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First Post
41 minutes ago
- Sport
- First Post
Karun Nair makes strong case for spot in Team India's playing XI with elegant hundred against England Lions
While Karun Nair sent a timely reminder to the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management, Sarfaraz Khan also scored a solid 92. read more Karun Nair was elegance personified while serving a timely reminder to the Gautam Gambhir-led team management with a classy unbeaten 186 as India A cruised to 409 for 3 against a below-par England Lions on the opening day of the first 'Unofficial' Test here on Friday (May 30, 2025). While Nair is known to bat either at No. 4 or below in first-class cricket, he looked at ease during his unbeaten 246-ball knock which made the Lions bowlers, including their Test star Rehan Ahmed, look completely pedestrian. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India A batters made the best use of loose deliveries but the quality of Lions bowling attack and nature of the track might not be an appropriate reflection of what can be expected in Test matches. The Bengaluru man, who now plays for Vidarbha, used his extensive experience of playing for English County Northamptonshire during his 24th first-class ton. Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan shine for India A His innings had 24 fours and one six but it couldn't have come at a more opportune time as Gambhir frets over his batting combination for the opening Test against England at Leeds, starting June 20. Sarfaraz Khan (92 off 119 balls) blended a bit of muscle and a lot of cheekiness but missed out on a three-figure mark after doing all the hard work. The duo added 181 runs for the third wicket stand and then Dhruv Jurel (82 batting, 104 balls) made merry during another 177-run stand for the unbroken fourth wicket alliance. Call it irony, just like Nair had pipped Sarfaraz as the extra batter in the Test squad, he also overshadowed the Mumbai man on a flat deck where the Lions attack didn't have enough teeth to trouble some of the senior India stars. Conceding 51 boundaries and three sixes in 90 overs doesn't make for a great reading. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yashasvi Jaiswal (24 off 55 balls) played out the first hour but didn't utilize the start while Abhimanyu Easwaran (8), who should consider himself massively lucky to have got another shot at Test team, showed why he isn't cut out for the big league. The Canterbury County ground pitch had a greenish tinge but there was hardly any lateral movement on offer. Nair had extra time to play his shots and was severe on all bowlers with a lot of shots square of the wicket. Rehan, the England Test leg-spinner, was extremely ordinary as he was clobbered for 95 runs in 16 overs. Sarfaraz, in fact, hit him inside out for a boundary to complete his fifty and also hit him straight for a maximum, and against pacers, he used the bounce to play the ramp shot over slips for useful runs. Nair was severe on anything that was pitched short and looked regal whenever he rocked back to play the pull shot. When off-spinner Dan Mousley bowled, he repeatedly played the reverse sweep with minimal effort. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The duo farmed the strike without much ado and when Sarfaraz lazily chased a wide delivery from Hull down the leg-side, even Lions bowlers didn't expect a wicket. But the joy was short-lived as there was no taking the foot from the pedal from either Nair or Jurel, who continued to show disdain for home team bowlers. Brief scores: India A: 409/3 in 90 overs (Karun Nair 186 batting; Sarfaraz Khan 92, Dhruv Jurel 82 batting; Josh Hull 2/51).
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C. Lions confident QB Nathan Rourke can return to top form
KAMLOOPS - There's no question heading into the CFL season who'll be the B.C. Lions starting quarterback. Nathan Rourke is back. 'He's got that confidence, he's got that offence,' said wide receiver Keon Hatcher. 'It's his team. Everyone's rallied around him.' That buy-in is essential for Rourke and the Lions as they prepare for the 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old Canadian QB wasn't on the roster to start last season as he worked to find a permanent home in the NFL. Instead, the Lions tapped Vernon Adams Jr., who got the team off to a solid 5-3 record before going down with a knee injury at the beginning of August. Weeks later, Rourke re-signed with B.C., returning to the team where he earned the title of the league's most outstanding Canadian in 2022 following a standout campaign. The homegrown quarterback struggled back in the CFL, going 3-5 while throwing four touchdowns and nine interceptions. B.C. finished the regular season with a 9-9 record and was ousted from the West semifinal by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. After the season wrapped, the club dealt Adams to the Calgary Stampeders. The Lions are all-in on Rourke this season — and head coach Buck Pierce believes he's ready. 'He's played quarterback. He understands his job, he understands his role, he understands what he needs to do,' Pierce said. 'It's not all about him, though, either. It's everybody pulling in the same direction. So, I think it's nice that way, because he's obviously excited to be here from day one and have a full training camp. And that's how every player wants it, right? It's no different than any other year.' Several of Rourke's teammates have expressed confidence in his ability to return to the form he showed in 2022, especially now that the quarterback has had a full training camp with his teammates in Kamloops, B.C. After all, he wears No. 12 — the same number as Tom Brady and several other legends. 'A lot of quarterbacks that wear that number, they're high up on the quarterback list. So that's Nathan Rourke — great leader, great man, great friend,' Hatcher said. 'He comes to work every day with his hard hat on. 'And I'm so excited to see what he gets to do this year, stepping back into that role, being fully confident in what he's doing out here. And I don't expect nothing less from 2022 to this season when he's had a full year out there.' For Rourke, one difference in preparing for the coming campaign has been the luxury of time. Instead of rushing to get up to speed like last year, he's been able to learn things in 'bite-sized chunks.' He was also able to spend the off-season connecting with his teammates, as many stayed in Metro Vancouver to train. 'I think what I've tried to do this off-season is create that comfortable feeling by getting to know the guys off the field, making sure we're deepening those relationships,' Rourke said. Training with the Lions' No. 1 was a learning experience for Kieran Poissant. Through countless sessions together, the 24-year-old Canadian receiver developed a thorough understanding of the playbook, figuring out exactly how many steps he needs to take on a given play and the best placement for his hands. There were less tangible lessons, too. '(Rourke's) one of the best pros in the country,' said Poissant, who played his first CFL games last year. 'And as a young guy, when you get an opportunity to work with one of the best pros and just learn how to be a pro, reps aside, it's an amazing opportunity,' Working alongside Rourke this season is veteran QB Jeremiah Masoli, who B.C. signed to a one-year deal in free agency. The 36-year-old American is heading into his 12th CFL season, and Rourke believes he has a lot to share. 'He's been great. He's got a lot of experience being a very good player in this league. It's been a privilege to work with him. He's great in the locker room,' Rourke said. 'I continue to rely on his expertise and his experience and his knowledge and continue to grow from him. So I'm excited that he's here.' The admiration goes both ways. 'I've been very impressed with Nate,' Masoli said. 'His work ethic speaks for itself, but just him as a person, the kind of leader that he is. When he walks out here, man, you can feel it. You can feel his presence. 'And I'm super excited to see how he does this season, especially on this offence. I think it's kind of tailored to fit his game, and he can really take advantage of it.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
The list of Lions players at OTA with limited or no practice
The list of Lions players at OTA with limited or no practice The Lions held an OTA session open to the media. Here's who is coming off injuries that practiced, those that sat out, and more. Dan Campbell had his first OTA (organized team activities) press conference today and offered player availability information. For the players that are limited or not practicing, Campbell was quick to state: Some of them are so minor. The rookies have been training for the combine.... We're just trying to be smart. We got little dings here. This is the time of year to make sure that we're being more conservative. The following is Campbell's list of players that are at OTA but with limited or no practice. Included are my possible reasons for the player's limited availability. Players that were expected to be limited or out Alim McNeill - ACL Malcolm Rodriguez - ACL Tyleik Williams - hamstring Mekhi Wingo - knee meniscus surgery Derrick Barnes - MCL/PCL surgery Khalil Dorsey - tibia/fibula fracture David Montgomery - MCL Players that were unexpected to be limited or out Amon-Ra St. Brown - No concerns coming out of last season. Brodric Martin - Right knee hyperextension last preseason and missed half the year. Levi Onwuzurike - L5-S1 spinal fusion in 2022 could require ongoing load management. Josh Paschal - Missed 1 game with right knee in week 14. DJ Reader - Missed 1 game with left shoulder in week 14. Jack Campbell - Played all games last season. During OTA, he stated he had a minor hip operation this offseason that shouldn't be a concern going forward. Terrion Arnold - Minor right foot injury in week 18. Brian Branch - Multiple minor right leg issues in second half of last season. Miles Frazier - Healthy coming out of college with no concerns. Kenny Yeboah - Possible core muscle injury in 2024. Myles Adams - Clean medical history. Isaac TeSlaa - Healthy coming out of college with no concerns. Sione Vaki - Missed 1 game with a right knee in week 9 last season. Notable players with "full" participation at OTA Aidan Hutchinson - The lack of a "limited" designation sends the clear signal that he will be ready to start the season following his tibia/fibula fracture 7.5 months ago. Marcus Davenport - Still wearing a left elbow wrap at OTA from his reported triceps rupture 8 months ago, but will be ready for the season. Amik Robertson - His left humerus fracture is fully healed. Ahmed Hassanein - Confirmation that his right ankle injury from college is not an issue. Ennis Rakestraw - Hamstring that caused him to miss that last two months of the season is healed up. Graham Glasgow - Knee issue from last season is hopefully a thing of the past. Pat O'Connor - Calf injury in week 18 is fine now.
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Karun makes statement with 186 not out, Sarfaraz misses ton in India A's 409/3
Karun Nair was elegance personified while serving a timely reminder to the Gautam Gambhir-led team management with a classy unbeaten 186 as India A cruised to 409 for 3 against a below-par England Lions on the opening day of the first 'Unofficial' Test here on Friday (May 30, 2025). While Nair is known to bat either at No. 4 or below in first-class cricket, he looked at ease during his unbeaten 246-ball knock which made the Lions bowlers, including their Test star Rehan Ahmed, look completely pedestrian. India A batters made the best use of loose deliveries but the quality of Lions bowling attack and nature of the track might not be an appropriate reflection of what can be expected in Test matches. The Bengaluru man, who now plays for Vidarbha, used his extensive experience of playing for English County Northamptonshire during his 24th first-class ton. His innings had 24 fours and one six but it couldn't have come at a more opportune time as Gambhir frets over his batting combination for the opening Test against England at Leeds, starting June 20. Sarfaraz Khan (92 off 119 balls) blended a bit of muscle and a lot of cheekiness but missed out on a three-figure mark after doing all the hard work. The duo added 181 runs for the third wicket stand and then Dhruv Jurel (82 batting, 104 balls) made merry during another 177-run stand for the unbroken fourth wicket alliance. Call it irony, just like Nair had pipped Sarfaraz as the extra batter in the Test squad, he also overshadowed the Mumbai man on a flat deck where the Lions attack didn't have enough teeth to trouble some of the senior India stars. Conceding 51 boundaries and three sixes in 90 overs doesn't make for a great reading. Yashasvi Jaiswal (24 off 55 balls) played out the first hour but didn't utilize the start while Abhimanyu Easwaran (8), who should consider himself massively lucky to have got another shot at Test team, showed why he isn't cut out for the big league. The Canterbury County ground pitch had a greenish tinge but there was hardly any lateral movement on offer. Nair had extra time to play his shots and was severe on all bowlers with a lot of shots square of the wicket. Rehan, the England Test leg-spinner, was extremely ordinary as he was clobbered for 95 runs in 16 overs. Sarfaraz, in fact, hit him inside out for a boundary to complete his fifty and also hit him straight for a maximum, and against pacers, he used the bounce to play the ramp shot over slips for useful runs. Nair was severe on anything that was pitched short and looked regal whenever he rocked back to play the pull shot. When off-spinner Dan Mousley bowled, he repeatedly played the reverse sweep with minimal effort. The duo farmed the strike without much ado and when Sarfaraz lazily chased a wide delivery from Hull down the leg-side, even Lions bowlers didn't expect a wicket. But the joy was short-lived as there was no taking the foot from the pedal from either Nair or Jurel, who continued to show disdain for home team bowlers. Brief scores: India A: 409/3 in 90 overs (Karun Nair 186 batting; Sarfaraz Khan 92, Dhruv Jurel 82 batting; Josh Hull 2/51).
New York Times
7 hours ago
- General
- New York Times
Lions OTAs observations: Jared Goff-John Morton relationship, more Jameson Williams hype
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — It's a new year for the Detroit Lions. They have new players. They have new assistant coaches and coordinators. However, Dan Campbell remains the same. He's the constant variable for this franchise, with so many moving parts in this equation. Talking to him for the first time in nearly two months, that was evident Friday. Campbell was on hand to discuss Detroit's offseason and OTA practices. He wants his team to have the same mentality it carried as its ascent to contender status began. One of his best traits is his ability to focus on what matters and get others to do the same. Advertisement That's what he's tried to do this month. These OTA sessions, however limited, give Campbell and his staff a chance to evaluate what they have before the pads go on in training camp. And as disappointing as last year's abrupt finish was for this group, they've quickly moved on. Campbell won't let them dwell, won't let them get complacent and won't let them think they're good enough to coast through a season. 'We've gotten to where we've gotten because we haven't been complacent and we have gone and put the work in again and done all the little things that you have to do to win games and win a division again,' Campbell said. 'And so, we got to do that all over again.' OTA Week 1 💪 — Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 30, 2025 Much has been made of Detroit's 2025 schedule. They play 12 nationally televised games. They play the two Super Bowl teams — the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs — on the road. Seven of their nine road games come against 2024 playoff teams, while the other two — the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears — should be competitive in 2025. And the list of quarterbacks includes Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford, Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott. They have their work cut out for them. And Campbell can't wait. 'I love the schedule we have this year because this is the type of schedule that builds you for the postseason,' Campbell said. 'Like, man, you better be on it. And we're going to get tested. Early and often and all year long, and it's freaking awesome. It's really how you want it. So, we'll be ready to go when the time's right.' At this point, the Lions understand the regular season is just the precursor. They've had a 9-8 season, playing some of the best football in the league, only to fall short without a chance to prove themselves. They've gone 15-2, only to stumble at home in their first playoff game. Advertisement Campbell and the Lions will take it week by week, but they see the value in having a tough schedule. In some ways, it makes your path to the playoffs more difficult. But if you've faced playoff-caliber teams before you meet them in playoffs, you don't have to prep as much as you normally would, and have a better feel for how they might look to attack you. If the Lions are as good as they think they can be, this schedule will harden them and prepare them for the postseason. And remember: those teams have to play the Lions. That sentence has a different meaning now compared to past years, in part, because of Campbell's leadership. Perfect mentality to take into the season. Speaking for the first time since the 2024 season ended, Goff was asked about the potential narratives to come, as life without Ben Johnson unfolds. His comments were, uh, pointed. 'Well, it won't be unless you guys write about it,' Goff said. Fair enough, Jared. However, it is worth writing about — for a couple of reasons. The first: Campbell wants Goff to be as comfortable as possible. He identified Morton as a fit because of his work with Goff in 2022. It was a prerequisite for the job and something Campbell laid out before he started interviewing candidates. It's one of the most important relationships on the team, so it warrants some attention. But while acknowledging that, we can also acknowledge that Goff isn't the same kid he was in Los Angeles, trying to live up to his No. 1 overall pedigree and keep a demanding coaching staff happy. He's matured. He's grown. He reads defenses better. He gets the Lions into good plays and out of bad ones with the control he's been given. He's one of the NFL's best tight-window throwers and always knows where to go with the football. As a husband and a soon-to-be father, Goff has experience both in football and life. His game has aged gracefully, and the Lions are in a good place because of him. It's worth mentioning because of how far he's come. Advertisement In other words, Goff doesn't need a handler. He just needs a coordinator who will continue what the Lions have already built. He believes he has that in Morton. 'I love Johnny Mo,' Goff said. 'I have familiarity with Johnny. Some of it's changing, some of it's remaining the same. The biggest challenge is just getting on the same page with what we like, and we're just constantly working through that. No different than any of the new coaches here. Learning what we like, what we've done, getting used to the way Dan wants to play games. We'll be fine. Like I said, Johnny's done a hell of a job up to this point, and he's only getting better.' 'I think he and Johnny are going to work well together,' Campbell said. 'They have worked well together. They've been working this offseason together, tweaking things. They, you know, talk to each other, call one another, making sure that both were comfortable with what we were doing, and everything we do is always going to start with the quarterback, especially Goff. So, he's going to be fine.' That sound you're hearing is the Jameson Williams hype train leaving the station, with seemingly every player and coach aboard, ready to have their tickets punched. The newest conductors? Campbell and Goff. 'He's already made it, man,' Goff said, when asked what it'll take for Williams to make the next step. 'It's been awesome to see. He's done a hell of a job. Just continue to do what he's done, and just get more consistent — and he's done that. He really has. He's working hard, he's being a leader now, which is fun to see him grow into that and show guys how he wants to do things. He's talking to me a ton. It's fun, man.' 'The sky's the limit for him,' Campbell said. 'He's exactly where we want him to be right now at this point, man. He's been here, he's grinding, he's getting better. Scottie's freaking grinding him, it's awesome. We expect him to have a huge season. We really do, man.' Advertisement Williams said he finally feels like a veteran. That's saying something, considering he's been everyone's little brother since he arrived. But you can start to see it. The Lions have four rookie receivers here for OTAs, and Williams has become a sounding board for them. He has answers to their questions, he offers tips and advice and gives detailed responses about coverages. Campbell said Williams has gotten stronger, too, which will be key for him as he faces physical corners. Everyone here is impressed with how far he's come. Except, well, Jamo. He knows he's always had this in him. 'I wouldn't say I changed anything,' Williams said. 'Just to go out there and be the best, work the hardest. My dad, he always texts me, 'Outwork everybody.' No matter who it is, outwork everybody.' So, you know, that's just my mentality. I guess, just going into year four, you know, I got a little pep in my step. You know, I'm becoming a vet, moving over from the rookie stage, and I'm just ready to play more football and be more consistent for my team.' — The following players were either limited or did not practice: Myles Adams, Brodric Martin, Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, Tyleik Williams, Mekhi Wingo, Derrick Barnes, Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold, Khalil Dorsey, Miles Frazier, Kenny Yeboah, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Isaac TeSlaa, David Montgomery and Sione Vaki. Additionally, Frank Ragnow and Alex Anzalone were not in attendance. — Here's what Campbell had to say about players who might sit because of contract issues: 'I think what's great is that any player that I talk to, I have a relationship with and there's an open line of communication. Whatever I say to those players, I'm not going to say to you guys. I never will. …Listen, I'm not worried about anything. I know this, we're in late May. Is it even June yet? I don't even — we're not even June. So, life's good. We're going to be just fine.' — Campbell confirmed the Lions will host joint practices with the Dolphins and Texans — two with Miami and one with Houston. — An interesting nugget from Campbell: When Morton was a senior offensive assistant with the Lions in 2022, Campbell said Morton would often give him and Ben Johnson play calls for certain situations — like third-and-12 — for the Lions to run. Campbell said Morton's done this throughout his NFL career — not just in his stint as Jets OC. Advertisement — With so many players out or limited, it was hard to get a feel for the defense. Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez and Marcus Davenport took first-team reps. Ennis Rakestraw was a first-team corner. Jack Campbell directed traffic with Anzalone out. — Lions G Tate Ratledge spent the majority of his day repping at center with the first-team offense. Ragnow was not in attendance and the Lions want Ratledge to cross-train at both center and guard. Glasgow and Mahogany were the first-team guards next to Ratledge, with Glasgow playing some center as well. — Staying on the topic of center reps, how about a bit of a surprise? Colby Sorsdal was one of the players repping at center on Friday. An interesting development for a player who'll need to fight for his roster spot this year. Ratledge, Mahogany and Frazier could all pass him on the guard depth chart, so adding center responsibilities could help his chances of sticking around. — Keep in mind things were somewhat limited, but at least during the time we were out there, Detroit's backup quarterbacks — Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen — didn't particularly flash. A lot of checkdowns, overthrows and would-be sacks. Detroit's second-string defensive line was ahead of its second-string offensive line, which is typical in offseason practices. Of note: Hooker was always the first reserve QB out on the field. — Sixth-round DE Ahmed Hassanein had a would-be sack in one of the team periods vs. the No. 2 offense and immediately turned to defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers and yelled. Coaches were hyped. Hassanein was hyped. That's the energy you should come to expect from him in practice. He's gonna bring it every day. — Rakestraw got a lot of work with Terrion Arnold out and spent the majority of his time on the outside. Seems like the Lions like Amik Robertson and Avonte Maddox at nickel and want to develop Rakestraw on the outside. I thought he had a strong day. He put the clamps on Jameson Williams on a rep. Goff was looking his way and had to check down to Tom Kennedy. Williams had to adjust his jersey after the play, which gives you an idea of the physicality Rakestraw plays with. On another rep in the 7-on-7 period, Rakestraw had a near-interception on a pass from Goff intended for Kennedy. Jack Campbell and D.J. Reed both singled out Rakestraw as an early standout. — Morice Norris quietly had a good day. With Branch out, Norris spent quite a bit of time next to Joseph in team periods and walk-throughs. The 2024 UDFA has an opportunity to seize the No. 3 or 4 safety job. Advertisement — Marcus Davenport swatted a Goff pass intended for Craig Reynolds at the line of scrimmage, which drew some praise from the coaching staff and teammates. Later in practice, he jumped offsides and was clowned by players on offense. The trash talk from this bunch is hilarious to watch. And focusing on Davenport for a second — it's good to see him out there after another injury-shortened season. It's fair to ask how long he'll be able to hold up, but he seems locked in as the starting edge opposite of Hutchinson right now. — Goff spent a few minutes talking strategy with Morton after practice. A little thing, but nice to see as that relationship is crucial for this team. (Photo of Jameson Williams: Amy Lemus / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
