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Liverpool won the transfer window. So we were led to believe, anyway.

On paper that statement appeared to be true. Arne Slot and Co had spent a colossal amount of money on improving the squad, notably signing Florian Wirtz for a British record of £116m before breaking that very record just weeks later when they shelled out £125m to sign Alexander Isak.

Those two deals made the Reds favourites for the title but the once successful Slot era appears to be unravelling rather quickly.

The Anfield outfit may have won the Premier League in 2024/25 but they look a shadow of that side now.

Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah signed new deals but that matters not; both look beyond their best.

As for Wirtz and Isak, the numbers are damning. They have only scored once between them since moving to Merseyside.

So, after losing 2-1 to Manchester United on Sunday, there are clearly some big issues to fix.

The biggest problems facing Arne Slot at Liverpool

Much has been made of Liverpool’s regression as a defensive unit this season.

Andy Robertson has been forced to sit out most games on the bench, even if Milos Kerkez continues to underperform, while Trent Alexander-Arnold arguably hasn’t been properly replaced.

Conor Bradley has endured a slow start to the campaign and Jeremie Frimpong’s debut term at Liverpool has so far been full of injuries.

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Despite that, however, some may well argue that the biggest problems are in the centre of defence.

Ibrahima Konate appears to be distracted by speculation surrounding his future and Van Dijk is no longer the force he once was, something that was demonstrated when Liverpool conceded in the first minute on Sunday.

Amad picked up the ball on the right and threaded a lovely ball through towards Bryan Mbeumo.

The Van Dijk of old would have anticipated the pass and then intercepted the play but he was caught napping. The great Dutchman was slow to react, slow to get back and slow to track Mbeumo. The end result? The Cameroon international found the back of the net.

However, while Liverpool continue to struggle at the back, the tactical make-up of the team has been a problem from minute one of the Community Shield.

Salah is having less of an impact on games and has only scored one non-penalty goal in the Premier League during the first eight game weeks.

New signing Hugo Ekitike and fellow forward Cody Gakpo have been rare bright sparks but even the latter should have taken the game out of sight on Sunday. The Dutchman scored but also struck the woodwork an incredible three times.

Plenty of new signings there certainly are, but there’s a lack of chemistry and synergy from Slot’s men and it’s worrying that he can’t get a tune out of three of the most exciting forwards around in Salah, Isak and Wirtz.

You sense the future of the club needs to be built around the final two names but that’s easier said than done considering their form so far.

To only exacerbate the problems Slot is facing, the midfield are also not covering themselves in much glory.

Slot's midfield conundrum

This has been a peculiar start to the campaign and it just seems as if Slot cannot strike the right balance.

On Sunday, he ended the game with a central midfielder at right back in Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong at right wing. It’s good that the manager has options and flexibility but he simply isn’t using his squad correctly.

The midfield continues to be an issue, too, although that feels more down to overall player performance.

Ryan Gravenberch has floated in and out of form but the regression of Alexis Mac Allister has been more worrying.

Signed for just £35m from Brighton, he has long been seen as a bargain. Last season he was perhaps unfortunate not to be nominated for Premier League player of the year ahead of Gravenberch as Liverpool won the title.

Yet, in 2025/26, he’s been a shadow of his former self and the defeat to United summed that up.

Eventually replaced just after the hour mark, the Argentine left the field having had just 22 touches and completed only 13 passes, a worryingly low amount for a central midfielder.

Mac Allister vs Man Utd

Minutes played

62

Touches

22

Accurate passes

13/17 (76%)

Long balls completed

0/2

Shots

2

Shots on target

1

Key passes

0

Tackles

0

Interceptions

0

Recoveries

1

Duels won

0/2

Stats via Sofascore.

There lies the issue, though. Too many games are simply passing Mac Allister by right now and he’s becoming a scapegoat as a result.

In the process of losing every duel he contested, criticism came the midfielder’s way. One Reds content creator on X bemoaned that the Argentina international as the “most overrated player” in the Liverpool squad, suggesting that he “plods around like he’s pushing 40” from the middle of the park.

Mac Allister is usually so technically secure but he lacks athleticism and power to get across the field in a similar way to Gravenberch.

GOAL handed the player an average 6/10 rating at full-time, noting that he “covered plenty of ground, but was quiet by his standards.”

The midfielder has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers in recent years but it really does feel like he’s currently on borrowed time in this system.

A midfield trio of Gravenberch, Wirtz and Szoboszlai feels like the way to go from now on and with Curtis Jones also waiting in the wings, it’s not as though Slot is short of options.

Celtic have struggled to extract goals and assists from their wide players so far in the Scottish Premiership this season, which is why it was pleasing to see Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s assist for Daizen Maeda.

The summer signing from Royal Antwerp provided his first goal contribution for the Hoops with an excellent cross for the Japan international to score the winning goal against Motherwell last weekend.

Sebastian Tounekti has caught the eye with 14 completed dribbles in five games, per Sofascore, but he has yet to register a goal or an assist in three outings in the Premiership.

Veteran forward James Forrest, meanwhile, has settled into his role as a back-up option because he is unable to influence matches in the way that he once could.

The role James Forrest plays for Celtic

The 34-year-old winger is a reserve player for the Hoops who is thrown on in matches as a substitute if things are not going their way, or if Brendan Rodgers wants a hard worker to see out a game.

Instead of being the influential player he once was, having produced ten goals and 18 assists in the 2019/20 Premiership campaign, Forrest is not a first-choice forward on the right flank, and his output reflects that.

25/26

7

0 + 0

24/25

23

1 + 6

23/24

21

6 + 1

22/23

16

4 + 2

As you can see in the table above, Forrest has yet to deliver a goal or an assist in seven matches this season, after scoring once in 23 league games last term.

That should be expected, though, because the Hoops academy graduate turned 34 this summer and has naturally declined as a player as he heads towards the latter stages of his career.

There is another Celtic player, who is even older than the winger, in the squad on the way to becoming the next Forrest after another disappointing showing at the weekend, Kasper Schmeichel.

Why Kasper Schmeichel could be the next James Forrest

The 38-year-old shot-stopper conceded two goals from three shots against Motherwell and may feel that he should have done better with the penalty that he failed to keep out after going the right way.

67HailHail gave him the same rating (5/10) as right-back Anthony Ralston, whose poor concession in midfield led to the opening goal for the away side.

Whilst Schmeichel was as bad as Ralston at the weekend, the experienced Dane was also partially to blame for the 2-0 defeat to Braga in the Europa League last week.

Save success rate

70%

Bottom 44%

Goals conceded

3

Bottom 13%

Goals prevented

-0.39

Bottom 31%

Clean sheets

0

Bottom 3%

Errors leading to goals

1

Bottom 3%

High claims

1

Bottom 26%

As you can see in the table above, the former Premier League title winner is among the worst-performing goalkeepers in the Europa League so far this season, albeit after just two gameweeks.

Age catches up with all players eventually, which is understandable, and Schmeichel is currently in danger of becoming the next Forrest, by losing his place in the starting XI and becoming a back-up option at Parkhead.

If the ex-Leicester City star continues to turn in concerning performances, like against Motherwell and Braga, then Rodgers may have a decision to make on who starts between the sticks.

Viljami Sinisalo has conceded five goals in nine appearances for the Hoops, per Sofascore, since his move from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024, and the Finland international may be pushing to take Schmeichel’s place in goal in the coming weeks.

Therefore, the 38-year-old colossus must show that he can defy age and recapture his best form if he wants to avoid following in Forrest’s footsteps.

Celtic must rue binning "magic" outcast who's now outperforming Tounekti

Brendan Rodgers must rue moving on from this Celtic star who is now outperforming Sebastian Tounekti.

ByDan Emery Oct 7, 2025

Birmingham Bears continued their strong form in the Women’s Vitality Blast as they beat Hampshire by 13 runs at Edgbaston to record their third win in four games.Put in, Birmingham totalled 178 with Meg Austin making a polished T20-best 51 from 38 balls. Daisy Gibb took 3 for 25, her wickets all coming in the space of four balls in her third over to put a crucial brake on the Bears when they appeared to be heading for 200.It was still a testing target for a Hampshire side missing the injured Ella McCaughan, scorer of a match-winning century against Essex on Thursday. They came in short at 165 for 7 as only captain Georgia Adams, with 32 off 31 balls, and Mary Taylor (31 not out off 17) passed 30 against a disciplined attack led by Millie Taylor.Hampshire chose to bowl but found early breakthroughs elusive. Austin and Davina Perrin added 70 from 48 balls and, after Perrin was well-caught by Charli Knott at mid-on off Adams, Perrin and Stere Kalis took the score to a promising 112 for 1 after 12 overs.The 13th over, however, changed the flow as Gibb took wickets with its first, second and fourth balls. Austin fell to another smart catch by Knott at long-on and Laura Harris tried to cut a ball that was too far up and played on. Charis Pavely survived the hat-trick ball but was bowled by the next. Kalis watched from the non-striker’s end as the trio departed but soon joined them in the pavilion when she top-edged a sweep at Bex Tyson to short fine leg.Four wickets having fallen for 20 in 18 balls, Birmingham needed to reboot and Nat Wraith (38 not out off 24) and Issy Wong reintroduced some impetus. They added 42 in 28 balls before Freya Davies dismissed Wong and Millie Taylor with successive balls in the last over.Hampshire’s reply started frenetically – after 20 balls they were 35 for 2 with Knott and Maia Bouchier having struck six fours and got out. Phoebe Graham, signed on loan from Lancashire, ousted Knott, caught behind, and Bouchier pulled Georgia Davis straight to midwicket.When Freya Kemp chipped Hannah Baker to extra cover, Hampshire were three top batters out and already behind the required rate. Adams and Rhianna Southby added 46 from 36 balls but Birmingham’s spinners kept the pressure high.Southby chipped Davis to extra cover and the 15th over, from Baker, cost just two runs to leave Hampshire needing something spectacular. In search of it, Adams and Naomi Dattani both charged at Millie Taylor and were stumped, setting up the rare spectacle of twin sisters in competition as Mary Taylor came in to face Millie.Mary survived to unfurl some pleasant strokes but in a lost cause as the required rate escalated. Hampshire required 26 from the last over and two singles left Taylor needing to hit the last four balls, from Wong for six. It didn’t happen.

Rafael Leao’s inconsistent return for AC Milan has sparked tensions behind the scenes, including a fiery exchange with coach Massimiliano Allegri. The Portuguese winger was reportedly scolded in front of his team-mates following missed chances against Juventus, with his starting role now under threat as Milan’s boss demands greater intensity and maturity.

Allegri’s outburst leaves Leao on thin ice

The relationship between Portugal international Leao and boss Allegri has become a defining subplot of Milan’s season. Following the goalless draw with Juve in Turin, Allegri reportedly confronted Leao in the dressing room, criticising his performance and effort levels. Cameras had earlier captured a heated exchange on the touchline, where Allegri shouted “Don’t p*ss me off!" as Leao prepared to come on. The forward then missed two glaring opportunities late in the match, drawing visible fury from his coach, who was seen kicking the air and shouting in frustration. According to , Allegri later told Leao in front of team-mates that the “attitude seen in Turin” was unacceptable if he hoped to remain a starter.

AdvertisementAFP‘Don’t p*ss me off’ moment and aftermath

The exchange reportedly unfolded in front of part of the squad, a deliberate move to reinforce standards within the group. Witnesses described Allegri’s tone as sharp but controlled, urging Leao to show the work ethic expected of Milan’s No.10. The outburst followed a sequence of missed chances, including a sitter from close range and another squandered assist from veteran Luka Modric, that epitomised Leao’s inconsistency. While some within the club empathise, given his recent return from an injury, others believe the 26-year-old must take greater responsibility in decisive moments.

The Italian media have placed Leao under the microscope, as his inconsistent performances have reignited questions about his long-term role at the club. After a blistering 2021-22 campaign, Leao’s numbers have stagnated, with his goal tally in the past two seasons mirroring his early years at San Siro.

Gimenez & Nkunku threaten his spot

The internal competition is fierce at Milan as Allegri now has multiple attacking options in Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku, both of whom offer tactical flexibility and a higher defensive work rate. Gimenez, known for his pressing intensity, has steadily improved, while Nkunku’s movement and finishing provide a different dimension. Allegri’s demand for collective effort means Leao’s flair alone is no longer enough. The forward’s lack of focus and defensive contribution has frustrated several coaches before Allegri, including Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceicao, both of whom benched him for similar reasons. Now, the pressure is mounting for Leao to evolve or risk losing prominence altogether.

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Getty Images SportDefining months ahead

Leao’s future could hinge on how he responds after the international break. The winger is currently back in Lisbon with Portugal, a welcome chance to reset mentally and physically. Milan’s next fixtures, including clashes against Florentina and Atalanta, will test both his form and Allegri’s patience. The club still views Leao as a long-term asset, but another inconsistent season could push the management to re-consider. With Christian Pulisic thriving, Gimenez rising, and Nkunku waiting for his chance, the coming weeks could define whether Leao remains Milan’s centrepiece or becomes another unfulfilled talent.

Fair to say, the start of this season has not gone to plan for Rangers.

The Light Blues were actually impressive during the early rounds of Champions League qualifying, knocking out both Panathinaikos and then Viktoria Plzeň, winning the first leg at home both times.

However, their Champions League dreams quickly went up in flames on Tuesday night, 3-0 down after less than 20 minutes at home to Club Brugge, ultimately defeated 3-1, but still needing a miracle in Belgium next Wednesday, or once again the Europa League beckons.

Meantime, the start of the Scottish Premiership campaign has been catastrophic, held to a 1-1 draw by both Motherwell at Fir Park and then Dundee at Ibrox, thereby failing to win either of their opening two league matches for the first time since 1989 under Graeme Souness.

Thus, the pressure is really on as the Gers travel to St Mirren on Sunday, with the first Old Firm of the season to come a week later.

Defeat in both of these fixtures would be unthinkable, but could have drastic consequences for the new man at the helm.

Russell Martin is under pressure already

When he was appointed during the summer, Russell Martin became only the 20th permanent manager since Rangers’ first in 1899.

However, the way things are going, he could become the shortest-serving, not including caretakers, as the table below documents.

William Wilton

1899-20

718

Bill Struth

20-54

1,390

Scot Symon

54-67

681

David White

67-69

113

William Waddell

69-72

130

Jock Wallace

72-78

306

John Greig

78-83

289

Jock Wallace

83-86

124

Graeme Souness

86-91

257

Walter Smith

91-98

377

Dick Advocaat

98-01

195

Alex McLeish

01-06

235

Paul Le Guen

06-07

31

Walter Smith

07-11

245

Ally McCoist

11-14

167

Mark Warburton

15-17

82

Pedro Caixinha

2017

26

Steven Gerrard

18-21

193

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

21-22

69

Michael Beale

22-23

43

Philippe Clement

23-25

86

Russell Martin

25-present

8

As the table outlines, Pedro Caixinha is the shortest-serving permanent Rangers manager of all time, taking charge of only 26 matches in 2017, winning just 14, overseeing the infamous Europa League qualifying defeat at the hands of Progrès Niederkorn.

Well, with pressure increasing already, Martin could break that record, needing to remain in charge until late-November to avoid this fate which, at the moment, is in the balance.

However, could the new manager immediately win over the Ibrox faithful by landing a statement signing before the window closes?

Rangers aiming to rebalance midfield

Most would’ve forecast that midfield would be the strongest part of Rangers’ team, given the performances of Mohamed Diomandé and player of the year Nicolas Raskin last season.

However, they’re yet to find the right balance with those two alongside summer signing from Bournemouth Joe Rothwell, who is yet to impress supporters.

With that in mind, could Rangers reignite their interest in Andy Irving, after it was reported by the Scotsman earlier this month that they were among many sides interested in securing his signature?

Numerous other clubs from across Europe are also interested, Wrexham, Köln, Stuttgart, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Sturm Graz, to name but a few, but Rangers could place themselves at the front of the queue.

The 25-year-old, who is reportedly valued at £3.5m, has already had a fascinating career; born in Edinburgh, he began his career at Heart of Midlothian, loaned out to both Berwick Rangers and then Falkirk, appearing 61 times for Hearts in total.

He then made the unconventional move to Türkgücü München, spending one season in Germany’s third-tier, before joining Austria Klagenfurt, playing for two seasons in the Austrian Bundesliga, scoring 16 goals and registering 14 assists.

This earned him a move to West Ham, although he’s been used infrequently by the Irons, his sole Premier League start, to date, coming at Stamford Bridge in February, serenaded by supporters throughout, despite a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea.

He was then handed his senior international debut by Steve Clark against Liechtenstein at Rheinpark Stadion in June, remaining very popular amongst West Ham supporters, earning the nickname the ‘Portobello Pirlo’ due to his ‘precocious talent’ and ability to dictate play from the base of midfield.

Writer Kai Watson outlines how Irving can “play under pressure” and “break the lines with his passes”, concluding that the Scotland international “would do well in Martin’s system”.

As he proved at Southampton last season, Martin is not going to change his principles nor his philosophy, or playing style, so the only way he is a success at Rangers is if the players are better able to carry out his instructions.

Based on what he’s produced so far, Irving appears as though he could do just that at a high level, so he could be the man to save the sinking ship, with his ability to succeed in the system being played.

Journalist reveals what he's heard about Russell Martin's Rangers future

Is the Gers boss already on his way out of Ibrox?

ByHenry Jackson Aug 22, 2025

As a Scotland international, Irving may also warm to supporters quickly as a player they may have an added investment in, which could help to get the fans back onside at Ibrox.

Tottenham Hotspur fans haven’t been the happiest with Daniel Levy in recent years, amid constant frustration with his lack of spending within the transfer market.

Whilst the owner has spent over £700m on new additions since the opening of the new stadium in 2020, many of which have failed to cut the grade needed in the Premier League.

The investment is one thing, but key players have also been offloaded during such a time period, including record goalscorer Harry Kane – who departed in a £82m deal to join Bayern Munich in 2023.

After the Lilywhites only ended the previous campaign in 17th place, more signings are desperately needed in the next couple of weeks, before the transfer window slams shut on September 1st.

Numerous players remain in their sights at present, with many of whom improving the options currently at Thomas Frank’s disposal as he attempts to build on their Europa League triumph.

Spurs preparing move for Premier League star

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been the biggest name mentioned with a move to join Spurs this summer, with the player himself keen on a deal to join the Lilywhites.

The two clubs have been in constant discussions over a move for the 27-year-old, who could cost a fee in the region of £60m, with Arsenal also interested in his signature.

However, he’s not the only Eagles talent currently in their sights, with centre-back Marc Guehi also a player the hierarchy are making a move for, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report claims that Frank’s side have made an offer to the player personally, which has been described as ‘very, very good’, with Liverpool also firmly in the race for his signature.

It also states that Guehi, who has one year left on his deal at Selhurst Park, could be available for a fee in the region of £45m – which may prove to be too expensive for any interested party.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a Kudus-esque signing

Mohammed Kudus remains Spurs’ biggest addition throughout this summer, costing a staggering £55m from rivals West Ham United back in the early weeks of July.

The Ghanaian was brought into the club to provide needed quality to the attacking department, something which he’s already done as seen by his two competitive outings for the Lilywhites.

The 24-year-old started in a number nine role against PSG for the UEFA Super Cup final, before shifting to a more familiar right-sided role against newly-promoted Burnley.

He managed to register two assists for Richarlison, including his superb acrobatic effort in the second half, ending his first league outing for Frank’s side emerged as 3-0 victors over Scott Parker’s men.

It’s early days for the former Ajax star, but he’s already demonstrated his quality in North London, with a move for Guehi potentially being a similar deal this summer.

Whilst the two operate in different positions, the comparison is evident between the pair, in both joining the Lilywhites from sides, also in the Premier League.

Both have proven their quality in England’s top-flight, as seen by Kudus’ league debut, but Guehi’s underlying stats are just as impressive – enabling him to make a huge impact on the side throughout 2025/26 and beyond.

The Englishman, who’s been labelled “incredible” by creator HLTCO, completed 84% of the passes he attempted, 3.9 of which per 90 were progressive – able to provide Kudus with added chances in the final third, despite his defensive role.

Marc Guehi’s stats for Palace in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	34
Goals & assists	5
Pass accuracy	84%
Progressive passes	3.9
Tackles won	1.8
% of tackles won	66%
Blocks made	1.6
Clearances made	4.8
Key passes	0.5
Stats via FBref

Out of possession, the Palace star was just as impressive, winning 1.8 tackles per 90, at a success rate of 66%, able to add further quality to the Lilywhites’ already potent backline.

His talent without the ball is further reflected in his tally of 1.6 blocks made and 4.8 clearances made per 90 last season, able to help Frank in his quest to improve the defensive record that saw the side concede 65 times in their 38 outings in 2024/25.

Given the interest from the defending champions, it’s unclear whether Guehi will want to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the September 1st deadline.

However, any deal would be a phenomenal piece of business, allowing the centre-back to follow in Kudus’ footsteps and aid the club’s chances of building on their recent European triumph.

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Atletico Madrid and UEFA will reportedly launch an investigation into the heated clashes that overshadowed Liverpool's 3-2 Champions League win at Anfield. Atletico boss Diego Simeone was shown a red card following a heated exchange with a Reds fan on Wednesday night after Virgil van Dijk's late winner. Now, a probe will look into an Atletico employee appearing to spit into the crowd.

• UEFA to investigate Anfield spit-gate

  Following Van Dijk's stoppage-time winner in their Champions League opener, Simeone was dismissed following a melee close to Atletico's bench. Footage appears to show one of his team spitting into the crowd, and now the Spanish side and UEFA will review this, with the latter potentially taking disciplinary action.

Advertisement

• Ziggo Sport
  

  Simeone explains furious outburst

  The Argentine said after the match: "It's never very good when we react as managers, is it? But if there are comments against racism or insults, we can get angry and fight back as well, managers. When they scored the third goal, he [the supporter] turned around and insulted me. When I turned around, I am a person and I'm human.

  "I'm not going to get into the exact nature of the insults. I don't want to get involved with that. I have got to stay in my place. I know what went on behind the manager's bench. I can't solve society's problems in one press conference. I've got to live with it because it exists all over the place."

• Atletico boss regrets actions against Liverpool

  Simeone also said that he regretted clashing with Liverpool supporters after seeing his side coming from 2-0 down and then equalise, only to come away with nothing at the death.

  The 55-year-old said: "Firstly, I regret the part I played. It's clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react."

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• AFP
  

  What next for Atletico and Liverpool?

  It remains to be seen if Atletico, Simeone, or Liverpool fans will be punished for what transpired at Anfield this week. Next up, the Reds host bitter rivals Everton in the Premier League on Saturday in the latest edition of the Merseyside derby.

Both teams are out of the running for the WTC final but would want to end the Test series on a high

Mohammad Isam29-Nov-2024

Not very 1970s, but it’s a potent enough fast-bowling attack•CWI

Big picture: Contest between two good pace attacksThe Sabina Park will host its first Test in more than three years, but it’s a favourite venue of the hosts, and they play there regularly in one format or the other. Which gives them a great chance to put together another strong performance to send Bangladesh back with a 2-0 defeat. If it happens, it will be West Indies’ first Test series sweep since July 2022, and Bangladesh were the opponents then too.Given how fragile their batting has been of late, West Indies will be particularly pleased with the way they batted in the first innings in the North Sound Test. They had two big – 140 runs, each time – partnerships, the first involving Alick Athanaze and Mikyle Louis, who both got out in the 90s. Even though they missed their maiden Test centuries, they batted with responsibility and showed discipline. The same was the case with Justin Greaves, who did get to his first Test century. What was also heartening was the way Kemar Roach supported Greaves in their stand for the eighth wicket.Related

Alzarri wraps WI's win with twin strikes on fifth morning

West Indies also bowled with discipline, the four-man pace attack not giving Bangladesh that odd spell when run-scoring becomes easy. Jayden Seales is the attack leader. Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph bowl in fiery bursts. Roach banks on his huge experience, and the years of dominance over Bangladesh helps.Pace bowling was Bangladesh’s only positive in the first Test, too. And it could well be the only thing that they can bank on in the second Test.Taskin Ahmed led the way with eight wickets in the match, including a six-for in the second innings, where West Indies scored 152 in 46.1 overs. It was Taskin’s first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The performance, coupled with Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam showing consistency, kept Bangladesh going in the Test. In Jamaica, Nahid Rana could get a look-in too, making the attack that much more potent.But what about Bangladesh’s batting? It has been one collapse after another, wherever they have played, for a while now – the main reason they have now lost their last five Tests after the big 2-0 win in Pakistan. They showed a bit of patience in their first innings at North Sound, lasting 98 overs – Jaker Ali and Mominul Haque got fifties, while Litton Das made 40. There was little more on offer from the group outside of that, except a bit of fight from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker in the second innings.One thing that both teams need to improve is their catching. There were plenty of dropped catches right through the match. Mominul dropped two in a short span before West Indies dropped four during Shamar’s first spell on the fourth day. It was a blot on an otherwise good game.Taskin Ahmed picked up his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket in North Sound•BCB

Form guideWest Indies WLDLL
Bangladesh LLLLL
Both West Indies and Bangladesh are out of the running for a spot in the World Test Championship final.In the spotlight – Justin Greaves and Jaker AliIt took Justin Greaves ten years to become a Test cricketer since his first-class debut, but after the debut series in Australia earlier this year, he was dropped. Then it took him another ten months to return to the Test side, but this time, he made it count. He showed restraint and enterprise, especially when batting with Roach late in the script. West Indies will expect a similar showing with the bat from Greaves in Jamaica.Jaker Ali showed character under pressure, unlike most of his team-mates. Jaker now has fifties in his first two Tests, which is rare for a Bangladesh batter. He is a fighter, and constantly encourages his batting partners, particularly the lower-order batters. Jaker himself is slowly opening up as a batter, and can expect a bit more responsibility in the Bangladesh batting line-up in Jamaica.Team news – Expect changes in Bangladesh XIWest Indies are unlikely to change their playing XI barring any injuries.West Indies (probable): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), 2 Mikyle Louis, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Alick Athanaze, 5 Kavem Hodge, 6 Justin Greaves, 7 Joshua Da Silva (wk), 8 Kemar Roach, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Jayden Seales, 11 Shamar JosephJustin Greaves batted for over six hours as he scored a century in the first Test•Cricket West Indies

One or both of Shadman Islam and Mahidul Islam could expect a call-up for the second Test after Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan failed in the first. Nahid could also feature as Bangladesh tend to rotate their fast bowlers.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Mahmudul Hasan Joy/Shadman Islam, 2 Zakir Hasan/Mahidul Islam, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Shahadat Hossain, 5 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), 6 Litton Das (wk), 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Taijul Islam, 9 Hasan Mahmud, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Shoriful Islam/Nahid RanaPitch and conditionsSabina Park has seen big scores in T20Is this year, but it has also traditionally been a good pitch for both fast bowlers and spinners in Tests. Weather, however, could play a part as rain is in the forecast for all five days in Kingston.Stats and trivia – Brathwaite set to go past Sobers Kraigg Brathwaite is currently equal with Garfield Sobers on 85 Tests, the most consecutive appearances for West Indies. Sobers played non-stop from 1955 to 1972, while Brathwaite has been a West Indies constant from 2014. Bangladesh have now played 18 Tests without drawing one. Their previous record is 21, between 2001 and 2004. At North Sound, Mominul struck his first half-century in the West Indies since 2014. He aggregated only 20 runs across three matches in the two Test series there in 2018 and 2022. The last time West Indies played a Test match in Jamaica, in 2021, Phil Simmons was their head coach. Now he is Bangladesh’s head coach.

The new Test captain has backed Tim Southee to rediscover his wicket-taking form

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-20241:46

Can India prep for Australia tour in home Tests against New Zealand? Gavaskar, Manjrekar weigh in

New Zealand’s new Test captain Tom Latham wants the team to play with “no fear” in the three-match series against India as they look to turn around a run of four consecutive World Test Championship defeats which have all-but ended their hopes of a place in the final.Latham has taken over as full-time captain after Tim Southee stood down following the series against Sri Lanka last month. He starts his tenure with the three Tests in Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai over the next three weeks before hosting England at home for a further three matches.New Zealand have only ever won two Tests in India out of 36 matches with victories in 1969 in Nagpur and 1988 in Mumbai. On the recent tour of Sri Lanka they lost a closely-fought opening Test by 63 runs before being comprehensibly beaten by an innings and 154 runs in the second where they were bowled out 88 in the first innings.”From my point of view it’s about trying to continue doing the good stuff we’ve been doing, trying to put my spin on things,” Latham said. “It’s an exciting challenging going over to India and once we can go over there hopefully [we can] play with a bit of freedom, bit of no fear and try and take it to them. If we do that hopefully gives ourselves a good chance.”Think in India we’ve seen teams that have done well out there in the past have been quite aggressive towards them, especially with the bat they’ve looked to play a few shots, but also put them under pressure which is really important over there rather than sitting and waiting for something to happen. We’ll decide on how we want to play when we get over there, but guys have got plans around how they like to approach things and hopefully we can fine tune those.”Tom Latham faces some tricky selection questions in India•Getty Images

“We actually did some really good things in Sri Lanka,” Latham added. “We fell on the wrong sides of the results but there were some good things. The approach we had with the bat, apart from that one innings I thought we played really well. So it’s about continuing that as much as we can and trying to play a brand that we are proud of playing and if we do that hopefully it gives us a good chance.”Latham has previously led the Test side on nine occasions as a stand-in for Kane Williamson between 2020 and 2022 but now has the opportunity to leave a more permanent mark in the role.”Will certainly be leaning on those experiences,” he said. “Obviously a different situation being full-time where you can put your own spin on things but think what I want to do is encourage guys to be themselves, be leaders amongst themselves as well and hopefully if we can do that we can play the brand of cricket we want to play.”As captain, Latham faces being part of the tricky selection call as to whether former captain Southee continues to keep his place in the XI after a lean run of wicket-taking in Test cricket over the last 12 months. Will O’Rourke was outstanding in Sri Lanka while Matt Henry and Ben Sears were on the sidelines but at the very least Latham will be looking to tap into Southee’s knowledge.”If you look back, think in Bangalore [Southee] took seven wickets last time we toured there,” Latham said. “Someone with that amount of experience who’s done it for many years there’s certainly no reason why he can’t get back to where he’s been in the past. He’s been a fantastic bowler for us for many years, there’s a reason why he’s so high on the wicket list for New Zealand.”He’ll have a similar role that he has always had whether it’s as captain or in the past, someone like that who has a wealth of experience, a wealth of knowledge in all conditions and he’s done it for many years and has been successful. We’ll certainly be tapping into his mind, his ideas, so looking forward to it.”

An overseas player who does not register for the mega auction will not be allowed to register for subsequent mini auction

Nagraj Gollapudi29-Sep-2024

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, the two most expensive buys ever at IPL auctions•KKR Knight Club

Overseas players who make themselves unavailable for an IPL season after being bought at an auction without legitimate reasons will henceforth be penalised with two-year bans. That aside, overseas players’ maximum price in a mini auction will be the lower of the highest retention price (INR 18 crore, or US$ 2.1 million approx.) and the highest auction price at the mega auction.As reported by ESPNcricinfo earlier, the request to act against players opting out after being bought at auctions had come from all ten IPL franchises during their meeting with the IPL governing council in July. Disgruntled at their plans being thrown into disarray by late pullouts, the franchises asked the IPL to put in strong deterrents.In a document shared with franchises listing the retention rules, the IPL said: “Any [overseas] player who registers for [an] auction and, after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons.” The only exception, the governing council said, will be for “an injury/medical condition, which will have to be confirmed by the [player’s] home board”.’Maximum fee’ for overseas players at mini auctionsThe IPL has also agreed to the franchises’ suggestion to make it mandatory for overseas players to register for mega auctions. This, they argued, will prevent players and their agents from trying to earn big money during the mini auctions, where teams are usually willing to shell out massive sums to plug specific holes in their squads.This was in evidence at the last IPL auction. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who went on to win IPL 2024, and runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) set auction records to acquire the services of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins respectively. Cummins was sold for an auction-high INR 20.50 crore (US$2.47 million approx. at the time) early on in the bidding process, and Starc later went to KKR for INR 24.75 crore (US$2.98 million approx.) to set a new record.Related

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To counter that, the IPL has devised a twin strategy. Firstly, an overseas player will not be allowed to register for a mini auction if he does not register for the preceding mega auction. “Any overseas player will have to register for the big auction. In case the player does not register, then he will have to miss the subsequent small auction. Only exception will be in case of an injury/medical condition which will have to be confirmed by the [player’s] home board before the big auction.”The IPL has also decided to impose what it called “maximum fee” for overseas players at mini auctions.”Any overseas player’s auction fee at small auction will be lower of the highest retention price [of INR 18 crore] and the highest auction price at the big auction,” the IPL said in the document. “In case the highest auction price at the big auction is INR 20 crore, then INR 18 crore will be the cap. If the highest auction price at big auction is INR 16 crore, then the cap will be INR 16 crore.The rule in place going forward is that the auction for the player will continue as normal till the player is sold, and the final auction amount will be charged to the auction purse. The incremental amount over INR 16 or 18 crore, as the case may be, will be deposited with BCCI. The incremental amount deposited with BCCI will be utilised towards players’ welfare.”