Ben Stokes is not risking fitness for this year's Ashes series by playing in the Indian Premier League, insists England head coach Brendon McCullum.

England's Test captain has signed for Chennai Super Kings with the IPL season starting on March 31, ahead of the Ashes getting underway on June 16 in Birmingham.

Stokes struggled with his left knee in England's Test defeat to New Zealand in Wellington, where he could only bowl two overs while batting for 33 runs on the final day.

But McCullum has no concerns.

"I don't think he's jeopardising the Ashes. The skipper has a strong mind, and he knows how to get right for the big moments," he told reporters.

"In fact I look forward to watching him play for Chennai, and see him play cricket without the captaincy and having to worry about everyone else.

"We know when he comes back to us, he'll have that bit between his teeth. I also believe the Ashes is the script the skipper is waiting to write."

Stokes has delivered in huge moments for England, from starring in their 2019 World Cup victory to stunning Australia in a famous Ashes Test at Headingley when the series was last played on English soil four years ago.

He also scored an unbeaten 52 to propel England to victory at the T20 World Cup last year and has become the quickest Test captain to reach 10 wins.

At Chennai, he will play under head coach Stephen Fleming, who was once New Zealand team-mates with McCullum.

"I've got a tee-time with him, so I'll be making sure he looks after the skipper," said McCullum of Fleming.

"Chennai have a very good set-up, and they have an outstanding leader in Flem. He sees the big picture in everything, so I've no concerns."

Australia won the last Ashes 4-0 but after developing a distinct style of play since McCullum's appointment, England look primed to take the fight to the tourists. 

"This team has grown over the last eight or nine months," McCullum added. "I think the players have become more at ease with how we're playing, and it's become more authentic.

"Our style certainly does give us the best chance of being able to topple a good Australian side.

"We know it won't be easy but with eight or nine months development of that style under our belts, we should be hard to beat. Bring it on!"

Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag have led a cast of legends and players congratulating goalkeeper David de Gea after the Spaniard set a new clean sheet record at Manchester United.

De Gea recorded his 181st shut-out to surpass Peter Schmeichel's record as United beat Newcastle 2-0 at Wembley Stadium to lift the EFL Cup on Sunday, adding another medal to his collection.

United released a video of thanks on their website with the likes of Ferguson, Ten Hag and Bruno Fernandes taking centre stage along with some other familiar faces.

Ferguson said: "David, congratulations to think all those years back then when I signed you as a young kid, you've beaten all the goalkeeping records at this football club, I just want to say well done you deserve it so enjoy the moment, thanks very much for your service to the club."

"David, in a massive career to collect a clean sheet record in this massive club it's a huge performance," said Ten Hag.

"I hope to come many more clean sheets and to make this record even sharper because as you know the clean sheets are the base for winning games and for winning trophies.

"You've beaten all the goalkeeping records at this football club."

Team-mate Fernandes added: "I think everyone is really happy for you, you deserve that, you deserve to be in that position, you are a legend for the club you know that.

"Hopefully you will get more and more clean sheets in this season and for the future also because I hope we can keep you here with us for so many years."

Rio Ferdinand said: "Broke the record for clean sheets, man. Never, ever in doubt. Always backed you my guy. Keep up the good work."

United captain Harry Maguire called De Gea "an absolute legend of the club".

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after beating the record, De Gea said he was thrilled by the achievement.

"To win the final and break the record in the same day is unbelievable," he said.

It took De Gea 523 games to pass Schmeichel's clean sheet record and 522 to equal it, while it took the Dane 398 games, with 128 of those shut-outs coming in the Premier League. 

The 32-year-old was signed by Ferguson back in 2011 from Atletico Madrid and has won the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup during his time at the club. 

De Gea became the first non-British player to surpass 400 Premier League appearances and sits joint fourth with David Seaman in the all-time Premier League clean sheet rankings with 140. 

Juventus have officially launched an appeal against their 15-point deduction in Serie A, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) has confirmed.

CONI has also revealed former Juve board members Andrea Agnelli, Pavel Nedved and Fabio Paratici are among those to appeal bans issued by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in January.

Juventus were docked 15 points for alleged irregularities regarding historic transfer dealings, a measure which dealt a huge blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Massimiliano Allegri's men are now seventh in Serie A and 10 points adrift of the top four, having been viewed as potential title contenders before receiving the punishment.

Juventus immediately announced their intention to appeal, and a statement released by CONI has revealed that challenge was officially submitted on Tuesday.

If Juventus were to regain the 15 points they saw deducted, Allegri's team would move up to second in Serie A on 50 points, though Napoli would still hold a huge 15-point lead at the summit. 

The entire Bianconeri board including president Agnelli, vice-president Nedved and managing director Maurizio Arrivabene all left their roles in November amid a separate investigation into tax fraud allegations – which the Bianconeri have denied.

Many of those involved in Juve's transfer dealings have been banned from Italian football for long periods, with Agnelli barred from holding office for two years and Nedved receiving an eight-month punishment. 

Both men have now submitted appeals, as has now-Tottenham managing director Paratici, who received a 30-month ban for alleged wrongdoings across his 11-year stint at Juve.

The FIGC had requested the bans be respected by UEFA and FIFA, which would throw Paratici's future with Spurs into doubt.

Bayern Munich are planning for a "long future" with Julian Nagelsmann regardless of Bundesliga success this term, club president Herbert Hainer suggested.

The Bundesliga champions are embroiled in one of the tightest title races Germany has seen for years, joint-top of the table with Borussia Dortmund and only three points ahead of Union Berlin.

A defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach in mid-February handed Bayern a setback, though they returned to winning ways against Union at the weekend.

For Nagelsmann, it is among the toughest periods he has faced in charged at Allianz Arena, but Hainer has no reservations about his place in the dugout.

"He learns something new every day and will learn from difficult situations," Hainer told Sky Sport Deutschland. "He will gain experience; I know that from my own professional situation.

"Whenever it matters, he delivers for the team. We are planning for a long future with him."

Regardless of that security, Hainer remains convinced Nagelsmann can deliver another title this term for the Bavarian giants, even with Dortmund and Union breathing down their necks.

"The whole of Germany wanted a more exciting competition in the Bundesliga," he added. "We certainly have that now.

"But I'm very optimistic. We're top of the table, and we still have to play Dortmund in our own stadium. You saw what the team was capable of on Sunday [against Union]."

Bayern also remain in the mix for the Champions League, with a 1-0 advantage over Paris Saint-Germain ahead of next week's last-16 second leg.

Hainer feels they will progress in that competition as well, adding: "We're in a good starting position after the 1-0 win.

"The players I speak to tell me how hot they are. They want to do better than last year."

Dawid Malan was unconcerned by the pressure of being England's match-winner in a three-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Number three batsman Malan picked up the pace following a considered start to eventually finish on 114 not out and drag England to victory in the first ODI.

Having limited Bangladesh to 209, England's response for a while looked in danger of falling short.

But Malan fittingly clinched the win after scoring his fourth ODI century, making him the second-fastest man to that mark in his 16th match.

The 35-year-old, who has spent time playing in the Bangladesh Premier League, also had a hundred in his previous ODI innings against South Africa last month.

"I've spent a fair bit of time in Bangladesh, especially at this ground, which helps," Malan said.

"I told Jos [Buttler] it would have been tough to chase if they'd have got 30 to 40 more runs. It's satisfying to get over the line, handling pressure is part of the job."

Malan was required to do the heavy lifting alongside a succession of low-scoring partners as England were reduced to 65-4 at one stage.

Victory was achieved with eight balls to spare, however, leaving captain Jos Buttler delighted.

"These are tough conditions," he added. "Mala's innings was outstanding and is an example for us on how to play on these wickets.

"There was plenty in the wicket for both spinners and pacers. There's plenty of areas to work and improve on. It's about small partnerships on wickets like these. [They] can be really valuable."

Jose Mourinho will serve a two-match ban after his touchline flare-up in Roma's 2-1 loss at Cremonese on Tuesday. 

The Roma head coach was sent off for the third time this season just two minutes into the second half after a heated exchange with the fourth official. 

Leonardo Spinazzola's strike had cancelled out Frank Tsadjout's opener for the hosts, but Mourinho watched on from the stands as Daniel Ciofani's late penalty secured Cremonese's first league victory of the season and their first in Serie A for 26 years.

Mourinho decided to further argue his case with the officials in their dressing room after the full-time whistle and will now face a two-match suspension and a $10,000 fine as a result.

A statement from Serie A said that the Giallorossi boss will be banned for "having contested a refereeing decision in a forceful and provocative manner in the second minute of the second half and repeating this behaviour at the time of sending off.

"Furthermore, for entering the referees' dressing room and addressing the fourth official with offensive expressions and inferences at the end of the match."

After the game, Mourinho defended his actions that saw him sent off for an altercation with the fourth official.

"I'm emotional but not crazy. For the first time in my career a referee has spoken to me in an unjustifiable way," he said.

"To have the reaction I had is because something happened. I need to know now if I can do something from a disciplinary point of view."

The ban will see Mourinho miss Sunday's clash with Juventus and Roma's home game against Sassuolo on 12 March. 

Roma sit fifth in Serie A after Wednesday's defeat, one point behind rivals Lazio in fourth.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, a potential number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Carter is to be arrested on the basis of a charge of reckless driving and racing amid an investigation into the January 15 road accident that killed a player and recruiting staffer from the University of Georgia.

Carter was allegedly street racing with Georgia staffer Chandler LeCroy, who died along with Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock when the car they were travelling in left the road and hit nearby power poles and trees.

A statement from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department on Wednesday said: "As a result of the ongoing investigation into the January 15, 2023, fatal crash that occurred in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department has secured arrest warrants for Jalen Carter, 21, for Reckless Driving and Racing.

"The investigation found that Chandler LeCroy, driver of the 2021 Ford Expedition, and Jalen Carter, driver of a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk, were operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing shortly after leaving the downtown Athens area at about 2:30 AM.

"The evidence demonstrated that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists and drove at high rates of speed in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other. Evidence indicated that shortly before the crash the Expedition was travelling at about 104 miles per hour.

"The toxicology report indicated that LeCroy's blood alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash. Investigators determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash.

"The case will be given to the Solicitor General's Office."

Carter was scheduled to meet the media at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday.

He has been considered the best prospect in this year's draft, although the Chicago Bears are likely to receive significant offers for the first overall pick from teams looking to select one of the top quarterbacks in the class.

Aaron Rodgers will make a decision on his future "soon enough" amid ongoing speculation.

It is unclear whether the veteran quarterback will return to the NFL in 2023 and, if he does, whether he would end his long association with the Green Bay Packers.

Rodgers has completed a four-day "darkness retreat", and while he does not have a decision, he is calm about the situation and intends to reach a final outcome "soon enough".

"It's best for anybody who has an interest in this to make a decision sooner rather than later. For everybody involved directly and indirectly, it's best for a decision earlier," he said on the Aubrey Marcus Podcast.

"I feel really good about the conversations that are going to be had, that have been had with important people in my life.

"But I'm not looking for somebody to tell me what the answer is. All the answers are right inside me. I touched many of the feeling on both sides in the darkness. I'm thankful for that time.

"There's a finality to the decision. I don't make it lightly. I don't want to drag anybody around. I'm answering questions about it because I got asked about it. I'm talking about it because it's important to me.

"If you don't like it, and you think it's drama, and you think I'm being a diva or whatever, then just tune it out. That's fine. But this is my life. It's important to me.

"I'll make a decision soon enough, and we'll go down that road. I'll be really excited about it."

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said on Tuesday of Rodgers and the team's options at QB: "He's a great player, but until we have those conversations, I think all options are on the table right now."

Red Bull will not be selling its second Formula One team AlphaTauri, team principal Franz Tost confirmed.

Reports Germany over the weekend suggested Red Bull's senior management was considering the sale of the team or a relocation from their current base in Faenza, Italy to Milton Keynes, England.

However, a sale has been ruled out in a statement issued by Tost on Wednesday.

"I had some very good meetings with Oliver Mintzlaff [Red Bull's CEO of corporate projects and new investments], who confirmed that the shareholders will not sell Scuderia AlphaTauri, and that Red Bull will continue supporting the team in the future," he said.

"All these rumours have no foundation, and the team has to remain focused for the start of the season to perform better than last year."

Red Bull has owned AlphaTauri – previously known as Toro Rosso – since 2006 and serves as a steppingstone to the senior team for younger drivers.

Speculation of changes across the F1 grid are ever present, with Audi set to take over naming rights of Sauber next season before becoming an official factory team in 2026.

Porsche are also looking to join their sister company the same year, while American motorsport giants Andretti have confirmed their desire to enter F1.

Dawid Malan's sublime knock inspired England to a three-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first ODI at Shere Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.

The hosts struggled after electing to bat first, setting a target of just 210, but England's response for a while looked in danger of falling short.

Malan picked up the pace following a considered start, however, eventually finishing on 114 not out to reach 212-7 and brilliantly drag England over the line.

Tamim Iqbal (23) began purposefully but Bangladesh soon had their momentum disrupted by Mark Wood (2-34) and Chris Woakes (1-28), the former dismissing the hosts' captain with an emphatic delivery.

The spinners then took care of Bangladesh's middle order, with each England bowler claiming at least one wicket.

Najmul Hossain Shanto (58) proved the biggest nuisance, his maiden half-century crucial in helping the hosts surpass 200.

But a tremendous catch from Jason Roy sent him back to the pavilion at 159-5 in what proved a turning point – Bangladesh added only another 50 runs.

England's chase received an early blow when Roy (4) fell to a simple Iqbal catch in the first over, while Phil Salt (12), James Vince (6) and Jos Buttler (9) were not much better.

Taijul Islam (3-54) took two of the first four wickets as England found themselves on 65-4, but amid all the floundering, Malan was calmly plugging away.

A close escape from an lbw appeal in the 22nd over proved vital, with Malan first playing it steady as he reached 50 off 92, before then getting his century off 134.

He secured the ton with a clip through midwicket that brought up his 10th boundary, and another four – whacked through wide mid-on – fittingly ensured Malan clinched victory.

Malan's the man of the moment

England's bowlers did some sterling work early on, with Jofra Archer, Wood, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid all taking two wickets each, but the generally disappointing nature of the visitors' chase meant Malan had to take on the role of firefighter.

After looking all at sea at 65-4, Malan took charge. In claiming his 100, he becomes the second-fastest player to four ODI centuries.

Taijul gave Bangladesh a chance

Bangladesh were also largely better with the ball than the bat. Taijul was the pick of the bunch for the hosts, taking three wickets – more than anyone else in the match.

His efforts were central to England getting off to a stuttering start. In the end, one man's class was the difference, and to be fair to Bangladesh, Malan looked like he could bat another 50 overs and still not get removed.

Xavi says Barcelona enter their Copa del Rey semi-final with Real Madrid in a strong position, but considers Carlo Ancelotti's side the favourites to reach the final.

The fierce rivals meet at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday in the first of three Clasicos in a month, with a crucial LaLiga fixture sandwiched between their two-legged cup tie.

Barca have won two of their four meetings with Madrid since Xavi took charge, which includes a 4-0 league win last season and 3-1 Supercopa de Espana final victory in January.

The Catalan giants are also seven points better off at the top of the league, but Xavi believes Madrid's status as reigning Spanish and European champions makes them favourites.

"Madrid will continue to be the favourites because they are champions of LaLiga and the Champions League," he said at Wednesday's pre-match press conference.

"That is regardless of what happened in the Super Cup, where we did well, or any other factors.

"We may have beaten them in the Super Cup, but this is Madrid. I have to be honest. But I also think we can hurt them and I expect a very even tie overall."

Barcelona have enjoyed an impressive first full season under Xavi, but back-to-back losses have halted their momentum.

Despite being eliminated from the Europa League by Manchester United and dropping three points against Almeria, Xavi is happy with the position his side find themselves in.

"The loss to Almeria made me very angry, but we start again with a clean slate," Xavi said. "It's a competition we're doing well in, and we're three games from another title.

"This will provide us with another chance to react. We know we have to be more of a team than ever, with the small details making the difference.

"The message to the fans is that we remain in an ideal, privileged situation to win two more trophies. We are in the Copa semi-final and are leaders in the league.

"We know things can go wrong, but we are here to try to avoid that from happening."

Barcelona are without Robert Lewandowski for the first leg, while Pedri and Ousmane Dembele remain sidelined, but Ansu Fati has returned from injury and is part of the squad.

"He's had a bruised knee but is training with the group and feels good," Xavi said. "I see a happy and motivated player who is important for the team."

Darren Till has confirmed UFC granted his release but vowed he is "not going anywhere".

Till last fought in December, losing via third-round submission to Dricus du Plessis.

He was removed from the middleweight rankings on Wednesday.

Posting on Twitter, the 30-year-old confirmed he had the release from UFC, in which he has fought since 2015.

"What's happening everyone," Till posted.

"Me, Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell] are still cool as f***. I asked UFC to remove me just to sort some other s*** for the foreseeable.

"They happily agreed to release me out of contract which I appreciate. I'm not going anywhere, got big plans to execute and I'll be back."

Till was unbeaten in his first six fights before challenging Tyron Woodley for the welterweight title in September 2018. He lost via second-round submission and, following a knockout defeat to Jorge Masvidal, moved up to middleweight.

The English fighter won his first bout at the weight against Kelvin Gastelum but has since struggled, failing to win any of his last three fights, losing to Robert Whittaker and Derek Brunson prior to his most recent defeat against Du Plessis.