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Australia’s stand-in captain says bowlers who nibble the ball around can be tough on the current type of pitches

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-20252:17

How important is the first Ashes Test for England?

Steve Smith has hinted England’s pace battery could be the wrong form of attack for the Ashes, believing nibbling seamers would pose a bigger threat on Australia’s lively pitches.England have arrived for the summer with their quickest bowling line-up this century, with almost the entire cartel able to reach in excess of 145kph/90mph.Spearheaded by Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, the tourists also have Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse as support acts alongside captain Ben Stokes.Related

England's Ashes squad have pace in abundance, but do they have the miles?

England and Australia Ashes squads compared: who comes out on top?

Mark Wood puts 'boring' rehab behind him as he gears up for bowling return

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It’s a far cry from England’s usual attack in Australia, with the now-retired James Anderson and Stuart Broad long relying on swing and seam.And despite the hype around England’s quicks, Smith believes the tourists’ timing could be off and a more traditional seamer would be tougher to face on current wickets.”Those sort of nibblers can be quite tricky,” Smith, who will captain Australia in Perth, said. “So they might have got things the wrong way around, if that makes sense, in terms of the pace from previous years.”But obviously they’ve got those guys at their disposal now. They probably weren’t fit, ready or old enough a few years back.”Anderson’s Test career was brought to an end in 2024 when he was given a farewell outing against West Indies and Broad retired during the final Test of the 2023 Ashes.Chris Woakes dislocated his shoulder in the final Test against India in early August which ended his Ashes hopes and he has since retired from international cricket.Steven Smith has been in excellent from ahead of the Ashes•Getty Images

Smith joked this week that Australian wickets were now so green they “have branches hanging off them”.Asked directly if it was easier to face all-out pace than seamers on home decks, Smith indicated that was the case.”If you can do both, that’s a good skill,” Smith said. “But sometimes the slower guys are almost harder to play on those wickets where you have to make the pace.”It’s going to be different. But I think we’ve got plenty of players that play fast bowling well, and it’s going to be a good challenge.”Smith’s comments come after Mitchell Starc warned England that it would not be easy for the quicks to charge in all summer, given the harder surfaces in Australia.Smith will enter the series in form, with scores of 118, 57 and 56 not out in his three Sheffield Shield innings for New South Wales. Fresh off a six-week break in New York ahead of the summer, Smith said almost upon landing back home he would need a few hits to find his rhythm.That form is now undeniable, even if he briefly “lost his hands” while batting for NSW in their 300-run drubbing to Victoria at the SCG.”I felt awful my first 20 runs [on Wednesday],” Smith said. “Lost my hands for a little bit there and then found them back after that, so that was good.”It was more because I was changing bats, trying to figure out which one I like, to be honest. And they all felt a little bit different. I think I’ve settled on one, so it felt good.”But it was nice to just be able to spend some time in the middle, get some rhythm and feel in a good place.”

Labuschagne’s recall looks certain but debate remains about where in the order he will bat

Andrew McGlashan21-Oct-2025Steven Smith has revealed that Marnus Labuschagne told him before the season that he would be back in the Test side by the start of the Ashes.Though that decision has yet to be rubberstamped by the Australia selectors, Labuschagne is all-but certain to earn a recall having made two Sheffield Shield centuries in two matches – and four hundreds in five innings across the early domestic season – in a prolific return to form after being dropped in the West Indies earlier this year.”I sent him a message a couple of days ago saying how proud I was of him,” Smith said. “He’s just gone back and he’s got his fourth hundred in five hits. It’s a pretty big statement. He said to me at the start of the summer, he goes, ‘I’ll be in that Test team come the first [Ashes] Test’. He’s backed up his words, probably. He’s obviously not selected yet, [but] he’s done a lot of things right.”Related

• Australia's top order: What are the selectors' options?

• Labuschagne makes emphatic Ashes case

• Weatherald makes a statement as Boland primes for Perth

• 'Takes me two hits' – Smith already feels in the Ashes groove

During the first ODI against India, Labuschagne spoke about some of his struggles having come from getting “too deep” into his technique and “trying to be too perfect”, which echoes advice Smith had given him.”We’ve all been there [dropped] at some point in our careers and it’s difficult to hear it,” Smith said. “But I think he knew he probably wasn’t batting as well as he had been over probably four years ago when he was scoring a mountain of runs.”I think my advice to him was ‘stop thinking so technically, just go and play the game; watch the ball and react’. I think he’s been doing that really beautifully and he’s played so nicely.”While Labuschagne’s return looks certain, a significant question remains about where he bats in the order amid the ongoing debate around who opens alongside Usman Khawaja with Sam Konstas’ challenges continuing. Labuschagne was promoted to the top in the World Test Championship final against South Africa and there remains a realistic chance he will be asked to do it again.Steven Smith has been prolific since returning to No. 4•Associated Press

A large part of the final decision may revolve around how many overs the selectors are confident in Cameron Green getting through and whether Beau Webster’s bowling is also required.”He can open, as we saw in the Test championship final,” Smith said. “He can bat three. He’s versatile. We’ll see where it all stands when the team gets picked. I mean, it’s not too different to batting three, to be honest. He could be in first ball. So, it’s essentially the same thing.”I don’t think he needs to change anything if that’s the case. Just play the game, play how he has been, and see the ball hit it, and trust his instincts.”Smith, who had a four-Test stint as opener in early 2024 before returning to No. 4 last season where he averaged 53.27 against India and Sri Lanka, may also become part of the batting-order debate over whether he returns to No. 3.”I’m not too fussed, to be honest,” Smith said. “I’m happy kind of wherever. But, yeah, we’ll see what happens when the team’s picked where we’ll talk to the coaches and Patty [Cummins] and see where everyone fits in best, I suppose, and keep it as simple as that.”Sam Konstas is struggling to retain his Test place•Getty Images

With regards Konstas, who has made 4, 14, 0 and 53 in his four Shield innings of the season having scored a century for Australia A in India last month, Smith said there was a balance to strike for young players between overloading them with advice and allowing them to problem solve.”He’s obviously going through a bit of a period right now where he’s trying to figure out how he wants to play,” he said. “I think at times you’ve got to let these young players figure it out for themselves and find the way that they want to play. I think back to when I was young, I had to figure it out.”There were people that I could speak to, but ultimately you’re the one out in the middle playing. It’s your career and you need to figure out how you want to go about it. He’s so young, he’s got plenty of time to figure out how he wants to go.”From what I’ve seen, he’s got so much time as a batter when he’s facing fast bowling. That’s something you can’t really teach, so that’s a good starting point. Then there’s a few things that he has to obviously work on, but he’s a bright talent as we’ve seen and he’s got a bright future.”

Danny Welbeck has been backed to mentor Benjamin Sesko as the forward is sensationally linked with a return to Manchester United. The striker might be approaching his 35th birthday, but he has been backed to retrace his steps to the Old Trafford dressing room, where he will find a struggling 22-year-old Slovenian desperate to find his feet in the English top-flight.

• Welbeck's stunning renaissance at Brighton

  Under Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler, Welbeck has rediscovered the sharpness and efficiency in front of goal that once made him one of Carrington's brightest academy graduates. He has already scored six Premier League goals in 11 appearances, which has sparked a transfer rumour linking him back to United. The Red Devils are struggling for goals, and Sesko's latest injury has added to the urgency of recruiting a striker in the January transfer market. He came off the bench in the 58th minute during the recent Tottenham clash in London and nearly delivered the decisive moment before Spurs’ Micky van de Ven produced a superb recovery tackle. His evening ended in frustration after he was forced off with a knee issue. 

  Speaking about the injury, Ruben Amorim said: "I have no idea. Because it's the knee, we never know. I'm concerned with the injury because it's in the knee. We need Ben to be a better team. We have to check everything, we have to check what has happened with him."

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  A veteran reborn on the south coast

  Welbeck has scored in 17 consecutive Premier League seasons, and his recent form shows that the striker is far from slowing down anytime soon.  Former Scotland international Don Hutchison believes United would be foolish not to consider bringing Welbeck back, arguing that his leadership and experience could be transformational for Sesko, who has scored just two goals in 11 appearances. For Hutchison, the former Arsenal striker represents the kind of steadying influence the young Slovenian needs around him.

  In an interview with he said: "I mean, it'd be a brilliant fit. He'd be a fantastic signing because Danny Welbeck's one of those players, where if he went back to Man United, it would be like when Jonny Evans returned.

  "When Johnny Evans went back there a couple of years ago, he was happy to be a sort of mentor inside the dressing room. He was happy to be a mentor to the players that were playing. He was happy to play his part when needed. He was happy to be on the bench. I think Danny Welbeck going to Man United would be a really good fit in terms of he can still play, he can still score goals, he's still really fit. But he would still have the attitude where it would be a fantastic move forward, being back to Man United with the knowledge that he'd be mentoring the likes of Sesko. I think it would be a perfect move."

• England calls growing louder

  Alan Shearer also weighed in on Welbeck’s revival, insisting that Tuchel would be right to keep him in contention for the 2026 World Cup. 

  Speaking to BBC Sport, Shearer noted the scarcity of genuine alternatives behind Harry Kane, and said: "If you look at the forward options in Tuchel's last squad there aren't many obvious stand-ins for Harry Kane. Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Bukayo Saka aren't going to fill that role and Ollie Watkins hasn't been firing for Aston Villa, so any English striker scoring goals in the Premier League is going to be talked about.

  "It's seven years since Welbeck's last cap and he's 35 this month but Tuchel isn't worried about the future. His only focus is the six weeks of the World Cup so there's no reason why Welbeck couldn't be involved if he keeps scoring and stays injury free."

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  A final chance to force a World Cup narrative

  Although Welbeck was overlooked by Tuchel for the November internationals, he still has several months to influence selection ahead of England’s World Cup build-up. With his form peaking at precisely the right time and his goals driving Brighton forward, the window of opportunity remains firmly open. Welbeck will next be in action after the international break when Brighton host Brentford at the Amex on November 22. 

It was a small auction, mainly for plugging holes. Some teams did that well, some teams couldn’t quite pull it off

Shashank Kishore16-Dec-2024

Delhi Capitals

Hot take: Taniya Bhatia has been outstanding behind the stumps, but her batting impact has been negligible in recent times. DC have tried to address this by signing Nandini Kashyap, an upcoming youngster capable of being a finisher, and Sarah Bryce, who could be a fifth overseas starter in the XI because she belongs to an Associate nation – Scotland. Bryce was the second-highest run-getter for Sydney Sixers in the recent WBBL.Possible first XI: 1 Shafali Verma, 2 Meg Lanning, 3 Jemimah Rodrigues, 4 Marizanne Kapp, 5 Alice Capsey , 6 Minnu Mani, 7 Jess Jonassen, 8 Nandini Kashyap/Sarah Bryce (wk), 9 Shikha Pandey, 10 Arundhati Reddy, 11 Radha YadavOther players
Retained: Sneha Deepthi, Taniya Bhatia, Annabel Sutherland, Titas Sadhu
New buys: Niki Prasad, Shree CharaniHaving Deandra Dottin in your squad can only be a good thing•ICC/Getty Images

Gujarat Giants

Hot take: GG have tried to address their batting issues from the previous year by signing two explosive players in Deandra Dottin and Simran Shaikh – the latter fresh off recent success with Mumbai in the domestic T20s – but challenges remain. Who keeps if Beth Mooney is injured? Where is the experience in the seam department? Questions, more questions.Possible first XI: 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Laura Wolvaardt/Phoebe Litchfield, 3 D Hemalatha, 4 Deandra Dottin, 5 Harleen Deol, 6 Ash Gardner, 7 Simran Shaikh, 8 Shabnam Shakil, 9 Meghna Singh, 10 Priya Mishra, 11 Tanuja KanwarOther players
Retained: Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Mannat Kashyap, Sayali Sathgare
New buys: Danielle Gibson, Prakashika NaikThere’s a lot of excitement around G Kamalini•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Mumbai Indians

Hot take: Their first XI appeared sorted even before the auction, but in continuing with their long-standing tradition (in the men’s game, to start with) of scouting prodigious domestic talent, MI have signed 16-year-old swashbuckling opener G Kamalini, who can also keep wicket if required. They have also tried to plug a possible injury hole by drafting in South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk, who may have a big role to play if Pooja Vastrakar doesn’t recover from a long-standing back injury.Possible first XI: 1 Hayley Mathews, 2 G Kamalini/Yastika Bhatia (wk), 3 Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur, 5 Amelia Kerr, 6 S Sajana, 7 Pooja Vastrakar, 8 Amanjot Kaur, 9 Shabnim Ismail, 10 Saika Ishaque, 11 Jintimani KalitaOther players
Retained: Amandeep Kaur, Chloe Tryon, S Keerthana
New buy: Nadine de Klerk, Sanskriti Gupta, Akshita MaheshwariThe acquisition of Danni Wyatt-Hodge has bolstered the RCB line-up•ICC/Getty Images

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Hot take: Two of their four action picks are first-XI material. Raghvi Bist offers lower-order batting power, while Prema Rawat is an excellent reinforcement for the injured Asha Sobhana, who could be touch-and-go for the tournament as she recuperates from a knee injury. In acquiring Danni Wyatt-Hodge through a trade, RCB may have also accounted for a ready overseas replacement for Sophie Molineux, who is also under an injury cloud. The glaring miss, though, is a back-up wicketkeeper to Richa Ghosh.Possible first XI: 1 Smriti Mandhana, 2 Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Sophie Devine, 5 Kanika Ahuja, 6 Richa Ghosh (wk), 7 Raghvi Bist, 8 Sophie Molineux/Georgia Wareham, 9 Shreyanka Patil, 10 Renuka Singh, 11 Prema Rawat/Asha SobhanaOther players
Retained: S Meghana, Kate Cross, Ekta Bisht
New buys: Joshitha JV, Jagravi PawarWill Chamari Athapaththu have to start out on the bench?•Getty Images

UP Warriorz

Hot take: With a budget of INR 3.4 crore unused from their purse, UPW may have erred by missing out on a gun overseas fast bowler. They are also light on Indian seam options – they have Anjali Sarvani and Saima Thakor, but both are still finding their feet at the top level. It means they could be forced to play Tahlia McGrath just to bring in an experienced seam option, which could leave Chamari Athapaththu on the bench. Rajeshwari Gayakwad is also battling a chronic knee injury. There’s plenty to ponder.Possible first XI: 1 Alyssa Healy (wk), 2 Vrinda Dinesh, 3 Uma Chetry, 4 Grace Harris, 5 Tahlia McGrath, 6 Deepti Sharma, 7 Kiran Navgire, 8 Sophie Ecclestone, 9 Anjali Sarvani, 10 Saima Thakor, 11 Rajeshwari Gayakwad/Gouher SultanaOther players
Retained: Chamari Athapaththu, Shwetha Sehrawat, Arushi Goel, Poonam Khemnar
New boys: Alana King, Kranti Goud

The Championship side have confirmed that a supporter has tragically died following a medical emergency at The Valley on Saturday afternoon. The fixture between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth was halted in the 12th minute while staff dealt with the incident. After a delay, referee Matthew Donohue told the players to return to the dressing rooms, and the match was later called off.

• Charlton issue statement

  Charlton issued the following statement: "The club are devastated to report that a Charlton Athletic supporter has died following a medical emergency during today’s game at The Valley against Portsmouth. The match was halted in the 12th minute while the supporter received treatment and was subsequently postponed. The club would like to thank the Charlton staff and first responders who did everything they could, but sadly the supporter later passed away in hospital. The club are grateful to supporters in attendance and the Portsmouth players and staff for their patience and understanding as this tragedy unfolded. Everyone at the club sends their heartfelt condolences to the supporter’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

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• Game abandoned following incident

  The contest was put on hold early in the game when the medical emergency took place, reports . The players initially waited on the pitch while emergency staff tended to the situation before they went back to their respective team dressing rooms. The goalless game was eventually called off nearly an hour after the initial events unfolded. This fixture will now take place at a later date.

• Portsmouth offer condolences

  In a statement of their own, Portsmouth, who are 22nd in the table, wrote: "Pompey are devastated to learn that the Charlton supporter taken ill at today’s game has passed away. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their family and friends at this difficult time."

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• Messages of support sent to Charlton

  Other message of support have been sent to Charlton following Saturday's tragic events at The Valley. 

  Millwall posted on X: "Everyone at Millwall is deeply saddened by this news.  Our love and condolences are with the supporter’s family and friends, as well as everybody at Charlton Athletic."

  The EFL added: "Our deepest condolences go out to the supporter's family, friends and all @CAFCofficial at this incredibly difficult time."

AS Roma’s pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee is accelerating, with the Serie A leaders building a transfer structure designed to convince Manchester United to sanction a January move despite UEFA restrictions. After the Dutch striker reportedly said “yes” to the switch, Roma are preparing a loan with an obligation to buy, aiming to delay payment until the summer.

Roma pushing to sign Man Utd's Zirkzee

Reports in Italy have confirmed that Roma have stepped up their push to sign out-of-favour Manchester United striker Zirkzee, who is keen to leave in January due to a lack of minutes under Ruben Amorim. The forward recently made his first Premier League start of the season in the defeat to Everton, but it did little to change his situation after several months on the fringes. With Zirkzee frustrated by limited opportunities and eager to secure regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Roma have emerged as the club willing to give him a prominent role and a fresh start.

As negotiations progressed, Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reported that the 24-year-old had already given his approval to joining the Giallorossi. Initial concerns over agent commissions were later denied, and Roma began shaping their proposal around UEFA’s financial restrictions for winter purchases. Because the club cannot register a permanent signing for €25–30 million in January, their strategy shifted toward a loan deal with a delayed purchase option that can be activated after the season ends.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are open to selling Zirkzee but would prefer an immediate permanent transfer, especially since the striker cost £36.5m when he arrived from Bologna in 2024. However, with his playing time dwindling and the January window approaching, the Red Devils are increasingly likely to entertain Roma’s loan-plus-obligation structure. That model would allow the Premier League side to secure a guaranteed sale while giving Roma the flexibility to pay once their summer budget becomes clear.

AdvertisementAFPMan Utd in two minds over allowing Zirkzee departure

Zirkzee’s looming exit reflects the difficult season he has endured at Old Trafford after arriving with high expectations. Despite Rasmus Hojlund’s departure in the summer, the Dutchman was reduced to a supporting role behind Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, leaving him with only 172 Premier League minutes and four matchday omissions. His lack of involvement became so glaring that he only earned a league start due to injuries to both Sesko and Cunha, highlighting his diminished standing in Amorim’s squad.

The situation is particularly damaging for Zirkzee, given his aspirations to break into the Netherlands squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, meaning continued bench time poses a severe threat to his international prospects. From Manchester United’s perspective, the club is caught between protecting short-term squad depth, especially with AFCON absences for Amad Diallo and Mbeumo, and acknowledging the player's desire to leave. That tension leaves United in a delicate position, where prioritising the squad could risk losing value on an unsettled player whose minutes are unlikely to increase.

Roma want to delay payment to next summer

Roma’s plan centres on a loan structure with an obligation to buy, which they view as the only viable method considering UEFA’s limitations on budget allocation during the winter window. The club wants to postpone the €25–30m payment until next summer, allowing them to adjust spending based on Champions League qualification and overall season performance.

Manchester United’s hesitation stems from the fact that they would rather secure an outright sale in January, as Zirkzee no longer features in Amorim’s long-term plans. Even though the club faces forward shortages in January, especially if Sesko’s recovery slows, they recognise that keeping an unhappy striker with little opportunity to play benefits no one. The board also accepts that a loan-with-obligation protects Zirkzee’s transfer value better than continued stagnation in Manchester.

For the player himself, Roma offers the two components he wants most: guaranteed minutes and the chance to work under Gasperini. Zirkzee flourished in Serie A during his Bologna spell, making a return to Italy an appealing path toward confidence, goals and renewed standing with the Dutch national team.

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Getty Images SportRoma want to formalise deal in January

Roma must now formalise their loan-plus-obligation proposal to Manchester United, who will weigh the offer against the club’s need for attacking depth in the second half of the season. If Roma agree to an obligation triggered either by Champions League qualification or automatic terms, it increases the likelihood of United accepting. Both clubs expect talks to intensify as January approaches, with the structure, timing and guarantees being the final sticking points.

For Zirkzee, the next few weeks will determine whether he earns a fresh start in Serie A or must remain at Old Trafford until the summer. His motivation to leave is strong, and his stance will continue to play a role in pushing the deal forward. Should United approve the move, Roma are prepared to integrate him immediately.

Lancashire needed 303 to win and were 138 for 3 when rain forced the players off, just after Marcus Harris reached 50

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Sep-2025Despite some spasmodic pyrotechnics on the final day, the Rothesay County Championship match between Kent and Lancashire ended in a draw, with the weather ruining what might have been a thrilling run chase.Ekansh Singh hit 60, his highest first-class score, as Kent posted 293 aided by a hugely entertaining cameo from Matt Quinn, whose 42 was his best score for Kent.Mitchell Stanley also had a career day, taking 6 for 100 to finish with match figures of 11 for 180.Lancashire needed 303 to win and were 138 for 3 when rain forced the players off, just after Marcus Harris had reached 50. Quinn took 2 for 21, but then limped off with an injury.Some 28 overs were lost due to rain but when play finally began both sides immediately went on the attack.Ekansh hit the second ball of the day from Tom Hartley for six, but Mo Rizvi was lbw to Stanley’s first delivery from the Nackington Road End, getting a pair on his first-class debut.When Stanley then bowled Matt Parkinson for a second-ball duck, in the same over, the lead was only 221, but Quinn joined Ekansh for a partnership worth 71 that steered Kent out of danger.He blazed 22 off Stanley’s next over (including four byes) and left Stanley kicking his crease in frustration. He even improvised a ramp shot off a full toss that somehow ended up at point and by lunch Kent were on for 276 for 7.The final three dismissals were all caught behind. Stanley finally got Quinn and George Balderson got Ekansh after a bouncer caught his raised bat. Ben Compton, playing despite a wrist injury, came in at 11 but only faced one ball before Michael Cohen was out to Stanley for four.This pattern continued in the Lancs’ reply when Keaton Jennings edged Quinn to Harry Finch for 4 and Wells then went to the same combination for 19, but Josh Bohannon and Harris took the heat out of the situation for the visitors with a partnership of 91.Harris reached 1000 runs for the season when he reached 23 and it was 73 for 2 at tea, but Quinn then pulled up injured during a run-up, stumbling at the crease and walking straight off, to be replaced by Rizvi.His first over went for 15 and he was immediately replaced by Evison, whose third ball bowled Bohannon’s off stump for 46. At 16.34 however, the rain returned and this time there was no chance of a resumption.

Inter have joined Manchester United in the race for Karim Adeyemi, with the Borussia Dortmund winger leaning toward a move away from Germany next summer. His camp has already held early talks with both clubs, signalling a growing market for the 23-year-old. With contract renewal far from likely and tensions rising at BVB, Adeyemi’s future is now one of Europe’s most intriguing storylines.

Adeyemi’s future drifts away from Dortmund

Speculation around Adeyemi’s next step has intensified after fresh reports indicated the Dortmund forward is “far from” considering a contract extension. The 23-year-old’s deal runs until 2027, but figures close to the player suggest he is leaning strongly toward a move in the summer, even if BVB have not yet been formally informed of his intentions. United have already held early contact with Adeyemi’s representatives, with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who recently orchestrated moves for Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte to Old Trafford, now central to discussions. According to , Inter have also entered the scene, with initial communication taking place as the Serie A giants monitor his situation and map out potential scenarios for 2026.

The growing interest comes at a time when the forward has faced both on-field struggles and off-field complications, creating a sense of uncertainty around his long-term prospects at BVB. This rising tension naturally widens the lens on what his next career chapter might look like.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAdeyemi in a slump amid off-field troubles

Adeyemi has neither scored nor assisted since late September, a stark contrast to the bright early-season form that once re-established him as a key figure under Niko Kovac. In recent weeks, tensions have bubbled over publicly. During BVB’s 1-0 win against Koln, he threw a water bottle toward the bench after being substituted, leading Kovac to respond sharply: “I think that's unnecessary. It's okay that he can be angry sometimes, but that's unnecessary, he's an adult.”

The strained dynamic flared up again during the 1-1 draw with Hamburg, where the pair argued after Kovac substituted him in the 66th minute. These moments paint a picture of a player battling for composure as form dips and pressure grows. Off the pitch, the €450,000 fine for illegal possession of weapons added an unexpected layer to his year. Adeyemi addressed the incident publicly, calling it: “A huge mistake… one that I deeply regret, that cost me a lot, and that I remorse deeply.”

BVB and the German Football Association (DFB) imposed additional community service, with sporting director Lars Ricken stressing the club’s stance: “We took the matter very seriously. However, it should also be taken into account that he had to pay an expensive fine, no one was harmed and the player is still not considered to have a criminal record."

This combination of sporting frustration and personal turbulence has made Adeyemi’s situation one of the more complex transfer stories heading into the summer window.

Mendes working on Adeyemi's future

Behind the scenes, Mendes is believed to be shaping the German international's next move, leveraging his strong network in England and Italy. United’s long-term need for wide players and Inter’s evolving transfer vision for 2026 both position Adeyemi as a strategic target rather than just an opportunistic one. The legal issue, stemming from what Adeyemi described as ordering an online “mystery box” that unexpectedly contained restricted items initially raised questions about club interest. Yet early indications suggest that neither United nor Inter view it as a deal-breaker, especially given the player's transparency and the swift completion of sanctions.

His community service commitment and willingness to publicly explain the situation have helped stabilise his image in the eyes of potential suitors. This rehabilitated narrative now plays into a broader storyline: a talented winger whose Dortmund chapter appears to be winding down as new doors open.

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AFPSummer window battle looms

All signs point toward a decisive summer for Adeyemi. Inter and United are expected to intensify discussions once the season ends, while Die Borussen wait for formal communication before planning their next steps. With no extension in sight, BVB may be forced into a strategic sale rather than risk a depreciating asset over the next two years.

Adeyemi’s immediate goal will be to break his scoring drought and repair ties with Kovac as Dortmund push through the second half of the season. But with rising transfer noise, increasingly public tension, and strong interest from two European giants, the stage is already set for a major battle for his signature. His next defining chapter appears to be approaching and Europe’s biggest clubs will be watching closely.

South Africa are sensing a more even fight as India trade turners for true surfaces

Firdose Moonda11-Nov-20251:47

Phillander: South Africa’s young team has had ‘phenomenal preparation’ for India tour

India’s turnado years are over, or at least that’s what South Africa believe as they seek to win their first Test in the country in 15 years and maybe even a first series in 25. Unlike on their tour in 2015, when surfaces crumbled at the sight of a cricket ball, or on their tours of Bangladesh and Pakistan recently, South Africa expect the contest to be more balanced as India redefine home advantage in the wake of last year’s 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand.”I don’t think it will be as spin-friendly as we experienced in Pakistan,” Keshav Maharaj, South Africa’s first-choice left-arm spinner said from Kolkata. “I think it will be good wickets that deteriorate as the game goes on. If you watched a bit of the West Indies series, it went to day four and five. The narrative is changing in terms of getting wickets. You want to give yourself the best chance when you’re in home conditions, so maybe it’s felt that let’s play on good cricket wickets and let the game deteriorate as it goes on.”Related

• The World Test Champions begin their toughest test in India

• Graeme Smith: 'Crucial for South Africa to start well' in India

• India-South Africa Guwahati Test to have tea break before lunch

• Dhruv Jurel: too good to keep out, too good to just keep

• Colossal task awaits SA's eight newcomers in India, but can they adapt?

As ESPNcricinfo had reported earlier, reverse swing is anticipated at the Eden Gardens and South Africa’s seamers will be pleased to hear that. The West Indies series serves as empirical evidence after the Delhi Test went to a fifth day even though India scored over 500 in their first innings and West Indies close to 400 in their second.So, it’s South Africa’s batters who will be happiest, with the ghosts of the last two series certain to re-emerge. In 2015, South Africa, then No.1 in the world and on a nine-year unbeaten run away from home, were bowled out for under 200 all but once in four Tests and the once was a rained-out draw. The Nagpur pitch, which hosted the third Test where India sealed the series, was rated poor. In 2019, South Africa, on the cusp of a major internal meltdown, fared slightly better and topped 400 once but still lost 3-0.Now, South Africa are back at No.1, they have won (Bangladesh 2024) and shared a series (Pakistan 2025) in other parts of the subcontinent, and they feel more equipped to deal with spin-friendly conditions especially when it comes to batting. “The line-up has come a long way,” Maharaj said. “Our hundreds are shared amongst each other, which is important because at any given time, someone stands up and really takes that responsibility. Sometimes a 60 in the sub is worth 150 in other conditions. Taking that responsibility is something that they’ve really embraced and it’s starting to show from a results point of view.”2:58

Philander: Harmer, Maharaj are world-class but Muthusamy will be the real talking point

In Pakistan, only Tony de Zorzi scored a century but there were fifties from Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis and even Kagiso Rabada. In Bangladesh, de Zorzi, Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Verreynne all raised their bats to three figures. All those players are on this tour and though they will play Tests in India for the first time (apart from Rabada), they understand what it takes to be successful in less familiar conditions.They have also shown an ability to adapt to changing situations: from being on the ropes at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan last year to sweeping the summer and qualifying for the WTC final and then fighting back against Australia at Lord’s to win the mace. South Africa want to build on that success in a new cycle, which includes tougher assignments than previous one and with this India series, what they see as the toughest.”There’s a real hunger and desire to beat India in India. It’s probably one of the toughest tours, if not the toughest tour on the Proteas calendar through various generations and some people were fortunate enough to cross the hurdle,” Maharaj said. “As a unit, we feel like it’s one of our biggest tests. And it will be a wonderful opportunity to grade ourselves, to see how far we’ve come. Slowly but surely, we started to conquer other parts of the subcontinent, and I feel like this is one assignment that we really, really want to take.”South Africa’s last Test win in India came in Nagpur in 2010 and their only Test series victory was in the year 2000. They have won five out of 19 Tests in India and none of their last seven matches there.

Which one do you pick: the Ben Stokes epic at Headingley against Australia, or the time New Zealand overturned a follow-on to trump Bazballin’ England?

ESPNcricinfo staff20-May-2025Update: This poll has ended. The ENG-AUS 2019 Leeds Test moves into the quarter-finals.

The Stokes show at Headingley, 2019

A Test that might not have otherwise stayed for too long in the memory, it was the unbroken 76-run stand for the last wicket between Ben Stokes and Jack Leach that lifted it to where the greatest Test matches in history are clubbed together.And, of course, the fact that in those 76 runs, one batter scored 74 (in 45 balls) and the other 1 (in 17 balls)! Not to forget that the winners had scored 67 in their first innings and then hit 362 for 9 in a Test where 246 was the next-best total.Australia won the first Test and the second was drawn, so England wanted to win this one at Headingley to stay in the Ashes contest. But after Australia were bowled out for 179 in the first innings, all England could put up was 67, with Joe Denly top-scoring with 12. Back to Australia, and this time they put up 246.Was the pitch getting better for batting? It didn’t seem so when England were 15 for 2 in their chase of 359, and then 159 for 4 with Joe Root gone, and then 286 for 9. Stokes, the No. 5, was on 61 at the time. Off 174 balls.But with last-man Leach for company, Stokes switched something on. He hit four fours and seven sixes from that point, keeping Leach away from the strike as much as possible, before finishing it off with a flay through the covers off Pat Cummins. Done and dusted!

New Zealand go from follow-on to victory – Wellington, 2023

New Zealand became only the fourth team in Test history to win after being asked to follow-on when they beat England by one run in Wellington.With Harry Brook and Joe Root scoring hundreds, England Bazballed their way to 435 for 8 declared. In response, New Zealand slipped to 103 for 7 before folding for 209, and were asked to follow on.The second innings was completely different. Led by Kane Williamson’s 132, Tom Blundell’s 90 and Tom Latham’s 83, they set England 258 to win.With more than a day left, England would have still fancied their chances. But they collapsed to 80 for 5 within 22 overs. Ben Stokes decided to drop the anchor, while Root did the bulk of the scoring. They took England past 200 but fell soon after.It came down to the last pair with seven to get. Jack Leach got off the mark with a single, as he had during the famous Headingley Test of the 2019 Ashes. But this time it was James Anderson, and not Stokes, at the other end. Anderson did smash a four but then edged Neil Wagner down the leg side for Blundell to complete a diving catch and the win.