Commonwealth Games 2022 LIVE: Zharnel Hughes takes men’s 200m silver as Elaine Thompson-Herah wins women’s

Follow live coverage as the 2022 Commonwealth Games continues in Birmingham with 33 gold medals to be won.

England’s hopes of retaining their Commonwealth Games netball title were dashed by a 60-51 semi-final defeat to Australia at the NEC. Jess Thirlby’s side were never in front against the Diamonds, whom they had famously beaten in the final second on the Gold Coast four years ago to win the title.

England’s cricketers had designs on gold after trouncing New Zealand on Friday, but Harmanpreet Kaur’s India proved a step up too far with Smriti Mandhana’s 61 proving crucial in a four-run win in the semi-finals at Edgbaston. They’ll now play for bronze on Sunday.

World champion Jake Wightman’s hopes of a summer hat-trick ended after he came third in the 1500m. The 28-year-old, who won the 1500m at the World Championships last month, finished behind Australia’s Oliver Hoare and Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot in three minutes 30.53 seconds.

Follow all the action throughout the day:

Commonwealth Games 2022

• Day nine of 2022 Commonwealth Games sees 33 gold medals won

• Australia’s Oliver Hoare beats Scotland’s Jake Wightman for 1500m title

• England’s Nick Miller defends hammer title

• India beat England in cricket semi-finals

• England beaten by Australia in netball semi-finals

• Keely Hodgkinson wins silver in women’s 800m, Laura Muir takes bronze

• Elaine Thompson-Herah sets Games record and takes gold in 200m

• Zharnel Hughes takes silver behind Jereem Richards in men’s 200m

• Australia produce comeback to beat England in men’s hockey semi-final

England lose in men’s hockey semi-final

21:57 , Karl Matchett

Disappointment for England as the major force in men’s hockey, Australia, produce a comeback performance from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

They go through to the final and England will have to aim for bronze.

Men’s pole vault: two medals for England

21:53 , Karl Matchett

Harry Coppell can’t clear the bar at his third attempt and that means he stays in the bronze-medal position.

Hague has already gone over so is guaranteed at least a silver, with Australia’s Marschall having already cleared 5.60m.

Adam Hague goes again for his final shot at 5.65 to try and move into gold...but he can’t quite get his run-up in the right stride and that means he’ll indeed take silver.

Kurtis Marschall takes gold, but he’s still going to run again and try to go higher.

200m women’s final: Thompson-Herah sets new GR for gold

21:47 , Karl Matchett

The final now of the women’s 200m. Elaine Thompson-Herah, the double-double Olympic champion, is the clear favourite.

She starts fast and is way in front as they round the bend - she wins it by an absolute mile! A new Games record time of 22.09!

Nigeria’s Favor Ofili takes silver, a very strong run indeed, with Christine Mboma taking bronze.

Scottish finalist Beth Dobbin finishes eighth.

Jack Laugher talks up newfound mental resilience despite losing 3m springboard crown to Dan Goodfellow

21:37 , Karl Matchett

It turns out Jack Laugher is fallible after all.

England swept the podium in the men’s 3m springboard, but it was not the one-two-three many had expected as Dan Goodfellow dethroned the defending champion.

Not since Glasgow 2014 had Laugher lost a Commonwealth Games final, having already retained his 1m springboard and synchronised 3m springboard titles in Birmingham.

But after nerves almost cost him a place in the final - scoring zero on his first dive in the morning preliminaries - Laugher had to settle for bronze behind his former synchro partner.

Goodfellow claimed his first individual Commonwealth Games gold ahead of Jordan Houlden as Laugher took encouragement from the way he responded to his earlier wobble.

Laugher talks up newfound mental resilience despite losing 3m crown to Goodfellow

Men’s 200m final: silver for England

21:25 , Karl Matchett

Zharnel Hughes is in great shape and is head-to-head with Jereem Richards as they go into the straight - but it’s the Trinidadian Richards who surges away to not just win, but set a new Games record - a fantastic run from both. Silver for England there and a PB for the season for Hughes.

Joseph Paul Amoah takes bronze for Ghana.

• Richards 19.8s (GR)

• Hughes 20.12 (SB)

• Amoah 20.49

Second medal for Spendolini-Sirieix with silver alongside Cheng

21:20 , Karl Matchett

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix secured her second medal of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Saturday night in the women’s 10m synchro platform competition.

The 17-year-old secured top spot on the podium with victory in the individual women’s 10m platform on Thursday and claimed silver alongside Eden Cheng in the synchronised event.

Spendolini-Sirieix is the daughter of First Dates star Fred Sirieix, who was also at the Aquatics Centre in Sandwell earlier in the week to witness her winning gold.

FLOW

Commonwealth Games: Men’s pole vault

21:17 , Karl Matchett

And it’s cleared for Kurtis Marschall too! He gets over at 5.50m and goes second.

The pole vault event was delayed earlier as the actual poles went missing, which is a bit of an important issue really.

Thankfully they eventually turned up and there are two medals coming England’s way, but Coppell, Hague and Marschall will all continue shortly to see who finishes where on the podium.

Commonwealth Games: Men’s pole vault

21:16 , Karl Matchett

Adam Hague takes the lead in the pole vault as he clears 5.45m and that guarantees him a medal.

All depends on the final jumps at 5.50m...Harry Coppell clears it! That’s an England 1-2, with one Australian to go.

Commonwealth Games latest

21:10 , Karl Matchett

A quick round-up of everything going on right now:

• England are 2-1 up against Australia in the men’s hockey at half time

• In the men’s 400m hurdles, Kyron McMaster has defended his title while Malik Metivier was disqualified for going before the gun

• Alastair Chalmers took bronze for Guernsey - their first Commonwealth Games medal in athletics

• Australia have beaten New Zealand in the cricket semi-finals. They play India in the final; England vs NZ for bronze

Local boy Lewis Williams one win away from Commonwealth gold in Birmingham

21:01 , Karl Matchett

England’s Lewis Williams is raring to go as his chance of securing a Commonwealth gold medal on home turf is now “within touching distance”.

The 23-year-old won his heavyweight semi-final against Australia’s Edgardo Coumi by unanimous decision on Saturday.

Local boy Williams, who hails from the nearby town of Leamington Spa, will face Samoa’s Ato Leau Plodzicki-Faoagali for gold on Sunday.

He said: “My target has been there for a long time and it feels so close. Now it is within touching distance.

“Everything went according to the game plan, against a very good boxer. I thought I won every round and the judges gave it to me.

“I will celebrate afterwards and it will all sink in. But for now I have a job to do.”

Local boy Lewis Williams one win away from Commonwealth gold in Birmingham

Marc Scott takes fourth in men’s 5000m final

20:45 , Karl Matchett

No medal for England in the men’s 5000m but Marc Scott does well to power through and finish fourth.

Jacob Kiplimo strides through to complete the double, taking gold here after also winning the 10000m.

He beat Kenyan duo Kipkorir Kimeli and Jacob Krop down the final stretch.

Jack Laugher bounces back from nightmare opener to complete all-English podium

20:31 , Karl Matchett

Jack Laugher was pleased to have bounced back from a zero score in qualifying to claim bronze in an English one-two-three in the men’s 3m springboard final, admitting something like that could have “ruined him” in the past.

Laugher, an Olympic silver medallist in this event in Rio six years ago, has been open about his struggles with anxiety over his performances and scored zero for his first dive in the preliminary round on Saturday morning after the nerves set in on the board.

Dan Goodfellow took gold for England with Jordan Houlden securing silver on Saturday night, and Laugher – who recovered to reach the final as the 11th-ranked of 12 qualifiers – was delighted to join them on the podium after a rocky start to the day.

Jack Laugher bounces back from nightmare opener to complete all-English podium

Two more medals for England in the diving

20:23 , Karl Matchett

It’s two medals for England in the Women’s Synchronised 10m Platform final.

Andrea Spendolini-Siriex and Eden Cheng pull out a terrific final dive and their score of 76.80 is enough to take silver.

Robyn Birch and Emily Martin have also made it onto the podium.

Silver for Keely Hodgkinson in women’s 800m

20:13 , Karl Matchett

England take silver and Scotland get bronze in the women’s 800m final!

Kenya’s Mary Moraa takes the gold, flying through from eighth to finish just over 0.3 seconds ahead of Keely Hodgkinson, who seals the silver for England.

Laura Muir gives it absolutely everything in the final stages to nick third and bronze, finishing 0.01s ahead of Natoya Goule.

Marfa Ekimova wins all-around gold in rhythmic gymnastics first for England

20:00 , Karl Matchett

Marfa Ekimova won England’s first Commonwealth Games gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics as she clinched the all-around title at Arena Birmingham.

The 17-year-old top-scored on hoop and clubs to total 112.300, narrowly ahead of silver medallist Anna Sokolova of Cyprus.

It was Ekimova’s second medal of the Birmingham Games after teaming up with Saffron Severn and Alice Leaper to win a team bronze medal on the opening day of competition on Thursday.

Marfa Ekimova wins all-around gold in rhythmic gymnastics first for England

Geraint Thomas expects ‘war of attrition’ in Commonwealth Games men’s road race

19:40 , Karl Matchett

Geraint Thomas expects the men’s road race at the Commonwealth Games to be a “war of attrition” as rival teams work together to ensure there is no sprint for Mark Cavendish.

Reigning British champion Cavendish has a strong Isle of Man team aiming to see that the 160km race around Warwick and Leamington Spa ends in a sprint that he would be the runaway favourite to win.

Though the flat profile of the route might point to a bunch finish, rival teams plan to mix things up to deny Cavendish his chance.

Geraint Thomas expects ‘war of attrition’ in Commonwealth Games men’s road race

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/england-australia-commonwealth-new-zealand-england-hockey-b2139469.html

19:20 , Karl Matchett

England captain Hollie Pearne-Webb has urged her team-mates to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to claim Commonwealth gold in front of a home crowd on Sunday.

The hosts will take on Australia in the showpiece match at the Birmingham 2022 Games after goalkeeper Maddie Hinch was again a penalty shoot-out hero in the semi-final win over New Zealand on Friday, making a series of saves as Izzy Petter and Hannah Martin converted their penalties to see England through and guarantee them at least a silver.

England eyeing ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Commonwealth Games gold on home soil

Gemma Frizelle overjoyed by unexpected Commonwealth gold

19:00 , Karl Matchett

Gemma Frizelle admitted she did not expect to win a gold medal for Wales in the rhythmic gymnastics hoop final after overcoming injury problems to compete.

Set to Nessun Dorma, which is her mother’s favourite song, the 24-year-old topped the leaderboard with a total of 28.700 to edge past Cyprus’ Anna Sokolova and Canada’s Carmel Kallemaa who scored 28.300 and 28.200, respectively.

The result is Wales’ first gold in the hoop, and Frizelle revealed the result came as a surprise.

“I just didn’t ever expect it,” she said. “Yeah it’s just amazing, I can’t believe it to be honest, so I don’t know, I can’t process it!”

Gemma Frizelle overjoyed by unexpected Commonwealth Games gold

No regrets for Jake Wightman after being beaten to Commonwealth gold

18:40 , Karl Matchett

Jake Wightman ignored those who advised him to drop his date with home Commonwealth Games destiny and with a lap to go, he probably regretted it.

Two weeks after being crowned world champion, the Scot chose to put his credentials back on the line and run with a target on his back at the Alexander Stadium.

The gamble didn’t bring gold but gutsy bronze in a miracle metric mile that saw eight of the field of 12 run personal bests and Australia’s Ollie Hoare take gold in a Games record time of 3:30.12.

No regrets for Jake Wightman after being beaten to Commonwealth Games gold

England’s Commonwealth Games cricket gold dreams ended by India

18:20 , Karl Matchett

England’s dreams of a maiden Commonwealth Games cricket final against Australia were ended by an upset loss to India in the semi-finals.

Skipper Nat Sciver admitted that she had never even considered the possibility that England would not be going for gold, but it was her run-out that eventually swung this four-run defeat at Edgbaston.

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana laid the platform for India to make 164-5 from their 20 overs, leaving England needing to make the highest successful chase in a women’s T20 international on these shores.

That looked possible while Sciver was in, the all-rounder smashing 41 before taking on a second run which was never on in the penultimate over. She had hit 10 runs off the previous two deliveries, including a six.

And with the prospect of a bronze medal match on Sunday morning to come, the stand-in skipper – who has filled in for the injured Heather Knight – will have to change her focus quickly.

England’s Commonwealth Games cricket gold dreams ended by India

England’s gold medal hopes over as Australia dominate netball semi-final

18:01 , Karl Matchett

If revenge is a dish best served cold then Australia dished up hosts England a liberal portion of double helpings.

Four years after Helen Housby’s last-gasp heroics denied them netball gold on the Gold Coast, in front of their disbelieving home fans, they plucked the Roses petal by petal in a one-sided Commonwealth Games semi-final.

Jess Thirlby’s team arrived with confidence brimming after a win over world champions New Zealand, in contrast the Diamonds were reeling from a shock defeat to Jamaica, who they now take on in Sunday’s final.

However, they took the lead early and never relinquished it, their high pressure game asking questions that England simply failed to answer.

England’s gold medal hopes over as Australia dominate netball semi-final

Matty Lee and Noah Williams defy cramp to claim Commonwealth gold

17:30 , Michael Jones

Matty Lee revealed that he and partner Noah Williams were suffering with cramp as they won gold in the men’s 10-metre synchronised platform event on Friday.

The pair topped the leaderboard after facing close competition from Canada and Australia, who placed second and third, respectively.

Williams has already tasted success in the the 10-metre synchronised, winning a silver medal with Matthew Dixon on the Gold Coast in 2018.

Matty Lee and Noah Williams defy cramp to claim Commonwealth gold

Marfa Ekimova wins all-around gold in rhythmic gymnastics first for England

17:24 , Michael Jones

Marfa Ekimova won England’s first Commonwealth Games gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics as she clinched the all-around title at Arena Birmingham.

The 17-year-old top-scored on hoop and clubs to total 112.300, narrowly ahead of silver medallist Anna Sokolova of Cyprus.

It was Ekimova’s second medal of the Birmingham Games after teaming up with Saffron Severn and Alice Leaper to win a team bronze medal on the opening day of competition on Thursday.

Marfa Ekimova wins all-around gold in rhythmic gymnastics first for England

Around the Games

17:17 , Michael Jones

Jake Wightman wins Commonwealth Games bronze in 1500m to end summer hat-trick bid

17:11 , Michael Jones

World champion Jake Wightman’s hopes of a summer hat-trick ended after he came third in the 1500m at the Commonwealth Games.

The 28-year-old, who won the 1500m at the World Championships last month, finished behind Australia’s Oliver Hoare and Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot in three minutes 30.53 seconds.

Scotland’s Wightman was hoping to win three gold medals this summer and must now focus on the 800m at the European Championships later this month.

Jake Wightman wins Commonwealth Games bronze in 1500m to end summer hat-trick bid

Bello brothers lose volleyball semi-final

17:04 , Michael Jones

Canada have beaten England in the semi-finals of the beach volleyball!

They win 15-21, 21-13, 15-7 and guarantee themselves a medal. The Bello brothers started brilliantly but the last two sets got away from them and they couldn’t recover their early momentum.

Bello brothers try to reach volleyball final

17:02 , Michael Jones

A massive moment in the match as Canada win the point at 9-6 with England challenging the decision. The decision stands and seemingly takes the wind of the Bello brothers.

A brilliant Daniel Dearing block gives Canada a four-point lead in the deciding set.

Bello brothers try to reach volleyball final

16:57 , Michael Jones

You can’t get a tenser match. Canada think they’ve opened up a two-point advantage but Javier Bello he wins a point when it matters with a brutal smash to cut the deficit back to one.

Canada lead 6-5 in the final set.

Geraint Thomas expects ‘war of attrition’ in Commonwealth Games men’s road race

16:54 , Michael Jones

Geraint Thomas expects the men’s road race at the Commonwealth Games to be a “war of attrition” as rival teams work together to ensure there is no sprint for Mark Cavendish.

Reigning British champion Cavendish has a strong Isle of Man team aiming to see that the 160km race around Warwick and Leamington Spa ends in a sprint that he would be the runaway favourite to win.

Though the flat profile of the route might point to a bunch finish, rival teams plan to mix things up to deny Cavendish his chance.

Geraint Thomas expects ‘war of attrition’ in Commonwealth Games men’s road race

Bello brothers try to reach volleyball final

16:49 , Michael Jones

A service fault gives Canada the second set.

This one is going to a decider.

It’s first to 15 to reach the Commonwealth Games beach volleyball final.

Miller defends Commonwealth hammer title

16:45 , Michael Jones

England’s Nick Miller regains his Commonwealth title in the hammer throw and claims another gold medal for the hosts.

Bello brothers try to reach volleyball final

16:40 , Michael Jones

England may have won the opening set in this semi-final but things are getting very tense as Canada begin to dominate the second. They lead 12-8 with Daniel Dearing in particular stepping up his game for the Canadians.

Bello brothers try to reach volleyball final

16:33 , Michael Jones

The Bellos win the first set in their beach volleyball semi-final 21-15. There’s not much to separate the team in the statistics but the English pair won the crucial points in that set and are now just one set away from reaching the gold medal match.

Scottish swimmers react to winning bronze medal

16:30 , Michael Jones

Three of Scotland’s four-man medley relay team, Gregor Swinney, Martyn Walton & Craig Benson, speak about what it feels like to win a Commonwealth bronze medal.

England lose to Australia in the netball semi-finals

16:24 , Michael Jones

Here’s the post-match reaction from Australia’s from Liz Watson who told the BBC: “I’m really really proud. We were disappointed with our match against Jamaica and England is one of the best teams in the world.

“We wanted to get that one so badly. We really tried to complement the strengths of our team.

“We can look back at that game [against Jamaica] and they are team that plays with belief and passion, and we need to cut that down. We like to play with flair and freedom.”

Bello brothers try to reach volleyball final

16:21 , Michael Jones

England’s Javier and Joaquin Bello are aiming to reach the gold medal match in the men’s beach volleyball and face Canada in the semi-final.

They’re playing brilliantly and have opened up a 17-11 lead in the first set.

England lose to Australia in the netball semi-finals

16:19 , Michael Jones

A very good game ends on the side of the Australians with England now heading into the bronze medal play-off against World Champions, New Zealand.

England eyeing ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Commonwealth Games gold on home soil

16:15 , Michael Jones

England captain Hollie Pearne-Webb has urged her team-mates to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to claim Commonwealth gold in front of a home crowd on Sunday.

The hosts will take on Australia in the showpiece match at the Birmingham 2022 Games after goalkeeper Maddie Hinch was again a penalty shoot-out hero in the semi-final win over New Zealand on Friday, making a series of saves as Izzy Petter and Hannah Martin converted their penalties to see England through and guarantee them at least a silver.

Hinch was the star of the Rio shoot-out six years ago as Great Britain secured Olympic gold with a victory over the Netherlands.

England eyeing ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Commonwealth Games gold on home soil

England’s Commonwealth Games gold dreams ended by India

16:07 , Michael Jones

England’s dreams of a maiden Commonwealth Games cricket final against Australia were ended by an upset loss to India in the semi-finals.

Skipper Nat Sciver admitted that she had never even considered the possibility that England would not be going for gold, but it was her run-out that eventually swung this four-run defeat at Edgbaston.

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana laid the platform for India to make 164-5 from their 20 overs, England heading out to chase needing the highest successful chase in a women’s T20 international on these shores.

England’s Commonwealth Games gold dreams ended by India

England lose to Australia in the netball semi-finals

15:58 , Michael Jones

An incredible performance from the Aussies sees them guarantee a silver medal as they move into the final of the netball on Sunday.

They were clinical and ruthless, bowing England away with any opportunity they had through the match. England’s title defence comes to an end as England are beaten 51-60.

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

15:53 , Michael Jones

There’s still loads to do as England can’t turn the ball around quickly enough. Five minutes to play and the seven-goal difference remains.

It’s a hugely uphill battle for the roses now.

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

15:48 , Michael Jones

England have cut the deficit to seven with 11 minutes of the match to go. Now it’s down to six! 42-48.

It’s very tense inside as England look to draw level with Australia once more. A good attack from the Aussies sees them score and more back to seven in front.

Around the Games

15:45 , Michael Jones

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

15:39 , Michael Jones

A steal for England right at the end of the third quarter cuts the gap to nine points ahead of the final 15 minutes. The roses still trail 36-45 and it’ll be an exceptional final quarter if they’re to win this game.

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

15:35 , Michael Jones

Jade Clarke is back on for England. Laura Malcolm to the bench as Stacey Francis-Bayman takes over from Layla Guscoth to try in that defensive end.

No matter the changes though England can’t take control of this game. Australia are too good, the crowd are encouraging the home side but the Aussies are now 11-points in front.

32-43. Three minutes of the third quarter to go.

Gemma Frizelle overjoyed by unexpected Commonwealth Games gold

15:30 , Michael Jones

Gemma Frizelle admitted she did not expect to win a gold medal for Wales in the rhythmic gymnastics hoop final after overcoming injury problems to compete.

Set to Nessun Dorma, which is her mother’s favourite song, the 24-year-old topped the leaderboard with a total of 28.700 to edge past Cyprus’ Anna Sokolova and Canada’s Carmel Kallemaa who scored 28.300 and 28.200, respectively.

The result is Wales’ first gold in the hoop, and Frizelle revealed the result came as a surprise.

“I just didn’t ever expect it,” she said. “Yeah it’s just amazing, I can’t believe it to be honest, so I don’t know, I can’t process it!

“When I did my routine I didn’t know if it was a good routine or not, but judging by my coach’s reaction I thought it was, because she was crying.

“When I got my score, I knew it was a good score especially for myself and it was just waiting then for everyone else’s to come in.

“It was really nerve-wracking, but I just basically stood by the TV watching.”

Gemma Frizelle did not expect to win a gold medal after overcoming back injury

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

15:28 , Michael Jones

England are getting a bit rattled with some of the decisions from the referees. They’d cut the gap down to five points but after two or three calls go against them they lose their concentration and the Aussies take advantage.

They come down the court four times without reply and move nine points ahead.

It’s 27-36 with nine minutes to play in the third quarter.

Home nations in boxing semi-finals

15:23 , Michael Jones

Oof, that’s unlucky for Scotland’s Matthew McHale who is a tiling instructor when he’s not fighting in the ring.

In a tight contest the semi-final between him and NI’s Dylan Eagleson comes down to a split decision. Both men think they’ve won it but going through to the final is... the Northern Ireland boxer.

McHale has to settle for a bronze.

Home nations in boxing semi-finals

15:17 , Michael Jones

Scotland’s Matthew McHale is taking on Northern Ireland’s Dylan Eagleson in the men’s bantamweight semi-finals at the NEC arena and is having the better of the fight so far.

A place in the final and the chance to turn a silver into gold awaits the winner.

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

15:11 , Michael Jones

Australia head into the break with their six-point lead in tact. They’re 29-23 up but England are in showing signs of improvement. As it stands though Australia have the advantage and are on their way to the final.

There’s still a long way to go in this match though.

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

15:09 , Michael Jones

England have started to show more signs of composure, skill and speed but the Australian attackers are very good. The roses have stayed in the game but trail by six with just a couple of minutes left in the quarter.

It’s 21-27 as it stands. As long as England can stay in touch they’ll believe that they can win this game.

Stubley wins bronze in boxing

15:06 , Michael Jones

England’s Savannah Stubley wins the bronze medal in the women’s light flyweight division after losing her semi-final to India’s Zareen Nikhat.

Nikhat - the favourite to win gold - outclassed the Englishwomen to win on points and will now face Northern Ireland’s Carly McNaul in the final.

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

15:02 , Michael Jones

England are spending a lot longer on the ball than Australia and really pushing the limit on the three second held ball rule. They’re not playing with the speed and fluidity of previous rounds yet Australia are.

The Aussies are showing their class and with seven minutes left in the quarter they’ve extended their lead to 17-23.

England eyeing ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Commonwealth Games gold on home soil

15:00 , Ben Burrows

England captain Hollie Pearne-Webb has urged her team-mates to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to claim Commonwealth gold in front of a home crowd on Sunday.

The hosts will take on Australia in the showpiece match at the Birmingham 2022 Games after goalkeeper Maddie Hinch was again a penalty shoot-out hero in the semi-final win over New Zealand on Friday, making a series of saves as Izzy Petter and Hannah Martin converted their penalties to see England through and guarantee them at least a silver.

Hinch was the star of the Rio shoot-out six years ago as Great Britain secured Olympic gold with a victory over the Netherlands.

Pearne-Webb was also part of the British squad which triumphed in Brazil, and played in the England team beaten on penalties by Australia at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games eight years ago.

She called on the team to rally from a tense and tight semi-final.

“Experience is important and a number of us were in that final in Glasgow against Australia, we’ve all got those memories and we know that we need to step up,” Pearne-Webb said.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in front of a home crowd. Hopefully the experienced players will help those who’ll be playing in their first final.”

Hinch added: “We’re going to be really up for it. The biggest thing we have over them is that home crowd, that’s hugely important and I can’t wait to hear them again on Sunday.”

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

14:58 , Michael Jones

Australia add to their lead in the second quarter in the netball semi-finals against England. The Aussies lead 17-12 with 12 minutes of the quarter remaining.

Plenty of time for England to get themselves back into the match.

The earn a point after a penalty before Australia sweep to the other side of the court and Bueta sinks a basket to make it 13-18 to the visitors.

England win bronze in lawn bowls

14:56 , Michael Jones

England have won bronze in the men’s fours at Victoria Park!

They defeated Wales 17-12 to take third place and add another to the medal tally. The law bowls have been a fantastic sport for the home nations at these games.

Medals galore for all four nations across the categories.

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

14:52 , Ben Burrows

It’s been a frenetic first quarter at the NEC with Australia ahead by three at the first interval.

Helen Housby and Jo Harten have been excellent for the hosts but the Australians have been at their clinical best and have the edge at quarter-time.

Australia 15-12 England. Three to go.

No regrets for Jake Wightman after being beaten to Commonwealth Games gold

14:49 , Ben Burrows

Jake Wightman ignored those who advised him to drop his date with home Commonwealth Games destiny and with a lap to go he probably regretted it.

Two weeks after being crowned world champion the Scot chose to put his credentials back on the line and run with a target on his back at the Alexander Stadium.

The gamble didn’t bring gold but gutsy bronze in a miracle metric mile that saw eight of the field of 12 run personal bests and Australia’s Ollie Hoare take gold in a Games record time of 3:30.12.

“I didn’t want to do the 1500m because I just couldn’t face it again,” said Wightman. “I went from that to being ready to do it and wanting to win it.

“I’d hate to have been running the 800m or not running at all and watch that race thinking I’d loved to have been in it for a shot of winning it so I put it on the line.

“In that race, I put myself in a position where I could have won it or ended up with nothing. I could easily have come away with nothing.

“I hope I don’t get shot down too much for not having won it being a world champion, but I don’t think people really realise how much of a high that was and having to reset.”

No regrets for Jake Wightman after being beaten to Commonwealth Games gold

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

14:39 , Ben Burrows

It is LOUD inside the NEC with the home crowd willing England on.

Australia get the first turnover and are on the board first to dampen the atmosphere a touch before Helen Housby gets England’s first goal to send the vast majority of those watching back to maximum decibel levels.

A properly great noise for this one.

England face Australia in netball semi-finals

14:28 , Ben Burrows

To the hottest ticket in town and the netball then.

Geva Mentor thought she’d seen it all in a two-decade international netball career, but she admits the best could be yet to come.

Mentor made her Roses debut at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, won bronzes in Melbourne and Delhi and was part of the famous gold medal winning team on the Gold Coast in 2018.

However, the 37-year-old - who earns her 159th cap today - claims nothing would top a win in Birmingham.

Mentor played a starring role as England beat world champions New Zealand by ten points in their last group game to secure a final four meeting with world number ones Australia, who were stunned by Jamaica‘s Sunshine Girls.

She went toe-to-toe with the Silver Ferns star goal shooter Grace Nweke, 17 years her junior, and put her in her pocket, a masterclass defensive performance according toadmiring coach Jess Thirlby.

“Age is just a number but for me it‘s nice to be able to go out and maybe some of my experience helps,” said Mentor.

“How bloody exciting, if we can do the job on Australia on Saturday and Jamaica can beat New Zealand, it would be a final we’ve never seen before, that’s so refreshing and exciting for netball.”

Wightman blames ‘mental fatigue’ for 1500m defeat

14:25 , Ben Burrows

Jake Wightman has been discussing his bronze medal run in the men’s 1500m.

“Initially I was pretty disappointed because I wanted to win,” he said. “But in hindsight if I told myself at this point I’d have a world gold and Commonwealth bronze two weeks later, I’d take that.

“Mentally it was hard to get back up for this. I gave it a go to win it, but I didn’t have it. Just relieved to get something for Scotland because one of us deserved to be on the podium and I’m lucky to be the one to be on it.

“It wasn’t even the pressure it was just the mental fatigue of having had such a high, to come back up and get on it soon again after. I could have easily bombed that and not done even anything. For me I’ve done something so good this season, everything else is a bonus.

“It’s been a good season. I think the finish disappointment will fade away because I’m glad I managed to come back, step up and get a medal.”

India beat England in cricket semi-finals

14:14 , Ben Burrows

India are into the final of the Commonwealth Games cricket after seeing off England in a tense semi-final.

Needing 165 to advance to Sunday’s showpiece, England never truly looked like getting there with Nat Sciver’s 41 and Danni Wyatt’s 35 ultimately in vain as India prevailed by four runs.

Earlier, Smriti Mandhana plundered 61 opening the batting to set India on their way and they never looked back with Sneh Rana’s two wickets and three run-outs proving crucial in neutering the England chase.

India will now play either Australia or New Zealand in the final with England facing the loser in the bronze-medal match.

England chasing 165 to beat India in cricket semi-finals

14:09 , Ben Burrows

England need 14 from the final over to make it into the final.

It’s a dot first up, a single off the second and then Katherine Brunt goes for a duck off the third, caught at mid-off.

That should be that.

It’s a brilliant final over from Sneh Rana under all kinds of pressure.

England chasing 165 to beat India in cricket semi-finals

14:04 , Ben Burrows

Again the boundaries are at a premium for England - there have only been four in the last nine overs.

As a result the fun rate climbs ever further.

That’ll do it though! Nat Sciver climbs into a shorter delivery and launches it over square for a maximum.

And that’s four more for the skipper as she tickles one down off her legs.

But that’s all she wrote as an attempt for two comes up short and Sciver is run out for 41.

The captain goes and England still need 14.

England chasing 165 to beat India in cricket semi-finals

14:00 , Ben Burrows

And now the dot-ball pressure pays as Amy Jones goes for 31.

She’s run out to end a 54-run stand with Sciver with Maya Bouchier the next to stride out to the crease.

She’s not had much time in the middle at this tournament but is a quality batter and this moment won’t be too big for her you’d think.

India then want an lbw against Sciver but the review shows a flicker on snicko so the skipper survives. And breathe.

England need 27 from 12 chasing 165.

England chasing 165 to beat India in cricket semi-finals

13:54 , Ben Burrows

A boundary per over gets England home and that’s what this pair are looking for.

India, of course, know that and are keeping their lines and lengths on point.

Deepti Sharma continues the trend with her final delivery as the 17th over goes for just three singles.

The pendulum swings again.

England chasing 165 to beat India in cricket semi-finals

13:51 , Ben Burrows

England are desperate for a boundary here to bring that rising run rate down a little.

Both Sciver and Jones are looking for it but the Indian bowling is tight and the fielding sharp.

That isn’t though as Jones finally gets one through the inner ring and off it runs to the point fence for four priceless runs.

And that’s a beauty as Jones grabs another boundary off the very next ball with a superb reverse sweep around the corner.

33 from 24 is now the equation. Big over for England.

England chasing 165 to beat India in cricket semi-finals

13:46 , Ben Burrows

There are five overs to go at Edgbaston and it’s going to be a thriller.

Captain Nat Sciver and keeper Amy Jones came together when opener Danni Wyatt fell but have settled things down, just as you would imagine such an experienced pair would.

A wicket for India would change everything though. How are your nerves?

England require 48 off 30 balls.

Nick Miller wins hammer title

13:38 , Ben Burrows

There's been more golden success for England with Nick Miller successfully defending his hammer title.

It was a slow start for the 2018 champion but he soon found his groove with his fourth throw of 76.43m enough to take the title.

Canada's Ethan Katzberg takes the silver with Cyprus' Alexandros Poursanidis completing the rostrum.

England's Joseph Ellis misses out on a medal in fourth.

England chasing 165 to beat India in cricket semi-finals

13:26 , Ben Burrows

Over at the cricket, opener Danni Wyatt has just fallen for an entertaining 35 off 27 balls.

It's been pretty even going so far in this chase but that could be a big wicket.

Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey didn't capitalise on positive starts at the top of the order meaning you feel skipper Nat Sciver arrives at the crease now needing to make a properly meaningful contribution if England are to do this.

They’re 86-3 at the halfway point.

They need 165 to reach the final against either Australia or New Zealand.

Oliver Hoare beats Jake Wightman for 1500m title

13:22 , Ben Burrows

Lost in all of that excitement was Ollie Hoare's winning time was a Commonwealth Games record time of three minutes 30.12 seconds.

What a run!

He's the first Australian Commonwealth Games 1500m champion since Herb Elliott in 1958.

Oliver Hoare beats Jake Wightman for 1500m title

13:18 , Ben Burrows

Jake Wightman kicks first as they hit the bell and he looks to take it home just as he did in Eugene.

The pack stay with him though with the two Kenyans tracking him as they reach the home straight.

Wightman keeps pushing but he hasn’t got that final gear and it’s Australia’s Oliver Hoare who has the last push, streaking past him to cross the line first.

Timothy Cheruiyot comes home second for silver with Wightman taking the bronze.

Men’s 1500m final

13:14 , Ben Burrows

Kenya's Abel Kipsang is the man who wants to press the gas pedal first with compatriot and Olympic silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot following him.

Jake Wightman right where he wants to be though on the shoulder.

Wightman up in 1500m final

13:09 , Ben Burrows

Next up on the track is Jake Wightman in the men's 1500m final.

The 28-year-old won a shock gold at the World Championships in Eugene last month and is hoping to add the Commonwealth title here and the 800m crown at next month’s European Championships to it.

Scotland teammates Josh Kerr and Neil Gourley will be chasing Wightman down though and will have designs on the title themselves with England pair Elliot Giles and Matt Stonier also hoping to be in the mix for the medals.

They'll hear the starter's pistol any second now.

England ease into 4x100m relay final

13:00 , Ben Burrows

In the men's 4x100 relay heats, defending champions England secured their place in the final in a race that saw Australia fall on the final changeover.

The quartet of Jona Efoloko, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and Ojie Edoborun got the baton round in 38.48 to ease through in first place with Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana joining them.

In the second heat the African trio of Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana made it through.

Geraint Thomas expecting ‘war of attrition’ in road race

12:47 , Ben Burrows

Geraint Thomas expects the men’s road race at the Commonwealth Games to be a “war of attrition” as rival teams work together to ensure there is no sprint for Mark Cavendish.

Reigning British champion Cavendish has a strong Isle of Man team aiming to see that the 160km race around Warwick and Leamington Spa ends in a sprint that he would be the runaway favourite to win.

Though the flat profile of the route might point to a bunch finish, rival teams plan to mix things up to deny Cavendish his chance.

“Cavendish has obviously got a strong team around him and it’s a good course for him,” Welshman Thomas said.

“But I think for us, the English, South Africa and the Scots, I don’t think any of them want a sprint so I think it’s going to be like a Nationals race, lots of aggressive racing, a war of attrition.

“That’s the race we want and that’s the race we’re expecting.”

Cavendish’s Isle of Man squad includes former British champion Ben Swift, Mark Christian and Matt Bostock - who needed hospital treatment after being involved in Matt Walls’ horror velodrome crash last week, but who has been seen training since.

If they cannot make it a sprint, the 37-year-old Cavendish has shown he can mix it in breakaways too, winning his second British title in June by being in a lead group for the entire day.

England and Scotland safely through in 4x100m relay

12:36 , Ben Burrows

Back to the athletics where the women have just got through the 4x100m relay heats.

There was no baton drama for England who qualified comfortably for the finals.

The quartet of Asha Philip, Imani Lansiquot, Bianca Williams and Ashleigh Nelson clocked 42.72 seconds to finish second behind Nigeria.

Scotland join them too having followed home gold medal favourites Jamaica in the other semi.

India set strong total against England

12:28 , Ben Burrows

India will have taken that when they won the toss and opted to bat first.

Smriti Mandhana (61) was well backed up by captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20) as India roared out of the traps.

A couple of middle-over wickets for Freya Kemp helped check the momentum before Jemimah Rodrigues (44*) and Deepti Sharma (22) stepped on the gas pedal once again as India post what looks to be a challenging total for England to chase.

England will need 165 to reach the final against either Australia or New Zealand.

India on for good total against England

12:11 , Ben Burrows

Back to the cricket where skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has backed up Smriti Mandhana's explosive start with an important contribution in the middle of the innings.

Mandhana eventually went for a powerful 61 before Kaur added 20 as England fought back.

Freya Kemp has taken two wickets to slow the Indian progress but they still look on for a competitive total with Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma well set at the crease.

They're 132-3 with three overs remaining.

Jamaica’s Lamara Distin takes high jump gold

12:05 , Ben Burrows

Lamara Distin has taken the gold medal in the women's high jump.

The Jamaican was the only athlete in the field to clear 1.95m and emerges as champion as a result.

Pre-competition favourite Eleanor Patterson of Australia had to settle for silver with Distin's Jamaican teammate Kimberley Williamson taking the bronze.

It was disappointment for Morgan Lake of England, who comes up just short of the medals in fourth.

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix goes for double gold

11:55 , Ben Burrows

Fresh from her victory in the women’s 10-metre platform final – watched by her TV star father Fred – teenager Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix gets the chance to extend her dream Games debut in the women’s 10m sychro platform final on Saturday.

The 17-year-old delivered a first senior international victory on Thursday evening at Sandwell Aquatics Centre, finishing ahead of England’s team-mate Lois Toulson to top the leaderboard by a huge 20.20 points.

The women’s 10m sychro platform final kicks off a little later on this evening.

Jack Laugher into 3m springboard final

11:44 , Ben Burrows

Over in the diving, Jack Laugher's bid for three golds at these Games is still on but only just.

The double gold medallist was nervous for the prelims of the 3m springboard but scraped through into the finals in 11th place.

Australia's Li Shixin qualified top with England's Dan Goodfellow in third.

Jake Wightman chases golden treble

11:35 , Ben Burrows

Scotland’s Jake Wightman admits his confidence is sky high as he chases a golden treble.

The 28-year-old, who won shock 1500m gold at the World Championships in Eugene last month, strolled through his Commonwealth Games heat on Thursday.

Wightman clocked three minutes 48.34 seconds to win at Alexander Stadium and comfortably reach Saturday’s final.

It is the next step on his quest to add the 1500m Commonwealth title and 800m crown at next month’s European Championships to his world gold.

It was also the first time he has been announced – by stadium commentator, dad and coach Geoff – as the world champion since July’s victory in Oregon.

He said: “It was special, it was a confidence boost if you get announced as that. That’s the most it’s sunk in because that is what I was waiting for, to be announced as world champion, and be like ‘yeah I’ve actually done that’.

“It was nice walking around before with a lot of people coming up to me and saying ‘well done’. I still got less of a cheer than Matt Stonier from England but I guess there are more English fans than Scottish fans.”

Regarding the race, he said: “I felt I should dictate it at some point and I was surprised we went so slow as a second heat as there are guys who should go through as fastest losers who won’t.

“It’s hard to sometimes get motivated as there is a lot more to lose than gain so it’s good to go out there, feel good and qualify comfortably.”

Teammate Josh Kerr, who won Olympic bronze last year, qualified in three minutes 37.84 seconds, with Scotland’s Neil Gourley progressing and England duo Elliot Giles and Stonier also likely to be in the medal mix.

India off to a flyer against England

11:23 , Ben Burrows

India are off to a flyer in the cricket where opener Smriti Mandhana has been flaying England to all parts of Edgbaston.

She’s just moved to 50 not out off just 23 balls - a fastest-ever half-century for India.

England need a wicket and fast.

India 64-0 off just six overs and looking on for a big, big total.

Jamaica into netball final

11:21 , Ben Burrows

Jamaica’s amazing run at this netball tournament has continued after they defeated New Zealand to reach the final.

The Sunshine Girls came out on top 67-51 to seal their shot at gold.

England take on Australia in the second semi-final this afternoon in a repeat of the 2018 final.

Adam Gemili looking for happiness after crashing out

11:15 , Ben Burrows

Weary Adam Gemili admits he must find happiness again after crashing out of the 200m at the Commonwealth Games.

The sprinter failed to make Saturday’s final after only running 20.97 seconds to come fourth in his semi-final on Friday.

It is the latest disappointment for Gemili, having been knocked out of the heats at the World Championships in Eugene last month.

Then, he initially blamed the media spotlight on his controversial ex-coach Rana Reider, who is being investigated by the US Centre for SafeSport after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, for impacting his form and mindset.

The 28-year-old, who has been based in Florida, split from Reider just days before the Games in Birmingham and knows he needs a change.

“I know there have been issues with me this year, it has affected me,” said Gemili, who still may run in Saturday’s 4x100m relay heats. “Physically I’m OK but there has been a lot which has affected my training and the mental side for me.

“That’s something which has been new this season and I’ve really struggled to get that right. I didn’t know how much of a difference it does really make. It’s for me to come home and find some happiness again.

“It’s a tough question (how to find happiness), start by spending a lot more time at home. I’ve been away from home since I was 19 years old.

“I am 28 now and I haven’t spent a lot of time with people around me. Maybe one or two months a year.

“I need to start with surrounding myself with people I love and who love me. Hopefully that happiness does come and you see the old Adam bounding down the track next season. Fingers crossed.”

Australia win women’s pairs final against England

11:06 , Ben Burrows

Australia win it!

It’s another tight end but with everything to play for on the final bowl of the extra end Australia do it to win by a single shot, 19-18.

Australia win women’s pairs gold. England, who played brilliantly throughout, are forced to settle for silver.

England take on India in cricket semi-finals

10:56 , Ben Burrows

England’s cricketers made an emphatic statement by trouncing New Zealand on Friday, chasing down a paltry 72 with 50 balls to spare in a seven-wicket win to finish atop their group.

They have now won six successive T20s and confidence is steadily building but Harmanpreet Kaur’s India are likely to present a step up in opposition.

A final against Australia or New Zealand awaits the winners, with the losers having the consolation of going into the bronze medal match.

They’ll be underway very shortly at Edgbaston. We’ll bring you all the latest.

Women’s pairs final goes to extra end

10:53 , Ben Burrows

The women’s pairs final is into an extra end after England and Australia tied at 18-18 after 18 ends.

Amy Pharoah made the key shot for England to limit the damage to a single shot meaning we’re into a 19th, sudden-death end.

All to play for.

Into the final end in the lawn bowls

10:43 , Ben Burrows

We are into the 18th and final end of the women’s pairs final in the lawn bowls.

England duo Sophie Tolchard and Amy Pharoah lead the Australian pair by a single shot at 18-17 but crucially have the final bowl in this final end.

Ellen Ryan and Kristina Krstic have refused to go away the whole match, however. It’s too close to call.

Quarter-final victory ‘meant everything’ to beach volleyball’s Bello twins

10:30 , Ben Burrows

A euphoric Javier Bello sank to his knees in the sand while twin Joaquin reflected on past moments of despair as the English brothers moved to within one win of guaranteeing a Commonwealth Games medal.

Joaquin noted the quarter-final stage of major events represented something of a banana skin for the Madrid-born siblings, who emigrated with their beach volleyball-obsessed family to the UK aged 11.

More heartache might have been in store after the Gambia pairing of Sainey Jawo and Mbye Babou Jarra forced a decider, but the Bellos dug deep to secure an exhilarating 21-16 20-22 15-12 win.

Supported by their team manager mother Barbara and coached by their father Luis, with younger brother Enrique a training partner, the 22-year-old Bellos recognised their triumph was not theirs alone.

“It meant everything,” Javier said after the win in front of almost 4,000 people at Smithfield. “I was overcome with emotion because it was such a special moment for our team and for our family.

“It’s the whole family behind the scenes, we’re so grateful for them that we can give back something.”

Athletics set to kick off at Alexander Stadium

10:18 , Ben Burrows

The athletics will be getting underway very very shortly at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

The men's 1500m is the pick of the early menu today with Jake Wightman in action, but there are plenty of other tasty morsels to tuck into this morning including the always dramatic 4x100m relays.

The first heats for both the men and women begin just after midday.

• 10:17: Women’s high jump final

• 10:20: Women’s F55-57 shot put final

• 10:30: Women’s 10,000m race walk final

• 11:48: Men’s hammer final

• 11:50: Men’s 3000m steeplechase

• 12:17: Women’s 4x100m relay heats

• 12:47: Men’s 4x100m relay heats

• 13:10: Men’s 1500m final

All level in the lawn bowls

10:05 , Ben Burrows

It is tense stuff over in the lawn bowls with Australian duo Ellen Ryan and Kristina Krstic bouncing back from a hefty early deficit to level things up against England in the women’s pairs gold medal match.

After 12 ends the scores are tied at 12-12.

Can Sophie Tolchard and Amy Pharoah now respond? Six more ends to play in leafy Leamington Spa.

England and Australia meet in netball semi-finals

10:00 , Ben Burrows

England and Australia go head to head in their netball semi-final after the hosts thumped world champions New Zealand by 10 points to earn their place in the last four.

Australia limped through to the knockout stages after a shock defeat to Jamaica.

However, England coach Jess Thirlby is all too aware that the Australians – still smarting from their last-gasp loss on the Gold Coast – will be licking their wounds.

You won’t want to miss it. It’s coming up a little later at 2.30pm.

75-year-old becomes oldest ever Commonwealth Games gold medallist

09:45 , Ben Burrows

Scotland’s George Miller became the oldest gold medallist in the history of the Commonwealth Games when Scotland beat Wales in the B2/B3 mixed pairs bowls on Friday.

The 75-year-old Miller is director for visually impaired bowler Melanie Innes, who along with Robert Barr and his lead director Sarah Jane beat Wales 16-9 in the final at Victoria Park, Lymington Spa.

“A year ago I never dreamed of being here. I got a phone call, and nearly fell off my chair to be honest. Here we are - where are we going to go from here?” Miller told the BBC.

“Bowls is easier for older people but any sport ... walking football, rugby, you name it. Get out there and exercise, play games, and compete. It’s brilliant whatever age you are.”

Commonwealth Games day nine underway

09:30 , Ben Burrows

Day nine of the Commonwealth Games is underway where 33 gold medals will be won today.

Athletics takes centre stage where Jake Wightman will hope to back up his 1500m world title with gold here. There is an intriguing women’s high jump competition to take in while the 200m and 400m hurdles finals promise fireworks too.

There is more diving where we finally get up to the 10m synchro board while there are more medals to be won in the rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis and wrestling.

The first action of the day comes in Leamington Spa where England are taking on Australia in the women’s pairs gold medal match.

England hold the early advantage in the early stages but as any lawn bowl aficionado knows, things can change quickly even in this most slow-paced of sports.

England win shootout to reach hockey final

09:15 , Ben Burrows

England beat New Zealand in a shoot-out to stay on course for a first-ever women’s hockey Commonwealth Games Gold in Birmingham.

Isabelle Petter and Hannah Martin scored in the shoot-out as goalkeeper Maddie Hinch refused to be beaten with a series of brilliant saves.

The two sides could not be separated in 60 minutes of intense hockey, playing out a goalless draw just like they had done in the bronze-medal match in Australia four years ago.

On that occasion New Zealand won the shoot-out to progress to the gold medal match, and the Black Sticks also got the better of England in the World Cup last month with a 3-1 victory.

Hinch said: “This is fairytale stuff for us, to come here and find ourselves in the final.

“This is a hugely important step for us to start believing and realise what we’re capable of. It was a cracking semi, I’m just so delighted for the team.

Asked about penalties, Hinch added: “I absolutely love them. You have to, you know it’s going to be a tough gig.

“As goalies, a lot of the time you’re picking the ball out of the net, it’s pretty unforgiving.

“These are the moments to really showcase the position, and I’m trying to inspire as many people as possible to wear these weird-looking outfits and be the hero for a few minutes.”

Matty Lee and Noah Williams overcome cramp to win diving gold

09:00 , Ben Burrows

Matty Lee revealed that he and partner Noah Williams were suffering with cramp as they won gold in the men’s 10-metre synchronised platform event on Friday.

The pair topped the leaderboard after facing close competition from Canada and Australia, who placed second and third, respectively.

Williams has already tasted success in the the 10-metre synchronised, winning a silver medal with Matthew Dixon on the Gold Coast in 2018.

Lee is also no stranger to success in the discipline having won gold in the Tokyo Olympics alongside Tom Daley, but was delighted to have added a Commonwealth medal to his collection.

“I’m feeling very, very good,” Lee said. “That was my first ever Commonwealth medal, and that’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“You know I’ve done quite well in my career but Commonwealths is always one I’ve wanted to do well at, I’m just so happy me and Noah came out on top today.”

Although the pair looked to be doing well, Lee revealed that they had both been suffering with cramp just under halfway through the final.

“I wasn’t comfortable one bit,” Lee said. “We have never competed in a crowd like that ever and probably might not experience that again, because that was insane.

“We were both dealing with bad cramp in our calves after the second dive, we don’t really know why, but we think it was because of the adrenaline.”

Quarter-final victory ‘meant everything’ to beach volleyball’s Bello twins

Friday 5 August 2022 22:20 , Jack Rathborn

A euphoric Javier Bello sank to his knees in the sand while twin Joaquin reflected on past moments of despair as the English brothers moved to within one win of guaranteeing a Commonwealth Games medal.

Joaquin noted the quarter-final stage of major events represented something of a banana skin for the Madrid-born siblings, who emigrated with their beach volleyball-obsessed family to the UK aged 11.

More heartache might have been in store after the Gambia pairing of Sainey Jawo and Mbye Babou Jarra forced a decider, but the Bellos dug deep to secure an exhilarating 21-16 20-22 15-12 win.

Supported by their team manager mother Barbara and coached by their father Luis, with younger brother Enrique a training partner, the 22-year-old Bellos recognised their triumph was not theirs alone.

Quarter-final victory ‘meant everything’ to beach volleyball’s Bello twins

England beat New Zealand on penalties to reach final as Maddie Hinch stars

Friday 5 August 2022 22:00 , Jack Rathborn

England beat New Zealand in a shoot-out to stay on course for a first-ever women’s hockey Commonwealth Games Gold in Birmingham.

Isabelle Petter and Hannah Martin scored in the shoot-out as goalkeeper Maddie Hinch refused to be beaten with a series of brilliant saves.

The two sides could not be separated in 60 minutes of intense hockey, playing out a goalless draw just like they had done in the bronze-medal match in Australia four years ago.

On that occasion New Zealand won the shoot-out to progress to the gold medal match, and the Black Sticks also got the better of England in the World Cup last month with a 3-1 victory.

England beat New Zealand on penalties to reach final as Maddie Hinch stars

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website