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West Indies will head into the decisive second Test against Pakistan full of confidence after a strong run of performances on home soil, with captain Roston Chase eager to turn the Caribbean into one of the toughest places for visiting teams to win.The series finale gets underway at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain on Sunday (August 2), with the hosts aiming to wrap up the contest after securing a commanding 90-run victory in the opening Test at Tarouba. Their recent home form has also included an emphatic innings-and-217-run win over Sri Lanka before the second Test of that series ended in a draw. Although a place in the World Test Championship final is no longer within reach, another victory would see the West Indies climb above England to seventh in the WTC standings.Roston Chase wants to make the Caribbean a fortressChase believes the team's recent success is the result of a long-term plan that has started to pay off following a disappointing 2025 campaign, during which the Caribbean side managed only one win in nine Test matches."We had a clear plan after last year and identified where we wanted to be as a team," Chase said ahead of the match. "We're moving in the right direction, but we know there's another level to reach. Our focus is to stick to our processes, execute our plans, and give ourselves the best chance of winning this Test as well, " Chase said. The skipper also stressed the importance of making home conditions a major advantage."We've enjoyed some excellent results at home recently, and we want to keep building on that. Our goal is to make the Caribbean a very difficult place for visiting teams because we understand these conditions better than anyone else. Home advantage should count, and we want to continue using it to our benefit," he added. Pakistan look to end poor away recordPakistan arrive under pressure after suffering eight consecutive defeats in away Test matches, with losses coming on tours of Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh and now the West Indies. The pitch in Port of Spain is expected to provide more assistance to spin than the surface used for the first Test, which could influence team selections for both sides.West Indies are monitoring the fitness of Chase, whose off-spin adds balance to the bowling attack alongside lead spinner Jomel Warrican. The all-rounder was unable to bowl in the opening Test because of a finger injury but is optimistic about contributing with the ball in the series decider."The finger is improving," Chase said. "I managed to bowl a couple of overs in the nets today. There's still some discomfort, but I'm hopeful that by Sunday I'll be able to bowl a proper spell."Spin battle could shape series deciderPakistan could respond to the spin-friendly conditions by bringing experienced off-spinner Sajid Khan into the playing XI after fielding Ali Usman as their only specialist spinner in the first Test. Salman Ali Agha also offers a useful spin option. West Indies, meanwhile, may consider handing a debut to left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop if they decide an extra frontline spinner is needed, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between the two spin attacks in the series decider.

The Buffalo Bills have had their first big injury scare from their 2026 NFL training camp slate. Newly signed safety CJ Gardner-Johnson was reportedly carted off the practice field on Day 3 of workouts on Saturday. Per WKBW-TV, Gardner-Johnson lAccording to various reports from the scene, it appears to be a right foot/leg injury:CJ Gardner-Johnson carted off from Bills practice. No official injury update but you can judge for yourself. pic.twitter.com/qVdhivgedu Mat Mlodzinski (@MatMlodzinski) August 1, 2026Per WKBW-TV, Gardner-Johnson managed to limp off the field but could not put weight on his right side. He went to the media tent on the sideline before being taken away on a cart. Gardner-Johnson signed in Buffalo via aone-year deal this spring. Bills Wire will continue to provide updates. Check back. This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Injury news: New defender CJ Gardner-Johnson carted off at Bills camp

Jude Bellingham at The Hundred: Birmingham Phoenix investor watches his team in action vs Welsh Fire at Edgbaston originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Jude Bellingham made his first appearance at The Hundred as a Birmingham Phoenix investor.The Real Madrid and England stars watched the Phoenix face the Welsh Fire at Edgbaston.Bellingham holds a 1.2 per cent stake in the franchise after investing earlier this year.The Hundred: Birmingham Phoenix investor Jude Bellingham watches his team in action vs. Welsh Fire at EdgbastonJude Bellingham swapped the Bernabu for Edgbaston on Saturday, taking his seat to watch Birmingham Phoenix in the flesh for the first time since becoming an investor.The Real Madrid and England midfielder was in attendance for the Phoenix's doubleheader against Welsh Fire, marking a notable moment in his growing off-field association with his home city.The Hundred welcomed the 22-year-old warmly, posting on X, "Welcome to Edgbaston, Jude Bellingham. The England and Real Madrid star and Birmingham Phoenix investor makes his first appearance at #TheHundred." His presence added considerable star wattage to a fixture at the West Midlands venue.Welcome to Edgbaston, Jude Bellingham The England and Real Madrid star, and Birmingham Phoenix investor makes his first appearance at #TheHundredpic.twitter.com/iD926XdUOC The Hundred (@thehundred) August 1, 2026Bellingham announced his investment in the franchise earlier this year, taking a 1.2 per cent equity stake in a deal split between Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Knighthead Capital Management.Saturday offered his first chance to experience the matchday atmosphere as a stakeholder rather than a spectator.MORE:SKY set to leave MI: Mumbai Indians likely to make Tilak new captain - ReportA homecoming rooted in the West MidlandsFor Bellingham, the involvement carries a personal resonance that goes beyond sport. Having burst onto the scene as a teenager at Birmingham City before moving to Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, he has spoken of a desire to give something back to the area that shaped him.Explaining his decision to invest, Bellingham said, "I feel like I owe the city something. And this feels like a good way."He also revealed a genuine affection for the sport, describing cricket as his "favourite thing to watch outside football" and recalling how he and his brother Jobe used to "scrap" while playing it growing up.His stake forms part of a wider transformation of the competition. The Phoenix are among the franchises reshaped by heavy private investment, with more than 520 million injected into The Hundred since last year as overseas and celebrity backers have entered the game. Bellingham's role is intended to extend beyond mere financial backing.The franchise has spoken of working with him on community initiatives aimed at increasing cricket participation, leaning on his profile to reach audiences who might never otherwise engage with the sport.Phoenix chief executive Stuart Cain framed the appeal in those terms, noting Bellingham's understanding of high-performance sport and his roots in the region.MORE:England captain Joe Root refuses to 'rip everything up' from Bazball eraA shrewd bit of star-led brandingThe hope is that a globally recognised name can help widen cricket's reach in a way traditional marketing cannot. There is undeniable commercial logic to parading one of world football's biggest names at a cricket ground, and The Hundred's eagerness to publicise his arrival speaks to how much value it places on that association.A photograph of Bellingham at Edgbaston travels far beyond the sport's usual audience, which is precisely the point. The harder question is whether that visibility converts into lasting engagement.Celebrity investment generates headlines and a fleeting spike in attention, but the tournament's real challenge is turning curious onlookers into committed followers.Bellingham's presence is a promising start, yet the substance of his community work, rather than a wave to the cameras, will ultimately determine whether the association means anything at all.For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to ourFacebook,Instagram,andX (Twitter)pages.

Report: Arsenal facing competition to sign 60m defenderArsenal Transfer News: Ezri Konsa Emerges as Key Defensive OptionArsenals search for defensive reinforcement appears to be gathering pace, with Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa firmly in the frame as the club assesses options ahead of the new season. According to Caught Offside, Konsa is a target for both Arsenal and Liverpool this summer, with the defender said to be interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium.This is a situation that carries several moving parts. Arsenal have been exploring the market for a centre-back for some time, and Konsa has been described as one of their top targets. The complication is Villas valuation. The report states that the Midlands club want 60m for the England international, a figure believed to be high for Arsenal even though they have not left the race for his signature yet.Ezri Konsa valuation shapes Arsenal transfer plansFrom Arsenals perspective, the need is clear. William Salibas injury is outlined as a major factor, with the report noting it looks serious and like it could keep him out for some time. That creates an obvious requirement for proven cover in central defence, particularly for a side expected to challenge again at the top end of the Premier League and compete deep into Europe.Photo: IMAGOKonsa offers reliability, Premier League experience and positional flexibility, all of which fit the profile Arsenal tend to favour. Liverpool are also credited with interest, though the current sense is that Villa remain in control because Konsa seems to be open to leaving Villa Park, even if hes not currently pushing for the move.William Saliba injury leaves Arsenal needing coverThe urgency around this search is understandable. Saliba has become central to Arsenals defensive structure and leadership. Without a new signing, Mikel Arteta may be forced to reshuffle internally, with Piero Hincapie, Jurrien Timber, Ben White or Riccardo Calafiori all possible solutions in the middle. That may work in patches, but it would alter the balance of the side.Arsenal are also reviewing alternatives. West Hams Konstantinos Mavropanos and Como defender Jacobo Ramon are both mentioned. Mavropanos is viewed as a possible lower-cost route after West Hams relegation, while Ramon appears more developmental, someone who could grow into becoming a starter.For now, Konsa looks one of the most credible names under consideration, though whether Arsenal decide to meet Villas demands is likely to determine the next step.Our ViewFrom an Arsenal supporters point of view, this report makes plenty of sense. If Saliba is going to miss a meaningful part of the start of the season, then signing an experienced centre-back feels essential. Konsa would be a very strong addition. He knows the league, he defends one v one well, he reads danger quickly and he would not need months to adapt.The 60m price is steep, and supporters will naturally question whether that money could be spread across multiple needs. Even so, there is a strong argument that this is one of those positions where Arsenal cannot afford to gamble. Saliba is so important that any drop in quality beside Gabriel can have a huge effect on the team.Konsa being interested in Arsenal is also encouraging. That does not mean a transfer is close, but it matters when a player is open to the project. He would come in knowing he has to compete, and that is exactly the sort of mentality fans want.If the fee proves too high, Arsenal must still act decisively. A cheaper option may help numerically, but supporters will hope the club aim higher than a stop-gap. The next step should be simple, either push properly for Konsa, or move quickly for a defender of similar level. Waiting around would be the worst outcome.

Alonso welcomes Mudryk returnXabi Alonso has welcomed Mykhailo Mudryks return to football after the Chelsea winger was cleared to resume his career following the resolution of his anti-doping case.Speaking after Chelseas 2-1 pre-season defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney, Alonso confirmed the Ukraine international will join the squad in Hong Kong for the next stage of the clubs summer tour after the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) reached an agreement that made him eligible to play again with immediate effect.The Chelsea head coach said the priority now was to help Mudryk reintegrate into the group after spending an extended period away from the first team.Alonso delighted as Mudryk cleared to returnWe are happy for him, especially for him, because probably we are not able to understand what he has been through in this time and how does he feel at the moment with the things that he had to cope with, Alonso said.We want that he feels part of a team, because he has been training on his own for a long time, and that we have the support from everyone, from the club, from the teammates, from the staff, and for sure it will take time.So once he is with us, we will see how things develop.Alonsos comments came hours after the FA confirmed the disciplinary proceedings against Mudryk had been resolved, allowing the 25-year-old to return to competitive football after accepting an agreed resolution with the governing body.Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who worked with Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk before the wingers move to Chelsea, also expressed his delight at the news.Hes a lovely guy and a great player, De Zerbi said.I hope he can show that in this coming season after all his suffering over the last two years.Mudryk is now expected to begin the process of rebuilding his match fitness with Chelsea as Alonso prepares his squad for the new Premier League campaign.Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube |TikTok

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