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India are already aware they are in for a fight with New Zealand 143 ahead in difficult batting conditions in Mumbai

Alagappan Muthu02-Nov-20245:05

Gill rates Mumbai innings as ‘one of my better knocks in Tests’

A see-sawing Test match in difficult batting conditions in Mumbai is approaching a thrilling end. New Zealand have a lead of 143, which is already approaching the highest successful total chased down at the Wankhede Stadium. India have one more wicket to take and they are already conscious of getting it as quickly as possible because they realise they are in for a fight.”Any run saved in this innings is going to be much more when we chase it down,” R Ashwin told the host broadcaster on Saturday. “It’s not going to be easy. We’ll have to bat really well to get this score.”Ajaz Patel, who picked up a five-for to go with his 10-for in 2021, is still out there batting and he knows that whatever he can scrounge up with the No. 11 Will O’Rourke could be telling on a pitch that has produced 16 single-digit scores and encourages hope that one wicket could bring a whole bunch.Related

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“It’s really important, every run out there counts and I guess I’m still at the crease now so my job is to try and put 10, 15, 20 whatever I can on the board because I know that getting those 10, 15, 20 could be hard work at the back end of that other innings.”Ajaz also pointed out another trend that’s been seen over the course of this Test match. “I think if we have seen the pattern in terms of the wicket, I guess, over the last couple of days, in the morning it probably doesn’t do as much as the afternoon.”There were three wickets in the first session of day one, and 11 thereafter. Similarly, there was one wicket in the morning on day two and 14 thereafter.Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant put up a solid stand for India•AFP/Getty Images”Whether that’s due to the rolling or whether that’s due to the heat and the wicket drying up throughout the day, I’m unsure,” Ajaz said. “So it’ll be interesting to see how that wicket plays tomorrow morning, whether it kind of reacts the same way or whether it’s a little bit different. So yeah it’s certainly I guess in the morning if it’s not doing as much, trying to bat as long as possible so that we can wait for it to dry out and start turning again.”Whatever target that is put in front of them, India are backing themselves to get it.”I mean it’s all about one good partnership,” Shubman Gill, who top-scored for them in the first innings with 90 off 146, said. “When you are chasing the total which is around 150-160, if you have one good partnership of 70-80 runs, the match is done and dusted. So that’s what the conversation will be among the batters, to have one good partnership.”And then when you know, even for the fielding team, once there is a 70-80 run partnership, even when we saw today, then when you are chasing 150, the body language of the opposition also drops.”Sunday dawns with one team pushing for a historic whitewash and the other desperate to re-establish their winning ways.

While they might not have the trophies to show for it, West Ham United have been blessed with a number of brilliant players over the last decade or so.

In the current team, you have Jarrod Bowen, who’d likely get a game for every club in the Premier League, and then you go back a little further, and you get to stars like Declan Rice and Dimitri Payet.

However, when it comes to a player loved by the Irons faithful but criminally underrated by outside fans, it’s hard to look past Manuel Lanzini.

The Argentine midfielder made 226 appearances for the East Londoners, produced 58 goal involvements – including that one against Tottenham Hotspur – and then left as a firm fan favourite to join River Plate two years ago.

So it’s undoubtedly great news that West Ham now remain keen on signing an up-and-coming talent who could end up becoming their new Lanzini.

West Ham target their new Lanzini

So far, it would be fair to describe West Ham’s summer business as simply okay.

Transfer Focus

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

The signing of Kyle Walker-Peters on a free looks like a clever bit of business and Mads Hermansen and El Hadji Malick Diouf could well improve Graham Potter’s starting lineup.

However, even for free, Callum Wilson is an underwhelming addition, as he was only able to score a single goal for Newcastle United last season.

Fortunately, the Hammers aren’t done in the market just yet, as it now looks like they’re doing what they can to sign an exciting midfielder who could be their new Lanzini.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, who has revealed that West Ham remain interested in Mateus Fernandes.

More than that, McAdam claims that even though Southampton rejected their opening offer of £30m for the Portuguese star, “talks are continuing.”

However, it could end up being a particularly expensive transfer to get over the line, as the Saints are now asking for “closer to £50m” for the 21-year-old.

Nevertheless, Fernandes’ ability and sky-high potential make this a deal worth pursuing, especially as he could be West Ham’s new Lanzini.

Why Fernandes could be West Ham's new Lanzini

When he was at his best at West Ham, Lanzini was a technically proficient maestro who, from the middle of the park, was capable of creating and scoring chances as well as helping to control the pace of the game.

After all, you don’t amass as many appearances for a Premier League side as he did if you aren’t a seriously talented player.

So it’s exciting that, in Fernandes, Potter could be getting his hands on a player capable of fulfilling that same role.

Now, the Portuguese gem may have ultimately succumbed to relegation with Southampton last season, but it was most certainly not his fault.

On top of passing the eye-test with his silky ability on the ball and his “perfectly weighted through balls,” as analyst Ben Mattinson described them, he put up some simply sensational underlying numbers.

% of Aerials Won

62.5%

Top 2%

Tackles (Def 3rd)

1.39

Top 3%

Tackles

2.75

Top 5%

Ball Recoveries

5.54

Top 5%

Interceptions

0.87

Top 7%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

26.82

Top 9%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.03

Top 10%

Passes Completed (Long)

3.40

Top 11%

Passes Attempted (Long)

6.06

Top 11%

Dribblers Tackled

1.02

Top 11%

Pass Completion % (Medium)

85.9%

Top 14%

Passes into Final Third

3.03

Top 14%

Shots Blocked

0.25

Top 14%

Total Passing Distance

569.45

Top 15%

Blocks

1.33

Top 15%

For example, FBref ranked him in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for percentage of aerial duels won, the top 5% for tackles and ball recoveries, the top 11% for long passes attempted and completed and the top 14% for passes into the final third, all per 90.

These numbers paint the picture of a team player who can be relied upon to do the hard yards and defensive work, while still possessing the passing and technical ability to get the ball into dangerous areas – sound familiar?

Moreover, despite playing for a team that came dangerously close to taking Derby County’s most unwanted of records last season, the “exceptional” midfielder, as dubbed by Mattinson, was still able to score three goals and provide six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.

Ultimately, while it might take some time, Fernandes appears to have the drive, determination, and technical skill to become Potter’s own Lanzini, and therefore, West Ham should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.

Potter's answer to Baleba: West Ham in talks to sign midfield monster

The up-and-coming talent could develop into a superstar under Potter’s tutelage at West Ham United…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 11, 2025

He was reported for a suspect action during a county game in September and subsequent testing found his action to be illegal

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Dec-2024Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in all competitions organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), after his action was found illegal at independent testing at Loughborough University earlier this month. Shakib’s action had been called into question by the umpires in September, in his one-off appearance for Surrey in the County Championship.To overturn the suspension, Shakib will need to pass an independent reassessment of his action – that is, his degree of elbow extension in testing will need to be below the 15-degree threshold laid out in the regulations.The suspension is officially dated from December 10, the date when the ECB received the results of the assessment from Loughborough University.Shakib claimed nine wickets in that match for Surrey in Taunton in September, his first appearance in county cricket since 2010-11.Of late, Shakib’s career has been marred by controversy stemming from his role as a Member of Parliament in the now overturned Awami League government in Bangladesh, following protests in which several hundred civilians – mostly university students – were killed in July and August. He has retired from T20Is and eventually withdrew from travelling to Bangladesh (he is based in the USA with his family) for what would have been his farewell Test in Mirpur in October, as protests – for and against him – were staged in Dhaka. He has not played international cricket since then.

Thomas Muller channelled his inner Harry Kane as he paid tribute to his former Bayern Munich teammate after scoring his first hat-trick for new club Vancouver Whitecaps, who demolished Philadelphia Union 7-0. Since completing a free transfer to Vancouver this summer, the Germany legend has appeared in three matches in MLS and has four goals.

Muller's first MLS hat-trick with Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver moved up to third place in the Western Conference table after a thumping 7-0 win over Philadelphia on Saturday. After opening his account against St. Louis CITY in their last game, Muller scored his first hat-trick since completing a move to MLS.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMuller takes inspiration from Kane after scoring three times

Muller marked his 36th birthday with a stellar outing. After the match-winning performance, the Germany legend paid tribute to his former Bayern Munich team-mates, including close friend Kane, as he showed off his match ball. In the Bundesliga, the England captain scored a brace in Bayern's mauling of Hamburg. 

What did Muller say to Kane?

Muller shared a reaction video on social media where he can seen saying: "What a great night tonight! We got a win against Philadelphia. Thanks to my team-mates, obviously, they did a great job to set me up for a hat-trick. Thank you all for all your birthday wishes. I am very happy to win with my Whitecaps and also greetings to my former team-mates from Bayern Munich and especially to Harry Kane. Harry, now I know how you feel."

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Getty ImagesWhen is Muller playing next?

Muller will be back in action for the Whitecaps on Tuesday as they face Forge in the second leg of their Canadian Championship semi-final clash. 

Manchester United’s midfield remains a point of tension, even after a summer of heavy investment.

The club has already spent over £200m bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, yet the same concerns linger at the base of midfield.

Manuel Ugarte, signed for £50m from Paris Saint-Germain last year and once viewed as a long-term solution, has drawn consistent criticism from supporters.

His performance in the opening-day defeat to Arsenal was another example: combative, yes, but lacking composure.

Rúben Amorim, who knows Ugarte from their days together at Sporting Lisbon, has yet to coax the same dominant form out of him at Old Trafford.

United fans argue that while Ugarte was brought in to shield the defence and free up the attack, the side requires a more athletic and intelligent option.

Particularly with Casemiro’s contract expiring next summer and Bruno Fernandes’ future subject to constant speculation from Saudi Arabia.

Man Utd enquire to sign Premier League star

After last season’s misery – a 15th-place league finish compounded by a Europa League final defeat to Spurs – Amorim is under pressure to get this rebuild right.

Transfer Focus

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

United’s absence from European competition this season gives them a unique chance to reset, but only if the midfield is corrected.

That is why the club has now begun exploring not just a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba but also another of the Premier League’s most highly rated young players.

According to United in Focus, Manchester United have enquired about Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Journalist Graeme Bailey told the publication: “We can confirm United have made enquiries this week and are contemplating whether to make a move. Wharton is a player United have a long-term interest in, and like with Baleba, they feel he would offer them something different.”

This alternative pursuit follows the collapse of their interest in Baleba, whose valuation was deemed too high.

Wharton, however, will hardly be cheap. Palace are expected to demand in excess of £100m, particularly with Tottenham closing in on Eberechi Eze – a deal that would strengthen Palace’s hand in resisting further departures.

An upgrade on Ugarte

Wharton has quickly built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most complete young midfielders.

Henry Winter hailed him as a “pressing machine” after Palace’s FA Cup semi-final win over Aston Villa last season, and his ability to blend relentless energy with intelligence on the ball has attracted suitors across Europe.

Real Madrid are among the clubs who continue to monitor him closely which marks a remarkable rise. Still only 21, Wharton was signed by Palace from Blackburn for just £18m in January 2024.

He made 27 appearances across all competitions last season, registering two league assists, though his progress was interrupted by a groin injury that kept him out for 17 matches. He was also part of England’s Euro 2024 squad, even if he didn’t make an appearance at the tournament.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner regards him as indispensable, particularly as the club plays in the Conference League this season.

Wharton himself has already shown he can rise to the occasion, standing out against Liverpool in the Community Shield when he set up Palace’s equaliser.

His blend of maturity, physicality, and incisive passing explains why United believe he could be the answer to their midfield conundrum.

The numbers tell their own story. Ugarte may have been named in the Copa América Team of the Tournament with Uruguay last summer, but his United form has yet to convince.

Too often he offers industry without incision – a contrast sharply illustrated when compared with Wharton’s output.

According to FBref, Wharton ranks in the 91st percentile for both key passes (1.78 per 90) and progressive passes (7.31 per 90), as well as the 93rd percentile for shot-creating actions (4.03 per 90).

He also completes 6.97 ball recoveries per 90 (96th percentile), underlining his ability to both win possession and instantly turn defence into attack.

Add in his 93rd-percentile rate for successful challenges against dribblers (3.00 per 90), and you have a midfielder capable of shielding the defence while also driving his team forward.

Ugarte, by contrast, has struggled with these progressive metrics.

Matches

29

Starts

22

Progressive Carries

16

Progressive Passes

61

Pass Completion Rate

87.9%

Tackles

77

Blocks

33

Though combative and reliable in duels, his passing range is limited, and his decision-making under pressure remains a weakness in United’s build-up play.

Amorim’s system – one that requires midfielders to knit transitions at pace and resist the press – exposes those flaws.

It is precisely why Wharton feels like such a natural fit.

The financial aspect complicates things, however. Spending £100m on Wharton would represent another statement of intent from the INEOS ownership.

But with the club not in any form of European competition this season, United must tread carefully financially to avoid any PSR breach.

They also must demonstrate to the fans that there is a pathway back to the top.

Signing one of England’s brightest midfielders – a player already drawing comparisons with the league’s most effective ball-progressors – would go a long way to proving that point.

Beyond numbers, Wharton offers something less tangible but equally vital: composure. Wharton has shown an ability to dictate tempo and control rhythm.

That balance between intensity and calm is something United have lacked since Michael Carrick’s days, and it’s no surprise Amorim views him as the kind of profile capable of transforming the side.

The move will be difficult. But if United truly want to replace Ugarte with a midfielder who can elevate both their defensive stability and attacking fluency, Wharton looks the obvious candidate.

For a fanbase desperate to see progress after a decade of malaise, he represents not just an upgrade, but a potential cornerstone for the club’s future.

His best display for Man Utd: £60m star is as undroppable as Mbeumo & Cunha

Manchester United suffered defeat in their first game of the new season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 17, 2025

Serhou Guirassy has apparently still not resolved the penalty dispute with Ramy Bensebaini. Although Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac recently emphasised that the penalty dispute between the duo in the 4-4 draw against Juventus in the Champions League had already been resolved, this does not seem to be the case after Dortmund squandered a two-goal advantage to share the points.

Dortmund duo indulge in altercation over penalty

On Tuesday, Dortmund were awarded a penalty in their Champions League opener against Juventus with the score reading 3-2 in favour of the Black and Yellows. Juve's Lloyd Kelly handled the ball in the 86th minute, which gave a chance to the visitors to put the tie to bed. 

A dispute then broke out between Bensebaini and Guirassy over who should take the penalty. Guirassy, who is the regular penalty taker, tried to take the ball, but gave in after instructions from coach Kovac and the intervention of teammates Julia Brandt and Karim Adeyemi. Bensebaini confidently converted to make it 4-2, and the conflict seemed to have been resolved for the time being amid the celebrations.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGuirassy upset over losing penalty duties

Guirassy is said to have remained irritated and annoyed about being dropped by Kovac as first-choice penalty taker – and that Bensebaini is now being given preference instead. According to , this led to a clarifying discussion between Guirassy and Kovac, which was also attended by sporting director Sebastian Kehl. Guirassy explained his view of the situation during this discussion.

Kovac clears the air

"It was clearly defined that Ramy should take the penalty if we got one," Kovac revealed after the match, but he also understood where Guirassy was coming from. 

"Of course, I understand that Serhou wants to score the goal because he had the chance to shoot. But it was clearly defined [that Bensebaini would take the penalty], but everything is fine. We're not making a mountain out of a molehill."

The manager added: "Ramy scored it confidently and Serhou was happy. We were all happy. Everything is fine. There are no hard feelings. We are a team and the two get on very well anyway. There are no repercussions.

"Ramy is now the number one [penalty taker]. Unless, at some point, he is kind enough to say: 'Serhou, you can take the shot now.' Actually, Ramy should do it now. Until he maybe misses one – which I don't believe will happen and I hope doesn't happen."

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AFPWhen do Dortmund play their next Champions League game?

Dortmund won't be pleased with conceding two late goals in their 4-4 draw against the Old Lady. In their next European outing, they will take on Spanish outfit Athletic Club at the Signal Iduna Park on October 1, after facing Wolfsburg and Mainz in the Bundesliga.

He has been picked in India’s Champions Trophy squad, subject to fitness

Nagraj Gollapudi18-Jan-20251:11

Why was Rana preferred over Siraj?

India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will test his match fitness by playing the third ODI against England on February 12 in Ahmedabad. India’s selectors and the team management are hopeful the plan works out so that Bumrah is ready to play the Champions Trophy.Bumrah was named in India’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy with an asterisk against his name, implying his inclusion is subject to fitness. Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, said that based on the information BCCI’s medical team shared on Bumrah, he wouldn’t be fit for the first two ODIs against England on February 6 and February 9. He had suffered back spasms that prevented him from bowling on the final day of the Sydney Test.”With Bumrah, we are waiting to hear about his fitness and when he’s likely to be available,” Agarkar said in Mumbai on Saturday while announcing the Indian squads for the England series and the Champions Trophy. “At the moment I don’t think he [Bumrah] is likely to be fit for the first couple of games [of England series] at least from what we gather. We will probably hear more in the next week or so about his fitness.”Related

Shami puts in the hard yards at India's first training session ahead of England T20Is

Bumrah, Jaiswal and Kuldeep picked in India's Champions Trophy squad

Delhi and India fast bowler Harshit Rana will be part of the squad for the England series as cover for Bumrah. While Rana made his Test debut in Australia during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he is uncapped in ODI and T20I cricket. The BCCI has issued no official update on Bumrah, who had briefly left the ground after lunch on the second day of the Sydney Test due to back spasms. The concerns grew the next day when Bumrah did not come out to bowl though he had batted in India’s second innings.While Agarkar said he has asked the BCCI to send out a media release, outlining the medical report, ESPNcricinfo has learned Bumrah’s injury is stress related. Though the first round of tests did not reveal a stress fracture in the back, it is understood the discomfort Bumrah suffered was related to his workload in the five Tests in Australia. He bowled 151.2 overs in nine innings, taking 32 wickets at an average of 13.06 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.1:11

Why was Rana preferred over Siraj?

Accordingly, on advice from medical experts, the BCCI decided to allow Bumrah to rest for at least five weeks (the Sydney Test finished on January 5) after which he will undergo another scan to determine if he can return to action. Agarkar confirmed the time frame.”I know he was asked to offload for five weeks of bowling, which is early first week February if I’m not wrong,” Agarkar said. “And we’ll probably find out a bit more around that time what exactly and with regards to what his medical condition is. I’m sure BCCI might just put something out from the physio itself. It’s better it comes from the medical department than me trying to explain what exactly is wrong with him. But that’s the time frame that we’ve been told. And hopefully, he’s okay after that.”Asked if the selectors had pencilled in a reserve if Bumrah doesn’t recover in time for the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19, Agarkar said his panel was “just hoping Bumrah’s fit. We will have a chat if he’s not fit.”India play three ODIs against England on February 6, 9 and 12 – their first ODIs since the tour of Sri Lanka in August last year – before the Champions Trophy. India are in Group A at the Champions Trophy and begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, after which they play Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 2. India play all their matches in Dubai because their government refused to let the team travel to Pakistan.

After a pretty miserable couple of weeks in which West Ham United lost games against Sunderland, Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers, there is finally reason to be optimistic about this season.

Yes, after weeks of stories about offers being made and rejected, Graham Potter has finally been handed his new midfield star in Mateus Fernandes.

The former Southampton ace cost the club in excess of £40m, but considering how well he played in his first Premier League season last year, that’s not bad value at all.

Moreover, if reports are to be believed, the Hammers are now keen to add another signing to the squad, someone Fernandes would love to play with.

West Ham target perfect teammate for Fernandes

While things aren’t looking great on the pitch at the moment, West Ham’s summer is starting to look like a decent one, at least from an incomings perspective.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, in addition to Fernandes, the club have signed the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, El Hadji Malick Diouf, and Soungoutou Magassa, who is should be announced before the team play Nottingham Forest tomorrow afternoon.

Moreover, the East Londoners appear keen to make further additions to the squad and are eyeing a move for someone who’d be a brilliant teammate for Fernandes.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who has claimed West Ham are interested in Quinten Timber.

The German journalist has revealed that the Hammers are now “exploring” a deal to sign the Netherlands international, who Feyenoord value at £25m, per reports from earlier this summer.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his quality, Timber would be more than worth it, especially as he’d be a great teammate for Fernandes.

Why Timber would be a great teammate for Fernandes

So, the first, and arguably one of the most important reasons Fernandes will love playing with Timber is his surprisingly decent level of output.

We say surprisingly decent for the simple fact that the Dutchman is primarily a central midfielder, but as his numbers from last season show, he is more than capable of producing goals and assists.

For example, in his 26 appearances last season, totalling 2054 minutes, the “extraordinary” midfielder, as dubbed by Mikel Arteta, scored six goals and provided one assist, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.71 games, or every 293.42 minutes.

Appearances

26

Minutes

2054′

Goals

6

Assists

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.26

Minutes per Goal Involvement

293.42′

While those aren’t ground-breaking numbers, it will be reassuring for the Hammers’ new Portuguese manager to know that the responsibility of producing goal involvements won’t fall solely on his shoulders.

The next reason the Dutchman would be such a brilliant teammate for the Irons’ new ace is his experience and leadership.

Despite still being just 24 years old, the former Ajax prospect has made 105 appearances for Feyenoord and 33 for Utrecht, and has won five senior caps for the Netherlands.

Moreover, he’s also the captain of De Stadionclub, so, in addition to knowing he can contribute with goals and assists, the former Saints gem will be able to rely on the “superb” midfielder, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, for guidance and leadership.

Ultimately, Timber would be an excellent signing on his own, but by playing him alongside Fernandes, West Ham could maximise the potential of both.

Their new Rice: West Ham now exploring move for £17m star after Magassa

The combative star would be an excellent signing for Graham Potter and West Ham.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 28, 2025

William Osula’s deadline day move to Eintracht Frankfurt collapsed at the last moment after Newcastle United's Saudi owners intervened when the Bundesliga side walked back on a deal that was virtually agreed. Now, with Yoane Wissa sidelined through injury, the 22-year-old has stayed put, hit form in the Carabao Cup, and emerged as an unlikely top scorer so far.

What went wrong with Frankfurt's Osula deal?

A permanent deal worth around £30 million ($40m) was close to completion before Frankfurt wanted to switch the terms to a loan with an option to buy. As per the , Newcastle still looked ready to accept until Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the club's majority owner, pulled the plug. Despite a proposed loan fee exceeding £6m, the feeling was that the new structure of the deal favoured the German side more.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesOsula's fortune changing at Newcastle after Wissa's injury

Osula's non-transfer has quickly turned into a blessing for Newcastle after Wissa's injury. The Danish forward has featured in all five league games and scored three times across all competitions. Without his goals, Eddie Howe's side might have been left even more exposed after a poor attacking start to the campaign.

Getty Images SportDoes Howe view Osula as a starter over Woltemade?

The 22-year-old netted twice in a 4-1 Carabao Cup win over Bradford, becoming Newcastle’s top scorer so far this season. His rise has surprised many, given he only joined from Sheffield United a year ago. Now, Howe must weigh up whether to start him against Arsenal or turn back to club record signing Nick Woltemade.

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Newcastle up against Arsenal next

Osula's form gives Howe a welcome selection dilemma heading into the clash with Arsenal. Confidence is high, and the Dane is expected to play a part regardless of his starting status. What looked like a lost opportunity on deadline day could yet help define Newcastle's season.

Jensen picked up the injury in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Mar-2025New Zealand will be without seamer Hayley Jensen for the ODIs against Sri Lanka after she picked up an injury while warming up in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final. She has been replaced by left-arm spinner Fran Jonas, head coach Ben Sawyer said on Monday.”Jensen will be reassessed before the T20I series,” Sawyer said. “Hopefully she can get back in time but it will be up to the physios how she goes. Jonas will fly in tonight and join the team in the morning.”Related

Athapaththu to leave WPL early to play for Sri Lanka

Penfold ruled out of Sri Lanka, Australia series

Bella James ruled out of Sri Lanka ODIs; Down named replacement

Jensen – who was set to make her comeback to the national side after a two-year absence – becomes the second Otago player to be ruled out of the ODIs against Sri Lanka. Bella James also picked up a hamstring injury during the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield competition, and was subsequently replaced in the ODI squad by Lauren Down.New Zealand are also without Sophie Devine – who has “prioritised her well-being” and taken a break from the game – while Amelia Kerr is set to miss the series due to her Women’s Premier League (WPL) commitment with Mumbai Indians. Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair and Molly Penfold were not available for the ODI series either due to injuries. Suzie Bates is the stand-in captain in Devine’s absence.The three-match ODI series kicks off on March 4 in Napier before the teams move to Nelson for the next two encounters on March 7 and 9. New Zealand are trying to snap a three-game losing streak in ODIs while Sri Lanka want to bounce back after losing their last ODI series against Ireland in Belfast 2-1.