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Sutherland was inspired by peak Perry, now she’s getting up there herself

Alex Malcolm31-Jan-2025Annabel Sutherland took a breath and paused as she thought about the opening question of a press conference after she scored 163 at the MCG in an Ashes Test.She was asked how it feels to be the first woman to score a century at Test cricket’s original venue, and one of it’s grandest and most storied as well.”Pretty strange, to be honest,” Sutherland said. “But I think just given the occasion and being a Victorian as well, it’s pretty cool. And I’m sure I’ll reflect over it over the next few days.”Related

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In some ways it is fitting it is Sutherland. She has grown up at this venue. Her father James was Cricket Australia chief executive for the first 17 years of her life. CA’s offices are literally across the road.”The amount of time I’ve spent at the ‘G as a young kid, watching a lot of cricket, a lot of Boxing Day Tests, and then watching the [Geelong] Cats play too at the ‘G in the winter [in the Australian Football League],” Sutherland said.”I love the venue and what it means, I guess, as a Victorian so definitely this will sit pretty high up there I’d say.”In other ways, as Sutherland noted, it’s strange. There has been no women’s Tests here since 1949 when Australia’s best player was another allrounder Victorian in Betty Wilson, who Sutherland equalled today with three Test centuries, the most for an Australian woman alongside another in Jill Kennare.So many great female players have played for Australia in between times and never got the chance to play a Test match at this venue. Meg Lanning is Victoria’s greatest ever female batter, and arguably Australia’s, yet in a 13-year career she played just six Tests in total and none of them here.Annabel Sutherland batted like she would never get out•AFP/Getty ImagesIt is significant too that Ellyse Perry, arguably one Australia’s finest athletes let alone female cricketers, is playing her first Test here too.And it is because of Perry’s hip injury that Sutherland got her first chance to bat at No. 3 in a Test match.”I said yes pretty quickly, before Shel[ley Nitschke] could even ask the question,” Sutherland said. “Just a good opportunity to get up there.”It feels like the baton has been passed from Perry to Sutherland over the last year in all formats. Perry had long been Australia’s best Test player. That title belongs to Sutherland now scoring back-to-back Test centuries, becoming the first woman in history to post consecutive 150 plus scores.Perry’s dominance had meant Sutherland had to bide her time, scoring Test centuries at No. 8 and then No. 6 and now No. 3. Perry’s exemplary standards as a professional have also helped shape Sutherland into the player she is. She loves Test-match batting as much as Perry does.”Just the time I think that you’ve got to build an innings,” Sutherland said. “I absolutely love batting, and I think you’ve got time to work through those waves of ebbs and flows of the game. And I think just recognising those moments is something I do pretty well and trying to grind out those tougher periods and then cashing in when you can.”Like Perry, England are now finding it near-on impossible to bowl to Sutherland as Ryana MacDonald-Gay articulated.”It’s very difficult,” MacDonald-Gay said. “She batted very well today. She was hard to sort of try and figure out where to bowl, because you just felt that you were never going to get her out. It was hard.”There have been 23,561 people come through the gates over the past two days, a world record for a women’s Test match, and all of them got to see Sutherland bat.She seems destined to inspire a whole new generation and be a household name at the MCG.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has urged patience with Alexander Isak as the striker returns to full training ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester City. The £125 million record signing has missed four games with a groin injury, but Slot insists the Swedish forward needs "time" to regain match sharpness after a frustrating stop-start beginning to life at Anfield.

Isak could be available for Man City clash

Isak is set to return to Liverpool training after three weeks on the sidelines as Slot’s side prepare for a crucial trip to Manchester City this weekend. The Swedish forward, who sustained an adductor injury during last month’s 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, has not featured since and has spent the past fortnight undergoing a personalised rehabilitation programme. Liverpool’s medical team confirmed that Isak is now back in full training, though his availability for the City game will depend on how he responds over the next 48 hours.

The 26-year-old’s return is a timely boost for Slot during a demanding stretch of fixtures. Isak’s absence has coincided with a dip in Liverpool’s attacking efficiency, forcing the Reds to rely on wide Hugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo to shoulder the goalscoring burden.

However, Isak’s fitness woes have become a recurring theme since his blockbuster summer move from Newcastle United. After missing most of pre-season due to transfer complications, he has struggled to find rhythm or consistency in Slot’s system. The Liverpool manager has therefore stressed the importance of easing his record signing back carefully, with no desire to risk a relapse ahead of a congested winter schedule.

AdvertisementAFPSlot not putting pressure on record signing

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot confirmed Isak’s return to team training and cautioned against expecting an immediate impact. "He will train for the first time today with the team again, after being three weeks out," Slot said. "I know that I said three weeks ago that his pre-season has ended, so now it’s time for us to see where he is. But I have to come back to those words, because if you are only three weeks with the rehab, that doesn’t bring you back to the levels he was three weeks ago."

Praising Liverpool’s medical staff for their work behind the scenes, Slot continued: "Although our rehab team is doing an incredible job, you cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team. As much as we try to replicate it, that’s simply not possible. So, again I have to say, give him some time."

(C)Getty ImagesMassive fee on Isak's mind?

Isak’s return comes amid mounting scrutiny over his early struggles since completing a £125 million ($164m) switch from Newcastle in the summer, a move that made him the most expensive player in British football history. The transfer saga dominated headlines throughout pre-season, with reports claiming the forward pushed to force through the deal, leading to tension with his former club. As a result, Isak began his Liverpool career behind schedule, lacking match fitness and sharpness during his first few weeks under Slot.

That slow start has been compounded by injuries. The striker has missed multiple fixtures due to persistent muscle problems, preventing him from developing chemistry with key teammates like Salah, Gakpo, and Ekitike. His current record – one goal and one assist in eight appearances – stands in stark contrast to his prolific spell at Newcastle, where he scored 54 goals in 86 league games.

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Reds face fellow title outsiders at Etihad Stadium

Liverpool’s upcoming clash with Manchester City will provide the first major test of Slot’s injury management approach. While Isak is expected to be included in the travelling squad, the likelihood is that he will begin on the bench with Ekitike starting instead. Slot and his medical staff will make a late decision after assessing Isak’s reaction to full training, but the emphasis remains on caution rather than risk.

U.S. international Josh Sargent provided a rare bright spot for Norwich City during their 3-2 defeat to Watford, finding the net with an 11th-minute header to temporarily put the Canaries ahead. The American forward's early strike marked a significant personal milestone, ending a frustrating 14-game goalless run in the Championship that had stretched across several months of the 2025 season.

Getty Images SportNorwich City striker finds breakthrough with early goal

The moment of relief came early for Sargent at Vicarage Road when he demonstrated his predatory instincts by stealing in front of Watford defender Marc Bola at the far post. The 25-year-old American international timed his run perfectly to meet Oscar Schwartau's precise left-wing cross, nodding the ball beyond Watford goalkeeper Nathan Baxter to give Norwich a 1-0 lead. His celebration showed visible emotion after finally breaking a scoring drought that had plagued him since mid-season.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCanaries unable to capitalize on Sargent's breakthrough

Despite Sargent's early contribution, Norwich couldn't hold onto their advantage in a thrilling back-and-forth contest. The Hornets equalized through Luca Kjerrumgaard before Oscar Schwartau restored Norwich's lead just before halftime.

However, the second half belonged to Watford, with Kjerrumgaard scoring again and substitute Tom Ince – netting his 100th Championship goal – completing the comeback for a 3-2 Watford victory. The defeat kept Norwich rooted in the Championship relegation zone, overshadowing Sargent's personal achievement.

Back on track

Sargent's goal against Watford continued a remarkable personal trend for the American forward, who has consistently performed well against this side. The striker's header marked his seventh goal in nine appearances against the Hornets and his third at Vicarage Road in 2025 alone.

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Getty Images SportSargent's form gives Norwich hope

As Norwich City continue their fight against relegation, Sargent's return to scoring form could prove crucial for Philippe Clement's struggling side. The Canaries will face Sheffield United next on Dec. 9 on the road before welcoming Southampton to Carrow Road on Dec. 12.

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw is officially set to retire from MLB after the 2025 season, the team announced on Thursday.

It marks the end of an era in Los Angeles, as the beloved lefty and 11-time All-Star has played his entire professional career for the organization, spanning across 18 illustrious seasons. Kershaw isn't just a Dodgers icon, however. He's an MLB legend and one of the greatest pitchers to ever grace the mound in the big leagues.

After almost two decades of dominance, Kershaw has climbed the ranks of some of MLB's most distinguished pitching categories. The future Hall of Famer is one of the most decorated left-handers to pitch in MLB, and has a boatload of accolades to show for it, including three Cy Youngs, an NL MVP award, a pitching Triple Crown, five ERA titles, a Gold Glove and a Clemente Award, as well as a 2020 World Series win.

So, where does Kershaw rank in league history in some key pitching categories? We'll take a look below:

MLB All-Time Strikeouts Leaders

Across his MLB career, which will still include one more home start in the regular season, Kershaw has amassed 3,039 strikeouts. He's one of 20 pitchers in league history to clear the 3,000K mark, which he accomplished just this season. Kershaw ranks 20th all-time in strikeouts and is 45 behind John Smoltz for the No. 19 spot on the leaderboards. He's well away from Nolan Ryan's all-time record of 5,714 Ks, however.

MLB All-Time Wins Leaders

Kershaw racked up 222 wins in his career, which puts him tied for 73rd all time. If he can secure a win on Friday, he'd reach 223 and move into a tie with Paul Derringer and Mel Harder for 71st. As dominant as he was, he failed to rack up even half of the 511 wins Cy Young recorded throughout his career.

MLB All-Time ERA Leaders

Kershaw's pristine ERA throughout his 18-year career was an exceptional 2.54. That ranks 47th all-time on a list that consists of many relief pitchers, too. Ed Walsh, who pitched as both a reliever and starter in his career, tops the all-time leaderboard with a 1.82 ERA.

Among pitchers with at least 2,000 innings pitched in their careers, Kershaw’s 2.54 ERA puts him second-lowest in the Live Ball Era dating back to 1920.

MLB All-Time Cy Young Award Leaders

Kershaw has won three Cy Young awards in his career, joining just 11 pitchers in league history to win the award three or more times. He's on level footing with legends such as Justin Verlander, Sandy Koufax, Pedro Martinez, Tom Seaver, Jim Palmer, and Max Scherzer. The only pitchers with more Cy Young wins than Kershaw are Roger Clemens (7), Randy Johnson (5), Steve Carlton (4) and Greg Maddux (4).

Kershaw had an incredible MLB career, and he'll bid an emotional farewell to Dodgers Nation on Friday at Dodger Stadium, against a team he's plenty familiar with in the rival Giants.

Clayton Kershaw vs. MLB's Best Lefties

Not only is Kershaw one of MLB's greatest pitchers, but he's also a lefty. He ranks 18th all time in terms of wins by a southpaw with 222, trailing the great Warren Spahn who owns the No. 1 spot with 363 wins. He's ninth in ERA and is one of just four MLB left-handed pitchers to ever record more than 3,000 strikeouts, joining Randy Johnson (4,875), Steve Carlton (4,136) and C.C. Sabathia (3,093).

India overseas star underpins hosts’ reply, to leave Durham looking towards Southampton clash

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay25-Sep-2025Yorkshire 314 for 5 (Agarwal 175, Lyth 69) trail Durham 346 (Raine 101, White 5-69) by 32 runsYorkshire had the better of day two of their final-round Rothesay County Championship clash with Durham at Headingley to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation, with Mayank Agarwal’s superb 175 in turn increasing their visitors’ fear of the drop.This was a batter’s day in sunny Leeds, where two men posted centuries. Durham allrounder Ben Raine was the first, advancing from 87 not out overnight to a superb 101. Unfortunately for him, though, Durham could only convert a 322 for 7 score into 346 all out, with new-ball seamer Jack White completing an impressive 5 for 69.Indian overseas batter Agarwal – 20 fours and five sixes in 195 balls – followed Raine to three figures as the hosts then replied with a commanding 314 for 5 from 86 overs. He shared a second-wicket 127 either side of lunch with opener Adam Lyth, whose 69 came on his 38th birthday.Yorkshire started this week seventh in Division One on 146 points, six clear of second-bottom Durham but with a better most-wins tiebreaker record. They needed 10 points to survive. Five of those have been accrued, and a draw will be enough from here.For Durham, although it’s not yet certain, they will likely have to win this game to stay up. Should Hampshire lose to Surrey, a draw would be enough. Hampshire have the advantage in Southampton.Durham’s innings was wrapped up inside an eventful first eight overs of the day which saw White claim all three wickets and Raine reach his second career first-class century.White bowled Matthew Potts and Daniel Hogg in the 100th over, his second of the day. Potts, bowled through the gate, lost his middle stump and Hogg was beaten on the outside edge and lost off. Raine and Potts had shared 87 for the eighth wicket from late evening onwards on day one, aggressively advancing Durham from 245 for 7.Raine reached his hundred off 101 balls as he took the majority of the strike away from last man Shafiqullah Ghafari before top-edging a swish at White to third-man to end the innings.Raine’s influence on the contest was extended amidst a tight start to Yorkshire’s reply, him trapping Fin Bean lbw stuck on the crease as the score slipped to 9 for 1 after seven overs. Potts and Raine started with three successive maidens before the latter’s strike.So, despite good batting conditions, Lyth and Agarwal had to be watchful. They were, but not so much that the runs didn’t come. Lyth was strong through the off side and Agarwal full of touch as he recovered from two ducks in three previous innings for Yorkshire.Touch, yes. But there was also increasing power. Both he and Lyth reached afternoon fifties, the latter first off 102 balls. Agarwal’s came off 84 balls with a six down the ground off Afghan Ghafari’s legspin.Shortly afterwards, Ghafari had Lyth caught at slip by Potts via a deflection off wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson – 136 for 2 in the 41st over. But Durham needed more.Agarwal then took on Ghafari, hitting him for three more sixes before tea – two down the ground in an over and another pulled over midwicket to get him to a 122-ball century.Yorkshire reached the break at 198 for 2. But shortly afterwards, Raine bowled James Wharton and then had Jonny Bairstow caught behind with 203 on the board.Agarwal’s presence was a calming influence, however, and went on to 150 off 176 balls. He pulled Potts for another six. Ghafari did gain revenge for the earlier sixes when the 34-year-old right-hander miscued to long-on at 281 for 5 in the 75th over, Yorkshire’s deficit now 65.Matthew Revis and George Hill whittled that down further to 32 through to close and will begin day three on 28 and 23 respectively.

تمكن فريق الوداد المغربي، من تحقيق الفوز على عزام التنزاني، في إطار منافسات دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية. 

وواجه الوداد نظيره عزام التنزاني، في تمام الساعة السادسة مساء بتوقيت القاهرة، على ملعب عزام التنزاني، في الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات من بطولة الكونفدرالية الإفريقية. 

طالع.. ترتيب مجموعة الزمالك في الكونفدرالية بعد فوز المصري على زيسكو الزامبي

ويقع الوداد في المجموعة الثانية في مجموعات الكونفدرالية الإفريقية رفقة أندية عزام التنزاني ومانيما يونيون ونيروبي يونايتد الكيني. 

وحقق الوداد الفوز بهدف دون رد على عزام التنزاني، أحرزه اللاعب نور الدين أمرابط في الدقيقة 57 من عمر المباراة. 

هذا الفوز يجعل فريق الوداد يتربع على صدارة ترتيب المجموعة برصيد 6 نقاط، بعد الفوز في مباراتين من الجولتين. 

وضمن نفس الجولة لمنافسات المجموعة ذاتها، فاز فريق مانيما يونيون الكونغولي على نيروبي الكيني بهدف دون رد، ليتساوي في عدد النقاط مع فريق الوداد المغربي. ترتيب مجموعة الوداد في الكونفدرالية 

1- الوداد – 6 نقاط. 

2- مانيما يونيون – 6 نقاط. 

3- عزام – بدون نقاط.

4- نيروبي يونايتد – بدون نقاط. 

Manchester United are pursuing new reinforcements in January and could now be set to submit a bid for one of Europe’s most high-profile midfielders.

Man Utd looking towards the January window

Admittedly, the Red Devils have enjoyed a mixed start to the Premier League season and will now look to take advantage of the chance to move up a few places within a tight collective of sides all vying for a spot in the European slots.

On Monday, Manchester United’s frustrating defeat at home to Everton brought back some old scars that have been a feature of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at the club, with his side unable to break down a spirited Toffees outfit despite having a man advantage for most of proceedings.

Falling flat in attack, Joshua Zirkzee’s emergence after failing to earn a regular place in the side this season was questioned by BBC Radio Manchester’s Gaz Drinkwater, who believes Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount should’ve been brought into the starting side instead.

He said: “Bring Mount and Kobbie Mainoo into the starting XI. He obviously doesn’t see Mainoo as a midfielder because he can’t get in the team in that position. Amorim sees him as a number 10 or maybe even a false-nine type player where maybe they [the front three] interchange a bit.

“I don’t understand the logic of bringing in a totally cold Joshua Zirkzee into the game, who has basically had zero minutes this season, and he did nothing.”

Man Utd plotting "bargain" deal to sign "imposing" Ligue 1 defender who scouts love

He could complete Amorim’s back three.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 27, 2025

Without doubt, the Red Devils will need to recruit wisely in January as they begin to feel the effects of a hefty schedule, and they could now be set to lodge a bid for a high-profile midfielder.

Man Utd ready bid for Federico Valverde

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are preparing a £87m bid for Federico Valverde, and he may be allowed to depart amid a spate of up and down performances for Real Madrid.

The Uruguay international may now be set for a change of scenery and would be open to a move elsewhere, potentially re-establishing himself as the central part of a project at Old Trafford.

Five similar players to Federico Valverde

Declan Rice

Arsenal

Bernardo Silva

Manchester City

Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid

Nicolo Barella

Inter Milan

Moises Caicedo

Chelsea

All data courtesy of Football Transfers

Labelled “superb” by Thibaut Courtois, Valverde has registered four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season. Overall, he has scored 32 times and laid on 35 goals for his teammates in 340 appearances for Los Blancos, cementing himself as a fan favourite.

Amorim is confident that his versatility, quality and combativeness could form a new dynamic in the engine room as they look to reclaim their place among the elite of English football.

Real Madrid aren’t totally closed off to selling Valverde, creating a scenario that could work out for all parties if the 27-year-old makes a headline-grabbing move to English shores.