The sound is unique. How can this be? A regulation cricket bat hitting a regulation cricket ball: logic tells us this should sound the same whoever is swinging it. And yet intuition tells us otherwise. Kevin Pietersen’s shots sounded like the crack of a rifle. Matthew Hayden’s sounded like an axe slicing through a tree. […]
Sport
Pujara helps India stay on top of England despite Bairstow’s brilliant century
England’s apparent reinvention as a fearless chasing team in Test cricket this summer is heading for its stiffest examination following a lively third day in which not even Jonny Bairstow’s latest celestial century could prevent India taking full control. By stumps, as Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad prepared to plunge their weary feet into ice […]
John Eustace replaces Lee Bowyer at Birmingham amid takeover uncertainty
Birmingham have appointed John Eustace as their new head coach, one day after announcing Lee Bowyer’s departure. The 42-year-old Eustace, who was assistant manager with QPR and, since March, the Republic of Ireland, has agreed a three-year deal with the Championship club. The change of manager at St Andrew’s comes amid uncertainty over a proposed […]
Cameron Norrie rises to Wimbledon occasion by overpowering Tommy Paul
Over the delirious past 18 months in the life of Cameron Norrie, he had already achieved plenty. He has racked up ATP titles, lifting four trophies along with another five finals. Among his palmarès now is one of the biggest tournaments in the sport, Indian Wells. Two months ago he rose into the top 10. […]
Nationals’ Soto says MRI showed no damage to injured left calf
Juan Soto said an MRI on his left calf showed no damage after he left the Washington Nationals game Sunday against the Miami Marlins because of tightness, and he plans to take the situation day by day. “Everything was fine,” Soto said. “We gonna be good. They said it’s just a little tight, so just […]
Mets ace deGrom whiffs 5 of 6 batters in 1st rehab start
Back in a game at last, Jacob deGrom was sharp. The New York Mets ace struck out five of the six batters he faced and threw 18 of 24 pitches for strikes Sunday night in his first minor league rehabilitation start for Class A St. Lucie. The only hiccup for deGrom against the Jupiter Hammerheads […]
Trout’s slump worsens, Astros strike out 20 to sweep Angels
Mike Trout watched as a low sinker grazed the outside corner of the strike zone in the third inning Sunday, rung up once again in a weekend filled with strikeouts. Before trudging back to the dugout he made a face that seemed to scream: Yikes! The Angels star went 0 for 11 with nine strikeouts […]