All posts by h716a5.icu

Although Hasaranga’s resignation comes on the heels of Sri Lanka’s poor T20 World Cup showing, it is still something of a surprise

Andrew Fidel Fernando11-Jul-2024Wanindu Hasaranga has resigned as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain after roughly six months in the role. He said in a statement put out by the board that his decision was in the best interest of Sri Lankan cricket.”Sri Lanka will always have my utmost best efforts as a player, and I will support and stand by my team always,” Hasaranga said in his resignation letter, later seen by ESPNcricinfo.*Related

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Although Hasaranga’s resignation came on the heels of a poor World Cup in which Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the Super Eight, it was still something of a surprise. There was little public pressure on him to be ousted, partly because he was still so new in the role. He also appeared to be relishing the job, even prioritising Sri Lanka commitments over IPL appearances this year as he recovered from a foot injury.In his resignation, he lamented Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign at length.”Sri Lanka’s early exit at the T20 World Cup is extremely disappointing to me as the captain and for the entire team,” he wrote. “As a team and a nation our expectations were high, and I was confident that the best Sri Lanka team was selected to play the tournament.”I do not wish to place excuses to condone our below-par performance, but also wholeheartedly believe that the Bangladesh game was very close and we should have been able to pull through [Bangladesh won by two wickets, with six balls remaining]. If so, circumstances and the fortunes for our nation would have been very much different.”Sri Lanka won six of the 10 T20Is they played under Hasaranga, winning bilateral series against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan to start 2024. He had also been suspended for two matches for abusing an umpire during this stint.He remains captain of the Kandy Falcons Lanka Premier League team in the ongoing franchise tournament.While there are no obvious candidates to replace him as captain of Sri Lanka in T20Is, Charith Asalanka’s name will be discussed. He took the reins in the two matches Hasaranga had been suspended for, and also leads Jaffna Kings in the LPL this year.Sri Lanka’s next T20I assignment is the three-match series against India at the end of this month. Sri Lanka will enter that series with a new coach as well, with Sanath Jayasuriya taking over in an interim capacity after Chris Silverwood stepped down following the World Cup. Mahela Jayawardene, too, had quit as consultant coach last month.

Newcastle United entered the summer transfer window with a principal objective in mind: avoid the frustration of last year, when Eddie Howe was left chagrined after missing out on a range of top targets.

Anthony Elanga was one of those top targets, Nottingham Forest rejecting a £50m bid on deadline day in August 2024.

Nuno Espirito Santo wanted him for the term ahead, and has, in fairness, been vindicated after surprising all and securing European qualification. Newcastle might have struggled in the market, but they won on the field, clinching the Carabao Cup and returning to the Champions League. Everyone’s a winner.

A deal has now been agreed for the Sweden international worth £52m, solving one of the Magpies’ biggest concerns. Howe has his right-sided forward, but he needs more if last term’s success is to be bettered.

With the Tynesiders’ rivals all improving and stocking up with Howe’s transfer targets, it’s time for him to strike back and start advancing plans for some of the Premier League elite’s most coveted targets.

Newcastle's transfer plans after Elanga

If Newcastle want to maintain their standing in the Premier League, they will need to add some more depth, especially now that they are back in the European theatre.

Following that thread, United’s interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, with the Frenchman earmarked to provide competition for Alexander Isak after Joao Pedro joined Chelsea for a £60m fee in spite of Howe’s efforts to bring him to Tyneside.

However, the front of the ship isn’t the only area where the club is carrying out due diligence. Indeed, the Magpies could do with some more creativity, and Jack Grealish is emerging as an option.

According to Spanish sources, Newcastle have entered the race for the Manchester City playmaker and are felt to be leading Everton at this stage, for they boast the financial advantage and have the more compelling project besides.

Whether Grealish would arrive for a permanent figure or on loan remains to be seen, but City would be seeking around £40m if the former were to prove Howe’s preference.

What Jack Grealish would bring to Newcastle

Grealish might not have enjoyed the best couple of seasons with Manchester City, but he’s still one of the most talented English footballers of his generation.

After an iconic journey with Aston Villa, the Three Lions midfielder left his boyhood club and joined Pep Guardiola’s project in a British-record £100m deal, four years ago.

One of the most arresting ball carriers in the business, the 29-year-old would certainly add a dimension at Newcastle, ranked among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe last season for pass completion and progressive carries, as well as the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

His creativity and style could prove the perfect addition to a side bearing newfound pace down the flank in the shape of Elanga. In fact, signing Grealish could ensure the Swedish winger hits the ground running, quite literally, on Tyneside, with his approach somewhat similar to that of Morgan Gibbs-White, who played so seamlessly with Newcastle’s new recruit at Nottingham Forest.

Looking at Grealish in his pomp (during his final Premier League season with Aston Villa) compared with Gibbs-White with Forest last term, you can see that Howe would have the superior man at his disposal.

Should he succeed in restoring Grealish to his apex, of course.

Matches (starts)

26 (24)

34 (34)

Goals

6

7

Assists

10

8

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.7)

1.8 (0.6)

Big chances missed

4

3

Pass completion

83%

81%

Big chances created

14

10

Key passes*

3.2

1.5

Dribbles*

2.5

0.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

2.0

Total duels (won)*

8.9 (61%)

4.5 (45%)

Gibbs-White has just come off an exceptional campaign at the City Ground, supercharging Forest’s journey toward the Conference League. His success has led to a big-money transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, joining Thomas Frank’s fledgling project for £60m.

He and Elanga have gone separate ways, but as the attacking midfielder said of his former teammate: “Elanga is incredible.” It was in regard to the right-sided forward’s pace and tenacious work rate, something Grealish will now latch onto.

While Grealish’s £300k-per-week contract at Man City poses quite the steep obstacle for any suitor, there is hope that more agreeable terms could be agreed, perhaps with an initial loan move leading the Etihad side to share out the player’s earnings.

It’s more than fair. Across the past two Premier League campaigns, Grealish has only posted four goals and two assists across 40 appearances, sinking further and further into the fringe of Guardiola’s squad.

And with the Spanish tactician having ostracised his record signing from his pre-season plans, there’s every chance that a concrete Newcastle move would see negotiations prove slick, thus completing a United frontline that is really beginning to take shape.

Once hailed as a “magician” by Premier League icon Ashley Cole, Grealish will be desperate to restore his finest form in England’s top flight before Father Time catches up with him, and under Howe’s tutelage at Newcastle, he might just achieve that.

His fleet-footedness and artful playmaking would indeed do more than bring a little flair to St. James’ Park; Grealish could forge a delightful partnership with Gibbs-White, steering the Toon toward even loftier heights than we’ve reached in recent years.

He's just like Isak: Newcastle explore move for "unbelievable" £50m star

Newcastle are planning to improve once again after agreeing a fee for Anthony Elanga.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 11, 2025

Luke Wells and Glenn Phillips propelled Fire to their highest ever total, but rain saved Brave’s blushes

ECB Media14-Aug-2024Southern Brave secured their place in the Hundred Eliminator at the Kia Oval on Saturday thanks to rain intervening at Utilita Bowl against an already-eliminated Welsh Fire.The Brave came into the match knowing that a point would guarantee their presence in Saturday’s showdown but at the halfway stage, with 181 posted by the Fire, they would have feared losing control of their destiny.Two quick wickets – Alex Davies for a duck and then James Vince for 19 – further set the Brave back. But on the stroke of Vince’s dismissal, with rain falling steadily, the umpires took the players off.The rain never abated, and with just 16 balls having been bowled of the Brave’s innings – a minimum of 25 balls are required to deliver a result – the game was duly abandoned.”Bowling first, things probably got away from us a bit,” Vince said. “We were sloppy. Some good players got going and we weren’t able to shut them down, so it was always going to be a tough ask to chase that down.”We had a few messages saying the weather might be on its way so it we had a few discussions about how to approach those first 25 balls; thankfully the rain came just in time.”On the whole, across the tournament, the bowling group gets a lot of credit. They’re quality, experienced bowlers. Our batting goes under the radar a bit. We’d like a few more guys in form, but on the whole we’ve been reasonably consistent.”Luke Wells struck 53 from 30•Getty ImagesIt was a bitter pill for the Fire to swallow. With the bat they were irrepressible, with Luke Wells and Glenn Phillips especially destructive, sharing a 76-run partnership from just 30 balls to propel the Fire to their highest-ever score in the tournament’s history.Wells, registering just his second fifty in the competition, took just 28 balls to reach the milestone, while Phillips was spectacular, clubbing five sixes – including one hit over square-leg against Jofra Archer that sailed 102 metres – from just 19 balls. In all, 10 sixes were struck across the Fire’s innings.For the Brave, only Akeal Hosein escaped punishment, the West Indian left-armer conceding just 21 from his 20-ball quota.Ultimately, it was immaterial. Brave are through to face either Northern Superchargers or Birmingham Phoenix, with the latter’s game against Manchester Originals tomorrow determining the final placings at the top.

Leeds United supporters will have noticed that a familiar name has been reintroduced to the team in the current set of pre-season matches, as Jack Harrison has returned from his two-year loan spell with Everton.

The English forward has been involved in Daniel Farke’s plans this summer and it remains to be seen if that will still be the case when the Premier League campaign gets underway.

Farke told BBC Sport: “Jack has many Premier League appearances and we would be stupid if we didn’t want to use that. It is a bit tricky if you have a couple of years away but that was a decision before my time.

“Right now he is back with us. He is a great guy, a hard worker and very reliable. It is up to him to win the confidence and trust back. I had this situation when I arrived with Junior Firpo, and people saying he was the worst signing ever and he couldn’t defend. Now he has left as a hero.”

Minutes

45

Shots

0

Chances created

0

Big chances created

0

Dribbles completed

0/1

Duels won

0/1

Dribbled past

1x

The statistics in the table above show that Harrison did not make much of a positive impression upon the Leeds supporters in his first outing in pre-season against Manchester United last weekend.

Why Jack Harrison should not be a starter for Leeds

Harrison’s lack of impact at the top end of the pitch against the Red Devils sums up how the last couple of years have gone for him in the Premier League, as he has consistently struggled to deliver on a regular basis.

The 28-year-old flop, who was met by a few boos last weekend, spent the last two seasons on loan with Everton in the top-flight, but did not do enough for them to want to sign him on a permanent basis this summer.

A return of five goals and three assists in 74 matches in all competitions for the Toffees may explain why David Moyes was not eager to bring him back for another year.

xG

3.52

Top 43%

Goals

1

Bottom 17%

xG on target

1.07

Bottom 24%

Shots on target

7

Bottom 33%

Assists

0

Bottom 3%

Dribble success rate

35%

Bottom 19%

Dispossessed

41 times

Bottom 15%

As you can see in the table above, the English winger offered very little in front of goal for Everton in comparison to his positional peers in the Premier League, with one goal and zero assists before his return to West Yorkshire this summer.

This is why Farke should not be considering Harrison as a potential starter in the top-flight for Leeds next season, and he may not have to amid interest from the club in a new winger.

Leeds have explored deal for Ligue 1 star

According to The Athletic, Leeds United have an interest in RC Strasbourg’s left-sided attacker Dilane Bakwa, as they eye up new additions to their frontline.

The report claims that the Whites have explored the possibility of a swoop to sign the 22-year-old forward during the current summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

However, it adds that they are not actively pursuing a deal for him at this moment in time. Instead, he remains one of a number of options they have looked at before they decide who to seriously target.

Just before the start of the summer transfer window, it was reported that Chelsea were showing an interest in the French whiz, who is valued at £26m by the Ligue 1 side.

It now remains to be seen whether the Championship champions will actualise their interest with an official approach for the winger before the end of the summer, but Farke would have an upgrade on Harrison on his hands if they do.

Why Leeds should sign Dilane Bakwa

The Whites should swoop to sign the Strasbourg star in the coming weeks because he has the potential to be a terrific addition to the squad as a big upgrade on Harrison on the flanks.

As aforementioned, the English dud has only scored five goals and provided three assists in 74 appearances in the last two seasons combined. Meanwhile, Bakwa scored 11 goals and provided 16 assists in 66 matches across all competitions for Strasbourg, which immediately suggests that he will offer far more in the final third.

The French whiz, who is also a left-footed winger like Harrison, has performed well in one of Europe’s major leagues in France, which suggests that the potential is there for him to be a strong signing for Leeds.

Of course, there are no guarantees in football, and it remains to be seen if he can translate his form over to English football, but if Bakwa’s form from the 2024/25 campaign is anything to go off, the £26m-rated star would be a huge upgrade for the Whites.

Appearances

30

34

xG

4.36

3.52

Goals

6

1

Big chances created

12

6

Assists

8

0

Dribbles completed per game

1.7

0.7

Dribble success rate

44%

36%

As you can see in the table above, the Ligue 1 starlet significantly outperformed Harrison as a scorer, a creator, and a dribbler, whilst playing four fewer matches.

Bakwa, who was described as “underrated” by U23 talent scout Antonio Mango, could provide a greater goal threat and create more high-quality chances for his teammates than the ex-Manchester City winger could do for Farke in the Premier League next term.

This is why Leeds should be pushing to sign the Strasbourg magician this summer, after already exploring a possible deal, because he could arrive as a big upgrade for the club in the right-wing position ahead of next season.

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ByKelan Sarson Jul 24, 2025

It is now down to the club to pursue a move for the 22-year-old winger to ensure that Farke has enough high-quality options to call upon at the top end of the pitch in the Premier League.

The whole ground was under cover throughout the day

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Sep-2024A start-stop drizzle meant there was no play on the second day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur. The whole ground remained under covers throughout the day. At times, three super-soppers came out, running over the covers, but the ground staff could not do much beyond that.There was a steady drizzle till around 10am but after that, the rain was so light that had play been in progress, it might have continued. However, there was considerable rain last evening and overnight and that seemed to have done the most damage.With no chance of an immediate start, the players went back to their hotel around 10.20am. Eventually, at 2pm, the umpires called it off.Related

A day not to be Jasprit Bumrah

Things were only slightly better on the first day. A combination of rain and bad light allowed just 33 overs in which Bangladesh scored 107 for 3. After India won the toss, which itself was delayed by an hour, Rohit Sharma opted to bowl. This is not what India do usually at home; the last time they chose to bowl first in a home Test was nine years ago: against South Africa in Bengaluru in 2015. Coincidentally, that Test was also marred by rain.Bangladesh openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam survived Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj’s opening spells. But Akash Deep dismissed both of them soon after to put India ahead. Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto then stabilised the innings before R Ashwin ended their 51-run stand by trapping Shanto lbw. However, before either team could take significant advantage, the weather intervened.Weather permitting, Shanto is hoping his batters can deliver on day three. “There is day three and four ahead of us and since there is rain and not much sun to be had, in that sense as the game progresses it will be [understood] how challenging the wicket is,” he said after day two. “I think we lost one wicket [too many on day one]. The start of the batting innings was good. It’s still good. I won’t say we are in a bad position. We have many batters left in the dugout.”From here on, if we can form two big partnerships then we can reach a good position.”

It is fair to say that Glasgow Rangers did not kick off the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership campaign in the way that they wanted to at Fir Park on Saturday.

The Ibrox giants faced Motherwell away from home in Russell Martin’s first league game in charge of the club, and failed to pick up all three points.

A late equaliser from Emmanuel Longelo, after captain James Tavernier had given the Gers the lead in the first half, secured a point for the home side, in a game which left the Light Blues boss seething.

Extraordinarily, Martin told some of his players to “drop their egos” and accused unnamed players of doing what they wanted to do and jogging around, rather than putting in maximum effort and listening to the instructions that they were given, in his post-match interview.

Only the Rangers boss will know exactly who he was referencing with his rather scathing comments, but anyone who watched the match will be able to identify the players who were not up to it from a quality perspective.

Why Rangers need to drop Danilo

Brazilian centre-forward Danilo was one of the Gers players who did not do enough on the pitch to suggest that he deserves to keep his place in the starting XI.

Partially due to fitness issues for Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, the former Feyenoord attacker has started all three of the club’s games this season, lining up for both legs against Panathinaikos and the draw with Motherwell.

Danilo, who scored five goals in 24 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, did not provide a single goal or assist in any of those three matches for the Gers.

Igamane and Dessers not being fully fit to start provided the 24-year-old attacker with a huge opportunity to show Martin that he has what it takes to be a key player this season, but he failed to do so.

Minutes

74

82

63

Shots on target

0

1

0

Passes completed

11

9

10

Key passes

2

0

1

Big chances created

0

0

0

Ground duels won

1

1

1

Aerial duels won

0

1

0

As you can see in the table above, Danilo offered very little threat across the three matches, with just one shot on target and zero ‘big chances’ created.

After the draw with Motherwell, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd said that the Brazilian is “not working” as the sole number nine and that Dessers should start.

The Light Blues could, though, sign a new centre-forward to start over both of them, and there is one reported target who is now being told that he would be a huge success at Ibrox.

Rangers transfer target tipped to run riot at Ibrox

Rangers have been linked with an interest in signing free agent number nine Jamie Vardy, who left Leicester City when his contract expired at the end of last season.

Now, former Gers defender David Robinson has told the former England international that he would “run riot” in Glasgow if he made the move to the Scottish giants this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Robinson told Ibrox News: “I think he would run riot in Scotland, to be honest. I think the whole club, it would change everything.

“He’s still got the pace about him. No offence to the other teams in Scotland, he would cause them so many problems because he plays on the shoulder and runs in behind. If Rangers played a little more direct with Vardy, he would make that difference.”

It remains to be seen whether or not the experienced marksman wants to make the move to Ibrox, but he could come in as a big upgrade on Danilo if he does.

Why Rangers should sign Jamie Vardy

As Robinson said, Vardy is still an incredibly mobile player who will cause defenders constant problems with his running and his physicality, as shown by his performances in the Premier League last year.

Extraordinarily, the 38-year-old star plundered nine goals and four assists in the English top-flight for Leicester, despite playing in a side that were relegated from the division.

The former Premier League champion started 35 times and showcased his physical qualities by winning 48% of his ground duels and 48% of his aerial battles for the Foxes.

Meanwhile, Danilo lost 61% of his ground duels and 71% of his aerial duels across 23 appearances in the Premiership for Rangers in the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that he is a liability to the team out of possession.

Appearances

35

35

Goals

18

9

Conversion rate

31%

16%

Big chances created

2

6

Assists

2

4

Ground duel success rate

46%

48%

Aerial duel success rate

52%

48%

As you can see in the table above, Vardy has held his own in duels in both the Championship and the Premier League over the past two seasons, despite his age, which suggests that he would be a big upgrade on Danilo in terms of what the striker offers to the team as a physical presence.

The English icon could also come in at Ibrox as a big upgrade on Danilo because of the goal threat that he can provide in the number nine position.

Vardy has scored 27 league goals in the last two seasons. Meanwhile, the Brazilian attacker has scored nine goals in the Premiership for Rangers in that time.

These statistics suggest that the 38-year-old marksman could be more likely to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch over the course of the season for Martin, which is why he could be a fantastic addition to the squad.

End the Aarons experiment: Rangers make contact to sign "offensive" star

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It is now down to the club to make a move for the English star, though, and to convince him to make the switch to Ibrox to “run riot” as a big upgrade on Danilo.

The debacle surrounding Ousmane Dembele’s injury has left the French players’ union furious, with the president demanding FIFA ease the calendar.

Dembele and Desire Doue picked up injuries on international dutyPSG point fingers at FFF after double blowUNFP president slams FIFA over congested calendarFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Outrage has erupted in France after Dembele and Desire Doue suffered serious injuries while playing for the national team against Ukraine, with the French players’ union accusing FIFA of overloading the international calendar. UNFP president David Terrier called on the governing body to "see reason", warning that the current schedule is putting players at risk.

Dembele’s setback occurred just 30 minutes after he came on as a substitute against Ukraine, as the 28-year-old pulled up with a hamstring problem. He is expected to miss at least six weeks while Doue will be out for around four with a calf injury.

For Paris Saint-Germain, it is a double blow ahead of their opening Champions League game of the season, and the club did not hide their frustration. In a statement, the French champions directly criticised the national federation, claiming the injuries to both players were “serious and avoidable".

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Dembele’s absence is even more painful for PSG, given the season he just had. The forward was at the heart of their historic campaign, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists as the club finally lifted their first Champions League trophy. His brilliant season put him into the Ballon d’Or race, with many tipping him as a favourite to win.

The situation has reignited the debate around player welfare and the overloaded calendar. French union president Terrier stressed that FIFA’s control of the international schedule is at the root of the problem and has called for urgent changes. 

WHAT DAVID TERRIER SAID

Speaking to , Terrier highlighted that the problem goes beyond Dembele and Doue’s injuries and even called for governments to intervene.

"We must therefore all work together to put new rules in place as quickly as possible to succeed in protecting the players despite everything," he said. "We are asking the State to intervene since it is impossible, despite numerous communications, actions and complaints, to make FIFA see reason."

He added: "We've been denouncing the overload of international calendars for three or four years. And this will inevitably impact domestic leagues, because top players are playing more and more, for economic reasons. And conversely, the "average" clubs are playing less and less and salaries are falling.

"We're attacking FIFA because it controls the international calendar. It has all the competitions voted on because all the confederation presidents are also FIFA vice-presidents. Attacking FIFA is therefore attacking everyone, the entire football industry. These competitions exist and have grown because the federations didn't oppose them. And the clubs that participated in the Club World Cup were very happy to have done so. 

"Now the question is how we can protect the players. Some say that under these conditions, they are no longer able to play optimally and put on the show expected by the public, who pay for their tickets or their TV subscription. And where we agree with PSG's request is that we demand protocols that better protect football players. This can be medical, but also with rest periods."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE AND PSG?

France will continue in the World Cup qualifiers without Dembele and Doue, with a clash against Iceland on September 9. PSG, meanwhile, will now have to reshape their plans for the coming weeks, with both stars ruled out ahead of a crucial Champions League showdown against Barcelona on October 1.

World Cup winner backs ex-teammates to rise to occasion if paths cross with tournament favourites

Andrew Miller14-Oct-2024Anya Shrubsole says that England’s victories in the white-ball leg of last year’s Ashes will have proved to the players that they are capable of ending Australia’s stranglehold on the Women’s T20 World Cup.Shrubsole, 32, was England’s matchwinner at Lord’s in 2017, famously claiming figures of 6 for 46 to defeat India by nine runs in a thrilling final and claim the 50-over World Cup as their most recent global title.Since then, Heather Knight’s team has reached the last four on four separate occasions across the 20- and 50-over World Cups, including two finals in 2018 and 2022. However, Australia have lifted the trophy on each occasion, most recently in South Africa in February 2023, where they claimed their sixth T20 title in seven stagings since 2010.The Aussies remain the strong favourites for this year’s event in the UAE, having marched through to the semi-finals in an unbeaten start to their campaign. However, England are also flying high on the other side of the draw, and will remain on course to meet Australia in the final if they can avoid defeat to West Indies in their final group match on Tuesday.”England are pretty well placed,” Shrubsole told ESPNcricinfo. “Australia just have that belief that they’re going to win, and more often than not, they do. But I sense from this group, they really do believe that they can beat Australia. And I would argue, at times previously, that out-and-out belief maybe wasn’t there. I think that Ashes [last summer] gives them a huge amount of confidence.”That remarkable series in June and July 2023 ended as an 8-8 draw, with Australia’s victory in the one-off Test at Trent Bridge meaning that England went into the white-ball leg of the series realistically needing at least five victories in the six matches to reclaim the Ashes. In the end, they came agonisingly close, landing 2-1 wins in both the T20I and ODI series, which still amounted to Australia’s first losses in a white-ball bilateral series since 2017-18.Related

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Ecclestone on the mini-battle with Dottin: 'Want to get one-up on each other'

October 15 at the T20 World Cup: England, WI with little room for error as semi-finals race heats up

“It’s one thing doing it in a bilateral series, compared to doing it in a World Cup final, and that’s one of the things that Australia have in their favour,” Shrubsole said. “But that Ashes performance showed that, if England put them under pressure and play really good cricket, they can go toe-to-toe with them.”England’s first three matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup were in Sharjah, where the slow, low surfaces played very much into the squad’s strengths, with no fewer than four frontline spinners featuring in their opening wins over Bangladesh and South Africa. They tweaked that formula a touch in their most recent match against Scotland, with Lauren Bell slotting in as an out-and-out seam option, but Shrubsole is impressed with England’s willingness to dispense with convention and back the options that suited their requirements.”England have got to be agile, but that quartet of spinners has been working really well,” she said. “Linsey Smith bowls so well in the powerplay, it allows Sophie Ecclestone to bowl more through the middle and at the death. But those four spinners are outstanding, and a real asset to England.”England’s captain, Knight, is now approaching her ninth year in the role, having taken over from Charlotte Edwards in June 2016. It’s a tenure that has coincided with the exponential growth of the women’s game, meaning she has needed to be a spokesperson off the pitch as well as a leader on it, and for the most part Shrubsole believes she has balanced those requirements with impressive agility.Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight are key to England’s hopes at the T20 World Cup•Getty Images”She’s had to grow as women’s cricket has grown, and she’s been a real figurehead for that,” Shrubsole said. “She speaks about the game really well, and tries to push the agenda, which can be pretty time-consuming and draining at times, and she’s had to work through a couple of coaches as well in that time. She seems to have really embraced the change that Jon Lewis has brought in. And she’s someone who keeps evolving her game as well, and leading from the front in that perspective.”Knight is one of two survivors from the 2017 final: the other being Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has developed in recent seasons into arguably the most complete batter in the women’s game, and one of the foremost allrounders. She was instrumental in England’s Ashes fightback with back-to-back centuries in the ODIs, while her personal ability to carry the fight on the biggest stage was shown by her heroic 148 not out in the 2023 World Cup final in Christchurch.”One of her biggest strengths is her calmness,” Shrubsole said. “She’s pretty unflappable. She’s the sort of person you’d want in a sticky situation, especially a run-chase. She thinks really clearly about what she’s doing in the game, and when she’s at full flow, she’s pretty hard to bowl at.”She hits the ball harder than probably than any cricketer in the women’s game, especially off the back foot. But she’s just a really calming presence. She’s the sort of person that, when she’s batting, you think everything’s going to be okay.”Shrubsole herself retired from professional cricket at the end of last summer, bowing out in glory at Lord’s once more with victory in the Women’s Hundred final. This month, however, she renewed her association with the ground as she took up a new role as chair of MCC’s Women’s Players and Fixtures sub-committee, with a remit to drive female playing membership at the club.”I’m honoured to be able to give back to cricket a little bit, and hopefully do something that has a meaningful impact,” Shrubsole said, with Lord’s set to host its first women’s Test, against India, in 2025.Lord’s did not admit its first female members until 1999, and last year the club was criticised by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) review for its failure to do more for the women’s game, with the report finding that “the home of cricket was principally a home for men”. However the club’s female playing base has been growing year on year, and Shrubsole hopes that her involvement can help to accelerate that change.”Everyone is aware of the need for MCC to change things a bit with regards to gender equality, but some huge strides have been made in that space, which is really exciting, and hopefully I can help push things on,” Shrubsole said.”In the 14-15 years I was playing for England, if we don’t count the World Cup, we had maybe two or three games at Lord’s, which doesn’t feel like enough. It feels like there should be a Women’s International at Lord’s every summer, but with the Test next year, that seems like it’s moving in the right direction.”Anya Shrubsole is the new chair of MCC’s Women’s Players and Fixtures sub-committee. Anyone interested in joining MCC should contact the Club by emailing [email protected]

Change has very much been afoot for Liverpool this summer, and Arne Slot’s managerial capacity will be put to a new kind of test as he prepares to defend the Premier League title he claimed in his first term at the helm.

Jurgen Klopp parted ways with Liverpool in 2024, and many expected his predecessor to fail in his place. When FSG’s new era failed to bring in significant transfer investment with the 2024/25 campaign kicking off, such concerns were magnified.

This hinges on Newcastle United’s ability to sign a replacement. The Magpies are fighting to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but they are fighting against Manchester United, who are pushing to win the race and concurrently strike a blow to Liverpool’s plans.

However, for all the Florian Wirtz’s and Hugo Ekitike’s and maybe Isak’s too, Slot also has command of one of European football’s most exciting up-and-comers.

And Rio Ngumoha is showcasing his potential to become a mainstay in the years to come.

Rio Ngumoha's potential at Liverpool

Ngumoha turned 16 one month ago, and already he’s establishing himself as an important part of Liverpool’s pre-season plans, starring against Preston North End before claiming an assist against AC Milan and scoring against Yokohama FM in Japan.

The silky winger’s performance against Milan, Serie A giants, was particularly striking: as per Sofascore, he complemented his assist with two key passes, three successful dribbles and four won duels.

But perhaps he truly came into his own against Yokohama, making mazy runs the (admittedly inferior) opponents knew not how to handle.

While Luis Diaz’s £65.5m sale to Bayern Munich has polarised the fanbase, there’s little question that Ngumoha has the potential to become a star every bit as bright down the line.

After the event, The Athletic’s James Pearce, who was in attendance, said, “This kid is a joy to watch.”

Liverpool discuss move for Diaz heir

Plenty of rumours have floated about in recent weeks, with speculation rife over Diaz’s future and who could be welcomed to the fold in his place.

But Fabrizio Romano has shed some concrete information on the matter, revealing to GIVEMESPORT that Lyon’s Malick Fofana has been discussed internally, although a bid or indeed talks have not yet started.

Everton have submitted a bid and are hopeful that they will add the 20-year-old Fofana to their ranks, but he is holding out for a club boasting Champions League football. A club like Liverpool.

Furthermore, Newcastle have registered their own interest this summer, with reports claiming it would take a £43m fee for Lyon to part with their prospect.

Why Liverpool want Malick Fofana

Fofana is only young, but he’s already demonstrated his quality. After the 2024/25 campaign, talent scout Jacek Kulig remarked that he’s “still a bit inconsistent, but already showing flashes of his enormous potential.”

And it’s that enormous potential which has charmed the Liverpool data analysts, for Fofana has caused quite the stir across his season-and-a-half with Lyon, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists across 64 matches.

Fofana would be a work in progress, for sure, but you can see why Liverpool fancy him as the successor to Diaz’s place in Slot’s squad. He’s got a goalscoring focus to his game, and he’s versatile too.

Goals scored

0.47

0.48

Assists

0.21

0.15

Shots taken

1.84

2.52

Shot-creating actions

3.38

4.34

Goal-creating actions

0.60

0.53

Touches (att pen)

6.08

6.18

Pass completion

77.1%

83.5%

Progressive passes

2.44

3.95

Progressive carries

6.72

3.98

Successful take-ons

1.41

2.17

Tackles + interceptions

1.84

1.69

However, with Cody Gakpo already on the left flank and with Ekitike’s high-speed running and controlled dribbling sure to be utilised on the left at times if Liverpool sign Isak, should they really be investing in such a player as Fofana when Ngumoha is pushing to make waves on the senior stage?

The English talent may only be young, but he’s got the makings of something special, so powerful and balanced on the ball, carrying the seeds of prolific potential.

Of course, neither player will provide the solution to the loss of Diaz’s experience, but might Fofana end up inhibiting Ngumoha’s development, just when he’s getting ready to take the next step?

Praised for his “electric” style by content creator Dev Bajwa, Fofana could prove a jackpot signing for the Reds, to be sure, with similarities to Diaz’s athletic approach to the game.

And, of course, there’s no reason why Ngumoha won’t have the chance to showcase his quality at some stage next season, even if Fofana were added to the fold, although such an addition would be an obvious obstacle to first-team opportunities.

And it’s clear, too, that the Belgium international has the potential to become something special in the Premier League, and it’s clear that Diaz does need replacing.

This is a nuanced issue, and one that sporting director Richard Hughes will have given a lot of heed to.

Liverpool have emerged as the leading club in England since Slot arrived at Anfield, so those of a Liverpool persuasion should have no problem entrusting their faith in the powers that be, whose judgment and shrewd planning have set the club up for another sustained period of success.

The new Salah: Liverpool agree personal terms to sign "world-class" star

Liverpool are preparing to sign a new forward as Luis Diaz leaves for Bayern Munich.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 30, 2025

Bayer Leverkusen have finally appointed a successor to Erik ten Hag, as ex-Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou misses out on the job.

Ex-Man Utd boss lasted two games of new seasonFormer Tottenham manager linked with postReins set to be handed to experienced Danish coachFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Interest in the former Celtic and Tottenham manager was said to have been shown after the decision was taken to sever ties with Ten Hag. The Dutch tactician was relieved of his duties in Leverkusen just two games into the 2025-26 campaign.

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The ex-Manchester United and Ajax boss failed to convince club bosses after being drafted in as successor to Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso over the summer. The decision was quickly taken to make another change in the dugout.

DID YOU KNOW?

Leverkusen finally confirmed the appointment of Kasper Hjulmand as their next head coach in an announcement on Monday. The Bundesliga side's statement read: "Kasper Hjulmand signs on as the new head coach for Bayer 04. Warm welcome to Leverkusen, Coach!"

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Hjulmand spent four years in charge of the Denmark national team between 2020 and 2024. He does boast prior experience of life in Germany, but only lasted six months during a forgettable stint in charge of Mainz during the 2014-15 campaign.