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England’s under-fire seamer adapts to livelier pitch and reaps rewards

Alan Gardner25-Mar-2022How do you solve a problem like Chris Woakes? Not that you’d think there’s much wrong with a fine, multipurpose cricketer and all-round good guy, a man capable of scoring a Test hundred and opening the bowling in a World Cup final. If he were a vehicle, Woakes would be a high-spec, low-emission five-door saloon that comes with automatic parking assist and plenty of room in the trunk.Yet there is one element of his game where the reviews turn consistently negative: an overseas bowling average in the 50s. Contrast that with Woakes’ heroics in home conditions, where he takes his wickets at a cost of 22.63 – better than the two classic roadsters left behind for this trip, James Anderson (24.20) and Stuart Broad (25.78) – and you have the central conundrum that England’s hierarchy were hoping to address over the course of a three-Test series in the Caribbean.Come the second day in Grenada, it’s fair to assume that conclusions were already being drawn. Woakes had misfired badly with the spotlight on him in Antigua and things had not improved perceptibly since that ropey first spell. He might not have played here, had Ollie Robinson been fit, and had chipped out two wickets – Jermaine Blackwood and Kemar Roach – from two-and-a-bit Tests, that clunking away record continuing to hang around his neck like an albatross.England may have thought that entrusting Woakes with opening the bowling would increase his cutting edge, but another tepid start set the tone in the wrong way. Kraigg Braithwaite and John Campbell calmly compiled their third 50-plus stand of the series, aided by a new-ball spell from Woakes and Craig Overton that carried all the menace of an offer of flowers and a foot massage. Half of the 30 deliveries Woakes bowled were left alone, and figures of 5-2-11-0 took his combined returns from initial spells across five innings in Antigua, Barbados and Grenada to 21-6-70-0.Related

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All this on the spiciest pitch of the tour, one which had enabled West Indies’ seamers to fill their boots in reducing England to 114 for 9 on day one. Perhaps conditions had eased – as they clearly did while Jack Leach and Saqib Mahmood were putting on their last-wicket salvage operation – but the comparison was not flattering. Jayden Seales, Roach and Co. had required a bit of time to get things right, England’s openers surviving into the 13th over before wickets began to tumble – but up to that point, according to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball logs, the West Indies fast bowlers had induced 21 not-in-control responses; across the same number of deliveries, England managed just nine.”I think in the first hour we probably could have bowled a little bit fuller,” Woakes told BT Sport after play. “We were probably a little bit short, could have made the batsmen play a little bit more. But at the same time, I actually thought when we got the ball in the right areas, the ball didn’t seem to offer a lot of what we saw yesterday. Maybe the roller wore off after an hour and then once we got the ball in those areas more consistently, we saw it was more difficult to bat.”Reasonably put but once again there was a sense that, no matter how many admirable skills he does possess, Woakes was lacking for something. Nasser Hussain wrote in his autobiography about how Duncan Fletcher, England’s coach during his captaincy, rated Darren Gough for a quality he referred to as the “dogf*ck” – translated by Hussain as “the ability not to get fazed and to know what to do”. Woakes, to put it mildly, doesn’t come across as a prime “dogf*ck” candidate.But one player in the England XI does undoubtedly have those Gough-like qualities of indefatigability and resourcefulness. If Woakes has been the de facto attack leader, in the absence of Anderson and Broad, then Ben Stokes was once again the ring leader as the tourists set about turning things around after a fruitless first hour.Stokes crowbarred an opening by hitting the pitch hard, getting one to scuttle through and pin Brathwaite lbw; Saqib Mahmood found similar success against Shamarh Brooks, and when Overton dug one in short to produce a glove down the leg side from Campbell, England had their template for success on a surface that remained tricky to bat on if no longer the green mamba of Thursday morning.None of which seemed to bode well for Woakes and his prim, orthodox approach when he was called back into the fray after lunch. But then you don’t survive for more than a decade in international cricket, claiming almost 300 wickets as well as a World Cup winner’s medal, if you don’t have a bit about you. Maybe the “dogf*ck” was there after all, or perhaps it was simply a change of fortune, but Woakes had suddenly gone from school prefect to bearded brawler in the thick of the action.Chris Woakes struck twice in one over•Getty ImagesImmediately he began to bowl a more attacking line, England reviewing unsuccessfully for an edge down the leg side off Blackwood, then seeing a similar decision given against Nkrumah Bonner only for the DRS to intervene again. But Woakes kept bashing away until he finally hit pay dirt.His first wicket came via a skidding bouncer that left Bonner on his backside as it kissed the glove through to Ben Foakes. Three balls later, he again tested out the middle of the pitch to good effect, Jason Holder miscuing a pull to deep square leg. Blackwood was then pinned just above the knee roll and this time the umpire – and the technology – sided with the bowler. West Indies were 95 for 6 and, while not quite in the same stew that England had extricated themselves from 24 hours previously, the game was evenly poised.”To pick up three today was really nice,” Woakes said. “I always try to do a job for the team. That was quite an important spell after lunch, getting their middle order out. It’s the sort of wicket, with the ball getting softer that they could have cashed in. As long as I’m doing a job for team I’m happy.”Obviously I would have loved to have taken more wickets, but it hasn’t happened. The most important thing is trying to do a job for the team and whilst I’m still selected I will continue to do that.”At the end of the day things were still in the balance, as another lower-order fightback edged West Indies in front on first innings. Woakes had bared his canines and claimed three or more wickets in an innings of an away Test for only the fourth time in 36 attempts – whether his efforts are to be remembered as a vital contribution to a gutsy Test win or a footnote in England’s latest failure in the Caribbean is as yet unwritten.It wasn’t quite a case of Woakes saying “No more Mr Nice Guy” and tearing up all our pre-conceptions. But it might help prevent England from deciding “No more Mr Nice Guy” the next time an overseas tour comes around.

da marjack bet： Liverpool are marching their way through the summer transfer window, picking up any number of talented recruits to add to Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning squad.

da cassino： With Milos Kerkez’s £40m move from Bournemouth to Anfield now sealed, sporting director Richard Hughes may well take a breather and ponder whether to target any final brush-ups so Liverpool can remain competitive at the very highest level once again.

With Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong brought over from Bayer Leverkusen, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving to replace Caoimhin Kelleher, you’d think that this might be the case.

Let’s not forget, though, the Reds have had to swallow some degree of setback, with Trent Alexander-Arnold opting against renewing his contract and instead signing for Real Madrid at the end of his contract.

Moreover, interest in Luis Diaz’s signature is rife, and FSG may have to consider signing a replacement this summer.

The latest on Luis Diaz's future

While The Athletic’s David Ornstein has stressed that Liverpool are willing to keep onto Diaz, 28, even if it means running down his contract, Barcelona and further suitors in Saudi Arabia are keen, and the latter might be willing to pay a handsome figure.

Coming off the back of his best season in a Liverpool shirt, the versatile Diaz has proved invaluable for Slot’s side, scoring 17 goals and supplying eight assists across the past campaign.

But he’s not without his flaws, and the Anfield side has lined up long-term target Anthony Gordon as a potential replacement, although he has been priced in the £75m ballpark.

Gordon, to be sure, is a good winger, but Newcastle would want silly money for his sale and an exciting alternative may well have been earmarked by Hughes and co.

Liverpool enquire for Gordon alternative

As per BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, Liverpool are one of the clubs to have lodged an official enquiry for West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, who is anticipated to be leaving East London this summer.

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Speaking on the Latte Firm Arsenal podcast, he said: “My information is that all of the top six in the Premier League have checked in on the conditions of that deal. He’s got an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs but I think West Ham would be willing to go below that.

“They wouldn’t take masses below that but they would be open to a negotiation. There is a long-term interest there [from Arsenal] and as I understand that, there has been an enquiry from the Premier League’s top six.”

The Ghanaian star struggled to find his finest form throughout a turbulent season for the Hammers, and, as such, it would not be a huge surprise to see West Ham accept a reduced fee, although the exact figure is undetermined.

While Arsenal have been reported to have had a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old, if Diaz does go, Kudus could be a great fit.

What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Liverpool

West Ham signed Kudus from Ajax for around £38m in August 2023, and he has since posted 19 goals and 13 assists from 80 matches. Despite his incredible quality, however, Kudus has suffered from second-season syndrome.

Five goals and three assists in the Premier League last season hardly denote elite-level output, but then Kudus’ skill set is an incredible thing, boasting power and movement that most wingers can only dream of.

He would need to make prolific improvements next year, but then he surely would in Liverpool’s team, playing alongside Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and the rest.

Given that Gordon only scored six top-flight goals, laying on five more assists, there’s certainly no guarantee that the England international would prove the tonic for which the hole left by Diaz’s absence could be healed.

Curiously, both Kudus and Gordon dipped somewhat in 2024/25 after previously thriving in the Premier League. Both are talented and proven wingers, dynamic and versatile, explosive and electric.

Let’s have a look at their statistics across 2023/24 and how they compare when both are firing on all cylinders.

Anthony Gordon vs Mohammed Kudus in the Prem (23/24)

Stats (* per game)

Gordon

Kudus

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

33 (27)

Goals

11

8

Assists

10

6

Touches*

2.3 (0.9)

2.0 (0.5)

Pass completion

82%

84%

Key passes*

1.6

0.8

Big chances created

16

5

Dribbles*

1.5

3.8

Ball recoveries*

3.6

6.4

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

2.3

Duels

5.3

8.5

All data via Sofascore

Gordon certainly has the advantage in terms of output, and he’s more refined in his underlying playmaking too.

However, Kudus’ fleet-footedness and strength have turned him into something of a duel monster, outfoxing his opponents with blistering speed and sharp shimmies to drive the ball into the danger area.

Is it any wonder journalist Gary Al-Smith has hailed him a “generational talent”? Indeed, even though he flattered to deceive at times in 2024/25, Kudus still recorded the second-highest dribble count across the Premier League term, behind only Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku.

Just imagine this kind of explosiveness in Slot’s system. Diaz, while blessed with such suitable properties, ranked only among the top 39% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive carries and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Gordon, meanwhile, ranked among the top 22% and 46% for the same metrics. What about the Irons speedster? He ranked among the top 3% for successful take-ons, and a glance up at his dribble average across his first Premier League term tells you all you need to know about his capacity as a ball carrier.

If any coach across Europe is capable of getting a tune out of the African sensation’s clinical potential, it’s Slot. Moreover, the Dutch tactician will know exactly how to best utilise Kudus’ talents on the athletic front, using them in conjunction with the creative artistry of the aforementioned Liverpool stars.

It’s a different kind of profile, more unrelenting and chaotic than Diaz’s and indeed Gordon’s.

Given the finances involved in pulling Gordon away from St. James’ Park, Liverpool might want to invest their energy into signing Kudus, especially as he is set to be available for a reduced fee.

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The Test will start on September 18, with the rest day slotted for September 21 because of the presidential elections

Madushka Balasuriya23-Aug-2024The first Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test, starting September 18 in Galle, has six days allocated to it, with a rest day thrown in to accommodate the country’s presidential elections on September 21. The series is of two Tests, which are part of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.This will be the first instance of a rest day in a Test match since the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test in Dhaka in 2008, which accommodated a rest day because of the parliamentary elections.The last rest day to occur in Sri Lanka, meanwhile, was back in December 2001, in a Test against Zimbabwe. This was down to the occurrence of a full moon, a day being a public holiday in the largely Buddhist nation. Before gradually fading into oblivion, for all practical purposes, Sundays were rest days in Tests in England, well into the 1990s.New Zealand and Sri Lanka last faced each other in a Test series at the start of 2023, which New Zealand won 2-0 at home. New Zealand last toured Sri Lanka in 2019, drawing the Test series 1-1 and winning 2-1 in the T20Is.New Zealand will tour Sri Lanka after playing a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida in what is busy summer of cricket for them. Before the end of the year, New Zealand will also have Test series against India and England, before Sri Lanka make a return tour to New Zealand towards the end of December for three T20Is and three ODIs.

The third day ended with England only 64 behind Pakistan’s 556 with seven first-innings wickets in hand

Vithushan Ehantharajah09-Oct-2024

Joe Root and Harry Brook have so far combined for 243 runs•Getty Images

Stumps Responding to Pakistan’s mammoth first-innings score of 556 after the best part of two days in the dirt was always going to require something special from England. Not only did they respond emphatically to end day three of this first Test on 492 for 3, trailing by just 64, but they did so in historic fashion.Joe Root became England’s leading Test run-scorer, passing Sir Alastair Cook’s record of 12,473 runs on his way to a 35th Test hundred. It was typical Root, unassuming and busy with just 12 fours, set against Harry Brook’s boisterous 141* from 173 deliveries, picking up where he left off from a Player-of-the-Series performance on the 2022 tour of Pakistan, with his fourth century against them in as many matches.As it happens, this is Root’s first on these shores. And it has come after spending all day at the crease – he was the last England batter to achieve that feat, against Sri Lanka in Galle three years ago – meaning he has been absent for just eight deliveries of the 250 overs of this match so far.Related

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No wonder he struggled with cramps for the last half of the day. Having come to the crease on Tuesday following the dismissal of stand-in skipper Ollie Pope with just four on the board, resuming on Wednesday with England 96 for 1, he will mark his guard with 176 against his name on Thursday morning with his side holding all the aces.The Yorkshire duo of Root and Brook combined for 243 (and counting), a third successive century stand in the innings after Zak Crawley’s 78 and Ben Duckett’s 84 provided the guts for 109- and 136-run stands for the second and third wickets, respectively.As it has been for most of the last 12 years in English cricket, Root was the glue throughout. Starting day three with 32 to his name, he made the final ascent to the top of the England run-scorers’ pile 15 minutes before lunch when, on 67, he leaned into another compact drive for four to march along to 12,473 career runs, overtaking Cook as England’s most prolific Test batter, and the fifth overall, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid.Root was always going to mark the occasion with three figures, especially on a pitch that remains interminably dull, with just two wickets falling all day, and none in the final session. He moved to a crisp 100 with a reverse sweep off his 167th ball for a fifth century in 2024. It was the third time he has struck as many in a calendar year, after 2021 and 2022. Only Ricky Ponting (four) and Matthew Hayden (four) scored five or more Test centuries in more calendar years.Aamer Jamal was by far the most impressive of Pakistan’s bowlers on the day•Getty Images

Root was finding matters so easy that he even took to batting left-handed against legspinner Abrar Ahmed, who was hiding the ball outside leg stump as much to slow the game down as to protect himself. Two years after marking his Test debut with 11 wickets against England at this very ground, he currently nurses grim figures of 0 for 174 from 35 overs. That Root only struck one of his fours off Abrar – a full toss dispatched through midwicket off the opening ball of the 92nd over of the innings – spoke to the punishment meted out by Crawley, Duckett and, latterly, Brook.Indeed Crawley and Duckett should have got three figures themselves. But within the first hour of play, Crawley flicked uppishly across a full-length delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi and picked out Aamer Jamal at midwicket. Jamal’s second catch of the innings wasn’t a patch on the screamer with which he had dismissed Pope on the second evening, however. The ball looped straight to him, and he all but dropped it before scooping it up at the second attempt.Either way, Crawley was gone for his sixth score between 60 and 80 this year. Duckett strode in at No. 4 and motored on, showing no ill-effects from a thumb injury that prevented him from opening the batting. He had one life on 37, when Naseem Shah found his outside edge only for the ball to bisect keeper and a wide first slip. But with the ball reversing enough for Jamal to trap the left-hand batter on the crease from around the wicket, Duckett was dismissed for the fourth time between 70 and 90 since his third Test hundred back in February, against India in Rajkot.Brook, however, naturally assumed the mantle of aggressor immediately upon his arrival with the score 249 for 3. It was on the previous Pakistan tour that Brook announced himself to the world with 468 runs at 93.60, with centuries in all three Tests. A guided four to third from his second delivery showed he was back to inflict more upon the hosts two years on.Harry Brook continued his love affair with the Pakistan bowlers•Getty Images

Despite a hint of reverse swing on offer – first with Jamal, then Afridi – Brook’s speed out of the blocks could not be tempered. Afridi felt the full force of that when a short delivery was smashed back down the ground like a tennis forehand for the first of consecutive boundaries. Brook made it to his half-century in 49 deliveries, his fifth 50-plus score in six innings against Pakistan.Brook’s next fifty took a little longer – 69 balls – in part because the field was spread, the bowling lines negative, and his own battles with cramp, which meant neither he nor Root could push for singles or fully commit to attacking strokes that required extra stretching. But having consumed plenty of gels and isotonic drinks, he struck Abrar down the ground in the 83rd over for the first six of the innings, which took him to 98. A misfield for two cut to point brought up his sixth career century.He could have been on his way back on 75 when a block off the impressive Jamal – comfortably the pick of the bowlers – ricocheted off his grille and rolled on to his stumps without dislodging the bails. Root, similarly, could have been seen off on 168 had umpire Kumar Dharmasena raised the finger following a strong lbw shout from Naseem, after rare seam movement pinned the batter in front with the second new ball. Shan Masood opted to use Pakistan’s last review to double-check, which was retained after DRS came back with an umpire’s call on the impact into leg stump.It summed up a torturous time for Pakistan, who conceded 4.83 an over across today’s 82 overs, watching on powerlessly as their opening effort was made to feel under par. With a night’s rest for Root and Brook, and Jamie Smith waiting in the wings, a first innings lead of note feels inevitable.

Former Bangladesh coach says the allegations against him are premeditated

Mohammad Isam18-Oct-2024

Chandika Hathurusinghe was sacked for alleged misconduct•AFP/Getty Images

Sacked Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has accused BCB president Faruque Ahmed of making “premeditated” allegations against him – of assaulting a player and breaching his terms of employment. The BCB had on Thursday removed Hathurusinghe as coach of the national men’s team citing those reasons, and appointed Phil Simmons until the Champions Trophy in 2025.”These allegations appear to me to be premeditated,” Hathurusinghe said in a statement sent to ESPNcricinfo. “On the first day of the new president’s term, he made a public statement expressing his desire to remove the head coach, which he acknowledged might involve financial repercussions for the BCB.”Additionally, I was shocked to receive a ‘show cause notice’ just four hours before the appointment of another head coach, despite the notice stating that I had 48 hours to prove my innocence. This sequence of events raises serious questions about the motives behind these actions.”Related

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The BCB had suspended Hathurusinghe on October 15 for allegedly assaulting a player during the 2023 ODI World Cup and for taking more time off than was permitted in his contract. The board formally terminated his contract on October 17.Hathurusinghe said the player in question had not reported the incident to the Bangladesh team manager at the time, and that the alleged incident came to light only when a YouTuber “orchestrated the narrative”.”I cannot allow this presumption [to go] unchallenged without responding,” Hathurusinghe wrote. “I believe it is essential to clarify the facts as I see them surrounding these accusations and present my side of the story. Firstly, the alleged incident purportedly occurred in the players’ dugout or dressing room, a location that is under constant surveillance during World Cup matches…”Furthermore, if the incident was as serious as claimed, it is perplexing that the player involved did not report the incident to the team manager or any authority immediately following the alleged event. If a complaint was made, I wonder why I was not questioned or approached for my side of the story at that time. It raises the question as to why the narrative was orchestrated months later by an individual on YouTube?”The BCB’s second allegation against Hathurusinghe was taking excessive time off. ESPNcricinfo has learned that he reportedly took 112 days off in 2023 and 59 in 2024, when his contract allowed him only 45 days of leave in a year. Hathurusinghe said he had been granted leave by BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury and the cricket operations committee chairman Jalal Yunus.”I have consistently sought and received approval from both the CEO and the chairman of cricket operations whenever I have taken personal leave,” he said. “At no time did the BCB tell me that they were unhappy with my leave situation, but conversely, every time I asked for leave, it was granted by BCB. At no time did I go on leave without their authorisation.”When the new board members alleged that I had taken excessive leave, they did not account for public holidays, such as Eid, nor the Fridays which may have occurred during my leave. Nor did they give credit for when I did not take allowed time off during public holidays. As I understand it, according to Bangladesh labour law, I am entitled to ‘time in lieu’ for work done on Fridays. Additionally, as a BCB employee, I am entitled to leave on Fridays and a half-day off on Thursdays.”Hathurusinghe: I was advised to leave Bangladesh on security groundsHathurusinghe said he had left Bangladesh for reasons of security, and questioned the BCB’s treatment of its employees and the motivation of the new board administration, which was put in place following the overthrow of the Bangladesh government in August.”Given the circumstances, I was advised to leave Bangladesh on security grounds,” Hathurusinghe said. “The combination of these allegations, the swift appointment of a new head coach, and the apparent lack of due process raises significant concerns about the motivation of the new management and the treatment of employees within the BCB.”I am committed to defending my reputation and will cooperate fully with any investigation into these matters. In the end truth will prevail, and I can continue to contribute positively to the sport I love.”This was Hathurusinghe’s second stint as Bangladesh coach. He was appointed in 2014 and stayed for three years before resigning in October 2017. He returned in February 2023 and was sacked with five months left in his two-year term.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading for the exit door, Everton have turned their attention towards a La Liga star and are now reportedly ready to match his release clause worth over £30m.

Everton set to lose Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin’s contract situation is one that has been rumbling on for some time. In truth, however, a new deal has never really seemed likely for the academy graduate, who now looks destined to depart as a free agent at the end of this month.

It puts the Toffees in an interesting position. Whilst they wouldn’t have been desperate to lose an academy graduate, Calvert-Lewin’s form and injury history across recent years have hardly made him the main man in Merseyside, especially with Beto finding his feet under David Moyes in the second half of last season.

2024/25

3

2023/24

7

2022/23

2

2021/22

16

Circumstances have been tough at times, but Calvert-Lewin’s drop-off is undeniable. From scoring 16 goals in one season to finally bursting into life and finding his best form, the forward has managed a combined total of 12 in the last three seasons. For all parties, an exit makes perfect sense.

That said, Everton must still replace the 28-year-old and they seem well aware of that. The Friedkin Group already attempted to make a statement by winning the race to sign Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, only for Chelsea to come calling with an offer that the forward could not and did not refuse.

Now, they’re back to the drawing board. Ahead of a new era, a marquee signing to lead the line certainly wouldn’t go amiss. After missing out on Delap, the big question is just who Everton will turn to in the coming months.

The rumours are coming thick and fast regarding a La Liga star, however, who has a similar release clause to the aforementioned Delap.

Everton ready to match Thierno Barry's release clause

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are now ready to meet Thierno Barry’s release clause this summer which is worth €40m (£34m) this summer. Having initially shown interest in the Villarreal forward, those in Merseyside are reportedly ready to step up their move to commence their transfer business with the La Liga star also keen on a move.

It’s clear to see why Everton are so eager to push on with their move for Barry too. The 22-year-old got off to a rapid start at Villarreal last season, earning the praise of scout Jacek Kulig who dubbed him an “exciting CF investment”, and has since stolen even more headlines.

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The Toffees could sign a vastly experienced star…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 8, 2025

By the time that last season reached a conclusion, Barry had found the back of the net 19 times in all competitions. If Everton are to welcome a marquee signing to commence their summer business, he should be at the top of their wishlist.

Reactions to West Indies’ thrilling final-day win over England in the first Test in Southampton

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2020

What a test match to Herald the return of cricket. Steely determination from @windiescricket both @benstokes38 and Jason Holder have shown themselves to be exemplary leaders.

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) July 13, 2020

Congratulations Windies – that was a joy to watch. Burning rubber!

— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) July 12, 2020

Great week of Test Cricket … For the West Indies to have come over to play is remarkable in these times … For them to have played so well & won is incredible … I don’t even think England fans will be too disappointed … bloody love Test cricket

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 12, 2020

Outstanding 1st test, @windiescricket can be very proud the way they fought over 5 days, @Jaseholder98 & @Coachsim13 have created a strong culture within the squad over the past year. More exciting things to come from the West Indies! #ENGvWI

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 13, 2020

There's that thing that Eng men rarely win their first Test.

But more importantly, WI men played rally, rally good!

— Iain O'Brien (@iainobrien) July 12, 2020

Nice to wake up and see that the @windiescricket have won the first Test match. Given the build-up for this game, as well as the meaning behind it for so many reasons. So much strength can be taken out of this match for a team that is lead so well by @JasonHolder & @Coachsim13

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) July 12, 2020

Congrats @windiescricket for a magical performance Great test match win @Jaseholder98 & gang bring on Old Trafford #seampipbouncefizz pic.twitter.com/ZTthKCr8JJ

— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) July 13, 2020

Well done @windiescricket Super win .. they seem to be able to life to their best especially against England Great stuff .. Congratulations!!!

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) July 13, 2020

Congrats @windiescricket well fought win in an entertaining Test match
Intriguing last days play. Bowlers all had a crack.
Blackwood’s 95 was awesome deserved a #TestCricketsBack #ENGvWI

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) July 13, 2020

Well done to @windiescricket played with patience great skill and maturity we’ll lead by their captain @Jaseholder98 #ENGvWI

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) July 12, 2020

First game after the break belongs to us!

Some gritty performance from the lads. This team deserves the win in this game. Congratulations boys

You make us proud… #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/wYAVRGOwh6

— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) July 12, 2020

Can’t speak highly enough about the skill and character shown by @windiescricket . Very well coached and led by @Coachsim13 and @Jaseholder98 . Kudos to Gabriel and Blackwood as well for outstanding contributions. Yes still two test to go but good start.

— Ian bishop (@irbishi) July 12, 2020

Wow @windiescricket what a win. Top display of test cricket.

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 12, 2020

Well played Windies .
A big to @ECB_cricket and Sky sports for putting together some wonderful cricket during these times. #ENGvsWI #TestCricket

— Ashwin (During Covid 19)(@ashwinravi99) July 13, 2020

Congratulations #WestIndies for winning the first test . We got to see some good cricket, led by world class players from both the teams. Really settled the appetite as we missed the game over the past few months. #ENGvWI

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) July 12, 2020

Great Test match victory!
Well done to @Jaseholder98 and the boys.
To the coaching and management staff great job getting the guys ready. #ENGvWI

— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) July 12, 2020

Absolutely brilliant by the West Indies, 1st Test win of the 3 match series. It was always going to be tough in the UK, but great character and resolve by @Jaseholder98 and his team. Critical contributions made by Gabriel & Blackwood. Celebrate and set your sights on the next one

— Daren Ganga (@DarenGanga) July 12, 2020

Well played, West Indies.
Well played, Test Cricket
Thank You, England….for making this possible in current times. Gratitude. #EngWI #TestCricket

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 12, 2020

Great characters shown in this win by some key players.. congratulations to coach , capt and team https://t.co/sSEMl0kAz6

— Courtney A Walsh (@CuddyWalsh) July 12, 2020

Excellent win for @windiescricket
Led exceptionally by @Jaseholder98; Shannon Gabriel (9 wkts) stood up & Blackwood played a great knock in the run-chase. Great start to cricket after a long break. Crowds won’t be back in the stadiums but quality cricket is surely back #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/DmkHBF8AML

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 12, 2020

Good all-round performances by players from both teams.
Jermaine Blackwood played a crucial knock in a tense situation to see @windiescricket through. An important win which has set up the series perfectly. #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/PLbJlqIe8c

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2020

Many congratulations @windiescricket on a brilliant win. Great display of skills and maturity and extremely well led by Jason Holder. Top knock from Blackwood in the fourth innings and West Indies showing how it is done #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/Y09bLzwaYk

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 12, 2020

James Sutherland’s tenure as Cricket Australia CEO encompassed many pivotal moments both at home and for cricket globally

Daniel Brettig25-Oct-20181998 – Having worked at the accounting firm Ernst & Young and the Carlton Football Club, joins the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) as chief financial officer, working closely with the Australian Cricketers Association chief Tim May to work out the detail of the first MoU between the players and the Board

2001 – Appointed chief executive of the ACB, replacing Malcolm Speed. At 35 years of age, he is younger than the then captain of the Australian cricket team, Steve Waugh.

2003 – Flies to Johannesburg to announce that Shane Warne, his former Victoria team-mate, is to be sent home from Australia’s World Cup campaign for taking a prohibited substance. Warne is subsequently banned from the game for a year. After an ugly incident between Glenn McGrath and Ramnaresh Sarwan on the West Indies tour that followed, Sutherland announces a renewed focus on the spirit of cricket in a speech in Perth.

2005 – Signs a seven-year deal with Channel Nine for free-to-air rights to international cricket worth AUD280 million, the last contract done with Kerry Packer before his death later that year. Also secures a separate deal with Foxtel to cover domestic cricket, including the new state-based Big Bash, forerunner to the Big Bash League.

2007 – Involved in discussions around the setting up of the IPL, and its companion tournament, the Twenty20 Champions League, which reaps a 10-year, USD900 million deal with ESPN/Star Sports. This deal ultimately helps provide CA with start-up funding for the launch of the BBL.

James Sutherland had to deal with the fallout from an ill-tempered India visit in 2008•Getty Images2008 – “Monkeygate” dispute with the BCCI almost brings a premature end to India’s visit of Australia, but the tour continues after Harbhajan Singh’s appeal against an ICC charge of racial vilification against Andrew Symonds is successful. Sutherland later speaks at an ICC forum, at which he argues for league structures and context for international cricket, as well as pushing for better relationships between players and their boards. “We need to look after our players. We need to keep them close. We need to understand them. We need to respect their advisors and their member associations,” he said. “We don’t have to always agree with them, but we should respect their views, as they should respect ours.”

2009 – The state second XI competition is converted into the Future League, limiting teams to three players each over the age of 23 and thereby stripping a host of older players out of the system after many had left in 2007-08 to play in the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League. 

2010 – Oversees Australian Cricket Conference at Aitken Hill in Victoria, where the board of 14 state-appointed directors agrees to a governance review with a view towards becoming a smaller, independent body. Draft plans to turn the state-based Big Bash into a city-based, eight team Big Bash League are brought forward from 2012 to 2011.

2011 – Australia’s 3-1 home Ashes defeat compels Sutherland to commission the Argus review into team performance, which results in the appointment of Pat Howard as team performance manager, Mickey Arthur as coach and the new captain Michael Clarke, who replaced Ricky Ponting, as a selector. The BBL is launched, but a private investment float suggested by the board is withdrawn due to a lack of interest in its terms. 

James Sutherland and Pat Howard announce the sacking of Mickey Arthur•AFP2012 – Sutherland signs off on a new MoU with the ACA, retaining a fixed revenue percentage model but including performance-based payment bonuses for the first time, as per a recommendation of the Argus review. CA’s new governance model is approved, resulting in a board of nine independent directors. One of the new directors, Kevin Roberts, will ultimately replace Sutherland as CEO.

2013 – Homework scandal in India sees Shane Watson, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson suspended for a Test match. Sutherland and Howard, after consultation with the ACA chief executive Paul Marsh, elect to sack the coach Arthur after a further scandal involving David Warner punching Joe Root in a Birmingham nightclub during the Champions Trophy. The new coach Darren Lehmann helps Clarke guide Australia to a competitive Ashes showing in England, before they regain the urn with a 5-0 thrashing of Alastair Cook’s team at home. New broadcast deal signed with Nine and Ten networks, for international cricket and the BBL, worth AUD590 million over five years.

2014 – “Big Three” carve-up of ICC events revenue by the boards of India, England and Australia. Phillip Hughes’ death when struck by a cricket ball while batting in a Sheffield Shield match in November causes nationwide mourning. Sutherland negotiates a delayed start to the subsequent Test series with India and also speaks at Hughes’ funeral. Steven Smith captains his first Test series in the absence of an injured Clarke. Sutherland moves off contract and onto a rolling employment deal with CA. Total participation in the game in Australia passes one million according to CA’s national cricket census.

2015 – Australia and New Zealand host the ICC World Cup to record crowds, and the tournament is won by Clarke’s team. After the loss of the Ashes in England, Smith replaces the retiring Clarke as captain. Roberts leaves the CA Board and joins the executive, immediately being recognised as Sutherland’s likely successor. The Women’s Big Bash League is launched as a companion to the BBL, with the same eight teams and shared identities. Inaugural day-night Test is played in Adelaide.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland speaks to the media after Darren Lehmann resigned as coach•Getty Images2016 – Five consecutive Test match losses by Australia, in Sri Lanka and at home to South Africa, compel Sutherland and Howard to visit the dressing room in Hobart and stress that better is required. The selection chairman Rod Marsh resigns and is replaced by Trevor Hohns. The contract of the coach Lehmann is extended until 2019.

2017 – A new MoU is signed after a protracted and bitter fight between the board and the players. An Australia A tour of South Africa is cancelled, and players go without pay for a month until the dispute is resolved in August. Sutherland, having stayed out of negotiations at the behest of the board, works through a compromise deal with his ACA equivalent Alistair Nicholson as the clock ticks down to a tour of Bangladesh. League structures for Test matches and ODIs are finally approved by the ICC, some 14 years after Sutherland began proposing them. Australia regain the Ashes at home.

2018 – Newlands ball tampering scandal results in bans for Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, and the resignation of Lehmann, to be replaced by Justin Langer. A new broadcast rights deal, worth AUD1.18 billion, is signed with the Seven and Fox Sports networks. Sutherland announces in June that he will resign as CEO after 17 years. His chief operating officer Roberts is appointed as his replacement. Sutherland departs after the AGM in October, a few days before the findings of two independent cultural reviews of CA are to be released.

Glasgow Rangers face arguably their most important summer in recent memory. Barry Ferguson’s interim spell will finish at the end of the season, which means that the Ibrox side will be looking for a permanent manager.

The news story which has dominated the previous few weeks was whether or not the 49ers Enterprises would finalise their proposed takeover of the club heading into the summer.

The latest on Rangers' prospective takeover by the 49ers

An update given by the Scottish Sun a few days ago stated that Andrew Cavenagh and the San Francisco 49ers have secured the required shares to complete their takeover at Rangers.

The American consortium has acquired 51% of the Gers and is expected to complete the multimillion-pound deal by the end of next month.

Firstly, they will have to bring in a new manager to the club, especially with pre-season looming on the horizon.

After several poor managerial decisions, this next one has to be spot on, otherwise the Gers will continue to see Celtic motor away, hoovering up all the Champions League cash and winning title after title.

A couple of names have been linked with a move to Glasgow, but one stands out among the others, especially with his history…

Will Rangers really appoint Jose Mourinho?

Three Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, a La Liga title, two UEFA Cups/Europa League crowns. The list of Jose Mourinho’s achievements in the game are second to very few.

The truth is, he has won just a single trophy since the start of the 2017/18 campaign, and that was the Conference League with AS Roma in May 2022.

He showed plenty of respect when Rangers knocked Fenerbahçe out of the Europa League at the last-16 stage in March, even coming into the dressing room to offer congratulations and wish the squad well going forwards.

Mourinho has always preferred a defensive style of play, and given what the Ibrox support have been witness to in recent years, this won’t exactly be music to their ears, that’s for sure.

Of course, it may lead to more success domestically, but going for a manager who is keen on attacking football and has a proper philosophy would be the ideal appointment for the long-term future.

Mourinho rarely hangs around longer than three seasons, but this team requires a manager who is in it for the long haul. Someone who can build a dynasty that will challenge Celtic over the coming years.

Could Gerrard do it again?

Steven Gerrard now open to a Rangers return

According to TEAMtalk, the Light Blues are after a high-profile manager to take the reins ahead of the 2025/26 season, which means a return for Gerrard is on the cards.

The report goes on to state that the former manager of the Gers would be very open to a return to the club that he managed between 2018 and 2021, winning a single Premiership title during that spell.

His departure in November 2021 was arguably due to the fact that he wasn’t properly backed that summer, having led Rangers to their first domestic title in a decade, yet things would be better this time around.

Gerrard isn’t the only big name that has been mentioned with regard to the job, either. TEAMtalk understands that the aforementioned Mourinho is another manager who would be open to a move to Glasgow, although this would be more difficult to get over the line.

2021/22

22

41

1.86

2020/21

56

141

2.52

2019/20

54

110

2.17

2018/19

60

115

1.9

He has a contract with Fener until 2026, which means the Ibrox side would have to pay substantial compensation to lure him away. His wages would also be an issue.

Mourinho may be the headline name, but his style and combustible nature might not go down too well with the Gers faithful.

Why Rangers return for Gerrard makes sense

Gerrard may have failed at his previous two jobs with Al-Ettifaq and Aston Villa since leaving Glasgow in 2021, but his appointment could mirror that of Celtic bringing Brendan Rodgers back to the club.

The former Liverpool captain may have taken a few years to achieve success at Rangers, but those were spent building a team which could go toe-to-toe with their domestic rivals.

Throughout his three-year spell with the club, Gerrard won seven of his 12 games against Celtic, losing just four. Two of those came during his first season when his squad was arguably at its weakest.

A lack of success against the Parkhead outfit is why the fans turned on managers such as Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale and finally Phillipe Clement. Gerrard certainly wouldn’t be fazed by Rodgers’ side, that much is certain.

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His preferred system is a 4-3-3, which worked wonders for him, especially during the title-winning 2020/21 campaign.

Alfredo Morelos was often flanked by Ryan Kent on the left and Joe Aribo or Ianis Hagi on the right. Steven Davis and Glen Kamara operated at the heart of the midfield and provided superb defensive support.

Add in the likes of Connor Goldson and Filip Helander at the centre of the defence and Allan McGregor in goal, it was perhaps no wonder the club conceded just 13 goals throughout the entire campaign in the league.

This sort of formation would work wonders with the current squad, especially as Gerrard would hopefully get free rein in the transfer market to bring in his own transfer targets ahead of next season.

Much will depend on other managers who may become linked and show interest in the role over the next few weeks, but at this moment in time, Gerrard is the one who stands out.

He knows the club, knows how to beat Celtic on a regular basis and more importantly, knows how to win a league championship.

These three factors could prove to be a massive advantage when it comes to staking his claim for a return to the Glasgow side. Will it happen? Only time will tell.

Worse signing than Propper: Rangers must finally axe forgotten Ibrox flop

Rangers must ensure their transfer business is solid this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 20, 2025

Manchester United have been in contact with a “superstar” who Barcelona are looking to sign for free this summer.

Man Utd produce memorable Europa League comeback against Lyon

The Red Devils produced one of their best European comebacks in recent history on Thursday evening against Lyon, advancing to the semi-finals of the Europa League in the process.

Ruben Amorim’s side looked to be cruising to the last four before Lyon took the tie to extra time, and despite having 10-men, the Ligue 1 side then took a two-goal lead with just 10 minutes remaining.

However, goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and a Harry Maguire winner in injury time sparked wild scenes at Old Trafford, with United running out 5-4 winners on the night and 7-6 victors on aggregate.

Man Utd will now take on Athletic Club in the last four, with Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt awaiting in the final in Bilbao at the end of May.

Talking after the dramatic win over Lyon, Amorim said: “I was watching again the ’99, the documentary [when we completed the Treble by beating Bayern Munich with two late goals in the Nou Camp], so to have some inspiration for this moment. But, was a great night. I think the team were tired and you feel it during the game, and then 4-2 with one more player and, in the end, you think it’s over. But here, it’s never over.

“We tried to put Harry Maguire [up there] because he’s the only guy that can score a goal with his headers. And then Kobbie Mainoo, he has a lack of pace in this moment because he had that injury and he stopped for a while, but he’s really good on short spaces, and then he has the ability to do that kind of goal. And then we try it, and sometimes it works, and today was a good day.”

Man Utd now in advanced talks to sign £52m star who's "out of this world"

The Red Devils are making progress in their pursuit of a midfielder, but there could be competition from rivals Manchester City.

ByDominic Lund Apr 18, 2025

All of United’s focus now will be on winning the Europa League to guarantee Champions League football at Old Trafford for 2025/26, something which could help in regards to signing some top players over the summer.

Man Utd make contact to sign 25 y/o Barcelona target for free

One player who has been linked with a move to Man Utd is Lille striker Jonathan David. Out of contract at the end of the season, the Canada international looks set to find a new club over the summer, with Amorim recently demanding the Red Devils to pursue a move for the 25-year-old.

According to TBR Football, Barcelona are the most likely to sign David for free this summer, however, Man Utd have been in contact with the striker’s representatives recently.

Dubbed a “superstar”, David is also being eyed up by Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool after another excellent season in front of goal.

A move to Barcelona remains David’s preferred destination, but by the looks of things, a move to Man Utd can’t be ruled out at this stage, especially with the Red Devils still having the chance of Champions League football next season after Thursday night’s rescue mission.