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The 2025/26 season that’s soon on the horizon for Newcastle United looks to be another exciting one.

Eddie Howe’s Toon will find themselves back amongst Europe’s elite in the Champions League, with the hope they can compete for more silverware too after breaking their trophy hoodoo last season when lifting the EFL Cup at Liverpool’s expense.

To boost their chances of a similarly successful 25/26, therefore, Howe will know he needs to be backed in the chaotic transfer market, with this attacking star one potential addition that would surely enliven the St James’ masses ahead of the action kicking off.

Newcastle remain interested in move for Premier League winger

The Toon have been lining up a number of attackers this summer with talks reportedly due to take place to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton.

Another target is Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford, who after an impressive loan spell at Aston Villa, is now set to leave Old Trafford behind permanently.

However, to put that move to one side, as per a report from TEAMTalk, Newcastle remain interested in adding Nottingham Forest ace Anthony Elanga to their camp this summer, with a shock swap deal even potentially on the cards.

Indeed, the report elaborates that with the Magpies ‘stepping up their interest’ in the winger, they could be set to offer Harvey Barnes to Forest to smooth over proceedings.

Barnes’ inclusion in the deal would bring down the £50m valuation of the ex-Manchester United forward’s price tag.

Elanga could also be tempted to make the switch with the allure of Champions League football presumably a pull, with Howe also desperate to land the Sweden international as he hunts down pacey, new options to enhance his attacking personnel.

Why Elanga would be a better buy than Rashford

Snapping up the services of Elanga would surely mean the Magpies wouldn’t have to go back in for another of their attacking targets like Rashford, considering the 23-year-old is now surely viewed as an upgrade on his former Red Devils teammate after his blistering couple of campaigns at the City Ground, compared to Rashford’s up-and-down time of things.

After all, if it’s pace Howe wants in abundance, he will strike gold by picking up Elanga, with this unbelievable breakaway goal last season seeing him leave many a United shirt in the dust, before punishing his former employers even more with a clinical finish.

For good measure, he was one of the quickest players in the top flight of English football last season too.

Off the back of such counter-attacking magic, Elanga would rightfully describe himself as “one of the fastest players in the PL”, with the standout Swede thankfully backing up these rampaging forays more often than not with a meaningful strike or an assist.

Games played

38

25

Goals scored

6

6

Assists

11

3

Big chances missed

6

5

Big chances created

9

8

Whilst Rashford did shine away from Old Trafford last season on the temporary books of Villa, it’s also clear from the numbers that Elanga would be the better pick-up, with the 5-foot-10 winger far less jaded by the top-flight than the United outcast, registering a far greater goal contribution number of 17 last season, next to Rashford’s lesser nine.

On top of that, Elanga also has the added boost of 14 more goals and assists donning Forest red from the season before, as Rashford’s spell at the Swede’s former employers began to fall apart.

Moreover, unlike Rashford who is predominantly an out-and-out left winger, the Forest speedster would be able to offer Howe an option down either flank if needed, with the £50m-rated target up to 63 career games now as a right winger, on top of also tallying up 55 down the left.

Further lauded as “special” by Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, this could well be the platform the winger desires now to strut his stuff in the Champions League and beyond.

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Newcastle may need to replace their most profitable winger this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 20, 2025

Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho admitted he was an “inch” away from signing a player who would go on to become an “all-time great” at Arsenal.

Mourinho is already regarded as one of the best bosses there has ever been, enjoying plenty of success and winning major honours with FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Man Utd and AS Roma.

FC Porto

Champions League

2004

UEFA Cup

2003

Liga Portugal

2003, 2004

Taça de Portugal

2003

Portuguese Super Cup

2003

Chelsea

Premier League

2005, 2006, 2015

FA Cup

2007

League Cup

2005, 2007, 2015

Community Shield

2005

Inter Milan

Champions League

2010

Serie A

2009, 2010

Coppa Italia

2010

Italian Super Cup

2008

Real Madrid

La Liga

2012

Copa del Rey

2011

Spanish Super Cup

2012

Manchester United

League Cup

2017

Community Shield

2016

AS Roma

Europa Conference League

2022

Cristiano Ronaldo even called Mourinho the best manager he has ever worked with back in 2015, saying: “I would put him at the top, I always say that. He’s a good coach, he did many good things and won many trophies for other clubs.”

During his career, the Portuguese tactician has entertained the footballing world with some brilliant quotes and touchline moments, and he has also struck gold on numerous players in the transfer market.

Jose Mourinho’s best signings in pictures

From defensive stars at Chelsea in Ashley Cole and Petr Cech to attacking icons in Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, there have been plenty of high-profile names Mourinho has persuaded to join him down the years.

However, one of the near-misses Mourinho had in the early days of his coaching career was with Thierry Henry, who would go on to become an Arsenal icon.

9 of the best Jose Mourinho quotes

The Special One has had a way with words over the years.

ByBarney Lane Dec 2, 2024 Mourinho and Robson nearly signed Henry for Barcelona

Now Arsenal’s record goalscorer after a memorable eight-year spell in north London, Henry was signed from Juventus in 1999.

He won two Premier League titles at Highbury and lifted the FA Cup on three occasions, going down as one of the best players the top flight has ever seen.

Juventus only had the French forward for a matter of months before selling him to the Gunners, and they signed him from AS Monaco.

It could have been so much different, though, with Mourinho revealing in 2014 that during his time as Barcelona assistant manager to Sir Bobby Robson, the Catalan giants were an “inch” away from signing Henry from Monaco.

Henry would come up against Mourinho on numerous occasions but never worked under the Portuguese boss, who called Henry “one of the all-time greats”.

Newcastle United have now joined the race to sign a “very quick” defender who’s among the “world’s best”, according to a report.

Newcastle's summer transfer plans taking shape

Should Newcastle manage to secure Champions League qualification by finishing in the Premier League’s top five, the 2024-25 campaign is likely to go down as a resounding success, having also ended their 70-year trophy drought by lifting the EFL Cup.

However, the PIF have grand plans for the Magpies, and having enjoyed their first taste of success, they are likely to be even more inspired to compete for more major honours, which means some new additions to the squad could be required this summer.

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo could be a key target in attack, with the right-winger recently being identified as the ideal option to bolster Eddie Howe’s frontline, while the PIF are now racing to sign Girona’s Yangel Herrera to reinforce the midfield.

In-demand player would rather join Newcastle despite offer from Barcelona

The Magpies could land his signature…

1 BySean Markus Clifford May 4, 2025

A new centre-back has also been of interest for quite some time, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi a long-standing target, and there has now been a new update on the Tynesiders’ pursuit of a defender.

According to a report from The Sun, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, having announced his intention to leave the German club when his contract expires.

Guehi remains the Magpies’ top target, with the Palace captain set to leave Selhurst Park this summer, but Tah has now been identified as an alternative option, with Howe desperate to bring in a new defender this summer.

There could be stiff competition for the 29-year-old’s signature, however, with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich also keen, in light of his impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen…

"Very quick" Tah among "world's best" defenders

Leverkusen were unable to retain the Bundesliga title this season, but they did an incredible job to pip Bayern to top spot in the 2023-24 campaign, going the entire season undefeated, and it would be fair to say the German defender impressed Xabi Alonso.

Alonso said: “Jonha is performing at the highest level and I am really happy for him because he deserves all the praise and all the good moments he’s living – that he keeps playing for us and happily for the national team as well. I think he is one of the world’s best defenders.”

Former Germany boss Joachim Low once described the 29-year-old as “very quick”, while he is also very impressive in possession of the ball.

Tah’s availability on a free transfer makes signing him an even more attractive proposition for potential suitors this summer, and it is promising news that Newcastle have now joined the race.

This summer transfer window is a huge one for Tottenham Hotspur if they are to rise up the Premier League next season, making amends for the dismal campaign endured in 2024/25.

The club’s bottom-half standing has led to questions being asked about Ange Postecoglou’s future at the club, with it unclear whether he’ll be in charge for 2025/26.

However, their progression into the Europa League semi-final against Bodo Glimt may save his career in North London – potentially able to end their 17-year wait for a trophy.

If the Aussie does manage to pull off such a feat over the next couple of weeks, he will need to be backed in the market by the owner to allow him to take the side to the next level.

It appears no time has been wasted ahead of the summer transfer window, already making serious moves to strengthen the side in numerous key areas.

The latest on Spurs’ pursuit for new attackers this summer

Over recent days, Spurs have been targeting reinforcements within the final third, leading to huge rumours over a move for Wolves’ star Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian only signed a new contract in recent months, but has stated his desire to leave, with any side wanting to land him needing to trigger his £62.5m release clause inserted within his new deal.

The Lilywhites aren’t alone in their hunt for the 25-year-old, with Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal also touted with a big-money move for his signature.

The likes of Tyler Dibling and Liam Delap have also been mentioned as potential targets, but not to the extent of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who’s been hugely mentioned as a summer target.

According to one Spanish outlet, Spurs are preparing a £50m bid for the Cherries attacker, who’s reportedly a supporter of North London rivals Arsenal.

Why the £50m target would be the perfect Son replacement

Winger Heung-min Son has been a tremendous servant to Spurs over the last decade, often being the shining light in their side after moving from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2015.

The South Korean international has racked up a staggering 448 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring on 173 occasions, putting himself fifth in the club’s all-time scoring charts.

However, with the attacker being 33 come the start of next season, it’s safe to say he’s entering the final years of his career as a professional, with a plan needing to be put in place to replace him.

He’s also started to pick up more frequent injury issues, currently being sidelined with a foot issue, missing the Europa League triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt and being ruled out of Monday’s clash with Forest.

As a result, Postecoglou could turn to Semenyo as a summer target, with the Ghanaian certainly the perfect replacement for the fan-favourite during the off-season.

When comparing his stats to Son from the Premier League in 2024/25, the 25-year-old has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas, showcasing how much of a superb addition he would be.

Semenyo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by The Athletic’s Richard Amofa, has registered more goals in the league to date, whilst also managing more shots on target per game, highlighting his threat within attacking areas.

Games played

32

28

Goals scored

8

7

Shots taken

3.7

2.4

Shots on target

1.2

1

Tackles & Interceptions

1.9

1

Take-ons completed

2.1

1.3

Aerials won

1.9

0.3

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, along with more aerials won, offering Ange an all-round presence in the final third, playing a massive role in their potential success next campaign.

£50m may be a huge investment from the hierarchy, but it’s needed should the side return to the heights they’ve set for themselves in numerous seasons in North London.

Semenyo has demonstrated the qualities he possesses this season, with a big move needed, opening the door for a transfer to Spurs, and giving him a great platform to take his own career to the next level.

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2025 could be a big year of change at Tottenham Hotspur, so are Spurs seeking to sign the “next big talent” in sensational Dele Alli repeat?

ByBen Gray Apr 19, 2025

The spinner explains he decided not to take a domestic contract with WA to maximise playing opportunities globally while he remains intent on playing for Australia

Alex Malcolm20-Apr-2024Ashton Agar has become the latest Australian player to make the bold decision to become a freelance global gun-for-hire, and he couldn’t be more excited about it.But the 30-year-old says he remains committed to trying to play for Australia in all three formats, including Test cricket, and playing domestic cricket for Western Australia when he’s available despite opting not to sign a state contract for 2024-25.The decision was made following lengthy and collaborative consultations with WA’s general manager of high performance Kade Harvey, WA coach Adam Voges, Australia coach Andrew McDonald and chairman of selectors George Bailey after Agar did not receive a Cricket Australia contract for 2024-25.Related

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'Blank page' for Australia's Test batting reserves and Agar's strong World Cup chance

From Test No. 2 to going home: the bizarre handling of Ashton Agar

It was driven partly by the lack of cricket Agar played at the back end of last summer following the BBL. He found himself playing just three Marsh Cup games and grade cricket after the BBL finished in late January, as Corey Rocchiccioli had established himself as WA’s No.1 Sheffield Shield spinner.Agar did briefly head to South Africa to try and play as a replacement player in the SA20 but did not get an opportunity, before his contract with CA and WA meant he was required to return for the end of the Marsh Cup.Not taking a domestic deal for next summer will free him up to play overseas during the Australian domestic season given he won’t be under contract, as tournaments such as the SA20, the ILT20, the PSL and the BPL all fall in the summer window.”The timing was right,” Agar told ESPNcricinfo. “There’s a lot of things that have been taken into account here. Obviously coming off my Cricket Australia contract and not playing the last couple of games for WA in the red-ball space and just assessing the cricket landscape over the last couple of years and seeing the way that cricket is trending and the way my cricket has been trending, this decision just made a lot of sense to me.”To not take a state contract gives me the flexibility to take opportunities that may pop up around the world.”It allows me to still play for Western Australia. But it doesn’t lock me into just playing state cricket. And I think as someone with aspirations to play at the highest level, which is international cricket, for as long as possible, playing cricket as much as you can is the only thing that gets you there.”WA will still support Agar in terms of allowing him to be part of their squad when he is in Perth. He will have access to the facilities, coaches and medical staff, which is something he is incredibly grateful for.

“Playing for Australia doesn’t mean you have to have a state contract at that time. You just need to be putting your best foot forward for whichever team you’re playing for.”Ashton Agar is committed to play for Australia despite not taking a WA contract

He would also still be eligible for an upgraded state contract if he plays four Marsh Cup games and will still put his hand up to play Shield cricket if the opportunity arises.”My chats with Kade Harvey and Adam Voges have been that whilst I’m not going to be a WA-contracted player, when I’m available to play one-day cricket, I’ll still play one-day cricket for WA and they will support me as a WA cricketer,” Agar said.”I’ve been told I’m going to have that support network around me and I’m super grateful to Western Australia for allowing me to still have that privilege. That means a hell of a lot.”I think the beauty of this decision, it allows me to be available for everything. Obviously, if there’s a white-ball [franchise] opportunity that comes up I’m able to take that now. But if there isn’t and I am available to play a Shield game for WA, of course I would take that opportunity. This decision is all about playing as much cricket as possible.”Agar feels no ill will towards Rocchiccioli’s rise, especially after the offspinner has spoken emotionally and glowingly of Agar’s influence on his own career. Despite making the choice to go freelance, Agar still wants to help the younger generation of WA spin bowling talent when he’s around.”I really love that role of trying to mentor guys like Corey Rocchiccioli, like Hamish McKenzie and even Cooper Connolly to an extent as well,” Agar said. “It’s something that’s really exciting for me.”Agar has taken inspiration from Tim David who has forged an exceptional freelance career without holding an Australian domestic contract. David has become a staple of Australia’s T20I side even after being allowed to miss what would have been his first series for Australia in early 2022 to fulfil a contract in the PSL.Australia’s current selection panel have shown they have no issues picking players who aren’t part of the domestic system, with David making his ODI debut last year having played just one Marsh Cup game.Agar’s situation, however, is more akin to that of Matthew Wade who was able to mix Shield and Marsh Cup commitments for Tasmania in recent years with franchise opportunities, while still being part of Australia’s T20I team including being a stand-in captain.The selectors have also shown they are prepared to pick white-ball specialists for Test tours in certain conditions without playing Shield cricket. Glenn Maxwell was called up for the Sri Lanka tour in 2022 without playing Shield cricket and was very close to playing. Maxwell would likely have been on the India Test tour last year had he not broken his leg and he remains in the frame for the Sri Lanka Test tour next year despite not playing any Shield cricket last summer.Ashton Agar in his delivery stride•Getty Images and Cricket AustraliaAgar has not played a first-class match since his last Test in January 2023. He did go on the tour of India but came home after not being selected for the first two Tests to get some games in for WA ahead of the ODI series. Rocchiccioli’s emergence has made it difficult to find opportunities since.Whilst Agar understands the realities of the decision to go freelance, he is confident that he would not be precluded from selection for an overseas Test tour even if he was not playing Shield cricket.”My chats with Andrew McDonald and George Bailey have all been about playing as much cricket as possible,” Agar said. “Playing for Australia doesn’t mean you have to have a state contract at that time. You just need to be putting your best foot forward for whichever team you’re playing for.”Taking this step probably means I’m going to be playing a bit more white-ball cricket than red-ball cricket. And that’s just the reality of this decision. But the Australian selectors have shown over recent history that they’re willing to pick guys based on conditions and that’s a really exciting thing.”If there was a subcontinent tour and my skillset was required, and I was playing well at the time, then I think maybe I still would be a chance for that and that’s quite an exciting proposition regardless of how much red-ball cricket I’ve played at the time.”Agar is essentially betting on himself and is invigorated about exploring what opportunities could come his way. He is currently preparing for the T20 World Cup at home in Australia and appears set to be part of Australia’s 15-man squad as the second spinner alongside Adam Zampa. He did explore flying to India to train with an IPL franchise but the travel schedules of the teams made it too difficult.He is hopeful of potentially signing an MLC or Hundred deal for later in the year but now also has the flexibility to sign deals in the SA20, ILT20, BPL or PSL either side of his BBL deal with Perth Scorchers.Agar has taken inspiration from watching Sunil Narine batting at this year’s IPL•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesHe is also working hard on his batting with personal batting coach Viv Paver and WA’s batting coach Beau Casson to become a true allrounder in T20 cricket. Agar’s batting potential has been evident since his stunning 98 on Test debut in 2013. His best BBL innings, 68 off 34 in 2016, came batting at No. 5 and he has even opened the batting for his country in two T20Is in 2022, as Australia looked for ways to find him a role in the top seven to give them a fifth specialist bowler in the XI.He said he learned a lot from that experience and has taken inspiration from watching Sunil Narine’s late-career batting renaissance in the IPL this season.”I love seeing him opening the batting and playing with such freedom,” Agar said. “I think we’ve actually got quite similar bat swings. Getting that opportunity would probably be the next step. Having a real crack at the top of the order would be something I’d love to do. But there’s a hell of a lot of work that has to go in into that.”I really think I can bring value to teams with the bat. But it’s up to me to keep putting in the work. This opportunity now gives me the chance to specialise a little bit more: take it away from the red-ball style of batting and really get specific on what I need to do to be a really effective hitter in white-ball cricket all throughout the order.”

His seven-year stint as Test captain included unprecedented highs, the occasional low, as well as several flashpoints

Alagappan Muthu15-Jan-2022A first taste
Virat Kohli was already the heir apparent when he stood in for MS Dhoni against Australia in Adelaide in 2014 and immediately showed he was unafraid to make the big calls. Reasoning that wristpin was a more attacking option than fingerspin, he dropped R Ashwin and gave Karn Sharma a debut. Then he went and made twin-centuries. India needed 365 runs in 98 overs on the last day of that game and they went for it. They really went for it. The fairytale was not to be – Nathan Lyon took care of that – but the die had been cast. India under Kohli were going to be must-see.Conquering Sri Lanka
Kohli’s resolve was forged in defeat and there was one in particular that shaped his entire seven-year tenure. Galle 2015. India had dominated that game – as a first-innings lead of 192 will suggest – but then it vanished as Dinesh Chandimal and Rangana Herath produced one of the greatest fightbacks ever. That loss – from that position – hurt Kohli so badly that all of his focus went into turning his team into one that can dominate not just for the course of one innings but for a whole match. That’s why he demanded the highest standards of fitness. That’s why he triggered the Indian pace race. And though the tour began in defeat, it ended with India winning a Test series in Sri Lanka for the first time in 22 years.Related

• Kohli: 'You don't need to be a captain to be a leader'

• Talking points: Spotlight on Kohli the batter, Rahul's slot, and India's bowling combination

• Kohli resigns as Test captain: Rohit 'shocked', tributes from colleagues pour in

• The aura, the intensity and the cameras around Virat Kohli's captaincy

• Virat Kohli steps down as India Test captain

“I didn’t say that, you did”
A series win in West Indies. Three double-hundreds in 11 innings. Everything was coming up Kohli when Australia popped by in 2017. Their tireless bowling line-up was able to keep him quiet all series but one incident set him off big time. Steven Smith said it was a “brain fade.” Looking to the dressing room for help in deciding whether to review an on-field lbw decision. Kohli insisted it was something more. “It’s happened twice, that I’ve seen their players looking upstairs for confirmation,” he said. “I don’t want to mention the word, but it falls in that bracket. I would never do something like that on the cricket field.”When asked if the word he didn’t want to mention was “cheating”, Kohli replied: “I didn’t say that, you did.”India took the series 2-1. Smith scored not one but two career-defining centuries in Pune. Kohli couldn’t get past 15 in five innings.Captain Kohli•ESPNcricinfo Ltd Kohli vs Kumble
Kohli the captain and Anil Kumble the coach? Who can stop India now? The arrival of perhaps the biggest match winner India has ever had into a dressing room that was already doing amazing things seemed like something to celebrate. But then, just before the Champions Trophy in 2017, rumours of unrest began to break out. The captain and the coach were falling out. The BCCI rallied everyone to patch things up. They brought in Sachin Tendulkar. They brought in VVS Laxman. They brought in Sourav Ganguly. Nothing worked. Kohli wanted a change. He was the most powerful man in Indian cricket and he knew what he could do if he dug his heels in.Kumble eventually resigned saying his partnership with the captain had become “untenable”. Ravi Shastri came back in and took over from there.The mountain top
He batted like a dream in Centurion. But he was the only one. And the series was gone. Then came one of the most brutal Test matches in recent memory. The Wanderers produced a pitch so violent that at one point – when Dean Elgar was struck flush on his helmet – there appeared a very real chance that it might get called off. But Kohli and his team wouldn’t let that happen. They had batted in these same conditions without complaining. In the end, India had their victory and through the course of it Kohli overtook Sunil Gavaskar and Dhoni to become the highest scoring captain in his country’s history.Kohli vs Anderson round 2 went the Indian’s way, in 2018•Getty ImagesMr Anderson…
India’s tour of England in 2018 was all about one thing. Kohli vs James Anderson. And whether the events of 2014 would repeat themselves. It did look possible – the England seamer beat that MRF bat many times – but the wicket never came. Kohli exorcised a demon on that tour – scoring two high-quality centuries – but his team still wasn’t equipped to win in those seamer-friendly conditions. England beat them 4-1.The fruits of labour
All this while, India were learning. Growing. They were finding players ready-made for international cricket. Gifts of the IPL and of a concerted investment into the Test format. Failure is always hard but Kohli understood that with each one they were getting closer and closer to the ultimate goal: winning away from home. On January 7, 2019, they finally did. Kohli had become the first-ever India captain to win a Test series in Australia.The drought
Kohli is that rare kind of batter who looks like he could score a century after facing just one ball. It wasn’t so much about the shots that he could play but the attitude behind them. The giant front foot stride. That permanent scowl on his face. The thirst for a fight. At times, when he’s ready in his stance and looking at the bowler, he has all the impatience of a child waiting for their parent to take them to the park. He just always wants to get on with it. But between November 2019 and January 2022, over 27 innings in Test cricket and 62 across all formats, that hundred that once seemed preordained just never came.The encore Down Under
Adelaide. 36 all out. Much like Galle, India were dominating the game, only to lose it in the freakiest way. Kohli had to leave at the end of that game to be with his wife for the birth of their child. “I’m sure we will bounce back strongly in the next Test and there is no doubt about that.” he said. A few days later, as a brand new father, he was tweeting with a heart full of pride as Ajinkya Rahane led an injury-ravaged team to incredible glory.The king and the crown (that slipped away)
India were now world beaters, largely thanks to a well-rounded, often ferocious bowling attack. They went on a tour of West Indies in 2019 when all anyone could talk about was how the shoe was now on the other foot with Jasprit Bumrah terrorising the host batters. It seemed like destiny that India were becoming such a force just as the ICC instituted a World Test Championship. They made the final without much fuss, but when they got there, Kohli chose to go in with two spinners on a green pitch and it backfired big time. A captain who always craved an extra bowling option – to the point that he was continuously willing to sacrifice a batter whether at home or away – went into the biggest Test of his career with one hand tied behind his back. New Zealand beat India and took the crown.January 2019: Kohli became the first Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia•Mark Kolbe/Getty ImagesEngland Take Three
Kohli has always loved a fast bowler. He loves seeing that speed gun crank up to 140kph and beyond. He’s been on the receiving end enough times to know they are game-changing assets. So he wanted one of his own. Actually, he wanted a whole set. Kohli has helped transform this team’s outlook on fitness because he wanted players who could deliver top quality stuff even when the tank is empty. And that’s what hey got in England in 2021. A series lead of 2-1 was built on spectacular fast bowling displays – led by Bumrah – but before he could officially taste triumph the threat of Covid-19 intervened. India backed out of playing the final match of the series in Manchester after a member of their support staff tested positive.The end
The series was 1-1. South Africa had been set a target of 212 in Cape Town. There had only ever been three successful chases above 200 there. The chances of another happening in deeply bowler friendly conditions and against one of the best attacks in the world were remote. Right? Wrong!South Africa had already shown themselves capable, chasing down 240 in Johannesburg and they were at it again. The tension was palpable. Kohli himself was adding to it. “Relax guys. I can hear your heartbeat,” he said to the batters in the middle.And then it happened. DRS overturned an lbw given against Dean Elgar, showing the ball to be bouncing over leg stump and India lost it. Everyone from the bowler – R Ashwin – to the captain – Kohli – and the vice-captain – KL Rahul – cried conspiracy. Right into the stump mic so every word could be heard around the world.South Africa weathered India’s rage and won the game. Twenty-four hours later, Kohli resigned as captain.

Tarik Skubal won his second consecutive Cy Young award on Wednesday, but his future in Detroit remains murky. While Skubal has emerged as one of the best pitchers in MLB over the last few years and a key part in Detroit making back-to-back postseason appearances, he has just one more year under the Tigers’ control and is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.

The Tigers still have time to try and extend Skubal, but recent reports have suggested that the two sides are not closely aligned on a deal, with Jon Heyman of the reporting last month that the sides were $250 million apart on an extension.

More: Top Tarik Skubal Trade Destinations

If Skubal and the Tigers cannot get any closer on a deal, Skubal will become a free agent in 2026. Alternatively, if the Tigers realize a deal won’t get done, they could try to trade him to ensure they get a return for the ace.

With trade rumors surrounding Skubal, Tigers general manager Jeff Greenberg said Wednesday, “We love Tarik, obviously. It’s pretty obvious what means to this organization. He’s a fantastic pitcher, he’s a Detroit Tiger. We’re never going to talk about our players in the context of trades, but we’re lucky to have him. He’s been a huge piece to what we’ve done.”

When pressed further about whether it’s an obligation to listen to calls regarding Skubal if they don’t have him signed beyond the next season, Greenberg replied, “Again, it’s not something we’re going to discuss in this context, and I’d say that about any of our players. He’s got one year of control, that’s part of the process as it is for everybody in this system. He’s a Tiger. We’re fortunate to have him. That’s the reality right now.”

Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris, who is the team’s decision-maker, had a similar message last month when addressing Skubal’s future. He said in October, “I can’t comment on our players being traded, I can’t comment on free agents and I can’t comment on other teams’ players. So I’m going to respond by just not actually commenting on it. … He’s an incredible pitcher and we’re lucky to have him. That’s all I can say on that.”

Skubal himself said Wednesday, via Evan Petzold of , “Contract extension stuff is a little bit different, but trade stuff is out of my control. I've given everything I have to this organization. I want to be a Tiger for a very long time. … I love Detroit. Hopefully, I'm here. That's where I'm at with all of that."

An epic stonewall from Justin Greaves had him face more than half the deliveries of his 12-Test career in this one innings alone, as West Indies pocketed their first points in their sixth Test of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle in Christchurch. The 163.3 overs they eventually faced is the longest fourth-innings in Tests for West Indies in 95 years.Having played the supporting role to Shai Hope through their 196-run stand that rescued West Indies from 92 for 4 on Day 3, Greaves became the heartbeat of the innings once Hope (140) and Tevin Imlach fell in quick succession.He brought up a stunning maiden Test double ton in the penultimate over when he sliced Jacob Duffy over backward point to pocket what was to be only his second boundary in all of the final session as his colleagues stood up to give him a standing ovation.Related

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He finished 202 not out, having faced 388 deliveries, turning an innings that began with the typical artistic flair and flamboyance into a steely knock full of purpose and grit. Greaves wore more blows on the body than he could count, batted more deliveries than he had in his career, and reined in his natural instincts with single-minded purpose and determination.His effort led to an astonishing turnaround from the first hour of the day, when West Indies stumbled to 277 for 6 in a mammoth chase of 531. A depleted New Zealand attack down to two weary frontline pacers in Zak Foulkes and Jacob Duffy, fancied their chances. But Greaves found an able ally in Kemar Roach, the 37-year-old veteran, who batted like his life depended on it in his comeback Test.Roach made 58 not out – his highest first-class score – while facing 233 deliveries himself. Astonishingly, he made just 5 off the last 104 deliveries he faced during a dramatic final two hours of play even as the sun baked down hard on an increasingly docile Hagley Oval surface. Yet that should not take away from the epic rearguard from Hope, Greaves, and Roach.The frustration of not being able to separate Greaves and Roach during the second and third sessions was evident, as New Zealand’s bowlers were ground into the dust. They would also have felt robbed when Roach appeared to have nicked Michael Bracewell to Tom Latham behind the stumps – though perhaps only having themselves to blame for burning all their reviews.Even so, it was the thinnest of spikes that made it all the more challenging for Alex Wharf, the on-field umpire, who only a few minutes earlier made a cracking decision by turning down what everyone believed was an obvious inside-edge onto the pad to the slips, again off Bracewell. Replays showed Wharf had made a terrific call.1:57

Latham: Can’t fault the effort when we were a couple of bowlers down

As admirably as Roach played, he also maximised his opportunities. On 30, he was put down by Foulkes at backward square leg when he attempted an expansive sweep off Bracewell. On 35, Blair Tickner, subbing for Matt Henry, missed a direct hit at the bowler’s end from a few yards away at short mid-on as Roach was misjudging a run.Then on 47 came the most obvious chance, when Roach attempted to loft Bracewell had him nearly hole out to mid-on. Except, Glenn Phillips, the other sub, saw Tickner looking to intercept the ball from mid-off and palm it away.With those three chances firmly behind him, Roach buckled down and offered a dead bat to anything that came his way against Bracewell. Foulkes and Duffy tried to ruffle him with the short ball from around the wicket, only for him to duck and weave.Going into the final session, it became increasingly evident West Indies weren’t going to be enticed by the prospect of chasing down the 132 runs they needed in 31 possible overs. This clarity allowed them to approach the session with dead defence being the sole primary aim, even as Greaves began to tire and suffer cramps that needed medical attention at different times.Not even the possibility of an impending double century enticed Greaves into attempting anything loose, even if Tom Latham gave him the open invitation to drive Bracewell against the turn through the covers. This wasn’t perhaps a risk not worth taking given how easily West Indies’ lower order collapsed in the first innings.But long before a draw became the only possibility, even as New Zealand tried to attack with six fielders around the bat in the final session, Hope and Greaves pocketed runs at every available opportunity as the hosts rushed through their first six overs with part-time spin in a bid to take the second new ball quickly.But even after they took it, there was hardly any assistance for the bowlers. Hope defended comfortably off a length with neither Foulkes nor Duffy consistently able to challenge the outside edge consistently. The occasional misfields, like – Rachin Ravindra letting one through his legs for four, or Will Young overrunning a throw while backing up – added to the sense of raggedness New Zealand had begun to feel.A breakthrough lifted them shortly after drinks when Duffy dug in a short ball down leg, which Hope gloved behind, only for Latham to throw himself to his left and pluck a stunner from his webbing to end a marathon. Then came a second when Imlach was trapped by a nip-backer.They may have thought then it was just a matter of time. It could’ve been had they not reprieved Roach, but those reprieves proved even more costly given they only had two fast bowlers and two part-timers available – all of them going full throttle to the limit – despite not getting much out of the surface.In the end, the manner in which West Indies earned the draw may prove far more valuable. Above all, it was a day that reminded everyone of the slow-burn magic only Test cricket could deliver.

There were moments of silence on Friday while state teams joined in putting their bats out

Andrew McGlashan31-Oct-2025Tributes have been paid around the world for 17-year-old Melbourne cricketer Ben Austin, who died on Thursday after an accident batting in the nets.He was struck in the neck by a ball thrown by a sidearm while practicing at Ferntree Cricket Club. His life support was turned off on Thursday morning.Ahead of the T20I between Australia and India at the MCG, both teams stood with match officials and representatives from Austin’s cricket clubs for a moment’s silence, with a crowd approaching 75,000 at the time, while Austin’s image was shown on the big screen and his cap placed on a plinth on the outfield. Players from each team and the match officials also wore black armbands.Overnight at the women’s World Cup, both the Australia and India teams wore black armbands in their semi-final.In the Sheffield Shield matches that concluded on Friday, teams put their bats out in memory of Austin and wore black armbands while a minute’s silence was held before the resumption of the Victoria-Tasmania game at Junction Oval in Melbourne.Around the world, cricket boards and players offered their condolences.On Thursday, Austin’s father Jace said that cricket was a huge part of his life. “This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers – going down to the nets with mates to play cricket,” he said in a statement. “He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life.”Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria are providing support.”It makes you so proud to realise how connected the cricket community is and how much we look after each other … but it’s a shame that it’s these moments that remind you of that very fact,” Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins told reporters on Friday.”Ben was the classic Aussie boy or girl who loved footy in the winter and cricket in the summer. He is how we would like all of our children to turn out, and was living the dream.”Victoria and Tasmania players put their bats out in memory of Ben Austin•Getty ImagesThe accident has raised questions about the use of sidearms, or wangers, at club and junior level and also whether greater protection should be mandated. Austin was wearing a helmet but it did not include a stem guard, which are now compulsory in Cricket Australia-sanctioned matches but currently only “strongly recommended” at community level.”I think the temptation in moments like this is to move to solution mode,” Cummins said on Thursday. “At the moment, our focus is around providing support and counselling for those people who experienced the trauma. There will be an appropriate time to review that and answer those questions.”Friend and team-mate Liam Vertigan said Ferntree Gully Cricket Club was in a state of shock over the death of such an energetic young man.”He lived and breathed his cricket,” Mr Vertigan told AAP. “He was just well loved by us all, very, very polite, always with a smile on his face.”Within hours of the tragedy, dozens of flower bouquets, sweet treats and a handful of cricket bats left by grieving friends had turned into a memorial for the teen.The accident came more than a decade after the death of Phillip Hughes, who was struck in the neck with a ball while batting in a Sheffield Shield game at the SCG. Hughes’ family were among those sending condolences, expressing hope that Austin’s family would be comforted by cherished memories of the teenager.As of Friday afternoon, a GoFundMe for Austin’s family had raised over AUD$120,000.

No one expected Vancouver to contend MLS Cup when they were put up for sale at the start of the season, but they might be the team best equipped to win it

Vancouver wasn't supposed to be here. Some, in fact, didn't think they would get close. 

Look at the lists made by experts and fans alike, and most would have told you that the Canadian side could finish towards the bottom of the Western Conference. And even if that was harsh, this certainly didn't look like a sure-fire playoff team. There was a good reason for that. In November 2024, they fired their coach, a fan favorite in Vanni Sartini. A month later, the ownership group announced the club was up for sale. There was a chance that Vancouver might not even have an MLS club for long, with rumors of relocation. 

Vancouver’s head coaching job remained vacant for nearly two months, illustrating the level of upheaval at the club. They finally appointed Jesper Sørensen on Jan. 12 – a Danish manager with no prior MLS experience.

It all looked like a recipe for disaster. 

Yet nine months later, they are two wins from a historic milestone. A season that was expected to be mediocre has instead turned into one of steady ascent. The Whitecaps started strong, built on that foundation, and now sit within reach of the first MLS Cup in club history.

Getty Images SportThe stats tell the real story

There’s always an element of luck in an MLS regular season. Teams can ride a hot start, stay afloat for months, and then fall apart when the playoffs begin. St. Louis City SC in 2023 is the textbook example – an expansion team that stunned the Western Conference but whose underlying numbers raised doubts, which were confirmed when they collapsed in the first round.

The Whitecaps have been nothing like that. Their metrics back up the eye test. They scored a conference-best 66 goals, conceded a conference-low 38, and lost fewer matches than anyone in the West. Even their draws came in useful stretches. In short, this was a team that earned its results, not one carried by momentum or good fortune.

The underlying numbers are good – and generally reliable. Their 66 goals came on 63.1 xG, suggesting that they, like many teams that are deadly in front of goal, slightly overperformed their mark (a discrepancy of 2.9 tends to be a sign of clinical finishing rather than pure luck). And they were equally effective at the other end. Their xG conceded was 37.3. They allowed 38 goals.

Piece it all together, and Vancouver were a very good team performing exactly how the statistics project they really should.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCONCACAF Champions Cup run set the tone

There were early hints the Whitecaps might be good. They opened the MLS season well and climbed to the top of the Western Conference within two months. That raised eyebrows – not least because Sørensen was a relative unknown when he was hired in mid-January. But the MLS regular season is inherently chaotic. Hot starts happen. And even with Brian White scoring regularly, there was a suspicion that Vancouver could still regress to the mean.

What they needed was a signature run, something to prove they were more than a fast starter. Enter the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the perfect proving ground for MLS clubs. Historically, teams from the league have struggled – especially in Mexico – feeding the perception that MLS sides simply can’t win there. Vancouver shattered that narrative, earning away-goal wins in the knockouts to reach a semifinal showdown with Inter Miami.

And at that point, the magic should’ve ended. This was Lionel Messi in knockout football, after all. Thanks for the memories – time for the big boys to take over.

Except…

They hosted the first leg at BC Place and stunned a full-strength Miami with a 2-0 win. Then they went to Chase Stadium and did it again, a 3-1 triumph to complete an unthinkable 5-1 aggregate rout of MLS’s best. The enchantment eventually faded – Cruz Azul, deeper and more battle-hardened, thrashed them in the final – but even that result felt surprising.

And maybe that’s the biggest compliment you can give this Whitecaps team.

ImagnThe American influence

The through line in this Whitecaps side is a general sense of money well spent. The Whitecaps have never been flush with cash, and have, arguably, not had a singular star player since Alphonso Davies left nearly a decade ago (and even then, he was very much a man on the rise). They have consistently been a bottom 10 spender in MLS, and have been – until recently – unable to lure any big stars to the BC Palace. 

But to say they have been expert navigators would be inaccurate, too. They are, instead, remarkably agreeable in their business. Until now. The loss of Ryan Guald – their star man and highest earner – to a long term injury really should have derailed their campaign. Instead, the system became the star, with plenty of strong individual talents throughout. White was a surprise early Golden Boot contender and earned a well-deserved USMNT call up for doing so. Tristan Blackmon certainly has his critics, but was good value for his nod for the U.S. in September, too.

And then, we have Sebastian Berhalter. As the story goes, the son of former U.S. manager Gregg was uncertain that he even wanted to play soccer just a few years ago. Now, he is one of Pochettino's favorites, a set-piece specialist with a wonderful engine in the middle of the park. 

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ImagnMuller's arrival

There was no way Thomas Muller should have gone to Vancouver. Stars don't do that. They go to Los Angeles, New York, Miami, or Chicago. Vancouver is a truly lovely city, but it is not a spot that can lure European stars, not ones that have won World Cups, multiple Champions Leagues, and 13 Bundesliga titles. 

Except this time, they did. Muller supposedly flirted with Chicago for some time, but was sold on Vancouver. He has turned out to be the perfect midseason boost. The Whitecaps were good – very good – but championship sides tend to need a lift, especially in the slog of the MLS season. And so Muller arrived to immense fanfare. 

He was greeted by droves of fans at the Vancouver airport, and quickly brought his trademark brand of soccer to Canada’s West Coast. Muller has done what he does best – drifting into pockets of space, making the right runs, picking the right passes, and providing a cutting edge in the final third. His quality has anchored the attack while White worked his way back from a long-term hamstring injury.