Jules Kounde was the unlikely hero for Barcelona on Tuesday in the Champions League. Eintracht Frankfurt silenced the Camp Nou by taking a shock lead in the first half through Ansgar Knauff. but were pegged back after the break. Marcus Rashford was the catalyst for the hosts, coming off the bench and teeing up Kounde to level matters minutes after the break, and the French full-back then sealed the 2-1 win with his second of the game from a Lamine Yamal cross.

Barcelona have made a habit of conceding first this season and did so again at Camp Nou midway through the first half. Nathaniel Brown clipped a superb ball over Barca’s backline to find Knauff running through on goal, and the winger managed to fend off Alejandro Balde and fire past Joan Garcia to hand Eintracht a shock lead.

Hansi Flick's side enjoyed plenty of possession after the goal, but struggled to create clear-cut chances, meaning it was no surprise to see the German coach tweak his side at the half-time break. The ineffective Fermin Lopez was replaced by Rashford as Flick sought more cutting edge and threat in attack.

The England international made an instant impact after being played through by Pedri down the left. Rashford could have gone for goal himself, but cut the ball back to Raphinha, who could only blaze wildly over the crossbar. Minutes later and Rashford's impact really was felt by the visitors, as the Manchester United loanee's deep cross from the left was headed home by Kounde to make it 1-1.

Kounde may have been an unlikely goal-scorer for Barcelona, but the France international was celebrating again just three minutes later. This time it was Yamal who swung in a cross from deep for Kounde to head Barcelona in front. The goals seemed to drain the belief out of Eintracht as Barca went on to dominate proceedings and secure the win that keeps alive their hopes of automatic qualification from the league phase.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Camp Nou…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Joan Garcia (7/10):

  Couldn't do too much about the goal but dealt confidently with everything else thrown at him.

  Jules Kounde (8/10):

  Still looks miles below his best form but popped up with two crucial headers to seal the win. He also becomes the first Barca player to score two headers in a Champions League match.

  Pau Cubarsi (7/10):

  Looks far happier with Martin alongside him. Put in a super challenge to deny Eintracht midway through the second half.

  Gerard Martin (6/10):

  Stretched out a leg but couldn’t block the pass to Knauff for the opening goal. Had a great effort in the first half which flew just over.

  Alejandro Balde (6/10):

  Chased back desperately with Knauff but could not prevent him opening the scoring.

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• AFP
  

  Midfield

  Eric Garcia (6/10):

  Should have closed down Brown quicker for the opener, but otherwise put in another solid shift. Much better in the second half.

  Pedri (8/10):

  The classiest operator on the pitch by some distance and helped Barcelona take control of the game after half-time.

  Fermin Lopez (5/10):

  Looked lost on his return to the team. Struggled to connect with his team-mates and his usual goal threat was missing. No surprise to see him hooked at half-time.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (7/10):

  Looked isolated in the first half and lost the ball in the build-up to Frankfurt's goal. He was better after the break and grabbed an assist for Kounde to make it 2-1, but picked up a booking which rules him out of Barca's next Champions League game.

  Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

  Scored an early goal which was ruled out for offside but otherwise offered very little. Taken off for Ferran just after the hour.

  Raphinha (6/10):

  Back in the starting XI but never really got going and was hooked early in the second half.

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• AFP
  

  Subs & Manager

  Marcus Rashford (8/10):

  Made the difference off the bench at half-time. Was really lively throughout and bagged an assist for Kounde. Could have scored himself but saw an effort deflected over the bar.

  Ferran Torres (7/10):

  Added more energy and invention to the attack. 

  Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

  Came on to firm things up and help Barcelona see out an important win. Not afraid to attack the box.

  Andreas Christensen (N/A):

  Late sub for Yamal.

  Roony Bardghji (N/A):

  Another late sub.

  Hansi Flick (7/10):

  Made changes to his team and they simply didn't pay off as Barca struggled in the first half. Made the right decision to send on Rashford at half-time which helped spark the comeback.

It would be fair to say that it has not been the ideal week for Danny Rohl and Rangers, with the new boss already in danger of falling into Russell Martin territory at Ibrox.

Having failed to beat ten-man Braga a week ago, the Gers have since slipped to two frustrating draws against Falkirk and Dundee United, the latter of which was only rescued following a last-gasp Nedim Bajrami spot-kick on Wednesday night.

At a time of initial chaos at Celtic following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, alongside a recent slump for Premiership leaders Hearts, the Light Blues have failed to capitalise, now finding themselves still nine points off the pace in fourth spot.

Of course, much of the blame will lie at the feet of the departed Kevin Thelwell and co, following a simply bizarre summer of recruitment, although Rohl himself should not be free of criticism amid his continued, head-scratching selection decisions.

Rangers' worst performers against Dundee United

After the highs of scoring his first Rangers goal against Livingston not too long ago, Emmanuel Fernandez was brought crashing back down to earth following arguably his worst display for the club to date in midweek, having been particularly at fault for the hosts’ opener.

The 24-year-old simply allowed goalscorer Zachary Sapsford to breeze past him down that left flank, while his overall woes were evident as he lost eight of his 18 total duels, as per Sofascore, alongside the hapless Nasser Djiga.

All eyes are on that struggling backline, although the attacking unit must also shoulder their share of the blame, with Bojan Miovski’s early Rangers woes continuing, having scored just once in the league following his arrival from Girona.

A former hero at Aberdeen – and at one stage lauded as the “best player” in the Premiership in his position – the 26-year-old has yet to fire in his new surroundings, with his inability to provide a physical focal point laid bare after losing eight duels himself against the Tangerines.

The man behind him, Danilo, was also notably ineffective, having failed to convert any of his five shots, while Djeidi Gassama was also lacking on the flanks, having lost the ball 20 times from just 56 touches.

A moment of magic from Jayden Meghoma, alongside Bajrami’s 98th-minute penalty, helped to spare most of those blushes somewhat, although heading into a hectic festive schedule, Rohl must surely ring the changes.

On the evidence again of Wednesday night, the aforementioned Djiga must well be one of them – and not just in the short-term.

The Rangers star who must not start again under Rohl

As the old saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Chalkboard

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

As harsh as it may be, we are approaching similar territory with regard to Djiga, with the on-loan Wolverhampton Wanderers man again looking so underpar at Tannadice.

Calamity after calamity has been the theme of his Ibrox stint to date, memorably sent off on his home Premiership debut against Dundee, while going AWOL in the desperate defeat at Club Brugge in the early weeks of the season.

Too many errors to count, in truth, with the 23-year-old again somewhat culpable last night, having failed to engage with that man Sapsford, as the Dundee goalscorer surged into the area.

For the home side’s second of the night, Djiga was also again at the scene of the crime, tamely turning his back as Amar Fatah weaved his way through to score.

Quite why Rohl – albeit while limited with regard to alternatives – is persisting with the summer signing is to be debated, with the defender’s woes also seen in how he failed to register a single tackle or interception, nor provide a single key pass from his centre-back berth.

Perhaps a saving grace for Rohl might be the upcoming African Cup of Nations, with Djiga set to link up with Burkina Faso as early as 15 December, thus ruling him out of contention until the New Year.

Touches

70

Pass accuracy

92%

Key passes

0

Possession lost

7

Tackles

0

Interceptions

0

Ground duels won

2/3

Aerial duels won

1/4

Dribbled past

1

While it is yet to be made clear whether there is a break clause in the 6 foot 4 flop’s loan deal, perhaps January might then provide a perfect opportunity to send him back to Molineux, once he returns from international duty.

In an ideal world, that scenario would ensure that Wednesday’s draw represents the final time that Djiga lines up, or at least starts under the Rohl regime, with the German coach in desperate need of a different solution at centre-back.

His job might depend on it.

Worse than Miovski: Ibrox flop just played his worst game for Rangers

This Glasgow Rangers flop played his worst game for the club in the 2-1 defeat to Dundee United on Wednesday.

ByDan Emery Dec 4, 2025

Du Plessis has 154 IPL appearances and has won two titles with Chennai Super Kings

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-2025Former South Africa batter Faf du Plessis has opted not to put his name in the IPL 2026 auction, choosing instead to play the Pakistan Super League (PSL).”After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It’s a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back,” du Plessis wrote in a statement on his social media handles.”This league has been a massive part of my journey. I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else. India has given me friendships, lessons, and memories that have shaped me as a cricketer and as a person.”Related

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Du Plessis, who has 154 IPL appearances, did not rule out a return to the competition in the future.”Fourteen years is a long time, and I’m proud of what this chapter has meant to me. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn’t goodbye – you’ll see me again,” he said.”This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” du Plessis said. “It’s an exciting step for me – a chance to experience something new, to grow as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy. A new country. A new environment. A new challenge. I’m looking forward to the Pakistan hospitality.”ESPNcricinfo LtdIn IPL 2025, du Plessis made 202 runs from nine games for Delhi Capitals, and even captained the team in two games when their regular captain Axar Patel was injured. However, he was released by the franchise ahead of the auction.Overall, du Plessis is the fourth-highest run-scorer among overseas players in the IPL. Apart from DC, he has played for Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rising Pune Supergiants, winning the title twice with CSK.Du Plessis has played in the PSL before, making six appearances between 2019 and 2021 for Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.While the IPL season will be played between March and May, it overlaps with the PSL, which is scheduled between April and May.

The Blue Jays will be thinking about how close they came to winning the 2025 World Series for years. In one of the best series we’ve ever seen, Toronto came up short, losing to the Dodgers in seven bruising games. Despite L.A.’s victory, much of the discussion after the game has focused on the Blue Jays’ blunders.

Toronto had issues running the bases all series, but three massive mistakes led directly to the team’s downfall. Here’s a look at how they happened and how each could have changed the outcome of the series.

Game 3: Schneider thrown out by a mile

In the epic, 18-inning Game 3 battle we’ll be talking about for years, the Blue Jays had several chances to take a lead in extra innings. Unfortunately, they could never push a run across. Some of that was due to John Schneider’s over-managing, but one instance was simply a bad decision on the bases.

In the top of the 10th inning with two outs and the game tied 5-5, Ty France singled to left and was replaced on the bases by Davis Schneider. Nathan Lukes stepped to the place to face Emmet Sheehan and laced the first pitch he saw down the right field line and into the corner. Schneider was off at the crack of the bat, and third base coach Carlos Febles opted to send him home. It was a horrid decision. Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernández has a great arm, as does his relay partner Tommy Edman. Schenider was out by a mile attempting to score.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was on deck and would have stepped into the box with runners on second and third and two outs. The Dodgers likely would have walked him to face Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who had pinch-run for Bo Bichette earlier. Still, Toronto would have had a better chance with Kiner-Falefa attempting to get a hit off Sheehan than Schneider running on Hernández and Edman.

Game 6: Barger doubled off second base to lose the game

In Friday night’s matchup in Toronto, the Blue Jays fell 3-1 but had a golden opportunity to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. Roki Sasaki opened the frame by hitting Alejandro Kirk. Then Addison Barger hit a ground-rule double that got stuck under the fence. That likely cost them a run, but created second and third with no outs.

They had three outs to get those runners home and failed to do so.

Tyler Glasnow entered the game for the Dodgers, and Ernie Clement opted to swing at the first pitch he saw, popping out harmlessly to Freddie Freeman at first base. Andrés Giménez then looped a 1-0 pitch into shallow left field, but it hung up just enough for Kike Hernández to sprint in and make a running catch. Barger misread the ball and took off for third base before realizing it wasn’t going to drop. Hernández caught it, fired the ball to second and doubled off Barger, ending the game.

Had Barger held at second, George Springer would have come to the plate with two outs needing only a single to tie the game. Springer was 2-for-4 with an RBI on the night and is arguably Toronto’s second-best hitter. Instead, Barger’s blunder ended the game.

Game 7: Kiner-Falefa’s short lead burns him

In the bottom of the ninth, after the Dodgers tied the game at 4-4 on Miguel Rojas’s improbable solo home run, the Blue Jays had a chance to end it. With Blake Snell on the mound, Guerrero flew out to deep center before Bo Bichette singled to left. Kiner-Falefa pinch ran for him, then Barger walked after a nine-pitch at-bat. L.A. pulled Snell and brought in Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who hit Kirk with his second pitch to load the bases. That’s when things got interesting.

On a 1-2 pitch, Daulton Varsho grounded the ball to Rojas at second. He stumbled making the play, but was able to throw a strike home to catcher Will Smith to barely beat Kiner-Falefa coming home. On replay, it was close as to whether Smith kept his foot on home plate, but the play was upheld after a review.

Observers noticed that Kiner-Falefa took almost no lead off third base, and didn’t get much of a secondary lead after Yamamoto began to move towards home plate. He had plenty of room, as Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy was playing off the line. Visual evidence is below.

If Kiner-Falefa had taken another step or two off the base, he almost certainly would have scored, as Rojas’s throw home only beat him by inches. That would have ended the game and the series. Instead, he was out, and it was a massive missed opportunity.

With two outs and the bases still loaded, Clement flied out to the warning track, where Andy Pages made an outstanding catch to end the inning.

The game moved to extra innings, where the Dodgers would win it thanks to an 11th-inning Will Smith home run and Yamamoto’s heroic pitching performance.

The Blue Jays had repeated chances to win the series, but in the moments that mattered the most, they came up short. That was the difference.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fluminense divulgou nesta quinta-feira (11) a lista de relacionados para o confronto com o Vasco, às 20h (de Brasília), no Maracanã, pelo jogo de ida da semifinal da Copa do Brasil. A relação mantém a base utilizada por Luis Zubeldía na reta final do Brasileirão. Será o primeiro dos dois clássicos decisivos marcados para o Maracanã. A volta acontece no domingo (14), às 20h30.

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➡️ Fluminense x Vasco: cinco motivos para acreditar na classificação tricolor

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Vasco X Fluminense: como chegam as equipes?

O Vasco da Gama chega para a partida a primeira partida da semfinal em um momento conturbado. A equipe venceu apenas um dos últimos oito jogos. A equipe concluiu sua participação no Brasileirão no último final de semana, quando o treinador Fernando Diniz optou por utilizar um time alternativo contra o Atlético-MG e acabou goleado por 5 a 0.

Ao contrário do Vasco, o Fluminense vive seu melhor momento após o Mundial de Clubes. A equipe comandada por Luis Zubeldía está em uma sequência de sete jogos sem perder (cinco vitórias e dois empates). Na última rodada do Brasileirão, o treinador optou por escalar o time titular e venceu o Bahia por 2 a 0, no Maracanã.

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Nesta edição da Copa do Brasil, o Tricolor foi derrotado em apenas uma oportunidade. No primeiro jogo das quartas de final contra o Bahia, na Arena Fonte Nova, o clube baiano venceu por 1 a 0. No total foram oito jogos (seis vitórias, um empate e uma derrota).

➡️Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Fluminense

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If there was ever a time for Aaron Judge to have a big at-bat, it was Tuesday night, with the Yankees facing elimination in Game 3 of the AL division series vs. the series-leading Blue Jays. And he did just that, with one huge swing.

With the Yanks down by three in the bottom of the fourth, Judge smashed a three-run homer off the left-field foul pole—his first dinger of the postseason—to tie the score 6–6 and give New York an actual fighting chance of winning the contest and living to see another game. Jazz Chisholm Jr. followed with a solo home run in the fifth and New York tacked on two more, eventually winning 9–6 to pull within 2–1 in the series.

Fans immediately went ballistic after Judge’s homer, as the Yankees watching in the dugout threw up their hands in joy.

Watch that below:

And here's another great angle worth checking out, too:

In perfect sync with the fans leaping to their feet at Yankee Stadium, viewers online were similarly amazed at what they had just seen:

With that, Judge is now slashing .524/.583/.762 this postseason and boasts a playoff-leading 11 hits, in addition to his one miraculous home run.

تقدم فريق الكرة بـ نادي الزمالك بالهدف الأول أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية، في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الرابطة.

ويلعب الزمالك ضد كهرباء الإسماعيلية، اليوم ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس الرابطة المصرية، على أرضية ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب.

طالع | تشكيل الزمالك أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في كأس الرابطة المصرية

وتقام منافسات بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية في نسختها الخامسة، بعد أن أقيمت 4 نسخ من قبل، توج بها فيوتشر في المرة الأولى وسيراميكا كليوباترا حصل عليها 3 مرات متتالية.

وسجل عمرو ناصر هدف الزمالك الأول في الدقيقة 22، من كرة رأسية بعد تلقيه عرضية من خوان بيزيرا داخل منطقة الجزاء حولها مباشرة في المرمى. هدف الزمالك الأول أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في كأس الرابطة

Sunderland have now reportedly set their sights on signing a Ligue 1 midfielder, who could yet arrive as a free agent when his current contract expires next summer.

Le Bris: Man City "deserved" win on "difficult" Sunderland day

It shows where Sunderland are at that many expected them to put up more of a fight against Manchester City at the Etihad. Ultimately, however, not even their impressive form could stand in the way of the familiar fate that so many promoted sides have faced in the last nine years.

The Black Cats were pushed aside by the Citizens and manager Regis Le Bris admitted that it was a “difficult” afternoon against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Those in Wearside don’t have time to think too much about their thrashing in Manchester, however, with the first Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League since 2016 fast approaching.

Victory over Newcastle United would cap off a sensational start to their Premier League return, which has left them in the perfect position to attract further arrivals in January.

The Black Cats have already been linked with moves for the likes of Bailey Rice following reports that the Rangers youngster could be heading for an Ibrox exit.

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Now, fresh reports have also name-dropped Arthur Avom, as Sunderland set their sights on adding another midfielder to Le Bris’ ranks in 2026.

Sunderland set sights on Avom move

According to Africa Foot, Sunderland are now eyeing a move to sign Avom from FC Lorient with the midfielder set to become a free agent at the end of his current contract next summer.

The 20-year-old does have the option to extend his deal for another year, but Sunderland’s interest could yet put a pin in those plans. What’s more, whilst Strasbourg are also interested in Avom, Le Bris’ links with former club Lorient could yet hand the Black Cats a key advantage against their French competition.

A reported Chelsea target earlier this year, Avom could now get his chance to join the Premier League courtesy of Sunderland. He’s certainly one to watch based on the numbers too. Back in November, the midfielder was even enjoying better passing numbers than Real Madrid’s Arda Guler.

Better than Xhaka: Sunderland flop is one of "the best" in the PL after leaving

Former captain says circumstances for this year’s trip are ‘completely different’ from Covid tour of 2021-22

Vithushan Ehantharajah08-Oct-2025″Maybe it is,” laughs Joe Root, when asked if Matthew Hayden’s threat to walk naked across the Melbourne Cricket Ground is extra pressure on his shoulders.As Root heads into his fourth Ashes tour, Hayden has backed him to end his wait for a century on Australian shores. His previous 27 innings, dating back to 2013, have produced just nine fifties, but Hayden is so certain that that drought is about to end, he is willing to don his birthday suit for a stroll across the iconic ground if it doesn’t.Hayden’s comments on the “All Over Bar The Cricket” podcast came after co-host Greg Blewett had omitted Root from a combined Ashes XI for lacking in the hundred column. Both perspectives hint at a simple truth; the success of Test cricket’s second-highest runscorer correlates directly to England’s best chance Down Under since their famous 2010-11 success.It is a sentiment Root acknowledges to be true. But he is reluctant to ascribe his own legacy to England’s fortunes. Nor is he willing to dwell on the words of former Australians.”They are going to say what they want to say anyway, so why bother worrying about it?” Root says, matter-of-factly. “It doesn’t make a huge amount of difference. When we look back in five years’ time, no one is going to remember what Matthew Hayden said to me … Greg Blewett, Mark Waugh, whoever it is. They are going to look back on the scoreline and think that is a historic England win or not.”At the end of the day, this tour is not about me. If I am scoring runs and scoring heavily it gives us a great opportunity to win a series out in Australia. That is the main focus.”A narrower focus has paid dividends so far. Since relinquishing the captaincy in 2022 to Ben Stokes, Root has averaged 58.00 (lifting his career average to 51.29 in the process), with 14 hundreds converted from the 27 times he has passed fifty. Beyond scoring quicker – his strike-rate is 66.89 across this period – there is an evident sense of joy in his batting.Joe Root passes on some tips at an RBC skill share day•Chance to ShineThough he has been part of two successful home Ashes campaigns in 2013 and 2015, it is a joy the Australian public has not witnessed first-hand. Root’s maiden tour in 2013-14 resulted in him being dropped for the only time in his career as he averaged 27.42 amidst a 5-0 capitulation, before he captained successive 4-0 defeats, averaging 47.25 and 32.20, respectively.Root insists the burden of leadership did not contribute to his failings. But he was certainly hamstrung by situations around both tours.”I go there in a completely different capacity to last time, different circumstances, a lot more experience now and I feel like I have a really good understanding of my game and how I want to manage it in these conditions,” he says. “If I focus on that sort of stuff more than myself and my own individual stuff, I will give myself a way better chance.”The most recent tour, in 2021-22, came during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fears about touring among the England team – Root included – became a reality, as both sides felt the effects of the virus. Despite the severe restrictions of their trip, positive tests and forced isolations became a regular occurrence, with visiting head coach Chris Silverwood forced to miss the Sydney Test after a family member became England’s seventh Covid-19 case. Stuart Broad later suggested the tour should be considered “void”, feeling the burden on the players did not lend itself to “high-level performance”.Broad, having signed off his career in style at the end of the 2023 Ashes, will be out in Australia this time as a commentator for Channel Seven and SEN. “It’s not really in Stuart’s nature to wind up Australians is it?” Root jokes. “I’m sure he’ll be really well behaved.” Regardless of what extra support he may have from the commentary box, Root – now back in the ranks – urges his teammates make the most of this trip following that previous, chastening experience.”Are we going to be allowed out of our rooms? Is everyone going to make the plane? It is a completely different set of circumstances for everyone involved on that tour. There are so many different things they don’t have to deal with now.”I am really going to encourage the lads to really enjoy Australia as a country,” he adds. “Anyone that was on that previous tour didn’t get the chance to do that. It is a great place to go and play cricket and have the pleasure of visiting. We should absolutely go and explore it, and see all of the great things that come with being an international cricketer and playing in that country.”Root has struggled to produce his very best on his previous tours of Australia•Steve Bell/Getty ImagesRoot is one of five returning players this time around, along with Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Mark Wood and, of course, Stokes. The allrounder’s participation in 2021-22 was only confirmed late in the day, as he returned from a mental health break, having also struggled with a badly broken finger. Four years earlier, he had missed the 2017-18 campaign due to an ECB suspension, following his involvement in a fight outside a Bristol nightclub in September 2017.There is an argument to be made that this iteration of Stokes will be the best to touch down in Australia, even as he recovers from a right shoulder injury. Though he impressed on his first trip as a 22-year-old debutant in 2013-14, making a brilliant maiden century at Perth before taking 6 for 99 in Sydney, he has yet to show the Australian public the fruits of that early promise.It was only this summer, aged 34, that Stokes bettered that first series haul of 15 dismissals, claiming 17 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. And having seemingly rediscovered his verve with the bat – averaging 43.42 against India – Root believes form and leadership has forged a more complete Stokes.”He’s not really had many opportunities to be (himself in Australia) really, has he?” he says.”He’ll be ready. You look at him when he’s been running around at different county grounds, he’s making sure he’s absolutely ready. I’ve never seen him (like this)… making sure he’s done absolutely everything he can to be as fit as he can possibly be, as mentally ready, and as hungry as he is.Related

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Doubts over Cummins' fitness for first Ashes Test grow, return remains unknown

Cricketkind has received one of its greatest threats

“For him to be going out there as our leader of the back, off a series where he’s got the most wickets he’s ever got in a Test series, off the back of a Test hundred as well, and playing really well with the bat. In conditions which, I think, really suit the way he plays cricket; the bounce of the ball as a batter, and the way he combats pace. Clearly as a bowler, what he has to work with there, and his mentality and physicality, I think he’s got great attributes to exploit the conditions there.”So as a player alone, I think it’s going to be huge that he’s out there, he’s fit and he’s firing. But more so as a leader, and his mentality in bringing the best out of the players around him.”Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Stokes’ inspirational qualities is that, for the past two years, he has been moulding a new group of players. Only eight of the touring party played in 2023’s home Ashes, three of whom will be on their first Test tour of Australia. Yet, there are no fears that they will be overawed.Root points to big series such as 2023, and the India series – both at the start of 2024 and in the summer just gone – in which players have experienced high-pressure moments, irrespective of the fact that England have yet to win a five-Test series under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.He cites the struggles individuals have had – “a number of guys have had to weather a small storm in their career” – that will hold them in good stead for what, ultimately, is a bucket-list tour. One of the most important of their collective careers.Joe Root and Ben Stokes will be looking to right the wrongs of previous tours of Australia•Getty ImagesIndeed, Root’s biggest excitement comes from what some of those first-timers will provide – namely the pace of Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue. England may well roll out their fastest-ever combination for a Test match in Australia, when the teams line up for the opener at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 21.”We’re going to be able to hit them with something quite different in terms of our bowling attack,” he says. “The opportunity to potentially play three or four bowlers that bowl 90mph-plus for a sustained period of time, which we haven’t had on the three previous tours there. And a batting order that is always going to look to put pressure on the opposition.”It’s not like we are going to go there with the same formula and expect different results. We are going to go there and try and do it a slightly different way which I think is really exciting. And the way we’ve been playing lines up well with how we want to go and attack all those conditions.”There are not many teams that can offer that when they go to Australia. The one team that has previously, recently anyway, is India and they’re the ones that have had the most success there. It’ll be interesting to see how that correlates with how we go about things.”This seam attack is a change from the norm, and very much by design. The onus on speed, which essentially brought an end to James Anderson’s career last year, has been driven by the desires of Stokes, McCullum and managing director Rob Key to form a battery of quicks capable of challenging all comers in all conditions – even in England, with the management ordering flatter pitches for their batters which require bowlers of sharper speeds and skills to take 20 wickets.Seamers have enjoyed more success in Australia in recent seasons, which heightens the sense that bowlers on both sides will be a determining factor this winter. “It looks like they’re slightly more bowler-friendly since Pat (Cummins) has been captain!” Root says of the pitches, tongue firmly in cheek.Of course, even with Australia’s struggles over the identity of their top three, and increasing uncertainty around Cummins’ back injury, nothing is being taken for granted. Particularly given England have not won a Test over there since 2011.”Clearly they’re a very good team. They’ve got a brilliant record at home against everyone but especially against us. I think it’s just a great oppportunity to go in, probably as big underdogs, and show them what we can do.”It’d be nice to put that right and bring the urn home. I just see it as a great opportunity for the group. There’s no other way to look at it, really. It’s exciting that we can go there with a completely different approach and just enjoy what a brilliant tour it is.”Just soak it all in, expect a little bit of ‘abuse’ or ‘banter’. It could be six weeks that live long in the memory if we get it right.”Joe Root was speaking as a brand ambassador for RBC Wealth Management, who are the Community Leadership Partner of children’s cricket charity Chance to Shine. He was speaking at an RBC skill share day, designed to develop the leadership skills and confidence of secondary school girls.

Valkerie Baynes and Firdose Moonda are joined by Vishal Dikshit, who was on the ground in Indore and caught up exclusively with the centurion as Australia opened their title defence

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2025Australia allrounder Ashleigh Gardner joins Vishal Dikshit to talk about her sensational century against New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup, the thrill of playing in front of loud crowds in India, and much more. Also joining the conversation are Firdose Moonda and Valkerie Baynes.