He suffered a side strain while batting during the game against England and was forced to retire hurt
Matt Roller20-Jun-2024Brandon King is a doubt for the rest of the T20 World Cup after suffering a side strain in West Indies’ match against England in St Lucia on Wednesday night.King raced to 23 off 12 balls to get West Indies off to a flying start, including a towering 101-metre six off Reece Topley which flew with the wind over the midwicket boundary and necessitated a replacement ball.But he was injured while facing his 13th ball, having charged down the pitch attempting to hit Sam Curran through cover. King took one further step then crumpled over and was forced to retire hurt after receiving treatment from a member of West Indies’ medical staff.He did not field in England’s run chase, with Shimron Hetmyer replacing him as a substitute fielder, and Cricket West Indies confirmed he had been diagnosed with a side strain. “Brandon King has suffered a side strain and will not return to the field of play in this evening’s match,” CWI said.He has travelled to Barbados for West Indies’ Super Eight game against USA on Friday, but they are still awaiting the results of the MRI scans from the CWI medical team.Side strains tend to take several weeks to heal fully, making King a major doubt for the rest of the World Cup with only 10 days remaining before the end of the tournament. Captain Rovman Powell admitted that King’s injury was a “worrying” sign for his side.”Yes, a little bit worrying but hopefully he can pull through for the next game,” Powell said after England cruised past West Indies. “We know how important a player he is for us.”While King has not been at his best so far, with a top score of 34, it would be a significant blow to lose a senior player who stepped in as captain against South Africa last month while Powell was at the IPL.West Indies have five players on standby for the World Cup: Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh Jr. and Matthew Forde. Mayers is the most likely replacement, having been widely considered unfortunate to miss the initial cut, though Fletcher is another contender as a top-order batter.
With Champions League qualification edging ever closer, alongside next week’s Conference League final, the future certainly looks bright for those at Chelsea under the Todd Boehly regime.
Indeed, there is growing excitement amid the imminent arrival of exciting South American duo, Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez, with the teenage pair set to make their belated moves to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.
With a deal having also been struck to sign Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP in 2026, the Blues will once again bolster their attacking ranks with another high-potential addition, despite Enzo Maresca already being blessed with the likes of Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke and, of course, Cole Palmer.
Where does all this leave Jadon Sancho, however? The man signed on loan from Manchester United last summer, with a £20m-£25m obligation to buy included, could still move on at the end of 2024/25, having registered just eight goal involvements in the Premier League this season.
Conflicting reports have emerged over his future, with GIVEMESPORT outlining that the west Londoners could make that deal permanent, only to then swiftly sell him on. Alternatively, the Mirror reported last week that Boehly and co could pay the £5m cancellation fee to send him back to Old Trafford, amid interest from the Bundesliga.
Whatever the case, it would appear that the 25-year-old is not the solution for Maresca’s side, with a marquee upgrade needed this summer.
Latest on Chelsea's search for a winger
Sancho – who has 14 goals and assists to his name for Chelsea in 39 games – has also been the subject of interest from both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in Turkey, with a fresh start seemingly on the cards next season for the struggling star.
With Mykhailo Mudryk still sidelined, there does appear a need to strengthen on the left flank, in particular, with recent reports indicating that the club are stepping up their interest in a statement solution.
As per GOAL, Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid, with the report indicating that the Blues are even plotting a bid for the Brazilian when the transfer window opens next month.
Transfer Focus
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The piece notes that while ‘formal talks’ have not yet begun regarding that potential move, there have been discussions held with the 24-year-old’s representatives, with the player having become unsettled at the Bernabeu.
The suggestion is that Rodrygo is waiting to see what the future holds for him under incoming Madrid boss, Xabi Alonso, before deciding whether to depart, having seen his role limited amid the presence of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
If Chelsea are able to pounce on that uncertainty, it would represent an almighty coup for those at Stamford Bridge, while also ensuring that Sancho can be firmly shown the door.
How Rodrygo compares to Jadon Sancho
There was a time in which Sancho looked like the next big thing in the European game, not least considering his record of 120 goals and assists in 158 games across his two spells at Borussia Dortmund.
Jadon Sancho for Chelsea
Unfortunately for the England international, his stock has plummeted following that £73m switch to Man United in 2021, having registered just 18 goals and assists in 83 games for the Red Devils.
Despite flashes of quality while on loan in west London, including his stunner against Tottenham Hotspur back in December, the winger has failed to truly revive his career under Maresca’s watch, hence the need to look elsewhere this summer.
Rodrygo – who is the same age as Sancho – would surely be the perfect successor, with the former Santos sensation arguably among the “best players in the world”, according to departing coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
As noted below, the relatively young talent has repeatedly delivered the goods on the Champions League stage for Los Blancos, while racking up 118 goal involvements in 267 appearances in total.
Even despite enduring a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, Rodrygo has still easily surpassed Sancho’s return of 14 goal involvements, chalking up 23 goals and assists across all fronts.
It is worth noting that such a return has come despite the Brazil star largely having to operate on the right flank, due to the presence of Mbappe and Vinicius, despite his best work actually coming on the opposite side.
Rodrygo vs Sancho – 24/25 League stats
Stats (*per game)
Rodrygo
Sancho
Games (starts)
30 (22)
30 (18)
Goals
6
3
Goal frequency
323min
570min
Big chances missed
1
3
Assists
5
4
Big chances created
5
6
Key passes*
1.6
1.2
Pass accuracy*
91%
85%
Successful dribbles*
1.6
1.5
Stats via Sofascore
Indeed, in 12 appearances on the left this season, he boasts 12 goals and assists, thus indicating why he could simply soar if handed that role on a regular basis under Maresca next term.
In the case of Sancho, the Blues were taking a chance on a player who was in desperate need of a career revival. With Rodrygo, however, they would be plucking a super-talented and highly-rated asset from one of Europe’s elite clubs.
What a mouthwatering prospect that would be.
He's even better than Liam Delap: £100m star wants to join Chelsea
Chelsea are in the market for a new centre forward.
Newcastle United are now showing strong interest in signing a Premier League player who Eddie Howe called “magnificent”, according to a report.
Magpies pushing for the Champions League
Newcastle are in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League, while also ending their 70-year trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup earlier this season, which should make St. James’ Park an attractive destination for new signings this summer.
Howe’s side have performed very well, but the manager is looking to upgrade his squad in several areas this summer, including in midfield, having now joined the race for Manchester City’s James McAtee, who could be available for a fee of just £26m.
There is also a desire to strengthen in forward areas, with Ademola Lookman on the shortlist, while Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi could be brought in to bolster Howe’s centre-back options, having been keen on the Englishman for quite some time.
In-demand player would rather join Newcastle despite offer from Barcelona
The Magpies could land his signature…
1 BySean Markus Clifford May 4, 2025
Another area in which Newcastle could look to strengthen is between the sticks, with Nick Pope now arguably in the twilight years of his career at 33-years-old, and they have their eye on an option from within the Premier League.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Newcastle are showing strong interest in signing Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is in line to leave the Saints after their relegation to the Championship.
Ramsdale will be able to leave for just £25m following his side’s relegation to the second tier, and the goalkeeper is eager to remain in the Premier League, with West Ham United believed to be leading the race for his signature.
Pope’s injury setbacks mean the Magpies are looking to bring in a goalkeeper capable of competing for a starting spot, and the Southampton shot-stopper fits the bill, although the requirement to abide by financial fair play rules could hinder their chances of getting a deal over the line.
Newcastle United’s final Premier League fixtures
Date
Chelsea (h)
May 11th
Arsenal (a)
May 18th
Everton (h)
May 25th
Ramsdale could be "magnificent" signing for Newcastle
The Saints have endured a torrid campaign in the Premier League, collecting just 11 points all season, but it is difficult to be too critical of their goalkeeper, given that he is ranked as the best-performing player in the squad.
Howe has also been left seriously impressed by the Englishman in the past, describing him as “magnificent” during their time working together at AFC Bournemouth.
Southampton's AaronRamsdalelooks dejected after the match
Not only that, but the 26-year-old caught the eye during his time with Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta singling him out for praise after an impressive performance at Anfield, describing his goalkeeper as “fantastic”.
Pope has been a fantastic servant to Newcastle, but with the Englishman now in the latter stages of his career and out of contract in 2026, a long-term replacement could be required, and there are plenty of signs that Ramsdale may well be a solid option.
PSG have reached out for talks with an Arsenal transfer target’s representatives, which also follows a mammoth bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for the player.
Arsenal riding high off Real Madrid win as transfer plans made
Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Brentford that the Gunners’ sensational 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night will be remembered for many years.
Arsenal hold "high-level talks" to sign "bargain" attacker "in recent days"
Negotiations have apparently taken place this week.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025
Two stunning Declan Rice free-kicks, followed by a brilliant Mikel Merino finish, downed the 15-time European champions and put Arsenal in cruise control heading into their second leg at the Bernabeu next week.
Brentford (home)
Today
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
It was truly a statement performance by Arsenal, who will still be coming down off what was one of the best Champions League nights in their history.
“Nights like we had the other day are going to be remembered for many, many years, and that’s the kind of night that gives you belief,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real.
“It gives purpose to the competition. It brings joy, and then it prepares you for the next one because you are waiting to experience a feeling like this again. That’s the most important thing, in my opinion, that people are looking forward to, to expend this kind of emotion with us.”
After that outstanding victory at the Emirates against Europe’s arguably most feared side, Arsenal fans have been handed real hope that they could even go on to win their first Champions League title.
Such a feat would also allow Berta to attract the continent’s most elite players, with Arsenal on the hunt for a star winger as one of their many reported items on the agenda this summer.
Berta has held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to multiple reports, and the Spaniard is seen as a top target with his £48 million release clause.
However, Williams isn’t Arsenal’s only wide target, and they’ve expressed an interest in West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus.
PSG open talks with Arsenal target Mohammed Kudus after £87m Al-Nassr bid
Arsenal were weighing up a January move for Kudus, according to talkSPORT, but reports at the time claimed that West Ham wanted around £100 million to let him depart mid-season.
As per Africafoot this week, Kudus remains on Arsenal’s agenda, but they face a looming threat from PSG and Al-Nassr, with the latter having already made an £87 million bid to sign the Ghanaian for this summer.
As well as the Saudis, it is believed that PSG have now made contact with Kudus’ representatives, so Arsenal may have to make their move quickly amid this growing battle from abroad for the forward’s signature.
Interestingly, despite West Ham setting a reported asking price of £74 million to sell in the next window, Al-Nassr appear to have gone above and beyond. It will be intriguing to see whether Arsenal decide to do battle with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side and PSG, but it is unlikely considering there are much cheaper, quality alternatives like Williams on the market.
Nevertheless, whoever ends up striking a deal for Kudus will be getting a player of real quality, with Michail Antonio calling his teammate “unbelievable” and a “starboy”.
One year and two presidents since the Awami League government fell, the board still has many issues to address
Mohammad Isam15-Aug-2025When the Awami League government fell on August 5, 2024, there was hope that Bangladesh would finally undergo widespread and comprehensive reform. Or at least those public-facing institutions with public-facing problems would. Like the BCB, the richest sports body in the country. General consensus was that it hadn’t lived up to its wealth or its potential.Two weeks after deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country, one of her favourites, Nazmul Hassan, was no longer the BCB president. Hassan fled the country, as did several BCB directors with close links to him and the Awami League government. Faruque Ahmed, Hassan’s replacement, lasted nine months, before being replaced by Aminul Islam in June this year. Both are former Bangladesh captains, hand-picked by the sports ministry to run the BCB. Faruque’s exit was acrimonious. Aminul is trying to make the best of a limited timeframe as board chief.The next board elections are to be held by October 9, but there is still no proper clarity over the candidates. The chance for serious reform, through much needed constitutional amendments, is all but over. Earlier this year, a constitutional reform committee, mandated to diversify the composition of the board directors, stopped working after the Dhaka club representatives protested against one of their proposals: currently, the BCB constitution allows for 12 board directors from Dhaka-based clubs alone, while the rest of the country, represented by eight divisions and 64 districts, only has ten directors; the committee wanted to rectify this inequality. Now the polls will be held with the existing constitution in use.BCB has also given up on investigating the Hassan-era controversies and scandals. The board’s anti-corruption department is finishing an investigation into a Dhaka Premier League incident, while an independent commission appointed to look into corruption allegations in the BPL is about to submit its report. The country’s anti-corruption commission is investigating broader allegations of financial misappropriation and unfair practices in the BCB under Hassan. The BCB itself hasn’t launched any investigation on Hassan or anyone from his board. The ACC’s inquiry could be just the tip of the iceberg.Elections based on the existing constitution means the next board will be lumbered with the same issues of previous eras. The board will continue to be heavily dominated by the Dhaka clubs, with little say for the rest of the country. In some ways, this lopsided governance structure is emblematic of the BCB’s strange little world. It is what runs cricket in Bangladesh, and many feel that because of it, political influence will continue unabated in the running of cricket.
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In 2013, a five-member bench of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court ruled in favour of holding that year’s BCB elections on its amended constitution. The BCB and the National Sports Council (NSC) were in favour of two crucial amendments: that the BCB president would be voted to power by the directors and not the board’s general body, and that the NSC could appoint three directors (as opposed to one previously). These were meant to be aligned with the ICC’s Woolf Report recommendation in 2011, pushing back against government interference in boards, though the NSC quota was anything but.Hassan made history as the BCB’s first elected president in 2013, though he did, of course, come in via the NSC quota.Nazmul Hassan was always happy to talk to the media•BCBWhen Hassan fled in 2024, the same quota became the trapdoor through which Faruque was made president. And the NSC used the same process to remove Faruque in May this year when he fell out with the government body. Aminul replaced him as the NSC’s representative in the BCB, before the directors elected him as the president.Two months on from taking charge, an interim stint he likened to a T20 innings, Aminul spoke about the surprise offer to become the board chief, and his big plans for reform. An experienced administrator, Aminul is implementing a code called the “triple century”, based on 100% trust, 100% reach (through the country rather than just the pockets), and 100% performance.”I came to Dhaka to attend my nephew’s wedding, and then I became the board president,” Aminul, who otherwise lives in Melbourne, told ESPNcricinfo. “I left a permanent job as the country comes first for me. I began a charter called the ‘triple century’. I want to decentralise cricket. I want to make BCB into a world-class organisation. The country’s best HR firm has already started working on structuring the BCB.”Already, the former Bangladesh captain and their first Test centurion has impressed with his administrative skills. He has questions for every department. Aminul has also engaged a top HR firm to audit the board’s practices. He has also stayed clear of the limelight, hardly engaging with anything other than strictly business. It is a break from AHM Mustafa Kamal or Hasan who spent most of their time talking to the camera. Faruque too didn’t show much proclivity towards atoning BCB’s administrative woes. All of this has reportedly made Aminul one of the BCB president candidates at the elections. He has reiterated that the elections will take place on time, but feels he is at a disadvantage.”I don’t have the ability or [financial] scope to participate in the elections. I don’t represent a [Dhaka] club, neither do I come from a district body. I can only become the board president if the new body of directors [voted through the election] vote me [into power],” he said. “I don’t, however, want to get into a competitive situation. A person has to be qualified to become a BCB president. I think I have the qualifications, having been a cricketer, administrator and coach, but I don’t know if I am the candidate or not.”Faruque was also hoping for a go in the elections, although it is understood that he has stepped back. The name of Tamim Iqbal, the former Bangladesh captain, is also doing the rounds as a possible candidate.The most interesting name is that of Syed Ashraful Huq, the former BCB general secretary who has also served as the Asian Cricket Council’s chief executive in the past. Ashraful is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Bangladesh cricket, the man who formulated the plan for Bangladesh’s Full Member status at the ICC. Although Ashraful hasn’t been in the board since 2000, he was with the ACC till 2014 and has expressed an interest in becoming the next board president.Faruque Ahmed had a short stint as BCB president•BCBThere is concern, however, that the BCB elections might be a bit premature, given that the country’s general elections are scheduled for February 2026. What if, for example, the newly elected government is not politically aligned with the new BCB president and directors? What chance does that board administration have in that situation?Former BCB director Sirajuddin Alamgir feels that constitutional reform would have reduced political influence and that the current system will simply ensure the status quo. The districts and divisions will choose their councillors (members/voters) who have local political backing, rather than experienced organisers – that’s the way the BCB is structurally formed, with deep ties between the board and the government of the time.”We were hopeful that there would be amendments in the constitution, because otherwise it will be old wine in a new bottle,” Alamgir said. “The current system will continue to ignore authentic sports organisers from around the country. Representation from districts and divisions will be dictated by those in power. This keeps the cricket structure weak.”Bangladesh’s cricket needs new blood. It needs new ideas from the new generation. There has to be a radical change in how cricket is run in the country.”
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Alamgir and others like him want to see radical change because of how poorly the BCB was run over the last 15 years and how politicised it was. Hassan was an Awami League member of parliament throughout his tenure as BCB president, and was made the country’s sports minister in 2024. It was a highly conflicted arrangement, being a sports federation head (as the BCB chief) and the sports minister at the same time. He was his own boss.Shakib Al Hasan, an influential figure in Bangladesh cricket, was an Awami League MP•Getty ImagesBCB directors were all either Awami League MPs or relatives of prime minister Hasina or other party leaders. Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza were Awami League MPs too. This is how entrenched the BCB was with the Awami League. It made Hassan the undisputed king of cricket, and the BCB an unusually powerful body.All of this power, however, was sucked out on August 5 when Hasina fled the country. The Awami League government was overthrown by a student-led revolution, with an interim government taking charge.It was also the end of BCB’s unchecked power. Once Hassan and 14 directors fled, the board headquarters became so chaotic that the sports ministry had to intervene. They handed their two BCB directors’ quotas to Faruque and Nazmul Abedeen Fahim. Fahim, a renowned coach and former BCB employee, became the cricket operations head.”They left a damaged cricketing culture,” Fahim told ESPNcricinfo. “The BCB is far removed from fairness, spirit and integrity. It has hurt our overall cricket. We can develop infrastructure in three or four years, but we have to pay the price for the loss of culture. Infrastructure is in a pitiful state. We can’t provide our national teams with a tenth of the facilities that other countries can. We roam around Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong looking for good conditions for training camps. The women’s team is now training in BKSP [near Dhaka] where training is off for two days when it rains.”So entrenched was the BCB with the Awami League that they would ignore good facilities to support their politics. They didn’t use the stadium in Bogra as it is the birthplace of Ziaur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Awami League’s main political rival. Bogra hosted six international matches in 2006.”Rather than developing infrastructure, we have wasted facilities in Fatullah, Bogra and Khulna,” Fahim said. “We are trying to revive these stadiums. We are building a few new facilities.”Fahim also has a dim view about Hassan’s famous boast about the BCB’s reserves of BDT 1200 crore, which had revealed the BCB’s misplaced priorities. “Instead of being proud of having a big account in the bank, we should have boasted about having 50 grounds, 20 indoor facilities and 100 bowling machines around the country. These would have helped the players.”For the record, the BCB doesn’t own a single stadium.
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When Aminul became board president, matters were so bad that he said the situation was akin to have been hit by an earthquake.”After an earthquake, you first try to find the surface under your feet. You face barriers everywhere you move. When I became the BCB president, everything was new to me. Nothing was working properly,” he said. “At the same time, [former English Premier League footballer] Hamza Chowdhury came to play for Bangladesh. Sports fans started saying that they are done with cricket. That cricket is dead. We didn’t get a broadcaster for the Zimbabwe Tests. A cricket board has governance and an organogram. A manager has people working under him in each department. Nothing was working. I didn’t know how many people worked under me.”It reflected on the field. In Aminul’s first two months in charge, Bangladesh were beaten by Sri Lanka in a Test and an ODI series, but won the T20I series. They beat Pakistan 2-1 at home, too, in a T20I series. They had begun the year by losing eight out of ten matches across formats.Bangladesh’s men’s team had a poor start to 2025, but recently won T20I series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan•AFP/Getty ImagesBut of late, despite the up-and-down results, Fahim said he had noticed better dynamics within the team, including between the captain, the coach and the selectors. Importantly, he said, a more relaxed relationship between the board and the players had helped. That was always an issue when Hassan, who was notorious for getting involved in dressing-room issues and even selection, was around.”It is not visible but the Bangladesh team is ,” Fahim said. “The environment within the dressing room is such that you couldn’t tell that there are players with three different levels of experience. The captain treats everyone equally.”There’s great understanding between the players and the coaches. Between the coach and captain. Among the coaches also. I think the biggest change is the relationship between the selector, coach and captain. There’s harmony among this trio. There’s respect for each other.”The board doesn’t force them into accountability on a daily basis. We are with them through thick and thin. The cricket side of things is now the most important aspect. They are starting to pay less attention to what’s being said. Of course, this is a gradual process.”It’s only natural that what goes on in the BCB will influence the team on the field. The men’s team performances are as much a national mood indicator in Bangladesh as they are a reflection of the cricket board’s functioning. There’s hope that the October elections will bring a little more stability in the board, and therefore in the country’s cricket. How long the stability lasts, and how much it changes the bigger picture, though, remain in doubt.
And will they continue with Shubman GIll at No. 3?
Sidharth Monga23-Dec-2023As India prepare to play their first Test match in five months, against South Africa at Centurion, they will have four areas of debate when they select their team. Here are their options, and what each of them offer.Top order
India have tried it once previously but for the first time in a year, and the first time away from home since January 2012, they line up for a Test match with neither Cheteshwar Pujara nor Ajinkya Rahane in their XI. While the transition away from those two seems to be complete, there are still some questions around certain roles, particularly No. 3.Related
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Shubman Gill has opened in 16 of his 18 Tests so far, and alongside Rohit Sharma in 10 of them. In the West Indies earlier this year, he dropped down to No. 3 with Yashasvi Jaiswal opening wiith Rohit. Jaiswal’s first three innings in Test cricket brought him 171, 57 and 38. In the same two Tests, Gill made 6, 10 and 29*.It leaves Gill on unsure footing: he averages 32.20 after 18 Tests and his two centuries have come on flat tracks: against Bangladesh in Chattogram and Australia in Ahmedabad in a rare home draw. KL Rahul, who batted superbly on the last tour of South Africa, can be a good fit at No. 3 but that gives him little time to recover should he take the keeping gloves too. And if Rahul doesn’t keep, it leaves India half a batter light.Wicketkeeper
Virat Kohli – assuming he rejoins the team ahead of the first Test, as expected, following his departure for personal reasons – and Shreyas Iyer are locks in the middle order as is Ravindra Jadeja. That leaves a question mark over only one remaining slot: that of the wicketkeeper. India have preferred of late to pick the better batter of the choices available to them. If they continue with that philosophy, Rahul will be starting only the second first-class match of his career as the designated wicketkeeper. If he does so, it will only be fair he is not asked to bat in the top order. If India do go with KS Bharat, either Gill or Rahul might have to make way depending on who they prefer at No. 3.Bowling allrounder
The No. 8 has always been a matter of debate when India have travelled to seam-friendly countries, and they have tended to pick Shardul Thakur ahead of R Ashwin, one of the Test greats. That seems to be the likely choice more so because there is rain forecast on the first two days of the first Test, which in Centurion means more assistance for seam and little time for the pitch to deteriorate.Fast bowlers
Jasprit Bumrah, playing his first Test since July 2022, and Mohammed Siraj are certain starters barring any fitness issues. With Mohammed Shami injured, the choice for the third seamer comes down to Mukesh Kumar, who debuted in the West Indies earlier in the year, and the uncapped Prasidh Krishna.Mukesh has the Shami-like attributes of upright seam and skiddy accuracy, but not at Shami’s pace. Prasidh brings exactly what India seemed to miss on their last tour of South Africa: Ishant Sharma-like height and the ability to hit the deck.A third option for the third quick could be Thakur but that would mean going in with two spinners.
One is inspirational, well respected, and will grow into a strong leader; the other is an ordinary, and unlucky, captain
Ian Chappell19-Dec-2021Despite the chaos caused by the Australia captain’s Covid close-contact disqualification from playing in the Adelaide Test, good captaincy will eventually be defined as “the job Pat Cummins does”.Imran Khan, a fine leader of the Pakistan side before he became prime minister, says in his book, “A good cricket captain must understand bowling.” Who better than Cummins – a top-class paceman – to understand bowling?He is also by far the most inspirational player in the Australia side, and even when he was replaced as captain this week, the team still played hard with thoughts of his reputation in mind.Related
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Cummins acquired the appropriate nickname Postman Pat before he was appointed captain. He is accorded this handle because he regularly delivers, often providing Australia with a wicket when it’s needed.There is a lot to like about Cummins’ appointment, and he certainly delivered in his first captaincy Test with a five-wicket innings haul at the Gabba.Will Cummins have days where it doesn’t all go exactly to plan? Too right – that is the life of a captain, and of any leader anywhere in the world. However, Cummins will improve as a captain because that is what good leaders do: they learn from their mistakes and try to avoid making them in the future.The one question Cummins can’t answer is how many Tests he’ll miss through injury or Covid regulations. His second-Test hiccup is one he will prefer to have avoided, but having to miss games is something you have to deal with.
Root is not an inspirational captain and this is indicated by the number of times his team work their way into a decent position but can’t finish the job
Cummins will become a really strong leader and elicit excellent assistance because he’s well respected. Eventually he will be ranked as a good leader for all occasions. A lot of that will be based on his calmness and common-sense thinking.What is the opposite definition of excellent leadership? There’s a good chance it can be summed up by Joe Root’s captaincy.Root is an excellent batter but a poor captain. It would not be unfair to describe him as an ordinary and unlucky captain. Rarely do you find a long-term captain who is lacking in imagination but is also lucky. A fortunate captain is usually lucky because the players believe he is some kind of miracle-worker and things tend to work out because of the team’s belief.It showed again at Adelaide Oval that misfortune follows Root’s team around. The England bowlers beat the bat regularly but had little to show for their honest toil. However, the England selectors’ tolerance of mediocrity was also on view when Jos Buttler, who is far from their best keeper, was again chosen and made yet more inexcusable blunders.No amount of blustering bluff at press conferences can cover up for the selection mistakes that have been made by England.It’s not that Root’s team dislike him – on the contrary – it’s just that he has taken so many poor decisions, they must be thinking, “Oh no, not again.”He is not an inspirational captain and this is indicated by the number of times his team work their way into a decent position but can’t finish the job. This happened again when, where after conceding 425 in Brisbane, England repeated their mistakes in Adelaide to leak 473 for the loss of nine. Another sign of Root’s inadequacy was the number of times he put an English fielder in a catching position following an uppish shot going to that area. A good captain – as Richie Benaud regularly said – is two overs ahead of the game, otherwise he’s behind in the match. A responsible leader has a team of competitors who want to play for their skipper.Root had to find a way to be ahead in the Adelaide Test if England were to surge back into the series. Unfortunately, they again let the opportunity slip with some questionable bowling and even more negative tactics. The dreaded conclusion; “Oh no not again,” is likely to be a regular comment while Root remains in charge.
Saturday night's epic Game 7 closed out a thrilling World Series and drew baseball's biggest television audience in eight years.
According to early numbers from Nielsen, the Los Angeles Dodgers' 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in 11 innings brought in an average of 25.98 million viewers across Fox, Fox Deportes and Fox Sports. Viewership peaked between 11:30-11:45 p.m. to 31.54 million as both teams tried to find what would prove to be the World Series-clinching run.
More detailed numbers are expected on Tuesday, but Fox Sports is already trumpeting what looks to be an incredible success. The last broadcast to deliver such a number was Game 7 of the 2017 Fall Classic between the Houston Astros and Dodgers, which came in at 28.29 million viewers.
While any headline about historic viewership is welcomed with open arms by baseball, this one is especially impressive considering that these numbers do not include the massive Canadian audience tuned into the event.
It's hard to imagine two teams working together to create more spectacular drama—and more of it—than what the Blue Jays and Dodgers were able to put together. Avoiding any overlap with the NFL and getting a showcase for Game 7 against a weaker college football primetime slate helped push the number even higher.
Liverpool legend John Arne Riise has identified the man he considers to be the “perfect” successor to Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. An imminent transfer away from Anfield for the Egyptian superstar is being mooted on the back of his recent explosive outburst. Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is among those considered to be registering on the Reds’ recruitment radar.
Exit talk: Salah outburst sparks transfer rumours
Serious questions are being asked of how much longer Salah will be on Liverpool’s books, with the modern day icon accusing the Premier League champions of throwing him under the bus during what has been a disappointing title defence in 2025-26. He also claims to have seen his working relationship with Arne Slot break down.
Many have questioned why the 33-year-old forward felt the need to air his grievances in public, despite frustration understandably building on his part during a run of three successive appearances on the substitutes bench. Some have suggested – with Africa Cup of Nations duty fast approaching – that he may have played his last game for the club.
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Salah successors: Semenyo gets 'perfect' billing
Salah only signed a two-year contract extension back in April, but speculation is now rife regarding potential candidates to fill his boots on Merseyside. One leading contender is already starring in the English top-flight, with Semenyo proving at Bournemouth – with 13 goals being recorded last season and another six this term – just how destructive he can be.
Ex-Reds defender Riise told when asked if the 25-year-old Ghana international could be a shrewd addition at Anfield: “I mean he's on fire and he's a tricky player to play against and he would suit Liverpool. Obviously we like to play with wingers taking on players and beating them. We have Cody Gakpo doing that at the moment, but adding Semenyo to that would be perfect.
“He’s a great type of player that we need to sign if something happens with Salah. But even if Salah stays, we are lacking that typical wide winger at the moment. Regardless of Salah’s future, he’s absolutely a player we should be looking to sign in January if we can.”
Transfer regrets: Did Liverpool overspend on Wirtz?
Semenyo is said to have a release clause in his contract that can be triggered at £65 million ($87m) prior to January 10. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool want to spend big again having smashed all kinds of records over the summer.
They acquired Swedish striker Alexander Isak for £125m ($167m) and German playmaker Florian Wirtz for £116m ($155m). Neither has produced their best for the Reds, with a spark still being sought.
Quizzed on whether Liverpool will be regretting their decision to invest so heavily in Wirtz, with the 22-year-old looking a shadow of the player that generated so much hype at Bayer Leverkusen, Riise added: “No, I don't think it was a mistake, because you see him playing well in certain games and especially for Germany as well. I think he needs more time to adapt to the English game and obviously I think the pressure has come from the outside because of the price tag and everything.
“But we've seen glimpses of what he can do and I'm sure we’re going to see more of it during the season. He's a hard-working player but he needs to adapt more quickly to English football, and the physical side of things.
“Obviously he's going to get the season to prove how good he is and what he can do for the club. But I understand why people are asking if it was a bad signing or a waste of money, because he hasn't performed as people expected when you look at his price tag, and what he's done for Germany and his former club, Bayer Leverkusen. But he's an amazing player and I hope that we find the right position for him and we can use him the right way.”
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Liverpool vs Brighton: Will Salah be involved?
Wirtz stepped off the bench in Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League win over Inter, while Salah missed that trip to San Siro entirely after being dropped from Slot’s squad. Both could be involved in a home date with Brighton on Saturday, with the Reds heading into that game sat tenth in the Premier League table.
U.S. international Brian White sent a timely reminder of his quality, powering the Vancouver Whitecaps to their first MLS Cup final with a first-half brace. His early impact guided a commanding 3-1 win over San Diego FC, a match effectively settled before halftime as Jesper Sørensen’s side overwhelmed Mikey Varas’ team and added an own goal via Pablo Sisniega.
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What happened
Vancouver struck first through White, who finished from close range on the right side of the box after a pass from Andrés Cubas. Moments later, the lead doubled via a Pablo Sisniega own goal, and before halftime White struck again – a low, composed finish inside the left post assisted by Ali Ahmed – making it 3-0.
In the second half, Mexico international Hirving Lozano pulled one back for San Diego with a right-footed curler from outside the box after an assist from Anders Dreyer. But any hopes of a late push disappeared when Sisniega was shown a red card in the 79th minute.
Thomas Muller started and played 60 minutes but was largely quiet, finishing with zero shots and 82 percent passing.
Vancouver will now face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami next Saturday in a highly anticipated showdown between two clubs making their first appearance in MLS Cup. San Diego, an expansion side in their inaugural season, can hold their heads high after a run to the Western Conference finals – an impressive debut year.
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The MVP
Brian White was the clear standout, striking twice in the first half to send Vancouver to the MLS Cup final. The USMNT forward now has 18 goals this season, reinforcing his status as one of Sørensen’s key players. He heads into next weekend’s final in top form as the Whitecaps look to pull off an upset against Messi and Inter Miami.
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The big loser
Mikey Varas will face criticism for choosing not to start Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano in San Diego’s most important match of the season. The Mexican star didn’t enter until the team trailed 3-0, though he scored their lone goal after coming on.
The tactical approach also fell short. Playing at home, San Diego were outplayed and effectively eliminated within the first half – a disappointing ending to an otherwise historic inaugural season.
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