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David Moyes has signed only three players for Everton this summer, but as the weeks progress, there will likely be several more making the move to Merseyside.

More importantly, however, is the news that Moyes managed to secure defender Jarrad Branthwaite down to a new four-year contract extension with the Toffees.

This could be crucial regarding Everton’s chances of breaking back into the top half of the Premier League table next season, especially with several clubs sniffing around the player.

It proves that the club are heading in the right direction, especially judging by the quality of their signings.

Carlos Alcaraz did spend time on loan at Everton last season, but his permanent move will improve Moyes’ midfield options.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract, signing another striker or two was a key priority for the manager.

As such, a deal to secure the signature of Thierno Barry was completed a couple of weeks ago.

The centre-forward may have cost the Toffees around £27m from La Liga side Villarreal, but this may just turn out to be a wise piece of business.

Why Everton signed Thierno Barry

While Calvert-Lewin didn’t exactly bring goals to the side last season – scoring only three all season – losing a forward meant Moyes had to be active in the transfer market.

Barry was the player earmarked as a major target, and for good reason. Last season, the French starlet scored 19 goals and grabbed four assists for Villarreal across all competitions.

Furthermore, the striker also showcased his creative side by creating seven big chances for his teammates, proving that he offers much more than just a goal threat.

He played in the U21 European Championship for France this summer, scoring once for his country as they reached the semi-finals before bowing out to Germany.

Despite averaging just 37 minutes per game for France, Barry also created two big chances, averaged two shots per game and missed four big chances.

If given more of a chance in the team, he may have had a bigger influence, no doubt about that.

This all sets him up nicely for the 2025/26 season, where he will be taking on some of the finest defenders in the world.

Should Barry live up to his potential, Moyes may have unearthed a stunning talent who will certainly secure them a stunning profit in the coming years.

While a promising signing, the Frenchman wont be able to lead the Toffees’ frontline on his own, especially with the pressure to score plenty during his maiden season.

Moyes must now be looking to bring in another centre-forward ahead of the new season, one who could offer similar sort of qualities to those of Barry.

With this in mind, it appears the Scot is targeting a move for someone who shone in what was their debut season in European football.

Everton enquire about move for new striker

Moyes was keen on signing Evan Ferguson from Brighton and Hove Albion, but that ship has now sailed with the Irishman bound for AS Roma. Additionally, Nick Woltemade was also a target, but Bayern Munich were also keen on the German.

One striker who has been on the club’s list for some time is Hamza Igamane, who shone for Glasgow Rangers last season.

Indeed, it was after his performance against Tottenham Hotspur in December 2024 that initially saw the Toffees linked with the Moroccan.

While a January move was never in the question, it looks as though Igamane could be on the move this summer.

It looked as though Lille were closing in on the youngster, but according to reports on the continent, Moyes might well be back in the frame for him.

The report read: “LOSC Lille struggling in their negotiations with Rangers for Hamza Igamane. Despite a personal agreement with the Moroccan, the deal’s still on hold. In the meantime, Feyenoord entered the race. Everton and Udinese have also made enquiries.”

Rangers have placed a £20m valuation on one of their prized assets, but this shouldn’t be an issue to the Merseyside outfit.

Should Everton win the race, Igamane could turn out to be Barry 2.0 given their similarities on the pitch.

Why Everton must sign Hamza Igamane

Igamane certainly made his mark for Rangers last season. Across 46 games in all competitions, he scored 16 goals, including strikes against Celtic, Spurs and Nice.

It is no wonder several clubs are chasing his signature after his performances for the Gers, especially in Europe.

In the Europa League, Igamane recorded an impressive 29% goal conversion percentage, while also registering 1.4 shots on goal.

Ben Mattinson hailed his character last season, saying: “Hamza Igamane is such a Barclaysman type forward. Completely unpredictable, tonnes of flair and trickery. The type of player to try outrageous moves/shots just because.”

Interestingly, both he and Barry offered similar traits last season. According to FBref, both players performed well in front of goal, registering 18 and 20 goal contributions across both domestic and European competitions.

Elsewhere, the duo also registered similar figures when it came to shots per 90 (3.88 vs 3.02), shot on target percentage (39% vs 36%), goal-creating actions (4 vs 6 ) and successful take-ons (17 vs 18) last season.

This proves that the pair won’t just offer Everton a threat in front of goal, but that they can also create chances for others and are willing to take on opposition defenders on a regular basis.

With both Barry and Igamane in the same team, there is no reason why Everton can’t make the top half of the Premier League next season.

Indeed, if both players take to the top flight with ease, can a European place perhaps be secured also? It is a long shot, but Moyes has finally rejuvenated the club after years of stagnation.

Another striker is crucial. By bringing in Igamane, Moyes will be able to replicate his Barry masterclass.

Everton in contact to sign "fantastic" defender who pocketed Calvert-Lewin

The Toffees are in the hunt for defensive reinforcements…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jul 21, 2025

After news emerged earlier this week that Nicolas Raskin’s agent has offered his signature to Real Betis, Glasgow Rangers now face the threat of losing another star man amid reports that Besiktas are preparing a second bid.

Real Betis offered Raskin move

It’s been a busy summer for Rangers so far. Having kicked things off by welcoming new ownership in the form of the 49ers before welcoming Russell Martin in the technical area, the Gers have since been busy with incomings on the pitch. So far, a total of seven fresh faces have arrived, while Oscar Cortes has also made his loan move permanent.

But it’s not all good news. As arrivals begin to settle in, Rangers could yet suffer some frustrating exit news. Already, Martin has seen the likes of Hamza Igamane flirt with the exit door at Ibrox, before his proposed move to LOSC Lille broke down, and now the new manager faces the threat of losing Raskin.

According to recent reports, the midfielder’s agent has now offered his signature to La Liga side Real Betis in a worrying sign for Rangers. As things stand, the main obstacle in the way of the Belgian’s exit remains his £8.6m valuation – one that Betis are reluctant to pay – but it seems unlikely that other potential suitors will take the same stance.

With that said, Martin is keen to keep hold of Raskin and has already shared how he wants to get the best out of his midfield star, saying: “We can get more end product out of Nico by doing a bit less.

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“He has big character, he wants to take the ball but I think he’s had to do a lot in the previous season, whereas now we’re going to ask him to do a bit less, and when he does have to stuff, to do it with real quality, intensity and aggression. So, hopefully, we’ll be able to bring out a more impactful Nico.”

Alas, Rangers’ exit concern doesn’t end there. Reports are now claiming that the Gers could yet lose another midfielder this summer.

Rangers braced for imminent Diomande offer

According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Besiktas are now set to submit an improved offer to sign Mohamed Diomande after Rangers rejected their opening bid worth just over £6.5m. The Turkish club are keen to complete a quickfire deal, but must first find a way to reach an agreement with the stubborn 49ers.

Losing both Raskin and Diomande would be a major blow no matter how impressive Rangers have been in the transfer market this summer.

Both played a “brilliant” role in the Gers’ 3-2 win over Celtic in March, according to Rangers Review’s Joshua Barrie, and both should be built around at the heart of Martin’s side.

Newcastle United and iconic centre-forwards go hand in hand. Both Hughie Gallacher and Jackie Milburn made massive impressions for the club during the first half of the 20th century.

The former helped the Magpies win the First Division title in 1926/27 and scored 143 goals in 174 matches, while the latter scored 200 goals for the club and won three FA Cups during his spell in the north-east.

The 1970s saw Malcolm Macdonald emerge as the next big thing, before Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley made their mark during the 80s.

Andy Cole’s spell on Tyneside was short, but boy was it sweet. He netted 68 goals in just 84 matches, but departed for Manchester United after only two years.

Elsewhere, Alan Shearer goes down as the best centre-forward in the club’s history. His ten-year stint with his boyhood team might have finished trophyless, but the Englishman broke Milburn’s scoring record in February 2006.

Supporters of the current generation have Alexander Isak, and what an impression he has made during his three years at Newcastle.

Alexander Isak’s Newcastle record

Eddie Howe made Isak the club’s record signing when he splashed out a staggering £63m to bring the Swedish hitman to the Premier League.

Fast-forward three years and the move is arguably one of the finest in the club’s recent history. Since joining, Isak has registered 73 goal contributions – 62 goals and 11 assists – across just 109 matches.

He may have suffered from injury issues during his first campaign, but ever since, Isak has been a goal machine.

The 25-year-old enjoyed his best season yet during 2024/25. A tally of 27 goals in 42 appearances helped the Toon secure a Champions League place next season.

Furthermore, he also scored in the League Cup final against Liverpool, ending the club’s 70-year major domestic trophy drought. There is no doubt he will go down as one of the finest strikers in the history of the club.

Compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Isak ranks in the top 8% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 over the previous 365 days, while also ranking in the top 12% for non-penalty goals during the same period.

These statistics suggest that Isak is one of the best strikers on the continent and the longer Howe can keep hold of him, the better.

Of course, his performances have caught the eye of several teams, Liverpool included. The Anfield side have earmarked the 25-year-old as their number one striker target.

The Magpies are demanding a British record transfer fee of around £150m for the sale of Isak, which Howe will hope puts many teams off.

Regardless if he moves or not, Isak’s form over the previous three seasons places him in the bracket of one of the club’s most impressive signings of recent times.

Might Howe be looking to land the club their biggest signing since with a move for a current Premier League star?

Newcastle's search for a new forward

Despite actively looking to bolster their squad ahead of another campaign filled with European football, Howe hasn’t had much luck in the transfer market thus far.

He has targeted moves for both Anthony Elanga and James Trafford, but deals have yet to materialise for the pair.

One move which may be close to finally being sealed is that of Joao Pedro. According to the Chronicle, Newcastle are now in advanced talks to sign the Brighton and Hove Albion star.

Discussions have been ongoing this week. The Magpies valued Pedro at around the £50m mark, although Brighton are holding out for a fee closer to £60m.

It would be an excellent first signing to make this summer for Howe, especially considering that the Brazilian has plenty of experience in the Premier League and will be ready to hit the ground running.

Dare I say it, but he might be the biggest signing the club have made since Isak.

Why Newcastle must sign Joao Pedro

The Magpies have made some impressive signings since the arrival of Isak in the summer of 2022.

Anthony Gordon joined the club in January 2023, while Sandro Tonali followed that summer. Both have since proven they are excellent signings, but Pedro’s arrival could take the club to new heights.

Since making the move to England more than five years ago, the forward has scored 54 goals and grabbed 18 assists across spells with both Watford and Brighton. For comparison, Gordon had scored just seven goals in 78 games at Everton, prior to making the switch.

In the Premier League, 32 of these goal involvements were recorded, indicating that he will have no problem performing in the top flight under Howe; that much is certain.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Pedro ranks highly over a range of performance metrics.

Indeed, not only does he rank in the top 12% for assists (0.28) and shot-creating actions (3.33) per 90, but the Brazilian also ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes (3.6) and for progressive carries (3.05) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

These stats prove that while he is a major threat in the opposition penalty box, Pedro is also capable of generating chances for others while successfully getting the ball into dangerous areas.

He was even hailed by commentator Kevin Hatchard for his “magical” ability on the ball, and this is a move that Howe must be desperate to get over the line sooner rather than later.

If so, it will surely give the whole club a major boost. The St James’ Park faithful will hope that once one player has been signed, the rest will follow.

Keeping Isak will be vital if Newcastle want to go far in the Champions League next term, while aiming for another trophy win.

Should an offer too good to turn down arrive, however, Pedro would make for a more than able replacement heading into the 2024/25 campaign.

Self proclaimed "world-class" star has now "agreed" terms to join Newcastle

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2

By
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Jun 27, 2025

Newcastle United have now tabled an offer for a “superb” international forward, with a reply given in the last 24 hours.

The Magpies had a frustrating summer in 2024, with both Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell reportedly left disappointed by the lack of funds available.

Howe has spoken far more positively about how the current transfer window may pan out at St James’ Park, however, discussing the “different mindset” within the club.

Newcastle have reportedly opened talks with Brighton striker Joao Pedro over a summer switch to St James’ Park, and now there has been a fresh development.

Newcastle submit offer for Joao Pedro, reply received

According to The Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards, Newcastle have launched an offer of around £50m for Pedro, as well as moves for Anthony Elanga and James Trafford.

The 3-cap Brazilian is seen as a strong option to provide added firepower to Howe’s attack this summer, having proven himself in the Premier League last season, but The Times have since revealed Newcastle’s bid for Pedo has been rejected.

Pedro would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle if they up their bid, bringing something different to the attack to Alexander Isak, in terms of dropping deep and linking with the midfield.

The 23-year-old has an impressive tally of 30 goals in 70 appearances for Brighton, as well as chipping in with 10 assists, and he should only grow as a footballer by being surrounded by top-quality players.

Pedro’s quality hasn’t been lost on Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, with the Englishman lauding aspects of his game during one performance last season.

“This for me is a brilliant centre-forward goal. The way he follows it up and he is expecting the rebound to get there. He reacts before anyone else does and then he gets his reward. His hold-up play was superb at times when he had to keep hold of the ball and bring his team-mates into play.”

It remains to be seen if Newcastle will manage to complete the signing of Pedro this summer – Brighton are understandably desperate to keep hold of him – but he is the calibre of player that the club need to bring in.

He'd be a dream for Elanga: Newcastle open talks to sign "magical" £60m ace

Eddie Howe is looking to bolster Newcastle’s frontline this summer.

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With Champions League football back at St James’ in 2025/26, some elite additions are required in Howe’s squad, and it promises to be an exciting few months in the transfer market.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has opened talks to sign a “commanding” defender, who’s now a top defensive target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new centre-back amid Saliba concerns

The Gunners’ centre-back partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba has received widespread acclaim over the past few seasons, with Jamie Carragher saying: “As a partnership, him and Gabriel is as good as anything in the Premier League.

“I think Saliba is the better player but Gabriel is the better leader, and Saliba needs to bring that to his game if he wants to get to the levels we talk about with Virgil van Dijk.

“Saliba needs Gabriel. Since Gabriel has come out of the team, that’s not the same Saliba I’m watching.”

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ByAngus Sinclair May 31, 2025

It has recently been revealed the Brazilian defender is now in advanced talks over a new deal to remain at the Emirates Stadium, but with Real Madrid expressing an interest in Saliba, it could be a wise idea to bring in a new centre-back this summer.

According to a report from Football Transfers, that is exactly what the north Londoners are planning to do, having now moved ahead of Manchester United in the race for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

Such is Arsenal’s level of interest in Leoni, he has now been identified as one of their top defensive targets for the summer transfer window, with sporting director Berta leading talks over a deal to bring the 18-year-old to north London.

Juventus and Inter Milan are also in the race for the teenager, who joined Parma in a deal amounting to €8m (£7m) last summer, which has proven to be a savvy investment, given that he has emerged as a key player for the Italian side.

"Commanding" Leoni impressing for Parma

At the start of the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, the centre-back found game time difficult to come by, but he managed to establish himself as a key player during the second half of the season, which is an impressive feat at such a young age.

Football scout Ben Mattinson has also been left impressed by the Italian defender, describing his aerial dominance and duel prowess as “commanding”, while also stating the youngster is “destined” to play for a top club.

Leoni is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, but his emergence as a first-team player at such a young age can only be a good sign, and the Parma ace could be a solid addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

That said, there are a number of other interesting young defenders on the shortlist for Arsenal, and Arteta may even decide against bringing in a new centre-back, given that Gabriel and Saliba are arguably almost undroppable when fit.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Jorrel Hato

Ajax

£40m

Nathan Collins

Brentford

£23m

Cristhian Mosquera

Valencia

£17m

Manchester United and Ruben Amorim have now identified a 30-year-old who they could sign in a £34 million transfer, according to a recent report.

Ruben Amorim confirms Diogo Dalot injury blow

Ahead of United’s next Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth, Amorim has revealed that his side have suffered another injury blow. Defender Diogo Dalot has suffered a calf injury and could potentially miss the rest of the season.

Amorim said in his press conference on Friday: “He has a problem with his muscle in his calf. He had a sequence of games; he played all the time. We tried to manage, but some of the players have to play a lot of minutes, and we have to protect the ones that we think are not so ready to cope with that, but Dalot felt something.”

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By
Sean Markus Clifford

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This is a big blow for Amorim and United, as the Portuguese international has been a persistent starter for the Red Devils this season, cementing that right wing-back spot as his own.

His absence from their Premier League matches isn’t much of a concern, given there isn’t anything riding on those games, but Amorim will be hoping he can have his defender back for the Europa League, even if it is the second leg or final, should United get there.

Man Utd want to sign 30 y/o compared to Matic in £34m transfer

As Amorim tries to deal with his latest injury blow, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd are now interested in signing midfielder Stanislav Lobotka from Napoli.

The report states that his performances for Antonio Conte’s side have caught the attention of United, who have ‘expressed a desire’ to hold talks with the player’s agent. It goes on to add that Napoli may look to move the player on this summer, as they see it as their last chance to earn a lot of money from his exit, as he is under contract until 2027.

Given that Lobotka will turn 31 soon, Conte believes his value will only go down and therefore are willing to do business should they receive an offer of €40 million, which is roughly £34 million.

Interest from United comes as they may look to move Casemiro on at the end of the campaign, and therefore, a replacement will be needed, and Labotka could be that person, as he is someone who is very similar to Nemanja Matic, a player United fans know very well.

However, the Red Devils are not the only team chasing his signature, as Barcelona have been linked with the midfielder a few times, and French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping an eye on the player. Labotka has really impressed this season, so much so that former Arsenal midfielder and now Como manager Cesc Fàbregas has labelled the midfielder as someone who can “make you win games”.

Fabregas said: “Napoli have many players who won the league, like Lobotka. Please, give me Lobotka. What a player, Mamma Mia. He is marvellous. Players like this make you win games for their ability to understand football and recover many balls. I go crazy for players like this.”

Leeds United have the opportunity to improve the first-team squad this summer, regardless of the division they find themselves in between now and the end of the season.

The Whites remain in a solid position to claim promotion from the Championship, currently occupying second place under Daniel Farke – with the German having the chance to win his third second-tier title.

However, the last few weeks have seen the side stutter towards the finish line, winning just one of the last five matches, surrendering their lead at the top of the table.

The last clash in the league saw Farke’s men draw 2-2 with Swansea City after a 97th-minute equaliser from Zan Vipotnik secured an unlikely point for the visitors.

One player in particular failed to deliver during the clash with the Welsh outfit, leading to questions over his long-term future at Elland Road, with many unhappy with his recent showings.

Illan Meslier’s future at Leeds United

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been Farke’s number-one option between the sticks this season but has often produced a moment of madness, costing the side all three points.

He made two separate errors against the Swans at the weekend, with his penalty save forgotten after his mistakes which handed the visitors a point in Yorkshire.

The Frenchman hasn’t been a stranger to a mistake this campaign, currently having a goals prevented xG of -2.7 – massively impacting the club’s chances of getting promoted.

Regardless of what division the club find themselves in next season, Farke must part ways with the 25-year-old if the side are to reach the next level – with his mistakes ultimately too costly.

However, the goalkeeper shouldn’t be the only player to depart the club this summer, with the manager brutally needing to part ways with one player who’s not at the level required for the top flight.

The Leeds star who wouldn’t cut it in the PL

Ahead of the summer, numerous players’ contracts are set to expire, with time running out for the hierarchy to secure an extension on players whose deals are coming to an end.

Junior Firpo is just one first-team member who could depart Elland Road this summer, with the Spaniard no closer to agreeing a new contract – with teams in Spain already registering interest in his services.

Sam Bryam is another player who could leave this window, with the club needing to avoid offering him a new deal – especially if they are to achieve promotion by the end of the year.

The 31-year-old, who’s been labelled “reliable” by one analyst, is currently in his second spell with the Whites, after rejoining on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

The right-back has been a valuable squad member this campaign, making 30 appearances – but only 15 have come from a starting role, with the likes of Firpo and Jayden Bogle ahead of him.

However, the stats he’s produced are unfortunately not up to the level of a Premier League standard, with the 49ers needing higher quality players if they are to maintain their top-flight status if they secure promotion.

Sam Byram’s stats for Leeds United in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

30

Games started

15

Pass accuracy

83%

Touches per 90

75

Tackles won

1.2

Duels won

5.3

Aerials won

2.2

Stats via FotMob

There’s no denying he’s been a tremendous servant for the club over the years, but ultimately he’s coming to the back end of his career with Farke needing to offload him and invest in new blood.

It will be a harsh decision to part ways with him given his extended time with the Whites, but unfortunately, the club need to do what is right if they are to be more competitive in the years ahead, whether that’s in the Championship or the Premier League.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Mar 31, 2025

The No. 3 batter tried to hit half of the 16 balls he faced against Afghanistan to the boundary

Deivarayan Muthu14-Jan-2024The ball pings off the middle of the bat. Poof. It’s a rasping slog-sweep from outside off. Both the outfielders are on the leg side – deep midwicket and wide long-on – in the powerplay, but neither has a chance to cut it off.The slog – and it’s variety – is among the most productive shots for big-hitters in T20 cricket. But Virat Kohli, even at his destructive best, isn’t much of a slogger and relies more on timing the ball. Playing his first T20I in more than a year though, he was prepared to slog at a spinner in the powerplay.It wasn’t just spinner. Mujeeb Ur Rahman can turn the ball both ways and can even get the new ball to swing. He is in demand in T20 – and T10 – leagues around the world.Kohli has had his share of troubles against spin in T20 cricket and has been averse to taking risks against this variety of bowling in the past. But on Sunday, he tore up the old template and bristled with high intent. He hit 29 off 16 balls, with five fours. He tried to hit half of those 16 balls to the boundary, according to ESPNcricinfo’s logs. He took Mujeeb alone for 18 off seven balls at a strike rate of 257.14.Related

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In a middling chase of 173 against an Afghanistan attack that was without its leader Rashid Khan, Kohli could have opted to ease his way in. But he didn’t. Instead, he batted with purpose and looked entirely in sync with the way modern-day T20 cricket is played. Of course, the flat Indore pitch and the fast outfield helped Kohli, but the change in batting approach was clear. A plan is taking shape with the T20 World Cup, in the USA and the West Indies, less than six months away.Kohli even slogged Naveen-ul-Haq wide of long-on. He also dashed out of the crease to Fazalhaq Farooqi. He kept throwing his hands, hips, and shoulder at the ball despite the odd play-and-miss. He admonished himself when he missed. He also admonished himself when he failed to perfectly recreate six off Haris Rauf from the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne. Just for the record, this ball that caused Kohli such grievance had almost sailed over the rope for six.Shivam Dube scored his second successive half-century•BCCIOnce again, there was precious little reason to be going so hard. This was a choice made by a high-class batter willing to adapt to the world around him. When Kohli tried to pump another boundary down the ground off Naveen, he ended up slicing it to mid-off. He then sat back in the dug-out and watched Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube operate with similar high intent. Jaiswal struck at two runs a ball and Dube just under it as India made a mockery of the chase.India captain Rohit Sharma has also veered away from a safety-first T20 batting approach. After being run-out for a duck in the first T20I in Mohali, he could have taken his time to settle down in the second, but he chose to go hard from the get-go. He backed away and swung for the hills first ball, but Farooqi bowled full enough to trim the off bail.Perhaps having capable hitters like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar at Nos. 7 and 8 is giving India’s the top-order batters more freedom to attack. In the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final, India had R Ashwin and Axar at Nos. 7 and 8. Ashwin has improved as a T20 batter, but he is more of a four-hitter than a six-hitter. When Hardik Pandya returns, he will lend even better balance.India will play just one more T20I, in Bengaluru on Wednesday, before the World Cup in June, but Rohit has already seen enough. He was very pleased with how his batters are refusing to take a backward step.”We are very clear with what we wanted to do and what we wanted to achieve as well,” he told the host broadcaster at the post-match presentation. “[There is a] very clear message to everyone in the team as well and when you see performances like that you can feel proud of it as well. It’s one thing to talk about it and it’s another thing to go out there and actually do it.”So, I’m happy we’re doing what we are speaking in our changing room and that’s a good positive for us, moving forward. In the last two games that we played, we’ve ticked almost every box, trying certain things in the powerplay, back end, and middle overs as well.”T20 moves at such a rapid pace that it can leave anyone behind. India, and more specifically Kohli and Rohit, know that better than most. Their last two World Cup campaigns were less than successful because they kept doing the same thing over and over again. Now there is a real desperation to do something different.

Next stop New Zealand, and Australia are well placed after a season of overcoming challenges

Andrew McGlashan08-Feb-2022It started in Mackay and ended in Melbourne. The summer of cricket for Australia’s women’s team brought just one defeat in 14 matches – a loss which halted a world-record winning run in ODIs – and was capped off by the first undefeated Ashes series of the multi-format era. There have been numerous injury challenges to confront along the way, some tricky match situations to overcome not to mention the Covid-19 protocols. As they prepare to head across the Tasman for the ODI World Cup, the one missing piece of silverware from their cabinet after the semi-final exit in 2017, here’s a look back some of the talking points from the 2021-22 home season.Mind the gap
There remains daylight between Australia and the next-best. And it’s because of the depth available. It had often been spoken about but this season it has been on show. At various times they have had injuries to Rachael Haynes, Beth Mooney, Sophie Molineux, Jess Jonassen, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck as well as the absence of Megan Schutt. Three of them – Wareham (ACL), Molineux (foot) and Vlaeminck (foot) – are absent from the World Cup squad while Hannah Darlington has also withdrawn for mental health reasons. There is a chance that the double loss of Wareham and Molineux could be felt at crunch moments in the World Cup, but Alana King has slotted into international cricket impressively while Ashleigh Gardner’s offspin was barely needed in the ODIs against England. Annabel Sutherland, player of the match in the last Ashes one-dayer, is far from a certain starter at the World Cup. A look at the Australia A team that went unbeaten against England A is reminder of those who can’t get in the main squad.Related

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They can be beaten, but opportunities must be taken
However, they are human. In a number of matches against India and England they were pushed. India could have won the ODI series but were beaten in the second game by Mooney’s brilliance and a damp ball. They held their nerve in the next match to inflict Australia’s first one-day defeat since 2017. They also dominated the pink-ball Test and should have lost the corresponding fixture against England. And that’s the crux. Opposition sides cannot afford to let any chance to beat Australia slip away. Heather Knight may forever rue her team not being table to get 45 off 10 overs with seven wickets in hand. In the ODI a few days later Australia were 152 for 7 before finding a way to 205 which proved enough to defend. There will be times during the World Cup when an opposition team will be on top. But are they good enough to make it count?Ellyse Perry finished the Ashes strongly•Getty ImagesThe summer of McGrath
Tahlia McGrath was not an incumbent in any of the formats at the start of the summer. She finished it with two player of the series awards. It spoke volumes of her development as a cricketer and of the professional system now in place in Australia which allowed a player who had a previous taste at the top level to go away and return better. Her 74 in the second ODI against India – just her sixth innings in the format – was as crucial as Mooney’s hundred. She has yet to earn an average in T20Is with scores of 42 not out, 44 not out against India and a magnificent 91 not out against England. It was that latter performance that she earmarked as her standout moment of the summer, which came alongside three wickets, on her home ground in Adelaide. There was a maiden Test fifty for good measure. “I’ve just got a real confidence, a plan about my game at the moment and just simplify everything,” she said. “I try to take the scoreboard out of it, take the situation out of it and just back my game and my strengths with bat and ball.The Ellyse Perry debate
There was a fascinating narrative during the Ashes where Ellyse Perry, the greatest allrounder the game has seen, was dropped from Australia’s T20I side. It was another marker in how the sport is developing in Australia with talk of more role-specific selection in the format. There was never any risk to her positions in the other formats, but it was still noteworthy that she finished the ODI series producing some of her best cricket since before the serious hamstring injury she suffered at 2020 T20 World Cup. Her bowling looked back to somewhere near its best and with the bat she was in her element marshalling a couple of small chases. It will be interesting to watch her bat in a situation with run-rate pressure but she looks ready to have a big say in New Zealand.

The Orioles announced on Wednesday that their All-Star relief pitcher Félix Bautista underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn rotator cuff and torn labrum. Bautista will now miss at least the next 12 months as he recovers from the surgery.

This is brutal news for Bautista and Baltimore as the pitcher already missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He was in the middle of his third season in MLB and with the Orioles.

The Orioles will now need to find another strong reliever for their roster as Bautista will miss most of the 2026 season as well as the rest of this year. Baltimore currently sits 8.5 games back from a wild-card spot with a 59-67 record.

Bautista notched an All-Star season back in 2023 with Baltimore while having a 1.48 ERA for the season. He appeared in 56 games that year and had 110 strikeouts.