England annihilate Australia, Clark WNBA’s top rookie, what happened overnight in world of sport

Bazball lights up a wet September Friday at Lord’s, Caitlin Clark named rookie of the year, and Wayne Rooney on road to managerial redemption

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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been named WNBA rookie of the year. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:30am, 28 Sep 2024Updated: 7:52am, 28 Sep 2024

Another weekend, another 48 hours of more sport than you could shake a stick at: the AFL grand final, the Rugby Championship, wall-to-wall football and golf too if you’re of a mind.

Needless to say, there is something for everyone of a sporting persuasion. I’m not sure what happens for those who don’t like sport, reading I guess, but then this column isn’t aimed at them, so on we go.

Fridays are usually a little quieter, but in the modern world cricket never stops, and obviously neither does football, so here is what happened while you were sleeping.

Bazball has its day

England annihilated Australia by 186 runs in a rain-shortened one-day international at Lord’s, and from being 2-0 down in the five-match series head to Bristol on Sunday with all to play for.

England’s Liam Livingstone celebrates his half century. Photo: Reuters

Victories in Durham and London have levelled the series, and captain Harry Brook may feel a slight sense of vindication after his foot-in-mouth comments about not “not being fussed” following his side’s own hammering at Trent Bridge.

Brook scored a dazzling 87, Liam Livingstone a brutal 62 in 27 balls – the fastest ODI 50 ever at the Home of Cricket – with 28 coming off Mitchell Starc’s final over, and England amassed 312 for five in 39 overs.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said his side had been “a bit off today” after they were bowled out for just 126. “They outplayed us today … Liam Livingstone played a gem of an innings.”

On the up

Speaking of vindication, or at least repairing of reputation, Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Albion side won their second consecutive game at home, beating Luton Town 3-1.