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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have named Dinesh Karthik as the batting coach and batting mentor of their men’s team.Karthik, 39, was part of the RCB squad until IPL 2024 before retiring from all forms of representative cricket at the end of the season. The wicketkeeper-batter was picked by the RCB franchise at the IPL 2022 mega auction and stayed with them for three seasons. He also had a stint with them in 2015 for one season.Karthik finished his IPL career on a high with 326 runs in 13 innings in the 2024 season at a strike rate of 187.35. Overall, Karthik played 60 matches for RCB in the tournament and scored 937 runs at an average of 24.65 and a strike rate of 162.95. His run tally is currently the second-highest for an Indian player for RCB in the IPL behind Virat Kohli. Karthik also took 36 catches and affected nine stumpings during his RCB career.Related

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“Coaching at a professional level is incredibly exciting for me and is something I’m truly passionate about as a new chapter in my life. Hopefully, the breadth of my experiences as a player can contribute to the development of the group and added value,” Karthik was quoted via a press release.”I believe that cricket success hinges not only on technical proficiency but also on match intelligence and composure. I am eager to coach and mentor our batting group, helping them to not only refine their method but also to develop the keen match awareness needed to excel under pressure. It’s also great that I can continue my association with RCB as the franchise continues to move from strength to strength.”As far as his coaching experience goes, Karthik had more recently joined the England Lions coaching staff when they toured India in January earlier this year. He assisted the England Lions’ preparations after being included in the squad’s coaching set-up for the first nine days of the tour. At RCB, Karthik will work alongside head coach Andy Flower, bowling coach Adam Griffith and director of cricket Mo Bobat.”DK is an excellent addition to our coaching group,” Bobat said. “He was thrilling to watch on the field, and I’m sure he will be just as impactful as a coach. His longevity and track record as a player speaks volumes about his skill and dedication. I know he will bring that same quality and commitment to this new professional chapter.”Karthik is just one of seven players to have featured in every edition of the IPL since 2008. He represented six IPL teams in all, starting with Delhi Daredevils, before moving to Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders and RCB.Overall, he played 257 matches in the tournament and scored 4842 runs while averaging 26.31 and striking at 135.36 with 22 fifties. As a keeper, Karthik is second on the list (174) behind MS Dhoni (190) in overall dismissals.Karthik also played 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 60 T20Is for India having first turned out for the country in an ODI against England in 2004.

Celtic enjoyed another successful season in 2024/25 under Brendan Rodgers, winning another Scottish Premiership title while also lifting the Scottish League Cup.

The Hoops narrowly missed out on a domestic treble, however, attention is already turning to the new campaign with additions already made in the transfer market.

Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic Park has now been confirmed, with the left-back joining on a free transfer after his contract at the Emirates expired. Talking after re-joining Celtic, Tierney was delighted.:

The Scot will be looking to add to his tally of 11 Celtic honours over the coming years, but who else could join Tierney and Fulham youngster Callum Osmand through the Parkhead door this summer?

Celtic's most expensive sales of all time

Celtic have let some of their finest talents move for big money in the past.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 3, 2025

Grok the AI tool on X, has predicted five more signings Celtic could make this summer, totalling more than £20m.

AI predicts 5 players Celtic will sign this summer 1 Mathias Kvistgaarden Brondby (£8m)

A new attacking addition looks set to be on the to-do list at Parkhead, with Mathias Kvistgaarden a long-term target for the Hoops.

Wanted by Celtic over the last 12 months, they have once again been linked with a move this summer. The closest Rodgers’ side have come to signing Kvistgaarden was in January after Kyogo Furuhashi left to join Rennes.

Grok have put an estimated £8m transfer fee on a deal as Celtic search for their Kyogo replacement.

2 Lennon Miller Motherwell (£5m)

Lennon Miller continues to be a man in-demand after starring at Motherwell, with Celtic among the many clubs looking to sign the talented teenage midfielder.

Recent claims have suggested that the Hoops are set to go back in for the 18-year-old after seeing a bid turned down in January, and Grok thinks a transfer could be worth £5m for the now Scotland international.

Amid reports of Sunderland looking at signing Miller for £10m, Celtic may well be delighted if they can sign him for half the price.

3 Harley Mills Peterborough United (£2m)

Despite already signing Tierney, Celtic could still yet bring another left-back to Glasgow to replace Greg Taylor.

Peterborough United’s Harley Mills may well be that man to provide competition to Tierney, with an approach made by the Hoops for the EFL ace.

Mills starred at Wembley for Peterborough against Birmingham in their Vertu Cup final victory, scoring a free-kick, and he could cost up to £2m according to Grok.

4 Nilson Angulo Anderlecht (£5m)

Celtic have been predicted to bring in a South American winger over the coming months, and Nilson Angulo, dubbed as “the next Neymar” in the media, may well be that man.

An Ecuador international, the Hoops recently expressed an interest in signing Angulo, who can play on either flank. He has already played in the Europa League for Anderlecht and is still just 21 years of age.

Grok say a ‘young, dynamic winger would fit Rodgers’ vision for Champions League impact’, and Angulo could be that man in a deal potentially worth up to £5m.

5 James Penrice Hearts (£2m)

Described by Grok as a domestic solution for defensive depth, Hearts left-back James Penrice is another who has been backed to move to Celtic Park this summer in a deal worth up to £2m.

This comes after Celtic scouted the 26-year-old, who impressed at Tynecastle in what was a struggling Hearts side.

As well as playing in his primary left-back role, Penrice can also turn out as a left midfielder or as a central midfielder, providing plenty of versatility for Rodgers.

Chelsea have held extensive talks over signing a former Fulham star who José Mourinho personally wants at Fenerbahçe, according to reports, with Enzo Maresca and BlueCo looking to shore up a key area.

The positions Chelsea are looking to strengthen this summer

The west Londoners took a huge step towards Champions League qualification by beating Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 over the weekend, a result which puts some wiggle room between them and Nottingham Forest in sixth.

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The ex-Blue is contemplating a return to Stamford Bridge.

ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025

Arsenal’s journey to the Champions League semi-finals means the English top flight has been awarded an extra qualifying place for next term, so finishing fifth would guarantee a spot for Chelsea in the competition.

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This is excellent news for Maresca, as a place in next season’s Champions League draw is widely reported to have a big impact on the club’s summer transfer plans.

Chelsea will also be busy behind-the-scenes, as there will be a special edition transfer window open from June 1st to June 10th – which allows the Blues and Man City to sign players before the Club World Cup begins.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea want a centre-back, winger and forward as three top priorities. Depending on player sales and their European status, Maresca’s side could also go after another central defender, a left-back, goalkeeper and versatile attacking player.

There are also suggestions that Chelsea are still looking at signing another midfielder. While Roméo Lavia has performed excellently when available, the Belgian’s injury woes have left Maresca short in that area far too consistently.

Chelsea expressed a serious interest in Man United starlet Kobbie Mainoo back in January, holding talks with his agents, but the England international ultimately remained at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old’s importance to Ruben Amorim could place him too far out of Chelsea’s reach, with Maresca’s side believed to be keen on Napoli star Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa as a potential alternative.

The 60-cap Cameroon international is a key starter for Antonio Conte’s title-chasing Napoli side, bagging six goals and five assists in all competitions. Anguissa could also add some much-needed experience to the squad, with Chelsea already making moves for him.

Chelsea hold extensive talks over signing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, via Sport Witness, Chelsea have held more than one round of negotiations over signing Anguissa ahead of the summer.

The 29-year-old is also keen to make a Premier League return, in an act of personal redemption, as he believes that he’s got far more to offer in Europe’s most prestigious division.

The former Fulham midfielder also has a real admirer in Mourinho, according to reports in Turkey, which claim the tactician is personally keen to sign him for Fenerbahçe (Fanatik).

Anguissa’s contract includes a £38 million release clause as well, but it is unclear just how much Chelsea would be willing to pay for a player whose fast approaching 30.

In any case, there is little denying the African’s quality, and his form this season is turning heads at Cobham. Previously called a “machine” by ex-teammate Joachim Andersen, Anguissa would undoubtedly provide Maresca’s midfield with real steel.

Leeds United are now readying a £6 million bid to sign a “complete” defender who is also wanted by Premier League side Everton, according to a new report.

Leeds’ transfer plans beginning to take shape

The Championship season has now come to an end for the Whites, so all focus will be on next season and what they would like to do in the summer to give them the best chance of staying in the Premier League. The transfer window has yet to open, but already the Yorkshire side are being linked with several players in a bid to strengthen their side.

Leeds can wave bye-bye to Firpo by signing "complete" £15m left-back

Leeds United may need to land a replacement for Junior Firpo this summer, potentially turning to one player as a result.

ByEthan Lamb May 7, 2025

Signing a new striker looks to be a high priority for Leeds, as they don’t want to rely on just Joel Piroe next season. The Whites are said to be one of a number of teams looking into signing Jamie Vardy this summer, as the veteran striker becomes a free agent after leaving Leicester City.

Meanwhile, Leeds have also held internal talks about signing Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar after his impressive season in Dutch football. However, this could be a costly purchase for the Championship winners, as he could cost as much as £20 million.

Another forward the Whites are interested in signing is Moussa Djenepo, who has a £1.7 million release clause, which Leeds are now willing to trigger. Djenepo is currently on loan at Turkish side Antalyaspor from Standard Liege, but he doesn’t want to make the switch a permanent one, meaning the door is open for Leeds to swoop in and get their man.

Leeds readying £6m bid to sign "complete" defender ahead of Everton

But it isn’t just forwards that Daniel Farke wants this summer, as according to Scouts in Attendance on X, Leeds are now ready to make a £6 million bid to sign Panathinaikos right-back Georgios Vagiannidis.

They share news from Greek media that Leeds officials will be there this weekend to watch Vagiannidis in action for Panathinaikos against rivals Olympiakos. It goes on to add that while they will be doing some scouting of his performance, Leeds are already willing to make a bid worth 8-10 million euros, which is roughly £6-8 million.

The Whites are not alone in their pursuit of the full-back, as it was reported over the weekend that Everton are in advanced talks to sign Vagiannidis after putting forward their proposal. However, Leeds will hope the fact they are back in the Premier League means they are on an even playing field when it comes to signing the defender.

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The 23-year-old, who has been described as a “complete” defender by scout/writer Jacek Kulig, has played for Panathinaikos for most of his career, except for a short spell at Inter between 2020 and 2021 – he did not play for the Italian giants and was instead loaned out to Sint-Truiden.

Vagiannidis’ potential arrival at Leeds would see him join Jayden Bogle in fighting for the right-back spot.

With several senior players rested, and Maharaj to lead, rising stars like Brevis, Breetzke and Pretorius eye key roles in the road to 2027

Firdose Moonda26-Jun-2025South Africa’s young squad to play in Zimbabwe in a two-Test series starting on Saturday provides a window into their next-best, with regular captain Temba Bavuma out injured and five other regulars being rested. They will be without their top order as Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs have been given time off and their new-ball pair of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, while Lungi Ngidi will only join the squad for the second Test.That presents an opportunity for those just on the fringes of selection for the first XI to make their case to play for the Test champions, ahead of a tough next cycle. These matches do not form part of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship (as Zimbabwe are not a WTC-playing country) so South Africa’s title defence starts in October with an away series in Pakistan, followed by a two-Test series against India in India in November. They will not play home Tests until they host Australia in October 2026. The cycle also includes home series against England and Bangladesh and two Tests in Sri Lanka. Coach Shukri Conrad has cast the net wide as he seeks to build depth, starting in Zimbabwe. So who are the new and newish faces? We’ve got the cheat sheet (and what a possible XI could look like, in batting order) here:1. Tony de Zorzi or Lesogo Senokwane The regular opener for the bulk of the last WTC, Tony de Zorzi suffered a thigh injury ahead of the New Year’s Test this year, where Ryan Rickelton scored 259, lost his place in the final. In isolation, that would seem an unfortunate set of circumstances which should see de Zorzi back in the frame as the incumbent but he will have to work to get his spot back. Before the niggle, de Zorzi had scored 44 runs in six innings, a deflating return at home after his career-best 177 in Chattogram. His dismissals have exposed a defensive shortcoming, especially against the full ball on the drive and he will want to show that has tightened up. Another option would be to use Lesogo Senokwane in his preferred opening spot. Senokwane was the fourth-leading run-scorer in the first-class competition and could make his debut in Zimbabwe.Related

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• Nortje injured again, Van der Dussen to lead newish-looking South Africa T20I side

• 'Together-together' – why South Africa's triumph matters on the long walk to freedom

• Conrad: 'We're the world champions, we create our own reality'

• Injured Bavuma out of Zimbabwe Tests, Maharaj named captain

2. Matthew Breetzke or Lhuan-dre Pretorius With one Test (and no runs) to his name, but a reputation for aggressive stroke play, this is Matthew Breetkze’s opportunity to show what he can do at the top of the order. He is 83 runs away from 3,500 in first-class cricket, including eight hundreds. So the pedigree is there but he may also be looking over his shoulder at the likes of Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who could leapfrog him in the national plans. At just 19 and with only seven first-class caps to his name, Pretorius is being fast-tracked but not without proof. He scored three hundreds in seven first-class matches last summer, including an under-pressure knock in the final.3. Wiaan Mulder or Zubayr Hamza This is the least certain position in South Africa’s Test XI and Wiaan Mulder did not appear a convincing solution in the WTC final. His 50-ball 27 in the second innings has repeatedly been described by Conrad as crucial to stabilising South Africa’s chase but there’s little doubt more will be expected of him in that position going forward. Either Mulder will be given the Zimbabwe series to try and make the spot his own or it will be given to a more traditional No.3, like Hamza, who played eight Tests between 2019 and 2024, and averages 46.73 in the spot.4. Dewald Brevis Arguably, the most exciting of the batting prospects, it is a matter of when, not if, Dewald Brevis will play for South Africa. He made good on the reputation he carried from finishing as the leading run-scorer in the 2022 under-19 World Cup last summer when he was the second-highest run-scorer in the first-class competition, where he averaged 47.75 and appears ready for the next step. Sidenote: He (and we) have dropped the “Baby AB” moniker as Brevis looks to make his own name.Dewald Brevis appears ready for the next step•Titans/ Gallo Images5. David Bedingham Much like Mulder, this is the series for Bedingham to really take ownership of his spot. He scored a composed 45 in the first innings of the WTC final and was there, on 21, at the end but a Test average of 35.55 with one hundred does not do justice to his first-class numbers. Bedingham has over 8,400 runs at an average of 50.38 and with extensive experience on the county circuit, is seen as someone South Africa can build a batting line-up around.6. Mulder/Senokwane/Pretorius One of the top-order batters may have to move down to No.6, where they will have to play a slightly different but equally challenging role. Mulder may be the most likely, especially if he has a big workload with the ball and is being considered for a spot lower down the order in the next WTC cycle.7. Kyle Verreynne South Africa’s regular wicketkeeper was not given the series off and comes in as a senior player. With 25 Test caps, he is second only to Keshav Maharaj in experience and also the most in-form batter of the squad. Verreynne scored three centuries in the last WTC cycle and hit the winning runs in the final and heads to Zimbabwe with major confidence.8. Keshav Maharaj Bavuma’s unavailability has opened the door for Maharaj to captain South Africa, a lifelong dream for the left-arm spinner. He has led his domestic team, Dolphins, in seven matches and South Africa in seven ODIs and five T20Is and though it’s unlikely he will ever do the job long-term, it reinforces his role as part of the leadership core. Maharaj will have a massive role to play in the subcontinent in this cycle and this series is a good tune-up.Prenelan Subrayen has been preferred over Senuran Muthusamy•SA209. Prenelan Subrayen With the number of matches in the subcontinent in mind, offspin-bowling allrounder, Subrayen has been picked ahead of Senuran Muthusamy. Subrayen has 242 wickets at 27.94 and was the second-highest wicket-taker in the first-class competition in the 2024-25 season. He took 34 wickets in seven matches at 23.17, including two five-fors and will play a part in South Africa’s next WTC cycle.10 and 11. Corbin Bosch or Kwena Maphaka or Codi Yusuf Zimbabwe, and especially Bulawayo, is known to be slow and low and difficult for pace bowlers so whoever South Africa pick can expect to be challenged. Corbin Bosch has played one Test and was part of the WTC final squad and is likely to play. He brings express pace (140kph plus) and will lengthen the batting line-up. Kwena Maphaka, who is 19 and also has a Test cap, offers the left-arm angle South Africa are missing with Jansen out but his workloads will have to be managed, especially as he is expected to feature heavily across formats. Codi Yusuf is certain to debut, and could play both matches, after a breakthrough home summer. He was joint-fifth in the first-class competition bowling charts and has taken 17 wickets in four matches for Durham in the County Championship, including two four-wicket hauls.

Aka things we’re anticipating from this edition of the tournament

Alan Gardner and Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Sep-2023Rejoice, the ODI World Cup – the proper one – is almost here! Sure, give it a week and we’ll have remembered that it’s too long, too bloated and way too predictable. But for now, we’re excited enough to have compiled a non-exhaustive list of things we’re looking forward to about the tournament (whether they’re actually going to happen or not…)England getting the band back together
The UK obviously adores its national treasures, such as the Koh-i-Noor, the Benin bronzes, and Kevin Pietersen. Which is why England have stuck with the gang of legends who lifted the trophy in 2019 after their famous victory* at Lord’s, to the extent that pretty much everyone from the squad four years ago who’s still fit and able – sorry, Jason Roy – has been awoken from their cryo chamber and bundled onto the plane for one last tour. Will they smash it in India as well as they smashed it in England? Because so many of them have played in the IPL over the years, they might arguably smash it better. God, how they love smashing.*TieAssociates
Don’t laugh. There an Associate team at the World Cup, despite the best efforts of the ICC to weed out such plucky upstarts. Now all Netherlands must do for the next six weeks is run through fire, dodge swinging boulders and avoid being hit by a volley of poison darts in order not to be cast as a laughing stock whose very presence degrades the tournament itself (not to mention threatens those sweet, sweet broadcasting revenues).West Indies
Seriously, don’t go there. It’s still too soon. Light a candle, put David Rudder on the stereo, spray yourself with a little Daren Sammy 88. We’ll get through this.Related

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• What has changed since the last time the World Cup was in India

India fans rage-quitting the tournament
Never mind that it’s been almost impossible to buy a ticket, with the BCCI employing the methodology of social-media hucksters trying to flog their new energy drink (“Doesn’t matter how we distribute it, or at what price, we know you idiots will keep coming back”) – you can be sure the stands will be emptier than ICC gestures about growing the game just as soon as there’s any prospect of India’s World Cup being over. Sure, the format pretty much guarantees against total disaster – thanks for that, 2007 edition – but India had better make the final or else the swathes of empty stands in the Narendra Modi Stadium () will be visible from space.Stokes’ latest Laws loophole
Like the old secret agent who is asked to come out of retirement to complete one final mission, Ben Stokes is back in one-day pyjamas. His return was described as “a bit me, me, me” by Tim Paine – you remember, the sexting guy – and, to be fair, Stokes did look a bit of a show-off after smacking 182 from 124 balls against those poor schmucks New Zealand the other day. Big-game player, Bazball pioneer, purveyor of outrageous feats, you can see why England wanted him back. But can he still absolutely middle the living daylights out of throws from the outfield through an unprotected fine leg the way he did in the last final? Or was that merely a fluke?Boring middle overs
Do sports really need to be always interesting? Yes? Ugh. We thought you’d say that, you attention-span-of-a-goldfish 21st-century stimulant-chaser. You’re probably reading this on a phone, aren’t you? Of course your kind wouldn’t understand the profound pleasures of watching batters nurdle singles and twos endlessly through the middle overs while the spinners are in operation. Disgusting. You don’t deserve this tedium.How loudly will the echoes ring around the Narendra Modi Stadium if India don’t make it to the World Cup final?•Robert Cianflone/Getty ImagesBoundary countback
Just kidding, New Zealand fans. Sorry, this one should have come with a trigger warning. The ICC, in all its wisdom, has of course done away with using boundary countback as the tie-breaker in knockout games. But just as with the rain rules used in 1992 or the farcical end to the 2007 final, cricket’s pinnacle event (outside of every IPL season ever played) is bound to come up with some dumb new way of looking stupid, and we can’t wait to find out what it is.The Modium
The 2015 World Cup memorably gave us the #MCGsobig hashtag on Twitter, amid suggestions New Zealand might be overawed by the size of the venue for the final (and boy, did they put paid to that idea). But anyway, stick this in your pipe and smoke it, MCG – because the Narendra Modi Stadium is just about the biggest thing cricket has ever seen. And like a divorced uncle with a brand-new Ferrari that definitely isn’t compensating for something, the BCCI is very keen for you to see the Modium. They’ve made it the venue for the opening game and the final, as well as the in-no-way-small group fixture between India and Pakistan. The “New Home of Cricket”, you might say. Or you will if you know what’s good for you.Sri Lanka being the new Pakistan
This trend was apparent four years ago, but Sri Lanka have really been nailing the geniuses-one-day-doofuses-the-next routine. From a record-breaking run of 13 consecutive ODI victories – behind only the great Australian meat-grinder of 2003 – to facepalming their way to 50 all out in the Asia Cup final, they have displayed a range that even the most mercurial mavericks would struggle to match. Expect them to lose their opening four games before unleashing a Mary run to the final that would make Pakistan proud.RONSBU
This has to happen. India is the spiritual home of running-out the non-striker backing up. There have been high-profile recent examples at the IPL and the Asia Cup, and there are a number of candidates to be the first to do it in a World Cup – R Ashwin (if he squeezes into India’s squad), Fazalhaq Farooqi, even Mitchell Starc, despite confusion in Australian circles about which side of the Line RONSBU falls. Ideally, it will happen against one of those countries who moralise and wring their hands about not doing it. Maybe at a crucial moment in the final, say, causing the defending champions to unravel… Sorry, England, it’s only fair after last time.

Poor you. Haven’t heard of the Hundred then?

Alan Gardner16-Aug-2021The Hundred is here, bat slung casually over one shoulder, proudly wearing a cricket:team t-shirt and with its official merch snapback turned to face the other way – very much a “How do you do, fellow kids?” kind of vibe. And don’t worry, if you had any doubts about whether cricket could be considered a cool sport, they’ve now been fully dispelled.The game’s fourth format (although it’s technically recorded as T20 – more on that later) has arrived to take the world of sports entertainment by storm. “Not a fan of cricket? That’s okay! We’re not that bothered about it ourselves. Look, we’ve got fireworks and a band! Plus a DJ… We’re all about the choons!” If you turn up during the afternoon, it’s basically just a kids’ party with some human billboards promoting snack foods in the background. Of course, it then descends into something more like a kegger once the grown-ups have indulged on their fruit juice for a few hours…Still, are we not entertained? (Don’t answer that unless you’re a nine-year-old with a guileless smile.) The take-no-prisoners approach has been most evident on the TV broadcasts, which tries to sex up and dumb down at the same time – and remember this is still cricket we’re talking about, a sport which is both too clever by half and about as sexy as a librarian in galoshes. (It’s fine if that’s your thing, we’re not here to judge.)Related

• New and weird, but a strangely satisfying experience

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• The Hundred is tearing English cricket apart

• Did we really need the Hundred?

Obviously a bit of flannel for a new enterprise is to be expected – in the early days of the Light Roller, we liked to describe ourselves as “like the Briefing, but funny” – but some of the Hundred’s coverage would make the editor of wince. Kass Naidoo, brought in to anchor Sky’s coverage, seems a very personable sort, but her habit of standing in front of an empty stand while hailing the “great crowd today” is bold, to say the least. You suspect even Prof Pangloss might recommend toning it down.Meanwhile, a cavalcade of former players have picked out choice spots on the bandwagon – and some are noticeably more objective than others. The astonishment with which Andrew Flintoff greeted a decent crowd for Old Trafford’s first fixture would suggest he’d never even been to a T20 Blast game, never mind played in several (including bringing out the Freddie-as-Jesus pose to rapturous applause at Finals Day a few years back). Kevin Pietersen, too, seems ready to lose the run of himself every time he steps into the pod. But maybe he’s just excited at being back in the ECB’s good books.And the product itself? Well, if you think of it as 20 five-ball overs with one or two quirky playing conditions and a real fetish for timekeeping, it all looks suspiciously like T20. Which, you may have noticed, was already quite successful. But then some clever folk thought New Coke was a good idea too.

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To Bangladesh. Which is not a phrase you hear Australians utter very often. And perhaps that’s understandable, what with the gulf between the sides, the inevitable mismatches, lop-sided scorelines, and so on. Anyway, after the conclusion of Bangladesh’s 4-1 win in the T20Is, reports emerged that Justin Langer was involved in a “heated confrontation” with a staffer from cricket.com.au, after Cricket Australia’s media arm posted a video showing the home team celebrating enthusiastically, while being politely applauded by the visitors. But what was it that got Langer in such a stew? Was Australia’s coach perhaps hoping that, with the series not being broadcast back home, people might not find out about the result? Maybe he felt the humility being displayed by the Australians fell short of “elite”? Either way, as the wags on Twitter have pointed out, if you don’t want people to laugh at the fact you got thrashed by Bangladesh, you should try not getting thrashed by Bangladesh in the first place.

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To Bangladesh… at some unspecified date in the future. That is what’s been agreed between the ECB and the BCB, after they announced that England’s limited-overs tour scheduled for later in the year was postponed. Is it a coincidence that this removes a clash with the IPL, meaning England’s players will now be able to participate in the rearranged second half of the tournament? Or maybe someone at the ECB simply spotted the aforementioned footage on cricket.com.au? We’ll let you be the judge.

Everton’s defeat at Manchester City last weekend was a setback many have to endure across a Premier League campaign, being put to the sword by Erling Haaland.

But David Moyes knows his side have made headway since the summer all the same, 12th after eight matches but within a stone’s throw of European contention.

Recruiting the likes of Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer was a concerted effort toward adding difference-makers to the ranks.

But Jarrad Branthwaite might be the most influential of them all, and the hitch in his recovery from injury could be a significant blow for Moyes’ side.

The latest on Branthwaite's fitness

For the second season running, Everton have been without Branthwaite’s powerful service for the opening months. Now, as we near November, the England defender requires surgery on his persistent muscular problems.

The complication from the hamstring issue he has been recovering from is expected to rule him out for a lengthy period, and though an exact timeframe has not been provided, it’s likely we will not see the “absolute monster”, as he has been described in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig, until 2026.

While the Merseysiders have impressed from a defensive vantage, nine goals conceded, Branthwaite’s inclusion would only elevate Moyes’ project.

Michael Keane, 32, has proved a solid deputy in his countryman’s stead this season, starting each of Everton’s eight Premier League matches.

However, there’s another member of the Toffees squad who Moyes might want to consider dropping into the middle. When this has occurred thus far this term, it could be argued that Everton look a more balanced and smoother outfit.

Everton "revelation" could replace Branthwaite

Everton have improved since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in the dugout, but the issues picked out at the start of the campaign – the concerns over the quality of the strikers and the lack of depth on the defensive flanks – remain key points of discussion as we inch toward the winter transfer market.

Despite the problems on the flanks, Moyes might want to consider drawing Jake O’Brien into his natural centre-half berth, having utilised the Irishman almost exclusively as a makeshift right-back since arriving at Goodison Park in January.

O’Brien, 24, joined Everton from Lyon for £15m in August 2024, but he was left on the periphery for the bulk of Dyche’s half-term in charge last year.

Moyes saw a left-field solution in the towering defender, though, and placed him on the wing of his backline. There he remained for the duration of the campaign.

Now several months into the new campaign, the “revelation”, as he was hailed by journalist Zach Lowy for his performances in France, remains Moyes’ most trusted lieutenant.

#

1.

Jake O’Brien

29

1=

Beto

29

3.

James Garner

28

4.

Jordan Pickford

28

5.

Idrissa Gueye

28

But the time has come for him to return home. Everton might have a paucity of potential at right-back, but a natural option in the role may well prove to iron out tactical wrinkles which are proving to the detriment of Everton’s fluency.

O’Brien, after all, stands at 6 foot 5 and struggles to progress the ball effectively. On top of this, Sofascore record that he has lost 60% of his ground duels in the Premier League this year, which runs counter to his combative and crunching qualities when operating in his natural habitat.

James Garner isn’t a natural right-back, but he is good on the ball and could fill in if need be.

Keane is an industrious defender, but he’s slow and limited on the ball. Everton are all about evolution right now, but if Branthwaite is booked in for an extended stay in the infirmary, shifting O’Brien into his natural position is surely a no-brainer.

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ByWill Miller Oct 17, 2025

West Ham United are keen on a January swoop for an “unbelievable” striker, who now wants a move to the Premier League.

West Ham looking to provide Jarrod Bowen with support in attack

West Ham have become more difficult to beat since the arrival of Nuno, having lost just one of their last six Premier League games, but they will be disappointed they were unable to hold on against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

The Hammers were in the lead until stoppage time, before Georginio Rutter netted a controversial late equaliser, which Nuno believes should’ve been ruled out, saying: “It was a handball, wasn’t it, and a high foot. No need to speak with the referee. I think it was the main factor.”

Picking up three points against an in-form Brighton side would’ve been an impressive result, but it wasn’t to be, despite Jarrod Bowen putting in an impressive performance, netting his fourth Premier League goal of the season after starting in a central role.

Callum Wilson came off the bench to assist Bowen’s goal, with the former Newcastle United man now up to five goal contributions this season, but with his contract due to expire in the summer, the Irons are looking to provide their captain with some additional support in attack.

That is according to a report from Hammers News, which has provided a new update on West Ham’s Ivan Toney pursuit, stating Nuno’s side are keen on signing the striker in the January transfer window.

The Hammers have already explored a deal for Toney, having been impressed by his performances in England for Brentford, and the centre-forward now wants to make a return to the Premier League ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

However, it is unlikely the east Londoners will be able to get a deal over the line, given the Al-Ahli star’s huge wage demands, which could be a major obstacle.

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The Hammers are looking to sign a “leader” in the upcoming transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Dec 7, 2025 "Unbelievable" Toney could help fire West Ham to safety

Despite West Ham being difficult to beat in recent weeks, they are still in real trouble, currently sitting two points from safety and inside the relegation zone.

The former Brentford striker has proven he has what it takes to help fire the Hammers to safety, maintaining a fantastic attacking record across his three seasons in the Premier League with the Bees.

Season

Premier League appearances

Goal contributions

2021-22

33

17

2022-23

33

24

2023-24

17

6

Former manager Thomas Frank also waxed lyrical about the Englishman upon his departure, saying: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Ivan over the last four years. He has averaged more than one goal every two games, which is an unbelievable number.”

With West Ham at real risk of relegation, they definitely need to make some new additions in the January window, and Toney is exactly the calibre of signing they should be looking to make.

One player still on the books at Manchester United has been told that his Old Trafford “career is over” by a former Red Devils midfielder.

Players who could leave Man Utd in 2026

2026 could be another busy year at Old Trafford in regards to incomings and outgoings, with Ruben Amorim and INEOS continuing to make their mark in Manchester.

The Red Devils have four players out of contract at the end of the season, one of which is midfielder Casemiro.

Players out of contract at Man Utd in 2026

Harry Maguire

Casemiro (option until 2027)

Tom Heaton

Tyrell Malacia

Man Utd have the option to extend that by a further 12 months, however, Amorim and INEOS seemingly clashing behind the scenes regarding the Brazilian. Amorim wants to keep Casemiro whereas INEOS want him to take a pay cut from his current £350,000-a-week wage.

There are also numerous loanees away from Man Utd who could seal permanent exits at the end of the season. Rasmus Hojlund is at Napoli, Marcus Rashford is at Barcelona, Jadon Sancho is at Aston Villa and Andre Onana is with Trabzonspor.

United could look to move the quartet out on a full-time basis, with options to buy inserted in Rashford’s move to the Nou Camp and Hojlund’s move to Napoli. Now, another one of the four has been told he has no future at the club by a pundit.

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He’s scored more goals than Sesko this season.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 21, 2025 Strachan tells Onana his Man Utd “career is over”

Former Man Utd midfielder Gordon Strachan, speaking to Esports News relayed by The Manchester Evening News, feels that Andre Onana “has played his last game” for Man Utd and would be “shocked” if he played for the Red Devils again.

Onana’s Man Utd contract is worth £120,000-a-week and there is no option to buy for the Turkish side at the end of the season, with the ‘keeper’s Manchester deal not expiring until 2028.

United forked out just under £50m on Onana back in 2023, but after numerous errors at Old Trafford and Amorim now having Senne Lammens, a permanent exit could make sense for all involved next year.

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