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Cummins 'running out of time' as Perth D-day looms but Ashes hopes alive

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Coach Andrew McDonald said the captain has had a ‘positive week’ but conceded time was running short for Perth

Alex Malcolm10-Oct-20251:14

Mitchell Starc: Smith ‘has been a great sounding board’ for Cummins

A decision on Pat Cummins’ availability for the first Ashes Test is set to be made next Friday with Australia coach Andrew McDonald admitting his captain is running out of time to be fit for Perth but there remains confidence that Cummins will play some part in the series.Cummins had a scan earlier this week on the lumbar bone stress in his lower back and McDonald confirmed on Friday that the injury had improved.But Cummins is still yet to bowl with just six weeks to go before the first Test begins in Perth on November 21 which has led to doubts over his availability.Related

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McDonald said the latest scan had allowed Cummins and the medical staff to add some different elements to his training that has been restricted to lower leg strength work only over the past month. He added that a decision would be made late next week as to whether he can progress to bowling with an eye to playing in the first Test but admitted the timeline was getting very tight.”We still aren’t further advanced on whether he’ll play the first Test,” McDonald told reporters on Friday. “We are definitely running out of time around that. He’s added some variables into his training. I think by this time next week, we’ll be in a position where we’re better informed to make a judgment around what that first Test match looks like.”He’s had a positive week, and so we’ll just wait for that information to come in. Anyone that knows the nature of those injuries, you do add the variables in and it’s about how you recover from adding the variables into your training. It’s not as quick as everyone thinks it is. We look forward to a positive outcome next Friday and then making some decisions around what it looks like for the first Test match.”Even if Cummins was ruled out of the first Test, McDonald was reasonably confident he could play a part in the Ashes series.”I haven’t really delved into what it looks like without him for five Test matches because the information and the week that he’s had would suggest he’s going to play some part as it sits right now,” McDonald said.”Can that change with new information when we start to add some more variables into his training? Could that go backwards? There is a possibility of that. And for those who have had lumbar bone stress, they would understand that it’s a journey to add those variables in, how you pull up, recover, and that can ebb and flow a little bit across the rehab. So we’ll just see how it plays out. At this stage there’s no thinking that he will be ruled out for the whole series.”McDonald believes it is possible for Cummins to be ready for the first Test in Perth off a preparation of less than six weeks of bowling. But he said Cummins, the selectors and the medical staff would have to weigh up the risk and reward of rushing him back.”The biggest variable that we need to add in is bowling and if you looked at a reasonable time frame for Patty to get ready, we feel as though he can do a shortened preparation, unlike other bowlers that probably need a longer prep,” McDonald said.”But even if we were to shrink that prep down, we’d start to take on some risk around soft tissue [injuries], some skill readiness as well, making sure he’s prepared to do the job there and then is it advantageous for us to get him up and running in a series even if he’s a little bit underdone and grow throughout the series as well.”Pat Cummins has not bowled since the Caribbean tour in July•AFP/Getty Images

If Cummins were to be ruled out, McDonald was confident the team could cover his absence across all aspects of the game. Cummins’ bowling will be sorely missed but Scott Boland was already pushing for a first choice spot in the XI and has an incredible Test record in Australia where he averages 12.63.If another injury were to happen to one of Australia’s quicks then the likes of Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and Sean Abbott will come into consideration.Doggett is set to be ruled out of a second straight Sheffield Shield game for South Australia with a minor hamstring issue but it is understood to be a conservative decision and that he will be fully fit for the third round that starts on October 28. Neser bowled well in Queensland’s first Shield match against Tasmania while Abbott is set to play his first four-day game of the season for New South Wales against Victoria next week after being left out of the ODI squad to face India. He has been named in the T20I squad which will rule him out of the third Shield round at least.Cummins’ calm leadership in what looms as a frenzied Ashes would also be missed if he were to be ruled out at any stage but McDonald believes Steven Smith, who is an outstanding tactician, would step in seamlessly if needed.”It’s highly likely that Steve would be that the person that we turn to,” McDonald said. “George Bailey would have to tick that one off. Steve’s incredibly experienced. He’s done a good job as recently as Sri Lanka, when Pat wasn’t on that tour. So that’s the person that we’ve turned to. I don’t see that changing.”Cummins batting contributions in recent years at No.8 have also been vital, particularly in pressure moments having won Australia two Test matches at Edgbaston and Christchurch in nail-biting run chases.McDonald was confident Mitchell Starc could step back up to No. 8 after a impressive performance in the World Test Championship final in June while he cited Boland and Nathan Lyon’s crucial tenth-wicket partnership against India at the MCG last summer as a sign of their ability. Josh Hazlewood has also had large 10th wicket stands in Test matches with Cameron Green and Starc over the last the last two years.

Their new Pogba: INEOS "would love" to sign £100m + star for Man Utd

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Manchester United’s central midfield department has been one that has come into huge question over the last couple of months, with Ruben Amorim needing improvements in such an area.

The 40-year-old has often had to rotate the options to the heart of the side, with Bruno Fernandes often the man to start as a number eight on a regular basis.

The Portuguese international has mainly been joined by Casemiro in the two midfield roles in 2025/26, which has allowed the latter to make a name for himself in the Premier League.

However, at 33, the Brazilian is now entering the latter stages of his professional career, with the player set to leave at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract.

As a result, the hierarchy will desperately need to target added reinforcements in the midfield department, especially with the January transfer window now approaching.

Man Utd looking to sign mega-money midfielder

Over the last couple of days, United have been named as one of the sides interested in a deal to sign RB Leipzig star Assan Ouedraogo in the January window.

The German star has endured a phenomenal start to the 2025/26 campaign, featuring in 11 Bundesliga outings and already posting a total of six goal contributions in the process.

However, it’s been reported that Ole Werner’s side are extremely reluctant to offload the 19-year-old, who is seen as a player with huge potential to explode into an elite-level talent.

He’s not the only player currently in the Red Devils’ sights at present, with Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson still firmly in their sights ahead of the winter window.

According to journalist Andy Mitten, Amorim’s men “would love” to sign the 23-year-old midfielder who has been a shining light at the heart of the Reds side in 2025/26.

It’s also been reported that such a deal could rise to around the £100m mark, which would be a club record for United, passing the figure forked out for one player in 2016.

Why Anderson could be Man Utd's new Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba joined United in a staggering £89m deal back in the summer of 2016, with such a deal becoming the most expensive in the club’s long-standing history.

The Frenchman arrived for his second spell at Old Trafford, amassing over 225 appearances and often catching the eye with various impressive moments over his six-year period.

From long-range strikes to vital efforts in Manchester derbies, he truly did capture the hearts of the supporters – that’s despite concerns over his fitness and attitude at certain times.

However, there’s little denying he’s one of the most technically gifted players to operate in the deep-lying midfield roles, as seen by his tally of 86 goals and assists for the Red Devils.

Despite Bruno operating in such a role, there’s little denying the first team have lacked a technical player of Pogba’s quality, but that could be about to change with a move for Anderson.

Like Pogba, he would be a massively expensive addition, but his underlying stats from the 2025/26 campaign showcase his incredible technical ability with and without the ball.

The Englishman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has completed 8.3 progressive passes per 90, with 8.2 of his efforts being made into the final third.

Elliot Anderson – PL stats (25/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

12

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

83%

Progressive passes

8.3

Passes into final third

8.2

Take-ons completed

1.3

Ball recoveries

8.5

Tackles made

2.8

Duels won

7.2

Stats via FBref

Such numbers showcase his incredible ball-playing ability, with such talents allowing him to pick out numerous of the club’s £200m additions in attacking areas.

He’s also completed 1.5 key passes per 90 to date, with 1.3 of his passes being into the opposition’s 18-yard box, further highlighting his world-class talents in possession.

However, without the ball, Anderson has been just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 2.8 tackles made and 7.2 duels won per 90 in the Premier League this campaign.

The aforementioned figures showcase why he would be the perfect box-to-box option for Amorim’s side, which could get the best out of Bruno once again in the near future.

£100m for a player in the modern market is slowly becoming an acceptable choice, as seen by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, who have all spent such a figure on players in years gone by.

However, if United are to do it, Anderson would be the perfect player to spend such an amount on, with the midfielder having the immediate quality to impress, whilst potentially improving tenfold in the years ahead.

Alongside Zirkzee: Man Utd's "waste of time" must not start again for Amorim

Ruben Amorim has a bold decision to make over the future of one Manchester United flop.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 25, 2025

Teen star Jewel Andrew wants to 'average 50 like Shai Hope and play for West Indies for a long time'

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The 18-year-old batter has impressed the likes of Viv Richards, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Curtly Ambrose with his skill and maturity

Deivarayan Muthu02-Jan-2025At 17, Jewel Andrew became the youngest player to feature in the CPL and then the youngest to debut for West Indies in ODI cricket. In October 2024 in Sri Lanka, he received his maiden cap from fellow Antiguan Alzarri Joseph and played under Shai Hope, whose shots he has copied from childhood.Andrew was earmarked as a future West Indies star right from his age-group days, but not many expected him to make the step up to international cricket in his teens. Things have been happening rather quickly for him. He recently celebrated his 18th birthday in Chennai, at a two-week camp for West Indies’ brightest young talents at the Chennai Super Kings Academy.Andrew has all the shots in the book, including the reverse sweep, which disrupted the local spinners in a two-day game in Chennai.”I’ve been trying the sweeps and reverse, which is a good option against spinners,” Andrew says. “In that two-day game, I actually scored 30 [runs] off reverse sweeps, so it’s working for me. I’ve been working on this type of stuff at this camp.”Related

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Andrew had also showed off his reverse sweep on his CPL debut in August last year. He picked up a Tabraiz Shamsi stock ball from the stumps and audaciously flipped it over short third during his unbeaten 50 off 30 balls for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. In the lead-up to his debut, Andrew visualised nailing the shot off Shamsi.”My plan against Shamsi was to take him on,” Andrew says. “I actually planned it because he’s an experienced bowler. It was a crazy shot (laughs). I felt if I could get a boundary off him, it would be a highlight.”Andrew also nervelessly took on other internationals like Anrich Nortje and Dominic Drakes that day. He had started playing cricket from when he was four years old and was used to competing against the big boys.”I try to forget about nerves when I’m playing,” he says. “It’s just something that grew with me throughout my career so far. I try to let go of nerves and just play what I normally play because I just feel it’s another opportunity to showcase my talent. I keep playing and keep being me, and it’s working for me so far.”Andrew is still a teenager, but his temperament and maturity have impressed a number of West Indies greats, including Viv Richards and his Falcons coaches Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Curtly Ambrose. When the young batter brought up his fifty on CPL debut, Ian Bishop exclaimed on commentary: “Jewel really is a precious commodity. He could end up being one of the more valuable young players in the history of the game in the region!”ESPNcricinfo LtdRichards’ opinion of him, Andrew said made him feel good about himself. “He’s a legend of the game. They’re all legends. Hearing them speak about me is special for someone like me coming up. But the information I’ve gathered from them so far is [mostly] what I know already. In terms of just being patient and picking the right deliveries, because I have all the shots. It’s for me to pick the right one and try to extend my game and learn as much as I can, because I’m here to learn.”In his first stint with the West Indies team, Andrew learnt to balance his emotions. He initially felt that he wasn’t ready for international cricket, but a chat with Hope helped him ease into the set-up.”I told Shai I felt I didn’t belong here because it seems a bit rushed, I was nervous being in Sri Lanka” Andrew says. “He was talking to me about emotions and time management. Shai is big on time management and I’m just keen to learn more from him.”Andrew first met Hope in 2023, when he was a flag bearer for the start of the home ODI series between West Indies and England. His ultimate goal is to emulate Hope and have a long, decorated West Indies career, just like his hero.”Just talking to Shai makes me feel good. I watched him growing up,” he says. “Just sharing the dressing room with him is a special feeling. I don’t want to be a player who is around for just one or two tours; I want to be playing for West Indies for a long time and hopefully average 50 like Shai.”

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But while Andrew is learning to balance his emotions on the field, he doesn’t manage it easily when asked about the role of his mother and brother in his life. Veronique Hill, a single parent, earned her income from a store that sold bags, and although it was not enough to afford everything her boys needed, she kept encouraging them to play cricket.”Seeing my mom cheering me on at home in Antigua in the CPL made me cry,” Andrew says. “And just having her support is something that anyone would want to have. When I got the West Indies call-up, I was coming back home from the CPL. I cried instantly because it’s something I always wanted for me and my family. I landed and hugged my mom, she knew [of the news].”And it was because of my brother [Hilroy] I’m playing as a right-hand batter. I actually started playing left-handed in the backyard and changed because of him. Seeing me at this level really means a lot to him because it’s something he wants to do as well. So it’s just for me to keep inspiring him and working towards that. I also want to play with him one day.”Andrew also credits the West Indies Academy for its role in his growth. In mid-2024, he toured Ireland with the Academy team and played two List A and two first-class games against the Ireland Emerging side. In the second List A fixture, in Bready, he hit 143 off 141 balls, with 90 of those coming in boundaries. Andrew isn’t currently contracted to the academy, but Cricket West Indies saw the Chennai camp as an opportunity to expose him to a variety of spin on red- and black-soil pitches. He also kept wicket to almost every type of spin, including mystery spin during the camp.”I think it [West Indies Academy] is a very good initiative for young players like myself,” Andrew said. “I’ve been around the set-up; I’ve actually improved my game a lot. I’ve been on a tour to Ireland where we’ve actually been challenged in tough conditions with a swinging ball that we don’t normally get back home. Just being around the academy set-up was a big step up for me. It’s also my duty to transfer information as well to the other younger players.”Andrew ended 2024 with a bagful of memories and takeaways, and some gifts from Chennai for his beloved family, knowing the world is his oyster.

West Ham are brewing a homegrown Paqueta in "priceless" 21-year-old talent

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Nuno Espírito Santo’s Herculean task of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League this season could be about to get much harder.

On top of having to arrest the East Londoners’ terrible form, the Portuguese manager could be without the brilliant Lucas Paqueta once the winter window opens.

At least, that is according to recent reports claiming that the Brazilian wants to leave the London Stadium before the campaign is over.

However, it might not be all doom and gloom, as the academy could provide West Ham with the perfect replacement.

West Ham's Paqueta solutions

If Paqueta really is set to leave in January, then Nuno has to start looking at possible solutions as soon as possible, and the good news is that he might already have a few in his squad.

For example, while it would be a bold move, the manager could start giving the young Luis Guilherme more opportunities to play and start in attacking midfield over the next month.

After all, while he is looked at as more of a winger at the moment, he is no stranger to playing in the ten, having done so in Brazil and even for the Hammers before.

Moreover, even though he is nowhere near the finished product just yet, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described the 19-year-old prospect as a player who “thrives on transitions” and can “turn past players with ease” thanks to his “elite ball manipulation.”

On top of that, while he’s not the most shot-happy player, when he does let one off in a dangerous area, it’s often of “high calibre.”

Like Guilherme, Nuno could also move summer signing Mateus Fernandes back into an attacking midfield role, which is an area of the pitch he spent plenty of time in during his time with Southampton.

With all that said, there is another young player, someone who might be the most exciting of all, who could be West Ham’s perfect Paqueta replacement.

West Ham's perfect Paqueta replacement

There are certainly other options when it comes to replacing Paqueta for West Ham, but perhaps the most exciting one would be to play George Earthy.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Yes, it would undoubtedly be something of a gamble to hand the 21-year-old prospect far more game time than he’s ever had before, but he’s one of, if not the most exciting, players in the club’s academy.

Moreover, before his recent injury, his record in the youth sides was nothing short of incredible.

For example, in 60 appearances for the U18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.

Then, upon moving up to the U21s, he has scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3444 minutes.

Earthy’s Junior Record

Team

U18s

U21s

Appearances

60

51

Minutes

4804′

3444′

Goals

25

17

Assists

18

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.71

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

111.72′

114.8′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, he’s averaging a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 114.8 minutes, which is more impressive when taking into consideration the fact that he mainly plays in attacking midfield.

However, it’s not just the output that makes the young prospect so “priceless,” in the words of coach Steve Potts, but his overall game.

For example, according to Mattinson, he’s become a “creative left-footed #10 with good ball manipulation and retention” who “does well in tight spaces.”

On top of his efforts in the academy and the technical foundation, which should serve him well in the Premier League, the youngster also has a decent amount of senior experience.

For example, he spent last season on loan with Bristol City and ended up making 40 appearances across all competitions.

Ultimately, even though it would be something of a gamble, West Ham should look to play Earthy in place of Paqueta if he ends up leaving, as he could be a future superstar.

West Ham brewing Noble 2.0 who knows "what it means to wear the shirt"

The academy product might be able to add some much-needed fight and heart back into Nuno’s West Ham side.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 28, 2025

Burnley star Hannibal Mejbri banned for four games after being found guilty of 'spitting at or in the direction of' Leeds fans during six-pointer

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been hit with a four-game suspension and a £15,000 fine after the FA found him guilty of spitting at or towards Leeds United supporters during October’s six-pointer Premier League clash. The Tunisia international admitted the charge, with an independent commission issuing the ban as Burnley continue fighting to escape the drop zone.

  • Burnley's Mejbri handed four-game suspension

    Mejbri has been suspended for four matches following an FA misconduct charge relating to a spitting incident during Burnley’s 2-0 win over Leeds United on October 18.

    Burnley have now lost Mejbri at a critical stage of the season, with the club sitting 19th in the Premier League after a run of five straight defeats. The 22-year-old will miss league fixtures against Newcastle, Fulham, Bournemouth and Everton, ruling him out until the end of December. Mejbri has made over 50 appearances for Burnley since arriving from Manchester United in 2024, but this latest setback adds pressure to a club already battling for survival.

    The midfielder’s ban also comes during a period in which Burnley desperately need stability, having struggled to replicate last season’s Championship-winning form. With just three wins from their first 14 matches, they are locked in a relegation fight where discipline and consistency are more valuable than ever. Mejbri’s absence will force manager Vincent Kompany to reshape his midfield amid growing scrutiny over results.

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    FA reveal Mejbri admitted to the allegations

    An FA regulatory commission outlined the misconduct charge in a formal statement, explaining: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their Premier League game against Leeds United on Saturday, 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the laws of the game and/or in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters around the 67th minute.” The statement confirmed that Mejbri had admitted the allegation and accepted responsibility for the incident. It added that “the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match suspension and £15,000 fine following a hearing,” and that written reasons for the decision will be published in due course.

    The FA communication reiterated that the independent panel had reviewed the full evidence before determining the sanction applied. The FA emphasised that incidents involving spitting at or towards spectators fall under serious misconduct within the governing body’s disciplinary framework. 

  • Leeds fans' reported the incident to Lancashire Police initially

    The episode comes at a difficult moment for Mejbri, who joined Burnley from Manchester United in a deal worth up to £9.4 million and had quickly become a feature of the club’s midfield. Before this suspension, he had made 53 appearances in all competitions for the Clarets and established himself as a hard-working, combative presence in central areas. His disciplinary record had not been a major concern previously, making this misconduct charge a notable departure from his otherwise steady development.

    The investigation into the incident began after a Leeds supporter in the away section reported the matter to Lancashire Police, who reviewed footage and statements before passing it into the FA’s jurisdiction. While the police did not proceed with charges, the FA concluded that the laws of the game had been breached and handled the matter independently through sporting disciplinary channels. Burnley were fully informed throughout the process, though the club has made no public comment on the suspension.

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    Mejbri will return to action on December 30

    Burnley will now prepare for a defining stretch of fixtures without Mejbri, needing to find solutions that stabilise their form ahead of the new year. The midfielder will be sidelined for four key matches, against Newcastle United, Fulham, Bournemouth and Everton, that could shape the club’s survival prospects heading into January. Mejbri will be eligible to return against the Magpies on December 30 in the return clash of tomorrow's clash at St. James' Park.

Shades of McTominay: Man Utd star is now their "most underrated player"

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Over the last couple of seasons, Manchester United have failed to deliver in the Premier League, as seen by the embarrassing 15th-placed finish last time around.

From poor recruitment to managerial mistakes, there have been countless reasons as to why the Red Devils have found themselves in such a position of late.

However, after spending a year at the helm at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim will still believe he is the man to take the club back to their former glory in the seasons ahead.

There have been glimpses of quality during the early months of the 2025/26 campaign, but the 40-year-old desperately needs to sustain such success on a consistent basis.

Numerous of his first-team players have certainly gone under the radar over recent weeks, with many not quite getting the credit they deserve for their showings in England’s top-flight.

Man Utd’s most underrated players in 2025/26 so far

Amorim’s renowned 3-4-2-1 system has allowed numerous players at United to reignite their Red Devils career, but none more so than winger Amad Diallo.

The Ivorian was often an impact player under the last management team, but he’s featured in all but one league outing under Amorim so far this campaign.

He’s already registered three combined goals and assists, with his only goal coming in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest – but it was certainly a strike to remember.

Underlying stats such as three big chances created and 1.3 successful dribbles per 90 – both the most in the squad – highlight his incredible ability on the transition for the Red Devils.

He’s not the only first-team member who hasn’t received enough praise, with Brazilian midfielder Casemiro resurrecting his career at Old Trafford over the last few months.

Many would have expected the 33-year-old to depart last summer, but he’s once again become a regular starter and has matched Amad for total appearances this season.

He’s already posted four goal contributions – the third highest in the squad – often popping up with the goods when needed in the final third of the pitch.

However, he’s been just as impressive defensively, making 2.9 tackles and winning 6.5 duels per 90 – handing Amorim the disruptive force he’s been craving at the heart of the side.

The United star who’s showing shades of McTominay

Casemiro will no doubt have benefited from the departure of Scott McTominay last summer, with the Scotsman’s move to Napoli freeing a role for him as a starter once again.

The 28-year-old spent a huge chunk of his professional career on the books at United, allowing him to rack up a total of over 250 senior appearances for his boyhood club.

He was at the heart of numerous memorable moments during his first team spell at the Theatre of Dreams, with the highlight undoubtedly being his long-range goal in the Manchester Derby.

However, despite producing such impressive performances, he often didn’t get the credit he deserved from the supporters, which no doubt aided his move to Italy.

In the last 18 months in Serie A, McTominay has registered 14 goals and six assists, leading to a Ballon d’Or nomination – an unthinkable feat given his inconsistency at United.

However, the club do have another hugely underrated player on their books at present, with centre-back Matthijs de Ligt finally starting to show why the hierarchy paid £43m for his signature in 2024.

The Dutchman was seen as the solution to the club’s defensive woes, but endured a tricky debut campaign – one that was no doubt a culture shock to the 26-year-old.

The same can’t be said in 2025/26, with the defender undoubtedly being one of the club’s shining lights over the last couple of months in the Premier League.

He’s featured in every single minute of the Red Devils’ league campaign to date, allowing him to produce some simply mind-boggling numbers in the process.

De Ligt, who’s been dubbed a “warrior” by Dev Bajwa, has made 1.6 tackles and won 5.6 duels per 90 – backing up Casemiro and providing another line of solidarity.

He’s also won 63% of his aerial battles to date, at an average of 3.3 per 90 – handing Amorim that dominant presence which he’s craved since taking the reins.

Games played

12

Goals scored

1

Pass accuracy

88%

Interceptions made

1.3

Aerials won

3.3

Aerial success rate

63%

Tackles won

1.6

Duels won

5.6

Other numbers, such as 88%of passes completed and 1.3 interceptions made per 90, further showcase his all-round quality, leading to Bajwa even claiming he’s the club’s “most underrated player”.

Many of the aforementioned numbers are similar to those of McTominay, who has also dominated aerially in Serie A this season, as seen by his tally of four headed goals already this season.

Both also possess the leadership qualities to lead a side forward, with both players no doubt wanting to achieve added success at their various clubs in 2025/26.

There’s no denying the defensive unit at Old Trafford has massively improved compared to last season, with De Ligt’s upturn in form certainly contributing to their success.

However, he hasn’t yet received as much praise as he deserves for his efforts, with the Dutchman likely to play a key role in any success under Amorim come the end of the campaign.

Anderson upgrade: INEOS plan £105m bid to sign "world-class" CM for Man Utd

Manchester United appear to have another midfielder on their radar instead of Elliot Anderson.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2025

Labuschange raises another ton but Ward's hundred the match-winner

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Tasmania chased down their target with 10 balls to spare after the home side had suffered a 7 for 70 collapse following Labuschagne’s dismissal

AAP09-Oct-2025

Marnus Labuschagne continued his prolific early-season form with another hundred•Getty Images

Marnus Labuschagne’s case for an Ashes call-up continues to grow after scoring his second century in the space of a week in Queensland’s five-wicket One-Day Cup loss to Tasmania.Labuschagne cracked 105 off 91 balls to lead Queensland to 311 of 45.3 overs at Allan Border Field on Thursday.Related

Ashes tracker: Labuschagne shines as Konstas stumbles

McAndrew's five gets defending champions South Australia up and running

In reply, Tasmania reached the victory target with 10 balls to spare courtesy of big knocks from Tim Ward, who made his first one-day century from 88 balls, Jordan Silk and Caleb Jewell.Tasmania (3-0) remain unbeaten on top of the table, while Queensland slipped to a 2-1 record.Labuschagne’s hundred came just days after he scored 160 off 206 balls in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield draw with Tasmania, following on from his 130 off 118 balls in the Bulls’ One-Day Cup opener against Victoria last month.The hot run of form comes at the perfect time for Labuschagne, who is in the midst of a huge bat-off for an Ashes spot at the top of the order.Tim Ward drives during his maiden one-day century•Getty Images

Labuschagne is competing with the likes of Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney, Jake Weatherald and Matt Renshaw to partner Usman Khawaja as opener for the five-Test series against England.There is also the option of Labuschagne returning to his preferred No. 3 position if selectors opt not to pick allrounder Beau Webster, who is battling an ankle injury.Labuschagne cracked eight fours and two sixes in his sparkling knock on Thursday. He was dropped on 91 when spinner Nikhil Chaudhary couldn’t hold on to a sizzling return chance.Labuschagne punched Chaudhary for four behind point to bring up his ton off 89 balls, but he was out a short time later when he edged the spinner behind.The exit of Labuschagne sparked a collapse of 7 for 70 as Queensland failed to capitalise on a strong start. Renshaw, who was called up ahead of Labuschagne for the upcoming ODI series against India, scored 38 off 35 balls.Labuschagne’s most recent Test century came against England in 2023, with his lean run of form since then resulting in his axing for the 3-0 series win over the West Indies.His ODI snub this week added further salt to the wound, but Labuschagne replied in perfect style with his ton on Thursday.

ضربة قوية قد تهدد مستقبل آرني سلوت في تدريب ليفربول

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

ذكرت تقارير صحفية أن آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول، قد يتعرض لضربة قوية، تؤثر بالسلب على نتائج الفريق خلال منافسات الموسم الحالي 2025-2026.

ووفقاً للصحفي دراميش شيت من “سكاي سبورت” البريطانية، فإن إندونسيا تدرس حاليًا التعاقد مع جيوفاني فان برونكهورست مساعد آرني سلوت لتدريب المنتخب.

ويفاضل منتخب إندونسيا بين كل من جيوفاني فان برونكهورست مساعد مدرب ليفربول، وجون هيردمان مدرب كندا السابق، وهناك أيضًا مرشحين آخرين لتولي المنصب.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كاراجر: ليفربول سينافس على لقب البريميرليج في حالة واحدة

ويأتي فان برونكهورست على رأس الأسماء التي يهتم بها الاتحاد الإندونيسي والذي أجرى مقابلة مع هيردمان ويرغب بتعيين مدرب جديد خلال الأيام المقبلة.

ومن المتوقع أن تستمر محادثات الاتحاد الإندونيسي في الفترة القادمة مع المرشحين، ويرغب الاتحاد في تعيين مدرب يتمتع بخبرة دولية وهو ما يميز فان برونكهورست وهيردمان.

Aston Villa now lining up January move for £50m striker, Emery's a big fan

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Aston Villa are now lining up a January move for a “sensational” £50m striker, with Unai Emery looking to bring in a long-term replacement for Ollie Watkins.

Villa eyeing new striker amid Watkins' slow start

Watkins isn’t having the season he would’ve wanted ahead of the World Cup next summer, having scored just one goal in the Premier League thus far, and Donyell Malen has been doing a lot of the heavy lifting for Villa going forward as of late.

Indeed, Malen is in a rich vein of form at the moment, having scored a brace to secure a 2-1 victory against Young Boys in the Europa League, following on from an impressive cameo against Leeds United, assisting Morgan Rogers’ equalising goal.

However, given that Malen isn’t an out-and-out striker, Emery wants to bring in a more traditional centre-forward in the January transfer window, with one of the Premier League’s breakout stars recently being identified as a target.

That is according to a report from The Mirror, which states Aston Villa are now lining up a January move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago, although it could be a costly operation, with a £50m fee being touted.

Emery is a big fan of the striker, having been keen to bring in a new forward since last summer, while Villa may also need to refresh their forward line due to concerns over Watkins’ form.

Thiago could be "sensational" Watkins heir

It is perhaps a little early to lose faith in the England international, as he is still only 29, but it is important to plan for the future, and the Brentford star has emerged as one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League this season, scoring 11 goals in 13 outings.

Most recently, the Brazilian bagged a brace to ensure his side overcame Burnley in a 3-1 victory, and he is now behind only Manchester City star Erling Haaland in the Premier League’s goalscoring charts.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews has been left impressed by the 24-year-old’s performances too, saying: “He has been pretty good, hasn’t he? He is growing in stature and confidence and he has been pretty sensational this season,”

Thiago is at the right age to be a long-term success at Villa Park, and having proven himself in the Premier League, Aston Villa should undoubtedly launch a January move.

Aston Villa plotting £18m bid for "tremendous" defender, Martinez is a big fan

The Villans are planning a move for a new centre-back, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

ByDominic Lund Nov 27, 2025

Emery has never really managed to replace Jhon Duran since the striker signed for Al-Nassr back in January, and with the Villans looking to compete in both the Premier League and Europe, it would certainly be beneficial to bring in another striker this winter.

SL's newest spinner brings two arms to a format with one foot out the door

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Bowlers like Tharindu could redefine their craft, while batters like Shanto could carve new Test legacies. But how many opportunities will they get?

Andrew Fidel Fernando17-Jun-2025It was just as the freshest cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 was approaching its fourth hour that the freshest Test cricketer on the planet pivoted at the top of his mark, and did something a little bit special.In his first 95 deliveries in Test cricket, Tharindu Rathnayake had been a right-arm offspinner. But like a magician who plunges himself into the hat and pulls out a different version of his own self, Tharindu chose this moment to pretty much instantaneously yank out his slow left-arm avatar. The field barely had to move. Tharindu bowled a tidy enough first ball of left-arm spin. It got cut away behind square for a single.In that first fascinating moment of Tharindu’s ambidexterity, this team felt emphatically and inescapably Sri Lankan. It felt like Tharindu was the latest entry into a proud tradition of bowling rebellion. This is a tradition that brought cricket delights such as wrist-spin offbreaks (Muthiah Muralidaran), down-swinging round-arm yorkers (Lasith Malinga), and the carrom ball (Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath).Related

  • Shanto, Mushfiqur hundreds headline Bangladesh's day of dominance

  • 'These are not easy runs' – Mushfiqur reflects on 'special' century

In fact, so steeped is Sri Lanka in bowling weirdness that Tharindu is only the second ambidextrous spinner in this team, Kamindu Mendis also having bowled in Test cricket with both arms. Which means that the XI has as many dual-arm spinners as it does spinners that bowl with only the boring single arm.If Tharindu – for whom bowling is the primary suit – and Kamindu have long careers together, there is the chance that between them, they can open up entirely new sections of bowling analysis. We may suddenly find ourselves asking questions never seriously asked in cricket.Which arm does he get more wickets with? Which arm does he bowl quicker with, and does this correlate to him being more economical? If it’s established that he is a better offspinner, does he get more right-hander wickets with that style, or is the ball turning away always going to be more threatening to right-handers? If he bowls nine offbreak overs consecutively, does he tend to gain a competitive advantage in switching to his less-tired left arm? And on pitches that have footmarks to work with, this guy will probably be unstoppable, right? The lines of attack available… wow!Test cricket’s great strength is that it offers the broadest canvas of maybe any sport in existence. What shapes will come out of Tharindu’s unusually broad brush?And while Sri Lanka are still attempting to regenerate their spin-bowling, Bangladesh were attempting something similar, but on the batting front. There is an ongoing exodus. Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mahmudullah are out already. Only Mushfiqur Rahim remains of the first generation of Bangladesh greats. Where are the consistent big runs going to come from?Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto carved a stand to remember•Getty ImagesOn day one of the first Test in Galle, Bangladesh seemed to have done the better job of replacing their greats, with Najmul Hossain Shanto joining Mushfiqur on a trip to triple-figures, at the same venue Mushfiqur hit Bangladesh’s first ever double-hundred in 2013.But while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh’s Test cricketers are trying to expand the game in their little ways, the environment in which they operate is rapidly shrinking. After this series ends, Sri Lanka have no Test scheduled until May 2026, which is partly why both Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne quit this year.Bangladesh also have only 12 Tests (the minimum amount) in their two-year WTC cycle, though they also have non-WTC Tests scheduled against Ireland and Zimbabwe. South Africa, the champion Test side as of Saturday,have only 14 Tests on the ledger, while West Indies have 14 too. It increasingly feels like a coup for these teams to average merely seven Tests per year.The argument is not that Test cricket is dying. In some places, it is in more spectacular health than it has ever been. In both Australia and England in this decade, the Ashes series have smashed viewership records. Just in the last week, the ECB CEO said that ” in terms of commercial importance”, Test series against India were worth as much as The Ashes.After winning the IPL with his beloved Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Virat Kohli insisted that although that victory was sweet, it ranked “five levels below Test cricket”. But then what qualifies as real Test cricket is also in contention. Kohli, for example, played 47% of his Tests against either Australia or England, but never faced Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, or Ireland.Sri Lanka have no Test scheduled until May 2026, which is partly why Angelo Mathews chose to retire•AFP/Getty ImagesEssentially, Test cricket has chosen to build high, rather than wide. There is sufficient money in cricket that it could choose to divert to Tests in nations outside the Big Three, but there is less will. The WTC could require every team to play 16 Tests in the cycle to qualify. The ICC could finally put that ‘Test cricket fund’ into place, whereby the Big Three pay to support Tests elsewhere in the Full Member world. Instead, cricket has arrived at a situation in which England play 60% more Tests than most other nations.While some suggest that playing more Tests is a WTC disadvantage, players from teams who play fewer Tests point out that their opportunities to develop Test skills are scarcer. Even if teams that played fewer Tests had an advantage – and there is no serious evidence they do – they gain so little from winning. South Africa’s men do not have a home Test scheduled for the next 15 months.Increasingly, it has begun to feel as if places such as Galle are Test cricket’s hinterlands. Does what happens here matter, especially when no Big Three team is on the field? If commercial value is to increasingly become cricket’s supreme good, where does that leave Tests like this one? And is the size of your home cricketing economy the greatest predictor of opportunities available to you?Bowlers such as Tharindu could potentially redefine their craft, while batters such as Shanto could carve new Bangladesh Test legacies. But they may never get the chance to. To what extent does cricket really care? As the sport continues to centralise power, these are the margins at risk of being trimmed.

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