The two made short work of the 292-run chase against Rajasthan in Vadodara
ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jan-2025Unbeaten centuries from Karun Nair and Dhruv Shorey saw Vidarbha chase down their target of 292 in style against Rajasthan and march to the semi-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.Vidarbha captain Nair notched up his fourth consecutive century and his fifth in the season and finished with an unbeaten 122. He tops the run charts this year with a whopping 664 runs, which is also his average as he has only been dismissed once in six innings.Nair and Shorey shared an unbroken 200-run stand for the second wicket as Vidarbha gunned down their target in 43.3 overs. Shorey first shared a 92-run opening stand with Yash Rathod before Nair joined him at the crease.The two then made short work of the chase, with Shorey hitting ten fours and three sixes to finish on 118* off 131 deliveries. Nair was more aggressive in his approach, taking just 82 balls for his 122, with 13 fours and five sixes.After being put in to bat, Rajasthan started slow and had only managed 15 runs when opener Abhijeet Tomar fell to Nachiket Bhute in the seventh over. One over later, his opening partner Manav Suthar was sent packing by Yash Thakur.Mahipal Lomror and Deepak Hooda then stitched a 71-run stand before the two fell in the space of four overs. Shubham Garhwal and Kartik Sharma then added 82 runs for the fifth wicket before Thakur struck again, removing Garhwal for 59. Kartik then shared a 50-run stand with wicketkeeper Samarpit Joshi but the two fell in consecutive overs, with Rajasthan’s score still under 250. Deepak Chahar smacked three sixes and two fours en route to a 14-ball 31 that helped Rajasthan get close to 300. Thakur was the pick of the bowlers for Vidarbha, with figures of 4 for 39.Vidarbha will play Maharashtra in the second semi-final in Vadodara on January 16.
If there were loyalty cards in Test cricket, Matt Henry would be in line for a free Zak Crawley.Henry bagged Crawley for the sixth time this series – and eighth overall – late on day three in Hamilton, as England went to stumps on 18 for 2, chasing a ridiculous 658.An earlier lbw dismissal off the fifth ball of England’s second innings was overturned successfully on height, after Crawley had made strides down the ground. Henry then pinned Crawley in front with his last delivery of the day. Umpire Adrian Holdstock’s finger went up again and Crawley called for DRS once more, only this time umpire’s call had leg stump clipped by a whisker.Crawley’s walk back was perhaps the first time the torment endured over the last few weeks spilled over on the field. There were a few choice words for Holdstock and a meeting with match referee David Boon could round off what has been a dispiriting tour for the opener.Related
Williamson ton has England staring down prospect of heavy defeat
Kane Williamson's fabulous five at Seddon Park
His series ends with just 52 runs from six innings at an average of 8.66. No England opener has batted as many times in a single series and averaged so little. Factor in 139 runs at 27.80 on the tour of Pakistan and it has been an unhelpful winter for Crawley’s career average. Having moved past 33 after the first West Indies Test in the summer, following strong showings in the 2023 Ashes (480 runs at 53.33) and away series in India at the start of 2024 (407 at 40), it has dropped to 30.51.England’s management has long insulated Crawley from criticism, citing steadfast belief he is capable of other worldly innings against the best teams in the world. His output against Australia last year, along with striking the first ball of the series for four off Pat Cummins, and a domineering 189 in the fourth Test as one of three fifty-plus scores, vindicated their stance.It is a stance that remains, particularly with India and Australia on the schedule for 2025. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick reiterated their support of Crawley, while also empathising with his struggles as a former opening batter.”It’s always tough when someone gets something over you, and you find it really challenging and you’ve got to come up with plans,” Trescothick said. “I had similar situations in my time when I was playing against other oppositions.”You go away when you’ve got the opportunity, which he has now, to try and think about it before next time they come up against each other.”I think the important part of this is to remember we’re very much focussed on him being the opening batter for a good period to come. We’ve seen the damage that he does and how he goes about it.”I don’t want to give you too much about how he goes about it in the changing room because it’s the private area of what we have… but he’s a strong character. Although it’s challenging when it’s like this, when someone gets you under the pump, it’s tough, but he’ll find a way. And we’ll help him find a way to get back to that point.”Trescothick also confirmed Crawley’s poor form had nothing to do with the fractured finger sustained in the third Test against West Indies which ruled him out of the Sri Lanka series at the end of the summer. Nevertheless, he has scored just 191 runs across 11 innings since.England do not play Test cricket again until May, with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, in which time they believe Crawley will emerge from his slump. He will return home after this tour and then head out to South Africa for a stint with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, which begins on January 9. Free spirited white-ball cricket may be what he needs to emerge out of his funk.
Next season looks set to be a massive one for Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca’s side are coming off the back of a tough year in which they were still able to qualify for the Champions League and win the Conference League, and are now in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup.
In other words, the expectations for next season’s Premier League campaign are more than a little high.
Fortunately, the board are doing their part to support the team in the transfer market, and after securing Joao Pedro, they appear to be targeting someone who could be their own Martin Zubimendi.
Chelsea target their own Zubimendi
It’s already been a jam-packed summer of deals for Chelsea.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Before they even left for the Club World Cup, the Blues had secured the services of young up-and-coming talents like Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr, as well as the exciting Liam Delap, who has already opened his account for the club out in the USA.
However, the most significant deal the Pensioners have sealed thus far has been for Pedro, who completed his £60m move from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week, after racking up a tally of 17 goal involvements in 30 appearances for the Seagulls last season.
Yet, while that might be a window’s worth of transfers for some clubs, the West Londoners are nowhere near done and now appear to be targeting a talented midfielder who could be their own Zubimendi.
At least that’s according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Chelsea are intensely interested in Marc Casado.
The report goes a step further, revealing that the Blues have already submitted an offer worth around €40m for the 21-year-old, which is about £34m.
However, they are not the only ones to do so, as the story also states that Napoli, Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen have made similar offers.
FC Barcelona's MarcCasadocelebrates scoring their second goal with teammates
It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Casado’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be their own Zubimendi.
Why Casado could be Chelsea's Zubimendi
There are several reasons why Casado could be viewed as Chelsea’s own Zubimendi, and one of those relates to the transfer itself.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in action with Real Sociedad's MartinZubimendi
After all, like the soon-to-be Arsenal star, he too will be moving from a major side in La Liga to a London-based ‘big six’ side.
Moreover, they are both now Spanish internationals, with the 26-year-old now having 19 senior caps to his name, and the younger Barcelona gem already having two, despite being just 21 years old.
Barcelona's Marc Casado against Benfica.
However, the comparison goes further than that, as, just like his older compatriot, the sought-after youngster is someone who can play in central midfield when needed, but he is far and away more comfortable and better suited to playing as an out-and-out defensive midfielder.
However, just because he can do some of the dirty work for his side does not mean he cannot help kickstart attacks, as, like the former Real Soicedad star, he is a brilliant passer and someone who ‘always wants to make the progressive passes,’ per Breaking the Lines.
You don’t just have to take their word for it, though, as you can see this part of his game in some of his impressive underlying numbers.
According to FBref, the midfield “animal,” as dubbed by teammate Bryan Zaragoza, sat in the top 3% of midfielders in La Liga last season for live-ball passes, the top 5% for passes attempted and completed, the top 6% for passes into the final third and more, all per 90.
Passes Completed (Short)
36.54
Top 2%
Passes Attempted (Short)
39.44
Top 2%
Tackles (Mid 3rd)
1.68
Top 2%
Touches (Mid 3rd)
58.10
Top 2%
Goals/Shot on Target
1.00
Top 3%
Live-ball Passes
74.30
Top 3%
Passes Completed
68.21
Top 5%
Passes Attempted
76.37
Top 5%
Passes into Final Third
7.71
Top 6%
Total Passing Distance
1046.09
Top 7%
Pass Completion %
89.3%
Top 10%
Ultimately, while he may not be a well-known quantity in England, Casado has demonstrated himself to be a talented defensive midfielder with an eye for a pass.
Therefore, Chelsea should consider bringing him to the Bridge this summer, as he could be their answer to Arsenal’s Zubimendi.
Imagine him & Pedro: Chelsea in talks to sign "frightening" Madueke upgrade
The incredible talent could be a star for Chelsea.
Manchester United now want to sign a “crazy” Viktor Gyokeres alternative who scored 31 goals in the 2024-25 campaign, a report has revealed.
Gyokeres edging closer to Emirates move
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has now expressed a desire to wrap up a move for Gyokeres as soon as possible, having travelled to Portugal to discuss the terms of the deal.
The Swedish striker joining the Gunners could be viewed as a major blow for United, given that he scored a remarkable 54 goals in all competitions last season, and Ruben Amorim was known to be desperate to reunite with his former player.
United’s striker options are woefully thin, with Joshua Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha not out and out number nines, Chido Obi very inexperienced and Rasmus Hojlund still struggling to find his feet.
Thankfully, there are a number of alternative options on the shortlist, with the Red Devils believed to be in pole position for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who was prolific in front of goal on loan at Galatasaray last season.
According to a report from Spain, Man United may also be willing to take a punt on more of an unknown quantity, with it being revealed they now want to sign Almeria striker Luis Suarez, off the back of an impressive campaign in the Spanish second tier.
Man Utd now set to accelerate talks to sign "fantastic" £35m forward
The Red Devils’ pursuit of a centre-forward is expected to move quickly.
1 ByDominic Lund Jul 8, 2025
United have joined several Premier League and Serie A clubs in the race for Suarez, with Almeria likely to find it difficult to keep hold of their star player beyond the summer, given that they failed to achieve their goal of promotion to La Liga.
A deal would not break the bank for the Red Devils, however, with the Spanish club believed to be holding out for a fee of at least €25m (£22m), amid the widespread interest in his signature.
Signing "crazy" Suarez could be gamble for Man Utd
The Almeria star undoubtedly had a very impressive 2024-25 campaign, netting a total of 31 goals in all competitions, but there are doubts over whether he is at the level to lead the line for Amorim’s side.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
La Liga
41
27
8
Copa del Rey
2
4
0
Notably, the Colombian hasn’t exactly set the world alight in his previous La Liga campaigns, netting just four goals for Almeria in the 2021-22 season.
At 27-years-old, the centre-forward could now be entering his prime, but having never proven himself at the top level, it would be a real gamble for Man United to make a move this summer.
Almeria's Luis Suarez
That said, Suarez has been lauded for his “crazy” quality by scout Jacek Kulig, and at £22m he would be an affordable signing for Man United, so it could be worth bringing the Almeria in alongside a more proven striker.
It is non-negotiable that Tottenham Hotspur need to recruit new signings this summer ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full campaign in charge, with the Dane looking to build on Ange Postecoglou’s historic Europa League triumph.
Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining
The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.
1
By
Emilio Galantini
Jun 18, 2025
Spurs’ memorable night in Bilbao at the end of last month ended their 17-year-long wait for a piece of major silverware whilst simultaneously gifting them a spot in next season’s Champions League draw.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Their place in Europe’s most prestigious competition has been described as “huge” in terms of their recruitment plans, and it means that chairman Daniel Levy no longer has to adopt a ‘sell to buy’ policy (Sky Sports).
The Lilywhites have already put their European financial windfall to good use, striking a permanent deal for Mathys Tel last weekend for a cut-price £30 million fee, and he’s unlikely to be their last winger signing.
Tottenham have apparently approached West Ham over signing Mohammed Kudus, who they’re prepared to pay £50 million for, whilst the likes of Man City star Jack Grealish, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo have all been linked this week.
Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages are a stumbling block in potential Spurs talks for the England international, while West Ham are thought to want around £65 million for Kudus as well.
Even the teenage Dibling could cost as much as £51 million to prise away from St. Mary’s, so quality wingers with Premier League experience are likely to come at a premium.
The need for another wide player is exacerbated by reports that Son could leave Tottenham this summer, and Mbeumo in particular is believed to be a “priority” target for Frank.
Tottenham have "firm offer on the table" for Bryan Mbeumo
That is according to inews, who also report that Mbeumo has a “firm offer on the table” to join Spurs before deadline day on September 1.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match
While Man United remain in pole position to sign the Cameroonian as things stand, the Red Devils still need to “significantly” increase their opening bid of £55 million, which has been called nowhere near Brentford’s valuation of their top scorer last season.
inews echo a recent report by Fabrizio Romano that Spurs made Mbeumo’s signing a priority as soon as Frank came through the door, and the 25-year-old is still tempted by the prospect of a reunion with his former manager amid United’s pursuit.
Mbeumo’s 20-goal haul in all competitions last term makes him a very attractive potential signing for Levy, especially considering Son’s links with a move to Saudi Arabia, but other reports claim the Bees value their star man at around £70 million.
“The big praise goes to Bryan,” said Frank during their time together at the Gtech Community Stadium, via The Athletic.
“He has grown more and more to be a key player for us. He works so hard, he’s a fantastic pressing player and can score goals and get assists, but maybe lacked enough goals. He works very hard on his finishing.”
Arsenal’s season of disappointments has finally come to an end.
While it would be fair to say that they probably exceeded expectations in the Champions League, Mikel Arteta’s side certainly underdelivered in the Premier League.
Now, injuries and suspensions certainly played their part in this, but many of the Gunners’ first-team stars have been seriously underwhelming, including the reigning Player of the Year, Martin Odegaard.
In fact, if recent reports are to be believed, the Norwegian’s lacklustre form could cost him his place in the team next season, as one of the league’s most exciting midfielders has now been touted for a move to the Emirates.
Arsenal transfer news
With yet another trophyless season under their belt, it seems as if Arsenal are determined to make significant additions to the team this summer, as the last few weeks have seen them linked to a number of seriously talented players, such as Eberechi Eze and Kaoru Mitoma.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract, and while that is a lot of money, he’s certainly worth it, as on top of playing a key role in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph, the Englishman has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games this season.
Mitoma could end up costing the Gunners around £80m and has amassed a reasonable enough tally of ten goals and four assists in 36 games.
Brighton & Hove Albion's KaoruMitomain action with Fulham's Timothy Castagne
However, another name has now entered the picture, someone who could end up being the perfect upgrade on Odegaard: Morgan Gibbs-White.
Yes, according to a recent report from former scout Mick Brown via Football Insider, Arsenal are now interested in signing the Nottingham Forest star this summer.
The report claims that Arteta views the Englishman as the ‘perfect option’ to add some added drive and tenacity to the Gunners’ midfield next season, although he could be an expensive addition, with prior stories claiming he could cost around £100m.
It would likely be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gibbs-White’s immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be the perfect upgrade on Odegaard.
How Gibbs-White compares to Odegaard
So, the first thing to say is that even though Gibbs-White is talented and capable enough of playing in several different positions, from right-wing to central midfield, his best and most played position is undoubtedly attacking midfield.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts after the match
Moreover, the ten position is where he has truly excelled and reached another level for Forest this season, so were he to move to Arsenal in the summer, it seems like a sure bet that he would come in to play as the most attacking player in the midfield.
Therefore, his most significant competition for game time at the Emirates would be Odegaard, so how do the pair stack up against one another?
Well, when it comes down to their pure output from this season, which is ultimately what matters most and what the Gunners need to focus on, it’s the Tricky Trees star who comes out on top.
For example, in 38 appearances across all competitions, totalling 3142 minutes, the “exceptional” 25-year-old, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, scored seven goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.23 games, or every 184.82 minutes.
Appearances
38
45
Minutes
3142
3447′
Goals
7
6
Assists
10
12
Goal Involvements per Match
0.44
0.4
Minutes per Goal Involvement
184.82
191.5′
In contrast, the North Londoners’ captain scored six goals and provided 12 assists in 45 games, totalling 3447 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.5 games, or every 191.5 minutes.
Unfortunately for the Norwegian star, the difference is even more stark when we just look at their Premier League record, as his tally of 11 goal involvements in 30 games comes out to an average of one every 2.72 games.
In contrast, the Forest ace’s haul of 17 in 34 appearances comes out to one every other game.
Ultimately, Arsenal need to add more goals and assists to their midfield next season, and while Odegaard may well get back to his best, Gibbs-White has shown that he can do just that.
Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates for Nottingham Forest
Therefore, even though it’ll cost a king’s ransom, the North Londoners should do what they can to bring him in.
£45m star who's shades of Patrick Vieira must never play for Arsenal again
The international ace has served Arsenal well, but it’s time to go.
Glasgow Rangers went into Sunday’s clash already at Ibrox knowing that the result was more or less immaterial as their second-placed finish has already been confirmed.
Since their city rivals won the Scottish Premiership title at the end of last month, Rangers have known that they cannot finish as low as third and they cannot win the division, leaving the Light Blues stuck in second place with little to play for in the remaining games of the season.
The Light Blues should already be focused on what they need to do in the upcoming summer transfer window in order to turn the tide and compete for the title in the 2025/26 campaign.
A new first-team head coach will be a big part of their plans because Barry Ferguson is currently in interim charge until the end of the season, having come in to steady the ship after Philippe Clement was dismissed earlier this year.
However, the Scottish giants will also know that they will have some difficulties on their hands when it comes to dealing with interest in their stars from elsewhere.
For example, Premier League sides Aston Villa and Leeds United are reportedly lining up moves for Nicolas Raskin, who is valued at £20m by the Gers, ahead of the summer window.
Why losing Nicolas Raskin would be a big blow for Rangers
If Leeds or Villa are able to complete a deal for the former Standard Liege star, losing the Belgium international would be a big blow for Rangers and the next manager to walk through the doors at Ibrox.
Raskin recently won the Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year at the club’s awards night, which speaks to how highly the supporters and his own teammates value his performances this season.
The central midfielder has combined impressive play on the ball, scoring two goals and providing nine assists, with dominant defensive work out of possession, making 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game and winning 58% of his duels, across 31 appearances in the Premiership.
Raskin also caught the eye with his fantastic performances for the Light Blues in the Europa League before the club were knocked out by Athletic Club in the quarter-finals.
24/25 Europa League
Nicolas Raskin
Appearances
12
Tackles per game
3.7
Interceptions per game
1.3
Ball recoveries per game
7.4
Ground duel success rate
50%
Aerial duel success rate
55%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old dynamo excelled at winning the ball back for his side, with a whopping five tackles and interceptions per game on average, and more than held his own in physical battles.
Raskin
These statistics reinforce how much of a blow it would be to lose the midfielder to Villa or Leeds this summer because of how impactful he can be in both the Premiership and the Europa League.
However, a fresh report has emerged on the club’s interest in a new central midfielder who could come in as a dream replacement for Raskin.
Rangers lining up move for £4m star
According to The Scottish Sun, the 49ers have Basel loanee Metinho at the top of their list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window, once their takeover is finalised.
The report claims that the Light Blues are lining up a move for the central midfielder ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and that he is valued at £4m at this moment in time.
Metinho is currently on loan at Basel from Troyes, having spent the first half of the year at Sparta Rotterdam, and the Gers are hoping to reach an agreement with the French side in the coming weeks.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Scottish Sun adds that there is also interest from several teams in the English Championship and that the 49ers want to fast-track a deal for the young star, which could mean that they bring him in before they even appoint a new manager.
Why Rangers should sign Metinho
Rangers must push to sign Metinho ahead of those teams in England because he could come in as the dream replacement for Raskin in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Signing the 22-year-old star from Troyes could soften the blow of losing the Belgium international, should he move on from Ibrox in the coming months.
Nicolas Raskin
The Brazilian midfielder struggled for game time with Sparta Rotterdam in the first half of the season, starting two of his 12 appearances in the Eredivisie, before a loan move to Basel sparked his campaign into life.
Since joining the Swiss giants, the £4m-rated star has been a key figure in the middle of the park, starting eight of his ten appearances in the Super League, and has caught the eye with his defensive work.
24/25 Super League
Metinho
Appearances
10
Pass accuracy
86%
Tackles per game
3.1
Interceptions per game
1.1
Ball recoveries per game
4.7
Ground duel success rate
69%
Aerial duel success rate
45%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Metinho has averaged 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game, which is more than the 3.6 that Raskin has averaged in the Premiership for Rangers this term, and won an eye-catching 69% of his ground duels.
Clearly, the Troyes starlet still has areas for improvement, including his success in aerial contests in the middle of the park, but he appears to have the raw defensive materials to be an excellent signing for the Scottish giants.
Metinho could be the dream replacement for Raskin by arriving at Ibrox to provide a similar level of defensive quality in midfield by breaking up attacks with tackles, interceptions, and ball recoveries at a similar rate.
In possession, the Brazilian star also ranks within the top 2% of midfielders in the Men’s Next 14 competitions over the last 365 days for progressive carries (3.49) and successful take-ons (1.83) per 90, which shows that he can provide quality as a progressive midfield player as well as being an excellent defender.
He'd be Gerrard 2.0: 49ers could hire "special" manager for Rangers
The 49ers could find their own Steven Gerrard for Rangers by hiring “pretty special” manager.
ByDan Emery May 9, 2025
At the age of 22, he is also two years younger than the Belgian star and still has time left on his side to develop and improve further, which is another reason why the youngster could be a fantastic signing for the 49ers to make, irrespective of who the next manager is going to be.
La Liga giants Barcelona have opened initial talks with the representatives of a Tottenham star as Hansi Flick’s side register a serious interest ahead of the looming summer window.
Tottenham face losing key first-team players this summer
Alongside the uncertain future surrounding their manager, Ange Postecoglou, a few key first-team players could also be on their way out.
Tottenham seal "major coup" in "dramatic" shake-up, raises Levy question
It’s been officially confirmed.
By
Emilio Galantini
Apr 12, 2025
Recently, Atlético Madrid have become increasingly keen on defender Cristian Romero, with reports from Argentina even claiming that Diego Simeone has already reached out to him personally in an attempt to sway him towards the Wanda Metropolitano.
The 26-year-old, for his part, is keen to leave Spurs for pastures new this summer (Graeme Bailey), which has resulted in chairman Daniel Levy postponing talks over a new deal for Romero.
Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Wolves (away)
Today
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
As well as Romero, Man City are also posing a real threat when it comes to left-back Destiny Udogie, with Pep Guardiola’s side adding the Italian to their shortlist of potential new left-back signings.
Further upfield, Atlético have also been keeping an eye on mainstay Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who is now attracting interest from Barcelona.
Barcelona open talks with Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur
That is according to a report from The Boy Hotspur, with the outlet claiming that Barca have reached out to Bentancur’s camp for early transfer talks, alongside Simeone’s side.
The Uruguay international is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at Spurs, prompting Levy to open talks over an extension for the midfielder, but the European heavyweight duo are threatening to turn Bentancur’s head by making contact.
Keeping him at the club should be considered a top priority for Spurs, as the 27-year-old is a consistent performer when fit and available, not to mention one of the more senior players in a relatively young squad.
Bentancur has been praised for his performances since joining the club from Juventus, with former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson calling him “sensational” (Football Insider), and while the club haven’t put a recent price on Bentancur, some sources in the past have suggested they value him at up to £50 million.
“Him and Kulusevski have been fantastic signings,” said Robinson in 2022.
“Players take different amounts of time to settle into the Premier League. Bentancur was given a berth in the team early and has since made himself undroppable. He is one of the first names on the teamsheet. He has offensive and defensive capabilities.
“Bentancur is a player that goes under the radar, but he’s been sensational. His all-round performance is excellent, it really is.”
Carey-Starc stand undoes some of damage after South Africa find a way back into see-sawing Test
Andrew McGlashan12-Jun-20252:11
Should Khawaja’s pattern of dismissals worry Australia?
Former Australia quick Damien Fleming, commentating for radio at Lord’s, perhaps put it best: “Things aren’t making sense.”His comment came during the final session on the second day of the WTC final at Lord’s, as Australia collapsed to 73 for 7, with much of the damage done by the perceived weaker links of South Africa’s attack – Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder.There was almost too much to pick through in one go. Only a couple of hours before being cleaned up by Ngidi, Pat Cummins had been walking off, ball in hand, saluting a six-wicket haul and his 300th in Tests.Related
Khawaja has Ashes backing, but Labuschagne's spot uncertain
South Africa 'very confident' of chasing down target
Lungi Ngidi burst puts selection questions to bed
Australia ahead after Cummins, Rabada and Ngidi dominate
Stats – Captain Cummins in a league of legends feat. Benaud, Imran and others
“Am I too optimistic?” Dale Steyn tweeted with a picture of the Newlands scoreboard from when Australia were bowled out for 47 in 2011, South Africa overturning a deficit of 188 to win by eight wickets.It wasn’t quite that dramatic, but as Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster and latterly Cummins departed in the space of 42 balls, the game was being upended. In the nick of time, Alex Carey, with help from Mitchell Starc, provided some substance, and given the nature of the game may well have given Australia enough to defend.”The mood in the changing room was pretty positive towards the end there,” Cummins said. “It was a great partnership. With each run it was almost like a run chase. You’re like, that’s good, four runs, getting pretty loud claps, especially from Marnus. He’s always pretty noisy. A pretty good way to end the day.”Low-scoring Tests are absorbing – and the numbers have shown how the game has changed in the World Test Championship era – but it shouldn’t completely absolve the batters. Data gathered by the broadcaster showed the pitch itself was not doing anything especially untoward compared to historical numbers, even if the batters may want to suggest otherwise.1:53
‘Once the ball gets older, Cummins puts his hand up’
For all of Australia’s success in recent years, they still have a good collapse in them. The series against India last year began with one in Perth, earlier in 2024 they had lost 8 for 94 as Shamar Joseph inspired West Indies to victory at the Gabba, and that same summer they lost 6 for 68 against Pakistan at the MCG, although they were able to win that game (in no small part due to Cummins).At Lord’s, both teams have batted as though short on preparation, which is exactly what they are. South Africa tried to have a practice game, only for weather to allow just one day of play against Zimbabwe, while Australia opted purely for centre-wicket training and nets. But whereas the inexperience of South Africa’s line-up was widely acknowledged, Australia were viewed as having more pedigree; experience was one of the deciding factors in Labuschagne being retained ahead of Sam Konstas. How much has Konstas benefited by playing this game?The Australia top order occupied much of the scrutiny heading into this Test. In six innings between them, Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green have made 49 runs.
“I thought he looked sharp both innings. [There was] some really good bowling. He batted some tough overs. Think he looked busy and looked like he had a really good plan”Pat Cummins on Marnus Labuschagne
Khawaja is becoming a concern against quality pace. It’s not just a Jasprit Bumrah problem. At Lord’s, he twice edged Kagiso Rabada from around the wicket to the slips. The 232 he made in Galle shouldn’t be wiped from the memory, but it perhaps didn’t answer too many questions about the twilight of his career.A lean return to Test cricket for Green does not need to change the belief he is part of Australia’s long-term batting future, but runs for Gloucestershire in Division Two of the County Championship can only count for so much when preparing to face Rabada – and there’s no need to talk about the other South Africa quicks, because Green didn’t get a chance to take them on. In the first innings, he edged his third ball against Rabada, and today it was his second, pressing forward with hard hands on both occasions.Then there’s Labuschagne, who benefited from the stance of offering one game too many rather than too few. Scores of 17 and 22 are about as middling as they come. The 120 balls he used up across the game won’t silence debates about his batting tempo. In both innings, he has looked settled enough until nicking behind against Marco Jansen from around the wicket. He may well find that come Barbados in a couple of weeks, the selectors’ goodwill has run its course.2:38
Cummins: Reaching 300 wickets a sign of durability and resilience
“I thought he looked sharp both innings,” Cummins said. “[There was] some really good bowling. He batted some tough overs. Think he looked busy and looked like he had a really good plan. No doubt he would have liked to go on, but he got himself in, faced quite a few balls, and looked in command of his skills out there.”This time, Smith couldn’t resurrect the innings, shuffling across and being trapped lbw to give Ngidi as important a first wicket of the match as there could be. Head was cleaned up by Mulder and Webster was lbw in very similar manner to which he could have been out in the first innings had South Africa reviewed.Given what Cummins had done earlier in the day, and his ability to seize moments with the bat when most needed, it felt like the type of situation where he could produce a game-changing cameo. He was keen to play his shots as he cleared the off side against Ngidi but, in his own words, “missed a half-volley on leg stump”.As he walked off the field again, Australia’s were just 147 runs ahead and anything was possible. At that point, Cummins said he would have been happy with a lead around 200. By the close Australia were sitting a little more comfortably but may still need their captain to come to the fore once more if they are to retain the mace.
Such a heavy workload after two years out of red-ball cricket was always likely to have consequences
Vithushan Ehantharajah18-Jun-2023Moeen Ali can’t have had many worse birthdays than this one.Turning 36 is bad enough, what with officially being in your “late thirties”. It began pleasantly enough as the England team presented him with a card before the start of day three of this first Ashes Test. Unfortunately, he was also presented with a 25% fine of his match fee by the ICC for spraying a drying agent on his bowling hand.The incident took just before Moeen bowled a two-over spell through to stumps on day two. He crouches by the boundary, picks up the canister and sprays away, oblivious that he is doing anything wrong. Sky Sports’ cameras picked up the whole thing.On Sunday, the need for the drying agent was crystal clear. Moeen’s right hand was in the lens once more, with photographs showing the tip of his spinning index finger blistered red-raw.Related
'If Stokesy messages me again, I'm going to delete it' – Moeen Ali bows out of Tests on a high
England hopeful Moeen will be 'ready to go' for Headingley Test
England delay naming Lord's XI but Moeen Ali plays full part in training
Joe Root warns England fans: 'Strap in' for Ashes round two at Lord's
England confident weary bowlers will be ready for Lord's
It is said to be sore to touch, which is exactly as it looks. One can only imagine how painful it is gripping a proud Dukes seam and giving it a rip, in every sense. It was clearly a problem as Saturday wore on, with a few small spells off the field. You could track the decline in effect and confidence as the ball moved further into his hand as the Australian innings wore on.There were two full tosses to Pat Cummins in his final nine deliveries on day three. The only reason both were not carted into the stands was the Australia captain’s suspicion when presented with the first. Such were Ben Stokes’ tactics at the time – packing the leg side, packing the off side, then going with an umbrella field, often in the same over – Cummins had every right to think such an amateurish delivery might have been deliberate. It wasn’t.Moeen’s 33 overs across these two days are the joint-sixth-most he has bowled in an innings. Only once have there been more in a home Test; 36 in the first innings against Australia at Lord’s in 2015.It is worth noting that was Moeen’s 13th of what is now 57 caps. Early enough in his career for the spinning digit to be in sound health, and no doubt primed by the regular first-class cricket he was playing at the time. The issue with the finger emerged two years later, tearing open in the opening match of the 2017-18 Ashes. He played through, eventually leaving the tour with five wickets in as many games, a series average of 115 and an issue to manage for the rest of his career.There was a flare-up in the 2019 Ashes opener too, at this ground, which ultimately led to him being axed for the rest of the series. And the unfortunate symmetry here may be that he has to miss the Lord’s Test – beginning June 28 – to give it time to heal over. And thus England, having brought Moeen out of retirement to cover for losing Jack Leach to a stress fracture, will return to square one.Even Moeen could see this coming. While he was typically phlegmatic about his finger’s readiness for the grind during media duties on Monday, the fact his last red-ball work of any note was a Test in September 2021 meant its robustness was unknown.Moeen suffered a blister on the index finger of his right hand•Visionhaus/Getty ImagesThe white-ball overs, the practice sessions in the IPL, these were posited as reasons it might be okay. In answer to the queries, he rounded off with a prophetic: “We’ll see after I’ve bowled about 15 overs.” Well, now we know, and we can all see.It’s hard to blame Moeen in all this. He was happy with his white-ball lot, and who could begrudge anyone for accepting a golden ticket to such a high-profile series, under new management that perfectly suits their qualities and personality? You’d shake someone if they said no to that. There are, however, questions to be asked of the management.The pros to his selection were understandable to a point, and the prodigious turn shown – particularly the delivery that bowled Cameron Green, proved some of them were not out of date. But was the state of the finger discussed? And moreover – was it then wise to give him 29 overs on his first day in the field for two years?The figures, all told, are not dreadful, particularly when viewed through Brendon McCullum’s thick black lenses. Runs conceded – 147 – are way down on a list of priorities, and with the dismissals of Green and Travis Head, England will argue Moeen has done exactly what has been asked of him. Had Green or Alex Carey gone earlier, with Jonny Bairstow missing both chances – a different conversation we simply do not have time for right now – Australia would have been dismissed sooner and Moeen wouldn’t have had to bowl as much as he did.The full-tosses will be explained as “one of those things”. The eight sixes conceded (the most by a bowler in a single Ashes innings) simply the accepted by-product of giving the ball flight to entice attacking shots. Even Ollie Robinson seemed unperturbed by the finger at stumps: “As far as I’m aware, it’s fine.” It’s not, obviously.The selection of Moeen, like the Test itself, is fascinatingly poised. He has a chance to offer crucial runs to get England a big enough lead on Monday before getting the ball back in his hands for what needs to be a vital contribution in the fourth innings.Over the last year, this Test group have had a knack for getting marginal calls right. And while the selection of Moeen has not backfired just yet given the current state of play, we are not far away from being able to say so one way or another.