CHENNAI: Australia have decided against playing a practice game ahead of next years highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. Tony Dodemaide, who is managing Australias development squad that is currently training in Chennai, and is also part of the national selection group alongside George Bailey and Andrew McDonald, explained that the tight international schedule leaves little room for a conventional warm-up fixture.Australias fourth Test against New Zealand is scheduled to finish on Jan 8, while the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy is slated to begin on Jan 21.It gets over about 10 days before the first (Test) here...So were playing Test cricket, as soon as the game finishes, we get on a plane and come here and have practice, and then straight into the first Test, Dodemaide told TOI on the sidelines of an event.However, he added that players who are not part of the playing XI for the final Test against New Zealand will arrive in India early to get accustomed to the conditions. We need to win the Test match against New Zealand. But the players in the touring squad who arent playing in that Test will come early to get more acclimatised, he said.The five match Test series will begin in Nagpur before moving to Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad.The Aussie pace department may still be relying on the experience of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, but Dodemaide said the next generation of pacemen is not too far behind. Scott Boland, Michael Nesser and Brendan Doggett have been really good for us, while we have some very exciting talent coming through. Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett have also played some one-day cricket for us.Among the younger crop, Dodemaide pointed to Sheffield Shield performers Nathan McAndrew, Lance Morris and Fergus ONeill, The challenge for our bowlers back home this summer is to set themselves apart to be the next players to come through, he said.Dodemaide also highlighted the importance of Australias current development camp in India, particularly for their young spinners. The squad has been brought to India specifically to experience conditions that are difficult to replicate back home.In Australia, we cant replicate the very dry, red soil and spin conditions. We dont have the same soil types and find it very difficult to get pitches that are dry at home. But its not just the playing conditions. Its the Indian experience, the heat, the crowds, the crowded places. If these players come back to play for Australia, theyll have all of that to deal with. This gives them familiarity and allows us to see how they respond to that challenge, he added.Players like Joel Davies, Jason Sangha, Lloyd Pope and Hugh Weibgen are part of the squad. Dodemaide said the presence of several young players reflects Australias belief in their potential. The younger the players are, the more uncertain it is. But through the Under-19s, they show talent, just as Joel has gone on to play for Australia, he said.Dodemaide also backed Australian players to continue using the IPL as an important development platform, despite the difficulty of balancing franchise cricket with international commitments. The IPL is the best T20 competition in the world, he said. We love our players going to IPL because that is where they come up against the best players in the world...But it is very hard now, as we all know, to juggle franchise cricket and cricket for Australia, he added.

By analyzing the realistic fantasy outcomes of Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, and Cam Skattebo, we can better understand if they're bargains or busts. All three have the potential to help managers win their title. All three also bring risks.Twenty years ago, I went all in on the Rams at my fantasy draft, selecting Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, Torry Holt, and yes, even kicker Jeff Wilkins. They finished the year (respectively) as the QB4, RB2, and WR5. Wilkins even co-led the league with 32 made field goals. I won the title.This year's top Giants playmakers have similar boom potential. Dart averaged 20.1 fantasy points per start last season, which would have made him the QB5. In the six contexts when Skattebo had more than three carries, he averaged 19.1 points, which would have made him the RB6. In three full games last year, Nabers averaged 17.7 points, which would have made him the WR6; the year before, he was the WR7.That's the good news. The rougher news is that all three have above-average risk potential. Dart's head injury history is well documented, and there are serious questions surrounding whether he'll still be an active rusher. Both Skattebo and Nabers are coming off season-ending injuries, and in particular, Skattebo's hard-running style generates concerns about his long-term durability.Each one has a realistic range of outcomes based on their proven ceilings and their injury risks. Based on average draft positions, Nabers and Skattebo typically are coming off the board in the third round of 12-team leagues, while Dart is falling to the eighth. In other words, if you adopt a "Giants-or-bust" fantasy draft strategy -- just as I did 20 years ago -- you will need to invest significant draft capital (again, just as I did with the Rams). The payoff if things work out is huge. Managers have to weigh whether to roll the dice.For a deeper dive on Dart's, Nabers', and Skattebo's bargain/bust potential, listen to this recent podcast episode.This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy bargains or busts? Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, and Cam Skattebo

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 07: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers gets ready in the on deck circle against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at Chase Field on August 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Diamondbacks won 4-3. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesYoshinobu Yamamoto and the Dodgers look to snap their seven-game losing streak against Brandon Pfaadt and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. Tonight's #Dodgers starting lineup for Game 2 in Arizona: pic.twitter.com/ezL8WKTF6V SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 8, 2026SATURDAY GAME INFO Teams: Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks Stadium: Chase Field Time: 5:10 p.m. PT TV: SportsNet LA Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 (Spanish) Join the conversation!Sign up for a user accountand get:Fewer adsCreatecommunity postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!

Credit: Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty ImagesKansas City Chiefs training camp turned heated after Kenneth Walker and Alohi Gilman clashed twice during the same practice.Imagine the moment so intense that separating them seemed like a task itself.The two teammates were involved in separate confrontations, with both incidents needing others to step in and calm things down.That comes during an intense period of preparation as the Chiefs build towards the new NFL season, with competition for places clearly high.Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty ImagesKenneth Walker and Alohi Gilman incidents highlight intensity at Chiefs campReports from practice suggest the first altercation began with a verbal exchange before escalating quickly.Walker and Gilman went face-to-face, eventually going helmet-to-helmet as tempers rose.Moments later, Walker took things further.He wrapped up Gilmans legs and brought him to the ground, prompting teammates and coaches to intervene.However, that was not the end of it.Later in the same session, tensions flared again between the pair.Gilman reportedly pushed Walker at the end of a play, leading to another brief confrontation before players stepped in once more.It caught attention.Two clashes between the same teammates in one practice is rare, even by training camp standards.There is context behind it.Both Walker and Gilman are new additions and are pushing for key roles this season.That competition can often spill over.Walker, in particular, has already been involved in a separate training camp incident earlier this month with Drue Tranquill.His aggressive approach has quickly become a talking point.At the same time, this kind of edge is not always seen as a negative.Athletes understand that training camps are designed to be physical, and emotions often run high in the summer heat when everyone in the huddle just wants to perform their best.However, the challenge now is managing that aggression.Leaders like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce will be expected to ensure that intensity turns into unity for the team rather than a disruption.Photo by David Eulitt/Getty ImagesFor the Chiefs, the focus remains on the bigger picture.These moments can build toughness, but only if they stay under control.How the team responds over the coming days will be worth watching because the intensity is just about to increase as the matches approach.Chiefs 2026 preseason features three games: vs. the Rams on August 15, at the Buccaneers on August 22, and vs. the Seahawks on August 28.Read more:ESPN NFL expert spots something Im not sure Ive seen in 27 years at Ravens training campAaron Rodgers delivers never again message after reunion with estranged familyMatt LaFleur cracks down as MarShawn Lloyd, Christian Watson hit with bans

There is a new voice on Husky Radio. Elise Woodward, a sports announcer for three decades and a University of Washington alumna, will be taking her place as the next voice of the Huskies. During her college days at UW, she played basketball for the Dawgs, making captain her senior year, and then spent her Saturdays reporting from the sidelines. She told KIRO 7 the energy at football games was a big reason she chose to attend UW. After UW, voiced games for the Seattle Storm and the SuperSonics. She is currently the on-call broadcaster for Portland Fire. She told KIRO 7 that she takes the role her new job plays in the UW community seriously, And I hope for me in some small way that Ive been able to be able to open some doors for those, and so I obviously want to keep those doors open and do a really good job for so many different reasons, but thats one of them to give others a chance to do it.Woodward says she is excited to start her tenure with the Huskies off with a bang as she prepares to be the voice for the Dawgs during one of their most-watched games of the year: The Apple Cup. On September 6, Washington State University and the University of Washington will face off on the football field for the 75th time. I mean, there is no easing into it. Youre not getting a dress rehearsal. Youre not getting a warm-up. Youre getting the Apple Cup!Despite the pressure of the renowned matchup, Woodward told KIRO 7 she is confident that when the day comes, she will be ready. Im going to slip on that headset and be fired up. I know that.WSU and UW are set to face off on Sunday, September 6, and will be televised on NBC at 1 p.m.WSUs home opening game will be September 19 against Duquesne at 12:30 p.m. and will be televised on USA Network.

A former Cincinnati Bengals player is already on the outs with his new team about a week or so into training camps around the NFL.The San Francisco 49ers waived defensive end Sam Cample this past week, ending his brief tenure with the franchise that started last April.Sample, a fourth-round pick by the Bengals in 2021, had spent every prior season in Cincinnati and was a key rotational depth piece when healthy. He played in 61 games, registering seven sacks and 85 combined tackles.No word on why Sample is out in San Francisco. But the Bengals seem content with edge depth right now. Boye Mafe, Shemar Stewart, Cashius Howell and Myles Murphy are the big investments on the edge, with Cedric Johnson and Isaiah Foskey the primary depth pieces.This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals free agent already waived by new team

Liverpool is back at Anfield on Sunday for the first time this preseason, hosting Monaco in a friendly two weeks out from the start of the Premier League season.\nAndoni Iraola's American tour started well but ended badly. The Reds beat Sunderland 4-2 in Nashville and Wrexham 1-0 at Yankee Stadium before Leeds hammered them 4-2 in Chicago.\nLiverpool finished fifth last season, and Iraola leaned hard on young players in the States. Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo are all back in training and in line for minutes.\nWatch Liverpool vs. Monaco on Fubo TV\nMonaco has a new manager too. Filipe Lus took over in July on a two-year deal, his first job in Europe after winning the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo.\nMonaco finished seventh in Ligue 1 and dropped into the Conference League, which cost Sbastien Pocognoli his job. \nThe visitors bring United States forward Folarin Balogun, who is still with the French side as rumors about his future swirl. Maghnes Akliouche left for PSG on Thursday in a 50 million euro deal.\nLiverpool vs. Monaco prediction, pick\nAnfield plus a real first-choice spine should mean a different Liverpool than the one Leeds picked apart in Chicago. Monaco is further along in its own preseason but is breaking in a new coach and just lost a key attacker.\nPrediction:Liverpool 3, Monaco 1\nLiverpool vs. Monaco channel, start time, streaming\nWhen:Sunday, August 9Where: Anfield (Liverpool, England)Time:9:30 a.m. ETChannel/streaming:Fox Deportes (Watch LIVE on Fubo), CBS Sports Network \nThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Liverpool vs. Monaco friendly prediction, start time, how to watch

Jonah Coleman has always been the perfect advertisement for Jedd Fisch's "Be A Pro" mantra with the Washington Huskies.Early in his tenure with the Denver Broncos, after the AFC West organization selected him in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL draft, Coleman has already begun to establish himself as a key piece of Sean Payton's rotation at running back, after the head coach told the media he "doesn't feel like a rookie" on Wednesday.Coleman has quickly picked up steam ahead of his first season in the league, as NFL.com's Gennaro Filice placed him on his preseason All-Rookie Team.Sean Payton asked if theres been any pleasant surprises early on. Singled out Jonah Coleman. Said he doesnt feel like a rookie pic.twitter.com/ICcEGrqc3J Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) August 5, 2026"Checking in at 5-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Coleman is a bowling ball with three-down ability, having eclipsed 1,100 scrimmage yards in each of his final three college campaigns," Filice wrote."Its a crowded running back room in Denver, butJ.K. Dobbinshas never stayed healthy for a full season whileRJ Harveyperformed best in a specialized role as a rookie. Sean Payton likes taking a committee approach at the position, and Coleman seems like the kind of experienced, well-rounded back who can hit the ground running in the NFL, carving out a significant role in Year 1. He lacks game-breaking speed, but I envision him routinely moving the chains behind Denvers stout offensive line."While Denver's backfield situation is a little murky with Dobbins and Harvey in the fold, Coleman's physicality between the tackles and ability as a pass protector could help him carve out an important role in Peyton's offense as a rookie.This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington football star makes early training camp impression

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer has moved to 10th on the all-time strikeout list, passing Walter Johnson.Scherzer achieved the feat by getting Kyle Schwarber to strike out looking in the bottom of the sixth inning. It was his fourth punchout of the game. Unfortunately, Trae Turner and Bryce Harper followed it up with a solo home run apiece, which forced Toronto to go to the bullpen.The veteran starting pitcher entered the day with 3,512 career strikeouts, only three behind tying Johnson. Scherzer struck out Harper in the first inning, Garrett Stubbs in the third inning, and then Bryan De La Cruz in the fifth inning to tie the Hall of Famer. This story will be updated.

Dante Moore is arguably the top quarterback in the country entering the 2026 season. He has tremendous odds to both win the Heisman Trophy and become the first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, and he is the key reason why the Oregon Ducks have a chance to bring home the program's first championship.However, depth is important at every position on the field, including quarterback. In an ideal world, Moore is the only Duck who needs to get under center this season. But if a scenario occurs where the Ducks need a new plan, they have plenty of good options to choose from.Pro Football Focus ranked Oregon's quarterback room as the nation's best, just ahead of Ohio State and Ole Miss. Moore will lead the room after throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, becoming a third-team All-Big Ten selection.One of the biggest acquisitions through the transfer portal for Oregon was Dylan Raiola, who started the first two seasons of his career at Nebraska. Now, he's taking Moore's approach with the Ducks, sitting and learning in hopes of becoming an even better version of himself and competing for the starting job next season. In 22 career starts, Raiola threw for 4,819 yards and 31 touchdowns, while completing 69.1% of his passes, a program record for Nebraska.Moore and Raiola are big names in the college football world, and it wouldn't shock anyone if they were the top two passers on the depth chart to begin the season. However, Oregon has experience behind Raiola as well. Brock Thomas, a local kid from Sheldon High School, earned the trust of the coaching staff last season and was the backup to Moore. He notably came in to replace an injured Moore in a rainy home game against Wisconsin and helped guide the Ducks to victory in poor conditions.Brock Thomas Iverson Hooks pic.twitter.com/aZQljG9JJ8 Logan Brown (@LoganABrown) August 6, 2026The connection Thomas has with the coaching staff and his experience playing with the starters in Autzen Stadium shouldn't be overlooked. Oregon's talented group of wideouts has spoken glowingly of Thomas' ability to command the offense and throw a great ball. As fall camp gets underway, Thomas should have every opportunity to keep the backup role.Akili Smith Jr., the son of the former Oregon quarterback of the same name, is another intriguing name to keep an eye on this season. After redshirting last season, he has gained some momentum with fans after appearing in the spring game. Smith has ideal size, standing at 6-foot-5 and over 200 pounds, and he has possibly the biggest arm in the room. While Smith might not be in the mix to take the field this season, his development is worth monitoring.Hopefully the Ducks won't need to rely on any passer other than Moore in big moments this season. However, if Oregon finds itself in a blowout and pulls some starters early, it will be intriguing to see how coach Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer mix in Raiola and Thomas, as well as who comes off the bench first. Either way, Oregon fans should feel comfortable heading into the season with multiple talented passers on the roster.Contact/Follow@Ducks_Wireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon claims nation's top quarterback room, per PFF