How to choose the best running track surface in India

Four years after inauguration, the running track at a well-funded university in South India had started peeling. Not in one corner. Across most of the back straight. The surface, which looked fine in photos at the handover ceremony, had lifted away from the sub-base in patches where monsoon water had found its way underneath. The […] newsbetting.club

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Trisha Ghosal, London

The scoreboard tells only part of the story. India need just four more wickets to complete what would be a famous victory at Lord’s. England, meanwhile, begin the fourth morning still needing 327 runs with only four wickets in hand. Yet the numbers alone fail to explain how the visitors have established such complete control over this one-off Test.

More than any technical or tactical battle, this contest has been defined by intensity.

Across all three days, India have looked sharper, more proactive and more willing to dictate the tempo. England, by contrast, have spent long periods responding rather than imposing themselves on the contest. There have been bright spots. Amy Jones has compiled successive half-centuries under pressure, Sophie Ecclestone fought back with a deserved five-wicket haul in India’s second innings, and Lauren Bell consistently challenged the batters with the new ball. But those moments have arrived in isolation rather than forming part of a sustained fightback.

Context matters.

England entered this Test less than a week after a heartbreaking defeat in the T20 World Cup final, a loss that still appears to linger over this group. In that final, Sophie Ecclestone delivered an uncharacteristic wide down the leg side at a crucial stage—a rare mistake from a bowler of her calibre. As the match slipped away, she sat on the field with her head bowed, overcome with emotion.

There was an eerily similar image at Lord’s on Day 3. After completing a hard-earned five-wicket haul in India’s second innings, Ecclestone was once again seen sitting on the turf in the same pose. When India declared and England walked off for tea, she was visibly in tears as teammates came over one by one to embrace her. Speaking after play, Ecclestone admitted she had broken down even while walking onto the field, knowing it would be the final time she would share it with Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont. She described the week as “a whirlwind”, acknowledging just how much the squad had been through in such a short period.

The World Cup final defeat, the retirements of two of England’s modern greats have combined to make this an emotionally draining period. None of that diminishes India’s performance, nor should it be used as an excuse for England’s struggles. It does, however, provide context for why the hosts have often looked a step behind a side that has maintained its intensity from the opening session.

India, meanwhile, have capitalised on every opportunity presented to them.

After gaining the upper hand in the first innings through Kranti Gaud’s maiden five-wicket haul, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side never allowed England back into the contest. Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia resumed positively on Day 3 before Bhatia transformed her overnight score into a memorable century. Even when Ecclestone rediscovered her rhythm to complete a five-for, India continued to score with purpose. Richa Ghosh’s attacking half-century allowed Harmanpreet to declare with a commanding lead of 456, leaving England with an almost impossible task.

Perhaps the clearest illustration of India’s mindset came from Bhatia herself. Reflecting on her innings, she revealed that a hundred had never been her objective. The instruction from the dressing room was straightforward: score quickly enough to leave ample time to take ten wickets. It was an innings shaped entirely by the team’s needs rather than personal milestones.

England’s task on the fourth morning extends beyond survival. They must rediscover an intensity that has deserted them for much of this match. India, meanwhile, stand on the threshold of one of their finest overseas Test victories. Four wickets now separate Harmanpreet Kaur’s side from another defining chapter in the remarkable rise of Indian women’s cricket.

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Antonio Rattín’s death on 11 July came in one of those twists that only fate can throw up. Just a few hours later, Argentina booked a mouth-watering World Cup semi-final against England. His passing came exactly six decades after the countries’ first meeting in the knockout stages of a World Cup – a deeply controversial encounter at Wembley that saw Rattín sit defiantly on a pitch-side red carpet meant for the Queen for several minutes before finally being escorted away.

A Boca Juniors legend who spent 15 years with the club, Rattín was an elegant midfielder and the captain of that Argentina side. The country had never lacked gifted footballers, but after more than a decade in Brazil’s shadow, a siege mentality had taken hold and their style of play had acquired a harder edge. England’s players spoke afterwards of being spat at, pulled, elbowed in the ribs and generally roughed up.

It was after a robust challenge on Bobby Charlton that German referee Rudolf Kreitlein decided to send Rattín off for the alleged ‘violence of the tongue’ – an extraordinary explanation given that Kreitlein spoke neither Spanish nor Rattín German or English. From that moment, the rivalry only intensified.

England manager Sir Alf Ramsey famously referred to the Argentinians as “animals”, and that stereotype was reinforced by ill-tempered displays from Racing Club and Estudiantes against European opposition in the Intercontinental Cup over the following years.

Twenty years after Rattín’s dismissal, and four years after the Falklands War, the two nations met again at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico City. The whole world knows about Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal, just as it remembers what followed: the Goal of the Century, as Maradona slalomed past half the England team before beating Peter Shilton. Victor Hugo Morales’ ecstatic commentary – “From what planet did you come?” – has become almost as iconic as the goal itself.

Twelve years later, Diego Simeone employed his own version of the dark arts to entice David Beckham into a retaliatory kick that earned the England midfielder a red card. Argentina eventually won the last-16 tie on penalties after Michael Owen’s wonder goal had given England the lead. Beckham, of course, gained his revenge four years later, his penalty helping England secure a victory that contributed to Argentina’s group-stage exit.

The teams have not met since, which is why Lionel Messi has never faced England during his glittering international career.

Rattín’s death may have closed one chapter, but the embers of this rivalry are ready to be stoked once more. Whether Thomas Tuchel or Lionel Scaloni chooses to play down the occasion is almost beside the point. Neither was even born when Rattín’s dismissal helped pave the way for the introduction of yellow and red cards at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

Yet as England and Argentina prepare to renew acquaintances on football’s biggest stage, expect the media and supporters on both sides to revisit the “animals” remark, the Hand of God and Maradona’s masterpiece. Few international rivalries carry as much history, emotion and baggage, and this latest chapter promises to be every bit as compelling as those that came before.

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London [UK], July 13 (ANI): Despite being unhappy with the trophy he accepted at Wimbledon 2026, Alexander Zverev is proud of his journey despite losing to top-seeded Jannik Sinner in the men’s singles final on Sunday.

After finishing as runner-up in the men’s singles at Wimbledon 2026, Alexander Zverev shared a post on Instagram with a picture of him holding the runners-up trophy alongside the winner Jannik Sinner.

He wrote, “Not the trophy I wanted to hold, but still one to be proud of. Thanks for your support over these last two weeks. See you next year @wimbledon."

Earlier, Alexander Zverev graciously congratulated the Italian after the match and hailed him as the “best player in the world" following his successful title defence.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony after the final, Zverev acknowledged Sinner’s dominance, joking about his losing streak against the World No. 1 before praising his consistency at the highest level.

“Yeah, first of all, Jannik. I don’t really like you anymore. I lost to you 9 times in a row," Zverev said with a smile.

“Congratulations to Jannik. He showed once again why he’s the best player in the world. It was great to share Centre Court with you on finals weekend. It’s a great honour to be here. Unfortunately, it didn’t go my way, but congratulations first of all," he added.

The German also congratulated Sinner’s coaching team, crediting them for playing a vital role in the Italian’s rise from outside the top 10 to becoming a multiple Grand Slam champion and World No 1.

“Also, congrats to Jannik’s team. You guys have been together for many, many years now. You guys are World No. 1 now, but you started outside of the top 10 and worked your way into being Grand Slam champions and World No. 1. It’s definitely a team effort. Jannik is the first one to admit it. Congratulations to you guys. You really deserve it," Zverev said.

Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon men’s singles title with a 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alexander Zverev, claiming his fifth Grand Slam title and first major crown of the 2026 season.

The win made Sinner the 10th player to retain the Wimbledon men’s singles title and extended his winning streak against Zverev to 10 matches.

The Italian bounced back from an early French Open exit to secure his sixth ATP title of the year, while Zverev’s hopes of winning back-to-back Grand Slams ended despite reaching his second consecutive major final. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

The ‘Bazball’ era in England Test cricket is officially over after former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has decided to step down from his role as head coach from the format. McCullum will, however, continue to coach England’s white-ball teams in ODI and T20I cricket. McCullum’s departure comes close of the heels of captain Ben Stokes retiring from international cricket.

With McCullum stepping down as England’s head coach, the search for his replacement has begun and one big name in contention if former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid. He is one of three former cricketers in the race to replace McCullum with the England team along with Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower and former England cricketer Richard Dawson, according to a report in Daily Telegraph newspaper.

McCullum’s tenure for England Test team was four-years long and ended after the side’s 1-2 loss to New Zealand at home earlier this month. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) felt that the ‘the time is right to make a change’ ahead of next year’s Ashes series at home.

The 53-year-old Dravid, who guided Team India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and the 2023 ODI World Cup final and the World Test Championships (WTC) final twice, is believed to be seen as an attractive candidate because of his ‘meticulous’ approach and deep understanding of the game, according to the Daily Telegraph report.

NASSER HUSSAIN NAMES ANDY FLOWER AS HIS CHOICE TO REPLACE BRENDON McCULLUM[Sky Sports]

– Nasser Hussain said:“The best person for that would be Andy Flower by a country mile. Flower took England to No.1 in the world. I love Flower’s coaching ability.” #England |… pic.twitter.com/AK3SEjA5E5

— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) July 12, 2026

However, the newspaper report added that Dravid has ‘no desire’ to coach full-time. This will made the England Test role ideal as he will get enough time to spend at home with family. Dravid was head coach of Rajasthan Royals with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi till the IPL 2025 season.

“Dravid has no desire to coach full-time, but the England Test job would allow him extended periods at home and the chance to help keep alive his favourite format of the game. England, at the very least, should gauge his interest,” the Daily Telegraph report stated.

Apart from Dravid, Zimbabwe legend Andy Flower, who was England’s most successful coach in the modern era having led the side to three Ashes series victories and the No. 1 Test ranking is also in the race. Flower has also enjoyed plenty of success in franchise cricket, including consecutive IPL titles with Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Dawson, currently head coach of Glamorgan, is also viewed as a serious option after impressing with his tactical acumen and coaching credentials at both county and international levels. Other names mentioned in the report include Sri Lanka legend and current Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, England Lions coach Andrew Flintoff, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson and former Australia coach Justin Langer.

Meanwhile, McCullum didn’t hide that he is disappointed not to continue as the Test team head coach which seemed more like a removal rather than bowing out at his own volition. “Of course, I’m gutted not to be continuing, but I respect the decision. My focus now is on giving everything I’ve got to the White Ball teams and helping England keep moving forward,” McCullum was quoted as saying in a release issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

“I wish the Test team nothing but success. There’s a hell of a lot of talent in that dressing room and they’re a special bunch of lads. I’ll always be backing the boys, with a smile on my face, and hoping they keep taking the game on,” he added.