Category Uncategorized

At a time when Afghanistan is in the world’s political focus again, the first pan-subcontinental star offers a respite from all that heavy context

Osman Samiuddin14-Jun-2021There’s been something slightly disorienting about watching Rashid Khan, Afghan superstar, in the Pakistan Super League, although that feeling is also entirely appropriate. Though this is a debut in the league for him in body, in spirit it feels like a homecoming. This is a league run by the country he grew up in, possibly spent his formative cricket years in; where his cricket hero is from; where a large segment of the population are kindred to him in soul, mind and spirit – a tie that can never be erased or confined by material irrelevances like passports or borders.Said league, as it happens, is being played in a country Khan now resides in for convenience, because it allows him to travel easily. Said country is also the birthplace of said league, so Rashid Khan, a 24×7 on-the-road athlete, is, in many roundabout ways, home.He has been a life-affirming figure at this PSL, not least because it plays out at a time when that dreaded, wholly inadequate, hyphenated term “Af-Pak” is (with capital I) Important again. The TL;DR is that the US is pulling the last of its troops out of Afghanistan, 20 years after 9/11 and that has (capital I again) Implications for neighbouring Pakistan because there have been implications forever since the British drew a line in the sand in 1893 and divided one people into two.In a tiny but undeniable way Khan’s participation is significant in this connection – to say that yes, there is some very real life to sort out, but in the meantime here’s a slice of life that is also real and infinitely less exhausting. What is being played out here, an Afghan icon starring in Pakistan’s biggest event, is both a refuge from all that geopolitical context but also a reminder that the context need not be something to always take refuge from.Related

• 'My mindset was not to play big shots but find gaps'

• Afghan, nomad, superstar

• An opportunity to keep the Afghanistan-Pakistan rivalry dignified

• Clashes in stands at Headingley as Afghanistan-Pakistan turns ugly

And at some level, to Pakistanis specifically, it should be challenging. Millions of Afghans fled Afghanistan to seek refuge in Pakistan after the Soviet invasion of their country in 1979. But in a metropolis like Karachi, far from being seen as fellow sufferers – let alone citizens, because a majority have not been allowed to become citizens – they are seen by Pakistanis as troublesome, and worse, deleterious to society at large.More directly, hopefully, by dint of Khan’s participation in the PSL, through simple familiarity it can work away at the complications of cricket ties between the two countries, tied up within the broader complications of that hyphen. Khan’s celebration of the dismissal of Asif Ali in the 2018 Asia Cup is part of the friction, the clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan fans in Leeds in the 2019 World Cup a result of it.Imagine, though, the power of him bowling as he did last Thursday against Peshawar Zalmi but doing it in front of a full house at Gaddafi Stadium, the home of his team? Better yet, at some point, imagine him playing in Peshawar, once – maybe forever – a home, in front of thousands of his people? There’s not enough wattage in the world to measure the electricity of such an occasion.In a way, prolonged participation in the PSL should also complete the uniqueness of his stature. Here is a player whose home is Afghanistan, who has grown up in Pakistan, who is not only a star in India but plays his “home” internationals there. He plays those for a country that is central to a geo-strategic proxy war – bragging rights, in plainer words – between the other two.He is at home right across these three countries. He is freely able to play in front of their crowds. He is freely able to play alongside their best players and against them. To varying degrees, each of the three can claim a bit of him, and Pakistan more once he has played more of the PSL. To that end, speaking publicly in Urdu post-match has been a nice touch. It may appear a small touch but, given that until as recently as the 2019 World Cup, Afghanistan’s team was reportedly under instructions by its board to not speak Urdu publicly, it is not that small.

Imagine him playing in Peshawar, once – maybe forever – a home, in front of thousands of his people? There’s not enough wattage in the world to measure the electricity of such an occasion

That could make him potentially the first true pan-subcontinent star. Nobody, not Hanif, not Mankad, not Gavaskar, not Kapil, not Imran, not Javed, not Wasim, not Sachin, not Kohli, not Babar – none can claim to have cut through the jingoism and blind hatred that blights cricket fandom in these countries. In the adulation and respect he inspires in these countries Khan might have quietly accrued a status that sets him apart from nationalities. He’s a country of one, and equally one of all countries. It seems unnecessary to state that how big he is in Australia too.There’s so much going on here, and after it all there is still his cricket. Of which, it’s safe to say that he has equalled his hero in some respects. “He is one player who has fans all over the world,” Khan told the a couple of years ago. “You don’t get such players every day. Check his record, he doesn’t have many centuries, but whenever he arrived, he would hit four-five-six sixes, entertain and leave. That is why he had fans. You to become his fan.”Aside from the detail of the batting, this could be about Khan himself. He, of course, was talking about Shahid Afridi, whose gravitational force he himself now comfortably channels, and which demands you’re pinned down for every single ball he’s involved in. Plus, he creates these moments, it seems, far more consistently. The other night, against Islamabad United, he stole a win with the bat in all of five balls, which in totality was a very Afridi thing to do but in its execution was far more ruthless. Although, just as Afridi would tell himself walking to the crease, Khan told himself to not play big shots. But when it came to the crunch, like Afridi again, he couldn’t hold himself back.By now everyone knows everything about the genius in his bowling, not that this knowledge helps batsmen any. Each ball is delivered as an expression of the same superiority and certainty as has been done by the true masters – the Marshalls or McGraths or Akrams.A special word for the googly, though. Fittingly for the nature of the delivery, Khan’s googly works in the opposite way to most others. The more he bowls it the it is understood, like the best magic, or undoubtedly for some people, maths.This is a great league for showing off googlies in. For a long while, it was a Pakistani delivery and in Imran Tahir at the Multan Sultans, there is a direct descendent of the Abdul Qadir lineage. At the same franchise there is also Qadir’s blood, and perhaps the beginnings of a theory that the googly can be inherited genetically. Khan’s googly though stands apart from all of them. And in doing so, it still feels right at home.

The summer transfer window has given way to a greater obstacle: the 2025/26 campaign. Newcastle United have it all to do in the Premier League after away-day blues have left Eddie Howe’s side 14th as the November international break trundles along.

It was a testing summer, and no mistake. United staked their stance regarding Alexander Isak, but then Liverpool thrashed against that post throughout August, and the Sweden striker ended up completing a British-record move to last season’s deposed Carabao Cup holders.

Nick Woltemade has been in emphatic form for club and country this season. The club-record signing has smoothly replaced Isak at number nine, but too many Magpie forwards are flattering to deceive around him.

And this struggle falls onto Howe’s desk. The tactician needs to find a solution, no matter the issues across the off-season months.

Should Newcastle fail to improve, noise concerning Howe’s future will only intensify.

Why Howe's future is a hot topic

Newcastle are in a rut, but they can certainly climb out of it. Let’s not forget that United were beaten 4-2 at Brentford a week into December 2024, and that result had the Toon down in 12th, with five wins from 15.

But this doesn’t change the fact that Newcastle need to improve. PIF are lenient when it comes to the man who has given this club glory, but that will only stretch so far after much investment.

The crux of the matter centres on the away form. Newcastle have only won once on the road all term, and that was against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League.

The thought of another coach in the dugout hardly bears thinking about, but Howe’s a pragmatic man, and he will know that he needs to find a solution. Tweaks are not enough here; Newcastle are in need of a reset.

Should that end up stretching over to the managerial berth, technical director Ross Wilson is bound to consider a Premier League rival who has been riding the crest of a wave.

Newcastle's dream Howe replacement

It’s important to stress that Newcastle are not actively looking to oust Howe from the hot seat. This is one of the greatest managers in the club’s history, and the struggles of recent months hardly negate the immortal 2024/25 campaign.

If Newcastle do need to bring someone new to St. James’ Park, they couldn’t do much better than Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, someone described as a “top five manager in the world” by one Premier League content creator.

Last week, the Mirror revealed that the Austrian coach is one of four names possibly available to PIF if they decide to commit to a mid-season reshuffle.

Glasner has achieved illustrious success with Palace, winning last season’s FA Cup and then beating Liverpool to lift the Community Shield in August. He is leading the Londoners through the Conference League campaign.

Hailed by analyst Pythagoras in Boots as being an “underappreciated” and “Champions League-level manager”, Glasner has done nothing over the past several years to suggest the contrary.

This is a shrewd and attractive tactician, whose typical 3-4-2-1 formation underscores an outside-the-box methodology that has only been on the money since he set foot onto English shores.

His slick attacking play could be exactly what Newcastle need. Moreover, this could give rise to Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon finding their footing once again, both wingers having toiled this term and yet to score or assist in the Premier League.

But the appointment would have the greatest effect on Woltemade, with the 23-year-old already clinical, already dangerous. Just look at Jean-Phillippe Mateta, who holds the joint-highest appearance tally at Glasner’s Palace, having scored 38 goals from 78 outings.

The Frenchman’s newfound fluency in the final third owes to the creative impetus. Indeed, Chelsea are the only side in the Premier League to have created more xG than the Selhurst Park side this season.

It is not unfair to surmise that a large degree of Newcastle’s issues in the Premier League centre around creativity.

Therefore, Woltemade’s emphatic start to life as the club’s central striker is made all the more impressive, and that’s without even considering the injury to fellow newbie Yoane Wissa, Prem-proven and yet to kick a ball in black and white.

Woltemade has already established his goal threat, six goals for Newcastle since completing a £69m move from Stuttgart in August. The 6 foot 6 striker has bagged four goals from three recent caps with Germany.

This is not to suggest that Howe doesn’t have the capacity to unlock the highest levels of Woltemade’s potential, but Glasner prioritises aggressive wide play that loops into the middle of the area, with a focus on much running and high intensity.

Woltemade is only completing one dribble every two Premier League fixtures, but his Sofascore heat map underscores a mobility that escapes many other centre-forwards.

But FBref shows that Woltemade ranks among the top 18% of positional peers in the division for progressive passes and the top 8% for carries made per 90, emphasising his technical skill and his willingness to move about.

In this, the German could be the perfect head of a new tactical system at Newcastle. We all hope that Howe finds a solution and Newcastle do not need to undergo any drastic transformation, but Glasner is worth his weight in gold and could be a fantastic and uplifting appointment for the Tynesiders.

Newcastle already have the new Anderson & he's "England's next superstar"

Eddie Howe could unearth Newcastle United’s next Elliot Anderson by starting this promising star more often.

By
Kelan Sarson

Nov 18, 2025

Umran Malik will not compromise on his speed. It’s his “identity” and his “natural ability”, and though he is on a comeback trail after over a year out with injuries – a hip issue the last – he will keep bowling as fast as he can since it’s a point of difference between him and other quicks in the country.”Every fast bowler in the world knows that injuries are going to be a part of his career. But speed is my natural aspect. How can I compromise with that? Speed is my biggest strength, and I want to continue to maintain that strength,” Malik told ESPNcricinfo on the sidelines of Jammu and Kashmir’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Hyderabad in Kolkata on December 4.”You can’t bowl at 150(kph) straight away. You reach that speed gradually. I don’t want to show my speed to anyone, but I want to show my wickets. But it is also that after ten years [of bowling at a competitive level], I want to bowl at 140 [from 150] and not come down to a speed of 130 from 150.”Before turning out in the latest edition of the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournaments, Malik had last played in in March 2024 in the IPL that year, for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Mumbai Indians (MI). He was with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025 but could not play a single match.Coming back from a serious injury takes a toll on the body as well as on the mind, and Malik’s focus has changed a bit now.”After spending time at NCA [BCCI’s Centre of Excellence] and talking to many experts, I have started to understand my body better,” he said. “I now know what things need to be managed better if I want to avoid injury.”Though KKR have let go of a number of their players, including some big-ticket stars, Malik has been retained ahead of IPL 2026.”I know that for many Indian fast bowlers, it is not that difficult to be part the IPL. It’s probably easy for me too, but I’m not just thinking of taking part in the tournament,” he said. “Money is not a concern. The first and last thing is that my fitness and form should be such that I play every match for the team and take wickets. If I can’t do this, then what will be my value as a player?”I will work as hard as I have to. I will learn where I make mistakes. I will take care of myself and want to make my comeback memorable.”Those who have watched him bowl this season have found a slightly different Malik, who has maintained his speeds while also appearing to bowl within himself a bit.At present, Malik’s eyes are focused solely on the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but it is with an eye on the future, starting with the IPL.

This was Ireland’s third T20I win over Bangladesh

Mohammad Isam27-Nov-2025After the Tector brothers – Tim and Harry – powered Ireland to an above-par score, their bowlers ensured a 39-run win over Bangladesh in the first T20I in Chattogram. The hosts have now lost four T20Is in a row while the visitors won their first match of the year.Harry struck five sixes in his unbeaten 45-ball 69, after his younger brother Tim had given Ireland a sound start, with a 19-ball 32. The Tector brothers struck big ones in both ends of the Ireland innings, before their bowlers managed to bowl through the wet conditions due to dew in Chattogram.Fast bowler Mark Adair, playing his first international series since his knee surgery in August this year, sunk Bangladesh in the powerplay. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys took 4 for 13, and took three wickets with the wet ball in his fourth over.Adair forces Bangladesh to crashHumphreys had Tanzid Hasan caught at mid-on in the first over to give Ireland a perfect start with the ball. Adair got a wicket-maiden in his first over back in competitive cricket after five months. He removed Litton Das playing a double-minded cut, easily caught inside the circle for one. Bangladesh sunk to 5 for 3 in the fourth over, when Adair had Parvez Hossain Emon caught at midwicket.Saif Hassan, recently elevated to the vice captaincy in the T20I side, struck the team’s first boundary in the fifth over. He however was clean bowled by Barry McCarthy, who replaced Adair after he bowled a scintillating spell that read 2-1-3-2.Jaker, Hridoy offer brief respiteTowhid Hridoy tried to haul Bangladesh out of a desperate situation, with four wickets down and the required run-rate touching 12 per over. He struck Josh Little for four over mid-off, before hitting Gareth Delany for a square-cut boundary. Both Hridoy and Jaker Ali lofted Delany for a six each in the tenth over, as Bangladesh looked to this middle-order pair to get them out of trouble. Jaker however continued his batting struggle, getting caught at deep third after making 20 off 16 balls.Humphreys skins Bangladesh tailReturning to bowl his last over, Humphreys had quite the mixed bag. He had Tanzim’s wicket with the first ball, caught at long-on. Humphreys bowled three wide deliveries, struggling to keep the wet ball in his grip. He however dried up his hands real good, when he had Rishad Hossain lbw and Nasum Ahmed stumped off consecutive deliveries.After the eighth wicket fell, Ireland dropped several catches mainly due to the wet ball. Hridoy meanwhile reached his fifth half-century, apart from adding 48 runs for the ninth wicket with Shoriful Islam, but it had little consequence on the match.Harry Tector finished unbeaten on 69•BCBTim Tector blazes along the groundWhen Ireland batted first, captain Paul Stirling struck three early fours before it was the Tim Tector show. He clattered Shoriful for four boundaries in the third over, which went for 18 runs. Stirling fell in the fifth over after which Tim was joined by Harry, and the Tector brothers exchanged more boundaries from either ends.Tim’s inside-out shot over the covers brought up Ireland’s fifty in the seventh over, before he struck Tanzim Hasan through point. Rishad removed Tim in the ninth over, when Tanzim took the catch at long-on.Harry Tector goes aerialHarry had already got two boundaries including a straight six, before Tim departed the crease. Harry also went for straight sixes off Rishad before Shoriful removed Lorcan Tucker for 18, in the thirteenth over.Curtis Campher aided Harry with three more fours in his 17-ball 24. Harry hammered Shoriful for his third six, pulled over midwicket, before hitting two more sixes in the last over, both over long-on.

Rohit Sharma made an unbeaten 121 and Virat Kohli finished 74 not out to win by nine wickets after Harshit Rana’s 4 for 39 bowled Australia out for 236

Andrew McGlashan25-Oct-20251:04

Chopra sees a lot of IPL interest in Cooper Connolly

The majority of the SCG crowd got what they wanted as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, playing what will surely be their final matches in Australia, guided India to a consolation nine-wicket victory which avoided a series whitewash.Rohit, building on the fighting 73 he made in Adelaide, went to his 33rd ODI century from 105 balls, a ninth against Australia, while Kohli responded to his twin ducks to start the series with an unbeaten 74 in front of a packed stadium of 40,587, most of whom cheered their every move.The pair, who have more than 26,000 ODI runs between them, finished with an unbroken stand of 168 from 170 balls as Rohit brought the target in view with a flurry of boundaries before Kohli finished it with a delicate glide to deep third.Related

Sydney soaks up that Rohit-Kohli feeling

Rohit's reminder that he can't be written off easily

'Wanted to start fresh' – Rohit and Kohli roll back the years in Sydney

Shreyas Iyer hurts rib cage during outstanding catch

It was a dominant performance by India after Australia slipped dramatically from 183 for 3, losing 7 for 53 to be bowled out for 236. Matt Renshaw’s maiden ODI half-century had given them a solid platform, and all the top six made at least 23, but none could convert as Harshit Rana claimed a career-best 4 for 39 while India’s trio of spinners all bowled well.Rohit and Shubman Gill gave the chase an ideal platform but, even as the openers did what the team needed, the cheers for Kohli only grew louder. Shortly after Gill had deposited Cooper Connolly for six he edged Josh Hazlewood behind and the stage was set.Kohli made his way out of the dressing room to huge cheers, but those paled compared to a few moments later when he was off the mark first ball with a flick wide of mid-on. Kohli got into the spirit of the moment with a little smile and clenched fist.Virat Kohli celebrates his first run of the series after two ducks•AFP via Getty ImagesFrom there, it was largely the Kohli seen on so many occasions – a straight drive off Mitchell Starc was a standout – although he was a little fortunate to survive an lbw appeal against Nathan Ellis on 36 which was millimeters from being overturned on DRS.One of the highlights of Rohit’s innings was an inside-out lofted drive for six against Adam Zampa and he later added another six off the legspinner with a slog sweep. The century came in understated fashion, a gentle drive to long-off, and a gentle wave of the bat around the ground.Despite the series being wrapped up, Australia resisted resting either Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc. They ended up only bowling 11 between them – Hazlewood was again excellent – but they weren’t brought back when the result was assured, perhaps a nod to what is to come. Ellis, who had been brought in for Xavier Bartlett, endured a difficult night.Mitchell Marsh had opted to set a target when the coin fell his way, making it 18 consecutive tosses India had lost in ODIs. Marsh and Travis Head, who became the fastest Australia men’s batter to 3000 ODI runs by innings, picked up the pace during the opening ten overs with Marsh pulling Prasidh Krishna’s first ball for six in an over that cost 13.Harshit Rana took career-best figures of 4 for 39•AFP via Getty ImagesAustralia were beginning to motor when Head spooned a catch to backward point although the run rate at that stage of more than six over would prove deceptive. Two balls later India could have had a second wicket after a mix-up left Matt Short stranded but Gill missed the stumps.Marsh’s promising innings ended the first ball after drinks, when he gave himself room against Axar Patel and was bowled. A relatively quiet period followed as Short and Renshaw worked into their innings. Short, who made a career-best 74 in Adelaide, had given himself a base when he swept Washington Sundar to square leg where Kohli held a stinging catch to the delight of many in the crowd.Renshaw did not hit a boundary until his 33rd delivery when he pulled Sundar powerfully through the leg side but kept the scoreboard ticking over so effectively that his fifty arrived from 48 balls.Alex Carey struggled for momentum and was on 8 off 23 balls when given a life, Krishna unable to hold a tough chance running in from long-on. He and Renshaw had given Australia a good base for acceleration when the pair fell in the space of four overs.Carey was spectacularly caught by Shreyas Iyer running back from backward point, taking the ball over his shoulder and slamming into the ground which caused him significant pain. During the drinks break which followed he left the field with the physio and during India’s chase was taken to hospital for further assessment.Renshaw, who is in the contention for a place in the Test squad for the Ashes, then fell lbw to Sundar as he advanced down the pitch with the DRS confirming the ball would have taken middle and leg.In Adelaide, Connolly and Mitch Owen put together a stand that turned the game firmly in Australia’s favour but there was no repeat here. Owen, staying leg side of the ball, edged a rising delivery from Rana to slip meaning the bowlers were exposed with more than 12 overs remaining and they were bowled out with 20 deliveries unused. But what the crowd had really come to see came next.

A hot topic of conversation amongst Premier League fans is which stadium generates the best atmosphere.

Having a raucous home crowd can even help change the flow of a game, with an intimidating home support helping suck the ball into the net.

For visiting players, some grounds can be a nightmare to go to. However, there are other stadiums which are relatively quiet and less intimidating to visit.

Premier League Player Power Rankings 2025/26

So, for the 2025/26 Premier League season, here is every stadium ranked for atmosphere, taking into consideration noise levels and capacity.

20

Vitality Stadium

Bournemouth

Starting off at the quieter stadiums in the division, AFC Bournemouth’s ground holds just over 11,000, something which hinders the atmosphere.

The Cherries have performed well on the south coast, however, a visiting player probably doesn’t fear a trip to the Vitality Stadium.

19

Craven Cottage

Fulham

Next on the list is Fulham, with Craven Cottage previously having a mixed section for home and away supporters.

Now expanded to a capacity of just under 30,000, the Cottagers can create a good atmosphere, especially in a London derby, however, on the whole, it is one of the more relaxed stadiums to visit in the top flight.

18

Molineux

Wolves

Wolves fans have not had much to shout about in recent years, and that has come across in the flat atmosphere at Molineux.

Regular defeats and flat performances have left home supporters with nothing to cheer or get behind, whereas it is arguably the worst viewpoint for away fans on the side of the pitch.

17

London Stadium

West Ham

Even West Ham fans may even argue that the London Stadium should be further down this list after swapping the cauldron that was Upton Park for their current 62,500 stadium.

Built for the 2012 Olympics, it is evident that the ground was not made for football and that often comes across from the stands, with seats too far away to feel on top of the players.

16

AMEX Stadium

Brighton

An impressive ground to visit, the AMEX Stadium has been home to Brighton & Hove Albion since 2011 and has been a Premier League stadium since 2017.

The Seagulls have had plenty of success and memorable moments at their home, which has created a solid atmosphere, especially behind the goal.

15

Gtech Community Stadium

Brentford

Brentford moved into their new stadium in 2020 and have enjoyed plenty of success in the Premier League since.

However, the Gtech Community Stadium which holds more than 17,000 isn’t exactly a daunting place to go. A game under the lights can often generate the best atmosphere, though, as we saw in their 2-1 win over Liverpool.

14

Turf Moor

Burnley

An old school traditional stadium, Turf Moor sees supporters close to the pitch with stands that rise steeply.

Holding just under 22,000 when at full capacity, the Clarets can generate a solid atmosphere but arguably cannot compete with some of their Premier League rivals and their grounds.

13

Stamford Bridge

Chelsea

Chelsea’s atmosphere has been described as dull and lethargic and Joe Cole said in 2025 that it’s the “worst” he’s seen in all his years supporting, playing or visiting Stamford Bridge.

Despite this, the Blues often show in a big game that the noise can be generated, but they just don’t do it regularly enough.

12

Etihad Stadium

Man City

Manchester City’s home support has been a running joke for a number of years now, however, the Etihad Stadium can generate an excellent atmosphere at times, especially for the big Premier League games.

The consistency isn’t there, though, with home supporters often leaving early despite seeing Pep Guardiola’s side run riot more often than not.

11

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham

Even though Tottenham have one of the newest stadiums in the division, which includes a South Stand capacity of 17,500, Spurs’ home support is often flat.

Performances and results haven’t been there in recent years, but the 62,850 stadium doesn’t produce the atmosphere it should.

Brendon McCullum says he has identified areas where England must improve ahead of the Ashes after a thrilling series against India ended 2-2 courtesy of what the head coach believes was a deserved win for the tourists in the fifth Test at the Kia Oval.India completed their fightback from 2-1 down in a remarkable 56 minutes of play on the 25th and final day of this Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, securing a six-run win, their narrowest victory by runs.It meant England missed out on a first series win over India since 2018, which was also the last time they triumphed in a five-match series. They have yet to record a series win over India or Australia under McCullum and Ben Stokes’ leadership.Related

• England vs India top moments: Siraj's heartbreak, Gill vs Crawley, Root's records

• The agony, the ecstasy: 56 minutes of Test cricket at its most glorious

• India's win at The Oval might herald a golden era for them

• Six-run thriller – India script their narrowest win in Tests

• How Woakes defied injury to front up in England's hour of need

With England next in action in September for white-ball series against South Africa and Ireland, there is time to decompress. McCullum, as over-arching coach since the start of the year, will be across both challenges. But his immediate focus, once the dust has settled, will be to pore over the last seven weeks to see what worked and what did not. Fine-tuning ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth come November will be his primary aim.”We’ll let this one sit, we’ll digest it,” McCullum said. “We’ll be able to pick out what has gone well then start to work out how we can keep improving so, when we do arrive out in Australia, we give ourselves a huge chance.”We’re in the middle now, halfway through what we knew was going to be an unbelievable 12 months of Test cricket. We know we’ve got some room to improve.”You’re always learning any time you get to see guys having to dig deep and go to places they’ve maybe not been before.”There’s lots to pick out as we give ourselves time for this to digest and work out areas we can look to improve for our next challenge. Ultimately, I’m really proud of the guys and their efforts. It’s been a combative series, it’s taken its toll with injuries, some of the best players have gone home injured.”To sit here at 2-2, yes, you’re disappointed but you’re proud of the efforts.”Brendon McCullum will oversee the England debrief after India fought back for a 2-2 draw•Getty Images

The scoreline mimics the 2023 home Ashes, and though England came from behind two years ago to secure a draw, there were parallels to this summer against India with some of the moments the hosts let slip.Dropped catches cost them in the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford, which ended in a draw, and at the Kia Oval. But perhaps the most painful will be a collapse of 7 for 66 in pursuit of 374 after Joe Root and Harry Brook had taken England to 301 for 3 in the chase.McCullum was reticent to dwell on the missed opportunities, something he chalks up as the cost of playing a high-calibre team who were able to rally after those reprieves. He did concede the catching was particularly below par; England dropped six catches in India’s second innings of 396, which ended up costing them 152 runs.”We didn’t catch very well in this game but have caught really well over the last few years,” he said. “Sometimes dropped catches happen and one leads to another. If we had held our catches maybe we would have been stood on the other side of the result. That’s life, there’s so many little things in the game we could pick out and have huge impacts. We are a good fielding unit and had a bit of an average performance in this Test.”We threw everything at them. It was testament to how stoic they are as a team. We knew when they turned up in England it would be a very stern challenge and we’d have to play excellent cricket to get the result we wanted.”Ultimately I thought it was an absolutely unbelievable series to be part of. It had confrontation, it had stalemates, it had passion and it had some sub-par performances under pressure as well.”The way India were late on in this Test, Mohammed Siraj has the absolute heart of a lion to bowl 90mph in his 30th over of his fifth Test match. It’s quite an incredible effort.”As much as we got ourselves in a winning position this Test match, I feel like they deserved to win. They played better cricket.”

And so, Ruben Amorim lives to fight another day as Manchester United manager.

Depending on which reports are to be relieved, the Portuguese coach would have kept his job even if Saturday’s meeting with Sunderland had ended in defeat, although the 40-year-old has helped to quell the noise regardless, heading into the international break, following what was a vital 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

Following the limp display away at Brentford last weekend, the pressure had cranked up even further on United’s under-fire coach, with the visit of the Black Cats already looking make-or-break so soon into the new campaign.

Thankfully for Amorim’s sake, his side flew out of the traps against Regis Le Bris’ men, with Mason Mount – recalled to the starting lineup in place of Matheus Cunha – slotting home at the end of a fine sweeping move from the hosts.

A first Premier League goal for United on home soil for the Englishman was followed by Benjamin Sesko’s second in United colours, and first at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Slovenian prodding home at the end of Diogo Dalot’s long throw.

Had it not been for the efforts of Robin Roefs in the visiting net, that lead could well have been extended, with Amorim left to reflect on what was a largely – albeit not completely – positive display from his struggling side.

Senne Lammens catches the eye on United debut

Roefs may have impressed for the away side, notably keeping out Bruno Fernandes’ effort in the first half in sublime fashion, although the day’s major story was the debut showing of United’s summer signing, Senne Lammens.

Thrust into action for the first time this season, following Altay Bayindir’s latest errant showing away to the Bees, the Belgian was a calming presence in the sticks, steering the hosts to a rare clean sheet.

While there was an element of fortune as the 23-year-old avoided punishment amid a collision with Bertrand Traore after the break, he otherwise looked the part on Saturday, memorably keeping out Granit Xhaka’s fierce strike at the near post.

The sight of Lammens claiming the ball from the sky in the first half in comfortable fashion was met with audible cheers inside Old Trafford, with the United faithful willing their new man to succeed following so much turmoil in the goalkeeping department.

Tougher tests will lie ahead for the former Royal Antwerp man, yet with a clean sheet in the bag and three saves made, as per Sofascore, the young ‘keeper has begun on the right foot for the Red Devils.

And so, while Saturday marked the beginning of one United journey, one of Lammens’ new teammates should well be heading for the end of his time in Manchester.

The Man Utd star now on borrowed time under Amorim

On a day of such positives, it remains important to consider those who underwhelmed during that 2-0 victory, with Amorim still left with plenty to ponder over the next couple of weeks.

Chalkboard

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

One persistent area of concern is at wing-back, with Saturday’s outing seeing the ex-Sporting CP boss deploy Amad on the right flank, with the long-serving Dalot on the opposite side.

While the Ivorian was a constant threat throughout, having also drawn a save from Roefs in the first-half, his wing-back colleague was far less impressive off the left, even while factoring in that it is something of an unorthodox role for the right-footer.

Following his disappointing outing last week on the right flank, in which he looked ‘way off the pace’ according to journalist Katherine Walsh, the Portugal international fared little better this time around, replaced on the hour mark after failing to get involved in proceedings.

Indeed, the 26-year-old won just a solitary duel and failed to provide a single key pass, as per Sofascore, having also been particularly wasteful in possession after losing the ball on 11 occasions.

His tally of 42 touches, meanwhile, was even fewer than Lammens in the sticks (52) – hardly ideal considering the onus put on the wing-backs to get forward and create.

While it could be argued that he is merely fighting his way back to full fitness, having been struck down by injury during the previous international break, the full-back’s woes have become a far too familiar sight of late.

Even from the off, the one-time Porto man was caught napping, with Dalot failing to track the aforementioned Traore as he attempted to latch onto a cutback, leaving a sense of relief when the former Aston Villa forward was unable to convert.

Amorim can ill-afford such lapses of concentration at a time when his set-up appears to need to be perfect in order to flourish, with individual errors having thus far plagued his time in charge in Manchester.

After taking one problematic figure out of the firing line, in the form of Bayindir, the United boss may well now need to do the same with his compatriot, Dalot.

Amorim must finally axe Dorgu for Man Utd's 18-year-old "steam train"

Manchester United face Sunderland this afternoon with Ruben Amorim needing to make a huge change.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 4, 2025

Still seeking further additions, Liverpool have now reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a 16-year-old gem as well as one other young star who’s been compared to Morgan Rogers.

Liverpool's 2026 transfer targets

Whilst their bank balance may still be recovering from their £400m spending spree in the summer, Liverpool are already thinking about potential 2026 targets for Arne Slot and his side. Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, even after breaking Liverpool’s transfer record twice, are far from done with their project.

Following a recent dip in form – losing three consecutive games in all competitions – questions have been asked about Slot’s reign for the first time and questions that could be answered by using the transfer market.

Agent reveals "explosive" star's transfer preference between Liverpool and Chelsea

He’s had his say…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 14, 2025

It’s clear, for example, that the Reds need a centre-back. Unless anything changes between now and the summer, Liverpool will lose Ibrahima Konate on a free deal following the end of his contract. That will leave them with just three senior centre-backs – Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and young Giovanni Leoni.

Given that Van Dijk is on course to leave in 2027, Gomez is injury-prone and Leoni will be coming off the back of his own lengthy spell on the sidelines, those at Anfield are likely to turn towards the market for reinforcement in that area.

On that front, Marc Guehi is still a name that Liverpool will reportedly look to sign after coming within hours of securing his arrival in the summer. This time around, however, they’ll need backup options with the Crystal Palace defender also attracting interest from the likes of Real Madrid as his contract ticks down.

Before then, Edwards and Hughes have reportedly set their sights on the future of Slot’s side with reports suggesting that Liverpool have submitted an offer to sign an impressive young duo.

Liverpool submit offer to sign Palmer twins

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have now submitted an offer to sign Anton and Bailey Palmer. The 16-year-old twins have recently announced their decision to leave Middlsborough and have not been short of options ever since.

Alongside Liverpool, they’ve reportedly received offers from Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. To say that they’ve got a big decision to make would be a major understatement.

Both are incredibly impressive young players. Anton, a midfield gem, pushed through at Boro to make two appearances in the Premier League 2, whilst Bailey – also a midfielder – has received comparisons to Aston Villa’s Rogers.

After winning the race to sign Salford’s Will Wright in the summer, Liverpool should push all the way to beat Man City and others to sign the Palmer twins.

Tennis star Taylor Fritz has now revealed he is a “massive fan” of a Manchester United and Premier League legend.

Fritz gearing up for the Laver Cup

The eighth edition of the Laver Cup is set to get underway at San Francisco’s Chase Center this Friday, with Team Europe looking to retain their title, after defeating Team World in a thrilling encounter on home soil in Berlin last year.

Team Europe seemingly have a good chance of getting a sixth Laver Cup victory on the board, given that ATP World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will be heading out to the USA, alongside Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Jakub Mensik and Flavio Cobolli.

However, it must be noted that Team World also have a strong line-up, which features Reilly Opelka, Joao Fonseca, Alex Michelsen, Francisco Cerundolo, Alex de Minaur and Fritz.

With a current ATP ranking of No.4, the American is undoubtedly the stand-out player for Team World, and he heads into the competition off the back of a relatively strong showing in the most recent singles Grand Slam, reaching the quarter-finals of the US Open.

The 27-year-old is yet to win a Grand Slam, coming closest in the 2024 edition of the US Open, when he was defeated by Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the final.

Not only is the 2024 US Open finalist one of the best tennis players in the world, but he is also a big football fan, and he has previously named Manchester United and Premier League legend Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his inspirations.

"Massive fan" – Gerrard has named Man Utd legend among his "favourite players"

Steven Gerrard has made it clear he is a huge admirer of a former Manchester United star.

ByDominic Lund Sep 16, 2025 Fritz right to take inspiration from Ronaldo

As pointed out by the tennis star, Ronaldo has faced accusations of arrogance throughout his career, but his mentality has led to great success, winning five Ballon d’Ors, three Premier League titles and five Champions Leagues.

The 40-year-old is also way out in front as the top goalscorer in Champions League history, scoring almost double the amount of Raul, who is fifth on the all-time list.

Player

All-time Champions League goals

Cristiano Ronaldo

141

Lionel Messi

129

Robert Lewandowski

105

Karim Benzema

90

Raul

71

The Portuguese forward is showing no signs of slowing down, scoring 95 goals in 109 games for Al-Nassr, and Fritz will be well-positioned to lead Team World to Laver Cup glory if he is able to replicate Ronaldo’s mentality.