sports.ndtv.com - 'Too Early To Say Bayer Leverkusen Out Of Title Race': Xabi Alonso

'Too Early To Say Bayer Leverkusen Out Of Title Race': Xabi Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said it was "too early" to write off his side's title defence despite dropping more points in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Werder Bremen. Leverkusen led twice but were pegged back on both occasions, including conceding their second in the 90th minute. Last season, Leverkusen dropped just 12 points on the way to an unbeaten Bundesliga title. However, Alonso's side have already dropped nine this campaign. They sit five points behind league leaders RB Leipzig but despite the setbacks, Alonso said his side still had time.

Watch: England Captain Ben Stokes Left Embarrassed After Bizarre Leave Gets Him Out LBW Against Pakistan

England captain Ben Stokes suffered an embarrassing dismissal in the third Test against Pakistan, as England crumbled to 112 all out in the second innings and suffered a 2-1 series loss. Stokes, who came back into the side in the second Test after an injury lay-off, lost both the second and third Test. In the second innings, Stokes was left completely bamboozled, as he was caught LBW (leg-before-wicket) by Noman Ali. He was dismissed for just three runs, as Pakistan went on to win on Day 3.

Rohit Sharma's Bizarre Decision Involving Sarfaraz Khan In 2nd Test Called Out By Sanjay Manjrekar

The Indian cricket team is facing severe criticism after losing the Test series at home against New Zealand in Pune. The visiting side is 2-0 up after the first two Tests in the three-match series with a chance of clean sweep not being ruled out. This is the first time after 12 years that India have lost a Test series at home. The last time it happened MS Dhoni was still the captain of the Indian cricket team. The loss has also dented India's chances to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

Erling Haaland Fires Manchester City To Top Of Premier League, Aston Villa Held

Erling Haaland fired Manchester City to the top of the Premier League as the striker sealed a 1-0 win against Southampton, while third-placed Aston Villa were frustrated by Bournemouth's last-gasp leveller on Saturday. Haaland had gone three league games without a goal but he ended that mini drought in the first half at the Etihad Stadium. That was enough to lift Pep Guardiola's side into first place, two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, who can regain pole position if they win Sunday's blockbuster clash with title rivals Arsenal.

India Captain Rohit Sharma Hits Back At Critics, Sends Sharp Message On "Too Much Post-Mortem"

After India's 12-year unbeaten streak in the home Test series came to a stunning end as New Zealand clinched a historic 2-0 lead with a 113-run victory at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium skipper Rohit Sharma acknowledged his team's shortcomings saying, "we failed to respond to the pressure". Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner weaved magic with his 6-104 in the second innings on Saturday as New Zealand did the unimaginable by clinching a historic Test series win in India for the first time with a 113-run victory over the hosts. Santner, who took 7-53 in the first innings, rattled India yet again with a remarkable spell of 6-104 to end up with match figures of 13-157, the third-best match figures for a bowler from his country in Tests.

Mohammed Shami Can Still Be Added To India Squad For Australia Tour, But On This Condition

There was no place in the squad for pacer Mohammed Shami as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Team India's squad for the upcoming Test tour of Australia. With the series comprising of five-matches, stretching between November 2024 and January 2025, the BCCI named a strong 18-man squad, in addition to three travelling reserves. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacer Harshit Rana received maiden call-ups. India captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss one of the first two Tests due to personal reasons.

Robert Lewandowski Double As Barcelona Shred Real Madrid In La Liga Clasico

Robert Lewandowski struck twice in three minutes as Barcelona crushed rivals Real Madrid 4-0 on Saturday, inflicting the Spanish champions' first La Liga defeat in over a year. Teenage winger Lamine Yamal and Raphinha completed the rout, while Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe had two goals ruled out for offside on a frustrating first Clasico appearance for Los Blancos, who now trail league leaders Barcelona by six points. France captain Mbappe was consistently outwitted by the visitors' high defensive line to the chagrin of the exasperated Santiago Bernabeu crowd, whose mood darkened as Barcelona hit four second half goals.

Blame Game Begins On Pune Pitch, India Team Management Under Question From World Cup Winner

Following India's disappointing defeat to New Zealand, former India cricketer Madan Lal offered a candid analysis of the team's performance, highlighting key factors behind the loss, such as the importance of home conditions and the need for a stronger showing from the top order. 1983 World Cup winner Lal began by discussing the advantage of playing on home turf, saying, "At home, we usually win series because the conditions favour us. The pitches suit our style, and we are accustomed to batting and playing here. We are more familiar with the weather and climate. Given all these factors, India generally has the upper hand."

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Sports.ndtv.com Sport News

'Too Early To Say Bayer Leverkusen Out Of Title Race': Xabi Alonso

Watch: England Captain Ben Stokes Left Embarrassed After Bizarre Leave Gets Him Out LBW Against Pakistan

Rohit Sharma's Bizarre Decision Involving Sarfaraz Khan In 2nd Test Called Out By Sanjay Manjrekar

Erling Haaland Fires Manchester City To Top Of Premier League, Aston Villa Held

India Captain Rohit Sharma Hits Back At Critics, Sends Sharp Message On "Too Much Post-Mortem"

Mohammed Shami Can Still Be Added To India Squad For Australia Tour, But On This Condition

Robert Lewandowski Double As Barcelona Shred Real Madrid In La Liga Clasico

Blame Game Begins On Pune Pitch, India Team Management Under Question From World Cup Winner