Author: WTX Sports Team

The Sports Team is responsible for delivering your Sports Brief. Weekly roundup to cover all things Football, Cricket, Tennis Formula 1, Boxing and Olympics and more.

Cliff Notes – Buttler: Gill’s captaincy ‘a mix of Kohli and Rohit’ Jos Buttler describes Shubman Gill’s leadership style as a blend of Virat Kohli’s intensity and Rohit Sharma’s laid-back approach, highlighting his ability to be "his own man." Buttler emphasises the importance of Gill compartmentalising his roles as captain and batsman to maintain his performance, drawing from his own experiences in England’s white-ball captaincy. The pressure of captaining the Indian Test team is immense,…

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Cliff Notes – Drogheda banned from Conference League for multi-club ownership Drogheda United’s appeal against removal from the Conference League was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport due to breaches of UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. The club will forfeit approximately €350,000 in prize money and expressed regret over the situation, citing "great heartbreak and disbelief" among fans. UEFA prioritised Silkeborg for the Conference League spot as they finished higher in their league, while…

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Leclerc not trying to “prove anybody wrong” amid speculation at F1 Canadian GP F1

Leclerc Dismisses Criticism Ahead of Canadian GP Charles Leclerc has firmly stated that neither he nor his Ferrari team need to “prove anybody wrong” amidst growing criticism from the Italian media following a lacklustre start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. With only a single victory in the Shanghai sprint to their name, speculation around team principal Frederic Vasseur’s future has intensified, yet Leclerc remains focused on performing to the best of their abilities. A…

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Cliff Notes – ECB consider ‘de-coupling’ Women’s Hundred in bid for standalone sell-outs Richard Gould, ECB chief executive, aims to sell out women’s matches in the Hundred, contemplating the separation of double-headers from 2026 to enhance ticket revenue. The current model, which pairs women’s and men’s matches on the same day, has been successful, with record attendance of 320,000 at women’s matches last season. ECB consider ‘de-coupling’ Women’s Hundred in bid for standalone sell-outs The…

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Cliff Notes – Injured Doggett out of West Indies Tests, Abbott called up as replacement Brendan Doggett has been ruled out of Australia’s Test series against the West Indies due to a minor hip injury, with Sean Abbott named as his replacement. Doggett, who recently recorded impressive figures in the Sheffield Shield final, was expected to make his Test debut but will now return to Australia for recovery. Injured Doggett out of West Indies Tests,…

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Hadjar suffers grid penalty for impeding Sainz during F1 Canadian GP qualifying F1

Isack Hadjar Receives Grid Penalty Amid Qualifying Controversy at F1 Canadian GP Isack Hadjar has incurred a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix after a communication breakdown with his Racing Bulls team led to the rookie impeding Carlos Sainz during qualifying. Hadjar’s Plea of Innocence During Saturday’s qualifying session, Hadjar was on an in-lap when he inadvertently blocked Sainz, who was on a hot lap approaching Turn 6. Sainz, unable…

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Cliff Notes – Gattuso named new head coach, Buffon confirms Gennaro Gattuso is set to replace Luciano Spalletti as Italy’s head coach, confirmed by Gianluigi Buffon of the FIGC. Spalletti was sacked following a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, including a 3-0 loss to Norway. Italy to name Gattuso as new head coach, Buffon confirms Italy are set to appoint their former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as new head coach to replace the recently sacked Luciano…

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Cliff Notes – David Beckham knighthood Man United legend given major honour David Beckham knighthood: Man United legend given major honour but will his family feud overshadow it? Manchester United and England legend David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in King Charles’ Birthday Honours list. The accolade, awarded for his services to sport and to charity, ends Beckham’s long wait for Britain’s highest honorary title. On Friday, reports of family drama threatened to overshadow…

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Cliff Notes – Tijjani Reijnders: I’m not at Man City to replace Kevin De Bruyne Tijjani Reijnders, recently signed by Manchester City for £46.5 million, emphasises he is not there to replace Kevin De Bruyne, despite admiring him as an idol. The Netherlands international aims to develop his own style while incorporating elements from De Bruyne and other football legends like Andres Iniesta. I’m not at Man City to replace Kevin De Bruyne Tijjani Reijnders…

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Canadian GP: Lando Norris sets the pace in final practice ahead of Charles Leclerc F1

Norris Sets the Pace Ahead of Qualifying in Canada Lando Norris showcased his speed in the final practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix, clocking a lap of 1:11.799, just 0.078 seconds faster than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The Mclaren driver’s impressive performance comes as his teammate Oscar Piastri faced a setback, crashing into Montreal’s infamous wall of champions. Final Practice Highlights Norris Leads the Pack Norris’s impressive time marked a significant turnaround after he described…

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Cliff Notes – South Africa hope Markram’s career-defining knock can be match-defining too Aiden Markram’s century, scored under immense pressure, is poised to be one of the most significant in South African cricket history, particularly in a fourth-innings context. Despite his emotional celebration, Markram remains focused on the task ahead, with South Africa still needing 69 runs for victory. Markram’s performance reflects a return to form after previous struggles, showcasing his ability to adapt and…

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What Norris wants to change after enduring “worst Friday” of F1 2025 in Canada F1

Mclaren’s Struggles Mark "Worst Friday" for Norris in Canada Lando Norris lamented a frustrating day at the office for McLaren as he described it as the team’s "worst Friday" of the F1 2025 season during practice sessions at the Canadian Grand Prix. Both Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri struggled for pace, finishing seventh and 14th in the morning session, and sixth and second in the afternoon respectively, as strong performances from Mercedes, Red Bull, and…

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Cliff Notes – Barcelona set to complete transfer for Joan García from Espanyol source Barcelona has activated Joan García’s €25 million release clause, confirming the goalkeeper’s imminent transfer from Espanyol. García, 24, has signed a six-year contract with Barça, enhancing their goalkeeping options alongside Marc-André ter Stegen and others. Despite interest from Premier League clubs, Barcelona secured García’s signature, with Espanyol unable to prevent the transfer due to the contractual clause. Barcelona set to complete…

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Cliff Notes – Transfer rumors news Barcelona plot Nico Williams move Barcelona is in discussions regarding a potential transfer for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who is reportedly keen on joining the club. Manchester United is focusing on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a key target, should they miss out on Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres. Transfer rumors, news: Barcelona plot Nico Williams move Barcelona have held a meeting regarding a move for Athletic Club winger…

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