It is understood that Shahbaz Ahmed and Shreyas Iyer have been called up to the squad

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2022Deepak Hooda has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series between India and South Africa starting on Wednesday. The 27-year-old allrounder has a back injury and has not travelled with the team to Thiruvananthapuram, where the first game is scheduled to take place.Also staying on the sidelines is Mohammed Shami, who was due to re-integrate with the India team this month. The fast bowler tested positive for Covid-19 a few days ago and is yet to recover from the illness.ESPNcricinfo understands that allrounder Shahbaz Ahmed and batter Shreyas Iyer have been drafted into the squad, although it is not yet known if they are replacement players or just reserves.Hooda only made his international debut in 2022, but has been a regular presence in India’s squads. His ability to score quick runs and provide a few overs of part-time offspin were seen as assets in terms of balancing the XI. But when India had access to all of their first-choice players – which they did in the recent T20I series win over Australia – he was pushed down to the bench.It is learnt that at least for the deciding match in Hyderabad on Sunday, Hooda was unfit. The BCCI is yet to release any detail on the extent of his injury. Hooda was named in India’s 15-member T20 World Cup squad due to travel to Australia in October.Shami too is part of that squad, though only as a reserve. The selectors felt the 2022 IPL-winning seamer had enough experience to rock up cold and still perform, although now he may have to do so with no cricket behind him since July 2022.

Whilst it’s beginning to feel like deja vu, it would once again be an understatement to suggest that Manchester United need a major overhaul under new manager Ruben Amorim.

They needed exactly that when David Moyes arrived, and then again under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. And who could forget a transfer window that featured the return of Cristiano Ronaldo and the arrival of Jadon Sancho under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

Having rebuilt their side using materials suggested by Erik ten Hag before he saw his house huffed, puffed and blown down by the rest of the Premier League, the Red Devils must look towards the transfer market to help Amorim turn things around at Old Trafford.

The former Sporting CP boss has already shown what he’s capable of by defeating Manchester City and earning a point at Anfield against Liverpool in a game that should have ended in all three, but defeats against the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth have exposed that he cannot work miracles.

6 Man Utd players in danger of Amorim axe

Ruben Amorim will be keen to move some players out of Manchester United as he gets to grips with his new team.

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 15, 2025

However, if INEOS truly want to turn things around at Old Trafford, signing these five players would be a good place to start.

1 Bryan Mbeumo Brentford

If INEOS are to prove their transfer genius and take Manchester United away from an era of expensive big-name transfer flops, signing Bryan Mbeumo would be an intelligent first move. The Brentford winger is more than ready for a big move, and as Marcus Rashford heads for an Old Trafford exit, he should be high up on the Red Devils’ list of potential replacements.

Still just 25 years old and at the peak of his powers, Mbeumo’s ability to play as a winger and in the striker role would kill two birds with one stone for Amorim, who could deploy the versatile star next to Rasmus Hojlund.

The Bees have benefited in the past from Mbeumo’s link-up play with a fellow striker when he thrived next to Ivan Toney, and now Manchester United should aim to prosper by combining a powerful forward of their own with the quicker, smarter Brentford man, who’s reportedly worth a hefty £60m this month.

2 Antonee Robinson Fulham

A problem which remains unsolved even as the revolving door of managers at Manchester United continues is the one at left-back. Whether it’s been Solskjaer, Ten Hag or others, Luke Shaw has remained the man relied upon to take that left-back spot. Amorim and INEOS must simply bring that trend to an end amid the England international’s inability to remain fit.

In his place should be someone like Antonee Robinson. The Fulham star has arguably been the best left-back in the Premier League so far this season, and his attacking output suggests that he’d be ready-made to slot straight into Amorim’s left wing-back role within his Manchester United back five.

Starts

21

20

Assists

9

1

Interceptions

41

26

Ball recoveries

84

113

Not many players have been able to match Robinson’s output on the assists front throughout the current campaign, with Dalot simply a level below the American, who could instantly solve United’s issues down the left-hand side.

3 Goncalo Inacio Sporting CP

Whilst some may be scarred by the number of former Ajax players who struggled to perform under Ten Hag, Goncalo Inacio and Amorim could form a far more successful story, which should begin as early as this month.

When looking at Manchester United’s backline, there have been far too many square pegs in round holes to give the United boss a mere fighting chance of consistency.

The former Sporting manager desperately needs a centre-back capable of thriving in his system – ideally, one he knows well. Therefore, Inacio could be the perfect choice. A defender who played his best football under Amorim and one who can play left wing-back and centre-back, all signs point towards him as the ultimate solution for the Red Devils.

Inacio’s name has been mentioned alongside Manchester United for some time, and his reported release clause of just £50m should make any deal even more tempting to pursue before the end of the January transfer window. Next to Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, the Portugal international could quickly plug what has been a leaky backline in recent months.

5 players who could leave Manchester United this January

Ruben Amorim could look to re-shape his squad this winter.

ByDominic Lund Dec 31, 2024 4 Joao Gomes Wolverhampton Wanderers

Having failed to sign Joao Gomes last summer and eventually settling for Manuel Ugarte, Manchester United should go again in their pursuit of the Wolverhampton Wanderers man to form quite the midfield partnership.

Amorim’s system certainly needs an added No 6 next to Ugarte, and when it’s not Kobbie Mainoo, it simply cannot be Christian Eriksen whom he turns towards. Instead, Gomes should emerge.

Whilst the Brazilian’s reported £38m price tag last summer quickly put United off any deal, Wolves’ current fight to avoid relegation could see that valuation drop just in time for those at Old Trafford to make their move. If the Midlands club were to go down, that £38m price tag should plummet into bargain territory for any club willing to complete a summer swoop.

Ten Hag’s lacklustre midfield was arguably his greatest weakness and the beginning of his downfall, but Amorim can swiftly turn that narrative on its head by welcoming Gomes and turning the Dutchman’s shortcomings into his greatest strength at Old Trafford.

Man Utd players out of contract in summer 2025

Is it time for Christian Eriksen to move on this summer?

ByHenry Jackson Jan 14, 2025 5 Viktor Gyokeres Sporting CP

In usual circumstances, any club in the bottom half of the Premier League would be ruled out of signing one of the best strikers in world football. But not every bottom-half side carries the name Manchester United, and not every bottom-half side would have the Amorim advantage in pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sporting star thrived under the current United boss and is destined to become a gamechanger wherever he finds himself next, especially if it is Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have been crying out for a talisman for some time. Hojlund arrived and is yet to prove that he’s ready to steal the show, whilst Joshua Zirkzee is arguably more likely to head for the exit door than he is to burst into life in Manchester United colours, opening the door for Gyokeres to do the job that so many have shirked away from.

With a reported release clause of £80m, Gyokeres would not come cheap, but he’d more than pay the Red Devils back if he can replicate the goalscoring record that even Erling Haaland has struggled to match at times this season.

Kane, Gyokeres, Mbappe: Ranking Europe's top 12 goalscorers in 2024

With the likes of Harry Kane scoring goals for the fun, only one can claim to have scored the most in 2024.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 2, 2025

Ten Test players handed full deals for 2022-23 season, as ECB looks to protect pace stocks

Andrew Miller11-Oct-2022

Liam Livingstone made a 42-ball century in 2021, the fastest in England’s T20I history•Getty Images

Liam Livingstone’s status as a cornerstone of England’s new-look white-ball team has been recognised with the award of his first England central contract, after the ECB announced a list of 30 names for the 2022-23 season, covering all three formats of the game and including 18 lucrative full annual deals.Livingstone, 29, is currently recovering from an ankle injury, and endured a relatively lean season in 2022, with a solitary half-century against Netherlands in 16 innings across white-ball formats. However, his explosive batting power – epitomised by his 42-ball century against Pakistan in 2021 – allied to an ability to spin the ball both ways, makes him an invaluable asset to a team that is still rebuilding following the retirement of Eoin Morgan in June, particularly in the lead-in to the defence of their 50-over World Cup title in India in 12 months’ time.In a further sign of the team’s evolution, Jason Roy – one of the linchpins of the 2019 victory – has had his own status downgraded to an incremental deal after a season-long struggle for form, while Dawid Malan, who is currently in Australia preparing for the T20 World Cup, has also lost his full contract following his omission from England’s Test plans since last winter’s Ashes defeat.Related

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Tougher test awaits England's powerful batting as Australia's big guns return

Sam Curran: England would appeal for obstruction in the World Cup

Chris Jordan, another of England’s T20 veterans, has missed out on a deal for 2022-23, but Harry Brook and Reece Topley – two of the star performers in England’s white-ball ranks in recent months – have both been handed their first incremental contracts.On the red-ball front, Ben Foakes, the Test wicketkeeper, has been handed his first full contract after a breakthrough season in which he made his second Test century and played a key role in England’s tally of six wins out of seven. Matthew Potts, who debuted against New Zealand at Lord’s and claimed 20 wickets in five appearances, has been rewarded with his first incremental deal.In a sign of England’s faith in the men who starred in Ben Stokes’ Test team, ten of the players who featured in the bulk of the seven matches have all been awarded full contracts, including Zak Crawley, whose form was under constant scrutiny in the summer, but who repaid some of the management’s faith with a fluent half-century to seal England’s series win against South Africa at The Oval.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The one exception, however, is Crawley’s opening partner, Alex Lees, who made two half-centuries with a best of 67 against New Zealand, and played a key role in the run-chase against India at Edgbaston. However, he has averaged just 23.84 in ten Tests since debuting in the Caribbean in March, and now seems less secure of his place when England name their Test squad for the tour of Pakistan in the coming weeks. Rory Burns, who guided Surrey to success in the County Championship last month but has not been considered by England since the Ashes, has also been cut from the contracts list.Jofra Archer, who has not played since the T20I tour of India in March 2021 but made a tentative return to the nets last week during his lengthy recuperation from elbow surgery, has retained his full contract, as has his fellow 90mph fast bowler, Mark Wood, who has made an impressive return to action after also undergoing two elbow operations this year.In a bid to protect England’s pace-bowling stocks, six further fast bowlers have been handed development contracts. Brydon Carse, Matthew Fisher and Jamie Overton – whose debut against New Zealand at Headingley is best remembered for his match-turning innings of 97 – join Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton and Olly Stone who were awarded such a deal last year as well. Mahmood and Stone are both on the comeback trail after stress fractures of the back.England’s managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, said: “I feel we have rewarded those players who have made a significant impact over the previous 12 months and those we expect to be part of England’s plans over the next period.”The international game continues to evolve, and we must be mindful that we have to lead the way in player performance across the sport. The aim is to develop world-class players in all three formats as we strive to become the best team in the world.”I would like to congratulate all the players offered agreements for the coming year. They will all play a pivotal role in England’s efforts over the next 12 months.”

Aston Villa moved one step closer to a potential trip to Wembley with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup at Villa Park at the weekend.

Goals from Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers secured the victory over Ange Postecoglou’s side on Sunday, with the first goal coming inside the opening minute of the match.

Whilst the main talking point was the terrific result and their progression through to the next round of the competition, it was also a big game for two of the January recruits.

Villa pushed the boat out to land Marco Asensio on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, and both players came off the bench to make their debuts for the club.

Rashford completed one of his two attempted dribbles in his 24 minutes on the pitch against Spurs, but failed to register a shot on goal or a key pass for his teammates.

Asensio, meanwhile, was introduced to the game at the same time as the England international and made a greater impression on the onlooking supporters at Villa Park.

Marco Asensio's debut performance

The Spain international came on for Leon Bailey with 24 minutes left to play and produced a magical cameo that has created plenty of excitement heading into the rest of the season.

Asensio is on loan at Villa until the end of the season, but Fabrizio Romano recently reported that both sides are open to exploring a permanent move in the summer, which means that he may currently be auditioning for a long-term move to England.

The former Real Madrid attacker will certainly be getting a call-back after his first audition, as he caught the eye with an impressive showing against Spurs.

Minutes played

24

Touches

20

Accurate passes

15/15

Key passes

1

Dribbles

1

Crosses

2

Duels won

2/3

Possession lost

2

Interceptions

1

Tackles

1

He completed 100% (1/1) of his attempted dribbles, 100% (15/15) of his attempted passes, and 67% (2/3) of his duels in his 24 minutes on the pitch, to go along with one chance created.

As you can see in the clips above, his cameo was full of sublime touches and turns to retain possession and create openings for the Villans in the closing stages of the win.

Asensio, who has won three Champions League trophies, arrived at Villa with a terrific pedigree, having played for PSG and Real Madrid at the top level for a number of years, and his class was on full display on Sunday.

Surprisingly, however, the 29-year-old, despite his career achievements, is not one of the very top-valued players in the squad, with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at €20m (£17m), at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa's most valuable players

Monchi and Unai Emery have crafted a terrific squad at Villa Park and it is one that is now chock-full of brilliant, high-valued, players who are contributing week-in-week-out on the pitch.

Whilst Asensio does not crack the top ten most-valuable stars at the club, fellow loanee Rashford has arrived as the joint-most valuable Villans ace, with a market value of £46m.

Ollie Watkins and Amadou Onana are also tied with the former Manchester United superstar and England international at £46m, as they make up the top three.

Marcus Rashford

£46m

Ollie Watkins

£46m

Amadou Onana

£46m

Pau Torres

£38m

Morgan Rogers

£33m

Leon Bailey

£32m

Boubacar Kamara

£32m

Ezri Konsa

£29m

Ian Maatsen

£27m

Jacob Ramsey

£27m

As you can see in the table above, Asensio does not make the top ten list, behind the likes of Rashford, Rogers, Bailey, and Ramsey, but he is far from the only star who is unfortunate to miss out.

Belgium international Youri Tielemans is currently valued at €30m (£25m) and this means that, despite being worth more than the Paris Saint-Germain dynamo, he is also not among the top ten most-valuable players in the squad.

That should not take away, however, from the masterclass that Villa have played with the former Leicester City man, as they have hit the jackpot with the midfield maestro.

Villa have hit the jackpot with Youri Tielemans

The 27-year-old magician first made a name for himself in England during his time with Leicester City under Brendan Rodgers, with a return of 28 goals and 26 assists in 195 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes.

In the summer of 2023, Leicester had just been relegated from the Premier League and the midfield star’s contract at the King Power expired, which made him a free agent.

The Villans swooped to sign the central midfielder on a free transfer, which meant that they spent £0 on his transfer fee, to bolster Emery’s options in the middle of the park ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Tielemans, who was once dubbed “outrageous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, produced two goals and six assists in 32 appearances in the Premier League in his first season with the Villans, but only started 17 of those matches.

This term, the 27-year-old star has started all 24 of his outings in the top-flight for Villa, which shows that Emery has trusted him to start week-in-week-out in the middle of the park.

Appearances

24

8

Big chances created

10

0

Assists

4

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.2

2.5

Duel success rate

55%

53%

As you can see in the table above, Tielemans has offered a constant creative threat in the Premier League for the Villans with ten ‘big chances’ created already.

His form has also helped his market value to soar. In December 2023, the Belgian maestro was valued at €20m (£17m) and this shows that his value has soared by millions in the past 13 months or so.

Villa have, therefore, hit the jackpot with the former Leicester star as they brought him in for £0 and he has developed into a consistent starter who is now worth millions more, and more than Asensio.

Emery will, now, be hoping that the midfielder can continue to shine for the rest of the season and beyond, which could help his value to increase even further to push into the top ten.

Aston Villa eye move to sign £43m striker outscoring Watkins this season

Aston Villa need a new forward, and this star could prove the answer.

ByBen Browning Feb 10, 2025

Chelsea have been known to conduct numerous high-profile deals through January transfer windows in the past, not being afraid to splash the cash in the winter months.

Rewind just a couple of years, Enzo Fernández joined the Blues in a £106.8m deal from Benfica – a deal which at the time broke their club-record transfer fee.

Mykhailo Mudryk also arrived during the same transfer window from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee in the region of £88m, looking to provide added quality in wide areas under then-boss Graham Potter.

However, the Ukrainian has been unable to make any form of positive impact at Stamford Bridge since his big-money move, scoring just ten times in his 73 appearances.

Such form has led to the club dipping into the transfer market this month to try and improve the options available at Enzo Maresca’s disposal for the rest of the Premier League season and beyond.

Chelsea’s hunt for a new winger in January

Alejandro Garnacho has been one name that has been mentioned over a move to West London in recent weeks, with current side Manchester United open to parting ways with the Argentine this month.

The 20-year-old has made 32 appearances throughout 2024/25, scoring eight times, leading to interest from the Blues and Napoli, with the Red Devils demanding a fee in the region of £55m to sell their star youngster.

Another name that has been thrown into the mix is Borussia Dortmund’s English attacker Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, but Maresca’s side would face huge competition from Liverpool for his signature.

Both sides have sent scouts to watch the talented youngster, but neither have yet made an offer to prise the former Manchester City academy star away from the Bundesliga outfit.

With no progress yet to be made on either of the two deals, time is ticking with the window having less than two weeks left until it slams shut, which could see the club target alternative options.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Chelsea could land winger who’s better than Gittens

Given the nature of the targets which have regularly cropped up in recent weeks, it’s evident that Maresca and the hierarchy feel as though a winger is needed between now and the end of the month.

Garnacho and Gittens have emerged as two of the leading candidates to fulfil the positions in wide areas, but with time running out in the window, other players may need to be considered over a move to West London.

The Blues have been the home to numerous attacking stars and could land themselves another one in the form of Atlético Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has previously been of interest to Maresca.

The Spaniard was linked with a move to the Bridge at the start of January, but no progress has been made in a deal to land the 22-year-old who currently has a £50m release clause in his contract.

However, when delving into his figures from the ongoing campaign, Williams has produced numerous stats that are better than Gittens highlighting what a phenomenal addition he would be to the Blues in their hunt for a top-four spot.

Games played

18

18

Goals & assists

4

10

Progressive passes

3.2

1.8

Shot-creating actions

5.2

3.1

Carries into the final third

2.8

2.7

Crosses completed

5

2.8

Aerials won

0.5

0.2

The Bilbao star, who’s been dubbed “one of the best wingers” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but he’s certainly a complete package when it comes to beating a player and producing a high volume of scoring opportunities. He has registered more progressive passes and more carries into the final third per 90 – highlighting his attacking threat.

Williams has also managed to achieve more shot-creating actions, along with a higher tally of crosses completed per 90, handing other players in the squad the ammunition needed to succeed in the final third.

Given his impressive form for Bilbao in recent times, the youngster would be a superb player for Maresca’s squad, offering the added threat he’s so desperately been hunting for in recent weeks.

His release clause could be a potential bargain – particularly as Gittens has reportedly been valued at £85m – and if he is to carry over his superb form from LaLiga to the Premier League, it could be a wonderful piece of business.

He's a dream for Palmer: Chelsea hold talks to sign £67m "menace"

Chelsea have made contact over a deal to sign the £67m-rated centre-forward.

2 ByDan Emery Jan 22, 2025

Newcastle United are now expected to pursue a summer move for an “incredible” player, and they are planning to spend big, according to a report.

Newcastle limited by PSR in January

Newcastle didn’t make a single addition to their squad in the January transfer window, amid PSR restrictions, but Eddie Howe remains optimistic about his squad, stating it is “lighter in numbers but high in quality.”

Despite there being no new signings, there were some outgoings this winter, with Lloyd Kelly completing a move to Juventus, although Howe has admitted he was “very reluctant” to sanction the defender’s departure.

Kelly’s departure means the Magpies are a little lighter on options at centre-back, meaning they may look to strengthen in that area in the summer, and they have already identified a target.

Newcastle "will offer" £120,000-a-week star record-breaking new contract

This would be unbelievable news for the Magpies.

1 ByHenry Jackson Feb 4, 2025

According to a report from London World, Newcastle are expected to pursue a summer move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who they have now been chasing for quite some time, failing to get a deal done before the start of the season.

After having to deal with PSR restrictions for 18 months, PIF are expected to be handed the opportunity to spend big in the summer, having balanced the books somewhat by selling Kelly this winter.

Palace were holding out for a fee of £75m for Guehi last month, meaning Tottenham Hotspur were unable to get a deal done despite making a £70m bid, however the asking price is set to drop in the summer if he doesn’t sign a new deal at Selhurst Park.

The 24-year-old has been picked out as a target as Newcastle chiefs believe he has the ability to lead the team forward in the years to come, and there will be renewed hope they can get a deal over the line, with PSR no longer such a major concern.

Exciting news for Newcastle

The Magpies have been chasing the England international for quite some time now, and for good reason, given the level of his performances at club and international level.

Prior to Euro 2024, the defender was lauded by teammate Eberechi Eze, who said: “He’s an incredible player, an incredible person,”

“He’s just ready. You can see it in the way he plays, in the way he carries himself. He’s a leader. And for someone his age, he’s extremely mature. I have no questions about him, I know he’s capable to do whatever he’s called upon to do.”

The centre-back went on to prove Eze right with his performances in the tournament, emerging as a key player for the Three Lions and missing just one game, which was due to suspension.

Not only is the Englishman solid defensively, he has also proven himself to be a goal threat this season, bagging three Premier League goals and being nominated for the January goal of the month award.

The fact Guehi’s price could drop in the summer is an added incentive for Newcastle to get a deal done, but it may be difficult to win the race for his signature, with so many other top clubs lurking.

Pakistan outgunned in all departments as decider ends in 67-run damp squib

Vithushan Ehantharajah02-Oct-2022For a series that has showcased the best of international T20 cricket, it was a shame the finale carried so little jeopardy. England’s comprehensive team performance was to blame for that, firstly by posting 209 for three which required Pakistan to embark on a record-breaking chase at the Gaddafi Stadium. At no point did they threaten to make it, eventually finishing on 142 for eight from their 20 overs. A smart bowling performance confirmed a 4-3 series to England thanks to victory by 67 runs, Pakistan’s fourth-biggest such margin in the format.Dawid Malan registered his first half-century of the tour, with an unbeaten 78 that began in the fifth over. He was accompanied throughout the latter half of the innings by the ever-impressive Harry Brook, who contributed 46 not out to a stand of 108 that, ultimately, took the result beyond Pakistan’s control.That’s not to say the game was won at the break. But within eight deliveries of the chase, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, with over 600 runs between them this series and a pair that had negotiated a target of 200 between them in the second T20I at Karachi, were seen off with just five on the board. Chris Woakes, replacing Richard Gleeson as England’s only change, coerced Babar to drive straight to Brook at cover with a dipping slower ball, before Reece Topley took out Rizwan’s off stump with a delivery that hooped in and nipped away off the surface. Woakes would go on to finish with three for 26, including Shan Masood, whose 56 was Pakistan’s only score of note.The crowd at Lahore had high hopes for a blockbuster finish, not least with the reintroduction of their A-listers to the XI with Rizwan and Haris Rauf returning along with Mohammad Hasnain and Khushdil Shah. England, by contrast, opted against using Mark Wood, a key point of difference in their attack, with a view to preserving him for the T20 World Cup in Australia, while captain Jos Buttler sat out once more.With the tourists batting first after Moeen Ali lost the toss, Phil Salt and Alex Hales picked up where they left off in the sixth match. Though a repeat of the 82 England managed during the powerplay on Friday looked a stretch, the pair were well-set on 39 for no loss after four overs. However three balls into the fifth, they were back in the dressing room. Hales was trapped lbw by a delivery from Hasnain that nipped back as the right-hander strayed across his stumps. Salt was then run out by Shadab Khan, with more than a little help from Malan who aborted a single late and with little communication. A direct hit beat Salt as he sprinted almost the full length of the pitch to the bowler’s end.Malan used his error as fuel, initially with Ben Duckett as the pair shared a stand off 62 that went at two a ball and saw them team up to take down Shadab for 20 in the ninth over, with a six apiece. Duckett was eventually done in by a brilliant piece of work from Rizwan behind the stumps, who gathered the ball off an under-edge and brought it to the stumps in one motion. But the assault on spin continued as Brook climbed into Shadab and Iftikhar Ahmed, whose final over was taken for 12 to leave England 146 for three after 14.Hasnain and Rauf combined to ensure just eight were scored in the next two overs. But Pakistan could and should have restricted the tourists further had they taken their chances. Malan was dropped on 29 by Babar at cover who then went on to give Brook a life on 24 when a simple catch pierced his hands at mid-off, after Rauf had drawn a high mishit with a slower delivery.Rauf then had Malan missed off his bowling (on 64) by Mohammad Wasim in the deep, whose misery was taken to new depths when he stepped up to close out the innings. Malan struck a six over square leg and edged for four through third man off the first two deliveries before Brook smashed the fourth back over the bowler’s head as 20 runs came from the final over.Chris Woakes celebrates a wicket in his opening over•Getty ImagesNo one in the Pakistan line-up even threatened to get out of third gear. It took 8.4 overs for the boundaries to be cleared, when Masood slog-swept Adil Rashid. There was only one more boundary – again off Rashid – when Khushdil heaved to midwicket. As much as the bowlers should take credit, particularly David Willey (two for 22) whose economy rate of 5.50 was the lowest of the bowlers who sent down more than one over. He could have had three if anyone had reached Hasnain’s top-edge which ended up landing safely in between mid-off and mid-on.The lack of effort to get to the chance, and the lack of remonstration from the bowler, spoke of a match that was over well before it came to an end. But the overriding thought at the end of these seven matches was how long and overdue it has been for an England side to tour Pakistan. Of all the takeaways from this series, particularly for the World Cup, that is a standout positive.Brook sideWe did not learn anything new about Brook following his 46 in this match. Even coming off just 29 deliveries, with four sixes among the five boundaries struck, told us nothing we did not know about his temperament or shot selection. All that needed to be known, of a middle-order dynamo who has the game to operate in every period of a T20 innings, had been confirmed in the previous 191 runs of this tour, especially the 81 not out in the third meeting which propelled England to 220. On Sunday, having ticked over to 29 off 23, his next six balls brought 17, as he cleared the fence twice against Wasim and, most importantly of all, rotated the strike to aid the free-flowing Malan, including for the start of the final over. That Brook ends the series as England’s leading run-scorer with 237 at 79 is incredible enough for a 23-year-old on his first England tour. To do so from No.5, and to strike at 163, confirmed that even with Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Liam Livingstone reinforcing the batting in Australia, Brook has cemented his place in the team for the T20 World Cup.Rauf JusticeThere was a moment during the third over of England’s innings that typified Haris Rauf’s attitude. Alex Hales had hammered Mohammed Wasim inside mid-off for a certain four before Rauf, galloping from mid-on, hurled himself at the sponge and saved a boundary. We’re in an era where fast bowlers have to do the dirty work and, as outstanding as the piece of fielding as it was, Rauf expects those standards of himself. Unfortunately, the favour went unreturned. He should have boasted the wickets of Brook and Malan – both dropped by his captain – and in turn Pakistan lost the thread of this match. Even without a notch or two in the wicket column, his four overs in which he conceded just one boundary ensured this wasn’t a whole lot worse. He finishes as the leading wicket-taker with eight at 23.62, which serves as a reminder that even a world-class operator relies on support from those around him.Lahore delivers its final verdictThere were cheers when Khushdil Shah was caught down the leg-side off Rashid. It was as much a reflection of the next man in – Asif Ali – as Khushdil’s own 27 off 25, which had been as helpful to the cause as a hole in the bat. This wasn’t the first time in these weeks that crowds have yearned for Asif to come to the crease while expressing glee at Khushdil’s departure. He’d do well not to take it personally, though that’s easier to say on this side of the fence.Fundamentally, he is a man caught in the midst of a public disapproval of the way Pakistan approach batting in this format, particularly during the middle overs and especially beyond their superstar openers. No team should be so reliant on two players and Asif is certainly one who should be given opportunities up the order, given his propensity to hit boundaries. As it happens, he only managed seven today before being caught out at deep square leg for Woakes’ second. At that point, with 111 required from the final 31 balls, the crowds emptied into the streets of Lahore as the rest of the match played out in front of a half-empty stadium. The silence that accompanied the final throes arguably sent the loudest message of all.

West Indies batter John Campbell is considering appealing against the four-year ban he was handed on October 7 for an anti-doping violation. The decision to ban Campbell was taken by an independent panel, after he was accused of refusing to provide a blood sample at his home in Kingston in April by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO).Campbell’s legal representatives, Nunes Scholefield Deleon & Co, a Jamaican law firm, said in statement that “he was not properly notified by JADCO” with regards to incident where he did not provide the sample, and that there were “several mitigatory factors supported by evidence which were not challenged by JADCO and which ought to have militated against the imposition of the maximum penalty”. The statement also emphasised that Campbell has “to date never returned an adverse analytical finding for banned substances”.”Mr John Campbell and his legal team are very disappointed with the ruling of the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel,” the statement, which was put up on the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) website, read. “Mr Campbell has been a clean athlete throughout his outstanding career as a batsman and he remains committed to clean sport…”The allegation concerned refusing or failing to submit to sample collection after proper notification pursuant to Article 2.3 of the JADCO Anti-Doping Rules. Our client has, to date, never returned an adverse analytical finding for banned substances…”Mr Campbell’s position was that he was not properly notified by JADCO. There were several breaches by JADCO of the mandatory International Standards for Testing and Investigations in respect of the notification of the athlete which, in our view, were not adequately addressed by the Panel.”Additionally, there were several mitigatory factors supported by evidence which were not challenged by JADCO and which ought to have militated against the imposition of the maximum penalty, even if the Panel found that the athlete committed a violation…”Our client will therefore at this time consider exercising his right of appeal … and will make a decision shortly.”Campbell, 29, has played 20 Tests, six ODIs and two T20Is for West Indies. While he has not played white-ball cricket for them since 2019, he opened in all five Test matches they have played so far this year, scoring 248 runs at 35.42 with one fifty.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is now facing the real possibility of being without a “fantastic” member of his squad for “months”, with the development described as a “major blow” as the west Londoners prepare for their FA Cup fourth round tie away to Brighton.

Chelsea look to spark FA Cup run with potential Brighton win

Maresca’s side are one of the favourites to win this year’s Europa Conference League, but were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle, meaning the FA Cup represents their best chance of clinching domestic silverware for the first time since 2018.

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The Blues travel to Brighton this evening with the aim of beating Fabian Hurzeler’s side and sparking an FA Cup run, but they could have to do it without a few first-team players.

Roméo Lavia is set to miss their clash at the Amex, potentially lining up a debut for January signing Mathis Amougou, while Wesley Fofana remains out alongside fellow defender Benoit Badiashile.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Brighton (away)

February 14th

Aston Villa (away)

February 22nd

Southampton (home)

February 25th

Leicester City (home)

March 9th

Arsenal (away)

March 16th

Nicolas Jackson is also an injury doubt to face Brighton, so it is likely that Christopher Nkunku, who wanted to leave Chelsea in the January window, could start in the Senegal international’s stead.

“Yes, for sure, for sure,” said Maresca on Nkunku playing a bigger Chelsea role moving forward. “I spoke already last week about Christo. Against West Ham, he played already more or less half an hour. From now on, he can hopefully get some more minutes and help us.

“I was with the club, and we were sure before the transfer window that Christo was one of the players that our intention was to keep him.”

The Frenchman looks set to be even more crucial with news now emerging that striker Marc Guiu could be facing a lengthy spell on the treatment table.

Chelsea striker Marc Guiu facing "months" out injured

The Spaniard, signed from Barcelona last summer, went down injured against West Ham earlier this week, but Maresca didn’t think it serious at the time. However, in another update, Maresca now says that Guiu could be out for “months” at Chelsea – leaving them potentially short for Brighton tonight and far beyond.

“Marc Guiu, unfortunately, it’s a bad injury,” said Maresca in his pre-Brighton press conference.

“Could be [long-term], yeah. We are still waiting, but it doesn’t look like a short injury. It’s a long injury. Probably weeks or months.”

Journalist Malik Ouzia describes this news as a “major blow”, especially considering the 19-year-old’s “fantastic” development lately.

“Marc is improving a lot, to be honest,” said Maresca on Guiu’s performances this season. “He is doing fantastic. Day after day, he is more ready for that kind of game. Sometimes the decision I take is because I see something. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not. But Marc, day after day, is more ready.”

The teenage striker bagged six goals in six Conference League outings, proving very effective in their chase for a European trophy, so his absence will be noted despite not being a mainstay in Maresca’s starting eleven.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a chegada de Luiz Felipe Scolari, o Athletico subiu de produção e conseguiu escapar das últimas colocações do Brasileirão.

– VEJA A TABELA DO BRASILEIRÃO

Na última quarta-feira, mesmo com a pressão do Juventude ao longo dos 90 minutos, o time mostrou frieza e conseguiu sair com a vitória por 3 a 1.

Diante da evolução nas quatro linhas, o Furacão alcançou a zona de classificação da Libertadores e tirou o rival Coritiba.

Agora, o time de Felipão aparece na 3ªposição, com 16 pontos. Na próxima jornada, o Furacão encara o Fortaleza.

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