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Australia are still in control of the game, but the clouds of doubt have reappeared on the horizon for them

Alex Malcolm28-Dec-20241:31

Boland: ‘We’re still in a pretty strong position but could’ve been better’

In the glorious sunshine on a Saturday morning in Melbourne, Australia were in control of the game. Nathan Lyon had just pinned Ravindra Jadeja lbw to leave India 221 for 7, 253 behind with two days and two sessions remaining.Five hours later, Nitish Kumar Reddy walked off the MCG to a standing ovation from 83,073 people, unbeaten on 105 and India’s innings still 116 runs behind but alive and kicking, as the dark clouds of a rainstorm rolled in to end play early.From the brightness of the horizon to the impending gloom was an apt metaphor for Australia against India in recent years.Related

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They are still in control of the game, with two full days of set fair weather to come. But the clouds of doubt have appeared. They shouldn’t be there, but they are because they have seen this movie before. In Brisbane in 2021 and in Delhi in 2023 they were in control of the game, until lower-order century stands dragged India back into the contest and to eventual victory.It was noted yesterday after Steven Smith and Pat Cummins’ exemplary stand, that Australia had only produced four century stands for the seventh or lower wicket in the last ten years. India have produced four in the last four years against Australia alone. Only one other team, England, have managed one in that time against this Australian attack.The same man has been involved in two of them. Washington Sundar named his dog after the Gabba, having made 62 on debut in a 123-run seventh-wicket stand with Shardul Thakur that turned that game India’s way.Can you call a second dog MCG? He could do whatever he likes if India win from here following his 50 in a 127-run eighth-wicket stand with Reddy.The other lower-order century stands were produced by Axar Patel and R Ashwin in Delhi in 2023 and Thakur and Ajinkya Rahane in the World Test Championship final at The Oval only months later against this exact Australian bowling quartet of Cummins, Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. The only difference is that Mitchell Marsh is the allrounder at the MCG in place of the injured Cameron Green. That was the only one of the four that hasn’t cost them the game so far.2:10

Washington: Nitish’s hundred ‘will be remembered forever’

This one shouldn’t either. But how and why it keeps happening should be concerning to this Australian side.To be fair to Australia, they did exactly the same with the bat on day one. Two lower-order century stands, both against the second new ball, might point to an excessively flat pitch. But a man who knows MCG pitches would disagree.”I think it started off with a fair bit of nip in it, still a little bit of nip there at the moment,” Boland said. “Not as consistent as I’d like as a bowler, but I think it’s going to be a pretty good Test match wicket.”Boland knows a truly flat MCG pitch when he sees one, having played Sheffield Shield cricket in the pre-Matt Page era. The ongoing issues he manages in his left knee could well have resulted from slamming it repeatedly into the slab of concrete that used to sit underneath the drop-in trays here prior to 2018.Australia’s bowlers have been doing the heavy lifting for the team in recent times, but the repetitive nature of these stands against this opponent speaks to a couple of issues.India’s ability to nullify Lyon is a major reason why the tail continues to frustrate Australia. Against every other opponent, Lyon can lock down an end when the hardness of the new ball wears off. His frugality, and his ability to threaten batters with spin and bounce in Australian conditions allows Cummins to set and forget and rotate his three quicks in short bursts at the other end to ensure they sustain their pace and quality.Ravindra Jadeja was trapped by a quicker one from Nathan Lyon•AFP/Getty ImagesBut Lyon has been almost completely shut out of this series so far. He has five wickets at 53.60, striking at 114. Two of those bookended the stand between Reddy and Washington. In between times, Reddy scored 44 off 60 against Lyon including three fours and a six.It meant Cummins had to manage his bowlers differently and he made some odd decisions. Boland, who had easily been Australia’s best having removed Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, was hardly used in the early part of Reddy’s innings. He went from 1 off 2 to 56 off 90 before Boland returned to the attack.Straight after an hour-long rain delay, the likes of which had enabled Cummins and Starc to continue to bowl in Brisbane, Marsh bowled a three-over spell in tandem with Starc, instead of Cummins or Boland, when the pitch had become more difficult to bat on according to Washington.”Coming off that break we tried to take them a bit wider with the ball,” Boland said. “We obviously set a seven-two field and try to see if they want to flash their hands outside the off stump.”Marsh conceded just four runs. But it only served to massage his figures from 0 for 24 from four overs to 0 for 28 from seven. Since taking 2 for 12 in the first innings of the series in Perth, Marsh has figures of 25-1-1-125.There were some slightly odd bowling changes on Pat Cummins’ part•Associated PressIt was no surprise then to see Starc grimacing with some back soreness as he shouldered the load at the other end. He never left the field and continued to bowl at high pace despite getting the physio to check his back at fine leg between overs.Starc was part of a three-man attack that took 20 wickets in Adelaide, and a three-man attack that did all of the bowling in Brisbane after Josh Hazlewood broke down.”He’s okay,” Boland said. “I think he just had a bit of a niggle somewhere in his back or rib, I don’t know. But he came out after the break and was bowling 140kph so I think he’s going to be fine. I think he’s underrated for how tough he is.”Four years ago, Australia’s quicks got to the line in the fourth Test having shouldered a heavy load in Melbourne and Sydney, only to run out of gas in Brisbane.”We’re leading by 115 runs, so in a pretty strong position,” Boland said. “Obviously, it could have been better, but I think that’s Test match cricket. It ebbs and flows. Yeah, hopefully tomorrow morning, we get that first wicket, and then put on a really nice lead and see how the game plays after that.”There shouldn’t be cause for alarm in Australia’s dressing room. But no one could blame them if there wasn’t a looming sense of déjà vu.

After losing their way against Australia and England, India finally produced the complete batting performance that was expected of them

Sruthi Ravindranath24-Oct-20254:10

Review – India’s stellar batting display

Too many dot balls. Low strike rates. Middle-order collapses. A batting line-up that doesn’t finish well.Those were some of the phrases that had trailed India into the crucial clash against New Zealand. By the end of the evening at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, each one had been crossed off the list. On Thursday, India didn’t just start well but stayed the course.When Smriti Mandhana missed a sweep and was given out lbw on 77, there was that familiar feeling. Would this be another wasted start and shift of momentum? Not this time. An almost reluctant review showed the ball had brushed the bat. Mandhana survived.It wasn’t long ago that India had watched commanding starts wilt under pressure. Against Australia, Mandhana and Pratika Rawal had added a 155-run opening stand, only for the innings to falter after Mandhana was dismissed for 80. A late collapse limited them to 330 with seven balls left in their innings.Against England, Mandhana had again stood tall amid early wickets, but her dismissal, trying to up the ante, triggered another slide. Three wickets fell quickly, and India ended up falling short by four runs.Related

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Thursday’s contest was also a high-stakes one: a win would confirm India’s place in the semi-final. The chatter before the game was more around India’s credibility with the bat. Could they live up to their promise? The DY Patil Stadium, a venue that India are familiar with, with its quick outfield and batting-friendly surface, felt like the perfect stage for a revival.However, it wasn’t a smooth start for India after they were put in. Mandhana and Rawal admitted after the match that the first few overs were tricky. New Zealand’s new-ball pair found movement, and India crawled to six runs after four overs.Rawal then pounced on a few loose deliveries from Rosemary Mair, and Mandhana found her first boundary in the seventh over, dropping to one knee to sweep spinner Eden Carson for four and then hitting her for a six in her next over. From thereon, India were in consummate control.”I like pace more than spin for sure. I like to dominate pace,” Mandhana said after the match, when asked if she had planned to take on spin. “But it was an important game. There were a few nerves in there for the first three-four overs. We were trying to give a good start. I saw the scoreboard and there were three-five odd runs. I was like, ‘okay, we can’t do that.’ Then I said [to myself], just back yourself and try and play the ball.”Rawal’s strike rate has often come under scrutiny, raising questions about whether it added to the pressure on Mandhana and the middle order. India head coach Amol Muzumdar had dismissed the concern on match eve, insisting that India didn’t see it as an issue and wanted her to “continue the way she bats”.After matching Mandhana’s tempo on her way to a fifty, Rawal briefly slowed down before finding her rhythm again, notably taking on the experienced Lea Tahuhu. Perhaps the most defining moment of Rawal’s innings came when she launched Tahuhu straight down the ground with a clean, straight-batted loft. She held the pose for a second as if to let everyone know she had found her rhythm.”Initially, yes, there was a bit of struggle with me personally,” Rawal said. “I was not able to middle the ball as well as I could do in the previous matches. But I’m very happy [with] the way I kept my nerves. I held my head down and just focused on everything that come my way. With Smriti obviously, on the other hand, it makes my job easier. Whatever the calculations that we do out in the middle, you don’t have to do much. You just get it by just talking that what areas to target – what all the bowlers that we can target.”Mandhana blended grace with aggression and showed her range: a pulled six off a waist-high no-ball over deep backward square leg, a signature six down the ground, and even a hint of innovation when she shaped to scoop Sophie Devine before pulling out at the last second.Muzumdar had also spoken about the need for a three-digit score, asking India’s batters to convert their starts. India hadn’t produced a century in five games. On Thursday, they produced two. After scores of 80 and 88 in her last two games, Mandhana reached her hundred off just 88 balls.”The first three games did not go my way,” Mandhana said. “Especially the second and the third one [against Pakistan and South Africa]. After getting to 20, I [used to tell myself that I] will back myself to play a longer innings after 20. But I was getting out. In the World Cup, you have to keep a lot of things in the past. You have to understand if you are feeling good, you have come off a good form, you just need to keep continuing and not complicating. That’s the only thing I kept telling [myself], it doesn’t matter when there will be the later stage. I am feeling good and that’s what matters.”She departed for 109 off 95 balls in the 34th over but there was no slowdown this time, with Jemimah Rodrigues, who was promoted to No.3, hitting an unbeaten 76 off 55 balls. Her promotion was a bold call, considering she had been dropped in the previous game and had endured a lean patch in recent months. Harleen Deol had been a fixture at No. 3 for 25 ODIs running. But the move worked.Rodrigues walked out brimming with intent, timing her drives sweetly, perhaps an evidence of the long training session a day before where she had mostly practiced that stroke. Alongside Rawal, she maintained the high tempo. Rawal soon brought up her own century, adding flourish with two sixes after reaching the landmark – it was the first time in her 23-match career she had hit two sixes in an innings. Rodrigues, meanwhile, hit 11 fours to give India the strong finish they needed.India had finally batted the way they’d been expected to – without panic, or a mid-innings lull, or a collapse. It was as complete a batting display as they’ve produced all tournament.The middle order wasn’t tested, but for once, it didn’t need to be, as India’s batters showed they could dictate a game from start to finish. It was also a sign that this batting group has both the depth and the freedom to experiment. The win secured their semi-final spot and provided the kind of commanding statement India had been waiting to make.

The West Indies opener looks back on the best moments of his previous 99 Tests – his maiden century, the Headingley win, and the hundreds in Australia and South Africa

Interview by Andrew McGlashan02-Jul-2025On Thursday in Grenada, Kraigg Brathwaite will become the tenth West Indian to play 100 Tests. At his best, his powers of concentration have been legendary: he has faced the most balls by a West Indian batter in a Test.Runs have been harder to come by of late, and a new-look batting order needs him to perform, but his career is littered with some outstanding performances. Among the teams he’s played more than once, it’s only against India that is he missing a century. Brathwaite also captained the Test side on 39 occasions before stepping down earlier this year. And he holds one of the game’s quirkier stats for a player of this generation, having not played a single professional T20.”I was privileged to be captain when he played his first Test and to be coach now as he’s playing his 100th Test, 14 years later, it shows his contribution to the game,” West Indies coach Daren Sammy said. “I think that’s a great achievement. And I wish him all the best. I know his team will be rallying with him. It will be a special moment for him and also for the team.”On the eve of his landmark Test, Brathwaite spoke to ESPNcricinfo.Related

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What does 100 Tests mean to you?
It means everything. Words to describe it would be pretty tough. You always want to play for the West Indies as a youngster, but to play 100 Tests was a dream. I’ll never forget when I was teenager, I was 14 years old, I would have done an interview and they asked me what my goals were. I remember one of my goals was to play 100 Tests.I think it’s quite amazing to go through the journey of 14 years playing for West Indies and seeing that goal come to fruition. I just want to be a role model, to hopefully inspire even just one youngster in the Caribbean to set their goals from a young age. Whether it’s 100 Tests, 300 one-dayers, playing in all the franchises around the world, whichever it may be, the key is to set a goal and work extremely hard throughout, through the ups and downs, to achieve it.But despite setting that goal, when you played your first Test, against Pakistan in 2011, did you think 100 was realistic?
Obviously, I’ll say no. Playing the first Test wasn’t the easiest. To say it at that time, that I would play 100, would be pretty hard. But from scoring my first hundred [against New Zealand in 2014] – I never thought I’d score a hundred for West Indies, I never thought I was that good, even though I was inspired to want to play – that really helped me get the confidence to go on.There have been a few periods where things really clicked for you: in 2014 you averaged over 77 and in 2022 you were named in the ICC Test team of the year. Do they stand out for you?
In 2014, I remember every series we played I scored a hundred. That was a very good patch for me. Then 2022 as well, those two really stood out for me. We played Bangladesh in 2022 and I made 95 or so [94], otherwise it would have been the same [a century in each series]. As a batsman that’s what you set out to do. I was obviously hoping that 2025 would be as good as those two periods.In West Indies’ famous win at Headingley in 2017, Brathwaite scored 134 and 95•Getty ImagesThe runs haven’t flowed of late. Where do you feel your batting is? Have you got another peak in you?
I still have that belief. I still feel ready and raring. I think it’s just an example of what Test cricket is; it’s a grind, especially as an opener, it’s never easy. You always have your ups and downs, so it’s about staying strong and believing in yourself. Test cricket is all about being mentally strong. I do believe I have those periods left in me.Is opening now as tough as it’s been? It’s a topic in Australian cricket, for example. Are pitches doing more?
I won’t say they’re doing anything different to normal, to be honest. Playing in the Caribbean is obviously never an easy place because pitches, especially early on, can be a bit slow and the ball gets a bit of a nip. But I won’t say the pitches have changed. I think the challenges as an opener still remain, regarding fielding for whether it’s 90 overs or 100 overs and having to run off for five minutes to change, then face world-class bowlers. Kudos to the bowling around the world. Each team pretty much has quality fast bowlers. So it’s always a mental grind for openers.Looking back on the 99 Tests from a batting perspective, can you pick out some highlights?
I can never forget the maiden hundred. At the time I was in total disbelief that I could actually score a hundred for West Indies. But moving on from there, the hundred [against Pakistan] in Sharjah; for me as an opener, I always dream about being there at the end, especially in the second innings, for the team. And to be able to do that in both innings was quite special for me. That was Jason Holder’s first win as captain, so very special.Then Headingley [in 2017] as well. There’s a bit of back story behind that. We lost the first Test, so to come back and play two innings like that to help us to win was quite amazing. But also, and this is just an example of opening the batting, it was my first tour to England and we had three county games before the first Test. I barely got any runs. Mentally, you are really doubting yourself at times.Brathwaite’s advice to young cricketers: “Dream big first. Set your goals from a young age. And then you’ve got to work hard. It’s a a long journey playing red-ball cricket”•Nick Potts/PA Photos/Getty ImagesGoing into the first Test, I made zero in the first innings. It’s not easy place to be. But that’s just the example of having to keep having that inward belief. When that bowler runs up and bowls the ball, pacer or spinner, you’ve got to have that deep belief in yourself. In the second innings of the first Test, I got 30-odd [40], then the second game we won and I got runs. That was just a great example for me as a player and as an opener of what it really takes to do well in this career. You’ve got to be mentally tough. So those were special.But then, emotion-wise, when I got the hundreds in Australia [in Perth in 2022] and in South Africa [in Gqeberha in 2014] – they were both No. 1 [teams] at the time. For me, that was very, very special. We drew one and lost one but those two against the No. 1 team meant a lot.Have you always prided yourself on your powers of concentration?
For sure. When I was young, 10 or 11, I used to bat really fast and hit a lot of boundaries, a lot of sixes. But as I got older, I started to buckle down. I always understood my strengths and weaknesses from a young age. I still knew what I was good at aggressively and not going for other things. But as I developed, I understood playing the longer format.I remember there was an intermediate game back home. I got out playing a bad shot, looking for something that wasn’t there. The next week – because it plays on weekends – two of the guys scored a double and a 180. From there I decided I’ve really got to buckle down. The next game I made a double.That was an example of taking your time and waiting for your strengths. You know your weaknesses, you don’t go too hard at them. And that stood with me throughout my career. Playing for West Indies, it’s always my job, and I knew once I could bat at least two sessions as opener, it will only benefit the team.Brathwaite captained West Indies in 39 Tests, winning ten, including famous victories in Chattogram, Brisbane and Multan•AFP/Getty ImagesDo you think there will be an opportunity for more West Indians to reach 100 Tests?
There’s a lot of talk about it in recent years. At the end of the day, we need all the teams; we need South Africa, they’ve just won the Test Championship, we need West Indies. I think eventually we’ll get to ten-plus Tests in a year, hopefully. Right now, we’re averaging probably between six to eight a year. So, obviously, that would take a younger guy playing for a number of years to get up to 100. But I do believe that in time we will get more games. I can see it happening. I think there’s a lot of youngsters that are spurred to want to play for West Indies.Is there one opener you’ve especially enjoyed batting with?
I’ve enjoyed batting with them all, because I’ve batted with a number of openers, but John Campbell. For me, the bond is quite special because we played from Under-15, then to U-19s and senior cricket. So that one will always remain. We have good camaraderie.Having not played any T20s in this era does stand out. How has that played out? Would you still like to play?
To say I still want to play, it’s pretty foreign. But it’s something I wanted to do. I played a few 50-over games [for West Indies] but I missed a few regional tournaments in the Caribbean, so I was never really able to put my case to get back in the one-day team. Not being able to play 50-overs, it’s pretty tough to play T20s. It’s just how it went. I’d have loved to have played T20, it just didn’t work out. But you never know, there’s a lot of leagues about.If you had advice for a next-generation batter who has that dream of 100 Tests, what would it be?
Dream big first. Set your goals from a young age. Obviously that inward belief in yourself is very important. And then you’ve got to be disciplined, you’ve got to work hard. Things won’t always be easy. It’s a long process, a long journey playing red-ball cricket.But the main thing is, regardless of success or failure, do your routine. Whatever it is, in terms of running, gym, hard work at home, after a series, you don’t ever stop it. You do well, you’ve had a purple patch, a great year, you don’t sit back on your laurels and think that, okay, I’m done working, I’ve received or retained a contract and I’m happy. To be able to do it year-in, year-out through all the success and failure – because there’s way more failure than success, especially in red-ball cricket. But it’s about believing and dreaming it because you can do anything you put your mind to.

Rangers’ winning streak continues, albeit in far from convincing fashion.

On Saturday, the Gers battled to a 2-1 victory over bottom of the table Livingston at Ibrox, with Emmanuel Fernandez marking his first start since August by scoring a towering header, only for Tete Yengi to equalise soon after, but Mohamed Diomandé’s goal 12 minutes from time, Bojan Miovski putting it on a plate for him, enough to snatch victory.

This makes it four Premiership wins out of four since Danny Röhl was appointed manager, the Gers’ longest streak since February, albeit they remain fourth, given that Hibernian beat Dundee 2-0 at Easter Road simultaneously.

Next up, Röhl’s team will take on Braga in a must win Europa League tie on Thursday and, despite victory on Saturday, which starter should be axed ahead of this one?

Rangers' current injury crisis

After some very underwhelming summer recruitment, most Rangers supporters agree that their squad lacks quality, so, when that is the situation, the last thing a coach needs is a lengthy injury list.

First-choice centre-back pairing John Souttar and Derek Cornelius are both expected to be sidelined until after Christmas, after suffering serious injuries while on international on the same evening, doing so within hours of one-another but more than 4,200 miles apart in Glasgow and Miami.

Meantime, just as he had started to click into gear, Mikey Moore suffered a muscle injury in training, so is set to spend weeks on the sidelines.

The Tottenham lonaee had made an inconspicuous start to life in Glasgow, but had started to show glimpses of his talent in recent weeks, scoring his first goal for the club at Dens Park in the last game prior to the international break.

In the absences of the teenager, Röhl’s team lacked dynamism, panache and flamboyance in attacking areas, with the player tasked with deputising certainly not earning rave reviews.

The Rangers star Röhl must axe after Livingston

Röhl went for a more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation for Livingston’s visit on Saturday, with Thelo Aasgaard given the free role as the central number ten.

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The Merseyside-born midfielder helped Norway qualify for a first World Cup since ’98 during the break, coming off the bench as his country crushed Italy 4-1 at San Siro last Sunday.

Thus, Aasgaard was handed a first club start since being sent off during the League Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Celtic at Hampden.

Well, he certainly did not grasp this opportunity with both hands, as the table below documents.

Thelo Aasgaard’s stats vs Livingston

Stats

Aasgaard

Match rank

Shots

Zero

12th

Successful dribbles

1

11th

Accurate passes

12

16th

Key passes

1

4th

Duels won

2

24th

Touches

19

23rd

SofaScore rating

6.4

21st

Stats vis SofaScore

The statistics underline that Aasgaard was generally pretty anonymous during Saturday’s victory, completing just 12 passes and only one dribble, not registering a single attempt.

The most galling number is the fact that the Norwegian international touched the ball only 19 times before being hooked at half time, nine fewer than goalkeeper Jack Butland and six less than Livi scorer Yengi.

Writer Kai Watson asserted that Aasgaard went “missing” in the first half, adding that he “needs to offer something” and is “capable of much more than we’re seeing”.

Meantime, Aheed Abrar of Ibrox News exclaimed that the midfielder was “embarrassing” on Saturday, awarding him a 3/10 rating, while Let’s Talk Rangers believes he should not be an “automatic starter” over Nedim Bajrami, Lyall Cameron and others.

Thus, despite their ongoing injury issues, Röhl does appear to have better attacking options than Aasgaard, who did little to stake a claim for a start against Braga this weekend.

Related Rohl's own Maeda: Rangers begin talks to sign "very pacy" sensation

With Rangers set to heavily invest in January, they have reportedly began talks to sign a “very pacy” star who would be Danny Röhl’s own Daizen Maeda.

Posts ByBen Gray Nov 21, 2025

Bangladesh started their Asia Cup campaign with a seven-wicket win

Sreshth Shah11-Sep-20251:38

Should Bangladesh have finished it earlier?

Bangladesh collected the points they came for, but not without a proper workout against Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opening campaign in Abu Dhabi.Litton Das led their chase of 144 with 59 off 39 while Towhid Hridoy contributed with an unbeaten 35 off 36. Boundaries dried up through the middle overs, but Bangladesh found a way to get over the line with 14 balls to spare. Once Hong Kong’s intensity waned, Litton broke free, going from 26 off 24 to his fifty off 33 balls.Hong Kong’s second game in the Asia Cup, though, was far more productive than their first. After being held to 94 for 9 by Afghanistan, they posted a more competitive 143 for 7 thanks to Zeeshan Ali’s 30, Nizakat Khan’s 42, and a brisk 28 from captain Yasim Murtaza. But the 95-run third-wicket stand between Litton and Hridoy ruined Hong Kong’s chances of an upset.Bangladesh’s win was their first T20I victory in Abu Dhabi. Hong Kong remain winless in Asia Cup matches.

Litton, Hridoy put on a show

Bangladesh’s chase began with a glimpse of their new hitting intent. Parvez Hossain Emon raced to 19 off 13 before miscuing a slower delivery from Ayush Shukla to deep midwicket in the third over. Tanzid Hasan then fell in the sixth over, when he edged Ateeq Iqbal with Nizakat completing a sharp catch while running back from mid-off.Hong Kong, guilty of four dropped chances in their opener against Afghanistan, held on to their catches on Thursday. But the damage came elsewhere: the extras conceded – 11 at the time and 17 in all – allowed Bangladesh to motor to 51 for 2 in the powerplay.From there, Litton and Hridoy settled into accumulation. They failed to clear the boundary against spin and medium-pace from overs eight to 12, yet their urgency between the wickets meant the asking rate never touched eight an over. The pair ran 11 twos, while Bangladesh’s total of 16 twos was their second-highest in a T20I.The constant sprinting drained them in the heat, but it also squeezed Hong Kong out of the contest. Litton shifted gears in the 13th over with two fours against Shukla, lifting his strike rate from the low 100s to finish at 151.28. With only two runs needed, he was bowled trying for a big finish, but his job was already done.

Tanzim leads the bowling effort

Tanzim Hasan Sakib set the tone after Bangladesh opted to bowl. Bowling in the early 140kmph range, he first produced a late-swinging delivery that snuck past Babar Hayat’s defensive push and hit the stumps, before dismissing Zeeshan with a rising ball that caught the splice and looped to cover. He finished with 2 for 21 in four overs. Taskin Ahmed, though more expensive, provided timely support by removing Anshy Rath in the powerplay and Aizaz Khan at the death.The spinners had their moments too. Rishad Hossain was initially not allowed to settle with sweeps and reverse-sweeps, but he hit back strongly in his final over – the 19th over of the first innings – by dismissing Nizakat and trapping Kinchit Shah lbw off successive balls.1:36

Jaffer: Bangladesh need to show consistency in selection

HK find stability, but no momentum

Hong Kong started slowly, with a combination of early wickets and a sluggish start for Zeeshan and Nizakat keeping Bangladesh in control of proceedings. But as the Zeeshan-Nizakat partnership grew, so did their range of strokes, and their 41-run stand for the third wicket ensured their batting didn’t collapse like in their first game.Murtaza looked briefly like the man who could change the momentum as he blazed to a 19-ball 28, but he was run-out after a miscommunication with Nizakat. Since the start of 2023, this was their 47th run-out in T20Is, and after Murtaza’s dismissal, Hong Kong couldn’t bring out too many big hits. Mustafizur Rahman was tough to put away at the death and Rishad’s brave bowling meant there was a carousel of incoming new batters. Still, they scored 54 off the last six overs to post a respectable 143 for 7 which was not good enough on the day.

Manchester United’s hunt for a new central midfielder became apparent in the summer transfer window, after the hierarchy stated their desire to land Brighton star Carlos Baleba.

The Cameroonian international was a key target for INEOS, but they were evidently put off by the Seagulls’ £100m asking price, which led to the Red Devils pulling out of a deal.

Ruben Amorim has since had to rely upon the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro at the heart of the side, with the aforementioned duo being the most consistent partnership at present.

The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have both struggled to break into the side in the Premier League, which could lead to either of the pair being offloaded in the winter window.

Such funds could certainly be directed towards a new addition in the coming months, which has led to numerous players being touted as potential options for the upcoming market.

United’s hunt for a new deep-lying midfielder this January

Over recent weeks, rumours have gathered huge momentum after United reportedly held talks with Nottingham Forest over a possible deal to land Elliot Anderson.

The 23-year-old has been in tremendous form for the Reds during the 2025/26 campaign, which has led to the youngster becoming a mainstay in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

However, any deal could likely be a club-record one for Amorim’s men, after his current employers placed a £100m price tag on his head ahead of the upcoming window.

He’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton another option being considered by INEOS before the opening of the window.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Red Devils are set to make a £70m bid for the 21-year-old, but the Eagles are currently reluctant to offload him in the near future, with some sources saying it may take £100m to prise him away from Selhurst Park.

The report also states that the player himself would be open for a switch to Old Trafford this window, but it it could hinge on the club’s ability to secure European football come the end of the season.

How Adam Wharton compares to Elliot Anderson

In 2025/26 alone, there’s little debate that Forest star Anderson has been one of the leading stars in the division – with his figures this campaign nothing short of remarkable.

The United fans have had the chance to witness the Englishman’s talents first hand, with the youngster thriving in the meeting at the City Ground at the start of November.

The 23-year-old featured for the entire contest and created three chances and completed 100% of the dribbles he attempted – subsequently showcasing his talents in possession.

Without the ball, he was just as impressive, as seen by his 100% tackle success rate and 14 recoveries made – with the latter the highest of any player on the pitch.

The £100m asking price would certainly be an excellent investment, but ultimately, it could be outside of the hierarchy’s budget in the upcoming window.

Therefore, a deal for Wharton could certainly be more feasible in January, but that’s not to say the club would be getting a lower quality player in the process.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats in the current campaign, the Palace star has managed to better him in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be a better addition.

Aptly described hailed as “the best English midfielder since Paul Scholes” by one CONCACAF B certified coach earlier this year, Wharton is certainly Scholes like in his ability to evade the press and battle hard from the middle of the park.

For a United side needing a bit more spark, Wharton crucially has completed more key passes per 90 – arguably being a more threatening option when in possession and living up to that Scholes comparison.

However, despite his talents in such an area, his ability in possession is where he’s struggled compared to Anderson, with his ball-winning ability more impressive to date. Like Scholes, he’s got a bit of extra bite present in his game.

Games played

11

13

Minutes played

861

1170

Key passes

1.8

1.7

Tackles made

1.7

1.6

Interceptions made

1.2

1.1

Clearances made

1.5

1.1

Take-on success

55%

50%

Miscontrols

1.2

2.2

He’s made more tackles and interceptions per 90 than the Forest star, which could make him the perfect number six that Amorim has been craving in recent months.

Wharton has also made more clearances per 90, whilst also miscontrolling the ball on fewer occasions – subsequently making him a more reliable option than his compatriot.

£70m for a player of Wharton’s quality is an excellent piece of business for United, with the sky truly being the limit for the 21-year-old England international.

Whilst many fans may favour Anderson at present, the Eagles star certainly has a higher ceiling, with the youngster having bags of potential that he could fulfil at Old Trafford.

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Manchester United look set to make yet another big-money move in the defensive department.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 2, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have made contact to sign a £30m star for Rob Edwards, and the Old Gold feel he “fits the profile perfectly” at Molineux.

Wolves transfer rumours after Edwards appointment

Fosun and Wolves are ready to back Edwards in the January transfer window as they look to climb up the Premier League table and out of the relegation zone in 2026.

However, before the Old Gold can make any new additions, they’ll have to navigate eight top flight fixtures, starting this weekend at home to Crystal Palace.

Wolves’ Premier League fixtures before January

Date

Wolves vs Crystal Palace

November 22nd

Aston Villa vs Wolves

November 30th

Wolves vs Nottingham Forest

December 3rd

Wolves vs Man Utd

December 8th

Arsenal vs Wolves

December 13th

Wolves vs Brentford

December 20th

Liverpool vs Wolves

December 27th

Man Utd vs Wolves

December 30th

By the time the winter market opens, the Premier League season will be 50% complete, and with Wolves currently nine points away from safety, Edwards is facing a tough test.

It looks as if Wolves want to bolster all over the pitch following their poor start to the season as well.

A loan-to-buy bid for Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas is thought to be in the pipeline, whereas an offer is also in for Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia.

Domestically, Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips and Everton winger Dwight McNeil are two more 2026 targets, and another Etihad Stadium first-team player is on the radar at Molineux.

Wolves make contact for James Trafford

According to reports from TEAMtalk, Wolves and Fosun have made their first move to sign Man City goalkeeper James Trafford.

After returning to the club in the summer, Trafford has already dropped down the pecking order following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma, arguably the best goalkeeper in world football.

City are open to a loan-with-obligation or permanent exit in January for Trafford, valuing him up to £30m.

Wolves are firmly in the race to sign the Englishman and have even made contact, with one source from Molineux telling TEAMtalk:

However, unfortunately for Wolves and Edwards, Trafford isn’t so keen on a move the Midlands. He appears to prefer a transfer to Newcastle United instead, with the source adding:

“James wants guarantees of game time, but above all he wants to play for a club pushing upwards, not one looking over its shoulder.”

Wolves now want to sign £20m set-piece specialist compared to Declan Rice

He’s been likened to the Gunners star at dead ball scenarios.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 19, 2025

Wolves are clearly after a new first choice shot-stopper with Sam Johnstone and Jose Sa, who are both 32 years of age, sharing the Premier League load so far. Johnstone has made seven appearances, conceding 14 goals, whereas Sa has turned out four times, letting in 11 goals.

But with Trafford preferring a move to St James’ Park where European football is on offer, perhaps Wolves may go for Mandas.

Wolves now in advanced talks to sign maestro who could be Edwards' first signing

Gary Neville has criticised one aspect of Arsenal’s performance in the 4-1 North London derby victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

It was ultimately an easy day at the office for the Gunners against their bitter rivals, with Eberechi Eze, who Tottenham were keen on signing in the summer, scoring a hat-trick, after Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the first half.

Speaking after the game, Jamie Carragher admitted he underestimated just how important Eze would end up being for Mikel Arteta’s side, who put in a fantastic all-round performance to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

However, a fellow Sky Sports pundit wasn’t particularly impressed with one aspect of Arteta’s side’s performance…

Gary Neville criticises Arsenal's set-pieces against Tottenham

Arsenal have been phenomenal from set-pieces this season, with Gabriel looking particularly impressive in the opposition penalty area, picking up two goals and three assists in all competitions.

However, while Neville was complimentary of the overall display, the 50-year-old has suggested the Gunners weren’t quite as threatening from dead-ball situations against Tottenham as they have been previously.

Arteta’s side proved they have what it takes to end the long wait for a Premier League title with their performance on Sunday, limiting their opponents to an xG of just 0.07, with only a Richarlison wonder goal catching them out.

Eze certainly sent out a major statement with his performance too, receiving a SofaScore match rating of 10 after scoring a hat-trick and making a number of other key contributions.

Arsenal also displayed that they aren’t one dimensional, with none of their goals coming from set-pieces, and they managed to cope despite having a number of important players out injured, namely Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel.

As such, Arteta will no doubt be confident his side can go on to have a successful season, but there are some tricky fixtures on the horizon, taking on FC Bayern in the Champions League on Wednesday, prior to a trip to second-placed Chelsea at the weekend.

£32m Arsenal star looked like prime Ozil and Odegaard vs Spurs

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Eberechi Eze is not the only Arsenal star who deserves his flowers after north London derby win.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 24, 2025

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

Firdose Moonda06-Aug-2025

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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Smith ruled out of second Zimbabwe Test, Foulkes called up as replacement

'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.