Having put on a brave face in the aftermath of Headingley, Australia's captain, Tim Paine, admitted in the afterglow of retaining the Ashes in England for the first time in 18 years that the trauma of that defeat had been enough to break a sporting team.

What's more, he reckoned that the wider trials and tribulations of Australian cricket over the past 18 months, in the wake of the Newlands scandal that thrust the Test captaincy on his shoulders and the national coaching job on Justin Langer's, served as an important contributor to the team's ability to rebound from Leeds with a largely commanding victory over England at Old Trafford, culminating in a far better collective display in the field on the final day to bowl out the hosts with 13.4 overs to spare.

"In terms of what we've been able to achieve as a group is pretty satisfying from where we've come from in the last 18 months," Paine said. "Great character, shows the great people we have got and shows we've also got some bloody good cricketers in our team I am also proud of our staff. Also from where we've come from even from last week, that was a loss that would break a lot of teams, but we weren't. I could feel it during the week. We turned up here and did our job like good sports teams do.

"The group has clearly been through a bit of adversity, some more than others. But the guys sat in that change room have been through what happened at Cape Town and it's times like that you find out what sort of people you have got and you find people who can give up or keep fighting and I think we have got guys who have come back and kept fighting and are wanting to get better and keep wanting to be in situations like we got at Headingley because those games, when you do win, feel very special.

"Headingley's loss make this all the more sweeter after a lot of people wrote us off. There were a few nervous moments there, coming off Headingley but I thought we learnt from that, held our nerve and bowled really well against a team that fought really hard like we knew they would."

Paine's captaincy, the team's fielding and catching and the bowling of the inexhaustible Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood plus Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon had all stood up far better to the pressure of the moment, leading to a victory that will be both celebrated wildly and recorded as an important moment in Ashes history. "It's exciting, you are going to see emotion when you get a bunch of people together who have a common goal and have worked so hard for it for a such a long time," Paine said.

"This has been two years in the planning so to carry it out over here under pressure and with everything we've had thrown at us ... it's a nice place to play cricket but it is bloody difficult in England if I am honest. I couldn't be more proud of the way our group have handled everything thrown at them. At the end it was just a bit of raw emotion when you have a little bit of success particularly on the back of last week and the last 18 months. We haven't had a lot of success and not a lot of happy times. But we are beginning to get them and that is awesome.

"My dream was to come here and win an Ashes. I certainly didn't want to be the captain winning the Ashes. It doesn't mean any more or any less to me. I have said a lot of times my part in the this team is just one job that many are doing, I just get a lot of the credit I suppose but it is something we share around between the players and staff. I am just happy to be a part of it. I could have been working at Kookaburra [in 2017], so this isn't bad."

Among many key moments on the last day was Paine's use of Marnus Labuschagne's wrist spin to break a pesky stand between Jack Leach and Craig Overton as the final hour drew near. The subsequent wicket not only set up Hazlewood's final wicket but also underlined how Labuschagne had made a difference to the team. "Even from when I captained him in Dubai he has been working on his leg spin bowling," Paine said.

"He came on the trip and bowled a lot in the nets and we said: 'he can bowl.' He has bowled a lot of overs in county cricket for Glamorgan which has helped him. He is improving all the time. He is one of those cricketers if you tell a youngish part-time leg spinner to warm up at that part of a Test match I don't think too many would want to bowl.

"Marnus wanted to bowl. He wants to bat in the games when the best bowlers are on and even in the field he wants to make a difference all the time. His energy is great and a really exciting cricketer for us and someone we can build our team around in the future."

As for Hazlewood and Cummins, Paine offered the praise of a grateful captain, having watched them probe England's batting in a relentless tandem over the past three matches. "They are extremely consistent and that is why they are good," he said. "What I love about those two fast bowlers is that from day one of the series the same effort is coming all of the time. I can't fault them. They run in fast, bowl as hard as they can and for me that is a real weapon to have.

"I am not sure there are a heap of bowlers going around that would get through the workload that our guys are and maintain pace and skill like those two do. Pat is No. 1 in the world and rightly so and Josh has been right up there as well. We're lucky to have them."

Last but far from least, the dominance of Steven Smith with the bat had been the rock on which Australia's Ashes challenge was built, and at one stage the rock on which England's campaign was dashed. "Anyone who's watched him bat know the talent, hunger and skill that he has got," Paine said. "People don't see how driven he is and how he trains, eats and sleeps batting. He is just a genius and I never had any doubt he would come back and be the player he was. The scary thing is he's getting better. I don't know where it is going to stop but we are enjoying being on the ride, that is for sure."

Trinbago Knight Riders 168 for 3 (Simmons 63, Ramdin 50, Pollard 26*) beat St Lucia Zouks 167 for 5 (Campbell 43, Cornwall 33, Neesham 2-33) by seven wickets

Trinbago Knight Riders cruised to their third straight win in CPL 2019, as their experienced quartet of Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Sunil Narine and the captain Kieron Pollard set up a comfortable seven-wicket win over St Lucia Zouks on Sunday.

Riding on the support of a packed home stadium, Knight Riders overcame an above-part first-innings total of 167 to finish the first week of the season at the top of the points table.

In the first innings, Narine's four-over spell of only 23 runs ensured Zouks didn't post a higher total, after which Simmons and Ramdin struck smart half-centuries to always keep Knight Riders within touching distance of the required run-rate. And when Simmons fell for his 39-ball 63, Pollard brought up the rear with an unbeaten 26 to bring victory in the 18th over.

For Daren Sammy's Zouks, it's now two losses in a row. With their next match four days away, Zouks could find themselves in bottom place before their next match against Jamaica Tallawahs on September 13.

Simmons' super show

Chasing 168, Knight Riders had a blazing start on the back of a 29-run first-wicket stand between Narine and Simmons inside three overs. But once Narine fell, Sammy introduced three spinners in a bid to negate Simmons' threat. There were murmurs that Simmons struggles against spin, but he used his feet well against offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall and legspinner Fawad Ahmed to keep moving at a brisk pace. Fawad, who was CPL 2018's highest wicket-taker, was brave to flight the ball, but Simmons stayed committed to his shot making, and deposited two sixes over long-on off the bowler. For Fawad, it was a bitter reunion with his former team. He conceded more than 13 per over in his three-over spell.

Simmons' shots went in all directions. He swept them for six, found the tiny gaps behind off left-arm spinner Kavern Hodge for four and even drilled boundaries through cover. One particular slap through the off-side brought up his 43rd T20 fifty in the ninth over. Simmons finally fell in the 12th over to Hodge, stepping out to a very wide delivery, stumped by the fast hands of Andre Fletcher. By then, though, the required run-rate was under 7.50.

Ramdin, Pollard show their experience

The No. 4 Ramdin enjoyed much of Simmons' hitting from the other end. He had entered the Knight Riders chase in the fifth over with the team in a spot of bother at 34 for 2. But he kept the scoreboard moving, settling in and letting Simmons enjoy the strike.

Ramdin's first release shot came in the 11th over when he drove Fawad inside-out through the covers. He followed it up with a slog sweep next ball for six, and that set the momentum for his innings even after Simmons' dismissal next over. The No. 5 Pollard took over Ramdin's role once he came in, and the latter then turned aggressor. He carved Thisara Perera over point in the 15th over to bring the equation down to six per over, and then struck a hat-trick of fours off Kesrick Williams in the 17th to bring the target down to single digits. That broke Zouks' back, and Knight Riders crossed the line five balls later.

Zouks fail to maximise with the bat

Pinch-hitting opener Cornwall had bruised Knight Riders early on with a 12-ball 33, which helped Zouks reach 51 after six overs. But they could've had more if his opening partner Andre Fletcher didn't struggle as much. Against Narine, Fletcher failed to rotate the strike and got bogged down in the Powerplay. Fletcher's laboured innings of 26 off 32 balls ended in the tenth over when holed out to long on.

John Campbell - playing his first CPL game - and No. 4 Najibullah Zadran then looked to up the scoring-rate but it wasn't easy against the offcutters that James Neesham and Pollard were bowling. And while Zadran did mesmerise with a six and two fours off Narine in the 15th over, his made just 27. Campbell went on at a run-a-ball, and when he eventually fell in the 20th over, his 42-ball stay had earned only 43 runs. That Zouks posted 167 at the end was due to some big hitting from Sammy off the young Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain at the back end of the first innings.

Antonio Brown sought advice from professional social media consultants for ideas on how to accelerate his release from the Oakland Raiders, sources told ESPN.

At least one consultant couldn't tell whether Brown was serious or not, according to sources. Brown's tumultuous tenure with the Raiders officially ended Saturday, when the Pro Bowl receiver was released by Oakland and signed with the New England Patriots.

Brown's social media activity made headlines Wednesday morning when he posted a copy of team-issued fines on Instagram -- a move that led to a heated argument with general manager Mike Mayock later that day at practice.

The Raiders announced Friday that, despite the fallout from his spat with Mayock, Brown was expected to play in their season opener Monday night against the Denver Broncos.

But the Raiders also fined Brown $215,073.53 for conduct detrimental to the team, sources told ESPN, prompting Brown to publicly request his release in another Instagram post Saturday morning. By fining Brown, the Raiders voided the $29.125 million worth of guaranteed money in his deal, according to sources.

Brown officially became a free agent at 4:01 p.m. ET on Saturday and agreed to a deal with New England shortly thereafter. The Patriots had strong interest in Brown earlier this offseason when, according to sources, Bill Belichick was willing to trade New England's first-round draft pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Brown.

But Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert wanted at least a first- and second-round pick from the Patriots -- and even then, he was not inclined to trade Brown to their AFC rival and the reigning Super Bowl champions, according to sources.

The Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks also considered attempting to sign Brown on Saturday, according to sources, although the Patriots were always considered the front-runner.

Brown further aggravated his situation in Oakland on Wednesday when, after dominating the Raiders' defensive backs throughout the workout, he informed the team that his hamstring was bothering him and he felt that he needed an MRI, according to league sources.

The Raiders were not pleased that Brown, who looked so good during practice, felt that he needed an MRI on a then-ailing hamstring, according to sources. They felt like he was "trying to pull one over on us," according to one source.

Then, to complicate matters, after the Raiders called Brown on Thursday morning and told him not to come to work, Brown missed a meeting later that night with head coach Jon Gruden, according to sources.

Brown is not eligible to play until Week 2 at the earliest, which means he will miss New England's opener Sunday night against his former team, the Steelers. The Patriots and Raiders do not play this regular season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter contributed to this report.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Los Angeles Rams safety Eric Weddle was carted off the field with a bloodied face during the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers and did not return.

Weddle suffered a head laceration and is under evaluation for a concussion, the team announced.

Weddle was attempting to tackle Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey before McCaffrey hurdled him, and Weddle took a knee to the head.

He finished with two tackles and thanked fans for their support on social media.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I'm good as gold. Now let's go finish this game with a DUB!!!!

— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) September 8, 2019

A 13-year pro, Weddle signed a two-year, $10.5 million deal with the Rams in free agency after he was released by the Baltimore Ravens.

Weddle, 34, has quickly established himself in the Rams' defense. He took over for linebacker Cory Littleton as the defensive signal-caller and was named a team captain.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Lamar Jackson and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown answered pressing questions with some history-making responses.

In a 59-10 season-opening rout of the Miami Dolphins, Jackson produced the best passer rating (158.3) in Baltimore Ravens history and Brown became the first player in NFL history with multiple 40-yard touchdowns in his career debut.

For those wondering whether Jackson could become an effective passer in the league, he led the Ravens to their largest margin of victory with his arm instead of his legs, completing 17 of 20 passes for 324 yards and five touchdowns in three quarters of work. His five touchdown passes -- one short of his total in seven starts last season -- tied a Ravens mark.

For those worried about Brown's surgically repaired foot, the rookie first-round pick scored touchdowns of 47 and 83 yards on his first two catches. His 147 yards receiving are the sixth most in an NFL debut and the most in a debut since 2003.

The No. 25 overall pick in this year's draft, Brown was questionable for the season opener after sitting out Friday's practice. The Ravens have been extra cautious with Brown, who had Lisfranc surgery in January. Brown, the first wide receiver selected in this year's draft, showed off his speed by recording the most receiving yards ever by a Raven in a first quarter.

It was quite the South Florida homecoming for Jackson and Brown, who helped the Ravens set a team record for most points and yards in a game.

Jackson's first touchdown was a short slant to Brown, who outran the Miami defense for 47 yards. His second was a long toss to Brown, who got behind the defense for the longest reception by a Ravens rookie.

Jackson then threw touchdown passes of 33 yards to Willie Snead, 5 yards to Miles Boykin and 1 yard to fullback Patrick Ricard. Jackson became the first quarterback to throw at least five touchdowns in a season opener since Peyton Manning did so against the Ravens in 2013.

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia 76ers forward Mike Scott was involved in a fight with Eagles fans outside Lincoln Financial Field after wearing a Redskins jersey and hat at a tailgate party before the Eagles' game against Washington.

Scott didn't appear to get injured in the video of the fight. He stuck around and took selfies, according to posts by other fans.

The Sixers forward posted a picture of himself on social media in Redskins gear earlier Sunday.

On my way @4thandJawn pic.twitter.com/Wf6hV0aZeO

— Mike Scott (@mikescott) September 8, 2019

"We are aware of the situation and are in the process of gathering more information," the Sixers said in a statement. "We will have no further comment at this time"

Scott has become a popular player in the city for responding to invitations on social media and showing up to hang out with fans. He dropped in at a wedding reception earlier in the summer.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Washington catcher Kurt Suzuki had an MRI on his right elbow because he still felt tingling in his arm after an awkward throw to second base.

Suzuki was a seventh-inning defensive replacement Saturday and got injured in an unsuccessful attempt to catch Atlanta's Rafael Ortega stealing. He left before the top of the eighth.

"I felt something in my elbow," Suzuki said Sunday. "Some tingling and zings. A little sore today, but should be good."

Either Suzuki or Yan Gomes has started every game at catcher for the NL wild-card leading Nationals. Raudy Read took Suzuki's spot on Saturday and moves into the No. 2 role.

Suzuki, 36, is in the first season of a $10 million, two-year contract. He is hitting .260 with 16 homers and 58 RBI in his second stint with the Nationals. Washington selected the contract of catcher Tres Barrera from Double-A Harrisburg on Sunday.

MILWAUKEE -- Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell has left Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers after getting hit in the face with a pitch by right-hander Adrian Houser in the top of the third inning.

Russell, 25, was hit by a fastball on a 1-2 pitch but didn't immediately come out of the game. He was attended to at home plate, then at first base, while taking a few sprints to see whether he could continue. Eventually, he scored the Cubs' first run but didn't come out to play shortstop in the bottom of the inning.

The Cubs have already lost starter Javy Baez to a thumb injury; Russell has played shortstop all week in his place. David Bote took over in Russell's spot while Ian Happ entered the game at third base, where Bote had started.

A preview to the historic inaugural head-to-head duel taking place in Minsk

Team Europe and Team USA are preparing for their historic inaugural head-to-head duel The Match, which will be held in Minsk on Monday and Tuesday (September 9-10) and will be the last major event before the IAAF World Championships in Doha at the end of this month.

Heading the European line-up will be 2017 world champions Pawel Fajdek, Ramil Guliyev, Mariya Lasitskene, Sandra Perkovic, Katerina Stefanidi and 2018 European champions Armand Duplantis, Paulina Guba, Michal Haratyk, Elvira Herman (pictured), Wojciech Nowicki, Paraskevi Papahristou, Thomas Röhler, Lea Sprunger, Justyna Swiety-Ersetic and Miltiadis Tentoglou.

The field line-up is particularly strong though the track line-up is without Karsten Warholm and the Ingebrigtsen brothers.

Host country Belarus has been guaranteed at least 10 places and their presence should ensure a big crowd in the 22,000 capacity Dinamo National Olympic Stadium in the Belarusian capital.

The major names on the USA squad include reigning Olympic champions Michelle Carter and Brianna McNeal as well as multiple global title winners Allyson Felix and Brittney Reese but it is hardly a full-strength American team

Britons feature heavily in the Europe team (see below panel) although the biggest UK names such as Zharnel Hughes, Dina Asher-Smith, Laura Muir, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Laura Weightman were unavailable – and Lynsey Sharp has pulled out after initially being selected.

The Match – which is a four-a-side contest in each of the individual events and features two teams apiece in the relays – will be the first ever outdoor meeting between the two teams.

The action begins at 7pm local time both days.

Click here for a timetable.

Team lists can be found here.

Britons in Minsk

Men
100m Ojie Edoburun, Adam Gemili
200m Richard Kilty
400m Rabah Yousif
800m Kyle Langford, Jamie Webb
1500m Charles Da’Vall Grice, Jake Wightman
3000m steeplechase Zak Seddon
110m hurdles Andi Pozzi
400m hurdles Chris McAlister
Triple jump Ben Williams
Hammer Nick Miller

Women
100m Imani Lansiquot
200m Beth Dobbin, Ashleigh Nelson
400m Laviai Nielsen, Jodie Williams
800m Alex Bell
1500m Eilish McColgan, Melissa Courtney
3000m Eilish McColgan
400m hurdles Meghan Beesley

Alfie Hewett retained his US Open wheelchair singles title as fellow Briton Andy Lapthorne won the quad singles title.

Hewett, 21, beat Frenchman Stephane Houdet 7-6 (11-9) 7-6 (7-5).

Earlier, Lapthorne, 28, beat Australian Dylan Alcott 6-1 6-0 to win in New York for the first time since 2014.

In winning, he ended Alcott's unbeaten record for the season - having lost to him in the Wimbledon final - and his quest for the calendar Grand Slam.

Later on Sunday, Lapthorne and Alcott will team up in the quads doubles final against Americans David Wagner and Bryan Barten.

Hewett will also play again in the wheelchair doubles alongside Gordon Reid. They take on Japan's Shingo Kunieda and Argentina's Gustavo Fernandez as they attempt to win the title for the third successive year.