Sport news in brief
Buttler: Stokes in conversation as England’s greatest player
Jos Buttler feels Ben Stokes is “in the conversation” to be viewed as England’s greatest ever cricketer after the all-rounder’s latest star turn secured T20 World Cup glory. Already an England hero after his 2019 50-over World Cup final exploits, he added another chapter to a storied career by underpinning England’s chase of 138 against Pakistan in this MCG showpiece. It was not his most fluent knock – as at Lord’s three years ago, this pitch was desperately tricky for batters – but his 52 not out off 49 balls helped seal England’s five-wicket win with an over to spare.
“He always stands up in the biggest moments,” Buttler said. “We’re immensely lucky to have him, he’s one of the great players of English cricket and he can be in the conversation for sure [to be regarded as England’s greatest cricketer of all time].” Buttler has joined an exclusive club containing Eoin Morgan and Paul Collingwood, who won this competition in 2010, as cricketers who have led England’s men’s side all the way at a global event.
As the holders of both white-ball World Cup trophies – they have also reached at least the semi-final stage of every worldwide competition since 2015 – there is a strong argument for England to be regarded as one of the best limited-overs sides of all time. PA
Ireland’s Farrell in contention for coach of the year award
Ireland boss Andy Farrell has been nominated for World Rugby’s coach of the year award. Farrell, who masterminded Ireland’s stunning Test series triumph against New Zealand in July and has seen his team rise to become world No 1, is among four contenders. He is joined by England women’s head coach Simon Middleton, New Zealand women’s supremo Wayne Smith and France boss Fabien Galthie.
Elsewhere, Henry Arundell’s impressive arrival on the international stage with England has seen him nominated for World Rugby men’s breakthrough player of the year award. The London Irish back scored a try just six minutes into his Test debut when England faced Australia during their summer tour. In the women’s breakthrough category, England prop Maud Muir is among the contenders. The World Rugby awards ceremony takes place in Monaco on Sunday. PA
Wiegman wishes England’s men well ahead of World Cup
Sarina Wiegman wished the England men’s team all the best as they prepare to head to Qatar for the World Cup. Gareth Southgate’s side play their first match on 21 November against
Iran as they look to build on a memorable showing from four years ago when they reached the semi-finals. The Three Lions also reached the final of Euro 2020 last year, losing on penalties to Italy, and despite a poor run of results heading into this winter’s World Cup they are still among the tournament favourites.
Wiegman knows what it takes to go all the way in a global competition, having guided the Lionesses to victory at Euro 2022 and also previously tasting success with the Netherlands, and she has been in touch with her England counterpart. “We have spoken a little bit – not very recently, but we have. I would just like to wish them very good luck,” she told Sky Sports. PA
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