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England respond to shortcomings by adding seam-bowling allrounder and resting all-formats batter

Matt Roller05-Sep-2025England have recalled Sam Curran for their T20Is against South Africa and Ireland, while prescribing an extra week’s rest to Ben Duckett after his dramatic loss of form.Curran has not played for England in any format this year – or under Brendon McCullum’s coaching – but has been in excellent domestic form. Across 24 appearances in the T20 Blast and the Hundred this summer, he has scored 603 runs with a strike rate of 154.21 and taken 33 cheap wickets, and has been added to squads for all six of England’s upcoming fixtures.His call-up comes barely 24 hours after South Africa exposed England’s overreliance on the part-time spin of Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks in Thursday’s second ODI at Lord’s. Bethell and Jacks returned combined figures of 1 for 112 in 10 overs, and Curran’s addition to the squad gives England more flexibility around the balance of their team.Duckett, meanwhile, has been handed an additional week off before England’s tours to New Zealand and Australia this winter. He has become an all-format regular in the past 12 months and looked utterly out of sorts during an uncharacteristically scratchy innings of 14 off 33 balls on Thursday.He scored 462 runs in nine innings during England’s drawn Test series against India this summer but has only once passed 20 in his 10 innings since – eight in the Hundred (where his top score for Birmingham Phoenix was 49 not out) and two in this week’s ODIs. Duckett’s absence will likely see Jamie Smith and Phil Salt opening the batting together against South Africa next week, with Jacks or Tom Banton primed to replace Smith in Ireland.Related

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In one final change to their squads, England have also pulled Matthew Potts out of the Ireland T20Is in a move which will allow him to press his case for Ashes selection in the County Championship for Durham. There is a spot available in their squad for Australia after Jamie Overton’s decision to quit red-ball cricket, and Potts is a strong contender.He has slipped down the pecking order across formats and was not even involved in their squads to face India. But Overton’s effective withdrawal from the Ashes – and bolter Sonny Baker’s struggles on ODI debut – could provide a route back, and England believe he will be better served by playing for Durham in the County Championship than running drinks in Dublin.Jordan Cox, Curran’s Oval Invincibles team-mate, was added to the squad to face Ireland earlier this week but is not due to be involved in the South Africa series. Duckett will stay with the ODI squad for Sunday’s dead-rubber in Southampton.Updated England T20I squads:vs South Africa: Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.vs Ireland: Jordan Cox, Sonny Baker and Tom Hartley replace Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith; Bethell replaces Brook as captain.

Sussex 222 (Lamb 48, Coles 47, White 3-25) and 115 for 3 (Hughes 56*, Ibrahim 50*) trail Yorkshire 545 for 9 dec (Revis 152*, Lyth 115, Wharton 85) by 208 runsAll-rounder Matthew Revis continued his sparkling run-scoring form in the Rothesay County Championship, posting his third hundred in as many matches to help Yorkshire press for a crucial victory over Sussex at Scarborough.Dating back to late June, in Yorkshire’s last four Division One fixtures, Revis – 23-years-old – has posted scores of 93 not out, 150, 110 not out and a career best 152 not out.He hit the 150 in a victory over Essex at York, 110 not out in last week’s draw here against champions Surrey and now this 188-ball effort with 14 fours and two pulled sixes against spin.Yorkshire declared on 545 for nine midway through the afternoon, leading by 323 with 44 overs remaining in the day, and then restricted Sussex to 115 for three at close. Opener Daniel Hughes gave the visitors something to cheer with an impressive rearguard 56 not out from 131 balls.It would now be a significant surprise if Revis is not selected to tour Australia with the England Lions this winter. Another man who could be on that tour is George Hill, with whom Revis shared an entertaining seventh-wicket partnership of 140 either side of lunch.Fellow all-rounder Hill contributed a season’s best 75 off 93 balls. He has already had Lions exposure this summer, courtesy of his near 40-wicket campaign with the ball.For Sussex, off-spinner Jack Carson plugged away with three for 150 from 43 overs. But he was swimming against the tide.Revis, who started the day on 22, drove handsomely down the ground before pulling a couple of sixes off Carson just before Yorkshire declared minutes before 3pm.Before lunch, Hill lofted Carson over long-on for six and out of the ground at the Trafalgar Square End.Revis reached his fifty off 77 balls and his fifth career first-class century off 137, the latter on the stroke of lunch. Sandwiched in between, Hill’s fifty came up in 65 balls.Sussex started the day nicely by removing Harry Duke and Will Sutherland, leaving Yorkshire 320 for six in the 97th over, the day’s seventh.Duke was caught behind for 21 against an out-swinger from Fynn Hudson-Prentice – Sussex having taken the new ball immediately at the start of play – before Sutherland was bowled by his fellow Australian Gurinder Sandhu for two.Sutherland is playing his last match of the season for Yorkshire this week and had been surfing in the North Sea at the end of day two.Revis and Hill advanced Yorkshire’s cause in entertaining fashion. The aforementioned Hill six off Carson even landed in the back yard of the Air BnB which the county’s live streaming team are using this week.Revis became the first Yorkshire player to score three hundreds in successive first-class matches since Gary Ballance did it back in 2019 and the first non-capped White Rose player to achieve that same feat in 80 years.Unfortunately for Sussex, further trouble was around the corner at the start of their second innings.They faced 12 overs before tea, where they reached at 29 for three.New-ball pair Jack White and Matt Milnes struck once apiece added to the run out of Tom Alsop courtesy of a direct hit from Imam-Ul-Haq at the striker’s end from cover.White had Tom Haines caught and bowled off a lead edge and Milnes got James Coles caught at fourth slip for a golden duck the ball after Alsop had fallen in the sixth over.But just when all seemed lost, left-handed Australian Hughes stood firm with the help of fourth-wicket partner Danial Ibrahim.Hughes was understandably watchful but drove, cut, pulled and deflected 10 boundaries en-route to a 114-ball fifty. The pair have shared an unbroken 95, with Ibrahim 50 not out.Ibrahim reached 50 off 111 balls with the day’s final delivery. But the pair have plenty more work to do on a pitch which is showing increasing signs of turn.

Could it be understandable that Newcastle United have lost some of their fluency and sharpness after a summer of such steep upheaval?

Understandable, sure, but it’s Eddie Howe’s job to find a solution and restore United to a level of competency that will see them challenge for silverware and qualify for European competition once again.

Eight matches into the Premier League season, the Magpies languish in 14th place, though it’s early days yet, and we need only flick back to the previous season of this gripping Toon show to note that Newcastle found form across the wintry months and set themselves up for their trophy-winning success.

While losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool was a bitter pill to swallow, Nick Woltemade has started his Tyneside career in fine fettle indeed, bagging five goals across his first eight matches in all competitions.

The German striker stands beneath a high ceiling, but not all of his attacking peers have caught the eye thus far, with Anthony Elanga yet to hit his stride following his big-money arrival this summer.

Elanga's start to life at Newcastle

Newcastle have work to do this season, and Elanga is a representation of that. Having joined St. James’ Park from Nottingham Forest for £55m this summer, the 23-year-old arrived with a weight of expectation.

The Manchester United academy graduate made a name for himself at the City Ground, merging his blistering pace with a natural ease on the ball and creativity.

He has yet to register a goal contribution for Newcastle, but Elanga ranks among the top 11% of positional peers across Europe for assists per 90, as per FBref, which emphasises the calibre of player yet untapped under Howe’s wing.

Matches (starts)

38 (31)

8 (4)

Goals

6

0

Assists

11

0

Touches*

32.0

24.4

Shots (on target)*

1.2 (0.6)

0.4 (0.1)

Pass completion

78%

77%

Key passes*

1.3

0.6

Dribbles*

0.7

0.3

Recoveries*

2.3

0.9

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

0.3

Duels won*

3.0

1.9

The data pool is shallow, no doubt about that. And there is plenty of time for the Sweden international to click into gear and start performing at the top of his game this term, but there’s no question that improvements are needed.

Howe has been admirable in his defence of the summer recruit, but he will tacitly harbour frustrations over his start to life in Newcastle, and will be working tirelessly toward unlocking latent qualities that have not yet surfaced.

A bedding-in period is understandable, and it’s worth remembering. Elanga could quite easily be scapegoated for the club’s current struggles, but there’s another, more senior member of Howe’s team whose displays this term have left much to be desired.

New technical director Ross Wilson will be keeping a close eye on the winger, in any case, with a preliminary list of wide forwards no doubt considered ahead of the next year of transfer markets.

And, unlike Elanga, time might be running out for this mainstay.

Newcastle must upgrade on Howe favourite

Newcastle have had a strong spine throughout the span of Howe’s tenure, but that has started to flake away this year. Isak has gone, and now, Joelinton may well have entered the final stretch of his career in England’s north east.

A lack of creativity has been the bane of Newcastle’s season so far, and while more is expected from Elanga, Joelinton has struggled to perform in his central midfield berth, and the time may be approaching for the Brazilian to close the door on this journey, with United blogger Thomas Hammond even suggesting it’s the “start of the end” for the 29-year-old, who has been “honking” for some time.

Newcastle World branded Joelinton with a 4/10 match rating after the defeat on the south coast against Brighton, hooked at half-time after a weak display, with Sofascore recording that he failed to create a chance or even attempt a dribble, also ceding possession and allowing Georginio Rutter through on goal.

He might be one of Newcastle’s most recognisable stars, a staple of the Howe era, but all good things come to an end, and there’s a sense that an upgrade could be struck in the centre of the park.

1

Bruno Guimaraes

164

2

Fabian Schar

160

3

Dan Burn

159

4

Jacob Murphy

145

5

Joelinton

139

As Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali’s central partnership continues to blossom, so does Joelinton’s importance under the St. James’ Park lights diminish.

His six Premier League starts this year have left much to be desired, and there’s no question that a more overtly creative midfielder could be a welcome addition in the coming months, nestling into the frontal point of the engine room, buttressed and supplied by the elegant deeper midfielders.

With Jacob Ramsey returning to full fitness, it would not be a huge surprise to see the 6 foot 3 powerhouse start from the bench on more than a few occasions across the coming months. FBref show that he ranks only among the top 48% of midfielders for shot-creating actions and the top 67% for progressive passes per 90.

Joelinton’s incredible resurgence in the Premier League will see him remembered as a hero for many years to come at Newcastle. The Carabao Cup champion and Champions League competitor has embodied the spirit of Howe’s reign.

But Newcastle are evolving, and his usage may well have dried up as we enter this new era. Elanga has time to turn things around, but Joelinton’s best days likely lie behind him.

Howe can make Woltemade even better by unleashing Newcastle's "unsung hero"

Eddie Howe could now be tempted to unleash this Newcastle United unsung hero.

1 ByKelan Sarson Oct 21, 2025

Borussia Dortmund are determined to keep hold of their star centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, who is currently tied to the club until June 30, 2027. Having grown into a leader at the club, despite being just 25 years old, Dortmund are unwilling to lose one of their most integral players. Contract talks have begun, with Dortmund issuing a final deadline for Schlotterbeck's answer.

Schlotterbeck one of Dortmund's pillars

Schlotterbeck has become one of the most crucial players for Borussia Dortmund, having emerged as not just one of the best defenders in Europe, but also as a real leader within the dressing room. His contract expires in 2027, raising alarm bells at Signal Iduna Park over the German international's future amid interest from Bayern Munich and Premier League sides. He arrived from Union Berlin in the summer of 2022 and has since established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, making 131 appearances for Die Borussen already. His stellar defensive performances have also seen him become one of the regulars in the German national team, amassing 22 caps. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSchlotterbeck not in any rush to decide his future

Dortmund have already begun contract negotiations with Schlotterbeck and his entourage, with the club adamant on keeping hold of their star centre-back. "We’ve been in discussions for quite some time," said Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl at the end of last month. “I can promise that we’re working on it. It’ll take a few more days. Not because he’s not convinced, but because he wants to find himself, wants to get into the rhythm and pursuing big goals – which hopefully are with Borussia Dortmund. I’m still very optimistic.”

While Schlotterbeck admits that "the appreciation is good on both sides," he is not quite ready to make a final decision on his future. "But it won’t be so early that I extend my contract. We’ll have talks now. I’ll sit down with Sebastian Kehl, make a plan, and then we’ll see what comes of it," the former Union Berlin defender told reporters at a press conference in September. 

According to reports, Die Schwarzgelben are also ready to more than triple Schlotterbeck's wages in an attempt to secure his services in the long-term. The 25-year-old currently earns around €2.5 million per year. The new contract, which will see Schlotterbeck remain at the Westfalenstadion until 2030, will see him pocket a fixed salary worth €8 million annually, which could rise to €9m with bonuses and add-ons. 

All things considered, Schlotterbeck is currently hesitant to commit his long-term future to Borussia Dortmund, preferring instead to take a wait-and-see approach. While the club is eager to secure a contract extension, the defender is understood to want more time before making a final decision, focusing on how his development and Dortmund’s progress unfold over the season.

Dortmund set deadline for Schlotterbeck contract decision

According to a report from , it was made clear to Schlotterbeck during recent contract talks that his role at Dortmund extends beyond his performances on the pitch; he is expected to grow into a leader and a role model for the club. In line with that vision, Dortmund’s management is reportedly considering handing him the captain’s armband for the upcoming season on a full-time basis, promoting him from his current role as one of the vice-captains. The Bundesliga heavyweights hope to have clarity by spring at the latest regarding the defender’s future, as his current deal expires in less than two years. According to sources within the dressing room, optimism is high that Schlotterbeck will commit to a long-term stay, citing his deep connection to the club and that he is "happy" with how things have been since his arrival. 

"I still have over a year and a half left on my contract. I'll sit down with Sebastian [Kehl], work out a plan, and see where it leads," Schlotterbeck explained on after the 2-1 defeat to Bayern earlier this month. "I feel very comfortable in Dortmund and have no problem continuing on this path. But it's obviously an important decision for my career."

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Getty Images SportBayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid ready to pounce

Bayern have been tracking Schlotterbeck since his breakthrough at Freiburg, while reports from Spain claim that Real Madrid are also considering a move to strengthen their defence next summer – a period when veterans David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger could both be on their way out. 

Liverpool, meanwhile, are preparing a January approach for Schlotterbeck and are believed to have reportedly already opened initial talks. After their deadline-day pursuit of Marc Guehi fell through and young defender Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury, the Reds are determined to reinforce their backline ahead of the season’s second half. With captain Virgil van Dijk now entering the twilight of his career, Liverpool view Schlotterbeck as a long-term leader capable of anchoring their defence for years to come.

Adding to the urgency is growing uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano, with the French duo's contract expiring at the end of this season at their respective clubs. Konate has been strongly linked to a free transfer to Madrid next summer, while Upamecano's hefty wage and bonus demands have prevented Bayern from reaching an agreement over a new deal.

Overseas star makes decisive contribution as Hampshire claim 31-run victory on DLS

ESPNcricinfo staff13-May-2025

Hampshire batters Maia Bouchier and Charli Knott made important contributions to the victory•Hampshire County Cricket Club

Hampshire 213 (Knott 64, Southby 46) beat Somerset 182 (Luff 74, Adams 3-36) by 31 runs (DLS)Overseas star Charli Knott undermined Somerset with bat and ball as Hampshire won an absorbing Metro Bank women’s One-Day Cup contest by 31 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern Method at the Cooper Associates Ground in Taunton.The Australian all-rounder top-scored with 64 from 102 balls and staged stands of 46, 40 and 42 with Maia Bouchier, Georgia Adams and Rhianna Southby for the second, third and fourth wickets respectively after Hampshire had won the toss. Southby contributed a useful 46 from 64 balls and Bouchier made 39 as the visitors were dismissed for 213 in 50 overs, Alex Griffiths taking 2 for 24 and weighing in with a catch and two run-outs.Knott then took 2 for 25 with her offbreaks as Somerset were reduced to 109 for 8 inside 33 overs. Skipper Sophie Luff threatened a remarkable fightback, scoring a defiant 74 and sharing in a stand of 69 for the ninth wicket with Ellie Anderson to briefly put the outcome in doubt, but Adams removed her to finish with 3 for 36 as the home side were dismissed for 182 in 46 overs. Hampshire’s spinners took eight wickets between them as the visitors extended their lead over The Blaze at the top of the table to five points.No doubt with a point to prove following a below-par performance against Surrey last time out, Somerset produced a disciplined performance with the ball on a worn pitch to successfully restrict their opponents on this occasion. Anderson bowled Ella McCaughan with new ball and Mollie Robbins hit her straps at the other end as Hampshire’s top-order batters struggled to find the boundary in a 10-over powerplay that saw them post 44 for 1.Spin is undoubtedly Somerset’s strong suite and pace off proved effective in frustrating the visitors during the middle overs, Bouchier chipping a delivery from Amanda-Jade Wellington to Griffiths at short mid-wicket and departing for a 43-ball 39 with the score on 69 just as she was threatening to cut loose.Having played second fiddle in a partnership of 46 with Bouchier, Knott took centre stage, grafting her way to 50 via 79 balls in the face of accurate spin bowling from Wellington and Charlie Dean as Hampshire reached 107 for 2 at the halfway stage. With the game finely balanced, Somerset enjoyed a moment of outrageous good fortune, the stooping Griffiths deflecting a straight drive from Knott onto the stumps to run out the unfortunate Adams for 14.Change spinners Chloe Skelton and Heather Knight continued to build pressure and Knott, frustrated by a lack of progress, skied the former to Luff at mid-on to afford Somerset a crucial breakthrough. The Australian had registered her highest score of the summer, but with her went Hampshire’s best chance of posting a truly challenging total. From a position of strength at 151 for 3 in the 37th over, the visitors fell away badly, their last seven wickets falling for the addition of just 62 runs.Abi Norgrove was run out for 11, Skelton produced sharp turn to bowl Nancy Harman for six, Lynsey Smith was held by Anderson at mid-wicket off the bowling of Griffiths and Southby, having moved to within four runs of a half century, lost her off stump to Dean as Somerset turned the screw. Griffiths then removed Freya Davies and Bex Tyson was run out off the final ball to reinforce the feeling that the visitors had fallen short.But that all changed when Somerset’s inability to construct substantial partnerships was laid bare. Eager to impress against former team-mates, Davies bowled Emma Corney for 15 with the score on 24 and Somerset’s chase was further undermined when Knight, having made 23 and advanced the total to 51, dabbed a ball from Tyson to point, set off in pursuit of a notional single and was comprehensively run out by Bouchier’s pick up and throw as she attempted to return to the crease.Desperately in need of a partnership to calm their nerves, the home side plunged ever deeper into trouble, Smith inducing the experienced Fran Wilson to hit tamely to Bouchier at cover point in the sixteenth. Attempting to break the shackles, Dean then pulled a short delivery from Tyson straight down the throat of Daisy Gibb at deep backward square as Somerset lurched to 63 for 4.Having forced their opponents onto the back foot, Hampshire’s spinners then kept up the pressure by bowling a disciplined line, in the process pushing the required rate up to nearly six an over. Introduced at the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion end, Knott struck in her first over, pinning Katie Jones lbw for nine as the slide continued unchecked.There appeared to be no coming back from the wreckage of 80 for 5 at the halfway stage of the innings and it was 87 for 6 when Griffiths offered Adams a straightforward return catch. Knott had fellow Australian Wellington caught at deep mid-wicket via a leading edge before rain forced the players off with the score on 10 for 7.When play resumed, Somerset required a further 112 to win and had one over fewer in which to chase an unchanged target. Adams had Skelton held at silly mid-on immediately following the resumption, but there was hope for Somerset while the indomitable Luff continued to offer stiff resistance. Somerset’s captain went to a dogged 50 from 83 balls and finally found a reliable ally in the form of Anderson, who scored at nearly a run a ball as the ninth wicket alliance realised 50 from 54 balls to make Hampshire think again.The stand was worth 69 and Somerset were within 36 runs of pulling off an astonishing against-the-odds victory when Tyson persuaded Anderson to hit straight to mid-wicket, Bouchier taking her third catch of the innings to reduce the home side to 178 for 9 in the 45th over. Hampshire breathed a collective sigh of relief when Adams ended Luff’s 108-ball innings in the next over.

“Once we realised that the surface wasn’t what we had anticipated, then we needed to build towards that 180 score,” says SRH head coach Daniel Vettori

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-20252:14

Knight: At the moment, SRH are all or nothing

Not for the first time in IPL 2025, the “where’s plan B” question has been asked of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batting.”At the moment, it’s all or nothing,” Nick Knight said after SRH’s latest loss, to Mumbai Indians (MI) at home. The margin was seven wickets with 26 balls in hand, but the outcome was evident by the ninth over of the match when SRH, asked to bat first, were 35 for 5. Despite the situation, plan B came later when Heinrich Klaasen and Abhinav Manohar added 99 runs for the sixth wicket.”If you see the way some batters have batted, they are just following the same pattern,” Varun Aaron said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show. “Yes, you can hit a few shots along the ground, you don’t have to hit everything in the air; a four is a good shot, but if you’re going to hit everything in the air, you’re going to get out more often than not. Especially when the wickets are like this, when they are slowing down towards the back end.”But that’s the formula that worked for SRH the previous season, when they broke existing IPL batting records and went all the way to the final, where they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).Related

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Knight: 'Klaasen is batting far too low. Six overs or a tick over, get him out there'

Knight attempted to provide that perspective. “These discussions have got to be a little bit careful. It’s not like you can put [a] one-size-fits-all [answer] here. You can’t say Gujarat Titans [GT] are the best, they are doing it this way and everyone’s got to follow,” Knight said. “What Gujarat Titans are doing best is that they are using their resources the best. Their type of players play like that. It suits their style. When you look at Abhishek [Sharma] and Travis Head, I don’t want to see them hitting [along] the ground. I am more than happy to see them hitting aerially. Because that’s what they do, that’s what they do well.”What I am slightly concerned with about SRH is when that doesn’t work and you find yourself two-down quickly, that’s when you’ve got to move it back for a little while. That’s when you’ve got to reassess it a little bit, you’ve got to say, ‘okay, that’s perhaps not working, we will try plan B for a bit and then go back to plan A’. It’s got to be a bit [balanced]. At the moment, it’s all or nothing. There are times when you have to rejig your attitude, the approach a little bit, and then get back on it.”Daniel Vettori, the SRH coach, acknowledged that, and also said that plan B was exactly what SRH had attempted to turn to once the early wicket fell.”We wanted to bowl first,” he said at the press conference after the game, but, after losing two wickets inside three overs, “the assessment was that it was not the 250-260 wicket it has been the last couple of games”. “Once we realised that the surface wasn’t what we had anticipated, then we needed to build towards that 180 score. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to do when you’re 24 for 4 after the powerplay.”0:42

Knight: Klaasen batting far too low for SRH

Knight agreed. “If you’re four down for 13, it’s game over. I wonder if when you’re two down, whether you can just hold it back a little bit, have a partnership there with Klaasen or someone, then you don’t need Abhinav [Manohar] as your Impact Sub, then you can use an extra bowler, then you might be able to get an earlier partnership. Those sorts of little things can play out in important moments in your game.”As things stand, SRH are down at No. 9, only above Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with six games left to play in the league stage. They aren’t out of contention yet, but it’s not looking bright.”There’s been a lot of teams that find themselves in this situation, and there’s been a few teams that were able to resurrect their seasons [in the past],” Vettori said, holding out hope. “You look back to RCB last year after a difficult start. So if we can take inspiration from a team like them, and Mumbai’s done it on a few occasions, but ultimately, it’s just going to take one performance, and we haven’t been able to put a collective performance bar the two games we’ve won. We’ve got to improve dramatically in all three facets.”The next opportunity to do that will come on Friday night, when they play the only team that’s worse off than them, CSK, in Chennai.

Queensland captain confirms Khawaja will play in the Sheffield Shield final after last week’s fitness saga

Alex Malcolm25-Mar-2025Captain Marnus Labuschagne has confirmed that Usman Khawaja will play for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield final and believes last week’s public spat will high performance manager Joe Dawes will “improve his performance” rather than distract him.Khawaja, 38, has been the subject of an unusual media drama in the lead-up to the final after missing the last match of the regular season against South Australia at Karen Rolton Oval.Related

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Dawes spoke last Wednesday claiming Khawaja did not have any hamstring issues that they were aware of and said, “it’s just disappointing he didn’t play a game for Queensland when he had an opportunity to.”Queensland Cricket board member Ian Healy had also made strong comments on his SEN radio show saying, “It’s just this pick and choose mentality that has been evident in his later years that Queensland haven’t been happy with.”Khawaja fired back in an emotional and lengthy press conference, saying the accusations of him not having an injury were “categorically untrue” and that he was disappointed and disheartened by claims that he didn’t want to play for Queensland despite spending five days in Melbourne at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix while the Shield game was going on.Labuschagne confirmed that Khawaja would definitely play in the final at Karen Rolton Oval on Wednesday and was confident that Australia’s Test opener wouldn’t be distracted after a turbulent week.”No, not at all,” Labuschagne said at the captains’ pre-game press conference. “If anything, it’ll probably improve his performance. He just loves the big moments. He’s been an amazing player for a long time, so I don’t think he’s going to have any issues with going out there and performing at his best.”Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne and South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney pose with the Sheffield Shield trophy•Getty ImagesSouth Australia captain Nathan McSweeney, who was Khawaja’s opening partner for the first three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series and is a former Queensland team-mate, said he had spoken to Khawaja in the lead-up to the final and expected him to perform well.”He wanted to see if he could get a tee time at Kooyonga,” McSweeney said. “So I did send him a cheeky text. But he’s all good. “He’s a professional player, has been for a long time now, and I think he’ll be definitely ready here tomorrow, and he’ll be a massive wicket for us.”Queensland’s staff put together a video of former Shield winning players sending their well wishes to the current team, which the squad watched on the big screen at Karen Rolton Oval before training on Tuesday.Labuschagne would not confirm Queensland’s final XI, but they will need to make at least one change from the side that drew with South Australia to accommodate Khawaja’s return. The concern for Queensland will be trying to take 20 wickets after claiming just 12 in four days last week, with Labuschagne taking four of them with his part-time medium pace.How a drawn final is decided

In the event the Sheffield Shield final ends in a draw, the title will be decided on first-innings bonus points which are accrued across the first 100 overs.

Batting teams earn 0.01 of a bonus point for every run scored over 200 in the initial 100 overs; bowling sides get 0.1 of a bonus point for every wicket in the first 100 overs. For example, the batting side scores 350 all out in 90 overs they earn 1.5 points and the bowling side 1 point.

Should bonus points be tied and the match drawn, SA will win the Shield given they finished top of the ladder and earned hosting rights for the final.

“The wicket is probably not as hard as it was for last week’s game here,” he said. “I think there’s probably a little bit more moisture in it. The grass is probably a fraction longer. But obviously [curator] Trent [Kelly] hasn’t cut it yet, so we’ll have to wait and see whether that gets cut in the morning.”I think, all in all, last week would have been a really good cricket wicket for a five-day game. South Australia had us in a position where if they really wanted to try and win the game, they probably could have pushed down that route.”Even last week, on that wicket that was quite flat, there could have been a result. So I don’t think there’s going to be any problem with trying to get a result this game.”South Australia squad: Nathan McSweeney (capt), Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Henry Hunt, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Conor McInerney, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Henry ThorntonQueensland squad: Marnus Labuschagne (capt), Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja, Angus Lovell, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler, Jack Wildermuth

استقر حسام حسن، المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر، على تشكيل الفراعنة أمام غينيا بيساو، في التصفيات المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026.

ويلتقي  منتخب مصر مع غينيا بيساو، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي،  ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة والأخيرة من منافسات المجموعة الأولى لـتصفيات كأس العالم.

وسيغيب عن صفوف منتخب مصر، أمام غينيا بيساو، محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول والذي فضل الجهاز الفني إراحته والثنائي حمدي فتحي ومروان عطية بسبب الايقاف للحصول علي الإنذار الثاني.

وتأتي تلك المرة لتكون الرابعة لمنتخب مصر التي ينجح فيها التأهل إلى كأس العالم بعد نسخ 1930 و1990 و2018.

منتخب مصر،  يتصدر ترتيب المجموعة الأولى برصيد 23 نقطة، بينما منتخب غينيا بيساو في المركز الرابع برصيد 10 نقاط.

(محدث) تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام غينيا بيساو في تصفيات كأس العالم.. محمد صبحي أساسيًا تشكيل منتخب مصر المتوقع اليوم أمام غينيا بيساو

حراسة المرمى: مفاضلة بين محمد الشناوي ومصطفى شوبير.

الدفاع: محمد حمدي – رامي ربيعة – ياسر إبراهيم – محمد هاني.

الوسط: مهند لاشين – أحمد سيد زيزو – تريزيجيه.

الهجوم: مصطفى فتحي – إبراهيم عادل – أسامة فيصل.

Zimbabwe are set to host Ireland for an all-format tour consisting of seven matches in February, the board announced on Friday. The tour will begin with a one-off Test match from February 6 to 10 in Bulawayo, before the white-ball leg in Harare. The teams will play three ODIs on February 14, 16 and 18 and as many T20Is on February 22, 23 and 25. Originally, this series was pencilled in for two Tests along with six white-ball games in the ICC men’s Future Tours Programme (FTP).Zimbabwe are currently in the final leg of their multi-format home series against Afghanistan, where they lost both T20I and ODI series 2-1 and 2-0 respectively and secured a draw in the high-scoring, rain-affected first Test. The tour concludes with the ongoing second Test, on January 6.Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni stressed on the significance of hosting back-to-back full tours.”We are delighted to welcome Ireland for what promises to be an exciting and competitive tour,” he said. “Hosting two full tours in quick succession is a testament to our commitment to providing our players with regular international cricket and to our efforts in growing the game in Zimbabwe.”

Ireland tour of Zimbabwe

• One-off Test: Feb 6-10, Bulawayo

• 1st ODI: Feb 14

• 2nd ODI: Feb 16

• 3rd ODI: Feb 18

• 1st T20I: Feb 22

• 2nd T20I: Feb 23

• 3rd T20I: Feb 25

(Both ODIs and T20Is in Harare)

Zimbabwe and Ireland have played only Test against each other, in July 2024 in Belfast. The hosts Ireland won the match by four wickets. Zimbabwe last hosted Ireland in late 2023 for six white-ball fixtures. They lost the T20Is 2-1 and the ODIs 2-0.

Topping earns maiden Test call-up for Ireland

Morgan Topping has earned a maiden call-up to the Test and ODI squads for this tour for Ireland. The right-hand batter represents Northern Knights and plays in the top order in domestic cricket.*Legspinner Gavin Hoey, after making his international debut against South Africa last October, has retained his place in the ODI squad and is also in line for a Test debut. Topping and Hoey are the only non-capped players in the Test squad.Fast bowlers Barry McCarthy, whose last international appearance was the Test against Zimbabwe last July, and Gareth Delany – who last played in a T20I in June last year – have returned from injuries. While McCarthy features in all the squads, Delany is included in the T20I squad.Andrew White, national men’s selector, said: “After a break since the series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi, it will be great to see us get back into action in a few weeks’ time. Since 2007, there has been some wonderful contests against Zimbabwe and this should be no different – and it’s exciting to have all three formats on this tour.”Morgan Topping gains his first international call up at senior level having recovered from injury which prevented him making his debut against South Africa last year. He has demonstrated key attributes needed to perform at international level over recent Wolves and Academy fixtures and we wish him well.”It’s going to be exciting to see our two young spinners and the likes of Ross Adair again in action alongside the experienced players and we do, of course, have the return of Josh Little who had a big impact the last time we were in Zimbabwe.”We also have Gareth Delany and Barry McCarthy returning from injury, while Craig Young misses out in the T20 format on this occasion.”It promises to be a very busy cycle ahead – from 2026 to 2028 we will see three white-ball World Cups, however, we have 2025 free from ICC events to build towards this key period.”Ireland Test squad: Andrew Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrine , Barry McCarthy, Peter Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.Ireland ODI squad: Paul Stirling (capt), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig YoungIreland T20I squad: Paul Stirling (capt), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White*

Up to 5mm of rain is also forecast on Thursday – match eve – although clear conditions are expected through the Test match

Tristan Lavalette20-Nov-20244:38

Australia SWOT analysis: Formidable attack, but top-order questions

By the time Josh Hazlewood fronted the cameras for his press engagement, the sun finally emerged over Optus Stadium in a welcome sight for the ground staff after unseasonal damp weather hit Perth just days before the first Border-Gavaskar Test.WA Cricket head curator Isaac McDonald has been striving to produce a fast and bouncy wicket that emulates last summer’s Australia-Pakistan Test, where the pitch deteriorated as the match wore on with rearing deliveries contrasted by balls that crept low on big cracks.But McDonald’s plans have taken a turn due to intermittent rain in recent days. Up to 5mm of rain is also forecast on Thursday – match eve – although clear conditions are expected through the Test match.”Yesterday, we pretty much lost the whole day of prep with it [pitch] being under cover,” McDonald told reporters on an overcast Wednesday morning. “We saw the forecast early on, and we started prep a little bit earlier than we normally would.”Related

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Wet weather in Perth this deep into spring is unusual, with the famously warm Western Australia capital usually almost totally dry from November through to April. But the unexpected rain has forced McDonald to adapt.”It’s been quite conditions-based,” he said. “At the moment, we’re leaning towards rolling it a bit more on top to get that firmness, and that happy medium between bat and ball. [It] would be nice if the sun pops out, but we’re really comfortable as a curating team.”McDonald said 8-10mm of grass would be left on a pitch that he didn’t believe would deteriorate like last year’s surface.The Optus Stadium pitch has been under cover because of unseasonal rain in the lead-up to the India Test•Getty Images

“I don’t think this weather is going to make this pitch fall apart,” he said. “There’ll be some deterioration. Grass will stand up during the game and offer that variable bounce. But in terms of big-snake WACA cracks, unfortunately, I don’t think the weather’s going to get us there.”Hazlewood had been almost unplayable against Pakistan last year, as he relentlessly targeted the cracks late on day four to finish with 3 for 13 from 7.2 overs in the second innings. Pakistan were routed for 89, and that capped off Australia’s fourth win in as many Tests at the 60,000-seater ground.”I love playing in Perth. The wicket is always a nice one to bowl pace… [it’s] bouncy and a few cracks potentially,” Hazlewood told reporters amid the sunshine on Wednesday afternoon. “I think the conditions suit us. We’re probably more used to it with that bounce and pace.””I love playing in Perth. The wicket is always a nice one to bowl pace… [it’s] bouncy and a few cracks potentially” – Josh Hazlewood•Getty Images

With Australia’s XI settled after the selection of new opener Nathan McSweeney, the focus in this prolonged series build-up has shone on India, whose line-up is largely unknown despite them having started their preparations in Perth over a week ago.”There are no real secrets behind those closed doors. We have seen a lot of them, we play with them all the time, [and] we play against them,” Hazlewood said. “It’s going to come down to bowling in that area, and batting with patience and trying to outlast them.”While the make-up of India’s batting order remains to be seen, Hazlewood and his fellow bowlers won’t have to come up against the formidable presence of Cheteshwar Pujara, who ground down Australia’s attack in India’s famous series victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21.”I’m pretty happy that Puj isn’t here. He’s obviously one that bats time, [and] makes you really earn his wicket every time,” Hazlewood said.”[But] there’s always young, fresh guys coming into the Indian team that they’re under so much pressure to perform with so many guys nipping at their heels all the time. Whoever they pick in that XI, they’re unbelievable players. It doesn’t really matter who they pick; they’re all great players.”Australia had last won a Test series against India in 2014-15, when Hazlewood had made his debut in the second Test in Brisbane. He underlined the length of Australia’s barren run against India in the format, and said his side were looking forward to end that.”There’s only a couple of us from that series when we won 2-0…. everyone’s really determined [to win this time],” he said. “It’s one that we need to tick off as a group. I think the added fact that it’s a five-Test series, it’s going to be a bit more gruelling. If you win a series against India, in any part of the world, you know you’ve earned it.”