler, taking a career-best 5/23.

Prasidh Krishna starred with a career-best 5 for 23, becoming the first Indian to take an ODI five-wicket haul in Chennai and setting a new venue record. His early burst reduced Afghanistan to 36/4, but captain Hashmatullah Shahidi fought back with a maiden ODI century as the visitors recovered to post 218 before being bowled out.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi achieved a significant milestone, scoring his maiden ODI century with a resilient 102 against India. This landmark hundred came after a remarkable 4,644-day wait since his debut, placing him among the longest-waiting players for their first ODI ton. Shahidi's determined innings, battling through trouble and cramps, guided Afghanistan to a respectable 218 after an early collapse.

Pakistan's hockey team faces a major blow as captain Ammad Shakeel Butt is denied a visa for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches in England due to a past overstay. Head coach Manzur-ul-Hasan also awaits clearance. This comes as the team struggles, having lost all 11 matches and facing potential relegation, adding to pre-World Cup concerns.

Brazil eased past Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia to move top of Group C and strengthen their hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage. Matheus Cunha scored twice in the first half, becoming the first Brazilian since Neymar in 2014 to net multiple first-half World Cup goals. The defeat officially ended Haiti's hopes of progressing.

Captain Rohit Sharma achieved a rare fielding milestone in Chennai, becoming the fourth Indian to be involved in the first three dismissals of an ODI innings. He took all three catches at first slip against Afghanistan, marking a spectacular start to the match. This remarkable feat adds another chapter to his illustrious career as India aims for a series whitewash.

AIFF has deferred a decision on the proposed club-led ISL model until next week, while also considering changing its name to Football Federation of Bharat. The ISL is scheduled to begin on September 4.