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Inter Milan and AC Milan went blow for blow in a tightly contested Derby della Madonnina until U.S. international Christian Pulisic produced the decisive moment in the 55th minute, sealing a 1-0 win for the Rossoneri. The American reacted quickest to a rebound from Alexis Saelemaekers’ blocked shot, smashing home from close range before Mike Maignan preserved the points with a late penalty save.

AFPWhat happened

This was a crucial victory for Milan, who climbed to second and sit just two points behind Roma in the Serie A table.

From the opening whistle, the derby unfolded as a cagey, high-intensity affair between two bitter rivals. Inter began on the front foot, dominating possession 58 to 42 percent and outshooting Milan 10-4. Despite both sides sharing the San Siro, it was the “home” Nerazzurri who carried the early initiative. Yet their finishing repeatedly let them down, with Lautaro Martínez rattling the post midway through the first half on their best chance.

Milan, meanwhile, stayed compact and leaned heavily on Mike Maignan to handle danger. The French goalkeeper’s steady presence kept Milan level – and his distribution sparked the sequence that broke the match open. Alexis Saelemaekers burst down the right and fired at Yann Sommer, whose save spilled directly into the path of Christian Pulisic. The American reacted first and buried the rebound to give Milan a 1-0 lead.

Inter pushed for an equalizer and will regret failing to convert their clearest opportunity minutes later. Strahinja Pavlović brought down Marcus Thuram in the box, handing Inter a penalty. But Hakan Çalhanoğlu telegraphed his effort, and Maignan produced a confident stop in the 71st minute to preserve the lead. Pulisic exited in the 78th minute, and Milan saw out the final stretch to secure a massive result for Max Allegri’s side.

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The spoils need to be shared here between Christian Pulisic and Mike Maignan, who were both equally important to the one-goal win. In a match that offered Milan very few chances, it was the American who maximized his sole chance to deliver the winner, but it was ultimately Maignan who kept Inter at bay with six saves. 

Outside of the goal, Pulisic was threatening the entire match with two out of four successful dribbles and three passes into the final third. 

AFPThe big loser

Hakan Calhanoglu largely had an effective match, delivering scoring chances and remaining tidy with his passes, but his penalty miss was back-breaking for Inter, who essentially saw a lifeline go begging. This is a painful defeat for Inter, who haven't beaten their crosstown rivals in six tries and have also lost to other Serie A contenders this season. The side now falls to fourth place. 

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Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Seth Lugo is staying in Kansas City.

According to a Sunday night report from ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, the Royals are finalizing a multi-year extension with Lugo to keep him with the team. He was set to become a free agent after the season, with a player option on the final year of his current deal for next year.

Due to the upcoming free agency, Lugo heard his name in trade rumors ahead of Major League Baseball's July 31 trade deadline, but now inks a deal to stay put as the Royals stand four games behind the American League's final wild card. Kansas City has won five of their last seven games as they aim to make a late-season push.

On the year, the 35-year-old righthander has a 7-5 record in 19 starts with a 2.95 ERA and 99 strikeouts. He made his first All-Star appearance last season and finished second in AL Cy Young Award voting to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. In 2024, Lugo posted a 16-9 record with a 3.00 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 206 1/3 innings while winning his first Gold Glove.

Per MLB insider Jon Heyman of the , Lugo's extension with the Royals is expected to be for two years for about $46 million plus a vesting option.

Napoli have reportedly identified Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo as their primary January transfer target, with manager Antonio Conte desperate to sign the 20-year-old on loan to cover for a midfield crisis that has seen Frank Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne and Billy Gilmour all sidelined.

• Conte's crisis: A midfield decimated by injury

  The situation at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona has shifted from manageable to critical in the space of a few weeks. Conte, whose side is currently fighting to retain their Serie A crown, has seen his engine room dismantled by a cruel run of injuries. The latest blow was the high-grade lesion to Anguissa's thigh, sustained on international duty, which will keep him out for the foreseeable future.

  This fresh setback comes on top of the long-term absence of Manchester City legend De Bruyne, who suffered a serious muscle tear in October, and the unavailability of Gilmour. With Stanislav Lobotka also managing fitness issues, Conte is left with a skeleton crew in the middle of the park. The manager knows that relying solely on Scott McTominay and fringe players like Michael Folorunsho is not sustainable if Napoli are to compete on multiple fronts, making a January reinforcement an absolute necessity.

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  Mainoo's nightmare at Old Trafford

  While Napoli are desperate for bodies, Mainoo is desperate for an escape route. The England international's 2025-26 campaign has been nothing short of a "nightmare" under new United boss Ruben Amorim. Despite his breakout performances for club and country in 2024, the 20-year-old has been completely frozen out this season, failing to start a single Premier League game since August as Amorim prefers the experience of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.

  The frustration reached a boiling point last week when Mainoo was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw against West Ham, leading United legend Paul Scholes to publicly blast Amorim's treatment of the youngster as "bullsh*t". With the World Cup in North America looming in 2026, Mainoo knows he cannot afford to spend another six months rotting on the bench. Sources close to the player suggest he is "deeply frustrated" and ready to push for a temporary exit to salvage his season and his international ambitions.

• The deal: A loan move to save two seasons

  According to a report from , Napoli's sporting director Giovanni Manna has already made Mainoo his "pole position" target. Financial constraints mean the Italian champions are restricted to loan moves in the winter window, a structure that suits all parties perfectly. Napoli get a high-quality, energetic midfielder to plug their injury gap immediately, while Mainoo gets guaranteed minutes in a tactical system that thrives on intensity.

  The report claims that the player has already given his "green light" to the move, enticed by the prospect of reuniting with former teammate Scott McTominay and ex-United star Romelu Lukaku, both of whom have revitalised their careers under Conte. Negotiations are reportedly underway, with Napoli hoping to finalise the deal "within a couple of weeks" to ensure Mainoo is available as soon as the window opens. The relationship between the two clubs is strong following the McTominay transfer, which could facilitate a swift agreement.

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  Can Mainoo reignite his spark in Serie A?

  For Mainoo, a move to Naples offers the perfect stage to remind the world of his talent. The physical and tactical demands of Conte's system would test him, but playing alongside McTominay in a midfield that desperately needs his dynamism could be the catalyst he needs.

  Historically, Serie A has been a rehabilitation clinic for United misfits, with Chris Smalling, Lukaku and McTominay all finding their best form in Italy. If Mainoo can replicate their success, this short-term loan could prove to be the most important move of his young career, ensuring he heads to the 2026 World Cup as a starter rather than a spectator. For Napoli, securing a talent of his calibre could be the difference between a successful title defence and a season that fades away due to a lack of depth.

Tottenham Hotspur’s unbeaten run in the Champions League came to an abrupt end last night, with holders PSG securing a huge 5-3 triumph in Paris.

The Lilywhites twice took the lead at the Parc des Princes, but Thomas Frank’s men were unable to hold and secure yet another victory in Europe’s biggest competition.

Vitinha’s hat-trick was enough to get Luis Enrique’s men across the line on home soil, leaving Frank with huge work to do to get his squad out of their current losing spree.

Goals from Kolo Muani and Richarlison weren’t enough to get the Lilywhites all three points, but it certainly does give the manager something to build on in the final third.

However, the same can’t be said for numerous members of the first-team squad, with various starters unable to take full advantage of the chances handed their way.

Spurs’ poor performers against PSG last night

After questions were asked about the midfield department following the defeat against Arsenal, Frank decided to once again change shape and hand Pape Sarr a start in central midfield.

Many were crying out for the Senegalese international to return to the starting eleven, but ultimately, he was unable to take advantage of his opportunity.

He was arguably at fault for PSG’s third effort, with the 23-year-old robbed of possession in his own defensive third before Fabian Ruiz fired home for the hosts.

The youngster wasn’t alone in failing to deliver, with full-back Djed Spence once again unable to pounce on his starting role on the left-hand side of the back four.

The Englishman failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles or crosses, subsequently highlighting the lack of contribution he made when in transition.

However, without the ball, the 25-year-old was just as lacklustre, as seen by his measly tally of just 33% ground duels won whilst also being dribbled past on one occasion.

The Spurs star who had his worst game for the club v PSG

After Kolo Muani put Spurs ahead for the second time at the Parc des Princes last night, there was a belief within the Spurs faithful that the club could pull off a famous European result.

However, in true Lilywhites fashion, as of late, they were unable to sustain such a scoreline, with the collapse in the last half an hour no doubt frustrating manager Frank.

Certain players can absolutely leave such a defeat with credit and with their heads held high, with the aforementioned Kolo Muani undoubtedly having his best game for the club.

Other players, like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray also impressed at the heart of the side, with the pair the beneficiaries of the manager’s selection roulette.

The same can’t be said for numerous players, with Cristian Romero undoubtedly one that springs to mind when focusing on players who failed to deliver in Paris.

The Argentine, who’s the Lilywhites captain, endured a torrid evening against the reigning European champions, which no doubt contributed to the loss last night.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, but not without struggle, with the centre-back needing to share some of the blame for Sarr’s mistake with his poorly timed pass into the midfielder.

Romero was also adjudged to have handled Vitinha’s effort late on, which led to the Portuguese international stepping up from the penalty spot to complete his first senior hat-trick.

His underlying stats further showcase his lack of impact, with the defender committing two further fouls and being dribbled past on two separate occasions.

Other numbers, such as six times possession lost and 50% duels lost, further highlight his lack of impact and why it was perhaps his worst display in a Spurs shirt yet.

To top off his dismal night in Paris, Romero was handed a measly 3/10 match rating by Football London journalist Alasdair Gold, reaffirming how disappointing he was against the Frenchmen.

After such a showing, Frank will no doubt be questioning his starting role, with flashes of the Argentine’s rash nature rearing their head during the defeat.

However, the player will be hoping he’s still selected at the weekend to try and make amends and lead the club to a needed win the Premier League against Fulham.

New Kane & Son: Paratici plotting to sign two mega-money forwards for Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making huge strides in completeing a deal for a new deadly partnership.

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Ethan Lamb

Nov 26, 2025

Fulham are now planning to make a move for Brendan Rodgers, amid a new update on Marco Silva’s future at Craven Cottage.

Silva is going through a tricky period in the Premier League, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Everton prior to the international break, which leaves his side in 15th place, just one point above the relegation zone.

With the 48-year-old’s contract coming to an end in the summer, there has been speculation about his future, but it seems as though the club hierarchy is keen to keep hold of him, having recently tabled a new contract offer.

However, with the former Everton boss still yet to put pen to paper, there could still be a twist in the tale, and it has now been revealed that an ex-Premier League manager is set to be approached, having recently resigned from his previous role.

Fulham set to sound out Brendan Rodgers amid Marco Silva uncertainty

According to a report from Football Insider, Silva’s future in west London is still in major doubt, which means Fulham are now set to sound out Rodgers over a move to Craven Cottage, with the Northern Irishman still out of work after leaving Celtic last month.

The Cottagers are planning to hold talks with the 52-year-old, who is vastly experienced in the top flight, having managed Swansea City, Leicester City and Liverpool in the past.

Having offered Silva a new deal, there is still a chance he remains in west London, but there are some issues to iron out, with the manager eager to be backed in the transfer window, following a quiet summer, during which Kevin was the only major addition.

It would be a shame to see the Portuguese manager move on, given the fantastic job he has done at Craven Cottage, stabilising Fulham as a top-flight club after guiding them to promotion from the Championship.

Games

198

Wins

90

Draws

37

Losses

71

Points per game

1.55

That said, should Silva decide to leave, Rodgers could be a fantastic replacement, having been lauded as an “unbelievable” manager by Jamie O’Hara as a result of the work he did during his time at Leicester.

The ex-Foxes boss won the FA Cup and the Community Shield during his time at the King Power Stadium, two of 13 trophies he has lifted as a manager, having also been extremely successful at Celtic.

However, while the Cottagers’ current league position is concerning, their current manager has proven time and time again that he is capable of keeping them in the top flight, so it would be a risk to replace him.

Every manager currently working in the Premier League has been ranked Every current manager in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked

Every current Premier League boss ranked from best to worst.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 8, 2025

Glamorgan 327 (Kellaway 90, Ingram 87, Agar 4-58, Parkinson 4-103) and 25 for 2 need another 163 runs to beat Kent 155 (Bell-Drummond 55, van der Gugten 3-27, Harris 3-35) and 360 (Finch 68, Stewart 63, Evison 49, Compton 48, Benjamin 46) A series of starts took Kent to a respectable second innings to add pressure onto Glamorgan’s day-four chase.Harry Finch’s 68 and Grant Stewart’s counter-attacking 63 dragged Kent back into the contest after a first innings collapse hindered their chances against Glamorgan. Partnerships of 84 and 68 for the fifth and sixth wicket, respectively took the visitors to 360 – without full use of injured Joe Denly to enforce a nervous task of chasing 189 after first innings dominance from the hosts.Kent bowlers were in high spirits, taking two wickets in an aggressive spell of 14 overs continuing their day in the driving seat to leave the Welsh county 25 for 2, requiring 164 from the final day. Chris Cooke and Timm van der Gugten’s batting capabilities remain uncertain after both being off the field for the entire day.From 106 for 1 overnight and beginning a fightback to the Glamorgan first-innings dominance, Ben Compton and Chris Benjamin started conservatively in the knowledge that they’d need to bat all day to produce a competitive day four.Trying to be cute with a paddle-sweep by way of releasing the shackles from 10 off 43 inside the first hour, Compton fell, gifting a wicket to Glamorgan. Compton fell short of a half-century (and his 1000-run season milestone), a moment which foreshadowed the remainder of the top order.Daniel Bell-Drummond found a start, before being given out caught-behind attempting to hook a bouncer that ballooned to sub-keeper Alex Horton. The second dismissal of the morning allowed Joey Evison to dismiss a Ben Kellaway loosener to give Kent the lead at 175 for 3.The theme of Kent losing their wickets rather than Glamorgan taking the wickets by force continued. Benjamin dragged on a wide half-volley before Evison chipped a standard, probing Zain Ul Hassan delivery of medium-pace to short-cover – the third batter to fall in the forties. Glamorgan’s usual fifth seamer stepping up as the pick of the bowlers in van der Gugten’s absence while eighth bowler Kiran Carlson claimed 3 for 24 after his introduction in the 105th over.After a much-needed partnership from Evison and Finch, the former fell for 49. Finch, together with the newfound aggression of Stewart, kept the momentum going against the ungiving Kookaburra ball with stand-in captain Carlson having numerous exchanges about changing the ball throughout the day.The pair’s half-centuries, making the most of the life given to Stewart on one where he was dropped at slip by Carlson off Kellaway, gave the visitors a fighting chance until further soft dismissals brought a premature end to the innings; Matt’s Parkinson and Quinn both recording pairs succeeding Stewart bringing up a half-century with three consecutive sixes off Carlson who had been proving to be Glamorgan’s golden arm.The seemingly flat pitch showed some life in the gloomy evening conditions, both Carlson and nightwatcher James Harris took the brunt of Wes Agar giving his all after both openers were dismissed.

Glenn Phillips has been given more time to build match fitness but Daryl Mitchell is available after injury

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2025Kane Williamson has been included in New Zealand’s squad for the first Test against West Indies in Christchurch and pace bowler Blair Tickner handed a recall for the first time since 2023 with Kyle Jamieson held back as he continues a carefully controlled return to red-ball cricketFellow seamers Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes, who took nine wickets on debut against Zimbabwe, are also part of the 14-player squad, but Jamieson wasn’t considered for the start of the series as a cautious approach is maintained in increasing his workloads after a back injury.Glenn Phillips, who played in the opening round of the Plunket Shield, also hasn’t been included as he works his way back to full match fitness after a groin injury. Daryl Mitchell has recovered from injury to take his place in the squad.Williamson, who is among the group of players to hold a casual contract, missed New Zealand’s most recent Test series in Zimbabwe earlier this year to play the Hundred. Having announced his T20I retirement, he played the first two ODIs against England before picking up a groin injury.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group,” head coach Rob Walter said. “He’s had a bit of time off to get himself ready for red-ball cricket, and I know he’s looking forward to playing for Northern Districts in the second round of the Plunket Shield in the lead-up to the first Test.”Tickner, meanwhile, played the most recent of his three Tests against Sri Lanka in early 2023. On his return to the ODI side against England he claimed eight wickets in two matches.”Both Jacob and Blair have been around a while and know what it takes to perform at the highest level,” Walter said. “They’ve impressed in their white-ball opportunities so far this summer and we back them to do so in the Test arena if called upon.”Zak couldn’t have performed much better in his first Test against Zimbabwe. That, along with his recent form across the white-ball tours, has rightfully earned him selection.”Matt Fisher (shin), Will O’Rourke (back) and Ben Sears (hamstring) were not considered for selection due to injury.The West Indies series marks New Zealand’s first matches of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle

New Zealand squad for 1st Test vs West Indies

Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

If Bashir has been the poster boy for the “attributes over averages” approach, Dawson has been the unwitting figure-head for the vocal opposition

Vithushan Ehantharajah16-Jul-20251:30

Ehantharajah expects Dawson to shine for England

On Monday evening, as the dust settled on their 22-run win over India, the England Test side gathered in the home dressing room at Lord’s.As is custom, players and staff took turns to speak. Coaches usually go first, then players if they feel compelled to do so. This time, more of the latter stood up to say their piece.The common theme throughout the speeches was Shoaib Bashir. His dismissal of Mohammed Siraj to take England to a 2-1 series lead was used a springboard to talk about his bravery after breaking his left pinkie finger in India’s first innings.Related

• Battered players leave bits of hearts and spirits behind

• Dawson returns to England squad for fourth Test against india

• The how, where and what of replacement balls in Test cricket

Though only confirmed officially at the end of the match, it was clear soon after Bashir was struck by a powerful return drive from Ravindra Jadeja that he was out of the series. But Bashir soldiered on, batting in India’s second innings to put on seven with Jofra Archer in the final stand, facing Jasprit Bumrah for five of his nine deliveries. Then, having convinced Ben Stokes to use him on the final day, fielded valiantly with just his right hand during his three- and 2.5-over spells, hidden in the field but occasionally in play around the boundary.Shoaib Bashir bowled with a heavily strapped left hand in the second innings at Lord’s•Getty ImagesBashir is a popular member of the dressing room, the youthful exuberance he brings as a 21-year old still carrying a sense of “how cool is playing Test cricket?” a reminder to the rest how lucky they are to do what they do. The words of his teammates were as much a reflection of his standing, bravery and the heavy sympathy that, for now, his journey is over.”It would be remiss to not mention Bash, the person who’s broken his hand.” said Joe Root, when running the rule over the intense five days.”The way he put his body on the line, he went out there and fielded with a broken hand. And took the winning wicket. For a 21-year-old lad to go out there with his whole career ahead of him, going in and watching him bat last night. There’s no better motivation for the rest of the blokes to put everything they could into the day. And for him to be, I guess, big enough and brave enough to do that, it shows what it means to everyone.”There are obviously personal accolades that you can achieve throughout your Test career. But when you put the team first like that, I think that’s a really special thing. I think that’s the biggest honour for anyone within our group. To see such a young lad do that for the rest of the crew.”Shoaib Bashir is engulfed by team-mates after he picked up the last wicket at Lord’s•Getty ImagesSince debuting in India at the start of 2024, Bashir has almost become a bit of a mascot for the team, and not in the pejorative sense. While his 68 Test dismissals have come at 39.00, his strike rate of 61.7 is the eighth highest among English spinners, sandwiched between Graeme Swann (60.1) and Moeen Ali (61.8).Though there remains doubt as to whether he is the right spinner for this team, internally, the desire to “hot house” his talent has been aligned with cordoning off the greenhouse from any stones. Stokes, Brendon McCullum or assistant coach Jeetan Patel’s, who oversees Bashir’s development, defend Bashir staunchly.The same was afforded to Jack Leach, even when he was dropped at the start of the 2024 season for Bashir. After Bashir had bowled England to victory over West Indies at Trent Bridge that summer, Stokes made a note of calling Leach to reassert his admiration for the left-arm spinner, who went on to make the tour of Pakistan later that year.Shoaib Bashir’s other wicket al Lord’s apart from Mohammed Siraj was KL Rahul•Getty ImagesThere is an understanding among the management group that English spinners need unequivocal support to thrive. Long stints and malleable tactics on the field, or arm around the shoulder and phone calls off it, even when they’re not involved. Of all the disciplines, spin requires a more holistic approach.The result of this is other spinners beyond the team look upon England treat their ilk with a great deal of respect, and a hint of FOMO. Perhaps even a tinge of jealously in the case of Bashir – plucked out of near-obscurity and remains something of a non-entity on the domestic scene, with his departure from Somerset imminent.The feeling among established domestic players is the Test side is a bit of a closed shop. But, like Hamleys, there are few better shops to be locked in.Which brings us neatly onto Liam Dawson. With 371 first-class wickets and 18 centuries – along with being an exceptional fielder – the left-arm spinner is undoubtedly the standout candidate in his craft. His absence up until his call-up for the fourth Test to replace Bashir has been a regular point of contention.If Bashir has been the poster boy for the “attributes over averages” approach, Dawson has been the unwitting figure-head for the vocal opposition. Since the 2023 season, Dawson has 124 dismissals, with last year’s 54 alongside 956 runs at 59.75 earning enough support from his domestic peers to win the men’s PCA player of the year award. Even this summer, his 21 at 40.04 have been with an economy rate of just 2.55.Liam Dawson is back in the Test side after eight years, thanks to strong all-round performances in County cricket•Getty ImagesDawson’s relationship with the current decision makers has not been smooth. Having turned down a call-up to a 2023 tour of Bangladesh for the PSL, he was informed he would be in England’s ODI World Cup squad, only to find himself omitted altogether. At that season’s PCA awards do, he revealed accepting a call-up for the India Test series in the New Year would not be straightforward given a clash with a lucrative SA20 stint with Sunrisers Eastern Cape.It did not come, with Bashir, Leach, Lancashire’s Tom Hartley and Leicestershire leg spinner Rehan Ahmed picked ahead of him. That in turn led to a frank admission to ESPNcricinfo at the start of the 2024 domestic season that he was “probably not” keen to play Test cricket again. Having made the last of his three caps in 2017, it was now “completely off the radar”.And yet here we are, with Dawson now leapfrogging the centrally contracted duo of Leach and Rehan. A starting berth at Manchester looks odds on given Stokes’ penchant for a spinner; only once in 39 Tests since he and McCullum joined forces at the start of the 2022 summer has an England team not featured a spinner – Root aside – in their XI.You wonder if some guarantee was made to Dawson considering he has stated publicly he has no intention of carrying drinks at the age of 35. What is clear is his international return under McCullum last month, taking 4 for 20 in the first of the three-match T20I series against West Indies, has worked both ways. Not only did it underline his quality to those he has spurned before, but it confirmed to Dawson there was a way back in.It is worth remembering the absurd situation around Dawson’s last two Test caps. Against South Africa, Root and then-head coach Trevor Bayliss galaxy-brained picking him expressly in the role of “first spinner”, a status they felt took the pressure off Moeen, who was *actually* first choice. When Moeen took 10 at Lord’s and then four in the next Test at Headingley, Dawson had served his purpose, and was discarded like a pair of training wheels.Eight years on, more grizzled, more experienced and certainly more sceptical, Dawson at least knows he will be backed outright. His previous experience of Test cricket will be a far cry from the environment he comes into. And though more will be expected of him than Bashir, he will be afforded all the same support and perceived luxuries to thrive.

Big picture: Series sweep on India’s mind

The late Khushwant Singh, one of the more illustrious lovers and residents of Delhi, called October in the city the “pleasantest” of all the months in the northern hemisphere. Like with most things Khushwant, the statement sparks lively debate, especially with lovers of spring in late February and March.This is all relative now: with rampant urbanisation and climate change, it is now more about which months are less unpleasant and less harmful to your health. The BCCI has just about winged the most harmful time for elite athletes to undertake high-performance activity – not before being called out for it – and the early snowfall in the hills has cooled the temperatures to the usual October levels to tease those given to wistfulness for the Delhi of old.Related

• The art of Jadeja: subtle genius hiding in plain sight

• Sammy: 'We did not reap financial rewards' of our legacy

• India trying to ready Reddy for greater challenges

• Brian Lara asks West Indies players to 'find a way'

• West Indies' Test-match batting a symptom of deeper issues

Those given to wistfulness also yearn for the West Indies of the old. Not the one that lasted just 89.2 overs in the first Test. More importantly, not the one that looked unthreatening with the ball in an effort of 5 for 448. Not the side whose coach Daren Sammy has to hope a player will “accept” the opportunity when he calls to inform them they have been selected for West Indies.There is not a lot West Indies can hope to change between the two Tests. Ahmedabad, with an early-season greenness on the pitch, was their best chance, but they were without the Josephs, Alzarri and Shamar. In Delhi, the onus will be more on the slower bowlers.It doesn’t help that India are somewhere close to their best after the blip against New Zealand last year. With the exception of Rishabh Pant, whose fractured foot hasn’t fully healed yet, they are at full strength. They are keen on making this a clean sweep, which will take their WTC points percentage to 61.9, still in third place.

Form guide

India WWDLW
West Indies LLLLW1:33

Chopra: ‘West Indies batters need belief on better batting pitch’

In the spotlight: Nitish Kumar Reddy and Jomel Warrican

Test cricket is not where you prepare players for the future, but like Hardik Pandya almost a decade ago, India want to give Nitish Kumar Reddy a proper workload in slightly lesser challenges so that he can be the seam-bowling allrounder India need not just in away Tests but also the ODI World Cup in South Africa in 2027. Ryan ten Doeschate, their assistant coach, said just that two days before this Test. In Ahmedabad, he got to bowl only four overs and didn’t get to bat at all. It remains to be seen if India go out of their way to involve him more in this Test.Jomel Warrican is the vice-captain of the side, their most experienced specialist spinner, and joint-most experienced bowler. But he averages 54.25 in four Tests against India, two each at home and away. He will want to do way better in Delhi than the 29-5-102-1 he returned in Ahmedabad.0:49

Chopra: ‘Sai Sudharsan needs runs or the pressure will mount’

Team news: Could Devdutt Padikkal get a game?

India have no reason to change their XI. However, is B Sai Sudharsan feeling any heat, and is Devdutt Padikkal breathing down his neck?India (possible): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 B Sai Sudharsan, 4 Shubman Gill (capt), 5 Dhruv Jurel (wk), 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed SirajIt doesn’t make a lot of sense to change the batting on such a short trip. The one change West Indies might consider is bringing in Jediah Blades to give themselves a left-arm seam option.West Indies (possible): 1 Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 2 John Campbell, 3 Alick Athanaze, 4 Brandon King, 5 Shai Hope (wk), 6 Roston Chase (capt), 7 Justin Greaves, 8 Jomel Warrican, 9 Khary Pierre, 10 Johann Layne/Jediah Blades, 11 Jayden Seales

Pitch and conditions

Delhi is likely to be a typical Indian track, good for batting on the first two-and-a-bit days before bringing the spinners into the game. The drop in temperatures should make it difficult for the pitch to break up suddenly. The week in the lead-up to the Test has brought some rain, but the Test is not likely to be affected.3:31

Sammy: ‘Our problems are rooted deep into our system’

Stats and trivia

• India haven’t lost a Test in Delhi since November 1987, which, incidentally, was to West Indies. Since then, they have won 12 and drawn 12.
• Ravindra Jadeja is ten short of 4000 Test runs. Only Ian Botham, Kapil Dev and Daniel Vettori before him have achieved the double of 4000 runs and 300 wickets.

Quotes

“We think it would be unfair on the guy [Reddy] if we only play him overseas. Because that doesn’t give him that many opportunities. In the next year and a half, we aren’t playing that many matches outside of India, so to be able to back a guy who can bowl 10-15 overs in a day and can bat as well – we sat his ability and potential in Australia – so we want to give him as much game time in India to help him.”
India captain Shubman Gill doesn’t feel Reddy is an option only for overseas Tests“If we complain about not having the best facilities, not having enough manpower like the other teams, not having the best technology, all these things which the other teams are superior to us [in], then why the hell are they still outworking us? The only way we could match up [and] compete at a consistent level is if we as the coaches and the players are prepared to outwork the opposition, and we’re not doing that.”

“I am not trying to make a place for myself in the India team – if I have the ability to make the team win, then only I want to play”

Daya Sagar29-Sep-20242:40

Radha: ‘Can only justify playing if I’m helping the team win’

There are the star batters. And then there are the spinners. The main sources of strength, and hope, for India at the T20 World Cup in the UAE next month. At the forefront of that spin attack are Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav, the senior pros, and the second of those, Radha, is talking up the spinners’ preparedness for the task at hand: “Whatever the pitch, the conditions and the pressure of big matches, we are ready.”With Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana, plus the part-timers, for company, Radha, with her left-arm spin bowled with a high action, and offspinner Deepti form a formidable spin attack.Related

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“Look, whatever the team combination, all of us spinners are ready. Our preparations are going on,” Radha told ESPNcricinfo at a QUA brand shoot in Delhi earlier this month. “We [the spinners] always talk about what kind of pitch we are playing on and how to bowl on that pitch, how much turn we should try to get, which variations to bowl… There is a good bonding among the four of us, even though this spin quartet is new.”Not long ago, Radha had found herself out of the India T20I team. She wasn’t in the mix after the T20 World Cup in South Africa, in February 2023, and only returned to the lineup after WPL 2024 for the tour of Bangladesh in April 2024.Speaking in May, Radha had attributed her success at the WPL – ten wickets at an economy of 7.48 – to being calmer and less aggressive than before: “Because of the aggression, I used to lose my rhythm at times. So now, I try to be calm with a smiling face.” Since her comeback, she has picked 22 wickets in 13 matches and has conceded runs at only 6.27. The change has worked, clearly.Since her comeback, Radha Yadav has picked 22 wickets in 13 T20Is and has conceded runs at only 6.27•Getty Images”I am not trying to make a place for myself in the India team, if I have the skill and the ability to make the team win, then only I want to play,” she said. “Otherwise, I don’t think I have to be a permanent member of the team. The only thing that goes on in my mind is how much I should improve myself so that I can make my team win in any situation.”Not trying to win every battle and every moment of a game have helped too.”If you have gone through a bad time, then to come back after that, your mindset should be very good, so that you can accept everything and express yourself,” Radha said. “Amol [Muzumdar, the head coach] sir has told me a lot about controlled aggression, and I have learned controlled aggression from him.”Earlier I used to think only about cricket. But my friends explained to me that sometimes one has to go out, one has to enjoy life. Cricket is just a part of life, not the whole life. Now when I am not playing cricket, I don’t think about cricket too much. I live with my parents. I go to cafes with friends. My hobbies are playing FIFA, dancing, going on long drives; I have started doing all this a lot more now.”But it isn’t, and can’t be, only about a mindset change. Sure, it has helped Radha visibly, but she has looked a better bowler, more penetrative, more impactful.

“The learning and teaching are not limited to cricket only; we learn a lot as human beings too. We see how a big player is playing, their approach, their mistakes, their failures. There is a lot to learn”Radha Yadav on the biggest benefit of franchise cricket

“I always see how much more I can improve, how much fitter I can get, how much I can sweat in the gym… all these things are in my hands,” Radha said. “Of course, no one can say that ‘okay, I have done all this, now I will also get the results’. That is not in my hand. After this, whatever results come, I accept that too.”Yes, earlier it was a little difficult – ‘I am working so hard and the result should also be good’. But that does not happen. Everyone is working hard, but the result will come only when it has to come. I think I have figured it out.”Some skills keep changing because you cannot use the same skillset all the time. You have to evolve. But if you are successful in a skill, then you can continue. But your basics should be clear to you, only then you can evolve.”8:27

Newsroom: Is this India Women’s best chance to win the World Cup?

The turnaround began at the WPL this year. Radha has played for Sydney Sixers in the WBBL in the past, but her latest coming can be linked directly to the WPL where, incidentally, Patil and Sobhana were the top-two wicket-takers. The franchise circuit is certainly helping women’s cricket.”A lot of players come together in franchise cricket. Our domestic players also learn a lot from foreign players. We international players also learn a lot from them,” Radha said. “The learning and teaching are not limited to cricket only; we learn a lot as human beings too. We see how a big player is playing, their approach, their mistakes, their failures. There is a lot to learn.”Now there is the T20 World Cup. In the UAE. There is a lot of hope going around, that this might be India’s turn to get the global title they haven’t so far. If India are to pull it off, spin will have to play a massive role. Hearing – and reading – Radha, and looking at her performances in the recent past, she does seem ready for it.