Pat Cummins takes two-month break to prepare for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Pat Cummins takes two-month break to prepare for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins has decided to take a two-month break from cricket to prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Cummins has been playing non-stop since the World Test Championship final 18 months ago and feels that he needs a break to rejuvenate himself both physically and mentally.

“Everyone that comes back after a break is a little bit fresher, you never regret it,” Cummins told Fox Sports. “I’ve basically been bowling non-stop since the World Test Championship final, nearly 18 months ago. This gives me a good seven or eight weeks completely off bowling so the body can recover, then you start building up again for the summer.”

Cummins’ decision to take a break has been supported by Cricket Australia, who believe that it will help him to be at his best for the upcoming summer. Cummins is determined to lead Australia to victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they have not won since 2017.

“It’s the trophy I haven’t won before… this is the one trophy a lot of our group haven’t ticked off,” Cummins said. “We’ve achieved some amazing things over the last few years as a Test group. You kind of back yourself to win every series at home. I think you need to try and be up there in the upper echelon of teams.”

Cummins is also looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will be included for the first time. Cummins is hoping to be part of the Australian team that competes in the Olympics.

“Watching the Olympics, it got us all excited. You want to be part of it right there in the middle,” Cummins said. “I’d love to be on that side (at LA 2028). I think I’ll be 35 or something, so hopefully still there or thereabouts.”

Leverkusen Triumphs in German Super Cup on Penalties

Leverkusen Triumphs in German Super Cup on Penalties

Ten-man Bayer Leverkusen emerged victorious in the season-opening German Super Cup, defeating Stuttgart 4-3 on penalties after a thrilling 90 minutes that ended 3-3. The match marked the first time Leverkusen had lifted the trophy.

Victor Boniface opened the scoring for Leverkusen in the 11th minute, but Stuttgart’s Enzo Millot equalized just four minutes later. Leverkusen’s hopes were dealt a blow shortly before halftime when Martin Terrier was sent off for a dangerous tackle, leaving them with 10 men.

Stuttgart took advantage of their numerical superiority in the second half, with Deniz Undav giving them the lead. However, Patrik Schick’s goal with two minutes remaining sent the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Bayern Munich loanee Frans Kraetzig and Silas Mvumpa missed from the spot for Stuttgart, while Leverkusen converted all of their penalties.

Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso praised his team’s “huge spirit” and determination, particularly in the final 10-15 minutes when they were down a man. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s start to the season and their renewed spirit.

Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness acknowledged that the match was a positive sign for his team, who had undergone significant upheaval during the summer. He noted that the performance demonstrated that they were “going in the right direction.”

The German Super Cup, which traditionally pits the Bundesliga champions against the Cup winners or league runners-up, was played without either Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund for the first time since 1993.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Journey Ends Without Medal, But Love and Respect Abound

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Journey Ends Without Medal, But Love and Respect Abound

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s journey at the Paris Olympics 2024 may have ended without a medal, but the outpouring of love and respect from her fans has made her mother believe that it outweighs any gold medal.

Upon her arrival in India on Saturday, Vinesh was greeted by a roaring crowd at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears as she was welcomed by family and loved ones.

“Everyone from our village and nearby areas have come here to welcome her. We will felicitate her… she is a champion for me. The country has given her more honor than a gold medal,” said her mother, Premlata, to ANI.

Premlata also revealed that she had prepared Vinesh’s favorite meal to welcome her home. Vinesh is expected to travel to her native village Balali later in the day.

Despite qualifying for the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final, Vinesh was not allowed to compete due to weighing in 100gm over the weight limit on the second day. However, her mother believes that this setback will only fuel her determination to win an Olympic gold medal.

“Preparations are underway in her native village to welcome her… She couldn’t win the medal but we will work hard and surely win the Olympic gold medal,” said Vinesh’s brother, Harinder Punia.

Vinesh has previously paid tribute to her mother’s unwavering spirit, revealing that she was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer just two months after her father’s death.

“Seeing my mother’s hardships, never-give-up attitude, and fighting spirit is what makes me the way I am. She taught me to fight for what is rightfully mine. When I think about courage, I think about her, and it is this courage that helps me fight every fight without thinking about the outcome,” Vinesh had written.

Vinesh’s journey may have ended in Paris without a medal, but the love and support she has received from her fans and family have made it a victory in its own right.

Greenwood Scores Twice on Marseille Debut in 5-1 Rout

Greenwood Scores Twice on Marseille Debut in 5-1 Rout

Mason Greenwood’s Marseille debut was a resounding success, as he scored twice in a 5-1 rout of Brest in Ligue 1. The former Manchester United forward opened the scoring within three minutes and added another from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark. Luis Henrique also netted twice for Marseille, while Elye Wahi converted a second penalty to complete the scoring.

Greenwood’s arrival at Marseille has been met with controversy, as he was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault. However, prosecutors dropped the charges in February 2023, and he spent last season on loan at Getafe.

Despite the off-field concerns, Greenwood’s performance on Saturday was impressive. He was involved in all three of Marseille’s first-half goals, winning the penalty for the second and setting up both of Luis Henrique’s strikes.

Marseille’s new manager, Roberto De Zerbi, was delighted with his team’s performance. “I’m very happy with everything. I’m very pleased with the result and the attitude of the team,” he said. “I don’t know if we’re really good and I don’t know where we’ll come, but people must be sure that this is a group of hard-working players, which is important.”

Brest’s third-place finish last season was their best ever, but they got off to a poor start in their first game of the new campaign. They conceded three goals in the first half and were unable to recover.

“We’re certainly going to have to rethink things if we want to get a good result at Lens,” said Brest coach Eric Roy. “You can go down heavily as we did today… what’s important is to know a bit about this team’s ability to react.”

In another Ligue 1 match, Lille beat Reims 2-0 despite a frightening head injury sustained by Angel Gomes. The former Manchester United midfielder was knocked unconscious by a clash of heads and had to be stretchered off the pitch.

Lille coach Bruno Genesio said he was “very, very scared” by the incident and criticized the conduct of Reims midfielder Amadou Kone, who was sent off for the challenge.

“There are things we shouldn’t see on a pitch. There are fouls you can excuse. This one for me is not one,” said Genesio.

Bafode Diakite put Lille ahead towards the end of 34 minutes of added time in the first half and Jonathan David sealed victory late on.

Monaco, last season’s runners-up, beat promoted Saint-Etienne 1-0 courtesy of a Takumi Minamino goal.

Paris Saint-Germain began their title defense with a 4-1 win at Le Havre on Friday in their first game since the departure of talisman Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.

Sinner and Swiatek Advance to Cincinnati Open Semi-Finals After Comeback Wins

Sinner and Swiatek Advance to Cincinnati Open Semi-Finals After Comeback Wins

World number ones Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek showcased their resilience on Saturday, overcoming early setbacks to advance to the semi-finals of the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Open.

Sinner, who received a first-round bye and a walkover on Friday, faced a stern test against Andrey Rublev. The Italian lost the first set 4-6 but rallied to win the second 7-5 and the third 6-4. Sinner’s victory prevented Rublev from repeating his triumph over him in Montreal last week.

In the women’s draw, Swiatek faced a similar challenge against Mirra Andreeva. The Polish star dropped the first set 4-6 but fought back to win the second 6-3 and the third 7-5. Swiatek’s victory marked her 30th match win at the WTA 1000 level this season.

Sinner will now face Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals. Zverev, the 2021 Cincinnati champion, defeated Ben Shelton 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 in a rain-interrupted match. Zverev has won four of five matches against Sinner, including three at Grand Slams.

Swiatek will face Aryna Sabalenka in the other semi-final. Sabalenka, who has reached her fourth Cincinnati semi-final, defeated Liudmila Samsonova 6-3, 6-2. Sabalenka will take over the WTA second ranking spot from Coco Gauff heading into the US Open.

American Jessica Pegula also advanced to the semi-finals, defeating Leylah Fernandez 7-5, 6-7 (1-7), 7-6 (7/3). Pegula played two matches on Friday and admitted to feeling tired, but she managed to overcome the challenge of Fernandez.

The Cincinnati Open is a key tune-up event for the US Open, which begins on August 26. The tournament provides players with an opportunity to fine-tune their game and gain momentum heading into the final Grand Slam of the season.

Australia and England to Mark 150 Years of Test Cricket with Special Match in 2027

Australia and England to Mark 150 Years of Test Cricket with Special Match in 2027

Australia and England will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Test cricket with a special one-off match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in March 2027. This historic fixture will mirror the Centenary Test of 1977, which Australia won by 45 runs, replicating the margin of victory in the inaugural Test in 1877.

The confirmation of the anniversary Test is part of a seven-year staging agreement between Cricket Australia (CA) and state governments, ensuring that the MCG, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), and Adelaide Oval will continue to host their regular Tests. The annual Boxing Day (Melbourne) and New Year’s Tests (Sydney) have been locked in until 2030-31, while Adelaide has secured a pre-Christmas slot for its Test.

Despite the current Future Tours Programme (FTP) extending only to early 2027, England and India have already confirmed tours in the subsequent four years. Optus Stadium in Perth will host the opening Test of the season for the next three seasons, while the Gabba in Brisbane will host the Ashes opener next year. However, the Gabba’s future beyond 2024 is uncertain due to redevelopment plans for the 2032 Olympics.

Adelaide Oval has established itself as the home of day-night Test cricket, having hosted seven of the 12 such matches in Australia. However, the new agreement does not guarantee that all future Tests there will be pink-ball encounters. The 2025-26 Ashes Test in Adelaide will be a red-ball game, with Brisbane hosting the day-nighter. Adelaide Oval will also host a New Year’s Eve Big Bash League (BBL) game for the next seven years.

England will tour for a five-match Ashes series in 2025-26, while New Zealand will visit in 2026-27. The latter series has been extended to four Tests from the original three on the FTP and will be played in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. Australia is scheduled to tour India for five Tests in January and February 2027.

The additional anniversary Test could potentially squeeze the calendar in March 2027, as Australia is also due to host Bangladesh in two World Test Championship matches. While rival states attempted to lure the marquee Christmas and New Year Tests away from Melbourne and Sydney, it was always an unlikely outcome.

Beyond 2026-27, other venues may have an opportunity to compete for a Test if the Gabba remains unavailable, potentially bringing Hobart and Canberra into the mix. Tasmania has ambitions to host indoor Test cricket at their proposed new multipurpose stadium, although it will not be available until at least 2028.

The staging agreements confirmed on Sunday are one of the final major projects completed by outgoing CA CEO Nick Hockley, who announced his resignation earlier this month. A future schedule for women’s internationals will be confirmed in the coming months when the next FTP is complete, but Adelaide has been guaranteed an ODI or T20I every season.

Olympic Javelin Stars Receive Unique Gifts: Buffaloes and Desi Ghee

Olympic Javelin Stars Receive Unique Gifts: Buffaloes and Desi Ghee

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem’s historic Olympic gold in the men’s javelin final has sparked a wave of celebration and recognition. Among the unique gifts bestowed upon the 27-year-old was a buffalo from his father-in-law, a traditional honor in his hometown.

Nadeem’s close rival and friend, Neeraj Chopra, India’s silver medalist in the same event, shared his experience of receiving similar gifts. “I was once gifted desi ghee,” said Chopra. “In Haryana, we often receive gifts like 10kg or 50kg of desi ghee or ladoos.”

Chopra explained that these gifts symbolize strength and are common in regions where circle kabaddi and wrestling are popular. “Ghee is believed to enhance strength, which is crucial in our sports,” he said. “Buffalos are also gifted, and wrestlers and kabaddi players may receive Bullet motorbikes or tractors.”

Nadeem’s Olympic record throw of 92.97m left Chopra with the challenge of crossing the 90m mark to defend his title. Despite a groin injury, Chopra managed a season-best throw of 89.45m, just short of his goal.

“I had no doubt I could better Arshad’s throw,” said Chopra. “Improving by 3-4m is not significant in javelin. However, my body couldn’t keep up with my mental readiness.”

Chopra acknowledged that his legwork on the runway was subpar, affecting his overall performance. “I tried to compensate with effort, but it’s ineffective without proper technique,” he said. “I’ve managed my injury, and it hasn’t worsened.”

Nadeem’s victory and the unique gifts he received have highlighted the cultural significance of sports in Pakistan and India. The camaraderie between Nadeem and Chopra showcases the spirit of sportsmanship and the shared passion for excellence in javelin.

Ronaldo's Frustration Boils Over as Al Nassr Thrashed by Al Hilal

Ronaldo’s Frustration Boils Over as Al Nassr Thrashed by Al Hilal

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian adventure has hit a roadblock as his Al Nassr side suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Al Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup on Saturday. The Portuguese superstar, who joined Al Nassr in January with much fanfare, has yet to win a domestic trophy in the Middle Eastern nation.

Ronaldo’s frustration was evident throughout the match, particularly after Al Hilal’s fourth goal. Social media footage captured the 38-year-old throwing his arms up in exasperation, gesturing that his teammates were “asleep” and making another controversial gesture.

Al Nassr had taken the lead through Ronaldo’s goal just before halftime, but Al Hilal staged a remarkable comeback in the second half. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic equalized in the 53rd minute, followed by a brace from Aleksandar Mitrovic in the 61st and 64th minutes. Malcolm added the icing on the cake in the 72nd minute, capitalizing on an error from Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento.

“We showed how good we are in the second half,” said Mitrovic after the match. “We had some problems in the first half and then changed in the second. We stayed calm and it feels good to get a trophy at the start of the season.”

Ronaldo’s gestures towards his teammates have sparked controversy, with some criticizing his lack of leadership and others defending his frustration. The defeat leaves Al Nassr without a trophy this season and raises questions about Ronaldo’s impact on the team.

Lewandowski Brace Powers Barcelona to Opening Day Win at Valencia

Lewandowski Brace Powers Barcelona to Opening Day Win at Valencia

Robert Lewandowski’s brace propelled Barcelona to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Valencia in their La Liga season opener at the Mestalla Stadium. Despite missing key players, including Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo, Hansi Flick’s side displayed resilience and determination to secure three points.

The match started slowly, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. However, Valencia took the lead just before halftime when Hugo Duro nodded home Diego Lopez’s cross. Barcelona responded swiftly, with Lewandowski equalizing in stoppage time after a cross from Alejandro Balde.

In the second half, Barcelona took control of the game. Lewandowski converted a penalty early on after Raphinha was fouled in the area. Valencia struggled to create chances, and Barcelona held on comfortably for the win.

Lewandowski, who turns 36 next week, was delighted with his performance and the team’s result. “My aim is always to score goals,” he said. “It’s very important for me to get goals for confidence.”

Flick praised his team’s second-half display, particularly the performances of the young players. “The second half was much better than the first half,” he said. “We came back at the end of the first half and in the second half, we did much better.”

Barcelona’s victory is a positive start to their La Liga campaign. They will face Copa del Rey winners Athletic Bilbao in their next league match next Saturday.

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: A Bond Beyond Competition

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: A Bond Beyond Competition

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: A Tale of Sportsmanship and Mutual Respect

India’s Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem are fierce competitors on the javelin field, but off the ground, they share an unbreakable bond. Their mutual respect and admiration transcend the outcome of any competition.

In the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, Arshad claimed the gold medal in the javelin throw event, while Neeraj secured the silver. Despite the rivalry, their camaraderie was evident in a post-medal ceremony interview.

When asked who he would cast as Arshad in a biopic, Neeraj suggested Amitabh Bachchan, citing his height and stature. Arshad, in turn, proposed Shah Rukh Khan for Neeraj’s biopic.

Neeraj’s silver medal performance in Paris was a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite falling short of retaining his gold, he acknowledged his physical limitations and vowed to improve.

“Mentally I was ready, but physically, I was retraining myself. My legwork on the runway was not how it should have been,” Neeraj said.

He also announced his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League, scheduled to begin on August 22.

The bond between Neeraj and Arshad is a beacon of sportsmanship and camaraderie. It demonstrates that even in the face of intense competition, respect and friendship can prevail.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart