With the loss Renegades’ chances of making it to the playoffs took a massive beating

AAP14-Jan-2025Big hitting from Hobart Hurricanes mainstays Matthew Wade and Tim David has proved to be the difference in a crucial win over Melbourne Renegades in Hobart.The four-wicket home win with two balls left, however, has come at a potentially high cost, with opening bowler Billy Stanlake injuring his shoulder only six days out from the knockouts. The win puts Hurricanes on top of the points table with two games left and almost ends Renegades’ slim playoffs hopes.Sent into bat, Renegades fought hard after another top-order collapse, but their 154 for 7 was not enough. In the chase then, after limping to 66 for 4 at the ten-over mark, Hurricanes steadied through Nikhil Chaudhary’s 36. Wade then belted 36 from 23 balls with five fours and one six, but his dismissal in the 17th over meant another plot twist, with Hurricanes needing eight off the last over.Tom Rogers was unlucky not to trap David leg before with the third ball of the over – the review showed it pitched just outside off stump. Rogers tried a yorker with the next ball and David hoiked the low full toss over deep square leg for a massive six that tied the scores.David’s single then won the game and he hit an unbeaten 24 from 15 balls, including two fours and a six.Jacob Bethell scored a fluent 87 off 50 balls•Getty ImagesJacob Bethell picked two wickets with his left-arm spin after anchoring the Renegades with a 50-ball 87.The Hurricanes won the toss and paid a high price for the first Renegades wicket when Stanlake took a great diving catch off Riley Meredith to dismiss Josh Brown. Stanlake immediately held his right shoulder and briefly left the field. He twice tried to start the next over, but pulled up in his delivery stride and went off the ground again for the rest of the innings.The Renegades’ top order failed again and were in trouble at 23 for 3 and then 69 for 4. Then Bethell combined with Tim Seifert (24) and Sutherland (15) to put the pressure back on the hosts.Bethell was run out in the last over after facing 50 balls, with eight fours and four sixes. Meredith was the pick of the Hurricanes attack, taking 3 for 36 from four overs.Hurricanes brought in Caleb Jewell and Jake Doran for Ben McDermott (hamstring) and Chris Jordan (back), while Renegades’ left-arm wristpinner Callum Stow took a wicket on debut after he replaced Kane Richardson (soreness).

The India batter has confirmed his availability for Delhi’s next match starting on January 30

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jan-2025

Virat Kohli will train with the Delhi team on Tuesday ahead of what will be his first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012. Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed that Kohli will join the squad, having confirmed his availability last week for their final group fixture against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium from January 30 to February 2.Kohli had opted out of Delhi’s previous match citing a neck injury. His participation in this round comes after the BCCI had issued guidelines to contracted players following India’s 3-1 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, one of which was to play domestic cricket.Over the last couple of days, photos and videos have emerged on social media of Kohli working with former India and RCB batting coach Sanjay Bangar.Related

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Kohli available for Delhi's Ranji Trophy game starting January 30

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The final round of Ranji Trophy group games will end four days before India’s first ODI against England in Nagpur on February 6. Kohli is part of the ODI squad for the three-match bilateral series in the lead up to the Champions Trophy from February 19.Rahul named in Karnataka squadKL Rahul has been named in Karnataka’s squad for their must-win Ranji Trophy fixture against table-toppers Haryana in Bengaluru later this week. He was included subject to fitness but ESPNcricinfo understands he has been cleared by the BCCI medical panel after an elbow niggle kept him out of the previous match against Punjab.Rahul’s return means Karnataka will be at full strength with Devdutt Padikkal and Prasidh Krishna, who were both part of the Test squad in Australia, also part of the squad.This will be Rahul’s first first-class appearance for Karnataka in nearly five years, since the the 2019-20 semi-final against Bengal at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.Jadeja to play for SaurashtraRavindra Jadeja will also play in Saurashtra’s final game against Assam in Rajkot. He had taken a ten-wicket haul in Saurashtra’s win against Delhi in the previous round.The fixture will also feature Riyan Parag, who was declared fit to play after recovering from a shoulder injury. He will lead Assam against Saurashtra.Mohammed Siraj will also turn out for Hyderabad in their group game against Vidarbha. Incidentally, the last time Siraj played a Ranji Trophy game was also against Vidarbha in February 2020. Vidarbha are the current Group B table-toppers while Hyderabad are in fourth place with two wins, two losses and two draws. Siraj recently played all five Tests against Australia in BGT 2024-25 where he bowled the second-most overs of all bowlers – 157.1 – only behind Pat Cummins.Rishabh Pant is not part of the squad for Delhi’s next group game against Railways. Pant played the previous match against Saurashtra where he managed just 1 and 17 as Delhi went down by ten wickets.

Leeds United have now identified a “scintillating” attacker as a key target, as there is a belief he would be the perfect addition to their forward line, according to a report.

Leeds still vying to sign new winger

Leeds were dealt a major blow when Igor Paixao chose to sign for Marseille, and they have now been forced to move on to alternative options, with a number of potential targets being identified.

Target

Current club

G/A in 24/25

Riccardo Sottil

Fiorentina

9

Moussa Djenepo

Standard Liege

3

Jota Silva

Nottingham Forest

7

However, the Whites were ultimately unsuccessful in their pursuit of Djenepo, with the 27-year-old remaining at Standard Liege, while they could also miss out on Jota Silva, with widespread reports suggesting the Forest ace is closing in on a move to Sporting CP.

That said, given that the two forwards hardly set the world alight last season, it may be a blessing in disguise that Daniel Farke’s side were unable to get deals over the line, and a different winger has now moved up the manager’s shortlist.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Marseille’s Jonathan Rowe has now been identified as a key target for Leeds, with the French club looking to receive a fee of just £17m for the England U21 international.

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Leeds United have the chance to snap up their own Benjamin Sesko with this transfer.

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The Whites are pushing to bring in new attacking options, and their pursuit of Rowe has now been reignited, as there is a belief he would be the perfect addition to their forward line.

Since moving to Marseille last summer, the winger has found it difficult to force his way into the starting XI, and a move could now be on the cards, with the French club open to a sale after signing Paixao and Timothy Weah.

"Scintillating" Rowe could be ideal signing for Leeds

Once praised for his “scintillating” form by pundit Carlton Palmer, the Marseille forward put himself in the shop window again with some impressive performances for England U21s at the recent European Championships.

The 22-year-old scored the winning goal against Germany in the final, while also scoring against Czechia in the group stage and picking up an assist against Spain in the quarter-final.

Former academy coach Greg Crane has also singled out the Marseille ace for praise, saying he “always had a bit of wow factor”.

Not only that, but the London-born winger caught the eye in the Championship with Norwich City during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 12 goals, including an extremely well-taken effort against Hull City.

At just 22-years-old, Rowe is at the right age to be a long-term success at Elland Road, and the only concern about signing the Marseille winger is likely to be the fact he is yet to prove himself at Premier League level.

The attacking department at Tottenham Hotspur has been subject to somewhat of an overhaul this summer, especially after the departure of fan favourite Heung-min Son.

The South Korean departed in a £20m move to join MLS outfit LAFC, ending his Lilywhites career on a high after claiming the Europa League title at the end of last season.

However, it was an emotional departure, bringing an end to his decade-long stint in North London – a period that saw him amass over 400 appearances and become the club’s fourth-highest goalscorer in their history.

At 33, it was undoubtedly the right call to allow him to move on to pastures new, but it’s left a void in the forward area – something which Thomas Frank will want to fill before the end of the summer window.

Whilst Mohammed Kudus has already been added to such a department, the new boss has made it abundantly clear that he wants added reinforcements to help him in his quest to rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

Spurs preparing another big move after Eze

A deal for Eberechi Eze has been in the pipeline for numerous weeks now, but a deal seems to be edging closer to completion, after key moves were made by Daniel Levy.

It was reported that the Spurs owner held face-to-face talks with Steve Parish over a move for the Englishman, which has seen a verbal agreement of £55m plus £5m in add-ons be reached in recent days.

A deal for the 27-year-old could see the Lilywhites’ pursuit of a new number ten finally come to an end, subsequently turning their attention to Monaco star Magnhes Akliouche in an attempt to further strengthen the squad.

According to The Independent, Frank’s men have identified the winger as the latest attacking target this window, potentially pursuing a move for the 23-year-old before the September 1st deadline.

Their report claims that the Frenchman is seen as an alternative to Manchester City’s Savinho after the lack of progress on a deal for the Brazilian, with Akliouche a cheaper option, currently available for around a bargain fee of £43.5m.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect alongside Eze

As previously mentioned, a deal for Eze appears to finally be edging towards its completion, in a deal that would be yet another excellent deal for Spurs this window.

The attacking midfielder was one of the most potent number 10s in the division last year, managing to register 26 combined goals and assists – subsequently firing the Eagles to FA Cup glory.

If he can replicate such numbers across the capital in 2025/26, it would be a signing that would go a long way to improving the options at Frank’s disposal – making the side a force to be reckoned with across all competitions.

Such a deal would also allow the Lilywhites to get one over their bitter North London rivals Arsenal, with the Gunners also previously interested in a move for the England international.

However, the prospect of Eze operating in Frank’s side is scary enough, not to mention the potential partnership he could strike up with Akliouche, should he too make the move to join the club.

He may be an unknown quantity to many, but the 23-year-old enjoyed a season to remember in his homeland last campaign, notching seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

His underlying stats were just as impressive, adding another dimension to the Lilywhites squad, offering another huge attacking threat in the hierarchy’s quest for added success in the near future.

Akliouche, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, ranked in the 93rd percentile for touches in the opposition box and passes into the 18-yard box last campaign – highlighting his ability to create or be on the end of chances.

Such numbers would fit perfectly into the hands of Eze, who registered 12 assists last season, with the pair able to link up and improve their respective tallies in North London.

The Monaco youngster also ranked in the 94th percentile for carries into the final third, whilst posting a 49% take-on success rate, subsequently able to get the ball into dangerous areas at any given opportunity.

His talents are further reflected in his progressive passes per 90 rate, averaging 5.5 per 90, with such tools able to find Eze – who will be required to make third-man runs in behind the striker within Frank’s current system.

Whilst both players would set the club back over £100m, they are additions that need to be made if the club are to build on their recent European triumph in 2024/25.

Both players are extremely technical, having the talent to get out of tight spaces and create endless opportunities, with Akliouche in particular being an exciting addition for the immediate and long-term future in North London.

Romero will love him: Spurs chasing "one of the best defenders in the PL"

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land another top defensive talent this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 19, 2025

Manchester City could make a sensational bid for an “insane” player, who they made contact with earlier this summer, it has been revealed.

Lijnders impacting Guardiola's style at Man City

Jamie Carragher believes former Jurgen Klopp assistant Pep Lijnders is having a real impact on Pep Guardiola’s style of play, with Man City now playing a high defensive line, and scoring goals on the counter-attack against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Carragher said: “I couldn’t believe what I saw, the players were all jumping high up to try and catch the Wolves players offside. This is very Liverpool-like. It made me think how much influence is maybe the new coach having on this team.”

However, the Blues’ defensive frailties were on show in the 2-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last time out, with James Trafford making an error leading to Joao Palhinha’s goal, while Rico Lewis won just two of the eight duels he contested.

Man City set to fight PSG for skyrocketing winger amid Donnarumma talks

The Citizens are ready to swat aside the Champions League holders…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 26, 2025

Consequently, Pep may want to bring in a little more experience at the back, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma emerging as a major target, and there is also interest in a new right-back, who Lijnders knows very well…

Indeed, according to a report from Caught Offside, Man City could make a sensational bid to sign Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in the January transfer window, with the former Liverpool man not exactly making a flying start to life in La Liga.

Dani Carvajal has managed to force his way back into Xabi Alonso’s side, which has led to doubts over Trent’s future, and City are monitoring the situation, having already contacted the right-back over a potential move to the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer.

The 26-year-old, who is reported to earn a base salary of around £276k-a-week at Real Madrid, has only made seven appearances for Real Madrid so far, but City are now in the picture for a shock move, with Guardiola in need of a long-term Kyle Walker replacement.

Trent would be "insane" signing for Man City

Given the recent history between Man City and Liverpool, the full-back linking up with Guardiola doesn’t seem like the most plausible of scenarios, although he has praised the atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium in the past.

The England international said: “People talk about City’s atmosphere and you know, hand on heart when we play them, the atmosphere is incredible, like we feel it. It’s intense.”

Lauded as “insane” by former footballer George Chomakov, the ex-Liverpool star has established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in the world, while also impressing from a defensive point of view on occasion over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.22 (87th percentile)

Progressive passes

8.40 (99th percentile)

Tackles

2.64 (87th percentile)

Interceptions

1.23 (82nd percentile)

That said, even though Trent seemingly burned his bridges with Liverpool by leaving in the summer, a move to Man City seems relatively far-fetched, especially considering he is still in the very early stages of his Real Madrid career.

The team made gains on the bowling rankings as well with Kuldeep Yadav ranked third and Jadeja tenth

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Mar-2025After India’s unbeaten run through the Champions Trophy, several of their star performers have moved up the ICC’s ODI rankings. They make up four of the top-eight batters in the world with Shubman Gill still at No. 1. Rohit Sharma, Player of the Final for his match-winning 76, has moved up two places to No. 3, and Virat Kohli, with 218 runs in the tournament, is at No. 5. Shreyas Iyer has retained his No. 8 spot.The side’s third Champions Trophy title was set up by their spinners and two of them have made it to the top ten on the bowlers’ rankings. Kuldeep Yadav, who began his spell in the final with a wicket, is up at third place, and in tenth is Ravindra Jadeja, who had a miserly economy rate of 4.35 in the tournament.Full rankings tables

Click here for the full team rankings

Click here for the full player rankings

India’s next ODI assignment is away in Bangladesh in August, followed by ODIs in Australia in October-November. South Africa and New Zealand then tour India over December and January, and one question has been whether Rohit and Kohli continue playing the format with the 2027 ODI World Cup still quite far away.Ricky Ponting, though, believes Rohit certainly has some unfinished business in the ODI game. “I think probably the fact that they lost the last one [2023 World Cup in India] and he was captain, that might be the thing that’s playing on the back of his mind,” Ponting told . “Just have one more crack at trying to win the T20 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the ODI World Cup. I mean when you see him play like he played in the Champions Trophy final, you wouldn’t say that his time is up just yet.”Santner, Bracewell, Ravindra zoom upNew Zealand’s players made significant gains as well after their team’s run to the final of the Champions Trophy. Captain Mitchell Santner is ranked second on the ODI bowlers’ list, moving up six places on the back of several eye-catching performances. Santner finished with nine wickets in the tournament with an economy rate of 4.80.Santner is also fourth on the ODI allrounders’ rankings with Michael Bracewell, who made a fifty in the final and was New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy, in seventh place.The other standout New Zealand player, Rachin Ravindra, who was the highest-scorer of the competition, jumped 14 places to 14th on the ODI batters’ rankings and eight places up to eighth in the allrounders rankings.

Arsenal have splashed the cash this summer in a bid to win their first Premier League title in over 20 years, and Mikel Arteta may not even be done there.

While a move for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze grows more and more unlikely by the day, amid stiff competition from Tottenham, who are now in talks for the England international, Andrea Berta could still go after a left-winger.

This would be dependent on one of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli leaving in the next two weeks, or perhaps both, but Arteta has already confirmed that Arsenal are still looking at opportunities after signing Kepa, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres.

“Let’s see,” Arteta said when asked about Arsenal’s transfer plans for the rest of the window.

“Let’s see what happens, in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks.

“But, we are actively looking at options. As well, there are a few players, maybe, that they have to leave as well. So, we will be open to see what happens.”

It’s important to note that a move for Eze still hasn’t been entirely ruled out by credible media sources, but Tottenham appear to be taking pole position for him right now amid their glaring need for a playmaker to replace the injured James Maddison.

Arsenal’s hesitation is a result of their already-stocked central attacking midfield (talkSPORT), with club captain Martin Odegaard set for another key role going forward and Ethan Nwaneri tipped for more minutes after committing his future to the Emirates Stadium.

In truth, Arteta is very well reinforced in midfield, having also welcomed the arrivals of Zubimendi and Norgaard to replace Jorginho and Thomas Partey – who both left N5 after their contracts expired.

Norgaard in particular already boasts considerable Premier League experience from his time at Brentford, where he captained the Bees and stood out as perhaps one of their more underappreciated key players.

Mikkel Damsgaard says Arsenal have made a "surprising" signing in Norgaard

His former teammate at the Gtech Community Stadium, Mikkel Damsgaard, is convinced that Norgaard will be a quality signing for Arteta – albeit a “surprising” one.

Speaking to Danish news outlet Tipsbladet, via Sport Witness, Damsgaard says his fellow Dane is a hard-working player and backs him to succeed in north London.

Interestingly, former Tottenham director Frank Arnesen echoes this sentiment – calling Norgaard the “whole package”.

The 31-year-old signed a two-year contract with Arsenal, who spent an initial £10 million, plus £5m in add-ons, to secure his signature.