Mahmudul Hasan Joy Injury Casts Doubt over Bangladesh's Test Hopes in Pakistan

Mahmudul Hasan Joy Injury Casts Doubt over Bangladesh’s Test Hopes in Pakistan

Bangladesh Faces Uncertainty over Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s Availability for Pakistan Test Series

Bangladesh’s hopes of a strong start to their two-Test series in Pakistan have been dealt a blow with the news that opening batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy has suffered a groin injury. According to ESPNcricinfo, the injury is expected to take around two weeks to heal, putting Joy’s participation in both the first and second Tests in doubt.

Joy, who is already in Pakistan, played in a four-day game for Bangladesh A against Pakistan A in Islamabad earlier this week. He scored 65 in the first innings but did not bat in the second.

The injury is a significant setback for Bangladesh, as Joy has formed a settled opening partnership with Zakir Hasan in recent Tests. Shadman Islam is likely to take Joy’s place in the lineup if he is unavailable.

Bangladesh’s 16-member squad has been training in Lahore and is scheduled to travel to Islamabad on August 17. The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from August 21 to 25, while the second Test will be held in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.

The Karachi Test will be played without spectators due to ongoing construction work at the National Stadium.

Neeraj Chopra Battles Injury, Aims for Distance Improvement

Neeraj Chopra Battles Injury, Aims for Distance Improvement

Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic silver medalist in javelin throw, is currently training in Switzerland to prepare for his upcoming competitions. Despite battling a long-standing groin injury, Chopra remains confident in his abilities and aims to improve his distance.

Chopra’s injury has limited his training sessions, but he has managed to maintain his form and consistency. He plans to compete in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 22 and will continue through the season before undergoing surgery for his groin issue.

Despite his injury, Chopra believes he could have surpassed Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic record throw of 92.97m. However, he acknowledges that his physical limitations prevented him from pushing himself to the limit.

Chopra’s performance in Paris was affected by the fast track at the Stade de France, which caused him to foul more often than usual. He also struggled with his legwork on the runway, which hindered his ability to generate power in his throws.

Despite the challenges, Chopra is satisfied with his silver medal and believes it is a testament to his resilience and determination. He is eager to improve his distance and cross the 90m barrier, but recognizes that he needs to be injury-free to achieve his goals.

Chopra’s consistency at major competitions has raised the bar for Indian athletics and drummed up interest in javelin throw. His performance in Paris, even while battling an injury, is a reminder of his exceptional talent and the bright future of Indian sports.

Manu Bhaker Takes Three-Month Break to Heal Injured Hand, Pursue Hobbies

Manu Bhaker Takes Three-Month Break to Heal Injured Hand, Pursue Hobbies

Manu Bhaker, India’s double Olympic medalist in shooting, is taking a well-deserved three-month break to recover from a bruised shooting hand. However, this break is not a vacation for the 22-year-old. She will continue her daily routines, including yoga and waking up at 6 am, and pursue her hobbies, such as horse riding, skating, Bharatnatyam, and violin practice.

Bhaker’s shooting hand has been injured for the past eight months due to repeated pistol recoils during training. The break is necessary for her hand to heal fully. Despite the injury, Bhaker remains optimistic and plans to make the most of her time off.

“Now, I have some time off and I can probably do that (martial arts) again,” said Bhaker, who was a karate kid in her teens before switching to shooting. “I was not able to get that kind of time to invest myself into that (martial arts). Finally, I can take time off for my hobbies, and I have many, many hobbies.”

Bhaker’s hobbies include horse riding, skating, fitness, Bharatnatyam, and violin. She is particularly excited about horse riding, which she has been learning for some time. However, her coach, Jaspal Rana, has expressed disapproval of this hobby, citing safety concerns.

“Skating and horse riding are something she should not be doing and she’ll be responsible for whatever happens,” said Rana. “Who rides a horse thinking that they will fall?”

Bhaker is determined to pursue her hobbies responsibly and has assured Rana that she will be careful. She is also looking forward to skydiving and scuba diving, which she has been waiting to do for a long time.

Rana emphasized that the break is essential for Bhaker’s recovery. “This (pointing to her injured hand) is the reason we are making her rest for three months. Because this (injury) has been for the last eight months and it has not healed till now,” said Rana.

Bhaker will not compete in the ISSF World Cup Final in October or the national championships and camps that will follow. She will focus on her recovery and return to shooting in three months.

Spencer Johnson Ruled Out of T20I Series with Side Strain

Spencer Johnson Ruled Out of T20I Series with Side Strain

Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson’s injury has forced him out of Australia’s upcoming T20I series against Scotland and England. The 26-year-old sustained a side strain while playing for Oval Invincibles in the Hundred.

Johnson’s absence has opened the door for New South Wales allrounder Sean Abbott, who was initially only included in the ODI squad. Abbott, a leading wicket-taker in the BBL, has also impressed in the Hundred, claiming nine wickets in seven matches for Birmingham Phoenix.

Johnson’s injury is a setback for Australia, who view him as a potential replacement for Mitchell Starc in the T20 side. Starc has been rested for the T20Is but will feature in the ODIs. Pat Cummins will miss the entire tour, while Josh Hazlewood is part of both squads.

Abbott joins Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis as the frontline seamers in the T20I squad. Australia’s selectors are keeping an eye on the next T20 World Cup in 18 months’ time, but have not ruled out Starc or Cummins from the format.

Johnson’s focus will now be on recovering in time for the start of the Australia domestic season, where he plays for South Australia. Australia’s next T20Is after the UK tour are a three-match series against Pakistan in mid-November, which could provide another opportunity for Johnson.

Ben Stokes Ruled Out of Summer with Hamstring Tear

Ben Stokes Ruled Out of Summer with Hamstring Tear

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out for the remainder of the summer due to a torn left hamstring. The injury occurred during a Hundred match for Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals on Sunday.

Stokes sustained the injury while attempting a quick single. He pulled up in pain after completing the run and collapsed to the ground, clutching his left leg. He required assistance to leave the field and returned to the dugout on crutches.

A scan on Tuesday confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling Stokes out of the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins in Manchester on August 21.

Ollie Pope, Stokes’ vice-captain for over a year, will assume full captaincy duties for the series.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated that Stokes aims to return for England’s winter Test tour of Pakistan, which commences in Multan on October 7. Zak Crawley, who is missing the Sri Lanka series with a finger injury, is also targeting the Pakistan tour for his comeback.

England has opted not to name a replacement for Stokes in their squad for the Sri Lanka series. In his absence, Jordan Cox could make his Test debut as a specialist batter at No. 6. Alternatively, the team could adjust its balance by promoting Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes to No. 6 and 7, respectively, and selecting an additional seamer like Matthew Potts or Olly Stone.

Stokes’ injury is a significant blow to England’s Test team. He is a key all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. His absence will test the depth of England’s squad and provide opportunities for other players to step up.

Simone Biles Triumphs in Paris, Overcoming Injury to Post Top Score

Simone Biles Triumphs in Paris, Overcoming Injury to Post Top Score

Simone Biles, the legendary gymnast, has made a triumphant return to the Olympics in Paris, overcoming a minor calf injury to post the top score in the all-around competition. This performance marks a stark contrast to her experience in Tokyo three years ago, where she withdrew from multiple finals due to mental health concerns.

Biles’ injury occurred during her warm-up on floor exercise, causing her to limp noticeably throughout the afternoon. However, she refused to let it hinder her performance, proving that she is not the same gymnast she was in 2021.

Despite the injury, Biles showcased her exceptional skills, posting the highest scores on floor and vault. She also adjusted her uneven bars routine to avoid aggravating her calf, demonstrating her adaptability and resilience.

The Americans, led by Biles, are now well-positioned to win the team final on Tuesday and the individual all-around on Thursday. They are determined to redeem themselves after finishing second to Russia in Tokyo.

Biles’ return to the Olympics has generated immense excitement and attention. The stands were filled with celebrities, including Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, and Ariana Grande, eager to witness the greatness of the most decorated gymnast of all time.

Biles’ performance in Paris is a testament to her unwavering determination and her ability to overcome adversity. She has proven that she is still a force to be reckoned with and that she is ready to write a different ending to her Olympic story.

Nadal's Olympic Hopes in Doubt as He Battles Injury

Nadal’s Olympic Hopes in Doubt as He Battles Injury

Rafael Nadal’s Olympic hopes hang in the balance as he battles a thigh injury. The 38-year-old Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slams, is still scheduled to face Marton Fucsovics on Sunday, but he admitted that he is unsure if he will be able to play.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, I don’t know if I am going to play tomorrow or not,” Nadal said. “I will talk to my people and make the smartest decision that I can to have the best chance of bringing a medal home.”

Nadal’s injury is a major blow to his hopes of winning a singles gold medal in Tokyo. He is a two-time Olympic medalist, having won gold in singles in 2008 and doubles in 2016.

If Nadal is unable to play, it would be a major disappointment for fans who were hoping to see him face Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. Djokovic, the world number one, is also a two-time Olympic medalist, having won bronze in singles in 2008 and 2012.

Djokovic is the favorite to win the gold medal in Tokyo, but he will face a tough challenge from Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev.

In other news from the Olympics, Iga Swiatek, the world number one, advanced to the second round of the women’s singles tournament with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Irina-Camelia Begu. Swiatek is the favorite to win the gold medal in Tokyo, but she will face a tough challenge from Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty, and Aryna Sabalenka.

Elina Svitolina Battles Persistent Pain Amidst Comeback

Elina Svitolina Battles Persistent Pain Amidst Comeback

Elina Svitolina, the former world No. 3, has been battling persistent pain since her return from maternity leave last year. Despite a dominant start to her Internazionali BNL d’Italia campaign, Svitolina admits to struggling daily with pain levels ranging from 2 to 3 out of 10.

The pain initially stemmed from a foot injury sustained during her impressive run to the Roland Garros quarterfinals in 2022. After a brief hiatus to give birth to her daughter, Svitolina returned with a more aggressive approach, resulting in a title in Strasbourg and a Top 10 victory over Daria Kasatkina.

However, the foot pain persisted, leading to a shutdown of her season after the US Open. Despite healing over the off-season, Svitolina encountered further setbacks at the Australian Open, where her back went out ahead of a fourth-round match.

Svitolina’s injuries have limited her ability to play her higher-octane game, which had been a hallmark of her comeback. She has opted to continue playing despite advice from her performance team, citing the emotional weight she carries as a spokeswoman for Ukraine.

“For me when I step on the court, I just try to think about the fighting spirit that all of us Ukrainians have,” Svitolina said.

However, her results have been mixed since Melbourne, with a 4-5 record and only one instance of winning back-to-back matches. Svitolina’s husband, Gaël Monfils, provides support by taking care of their daughter while she competes.

Despite the challenges, Svitolina remains determined to improve her condition gradually. She is closely monitoring her body through scans and listening to its signals.

“For me, the worst is to play on an injury that can get worse and force me to be out for six months,” Svitolina said. “It’s important to evaluate every single day, and see how I can get many 1% better than the day before.”

Berrettini Withdraws from Rome Masters Due to Illness

Berrettini Withdraws from Rome Masters Due to Illness

Matteo Berrettini, the Italian tennis star, has withdrawn from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia for the third consecutive year due to an undisclosed illness. The withdrawal comes as a major disappointment for Berrettini, who was eager to compete in his hometown tournament.

Berrettini, who was scheduled to face Stefano Napolitano in the first round, explained that he made the difficult decision to withdraw after careful consideration. “I’m not ready to perform and to give my best on court,” he said. “I tried everything because this tournament is extra special for me.”

The 28-year-old has been struggling with injuries in recent months. He was sidelined from September 2022 to March 2023 with an ankle injury and has not played since losing to Miomir Kecmanovic at the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters in April.

Despite his recent setbacks, Berrettini remains optimistic about his recovery. “I have to put away my heart, I would say, use my brain a little bit more,” he said. “Think about what’s most important for me, which is my health and not getting injured again, not being away from the courts for months potentially.”

Berrettini’s next scheduled appearance is Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam of the year. He had attempted to enter both the Geneva and Lyon tournaments as a protected ranking, but his ranking was not high enough to secure a spot. However, he could still receive a wild card or benefit from player withdrawals.

The Internazionali BNL d’Italia is a prestigious clay-court tournament held in Rome. Berrettini has never won the tournament but reached the semifinals in 2019 and 2021. His withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament and to Italian tennis fans.

Cardinals Catcher Willson Contreras Fractures Forearm, Out Six Weeks

Cardinals Catcher Willson Contreras Fractures Forearm, Out Six Weeks

Cardinals Catcher Willson Contreras Fractures Forearm, Sidelined for Six Weeks

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras has suffered a devastating blow to his season, fracturing his left forearm after being struck by a swing during Tuesday night’s game against the New York Mets. The three-time All-Star is expected to undergo surgery and miss at least six weeks of action.

Contreras was injured in the second inning when Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez swung and connected with his forearm. The impact sent Contreras tumbling to the ground in agony. After being examined by the Cardinals’ training staff, he was diagnosed with a left forearm fracture.

The injury is a major setback for the Cardinals, who have relied heavily on Contreras’s leadership and offensive production. The 31-year-old is hitting .280 with six homers and 12 RBIs this season.

“He’s been doing such a phenomenal job,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “He’s an extreme competitor. He brings so much to the club performance-wise, but also with just his competitive nature, so to see him go down is tough.”

Contreras expressed his disappointment at missing significant time, but vowed to support his teammates from the sidelines.

“I’m really upset missing,” Contreras said. “I know that it’s going to be tough for me to watch the games and not out there with the guys, but I’m going to do my best to stay present, pick each other up and cheer for them because that’s the best thing I can do.”

Martinez, who was awarded first base due to catcher’s interference, expressed remorse for the incident.

“I hit meat,” Martinez said. “I felt like I hit meat. I didn’t hit like just like a glove where you kind of just point back to catcher, it was just solid. I was like, dude, I hit him good. … I felt terrible.”

Contreras’s injury is a reminder of the inherent risks involved in baseball. Despite the protective gear worn by catchers, they are often vulnerable to being struck by foul tips or wild swings.

The Cardinals will now turn to Iván Herrera to fill the void behind the plate. Herrera, a 26-year-old prospect, has limited major league experience but has shown promise in the minors.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart