Konstas will become the fourth-youngest Australian to play Test cricket while Head is battling a minor quad strain but the coach is confident he will play

Alex Malcolm24-Dec-20242:38

Cummins: ‘Seeing new players debut really gives me a thrill’

Sam Konstas will make his Test debut for Australia on Boxing Day while Travis Head will face a fitness test on his injured quad but coach Andrew McDonald is confident his star left-hand batter will be fit to play.Konstas will become the fourth-youngest Australian to make his Test debut at 19 years and 85 days on Boxing Day against India, with only Ian Craig, current captain Pat Cummins, and Tom Garrett making their debuts at a younger age.McDonald confirmed in a press conference post training on Tuesday that Australia’s selector on duty Tony Dodemaide had told Konstas the good news on the same morning, but he said confirmation on the rest of the XI would come on Christmas Day when Cummins does his pre-match press conference.Related

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“We said from the get go, when leading into the summer, that we wouldn’t shy away, and age was no barrier,” McDonald said. “And what he’s shown is an array of shots, the ability to put pressure back on to opponents and he gets his opportunity. We’re really excited for him.”The concerns around Head’s fitness are real as he is clearly not 100%. Head suffered a very minor quad strain while batting in Australia’s second innings in Brisbane and did not field in Australia’s very brief second bowling innings before rain ended the match.Head had a short hit on Tuesday in the nets after doing some running and some fielding on the outfield, having not done anything at Monday’s optional session.”Has he got some things to work through? Yeah, he has,” McDonald said. “So that’s what you would have seen. There’s no concern at the moment. Has he been officially ticked off? I’m not sure. I didn’t see the sort of back-end of his training session there, but I’m pretty confident he’ll play.”I think he looked good with the bat in hand so obviously skills are in good order. It’ll just be basically what risk is associated with that. He had a small strain to the quad. But no concerns from my end. He’s been able to be running, so I think he’ll be fully functional come the game time.”Head did have a lengthy discussion with McDonald and Australia’s physio Nick Jones shortly after his hit in the nets but the coach downplayed its significance.”It was more around his fielding position and what he was capable of there,” McDonald said. “Clearly coming off a strain he’s got that, obviously the demands of bat pad.Travis Head (right) speaks with coach Andrew McDonald (left) and physio Nick Jones (centre) about his quad issue•Getty Images

“So that’s all that was about. And my question to Nick Jones was just around what he’s got to do to finish off the session, so I was across it beforehand, or just making sure nothing had changed during the session, and then we just started to speak about India, what they might do. So it was nothing really that specific.”McDonald did confirm that Australia would make at least two changes with Konstas replacing Nathan McSweeney and Scott Boland replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood.”If we didn’t pick Scotty here, and I’m not allowed to declare the team, because that’s Pat’s job tomorrow, but I don’t think I’m coming to the ground Boxing Day if Scotty is not the XI. So you can go with that as well,” McDonald said.McDonald stopped short of confirming if there would be any more changes. It appears unlikely given Mitchell Marsh is fully fit. He had one of his longest bowling spells of the summer in the nets on Tuesday and looked to be moving well having overcome the back issues that plagued him since he suffered spasms in the fourth ODI against England at Lord’s back in September.”Just to clear up, Mitch Marsh is fully fit and available to bowl,” McDonald said. “I know that he only bowled two overs last game, and people were speculating around that, but that was more because of the weather interventions, and we’re able to keep our fast bowlers fresh, albeit we only had two out of the three operating. But he’s ready to go, and I think he’ll play a role in this Test match with the ball more so than the previous ones.”Sam Konstas will get his baggy green at the MCG•AFP via Getty Images

Although it hasn’t been confirmed, it appears unlikely that either Beau Webster or Josh Inglis will make their Test debuts on Boxing Day. Inglis has not trained at all with the squad at the MCG on Monday and Tuesday because he played across town at the Marvel Stadium in a BBL match for Perth Scorchers on Monday night.Scorchers and Western Australia quick Jhye Richardson has trained with the Test squad both days having not been released to play in the same BBL game.McDonald was pleased to have him in the squad alongside the other spare fast bowler Sean Abbott and feels he could be needed in Sydney if the Melbourne Test were to go five days and Australia’s bowlers were stretched. However, McDonald thought that was unlikely given the surface and the lighter loads that both Cummins and Mitchell Starc have had across the series so far.”Jhye’s been impressive,” McDonald said. “Clearly had a setback in the Shield game with the shoulder. Every week that goes on, people are confident that it lessens the risk. And what we saw in the nets today is a highly-skilled player, and he’s getting somewhere near his best, which is exciting for us.”Carrying the two extra quicks in the squad with the short turnaround, I think that’s real. If this game becomes long into a short turnaround, then you’ve got to make some decisions. Our frontline quicks, in terms of Starcy and Paddy, are well placed. Probably, less load than we would have imagined after three Test matches so does that give them opportunity to back up from Test four to Test five? I’d say that’s highly likely.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans stretch beyond potential deals for Man City’s Savinho and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, as pointed out by reliable Lilywhites insider Paul O’Keefe.

Just two weeks remain of this summer window, and chairman Daniel Levy is running out of time to back new manager Thomas Frank with some much-needed additions.

The Premier League season is already underway, and Frank will now have an even greater idea of how his side need to strengthen in the next fortnight after their opener against Burnley on Saturday.

Right now, Spurs are hot on the heels of both Eze and Savinho.

Tottenham are in talks to sign the attacking duo in separate deals (Fabrizio Romano), as Levy attempts to compensate for the loss of Son Heung-min to LAFC and James Maddison to long-term injury.

While there is some way to go when it comes to signing Savinho, with Pep Guardiola playing down reports of an imminent move away for the injured winger, Eze is believed to be very keen on a move to N17.

The 27-year-old has informed Palace of his desire to join Frank at Tottenham, giving his green-light to the project, so it appears all there is left to do is find a full agreement with the Eagles.

That’ll be no easy feat, though, considering chairman Steve Parish is a notoriously difficult negotiator and won’t fancy losing the star playmaker after what has already been a very difficult summer at Selhurst Park.

The south Londoners are demanding around £68 million – the value of his now-expired release clause – and reports suggest Tottenham want to go far lower (Ben Jacobs).

Amidst their negotiations for Eze and Savinho, it is believed that Tottenham also want another centre-back.

This is backed up by Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who explained their pursuit of a defender in a Q&A earlier this week.

As per O’Keefe, Frank and Spurs know exactly who they want to bolster their backline.

Tottenham identify Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie as top defender target

The insider reports that Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is that man.

The Ecuador international played 32 Bundesliga matches as a mainstay under Xabi Alonso last season, but he could join the Spaniard out of Leverkusen’s exit door amid interest from Spurs and Chelsea.

Frank has green-lit a potential Tottenham move for Hincapie, with the club identifying him as their “ideal” left centre-back target.

Other reports indicate that Leverkusen value him at around £60 million, and some South American media sources suggest that Chelsea are ready to bid for Hincapie, so Tottenham will need to get moving here.

A win is a win. Arsenal will no doubt take it. It wasn’t all guns blazing but the Gunners walked away from Old Trafford, a fixture they notoriously find difficult, with a 1-0 win on the opening weekend of the season.

It wasn’t pretty against Manchester United but Mikel Arteta’s side, who simply drew too many games last term, found a way to get over the line.

They did so with resilience, they did so with a few nerves, and they did so with set-pieces. Yep, Set Piece FC are back.

Since Nicolas Jover came to the club, Arsenal have been brilliant from corners in particular and it was a shock to absolutely no one that the game’s only goal came from a Declan Rice set play.

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Arsenal’s pre-season preparations were far from ideal. There was a lack of spark to their attack, really until the 3-0 win over Athletic Club last weekend.

On that occasion, Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz were on the scoresheet. It felt like a complete performance from seemingly Arteta’s strongest lineup.

Chalkboard

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

However, fast forward a week and that same flow, that same sharpness was lacking. In truth, Arsenal’s attack was bettered by the United forward line in every department but goals.

While Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, signed from Wolves and Brentford respectively, looked a constant threat, the same cannot be said for those leading the line for the visitors.

Still, Arsenal found a way and it came through yet another corner. In all honesty, though, United did not cover themselves in glory.

From the boot of Rice, the midfielder swung the ball in from the left corner flag and it was not dealt with properly, chiefly by goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

United have had a number of problems in their goalkeeping department in recent years and it was no different to start the 2025/26 campaign. Bayindir flapped at the ball and almost put it into his own net where Riccardo Calafiori headed home from a yard out.

That was the only chance of note that the Gunners had, as they had the likes of David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel to thank defensively. Raya, in particular, stood out for the away side, notably making a wonderful stop to prevent Matheus Cunha in the first half.

It left Gary Neville in awe but it’s unlikely many supporters would be in awe. While Arsenal found a way to leave Manchester with all three points, the same issues from last season were evident.

One of the biggest problems was the attack, and Arteta must find a way to get marquee signing, Gyokeres, firing.

Gyokeres' nightmare debut in numbers

Last weekend gave supporters huge hope that Gyokeres was going to be the man to fire Arsenal to the title.

His opening goal in the famous red and white was brilliantly taken, darting across the defender and heading home a Martin Zubimendi cross.

Yet, that same movement and speed of thought was not apparent at Old Trafford this weekend. In fact, Gyokeres endured a debut to forget, a matter outlined by Football.London’s Tom Canton who handed the Swede a 5/10 match rating and wrote: ‘Struggled to get into the game in the first half and was limited in terms of service and touches.’

It’s true that Gyokeres severely underwhelmed in Manchester. He left the field on 60 minutes to a chorus of jeers from United supporters and he trudged off having failed to have a single effort on goal.

That speaks of a disconnected frontline in general. While the summer signing could have done better, Gabriel Martinelli and Saka did very little to help the big striker thrive.

Saka is usually the creative hub of this team. No player created more goalscoring chances per 90 minutes in the Premier League last term.

Yet, on Sunday, he only completed one of his six dribble attempts and completed just one key pass. Martinelli, on the other hand, didn’t complete any dribbles. He also registered one key pass too. Combined, they lost the ball on 20 occasions.

Minutes played

60

Touches

21

Accurate passes

4/9 (44%)

Shots

0

Successful dribbles

0/1

Key passes

0

Ground duels won

2/7

Aerial duels won

1/6

Offsides

1

Fouls

3

Times fouled

2

On that evidence, Gyokeres was starved and was likely cursing his teammates at points. He did make the runs, but was often ignored, just as he was in pre-season.

The fact of the matter is that Arsenal will need to change the way they play in attack to accommodate the former Sporting man. What’s also true is that Gyokeres need to improve himself.

For such a strong, imposing player, the 27-year-old was bullied throughout, posting just four passes and winning only three of his 13 duels and only one of six in the air.

Gyokeres will likely score a lot of goals this season. After all, he did net 54 times in 2024/25, but he and the team will need to improve quickly for him to hit the ground running.

Arsenal took the points but their forward line will no doubt be a concern for Arteta.

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Granit Xhaka is now officially a Sunderland player.

It had been the talk of the town on Wearside for some time, with the deal having a will he won’t he quality to it, but the Black Cats have managed to successfully pull off the statement move by securing the former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder’s services for £17m.

Well-versed in what it takes to be a success in the Premier League, too, this really does feel like a coup on the end of the Black Cats to land such a recognised top-flight performer.

They aren’t done here, however, when it comes to raiding the Bundesliga for some exciting talents, as another midfielder remains on their shopping list from Germany.

Sunderland in race to sign £26m sensation

The Premier League newcomers have been casting their net all across Europe this summer to date, with Habib Diarra joining Regis Le Bris’ camp from Strasbourg for a whopping £30m, on top of Noah Sadiki leaving Belgium behind for the challenge of the English game.

Up next, it looks as if Sunderland are going to win themselves a brand-new goalkeeper from the Netherlands, with reports suggesting that NEC Nijmegen stopper Robin Roefs will link up with Xhaka and Co. very soon for around the £11.5m mark.

Then, their attentions might well shift back to Leverkusen, with journalist Julien Laurens revealing via X that Le Bris’ side have now entered the race for Amine Adli’s signature, alongside fellow top-flight outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It would reportedly cost the Black Cats in the region of £26m to land Adli, who is also believed to be prioritising a move to England, over sticking it out at Erik ten Hag’s men.

Over time, Adli could even go on to establish himself as a bigger talent than Simon Adingra at the Stadium of Light, as Le Bris’ options down either flank grow more plentiful by the day.

How Adli could become a bigger talent than Adingra

Adingra is up and running in Sunderland red and white, having fired home a strike against Hull City last time out in a pre-season runout.

The expectation will be that he can instantly take the Premier League by storm after gaining these valuable minutes in pre-season, having already tallied up eight strikes in the relentless division from 60 outings for ex-employers Brighton and Hove Albion.

However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the 23-year-old on the South Coast, with Adingra only averaging 40 minutes of Premier League action on average last season, as he tumbled down the pecking order under Fabian Hurzeler.

Whilst Adli has also suffered from minimal first-team opportunities at the BayArena – with only six Bundesliga starts coming his way last campaign – his numbers have never really stalled, as the English top-flight now opens up as a daring next step for the Moroccan forward.

24/25

28

2

2

23/24

42

10

12

22/23

38

7

6

21/22

34

4

4

Despite Xabi Alonso utilising him far less last season, Adli would still manage to reach the same number of goals and assists Adingra registered at Brighton in one fewer clash, on top of also boasting 47 goal contributions full stop for Leverkusen from 142 contests. Adingra, on the contrary, only collected 17 for the Seagulls, albeit from 68 fewer clashes.

Therefore, with that wealth of experience on his side, which has also seen him tally up four goals and four assists in the Europa League previously, the “electric” winger – as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – could well get the starting nudge by Le Bris to line up down the left over the Ivorian.

Once also lauded for possessing an “outstanding” pass by ex-Leverkusen teammate Mousa Diaby, Adli could further be the spark that gets more out of the Sunderland bodies around him, as his new potential side attempts to make survival look comfortable, as opposed to an all-consuming chore.

Le Bris' next Rigg: Sunderland strongly pursuing £38m “soldier” after Xhaka

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تحدث عماد متعب، نجم الأهلي السابق، عن مواجهة الزمالك، ضمن منافسات الأسبوع التاسع من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وقال عماد متعب عبر قناة أون سبورت: “قلت من قبل إن النجوم تظل في السماء ولا تنزل إلى الأرض والتصريح لا يتغير، لأن النجوم فعلًا في السماء ولا تنزل إلى الأرض أنت بإمكانياتك وعملك تُثبت نفسك بعد أن تعتزل، ننظر لما قدمت طالما أنك تلعب فأنت لم تحقق شيئًا بعد، وطالما تلعب يجب أن يكون لديك طموحا بأنك تتعلم وتضيف”.

وواصل: “بعيدًا عن الأخلاق والالتزام، هذه أمور مهمة جدًا، لكنني لا أتحدث فقط كأخلاق بل كتاريخ أيضًا، ماذا قدمت في حياتك؟ كم بطولة لعبت؟ كم بطولة حققت؟ كم مباراة شاركت فيها؟ كم هدفًا سجلت؟ كم هدفًا منعت؟ ما الإنجازات التي حققتها؟ ستجد نفسك قد صنعت أشياء كثيرة جدًا”.

طالع.. أحمد حسن: غياب زيزو مفيد لـ الأهلي.. ولاعب الزمالك هادئ جدًا ولا ينشغل بالجماهير

وأضاف: “قد تكون نجمًا في مباراة اليوم، ولكن في النهاية لا تحصد الدوري، قد تكون نجمًا في كأس الأمم الأفريقية، ولكن في النهاية لا تفوز بالبطولة ما يجعلك لديك رغبة دائمة وهي أنك تريد أن تزيد وتضيف”.

وواصل: “أنا لم أتخيل أنني لعبت 23 مباراة في كأس الأمم الإفريقية، ولم أعرف ذلك إلا بعد أن اعتزلت، مباراتان فقط جلست فيهما على مقاعد البدلاء ولم أبدأ أساسيًا”.

وأكمل: “التقييم لا يصح أن يكون لحظيًا، اللاعبون الموجودون في النادي لاعبون كبار جدًا، يملكون إمكانيات عالية جدًا ليس معنى أنني أقول إن النجوم لا تنزل إلى الأرض أنني أقلل من شأنهم أبدًا، بل اللاعبين لديهم إمكانيات عالية جدًا، لكنني أريد أن أظل دائمًا بهذا المبدأ”.

وأشار: “لقد تعاملت مع المدير الفني مانويل جوزيه، وهو عودنا على هذا الأمر أيًا كان ما تفعله، فأنت لم تحقق شيئًا بعد، لأنه يريدك أن تفكر دائمًا في ما هو أكبر”.

واستمر: “النادي الأهلي دوافعه كبيرة جدًا، أولًا أن تفوز على نادي الزمالك، ولا يوجد أفضل من العودة بالفوز على الزمالك في مباراة كبيرة، هذا رقم واحد، رقم اثنين أن تعود إلى صدارة الدوري، رقم ثلاثة أن تُصالح جمهور الأهلي، رقم أربعة أن تُثبت أن الصفقات الجديدة صفقات ناجحة”.

واسترسل: “أحيانًا تنتظر وتترقب مباراة مهمة وكبيرة حتى تبدأ منها المشوار وتتصالح مع الجمهور، ولا توجد مباراة أكبر من الأهلي والزمالك لتصالح بها جمهورك”.

وأردف: “الفوز اليوم هو ما سيمنحك البطولة، لأنه أولًا سيجعل الفارق نقطتين، ولديك مباراة مؤجلة، فتتصدر الدوري هذه هي البداية، المباراة الكبيرة تهدئ الأمور قليلًا، خصوصًا عندما تكون الأجواء غير مستقرة داخل الفريق بسبب النتائج”.

وأتم: “عندما تفوز على الزمالك، تهدأ الأمور بشكل كبير جدًا، والجمهور يهدأ أيضًا ويرتاح، وتشعر أن الأمور بدأت تتحسن، فتستطيع أن تبني عليها وتكمل بها”.

A “terrific” Premier League player sees Newcastle United as his preferred destination this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim from The Athletic.

Howe discusses Isak's Newcastle future

The future of Alexander Isak has been the summer’s main talking point at St James’ Park, with the Swede pushing for a move to Liverpool ahead of the new season.

Isak has been made to train away from his Newcastle teammates by Eddie Howe, with the manager no doubt not wanting an unhappy player around, and he spoke about the saga over the weekend.

“I think everything is in play. I’ve said many times he is contracted to us. He is our player. The club make the decision on his future. I don’t know what that will be. Of course I have a preferred outcome. I want the best and the strongest squad possible, but I also want players that really want to play for this football club.”

Regardless of what happens with Isak, more signings are needed for Newcastle before the summer transfer window reaches its conclusion, and they have been boosted by the news that one individual would like to play for the club.

Aston Villa star Ramsey keen on Newcastle move

According to a new update from The Athletic, Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey sees Newcastle as his “preferred destination” this summer.

The report states that the Magpies “made an approach for the former England youth international in January 2024”, with Howe described as a “big fan” of his. While West Ham are also keen on signing the 24-year-old valued at £40m, “Newcastle’s project and the chance to work under Howe are thought to carry the greatest appeal” to him.

This is a big positive for Newcastle, should their interest in Ramsey be as strong as it was last year, with the Villa ace a hugely talented footballer.

Granted, he arguably hasn’t quite kicked on as much as some predicted, but Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has hailed his ability, having managed him when he was at Villa Park.

“He’s not following in anyone’s footsteps. Jacob Ramsey is Jacob Ramsey. He will be a terrific player. It won’t be long before the whole country is watching him I’m sure. He is right up there, let me tell you.”

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Ramsey only started half of Villa’s 38 Premier League games last season, and he could feel that a new challenge is needed at this point in his career, seeing Newcastle as the ideal next step.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras se reapresentou nesta segunda-feira (24), na Academia de Futebol, após o empate em 2 a 2 com o Vasco, no Maracanã, no último domingo (23), pela segunda rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, mas já virou a chave pensando na Copa do Brasil. As principais novidades na atividade desta manhã foram as presenças de Raphael Veiga e Rony, que podem reforçar o time em breve.

> Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil-2023 clicando aqui

No treino, o elenco alviverde iniciou a preparação para enfrentar o Tombense-MG, nesta quarta-feira (26), às 20h, no Parque do Sabiá, em Uberlândia (MG), pelo jogo de volta da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil. Na ida, o Verdão venceu por 4 a 2, no Allianz Parque, e pode até empatar ou perder por até um gol de diferença, que mesmo assim estará classificado para as oitavas de final do torneio.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras tem trio de campeões do Sul-Americano pela Seleção sub-17Palmeiras24/04/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras perde o costume da ‘baliza zero’, e auxiliar de Abel elenca motivosPalmeiras23/04/2023PalmeirasANÁLISE: Palmeiras se especializa em ‘correr atrás’, mas com o risco de não chegar lá na frentePalmeiras23/04/2023

Os titulares na partida do Rio de Janeiro seguiram cronograma regenerativo na parte interna do centro de excelência, enquanto os demais fizeram duas atividades técnicas de passes, marcação e posse de bola.

Veiga e Rony, que já estão em transição físicaapós se recuperarem de uma lesão na coxa direita e uma fratura no antebraço direito, respectivamente, participaram de parte do trabalho integrados ao restante do elenco. Ambos estão fora de combate desde o jogo de ida da final do Paulistão.

>Palmeiras perde o costume da ‘baliza zero’, e auxiliar de Abel elenca motivos

Vale lembrar que o Palmeiras não libera a entrada de jornalistas para acompanharem os treinamentos. Assim, as informações são fornecidas pela assessoria de imprensa do clube.

Depois de uma vitória e um empate no Brasileirão, o Verdão ocupa a terceira posição na tabela de classificação. Depois de enfrentar o Tombense nesta quarta-feira, o time de Abel Ferreira recebe o Corinthians, no Allianz Parque, pelo clássico válido pela terceira rodada do campeonato nacional.

continua após a publicidade

West Indies levelled the T20I series in style, with captain Hayley Matthews at the forefront of a robust batting performance in a nine-wicket thrashing. Matthews hit an unbeaten 85, courtesy 17 fours, just four less than India’s 21, to help West Indies break a sequence of nine straight T20I losses to India.Matthews’ brilliance helped cover for a shoddy fielding display in which Qiana Joseph, who also fuelled the chase with 38, put down India’s stand-in captain Smriti Mandhanaonce, one of three lives she got on the night. However, India’s 159 for 9, in the face of dew and some serious batting muscle in the opposition, was never going to be enough.

Chetry, debutant Bist fall cheaply

India’s inexperienced top order left them wobbling. Deandra Dottin castled Uma Chetry with an in-ducker for 4. Afy Fletcher, who went for 39 in her four overs two nights ago, had debutant Raghvi Bist lbw for 5. In between these two strikes, Jemimah Rodrigues fell attempting to get inside the line and paddle. At 48 for 3 in the ninth over, West Indies had India on the ropes.Smriti Mandhana was dropped thrice before she completed her fifty•BCCI

Dropped catches let Mandhana off the hook

India received a massive fillip thanks to some West Indian generosity; they dropped Mandhana three times – twice by Chinelle Henry – between overs 11 to 14. Mandhana would soon run out of luck, though, in the 14th over, but not before raising a second straight half-century, off 37 balls. Between those dropped catches, India hit six fours and a six in a two-over period that fetched 36, going from 72 for 3 in 12 overs to 108 for 4 in 14.

Dottin brilliance helps West Indies pull things back

If overs 12 to 14 produced boundaries, the next two applied the skids as West Indies removed Deepti and S Sajana. But Richa Ghosh cut, pulled and flat-batted the spinners to race to 32 off 16. Just as she raised hopes of a sparkling half-century, she was sent back by a flying Shemaine Campbelle behind the stumps, caught as she attempted to scythe Dottin’s yorker.Then, in the final over, Dottin showed off her athleticism in running at least 20 yards around the long-on fence to pull off a stunning catch on the move to dismiss Radha Yadav.Hayley Matthews got to a fifty off 31 balls•BCCI

Joseph sets it up

Joseph made up for her fielding lapses by laying into rookie Titas Sadhu to kickstart the chase. Her fast hands and clean slogging brought her three fours and a six in an 18-run second over. Renuka Singh then came in for punishment as Joseph muscled a monstrous six in a 14-run over. The openers brought up a half-century opening stand inside five overs. Saima Thakor picked up her first T20I wicket when she deceived Joseph with a back-of-the-hand slower ball in the seventh over, but by then the base had been laid with a 66-run stand.

Matthews finishes it in style

That was to be India’s only moment of comfort on the field as Matthews quickly took charge to raise a 31-ball half-century in an over when she despatched left-armer Radha Yadav for four back-to-back fours. India managed 21 fours and a six in their entire innings. West Indies had matched that boundary count by the 13th over itself to make it one-way traffic. The series couldn’t have been levelled with a more emphatic chase.

New Zealand facing record fourth-innings chase as tourists pile on the pain

Alan Gardner06-Dec-2024England have not won a Test series in New Zealand since 2007-08 but they are surely within sight of breaking that drought after a day of utter dominance at Basin Reserve. It was littered with landmarks and milestones: Gus Atkinson’s hat-trick, Jacob Bethell’s highest first-class score, Joe Root reaching 50 in a Test innings for the 100th time. With three days left in the game, New Zealand already face being set a record fourth-innings chase.Having wrestled their way into the ascendency on a topsy-turvy opening day, they pinned New Zealand to the canvas from the outset. Atkinson and Brydon Carse utilised what juice remained in the pitch to blow through the last five New Zealand wickets, securing a 155-run lead on first innings. Bethell and Ben Duckett then thrashed 187 runs in partnership to put England in a seemingly impregnable position just five sessions into the Test.Bethell’s contribution was bittersweet, as he fell four runs short of a first hundred in any format. He nevertheless confirmed the range of his talent, in his second Test and batting at No. 3 for only the fourth time. He drove the scoreboard on after Zak Crawley had fallen in the second over – dismissed by Matt Henry for the fourth innings in succession – and outscored his partner during a free-flowing stand that went at more than 5 an over.Nathan Smith bore the brunt of their initial onslaught, Bethell twice hooking him into the crowd and also proving strong on the drive. He survived when slashing Smith between keeper and slip, with Daryl Mitchell stood wide, on the way to a 52-ball half-century, and was not afraid to chance his arm as the second-wicket pair cemented England’s position.Only on entering the 90s for the second time in his first-class career, and having copped a blow from a Will O’Rourke short ball the over before, did Bethell betray signs of nerves. A skied pull off Tim Southee landed in no-man’s land, then he nearly chopped on next ball. Four dabbed through third took him within range of a memorable Test century only to be caught behind aiming an expansive drive.England’s lead was already past 350 and although Duckett, who was dropped by Tom Blundell down the leg side on 22, also failed to convert after a busy innings ended with a deflection on to his stumps off Southee, there was no let up for the home side after tea as Root and Harry Brook added 95 in untroubled fashion. Brook brought up his sixth 50-plus score in seven Test innings against New Zealand, before holing out off the bowling of Glenn Phillips, while Root also bobbed along to another half-century and into rarified company.Gus Atkinson spreads his arms after pinning Tim Southee for his hat-trick•Getty ImagesAfter Ollie Pope fell cheaply, Ben Stokes strode out and threw the bat for another fifty partnership from just 39 balls, suggesting that a declaration may not be far away. While New Zealand have achieved some great escapes in recent memory, not least when the man who now coaches England, Brendon McCullum, helped them to amass 680 for 8 against India at this ground a decade ago, and their pitches have a habit of flattening out, there’s no doubt they were deep in the hole.One measure of how the day had gone for New Zealand was that their five-man attack managed to bowl zero maidens. Another was that none of their remaining batters faced more than Phillips’ 16 balls as they were steamrollered during the morning session.Atkinson took the plaudits, adding a chapter to the storied history of Wellington cricket by becoming the first man to take a Test hat-trick at Basin Reserve. It was the latest accolade in a stunning start to the 26-year-old’s Test career, less than six months on from claiming a 12-wicket haul on debut. It made him the seventh player to record a ten-for, a hundred (achieved against Sri Lanka, in his fifth appearance) and a hat-trick, and in only his 10th Test – well ahead of the next-quickest, Johnny Briggs (18 matches).Both Atkinson and Carse claimed four-fors as New Zealand collapsed inside 45 minutes of the morning session. After Kane Williamson’s 37 on day one, no other New Zealand batter made it to 20.They had resumed their innings with Blundell batting alongside nightwatcher O’Rourke. Blundell shaped up nicely, only to be summarily dispatched in Carse’s second over as the bowler produced a beauty to hit the top of off. It was practically identical to the “no-ball of the century” that almost did for Williamson on the previous evening, only this time without any concerns around his front foot.Two balls later, O’Rourke propped forward hopefully and was trapped plumb in front of middle. Smith and Phillips briefly suggested a counterattack might materialise with a stand of 29 at more than a run a ball. But Atkinson found extra bounce on a tight line to defeat Smith, who underedged on to his stumps attempting to leave.Then came the , as Atkinson had Henry fending a chest-high bumper to gully and then bluffed Southee by pushing the field back then going full and straight at the stumps. Southee reviewed with a forlorn glance, ball-tracking confirming it would have hit middle and leg – and Atkinson walked off as the first Englishman to take a Test hat-trick since Moeen Ali at The Oval in 2017.

You can almost physically feel the shift in mood and anticipation at Arsenal. With deals wrapped for Noni Madueke and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres (who has not formally completed his move), the frontline is reshaping before our eyes.

The pursuit of Sweden sensation Gyokeres felt to have gone on for an interminably long time. And it did. So lengthy was the saga that Gyokeres, with his express focus on transferring to the Emirates Stadium in spite of rival interest, was nearly hijacked on two occasions over the past week. He turned a blind eye to Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United both times.

Madueke’s arrival evoked less fanfare, but he’s a talented player and a fitting profile, one who will provide support for Bukayo Saka on the right flank.

Kepa Arrizabalaga saved three penalties in an exhibition shootout after the Gunners kicked off their pre-season tour with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. Fellow new recruits Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard got their first tastes of action too.

The next phase in Mikel Arteta’s ambitious plan is coming together, but the Londoners may yet add more to their ranks as they look to end five years without silverware.

What's next for Arsenal

With a deal for Gyokeres done and dusted, Arteta finally has the free-scoring centre-forward he has sought over the past several years.

But more is needed. Cristian Mosquera’s transfer from Valencia to north London remains incomplete, albeit all but wrapped up. There are not expected to be any eleventh-hour issues regarding either of the club’s outstanding bids.

With Chelsea closing on a deal for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, Arsenal may soon accelerate their interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that talks are ongoing between Arteta’s side and the player’s camp.

And then there are the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to contend with. Either could be playing elsewhere a few months from now.

Should that be the case, the Gunners will need a new left winger. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has emerged as a top target in recent weeks, though he would cost around £87m and is coming off the back of a disappointing campaign, going 17 matches for Los Blancos without a goal.

However, Rodrygo is not the only talented wide winger on Arteta’s list.

Arsenal looking at deal for Premier League winger

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal “are looking” to complete a deal for Anthony Gordon this summer, with reporter Charles Watts confirming that technical director Andrea Berta is still keen on signing a left-sided forward before the summer’s out.

Gordon, 24, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading wingers over the past few years, and Newcastle United know it. Thus, he has been priced at a rather lofty £100m, though Arsenal would surely seek a reduced fee.

An out-and-out winger with impressive athleticism, the England international is also being pursued by Liverpool, who may accelerate their interest if the £70m-rated Luis Diaz is sold to Bayern Munich.

Why Arsenal should sign Anthony Gordon

Off the bat, Gordon has a wealth of experience in the Premier League – and that matters. Many are the talented players who have entered England’s top flight with much hype only to struggle against the current.

Rodrygo, of course, isn’t a nobody, and he hasn’t won two Champions League titles and risen to a position as one of Europe’s leading forwards to be told that he doesn’t have what it takes to impress in a robust and fluent Arsenal side.

But Arteta needs to choose wisely if he is to bridge that canyon and cross past Liverpool, all the while keeping Manchester City and a growing force in Chelsea at bay. And others.

Describing himself as a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, Gordon has what it takes to elevate Arsenal’s frontline higher, with his balance and pace and tenacity all exactly what is needed to serve Gyokeres at number nine and contrast with Saka out on the right.

For a range of reasons, Gordon didn’t reach his finest level last season. However, the previous term was one of great individual merit for the Three Lions star, who was awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Year award after clinching 28 goal contributions across the season.

Looking at that high level against Rodrygo’s in La Liga, we begin to see why Arsenal are considering a move for the Magpies man in spite of Rodrygo’s ostensible availability.

Rodrygo, no doubt, is an elite forward, crisper than Gordon in possession and more clinical in the final third. However, they are both creatively on par, and the Newcastle star’s work rate and combativeness are underlined by his duel and ball recovery metrics.

From this, we can see why he ranks so highly on Arsenal’s analytical findings. Let’s hypothesise for a moment: if Gordon plyed his trade at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Rodrygo at St. James’ Park, can we honestly surmise that the data would remain in the same frame?

Arsenal’s transfer activity this summer bespeaks improvements up top, and Gordon would be the cherry on the cake. Moreover, he would find that he could lift himself to the next level under Arteta’s wing, part of an ever-improving side that is so hungry for that final piece of the puzzle.

More exciting than Gyokeres: Romano reveals Arsenal's new "top target"

The sensational game-changer would be an incredible signing for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 24, 2025