Real Madrid “did a great job by not signing Erling Haaland”, according to former Blancos star Wesley Sneijder, with the Norwegian striker considered to be the wrong fit for a team that now has Kylian Mbappe leading the line. Sneijder, who is a big fan of Haaland, has also picked out the obvious heirs to crowns that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have worn with such distinction for so long.

• Do Real Madrid want Haaland to be a Galactico?

  La Liga giants Real, who are famed for their ‘Galacticos’ recruitment policy under president Florentino Perez, were heavily linked with free-scoring Haaland when exit doors opened up at Borussia Dortmund. No deal was done there as he opted to follow in the footsteps of his father Alf Inge by heading to England.

  Interest in the Spanish capital is said to have been retained, with Haaland posting incredible numbers on the goal front for Premier League giants City. He is, however, now tied to a contract through to 2034.

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• Getty
  

  Why Real Madrid were right to avoid Haaland

  Real will forever be in the market for such talents, but they have helped to turn World Cup-winning Frenchman Mbappe into a fearsome No.9. They have that central striking berth filled, meaning that Haaland would prove to be more of a disruptive presence were he to make his way to Santiago Bernabeu.

  That is the opinion of ex-Madrid playmaker Sneijder, with the Dutchman telling : “I think Real Madrid did a great job by not signing Haaland. There was a moment where they still believed in putting Mbappe down the left with Haaland as the striker but I think the way now is much better because for me Mbappe has become a real striker.

  “The way he takes up positions as a striker, it's very unique, and I believe he's much better now as a striker than from the left side so it doesn't make sense to sign Haaland anymore. That’s good news for Man City!”

• Heirs to Messi & Ronaldo: Sneijder picks three names

  Haaland and Mbappe are expected to compete for Ballon d’Or recognition on an annual basis as they star for City and Madrid respectively. Both have been in the running for that prize before, only to be left empty-handed.

  Golden Balls are, however, becoming easier to obtain now that all-time greats Messi and Ronaldo have entered the latter stages of their record-shattering careers. That is leaving the door open for others to walk through, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele being named the best player on the planet in 2025.

  Sneijder once formed part of that conversation, having helped Jose Mourinho’s Inter to Champions League glory in 2010, and added when asked to name those that will dominate the global scene for the next decade: “Once Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo retire then people will start talking more about Mbappe, Vinicius, Lamine Yamal like how we talk about Ronaldo and Messi now. It’s all about generations. When Diego Maradona quit, other players came through.

  “In 100 years, people won’t talk about Mbappe, Vinicius or Yamal the same. There will be a new generation who has replaced them but when they retire, we will start talking about Mbappe, Yamal and Vinicius the same way we talk about Ronaldo and Messi.”

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• Getty
  

  Yamal problem! Barcelona wonderkid takes centre stage

  Mbappe and Haaland both made the top three in the Ballon d’Or vote of 2023, but were beaten to the ultimate prize by eight-time winner Messi – on the back of his World Cup triumph with Argentina. Neither has made the podium since, with Rodri and Dembele the last two names to have been added to a star-studded roll of honour.

  Yamal could prove to be a problem for prolific forwards in Manchester and Madrid, with the Barcelona wonderkid finishing as the Ballon d’Or runner-up in 2025 at just 18 years of age. He is considered to boast the kind of potential that will allow him to emulate the feats of Messi and Ronaldo, meaning that Mbappe and Co will need to raise their game if further frustration is to be avoided when it comes to the most prestigious of individual honours.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na tarde desta quarta-feira (11), Leila Pereira concedeu uma entrevista coletiva com diversos assuntos, incluindo o valor do patrocínio pago ao Palmeiras pela Crefisa, uma de sua empresas. Ao ser questionada sobre o Corinthians ter um valor de camisa maior atualmente, a mandatária se irritou e contestou a informação. Além disso, prometeu igualar a quantia, caso se prove o Verdão recebe menos do que o rival pelo uniforme.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasLeila garante Barros no Palmeiras, mas deixa em dúvida o futuro de Abel Ferreira: ‘Está chateado’Palmeiras11/10/2023PalmeirasLeila Pereira revela quantos reforços quer trazer para o Palmeiras em 2024Palmeiras11/10/2023PalmeirasLeila Pereira aumenta o tom contra organizada do Palmeiras: ‘Câncer do futebol brasileiro’Palmeiras11/10/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

A pergunta foi baseada em uma reportagem do GE, que mostrou que o Timão calcula ter chegado a R$ 123 milhões após fechar seu último acordo para a barra frontal da camisa. Isso significaria 50% a mais do que os R$ 81 milhões que o Alviverde recebe de sua patrocinadora, que tem exclusividade em todas as partes do uniforme. No entanto, Leila colocou em dúvida a veracidade desses números.

+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!

– Eu sou uma mulher extremamente objetiva e não trabalho com suposição. Eu acho que o o jornalista tem que ser responsável, porque quando vocês falam, vocês são formadores de opinião. Vocês viram o contrato? Eu posso passar a informação que o contrata da Crefisa é de R$ 200 milhões e não mostrar o contrato. Como que podem dizer que uma camisa de um clube vale R$ 123 milhões só porque falaram? Tem que ter a certeza do que falam.

continua após a publicidade

+ Leila Pereira aumenta o tom contra organizada do Palmeiras: ‘Câncer do futebol brasileiro’

A indignação foi tão grande, que Leila Pereira lançou um desafio aos jornalistas presentes na Academia de Futebol. Segundo ela, se apresentarem os contratos que comprovem os R$ 123 milhões de patrocínio na camisa corintiana, ela irá igualar o valor que sua empresa paga ao Palmeiras.

– Me provem que essa camisa do Corinthians está valendo R$ 123 milhões, que eu aumento e pago R4 123 milhões, mas quero que comprovem que essas empresas que pagam o Corinthians, pagam R$ 123 milhões por ano. Eu falo R$ 81 milhões, porque eu pago, sai do meu bolso. Não pode acontecer isso, não dá para divulgar fake news.

continua após a publicidade

– Eu faço um apelo para vocês: parem com isso. O que querem? Diminuir essa parceria, que é espetacular, extremamente correta? Eu abri mão do patrocínio para a camisa do feminino para que outras empresas investissem e eu não reduzi o valor. Tem o avião, tem as reformas que saem do meu bolso. Isso tudo que gera R$ 1,2 bilhão, eu mostro. Se eu não posso comprovar o valor, eu não falo.

+ Leila Pereira revela quantos reforços quer trazer para o Palmeiras em 2024

Desde 2015 no Palmeiras, a empresa de Leila Pereira tem contrato de patrocínio até dezembro de 2024, mesma duração do mandato da presidente. Ela, inclusive, já prometeu que irá abrir concorrência para o mercado, caso alguma outra companhia se interesse pelas propriedades do uniforme alviverde. Por enquanto, além dos R$ 81 milhões, ela paga bônus por metas e títulos.

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

With no reserve day scheduled, Freedom advanced directly to the final, having finished first on the points table

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jul-2025

– Match abandoned due to rainThe Qualifier 1 between Texas Super Kings and Washington Freedom in the MLC 2025 was washed out after relentless rain, with only toss possible. With no reserve day scheduled, Freedom advanced directly to the final, having finished first on the points table during the league stage. This will be Freedom’s second final in two years.The match was officially called off at 9.45pm local time in Dallas – two hours and 45 minutes after the scheduled start of play at 7pm, and 41 minutes before the cut-off time for a five-overs-a-side game.The toss took place on time at 6.30pm local time, with Freedom electing to bowl first. They made one change to the XI from their last league game, bringing in fast bowler Lockie Ferguson for Mark Chapman. Super Kings, meanwhile, went in unchanged.However, just minutes before the scheduled start of play, the stadium was placed under a lightning advisory, and the pitch was covered. After the storm passed, heavy rain followed, leading to the eventual abandonment of the match due to persistent wet weather.Super Kings will now face the winner of the Eliminator – between MI New York and San Francisco Unicorns on Tuesday – in the Qualifier 2.

India captain confirms the return of Jasprit Bumrah for the third Test at Lord’s

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jul-20252:38

Aaron: Akash has been through so much turmoil

India captain Shubman Gill has hailed the performance of his fast bowlers after India bounced back from the opening defeat at Headingley to level the series at Edgbaston. Akash Deep, who had replaced Jasprit Bumrah, led the way with his maiden ten-wicket haul in his eighth Test, including 6 for 99 in the final innings. Akash was ably backed up by Mohammed Siraj, who had picked up a six-for in England’s first innings, and Prasidh Krishna.”They [the bowlers] were magnificent,” Gill said at the post-match presentation. “I think the way we were able to get through the top order, that was very important for us. Both those bowlers bowled brilliantly. Even Prasidh, I felt, he didn’t get as many wickets as them, but he also bowled very brilliantly.”I think he [Akash Deep] bowled with so much heart and the areas and the lengths that he hit, he was just getting the ball to move both ways. On wickets like these, it’s very difficult to get the ball moving in both directions and he was able to do that. He was just magnificent for us.”Gill confirmed the return of bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the third Test, which begins at Lord’s on July 10. Bumrah was rested for the Edgbaston Test, meaning he will play two of the three remaining fixtures in the series.”Definitely (when asked about Bumrah). Very excited for that [playing at Lord’s],” Gill said. “Probably the most iconic cricket stadium in the world. And as a kid, everyone dreams about playing there. And I think no bigger honour than to be able to captain your country and lead the team there.”Gill delivered a glowing appraisal of India’s fast-bowling depth. “When two of your fast bowlers take 16-17 wickets, the captaincy becomes very easy,” Gill told the host broadcaster. “When two fast bowlers are in such good form… Bumrah was not playing in this match, but I think there is so much talent in India that the squad we have of 16-17 players, they have India’s best bowlers. And from them, any bowling attack can take 20 wickets in any situation or conditions.”Gill was pleased with his own form: he racked up scores of 269 and 161 at Edgbaston. His aggregate of 430 was the second highest in a Test match behind Graham Gooch’s 456 against India in 1990. Gill also became the second batter to make two 150-plus scores in a Test.”I’d say I’m feeling comfortable [with my batting],” Gill said. “I’m definitely feeling comfortable with my game and hopefully with my contribution, if we are able to win this series, that would be a great achievement for us.”

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka thinks there may be more for seam bowlers in the Khettarama track than usual. He also thinks there may be more for batters.Having been left behind in ODI cricket – failing to even qualify for the Champions Trophy earlier this year – Sri Lanka are desperate to advance again. One of the ways in which the current leadership think they can close that gap is to match home pitches more closely to the behaviour of pitches found across the world.The pitch at Khettarama, for instance, has been extremely spin friendly for years. But ODI captain Asalanka suggested ahead of the match that this Khettarama pitch might be different. Sri Lanka had won their previous series, against Champions Trophy semi-finalists Australia, 2-0.Related

• Settled SL meet a Bangladesh in transition for ODI series opener

• Rebuild, resurrect, recalibrate – Mehidy has an unenviable task as ODI captain

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“There’s definitely a difference in this surface,” he said “Even if it’s helfpul to spinners, even in the previous series against Australia, we saw that it would seam, and the fast bowlers got wickets. Asitha Fernando got five in two matches. I think this pitch will be a bit more batting friendly than usual”Sri Lanka’s seam-bowling stocks are unusually full. Asalanka suggested they would trial seam-bowling allrounder Milan Rathnayake in this series, but they also have the likes of Asitha, Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga in the squad.This is also the first match Sri Lanka play under the new ODI playing conditions, under which one of the two balls used until the 34th over is then chosen by the fielding team to be used for the last 16. Ostensibly, this is an attempt to bring reverse swing back into the ODI game, which may suit the like sof Asitha, who has frequently reverse-swung the ball in Test cricket.”We’re also new to that rule, so we are still formulating our plans,” Asalanka said about the new playing condition. “It must be to favour fast bowlers that they brought this new rule to use one ball after 34 overs. It’s possible that we will have to treat two balls in two different ways before we decide which one we will use after the 34th. We’re hoping to land on the right plan from the first match.”Although Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy, they have won enough ODI matches (now an infrequently-played format), to rise to fourth on the rankings. Asalanka thinks that is not enough, though.”We can’t be satisfied yet. I’ve said before that our main goal is to be in the top three. Right now we’re only in the top four. We’ve got one more rung to climb on that ladder, and then we have to think about where we go from there. We are confident about our past performances, but we think we have a long way to go forward.”

The leaves are beginning to change colors, wild-card races are flaming hot and October baseball is just around the corner. Only a week and a half remains in MLB's regular season and much has yet to be determined. Unlike the field of contenders for the World Series, which is seemingly wide open, candidates for the award races in MLB have separated themselves from the pack. At least one player has emerged as the favorite to take home the MVP and Cy Young awards in both leagues.

The Rookie of the Year award races however, seemingly foregone conclusions just a few months ago, have ramped up.

In the AL, New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells emerged as a two-way presence behind the plate—and a dark horse to take home the hardware. His teammate, the even-keeled Luis Gil, pitched steadily in the second half to remain a contender. And the early favorite, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser, remains a factor despite his bat cooling somewhat in the second half.

Then, there's the NL. Flamethrowing Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who seemingly makes history every time he toes the rubber, leads the three-horse race for Rookie of the Year. But power-speed threat outfielders Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres, and Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers, are nipping at Skenes's heels.

All this to say, the Rookie of the Year races are going to be difficult to predict. But where would the fun be in trying to forecast them?

So here's to taking on the enviable task of predicting the top three finishers for the American League Rookie of the Year, and the not-so-enviable task of doing the same for the National League.

Predicting the Top Three Finishers in NL Rookie of the Year Award Race

1. Paul Skenes (SP, Pirates)

Can we just hand out an award to Skenes and Jackson Merrill and call it a day? If posed the question as to who the NL ROY is just a few months ago, Skenes would be the obvious choice. But Merrill's emergence, and to a certain degree, Chourio's, has tightened this race considerably. Yes, voting history favors either Merrill or Chourio over Skenes since they’re position players. Even the current odds favor Merrill over the Pirates ace.

But it's difficult to give this award to Skenes.

The 6'6" right-hander boasts a triple-digit fastball, a sinker-splitter hybrid called the "splinker" and three different breakers—a sweeper, slider and curveball. Skenes even has a changeup in his arsenal. Keeping track of all the pitches he throws is almost as hard as hitting them. Just ask opposing MLB hitters, who, as of Friday, are batting just .204 against him. Skenes' splinker is also legitimately one of the best and most unhittable pitches in the game.

Among hurlers with at least 100 innings pitched, Skenes's K/BB percentage ranks third in MLB while his 2.07 ERA ranks second. Here's the real kicker. Skenes' adjusted ERA of 203 would rank among the 100 best single-season marks dating as far back as 1884, were he to qualify in terms of innings.

The fact that Skenes—who was called up in May—has only pitched 126 innings may work against him, but it shouldn't. This is not just one of the best pitching seasons we've ever seen by a rookie. It's not just one of the best pitching seasons this year. It's quite literally one of the best seasons by any pitcher that we've ever seen. Give him the award.

2. Jackson Merrill (OF, Padres)

Seriously, can we just hand out an award to Skenes and Merrill and call it a dayIf anythingMerrill's standout season proves there should be a separate ROY award for pitchers and hitters. But that's another argument for another day.

The case for Merrill winning ROY is simple. The 21-year-old has been the best second-half hitter on a playoff-contending Padres team that features six-time All-Star Manny Machado, two-time All-Star Fernando Tatis Jr. and two-time batting champ Luis Arraez. But that's not all. Since the All-Star break, Merrill ranks in the top 10 in all of MLB in batting average, OPS, barrel rate and wRC+. Simply put, we are talking about one of the best hitters in baseball over a half-season sample size. And it's not like Merrill's overall slash line of .292/.323/.504 is anything to be ashamed of.

Plus, Merrill, a natural shortstop, impacts the game positively at a premium position in center field, as he ranks 12th among all players at the position in outs above average.

Recently, the voters have favored position players. There is a good chance, then, that Merrill wins this award. But there would be no shame in finishing second to one of the best pitching seasons we've ever seen from a rookie.

3. Jackson Chourio (OF, Brewers)

Chourio is the dark horse to take home the NL ROY after he has rebounded from a dismal first half that saw him post a 23.3% strikeout rate and .678 OPS. But, much like Merrill for the Padres, Chourio has been the best second-half hitter on a playoff-bound Brewers team.

The 20-year-old has shaved points off of his first-half strikeout rate and has hit the ball on the ground far less since the All-Star break. Elevating the ball more has made Chourio a deadly hitter. Just ask the Brewers' scoreboard.

Since the Midsummer Classic, Chourio owns a .944 OPS, ahead of NL MVP candidate Francisco Lindor and just behind NL MVP favorite Shohei Ohtani. He ranks in the top 15 in batting average and wRC+ and his post-All-Star 2.9 WAR ranks just ahead of Merrill. Oh, and Chourio also became the youngest player in MLB history to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in a single season.

Chourio has bounced between left and right field, where he has been one of the best defenders in the game. Skenes and Merrill get all the headlines but don't overlook Chourio in this race.

Honorable Mentions

Shota Imanaga, (SP, Chicago Cubs)

Imanaga ranks sixth in MLB in ERA and ninth in adjusted ERA.

Masyn Winn (SS, St. Louis Cardinals)

A defensive ace at shortstop with a cannon for an arm who has also hit 14 homers and swiped 11 bags.

Tyler Fitzgerald (IF/OF, San Francisco Giants)

Fitzgerald has appeared in just 87 games for the Giants but has posted a .861 OPS while belting 14 home runs and stealing 17 bases.

Predicting the Top Three Finishers in AL Rookie of the Year Award Race

1. Luis Gil (SP, Yankees)

Since this is a predictions piece, why not predict something bold that has happened just four times since the ROY award was introduced in 1947? A pitcher will win both the AL and NL ROY awards for the first time since 2011. And Gil, who has been the best and most consistent starter on a playoff-bound Yankees team, will take home the hardware in the AL.

Gil was utterly dominant over the course of his first 14 starts, as he pitched to a 2.03 ERA and looked to be making an early case for the AL Cy Young award. He has come back down to Earth a bit since then, and, as of Friday, has only pitched 140 2/3 innings as he has dealt with an injury and workload concerns coming off of rehab from 2022 Tommy John surgery. But Gil has been remarkably steady throughout the year.

Plus, among AL starting pitchers who have pitched at least 100 innings this year, Gil ranks 10th or better in ERA and strikeout rate. His .184 opponent batting average would rank first among AL starters, were he to qualify in innings, while his Adjusted ERA of 130 would place just outside the top 10 pitchers in all of MLB.

Gil walks too many batters and the voter's history in the AL is working against him in this race. It will be close between Gil, his teammate Wells and Cowser. But the best pitcher on the best team in the AL gets the slight edge.

2. Austin Wells (C, Yankees)

Wells started the year off slow but has been a revelation behind the plate and in the middle of the order for the playoff-bound Yankees.

You want offense? Among catchers who have played at least 100 games, Wells ranks fifth in wRC+, seventh in OPS and 12th in home runs. You want defense? Wells ranks in the 96th percentile among all catchers in Statcast's pitch framing metric and is capable at blocking pitches in the dirt, ranking in the 73rd percentile in blocks above average. He is league average in his ability to throw out runners attempting to steal a base. One downside is that he has made 11 errors, the most among catchers.

Most importantly, Wells has provided some much-needed thump in the middle of the Yankees lineup behind AL MVP favorite Aaron Judge and fellow slugger Juan Soto.

His bat has cooled a bit in September, and the primary knock on Wells is that he's essentially a platoon bat for the Yanks—he owns a .801 OPS vs. righthanders and .525 OPS against southpaws this season.

But there's no denying the fact that Wells has a legitimate chance to become the first catcher to win the AL ROY award since Sandy Alomar in 1990.

3. Colton Cowser (OF, Orioles)

Thanks to a scorching-hot March and April, Cowser looked poised to become the second straight Orioles player to win AL ROY, following in the footsteps of teammate Gunnar Henderson, who took home the hardware in 2023.

His bat has cooled since, but that doesn't mean his candidacy for this award should too. Cowser has belted 20 home runs and recorded a 120 OPS+ in 145 games for an Orioles team with championship aspirations. The 24-year-old is also an excellent left fielder, as he ranks second among all players at the position in outs above average, thanks to plays like this one.

Cowser's bat and glove have been difficult for Orioles manager Brandon Hyde to take out of the lineup, as the rookie has played in the third-most games on a 85–68 team headed to the postseason.

Honorable Mentions

Mason Miller (RP, Oakland Athletics)

Armed with a triple-digits fastball, Miller has been lights-out. He ranks first in K/BB percentage and is tied for ninth with 27 saves.

Wilyer Abreu (OF, Boston Red Sox)

Abreu is already one of the better defensive right fielders in the game and owns a .800 OPS.

The New York Mets made a late-inning comeback to steal a victory from the Washington Nationals in 10 innings on Monday night. The Citi Field faithful were forced to be extremely patient for the big payoff, and that patience was especially tested during the bottom of the eighth, when a close play was sent into the replay center.

They may have thought they were getting a break when third base umpire and crew chief Andy Fletcher had some trouble communicating the decision. At first he indicated the Mets runner had been ruled safe before quickly correcting himself and making the out signal. It was the correct call, but who cares when sudden hopes are immediately dashed?

Umpiring is such a tough job. A slight misspeak can be met with a chorus of boos. During a time when all officiating decisions are being made at some other office. Not for the faint of heart.

Juan Soto is set to become a free agent this offseason after his one-year deal with the New York Yankees is up.

The Yankees are still expected to try to bring Soto back, and his teammates definitely want that to happen, but a few other MLB teams have popped up as potential landing spots for the outfielder. Including, now, the Los Angeles Dodgers according to the 's Jon Heyman. The Yankees and Dodgers are currently playing against each other in the World Series.

The Dodgers would be able to afford Soto thanks to Shohei Ohtani's contract he signed this past offseason. The 10-year, $680 million deal is mostly deferred until the 10 years are up. The Dodgers will be charged around $46.06 million annually and have around $24 million to use each year to help add more talent to the roster.

Soto averaged .288/.419/.569 during the 2024 season. He had 166 hits, 128 runs, 109 RBIs and 41 home runs, which was the fourth most in the league. He will join the Yankees in attempting to stave off elimination starting with Game 3 on Monday night in the Bronx.

MatériaMais Notícias

Palmeiras e Santos se enfrentaram neste domingo (8), pela 26ª rodada do Brasileirão, e o Peixe venceu o rival por 2 a 1, de virada. A partida aconteceu na Arena Barueri, e os gols foram marcados por Zé Rafael, Tomás Rincón e Marcos Leonardo.

PALMEIRAS 1 X 2 SANTOS
Campeonato Brasileiro – 26ª rodada

Data e hora:8 de outubro de 2023, domingo, às 16h (de Brasília)
Local:Arena Barueri, em Barueri (SP)
Árbitro:Flavio Rodrigues de Souza (SP-Fifa)
Auxiliares:Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (SP-Fifa) e Marcelo Carvalho Van Gasse (SP)
VAR:Rafael Traci (SP-Fifa)
Cartões amarelos:Zé Rafael (Palmeiras); Tomás Rincón e Morelos (Santos)
Cartões vermelhos:

Gols:Zé Rafael, Tomás Rincón e Marcos Leonardo

PALMEIRAS
Weverton; Mayke (Luis Guilherme / 32′ 2T), Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Zé Rafael (Fabinho/ 12′ 2T), Gabriel Menino (Jhon Jhon / 12′ 2T) e Raphael Veiga (Richard Ríos / 12′ 2T); Endrick, Rony e Kevin (Flaco López / 22′ 2T).Técnico:Abel Ferreira.

SANTOS
João Paulo; Lucas Braga, Joaquim, João Basso, Messias e Kevyson; Tomás Rincón (Camacho / 22′ 2T), Jean Lucas e Nonato (Dodi / 22′ 2T); Morelos (Maxi Silvera / 12′ 2T) e Marcos Leonardo.Técnico:Marcelo Fernandes.

England have left out Josh Tongue from the XI for the second Test, while India have sent Prasidh Krishna to the bench

Matt Roller10-Jul-20253:16

How will the Lord’s slope impact the third Test?

Toss Ben Stokes won his third toss in a row but defied his recent preference by opting to bat first at Lord’s, as England and India welcomed back Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah respectively.Stokes chose to bowl first in both the first two Tests but said that overhead conditions – with Lord’s bathed in sunshine and temperatures set to pass 30-degrees Celsius this week – dictated his decision to bat. It’s only the third time that Stokes has opted to bat first in home Tests, with England losing on both the previous occasions.Shubman Gill, India’s captain, said he was “a bit confused” as to what he would have done if he had won the toss. “I think I would have bowled first,” he said. “I came in yesterday, and the wicket had a bit of green in it. If there’s anything in the wicket, it’s on the first day and in the first session.”2:15

Pant: Great to see bowlers stand up in Bumrah’s absence

Both teams made a single change from the second Test at Edgbaston, with Archer replacing Josh Tongue and Bumrah returning in place of Prasidh Krishna.”The mood is good,” Stokes said. “It’s been a very well-fought two matches… We’re pushing towards coming away from Lord’s at 2-1. The bodies are all good. Everyone likes playing at Lord’s. It’s one of those weeks where you’ve got to enjoy it as much as you can.”Gill has scored 147, 8, 269 and 161 in the series so far. He has played at Lord’s once before, for Glamorgan against Middlesex, but this is his first Test at the venue. “I’m feeling great,” he told Ravi Shastri at the toss. “The hard work, when it pays off, is quite satisfying.”England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Shoaib BashirIndia: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Karun Nair, 4 Shubman Gill (capt), 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Jasprit Bumrah, 10 Akash Deep, 11 Mohammed Siraj