William Porterfield has said that playing Test cricket at Lord's will be "right up there, if not the pinnacle", of Ireland's journey to the top table of international cricket.

While Ireland have faced England at Lord's in a one-off ODI in 2017, their captain said on the eve of their third Test appearance that the opportunity to walk through the Long Room and down the famous steps from the Lord's pavilion on Wednesday morning would be a "pretty special moment".

"We have got quite a few World Cups under our belt, little things like that," Porterfield said. "They have been pretty big occasions, but getting to Test cricket and then having the opportunity to play here at the home of cricket is a pretty special thing.

"We had a taste of it a couple of years ago with the one-dayer here, coming down through the Long Room and everything else and the things you see that other sides get to do in terms of Test cricket, so I'm sure that's a bit of a taster of what it's going to be like come tomorrow morning when we walk down through - should that be the first two lads out there or walking down as an eleven."

This match will be the second men's Test to be contested over four days following the ICC's approval of a trial of the format in October 2017. South Africa's victory over Zimbabwe at Port Elizabeth in 2017 is the only match since to be played under such conditions since the 1970s. Porterfield played down suggestions that the shortened match would diminish the occasion in any way.

"If you look across world cricket now, a lot of focus, a lot of crowds and everything else - probably barring England, Australia and India to a fair extent where you get crowds when those three play against each other, it's a good initiative.

"You're probably missing out on less than two sessions throughout the five days. You are still making up time with 98 overs. I think that the pace at which some Test matches are played at these days anyway, it might be a good thing for the game as well."

Porterfield declared that all 14 members of his squad were in contention for a place in the starting eleven on Wednesday, although a subsequent back spasm for James McCollum may have changed that prognosis slightly. Either way, four of the squad - Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Lorcan Tucker and Craig Young - yet to make their Test debuts. While Porterfield admitted there would be some nerves for the possible debutants, he said it was perfectly fine for there to be so.

"They are young kids. They might not have played in front of 25,000 before or whatever it is. You take in different factors of the game of cricket. Once they get out there and get over the first five or ten minutes, they will get into the contest of bat and ball, but they could be lying if they don't acknowledge there will be a few nerves knocking around."

England will be making a quick transition between the white-ball and red-ball formats, ramping up towards the Ashes after a long World Cup campaign, but Ireland themselves haven't had much time in whites this summer. The visitors have contested limited overs series against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and West Indies on the international stage, while on the domestic scene their first-class competition, the Inter-Provincial Trophy, consists of only six matches a season, a number that Porterfield is keen to see increased.

"There's a lot of county cricket, four-day, first-class experience within the side. We've got a lot to draw on. In an ideal scenario, we'd be at the stage back home where we've got 10 or 12 first-class games throughout the summer as well as various other fixtures. We've got to beef up our domestic programme, especially having missed out on county cricket, both white-ball and red-ball."

ALSO READ: From World Cup magic to four-day Tests

Two names in the Ireland squad who do have experience at the home of cricket are Paul Stirling and Tim Murtagh, who have plied their trade on the county scene for Middlesex.

"Having both of those lads who have played a lot of cricket is good for the lads just to go and have a chat to and sit down and talk about it if there's anything they feel they want to focus on with regards the ground, the slope or anything really."

Porterfield himself has a history with the venue, having been part of the MCC Young Cricketers in his formative years between 2003 and 2006, and he reflected on his time as part of the programme, admitting he'd never have thought he would be back here playing Test cricket.

"To be honest, probably not," said Porterfield. "There are quite a few lads on the actual staff who were groundsmen at the time. It's been slightly different catching up with everyone and being the other side of it. It's still pretty special. We used to have to dish out the programmes in the boxes and stuff every morning, so little bits and pieces that you have to do. It's going to be slightly different being on this side of the fence."

It has been a fine week for Irish sport, with Shane Lowry claiming his first major golf title this past weekend at Royal Portrush. While Ireland come into this Test as clear underdogs, their captain insists they're in it to win it.

"It's Test match cricket for a reason - it's tough. But it's eleven guys against eleven guys, it's bat against ball. You take names, reputation, everything out of it. You've just got to take each delivery as it comes, no matter which way it goes."

Would it be the greatest moment in Irish sport if they were to come out victorious?

"I wouldn't say that if we win this Test match it would be the greatest thing that's ever been achieved in Irish sport. But as far as cricket goes, it will be."

The ECB have extended their All Stars kids cricket programme to accommodate for the enthusiasm generated by England's successful World Cup campaign.

The scheme, aimed to provided children aged between 5 and 8 with their first organised experience of the sport, usually ends as the school holidays begin. But the ECB, eager to capitalise on renewed interest in the sport, have arranged for a further 10,000 All Stars places to be available around the country.

This year, 66,000 children attended All Stars sessions; up from 59,000 last year. The aim is that, when each eight-week course ends, the clubs which ran the courses will offer the children involved further playing opportunities in the summer holidays. The ECB have also rolled out an extension of the scheme which caters for 8 to 12-year-olds utilising smaller pitch lengths and smaller team sizes.

The ECB are also aiming to launch a school's strategy later this year the broad aim of which will be to double the participation numbers of children playing cricket in primary schools.

"It's crucial that we use the platform created by the World Cup to introduce more young people to the sport and hopefully spark a lifelong passion for the game," An ECB spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. "All Stars Cricket has been very successful in that over the last three years and hopefully the 'Have a Go' sessions will get an additional 10,000 kids down to their local club. We now need to make our game as accessible as possible which is why a major part of our strategic plan is to double participation in primary schools by 2024."

Cricket World Cup organisers claim the tournament is the third "most-watched global sporting event" - in terms of broadcast figures - after the football World Cup and the Olympics, with more than four million ticket applications made and 888,000 tickets sold. 100,000 of those were under 16. Around 43 percent of ticket buyers described themselves as England supporters, while 32 percent said they supported India, 10 percent Pakistan and six percent Bangladesh. Around 80 percent of ticket buyers lived in the UK.

For details of which clubs are offering the sessions and when visit: allstarscricket.co.uk

The Washington Redskins cut veteran linebacker Mason Foster Tuesday, one day before players are scheduled to report for training camp, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The move saves Washington $4 million against the salary cap. Foster, who led the team in tackles last season, had been on the bubble throughout the offseason. The Redskins debated cutting him before free agency, but wanted to keep him around as insurance in case they needed a veteran starter. After Reuben Foster tore his ACL during spring workouts, they signed Jon Bostic and liked what they saw from him.

The news of Mason Foster's release was first reported by Erin Hawksworth.

The Redskins also have Shaun Dion Hamilton, who can play both inside linebacker spots, and drafted Cole Holcomb in the fifth round. Mason Foster was viewed as a two-down linebacker who struggled in coverage. He said in the spring he had lost at least 15 pounds, trying to gain quickness.

Also, the Redskins could use the cap savings to possibly re-do tackle Trent Williams' contract. After releasing Foster, they'll have approximately $12 million cap space. Williams will likely miss the start of training camp as he remains upset over some of his medical care. It's uncertain if a new deal would appease him, however. He has two years remaining on his current contract.

The Redskins also want to extend guard Brandon Scherff, who is entering the final year of his contract. The sides started talking in January.

Foster started all 16 games for Washington last season, leading the team in tackles with 131. He started 38 games overall in his four seasons with the Redskins. He spent the first four years of his career as a starting linebacker with Tampa Bay. The Redskins picked him up after Chicago cut him in the summer of 2015.

Maxim Dadashev has died from injuries suffered during Friday's fight, according to trainer Buddy McGirt and Donatas Janusevicius, Dadashev's strength and conditioning coach.

Dadashev, 28, had been in UM Prince George's Hospital Center since the 11th-round loss to Subriel Matias. He underwent a two-hour surgery to relieve a subdural hematoma, or bleeding of the brain, and had been in a medically induced coma.

Early Saturday morning, neurosurgeon Mary IH Cobb told Dadashev's manager, Egis Klimas, and Janusevicius that the boxer had suffered a brain bleed on his right side, that his head was shaved and his scalp opened up, and that he was showing signs of severe brain damage. He had been given medication to decrease swelling.

Dadashev, from St. Petersburg, Russia, was 13-1 as a professional boxer.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan have become the latest players to withdraw from playing for Team USA at this summer's World Cup in China, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.

They are the seventh and eighth players to pull out ahead of training camp, which starts Aug. 5 in Las Vegas. The national team is still waiting on answers from other players on the roster including Kevin Love.

The Athletic was first to report Lillard's and DeRozan's withdrawals Tuesday.

The large amount of withdrawals is not unusual for World Cup years. In 2010, Team USA had 12 new players off the 2008 Olympic team. At the last World Cup, in 2014, it was 11 new faces off the 2012 Olympic team.

Several players are lined up to take the departures place including Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle.

Promotion: Harrow runner Gill Bland shares her thoughts and experiences of the 2019 OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO

Taking place at the beginning of spring, for many runners the OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO offers the ideal warm-up for events including the Virgin Money London Marathon.

That was the case earlier this year for Gill Bland who was among the British runners to take to the flat and fast streets of the Cypriot city to test her training after having a baby.

She ran an impressive time of 2:58:58 to finish fourth in the Limassol Marathon women’s race, before clocking 2:57:14 in the UK capital.

Here she shares her Limassol experience.

“As a keen marathoner who had a couple of years off hard training to get pregnant, I was keen to find the right race to test where I was at one year after having my boy. It was important that the event I chose should tick all the boxes whilst ideally being the right amount of time before the London Marathon to race it properly but also act as a tune-up.

“The Limassol Marathon looked like it had everything I was looking for – flat, wide and smooth roads, enough competition to make me want to try hard and yet chilled out enough to make it low stress, plus it had the added benefits of sunshine, seaside and great food for afterwards. It certainly delivered.

“On an increasingly warm Sunday in March I set off with the Mediterranean at my side before looping in-land and then doubling back into the city. As with all marathons there were some no-man’s-land sections but the organisers went to the trouble of shipping drumming groups out to some of the more remote spots.

“I liked the fact that this route was easily split into quarters in my mind and no point was ever very far from the finish. A wide-ranging field with both international standard athletes and community groups meant that there were people to chase as well as great company along the way.

“The second half of the race headed out along the coast where I was lucky enough to run alongside a local champion and her coach, benefitting from their support before returning to the start point in the city for a triumphant home straight and a very happy fourth place and sub-three finish just next to the Marina – the perfect spot to dip those post-run toes in the sea.

“Yes Limassol, you certainly gave me everything I hoped for. I’ll be back with my eyes on that podium next year!”

Key details

What: the OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO offers a full marathon as well as a half-marathon, 10km, 5km, corporate race and children’s races.

When: the 2020 race weekend takes place from March 21-22.

Race package: the #RunLimassolPlus race weekend package has always been extremely popular with overseas athletes wanting to visit Cyprus for this superb weekend celebration of running. Offering a range of accommodation options, discounted race entry and useful added extras, the package offers a great value and hassle-free way to enjoy a long weekend away.

More info: visit limassolmarathon.com or like the Facebook page and follow @RunLimassol #RunLimassol on Twitter and limassolmarathon on Instagram to keep up-to-date with all the latest news about OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO.

Three is the charm for Ivan and Wee Wern By KNG ZHENG GUAN and ALEX WAN – Squash Mad Asian Correspondents

Three is the magic number for Ivan Yuen and Low Wee Wern at the Ohana National Squash Championships. The pair, who will both turn 29 this year, showed that they are still very much on top of their game after clinching their third national titles at the National Squash Centre, Bukit Jalil on Sunday.

World number 46 Ivan in particular was really impressive as he dug deep to douse national number 1 Ng Eain Yow’s bid for a maiden national crown with an 11-7, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9 win. Ivan, the defending champion, was in his third straight nationals final and he looked right at home as he stormed to the first game 11-7.

The 21-year-old Eain Yow however showed nerves of steel as he battled from 7-2 down in the second game to nick it 11-8.

It was all Eain Yow attacking after that as the world number 38 looked to take charge of the game.Unfortunately for him, Ivan was in his element defensively and he hung on before squeezing past the finish line.

It is Ivan’s third straight national title and it’s a welcomed result for him after struggling to deliver in the first half of the year.

“It’s my first time playing Eain Yow in a final. He’s the future for Malaysia and he’s also higher ranked than me so I knew he’s a tough and dangerous opponent,” said Ivan.

“I’m just glad that I had a great start as it gave me encouragement and motivation to push myself for this third title.

“I think I did well to squeeze in the third and despite being down in the fourth, I’m pleased that I managed to turn it around to win the match.

“My results on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour hasn’t been great this year so hopefully this win will give me the belief once more to train harder for the coming season and to improve on my rankings.”

In the earlier round, Ivan had defeated Darren Rahul Pragasm in four games, while Eain Yow stopped Addeen Idrakie in straight games.

Earlier women’s top seed Low Wee Wern also found a way to win despite not playing at her best. The Penangite, who celebrates her 29th birthday on Thursday, really had to bank on her experience to see off the challenge of Rachel Arnold 11-6, 7-11, 11-9, 11-3.

“I think Rachel played really well today. She had a massive win over S. Sivasangari in the semi-finals so she was full of confidence,” said Wee Wern.

“On the other hand I wasn’t at my best all week but I somehow managed to find a way to win and I’m pleased with the way I came back.

“I think the third game was really crucial for me. If Rachel had won that it would have given her more confidence to make her shots,” added Wee Wern.

While there was no fairy tale finish for Rachel, it was still a stellar performance from world number 46, who ousted defending champion and close friend Sivasangari Subramaniam in the semi-finals.

“I’m quite pleased with how I played all week. Looking back, it’s the best I’ve ever felt both mentally and physically. I still have lots to work on, but this is definitely a good start for me to go into the new season (on the professional tour). Right now, I am feeling motivated and I plan to bring this onto the new season and have a better start”, said Rachel.
 

2019 Malaysian Nationals (Finals)

(1) Low Wee Wern bt (3/4) Rachel Arnold 11-6, 7-11, 11-9, 11-3

(2) Ivan Yuen bt (1) Ng Eain Yow 11-7, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9

Pictures courtesy of DLL Sports 

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Park Jefferson Int’l Speedway hosted the Arnold Motor Supply Dirt Knights Tour Monday night and Richie Gustin won the IMCA modified main event.

A 37-car field on modifieds were part of a four division, 85 car turnout at the three-eighths-mile South Dakota track.  Dirt Knights procedures are passing/finishing points in heats with the top 12 moving directly to the A main.

A pair of B mains elevated an additional six drivers from each to set the 24-car field for 30 laps. Offering a $2,000 check to win, the Tour was racing the first of four consecutive nights.

Josh Most took the lead initially, a three lap stint that ended when Gustin sped past Most on the back stretch on lap four on the inside line.

Most and Jesse Sobbing dueled numerous laps for second while Gustin stretched his lead.  The battle for second was not settled until lap 21 when Sobbing used the low line exit from turn four to edge Most at the line. Gustin successfully dealt with traffic during this long green session.

A yellow with 22 complete offered an additional challenge to Gustin’s lead, and the Gilman, Iowa driver was able to keep the lead and record the win.

Sobbing finished second ahead of Most while Joel Rust and Chris Abelson filled the top-five.

Three divisions ran two main events as makeup races from the July 1 Midwest Madness Tour were completed. Sport mod racing belonged to Cody Thompson with a sweep of the pair of mains, running his streak to 8 straight.

IMCA stock cars had two thrilling mains and Travis Barker won with a last lap pass in a photo finish while earlier Aaron Cain won the $1,500 to win makeup race.

Craig Clift took the night’s hobby stock main and Jesse Sobbing backed up his second place Dirt Knights finish by winning the $1,500 prize for the Madness Tour makeup.

OHSWEKEN, Ontario – Rico Abreu took top honors in Monday’s Northern Summer Nationals winged 360 sprint car opener at Ohsweken Speedway.

Abreu outran Steve Poirier to the checkered flag to earn the $5,000 payday at the Canadian venue.

Mack DeMan finished third, followed by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Mitch Brown.

Heats were won by Holly Porter, Christopher Bell, Mark Smith, DeMan and Brown. Davie Franek, Scott Kreutter and Denny Peebles each won a B-Main.

The finish:

Rico Abreu, Steve Poirier, Mack DeMan, Tony Stewart, Mitch Brown, Jason Barney, Jim Huppunen, Max Stambaugh, Scott Kreutter, Davie Franek, Christopher Bell, Jared Zimbardi, Jacob Dykstra, Holly Porter, Shane Ross, Joe Trenca, Jake Brown, Alex Hill, Denny Peebles, Lynton Jeffrey, Mark Smith, Dylan Westbrook, Tom Huppunen, Jordan Thomas.