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Ten T20I defeats in a row couldn’t sway resilient team from sticking to their guns in emphatic win

Shashank Kishore04-Oct-2024Sophie Devine had to scream her lungs out to get Maddy Green’s attention at long-off. She was unhappy with Green’s positioning and implored her to move a few yards to her right. The move was partly instinctive as much it was down to an understanding of Smriti Mandhana’s strengths, having played with her in the Women’s Premier League.Four balls into Eden Carson’s second over, the ploy was rewarded when Mandhana tempted fate and holed out to long-off. And just like that, Mandhana’s plans of playing a shot she scores a lot of runs off, especially early on against spin, were nipped in the bud.Devine revealed the plan for Mandhana was one among many that New Zealand put together for this World Cup opener, and while the results had been slow to come to fruition over the course of the previous year, what had remained was their steadfast belief in their methods.”Look, to be honest, we’ve been planning for this game for about, I don’t know, probably close to a year,” Devine said. “We’ve been really focused on this one game for a long time now, and the level of detail that we’ve gone into, in terms of match-ups, field settings, obviously it helps having played a little bit in the WPL.”It’s all well and good to have plans. If the bowlers can’t execute it, it doesn’t mean anything. But I thought the bowlers were outstanding. We were really clear around what plans we wanted to use and how we wanted to use them, and for them to execute and to pick up wickets regularly is something that I was really proud of. It’s a pretty cool feeling to have plans executed, and to be rewarded for it.”One of those plans that Devine touched upon, it seemed, was bowling a heavy ball. On a Dubai surface where the dew didn’t come on as anticipated, the ball was gripping more than a hint. And Lea Tahuhu showed the value of hitting hard lengths. The wickets of Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma were reward for that unwavering discipline.Tahuhu’s natural swing, courtesy of her slingy action, tends to take the ball away. While she isn’t the tallest bowler in the game, she has worked previously with Jacob Oram, the former New Zealand allrounder turned bowling coach, on a slower bouncer to complement her hard lengths.Friday’s plan was confirmation of the extent to which the players have bought into the team’s methods, without being swayed by the uncertainty that a series of insipid results, including 10 successive T20I losses, can bring.”I think a word that got used today when we were presenting our jerseys was ‘resilient’ and, when I think of resilient people, I think of Leah,” Devine said. “She’s obviously been in and out of the side, she’s battled through injuries, she’s obviously got a young family now, and [she showed] her ability to just keep bouncing back and then to perform in pressure situations like she did today.Related

• Bates banking on familiarity and 'great mind space' in trans-Tasman clash

• New Zealand shoot India out for 102 amid high drama to script big win

• Harmanpreet & Co left fuming after Amelia Kerr run-out-that-wasn't drama

• Rodrigues on batting at No. 5: 'I'm working on going all out from the first ball'

• Harmanpreet set to end India's No. 3 roulette at T20 World Cup

“As a captain it’s a real privilege to be able to throw her the ball and know that she’s going to fight tooth and nail to do whatever she can for this team. And people like that are so important in a team environment, because that mongrel spirit is infectious and I thought she’s been great today. Long may it continue.”The brightest example of New Zealand’s spirit is Georgia Plimmer who was backed to open despite a horror run of form all through the summer. She made 26 runs in four innings during a winless England tour and had just one not-so-fluent half-century in the final T20I of an otherwise forgettable Australia tour.A T20I strike-rate that had been just a nudge above 84 revealed more than an inkling of struggle in the Powerplay. It may have been prudent for Devine to move up herself, but the New Zealand captain laid out what she termed a succession plan, for when she and Suzie Bates eventually decide to move on.One of those plans was to back Plimmer to find her feet in the pressure of international cricket. And on Friday, she launched a powerplay salvo that rattled India. In the context of her career and the match, Plimmer’s 23-ball 34 up top was worth so much more, even though there were other batters, such as Devine herself, whose unbeaten 36-ball 57 looks the more significant on the scorecard.”The cricket gods decided to be with us today and sometimes that’s all it is, isn’t it?,” Devine asked. “Sometimes you get a lucky bounce, sometimes you get, you know … a catch goes in the gap. I don’t think it’s through lack of effort, it’s not through lack of trying, it’s not through lack of preparation, I think it’s just sometimes the way cricket is.”So, I’m just really proud of this group to keep sticking at it, to keep believing in themselves. Trust me, we’ve been copping stuff from all over the place about the batting order, and I hope today shows exactly why we’ve been sticking with it for the last 12-18 months, because we believe in this batting order.”We believe in the openers, we believe in Melie [Amelia Kerr], and we believe in myself and the rest of the group. So hopefully that’s brought us a little bit of breathing space, but we know that it’s on us now to make sure that we back it up.”In a way, New Zealand played like a team that wasn’t burdened by the same expectations as India. Neither are they bound by history. Devine admits theirs is a transition that has loomed for longer than expected, which they’re trying to address in the best possible way.All told, New Zealand played like a team that would’ve embraced delight and dejection in equal measure, provided they didn’t deviate from plans that had been in the making for a while. And when the spotlight was on them on a grand stage against a more fancied opponent, they conjured magic to sting their opponents like few defeats in recent memory.

Dilara Akter, Jannatul Ferdus and Ishma Tanjim have been left out

Mohammad Isam23-Aug-2025Bangladesh have brought two teenagers into their squad for the Women’s World Cup, which the BCB announced on Saturday. They are Nishita Akter, the 17-year-old offspinner, and the 19-year-old batter Sumaiya Akter. Both were part of Bangladesh’s team at the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia in February.Bangladesh have also picked the 28-year-old keeper-batter Rubya Haider, who has played six T20Is but is yet to make her ODI debut.Between them, these three relative new faces have played three ODIs and seven T20Is, and none of them has played for the senior Bangladesh side in 2025.Related

• WI's historic chase ends in heartbreak as Bangladesh seal World Cup spot

The selectors have offloaded Dilara Akter, Jannatul Ferdus and Ishma Tanjim from Bangladesh’s most recent squad, which played in the World Cup Qualifier in April. Bangladesh qualified from that tournament ahead of West Indies by a net-run-rate margin of just 0.013, but they haven’t played any international matches since then.Recently, the squad has played a number of matches against Bangladesh’s Under-15 boys side as preparation for the World Cup.Women’s chief selector Sajjad Ahmed was excited by the addition of the three young players. He said Rubya, who has played six T20Is, will be the squad’s back-up opener and wicketkeeper behind captain Nigar Sultana.”Rubya has earned her place through sheer hard work,” he said. “Her development over the last six months has been outstanding. We see her as a valuable option both as a reserve keeper and a back-up opener.”Nishita is still young, but she bowls with great maturity. She is consistent, calm under pressure and her ability to contain left-handers gave her an edge. We believe this experience will serve her well and add depth to our spin attack.”Sajjad added that Sumaiya’s patience would be an asset to the side, and her fielding a bonus. “Sumaiya has been knocking on the door for some time. She brings the ability to occupy the crease and accelerate when needed. With her skillset and fielding standards, she gives us an all-round option in the top order.”Apart from these three, the squad wears a familiar look with Nahida Akter as vice-captain to Nigar, and the likes of Fargana Hoque, Fahima Khatun and Marufa Akter bringing the experience that Bangladesh hope will cover for their recent lack of match practice.Bangladesh are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan in Colombo on October 2. India are the hosts of the tournament, with Colombo hosting all of Pakistan’s matches.

Bangladesh squad for Women’s World Cup 2025

Nigar Sultana (capt), Nahida Akter, Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Trisna, Sanjida Akter, Nishita Akter, Sumaiya Akter.
IN: Rubya Haider, Nishita Akter, Sumaiya Akter
OUT: Dilara Akter (wk), Jannatul Ferdus, Ishma Tanjim

England have been told to wrap Harry Kane in “cotton wool” from January in order to avoid any injuries that would deliver a World Cup nightmare. Former Three Lions striker Fraizer Campbell, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, admits that Thomas Tuchel would struggle to mount a serious challenge for global glory if his talismanic captain were to be unavailable.

• Record breaker: Kane a talisman for club & country

  Kane has not steered clear of treatment tables over the course of his career, but has been able to avoid the most serious of setbacks. That has allowed him to become a record-setting performer at domestic and international level.

  He is Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer and holds a similar record with England, having found the target for them on 76 occasions through 110 appearances. He fills the armband for his country and has guided them to back-to–back European Championship finals.

  Heartache has been suffered there, but Kane did break his trophy duck when becoming a Bundesliga title winner with Bayern Munich in 2024-25. At 32 years of age, he now has his sights set on more major honours.

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  Injury worry: Could England win World Cup without Kane?

  The expectation is that he will be England’s No.9 at next summer’s World Cup, having shown no sign of slowing down and with few alternative options breathing down his neck. If the Three Lions are to roar in 2026, then Kane will be required to lead from the front.

  Campbell admits as much, with the ex-Spurs forward – speaking via Stake, where you can get Bundesliga odds – telling GOAL when asked if England could prevail without Kane: “It’s a difficult one. You have got [Ollie] Watkins, who is a quality player but he’s not in the same bracket as Harry Kane yet. It would be an issue.

  “We have got a lot of good, technical 10s who could potentially play higher up the pitch like a false nine. [Marcus] Rashford has played No.9 before and he’s doing well this season. It would be a big miss for us, but we would have to cope somehow. Maybe come the start of next year we just wrap him in cotton wool and tell him not to play too much for Bayern!”

• Goal centurion: Can prolific Kane emulate Messi & Ronaldo?

  Kane is being backed to play on for some time yet, with former England striker Emile Heskey telling GOAL when asked if one of the most fearsome frontmen on the planet could emulate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by reaching 100 international goals: “Why not? He’s a goalscorer, that’s what he prides his game on – getting goals. A lot of people say he’s got to do this and this, but when your numbers stack up the way that his do, you kind of look past a lot of it.

  “When you look at the way that he plays, and it’s about looking after your body – if he can have the right diet, the right rest, which is a key thing when you look at the amount of games and the intensity of the games, the key thing is can he get enough rest and get recuperated for the next game. He’ll be fine. I played to 38, it wasn’t at that level as I was in the Championship – which is actually quite relentless with Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday – but he’ll cope fine.”

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  More tournaments: Will Kane play on beyond 2026 World Cup?

  Ex-England captain Stuart Pearce also told GOAL when quizzed on whether Kane has more major tournaments left in him: “He’s got another World Cup in him next summer, then you are looking two years beyond that. He’ll be a 35-year-old.

  “He is incredibly professional. His game is not based on blistering speed. I see no reason at all to bow out. I saw Teddy Sheringham wheeling it out late on in his career. Teddy played with his head and I think Harry Kane does as well. I see no problem going forward. The big question mark will be, who’s coming along to dislodge him? At the moment, I’m not seeing anyone that is consistent enough.”

  Kane is the only recognised striker to have been selected by Thomas Tuchel in the latest England squad. With tickets to the 2026 World Cup already safely secured, the Three Lions are readying themselves for final qualification fixtures against Serbia and Albania.

“Hopefully, it doesn’t get to that. But he had some throwdowns in here at one point, and he’s ready if needed”

Matt Roller03-Aug-20253:37

Root: ‘Amazing spectacle to look forward to’ on fifth day

Chris Woakes is available to bat on the final morning at The Oval despite a suspected shoulder dislocation. Woakes was initially ruled out of the remainder of the fifth Test against India after sustaining the injury while fielding on the first day, and had his left arm in a sling in the dressing room on Sunday, but is prepared to “put his body on the line” if England need him.Woakes practiced batting one-handed in the indoor school on Sunday, and changed into his whites during the evening session, readying himself to bat at No. 11 if required. England need a further 35 runs to win with four wickets in hand to clinch a 3-1 series win on the fifth day, and Joe Root said that Woakes’ willingness to bat showed his commitment to the cause.”He’s all-in, like the rest of us,” Root, whose 105 set up England’s run chase, said. “It’s been that kind of series, where guys have had to put bodies on the line. Hopefully, it doesn’t get to that. But he had some throwdowns in here (the indoor school) at one point, and he’s ready if needed… He’s desperate to do what it takes.”Related

• Brook's distorted reality brings England's dream into focus

• Root: Heavy roller on day five could be an 'advantage' for England

• India claw back after Brook, Root tons to set up thrilling finish

• Stats – Root overtakes Ponting, Kallis and Jayawardene for most tons at home

It remains to be seen whether Woakes would attempt to bat right-handed – like Malcolm Marshall in 1984 – or switch to left-handed on account of his injury, as Pakistan’s Saleem Malik once did.”I’m not sure,” Root said. “I’ve not seen him practice yet. You might get a better indication tomorrow if he has some throwdowns in the morning.”England have not yet confirmed the specifics of Woakes’ injury, and he will go for further scans after this match for a full diagnosis. But he is considered highly unlikely to play again this summer, and is already a major doubt for the first Ashes Test in Perth starting November 21, and potentially the rest of that series.”Clearly, he’s in a huge amount of pain having done what he’s done,” Root said. “It just shows, as we’ve seen from other guys in this series – [Rishabh] Pant batting with a broken foot, guys taking all sorts of blows here and there – but it means a huge amount to him.”It just shows the character and the person that he’s willing to put his body on the line like that for England, and hopefully – well, hopefully he doesn’t have to, but if it does come to that – get us across the line and win us an incredible series.”1:44

Bangar: India could have bowled straighter to Root

Root’s century has taken England close enough to their target of 374 that Woakes may not be required, and he celebrated the milestone with a tribute to the late Graham Thorpe, his long-time mentor. Root wore one of Thorpe’s trademark white headbands – which have been sold for charity this week – and pointed to the skies on reaching his hundred.”It’s been amazing that Surrey, as a club, and the ECB, have recognised everything that he’s done for English cricket as a player, as a coach, as a mentor, as a friend, to the dressing room, to the game of cricket,” Root said of Thorpe. “That [celebration] was on behalf of our team, really, and everything that he’s given and sacrificed for English cricket.”It is just really great to see the amount of love that there is for him and for his family as well… He’s someone that’s impacted my career, personally, a huge amount. This week, the amount of love and support there’s been for him and his family, and all the good that’s come from it and the amount of money that’s been raised [over £150,000] is amazing.”It’s special that sport can provide that. More than anything, it was just a ‘thank you’ for everything that he’s given the game of cricket and given English cricket, on and off the field.”

Mumbai presented an opportunity for New Zealand, and they rallied around Ajaz to script some serious history

Alagappan Muthu04-Nov-20241:24

Manjrekar: Have to take your hats off to Ajaz

For the majority of the 23.1 overs that they bowled together, Glenn Phillips and Ajaz Patel were in sync. But there was this one moment where one got the other in a little bit of trouble.Phillips, for some reason, decided he needed a warm-up. He’d been holding one end up for most of the three-match series but just after the afternoon drinks break on Sunday, his shoulders needed some loosening up. Ajaz offered to help and quickly regretted it because unlike most bowlers, who lob it into the hands of a team-mate, Phillips just fired one in.Poor Ajaz. He had to track back at top speed to avoid being hit. Finally, he was struggling, like every other spinner that’s ever toured India. Muthiah Muralidaran had to shell out 574.5 overs to scrape the 40 wickets he has in this country. His offbreaks had a habit of playing non-consensual ding-dong-ditch. Those sweet batters. They’d be there one minute and, whether they liked it or not, gone the next.Related

• 'I'm not sure if even we believed it' – The NZ whitewash that came out of nowhere

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• 'We're just a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world'

• Stats – New Zealand Ajaz Patel on a high

Ajaz’s overs count is still in the 100s – 197.1 – and yet he’s already got his name on 32 dismissals. He took a third of that in one innings in Mumbai in 2021, and now another third in one match, ahead of which he had the cheek to thank his hosts for giving him the opportunity to work his magic at the Wankhede again. He was sure they’d have the good sense (aka superstition) never to let New Zealand play a Test here for as long as he was still active.”To be honest, after my ten-for, I wasn’t sure whether I’d get another opportunity to play out here again throughout my career,” Ajaz said last Wednesday, “So I’m very grateful that the BCCI have scheduled a game out here.”So is a country whose entire population can fit inside Mumbai with space to spare. Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond was following the game as it ebbed and flowed. “I gave a little fist pump when Ajaz went through the gate–” his face broke into a smile at this point, almost as if he was picturing Washington Sundar’s stumps hitting the floor again. “– on that last wicket. I’m absolutely delighted for the players.”ESPNcricinfo LtdThey were delighted for themselves too. Ajaz was lost inside a group hug from two Toms and a Daryl. Matt Henry, from short fine, was running up to join them, but took a detour towards the other spinner who had been fielding at deep midwicket. Phillips received his own group hug and eventually the two group hugs became one long huddle.Henry had dropped a catch off Phillips in the first innings. Even when it happened – with the mistake and its potential repercussions still fresh – New Zealand made sure to pull Henry back from the void. They’d done the same when substitute Mark Chapman dropped a catch just minutes before. This wasn’t just about camaraderie. New Zealand knew that cricket in the subcontinent changes on a dime. So they needed their players to be focused. They understood that catches can sometimes go down but shoulders simply cannot.On Sunday, with Rishabh Pant leading a little recovery and the Wankhede willing him on, Tom Latham stood next to Ajaz and instigated a low-five. Pant vs Ajaz was the whole match and Pant was winning. He was 53 not out and India had gone from 29 for 5 to 92 for 6 and the target was only 55 runs away. But Latham knew his best bet was still his left-arm spinner and so as he began his spell after lunch, he did his bit at lifting him.8:53

Vettori: ‘New Zealand’s win is great for Test cricket’

Four balls later, Ajaz got rid of Pant. He had 4 for 197 on this tour coming into the Mumbai Test. Over the last three days, he’s picked up 11 for 160 and a fairly high-profile admirer as well.”I think he’s just really consistent,” former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori told ESPNcricinfo. “His action is repeatable. The ball he bowls is repeatable. And he gets a lot of revolutions on it. He has a lovely seam position and for him to be consistently be able to put pressure on these great Indian batsmen, I thought New Zealand set some amazing fields to allow that pressure to maintain. All those things in combination put together another incredible Wankhede performance from him.”As everybody was preparing for the presentation, Ajaz was looking up at the stands, raising the ball up high, a smile made all the more visible by its contrast with that incredible beard. He has roots here in Mumbai. He keeps making history here as well.”Everyone knew how hard it was with only two Test match wins [for New Zealand in India] in 80 years and a lot of trying,” Vettori added. “You’d have to go back to the great Sir Richard Hadlee’s era to get one win. So he could only get one win. So for this team to come here to get that first one and then to win a series is probably one of New Zealand cricket’s greatest achievement.”

Paul Pogba completed one of football’s longest and most scrutinised journeys back to the pitch on Sunday, making his Monaco debut after 811 days away from competitive football. The former Manchester United midfielder stepped onto the grass at Roazhon Park in the 85th minute, greeted by a ripple of applause from travelling supporters who knew how much the moment meant to him.

• An 811-day wait ends in Brittany

  The timing, however, could not soften the scoreline. Monaco were already trailing 4-0 to Rennes, a match derailed by a sloppy defensive display and a red card for captain Denis Zakaria before half-time. Pogba entered knowing the contest was lost, but the symbolism of his return overshadowed the result. Mika Biereth struck a consolation goal deep into injury time, but the 4-1 defeat, Monaco’s second by the same scoreline in consecutive weeks, dropped Sebastien Pocognoli’s side to eighth in Ligue 1. For Pogba, this night was not about the numbers, but about getting to do what he loves the most.

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  From doping ban to redemption

  Pogba’s comeback comes after a turbulent period that threatened to end his career prematurely. In August 2023, while contracted to Juventus, he tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), leading to a provisional suspension and a four-year ban issued in February 2024. Pogba insisted the incident resulted from unknowingly taking a contaminated supplement, a view his legal team argued successfully, leading to the ban being reduced and allowing his return in March 2025. Juventus mutually terminated his contract in late 2024, leaving the 2018 World Cup winner without a club or competitive minutes for more than two years. Monaco took the gamble and now Pogba is back on the pitch. 

  "There were a lot of emotions. I was happy, but there's a bit of sadness with the result," he told

  "We've come a long way. Today was a step to take. I did it, and I'm happy about that. As for the rest, we're a bit gutted to have lost. I feel good; there's been a lot of hard work. I still need time to get fit and play 90 minutes. But that will come with time. We're training for it. We're going to try to help the team as much as possible. It felt strange at first to be back on the plane with the group. I've settled in well. We have a very good group. We're getting back into the right routine."

  According toMonaco’s medical staff will now follow a phased reintroduction: gradually increasing his time on the pitch, with the ultimate goal of reaching consecutive 90-minute matches with only three days’ recovery in between. He still dreams of representing France at the 2026 World Cup, believing that one last chapter with Les Bleus is within his grasp. With 91 caps and 11 goals, Pogba views Ligue 1 as a lifeline to force his way into Didier Deschamps's squad. 

  "The objectives? In the short term, to get back to 100%, play 90 minutes, and contribute as much as possible to my team," he said. "Today, it's about playing with my team. The World Cup is a long way off. Today, there's step 1, step 2. If I were to do the World Cup, it would be a bonus."

• A leader beyond the touchline

  Pocognoli has repeatedly emphasised that Pogba’s value to Monaco extends beyond his passing range or physical power. The Belgian coach sees Pogba as an internal pillar, a mentor and a bridge between young talents and the expectations of elite football.

  "During one of my first internal meetings, I spoke about the club’s legacy. I believe that leaders, like Paul, must pass on their knowledge to the next generation, to the fans, to everyone involved with the club," he stated. "These experienced players must mentor the younger ones. I have to make sure they succeed. The more leaders we have, the more the pressure is distributed. If Paul is used effectively, the group can benefit from his influence."

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  Pafos challenge up next for Poba

  After 811 days, countless medical tests, legal battles, emotional turbulence and physical frustration, Pogba is back on the pitch. Monaco are currently eighth in the table but are just two points behind fourth-placed Strasbourg. Their next challenge is against PSG in Ligue 1 on November 29, and Pogba will be raring to rack up more minutes under his belt. Pogba added: "It depends on the coach. I'll do everything I can to be there and help the team." The road ahead remains long. But at last, he’s walking it again.

Shohei Ohtani's brilliant performance in Game 3 of the 2025 World Series led one former MVP to issue an apology.

During Fox's pregame show before Game 4 of the World Series, Alex Rodriguez was asked about recovering from an 18-inning game and playing the next day. He said comparing how he would handle it to how the Dodgers superstar would wasn't fair because, "I'm human and Ohtani's not."

"You know, Major League Baseball is the greatest, the baddest, the most amazing league around the world of baseball. I now want to take an opportunity to apologize to Shohei Ohtani because he belongs in a higher league if this is all we have to offer," Rodriguez said. "But in all seriousness, this is uncharted territory… we've never seen this before and we'll probably never see this again."

That's high praise from Rodriguez, who, like Ohtani, was a three-time MVP and won a World Series in 2009.

Shohei Ohtani's historic Game 3 numbers

Ohtani was incredible during L.A.'s 6–5 win in the 18-inning marathon that was Game 3. He was 4-for-4, with two home runs and two doubles, then the Blue Jays smartened up and stopped pitching to him. Toronto walked him in each of his next five at-bats, four times intentionally. He reached base times, which is an MLB postseason record and tied the all-time record.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider all but said his team would continue walking Ohtani when his up rather than pitch to him moving forward.

Ohtani set several records during Game 3, including becoming the first player with two home runs and two doubles in a postseason game. He is also the first player to have five walks in a World Series game, while becoming the first player in MLB history to have four hits and five walks in a game, regular season or postseason.

The soon-to-be four-time MVP is also the first player to have four extra-base hits in a World Series game since White Sox second baseman Frank Isbell smacked four doubles against the Cubs in the 1906 Fall Classic.

It's not hard to see why Rodriguez is so in awe of what Ohtani is doing.

Leeds United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher, but they are far from alone in the race to snap him up with as many as 16 Premier League clubs eyeing up a move.

Daniel Farke is feeling the heat at Elland Road after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League, even though he was in defiant spirits after the game.

Farke would love new signings in the January transfer window or next summer, should he still be in charge of Leeds at that point, and either way the 49ers Group are expected to be active this winter.

Leeds in 16-club battle to sign Conor Gallagher

According to a new report from Sky Sports, Leeds are one of 16 Premier League sides making enquiries for Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in 2026.

It is claimed that Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are the only top flight sides not showing interest, meaning the Whites could look to seal a deal for the England midfielder, who cost the Madrid outfit £34m last summer.

Atletico are unwilling to let Gallagher, who has publicly commented on his need for more game time ahead of the World Cup, leave on loan, meaning the 49ers will have to stump up a significant fee to seal a deal in January.

Gallagher would be a high-profile signing for Leeds, considering he is playing for one of the biggest teams in Spain and is a Europa League winner from his time at Chelsea. The 25-year-old is also a 22-cap England international, scoring once for his country, while Atletico manager Diego Simeone has heaped praise on the tenacious edge to his game.

He wants to join: Leeds choose number one manager candidate as Farke nears sack

The Whites have a Premier League-experienced boss ready to come in at the expense of Farke.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Nov 24, 2025

Leeds will know that being in a strong position for Premier League survival is paramount if they are to have a chance of signing him, but whether that influences their decision to stick or twist with Farke remains to be seen.

He's a lot like Bielsa: Leeds could sack Farke for "special" 4-2-3-1 manager

The Dodgers and Blue Jays delivered a thrilling 2025 World Series that came down to the wire, with Los Angeles coming from behind late Saturday night to capture a winner-takes-all Game 7 for their second straight crown. was on site throughout the Fall Classic in both Los Angeles and Toronto. Here are some of our favorite images from the World Series.

1. Dodgers Win Back-to-Back World Series Titles
2. All Eyes on Shohei Ohtani
3. Blue Jays In First World Series Since 1993
4. Epic Game 3
5. Fans Pack Rogers Centre and Dodger Stadium

Dodgers Win Back-to-Back World Series Titles

Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho has reportedly held transfer talks with three Turkish clubs amid his latest underwhelming loan spell. Sancho was included in Ruben Amorim's bomb squad in the summer before he secured a loan move to Aston Villa. However, he has struggled for minutes under Unai Emery and is already thought to be contemplating another change of scenery.

• Sancho's woes deepen at Aston Villa

  Sancho's career has been on a downward trajectory ever since he clashed with ex-United boss Erik ten Hag and was banished from the first team at the start of the 2023-24 campaign. In January 2024, he was sent back to his former club Borussia Dortmund on loan, but he returned to Old Trafford that summer.

  He was then shipped off a season-long loan to Chelsea, but failed to revive his form and the Blues decided against signing the winger permanently from United.

  The Red Devils were unable to find any permanent suitors in the summer after relegating Sancho to the 'Bomb Squad', and he eventually signed for Villa on loan. The England international has only started three games for the Villans to date and questions are being asked about his future once again.

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  Is Sancho heading to Turkey?

  According to , Sancho and his representatives were spotted in Istanbul during the international break, where they held meetings with officials from three Turkish Super Lig giants, Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Galatasaray. The meetings took place at a luxury hotel where each club presented their long-term vision and plan to the English winger.

  At the moment, it is unclear which club is leading the race to sign the United outcast permanently in the January transfer window, but the report adds that Sancho is prepared to take a major pay cut. He currently earns £13 million per season under the terms of his United contract, but is willing to slash it down to £7-8m.

• Dortmund remain interested in Sancho

  Earlier this month, reported that Sancho's former club Borussia Dortmund are also plotting a move for the winger in the January window and United will be willing to sell if they can agree on a fair price. Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl and CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke remain admirers of the 25-year-old despite his recent poor run of form, but the main problem lies in his integration into the squad. The last time Sancho appeared in the Black and Yellow, Edin Terzic was the head coach. Now, under Niko Kovac, it is not yet known how Sancho could be deployed since the former Bayern Munich boss is not a fan of classic wingers. Moreover, the club are concerned about Sancho's physical condition, which has been a key reason behind his struggles at Villa Park.

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  Sancho told to fix his attitude

  Last month, Premier League legend Alan Shearer questioned Sancho's on-field behaviour and attitude as the Newcastle icon told : "I don't know what's going on with Jadon Sancho in terms of his training or his life, but he's got an opportunity at Villa now, and if it doesn't work out here, people will look back and say, 'Hang on, you've been given so many opportunities.' You can only have so many. It hasn't worked out yet for him, but there's only one way around it and that is hard work. Get your head down, get your attitude right, and if you do that, things will turn around."

  Aston Villa are due back in Premier League action on Sunday, away at Leeds.