Ben Stokes vs ICC

Cricket is a very confusing game. Sometimes, it feels like the ICC does its best to make this elaborate and convoluted sport even more bewildering with additional rules. This week, Ben Stokes took to his Instagram to reveal his personal standoff with the ICC's powers that be. Stokesy has gone into full protest mode, refusing to sign the relevant post-match paperwork. 

The intricacies are too complex to condense for this newsletter (he might have a point here), but the short version is: under ICC rules requiring 15 overs per hour with 30 extra minutes daily to catch up, both England and New Zealand fell three overs short at Hagley Oval—a system Stokes argues ignores conditions. This means England could miss the ICC Test Championship final in 2025. Keep fighting, comrade Stokes, for England!

The Afghan Stand

Two of Afghanistan's sporting heroes have stepped up in a big way. In a brave statement, captain and talisman Rashid Khan posted on social media that women had a "right" to education and must be allowed to train as doctors and nurses. "It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs," he said. 

Mohammad Nabi also spoke out, stating: "This decision does not only harm the future of these girls, but it also harms the whole country and nation. Afghanistan needs educated women as well as educated men. Please reverse this decision and let our girls get an education."

This comes after Taliban leaders banned women from medical education, closing a key loophole in their restrictions on female learning. Depressing but expected news. However, both Khan and Nabi deserve recognition for using their platforms to support their sisters.

$500K for a Baggy Green?!

What's the most you've spent on second-hand sports memorabilia? For the average person, a 2002 West Indies shirt bought after a few pints at the pub might be as far as it goes. Well, it seems someone might have had a few too many. Don Bradman's infamous baggy green was sold for a whopping $500,000.

Unlike modern Australian players, Bradman’s Test cap from the 1947-48 series against India, though not unique, set a record by selling at auction for $479,700. The tatty, faded cap once worn by "The Don" is a special piece of cricket history.

Maybe wearing it will give you that extra edge in the 2nds this weekend. If he could average 99 throughout his Test career, surely you can get past 15 on that sticky wicket. Then again, probably not.

Shot of the Week

If you have any feedback or a tip for next week's issue…drop us a DM.

Psst….Tell your mates and help us build the TTY community. They can sign up HERE for our weekly issue.

Issue: Weekly Picks - A Legendary Feud
Publisher: J. LaLonde
Editor-At-Large: Angus Wilson
Contributing Writer: Ollie Goodwin