Ireland Women left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire has been reported for a suspect bowling action following the first ODI against India in Rajkot, where she picked up 3 for 57 from eight overs.As per the ICC regulations, Maguire, 18, needs to get her action tested at an ICC-accredited testing centre within 14 days of being reported. She can continue bowling until the results of the test are known.Last month, Maguire was named in Ireland’s squad for the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. Since the assessment window falls in the middle of the tournament, she had to be withdrawn from it. Genevieve Morrissey has replaced her in the squad.*Graeme West, the director of high performance at Cricket Ireland, said, “The staff and players are rallying around Aimee, reassuring her that she will return with a stronger action and will continue to shine on the international stage for many years to come.”The experience and expertise that we possess within our High Performance Coaching and Support Services at Cricket Ireland will provide Aimee with the care, support and guidance to deliver the remedial programme which will begin following the team’s return from India.”Maguire made her international debut in 2023. So far, she has played 11 ODIs and nine T20Is, taking 25 wickets in all with a best of 5 for 19 against England in a one-dayer last year.Having lost the first ODI by six wickets, Ireland trail the three-match series 1-0. The remaining two ODIs are also to be played in Rajkot, on January 12 and 15.
This summer, Liverpool have shown signs that they are looking to progress from a Premier League-winning side to a Champions League-winning side.
They have added players all over the pitch, including Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, who both bagged their first competitive goals for Liverpool at Wednesday during the FA Community Shield last weekend.
Arne Slot isn’t done with signings yet, though, as he appears to still be pushing for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and now England and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace captain looks likely to move this summer after the club’s co-owner and chairman, Steve Parish, admitted that they may have to sell him.
The current valuation for Guehi is £35 million. Slot’s summer spending won’t be ending there either, as he looks to make Guehi part of a double centre-back transfer plan.
Liverpool in "negotiations" for "really special" Italian talent
As well as Guehi, Slot is looking to bring in 18-year-old Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni. This news was shared by Fabrizio Romano, who highly rates Leoni and previously described him as “really special”.
Romano has revealed that both deals are being worked on, with Guehi being seen as a great signing for now and Leoni as one for the future.
The young centre-back won’t come cheap, as he is currently valued at £34 million, which would make him Parma’s third most expensive sale ever, behind Gianlugi Buffon and Hernan Crespo. This price may seem expensive now, but it’s reasonable given the longevity of the investment.
Leoni made 17 appearances for Parma last season and even popped up with a goal. His experience in the Serie A could make him valuable in the short term as well as the long term for Liverpool, as Slot currently faces a challenging squad depth situation.
Slot an injury away from trouble
While it has been left as one of the last positions that they will fill this window, the centre-back situation is a much more pressing matter for Liverpool than many fans realise.
Currently, Slot isn’t spoiled for options in the centre-back department. His first choices are undoubtedly exceptional, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. However, after that, their options are Joe Gomez, who missed 28 games last season through injury, and Rhys Williams, who, at 24, has never really been trusted in the first team.
£55m+ Liverpool player open to Anfield exit, offered 4-year deal to leave
Should the Reds try and keep hold of him?
ByHenry Jackson Aug 12, 2025
An injury to either of their first two choices would leave them in a precarious predicament. Slot could use a player from another position as a makeshift centre-back in this case, but the more sensible move would be bringing in Guehi or Leoni, preferably both.
Another issue is that Konate only has a year left on his contract and is already being looked at by Real Madrid. Van Dijk recently signed a contract extension, but only for two years, meaning both players days at the club are also numbered.
Liverpool need to bring in centre-backs this summer because their squad depth isn’t sufficient for this season, and it will only get worse in the coming transfer windows. As good as the other signings have been, if they fail to sign at least one centre-back, it will be seen as a massive blunder.
Birmingham City co-owners Tom Wagner and Tom Brady are now in very advanced talks to sign a £10m+ star for Chris Davies, according to a new transfer report.
Birmingham City seal Demarai Gray return
It has been a busy summer transfer window so far for the Blues ahead of their Championship return, with a number of new players arriving at St Andrew’s ahead of the 2025/26 season.
One of the latest additions is former academy star Demarai Gray, who has returned to Birmingham nine years on after leaving for Leicester City. The winger joins from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq and has penned a three-year deal with the Blues.
Talking after returning to the club, Gray said: “To be back here now means a lot and having tasted success a bit throughout my career, I’m hungry and I really want to do it here with Birmingham and try and help the team get back to where we belong.
“It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time. Seeing some old faces is always nice, to be back around the stadium brought back a lot of feelings and I can’t wait to get going now, get back in front of the fans and see where this season can take us.”
Birmingham City enter race to sign £6m "monster" ahead of Sheffield United
The Blues have joined the race to sign a defender from a Premier League club.
2
By
Brett Worthington
Jul 2, 2025
Wagner and Brady aren’t showing any signs of stopping, though, and there has been a promising development in the club’s pursuit of Rennes forward Kyogo Furuhashi.
Birmingham City in “very advanced” talks for £10m+ Kyogo Furuhashi
According to reliable French outlet L’Équipe, Birmingham City are now in “very advanced” talks to sign Furuhashi from Rennes.
A deal is ‘close to being concluded’ and it may be worth a total of €12m (£10.3m), the same figure Rennes paid Celtic for the Japan international earlier this year.
Furuhashi has struggled in France after leaving Glasgow, however, he certainly enjoyed his time in the UK, scoring on a regular basis and winning numerous honours with the Scottish giants.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s Celtic stats
Games
165
Goals
85
Assists
19
Minutes played
10,741
Trophies won
9
Called an “elite striker” by Brendan Rodgers during his time at Celtic, whereas Ange Postecoglou also waxed lyrical of the forward when he was Hoops manager.
Now, it looks as if Davies could have the hard-working striker at St Andrew’s potentially lining up alongside Gray and Jay Stansfield in the Championship.
With a deal agreed to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign another attacking star who is just as quick as the rapid Swede.
What Newcastle could do next after Elanga
The Magpies’ summer is finally turning around. Both James Trafford and Elanga are reportedly set to join Eddie Howe’s side to hand the manager two instant upgrades, whilst PIF’s spending could yet continue. With Champions League football to play next season, those at St James’ Park are seemingly set to hand Newcastle the squad depth that they’ve needed for some time.
For £55m, Newcastle will be welcoming a player who is likely to form one of the deadliest attacking trios that the Premier League has to offer alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. Meanwhile, if the Magpies are looking to compete on all fronts, then the depth that Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy will offer that trio will certainly come in handy.
PIF are reportedly not done there, however. Instead, they’re reportedly keen to make a statement with further attacking incomings amid recent links to the likes of Yoane Wissa and Hugo Ekitike.
He's just like Isak: Newcastle explore move for "unbelievable" £50m star
Newcastle are planning to improve once again after agreeing a fee for Anthony Elanga.
By
Angus Sinclair
Jul 11, 2025
Either forward would complete the set for Newcastle, who would have a group of six quality attacking options to choose from next season and two for every position.
Alas, those two aren’t the only names still on the Magpies’ reported radar. According to recent reports, those at St James’ Park have also set their sights on signing a Bundesliga star ahead of Chelsea who is just as quick as speed demon Elanga.
Newcastle now interested in £56m Karim Adeyemi
According to Bild, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now racing Chelsea to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund this summer. The German international is reportedly valued at a hefty €65m (£56m) by the Bundesliga giants, which means that the Magpies will have to spend big once again if they are to secure his signature.
Even after welcoming Elanga, Adeyemi’s ability to lead the line and play on both wings has seemingly seen him keep hold of his place on Newcastle’s radar. Whether Newcastle decide to push on and reach Dortmund’s hefty asking price remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that the combined speed between Adeyemi and Elanga is a frightening prospect for any opposition defence.
Last season, the new arrival clocked an impressive speed of 36.7km/h last season to match Adeyemi’s record in 2023 and both could now find themselves leading a rapid Newcastle frontline next season.
It also goes without saying that the Dortmund star is more than just his speed, having scored 12 goals and set up another 11 in all competitions last season to justify the praise of Matthias Jaissle.
The former Red Bull Salzburg coach previously told reporters: “Karim has almost everything a striker needs. His quality and speed are incredible.”
Chelsea are just two wins away from capturing the Club World Cup title following their win over Palmeiras in the quarter-final.
The draw has opened up kindly for Enzo Maresca’s side, as Manchester City were knocked out at the last 16 stage.
They were made to work hard for the victory against the Brazilian side. Their goal came courtesy of Estevao, the youngster who will join Chelsea in the next few weeks.
Given his performance, the Blues may have hit the jackpot.
Chelsea's plan for Estevao
The 18-year-old is well on his way to becoming the next big thing in Brazilian football. Neymar even hailed the winger as a “genius” in January 2024.
A tally of 27 goals and 15 assists across just 83 senior games suggests Estevao has the potential to be a truly magnificent signing for Chelsea.
Playing in an attacking midfield role against the Blues, Estevao looked bright throughout the clash. His equaliser came just after half-time, latching on to a pass before slotting home an excellent finish from a tight angle.
He tended to drift over to his natural position on the right and was a handful for the Chelsea backline during the game.
Maresca has a plethora of forwards to choose from ahead of the 2025/26 season, especially with the signings of Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.
That being said, there could still be a role for the teenager at Stamford Bridge next season, with The Telegraph reporting that he is not expected to follow the recent trend of heading out on loan to the likes of Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo group.
Excitement is building over finally seeing Estevao in a Chelsea shirt, although could Maresca even make a move for someone who might turn out to be a bigger talent than the Brazilian?
Chelsea showing interest in Premier League starlet
Despite the depth of their attacking options, it appears as though the Stamford Bridge outfit are seeking to lure all the finest talent to London.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
While winning the Club World Cup remains Maresca’s main aim over the next week, it is evident that he is still looking to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League and Champions League next season.
A surprising name has been linked with a shock move across London recently, however, and if a deal goes through, it would signal a real statement of intent.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano has shared news regarding Arsenal talent Ethan Nwaneri, and it looks as though Chelsea are lurking in the shadows in the hope that he doesn’t sign a new deal with Arsenal.
As Romano said on X, the Blues are potentially ready to pounce to sign the teenager, with Nwaneri seeking guarantees over his game time at the Emirates, prior to committing his future to the club.
The youngster is in discussions with the Gunners regarding a new deal as his current one expires next summer, leaving the door open for a potential move away from North London.
If a move did go through, where does this leave Estevao? And is Nwaneri an even bigger talent than the Brazilian?
Why Chelsea must sign Ethan Nwaneri
Estevao is just a month younger than Nwaneri, but he already has five appearances for Brazil at international level. The Arsenal starlet has yet to make his national team debut, however, but there is no doubt that the 18-year-old will take the next step up sooner rather than later.
Both have played plenty of games in their respective top-flight leagues, while also making appearances in the Copa Libertadores and Champions League.
As such, what separates them? Like Estevao, Nwaneri has been touted as being the next big thing to emerge from his nation.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig even lauded his rise in May 2024, saying that the Arsenal gem was “one of Hale End & England’s biggest jewels” after a stunning season at youth level for the Gunners.
While the Palmeiras youngster has shone in his homeland, there is no guarantee that he will adapt to English football upon making the move to Chelsea. Maresca will give him plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents, no doubt about that, but he must hit the ground running.
Metric
Premier League
Champions League
Goals
4
2
Assists
2
0
Big chances created
1
1
Key passes per game
0.6
0.3
Successful dribbles per game
1.4
1
Nwaneri, on the other hand, played 26 top-flight matches for the North Londoners last term, scoring four times and grabbing two assists.
When compared via their domestic statistics from last term, the English teen not only registered more goals and assists (six vs three), but he also recorded more shots per 90 (2.41 vs 2.06), a higher percentage of successful take-ons (59.7% vs 31.8%), took more touches in the opposition penalty area (339 vs 257) and even won a higher percentage of aerial duels (33.3% vs 20%).
Given his performances in the Premier League, Nwaneri should be able to settle into this Chelsea side with ease should a move be secured in the coming weeks.
Estevao would have to work harder to make himself a success in England, despite all that he has achieved in his homeland.
Nwaneri even scored twice in the Champions League last term and Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his teen sensation after his first goal against Girona.
“That’s what we love about him – he’s very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it,” gushed the Spaniard.
Ethan Nwaneri for Arsenal
“He never [looks nervous], he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”
If the door is ajar for Chelsea to make a move, Maresca must seize the chance.
Salah repeat: Chelsea's "unbelievable" £55m star is now "open" to leaving
Chelsea could regret selling the dynamic attacker.
The season proper might have come to an end in European glory for Chelsea, but Enzo Maresca’s men have a busy summer ahead of them.
The West Londoners will be looking to keep the good times rolling by winning the revamped Club World Cup and heading into next season’s Premier League in red-hot form.
However, to ensure the squad can build upon their top-five finish and make it deep into the Champions League, the board need to keep up their efforts in the transfer window and bring in even more talent.
Fortunately, recent reports have now linked the Blues with a talented goalscorer who could be an even better signing than Jamie Gittens.
Chelsea transfer news
Chelsea have already been incredibly busy this summer, securing the services of Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, Strasbourg’s Mamadou Sarr and Sporting CP’s Dário Essugo, yet they look likely to sign more talents in the coming weeks.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
One of the names most heavily touted for a move to the Blues has been Borussia Dortmund star Gittens, with reports linking the Englishman with the club dating back as far as October last year, but seriously heating up in recent weeks.
In fact, stories from this week claimed that the winger was now a top priority for the West Londoners, and yet, as things stand, he is still very much a player for the German giants.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
Now, while he would undoubtedly be an exciting addition to Maresca’s squad, another player has now been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge, a player who’d be an even better signing: Joao Pedro.
According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now interested in the Brighton & Hove Albion star, who is “highly appreciated” by many at the club.
Furthermore, the Italian journalist claims that initial contact has already been made and that the player will be allowed to leave this summer.
However, it might not be all that straightforward, with Newcastle United also said to be interested, while other reports claim that it’ll take a fee of around £70m for the Seagulls to let him go.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but with Pedro’s ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Gittens.
Why Pedro would be a better signing than Gittens
So, the first thing to make clear is that both Gittens and Pedro would be great signings for Chelsea this summer, but there are a couple of reasons why, at the moment anyway, the latter would be the better acquisition for the Blues.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro tackles Brentford's Bryan Mbuemo.
The first is that he’s simply the more productive attacker and, therefore, is more likely to come in and hit the ground running in West London.
For example, in 30 appearances, totalling 2136 minutes, the “insane” Ribeirão Preto-born monster, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored ten goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.
Appearances
30
49
Minutes
2136′
2803′
Goals
10
12
Assists
7
5
Goal Involvements per Match
0.56
0.34
Minutes per Goal Involvement
125.64
164.88′
In contrast, the Englishman scored 12 goals and provided five assists but did so in 49 appearances, totalling 2803 minutes, which comes out to a significantly less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.88 games, or one every 164.88 minutes.
On top of him simply being more effective than the 20-year-old, the former Watford ace has also got far more experience, and most crucially, the experience of playing and thriving in the Premier League.
Now, that might sound like an unfair stick to beat the Dortmund star with, but as the Blues will be looking to do better than simply qualifying for the Champions League again next season, they’ll need attackers who can come straight into the team and impress from the word go, which might not happen for someone coming from another league.
Ultimately, while both Gittens and Pedro are talented players who could bring a lot to Maresca’s squad this summer, the latter’s experience and proven level of output mean he’d be the better signing.
Chelsea open discussions over signing £86m Club World Cup sensation
It has been a long and rather dismal campaign for Arsenal this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have once again failed to claim the Premier League title, although instead of just losing out to Manchester City, they have fallen miles short of Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
Going into the final game of the season, the North Londoners are 12 points off the Reds and, perhaps even more worryingly, have scored 18 fewer goals.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetalooks dejected after the match
This evident weakness in the Gunners’ attack is something the board are clearly aiming to deal with in the summer, as reports have linked them to a whole host of incredibly talented players, including Nico Williams.
However, even with his lofty price tag, one of Arsenal’s own stars is worth millions more.
Why Arsenal want to sign Williams Market Movers
Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?
Arsenal have been credited with an intense interest in Williams for the best part of a year now, and according to reports from earlier this month, he remains a ‘top priority’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
The story confirms that the North Londoners will need to activate the release clause in his contract to bring him to the club, which stands at a cool £48m.
With that said, then, what is it about the young winger that has made him such a firm target for the Premier League runners-up?
First and foremost, he’s a direct left-winger who can both score and create goals with relative ease.
For example, in 37 appearances for the Athletic Bilbao last season, the Pamplona-born dynamo scored eight goals and provided 18 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games.
Spain'sNicoWilliamsin action with Netherlands' Jeremie Frimpong and Donyell Male
He’s not been quite as sensationally effective this season, but he’s still been a useful outlet, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 44 games, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.44 games.
On top of his raw output, he has also shown an ability to deal with the biggest games.
He opened the scoring for Spain in their European Championships Final triumph against England last summer and also provided an assist in the final of last season’s Copa de Rey, which Bilbao won.
In all, it would be fair to say that Williams more than justifies the price tag Arsenal would have to pay for him, although if he does join the club, he’d have to hit the ground running to see his valuation match that of one of his new teammates.
The Arsenal star worth millions more than Williams
To tell the truth, there are actually several players who are worth more than Williams in the Arsenal squad, but in this case, we are talking about one of the club’s breakout stars from this season: Ethan Nwaneri.
Yes, even though this year has been the teenager’s first proper taste of regular first-team football, he’s been so impressive that his valuation has skyrocketed.
For example, Football Transfers now value the 18-year-old at a whopping €74.3, which is about £63m, or around £15m more than the fee the Gunners have to pay to sign Williams.
Now, this might all sound rather absurd to some of you, but there are some reasons for this, chief among them being the fact that the often “unplayable” gem, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, has already scored nine goals and provided two assists in 36 appearances, totalling 1303 minutes this season.
In other words, the Hale Ender is currently averaging a goal involvement every 3.27 games, or more importantly, every 118.45 minutes, which is undeniably brilliant.
Moreover, given how he’s adapted to senior football so seemingly, there is no telling what his ceiling may be.
With that said, how does he stack up with the Bilbao gem when we compare their underlying numbers from this season?
Non-Penalty G+As
0.66
0.47
Progressive Passes
3.30
3.19
Progressive Carries
4.84
5.31
Goals per Shot
0.18
0.10
Goals per Shot on Target
0.50
0.26
Passing Accuracy
80.2%
70.7%
Key Passes
1.32
1.83
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.43
1.31
Passes into the Final Third
1.76
1.08
Crosses into the Penalty Area
0.66
0.38
Shot-Creating Actions
2.41
5.12
Successful Take-Ons
3.52
2.96
Well, it might surprise some people to find out that overall, it’s the youngster who comes out on top, as in the majority of relevant metrics, he does better.
The metrics include, but are not limited to, non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, goals per shot and shot on target, passes into the penalty area and final third, crosses into the penalty area, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Williams this summer, as he looks like he could add some much-needed dynamism to their left-hand side.
Still, in Nwaneri, the club already have another young talent who could further establish himself in the first-team next season.
Best CF since Auba: Arsenal look set to sign £55m "monster" next week
The sensational striker will be a game-changer for Arsenal.
Wednesday evening is a huge night for Liverpool football club, with the side having the opportunity to claim the Premier League title without even kicking a single ball.
Arne Slot will claim the trophy if second-placed Arsenal fall to a defeat against Crystal Palace at the Emirates, subsequently securing the Reds’ second league triumph in five years.
It would be a superb achievement for the Dutchman after taking the reins from Jürgen Klopp in the summer, producing a seamless transition which has played a huge role in their success.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
However, when the title is in the bag, attention will certainly turn towards the summer, with additions and departures needed if the side are to sustain the success they’ve endured in recent months.
One area of the pitch in particular has been subject to huge attention, with key signings needed in such a department to take Slot’s side to the next level in 2025/26.
The latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of new attackers this summer
Over the last couple of days, news emerged that Liverpool are set to sell striker Darwin Núñez this summer, just a couple of years after his big-money move to Anfield.
Any funds generated will likely hand the club a decent chunk to splash on a new talisman, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké just one name touted with a move to Merseyside.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
However, despite their interest, the Bundesliga side undoubtedly don’t want to lose their star man, subsequently hiking his price tag to a staggering €100m (£85m).
Such a decision could see the hierarchy return to the drawing board and go back in for fellow target Alexander Isak after previously registering interest in his services.
According to Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT, the Reds are set to make a bid for the Swede this window, but won’t be stumping up the Magpies’ £150m asking price.
Why Liverpool’s top target would be a huge upgrade on Diogo Jota
Striker Diogo Jota cost the club a fee in the region of £45m back in the summer of 2020, looking to inject added quality within the final third under former boss Klopp.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota
The Portuguese international has been a phenomenal addition, registering 65 goals in his 178 appearances for the Reds on Merseyside – but has endured a decline in recent months.
The 28-year-old has only scored six league goals in 2024/25, starting just 13 matches, with injuries starting to hamper his progress and restricting him from playing a key role.
Such a record could see the hierarchy cash in on his services along with Nunez, further handing Slot with the added cash to make key additions in the final third.
As a result, the club could fork out a huge sum for Isak, with the current Newcastle star undoubtedly offering the Reds a huge upgrade on Jota ahead of 2025/26.
When comparing their respective figures from the Premier League this time around, it’s evident how much of a phenomenal addition he would be, adding a different dimension to the club’s star-studded attack.
Isak, who Anthony Gordon admitted is the “best striker in Europe”, has massively outscored Jota, whilst also posting a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting his clinical nature within the final third.
Games played
30
22
Goals scored
21
6
Shot-on-target accuracy
41%
30%
Shots on target per 90
1.5
1.1
Pass accuracy
75%
70%
Successful dribbles
1.6
0.9
Dribble success
50%
38%
He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst achieving a higher dribble success rate, offering Slot a more all-round presence at the top end of the pitch.
Given his form on Tyneside this campaign, it’s likely that competition will be fierce for his signature, but it’s crucial that the board back the manager to help him land one of their key targets.
Whilst a deal would likely cost upwards of £100m, it certainly would be money well spent, with the Swedish international arguably the final piece of the attacking puzzle after Mohamed Salah’s contract extension in recent weeks.
A new Van Dijk: Liverpool want to sign "the most in-demand CB in the world"
Liverpool are looking to sign a new central defender this summer.
Brendan Doggett put his case forward to be a reserve quick, but has any specialist opener done enough to be in the Test squad?
Andrew McGlashan01-Nov-20253:26
McGlashan: ‘Marnus has done everything asked of him’
Western Australia vs South Australia
At the WACA, there was almost as much interest in what Cameron Green didn’t do – at least in the match itself – than what he did. The full return to bowling was put on ice for another week as he was restricted to working through his loads around the game, including a bowl in the middle after the game was completed.Related
'I'll be ready' – Doggett waits on an Ashes call after six wickets on Shield return
Webster hopeful he doesn't get 'squeezed out' of Australia's XI for Perth Test
Labuschagne welcomes opening challenge with clear head
Green helps Western Australia to safety, then gets into bowling work
Aside from that, Green spent useful time in the middle on the final day after his first-innings duck – a drive that he absolutely nailed, but straight to the fielder – and appeared disgruntled when given caught behind. Green has often said how he is better the more he bats in a certain format, so it will be worth watching how he starts the Ashes after somewhat disjointed preparation, although there is still a chance for a long innings in round four of the Shield.A significant performance in this game came from Brendan Doggett in his first Shield outing of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury. His 6 for 48 in the first innings could well have locked him into the squad as one of the reserve quicks. He travelled for the World Test Championship final earlier this year and was due to tour the West Indies before injury.”It’s just nice to see him come out and bowl like he did – he bowed quick [and] his body pulled up all right, which is good,” South Australia coach Ryan Harris said. “But timely to get six wickets, especially with that announcement coming up in the next few days. He’s got a bit of pace and it’s going to be a bit of a pace-off in this Ashes – England are bringing some serious pace. So he’ll fit in nicely… and if he gets the opportunity, he’ll be definitely ready for it.”Cameron Bancroft fitted into the issued-a-reminder category with a century in the first innings, but his chance of further Test cricket appears to have gone. That may not be the case for Nathan McSweeney, however, even if his next opportunity has to wait a little while. The South Australia captain put together an excellent century on the third day, and chipped in with handy wickets.Beau Webster got through a good workload with the ball on his return•Getty Images
Victoria vs Tasmania
Beau Webster has been assured of his place in the Test squad by chair of selectors George Bailey (the XI may be another matter) and the most important aspect of his outing against Victoria was the 23 overs he sent down after an ankle injury. However, he would have liked more time in the middle as he made just 11 and 6 in Tasmania’s defeat. But Webster will likely play the opening Test if there are any doubts over the volume of overs Green can send down.Jake Weatherald will be one of those hanging by the phone this week. He missed the opportunity to add further weight to his case for a maiden call-up although his two dismissals were against excellent deliveries. He may bemoan the life of an opener, having to twice come out with short periods to face before the close.Three half-centuries prior to this game, including his decisive 94 against Western Australia, arguably still makes him the most compelling option among the specialist openers, although Campbell Kellaway’s 147 further enhanced his reputation. It’s unlikely he’ll be in the frame yet, but the selectors went for Sam Konstas last season, so the precedent is set for picking a youngster.Fergus O’Neill probably won’t come into contention this home season, but he can’t do much more to push his claims than with four second-innings wickets to secure victory.Steven Smith looked in fine touch•Getty Images
Queensland vs New South Wales
Despite the selection race being tight, it’s unlikely a single innings will make a difference. However, Matt Renshaw missed a chance to build on a start against NSW to back up a strong week with the Australia ODI squad against India. Still, his versatility as a batter could work in his favour especially if the selectors want a player to cover a variety of positions in the squad. Renshaw’s dismissal came after Konstas had shouldered arms against Hayden Kerr to continue his tricky season.Usman Khawaja, who endorsed Renshaw for the opening role, put together an encouraging 87 to tune up for the first Test where the spotlight will be on him as the senior opener. If he starts poorly against England, there is a world where his position comes under scrutiny midway through the series.Marnus Labuschagne is certain of a recall, although where he bats may well not be answered until closer to the first Test. However, the manner of his dismissal at the Gabba may have caught the attention of England’s analysts. He flicked Liam Hatcher firmly off his hip to a well-placed deep leg gully. It was a well-timed shot, and he may be viewed as a little unfortunate, but it’s a manner in which he has fallen before.Steven Smith, who will captain Australia in Perth and perhaps beyond depending on Pat Cummins’ fitness, declared he was already ready for the Ashes before playing a game after arriving back from New York. After taking 20 balls to open his account, he looked in terrific order during a classy century, albeit against a much-weakened Queensland attack.Something that is worth keeping an eye on is the form of Nathan Lyon. He took 2 for 120 in this match, his wickets coming late in Queensland’s innings, leaving him with six at 45.66 so far this season, although conditions have favoured the quicks.
In the World Cup opener, England’s uncharacteristic batting innings was characterised by tentative shots more than full-blooded ones
Matt Roller06-Oct-2023As England’s players picked the bones out of the thrashing by New Zealand in their World Cup opener, Joe Root made a telling prediction. “I don’t think we’ll see guys getting caught mid-off or long-off check-driving anymore,” Root told the BBC. “They’ll be hitting it 20 rows back.”Root’s 77 was England’s top score and represented a welcome return to form for him after a quiet series against New Zealand last month. He was at the non-striker’s end for five of his team-mates’ dismissals and appeared to sense a pattern: with the exception of Harry Brook, England’s batters were not dismissed while trying to hit sixes.Take Jonny Bairstow. He fell looking to loft Mitchell Santner inside-out over extra cover, but with the ball angling straight in from around the wicket, rather than turning away, it hit the inner half of his bat and looped harmlessly towards wide long-off, where Daryl Mitchell took a good running catch to his left.Related
Wood: 'A great trait of the group is resilience'
New Zealand play with fire and come out unscathed
Ravindra comes of age with an innings for the dreamers
Conway and Ravindra record NZ's highest WC partnership
Buttler says England 'well below par', Root warns against panic
At the death, with England looking to accelerate, Liam Livingstone had faced four consecutive dot balls from Trent Boult when he shaped to work a knuckleball away into the gap between midwicket and long-on. Instead, his leading edge hung in the air, giving Matt Henry time to run in off the boundary to settle underneath it.Brook’s downfall came about in a fashion that would infuriate many, caught in the deep trying to hit a fourth consecutive boundary off Rachin Ravindra during an over of drag-downs. So did Moeen Ali’s, playing across the line to Glenn Phillips. While Root himself was yorked while attempting to reverse-sweep the same bowler.But England’s uncharacteristic batting innings, scraping to 282 for 9 thanks to a 30-run last-wicket stand, was characterised by tentative shots more than full-blooded ones. According to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, New Zealand attacked 28% of the balls they faced; England only 17%.Even Jos Buttler fell tamely. He made a clear attempt to target New Zealand’s change bowlers, hitting James Neesham and Ravindra for straight sixes. But when Henry returned, he pushed at a ball that shaped back in – “wobble-seam, trying to use the crease,” Henry explained – and was caught behind. He immediately threw his head back in frustration.England clearly tried to target New Zealand’s allrounders. With Lockie Ferguson (back) and Tim Southee (thumb) unavailable, and Ish Sodhi left out, Tom Latham had to rely on 20 overs split between Neesham, Ravindra and Phillips, who returned combined figures of 3 for 149.
“We’re not robots: sometimes you don’t play as well as you’d like. We’ll be better for the next one”Jos Buttler
But perhaps England were too deferential against New Zealand’s three main bowlers in Boult, Henry and Santner. Their combined figures were 6 for 133 in 30; Devon Conway and Ravindra showed no such caution against England’s frontline bowlers, taking down Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood.Eoin Morgan, Buttler’s predecessor, was scathing in his assessment of England’s intent at the break, suggesting that they had let slip an opportunity to apply pressure after hitting Boult’s first over for 12. “You’d say that England didn’t throw many punches,” he said on Sky Sports. “They didn’t go hard enough.”After the game, he added, “They were so far off the mark. If you listened to Jos Buttler throughout the back-end of our summer, he continued to reiterate the message that you have to be more aggressive, to be brave… You have to be able to compete to say you were outplayed; for a lot of the game this evening, England didn’t compete.”1:45
Did England miss Ben Stokes?
Root expects England to be jolted into gear by their defeat. “It reinforces what we are about as a team,” he said. “We can remember how good we are, remember how intimidating we are as a batting group and double-down on it, really put sides under pressure and get those massive scores that blow teams away.”England do not need to panic. Six wins from their next eight games is almost certain to get them through to the semi-finals, and even five could be enough. “It’s one loss at the start of a very long tournament,” Buttler said. “We’re not robots: sometimes you don’t play as well as you’d like. We’ll be better for the next one.”They flew to Dharamsala on Friday ahead of their next fixture against Bangladesh on Tuesday where conditions will be very different. The weather will be cooler, the ball will travel at altitude, and a 10.30am start should ensure more uniformity across 100 overs than on Thursday, when the ball came on to the bat much better under lights.But Buttler will be frustrated that after seeming to rediscover their groove and tempo in this format last month, his batters did not exert sustained pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers. If anything, New Zealand batted more like England than England did themselves.