England announced a 12-man squad for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia in Sydney, which includes off-spinner Shoaib Bashir. Bashir has not played in the series so far, and England is set to make changes due to Gus Atkinson's injury. The match will assess the conditions to decide the final playing lineup.
Key Facts
England picked Shoaib Bashir in their 12-man squad for the final Ashes Test.
Bashir has not played in the Ashes series yet and last played for England in July against India.
Gus Atkinson is out due to a hamstring injury, prompting at least one change in the lineup.
England usually announces their XI two days before the match but are waiting to see the pitch conditions.
The match takes place at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which usually helps slow bowlers but has favored seamers this series.
England won the fourth Test in Melbourne, narrowing the series score to 3-1.
Australia may include off-spinner Todd Murphy due to the conditions.
Bashir played only in warm-up games on this tour, and Matthew Potts has been included as another option.
Electrolyte drinks are often marketed to the general public for everyday exercise, but experts say they are unnecessary unless you are doing long or intense workouts. The body usually maintains its electrolyte balance naturally through a well-balanced diet. Electrolytes may be helpful for extended exercises in hot conditions, but for regular gym sessions or short runs, water is typically sufficient.
Key Facts
Electrolyte drinks are popular among casual gym-goers but are not needed for most everyday exercise.
Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that help with nerve and muscle functions.
The body normally keeps electrolytes stable through a balanced diet, which includes common foods that provide necessary minerals.
Useful during long, intense exercises where heavy sweating occurs, as they can help replace lost sodium.
Sports drinks are more beneficial when they contain carbohydrates for longer workouts.
Homemade electrolyte solutions can be made with water, fruit juice, and a pinch of salt.
For moderate exercise, simply drinking water and eating a regular diet is recommended.
There's no substantial evidence that electrolyte products improve performance significantly.
Lane Kiffin, who previously coached Ole Miss, will receive a performance bonus from his new employer, LSU, for Ole Miss's success in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Ole Miss advanced to the CFP semifinals after defeating Georgia, and Kiffin will make $500,000 from this win, with the potential for more if the team progresses further.
Key Facts
Lane Kiffin is the former head coach of Ole Miss and is now the head coach at LSU.
Ole Miss won against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, moving to the CFP semifinals.
Although no longer with Ole Miss, Kiffin negotiated to receive bonuses based on Ole Miss's success in the CFP.
Kiffin will get $500,000 from Ole Miss's win against Georgia.
The bonus could increase to $750,000 if Ole Miss reaches the national championship game.
Kiffin could earn up to $1 million if Ole Miss wins the national title.
LSU is paying Kiffin's bonuses as per the deal he made while transitioning from Ole Miss.
Arch Manning, the quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, had a great game, leading his team to victory against Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. He will lose one of his key teammates, wide receiver Parker Livingstone, who plans to transfer to another team.
Key Facts
Arch Manning is the quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
Texas Longhorns defeated Michigan Wolverines 41-27 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
Manning completed 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and made two touchdowns without turnovers.
He rushed nine times for 155 yards, scoring two more touchdowns.
Freshman wide receiver Parker Livingstone is entering the NCAA transfer portal.
Livingstone ranked third on the team in receiving yards and second in touchdown catches.
Texas might be interested in wide receiver Cam Coleman from Auburn as a possible replacement.
Rocco Becht, a former quarterback for Iowa State, is planning to visit Penn State. He might reunite with his former coach, Matt Campbell, who now leads the Penn State team.
Key Facts
Rocco Becht used to play as a quarterback at Iowa State.
He spent three years playing under coach Matt Campbell.
Matt Campbell is now the head coach at Penn State.
Becht is visiting Penn State as the transfer portal opens.
The transfer portal is a system that allows college athletes to switch schools more easily.
This visit suggests a possible reunion between Becht and his former coach.
Ole Miss won against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl with a score of 39-34. Lane Kiffin, the former Ole Miss coach and current LSU head coach, celebrated the victory on social media. Ole Miss will now play against the Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl.
Key Facts
Ole Miss defeated Georgia in the Sugar Bowl with a 39-34 score.
The game took place at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss led a final-minute drive to secure the win.
Lane Kiffin was the Ole Miss head coach for the 2025 season and is now at LSU.
Kiffin shared a social media post after the win celebrating Chambliss's performance.
Ole Miss will next play against the Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl.
If successful, they could compete in the national championship game.
In a College Football Playoff game, the Ole Miss Rebels, led by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, beat Georgia. Chambliss set a new record at the Sugar Bowl for consecutive completed passes, previously held by Tim Tebow. Ole Miss will face Miami in the Fiesta Bowl semifinals.
Key Facts
Ole Miss defeated Georgia in a College Football Playoff (CFP) game.
The game was played at the Sugar Bowl.
Trinidad Chambliss is the quarterback for Ole Miss.
Chambliss broke Tim Tebow's Sugar Bowl record for consecutive completed passes.
Chambliss was originally a Division II player and got his chance due to team injuries.
Chambliss is seeking an NCAA waiver for an extra year of eligibility.
Ole Miss will next play Miami in the CFP semifinals at the Fiesta Bowl.
Trevon Diggs, a cornerback, joined the Green Bay Packers after being released by the Dallas Cowboys. Despite previous injuries and performance issues, Diggs expressed strong confidence in his abilities. The Packers have secured a playoff spot, and Diggs will earn additional money if active in their game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Key Facts
Trevon Diggs was released by the Dallas Cowboys despite having three years left on his contract.
Diggs has missed 29 games since the 2023 season because of injuries.
He joined the Green Bay Packers through waivers for Week 18 and the playoffs.
Diggs has not performed well this season, with quarterbacks achieving near-perfect ratings against him.
The Packers are in the playoffs, ensuring games beyond Week 18.
Diggs reunites with former teammate Micah Parsons, though Parsons is out for the season with an injury.
Diggs expressed confidence, saying he still feels like he is the best at his position.
Manchester City drew 0-0 with Sunderland, moving them further behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Despite having more ball possession and shots, City couldn't break through Sunderland's strong defense. Rodri returned from injury to boost City's performance, but Savinho sustained a new injury.
Key Facts
Manchester City played against Sunderland and the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Arsenal remains at the top of the Premier League, 4 points ahead of City.
City had 67% possession and 14 shots, but could not score.
Sunderland maintained their unbeaten home record this season.
City midfielder Rodri returned to play after dealing with an injury.
Rodri is regarded as important to the team, having missed much of the previous season due to a knee injury.
Savinho, another City player, sustained an injury during the match.
The article discusses LSU's activity in the college football transfer portal. New head coach Lane Kiffin is focused on signing new players and managing player departures as LSU aims to strengthen its team for future competitions. The transfer portal is a period where players can move between college teams seeking better opportunities.
Key Facts
The transfer portal is a period during which college football players can switch teams.
Lane Kiffin is the new head coach at LSU.
LSU is actively involved in the transfer portal, aiming to improve its football team.
Notable players leaving LSU include Colin Hurley, Jelani Watkins, and Kylan Billiot.
The portal period lasts 15 days and is crucial for team restructuring.
LSU's actions in the transfer portal will impact their chances for the College Football Playoff.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni may rest key players, including running back Saquon Barkley, in the team's final regular-season game. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans as resting players could impact their playoff seeding. The Eagles lost their chance at the top seed and are prioritizing player health for the upcoming playoffs.
Key Facts
The Eagles head coach, Nick Sirianni, plans to rest key players for the final game.
Running back Saquon Barkley is 87 yards away from earning a $250,000 bonus.
The Eagles are already out of the running for the number one playoff seed.
Injured players like Jalen Carter and Dallas Goedert are also expected to sit out.
The decision could affect the team's playoff seeding, determining if they get a home game.
Fans disagree on the strategy; some support resting players, while others want to pursue better seeding.
The Green Bay Packers and quarterback Jordan Love are in the playoffs and will rest Love until then after recovering from a concussion. Love and his wife Ronika are expecting a baby. Love completed a strong season with 15 games played.
Key Facts
The Packers are in the playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the NFC.
Jordan Love suffered a concussion but is now healthy to play.
Head coach Matt LaFleur will rest Love until the playoffs.
Jordan Love and his wife Ronika announced they are expecting a baby.
Love played 15 games this season, completing 66.3% of passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Green Bay will face either the Chicago Bears or the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round.
Micah Parsons’ season-ending injury impacted the team, but Love's leadership provides hope.
The Miami Hurricanes celebrated a major win by defeating Ohio State in the College Football Playoff. However, shortly after, their wide receiver Chance Robinson decided to leave the team and enter the transfer portal. Robinson, who was a promising recruit, had not played in the past two seasons.
Key Facts
Miami Hurricanes defeated Ohio State 24-14 in a College Football Playoff game.
This victory advances Miami to the CFP semifinals against either Ole Miss or Georgia.
Miami was considered a 9.5-point underdog in the game against Ohio State.
Chance Robinson, a Miami wide receiver, announced he will transfer to another team.
Robinson was a top-ranked recruit but did not play in any games over two seasons.
The Miami team has a strong lineup of wide receivers, which may have limited Robinson's opportunities to play.
Robinson initially chose Miami over schools like Florida, LSU, and Michigan.
Lamar Jackson, quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, confirmed he will play in a crucial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite rumors about his future with the team. He addressed criticism about his commitment and stated his strong relationship with the team's coach, John Harbaugh. Jackson emphasized his focus on winning the upcoming game, as the outcome determines the team's playoff spot.
Key Facts
Lamar Jackson is committed to playing in the Ravens' upcoming game against the Steelers.
Jackson addressed rumors about his relationship with the Ravens and head coach John Harbaugh.
He mentioned he had never quit on his team and questioned where the criticism originated.
Jackson assured his readiness to play after receiving treatments that improved his condition.
The Ravens must win this game to secure the division and an AFC playoff spot.
Jackson emphasized focusing on winning, with contract discussions postponed until after the season.
The game will take place against the division rival Steelers, with playoff implications at stake.
Liverpool played a 0-0 draw against Leeds United at Anfield, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches. The game marked the first scoreless draw for Liverpool under coach Arne Slot and frustrated some fans due to a lack of offensive breakthroughs. Despite having multiple chances, Liverpool could not score, and the team struggled to break through Leeds' defensive setup.
Key Facts
Liverpool and Leeds United ended their match in a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
It was Liverpool's first goalless draw in 117 matches across all competitions.
Arne Slot's team has not lost in eight consecutive games.
Liverpool had 19 shots but only 4 were on target against Leeds.
The game's expected goals (xG) for Liverpool was 1.96, their highest without scoring since April 2024.
Hugo Ekitike missed a significant chance to score with a header.
Leeds used a defensive strategy to contain Liverpool, allowing them possession on the wings.
Coach Slot mentioned missing a goal was the simplest explanation for the draw.
The Texas Longhorns football team is looking to recruit Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman, who may cost $4 million. Freshman wide receiver Parker Livingstone from Texas is entering the transfer portal to seek more playing opportunities, not due to money.
Key Facts
Texas aims to recruit Cam Coleman, a wide receiver from Auburn University.
Coleman reportedly desires $4 million for 2026.
Parker Livingstone, a Texas wide receiver, is entering the transfer portal.
Livingstone was the third-leading receiver for Texas with 516 yards.
Texas thinks they can lure Coleman because of quarterback Arch Manning.
Coleman has a NIL valuation of $1.8 million, tied to endorsements.
NCAA rules do not allow coaches to contact athletes until they enter the transfer portal, which opens January 2.
Usman Khawaja, an Australian cricket player, will retire from international cricket after the final Ashes Test against England in Sydney. The 39-year-old, who first played in January 2011, has been part of six Ashes series and will end his career with a significant match in the place where he began. Khawaja has played for Australia in various formats and has been a key player for the team.
Key Facts
Usman Khawaja will retire after the fifth Ashes Test against England.
He is 39 years old and will play his 88th and final Test match.
Khawaja first played international cricket in January 2011 against England.
He was the first Muslim to play for the Australian cricket team.
Khawaja has played in six Ashes series with two wins, two losses, and two draws.
During his Test career, he scored 6,206 runs with an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries.
Khawaja also participated in the 2023 World Test Championship win with Australia.
He retires as Australia leads the current Ashes series 3-1, with the final Test starting soon.
Ohio State's football team lost to Miami in the College Football Playoff. After the loss, several Ohio State players decided to transfer, and a coach from their team, Michael Hunter Jr., will move to the University of Tennessee. Hunter Jr. was a defensive backs assistant, and his departure follows Ohio State's exit from the playoff competition.
Key Facts
Ohio State lost to Miami in the College Football Playoff.
Several Ohio State players plan to enter the transfer portal.
Michael Hunter Jr., an Ohio State defensive backs assistant, is leaving to join Tennessee in the SEC.
Hunter Jr. was with Ohio State for two years and previously coached at Tulsa and Oklahoma State.
The transfer portal will open for 15 days starting January 2, 2026, allowing players to move to other teams.
Tennessee hopes Michael Hunter Jr.'s coaching will strengthen their team for the 2026 season.
The Los Angeles Lakers are considering trading for NBA player Dillon Brooks to improve their team before the 2025-26 trade deadline. Brooks, who has had past disagreements with Lakers' star LeBron James, is known for his strong defensive skills and ability to shoot three-point shots. The trade could help the Lakers in their playoff run, but they must consider the dynamics between Brooks and James.
Key Facts
The Lakers are thinking about trading for Dillon Brooks before the 2025-26 trade deadline.
LeBron James and Dillon Brooks have had conflicts in the past.
Brooks is praised for his defense and has a history of guarding top players.
He has a career 35.4% success rate in three-point shooting.
Brooks previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies and now plays for the Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers want to improve their defense and shooting to compete for a top spot in the Western Conference.
The team might trade a future first-round draft pick to get Brooks.
The article discusses criticism of NBA player Luka Doncic's defensive skills during his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Former NBA player Jeff Teague compares Doncic unfavorably to Cade Cunningham, highlighting Cunningham's defensive abilities. Despite Doncic's strong offensive performances, the Lakers have struggled defensively this season.
Key Facts
Luka Doncic is in his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have started struggling on defense as the season progresses.
Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague prefers Cade Cunningham over Luka Doncic due to Cunningham's defensive skills.
Cade Cunningham is performing well this season, leading the Pistons and is considered for an MVP spot.
Luka Doncic is averaging 33.5 points and 8.7 assists per game.
Lakers' head coach JJ Redick has pointed out the team's defensive struggles.
The Lakers aim to improve their performance to compete for a championship.
