Big matchups, storylines and sounds ahead of Week 9

The Independent relies on reader support to cover important stories, from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, with a commitment to unbiased reporting. Your donation helps fund on-the-ground reporting and in-depth investigations. England captain Jos Buttler believes winning the 50-over World Cup holds more significance than its T20 counterpart, emphasizing the excitement and relevance of ODI cricket in the current landscape. As England prepares to face India in a series of ODIs, key...

Dave McMenamin, a Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN, covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com, the Cavaliers for ESPN.com, and the NBA for NBA.com. LeBron James expressed mixed emotions about the trade that brought Luka Doncic to the Lakers, acknowledging the reality of Anthony Davis' departure. James emphasized his commitment to the Lakers and expressed confidence in his ability to work well with Doncic, with sources indicating Doncic could debut for the Lakers soon....

Derek Chisora, a seasoned boxer with nearly 15 years of experience, is set to have his final fight against Otto Wallin. Despite his age of 41, Chisora remains a formidable opponent and a valuable scalp for up-and-coming fighters. His career has been filled with memorable fights, setbacks, and controversy, but he has always been entertaining and fearless in the ring. Chisora's legacy as boxing royalty is secure, and his final fight is anticipated to be...

Chelsea forward Sam Kerr is on trial for causing racially aggravated harassment to a police officer in London. The incident occurred after Kerr and her partner were taken to a police station by a taxi driver who claimed they refused to pay clean-up costs. Kerr allegedly made abusive and insulting comments towards the officer, calling him "stupid and white." The officer initially did not mention the impact of the comments in his statement, but later...

Gary Neville believes Manchester United have regressed under Ruben Amorim, with the team suffering their fifth league defeat at Old Trafford in seven matches since his appointment. Neville warns that the current situation is unsustainable, as the team's poor performances and results are causing disillusionment among the players and fans. Despite Amorim's insistence on sticking to his tactics, Neville emphasizes the urgent need for improvement to avoid further damage to the team's morale and confidence....

The Independent relies on reader support to cover stories ranging from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, with a commitment to unbiased reporting accessible to all. Your donation helps fund on-the-ground reporting in the US, providing a crucial perspective in today's critical times. Despite her recent losses, Emma Raducanu fell to Marketa Vondrousova in the Abu Dhabi Open, highlighting the challenges faced by the British tennis player. Full Article