The Verde River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in Arizona, winding through what’s known as the Verde Valley before feeding into the Salt River. Agriculturally, the valley is relatively fertile, supporting crops like sweet corn, alfalfa, peaches, and pecans, as well as a small wine industry. Recently, though,...
The Spin | Strapple, greeble, slog and kiss: how cricket’s language turns a game of numbers into poetry
There are more than 100 ways to describe hitting a ball, and that is just the start of an ever-expanding lexicon Joe Root shifts his weight forward, rising with the lifting ball from back of a good length. As it nears his body he moves his hands and bat towards...
‘Love is the key, right?’ Evergreen Venus Williams plays on and on at 45
Seven-time grand slam winner is back on the US circuit with aim of being the best she can be despite health struggles “Still haven’t seen the Rolling Stones,” says Venus Williams, smiling, as she reminisced about her unforgettable professional tennis debut at the age of 14 in Oakland, California, an...
Villarreal fans decry Thomas Partey’s proposed signing as club’s ‘darkest day’
Midfielder has denied rape and sexual assault charges Hundreds sign petition urging club to halt transfer News that the former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is poised to join Villarreal has upset fans of the Spanish club, with hundreds signing a petition urging a halt to what has been described as...
‘The dog ate my passport’: All Blacks rookie sorts pet’s mess to rescue debut
Leroy Carter sorts shock call-up for Rugby Championship Canine chewed passport he needed for Argentina trip Leroy Carter was still coming to terms with his inclusion in the All Blacks squad to play in Argentina in the opening rounds of the Rugby Championship when he made the shocking discovery. “The...
Oasis-style ticketing and expendable fans: the battle to retain football’s soul
With protests planned for the start of the season, the FSA chair believes only fan consultation will help address grievances “I’m a bit younger, so this is all I’ve known,” says Nick Clarke, “but something that defines this moment is the feeling that it’s our last chance. You know that...
Hundred’s days could be numbered with T20 switch in play for next year
IPL investors in Hundred keen on switch Formal discussions to take place in October The Hundred could be changed to a Twenty20 competition as soon as next year. The 100-ball format is enshrined in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s domestic TV contracts with Sky Sports and the BBC until...
British bobsleigh’s Brad Hall: ‘Winning medals without sacrifice doesn’t mean anything’
A loss of funding in 2019 led to the GB athlete raising money privately and a period of historic success For most athletes, a loss of all funding would signal the end. But for Brad Hall, Team GB’s bobsleigh captain, it was the beginning of a remarkable comeback story. The...
Premier League 2025-26 preview No 7: Chelsea
Club World Cup triumph has transformed ambitions but departures will be needed to balance books and fund more signings Guardian writers’ predicted position: 4th (NB: this is not necessarily Michael Butler’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips) Last season’s position: 4th Continue reading...
England’s Chris Woakes: ‘It’s not the way you want to be front-page news’
The pace bowler says of risking his career by going out to bat against India after dislocating his shoulder: ‘You just know you’re part of something bigger’ “I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I didn’t try,” says Chris Woakes, just 48 hours after he walked out...