Here is what you have to look forward to at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing on Thursday.

There will be full coverage from 11:00 BST via the BBC Sport website.

• 12:00 Women’s hammer final - Sophie Hitchon
• 12:05 Men’s 110m hurdles semi-finals - Aries Merritt, Lawrence Clarke
• 12:35 Women’s 200m semi-finals - Bianca Williams, Margaret Adeoye, Dina Asher-Smith
• 13:05 Women’s 800m semi-finals - Jenny Meadows, Lynsey Sharp
• 13:40 Women’s 400m final - Christine Ohuruogu
• 13:55 Men’s 200m final - Usain Bolt, Justin Gatlin, Zharnel Hughes

New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu has said the "weight of the nation" is on Wales wing George North ahead of his Wales return.

North 23, has not played since March but is set to make his comeback from concussion when Wales face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Lomu: "They [Wales fans] are sitting there with bated breath waiting for him to get out on the paddock with his team-mates."  

Image source, Getty Images

Alastair Eykyn
BBC rugby commentator

Cross-code battering ram Sam Burgess looks likely to be on Stuart Lancaster's World Cup squad roster...  

Rugby league convert Burgess has only made one appearance in an England shirt but appears to have impressed enough to earn a call-up. It means Luther Burrell could be pushed out of the 31-man line-up.

Away from Britain's long jump trio, there were a clutch of other athletics qualifiers from Thursday's early session in Beijing. Here's a rundown...

American-born sisters Tiffany Porter and Cindy Ofili, who both now represent Great Britain, moved into the semi-finals of the women's 100m hurdles.  

Stephanie Twell qualified as one of the fastest losers to reach Sunday's women's 5,000m final, and British pair Charlie Grice and Chris O'Hare moved into the men's 1500m semi-finals.

Image source, PA

Good things come in threes, just ask Wayne Rooney. Another winning trio comes in the form of Shara Proctor, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Lorraine Ugen,who have made Friday's long jump final at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing after qualifying from Thursday's morning heats.

Our live coverage of Thursday's finals starts at 11:00 BST.

Some more from Mario Balotelli following his loan move to AC Milan this season...

On his time at Liverpool:  "I take my responsibilities, but the system chosen by Rodgers wasn’t suited to my characteristics."  

On rediscovering his form:  "I know that many people don’t believe in my comeback. But I have to try. And have the belief that I can do it."

On being reunited with AC Milan: "I knew I would find another team because I am not finished. But I am grateful to Milan, because, to tell the truth, I did not expect them to bring me back."

Mario Balotelli is what we call in the industry "great value". He's delivered again with quotes to La Gazzetta dello Sport following confirmation of his loan deal to AC Milan from Liverpool.

"I feel like someone who has just put the first part of his career to one side. Played and lived like a boy. But the ‘match’ is not over… Now I will have my say and live like a man. 

Image source, EPA

"I know that I cannot make any more mistakes. I will accept all of the rules. I haven’t forgotten how to play football. I am 25 years old and I am no longer a kid. I’ve wasted too many chances. 

And on reported 'bad behaviour' clauses in his contract, he explained: "I use social network sites just like the others, someone may not like me, but I have never hurt anyone, if I have ever done any damage it is only to my career, nothing else." 

England kept their hopes of retaining the points-based Women's Ashes alive with a seven-wicket win over Australia in the first Twenty20 at Chelmsford on Wednesday night.

Needing to win all three T20s to retain the urn, Sarah Taylor's 50 set up the comprehensive victory as the hosts chased down 123 with 15 balls left.

Image source, Getty Images

The victory maintained England's 100% record in Twenty20 internationals at Chelmsford, which now spans six matches.  

The second T20 takes place in Hove on Friday.

West Ham chairman David Gold has paid tribute to former captain Kevin Nolan after the midfielder left the club on Thursday by mutual consent.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic knows his side need to improve after Saturday's 4-3 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth but Liverpool will provide a stiff challenge at Anfield.

Image source, Getty Images

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Liverpool will confirm Mario Balotelli has joined AC Milan on a season-long loan at 10:00 BST.

And it's also good news from Bilic about another Hammers striker...

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Watford fans, we haven't forgotten about you. We'll bring you the developments from the manager's news conference a little later on when they're available.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is the next manager up to face the media ahead of his side's trip to Anfield on Saturday.

And it's good news for striker Diafra Sakho.

And with that, Arsene Wenger is done with his news conference. In summary:

• Mertesacker and Koscielny are doubts for Newcastle on Saturday
• Says video technology is a matter of time, particularly for offside decisions
• Welbeck "progressing well" and should return after the international break
• Admits some players are "not at 100%" after mixed start to season

Next up, it's West Ham...

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The "boss" (Arsenal's, not mine) admits some members of his squad are still finding their feet fitness-wise after a mixed start to the season. Wenger also bullish ahead of their trip to St James' Park.

Arsene Wenger now moving on to Newcastle boss Steve McClaren, the Gunners' recent form and video technology...

In a statement on the club's website, Kevin Nolan said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham United and will take some great memories with me. I'm now looking forward to the next challenge playing for a new club."

Image source, Getty Images

Early team news from Arsene Wenger, with updates on Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Danny Welbeck...