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Zimbabwe hope to end a string of poor Test outings and prove they belong at the top level

Firdose Moonda06-Aug-2025

New Zealand dominated the first Test•Zimbabwe Cricket

Big picture – Taylor returns to fragile Zimbabwe battingThat Test cricket is in rude health was confirmed earlier this week with a thrilling end to a breathless series between England and India. A clash between Zimbabwe and New Zealand does not have the same box office value but the hosts in particular will be keen to replicate at least some of that contest. So far, they have not been able to.Zimbabwe have lost their last five Tests and won only one out of the last eight. All those matches have taken place in 2025, a year so full of the format for Zimbabwe that they hoped to make their case for inclusion in the World Test Championship (WTC). Instead, their performances – especially their batting – might have done the opposite and underlined why they are considered outside cricket’s elite.They have been bowled out in all but one of the 16 innings they’ve played this year and have not reached 300 once. With a line-up that contains a good mix of potential and experience, that is the one thing they need to improve if they want to be taken more seriously as a Test team. The return of Brendan Taylor will be a big boost to Zimbabwe’s run-scoring hopes but they will need contributions throughout the line-up to stand up to a New Zealand side that has dominated them.Related

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'I didn't know how to do life anymore': Brendan Taylor's biggest battle

Though New Zealand came into the series fairly cold after not playing Test cricket for seven months, without several key players and under a new coach, they have found solutions. Even as they lost players through the tour, they’ve found suitable replacements and the test to their depth could prove handy for challenges to come. They have another few months without Tests and will start their 2025-2027 WTC in November, with two home Tests against West Indies. This may be too far out to be an indicator of form but returning from Zimbabwe without losing a match will be the start that coach Rob Walter would have wanted.Form guideZimbabwe LLLLL
New Zealand WWLLW In the spotlight – Brendan Taylor and Matt HenryEveryone loves a redemption story and Brendan Taylor’s is one for the ages. After retiring in mysterious circumstances in Belfast, it took Taylor five months to reveal he was suffering from alcohol and drug addiction and was going to be exposed by a fixer, whose offer he didn’t accept or report. He then admitted himself into rehabilitation and was banned by the ICC for three and a half years for breaching the anti-corruption code. Taylor has spent his time since getting clean and committing to a different life. He was ready to move into coaching but was convinced by Zimbabwe Cricket to return to playing, with the 2027 World Cup in mind. Taylor is Zimbabwe’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer.Spotlight will be on Brendan Taylor•Seb Daly/Getty Images

Matt Henry has already recorded exceptional returns from this Zimbabwe trip. He was the leading wicket-taker in the T20Is and already has the same number of wickets in the format this year as he did last (and has played two fewer matches), took nine wickets in the first Test and is stepping into his own as a leader of the attack. “He had to bide his time behind Wagner, Southey and Boult a few years ago but now he’s really grasped that leadership role – not only in terms of providing input and experience for others, but his skills,” Jacob Oram, New Zealand’s bowling coach said. “He bowls an immaculate length and line, he’s able to move the ball both ways, and can bowl a bouncer at good pace.” And Zimbabwe have yet to figure out how to play him.Team news – Latham out of second Test as wellTaylor is available and should slot into the batting line-up but the question is where and in place of whom. Taylor spent most of his career at No.4, though Sean Williams had made that role his own, so he could be installed at No. 5, which may push Sikandar Raza, who scored 2 and 5 last week, out of the XI.Zimbabwe (possible): 1 Ben Curran, 2 Brian Bennett, 3 Nick Welch, 4 Sean Williams, 5 Brendan Taylor, 6 Craig Ervine (capt), 7 Tafadza Tsiga, 8 Newman Nyamhuri, 8 Vincent Masekesa, 9 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Tanaka ChivangaRegular captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of the second Test as well due to a left shoulder injury. That means Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the side. In addition, Bevon Jacobs has been added to the squad as fielding and batting cover. “It’s hugely disappointing to lose Tom again,” Walter said. “He’s been working hard and had been tracking well towards the second Test but unfortunately today he couldn’t pass his fitness tests.”New Zealand have also lost two bowlers in the lead-up to this Test: Will O’Rourke due to a back injury and allrounder Nathan Smith with an abdominal tear. That has opened the door for Jacob Duffy, who is set to make his Test debut. Matthew Fisher, Zakary Foulkes or Ben Lister are also in line to get a debut cap. While Fisher was already in the squad and could have the inside lane, Foulkes was part of the T20 playing group and had some recent success against Zimbabwe, while Lister offers the left-arm variation.New Zealand (possible): 1 Will Young, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Henry Nicholls, 4 Rachin Ravindra, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Mitchell Santner (capt), 8 Zakary Foulkes, 9 Matt Henry, 10 Jacob Duffy, 11 Matthew FisherPitch and conditionsAlthough Bulawayo is known to be slow, low and laborious for all involved, seamers prospered in the first Test, especially those who could move the ball with subtlety (like Henry) or generate extra bounce (like Blessing Muzarabani). There were also signs of variable bounce in that match and run-scoring appeared to have become increasingly difficult. Expect more of the same, in bright conditions that are set to last through the match.Stats and trivia New Zealand have never lost to Zimbabwe in a Test match, and have beaten them 12 times in 18 meetings. They have won the last seven Tests between these two sides, four of them by an innings.Muzarabani is currently fifth on Zimbabwe’s all-time Test wicket-takers’ list, with 60 from 16 Tests. He needs ten more wickets to move up to joint-third and 20 more to move into joint-second place.Since Zimbabwe last won a Test in Bulawayo in 2001, India, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Ireland and South Africa have all had victories at Queens Sports Club.Quotes”A lot of things we talked about beforehand went the way we wanted it to. In particular, the bowling side of things, to get 20 wickets for about 300 runs in total, you’ve always got to be happy. It would be nice to get a few more runs, but the wicket was tricky as well.” New Zealand seek big batting displays in the second Test, says bowling coach Jacob Oram.

A stunning brace from Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga's header helped Real Madrid pick up a crucial 3-0 win over Athletic Club on Wednesday. Pressure had been building on manager Xabi Alonso, but his players turned up at San Mames, with Trent Alexander-Arnold picking up his first assist of the season.

There was little sign of the apparent crisis engulfing Madrid as they quickly took the lead when Mbappe wonderfully controlled Alexander-Arnold's raking pass and whizzed past a number of Athletic players before lashing a powerful shot well beyond the reaches of Unai Simon.

The visitors, who headed into the contest four points behind league leaders Barcelona, had goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to thank for preserving their lead, the Belgian somehow denying Alex Berenguer from point-blank range. That stop proved crucial as Alonso's side soon extended their lead through Camavinga, who nodded in from Mbappe's header across goal.

The hosts did carry a threat in attack, particularly when they got Nico Williams on the ball, but any hope of a comeback was extinguished just before the hour mark when Mbappe was given too much time on the edge of the box, bagging his second of the night and 18th in La Liga this season with a long-range effort that snuck in at the near post.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from San Mames…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (8/10):

Huge save in the first half to deny Berenguer. Made another spectacular stop early in the second period.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10):

Bagged his first La Liga assist with a long pass which Mbappe brilliantly controlled and ran away with to score. Unfortunately seemed to pick up a knock and was hauled off before the hour. 

Eder Militao (7/10):

A steady night's work for the Brazilian, with Athletic's attacking talents largely stifled throughout.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

Did look a little lethargic in some of his ground duels, but it didn't end up mattering much at full-time.

Alvaro Carreras (7/10):

Bagged a simple assist for Mbappe's second and was largely untroubled on the left side of defence.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Eduardo Camavinga (9/10):

Was constantly winning duels and attracting fouls, helping Madrid take control in the middle of the park. Deservedly scored just before half-time, but took a knock and was later substituted.

Aurelien Tchouameni (8/10):

Was dominant alongside Camavinga and stitched together Madrid's attacks with his mostly accurate passing.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

Used the ball really well in possession and was constantly winning it back too.

Getty Images SportAttack

Federico Valverde (6/10):

Didn't provide much attacking quality on the right wing, but was a dogged presence when helping out in defence.

Kylian Mbappe (9/10):

Wonderful run and finish from Alexander-Arnold's raking ball to put his side ahead. Then bagged an assist when he headed it across goal for Camavinga before getting his second with a rasping effort.

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

Might have scored in the first half but saw a shot from a tight angle clip the post. Looked typically dangerous on the counter.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Raul Asencio (6/10):

Filled in at right-back and had little issues.

Arda Guler (6/10):

Didn't make much of an impact with the game's tempo dropping after his arrival.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

The game had petered out by the time the Spaniard came on.

Rodrygo (6/10):

Had the occasional breakaway opportunity.

Gonzalo Garcia (6/10):

Also didn't have loads to do in the final 15 minutes or so.

Xabi Alonso (8/10):

Needed a victory after a tough few days which saw his future at Madrid questioned. Saw his side get the crucial early goal and they didn't look back from that point.

Edin Dzeko has delivered a scathing assessment of Fiorentina's current form, admitting they are "playing like sh*t" after a shock 1-0 defeat to AEK Athens in the UEFA Conference League. However, the veteran striker also blasted the club's fans for booing the struggling team, urging them to provide support instead of adding to the pressure.

Dzeko admits Fiorentina are 'playing like sh*t'

Following Fiorentina's 1-0 home defeat to AEK Athens on Thursday, their second consecutive loss in the Conference League, Dzeko gave a brutally honest assessment of his team's performance. The result left Fiorentina in 17th place in the competition standings with six points from four matches, having won their first two games.

Speaking to , Dzeko did not mince his words. "Can we say we're playing like sh*t? Yes, that's true," he admitted. "We can't make two or three passes in a row. We're not playing well, I know."

Dzeko expressed his frustration with the team's inability to execute their game plan despite good preparation. "I didn't expect this game to end like this, losing in the end, because we trained really well, the boys were doing well," he said. "The coach had trained us well tactically. In the first half, we played better because we created something. They had two goals disallowed, but they scored instead, and then, trailing, it was more difficult. In the second half, we lost too many balls, we're doing poorly."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportStriker blasts fans for booing

While acknowledging the team's poor form, Dzeko was equally critical of the home crowd at the Artemio Franchi Stadium for their negative reaction. He called on the supporters to get behind the team, especially the younger players, during this difficult period.

"It's not possible that the fans boo us after every negative incident," Dzeko argued. "We need more support from the stands, even when we make easy mistakes. During the match, that's not how it should be."

He continued: "Instead of being booed, we ask for help. During the match, we deserved more support. The stadium is strange, we're struggling, but we need more help. I've experienced everything in my 20-year career, but especially the young players need more support, even from the stands, even when they misplace a pass."

Fiorentina's struggles in Serie A

Fiorentina's woes are not limited to Europe. In Serie A, they are enduring a dismal season, currently sitting in the relegation zone in 19th place with just six points from 12 matches. They are yet to win a league game this season, having drawn six and lost six. Their last five Serie A matches have seen them draw three and lose two.

Dzeko acknowledged the fear within the squad but emphasised the need for self-reflection. "Do I see fear in my teammates' eyes? It seemed like we were carrying the ball too much ourselves, there weren't any plays, but it's hard to say why this is happening. Each of us has to ask ourselves questions, but I, first and foremost, have to give more. There's fear, it's time to ask ourselves some questions."

Despite the struggles, Dzeko insisted the team has been working hard. "How are we physically? I can definitely say we're not at our best, but the team has worked well in the last two weeks. The lads were very happy with the work they've done, and we already felt like we were improving against Juve. But maybe we're not at our best yet."

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Fiorentina?

Fiorentina face a daunting task in their next Serie A fixture as they travel to face Atalanta on Sunday at the Gewiss Stadium. Atalanta are currently in 13th place in the league table. A positive result is crucial for Fiorentina to start climbing out of the relegation zone and ease the mounting pressure on the players and coaching staff.

GT’s No. 4 talks about his first full-fledged IPL season and his hopes to lift the trophy

Deivarayan Muthu and S Sudarshanan28-May-20252:34

Rutherford: “Important for me to keep learning and adding to my game”

Sherfane Rutherford is a two-time IPL winner, but he didn’t play any matches in those tournaments. He was a reserve with Mumbai Indians in 2020 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. Across five seasons and five franchises (he was with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021 as a replacement, but again, didn’t play) before IPL 2025, he batted in only ten games, but this year he has finally shed his tag as a back-up for players like Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell and carved out his own identity with Gujarat Titans.While Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler have piled on the runs at the top for GT, Rutherford has been a silent contributor in the middle order, scoring 267 runs in ten innings (as of May 27) at a strike rate of 157.05, which is higher than that of other overseas middle-order batters in the league, such as Tristan Stubbs and Shimron Hetmyer.Not many expected Rutherford to start the season ahead of Glenn Phillips, let alone bat at No. 4, but head coach Ashish Nehra and the team management saw his potential to anchor an innings as well as to finish it.”The IPL has always been one of the biggest learning curves for me,” Rutherford says. “Every time I come to the IPL, I try to learn as much from the players and coaches. I think coming into GT this year and having the chance to play [regularly] has been good for me.Related

'He timed it beautifully and got his match-up' – Williamson and Powell laud Rutherford

The middle-order silver lining in Gujarat Titans' heavy defeat

Three games, 664 runs conceded – GT bowlers 'losing form at the wrong time'

“It’s an opportunity I’ve been looking forward to for my whole IPL career. I think it’s important for me to keep learning, keep looking to get better, keep trying to take those opportunities given to me. And hopefully, I can make this IPL a good one for myself and for my team.”Rutherford had a rough initiation into the Titans set-up when he failed to seal a chase of 244 – at one point seeming within his grasp – against Punjab Kings. After hitting two sixes and a four off his first five balls, he got stuck against Vijaykumar Vyshak’s wide yorkers for two overs, though he has had a strike rate of nearly 180 against balls wide outside off since the start of 2021.”Hitting the ball over cover, hitting the wide ball, has been something that I’ve been known for in CPL,” Rutherford says. “My whole life, growing up, I have been good at hitting the ball on the outside. I spoke to a few players as well. One thing I learned is that it happens, and on that day, I wasn’t up to the mark for playing the wide ones.”But I feel like it is something I am good enough to do, and I’m willing to accept that challenge again. Some days it’s good to accept it and just move forward and not to dwell on it for too long.”Rutherford put that game behind him. Less than a month later, he helped finish a match against Delhi Capitals, coming to the crease when GT needed 130 off 75 balls. With Buttler in boss mode at the other end, Rutherford played a measured innings, scoring 43 off 34 balls, as Titans successfully chased a 200-plus target for the first time in the IPL.”Jos is very calm, very experienced,” Rutherford said. “The important thing in that conversation was, ‘Just play the ball and forget about the score. Just read the situation, play every ball at its merit.'”I’m a natural hitter of the ball. I can hit sixes when I want. It was important for me to just know which ball I’m going to hit and which ball I’m going to take on and just keep going, keep batting and take it as deep as possible.”Rutherford (centre) chats with Rovman Powell (left) and Dwayne Bravo, who has had a big impact on Rutherford’s career: “Ever since he came to the [CPL] squad, he was like, you’re going to bat at No. 4. He gave me that role”•BCCIA key moment in Rutherford’s evolution as a versatile middle-order batter came in the 2024 T20 World Cup game against New Zealand. On a tough Trinidad pitch, where West Indies had lost four wickets in the powerplay, Rutherford repaired the innings and then gave it a finishing kick, targeting Daryl Mitchell, the weakest link in the New Zealand attack. During his unbeaten 68 off 39 balls, he displayed a combination of skill and sense.”It was a game that needed batsmanship and I thought I did well,” Rutherford recalled. “I think as a player, I want to be that guy more often than not. As I said, cricket is a game where you have to keep trying. Once you keep trying, you know you’re in. I learned that I can always make up in the end. It’s important to rotate strike, get off strike, hit those gaps, capitalise on bad balls, and once I’m in, I can always make a difference.”It’s important for me to evolve. The game is evolving, so I want to be evolving. I made a promise to myself that I just don’t want to be a hitter. I want to be a batter. So, you know, I’m still learning, and I’m still trying to add more to my game. And I think it’s important for me to just keep learning and keep adding.”Dwayne Bravo has had a strong influence on Rutherford’s progress, having captained and mentored him during St Kitts and Nevis Patriots’ run to win their maiden CPL title, in 2021.Rutherford (second from right) celebrating a win with his St Kitts and Nevis Patriots team-mates during their title-winning campaign in 2021•Randy Brooks/CPL T20/ Getty ImagesRutherford made his T20I debut for West Indies in 2018, but it was only after the 2021 CPL title under Bravo that he believed that he could cut it at the top level. He has since become a sought-after player in T20 leagues. After the IPL, he will head to MLC to play for Los Angeles Knight Riders and then join Barbados Royals in the CPL.”Bravo has always been like a brother to me,” Rutherford says. “He has been one of the coolest guys I’ve worked with as a player. And even as a coach, when he came to St Kitts that year, I could remember that he was like, ‘You’re going to bat at No. 4.’ He said, ‘You have the ability. You’re going to bat at four, so just make sure you are ready.'”I was very happy because, as I said, I always want to be a batter, not just a finisher. I think he saw that in me and gave me that role. Ever since then, I try to keep working on batting. Even when I’m in the nets, I don’t really do any big hits. I just try to play good cricket shots and get in a good position.”That didn’t happen in GT’s heavy defeat against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, where Rutherford ended up flapping Anshul Kamboj to mid-on for a duck. H e has a chance to remedy that and win his first IPL title as a playing member of a team.”Yeah, it [winning the IPL title with GT] will mean a lot,” he says. “I had this conversation with a few of my West Indies colleagues, but yeah, it’s going to be better. I kind of feel better playing… being a part of a team and contributing to a win. So I’m really excited and looking forward to it this year.”

Leeds United have a full midweek to train and prepare for their next Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX next weekend.

One of the aspects of the team’s play that Daniel Farke may place a big emphasis on is their ruthlessness in front of goal when it comes to taking the big chances that they are creating this season.

Crystal Palace

22

Manchester City

19

Liverpool

19

Manchester United

17

Leeds United

15

Brentford

15

Arsenal

15

Newcastle United

14

Everton

13

Chelsea

11

As you can see in the table above, only four teams have missed more ‘big chances’ than the West Yorkshire outfit in the Premier League this term, which shows that they have been wasteful in the final third.

The Whites have only scored nine goals in nine matches in the top-flight in the 2025/25 campaign, but the number of ‘big chances’ that they have missed suggests that they should be well into double figures by now.

Part of that is down to the quality, or lack thereof, within the squad in the attacking areas of the pitch. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was brought in to be their main number nine, and they need much more from him.

Why Leeds need more from Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The £100k-per-week centre-forward was signed on a free transfer in the summer transfer window after he was released by Everton at the end of last season.

Calvert-Lewin’s only goal for the club in all competitions so far, though, came in the 3-1 win over bottom-of-the-league Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, as he brilliantly guided a header into the back of the net from Jayden Bogle’s cross.

The 11-cap England international was a risky signing for the Whites, despite being a vastly experienced player at Premier League level, because of his form in front of goal for Everton in recent seasons.

Since a 16-goal haul in the 2020/21 campaign, when supporters were not allowed in stadiums for the most part, the English striker has failed to hit double figures for goals in a top-flight season.

24/25

8.85

3

23/24

13.63

7

22/23

6.50

2

21/22

6.22

5

20/21

18.21

16

19/20

16.11

13

18/19

6.17

6

17/18

5.44

4

16/17

1.25

1

The statistics in the table above show that Leeds signed a player who arrived at Elland Road in fairly dismal form in front of goal as a finisher.

As you can see in the graphic below, that form has carried over to his time in West Yorkshire, as he has missed five ‘big chances’ and only scored one goal in the Premier League so far this season.

These statistics show that the Whites need more from the experienced forward, because he is one of the main reasons why they are among the worst teams in the division for missing ‘big chances’.

Leeds considering move for Championship striker

Amid Calvert-Lewin’s struggles as a finisher in the Premier League this season, Leeds are reportedly showing an interest in a striker from the Championship.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to LeedsUnitedNews, the club are considering a swoop to sign Coventry City centre-forward Haji Wright to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

The report claims that Leeds are keen on a deal to sign the USA international when the January transfer window opens for business, after they also considered a move for him in the summer.

However, the outlet adds that it may be difficult for the club to convince the Sky Blues to part ways with the striker, as they are currently top of the Championship and gunning for promotion to the Premier League.

In January, pundit Carlton Palmer claimed that it could take a fee of around £20m to tempt Coventry to sell him, but it remains to be seen whether or not that would be the case next January.

Why Leeds should sign Haji Wright

Farke should push for Leeds to press ahead with a deal for the USMNT centre-forward when the January transfer window opens for business at the start of next year, because he could be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

As aforementioned, the current Whites number nine has not done enough in front of goal in the Premier League to be deemed a reliable marksman for the German head coach, which may be why Wright has emerged as a possible target.

The Coventry star is unproven in the Premier League, having never played in the division, but his form in the Championship suggests that he has the potential to make the step up and excel at Elland Road.

Wright has racked up eight goals in ten starts in the second tier so far this season for Frank Lampard’s side, per Sofascore, after a return of 12 goals in 21 starts in the division in the 2024/25 campaign.

Appearances

7

11

xG

1.77

7.49

Goals

1

8

Big chances missed

5

6

Conversion rate

7%

29%

Minutes per goal

534

101

Duel success rate

38%

44%

As you can see in the table above, the American centre-forward has scored eight times as many goals as Calvert-Lewin at league level, with a far superior conversion rate.

At his current performance level, Calvert-Lewin would miss 40 ‘big chances’ to hit the eight-goal mark that Wright has reached this season, with just six ‘big chances’ missed for Coventry, albeit at a lower level.

The Sky Blues striker, who was described as a “big, big winner” by former USA international Alexi Lalas, has shown that he can finish chances at an impressive rate, outperforming his xG in the Championship in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 campaigns.

Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin is currently underperforming against his xG for the tenth Premier League season running, which suggests that Leeds cannot expect his fortunes to change in front of goal.

Not just Aaronson: Farke's "monstrous" talent has saved his Leeds career

Brenden Aaronson isn’t alone in turning around his Leeds United career.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 29, 2025

This is why Farke should be pushing for the club to strike a deal to sign Wright in the January transfer window, as his impressive finishing skills could make him an upgrade on the Englishman at Elland Road.

Chasing 152, Hurricanes were bowled out for 114 to register a second successive loss

AAP26-Nov-2025

Amy Jones’ 40-ball 59 gave Melbourne Stars a comfortable win•Getty Images

South African Marizanne Kapp has again showed how big a loss she will be to the Melbourne Stars once she leaves the WBBL for international duties. Kapp starred in the field as the Stars easily beat Hobart Hurricanes by 37 runs on Thursday at Junction Oval.Their third-straight win left the Stars second on the ladder ahead of Saturday’s massive home derby against the third-placed Melbourne Renegades.While teammate Amy Jones was Player of the Match, Kapp bowled Lizelle Lee with the first delivery of the Hurricanes innings. She removed fellow opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge in the third over and took an outstanding catch to remove No.4 Nicola Carey.But Saturday’s match will be the last for Kapp before she returns to the South African team.”Obviously Kappy is going to be a massive loss – it seems like she’s playing her best cricket, now that she’s leaving us, which is a bit frustrating,” teammate Kim Garth said. “But I feel like we do have the depth to cover it.”Garth added they were worried about what damage Lee could do.”I was pretty relieved – she was hitting them pretty well,” Garth said. “We did a lot of planning for her and when Kappy comes in and knocks her over first ball, it’s quite nice.”After starting the season with five-straight wins, Hurricanes have lost their last two and are in danger of ceding top spot to either Melbourne team.Renegades will host Perth on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Stars, who are only one point behind Hurricanes.After Hurricanes won the toss on Wednesday at Junction Oval, Jones and Danielle Gibson gave momentum to Stars’ stalled innings and the home side reached 151 for 6 from their 20 overs. Hurricanes were bundled out for 114 with 22 deliveries left.Jones top-scored with 59 from 40 balls, featuring six fours and a six. Jones and Gibson came together at 91 for 4 in the 14th over – not yet a crisis, but Hurricanes would have felt they had the momentum.Instead, Gibson belted 39 from 27 deliveries, with five fours and a six, as they put on a quickfire 44 for the fifth wicket. Carey took 2-29 from her four overs.After Hurricanes slumped to 59 for 6, captain Elyse Villani and Hayley Silver-Holmes gave them a glimmer of hope with their 40-run stand for the seventh wicket.Then Sophie Day bowled Silver-Holmes for 18 from 14 deliveries and Sutherland bowled Villani for 38 off 21 balls to kill off the late rally.Kapp took 2 for 29 from her four overs, while Sutherland also snared two and Day cleaned up the tail on the way to 4 for 17 from three overs.

Though a top-tenner for the best part of the last decade, Rohit has never been the top-ranked batter in the 50-over format before

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Oct-2025Rohit Sharma has become the No. 1-ranked ODI batter following his innings of 73 and 121 not out in the second and third games in the series in Australia, which India lost 2-1.The two knocks took Rohit up from third spot to the top for the first time in his career after being in the top ten for large periods over the past decade. The century, in particular, boosted Rohit’s points and took him past Ibrahim Zadran and Shubman Gill.Rohit wasn’t the only India cricketer to gain after the three-ODI series in Australia, with Axar Patel rewarded for a strong all-round performance. He took a wicket in each of the three ODIs and chipped in with scores of 31 and 44 in the first and second games. That took him up six places on the bowlers’ table to No. 31, and up four spots to No. 8 on the allrounders’ table.

Full rankings tables

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Within the respective top tens, Mitchell Santner moved up three rungs to fourth place following the first two ODIs against England, and Josh Hazlewood moved up two spots to eighth among the bowlers.Elsewhere, following the shared two-Test series between Pakistan and South Africa, Keshav Maharaj gained nine places to a career-high rating, and the 13th place, on the bowlers’ list. While Maharaj picked up nine wickets in the only Test he played, his team-mate Simon Harmer had 13 wickets from the two Tests and moved up 26 spots to No. 45.For South Africa, Aiden Markram (up two spots to 15th) and Tony de Zorzi (up seven places to joint 47th) also gained on the Test batters’ table.

Fresh from his hat-trick to send the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup playoffs, Everton have now reportedly set their sights on signing Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar.

The Toffees are reportedly looking to address their striker problem in the January transfer window after Thierno Barry has failed to hit the ground running. The £27m forward, who became one of Everton’s most expensive signings in the summer, is yet to score a goal for the club and initially struggled for starts in the Premier League this season.

Barry’s disappointing form has coincided with Beto’s own struggles. The towering striker has bettered his teammate’s goal tally, but has still scored just twice in 13 games so far this season.

With two goals between their two forwards, Everton have set their sights on the likes of Daizen Maeda ahead of the winter window. The Celtic forward reportedly wants to leave the Scottish club in January and the Toffees are among the clubs eyeing his signature for just £15m.

At his best, Maeda scored 33 goals in all competitions for Celtic last season and although he is yet to reach those levels in the current campaign, a move away could quickly rediscover his golden touch.

However, he’s not the only name on Everton’s shortlist. Those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium have also reportedly set their sights on Napoli’s Scott McTominay, who’d help their goal problem from midfield. The Scotland star recently scored a stunning overhead kick for his country as they secured World Cup qualification in dramatic fashion.

Everton certainly had an eye on the international drama too, given that they’re now also reportedly targeting a move to sign Parrrott.

Everton plotting Troy Parrott move

As reported by TeamTalk, Friedkin are now plotting a move to sign Parrott, who is a boyhood Everton fan. The Irishman has been in scintillating form so far this season, scoring 13 goals in 14 games for AZ Alkmaar and then scoring five goals in two games for Ireland over the November international break.

Three of those five goals came against Hungary as Ireland secured their playoff place at the death, courtesy of their rising star. It’s a performance that will live on in Irish history and one that could help Parrott make his return to the Premier League.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker was rightly at the centre of praise, with former Ireland star Ray Houghton saying: “I understood it, that Troy was a young lad who came through and was going to be a sensational talent, went to Spurs as a kid, made his debut when he was 17 and had so much ahead of him, but it didn’t quite go the way everyone anticipated.

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“He had to reinvent himself as a player, so to see the joy he had playing for his country and doing what he did, hopefully it will inspire the next generation of players.”

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West Ham have now reached out to a striker ahead of the January window with injury-prone flop Niclas Füllkrug vying for the London Stadium exit door, according to a new report.

Fullkrug’s time at West Ham has been marked more by injury woes than by impact on the pitch, as persistent fitness problems have severely limited his ability to deliver the goals West Ham hoped for when they signed him.

Arriving with high expectations as a striker capable of adding much-needed firepower, especially after 16 goals in all competitions during his last season at Borussia Dortmund, Fullkrug’s tenure has been marred by repeated setbacks.

The 32-year-old, who cost West Ham chair David Sullivan and co around £27 million to sign in the summer of 2024, missed a combined 28 games for club and country last term through injury.

Niclas Füllkrug’s missed games for West Ham and Germany — 2024/2025
Injury	Missing from	Missing until	Games missed
Achilles tendon	08/09/2024	02/12/2024	16
Hamstring injury	11/01/2025	01/04/2025	12

It’s led to critics like Gabriel Agbonlahor and many others questioning West Ham’s strange decision to invest that much money in a 30-plus-year-old forward with a history of physical problems.

Luckily for Nuno Espírito Santo, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that Fullkrug is due to return after the next international break and is actually ahead of schedule in his recovery.

However, the injuries have come far too frequently for West Ham’s liking, with Nuno left to pick up the pieces recently.

The Portuguese went with Lucas Paqueta as a false nine to cover Fullkrug in West Ham’s Premier League defeats against Brentford and Leeds, but Callum Wilson was given the starting spot for their 3-1 win against Newcastle last weekend.

Insiders suggest that Nuno actually doesn’t fancy Wilson at West Ham, but he’s left with little choice to select him as their only natural striker bar inexperienced youngster Callum Marshall.

West Ham’s shortage of striker options has led to credible reports that they’re in the market for another centre-forward in January, as well as a defender and midfielder (Sky Sports).

West Ham sound out Ivan Toney with Niclas Füllkrug 'determined' to leave

Now, according to TEAMtalk, there’s been an update on their pursuit of Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney.

Journalist Alan Nixon has previously reported that West Ham have done some work on a deal for Toney ahead of January, with the Hammers still apparently in contention.

The 29-year-old, who’s poised for a tough battle to get into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup, has been largely excluded from the Three Lions set up since his move to Saudi Arabia.

Toney’s only been called up just once in that time, and with USA 2026 looming, he could well be tempted by the prospect of a return to Britain.

Al-Ahli want around £30 million to part ways permanently in the winter, but it is an asking price nobody is willing to pay right now, so the most likely solution is a loan to buy.

Even then, the Irons would have to find a way around his sky-high wages, with Toney earning north of £400,000-per-week in the Gulf.

Nevertheless, TEAMtalk state that West Ham have sounded out Toney about a potential January move, but they’re not alone, with Tottenham and Everton also circling.

All of this comes with Fullkrug described as ‘determined’ to leave the club mid-season, following what’s been a nightmare one-and-a-half year stay thus far. It is added that Nuno personally sees Toney as a “proven goal threat to ignite their season”.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Fullkrug has already informed West Ham of his decision to leave, so the signing of a striker is definitely one to watch in January.

Any Glasgow Rangers fan who uses social media every day will likely have seen the clip going around of Hamza Igamane’s goal for Lille at the weekend.

The Morocco international, not for the first time this season, provided the Gers with a reminder of what they are missing with a brilliantly worked goal for the French side.

Igamane was sold to Lille for a fee of £10.4m in the summer transfer window, due to a release clause in his contract that existed before Kevin Thelwell’s arrival at Ibrox.

Ranking Rangers’ attempts to replace Hamza Igamane

It is fair to say that, on current evidence, have failed to replace the Moroccan star with the work that they did for Russell Martin heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

Igamane, as shown in the graphic above, provided a big goalscoring presence as a maverick playmaker, who could play out wide on the left or through the middle as a centre-forward, in his one season with the club.

Rangers signed six wingers and strikers in an attempt to replace the mercurial talent in the summer, and Djeidi Gassama, with six goals, is the only one of them to have scored more than two goals so far this season, per Transfermarkt.

1

Djeidi Gassama

2

Mikey Moore

3

Thelo Aasgaard

4

Youssef Chermiti

5

Oliver Antman

6

Bojan Miovski

Thelo Aasgaard, in theory, should have been the Igamane replacement as he is a number ten with good technical ability and flair, as evidenced by his wonder goal against Dundee United at Ibrox, but he has only scored one goal all season.

In terms of the strikers, Bojan Miovski has scored two, and Youssef Chermiti has scored one, per Sofascore, but the latter is five years younger and could develop into a star in the future.

Meanwhile, we have ranked Mikey Moore in second place for now, but he could rise up to first if Danny Rohl unleashes him in a central position when he is back fit.

The new position Mikey Moore should be unleashed in

The 18-year-old starlet is currently out with a muscle injury, which he is set to return from later this month, so he will not be available for selection against Dundee United on Wednesday night.

Chalkboard

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However, when he is back and available for selection, Rohl should unleash Moore as a number ten in the 4-2-3-1 system, which is the role that Thelo Aasgaard has played, as he has not had an opportunity in that position yet.

Per Transfermarkt, the only two matches that the Englishman has played as an attacking midfielder came against Hibernian and Roma as one of two 10s in a 3-4-2-1 system, which meant that he drifted wide more than being the central pivot of the attack.

Moore, as shown in the clip above, produced his best moment in a Rangers shirt against Dundee when he drifted into a central area from the right wing to spark an attack and score a brilliant goal, in Igamane-esque fashion.

Like the former Rangers playmaker, the teenage whiz has the technical quality, explosive burst of pace, and finishing potential to emerge as a real star for Rohl as a number ten or second striker.

The Spurs loanee, who was described as an “outrageous” talent by U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 24 matches for Tottenham’s U19s, per Transfermarkt, which shows that the potential is there for him to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

However, the vast majority of his appearances for Rangers have come out wide, on the left or the right, and he has only scored one goal and registered two assists in 17 games, which is why Rohl should look to unleash him in a new position.

If Moore thrives in a central role and starts to display the kind of form that he did at U19 level for Spurs, Rangers will have a super talent on their hands and could finally say that they have replaced Igamane’s mercurical quality at the top end of the pitch.

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