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Fire must wait to confirm their knock-out place while Phoenix kept their top-three hopes alive

ECB Media10-Aug-2024An inspired bowling performance by Birmingham Phoenix flipped the formbook against Welsh Fire to keep the Phoenix squarely in the mix as The Hundred reaches the business end.Marshalling her attack superbly to defend a modest 121, Phoenix skipper Ellyse Perry was once again the catalyst, claiming wickets in successive balls to remove Sophie Dunkley and Sarah Bryce after Charis Pavely had early induced a thin edge from Tammy Beaumont.Those wickets checked the Fire’s progress but from 42 for 3 the overseas stars Hayley Matthews and Jess Jonassen got together to repair the innings. They put on 46 together, with Jonassen playing beautifully down the ground, check-driving what would turn out to be the only six of the Fire’s innings.But with 34 needed from 27 balls, leg-spinner Hannah Baker scuttled a straight one past Jonassen’s attempted reverse sweep, and the squeeze was on.Fellow leggie Katie Levick, daring to give it some air, then encouraged the dangerous Georgia Elwiss to pick out deep mid-off, before returning for the penultimate set of five to claim the key scalp of Matthews for 35 (38), caught at extra cover looking to clear the infield.With 14 needed, a nerveless final set from Emily Arlott iced the match.Earlier in the piece, the Phoenix’s innings was held together by the Netherlands right-hander Sterre Kalis, who started circumspectly in cahoots with Sophie Devine before unfurling eight fours en route to her first half-century of the tournament.Although Matthews’s off-breaks – 3 for 32 from her full quota – kept the Phoenix middle-order in check, their total on a turning pitch was just good enough, ensuring that the Phoenix are alive and kicking going into the tournament’s final week.Kalis, named the Meerkat Match Hero, said: “Obviously we struggled a bit at the start on a used pitch and I probably let the bowlers bowl a bit too much to me, rather than getting out there with more intent, but I stuck around and finally got some away and felt alright!”I’m really happy with the opportunity to go in up top, it was something I really wanted this year and to get an opportunity is something I really appreciate.”Credit to Pez [Perry] early on and then the spinners. It wasn’t the highest total to defend, so the bowlers did an amazing job to restrict them. Two more games to go. A good win for us today and hopefully we can stay in the competition.”

Tottenham Hotspur will be expected to be fighting for Europe once again next season, with Thomas Frank the man who’s been tasked with taking the side back up the table.

The Dane was appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss last month after owner Daniel Levy decided to fork out £10m to prise him out of his contract at Brentford.

He’s showcased in the Premier League that he’s capable of overachieving, helping the Bees register a top-half finish despite losing top scorer Ivan Toney last summer.

He will likely have much bigger funds to spend after taking the reins in North London, needing to make the changes he desires if he is to be a success in the role.

Frank has already wasted no time in identifying key options to help him in his quest at the club, already edging ever closer to landing his first signing since replacing Ange Postecoglou.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player of huge interest in recent weeks and a deal for the West Ham United star was officially confirmed by the club on Thursday evening.

£55m appears to be the golden number between the two clubs, with the Ghanaian now arriving as Frank’s first addition this summer.

However, other moves have also been made in recent days, with Morgan Gibbs-White set to put pen to paper after the Lilywhites activated his £60m release clause at Nottingham Forest.

Another Premier League star could be inbound too, with Yoane Wissa potentially following Frank to Spurs, according to BBC Sport.

They claim that talks have been held over a deal to land the Congolese international striker, who managed to score 19 times in his 35 league appearances last campaign.

The report also states that the player himself is extremely keen on a move to link up with his former boss, but they are demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the 28-year-old this summer.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be the dream CF for Kudus

Soon-to-be Spurs star Kudus is a player who will undoubtedly bring excitement to the fanbase in North London, given his spell in England with West Ham.

The 24-year-old has registered 19 goals over the last two years since his move from Ajax, often catching the eye with his mazy runs and incredible solo efforts.

He’s often scored numerous times after dribbling past the opposition effortlessly, but arguably his best strike was his bicycle kick against Manchester City in the 2023/24 campaign.

His pending move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium would be a big-money one, no doubt, but one that would be worth every penny if he can replicate his form from the London Stadium.

Kudus could also link up with Wissa if he also completes a move, with the pair having the prospect of helping the Lilywhites rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

The Brentford star, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, managed to score four goals with his head last campaign, something which could fall perfectly into the Ghanaian’s hands given his cross success rate of 26% last season.

Wissa also managed to register 1.3 shots on target per 90, able to link up with the £55m addition next season, especially considering his tally of 1.2 chances created per 90.

Games played

35

Goals scored

19

Shots on target per 90

1.3

Aerials won

46%

Pass accuracy

80%

Touches in opposition box

5.2

Fouls won

1.6

The Congolese star has further impressed by winning 46% of the aerials he’s entered, a superb record considering he’s not the tallest of players, standing at just 5”9.

Whilst it may be an expensive addition at around £50m this summer, it’s evident that Wissa would be a phenomenal addition given his previous spell in England’s top-flight.

The prospect of the Brentford talent linking up with Kudus in North London is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the club potentially possessing two of the division’s leading talents going into 2025/26.

A better signing than Eze: Spurs set to make bid for "magical" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have ended their pursuit of Eberechi Eze with a move for another talented star.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

What the contenders need to do to qualify for the World Test Championship final

S Rajesh02-Oct-2024 • Updated on 24-Oct-2024India
Despite the loss in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, India stay in a healthy position at the top of the table. For them to get enough points to seal their place in the WTC final regardless of other results, they need at least four wins and one draw (52 points) in their remaining seven Tests, which will give them 65.79 percentage points. South Africa can get up to 69.44 if they win each of their remaining six Tests, but Australia can only reach 62.28 with four wins and one draw (assuming they lose two to India and draw one, and win the other four Tests).If India get fewer than 52 points, then there is a possibility of them not being in the top two. For instance, if they win four Tests (48 points, 64.04%), then it’s possible for Australia and South Africa to overtake them. Sri Lanka can finish with more than 67% too, but wins for them will be at the expense of points for both Australia and South Africa. That will work in India’s favour as Australia and South Africa could then both finish below India. New Zealand can finish as high as 64.29% if they win each of their five remaining Tests.Australia
Currently in second place at 62.5%, Australia can finish on a maximum of 76.32 if they win each of their remaining seven Tests. The two teams against whom they play their remaining series, India and Sri Lanka, are also strong contenders for the final, so wins against them will doubly help Australia’s cause. Five wins will lift their percentage to 65.79, but India and South Africa can still go past them. Things will be clearer by the time they start the series against India, though, as the visitors would have finished their three home Tests against New Zealand.South Africa
South Africa’s victory against Bangladesh in the Mirpur Test has kept them in the race for a top-two finish. If they win each of their five remaining Tests they will finish with 69.44%, which will surely be enough for qualification, as only one out of India or Australia can go past that number. Four wins and a draw will leave them with 63.89, which will still keep them in contention, while four wins and a defeat will lower the percentage marginally to 61.11, which will still give them a chance if other results go their way. The second Test against Bangladesh, ahead of four home Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan later this year, is shaping up as a crucial fixture.Sri Lanka
With a full 24 points gained from their last two Tests, Sri Lanka have made a strong push towards a top-two finish in this WTC cycle. Their four remaining Tests are against two opponents who are also contenders for the final. If they win each of those matches and take home 48 more points (keep in mind over-rate deductions are always a threat), they will finish on 69.23% and assure themselves of a place in the final regardless of other results. If they lose one and win three they will end up at 61.54, which will still leave them with a chance of qualifying, depending on other results.Australia would have a clearer picture of qualification ahead of the home Tests against India•AFP/Getty ImagesNew Zealand
New Zealand can still finish with a percentage as high as 64.29 if they win all five remaining Tests, but that remains a tough ask despite their victory in the first Test against India in Bengaluru. Even if they win three of those five Tests and lose two, they will finish at only 50%.England
After winning and losing their first two Tests in Pakistan, England can no longer finish with more than 60 percentage points. For them to qualify with that score, they will need several other results to work in their favour.Bangladesh
The two defeats in India and now one at home to South Africa have hurt Bangladesh badly – from 45.83% they have dropped to 30.56. Even if they win each of their three remaining Tests, it is unlikely to be enough for a place in the top two.Pakistan
Pakistan’s win against England in Multan has pushed their percentage points above 20, but they can’t get above 60 even if they win all their remaining matches in this cycle.West Indies
West Indies have already played four series and have only scored 20 points out of 108. Even if they win their last four Tests, they can only finish on 43.59%.

Tottenham are after a few more key summer signings before deadline day on September 1.

£43m star "clear" he wants to join Tottenham in talks with club chairman

He’s expressed his desire to seal a Spurs switch.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 15, 2025

Preferably for new manager Thomas Frank, they’d secure their desired targets before taking on European champions PSG in their looming UEFA Super Cup final, but it is rarely that straightforward when it comes to Spurs.

The Lilywhites are currently embroiled in a lengthy transfer saga involving Morgan Gibbs-White, who was due to have a medical on July 11 before Nottingham Forest blocked the 25-year-old’s move and threatened legal action against Spurs.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

This has caused an unceremonious delay, but Tottenham are optimistic they can still sign Gibbs-White behind-the-scenes (Fabrizio Romano), even if they may have to wait a bit longer before announcing the England international as their fifth major signing of the summer after Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

If Spurs’ £60 million deal for Gibbs-White goes through, then it would take Daniel Levy’s summer spending to around £172 million, providing they don’t have to pay Forest more compensation to sweeten the deal.

“The end result is that to get this deal done, Tottenham are probably gonna have to negotiate with Nottingham Forest a fee that includes not just the £60m release clause, but a little extra to effectively buy themselves out of the dispute, or walk away,” said Football Finance expert Stefan Borson to Football Insider.

“Now, we’ve seen in the past other teams have walked away. Of course, we know Liverpool walked away from Van Dijk and came back in January.

“I still think the most likely scenario is that Spurs are the only team that want to buy the player right now, that they’ll pay an extra, let’s say, £5-10m, maybe an extra £5m plus £5m, and the deal could get done. That would be the most likely outcome.”

As well as Gibbs-White, Tottenham are targeting a new number six, with Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on their list of potential targets, as reliably reported by Alasdair Gold.

The north Londoners are also contenders to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, alongside Newcastle United and Forest, with the Congolese recently travelling to London for talks over his future (Ben Jacobs).

Tottenham's four-word transfer promise to Thomas Frank

Whatever the outcome of these pursuits, it appears Levy and co are very active in the market right now, which links in to an alleged promise they’ve made Frank about recruitment this summer.

According to Spanish news outlet Diario AS, Tottenham have given Frank an encouraging four-word message in regard to their transfer plans before 2025/2026 – simply stating “investment and more investment” – as quoted by the outlet.

This comes as Levy looks to make a “statement” to the rest of the Premier League this summer, which comes as a promising bit of news for supporters who are about to watch Frank’s attempts to compete on multiple fronts.

They were once tipped for a ‘sell to buy’ summer at one stage, but their advancing talks over a stadium naming rights deal and rumoured cash injection from ENIC appear to have negated the need for high-profile players to depart.

Now, Frank is set to benefit, and as things stand, Levy is making good on the club’s pledge.

It’s been a hugely busy summer for Arsenal so far this year.

On top of already playing some intense pre-season games against top opposition like Newcastle United, AC Milan and those lot from up the road, they’ve been making plenty of moves in the transfer market.

As things stand, Andrea Berta has made six permanent additions to the first team in a bid to finally help Mikel Arteta’s side get over the line in the Premier League and Champions League next season.

However, they are not done there, as they continue to be linked to several brilliant stars like Rodrygo and a new name, someone who has won comparisons to the Brazilian and the Gunners’ own starboy, Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal target Rodrygo & Saka hybrid

Of the six additions Arsenal have made thus far, it wouldn’t be much of a hot take to suggest that Viktor Gyokeres is the most exciting, as the team have needed a clinical number nine for some time now and the Swede racked up a tally of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games for Sporting CP last season.

Transfer Focus

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However, while it is starting to look less and less likely now, the Gunners do continue to be linked with Rodrygo, who, thanks to his incredible ability, experience and trophy cabinet, could end up taking that spot as the most exciting signing the North Londoners make this summer.

Yet, there are still other names in the mix, as it now appears that the club are looking at another star from La Liga, someone who could be fairly described as a hybrid between the Real Madrid star and the incredible Saka.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sebastien Vidal, who claims that Arsenal are one of several teams showing genuine interest in Fermin Lopez.

He actually goes further than that, revealing that alongside Chelsea, the Gunners have already made contact with Barcelona, although it looks like Manchester United are currently leading the race.

According to Vidal, the Red Devils are preparing an offer of around £61m for the 22-year-old, and while Barça do not want to sell, financial issues could force their hand if such an offer arrives, which in turn will let Berta and Co know how much they’d need to offer.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Lopez’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’s been compared to both Rodrygo and Saka.

How Lopez compares to Rodrygo & Saka

In this instance, the primary comparisons to Rodrygo and Saka stem from FBref, which analysed players in similar positions in the Champions League last season and concluded that the Real Madrid star was the most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Lopez, and the Arsenal ace was the fourth most similar.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.79

0.72

Passing Accuracy

83.5%

85.1%

Passes into the Final Third

2.60

2.47

Shot-Creating Actions

3.40

3.70

Tackles Won

1.00

1.13

Clearances

0.80

0.72

Attempted Take-Ons

3.20

3.20

You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which the Frenchman ranked closely to the two internationals. In the Brazilian’s case, these metrics included non-penalty goals plus assists, passing accuracy, shot-creating actions, attempted take-ons, and more, all per 90.

In the case of the Englishman, the underlying numbers included metrics such as non-penalty expected and actual goals plus assists, key passes, shots on target, tackles in the defensive and middle thirds, and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.79

0.83

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.79

0.73

Shots on Target

1.59

1.42

Key Passes

1.20

1.19

Tackles in the Defensive Third

0.60

0.60

Tackles in the Middle Third

0.60

0.60

These numbers are particularly encouraging as they show that not only could the “amazing” ace, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, match up to the two wingers when it comes to their attacking numbers, but that he’s also capable and willing to do some of the less glamorous defensive work.

With that said, while the comparisons to the Arsenal and Madrid stars are certainly a positive sign, they aren’t the only reason Arteta and Co should look to sign the young Spaniard.

For example, one of his significant strengths is his positional versatility, having played in central and attacking midfield, as well as out on both wings since breaking through at Barcelona.

If there is one thing we know about Arteta, it’s that he prefers players who can offer him tactical versatility.

Finally, despite being young, the El Campillo-born gem has already won a number of trophies with the Blaugrana, including La Liga last season, and so he’d bring some much-needed know-how to the North Londoners.

Ultimately, it might not be a cheap transfer to get over the line, but Arsenal should do what they can to sign Lopez this summer, as he’s got the ability and potential to be something special, and the comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo can only be a good thing.

His comments come at a time when there are still doubts over his availability for IPL 2025

Sruthi Ravindranath27-Oct-20249:15

Will CSK retain Dhoni as uncapped player? What about Jadeja and Dube?

MS Dhoni has said he wants to enjoy “whatever last few years of cricket” he can play. While there are still doubts over his availability for IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan said last week he was hopeful that Dhoni will be part of the upcoming season.”I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I’m able to play,” Dhoni said at a promotional event in Goa. “Like how during our childhood we used to go out and play at 4[pm], just enjoying the game. But when you play professional sport it becomes difficult to enjoy the game just like a game. So what I want to do is, there are emotions and commitments, but I want to enjoy the game for the next few years.”October 31 is the deadline by which the ten franchises have to submit their list of retained players to the IPL ahead of the mega auction, and this year Dhoni is eligible to be retained by CSK as an uncapped player. That was made possible after the IPL brought back a rule that had been scrapped in 2021, according to which a player can be considered as uncapped if they have been retired from international cricket for five years.Related

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Dhoni had batted lower down the order throughout IPL 2024, coming out to face only a handful of deliveries. While workload management owing to his knee surgery was one of the reasons for the move, Dhoni also revealed that it was to give game-time to India players who were then in the fray for the T20 World Cup.”My thinking was simple, if others are doing their job well why do I need to come up the order,” Dhoni said. “If you’re talking about last year (season) specifically, the T20 World Cup squad was going to be announced soon. So we have to give people who are fighting for a spot a chance. In our team (CSK) we had a few, [Ravindra] Jadeja was there, Shivam Dube was there so you give them an opportunity to prove themselves to get into the Indian team. There was nothing in it for me, no selection and other things. So I’m good behind [playing down the order] and my team was happy with what I was doing.”Dhoni: ‘Love how teams are playing Tests now’Dhoni admitted he’s a fan of Bazball. He said he “loves” how Test cricket has become more result-oriented when asked if he was a fan of this high-risk, no-fear brand of cricket.”You can give cricket any term that you want to, what we have seen is cricket has evolved,” Dhoni said. “The way people are playing cricket is very different. There was a time when in ODIs something was considered a safe score, now that score is not safe in T20s too.Will Dhoni return for another season?•AFP/Getty Images”You give something a term, it becomes much more interesting because you start talking about it, you start relating to it but at the end of the day what is it? It’s a way to play cricket. Some people want to play aggressive cricket, some people want to play authentic cricket. A lot of that depends on the kind of team you have got – whether they can change the way they play that cricket. What is important is to realise the strength of your team and according to the strength of the team you decide which is the way you want to play cricket but it takes time. It doesn’t happen that overnight you say, ‘let’s start playing like this tomorrow’. You need to give time to individuals because they have played maybe 10-12-15 years of cricket and they have a certain way of playing cricket, so you need to give them that time to change.”Dhoni said there were a few “difficult” days back when he was playing Tests especially when he knew the match was heading towards a draw.”For me, the most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day of a match which is the last day when you knew that 100% it is going to be a draw,” he said. “I would still need to keep for nearly 2.5 sessions and that was the most tiring part. You see there is no result happening, you are just going through the motions. Yes, bowlers would like to take wickets, batters will try to score runs, [but] there is no result in the game. You think let’s finish this and go, why do I have to be here. So I love the fact there’s change in the way teams are playing Test cricket.”Imagine telling someone who doesn’t know much cricket we play over five days and we start at 9.30 and 4.30 is the scheduled end of play, we play till 5[pm] sometimes, and after five days we don’t get a result. That’s not nice for the game. So I love how there’s more results in today’s world. Even if we are playing only four days of cricket and one day gets washed out, still you get a result – that’s the beauty of Test cricket and that’s how it should stay – you want to get a result after five days and you shouldn’t have a draw.”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been honoured by Willem II, with the Dutch club naming their youth academy’s main stand after him.

Van Dijk honoured by Willem II academyLiverpool defender attended unveilingStand at Sportpark Prinsenhoeve renamedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Van Dijk returned to his former team Willem II to receive a special honour, as the youth academy’s main stand at Sportpark Prinsenhoeve was officially renamed the "Virgil van Dijk Tribune". The Liverpool captain, who spent over a decade in the club’s academy before becoming one of the world’s best defenders, attended the unveiling ceremony in Tilburg. The tribute also coincided with the launch of the Virgil’s Legacy Trophy, an international youth tournament founded by Van Dijk, which will bring 16 youth teams from around the world to Tilburg.

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The 34-year-old has become a global icon as Liverpool’s skipper, winning the Premier League and Champions League while also signing a new contract until 2027. Yet his journey began in Willem II’s academy, and the Dutch club wanted to immortalise his contribution both to their history and to the inspiration of future generations. The move underlines Willem II’s ongoing bond with one of their most successful products, while also strengthening youth development in the region through the tournament.

WHAT VAN DIJK SAID

Van Dijk expressed his gratitude and reflected on his deep connection with Willem II, calling the tribute one of the most meaningful moments of his career: “It makes me incredibly proud that the stand at the youth academy is named after me. Willem II played an important role in my life and in my development as a young player. That this is now being recognised in this way means a great deal to me and my family. It’s a very special tribute, and I appreciate the warmth and connection I still feel with the club.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

The Virgil van Dijk Stand will officially open this weekend alongside the first edition of the Virgil’s Legacy Trophy. With 300 youth players and 16 international teams taking part, the tournament is set to become a major fixture in Tilburg’s football calendar further cementing Van Dijk’s legacy at Willem II.

NZC said they will be announcing a permanent captain for the white-ball team in the home summer

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-2024Mitchell Santner has been named New Zealand’s interim captain for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, NZC confirmed on Tuesday. Santner will lead a 15-man squad that includes maiden call-ups to bowling allrounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay to face Sri Lanka in two T20Is and three ODIs next month. NZC also confirmed that a decision on the team’s long-term ODI and T20I captain will be taken later in the summer.Smith, 25, was recently named the NZC’s Men’s Domestic Player of the Year at the New Zealand Cricket Awards in March, before earning his first central contract last month. Smith had claimed 24 wickets across all domestic white-ball competitions for Wellington last season, including career-best figures of 4 for 5 against Otago in the Super Smash. Hay, who made his New Zealand A debut last year, was crowned Canterbury’s Male Player of the Year back in April.Lockie Ferguson, meanwhile, will spearhead the pace attack, comprising Smith, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Josh Clarkson. Tim Robinson earns his second call-up after excelling on his maiden international tour to Pakistan in April.ESPNcricinfo LtdMichael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips are the spin-bowling allrounders in the squad, alongside Santner, while Dean Foxcroft can also offer some handy offspin. Legspinner Ish Sodhi is the most experienced T20I player in the squad, with 117 appearances.Glenn Phillips, Will Young and Henry Nicholls provide the batting reinforcements, with Nicholls coming off an impressive Ford Trophy campaign last summer where he scored 301 runs in six games at 75.25.Related

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Six members of the New Zealand Test squad in India have been included, and will relocate straight to Sri Lanka at the conclusion of the third Test in Mumbai. The New Zealand-based players, however, will depart for Sri Lanka on November 4 ahead of the first T20I in Dambulla on November 9. Bracewell will join the white-ball squad from New Zealand, following his return home from India this week for the birth of his second child.Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson were not considered for selection as they prioritised the upcoming three-Test series against England, starting in Christchurch on November 28.”This [Sri Lanka] tour is the beginning of the build-up towards the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025 and we also have an eye towards the 2027 ODI World Cup,” chief selector Sam Wells said.”Building depth is of critical importance due to the demands of the international schedule and the need to peak for pinnacle events.”For that reason it’s particularly exciting to include a number of players that we believe represent the future of the Blackcaps.”Head coach Gary Stead will lead the group alongside bowling coach Jacob Oram. Former England international James Foster, meanwhile, will rejoin New Zealand as their batting coach, as full-time batting coach Luke Ronchi heads home to focus on the start of the New Zealand home summer.New Zealand T20I and ODI squad:Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wk), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will YoungSri Lanka vs New Zealand series schedule Nov 9, 1st T20I, Dambulla Nov 10, 2nd T20I, Dambulla Nov 13, 1st ODI, Dambulla Nov 17, 2nd ODI, Pallekelle Nov 19, 3rd ODI, Pallekelle

FSG have been unusually trigger-happy in the summer transfer market, but Liverpool’s owners are actually just conducting themselves with well-considered ambition.

This is no scattergun spending approach from the Reds, who won the Premier League last season after spending virtually nothing after Jurgen Klopp closed his illustrious chapter at Anfield.

Arne Slot rewarded this city for their patience and acceptance by winning the club their record-equalling 20th league title, and now he has been repaid with sweeping changes across the summer, setting up the foundations of a sustained period of success.

However, while there have been some incredible signings, and while the Anfield side still chase Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, several stars have ventured away for new challenges.

Luis Diaz is one such player.

Why Liverpool sold Luis Diaz

Though Diaz’s Liverpool career has its ebbs and flows, there’s no denying his electric-paced, mazy-dribbling game added much to Klopp and then Slot’s projects.

But the 28-year-old has signed for Bayern Munich for £65.5m this summer despite having two years left on his contract. Common ground could not be found between Liverpool and the Colombian, and so he goes for pastures new.

The fact Liverpool attempted to extend Diaz’s contract highlights the desire to keep him on board, but terms could not be agreed upon.

There’s been a lot of change at Liverpool this summer, and the South American’s stability and consistency could have been a real helper as Slot looks to repeat a trick.

Alas, he’s been sold, but FSG cannot allow the same to happen with Ibrahima Konate, whose footballing future is very much uncertain.

Liverpool must keep Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool signed Konate from RB Leipzig four years ago, in May 2021, paying his £36m release clause to reel him over to Merseyside.

Injuries have been a common and frustrating theme for the Frenchman through his Premier League career, but there’s no question that he’s from the top drawer, hailed by analyst Josh Williams as a “monster at covering ground and dealing with one vs one situations.”

How curious that Konate’s most fruitful season in the Premier League should align with Liverpool’s one title triumph across his time in England.

24/25

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2

11

23/24

22 (17)

–

–

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22/23

18 (17)

–

–

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11 (11)

–

–

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And now, aged 26, the France international is approaching the prime of his career at a time when Virgil van Dijk stands on the autumn of his own period at the top.

He’s now featured 132 times for Liverpool, and the recent season of relatively few injury blows bespeak his athletic maturity, something that Slot has managed to raise across the board.

Having entered the final year of his £70k-per-week contract, alarm bells are surely ringing in the FSG offices, especially when the likes of Fabrizio Romano reported way back in October 2024 that negotiations over a renewal were going smoothly.

Things are uncertain at present. This wasn’t supposed to be the case. What has caused such drastic change in the intervening period? Real Madrid, of course, who want to link him back up with Trent Alexander-Arnold as the Xabi Alonso era shapes up.

According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Florentino Perez hopes to emulate his club’s deal for Trent by landing Konate on a free transfer in 2026, but a fast-track of plans isn’t out of the question, with Liverpool said to be open to cashing in this summer for a €55m (about £47m) fee.

This cannot come to pass. In fact, Liverpool would find that they would suffer a bigger blow than losing Diaz, were they to part with Konate now.

Though the imposing Frenchman is partnered with Van Dijk, the skipper won’t be around forever, and Liverpool’s decision to have sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m earlier in the window only highlights the desperate need for change.

Marc Guehi is wanted on Merseyside, actually in his final year at Crystal Palace. The England international is in a similar boat to Konate, but there’s surely a future at Liverpool where the two centre-backs cohabit, for there is a dearth of depth at the rearguard in Slot’s team despite the heavy spending over the past few months.

There’s also no telling whether Guehi would manage to rise to the occasion and play with the steely gusto of Konate, who completed 90% of his passes and won 71% of his aerial battles in the Premier League last year, as per Sofascore.

Given that the 6 foot Guehi’s aerial dominance is a weakness, replacing Konate with him ahead of Van Dijk’s swansong might be to the detriment of Liverpool’s aerial strength (Guehi won just 54% of his aerial battles last season).

Liverpool’s second-best central defender has been a terrific servant, and when considering that he earns comparatively little at £70k per week, it’s understandable that he should be expecting to be paid his dues, especially when Van Dijk pockets way more at £400k per week.

Ultimately, Liverpool know that they need to throw the kitchen sink at getting the Les Bleus talent’s new deal over the line, for losing him could be a blow that rocks the boat too hard, unlike that of Diaz, with the overload of attacking signings likely to offset his departure.

It’s bad news for Rio: Liverpool discuss move for "electric" £43m Diaz heir

Liverpool will now get ready to sign a winger after Luis Diaz signed for Bayern Munich.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 31, 2025

Sutherland became the first batter to hit consecutive ODI centuries from No.5 and lifted Australia to an imposing 291 for 7

Tristan Lavalette21-Dec-2024Captain Alyssa Healy made a successful return before Annabel Sutherland smashed her second consecutive century as Australia defeated New Zealand in a rain-affected second ODI at the Basin Reserve.After Thursday’s opener in the three-match series was washed out on the same ground, Sutherland steadied Australia from a mid-innings wobble in seaming conditions to finish unbeaten on 105 from 81 balls. Healy played as a specialist batter and hit a crisp 34 off 32 at the top of the order, while Beth Mooney took the gloves during New Zealand’s innings.Fresh off a commanding 110 in the series-finale against India at the WACA, Sutherland became the first batter to hit consecutive ODI centuries from No.5 and she made the tough batting conditions look easy to lift Australia to an imposing 291 for 7.New Zealand faced an uphill task in their bid to achieve the second highest run chase in ODI cricket. Debutant Bella James made a brisk start and showcased her power hitting by pulling seamer Megan Schutt for six into the terraces.But opening partner Suzie Bates, who earlier presented James with her cap, fell to quick Kim Garth in the sixth over when she edged to Ashleigh Gardner in the gully. There had been doubts over whether Gardner had gotten her fingers under a ball dipping low to the ground, but replays upheld the original soft decision.James’ breezy 27 runs off 33 ended on the last ball of the powerplay when she tried to hit Garth over midwicket only for Alana King to take a well-judged catch running backwards.When captain Sophie Devine nicked off Ellyse Perry, New Zealand slumped to 60 for 3 in the 16th over and the only threat for an inevitable Australia victory was the darkening skies above.The inclement weather did not arrive until the 31st over, well after the 20-over minimum required for a result, with New Zealand at 122 for 5 and well short of the par score. Play was soon called off as Australia clinched a 14th straight ODI victory over their neighbours.It continues Australia’s winning run since their T20 World Cup disappointment and follows their 3-0 ODI series whitewash against India at home.After Devine elected to bowl under overcast skies, New Zealand did not make the most of the favourable conditions and were let down by ragged fielding. James, known as having a safe pair of hands, had a tough initiation in the field and dropped three catches.Molly Penfold made key inroads into Australia’s top order•Getty ImagesBut the most costly was when substitute fielder Jess Kerr was unable to take a tough catch low to her left at mid-off when Sutherland on 26. While quick Molly Penfold spilt a return catch when Sutherland was on 67, which denied her a maiden five-wicket haul. But she did produce a spirited performance to finish with an ODI career best of 4 for 46.Devine was tactically astute, but her bowlers other than Penfold could not build enough pressure and Sutherland made them pay in the backend.It’s a blow for New Zealand’s hopes of directly qualifying for the 2025 World Cup as they sit uneasily in sixth spot on the Women’s Championship table.All eyes at the start of the game were on Healy, who made her international comeback as a specialist batter after she ruptured her planter fascia against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup. She subsequently missed the India series having sustained a knee injury in the early stages of the WBBL season.Having memorably made a century in her international debut series, 21-year-old opener Georgia Voll unluckily had to make way as Healy returned to the top of the order alongside Phoebe Litchfield.Healy, who has been practicing hard in the nets in recent weeks, was determined to make up for lost time and smashed a second ball boundary off quick Rosemary Mair, who did not pitch the ball up consistently enough with the new ball.Penfold also struggled in her initial spell as Healy capitalised with good timing and she scored 34 of Australia’s first 41 runs. But she then mistimed a short delivery from Penfold to midwicket and punched her bat in frustration before trudging off the field.The game changed as Litchfield and Perry struggled after the powerplay as Penfold returned to the attack. She had Perry gloving a climbing delivery before luring Mooney into driving and a thick outside edge was caught by James at gully.Much like against India in Perth, it was left to Sutherland and Gardner to rebuild and they once again stood up under pressure with a 50-run partnership.Having returned to form with a half-century in her last innings, a confident Gardner used her feet to attack the spinners until she was deceived by a looping delivery from offspinner Eden Carson that turned sharply past the bat and crashed into the stumps.Penfold, who had taken just five wickets in her previous 12 ODIs, was left frustrated when James dropped Tahlia McGrath at extra cover before taking care of business herself by clean bowling Australia’s vice-captain for 34 in the 41st over.But Sutherland took over in the latter stages and made New Zealand pay for their sloppy fielding as she motored towards her third ODI century. She launched Carson for two towering sixes down the ground before sealing her ton off 78 balls in the final over.Sutherland fittingly finished the innings with a boundary as her stunning rise in international cricket continued.