Dewald Brevis and Lungi Ngidi have been called up; Aiden Markram will lead South Africa in the first Test
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2024Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the first Test in Bangladesh after scans revealed a muscle strain in his left triceps. Aiden Markram will lead South Africa for the first Test, in Dhaka from October 21. With Nandre Burger earlier ruled out of the series because of a lumbar stress reaction, Dewald Brevis and Lungi Ngidi have been added to the squad.A CSA statement said that Bavuma will “travel with the squad to Dhaka on Tuesday and continue his recovery under the supervision of the Proteas medical team in preparation for the second Test”, which will start in Chattogram on October 29.On October 6, Bavuma was ruled out of the third and final ODI against Ireland with what was understood to be an elbow injury. He had retired hurt during the second ODI, on October 4, and didn’t field in that match. Rassie van der Dussen led South Africa in Bavuma’s absence, with Markram rested for that series.Brevis, CSA said, has been called up “as cover” for Bavuma. He hasn’t played a Test match yet – he has only played two T20Is so far – but has played 12 first-class matches, most recently for South Africa A against Sri Lanka A in Benoni, where he scored 49 and 74 in a five-wicket loss.Ngidi, who played all three ODIs against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, picking up two-fors in the first two matches, now completes the fast-bowling department which also has Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder, the allrounder.South Africa Test squad for Bangladesh tourTemba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram (capt for first Test), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Kyle Verreynne (wk)
Newcastle United might not be able to count on Alexander Isak for much longer as the player seeks a move away from St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe will now need to sign a striker or two in order to have his squad ready for the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match
Benjamin Sesko is a reported target for the club, and Newcastle would be willing to break their club-record transfer fee to sign him.
Could Howe perhaps chase another young striker instead, however? One who is even more prolific than Sesko…
Newcastle’s search for a striker
The likes of Julian Alvarez and Yoane Wissa have been earmarked as targets by Howe to bolster the club’s attacking options of late.
Both would be excellent signings, but Howe could go down a different route by making a move for Porto starlet Samu Aghehowa this summer.
That is according to the Guardian, who relay information that Newcastle might see Aghehowa as a potential alternative to Sesko.
One sticking point may be the price, as he has a release clause of €100m (£87m), although it remains to be seen whether Howe can negotiate a potential deal.
Aged just 21, he could be an ideal long-term Isak heir and, dare I say it, even better than Sesko.
Why Newcastle want to sign Samu Aghehowa
Across his senior career thus far, Sesko has scored 90 goals across 210 games, which works out as a goal every 2.3 matches.
In comparison, Aghehowa has netted 54 goals in 117 matches during his embryonic senior career thus far, averaging a goal every 2.1 matches.
On this basis, the young Spaniard is even more prolific than Sesko, and there is no doubt that he will get even better over the next few years.
He burst into life during his maiden season with Porto. Aside from registering 30 goal contributions in all competitions, Aghehowa also finished the season with a 23% goal conversion percentage, created five big chances and scored every 119 minutes in the Portuguese top flight.
Matches (starts)
30 (23)
Goals
19
Assists
3
Shots (on target)*
2.7 (1.1)
Big chances missed
18
Pass completion
79%
Big chances created
5
Key passes*
0.6
Dribbles*
0.4
Duels won*
3.3
It was no wonder that talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed the youngster as a “monster in the making” and for having “such a complete profile” after just a few months at Porto.
His debut campaign was a successful one indeed from a personal point of view, and it is no surprise he is being linked with moves to the Premier League.
When compared to his peers across men’s next 14 competitions, the 21-year-old ranks in the top 4% for goals (0.76) per 90.
Furthermore, the striker ranks in the top 14% for touches in the opposition penalty area (5.45) per 90 and in the top 16% for total shots per 90 (3.1).
These statistics show just how prolific the player is in front of goal, and if Howe was serious about making a move for the youngster, Aghehowa could be a wonderful signing.
Much will depend on how far they are willing to take their interest in Sesko. But if the Magpies are looking for someone even more prolific, Aghehowa should be at the top of their list.
PIF set sights on signing 13-goal star for Newcastle after Isak bombshell
The Magpies have instantly turned towards potential replacements.
Despite already reinforcing their midfield with arrivals such as Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, reports are now claiming that Leeds United have submitted an opening offer to sign an ex-Barcelona star.
Farke "happy" to welcome Perri at Leeds
Several problem areas have already been addressed at Elland Road this summer as Leeds prepare for their Premier League return. But welcoming a new goalkeeper remained on the list until the 49ers completed yet another impressive move to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon. And Daniel Farke has instantly welcomed the shot-stopper’s arrival.
The Brazilian represents a replacement for Ilan Meslier, who was relieved of his duties at the end of last season following one mistake too many. Just where his future lies is now the big question, with Leeds seemingly moving on to bigger and better things.
When compared, it’s Perri who instantly stands out. The 27-year-old has Europa League experience to his name and already squared off against rivals Manchester United last season. Having lost out against the Red Devils last season, though, he will have his sights set on getting one over on those at Old Trafford.
Olympique Lyonnais'LucasPerricelebrates their second goal scored by Olympique Lyonnais' Rayan Cherki
With their goalkeeper problem now solved, however, the 49ers have now reportedly made their first move to sign yet another impressive midfield reinforcement.
Leeds submit opening offer to sign Kessie
According to Saudi Arabian newspaper Al Riyadhiah, relayed by there are claims the 49ers and Leeds have submitted an opening offer to sign Franck Kessie from Al-Ahli this summer. The 28-year-old midfielder captains the Saudi Pro League club and is entering his third season at the heart of their midfield, but could now be on his way out.
Having starred for both Barcelona and particularly AC Milan, Kessie’s arrival would be an incredibly impressive coup by all involved at Elland Road. But it’s unlikely to come without plenty of negotiating on the salary side of things.
Leeds in pole position to sign 18-goal star who's keen to join
The Whites could yet get their man.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2025
As things stand, Kessie earns a staggering £12m-a-year in Saudi Arabia and unless he takes a significant pay-cut, he will be out of Leeds’ price range given that their current highest-earner is Patrick Bamford at around £4m-a-year.
That said, if the midfielder is willing to lower his salary then Leeds should go all out to secure his signature this summer. His experience would prove to be invaluable and at 28, he is more than capable of returning to the top level with a flourish.
A player who was previously dubbed a “complete player” by former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli, Kessie could now be one to watch.
Everton are in the infancy of their summer transfer window plans but could be about to step things up a notch after making an approach for a Club World Cup star, according to reports.
Everton close in on Thierno Barry and announce new contract
David Moyes and his side have been slow off the mark this summer as they take time to assess where to strengthen before advancing, though supporters will be relieved to hear the Toffees are closing in on a deal to sign Villarreal striker Thierno Barry.
Set to arrive for around £30 million, he could kickstart a period of significant change for Everton as they finally begin to experience life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Michael Keane has also put pen to paper on a one-year extension on Merseyside and will help shore up Moyes’ backline after rejecting interest from elsewhere to stay at the club.
Everton defender Michael Keane
Upon renewing his terms, the 32-year-old stated: “I love Everton and have been massively proud to play for this club since the day I joined so I’m delighted to extend my stay here. The manager wants a competitive squad and I still feel I have a lot to give to Everton.
“We’ve been through a difficult few years but it’s an exciting time ahead for us as players and our brilliant fans. We’ve got a world-class new stadium to play in, and our form under the manager last season shows there’s a lot of reasons to be positive. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
Everton’s first five Premier League matches
Leeds United (A)
Elland Road
Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
Molineux
Aston Villa (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Liverpool (A)
Anfield
While some things stay the same, Everton’s latest target could open up the possibility of a change in the guard involving a key position if reports are to be believed.
Everton rival Man Utd for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor
According to Globo, Everton have made an approach to sign Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor to compete with Jordan Pickford for a starting slot after losing Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia this summer.
John in action for Botafogo.
Manchester United are also keen on his services, and both clubs have moved to sound out his camp over a potential swoop amid recent reports he may be available for only £6 million.
Everton hold advanced talks to sign "superb" free agent in bargain deal
The Toffees have stepped things up…
ByTom Cunningham Jul 5, 2025
Labelled a “warrior” by Botafogo counterpart Philipe Sampaio, John has kept ten clean sheets in 29 appearances this campaign and was instrumental in Botafogo’s run to the last 16 stage of the Club World Cup.
Naturally, his displays have created a wealth of interest in his services, though it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to battle it out with club icon Pickford for the number one jersey under Moyes.
Either way, Everton are beginning to motor in their hunt for signings, and it feels like the Friedkin Group’s reign in charge could be about to take off.
India A declared at 380 for 3 in the final session, setting up a massive target of 488
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Sep-2024Tilak Varma and Pratham Singh scored centuries each to stretch India A’s lead and further put them in a strong position against India D on Saturday. From the overnight score of 115 for 1, when they had a lead of 222 runs, India A posted 380 for 3 on the third day before declaring in the final session to set up a target of 488. India D were 62 for 1 at stumps and were 426 runs behind India A.Resuming from 59, Pratham brought up his second first-class hundred off 149 deliveries and stitched a 104-run stand with Tilak for the second wicket. Left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar dismissed Pratham for 122 in the 60th over. But Tilak played the long innings and put India A in control. Only one wicket fell in the morning session as India A piled on 145 runs to take lunch at 260 for 2.However, India D struck immediately after lunch as Riyan Parag fell to Saurabh for 20. India D’s bowlers were then made to toil as Shashwat Rawat joined Tilak. The left-handed duo shared an unbroken stand of 116 runs for the fourth wicket. In the second session, Tilak converted his half-century. He hit a total of nine fours in his 193-ball stay, out of which six were scored between the cover and the long-off region.Rawat ticked along briskly, notching up seven fours to remain unbeaten on 64 off 88 balls before India D declared in the final session. In contrast to Tilak, Rawat targeted the leg side, hitting three fours towards long-on and one through midwicket.In the fourth innings, Khaleel Ahmed struck in his second over to opener Atharva Taide for a duck. However, that did not slow India D down as Ricky Bhui, at No.3, scored an unbeaten 44 off 52 at stumps. Bhui slammed eight fours and a six while his partner Yash Dubey was unbeaten on 15 off 60. The pair added 61 runs for the unbroken second-wicket partnership.
يشهد اليوم السبت الموافق 27-9-2025، العديد من المباريات والمنافسات القوية على المستوى المحلي والعالمي، حيث تُلعب مواجهات نارية في الدوري المصري والدوريات الخمس الأوروبية الكبرى.
في إنجلترا، سيكون عشاق البريميرليج على موعد مع مباريات من العيار الثقيل، أبرزها لقاء مانشستر سيتي ضد بيرنلي، إلى جانب مواجهة كريستال بالاس أمام ليفربول، فيما يدخل مانشستر يونايتد اختبارًا صعبًا أمام برينتفورد.
وفي إسبانيا، يخطف ديربي مدريد الأنظار بين أتلتيكو وريال مدريد في واحدة من أكثر المواجهات إثارة هذا الموسم، بينما يلتقي فياريال مع أتلتيك بلباو في مواجهة لا تقل ندية.
أما في إيطاليا، فيصطدم يوفنتوس بأتالانتا في قمة الجولة، فيما يسعى إنتر ميلان لمواصلة الانتصارات حين يواجه كالياري، ويستضيف كومو فريق كريمونيسي في مواجهة متوازنة.
ولا تقتصر الإثارة على كرة القدم فقط، إذ تتواصل أيضًا منافسات بطولة العالم للأندية لكرة اليد، إلى جانب بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة للرجال، ما يجعل هذا اليوم مزدحمًا بالأحداث الرياضية المتنوعة.
طالع أيضًا | ديمبلي “ضعفه”.. عدد نقاط محمد صلاح في الكرة الذهبية 2025 مواعيد مباريات اليوم السبت 27-9-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات الدوري المصري اليوم
زد ضد حرس الحدود، الساعة 5:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ONTime Sports 1.
المقاولون العرب ضد كهرباء الإسماعيلية، الساعة 5:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ONTime Sports.
المصري ضد بتروجت، الساعة 8:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ONTime Sports 2.
بيراميدز ضد طلائع الجيش، الساعة 8:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ONTime Sports 1. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإنجليزي اليوم
برينتفورد ضد مانشستر يونايتد، الساعة 2:30 ظهرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 1 HD.
تشيلسي ضد برايتون، الساعة 5:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 6 HD.
مانشستر سيتي ضد بيرنلي، الساعة 5:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 2 HD.
كريستال بالاس ضد ليفربول، الساعة 5:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 3 HD.
ليدز يونايتد ضد بورنموث، الساعة 5:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 5 HD.
نوتينجهام فورست ضد سندرلاند، الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 1 HD.
توتنهام ضد وولفرهامبتون، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 2 HD. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإسباني اليوم
خيتافي ضد ليفانتي، الساعة 3:00 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 4 HD.
أتلتيكو مدريد ضد ريال مدريد، الساعة 5:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 1 HD.
مايوركا ضد ألافيس، الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 3 HD.
فياريال ضد أتلتيك بلباو، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 3 HD. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإيطالي اليوم
كومو ضد كريمونيسي، الساعة 4:00 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية عبر DAZN.
يوفنتوس ضد أتالانتا، الساعة 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر DAZN.
كالياري ضد إنتر ميلان، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر DAZN. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الفرنسي اليوم
لوريان ضد موناكو، الساعة 6:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 4 HD.
تولوز ضد نانت، الساعة 8:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 5 HD.
باريس سان جيرمان ضد أوكسير، الساعة 10:05 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 1 HD. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الألماني اليوم
هايدنهايم ضد أوجسبورج، الساعة 4:30 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر تطبيق شاهد.
سانت باولي ضد باير ليفركوزن، الساعة 4:30 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر تطبيق شاهد.
ماينز ضد بروسيا دورتموند، الساعة 4:30 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر تطبيق شاهد.
فولفسبورج ضد لايبزيج، الساعة 4:30 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر تطبيق شاهد.
مونشنجلادباخ ضد آينتراخت فرانكفورت، الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر تطبيق شاهد. مواعيد مباريات الدوري السعودي اليوم
الرياض ضد نادي نيوم، الساعة 6:20 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ثمانية.
النجمة ضد الفيحاء، الساعة 6:35 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ثمانية.
الفتح ضد القادسية، الساعة 9:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ثمانية. مواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال أفريقيا اليوم
جيبوتي تيليكوم ضد أيجل نوار ماكامبا، الساعة 3:00 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. مواعيد مباريات الكونفيدرالية الأفريقية اليوم
نادي الزمالة ضد ديكيداها، الساعة 6:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. مواعيد بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة للرجال اليوم
التشيك ضد بلغاريا، الساعة 9:30 صباحًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ONTime Sports 1.
بولندا ضد إيطاليا، الساعة 1:30 ظهرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ONTime Sports 2. مواعيد بطولة العالم للأندية لكرة اليد اليوم
كاليفورنيا إيجلز ضد ماجديبورج، الساعة 3:30 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ONTime Sports 2.
تاوباتي ضد برشلونة، الساعة 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة ONTime Sports 2.
سيدني الأسترالي ضد فيزبريم، الساعة 8:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا
Fair to say, this transfer window has not exactly gone to plan for Newcastle United.
Anthony Elanga has arrived from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £55m, which is certainly an exciting addition.
However, now that James Trafford is poised to re-join Manchester City, the Magpies have now missed out on seven key targets, with Hugo Ekitiké, Liam Delap, João Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Dean Huijsen all choosing to go elsewhere.
There’s also the small matter of their best player, seemingly, going on strike to force through a move, more on that in just a second, hence why Eddie Howe is in the market searching for a striker.
Newcastle's search for a new striker
As you may have pieced together by now, according to a report by Chris Waugh of the Athletic, Alexander Isak has not travelled with the rest of the squad to Asia for pre-season friendlies in Singapore and Korea Republic.
The club statement claims he is nursing a groin injury, but George Caulkin of the Athletic outlines the Sweden international’s desire to leave and join an ‘elite team’, with a move to Liverpool his preference.
Thus, as they commence their striker search, Craig Hope of the Daily Mail reports that Newcastle have added Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson to their list of targets.
The Blues have already signed both Liam Delap and João Pedro for £30m and £55m respectively this summer, so Matt Law of the Telegraph claims Jackson is available for sale, with Chris Burns of Football.London adding that the Senegalese international is valued at around £80m.
So, could Jackson soon swap West London for the North East?
How Nicolas Jackson would improve Newcastle
Despite often being much maligned, Jackson’s scoring record since joining Chelsea two summers ago is pretty impressive, bagging 30 goals in 81 appearances for the club, including netting both times Newcastle have visited Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Former Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch praised his “unbelievable” performances, while Liam Twomey and Mark Carey of the Athletic document his ‘excellent’ pressing, making him ‘a big part’ of how the team play.
Similarly, Ed Dove of ESPN outlines how the Blues’ form waned while Jackson was injured, praising the striker’s ‘broader contribution… without the ball’ as well as his ‘self-sacrifice and relentless running’, becoming the first Chelsea player to reach double figures for Premier League goals in successive seasons since Didier Drogba.
Should he move to Newcastle, Jackson would be following in the footsteps of a pair of fellow Senegalese strikers who are certainly remembered fondly on Tyneside.
During the 2011/12 season, spearheaded by Papiss Cissé and Demba Ba, the Magpies finished fifth under Alan Pardew, just two years after being promoted from the Championship, and both strikers were on fire.
Alexander Isak
2024/25
23
Alexander Isak
2023/24
21
Callum Wilson
2022/23
18
Loïc Rémy
2013/14
14
Demba Ba
2012/13
13
Demba Ba
2011/12
16
Papiss Cissé
2011/12
13
Alan Shearer
2003/04
22
Alan Shearer
2002/03
17
Alan Shearer
2001/02
23
Alan Shearer
1999/00
23
Alan Shearer
1998/99
14
Alan Shearer
1996/97
25
Les Ferdinand
1996/97
16
As the table outlines, 2011/12 remains the only season in which two Newcastle players have scored 13 or more Premier League goals since the heady days of 1996/97, a year the Magpies finished second.
Demba Ba, the more prolific of the duo, was ultimately sold to Chelsea for £7.5m in January 2013, so could Jackson become the reverse Ba?
Well, let’s compare the pair to find out.
Games
54
33
65
Minutes
4,399
1,533
5,050
Goals
29
7
24
Mins per goal
152
219
210
Assists
6
1
10
As the table outlines, Ba at Newcastle was marginally more prolific than Jackson has been during his time at Chelsea, scoring five more goals in around 600 fewer minutes, albeit the latter has registered more assists; the former certainly did not continue this scoring spree at Stamford Bridge all those years ago!
Nevertheless, in contrast, Jackson, at 24 years old, would surely be primed to have make immediate impact should he arrive at Newcastle, just as Ba did, hence why he should be amongst their top targets, if Isak does indeed get his wish and depart.
More prolific than Sesko: Newcastle targeting move for £87m "monster"
Newcastle are looking to bring in another striker or two this summer
The umpires replaced the ball before the start of the final day in Mackay
Andrew McGlashan03-Nov-2024
Umpire Shawn Craig speaks to the India A players•Getty Images
Ishan Kishan will not be charged with dissent despite an on-field argument with an umpire on the fourth day in Mackay after India A were unhappy with the ball being changed.Before the first ball of the final day, umpire Shawn Craig told the Indian players the ball was changed because it was scratched, which raised the spectre of ball tampering, but a Cricket Australia statement later said it was due to “deterioration”.”You scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play,” Craig was heard saying over the stump microphones.That led to a heated exchange with Kishan who replied: “So we are going to play with this ball…that’s a very stupid decision.”Craig responded: “Excuse me, you’ll be on report for dissent. That’s inappropriate behaviour. Because of your actions we changed the ball.”Under the CA playing conditions, umpires are able to change the ball without awarding a five-run penalty, which is part of the laws and playing conditions for altering the condition of the ball, if there is uncertainty over how the damage occurred.CA playing condition 41.3.4 reads: “If the umpires together suspect, but are not certain, that the condition of the ball has been unfairly changed, or that its condition is inconsistent with the use it has received, the umpires may: Change the ball forthwith. The umpires shall choose a replacement ball for one of similar wear and of the same brand as the ball in use prior to the contravention; Bowler’s end umpire shall issue the captain with a first and final warning.”Three hours after the match finished, CA issued a statement saying the ball had been changed because of “deterioration” despite what was heard over the stump microphones on the coverage.”The ball used in the fourth innings of the match was changed due to deterioration,” a CA spokesperson said. “Both teams’ captain and manager were informed of the decision prior to the start of play. No further action is being taken.”Kishan will also escape any punishment despite his exchange with Craig.Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney was at the crease when play resumed but was involved in what went on.”I was at the striker’s end when the umpires said they’d changed the ball, I’m not sure what quite for, I didn’t notice any change in the ball personally,” he said.Kishan is not part of India’s Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and neither is India A captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, from the XI which featured for the first game Abhimanyu Easwaran, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Prasidh Krishna will stay on for the Test series.The scenes at the start of play added unexpected drama to the closing stages of the first four-day game which saw McSweeney make a strong claim for a place in Australia’s Test squad as he finished unbeaten on 88 in the chase. He added an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 141 with Beau Webster who also produced a very controlled innings.Once India A didn’t make early breakthroughs on the final morning they started to go through the motions with Sai Sudharsan sending down six overs of rather friendly spin.
Sheffield United are now in a transfer battle with Ipswich Town to sign a 25-year-old striker whose club are open to offers for him, according to a recent report.
Sheffield United chasing more additions after Louie Barry
The Blades have made a low-key start to the summer transfer window, with just four players arriving at Bramall Lane so far. The latest arrival is winger Louie Barry, who has joined on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa.
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Barry worked with manager Ruben Selles last season at Hull City, and the pair have now reunited, as the winger stated he loves Selles’ system: “I love his (Rubén Sellés) style of play; it is exactly what I stand for as a player. I just want to get to the goal as quick as possible. I have got a really good relationship with the gaffer and the staff, so I can’t wait to get into training now.”
Now that a deal for Barry is completed, the Blades have turned their attention to other areas of the pitch they wish to strengthen. Indeed, Sky Sports have reported that Sheff Utd are leading the race alongside Colorado Rapids to sign Rob Holding from Crystal Palace. The centre-back is expected to leave the Premier League side after falling out of favour, and United are keen on reuniting with the player after he was on loan at the club last season.
Sheffield United face Ipswich in race to sign La Liga striker
As well as looking at strengthening the defence, Selles is also in the market for a new striker, as Kieffer Moore’s future at the club is in doubt. And according to Spanish outlet Marca, Sheffield United are interested in signing Isaac Romero from Sevilla.
Isaac Romero in action for Sevilla against Atletico Madrid.
Marca reports that despite not making the impact at the top end of the pitch that was expected of him last season, Romero has emerged on the radar of not just the Blades, but Ipswich Town as well.
There is no word on how much Sevilla would want for the 25-year-old, but given he is under contract until 2028, they could try and hold out for a hefty sum. Romero burst onto the scene during the 2023/24 campaign, as he scored four goals in 14 La Liga games, as well as grabbing four assists. However, he was unable to improve on those numbers last season, as he scored just four goals in 31 La Liga games this time around.
Apps
48
Goals
11
Assists
6
For Sheffield United, signing a new striker may have become somewhat of a priority in recent days, as speculation has gathered pace that Moore could be set to leave Bramall Lane. That is because Wrexham are interested in signing Moore as they look to bring in established second tier performers.
Liverpool are moving like the champions that they are in the summer transfer market, with Arne Slot’s side welcoming a wealth of talented players to the team.
Slot has been rewarded for his magnificent maiden campaign, all right, with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili joining a title-winning side hungry for even more success.
And there’s more still to come. Liverpool’s careful planning across the past few years has allowed them to move into his powerful position.
With Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez both slated for Anfield exits, a few more offensive additions might lie around the corner.
Liverpool's next transfer plans
Should Diaz and Nunez indeed be sold, Liverpool have a variety of options that they might exercise to achieve the next phase of Slot’s sweeping plan.
Ekitike has linked up with the Redmen on their pre-season tour in Asia, but he is a dynamic forward who could play out on the left, should another centre-forward be coveted.
Out-and-out wingers such as Anthony Gordon and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo have also been heavily linked in recent weeks.
But if Liverpool instead choose to sign a new number nine, it’s Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak who has emerged as the leading contender, with Spanish sources claiming that the 25-year-old is right at the top of the club’s summer shortlist.
Given that Fabrizio Romano has since revealed the Sweden international “wants” to sign for the Merseysiders, there’s little question that things are going to start to accelerate – with a move to Anfield said to be his “priority”.
The Magpies, it should be said, will not roll over and allow their talisman to waltz away from St. James’ Park without a fight. Indeed, they would be seeking a British record £130m payment.
What Alexander Isak would bring to Liverpool
Ekitike is a talented and versatile forward, but he’s undoubtedly a work in progress. In Isak, Liverpool would sign themselves a number nine right at the top of his game and with a wealth of Premier League experience.
His clinical shooting his a thing to behold.
The 25-year-old joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m fee in 2022 and he has since forged quite the career for himself in England, the frontman of a fast-rising outfit, qualifying for the Champions League in two of his three terms and beating Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup in March.
Having shaken off the injury issues that plagued him across his debut campaign, the £120k-per-week Isak is “the best striker in the world” to some, with analyst Raj Chohan saying exactly that toward the end of the 2024/25 campaign, with the forward having scored 27 goals and supplied six assists across all competitions.
Alexander Isak’s Newcastle Record
Statistics
#
Games
109
Goals
62
Goal rate
0.57
Assists
11
Assist rate
0.10
G/A rate
0.67
Data via Transfermarkt
The circumstances around the Liverpool bid for this wonderful Premier League player offer certain similarities to when Jurgen Klopp oversaw the £75m acquisition of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton, the Dutchman becoming the subject of a world-record fee for a defender at the time.
Isak’s £130m price tag would also make him a record-breaking player, should he leave Newcastle this summer, which illustrates the depths of Liverpool’s desire, for they are willing to spend significant fees when the player is considered to be talented enough.
They got it right the first time. Could they strike again? Van Dijk, now Liverpool’s title-winning captain, has completed 319 fixtures for the Reds, notching 28 goals and 13 assists, winning the full gamut of silverware and cementing himself as one of the greatest players of his generation.
A leader and far more than just a tough-tackling defender (although that is one of the staples of the 33-year-old’s skill set), Van Dijk warranted such a payment because he is so much more than his position defines him as.
Isak is the same. As per FBref, the centre-forward ranked among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.
He would be tasked with scoring the goals for Liverpool, but Isak would also be expected to perform as an all-encompassing talisman. His talent demands it.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
Of course, Isak and Van Dijk are not positionally similar, but they are two of the most talented players in their respective positions, having cut their teeth and developed their skills elsewhere in the English top flight before making the leap to Merseyside.
Moreover, neither would be the youngest on the block when first arriving at Anfield, for Van Dijk was 26 years old when he made the move and Isak is, of course, 25 years old.
In a way though, this bespeaks their maturity and completeness, arriving at the club with ready-made skills at the highest level, eager to lead the team through a period of sustained success.
Described as a “special football player” by pundit Daniel Sturridge, Isak has the chance to emulate Van Dijk in making the move to Liverpool for a record fee after making his name elsewhere.
Newcastle’s remarkable rise differs to that of Southampton, but the similarities are there.
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If Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes do manage to pull this incredible feat off, it might just prove to be every bit as transformative as that time when Klopp rewrote the script with the capture of Van Dijk.
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