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In a significant development for New Zealand cricket, veteran batsman Kane Williamson has been named in the 14-man squad for the first Test against the West Indies in Christchurch. This marks Williamson’s return to the red-ball format, adding depth to the batting lineup and leadership group. The squad announcement, made on Monday, also highlighted the recall of pace bowler Blair Tickner, who last featured in a Test match in March 2023. Tickner’s inclusion comes on the back of his stellar performance in the recent ODI series against England, where he claimed eight wickets in two matches. Additionally, the promising seam duo of Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes retained their spots following impressive debuts. Foulkes, in particular, made headlines with a nine-wicket haul on his debut against Zimbabwe. Head Coach Rob Walter expressed his enthusiasm about Williamson’s return, emphasizing his on-field prowess and leadership qualities. The squad will be captained by Tom Latham, as Tim Southee continues to be managed through the early part of the home summer. Notably, the selection was made without several key bowlers, including Matt Fisher, Will O’Rourke, and Ben Sears, all sidelined due to injuries. This two-Test series against the West Indies marks New Zealand’s first step in the new 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The squads for both teams have been finalized, with New Zealand looking to leverage Williamson’s experience and Tickner’s recent form to secure a strong start to the series.

In a spectacular display of speed and stamina, Starraura, the Jason DaCosta-trained chestnut filly, marked her return to racing with a commanding win in the $1.05-million Maiden Condition Race for native-bred three-year-old fillies on Saturday, November 22, 2025. After an eight-month hiatus, Starraura, sired by Bold Conquest and out of Little Wasp, left her competitors in the dust, securing an impressive 11-length victory over 5½ furlongs (1,100m). Ridden by jockey Robert “Hardball” Halledeen, she completed the race in a swift 1:10.0, with splits of 24.0, 49.0, and 1:02.3. Starting strong, Starraura initially settled into third place behind Money Mission (Javaniel Patterson) and Moonlight Song (Teneca Wolfe) as they approached the half-mile (800m) turn. However, she quickly caught up to Money Mission, taking the lead at the top of the straight and maintaining her dominance all the way to the finish line. Money Mission and BadBadTanesha (Richie Shakes) trailed behind, unable to challenge Starraura’s relentless pace. This victory not only highlights Starraura’s exceptional talent but also reaffirms Jason DaCosta’s prowess as a trainer and Robert Halledeen’s skill as a jockey.

Marseille’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has expressed his support for Mason Greenwood as the forward prepares to face English opposition for the first time since allegations of sexual assault surfaced in 2022. Greenwood, who joined Marseille in July 2024 after a loan spell at Getafe, is set to start in the Champions League match against Newcastle on Tuesday. De Zerbi emphasized that Greenwood has ‘paid dearly’ for the accusations, which were dropped by prosecutors in February 2023, and has found a supportive environment in Marseille. ‘I regret what happened in his life because I know someone different from what’s being described, especially in England,’ De Zerbi stated. Greenwood has been in impressive form, scoring 11 goals this season and 33 overall for Marseille. De Zerbi praised his development, calling him a ‘complete player’ while urging the media to avoid excessive scrutiny. Despite his on-field success, Greenwood’s international future remains uncertain, with England manager Thomas Tuchel confirming he is not part of current plans. Teammate Angel Gomes, who played alongside Greenwood at Manchester United, noted their friendship but remained tight-lipped about Greenwood’s aspirations for an England recall. Marseille, with three points from four Champions League matches, face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stage, while Newcastle, sixth in the table, aim to continue their strong form.

In a stunning display of consistency and skill, Tigray Express, a six-year-old bay horse, has once again proven his mettle on the racetrack. Trained by Phillip Elliott and ridden by Raddesh Roman, the chestnut colt secured his eighth win in nine starts, a remarkable feat for a claiming horse. This victory, achieved on Saturday, November 22, 2025, also marked his fifth consecutive win, further cementing his reputation as a top contender in the racing world. The race, an Optional Claiming contest with a purse ranging from $500,000 to $400,000, featured native-bred six-year-olds and older horses, as well as native-bred five-year-olds, competing over 6½ furlongs (1,300 meters). Tigray Express, sired by Traditional out of Kiri, broke sharply from the gate, took an early lead, and maintained a strong gallop throughout the race. He surged ahead in the straight, finishing a commanding 9½ lengths ahead of the competition with a time of 1:24.0 (24.2 x 49.1 x 1:16.2). High Diplomacy, ridden by Robert Halledeen, finished second, while Wilson, with Oshadane Robinson in the saddle, came in third. Following the race, it was announced that Tigray Express had been claimed for $500,000 by trainer Dalton Sirjue on behalf of owner Anthony Chin. The horse attracted significant interest, with 32 claims submitted. This latest victory brings Tigray Express’s career record to 14 wins from 54 starts, with total stakes earnings nearing $8 million. His consistent performance under various trainers and riders has made him one of the most coveted horses in the industry. His only loss this season occurred on May 23, when he finished fourth in a $1-million claiming race, trailing Burling Valor by 7 lengths over 7 furlongs. Trainer Phillip Elliott and other connections celebrated with Tigray Express and jockey Raddesh Roman in the winners’ enclosure after the race.

As the Jamaica senior women’s football team, the Reggae Girlz, prepare for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, Head Coach Hubert Busby has expressed confidence in the smooth reintegration of star striker and captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw. The team’s playing philosophy, which has been shaped around Shaw’s strengths, ensures her return will be seamless. The Reggae Girlz kick off their qualifying campaign on Saturday against Dominica at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, followed by matches against Nicaragua, Antigua and Barbuda, and Guyana in March and April 2026. The team is striving for a third consecutive World Cup appearance after successful campaigns in 2019 and 2023. Busby emphasized that the team’s style has been developed with Shaw in mind, making her reintegration straightforward. “A couple of training sessions will be enough to integrate her back. She’s a top-class professional, so we don’t foresee any issues,” Busby stated during a virtual press conference. Shaw, who has been absent due to injury, club commitments, and load management, joins a squad featuring attackers Natasha Thomas, Jody Brown, Ricshya Walker, Shania Hayles, Kalyssa Van Zanten, and Shaneil Buckley. The team’s recent training camp in Trinidad has bolstered their readiness for the upcoming qualifiers. Busby also highlighted the integration of young players, guided by senior team members, as a key factor in their preparation. The group winner of the qualifiers will advance to the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship, with the top four teams securing direct entry to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, faced a crushing blow as they failed to secure an automatic spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a goalless draw against Curacao. The match, held at the National Stadium last Tuesday, left fans and sports legends alike disheartened. Sprint icon Usain Bolt, who had delivered a motivational speech to the team before the game, expressed his disappointment, questioning the players’ dedication and effort on the field. Bolt, an eight-time Olympic champion, stated that he was shocked by the team’s performance, emphasizing that it appeared the players did not give their all. His sentiments were echoed by fans who were further angered by images of players Dujuan Richards and Renaldo Cephas attending a social event in Kingston hours after the match. Bolt criticized their actions, calling them a sign of apathy toward the nation’s struggles, especially in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation. Despite the setback, the Reggae Boyz still have a chance to qualify through the inter-confederation play-offs in March, where they will face New Caledonia. However, Bolt remains pessimistic about their prospects, stating that he cannot endure another heartbreak. The team’s lackluster performance has sparked a broader conversation about commitment and national pride in Jamaican sports.