NEW YORK (AP) — One of Neil Gaiman’s publishers has dropped him as the British author faces multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment. And his name is not on the website of the agency which has for years handled his speaking appearances.
Dark Horse Comics announced on X last weekend that it would no longer release its illustrated series based on Gaiman’s novel, “Anansi Boys.” The seventh of eight planned editions came out earlier this month.
“Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works,” reads the statement from Dark Horse, which still includes Gaiman’s books on its website.
Allegations against Gaiman, known for such bestsellers as “Coraline” and “The Sandman” series, first emerged last summer on a Tortoise Media podcast. After a lengthy New York Magazine article in January included allegations from eight women of assault, abuse and coercion, Gaiman responded with a blog post, denying any wrongdoing.
“Like most of us, I’m learning, and I’m trying to do the work needed, and I know that that’s not an overnight process,” he wrote. “At the same time, as I reflect on my past – and as I re-review everything that actually happened as opposed to what is being alleged – I don’t accept there was any abuse.”
Gaiman’s office and his literary agent did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday.
Gaiman has worked with numerous publishers over the years. Two of them, HarperCollins and W.W. Norton, have said they have no plans to release his books in the future. Others, including Bloomsbury, have so far declined comment.
Gaiman still lists the Stephen Barclay Agency on his website as a contact for personal appearances, but his name doesn’t appear on the agency’s client list. Barclay did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Disney has paused a planned adaptation of Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book,” while Netflix is still scheduled to release a second season based on “The Sandman.”
In a shocking turn of events, renowned author Neil Gaiman has been accused of multiple counts of sexual abuse and misconduct. As a result, Dark Horse Comics, one of the publishers that has collaborated with Gaiman on various projects, has decided to sever ties with the acclaimed writer.
The allegations against Gaiman have sent shockwaves through the literary community, with many fans and colleagues expressing their disbelief and disappointment. Dark Horse Comics, known for publishing Gaiman’s popular works such as “The Sandman” and “American Gods,” has released a statement condemning the alleged behavior and stating that they will no longer be working with him in any capacity.
This news has left many wondering about the future of Gaiman’s career and legacy, as well as the impact these allegations will have on his body of work. As more details emerge and the story develops, it is clear that this is a situation that will have far-reaching implications for both Gaiman and the industry as a whole.
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Neil Gaiman, sexual abuse allegations, Dark Horse Comics, Neil Gaiman controversy, Neil Gaiman news, #MeToo movement, author scandal, Dark Horse Comics statement, cancel culture, celebrity misconduct, #BelieveSurvivors
Seven years ago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Bruce Rauner invited dignitaries to a 62-acre plot of land in the South Loop and offered a bold promise: The long-vacant property would be transformed, with a high-tech research facility that would give a massive economic boost to the city of Chicago.
The University of Illinois would operate the proposed $285 million facility, dubbed the Discovery Partners Institute. It would sit on an acre south of Roosevelt Road along the east bank of the Chicago River donated by the property owner, Nadhmi Shakir Auchi, an Iraqi British billionaire who has long been denied entry to the United States as a result of past criminal convictions.
But the university pulled the plug in October on the planned research hub at the sprawling site that has sat vacant for decades and is now being marketed as The 78. The U. of I. said it would turn its vision to the south and become part of a quantum computing research park that Gov. JB Pritzker wants to build on a vacant, 300-acre site at East 79th Street and South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, once occupied by U.S. Steel.
That decision means Illinois taxpayers are now out of more than $30 million, records obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times show.
And the losses for taxpayers still could grow, sources say, to $40 million.
“I think it’s about right,” says Deba Dutta, interim executive director of the Discovery Partners Institute.
Then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel shakes then-Gov. Bruce Rauner’s hand in 2017 after speaking about plans for the The 78, a long-vacant, 62-acre site just south of Roosevelt Road. The University of Illinois’ propoed Discovery Partners Institute was supposed to be part of that proposed development.
The University of Illinois spent $1.3 million on the project, records show, and the Illinois Capital Development Board — the state’s construction management agency — spent $30.8 million.
Here’s a breakdown of those expenses:
$19,937,199 went to Jacobs Consultants, which designed a 261,000-square-foot building that was to have served as the Discovery Partners headquarters.
$5,545,220 went to Clark Construction Group, which had a contract that ultimately was supposed to be worth $196 million.
$5,316,798 went to Turner-Descoto-Powers & Sons-Cullen Joint Venture, which had a $14 million contract for construction management services. That included payments to its subcontractors.
And $75,225 went to Johnson Lasky Kindelin Architect Inc.
The DPI project is part of a multimillion-dollar state initiative to build innovation centers at public universities statewide and bring more people into technological and scientific research. The hope is that they put their degrees to work in Illinois rather than elsewhere.
The DPI project was still going forward last summer as two pro sports teams — baseball’s White Sox and soccer’s Fire — were looking to build their own, separate stadiums on Auchi’s land. The current status of those stadium plans is unclear.
Dutta says it’s possible that the work the companies did on that proposal might still be able to be used to build on the Far South Side site of the planned Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.
Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks last July at the former U.S. Steel South Works site about plans for a new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park for the property.
“What we will do at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronic Park has not been determined yet,” Dutta says. “It’s our hope that some of the designs will be transferred over.”
Dutta says the university’s decision to switch its focus to the quantum park came as construction costs continued to rise in the Loop, where there is an abundance of empty office space in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discovery Partners plans to continue operating from the office space it’s been using at 200 S. Wacker Drive while the university searches for a cheaper deal on office space.
“We did run this by the governor’s office, and they were supportive of this plan,” Dutta says. “It’s good for the state. It’s good for taxpayer dollars.”
Pritzker’s office says in a written statement: “The decision by the University of Illinois’ Discovery Partners Institute to expand their focus to include the IQMP is aligned with Governor Pritzker’s vision to make Illinois a global hub for the future of quantum computing and create opportunities for Illinoisans. DPI’s ascendance, in addition to the global shifts in the world’s technological landscape, has created a once in a generation opportunity for growth while simultaneously allowing us to maintain our commitment to creating a sustainable, equitable economic landscape in the state of Illinois.”
It’s unclear how the university’s decision will affect Related Midwest’s efforts to develop Auchi’s property, which he bought from then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s former political fixer Tony Rezko, who was convicted in 2008 of corruption-related charges and sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison.
Curt Bailey, Related Midwest’s president, didn’t respond to messages seeking comment.
His company also is working with the Pritzker administration to develop the quantum computing park on the Far South Side.
When Dutta texted Bailey on Oct. 17 about the university’s decision to walk away from the Auchi property and switch its plans to Pritzker’s proposed quantum park, Bailey’s main concern seemed to be about regaining control of the acre in the South Loop.
“I need the email telling me I’m getting the property back asap,” Bailey wrote Dutta in an Oct. 17 text message the Sun-Times obtained from U. of I. under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. “Let me know who I need to call to get that done (Gov, etc.).”
Dutta responded that he was looking into returning the property to Related Midwest.
“No need to call anyone. Back to you soon,” he wrote.
Three months after Bailey sent his text, the university still holds the deed to the property, according to records filed with the Cook County clerk’s office.
Illinois taxpayers left on the hook for over $30 million after a dropped project in Chicago’s South Loop.
A failed development project in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago has left taxpayers in Illinois footing the bill for over $30 million. The project, which was supposed to bring a mix of residential and commercial spaces to the area, was abruptly dropped by the developer, leaving behind a trail of unpaid bills and unfinished construction.
This massive loss of taxpayer money highlights the risks associated with public-private partnerships and the need for greater oversight and accountability in such projects. The failure of this project is a stark reminder of the importance of thorough due diligence and careful planning when it comes to large-scale development initiatives.
As taxpayers in Illinois grapple with the fallout of this failed project, questions are being raised about how such a costly mistake was allowed to happen and what steps can be taken to prevent similar situations in the future. One thing is clear: the residents of Illinois deserve better stewardship of their hard-earned tax dollars.
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Credit: Hulu
My wife and I don’t watch a ton of television. Usually, we’ll wait to hear if a show is any good before we dive in, because we’ve wasted time on shows that are slow to develop, or end up going nowhere before being canceled. This is why we haven’t started Severance yet (though reactions to Season 2 have moved the show up our Must Watch list), and were late to hit programs such as Only Murders in the Building, Hacks, Shogun, and the brilliant The Bear, which we binged in a weekend ahead of The Bear Season 3. That show’s incredible. But for work-related responsibilities, I had to check out Dan Fogelman’s upcoming series Paradise, available on Hulu, and friends? This has become my new obsession… and it can be yours starting right now!
Paradisereunites Dan Fogelman with his award-winning This is Us star Sterling K. Brown for a completely different experiment that’s equally tense, emotional, and character-driven at its core. Brown plays Xavier Collins, lead Secret Service security agent for the U.S. President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) during a cataclysmic event. But in the opening moments of Paradise Episode 1, titled “Wildcat Is Down,” Collins discovers that the President has been murdered in the Oval Office, and is tasked with figuring out who might have been able to pull off such a feat.
Now, the good news. Paradise was meant to drop its first three episodes on Tuesday, January 28. But based on the overwhelmingly positive early reviews, the first episode was posted to both Hulu and Disney+, meaning you can start watching it now as long as you have a subscription. I would advise you to press play as soon as physically possible, because Paradise is the best show on streaming at the moment, and the season only gets better and better as it unfolds.
Credit: Hulu
I rewatched Paradise Episode 1 before writing this, so as not to reveal anything too delicious in this reaction piece. Similar to This Is Us, Paradiseskips around the timeline to tell stories of its characters at different points of their lives. Especially President Cal Bradford, who is killed in the opener, though Marsden gets plenty of material in which to sink his teeth as Paradise explains who killed Bradford, and why. And again, like This Is Us, you stay with the story because you quickly grow to love the characters. Dan Fogelman wrote Paradise Episode 1, and co-wrote Episode 2. There is a lot of world-building happening in these early stories, with a lot of it focused on Collins and Bradford’s relationship. But when I tell you that Episode 1 is merely the tip of this iceberg, you are going to have to trust me until Episodes 2 and 3 arrive on January 28.
It’s hard to tell you why I love Paradise without giving away specific details. So I’ll leave you with this. The eight-episode season never loses steam on its magnificent writing, keeping a tight grip on a very taut premise. It features career-best work by Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden – who evolves in ways you can not expect as the season goes on. And while this is a terrible thing to tease, because you will have to wait to see what I mean, remember this when I tell you that Paradise Episode 7, “The Day,” is one of the greatest episodes of television I have ever seen.
It’s that good.
If you have Hulu or Disney+, watch Paradise Episode 1 as soon as you can. Get on board with this show early, because it’s all people will be talking about in a few weeks, when the mesmerizing plot starts to unfold.
I’m Obsessed With Sterling K. Brown’s Paradise, And Episode 1 Dropped Early On Two Streaming Services
If you’re a fan of Sterling K. Brown, then you’re in for a treat! The highly anticipated new series, Paradise, starring the Emmy-winning actor, has just dropped its first episode early on two streaming services.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been eagerly awaiting the premiere of Paradise ever since it was announced. And let me tell you, the first episode did not disappoint. From the captivating storyline to the stellar performances, this show is already shaping up to be a must-watch.
Sterling K. Brown’s portrayal of the enigmatic lead character is nothing short of mesmerizing. His range as an actor never fails to impress, and in Paradise, he truly shines. The chemistry between him and the rest of the cast is palpable, making for a truly engaging viewing experience.
But what really sets Paradise apart is its unique premise. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where survivors must navigate a dangerous new reality, the show offers a fresh take on the genre. With twists and turns at every corner, it’s impossible to predict what will happen next.
So, if you’re looking for your next binge-worthy series, look no further than Paradise. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of Sterling K. Brown and the rest of the talented cast. And with the first episode already available on two streaming services, there’s no reason not to dive in right away. Happy watching!
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Sterling K. Brown, Paradise, Episode 1, Streaming Services, Early Release, TV Show, Drama, Actor, Emmy Winner, This Is Us, Entertainment, Review, Recap, Plot, Characters, Cast, Premiere
In a post on X Friday night, the publisher wrote: “Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works. Confirming that the ‘Anansi Boys’ comic series and collected volume have been canceled.”
Gaiman denied the allegations brought forth in the Jan. 13 story, writing on his blog the next day: “I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.” Representatives for Gaiman did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment regarding Dark Horse Comics’ statement.
Amazon’s TV adaptation of “Anansi Boys,” which is expected to release this year, had not been affected by the allegations at the time of the NY Mag story. Variety has reached out to Amazon for further comment.
Back in July, Tortoise Media broke the news that Gaiman had been accused of sexual assault by two women and released a six-part podcast, “Master,” which covered the allegations of five women. However, the NY Mag article amplified the story as the first major news organization to corroborate the full extent of the allegations against Gaiman.
In the NY Mag piece, titled “There Is No Safe Word,” reporter Lila Shapiro spoke to eight women who had similar experiences with Gaiman, four of which also participated in Tortoise’s podcast. They accusers that spoke to NY Mag included a babysitter for Gaiman and his ex-wife Amanda Palmer’s child, a caretaker for Gaiman’s property in Woodstock, N.Y., a fan who first met the author when she was 18 and a woman who alleged he attempted to sexually assault her on his tour bus. Many of the women alleged that Gaiman had a preference for rough sex and BDSM activities that had not been consented to beforehand.
In his statement, Gaiman expressed regret for how he’s handled some relationships, writing that “I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available, self-focused and not as thoughtful as I could or should have been.” However, he denied any allegations of sexual assault, saying “I’m not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I can’t accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didn’t do.”
Since Tortoise’s bombshell report in July, several of Gaiman’s film and TV projects have been affected. Season 3 of Prime Video’s “Good Omens” will now end with one 90-minute episode, with Gaiman not part of the production. Disney paused production on its film adaptation of “The Graveyard Book” and Netflix canceled “Dead Boy Detectives,” though it’s unclear if it was related to the allegations. “The Sandman” Season 2 is still expected to release this year on Netflix.
In light of recent allegations of sexual assault against renowned author Neil Gaiman, Dark Horse Comics has made the decision to cut ties with him. The publisher released a statement expressing their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all employees and collaborators.
Gaiman, known for his works such as “Sandman” and “American Gods,” has denied the allegations made against him. However, Dark Horse Comics has stated that they take these claims seriously and will no longer be working with him on any future projects.
This news has sent shockwaves through the literary community, as Gaiman has long been a beloved figure in the industry. It serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or reputation.
As the story continues to unfold, it is important to listen to and support survivors of sexual assault, and to take allegations seriously in order to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
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Neil Gaiman, Dark Horse Comics, sexual assault claims, controversy, author, graphic novels, comics, publisher, allegations, #MeToo movement, industry news
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at on January 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Thiago Motta explains why he starts Randal Kolo Muani on his debut and drops Dusan Vlahovic as Juventus visit Napoli. ‘He is a player we had been looking for, Vlahovic reacted very well.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 GMT.
There had been suggestions he might take this action, but it is still a surprise to see Randal Kolo Muani make his debut in the starting XI for Juventus just days after completing his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain with Dusan Vlahovic on the bench.
“Randal is a player we had been looking for, who can give us a lot of movement, not allow the opposition defenders any reference points,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.
“When defending, he has important duties today to ensure Napoli cannot pass the ball around cleanly in areas that can cause us problems.”
Is Kolo Muani going to be playing as the centre-forward or a winger today with Nico Gonzalez taking the False 9 position?
“The strikers have all the freedom to change places, as Nico, Kenan and Kolo Muani can all play as wingers or as centre-forwards, so they know what to do in any position.”
Thiago Motta denies Vlahovic tension at Juventus
Randal Kolo Muani holds up his Juventus shirt after the official announcement of his signing from PSG. (Picture via www.juventus.com/it)
The DAZN crew tried to find a diplomatic way of asking if Vlahovic was upset at effectively being dropped for one of the biggest games of the season.
“Vlahovic reacted very well, he is a very positive leader in this squad,” assured Motta.
“He is coming back from a small injury, he helped the team a great deal and knows he can be a very important choice off the bench to give us different characteristics in the second half to maintain or even raise the level over the 95 minutes.”
This was meant to be a Scudetto showdown, but there are a whopping 13 points separating Juve from leaders Napoli going into this Week 22 fixture.
Kolo Muani: The Player Juventus Were Looking For
As Week 22 of the Serie A season unfolded, all eyes were on Fiorentina’s striker, Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian sensation had been on fire throughout the season, attracting interest from top clubs across Europe, including Juventus. However, in a surprising turn of events, Vlahovic failed to impress in the latest round of matches, leaving many fans and pundits questioning his ability to perform consistently at the highest level.
Amidst Vlahovic’s underwhelming performance, another player caught the attention of Juventus scouts – Kolo Muani. The Nantes forward has been in impressive form this season, showcasing his speed, skill, and eye for goal. Muani’s ability to play across the front line and create chances for his teammates has drawn comparisons to some of the top strikers in the game.
With Vlahovic’s stock falling and Muani’s rising, could Juventus shift their focus to the talented Frenchman as they look to bolster their attacking options? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Kolo Muani is a player to watch in the coming weeks and months.
Whenever game show contestants make wildly bad guesses or manage to lose out after coming so close to winning, it’s not so uncommon for viewers to play armchair quarterback while yelling any number of NSFW comments at the TV. Less common, however, are such exclamations from those heading up the game shows themselves. But that hasn’t stopped some Wheel of Fortune fans from thinking Vanna White dropped an F-bomb on the air.
Understandably, the moment in question didn’t take place during the usual in-studio portion of Wheel of Fortune’s episode filming. (I can only imagine if Vanna responded to a contestant’s request to buy an E with “Fuck no, you can’t.”) After the winning contestant walked away from the Bonus Round with a brand new vehicle, Seacrest cued up a pretaped clip from a ski trip to Park City the co-stars took together. Although calling it a “ski trip” implies both successfully traversed a slope or two, and that definitely wasn’t the case.
Seacrest facetiously claimed that White “panicked” after he took a wrong turn, and in the video we see, the radio host’s wrong turn happened almost immediately after he tried to confidently push himself forward. And it’s indeed how White reacts that plays into viewers’ hearing more mature language than what game shows usually offer up. Here’s the exchange:
RYAN: All right, thanks for watching from this winter wonderland. See you next time on Wheel of Fortune!
VANNA: Bye! Oooh! [QUESTIONABLE]
RYAN [now laid out facefirst in the snow]: Too big of a slope for me.
VANNA: I’m gonna go help Ryan. Bye-bye!
It’s a goofy bit, though I genuinely bought into the notion that Vanna White was not comfortable with the idea of zipping around snowy mountains with skis attached. I can also buy into the belief that Vanna would be the most fashionable person standing on any mountain at any given time, but that’s beside the point.
Soon after the episode aired, one fan took to Reddit to see if they were alone in assuming that Vanna exclaimed “Fuck!” after seeing Seacrest tumble. As the OP wrote in the comments of the post:
I swear she says the F word! . . . I keep trying to give her the benefit of the doubt that maybe she said duck lol NOPE!
To that Redditor’s credit, the audio from the recorded video in the post sounds tinny and sharp enough that it does actually sound like an F-bomb, even if it wasn’t muttered under her breath as it probably would have been had she accidentally cursed on TV.
But it almost definitely was not “fuck” that spewed forth from the co-host’s mouth. When rewatching the episode with my YouTube TV subscription, I put the closed captions on, and it confirmed my belief that all she said there was “Look!” since the camera goes to Seacrest right after she says it.
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And I think we can all agree on how unlikely it is that an episode taped and edited far in advance of airing would have left an F-bomb in there untouched. I can’t even imagine a world where a bleeped-out version of that moment would air, and can only assume it would have been re-recorded if Vanna did indeed let one slip.
Snowy weather doesn’t need to enter into the picture for Ryan Seacrest to take a random tumble in front of Wheel of Fortune viewers. In the same week that his ski stumble happened, the esteemed host also lost his footing on the set itself thanks to an overly joyous contestant.
After the winner hugged and grabbed onto Seacrest in the midst of leaping up and down, he let go at just the wrong moment, sending the American Idol emcee down for a quick count. Hopefully he’ll manage to stay upright for the remainder of episodes airing this week.
Fans of the long-running game show Wheel of Fortune were left shocked and confused during a recent episode when they believe they heard host Vanna White drop an F-bomb.
During a tense moment in the game, White appeared to mutter the expletive under her breath before quickly composing herself and continuing with the show. The unexpected slip-up left viewers wondering if White had indeed let out a curse word on live television.
While some fans were quick to dismiss the incident as a simple misinterpretation, others took to social media to express their shock and amusement at the possible slip of the tongue. Many fans pointed out that White’s quick recovery and professionalism after the moment suggested that it may have been an innocent mistake.
Regardless of whether or not White actually dropped an F-bomb, the incident has certainly sparked a conversation among fans of the show. Only time will tell if White addresses the moment publicly or if it will remain a mysterious blip in Wheel of Fortune history.
Both sides announced their playing XIs on the eve of the match – the hosts doing so first, naming just one specialist pacer as well as a debutant opening batter in the lineup.
In a series which is set to have no bearing on the World Test Championship final, West Indies have also handed debuts to two players – batter Tevin Imlach and wicketkeeper Amir Jangoo.
West Indies drop vice-captain Joshua da Silva
Jangoo has come into the playing XI to replace Joshua da Silva, West Indies’ incumbent gloveman and current vice-captain of the Test team. In fact, this marks the first time that da Silva will miss a Test match since he debuted at Wellington in December 2020 – a run of 33 consecutive games.
The 26-year-old da Silva had made a solid start to his Test career with four 40-plus scores in his first six innings, batting primarily at No.7 and No.8. However, his form dipped soon after, with six single-digit scores in his next 10 innings.
da Silva scored 82* and 49 in consecutive Tests against England last summer, but has since scored just 92 runs in nine innings, averaging 11.5 with the bat in a lineup which is a tad unreliable at best.
His overall first-class record is not exceptional – 1909 runs at an average of 34.1 – but in the last calendar year he scored exactly 500 runs at an average of 100 on the dot. The standout knock was a double century (218) from No.5 in April which helped take T&T from 103-3 to 591-7. Coincidentally, da Silva also batted in that innings, scoring 79 from No.7.
Between his recent good form in not just one but two formats, and the promise Jangoo has shown at the international level, West Indies have little to lose and much to gain by selecting him ahead of a wicketkeeper who is currently in a slump.
Playing XIs: Pakistan v West Indies, first Test
Pakistan
Shan Masood (c), Mohammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed.
In a surprising move, the West Indies cricket team has decided to drop their Test vice-captain for an upcoming series against Pakistan in favor of a debutant. This decision has raised eyebrows among fans and experts alike, so let’s delve into why the team has made this bold move.
The West Indies management has cited a need for fresh blood and a change in leadership dynamic as the primary reasons for dropping the vice-captain. The team is looking to inject new energy into the squad and provide opportunities for promising young players to make their mark on the international stage.
Additionally, the management believes that the debutant has shown exceptional talent and potential during practice sessions and warm-up games leading up to the series. They see this as an opportunity to test the player’s abilities in a high-pressure environment and potentially groom them for a leadership role in the future.
While it may be a risky decision to replace an experienced vice-captain with a debutant, the West Indies team is looking to shake things up and take a bold step towards building a competitive squad for the future. Only time will tell if this decision pays off, but one thing is for sure – fans will be eagerly watching to see how the debutant performs in their first Test match against Pakistan.
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West Indies cricket, Test cricket, West Indies cricket team, West Indies Test team, West Indies vice-captain, West Indies debutant, West Indies cricket news, PAK v WI, West Indies player selection
Will one-time Boston Celtics All-Star center Kristpas Porzingis suit up for the first time since Christmas on Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks?
Porzingis and three-time All-Star small forward Jaylen Brown were both listed as questionable to suit up earlier on Friday. Former five-time All-Star big man Al Horford, who jumped at center for Porzingis during Boston’s 118-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, has been ruled out — perhaps an unsurprising decision for Boston when it comes to managing the health of a 38-year-old on the second night of a back-to-back.
The 7-foot-2 big man, along with six-time All-Defensive Team guard Jrue Holiday, was the critical final piece that put Boston over the top in 2023-24. The team had made the NBA Finals and Eastern Conference Finals in 2022 and 2023, but hadn’t actually won a championship since its 2007-08 iteration — led by future Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen — bested the Los Angeles Lakers. Adding a rim protecting big man with Porzingis’ scoring versatility was something of a coup for Boston. But his health history made him a risky proposition.
And to be fair, the 29-year-old has missed significant time.
Last season, Porzingis appeared in just 57 games for the 64-18 Celtics with various maladies, then quickly got hurt again in the playoffs. He ultimately appeared in just seven of Boston’s 19 postseason games, starting four, while a healthy Horford bore the brunt of center duties.
This year, Porzingis missed Boston’s first 17 games while recuperating from an offseason surgery. He sprained his left ankle midway through an eventual 118-114 home upset to the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day last week, and has been on the shelf ever since. Boston, one of the best teams in the league with a very talented top eight, has gone 18-4 in its games played without him this year.
Still, against the Atlanta Hawks’ center tandem of Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu (both of whom are healthy), the Celtics could use as much help as they can get. The team will need to lean on Neemias Queta, its third-string center, either way. He backed up Horford pretty effectively on Thursday, scoring eight points on 4-of-5 shooting and grabbing five rebounds in 22 minutes.
Now, Porzingis’ official status has been confirmed for this contest. He is slated to play in this game.
The Boston Celtics are set to take on the Houston Rockets, but all eyes are on the injury report to see if Kristaps Porzingis will be able to play. The latest update just dropped, so let’s take a look at the status of the star player.
Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that Kristaps Porzingis will not be suiting up for the game against the Rockets. The Celtics will have to find a way to win without one of their key players on the court.
This news is definitely disappointing for Celtics fans, as Porzingis has been a key contributor to the team’s success this season. However, injuries are a part of the game, and the Celtics will need to rely on their depth to fill the void left by Porzingis.
Despite this setback, the Celtics are still a formidable team and have the talent to compete with the Rockets. It will be interesting to see how they adjust their game plan without Porzingis in the lineup.
So, will Kristaps Porzingis play? The answer is no, but the Celtics will look to step up in his absence and secure a win against the Rockets. Stay tuned for more updates on this matchup.
India vs Australia 5th Test Day 1 LIVE Score: Jasprit Bumrah has said that Rohit Sharma “opted to rest” in Sydney
India vs Australia 5th Test Day 1 LIVE Score: Rohit Sharma is sitting out and Jasprit Bumrah is captain again as India won the toss and chose to bat first at the Sydney Cricket Ground ahead of the fifth Test against Australia.The fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, beginning Friday in Sydney, has preceded significant controversy surrounding the Indian camp, with mounting speculation that the out-of-form Rohit Sharma will be dropped due to his poor performances. As the Indian team battles a series of challenges both on and off the field, all eyes will be on head coach Gautam Gambhir’s handling of the situation, especially after he left the question of whether Rohit would feature in the playing XI unanswered at Thursday’s pre-match press conference.…Read More
Rohit, who has mustered just 31 runs from five innings in this series at an average of 6.2, has come under intense scrutiny. His dismal run of form comes on the back of questionable decision-making as captain, as India trail the series 1-2. “We will take a call on the playing XI after looking at the pitch,” Gambhir had said when asked about Rohit’s inclusion in the XI for the Sydney Test. If Rohit doesn’t play at the SCG, he would become the first Indian captain to be dropped due to poor form.
As per reports, Rohit’s lack of runs makes it likely that India could turn to Shubman Gill, who may return to the side in place of the Indian captain at No. 3. The team’s performance woes are not limited to Rohit, though. Another significant issue has been Rishabh Pant’s shot selection, which has reportedly drawn scathing criticism from Gambhir.
Pant’s questionable form in the series, combined with his inability to capitalize on crucial moments, has seen him become a target for Gambhir’s wrath. Reports suggest that Gambhir had an “honest conversation” with the players post-India’s heavy loss in Melbourne.
Amid all this turmoil, one thing is clear: the Indian team is in transition. Under head coach Gambhir’s leadership, the focus has shifted firmly towards performance, with senior players no longer guaranteed a spot. His no-nonsense approach has certainly created some tension in the dressing room, especially with key figures like Rohit Sharma; an Indian Express report had also revealed earlier this week that another unnamed senior player of the team was ready to step in as ‘interim captain’ to succeed Rohit, following the side’s poor performances.
While some, like Bumrah, have shown resilience and class, others, including Pant and even Virat Kohli, have failed to rise to the occasion in critical moments. The situation is further complicated by reports of disharmony within the team, with tensions potentially affecting the morale and performance of players ahead of this crucial match.
With the World Test Championship (WTC) final within reach, the pressure on India has intensified. A loss to Australia in this final Test will not only see India lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy; it will also all but end their chances of qualifying for the WTC final at Lord’s. India currently require a win and hope that Sri Lanka win both of their Tests against Australia in order to retain a chance of a top-two finish in the WTC table. With Australia firmly in control of the series, India has it all to do.
While India faces internal strife, Australia are emerging as a much stronger force, especially with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne regaining form. The Australian team will also hand a debut to all-rounder Beau Webster, who replaces Mitchell Marsh after the latter’s lackluster performances with the bat.
In addition, Mitchell Starc has been cleared to play after recovering from his back injury, adding further firepower to Australia’s bowling attack. The Sydney pitch is expected to favour seamers, with Australia’s fast-bowling unit keen to exploit every opportunity.
Despite the Australian team’s dominance, India will take heart from the fact that Jasprit Bumrah, their own pace spearhead, has been in outstanding form. With 30 wickets in the series at a sub-20 average, Bumrah has been India’s standout performer and could be a key figure in India’s push for a series-levelling win. Bumrah could also lead the team as captain if Rohit Sharma is dropped, and his leadership in Perth, which saw India’s only victory in the series so far, may give India the upper hand.
As the final Test approaches, India find themselves at a crossroads. The team’s transition, under the eye of head coach Gautam Gambhir, is one filled with uncertainty. Rohit Sharma’s potential exit from the team, coupled with the growing pressure on other senior members of the side, has certainly stirred some drama in the dressing room. India has everything to lose in Sydney, and how they respond to these challenges will shape their future in Test cricket in the months to come.
Here are some pointers to Day 1 of India vs Australia fifth Test:
– Jasprit Bumrah is captaining India again, with Rohit Sharma sitting out
– India won the toss and chose to bat first
– Shubman Gill returns to the No.3 spot while Prasidh Krishna replaces the injured Akash Deep
India vs Australia 5th Test Day 1 LIVE Score: KL Rahul opens again after Rohit Sharma dropped, IND win toss and bat
In a surprising turn of events, KL Rahul has been given the opportunity to open the innings once again as Rohit Sharma has been dropped from the playing XI. India has won the toss and elected to bat first in the fifth and final Test match against Australia.
The Indian team will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance in the previous Test match, where they were bowled out for a paltry total in their second innings. With the series level at 1-1, both teams will be aiming to finish on a high note.
Stay tuned for live updates and commentary as the action unfolds on Day 1 of the fifth Test match between India and Australia. Let’s hope for an exciting and competitive match between these two powerhouse teams. #INDvsAUS #TestCricket #Day1
“He’s totally understanding. I think his words were ‘not necessarily blindsided’ – he knows he hasn’t scored the runs or taken the wickets he would’ve liked, so that makes you vulnerable. [I’m] really excited for Beau. The first thing [Marsh] said was, ‘I can’t wait to see Beau out there and give it a crack’.”
Webster, who will bat at No.6, has been one of the best players in the Sheffield Shield and can bowl both pace and off-spin if required.
From 93 first-class matches, Webster averages 37.83 with the bat and 37.39 with the ball.
Sam Konstas (left), Sean Abbott and Beau Webster pose for a photo before the MCG Test.Credit: Paul Jeffers
“I don’t think I’d be standing here if I was still wheeling out the off-spinners. It’s a part of my game I’ve been really proud to develop in the last four years,” Webster said of his decision to switch to seam bowling for Tasmania. “It’s taken a lot of hard work early doors from being sore at the start and trying to get my body used to bowling a few overs here and there and then bowling lots more.
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“Now it feels like it’s as important as my batting game and they go hand-in-hand if you’re struggling with the bat you can still contribute with the ball and vice versa.
“I’ve bowled anywhere from 25 in a day to 40-plus in a game. I don’t think my body’s restricted me in any way so far in the fast bowling department. I don’t hit the crease as hard as the big fast bowlers, but I can bowl long spells and have done for Tasmania. If they’re ever required for the national team I’d be more than happy to take it up.”
“That was definitely a factor,” Cummins said of Webster’s durability with the ball. “Short turnaround, it’s always nice to have a fifth bowler that perhaps bowls quite a lot for Tasmania, so if we need to call on that we can.
“If you’re going to bat six you’re picked for your batting, which we’ve seen in Sheffield Shield the last couple of years when he takes the game on he’s really changed some games for Tasmania. But particularly that pace bowling is going to be handy.
“[Marsh] was in the side this summer for being a top six batter, so that’s generally a guiding principle when you pick the top order. When he’s at his best he gets into the side on his batting alone and his bowling is a bonus. We’ve got guys like Cam Green, who will be back in the mix at some point as well, who provide some other bowling options.”
Australian XI for SCG Test: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
In a surprising move, Australian all-rounder Mitch Marsh has been dropped from the squad for the fifth Test against India at the SCG. The decision comes after Marsh failed to make an impact in the previous matches, with selectors opting to give Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster the opportunity to make his debut in Sydney.
Marsh’s exclusion from the team is a bold move by the selectors, as he has been a regular member of the Australian squad in recent years. However, his recent performances have not been up to par, leading to his omission from the playing XI.
On the other hand, Beau Webster has been in fine form for Tasmania in domestic cricket, showcasing his ability with both bat and ball. His selection for the final Test against India is a reward for his consistent performances and hard work.
It will be interesting to see how Webster performs in his debut Test match and if he can make an impact against a strong Indian side. The pressure will be on him to deliver, but he has the skills and talent to succeed at the international level.
Overall, this decision highlights the competitive nature of Australian cricket and the need for players to perform consistently to retain their spot in the team. It will be a test of character for both Marsh and Webster, but ultimately, only time will tell if this change pays off for the Australian team.
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Mitch Marsh dropped from fifth Test against India
Beau Webster to debut in fifth Test at SCG
Australia drops Mitch Marsh, selects Beau Webster for Test match
SCG Test: Mitch Marsh out, Beau Webster in
Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster set for Test debut in Sydney
Mitch Marsh omitted from fifth Test, Beau Webster to make debut
Australia’s lineup change for fifth Test against India at SCG
Mitch Marsh sidelined, Beau Webster called up for Test match
SCG Test lineup update: Mitch Marsh dropped, Beau Webster in
Beau Webster to replace Mitch Marsh in fifth Test against India
