You're not surprised, are you?

You're not surprised that an attack that couldn't dismiss Steve Smith in the last Ashes can't dismiss him now. And you're not surprised that a side that has now failed to make 250 seven times in 11 innings cannot bat through an entire day. You're not surprised that a man chosen to open in Test cricket on the basis of his aggressive batting in one-day cricket was dismissed trying to hit his way out of trouble. And you're not surprised that a man who averages 64.65 with the ball against this opposition could not bowl them out.

The most depressing aspect of this performance, from an England perspective, is that so little of it was surprising. From their batsmen struggling against spin to their bowlers struggling against Smith, the fact is an Australia side with a flawed top-order defeated them at their 'fortress' by a crushing margin. Apart from the noise of Australian supporters crowing at Edgbaston at the end of the match - and why wouldn't they; they'd been goaded for several days - the other noise, figuratively at least, was the sound of chickens coming home to roost.

For England were punished here for their prioritisation of limited-overs cricket, their over-emphasis on aggression as the preferred method with the bat and a long-standing weakness in both bowling and playing spin. And if you don't produce such bowling at domestic level, you hardly give your developing batsmen a chance to learn to play it. But you know this already. Everyone knows it.

England were, to some extent, unfortunate at Edgbaston. Losing James Anderson within the first half-hour of the game was a significant blow. Had he been available it would, at least, have been more difficult for Australia to recover from 122 for 8 on the first day.

But Anderson's injury doesn't excuse their batsmen. And the fact is England now have a long and grim record of struggling with the bat. This is a team that, this year, has been bowled out for 77 by West Indies, for 85 by Ireland and for 132, 187 and now 146 at other times. There should be nothing surprising in another failure with the bat.

ALSO READ: Dobell: Four problems England must fix

It is a long time since a batsman - a specialist batsman, anyway - has come into the England Test side and shone. Gary Ballance promised to do so for a while but then fell away. Meaning that Joe Root, who made his debut in 2012, is the last to do so. While such a judgement may seem harsh on Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes, the reality is they average 34.56, 35.70 and 33.76 respectively. By the high standards of Test cricket, that is modest. And it doesn't reflect at all well on the coaching systems or pathways.

The mentality and vocabulary of English cricket has been lacking for several years. So while Smith has shown the value of grafting and determination, England continue to talk of "putting the pressure" back on the bowler by hitting them off their lengths or out of the attack. So Jason Roy deserves little criticism for his dismissal, as ugly as it looked, as he was batting in the style for which he was selected. Asking him to fulfil such a specialist position as opening batsman is recklessly optimistic.

Consider Joe Denly's innings here. He was beaten by his first two balls from Nathan Lyon; the first resulting in an appeal for a caught behind down the leg-side and the second seeing the ball squeeze between bat and pad and just miss the stumps.

And how did Denly respond? He swept the next two balls for four. They were fine shots, too, and Edgbaston applauded them. But Australia knew they had their man. They knew he was sweeping because he couldn't defend and, within a few minutes, he was gone. For the grim truth is that England have produced a generation of batsmen that don't appear to trust their defensive techniques. Think of Ben Duckett struggling against spin or Keaton Jennings reverse-sweeping because he reasoned it was safer than defending. None of this is new; none of it is a surprise.

But it's not just technical. Smith is probably not - at least in terms of hand-eye coordination - any more talented than Buttler or Root. But he seems to value his wicket more dearly. He seems to understand that pressure can be put on the opposition simply by keeping them in the field for session after session. And he seems to find a little more determination as a result. It looked here, as it did in Brisbane, as if Smith wanted it more than anyone else on either side. That, combined with his talent, is a strong combination.

England had hoped that the usage of a specific Dukes ball - the 2018 version utilised with such success in last summer's Test series against India - would act as a leveller. In particular, they hoped it would assist their fast-medium bowlers on easy-paced pitches.

The evidence to date suggests it will not do so. While there was seam movement for both attacks, there was little swing. And if England cannot get the ball to swing, their attack - at least the attack that played here - is out-gunned by their Australian counterparts. For the uncomfortable reality of the situation is that on quick, on flat, or on turning surfaces, Australia appear to have the stronger game. Hoping to utilise a specific ball tailored to their strengths was a reasonable ploy from England, but it was only ever going to mask the inherent weaknesses within their game.

If they really want to improve, they have to mend the domestic structure that has hindered the development of fast and spin bowlers and, as a consequence, hindered the development of batsmen. It is telling that the two leading wicket-takers in Division One of the County Championship are overseas (or Kolpak) spinners. In all, six of the top 10 leading wicket-takers in that division are overseas (or Kolpak) players; it does not reflect well on a domestic system that has been allowed to suffer for short-term commercial interests.

Two changes seem likely ahead of Lord's. Jofra Archer will, fitness permitting, come into the side for the injured James Anderson and Jack Leach will, almost certainly, come into the side in place of Moeen Ali. If Archer is unfit, Olly Stone may be the replacement instead.

But it would be a surprise if England made more than two changes. Not because they shouldn't, but because they will be concerned it would hint at panic. And panic won't help anything.

But some sense of urgency might. And the selectors need to reflect on Denly's performance here and ask whether he is really likely to score the weight of runs required to shape a series at No. 4. Equally, they may reflect on Roy's performance as an opener and ask themselves whether that is the best place for him to bat. And they may ask themselves how they can find a place for Sam Curran in this side.

There may also be some concern about Bairstow, who has now scored 30 runs in his last six Test innings, and Buttler, who has one century from 32 Tests. But Bairstow has earned some leeway with previous performances and Buttler scored two half-centuries in the previous Test. Nobody will admit it, either - there is no mileage in looking for excuses - but a few of this team are still coming to terms with the emotional hangover from their World Cup exertions. It may well pay to be patient with them.

And there is hope. Archer will add an edge to England's attack and, in Buttler and Stokes and Root et al., there is enough talent to damage most attacks. But cracks are appearing up and down this England side and it feels, for perhaps the first time, as if instead of building toward something, they are starting to crumble and fall apart. Nothing that happened at Edgbaston was a surprise. And that should worry England.

Evan Mobley, the No. 1 prospect in the 2020 class, announced his commitment to USC on Monday.

"I want to get it out of the way before I start my senior year. And I know where I want to go," Mobley told ESPN. "As a freshman and sophomore, I wasn't sure exactly where I was going to go. I was looking for the best fit. But after my junior season, I know that being at USC is the right fit for me."

Mobley's father, Eric, is an assistant coach for the Trojans, and his older brother, Isaiah, is an incoming freshman for Andy Enfield's program. Eric Mobley was hired in March 2018 after spending several years coaching in the Compton Magic grassroots program. Two months later, Isaiah Mobley, a five-star prospect in the 2019 class, committed to USC.

"It will be great to play with him; we have really good chemistry together," Evan Mobley said of playing with his brother. "If he has a chance to go to the NBA, that would be great too. He has been a big influence on me both on and off the court. Being older, he has always helped me in the classroom and on the court."

On Monday, the package was completed. USC had been the clear favorite to land Mobley since hiring his father, and no other schools were truly involved during the latter stages of his recruitment.

"It will be very exciting," Mobley said. "It would be like playing in my backyard again and on the playground. We played together and against each other and my dad would be there coaching us. My dad has been my coach all the way up until high school. I can't wait."

Mobley, who plays at Rancho Christian High School (California) and suited up for the Compton Magic this spring and summer, won gold medals with USA Basketball at the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup and the U19 World Cup earlier this summer in Greece. He averaged 19.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.7 blocks last season for Rancho Christian en route to winning Gatorade California Player of the Year honors.

"Coach Enfield a great guy and a great coach," Mobley said. "He will play me as a big and utilize my skills. When I have a mismatch, he will take advantage of it. USC has a great freshman class coming in. It will be a young team this year and I'm excited about the future."

Mobley is the first commitment for Enfield in the 2020 class, but he is USC's third five-star prospect in the past two recruiting classes, following Isaiah Mobley and Onyeka Okongwu. All three players played for the Compton Magic program.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- One day after finalizing a new contract that increases his pay by $8 million this season, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady acknowledged how the deal doesn't tie him to the franchise beyond the 2019 season.

"It's a unique situation I'm in -- 20th year with the same team, I'll be 42 years old. So pretty much uncharted territory for everybody," Brady said Monday after a joint practice between the Patriots and Lions. "I'm going to go out there and do the best I can this year and see what happens."

Brady's new contract is technically a two-year extension through the 2021 season, but 2020 and 2021 are void years, a source told ESPN's Field Yates. That is similar to the Saints' five-year extension with quarterback Drew Brees in 2016 that included three void years, which essentially made it a two-year deal.

Teams use void years for salary-cap purposes, although this is the first time the Patriots have ever done so.

So Brady and the Patriots will have to revisit negotiations before the end of the 2019 league year to extend the contract, and it is expected they will do so. The Patriots have agreed not to use the franchise tag on Brady, according to a source.

"It's really the reality for most guys in the NFL. I don't want anyone to think I'm any different from everyone else. Football is a tough business. It's a production business. I'm ready to go this year, and that's really what matters and that's where my focus is," Brady said.

"I've just had a great history here. I love playing quarterback here. I love this team, this organization, Mr. (Robert) Kraft, Jonathan (Kraft), Coach (Bill) Belichick, all the coaches, all the players. The focus is this year and what we have to do. That's where I'm focused. That's all that really matters in the end, and that's what this team expects of me -- to put everything into it, like I always have. I'm really excited for the year."

Asked if he was relieved to have his contract status clarified, Brady turned to one of Belichick's catchphrases.

"It is what it is. That's a good line. Whoever said it; it's very pertinent. Like I said, there are a lot of guys who have one year left on their contract. So the situation -- I have one year to go, we'll see what happens."

The top of our preseason college football power rankings should surprise no one. Clemson, coming off a 44-16 throttling of Alabama in the national title game, stays on top, but the Crimson Tide are right behind at No. 2. The prospect of Clemson vs. Alabama, Part V is very real.

Among the teams looking to break up the Tigers vs. Tide monopoly on the national title are Georgia, Oklahoma (now featuring Jalen Hurts!), Ohio State (now featuring Ryan Day and Justin Fields!) and many more. See how all the contenders stack up below.

Voters: Andrea Adelson, Edward Aschoff, Kyle Bonagura, Bill Connelly, Heather Dinich, David Hale, Sam Khan Jr., Chris Low, Ivan Maisel, Myron Medcalf, Adam Rittenberg, Alex Scarborough, Mark Schlabach, Tom VanHaaren

No. 1 Clemson

The defending national champions start at No. 1 on the strength of what they have coming back on offense, starting with preseason Heisman candidate Trevor Lawrence. The true sophomore led the No. 3 offense in the country a year ago, with the Tigers averaging 527 yards per game. With Travis Etienne, Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross and three starters back on the offensive line, expect this unit to be even more dynamic. To put into greater perspective how dominant many expect the Tigers to be this season, they placed 13 of their 22 starters on the preseason all-ACC team -- eight on offense. Clemson has work to do to replace its starting defensive front, but Xavier Thomas is a star in the making. Linebacker Isaiah Simmons is a preseason All-America candidate, and the starting secondary is strong. -- Andrea Adelson

No. 2 Alabama

Whether you buy Alabama's reasons for why it lost to Clemson or not, the fact remains that this team is motivated by how it ended last season. And a hungry Nick Saban-coached team is a dangerous one. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa says he's in the best shape of his college career, and with his top four receivers back, including Biletnikoff Award winner Jerry Jeudy, the offense could be in for another monster year. -- Alex Scarborough

No. 3 Georgia

"Do more" is the motto in Athens these days as the Bulldogs are trying to get over the hump from really good to great. Standing in the way, of course, is Alabama. The offense is well-positioned, with quarterback Jake Fromm, running back D'Andre Swift and offensive tackle Andrew Thomas all returning. It's the defense, which must replace cornerback Deandre Baker and linebacker D'Andre Walker, that raises some questions. -- Scarborough

No. 4 Oklahoma

Two newcomers are under the microscope in OU's preseason camp: quarterback Jalen Hurts and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. Hurts, the Alabama transfer who follows two Heisman Trophy winners and No. 1 NFL draft picks, will get most of the attention, although coach Lincoln Riley maintains that the QB1 job still must be claimed. Grinch might become the more significant addition, though, if he can improve one of the nation's worst defenses. Although Grinch is a strong tactician who understands how to complement an Air Raid offense, his impact on the defense's psychology has been most significant. "Coach Grinch has put in a mentality that we're going to go out there and try to make the offense play on our terms," linebacker Kenneth Murray said. -- Adam Rittenberg

No. 5 Ohio State

New coach Ryan Day would probably prefer to have an established quarterback room rather than breaking in transfers Justin Fields and Gunnar Hoak, but Fields is a former No. 1-ranked recruit and fits well within the system. Despite losing quite a bit at quarterback and receiver, Ohio State should return enough to propel the Buckeyes to success this season. The defense should be a strength, returning most of the top performers, and despite losing Urban Meyer, the continuity with the rest of the staff and the additions Day has made should equate to a smooth transition. -- Tom VanHaaren

No. 6 Michigan

The Wolverines are sitting directly behind Ohio State in the power rankings, and Jim Harbaugh and his staff need to get past the Buckeyes this season to propel the program toward its lofty expectations. Everything is set up for Michigan to have a big run, with continuity at quarterback with Shea Patterson returning, an experienced offensive line and a new offensive coordinator to modernize the offense. Don Brown's defense will have some big pieces to replace, but Brown has proven his ability to produce a top defense season after season. -- VanHaaren

No. 7 LSU

Is this really the year LSU's offense steps into the 21st century? Coach Ed Orgeron says it's finally time, with new passing-game coordinator Joe Brady on board. If that happens, with quarterback Joe Burrow returning, the Tigers might actually be ready to take the next step. The loss of linebacker Devin White hurts the defense, but safety Grant Delpit is poised to show why he's one of the best defenders in college football. -- Scarborough

No. 8 Notre Dame

There's surprisingly little buzz around Notre Dame, a 2018 CFP team with a returning starter at quarterback (Ian Book) and a stout defense led by dynamic ends Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem. Notre Dame's starting 22 should be able to compete with anyone. The key in camp will be building depth on both sides and upgrading the speed at positions like wide receiver and linebacker. Notre Dame expects its offensive line to be among the nation's best, and new running backs coach Lance Taylor should help a group that will need to produce more for the Irish to make another playoff push. -- Rittenberg

No. 9 Florida

A lot of last season was about rebuilding the confidence of quarterback Feleipe Franks, and it showed, as his QB rating jumped 30 points under new coach Dan Mullen. But this year, Mullen says we should see it all come together. If it does, and Franks' production matches his proverbial arm talent, we could see the Gators' offense take off and Florida truly challenge Georgia for SEC East supremacy. -- Scarborough

No. 10 Texas

Defense undoubtedly will be the key area in camp, as Texas must replenish a front seven that returns only one major contributor in Malcolm Roach. The Longhorns will be younger on D but possibly better, and if they can fast-track some of their recruiting success, they should once again challenge Oklahoma for the Big 12 championship. The massive media scrum around Sam Ehlinger at Big 12 media day confirmed the Texas quarterback will be a headline-generator all season, and hopes are very high for an offense that should be more dynamic in the run game with young backs Keaontay Ingram and Jordan Whittington. -- Rittenberg

No. 11 Oregon

On paper, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more talented roster in the Pac-12, especially with star quarterback Justin Herbert deciding to return to school after last season. Nineteen starters are back in Eugene, including all five offensive linemen, and a historic recruiting class headlined by the No. 1 player in the country in Kayvon Thibodeaux makes the Ducks a trendy dark-horse playoff team. -- Edward Aschoff

No. 12 Texas A&M

Jimbo Fisher's second Aggie team should be fascinating. Expectations are very high for junior quarterback Kellen Mond and an offense that returns most of its receiving corps and line, but which must replace 1,700-yard rusher Trayveon Williams. The defense seeks more balance against the pass but likely will need young linemen like Bobby Brown III, Tyree Johnson and incoming freshman DeMarvin Leal to blossom. This team might still be a year away because of one of the nation's toughest schedules, but the progress in camp, especially that of top recruits like Leal and tight end Baylor Cupp, will be revealing. -- Rittenberg

No. 13 Utah

The media picked the Utes to win the Pac-12 title, and with 15 starters back to a team that won the Pac-12 South last year, you have to like their chances. Thousand-yard rusher Zack Moss is back, and so is a healthier Tyler Huntley, who packed on 25-plus pounds of muscle during the offseason. -- Aschoff

No. 14 Washington

The reigning Pac-12 champs are in total rebuild mode on defense, with nine starters gone. There's a lot of potential on defense, and safety Myles Bryant is a star, but there will be growing pains early in the season. Georgia transfer Jacob Eason is the favorite to start under center, and having seven starters and one of the nation's best offensive lines back should help that transition. -- Aschoff

No. 15 Penn State

This will be an interesting season for the Nittany Lions, who are now without quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Miles Sanders. Luckily for Penn State, the defense is stout, and returning leading tackler Micah Parsons is primed to take a step forward in his sophomore season. If the offense can find playmakers, this could be a sneaky team to watch. -- VanHaaren

No. 16 Auburn

There's a lot to like on the Plains this offseason. The defense brought back star defensive linemen Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson, and the offense has promising young playmakers in running back JaTarvious Whitlow and wideout Seth Williams. But none of that will matter if coach Gus Malzahn can't find a productive quarterback, whether that's Joey Gatewood or Bo Nix. Both are talented, but both are freshmen who are bound to experience some growing pains. -- Scarborough

No. 17 UCF

Can UCF make it three consecutive undefeated regular seasons? The first question surrounds quarterback, where coach Josh Heupel insists there is an open competition. But after Darriel Mack Jr. injured his ankle in a non-football-related activity, Notre Dame transfer Brandon Wimbush became the prohibitive favorite to start the season. UCF also must replace its veteran defensive front, including leaders Titus Davis, Joey Connors and Trysten Hill, along with linebacker Pat Jasinski. But with a bevy of speedy skill players back and a secondary that features future NFL pick Richie Grant, make no mistake: The Knights feel they have even more to prove this season after a loss to LSU in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl ended their 25-game winning streak. -- Adelson

No. 18 Iowa

The Hawkeyes are going to have to replace a lot on defense, but junior defensive end A.J. Epenesa is back and looking to improve upon his outstanding 2018 season in which he had 10.5 sacks. The offense is losing tight ends Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson but returning quarterback Nate Stanley. There are enough big pieces on both sides that Iowa should be able to put together a very good season and compete for a shot at representing the West in the Big Ten Championship game. -- VanHaaren

No. 19 Nebraska

Nebraska's 2018 season started off extremely shaky under new coach Scott Frost, but almost midway through the season, the team started to click. The Huskers won four of their last six games and went back and forth with Ohio State before losing 36-31. They showed a lot of improvement, and Frost is hoping that continues with sophomore quarterback Adrian Martinez running the offense. The offense should be better given the extra time in this system, so Nebraska could make some noise in the conference and nationally if they can build off the end of last season. -- VanHaaren

No. 20 Stanford

The Cardinal would like to find the right offensive identity this season. Bell cow Bryce Love is gone, but having 3,500-yard passer K.J. Costello back affords the Cardinal the chance to continue last year's more pass-first approach. Getting a greener defense back to playing Stanford football is a priority, too. -- Aschoff

No. 21 Syracuse

The big question Dino Babers faced at media day was whether last season's success is sustainable. Much of that will depend on what he gets out of quarterback Tommy DeVito. To be sure, DeVito is a totally different player from Eric Dungey, who could not only run and throw but brought his own physical stamp to the game. DeVito has patiently waited his turn. Syracuse does return one of the best defensive-end duos in the country in Kendall Coleman and Alton Robinson, along with freshman All-American safety Andre Cisco and Lou Groza winner Andre Szmyt. Babers has worked tirelessly to upgrade the talent in this program, and headed into Year 4, all signs are pointing toward a Syracuse team that is ready to be a consistent winner. -- Adelson

No. 22 Wisconsin

The Badgers had a somewhat odd season in 2018, finishing 8-5 overall. The defense ranked 54th in rush yards allowed per game, and the offense ranked 118th in passing yards per game. Starting quarterback Alex Hornibrook decided to transfer after freshman Graham Mertz made his way to campus, and Mertz is battling with Jack Coan, Chase Wolf and Danny Vanden Boom. Running back Jonathan Taylor returns, which should help the new quarterback, and the defense should be able to bounce back after both sides saw injuries that hampered performance. -- VanHaaren

No. 23 Army

Jeff Monken has led Army on a historic run -- 29 wins since 2016, consecutive double-digit-win seasons -- and the program shows no signs of slowing down. Avoiding complacency might be Army's biggest challenge in camp, although academy players are better equipped than most to maintain the grind. Senior quarterback Kelvin Hopkins Jr. leads an offense that expects to average more than 300 rushing yards again. The preseason intrigue will be on defense, where most of the front seven departs, along with talented coordinator Jay Bateman (North Carolina). But Monken promoted John Loose to replace Bateman and maintain the structure of the scheme. -- Rittenberg

No. 24 Michigan State

Quarterback Brian Lewerke dealt with an injury last season that severely hampered the Spartans' offense. Michigan State finished 115th in total yards per game on offense and continually relied on its defense to keep the team in games. The defense returns leaders Joe Bachie and Kenny Willekes, and Lewerke is seemingly healthy. If Michigan State can keep Lewerke upright and productive, they should be able to improve on the 7-6 record from last season. -- VanHaaren

No. 25 Iowa State

The Cyclones' preseason media forecast, third in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma and Texas, certainly raised eyebrows for a team that last won a conference title in 1912. But a closer study of Matt Campbell's roster justifies the prediction. Iowa State should have the league's best defense, boasting stars at all three levels (linemen JaQuan Bailey and Ray Lima, linebacker Marcel Spears Jr., safety Greg Eisworth). Sophomore quarterback Brock Purdy has an extremely high ceiling. ISU's camp priority will be replacing do-it-all running back David Montgomery -- at least four players are in the mix -- and big-play receiver Hakeem Butler. A very talented tight end group should be featured more in the passing game. -- Rittenberg

Like fellow Golden State Warriors cornerstones Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Draymond Green now has a long-term deal with the team. Unlike the star guards, however, Green has a player option, a league source told ESPN.

The fourth-year option in Green's new $100 million extension would allow Green to go after even more guaranteed dollars in the future if he can continue producing at a high level and stay in the kind of shape that garnered praise throughout the organization during the end of the regular season and playoffs. The Athletic earlier reported news of the option language in Green's contract.

Green's extension also includes a trade kicker similar to that of Curry and Thompson. If Green were to get traded next summer, his 15 percent kicker would equate to an extra $11 million.

Green is just the 22nd player in the league with this kind of kicker in his contract.

Much like Curry and Thompson before him, Green has been open about how much being part of the Warriors organization means to him. He never doubted that he would stay long term.

Thompson signed a five-year, $190 million dollar extension last month, and Curry is entering into the third year of $201 million dollar, five-year max deal.

"I'm confident that I'll be here for a very long time," Green said during media day at the opening of last season. "So it's not something I'm going into the season thinking about. Like all that stuff will be taken care of when it's best for me, when it's best for the team. I'm not looking at this one-sided like, 'Oh man, I've, gotta do what's right for Draymond.' It's a partnership. And it's a family. And doing the right thing for everyone involved is important.

"And when the time is right, you know, all that stuff will be taken care of. But I'm not going into the season thinking about it."

Green's deal is likely the last major move in an eventful monthlong stretch of wheeling and dealing for the Warriors.

After the departure of Kevin Durant to the Brooklyn Nets on the first night of free agency, the Warriors rebounded by executing a sign-and-trade deal with the Nets for All-Star guard D'Angelo Russell. The Warriors gave Russell a four-year, $117 million max contract of his own, with Warriors general manager Bob Myers publicly pushing back on leaguewide speculation that Russell was only acquired to be moved as part of a different deal in the future.

The Warriors move into Chase Center in San Francisco next month feeling comfortable that their core group of players is locked in for years to come.

The New York Mets placed Robinson Cano on the injured list with a left hamstring strain, marking the veteran second baseman's third IL stint in less than three months.

The Mets announced the move Monday, one day after Cano limped off the field during New York's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Infielder Luis Guillorme was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.

Cano, 36, is batting .252 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs in 86 games this season, his first with the Mets. The eight-time All-Star had been scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday.

Cano also spent time on the IL in late May and early June because of a quadriceps injury, playing in only one game between May 22 and June 16.

The Miami Marlins apologized on Monday for making light of Steve Irwin's death in a tweet to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.

"This was a regrettable exchange by our otherwise creative social media team. Unfortunately, in this medium, sometimes we swing and miss, and this was definitely a miss," the team said in a statement.

The Marlins said they have also addressed the matter internally, according to 640 The Hurricane.

The team also tweeted an apology Monday.

Hi, guys. Like everyone who grew up watching him, we miss Steve. We're so sorry to have made light of his passing.

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) August 5, 2019

On Sunday, a member of the Marlins' social media team tweeted to the Rays that "you're literally the animal that klled Steve Irwin."

That tweet came after the Rays and Marlins exchanged jabs in response to a highlight tweeted by the Marlins of Brian Anderson throwing a Rays player out at the plate in the teams' recent two-game series, which Tampa Bay swept.

Irwin, an Australian zookeeper known as the "Crocodile Hunter," who became known around the world because of a popular reality television series chronicling his adventures with wildlife, died in 2006 at the age of 44 when he was pierced in the heart by a stingray.

Host Malaysia off to flying start but Australia steal show on opening day of team event
By KNG ZHENG GUAN, HOWARD HARDING and ALEX WAN – Squash Mad International Correspondents

Host Malaysia put their individual disappointment behind them with a commanding win over Japan in their opening tie, but it was Australia who stole the show to kickstart the CIMB Foundation WSF World Junior Team Squash Championships.

Australia, seeded only 10th, had a tough draw after being placed in Group B together with second seeds Malaysia, seventh seeds Canada and the 14th seeded Japan.

But they proved that seeding is really just a number after putting up a spirited showing to beat Canada 2-1 in their opening game at the National Squash Centre, Bukit Jalil on Monday.

And it came down to third string player Remashree Muniandy to deliver the heroics against Canada’s Brianna Jefferson.

Down 2-1 and facing match ball in the fourth at 10-9 down, the 17-year-old saved that point and subsequently saved two more match balls before taking the game 15-13.

That proved to be the crucial swing as Remashree went on to secure a turnaround 7-11, 12-10, 5-11, 15-13, 11-4 win.

Earlier the Canadians had stormed into the lead when Erica McGillicuddy downed Lee Sze Yu 11-7, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8 before Australia leveled the tie through Alex Haydon who took out Charlotte Orcutt 11-7, 11-4, 10-12, 8-11, 11-2.

Australian head coach Paul Price was certainly pleased with his team’s performance, especially with the chance of competing in the quarter-finals at stake.

“It’s a huge win for us as we’re seeded 10th while the Canadians are 7th. We knew this was the crunch match for us in order to make a breakthrough to get into the top eight,” said Price.

“The performance showed a lot of spirit and heart and if they play the way we knew they could then we could also back this up against a solid Japan.

“Today however, I thought the team came back up strongly after the first loss. They manage to dig in to ground out the result and I thought it was an amazing performance.”

With Australia due to play Malaysia on Tuesday, the big win over Canada was certainly very welcomed indeed.

Malaysia earlier showed they meant business by whipping Japan 3-0 in the other Group B match.

Ooi Kah Yan started off by beating Ayumi Watanabe 11-3, 11-3, 11-4 before Chan Yiwen cruised to an 11-2, 11-2, 11-4 win over Erisa Sano Herring. Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi rounded off the win by beating Kurumi Takahashi 11-1, 11-2, 11-4.

National assistant head coach Andrew Cross believed it was just the response the team needed after Yiwen and Aifa Azman’s disappointment in the individual event.

“It’s good to get back on court after the individuals and we just needed to get started to get the job done,” said Cross.

“Aifa was given an extra day’s rest but she’ll be back to face Australia tomorrow. I think we just need to be as professional as we can against the Aussies.

“The key is to go in, finish it and be well rested and prepared for Wednesday since we have the last group match and the quarter-finals on the same day.”

Meanwhile, defending champions Egypt also got off to a storming start with a merciless display in beating a young Singapore side 3-0 in Group A.

Hong Kong, who were elevarted to third seeds after a string of good results in the individuals, also enjoyed an easy start in Group C, winning both their matches against New Zealand and Ireland 3-0.

Fourth seeds England also got off to a winning start, beating South Korea 3-0 in the morning session. Later in the afternoon, they were back to face South Africa and won 3-0, with Katie Wells earning her first team cap.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Results title.

Results 

Pictures courtesy of #WSFWorldJuniors2019  

STURGIS, S.D. — J.D. Beach blasted past Estenson Racing teammate Jake Johnson just a few feet short of the checkered flag to steal a most improbable victory in Sunday night’s wild American Flat Track premier class showdown at the Buffalo Chip TT presented by Indian Motorcycle.

Both riders rode Yamaha MT-07 DT motorcycles.

Until the very final moments, Johnson seemed all but assured of taking back-to-back AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines triumphs at the Buffalo Chip. The TT standout grabbed the hole shot and quickly broke free at the front while a four-rider fight for second took shape involving Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team XG750R Rev X), Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) and Beach.

Passing opportunities proved few and far between as the riders negotiated the purpose-built TT circuit on the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground that encircled “The Bar” and was pressed tight by thousands of fans on the fences. As a result, the top five could have easily been set from the opening lap if not for repeated drama.

First, Vanderkooi ran wide and quickly gave up three positions. An aggressive Beach then made his way by Bauman as well and immediately went about applying intense pressure on Mees for second.

That pressure was so great, in fact, that Mees ultimately decided it was better to just hand the position over to Beach than invite trouble in an attempt to defend it, especially once he saw that championship rival Briar Bauman (No. 14 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) was destined to DNF after crashing further back in the field.

At that point, Mees’ calculated decision appeared likely only to open the door for an eventual Estenson 1-2, but Beach still wasn’t satisfied. He somehow reeled in teammate Johnson, arriving on his rear wheel just in time to take the white flag. However, Beach simply couldn’t find a way through and was all but ready to follow Johnson to the checkered flag when Johnson’s bike suffered a mechanical issue exiting the race’s very final corner.

Beach promptly powered past, officially claiming the victory by 0.201 seconds. The win was the second of Beach’s AFT Twins career and his second straight on the tour’s run of TTs, having also won at the Arizona Super TT earlier this season.

“I’m heartbroken for Jake,” Beach said. “He rode an amazing race. I came from like fifth and caught him, but we only had a lap to go. I was trying to find a way by him but there just wasn’t any room. Coming out of the last turn, I heard his bike blubber, so I knew I was hooked up and going. It’s awesome to get a win, but to get a win like that — especially with Jake because he’s such a good guy — it feels good but it doesn’t.”

Mees came home in third, slashing his title deficit from 26 to just 12 (173-161) to open the second half of the ‘19 title fight.

Bronson Bauman finished fourth, followed by Vanderkooi in fifth.

For the second consecutive year, Ryan Sipes (No. 264 Red Bull/Leatt/KTM 450 SX-F) put on a masterclass of all-around riding ability at the Buffalo Chip TT with a convincing victory in the once-stopped and restarted Roof Systems AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Main Event.

With right- and left-handers of varying radii and jumps to navigate, the TTs demand a somewhat different, expanded skillset compared to the other three AFT disciplines. It should be no surprise that the supremely versatile Sipes once again shone under the lights at the Buffalo Chip, as he showcased the talents that also made him a Supercross race winner and America’s first-ever ISDE overall winner.

Sipes was in dominant form all day long, and effectively secured the win at the critically important start when he hammered into the lead off the line. His combination of superior speed and inch-perfect lines provided his opponents with precious little hope of defeating the Kentucky native on this night.

“I wanted this one really bad,” Sipes said. “All I’ve thought about since I crashed at Springfield was I should have won there, and now I have to win here. And I did it, so I feel really good about it.”

AFT Singles points leader Dalton Gauthier (No. 122 D&D Cycles/Gobert Smash Husqvarna FC450) was ecstatic to finish second. With series part-timer Sipes not in championship contention and key title rival Mikey Rush (No. 15 RMR Honda/Red Riders Rewards Honda CRF450R) suffering another difficult outing, Gauthier’s podium performance opened up some breathing space at the top of the standings.

Defending champ Dan Bromley (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) took over second in the championship chase with his sixth podium result of the season by finishing third.