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 – Gill, Rahul keep India alive and kicking through wicketless session Shubman Gill and KL Rahul navigated a challenging middle session without losing a wicket, reaching 86 for 2 at tea, still trailing England by 225 runs. Ben Stokes’ century propelled England to a formidable total of 669, marking their fifth-highest score in Test history, while Chris Woakes claimed two early wickets to set the tone for the innings. Gill, Rahul keep India…

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The Red Bull gamble which boosted Tsunoda in Belgian GP qualifying F1

Tsunoda Thrills with Q3 Performance at Belgian GP After Red Bull Upgrade Yuki Tsunoda secured a remarkable seventh-place qualifying position at the Belgian Grand Prix, following a crucial upgrade to his car that reflects Red Bull’s renewed commitment to the Japanese driver’s Formula 1 campaign. This development comes amid ongoing struggles for Tsunoda, who has faced challenges since taking over the RB21 from Liam Lawson earlier this year. Red Bull’s Strategic Gamble In a bold…

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Cliff Notes – Viktor Gyökeres joins from Sporting CP Arsenal has signed striker Viktor Gyökeres for €63 million, with potential add-ons of €10 million, on a five-year contract. Gyökeres, who scored 54 goals last season, is expected to enhance Arsenal’s attacking options following a challenging previous season marred by injuries. Arsenal transfers: Viktor Gyökeres joins from Sporting CP Arsenal have completed the signing of highly sought-after striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP, the club announced…

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Belgian GP: Lando Norris leads McLaren 1-2 in Spa qualifying F1

Norris Secures Pole Position at Belgian Grand Prix with Mclaren 1-2 Lockout Lando Norris delivered a stunning performance at Spa-Francorchamps, clinching pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix and leading a remarkable 1-2 for McLaren. With a blistering lap time of 1:40.562, Norris outpaced his teammate Oscar Piastri, who was just 0.085 seconds behind, setting the stage for an exciting race on Sunday. Dominant McLaren Performance In a display of supremacy, McLaren’s Norris and Piastri…

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Is Piastri right to be worried about the “worst place” to start on Spa F1 pole? F1

Piastri Cautious Ahead of Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Despite Pole Position Oscar Piastri’s impressive performance secured him pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix, but the Mclaren driver tempered his excitement with concerns about the challenges posed by Spa-Francorchamps. “Spa’s probably one of the worst places to have pole position,” Piastri remarked after outpacing Max Verstappen and teammate Lando Norris. As the anticipation builds for Saturday’s sprint race, Piastri faces a formidable task to maintain…

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Cliff Notes – Euro 2025: England blocking out pressure ahead of final Toone Ella Toone emphasised that England is focusing on their own performance, blocking out external pressures ahead of the Euro 2025 final against Spain. Toone highlighted the importance of Sarina Wiegman’s motivational speeches in fostering team confidence and unity throughout the tournament. Euro 2025: England blocking out pressure ahead of final – Toone Ella Toone has said England are blocking out any talk…

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Belgian GP: McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on pole for sprint race F1

Piastri Claims Pole at Belgian Grand Prix Ahead of Sprint Race SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium – Mclaren’s Oscar Piastri will start from pole position in Saturday’s sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix, following a dramatic qualifying session that saw him outpace championship rivals Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Piastri registered a lap time of 1:40.510, showcasing his remarkable form as he aims to bolster his lead in the championship standings. Piastri’s Thrilling Qualifying Performance Piastri’s journey…

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Cliff Notes – India’s tactics, selection and bowling depth all fail them in Manchester India conceded 500 runs in a Test match outside Asia for the first time in over a decade, highlighting a significant decline in their bowling performance. 💧 Debutant Anshul Kamboj’s disappointing pace and ineffective spells raised questions about selection decisions, as he failed to deliver on the expectations set by his previous performances. The team’s lack of clarity in strategy and…

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Cliff Notes – Man United boss Amorim offers way back for squad outcasts Ruben Amorim has stated that outcasts like Alejandro Garnacho will be reintegrated into Manchester United if suitable transfer offers do not materialise before the deadline. Players such as Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia are currently excluded from the summer tour, while Marcus Rashford has been loaned to Barcelona. Amorim emphasised the importance of competition for places, noting that players must…

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Cliff Notes – Root and Pope cement England’s command on Manchester Test Joe Root ascended to third on Test cricket’s all-time run-scoring charts, surpassing Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis, as he remains unbeaten on 63 runs. Root and Ollie Pope established a formidable partnership, with their stand of 135 marking their sixth century partnership under Ben Stokes’ captaincy. India’s bowling struggled with consistency, highlighted by missed opportunities and errors, as they faced the prospect of…

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What’s got drivers so agitated about “strange” 2026 F1 cars? F1

Drivers Express Concerns Over 2026 F1 Regulations Ahead of Belgian Grand Prix As Formula 1 gears up for the 2026 season, drivers have voiced significant concerns regarding the newly proposed regulations, leading to a wave of agitation within the paddock. With an emphasis on a 50:50 split between electrical and internal combustion engine power, the complexities of these changes have given rise to doubts about their impact on competition and driving dynamics. What’s Got Drivers…

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Cliff Notes – Atlético Madrid sign Dávid Hancko after Al Nassr move collapses Atlético Madrid has signed centre-back Dávid Hancko from Feyenoord on a permanent transfer, with a contract lasting until June 2030. Hancko, the first Slovakian player in the club’s history, will join the first team’s pre-season training camp immediately. The 27-year-old’s transfer to Al Nassr fell through earlier this month, leading to his move to Atlético as part of a squad overhaul by…

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Cliff Notes – ‘I loved that little eight-minute passage at Lord’s’ – Crawley senses another chance to rile India Zak Crawley embraced his role in the timewasting controversy at Lord’s, feeling it added competitive spirit to the match against India. Despite accusations from India’s captain Shubman Gill regarding the “spirit of the game,” Crawley dismissed the claims, stating he enjoyed the banter and competitive nature of cricket. Crawley acknowledged his recent struggles with form but…

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Norris praises Open Championship winner Scheffler for honest comments F1

Norris Lauds Scheffler’s Honesty on Success After Open Championship Win Formula 1 title contender Lando Norris has offered high praise to golf star Scottie Scheffler for his candid reflections on the nature of success in sports. In the lead-up to his recent triumph at the Open Championship, Scheffler expressed feelings of a lack of fulfilment despite his achievements, sparking a conversation about the pressures faced by elite athletes. Just days prior to securing the Open…

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Cliff Notes – Mason Mount confident of role in new-look Man United team Mason Mount expresses confidence in securing a position as one of the No. 10s in Ruben Amorim’s revamped Manchester United squad, despite recent signings. Following an injury-plagued season, Mount aims to help the team recover from last year’s disappointing performance and return to European competition. Mason Mount confident of role in new-look Man United team CHICAGO — Mason Mount is backing himself…

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Cliff Notes – Duckett, Crawley turn up the heat on India after Stokes five-for England’s openers, Duckett and Crawley, forged an unbroken partnership of 77 runs, scoring at over five an over, significantly reducing India’s first-innings lead. Rishabh Pant’s courageous half-century on a fractured foot highlighted India’s fighting spirit, despite a disappointing bowling display in favourable conditions. Ben Stokes achieved his first five-wicket haul in eight years, showcasing his all-round capabilities and surpassing his previous…

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Cliff Notes – Liverpool transfer spree ‘years in the making’ says CEO Liverpool’s recent £79 million acquisition of striker Hugo Ekitike reflects a shift towards aggressive investment, with total transfer spending nearing £300 million this window. CEO Billy Hogan emphasised that this strategy is part of long-term planning, aiming to position Liverpool as a modern football powerhouse while maintaining financial sustainability. The club’s ambition is to attract global stars and enhance its reputation, following their…

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Cliff Notes – When left is right for Jofra Archer Jofra Archer has shown a significant advantage against left-handed batters, averaging 21.66 compared to 35.48 against right-handers in Test cricket, with 40% of his wickets coming from lefties despite bowling only 30% of his deliveries to them. Archer’s bowling strategy includes using both around-the-wicket and over-the-wicket angles, effectively challenging left-handers with varied modes of dismissal and maintaining tight lines to the stumps. As Archer continues…

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Beating Hamilton not a target until Ferrari starts fighting higher up in F1 F1

Leclerc: Beating Hamilton Not a Target Until Ferrari Aims Higher Charles Leclerc has downplayed the importance of competing with his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton, insisting that their current focus is on improving the team’s standing in Formula 1. With both drivers struggling to contend for podiums this season, Leclerc emphasized that their priority lies in propelling Ferrari toward the front of the grid rather than engaging in intra-team battles for lower points finishes. Ferrari’s Performance…

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Cliff Notes – Arsenal Chelsea among WSL clubs to trial alcohol in stands Selected Women’s Super League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, will trial alcohol consumption in stands during the 2025-26 season, expanding from a successful initial trial. The initiative aims to enhance the matchday experience, with 84% of fans feeling safe during the previous trial and 66% supporting its continuation. Arsenal Chelsea among WSL clubs to trial alcohol in stands Emily KeoghJul 24, 2025,…

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Cliff Notes – Declan Rice Euro 2024 final defeat affected Arsenal form Declan Rice expressed that England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain had a significant mental impact, affecting his performance at the start of the season. He is determined to push himself this year, aiming for a strong start after a full preseason, and is focused on increasing his contributions in terms of goals and assists. Declan Rice: Euro 2024 final defeat affected Arsenal…

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Cliff Notes – Chelsea pushing for Xavi Simons transfer from RB Leipzig sources Chelsea are intensifying their efforts to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, who is reportedly open to the move. Leipzig, having recently signed Simons for €50 million, are willing to sell and expect a fee exceeding €60 million for the 21-year-old. Chelsea pushing for Xavi Simons transfer from RB Leipzig James OlleyJul 24, 2025, 09:35 AMCloseJames Olley is a senior soccer writer…

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Cliff Notes – Pant suffers foot fracture, set to miss remainder of Test series Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the ongoing Old Trafford Test and the final Test at The Oval due to a confirmed fracture of the metatarsal bone in his right foot. The injury occurred while attempting a reverse sweep, leading to immediate swelling and Pant retiring hurt on 37 runs; he will require six-to-eight weeks of rest. Dhruv Jurel is…

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Crawford eyes Cadillac F1 seat, warns team of ‘missed opportunity’ F1

American driver Jak Crawford has expressed concerns that it would be a “missed opportunity” for Cadillac if he were to win this year’s Formula 2 championship and not secure a seat with their new Formula 1 team. With the franchise set to debut as F1’s 11th team in 2026, the pressure is mounting on Cadillac to finalise its driver lineup. Jak Crawford Warns Cadillac of ‘Missed Opportunity’ for F1 Seat Currently sitting second in the…

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Cliff Notes – What Marcus Rashford to Barcelona Means for Player and Club Marcus Rashford’s season-long loan to Barcelona includes a potential permanent transfer for €30 million, contingent on his performance in the 2025-26 season. After a decline in form and a fallout with Manchester United, Rashford seeks to rejuvenate his career at Barcelona, where he aims to prove his worth alongside top talents. What Marcus Rashford to Barcelona Means for Player and Club Marcus…

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