Dominant Verstappen triumphs in Austria
Rain frustrates England in third Sri Lanka ODI
Rain meant the third one-day international (ODI) between England and Sri Lanka at Bristol on Sunday ended in a no-result. The hosts were on course for a 3-0 series clean sweep after dismissing Sri Lanka for just 166, with Tom Curran taking four for 35 in an innings where only Dasun Shanaka, with 48 not out, offering much resistance with the bat. But before the home side could start their reply, a heavy downpour forced the game to be abandoned at 4:15 pm local time (1515 GMT). England next play Pakistan in a threematch ODI series starting at Cardiff on July 8.
Crystal Palace announce Vieira as new manager
Crystal Palace announced former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira as the club's new manager on Sunday, following a prolonged search for a successor to Roy Hodgson. Vieira, who won three English Premier League titles as a player with the Gunners, has had mixed results in charge of New York City and Nice in his two previous managerial jobs.
The Frenchman, who also won the World Cup and European Championship with his country, is highly regarded in England for his stellar playing career under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. "Crystal Palace Football Club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Patrick Vieira as its new manager for the next three seasons," Palace said in a statement.
The Eagles have been searching for a new boss since Hodgson announced in May he would step down at the end of last season when his contract expired.
Former Parma boss D’Aversa appointed Sampdoria coach
Former Parma boss Roberto D'Aversa has been appointed coach of Sampdoria, where he briefly played 20 years ago, the Serie A side announced on Sunday.
The 45 year old Italian left Parma after they were relegated at the end of last season and takes over from Claudio Ranieri at the Genoa club. "Roberto D'Aversa has joined the club as the manager of the first team until June 30, 2023," Sampdoria said in a statement. D'Aversa was reappointed Parma coach in January barely four months after being sacked, but could not stop the club finishing bottom of the league.
He had led Parma from 2016 to 2020. A former midfielder, D'Aversa wore the
Sampdoria jersey during the 2000-2001 season, scoring two goals in 17 Serie B league appearances. Sampdoria winners of Serie A once in 1991, finished ninth last season under Ranieri who announced his departure at the end of the campaign.
Flawless
"We're miles away from them Red Bull. We need all hands on deck. They have brought a lot of upgrades over the last few races - and we haven't brought any," he said.
Verstappen enjoyed a flawless Sunday afternoon drive in the Austrian mountains alive with the sound of his supporters come to watch his latest step towards a possible world title.
He was clean away at lights out from Norris but by turn three the safety car had to be deployed after Esteban Ocon's race came to a premature end when his Alpine was nudged by Antonio Giovinazzi's Alfa Romeo.
Racing got back under way on lap four with Verstappen gliding clear with Norris fending off an attack on his second spot from Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull. The Mexican, in his 200th Grand Prix, paid dearly for his audacity, going off on to the gravel to drop to tenth. On lap 20 Norris was dealt a double blow.
He was told race stewards had handed him a five second penalty over the Perez incident, and was then overtaken by Hamilton despite valiantly trying to fend off his compatriot.
"Such a great driver, Lando," Hamilton told his pits.
After all the leaders had pitted for the first time Verstappen was over 15sec clear of the chasing Hamilton, with Bottas now up to third. Down in midfield it was Perez's turn to pick up a five second penalty for aggressively shutting out the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc. Bottas was told by the pits not to overtake Hamilton whose car had picked up damage to his rear left tyre.
But by lap 52 the Finn heard over the radio he was clear to race his teammate and, fighting for his job next season, duly nipped past him. Norris meanwhile, having served his time penalty, had Hamilton's Mercedes in his cross hairs and he swept past to seal his fourth spot.
This latest win for Verstappen, who also picked up the point for the fastest lap, has Mercedes with their backs to the wall ahead of Hamilton's home British Grand Prix on July 18.