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Ben Stokes shocks India with 5-wicket masterclass and Zak Crawley says He’s got that pace back… it’s phenomenal

England captain Ben Stokes stuns with five-for after 8 years as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett tear into Indian bowling with fearless 166-run stand

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Ben Stokes Five-Wicket Comeback Stuns India as Zak Crawley Calls It "Phenomenal"
Ben Stokes celebrates after taking 5 wickets as Zak Crawley watches on during England’s dominant Day 2 against India at Old Trafford

When Ben Stokes walks onto a cricket field, the atmosphere shifts. It’s as if the crowd expects something magical to happen — and at Old Trafford, the England captain delivered a spellbinding performance that sent shockwaves through the Indian dressing room.

After years of battling injuries and being pigeonholed into a batting-only role, Stokes roared back with the ball, claiming 5 for 72 in a stunning bowling effort — his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket since 2016. The performance helped England bowl out India for 358, seizing control of the fourth Test.

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Then came the follow-up: a dominant 166-run opening stand between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, setting England up at 225 for 2 at stumps on Day 2, trailing India by just 133 runs and with momentum firmly in their hands.

But let’s rewind. Stokes’ bowling wasn’t just about the numbers. It was about the rhythm, the menace, and that unmistakable zip through the air — something England fans hadn’t seen in a while.

He’s got that pace back,” said opener Zak Crawley. “And the way he gets that away movement from the right-handers — the zip, the bounce — that’s as much as anyone in the world.

Crawley, who watched from the slips as Stokes dismantled India’s middle-order, was in awe of his skipper’s transformation. At 32, and with a hamstring tear only recently behind him, Stokes appeared reborn.

He’s a proper wicket-taker again,” Crawley added. “And to do that after the injuries he’s had… well, it’s phenomenal.

Stokes’ spell was reminiscent of his heroics at Newlands in 2020, where he bowled England to a famous win against South Africa with a flurry of late wickets. Against India, the theatre was just as gripping. The relentless angles, the hostile bounce, and the sheer will to break through — all combined into a performance for the ages.

Ben Stokes Five-Wicket Comeback Stuns India as Zak Crawley Calls It "Phenomenal"


His dismissal of Ravindra Jadeja — a searing delivery that jagged away late — sparked jubilation. The crowd sensed something special. Then came R. Ashwin, undone by a sharp lifter, followed by a flurry of tail-end scalps that sealed Stokes’ five-for.

With the balling done, Crawley and Duckett took center stage. The duo shrugged off a spirited Indian bowling attack and launched a counter-offensive that quickly flattened any hopes India had of extending their first-innings advantage.

Crawley, in particular, was at his elegant best. His 84 off 93 balls featured silken drives, crisp pulls, and a steely calm that belied the high-stakes setting.

But not everything was smooth sailing leading into the day. A minor pre-match controversy bubbled from the previous Test at Lord’s, where India’s captain Shubman Gill accused England of time-wasting tactics after Crawley delayed walking out to bat at the end of the third evening.

I saw the umpires go out and I walked out,” Crawley responded. “I wasn’t aware we were 90 seconds late. But fair enough.

Still, Crawley seemed to relish the edge the moment created. He described the chirping from Indian fielders as “part of the fun” and added:

I’ve always enjoyed that part of cricket. It’s two of you against 11, and they’re desperate to get you out. Sometimes, you just give it back. Lord’s was like that. I loved that little eight-minute passage. No one stepped over the line.

While Duckett compiled a composed 72, it was Crawley’s strokeplay that stole the spotlight. He dismantled the Indian pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar, and Mohammed Siraj with flair and control.

India’s bowlers, who had shown early promise, quickly looked out of ideas. Even Ravichandran Ashwin, usually a dependable strike option, struggled to contain England’s aggressive mindset.

By the end of Day 2, the script had flipped. India’s hopes of building pressure through a first-innings total north of 350 were dashed, first by Ben Stokes the bowler, then by Crawley and Duckett the batsmen.

A Captain’s Comeback

For Stokes, this wasn’t just a return to form — it was a reaffirmation of his role as a match-winner with the ball. Since the beginning of the series, there had been questions: Would he bowl? Could he last long spells? Was he fit?

With 16 wickets at an average of 24.75, he’s answered them emphatically. And he’s done so with the added pressure of captaincy on his shoulders.

He can make things happen,” Crawley said. “He seems to have got that back now.

As England looks to level the series heading into the final day of the Test, the energy in the camp is palpable. Whether this Test turns into another Ben Stokes special remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: India has been rattled, and England has their gladiator back in full force.

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“She’s too easy to beat”—Claressa Shields defends undisputed crown and dares Laila Ali to accept $15M mega-fight offer

In a dominant 10-round display against Lani Daniels, boxing icon Claressa Shields remains undefeated, mocks the lack of worthy challengers, and throws down a $15 million gauntlet to retired legend Laila Ali.

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Claressa Shields Defeats Lani Daniels and Calls Out Laila Ali for $15M Mega-Fight

Claressa Shields the self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time), continues to build a case that few in boxing history—man or woman—can match her legacy. On Saturday night at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, she reminded the world why she’s still the queen of the ring.

ALSO READ : Katie Taylor stuns Madison Square Garden again: We are history makers forever after trilogy win over Amanda Serrano

In front of a roaring crowd of 15,369 fans, the Flint, Michigan native defended her undisputed heavyweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over New Zealand’s Lani Daniels The judges scored the bout 100-90, 99-91, and 99-91—all in favor of Shields, who barely broke a sweat in yet another masterclass performance.She fought a hard fight, and I hit Lani with some big shots,” Shields said. “I broke her to the body. I broke her down to the head… but she’s tough.

Shields, now 17-0 (3 KOs), dictated the fight from the center of the ring, showing off her exceptional footwork, sharp jab, and brutal body shots—especially in Rounds 5 through 7. Daniels, who entered the bout as the IBF Light Heavyweight Champion, had won seven straight prior to Saturday but quickly discovered why Shields is in a league of her own.

Claressa Shields Defeats Lani Daniels and Calls Out Laila Ali for $15M Mega-Fight


Rapper Rick Ross accompanied her ring walk, setting the tone for a night that was all about greatness. From the opening bell, Shields controlled the pace, teasing Daniels and even urging her to “stand and fight” during an early-round taunt. When Daniels finally mounted a minor rally in the eighth and ninth rounds, Shields simply laughed it off.

These girls are just too easy to beat,” Shields declared post-fight. “They talk so much crap, but I clear every division I touch.

Indeed, she has. In February, she made history as the first boxer—male or female—to become undisputed champion in three weight divisions, after defeating Danielle Perkins in her hometown of Flint.

Now, Shields is looking for something bigger. She’s eyeing legacy fights—ones that would define eras. That includes a long-teased showdown against Laila Ali daughter of Muhammad Ali and a legend in her own right.

We put up the $15 million for the fight and we haven’t heard anything back,” Shields revealed. “Hopefully she saw the fight tonight and says, ‘You know what? I think I can take her.

Shields also mentioned possible matchups with Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Che Kenneally, and even a potential bout at 154 lbs against Mikaela Mayer if serious negotiations happen.

In the co-main event, Tony Harrison made a triumphant return with a unanimous decision win over Edward Diaz. Harrison, sporting full Detroit Lions gear, bounced back from a 2023 TKO loss to Tim Tszyu, overcoming a scare in the ninth round when Diaz clipped him with a right hand.

It wasn’t even like a punch that hurt me,” Harrison said. “It was kind of a flash. I owed that for not being disciplined.

But the night undoubtedly belonged to Shields. Her ability to neutralize elite opponents, control the fight tempo, and entertain fans has positioned her as not just the face of women’s boxing—but its gold standard.

With no signs of slowing down, Claressa Shields has made it clear: she’s waiting for someone—anyone—who can bring the fight to her level.

Until then, she remains undisputed, undefeated, and unmatched.

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Who is this masked man Arsenal fans erupt as €63M star Gyökeres unveiled before late Ødegaard penalty stuns Newcastle

Viktor Gyökeres receives hero’s welcome in Singapore as Arsenal edge Newcastle United 3-2 thanks to a dramatic 85th-minute penalty from Martin Ødegaard, with 15-year-old Max Dowman stealing hearts again.

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Arsenal Unveil Gyökeres Before Ødegaard’s Penalty Seals 3-2 Win Over Newcastle
Viktor Gyökeres greets Arsenal fans in Singapore before Ødegaard’s late penalty clinches 3-2 win over Newcastle.

The humid Singapore air couldn’t cool down the electric atmosphere inside the National Stadium as Arsenal fans got more than just a preseason friendly—they got a blockbuster show. Just before kick-off, the Gunners unveiled their €63 million ($74M) marquee signing Viktor Gyökeres and the crowd roared in unison, many mimicking the striker’s now-iconic mask celebration as he waved to all four corners.

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Having just flown in from London after completing his medical, Gyökeres didn’t take the field, but his presence alone lit a spark under Mikel Arteta’s side. That spark soon turned into fire, culminating in a thrilling 3-2 win over Newcastle United that showcased everything from world-class talent to youthful brilliance.

Newcastle struck first, and early. Sandro Tonali made a blistering run down the right and found Anthony Elanga—a £55M summer arrival from Nottingham Forest—who scuffed his finish but beat David Raya regardless.

But Arsenal, never a side to be silenced, responded in style just after the half-hour mark. Mikel Merino dispossessed Joe Willock, passed it to Leandro Trossard, who quickly linked up with Kai Havertz. A cheeky flick from Havertz set up Merino for a clinical finish—an equalizer that oozed class and control.

Within two minutes, the Gunners were in front. Trossard fired a low cross from the left, and in a twist of misfortune, Alex Murphy of Newcastle bundled the ball into his own net. Arsenal were ahead 2-1, and Singapore’s 38,720 fans were roaring.

However, concern briefly hit the red half when new signing Riccardo Calafiori was forced off before halftime with what appeared to be a muscle issue.

Arsenal Unveil Gyökeres Before Ødegaard’s Penalty Seals 3-2 Win Over Newcastle


Coming into the second half, Martin Ødegaard replaced youngster Ethan Nwaneri, while Newcastle rolled out nine changes, with only Nick Pope and William Osula staying on.

Though Bukayo Saka almost stole the show with a bicycle kick that Pope acrobatically saved, it was Jacob Murphy who drew Newcastle level at 2-2 with a long-range strike that stunned Raya.

Then came Max Dowman—Arsenal’s 15-year-old prodigy who had already made waves earlier in the tour. His curling shot forced another smart save from Pope. But he wasn’t done.

In the 85th minute, Dowman made a surging run into the box and was brought down, earning the penalty that Ødegaard coolly converted to seal a thrilling 3-2 win.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, who had come on for Raya, had to make one final stop from Harrison Ashby in stoppage time, preserving the victory.

What’s even more exciting for Gunners fans? This team isn’t just talented—it’s deep. With stars like Gyökeres, Saka, Ødegaard, and emerging names like Dowman, Calafiori, and Nwaneri, the future looks both packed and promising.

Next stop for Arsenal? Hong Kong, where they’ll face fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur. As for Newcastle, they’re heading to South Korea for a showdown against the K League All-Stars.

This wasn’t just a preseason game. It was a statement: Arsenal are ready for the new season—and they’ve got a new masked striker waiting in the wings.

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Lamine Yamal wears No. 10 as Barcelona crush Vissel Kobe 3-1 in preseason thriller—Here’s what stole the show…

With goals from Eric Garcia, Roony Bardghji, and academy sensation Dro, Barcelona’s preseason opener under Hansi Flick hints at a squad deeper, hungrier, and more dynamic than ever.

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Barcelona vs Vissel Kobe Preseason 2025 Lamine Yamal Wears No.10 as Barca Win 3-1
Lamine Yamal stuns in Barcelona’s No. 10 jersey as Flick’s side dominate Vissel Kobe in a commanding 3-1 victory.

The new era at FC Barcelona kicked off in style as the Catalan giants swept aside Vissel Kobe 3-1 in their preseason opener. But it wasn’t just the scoreline that made headlines. From Lamine Yamal donning the iconic number 10 jersey to the seamless debut of Joan García, this match may go down as the moment Barcelona’s depth and future ambition were laid bare for the world.

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Led by newly appointed head coach Hansi Flick the Spanish champions fielded a near full-strength XI to honor the 30th anniversary of Vissel Kobe’s foundation. And the message was clear: Barcelona isn’t here to experiment—they’re here to dominate.

The game’s opening goal came from an unlikely source: Eric Garcia The defender pounced on a messy clearance in the box after a corner kick, showing poise more often associated with strikers than center-backs.

Soon after, Joan García—Barcelona’s new number one goalkeeper—stole the spotlight with a string of critical saves. Flick has put full faith in the young Spaniard, and García proved why, commanding his box with maturity and confidence that belied his age.

But it wasn’t just the established names making noise.

Enter Roony Bardghji the Swedish teen sensation. Making his debut in Blaugrana colors, Bardghji slotted home a calm finish that showcased both his composure and potential. Not to be outdone, La Masia graduate Dro added a third, capping off an encouraging night for Barcelona’s youth development program.

Barcelona vs Vissel Kobe Preseason 2025 Lamine Yamal Wears No.10 as Barca Win 3-1


Yet the moment that truly sent chills down the spines of the Culers was seeing Lamine Yamal with the sacred No. 10 on his back. In the post-Messi era, that jersey carries immense weight. And while Yamal showed moments of brilliance with his dribbles, flicks, and one-touch passes, it’s clear the club believes he’s ready for more.

The only sour note? A defensive lapse by Pau Cubarsí allowed Miyashiro to equalize briefly for the Japanese side. But with Joan García between the posts, Barcelona quickly regained control, and the match was never truly in doubt.

What’s perhaps most impressive is Flick’s tactical clarity this early into his tenure. He fielded Gavi in a double pivot, explored Ferran Torres as a Lewandowski alternative, and trusted Eric Garcia at right-back—each decision hinting at long-term strategy, not just preseason tinkering.

With other regulars like Pedri, Raphinha, Alejandro Balde, and Iñigo Martínez also getting valuable minutes, the Blaugrana looked not just sharp—but unified.

While it’s still early days, fans and analysts alike are starting to believe: this might be the most balanced Barcelona squad in years.

From fresh blood to familiar brilliance, from youth dreams to championship ambition, this 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe was more than just a preseason match—it was a statement.

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is here. And they’re hungry.

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