Alyssa Healy has bowed out of international cricket with a resounding 10-wicket victory as Australia thrashed India inside three days at the Waca.

The 35-year-old captain was chaired off the field by her team-mates after openers Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll chased down a target of 25 in under five overs.

This comprehensive win in the day-night Test ensured the hosts claimed the multi-format series 12-4.

It marks the end of a golden era for the wicketkeeper-batter, who finishes her 299-match international career with 7,333 runs and 276 dismissals across all formats.

Healy’s glittering career ends on a high

Healy leaves the game as one of Australia’s most decorated players.

Her trophy cabinet includes two 50-over World Cups and six T20 World Cup titles.

The retiring skipper famously struck 170 against England in the 2022 World Cup final, which remains the highest individual score in the tournament’s history.

Her leadership record is equally impressive, having guided the side to a historic 16-0 Ashes whitewash in 2025.

Although Beth Mooney took the gloves for this specific match, Healy remained central to the action until the very end.

India crumble on day three

India resumed play in Perth on 105-6 but offered little resistance against the pink ball during the first hour.

The tourists lost their final four wickets for just 44 runs to be bowled out for 149.

Spinner Ash Gardner broke a frustrated 50-run stand to bowl Sneh Rana for 30.

Fittingly, Healy claimed a catch to dismiss Kashvee Gautam for a duck off the bowling of Alana King.

Opener Pratika Rawal, who top-scored with a defiant 63, was the last wicket to fall after being caught by Annabel Sutherland off Gardner.

The defeat brings a halt to India’s nine-match winning streak in red-ball cricket.

It is their first loss in the longest format since a defeat against the same opponents in Adelaide in February 2006.

The Croatian manager has lost all three of his matches in charge since replacing Thomas Frank in the dugout.

Questions are already being asked regarding the appointment, with the North London club looking devoid of confidence heading into the final nine games of the campaign.

Relegation rivals show fight

While bookmakers still narrowly favour West Ham United to fill the third relegation spot, current performances suggest a shifting momentum.

Despite Nuno Espirito Santo’s side suffering a heavy 5-2 defeat at Anfield, the Hammers displayed a cohesion that has been notably absent from Tottenham’s recent displays.

The Lilywhites have struggled significantly with injuries, leaving the squad depleted at a critical juncture of the season.

European distractions and tough fixtures

Matters are further complicated by a demanding schedule that sees the capital club competing on multiple fronts.

Tudor must prepare his side for a Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid over the coming week.

Domestic duties offer no respite, with a daunting trip to face Liverpool at Anfield awaiting them next Sunday.

Potential consequences of the drop

While relegation would be viewed as a disaster by supporters, the financial structure of the club ensures they would not face administration.

A season in the Championship could potentially offer a reset for a team that has won only eight of their last 33 Premier League home games.

Dropping down a division often facilitates a clear-out of underperforming players and allows a club to rebuild a winning culture.

Supporters would also see a significant increase in victories and goals scored, providing a stark contrast to the struggles endured over the last two campaigns.

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has confirmed he personally decided to reject a move to Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window to extend his Anfield career.

The Scotland captain emerged as a surprise target for Spurs in the closing stages of the winter market.

Although the Reds were prepared to facilitate a move in recognition of his service since 2017, the 31-year-old opted to remain on Merseyside.

Robertson addressed the speculation following Liverpool’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Wolves on Friday.

Choosing to stay put

“There was obviously interest there – there were discussions had with both sets of clubs,” Robertson said.

“But the decision was that I wanted to stay. We stayed at Liverpool and that was the decision made.”

An injury to Joe Gomez had reportedly complicated the defensive picture at Anfield, but the veteran left-back insisted his mindset never wavered.

“I was never not committed. I’ve been committed to Liverpool for the last eight and a half or nine years now and I’ll be committed until I’m no longer needed.”

“That’s always been my mindset. This club has given me everything and I’ve given this club everything.”

Contract hints and competition

Robertson has faced increased competition for his place this season following the summer arrival of Milos Kerkez.

Despite the Hungarian largely usurping him in Arne Slot’s Premier League XI, Robertson produced a standout performance at Molineux to help secure a quarter-final spot.

With his current deal expiring at the end of the season, the defender would be available on a free transfer if fresh terms are not agreed.

However, he hinted that discussions regarding an extension are ongoing, though they will remain behind closed doors.

“I’ve always said that [the talks] will stay between me and the club,” he added.

“I have got an amazing relationship with Richard Hughes, Mike Gordon and Michael Edwards. They have helped make me who I am.”

Arsenal are expecting Declan Rice and Gabriel to return for Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen.

Goalkeeper David Raya and midfielder Martin Zubimendi are also set to feature after missing the weekend’s FA Cup victory over Mansfield.

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the quartet were left out of the squad on Saturday to manage ongoing fitness concerns.

Managing squad fitness

The Gunners boss admitted the decision to rest key personnel was necessary due to the “super demanding” fixture schedule.

Arteta emphasized the need to resolve minor physical problems before the trip to Germany.

“They had issues and they’ve been carrying issues. And it was the only time to try to make sure that we can clean those issues that they’re having to start the next sequence of two weeks before the break in the best possible way.”

With a crucial European night ahead, the north London club prioritised squad longevity over the domestic cup fixture.

“We had to make those decisions,” the Spaniard added.

Fresh concerns for Arteta

Despite the boost of returning stars, Arsenal suffered new setbacks during the 2-1 win at Field Mill.

Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were both substituted with what Arteta described as “little niggles”.

The conditions of the match were cited as a contributing factor to the withdrawals.

“Both of them, they had little niggles, they weren’t comfortable to continue. We knew that this could be a possibility… so we have to take them off.”

Defensive worries remain

Arsenal are also hoping William Saliba will recover from an ankle problem in time for the first leg against Leverkusen.

Club captain Martin Odegaard and defender Ben White also remained absent for the cup tie through injury.

Manchester United have identified Paris St-Germain boss Luis Enrique as their preferred candidate to become the club’s next permanent manager before this summer’s World Cup.

Senior officials at Old Trafford aim to secure a high-profile appointment prior to the tournament kicking off on 11 June.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family have reportedly reached a consensus on the Spaniard as the ideal long-term successor in the dugout.

The club’s hierarchy is keen to avoid dragging the process into the tournament, effectively ruling out national team coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti and Julian Nagelsmann.

Carrick’s interim impact

Current caretaker manager Michael Carrick has thrust himself into contention for the role following an impressive run of form.

The former midfielder has guided the Red Devils to six victories in his eight matches in charge, including significant wins against Arsenal and Manchester City.

These results have lifted the club to third in the Premier League, placing them firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification.

However, a disappointing defeat by 10-man Newcastle United in midweek has seemingly reinforced the board’s desire for an experienced elite coach.

Carrick will look to respond immediately when his side host fourth-placed Aston Villa at Old Trafford next Sunday.

European pedigree

Luis Enrique is viewed by the United board as a significant upgrade capable of restoring the club to the pinnacle of European football.

The 55-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in the French capital, securing two Ligue 1 titles since his arrival in 2023.

Crucially, the former Barcelona coach ended PSG’s long wait for Champions League glory last season, achieving the feat with a focus on collective effort rather than individual superstars.

His attacking philosophy has delivered 381 goals in 158 games, a statistic that appeals heavily to decision-makers at the Theatre of Dreams.

The challenge ahead

While the Premier League side are determined to land their man, prizing the Asturian away from the Parc des Princes remains a hurdle.

There are fears the Spanish tactician could extend his stay in Paris as he looks to defend his European crown.

United must now convince Enrique that a move to Manchester is the right step before the summer’s international showpiece in North America begins.

Marcus Rashford’s prospects of securing a permanent transfer to Barcelona have come under intensified scrutiny after the Spanish media labelled his latest performance “disastrous”.

Struggles at San Mames

The Manchester United loanee was handed his first La Liga start in a month during Saturday’s narrow 1-0 victory against Athletic Club.

However, the England international failed to influence the game and was substituted after just 60 minutes.

Hansi Flick replaced the forward with Raphinha as the Catalan giants sought to break the deadlock in the Basque Country.

While Barcelona eventually secured the three points to maintain their title charge, the spotlight has fallen firmly on Rashford’s ineffective contribution.

Media criticism intensifies

Spanish outlets were unanimous in their negative assessment of the winger’s performance.

Madrid-based newspaper AS delivered a particularly withering verdict, characterising the display as “disastrous” for his future prospects.

The publication suggested Rashford is maintaining a “mediocre form of recent weeks” and questioned his long-term viability within the squad.

“The situation is quite worrying,” the report stated.

It added that the forward had squandered a golden opportunity to prove he is “not useless to the project”.

Permanent deal in the balance

Barcelona reportedly hold an option to make the loan move permanent for a fee in the region of £26m.

Yet Mundo Deportivo questioned whether the outlay is justifiable given recent output.

The Catalan outlet described the player’s showing as “stagnant” and noted he “offered nothing” in terms of creativity or accurate crossing.

The former Old Trafford regular has now gone five matches without registering a goal or an assist across all competitions.

La Liga context

Despite individual concerns surrounding the Englishman, Barcelona successfully preserved their cushion at the top of the table.

The victory keeps Flick’s side four points clear of rivals Real Madrid as the season approaches its climax.

Rashford will hope to recapture his early-season form as the club chases a domestic double.

New Zealand bowler Brett Randell has become the first player in the 254-year history of first-class cricket to take five wickets in five consecutive deliveries.

The 30-year-old seamer achieved the unprecedented feat while playing for Central Stags against Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield.

Randell’s devastating spell occurred across two overs on the second day of the match.

He claimed his first victim with the final delivery of his second over before removing four batters with the first four balls of his third.

‘A pinch-me moment’

The right-arm medium pacer’s onslaught caused Northern Districts to collapse spectacularly from 4-0 to 9-5.

“I’m pretty blown away,” said Randell following the day’s play.

“The high was pretty crazy, it was like a pinch-me moment.”

Despite the chaos unfolding around the batters, Randell focused on maintaining his discipline.

“I was trying to stay level-headed and keep putting the ball in the same area and then after the actual hat-trick, just the same things – trying to put the ball in the same area,” he explained.

An unprecedented spell

At the height of the drama, the Central Stags bowler sat on remarkable figures of 5-2.

He continued to press the advantage, taking a wicket with the first ball of his next over to record six wickets in just eight deliveries.

Randell eventually finished the innings with figures of 7-25.

“It gets drummed into us a lot that we don’t want to go searching for wickets, so I was trying to just keep bowling the same ball, and our ‘Plan A’ that we’d talked about, and it came off,” Randell added.

“I had no idea that it was the first time it had happened in the world, it’s seriously cool.”

“I mean, I don’t really have any words at the moment, to be honest. I’ll take it.”

Rare company

While Randell stands alone in the first-class record books, similar milestones have recently been reached in limited-overs formats.

Ireland international Curtis Campher became the first male player to achieve the feat in a professional match during a domestic T20 game in July 2025.

Additionally, Zimbabwe Women’s all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu took five wickets in five balls during a domestic under-19 T20 fixture in 2024.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell believes a collective sense of ownership within his squad is driving their bid for a Triple Crown against Scotland on Saturday.

The Men in Green have recovered from an opening-round defeat by France to secure three consecutive victories in the Six Nations.

A hard-fought 27-17 bonus-point win over Wales has set up a tantalising finale at the Aviva Stadium this weekend.

Farrell has utilised 33 players throughout the championship, a testament to the depth currently available to the Irish management team.

“You’ve got to find out about people but these [caps] are not freebies – we’ve given starts and the chances out to people who deserve it,” said Farrell.

“It just shows that the whole of the squad is hungry to be part of it, and grow the squad.”

“It’s nice to feel that the whole squad thinks it’s their team and that they’re all trying to contribute to us pushing forward.”

Backing up big performances

The head coach was particularly impressed by those who maintained high standards following the emphatic victory over England at Twickenham.

Farrell highlighted the contribution of Ulster winger Robert Baloucoune, who retained his place after shining in London.

“For people to back up good performances at this level that haven’t had that much exposure, that’s pretty impressive,” he added.

“We’re probably talking about Robert Baloucoune. To have a performance like he did in the last game and then to back it up this week is what you want.”

There was also praise for Jack Conan, who returned to the starting XV after missing the England clash through illness.

“I thought Jack Conan, he’d have been a bit peeved off, so to get his start he showed up really well.”

The impact of the replacements, including Josh van der Flier and Joe McCarthy, was also noted as crucial to the team’s consistency.

Refining the exit strategy

Despite the positive results, the coaching staff have identified the exit strategy as a key area requiring attention before the Scottish test.

Farrell admitted the team struggled to clear their lines effectively under pressure against the Welsh.

“I thought we didn’t exit quite as well as we did in the past,” Farrell admitted.

“They obviously pressured Jamison [Gibson-Park] quite a bit and got some rewards from that.”

The hosts were guilty of overplaying inside their own territory rather than establishing field position.

“Sometimes you have to respect what the opposition are doing well, and they were defending pretty well,” said the 48-year-old.

“A bit of territory is what we needed to take the pressure off I would have thought.”

Farrell insists the players will take the lead in the video review sessions to correct these tactical oversights before Saturday’s kick-off.

“We’ll obviously review it and talk about it, but they will come up with it themselves,” he concluded.