Bank on AJ’s revenge mission

IF the limitations of Anthony Joshua highlighted by experts in the wake of his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk really are that grave, then it is a wonder he got to where he did.

Joshua had an off-night against, possibly, the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. It has happened to him before and it happened to him again.

But for all his limitations, at least he was honest enough to admit the better man won and gracious enough to offer genuine congratulations.

Usyk will, justifiably, be a hot favourite if the rematch happens.

But Joshua is made of stern stuff. Don’t bet against him.

THE reservations of players such as Jos Buttler are understandable. The Ashes tour promises to be fraught with Covid-related difficulties.

And if a player such as Buttler does not want to go, that is fine.

But if there are enough professional English cricketers and staff - even if they are not first choices - willing to put up with the mental stress that life inside a touring bubble brings, then it should go ahead.