26 h. ago The Spin | The summer of 2005 without Pietersen? Imagining World Test finals of the past

Ahead of next month’s match at Lord’s, we work out who would have reached previous finals and how history may have been alteredThis, dear reader, is the 1,126th edition of The Spin. For the past 23 years it has been a weekly source of news, views and automated data about the unread message count in the deleted items folder. As such it is hard to find new journalistic frontiers. But, in the face of some molten competition, this week’s Spin stands alone as the nerdiest, the most anal, the one grounded furthest from reality.We say this not to boast, only to flag that it may not be for everyone, and that we feel for those unfortunates whose neurological disposition means they have precisely no interest in imagining what a World Test Championship final might have looked like in May 1989. Continue reading...

Politics

47 h. ago Primoz Roglic abandons bid for second Giro d’Italia title after stage 16 crash

The five-time Grand Tour winner crashed three times at this year’s race and abandoned after falling in wet conditions on Tuesday

Events

61 h. ago Roma 'accuse former Aston Villa star of physically striking two youth players during dressing room clash'

The incident is said to have occurred after the Primavera championship semi-final - an Italian youth football competition - between Roma and Fiorentina, which the latter won 2-1.

Sport

4 d. ago Bournemouth vs Leicester City Premier League prediction, betting preview, odds and tips

The Cherries will be looking to end the season on a high note as they welcome Championship-bound Leicester City to the Vitality Stadium in their final Premier League match of the season

Politics

4 d. ago Sunderland need to learn lesson from Premier League trio after winning richest game in football

Sunderland will play Premier League football for the first time since 2017, after producing a stunning comeback to defeat Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley

Sport

4 d. ago Sunderland prove comeback kings in every sense to seal dramatic Premier League return

Sheffield United 1-2 Sunderland: Tommy Watson’s 95th-minute winner sent half of Wembley wild in the Championship play-off final as the Black Cats ended their eight-year exile from the top flight

Politics

4 d. ago Sunderland snatch promotion to Premier League by beating Sheffield United in playoff final

Was there a better sight than Luke O’Nien, his right arm cradled in a sling, racing down the touchline, punching the air with his left to celebrate Tommy Watson’s stoppage-time winner? Sunderland stormed back from a goal down after Tyrese Campbell’s first-half opener to return to the Premier League after eight years away.Sunderland’s performance was something of a slow-burner but ultimately found two big moments. The first was courtesy of Eliezer Mayenda, who scored with their second shot on goal, and the second will live long in the memory for both the goalscorer and those here to witness it. Watson, the 19-year-old forward who joined his boyhood club as an under-nine, stroked a wonderful shot into the bottom corner in stoppage time, extra time looming. Eventually, with 102 minutes showing on the big screens, confirmation: Sunderland are back in the big time. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Sunderland star given oxygen after sickening injury in Championship play

Sunderland were dealt a brutal blow in the opening stages of the Championship play-off final as Luke O'Nien was given oxygen and forced off with a shoulder injury after a sickening fall

Events

4 d. ago Sunderland star given oxygen after injury just TWO MINUTES into Championship Play

Sunderland defender Luke O'Nien was left requiring oxygen on the pitch after injuring his shoulder in the opening minutes of Saturday's Championship play-off final

Events

4 d. ago Man City and Premier League may clash over Championship play

Manchester City and the Premier League may well find themselves at odds over whether they want Sheffield United or Sunderland to win the Championship play-off final

Politics

4 d. ago WCL and Championship playoff finals, Liverpool favourites to sign Wirtz – matchday live

Buildup to today’s major finalsLive scores | Fixtures | Get in touchManchester City wrap up their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a game Pep Guardiola believes is “by far” their most important of the season. City head to Fulham knowing a draw will almost certainly secure a top-five spot and a place in the Champions League for next season.After winning the title in the past four seasons, it is a relatively modest target but Guardiola recognises it is the least of the club’s expectations. The City manager said: “If we want to play in the Champions League, we have to take a result there. This is what we are going to do. Of course, it’s really important.” Asked if it was the most important game of the season, Guardiola said at a press conference: “By far.” Continue reading...

Sport

4 d. ago Sheffield United v Sunderland: Championship playoff final – live

Updates from the 3.01pm kick-off at WembleyGet in touch! You can email Rob hereBoth managers make two changes from the semi-final second leg. Sheffield United bring in Rhian Brewster, so impressive in the first leg against Bristol City, and Tyrese Campbell in place of Andre Brooks and Tom Cannon.Chris Rigg, 17, and Romaine Mundle start for Sunderland instead of Wilson Isidor and Patrick Roberts. Continue reading...

Sport

5 d. ago WCL and Championship playoff finals, Salah named Premier League player of the year– matchday live

Buildup to today’s major finalsLive scores | Fixtures | Get in touchManchester City wrap up their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a game Pep Guardiola believes is “by far” their most important of the season. City head to Fulham knowing a draw will almost certainly secure a top-five spot and a place in the Champions League for next season.After winning the title in the past four seasons, it is a relatively modest target but Guardiola recognises it is the least of the club’s expectations. The City manager said: “If we want to play in the Champions League, we have to take a result there. This is what we are going to do. Of course, it’s really important.” Asked if it was the most important game of the season, Guardiola said at a press conference: “By far.” Continue reading...

Sport

5 d. ago WCL and Championship playoff finals, Ronaldo ‘may play at Club World Cup’ – matchday live

Buildup to today’s major finalsLive scores | Fixtures | Get in touchManchester City wrap up their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a game Pep Guardiola believes is “by far” their most important of the season. City head to Fulham knowing a draw will almost certainly secure a top-five spot and a place in the Champions League for next season.After winning the title in the past four seasons, it is a relatively modest target but Guardiola recognises it is the least of the club’s expectations. The City manager said: “If we want to play in the Champions League, we have to take a result there. This is what we are going to do. Of course, it’s really important.” Asked if it was the most important game of the season, Guardiola said at a press conference: “By far.” Continue reading...

Society

5 d. ago WCL and Championship playoff finals, Klopp disappointed with boos for Alexander

Buildup to today’s major finalsLive scores | Fixtures | Email EmilliaManchester City wrap up their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a game Pep Guardiola believes is “by far” their most important of the season. City head to Fulham knowing a draw will almost certainly secure a top-five spot and a place in the Champions League for next season.After winning the title in the past four seasons, it is a relatively modest target but Guardiola recognises it is the least of the club’s expectations. The City manager said: “If we want to play in the Champions League, we have to take a result there. This is what we are going to do. Of course, it’s really important.” Asked if it was the most important game of the season, Guardiola said at a press conference: “By far.” Continue reading...

Sport

7 d. ago Why the Championship playoff final will kick off one minute late

All three EFL play-off finals this weekend will kick off one minute later than previously planned in honour of an important cause

Sport

8 d. ago Sheffield United fan explains why he wants his side to LOSE playoff final to Sunderland

Sheffield United will face Sunderland on Saturday in the Championship play-off final, though one Blades fan has made it clear he does not want the Blades to earn promotion

Sport

8 d. ago Jon Rahm admits 'embarrassment' over what happened in PGA Championship heartbreak

Jon Rahm has admitted he was "embarrassed" at the way his final round ended at the PGA Championship, but did note he will "just need to get over it" and focus on the future

Politics

9 d. ago US Open champion apologises for temper tantrum that marred US PGA Championship

Wyndham Clark turned and launched his driver into an advertising hoarding on the 16th hole on the final day of the US PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, so furious was he with his tee shot

Politics

1 week ago Caddie’s reaction to PGA Championship star’s meltdown as he launches club away says everything

Max Homa endured a frustrating final round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, with the American launching his club down the fairway at one point

Events