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Arsenal were a tour de force in the Premier League last season, and while they couldn't quite dethrone Manchester City, they were comfortably the second-best team in the competition.

From Kai Havertz at the top of the pitch to David Raya in between the sticks, Mikel Arteta's squad was full of stars with a genuine claim to being the player of the season, and one who really kicked on was Ben White.

The Englishman was an ever-present in the team and won the Player of the Month Award in March, but based on recent reports, he could be in for a fight next season, as the latest name touted for a move to the Emirates is an incredibly impressive defender.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from journalist Gerard Romero (via Caught Offside), Arsenal are interested in Barcelona star Jules Kounde and have been in contact with the Blaugrana about the player.

The bad news for the Gunners is that the Catalans do not want to sell the talented defender lest they are made a seriously significant offer.

However, it is still early in the transfer window and with the North Londoners clearly keen on the Frenchman, this might be a transfer worth working on, even if it could impact White's place in the team.

How Kounde compares to White

Now, like White, Kounde is a versatile defender who can play as either a centre-back or a right-back, but with William Saliba and Gabriel firmly established at the heart of the Gunners' best-in-class back four, he'd likely come in as competition on the right.

So, how does he compare to the Englishman?

Well, from a pure output perspective, the Arsenal man comes out ahead. In his 51 appearances last season, he scored four goals and provided five assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 5.66 matches, which for a right-back isn't half bad.

In contrast, the "sensational" Frenchman, as dubbed by analyst Marcus Bring, scored two goals and provided four assists in 48 appearances in 2023/24, which equates to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every eight games.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Can the former Sevilla ace even things up with what's going on under the hood? In short, yes, yes, he can.

According to FBref, the 25-year-old, whom former manager Xavi dubbed "one of the best defenders in the world," comes out ahead in most metrics, including progressive passes and carries, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, live passes, tackles won, clearances, successful take-ons, ball recoveries, and aerial duels won, all per 90.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion ace does edge it in metrics like non-penalty expected goals and assists, shot-creating actions, tackles and interceptions per 90, but that is about it.

Arsenal lead race for "magic" £50m Martinelli rival

The sensational talent could help the Brazilian return to his best or replace him altogether.

2

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 28, 2024

Ultimately, with White producing more goal involvements and Kounde having the better underlying numbers, it would be fascinating to see which one would come out on top in a battle for the right-back position at the Emirates, and while he may cost a significant sum, this seems like a transfer worth pursuing for the Gunners.

The Dominica Test will be his last Australia match for six months, and Ponting is adamant the break won’t dim his hunger for international cricket

Daniel Brettig in Roseau22-Apr-2012Everybody had left Windsor Park. Rain-affected and uneven practice wickets sent all members of the Australian team scurrying back to their ocean-view hotel two days out from the third Test. All, that is, except one. About half an hour after the rest departed, once the Dominica sun had shone a little on the drying nets, Ricky Ponting strode out from the dressing room for a series of throw-downs and technical tweaks in the company of the assistant coach Justin Langer.Of all the players on tour for Australia, Ponting would appear the least in need of another batting session. He has far and away the least to prove, had looked in good touch in the second innings in Trinidad on a testy pitch, and has the benefit of a deep and precise memory to guide him through the ways and means of batting on just about any surface international cricket can present. But still he worked, grooving his drives, forward and back defensives and pull shots, aware that this will be his last assignment for Australia for at least the next six months. South Africa arrive down under in November.Half a year without international cricket is a long stretch for any player in 2012, let alone a 37-year-old Ponting, who has lived almost half his life playing for his country, and winning for it far more often than not. Amid all the drives, pushes and pulls, most compellingly well struck despite a practice pitch unsafe to be presented to an international bowler, Ponting had time to ponder whether this match might just be his last. Dominica would be an odd place for it all to end, but perhaps fitting, being one of the few international venues in which Ponting has not taken guard. No-one has travelled further in pursuit of team success and batting excellence over the past two decades than Ponting, and it remains to be seen what six months without those travels and challenges will do to his sense of hunger.For now though, Ponting is adamant that his desire will be undimmed by the break. He is equally insistent that he will spend his time wisely, not lapsing into winter reverie now it may be spent in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart rather than London, Johannesburg or Colombo. “My love for the game and passion and desire to play and be successful hasn’t changed,” Ponting said. “Even when things were really tough a few months ago, all I wanted to do was try to give myself the best chance to be able to play well again.”I felt I got there through the summer and I feel like I’m batting really well at the moment. So I don’t think a bit of time at home will override that. I’ve still got a few things I want to achieve and a few games of cricket I want to be a part of and win for Australia. As long as I feel I can play a role winning games of cricket for Australia I’ll continue to do it. I’m enjoying it as much as ever and probably working harder than ever on my game.”To that end, Tasmania stands to see far more of Ponting in the spring than at almost any time since he began playing for and touring with Australia in 1995. Cricket Australia’s desire to front-end the Sheffield Shield will mean a schedule rolling into action as early as September, and Ponting has set down a plan to spend extra time in Hobart. “I’ve known for a while that was going to be the case, to have a relatively long break like I’ve got coming up for a while and for 20 years it’s been pretty unusual for me to get a break of that length,” he said. “I’ll make sure I use my time wisely and make sure I have a good break at the start of it.”But I’m planning on spending a bit more time in Tassie this year and doing a lot more work with the Tassie boys down there leading into the start of the Sheffield Shield season which I think is going to be a fair bit earlier again this year by the sounds of things. I’m excited about this week but also looking forward to a bit of a break and a chance to really get my body and mind in great shape for the start of next year.”Though not at quite the same pitch of intensity that followed him through South Africa last year, when a technical hitch had him in knots against straight deliveries and forced a near total reboot of his methods, Ponting has been followed by plenty of speculation in the Caribbean. It has been fuelled by his summary dismissal from the ODI team during the home summer, and compounded by a series of slim scores in the Tests. The fact that Ponting’s dismissals were run-out, bowled by a shooter, caught behind off a snorter and out hooking in the chase for quick runs has been noted, but more indifferent returns in Dominica will add to the ordinance being fired by those who think Australian cricket should move on.”I’m a bit oblivious to how much has been spoken about me as well because I haven’t been reading too much,” Ponting said. “But to be totally honest I feel like I’m in as good a shape as ever. The start of my innings in the second innings last week was as good as I’ve played in a while. Even the way I started the other few innings early in the tour everything was feeling really good just carrying on from the end of the Shield season.”Although the numbers and the runs didn’t come in the first few innings it was nice to get a few last week. Disappointing not to have been 70 or 80 not out when we declared the other day, but it was that sort of wicket where once you got in it was hard to maintain high scoring rates and that’s what we needed to do when I got out, we needed to start lifting the scoring rate a bit and just happened to get out when I did. I feel terrific, and have done right through the tour.”Terrific as he may have felt, Ponting still thought it necessary to hone his batting at a time when every other member of the touring party had retreated to the oceanfront. His tendency to train harder and longer than anyone else is a point of pride as well as fastidiousness, and has been of as much value to the rest of Australia’s squad as it has been to Ponting himself. Even if they were not still at the ground, every player back at the hotel knew a familiar face was absent, training. Munching on some afternoon sustenance, every player also had the chance to ponder whether they should still have been there too. They are guaranteed to ponder it less when Ponting is finally absent, retired.

Alleged irregularities in Smith’s appointment as director of cricket had been a frequent talking point during the hearings

Firdose Moonda29-Oct-2021Graeme Smith’s appointment as director of cricket was not irregular but ratified by the Cricket South Africa (CSA) board, and made in the hopes of stopping the organisation’s slide as they suffered severe reputational damage in the aftermath of the Thabang Moroe era. Acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki told the Social Justice and Nation-Building Hearings that Smith was courted by former CEO Moroe and his appointment was confirmed by former president Chris Nenzani.Smith’s appointment and the era of his captaincy have been a key talking point of the SJN, with accusations of a toxic team culture and allegations of irregularities in his appointment as an administrator. Moseki, the last witness to testify before the ombudsman Dumisa Ntsebeza, detailed the process by which Smith was courted and then appointed, the entire process ratified by the board at the time.Smith was named interim DOC in 2019, after Moroe’s suspension and Dr Jacques Faul’s insertion as acting CEO. While Faul has since conceded that the elevation of several white men to senior positions at CSA created poor optics, Moseki explained that it was not Faul who hired Smith, but the previous CEO and board.According to Moseki, who was CSA’s CFO at the time, Moroe and Smith had been in discussions for several weeks before Moroe’s suspension, during which time CSA had advertised and interviewed four candidates for the job, including Smith. In essence, Smith was headhunted, and CSA’s lawyer Aslam Moosajee said that did not differ from the process at most corporate organisations.Before Moroe was suspended, Smith withdrew his interest in the position because “the process was dragging on for too long and Mr Smith got frustrated,” Moseki said. On November 14 2019, Smith issued a statement saying he lacked confidence in the administration and no longer wanted the job.But Smith was re-engaged by Nenzani after Moroe’s suspension, and it was Nenzani who persuaded Smith to reconsider. The board then ratified that appointment, in an interim capacity for four months, in the hopes that Smith could help save face in the midst of an administrative meltdown.”Mr Smith had been a Protea team captain for 11 years,” Moseki explained. “He has an extensive local and international reputation which CSA considered quite valuable and might be commercially valuable as well. CSA was in quite a precarious position. There was ongoing political infighting. It’s decision to revoke the journalists accreditation was quite a hot potato then, and having lost Standard Bank and with other sponsors threatening to pull out, the reputation of the company was severely damaged. The board believed that Mr Smith’s appointment would assist to revive the company’s tarnished reputation and would help to revive cricket in South Africa.”The only change from the first discussions CSA had with Smith to the ones they concluded when he was appointed was his salary. Smith had gone from asking for an annual salary of R4 million (approx. US$262,669) to R5.4 million. Moseki said the increase was explained to CSA as being “because he (Smith) is already in deficit, having lost other revenue.”Smith’s initial appointment was for four months until the end of March 2020 but he is now permanently engaged as an independent contractor to CSA, not an employee. This is because Smith wanted to leave room for the opportunity to undertake other commitments, such as media work. Initially, Smith’s permanent contract contained “a clause that said Mr Smith has a right to terminate the contract on reasonable notice if Dr Faul is not appointed as CEO,” Moseki said. “We at CSA were not happy with that and the clause was removed.” Smith has since worked under two other acting CEOs, Kugandrie Govender and Moseki.However, Smith’s status as a contractor and not an employee is not the reason he will not give oral testimony to the SJN. Smith has submitted a written affidavit, but is understood to have wanted to wait to see how other respondents – of which Faul has been one – were received at the hearings. With the hearings concluding on Friday, there is no longer any time for anyone else to appear. The ombudsman will have the month of November to compile his report.The eight-month long hearings have cost the organisation almost as much as Smith’s annual salary. ESPNcricinfo understands that CSA have spent R5 million (approx. US$328,337) on the SJN while Moseki confirmed Smith earns R5.4 million (approx. (US$354,000) annually and is CSA’s highest paid employee.The SJN hearings were extended for two months after respondents, including Smith, requested more time to prepare following allegations made by a wide range of stakeholders including former players, coaches and administrators. The entire process has been at CSA’s expense, even though they reported a R221 million (approx. US$14.5 million) loss at their AGM earlier this month. However, board chair Lawson Naidoo called the process “necessary,” in order to take cricket into the future “It is only by recognising the discrimination in our past that we can chart the way forward.”In his closing address, Naidoo said CSA, “have noted with real concern and a great deal of heartache some of the experiences of those who have testified. What is clear is that some of that testimony, if indeed it is accepted, reflected conduct that has no place in a society based on human dignity and equality. The need for these issues to be ventilated confirms the critical need for this SJN process.”While CSA’s board will not comment until after they have received the ombudsman’s report, Naidoo identified five critical issues from the testimony that the board have identified as requiring their attention in future. They are:

• The question of the system for remuneration of players and, in particular, the concerns around remuneration of non-playing members of Proteas squads, which was raised specifically by Aaron Phangiso
• The need for greater clarity and certainty around selection policies which came up, in particular, the case of Khaya Zondo
• The processes and systems for the appointments of senior CSA officials, such as Smith’s, which is detailed above
• A system or process for dealing with concerns from players or officials who suffer unfair discrimination, something mentioned by the likes of Loots Bosman, Roger Telemachus and Ashwell Prince
• The need to develop cricket at school and club level that ensures that every South African who wishes to play cricket has the opportunity to do so, and to have her or his talent and passion nurtured and developed

Naidoo concluded by emphasising the SJN’s role in highlighting cricket’s biggest issues.

Pep Guardiola disagrees with interim England boss Lee Carsley's decision to call up Jack Grealish, and insists that "he is not fit".

Article continues below

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• Guardiola irritated to see Grealish called up
• Winger remains unavailable for Brighton clash
• Grealish yet to recover from hamstring injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After the England squad was announced on Thursday, many were surprised at the inclusion of Grealish, who has missed Man City's last five competitive matches through an hamstring injury. Asked about whether he believed it a good idea for Grealish to join up with the national team, Guardiola comprehensively disagreed.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Grealish's last competitive game came in mid-October against Wolves. It is unclear whether he picked up his injury during the match, or in a training session following it, but the nature of the problem was severe enough to keep him out of big games against Tottenham and Sporting CP, both of which City lost.

  Prior to his injury, the winger was being used in rotation with Jeremy Doku, and as a result he has completed a full 90 minutes on just two occasions this season, providing two assists but failing to score so far. However, he did net in England's most recent outing, a 3-1 win away to Finland, and generally impressed during the October international break, which has perhaps led to Carsley picking him once again despite injury.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Asked about Grealish's inclusion in Carsley's recently released squad in a press conference, Guardiola responded: "It's a question for the England manager – I'm not involved. They can select who they want.

  "Jack trained today (Friday) and believes he can help us – I'm not the guy to say you cannot go (on international duty). But for my team, he's not fit. He cannot play. All I can say is that for a couple of days over two weeks he didn't train but the people from England believe he can help them. So go.

  "They can select who they want. All I’d say is the day after Wolves, he was injured, 17 days out and today [Friday] was the first training with the team."

  Guardiola sarcastically added: "The manager from the UK knows batter than me."

  The Catalan also claimed that the City medical department "hasn't told me they have spoke" with their England counterparts, although the English FA has released a statement confirming they did consult Manchester City doctors.

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY & GREALISH?

  Guardiola's City will travel to Brighton for Saturday's 5.30pm (GMT) kick-off without Grealish, and are looking to avoid their fourth-straight defeat in all competitions. A weakened side without the presence of John Stones and Ruben Dias in central defence, City face a stern test against in-form Brighton, who have already beaten Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United in a stellar start to the season under new coach Fabian Hurzeler.

  England play their first game of the international break against Greece, who shockingly defeated the Three Lions at Wembley in September. Grealish is not forecasted to be fully fit for this first game, but could be available for the second fixture of the break, which sees England take on his ancestral homeland Ireland – a game the winger will be desperate to take part in.

There is a common theme evident when you look at all of the inward business that Glasgow Rangers have completed so far during the summer transfer window.

All of their signings to date are aged 21 or younger as the club seemingly look to restock the squad with promising talents who have the potential to increase in value over the years to come.

Oscar Cortes, Jefte, Clinton Nsiala, and Connor Barron have all been brought in to add freshness to the group, whilst the Ibrox giants are also reportedly in talks to sign Yusuf Kabadayi (20) from Bayern Munich and Hamza Igamane (21) from FAR Rabat to improve their attacking options.

These deals come after the Light Blues offloaded a number of experienced operators from the squad at the end of last month, when the latest round of contracts expired.

Jon McLaughlin, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, John Lundstram, and Borna Barisic were all released upon the expiry of their contracts earlier this summer, and all of them are above the age of 29.

A balance must now be struck between having young talents and still having senior professionals who can be relied upon and used as mentors for the younger crop of players.

Rangers open talks to sign experienced star

With this in mind, it makes sense that Rangers are now reportedly eyeing up a deal to sign a 32-year-old midfielder to join their ranks this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Scottish giants have made contact with Norwich City to pursue a move for Scotland international Kenny McLean.

The report claims that the Light Blues have opened preliminary talks with the Canaries as they look to bring the left-footed maestro to Ibrox ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

It states that the club are wanting to add an experienced midfielder to the squad, in the mould of ex-Gers star Steven Davis, to compete alongside the younger options in Nicolas Raskin, Mohammed Diomande, and Barron.

Football Insider adds, though, that his salary of over £30k-per-week could prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations as that is considered 'high' by Rangers' standards.

The report does not, however, reveal how much the Championship side are set to demand for the 32-year-old ace, as he is under contract and the Light Blues would need to splash out a fee on the experienced gem.

Johannes Hoff Thorup was recently appointed as their new head coach and Rangers may have to wait until he has had a chance to assess his squad before they have a chance to sign the Scottish dynamo.

If Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement can get a deal over the line for McLean, though, then he could come in as a perfect replacement for Jack in the middle of the park.

Ryan Jack's struggles at Rangers

The 32-year-old midfielder provided an experienced presence on and off the pitch for the Gers but the issue was that he was rarely available to play throughout his time at Ibrox.

In his seven seasons in Glasgow, Jack only had one year – the 2022/23 campaign – where he missed fewer than ten matches for the club through injury, and he was absent for 24 or more games in three of those years.

The Scotland international was on the sidelines for 14 clashes last season and ended the term with just 11 appearances to his name in the Scottish Premiership.

In those 11 outings, Jack did not do enough to suggest to Clement that he deserved more game time as the former Aberdeen man struggled badly out of possession.

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed metronome offered very little off the ball to help his team out from a defensive perspective in games.

He was dominated by opposition players in physical duels, losing the majority of his battles, and astonishingly only made two tackles and interceptions combined in 11 matches.

McLean could now come in to provide an experienced player for the young midfielders to look up to whilst providing far more quality and reliability on the pitch for the Belgian head coach, making him a perfect replacement for Jack.

Why Rangers should Kenny McLean

The Gers should snap up the Scotland international as he fits the bill in terms of what they are looking for from an experienced and quality midfielder.

Firstly, McLean has only missed five games through injury since the start of the 2019/20 season and he started all 46 of Norwich's regular season matches last term.

This suggests that the left-footed whiz would provide a level of reliability that Jack did not offer when it came to being available week-in-week-out.

The Canaries star is also a vastly experienced talent with over 250 appearances in the Premiership, over 60 games in the Premier League, and over 100 matches in the Championship throughout his career, which suggests that he could use his experience to help the younger players in his position as he has been there and done it many times before.

As you can see in the table above, McLean has the quality out of possession to offer far more to Rangers than Jack did off the ball last season, with his dominant success rate in duels and ability to make tackles, interceptions, and recoveries far more regularly.

In possession, the Norwich star also racked up five assists, seven 'big chances' created, and 0.7 key passes per game in the Championship, whereas the Gers man managed zero assists, two 'big chances' created, and 0.6 key passes per match.

These statistics indicate that the left-footed dynamo could also provide more creativity in possession with his ability to create high-quality chances for his teammates.

Lovelace 2.0: Rangers hold talks to sign exciting teen "goalscorer"

The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the impressive youngster.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 26, 2024

Therefore, McLean could come in as the perfect replacement for Jack due to his experience, availability, and quality, and that is why Clement must push to get a deal done for him this summer.

A game of golf, heading to the beach and dining outdoors will be on offer for the squads for most of the series

Andrew McGlashan11-Oct-2021Cricket Australia is continuing to work towards hosting the final men’s Ashes Test as scheduled in Perth in January with negotiations ongoing with the Western Australia government about the requirements to get the tour into the state but it will remain tough to get over the line.Over the weekend, the ECB board gave conditional approval to the tour going ahead if certain “critical conditions” are met over the coming weeks – related to visas, travel exemptions and details over biosecure plans – and on Sunday the squad was named.England will arrive into Queensland in two groups during November – the Test-only and Lions players on November 5 followed by those at the T20 World Cup later in the month – where they will undertake 14 days quarantine with additional freedoms around their resort hotel. Families will be able to join the tour.The first Test takes place at the Gabba on December 8 followed by the second in Adelaide with travel between Queensland and South Australia currently free of significant restrictions. The tour then swings to Melbourne and Sydney with the expectation they will be open to each other by then, but the sticking point remains travel to Perth with WA indicating it is unlikely to lift their hard border to New South Wales until next year.There is hope that the situation could have eased by mid-January as vaccination rates increase. But the likelihood is that if the Test does get the green light for Optus Stadium that the squads would need to return to tighter restrictions for the final week of the tour which could prove a hard sell to England who are strongly against strict bubbles.Related

• Lyon itching for Ashes contest after longest downtime

• Buttler commits to Ashes tour as England name squad for Australia

• England's 2021-22 Ashes squad – winners and losers

• Stokes is 'moving forward', says Silverwood, but unlikely to form part of England's Plan B

“We would desperately like to play the fifth Test in Perth, it’s absolutely our intention to do so,” Nick Hockley, the Cricket Australia CEO, said. “Those discussions are going on right as we speak. We are encouraged by the experience we had last summer when we were able to play five BBL matches in January.”There’s been a whole winter of experience of playing elite sport at Perth Stadium in biosecure conditions. We have strong relationships and are working through the detail as to what that might look like. It’s really important we are giving both squads, match officials and broadcasters a great experience and their wellbeing is front of mind.”Comments from WA premier, Mark McGowan, reinforced the view that there remain plenty of hurdles. “They’ll have to comply with the rules that are put in place,” he said. “I’ll continue to talk to the chief health officer about that but the rules are there for a reason, they keep us safe. NSW is riddled with Covid…we have to have pretty strong rules in place to protect our state and that will continue.”Hockley said it was “premature” to talk about contingencies should a Perth Test not get across the line – CA has previously insisted the order of the Tests would not change – but the options would range from hosting a second match in either Sydney or Melbourne, taking the series to Canberra or potentially Hobart which will lose out on hosting Afghanistan.In terms of the conditions the two squads will face once quarantine is complete for those who have to go through it – which will include Australia players from New South Wales and Victoria – they will vary from state-to-state but will allow various recreation and outdoor dining.”The environment has changed with people becoming vaccinated. We’ve really tried to prioritise the wellbeing of all concerned,” Hockley said. “A lot of it is about common sense, socially distancing and keeping safe, but through the course of the summer we would like the ability for our players to enjoy a round of golf, go to the beach, enjoy a meal outside.”Although Covid case numbers remain significantly lower in Australia than the UK, the risk of looser restrictions was shown during the English season when the home side had to name an entirely new squad for the ODI series against Pakistan then the final Test against India was called off.”Last season we played every match without a single case,” Hockley said. “If there was a case, there are clearly detailed protocols but it’s analysing the situation on a case-by-case basis, involves isolating the person who has tested positive then working quickly and forensically to work out whether there has been any close contact. That’s why we have a fantastic medical team. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that.”Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Test, which was due to start in Hobart on November 27 and provide a lead-in to the Ashes for the Australia players, has been all-but certain to be called off since CA took their stance on the potential exclusion of women from the sport with confirmation expected this week. However, Hockley said there remained a commitment to try and play the game in the future.”The work we’ve been doing is to understand the situation on the ground,” he said. “We made our position very, very clear off the back of some earlier comments around cricket potentially not being supported for women and girls. It’s most likely that we will postpone the Test until a time when there is more clarity following consultation with the Australia government.”

England captain is back in the city of his maiden hundred in 2013, after a wild ride through a series that defines him

Vithushan Ehantharajah20-Nov-2025It is a phrase many of those on England’s 2021-22 Ashes tour remember. Uttered at a time when the team were already down. Three-nil to be exact, after the one Test they did not lose, in Sydney.There were echoes of Leonardo DiCaprio’s interpretation of Jordan Belfort in Martin Scorsese’s “Wolf of Wall Street”. A dramatic declaration of defiance echoing through a crumbling institution. The protagonist in this instance – Ben Stokes – rallying in the face of the approaching bankruptcy of body and mind rather than pocket.Stokes had injured his side on day two of the fourth Test, and was unable to bowl the final delivery of his 14th over of Australia’s first innings, which eventually swelled to 416 for 8. He struck 66 the next day, then 60 two days later, of which the 123 deliveries taken were of far more importance as England clung on for a precious, whitewash-staving yet ultimately inconsequential draw.Scans revealed a grade two tear – a tour ender in anyone else’s side. And at the back end of a debilitating Covid-restricted tour, a route home, to the sanctity of normality. But Stokes did not want to go. He did not want to leave his team in the lurch.It didn’t matter of course; a non-bowling Stokes scored four and five as Australia won by 146 runs inside three days to secure their 4-0 win. His presence on the tour had come about through cutting short a much-needed mental health break. And yet, rather than break him further, it eventually brought him light. Cracks in the despair that allowed the light of future, better days to shine through. Not just for him, but English Test cricket. Both have become one and, on Friday, are embarking on another Ashes. His last in Australia.”I understand what this series means in my journey as England captain,” Stokes said in his final press conference at Perth’s Optus Stadium.Stokes rushed back to action for the 2021-22 Ashes but wasn’t mentally or physically ready•Getty ImagesSuccess would be a crowning glory to an already decorated career, let alone a major honor as a national leader. As a person, it would be another significant moment of a life indelibly linked with this country.It was here, in 2013-14, that Stokes announced himself as a cricketer. A rounder, redder-faced 22-year-old, he started the series with his head down, grafting, as the greatest England team you ever did see set about stabbing each other in the back and keeping notes for their own autobiographies. Each walk to and from the Optus from the team’s luxurious Crown Towers hotel has taken Stokes past the WACA, where he blitzed that maiden century. The time that has since elapsed was hammered home earlier this week by Stokes’ wife, Clare, who reminded him their son, Layton, was one at the time.Stokes left the country as England’s sole comfort, but returned a year later seemingly surplus to the team’s requirement. At a loose end after being omitted from England’s 2015 World Cup squad, he undertook a four-match Big Bash League stint as Melbourne Renegades overseas player, replacing Kiwi Jesse Ryder.Related

• The omnishambles Ashes: how England broke on the Covid tour of 2021-22

• Bazball has made England believers, whether Australia buy into it or not

• Australia's injuries fuel English optimism but task ahead is huge

• Smith: If the result doesn't go our way, we can turn it around

• Stokes yearns to join 'lucky few' in Ashes history

He dipped into the nightlife – as any young twenty-something in Melbourne should do – finding a kindred spirit in James Pattinson. Though only managing a couple of contributions – a 77 against Hobart Hurricanes and 2 for 22 versus Melbourne Stars – they were enough to pelt at the selectors. How could they leave out such a talent? They never did again and, seven years later, he had guided England to ODI and T20I World Cup wins.There is an argument to be made that Stokes’ experience on the fringes of the Ashes tour in 2017-18 might have been the most formative. The incident in Bristol that led to his ECB suspension that winter was itself a major blot on his character. But his experience of watching on from afar, powerless, as Joe Root’s first Ashes as captain unravelled was arguably the sharpest tool to have moulded the Stokes we see today. In his absence, the rest of the team caught the stray bullets; labelled a boozy team, even thuggish. Jonny Bairstow’s greeting of Cameron Bancroft – exaggerated as a “headbutt” – triggered umpteen headlines and a midnight curfew that exists to this day.A few weeks later, Ben Duckett was reprimanded for pouring a drink on James Anderson, who had already poured one on himself. Enough time has since passed for Duckett that, for old time’s sake, he even had designs on going back to the venue – The Avenue – while in Perth, only to find it had closed down. By contrast, Stokes refused to engage at all when the subject of that tour was brought up in a UK-only briefing at the team hotel earlier this week.Stokes recorded his maiden Test century on his last Ashes visit to Perth in 2013-14•Getty ImagesWhat is certain is that that absence partially motivated his late availability four years later. The determination to not let down his teammates, to fight with and for his best mate Root, and not shirk the flagellation that comes with a bruising Ashes defeat.Call it penance, call it contrition – but it was not wasted. From those depths, Stokes took stock. And when he was eventually handed the keys to English cricket in April 2022, had a plan that has, so far, taken him to 22 wins in 36 Tests as full-time captain.”I think what we’ve done over the last couple of years in particular is, we’ve made a team and a squad that have been able to gel together,” Stokes said.

This is the best version of Stokes to have made it to Australia. By extension, the team created in his image has a shot

“One big thing me and Baz [McCullum] firmly believe in is, if you create a tight-knit group, not only on the field, but off the field, then you create an environment where people are enjoying themselves away from the field, as well as on the field, because that’s just going to help team morale.”Beyond the talent, including the fastest pace attack they have ever taken to Australia, is the camaraderie that shines through. A greater togetherness has been married with the need for a more empathetic environment. When Stokes took over, the Test shirt was a heavy burden. Now, it is encouraged to be donned as a cape. His inkling three years ago that he needed to surround himself with “10 selfless cricketers” was sound, though perhaps a bit of an under-estimation. Those not part of the 12-man squad announced on Wednesday have been doubling as coaches; Matthew Potts spent yesterday hitting catches to England’s deep fielders, while Jacob Bethell – a left-handed thrower – was dog-sticking to batters on Thursday afternoon as they prepared for the challenge of facing Mitchell Starc.Joe Root struggled in Stokes’ absence on the 2017-18 tour, his first as captain•AFP”They’ve all proven themselves on the biggest stage that they can win games of cricket for England,” Stokes said of those now by his side. “They can change a game in a blink of an eye. In terms of telling them what to do cricket-wise … nothing. Just keep going out and doing what you’ve been doing, because it’s been pretty good since you’ve been going.”Much has been made of whether this is the best chance England have had in Australia since 2010-11. Their expectations in 2013-14 were arguably even higher, given that that tour featured many of the protagonists from the previous visit, and came off the back of England’s 3-0 Ashes win on home soil earlier that year. But then they were blindsided by Mitchell Johnson, and the rest was history.What is certain is this is the best version of Stokes to have made it to Australia. By extension, the team created in his image has a shot.Are they good enough to beat this Australia side? We do not have to wait long to find out. From Friday onwards, over the next six weeks in five different cities, we will finally be granted an answer. What we do know for certain is whichever way it goes, the players will not let each other down.

Borussia Dortmund reportedly turned down the chance to sign Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell after the left-back was frozen out of the squad.

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• Dortmund turned down Chilwell in summer
• Chilwell looking to leave Chelsea in January
• Dortmund may sign a left-back in the winter

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chilwell has been struggling with injuries since last season, and the once highly-rated left-back has become surplus to Enzo Maresca's squad this season. The England international only made 21 appearances for Chelsea last season and the Italian boss encouraged him to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  have now reported that Chilwell was offered to Borussia Dortmund in the summer as they had been looking for a left-back following the sale of Tom Rothe to Union Berlin. Ultimately, the Bundesliga team decided against adding a new left-back and instead gave highly regarded rookie Almugera Kabar, 18, a chance to serve as a backup.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Dortmund may still decide to change their minds about adding a new left-back during the winter transfer window, according to the report. Ian Maatsen made a significant impression for Dortmund when they brought him in on loan from Chelsea in January of last year.

• WHAT NEXT FOR CHILWELL?

  The England international is planning to make a move in January and it could be possible that Dortmund may reconsider their position from the summer. Chilwell has been linked with a number of clubs including Napoli and Manchester United.

Manchester United have been backed to launch an audacious move for a winger who has already had three spells in the Premier League, according to reports.

Man Utd chasing Joshua Zirkzee deal

There is an increasing possibility that Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee becomes Manchester United's first signing of the summer, but they will have to fight off competition to land the Bologna forward for Erik ten Hag.

As per Sky Sports, the Red Devils have "made it clear" that they are willing to meet the striker's €40m (£33m) release clause this summer, and are now in talks with his representatives, led by super agent Kia Joorabchian.

They are not safe yet though, with other clubs still circling for the forward. AC Milan remain a threat, having been the first club to show interest in the striker. Meanwhile, Juventus are also among those keen on the striker, having already taken Bologna's manager this summer and now considering a move to reunite the two.

Meanwhile, recent reports have also linked Liverpool with an audacious late move for the striker, though given Cody Gakpo's improvement and the presence of Darwin Nunez a move seems tricky for the Reds to pull off. As it stands, all signs point to Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe being the furthest advanced and leading the race, which leaves it likely that Zirkzee could be stepping out at Old Trafford on a regular basis next season.

But United aren't willing to stop there when it comes to bolstering their attack.

Man Utd willing to bid for Lookman

Now, an audacious report from Italian outlet CalcioMercato [via Sport Witness] has credited Manchester United as one of several Premier League sides tracking Ademola Lookman.

The Nigerian forward had difficult Premier League spells with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City, grabbing 11 goals across three seasons, but has been rejuvenated with Atalanta.

He scored a hat-trick to help them beat Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final and inflict Xabi Alonso's only defeat of the campaign and grabbed 11 goals and eight assists in 33 Serie A outings to help the Bergamo side into a spot in next season's Champions League.

It is form that has reportedly caught the eye, with the report claiming all of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are chasing him. To ward that off, Atalanta have slapped a hefty €60m price tag on his head (£50.7m), but even that is doing little to sway the trio.

Indeed, it is claimed that all three sides are "willing to make an offer" close to that mark in a bid to bring the 26-year-old back to the Premier League.

It seems a fanciful claim, with Chelsea and Liverpool both already well stocked in the wide departments and Manchester United seemingly looking elsewhere as things stand after making an early move for centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and now being linked with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Meanwhile, Lookman is down to the final two years of his £37,000 a week deal with Atalanta, and as a result, £50m to land him would seem an excessive sum. Signing Lookman would seemingly be a continuation of transfer strategies of old, rather than the new streamlined model that Ratcliffe is hoping to bring about.

The Victoria seamer has an outstanding domestic record and he believes his chances of higher honours don’t have to be all about pace

Alex Malcolm03-Oct-2025It is a question of when, not if, Australia’s Test attack will go through a significant transition and by every metric, Victoria’s Fergus O’Neill should be perfectly placed to be part of the next phase. Every metric that is, except one.The 24-year-old can lay claim to being the best seamer in Sheffield Shield cricket for the past two seasons. His first-class record is stunning – 134 wickets at 20.37 from 34 matches, striking at 48.4 and conceding just 2.52 runs per over. He’s twice been picked for Australia A, including on the recent tour of India which shows the national selectors’ respect for what he has accomplished with Victoria.But on the eve of the new Shield season, a week after England named an Ashes touring squad with potentially their fastest-ever battery of quicks, it is very clear what metric O’Neill is perceived to be missing.Related

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O’Neill is aware of it and he’s not trying to rail against it. He knows what his strengths are but he also has a great example to follow in Victoria team-mate Scott Boland, who has shown the path of how to go from a dominant domestic bowler to a high-class Test performer without the exceptional pace that some perceive is needed.”I think for me, the air speed thing is a little bit of a myth, not completely, but I feel like Scotty, whatever he is bowling on the gun, it feels 10kph faster,” O’Neill told ESPNcricinfo.”He’s obviously still certainly fast enough, but they speak about energy on the ball and how the ball hits the bat, and I feel like, for me, I need to make sure that I still have that, and I have that for my whole spell.”Then there’s little things you need to add in here, like a little up in speed ball I’ve been trying to work in or a surprise bouncer.”It’s probably something that I haven’t really done the last two or three years. I’ve just kind of come in and bowled the ball up at the stumps and tried to seam it around, and fortunately the wickets have been in my favour.