England hammered Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge on Saturday.&nbsp;Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir took a Test-best 6-81 as Zimbabwe, following-on, were dismissed for 255 on the third day of four in what was the African nation's first Test in England in 22 years.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-eng-vs-ind-2025-ajit-agarkar-breaks-silence-on-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-test-retirement-calls-urges-fans-to-respect-it-and-move-on-1748094137496">Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Virat and Rohit’s Test retirement calls, urges fans to ‘respect it and move on’</a>&nbsp;Bashir's second five-wicket haul at Trent Bridge, following his 5-70 against the West Indies last year, gave him match figures of 9-143.&nbsp;Sean Williams (88) and Ben Curran fell to Bashir on either side of lunch, with Sikandar Raza's breezy 60 merely delaying England's win.&nbsp;England laid the platform for victory in their opening match of their 2025 home season with a commanding first-innings total of 565-6 declared, that saw their top three of Zak Crawley (124), Ben Duckett (140) and Ollie Pope all score hundreds.&nbsp;Although opener Brian Bennett struck Zimbabwe's fastest Test hundred, off 97 balls, in reply, the tourists were still dismissed for 265, with England captain Ben Stokes taking two wickets in his first match in any kind of cricket this year.&nbsp;Bashir, whose two first-class wickets this season had cost an average of 152 apiece, put some indifferent county form behind him with 3-62 in the first innings.&nbsp;Stokes's side next face India in a five-match series starting in June.&nbsp;Zimbabwe return to the Test arena with a two-match series at home to neighbours South Africa in June and July.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Bashir picks nine wickets at Trent Bridge as England thrash Zimbabwe in four day Test

England hammered Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge on Saturday. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir took a Test-best 6-81 as Zimbabwe, following-on, were dismissed for 255 on the third day of four in what was the African nation's first Test in England in 22 years. Also read | Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Virat and Rohit’s Test retirement calls, urges fans to ‘respect it and move on’ Bashir's second five-wicket haul at Trent Bridge, following his 5-70 against the West Indies last year, gave him match figures of 9-143. Sean Williams (88) and Ben Curran fell to Bashir on either side of lunch, with Sikandar Raza's breezy 60 merely delaying England's win. England laid the platform for victory in their opening match of their 2025 home season with a commanding first-innings total of 565-6 declared, that saw their top three of Zak Crawley (124), Ben Duckett (140) and Ollie Pope all score hundreds. Although opener Brian Bennett struck Zimbabwe's fastest Test hundred, off 97 balls, in reply, the tourists were still dismissed for 265, with England captain Ben Stokes taking two wickets in his first match in any kind of cricket this year. Bashir, whose two first-class wickets this season had cost an average of 152 apiece, put some indifferent county form behind him with 3-62 in the first innings. Stokes's side next face India in a five-match series starting in June. Zimbabwe return to the Test arena with a two-match series at home to neighbours South Africa in June and July. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir took a Test-best 6-81 as Zimbabwe, following-on, were dismissed for 255 on the third day of four in what was the African nation's first Test in England in 22 years.

Bashir picks nine wickets at Trent Bridge as England thrash Zimbabwe in four-day Test

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford are "fantastic players" amid speculation the Spanish champions are interested in signing one of them.&nbsp;This season, Raphinha has excelled on the left wing and on Thursday signed a contract extension until 2028, but Barca are looking to add another option to their squad for that position.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ange-postecoglou-future-at-spurs-remains-uncertain-despite-european-glory-europa-league-tottenham-1748098633894">Ange Postecoglou's future at Spurs remains uncertain despite European glory</a>&nbsp;Sporting director Deco admitted he liked the Premier League duo earlier in the week on Spanish radio, and Flick confirmed he is of a similar opinion.&nbsp;"Normally I don't want to speak about players that are not in my team, but of course both of them are fantastic players," Flick told a news conference Saturday, a day before Barca's final La Liga match at Athletic Bilbao.&nbsp;"I like them and we will see what happens -- but of course they are fantastic players."&nbsp;England international Rashford is out of favour at Manchester United and spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa.&nbsp;Colombian winger Diaz is a regular for Premier League champions Liverpool and could cost around 80 million euros ($91 million), which would represent a significant financial outlay for a Barca side still struggling in that regard.&nbsp;This season, they had to battle La Liga through the court system to allow Dani Olmo and Pau Victor to play after they were not registered in time because of economic issues.&nbsp;Barca winger Ansu Fati is linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Monaco, having played just six La Liga matches under Flick this season.&nbsp;"(Ansu leaving) is not my decision, he has a contract and will make the decision," said Flick. "When he wants to speak with me, he can do that, it's not a problem, but for me, it's his decision."&nbsp;Flick renewed his Barca deal until 2027 this week after a season in which the Catalans won a domestic treble, adding the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup to their league triumph.&nbsp;The German coach said he thought things might be trickier in the coming season but that Barca would look to raise their level further still.&nbsp;"We also want to improve next season. I know it's not easy, the next season may be tougher than this season," added Flick. "But of course we have confidence, we know how good we can play football, but we also have to work on this level... (and the staff) also have to work hard and give the players more options."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick hails Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford amid transfer rumours

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford are "fantastic players" amid speculation the Spanish champions are interested in signing one of them. This season, Raphinha has excelled on the left wing and on Thursday signed a contract extension until 2028, but Barca are looking to add another option to their squad for that position. Also read | Ange Postecoglou's future at Spurs remains uncertain despite European glory Sporting director Deco admitted he liked the Premier League duo earlier in the week on Spanish radio, and Flick confirmed he is of a similar opinion. "Normally I don't want to speak about players that are not in my team, but of course both of them are fantastic players," Flick told a news conference Saturday, a day before Barca's final La Liga match at Athletic Bilbao. "I like them and we will see what happens -- but of course they are fantastic players." England international Rashford is out of favour at Manchester United and spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa. Colombian winger Diaz is a regular for Premier League champions Liverpool and could cost around 80 million euros ($91 million), which would represent a significant financial outlay for a Barca side still struggling in that regard. This season, they had to battle La Liga through the court system to allow Dani Olmo and Pau Victor to play after they were not registered in time because of economic issues. Barca winger Ansu Fati is linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Monaco, having played just six La Liga matches under Flick this season. "(Ansu leaving) is not my decision, he has a contract and will make the decision," said Flick. "When he wants to speak with me, he can do that, it's not a problem, but for me, it's his decision." Flick renewed his Barca deal until 2027 this week after a season in which the Catalans won a domestic treble, adding the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup to their league triumph. The German coach said he thought things might be trickier in the coming season but that Barca would look to raise their level further still. "We also want to improve next season. I know it's not easy, the next season may be tougher than this season," added Flick. "But of course we have confidence, we know how good we can play football, but we also have to work on this level... (and the staff) also have to work hard and give the players more options." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

This season, Raphinha has excelled on the left wing and on Thursday signed a contract extension until 2028, but Barca are looking to add another option to their squad for that position.

Ange Postecoglou is yet to discuss his future with chairman Daniel Levy as the Tottenham manager waits to discover if he will be sacked despite winning the Europa League.&nbsp;Postecoglou led Tottenham to their first silverware in 17 years with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Wednesday's final in Bilbao.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-ange-postecoglou-lives-up-to-promise-as-spurs-boss-delivers-silverware-in-europe-says-i-m-a-winner-1747892109276">Ange Postecoglou lives up to promise as Spurs boss delivers silverware in Europe, says 'I'm a winner'</a>&nbsp;The north London club's first European trophy in 41 years also secured qualification for next season's Champions League. But, languishing in 17th in the Premier League, Tottenham are set for their worst top-flight final position since 1976-77 amid reports that Postecoglou faces the axe.&nbsp;After being serenaded by thousands of Tottenham supporters at Friday's Europa League bus parade, Postecoglou declared "season three is always better than season two" in a hint he believes that he will survive. But, facing the media before the last game of the top-flight season against Brighton on Sunday, the 59-year-old insisted he remained in the dark over his future.&nbsp;"I should have thought about it a bit more because, as somebody rightly pointed out, sometimes they kill off the main character. I could be in strife there," Postecoglou told reporters on Saturday.&nbsp;"I said, even before the game, I really believe we're just building something, and a significant win accelerates that. I really believe that is the case, and I am not going to put a limit on what we can achieve.&nbsp;"I certainly believe it's exciting the possibilities of next year, knowing I've got a group of players now and staff and a club that knows how to win and wants more of it.&nbsp;"Similar to before the game, I haven't had any discussions with the club. Like I said, maybe they were just waiting for clear air to give me some guidance, but I haven't heard anything from the club."&nbsp;Pressed on his chances of remaining in the job for a third season, former Celtic boss Postecoglou referenced American comedy Seinfeld and an episode where character George Costanza turns up for work after leaving his job.&nbsp;Postecoglou, who has two years to run on his contract, said: "I just refuse to be distracted by anything in terms of the opportunity that was before us.&nbsp;"And since the game, I just wanted to take the opportunity also to enjoy that as well.&nbsp;"I haven't thought about it. I assume at some point somebody will tell me something. If not, I'm just gonna roll up next year and be a bit like Costanza from Seinfeld. I'll just sit in the desk and get on with my job."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Ange Postecoglou future at Spurs remains uncertain despite European glory

Ange Postecoglou is yet to discuss his future with chairman Daniel Levy as the Tottenham manager waits to discover if he will be sacked despite winning the Europa League. Postecoglou led Tottenham to their first silverware in 17 years with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Wednesday's final in Bilbao. Also read | Ange Postecoglou lives up to promise as Spurs boss delivers silverware in Europe, says 'I'm a winner' The north London club's first European trophy in 41 years also secured qualification for next season's Champions League. But, languishing in 17th in the Premier League, Tottenham are set for their worst top-flight final position since 1976-77 amid reports that Postecoglou faces the axe. After being serenaded by thousands of Tottenham supporters at Friday's Europa League bus parade, Postecoglou declared "season three is always better than season two" in a hint he believes that he will survive. But, facing the media before the last game of the top-flight season against Brighton on Sunday, the 59-year-old insisted he remained in the dark over his future. "I should have thought about it a bit more because, as somebody rightly pointed out, sometimes they kill off the main character. I could be in strife there," Postecoglou told reporters on Saturday. "I said, even before the game, I really believe we're just building something, and a significant win accelerates that. I really believe that is the case, and I am not going to put a limit on what we can achieve. "I certainly believe it's exciting the possibilities of next year, knowing I've got a group of players now and staff and a club that knows how to win and wants more of it. "Similar to before the game, I haven't had any discussions with the club. Like I said, maybe they were just waiting for clear air to give me some guidance, but I haven't heard anything from the club." Pressed on his chances of remaining in the job for a third season, former Celtic boss Postecoglou referenced American comedy Seinfeld and an episode where character George Costanza turns up for work after leaving his job. Postecoglou, who has two years to run on his contract, said: "I just refuse to be distracted by anything in terms of the opportunity that was before us. "And since the game, I just wanted to take the opportunity also to enjoy that as well. "I haven't thought about it. I assume at some point somebody will tell me something. If not, I'm just gonna roll up next year and be a bit like Costanza from Seinfeld. I'll just sit in the desk and get on with my job." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Postecoglou led Tottenham to their first silverware in 17 years with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Wednesday's final in Bilbao.

Ange Postecoglou's future at Spurs remains uncertain despite European glory

Andrey Rublev is into his third Hamburg Open final after a straight-sets victory over Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday.&nbsp;The Russian, who lost in 2019 but won the tournament a year later, won 6-1, 6-4 against his 30th-ranked opponent.&nbsp;Rublev, the third seed, will meet Italy's Flavio Cobolli in the final on Saturday.&nbsp;The world number 17 was broken just once, winning in an hour and 24 minutes against the sixth-seeded Canadian.&nbsp;In the second set, Rublev broke his opponent's serve at 4-4 and won the match on his own serve.&nbsp;Rublev will be a heavy favourite against Cobolli, who came from a set down to beat Argentine Tomas Etcheverry earlier on Friday. Cobolli, ranked 35th in the world, won 2-6, 7-5, 6-4.&nbsp;The Italian, ranked 35th in the world, looked out on his feet early, with Etcheverry breaking his opponent twice to take the opening set in 46 minutes.&nbsp;The 23-year-old was calm and controlled in the final set, breaking his 55th-ranked opponent in the ninth game to grab hold of the match.&nbsp;Cobolli had never before beaten his Argentinian opponent in four meetings before Friday's clash, including two on clay.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Andrey Rublev will be a heavy favourite against Cobolli, who came from a set down to beat Argentine Tomas Etcheverry earlier on Friday. Cobolli, ranked 35th in the world, won 2-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Andrey Rublev is into his third Hamburg Open final after a straight-sets victory over Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday. The Russian, who lost in 2019 but won the tournament a year later, won 6-1, 6-4 against his 30th-ranked opponent. Rublev, the third seed, will meet Italy's Flavio Cobolli in the final on Saturday. The world number 17 was broken just once, winning in an hour and 24 minutes against the sixth-seeded Canadian. In the second set, Rublev broke his opponent's serve at 4-4 and won the match on his own serve. Rublev will be a heavy favourite against Cobolli, who came from a set down to beat Argentine Tomas Etcheverry earlier on Friday. Cobolli, ranked 35th in the world, won 2-6, 7-5, 6-4. The Italian, ranked 35th in the world, looked out on his feet early, with Etcheverry breaking his opponent twice to take the opening set in 46 minutes. The 23-year-old was calm and controlled in the final set, breaking his 55th-ranked opponent in the ninth game to grab hold of the match. Cobolli had never before beaten his Argentinian opponent in four meetings before Friday's clash, including two on clay. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Andrey Rublev will be a heavy favourite against Cobolli, who came from a set down to beat Argentine Tomas Etcheverry earlier on Friday. Cobolli, ranked 35th in the world, won 2-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Andrey Rublev cruises into third Hamburg final ahead of French Open

Thomas Tuchel said Friday he will not release England players early for the Club World Cup because he wants to build a close bond with his squad.&nbsp;England play a World Cup qualifier against Andorra on June 7 before a friendly against Senegal in Nottingham three days later.&nbsp;The expanded Club World Cup, involving 32 teams, starts in the United States on June 14.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-boss-arne-slot-says-trent-alexander-arnold-deserves-his-part-in-liverpool-title-party-real-madrid-premier-league-1748011577950">Arne Slot says Alexander-Arnold 'deserves' his part in Liverpool title party</a>&nbsp;Tuchel had considered leaving out players involved in the month-long tournament, but opted to name eight in his squad on Friday and has no intention of allowing them to leave early.&nbsp;"We will start the camp with 26 and finish the camp with the same 26. That's the decision in the end," Tuchel said. "I was an advocate and could see the reasons for the players who go to the Club World Cup to maybe leave a bit earlier, to maybe change the squad.&nbsp;"We even had discussions if we nominate the squad without Club World Cup players, so the discussion was very open in all directions. But very quickly we understood that it is also important for us."&nbsp;Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, who is reportedly set for surgery on a shoulder issue after the tournament, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane and Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher are among the Club World Cup participants named in the England squad.&nbsp;Tuchel also called up the Chelsea quintet Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill and Reece James.&nbsp;The German is aware that clubs would prefer he adopted a more flexible approach, but he is determined to give priority to England's World Cup challenge.&nbsp;"It's only one year to go until the World Cup, so why would you send players away? We want to cherish and worship every day together, and what signal would it send to the group to send players away?" asked Tuchel. "I can understand the arguments, especially of the clubs who would love to see their players get a rest, but I think we have the strongest arguments for ourselves, and for our goals that we want to reach.&nbsp;"We are building a togetherness. We want to develop a camaraderie, and this is only possible if we take every day seriously.&nbsp;"The players know it, the clubs know it, and this is our decision."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Thomas Tuchel wont let England stars leave early for Club World Cup

Thomas Tuchel said Friday he will not release England players early for the Club World Cup because he wants to build a close bond with his squad. England play a World Cup qualifier against Andorra on June 7 before a friendly against Senegal in Nottingham three days later. The expanded Club World Cup, involving 32 teams, starts in the United States on June 14. Also read | Arne Slot says Alexander-Arnold 'deserves' his part in Liverpool title party Tuchel had considered leaving out players involved in the month-long tournament, but opted to name eight in his squad on Friday and has no intention of allowing them to leave early. "We will start the camp with 26 and finish the camp with the same 26. That's the decision in the end," Tuchel said. "I was an advocate and could see the reasons for the players who go to the Club World Cup to maybe leave a bit earlier, to maybe change the squad. "We even had discussions if we nominate the squad without Club World Cup players, so the discussion was very open in all directions. But very quickly we understood that it is also important for us." Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, who is reportedly set for surgery on a shoulder issue after the tournament, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane and Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher are among the Club World Cup participants named in the England squad. Tuchel also called up the Chelsea quintet Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill and Reece James. The German is aware that clubs would prefer he adopted a more flexible approach, but he is determined to give priority to England's World Cup challenge. "It's only one year to go until the World Cup, so why would you send players away? We want to cherish and worship every day together, and what signal would it send to the group to send players away?" asked Tuchel. "I can understand the arguments, especially of the clubs who would love to see their players get a rest, but I think we have the strongest arguments for ourselves, and for our goals that we want to reach. "We are building a togetherness. We want to develop a camaraderie, and this is only possible if we take every day seriously. "The players know it, the clubs know it, and this is our decision." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

England play a World Cup qualifier against Andorra on June 7 before a friendly against Senegal in Nottingham three days later.

Thomas Tuchel won't let England stars leave early for Club World Cup

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/arne-slot">Arne Slot</a> said Trent Alexander-Arnold "deserves" to be part of Liverpool's title celebrations despite revealing he was unhappy with the defender's performances in training at the start of the season.&nbsp;The England international announced his decision to quit his boyhood club earlier this month and is widely expected to join Real Madrid.&nbsp;He was booed by Liverpool fans when he came on as a second-half substitute in last week's 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Anfield and did not play in the 3-2 defeat at Brighton on Monday.&nbsp;Liverpool, who wrapped up the Premier League title last month with four games to spare, will be presented with the trophy after Sunday's game against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.&nbsp;Slot was asked by reporters on Friday whether he had concerns that the celebrations would be overshadowed by a negative reaction to Alexander-Arnold.&nbsp;He said he had yet to make a decision on the extent of the right-back's involvement.&nbsp;"I haven't decided on that one yet, but I think this should be a day that everybody is going to enjoy," Slot said.&nbsp;"It's been 35 years, everybody is waiting for this moment."&nbsp;Liverpool lifted the 2020 Premier League trophy behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions.&nbsp;Slot, in his first season at Anfield, said celebrations after Liverpool sealed the title against Tottenham were special.&nbsp;"I'm hoping that we can add a moment like this to it, and I think everybody that's in this stadium deserves to be there, the fans, the staff, but also the players," he said.&nbsp;“One of my players is Trent, so he definitely deserves to be there as well because he's been part of an incredibly successful season and an incredibly successful (few) years at this club.”<h2>‘Not happy’</h2>&nbsp;While Slot hopes Alexander-Arnold gets a fond farewell from fans, the Dutchman was critical about the right-back's efforts in training during his early weeks as Liverpool manager.&nbsp;"He's going to leave either way, so maybe it's already a first gift I can give Xabi (Alonso, expected to be the new Real Madrid manager)," he said. "But I wasn't completely happy with every single minute how he was on the training ground. So, in my opinion, in certain moments he could do a bit more, to say it mildly.&nbsp;"I said to him, 'You are a much better defender than everybody tells you, but unfortunately, you don't show it all the time. '"&nbsp;Slot said he told Alexander-Arnold, 26, that if he was focused, there were not many players that could go past him because he is "fast, he's agile, he has a great mentality".&nbsp;"It's about showing it every single game, because in this world we are judged not only on the 34 games we do well, we are mainly judged on the four games that we don't do so well," he said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Liverpool boss Slot says Alexander-Arnold deserves his part in Liverpool title party

Arne Slot said Trent Alexander-Arnold "deserves" to be part of Liverpool's title celebrations despite revealing he was unhappy with the defender's performances in training at the start of the season. The England international announced his decision to quit his boyhood club earlier this month and is widely expected to join Real Madrid. He was booed by Liverpool fans when he came on as a second-half substitute in last week's 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Anfield and did not play in the 3-2 defeat at Brighton on Monday. Liverpool, who wrapped up the Premier League title last month with four games to spare, will be presented with the trophy after Sunday's game against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. Slot was asked by reporters on Friday whether he had concerns that the celebrations would be overshadowed by a negative reaction to Alexander-Arnold. He said he had yet to make a decision on the extent of the right-back's involvement. "I haven't decided on that one yet, but I think this should be a day that everybody is going to enjoy," Slot said. "It's been 35 years, everybody is waiting for this moment." Liverpool lifted the 2020 Premier League trophy behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions. Slot, in his first season at Anfield, said celebrations after Liverpool sealed the title against Tottenham were special. "I'm hoping that we can add a moment like this to it, and I think everybody that's in this stadium deserves to be there, the fans, the staff, but also the players," he said. “One of my players is Trent, so he definitely deserves to be there as well because he's been part of an incredibly successful season and an incredibly successful (few) years at this club.” ‘Not happy’ While Slot hopes Alexander-Arnold gets a fond farewell from fans, the Dutchman was critical about the right-back's efforts in training during his early weeks as Liverpool manager. "He's going to leave either way, so maybe it's already a first gift I can give Xabi (Alonso, expected to be the new Real Madrid manager)," he said. "But I wasn't completely happy with every single minute how he was on the training ground. So, in my opinion, in certain moments he could do a bit more, to say it mildly. "I said to him, 'You are a much better defender than everybody tells you, but unfortunately, you don't show it all the time. '" Slot said he told Alexander-Arnold, 26, that if he was focused, there were not many players that could go past him because he is "fast, he's agile, he has a great mentality". "It's about showing it every single game, because in this world we are judged not only on the 34 games we do well, we are mainly judged on the four games that we don't do so well," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The England international announced his decision to quit his boyhood club earlier this month and is widely expected to join Real Madrid.

Arne Slot says Alexander-Arnold 'deserves' his part in Liverpool title party

A measles outbreak in Mexico has left four people dead this year, including three unvaccinated children, authorities said. Most of the country's more than 1,000 confirmed cases of the highly contagious disease in 2025 have been in areas near the US border. Officials in the worst-hit northern state of Chihuahua said that they had met local Mennonite leaders to encourage vaccination. Two children aged 11 months and seven years old from the vaccine-skeptical Christian community died from complications linked to the disease this month. One of them suffered from leukemia and the other had a kidney condition, according to the Chihuahua health department. "In the case of the 11-month-old child, the mother was also unvaccinated, so she could not transmit immunity to the infant," it said in a statement. A 31-year-old unvaccinated man died in the same state in April, while a one-year-old girl lost her life in neighboring Sonora. "She suffered from severe malnutrition and had not been vaccinated," the local health department said. The United States is also battling a measles outbreak, particularly in southern border states, with more than 1,000 confirmed cases and several deaths. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or simply breathes. Known for its characteristic rash, it poses a serious risk to unvaccinated individuals, including infants under 12 months who are not ordinarily eligible for vaccination, and those with weakened immune systems.

Mexico measles outbreak: Four dead, including children 

A measles outbreak in Mexico has left four people dead this year, including three unvaccinated children, authorities said. Most of the country's more than 1,000 confirmed cases of the highly contagious disease in 2025 have been in areas near the US border. Officials in the worst-hit northern state of Chihuahua said that they had met local Mennonite leaders to encourage vaccination. Two children aged 11 months and seven years old from the vaccine-skeptical Christian community died from complications linked to the disease this month. One of them suffered from leukemia and the other had a kidney condition, according to the Chihuahua health department. "In the case of the 11-month-old child, the mother was also unvaccinated, so she could not transmit immunity to the infant," it said in a statement. A 31-year-old unvaccinated man died in the same state in April, while a one-year-old girl lost her life in neighboring Sonora. "She suffered from severe malnutrition and had not been vaccinated," the local health department said. The United States is also battling a measles outbreak, particularly in southern border states, with more than 1,000 confirmed cases and several deaths. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or simply breathes. Known for its characteristic rash, it poses a serious risk to unvaccinated individuals, including infants under 12 months who are not ordinarily eligible for vaccination, and those with weakened immune systems.

A measles outbreak in Mexico has left four people dead this year, including three unvaccinated children, authorities said.&nbsp;

Mexico measles outbreak: Four dead, including children

Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus "needs to remain" in office as interim leader to ensure a peaceful transition of power, a cabinet member and special adviser to Yunus said Friday.Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner who took over after a mass uprising last year, had threatened to quit the job if parties did not give him their backing, a political ally and sources in his office said.The South Asian nation of around 170 million people has been in political turmoil since the student-led revolt that toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, with parties protesting on the streets over a string of demands."For the sake of Bangladesh and a peaceful democratic transition, Professor Yunus needs to remain in office," Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, a special assistant to Yunus, and head of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, said in a post on Facebook."The Chief Adviser is not going to step down," he added. "He does not hanker after power."Bangladesh's political crisis has escalated this week, with rival parties protesting on the streets of the capital, Dhaka, with a string of competing demands.Yunus's reported threat to stand down came after thousands of supporters of the powerful Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rallied in Dhaka on Wednesday, holding large-scale protests against the interim government for the first time.Yunus has promised polls will be held by June 2026 at the latest, but supporters of the BNP -- seen as the front-runners in highly anticipated elections that will be the first since Hasina was overthrown -- demanded he fix a date.Yunus's relationship with the military has also reportedly deteriorated.According to local media and military sources, powerful army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said on Wednesday that elections should be held by December.Taiyeb issued a warning to the army on Friday. "The army can't meddle in politics," he wrote."The army doesn't do that in any civilised country," he added."By saying that the election has to be held by December, the military chief failed to maintain his jurisdictional correctness."

Bangladesh minister says Yunus 'not going to step down'

Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus "needs to remain" in office as interim leader to ensure a peaceful transition of power, a cabinet member and special adviser to Yunus said Friday. Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner who took over after a mass uprising last year, had threatened to quit the job if parties did not give him their backing, a political ally and sources in his office said. The South Asian nation of around 170 million people has been in political turmoil since the student-led revolt that toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, with parties protesting on the streets over a string of demands. "For the sake of Bangladesh and a peaceful democratic transition, Professor Yunus needs to remain in office," Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, a special assistant to Yunus, and head of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, said in a post on Facebook. "The Chief Adviser is not going to step down," he added. "He does not hanker after power." Bangladesh's political crisis has escalated this week, with rival parties protesting on the streets of the capital, Dhaka, with a string of competing demands. Yunus's reported threat to stand down came after thousands of supporters of the powerful Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rallied in Dhaka on Wednesday, holding large-scale protests against the interim government for the first time. Yunus has promised polls will be held by June 2026 at the latest, but supporters of the BNP -- seen as the front-runners in highly anticipated elections that will be the first since Hasina was overthrown -- demanded he fix a date. Yunus's relationship with the military has also reportedly deteriorated. According to local media and military sources, powerful army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said on Wednesday that elections should be held by December. Taiyeb issued a warning to the army on Friday. "The army can't meddle in politics," he wrote. "The army doesn't do that in any civilised country," he added. "By saying that the election has to be held by December, the military chief failed to maintain his jurisdictional correctness."

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, a special assistant to Yunus's presence is crucial for peaceful transition of power in Bangladesh.

Novak Djokovic overcame soggy conditions on his 38th birthday to beat Matteo Arnaldi on Thursday and reach the Geneva Open semi-finals in a tune-up event for Roland Garros.The former world number one retrieved a break in the second set to claim a 6-4, 6-4 win over the 39th-ranked Italian who dumped him out at the first hurdle in Madrid last month.Djokovic is hunting the 100th title of his career on the eve of the French Open having not won a tournament since capturing Olympic gold in Paris last August.&nbsp;"It's great to be in the semi-finals again. Last year I played the semi-finals. Hopefully this year I can go at least a step further. That's the goal," said Djokovic.&nbsp;Djokovic, who received a wild card to play in Geneva after skipping Rome, will meet British qualifier Cameron Norrie for a place in Saturday's final.&nbsp;The 24-time Grand Slam champion had not won a match on clay this season after also losing his Monte Carlo opener at the start of April to Alejandro Tabilo.&nbsp;A single break early in the first set enabled Djokovic to take control, but the sixth-ranked Serbian had to rally from 4-1 down in the second.&nbsp;He drew audible gasps from the crowd when he grabbed his right knee after stretching for a shot in the fifth game.&nbsp;But Djokovic, who had surgery last year to repair a torn meniscus suffered at the French Open, quickly rebounded and let out a mighty roar as he broke to go 5-4 ahead before putting away Arnaldi.&nbsp;He said an angry outburst after dropping serve helped him reset as he won the final five games.&nbsp;"I think I'm playing really, really good tennis," said Djokovic, who was presented on court with a chocolate cake topped with sparklers after his victory.&nbsp;"Today it was a lot of tension on the court. A straight-sets win but it was much closer than maybe the score indicates.&nbsp;"I was 4-1 down in the second. Somehow after that racquet breaking I didn't lose a game and kind of found my optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally."&nbsp;Norrie ousted Australian fifth seed Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in the day's last quarter-final.&nbsp;Hubert Hurkacz put out top seed Taylor 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) earlier and will play Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner in the other semi-final.&nbsp;The 128th-ranked Ofner came from behind to beat fourth seed Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Novak Djokovic overcame soggy conditions on his 38th birthday to beat Matteo Arnaldi on Thursday and reach the Geneva Open semi-finals in a tune-up event for Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic overcame soggy conditions on his 38th birthday to beat Matteo Arnaldi on Thursday and reach the Geneva Open semi-finals in a tune-up event for Roland Garros. The former world number one retrieved a break in the second set to claim a 6-4, 6-4 win over the 39th-ranked Italian who dumped him out at the first hurdle in Madrid last month. Djokovic is hunting the 100th title of his career on the eve of the French Open having not won a tournament since capturing Olympic gold in Paris last August. "It's great to be in the semi-finals again. Last year I played the semi-finals. Hopefully this year I can go at least a step further. That's the goal," said Djokovic. Djokovic, who received a wild card to play in Geneva after skipping Rome, will meet British qualifier Cameron Norrie for a place in Saturday's final. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had not won a match on clay this season after also losing his Monte Carlo opener at the start of April to Alejandro Tabilo. A single break early in the first set enabled Djokovic to take control, but the sixth-ranked Serbian had to rally from 4-1 down in the second. He drew audible gasps from the crowd when he grabbed his right knee after stretching for a shot in the fifth game. But Djokovic, who had surgery last year to repair a torn meniscus suffered at the French Open, quickly rebounded and let out a mighty roar as he broke to go 5-4 ahead before putting away Arnaldi. He said an angry outburst after dropping serve helped him reset as he won the final five games. "I think I'm playing really, really good tennis," said Djokovic, who was presented on court with a chocolate cake topped with sparklers after his victory. "Today it was a lot of tension on the court. A straight-sets win but it was much closer than maybe the score indicates. "I was 4-1 down in the second. Somehow after that racquet breaking I didn't lose a game and kind of found my optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally." Norrie ousted Australian fifth seed Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in the day's last quarter-final. Hubert Hurkacz put out top seed Taylor 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) earlier and will play Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner in the other semi-final. The 128th-ranked Ofner came from behind to beat fourth seed Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Novak Djokovic overcame soggy conditions on his 38th birthday to beat Matteo Arnaldi on Thursday and reach the Geneva Open semi-finals in a tune-up event for Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic avenges Matteo Arnaldi loss in Geneva, to face Cameron Norrie in semis

The Denver Nuggets confirmed David Adelman as the franchise's new head coach on Thursday following the team's elimination from the NBA playoffs.&nbsp;Adelman had worked as Denver's interim head coach after the shock dismissal of Michael Malone in early April in the final days of the regular season.&nbsp;Adelman subsequently oversaw the Nuggets' first round playoff series victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, before taking the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the Western Conference semi-finals.&nbsp;The 44-year-old Adelman has been on Denver's payroll since joining as an assistant coach in 2017 following coaching stints in Orlando and Minnesota.&nbsp;Adelman is widely credited with reinvigorating the Nuggets during the postseason in the wake of the turmoil surrounding Malone's exit.&nbsp;Speaking after Denver were eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday following a 125-93 drubbing by Oklahoma City, Adelman said he was uncertain what the future would bring."Decision-makers will make that decision," Adelman said when asked if he expected to return as head coach next season.&nbsp;"Obviously blessed to have this opportunity. If I'm not back next year, I'll never forget this. It's been an incredible experience."&nbsp;Denver star Nikola Jokic praised Adelman's influence in getting the Nuggets' season back on track.&nbsp;"It's a tough, tough spot to be in," Jokic said of Adelman. "He had three games to change something, and I think he changed the energy. I think the guys were woken up a little bit, the guys had more energy.&nbsp;"He made us believe in something, and we played well. We played a seven-game series with probably the best team in the NBA, and we had opportunities, we had chances. I think he did a really good job."&nbsp;Denver stalwart Aaron Gordon was in no doubt that Adelman should be retained."I love DA. I hope he's here next year, I hope he's our coach," Gordon said. "I hope he gets an entire training camp, a whole offseason, and a full training camp to figure out his philosophy... he's excellent for us."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Denver Nuggets confirmed David Adelman as the franchise new head coach on Thursday following the team elimination from the NBA playoffs.

The Denver Nuggets confirmed David Adelman as the franchise's new head coach on Thursday following the team's elimination from the NBA playoffs. Adelman had worked as Denver's interim head coach after the shock dismissal of Michael Malone in early April in the final days of the regular season. Adelman subsequently oversaw the Nuggets' first round playoff series victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, before taking the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the Western Conference semi-finals. The 44-year-old Adelman has been on Denver's payroll since joining as an assistant coach in 2017 following coaching stints in Orlando and Minnesota. Adelman is widely credited with reinvigorating the Nuggets during the postseason in the wake of the turmoil surrounding Malone's exit. Speaking after Denver were eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday following a 125-93 drubbing by Oklahoma City, Adelman said he was uncertain what the future would bring. "Decision-makers will make that decision," Adelman said when asked if he expected to return as head coach next season. "Obviously blessed to have this opportunity. If I'm not back next year, I'll never forget this. It's been an incredible experience." Denver star Nikola Jokic praised Adelman's influence in getting the Nuggets' season back on track. "It's a tough, tough spot to be in," Jokic said of Adelman. "He had three games to change something, and I think he changed the energy. I think the guys were woken up a little bit, the guys had more energy. "He made us believe in something, and we played well. We played a seven-game series with probably the best team in the NBA, and we had opportunities, we had chances. I think he did a really good job." Denver stalwart Aaron Gordon was in no doubt that Adelman should be retained. "I love DA. I hope he's here next year, I hope he's our coach," Gordon said. "I hope he gets an entire training camp, a whole offseason, and a full training camp to figure out his philosophy... he's excellent for us." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Denver Nuggets confirmed David Adelman as the franchise's new head coach on Thursday following the team's elimination from the NBA playoffs.

Denver Nuggets confirm David Adelman as permanent head coach

Mitchell Marsh struck his first Indian Premier League century as Lucknow Super Giants pulled off an upset 33-run win against table-toppers Gujarat Titans on Thursday.&nbsp;Marsh smashed 117 off 64 balls studded with 10 fours and eight sixes to help Lucknow post a formidable 235-2 off 20 overs.&nbsp;Gujarat, who have already qualified for the playoffs, could only make 202-9 in reply at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;"We gave 15-20 runs extra. If we'd stopped them at 210-220 it would've been better, that was a huge difference," said Gujarat skipper Shubman Gill.&nbsp;"Getting momentum back will be key in the next game."&nbsp;Lucknow were playing for pride after being eliminated from the playoffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gujarat lost in-form opener and the tournament's highest run-getter Sai Sudharsan for 21, caught by Aiden Markram off Will O'Rourke, who ended with figures of 3-27.&nbsp;Sudharsan's opening partner Gill looked in good touch before he was caught in the deep by Abdul Samad off Avesh Khan for 35.&nbsp;Jos Buttler (33) tried to steady the innings but was dismissed by Akash Singh in the 10th over.&nbsp;Shahrukh Khan (57) and Sherfane Rutherford (38) revived hopes of a comeback but O'Rourke took two wickets in the 17th over to seal Gujarat's fate.&nbsp;"We had a lot of fun out there, T20 is fickle," said O'Rourke.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-test-eng-vs-zim-england-top-order-dominates-as-hosts-hit-498-3-on-day-1-zak-crawley-ben-duckett-ollie-pope-1747937646726">ENG vs ZIM: England top order dominates as hosts hit 498/3 on day 1</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Marsh combined with Markram to give Lucknow a steady start, putting on 91 runs for the opening wicket after Gujarat won the toss and elected to bowl.&nbsp;Markram (36) hit fellow South African Kagiso Rabada for two sixes in a row before being caught by Shahrukh near the boundary off Sai Kishore.&nbsp;Marsh continued his onslaught at the other end, hitting Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan for 25 runs in his first over of the game.&nbsp;The right-hander, who raced to his century off just 56 balls, was finally caught by a diving Rutherford off paceman Arshad Khan for 117.&nbsp;Nicholas Pooran also impressed, making an unbeaten 56 runs off 27 balls with four fours and five sixes.&nbsp;Lucknow's struggling skipper Rishabh Pant made 16 not out.&nbsp;The IPL resumed last Saturday after being paused due to a deadly conflict between India and Pakistan, forcing overseas players to revisit their season plans.

IPL 2025 Marsh ton powers Lucknow to IPL upset over Gujarat

Mitchell Marsh struck his first Indian Premier League century as Lucknow Super Giants pulled off an upset 33-run win against table-toppers Gujarat Titans on Thursday. Marsh smashed 117 off 64 balls studded with 10 fours and eight sixes to help Lucknow post a formidable 235-2 off 20 overs. Gujarat, who have already qualified for the playoffs, could only make 202-9 in reply at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. "We gave 15-20 runs extra. If we'd stopped them at 210-220 it would've been better, that was a huge difference," said Gujarat skipper Shubman Gill. "Getting momentum back will be key in the next game." Lucknow were playing for pride after being eliminated from the playoffs. Gujarat lost in-form opener and the tournament's highest run-getter Sai Sudharsan for 21, caught by Aiden Markram off Will O'Rourke, who ended with figures of 3-27. Sudharsan's opening partner Gill looked in good touch before he was caught in the deep by Abdul Samad off Avesh Khan for 35. Jos Buttler (33) tried to steady the innings but was dismissed by Akash Singh in the 10th over. Shahrukh Khan (57) and Sherfane Rutherford (38) revived hopes of a comeback but O'Rourke took two wickets in the 17th over to seal Gujarat's fate. "We had a lot of fun out there, T20 is fickle," said O'Rourke. Also read | ENG vs ZIM: England top order dominates as hosts hit 498/3 on day 1 Earlier, Marsh combined with Markram to give Lucknow a steady start, putting on 91 runs for the opening wicket after Gujarat won the toss and elected to bowl. Markram (36) hit fellow South African Kagiso Rabada for two sixes in a row before being caught by Shahrukh near the boundary off Sai Kishore. Marsh continued his onslaught at the other end, hitting Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan for 25 runs in his first over of the game. The right-hander, who raced to his century off just 56 balls, was finally caught by a diving Rutherford off paceman Arshad Khan for 117. Nicholas Pooran also impressed, making an unbeaten 56 runs off 27 balls with four fours and five sixes. Lucknow's struggling skipper Rishabh Pant made 16 not out. The IPL resumed last Saturday after being paused due to a deadly conflict between India and Pakistan, forcing overseas players to revisit their season plans.

Gujarat, who have already qualified for the playoffs, could only make 202-9 in reply at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

IPL 2025: Marsh ton powers Lucknow to IPL upset over Gujarat

England's top three of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope all made hundreds as they piled on the agony for a hapless Zimbabwe in a one-off four-day Test in Nottingham on Thursday.&nbsp;At stumps on the first day at Trent Bridge, an utterly dominant England were 498 for three after number three Pope top-scored with 169 not out at better than a run-a-ball.&nbsp;Pope's fourth score of over 150 at this level further emphasised the gulf between the sides in what is Zimbabwe's first Test in England in 22 years.&nbsp;Left-hander Duckett led the initial run-spree with 140 on his Nottinghamshire home ground and opening partner Crawley made 124.&nbsp;Not since the same trio all reached three figures against Pakistan at Rawalpindi in December 2022 had England's top three all made hundreds on the first day of a Test.&nbsp;Crawley's century came after he had managed just 212 runs in his previous eight Tests at an average of 15.14, with Thursday's innings just his fifth hundred in 54 matches at this level.&nbsp;But all three hundreds were made against a callow Zimbabwe attack which bore little relation to the sterner challenges awaiting England in an upcoming five-Test series at home to India before they head to Australia for the Ashes later this year.<h2>Ngarava injury</h2>&nbsp;Zimbabwe were further handicapped when Richard Ngarava, arguably the pick of their four pacemen with none for 42 in nine overs, left the field shortly after lunch having pulled up clutching his back and hamstrings when chasing a ball.&nbsp;Ngarava returned late in the final session but did not bowl again before leaving the field once more.&nbsp;Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine opted to bowl after winning the toss in the hope his attack could utilise the cloud cover above Trent Bridge, a ground renowned for aiding pacemen.&nbsp;His decision to field was all the more understandable given Zimbabwe's 138-run thrashing by a youthful County Select XI in their lone warm-up match last week.&nbsp;But while Zimbabwe's four quicks got the occasional ball to deviate sharply, they also repeatedly over-pitched and bowled too short.&nbsp;At lunch, England were 130 without loss off 26 overs, with Duckett 75 not out and Crawley unbeaten on 53.&nbsp;It was not long before the aggressive Duckett completed a hundred off exactly 100 balls, including 15 fours.&nbsp;Having got to three figures, Duckett hit the first six of the match when he pulled Tanaka Chivanga, whose 12 wicketless overs cost an expensive 83 runs.&nbsp;Duckett, however, exited in familiar fashion.&nbsp;Having thrashed spinner Wessly Madhevere's first ball through the covers for four and pulled the second for six, Duckett tamely chipped the third to cover where Ben Curran -- the brother of England internationals Sam and Tom and the son of the late Zimbabwe all-rounder Kevin -- held the catch that ended a blistering innings.&nbsp;England were then 231-1 following their first three-figure opening partnership since Duckett and Crawley put on 109 against Ireland at Lord's in 2023.&nbsp;Come tea, Crawley was 93 not out and Pope unbeaten on 49.&nbsp;Crawley, after a trademark cover-driven four got him to 98, went to a 145-ball century, including 12 boundaries, with a sedate single.&nbsp;But having suffered what appeared to be an attack of cramp, Crawley was lbw trying to sweep spinner Sikandar Raza to the delight of a small but voluble band of Zimbabwe supporters.&nbsp;Pope completed a century when he forced Raza for his 14th four as he extended his own record by becoming the first batsman to score his first eight Test hundreds against different opponents.&nbsp;Such was England's dominance it made little difference when star batsman Joe Root holed out off persevering paceman Blessing Muzarabani for 34.&nbsp;England captain Ben Stokes is making a comeback to cricket this week after the all-rounder's lengthy rehabilitation from his latest hamstring tear.

ENG vs ZIM England top order dominates as hosts hit 498/3 on day 1

England's top three of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope all made hundreds as they piled on the agony for a hapless Zimbabwe in a one-off four-day Test in Nottingham on Thursday. At stumps on the first day at Trent Bridge, an utterly dominant England were 498 for three after number three Pope top-scored with 169 not out at better than a run-a-ball. Pope's fourth score of over 150 at this level further emphasised the gulf between the sides in what is Zimbabwe's first Test in England in 22 years. Left-hander Duckett led the initial run-spree with 140 on his Nottinghamshire home ground and opening partner Crawley made 124. Not since the same trio all reached three figures against Pakistan at Rawalpindi in December 2022 had England's top three all made hundreds on the first day of a Test. Crawley's century came after he had managed just 212 runs in his previous eight Tests at an average of 15.14, with Thursday's innings just his fifth hundred in 54 matches at this level. But all three hundreds were made against a callow Zimbabwe attack which bore little relation to the sterner challenges awaiting England in an upcoming five-Test series at home to India before they head to Australia for the Ashes later this year. Ngarava injury Zimbabwe were further handicapped when Richard Ngarava, arguably the pick of their four pacemen with none for 42 in nine overs, left the field shortly after lunch having pulled up clutching his back and hamstrings when chasing a ball. Ngarava returned late in the final session but did not bowl again before leaving the field once more. Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine opted to bowl after winning the toss in the hope his attack could utilise the cloud cover above Trent Bridge, a ground renowned for aiding pacemen. His decision to field was all the more understandable given Zimbabwe's 138-run thrashing by a youthful County Select XI in their lone warm-up match last week. But while Zimbabwe's four quicks got the occasional ball to deviate sharply, they also repeatedly over-pitched and bowled too short. At lunch, England were 130 without loss off 26 overs, with Duckett 75 not out and Crawley unbeaten on 53. It was not long before the aggressive Duckett completed a hundred off exactly 100 balls, including 15 fours. Having got to three figures, Duckett hit the first six of the match when he pulled Tanaka Chivanga, whose 12 wicketless overs cost an expensive 83 runs. Duckett, however, exited in familiar fashion. Having thrashed spinner Wessly Madhevere's first ball through the covers for four and pulled the second for six, Duckett tamely chipped the third to cover where Ben Curran -- the brother of England internationals Sam and Tom and the son of the late Zimbabwe all-rounder Kevin -- held the catch that ended a blistering innings. England were then 231-1 following their first three-figure opening partnership since Duckett and Crawley put on 109 against Ireland at Lord's in 2023. Come tea, Crawley was 93 not out and Pope unbeaten on 49. Crawley, after a trademark cover-driven four got him to 98, went to a 145-ball century, including 12 boundaries, with a sedate single. But having suffered what appeared to be an attack of cramp, Crawley was lbw trying to sweep spinner Sikandar Raza to the delight of a small but voluble band of Zimbabwe supporters. Pope completed a century when he forced Raza for his 14th four as he extended his own record by becoming the first batsman to score his first eight Test hundreds against different opponents. Such was England's dominance it made little difference when star batsman Joe Root holed out off persevering paceman Blessing Muzarabani for 34. England captain Ben Stokes is making a comeback to cricket this week after the all-rounder's lengthy rehabilitation from his latest hamstring tear.

Pope's fourth score of over 150 at this level further emphasised the gulf between the sides in what is Zimbabwe's first Test in England in 22 years.

ENG vs ZIM: England top order dominates as hosts hit 498/3 on day 1

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