ENG v IND: Shubman Gill to bat at No. 4 in Leeds Test, confirms Pant

IANS | June 18, 2025 7:03 PM

Leeds, June 18 (IANS) India captain Shubman Gill is set to take up the iconic No. 4 spot in the batting order for the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, beginning Friday. Gill's deputy and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant confirmed the decision during a press conference on Wednesday, ending weeks of speculation following Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket.

FC Barcelona sign highly-rated goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol

IANS | June 18, 2025 6:47 PM

Barcelona, June 18 (IANS) FC Barcelona have signed goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol. The club confirmed it had activated the release clause of 25 million euros to secure his signing. The player will sign a contract with the club for the next six seasons, until June 30, 2031, in a private ceremony at FC Barcelona’s offices on Friday.

From Joe Root to Jasprit Bumrah: Stars who could define India’s tour of England

IANS | June 18, 2025 6:26 PM

New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) The start of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle represents a chance for new beginnings. India and England are set to kick off a five-Test series, beginning at the Headingley Cricket Ground on Friday (June 20). Both teams are coming into this cycle in search of a fresh start despite boasting contrasting records in the first three editions of the trophy.

IND vs ENG: India’s batting reboot faces litmus test against England’s inexperienced home attack

IANS | June 18, 2025 5:41 PM

Leeds (UK), June 18 (IANS) The stage is set for one of the most eagerly anticipated contests in modern Test cricket as India take on England in the first Test of the five-match series at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20. Despite the name change from the Pataudi Trophy, the rivalry remains as intense as ever, steeped in history, fuelled by recent drama, and shaped by evolving identities.

Former champ Kvitova, Dan Evans among Wimbledon main draw wild cards

IANS | June 18, 2025 5:19 PM

London, June 18 (IANS) Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova of Czechia, who returned from maternity leave this year, along with British No.1 Dan Evans, are among the recipients of wild cards for the Wimbledon main draw. A mix of established names and the next tennis stars have been awarded entry to the main draw of The Championships, for which qualifying begins on June 23 and the main draw gets underway on June 30.