PALMETTO, Fla. — Feld Entertainment has released the 17-race schedule for the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season.

The traditional season opener at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, the first of two races to be held at the home of the California Angels, will be Jan. 4. Angel Stadium is the only venue to host two races, and will also be home to the third race of the season on Jan. 18.

Two of the biggest changes in the schedule involve the second and final events on the calendar.

After opening in California, the series will stampede into the Midwest for the second race of the year Jan. 11 at The Dome At America’s Center in St. Louis before heading back to California for round three.

After many years of concluding the season at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, the series will now wrap up May 2 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Sam Boyd Stadium will host the penultimate round of the series on April 25.

“Our goal is the continued growth of the sport and rotating markets every couple of years, expanding Supercross Futures events and moving the finale to a new location helps keep the series fresh and exciting for the fans, as well as for the race teams and athletes,” said Todd Jendro, Vice President of Operations – Motorsports, Feld Entertainment. “Utah has become synonymous with elite, world class sporting events and we thought hosting the finale in Salt Lake City would be a fitting choice.”

Gillette Stadium outside of Boston returns to the schedule on April 18, and the series will not race at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this year.

Other highlights of the schedule include the annual Bike Week event at Daytona Int’l Speedway on March 7, visits to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Feb. 29 and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on March 14.

“The 2020 schedule gives fans across the country an opportunity to witness one of the greatest shows in motorsports,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “The AMA is proud to work with championship series promoter Feld Entertainment, Inc. and the FIM to ensure the sport continues to achieve the highest standards for fairness and competition while thrilling, exciting and inspiring fans of all ages.”

Cooper Webb is the reigning Monster Energy Supercross champion.

2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Schedule

Jan. 4 – Angel Stadium of Anaheim – Anaheim, Calif.

Jan. 11 – The Dome At America’s Center – St. Louis, Mo.

Jan. 18 – Angel Stadium of Anaheim – Anaheim, Calif.

Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Ariz.

Feb. 1 – RingCentral Coliseum – Oakland, Calif.

Feb. 8 – Petco Park – San Diego, Calif.

Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Fla.

Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas

Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.

March 7 – Daytona Int’l Speedway – Daytona Beach, Fla.

March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

March 21 – Ford Field – Detroit, Mich.

March 28 – CenturyLink Field – Seattle, Wash.

April 4 – Broncos Stadium At Mile High – Denver, Colo.

April 18 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.

April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium – Las Vegas, Nev.

May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium – Salt Lake City, Utah

WOKING, England – McLaren has confirmed that Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris will remain with the team for the 2020 Formula One season.

“Today’s announcement provides the team with the continuity to keep pushing forward,” said Andreas Seidl, Team Principal of McLaren Racing. “The performance of both Carlos and Lando have been a key part of the team’s progress. Their feedback has enabled our engineers to develop the MCL34 and look ahead to the MCL35. Carlos has played a key role in developing the car using his experience, while Lando has got up to speed with the demands of Formula One incredibly quickly and is growing in confidence every weekend. This is welcome news for the whole McLaren team and we look forward to continuing our partnership together.”

Both drivers are in their first seasons with McLaren. Sainz, who is in his fifth full season of Formula One competition, has a best finish of sixth for McLaren so far this year.

Norris, a Formula One rookie, also has a best finish of sixth during his inaugural season with the McLaren brand.

“I’m delighted we’re able to announce our 2020 driver line-up ahead of the team’s home race at the British Grand Prix this weekend,” said Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing. “Both Carlos and Lando are proving themselves as racers and are integral to our path to recovery. They have made a real contribution to the positive momentum and morale within the team, both at the track and back at the factory. The reception they’ve received from our fans has been outstanding and they are superb ambassadors for the McLaren brand, personifying our Fearlessly Forward mentality.”

MONTEREY, Calif. — The annual visit of the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship to WeatherTech Raceway comes this weekend, July 12-14.

It’s the only North American race for the internationally renowned motorcycle racing series. The scenic race track on Monterey Peninsula has hosted the series every year since 2013 and previously ran World Superbike events from 1995 through 2004.

The weekend of racing also includes the U.S.-based MotoAmerica Championship.

“The top production-based motorcycles in the country and the world are coming for our World Superbike event with MotoAmerica,” said WeatherTech Raceway CEO Tim McGrane. “The motorcycle events always have a diverse and lively atmosphere throughout the paddock, Hagerty Marketplace and campgrounds.”

The global MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship series brings people from around the world to Monterey during the only round that takes place in the United States.

Motorcycle racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has a long history that has helped elevate the track to international acclaim.

Furthermore, it provides the talented EBC Brakes Superbike riders in the MotoAmerica series the opportunity to test their mettle by recording lap times on the same track and conditions as the international riders under the same rules with the biggest exception being the spec tire.

Four-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea, hot off a sweep of last weekend’s events at England’s Donington Park Circuit, leads the standings heading into the GEICO Motorcycle U.S. Round.

The Kawasaki rider will be a heavy favorite for the event after having won both races at the 2.238-mile serpentine circuit last year.

“I love everything about Laguna Seca — I love being there; there is a really good atmosphere in the USA for World Superbike, the fans seem really enthusiastic,” said Rea. “As a track, it is very demanding, and the undulations are incredible; you need a lot from a bike, you need it to be stable but also very agile.

“It is a great track and I can’t wait to get there.”

Between World Superbike and the five classes competing in MotoAmerica, more than 150 bikes are entered for The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship GEICO Motorcycle U.S. Round at WeatherTech Raceway.

The event also includes an engaging Paddock Show that brings riders and legends to the fans, demo rides and exclusive ticket packages from five different manufacturers, and a thriving Hagerty Marketplace with even more vendors and family-friendly activities than last year.

Adding intrigue to the event, Kentucky rider J.D. Beach will be doing double duty.

Beach, who rides full time in the MotoAmerica Superbike class for Attack Performance/Estenson Racing, has accepted a wildcard entry to also compete in the World Superbike portion of the program, riding a Yamaha YZF-R1.

“I think it’s going to be really cool to be the only American,” said Beach, who is also a flat-track motorcycle racer. “I want to go into it being realistic. To get a top 10 would be great. I think I’ve got some big shoes to fill, because (Josh) Herrin did really good last year on the same bike.

“I know he had a few issues during the race, but his pace all weekend was really good. I’m just really looking forward to it and hoping I can do the American fans proud.”

Suzuki rider Toni Elias leads the MotoAmerica EBC Brakes Superbike standings heading into the WeatherTech Raceway doubleheader.

Herrin, Cameron Beaubier, Jake Gagne and Chris Gerloff will also be among the EBC Brakes Superbike contenders.

Tickets are available at the gate or by calling the ticket office at (831) 242-8200.

Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has issued an urgent appeal to find his dog, Lucci, after it was stolen when his house in Los Angeles was burgled on Monday.

The 29-year-old, who is without a club after being released by Liverpool, was not home when his house in L.A. was burgled, with the striker confirming that his dog, as well as a number of bags, were stolen.

"Somebody's broke into the house in L.A., took my dog from the house," Sturridge said in an appeal video sent exclusively to ESPN. "Listen, whoever knows who broke into my crib, I'll pay you anything. I'm dead serious.

The forward said that he is willing to offer a £20k-£30k reward in return for his dog.

"How can you break into a house in L.A. and take somebody's dog? Are you crazy? You've come into a house to take a dog?

"Yo, somebody please find my dog. I'll pay anything, I'm dead serious. I want my dog back man."

The summer transfer window in MLS is now open, and there are assuredly some teams in the market for reinforcements. Here is a breakdown of who might be looking for what.

Atlanta United | Third in East

Atlanta coach Frank de Boer has not hidden the fact that the Five Stripes will be active this summer, and they got an early start by signing Emerson Hyndman on loan from Bournemouth. He's a versatile midfielder who should plug in nicely into the Atlanta starting XI. Adding some full-back depth would also not be the worst thing for the reigning champs.

Chicago Fire | 10th in East

Firming up the defense is a big need, according to president and general manager Nelson Rodriguez. With an international slot available, the Fire will have more flexibility in the summer window.

FC Cincinnati | 12th in East

FC Cincinnati need help just about everywhere, maybe with the exception of defensive midfield; they have plenty of those. The glaring need, of course, is up top. Cincy has just 15 goals in 18 games. It has also coughed up 42 this season, so help in the back is necessary.

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Colorado Rapids | 12th in West

Colorado's unexpected rise under Conor Casey continues, and though the playoffs are still unlikely, it would be wise for the Rapids to add a center-back or defensive midfielder this summer. By shoring up the back, the Rapids can set themselves up nicely in 2020 to make a run at a big-time attacking player using the money they'll save once Tim Howard's contract comes off the books.

Columbus Crew | 11th in East

Right now the Crew are near Cincinnati levels when it comes to scoring: just 16 goals in 19 games. Adding Romario Williams from Atlanta United and young Costa Rican winger Luis Diaz will provide some depth in attack, but there is still a big need to add creative talent in midfield, especially with Federico Higuain out for the rest of the season. Adding Curacao keeper Eloy Room on Thursday was a savvy signing.

D.C. United | Second in East

D.C. will definitely be in the market for an attacking player, preferably with speed. Coach Ben Olsen has missed his players who have been away on international duty, such as Paul Arriola and Junior Moreno, but adding an attacking piece -- maybe a Yamil Asad return? -- would provide a boost.

FC Dallas | Fifth in West

It has been a busy summer in Dallas, with Carlos Gruezo packing his bags for German club Augsburg. Coming into the mix is winger Edwin Gyasi on loan from Bulgaria's CSKA Sofia, but a reliable striker who can score goals is still needed in Big D before the Jesus Ferreira/Ricardo Pepi era takes off in 2020-21.

Houston Dynamo | Seventh in West

There is a lot of talk that forward Mauro Manotas might be on his way to Cruz Azul, and of course the possibility of an Alberth Elis transfer away lingers. Should one of those two come to pass, the Dynamo will need some reinforcements up top, especially if they want to have any chance of hanging in the West.

LAFC | First in West

With midfielder Andre Horta back in Portugal, LAFC have the ability to add some significant talent if they want, which for the rest of the league has to be a scary thought. There has been talk of Roma legend Daniele De Rossi, but otherwise it has been quiet. One has to think, though, that a move for a midfielder is coming from the league leaders in some form.

LA Galaxy | Second in West

There are signs that the Galaxy will add Cristian Pavon, an Argentine winger with Boca Juniors. It would be a massive pick-up for the Galaxy and would certainly make star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic happy. With Pavon in the mix and Uriel Antuna returning from a breakout Gold Cup with Mexico, the Galaxy would have the attacking parts to do major damage.

Minnesota United | Fourth in West

Minnesota is in the market for a left-sided attacker to ease the creative and goal-scoring burden on Darwin Quintero and a left-back to replace former captain Francisco Calvo, but Kevin Molino's return from a lengthy injury absence and the emergence of rookie Chase Gasper has lessened the urgency to add in either position. But with the Loons in the midst of a U.S. Open Cup run, more bodies wouldn't go amiss.

Montreal Impact | Fourth in East

Injuries are hammering the Impact at present, especially in attack with Ignacio Piatti sidelined for the summer, so Montreal could use some help up front. The Canadian side has a history of going big during the summer window -- Piatti in 2014, Didier Drogba in 2015 -- and with a DP spot open, it will be interesting to see if any big names land in Quebec.

New England Revolution | Eighth in East

Things are better in New England with Bruce Arena around, but the back line needs some shoring up, especially at the center-back position. There has been an uptick in scoring of late, but the Revs could use a striker to pair with attacking midfielder Carles Gil.

New York City FC | Fifth in East

NYCFC got their window going early by adding Scottish winger Gary Mackay-Stevens, and there is talk that Danish midfielder Anders Christiansen could be coming to the Big Apple soon as well. But the boys in the Bronx could still use some help at the striker position to complement Heber.

New York Red Bulls | Sixth in East

There is an open DP spot, so the Red Bulls would be able to open their wallets this summer. Injuries have exacted a big toll, so some able bodies to provide depth would be crucial, especially in midfield. Bradley Wright-Phillips' return from injury means no forward is likely to be added, so expect some movement to come in the middle of the park or on the wings.

Orlando City | Ninth in East

The good news for Orlando is that forward Tesho Akindele is enjoying his best form of the season, with four goals in the past six games. The bad news is that the Lions can't expect that to continue, and for most of the season, scoring has been a problem. Bringing in another attacking piece to push Dom Dwyer would be a wise move and maybe get Orlando to its first playoff game.

Philadelphia Union | First in East

The Union have been very solid defensively this year, and the addition of RJ Allen provides depth and veteran experience. This will help in the postseason. Philly has also inked forward Andrew Wooten to help bolster its attack, but another player up top would be a smart decision, especially now that Marco Fabian finally appears healthy.

Portland Timbers | Ninth in West

Portland made the transfer pickup of the season so far when it acquired Argentine striker Brian Fernandez, but in the summer window, things likely will be quieter. If Portland is to do anything, it will be to add depth in defense and midfield.

Real Salt Lake | Eighth in West

Real Salt Lake's transfer window seems like it will depend on what happens with Joao Plata, who looked set for a Liga MX move, but that now appears dead. The club will need some help in attack if he does leave, but otherwise, GM Craig Waibel and coach Mike Petke's phones will stay quiet.

San Jose Earthquakes | Sixth in West

What Matias Almeyda has done this season in San Jose borders on miraculous, and adding winger Carlos Fierro -- a player he knows from Chivas -- is smart. There is also talk of Argentine forward Andres Rios coming into the mix, which would give Almeyda another attacking piece from his past. It would also not be surprising to see the Quakes add another defender for depth purposes.

Seattle Sounders | Third in West

The summer transfer window has historically been the time when Seattle goes in for an attacking player -- Clint Dempsey, Nicolas Lodeiro, Victor Rodriguez, Raul Ruidiaz -- but this year, one would be hard-pressed to find a major area of need. If anything, it would be depth at striker or perhaps defensive midfielder.

Sporting Kansas City | 10th in West

Sporting Kansas City have been ravaged by injuries this season, so their summer transfer window is probably more about getting the existing roster healthy. A lot of players were called upon to fill in spots, which will help coach Peter Vermes as the summer progresses. That said, some depth in defense and midfield would be wise for if/when the injury bug strikes again.

Toronto FC | Seventh in East

Toronto FC were in need of some defensive help and got it at the end of the previous window with Omar Gonzalez. Talk of a Jozy Altidore-to-China move makes for fun in the Twittersphere, but it isn't realistic, which means TFC won't have to fill that void. But they do have some TAM and salary-cap room, and another winger or midfielder looks to be the priority. Could Ali Curtis maneuver Sebastian Giovinco's return?

Vancouver Whitecaps | 11th in West

Vancouver had a major roster overhaul over the winter, and there will be more movement this summer. The defense has gelled nicely in British Columbia, but the attacking players brought in have disappointed. Vancouver needs goals, so a striker or attacking midfielder is the biggest need. Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz was on their radar last winter. Maybe it's time to revisit that.

Tottenham have many reasons to be thankful for Mauricio Pochettino's approach to management but extra gratitude should be reserved for his talent in unearthing solutions instead of spotlighting problems. Following the recruitment of Lucas Moura on Jan. 31 last year, the Argentine was made to wait 517 days before further strengthening his first team, a period during which Spurs became the only Premier League club to go a full season without making a signing.

Last Tuesday, midfielder Tanguy Ndombele joined from Lyon for an initial £55 million, his unveiling at Hotspur Way signalling the end of that 74-week spell where the club crossed their fingers and banked on the brilliance of the coaching staff.

As per the "He's magic, you know" ditty from Tottenham fans, Pochettino worked his wizardry despite receiving no financial support in the transfer window, being forced to oversee a squad that was significantly delayed from moving into their new stadium and hamstrung by injuries to key players for large chunks of the 2018-19 campaign. Regardless, he guided Spurs to another top-four finish at the expense of Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as to a first European Cup final in their history, where they succumbed 2-0 to Liverpool in Madrid.

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Jurgen Klopp's side were well below their best at the Wanda Metropolitano and Tottenham were average, yet the Reds were comfortable winners. In the aftermath of the Champions League showpiece, Pochettino underscored an issue he'd previously flagged to chairman Daniel Levy: the team were capable of smashing anyone on their day -- home wins against Borussia Dortmund (3-0) and Chelsea (3-1) were cases in point -- but they were too inconsistent to compete over the long term.

Pochettino believed this was best evidenced in the league, with Tottenham finishing 27 points behind champions Manchester City last season. Their tally of 71 was also a drop from the 77 posted in 2017-18 and the high of 86 in 2016-17. This downward trend was concerning and could not solely be corrected on the training pitches. If Tottenham were to progress rather than stall, addressing the staleness and shortages in the squad was non-negotiable.

Pochettino also noted that Liverpool reacted to losing the 2018 Champions League final to Real Madrid by adding Alisson, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri, in addition to the pre-planned arrival of Naby Keita. On the same stage a year later, Klopp's men were a completely different prospect. They possessed unshakeable confidence, trusting themselves to manage the encounter and manufacture defining moments as they had done throughout the season.

Without rectifying the weaknesses in their squad, Liverpool would not have pushed City so close in the league and become champions of Europe. Similarly, Pochettino feared Tottenham would regress in 2019-20 and that he'd need to reconsider his future if there was no refresh forthcoming this summer.

There are only so many tricks, tactical tweaks and motivational talks that can mask a lack of depth. And so Pochettino handed Levy a list of priority targets before departing to Spain for his post-season holidays, with Ndombele high on the agenda.

Signing their top target

Tottenham's chief scout Steve Hitchen, an expert in Ligue 1 who previously lived in France and advocated for the purchase of Moura from Paris Saint-Germain, identified the 22-year-old as the perfect replacement for Mousa Dembele. His dossier on Ndombele, seen as a dynamic dribbler with a high propensity for key passes and the desire to break into the box, stretched back to 2014 when the player joined Amiens.

Pochettino travelled to Lyon in February to see the dynamo excel during a goal-less Champions League last-16 clash against Barcelona. A month later, he took in the reverse leg at Camp Nou while Tottenham were based in the city for warm-weather training. Lyon were pummeled 5-1 but it did little to alter their assessment of Ndombele, whom they felt possessed the ability to become one of the finest midfielders in Europe.

Spurs were certain he was the perfect fit and were encouraged by feedback from the player's representatives, but discussions between the clubs were not expected to be straightforward. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, a very public figure who openly comments on the state of transfer business, is in sharp contrast to the quiet, notoriously stringent Levy, whom former Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once stated was more painful to deal with than his hip replacement.

The pair also had a history of arduous negotiations when Tottenham made a play for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in 2012. Aulas accused Levy of repeatedly going back on his word during the process, calling that transaction "the hardest I have ever had to undergo in 25 years."

This time around, Lyon's chief was frustrated with the way Spurs dragged talks and low-balled the club with an opening bid of £40m. Eventually, much to Pochettino's relief, an agreement was reached: Ndombele inked a six-year deal becoming Tottenham's record signing in a total package worth around £64m. It shattered their previous benchmark of £42m, spent on Davinson Sanchez from Ajax 678 days prior.

Now Tottenham, who also signed teenage winger Jack Clarke from Leeds United and loaned him back to the Championship side for the 2019-20 season, must ensure it's only the first step in lessening the reliance on Pochettino's mastery.

Lack of depth holding Spurs back

The manager's selection gymnastics were one of the more underreported stories of Spurs' 2018-19 campaign. While elite clubs sketch their matchday strategy on how to underscore their strengths while preying on the opposition's weaknesses, Pochettino's game plan was dictated by who could play rather than how he wanted the team to play.

A fine example was the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against City, in which he was without Eric Dier, Serge Aurier and Erik Lamela and had no wiggle room. Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, had a bench of Vincent Kompany, John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane, Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus. Tottenham won that match and the tie but to truly compete with a juggernaut like City over the course of a campaign, they need to be in control of situations rather than have it dictated to them.

While Pochettino is aware he does not have the luxury Guardiola has and that Klopp enjoyed last year of considerably improving multiple positions, but he should be rewarded with notable upgrades. The deal for Ndombele has to be the norm and not the exception if Spurs are to "behave like a big club," to borrow the manager's words.

Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo, valued upward of £40m, is another premier target and Tottenham have attempted to pull off a player-plus-cash trade. The Serie A side were told Kieran Trippier and Danny Rose are available but showed no interest, yet they are reportedly considering whether to move for centre-back Toby Alderweireld. The 30-year-old is in the final year of his contract and would only cost £25m if a transfer is finalised at least 14 days before the close of the window on August 8. Roma are looking at other options too and the Belgium international could yet decide to see out his terms in North London.

Spurs also want to add the young, versatile winger/full-back Ryan Sessegnon to their ranks, but need Fulham to come down from the prohibitive £45m price tag. The 19-year-old is eager to develop under Pochettino and only has 12 months to run on his deal, which gives Tottenham a strong negotiating hand.

His brother, Steven, is a candidate to operate on the right defensive flank if Trippier can be offloaded, with Norwich right-back Max Aarons another option. Tottenham have also been heavily linked with midfielders Giovani Lo Celso of Real Betis and Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid but incomings, especially of such an expensive nature, need to be offset by exits.

There is an expectation that Christian Eriksen, who has been at Spurs since 2013, will get his wish of a new challenge this summer. Levy has quoted £130m for his services, and while Tottenham would do well to get that, the funds generated from a substantial sale will help balance the books.

Eriksen's desire to depart did not shock anyone at Hotspur Way. Part of the problem with not regenerating a group is that players ultimately enter a comfort zone without competition and grow bored with their surroundings, no matter how much innovation gets introduced during training and analysis sessions. The playmaker has served Tottenham exceptionally well and his exit could be helpful too, much like Philippe Coutinho's proved to be for Liverpool given how the Merseysiders reinvested his £142m fee.

Pochettino has felt that Spurs tick every box required for advancement -- improving their structure, how they operate, their facilities -- bar one: squad enhancement, though it seems like the wait is almost over on that front. Patience can then be replaced by a powered-up push for a first trophy under Pochettino's watch.

Australia have called spinning allrounder Sophie Molineux into their squad for the Women's Ashes Test, which starts next Thursday in Taunton. The left-armer has played three ODIs and 15 T20Is, taking 21 wickets for her country, but has yet to feature in Tests.

Molineux missed the original cut for the Ashes squad in June, as she was continuing to recover from shoulder surgery, but has now been brought into the group with the expectation that the Test surface could be receptive to spin. Her last outing came for Victoria in February, but she could get game time in a three-day tour match against England Academy at Marlborough College, starting on Thursday.

Australia are already 6-0 up in the points-based Ashes, having won all three ODIs. They only need a draw in the one-off Test to retain the trophy.

"I think it's a wonderful addition to our squad, Soph's done exceptionally well in the short international career she's had," team-mate Beth Mooney said. "She throws a lot of banter around the group and has a great time. It's really nice to see her back amongst the group after she had shoulder surgery. She's ticked all the boxes she can and put her hand up for the Test match."

Australia were dominant in the one-day matches, culminating in a 194-run thrashing at Canterbury on Sunday, with England unable to cope with the pace of Ellyse Perry in particular. They also have several slow-bowling options, in Jess Jonassen, Georgia Wareham and Ashleigh Gardner, if a spinning deck is rolled out at Taunton.

"There's been a bit of chat about that, we've played a few games at Taunton in the past, whether it's with Australia or the KSL," Mooney said. "The wicket's generally pretty good but if it's a bit drier we think it'll take a bit more turn. We've got some really good options there, pace bowling and spin. Once we get closer to d-day they'll have a good look at that wicket and make a decision.

"We'll try not to get too ahead of ourselves, obviously there's a lot that could happen in a four-day game. The carrot that's dangling in front of us means we'll go really hard early doors and makes sure we get ahead as much as we can as early as we can in the Test."

It's one of the biggest matches in the recent history of England cricket and it has been a sell-out for weeks, but there seems a good chance there may be many empty seats at Edgbaston on Thursday.

What is the problem?

It looked, for a while, as if India may be involved in Thursday's match. As a result, the side's supporters snapped up many of the tickets. But now, with India not involved in the game, those spectators are not expected to attend.

Can't they just sell their tickets to people who want to go?

Yes, up to a point. The ICC has a resale platform for such an eventuality that has resold 70000 tickets in this tournament to date. But it appears some - presumably wealthy - ticket holders cannot be bothered with the effort, while some others have taken to unofficial resale sites in an attempt to sell their tickets for a profit.

What's the matter with unofficial resale sites?

They aren't illegal in cricket. But they are contrary to the terms and conditions of ticket sale. That means the ICC can - and they have done on occasions throughout the tournament - cancel any tickets it sees for sale on such sites or in the hands of touts. That means that would-be spectators buying such tickets run the risk of not being allowed in the ground despite having paid for them.

So people should just use the official resale site?

That's the safest way to buy a ticket, yes. And probably the cheapest. Tickets on the official site can only be sold for their original face value. The ICC insist their opposition to unofficial resale sites is designed to protect spectators.

And that's working?

Yes.Thousands of tickets for the game have changed hands in the last few hours in such a manner. But anecdotal evidence from would-be ticket buyers suggests there is a great deal of frustration inherent in using that platform. There is evidence of crashing pages and tickets that look as if they are available proving impossible to buy; tickets show as available on the site until the fan who has them in their basket has completed the transaction. As a result, users are having to be immensely patient. There are tickets becoming available all the time, however, and they are being bought almost immediately.

What is the ICC doing to help?

They tell us they have emailed or texted every ticket holder for the game and reminded them to use the official resale platform. They are also warning those tempted by using the unofficial sites that tickets are being cancelled all the time.

How did Indian supporters end up with the bulk of the tickets?

Good question. It would appear the answer is they wanted them more and applied for more. A priority ticket ballot was, for example, offered to both the Barmy Army and the Bharat Army at the same time in May 2018. There was almost six times as much uptake from the Bharat Army.

Really?

Yes. Many Barmy Army supporters are far more keen on Test cricket. With an Ashes series coming up, it seems they may well have saved their money for that. And, to be fair, they may have had modest hopes of England's success in this tournament (have you seen England in recent World Cups?). It is probably a reminder, too, of the decline in interest in cricket in England and Wales and the reliance upon the Asian audience for the game's financial health.

Can't resale platforms be banned from selling such tickets?

They could, if the government legislated. Certainly cricket's authorities have been asking for that for a long time. And the government has indicated it is willing. But perhaps because parliament has achieved little in recent months - the Brexit debate has taken up a disproportionate amount of time - legislation remains a work in progress. As things stand, it is illegal to resell football tickets but not illegal to resell cricket tickets.

What has the ICC said?

"The only way fans can guarantee their ticket will be valid is to buy it from the Official Ticket Re-sale Platform, which allows fans unable to attend the remaining matches to sell to other genuine fans at face value," an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. "Anyone purchasing tickets from an unauthorised source, either online or in person, faces the risk of being left out of pocket and unable to enter the venue." They also point out that many ticket holders will want to attend such a high-profile fixture irrespective of the teams involved. They point out the game is a sell out and hope the ground will be full.

How many empty seats are we expecting?

It's impossible to say. But it is likely to be in the thousands. There has been an issue throughout the tournament with non-attendance from those with sponsors' tickets.

Alright, so what's the official website address?

Click here.