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It isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that Tottenham could green-light a shock departure this summer, amid the uncertainty surrounding club captain Son Heung-min’s future.

£40m star hints he's prepared to join Tottenham as Spurs speak with his camp

Spurs have been handed a much-needed boost.

4 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 30, 2025

Thomas Frank has worked with Son extensively during pre-season, despite his credible links with a move away from N17 before deadline day on September 1, and the Dane continues to play down speculation by suggesting Son is key to his plans.

“I think everyone knows that Son has been one of the best players at Tottenham in the past 10 years. I think he’s been hugely successful from the left wing,” said Frank in a recent press conference.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“I also think he’s had some fantastic games down the middle as a number nine. So it’s important to have players who can play in more than one position, and it’s about having your best players on the pitch and available.

“So the thing about Sonny is that he will always score goals, and it’s just about getting him in those situations.”

However, MLS side Los Angeles FC are lurking in the background, as they offer Son a move to the States with personal terms reportedly close to being agreed (GiveMeSport).

Star defender Romero was regularly linked with a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid all summer too. However, reports of the Argentine’s potential move to La Liga have died down, especially after Diego Simeone’s side completed a deal for David Hancko from Feyenoord.

Right now, Son is their most likely high-profile departure alongside Yves Bissouma, with the South Korea international poised to hold crunch talks over his future once Spurs return from their pre-season tour of Asia (GMS).

However, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, the 33-year-old and Bissouma could even be joined by playmaker James Maddison.

Tottenham could green-light "surprise" James Maddison exit

As per the reporter, speaking on We Are Tottenham TV this week, Tottenham could green-light a “surprise” exit for Maddison if the right offer comes in, even if they’re not actively pushing to sell.

“There could be a slight surprise possibility that James Maddison is a player they would listen to offers for, without necessarily forcing him out of the door,” Jacobs said.

“What happened last season was that Maddison was in and out, he lacked fitness at times and consistency even when he was fit. I don’t think it’s unthinkable that they would listen to offers at the right price, but it’s not a case of trying to force him out or transfer list him, it’s not their plan that he will leave, but there could be consideration to offers at the right price.”

The 28-year-old, despite suffering from his fair share of fitness problems (something he had in common with almost the entire Tottenham squad last season), still managed 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions and put in some crucial performances.

Letting Maddison leave, especially given their need for more creativity going forward, would be a bold move to say the least.

Any offer would need to be a handsome one, and ex-Spurs scout Bryan King believes Daniel Levy would only entertain bids at a minimum of £50 million, potentially up to £60m.

“They will want at least £50m. I would say anywhere between £50-60million would be accepted,” King told Tottenham News in April.

“Maddison has had some positive moments at Tottenham and got himself into the England team. However, he has also lost his place in the England team due to his inconsistency.”

حقق فريق ريال مدريد فوزًا مهمًا على خصمه إسبانيول، عصر السبت، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، ولكن لم يمر الأمر مرور الكرام بسبب اللاعب فينيسيوس جونيور.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد وإسبانيول، في الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإسباني، حيث حقق الملكي فوزًا بهدفين دون رد.

وشارك اللاعب فينيسيوس جونيور في مباراة ريال مدريد اليوم ضد إسبانيول، كأساسي، قبل قرار استبداله من جانب المدرب تشابي ألونسو في الدقيقة 77.

وذكرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية أن قرار تشابي ألونسو لم ينل إعجاب فينيسيوس جونيو، وأظهر الأخير رد فعل غاضب بشكل ملحوظ عند اتخاذ قرار استبداله من المدرب الإسباني.

وأوضحت أنه بمجرد رؤية فينيسيوس جونيور للوحة الإلكترونية التي تحمل رقمه، من أجل التغيير، ألقى زجاجة مياه كان يشربها على خط التماس، ورفع ذراعيه من أجل الشكوى علنًا أمام أنظار ألونسو.

وأشارت “ماركا” إلى أن فينيسيوس جونيور لم يتفهم قرار تشابي ألونسو على الإطلاق، حيث شعر بحيرة وغضب شديد، وتوجه مباشرة إلى غرفة الملابس بمجرد استبداله، قبل عودته من جديد في وقت لاحق من اللقاء لمتابعة ما تبقى منه.

يأتي هذا رغم تقليل المدرب تشابي ألونسو مما حدث في تصريحاته الصحفية عقب المباراة (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا)، ولكن ذلك الموقف يأتي في ظل تقلبات خطيرة تتعلق بفشل مفاوضات تجديد عقد البرازيلي مع ريال مدريد.

Former NZ batter had his life ban for corrupt activities revised in 2023

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Aug-2024Lou Vincent, the former New Zealand international, received a special cap earlier this month to commemorate his 100th ODI, nearly 17 years since the milestone in 2007. Sir Richard Hadlee presented Vincent the cap in Auckland at a small ceremony attended by Vincent’s family and some former team-mates.”It was a lovely way to be acknowledged for my cricketing career, and to be able to use the night as an avenue to say thank you very, very much to people who’ve been by my side through the great times and the tricky times,” Vincent told The Post. “It was a really memorable, special night with some lovely words spoken.”Vincent, who finished with 2413 runs in 102 ODIs, also played 23 Tests and nine T20Is between 2001 and 2007. He then played in the now-defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL) and was on the domestic circuit until 2014, when he was banned for life by the ECB for corrupt activities on the county circuit.In December 2023, the ECB revised the punishment, allowing Vincent to return to working in domestic cricket.Related

Lou Vincent to address conference in Melbourne with 'powerful message to the next generation'

Vincent banned for life by ECB

Lou Vincent's life ban revised, allowing him to return to domestic cricket

“The past is the past,” Vincent said in Auckland. “It was powerful that I had such huge support for the application for the ban to be appealed and there was no opposition from the ECB, they fully respected the work I’d done behind the scenes over the last few years and using my experiences to help educate the next generation of players.”NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said the board had been sitting on Vincent’s commemorative cap “for probably 13 years.””The reality is, you can’t forget what he actually did and he would be the first to admit that, but he’s done his penance and no one has done more to fight match-fixing than he has by being so open and telling everything that he knew,” Weenink said. “When the opportunity came, it was really the least we could do to present him with his cap.”According to Vincent, Hadlee – the former chairman of selectors who had first picked him for New Zealand – was in tears while presenting the cap.”I was able to say to him ‘Richard, you are New Zealand Cricket, you are the best player we’ve ever had, you’ve achieved so much, and for you to take time out and fly to Auckland to want to present this cap to me is so, so humbling and a reflection of the great man you are,” Vincent said. “And he was in tears. Sir Richard Hadlee in tears!”Vincent’s 100th ODI appearance came in Cape Town in December 2007, where he scored 18 and also took his only ODI wicket by dismissing Jacques Kallis. Now 45, and slowly returning to cricket, Vincent recently turned out for Seddon Cricket Club and was involved in a five-day match to raise awareness on men’s mental health.”Life moves on, and my life has moved on now. I’ve been blessed with a little son, and I’ve got two daughters who are teenagers,” Vincent said. “To have the opportunity to start a family again and be settled in the far north and have the beach life – a simple life – this is all I’m focused on now.”

There was a point last season when Liverpool had established a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League yet still failed to earn the respect and, perhaps, fear, of their closest title rivals.

You might have traced it back further. Before a ball had been kicked, BBC Sport’s 30 experts had a go at naming their pick for the league champion. Each of the pundits failed to choose Liverpool, who won the Premier League at a canter, ten points ahead of Arsenal at the finish despite loosening standards across the final four fixtures.

In fact, Stephen Warnock and Fara Williams were the only BBC Sport pundits to declare Liverpool would finish in the top two. Make no mistake, the Reds were hardly expected to challenge for the title after losing Jurgen Klopp, but Klopp left an incredible, dynamic team behind, and FSG bagged Slot gold, having barely dipped into the transfer market.

Is it any wonder Liverpool have attacked the market with such vicious intent? The Merseysiders have spent around £200m this summer and more is yet to come, with striker Hugo Ekitike and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi both fixed at the top of the shopping list.

In Guehi’s case, Eagles chairman Steve Parish might prove to be too tricky a negotiator, pricing his captain at £50m despite their being just one year remaining on his contract.

But should Liverpool push ahead all the same?

Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi

Liverpool could wrap up their transfer window right now and be content. Who wouldn’t after signing Florian Wirtz for a British-record £116m fee? The German talent, plucked from his heralded position in the Bundesliga, could revolutionise the Anfield side.

But Liverpool would like to pack more quality across other positions. Sporting director Richard Hughes tried and failed to convince Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen to join from Bournemouth in May, but in Guehi, Liverpool might find the perfect alternative.

His leadership and composure, technical qualities and combativeness all see him align with Slot’s vision, especially if a breakthrough cannot be found with Ibrahima Konate, who has 12 months left on his own deal as Los Blancos look to pilfer more talent from Liverpool’s chest.

Jarell Quansah has also been sold to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £35m.

Liverpool want Guehi, and they want him bad. However, they are open to a variety of options and could hit the jackpot with a certain alternative hailing from the German scene.

Liverpool in race for Bundesliga star

Liverpool have registered their interest in RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba, who, according to Foot Mercato, is being chased by the Reds, Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich.

With a €90m (£77m) release clause, Lukeba wouldn’t come cheap – although it’s unlikely that the suitors would pay such a figure.

However, with the France international open to leaving, Leipzig would be willing to cash in for a more modest sum, for they finished sixth in the Bundesliga last term and thus have no European football to look forward to in 2025/26.

Transfer Focus

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

What Castello Lukeba would bring to Liverpool

When previously discussing Lukeba’s potential transfer to Liverpool, analyst Ben Mattinson said that Anfield would represent the “perfect move” for the defender.

Indeed, Lukeba’s “freak profile”, positively spoken in regard to his athleticism and versatility, bespeaks his suitability in Slot’s system.

And have Liverpool not hit the jackpot many times when raiding the Bundesliga for exciting young prospects?

Wirtz, indeed, is a fine example of this; he might not have kicked a ball on Merseyside yet, but the 22-year-old is destined for greatness.

Lukeba is only 22 and has already demonstrated his qualities superbly across the 2024/25 campaign, ranked among the top 13% of central defenders in Europe’s top five leagues for passes attempted, the top 20% for progressive passes, the top 12% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as well as the top 15% for aerial duel success rate, as per FBref.

His energy and hunger to win duels and fend off opposing forwards blends with a sharp technicality that Slot would use to instil calm through Liverpool’s backline. The progressiveness that we can observe through his attacking metrics only emphasises his wide-ranging skill set further.

Matches (starts)

23 (18)

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches*

65.4

Pass completion

87%

Key passes*

0.2

Dribbles*

0.9

Ball recoveries*

3.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

Clearances*

3.0

Duels (won)*

4.0 (65%)

This “leader”, as he’s been described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, would follow Wirtz in being a young Bundesliga talent stepping into Slot’s squad to plug a gap and potentially rise toward the uppermost level of the game.

He has the potential, to be sure. Having already completed 72 appearances for Leipzig after transferring from French side Lyon, where he played 68 times after cutting his teeth in the club’s academy, there’s a wealth of experience which Liverpool could build upon.

Moreover, Lukeba has rebounded from injury setbacks throughout his youthful career in a similar vein to Wirtz, whose ACL injury as a teenager preceded his invincible domestic campaign of 2023/24 with Bayer Leverkusen, when he was crowned the Bundesliga Player of the Year.

Lukeba might not carry quite the same stock, but he’s an immensely talented defender targeted by one of the best clubs in the world.

Following Konate, Joel Matip, Bobby Firmino and more from making his way from Germany to Anfield, this young centre-half could define the coming era on Merseyside, along with Wirtz.

He betters Isak in key areas: Liverpool make the "next Mbappe" a key target

Liverpool are interested in signing a new striker this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 1, 2025

When the transfer window opened at the beginning of the month, there was a sense of expectation that this would finally be the window in which Arsenal sign a new striker.

It’s the clear and obvious need but so far, they’re yet to get any attacking additions over the line.

Instead, they’re on the verge of strengthening both the midfield and defensive positions, with Kepa Arrizabalaga due to arrive from Chelsea as David Raya’s back-up, while talks are reportedly ongoing to sign Valencia’s young centre-back, Cristhian Mosquera.

In midfield. Martin Zubimendi is due to arrive any day now from Real Sociedad in a deal worth just over £50m. Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is a surprise addition too, reportedly set to sign for around £10m.

Once those deals are complete, Andrea Berta and Co must hurry up the process to sign a batch of new forwards.

The latest on Arsenal's transfer plans

While deals for the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko remain in the pipeline, the Gunners are also looking to strengthen out wide.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is one player they’re in talks to sign but the main candidate for much of the window so far has been Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

He’s played just 88 minutes at the Club World Cup in the USA and it’s widely expected that he could leave this summer. If he does, then Arsenal will likely be at the front of the queue, but as many have revealed, it’s going to be a tough deal to conclude due to the fee involved and his wage demands.

Football Transfers report this weekend that the Gunners have actually cooled their interest in Rodrygo a tad and instead have turned their attention to Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s stated that the north Londoners are now considering placing a bid for the 27-year-old, which due to Eze’s release clause, would need to meet a valuation of £68m.

The report notes that one determining factor in any deal could be the player’s close friendship with Bukayo Saka. Their sources suggest that Saka has actually privately encouraged the Eagles star to make the move to the Emirates.

How Eze compares to Rodrygo

Arsenal’s biggest priority this summer must be signing a new striker but the second biggest priority should be boosting their options on the left flank.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are not bad options but they did only score ten goals apiece last season, hardly the numbers required to sustain a Premier League and Champions League challenge.

As a result, the idea of signing Rodrygo, a player who netted as many as 19 goals in the 2022/23 campaign, is a good one on paper.

That said, the Brazilian perhaps didn’t enjoy his finest of years in 2024/25. Although he scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions, only 12 of those involvements came in 30 LaLiga outings.

The fact of the matter is, he’s rather inconsistent. Couple that with the fact that he’s not played in the Premier League before and there would rightfully be a few concerns surrounding a deal.

Eze, on the other hand, would be a safe signing but one that undoubtedly improves the quality of Mikel Arteta’s squad. The Spaniard has often shopped for new goods in the English top-flight and more often than not, those signings have been a big success.

Take Declan Rice, for example, who has only gone from strength to strength since that mega £105m move. Take David Raya too, who won the Golden Glove award in 2024/25.

Eze could be a signing out of the same playbook. He knows the division and, unlike Rodrygo, would not need much time to bed in.

He’s not a bad player, either. Not only does the England international play on the left flank, but a lot of his best work actually comes as an attacking midfielder, scoring 14 goals and posting 11 assists in 2024/25.

Coincidentally, that’s the same number as Rodrygo managed last season, albeit from just 43 games, ten fewer than the Madrid star. Beyond that, where are the key similarities and differences?

Goals

0.28

0.28

Assists

0.28

0.23

Shots

3.47

2.52

Key passes

2.01

2.29

Progressive passes

3.37

5.05

Shot-creating actions

4.69

4.95

Successful take-ons

2.33

2.29

Progressive carries

2.40

5.28

Tackles

1.35

0.98

Ball recoveries

5.07

3.32

Now, as far as producing progressive actions are concerned, Rodrygo is a better player. But, if we combine the overall threat of Eze, a high number of take-ons, shots and key passes, and combine that with his already large experience of English football, there’s a clear winner in this situation.

We should also keep in mind that Palace are not a hugely ball-dominant team. Indeed, last term, the Eagles sat 17th in the league for average possession, enjoying 42.4% of the ball. In contrast, Arsenal sat third with 57.1% of possession.

As a result, those numbers above could become even bigger if he plays in a team that enjoys more custody of the ball.

Rodrygo looks like a tricky deal to do, but Eze’s straight-up release clause should make this an easier negotiation. It’s over to you, Berta.

£100m star & the "new Haaland" sign: Arsenal's dream summer

Andrea Berta is in for a big summer at Arsenal; here’s how it could play out.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

Chelsea chiefs are now internally debating a potential deal for another rising star, according to a report out of Stamford Bridge this week.

Chelsea continue transfer policy of signing high-potential starlets

Since the start of 2025, despite Enzo Maresca strongly suggesting that Chelsea need to bring in more experienced players, BlueCo have shown no sign of slowing down when it comes to their transfer policy of signing world football’s brightest up-and-coming talents.

£172k-per-week striker is waiting for Chelsea to contact him about joining

Chelsea are set for a big summer after qualifying for the Champions League.

2 ByEmilio Galantini May 26, 2025

Earlier this year, the west Londoners agreed a double-deal with Sporting CP to sign their rising star duo, Geovany Quenda (18) and Dario Essugo (20), for a total fee of around £62.5 million, with the former set to fully join them in 2026 and the latter this summer.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

It is now also being reported by reliable media sources that Chelsea are planning a pre-2026 deal for 22-year-old Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

Since Romano’s initial report, French media sources have claimed that Chelsea have moved in with a six-year contract offer to Emegha, and an agreement for the Ligue 1 sensation is merely a “matter of time”.

“Chelsea have offered Emanuel Emegha a six-year contract valid until June 2031,” wrote Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna on X.

“The intention is for him to stay in Strasbourg for another year and then go to Chelsea. A full agreement is just a matter of time.”

As Maresca’s side carry on planning for the long-term, Brighton starlet Valentin Barco, who spent the 2024/2025 on loan at Strasbourg, has now entered their radar.

Chelsea hold internal talks over signing Valentin Barco from Brighton

The Argentine midfielder can play in a variety of roles on the left, and he was the “most signed wonderkid” on popular PC game Football Manager last year.

According to CaughtOffside, while no formal approach has been made yet, Chelsea are holding internal talks over a potential move for Barco, and Maresca is believed to be a personal admirer of the 20-year-old.

“(He’s a) left back but he’s not going to be playing there, I don’t think,” said South American football expert Tim Vickery.

“He’s a left-sided attacking midfielder. Very good running with the ball. Amazing power that he generates from his left foot. Good from set-pieces.

“He can combine well. He had a sweet little thing going with Edison Cavani at Boca Juniors.”

Barco is fresh off a productive campaign at Strasbourg, finishing 24/25 as one of their best-performing players in Ligue 1 by average match rating per 90 – starting 14 Ligue 1 matches and bagging two assists (WhoScored).

It is little surprise Chelsea have taken note of his displays, possibly while keeping tabs on Andrey Santos’ progress in France and scouting Emanuel Emegha. In any case, the Blues’ relationship with their sister club may end up paying dividends again.

Man City were once linked with a move for Barco in 2023 as well, indicating he’s a player of real promise.

Matthews has had a patchy season with the bat, but found her form in a 133-run stand with Sciver-Brunt

Sruthi Ravindranath14-Mar-2025Bat in the top three, bowl four overs, and do all of it consistently well. That’s a dream player for any T20 side. Mumbai Indians (MI) have not just one, but two of them.Nat Sciver-Brunt has been in an extended purple patch with the bat. Coming into the WPL Eliminator against Gujarat Giants (GG), she had been averaging close to 70 after eight innings with a strike rate of over 150. So GG’s plans might have centred on how they were going to attack Sciver-Brunt.But there was also Hayley Matthews. For most parts this season, she had looked scratchy with the bat. Her strike rate was around 119, and she had two fifties, but she was getting off to slow starts. She started similarly on Thursday. She also got a life when on 5 off nine balls in the second over. GG would have wanted to quickly make up for that.Related

• Delhi Capitals hope to be third time lucky as they eye first WPL title

• It's trial by error for Giants as promising season ends in Eliminator

• Harmanpreet adds more aggression to her game

• Best of WPL 2025 so far: Ghosh's hitting, Henry's sixes, Gautam's promise

• Sciver-Brunt, Matthews power Mumbai Indians into second WPL final

But then a bit of that purple from one rubbed off on the other, and GG’s plans just fell through.It started as soon as Sciver-Brunt came to the crease. A few fours had been hit till then, but MI had made only 31 off their first five overs. Only two runs had come off Tanuja Kanwar’s first five balls in the sixth over, but when she dished out a tossed-up delivery on length, Sciver-Brunt shuffled across and swatted the ball behind square. It was a shot that showed she had got her eye in.It was Danielle Gibson’s turn to bowl next. Gibson and Sciver-Brunt have played together for England. She probably knew how well Sciver-Brunt plays the short ball and that she wouldn’t let a freebie go unpunished. She bowled it anyway, and was pulled solidly between square leg and fine leg, while the slot ball was lofted over mid-on.Sciver-Brunt has always been a reliable player, but she’s also been getting off to stronger starts this season. She has mostly gone out to bat earlier than usual given the opening pair hasn’t clicked for MI this season. Before the Eliminator, she was striking the ball at 145 in the powerplay as compared to the 2023 season where her strike rate in this phase was 130. In this match, despite the openers – Yastika Bhatia was the other – scoring a few boundaries, MI were 37 for 1 in the powerplay but Sciver-Brunt took them to 89 for 1 at the end of ten overs along with Matthews.Matthews was on 17 off 22 balls at the end of seventh over. The two convened for a chat in the middle after that over and fist bumps were exchanged. And the first three balls of the next over off Priya Mishra were dispatched to different parts of the ground for fours with ease by Matthews.”Apart from this tournament, I haven’t really batted with Hayley, but we seem to click pretty well from the first year,” Sciver-Brunt said after the match. “So today she probably wanted to get off to a bit of a quicker start, but it was good that she stayed there and didn’t give her wicket away because we know how powerful she is. We had the time-out and then she probably did time it a little bit better after that. So [I was] just reassuring her that she only needed to time it, [there was] no need to absolutely whack it.”Nat Sciver-Brunt was quick out of the blocks•BCCIBefore this game, Matthews had also lost her wicket to spinners five times in eight innings this WPL; Priya Mishra and Kanwar had dismissed her cheaply the last two times these teams met. But Matthews looked better against spin on the day, having hit both Ashleigh Gardner and Kanwar for boundaries upfront. Gardner also didn’t bring herself on to bowl after her first two, despite her lesser experienced spinners being taken to the cleaners.Mishra was once again at the receiving end of Matthews’ brutal hitting, being taken for 6, 6 and 4 in the 16th over, just two balls after the batter was dropped a second time.Power and timing aside, Matthews also showed off her excellent footwork frequently to access all parts of the ground. It was only fitting that she deposited a short ball from Kanwar over deep midwicket to complete her fifty. The two came together to bump their fists once again, this time with big grins on their faces.Sciver-Brunt said after the match that the pitch was not as batting-friendly as it had looked, and that the pair had relied on their power to work around it.”I could see that it [the ball] probably wasn’t coming on as well because we played the other day and it came on a bit nicer,” she said. “But I felt like it was a bit stoppy. So I guess that played into our hands with the back-foot shots, that are both mine and Hayley’s strengths, I guess. As soon as we worked that out, it probably unlocked us a little bit more. Yeah, working together to get to that point was important.”Hayley Matthews contributed with bat and ball•BCCIIn between those overs, Sciver-Brunt had settled in comfortably and GG’s bowlers were only making her life easier. The pull is one of Sciver-Brunt’s go-to shots and they gave her several chances to play it. This season in the WPL, she’s scored 123 out of her 493 runs playing the shot. Since January 2023, she has averaged 125.75 playing the pull in T20s and has been dismissed playing it just four times in those 65 games. It was Gibson who was punished again, when she bowled two consecutive short balls to her which were dispatched for sixes, the first of which also gave Sciver-Brunt her fifth fifty of the season. Before the match against RCB the day before, Sciver-Brunt had hit 61 fours and no sixes. Her four sixes this season have come in the last two games.”I’ve stuck to my strengths quite a lot and played what’s in front of me,” Sciver-Brunt said. “The quick outfields have helped, and they are nice wickets to bat on as well. I’m really happy that I’m taking advantage of those conditions. Because form goes up and down, that feeling when you’re not so confident isn’t that nice. So taking advantage of it when you are is good.”To top it off, Matthews also picked up three wickets to take her tournament tally to 17, the most for any bowler in a season of the WPL. She dismissed the dangerous Gardner in the powerplay, the big-hitting Bharti Fulmali in the 16th over, and ended GG’s innings getting Meghna Singh out in the 20th over – effective in all phases of the games.”I think I tried to just control one side of the field really well and vary my pace, which is something that I’ve been working on a lot,” Matthews said at the presentation ceremony. “I think the last time we played GG, we were bowling in their hit zone quite a bit and they punished us for it. Definitely a lot of learnings from that. Glad I was able to execute better today.”MI had perhaps been over-dependent on one star allrounder through the season, but they had yet another of them step up on the day, and they have one more in their ranks – Amelia Kerr – who is yet to have her best season with the bat. They will have to prep for the final in less than 48 hours, and will hope that some of that purple off on Kerr too.

By the end of this mesmerising spell, both England’s top order and the match were broken open

Andrew McGlashan18-Jun-2023It’s shortly after lunch on the third day of the first Ashes Test. England have taken a seven-run first-innings lead. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley build on it calmly, comfortably knocking the ball into gaps against Australia’s defensive fields. It is the first time this opening pair face the opening four overs and do not hit a boundary. Then the rain comes.

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The mop-up has been swift. The players are back in the middle, but there is a massively dark cloud approaching Edgbaston. Pat Cummins sends down the final ball of his incomplete over.

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Nathan Lyon had bowled his first over before the rain delay, just the sixth of the innings. But on resumption he’s withdrawn. The ball is handed to Scott Boland. Slow pitch or not, this is a time for pace not spin.Related

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The field remains reasonably defensive. Duckett angles one out to point. Crawley is then beaten. It feels as though there’s more zip under the leaden skies, whether it’s real or perceived. Scientists have never really been able to explain why clouds in England make such a difference.Crawley defends one, then is taken high on the back pad. There’s an appeal. Australia ponder a review but decline.Next ball Crawley shoulders arms and is taken on the pads. The shout is bigger this time. Another chat about a review. This takes a bit longer. Again they don’t take it.Final ball, Crawley leaves it alone.

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Cummins is round the wicket to Duckett, who is beaten by one that nips past the edge. There has been very little movement all match. But things are starting to happen. Meanwhile, it looks like the end of the world is approaching from over the South Stand and Hollies, who remain in strong voice especially to their new friend Travis Head.Duckett defends. This is hard work. Any second now the players could go off. If ever there isn’t a time for Bazball, it’s probably now. Cummins strengthens the cordon, so it’s two slips and Cameron Green at gully. Duckett defends to mid-on.The groundstaff are almost running on as the wind whips up. Duckett looks in their direction. The umpires stay put. Darth Vader was earlier escorted out of the ground, the skies suggest he has made a return.Cameron Green and his team-mates are pumped up after his low catch at gully to send back Ben Duckett•AFP/Getty ImagesIt’s a length delivery outside off, Duckett can’t help playing at it. He doesn’t do leaving. It takes a thick edge and flies low to Green’s left. Surely not again. But Green gets down to it, fingers under the ball and keeps full control. It’s a screamer.Duckett waits and walks down to Crawley. The umpires converge. They go upstairs. Remember, no soft signal these days. This one is much easier than Richard Kettleborough’s call last week at The Oval. One replay makes it clear Green has held this. Duckett starts to walk off. Australia celebrate for a second time. “Out” comes up on the big screen.Ollie Pope skips out to the middle. Cummins’ first ball to him is full and fast, but just slips past the pads although not far from leg stump. There is tension everywhere. Pope defends the final ball of the over.

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It’s back-of-a-length from Boland, angling in at off stump then straightening. The sort of thing that has helped him average 16 in Test cricket. Crawley plays and gets a thin edge to Alex Carey. The Australians roar in celebration. Crawley stands his ground. But the edge is clear. Marias Erasmus raises his finger to confirm it. It’s dark and Crawley does not look impressed.It’s a slow walk off, Joe Root has almost made it to the middle in the same amount of time. Root always gets to the crease quickly, but if there’s ever a time to slow things down, it’s now.

It doesn’t matter what the run rate has been over the last 13 Tests, a dank afternoon in England with the ball moving around is tough for any batter.

Australia are swarming. They were happy to accept England’s aggressive approach in the first innings, even defer to it. But there’s no deep point anymore. It doesn’t matter what the run rate has been over the last 13 Tests, a dank afternoon in England with the ball moving around is tough for any batter. There’s three slips and a gully. Boland is zipping it like the MCG.His first ball to Root nips back sharply at Root, does too much for the lbw. The next one is much closer, slamming into the front pad as Root does all he can to counter the movement. There is a huge appeal. The Australians confer. Marnus Labuschagne is very excited (when isn’t he?). He may or may not have been told to not get involved. In the end, there’s no review. Erasmus then has a word with Cummins and Labuschagne.Root defends with that trademark open face to backward point. Next ball he’s shuffling out of the crease. The last delivery takes the pad into the leg side for a scampered extra. It took Australia 37 overs to bowl a maiden in the first innings. Now they have two in a row. The rain can only be minutes away.

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Cummins again. Root defends into the covers.It was a high-intensity short session of play from Australia between two rain breaks•Getty ImagesThe next one is fuller and outside off, it brings Root forward for a drive. It skims past the bat and there’s a big appeal, although more from behind the stumps than from Cummins. However, this time the captain is talked into a review. Root is one of big wickets. Replays show daylight between bat and ball.The sky is going to dump on the ground any moment.Root leaves alone outside off. The Australians want every ball they can get. For the first time in the match it really feels like they have control.They are off. The rain starts to fall, then starts to pelt down. The groundstaff race to get the covers on. One of them is left underneath trying to attach a drainage hose. The players scurry into the dressing rooms.

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It’s been 22 balls. England scored two runs. Australia took two wickets. The rain thunders down. The players don’t get back on. The game is on a knife-edge. The significance of those 20 minutes will be known in the next two days.

Ishant Sharma on perplexing his mother by giving up milk, his new-found love of coffee, and how Virat Kohli revolutionised fitness in the Indian team

Interview by Nagraj Gollapudi01-Apr-2021Do you have a favourite meal? What do you like to eat most often during the week?
When I am on tour, I love to eat sushi, because I love Japanese food. At home generally I love to eat whatever my mom makes for me. But I get really happy if she makes . I’m a big fan of that.In the 2020 IPL, we heard you became a black coffee convert.
() Yeah, I did. It tastes amazing, actually. Harshal Patel [Haryana fast bowler] introduced me to that. I’ve become a coffee person now. I have started researching on Wikipedia. I look for which coffees are good, which are dark, light… all those things I read about.Like in every Indian middle-class family, my parents wake up and have a big glass of chai along with bread. That is their breakfast. Previously when I would come down after waking up, my mom would ask, “Should I make tea for you?” I would say yes. Now, when I walk down with a big jug of black coffee, my mother is like: “What are you drinking? What happened to you?” I’ve told her that I am lactose intolerant. She does not understand what that means. I told her I am allergic to milk. She’s like, “, for 30 years you drank milk and in two years you have grown allergic to milk!”Have you made her taste black coffee?
My mother doesn’t want to. My father does drink coffee, but not without milk.So all these years you did not enjoy black coffee?
While playing I used to drink it, but not at home. But now without having a black coffee I can’t even get up.Who is the coffee specialist in the Indian dressing room?
Everyone, actually. Even Virat [Kohli] drinks a lot of coffee. Jinks [Ajinkya Rahane] used to come to my room during the IPL. Ash [R Ashwin] came to my room, too.Which cricket venue has the best catering and food?
Lord’s. Their cheesecakes are amazing.That’s not cheating on your diet?
While playing you can eat it, because you burn it in the course of a Test match. It is when you are not playing that you have to worry about what you are eating and not.Do you go out in Delhi to eat?
I just go to the restaurants mostly for sushi.Which cricketer you know is the best cook?
Varun Aaron, Ashok Dinda, both are good cooks.

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