South Africa have turned to spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer as they attempt to secure a 2-0 Test series whitewash of West Indies at the Wanderers.

The Proteas started a new era with Temba Bavuma as captain and Shukri Conrad head coach with an 87-run victory over the Windies at SuperSport Park.

Bavuma has since been dropped from the Twenty20 International team and replaced as skipper by Aiden Markram.

South Africa start the second and final Test in Johannesburg on Wednesday knowing third place in the World Test Championship is there for the taking.

Maharaj and Harmer come into the side along with batter Ryan Rickelton and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.

Anrich Nortje was ruled out with a groin injury, while Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy and Keegan Petersen also drop out of the team.

The tourists are unchanged despite crumbling to 159 all out in the first Test, Kagiso Rabada doing much of the damage with brilliant figures of 6-50.

Both sides turn their attention to trying to qualify for this year's 50-over World Cup after this match, with South Africa not playing again in the longest format until taking on India in December.

West Indies have won only one of their 16 Tests in South Africa, that coming back in December 2007 and have lost 13 of those matches.

South Africa will be striving to secure a 20th Test win at the Wanderers, a tally they have already reached at Newlands and SuperSport Park. 

The Proteas have won both Tests against the Windies at this venue, the last of those triumphs coming in 2003.


Opportunity knocks for Rickelton

Rickelton returns for his fourth Test and Conrad says the 26-year-old left-hander has earned the chance to show he belongs in the middle order.

He said: "Rickelton deserves his crack at it.

"I still feel Keegan has a big role to play in the middle order rather than at the top of the order. I think his best position might be number five going forward in terms of the way he plays.

"But again this Test batting unit is still a work in progress."

Reliable Roach

Kemar Roach has produced the goods time and again for West Indies and he put them in the hunt to win the first Test by taking 5-47 in the second innings, with the Proteas skittled out for only 116.

The paceman has a strike rate of 42.3 against South Africa in Tests, his best against any team in the format.

There will be no away fans in the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 15 when Napoli host Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

An injunction from the Italian Ministry of the Interior is being issued to Napoli to prevent the Serie A leaders from selling tickets to Frankfurt supporters.

The first leg at Deutsche Bank Park on February 21 saw clashes between the two sets of supporters ahead of the game, with reports saying some Frankfurt fans were arrested after attacking Napoli fans at a bar.

A statement from the Bundesliga club said: "Eintracht Frankfurt were informed late last night by UEFA that the Italian Ministry of the Interior is this morning going to issue an injunction against SSC Napoli, whereby the club are prohibited from selling tickets to Eintracht Frankfurt supporters for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg on Wednesday 15 March.

"This would also include the total away allocation of 2,700 tickets, of which 2,400 are in the away section, which Eintracht Frankfurt are entitled to under UEFA regulations.

"As soon as the specific details of the injunction are available, Eintracht Frankfurt will comment further on this development."

Napoli won the first leg against the Europa League holders 2-0 courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

New Zealand back-rower Ardie Savea has been handed a one-game ban after making a throat-slitting gesture to an opponent.

The 29-year-old flanker, who has captained the All Blacks and won 70 caps, apologised after Friday's Super Rugby game between the Hurricanes and Melbourne Rebels.

Savea aimed the mock threat at Melbourne's Ryan Louwrens after being sin-binned, earning him a citing.

Judicial committee chairman Nigel Hampton determined neither the yellow-card offence for Savea's part in escalating a ruckus, nor the afters that followed, deserved to be treated as worthy of a straight red card.

But collectively they warranted a sending-off, it was ruled, meaning Savea is suspended for one week, forcing him to miss Saturday's home clash with the Blues.

In a statement quoted by New Zealand media, Hampton said: "That was accepted by the player, and the player is therefore suspended for one week, up to and including Saturday 11 March 2023."

Savea said his behaviour was "out of character", telling broadcaster Stan Sport after the game: "I can understand the fans are furious around the gesture that I made. It was a heat-of-the-moment kind of thing, that's footy, but I understand, kids are watching us."

Julian Nagelsmann says Neymar's absence for Paris Saint-Germain "does not change much" in terms of Bayern Munich's approach heading into Wednesday's showdown.

Bayern welcome PSG to the Allianz Arena boasting a 1-0 advantage from last month's Champions League last-16 first leg, courtesy of Kingsley Coman's second-half goal.

Neymar failed to have much of an impact in the reverse fixture, whereas Mbappe caused Bayern's defenders plenty of problems in the final 30 minutes after being brought on.

The France international, returning from a thigh injury ahead of schedule, forced Yann Sommer into a good save and had a couple of goals ruled out for offside.

With Mbappe now fit enough to play a full part, Nagelsmann believes PSG will cope just fine without Neymar, who has been ruled out for the season with an ankle injury.

"It doesn't change much," Nagelsmann said at Tuesday's pre-match press conference when asked about Neymar being ruled out. 

"Mbappe plays from the start – that changes something. PSG have a clear idea with Lionel Messi and Mbappe up front. We have to prevent passes to Messi. 

"We also have to be patient. We know we can't defend every attack, so Yann will also have a part to play in goal."

Mbappe has 30 goals in 30 games this season – only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland can better that tally across Europe's top five leagues, with 33 goals in 34 games.

The 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner is aiming to become the first ever player to score in three successive visits to Bayern in the Champions League.

He claimed last week that PSG remain favourites to advance to the quarter-finals, despite being a goal down, but Bayern attacker Thomas Muller does not agree.

"Everyone can assess that for themselves," he said. "We won the first leg 1-0; I think that's an advantage. 

"But a one-goal deficit can always be caught up in football. I understand his opinion, he has a lot of self-confidence.

"He is a player who poses a threat to us. You have to think about how to prevent this. It's still a team sport. We have to block the passes and be courageous in duels."

While there is no questioning the quality of Messi and Mbappe in PSG's attack, they have struggled defensively at times this season.

Indeed, the Ligue 1 leaders are the only side left in the Champions League yet to keep a clean sheet in the competition this campaign.

"Their defence isn't a weakness," Nagelsmann said. "We have developed an idea for tomorrow in terms of how we can hurt them.

"We don't want to focus just on defending our lead; we want to also score goals ourselves."

Bayern have been eliminated just twice on the 22 previous occasions they have won the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie.

Liverpool owner John Henry says Fenway Sports Group (FSG)'s commitment to Liverpool "remains stronger than ever" as talks continue with potential investors.

FSG announced in November it is open to new investment, but Henry made clear last month the Premier League club is not fully up for sale.

That remains the case, with Henry confirming in a rare interview on Tuesday that FSG is seeking a third party to add to their investment in order to grow the club.

"While we formalised a process that has identified potential investors for the club, we remain fully committed to the long-term success of the club," Henry told the Liverpool Echo.

"That has been the case since day one in 2010. Our efforts every day have been and continue to be focused on the long-term health and competitiveness of the club. 

"Investment in the club is never for the short-term. This approach has been successful over the long haul with patience necessary from time to time.

"In regard to Liverpool Football Club our commitment remains stronger than ever. The club continues to make great progress with youth on the field and off."

Liverpool have won eight trophies – including the Premier League and Champions League – since FSG bought the club 12 and a half years ago.

Despite their on-field success, FSG has been criticised over several issues, including Liverpool's attempt to join the European Super League and a perceived lack of investment.

Jurgen Klopp has stressed the need to strengthen at the end of a disappointing season, but Henry hinted there will not be a mega spending spree in the next transfer window.

"We continue building at Liverpool Football Club in a responsible manner," he said. "We've seen many football clubs go down unsustainable paths. 

"We have and will continue to focus our attention on investing wisely in the transfer market and we remain incredibly proud of our squad.

"At the same time, we continue investing in our training facilities, our main stand and currently the Anfield Road stand. 

"These are all physical reflections of our resolve and how very seriously Fenway Sports Group takes its responsibilities for this great club."

Antonio Conte's recent absence from Tottenham due to recovery from gallbladder surgery did not change his mind about his future at the club amid reports of a contractual impasse.

Conte was back in the hot seat on Tuesday as Spurs held their pre-match press conference before Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg against Milan.

Spurs revealed Conte was set for a period of leave on February 1 after a sudden illness required the emergency removal of his gallbladder.

He returned to work just eight days later but was then signed off again on February 16, with Conte acknowledging he underestimated how long his body needed to recover.

The visit of Milan will be Conte's first game back at the helm, assuming control again from Cristian Stellini, but it comes following strong rumours claiming he will not be staying beyond the end of the season when his contract ends.

Conte sounded committed upon his return but did not directly discuss his future and his comments hinted at there being no movement.

"This type of situation can happen and I discovered after the surgery that many of my friends had the same surgery," he told reporters.

"This was emergency surgery, not planned, and that's very different. Previously a lot of sad news happened and when [the doctors] told me that I had only [needed] surgery, for this reason I was happy, because you never know what could happen.

"This doesn't change my mind. Now, I repeat that I have to stay with the players and breathe the atmosphere of the training ground."

Results for Spurs have been mixed over the past five weeks or so since Conte initially took time off.

The lowest moment, however, came last week when Championship side Sheffield United knocked them out of the FA Cup.

Conte wanted to return after that embarrassment for Spurs but was blocked by doctors.

"I wanted to come back after the game against Sheffield United but the doctors stopped me," he continued.

"They said, 'you have to listen to us and wait two days more and come back to London on Sunday for the game against Milan'. But honestly, I wanted to come back early."

Despite Spurs' lack of on-pitch consistency and Conte's own off-field frustrations, he appeared to be in high spirits as Tottenham look to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.

He added: "[Monday] was positive. My feeling was really good. It's important for me to work with my players and the staff and prepare for the games.

"From afar I tried to stay very close with my players using video. To be present is totally different and for this reason I have to say thanks to my whole staff. They did a really good job and the players to stay for three weeks without the manager wasn't easy.

"Now I'm back and I'm really happy. We want to go to the next round and for tomorrow I hope to feel an amazing atmosphere in our stadium. Our fans give us a major boost and we're playing against the team that won the league in Italy last season."

Son Heung-min also recognised the significance of Conte's return from the players' perspectives, with the former Inter coach bringing with him his trademark boisterousness.

"It's important," he said. "I'm glad that the manager is sitting next to me.

"He brings good energy to the team. When the boss isn't here it's different. We could feel that energy and his passion on the touchline [in training on Monday]. We'll feel more comfortable."

Alejandro Garnacho is the latest Manchester United player to offer a public apology for the humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.

United's Premier League hammering at Anfield on Sunday was their joint-worst defeat ever, alongside losses by the same scoreline to Wolves in 1931, Aston Villa in 1930 and Blackburn Rovers in 1926.

That it came against their fiercest rivals made it even tougher to swallow for United fans, who had seen their side end a six-year trophy drought with EFL Cup glory a week before.

Following apologies from David de Gea and Luke Shaw, Garnacho – who was brought on after an hour with the Red Devils 3-0 down – has posted a message of his own on social media.

"We are so sorry," he said. "We will give you a reaction on Thursday, Reds."

United will be aiming for a swift response in that Europa League last-16 first-leg home tie with Real Betis on Thursday, with defeat to Liverpool snapping an 11-game unbeaten run.

The Red Devils are still in the hunt for a cup treble this season, but full-back Shaw accepts the performance at Anfield simply was not good enough.

"It was unacceptable. Embarrassing, to be honest," said Shaw, who has played in 32 of United's 42 matches under Erik ten Hag. 

"On the pitch I felt embarrassed for us players, for the fans that were there supporting us, that were watching at home, to watch that second half.

"I can only apologise for that and us as players have to own it, we have to stand up and accept that it was nowhere near good enough. 

"It was completely unacceptable and I'm sure they’re hurting, but us as players are hurting a lot.

"Our standards have clearly dropped since we've won [the EFL Cup] and in the last couple of games we haven't been our normal selves.

"We showed no personality, no mentality and for a big team to come here we need to be better."

United follow up the visit of LaLiga side Betis with a meeting against Southampton on their return to Premier League action on Sunday.

Christophe Dugarry is "happy" for Paris Saint-Germain that Neymar is injured as his absence provides an "incredible opportunity" for head coach Christophe Galtier. 

PSG on Monday revealed Neymar is out for the rest of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.

The Brazil forward did the damage during a 4-3 win over Lille last month and is expected to be sidelined for up to four months.

Neymar has scored 18 goals and provided 17 assists for the Ligue 1 leaders this season, but former France striker Dugarry believes they are better off with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi as an attacking duo.

He told RMC Sport: "I'm happy for PSG that Neymar is injured. I think this is an incredible opportunity for Galtier.

"The team is much more balanced with five defenders and Mbappe and Messi up front."

A straight-talking Dugarry does not want to see former Barcelona man Neymar play for PSG again.

He added: "I can't see him anymore, I can't stand him anymore. I can't stand his dribbling and that attitude. I don't want to see him on the field anymore, I'm tired!"

Dugarry would be much more concerned for PSG if either Messi or Mbappe were unavailable.

He said: "Hugo Ekitike has shown that he is still not at the desired level and the other attackers are also mediocre."

PSG will attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit when they face Bayern Munich in a Champions League round of 16 second leg at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

Liverpool supporters will have their Champions League final tickets refunded in full by UEFA following the chaos that marred last May's showpiece in Paris.

An independent report released last month held UEFA "primarily responsible" for the "large number of near misses that nearly led to disaster" at the Stade de France.

Liverpool fans were originally blamed by authorities amid shambolic scenes that saw tear gas used by police and others crushed in dangerous bottlenecks outside the ground.

Having accepted blame for a catalogue of organisational failures ahead of Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Real Madrid, UEFA has now agreed to refund all 19,618 Liverpool ticket holders.

UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis said: "We have taken into account a huge number of views expressed both publicly and privately, and we believe we have devised a scheme that is comprehensive and fair.

"We value the input from the Liverpool FC supporter organisations Spirit of Shankly and Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association as well as the open and transparent dialogue throughout this period.

"We recognise the negative experiences of those supporters on the day and with this scheme we will refund fans who had bought tickets and who were the most affected by the difficulties in accessing the stadium."

The final, won by Vinicius Junior's 59th-minute strike, was delayed by 38 minutes due to the crowd issues outside the venue.

A large number of supporters with genuine tickets were refused entry because of faulty scanning devices, with many accused of possessing fake tickets.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, Spirit of Shankly and the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association said: "We welcome today's announcement from UEFA.

"This unprecedented move is the result of tireless work, alongside FSE [Football Supporters Europe] and Ian Byrne MP, to hold those responsible for the catastrophic events in Paris.

"With a promise to reimburse supporters, UEFA have gone some way to acknowledging their part in the fiasco.

"But it does not excuse UEFA, exempt them from criticism or lessen the need for them to implement all of the recommendations made by the independent inquiry.

"We will work alongside Liverpool and publish details once we know how and when refunds will be processed."

The cost of refunding nearly 20,000 supporters is expected to be in the region of £3million (€3.4m), according to reports.

Cameron Smith could go from celebrated winner to spectator non grata at the Players Championship this week as the LIV Golf defector toys with a return to Sawgrass.

The Australian is banned from defending his title after leaving the PGA Tour for the lucrative Saudi-led series, a decision that came in the wake of his Open Championship victory last July.

USA Today's Golfweek reported Smith was stripped of his parking spot at Sawgrass and refused permission to practise at the course after making his career-changing decision.

He lives practically on the doorstep of the course, however, in a plush home just minutes away, and Smith hinted he will feel inclined to head for the course and pay at the gate, just so he gets to see some of the action first hand.

That would be a move that causes a major stir, with the rivalry between the competing tours at close to boiling point.

In an interview with Golf.com, Smith said: "I'm a little bit unsure, you know. That's where I live now, so I don't know, I'll definitely be watching on TV.

"I think it's a great event to watch. I grew up my whole childhood watching the event and, yeah, I'd love to get out there.

"I don't know how it would kind of be received, but getting out there and watching, walking around in the crowd, might be pretty funny."

Smith won by one stroke from Anirban Lahiri last year, landing what was then the biggest title of his career, which he went on to top at St Andrews.

Lahiri is also banned from competing, having committed to LIV, and the same applies to Paul Casey, who was third last year.

Play gets under way on Thursday.

Rising RallyCross star Fraser McConnell will drive for Lewis Hamilton’s X44 Vida Carbon Racing Team in season three of the Extreme E Championship, the Jamaican announced on Instagram on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old McConnell replaces French veteran rally and rallycross driver, Sebastien Loeb, who won the 2022 Extreme E alongside Cristina Gutiérrez.

“Reporting for duty @lewishamilton,” McConnell announced in his Instagram page on Wednesday.

“So excited for this new chapter in my career racing for @teamx44 in season three of @extremeelive lining up with @cris­_tortu. Big shoes to fill while replacing @sebloebofficiel but I am going to give it my all.”

McConnell is the most competitively successful Jamaican driver in the history of international rallycross racing—his championship victory in the 2019 Americas RallyCross Championship marked the first and only championship win by a Jamaican driver in the series’ history.

McConnell currently competes professionally Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the Group E class.

He made his rallycross career debut in 2018, competing in North America's ARX2 series. In 2019, McConnell made his international racing debut with Olsbergs MSE. That same year, McConnell won the ARX2 championship, marking the first time in history for a Jamaican to lift the title.

In 2021, McConnell secured his first supercar victory, defeating three-time FIA world champion Johan Kristoffersson at the RallyX Nordic in Nysum, Denmark.

In February, McConnell when he won his second qualifying event at Stampede Park in Calgary, becoming only the third driver this season to claim three career top qualifier results in RallyCross following his success at Glen Helen in California in late 2022.

The X44 team was founded by seven- time Formula One World Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton. The name "X44" was chosen due to Hamilton using the number on his Formula One car since 2014.

 

Max Verstappen believes Fernando Alonso can end his decade-long wait for a Formula One win this season after an encouraging start for Aston Martin.

The Spaniard finished third in his first race for his new team at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix last Sunday, which Verstappen won ahead of his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez.

Alonso signed a multi-year deal to replace Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin, making the move from Alpine.

The 41-year-old, who took a two-year sabbatical from F1 before returning in 2021, has not taken the top step of the podium since his victory at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix on home soil.

But reigning champion Verstappen thinks Alonso can add to his tally of 32 wins this year.

The Dutchman said: "I hope so for Fernando as well because he has had a few years where there was not really a possibility to fight at the front, so I'm happy to see him sitting here already in race one.

"I think also again, I mentioned it before, but at Aston Martin, they really have the spirit and drive, they want to win and they've hired a lot of good people.

"So I guess it can only get better for them. And I think for this year, difficult to say if they're going to challenge for the championship, but race wins are definitely on the table.

"I've been in the same position where some races I'm finishing 20 to 40 seconds behind the winners and you still win two or three races a year because sometimes there are some tracks which really suit your car and everything just comes together and you can win a race with maybe sometimes a bit of help or luck.

"But for sure they have a really strong package. And now of course it's all about developing it further."

Jordan Henderson has warned his Liverpool team-mates not to get too overconfident following their thumping 7-0 win over Manchester United.

The Reds inflicted a record Premier League defeat on their fierce rivals – and their joint-heaviest loss ever – in Sunday's one-sided contest at Anfield.

While Liverpool took particular enjoyment out of thrashing United, the result also moved them within three points of fourth-place Tottenham with a game in hand.

Newcastle are four points off the Champions League qualification spots, meanwhile, and have two games in hand on Spurs.

Liverpool have now taken 13 points from the past 15 on offer, but Henderson does not want his colleagues to get too ahead of themselves.

"Hopefully we can use it in the right way but you can't get too confident or overconfident, for sure," he told Liverpool's official website. 

"There are different tests along the way from now until the end of the season that will come and you need to stay positive, stay ready and stay hungry like we were [on Sunday].

"That will give us a good chance to finish the season well."

Henderson made his 400th start for Liverpool in all competitions in their memorable victory over United, 20 of those coming in the 2022-23 campaign.

It has been a disappointing season for the Reds on the whole, but captain Henderson is pleased to have seen the Liverpool of old against United.

"The performance for the whole game was really good. Intensity and energy levels were high, and something that we have been missing for a while this season," he said. 

"I thought we performed to the levels we are capable of and when you do that you get your rewards with the goals."

Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah all scored two goals each, while Roberto Firmino – who will leave Anfield at the end of the season – completed the rout.

Liverpool scored from seven of their eight shots on target in a ruthless display, scoring as many goals as they managed in their previous eight league games combined.

"Everything seemed to go in," Henderson added. "There was some great finishing, some great runs, movement and the delivery was good, so everything seemed to work.

"Hopefully this gives everyone the confidence to keep building, keep working and keep going right until the end of the season and see where we can get to."

Liverpool return to action on Saturday with a trip to bottom side Bournemouth, before facing Real Madrid in the second leg of a Champions League last-16 tie they trail 5-2.

Police are investigating whether Ja Morant broke the law when he appeared to be pictured holding a gun in a Colorado nightclub last weekend.

Morant was suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies after he posted an Instagram Live video which seemed to show him brandishing a gun.

The Glendale Police Department confirmed to the Associated Press that the incident is being investigated.

It is not against the law to carry a gun in Colorado, but there are exceptions to the rule, one of which being you must not be in possession of one while under the influence of alcohol.

Morant, the 2022 NBA Most Improved Player, was not seen to be drinking during the footage.

In a statement released to ESPN shortly after his suspension was confirmed, Morant apologised for his actions, saying he took "full responsibility".

"I'm sorry to my family, team-mates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organisation for letting you down," Morant added.

"I'm going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being."

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