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England v Ireland: first women’s cricket one-day international – live

Capsey as keeper is away! I can’t say that was the most conventional method – she lunges across and sticks out one hand in front of slip, rather than moving her feet and getting both gloves to it – but she holds the take. Good bowling from Wong, a bit of swing away, and Tector just places the bat there looking to push square on the off side again.

4th over: Ireland 13-0 (Tector 11, Lewis 0) Almost through! Filer gets the ball swinging into Lewis, so far in that it smacks the pads outside the line of leg stump, then deflects back past the off stump! Lewis still hasn’t scored, and somehow survives. Leg bye.

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© Photograph: Philip Brown/Getty Images

© Photograph: Philip Brown/Getty Images

© Photograph: Philip Brown/Getty Images

Janine Sonis: ‘63,000 fans in Denver proves a women’s team was way overdue’

1 September 2026 at 14:29

The Canada and Denver Summit full-back on playing at a packed Mile Stadium and the impact of Lindsey Heaps

In the 13th minute of a 6-1 win against Chicago, Janine Sonis ran into the penalty area and stealthily positioned herself behind a line of defenders, before striking a crisp shot into the right corner. It was her ninth goal of the season, the most of any player Denver Summit player, and joint-seventh in the NWSL.

Now playing for her hometown team in its debut season, the NWSL and Canada veteran feels her happiness is translating on to the field. “I think it’s been a season that I’ve enjoyed myself more than any other season in my career, and I think that that’s showing in the way that I’m playing,” she said.

This is an extract from our free email about women’s football, Moving the Goalposts. To get the full edition, visit this page and follow the instructions. Moving the Goalposts is delivered to your inboxes every Tuesday and Thursday.

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© Photograph: Andrew Wevers/NWSL/Getty Images

© Photograph: Andrew Wevers/NWSL/Getty Images

© Photograph: Andrew Wevers/NWSL/Getty Images

The Breakdown | Love or hate him, Erasmus misses nothing in rugby’s ‘Greatest Rivalry’ thriller

1 September 2026 at 13:34

Late changes to South Africa’s team smacked of mind games, but reinvigorated New Zealand remain in the hunt

The margins are slim in South Africa this past fortnight and not just on the scoreboard. According to aviation experts, one of the two planes flying over the stadium in Cape Town just before kick-off on Saturday came within 12 to 14 metres of hitting the top of the stand which, depending on your perspective, either ranks as highly-skilled piloting or the most gratuitous of matchday stunts.

Something similar could be said, as it happens, about Rassie Erasmus’s ongoing selectorial high jinks. His initial starting XV announced for the second Test bore about as much resemblance to the one that ultimately took the field as Erasmus did to the late, great Dolly Parton, with no fewer than six of the original lineup missing. It had the desired result in terms of South Africa levelling up the four-Test series at 1-1 but was yet another example of Erasmus toying with the game’s supposed conventions.

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© Photograph: Esa Alexander/Reuters

© Photograph: Esa Alexander/Reuters

© Photograph: Esa Alexander/Reuters

David Squires on … the art of the transfer deal

1 September 2026 at 13:00

Our cartoonist looks through the ages to chart the evolution of the football transfer into its modern construct

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© Illustration: David Squires/The Guardian

© Illustration: David Squires/The Guardian

© Illustration: David Squires/The Guardian

Barcelona breeze past Rayo but all eyes in Spain remain on Julián Álvarez

1 September 2026 at 12:42

Hansi Flick is very happy to welcome Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona. But Julián Álvarez remains the ultimate prize

If Raphinha has any misgivings about playing as a makeshift No 9 for Barcelona, he is doing a good job of hiding it. Julián Álvarez would have been proud of the Brazilian’s two neat finishes that inspired the Spanish champions to a 5-2 victory against Rayo Vallecano on Monday night, 24 hours before the transfer deadline. Lamine Yamal scored two wonderful goals of his own in a performance that reassured everyone he is back to his best. Add Anthony Gordon to the mix – impressive again in his link-up play – and you have a fluid, fearsome front three.

Yet after the departures of Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford this summer, there is no doubt Barcelona not only still want a centre-forward but require one – at least one. Hansi Flick was very happy to see Gabriel Jesus, an £8.6m arrival from Arsenal, in the stands. “He’s a top striker,” the coach said. But Atlético Madrid’s Álvarez is the ultimate prize.

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© Photograph: Lluís Gené/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Lluís Gené/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Lluís Gené/AFP/Getty Images

Alex Eala has one career main-draw win at the US Open. She’s already a global star

1 September 2026 at 12:00

Alex Eala has become the Philippines’ biggest sporting star since Manny Pacquiao. Now the 21-year-old’s traveling army of fans have descended on Flushing Meadows

The crowd began to swell in Louis Armstrong Stadium a half hour before 2pm. A fair number of fans were probably there to see Taylor Fritz and Terence Atmane practice, but it was the session after theirs that was the headline attraction on the Friday of the US Open’s fan week. The blue, red and white throughout the stands, spotted on bucket hats and posters and basketball jerseys and flags, signaled who these people were here to see.

This has been the year of Alex Eala, the 21-year-old sensation who has taken the tennis world by storm. At No 18, she is the Philippines’ highest-ranked player ever, its biggest sports celebrity since Manny Pacquiao. The country’s president hosted a reception to celebrate her success, and called for a national celebration after she won her first tour-level title this month at the DC Open. Forbes estimates Eala’s off-court earnings for the past year to exceed $5m, plus $1.7m in prize money, and her agent predicts she will be the world’s second-highest-paid female athlete by 2027.

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© Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

© Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

© Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

Colin Kaepernick knelt 10 years ago. America responded with a clear warning to Black people | Howard Bryant

1 September 2026 at 10:30

A decade after Kaepernick’s quiet protest shook the NFL, his exile looks less like an aberration than a blueprint for the culture war that followed

America likes nice round numbers, perfect for anniversaries and reflections, and it has, suddenly, been 10 years since Colin Kaepernick first protested police killings – more accurately, police killings of Black people that went unpunished either internally or by the courts – by taking a knee during the national anthem for the entirety of the 2016 NFL regular season. He never played in the league again.

Ten years covers a lot of ground, especially in these years of American darkness, and many of the important details surrounding Kaepernick, his banishment and significance have disappeared, time replaced by more time and more darkness – time moving faster than ever, at internet speed, where nothing matters, where nothing sticks. We consume by clip, by click, by meme, and knowledge by meme is not knowledge at all.

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© Composite: Guardian Design

© Composite: Guardian Design

© Composite: Guardian Design

Football transfer deadline day: Manchester City move for Fernández, Villa sign Mbaye, and more – live

A lot of people are highly invested in people moving companies and changing jobs. You do not get this with accountancy or waste management.

In case any players do not get a move today and are desperate to get out of their club, there are options. Not all country’s celebrate deadline day on 1 September, so there is still hope of heading off to Turkey or Portugal.

England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain – 1 September

Argentina, Netherlands - 2 September

Scotland - 3 September

Turkey - 4 September

Russia - 10 September

Brazil - 11 September

Portugal - 15 September

UAE - 28 September

Saudi - 12 October

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© Photograph: Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images

© Photograph: Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images

© Photograph: Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images

‘I had no love for myself … now I have peace’: former Ireland rugby player Ryan Caldwell’s journey back from the edge

1 September 2026 at 08:00

The retired second-row on his recovery from addiction, depression and incarceration to find a new life as a meditation teacher

“Carefree,” says Ryan Caldwell when I ask him what word is tattooed across his fingers. He looks up from his hands on a rainy morning in Belfast. The former Ireland international, who played the role of enforcer for Ulster, Bath and Exeter, then laughs softly in acknowledgment of that incongruous word.

We have spoken for almost two hours about a wide range of dark and heavy subjects – from his addiction issues and imprisonment to his injury-riddled rugby career and the last big concussion that ended his playing days and sent him plunging into a deeper spiral of suicidal depression.

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© Photograph: Paul Faith/The Guardian

© Photograph: Paul Faith/The Guardian

© Photograph: Paul Faith/The Guardian

Madrid residents brace for noise and disruption from new F1 circuit

1 September 2026 at 07:00

City council emphasises economic case for Madring amid local outrage over disruption and environmental impact

Opponents of Madrid’s newly constructed Formula One circuit have accused the regional authorities of putting profit before people’s wellbeing after tests for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the track later this month yielded noise levels that were many times the legal decibel limit.

The regional government of Madrid and the city council are hoping that the 5.4km-long (3.3 miles) Madring circuit – which has been built in the north-east of the Spanish capital at a cost of €83m (£71m) – will attract visitors, boost the local economy and put the city firmly on the motor racing map. The Madring bills itself as “a perfectly connected circuit: just 20 minutes from the city centre”.

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© Photograph: Aaron Heredia/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Aaron Heredia/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Aaron Heredia/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Women’s Super League 2026-27 preview No 11: Manchester City

1 September 2026 at 02:01

Beth Mead and Niamh Charles are notable additions to the champions’ squad that looks just as strong as last season

Guardian writers’ predicted position: 1st (NB: this is not necessarily Tom Garry’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)

Last season’s position: 1st

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© Photograph: Naomi Baker/WSL/WSL Football/Getty Images

© Photograph: Naomi Baker/WSL/WSL Football/Getty Images

© Photograph: Naomi Baker/WSL/WSL Football/Getty Images

Madrid residents brace for noise and disruption from new F1 circuit

1 September 2026 at 07:00

City council emphasises economic case for Madring amid local outrage over disruption and environmental impact

Opponents of Madrid’s newly constructed Formula One circuit have accused the regional authorities of putting profit before people’s wellbeing after tests for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the track later this month yielded noise levels that were many times the legal decibel limit.

The regional government of Madrid and the city council are hoping that the 5.4km-long (3.3 miles) Madring circuit – which has been built in the north-east of the Spanish capital at a cost of €83m (£71m) – will attract visitors, boost the local economy and put the city firmly on the motor racing map. The Madring bills itself as “a perfectly connected circuit: just 20 minutes from the city centre”.

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© Photograph: Aaron Heredia/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Aaron Heredia/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Aaron Heredia/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Stefanos Tsitsipas says Nick Kyrgios’s cocaine ban was ‘pretty much expected’

1 September 2026 at 04:27
  • Australian tested positive at event in June

  • Kyrgios and Tsitsipas have clashed in the past

Stefanos Tsitsipas says he is not surprised that Nick Kyrgios was suspended from tennis for taking cocaine.

“Pretty much expected, to be honest,” Tsitsipas said. “I am surprised it came so late, though.”

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© Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters

© Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters

© Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters

‘Pain-free’ Alcaraz brushes aside qualifier in US Open return after four months out

1 September 2026 at 01:35
  • Spaniard beats Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4

  • Alcaraz has not played since April with wrist injury

As Carlos Alcaraz edged closer to the conclusion of his first singles set in more than four and a half months, like so many times in his career instinct took over. Up 5-4, 30-15 in set one, Alcaraz swept forward to the net behind a precise wide serve and, when his opponent Roman Safiullin responded with a dipping backhand return directly to his feet, Alcaraz delicately pushed a half-volley over the net for a winner.

It was a gorgeous shot, a perfect example of the creativity and feel trademarked by Alcaraz that has been missed throughout his extended injury layoff. That touch of genius was followed, predictably, by a wide smile, a quick hold and a comprehensive victory as the Spaniard returned to competition with a stellar 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win against Safiullin.

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© Photograph: Kena Betancur/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Kena Betancur/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Kena Betancur/AFP/Getty Images

Aryna Sabalenka puts rough spell aside to open US Open title defence with victory

  • Reigning singles champion beats Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4

  • Men’s 10th seed Arthur Fils beaten by Stefanos Tsitsipas

Aryna Sabalenka said she is determined to look ahead, rather than dwell on a difficult past few months, after beginning her US Open title defence with a 6-2, 6-4 victory against Camila Osorio.

“The good thing for me is not looking back no matter what, if it’s good or bad, because I feel a good result can also stop you from performing well because you’re basically focusing on the past,” Sabalenka said. “I never look back. If I win the tournament or lose the tournament, today is a new day, and I have to stay in the moment.”

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© Photograph: Sarah Yenesel/EPA

© Photograph: Sarah Yenesel/EPA

© Photograph: Sarah Yenesel/EPA

Queensland has passed tough new laws on ebikes and e-scooters. What do they mean for riders, and will the world follow?

31 August 2026 at 18:00

Transport minister says laws target ‘young hooligans’ holding ‘communities to ransom’, but cycling advocates say changes most affect law-abiding riders

This week, Queensland became the first Australian state – and one of the first jurisdictions on the planet – to set age limits and licensing requirements for e-vehicle riders.

Bicycle Queensland, the advocacy body for cycling in the state, says only a handful of other other jurisdictions around the world have passed similar legislation for ebike or e-scooter riders, such as New Jersey and Israel.

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© Photograph: Darren England/AAP

© Photograph: Darren England/AAP

© Photograph: Darren England/AAP

Saka settles gruelling battle with Aston Villa to extend Arsenal’s winning start

1 September 2026 at 00:08

The smile on Declan Rice’s face with six minutes of normal time remaining said it all. He had just shut down Ian Maatsen as the Aston Villa full-back zoomed into the box. Arsenal, for whom Bukayo Saka scored the only goal, were authoritative and seemingly took great satisfaction in keeping Villa at arm’s length.

Unai Emery’s work‑in‑progress side struggled to test the champions, David Raya untroubled. The records will show Villa have lost their first two league matches of a season without scoring for the first time since 2002 but, despite successive defeats, this time there was no capitulation.

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© Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

© Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

© Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

Tennessee to wear Dolly Parton tribute on helmets during 2026 college football season

31 August 2026 at 23:19

The Tennessee Volunteers will be honoring Dolly Parton with a helmet sticker this season, the college football team’s head coach, Josh Heupel, announced on Monday.

Parton, a Tennessee native, died last week at the age of 80 from cancer.

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© Photograph: Wade Payne/AP

© Photograph: Wade Payne/AP

© Photograph: Wade Payne/AP

Tennessee to wear Dolly Parton tribute on helmets during 2026 college football season

31 August 2026 at 23:19

The Tennessee Volunteers will be honoring Dolly Parton with a helmet sticker this season, the college football team’s head coach, Josh Heupel, announced on Monday.

Parton, a Tennessee native, died last week at the age of 80 from cancer.

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© Photograph: Wade Payne/AP

© Photograph: Wade Payne/AP

© Photograph: Wade Payne/AP

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