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Manchester City now find themselves deep in a purple patch of positive form in the Premier League with Pep Guardiola’s bruised side unbeaten through April to date.

City’s latest victory saw them overcome David Moyes’ determined Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park on Saturday, meaning their grip on a place inside the coveted Champions League spots is strengthened even more all the way up in fourth position.

Yet, Guardiola will be all too aware that a rebuild is still needed this coming summer with his team largely underperforming for the majority of the season, with a statement move allegedly in the works to land this sensational midfield star.

Man City preparing to bid for "the best midfielder in the world"

City kickstarted the rebuild in January by signing the likes of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez but with the possibility of players like Kevin De Bruyne exiting, Guardiola will need even more fresh faces in the squad.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, as per reports from Spain, the reigning Premier League champions are preparing to ‘break the market’ to land Barcelona ace Pedri with a staggering £170m bid being prepared.

Indeed, the report states that City are looking at alternative targets away from Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz who could be set to stay in Germany over relocating to England, leading them down this new expensive avenue where a record-breaking move could come to fruition.

Of course, this will be a challenging deal to get over the line, but Guardiola and Co would be able to send shockwaves through the Premier League if the 21-year-old was to leave Catalonia behind for a top-flight adventure elsewhere.

Once heralded as “the best CM in the world” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, Pedri’s unbelievable arrival would undoubtedly improve City centrally, with the 30-time Spain international a big improvement on an ever-waning Ilkay Gundogan.

How Pedri is better than Gundogan

Much like the revered De Bruyne, Gundogan has shown off his obvious class in the top-flight previously for the Citizens, with 62 goals and 42 assists notched up from a bumper 348 appearances.

But, only seven goal contributions have come the ageing German’s way this season across 44 appearances, with a new ace arguably needed in the middle of the park at the Etihad with Gundogan no longer at his vibrant best, alongside De Bruyne exiting Manchester shortly.

This is where the elegance of City’s potential new £170m man could come in handy, with the Spaniard’s “transcendent” game in the midfield areas at the Camp Nou – as he was once lauded by ex-Barca great Xavi – aiding his side’s progression in the Champions League this campaign.

Two of Pedri’s 12 goal contributions for the season have come in the illustrious competition, with the much-talked-about 22-year-old also boasting four goals and four assists in La Liga action this season to trump Gundogan’s unconvincing five assists and zero goal haul in the Premier League.

Shot-creating actions

4.53

3.61

Attempted passes

78.87

77.57

Pass completion %

87.5%

90.2%

Progressive passes

10.14

6.34

Progressive carries

2.32

2.51

Successful take-ons

1.23

0.73

Touches in attacking penalty area

1.57

2.85

Progressive passes received

3.87

3.74

Looking at the table above, whilst Gundogan does have the better of Pedri in terms of pass completion statistics, it appears that the Barca number eight plays with a lot more intent and purpose than his former Borussia Dortmund counterpart when roaming forward, with a high 10.14 progressive passes averaged per contest across the last year.

This alone would be music to the ears of the likes of Omar Marmoush and Erling Haaland back in Manchester, knowing that Pedri could unlock a defence at a moment’s notice with a killer pass.

With Pedri also noted as being similar to Bernardo Silva’s wonderful game at the Etihad, according to FBref, this feels like a switch that would allow City to enter into a new chapter with confidence sky-high, even if that comes at a cost of having to wave goodbye to esteemed servants such as Gundogan.

Not just De Bruyne: Pep's 5/10 star could now be finished at Man City

Manchester City battled to a 2-0 victory over Everton at Goodison on Saturday, but two Sky Blue stalwarts certainly did not impress on Merseyside.

ByBen Gray Apr 19, 2025

Harry Brook conceded his side had been “hammered” by New Zealand, with the white-ball captain at a loss to explain England’s struggles in the format.For the first time during Brook’s tenure as captain, he failed to hide his disappointment after England slipped to a sixth ODI series defeat in seven and the second of his brief captaincy career.For all the talk of wanting to entertain, Brook’s disappointment was tangible as he responded to a question as to whether the result in Hamilton was the first time he had been frustrated with his players.”It’s disappointing, isn’t it,” Brook said. “You go round every single player there and you think, ‘bloody hell, there aren’t many teams that they don’t get into in the world’. It’s disappointing we haven’t performed as well as we could. It happens. They’ve played well and sometimes you’ve got to hold your hand up and say they’ve been the better team.”England were bowled out for 175 in the second ODI, three days after they had fallen to 234 all out at Mount Maunganui – a total saved by Brook’s own superb 135.It is a concerning trend for an England side who have been bowled out in seven of their eight away ODIs this year. In a remarkable statistic that was raised on the podcast, in 2025 they have failed to reach 250 in any innings where Joe Root hasn’t made a half-century himself. Furthermore, their commitment to “going hard” is borne out by the fact that when batting first this year, they have either made 350, or failed to bat their overs.Related

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• Brook brilliance can't mask issues for brittle England batting

For years, England had the excuse of their frontline players rarely competing in the ODI format, and the consequent difficulties that players face when adapting back to the format. That excuse doesn’t hold this year, with a settled batting line-up who have been available throughout. Furthermore, with five of England’s ODI top six also in the Test squad, the theory is that their natural attacking game should be well suited to the rhythms of one-day cricket, although this has also failed to be the case.”It’s not too dissimilar to the way we play Test cricket, really,” Brook said of the difficulties of switching formats. “We play aggressively in Test cricket and it’s not too far off. Obviously we haven’t played much one-day cricket in the last however many years. I can’t quite put my finger on why we haven’t batted well enough. It’s just one of those things. You come to play the second-best team in the world on their own patch and they’ve hammered us.”Brook also refused to be drawn on losing both tosses against New Zealand, where the chance to bowl first in the opening ODI at Mount Maunganui would have been a significant advantage.”That’s just an excuse,” Brook said. “I haven’t won many tosses, I’d have liked to have had a bowl today [in Hamilton] but that’s just an excuse. Everybody in that batting line-up is good enough to be able to face a swinging and seaming ball, cope with that and score runs against that.”There was one promising sign for England during the second ODI, with Jofra Archer returning to England colours for the first time this winter and producing a fantastic display of bowling where he claimed three for 23 from his ten overs.Having only arrived in the country a few days previously, Archer’s speeds were high as he averaged 88mph across his first spell. There was one moment of concern, when Archer appeared to injure himself diving for a ball in the outfield, but it later transpired that he had merely winded himself heavily, and he returned soon after to bowl out his remaining overs.”He’s gone back-to-back five-over spells there, after just getting off the plane a few days ago,” Brook said. “So hopefully he recovers alright. But thankfully he did run in for me. That’s all I asked from him and he was bowling wheels. He’s going to be good to touch for the rest of this winter.”England will hope to respond to the series defeat in a similar manner to how they bounced back in their last ODI against South Africa in September, where they put on 414 for 5, a game which Brook hopes they can take confidence from.”It’s disappointing for the fans, who want to watch us, we entertain people, because they know that we play such an exciting brand of cricket.”It was only a couple of games ago against South Africa in the summer when we got 400, so we’re not a million miles away. It’s just about a couple of scores here and there and then we nail it down and hopefully we do find that template.”

Phil Foden has been warned that he's the attacking midfielder most likely to lose their England World Cup spot, with Jude Bellingham backed to be on the plane. The Real Madrid man's omission from October's squad cast doubt over his place in Thomas Tuchel's setup. His November recall, and especially his starting role against Albania, eased those concerns.

• Bellingham dug out after being subbed

  Bellingham showed clear disappointment when his number went up during the 2-0 win in Tirana. He didn’t erupt, sulk, or storm off, but he didn’t disguise his frustration either. Tuchel admitted afterwards that he hadn’t even noticed it during the match.

  "I’ll have to review it," he said with a shrug. "We're about standards, commitment and respect to each other. We'll not change our decision just because someone is waving their arms." 

  While all eyes were on Bellingham’s every gesture, Foden was dealing with his own storyline. The Manchester City star had not played for England since March, and his return produced a mix of bright moments and quiet frustration. He delivered an assist for Eberechi Eze in the win over Serbia and injected flair against Albania. But he also began both matches from the bench which is an unfamiliar role for one of the Premier League’s standout performers. 

  The surprise was amplified by Tuchel’s promise that both Foden and Bellingham were being brought back to play central roles. Yet even with that assurance, Foden didn’t start. The manager has openly expressed reluctance to field Foden, Bellingham and Harry Kane together, believing all three operate best in central pockets of the pitch. Against Albania, he relented, but for only 22 minutes. The question now is how long Foden will accept being a rotation option when the World Cup begins. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Foden's patience could be tested in 2026

  Former England forward Emile Heskey has delivered one of the bluntest assessments yet of England’s creative logjam. Asked which attacking midfielder is most vulnerable, he didn’t hesitate.

  Speaking exclusively to , Heskey admitted: "It’d probably be Foden. In my eyes, I think it’ll probably be between Foden and Cole Palmer. Cole Palmer hasn’t played much, so he needs to start playing to get that fitness up, especially for a manager who’s all about aggressive running and intensity, so it’ll be out of them.

  "I think Jude will go [to the World Cup], if I’m honest with you. I don’t know too much about the camaraderie and the governance within the camp that everyone keeps talking about, but if you’re just going off play, I would say Jude has to go because he comes up with vital goals at pivotal times as well."

  But the former striker also highlighted another rising contender in Morgan Rogers, as Heskey could barely contain his admiration for the Bournemouth attacker.

  "But then, I think Morgan Rogers is brilliant," he said. "I love the way that he plays. I love the enthusiasm that he plays with. I love the positions that he gets into. He makes intelligent runs off the ball because he creates space for others as well with his runs. I definitely think he’s pushing as a starter, not just a squad player. I think he’s brilliant in that sense. I just think he gives you so much on and off the ball with intelligent runs, and he’s having a good season for me."

• Can England cope if a big name misses out?

  Heskey believes England could afford to leave one, or even two, high-profile No.10s at home and still challenge for the trophy.

  "Yeah, definitely. They’ve got a togetherness anyway as a squad," he said. "They’ve got some fantastic players. They’re the cream of the crop for me. I can’t see them all not being there, but I could see probably one of them not being there, or one or two of them not being there."

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  The battle ahead for the Three Lions

  England’s fight for creativity is a full-scale power struggle between some of Europe’s most gifted footballers. Tuchel has insisted the World Cup squad will be built on "standards, commitment, and respect."

After scoring one goal and missing ten ‘big chances’, per Sofascore, in his first 12 appearances for Leeds United, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has finally found his feet at Elland Road.

The former England international has scored in successive games, against Manchester City and Chelsea, to take his tally to three goals in the Premier League.

Calvert-Lewin joined the Whites on a free transfer from Everton in the summer transfer window, and had looked to be a poor signing after his dismal start to the campaign in front of goal.

Daniel Farke will now be hoping that these two quickfire goals from the striker are not a flash in the pan and are a sign of things to come from the experienced forward.

Leeds offered the chance to sign Serie A striker

Despite Calvert-Lewin’s upturn in form in the Premier League in recent days, the Whites have been linked with a possible move for a player in his position in the January transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United have been “offered” the chance to sign AC Milan centre-forward to bolster their options in the final third.

The accompanying report from TEAMtalk adds that Sunderland, Fulham, and West Ham United have also been contacted by intermediaries, who are looking to secure a January move for the striker.

It reveals that Milan are open to approaches for the Mexico international, almost a year on from his move to Italy from Feyenoord, but it remains to be seen how much they would demand for his services.

TEAMtalk also does not outline whether or not Leeds are willing to take up the offer to pursue a deal to sign the Mexican marksman, who could come in as an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

Why Leeds should sign Santiago Gimenez

The Whites should push to bring Gimenez to Elland Road when the January transfer window opens for business because he could add more quality to the manager’s options in the number nine role.

It has been a difficult year for the 24-year-old marksman since his move to Milan, with just five Serie A goals in 2025, per Sofascore, but that could make this the perfect time for Leeds to sign him.

If he were still at Feyenoord and scoring over 20 goals a season in the Netherlands, Gimenez would be unattainable for Farke’s side. That is why his disappointing form for Milan should be viewed as an opportunity for Leeds, rather than something that should put them off a move for him.

Based on his form for Feyenoord in the previous three seasons, the Mexico international has the potential to arrive at Elland Road as a big upgrade on Calvert-Lewin, whose goal return is nowhere near as impressive as the Milan flop’s.

25/26

1

3

24/25

22

3

23/24

26

8

22/23

23

2

21/22

9

5

As you can see in the table above, Gimenez scored 22 goals or more in each of his last three full seasons, whilst the English striker has not hit double figures for goals since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, which suggests that the former could offer significant more in front of goal.

The Milan forward, who was hailed as a “machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has a particularly impressive record in European games, with six goals in 11 Europa League outings and eight goals in 11 Champions League appearances, per Transfermarkt.

Gimenez, as illustrated in the first goal in the clip above, is a penalty box striker who has the strength and composure to hold off physical defenders to get his shot away, which suggests that the physicality of the Premier League would not be an issue for him.

The Mexican number nine won 57% of his aerial duels in the Eredivisie last season, per Sofascore, whilst Calvert-Lewin has won 41% of his aerial contests in the Premier League this term for Leeds.

This suggests that he has the potential to be an excellent option for the Whites as both a goalscorer and as a physical presence up front, if he can get back to the form that he displayed at Feyenoord, which would make him a big upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

Gimenez, who scored 22 goals from 15.77 xG last season (Sofascore), is at a low point in his career, with one goal this season, but that is why this could be such a shrewd deal for Leeds.

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The 49ers and Farke could gamble on the striker and hope that this has just been a blip in what has otherwise been a prolific career, which would see him arrive at Elland Road in January and get back to his best as an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

Manchester United and Liverpool have both been linked with signing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, but it is Ruben Amorim’s side who are in pole position ahead of the January transfer window.

Semenyo is one of the most impressive wide players in the Premier League currently, scoring six goals and registering three assists in the competition leading into the international break.

The 25-year-old is wanted by a host of top clubs, with United among those thought to be right in the mix to snap him up, potentially even in the January transfer window.

Semenyo has a £65m release clause in his current Bournemouth contract for a certain time period, with David Ornstein reporting the Cherries will effectively be powerless to stop a departure in early January.

Liverpool look to be the most interested out of United’s Premier League adversaries, as they look for an injection of attacking quality midway through the season, with the Reds believing Semenyo can be their next Sadio Mane.

Man Utd leading Liverpool in Semenyo race with player keen on move

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United are the front-runners to acquire Semenyo’s signature from Bournemouth in January, with INEOS seeing him as a top target for the Red Devils.

The report claims it’s “hard to believe Manchester United won’t secure the signing” due to their willingness to pay the release fee and Semenyo being interested in a move to Old Trafford.

They are ahead of Liverpool in the race, which will no doubt delight the supporters, with Amorim possibly eyeing a long-term replacement for Marcus Rashford, should he leave Old Trafford for good at the end of this season.

Semenyo feels like an ideal signing for United in the mould of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, in terms of players who have proven themselves in the Premier League and are ready to make the step-up to a bigger club.

The Ghanaian provides strong end product on a consistent basis, and has scored twice in three Premier League appearances against the Red Devils, while Pep Guardiola recently hailed his ability, calling him an “extraordinary” player.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was asked earlier this week about the situation, saying he isn’t worried about losing his star player in January.

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Ethan Lamb

Nov 21, 2025

Despite this, it is easy to envisage Semenyo’s head being turned by a move to United, especially if they continue their recent improved form under Amorim, and he would be a fabulous addition to the attack.

Man Utd have their own version of Semenyo & he's Amorim's "best player"

Leeds United are in some strife this season. After a strong start, the Whites find themselves in another relegation fight, with just 11 points to their name. That puts them one point clear of the drop zone, and with West Ham United and Nottingham Forest now two unbeaten, they could get caught.

Perhaps this was to be expected by Leeds fans at the start of the season. ESPN journalist Bill Connelly was someone who thought they’d go straight back down to the Championship, explaining that they “probably will have to figure out how to get by with defensive organisation and random bursts of quality attacking.”

Well, it’s not worked out like that so far, with manager Daniel Farke’s future now under question again.

Why Farke’s Leeds future is in doubt

Connelly identified a strong defence and clinical attacking bursts as the keys to how the Whites could keep themselves in the Premier League. Those two things have both been lacking so far this term.

Defensively, the West Yorkshire outfit have left a lot to be desired. They’ve been leaky at the back and have conceded 20 goals.

Despite signing three attackers in the summer, Farke’s side have managed to score just ten goals, better only than bottom-place Wolves.

This has, once again, brought the German’s job into question. He was reportedly close to getting sacked last season, but Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said Farke is “my man” going into the Premier League adventure.

Circumstances can change quickly, though. Now, reports are suggesting Farke has five games to save himself. After losing the first one against Nottingham Forest before the international break, games against Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool await.

It does seem inevitable that Leeds will have to sack their manager sooner or later. They seem to have a new boss lined up who could get them thriving in front of goal again.

Leeds’ perfect Farke replacement

If Farke is removed from his post as Leeds head coach, journalist Graeme Bailey recently put forward a name for who could replace him.

He says that the pressure is piling on, especially ‘when you have a manager like Brendan Rodgers available,’ a man Leeds could well move for if they sack the German.

Rodgers was once described as a “world-class” manager by Gabby Agbonlahor on talkSPORT, after his impressive performances at Leicester City.

The Foxes were punching above their weight for years, partly thanks to the Northern Irishman’s contributions.

At the King Power Stadium, he looked to capitalise on quick transitional situations, with some dangerous attacking players at his disposal. Those included the likes of James Maddison and star striker Jamie Vardy.

In fact, getting the best out of his strikers has always been a key feature of Rodgers’ management, no matter what club he was at.

He has coached some big-name centre-forwards, including Vardy and Luis Suarez, all of whom have enjoyed success under the Northern Irishman.

Most successful strikers under Rodgers

Player (club)

Games

Goals

Jamie Vardy (Leicester)

157

70

Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

81

61

Moussa Dembele (Celtic)

94

51

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester, Celtic)

151

46

Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

70

43

Stats from Transfermarkt

That could be music to Leeds fans’ ears, given their difficulties in front of goal. Perhaps Rodgers – and his attack-minded 4-3-3 setup – can be the guy to finally get them thriving in front of goal.

He may have a new striker to work with, too. Troy Parrott is a target for the club, according to recent reports, and could be on the move this January.

He has been on fire with club side AZ Alkmaar since moving there last summer, and has 33 goals and seven assists in 61 games.

Of course, he was the hero for the Republic of Ireland last week, helping them reach the World Cup playoffs.

That is exactly the sort of goalscoring prowess that Leeds are lacking at the moment. Despite having three strikers on the books, they are missing that clinical edge in front of goal.

Parrott, however, has just that, and could be the difference maker – much like Vardy was in the past under Rodgers.

With Rodgers’ impressive track record working with strikers, Parrott could be the next number nine the potential Leeds boss gets the best out of.

Together, they might be the perfect pair to get Leeds scoring goals and get them out of this relegation battle.

Related £45k-per-week Leeds flop looks like their biggest disaster since Koch

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Nov 19, 2025

أعلن الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول تشكيل فريقه لمواجهة نظيره بي إس في آيندهوفن ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويواجه ليفربول نظيره آيندهوفن الهولندي مساء اليوم، الأربعاء، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الحادية عشر بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

ويستضيف ملعب “آنفيلد” المباراة بين ليفربول وآيندهوفن ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

اقرأ أيضًا | هامان يوجه رسالة لـ سلوت حول استبعاد محمد صلاح من تشكيل ليفربول

ويدخل ليفربول المباراة بعدما خسر خسارة مُذلة أمام نوتينجهام فورست بثلاثية نظيفة ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”.

ويحتل ليفربول المركز العاشر في جدول ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا برصيد 9 نقاط، وفي حال تمكن من تحقيق الفوز اليوم سيكون رصيد 12 نقطة بالمركز الرابع أو السادس على أقل تقدير.

ويجلس على دكة البدلاء كلًا من: وودمان، ميسيور، جوميز، إندو، إيزاك، كييزا، روبرتسون، نيوني، نجوموها. تشكيل ليفربول اليوم أمام آيندهوفن في دوري أبطال أوروبا

في حراسة المرمى: جيورجي مامارداشفيلي.

في خط الدفاع: كيرتس جونز – فيرجيل فان دايك – إبراهيما كوناتي – ميلوس كيركيز.

في خط الوسط: ماك أليستر – ريان جرافنبيرخ – دومينيك سوبوسلاي.

في خط الهجوم: محمد صلاح – هوجو إيكتيكي – كودي جاكبو.

England’s attack-at-all-costs philosophy needed to adapt, and it has. How will it acquit itself against the acid test that Australia will throw at it?

Greg Chappell18-Nov-2025The Ashes in Australia has always served as Test cricket’s most unforgiving crucible, and for England, the coming series offers the ultimate stress test. Under the stewardship of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, they have undergone a profound psychological and stylistic shift.The name “Bazball” came about informally, coined by ESPNcricinfo’s UK editor Andrew Miller in the summer of 2022, shortly after McCullum was appointed head coach alongside new captain Stokes. McCullum, a naturally aggressive player, and Stokes, a captain defined by his proactive approach, provided the perfect psychological environment for this new style to flourish.The philosophy, at its heart, was about giving players mental freedom and eliminating the fear of failure. It was intended to import the fearless, results-oriented methodology of short-form cricket into the five-day game, resulting in an unprecedented run rate of 4.8 per over until mid-2023. Bazball must now mature if it is to succeed against the pace, bounce, and the Australian milieu.Related

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This proactive style yielded immediate, sensational outcomes in England. It was liberating for a team that had long struggled. They transitioned from a dismal 6% win rate in the 17 Tests prior to the regime change to a robust 61% success rate overall since. The highs were dramatic, epitomised by a run of record-breaking fourth-innings chases in 2022, where England successfully hunted down four targets of 275-plus, including a monumental 378 runs against India. Their bold declaration against Pakistan in Rawalpindi later that year, giving the hosts a tempting target of 343 runs that eventually led to a memorable 74-run England victory, was immediately hailed as proof of the positive, find-a-way-to-win mentality.However, a deeper analysis reveals a stark geographical dependence that exposes the limits of Bazball 1.0. England’s win rate at home starting with the 2022 summer has been 68%, but away, this figure is 50% – a 26% gap that suggests the revolution is dependent on neutered designer pitches.This statistical difference is directly linked to the environmental context of English cricket. The home success of Bazball has hinged on wickets deliberately prepared to be flatter and more benign than traditional English seaming Test pitches. Stokes explicitly requested fast and flat pitches upon assuming the captaincy, leading to surfaces that minimised the lateral movement that once defined the challenge of playing in England. James Anderson, the master of seam and swing, publicly lamented that the Edgbaston pitch for the 2023 Ashes Test was “like kryptonite” for him, confirming the conditions were hostile to traditional seam-bowling skills.Furthermore, the shorter boundaries at many English Test grounds, which are exempt from strict minimum-size rules, fundamentally mitigate the risk inherent in frenetic batting. An aggressive horizontal-bat shot that clears a short square boundary in England might be caught easily on the expansive fields of Australia.9:19

How should England line up for the first Test?

The inevitable consequences of this high-risk strategy, when those environmental cushions are removed, are spectacular collapses. The team’s rapid implosion against India in Rajkot, where a strong position of 224 for 2 turned into 319 all out, and the stunning eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka at home – labelled by some as the worst batting of the Bazball era – serve as stark reminders of the volatility inherent in the approach. Bazball cannot become an excuse to avoid doing the hard yards that Test cricket demands.The key narrative heading into this Ashes series is that England have learnt this lesson and are now moving away from the unbridled, all-out assault of Bazball 1.0.England opener Ben Duckett, a key beneficiary of the aggressive approach, who has averaged 49 (with a strike rate of 87) in home Tests, recently confirmed that the side is evolving from being “entertaining, reckless at times”. Instead, the focus is on a strategic maturation: “reading moments”. Duckett cited the need to “just get through it” when facing five difficult overs at the end of a day, prioritising survival so as to be present the next morning rather than seeking runs at all costs.This subtle, but critical, evolution has not gone unnoticed by the opposition. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon observed that England are now “thinking about ways to win games, not being totally reckless”, while Steve Smith has said England have started to play the situation. This shift, from “reckless entertainment” to disciplined, high-intent positivity – marks the necessary birth of Bazball 2.0.The Australian challenge will be severe. The pitches, starting with the pace and true bounce of Perth, are ideal for an even contest between bat and ball. These are surfaces that reward discipline and sound judgement.While Australia have suffered the loss of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to injury for the opening Test, their veteran pace unit remains skilful enough to punish reckless batting. The core of the attack – Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and the indefatigable Lyon – are key parts of one of the most enduringly successful bowling units in history. Hazlewood’s loss, on top of that of Cummins, is disappointing for the sake of the series. Hazlewood is arguably the most dangerous bowler against batters bearing a purely aggressive mindset. His absence in Perth will be dispiriting for Australia and noticeable.7:41

What can we expect from Harry Brook on his first Ashes tour?

The outcome of this series will pivot on how England’s top order navigates the conditions in Perth and Brisbane.Zak Crawley has been persevered with specifically because he is seen as someone who will flourish on the bouncy wickets with his stand-and-deliver methods. However, he will need immense discretion; attempting to drive too freely on the up against the extra bounce on Australian wickets will see him nick off regularly. Duckett, while he has bloomed in the Bazball era, will find that partnerships become more important than explosive starts, demanding he focus on absorbing pressure as much as on scoring quickly.Meanwhile Ollie Pope, who often seems to be under constant pressure to hold his spot, will need a strong showing in the first two Tests. Should he fail to score significant runs, the calls for the exciting but unproven young talent Jacob Bethell to replace him will inevitably grow louder.Joe Root remains the established star, a bedrock of consistency whom the others will lean on. Harry Brook, the cricket meteor on the rise, is arguably England’s greatest batting prospect. With his minimal movement at the crease and ability to use the angle of the delivery, he reminds me of a young Sachin Tendulkar. Brook’s record is similar (better, in fact) to Tendulkar’s at the same stage of his career. If this burgeoning superstar can adapt quickly to the conditions and temper his ambition with discretion, he could cement his reputation as a world-class talent. Jamie Smith is another exciting batter but one who needs to forget his recent poor New Zealand form.The England team that takes the field in Australia will still be upbeat. We should not expect to see their unbridled early days of Bazball 1.0 again. What we should expect, however, is a fiercely competitive bunch who have finally matured into a tough, aggressive, and calculating unit. Their success will not be measured by run rate but by their willingness to buckle down and undertake the hard work that is required in the demanding conditions of Australia.With the loss of Cummins and Hazlewood for Perth, the balance has shifted inexorably towards England.

New Zealand thrive on green-tinged pitch before the weather has the final say

Andrew Miller18-Oct-2025

England 153 for 6 (Curran 49*, Bracewell 1-10) vs New Zealand – match abandonedIt turns out there’s a reason New Zealand don’t often host international cricket in October. A truly glorious sunset over Christchurch gave way to dankness and mizzle after dark, as persistent rain wrecked a well-poised contest at Hagley Oval and sent a capacity crowd home unfulfilled.The home fans could at least be content that their own players had had the better of the 20 overs that were possible. New Zealand’s six bowlers claimed a wicket apiece, as England’s aggressive batters struggled to cope with the early-season movement of a green-tinged pitch.Only Sam Curran, with a gritty if fortunate 49 not out from 35 balls, resisted for any length of time. His 19-run take-down of Jacob Duffy’s final over hoisted England past the venue’s par score of 150, to set up what should have been a compelling fight to the finish. That will now have to wait until these teams reconvene at the same place on Monday.Runs at a premiumBoth captains had been eager to get first use of the conditions, and sure enough, the die was cast for an uncomfortable evening for batters when Phil Salt – usually England’s banker for a flying start – fell in the second over for 3, caught at short third off Jacob Duffy having failed to middle any of his four deliveries.That brought Jacob Bethell to the middle at No. 3, to begin his long and public audition for a similar role in the Ashes. Suffice to say, he didn’t quite enhance his claims on this showing. Three air-shots in five dot-balls gave way to back-to-back boundaries, including a firm swipe for six down the ground. But then he climbed across Matt Henry’s short ball, and top-edged a steepler back to the bowler for 15 from 13.England emerged from the Powerplay with some impetus at 44 for 2, thanks to Jos Buttler’s old-school nous and eye for a scoring opportunity. But, having reached 18 from his first ten balls, he lost momentum along with the strike, adding just five more from his last nine, which were stretched across five fallow mid-innings overs.Initially this didn’t seem to matter, with Harry Brook greeting Jimmy Neesham’s seamers with two sixes in his first three balls. But Neesham hit back with a cutter that flicked off the captain’s pads to bowl him for 20 from 14, whereupon Tom Banton struggled to get started in his unfamiliar mid-innings role.He made it to 9 from eight balls at the ten-over drinks break, then slapped his first ball of the resumption to long-on, as Mitchell Santner got his reward for a typically unrelenting spell. When Buttler followed one over later, caught at mid-off as he too failed to hit the spin of Michael Bracewell off his length, England were in peril at 81 for 5.Jacob Duffy struck early to remove Phil Salt•Joe Allison/Getty Images

Curran the cat claws a totalJordan Cox and Sam Curran were integral to Oval Invincibles’ latest Hundred triumph, but usually through front-footed onslaughts from No. 3 and 4 respectively. This rearguard from No. 6 and 7 required rather different skillsets – and, as it turned out, a fair dollop of luck.A timely rain-break in the 17th over offered England a chance to regroup, which Cox seemed to seize when he slapped Kyle Jamieson’s first ball of the resumption through the covers for four. But Jamieson hit back immediately, getting a length ball to stick in the pitch as Cox’s timing deserted him. Notwithstanding his fifty against Ireland in his previous outing, this 16 from 18 marked another missed opportunity for a player who – for a variety of reasons – can’t quite grasp his chances in the England set-up.Curran has also been on the outside looking in since Brendon McCullum took over as head coach, but his time would appear to have come, and even the fates seem to agree. Invaluable though his innings was, he was the beneficiary of two badly dropped catches – on 14, as Duffy spilled a steepler in his followthrough, and on 26, as Tim Robinson misjudged a pull to deep midwicket off Henry.He had a further life five balls later, when Jamieson pinned him on the knee-roll as he lined up a ramp. A speculative review showed it had pitched outside leg, by which stage he was already most of the way off the pitch.But he did the needful as the overs ran out, scampering the twos as New Zealand set their men back in the deep, before a final-over six and two fours hauled England to a total that might well have proved sufficient had the weather permitted a defence. On that, however, we’ll never know.

There were no bigger sellers at the MLB trade deadline than the Minnesota Twins. Identifying a seller’s market and with solid assets to offer to contenders, the Twins unloaded the roster in hopes of building the foundation for a better future.

One of their biggest deadline deals was trading away electric closer Jhoan Duran to the Philadelphia Phillies. Duran is a flamethrower, and his aura was all the greater thanks to the electric entrance that the Twins had put together for him when he took the mound.

It wasn’t clear how that entrance would carry over to Philadelphia, but when Duran stepped up for his first career save as a Phillie over the weekend, the lights went down, the phones came out, and the bell of the Undertaker tolled.

It was epic.

How were the Phillies able to recreate the magic of Duran’s entrance? Mostly thanks to the Twins. As Matt Gelb reported in a story for , the Twins had worked with the Phillies, providing digital assets and music, to ensure that his first moment on the mound with his new team was a memorable one.

Dustin Morse, the Twins vice president of communications, had asked Duran what he wanted to do regarding his entrance shortly after news of the trade broke, and the closer said it was simply too good to give up. Morse agreed, and took the idea to the rest of the team’s top officials. Not long after, they were trading emails with their counterparts on the Phillies to make sure they could put together a similar entrance at Citizens Bank Park.

“We collectively thought, ‘This is for the greater good of baseball fans,’” Morse told Gelb. “This is a fun atmosphere. All baseball fans should get to see it and experience it. We all know that the atmosphere at Citizens Bank is already nuts. This would go over well.”

It certainly did. A crowd of 43,241 Phillies fans roared for Duran in his debut, and he secured the save with just four pitches.

Morse texted Duran after the save congratulating him on his success, and noting that the entrance still looked great. “Thank you so much, Dustin,” Duran replied. “Thank you for being a part of that creation.”

Duran’s first few days in Philadelphia have already been memorable. On Sunday, he was able to secure another save for the Phillies, this time on the airwaves of ESPN, and threw a few of the fastest pitches in team history in the process. The entrance still looked stellar.

The Twins certainly didn’t have to do what they did to help the Phillies recreate Duran’s theatrics—the entrance represented hundreds of hours of work Minnesota’s team put into ideation, creation and execution. But as Morse said, it was a move that was made for the greater good of baseball fans, and that truth has already been proven plenty after just a few days in Philadelphia.