Jude Bellingham buys cricket stake

Jude Bellingham has made a surprise move into sports ownership by purchasing a 1.2% stake in the Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix.

The 22-year-old midfielder is a lifelong cricket fan and has been a frequent visitor to Edgbaston, the team's home ground.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club, the team's co-owners, welcomed the investment, noting Bellingham's status as a global icon and a role model for young athletes in the city.

The move follows a growing trend of high-profile footballers investing in other sports to diversify their portfolios and give back to their home communities.