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Nitish Kumar Reddy had received his maiden India call-up before being sidelined due to a hernia

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jun-2024Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to wait for his international debut after he was sidelined from India’s T20I tour of Zimbabwe due to an injury. Shivam Dube will take his place in the 15-member squad.While the BCCI did not specify the nature of Reddy’s injury, ESPNcricinfo has learned that he has been ruled out due to a hernia.Reddy, a 21-year-old seam bowling allrounder, had earned his maiden India call-up after an impressive IPL 2024 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He made 303 runs in the season at a strike rate of 142.92, while also delivering 13.1 overs for three wickets.In just his second innings of the season, he scored 64 off 37 balls against Punjab Kings, which took SRH to 182 and eventually helped them seal a two-run win. Reddy also scored an unbeaten 42-ball 76 against Rajasthan Royals in a group game later in the tournament. With the ball, his three wickets included Rishabh Pant, Tristan Stubbs and Jitesh Sharma.Reddy has been a part of the BCCI’s target group of young players who have been under the NCA’s watch over the past year.Dube is part of the India squad at the T20 World Cup 2024. While his numbers in the tournament so far have been middling: 106 runs in six matches with a strike rate of 107.07 and zero wickets, he had a tremendous IPL 2024. Coming in to bat primarily in the middle overs, he was Chennai Super Kings’ spin-hitter, finishing the season with 396 runs in 14 games, striking at 162.29. He was CSK’s second highest run-scorer behind Ruturaj Gaikwad.India will play Zimbabwe in five T20Is in Harare which get underway on July 6. With the senior players rested, Shubman Gill will lead the squad which features Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande, all of whom received maiden India call-ups.India squad for T20I series in ZimbabweᏚhubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande

Can Celtic start to rebuild some momentum ahead of the Scottish Cup Final?

On Sunday, the Hoops fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with fierce rivals Rangers at Ibrox, with Adam Idah equalising shortly after half time, before Daizen Maeda squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to snatch victory right at the death.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have therefore won only one of the five Glasgow derbies played this season, excluding penalty shootout victories, but it matters not, given that the Celts were crowned champions a week earlier, still a whopping 17 points clear at the top.

Nevertheless, Rodgers will still want to see his side get back to winning ways when third-placed Hibs visit Parkhead on Saturday, with the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen to come at Hampden a fortnight later.

Off the park, attention has already turned towards plans for the summer transfer window, so do Celtic have a player from within the Premiership in their sights?

Latest on Celtic's summer transfer search

According to a report by Stephen McGowan of the Herald, Celtic are ‘considering’ a move to sign Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan on a free transfer, with his contract at Pittodrie set to expire this summer.

Given that Kasper Schmeichel is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Viljami Sinisalo has started Celtic’s last six matches in goal, earning decent reviews, with Graeme McGarry of the National outlining that the 23-year-old has taken ‘it all in his stride’.

It’s unclear where Doohan would fit into the pecking order, but his potential arrival could see current third-choice Scott Bain depart, having not featured since a two-minute cameo on the final day of last season.

Doohan, for his part, is currently second-choice at Aberdeen, behind Dimitar Mitov, albeit he has made 18 appearances this season, described as “brilliant” by Dons captain Graeme Shinnie, following Celtic’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Pittodrie in December.

So now, could the 27-year-old, who was previously on Celtic’s books between 2013 and 2022 without ever making a senior appearance, be set to return to Glasgow’s East End?

Celtic's best value-for-money signings from within the Premiership

It’s hardly the most inventive or ingenious strategy, but Celtic have often sign the best players from within the Scottish Premiership, not only strengthening themselves, but simultaneously weakening their rivals in the process.

Here is a selection of the most recent examples.

Celtic signings from within the SPFL (2015-present)
Players	Selling club	Fee	Celtic appearances
Luke McCowan	Dundee	£1m	37*
Benjamin Siegrist	Dundee United	Free	2
David Turnbull	Motherwell	£3.25m	134
Greg Taylor	Kilmarnock	£2.2m	213*
Scott Bain	Dundee	Free	78*
Jonny Hayes	Aberdeen	£1m	68
Lewis Morgan	St Mirren	£300k	31
Jack Hendry	Dundee	£1.5m	27
Nadir Çiftçi	Dundee United	£1.5m	26
Scott Allan	Hibernian	£275k	17
Ryan Christie	Inverness CT	£500k	151
Gary Mackay-Steven	Dundee United	£250k	62
Stuart Armstrong	Dundee United	£2.5m	144
*indicates that the player is still at the club
All statistics and information courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table proves, Celtic’s domestic signings over the last decade have been pretty hit-and-miss; Greg Taylor, Ryan Christie and Stuart Armstrong all made a big impression, while others, looking at you Benjamin Siegrist, contributed very little at all.

The Hoops’ most recent signing from within the Premiership is Luke McCowan, who arrived from Dundee on deadline day last summer for a reported £1m, and has impressed during his first season in Glasgow.

To date, the 27-year-old has scored six goals and registered seven assists in hoops, with Rodgers describing the midfielder as “absolutely brilliant”, adding that he’s probably “been unfortunate not to play more” throughout the season.

Thus, McCowan proves that value can be found within the Premiership, which is certainly something for Celtic to think about ahead of the summer.

Doohan, for his part, has gained plenty of experience since departing Celtic after seven years at the club as a youngster, making 80 appearances for Ayr United, 60 for Tranmere Rovers, 20 for Aberdeen and 19 in the colours of Forest Green Rovers.

In this season’s Premiership, Doohan has registered a 54.4% save percentage, saving 33 of the 59 shots on target he has faced, keeping only two clean sheets in 14 starts but, should he move to Celtic, that ratio would surely be significantly higher.

Celtic could sign a perfect £7m Jota replacement this summer

Celtic may be in the market for a new winger after they lost Jota to a long-term injury.

By
Dan Emery

May 5, 2025

Manchester City first visited Goodison Park on 28 April 1900, beaten 4-0 that day, and Saturday’s visit will be the Sky Blues’ 101st and final outing at the stadium.

Supporters of a sky-blue persuasion will be sad to see the stadium close, considering Man City have won each of their last eight visits there, despite winning only one of the first 21.

Come three o’clock, there will be no room for sentiment, given that Pep Guardiola’s team need the points in their quest for Champions League qualification, currently fifth, but with both Chelsea and Aston Villa breathing down their necks.

If Guardiola is going to lead his team to victory on Merseyside, we believe he should unleash his “incredible” star at number ten.

İlkay Gündoğan's difficult Manchester City return

Last summer, after just one season at Barcelona, İlkay Gündoğan rejoined Manchester City on a free transfer.

This was widely considered to be a shrewd piece of business, with former Chelsea and Aston Villa midfielder Andy Townsend labelling this a “smart” move.

Meantime, Elias Burke and Anantaajith Raghuraman of the Athletic described the German international as one of Guardiola’s ‘most reliable servants’, forecasting he would continue to be ‘influential’ and that the signing was a complete ‘no-brainer’.

However, things have not transpired this way, with Guardiola himself describing Gündoğan’s performance against Newcastle in September as “one of the worst” he has seen from him.

Meanwhile, speaking during Sky Sports’ coverage, Jamie Redknapp slammed the German for not doing the basics during Man City’s 4-0 mauling at the hands of Spurs, stating “I think Gündoğan has really struggled… to deal with the intensity of this match.”

So, let’s assess how Gündoğan’s statistics compare this season to his most recent campaign at the club, prior to his move to Barça.

İlkay Gündoğan 2022/23 vs 2024/25 comparison
Statistics	Gündoğan 22/23	Gündoğan 24/25
Appearances	51	43
Minutes	3,856	2,711
Starts	45	31
Matches missed due to injury	Zero	Zero
Goals	11	2
Assists	6	4
Goals – xG	+1.3	-2.7
Expected goals	7.5	2.7
Expected assists	3.3	2.6
Shots per 90	2.03	1.16
Shots on target %	37.7%	17.4%
Pass completion %	87.1%	89.4%
Shot-creating actions	90	66
Goal-creating actions	17	9
Tackles	30	22
Interceptions	20	12
Ball recoveries	155	92
Touches per 90	69	80
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and FBref.com

As the table outlines, Gündoğan’s statistics this season are almost comprehensively down across the board, with pass completion percentage and touches per 90 the only two that have increased.

So, after starting the last five matches, we believe Guardiola should leave the German on the bench at Goodison and start a more creative attacking force in his place.

A Man City star is looking to rediscover his best form

Earlier this month, Jack Grealish ended his 473-day wait for a Premier League goal, on target during Manchester City’s routine 2-0 home win over Leicester.

That night, the England international was deployed in a more central number ten role, with Guardiola describing his performance as “incredible”, adding “this is a guy who used to play free, between the lines, he’s got the ability to control the ball and play an extra pass”.

Meantime, as outlined by Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, Grealish performed much better in a central number ten role during that game, having been handed a first start in the Premier League since just before Christmas.

Last weekend against Crystal Palace, Guardiola deployed a rather stodgy midfield trio of Nico González, Mateo Kovačić and the aforementioned Gündoğan.

This Saturday, against David Moyes’ Everton, who will defend deep in a low block, Man City will require an extra spark of attacking creativity, and Grealish could be the man to provide exactly this.

Worth even more than Wirtz: Man City struck gold on "extraordinary" star

Man City have hit the jackpot with one of Pep Guardiola’s star men

By
Joe Nuttall

Apr 18, 2025

This summer presents the first major opportunity for Ruben Amorim to make wholesale changes to his Manchester United squad after taking the reins back in November.

The 40-year-old oversaw the January transfer window, but the one-month period wasn’t enough time for the manager to offload and sign players to improve his squad.

It’s safe to say transfers are needed, with the Red Devils currently occupying 13th place in the Premier League, sitting 15 points off the top four with just seven matches remaining.

Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven have both already arrived at Old Trafford under Amorim’s time in charge, with the pair proving to be money well spent – with the left-back cementing his place as a result starter since his £30m transfer.

If the side are to progress in 2025/26, such additions are needed when the window opens in a few months, with one player already emerging as a key target ahead of the summer.

Man Utd make contact to land new goalkeeper

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, United have made contact with Brighton and Hove Albion over a potential move for goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen this summer.

Despite their interest in the 22-year-old, they face stern competition from Bayern Munich and AC Milan for the Dutchman’s signature, which could lead to a bidding war.

He’s been the Seagulls’ number-one choice between the sticks this season, keeping six clean sheets in his 29 Premier League appearances – playing a key role in their hunt for European football.

The report states that the Red Devils have asked about a potential deal in the coming months, but that no fee has been touted for a move to Old Trafford.

It would be yet another key addition made by the club’s hierarchy, allowing Amorim to sign an upgrade on one player currently plying his trade in the North West.

Why Verbruggen would be an upgrade on Onana for United

Senegalese international Andre Onana has struggled to make a huge positive impact for United since his £47m move from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023.

The 29-year-old was seen as the perfect replacement for the outgoing David de Gea, but nearly two years on, he’s failed to deliver – leading to major criticism about his performances.

This season alone, Onana has made three errors leading to goals in the Premier League, undoubtedly contributing to their lowly standing in 2024/25, with Amorim needing to make a brutal call over his future.

His showing against Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night was another example of his inability to deliver, being at fault for both of the hosts’ goals – proving Nemanja Matic’s claim right in the process.

There’s no denying that the Red Devils would’ve returned from France with a lead heading into the second leg, but his unforgivable mistakes could see the side end the season trophyless.

Such showings have led to rumours over a move for Verbruggen, with the current Brighton star massively outperforming the former Inter Milan ace in numerous key areas throughout 2024/25.

The Dutchman, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by journalist John Bennett, has saved more shots per 90 this campaign, whilst also stopping more crosses – offering that commanding presence the Red Devils have lacked.

Games played

29

31

Goals conceded

46

41

Saves made

2.8

2.7

Crosses stopped

0.9

0.6

Pass accuracy

78%

72%

Passes completed per game

33

31

Points per game

1.5

1.2

He’s also completed more of his attempted passes, whilst achieving a higher point per game record, and having the ability to save the side in key moments – something which Onana has been unable to do.

Given the mistakes made by the 29-year-old in recent years, the club simply can’t afford to stick with him next season, undoubtedly missing out on more key points if he remains the number one option.

They may lose a hefty chunk on their big-money investment, but they desperately need to offload him when the window opens, with Verbruggen a great option to replace the error-prone shot-stopper.

It's not Bruno: Man Utd's "generational talent" can be their answer to Rice

Man Utd could already have their own version of Declan Rice, having missed out on the Englishman

ByRobbie Walls Apr 9, 2025

Wicketkeeper puts rare first-day blemish behind him to score his third fifty in five Test innings

Matt Roller22-Aug-2024It can pay to have a short memory, not least for a Test match wicketkeeper. The ability to compartmentalise – or, better still, forget altogether – a missed opportunity behind the stumps is a priceless trait in any format; it is further heightened when a mistake on the first day of a match can have repercussions that stretch long into the fifth.It was not until the fourth match of Jamie Smith’s Test career that he faced that challenge. Smith was faultless with the gloves throughout England’s 3-0 whitewash against West Indies last month but missed his first chance on the opening day against Sri Lanka in Manchester: a fluffed stumping on the first afternoon.The miss did not prove especially costly, and was a difficult chance. On 65, Dhananjaya de Silva skipped down the pitch and yorked himself as Shoaib Bashir saw him coming, darting the ball in fast and flat. Smith couldn’t quite gather the ball cleanly, the ball bouncing out of his hands; Dhananjaya only added nine more runs before he was caught at leg slip.Even still, it represented the first setback of Smith’s Test career. He admitted last week that he had found the West Indies series both mentally and physically “draining” despite all three Tests ending inside four days. He cited the “added pressure” that comes with international cricket: however small it was, nobody would have been more aware of his mistake than him.That backdrop made his innings on this gloomy Thursday in Manchester even more impressive. Promoted to No. 6 in Ben Stokes’ absence, Smith walked out to bat in the 26th over with the ball reverse-swinging, which had just accounted for Joe Root. With a longer tail than usual behind him and England still 111 behind, this represented real jeopardy.But as Smith has already demonstrated, he has the temperament to deal with most challenges. He calmly flicked his first ball off his pads for four, skipped down the pitch to his 22nd to launch Prabath Jayasuriya over long-on, and swung his 95th through midwicket to move into the 70s in what proved to be the final over of the day.Smith went up and down the gears in his innings, going through occasional lulls against Jayasuriya in particular when his only focus seemed to be survival. But he picked his moments to attack, freeing his arms when Kamindu Mendis tossed up some offbreaks and slugging Asitha Fernando through the leg side when he dropped short.Related

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• Mathews fights after Smith's maiden hundred, but England close in on victory

“We talk about being positive and aggressive, and putting teams under pressure,” Marcus Trescothick, England’s assistant coach, said. “But the skill is to identify the moments when it’s the right time. We’re trying to gather times when we can really put the foot down and drive home what we’re trying to do, but there are also times when we have to sit in.”On Friday, he will resume with the chance to underline his ability to bat with the lower order, one of the reasons which underpinned his call-up in the first place. This was already the third time out of four that he has added 50 or more in a partnership with Chris Woakes, but he now has the opportunity to prove he can marshal the tail.He has already showcased his six-hitting ability in Test cricket, clearing both the Tavern Stand at Lord’s and the Hollies Stand at Edgbaston. The temporary stand at deep midwicket at Emirates Old Trafford would be the biggest challenge of the lot, but his first task is simply to extend England’s first-innings lead, which is only 23 overnight.Smith turned 24 last month and every innings that he plays in an England shirt has felt like a tantalising look into the future, not least during his 62-run partnership with Harry Brook in Manchester on Thursday. He bats at No. 4 for Surrey and could yet find himself playing as a specialist batter: “I don’t think we’ve really discussed where he’ll end up batting,” Trescothick admitted.Therein lies the other reason why it might pay for Smith to have as short a memory as possible. His predecessor as England’s Test wicketkeeper, Ben Foakes, spent six years in and out of the side. As well as Foakes, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler have found themselves playing with and without the gloves, while regularly shuffling up and down the order.Rare is the England wicketkeeper who has an extended run in a single role, as Smith has already found with this promotion to No. 6 in only his fourth Test. But crucially, his performances across his first three-and-a-half Tests – 17 catches, three half-centuries in five innings – have silenced any debate over whether he deserves the gloves – for the time being, at least.For now, his challenge is simply to stay in the moment. England’s challenges get progressively harder over the next 18 months, with series against Pakistan, New Zealand, India and Australia, but Smith has made a serene start to life as a Test cricketer.

There’s a new hierarchy among the quicks, the expectations from the team are low, and the think tank appears out of ideas

Mohammad Isam14-Oct-2022Taskin the leader of the pack
Having recovered from a back injury, Taskin Ahmed returned to form during Bangladesh’s disappointing Asia Cup campaign in the UAE, and bowled with fire in the tri-series.Taskin did not finish with great numbers – just two wickets at an economy rate of 7.58 in three games – but he is quite clearly the leader of the attack along with Hasan Mahmud, who has been impressive despite injury problems this year. Mahmud finished as Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in the tri-series – four wickets in three games with an economy of 7.91.Strange as it sounds, Mustafizur Rahman might not be in Bangladesh’s first-choice XI at the World Cup. After an excellent 2021, Mustafizur has had a mediocre year so far, with eight wickets in 12 games. Following a wicketless first game in New Zealand, he was benched for the rest of the tri-series.With time still left to make tweaks to the World Cup XI, it’s not inconceivable that Bangladesh might bring in Shoriful Islam, with either Mustafizur or Ebadot Hossain going out, even though Mohammad Saifuddin’s all-round abilities appear to be on the wane.Shakib Al Hasan can be expected to do his job, but he needs support•Getty ImagesShakib holds the middle-order key
Shakib Al Hasan struck two fifties in the tri-series, attacking innings that threatened both New Zealand and Pakistan. But, not for the first time, he lacked support.Shakib is likely to bat at No. 4 in the World Cup, giving him enough time to build his innings, attack or consolidate as the situation demands – and he can do both. He must be the bridge between a misfiring top order and a capable but off-colour middle order. Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan and Yasir Ali will have to support Shakib, something they largely failed to do in New Zealand. Afif has been in form leading up to this stage, while Mosaddek showed his abilities at the Asia Cup, but it all needs to work in tandem.Death-overs trouble
Bangladesh are an ordinary T20 team, and their death-overs batting has been super-ordinary. This year, they have the lowest run rate [minimum 15 innings] in the last five overs, and it doesn’t improve even in the last three overs, with the designated finishers Nurul and Yasir failing more often than not.As such, Shakib, Yasir and Nurul all have strike rates of over 160 in the last five overs, but there’s a severe dearth of boundary-hitting ability there, particularly when they walk out in the death overs. Bangladesh have hit a total of 15 sixes in the last three overs in T20Is this year, compared to India’s 51 or even Zimbabwe’s 25.Soumya Sarkar’s return is an indication of the selectors’ lack of ideas•AFP via Getty ImagesThe opening conundrum
Bangladesh have used 12 different opening combinations in 19 T20Is since the last World Cup, including four in as many games in the tri-series. They have all struggled, and the team management appears to have run out of ideas.That Bangladesh have gone back to Soumya Sarkar – who looked like he was out of the picture after the 2021 T20 World Cup – gives an idea of the confusion. In the interim period, Sarkar had scored 164 runs at a strike rate of 109.33 in the BPL, but it’s clear that the selectors are desperate now.Litton Das has been the best opener during this difficult time, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz has stepped up too. What will their opening combination be for the T20 World Cup?Preparations good, expectations nil
Bangladesh beat Australia and New Zealand 4-1 and 3-2 respectively before last year’s T20 World Cup. But both those opponents had left out first-choice players for the tours, when games were played on awful pitches in Mirpur. Australia and New Zealand went on to contest the final in Dubai; Bangladesh lost all their Super 12s matches.This time, Bangladesh took a slightly better approach, playing the tri-series in New Zealand instead of at home, and against top sides with their best players in the mix. The results have been poor, but they might be better prepared compared to the last T20 World Cup.There, however, is very little expectation from this side. Bangladesh have won just four T20Is this year: two against UAE, and one each against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.

Didn’t open, didn’t bowl in the first six, but still made quite an impact

Saurabh Somani08-Oct-20201:20

Stephen Fleming: ‘Narine holding overs back made it difficult in the back end’

The question was asked in both innings when the Kolkata Knight Riders took on the Chennai Super Kings. While batting, Narine didn’t walk out to open. When bowling, the Super Kings had gone to 94 for 1 in 11 overs before Narine was handed the ball.He hadn’t had a great time at the top of the order, true, with 27 runs off 31 balls in four innings in IPL 2020; each time he was troubled by short bowling delivered at pace. Narine’s entire career as an opener has been fashioned in the vein of what street cricket calls the ‘hit out or get out’ method. But with four successive games of swinging and missing, hanging on the back foot and unable to capitalise on the balls that didn’t hit that length, it was on the cards that Narine would be moved down the order. Except, the Super Kings didn’t have the kind of attack that could pull off a sustained short-ball barrage. Maybe, the Knight Riders had demoted Narine a match early?As it turned out, they hadn’t. It’s possible that Narine’s failures at the top of the order were playing on his mind to an extent where he would be more liability than asset in that position. “Just hasn’t quite worked for him at the top of the order in the first few games of the tournament so far. A change is as good as a holiday they say,” the Knight Riders’ bowling coach Kyle Mills would say after the match.ALSO READ: Talking Points: Why did Sunil Narine bowl so late?Instead, Dinesh Karthik and the Knight Riders used Narine tactically. Mills described the role he performed as that of a “pinch hitter”. Essentially, that’s what Narine was doing at the top of the order anyway; he just did it at No. 4 in this match. The batting position wasn’t as important as the stage of the game he came in at. The Knight Riders had lost Nitish Rana on the first ball of the ninth over, with Karn Sharma bowling his legbreaks. A left-hander to a legspinner is a natural match-up. So why not send in Eoin Morgan, in great touch himself and one of the world’s most accomplished white-ball batsmen? For two connected reasons. Narine’s wicket was more expendable than Morgan’s at that stage, and what was needed was to inject some momentum into the innings in the middle overs, where traditionally bowling sides control the run rate more. Second, Narine’s entry would have left MS Dhoni with two options: either continue using spinners and risk them going for plenty, or bring back one of his fast bowlers and risk having a few less overs of pace at the death than he would like.

The Knight Riders could have either had one of their rookie pacers partner Russell at the death, or Narine. They went for Narine, keeping faith in his ability to tie down, and fox, even set batsmen.

The only downside to the tactic of sending in a pinch-hitter in T20s is the risk of the pinch-hitter getting into a rut, and slowing things down rather than speeding them up. With Narine, that risk is minimal: ‘hit out or get out’.Tactically, the move worked perfectly. Narine made a typical Narine score of 17 off 9, and the third-wicket stand brought 28 runs in 2.5 overs. Among other things, it also probably played a part in Dhoni not calling on Ravindra Jadeja to bowl at all. Narine was also out early enough that it left space for Morgan and Andre Russell to launch at the death. That they fell cheaply didn’t diminish the tactical use of Narine.The bowling plan was harder to fathom in the first half of the Super Kings’ chase. The Knight Riders had only got 167, about 25 to 30 runs short of what they looked like getting halfway into their innings. Before coming into this game, Narine’s match-up with the Super Kings’ top order was excellent: Shane Watson had scored 88 runs off 83 balls against Narine, being dismissed eight times (89 off 85 with nine dismissals after the match). Ambati Rayudu’s figures were 41 off 50, and dismissed thrice (44 off 55 after the match). Faf du Plessis had 16 off 26, out once. Surely the time to bring Narine was early on? With the new ball, but failing that, within the powerplay at least? Du Plessis fell, Watson and Rayudu bedded in, and Narine continued to prowl the outfield, with Karthik rotating all his other bowlers.Sunil Narine played a useful cameo from No. 4•BCCIIt seemed baffling because what the Knight Riders seemingly needed after a below-par total was early wickets. What they actually needed, was what Karthik and the Knight Riders think-tank sussed correctly: Narine operating entirely at the back end of the chase.The tactic could have failed if the Super Kings had got off to a blazing start, the kind that reduces the required rate by a whole point. It could have failed if Narine had an off-day with the ball. It could have failed even if some of the Super Kings batsmen had made better decisions. Of course, if the match had shaped differently, Karthik might well have called on Narine to bowl before the 12th over. But although Watson and Rayudu were cruising towards the target, they weren’t doing it at breakneck speed. Karthik gambled by bowling out Pat Cummins the over before he brought Narine on. Cummins needed to strike, but failing that, keep things quiet. He kept things quiet. Narine began wheeling away.”If you give an opportunity to an IPL team, an opening, and they’ve got quality players to take it – today with Narine holding overs back, it made it very difficult in the back end,” Stephen Fleming, the Super Kings coach, would say later.When Narine came on to bowl, ESPNcricinfo’s Smart Stats tool gave the Super Kings a win probability of 78.72%. When he had completed his second over, the match had altered radically with the win probability more than halved at 36.81%.”With the ball, yes he came in late in the piece but jeez the job he did at the back end of the innings,” Mills gushed. “So comforting sitting on the sidelines to know you’ve got an experienced individual with four overs up his sleeve out of the nine overs left in the innings.”The Knight Riders have not used Cummins at the death since he got pasted in their first game. They’ve identified Russell as one of their death-overs specialists. They could have either had one of their rookie pacers partner Russell at the death, or Narine. They went for Narine, keeping faith in his ability to tie down, and fox, even set batsmen. They kept faith in his match-up with Dhoni which is even more startling than the rest, standing now at 39 runs off 80 balls with two dismissals and boundaries. They kept faith in his ability to bowl against a daunting asking rate. And they kept faith in the tactical ploy that had been devised to mount a successful defence.On the day, Narine repaid that faith handsomely.

It’s been a fairly positive international break for Newcastle United and one player has now been the subject of high praise from former Manchester City star Micah Richards.

Newcastle stars shine on international duty

To no surprise, Nick Woltemade has been the main Newcastle name in the headlines. The German continued his good form from club level by scoring for his nation as they edged past Northern Ireland. It’s now five goals in all competitions for Newcastle’s record signing since arriving at St James’ Park and he looks unlikely to slow down anytime soon.

It’s also been a strong international break for Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian started both games for his nation as they smashed South Korea 5-0 before falling to an unexpected 3-2 defeat against Japan. However, the fact that he kept hold of his starting place as Carlo Ancelotti’s reign commenced, is a positive sign ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

There was one player that certainly didn’t enjoy his time away from Tyneside, though, and that’s Anthony Elanga. The winger has been part of a struggling Sweden side yet to win a game in World Cup qualifying and only saw his nation’s misery continue in defeats against Kosovo and Switzerland.

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Given that the former Nottingham Forest winger is also yet to score for Newcastle, the last thing he needed was more frustration with his country. He, as well as Eddie Howe, will be hoping for an upturn in form when the Magpies return to action.

That said, the same doesn’t apply to one of his teammates, who is beginning to rediscover his best form and earn deserved praise as a result.

Micah Richards: Gordon "next level" compared to Rashford

Left in awe of the Newcastle winger after he scored his second goal for England in a 5-0 thrashing of Latvia, Richards claimed that Gordon is the “next level” above Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United after putting pen to paper on a £12m-a-year deal.

Heaping praise on Gordon, Richards said: “I think Gordon. I think Gordon. And that’s why I was talking about Rashford, because Rashford’s doing well at Barcelona, as I’ve mentioned, but Gordon, I think he’s took his game to the next level.

“I think he’s always been a confident boy. He’s always been able to go both ways. He’s played a little bit up front in that number nine role.

“He’s definitely best out, out wide, but I think his final ball’s getting a lot better. Don’t forget, when he goes down that side, he’s coming on to his left foot, but some of the balls he put in tonight, they were a lot better than I’ve seen previously. So I think he did well tonight.”

This is not the finest version of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, but there’s no question that the Magpies have made a measure of headway after a tough summer transfer window and a tough start to the season.

It’s been a strange old season for the Premier League so far. Spoils are there for all, but there is also the threat of sunken expectations for many outfits across the division. We are approaching Christmas, and Newcastle are 12th in the standings, yet trail Crystal Palace in the top four by only four points.

Say what you will about United’s lack of eloquence on the field at times – they toiled through the opening half-hour against Burnley at the weekend, and came under the cosh late on against the ten-man relegation contenders – but there remains a spirit and resourcefulness about this team that few rivals can match.

However, improvements are needed, and no mistake, with Anthony Elanga in particular still yet to repay the faith invested in him this summer.

Elanga's start to life at Newcastle

Elanga enjoyed a bright cameo off the bench during Newcastle’s recent draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, but it was a case of one step forward and two steps back when he flattered to deceive from the opening whistle against Burnley.

The 24-year-old has yet to score for the Toon, having filled a long-running gap on ther right wing at St. James Park this summer when signing from Nottingham Forest for £55m.

Perhaps what’s most frustrating is that Elanga was profiled extensively ahead of the ultimate acquisition; indeed, Newcastle tried and failed to sign the pacy winger in 2024.

He is talented enough and has enough Premier League experience to turn things around, but this is becoming something of a problem for Howe’s side, who need his speed and creativity and fluency down the right flank.

Analyst Raj Chohan said the £100k-per-week talent has been “a massive overpay”, and on the basis of the evidence over the past few months, this may be on the money, as it were.

Matches (starts)

38 (31)

15 (6)

Goals

6

0

Assists

11

1

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.6)

0.5 (0.2)

Pass completion

78%

81%

Key passes*

1.3

0.5

Big chances created

9

1

Dribbles*

0.7

0.3

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

0.5

Duels (won)*

3.0 (45%)

1.7 (36%)

Sadly, Elanga wasn’t the addition the Magpies seem to have blundered on, with another making the Sweden international shine in comparison.

Newcastle "wasted their bag" on summer signing

Since Howe and PIF changed the narrative on Tyneside, Newcastle have been widely praised for their shrewd and calculated transfer business.

However, that reputation was knocked askew this summer, with Alexander Isak forcing his way over to Liverpool and a multitude of targets rejecting the Toon.

Howe did end up packaging his squad with a range of players, but Jacob Ramsey might be shaping into the worst of the lot, having arrived from Aston Villa for a £40m fee in August.

Like Elanga, Ramsey played from the opening whistle against the Clarets, and though Elanga left something to be desired, the former Villan star struggled to provide even a measure of his quality on an afternoon that demanded a big performance, such is the competitive nature of Howe’s squad.

The aforementioned Chohan remarked that Newcastle “wasted their bag” on the English playmaker this summer, who has already endured a continuation of the injury problems that had plagued him at Aston Villa, limiting him to just two starting appearances, the second of which may lead to a return to the bench, overshadowed by Joe Willock against a Burnley side who were afforded too much time and space.

Chronicle Live were quick to draw attention to Ramsey’s poor performance, branding the 24-year-old with a 5/10 match rating and criticising the needless concession of a late penalty which set up a nervy finish.

Minutes played

89′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

73

Shots (on target

1 (0)

Accurate passes

56/60 (93%)

Chances created

1

Dribbles

1/2

Recoveries

8

Tackles

1/2

Duels won

4/5

He was tidy enough and resilient in defence, notably winning four of five contested duels against Burnley and showcasing his athleticism with eight ball recoveries, but Ramsey was purchased for his flair and initiative on the ball, and it was a fine representation of neither.

While there’s a sense at the club that Joelinton is winding down after a long and tireless career of service, there have been more than a few murmurs pertaining to Howe’s desire to bring Elliot Anderson back home, and a move such as that would only hinder Ramsey in his hopes of nailing down a starting berth, especially given that he is contesting with Willock already for minutes.

While both Elanga and Ramsey have what it takes to raise their level at St. James’ Park, Howe will be determined to kick on after a testing start to the season and match, maybe even eclipse, last season’s trophy-winning success, qualifying for the Champions League too.

The importance of achieving their goals mean that Newcastle can take no prisoners, and must be ruthless in upgrading the squad to a level that sits comfortably alongside the game’s heavyweights both in England and across Europe.

Given that technical director Ross Wilson has suggested that Newcastle have money to burn heading into 2026, should they decide that signings are needed, someone like Ramsey must be a bit concerned for his role in the outfit, having completed a start that has left much to be desired.

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Sheffield United are now eyeing a January move for an “outstanding” ace who rejected a move to Arsenal during the summer transfer window.

Blades on the rise under Chris Wilder

After a disastrous start to the campaign, the Blades are now finally starting to hit a rich vein of form, having won their last four matches in the Championship, most recently making a real statement by defeating promotion-chasing Stoke City 4-0 at Bramall Lane.

Chris Wilder came agonisingly close to securing promotion last season, and a play-off push could be possible once again, given that the 2024-25 play-off finalists are now just eight points off the top six.

Wilder’s side have looked particularly impressive from a defensive point of view in recent weeks, keeping clean sheets in four out of their last five Championship matches, with Michael Cooper making one save from inside the box last time out.

However, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon (via Football League World), Sheffield United have started formulating plans to bring in a potential replacement in the upcoming transfer window, should interest arise in Cooper.

Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle is the player in question, with the Blades eyeing a January move for the goalkeeper, as there is a belief he would be able to make the jump to the second tier soon.

A move for Tickle is likely to hinge upon Cooper departing Bramall Lane, however, given that the Wigan star may not have any desire to leave his boyhood club if regular minutes elsewhere aren’t guaranteed.

The 23-year-old is highly regarded, with Burnley, Everton and West Ham United emerging as potential suitors during the summer transfer window, and he even turned down the opportunity to move to Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

"Outstanding" Tickle impressing in League One

Former Wigan manager Shaun Maloney has lavished the English shot-stopper with praise in the past, saying: “His attitude – both on and off the field – has been exemplary. Sam is an outstanding young talent and we’re looking forward to working with him over the next few years to help continue his development.”

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This season, the Warrington-born goalkeeper has continued to impress, conceding just three goals in his last six League One games, while also managing to keep clean sheets in his last two outings.

As such, Tickle may now be ready to make the step-up to the second tier, and it could be worth considering a January move, given that Cooper has struggled at times this season, receiving a SofaScore match rating of 6.1 in the 3-2 win at Leicester City, after making just one save.

The 26-year-old also struggled in the 3-2 defeat at Preston North End, again making just one save, so it may be about time Sheffield United bring in a replacement, and the Wigan goalkeeper could be up to the task.