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Fast bowler hopes to prove fitness in good time for first Test at Perth in November

Vithushan Ehantharajah27-Aug-2025

England fast bowler Mark Wood is set to make his competitive return to action for Durham in the County Championship next month as he steps up his rehabilitation from knee surgery ahead of this winter’s Ashes.Wood has been out of action for the last six months following an operation to his left knee to repair medial ligament damage that was exacerbated during the Champions Trophy. Though a success, the initial recovery time of four months proved to be optimistic, with Wood missing the entirety of England’s Test series against India, having initially earmarked the fifth Test at the Kia Oval for a return. The 35-year-old had been with the squad during that series but suffered a minor setback while training at Lord’s ahead of the third Test, which required fluid to be drained from his left knee, delaying his return. He was then pencilled in to feature in England’s white-ball fixtures in September, against South Africa and Ireland, but was subsequently left out of those squads.Related

Woakes ruled out of Oval Test and is doubt for Ashes after shoulder injury

Wood targeting fifth India Test for potential comeback

Mark Wood ruled out for four months after knee surgery

Durham are currently battling relegation, sitting ninth in Division One after promotion last season. Their destiny remains in their hands with the last three rounds against other teams fighting the drop, against Essex (September 8), Worcestershire (September 15) who are adrift at the bottom, and Yorkshire (September 24).Wood’s availability is an undoubted boost for the county, but his participation in their run-in will be limited. It is unlikely he will turn out for the Essex fixture but is on course to face Worcestershire at Chester-le-Street. Any appearance against Yorkshire will depend on how his left knee holds up after what will be his first red-ball match since the first Test against Sri Lanka last August. His previous appearance for Durham came in the County Championship back in May 2021.”I’m hoping to play for Durham as there are a couple of games in September – so I’ll try and play one or two of those,” Wood told the Stick to Cricket podcast.Wood and Ben Stokes discuss tactics•Ben Radford/AllSport UK Ltd

“The injury is alright. It was fifty-fifty whether I was going to make the India Test but I was bowling at Lord’s and then, the next day, my knee swelled up again so I had it drained and since then it’s just been about taking things easy looking ahead to the winter.”England are keen not to push Wood too hard. Despite his long injury history, he remains one of the fastest bowlers in the world. He was the best visiting bowler on show for the previous 2021-22 Ashes campaign, taking 17 wickets at 26.64. In the 2023 home summer, he dropped in for the last three Tests against Australia and bagged 14 dismissals at 20.21. England were 2-0 down upon his arrival and went on to square the series.It was Wood who has pushed for game time before the season ends, a plea he made to England head coach Brendon McCullum, having grown weary of the monotony of bowling in nets.”I’ve been well looked after and very cautious, that’s the way that it’s been. I value it as they’ve (the ECB) got this end-game where they want me to get to Australia.”But I said to Baz McCullum, I can’t just bowl to a net for four months, I’ll go insane. There’s a bowling camp in Loughborough in a tent – getting acclimatised there ready for Perth – then I’ll go over to Perth early with a couple of bowlers. We’ll arrive about a week early to prepare and get acclimatised.”Wood’s mooted return is a boost to England’s pace bowling stocks ahead of the Ashes, which are as close to full capacity as they have been this summer.Jofra Archer’s reappearance in Test cricket against India ended a three-year absence, which has subsequently been built upon for Southern Brave in The Hundred. Olly Stone, who was sidelined after his own knee surgery, turned out twice for London Spirit. Josh Tongue has been the standout bowler of the competition, with 14 dismissals.Brydon Carse was rested for this season’s edition, while Gus Atkinson made a single appearance for Oval Invincibles before playing for Surrey in the One Day Cup on Tuesday. The emergence of Sonny Baker also adds an extra quick to the Ashes mix.Chris Woakes remains a doubt with the dislocated left shoulder he sustained in the fifth India Test. The allrounder has opted against surgery for a regimented rehabilitation programme which gives him the best chance of making the tour, which begins at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 21.

Don’t say it too loudly, but things might be on the up for West Ham United.

After months of poor performances and even worse results, the Hammers finally won a Premier League game on the weekend, as Nuno Espírito Santo’s side dismantled Newcastle United 3-1.

It was a game in which practically the whole team showed up, one in which any number of players could have been man of the match.

Moreover, it was an afternoon in which West Ham’s next big-money star may have announced himself, someone who has shades of Declan Rice to his game.

West Ham's standout stars vs Newcastle

When talking about the West Ham stars who really shone on Sunday afternoon, it would be ridiculous not to start with Lucas Paqueta.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Brazilian has come in for some justified criticism this season, but against the Toon, he was simply sensational.

It was his wonder strike in the 35th minute that started the Hammers’ fightback, and were it not for some good goalkeeping four minutes earlier, that would have been his second in the game.

Someone who was almost as influential on the match was Jarrod Bowen, as while he didn’t score or assist a goal, he came awfully close, rattling the post just before Jacob Murphey’s opener.

Finally, while they’ve been woeful almost every time they’ve played this season, Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo deserve plenty of credit for their resolute defending.

Between them, they made 16 clearances, won five of seven duels and were dribbled past just a single time.

In all, there were unreal displays across the board for West Ham against Newcastle, including from one player who could be their next big-money star and already looks a bit Rice-esque.

West Ham's future big-money star

While the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville all deserve credit, the starter who left a significant impression on fans and pundits alike was Freddie Potts.

The academy graduate has featured a few times for the first team, but Sunday afternoon was his first competitive start for the club, and to say he repaid the manager’s faith would be an understatement.

The 22-year-old was utterly sensational in the middle of the park, bringing some much-needed dynamism to the role while maintaining a technical level some might not have expected from him.

In his 90 minutes of action, the Englishman played two key passes, completed two crosses, was accurate in 33 of 39 passes, took 57 touches, won 66% of his tackles, made six clearances and won 75% of his ground duels.

It was a quintessential all-action display from the midfielder, and if his boots were one size smaller, he could have topped it off with a well-taken goal.

Unsurprisingly, such a strong showing from an academy graduate has led to comparisons with the club’s former captain, with one content creator noting that he has a “similar aura to Rice when he first came through.”

In addition to his development as a player, the content creator credited the Englishman’s “supreme confidence and ability to create time and space on the ball” as reasons for the comparison.

Now, it might sound a little over the top considering it was his first start for the club, but thanks to his ability to protect the ball, carry it into dangerous areas and play the right pass at the right time, it is easy to see where such comparisons come from.

Moreover, as was the case with the former midfielder, there already seems to be a connection between the Barking-born ace and the fans, with journalist Dan Woffenden claiming he “understands what it means to wear the shirt.”

Ultimately, West Ham will want to keep hold of Potts for the long term, but if he does end up emulating Rice and eventually leaves, at least they should once again get massive money for an academy graduate.

West Ham player ratings v Newcastle United as Nuno secures first victory

The Hammers returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win against Newcastle this afternoon.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 2, 2025

Freddie Freeman played a crucial role in the double play that clinched the Dodgers' World Series win on Saturday, but he made sure the game ball went to somebody else.

Speaking during the team's celebrations in Los Angeles on Monday, Freeman revealed that he actually passed the game ball off to general manager Dave Roberts, who Freeman believes to be the keepsake's rightful recipient.

"I waited for Doc in his office, right before we sprayed champagne, and I gave it to him and I hugged him," Freeman revealed.

"I said, 'You deserve this more than anybody.' So Dave Roberts has the baseball."

Watch that below:

Talk about a classy move from Freeman, who was nonetheless a huge player this series.

But Roberts, of course, deserves his flowers for managing the game and series particularly well, too. Those watching the game unfold seemed to agree.

"Ultimately," baseball legend Derek Jeter said during the MLB on FOX broadcast, "it’s up to the players to do the job, but [Roberts] puts them in a position to be successful and he pushed all of the right buttons."

"Put him in Cooperstown," added Alex Rodriguez.

With the win, which brings the skipper's overall total to three World Series, Roberts has now surpassed Tommy Lasorda to become the second-most-decorated Dodgers manager in history, behind only Walter Alston, who boasts four WS titles, per .

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O Palmeiras deve ter reforço no ataque para o jogo de volta da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil, contra o Botafogo-SP, na quinta-feira (23). Abel Ferreira mais uma vez contou com a presença de Bruno Rodrigues nas atividades da semana e o jogador pode ser relacionado para retornar ao Verdão após lesão.

➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

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Quem também participou dos treinos foi Dudu, no entanto, é mais provável que o camisa 11 volte antes do ídolo palmeirense. Ambos vivem a ansiedade do retorno após meses parados por lesões distintas no joelho.

Bruno Rodrigues chegou ao Palmeiras nesta temporada após dois bons anos de Cruzeiro, está liberado pelo departamento médico. A escalação do atacante depende apenas da escolha de Abel Ferreira sobre relacioná-lo ou não para a viagem à Ribeirão Preto para o jogo da Copa do Brasil.

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➡️ O mata-mata da Copa do Brasil está pegando fogo! Abra a sua conta e faça já a sua aposta no Lance! Betting

Endrick também participou normalmente da atividade e está pronto para fazer o seu penúltimo jogo com a camisa alviverde.

O provável Palmeiras para encarar o Botafogo-SP é: Weverton, Mayke, Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Zé Rafael, Richard Rios e Raphael Veiga; Estevão, Endrick e Lázaro (Flaco López).

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Copa do BrasilPalmeiras

MatériaMais Notícias

O ex-diretor de futebol do Corinthians, Rubão, participou do programa “Mesa Redonda”, da TV Gazeta, na noite deste domingo (5), e afirmou que o racha com o Presidente Augusto Melo começou depois que o mesmo questionou comissão em patrocínio da empresa “VaideBet”.

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Rubão contou que o presidente, Augusto Melo, disse a ele que não havia contrato com a empresa de casa de aposta, não tinha intermediário. Dias depois, porém, Augusto teria confirmado o pagamento de R$ 25,2 milhões à empresa Rede Social Media Design.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

– Eu fui perguntar: você falou que não tinha intermediário? Quem é esse cara? Quem é essa empresa? “Você está desconfiado?” (Augusto teria perguntado) Não, não estou desconfiado de você. Nunca. Se eu estou te perguntando é porque eu quero saber. E aí ele… Ficou assim, tal. Não gostou muito da indagação. Eu olhei para ele e falei: só estou te perguntando porque nós estamos aí numa jornada. E você me falou na minha casa que era sem intermediário e agora apareceu uma empresa. Você está sabendo disso? Até onde você sabe disso? E aí? Daí para frente… – declarou Rubão, à TV Gazeta.

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A Rede Social Media Design pertence a Alex Fernando André, conhecido como Alex Cassundé, que participou da campanha presidencial de Augusto Melo, no fim do ano passado.

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CorinthiansFutebol NacionalRubão

The New York Yankees may have themselves a future star within their ranks.

During Saturday's MLB All-Star Futures Games, shortstop George Lombard Jr. stole the show and impressed scouts in attendance. In fact, Lombard was even called the game's "Best Player" by Baseball America, thanks to his impressive defensive performance.

Lombard smoked a double and showed solid plate discipline by drawing a walk in a 1-for-2 performance in the game. He handled everything that came his way at shortstop, too.

As of its latest update, MLB Pipeline ranks Lombard as the No. 35 prospect in baseball, and the No. 10 shortstop. He's the No. 1 ranked Yankees prospect, and is currently the only player in the organization rated inside the top 100.

At 20 years old, it could be another year or so until Lombard gets his shot at the big leagues. Across two minor league levels this season, he's slashing .239/.382/.356 with three home runs, 30 RBIs and 25 stolen bases. He's struggled a bit at the plate since arriving at Double-A Somerset, but he'll have plenty of time to turn things around as he continues to develop.

Lombard was a first-round pick in the 2023 MLB draft, selected at No. 26 pick by New York.

Big picture: Zimbabwe eye first win against NZ

Welcome back to Test cricket, New Zealand. The last time they played a Test was in December 2024, against England in Hamilton. Given that this two-match series against Zimbabwe doesn’t count towards the World Test Championship, they can take their time to reacquaint themselves with the flow and rhythm of red-ball cricket.On the other hand, Zimbabwe have played seven Tests this year, the joint-most with Australia. But with six losses and just one win, they have the worst record for any team. Moreover, they are yet to beat New Zealand in Test cricket. Of the 17 Tests against New Zealand, they have lost 11 and drawn six.Having said that, this is a slightly weakened New Zealand side. They are without captain Tom Latham, former captain Kane Williamson and allrounders Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson. Williamson is unavailable for the series, having signed a deal with Middlesex, which includes playing for London Spirit in the Hundred; Jamieson is at home, awaiting the birth of his first child; Latham is yet to recover from a shoulder injury he picked up during the Vitality Blast; and Phillips is sidelined with a groin injury he picked up during the MLC.Related

• From net bowler to 'X factor' – Fisher on cusp of potential debut

• Bracewell replaces Phillips for the first Test

• Latham out of first Test, Santner to lead

In Latham’s absence, Mitchell Santner will lead the side. He has plenty of experience captaining New Zealand in ODIs and T20Is, but this will be a first for him in first-class cricket, let alone Test cricket.Recently, an understrength South Africa proved to be too good for Zimbabwe. But for this series, they are bolstered by the returns of allrounder Sikandar Raza and opener Ben Curran. Raza lends the much-needed balance and experience, and Curran should add the solidity at the top. Brendan Taylor’s ban has also ended but he has not been named in the squad yet.

Form guide

Zimbabwe LLLLW (last five Tests, most recent first)
New Zealand WLLWW

In the spotlight: Williams and Henry

Sean Williams has been easily the best Zimbabwe batter this year. In seven Tests, he has scored 577 at an average of 52.45 and a strike rate of 76.83. Only Shubman Gill (755) and Rishabh Pant (580) have scored more Test runs than him in 2025. One thing he would like to improve, though, is his conversion rate. Of his five 50-plus scores this year, he converted only one into a hundred.Sean Williams averages 52.45 in Tests this year•Zimbabwe Cricket

Matt Henry’s overall Test record – 120 wickets at an average of 29.84 – does not scream elite. But scratch beneath that and you realise why Henry is rated so highly. When he opens the bowling, his record becomes 105 wickets at 24.11. Last year, he picked up 48 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 18.58 and a strike rate of 33.97. Among the top ten wicket-takers of 2024, only Jasprit Bumrah had a better average (14.92) and a strike rate (30.1). Don’t be surprised if Henry continues from where he left off.

Team news: Fisher might debut

Blessing Muzarabani is the only fast bowler in the Zimbabwe squad to have played at least ten Tests. He will be supported by Tanaka Chivanga, with Newman Nyamhuri likely to be the third seamer.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Ben Curran, 3 Nick Welch, 4 Sean Williams, 5 Craig Ervine (captain), 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), 8 Wellington Masakadza, 9 Newman Nyamhuri, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Tanaka ChivangaWith Latham and Phillips out injured, Henry Nicholls and Michael Bracewell are expected to play. Matt Fisher, who can hit 140kph, could make his debut.New Zealand (probable): 1 Will Young, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Matt Henry, 10 Will O’Rourke, 11 Matt Fisher

Pitch and conditions

In the five Tests Bulawayo has hosted since December 2024, there have been three totals in excess of 580, including South Africa’s 625 for 6 declared that featured Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 367. Fast bowlers have done much better in those games, averaging 29.63 and striking every 50.5 balls, as compared to spinners, who average 38.62 with a strike rate of 62.9. The forecast is for cool and dry weather.

Stats and trivia

• New Zealand have won each of their last six Tests against Zimbabwe, four of them by an innings and another by 254 runs.
• Santner will become New Zealand’s 32nd Test captain.
• Three of Williams’ six Test hundreds have come at the Queens Sports Club.
• Williams is 125 away from 2000 Test runs, and Craig Ervine 159.
• Nicholls needs 27 runs to reach the 3000 mark in Test cricket.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com a conquista do Campeonato Paulista de 2024, Abel Ferreira chegou ao décimo título à frente do comando técnico do Palmeiras e empatou com Osvaldo Brandão como o treinador com mais taças na historia do clube.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

Neste domingo (7), o Verdão derrotou o Santos por 2 a 0, no Allianz Parque, e chegou ao tricampeonato do torneio estadual. Treinador do clube desde de novembro de 2020, Abel levantou seu primeiro troféu justamente contra o Peixe, na decisão da Copa Libertadores da mesma temporada.

SAIBA OS CINCO TREINADORES COM MAIS TÍTULOS PELO PALMEIRAS

▪️ Abel Ferreira e Osvaldo Brandão – 10 títulos
▪️ Vanderlei Luxemburgo – 8 títulos
▪️ Ventura Cambon – 7 títulos
▪️ Luiz Felipe Scolari – 6 títulos
▪️ Humberto Cabelli – 4 títulos

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Ao todo, Abel disputou 14 finais pelo Palmeiras e faturou oito delas. Com contrato renovado até dezembro de 2025, o português terá diversas oportunidades para se isolar na liderança da lista de maiores vencedores. Neste ano, o Verdão ainda disputa a Libertadores, Copa do Brasil e Campeonato Brasileiro.

VEJA TODOS OS TÍTULOS DE ABEL FERREIRA PELO PALMEIRAS

🏆 Copa Libertadores: 2020 e 2021
🏆 Copa do Brasil: 2020
🏆 Campeonato Brasileiro: 2022 e 2023
🏆 Recopa Sul-Americana: 2022
🏆 Campeonato Paulista: 2022, 2023 e 2024
🏆 Supercopa do Brasil: 2023

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Abel FerreiraFutebol NacionalPalmeiras

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Com a rescisão do contrato junto ao Vitória de Guimarães, o Vasco tem o caminho livre para acertar a contratação e anunciar Álvaro Pacheco. A situação estava toda encaminhada para que o técnico português chegasse na próxima semana, mas reviravoltas aconteceram nas últimas horas e aceleraram os processos. Saiba dos bastidores com o Lance! abaixo.

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🗒️ ACORDO INICIAL
Álvaro Pacheco tinha acordado com o Vitória de Guimarães e o próprio Vasco de que faria o último jogo pelo clube português contra o Arouca, partida válida pela última rodada do Campeonato Português. Com isso, o técnico chegaria ao Brasil somente na próxima semana.

🔄 MUDANÇA DE PLANOS
Nas últimas horas, Álvaro Pacheco foi pressionado a sair do Vitória de Guimarães. Segundo informações apuradas pelo Lance!, futuro técnico do Vasco foi comunicado de que se não saísse agora, só sairia, antes mesmo da última rodada do Campeonato Português, só deixaria o clube ao final do contrato. Ou seja, em junho de 2025.

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Não era de hoje que o Vitória de Guimarães estava insatisfeito com Álvaro Pacheco. Sobretudo, após o episódio do técnico ter sentado para conversar com o Cuiabá. Nesta época, o clube português ainda tinha chances de se classificar para uma competição internacional.

Em entrevista coletiva, o presidente do Vitória de Guimarães, António Miguel Cardoso subiu o tom. Confira abaixo o que o dirigente disse.

– O treinador sai a custo zero porque, perante um treinador que a 3 dias do fim da temporada pretende sair, o clube não pode ficar refém de uma situação destas. Temos de ter alguém no comando que se preocupe.

😞 SENTIMENTO DE INJUSTIÇA
O Lance! também apurou junto a pessoas de Álvaro Pacheco que o técnico se sente injustiçado, tendo em vista que era um desejo pessoal fazer o jogo da despedida no Vitória de Guimarães, clube pelo qual tem grande carinho.

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Além disso, o sentimento é de que foi empurrado para fora do Vitória de Guimarães. Vale destacar que se conquistasse um resultado positivo contra o Arouca, Álvaro Pacheco bateria o recorde de pontuação de toda a história do clube no Campeonato Português.

Apesar de não ter data programada para a chegada ao Rio de Janeiro, a expectativa é de que Álvaro Pacheco chegue a tempo ainda para assistir o clássico contra o Flamengo. O Vasco enfrenta o maior rival neste sábado (18), às 21h, no Maracanã.

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Álvaro PachecoFutebol NacionalVascoVitória de Guimarães

For the first time in 24 years, baseball fans in Seattle have experienced the taste of a postseason victory at home.

The Mariners defeated the Tigers 3–2 in Game 2 of the ALDS on Sunday night, evening up the series 1-1. The victory marked the first time in almost a quarter of a century that the Mariners won a playoff game at their home stadium.

As a result, it was an emotional scene at T-Mobile Park, as fans in Seattle soaked in the feeling of an October win. The Fox broadcast captured the scenes in the Pacific Northwest to perfection, showcasing some excited fans as they finally experienced the long-awaited moment.

One fan was captured on the broadcast tearing up and exchanging a wholesome embrace with a loved one.

The last time the Mariners won a home playoff game was October 15, 2001, when they defeated Cleveland 3–1. That season, they advanced to the ALCS but were ultimately defeated by the Yankees in a five-game series.

Fans are hoping this year will be different. Seattle is one of five MLB teams to never win a World Series, and it's clear that the team's supporters are ready for the drought to snap.

Game 3 is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 7 from Comerica Park in Detroit. The series could potentially return to Seattle for a Game 5, if necessary.