Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy are believed to be changing their minds about selling a star player this summer, with La Liga giants Real Madrid also holding internal talks over a potential deal for him.
Tottenham stars attracting interest ahead of this summer
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, if he is indeed still in the job by next season, will likely have to contend with elite clubs attempting to poach his key squad members this summer.
52-year-old holds talks with Levy to join Tottenham as "rich offer" readied
The Lilywhites chairman personally met with him yesterday.
ByEmilio Galantini Mar 28, 2025
The Lilywhites, according to TEAMtalk, are mindful of AC Milan and Atlético Madrid’s serious interest in midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur as one example. Both European heavyweights are apparently considering a swoop for the Uruguay international this summer, and Spurs are set to open formal new contract talks with Bentancur as they look to stave them off.
Chelsea (away)
April 3rd
Southampton (home)
April 6th
Wolves (away)
April 13th
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
The £75,000-per-week ace’s contract expires in 2026, meaning time is running out for Tottenham to tie him down with fresh terms, and if they can’t, then a sale this summer could be a real possibility.
Meanwhile, there have even been suggestions that Bayern Munich are weighing up a surprise move for Son Heung-min this summer. Tottenham recently triggered the one-year extension clause in his contract, meaning he won’t be leaving until next year, but Bayern could apparently try and tempt Levy into an early transfer.
A lot of speculation has also surrounded star centre-back Cristian Romero and his long-term future at N17, with Atlético also said to be expressing an interest in the Argentine World Cup-winner alongside Bentancur.
Romero is apparently prepared to leave Tottenham this summer as well, following the club’s dismal 2024/2025, but Atlético are not the player’s only temptation.
Tottenham stance on selling Cristian Romero as Real Madrid eye move
According to GiveMeSport, Diego Simeone’s arch rivals Real are also eyeing up a move for the South American. The Galacticos are widely rumoured to be on the hunt for a big-name central defender this summer, and Romero is on their list of star-studded targets.
The outlet reports that Tottenham are now tempted to sell Romero, following a significant U-turn behind-the-scenes, and Real have held internal talks over a swoop for the 26-year-old.
While the club have relaxed their stance over an exit deal for him, Spurs have most recently demanded £60 million to let go of Romero, and Atlético in particular are set to fall short as things stand.
Simeone’s side want to open talks over a transfer worth £33 million, but this is set to fall short of Levy’s demands. While Real haven’t yet made contact with Tottenham or Romero’s camp, there is a distinct possibility they could do, if they decide he is indeed the right man to bolster their backline.
da dobrowin： Tottenham Hotspur have endured an inconsistent season, and their managerial situation has now become a point of contention with the campaign drawing to a close.
Ange Postecoglou speculation runs rife at Tottenham Hotspur
da 888casino： Who would be a manager? Ange Postecoglou has recently become the latest Premier League boss to come under scrutiny due to his side’s inconsistent campaign, which has left their potential destiny hinging on the outcome of Spurs’ Europa League exploits.
Incredibly, Tottenham could secure Champions League qualification if they can navigate their way to trophy glory in Bilbao. However, the Lilywhites must overcome Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by one of Bodo/Glimt or Lazio, before potential final opponents emerge from the other side of the draw.
Domestically, their form contradicts the likelihood of that sequence of events unfolding. In the Premier League, Spurs have taken 34 points from 87 available and crashed out of both cup competitions, leaving Postecoglou’s future in North London hanging in the balance amid rumours that Daniel Levy is starting to do his due diligence on a potential succession plan.
Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola have emerged as frontrunners for the role. Noise is part and parcel of every manager’s duties, but it has created an unwanted sideshow for the Australian as he looks to deliver the first piece of silverware since 2008 in N17.
Ange Postecoglou’s record in charge of Tottenham Hotspur – all competitions
Wins
42
Draws
12
Losses
33
Points per game (Premier League)
1.49
Injuries have also hampered his mission to take Tottenham forward, and on that basis, there is an argument for giving the former Celtic manager more time to implement his masterplan.
Nevertheless, Levy and ENIC may have seen enough as a high-profile manager has entered the frame to step into the Spurs hot seat.
Mauricio Pochettino could make exciting Tottenham return
According to reports in Spain, the Tottenham board is seriously considering a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino, with Postecoglou’s future in North London becoming increasingly uncertain.
The outlet states the prospect of the Argentinian returning appeals to all parties, and he could be the new face of the Spurs project due to his strong rapport with supporters and at board level.
Tottenham now racing Arsenal for striker Aaron Lennon called "frightening"
Spurs have set their sights on a forward, and they may be able to beat their north London rivals to his signature.
ByDominic Lund Mar 20, 2025
Recently, Pochettino revealed he would be keen to come back to North London one day, stating: “Look, when I left the club I always remember one interview I said I would like one day to come back to Tottenham and that is of course.
“I am in the USA, I am not going to no, I’m not going to talk about that, but what I said then still after six years or five years, I still feel in my heart that, yes, I would like one day to come back.”
Pointing out his current engagement as head coach of the United States national team, it remains to be seen whether he would be open to swapping Stateside life for another crack at Premier League football following his latest club spell in charge at Chelsea. Earning recognition for his sterling work, Pochettino was previously labelled one of the ‘top managers in England” by Pep Guardiola.
While the prospect of leading the Stars and Stripes out as one of the host nations in next year’s World Cup is enticing, could the thought of a sensational rescue mission at the side where he shot to global prominence as a manager carry a little bit more weight? Only time will tell.
Phillips, Santner and Patel had earlier shared eight wickets between them as New Zealand bowled Bangladesh out cheaply
Mohammad Isam06-Dec-2023Spin took 13 out of the 15 wickets that fell on the first day of the Dhaka Test. New Zealand sunk to 46 for five in response to Bangladesh’s 172 all out, and finished the day on 55 for five as Mehidy Hasan Miraz took three wickets and Taijul Islam two. The Bangladesh spinners gave back what their batters suffered at the hand of the New Zealand spinners.Play was called off at 4:16pm, at least 14 minutes before the scheduled end, as bad light took effect on a murky day in Dhaka. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Philips remained unbeaten on 12 and 5 respectively after the visitors ended up losing half their side in 49 minutes.Mehidy removed Devon Conway when the left-hander left an arm ball from the offspinner. Taijul removed Tom Latham in the next over, caught behind to a delivery that kept low, caught well by wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan. Taijul struck in his next over too, when Henry Nicholls was caught at mid-on by Shoriful Islam.Related
Sodhi backs New Zealand's 'experienced heads' to bounce back from Sylhet Test loss
Hathurusinghe on Shanto's captaincy: 'He was commanding respect, demanding the standard'
Why Mushfiqur Rahim was out for obstructing the field and not handling the ball
Mehidy then had two in three balls in the 12th over when Shahadat Hossain took a good catch at short-leg, to remove Kane Williamson. One ball later, Tom Blundell was trapped dead in front of the stumps.New Zealand’s spin trio had earlier led the way as Bangladesh folded for 172. Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel took eight wickets between them while Tim Southee took the other one that went to the bowlers. Mushfiqur Rahim, meanwhile, was given out obstructing the field, a dismissal that came at a critical moment for the visitors.Mushfiqur and Shahadat Hossain had only started to resurrect Bangladesh with a 57-run stand after they had fallen to 47 for four, before the 88-Test veteran had a brain-fade moment. Otherwise though, Bangladesh’s batters got out to soft shots as the visitors pounced on the mistakes.Mushfiqur Rahim had steadied Bangladesh before he was out obstructing the field•BCB
Bangladesh lost four wickets each in the day’s first two sessions. The root of the rot was in the sixth over when Bangladesh opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy tried too many things in the day’s first over of spin. Patel started off with deliveries that spun and kept low, to which Joy tried everything including a wild slog.The wicket followed soon after, when Santner had Zakir Hasan top-edging an attempted hoick towards long-on. It took a top-edge, and Williamson took the easy catch at mid-on for eight. Within four balls, Patel had Mahmudul caught at short leg, catching the inside edge with a poke. Mahmadul made 14.Mominul Haque fell caught behind attempting a near-impossible cut shot against Patel. The ball had spun back at him, stayed a tad low, as Mominul, for the second time in this Test series, was caught behind off the inside edge. Glenn Philips had got him in Sylhet, while Patel had him in the first innings in Dhaka.It was clear that batting wasn’t going to be easy on this pitch, so Najmul Hossain Shanto attempted to hit his way out of trouble. It lasted just 14 balls when his third attempt to reverse-sweep ended up in him being pinned lbw by Santner.Mushfiqur and Shahadat batted out the 13 overs before lunch with a little more ease, as Bangladesh went to lunch at 80 for four. Both batters used a bit more commonsense in their approach, which they were also expected to do after lunch.Forty-seven minutes after the break, Mushfiqur did the unthinkable. After he defended a Kyle Jamieson delivery in the 41st over, for reasons best known to him, Mushfiqur tried to pat away the ball that was already a fair distance from his stumps. New Zealand appealed immediately, and the TV umpire obliged with the obstructing the field decision.Mushfiqur made 35 off 83 balls with three fours and a slog-swept six. Shahadat followed him back to the pavilion in another 20 minutes, Phillips having him caught down the leg-side for 31. He struck two fours in his 102-ball stay.Phillips then removed Nurul for seven runs, with the bat turning in his hand as he attempted to hit out at the offspinner. Santner had Mehidy caught at slip for 20, in the over before tea. Phillips added his third when he had Taijul lbw for six, with the batter not attempting a shot.Southee, who didn’t concede a run in his first five overs, took the final wicket in his sixth over, when he had Shoriful Islam caught behind for 10. TV umpire Ahsan Raza decided that Tom Blundell took the catch cleanly after the on-field umpires couldn’t ascertain the legality of the catch.The 15 wickets that fell on Wednesday is the most on the first day of a Test in Bangladesh, while the 13 taken by spinners is the joint-highest along with the India-Australia Indore Test earlier this year.
da dobrowin： O Ceará tenta fazer uma espécie de ‘gestão’ da pena a ser cumprida diante dos lamentáveis episódios de violência em 2022, na partida contra o Cuiabá, pelo Brasileirão. Por conta do ocorrido na Arena Castelão, o clube ainda tem quatro dos seis jogos a serem feitos sem presença de público, tanto sendo mandante como sem a respectiva carga de ingressos como visitante.
Na avaliação do Alvinegro, a ideia seria com que esses compromissos sejam cumpridos na Copa do Nordeste e não na Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. Algo que demonstra, dentro da avaliação da diretoria, um impacto negativo menor do que a ausência do torcedor no início do torneio onde consta o principal objetivo na temporada: o retorno à elite do futebol nacional.
RelacionadasFutebol InternacionalManchester City planeja renovar contrato de campeão mundialFutebol Internacional18/01/2023Futebol InternacionalVillarreal x Real Madrid: onde assistir, horário e escalações do jogo pela Copa do ReiFutebol Internacional18/01/2023Futebol InternacionalOs 10 elencos mais valiosos do mundoFutebol Internacional18/01/2023
da mrbet： >Confira as movimentações do mercado da bola no LANCE!
Por sua vez, a Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) parece convencida de que os quatro compromissos restantes na punição (os dois primeiros foram cumpridos contra Fluminense e Juventude, ainda no ano passado) precisam ocorrer na segunda divisão do Brasileirão de 2023.
Diante deste cenário, o Departamento Jurídico do Ceará tem se reunido para decidir se o clube apresentará recurso junto ao Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) visando reverter a atual postura da CBF.
A tendência é que a estratégia acabe sendo revelada nós próximos dias já que, no fim de semana, a equipe de Gustavo Morínigo tem o primeiro embate da fase de grupos do Nordestão. Na capital cearense, o Vozão atua como visitante frente ao Ferroviário, no próximo domingo (22), às 18h (de Brasília), no Estádio Presidente Vargas.
The BBL season has been shortened but there will still be a squeeze on many of the leading names
Alex Malcolm01-Sep-2023
Alex Hales and Rashid Khan will likely be retained, but Will Jacks is among the exciting England players with limited availability•Getty Images
Adelaide StrikersCurrent list: Wes Agar, James Bazley, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Travis Head, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Ben Manenti, D’Arcy Short, Matt Short, Henry ThorntonLast playing XI: Matt Short, Travis Head (capt), Alex Carey (wk), Adam Hose, Colin de Grandhomme, Ryan Gibson, Harry Nielsen, Cameron Boyce, Wes Agar, Harry Conway, Peter SiddleLast season’s overseas/retention options: Rashid Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam HoseDraft picks: 2, 10, 23, and 26What might they want? Strikers are almost certain to take long-time favourite Rashid Khan with pick 2 to the point where they inquired with other clubs about a possible pick trade, knowing they would use the retention on him. Beyond that, there are some clear needs for Strikers. Quality top and middle-order batting is their main target given Travis Head and Alex Carey are set to be unavailable for almost the whole season. A middle-order player who can bowl seam up would be ideal although given they will get overs out of both Matt Short and D’Arcy Short it is not critical.Their domestic attack is reasonably well-balanced and has been set up to try and withstand Rashid not being available for the back end of the tournament due to his SA20 commitments. He looks set to only be available for the first seven games. But they will want more availability in their other picks and then to find a replacement for Rashid post-draft. Adam Hose and Colin de Grandhomme are both available again and showed glimpses at times last year, but they ultimately did not provide the run-scoring output needed to help Strikers reach finals. There may be others in the gold, silver or bronze band with full availability who could be of value.Brisbane HeatCurrent list: Usman Khawaja, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Brown, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell SwepsonLast playing XI: Josh Brown, Sam Heazlett, Nathan McSweeney, Jimmy Peirson (capt), Sam Hain, Max Bryant, James Bazley, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Matthew KuhnemannLast season’s overseas/retention options: Sam Hain, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Ross Whiteley, Tom BantonDraft picks: 7, 15, 18, and 31What might they want? Like Strikers, last year’s finalists have a very clear need for top and middle-order batters given they have a very strong home-grown attack that took them all the way to the final. They are set to be without Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne all season due to Test duty. At pick 7 they may need to use the retention options available to them if they want Sam Billings or Colin Munro. But both are only available for six to nine games which may not suit Heat. They would prefer longer availability in a platinum pick and the only player to fit that criteria who is not a retention player is Tom Kohler-Cadmore.Tom Banton is a non-platinum option who can be retained after playing for them previously but he is headed to the SA20 which reduces his availability to just six to nine games. They will likely target two batters with a preference for those who can handle the bounce and pace of the Gabba. Further down in the third or fourth round they may look for a power-hitting allrounder. They had Ross Whiteley last year and he is available for the whole season plus finals. They have lost local James Bazley to Strikers. An allrounder would deepen the batting and give them the option of playing their two local spinners.Harry Brook could still get interest despite his other commitments•Getty Images
Hobart HurricanesCurrent list: Iain Carlisle, Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Mac WrightLast playing XI: Caleb Jewell, Zak Crawley, Mac Wright, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matthew Wade (capt/wk), Faheem Ashraf, Joel Paris, Nathan Ellis, Wil Parker, Riley Meredith Last season’s overseas/retention options: Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Zak Crawley, Jimmy Neesham, Asif Ali, Sandeep LamichhaneDraft picks: 3, 11, 22, and 27What might they want? One high-quality middle-order bat and a pace bowling allrounder are the two desires for Hurricanes to complement the local talent they have. Harry Brook and Will Jacks have both played for Hurricanes previously but do not qualify as retention options. However, either would make the batting look incredibly destructive but they are both only available for six to nine games with two England tours bookending the BBL and both look set to be part of at least one or both. Hurricanes’ need for an allrounder could see them test out Sydney Sixers’ mettle given Tom Curran and Chris Jordan could be available at pick 3. Sixers can’t retain both so Hurricanes could pinch one of them, but they too are only available for six to nine games.In the later rounds, Netherlands allrounder Bas de Leede might be a smokey given he impressed Hurricanes head of strategy Ricky Ponting in last year’s World Cup but he also has limited availability. Shadab Khan, who is a retention option, would also fit nicely but he is also only available for six to nine matches. There is less of a need for an overseas spinner this year for Hurricanes after they signed two local spinners, Paddy Dooley and Peter Hatzoglou. There should still be other good all-round or batting options available with Hurricanes’ second pick at No.11. Hurricanes look set to sign three overseas as they currently only have 12 on their local list so they could add some fast-bowling depth in the late rounds depending on how their first two picks go.Melbourne RenegadesCurrent list: Nic Maddinson, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, MacKenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Jon Wells, Will Sutherland, Adam ZampaLast playing XI Shaun Marsh, Martin Guptill, Sam Harper (wk), Aaron Finch (capt), Matt Critchley, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Tom Rogers, Corey Rocchiccioli, David Moody, Fawad AhmedLast season’s overseas/retention options: Matt Critchley, Martin Guptill, Akeal Hosein, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad NabiDraft picks: 4, 12, 21, and 28What might they want? Aside from some youth to balance out one of the oldest lists in BBL history, Renegades are definitely shopping for a world-class batter who could possibly keep as well. At pick 4, Quinton de Kock looks incredibly enticing if he hasn’t already been taken. South Africa does have a T20I and ODI series against India at home in mid-December but de Kock’s national commitments for bilateral series remain fluid. If he were not to play in those games, Renegades could get eight BBL games out of him before the SA20 given how the fixtures fall for Renegades which might be a better result than other platinum picks in his availability bracket. But picking him would be a gamble. Coach David Saker’s England ties could see any of the star England batters targeted but they may have as little or less availability than de Kock early in the tournament due to a white-ball tour of the Caribbean. Jacks could be one of those, particularly with his offspin ability, but again availability will be a question.The signing of Adam Zampa means a spinner is not as crucial as previous years for them but a spin bowling allrounder and or a second spinner would also be a good fit. Mohammad Nabi is available to be retained and Renegades could still hold their retention pick until later in the draft. There should be some other options as not many teams have that specific need given the general nature of the BBL pitches. Renegades play on unique surfaces at Docklands and Geelong where a second or third spin option can be very valuable.Short-term impact? Haris Rauf has strong links with Melbourne Stars•Getty Images
Melbourne Stars Current list: Scott Boland, Joe Burns, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell, Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Beau WebsterLast playing XI Joe Clarke (wk), Tom Rogers, Campbell Kellaway, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Nick Larkin, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Luke Wood, Liam Hatcher, Adam Zampa (capt)Last season’s overseas/retention options: Trent Boult (not in the draft), Joe Clarke, Luke Wood, Haris RaufDraft picks: 1, 9, 24, and 25What might they want? Stars almost have too many needs to make a really clear-cut decision with pick 1. They would want the best player available in the draft but they do not have a spinner currently on their list after Zampa’s departure and they have often played two international spinners at the MCG. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Shadab might not be retained by other clubs and could be worth pick 1 but both have only nominated for six to nine games. Equally, there are likely to be some good spinners available in later rounds. New Stars recruit Sam Harper nominated his former Melbourne Renegades team-mate Akeal Hosein as a great option for the MCG but he too is only available for up to nine games.They would also love a world-class fast bowler and/or an opener to complement the powerful middle order. Haris Rauf and Joe Clarke are both retention options, but it is doubtful Stars would use the first pick on either player. Rauf’s availability would be a worry even though he is a Stars favourite and a proven performer. A powerful left-hander like de Kock could well be something Stars look at, but they don’t need him to keep necessarily with the addition of Harper.Perth ScorchersCurrent list: Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Hamish McKenzie, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam WhitemanLast playing XI Stephen Eskinazi, Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (capt), Nick Hobson, Cooper Connolly, Andrew Tye, Matthew Kelly, David Payne, Jason BehrendorffLast season’s overseas/retention options: Stephen Eskinazi, Faf du Plessis, David Payne, Adam Lyth, Tymal Mills, Laurie EvansDraft picks: 8, 16, 17, and 32What might they want? The hat-trick-seeking defending champions will likely stick to their winning game plan and pass in the platinum round as they did last year which probably rules out the retention of Faf du Plessis. They may only need two overseas to complement their all-conquering local list and will pick for specific needs and full availability although they did pick three in the end last year. Another powerful, smart middle-order player might be a target in the gold or silver band. Laurie Evans was very popular in Perth and important for Scorchers in their 2021-22 title. Even after missing last year, he can be retained. He is available for all home and away games but not finals due to the ILT20. If they don’t take Evans they will want a batter who can handle the extra pace and bounce of Perth Stadium. Stephen Eskinazi and Adam Lyth are both fully available for the season and finals and are also retention pick options.Scorchers have historically recruited an overseas fast bowler despite their strong local contingent, in order to help manage workloads in a tournament of tight turnarounds and heavy travel. Tymal Mills is a retention option but he is now in the platinum band after they got him in the bronze band last year with pick 30, even though he didn’t play in the end. Mills is the only platinum pick to make himself fully available for the whole season plus finals but at the same time, he still has ambitions of playing for England on the Caribbean T20I tour in December. Scorchers would love someone with extra pace to cover Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris if either have injury issues or international duties. But David Payne was very good last year and is fully available.James Vince will likely be on Sydney Sixers’ radar again•Getty Images
Sydney SixersCurrent list: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Steve O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan SilkLast playing XI Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe (wk), Daniel Hughes, Moises Henriques (capt), Jordan Silk, Hayden Kerr, Dan Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Steve O’Keefe, Izharulhaq NaveedLast season’s overseas/retention options: James Vince, Izharulhaq Naveed, Naveen-ul-Haq, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, Carlos BrathwaiteDraft picks: 6, 14, 19, and 30What might they want? Sixers face a tricky dilemma with their retention pick given three players who have been Sixers’ favourites in James Vince, Jordan and Tom Curran are all platinum picks and the two bowling allrounders could well be sought after by Hurricanes. Sixers don’t necessarily need another bowling allrounder. Even though Dan Christian has retired, Sean Abbott’s development as a batter in the last 12 months means he could move higher in the order. They probably need a top-order batter like Vince more than Curran or Jordan given Steve Smith will likely not be available at all this summer due to Test duty. Vince is also available for all 10 home and away games, unlike the two allrounders.They may target another fast bowler with some extra pace or unique skill to complement their locals. Izharulhaq Naveed bowled very well for them last season and is fully available again, including for finals. Carlos Brathwaite has also nominated for the draft having missed the last two seasons of the BBL. He played a key role in Sixers’ last title in 2020-21 as a power surge bowling specialist and could be someone who they could trust again with a later pick but he is only available for six to nine games.Sydney ThunderCurrent list: Cameron Bancroft, Ollie Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David WarnerLast playing XI Matthew Gilkes (wk), David Warner, Jason Sangha, Ollie Davies, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Gurinder Sandhu, Usman QadirLast season’s overseas/retention options: Rilee Rossouw, Alex Hales, Usman Qadir, Fazalhaq FarooqiDraft picks: 5, 13, 20, and 29What might they want? It will be a shock if Alex Hales isn’t Thunder’s first choice or isn’t retained by them if he is picked by Stars, Renegades or Hurricanes ahead of pick 5. He has full availability up until finals when he heads to the ILT20 and has no international commitments. He is the perfect fit for Thunder given David Warner might not be available until late in the tournament if he gets the Test match farewell he is hoping for.Thunder could add a second batter as their domestic all-round and bowling stocks look quite strong and well-balanced, particularly with Tanveer Sangha back fully fit. Liam Hatcher has been added as a pace bowler in place of Brendan Doggett. But another high-class or experienced overseas quick would also be a useful addition for Thunder. Someone with added pace or an ability to swing the new ball in the powerplay in the Sydney summer humidity would probably be preferable.
Total of £37,500 in fines includes £8000 plus eight-week ban for Gary Ballance
ESPNcricinfo staff03-May-2023The ECB has recommended an eight-week ban and £8000 fine for Gary Ballance for bringing the game into disrepute through the use of racist language against Azeem Rafiq while the pair were at Yorkshire. The board also recommended a combination of fines and suspensions for five other former players at a Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) sanction hearing on Wednesday.The players were found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute by using racist language by the independent three-person CDC panel at the end of March, after a five-day hearing conducted at the start of that month. The charges laid against them, as well as Yorkshire, came from claims originally made by Rafiq and covered a period of nearly a decade from 2008. The panel cleared former England captain Michael Vaughan of having made a racist remark before a T20 game in June 2009.As well as Ballance, the ECB asked for a combination of fines, suspensions, reprimands and education courses for Matthew Hoggard, Tim Bresnan, Andrew Gale, Richard Pyrah and John Blain – all of whom either played at Yorkshire, or worked as coaches while Rafiq was there. The ECB asked for Hoggard and Pyrah to be fined £7500 each, Bresnan and Blain £5000 and Pyrah £4500 and asked for all six to receive reprimands from the CDC and to take part in a racism and discrimination course. They have also recommended a four-week suspension for Gale, should he return to coaching in cricket run by the ECB.Related
Michael Vaughan cleared of racism charge by ECB disciplinary committee
Cricket Discipline Committee racism hearings: The verdicts
Gary Ballance retires from all cricket after brief Zimbabwe comeback
Vaughan was the only one of those charged who appeared to defend himself at the hearings. While Ballance had admitted to using the term “P***” among other racist phrases, Bresnan, Gale, Pyrah and Blain have denied all charges against them. The four were found guilty of using racist slurs that ranged from terms such as “you lot” to “P****” on multiple occasions.As well as Ballance, Hoggard made a qualified admission to similar charges, denying that he used the language with any racist intent. Those admissions led to the ECB asking for reduced fines in both cases. “We understand there has been a significant impact on Mr Ballance’s mental health, and that, in April 2023, Mr Ballance announced his retirement from professional cricket,” Jane Mulcahy KC, legal counsel for the ECB, told the panel. “So the ECB therefore suggests there be a reprimand, Mr Ballance be fined £8,000, reduced from £12,500, to take in effect his admissions. And also an eight-week suspension, reduced from 10 weeks, if Mr Ballance ever returns to ECB-regulated cricket as a player.”Ballance retired recently from all cricket, having first left Yorkshire late last year and then switched to play for his native Zimbabwe. He played one Test for them scoring a hundred, and eight internationals overall before he announced his retirement.The CDC panel will now deliberate over the recommendations before returning final sanctions on the players which could take several more weeks yet.Yorkshire were also found guilty by the CDC panel last month, having admitted to four charges laid against them. Their sanctions will be discussed at another hearing on 27 June.
Player of the Ashes series makes his time for England count after comeback from knee injury
Vithushan Ehantharajah01-Aug-20232:26
Will James Anderson be involved in India next year?
That Chris Woakes was awarded player of the series for the 2023 Ashes was impressive given a sample size of three Test matches from a possible five. But such was the influence of the Brummie Botham, helping England win two of the final three Tests to draw 2-2 with Australia, the decision made perfect sense once you gave it a moment’s thought.As big a feat, however, might be that Woakes is even here at all. A year before parachuting in to save England at Headingley, the 34-year-old feared he would never play cricket again.Following a packed 2021-22 winter in which Woakes was the only bowler to play the T20 World Cup, the Ashes and tour of the Caribbean, he arrived back in the United Kingdom with the chronic issue in his right knee worse than ever before. The pain was so excruciating when he bowled that he wondered if a Test career of fits and starts, was finally coming to an end. One which climaxed with a dismal return of 11 dismissals at 52.36 across six appearances in unforgiving circumstances.Thankfully,we know Woakes’ story has a happy ending. The operation last summer, performed by knee and sports specialist Andy Williams, was such a success that Woakes was able to help England secure the 2022 T20 World Cup within months. Now, he has the Compton-Miller medal to add to a collection that includes the 2019 50-over World Cup. His bowling average is now under 30 (29.13), he picked up a first five-wicket haul against Australia in the fourth Test and his stock has never been higher with English supporters.Related
From 'team man' to poster boy – Woakes finally commands the spotlight
Big-action Broad, and the sharp spells of utter anarchy
McCullum: Crawley's success against Australia validates England's approach to Test cricket
Did the teams catch up after the Oval Test? Yes, at a nightclub, Stokes clarifies
Switch Hit: They think it's all Oval…
“The way my knee felt, I wasn’t sure if I was going to play cricket again,” Woakes admitted. “If I could be at the end of that tour again (Caribbean), at no point did I think I’ll be stood here now with what I’ve achieved. So yeah, it’s pretty incredible to think about.”You don’t always get what you want and what you’re kind of destined for. But I turned down the opportunity to go to the IPL (2023) for a number of reasons, one being the opportunity to potentially be a part of this series.”At no point did I think I’d be stood here. That’s not how far your mind works. You don’t think ‘I can’t wait to be player of the series in the Ashes’. You just want to be a part of it, contribute and hopefully win. So to think that I’m stood here now actually… I think I need to let it sink in.”The last four of the 19 dismissals at 18.15 came on the final day of the series, split between two spells; the first accounting for both set openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner, the second taking out Steve Smith, who had got Australia to within 110 of their target of 384. A collapse followed, capped off by a brace for the departing Stuart Broad.Woakes was initially a doubt for this Test and revealed a “tiny” quad tear which he felt during his 10th over in the first innings. He powered through to bowl 25 – taking 3 for 61 – before another 19 in the second. His durability throughout has covered for his fellow quicks who waned as the series drew to a conclusion.Chris Woakes celebrates a wicket•AFP/Getty Images
There were runs, too, notably the 32 in the Headingley chase which got the comeback up and running. Every time England needed to someone to stand up in the back end of this Ashes, Woakes was more often than not that man. Unsurprisingly, he rates this as high as any of his other achievements, particularly given how the team rallied from 2-0 down.”The last three weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind – just amazing to be a part of. Just turning up at Headingley knowing that I was going to play and I think the belief in the dressing room at that point was still that we could win 3-2, which is amazing.”I think, in the past, we may have thrown the towel in but it was never the case. You know, the captain and the coach aren’t interested in draws so we knew that they were going to be results games. And coming off the back of Headingley, we felt that we could go on and win. Were it not for the weather, maybe we would be standing here 3-2.”Broad’s retirement, and question marks over James Anderson, who turned 41 on Sunday and returned just five wickets at 85.40, puts Woakes in a unique position in the latter stages of his career. Since debuting at the Oval against Australia in 2013, he has never played more than nine Tests in a row, partly because of their longevity.”When he’s not playing anymore it will all be ‘if he wasn’t in the era of Jimmy and Broad, he would have been more consistent in the England team’,” stated Ben Stokes after the match. Typically, Woakes rallies against the assertion they were ever obstacles in his career.”I’m pretty sure I’ve answered this a few times, but I feel very lucky to have played with Stuart as well. Jimmy’s the same. The stuff that I’ve learned from them has had a huge impact on how I’ve bowled about over the years. It’s extended my international career if anything.”So we obviously won’t know what would have been if they hadn’t been around. But I can only have good things to say in terms of the knowledge that they’ve passed on and the games that I have been a part of with them. It’s been an honour really.”James Anderson and Woakes chat during a net session•Getty Images
Nevertheless, there is a job up for grabs for an experienced head to oversee a transition for the bowling attack. And Woakes wants it, even among all his lucrative options on the franchise circuit.”Yeah, definitely. I want to play for England for as long as possible. Still, for me, playing international cricket is the pinnacle. You want to be a part of days like today. You don’t get it any anywhere else. So, you want this to last for as long as possible whilst you’re still performing, obviously. I think it’s important that the older guys in the team do pass on the knowledge to younger guys coming through.”I think there’s a big thing to be said for that. Because the international game is very different to what we play at county level. So much information can be passed on and hopefully, I can be part of that.”Even last summer when Woakes was out of action, Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum had touched base with the Warwickshire allrounder because they knew he would fit their approach. That has played out to a tee, and now, as with many others in the set-up, you wonder how things would have been for Woakes if this management style was around five years ago.Woakes approached that philosophical question with a philosophical answer: “Would I be here today without what’s been? I don’t know.” He’s got a point.Even at the end of an Ashes series that thrilled but could have been better, there are no regrets. Least of all from Woakes.”I’m just proud of myself. It’s quite fitting to be where I was where I made my debut 10 years ago. I think I’ve played 47 (more) games in that time which, in 10 years, is not that many as an international cricketer. A lot would have played a lot more.”But, stood here now, I would have snatched your hand off for anything that I’ve achieved.”
da dobrowin： Following a slow start to the transfer window, in which they appeared to be doing very little, Arsenal have burst into life this week.
da dobrowin： Mikel Arteta’s side might still be some way away from signing their marquee striker, but based on reports from the last few days, they appear incredibly close to securing the services of Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga – and the deal for Martin Zubimendi looks as assured as ever.
Interestingly, several links to the incredibly talented Eberechi Eze have also been emerging in recent days, who would be an exceptionally exciting addition to the Gunners’ squad.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
Yet, if more recent stories are to be believed, Andrea Berta and Co may be looking at another English talent, someone who’d be an even better signing than the Crystal Palace star.
Arsenal chase England stars
While there was plenty that went wrong for them this season, Arsenal’s biggest issue was their lack of cutting edge, and at times, creativity.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
So, with that clearly in mind, the club have been linked with a host of brilliant attack minded players inrecent weeks, a number of whom also happen to be England internationals, like Anthony Gordon and Eze.
The former reportedly has a price tag of around £80m, and while he didn’t have his best campaign to date this year, he was still reasonablly effective, racking up 16 goal involvements in 42 games – including three against the Gunners.
Anthony Gordon
Eze, on the other hand, has a release clause in his current deal worth around £68m, and would therefore be little easier to bring to the Emirates.
However, as talented and exciting a player the 26-year-old is, it looks like the North Londoners could now be looking at yet another Three Lions star as an alternative, if not an outright upgrade.
At least that’s according to a recent report from the Express, which claims that Arsenal are very much interested in Morgan Rogers.
In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that after making initial contact over a month ago, the Gunners remain in talks with the 22-year-old’s camp over a potential deal.
However, given his importance to the Claret and Blue, the report claims it will take an offer of around £70m from the North Londoners, if they want to get their man.
It would be a costly and potentially complicated transfer to get over the line then, but given Rogers’ immense ability and potential, it’s one Arsenal shoud be pursuing, especially as he’d be a serious upgrade on Eze.
How Rogers compares to Eze
So, with their price tag being nearly the same, why should Arsenal be looking to sign Rogers over Eze this summer?
Morgan Rogers
Well, the first reason why relates to their output in the Premier League this season, as the Villa dynamo was able to score eight goals and provide 11 assists in 37 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.94 games.
In contrast, the former QPR gem scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 34 appearances, which comes out as a still good, but less impressive, average of 2.12 goal involvements per game.
The second reason for picking the Halesowen-born gem is that his advantage over the Palace ace extends to their underlying numbers as well.
For example, he performs significantly better in most relevant metrics, such as progressive passes and carries, as well as goal-creating actions, which helps demonstrate his creative potential, whether off the wing or in midfield.
Rogers vs Eze
Statistics
Rogers
Eze
Non-Penalty G+As
0.52
0.52
Progressive Passes
3.55
3.37
Progressive Passes Received
5.43
5.31
Progressive Carries
3.29
2.40
Passing Accuracy
73.2%
74.2%
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.62
1.35
Passes into the Final Third
2.11
1.70
Shot-Creating Actions
3.04
4.69
Goal-Creating Actions
0.46
0.35
Successful Take-Ons
1.91
2.33
Carries into the Final Third
1.97
1.67
Carries into the Penalty Area
0.95
0.76
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
Finally, the former Manchester City prospect is four years younger than the 26-year-old Eagles star and already has experience playing in the Champions League and fighting for places near the top of the Premier League, so the transition to title challenger should be easier for him.
Ultimately, both players would be incredible signings for Arsenal this summer, but thanks to his better output, underlying numbers, experience and the fact he’s far younger, Arsenal should be looking to sign Rogers over Eze.
Better than Sesko & Gyokeres: Arsenal have "looked at" signing £82m star
The incredible goalscorer would be an unreal addition to Arsenal’s squad.
da blaze casino： O Vasco anunciou oficialmente nesta terça-feira (9) a Nike como nova fornecedora de material esportivo do clube. A relação entre o cruz-maltino e a empresa já se construía há algum tempo e passa a valer a partir de 2026, encerrando a parceria entre o clube e a Kappa, patrocinadora que estampa os uniformes vascaínos desde 2020. O contrato é válido até 2032, de acordo com o portal “ge”.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVascoRayan abre o jogo sobre renovação com o Vasco para 2026: ‘Ainda não foi assinado’Vasco09/12/2025Fora de CampoCazé aponta favorito para Vasco x Fluminense na Copa do BrasilFora de Campo09/12/2025Fora de CampoComo camisas do Vasco foram parar em um campo de refugiados no MalawiFora de Campo09/12/2025
da heads bet： ➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco
O acordo entre Nike e Vasco contempla a linha completa de produtos para as equipes profissionais masculina e feminina, categorias de base e comissão técnica, o que inclui os uniformes de jogo, treino, viagem e peças casuais. O fornecimento do material acontece através da Fisia, empresa responsável por distribuir a Nike no Brasil, assim como foi feito no contrato com o Atlético Mineiro, outro clube que anunciou a empresa para 2026.
A estreia dos uniformes acontecerá no começo da próxima temporada com o time profissional, em jogo do Campeonato Carioca. Entretanto, antes disso, a base do Vasco usará camisas temporárias em jogos da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, campeonato de base que começa na nos primeiros dias de janeiro. Essas peças serão exclusivas para uso em campo e não estarão disponíveis para comercialização. A estratégia também será utilizada pelo Galo em seu começo de parceria com a Nike.
continua após a publicidade
Na campanha de anúncio nas redes sociais, o atacante Rayan, destaque do Vasco em 2025, foi o escolhido para estrelar o vídeo. A oficialização veio através da campanha “Nossa Coragem Nos Faz Gigantes”, que, segundo o clube, destaca a união de duas marcas pioneiras. O vídeo mostra lances do jogador cruz-maltino, que narra um texto sobre o pioneirismo do clube.
– A gente não chegou aqui seguindo as coordenadas, mas seguindo nossa exigência, usando a coragem como farol, abrindo uma nova rota por se recusar a aceitar o caminho – destaca a narração. No anúncio do acordo, o presidente do Vasco, Pedrinho, detalhou a estratégia por traz da parceria entre o clube e a empresa norte-americana.
continua após a publicidade
– Para o Vasco, esta parceria com a Nike, marca líder mundial em artigos esportivos, representa muito mais do que um acordo de fornecimento esportivo. É um movimento estratégico que reforça nosso compromisso com excelência, inovação e com a construção de um futuro à altura da grandeza do clube. A Nike reconhece a força da nossa história, acredita no projeto que estamos desenvolvendo e se une a nós pelo que carregamos de mais valioso: a coragem que molda o nosso caminho – afirma Pedrinho.
Vasco e Nike mantém negociações há mais de um ano
O Lance! noticiou as negociações entre Vasco e Nike desde o fim de 2024, destacando que a parceria deveria ser fechada ainda em 2025 e válida a partir da próxima temporada. Segundo as apurações, já havia um interesse da marca norte-americana de patrocinar o Vasco desde o período de comando da 777 Partners na SAF vascaína. A entrada da empresa da “vírgula” era esperada pelo fato do time carioca não ter renovado com a Kappa, em contrato que vai até 31 de dezembro deste ano.
Campanha destaca ‘coragem e pioneirismo’ do Vasco
O slogan da campanha “Nossa Coragem Nos Faz Gigantes” destaca a essência das duas instituições, reforçada pelo texto de divulgação do clube, que cita movimentos históricos do cruz-maltino ao longo das décadas, como os Camisas Negras e a Resposta Histórica.
– A peça traz uma narrativa envolvente que traduz a essência dessa união: duas instituições que não reagem ao que vem de fora, reagem ao que carregam dentro de si. É essa força interna, indomável e histórica, que guia seus passos rumo ao desconhecido, onde a direção importa mais do que o destino – descreve o texto de anúncio.
A campanha de lançamento teve parceria com o estúdio criativo AKQA. No audiovisual publicado nas redes sociais, refletores iluminam a fachada de São Januário e um feixe de luz simulam a marca registrada do Vasco, que é a faixa branca na diagonal, assim como as camisas da equipe.
Nike fora do Rio de Janeiro desde 2009
Em 2009, a Nike parou de vestir a camisa de um clube carioca quando deixou o Flamengo. A Olympikus assumiu o posto na época. Desde então, a empresa norte-americana nunca mais forneceu material esportivo para uma equipe do Rio de Janeiro.
Desperation stakes for Joe Root as West Indies swarm towards famous series win
Alan Gardner27-Mar-2022Farewell then, the Red-Ball Reset. We hardly knew you. There may be successors, of course, a reboot of the franchise in a couple of months’ time, once the ECB have found themselves a new coaching team and management structure worthy of the Inspiring Generations tagline. But with the Grenada Test all over bar the shouting and the continuation of England’s barren record in the Caribbean, we have surely heard the last of that phrase for a while.Right from the moment this England touring party was announced, with their two all-time leading Test wicket-takers conspicuously absent, there was a suspicion that this was a mission doomed to fail. England have been beaten often enough in the Caribbean over the past 50 years while fielding their best personnel to know that chucking together a group of semi-regulars and sort-of-new faces to accompany Joe Root and Ben Stokes was unlikely to work.Even so, and allowing for the fact that the best-laid plans gang aft a-gley (and these probably weren’t the best-laid plans, let’s be honest…), this was a sucker punch for those following back home amid balmy spring weather and the first stirrings of the cricket season to come. After draws on the front foot in Antigua and Barbados, the last thing most were expecting when flicking on BT Sport in the evening was the sight of England being monstered by the mediums of Kyle Mayers.Eight down at the close and leading by just 10 runs, the jig was almost up. And barring the gallows-humour take that, in Saqib Mahmood, they still had their best batter to come, there was precious little to cling to for the put-upon fan of England’s Test side.Related
Ollie Robinson ruled out once more as England hand reprieve to Chris Woakes
Mark Wood out of West Indies tour, IPL 2022 with elbow injury
England face humiliation after Mayers' five-for, Da Silva hundred
Da Silva lives the emotion as maiden century sets WI on course
Afterwards, Marcus Trescothick, the England batting coach, tried to suggest that the team’s calamitous tumble towards likely defeat and a series loss on the decisive day of action should not provide the final word for the tour.”We’ve had one bad day today and over the course of the series this is the first bad day we’ve had,” he said. “Day one in Antigua we had a challenging day, but fought back really well. Barbados we were really strong and controlled most of the game and today it’s gone wrong.”It’s easy over the course of what we’ve had over the winter to throw it back and throw the baby out with the bath water. It’s all gone wrong, yes, we’ve had a really bad day and we’re really disappointed. We believe as coaching staff and players in that dressing room that we’ve made strides as a team over the course of the Test matches we’ve had. We’ll lick our wounds and try to come back from it but it’s been a really tough day and we’ve put the series in jeopardy.”Root and his men had at least resumed on the third morning still in touch, having been 114 for 9 at one stage during their first innings, and with the potential for setting West Indies a testing target on a pitch that has offered variable bounce throughout. All they needed to do was limit the damage, take two tail-end wickets and start making amends with the bat. But at the first whiff of grapeshot, they scattered.It was a day littered with instructive vignettes. Several came during an extended morning session during which England’s attack once again struggled to finish off the opposition – as at Lord’s and The Oval against India last summer, say, or at various points during the Ashes. Kemar Roach was dislodged inside the first five overs by Mahmood, one of the few actual bright spots on tour, and the same bowler could have had Jayden Seales lbw shortly after, without addition to the score, only for England to have run out of reviews.Mahmood kicked the ground in frustration, with Hawk-Eye confirming Gregory Brathwaite’s error. But Root had spent his allocation the previous day, all three of them speculative: an appeal for a leg-side catch off Jermaine Blackwood and failed lbw shouts against Josh Da Silva and Alzarri Joseph.West Indies were 41 runs in front at the time, but would more than double that advantage through a magnificently resourceful and nuggety maiden Test hundred from Da Silva. For a period the innings almost went into reverse, as England bowled maiden after maiden while unsuccessfully trying to create another chance against Seales. But Da Silva kept chipping away and then went on the attack to bring up his hundred with success thumps down the ground off Craig Overton. Root once again powerless as the game ebbed further away.Although Da Silva was given out caught behind to his very next ball, a punt of a review saw all the players have to retake their places, just when England thought the misery was finally over. Their frustrations were evident as Overton, fielding in his followthrough, hurled the ball back at Da Silva. Root dismissed Seales himself, but the jeopardy of England’s position, 93 runs in arrears, was palpable.Joshua Da Silva celebrates the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow•Getty ImagesCue another grisly top-order collapse, with Zak Crawley and Root particularly culpable for their dismissals. Root wore a hollow look as he trudged off after falling to Mayers for the second time in the match, and that had developed into a thousand-yard stare watching on from the balcony as Stokes tickled behind while attempting to leave, England 39 for 4 and deep in the mire. While there are few other options as captain, Root knows he doesn’t have to do this any more if he doesn’t want to.Another revealing moment was to come. Alex Lees and Jonny Bairstow lashed together a partnership from the flotsam and jetsam of the innings, eking out 41 runs from almost 25 overs and seemingly giving England a chance to transfer some of the pressure back. But with Da Silva returning some of the commentary about slow scoring he had received from Bairstow earlier in the day, West Indies were gifted another opening late on. As if to prove right Da Silva’s sledge that “He has more shots than me”, Bairstow tried to pull a Joseph short ball from round the wicket in the following over, only for an under-edge to nestle in his antagonist’s gloves.”We didn’t stand up in the pressure moments when it was going down to the wire,” Trescothick said. “We haven’t stood up and performed as we have in the rest of the series, whereas they’ve had a couple of guys really step up and make a difference. Mayers bowled brilliantly and got something out of the pitch, Da Silva batted well for a hundred, his first one. We need to try and put in those performances when these times come around.”It is not long since this tour began with well-intentioned but facile observations from the likes of Root and the interim coach, Paul Collingwood, about the “good, in-depth conversations” players were having, the “feel-good factor” and “opportunities for the group”. When Ollie Robinson limped out of the warm-up game, Collingwood said he would not be panicking; when Mark Wood hurt his elbow in Antigua, there was no SOS to James Anderson or Stuart Broad.But barring a miracle of a magnitude beyond the last-wicket stand between Leach and Mahmood on day one, England are set to extend their abysmal recent record to one win in 17 Tests, across five series without success. Once again it is clear how deep their red-ball problems run – and there isn’t a button marked ‘reset’ that can fix them.