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Herói da conquista da Copa Libertadores de 2023, John Kennedy não compareceu ao treinamento do Fluminense realizado no último domingo (28), no CT Carlos Castilho, para os atletas não relacionados para o confronto diante do Corinthians, e pode ter sua punição aumentada pela diretoria tricolor. As informações foram divulgadas pelo jornalista Victor Lessa.

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A conduta de John Kennedy irritou as principais lideranças do elenco, que se esquivaram do assunto após a partida na Neo Química Arena. Segundo informações de Lessa, o grupo de jogadores teria solicitado à direção que o atacante não seja reintegrado ao elenco.

O jogador está afastado da equipe em razão de atos de indisciplina cometidos durante a concentração do Fluminense antes do clássico contra o Vasco, realizado na última semana.

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PUNIÇÃO POR INDISCIPLINA

Na última terça-feira (23), o Fluminense anunciou que os atletas John Kennedy, Kauã Elias, arthur e Aleksander foram afastados por atos de indisciplina na concentração do Fluminense antes do clássico contra o Vasco.

O quarteto convidou mulheres e organizou uma festa dentro do hotel em que a equipe realizava a concentração, localizado na região do Parque Olímpico, Zona Oeste do Rio de Janeiro.

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FluminenseFutebol NacionalJohn Kennedy

If you click through Major League Baseball's single-season record-holders for triples, chances are you'll be spending a lot of time in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Heavy balls and an emphasis on baserunning made that era the golden age of taking three bases. Pirates outfielder Owen Wilson's 36 triples in 1912 remain a record. The only other two 30-triple seasons—by New York Metropolitans first baseman Dave Orr and Orioles infielder Henry Reitz—came in the 1890s.

Fast forward to 2025, where Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll seems to be on a one-man crusade to bring the triple back. Against the Guardians Tuesday, Carroll clubbed a pair of three-baggers—his 15th and 16th of the season.

Each represented a milestone. The first triple, Carroll's 15th, broke Arizona's franchise record—jointly held by Carroll in 2024 and shortstop Tony Womack in 2000. It also made Carroll the first player with 15 triples in a season since Twins outfielder Eddie Rosario in 2015.

The second triple, Carroll's 16th, made him just the third player to hit that number since 2010; Mets shortstop Jose Reyes and Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino both had 16 in 2011. Nine players reached that mark in the 2000s, led by Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson's astounding 23-triple 2007.

Wilson's record appears likely to stand forever, but if anyone in the 2020s is to make his ghost shudder, Carroll seems to be the man.

كشفت تقارير إعلامية اليوم الخميس، عن آخر تطورات حالة لاعبي برشلونة الفنية والبدنية، ومدى جاهزيتهم قبل مباراة ريال بيتيس في الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

برشلونة سوف يحل ضيفًا على نظيره ريال بيتيس، وذلك في قمة مرتقبة بالجولة السادسة عشر من عمر الدوري الإسباني.

ويسعى برشلونة إلى تحقيق الانتصار على ريال بيتيس، وذلك من أجل الاستمرار في سلسلة نتائجه الرائعة خلال الفترة الأخيرة.

واستمر برشلونة في صدارة الدوري الإسباني، بعدما نجح في الانتصار على أتلتيكو مدريد بهدفين مقابل هدف يوم الثلاثاء الماضي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لتفادي سيناريو 2022.. إجراء صارم من برشلونة قبل مباراة فرانكفورت 

وذكرت صحيفة “سبورت”، أن تدريبات برشلونة شهدت أنباء سعيدة، حيث عاد فيرمين لوبيز نجم خط وسط البلوجرانا من جديد إلى التدريبات.

وأضافت أن وضع فيرمين لوبيز جيدًا للغاية ولا يشعر بأي ألم من الإصابة، إذ يتدرب اللاعب الآن بشكل فردي ومن المرجح أن ينضم إلى التدريبات الجماعية قريبًا.

وأوضحت أن فريكني دي يونج هو الآخر قد عاد إلى تدريبات برشلونة، بعدما غاب خلال الفترة الماضية بسبب الإصابة وغاب عن مباراة أتلتيكو مدريد.

كما لم يستطع دي يونج اللعب خلال مباراة برشلونة مع ديبورتيفو ألافيس يوم السبت الماضي، بسبب أسباب شخصية للدولي الهولندي.

The region has a rich cricketing history, and has produced the likes of Mahmudullah and Mosaddek Hossain. The BCB’s recognition is long overdue

Mohammad Isam12-Aug-2025The BCB’s decision to include Mymensingh as a first-class team is long-awaited reward for a region where cricket has thrived for more than a century. It was regarded as the cradle of the game in undivided Bengal, as cricket clubs were formed there as far back as in 1898. First-class recognition brings renewed hope to Mymensingh, which has produced a large number of international cricketers in the last four decades.Mahmudullah, the former Bangladesh Test and T20I captain, is the biggest name to come out of the region. He spent his formative years in Mymensingh, before playing age-group and league cricket in Dhaka. Mahmudullah, whose 430 international matches across formats is currently the third-highest for Bangladesh, often returns to Mymensingh, where he has his ancestral home.The region was rich in cricketing heritage much before Mahmudullah was born. Mymensingh Mohammedan Club (1898) and Pandit Para Club (1910) are some of the oldest clubs from undivided Bengal. (landowners) would patronise these clubs, with healthy participation among the general population. After Bangladesh’s independence, Mymensingh’s left-arm spinner Ramchand Goala became a popular name in the Dhaka league, churning out overs even into his early 50s.Related

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Harunur Rashid, the feisty opener, was the first from Mymensingh to make his ODI debut for Bangladesh, in 1988. Pace bowler Saiful Islam and allrounder Sanuar Hossain, who were in Bangladesh’s 1997 ICC Trophy-winning side, were among the bigger names who played cricket in Mymensingh in the 1980s and 1990s. More recently, the region has produced the batter Mosaddek Hossain.It was curious that the BCB held back first-class status from Mymensingh despite this rich tradition. The government had made Mymensingh Bangladesh’s eighth administrative division in 2015. Rangpur began playing the National Cricket League (NCL), Bangladesh’s domestic first-class competition, from the 2011-12 season, less than two years after the government made it the country’s seventh division.Mymensingh’s sports organisers requested the BCB for a team on numerous occasions in the last ten years, but to no avail. Earlier this year, Md Mokhtar Ahmed, Mymensingh’s divisional commissioner, the highest-ranking government official in the region, wrote a letter to the BCB in this regard. The decision from the BCB came on August 9 during a board meeting in Dhaka. Akram Khan, the BCB’s tournament committee chairman, welcomed Mymensingh into the first-class fold.”They really deserve it,” Akram told ESPNcricinfo. “Firstly, they are a division for ten years. So if Rajshahi, Chittagong and Barisal can play NCL, why can’t Mymensingh? They also have cricketing heritage. They have a sporting culture that goes back to many, many years. I played with [the former India player] Raman Lamba in Mymensingh in the 1990s. They always had good cricketers, including, Belayet Hossain and Goala, who played in Mymensingh the 1970s. They continued to produce plenty of cricketers for Bangladesh too.”Could Mahmudullah turn out for his hometown team? Sanuar Hossain certainly hopes so•ICC via Getty ImagesAkram said Mymensingh has a strong base of homegrown players already.”I think they will be able to form a good first-class team. Look, the selectors have often sent players to Barisal as Barisal have struggled to make their [own] first-class team. I am sure that Mymensingh or any other first-class team will get that help [as well]. In any case, Dhaka Division and Dhaka Metropolis used to split players from the Dhaka region. So I am sure the same arrangement [for splitting players] would be made for Dhaka Division and Mymensingh.”Mymensingh native Sanuar, who played nine Tests and 27 ODIs, was delighted with the BCB’s decision. Sanuar is a senior figure in Mymensingh cricket, organising T20 tournaments in the region whenever he finds time away from his busy schedule as a flight steward.”It is a huge achievement for Mymensingh,” Sanuar said. “It was long overdue, given the region’s cricketing heritage and also if you consider that we have been a division for almost ten years.”

“We have two very good facilities in Mymensingh that can be developed. Now, with the first-class team, we will have more impetus to develop quickly.”Former Bangladesh batter Sanuar Hossain

Sanuar felt first-class status would help Mymensingh improve its facilities. Mymensingh does have a stadium, but cricket is mainly played at the historic Circuit House ground, which is surrounded by all the club houses. The Brahmaputra river is quite close to the ground, making it a local attraction.”I think after an inspection last year, they found out that facilities were not up to the mark,” Sanuar said. “We have two very good facilities in Mymensingh that can be developed. Now, with the first-class team, we will have more impetus to develop quickly.”Sanuar was also confident Mymensingh could form a good first-class team with mostly homegrown players, and hoped Mahmudullah could turn out for them.”We have a number of established cricketers from Mymensingh. It is our advantage,” Sanuar said. “Many are already playing for Dhaka Division or Dhaka Metropolis. I want Riyad [Mahmudullah] to play at least the first season for Mymensigh. He has been our biggest source of pride over the years. I am sure he would love to play for his home team. Mymensingh will become more organised with Riyad in the team.”Mymensingh can pick players from the Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Netrokona and Sherpur districts, with the BCB allowing players not belonging to that particular region to play in the NCL.Dhaka Division beat Dhaka Metropolis to win the 2023-24 NCL title. Now the city will only have one team•BCBTo include Mymensingh, the BCB has decided to discontinue the Dhaka Metropolis team to ensure there remained an even number of teams in the NCL. Dhaka Metropolis’ last tournament will be the NCL T20s next month. The team started participating in the NCL from 2011-12, when Rangpur became a first-class team – that decision too was made to ensure an even number of participating teams.In theory, players born and based in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital city, would be playing for Metropolis, while the Dhaka Division team would be made up of players from Dhaka’s 16 other districts. This was the case for much of Dhaka Metropolis’ time in the first-class scene, but the selectors found it increasingly hard to pick a team with just players from the capital.For all its size and might, Dhaka hasn’t produced too many top cricketers in recent decades. Taskin Ahmed and Saif Hassan are the only cricketers of note to emerge from the city in the last 15 years. The rest have mostly come from the outskirts or other districts. Dhaka Metropolis have won and lost 23 matches each out of 87 matches in the NCL. They have never been champions of the NCL.Meanwhile, Mymensingh, who will replace Dhaka Metropolis, are quietly confident they can make a fist of their long-awaited opportunity. The prolonged monsoon has kept cricket away, but once the weather clears, expect the Circuit House ground to be packed with hopefuls. Cricket has a long tradition here, and this latest chapter could be the most exciting one yet.

Well, that was about as perfect a game as Chelsea are going to have this season.

Following their win over Burnley at the weekend, Enzo Maresca’s side were given the daunting task of hosting Barcelona in the Champions League.

However, instead of wilting under the pressure, the Blues stepped up and completely blew the Spanish giants aside.

From the first minute to the last, Chelsea were exceptional, and there were more than a few standout performers, including Estevao and someone who made light work of what should’ve been a challenging task.

Estevao's magical night vs Barcelona

When Chelsea secured the services of Estevao last summer, there was a lot made of the youngster.

In fact, just a few months before that, respected analyst Ben Mattinson had labelled him a “future Ballon d’Or winner.”

Now, while there is still some way to go for that prediction to be proven true, the youngster certainly helped make it look like a good one on Tuesday night.

From practically the first minute until he came off in the 83rd, the 18-year-old was a massive threat, both in terms of his own goalscoring ability and creativity.

He was the scorer of the Blues’ all-important second goal on the night, beating two defenders with some quick feet and firing the ball into the roof of the net.

It means he is now the second-youngest player to score in his first three starts in the competition, after only Kylian Mbappé.

Unsurprisingly, the teenager left quite the impression on the watching press as well, with the Express’ Charlie Griggs awarding him a 9/10 match rating and writing that he ‘led the attacking charge at times.’

Perhaps the best thing that can be said about Estevao’s performance against Barcelona is that he totally outshone the other wonderkid in Lamine Yamal.

Although the Brazilian wasn’t the only Chelsea player to get the better of the young Spaniard.

Chelsea's other standout star vs Barcelona

The brilliant thing for Maresca and Chelsea fans is that you could realistically make the case for any number of their players being the best on the pitch on Tuesday night.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, when it comes to the starter who really shone, potentially even more so than Estevao, it’s hard to look past Marc Cucurella.

The Spanish full-back was utterly superb against Barcelona, and even though he had the challenging task of trying to stop their free-flowing attack, he didn’t once look flustered.

Moreover, he came out comfortably on top in his duel with Yamal.

In fact, he was so dominant and so on top of the young wonderkid that he was practically anonymous throughout the match, so much so that the Stamford Bridge faithful were safe to openly mock him.

Now, it’s not the first time the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace has locked down a superstar attacker, but given the competition, it’s undoubtedly one of the more high-profile examples.

Understandably then, he also left quite the impression on Griggs, who awarded him a 9/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he ‘locked down the left flank with ease and posed a danger up front.’

That might sound like hyperbole, but the 27-year-old’s statistics prove otherwise.

Minutes

93′

Expected Assists

0.59

Tackles (Won)

5 (4)

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Blocked Shots

1

Recoveries

4

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (1)

Key Passes

1

Passes

55/63

Touches

97

In his 93 minutes of action, he produced an expected assists figure of 0.59, won four of five tackles, made one interception, played one key pass, recovered the ball four times, took 97 touches, made two clearances and blocked one shot.

Ultimately, it was yet another performance that proved Cucurella is one of the best left-backs in the world, and as one content creator said, if he keeps it up, he’s well on his way to becoming “a Chelsea legend.”

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 25, 2025

Manchester United will pay tribute to late Stone Roses star Mani ahead of Monday's Premier League clash with Everton at Old Trafford, after the huge Red Devils fan passed away on Thursday aged 63. The Stone Roses bassist, real name Gary Mounfield, will receive an emotional tribute at the stadium with which he once said he hopes his iconic band will be "associated".

• Man United to pay tribute to Mani after passing aged 63

  A Mancunian by birth and life-long United fan, Mani will be honoured by a few words and music prior to Monday’s top-flight clash, a club source has said as per reports by The Sun.

  The Stone Roses’ famous track This Is The One continues to be played at Old Trafford each matchday prior to kick-off, reflecting the band’s importance to the club and local Manchester culture, and the song's place within the stadium will now hold particular poignancy after the passing of one of the band’s much-loved members. He was also previously a member of fellow rock band Primal Scream.

  Mani’s passing comes almost exactly two years on from the passing of his late wife Imelda from bowel cancer. He had lived in Heaton Moor, Stockport since 1991 and has received many touching tributes from friends, family and fans alike.

  Mani and the Roses’ close ties with United will remain, beginning with a touching tribute on Monday, where the club will pay their respects to one of their own.

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• Getty Images
  

  'Part of his DNA' – United to honour Mani on Monday

  A Manchester United club source stated: “There will be some words and music as a tribute during the build-up to kick-off including the usual playing of This is the One — but on this occasion with added poignancy.”

  United said in a statement after his passing: “The club was part of his DNA and he was proud to be Red.”

  Mani’s brother Greg posted on Facebook: “On behalf of myself and my family I would like to say a massive thanks for all the messages and tributes to RKid. RIP Gaz.”

• Mani was a huge Manchester United fan

  A true Red Devils fan, Mani once expressed his love for the club and how United was in his blood. He added that he hoped the Stone Roses would be associated with United, Old Trafford and the club as a whole, which has undoubtedly become a reality and will remain this way following the untimely news of his passing.

  “I’m a Manc and support United,” Mani said. “It was pre-ordained because all my family are Reds, my dad is a nuts fan.

  “I always wanted the Roses to be associated with United and the terraces.”

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  Tributes to continue after Mani's untimely passing

  Tributes have poured in from close friends such as Liam Gallagher of Oasis, who was informed of Mani’s death ahead of it becoming public earlier this week.

  A source close to the family said: “Mani’s death has rocked everyone.

  “Noel and Liam Gallagher were phoned before the news of his passing was made public.

  “They’re on tour in South America and were informed by telephone. Likewise with the Stone Roses and Primal Scream. It’s an incredibly sad time and everyone is shocked.”

  Liam shared his tribute to Mani on X: “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero. RIP.”

  The Stone Roses said on their official X account: “RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for.”

  While Primal Scream bassist Simone Butler wrote on Instagram: “Truly in shock at this. An incredible loss to everyone who knew and loved him. The moment you met Mani you loved him. The most brilliant and wickedly sharp sense of humour and the biggest heart and generosity. The smile in that first pic was so absolutely him. He called me his Scorpio bass sister. My heart is breaking for his boys, family and loved ones. Was meant to see him tomorrow in Manchester.

  “A terrible and sad loss. An amazing person, so so loved by everyone all over the world X just heart-breaking.”

USAC said it remains committed to navigating through this “challenging” period and will hold elections in line with the timeline agreed upon with the ICC

Nagraj Gollapudi11-Oct-2025

USA Cricket (USAC) has described the ICC’s decision to suspend it as “one of the most difficult moments” in its history and “difficult to comprehend”. In a statement on Friday, USAC said it remains committed to navigating this “challenging” period and will hold elections in line with the timeline agreed upon with the ICC.The statement came after the board filed for bankruptcy on October 1. Calling the suspension “aggressive”, USAC stressed that the financial restructuring was necessary to secure the organisation’s future.USAC’s decision to file for bankruptcy came as a surprise to the ICC as it was after the ICC had moved to suspend the organisation on September 23. The statement on Friday, USAC pointed out, was part of a “series of communications” it would share to explain its decision-making in recent weeks.”The recent suspension of USA Cricket by the International Cricket Council has been one of the most difficult moments in our history,” the statement said. “It has caused uncertainty and disappointment for players, members, volunteers, and supporters. Yet this moment must not be mistaken for dysfunction. It is the result of difficult but necessary decisions taken to protect the game, the organization, and the future of cricket in the United States.”Related

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At its annual general meeting in July, the ICC said USAC would continue to be “on notice” but asked the latter to conduct elections within three months and carry out governance reforms.In August, USAC terminated its long-term contract with American Cricket Enterprise (ACE), its principal commercial partner and owner of Major League Cricket (MLC). This was followed by the move to initiate the financial restructuring. ICC chairman Jay Shah had warned USAC, in the suspension letter, to “not take any steps to undermine the ICC or its Normalisation Committee in all aspects of the ICC’s work related to the USA, including the LA28 Olympic Games”.On Friday, USAC said the ICC decision was difficult to comprehend because the ACE termination was taken “to protect integrity and independence rather than to harm it”. USAC chair Venu Pisike reiterated the same, saying the ACE contract was “one-sided” and the stand should not be seen as a “defiance” of ICC. “We chose principle over convenience. Our decisions were driven by the need to safeguard the game’s future, not to surrender its control,” Pisike said. Tensions between USAC and ACE have simmered almost since the two parties signed a 50-year commercial agreement in 2019, which included current chair Pisike. As part of the deal, ACE committed to providing USAC with a minimum of US$1.2 million annually to fund national team contracts, including those of the support staff. However, USAC has since said the deal undervalued the national team’s commercial rights, which it claims are worth over US$5 million per year.In a section titled “Years of strain and commercial overreach”, USAC said it had “operated under immense pressure” from ACE and its ownership group. Despite never managing to create a “balanced, long-form” agreement”, USAC said ACE never met its financial and operational targets while “attempting to control” the organisation’s “governance, operations, and programs”.Despite the divide with ACE, USAC said it tried to comply with the ICC requirement, including the “directive” issued in August (following the ICC’s annual general meeting) to conduct the elections by October 20 this year.USAC also accused ACE of “continuous acts of intimidation and interference” stretching from grassroots cricket to the USAC Board. The statement on Friday alleged that ACE “attempted to pressure” the national selectors “into choosing players aligned with their interests, displacing home-grown talent and threatening participants who sought to participate in non-MLC tournaments”.It also alleged that ACE had “imported” over 100 overseas players “under the guise” of involvement in cricket in the country, but many of those players were left unsupported and there were “promises left unfulfilled”. USAC also alleged that ACE had attempted to influence its board members by promising them team owner or other roles in associated leagues. USAC said it was legally challenging ACE’s conduct.The decision to file for bankruptcy was taken after the USAC Board met on September 30 with nine directors including Pisike in attendance. However, it is learned those four directors – Nadia Gruny, Atul Rai, Arjun Gona and Kuljeet Singh Nijjar – left the meeting in protest, with one saying the members were being “muted” by Pisike before being able to complete what they wanted to say.In a statement on Saturday, ACE blamed the remaining five directors and alleged that they had “hijacked” the USAC Board, which resulted in ICC suspension. “USA Cricket was put on notice by the ICC in July 2024, so they have had plenty of time to address ICC’s legitimate governance concerns,” ACE said. “Five directors appear to have hijacked the Board and refused to comply with the ICC’s and USOPC’s six-step roadmap for reform. Not only have the acts of these five directors resulted in the suspension of USA Cricket by the ICC for clear governance and management failures, they have also placed the organisation in bankruptcy court.”ACE also said the USAC statement issued on Friday was “false” and “inaccurate”. “ACE considers this a thinly veiled attempt to avoid being answerable for their actions in a court of law. ACE strongly refutes all the allegations made in the recent false and inaccurate statement by USAC. USAC continues to show zero regard for the best interests of cricket and its players, and is only motivated by politics and the personal agendas of these five directors.”These developments come even as the ICC has been working closely with the US Olympics and Paralympics Committee (USOPC) to help USAC secure national governing body (NGB) status from USOPC, which is mandatory for all sports that are a part of the LA28 Games. As part of that process, the ICC has sent a six-step “roadmap” to USAC to “restore the integrity and credibility” of the board.The statement on Friday, USAC said, was being issued “not in blame, but in belief, the belief that American cricket can emerge stronger, fairer, and more inclusive”. It said that it was taking a “principled path” to ensure “control of cricket in the USA remained with the USAC as well as the local cricket community and not outside commercial interests”.

There’s little to be gained for Zimbabwe, but they still agreed to play what felt like a club game from the days before sportainment

Firdose Moonda04-Jun-2025There’s a distinctly Liverpudlian flavour among South Africa’s leadership group. So it’s hardly surprising they’re getting by with a little help from their friends as they prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final next week.Head Coach Shukri Conrad, batting coach Ashwell Prince, and captain Temba Bavuma all support the Reds – and are fresh off celebrating their league title win – and the first people they asked to lend them their ears were Zimbabwe, the guys next door.South Africa have not played them since October 2022, and haven’t hosted them since October 2018 or visited them since August-September 2014. But they convinced Zimbabwe to extend their stay in England to play them in a four-day warm-up game in Arundel. There are worse places to be in than the picturesque town in the South Downs – though both South Africa and Zimbabwe are actually based a 40-minute drive away in Portsmouth – and there’s little to be gained for Zimbabwe, apart from some insight into a team they will host later this month. But they’ve still agreed to play.Related

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• WTC winners to get USD 3.6 million in prize money

• Zimbabwe to host SA and NZ for Tests and T20Is in summer

So understanding have the not-so-noisy-neighbours been that they happily agreed to let South Africa bat first to give their line-up time in the middle, and then promptly even dropped Ryan Rickelton at second slip in the opening exchanges. Rickelton went on to top score with 62. But Zimbabwe weren’t quite as accommodating to Aiden Markram, who flicked 21-year old Alex Falao aerially to Wessly Madhevere at square leg, and departed for 13 off 15 balls.That meant Conrad was forced to show his tactical hand early when it comes to the least certain spot in the side: No. 3. Conrad had initially handed it to Tristan Stubbs in August last year, then let Wiaan Mulder bat there with a broken finger against Sri Lanka in Durban – seemingly because that was his only way of contributing in that match – and has also used Rickelton there briefly.Now that Rickelton has secured the opening berth, one of Stubbs, Mulder or Tony de Zorzi could bat at No. 3 at Lord’s. At Arundel, Mulder was given the spot, which is either an indication of how South Africa will line-up at the final or a bluff.On the evidence of the 49 balls he faced, Mulder appeared a serious candidate, and batted with a good measure of circumspection, especially as Rickelton was in full flow at the other end. Though Mulder looked aggrieved when given out lbw to a Tanaka Chivanga delivery that kept low, he made 26 runs, and was generally solid in defence.Stubbs was in at No. 5, which is a position that seems to suit him. He bedded in, and took 120 balls to score 58, but never appeared to be under pressure. Stubbs may be considered in that spot ahead of de Zorzi, the other batting option in the top five. De Zorzi was initially confused by spin and retired on 28, which indicates his status as a reserve player for the WTC final.Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder during the warm-up•ICC via Getty ImagesSouth Africa would have been most satisfied with the performances of Rickelton, in form across formats and playing attackingly, and Bavuma. This was Bavuma’s first competitive fixture in three months since the Champions Trophy, and he was in good touch. Importantly, Bavuma was able to play the pull and the hook comfortably. Those are shots which require him to extend his elbow fully, and hence he allayed fears that the chronic injury he carries is holding him back.As for Zimbabwe, for much of the day, it looked like they were doing their bit for continental unity, and it has been made easy for them. Their bills have been paid mostly by their hosts (the ECB provided a touring fee for Trent Bridge, and the ICC are paying for this add-on against South Africa). Their coaching staff – Justin Sammons, Charl Langeveldt and Rivash Gobind – are South African, so it has also been explained as something of a patriotic act.”A lot of their support staff have been part of the Proteas set up before, so we’ve got a really good relationship in terms of that,” Conrad told the media after the first day’s play was washed out.Overall, they gave South Africa as decent a challenge as they could on a flat track. Chivanga led the attack with a healthy dose of aggression and returned for spells late in the day, Victor Nyauchi got a hint of bounce, and the spin combination of Wellington Masakadza and Vincent Masekesa asked some questions of technique. More’s the pity that Blessing Muzarabani, their most reputed quick, was unavailable for this match after jetting off to the IPL, where he did not get a game.With heavy rain forecast for all of Thursday and most of Friday, South Africa had to manufacture some time in the field, and declared after 79 overs, with an hour’s play remaining. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen opened the bowling, and combined to take the first wicket – Brian Bennet caught by Jansen at gully off Rabada – before Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj took over. Does that mean Ngidi is being thought of ahead of Dane Paterson at Lord’s? It may be too early to tell, given South Africa only bowled 11 overs.

“It would be foolish of me not to tap into whatever IP there is, and he’s current. He was successful against Australia, and knows how to bowl at Lord’s, and the nuances that come with bowling from the respective ends”SA coach Shukri Conrad on getting Stuart Broad on board

The only thing South Africa may not get is a full 90-over day in the field and additional time in the bowler’s legs. But they’ve made another plan for some extra help in that department too. They’ve recruited a former Notts team-mate of Prince’s, who is also an SA20 commentator, in Stuart Broad. He will attend part of their training session on Monday in London, and have dinner with the coaching staff in an evening designed for information exchange. The arrangement is unpaid.”I reached out to Stuart via Ash, because they obviously know each other. And I just said to him, ‘Is there any way we can just get together, spend some time – primarily with the coaches – and then share whatever you’ve got?’,” Conrad said. “He’s coming for dinner with the coaches, and then he’s probably spending an hour or so at our nets.Temba Bavuma was back in action after an elbow injury•ICC via Getty Images”It would be foolish of me not to tap into whatever IP there is, and he’s current. He was successful against Australia, and knows how to bowl at Lord’s, and the nuances that come with bowling from the respective ends.”Conrad also wants to be careful not to overload his team with “too much information”, and remind them that, at its core, cricket is about simplicity. There was nowhere better to do that than Arundel. The Castle Cricket Ground is nestled among greenery, has no big stands, and the only food stall is the quaint Tea Hut. The match was open to members only, and there were just a few hundred people in attendance who could hear every word, ooh and aah being said on the field.It was very much like watching a club match from the days before sportainment, and was as low-key as it can get the week before the highest-profile engagement of this South African Test team’s careers. Zimbabwe will be back home by then, knowing they were the friends who provided a little – or, depending on how things go, perhaps a lot – of help when their neighbours needed them most.

West Ham and Tottenham have held discussions over signing former Brentford striker Ivan Toney ahead of the looming January transfer window, and he’s now given a response to both sides.

Ivan Toney attracts Premier League interest after Saudi displays

Toney’s excellent since moving to Al-Ahli has reportedly prompted several Premier League clubs to consider bringing him back to English football, with his exceptional goalscoring record defying initial skepticism about his £40 million transfer.

The 29-year-old has silenced doubters emphatically, scoring 42 goals across just 62 appearances in all competitions since arriving in the Gulf state.

His output has spearheaded Al-Ahli to success, including their maiden AFC Champions League triumph and victory in the Saudi Super Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

Toney’s memorable hat-trick against 2024 champions Al-Hilal marked Al-Ahli’s first victory over their rivals in eight league games, with the striker going on to net 12 goals across just seven matches during one extraordinary purple patch.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

His performances even briefly earned the Englishman a spot back in Thomas Tuchel’s England setup earlier this year, but Toney has struggled to fire his way back into contention since then.

With the 2026 World Cup looming, reports have suggested that Toney could return to the Premier League in a bid to battle his way into Tuchel’s thinking ahead of the tournament next year.

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Of all the teams linked with a move for Toney, West Ham and Spurs stand chief among them as the two London clubs allegedly scour for striking options.

Tottenham are said to have held preliminary talks over a deal for Toney already, while West Ham have allegedly sounded out the striker as they look to replace the exit-bound Niclas Füllkrug.

Now, a report by talkSPORT has shed light on the situation, with Nuno Espirito Santo handed a key update.

West Ham and Tottenham get Ivan Toney response after discussions

West Ham and Tottenham have discussed January moves for Toney, but the England striker has made clear his intention to remain in Saudi Arabia, effectively ending hopes of an immediate Premier League return.

Sources close to the situation confirm Toney’s camp has communicated directly to interested Premier League clubs that the striker remains settled, content and unwilling to push for a transfer.

Al-Ahli sporting director Rui Pedro Braz reinforced this stance publicly, insisting speculation surrounding January departures holds no basis in reality and declaring the club counts on Toney moving forward.

Additionally, Toney must remain abroad until April 2026 to maintain his non-UK tax residency status. Returning prematurely would trigger significant tax liabilities estimated at around £14 million.

Al-Ahli would also demand more than the £40 million they paid for a permanent transfer.

The SPL club would only consider sanctioning Toney’s departure if they secured an elite-level replacement, something which could be very difficult to do in January’s limited window.

Right now, the odds are stacked against an exit for the ‘remarkable’ striker, so West Ham and Spurs may need to look elsewhere.

According to other reports, West Ham have already made contact over a deal for USG striker Promise David, who could be available for a generous £17.5 million.

The work done by Glasgow Rangers during the summer transfer window has come under plenty of scrutiny after a fairly dismal start to the season for the Scottish giants.

One win in the first seven games of the Scottish Premiership campaign led to head coach Russell Martin losing his job, having only been appointed in the summer as the long-term successor to Philippe Clement.

Danny Rohl arrived at Ibrox last month and has already delivered four wins from four matches in the Premiership, but he has also lost both of his Europa League games in the dugout.

The former Sheffield Wednesday tactician has won 100% of his league games in charge, most recently beating Livingston 2-1 at Ibrox thanks to goals from Emmanuel Fernandez and Mohamed Diomande.

Despite this upturn in results in the league, there will still be question marks over the summer recruitment due to poor form on the European stage from the Light Blues under both Martin and Rohl.

Who were the worst signings of the summer window by sporting director Kevin Thelwell before he was dismissed from his role on Monday? Here are our worst three…

3

Youssef Chermiti

It is almost impossible not to mention Youssef Chermiti as being among the worst signings made by Thelwell when you consider the context of the signing and the fee that was paid for him.

Firstly, Rangers had already signed proven Premiership goalscorer Bojan Miovski from Girona for a fee of up to £4.2m, which suggested that Martin already had his first-choice striker in the building.

Secondly, Chermiti cost a staggering £8m to sign him from Everton. That made him the most expensive Rangers signing in 25 years, since the £12m that was spent to land Tore Andre Flo in 2000.

Paying £8m to sign a 21-year-old striker who failed to score a single competitive goal in two years at Goodison Park is bad enough on paper, but even worse when you consider that Thelwell was the man behind the £15m deal to take him from Sporting to Everton in 2023.

The Toffees had to take a £7m hit on the striker without getting a single goal out of him because of Thelwell’s investment, and now Rangers look set to suffer a similar fate if his fortunes do not improve.

Chermiti has scored one goal and provided one assist in 13 outings in all competitions for the Light Blues this season, per Sofascore, which shows that he has already offered more than he did for Everton, but it is still not enough to justify the huge outlay.

As you can see in the table above, he has particularly struggled in the Europa League this season, failing to offer quality in front of goal, in his general play, or physically, which is a big concern.

For the amount of money paid, the signing of Miovski made before his arrival, and how he failed when Thelwell signed him for Everton, he has to be among the ex-Gers man’s worst deals.

2

Joe Rothwell

Joe Rothwell also currently looks like one of the worst signings of the summer transfer window, in a move that was very different to the one that brought Chermiti to Ibrox.

Whilst the Portugal U21 international was signed for big money as a 21-year-old talent with room for improvement and potential to eventually hit, the English midfielder came in as an experienced 30-year-old operator who should have made an immediate impact.

Instead, the summer signing from Bournemouth has failed to hit the ground running at Ibrox and now looks to be out of favour under new head coach Rohl, after being brought in by Martin, whom he played for at Southampton in the 2023/24 campaign.

As you can see in the table above, the Englishman has become a bit-part player for the Gers, failing to get on the pitch in the three league games that he has been available for under Rohl.

Given he was brought in as an experienced player for the here and now, it is hard to look past him as another one of Thelwell’s worst summer signings.

1

Thelo Aasgaard

Thelo Aasgaard looks to be another one of Thelwell’s worst pieces of business from the summer transfer window, as he has been as ineffective as Chermiti and Rothwell.

Rangers swooped to sign the Norway international from Luton Town for a fee of £3.5m to bolster their ranks in the attacking midfield positions, but he has been unable to provide a regular threat at the top end of the park.

Per Transfermarkt, Aasgaard has only produced one goal and one assist in 19 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues, whilst Chermiti has one goal and one assist to his name in 13 outings for the club.

What makes that return even less impressive is that his assist was the pass to Djeidi Gassama in the clip above, where the winger does the majority of the heavy lifting for the goal.

The English-born number ten has not shown enough quality in his performances to suggest that he can be a difference-maker, aside from his stunning solo goal against Dundee United, which currently looks like it was a flash in the pan.

Heart & Hand content creator David Edgar described Aasgaard as “rotten” at the start of this month, and it is hard to disagree with that when he has many red cards as goals this season.

Aasgaard’s red card against Celtic in the semi-final of the League Cup is far from the only poor moment he has had in a Gers shirt, though, as the £3.5m signing was also hauled off at half-time against Livingston last weekend.

Rohl was clearly unhappy with his contributions in the opening 45 minutes, and it is hard to be happy with his contributions over the entire season so far, which is why he has been just as bad as Chermiti and Rothwell.

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