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England rookie proves his time at IPL was well spent as he dominates first ODI with 82 from 53 balls

Vithushan Ehantharajah30-May-2025″He’s definitely got that… whatever they say nowadays… ‘aura’.”The “they” Jacob Bethell refers to when searching for the term used to describe someone who commands attention and keeps it, is “kids”. The “he” is Virat Kohli, of course, his recent Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate.Mentions of Kohli are always good for business, but in this case it is a little less transactional. Bethell, only 21 but not with modern online slang, was speaking after a devastating innings of 82 off 53 deliveries that killed Thursday’s first ODI against West Indies as a contest, even if it was not the sole difference in the eventual 238-run margin.A player-of-the-match turn – he also took 1 for 18 with the ball – had come after close to two months of bench-warming at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In that period, he had played just twice, though that included a maiden IPL half-century in the last of those against Chennai Super Kings. It added up to a very small part in RCB’s qualification for their fourth IPL final, and their quest for that elusive maiden title.Yet there were evidently no splinters or rust to shake off, just a bit of strain from hotel-hopping which – even for someone with a nomadic upbringing that involved swapping Barbados for Birmingham at the age of 12 – still takes some getting used to.”The only thing I struggle with is the beds,” Bethell said. “A lot of these hotel beds are way too soft. I’ve got a bad back and I’m only 21, so we need to sort that out!”Not that there were any signs of a creaking body as he blammed all but 20 of his runs in boundaries. Five of them were crisp sixes – as many as the five ahead of him in the top six – with four of them coming in a final 10-over blitz that carried England, eventually, to 400 for 8.Bethell and Virat Kohli opened the batting together at RCB•Getty Images”I feel like I’m a better player now than I was a couple of months ago,” Bethell said, lauding the practice facilities and the quality of net bowlers he had encountered on a day-to-day basis at the IPL. It’s a sentiment that is now commonplace among Engish players who need to justify getting paid decent money not to play cricket in India, rather than play County Cricket in April and May.His innings against West Indies, however, adds an important undertone of sincerity, particularly when Bethell elaborates on his learnings against spin in particular, a usual sticking point for England’s 50-over team. Gudakesh Motie emerged from England’s onslaught broadly unscathed, with 0 for 39 from 7 overs. However, Bethell was able to strike 10 off four balls from the left-arm spinner, including the only boundary off Motie – a slog-sweep into the stands at midwicket.”I don’t want to give away everything,” Bethell said. “It’s just the way those batters go about playing spin, they’re clinical in how they pick length and the deliveries they try to hit for four and six.”That was nice, to have more of a power-game input into my game, rather than a bit of touch around spin as well. So then, just trying to mesh the two together would help a lot.”As for his interactions with Kohli and that exposure to the “aura”: that included invaluable time spent with the cricketer and the man. They opened together during Bethell’s twin appearances, sharing a 97-run stand on the second occasion as they pocketed half-centuries in an RCB win.Bethell may have re-opened the No.3 Test debate with his exploits at Edgbaston•AFP/Getty Images”I think he quite enjoys the overseas boys because we’re just pretty chill around him,” Bethell said. “He’s definitely got that feeling. And when he walks out to bat, it’s pretty electrifying to walk out with him.”It (advice) was just like an accumulation over the couple of months of just chatting to him. You get information that keeps coming in ways that you don’t really know, and it’s kind of just drip-fed.”It was just nice to speak to him off and on the field, away from cricket, so yeah, it was just cool to experience someone of his calibre and how he goes about doing things.”He’s got a certain intensity with him that just kind of… he flips that switch on, as soon as he crosses that line, which is pretty cool to see.”As far as mimicking Kohli’s career path, Bethell’s already playing catch-up. He may only turn 22 in October, but he’s trailing on a number of fronts, not least the century count. By 21, Kohli had eight of the 101 he currently possesses across formats, including four in first-class cricket. Bethell is still without one in 119 innings, with Thursday’s knock his fourth-highest score as a professional.Squint, however, and you could make out the merest hint of Kohli in the shifting of gears and manner in which Bethell was imposing himself on an admittedly wayward West Indian attack. Even in these early stages, it is clear Bethell’s approach to batting focuses on heaping pressure on others rather than feeling it himself.That may even include his own teammates. Just as the dust had settled from Ben Stokes’ double-speak at last week’s Zimbabwe Test – when he was quizzed on what Bethell’s eventual reintroduction might mean for Ollie Pope’s spot in the XI – the left-hander’s firm-wristed flourishes have stirred the pot once more, even after Pope had seemingly secured his India starting berth with 171.Related

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With Brendon McCullum wowed in Birmingham, as he was on last year’s Test tour of New Zealand when he said Pope versus Bethell was something they would have to work out, the No.3 for next month’s Headingley opener is not set in stone.Bethell, as the disruptor, is not worried. He remains the chaser rather than the chased, pre-occupied by the day-to-day establishing of himself in the white-ball sides to focus squarely on what Test cricket might hold for him this year. Nevertheless, this season’s highest-profile challenge is next month’s five-Test series against India, which leads into the winter’s Ashes. As for any awkwardness that his precocity may have caused his Test captain and vice last week, the IPL gave him the perfect alibi.”I was pretty far away to be honest,” he said. “I tried to stay pretty clear of social media anyway, so me not even being in England, I didn’t really hear a lot of it until I think one of my friends messaged me and said the whole thing was going on. But I haven’t really followed it.”I obviously played in New Zealand as a replacement for a replacement (replacing Jordan Cox in the XI, who was covering for Jamie Smith on paternity leave). So whatever happens, it’ll be, and when the time comes, it’ll be fine.”

The Minnesota Twins are the odds-on favorites to win the AL Central with a -115 payout:

Minnesota Twins -115
Detroit Tigers +350
Cleveland Guardians +350
Kansas City Royals +850
Chicago White Sox +4000

The AL Central was the only division in 2023 to have just one team finish with a winning record.

Minnesota won the division with a total of 87 wins — the only division winner to tally fewer than 90. The second-place Tigers finished with a .481 win percentage and 78 wins.

The AL Central is expected to remain one of the less competitive divisions in 2024. The Twins should stay in the driver’s seat with strong pitching and a mix of veteran and young talent. If Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa and — stop me if you’ve heard this before — Byron Buxton can remain healthy, the Twins should waltz into the division title once again.

Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea has admitted he feared a 6-0 loss before VAR intervened in his club's dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna in Serie A. The goalkeeper dismissed pressure as "an excuse" as La Viola remain winless in the relegation zone, relying on two late penalties to salvage a point against their 10-man opponents.

Dramatic comeback salvages point amid protests

Fiorentina's winless start to the 2025-26 campaign looked set to continue in disastrous fashion. Bologna, who remain fifth in the table, established a commanding lead through goals from Santiago Castro in the 25th minute and Nicolo Cambiaghi early in the second half. 

The hosts were met with harsh protests from the Franchi crowd as the match unravelled. The turning point arrived when Bologna's Thijs Dallinga appeared to score a third goal, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for an offside against Riccardo Orsolini.

Buoyed by the reprieve, Fiorentina were awarded a penalty, which Albert Gudmundsson converted in the 74th minute. Bologna's task was made more difficult when Emil Holm received a red card in the 83rd minute. Deep into stoppage time, Fiorentina earned a second spot-kick, allowing Moise Kean to secure the equaliser after four minutes of stoppage time.

The statistics reflected a chaotic match. Fiorentina registered 17 total shots, with six on target, while Bologna managed six shots, hitting the target three times. Possession was split evenly at 50-50.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDe Gea admits 6-0 fear after disallowed goal

Speaking to , De Gea confessed the panic that set in after Dallinga's disallowed goal, believing the match was lost.

"After the 3-0, we thought we could lose 6-0, then I don't know why the goal was disallowed, but we gained confidence and almost won," De Gea stated. "The truth is, we could have easily lost, but we played a good last 25 minutes."

The goalkeeper acknowledged the result was ultimately positive given the circumstances. "In the end, though, it's a good point because the game was almost lost, but it's true that we're struggling a bit. We all have to do a little better, and even if it's not easy for the fans, we all have to go in the same direction."

Fiorentina 'can't be afraid' – De Gea

During his post-match press conference, De Gea was adamant that the team's poor mentality is not a valid reason for their position in the table, rejecting the idea that pressure is affecting the squad.

"If we're afraid to play… We're men, we play for Fiorentina: we can't feel the pressure, for me that's an excuse," he said. "We're doing badly on the pitch, some young players may feel the pressure, but this is the time to do better. We're close to getting this victory, I'm sure that when we win we'll start playing better and winning more."

He also addressed the chaotic nature of the match's officiating, stating: "A bit of chaos… Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don't, it's a bit strange. But this is football today and we have to accept it."

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Goalkeeper highlights Serie A and Conference League disparity

While Fiorentina have performed adequately in the UEFA Conference League, winning both of their games so far to go top of the table, their domestic form is dire. De Gea pointed to the significant gap in quality between the two competitions as a reason for the discrepancy.

"The level of these two teams we faced in the Conference is lower than in Serie A," De Gea explained. "We played well in the Conference, but in the league we're not the same because it's tougher, we play against strong teams. We're struggling a lot and you can feel it in the locker room too: the only solution is to work and fight game after game.

"Certainly no one expected this start to the season. We haven't won yet, and we're struggling. The team isn't performing well, but we have to stay positive.

"As Kean said, we need to believe more among ourselves… We have to believe more than anyone else, raising the bar and winning games. Serie A is tough, but that's football: we have to stay united with the fans, it's very hard for them too, but we have to follow the same path."

Important stands with Matt Critchley and Simon Harmer prevent Hampshire taking control with ball

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 22-Jun-2025Charlie Allison made it back-to-back centuries as he steered Essex into a commanding position on the first day of the Rothesay County Championship match against Hampshire at Chelmsford.Before his 140 against Surrey last month, Allison’s highest first-class score was 28. But the 20-year-old right-hander followed up his Oval heroics with 101 when the Championship resumed after its break for the Vitality Blast.He was the senior partner in a 107-run seventh-wicket stand with Simon Harmer, 16 years older, that carried Essex towards 292 for 8 at the close after they chose to bat. He also put on 66 for the fifth wicket with Matt Critchley, whose 71 came from 104 balls and included nine fours and a six.Kyle Abbott took his season’s tally to 35 wickets with three Essex scalps, but Hampshire let slip their morning advantage as a blustery, overcast day gave way to bright evening sunshine.Initially, it looked as if Essex’s travails of late – one win across both formats this summer – were being lain bare on a green wicket that gave encouragement to Hampshire’s seam attack. By midday Essex had lost three of their top four. Paul Walter mistimed a flick off his legs low to a diving square leg, Dean Elgar was beaten for pace by James Fuller and Jordan Cox ducked into a short ball from Eddie Jack and spliced the ball high to third slip.The premature departures did not preclude Essex handing county caps to the latter pair during the lunch interval. Former captain Graham Gooch handed one to Elgar while Cox received his from Jason Gallian, previously his cricket master at Felsted School, now chairman of the cricket committee.Back in the middle, Critchley was putting behind him his struggles with the bat in the Vitality Blast. He contributed 38 of the 53-run fourth-wicket stand with Tom Westley that included a six over long leg off Liam Dawson and a well-timed sweep for four, also off the England white-ball spinner.Westley was more circumspect, though the four fours in his 77-ball 28 were venomous in their execution and included one from his first ball through midwicket off Abbott and an imperious pull against Fuller. However, he departed lbw to one from Abbott that might otherwise have just clipped the top of the stumps.Under gathering grey clouds, Critchley reached his half-century from 84 balls amid a flurry of boundaries, the milestone four pulled through midwicket off Felix Organ. Another time he went in tiptoes to late-cut Jack to the third-man rope.Allison kept pace with Critchley and he launched Dawson effortlessly over extra cover for a six that brought up the fifty partnership in 13 overs. Later he hit another straight over the same bowler’s head. However, the stand was worth 66 when the wily Dawson had Critchley playing over a shorter-pitched delivery that looked as if it might have missed leg stump.Abbott had figures of 3 for 12 from 13 overs when he had Michael Pepper edging to the wicketkeeper. But that just brought together Allison and Harmer for a patient partnership that steadied Essex and ultimately gave them a measure of control.Harmer brought up the hundred partnership in 33 overs when he swatted Jack to the midwicket boundary. But with Allison on 99, he turned the ball to square leg, the pair hesitated and Harmer sacrificed his wicket as Jack’s throw went to the bowler’s end.Allison duly reached his century from 188 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, but one run later he dragged on to Organ and was bowled off the last ball of the day.

What defines a legend? A modern-great? In Arsenal terms, it’s Thierry Henry, the club’s record goalscorer.

It’s also Dennis Bergkamp. It’s Tony Adams. All three icons are cast in bronze outside the Emirates Stadium.

It’s also Arsene Wenger. While his stint in north London ended without many trophies, he is the most successful Gunners manager in the modern era. He was the one who drove the move from Highbury to the Emirates. He was the one who achieved a double, the one who reached a Champions League final.

He is also the only manager to have a golden Premier League trophy. No club in history since the old English First Division was rebranded have achieved an unbeaten season. Few have brought as much to the game as Mr Wenger.

Current boss Mikel Arteta has a great deal to achieve before he can be recognised in the same light but a major trophy come the end of 2025/26 would undoubtedly help.

It’s safe to say Bukayo Saka is certainly also heading down the legendary route.

Where Bukayo Saka ranks among Arsenal players in the Emirates era

The date was 29th November 2018. The setting: a freezing cold stadium in Ukraine. The opposition were Vorskla Poltava. What was the significance? Well, Saka made his first-team debut for the Gunners.

Brought into the fray by Unai Emery, he appeared from the bench in a 3-0 win aged 17 years, two months and 24 hours.

Since then, it’s safe to say the winger hasn’t looked back. Initially making his first forays at senior level as a left-back, even appearing there during Arteta’s first match in charge, he is now one of the best wingers in the world.

Only a few weeks ago, he cemented himself as one of the finest players of the Emirates era by registering his 100th goal involvement in his 200th Premier League clash, finding the net from the penalty spot against West Ham last time out.

The poster boy for this Arsenal team and indeed the Arteta project, journalist Charles Watts claimed he was “the best right winger in the world” back in 2023 and while Mo Salah may have overtaken him in that regard, certainly in the Premier League, he’s still right up there.

As far as Emirates Stadium icons go, he sits very close to the top of the tree. Other candidates include current teammates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Declan Rice is up there too.

Yet, does he come close to eclipsing the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie? Considering the way in which the pair left, you’d have to say yes at this current moment in time.

Does he eclipse Mesut Ozil? The German is one of the finest playmakers we’ve ever seen over the last two decades but even his time in the English capital ended in tears.

Alexis Sanchez left in strange circumstances as well but Saka still has some way to go before he eclipses the Chilean’s numbers. He found the net on 80 occasions in 166 matches, most notably scoring 30 times in the 2016/17 campaign. Saka’s best season in front of goal stands at 18 so there is room for improvement there.

The club’s number 7 is no doubt already a club icon but who’s next on the conveyor belt of talent?

Arsenal star could become an all-timer like Saka

Saka is Hale End. He has served as the inspiration for a whole number of footballers trying to make the jump from academy to first-team life.

His influence has already proven to be a beacon for the likes of Max Dowman and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Lewis-Skelly earned his England debut last term and Dowman is currently the talk of the town having become the second-youngest player in Premier League history when he made his top-flight debut at the age of 15 a couple of months ago.

1. Ethan Nwaneri

15 years, 5 months

2. Max Dowman

15 years, 7 months

3. Jeremy Monga

15 years, 8 months

4. Harvey Elliott

16 years, 1 month

5. Matthew Briggs

16 years, 2 months

Dowman is the shiny new toy and so it’s easy to forget about fellow Hale Ender Ethan Nwaneri.

Now 18, Nwaneri is the only player to make his Premier League bow at a younger age than Dowman and since then, he’s gone from strength to strength.

While he is yet to find the net in 2025/26, largely now playing as an attacking midfielder, he showcased that he was a true game-changer in 2024/25.

Last campaign, the teenager predominantly played on the right flank when Saka was out injured and he made a remarkable impact. In total, the youngster bagged nine goals in 37 matches and created two assists. One of those included a stunner in the rout over Manchester City.

He earned rave reviews in the process. After starring in the Champions League, TNT Sport pundit Joe Cole stated that Nwaneri was “the most exciting footballer in England and maybe Europe.” Fine praise indeed.

Cole is certainly a huge fan of the teenager, remarking at another point in the season that he was like the great Lionel Messi.

“These touches he produces in and around the box, I don’t want to say it, but it’s like Messi,” the former Chelsea star said. “I don’t want to put any more pressure on the kid’s shoulders, I’m sure he’ll deal with it. He plays with such confidence and he’s a beautiful player.”

After such an impressive season, it’s easy to forget just how young this kid is. Dowman is getting all of the hype now but let’s shine a light on Nwaneri again.

He may have only played 145 minutes in the Premier League this term but he is already streets ahead of his peers in the same age group. Some might argue he’s also ahead of Saka at the same age.

During the England international’s first full campaign a senior player he only beat the goalkeeper on four occasions. Nwaneri had five more.

So, there are still plenty of reasons to be excited about the teenager, particularly as in the words of Arsenal content creator Leo Da Silva, he has the potential to be “an all-time like Saka.”

Forget Lewis-Skelly: Edu sold an Arsenal talent who's "England's future LB"

Arsenal may come to regret letting this Hale End star slip through their fingers.

4 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 11, 2025

Kylian Mbappe received the European Golden Shoe award on Friday after he scored 31 league goals in just 34 games during his debut season at Real Madrid in 2024-25. Club president Florentino Perez demanded further glory from the Frenchman, who expressed his gratitude to everyone and admitted that he dreams of winning more titles and defending the individual award next year as well.

Mbappe presented with the European Golden Shoe

Mbappe received the European Golden Shoe award on Friday in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabeu, with all Real Madrid players and coaching staff in attendance – except for the injured Dani Carvajal. The French forward earned the honour after scoring 31 La Liga goals last season.

In his debut campaign with Madrid, Mbappe netted an impressive 44 goals in 59 matches across all competitions. Although Arsenal frontman Viktor Gyokeres scored 39 goals in Liga Portugal with Sporting CP last season, he finished second in the Golden Shoe standings due to the league’s lower coefficient of 1.5 points per goal. Among players from Europe’s top five leagues, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah came closest to challenging Mbappe, with 29 goals that helped propel the Reds to the Premier League title.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPerez makes his demands clear to Mbappe

Madrid president Perez congratulated Mbappe for his achievement and urged the forward to continue on the same path. “Today we are very happy because an award as prestigious as the Golden Boot is given to one of the best players in the world," began Perez. 

"Dear Kylian, congratulations. This is the fruit of your labour, and I want you to know that I, as president of Real Madrid, am very proud to have a player like you. You perfectly represent the values of this club, which is the most decorated club in the world. You will always remember this day. It is your first Golden Boot, but from here you are building your own history. The fans adore you and will always be by your side.

"Last season you won the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. You scored 31 goals in La Liga, 44 in all competitions. At Real Madrid, we've had three Golden Boots: Hugo Sanchez, Ronaldo Nazario (who won at Barcelona), and Cristiano [Ronaldo]. In your time here, you've experienced the demands of this badge. Only constant improvement and camaraderie will do. This Golden Boot helps you further enhance the history of Real Madrid. Congratulations to you and your entire family."

Mbappe eyes successive European Golden Shoe wins

During his acceptance speech, the 26-year-old expressed his gratitude to his Real Madrid team-mates and also shared his goals with the team. “It’s a pleasure to receive the Golden Boot! Thank you all so much. This is an important moment for me," said the Madrid No.10. 

"It’s the first time I’ve won it. It means a lot. I have to thank my teammates, who have come here and helped me in every way, to find the best version of Kylian. We have an incredible group and we hope to win many titles this season.

“It’s a tremendous pleasure to play for Real Madrid. Everyone knows it was my childhood dream, and now I’m here. I hope to be here for many years to come. To bring joy to the Madrid fans, who have shown me affection since the first day I arrived, and even before. Today is a great day. I hope we continue like this, because the most important thing is the collective. Without all the people here, it would be impossible to win this award. Thank you to the entire club: doctors, staff, and everyone who helps me on and off the pitch… Without them, you can’t win something like this. I’m very happy and I want to keep making history. It was 31 goals… and I’ve started this year very well, so… Of course I want to win it again next season!”

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GettyMbappe aiming for Ronaldo's milestone this season?

Mbappe has begun the 2025-26 season in breathtaking form, scoring 16 goals in 13 games. He has failed to find the back of the net twice: against Mallorca in La Liga and Juventus in the Champions League. With 11 goals in the league already, he will once again be among the frontrunners to lift the European Golden Shoe next season.

What's more, he could also become the first Real Madrid player since his idol Ronaldo to score 50 goals in a season. The Portuguese legend scored 51 goals in the 2015-16 season, which was also his sixth consecutive season reaching a half-century of goals at club level. Mbappe has never scored 50 goals in a single season, with his tally of 44 being his best-ever tally across a season. However, at this pace, he could comfortably reach the milestone by the end of the season, possibly even aiming for 60 goals. 

In stark contrast to this time last month, the mood around Chelsea at the moment is a good one.

Enzo Maresca has overseen three wins on the bounce, including an incredible result at home to defending Premier League champions Liverpool.

However, while the team has generally been performing well, there are a few players who continue to underwhelm.

One of those is undoubtedly Alejandro Garnacho, and therefore he should be dropped for someone previously compared to a young Callum Hudson Odoi.

Garnacho's slow start to life at Chelsea

It would be fair to say that the signing of Garnacho was not universally welcomed by the Chelsea support.

After all, while he’s an undeniably talented footballer, he doesn’t have the best of reputations and left Manchester United on poor terms.

Unfortunately, while there have been glimpses of the talent who racked up 21 goal involvements for a terrible Red Devils side last season, they have been nothing more than that, glimpses.

Appearances

58

Minutes

3568′

Goals

11

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

169.90′

Overall, the Argentine international has been somewhat disappointing, as in his six appearances thus far, totalling 273 minutes, he has produced a grand total of zero goals and zero assists.

Worse yet, while some of the games have been against top opposition, he also failed to turn up in the EFL Cup game against Lincoln City and offered very little against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

In fact, he was so underwhelming against the Tricky Trees, that he was taken off at half-time with a combined expected goal and assist figure of just 0.01, no key passes, just seven accurate passes, zero shots and a match rating of 3/10 from the Standard’s Dom Smith, who wrote that he ‘ran down blind alleys and failed to produce anything dangerous.

In short, Garnacho is showing no sign of improving, and therefore, Maresca should take him out of the team for the game against Ajax.

The player who should replace Garnacho

Two names might stand out as potential replacements for Garancho against Ajax: Jamie Gittens and Estevao.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, the former has arguably been just as disappointing so far this season, and the latter is primarily a right-sided player and deserves another start in his favoured position.

Therefore, Maresca should do what he did against Benfica and bring Tyrique George in from the start, but instead of playing him up top, put him out on the left.

Now, it would be fair to say that the young Englishman hasn’t exactly blown anyone away this year, but it’s equally true that he has shown more in his limited minutes than the former United star.

For example, he was the one who saved the club from a massively embarrassing defeat to Lincoln by scoring and assisting a goal.

On top of that, he has also simply looked more engaged and threatening in games, which could be down to him being an academy graduate or him having a better attitude.

Moreover, despite being just 18 years old at the start of last season, the academy gem, who respected analyst Ben Mattinson once described as a “young Hudson-Odoi,” was able to amass a tally of three goal involvements in 12 Conference League appearances.

Finally, while Ajax are not going to be pushovers, they are also going to be one of the easier Champions League opponents the West Londoners face this season, so it makes sense to give youth players a run-out in these fixtures.

Ultimately, George might not end up being a better player than Garnacho, but at the moment, he is offering far more, and therefore, MarEsca should start him against the Dutch giants.

Chelsea have a "joke of a footballer" and he's now just "like Cole Palmer"

The Chelsea star is becoming as crucial to Enzo Maresca’s side as Cole Palmer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 21, 2025

Gill confirmed Bumrah will play at Lord’s next week as India left out Thakur and Sai Sudharsan

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jul-2025

Ben Stokes and Shubman Gill at toss at Edgbaston•Getty Images

Ben Stokes has won the toss and opted to bowl first at Edgbaston, as England seek to exploit whatever movement there is on this Edgbaston surface to steal a march on India in the second Test, after taking a 1-0 lead at Headingley.The headline news is that Jasprit Bumrah sits out, ensuring he still has two Tests in the chamber to be used in the final three matches from Lord’s onwards. His resting is one of three changes for India, with Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar drafted into the XI.Those changes give India a decidedly different feel from the one that suffered the defeat at Headingley, with B Sai Sudharsan and Shadrul Thakur dropped. Karun Nair will bat at No.3.Explaining the decision to rest Bumrah, Shubman Gill revealed the India management felt Lord’s will offer Bumrah more than this track.”We did get a good break… but the third match of the series being at Lord’s, there might be a little bit more in the wicket so we thought we’d play him in the third one,” said Gill.While confirming he would have also opted to bowl first, Gill revealed Kuldeep Yadav came close to selection, only for Washington to get the nod because of his superior batting. Boosting the tail after numbers eight to 11 scored nine runs between them across both innings of the first Test was a priority.”We were very tempted to play him (Kuldeep). But looking at the last match, the lower order did not score many runs,” Gill said.All the intrigue over the last 48 hours was very much focussed on India after Stokes named an unchanged XI on Monday. The last time England fielded same XI across the first two Test matches of a home series was in 2017 against South Africa.Victory for the hosts would increase their superiority over India at Edgbaston. They have won seven out of eight meetings here, with one draw.England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Josh Tongue, 11 Shoaib BashirIndia: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Karun Nair, 4 Shubman Gill (capt), 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Akash Deep, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh Krishna

Allrounder’s batting cameo at the death helps take home side beyond Gloucestershire’s reach

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Jul-2025Ben Green conjured up an incisive performance with bat and ball as Somerset beat arch rivals Gloucestershire by 16 runs in a hard-fought Vitality Blast encounter beneath the Cooper Associates Ground floodlights.So often an unsung hero in the short format, Green top-scored with 36 not out from 22 balls with three sixes and dominated a crucial unbeaten stand of 42 for the eighth wicket with Craig Overton as Somerset posted 164 for 7 on a turning pitch after winning the toss.He then returned figures of 1 for 27 from four overs as Gloucestershire, buoyed by another half-century from overseas star D’Arcy Short, were restricted to 148 for 8, much to the delight of a sellout Taunton crowd.Gloucestershire skipper Jack Taylor claimed 3 for 19 with his offbreaks and his brother, Matt, 2 for 11 as the visitors made Somerset graft on a used surface. In the final analysis, Green’s heroics at the death made the difference in an uncharacteristically low-scoring contest.Short finished unbeaten on 71 from 52 balls with five fours and three sixes for Gloucestershire, while Jake Ball took 2 for 20 in four overs as Somerset, who had already secured a home quarter-final, finished their qualification campaign with 11 wins in 14 outings.Accustomed to scoring freely in powerplays at Taunton, Somerset did not have things entirely their own way against the nagging accuracy of Gloucestershire’s seamers. Tom Lammonby and Will Smeed came out breathing fire, only to fall to left-armer Matt Taylor as the home side were reduced to 46 for 2 in the sixth. Lammonby mustered a six and a four in raising 15, only to drill a length ball straight to midwicket, while Smeed plundered 20 off a Josh Shaw over before losing off stump to a Taylor inswinger and departing for 29.Tom Smith claimed 1 for 29 on his final outing as a professional•Getty ImagesMaking his final appearance for Gloucestershire before retirement, spinner Tom Smith lured James Rew into a trap, having the young left-hander held on the long-on boundary for 19 with the score 79 for 3 in the ninth. Trusting in pace off on a used pitch, the visitors introduced Ollie Price’s offbreaks at the River End in a bid to stifle Somerset’s renowned firepower. He struck in his first over, Tom Kohler-Cadmore feathering a catch behind and falling for 21 as the cider county reached halfway on 91 for 4.Bowling legspin, Jack Taylor then got in on the act, taking a looping return catch to remove Somerset skipper Lewis Gregory for 6 as the home side lurched to 105 for 5 in the 13th. Having scratched 14 runs, Sean Dickson then succumbed to Gloucestershire’s captain in his next over from the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion end, playing across the line and missing a straight one with the score 114 for 6. On a roll by now, Taylor struck again in the 17th, persuading Lewis Goldsworthy to hit high to long-on as Somerset were further reduced to 122 for 7.When Green hoisted Jack Taylor over midwicket for six in the penultimate over, it was Somerset’s first boundary for nine overs. He twice repeated the feat against David Payne at the death, 22 runs coming from the final over as Green and Craig Overton raised a valuable unbeaten eighth wicket alliance of 42 in 21 balls.Overton opened up with a maiden over, but Short and Miles Hammond both helped themselves to sixes in the second, bowled by Gregory, as Gloucestershire’s reply received a welcome shot in the arm. Hammond then put Overton over the rope at deep midwicket, only to perish in the fourth over, bowled for 16 by a slower delivery from Ball. Debutant Tommy Boorman got off the mark with a pulled six at the expense of Overton, who immediately avenged himself, having the youngster superbly held by Gregory at cover as the visitors slipped to 36 for 2.Spinner Goldsworthy was called into the attack to bowl the eighth and Short lifted him for six over long-on as the over yielded 11 runs. Jack Leach did rather better when replacing him at the River End, persuading Ben Charlesworth to hole out to midwicket for 16, while Jack Taylor was run out next ball without scoring as Gloucestershire subsided to 66 for 4 at halfway.With the required rate rising to 11 for the first time, Gloucestershire were in need of a big over. It came in the 14th, Price taking Leach for a six and a four to keep his side in the hunt. But when Price offered Green a return catch in the next over, last season’s Blast champions were 102 for 5, requiring a further 63 from 35 balls. Short went to his fifth half-century in six innings from 42 balls, but Gregory returned to remove James Bracey as Somerset took a vice-like grip on proceedings.

Toni Kroos has hit out at the decision to send off Luis Diaz during Bayern Munich’s win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, insisting that "it wasn't a red card”. The German and Real Madrid legend believes referee Maurizio Mariani was influenced by Achraf Hakimi’s injury rather than the tackle itself. Diaz, however later apologised publicly, while Bayern backed their forward.

Kroos weighs in after Diaz red card sparks controversy

Bayern’s statement 2-1 win away at PSG in the Champions League was overshadowed by a highly debated refereeing decision. Colombian international Diaz, who had scored both goals for Bayern in the first half, was shown a straight red card following a VAR intervention for a tackle on PSG full-back Hakimi. Initially given only a yellow, referee Maurizio Mariani changed his decision after reviewing the incident on the monitor, citing excessive force and danger to the opponent.

Hakimi, who left the field in clear pain and in tears, was later diagnosed with a syndesmosis tear and deltoid ligament damage expected to keep him sidelined for around eight weeks. 

The moment dramatically shifted the tone of the match, even as Bayern held on for a crucial away victory to extend their winning run under Vincent Kompany to 16 straight matches across competitions. The incident has since become the primary talking point across European football, with varying opinions from pundits, former officials and players, and one of the most vocal critics has been the German legend Kroos.

Advertisement'It wasn’t a red card' – Real Madrid legend questions referee’s judgement

Speaking on his podcast, Kroos was emphatic in his belief that the referee made the wrong call. “For me, it’s clear: it wasn’t a red card,” Kroos said, insisting that the referee “let Hakimi’s injury have too much of an influence on his assessment of the play.”

The German argued that the challenge itself, while forceful, did not indicate malicious intent from Diaz. “If Hakimi had gotten up after the challenge, nobody would have reviewed the play.”

Kroos also turned his attention toward the role of the VAR team, suggesting that replay slow-motion angles can distort reality, “In situations like these, the referee should judge the action itself, not the consequences.”

His position echoed the sentiment of several Bayern players, including Joshua Kimmich and Josip Stanisic, who suggested that the injury may have influenced the decision. However, Kimmich admitted upon reflection that “seeing the replay and how he catches him, you can understand the referee showing a red card.”

Getty Images SportRegret and support after a night of mixed emotions

Diaz addressed the incident after the match, posting a message on Instagram that said: “Football always reminds us that in 90 minutes, the best and the worst can happen… I wish Hakimi a quick return to the pitch.”

Bayern boss Kompany expressed sympathy for PSG and Hakimi, citing Bayern’s own past injury experiences with Jamal Musiala, while also defending the Colombian winger. 

“I hope Hakimi recovers soon, it’s terrible. We went through the same thing last year with Musiala. I don’t think Diaz meant any harm; it was just an unfortunate incident in a high-intensity match,” said the Belgian coach.

Despite the controversy, Diaz’s performance before the red card reinforced his growing importance under Kompany, decisive, direct, and ruthless in transition. Kroos then moved to tactical commentary, praising Bayern’s bravery in pressing PSG high and suggesting their superiority would likely have produced the same result, regardless of Hakimi or Diaz's presence. 

"Bayern were clearly superior and could have gone into halftime 3-0 or 4-0 up. I don't think PSG would have created any danger with eleven against eleven," he said.

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Getty Images SportBayern maintain momentum while PSG face injury concerns

Bayern sit top of the Champions League table and will turn their attention to domestic action, where they face Union Berlin next, a fixture Kompany warned could become a “trap game” after the emotional and physical intensity of Paris.

For PSG, the focus is now on recovery and rotation, and Hakimi’s absence adds further pressure on coach Luis Enrique, who is already dealing with Ousmane Dembele’s injury, who also left the pitch earlier in the game due to a calf injury. The French champions need solutions on the flanks, especially with decisive Champions League fixtures still ahead.