Australia has made significant changes to their squad ahead of the pivotal third Test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town. Nic Maddinson has been dropped from the team following three low scores in four innings as an opener, with backup wicketkeeper Sam Harper also returning home early. The decision comes as Steve Smith remains in doubt for the match due to a neck injury sustained in the previous Test in Gqeberha. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Smith had limited net sessions without his helmet and is progressing his recovery, expressing confidence he will be available for the crucial contest. Meanwhile, selectors have opted to send Maddinson and Harper back to Sheffield Shield competition to focus on building form, with selection chair George Bailey emphasizing the need for more runs. The team selection also involves potential changes to the batting order, with Matt Renshaw set to return to opening after playing at number five in the last two Tests. Josh Inglis and Cameron Green, both recovered from injuries, are in contention to bat in the top three or lower order. South Africa has confirmed Gerald Coetzee will replace injured fast bowler Anrich Nortje, with Coetzee having 14 wickets from four Tests at an average of 23.57. The match is critical for Australia as they aim to retain the top spot in the ICC Test rankings. Marnus Labuschagne's recent form, with starts without substantial scores, is under scrutiny, though selectors believe his ability to face deliveries and contribute to team success remains valuable. The selectors will finalize the team later on Monday following their training session, with the focus on securing a win to maintain their position in the rankings.

Australia's cricket team selection for the third Test against South Africa is under scrutiny following a photo from a training session that suggests Marnus Labuschagne may have been dropped from the squad. The image, shared by cricket journalist Bharat Sundaresan on X, shows Labuschagne in conversation with coach Andrew McDonald and Steve Smith, deviating from his usual training routine. Labuschagne was not seen batting as usual, instead speaking with the coaching staff and only padding up at the end of the session. This behavior mirrors his actions before being dropped during Australia's tour of the West Indies last year. Journalists reported Labuschagne did not push his case for selection during the session, nicking off three times when facing bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Beau Webster, and Scott Boland. The photo has sparked speculation about potential team changes, with Labuschagne's omission being a key focus. Additionally, wicketkeeper Sam Harper was seen fielding without gloves, suggesting he might play as a specialist batter, which would be a significant shift given the competition for batting spots. Cameron Green is expected to be selected, potentially forcing a top-order reshuffle, with Matt Renshaw possibly returning to open the batting. Other potential changes include the possible return of Nathan Lyon, which could affect the pace attack. The selectors are expected to announce the final team on the morning of the third Test, with the decision likely to be a major talking point ahead of the match at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.

In his weekly column in the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, Patrick Lefevere shared his views on this year’s World Championship teams. The former team manager of Soudal Quick-Step sees a shift when it comes to invitations being sent out and subsequently declined. He cites Belgium and the Netherlan...

[AI-EDITORIAL CARTOON]: 'Team selection criteria — explained by the leader himself' Sometimes satire writes itself. During a recent appearance in Miami, Donald Trump said: “I always like to hang ar...

USMNT reveals 2026 World Cup roster live on Boston 25 News. Fans learn who will play in the upcoming tournament.

The votes have been counted and we present to you, the Elite XV of 2025-26. The side was voted on by a media selection panel, spanning all five territories within the competition. To be eligible, players must have made nine appearances during the regular campaign, with the panel provided with a shortlist of 10 per position by URC StatMaster. 0:00 1. Ntuthuko Mchunu 0:25 2. Johann Grobbelaar 0:55 3. Thomas Clarkson 1:27 4. Darragh Murray 1:54 5. Cobus Wiese 2:20 6. Cian Prendergast 2:46 7. Ruan Venter 3:14 8. Evan Roos 3:50 9. Embrose Papier 4:33 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 5:16 11. Kyle Rowe 6:00 12. Stuart McCloskey 6:36 13. Stafford McDowall 7:03 14. Werner Kok 7:55 15. Quan Horn Head to URC TV to watch full match replays of every game: https://URC.tv Tune in to the live action & subscribe: South Africa: https://bit.ly/SuperSportURC UK & Ireland: https://bit.ly/PremierSportsURC SUBSCRIBE and activate notifications on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3D6AJLo Want more URC? Head to our official website: https://UnitedRugby.com Follow us across social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/URCOfficial TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@URC Instagram: https://instagram.com/URC Facebook: https://facebook.com/URC #URC #Rugby #RugbyUnion #RugbyHighlights

Player confidence is always a factor contributing to team selection, according to Johnny Sexton, who will have had a say in who starts at out-half for Ireland against England on Saturday.

Eight changes to Ireland’s starting XV mean Andy Farrell will see more of his wider squad.

Scott Bemand has dismissed suggestions he has one eye on New Zealand, ahead of Sunday's Rugby World Cup Pool C clash with Spain on Sunday.

Former New South Wales coach Phil Gould has expressed his concerns regarding the composition of Laurie Daley’s squad ahead of the first State of Origin game. Gould highlighted potential issues with player selection and team balance, questioning whether certain choices will provide the team with the necessary strength and cohesion to succeed. While specifics were not fully detailed, Gould's commentary suggests he sees gaps in experience or versatility among the selected players. The discussion comes as NSW prepares to face Queensland, with fans and pundits closely analysing the team’s lineup. Gould, known for his outspoken views and deep understanding of rugby league, also weighed in on related squad matters, including bench strategy and player readiness, although the article does not elaborate on these points. His critique reflects ongoing debates within the sport about optimal team formation, leadership, and how best to utilise player strengths. Observers anticipate that Gould’s insights may influence public perception of the Blues squad and spark further discussion among analysts and supporters in the lead-up to the Origin clash.

With the NRL approaching the Origin series at Accor Stadium on May 27, Greg Prichard provides a clear assessment of the fullback and halves dilemmas for NSW and Queensland. For the Blues, Dylan Edwards is recommended at fullback over James Tedesco, whose Origin career has peaked and who is now 33. Edwards, fully fit and in dominant form for Penrith, deserves the role, continuing the transition from Tedesco, who was recalled temporarily due to injury. In the halves, Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses are the preferred combination, with Moses demonstrating his value with recent clutch performances for Parramatta. For Queensland, Reece Walsh should start at fullback, while Kalyn Ponga is best utilised on the bench to provide flexibility and attacking impact. Cameron Munster and Sam Walker are the obvious halves pairing for the Maroons, with Walker stepping up following Tom Dearden's injury. Prichard stresses that Origin selection should favour current form and readiness rather than past reputation, pointing out that experienced players like Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans have had their time at Origin level. The column aims to cut through public debate and present a rational approach to team selections, balancing youth, form, and positional strategy.

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed's remarks on Rohit Sharma spark controversy, drawing backlash, support from TMC leader Saugata Roy, and action from Congress.

Rashid Latif and Tanveer Ahmed criticize Pakistan's Champions Trophy 2025 squad selection, calling it political and a "joke." Controversial inclusions of Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Usman Khan s...

De selectie van Soudal Quick-Step voor wielerjaar 2026 is rond. Dat maakte de ploeg maandag bekend met de inkomende transfer van Filippo Zana. Daarmee weet de Belgische ploeg met welke renners het het eerste jaar van het post-Remco Evenepoel-tijdperk in zal gaan. De in Thiene geboren Italiaan wist b...