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Veteran strikes with three quick wickets but Hannon-Dalby five-for gives Warks the edge

Andrew Miller19-Sep-2023

Warwickshire 72 for 4 (Rhodes 36*, Murtagh 3-17) trail Middlesex 121 (De Caires 40, Hannon-Dalby 5-29) by 49 runsThere’s a chance that Tim Murtagh was feeling rather sheepish when, shortly after 4pm, he stepped out of the pavilion as Middlesex’s No. 11 to witness – in the middle distance, and on the most central and prestigious strip that Lord’s has to offer – a guard of honour lined up to mark his impending retirement.The gesture was touching, as was the roar of approval when he blocked his one and only delivery from Chris Rushworth straight back down the pitch, but the timing was a touch discombobulating. After all, at 100 for 9 on the first day of Middlesex’s – and therefore, potentially, Murtagh’s – penultimate match of the season, it wasn’t as if the prospect of a later, and more terminal, visit to the crease was off the table just yet.And besides, there was something about Middlesex’s distracted display up to that point – even by the standards of their flatlining season – that had reeked already of “benefit match”. Murtagh’s inclusion, for his 264th first-class appearance and his 91st at Lord’s, had come at the expense of the club captain Toby Roland-Jones, and so (apart from anything else) had further weakened one of the most brittle batting line-ups in the land. On the face of it, it seemed an odd moment to ignore the realities of their ongoing race to the bottom with Kent.Warwickshire’s Oliver Hannon-Dalby duly reminded them what was at stake with a route-one haul of 5 for 29 in 10.5 overs: each of his first four wickets was the reward for a hint of movement on a probing off-stump line, until Josh De Caires, counterattacking gamely at No. 7 for an enterprising 40 from 58 balls, clipped him low to midwicket to leave Murtagh high and dry on 0 (1). All out for 121 then, with an uptick of zero batting points to Middlesex’s survival bid.But with Kent’s own bonus-point quest being stymied by Tom Lammonby and Lewis Goldsworthy down at Taunton, up stepped Murtagh for his main event, and for the penultimate time on his favourite stage. Seven overs and three wickets later, he’d shown once again that – in bleak autumnal conditions and in your county’s hour of need – sometimes a timeless display of ball-on-a-string seam bowling is all a team needs to get back on an even keel.Murtagh is 42 years old now, and has effectively been a Lord’s specialist this season, with five of his six Championship appearances now coming at HQ. But what a specialist, and how effective! His ten-wicket haul against Kent in April remains the key reason why Middlesex are not (quite) in the relegation positions, and on this evidence – though Warwickshire closed the day with a degree of poise through Will Rhodes’ 36 not out – it’s not out of the question that Murtagh ends up accounting for half of Middlesex’s four Championship wins in this campaign. There’ve been 14 wickets on this first day, after all. Even allowing for a two-hour rain delay, it’s hard to see this one finishing as a draw.Murtagh needed a solitary ball to sow those familiar seeds of doubt, as Rob Yates flinched outside off to a delivery that typically was there to be hit until it was not. His next offering was more inviting still, swinging across the left-hander and gathering shape as it did so, to induce an uncertain flat-footed cut and a fat inside-edge into his stumps – Warwickshire were 0 for 1 after two balls, and the game was unquestionably afoot.Three overs later, with just one run chiselled from his offerings, Murtagh struck again, courtesy of a superb diving take from John Simpson, flinging himself low to his right to scoop up a snick off Kraigg Braithwaite that was never destined to reach the cordon. Alex Davies then flapped his second ball over the cordon for four as Murtagh hit the seam and found extravagant bounce outside off; that shot was almost certainly on his mind six balls later, as he stabbed a fat front pad down the line to be pinned for the plumbest lbw imaginable.Even when his spell was done, Murtagh’s impact was arguably still apparent. Ethan Bamber replaced him at the Nursery End, and duly struck with his second ball – from round the wicket, with a touch more pace behind his nip off the seam, to crash past Dan Mousley’s defences and into his off stump. At 42 for 4, the contest was properly in the balance, but Rhodes and Ed Barnard quelled the threat as the light faded, to leave much more of the same required on Wednesday – at Lord’s and at Taunton – if Middlesex are to keep their hopes alive.If, however, the worst does come to pass for the club, then there’s really no escaping where the fault will lie. Another sickly batting card has left them relying on a soon-to-be-retired stalwart for one more bail-out, and even that is unlikely to be enough if the second innings serves up a similarly passive display.Warwickshire won the toss and the wickets were quickly passed around, not unlike a puppy at a primary school – soft and moreish. Rushworth struck the first blow, snicking Mark Stoneman’s edge for 13, one ball after he’d induced an almighty waft outside off. Hannon-Dalby bagged the second, as Sam Robson planted his front foot on off stump and was surprised by a hint of nip back into his pads. Craig Miles then came round the wicket to unroot Jack Davies’ off stump, before Ed Barnard struck one over later, condemning Ryan Higgins’ own stump to a similar fate.Barnard then made it two in four overs as Simpson wafted into a flimsy cramped cut and feathered an edge through to Michael Burgess for a duck, as Middlesex limped to lunch, five-down and freefalling.And once the afternoon rain had abated, it was over to Hannon-Dalby, flapping his limbs like a latter-day Bob Willis as he cantered in from the Nursery End, hounding a succession of techniques with high-kicking, stump-threatening line and length. Only De Caires, in the midst of a fine late-season flurry with bat and ball, found the gumption to resist, with a deft scoop over the keeper among his five fours, and a flat slam into the Grandstand for six for good measure. But Murtagh aside, not too many of his team-mates have yet found the fight to match their team’s needs.

Trevaskis, Lees and Jones chime in with fifties as hosts secure second win in four games

ECB Reporters Network11-Aug-2023Durham secured their second win in four games in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, edging out Derbyshire Falcons by 27 runs at Seat Unique Riverside.Graham Clark led the way for the home side, top-scoring with 89 from 78 balls, sharing an opening partnership worth 142 with Alex Lees. However, Alex Thomson claimed 3 for 53 for the Falcons to spark a middle-order collapse before a career-best 76 from Liam Trevaskis propelled Durham to a competitive total of 333 for 8.Derbyshire threatened to chase down the total after impressive knocks from Wayne Madsen and Brooke Guest. But the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals and four strikes from Migael Pretorius allowed Durham to clinch their second win of the campaign.After being inserted, Durham made a measured start to the contest as Lees and Clark took time to settle against the new ball. Suranga Lakmal and Sam Conners controlled the early exchanges, conceding only 23 from the opening six overs.But, Clark and Lees began to find their range against the Derbyshire change bowlers to accelerate the innings. The two players took Mark Watt’s first three overs for 31 that included a flat six by Clark over the leg-side boundary.Clark secured his third List A fifty on the bounce to continue his outstanding form. Lees followed his team-mate to another score of fifty-plus, ushering the hosts past the 100-run mark in the process.But, the Falcons broke back into the game courtesy of a mix-up between Clark and Lees, which resulted in the left-hander’s dismissal run out for 62. The home side faltered from 142 without loss to 182 for four as Clark fell 11 runs shy of a deserved ton, while David Bedingham and Ben McKinney fell cheaply.Thomson allowed the visitors to control the middle overs, putting the clamps and putting pressure on the hosts. He struck twice in two balls to dismiss Jonathan Bushnell and Scott Borthwick. Trevaskis survived the hat-trick ball and began to rebuild the innings.Trevaskis and Jones combined for a seventh-wicket stand of 80 from 61 balls to propel Durham over the 300-run mark. Trevaskis scored a career-best 76 not out to ensure the hosts capitalised on their strong start to set Derbyshire a tricky chase in the afternoon.The visitors responded with early boundaries against Luke Robinson and Migael Pretorius with Harry Came setting the tone. Trevaskis broke the opening stand for 48 taking a sharp return catch to remove Luis Reece.Came caused problems with a brisk 33-ball 44 before he miscued a drive down to George Drissell at third man, while Scott Borthwick prised out David Lloyd for 30, reducing Derbyshire to 105 for three.Haider Ali joined Madsen in the middle, and added quick runs, smashing Borthwick down the ground to register two sixes. He added fifty with Madsen for the fourth wicket, but then fell lbw to George Drissell.Despite the fall of wickets, Derbyshire didn’t allow their run rate to drop after operating at above seven per over at the half-way stage.Madsen took control of the chase and eased his way to a 43-ball fifty. He and Brooke Guest appeared at ease, but in a sense of deja vu, the fifth and sixth Derbyshire wickets fell in successive deliveries as Pretorius dragged Durham back into the game. Madsen picked out Jones, while Matty McKiernan was dismissed first ball.Guest kept the chase alive and pressed the Durham bowlers with a flawless half-century. It took a brilliant diving catch from McKinney in the deep to remove him for 63 and Lees took another to dismiss Thomson for a well-made 35 to turn the game in Durham’s favour. The hosts were clinical at the death to secure a 27-run win as Pretorious and Bushnell claimed the final two Derbyshire wickets.

A year into the allrounder’s groundbreaking tenure at the helm, a look back behind the scenes at the lead-up into his crowning

Vithushan Ehantharajah29-May-2023″Oh no, oh no, oh no.”When he was told by Joe Root that he would be stepping down as England’s Test captain after five years in the job, Ben Stokes relayed the news to his wife, Clare. Her response was immediate and dismayed. She knew what was coming and was understandably concerned.Stokes had returned to the side for the Ashes in Australia after a mental-health break during the 2021 summer and was just starting to feel like himself on the Caribbean tour that followed. Now, with Root stepping down, Stokes was the one standout candidate for the Test captaincy.Related

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Ben Stokes and the art of captaincy

The fear from those close to him was that it might be a bit soon, though they did not doubt Stokes had the skill sets for the job.”I hope Stokesy doesn’t mind me saying, but he was not in the greatest place himself when I started playing,” says Ollie Robinson, who first lined up alongside Stokes during that 2021-22 Ashes. “He was a shell of the person I’d seen in the [previous] 12 months.”The start of the Ireland Test on Thursday this week will mark a day over a year since Stokes first walked out at Lord’s as England men’s newly appointed Test captain. The journey since then has been as successful as it has been thrilling.For England to be where they are now – stable, thriving, comfortable in their skin – with thoughts of beating Australia later this summer, speaks of a remarkable turnaround. Those fears about Stokes’ capacity for the job have turned out to be unfounded.The month leading up to that first Test against New Zealand last year was uncertain. The top of England men’s cricket was being rebuilt after a number of departures. What has become clear since, however, is that Stokes was far more than just a brick in the rebuild. Rather, he was the scaffolding.

Stokes did not want to give the impression that the captain was above his players. His rationale was that he would do the things he needed to do, but none of it needed to be about him: the team comes first

Communication was a key part of his toolkit. He took calls, made calls, spoke to players, outlining how he wanted to be as a leader, talked about the cricket he wanted to play and the messages he wanted to purvey. Not all those conversations went well, not all the messages were crystal-clear, but by the time he walked out for his first toss as Test captain, the basic structure for the success that followed was in place.

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In his last media interaction as captain, Root reiterated his desire to take the team forward. Privately, though, he was done. He officially stepped down on April 16, the day before Rob Key was appointed managing director. The timing was no coincidence – the two had had conversations when it became clear Key was to assume the role.Before the announcements, Key texted Root to see where he was at, assuring him that no conversation needed to happen straight away. Root had asked for time off following the defeat in the Caribbean and Key did not want to intrude.Root called him back a minute later. Over the course of an hour and a half, Root said he would be stepping down and gave his thoughts on a new direction for the team. In conclusion, he said Stokes might be the ideal replacement to affect necessary change.Just as well, because Key only had eyes for Stokes. He had already spoken to those around Stokes to gauge his readiness and to assess what would have to be in place to get the most out of him in a demanding role.As it happened, Stokes flipped Key’s first chat around and they spoke about how best to help Root continue through the summer. One aspect was the need to bring the team closer together. During the tough times, when England won just one Test in 17 before the 2022 summer, Root felt isolated from the wider group; the nature of being captain during this period meant some team-mates kept their distance.During the tour of West Indies last year, when England were far from their best, Stokes spoke to the dressing room in support of Joe Root and his captaincy•Getty ImagesStokes had always been sympathetic to Root’s struggles and was committed to helping him through the rut. At the end of the tour of the West Indies, as the squad were at their lowest ebb, anxious about their futures, and amid talk of a complete overhaul, Stokes took the floor and gave an impassioned speech about how there was no need for a fresh start. The talent in the room was more than enough to bring back success, he said.Stokes originally regarded even talking of replacing Root as an act of betrayal. That changed when Root informed him he did not want to do the job anymore. Thus, when Key broached the subject again, Stokes was all in. All in enough for Key to drive up north to shake on it and thrash out some ideas, such as bringing in Brendon McCullum as new Test head coach.Stokes made one final call to Root to ask for his blessing – though it was not Root’s to give. Stokes wanted to show loyalty to someone who had stood by him through thick and thin.Root could not have been more encouraging. From that point on, Stokes threw himself into the captaincy. ECB sources were surprised by the level of preparation he had clearly done. While Root, and Alastair Cook before him, were inquisitive to the point of being tentative at the start of their tenures, Stokes had a plan for how he wanted to deal with every facet of the role.He wanted to reduce the number and length of team meetings, particularly those on matters that did not relate to on-field performances. He wanted to cut out middlemen, especially when it came to selection, believing any decision he was responsible for needed to be articulated to the relevant parties by him.He also had a clear idea of how he wanted to approach the media. Not just in terms of how he presented himself but what that meant for the team. The tone was set on his unveiling.

“I said to Stokes, ‘Do you want to say much?’ He just turned to me and said, ‘No.’ That was it. I was like, ‘Well, I’m not going to say anything then'”Rob Key, England director of cricket, about a team get-together ahead of the New Zealand series in 2022

Stokes held firm on two things to do with his first media engagement at the start of May: the location, and what he would wear. His introductory press conference took place at Chester-le-Street, not Lord’s. He wanted to be true to Durham, and part of him also didn’t see the point in trekking down to London and back for a day.He refused to have his photo taken in an England blazer, opting to wear the track suit instead. Even that was a compromise, given his first choice was to do it in his civvies. To this day Stokes refuses to pose for staged photos at Lord’s in an England blazer – something of a tradition for Test captains.Stokes did not want to give off the impression that the captain was above his players. His rationale was that he would do the things he needed to do, but none of it needed to be about him: the team comes first.

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Before McCullum arrived in the UK, England players and staff got together at England’s National Football Centre in St George’s Park, near Derby. With the New Zealand series a few weeks away, it was the first time the whole group got together with Stokes as captain.Over 48 hours, players underwent medical screenings, had headshots taken, and generally spent time with each other, bonding. Some dropped in for a few hours, others stayed for the full two days. James Anderson and Stuart Broad had returned after being axed for the West Indies, and were noticeably chipper. Similarly, an uncapped Matthew Potts, usually reserved, was at ease in this setting. The vibe was very much about opening a new chapter in English cricket. Things felt different.Key, though comfortable with the backroom staff and players, was unsure how to play things with the wider group. He wondered if as managing director he should say a few words.Shortly before he took over as director of cricket, Rob Key spoke to Joe Root, who endorsed Ben Stokes for the captaincy. It turned out Key himself had had his eyes on Stokes for the role•Alex Davidson/Getty Images”We had all just started. Our players, medical staff – everyone’s there,” Key says. “I said to Stokes, ‘Do you want to say much?’ He just turned to me and said, ‘No.’ That was it. I was like, ‘Well, I’m not going to say anything then.’ It was funny – he didn’t say a word.”It turned out Stokes had spoken with players privately, and all of them left those meetings raring to get back in an England shirt. What needed to be said had already been said. Key was impressed. “He’d had his conversations; he didn’t need to do it again. You don’t have to say a thousand words to get the point across.”His ethos had already been put across in his first media briefing as captain, when he asked for “ten selfless cricketers” alongside him. It was then embodied in his first first-class innings after the appointment, when he struck 161 from 88 deliveries against Worcestershire for Durham.Arguably the most profound impact was felt among those “above” Stokes. He impressed in his first selection meeting, which featured Key; McCullum; James Taylor, who was an England selector at the time; performance director Mo Bobat; and David Court (Player Identification and Talent Pathway Lead). Though Stokes was only one of three with a deciding vote on selection, along with McCullum and Key, he struck a balance between being respectful and willing to listen while knowing exactly who he wanted for that first Test squad. He was compassionate, empathetic, and most important, calculated.

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After a round of golf during the 2021-22 Ashes, Ollie Pope was taken aside by Stokes for a quick word.The No. 6 batter had made 35, 4, 5 and 4 in the first two matches of the series. England were two down and something needed to change as a whitewash loomed large. Pope figured he was about to be axed.

Stokes struck a balance between being respectful and willing to listen while knowing exactly who he wanted for his first Test squad as captain. He was compassionate, empathetic, and most important, calculated

“You’re the man to bat five,” Stokes said. He explained that he himself would shift up the order to No. 4, with Pope moving up to slot in behind him. Pope was surprised.”He told me not to worry about selection issues,” he says. “He was obviously backing me to go in and bat No. 5, play the series and stop stressing. Which is what I was doing at the time – overthinking.”The next day, Pope was dropped.”It was a stinker,” he laughs.Stokes found Pope to apologise, saying it was a conversation they probably should not have had. Stokes was trying to be a good vice-captain to Root, and had not clocked a shift in the wind.Pope holds no grudge: “He did sell me down the river at the time, but not in a bad way. I wasn’t playing very well, I’m not surprised I got dropped.”Even if things did not happen the way Stokes said they would, the talk and subsequent apology fast-tracked their relationship. Pope appreciated how much Stokes rated him at a time when Pope did not rate himself. He also liked knowing he could pick up the phone to Stokes for an honest conversation. Which is exactly what he did in the second week of May 2022, when Stokes was about to select his first Test squad.Pope was trawling social media when he spotted a post from the Barmy Army about Root moving back to No. 4. Sensing an opportunity, he put in a call about the No. 3 spot.Though he had not done it before for Surrey, the call was not about selling himself, he says, more about making Stokes aware he was willing to do it. He said he would make the shift for his county in their upcoming Championship match against Kent.Under Stokes, Ollie Pope has made the shift up to No. 3, where he has thrived•Getty ImagesThe conversation was relaxed and straightforward, but Pope did not feel particularly good about it. “I left the phone call feeling very flat,” he says. “He didn’t say I wasn’t going to get picked, but he was like, ‘Stay at four for Surrey this week and just keep scoring your runs.'””It usually means someone doesn’t want to give you the bad news now. They’ll just tell you next week.”A week later, Stokes informed Pope he was in, and that he just wanted him to approach the next match with his usual verve without worrying about changing for a new role. “It took my mind off England stuff for that week,” says Pope, who scored 96 in his only innings against Kent, at No. 4. “Getting another score before that Test series was probably what I needed.”At the end of that Lord’s Test against New Zealand, Stokes told Pope over a beer he had always planned to pick him at three.”I assume it was a good, well-thought-out plan from Stokesy. Or the phone call put it on his radar. Let’s go with the first one!”The 25-year-old has gone on to average 41.63 at first drop, scoring two centuries, and is now Stokes’ official vice-captain.Pope regards himself as an indicator of how Stokes views selection and the game itself. “Like, who puts a guy at No. 3 who was struggling at five or six? It was clear to me after that first selection what he was about.”

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Ollie Robinson was a little confused and a little pissed off.Key had just called him to tell him he would not be part of the Test series against New Zealand. It was not the news he was expecting, or what he had been told to expect.

“Looking back, it was probably best that I didn’t get selected for that [New Zealand] series. I think that gave me the drive to be like ‘Right, let’s sort this out and get on with it'”Ollie Robinson

“What’s going on?” Robinson said in a text to Stokes.A few minutes later, a reply: “Let me get out of this meeting and I’ll give you a call.”Robinson played no part in the tour of the Caribbean, thanks to a back issue. Having been pulled up on his fitness earlier that winter in Australia by the bowling coach at the time, Jon Lewis, the onus was on Robinson to hit the ground running in the summer.It didn’t quite go to plan. Illness meant his domestic season started late, with two matches for Sussex at the start of May, against Middlesex and Leicestershire. It was in between those two fixtures that Robinson – having taken 5 for 66 and 2 for 51 against Middlesex – had a first conversation with “Stokes, the captain”. They had only shared a dressing room for six months but had good rapport, established during the biosecure training bubble at the Ageas Bowl during the 2020 summer. Stokes had no qualms casually dropping in conversation that Robinson would feature from the off.”[Stokes] was like, ‘Just string a couple of games together and you can be in,'” says Robinson. “In my head, I thought, ‘Right, that’s good news. Just a couple of games and that’s me in for New Zealand.'”Even after pulling out of a match for a County Select XI against the touring New Zealand side, Robinson was relaxed ahead of Lord’s. So when Key called to tell him otherwise, he wanted a word with Stokes. What he thought might be an apologetic chat was quite the opposite.”At the moment you’re not quite ready for that [Test cricket]”, Stokes said. “Your fitness isn’t where we want it to be. We want you to bowl long spells and bowl all day and keep your pace as high as your first spell for the whole game.”Stokes dealt Ollie Robinson some tough love ahead of the New Zealand series last summer, and reaped the rewards for it later in the year•Steve Bell/Getty ImagesAt the end came an olive branch. “He said to me if I can get to that place, I’m in his team every single day of the year,” Robinson says.Since returning for the second Test against South Africa in August that summer, Robinson has taken 27 wickets at 21.25. Stokes has been true to his word, picking him for the last seven Tests, and regards him as a lock for the Ashes this summer.”Looking back, it was probably the best thing that happened to me, that I didn’t get selected for that [New Zealand] series,” says Robinson. “Because there’s no way I would have got to where I am now as quick. I think that gave me the drive to be like “Right, let’s sort this out and get on with it.”At that point I hadn’t actually had any clear knowledge or way forward from my back [problems], as well. We were still battling that at the time. That gave me the kick up the a*** to be like, ‘Come on, let’s sort this out. Let’s get some injections, get back training.’ It helped me get to where I am.”

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Stokes eventually decided to give a speech to the whole group at the start of England’s first day of training at Lord’s, ahead of that first New Zealand Test. He spoke then of the need to play more freely and cast doubt from their minds. There was no talk about winning, ambitions to climb up the Test rankings, improving their World Test Championship position, or even about getting into a position to win the Ashes for the first time since 2015. It was all about feel.Stokes used batting as an analogy: that you bat your best when you are “nice and relaxed, and not gripping the bat too tight”. It was all about how he wanted them to feel. Then came something of a rallying cry.”The only voices that are important are the ones in this dressing room. This team is not going to be what is in the , the or Sky. It’s the England cricket team. Me, Baz and everyone else in this dressing room. The only voice you’ve got to listen to is this dressing room.”

England’s players and the team have not just mimicked Stokes’ approach to cricket but also his approach to all of them

Practical methods of applying those principles included turning off the television as soon as technical analysis of someone’s technique came up on the coverage. All that needs to be said, all that needs to be known, is right there in the room with you: these are the people looking out for you.The message was reiterated on the eve of Stokes’ first day in the field as captain. Graham Thorpe, England’s long-time batting coach, who had lost his job after the Ashes, was seriously ill in hospital. Stokes wanted to show Thorpe he was in their thoughts and asked for a shirt to made with Thorpe’s name and cap number, 564, on the back, to wear out to the middle for the toss.There was one slight issue – he had to wear a blazer. Stokes was adamant the shirt would get aired. In the end, he wore the blazer out to the middle, removing it to reveal the name and number as he flipped the coin alongside Kane Williamson.Speaking to the team the day before, Stokes said it was important Thorpe knew he had their support. That someone who had been so close, so loyal to the players during a tough run now needed them more than ever. He reiterated the importance of being true to yourself and the person next to you, not just the shirt and the cap.The rest – well, you know how that plays out. Ten wins in 12, famous victories over New Zealand, India, South Africa and Pakistan, all through a style of play in his image, underlined Stokes’ worth as a captain. The individuals and the team have not just mimicked his approach to cricket but also his approach to all of them.With the Ashes on the horizon, England’s values are due for the sternest examination of these principles. Can these tenets of enjoyment and selflessness survive defeat at home to Australia? We could be about to find out.What is certain is Stokes has done his utmost to bring the Test team to where they are today. As much through his work on the field as that first month off it.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has dismissed calls from Gunners legend Tony Adams to replace Martin Odegaard as captain with Declan Rice, revealing the Norwegian was the unanimous choice in a fresh squad vote. The north London side's boss insisted there is 'no question' over Odegaard’s leadership, with players and staff fully backing him ahead of the new season.

Adams backed Rice to be made Arsenal captain

Arteta confirms Odegaard easily won Arsenal captaincy vote 

Begin new season away to Man Utd on SundayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Adams had earlier urged Arteta to hand the armband to Declan Rice, claiming the Gunners needed a “winner” to finally secure the Premier League title. The Basque coach rejected that view, stating the decision reflected the overwhelming confidence the squad has in Odegaard. Arteta revealed that Arsenal conducted a new vote to decide their captain ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, with Odegaard winning comfortably.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT ARTETA SAID

Speaking to the media, Arteta said: “My opinion is clear. It’s not just my opinion, it’s all the staff and especially the players. I asked them to vote the captain and I got the result yesterday. And by a mile, by a big, big 100 marks, everybody’s choosing the same person, which is Martin Odegaard. That’s the clearest sign you can have of how they feel about who has to be their captain to defend, improve and win the matches that we want to win.”

Arteta explained the vote was part of a wider refresh of the squad’s leadership group. He added: “We change a lot and we change all the leadership groups because a lot of the players that were there, they are gone. So we need to re-establish that, and it gives you so much information, how they feel about themselves and who they see as a leader. It was really interesting to analyse all the data and gather that information.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Odegaard has been Arsenal captain since 2022, overseeing three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League. His leadership has drawn praise for composure and professionalism, though some critics – like Adams – believe the role should go to a more vocal figure. With the Gunners aiming to finally secure the league title under Arteta, the captaincy debate has added extra intrigue before the season kicks off.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Odegaard will lead Arsenal out at Old Trafford in their opening match against Manchester United on Sunday. Rice, meanwhile, will remain a key figure in midfield as the Gunners chase domestic and European glory.

Chelsea have now submitted a £50m proposal for a “generational” forward, who could be in line to join along with Joao Pedro, according to reporter Simon Phillips.

Pedro set for medical ahead of Stamford Bridge move

The Blues have certainly been busy in the opening stages of the summer transfer window, with a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens believed to be edging closer to completion, and the Englishman is not the only forward in line to move to Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is edging closer to a move to west London, with a deal worth over £50m being agreed on Sunday evening.

Phillips has since taken to X to praise BlueCo for the way in which they have gone about business this summer, saying: “I applaud Chelsea for the speed of the Joao Pedro deal, no messing about there. Also, this is the club backing Enzo Maresca by the way.

“He put new attackers as the priority, and the club are getting players to match his footballing vision. More will follow, far from done here.”

With bringing in new attackers of key importance to Maresca, Chelsea have now made an approach for another forward, having submitted a £50m verbal proposal over a deal for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, Phillips has revealed (via The Chelsea Chronicle).

The proposal, which is not classed as an official offer, was knocked back by West Ham, however, with the Blues’ London rivals seemingly holding out for a higher fee, having previously valued the forward at £85m.

Despite the rejection, the Blues remain interested in signing Kudus alongside Pedro and Gittens, indicating they could return to the negotiating table with an official offer.

"Generational" Kudus could flourish at Chelsea

The Ghanaian struggled to stand out in a poor West Ham side last season, but he has proven himself in the Premier League in the past, picking up eight goals and nine assists in 33 matches during the 2023-24 campaign.

Not only that, but the 24-year-old is regarded as a “generational” talent by journalist Gary Al-Smith, indicating he could be capable of kicking on at a top club, should the Hammers be willing to sanction a departure this summer.

Fabrizio Romano: Star now set to sign new deal instead of joining Chelsea

Enzo Maresca won’t be signing him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025

There may be some concerns the winger is not a necessary signing, given that fellow winger Gittens is already set to move to Stamford Bridge, but the Blues are in a healthy PSR situation, having effectively sold their women’s team to themselves.

As such, if Chelsea have cash to splash this summer, it could be worth bringing in Kudus, although the proposed £85m price tag is way too high, given that he is yet to prove himself at the very highest level.

A big week is on the cards for Arsenal. Andrea Berta has attacked the transfer market with intent and supporters are feeling positive energy heading into the new campaign.

The Gunners have already announced three new signings. Kepa Arrizabalaga has arrived to provide competition for David Raya, joining from Chelsea, while another Premier League talent in the shape of Christian Norgaard has arrived as Jorginho’s replacement.

The headline addition so far has been Martin Zubimendi. The Gunners have been courting the Spaniard for a while and have finally got their man, bringing him in for a £60m fee, officially confirming his signature last week.

But, there’s still much to do for Arsenal. Noni Madueke looks set to arrive after undergoing the final part of his medical on Monday.

It’s also expected Cristhian Mosquera will join from Valencia and Eberechi Eze is reportedly still on the club’s radar.

Still, the biggest deal of all will see a certain Viktor Gyokeres arrive in north London. It’s a move that’s set to make those in the Premier League envious.

Why Arsenal are signing Viktor Gyokeres

Goals, goals and more goals. We can wrap this segment up now, right?

For a long time now the missing piece of the puzzle at Arsenal has felt like a centre-forward. In 2024/25, no player reached double figures for goals in the Premier League. That was the first time that’s happened for the Gunners in over 100 years, dating back to the 1923/24 campaign.

Of course, Arsenal had to deal with injuries to the likes of Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka but their absence only illuminated the problems in Mikel Arteta’s frontline further.

As a result, the club seemingly had two options this summer. To sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Sporting’s Gyokeres.

Well, after a deal for Sesko looked as though it was going to be too expensive, Berta and Co decided to push harder for Gyokeres’ signature, pulling the trigger on a move over the weekend.

According to David Ornstein, the Reds are set to sign the Swede having finally agreed a fee with the Portuguese club that will see him move for a guaranteed price of £55m plus an extra £8.6m in add-ons.

That looks could represent a bargain considering the numbers he’s been registering in recent years.

While 2024/25 was a colossal campaign for the 27-year-old, scoring 54 goals in 52 games, he’s not just a one-season wonder.

Gyokeres also scored 43 goals for Sporting in his debut campaign and thrived at Coventry City, bagging 22 in his final year with the Sky Blues.

Arsenal need goals and Gyokeres certainly does them. Still, there’s an announcement reportedly incoming that may generate just as much fanfare.

Arsenal's exciting announcement after Gyokeres

While very few things will top the arrival of a new centre-forward, the renewal of Ethan Nwaneri’s contract would certainly provide just as much excitement.

Indeed, the youngster’s future at the Emirates Stadium has been up in the air in recent weeks, with reports emerging last week that Chelsea were ready to pounce with a new deal for the teenager stalling.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, reports in recent days have suggested that Arsenal have overcome any impasse and Nwaneri is now set to put pen to paper on a new deal.

The BBC’s Sami Mokbel revealed on Sunday that Arsenal are ‘set to make’ Nwaneri a formal offer of a new contract, suggesting there is now a ‘will from all parties to reach an agreement’.

Football Transfers further reported that ‘an official announcement confirming his commitment to Arsenal is expected very soon.’

Why Arsenal needed to tie down Ethan Nwaneri

It’s safe to say that Nwaneri is a generational talent. Yes, we know that term gets thrown out more regularly than it should, but it’s the correct phrase to attribute to this young Arsenal star.

Officially the youngest player to ever feature in a Premier League game when handed his debut at the age of just 15, it’s been a slow road to regular action since then.

#1 Ethan Nwaneri

15 years, 5 months, 28 days

#2 Jack Porter

16 years, 2 months, 10 days

#3 Cesc Fabregas

16 years, 5 months, 24 days

#4 Jack Wilshere

16 years, 8 months, 12 days

#5 Jermaine Pennant

16 years, 10 months, 15 days

#6 Paul Vaessen

16 years, 11 months, 11 days

#7 Ryan Smith

16 years, 11 months, 18 days

#8 Gedion Zelalem

16 years, 11 months, 29 days

#9 Armand Traore

17 years, 16 days

That’s understandable given his age, but in 2024/25, he became a key part of this Arsenal team, scoring nine goals in all competitions across 37 outings and being rightfully nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award alongside teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly.

He’s one of the best young talents in European football. Only two players 18 or younger, Assane Diao and Lamine Yamal (both 9), scored more than Nwaneri’s four in Europe’s top five leagues last term, rubberstamping his early credentials.

His record so far and indeed his performances, have attracted widespread acclaim.

Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue reckons the teen “can be better than Yamal” in the future, while Joe Cole has suggested that the way he dribbles in and around the penalty area is “like Messi”.

Further celebrated by scout Jacek Kulig as “one of Hale End & England’s biggest jewels”, there are very few young players in the country bursting with as much potential as this kid.

Gyokeres will no doubt attract most of the hype this week but if a deal for Nwaneri also gets announced, don’t underestimate the importance.

With Chelsea circling for Arsenal’s best young talent, getting him tied down as soon as possible will be one of the best bits of business the club secures all summer. It won’t be long before the 18-year-old is starting week in, week out. Arsenal fans be excited.

Zubi will love him: Arsenal have agreement to sign £17m star after Gyokeres

Arsenal’s busy summer window now appears in full swing after Martin Zubimendi’s arrival.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 13, 2025

It’s hard to imagine where Manchester United would be without Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese international undoubtedly the shining light in what’s been a dismal 2024/25 campaign.

The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League, just a couple of places above the drop zone, mainly due to the 30-year-old’s goal contributions, which saw him register 18 combined goals and assists in his 36 appearances.

He also fired Ruben Amorim’s side to the Europa League final, achieving a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions, by far and away the most in the first team.

Fernandes has maintained such levels over a sustained period after joining for £47m back in 2020, with such a deal now looking a bargain given his form at Old Trafford.

He’s registered 20 or more contributions in every year he’s spent with the Red Devils, but he desperately needs reinforcements in attacking areas next season if the side are to progress up the table.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Victor Osimhen has been a name widely linked with a move to Old Trafford this window, with the Nigerian looking to secure a move away from Napoli after spending the season on loan at Galatasaray.

Viktor Gyokeres is another player on Jason Wilcox’s radar, but it remains to be seen if they can convince him to secure a reunion with Amorim after the Swede stated his desire to move to Arsenal this summer.

However, the same can’t be said for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, with a deal seemingly edging closer to completion, according to reports..

The report notes that personal terms have been agreed over a summer switch to Old Trafford, with no other side having an opportunity to hijack the deal at this stage.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It’s also states that the two clubs are edging closer to agreeing a fee for his signature, with the Bees previously demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with their star man.

Why Mbeumo would be United’s best signing since Bruno

There’s no doubt that Bruno has been United’s star man in recent seasons, but other players have joined the club and made an impact, just not on the same level and on a consistent basis.

Amad Diallo is one player who has demonstrated his quality over recent years, with the 2024/25 campaign his major breakout year within the first team.

The Ivorian has netted 11 goals and registered eight assists this campaign, with his best moment undoubtedly coming in the Manchester Derby – netting the winner against Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad.

Rasmus Hojlund was another big-money addition, also joining from Atalanta like Amad, but ultimately, his spell in England has been a disaster, scoring just 26 times in his two years at the club.

The signing of the Dane was the last time the club spent £70m or more on a player, but this time, a deal for Mbeumo will land them a proven Premier League star.

His experience in such a division will be key to any success at Old Trafford, potentially linking up with Bruno and improving on his tally, which saw him bag 20 goals in a season for the first time in his career.

The “superb” talent, as labelled by analyst Harry Brooks, has massively outperformed the aforementioned pair in 2024/25, further showcasing why he’d be the best signing since the Portuguese playmaker.

Alongside outscoring the duo, he’s also notched a higher goal per shot-on-target rate this season, reaffirming the clinical ability he possesses within the final third.

However, alongside his goalscoring ability, he’s also demonstrated his creativity, completing more progressive passes and more passes into the final third – able to have an impact whether it’s scoring or assisting in attacking areas.

If he can carry over such form to Old Trafford next campaign, he will be a phenomenal addition and one that could take some of the pressure off Fernandes in terms of being the key man for United.

The club have often spent big and been unsuccessful, as seen with Hojlund, but this time around, there’s a different feel, with Mbeumo having all the tools to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The new McTominay: Man Utd moving to sign "one of the best CMs in Serie A"

Manchester United have a player in their sights who could replicate Scott McTominay’s success.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 19, 2025

Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the second Test against Bangladesh, which starts next Tuesday, as he has not sufficiently recovered from an elbow injury. Aiden Markram will lead the side in his absence, with a view to Bavuma being available for the home Tests against Sri Lanka next month.”We just feel medically he’s not going to be ready for the second Test,” South Africa’s Test coach Shukri Conrad said from Dhaka. “We will tone down the [rehabilitation] programme so that he can be ready for the Sri Lankan series.”It has not yet been decided if Bavuma will stay with the squad in Bangladesh or return home to continue his recovery and play domestic red-ball cricket. The first-class competition begins next week, and Bavuma’s team, Lions, will play three matches before the first Test against Sri Lanka begins.”I’d like him to stay [in Bangladesh], and I’ve communicated that with him,” Conrad said. “But I also know that he’s got a young family. But yes, I’d like him to stay. He still plays a valuable role. It’s still his team. We’ll see how it unfolds.”Bavuma sustained the injury earlier this month in an ODI against Ireland when he fell awkwardly as he made his ground to complete a run. He retired hurt on 35 in that game, and was unable to field. The injury is on the same elbow which Bavuma had hurt in 2022 on a T20I tour of India. It ruled him out of South Africa’s tour of England later that year.In Bavuma’s absence, Matthew Breetzke, who debuted in the first Test against Bangladesh, in Mirpur, could be retained at No. 6 unless South Africa opt for an extra allrounder or a bowler in their XI. Left-hander Senuran Muthusamy is a possible replacement, as he also bowls left-arm spin.South Africa won the Mirpur Test after dismissing Bangladesh for 106 in the first innings with a four-bowler attack comprising two seamers and two spinners. Conrad paid special tribute to the player he called “our superstar Rolls Royce fast bowler,” Kagiso Rabada, who took nine wickets in the match including his 300th and his first five-for in the subcontinent. “We are an inexperienced side but we still need our leaders,” Conrad said. “KB led from the front there with the ball. He carried this attack, as he has done for quite a while now. And then backed up by some really valuable contributions by others with the ball, and then guys with the bat as well.”Kagiso Rabada picked up his 300th Test wicket and took 9 for 72 in the Mirpur Test•AFP/Getty Images

Kyle Verreynne, playing his first Test in the subcontinent, scored his second century in the format and Tristan Stubbs, newly promoted to No.3, oversaw the end of the chase . “The most pleasing thing for me was just the calmness that we showed throughout. There was nothing frantic about it, even when things were going against us. I was really pleased with the manner in which we went about our business. We were very calm and clear in terms of what our game plans were as a team and as individuals. That, for me, was really the stand out.”South Africa’s win in Mirpur has kept them in the hunt for a place in the World Test Championship final. They have five Tests remaining in this cycle, starting with the Chattogram Test before two each against Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home. On paper and historical form, South Africa will go into all of those matches as favourites but Conrad is being careful not to get too carried away.”We know that there’s some hard graft that’s going to have to be done along the way. That first Test match was the first one that we needed to put in the hard graft. We’re certainly not going to be looking to sit on our lead and we’re certainly not going to bask in the glory of that victory too much. Tomorrow, we go to Chattogram and we know that’s going to be really tough, and we’re going to have to play particularly good cricket. If we get a great result there, then great, and then we move on to Sri Lanka.”The World Test Championship is our World Cup but we are not going to be building any sandcastles, we’re certainly not going to have any pie in the sky but you’ve got to allow yourself to dream as well. And then give yourself the chance of realising that dream. But it’s going to take a lot of graft, and we’re a long way away from that still.”South Africa are currently fourth on the WTC points table and must win at least four of their remaining five Tests to have a chance of making the final.

South Africa Test squad

Aiden Markram (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne

Arsenal are ready to spend big this summer and could now gain the upper hand on Chelsea in pursuit of a talented star plying his trade at the Club World Cup, according to a report.

Arsenal ready to make statement signings

The Gunners hope to establish themselves as a frontrunner in the race for the Premier League title and Mikel Arteta is set to be backed this window as high-profile targets are identified at the Emirates Stadium.

In an honest assessment of his former side’s hunt for a striker, Arsenal icon Theo Walcott has pointed out that the club need to pursue someone in Liam Delap’s mould as they search for a new source of goals.

Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are Arsenal’s two main striking targets, and the latter has given his priority to Arteta’s side following an excellent campaign at Sporting.

That development comes in spite of interest from Manchester United, which will undoubtedly provoke optimism among a support desperate to see the final piece of the jigsaw added over the coming months.

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However, it has to be taken into account that signing a forward isn’t the only requirement to exceed their rivals’ points tally next season; you also need an effective foil to maximise attacking output across the board.

With that in mind, Arsenal now have a winger on their radar that they could steal from under the nose of rivals Chelsea, according to reports.

Arsenal prepare bid to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are preparing a bid to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, and he is viewed internally as someone who would fit their philosophy to develop talent over the long-term.

Berta and company are ready to put forward an offer that could amount to roughly £42.5 million, while Chelsea have also been heavily linked with Gittens and came close to signing him before the Club World Cup registration window closed. There have even been claims the Blues still want him and could make a new bid in days.

Jamie Gittens in 2024/25 – Bundesliga (FBRef)

Shot-creating actions

73

Goals-creating actions

10

Progressive carries per 90

5.53

Touches in opposition penalty area per 90

5.53

Successful take-ons per 90

3.57

Labelled “fantastic” by Nuri Sahin, the England Under-21 international registered 12 goals and five assists as Borussia Dortmund left it late to secure Champions League qualification.

Bukayo Saka’s injury issues throughout the campaign demonstrated that additional depth is needed for the Gunners to juggle domestic and European endeavours. Taking that into consideration, what better way for Arsenal to secure another talented outlet out wide than to beat Chelsea to Gittens’ signature.

Attempting to shake off any disappointment from their 2-2 draw against Leicester City last time out, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly plotting a summer swoop to sign a rising star.

Nottingham Forest's UCL frustration

At one stage, it looked as though Nottingham Forest were destined to finish as high as third in the Premier League. Now, ahead of the final two games, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side face the prospect of missing out on Champions League qualification and a place in the top five, with their fate out of their hands. Those at the City Ground will still have hope, but the reality is that Chelsea and Aston Villa must now slip up.

On a day which saw Nottingham Forest secure Europa League qualification, there was a feeling of disappointment rather than celebration around the City Ground, with fans now desperate to reach the Champions League.

Espirito Santo spoke about the frustration of two points dropped against a relegated Leicester side, telling reporters: “Of course, it was a day that we put a lot of energy in to achieve the win. It’s frustrating when you don’t do it. It was our game to get.

Nottingham Forest now "ready" to make move for "talented" £17m Milan star

He has won 10 caps for England and played at the World Cup.

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“Easy to say, we need to be solid especially when we were controlling the game and being dominant. The goal was avoidable, we should have done much better. That’s the frustration we have.

“No matter what happened to Leicester, they have quality players and showed that today to make it hard to beat them. Honestly, I think we should have won this game today. It’s a bad day today.”

With or without Champions League qualification, however, it looks as though Evangelos Marinakis is set to back Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer market yet again.

Nottingham Forest plotting Bischoff move

According to The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Clement Bischoff after Marinakis sent Reds scouts to watch the Brondby winger in action. Taking full advantage after Brighton & Hove Albion failed to agree terms with the 19-year-old following a £6m agreement with Brondby, Forest could land a future star.

Those in the Midlands aren’t the only side interested, though. Alongside Forest, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also reportedly watched Bischoff in Denmark since March to potentially spark a hectic Premier League race for his signature.

Earning plenty of praise from U23 scout Antonio Mango, who described the teenager as “explosive” and “flamboyant”, Bischoff is certainly one to watch ahead of the summer transfer window. All signs point towards a future star that Forest will not want to miss out on.