Sport shorts: 17 April
Ten things you need to know from the world of sport today
Joshua vs. Miller in doubt?
Anthony Joshua’s challenger Jarrell Miller has recorded an “adverse finding” in a drug test ahead of their world heavyweight title fight in New York. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said on Twitter: “We are working with all relevant parties and will update with more details soon.” If Miller is not allowed to fight on 1 June Joshua’s manager Freddie Cunningham told the BBC they “will 100% be looking at replacement options”.
Archer not in England’s preliminary World Cup squad
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Sussex seam bowler Jofra Archer has been left out of England’s 15-man preliminary squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup. He has though been named in the squads for the warm-up games against Pakistan and Ireland and could earn a World Cup call-up should he impress.
- England preliminary World Cup squad: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
United’s rebuild a long-term project for Solskjaer
After watching his Manchester United side get thrashed by Barcelona in the Champions League last night Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits the club’s rebuild will take a number of years. United lost 4-0 on aggregate to the Spaniards and Solskjaer said: “We know there’s work to be done. I’ve said all along this isn’t going to change overnight and the next few years are going to be massive to get to the level of Barcelona.”
Folau requests hearing
Israel Folau will contest Rugby Australia’s termination of his contract following controversial comments made on social media which said “hell awaits” homosexuals. A statement said: “Israel Folau has today responded to a breach notice issued to him by Rugby Australia on Monday in relation to his social media posts on April 10. Folau has requested the matter be referred to a Code of Conduct hearing. Rugby Australia will now make arrangements with the Rugby Union Players’ Association [RUPA] to bring together the Code of Conduct hearing.”
Ballack: Bayern should go for Mourinho
Former Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack has urged the German giants to appoint Jose Mourinho as their next manager. Ballack, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea, said: “Right now Niko Kovac is the head coach and that should be respected. He does a good job. [But] one cannot deny that, at some point in the future, the appointment of Mourinho would bring a certain glamour to the club and the Bundesliga.”
F1 bosses eye street race in China
Formula 1’s commercial chief Sean Bratches will meet with officials in a number of Chinese cities to discuss the potential of hosting a second grand prix in the country. Bratches told AFP: “In terms of interest, we would be highly interested in a street race. It would be a nice juxtaposition to the purpose-built, extraordinary facility that we have here [in Shanghai]. Our intent is to bring our show to the people.”
Ajax star De Ligt set for Barca move
ESPN reports that Barcelona are close to reaching a deal with Ajax to sign star defender Matthijs de Ligt. The 19-year-old Ajax captain has played a starring role in the Dutch side’s run to the Uefa Champions League semi-finals.
NFL star Wilson is in the money at Seattle
Russell Wilson has become the highest-paid player in the NFL after extending his contract with the Seattle Seahawks. The Guardian reports that the quarterback has signed a $140m (£107.2m) four-year deal with the Seahawks which includes a $65m (£49.8m) signing bonus and $107m (£81.9m) in guaranteed money.
Five Brits set for main French Open draw
Five British tennis players will feature in the main draw for the 2019 French Open grand slam at Roland Garros next month. Dan Evans, Kyle Edmund and Cameron Norrie will be in the draw for the men’s singles while Johanna Konta and Katie Boulter will be in the women’s singles draw. The French Open takes place from 20 May to 9 June.
Video: late drama for Milan kids
Even if you concede a goal very late in the game there is always time for something special to happen...
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