Brighton — Sussex County Cricket Club player Leo Woodward was discovered slumped outside a popular Brighton nightclub in the early hours of Friday morning, reportedly nursing a dog bite on his right arm.
Passersby alerted emergency services after spotting the 24-year-old cricketer seated on the pavement near West Street, appearing dazed and in visible discomfort. Paramedics treated Woodward at the scene before transporting him to Royal Sussex County Hospital for further evaluation.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one clubgoer claiming to have seen a stray dog in the vicinity shortly before Woodward was found. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, thought to involve Woodward's flatmate.
A spokesperson for Sussex CCC stated, “Leo is receiving medical attention and support from the club. We are awaiting further details and ask for privacy while the matter is being looked into.”
Woodward, a rising star known for his aggressive batting style, had recently returned to training following a minor ankle injury. His condition is said to be stable, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
More updates are expected as the investigation continues.
England have responded emphatically in the second Test at the Auckland Oval, declaring on 525-8 after new captain Martin Becker won the toss and elected to bat. Greg Sandy led the charge with a masterful 155 off 271 balls, supported by Patrick Stitchling’s gritty 132. The pair’s partnership blunted New Zealand’s attack, with Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner toiling through long spells. England’s batting dominance was a statement of intent following their innings defeat in the first match, where New Zealand had outclassed them in all departments.
As New Zealand were nearing the end of their first innings under the shadow of an imminent follow on, debutant Ki Wolf made an instant impression by claiming the last wicket —a dream start for the young all rounder.
New Zealand’s first innings crumbled to 184, undone by an unplayable spell from Crispin Wheeler, who marked his return to the squad with figures of 4-43. Wheeler’s comeback was especially poignant, having been dropped by former manager David Earl—a decision now under scrutiny given his immediate impact. We caught up with Crispin after the days play. Click the link below to read his interview.
New England manager Barry Dennison has selected his squad for the 2nd Test hoping that he can overturn the innings defeat suffered in the first Test.
There are 7 new additions to the squad but Martin Becker is given the chance to reverse his terrible form for the national side and is given the managers backing as he is announced as captain.
Uncapped Sussex prodigy Ki Wolf has been selected to make his debut and he is relishing the chance to get his teeth into the Kiwis. The selection of the young starlet hasn't gone down well with everyone however, with former England manager David Earl (51) being quoted as saying "...first time I've heard about it... Not happy. I'm not going to blame the kid, I know why he hasn't spoke to me about it, because of that piece of trash".
Earl was approached for further comment but he was unavailable as he was out with Middlesex landlady Mary Heaton.
Essex • Greg Sandy
Derbyshire • Martin Becker (captain)
Northamptonshire • Carraban Bird • Simon Cooper-Redman
Worcestershire • Kangi Vreteseechi
Lancashire • Patrick Stitchling • John Banks
Sussex • Ki Wolf
Hampshire • Luke Todd • Crispin Wheeler
Kent • Geste Acosta
England’s Indian hangover turned into a full-blown migraine as they were steamrolled by a rampant New Zealand side in just three days at the SCG. The final scoreline? A humiliating 9-wicket defeat that left fans wondering if the team had even unpacked their bags before packing up their hopes.
From the moment Tristan Murphy walked out with a stiff upper lip and a loose forward defence, it was clear England were in trouble. The first innings total of 114 was less a score and more a cry for help. Murphy’s 28 was the highest score.
Yes, you read that right.
Caraban Bird fluttered briefly with 20 before being plucked by Jamieson. The rest? A procession of padded confusion. New Zealand’s bowlers didn’t just bowl – they hunted. Kyle Jamieson’s 4/31 was surgical, while Matt Henry’s 3/27 was pure venom.
If Mitchell Santner had any doubts about his place in cricketing folklore, he buried them under the SCG turf. With 77 runs and 3 wickets, he was everywhere – batting, bowling, probably selling hot dogs during the tea break. His partnership with Rachin Ravindra (76) was the stuff of Kiwi dreams and English nightmares. Together, they built a 335-run fortress, and England never found the gate.
Murphy returned with a vengeance in England's second innings, carving out a gritty 73, while Gus Pope added a stylish 40. But with Santner spinning webs and Henry bowling thunderbolts, England’s 212 was never going to cut it. Needing just 12 runs, New Zealand lost one wicket – possibly out of politeness – before sealing the win. The SCG crowd roared, the Barmy Army groaned, and somewhere in the dressing room, a teapot was hurled.
England now head to Auckland, presumably to find their missing batting technique. New Zealand, meanwhile, are already planning the victory parade.
In a twist more dazzling than a cover drive under the floodlights, Barry Dennison—newly appointed England Manager and known for his no-nonsense approach to life—has sent shockwaves through the clubhouse by unveiling a freshly pierced ear at yesterday’s training session.
Sources inside the dressing room say Barry’s decision was “spontaneous but deeply considered,” with one insider revealing he’d been “eyeing up David Earl for months.” The piercing, done at a local salon reportedly called “Studs & Suds,” has already sparked fierce debate online