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SYLHET: Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto delivered a statement performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 opener, striking a composed yet commanding century to lead Rajshahi Warriors to a convincing victory over Sylhet Titans on Friday.

Chasing a competitive target of 191, Rajshahi suffered an early setback when opener Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for 10 in the third over with just 19 runs on the board.

Shanto then took control of the chase, first steadying the innings alongside Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan.

The pair added 43 runs for the second wicket before Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke the stand, removing Farhan for a scratchy 20 off 19 balls.

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Veteran wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim joined his skipper, and the duo completely shifted the momentum with a match-winning, unbeaten partnership of 130 runs off just 71 deliveries.

Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the chase with an assured 101 not out from 60 balls, laced with ten boundaries and five sixes, while Mushfiqur provided the finishing touches with a fluent 51* off 31 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

Rajshahi Warriors crossed the line comfortably, underlining their intent in their first-ever BPL outing.

Earlier, the Warriors elected to field after winning the toss against fellow debutants Sylhet Titans on a day that began on an emotional note.

Before the first ball of the season, players from both teams, match officials, and fans observed a minute’s silence as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) paid tribute to slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

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Batting first, Sylhet Titans made a strong start through Pakistan opener Saim Ayub, who struck a brisk 28 off 15 balls before falling to Binura Fernando.

Rony Talukdar played the anchor role at the other end, scoring 41 off 34 deliveries before Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane dismissed him.

The innings gained further momentum through a rapid 86-run stand between Parvez Hossain Emon and Afif Hossain.

Afif was run out after a quickfire 33 off 19 balls, but Emon carried his bat superbly, finishing unbeaten on 65 from 33 deliveries, which included four fours and five sixes. Sylhet posted a competitive 190 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

READ: Josh Tongue ends 27-year wait with MCG five-wicket haul

England pacer Josh Tongue became the first English bowler in the 21st century to claim a five-wicket haul at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday during the Boxing Day Ashes Test.

Tongue ripped through Australia’s batting line-up with career-best figures of 5 for 45, as the hosts were skittled for just 152 in their first innings on the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test.

The achievement ended a 27-year drought for England at the MCG, with the last five-for at the ground coming in 1998 through Darren Gough and Dean Headley.

After England captain Ben Stokes opted to bowl on a visibly green surface, Josh Tongue led a relentless seam attack that made full use of the conditions.

The right-arm quick consistently found movement off the pitch, troubling Australia’s batters from the outset and keeping England firmly on top through the first two sessions.

Tongue’s effort marked his most productive spell in Test cricket, eclipsing his previous best of 5 for 66 against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023.

He came close to an even rarer feat late in the innings, finishing Australia’s first dig on a hat-trick after removing Michael Neser and Scott Boland with successive deliveries.

Australia struggled to build any meaningful partnerships, with Neser, recalled in place of captain Pat Cummins, top-scoring with 35.

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Usman Khawaja was the only other batter to offer some resistance, making 29 at the top of the order.

The home side’s troubles began early as Travis Head and Jake Weatherald were dismissed cheaply, while Steve Smith’s stay was short-lived as he was bowled for nine.

England maintained the pressure after lunch, with Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse chipping in with key breakthroughs to ensure Australia never recovered from the early damage.

However, the match swung sharply after tea as Australia hit back with the ball. England’s batting line-up collapsed to 110 in just 29.5 overs, handing the hosts a first-innings lead of 42 runs despite Tongue’s earlier heroics.

Neser capped off a strong all-round showing by leading Australia’s bowling attack with figures of 4 for 45 from 10 overs.

Scott Boland claimed three wickets, while Mitchell Starc supported well with two scalps on a pitch that continued to assist the seamers.

Harry Brook was the lone bright spot for England with an attacking 41 off 38 deliveries, while Atkinson added a valuable 28 from the lower order to push the total past the 100-run mark.

By stumps on day one, Australia had reached 4 without loss in a brief second-innings burst, extending their overall advantage to 46 runs.

READ: BPL pays tribute to slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi

SYLHET: The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 season began on a sombre note on Friday as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) paid tribute to slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi ahead of the tournament’s opening match in Sylhet.

Before the first ball was bowled in the season opener between debutants Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans, players from both teams, match officials, and spectators observed a minute’s silence in memory of Hadi.

 

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Fans inside the stadium joined in prayer, creating a poignant moment that underlined the national impact of his death.

Hadi, who passed away on December 18, 2025, was a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising and was widely regarded as one of the emerging voices of the country’s youth politics.

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He served as a spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha, translated as the “Platform for Revolution,” and was preparing to contest the upcoming general elections as a parliamentary candidate from Dhaka-8’s Bijoynagar constituency.

The 32-year-old succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in Singapore, where he had been undergoing treatment following an assassination attempt earlier this month in Dhaka.

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The BCB’s decision to honour Hadi at the BPL opener was seen as a gesture of solidarity, acknowledging his influence beyond politics and recognising his standing as a symbol of youth activism in the country.

The tribute marked the start of a new BPL season that brings significant changes to the league’s landscape.

The 2025–26 edition features several new franchises, including Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Sylhet Titans and Noakhali Express. Established sides Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders also return to the tournament.

READ: Here’s why Abrar Ahmed pulled out of BPL 2025-26

Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will not feature in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 after sources clarified the circumstances behind his unexpected withdrawal from the tournament.

Abrar had been picked by Chattogram Royals for the 12th edition of the BPL, but it has now emerged that his inclusion in the auction took place without his prior approval.

According to sources, the franchise listed Abrar in the players’ auction despite not securing his consent. When contacted by the team after the auction, the spinner made it clear that he had not agreed to participate in the league.

Following the clarification, Chattogram Royals opted to move on and have since informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of the situation, replacing Abrar with an alternative signing ahead of the tournament.

The development came amid strong Pakistani interest at the BPL players’ auction held on November 30, where several emerging talents attracted notable bids.

Fast bowler Ihsanullah emerged as the most expensive Pakistani signing, with Noakhali Express securing his services for USD 28,000 in the Category C foreign players segment.

Ihsanullah has previously represented Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is and had earlier been associated with Rangpur Riders, though he did not feature in a match for them.

Middle-order batter Haider Ali was also picked by Noakhali Express for USD 20,000.

The 23-year-old has played 37 international matches for Pakistan and brings prior BPL experience, having scored 213 runs in 13 games at an average of 26.62, including a highest score of 48 not out.

All-rounder Jahandad Khan, who made his T20I debut against Australia last November and has featured in eight T20Is so far, was acquired by Durbar Rajshahi for USD 20,000 in the same category.

These three players will join a group of five Pakistan cricketers who were directly signed before the auction.

Saim Ayub and Mohammad Amir have been roped in by Sylhet Titans, Usman Khan will represent Dhaka Capitals, Khawaja Nafay has signed with Rangpur Riders, while Sahibzada Farhan will turn out for Rajshahi Warriors.

READ: Boxing Day Ashes Test sets cricket attendance record at MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed history even before the first day’s play reached the tea interval as the Boxing Day Ashes Test produced the largest cricket crowd ever recorded at the iconic venue.

A staggering 94,199 spectators packed into the MCG on Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test, setting a new all-time attendance record for a single day of cricket at the ground.

The figure surpassed the previous high of 93,013, which was set during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand.

Friday’s turnout also established a new benchmark for Test cricket at the MCG, eclipsing the 91,112 fans who attended Day 1 of the 2013 Boxing Day Test between Australia and England.

With tickets for Days 2 and 3 already sold out, this year’s Boxing Day Test has also placed the cumulative Ashes attendance record of 271,865, set in 2013, firmly within reach.

Australia currently hold a commanding 3–0 lead in the Ashes series, with the Sydney Test still to come after the Melbourne clash.

In a broader historical context, the crowd ranks as the second-largest ever to attend a single day of Test cricket, behind only the famous India-Pakistan Test in Kolkata in 1998–99, which drew over 100,000 spectators.

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The record-breaking crowd was rewarded with a dramatic opening day as 20 wickets fell on a lively pitch.

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl on a green surface under overcast conditions, a decision that paid early dividends as Australia were bowled out for 152.

Josh Tongue led England’s attack with a superb spell, claiming 5 for 45 as the hosts struggled to build partnerships.

However, England’s response with the bat proved even more fragile. They slumped to 16 for 4 and never truly recovered, eventually being dismissed for just 110.

Australia were left to negotiate a single over before stumps and did so safely, with nightwatchman Scott Boland seeing out the day alongside Travis Head.

At the close, the hosts were 4 without loss, holding a slender but crucial 46-run lead on a day that delivered both record crowds and relentless action.

READ: 20 wickets fall on Day 1 as Australia gain edge in Boxing Day Ashes Test

MELBOURNE: An astounding 20 wickets fell on a frantic day one of the Boxing Day Ashes Test on Friday, with Australia all out for 152 before storming back to dismiss England for 110 and leave the clash on a knife-edge.

England skipper Ben Stokes won a key toss on a green track, and his quicks feasted after sending in the hosts under overcast skies with 94,199 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) watching.

It was the biggest cricket crowd ever at the cavernous arena, exceeding the 93,013 who watched the 2015 World Cup final, and they witnessed the home side collapse with Josh Tongue grabbing 5-45.

But England fared even worse, slumping to 16-4 and never recovering, leaving Australia to face one over before stumps, which nightwatchman Scott Boland safely negotiated with Travis Head at the other end.

Australia were 4-0 at the close with Boland on four, 46 ahead, with Head yet to face a ball.

Beleaguered England opener Ben Duckett’s week went from bad to worse, out for two just days after an unverified video surfaced showing him drunk during a mid-series beach break.

It was another shocking dismissal for the 31-year-old, lobbing a simple catch to Michael Neser at mid-on off the irrepressible Mitchell Starc.

Neser in the next over removed Jacob Bethell, playing in place of the under-performing Ollie Pope, when he edged to Alex Carey behind the stumps.

Zak Crawley was taken in the slips by Steve Smith off Starc four balls later, then Joe Root edged Neser to Carey to put England into freefall.

Harry Brook decided aggression was the best approach, smashing sixes off Starc and Neser, and with Stokes, the pair temporarily halted the carnage. They put on 50 before Scott Boland trapped Brook lbw for 41.

Boland then bowled Jamie Smith for two and had Will Jacks caught behind, all within the space of 10 deliveries from the 36-year-old who took 6-7 on the same ground against England four years ago.

When Stokes edged Neser, who ended with 4-45, to Smith in the slips for 16, it was all but over.

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Australia have already retained the Ashes after crushing eight-wicket victories in Perth and Brisbane and an 82-run win in Adelaide, with England desperate to restore pride.

Castigated over their limited Ashes preparations, the tourists lost the famous urn in just 11 days of play, with a scandal involving alleged excessive drinking by players during the mid-series beach break piling on the pressure.

They responded well after Stokes won the crucial toss. Missing injured pace spearhead Jofra Archer, the reinstated Atkinson opened the attack.

An aggressive Head drove consecutive boundaries off a wayward Brydon Carse, but he only lasted 22 balls, chopping on from Atkinson for 12.

Opening partner Jake Weatherald fared little better, tickling down the leg side to wicketkeeper Smith on 10 in Tongue’s first over, with the Nottinghamshire quick then enticing an edge from Marnus Labuschagne (six) that was well taken by Root at slip.

Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja began to stabilise the innings before Tongue struck again to bowl the Australia captain for nine and leave England in charge.

With the sun breaking through on their return from lunch, Khawaja (29) hit a glorious counter-attacking drive off Atkinson.

But his luck ran out next ball, getting the faintest of edges to Smith before Adelaide century-maker Alex Carey (20) flicked a Stokes ball to Crawley, who had just moved to leg gully.

Cameron Green, who has had a lean series, crunched back-to-back fours off Tongue as he settled in.

Not to be outdone, Neser, in his fourth Test but first red-ball affair, went one better, cracking three in succession off the same bowler.

But disaster struck again, with Green run out for 17, going for a risky single, then Starc hoisted Carse to a back-pedalling Stokes at mid-off before Tongue removed Neser and Boland.

READ: Panesar backs THIS Indian player as potential England head coach

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has thrown Ravi Shastri’s name into the debate surrounding the English team’s coaching future, suggesting the former India head coach would be an ideal candidate.

England’s struggles on the ongoing Ashes tour of Australia have once again put Brendon McCullum’s methods under the microscope.

The visitors are trailing 0-3 in the five-match series with two Tests still remaining, having effectively lost the Ashes inside the first 11 days of the contest.

The disappointing showing has reignited questions over England’s tactical approach and the long-term effectiveness of the much-hyped ‘Bazball’ philosophy.

McCullum was appointed England head coach in 2022 by ECB managing director Rob Key following a heavy Ashes defeat in Australia.

His early impact was dramatic, as England, under McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, won 10 of their first 11 Test matches and appeared rejuvenated in both approach and results.

However, that momentum has faded over time. Since the initial surge, England have struggled for consistency, failing to win a five-match Test series against either Australia or India and losing 16 of their next 33 Tests.

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The current Ashes campaign has further exposed those issues, particularly in Australian conditions.

Monty Panesar believes Shastri’s proven success in Australia makes him a standout option should England look for a change at the top.

“You have to ask who actually knows how to beat Australia,” Panesar said. “How do you exploit their weaknesses mentally, physically and tactically? For me, Ravi Shastri should be England’s next head coach.”

Shastri’s credentials in Australia are well established. During his stint as India’s head coach, the team secured historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins in Australia in both 2018/19 and 2020/21.

The latter triumph was especially remarkable, coming after India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide and despite a tour ravaged by injuries to key players.

Despite the mounting pressure, McCullum has publicly stated his desire to continue in the role, while admitting that his future may no longer be entirely in his own hands.

The former New Zealand captain remains under contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup, a period that also includes the next home Ashes series scheduled for the same year.

READ: FIFA World Cup 2026: schedule, format, venues and key details

The FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be the largest edition in the tournament’s history, is now less than six months away, with FIFA having already unveiled the full match schedule, tournament format, venues and key details for the 39-day global spectacle.

Co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, the 39-day mega event will run from June 11 to July 19 and feature an expanded field of 48 teams, up from the traditional 32.

A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 venues spread over the three host nations, making the 2026 World Cup the most extensive and logistically ambitious edition ever staged.

Reigning champions Argentina will arrive aiming to defend the title they lifted at Qatar 2022 under the leadership of Lionel Messi.

The 38-year-old will be chasing a historic achievement, as a successful title defence would see Argentina become only the third nation, after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962), to win back-to-back World Cups.

Notably, both Italy and Brazil achieved the feat while lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy, meaning Argentina could become the first team to retain the current FIFA World Cup Trophy, in use since 1974.

The 2026 edition will also mark World Cup debuts for Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, underlining FIFA’s push towards greater global representation as the tournament enters a new era.

Opening match and final venues

The tournament will get underway on June 11 at the Mexico City Stadium, where hosts Mexico will play the opening match against South Africa.

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The World Cup will conclude on July 19, with the final scheduled to be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium, formerly known as MetLife Stadium.

Groups confirmed

The 48 teams have been divided into 12 groups of four. The group lineup includes several heavyweight clashes and intriguing matchups:

• Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Ireland

• Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales/Bosnia

• Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

• Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, Turkiye/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo

• Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao

• Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Ukraine/Sweden/Poland/Albania

• Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand

• Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde

• Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq/Bolivia/Suriname

• Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan

• Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo/Jamaica/New Caledonia

• Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

New format explained

The 2026 World Cup will feature a revamped competition structure. After the group stage, the knockout rounds will begin with a Round of 32, a first in World Cup history.

This will be followed by the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, a bronze medal match and the final.

Tournament phases:

• Group stage: June 11–27

• Round of 32: June 28–July 3

• Round of 16: July 4–7

• Quarterfinals: July 9–11

• Semifinals: July 14–15

• Bronze medal match: July 18

• Final: July 19

Full schedule of World Cup 2026

Group stage

Thursday, June 11

Mexico vs South Africa at 3pm (21:00 GMT) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

South Korea vs TDB at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Friday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

Friday, June 12

Canada vs TBD at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

USA vs Paraguay at 9pm (05:00 GMT on Saturday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Saturday, June 13

Qatar vs Switzerland at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Brazil vs Morocco at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Haiti vs Scotland at 9pm (02:00 GMT on Sunday) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Australia vs TBD at midnight (08:00 GMT on Sunday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Sunday, June 14

Germany vs Curacao at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Netherlands vs Japan at 4pm (22:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador at 7pm (00:00 GMT on Monday) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

TBD vs Tunisia at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Monday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

Monday, June 15

Spain vs Cape Verde at 12pm (17:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Belgium vs Egypt at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Iran vs New Zealand at 9pm (05:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Tuesday, June 16

France vs Senegal at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

TBD vs Norway at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Argentina vs Algeria at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

Austria vs Jordan at midnight (08:00 GMT on Wednesday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Wednesday, June 17

Portugal vs TBD at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

England vs Croatia at 4pm (22:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Ghana vs Panama at 7pm (00:00 GMT on Thursday) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Uzbekistan vs Colombia at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Thursday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

Thursday, June 18

TBD vs South Africa at 12pm (17:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Switzerland vs TBD at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Canada vs Qatar at 6pm (02:00 GMT on Friday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Mexico vs South Korea at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Friday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

Friday, June 19

Scotland vs Morocco at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

USA vs Australia at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Brazil vs Haiti at 9pm (02:00 GMT on Saturday) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

TBD vs Paraguay at midnight (08:00 GMT on Saturday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Saturday, June 20

Netherlands vs TBD at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Germany vs Ivory Coast at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Ecuador vs Curacao at 8pm (04:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US,

Tunisia vs Japan at midnight (06:00 GMT on Sunday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

Sunday, June 21

Spain vs Saudi Arabia at 12pm (17:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Belgium vs Iran at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Uruguay vs Cape Verde at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

New Zealand vs Egypt at 9pm (05:00 GMT on Monday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Monday, June 22

Argentina vs Austria at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

France vs TBD at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Norway vs Senegal at 8pm (01:00 GMT on Tuesday) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Jordan vs Algeria at 11pm (07:00 GMT on Tuesday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Tuesday, June 23

Portugal vs Uzbekistan at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

England vs Ghana at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Panama vs Croatia at 7pm (00:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Colombia vs TBD at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

Wednesday, June 24

Switzerland vs Canada at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

TBD vs Qatar at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Scotland vs Brazil at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Morocco vs Haiti at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

TBD vs Mexico at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Thursday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

South Africa vs South Korea at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Thursday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

Thursday, June 25

Ecuador vs Germany at 4pm (21:00 GMT)– New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Curacao vs Ivory Coast at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Japan vs TBD at 7pm (01:00 GMT on Friday) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Tunisia vs Netherlands at 7pm (01:00 GMT on Friday  – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US,

TBD vs USA at 10pm (06:00 GMT on Friday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Paraguay vs Australia at 10pm (06:00 GMT on Friday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Friday, June 26

Norway vs France at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Senegal vs TDB 3pm at (20:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia at 8pm (02:00 GMT on Saturday) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Uruguay vs Spain at 8pm (02:00 GMT on Saturday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

Egypt vs Iran at 11pm (07:00 GMT on Saturday) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

New Zealand vs Belgium at 11pm (07:00 GMT on Saturday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Saturday, June 27

Panama vs England at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Croatia vs Ghana at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Colombia vs Portugal at 7:30pm (02:30 GMT on Sunday) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

TBD vs Uzbekistan at 7:30pm (02:30 GMT on Sunday) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Algeria vs Austria at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US,

Jordan vs Argentina at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Sunday) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Knockout stage

Sunday, June 28

Round of 32 match at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Monday, June 29

Round of 32 match at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Round of 32 match at 4:30pm (22:30 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Round of 32 match at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

Tuesday, June 30

Round of 32  match at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Round of 32 match at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Round of 32 match at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

Wednesday, July 1

Round of 32 match at 12pm (17:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Round of 32 match at 4pm (00:00 GMT on Thursday) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Round of 32 match at 8pm (04:00 GMT on Thursday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Thursday, July 2

Round of 32 match at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Round of 32 match at 7pm (00:00 GMT on Friday) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Round of 32 match at 11pm (07:00 GMT on Friday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Friday, July 3

Round of 32 match at 2pm (21:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Round of 32 match at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Round of 32 match at 9:30pm (03:30 GMT on Saturday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US,

Saturday, July 4

Round of 16 match at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Round of 16 match at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Sunday, July 5

Round of 16 match at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Round of 16 match at 8pm (02:00 GMT on Monday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

Monday, July 6

Round of 16 match at 3pm (21:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Round of 16 match at 8pm (04:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Tuesday, July 7

Round of 16 match at 12pm (17:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Round of 16 match at 4pm (00:00 GMT on Wednesday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Thursday, 9 July: First quarterfinal at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Friday, 10 July: Second quarterfinal at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Saturday, July 11: Third quarterfinal at 5pm (22:00 GMT) –  Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Sunday, July 12: Fourth quarterfinal at 9pm (03:00 GMT) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

Tuesday, July 14: First semifinal at 3pm (21:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Wednesday, July 15: Second semifinal at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Saturday, July 18: Bronze medal match at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Sunday, July 19: Final at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

READ: FIFA unveils groups for the World Cup 2026

MELBOURNE: England pace spearhead Jofra Archer was ruled out of the rest of the Ashes with a side strain, while batter Ollie Pope was axed for the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

Archer has arguably been England’s best bowler over the first three Tests, sending down 80 overs and claiming nine wickets.

He is replaced by Gus Atkinson, who leads the attack alongside Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse and skipper Ben Stokes, with Will Jacks retained as the spin option.

It is a major setback for England, who are 3-0 down in the Ashes and desperate to restore pride at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) starting Friday.

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They are already without quick Mark Wood, who bowled just 11 overs for the tour before succumbing to a knee injury.

The under-performing Pope paid for his poor form at number three, with Jacob Bethell taking over in the only other change.

Opener Ben Duckett, who was purportedly shown drunk on an unverified video in between the second and third Tests, managed to hold his spot.

England squad for fourth Ashes Test

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue

READ: Australia name squad for Boxing Day Ashes Test

MELBOURNE: Australia will take an all-pace attack into the Boxing Day Ashes Test, skipper Steve Smith said Thursday, while Josh Inglis was dropped from the squad with selectors preferring Usman Khawaja.

The hosts head into the Boxing Day Test with an unassailable 3-0 lead over England, but are without pace spearhead Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon.

Cummins is being managed after his return in the third Adelaide Test after a lengthy lay off with a lower back injury and will play no further part in the Ashes.

Lyon had surgery this week for a torn hamstring and faces a long recovery.

Todd Murphy was called up as cover for Lyon, but Smith said they had opted for a pace attack given the “quite furry” surface at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

“We’re going to be playing four quicks and no spinner. (The pitch) has 10 millimetres of grass, quite furry, quite green,” he said.

“I dare say it’s going to offer quite a bit, particularly if (day one) is similar conditions to today, quite cold and overcast, so I dare say there’s going to be quite a bit of movement.

“You just got to play what surface you’re presented with,” he added.

“This one looks like it’s going to offer a fair bit of assistance for the seam bowlers, and the weather throughout the week looks conducive for that too.”

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Australia named a 12-man squad, with a final decision on who leads the attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland being made at the toss.

One of Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, or Brendan Doggett will miss out.

Doggett and Neser played in the second Test in Brisbane, but made way in Adelaide when Cummins and Lyon returned.

Richardson is in his first squad for four years after three shoulder surgeries.

Smith missed the third Test with vertigo symptoms and will slot back in at number four.

Khawaja filled his role in Adelaide, hitting 82 and 40, and slides down to five ahead of Alex Carey and Cameron Green, with Inglis missing out.

Smith, who captained Australia in the first two Tests during Cummins’ absence, said he was fully recovered and feeling “100 percent” fit.

“I was watching in the hotel those first two days (in Adelaide) and wished I could have been out there, but it was the right call at that stage because I was struggling,” he said of his vertigo, an issue that has plagued him before.

Australia squad for fourth Ashes Test

Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson

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