Cricket/England Coaching: England has appointed Brendon McCullum as the new men’s white-ball coach while retaining his role as Test coach, beginning in January 2025. McCullum, known for his transformative “Bazball” approach in Test cricket, will now lead both teams, aiming to build on England’s recent successes.
Cricket/World Test Championship: Lord’s will host the 2025 World Test Championship final starting June 11, featuring the top two teams from the current rankings cycle. Australia and India currently lead the standings.
Cricket/Bangladesh Series Win: Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test series win in Pakistan, chasing down 185 runs to win the second Test by six wickets in Rawalpindi, moving to fourth in the World Test Championship rankings.
Soccer/Blackpool: League One’s Blackpool has appointed Steve Bruce as head coach on a two-year deal, hoping to improve their shaky start to the season after dismissing Neil Critchley.
Soccer/Tottenham Transfer: Tottenham Hotspur secured an option to buy US international Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis for £21 million next summer, following their sale of Giovani Lo Celso.
Soccer/Chelsea Transfer: Chelsea sold Brazilian winger Angelo Gabriel to Al-Nassr for £19 million, making a £6 million profit despite him never playing for the club. Chelsea’s summer sales have generated around £175 million.
Soccer/Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo dismissed rumors of international retirement, expressing his desire to continue playing for Portugal and win another Nations League title.