×
Jermod McCoy finally hears his name called in the NFL Draft Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy’s long wait is over.Considered a top-15 talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, medical concerns over a knee injury suffered ahead of the season saw the talented cornerback slide out of the first round, and then out of the second day entirely. When the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft began McCoy was still available, and some were wondering if his slide would continue.The Las Vegas Raiders put an end to that, moving up one spot at the start of the fourth round to make McCoy their newest cornerback.Again, based on the film McCoy put down during the 2024 season at Tennessee, he is one of the top players in this class. Take this example, an interception against Alabama in the end zone:I love everything about this play. One of McCoy’s strengths, in my viewing, is his patience in press coverage situations. He does not panic when a receiver tries to stress his leverage, but rather he waits … and then strikes. That is exactly what he does here, timing his jam to perfection before getting his eyes to the football.Here is another example, which comes on a 4th-and-2 situation against Florida. McCoy is aligned at the bottom of the screen:He is giving the wide receiver this slant route, and again he does not panic when the receiver cuts inside of him. That’s when he gets his jam on the WR, gets his eyes to the quarterback, and then gets his hand to the football.Another slant route with McCoy aligned at the bottom of the screen:Again, no panic here. The receiver gets him to open up to the sideline when McCoy’s outside leverage is threatened, but he stays calm, gets to the receiver’s hip, and closes on the throw for another pass breakup.Take note of the ball skills on this interception against Vanderbilt:It is plays like this that made McCoy one of the top-graded players on any board.Now, the medical concerns are serious. Between the ACL surgery that ended his 2025 season before it began, to the recent reports that he might need a second surgery to repair a “bone plug” that was put into his knee, there is a risk here for the Raiders.But to get him at the top of the fourth round? That is tremendous value for Las Vegas. And with the Raiders going through a rebuild, the organization can take its time with McCoy, and even make 2026 a redshirt season for him so he can get back to 100%.Because as far as talent goes? He’s one of the best in the class. #Jermod #McCoy #finally #hears #called #NFL #Draft

Jermod McCoy finally hears his name called in the NFL Draft

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy’s long wait is over.

Considered a top-15 talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, medical concerns over a knee injury suffered ahead of the season saw the talented cornerback slide out of the first round, and then out of the second day entirely. When the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft began McCoy was still available, and some were wondering if his slide would continue.

The Las Vegas Raiders put an end to that, moving up one spot at the start of the fourth round to make McCoy their newest cornerback.

Again, based on the film McCoy put down during the 2024 season at Tennessee, he is one of the top players in this class. Take this example, an interception against Alabama in the end zone:

I love everything about this play. One of McCoy’s strengths, in my viewing, is his patience in press coverage situations. He does not panic when a receiver tries to stress his leverage, but rather he waits … and then strikes. That is exactly what he does here, timing his jam to perfection before getting his eyes to the football.

Here is another example, which comes on a 4th-and-2 situation against Florida. McCoy is aligned at the bottom of the screen:

He is giving the wide receiver this slant route, and again he does not panic when the receiver cuts inside of him. That’s when he gets his jam on the WR, gets his eyes to the quarterback, and then gets his hand to the football.

Another slant route with McCoy aligned at the bottom of the screen:

Again, no panic here. The receiver gets him to open up to the sideline when McCoy’s outside leverage is threatened, but he stays calm, gets to the receiver’s hip, and closes on the throw for another pass breakup.

Take note of the ball skills on this interception against Vanderbilt:

It is plays like this that made McCoy one of the top-graded players on any board.

Now, the medical concerns are serious. Between the ACL surgery that ended his 2025 season before it began, to the recent reports that he might need a second surgery to repair a “bone plug” that was put into his knee, there is a risk here for the Raiders.

But to get him at the top of the fourth round? That is tremendous value for Las Vegas. And with the Raiders going through a rebuild, the organization can take its time with McCoy, and even make 2026 a redshirt season for him so he can get back to 100%.

Because as far as talent goes? He’s one of the best in the class.

#Jermod #McCoy #finally #hears #called #NFL #Draft

Sports news ,

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy’s long wait is over.

Considered a top-15 talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, medical concerns over a knee injury suffered ahead of the season saw the talented cornerback slide out of the first round, and then out of the second day entirely. When the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft began McCoy was still available, and some were wondering if his slide would continue.

The Las Vegas Raiders put an end to that, moving up one spot at the start of the fourth round to make McCoy their newest cornerback.

Again, based on the film McCoy put down during the 2024 season at Tennessee, he is one of the top players in this class. Take this example, an interception against Alabama in the end zone:

I love everything about this play. One of McCoy’s strengths, in my viewing, is his patience in press coverage situations. He does not panic when a receiver tries to stress his leverage, but rather he waits … and then strikes. That is exactly what he does here, timing his jam to perfection before getting his eyes to the football.

Here is another example, which comes on a 4th-and-2 situation against Florida. McCoy is aligned at the bottom of the screen:

He is giving the wide receiver this slant route, and again he does not panic when the receiver cuts inside of him. That’s when he gets his jam on the WR, gets his eyes to the quarterback, and then gets his hand to the football.

Another slant route with McCoy aligned at the bottom of the screen:

Again, no panic here. The receiver gets him to open up to the sideline when McCoy’s outside leverage is threatened, but he stays calm, gets to the receiver’s hip, and closes on the throw for another pass breakup.

Take note of the ball skills on this interception against Vanderbilt:

It is plays like this that made McCoy one of the top-graded players on any board.

Now, the medical concerns are serious. Between the ACL surgery that ended his 2025 season before it began, to the recent reports that he might need a second surgery to repair a “bone plug” that was put into his knee, there is a risk here for the Raiders.

But to get him at the top of the fourth round? That is tremendous value for Las Vegas. And with the Raiders going through a rebuild, the organization can take its time with McCoy, and even make 2026 a redshirt season for him so he can get back to 100%.

Because as far as talent goes? He’s one of the best in the class.

Source link
#Jermod #McCoy #finally #hears #called #NFL #Draft

Tag
Previous post

BWF approves 3×15 scoring system; badminton to adopt new format from 2027 <div id="content-body-70905677" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) long-discussed move from the 3×21 rally-point format to a 3×15 scoring system was approved by its members at the 87th BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark. The change will come into effect on January 4, 2027.</p><p>Matches will continue to follow the best-of-three-games format, but each game will now be played to 15 points instead of 21.</p><p>“We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long-term future of our players,” said BWF president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.</p><p>At 14-14, a player or pair will need to establish a two-point advantage to seal the game.</p><p>The proposed format had already been tested in 2025 at selected Grade 3 tournaments, the National Championships and the BWF World Junior Championships.</p><p>Earlier this year, in February, the BWF Council formally placed the proposal for voting, citing data which it believed showed that the revised format struck the right balance between the demands of the sport and the entertainment value for spectators.</p><p>The governing body said the new scoring structure was intended to ease the physical load on players, reduce the likelihood of injuries and provide more time for recovery.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #BWF #approves #3×15 #scoring #system #badminton #adopt #format

Next post

Deadspin | Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers bid to halt slide in clash vs. Pirates <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28767048.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28767048.jpg" alt="MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at Miami Marlins" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) throws against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to hard-throwing Jacob Misiorowski as they look to snap a three-game skid when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Misiorowski (1-2, 3.04 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Mitch Keller (2-1, 2.79).</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Paul Skenes and two relievers combined on a one-hitter to pace the Pirates to a 6-0 victory in the series opener Friday. Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, took a perfect game into seventh inning before allowing a two-out single to Jake Bauers.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Konnor Griffin celebrated his 20th birthday with his first career homer, two singles and three RBIs as Pittsburgh snapped an eight-game losing streak to Milwaukee.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Misiorowski struck out nine in five innings his last time out but took the loss in a 5-3 defeat at Miami on Sunday. He allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits with three walks. </p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Misiorowski has 42 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings this season, and opponents are batting just .177 against him. He is 2-0 with an 0.75 ERA in two career starts against the Pirates, allowing just one run in 12 innings with 16 strikeouts.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Brewers, missing much of their power with Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich all injured, have just one homer in their last nine games. Milwaukee lost 5-4 on Thursday at Detroit, which started Tarik Skubal before the Brewers faced a Cy Young winner, Skenes, in consecutive games.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>“The two guys were really, really top notch, especially when you’ve got a decimated lineup,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Friday. “We’ve got three of our top hitters out. You take three hitters out of any lineup and face those guys, it’ll be tough.”</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Milwaukee is playing an NL Central rival for the first time this season. Each team in the division is above .500. Pittsburgh has not lost back-to-back games since falling in the first two games of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“The division is strong,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said after Friday’s win. “Teams are playing really well, and again, we have to continue to do what we do. Come show up every day and compete like that regardless of what happens. We’ll enjoy this one for a little bit tonight, but we’ve got to get ready for tomorrow.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Keller is coming off a solid outing, allowing two runs on five hits in seven innings of a 6-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday. He has allowed nine runs in 29 innings in his five starts this season, but five runs came in a four-inning outing in a 5-4 loss to Washington on April 14. </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Keller has struggled against the Brewers over his career, going 1-7 with a 5.31 ERA in 12 starts against them. He was 0-2 with a 4.96 ERA last season in three starts vs. Milwaukee, allowing nine runs on 20 hits in 16 1/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Pittsburgh’s Nick Gonzales had an RBI single Friday to extend his hitting streak to five games, batting .421 (8-for-19) over that span. </p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Teammate Spencer Horwitz also had an RBI single in the series opener. In 16 career games vs. Milwaukee, he is hitting .311 with five doubles, a homer and seven RBIs.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Jacob #Misiorowski #Brewers #bid #halt #slide #clash #Pirates

Related Posts

One of the biggest sporting events on the planet is about to begin.

Starting on Thursday, the FIFA World Cup gets underway in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The World Cup begins with the group stage, as the 48 teams in the field battle it out to secure one of the 32 spots in the knockout stage.

Here is the full schedule, along with television information, for the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times listed are Eastern.

World Cup group stage schedule and scores

Group A: Mexico 2, South Africa 0
Group A: South Korea vs. Czechia, 10:oo p.m., FS1

Group B: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group D: United States vs. Paraguay, 9:00 p.m., FOX

Group B: Qatar vs. Switzerland, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group C: Brazil vs. Morocco, 6:00 p.m., FOX
Group C: Haiti vs. Scotland, 9:00 p.m., FOX

Group D: Australia vs. Türkiye, 12:00 a.m., FS1
Group E: Germany vs. Curaçao, 1:00 p.m., FOX
Group F: Netherlands vs. Japan, 4:00 p.m., FOX
Group E: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador, 7:00 p.m., FS1
Group F: Sweden vs. Tunisia, 10:00 p.m., FS1

Group H: Spain vs. Cabo Verde, 12:00 p.m., FOX
Group G: Belgium vs. Egypt, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group H: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, 6:00 p.m., FS1
Group G: Iran vs. New Zealand, 9:00 p.m., FS1

Group I: France vs. Senegal, 3:oo p.m., FOX
Group I: Iraq vs. Norway, 6:00 p.m., FOX
Group J: Argentina vs. Algeria, 9:00 p.m., FOX

Group J: Austria vs. Jordan, 12:00 a.m., FS1
Group K: Portugal vs. DR Congo, 1:00 p.m., FOX
Group L: England vs. Croatia, 4:00 p.m., FOX
Group L: Ghana vs. Panama, 7:00 p.m., FS1
Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, 10:00 p.m., FS1

Group A: Czechia vs. South Africa, 12:00 p.m., FOX
Group B: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3:00 p.m, FOX
Group B: Canada vs. Qatar, 6:00 p.m., FS1
Group A: Mexico vs. South Korea, 9:00 p.m., FOX

Group D: United States vs. Australia, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group C: Scotland vs. Morocco, 6:00 p.m., FOX
Group C: Brazil vs. Haiti, 8:30 p.m., FOX
Group D: Türkiye vs. Paraguay, 11:00 p.m., FS1

Group F: Netherlands vs. Sweden, 1:00 p.m., FOX
Group E: Germany vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m. FOX
Group E: Ecuador vs. Curaçao, 8:00 p.m., FS1

Group F: Tunisia vs. Japan, 12:00 a.m., FS1
Group H: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, 12:00 p.m., FOX
Group G: Belgium vs. Iran, 3:00 p.m., FS1
Group H: Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde, 6:00 p.m., FS1
Group G: New Zealand vs. Egypt, 9:00 p.m., FS1

Group J: Argentina vs. Austria, 1:00 p.m., FOX
Group I: France vs. Iraq, 5:00 p.m., FOX
Group I: Norway vs. Senegal, 8:00 p.m, FOX
Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria, 11:00 p.m., FS1

Group K: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, 1:00 p.m., FOX
Group L: England vs. Ghana, 4:00 p.m., FOX
Group L: Panama vs. Croatia, 7:oo p.m., FOX
Group K: Colombia vs. DR Congo, 10:00 p.m., FS1

Group B: Switzerland vs. Canada, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group B: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar, 3:00 p.m., FS1
Group C: Morocco vs. Haiti, 6:00 p.m., FS1
Group C: Scotland vs. Brazil, 6:00 p.m., FOX
Group A: South Africa vs. South Korea, 9:00 p.m., FS1
Group A: Czechia vs. Mexico, 9:00 p.m., FOX

Group E: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m., FS1
Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m., FOX
Group F: Tunisia vs. Netherlands, 7:00 p.m., FOX
Group F: Japan vs. Sweden, 7:00 p.m., FS1
Group D: Türkiye vs. United States, 10:00 p.m., FOX
Group D: Paraguay vs. Australia, 10:00 p.m., FS1

Group I: Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group I: Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m., FS1
Group H: Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, 8:00 p.m., FS1
Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain, 8:00 p.m., FOX
Group G: New Zealand vs. Belgium, 11:00 p.m., FOX
Group G: Egypt vs. Iran, 11:00 p.m., FS1

Group L: Panama vs. England, 5:00 p.m., FOX
Group L: Croatia vs. Ghana, 5:00 p.m., FS1
Group K: Colombia vs. Portugal, 7:30 p.m., FOX
Group K: DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan, 7:30 p.m., FS1
Group J: Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m., FS1
Group J: Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m., FOX

#World #Cup #Group #Stage #Schedule #scores #watch">World Cup Group Stage: Schedule, scores and how to watch One of the biggest sporting events on the planet is about to begin.Starting on Thursday, the FIFA World Cup gets underway in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The World Cup begins with the group stage, as the 48 teams in the field battle it out to secure one of the 32 spots in the knockout stage.Here is the full schedule, along with television information, for the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times listed are Eastern.World Cup group stage schedule and scoresGroup A: Mexico 2, South Africa 0Group A: South Korea vs. Czechia, 10:oo p.m., FS1Group B: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup D: United States vs. Paraguay, 9:00 p.m., FOXGroup B: Qatar vs. Switzerland, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup C: Brazil vs. Morocco, 6:00 p.m., FOXGroup C: Haiti vs. Scotland, 9:00 p.m., FOXGroup D: Australia vs. Türkiye, 12:00 a.m., FS1Group E: Germany vs. Curaçao, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup F: Netherlands vs. Japan, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup E: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador, 7:00 p.m., FS1Group F: Sweden vs. Tunisia, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Spain vs. Cabo Verde, 12:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: Belgium vs. Egypt, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup H: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group G: Iran vs. New Zealand, 9:00 p.m., FS1Group I: France vs. Senegal, 3:oo p.m., FOXGroup I: Iraq vs. Norway, 6:00 p.m., FOXGroup J: Argentina vs. Algeria, 9:00 p.m., FOXGroup J: Austria vs. Jordan, 12:00 a.m., FS1Group K: Portugal vs. DR Congo, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: England vs. Croatia, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: Ghana vs. Panama, 7:00 p.m., FS1Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group A: Czechia vs. South Africa, 12:00 p.m., FOXGroup B: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3:00 p.m, FOXGroup B: Canada vs. Qatar, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group A: Mexico vs. South Korea, 9:00 p.m., FOXGroup D: United States vs. Australia, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup C: Scotland vs. Morocco, 6:00 p.m., FOXGroup C: Brazil vs. Haiti, 8:30 p.m., FOXGroup D: Türkiye vs. Paraguay, 11:00 p.m., FS1Group F: Netherlands vs. Sweden, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup E: Germany vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m. FOXGroup E: Ecuador vs. Curaçao, 8:00 p.m., FS1Group F: Tunisia vs. Japan, 12:00 a.m., FS1Group H: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, 12:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: Belgium vs. Iran, 3:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group G: New Zealand vs. Egypt, 9:00 p.m., FS1Group J: Argentina vs. Austria, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup I: France vs. Iraq, 5:00 p.m., FOXGroup I: Norway vs. Senegal, 8:00 p.m, FOXGroup J: Jordan vs. Algeria, 11:00 p.m., FS1Group K: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: England vs. Ghana, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: Panama vs. Croatia, 7:oo p.m., FOXGroup K: Colombia vs. DR Congo, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group B: Switzerland vs. Canada, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup B: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar, 3:00 p.m., FS1Group C: Morocco vs. Haiti, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group C: Scotland vs. Brazil, 6:00 p.m., FOXGroup A: South Africa vs. South Korea, 9:00 p.m., FS1Group A: Czechia vs. Mexico, 9:00 p.m., FOXGroup E: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m., FS1Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup F: Tunisia vs. Netherlands, 7:00 p.m., FOXGroup F: Japan vs. Sweden, 7:00 p.m., FS1Group D: Türkiye vs. United States, 10:00 p.m., FOXGroup D: Paraguay vs. Australia, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group I: Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup I: Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, 8:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain, 8:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: New Zealand vs. Belgium, 11:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: Egypt vs. Iran, 11:00 p.m., FS1Group L: Panama vs. England, 5:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: Croatia vs. Ghana, 5:00 p.m., FS1Group K: Colombia vs. Portugal, 7:30 p.m., FOXGroup K: DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan, 7:30 p.m., FS1Group J: Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group J: Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m., FOX #World #Cup #Group #Stage #Schedule #scores #watch

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was tightlipped about selection ahead of her side’s opening match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka on Friday.

The tournament host has used a variety of players during its warm-up fixtures for the T20 World Cup and poses a wealth of riches in most departments with good depth in the spin bowling ranks and a bevy of quality batting options at the top of the order.

ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head in T20Is

Played: 12

England: 10

Sri Lanka: 2

What that means in terms of selection for the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Edgbaston on Friday remains to be seen and Sciver-Brunt was giving nothing away when asked about the make-up of her side for the clash with Sri Lanka.

The all-rounder has already confirmed she will play purely as a batter as she returns to full fitness following a calf concern, while the England skipper also suggested it would be unlikely that the side will use all three of its left-arm spin options – Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Tilly Corteen-Coleman – in the same XI.

But where that leaves all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson remains unanswered, while there is also plenty to ponder for the England captain at the top of the batting order with Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones, Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley all jostling for positions.

“We have a squad of 15 players, all of whom could be part of our XI,” Sciver-Brunt said on Thursday at the pre-match press conference.

“Selecting that final XI is hard and there’ll be some disappointed people because everybody so far in the summer has put their hand up with different performances at different times.

ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head record in Women’s T20 World Cups

Played: 2

England: 2

Sri Lanka: 0

“We know that we’ll need to call upon every one of those 15 people during this tournament. It’s not just about the XI. And I suppose that makes for some tough conversations and I’m sure some disappointed people.”

Sri Lanka looks relatively more settled after ending its warm-up run unbeaten with wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan.

Experienced skipper Chamari Athapaththu will once again be the lynchpin for Sri Lanka against England as the veteran gears up for her 10th appearance at the T20 World Cup having previously featured at every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2009

And Athapaththu enters the opening contest quietly confident her side can cause an upset, with the Sri Lanka captain embracing the tag of underdogs given all the pressure and focus will be on their opponents.

“The game is very important game for both the teams, but we are coming with underdog tag because we need to earn something,” Athapaththu said.

“But I know England have a little bit pressure because they’re playing in their home condition and first game and with a lot of expectation. 

“And most of the England people are coming here for cheering for them. 

“I feel some kind of pressure they have. So we don’t have that kind of pressure. 

“So we just need to play our fearless cricket. And if we can play our best cricket tomorrow, I know we can change and make — we can make history.”

SQUADS

England squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi

Published on Jun 12, 2026

#England #Sri #Lanka #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Preview #Headtohead #record #squads #playing #news">England vs Sri Lanka, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Preview, Head-to-head record, squads, playing XI news England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was tightlipped about selection ahead of her side’s opening match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka on Friday.The tournament host has used a variety of players during its warm-up fixtures for the T20 World Cup and poses a wealth of riches in most departments with good depth in the spin bowling ranks and a bevy of quality batting options at the top of the order. ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head in T20Is Played: 12 England: 10 Sri Lanka: 2 What that means in terms of selection for the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Edgbaston on Friday remains to be seen and Sciver-Brunt was giving nothing away when asked about the make-up of her side for the clash with Sri Lanka.The all-rounder has already confirmed she will play purely as a batter as she returns to full fitness following a calf concern, while the England skipper also suggested it would be unlikely that the side will use all three of its left-arm spin options – Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Tilly Corteen-Coleman – in the same XI.But where that leaves all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson remains unanswered, while there is also plenty to ponder for the England captain at the top of the batting order with Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones, Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley all jostling for positions.“We have a squad of 15 players, all of whom could be part of our XI,” Sciver-Brunt said on Thursday at the pre-match press conference.“Selecting that final XI is hard and there’ll be some disappointed people because everybody so far in the summer has put their hand up with different performances at different times. ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head record in Women’s T20 World Cups Played: 2 England: 2 Sri Lanka: 0 “We know that we’ll need to call upon every one of those 15 people during this tournament. It’s not just about the XI. And I suppose that makes for some tough conversations and I’m sure some disappointed people.”Sri Lanka looks relatively more settled after ending its warm-up run unbeaten with wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan.Experienced skipper Chamari Athapaththu will once again be the lynchpin for Sri Lanka against England as the veteran gears up for her 10th appearance at the T20 World Cup having previously featured at every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2009And Athapaththu enters the opening contest quietly confident her side can cause an upset, with the Sri Lanka captain embracing the tag of underdogs given all the pressure and focus will be on their opponents.“The game is very important game for both the teams, but we are coming with underdog tag because we need to earn something,” Athapaththu said.“But I know England have a little bit pressure because they’re playing in their home condition and first game and with a lot of expectation. “And most of the England people are coming here for cheering for them. “I feel some kind of pressure they have. So we don’t have that kind of pressure. “So we just need to play our fearless cricket. And if we can play our best cricket tomorrow, I know we can change and make — we can make history.” SQUADS England squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi Published on Jun 12, 2026 #England #Sri #Lanka #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Preview #Headtohead #record #squads #playing #news

Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday. Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.” A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury. He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games. Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season. A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25. The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals. Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators. Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022. “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision. “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #AvalancheMay 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.

Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, $54 million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.

“Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”

A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.

He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.


Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.

A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.

The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.

Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.

Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.

“He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.

“He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche">Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday. Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.” A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury. He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games. Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season. A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25. The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals. Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators. Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022. “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision. “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche

Post Comment