An 11-member independent panel including existing Hall of Famers, former players and journalists voted for the inductees

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2025

Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan to the top of the ICC Test rankings in 2016•AFP

Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Mohammad and Saeed Anwar have been inducted into the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Hall of Fame. They join ten others in the Hall of Fame, which was launched by the PCB in 2021.”On behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board, I extend heartfelt congratulations to these four cricketing legends on their well-deserved inductions into the PCB Hall of Fame,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement. “This honour represents a tribute to their outstanding contributions to Pakistan cricket and to the global game”Mushtaq Mohammad is regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest captains, known for his astute leadership and inspiring style. Inzamam-ul-Haq’s immense talent and match-winning ability have left an indelible mark on the sport. Misbah-ul-Haq took charge of the Pakistan team during challenging times, guiding it to the pinnacle of Test rankings and achieving a historic series win in the Caribbean. Saeed Anwar, with his natural grace and classical technique, redefined the role of an opener and thrived against some of the world’s best bowlers under all conditions.Inzamam, who helped Pakistan win the 1992 ODI World Cup, played 120 Tests, 378 ODIs and a lone T20I. He scored 8830 Test runs and 11,739 runs in ODIs. His 329 against New Zealand in 2002 is the second-highest Test score by a Pakistan batter, eight short of the record held by Hanif Mohammad.”I owe immense gratitude to my fellow cricketers, dedicated support staff and my family, without whom this journey would not have been possible,” Inzamam said. “Representing Pakistan during an era with such high-caliber players was a privilege and their influence played a vital role in my growth and development as a batter.”Inzamam’s induction into the Hall of Fame means the internal conflict of interest inquiry initiated by the PCB administration of Zaka Ashraf against him in 2023 when he was chief selector is over with no consequences against him.Anwar amassed 4052 runs in 55 Tests and 8824 runs in 247 ODIs. His 194 against India in 1997 was the highest ODI score at the time.”It’s humbling to join the ranks of my childhood heroes and team-mates with whom I shared and celebrated some of the most defining moments of Pakistan cricket,” Anwar said. “As an opening batter, I was privileged to play in an era graced by some of the most talented and accomplished cricketers who represented Pakistan. I cherished every moment of laying the foundation for our team, taking on the world’s best bowlers, and partnering with match-winners to bring joy to our fans.”Misbah is among Pakistan’s most successful Test captains. He took over the captaincy after the spot-fixing scandal in 2010 and led Pakistan to the No. 1 ranking in 2016.”Representing Pakistan was an absolute privilege, captaining the team was a profound honour and this recognition by the Pakistan Cricket Board serves as the perfect crowning achievement of my journey,” Misbah said.Mushtaq made his Test debut at the age of 15 in 1959 and remained the youngest debutant in Test cricket until 1996. He scored his first Test hundred at the age of 17 and went on to play 57 Tests and ten ODIs. He memorably led Pakistan to their first Test win in Australia.”To be honored and recognised 45 years after playing my last match for Pakistan is truly humbling,” Mushtaq said. “Joining a small group of some of the finest cricketers, including my legendary brother Hanif, is even more gratifying.”The inductees were voted in by an 11-member independent panel that included existing Hall of Famers Wasim Akram Zaheer Abbas, former Pakistan players Azhar Ali, Bismah Maroof and Nain Abidi, and six cricket journalists and analysts.

October 20 will go down as one of New Zealand cricket’s unforgettable dates. Their women’s team delivered the country’s maiden victory in the T20I World Cup in Dubai, hours after the men’s team recorded a Test win in India after a wait of 36 years.As a nation of four million clocked in to work on Monday morning, Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates – “grandmas of the team” as Bates laughed in jest – had just about finished theirs, getting their hands on the Women’s T20 World Cup trophy, the cup that had agonisingly got away from them 14 years ago at Kensington Oval.It was fitting that the two legends, who have carried the country’s cricket ecosystem for so long, through issues with depth and limited financial resources, could enjoy the night of their lives in the twilight of their storied careers.Related

• Kerr, Devine and Bates smash records on historic day for NZ

Amelia Kerr, who had hoped to dedicate the win to the golden oldies, couldn’t have stepped up with a more impactful effort – top scoring with 43, while also picking up three wickets, all with a slight limp due to cramps.For added context, New Zealand had come into the tournament on a streak of 10 T20I losses, the longest losing streak any team has turned around to win a cricket World Cup. On this night, all of that didn’t matter though.

Bates and New Zealand come out swinging

New Zealand came out punching knowing 134 and 141 by Australia and England respectively had been razed at this venue over the past few days. They lost Georgia Plimmer – who’d struck a couple of fours – in the second over, but Bates quickly took over. She had been striking at 90.77 in five innings coming into the final; here she showed intent right from the get go, getting a boundary – walloped over midwicket – off her second ball. But from 17 off 13, she slowed down as the introduction of spin made stroke-making a challenge.By then, the pressure of a final had by then begun to gnaw at both teams. Marizanne Kapp missed a potential run-out opportunity against Bates in the fifth over when she couldn’t cleanly pick up a nudge at square leg. Sinalo Jafta missed a stumping opportunity in the sixth, failing to collect the ball as Bates was dragged out. It cost South Africa just 12 more though, as Bates fell for a 31-ball 32 attempting a ramp off Nonkululeko Mlaba in the eighth over.Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu celebrate New Zealand’s T20 World Cup win•ICC/Getty Images

Halliday injects momentum with her career-best

The dismissals of Bates and Sophie Devine – due to the slowness of the surface – left New Zealand needing a massive effort from their middle order.They went through 48 deliveries without a boundary in the middle overs. Kerr struggled, and didn’t find her hitting range until the last few deliveries of her 38-ball vigil that brought 43. It wasn’t until the arrival of Brooke Halliday, the left-hander, did New Zealand break out of a rut.Halliday brought out a slog sweep in the 14th off Sune Luus to break the boundary drought, and once the shackles were broken, New Zealand had another boundary off the very next ball. By jumping around the crease and opening scoring areas behind square on the leg side through sweeps and slogs, Halliday’s presence breathed life into an innings that had been struggling to get out of second gear.Halliday’s enterprise helped raise a half-century stand off just 37 balls with Kerr playing a support role. Halliday’s highest in T20Is, in 32 previous innings, had been 33 while striking at 82. Here, under the pressure of a final, Halliday’s career-best 38 had come of 28.Brooke Halliday upped New Zealand’s scoring•Associated Press

A cameo from Maddy Green provided New Zealand a late lift: 48 off the last five, as they finished with 158, two less than the score they comfortably defended against India in their tournament opener.

Woolvardt counter-punches for South Africa

New Zealand took a cue from their batting innings and introduced spin in the second over with Eden Carson and Fran Jonas trying to apply the squeeze. For the first three overs, South Africa managed just two boundaries, but kept hitting the ball into gaps to keep up with the asking rate.In last year’s final, Laura Wolvaardt held the chase together, trying to get into a position from where she could tee off amid a collapse. Here, she decided to punch away as the enforcer, picking lengths early and pummelling with her strong forearms, showing a side of her game that is in stark opposition to her artistry.With Tazmin Brits solid, it was the first time in the tournament that New Zealand failed to pick up a wicket in the powerplay. At 47 for 0, South Africa were on course.Laura Wolvaardt got off to a flying start but it was not enough for South Africa•Francois Nel/Getty Images

South Africa in free fall after Wolvaardt’s dismissal

Jonas broke through to dismiss Brits in the seventh, but it was Wolvaardt’s dismissal, attempting to hit Kerr inside-out only to find Bates at extra cover, that had a deflating effect on South Africa. That was Bates’ first of three catches in the innings. Five balls later, Kerr had her second when Anneke Bosch, who had knocked Australia out two nights ago with a sensational 74, tickled an attempted sweep to Izzy Gaze. Originally unsure if there was an edge, Kerr convinced Devine to review and was proven correct.Carson then dealt the blow that arguably ended South Africa’s hopes when she had Kapp mistiming a slog to deep midwicket in the 12th over. Kapp’s agonising walk back and Kerr’s ecstasy provided two contrasting emotions in one frame. A telling picture of who would have their hands on the trophy before the night was out.

اتخذ نادي مانشستر سيتي قرارًا حاسمًا بشأن النجم المصري عمر مرموش، فيما يتعلق ببطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا المرتقبة، التي ستنطلق في المغرب في شهر ديسمبر المقبل.

وتستضيف المغرب بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا في الفترة بين 21 ديسمبر و18 يناير المقبل.

ويشارك منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا حيث يتواجد في مجموعة تضم كلًا من أنجولا، جنوب إفريقيا وزيمبابوي.

وذكرت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية أن مانشستر سيتي لن يسمح لمهاجمه عمر مرموش بالتواجد في معسكر تدريبي رفقة منتخب بلاده قبل كأس أمم إفريقيا.

وعاد مرموش إلى الملاعب مؤخرًا بعد غياب دام أكثر من شهر، بسبب إصابة في الركبة تعرض لها خلال فترة التوقف الدولي في سبتمبر.

اقرأ أيضًا | مواعيد مباريات مانشستر سيتي في شهر نوفمبر 2025.. مواجهة ليفربول

وجاءت عودة مرموش تدريجيًا قبل خوضه مباراة سوانزي سيتي في كأس كاراباو يوم الأربعاء الماضي، حيث سجل هدفًا رائعًا وساهم في تأهل مانشستر سيتي إلى دور ربع النهائي.

وقد يفتقد مانشستر سيتي خدمات عمر مرموش لمدة تصل إلى 10 مباريات حال وصول منتخب مصر إلى الأدوار الإقصائية في كأس أمم إفريقيا.

وسيخوض منتخب مصر مباراة ودية ضد نيجيريا في 14 ديسمبر القادم، لكن مانشستر سيتي سيسافر إلى كريستال بالاس في الدوري الإنجليزي في نفس اليوم، ويرغب في أن يكون مرموش متاحًا.

وأوضحت الصحيفة أنه من المتوقع أن ينضم مرموش إلى منتخب بلاده بعد تلك المباراة أمام كريستال بالاس، بينما يواجه ليفربول قرارًا مشابهًا مع محمد صلاح، حيث قرر المدرب حسام حسن الاستعانة به.

ومن المقرر أن يواجه ليفربول برايتون في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز في اليوم السابق، ومن المرجح أن يُتخذ قرار بشأن مشاركة صلاح إذا ما تم اختياره، كما هو متوقع، من قبل مصر لمواجهة نيجيريا.

ويبدأ منتخب مصر مشواره في كأس أمم إفريقيا بمباراته ضد زيمبابوي يوم 22 ديسمبر، ثم جنوب إفريقيا 26 وأنجولا 29.

Hayes has given opportunities to 24 USWNT debutants and, while many have impressed, some have more work to do

Since leading the U.S. women’s national team to Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games, manager Emma Hayes wasted no time reshaping the squad’s future.

From the Olympics on, she handed out first caps to 24 different players – an extraordinary number in such a short span, and a clear signal of her intent to thoroughly evaluate the entire player pool ahead of the 2027 World Cup. 

This level of experimentation is rare for a USWNT head coach, but Hayes has emphasized the need to build a sustainable and competitive roster over time and has wanted to look at the entire playing pool – from youth to senior – since taking over the team last summer.

Several debutants impressed and staked claims for long-term roles, while others have faced setbacks due to injuries or inconsistency. As the team looks toward October fixtures, the selections made will likely offer the clearest picture yet of Hayes’s core roster and tactical vision for 2027.

INDIVISA breaks it all down in the USWNT Debutant Tier Rankings.

Getty ImagesHere for the long run

Phallon Tullis-Joyce: Based off recent performances, Tullis-Joyce may just be the No. 1 keeper, at the moment. Her pathway to starting in net for the USWNT has been far from linear. The goalkeeper began playing professionally for Reims in France, after not getting drafted into the NWSL following her collegiate career at University of Miami. She eventually found her way back to the NWSL, playing for OL Reign. In 2023, she signed with Manchester United in the WSL and then two years later was called into the national team camp and made her debut that April. Tullis-Joyce earned a clean sheet against Brazil, one of 10 USWNT keepers to earn a shutout in their first cap. She also recorded six saves.

Michelle Cooper: In her first performances under Hayes, Cooper made an immediate impact. After earning her first senior national team call‑up during the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, she debuted off the bench against Colombia. In her second cap against Australia, scored a stunning game‑winning goal. From her goal-scoring versatility, to her strength, size and service, Cooper is on a clear trajectory toward contention for the 2027 World Cup squad.

Gisele Thompson: At just 19 years old, Thompson has emerged as a standout young defender for both Angel City FC and the USWNT. After earning two senior caps during the 2025 SheBelieves Cup – debuting off the bench against Colombia and earning her first start versus Australia – she impressed Hayes. Her club season likewise featured meaningful moments, including scoring her first professional goal – assisted by sister Alyssa – forming the first sister‑to‑sister goal in NWSL history. Thompson has the ability to play up too, which makes her versatile.

Avery Patterson: Emerging as a dynamic defensive presence, Patterson has quickly made her mark on the USWNT. After earning her first senior cap in April - briefly subbing on in the second half of a 2-0 friendly win over Brazil – she earned her first start days later. In six appearances, she not only solidified her defensive stripes, but also scored her first senior international goal – heading one home in a 4-0 victory over Ireland. Patterson’s rapid ascent from Futures Camp attendee to senior team contributor reflects both her collegiate pedigree and her breakout rookie season with Houston Dash.

Ally Sentnor: After earning her first senior cap in November 2024 at Wembley Stadium, Sentnor started in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup – where the U.S. Youth Soccer Player of the Year drilled a stunning long-range strike for her first international goal. She added a second in the final match against Japan, becoming one of only six players to record goal contributions in all three games of the SheBelieves Cup. Her blend of calm finishing, intelligent movement, and natural goalscoring instincts mark her not just as a rising star, but as a potential no-brainer in the team’s future plans.

Claire Hutton: Just 19, Hutton has become a cornerstone of the USWNT midfield – and Sam Coffey's right-hand woman – by showcasing defensive maturity and tactical insight well beyond her years. Hutton earned her first senior cap in the SheBelieves Cup against Australia – starting and helping spring NWSL Kansas City teammate Michelle Cooper’s goal. Fellow midfielder Rose Lavelle told INDIVISA that she “plays well beyond her years."

Lily Yohannes: You're probably thinking, another teenager that can score? Perhaps, but even still, the 17-year-old has made a strikingly poised entry into the USWNT midfield, blending technical finesse with exceptional vision. Hayes handed her first senior call‑up in March 2024, and Yohannes didn’t waste time, scoring within her first 10 minutes on the field in a friendly against South Korea – becoming the third‑youngest goal scorer in USWNT history.

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Yazmeen Ryan: Making her senior debut for the USWNT in October 2024, Ryan immediately brought energy and pace from the wing. The Houston Dash forward has accumulated 12 caps and has found the back of the net twice, adding two assists. Her versatility – she's capable of playing central midfield, attacking midfield, and anywhere on the wing – is a strength. Still, we’ve only seen glimpses of what she can bring. Ryan needs to keep getting minutes.

Lilly Reale: Making her senior USWNT debut in June, Reale lined up at left back in a friendly against Ireland – and immediately left her mark by providing the assist for Alyssa Thompson’s goal in the 4-0 victory. Reale’s composure and ability to contribute going forward make her a compelling new face in the squad. But with just one cap and one decisive assist, the next step is clear: she needs more consistent minutes.

Izzy Rodriguez: Earning her first senior cap during the USWNT’s 4‑0 friendly win over Ireland in June, Rodriguez started at left-back and scored a first-half goal. It was special because she was the first USWNT player since Emma Sears (2013) to score in her first start. Even with the goal, the debut, and strong all around performance, Rodriguez will still need to get more consistent minutes.

Kerry Abello: Making her USWNT debut in June, Abello started at left-back in a 4-0 friendly win over Jamaica. The Orlando Pride defender has been instrumental in her club's success, and given her impact on the USWNT, she's another talented outside back that – with a little more time in front of Hayes – could make a strong case for herself.

Emma Sears: She made a remarkable debut for the USWNT last October. Sears came on as a 56th-minute substitute, assisted Lynn Biyendolo's equalizer and then scored in stoppage time. That made her the first USWNT debutant since Christen Press in 2013 to record both a goal and an assist in her first cap. Sears now has made eight appearance for the USWNT, but has a tough task to compete against other fast and technical wingers. One thing going for Sears? She is fit beyond measure and can keep up with the rigor an outside forward must bring at this level.

Getty ImagesShowing some promise

Tara Mckeown: In early 2025, McKeown received her first call-up for the SheBelieves Cup. She made her debut in the opening match against Colombia, starting at centerback alongside veteran Emily Sonnett and helping secure a shutout victory. McKeown has eight appearances, pairing with Sonnett during Naomi Girma's absence. The Washington Spirit defender could easily be the first off-the-bench option at centerback come 2027.

Emily Sams: After a standout 2024 season with the Orlando Pride, where she was named NWSL Defender of the Year and played a pivotal role in the team's league-leading defense, Sams earned her first senior cap last October. She started and played the full 90 in a 3-1 victory over Iceland. Sams has five appearences under Hayes, and is another promising option at centerback.

Sam Meza: She quickly emerged as a promising talent for the USWNT after a far from conventional pathway to the pros. Meza was selected 17th overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft by Seattle Reign FC, and her early professional journey included a loan to USL Super League's Dallas Trinity FC. Upon returning to Seattle in 2025, she became a key figure in the midfield, leading the team with 47 tackles and 29 tackles won, while also contributing two assists. Her performance in the NWSL earned her a call-up to the USWNT, and she made her senior debut in a 4-0 victory over Ireland, starting and playing 87 minutes. The midfielder has two caps under Hayes.

Eva Gaetino: In March 2024, Gaetino earned her first senior USWNT call-up for the SheBelieves Cup. She made her debut in a 3-0 victory over Argentina. At 22, her blend of physicality and international experience paints a promising future..

Claudia Dickey: Her remarkable shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box, especially during free kicks, earned her a call-up to the USWNT's January 2025 training camp. Dickey made her senior debut in a 4-0 victory over Ireland in June, becoming the 29th goalkeeper in USWNT history to earn a cap and the 10th to record a shutout in her debut. Dickey's blend of experience – she's been playing pro since 2022 – skill, and composure positions her as a promising candidate for the keeper pool.

Getty ImagesPerhaps?

Mandy McGlynn: In October 2024, McGlynn replaced an injured Jane Campbell, and then started in a friendly against Argentina, securing a 3-0 victory and recording a clean sheet. Since then, McGlynn has been a steady choice for Hayes in goal, earning the most minutes. Still, McGlynn has a lot of work to do to establish herself as the No. 1, and it doesn't help that she's in goal for Utah Royals in the NWSL – they sit in last place with 31 goals allowed. If McGlynn wants a legitimate chance at being named to the World Cup roster, she's going to have to find her niche goalkeeper skill – whether that's being a shot stopper, a strong distributor, or just all around more consistent.

Hal Hershfelt: After being selected fifth overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft by Washington Spirit, Hershfelt quickly became a fixture in the midfield. She rarely leaves a game un-bruised, as she's known for her tackling and box-to-box execution. Her performances at the club level earned her a call-up to the USWNT's training camp in June 2024, and she was named an alternate for the 2024 Olympics. After that, she earned her official first cap against in October. She has three appearances for the USWNT, but has been left off the training camp rosters since January.

Croix Bethune: The beginning of 2024 was a year and then some for Bethune, who not only picked up NWSL Rookie of the Year and NWSL Midfielder of the Year awards, but also made her USWNT debut in July. Bethune made her Olympic debut against Australia. Unfortunately, Bethune she was out of commission for the remainder of 2024 after sustaining a torn meniscus. She returned to the USWNT in June, showing some promise, but not standing out.

Jordyn Bugg: At just 18 years old, Bugg earned her first senior cap during the USWNT's match against in June, coming off the bench in the 72nd minute. In the subsequent game, she made her first start, partnering with McKeown at centerback. Bugg's performances have drawn praise for her composure and technical ability. Hayes highlighted her as a candidate for the 2028 Olympics, emphasizing the importance of long-term development.

With Joe Root seemingly unable to trust Moeen and Craig Overton, he repeatedly asked more of his senior seamers

George Dobell05-Sep-2021There was a telling moment, about 140 overs into the India innings, when Jasprit Bumrah launched a delivery from Chris Woakes down the ground.It wasn’t just the sight of England’s best bowler, in this match at least, being thrashed to the boundary by a man who came into this Test with a batting average of 4.81 that was revealing. It was also the fact James Anderson had to trot from his position at mid-on to fetch the ball.Related

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Joe Root, at mid-off, had attempted to intercept it. But he appeared to slip and, for a moment, clenched his leg in pain. So it was left to Anderson, as it so often is, to make amends.At that point, Anderson – the 39-year-old Anderson – had bowled 33 overs. Despite his age, despite the fact he has played in every Test in the series and despite the fact that England would like to include him in the final game, which starts in Manchester on Friday, he had bowled more overs in the innings than any of his colleagues.Anderson had, by his own admission, tried everything to gain some lateral movement. He had tried to swing the ball and seam the ball. He had tried to bowl cutters and tried to find reverse. He had bowled from both ends. In the end he settled for simply attempting to bowl dry and build pressure that way. Woakes and Ollie Robinson had, more or less, come to the same conclusion.The problem was, such a plan requires more than three bowlers to execute. And, at that stage of the innings, Craig Overton, the fourth seamer, had only bowled only 16 overs while Moeen Ali, the spinner, was conceding four-and-a-half an over. So Anderson, Woakes and Robinson were forced into spell after spell. Even when it became obvious, from their pained expressions and, in Robinson’s case, diminishing pace, they had to bowl as, to put it bluntly, their captain appeared to lack confidence in his other options.It was a passage of play which may well have consequences for the rest of the series. With the final Test starting on Friday, England will be loathe to press Anderson and Robinson, in particular, into service once again. They have already lost Jofra Archer for the T20 World Cup and Ashes. They have already lost Stuart Broad for the rest of this season. They really don’t want to be in a position where they are taking risks with Anderson or Robinson. It was, perhaps, telling that neither emerged after tea on day four. The exact reasons for this are, at the time of writing, unclear. But it is far from impossible the team management simply said “enough”.

“England have already lost Archer due to an injury which may have been caused by an excessive workload. They have to find a way to spread the load more evenly”

“We’re all feeling it,” Woakes said afterwards. “I think we have all bowled 45 overs plus in the game. Naturally, you’re going to be a little bit sore. There are occasions in England where you can maybe bowl at about 90 percent but here you had to slam every ball into the pitch to get anything out of it. Naturally that takes it out of you, so there’s a few sore bodies in the dressing room.”None of this reflects especially flatteringly on either Overton or Moeen. Overton had a really encouraging match in Leeds where the surface provided assistance for his brand of fast-medium seamers. But if he is going to be a viable option in Test cricket, it is on days like this he must earn his living. It is on days like this he must ease the burden on his celebrated colleague and fulfil the task of stock bowler with hours of grunt work. It was his job to bowl 35 overs for around 60 runs and ensure Anderson and co could be used in shorter, sharper bursts. But such was Overton’s profligacy on day two – when he conceded four an over – Root seemed to have little faith in him.Much the same could be said about Moeen. He passed Jim Laker’s record for Test wickets during India’s innings (only Graeme Swann, among English offspinners, has more) but it was not a day which enhanced his reputation. England desperately required control but Moeen, in conceding 4.53 an over, was unable to provide it. He claimed a couple of big wickets – he has now dismissed Virat Kohli six times in Test cricket – but also made a fearful hash of an important run-out opportunity, was involved in the decision to use (and squander) all three reviews and, by his own admission, brought India back into the game with his dismissal in England’s first innings.”When I was batting in the first innings, I felt we had them down a bit and I tried to hit a six and got out and that brought them back in a bit,” he told Sky. “It was a crucial time.”Joe Root wears a dejected look•PA Images via Getty ImagesJack Leach may not offer Moeen’s ceiling with the bat or ball. But he is reliable, worthy and, in his Test career to date, has never let England down. You wonder if Root might not have wished he was around a few times during the day.In mitigation, it must be noted that India’s bowlers found the pitch no less heartbreaking than England’s. While there is just a little rough for the spinners to work with outside the left-handers’ off stump, there is almost no other encouragement for bowlers. As Moeen put it, “if Bumrah comes in and hits Woakesy straight down the ground, it’s a great wicket.” Moeen also pointed out that he has hardly played red-ball cricket in recent months and that his action is “a little bit off”. As he admitted: “I could have bowled better.”England have some lessons to learn here. They have already lost Archer due to an injury which may well have been caused by an excessive workload. They have to find a way to spread the load more evenly if others are not to follow.It was said long ago that Anderson was a sports car being used to deliver scaffolding. These days he is a classic sports car being used to commute to work, ferry the kids to school, hired out for weddings and to deliver scaffolding. And remember, that second-innings bowling average in his 15 most recent Tests is now 60.57. In the same period, his first-innings bowling average is 17.87. Over such an extended sample size, those are statistics that cannot be ignored. The warning signs are there.Still, all results are possible going into the last day. And there will be a sellout crowd at the Kia Oval on Monday for the fifth day in succession. It reflects well on this venue and this series. Test cricket faces many issues, many challenges. But the reason for sustained optimism is that we have a great game. Monday might just offer us something of a classic final day. Anderson will be hoping that, for once, England can get by without him being required a make a contribution.

da winzada777： Arsenal remain very active behind-the-scenes in terms of their summer recruitment plans, as manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta attempt to close the gap on Premier League champions Liverpool next season.

Arsenal set to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi

da bet7： The north Londoners, after months of talks, recently sealed a deal for Spain international midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as per numerous reliable reports.

Related Arsenal plot "shock" move for Premier League captain who "goes under the radar"

He’s a leader in the dressing room.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025

News of Zubimendi’s potential move to London Colney was first revealed by The Mail back in January, and Berta has been working to finalise a deal for the 26-year-old ever since – coming after his predecessor Edu and ex-interim director Jason Ayto laid most of the groundwork (Ben Jacobs).

The Real Sociedad favourite is now set to become Berta’s first signing as the Gunners’ new transfer chief, but he largely has both Ayto and Edu to thank for this, as they were the “driving forces” behind Zubimendi’s switch (Ben Jacobs).

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Despite some concerns about Real Madrid mounting a late hijack, especially after Zubimendi’s cryptic comments regarding his future, Fabrizio Romano is among the credible media sources to share news last week that the player travelled to London and put the finishing touches on his Emirates Stadium move.

Arsenal will also pay around £55 million for Zubimendi, despite his lower release clause, as a gesture of good faith to Sociedad which also allows the club to pay the fee in installments.

With Zubimendi’s done and dusted, attention is swiftly turning to who could follow him, and that man is apparently £150,000-per-week Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Romano has given his ‘here we go’ to Arrizabalaga’s Arsenal move today, with the player also travelling to the club this week as he puts the finishing touches on his N5 transfer.

Kepa Arrizabalaga travelling to London this week after agreeing Arsenal move

The 30-year-old has been poised to join Arsenal for a little while now as he looks to battle David Raya for the number one spot (David Ornstein), with The Athletic’s James McNicholas sharing more on the situation.

Kepa is personally in London “this week” to finalise his move to Arsenal, so the Stamford Bridge outcast appears set to become Berta’s second signing of the summer.

The former Athletic Bilbao ace’s capture has already been widely praised, with his meagre £5 million cost coming as a potential bargain given Kepa’s extensive top-level experience.

“Arsenal do need a replacement for Neto, what a loan spell that was, it didn’t work, that is for sure,” said pundit Adrian Clarke on Inside Gooners earlier this month.

“Kepa Arrizabalaga, he’s available for just £5m, that sounds like the deal of the century, doesn’t it.”

Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly remain interested in Paris Saint-Germain's Randal Kolo Muani after ruling out signing Alexander Isak.

• Man Utd & Chelsea rule out Isak pursuit
• Remain interested in PSG's Kolo Muani
• Face competition from European giant

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Juventus are expected to send a new offer for Kolo Muani but United and Chelsea could provide stiff competition for the 26-year-old. This comes days after the Premier League sides ruled themselves out of trying to recruit Newcastle talisman Isak.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report adds that PSG value Kolo Muani, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juve, between €40-45 million (£35-39m) – although Tuttosport, via Football Italia, believe they could hold out for 50m (£43.7m). Whether United, who are still in search of a number nine, and Chelsea, who have signed forwards Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, are willing to pay that much for him remains to be seen.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Italian press adds that if former Nantes striker Kolo Muani, who appears to not have a future at PSG, didn't move to Juventus, then the Old Lady would strike out for United's Rasmus Hojlund. Incidentally, the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt man scored 10 goals in 22 appearances for the Italian giants last term.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Despite these reports suggesting United and Chelsea are interested in Kolo Muani, ESPN has claimed that the Blues and Arsenal turned down the chance to sign the PSG attacker. With just over a month to go of the transfer window, the potential suitors are likely to be revealed.

Head coach says outdoors lifestyle down under is key factor in producing natural athletes

Andrew Miller24-Jan-2025Jon Lewis, England Women’s head coach, has issued a robust defence of his team’s fitness levels, after they slumped to their fifth consecutive defeat of a troubled Ashes tour, but believes that cultural issues may be at the heart of Australia’s perceived edge in athleticism.Despite their best performance of the tour, England’s rain-affected loss in a closely fought second T20I in Canberra continued Australia’s dominance of a series in which they have now claimed the Ashes for a sixth consecutive series dating back to 2015. And with just two matches to come, including the one-off Test at the MCG next week, the prospect of a whitewash is looming large over the squad.The tour has also been overshadowed by an off-field row involving Alex Hartley, the BBC commentator, who claimed she had been refused a TV interview with Sophie Ecclestone after the first T20I, ostensibly due to her suggestion, in the wake of their T20 World Cup exit in October, that certain individuals were “letting the team down when it comes to fitness”.Though Lewis said he disapproved of Ecclestone’s reasons for turning the interview down, and that he would have encouraged her to do it had he known about the incident at the time, he was adamant that the squad could not realistically be expected to work harder on their fitness levels than they already do.”You guys need to come watch them. I promise you. I cannot defend them more around how hard they work on their physicality,” he said. “They are incredibly dedicated to what they do. I’ve never seen a cricket team work like this cricket team, and I’ve worked in professional cricket for 31 years.”Instead, he suggested the outdoors lifestyle in Australia was more conducive to producing natural athletes, and cited a recent trip to Bondi Beach in Sydney as an example.”On Sunday morning, pretty much every Australian in the eastern suburbs was in the water,” he said. “There’s about a million kids down there, and they were doing Surf Lifesaving, or playing touch rugby.”For me, that’s a cultural difference. I definitely think Australia have an advantage in terms of athleticism, and also our talent pool at the moment is small, so it’s important for us to grow the game.”However, Lewis also insisted that the gulf between the two teams was not as wide as the current 10-0 scoreline suggested, and that Australia’s seizure of key moments in each of the five matches to date had been the difference between the teams.Related

• White-WAshes demands inquest as England are exposed

• Heather Knight has point to prove as Women's Ashes reaches grandest stage

• Healy declares herself fit but not locked in, Dunkley to play but Cross unavailable

• Harris sets sights on embarrasing England with 16-0 Ashes

• Alex Hartley: Sophie Ecclestone 'refused TV interview' after Ashes loss

“The space on the tour we didn’t get right was around the first two games,” he said. “Australia are a really strong team, obviously on their own patch. We knew that when we got on the plane. But in every game, there’s been moments where we feel that we’ve been in the game and had a good opportunity to try and push home a strong advantage. And we haven’t quite got those moments in the game right, and the opposition have.”Whilst it is 10-0, and whilst the margins of victory in the game have been at times large, I think the difference is isn’t as big as the margin suggests in terms of results, in terms of the performance.”The ECB are due to conduct a full review of the series at its conclusion, in which the roles of both Lewis and captain Heather Knight are sure to come under scrutiny. Despite a fighting innings of 43 not out from 19 balls in Canberra, Knight has now overseen five failed Ashes captains since taking over as captain in 2016, and at the age of 34, Lewis was unable to give her his unequivocal backing.”Like any selection, we make those decisions after the tour,” he said. “We will spend some time reflecting and make some rational decisions, and think about what the right thing is for the team further down the road. I don’t think now is the right time to consider that, to be honest,”We’ve got a game to play tomorrow, Heather’s in charge, and we’ve got Test match next week, which we need to get our heads round. And then after the tour, we’ll sit down, we’ll think about what the what the right thing is for team, and how we know we move forward, like we would do with every other selection.”On his own future, Lewis – who has been in the position since 2022 – was more forthright. “I’m really comfortable with the job that I’m doing,” he said. “I’ll continue to work to develop this cricket team as best as I can until someone tells me that it’s not the right time for you to do this anymore. I’m really excited about what the future holds for this team, and I feel like I’m the right person to coach it.”In the meantime, England have pride to salvage across their final two fixtures, starting with the third T20I in Adelaide on Saturday. Australia’s Grace Harris has already declared that her side will be gunning for a 16-0 points whitewash, adding that the aim was to “embarrass” their opponents. Lewis, however, argued that she had delivered his motivational speech for him.”I think Grace probably did my job for me,” Lewis said. “I’ll give her a pat on the back when I see her. The players are really aware that they need to win some cricket matches. They’re working incredibly hard to do that.”

MatériaMais Notícias

da leao： Pela 34° rodada da Série B do Brasilerão, o Sampaio Corrêa vai ao Estádio Heriberto Hulse no próximo sábado para enfrentar o Criciúma, atual sexto colocado da tabela.

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da dobrowin： O Criciúma vem de uma vitória fora de casa sobre o CRB por 1 a 0 e tem ido atrás de chances para se aproximar do G-6. O técnico poderá contar com o retorno de Rayan à equipe, após cumprir suspensão.

Buscando se afastar da temida zona de rebaixmento, o Sampaio Corrêa vai atrás de uma vitória para abrir distância da Chapecoense, que é o primeiro time dentro do Z-4. A equipe chega a Santa Catarina vindo de uma derrota para o Vitória.

+ Confira a tabela da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro

CRICIÚMA X SAMPAIO CORRÊA

Data: sábado, 28 de outubro
Horário: 15h30
Local: Estádio Heriberto Hülse, em Criciúma, Santa Catarina
Onde assistir: Premiere

Provável escalação do Criciúma: Gustavo, Jonathan, Matheus Mancini, Rodrigo, Marcelo Hermes, Arilson, Barreto, Fellipe Mateus, Éder, Fabinho e Hygor
Técnico: Cláudio Tencati

Provável escalação do Sampaio Corrêa: Luiz Daniel, Matheus Pivô, Ícaro, Rafael Jansen, Pará; Claudinei, Ferreira, Robinho, Pimentinha, Henrique e Ytalo
Técnico: Fernando Machiori

Manchester United have identified a “terrific” Premier League player as a top target this summer, according to a promising new transfer claim.

Man Utd continue to eye attacking stars with Cunha

The Red Devils are expecting an exodus of attacking players before the new season gets underway, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho all moving on.

While Matheus Cunha has joined from Wolves, and Bryan Mbeumo remains a strong target from Brentford, United know the importance of bringing in a new centre forward, amid Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles. Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, and would be an exciting addition who has proven himself at the top level. A swap deal involving the out-of-favour Sancho has also been mooted.

Eintracht Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike has been talked about as an option for many top Premier League clubs this summer, including Liverpool, and he could be an alternative option to Vlahovic for the Red Devils.

United are also said to have made contact over the signing of highly-rated Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling, who is arguably seen as one of the brightest young English attacking talents around. Now, another name has been thrown into the mix.

Man Utd make Premier League striker top target

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are “considering” making a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the summer window, with the forward also in Arsenal’s thinking ahead of the new campaign, however, ‘United consider him more of a top target’.

The 29-year-old is described as a “key target” for Ruben Amorim, who is no doubt desperate to bolster the attacking options at his disposal and has Watkins, Cunha and Mbeumo at the heart of his vision.

The report itself further goes on to state: “Amorim wants to reshape the squad by focusing on players with Premier League experience. Watkins is at the heart of this vision, along with names like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Amorim’s target is clear: Ready-made stars who will contribute immediately.”

The £130,000-a-week Watkins has the potential to be an excellent signing for United, having been such a consistent performer for Villa down the years.

He has scored 87 goals in 223 appearances for the Midlands outfit, not to mention netting a memorable winner for England against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 last summer, and he has also been lauded by Danny Murphy.

“He just looks like a player that is completely comfortable in his own skin and what he is good at. Every aspect of his game has improved under Unai Emery and he is also being pushed for a place by Jhon Duran, so that always helps you raise your game. He is a terrific player.”

The one negative that jumps out with Watkins is that he turns 30 later this year, however, so there is a risk that United could spend big on a player whose peak is about to drift by.

England

18

5

Aston Villa

223

87

Brentford

143

49

Exeter City

78

26

For that reason, Amorim would arguably be wise to look at a younger option to come in and lead the line, even though United signing him likely wouldn’t be a bad thing over the next two or three years.