Memories of Watson abound as Australia’s allrounder holds the key to team balance

Alex Malcolm18-Nov-20252:26

Will Australia hand Jake Weatherald his Test debut in Perth?

It is easy to think of Cameron Green as the baby of Australia’s team. In relative terms he is, given he is the only squad member under 30 and a full four years younger than the second youngest player in “Dad’s Army”.But he’s no longer a baby in professional cricket. He’s 26, a full five years into his Test career, and eight-and-a-half years into his first-class career.Eighteen months ago, Steven Smith volunteered to open the batting to settle Green at No.4 after David Warner’s retirement and he delivered with what appeared to be a career-shaping 174 not out in Wellington to win a Test for Australia. He has batted at No.4 only twice since.In June, Pat Cummins declared that Green could be Australia’s long-term No.3 after returning from injury as a specialist batter for the WTC final. It appeared to be a poisoned chalice, having batted there once prior in first-class cricket.After two tough Tests on two tough pitches, he was arguably Australia’s best batter in their most recent Tests in Grenada and Jamaica with match-defining scores of 26, 52, 46 and 42 in two more low-scoring Tests.But three days out from Australia’s next Test, the first against England at home in the most anticipated Ashes in his lifetime, Green does not know where he will bat despite being the unwitting kingmaker in Australia’s XI, given he is finally available to bowl again.”No, not yet. I think the people in charge met last night,” Green said on Tuesday. “I’ll probably get told later today. Whichever way they go, I think we’ve got a really great squad, a lot of great combinations to go with. So I’m pretty easy either way.”It appears highly likely that Green will be sent back to No.6, with Marnus Labuschagne reinstated at No.3 and Jake Weatherald making his Test debut as Usman Khawaja’s seventh opening partner in Australia’s last 16 Tests.Green was asked how he felt about bouncing around the order and where he might settle long-term.”I think I’m just so grateful that they see me as someone who could do all those positions,” Green said. “I’ve moved around quite a bit in the Test team especially. But I think it’s probably how good the coaching staff is that they make you feel really secure, regardless of where you’re playing, and regardless if you get moved around.Any more questions? Cameron Green speaks ahead of his home Test•Getty Images”I’m very fortunate that they think that way about me, but happy to bat anywhere.”While Green is secure, Beau Webster is not. That Webster could be squeezed out of the XI, having done very little wrong in the No.6 role as the allrounder across his seven Tests to date will not sit well at all with Australian fans.Green is saddled with the burden of being the golden boy, for whom all must be accommodated. That is making him unpopular with home fans, much in the same way Shane Watson was during his career.There are eerie similarities. Highly gifted, with incredible physical attributes and a stunning Sheffield Shield record from a young age. But neither have quite lived up to the expectation to date, in part because of injury interruptions, in part because it’s been a struggle to find the best way to deploy their talents.But the similarities end when you dig into their records. Watson after 32 Tests was averaging 38.12 with the bat with two centuries, having hit a career high watermark of 42.11 during the 2010-11 Ashes when he was in the middle of his successful run as a Test opener. He also averaged a career low of 28.01 with the ball with three five-wicket hauls.Green also has two centuries but averages 34.02 with the bat and 35.31 with the ball. Webster’s numbers of 34.63 and 23.25 only enrage those Green skeptics further. Green hasn’t helped himself. His Test batting record overseas, when most Australia fans are asleep, is better than both Travis Head and Labuschagne. But his record at home, when most casual Australian fans watch, is poor. He has also hardly played. This week will be just his second Test on his home ground at Perth Stadium, and he didn’t get a bat in his first.Related

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But Green and Webster are apples and oranges. No active Australian player averages more than Green’s 52.47 in Sheffield Shield cricket (20 innings minimum), including Smith. Last week, Webster nibbled eight South Australian batters out on a green seamer in Hobart but missed out with the bat in both innings, while Green sent down 16 overs of 140kph thunderbolts on a good pitch in Perth without any signs of issues with his surgically repaired back. He also crunched 94 against a Queensland attack that had five bowlers with international wickets to their name.Green’s ceiling as a player is something even the 200cm Webster could never reach. But it is time he raised his floor in Test cricket. Green is both a victim and a beneficiary of insane expectations, just as Watson was. There is an argument too that he hasn’t been set up for long-term success by the selectors through a variety of different circumstances.But he is pivotal to Australia’s success, both in the immediate term but also with the looming transition, not just as an allrounder, but as the best batter under the age of 30 in Australia.Green’s prospective move back to No.6 presents an opportunity. It is a spot he has previously said he hasn’t enjoyed due to the long waits, having had all his first-class success at Nos. 4 and 5.But like Smith’s move to the top and then back to No.4, Green’s time at Nos. 3-4 provides perspective of how much easier batting can be further down the order. It is understood the team hierarchy would like him to bring the same intent he has shown recently in T20I and ODI cricket to his Test batting. Green believes he can learn from his previous life at No.6.”Certainly,” Green said. “I think that’s the beauty of a bit of experience. I think [the coaches] have gone through that, seeing what worked, what didn’t, and if there’s a different way that they might want me to approach the game.”While Watson regressed in the latter stages of his Test career to finish with respectable averages of 35.19 and 33.68. Ben Stokes, England’s talisman and captain, is feted despite a career record that is only marginally better at 35.69 and 31.64.Green is about to hit his peak years as a cricketer. This Ashes looms as a key launching pad if he is to somehow meet the lofty expectations.

These players, and some others, will be looking to impress at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, especially with the IPL auction and T20 World Cup coming up

Shashank Kishore25-Nov-2025

Prithvi Shaw

After losing his spot in the Mumbai team and going unsold in IPL 2025 following concerns over form, fitness and discipline, Shaw has rebooted his career in Maharashtra. The move has given him a fresh start, and he has responded with an impressive return to red-ball cricket – 470 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 92.33 in the Ranji Trophy. With the white-ball leg of the season beginning, Shaw is also in contention to lead Maharashtra once Ruturaj Gaikwad links up with the India ODI squad for the South Africa series. A natural powerplay aggressor, Shaw will be eyeing big runs and hoping to make a strong statement to IPL teams about what he could bring to the table in 2026.Riyan Parag is among the candidates who could captain Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026•BCCI

Riyan Parag

Parag stepped in as Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain during Sanju Samson’s injury-enforced absence in IPL 2025, but his own form failed to reach the heights of the previous season. With Samson now moving to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Parag has a chance to reassert himself, both as a performer and as a leader, when he turns out for Assam. He hasn’t been close to an India call-up for nearly a year after a shoulder injury. His form in the recent India A series against South Africa A too was lukewarm, making this an important stretch to rebuild momentum. There’s also the Royals’ long-term captaincy to stake a claim for, with the franchise having backed him heavily since 2018.Venkatesh Iyer was released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 auction•Associated Press

Venkatesh Iyer

A headline-grabbing INR 23.75 crore signing, Iyer was at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025 with major expectations around him, only to be released a year on after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Appointed vice-captain, he managed just 142 runs in seven innings with a single half-century and wasn’t used with the ball, largely because of the Impact-Player rule. With that restriction not applicable at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Iyer now has a chance to reset. He’ll likely return to the top of the order for Madhya Pradesh and take on key overs for them as they look to go one better than last year’s runners-up finish. For Iyer, this is a crucial window to remind IPL teams why he commanded such a high price just a year ago.Akash Deep is still a work in progress in T20 cricket•BCCI

Akash Deep

Picked for INR 8.25 crore by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of IPL 2025, Akash Deep endured a frustrating season. Family reasons forced him to be a non-starter when the season began. Then, when he returned, he picked up a niggle. And by the time he started, he seemed woefully undercooked, and went at 12.8 an over across the six games he played for three measly wickets. For someone who has climbed the ranks quickly, Akash Deep is still far from being an established IPL, or T20, player, having started with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as a net bowler and then playing a handful of games across 2023-24. But Indian fast bowlers often command top billing at IPL auctions because of the flexibility they offer with regards to team balance. Which is why a good Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy could make Akash Deep an in-demand quick when the auction comes around.Ravi Bishnoi could be in demand during the IPL 2026 auction•BCCI

Ravi Bishnoi

Picked as an uncapped player for INR 4 crore by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2022, Bishnoi has seen his stocks plummet sharply over the past year. The return of Varun Chakravarthy and the rise of Washington Sundar, who lends depth as an allrounder, has meant Bishnoi has slipped in the pecking order as far as the national team goes. His IPL fortunes have nosedived too; in the last two seasons, he’s managed all of 19 wickets across 25 matches. Having been released, he’ll hope to put in performances of note for Gujarat to once again be back in the reckoning not just among IPL teams but also the national team.Umran Malik is back to bowling at full tilt•KKR Knight Club

Umran Malik

He burst on to the scene at IPL 2022 hitting 156.9kph on the speed gun for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but the journey since has been anything but smooth. Malik’s fitness, form and attitude have all been under the scanner, forcing him to spend more time on the sidelines and in rehab than on the cricket pitch. He missed the entire 2024-25 domestic season and the IPL that followed with bouts of injury (hip and hamstring) and illness, but has since returned and has been bowling full-tilt and has even taken part in training camps under Abhishek Nayar. Importantly, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where Nayar is now head coach, have retained Malik for the upcoming season. After playing just one Ranji game in the first leg, Malik now has a chance to show IPL teams why he’ll be an asset.

It looked like a Cubs fan was taking "working remotely" to the next level at Wrigley Field on Tuesday afternoon.

During Chicago's matinee contest against the Milwaukee Brewers, cameras panned to a fan with a laptop—and a mouse—on his lap. Jon Sciambi and Jim Deshaies were on the call for Marquee Sports Network, and had a hilarious reaction:

"How badly did you want it? Did you bring your mouse? You better bring your mouse! … There's only one question: Is this guy doing work? Or, my other thought is, he's doing a fantasy football draft."

Check out the hilarious clip here:

Naturally, the fan sparked a social media frenzy, with fellow baseball fans cracking plenty of jokes about the hard worker. Check out some of the best reactions across X (formerly Twitter):

Four match referees and 14 umpires form the 18-member group that will officiate in India and Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Sep-2025The upcoming women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka will feature an all-female line-up of match officials. On Thursday, the ICC announced the panel of four match referees and 14 umpires, featuring women from nine countries for the tournament that runs from September 30 to November 2.The match referees are Trudy Anderson (New Zealand), Shandre Fritz (South Africa), GS Lakshmi (India) and Michell Pereira (Sri Lanka).The on-field and TV umpires are Sue Redfern (England), Claire Polosak and Eloise Sheridan (Australia), Candace la Borde and Jacqueline Williams (West Indies), Kim Cotton (New Zealand), Sarah Dambanevana (Zimbabwe), Shathira Jakir Jesy (Bangladesh), Kerrin Klaaste and Lauren Agenbag (South Africa), N Janani, Vrinda Rathi and Gayathri Venugopalan (India) and Nimali Perera (Sri Lanka).Related

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Among them, Polosak, Williams and Redfern will be appearing in their third women’s ODI World Cups, while Agenbag and Cotton will be at their second.Three recent events – the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the two most recent women’s T20 World Cups – also featured all-female panels of match officials.

Panel of match officials

Match referees: Trudy Anderson, Shandre Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michelle Pereira
Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Candace la Borde, Kim Cotton, Sarah Dambanevana, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaaste, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Gayathri Venugopalan, Jacquline Williams

“This marks a defining moment in the journey of women’s cricket, one that we hope will pave the way for many more trailblazing stories across all facets of the sport,” ICC president Jay Shah said in a statement. “The inclusion of an all-women panel of match officials is not only a major milestone but also a powerful reflection of the ICC’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender equity across cricket.”This development goes beyond symbolic value. It is about visibility, opportunity, and the creation of meaningful role models who can inspire future generations. By highlighting excellence in officiating on the global stage, we aim to spark aspiration and reinforce that leadership and impact in cricket know no gender.”We are honoured to recognise a new chapter in the growth of the women’s game. We believe the influence of this initiative will resonate far beyond this tournament, motivating more women worldwide to pursue officiating careers and helping redefine what’s possible within the game.”The 13th women’s ODI World Cup begins with hosts India and Sri Lanka facing off on September 30. Defending champions Australia will take on New Zealand on October 1. Each team will play the other seven teams once with the top four moving into the semi-finals.The matches will be played in Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Navi Mumbai and Colombo with the final scheduled for November 2.

كسر ديكو، المدير الرياضي لنادي برشلونة، صمته وتحدث عن إمكانية عودة الأسطورة ليونيل ميسي من جديد إلى صفوف الفريق الكتالوني خلال الفترة المقبلة.

ميسي يلعب في صفوف إنتر ميامي في الوقت الحالي، وقد جدد الدولي الأرجنتيني عقده مع النادي الأمريكي في وقت سابق من هذا العام، وذلك إلى نهاية موسم 2028 المقبل.

ولكن ميسي قد ارتبط في أكثر من مناسبة بالعودة من جديد إلى صفوف برشلونة، قبل أن ينهي ديكو الجدل بشكل رسمي حول تلك الأخبار اليوم.

واعترف ديكو في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو، أنه من المستبعد بشكل واضح أن يعود ميسي مرة أخرى إلى برشلونة، ولا حتى على سبيل الإعارة.

وقال ديكو ردًا على فكرة ضم ميسي على سبيل الإعارة من إنتر ميامي: “لا أعتقد أن ذلك ممكن لأن ليو مرتبط بعقد ولم يطرح الأمر أصلًا، ليو هو ليو دائمًا ولا يزال بإمكانه المساهمة، إنه لاعب رائع لكننا لن نتحدث عن هذا الأمر، الوضع الحالي مجرد تكهنات”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ديكو يوضح موقف برشلونة من ضم صفقات جديدة في يناير كما أبدى ديكو حبه وتقديره الكبير لميسي، حيث أضاف الدولي البرتغالي السابق: ”بالنسبة لي، ليو هو أفضل لاعب في تاريخ النادي إلى جانب يوهان كرويف ورونالدينيو، من الطبيعي كوني من هذا الجيل ألا أنسى ليو”.

وعن المقارنة بين ميسي ونجم برشلونة الحالي، لامين يامال، أوضح ديكو: “إنهما في مرحلتين مختلفتين ولاعبان مختلفان، كلاهما يتفوق على البقية من حيث إدراكهما للأمور”.

واختتم: ”نشأ ليو في بيئة لم يكن فيها تحت ضغط أو حاجة للأضواء لأنه لم يكن وقته بينما نشأ لامين في بيئة مختلفة، في برشلونة في مرحلة إعادة الإعمار بينما نشأ ليو في فريق راسخ، بمتوسط ​​أعمار 26-27 عامًا، شق ميسي طريقه تدريجيًا، لقد أثار ليو فضولي وذهبت لمشاهدة الفريق الرديف لأراه يلعب، كانت جودته رائعة”.

Tottenham have been given some encouragement over the prospect of signing a Brazil international as his agents work to find him a new club.

Tottenham targeting new attacker in January amid creativity issue

Thomas Frank faces mounting pressure at Tottenham just six months into his tenure, with serious questions surrounding the Dane’s future.

Spurs sit 11th in the table with just 19 points from 13 games, and their home record tells a catastrophic story.

With only one Premier League win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium all season, not to mention 10 home defeats this calendar year, they currently boast the joint-worst record in that regard in the club’s history.

Winless in five matches across all competitions, including losses to Arsenal, PSG and Fulham, their controversial 2-2 draw at Newcastle on Monday evening prevented a fourth straight defeat.

Cristian Romero rescued Frank with a dramatic stoppage-time overhead kick. The Argentine scored twice at St James’ Park, his header and acrobatic finish earning a vital point, and his heroics seriously spared Frank’s blushes.

Dressing room unrest is reportedly growing, with reports suggesting players are confused by Frank’s constant tactical tinkering.

Fabrizio Romano shares Thomas Frank update amid mounting Tottenham pressure

The reliable journalist has some information.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 4, 2025

Summer signing Xavi Simons symbolises Frank’s struggles. The £55 million playmaker has started just six league games, relegated to the bench for crucial fixtures despite Spurs’ creative drought, and former defender Ramon Vega has accused Frank of “changing his mind every two seconds.”

Frank apparently retains board backing until at least new year, but improvement must arrive quickly.

January reinforcements remain crucial, with FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa heavily linked alongside Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, who has a tantalising £65 million release clause in his contract which will be active next month.

If Spurs cannot win the race for Semenyo amid interest from Man City, then RB Leizpig’s Yan Diomande is believed to be an alternative, with Sky Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri reporting they’ve already held advanced discussions on the player’s side.

Tottenham given Rodrygo boost as agents work on Real Madrid exit

Now, according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, the north Londoners have been given a boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

It is believed that Tottenham have emerged among the Premier League clubs that Rodrygo would consider joining, with his representatives actively working to secure a January departure from the Bernabeu.

The Brazilian has seen his situation deteriorate dramatically since Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti over the summer, becoming the most high-profile casualty.

Only four of his 15 appearances this season have exceeded 45 minutes, with Rodrygo regularly deployed as an impact substitute and falling behind Arda Güler in the pecking order.

Intermediaries representing the 24-year-old are working diligently to identify potential destinations, with Arsenal and Liverpool already engaged in discussions.

Rodrygo himself has made clear he would welcome moves to Man City, Man United, Chelsea or Tottenham too, though currently only Arsenal, Liverpool, City and Spurs are actively monitoring his availability.

Real value him between £70-79 million, and the Spanish giants ideally want to retain Rodrygo until the summer, when Nico Paz’s expected return will likely accelerate his departure.

It isn’t an easy deal to do by any means, with Spurs potentially needing to break their transfer record whilst fending off elite competition from their rivals.

However, there is little doubt this would be a statement move by the Lewis family as they look to usher in a new era post-Daniel Levy.

Who is going to be the new Celtic manager? Well, who knows!

Martin O’Neill remains in caretaker charge for now, having been parachuted in following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation, winning three of four matches in charge to date, that Europa League hammering at the hands of Midtjylland the only blot on his copybook.

With no obvious front-runner for the job, and given that we’re in the middle of the season, could a left-field appointment be required?

Well, this was the case back in the summer of 2021 when, after seeing their Premiership streak of nine in a row come to an end, Ange Postecoglou was appointed completely out of nowhere, having only ever worked in his native Australia and Japan beforehand.

Despite this, and the widespread ridicule when he arrived in Glasgow, Postecoglou would go on to win five trophies across his two seasons in charge, thereby remaining, possibly, the most popular Celtic manager of modern times.

So, could another lesser-known name become the next Postecoglou, emphasising that he is the outstanding candidate for the vacancy, as opposed to the other front-runners?

Kieran McKenna to Celtic latest

Ever since Rodgers resigned, Kieran McKenna has been one of the names most frequently mentioned in terms of becoming the new Celtic manager.

As reported by Ewan Murray of the Guardian, he is a ‘leading candidate’ with the Ipswich Town boss boasting ‘longtime admirers’ on the Celtic board, while Sky Sports add that he is one of the names near the top of the club’s shortlist.

However, any approach would not be straightforward.

The 39-year-old is under contract in Suffolk until 2028 and Ipswich would surely demand a sizable compensation fee if they’re going to allow their most prized asset to depart.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

McKenna, in his first-ever head coach role, worked miracles at Portman Road, guiding the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, going from EFL League One to the Premier League in double quick time, the first time Ipswich had competed in England’s top-tier since 2002.

However, his team did really struggle to compete at the top level, winning just four Premier League matches all season, relegated with a whimper.

Right now, Ipswich are seventh in the EFL Championship, hammering Swansea 4-1 on Saturday, thereby sat just outside the play-off positions,

Before moving to Suffolk, McKenna worked as an assistant manager to José Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjær at Manchester United, so has some experience at an elite level, but many supporters remain unconvinced, so should the Celtic hierarchy target a more left-field coach who could be their new Postecoglou?

Celtic should appoint the new Postecoglou

According to a report by TEAMtalk on Wednesday evening, Wilfried Nancy, a man supporters may be very unfamiliar with, has been ‘officially invited’ for talks with the Hoops over the Parkhead vacancy.

It’s further reported that the Celtic board are ‘very keen’ to interview Nancy and could complete a deal by January should compensation be agreed, with the season in America, where he manages Columbus Crew, set to end this month.

So, who is he? Well, the Frenchman was named 2024 MLS coach of the year, but that does not begin to tell his story.

His first head coach role was with CF Montréal, staying in Québec for two seasons, before spending the last three years at Columbus Crew, enjoyed huge success in charge of both, as the table below documents.

2021

18th

Canadian Champ

2022

3rd

2023

3rd

MLS Cup

2024

2nd

Leagues Cup

2025

7th

First and foremost, if you’re not dialled into MLS, we’re guessing you’re probably not, it’s really difficult to properly put into words how impressive an achievement it is to finish 3rd in the overall standings, and second in the Eastern Conference, with Club de Foot Montréal.

Owner Joey Saputo essentially does not care about the team, meaning Montréal have one of the lowest budgets in Major League Soccer, finishing 28th, out of 30, this year, showing that Nancy can seriously elevate an underperforming side.

In Canada, Nancy succeeded Thierry Henry, after he resigned, and the Arsenal legend spoke glowingly about his former assistant during CBS’ Champions League coverage.

Nevertheless, Nancy’s true success has come since moving to Columbus Crew, winning MLS Cup at the end of his first year and then Leagues Cup last season, also leading the Black and Gold to the club’s first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup Final, ousting two Mexican heavyweights along the way, before defeat to Pachuca.

The Crew’s 2025 season is now over, dumped out of the MLS play-offs by local rivals FC Cincinnati at the weekend, which may make him available, so could he soon swap Ohio for Glasgow?

Well, he has certainly earned rave reviews, with Joe Lowery praising his “patient possession” style of play which he believes is “so much fun to watch”, while Tom Bogert describes the Crew as “attractive” to watch and “courageous” on the ball.

Meantime, former USA striker Herculez Gomez notes that Nancy is “immensely respected”, adding that his style of play is “so pleasing to the eye”, boasting a clear philosophy featuring both possession and high pressing, comparing him to Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique.

Well, another high-profile manager that sounds reminiscent of is, well, Postecoglou and his now infamous, certainly in Premier League circles, Ange-ball.

As already mentioned, Postecoglou was a lesser-known name in British and European football prior to his arrival in Glasgow but, as he likes to remind everyone, he wins everywhere he goes, joining with a J League, multiple A-League titles and an AFC Asia Cup to his name, among other honours.

Well, the same can be said of Nancy, who created something of a dynasty in MLS, something that is so tough to do in a league that is so parity-focused.

Thus, just like Postecoglou, Nancy has the personality, the playing style and the will to win to succeed at Celtic, seemingly making him the ideal candidate to come in and lead the Hoops to a fifth successive Premiership title.

Upgrade on Nancy: Celtic considering move for "unbeatable" 4-2-3-1 manager

Celtic are considering a move for this 4-2-3-1 manager who would be an upgrade on Wilfried Nancy.

2 ByDan Emery Nov 12, 2025

David’s breathtaking performance eclipsed that of Shai Hope, who also struck an unbeaten 102

Andrew McGlashan25-Jul-20252:37

Watch – David smashes Australia’s fastest T20I century

Tim David produced a brutal display of hitting with Australia’s fastest T20I century from 37 balls as the visitors surged to a series-winning victory by chasing 215 with a massive 23 deliveries to spare on a boundary-filled night in St Kitts.Shai Hope’s maiden T20I century, in which he formed an opening stand of 125 with Brandon King, helped West Indies post 214 for 4 and when Australia wobbled on 87 for 4 in the ninth over, the target was a considerable distance off.However, David produced a breathtaking performance which rewrote the record books with firstly Australia’s fastest fifty from 16 deliveries, and then the century mark with the boundary that also brought victory. In all he plundered 11 sixes in his maiden T20 century.Mitchell Owen, in his first international series, played his part with 36 off 16 balls in a fifth-wicket stand of 128 from just 46 balls.David’s masterclassThis was only the eighth time in his 42 T20I innings for Australia that David had batted higher than No. 6 when he walked out following a scratchy innings from captain Mitchell Marsh. He was 15 off seven balls when he faced up to Gudakesh Motie in the 10th over and collected four consecutive sixes.In the next over from Akeal Hosein he added two more, with a boundary between them taking him to fifty off 16 balls. Such was his focus and confidence of match-ups, that he turned down a single in Roston Chase’s only over so he could retain the strike against the offspinner and proceeded to take three further sixes as the chase quickly came down towards a run-a-ball. Numerous times the umpires needed to call for the replacement box of balls with a few souvenirs now lying outside Warner Park for anyone who wanted to have a look.0:17

Watch – Shai Hope records first T20I century

The game was probably gone from West Indies, but they gave David a life on 90 when King dropped a sitter at deep midwicket. After that, the only slight danger to the century record was whether Owen would finish the game first. But despite Owen being handed a six when Rovman Powell stepped on the rope taking a catch at long-on, David wasn’t denied and comfortably eclipsed the previous record of 43 balls set by Josh Inglis against Scotland last year.Shai gives hopeWest Indies’ captain put together a top-class innings to dominate the home side’s display, becoming just the second West Indian after Chris Gayle to have centuries across all formats. He was a little sluggish initially and was 5 off seven balls before finding his first boundary but from there was in control throughout. He hit his stride by taking advantage of Glenn Maxwell’s powerplay over with a four and consecutive sixes, and then put Owen out of the ground – the first, but not last instance of that for the night.Hope’s fifty came from 26 balls – with King’s following off 30 deliveries – and he then motored towards three figures including consecutive sixes off Adam Zampa. However, it took him eight balls to go from 92 to his century, reaching from 55 deliveries, as Australia again bowled well in the closing overs.Abbott stands outAs well as West Indies started, there was always a question of how many would be enough on the postage stamp ground where mis-hits would sail for six. After the opening stand of 125 was broken they also struggled to really put their foot down in the latter stages of the innings with overs 15 to 18 providing 36 runs. Sherfane Rutherford produced an especially momentum-sapping 12 off 13 balls.In a game where the ball was regularly flying over the rope, Sean Abbott’s figures stood out like a beacon. Having been recalled in place of Matt Kuhnemann, he finished with 4-0-21-0 including 14 dot balls. He bowled two inside the powerplay for 11, a third in the midst of the King-Hope stand which cost just three in the ninth over then his last in the 17th.As so often, Nathan Ellis also played his part by conceding just six off the 18th over as Hope and Rutherford became stuck in the closing overs. Australia were not blemish-free in the field, particularly around the boundary, but David’s display meant it barely mattered.

Afghanistan were dismissed for 127 within one and a half sessions on a tricky pitch

Abhimanyu Bose20-Oct-2025Choosing to bowl first in a Test match is always a tricky call, but it’s justified if you end the first day in the lead, with eight wickets in hand. That’s what Zimbabwe achieved, as Test cricket returned to the Harare Sports Club for the first time after 2021.Brad Evans’ five-wicket haul and Ben Curran’s half-century put Zimbabwe on top on the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan.With plenty of movement on offer for the fast bowlers, Zimbabwe knocked Afghanistan over for 127 inside a session and a half, before taking the lead at the stroke of stumps. On the way there, they survived some testing bowling from the Afghanistan quicks.Earlier in the day, the returning Richard Ngarava struggled to find his rhythm and Ibrahim Zadran took him for three fours in an over. But the Afghanistan openers found it tougher to tackle Blessing Muzarabani, who extracted extra bounce from a good length. This led to Ibrahim edging one to third slip in the sixth over.But after that, the first hour belonged to Afghanistan, as they ticked along at close to six runs an over thanks largely to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who came in at one-down. Tanaka Chivanga troubled him with extra bounce. One ball flew over the cordon off the shoulder of Gurbaz’s bat, and he later top-edged a pull, but it landed in a vacant deep square leg region.Ben Curran played an attritional knock•AFP/Getty ImagesGurbaz picked up a couple more boundaries, with an off-drive off a full-toss and a ramp off Chivanga. However, Zimbabwe regrouped in the drinks break, started bowling tighter lines and lengths, and reaped the rewards. First, Gurbaz sliced a full ball from Chivanga to point. Then a mix-up with Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi led to opener Abdul Malik being run-out for his Test best score of 30.Malik had started watchfully before dispatching a couple of short balls for boundaries, but after he squeezed out a yorker from Chivanga in front of cover and took off for a single, Shahidi responded to the call before turning back and leaving Malik stranded.Evans, playing his first Test since February 2023, gave Zimbabwe a boost in the penultimate over before the lunch break. First, a full delivery from around the wicket drew Shahidi into a drive. The length wasn’t quite right for the drive, and the ball nibbled away and found the edge, which Nick Welch pouched at gully, diving to his left. Three balls later, Evans had Afsar Zazai nicking off with a length ball that straightened off the pitch. From 77 for 1, Afghanistan had slipped to 102 for 5.The capitulation continued after the interval, with Muzarabani striking in each of his first two overs after lunch. Bahir Shah got a thick edge to gully’s left and Brian Bennett held on to a diving effort before Muzarabani had Ismat Alam strangled down leg. Sharafuddin Ashraf tried to take on Evans and skied one to mid-off’s left and Zimbabwe’s good fielding display continued as Chivanga completed another diving catch.Muzarabani drew Yamin Ahmadzai’s edge twice in an over, but one went over the cordon and the other fine of backward point for fortunate boundaries. Soon, Evans had Khalil Gurbaz edging behind off a short ball, and cleaned up Ziaur Rahman first ball with a yorker to complete a maiden Test five-for.In all, Afghanistan lost 9 for 50 to vindicate Zimbabwe’s decision to bowl.When Zimbabwe began their innings, Bennett looked tentative early on, beaten on the outside edge twice as he tried to drive outswingers from Ahmadzai. But it was Ziaur who bowled him with a lovely full delivery on off, which angled in and straightened to beat the bat and uproot off stump.Ben Curran and Nick Welch then played watchfully till tea, even as Ziaur thought he had Welch caught behind off the inside edge, only to be denied by the umpire.Ziaur Rahman castled Brian Bennett for his maiden Test wicket•Zimbabwe CricketCurran waited until his 21st delivery for his first boundary, slashing Ahmadzai behind point. At the other end, Welch crunched a boundary through the covers off Ahmadzai with tea looming. When Afghanistan brought on spin for the first time in the 13th over, Curran drove Ashraf through the covers off his second delivery.The batters faced a testing period as the seamers returned after tea. Welch, especially, struggled to settle, with the quicks finding movement through the day. In the second over after the interval, Welch got a leading edge that went back over the bowler’s head. One ball later, Alam thought he had his man as Welch edged while looking to drive and Zazai caught him behind the stumps, but his celebrations were short-lived as replays confirmed he had overstepped.Even after that, Welch had several play-and-misses and lucky edges that didn’t cost him. Curran struggled for fluency too. He was not helped when he was struck on the helmet but denied a concussion test by the umpire Nitin Menon, who was looking to speed up a sedate over rate. Menon adjudged that the ball had hit him on the glove when he tried to pull a short ball.Legspinner Khalil’s introduction eased some of the pressure on the batters, as Welch swept his second ball for four and then launched him for a six over midwicket in his second over. In Khalil’s third over, Welch launched him inside-out over cover for another boundary.The Afghan bowlers’ toil finally paid off when Ziaur went through Welch’s defence with an inswinger to send his off stump cartwheeling.Brendan Taylor was rapped on the pads first ball he faced, but the umpire adjudged him not out. Taylor got off the mark off his third ball, tucking one fine off his pads.When Ashraf returned, Taylor lofted him down the ground for his second boundary. He continued to pick up runs quickly, ramping a short ball from Ziaur over the keeper.Curran got to his half-century off 108 balls, with a single in the 38th over. Zimbabwe also took the lead in that over, which proved to be the final one of the day, with umpires calling stumps early due to bad light.

Dominik Szoboszlai was at a loss to explain Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United, saying he cannot “understand” how his side managed to twice throw away the lead to drop more points in the Premier League. Arguably the Reds’ best player in what has been a torrid season so far, the midfielder thought he netted the winner at Elland Road before the hosts equalised once again in stoppage time.

Liverpool were in cruise control before Konate conceded penalty

Looking to bounce back from Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with high-flying Sunderland, striker Hugo Ekitike scored twice as Liverpool took a two-goal lead early in the second half against Leeds. Handed a start ahead of fellow forward Alexander Isak, the France international netted his first league goals since bagging in September’s 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby.

However, with Liverpool cruising in Yorkshire, defender Ibrahima Konate gave Leeds a route back into the game from the penalty spot when he brought down winger Wilfried Gnonto inside the area. Dominic Calvert-Lewin successfully converted the spot-kick before Daniel Farke’s Leeds found an equaliser just two minutes later when midfielder Anton Stach sent the home supporters into raptures.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSzoboszlai has been rare shining light in difficult season for Reds

In a season which has seen several Liverpool players struggle to replicate their form from the 2024-25 title-winning campaign, one man who has led from the front has been midfielder Szoboszlai. Whether operating as a makeshift right-back or as a midfielder, the Hungary international has performed regardless of his position on the pitch in 2025-26.

And the former RB Leipzig ace thought he had scored the all-important winner for Liverpool when he raced into the box before coolly slotting the ball past Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri after 80 minutes.

But in a final twist in what was a breathless affair, Leeds scored a last-gasp equaliser through man-of-the-moment Ao Tanaka, who also found the back of the net in his side’s impressive 3-1 victory over Chelsea in midweek.

Hungary ace unable to explain how Liverpool conceded momentum

Understandably devastated after watching his side drop more precious points, Szoboszlai was unable to put his finger on why Liverpool conceded momentum in a game they were in complete control of.

Speaking to after the final whistle, he said: “I don't know what happened after 2-0. I think we thought the game was over and we just made sure at the beginning of the game that this is the kind of game where you can never underestimate the team. Maybe after the penalty they [Leeds] just had the momentum. We came back which showed a good reaction but we conceded again from a set-piece which is not the nicest way.

“I don't know [if there is a confidence issue], maybe you're right but after 2-2 we showed a great reaction and showed our mentality. We knew we made a mistake by letting them come back to 2-2 but I have nothing to say about the result."

When asked what was said in the Liverpool dressing room after the game, Szoboszlai added: “What is in the dressing room stays in the dressing room, it is not for the public. We have to manage it, we have to find solutions.

“I can always come up with the opportunity on Tuesday or on the weekend again but there are also times where you have to look at yourself. You have to go home and think if you did everything what was possible and if the answer is yes then we just keep going and the momentum will come.”

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AFPSlot's Liverpool aiming to bounce back against in-form Inter Milan

Liverpool will look to bounce back when they lock horns with Italian giants Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. While Arne Slot’s side sit eighth in the Premier League table, they are currently 13th in the Champions League standings.

Inter, meanwhile, should provide a difficult test for the Merseysiders. Cristian Chivu’s side are fourth in the Champions League table, having won four of their five fixtures. They are also top of Serie A after winning 10 of their 14 league games this term.