WIMBLEDON'S Centre Court is the property of the All England Club, but on Tuesday (9) it belonged to Serena Williams.
After reaching her 37th Grand Slam singles semi-final, the American returned with Britain's Andy Murray in a fist-pumping, high-fiving, forehand-slapping frenzy as the mixed doubles 'Dream Team' put on a show for the thousands of fans who had hung around into the evening to watch.
'SerAndy' or 'Murrena', as the multiple Grand Slam-winning duo have been dubbed, eased into the third round with a 7-5 6-3 win over America's Raquel Atawo and France's Fabrice Martin.
Having beaten compatriot Alison Riske in three sets in the singles quarter-finals earlier in the day, Williams looked like she wanted to be anywhere but out on court again.
Not in a sulky sort of way. Far from it. She was in a fired-up frenzy to get off court as fast as possible as the evening drew in, smashing winners left and right, roaring, fist-pumping and pirouetting in celebration as each one flew off her racket.
"I am having a blast," she said. "Obviously it has been a great atmosphere playing out there with Andy, so it is great."
Any doubt over whether Williams would be in the mood for the mixed doubles was dispelled in the first game as she smashed a volley straight at Martin, apologising profusely after the ball cannoned off his body.
Playing with home favourite Murray, a twice Wimbledon singles champion, means Williams had the Centre Court crowd firmly in her corner and they loudly roared their approval throughout as she fired a string of superb return winners.
"I do not expect that to ever happen again. I'm convinced that was once in a lifetime. I just never hit returns like that in my life," said Williams.
The result of the match was never really in doubt, even if the first set was tight - but this partnership was never meant to be just about results.
Both players are using the mixed doubles as an opportunity to play matches in an effort to return from injuries, with Williams feeling her way back after a niggling knee problem and Murray feeling his way after hip surgery.
Williams' focus will return to her main task on Thursday when the 11th seeded American faces unseeded Czech Barbora Strycova in the semi-finals as she bids to claim a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title.
Murray, however, is playing the long game, having made no immediate decision about when he will be ready to battle again with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.
A truer test of their doubles credentials will come in the next round when they face top seeds Brazilian Bruno Soares and American Nicole Melichar.
Soares won Grand Slam doubles titles with Andy's older brother Jamie at the US and Australian Opens in 2016.
Shubman Gill has become the first cricketer from Punjab to lead India in Test cricket, marking a historic milestone in his career. The 25-year-old was appointed as India’s Test captain on 24 May 2025 and officially led the team for the first time on 20 June in the opening match of the series against England at Headingley, Leeds.
Gill is the 37th player to captain India in the five-day format since the country’s debut in Test cricket in 1932. While players like Lala Amarnath, born in Kapurthala, Punjab, captained India in earlier years, he represented Southern Punjab in domestic cricket, a team based in what is now Pakistan. This makes Gill the first player from the Indian state of Punjab to take on the role in Test cricket.
Though Mohinder Amarnath previously captained India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Gill himself has already led India in five Twenty20 Internationals, this Test captaincy is a notable new chapter in his career.
India opt to bat first in Headingley Test
In Gill’s debut Test as captain, England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to field first. This handed India the opportunity to bat on what appeared to be a favourable Leeds pitch. The match also featured several changes to the Indian line-up, including a long-awaited return and a fresh debut.
Sudharsan debuts, Karun and Shardul return
B Sai Sudharsan, the 22-year-old top-order batter from Tamil Nadu, was handed his Test debut. He slotted into the No. 3 position in the batting order. Sudharsan has impressed in white-ball formats and domestic red-ball cricket, earning praise for his temperament and shot selection.
Another significant inclusion was that of Karun Nair, who made a comeback to the Test side after more than seven years. The 33-year-old last played a Test match in March 2017 against Australia. He remains only the second Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket, having achieved the feat in 2016 against England. Nair is expected to bat at No. 6 in the current Test.
Shardul Thakur also returned to the playing XI after an 18-month absence. Known for his all-round capabilities, Thakur was picked ahead of Nitish Kumar Reddy to fill the fast-bowling all-rounder slot. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives India greater flexibility, especially on a pitch that may offer assistance to seamers in the early stages.
A new era begins
Gill’s elevation to Test captain follows a transitional phase in Indian cricket. He takes over leadership from a rotating cast of senior players, including Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul, all of whom have briefly captained the side in recent years. With India looking to groom a younger core, Gill’s appointment signifies a long-term vision for the team.
As he took the field at Headingley, Shubman Gill not only became part of an elite list of Indian Test captains but also carved a niche for himself in the state’s cricketing history. The series against England could now set the tone for his leadership journey in the longest format of the game.
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India's Yashasvi Jaiswal plays a shot on the opening day of the first cricket test match between England and India at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds on June 20, 2025.
ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first against India in the opening Test at Headingley on Friday.
The match began under clear skies and with a pitch showing only a slight green tinge, suggesting decent conditions for batting in the first game of the five-Test series.
Stokes said: "Headingley is generally a good cricket wicket, we have had some good games here over the years so we will look to use the early conditions and get a bit out of it (the pitch)."
England had already named their team, with two changes from the side that beat Zimbabwe by an innings at Trent Bridge. Chris Woakes returned in place of the injured Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse was included for his home debut.
India handed a debut to Sai Sudharsan, who was listed to bat at number three. New captain Shubman Gill was set to bat at number four.
India are aiming for their third Test series win in England, following previous victories in 1971, 1986 and 2007. Gill said: "Preparation has been amazing, I think all the boys are feeling in a good space mentally and physically."
The match also marks the start of a new cycle in the World Test Championship, following South Africa’s win over Australia in last week’s final at Lord's.
Both teams wore black armbands in memory of those who died in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, where all but one of the 242 people on board were killed.
Teams
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wkt), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
MANCHESTER UNITED FOUNDATION has appointed two new trustees to its board, including a communications expert with experience in music and government.
Jonathan Badyal, a partner at Trafalgar Strategy and former Universal Music UK director of communications, joined the board in March alongside Professor Saul Becker from Manchester Metropolitan University, a statement said.
The pair met other board members at Old Trafford on Wednesday (18), led by chair of trustees Collette Roche, who also serves as chief operating officer of Manchester United.
Badyal brings wide-ranging experience from his career in communications and strategy. He spent eight years at Universal Music, finishing as director of communications for the UK business. Before that, he worked for five years advising the UK government's culture and digital minister on policy and communications.
During his government role, Badyal developed a focus on widening access for young people to creative industries. He currently advises chief executives and creatives on communications and reputation through his work at Trafalgar Strategy.
His other roles include senior adviser to executive search firm Saxton Bampfylde, deputy chair of the Black Country Living Museum, and interim chair at the National Academy for Social Prescribing.
"As a lifelong Manchester United fan I have admired the work of the foundation from afar," Badyal said. "One thing that has been a constant and passionate focus of mine during my career is supporting young people and improving life chances, so to be able to support the life-changing work the Foundation delivers is truly an honour and I can't wait to get stuck in."
The foundation runs programmes in technology, medicine, media, retail and music alongside football coaching sessions and education courses. It partners with businesses in these areas to help young people find jobs, the statement added.
Badyal said his background in arts and creative industries could help the foundation's work. "The foundation's values strongly align with my own in terms of nurturing ambition and creativity, and offering opportunities to young people of all backgrounds," he said.
Roche said, "It gives me great pleasure to welcome Jonathan and Saul to Manchester United Foundation. Not only do they bring to the board a wealth of experience and expertise, but a dedicated passion for improving the lives of young people."
She added that the foundation needs to keep developing as an organisation. "I'm sure they will offer an invaluable new perspective to the governance and future of the Foundation," she said.
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India captain Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja during a nets session at Headingley on June 18, 2025 in Leeds. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA will begin their Test series in England on Friday with a new captain and without two of their most experienced batters — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Shubman Gill, who takes over from Rohit, will also bat at number four, filling the position vacated by Kohli.
Vice-captain Rishabh Pant confirmed on Wednesday that Gill would bat at four in the first Test at Headingley. “I think Shubman is going to bat at number four and I'm going to stick to number five as of now,” Pant said. “Obviously, it's a new start for us, big people have left. Yes, there will be a gap, but at the same time, it's an opportunity for us to build a new culture from here.”
Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket days after Rohit stepped down, ending a phase in which the pair led India’s batting for over a decade. Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar together scored over 21,000 runs from the number four position in 278 Tests.
Gill, 25, has a Test average of 35 in 32 matches, which drops to 29 in away games and below 15 in three previous Tests in England. The Headingley match marks the start of a new World Test Championship cycle. India last won a series in England in 2007, with their only other wins coming in 1971 and 1986.
Leadership transition and new combinations
Pant, who has returned to cricket after a serious car accident in 2022, said his close friendship with Gill would help them in leadership roles. “If you're good friends off the field, it eventually comes on the field. Me and him, we get along really well together,” he said.
India will also miss the services of experienced bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah, returning from a back injury, may be rested for two of the five Tests due to the schedule. Mohammed Shami is unavailable due to ankle surgery, and Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from Tests.
The selectors have named several fresh faces. Karun Nair could return to the XI, and Sai Sudharsan may get his debut. All-rounders Nitish Reddy and Shardul Thakur are being considered to strengthen the middle order, while there is also a chance Kuldeep Yadav could be included.
There are decisions to be made in the pace department. Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna are in contention to support Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will face his first tactical test in a long series, with several selections yet to be finalised.
England without Anderson and Broad
England, who lost 4-1 in India last year, will be without James Anderson and Stuart Broad, their two most successful Test bowlers with 1,308 wickets combined. Their attack for the first Test will include Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir, with Woakes set to bat at number eight.
Durham’s Carse, who will make his home debut at Headingley, said the changes offer opportunities. “I think it's a good chance for a couple of younger players, with slightly less experience, to stamp down some authority throughout the series.”
Ben Stokes’ side will be without Jofra Archer and Mark Wood due to injury. Broad told The Times: “Looking at England, with all the injuries they've got – where are they getting 20 wickets?”
Pant said India wouldn’t take the new-look England attack lightly. “It feels so good when both of them are not there. But at the same time, they have enough ammunition in the England bowling line-up.”
The series could hinge on key battles, including the one between Bumrah and Joe Root, who has scored over 13,000 Test runs. England will also rely on batters like Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook and Ollie Pope.
Squads
England (playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
INDIA will miss Virat Kohli more than Rohit Sharma in the upcoming Test series against England, according to former England captain Geoffrey Boycott. Kohli and Rohit’s recent retirement from the format will affect India’s chances in the five-match series starting Friday, he said.
The two teams begin their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with this series, which will be played over six weeks.
“The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hurts the chances of India beating England. Kohli is the biggest loss as he has been their best batsman and talisman in all three formats,” Boycott wrote in his column for the Daily Telegraph.
“With so much international cricket played by India, and so little rest, it takes its toll and the mind becomes fatigued.”
'Kohli won’t be easy to replace'
Boycott called Kohli’s exit a bigger loss, saying mental freshness is key in Test cricket.
“It does not matter how much talent or experience you have, if you are not mentally fresh and up for the challenge then it becomes draining.
“Rohit was a superb batsman. At his best, a beautiful stroke player, but he won't be missed as much as Kohli because his Test record was good rather than exceptional. In the last couple of years his batting was a little inconsistent, which was not surprising in his late 30s.
“Rohit was never a natural athlete like Kohli and he knows that opening the innings in England can be pretty tough because the new ball moves around more. You really have to be up for the challenge to have any chance of success.
“I just think that over time the wear and tear of opening the innings and being captain in all three formats wore him down,” Boycott wrote.
'England need to control Bazball'
Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from Test cricket last month. Shubman Gill has since been appointed captain in Rohit’s place. India last won a Test series in England in 2007. England are coming into the series after winning a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.
Boycott advised the Ben Stokes-led side to moderate their attacking ‘Bazball’ approach.
“England should beat India if they temper Bazball and use some common sense. At times their cricket has been thrilling and super enjoyable but also reckless batting has lost them Test matches.
“Their only thought should be winning because it is no use telling us how good you are when the last three World Test Championship finals have been played in our country but England have not qualified for any of them. They should be embarrassed. Their aim should be to make the next WTC final.
“The new cycle starts now and somebody needs to get through to the England players that being a winner is better than being known as an entertainer. If you can win and entertain, that is a bonus. At the moment England are like a one-trick-pony.”
'Don’t get complacent'
Boycott also warned England against taking India lightly, even in the absence of their senior players.
“It’s Bazball or Bazball and that is the way we play; take it or leave it. They don’t want to change or learn from their losses. It doesn’t seem to make any difference that so many top class ex-England Test players keep telling them to moderate their batting.
“So please, get your act together, bring your best game and apply some cricket nous,” Boycott wrote.