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Netherlands have handed a maiden call-up to 17-year-old batter Cedric de Lange and recalled right-arm quick Sebastiaan Braat and allrounder Sikander Zulfiqar for the upcoming T20I series in Bangladesh starting August 30. The changes had to be made after Ryan Klein and Fred Klaassen were ruled out with injuries, while Saqib Zulfiqar withdrew due to personal reasons.De Lange has been a consistent performer at the Under-19 level as well as for his club and in the recent Pro Series, the domestic T20s in the Netherlands which concluded on August 20.”It’s always exciting to bring a youngster into the squad,” captain Scott Edwards said. “Cedric has been impressive all summer and he’s really earned this call-up. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can offer us on this tour and, hopefully, across a long career ahead of him.”Related

• Vikramjit back in Netherlands squad for Bangladesh T20Is

Braat returns to the Netherlands side for the first time since 2021, when he played T20Is against Nepal, after solid numbers in domestic cricket as well as club cricket.Sikander Zulfiqar’s absence from international cricket was even longer, having last turned out in T20Is in 2019.”It’s also great to welcome Sebastiaan Braat back into the side,” Edwards said. “It’s been a couple of years since he last played for us, but he’s had a very strong summer at club and domestic level, and we’re looking forward to having his experience back in the group as well.”Sikander has been a valuable member of our national team before and I’m glad to see him back in orange. He’s got phenomenal ability to clear the fence late in the game and I can’t wait to see him back and amongst the group.”Netherlands have only played five T20Is against Bangladesh and this will be their first time touring Bangladesh. The series acts as a preparation ground for Netherlands, ahead of the T20 World Cup early next year, while Bangladesh will use the series as an opportunity to finalise their line-up for the Asia Cup starting September 11.Netherlands train in Sylhet for three days before their first T20I on August 30, the second on September 1, and the third on September 3.

Netherlands squad for Bangladesh T20Is

Scott Edwards (capt & wk), Noah Croes, Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Sikander Zulfiqar, Cedric de Lange, Kyle Klein, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren, Shariz Ahmad, Ben Fletcher, Daniel Doram, Sebastiaan Braat, Tim Pringle

He shared a record third-wicket stand of 127 with Gareth Roderick in six-wicket win

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Jul-2025Kashif Ali struck a commanding 88 off just 46 balls, his highest T20 score, to help steer Worcestershire Rapids to a six-wicket victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks at Wantage Road, and keep their qualification hopes alive.Kashif was in total control, smashing seven fours and six sixes during a third-wicket stand of 127 with Gareth Roderick (36) – the highest for Worcestershire against any opposition in T20 cricket, beating the previous best accumulated by Brett D’Oliveira and Adam Hose against Yorkshire at Worcester just last month.Ben Sanderson (2 for 24) removed both set batters in the 15th over, but by then Worcestershire were closing in on victory and sent Northamptonshire to their fourth straight defeat.Earlier Adam Finch ran through Northamptonshire’s middle order, claiming three for 28, including two wickets in two balls, as the hosts tried to kick on after a lacklustre start. It came after Tom Taylor snared 2 for 22 on his return to his old club as the Steelbacks lost three wickets for 11 in 15 balls in the powerplay, finishing the first six overs on just 34 for 3.Northamptonshire had Sanderson to thank for posting a near competitive total, his 27 off 16 balls helping to propel them to 152 for 9.In Northamptonshire’s powerplay, while Ricardo Vasconcelos scooped Khurram Shahzad for six, he failed to middle an attempted pull against Ben Dwarshuis, and instead top-edged, keeper Roderick having plenty of time to judge the catch.Taylor struck twice in the next over, his third, as first Robinson top-edged Taylor to mid-on as he went to turn one to leg, before the bowler hooped one back in to send Ravi Bopara’s off-stump flying. With Dwarshuis conceding just two off his next over, the Steelbacks were well behind the pace.Northamptonshire skipper David Willey (13) powered consecutive boundaries through extra cover off Khurram to bring up Northamptonshire’s 50 but his fightback ended next ball when he chopped onto his stumps, giving Pakistan international Khurram (2 for 40) his first wicket in Worcestershire colours.Justin Broad (19) played his shots, but he became the fifth wicket when he reached for a wide ball from Fateh Singh and dragged it onto his stumps.Finch then struck twice in the fifteenth over accounting for Lewis McManus and Saif Zaib in the space of four balls. First McManus was undone by a full ball which clattered into the base of the stumps. While Zaib then sent one flying through extra cover, he pulled Finch’s next delivery to deep backward square-leg where Isaac Mohammed held a stunning diving catch.George Bartlett scooped Khurram for six, but he became Finch’s third victim when he hit straight to cover.Sanderson pulled Dwarshuis for six before smashing 14 off the penultimate over bowled by Shahzad. First, he dispatched a free hit out of the ground, before inside edging for four and then dissecting two cover fielders. While he was bowled by Khurram’s final delivery, a George Scrimshaw boundary saw Northamptonshire pass 150.In the chase, Willey (2 for 22) struck twice in his opening overs, Mohammed who hit straight to mid-off, while Brett D’Oliveira was bowled stepping away.Kashif played positively from the get-go, garnering a handsome straight drive off Willey and a straight six off Sanderson. He targeted Broad, hitting consecutive boundaries before pulling over midwicket as the Rapids ended the powerplay on 44 for 2.Roderick, who started slowly, enjoyed Scrimshaw’s extra pace, a brace of boundaries bringing up Worcestershire 50 off 26 balls, before Kashif hit Scrimshaw for a massive six over deep midwicket. A similar shot in the pacer’s next over brought Kashif six more before he ran two to reach his half-century off 24 balls.Roderick finished the over by crunching another maximum, Scrimshaw conceding 31 off his first two overs.The runs kept coming for Kashif despite a blow on the foot by a perfect yorker from Willey. He attacked the spin of Pope too, coming down the wicket to smite him over deep midwicket.Sanderson then broke the partnership, Kashif falling to a well-judged catch in the deep by Broad, while Roderick spooned a catch around the corner, but some lusty blows from Ethan Brookes helped seal the win.

Tottenham have made contact with a “complete” young player over a move to the club, with plenty of other clubs providing stiff competition including Scottish giants Rangers.

Tottenham given £100m cash injection

It has been a positive start to life in north London for Thomas Frank, with Spurs performing well overall in the Premier League and sitting third in the table.

Tottenham have now been given a fresh boost, with their owners, Enic, who are run by the Lewis Family Trust, injecting £100m into the club to “further strengthen the club’s financial position and equip the club’s leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success”.

A source close to Spurs also added: “This is initial additional funding. As the club’s management decides what’s needed to deliver success, more money will be available. The Lewis family is committed to backing the club to be successful.”

This will be music to the ears of the fanbase, who will feel that life after Daniel Levy is going well, and it’s now a case of using the money wisely, potentially on new signings moving forward. One player has now been mentioned as a potential option for the north Londoners.

Tottenham make contact with "complete" winger

Writing on X, journalist Rudy Galetti claimed that Tottenham have made contact with AS Trencin winger Sani Suleiman, looking to beat the likes of Rangers and Bayer Leverkusen to his signature.

Not a lot is known about Suleiman, given his age and where he is currently playing, but he could be an exciting long-term acquisition for Spurs, being capable of shining on both wings. The report does say that he has impressed with his speed, creativity, and ability to impact games.

At just 19, he has already scored 15 goals at senior level, as well as winning three caps for Nigeria’s Under-20s, and Galetti himself has described him as “complete” recently.

It is always important for Spurs to plan for the future, rather than simply focusing on the present, and signing players of Suleiman’s calibre and potential is vital.

Move over Spence: Spurs must unleash "one of the best talents England have"

Frank manages at Tottenham some of England’s finest up-and-coming talent.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 12, 2025

Granted, it is hard to predict the trajectory of a young player, with so many hurdles to clear in their career, from injuries to consistency, but if Frank and the recruitment team at the club see him as a good option, they need to be trusted.

Despite Liverpool sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table heading into the Merseyside derby, Everton would have felt some comfort in the fact that Arne Slot’s Reds have conceded several goals, even amid their table-topping status.

Indeed, the early pace-setters had managed to leak four strikes in the league heading into this crunch contest, and they would give up yet another clean sheet against their arch rivals after falling victim to an Idrissa Gueye stunner.

Yet, while Everton did find a way back into the contest courtesy of their experienced midfielder, the Everton attack looked rather sheepish throughout at Anfield, with Beto only given one half before being handed his marching orders by David Moyes.

Everton's struggles in attack

Beto looked to have turned a corner donning Everton blue after a goal-shy start to life in Merseyside.

Indeed, when Moyes was reintroduced to the helm last season, the Portuguese attacker suddenly reclaimed his shooting boots, with the lofty 6-foot-4 centre-forward managing to bag seven of his eight Premier League goals last season under the Scotsman’s new reign.

1. Iliman Ndiaye

5

2

= 2. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

5

1

= 2. Idrissa Gueye

5

1

= 2. James Garner

5

1

= 2. Beto

5

1

However, this season so far, Beto finds himself on just the solitary effort, with the ex-Udinese attacker only managing to register two accurate passes at Anfield as Virgil Van Dijk dealt with the number nine with ease.

Moving away from Beto, Moyes isn’t exactly spoiled for choice, with lots of hope in the air that Thierno Barry will come good eventually, but with a recognition that it will take time for the 22-year-old to get up to speed to break his Toffees duck.

Everton’s frustrations in the striker department, away from Jack Grealish’s stylish darts forward, could, therefore, see Moyes look for some more inventive options away from having to solely depend on Beto and Barry, with this makeshift striker option not the most outrageous shout.

Moyes could now unleash "dynamite" ace in new role

Drastic times up top could call for drastic measures.

While Moyes could persist with Beto in the hope he recaptures his best form, he will also be aware that being proactive could take his side up a notch in the attacking department, with Iiman Ndiaye being drafted into his position, not the most out-of-the-ordinary shout, considering he is the Toffees’ top scorer in league action so far this season with two efforts.

This poacher-like finish against Brighton and Hove Albion shows off Ndiaye’s instinctive nature inside the box, and while Everton would miss the former Sheffield United attacker’s trickery down the flanks, Tyler Dibling could take over from the 25-year-old to push the number ten into the main striker spotlight.

This wouldn’t be an unusual position for Ndiaye to take up, either, when considering his career numbers by position, with the Senegal international managing to collect a blistering 12 goal contributions when leading the line for the Blades here, away from being deployed down either channel.

CF

49

10 + 12

LW

36

7 + 1

AM

35

8 + 2

SS

16

7 + 3

RW

10

2 + 1

LM

5

3 + 0

RM

3

1 + 1

When adding in his numbers for Marseille, too, the “dynamite” 25-year-old – as he was once labelled by Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp – has a stunning back catalogue of ten goals and 12 assists from 49 games in this position, with Moyes now potentially tempted to shake things up and remove a lacklustre Beto to push the Toffees star-man into his spot instead.

Obviously, the worry would be that Ndiaye would find himself more removed from contests moving forward if he were to lead the line, as opposed to constantly being gifted the ball down the flank.

Yet, it’s a gamble that is worth exploring at this early stage of the season, with Ndiaye perhaps turning into even more of a terrifying beast unleashed into this fresh spot on the pitch.

Imagine him & Grealish: Moyes must unleash Everton’s own version of Mane

Everton meet Liverpool at Anfield as they look to extend their three-game unbeaten run.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 20, 2025

Sultans are in search of their first win in the tournament while United look increasingly impregnable

Danyal Rasool16-Apr-2025Another half-century from Sahibzada Farhan and an impressive all-round bowling performance spearheaded by Jason Holder helped Islamabad United maintain their perfect streak in PSL 2025, squeezing out Multan Sultans by 47 runs.Sultans won the toss and inserted United. The bowlers began brightly, with Farhan, fresh off his century against Peshawar Zalmi, and the off-colour Andries Gous kept quiet in the first half of the powerplay. But Farhan wouldn’t be kept quiet for long, launching Michael Bracewell for 15 in the fourth over, and another 15 in the last one before the field spread out. David Willey removed Gous when a miscue found midwicket, but 41 still came off the last half of the powerplay.Usama Mir and Ubaid Shah began to pull United back. Mir allowed just six runs in two overs, and removed Farhan, who had begun to look increasingly dangerous, shortly after his half-century. United continued to go on the offensive, and sneaked a few big overs in, but continued to lose wickets; Shadab Khan and Azam Khan fell soon after to Chris Jordan, while the destructive Colin Munro, who had slapped 48 off 25, became the fifth to go when Ubaid beat him for bounce.But as has been a theme this tournament, the death bowling wasn’t quite up to the same level in the first innings. Haider Ali and Holder feasted on the inaccuracy, the former dispatching Jordan for three successive boundaries before Holder tucked into Ubaid, a four and a six getting the allrounder going. It was part of a collective onslaught that saw 64 come off the final four overs, edging United past 200 for the second consecutive game.Naseem Shah struck early•PSLNaseem Shah struck first over to send Shai Hope back, but it wouldn’t stop Sultans from getting off to a quick start. A wayward second over from Naseem was punished for 17 while Riley Meredith’s first went for 18 after Usman dismissed two slower balls over the rope. Imad Wasim, crucially, struck to dismiss him off the penultimate ball of the powerplay, but his 20-ball 31 meant Sultans were on track at that stage.That, though, was as good as it got for Sultans as United grew into the innings. The next five overs saw Shadab and Imad apply the squeeze as just 29 were scored, and the need to take on ever-increasing risk brought about the fall of Mohammad Rizwan, a failure to get underneath Shadab seeing him hole out into the deep.Bracewell and Iftikhar Ahmed kept Sultans interested with a lively 24-run partnership, but Rizwan’s men had begun to buckle under Sultan’s asphyxiating pressure. Bracewell and Willey fell within four runs of each other, Holder taking a catch off Meredith’s bowling before the Australian returned the favour. Holder, by now, was the principal architect of Sultans’ collapse, cutting through the lower order like a hot knife through butter. He would knock Mir and Mohammad Hasnain’s stumps back before Iftikhar’s resistance ended with a tame heave to long-off that polished off the innings for 155. It keeps Sultans in search of their first win a tournament in which United look increasingly impregnable.

Crystal Palace are looking to replace Eberechi Eze’s creativity at Selhurst Park and could now be set to seek out two replacements as opposed to one, according to a report.

Crystal Palace look to future after Nottingham Forest draw

Completing a successful week on the field despite the circumstances behind Eze’s departure, Crystal Palace maintained their unbeaten Premier League start after securing a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest amid a backdrop of hostility between both sets of supporters.

While their controversial expulsion from the Europa League is still fresh in the memory, a 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad FK has placed Oliver Glasner and company on course for Conference League football.

Paying tribute to the Eagles’ supporters, he stated on his side’s positive early performances via Match of the Day: “We always know we can count on our supporters and fans.

“They did it again. It’s always great to play at Selhurst. I’m more or less delighted with our start to the season. This was our fourth competitive game, fourth time unbeaten. There’s a lot of noise around us but a lot of credit to the players to deal with the situation.”

Still, there will be plenty of focus on who comes in to enrich his squad, and speculation over Crystal Palace making a move for Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss refuses to die down.

Mateta 2.0: Crystal Palace in talks to sign £14m ace who's "got everything"

Crystal Palace is in talks to sign a new striker who possesses shades of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s lethal game.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 20, 2025

West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta could also be en route to Selhurst Park. However, Manchester City have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian, creating a saga that may drag on into the final days of the window.

Either way, there is a need for reinforcements to bolster Glasner’s slim squad depth, and there is a chance he could look to bring in two players to replicate Eze’s unique level of output.

Crystal Palace eye double deal to replace Eberechi Eze

According to The Sun, Crystal Palace could sign Villarreal star Yeremy Pino and Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis to replace Eze amid a difference in opinion between Glasner and Steve Parish.

In short, Glasner would favour a move for Tzolis. Meanwhile, Parish prefers Pino, fashioning a scenario where both players could be purchased for fees of £20 million apiece.

With Eze departing for £67.5 million, there is a wealth of money for the Eagles to play with in South London. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether their boss will soften up on a move for Pino, who he doesn’t currently see room for in his side.

Clearly, both players in question would improve Crystal Palace’s attacking output, though time is of the essence if either are to be drafted in before the window closes.

Tottenham Hotspur have ramped up their transfer activity over the last couple of days, with owner Daniel Levy finally starting to conduct some impressive pieces of business.

Xavi Simons joined the Lilywhites in a £52m deal from RB Leipzig at the end of last week – subsequently being presented to the fans before the defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Such a move adds to the additions of Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Mathys Tel – adding further quality to Thomas Frank’s already impressive first-team squad.

With the window now just a couple of hours away from closing, it remains unclear if the board will be able to add any further additions to help the new boss in his quest for success.

However, it may not be through a lack of trying from the hierarchy, with numerous other players currently in their sights before the 7pm transfer deadline.

Spurs’ hunt to land new signings on deadline day

Reports have emerged in recent hours that Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher is still a target for Spurs – despite the LaLiga outfit’s reluctance to sell him.

Frank’s side aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old, with fellow Premier League side Newcastle United also monitoring the Englishman’s situation.

However, he’s not the only player in their sights, with Manchester City star Savinho still on the Lilywhites’ radar, according to TBR Football’s report prior to the deadline.

They claim that Frank’s side haven’t given up hope of landing the Brazilian attacker this summer, even after having an offer rejected, with Pep Guardiola’s side stating he’s not for sale.

It’s also been claimed that the 21-year-old has been the club’s leading target in the last few days before tonight’s deadline, but it’s unclear if another offer will be lodged for his signature – with a £70m valuation previously being mooted.

Why Spurs’ £70m target would be perfect alongside Kolo Muani

In an attempt to bolster the Spurs frontline, Frank and Levy have struck a deal with PSG over a deal to land French striker Randal Kolo Muani on a season-long loan deal.

Talks were held between the two parties over a potential switch to North London, with a breakthrough appearing in negotiations in recent hours.

A €5m (£4.3m) loan fee has been agreed between the two sides, with a deal not including an option to buy – which would make the Frenchman the fifth senior addition of the window.

He’s proven his quality in recent times, netting 10 goals in his 22 appearances on loan at Juventus last campaign – handing Frank another clinical option within the final third.

However, if the 26-year-old is to be a success in North London, he will need to be provided with ammunition within the final third – something which potential addition Savinho could provide.

When delving into his underlying stats from last season, the Brazilian posted numerous superb numbers that would provide endless opportunities for the PSG loanee in forward areas.

Savinho, who’s been labelled “incredible” by boss Guardiola, ranked in the 96th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (7.1) – with such numbers allowing him to transfer the ball into the final third in North London.

Savinho’s stats in the Premier League (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

29

Goals & assists

9

Progressive carries

7.1

Shot-creating actions

5.7

Successful take-ons

2.7

Key passes made

2.4

Passes into the opposition box

2.4

Carries into the opposition box

3.8

Stats via FBref

He also produced 2.4 key passes per 90, and completed 2.7 successful take-ons per 90, which could provide Kolo Muani with a flurry of chances to hit the ground running under Frank this season.

Just because he’s able to create chances for others doesn’t mean Savinho isn’t capable of going alone – subsequently able to find the net himself – as seen by his tally of three goals last campaign.

The prospect of the duo linking up together in North London throughout 2025/26 is certainly an exciting one – subsequently topping off what has been a superb window for Spurs.

If they can replicate their aforementioned numbers together in the near future, there’s no reason why the club can’t be competitive in the Premier League and Champions League under Frank’s guidance.

Related Best Deadline Day deal since Kulusevski: Spurs make approach for £17m star

Tottenham are eyeing a number of different positions on a busy transfer deadline day down N17.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

We’re just a week away from the return of the Premier League, and Chelsea are looking like a scary proposition.

Enzo Maresca’s side finished last season in fine form, and the board have only made them stronger with their work in the transfer market this summer.

The likes of Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro will make them far more dangerous in attack, while Jorrel Hato looks like he could be one of the next great defenders.

The Blues aren’t done there, though, as they also appear intent on adding Xavi Simons to their squad, as well as another international who’d be brilliant alongside the Dutchman.

Chelsea target Simons' perfect partner

Simons has been one of the more prominent names linked to Chelsea over the last few weeks, and while it started as nothing more than an interest, it now looks like they’re dead set on signing him.

Transfer Focus

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

Reports from the last week or so have gone as far as claiming that personal terms have already been agreed and that an offer of around £61m would be enough to seal the deal.

It would be a brilliant bit of business if the Blues could get it done, and yet, they still want to do even more, as they’re now closing in on someone who could end up being unplayable alongside Simons.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has reaffirmed that Chelsea want to sign Alejandro Garnacho this summer.

The Italian journalist goes further than that, though, revealing that the Argentine ace has now agreed to “every detail of personal terms” with the Blues and that he “only wants” a move to Stamford Bridge.

Romano doesn’t mention how much the 21-year-old could end up costing, but based on stories from the last few weeks, it would appear that the Pensioners do not want to pay much more than £40m.

While Garnacho could still end up costing a little more than that, this feels like a deal that’s worth pursuing, as he’s got plenty of potential, and alongside Simons, he could become unplayable.

Why Garnacho could be unplayable with Simons

While it might have seemed unlikely a few weeks ago, Romano has made it quite clear that Chelsea want to sign Simons and Garnacho this summer, and though some might see that as overkill, we reckon they could be perfect teammates.

The first reason stems from their raw output last season, as an attacking player is always judged on their goal-scoring or chance-creating abilities.

For his efforts, the RB Leipzig star scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances, totalling 2763 minutes, which comes out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.

Appearances

58

33

Minutes

3568′

2763′

Goals

11

11

Assists

10

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvements

169.90′

145.42′

Then, in his 58 appearances last season, totalling 3568 minutes, the Madrid-born “superstar,” as dubbed by journalist Liam Canning, scored 11 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes, which is very impressive considering he was playing in a historically bad Manchester United team.

Not only do these numbers suggest that both players would be able to contribute in a meaningful way for the Blues next season, but they also make it clear that they’re both as good at scoring goals as they are at creating chances.

In other words, when playing together, opposition defenders will be unsure which one of them will be the creator and which one will be the finisher, and those minute moments of hesitation could allow them the space to thrive.

On top of this, both youngsters are more than comfortable playing as a ten or out wide on the wings.

This would allow them to play more games together, interchange with relative ease on the pitch, and crucially, cover for one another when one needs to be rested.

Ultimately, on their own, Simons and Garnacho would be excellent signings, but together they could become unplayable at Chelsea.

The next Cole Palmer: Chelsea "keep working" to sign £61m "game-changer"

The superb international would be an unreal signing for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 7, 2025

Only 33.1 overs were possible on what may have been the stop-startiest day in the history of Test cricket, featuring as many as eight stoppages for rain, but Australia kept alive their hopes of going 2-1 up with two days remaining at the Gabba. They stretched their first-innings total to 445 on the morning of day three before Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins ripped out India’s top order over the remainder of the day’s play, in between the many rain breaks.India went to stumps at 51 for 4, 394 runs adrift of Australia, and their first target when the Test match resumes will be to get to 246 to avoid the follow-on. If they get there, they dramatically improve their chances of getting to Melbourne with the series still level. Rain is expected on days four and five as well, so Australia may be battling time if they’re forced to bat again.Australia’s last three wickets added 40 runs to their overnight 405 for 7. There were brief spells of rain either side of the 17.1 overs they took to do so as well as one in between, after Jasprit Bumrah removed Pat Cummins to pick up his sixth wicket of the innings and his 50th in Tests in Australia. Alex Carey, who had raced to 45 on the evening of day two to keep Australia’s advantage intact after a three-wicket burst from Bumrah, brought up his half-century and played some resplendent strokes – including an effortless six over wide long-off off Akash Deep – before he was last out for 70. He was out to Akash Deep, who finally got a wicket with the 53rd false shot he had induced in the innings.Australia’s fast bowlers then began to show how much more they could get out of this Gabba surface than India’s quicks had managed, thanks to both home and height advantage, with all three of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins measuring upwards of 6’5″. They often found seam movement when they hit the pitch on a length or back of it, and occasionally awkward bounce too, with Hazlewood striking KL Rahul’s wrist with his first ball of the match.By then, India were already one down, with Yashasvi Jaiswal having fallen second ball, flicking Starc uppishly and straight to Mitchell Marsh at square leg. Starc struck once more in his second over, slanting a full one away from Shubman Gill and inducing a drive away from the body with his head not on top of the ball. The ball flew quickly to the left of gully, and Marsh was once again in position to intercept it, this time with a spectacular dive to his left.As much as the ball was doing off the deck, both of India’s wickets had fallen to avoidable shots, and the trend continued when Kohli – who, in the previous over, had to react quickly to fend away a Starc lifter that leapt towards his head – drove loosely at a wide one from Hazlewood and edged behind, falling early once again in series marked by uncertainty outside off stump.Rain returned immediately after Kohli’s dismissal, prompting lunch to be taken early, and there was another interruption 11 balls after resumption. None of this was helping Australia’s victory push, but it was also keeping their fast bowlers fresh. It also meant India’s batters had to get their eye in multiple times.All this, and superb bowling, contributed to India’s next wicket, with Cummins slanting one across Rishabh Pant from over the wicket and landing it on the perfect line and length to draw an uncertain forward-defensive push. Australia have noted Pant’s tendency to aim down the ground while defending balls angled across him, rather than going with the angle and playing later and squarer on the off side. This particular ball threatened to swing back into Pant before nipping away off the pitch, and found his edge through to Carey.All through this, Rahul had batted with something approaching certainty, showing excellent judgment in the fourth-stump channel as well as a readiness – both in terms of intent and the timing of his weight transfer – to drive balls pitched up to him. Apart from one sliced effort that flew through the backward point region, he drove with certainty, picking up three fours through the covers on his way to 33 off 64 balls at stumps. With him was his captain Rohit Sharma, who was still to open his account.

Aston Villa are beginning to pick up pace in the transfer window and have now put themselves in position to bring a proven Premier League midfielder back to English shores, according to reports.

Aston Villa look to retain key stars under Unai Emery

Unai Emery has needed to remain patient this summer due to the Villans’ ongoing battle to address their PSR concerns, which has stalled the bulk of their business from occuring early on in the window. Only Yasin Ozcan and Zepiqueno Redmond have arrived so far.

Despite Manchester United’s apparent interest in Ollie Watkins, David Ornstein has confirmed Aston Villa have ‘no intention’ of selling the England international to a direct rival, which will come as a relief to supporters.

He stated: “Ollie Watkins, as reported by our colleague Laurie Whitwell, is among those on Manchester United’s recruitment list. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t on the recruitment list of top clubs.

“He’s such a good striker and a good lad, and they’ve maybe held some enquiries with his camp. I’m not sure if that’s gone to Villa directly.

“From my conversations with Villa, they see themselves as having no intention to part with Ollie Watkins. They want him to continue with him up front for them.”

Aston Villa looking to sell £100k-a-week star and sign quality replacement

NSWE need to offload players.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 5, 2025

Marcus Rashford’s departure following a successful loan spell last season has opened the door for Aston Villa to make a move for Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, though he is also the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest.

Frustration has been encountered by those who want to see the Villans pull off early deals. Nevertheless, their luck could be about to change following recent developments in connection with a midfield target.

Aston Villa could advance for Douglas Luiz

According to Tuttosport, Aston Villa could look to complete a sensational move for ex-midfielder Douglas Luiz following his frustrating time at Juventus.

Saudi Arabian clubs are also in the picture to sign the Brazil international. Still, he is said to have no interest in moving to the Gulf region or Turkish Super Lig despite the Old Lady being keen to offload him as soon as possible.

Como are keen suitors willing to offer Luiz an escape route while remaining in Serie A. Meanwhile, Leeds, Everton and Manchester United all have their eye on his current situation.

Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has previously shared his admiration for Luiz, stating: “Would I take him back? After his departure, we made investments and our midfield is well-stocked with Tielemans, Onana, Kamara, Barkley. But I would always take Douglas back, at any club: he’s top class.”

Indeed, the Rio De Janeiro-born man was a revelation at Aston Villa, though he wasn’t able to hit the ground running at Juventus in 27 appearances last term.

Now, with the door open for a new career chapter, £138,000 per week earner Luiz could well complete an unexpected return to the scene of his former glories.