Pete Alonso is continuing his ride with the New York Mets after signing a two-year, $54 million extension that will keep him anchoring first base and the heart of the order. He'll be paramount to the Mets' success as they hope to build on a run that took them to the National League Championship Series last season. So it was a major reason for concern when Alonso suffered an injury during practice on Thursday.

SNY cameras caught the aftermath of Alonso taking a ball to the face during drills.

Thankfully for player and organization, Alonso was able to get back on his feet relatively quickly and leave the field on his own power. He returned to the field later to continue the club's preseason work.

Alonso has been an iron man since breaking through with New York in 2019, missing only 24 regular season games. In 2024 he suited up for all 162 regular season and 13 playoff contests.

The first baseman has made four All-Star trips during his six Major League Baseball seasons and coming off a year in which he blasted 34 home runs.

Australia will be keen to quieten the noise in what is an Ashes year, so for Sam Konstas (and Cameron Green to a slightly lesser extent), the next couple of weeks are hugely important

Andrew McGlashan29-Jun-2025

Ahead of the opening Test against West Indies, Sam Konstas was enjoying what Barbados had to offer: the food, the beaches, the lifestyle. Then things got real.Two innings of 3 and 5, the latter an especially difficult 38-ball stay, where he twice fell to in-duckers from Shamar Joseph, means the spotlight will remain squarely on him as the series moves to Grenada.On the one hand, this is very tough on a 19-year-old playing just his third Test. He was confronted with extremely difficult conditions. It was just his 18th first-class match. But Australia have set themselves, and Konstas, on this course amid the trouble they have had trying to replace David Warner.Related

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Konstas’ debut knock against India at the MCG – which included four plays and misses in the first over of the match against Jasprit Bumrah before the pyrotechnics began – helped change the mood of the series, but currently it feels more like a millstone than a milestone.An interesting titbit from an interview Konstas gave to ahead of the Barbados Test was that he had been advised by his batting coach Tahmid Islam to remove from his phone the highlights of the century he scored against the Indians for the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, full of scoops and ramps, in what effectively became a one-day game.Konstas is still trying to work out the type of batter he needs, and wants, to be – that is hardly surprising for someone yet to turn 20 – or at the very least reconnect with the tempo that was evident in the back-to-back Sheffield Shield centuries that initially got everyone talking last season and drew comparisons with Ricky Ponting.”The players are the harshest critics really when all is said and done,” head coach Andrew McDonald told reporters the day after Australia’s 159-run victory. “We’ve had some conversations around potentially if you’re in that situation again what does that look like and that’s what experience is. It’s learning from previous events and trying to implement a way through that.”It felt like he was stuck at times and he was over-aggressive and then [he] underplayed. It’s really that balance and tempo. He’s got that there and that’s a step up to Test cricket. He’s got a really good partner down the other end [in Usman Khawaja] that over time, I think, will play out. That’s all we ask for – a bit of patience and time with a young player coming into Test cricket.”Australia are committed to Konstas for this series at least. He will, barring injury, play the next two matches. A substantial score would go some way to settling things ahead of the Ashes, and if the pitches remain as spicy as Barbados, it would not need to be a hundred. But otherwise, it will likely be another open season heading into the summer.Unsurprisingly in an Ashes year, Konstas’ performances have not gone unnoticed in England – and not in a flattering way. None of that has to matter, of course, it’s all part of the phoney Ashes war, which is an undercurrent to this series and the England vs India contest which began in such epic fashion at Headingley. But, from Australia’s perspective, they will be keen to quieten the noise, so for Konstas (and a slightly less extent Cameron Green), the next couple of weeks are hugely important.1:12

Cummins lauds middle order: ‘Those three were brilliant’

The technical challenges Konstas faces from the delivery coming in also pose an interesting question. Is it something so significant that it should have been ironed out in domestic cricket first? It was evident at the Under-19 World Cup last year and for New South Wales. Bumrah then delivered a repost at the MCG by dismissing him in that manner in the second innings.”I think on that type of surface [in Barbados] it’s an issue for everyone,” McDonald said. “He’s been on the record around working on his technique in the winter and some small adjustments and how they play out in training versus under extreme pressure is always a different sort of pattern.”He knows his deficiencies but, from a batting perspective, I encourage all players to learn to play with their deficiencies. I don’t think there’s such a thing as a perfect technique. If that’s what you’re looking for then I think you’re looking in the wrong place.Beau Webster is an example of a player who has made the step-up to Test cricket after years of domestic toil and appears to have the tools to make the most of it•Randy Brooks/Associated Press

“He’ll learn to play with what he’s got. We’re a team that encourages run-scoring. Did he lose his intent at certain times in that innings? Was he looking at his defensive layers rather than potentially putting some pressure back on? I think that’s really the balance he needs to strike. I think he’s good enough. It’ll just take some time for him to adapt.”There is a significant contrast in the Australia side between two of its recent newcomers: Konstas and Beau Webster, who made their debuts in consecutive Tests. The latter, with years of domestic experience behind him, has scored three half-centuries in five outings – two on incredibly tricky pitches plus another against a very good South Africa attack – and the step up has looked less daunting, notwithstanding what Konstas did in his first Test innings.”We’re always going to have varying degrees of experience within that order and we like to have a balance of that,” McDonald said. “In one basket, you’ve got Beau Webster, who’s played a lot of first-class cricket, and you say that’s the way to go. And then, in the other one, you’ve got Sam Konstas and Cameron Green, who learn on the job.”I don’t think there’s any perfect lead-in to Test cricket and I don’t think we should look for that. But what I will say around [Webster] is that he knows his game. He’s enjoying the problems at hand and he’s solving them with great intent and temperament. At times he looks technically compromised and we saw that at Lord’s. He’s going to be challenged with that, but he’s a run-scorer. He’s made an art of it.”

Levante striker Etta Eyong is eyeing a move in the upcoming January transfer window, despite only joining the club in the summer. Barcelona were keen on signing the Cameroonian forward but were unable to complete the deal due to financial restrictions. The 21-year-old has been in impressive form this season, recording six goals and three assists in all competitions to attract interest from Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.

• Eyong ready to leave already

  According to , Eyong’s release clause stands at €30 million (£25m/$35m) for Spanish clubs and €40m (£35m/$45m) for foreign clubs. Having joined Levante from Villarreal in August, he is ineligible to play for another club this season. As a result, Eyong hopes to finalise a transfer in January but remain on loan at Levante until the end of the campaign.

  Barcelona were prepared to activate his €10m release clause in the summer but were prevented from doing so due to La Liga’s 1:1 financial rule. The Catalan giants remain the most interested in signing the striker, viewing him as a potential replacement for the outgoing Robert Lewandowski. However, they face strong competition from arch-rivals Real Madrid and several Premier League clubs, including City, United and Arsenal.

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  Striker off to strong start at Levante

  Eyong began his career at the Cadiz academy before joining Villarreal and ending up in their B team in Spain’s third division. Last season, he featured four times for the Yellow Submarine in La Liga and scored one goal. Seeking more regular first-team football he made the switch to Levante, where he is off to a strong start.

  Eyong is known for drifting between the lines to exploit spaces, offering himself as a constant passing option. Off the ball, he contributes defensively by initiating the press and disrupting opposition build-up play. Blessed with pace, strength, and positional awareness, Eyong has become a crucial part of Levante’s attack, forming a strong partnership with Ivan Romero in their 4-4-2 setup. His movement, timing and skill on the ball make him an important part of Levante’s attack. During counterattacks, Eyong uses his blistering pace to run behind defenders and exploit open spaces.

  Defensively Eyong is often tasked with initiating the counter-press by pressing the player in possession or cutting off passing lanes to the opponent’s midfield anchor.

• Barcelona’s alternative options

  With an election year approaching, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is eager to make a marquee signing to replace the outgoing Robert Lewandowski. One of the top names on the list is Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. Having grown up idolising Lionel Messi during his time at Barcelona, Alvarez is believed to be open to a move, and agreeing on personal terms would likely not be an issue. However, Barcelona estimate that his transfer fee could be at least €200 million (£176m/$202m), a figure that may prove too steep for the Catalan club.

  Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is reportedly interested in Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, who finished as joint top scorer in the Champions League last season alongside Raphinha. However, Laporta is said to be unconvinced by the Guinean forward, as he does not see him as a high-profile signing capable of creating major impact in the market.

  The Catalans have also shown interest in City forward Erling Haaland, but securing a deal for the Norwegian star would be extremely difficult given his value and importance to the English champions

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  Eyong's challenge this season

  Eyong will look to build on his current form to increase his goal tally this season and attract potential suitors ahead of the January transfer window. Levante, who are 15th in La Liga, host a Celta Vigo side who have taken five points from their last three matches in the Spanish top-flight and are a point better off, this weekend. Barca, second and five points behind leaders Real Madrid after last week's Clasico loss, are up against eight-placed Elche at home on Sunday afternoon.

India’s T20I captain “can’t wait to be back” with the team set to tour Bangladesh in August 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jun-2025India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav had a successful hernia surgery in Munich, Germany and is currently in recovery.Suryakumar was last seen at IPL 2025, where he was a crucial part of Mumbai Indians’ run into the playoffs. The 34-year-old middle-order batter set a new world record for consecutive 25-plus scores (16). On the back of that, he finished with a total of 717 runs, the highest by a non-opener in IPL and the highest by an MI batter in a single season.India’s immediate assignments are the ongoing Test tour of England, which carries on until August 4. Then they shift focus to a white-ball tour of Bangladesh, which contains three ODIs and three T20Is. Suryakumar isn’t a regular for India in 50-overs cricket – he hasn’t played the format since the 2023 World Cup final. Given this schedule, he had some free time on his hands to complete the surgery and his recovery before he takes charge of the T20 line-up in Chattogram on August 26.

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This was an easy 6-0 victory for the USWNT, a near-perfect performance to end an imperfect, but hopeful, camp

After a loss and a win against Portugal, the U.S. women's national team played in a different stratosphere against New Zealand on Wednesday night. The first match against Portugal reminded the world what could happen when the USWNT aren't at their best.

This match, then, reminded the world of what could happen when the USWNT are in form – and that's a scary, scary sight.

Led by Emma Sears' first international hat-trick and Catarina Macario's fourth international brace, the USWNT crushed New Zealand, 6-0, in Kansas City on Wednesday night. Truth be told, it wasn't even that close. This was a wall-to-wall beatdown, one in which virtually every USWNT player on the field had a moment to be proud of.

Sears, of course, led them all, scoring the opening goal before adding two more in the second half to score her first professional hat-trick.

She was far from the only standout. Macario, too, scored in each half, running the show from up top. Rose Lavelle, who had more caps than the rest of the starting XI combined, scored a stunner just before halftime, having dominated in the prior 44 minutes on the field before coming off after the break.

Michelle Cooper, playing in her club stadium, had two assists, while Lindsey Heaps came off the bench to provide one of her own and Kennedy Wesley – the lone newcomer in camp, and 25th recipient of a first cap from coach Emma Hayes – played well in an electric environment.

“Honestly, I want to give a lot of credit to my teammates,” said Sears, who tripled her previous international goal output in one game. “Especially with that first goal, Michelle served it on a platter for me to tap it in. And yeah, the goals following, it was good to carry on that momentum throughout the game and ultimately get the win.”

Oh, and did we mention this was the least experienced team – cap-wise – that the USWNT has put on the field in the last 25 years? It was a near-perfect performance to end an imperfect, but hopeful, camp. The loss against Portugal certainly served as a wake-up call, and that carried on through to this third game of camp.

In that sense, it was the ending Hayes would have wanted as her young squad throttled New Zealand, marking the most goals the USWNT have scored since their new coach took over last year.

GOAL rates the USWNT's players from CPKC Stadium.

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense

Claudia Dickey (7/10):

Wasn't threatened much in the first half, but had to make one big save to start the second. Would have liked to have been more active but, hey, that's how it goes sometimes as USWNT goalkeeper.

Lilly Reale (7/10):

Was very clean on the ball, which was really the assignment given how ball-dominant the USWNT were throughout.

Jordyn Bugg (6/10):

Didn't have to do much defensively, but she did ping the ball around well when she got it.

Kennedy Wesley (6/10):

The perfect game to get your USWNT debut in, particularly as a centerback. Had a giveaway or two, which is natural, and, on this occasion, it was fine because of the flow of the game.

Emily Sams (7/10):

Interesting to see her at fullback, even if she has played there at times on the club level. Didn't look too out of place, as she assisted Macario's goal.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Lily Yohannes (8/10):

Just so technically gifted, with her backheel leading to the first goal serving as a signature moment. If you've been watching the USWNT since she debuted, you'll know exactly what type of skillset she showed off as she ran the midfield.

Claire Hutton (6/10):

Was the most "defensive" of the three midfielders, although they didn't have to do much defending. Actually nearly got a goal of her own in the 25th minute, too.

Rose Lavelle (9/10):

A player that, when she's on, makes everyone on the team better. She did that on Wednesday while scoring a stunning goal of her own.

Getty ImagesAttack

Emma Sears (9/10):

Certainly capitalized on her chances as she added the third, fourth and fifth goals of her USWNT career. This was, obviously, her best performance yet as she routinely put herself in position to finish and then did just that three times.

Catarina Macario (9/10):

Scored two goals of her own and teed up Sears' first. More evidence of what the Chelsea star can offer from the striker position, even when Triple Espresso does return.

Michelle Cooper (8/10):

The only member of the attack not to get a goal, but she did set up two of them. A fantastic performance from Cooper, who ran circles around New Zealand's defense all night long.

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Lindsey Heaps (7/10):

After seeing Lavelle cook, came in and provided an assist of her own on Macario's second.

Sam Coffey (6/10):

Even with the game out of reach, she still brought energy and presence, which was no surprise. Almost got a goal from distance, too.

Lo'eau LaBonta (6/10):

The crowd demanded that the Kanas City Current veteran play, and play she did, with LaBonta and Hayes having a laugh about it as she was introduced. A feel-good moment for a local hero, who got the reception she deserved in front of her fans.

Jaedyn Shaw (7/10):

Replaced Macario and, while she wasn't quite as dangerous, there wasn't a big drop off. That's a huge compliment to Shaw, who probably deserved a goal.

Yazmeen Ryan (5/10):

Had such a good chance one-on-one but put it just wide. Will definitely want that back, especially with the other attackers scoring for fun.

Eva Gaetino (N/A): 

Came on late to see the game out. A good moment for her, considering she wasn't originally part of this camp.

Emma Hayes (8/10):

Won the game by a wide margin, got some young players onto the field and sent the crowd home happy by playing LaBonta. Not much else she could have done to make this a feel-good night.

Centuries from Sam Northeast and Colin Ingram saw Glamorgan save the draw in batting-friendly conditions in their Rothesay County Championship second division match against Leicestershire at the UptonSteel County Ground.The experienced pair put together a partnership of 225, a fourth-wicket record for Glamorgan against the Foxes. Northeast, who made 410 not out on this ground three years ago, now holds three different wicket record partnerships for Glamorgan against Leicestershire.Leicestershire remain well clear at the top of the second division after taking 16 points from the game, with Glamorgan taking 13 points and remaining third in the table, the result of the match between Gloucestershire and Derbyshire at Bristol notwithstanding.Resuming with the score on 131 for 3, Northeast and Ingram continued to bat in exactly the same manner which had seen them bat through the final session on day three, which is to say with the calm assurance that comes when from facing a softish ball on an benign pitch baked into submission by three days of hot sun and warm wind.Leicestershire’s bowlers stuck at their task, bowling straight and making the batsmen play, but struggled to flog any sort of response from the pitch, with the bat being beaten perhaps three times over the two hour period. Ingram, 37 not out overnight, went to his half-century off 121 deliveries, Northeast reaching his century off 186 deliveries, 11 of which he hit to the boundary.The new ball, eagerly – perhaps desperately – anticipated by the Leicestershire faithful – made little difference, initially at any rate, but Northeast, on 139, finally lost patience and tried to loft the left-arm spin of Trevaskis to the long-on boundary. He didn’t get all of it and Sam Wood, at 20 making his first first-class appearance of the season, sprinted back from mid-on and took an outstanding catch as the ball dropped over his shoulder.Ingram was unmoved, proceeding serenely to his century – also a second of the season – off 246 deliveries, but had a remarkable escape on 103 when he pulled a Ben Green delivery hard and high to the square leg boundary. A leaping Logan van Beek made the catch as he fell backwards over the rope, lobbing the ball back into play as he did so, but over-balanced as he tried to step back over the rope, had to knock the ball up again, and diving forward, could not hold the ball at the third attempt.Glamorgan did lose Ben Kellaway, top-edging an attempted pull at Green to give Wood a more straightward catch on the leg-side, and Ingram, then on 121, may have had another escape in the over before tea, when Leicestershire were convinced he had been caught at short leg off Trevaskis. Umpire Rob White disagreed.One more wicket was to fall, Rishi Patel seeing Chris Cooke push his leg-side delivery firmly but straight at Sol Budinger at short leg, who held on at the second attempt. It was Patel’s maiden first class wicket. At the close Ingram remained unbeaten on 133, having faced 308 deliveries, an impressive effort on the part of the 39-year-old South African. Like Northeast, he seems to enjoy batting against Leicestershire, having made his career-best 257 not out against the Foxes at Cardiff last year.