Mayers is expected to link up with the West Indies squad on Saturday
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2024West Indies opening batter Brandon King has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2024 due to a side strain he suffered during West Indies’ Super Eight loss against England on June 19.Left-hand opening batter Kyle Mayers will replace King in the squad for the rest of the tournament. Mayers is likely to link up with the squad on Saturday.Having been sent into bat by the England captain Jos Buttler in Gros Islet, King smashed 23 off just 12 balls, which included a 101-metre six off Reece Topley in the third over. But, on his 13th ball, King, in a bid to charge down the track to smash Sam Curran through cover, injured himself. He received treatment from the medical staff but failed to carry on and retired hurt on 23 with West Indies eventually going down by eight wickets.Related
West Indies wait on King scans after 'worrying' side strain
King did not field in the run-chase with Shimron Hetmyer filling in for him. He travelled to Barbados for West Indies’ Super Eight fixture against USA on Friday, as he awaited the results of his MRI scans, but has failed to pull through.”The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has approved left-handed batter Kyle Mayers as a replacement for Brandon King in the West Indies squad,” an ICC release read. “Mayers, who has played 37 T20Is, was named as a replacement after King was ruled out due to a side strain. Mayers is expected to join the squad on Saturday.”King’s absence is a big blow to West Indies’ fortunes. He has been the team’s leading run-scorer in T20Is since the start of 2023, with 651 runs in 23 innings, which includes four fifties. He was also the highest run-scorer in their 3-0 T20I series sweep over South Africa heading into the tournament.The 29-year-old didn’t set the T20 World Cup alight though managing just 86 runs in five innings with a highest score of 34 against Papua New Guinea.His replacement Mayers was widely considered unfortunate to miss the initial cut having had a decent 2024. In 11 T20 games this year, the left-hander has scored 367 runs, striking at 155.50. He has also picked nine wickets with his medium pace.West Indies won four out of four games in the group stage but started the Super Eight with a loss. After their USA fixture on Friday in Barbados, they will play South Africa on Sunday in North Sound, Antigua.
Tottenham Hotspur have held negotiations over signing a colossal centre-back in the last few days, according to reports, with chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange working to strengthen the squad.
Spurs win Europa League but end Premier League season in 17th
Ange Postecoglou’s future hangs in the balance after what was a very mixed season for the Lilywhites.
£165k-a-week Tottenham star has told Levy he's quitting despite Europa win
He’s informed the Spurs chairman directly.
3 ByEmilio Galantini May 25, 2025
According to reports, Tottenham chiefs are currently ’50/50′ about sacking Postecoglou, with the Australian ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy whilst also leading them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats this campaign, resulting in a lowly 17th-placed finish.
The emotional high surrounding their first European triumph since 1984 in the Europa League, coupled with Postecoglou’s rousing speech at the trophy parade, will be firmly stuck in Levy’s mind – and the chairman is now faced with an almighty conundrum ahead of next season.
“As much as you try to understand what a trophy would mean to these people, seeing them out there today, is why we do what we do,” said Postecoglou after their Europa League final win.
“That’s the priceless bit, for this feeling. I’m super pleased that these boys could deliver. All good things come through hard work, toil, perseverance and belief. This group have that in spades and I’m so pleased that we could crack that stone and now everyone can enjoy it.
“We had to dig deep, for sure, but what the history books will say is that we’re the Europa Cup winners, and it doesn’t say how we did it, just that we did it. I made family a theme from when I got here because I felt that we needed something to bring us all together and look further than just what everybody wanted. We had to form some sort of unity and the lads have been brilliant. They’ve shared their stories and got closer through the tough times like all families and now they share the reward.”
A decision on Postecoglou will need to be made and quickly, with the first of two 2025 summer transfer windows set to open imminently.
Tottenham hold "negotiations" over signing Pisa defender Francesco Coppola
Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League gives Levy and Lange an almighty boost when it comes to the club’s recruitment drive, with reports suggesting Spurs are more confident they can tempt players like Marc Guehi as a result.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
The Crystal Palace star isn’t their only defensive target, either, with Pisa Sporting Club’s rising star Francesco Coppola also on their radar.
The Italy Under-20 international spent 2024/2025 on loan at Serie C side Vis Pesaro, but his performances in the third tier have apparently impressed Spurs scouts – so much so that they’ve approached Pisa over signing him.
That is according to La Nazione, who write that Tottenham held “negotiations” over Coppola in the last few days, but these talks ended pretty swiftly.
Pisa are said to have rebuffed Levy’s advances for the towering 6 foot 5 defender, as they appear determined to keep hold of their highly-promising centre-back. If Spurs are to be successful in their pursuit, they may have to go back in with an offer which proves too good to resist.
Arne Slot has confirmed that he will rotate his Liverpool team in the Premier League this season (finally) after last weekend’s title triumph.
A host of players have been reduced to bit-part roles under the new management, but the Dutch coach has said that “a few players will come into the team” across the closing weeks of the campaign.
Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah and Federico Chiesa will be among those looking for starting berths, but at left-back, it’s more of an uncertain situation.
Liverpool player Harvey Elliott
While Andy Robertson remains Liverpool’s first-choice option to partner Virgil van Dijk on the left side of the backline, his influence has waned this season, mistakes creeping in and attacking contributions heading out.
Several Reds stars are going to be playing for their futures over the final four fixtures, and Kostas Tsimikas is sure to be one of them, having only started seven top-flight games all term. However, four of those have come across seven recent outings.
Liverpool are in the market for a new left-back this summer, and one of the experienced duo is sure to be sold to make room for a fresh face. Milos Kerkez is at the top of the list of contenders.
Liverpool's interest in Milos Kerkez
According to The Times, Liverpool have placed Kerkez right at the top of their shortlist as FSG warm to the idea of signing a new left-back. However, Bournemouth want £45m for the 21-year-old and this is steep.
Described as a “machine” by Sky Sports’ Izzy Christensen, the Cherries defender has all the attributes to become one of Europe’s elite players, and so it’s hardly surprising that his outfit are ready to drive a hard bargain.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was the man who brought Kerkez over to England, signing the Hungarian talent from AZ Alkmaar for £15.5m in July 2023 while he was the transfer operator at the Vitality Stadium.
This season, Kerkez has been a revelation in Andoni Iraola’s system, frightening in attack and secure in defence. His completeness and athleticism have seen him emerge as one of the best young full-backs in Europe.
At £45m, Liverpool will be sure to consider their options, especially with Manchester City and Real Madrid also keen. Hughes has already lined up a potential alternative, and he’s an exciting one at that.
Liverpool chasing new left-back
Kerkez seems to be the top target for the Anfield side, but Liverpool aren’t limited in their scope. Indeed, journalist Bence Bocsak has recently reported that the Premier League champions have been extensively scouting an alternative option.
The man in question is Maxim De Cuyper, with the Club Brugge star impressing Liverpool recruiters with his performances in the Champions League this year. Arsenal are also interested.
De Cuyper, 24, is an active defender with a gas tank that refuses to be depleted. With Robertson hoping to stick around for a few more years, this could be the perfect profile to challenge the Scotland captain for a starting berth, especially since he’s got a rumoured price tag of €25m (£21m).
Why Liverpool should De Cuyper
Firstly, these reports suggest that De Cuyper could be available for less than half the price of Kerkez, and when digging into their respective skill sets, it does look as if the Belgium international has the quality to make just as much of a positive impact in Slot’s team – if not more.
Maxim de Cuyper for Club Brugge.
A fiercely creative defender, De Cuyper ranks among the top 19% of full-backs across divisions similar to the Belgian Pro League for assists, the top 1% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.
FBref have also recorded that De Cuyper’s Champions League performances this season put him alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold from a statistical standpoint, only reinforcing the argument that he would be a perfect fit in Slot’s squad.
Liverpool'sTrentAlexander-Arnoldapplauds fans after the match
When assessing De Cuyper against Kerkez, there’s a case to be made that his playmaking and roundedness make him a better fit than Kerkez, who is a fast-rising defender but a mite expensive at £45m.
The Club Brugge man has hit 11 goal contributions across all competitions this year, notably scoring against Aston Villa in the Champions League. Arsenal want him too, remember, so he’s doing something right.
Of course, the Premier League is objectively of a higher technical calibre than the Belgian Pro League, but the defender’s success in Europe’s elite competition emphasises his chances of hitting the ground running under Slot’s wing in England.
Matches (starts)
34 (31)
34 (34)
Goals
3
2
Assists
5
5
Pass completion
83%
80%
Big chances created
22
7
Key passes*
2.5
1.0
Dribbles (%)*
0.5 (51%)
0.6 (57%)
Ball recoveries*
4.0
4.5
Tackles + interceptions*
2.3
2.6
Clearances*
2.0
2.8
Duels (%)*
3.6 (53%)
4.1 (53%)
It’s interesting that the Belgian should produce such scintillating playmaking numbers – furthering the argument that he’s Trent-like – with his underlying metrics across other areas also suggesting that he could be a more complete and effective left-back upgrade than Kerkez.
Harking back to Robertson, the 31-year-old has failed to register a single goal contribution in the Premier League this season, so it’s no wonder Slot and Hughes are determined to improve that area of the pitch. De Cuyper has the traits that suggest he is the perfect successor.
This isn’t to say that Kerkez is ineffective from a playmaking perspective; far from it, the Hungarian has showcased an exciting desire to advance attacking play on England’s south coast this term.
But De Cuyper has that special something that could charge Liverpool’s left lane to another level entirely. Is it any wonder that talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “one of the best left-backs currently playing outside the (Europe’s) top five leagues.”
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Liverpool need to find a way to stay ahead in creative metrics next season, especially if Alexander-Arnold leaves for pastures new in sunny Spain. Bringing in De Cuyper would be the perfect way to enforce this; he might even prove a better signing than Kerkez, and for a portion of the price.
Outscoring Isak: Liverpool scouting £25m "nuisance" who's just like Nunez
Liverpool are ready to go shopping for new forwards this summer.
A comedy of errors littered Liverpool’s trip to Craven Cottage. That was the headline right there. The Premier League’s Champions Elect lost any semblance of defensive security as they caved in against a robust and deserving Fulham side.
But wait a minute. There’s no doubting that it was a mistake-filled match, but what about the lack of fluency and coherence that Arne Slot’s side mustered in the opening phase?
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Sure, Alexis Mac Allister’s whomping thundercracker sparked delight from the travelling Redmen, who sang and sang and sang. We’re going to win the league.
But the champagne must be corked for a while longer; Slot, without a doubt, will have killed swiftly any giddiness or positivity around his squad’s dressing room, likely issuing a stern reminder that the day is not done and focus needs realigning ahead of the final straight.
So many players, frustratingly, failed to turn up against Marco Silva’s men, with Mohamed Salah culpable of another poor performance as uncertainty surrounding his future lingers.
Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future
On Monday afternoon, an embargoed discussion concerning Virgil van Dijk and a hive of reporters broke into the mainstream. Anfield’s skipper confirmed that there had been progress in extending his £220k-per-week contract.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold appears bound for Real Madrid, attention swivels to Salah, who, like Van Dijk, will potentially be at Anfield next season, with the reputable David Ornstein confirming talks with the 32-year-old are still very much on.
Salah has been the fulcrum of Liverpool’s attacking success this term, ridiculously chalking up 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions. However, he’s dipped of late as the Reds’ collective form and fluidity have stifled the feel-good factor.
Liverpool's MohamedSalahreacts during the match
Some have questioned whether Slot watches his superstars through rose-tinted glasses, unwilling to enforce changes unless forced. Salah has been a part of this list of late, with his poor showings calling for the likes of Federico Chiesa, whose opportunities are nominal.
Still, he continues to show promise when called upon. Chiesa will hope for more chances over the final weeks and maybe next year too, but regardless of Salah’s contractual outcome, it’s clear that Liverpool need more quality to ease the Egyptian’s workload.
Federico Chiesa in action for Liverpool
He might principally play off the left, but FSG have found a rising star who could serve as Salah’s long-term successor while aiding him next year too.
FSG scouting Salah heir
Liverpool need to address a number of issues in the market this summer. Andy Robertson’s latest gaff illuminated the need to replace him this summer. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez appears to be at the top of the list.
Wonky attacking output has also led to speculation pertaining to the signing of a new striker. With Darwin Nunez expected to leave at the end of the season, expect activity on this front.
However, Liverpool’s attacking ‘problems’ spread out to the wings too, and that’s why FSG have been scouting Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
According to Fabrizio Romano – in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter – the 20-year-old Englishman is hoping to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and is eyeing a return to his homeland, having left Manchester City for the German scene back in 2020.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in action
Back in February, the Yellow Wall put up demands worth £85m for the potential sale of their latest prize, however, it’s hard to envisage any suitors – Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest – paying such an exorbitant sum.
Still, Gittens is one of the most exciting young prospects in the game. With Salah perhaps standing on the edge of his twilight years at the top, here’s why Liverpool should make their move.
Why Liverpool should sign Jamie Gittens
Gittens has stepped up from the academy scene and made real headway at the top level over the past few years. After breaking through in 2022/23, he started to showcase genuine quality last term before becoming a key feature of Nuri Sahin and now Niko Kovac’s first team.
Jamie Gittens for Borussia Dortmund.
Indeed, across 42 matches in all competitions this season, Gittens has scored 12 goals and laid on four assists, with his shift to the left flank unlocking a goalscoring touch that could be perfect for Slot’s Liverpool side.
But that’s not all, Gittens is also one of the most electric attackers in the game right now, ranking among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, perfectly illustrating that point.
In this manner, he bears a likeness to a younger version of Salah, who lacks his one-time pace and jet-like bursts but has redefined his game to stay at the highest level as his 33rd birthday looms.
Looking at Gittens’ statistics in the Bundesliga this season, when compared with Salah’s during his incredible debut campaign at Anfield, you perhaps see that this is a rising talent who Slot could shape into a superstar.
Matches (starts)
28 (19)
36 (34)
Goals
8
32
Assists
3
10
Shots (on target)*
1.8 (0.8)
4.0 (1.9)
Big chances missed
4
23
Pass completion
82%
77%
Big chances created
6
12
Dribbles*
2.7
2.2
Duels won*
5.1
3.7
While Gittens, who has been hailed for his “special” performances by Romano, still has much to learn, you can see that the blueprint is there. Like Salah, he’s proving to be clinical in front of goal – converting eight of his 12 big chances this term – while also proving relentless in his dribbling and most eager to win a duel too.
The similarities don’t stop there, though. Gittens was discarded by Man City when he was in his formative years, forced to find a home elsewhere given the bloated nature of the Sky Blues’ youth scene.
Likewise, Salah was once a talented prospect in the Premier League, with Chelsea, before moving to Italy and making his name, earning that historic £34m transfer to Liverpool.
Different circumstances, sure, but the signs are right there for Slot to make his move and strengthen Liverpool’s frontline with his very own Salah signing this summer.
Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley remarked a few months back that Gittens has been “England’s best left winger in 2024/25.” He’s only going to improve, and Liverpool need to make sure he rises to the fore in red.
Better than Diaz & Gakpo: "Perfect" £62m star wants to sign for Liverpool
Arne Slot is hoping to make a range of signings this summer to improve Liverpool’s starting 11.
Ever since the WTC final, the fast bowler has gone from strength to strength under a management that has emboldened him to unleash his skills as he sees fit
Firdose Moonda22-Aug-20252:16
Ngidi: Always a test of character against Australia
When cricketers are encouraged to express themselves, we usually know what that looks like for batters: play your shots, innovate, entertain. But how do bowlers interpret that instruction?”It’s pretty much about giving you the freedom to bowl what you want to bowl,” Lungi Ngidi said, after claiming his second ODI five-for during South Africa’s 84-run win in the second ODI against Australia in Mackay. “We’ve been playing international cricket for a couple of years now, so we kind of know what we’re good at and what we need to do. Set your field and bowl what you want to bowl according to whatever you see in front of you. Play the conditions in front of you and don’t be scared to try things.”Like offering one of the opposition’s most dangerous batters a little bit of width, in the belief he would nick off. Or dropping your pace down to just over 100kph because you’d seen the efficacy of the slower ball in the first innings.Related
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Ngidi did both those things as he bowled South Africa to a series-winning victory, and he did them because he had the confidence to make bold decisions about how he wanted to go about his business.His strategy against Marnus Labuschagne was informed by what Ngidi saw in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, when Labuschagne was dismissed in both innings driving loosely at Marco Jansen. Ngidi, of course, is not the same type of bowler as Jansen, but he believed he could exact similar results.Marnus Labuschagne fell into Lungi Ngidi’s deliberately laid trap•Getty Images”We do our video analysis and we’ve seen, even from the Test Championship, outside off with the ball shaping away seems to be effective. He leaves very well, but you need to score runs at some point in ODI cricket so you’re probably going to feel outside off,” Ngidi explained. “I just tried to keep it simple and just plug away at that length and that line and it seemed to come off. It went according to plan.”Pace-off is Ngidi’s speciality but he used it more after getting confirmation that it worked during South Africa’s innings, in which Nathan Ellis was the stand-out seamer. Ellis started with a 110kph back-of-the-hand slower ball and delivered at least two an over among his pace-on, short-ball change-ups, which got him both his wickets. Ngidi was taking notes.”The beautiful thing about bowling second is I get to sit there and watch what works. And I saw Ellis’ plan and he was pretty successful with that,” he said. “It just gives you an idea of what’s going to work later on in the innings. Also Watching [Xavier] Bartlett up front, it seemed to be swinging or nipping around so it pretty much gives you a blueprint of how to go about things.”Both Ngidi and Nandre Burger found movement early on and made the initial breakthroughs but it was Ngidi’s second spell that earned him his first Player-of-the-Match award, in any format, in nearly three years. He ripped through Australia’s lower order and took four wickets for eight runs in 14 balls. The first was a signature Ngidi delivery, a slower offbreak that Aaron Hardie chipped back to him. But it was Ngidi’s quick reaction to get across and take the catch low to the ground that showed how committed he was to the contest against an opposition he loves playing against.’The beautiful thing about bowling second is I get to sit there and watch what works’•Getty ImagesHis career-best, of 6 for 58, also came against Australia and he has taken more wickets against them in ODIs – 26 at an average of 16.96 – than any other opposition (and he has only played against them once more than he has England, India or Sri Lanka) and it’s fair to say they bring out the best in him.”It’s always a battle against Australia. It’s always competitive,” he said. “It’s a test of character because we were put under pressure from the T20s, and we had the opportunity to win a series tonight so just mentally stepping up and finishing it off. It’s just a great rivalry that’s always been there. And it’s going to continue for many, many years.”Ngidi emphasised “staying strong mentally” both to the broadcasters and at his press conference, and it may apply to more than just the ongoing series. His career to date is perhaps best described as stop-start, with injuries and indifferent form often interrupting a good run. The last time he played all matches in a multi-format tour was in 2018, when he played in four of South Africa’s four games in Australia.Currently, Ngidi is on a five-match streak in Australia, and he also played in four of South Africa’s five T20Is last month in Zimbabwe and made a Test comeback the month before that at the WTC final at Lord’s. It was in that game, where his selection raised eyebrows because he had not played a Test in 10 months, that Ngidi showed the value of being backed by the coaching staff and being given freedom by them.Ngidi picked up the second five-wicket haul of his ODI career•AFP/Getty ImagesCoach Shukri Conrad picked Ngidi even after dropping him from the 2024 tour to Bangladesh and, after a rusty start, Ngidi delivered a match-changing second-innings performance when he took 3 for 38. Conrad has since picked Ngidi across all formats, and the returns have only been getting better. Ngidi iced the cake when he became the first South Africa seamer since Kagiso Rabada in July 2015 to take an ODI five-for away from home.Because they came up in the same Under-19 group and are at similar ages, the two are often spoken about in parallel terms, Rabada’s stardust usually leaving Ngidi in the shadows. That was the case in this game too. Ngidi told the broadcasters that when he knew Rabada would be unavailable for this series because of injury, he would “have big shoes to fill.”It’s easy to assume that means he needs to take on Rabada’s role but that only applies to seniority and experience, not style of bowling. While Rabada’s game is based on pace and accuracy, Ngidi’s is on variation and movement and he had the perfect stage to show that in Mackay. That he performed to expectation and beyond is an example of South Africa’s new way, which is as much about staying true to their identity as it is about getting the results they want.”The most important thing is how we played. Are we playing our brand of cricket? Are we playing the way we want to play? When we lose and we’re not playing our way or with the freedom that the coach has given us, then it’s a problem. But when we execute and we play the way we want to play, that’s the beautiful thing,” Ngidi said. “We have lots of white-ball cricket to come. So this is good momentum to kick us off for the rest of the season.”
And also, numbers from a day to forget for Adam Zampa
Sampath Bandarupalli15-Sep-2023174 – Heinrich Klaasen’s score against Australia in Centurion, which is now the second-highest individual score by a batter playing at No. 5 or lower in ODIs, behind only Kapil Dev’s unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe during the 1983 World Cup.0 – Individual ODI scores higher than Klaasen’s 174 after coming to bat in the 25th over or later (where fall-of-wickets data is available). The previous highest was 162 not out by AB de Villiers against West Indies in 2015 and Jos Buttler against Netherlands last year.14.47 – Run rate of the partnership between Klaasen and David Miller, by far the highest for a stand of 200-plus in ODI cricket (where fall-of-wickets data is available). The previous fastest was between Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler, who added 204 runs at 10.03 runs an over against West Indies in 2019.113 – Runs conceded by Adam Zampa in his ten overs – the most by any bowler in an innings in men’s ODIs. Zampa equalled the record of Mick Lewis, who had done the same against South Africa in the famous 438 vs 434 Johannesburg ODI of 2006.173 – Runs scored by South Africa in the last ten overs of their innings. This is the highest by any team between the 41st and 50th overs of a men’s ODI innings (where ball-by-ball data is available). England’s 164 was the previous highest, scored during last year’s Amstelveen ODI against Netherlands.77 – Balls Klaasen needed to complete his 150, the fourth-fastest for any batter in men’s ODIs. It is also the second-fastest for South Africa, behind AB de Villiers who needed 64 balls for his 150 against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup.7 – The partnership of 222 between Klaasen and Miller is the first double-century stand in ODIs against Australia for the fifth wicket or lower. It is also the fifth-highest partnership for the fifth wicket in ODIs overall, and the second-highest for South Africa, behind 256* by JP Duminy and Miller against Zimbabwe in 2015.20 – Sixes hit by South Africa during their innings. These are the highest number of sixes hit by South Africa in an ODI, equalling the 20 against India in the 2015 Mumbai ODI. These are also the second-most sixes conceded by Australia in an ODI, behind the 21 against England in 2018 Nottingham ODI.7 – Number of 400-plus totals for South Africa in ODI cricket, the most for any team, going one ahead of India’s six.
Only after a cold, clinical, devastating first spell did Anderson let his emotions flow
George Dobell25-Aug-2021It’s hard to say what the most impressive aspect of James Anderson’s career is. The longevity is incredible, of course. The range of skills is remarkable. But perhaps the most outstanding aspect of Anderson’s career is his ability to keep learning.We saw that in action on the first morning in Leeds. Anderson’s first spell – a spell of 8-5-6-3 – was a masterclass in controlled swing bowling. He not only removed the cream of India’s batting within the space of 31 balls, but demonstrated a greatest-hits package of skills picked up over almost two decades in the game. This is what it must have been like to watch Picasso paint or Hemingway write. This was a master at work.At the heart of this spell was Anderson’s outswinger. It’s his primary skill, really. It was picked up in his early days as a teenager at Lancashire from Mike Watkinson. It remains a key part of his armoury; he bowled 21 of them in this spell. But it became far more potent once he was able to combine it with the inswinger – a skill which he has said took “years” to master and which he delivered 20 times here – and more dangerous still when allied to the wobble-seam delivery, which he picked up having watched Mohammad Asif and Stuart Clark in action, and which he bowled only once or twice in this spell. In combination, they are devastating.But there was another aspect to this spell beyond the technical. It was that Anderson delivered his skills with cold, clinical precision. He didn’t just bowl fine deliveries, he set batters up like a poacher laying traps. He kept his cool. He stuck to his plans. He was relentless.It has not always been this way. Ahead of the third Test, Anderson admitted England had allowed their emotions to get the better of them at Lord’s. They had been upset by Jasprit Bumrah’s spell against Anderson – an excellent spell that interspersed a fair few short deliveries with some well-directed full ones – and then appeared set on revenge rather than Bumrah’s wicket when he came out to bat. The resultant partnership with Mohammed Shami changed the game. Anderson had learned his lesson.Related
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James Anderson: 'Emotion got the better of me' after Bumrah barrage
Stats: Terrible day at work for India, Jos Buttler equals Brad Haddin
In isolation, some of these dismissals look as if they’re the result of loose strokes. A replay of KL Rahul’s wicket, for example, will show the batter drawn into pushing at one outside off stump. Cheteshwar Pujara, too, may reflect he could have left the one he edged. But just as the knock-out punch often doesn’t tell the full story of a boxing bout, the delivery that takes a wicket doesn’t paint the entire picture of a dismissal.Anderson only bowled four balls at Rahul. But the first three all swung back into him. And while the wicket-taking delivery did require Rahul to reach for it a little, it was also fuller and inviting the drive. That it left him just enough to take the edge was a plan perfectly executed. Sure, Rahul didn’t have to play. But a rabbit doesn’t have to wander into a snare, either.It was similar with Pujara. Anderson bowled eight deliveries at him in total. Four of them swung in to the batter, three of them left him and one went straight on. And remember: Anderson long-ago mastered the ability – a skill he picked-up after watching Zaheer Khan – to hide the ball with his left hand until the moment of release so batters are unable to pick-up any clues as to his plans.The result was a delivery to Pujara that was bowled from slightly wider on the crease, pitched in line and swung away wickedly late to take the edge. Yes, we now know the ball wouldn’t have hit the stumps (only six balls in the spell would have done) and might have been left. But there’s little way Pujara could have known that from the information he had before committing to a decision.The big wicket – whatever his recent struggles might suggest – remains that of Virat Kohli. While there is, no doubt, much respect between these two proud and magnificent cricketers, they sometimes give every impression of loathing one another on the pitch. Maybe that’s unfair: perhaps they just recognise in one another a dangerous opponent and know the outcome of their personal encounter could go a long way towards defining the result of the match. Either way, each time they face one another at present presents compelling viewing.At the start of the series Kohli had looked keen to assert his authority. He seemed determined to make a statement about his fearlessness in the face of England’s premier swing bowler. That led him into pushing at his first ball in Nottingham and an outside edge to the keeper.There was no room for such statements here. India were already two down, after all, with only four runs on the board. Instead, Kohli was determined to reassert himself as a batter and rebuild for his team. So, he left his first five balls – all of them outswingers from Anderson – before pushing his sixth (another Anderson outswinger) through mid-off for three.Anderson’s 11th ball to him was different. Instead of the traditional, swinging delivery, this one was bowled with a slightly scrambled seam. So while Kohli may have noted the seam angled into to him and thought the direction of the ball would follow, it instead pitched and left him. It was fuller, too, and inviting the drive. Kohli, having batted more than half an hour for his seven runs, fell for the bait.Then the emotion flowed. Then Anderson roared and leapt and allowed himself the uninhibited smile which spoke volumes for his joy and relief. He knew he had allowed the moment to get the better of him at Lord’s. He put it right here.
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are riding high at the top of the Premier League table, and supporters have been told one player doesn’t get the praise he deserves.
Arsenal's set-piece kings on course to win the Premier League
Their explosive start has not just positioned them as Premier League title favourites, but also as the current kings of set pieces — a deadly weapon that’s wreaking havoc on opposition sides domestically and in Europe.
Arsenal have scored more goals from dead-ball situations than any other top-flight side so far (11), with star defender Gabriel at the heart of it with four contributions to those strikes as the Gunners make their best weapon known.
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Corners, free kicks and even throw-ins have become golden scoring opportunities, as Arsenal turn these situations into major results with surgical precision.
Their aerial strength, combined with clever routines, has made them a nightmare for defenders who can’t afford to lose focus for even a moment.
However, at the heart of Arsenal’s success is their impenetrable defence which has conceded the joint-fewest goals, not only in the Premier League, but across Europe’s top leagues (3), with Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma also conceding just three.
The arrival of no-nonsense new backroom coach Gabriel Heinze is viewed as a real contributor to Arsenal’s increasingly water-tight backline, which has somehow become even more solid, despite already leaking the fewest league goals of any Premier League side in each of the last two seasons.
David Raya is in line for this third-successive Golden Glove award, and only a complete disaster in terms of injuries to key defenders would disrupt Arteta’s side right now.
That being said, even when William Saliba was briefly forced out of the side through injury, Cristhian Mosquera performed exceptionally well next to Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, and fellow summer signing Piero Hincapie is also on hand to step in.
Given their imperiousness at the back, Viktor Gyokeres has been somewhat overshadowed.
The Swede, who was brought in to take the mantle of Arsenal’s new prolific number nine, got off to a flying start but went seven games without a goal before his much-needed brace against Atlético Madrid last week.
Gyokeres has attracted some criticism for his fairly underwhelming return so far, but journalist Graeme Bailey insists that he’s actually a pretty underrated new member of the team.
Viktor Gyokeres adds extra element to Arsenal that people don't see
Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey says that Gyokeres brings an “extra element” to Arsenal that “people don’t really see”.
Interestingly, this thought is echoed by Arteta, who says that Gyokeres makes Arsenal a much more “unpredictable” side.
His in-game play is there for all to see, and the former Sporting CP star has already proved a handful for defenders since his blockbuster summer switch.
Now, Gyokeres just needs to add more goals, then the critics will soon be silenced.
The Three Lions have been drawn in Group L for the 2026 World Cup and the draw has served up some lively-looking reunions when the tournament gets underway in America, Canada and Mexico next June. Boss Thomas Tuchel has called it a "difficult" group, but fans have taken to social media to crow over how easy the ride will be for England in the opening stage of football's most coveted prize.
England discover path to World Cup glory
England will clash with Croatia in their opener, offering a chance for revenge after the painful 2018 semi-final loss. Also in the group are the Black Stars of Ghana, a talented side who promise a physical battle with lots of familiar players from the Premier League, and tournament minnows Panama, who England famously thrashed 6-1 in 2018.
Elsewhere, Scotland were handed plum ties against five-times World Cup winners Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, in a mouthwatering repeat of their 1998 draw, sparking a wave of anticipation and a challenge that manager Steve Clarke called "fantastic". The Scots have also been drawn against Haiti and face an uphill battle to progress to the knockout phase for the first time in their history, but England fans are very confident of easing into the business end of the tournament.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportEngland fans confident following draw
Three Lions fans queued up to have their say after the group was confirmed and @Rees_wba posted to X, saying: "Easy as you like, it's coming home 🏆"
Elsewhere, @5eanOConnor added: "Relatively easy group. Croatia might be the only stumbling block, but they aren’t the force they once were. It’s the knockout phase that counts."
And @sherratt1876 said: "Nine points. The question is, who will come 2nd in the group behind England."
The votes of confidence kept on coming as @ace_man2574 observed: "Good Group, not like other years where is easy on group stage and then Knockout we are unable to cope with the top teams due to pressure."
And @billielaing1 said: "We should top that group. Excited for next June."
Tuchel: 'We will be well prepared when we arrive'
After the draw in Washington DC, Tuchel told reporters: "It’s a difficult group, a difficult opener. Croatia and Ghana are two regulars in World Cups and are two proud and strong nations. Croatia were the highest-ranked team from pot two and Ghana is always full of talent and can always surprise and have a big history in World Cup football. And Panama will try to make the most in their underdog role. No one can be underestimated, everyone deserves the fullest respect and we can show that."
He added: "For me, I’ve only experienced group football in Champions League formats and the way to approach it was to always give it the biggest respect and to put all the focus into winning the group. It always seems difficult, like our group now, but we are confident and we will be well prepared when we arrive."
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AFPEngland await match locations
The draw is complete, but the specific match dates, venues, and kick-off times are being announced by FIFA in a special program on Saturday. The opening match will be on June 11th in Mexico City, and the final will be on July 19th in New Jersey. And it will be a very different tournament this time round as it will feature a new, expanded format with 48 teams and nations have been divided into 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new Round of 32 knockout stage. This increases the total matches from 64 to a whopping 104, and the champions this time round will play eight matches instead of seven.
The defending champions are off to a flying start with their stand-in captain leading from the front
AAP11-Nov-2025Melbourne Renegades 151 for 6 (Wareham 58*) beat Sydney Thunder 148 for 7Melbourne Renegades captain Georgia Wareham has claimed back-to-back player-of-the-match awards in a four-wicket win over Sydney Thunder.Filling in for the injured Sophie Molineux, Wareham smashed 58 off 32 deliveries in the run chase at Junction Oval after claiming 2 for 25 with her legspin.Wareham had starred just two days previously against Brisbane Heat with bat and ball and she backed that up.The heavens opened on several occasions during the match but the players pressed on through it. After the Thunder made 148 for 7 in their 20 overs the Renegades were in trouble at 73 for 5.Wareham and Nicole Faltum (37 off 26 deliveries) then combined in a match winning partnership that enabled the hosts to coast to victory with 11 balls to spare.Wareham’s placement was superb as she compiled her runs with minimal risk and plenty of nous in her fifth WBBL half-century .Earlier, Thunder had a solid start provided by Georgia Voll (26) and Tahlia Wilson (30). But from 60 without loss they slipped to 79 for four and that was largely due to the influence of Wareham.In her four accurate overs she dismissed the dangerous Thunder captain Phoebe Litchfield for just 12. Power hitting by Heather Knight and Anika Learoyd at the death gave the visitors a decent total but not enough to stop Wareham and Faltum.