After watching on as the last six promoted sides suffered instant relegation, Sunderland have entered this transfer window ready to put an end to that trend and are now reportedly set to welcome yet another impressive signing.
Sunderland continuing summer overhaul
To say the Black Cats are ensuring that they’re Premier League-ready would be an understatement. Those in Wearside have shown no hesitation when it comes to spending this summer, breaking their club record to sign Habib Diarra and following that up by welcoming Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Enzo Le Fee on a permanent deal and Chemsdine Talbi.
After becoming the latest to arrive, Talbi told Sunderland’s official website: “I’m really excited to be here and grateful for the opportunity to play for this Club. I made the decision because it’s a great project with a talented, exciting team full of young players – and that really motivated me.
“The Premier League is the biggest and best league in the world, so I’m looking forward to getting started. I know the fans will get behind me from the start, and I can’t wait to see them at the stadium.”
Those at the Stadium of Light have every reason to be excited by the winger’s arrival after he scored seven goals and created another five in all competitions at Club Brugge last season. At just 20 years old, the new arrival is a player full of potential and one who could realise that potential in full under Regis Le Bris.
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Even after Talbi, however, Sunderland are still not done in the transfer window. Reports have now emerged that the Black Cats have agreed a deal to sign yet another reinforcement and arguably one of their most impressive yet.
Sunderland agree £18m deal to sign Simon Adingra
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Simon Adingra from Brighton & Hove Albion with a Thursday medical set to be completed for the winger to finalise a move worth an initial €21m (£18m).
Whilst Adingra struggled to keep hold of a starting place under Fabian Hurzeler last season – starting just 12 Premier League games – he remains a player full of potential at just 23 years old. For just £19m, Sunderland have arguably landed an absolute bargain.
After drawing with Liverpool in 2023, former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi sung the praises of Adingra alongside his Brighton teammate Carlos Baleba, saying: “We played with a lot of very young players. I have to congratulate my club because they found another two great players – Adingra and [Carlos] Baleba.”
So, although his momentum was halted by Hurzeler last season, Adingra now has the perfect opportunity to get back on track and hand Sunderland a quick, tricky new winger.
The Northern Territory has set its sights on Australia’s white-ball series against South Africa next winter as their chance to end a 16-year wait for international cricket in Darwin.Darwin hosted the last of its four ODIs in 2008. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also played Tests in the city in 2003 and 2004.Since then, two drop-in wickets have been installed at the ICC-accredited TIO Stadium and the Top End T20 series launched, as part of the all-year Cricket 365 branding in the Territory.The Top End series last week brought in four Big Bash clubs, Tasmania, the ACT and teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh, with eyes to expand further in the future.Ten past or present Test players attended, including the likes of Jhye Richardson playing for the Perth Scorchers, and Marcus Harris with the Melbourne Renegades.But also on the horizon is international cricket, with Australia slated to host South Africa in three ODIs and three T20Is next August, and negotiations ongoing between the NT government and Cricket Australia.”I want that content. I don’t expect all of it, and I don’t expect any of it, but I want some of it – and I’m going after it,” NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey told AAP. “We are putting the foundation in place to be ready. We have the infrastructure and it has had exceptional cricket on it [with the Top End series].”It’s not the Big Bash or international cricket, but we have shown we have that calibre of players playing on these wickets. We have the venue and it is ICC-accredited – and we have the weather.”Dovey spent time holding a national team training camp in Darwin in his former life as Australia’s men’s team manager, before taking up the NT role last January.He is keen to make Darwin a consistent option for international fixtures, given only the Territory and North Queensland can host winter matches in Australia and are more likely to be held in the country in 2026.”It makes sense to get some T20s. We’ve never hosted a men’s T20, and there has been over 100 played in Australia,” Dovey said. “I’m not particularly after content every 10 years. I don’t see the legacy in it. Consistent content every year or two would mean kids don’t have to go a decade before they meet their BBL heroes or national heroes.”Dovey’s plan for growth is two-fold, with a desire to expand the Top End series to up to 12 teams, with more Big Bash franchises and overseas sides.Nearly 700,000 people watched this year’s nine-team, 30-match tournament via YouTube, while that number sat at 10.6 million last year once overseas broadcasters were included.Dovey is hopeful of adding teams from New Zealand and Nepal next year, along with the big lure of appealing to IPL franchises.”It’s in an August window where no one else can play. The wickets wouldn’t be like ours with the weather [elsewhere],” he said. “It’s an incredible window to the subcontinent, where you can’t play easily this time of year either. The event is awesome and has a point of difference with the international teams.”
Despite boasting five current England internationals, Southern Vipers were skittled for 98
ECB Reporters Network16-Jun-2024
Davina Perrin’s 26 from 17 got the chase off to a breezy start•Getty Images
Central Sparks defeated Southern Vipers by five wickets in the duel of already-qualified teams in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at New Road, Worcester.With both sides already assured a place in Finals Day at Derby on June 22, Sparks showed their bowling strength in depth as they rested Hannah Baker and Emily Arlott but still bowled the visitors out for just 98 in 17.5 overs.Grace Potts, Katie George, Bethan Ellis and Ria Fackrell took two wickets apiece as no Vipers batter reached 20, Rhianna Southby top-scoring with 19 from number eight.Sparks then eased to 99 for 5 with 31 balls to spare as Davina Perrin launched their reply with an assertive 26 from 17 balls and Amy Jones saw them to the threshold of victory 26 from 29.Put in, Vipers started positively as Maia Bouchier pulled Potts for six as the openers added 19 from 16 balls but from the moment that Danni Wyatt skied a drive at Potts the innings lurched downward.Bouchier’s blow proved the only six of the innings and only six fours were added to it as Sparks’ accurate and disciplined attack struck regularly. Charli Knott charged and missed at George and Bouchier chipped a return catch to Charis Pavely before Georgia Adams fell in slapstick fashion when Freya Kemp embarked on a leg-bye that didn’t exist and both batters ended up at the same end.Kemp soon joined her captain in the pavilion when she lifted Ellis to long off. Nicely flighted deliveries from Fackrell then teased Charlie Dean and Georgia Elwiss into sending up catches.Southby lashed a couple of leg-side fours but when she sought another but instead lifted George to deep square leg, the innings was over at fewer than 100.Ami Campbell launched the Sparks reply with three fours in the first ten balls and though she then lifted Freya Davies to mid off, the opener’s small but feisty contribution had made inroads into the small target.Abi Freeborn was run out, going for a second, by Lauren Bell’s throw but Perrin quickly made further inroads. She stuck three fours and lifted Dean over long off for six but went back to the next ball which struck off stumpGeorge fell lbw, slog-sweeping at Linsey Smith and Smith bowled skilfully to conceded just 13 runs from her four overs, but Vipers’ faltering batters had given their bowlers too much to do. Jones struck Adams gloriously into the Basil D’Oliveira Stand and though the England batter then holed out to long on, Courtney Webb (saw her side comfortably over the line.
The summer transfer window officially opened for business on Sunday and Manchester United have already completed their first signing to bolster the squad.
Matheus Cunha was officially unveiled as the first addition of the summer on Sunday, joining from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on a permanent deal.
The Brazil international will compete for one of the number ten positions behind the central striker in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system in the 2025/26 campaign.
Cunha racked up an impressive haul of 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League for Wolves this season, and could provide a big goal threat for the Red Devils.
The Brazilian star appears to be an exciting addition on paper, given that he has already proven himself in the Premier League, and there could be more forwards to come through the door yet.
Liam Delap, however, will not be one of them because the Red Devils look set to lose the race to land the England U21 international this summer.
Why missing out on Liam Delap is a blow for Manchester United
Chelsea are reportedly set to sign the English forward from Ipswich Town, following their relegation from the Premier League, for a fee of £30m, due to a release clause in his contract in Suffolk.
Champions League football is reportedly a big factor in his decision to make the move to Stamford Bridge, which may be why he is not on his way to Old Trafford, which will not be hosting any European football next season.
Liam Delap at Ipswich Town.
United were previously reported to be in pole position to sign Delap, before they lost the Europa League final, and missing out on him now should come as a blow to the club.
The 22-year-old joined the Tractor Boys on a permanent deal from Manchester City last summer and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League, despite failing to keep his side in the division.
24/25 Premier League
Liam Delap
Appearances
37
xG
9.34
Goals
12
Conversion rate
18%
Big chances created
3
Assists
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Delap was clinical in front of goal for Ipswich, scoring 12 goals from just 9.34 xG, and proved that he can score goals on a regular basis at that level.
The release clause in his contract also meant that he was available for a bargain fee of £30m, and the Red Devils may now have to pay more than that to find an alternative centre-forward option.
There is now a fresh report that reveals that the Premier League giants are looking at numerous other options to bolster their attack in the coming weeks.
Manchester United target Bundesliga centre-forward
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United missing out on Champions League football was a ‘major blow’ because it cost them a deal to sign Delap from Ipswich.
The report adds, however, that Amorim has other centre-forwards on his radar for the summer transfer window, as he looks to provide Cunha with a number nine to play behind.
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It reveals that RB Leipzig number nine Benjamin Sesko has emerged as one of the options being targeted by the Red Devils, alongside Sporting marksman Viktor Gyokeres.
The Slovenia international is said to be one of the strikers on their radar, after missing out on Delap to Chelsea, and he reportedly has a release clause of £84m in his contract with the German side.
This suggests that Sesko could cost a lot more than Delap would have, £54m more to be exact, unless they can negotiate a lower fee, but he could still arrive as an exciting upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund for Amorim.
Why Manchester United should sign Benjamin Sesko
The Premier League giants should swoop to sign the Slovenian number nine this summer because he has the potential to be an excellent addition to the squad.
There is no hiding away from the fact that Hojlund did not produce enough in front of goal in the league during the 2024/25 campaign. The Denmark international ended the season with just four goals, from 5.24 xG, in 32 appearances in the division.
Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United’s first-choice centre-forward averaged a goal every 506 minutes in the Premier League, which is simply not good enough for a team that should have ambitions of challenging for the title.
With Sesko, the Red Devils could find a centre-forward who is more suited to challenging at the top end of the league table, given his form for RB Leipzig this term.
The 22-year-old star, who recently scored a sensational trivela goal against Bayern Munich, ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of 21 goals and six assists in all competitions.
Sesko, who has been described as a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, also scored 18 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig in the 2023/24 season, which shows that he has consistently scored goals at an impressive rate over a prolonged period of time.
24/25 season
Rasmus Hojlund
Benjamin Sesko
Appearances
32
33
xG
5.24
9.89
Goals
4
13
Conversion rate
13%
19%
Key passes per game
0.5
0.6
Assists
0
5
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Slovenia international performed significantly better than Hojlund did at league level this season, with nine more goals and five more assists, despite playing just one more match.
Sesko, who also scored one more goal than Delap, could be way better than the Danish flop due to his ability to efficiently find the back of the net at an impressive rate, outperforming his xG by roughly three goals.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
Whether that is enough to make him worth the £84m release clause in his Leipzig contract is up for debate, as it depends on how much money United are willing to spend and what they want to do in other areas of the squad.
Taking the financial aspect out of it, though, Sesko could be an exceptional addition to the squad to improve Amorim’s attacking options as a genuine goal threat in the number nine position, which is something that they have not had with Hojlund.
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With Leeds United looking to shift their focus away from title celebrations and towards the summer transfer window, the 49ers are now reportedly in active talks to sign an attacking target.
All eyes on the Premier League for Leeds
There will no doubt still be those partying in Yorkshire after Leeds sealed the Championship title ahead of Burnley on goal difference, having both hit the 100-point mark. The open-top bus parade was certainly a spectacle, as the city poured into the streets to make up for lost time in their 2019/20 promotion during the pandemic and the players enjoyed the release that they were desperate for all season.
Daniel Farke spoke of his pride after earning title glory alongside promotion to the Premier League, telling reporters: “I’m happy we won and are allowed to label ourselves as champions and to be the best team through the whole season.
“A proud day, an emotionally moving day because we have invested so much and wanted to crown ourselves with some silverware. For many of my lads it was the first time they’d won any title, I’m very happy for them, my staff, our supporters. It’s a pretty proud day.”
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The celebrations can’t go on forever though, and with their return to the Premier League on the horizon, Leeds are beginning to turn their focus back towards what is a crucial summer transfer window. As the 49ers desperately look to get things right, several names have already threatened to steal the headlines.
Names such as Beto and Archie Brown have both been mentioned in the last week or so and there’s no doubt that both could make an impact. Before either of those two potentially arrive, however, the 49ers have reportedly set their sights on a familiar face.
Leeds in active talks to sign Solomon
According to The Boot Room, the 49ers are in active talks to sign Manor Solomon on a permanent basis from Tottenham Hotspur this summer as they aim to make him their first signing of the summer.
Spurs are reportedly demanding as much as £20m for their winger, amid interest elsewhere from Everton and Marseille, with Leeds willing to offer around £15m. Given that the player reportedly wants to complete a return to Elland Road, it remains to be seen just how much of a problem that difference in valuation proves to be.
The old saying says that you should not fall in love with a loan player, but Solomon did almost everything to win the hearts of Leeds fans following a tough start to life in Yorkshire. Ending the campaign with 10 goals – including the one to win the title late on against Plymouth Argyle – signing Solomon should be top of the 49ers’ wishlist.
A player that Kevin de Bruyne described as “excellent” back in September, a swift reunion between Leeds and Solomon is one that makes sense for all parties this summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are on a four-match winning run in the Premier League, and they will hope to continue this when they face Manchester United this afternoon.
The Old Gold defeated the Old Trafford side 2-0 at the end of December to maintain their perfect start under Vitor Pereira, and hopes will be high that they can complete the double over the Red Devils.
Man United were taken to extra time by Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday evening and there will be a few tired legs among the squad.
This could give Wolves the advantage, while Pereira may make a few changes of his own ahead of the clash.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde played against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but it remains to be seen whether he will return to the starting XI after suffering a minor injury.
Why Pereira must axe Bellegarde for Man Utd trip
Bellegarde played 42 minutes last week against Spurs before being subbed off due to injury.
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While on the field, the attacking midfielder completed just six passes, failed with his only dribble attempt, lost possession six times and was dribbled past once.
He has been a solid signing for the Old Gold, that much is certain. Given the nature of the game, however, plus the fact that Matheus Cunha is ready to make his first start following his four-match suspension, it makes sense to bring the Brazilian back into the starting XI.
This would see Bellegarde drop to the bench. That is if he is fit enough to make the matchday squad in the first place.
How Pereira can replace Bellegarde vs Man Utd
Cunha has a decent record against Man United since joining Wolves, scoring once and grabbing two assists across four games.
His goal came in the famous 2-0 win last December, and it proved that Cunha was capable of scoring in the biggest games.
Matheus Cunha’s PL stats for Wolves since August 2023
Metric
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
12
14
Assists
7
4
Key passes per game
0.9
1.7
Big chances created
7
12
Successful dribbles per game
2
1.9
Via Sofascore
The £90k-per-week forward has been in sublime form for Wolves this season. A total of 16 goals and four assists have been registered by the former Atletico Madrid star, and he has arguably single-handedly kept the club floating above the relegation zone.
When compared to his positional peers in the top flight, Cunha ranks in the top 3% for non-penalty goals (0.58) per 90, while also ranking in the top 17% for successful take-ons (2.16) per 90 for the Old Gold this term.
Hailed as “unbelievable” by current teammate Mario Lemina earlier this season, Cunha might well be heading into his final few weeks as a Wolves player.
Cunha has sparked plenty of controversy in recent weeks, notably when hitting out at Wolves’ fans on social media who have criticised his attitude and commitment to the club.
Should a big offer arrive in the summer, it is likely he will be sold, giving Pereira plenty of cash to spend. The club might not have a player of his quality for quite some time, and he could shine against the Red Devils this afternoon.
Pereira's "sensational" Wolves star is now slowly becoming the new O’Hara
Wolves “sensational” star in danger of becoming new Jamie O’Hara
Liverpool are keen to see an upturn in performances under Arne Slot, and they could be set to target a free agent manager familiar to supporters if they fail to improve over the coming weeks.
Arne Slot looks to revive Liverpool's Premier League season
Credit in the bank goes a long way, and the Anfield hierarchy won’t forget Slot’s exploits last season as he took the Reds to a second title of the Premier League era. However, they have failed to claim the desired results in recent times, causing anxiety among their support.
Regardless, the Dutchman has vowed to fight for his future at Liverpool and appears uncompromising in his vision to help the club rediscover their form, claiming that his side will find the answers to their problems before too long.
He said before his side took on West Ham United: “We’ve had the same conversations we’ve had since I am here. We fight on. We will try to improve. You try to find the answers of what is needed to win a game of football but in the end it is about doing what this club is about.
“We have to keep fighting, fight together. But it would also be nice if we rewarded ourselves in the moments we play well. People are focused correctly on the parts where we don’t play well.”
However, Liverpool appear to be in the process of profiling potential alternatives to Slot, with Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique high on FSG’s radar should they eventually decide to make a change.
Nevertheless, the Reds could be about to go in a totally different direction, one that will surprise supporters if recent developments do indeed come to fruition.
Liverpool cast attention to Brendan Rodgers and Andoni Iraola
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool could replace Slot with former boss Brendan Rodgers or Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, as the Dutchman’s future on Merseyside becomes increasingly unclear.
A return for Rodgers would be remarkable considering he previously served as manager of the English giants between 2012 and 2014, coming incredibly close to delivering their first Premier League title before leaving the season after. Described as “world-class” by Gabriel Agbonlahor, he has since won multiple league titles with Celtic.
Matches – 312
Matches – 89
Wins – 139
Wins – 33
Draws – 71
Draws – 24
Losses – 102
Losses – 32
Points per game – 1.56
Points per game – 1.38
Meanwhile, Iraola’s stint at Bournemouth has won plenty of plaudits across the nation, and both coaches are willing to listen to Liverpool should they be approached over taking on the potential vacancy.
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Arne Slot is under intense pressure after Liverpool lost a ninth time from 12 matches.
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FSG aren’t in a rush to make a decision, suggesting Slot will be given time to revive the Reds’ fortunes as they look towards a heavy period of festive fixtures.
Either way, there is pressure on the Dutchman, and it may be a telling sign that they already have replacements in their eyeline should their patchy form continue.
Newcastle United and PIF have now made their first move in the race to sign Brentford striker Igor Thiago, who has matched Nick Woltemade all the way for goals so far this season.
Whilst the Magpies have clear problems in front of goal in the Premier League – proven by their 3-1 defeat against West Ham United last weekend – their problems once again disappeared on the European stage.
Easing to a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, both Dan Burn and Joelinton got themselves on the scoresheet in a refreshing change for Eddie Howe. With a trip to face Brentford up next, the Newcastle boss will simply be hoping for a repeat.
Speaking to reporters after securing a third-straight Champions League victory, Howe said: “Yes, it’s a big prize for us and our eyes are very much on it, and I want the players to be feeling the same.
“We said at the start of the Champions League campaign that we didn’t want to have that feeling that we were just pleased to be in the competition. It’s serious. We want to progress. We’ve put ourselves in a stronger position now to do that after the first defeat, but there are still many challenges ahead.”
Progressing on the European stage has certainly been no problem for those in Tyneside so far, but there’s no denying that their Premier League form has suffered at the same time.
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Newcastle fought their way to a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League.
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Finding the balance and squad depth needed to thrive in both competitions should be Newcastle’s priority in 2026. As things stand, they’re six points adrift of the top four and, to make matters worse, it is Sunderland who sit in fourth place.
Following a slow start, those at St James’ Park should set their focus on the January transfer window and potentially welcoming attacking reinforcements.
Newcastle launch first Igor Thiago move
As reported by Trivela and ESPN Brazil and relayed by Sport Witness, PIF have now launched their first enquiry to sign Thiago for Newcastle in an addition that would certainly help solve their recent goalscoring woes.
Just like in their search for a striker in the summer, however, the Magpies aren’t alone. Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have also reportedly enquired about Thiago’s availability to spark an all Premier League race for his signature.
2025/26 stats
Thiago
Woltemade
Appearances
11
16
Goals
7
7
Assists
0
0
Having matched Woltemade for goals so far this season, Newcastle’s interest in Thiago should come as no surprise. Dubbed “powerful” by Brentford boss Keith Andrews earlier this season, the towering forward also crucially earned Alan Shearer’s seal of approval.
The Newcastle legend said: “He barely played last season because of injury but he got his two goals in that half and that’s what a striker is going to get judged for. He looks like he can fill the void left by Mbeumo and Wissa.”
After signing Yoane Wissa in the summer, Newcastle should make a return to West London to sign Thiago when 2026 arrives.
His unbeaten 140, plus 97 not out from Matt Critchley counter Durham’s efforts of the opening day
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay09-Sep-2025Dean Elgar, batting for more than five-and-a-half hours for a well-paced first century of the season, and Matt Critchley, smashing the ball to all corners of Chelmsford, took Essex within touching distance of a first-innings lead against fellow relegation candidates Durham with an unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 154.The left-handed opener Elgar had not strapped on batting pads for five weeks, having spent August back in his native South Africa, but after a scratchy start that echoed his season’s form, he quickly rediscovered the fluency of old with 140 not out from 264 balls. Critchley, meanwhile, has been in decent nick for most of the summer and finished on 97 not out with Essex 312 for 3 at the close, a deficit of just 21.Under heavy cloud cover, the rate of Essex’s steady acceleration through the gears was illustrated by Elgar’s partnerships for the second wicket with Tom Westley (76 in 24 overs), with Charlie Allison for the third (75 in 17) and for the fourth with the freewheeling Critchley.Durham had been dismissed at the start of the day for 333 with Jamie Porter extending his season’s wickets tally to 39 with figures of 4 for 77. A punchy ninth-wicket stand of 41 between Graham Clark and Sam Conners took the visitors past 300 and what might prove a valuable second batting point in their fight to avoid dropping into Division Two of the Rothesay County Championship.When Essex batted, their determination to grind it out initially and establish a stable platform, trundling along at little more than two an over, highlighted by Elgar and Westley taking 17 overs to post their fifty partnership, it looked like becoming a battle of attrition and willpower.Indeed, the start was so cautious that Essex had just seven on the board by the seventh over when Paul Walter was the first to depart, hanging his bat out against Ben Raine and being snaffled by first slip falling backwards.Things perked up significantly straight after lunch with a flurry of boundaries to take the run-rate above two-and-a-half. But the pair were parted when Callum Parkinson found some hitherto unsuspected turn and rapped Westley on his back pad to win an lbw decision.Elgar reached only his third half-century of the season from 107 balls with a single off his legs and then drove Parkinson through the covers for his ninth four. Allison was even more aggressive against the spinner, taking 14 off one over, including a six over the bowler’s head.Elgar slowly but surely found his rhythm and lofted Parkinson over long leg for six as the third-wicket pair passed fifty inside 10 overs. By that point the run-rate had risen above three an over.The introduction of Colin Ackermann broke the blossoming partnership, though. The part-time off-spinner pushed one through lower and faster and bowled Allison for 33 from 51 balls. Matt Critchley dented the South African’s figures a couple of overs later with a lofted four and a straight six.Three balls before tea, Elgar drove Parkinson to the far reaches of extra cover for the three runs that took him to his 53rd first-class century from 169 balls.
Compared to the earlier obduracy, Critchley raced to fifty from just 56 balls with his eighth four, driven straight past Raine, and had scored 65 when the stand passed one hundred in just 25 overs. It continued in much the same vein to stumps.Doug Bracewell and Porter both added a wicket each to their respective overnight hauls in the 19 minutes it took Essex to wrap up Durham’s first innings in the morning. Conners got a leading edge to give Bracewell a return catch and figures of 3 for 70 before Porter sent Parkinson’s off-stump cartwheeling out of the ground for a fourth wicket.
Umpire Sean Barber has officially accomplished a rare feat. He made Shohei Ohtani angry.
Barber was behind the plate during the Los Angeles Dodgers' matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers and he made a call so egregious that Ohtani argued with him—something the reigning National League MVP almost never does.
Ohtani was at the plate to open the top of the sixth inning as the Dodgers trailed 7–0. On a 3–2 count, Freddy Peralta threw a changeup that visibly missed low and inside. Barber called it strike three. Ohtani immediately protested, said something, then demonstrably shook his head on the way back to the dugout. It was a rare, justified, outburst.
Video is below.
That's a brutal call, and Ohtani had every right to be upset about it. There is likely some mounting frustration for the star slugger and his teammates. They appear on their way to their fourth loss in a row, and Ohtani entered Monday night with a .136 batting average in July so far.
It's understandable he was upset when he appeared to have worked a walk but was called out.