Nic Maddinson’s return to elite cricket could come in the Big Bash after the former Test batter re-signed with the Sydney Thunder.Thunder announced a new one-season deal for Maddinson on Tuesday, with general manager Trent Copeland backing the 33-year-old to return to the field this summer.Related

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Maddinson last played top-flight cricket in March with New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield, before he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He finished nine weeks of chemotherapy treatment in July, after it was discovered the cancer had spread to his abdominal lymph nodes and lung.Subsequent scans showed the treatment was successful, with Maddinson back training and playing four games for Eastern Suburbs in Sydney this summer.”I’m really happy to be staying with Thunder,” Maddinson said. “There’s been a few setbacks for myself lately, but I’ve had amazing support from my friends, family and the club.”Now I’m just keen to lock in, get the season started and hopefully help the boys go one better than last year.”Maddinson played three Tests for Australia in 2016, while the last of his six T20s for his country came in 2018. He began his BBL career with Sydney Sixers, before moving to Victoria and joining Melbourne Stars in 2018-19 and Renegades in 2021-22.Left-handed Maddinson returned back to NSW last summer, while also signing a deal to play for Thunder. But he was unable to run out for the club, after a hand injury ruled him out of the competition.”We are pleased to have Maddo re-sign with us at Sydney Thunder,” Copeland said. “I know how eager he was to play in front of the Thunder Nation before his injury, and I know that eagerness has doubled since then. We’re backing Maddo to make a real impact this season, both at the crease and through his leadership around the team.”

By holding Mustafizur Rahman back till after the powerplay, Bangladesh had their bowling plan down pat, and then it just needed common sense to pull off the chase

Danyal Rasool21-Sep-20251:49

Chopra: You look at Saif Hassan and go ‘there’s some serious talent there’

When Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi last week, it boiled down to the middle overs. Chasing 140 at a time when no one seemed quite sure what constituted a good total in the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka emerged from the powerplay with the fluidity of a car merging back on to the motorway. They barely changing gears from their belligerent start, motoring on as if a punctuation mark in the passage of play had never happened. The spread field held little meaning as they plundered 81 runs off the eight overs immediately following the easing of fielding restrictions. It remains, comfortably, the highest number of runs scored in that period all tournament.A week on, and Bangladesh inserted Sri Lanka. They had not let victory over Afghanistan defending a total play with their heads, aware that as the tournament goes on, chasing appears to proffer a clear advantage. Two days earlier, Sri Lanka had chased down 170 against Afghanistan – the highest successful pursuit of the tournament and one that Bangladesh owe their continued involvement in this tournament to. They had no intention of doing Sri Lanka any return favours here in Dubai.Sri Lanka may have been unbeaten this tournament, but all those wins came batting second. Even so, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis started brightly, scoring 36 in the first four overs – the highest off the bat for them this tournament – but with Bangladesh holding Mustafizur Rahman back until after the powerplay, they understood exactly when to start applying the strangle.Related

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Saif and Hridoy fifties hand Sri Lanka their first Asia Cup defeat

Nissanka had fallen to Taskin Ahmed by now, and with Mustafizur bearing down, they found merging into post-powerplay traffic trickier this time. The seventh produced just three runs; Mahedi Hasan’s over that followed claimed the wicket of Mendis. He cleaned up Kamil Mishara in the next as Sri Lanka retreated into a shell they have not known in the middle overs this tournament, and one that offered them little protection.Mustafizur wouldn’t return until the 14th over, with Sri Lanka’s run rate scarcely above seven; it took him just four balls to end Kusal Perera’s run-a-ball innings. This time, in those same eight overs, Sri Lanka scored just 45 runs. Excluding matches involving Oman or UAE, it is the second lowest post-powerplay middle-overs effort of the tournament, bettered only by the chokehold India established on Pakistan in the phase that followed the first six overs. All this despite Sri Lanka being – by orders of magnitude – the most prolific side in overs 7-15, scoring at 8.12, with India a distant second at 7.68.It was a passage of play Dasun Shanaka tried to right in an astonishing lower-order onslaught, hitting six sixes in an unbeaten 37-ball 64, but acknowledged had hurt Sri Lanka decisively in the end.1:50

Chopra: Numbers don’t validate Bangladesh’s change in batting approach

“We had that momentum going on at the start,” he said at the press conference after. “But unfortunately we lost some momentum. Especially Fizz and Taskin bowled really well. We expected to score 180 but unfortunately we fell short. We fell 10-15 runs short.”That last remark can feel like the sort of catch-all cliché captains deploy post-match, primarily because any serious post-match analysis is yet to happen, and will take place behind closed doors rather than therapised to the media. But, in pursuit, Bangladesh knew those extra handful of runs were all that they really needed. Their own 7-15 over run rate is just a tick over seven. But having done their attacking in the first six, where they smashed 59, a number only India have bettered all tournament, that’s all they required.Anchoring is a much nicer gig chasing rather than setting a total, and especially if you are ahead of the rate. They scored 55 in the eight overs that followed. They hit a pair of fours and a pair of sixes. They lost a pair of wickets, but they had the luxury of hunkering down. They didn’t need to outrun the bear, only the snail-like pace Sri Lanka had established in that phase of the innings. Ten runs ahead was all the margin they needed.1:55

Chopra impressed with Hridoy’s cricketing smarts

“While we were batting in that phase, [Towhid] Hridoy and I had a good partnership,” Saif Hassan, who combined with Hridoy for all but three balls of that passage of play, said. “We had built our partnership knowing we were ahead in the game at that point.”From the vantage point other cricket nations have rather snootily opted to mount when viewing the new edge that Bangladesh-Sri Lanka contests have taken on, the perception is that this isn’t a rivalry to be taken quite as seriously. That it’s petty, overly emotional, and lacks a legitimate basis in cricket itself. In Dubai, though, Bangladesh shed all that with the clinical execution of a game plan they had brought to the game, one that aligned so well with their script that the fact that the chase went down to the penultimate delivery felt like a feature, not a bug.Sri Lanka’s caution in the face of Bangladesh’s accuracy through the middle might have reflected a belief that the side they had reprieved just two days earlier could be reeled right back in on command.But having regained control of their destiny, Bangladesh’s attack right through the middle demonstrated a clear understanding of the format they were playing: incremental, unspectacular improvement in any facet of a T20 innings might be all that’s required to turn defeat into victory.

Tottenham Hotspur have not been good enough this season, and it’s clear that Thomas Frank needs to find a solution both in regard to results and the excitement factor that has been lacking.

Having lost each of their past three matches in all competitions, including the miserable home loss against Fulham on Saturday evening in the Premier League, a response is sorely needed, but Newcastle United at St. James’ Park has hardly been a happy hunting ground for the Lilywhites in recent years.

Frank’s tactics have yet to click together, but the players also need to take responsibility for their shoddy showings, with Pedro Porro among the guilty members to have flattered to deceive all term.

Pedro Porro's Spurs form this season

Porro, 26, is one of the most talented right-backs in Europe. He has played 126 matches for Tottenham, scoring 11 goals and supplying 23 assists.

The Spaniard’s gloomy, incensed demeanour at full-time on Saturday was indicative of the wider malaise at the club, but he surely must hold his hands up and acknowledge that he wasn’t good enough, with Sofascore recording that he found the mark with only three of 16 attempted crosses, losing eight of 11 duels and being caught out numerous times.

It was, frankly, a pitiful first-half performance, with Porro utterly toothless in his creative role and more than susceptible against the rampant Samuel Chukwueze and beaten far too easily in the build-up to Kenny Tete’s opening goal after just a few minutes.

He was hardly the only one to hang his head in shame, though, with his counterpart on the left serving up an equally frustrating performance.

Spurs defender is now becoming a liability

At his best, Destiny Udogie is a machine. Ferociously athletic, fleet-footed on the ball and attuned in crucial defence phases, he took the Lilywhites faithful’s breath away when he charged the left side of Postecoglou’s system during the halycon days of 2023/24, before things went wrong.

Indeed, when he burst onto the scene as a teenager under Postecoglou’s wing, journalist Hunter Godson remarked that he was “sickeningly good” and would get into “nearly every team in the world already”.

Such was his power and pace and balance down the left lane that he was considered by Clinton Morrison on BBC Sport to be “the best left-back” in the country during that first foray into English football.

But it might be fair to say that Udogie has yet to raise his game in the Premier League. Sure, he’s been unfortunate with injuries, but this is now his third season in English football and he is no longer an up-and-coming prospect but a talented member of the first team who is expected to provide an outlet while protecting his box.

Goals scored

0.08

0.00

Assists

0.11

0.17

Shot-creating actions

2.15

2.25

Touches

66.81

69.71

Pass completion (%)

85.8

85.0

Progressive passes

5.83

5.72

Progressive carries

3.12

3.47

Successful take-ons

0.90

0.52

Ball recoveries

6.36

5.72

Tackles + interceptions

3.95

2.43

Clearances

3.01

Aerials won

0.83

0.69

It may take a moment to look at the various elements of Udogie’s game, but it’s worth a closer inspection, with Udogie yet to raise his creative levels and indeed provide greater security at the back.

In fact, as per Sofascore, he has only completed 30% of his dribbles and won half of his duels in the Premier League this year.

This remains a talented full-back with the capacity to perform as one of the best in the division, but Udogie is not pulling his weight right now, and it’s clear to see that Frank’s system is being hindered by the lackadaisical performances of Udogie and Porro, two wide players who are considered among the most talented in the country, if not the continent.

Spurs flop has become their biggest "embarrassment" since Aurier

It’s gone from bad to worse for Spurs, and this Conte signing’s time at the club could be coming to an end.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 1, 2025

Manchester United dropped more valuable points at home as they squandered a second-half lead to draw 1-1 with West Ham, blowing the chance to move into the Premier League's top five. Diogo Dalot gave the underwhelming Red Devils the lead in the second half but they could not hold on to it, with Soungoutou Magassa levelling late in the game as United failed to properly defend a corner.

United made a sluggish start to the game and there were shades of the previous home game against 10-man Everton as West Ham made the better start. Casemiro did well to slide in and turn a Mateus Fernandes shot over the bar which was going in. It took 24 minutes for the Red Devils to win their first corner but they slowly grew more hungry and confident. Joshua Zirkzee saw a shot with his thigh cleared off the line by former United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and then Bruno Fernandes shaved the post on the rebound.

Amorim mercilessly took off Ayden Heaven at half-time after a shaky display from the 19-year-old, reinstating Leny Yoro after dropping him from the starting line-up. United continued to search for the first goal and found it through a stroke of luck and class. Casemiro's shot was going wide but it ended up at the feet of Dalot, who kept a cool head to finish from close range.

United were heading for fifth in the table but couldn't see out the win as weak defending from a corner allowed Magassa to pounce on the rebound in the 83rd minute. The hosts had enough time to conjure a winner but rarely looked like finding it, Fernandes blasting a desperate attempt wide deep in added time. So instead of sleeping in the Champions League spots, United were left in eighth, on course to miss out on European football once again.

GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Senne Lammens (6/10):

  Shanked one kick into the stands but he was cleaning up Heaven's mess. Didn't have to deal with very much but could be questioned for not showing more authority from the corner leading to the equaliser.

  Noussair Mazraoui (7/10):

  A very competent performance which makes the case for him to be the starting right-centre-back. Reacted quickly to snuff out danger and put out fires. Hacked a shot off the line before Magassa struck.

  Ayden Heaven (4/10):

  Had a real tough time in his first Premier League start of the season. Made a clumsy and late tackle on Bowen which earned him an early booking then a sloppy backpass forced Lammens to come out of his area. Brutally, but not undeservedly, hooked at half-time for Yoro.

  Luke Shaw (7/10):

  Showed his experience and put in a strong defensive display. Made a series of good blocks, including a brave one on Callum Wilson.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Amad Diallo (7/10):

  Caused West Ham plenty of headaches with his twisting runs and had a good understanding with Mazraoui and Mbeumo.

  Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

  Licked the post with one effort which he should have scored from and overall struggled to provide the spark United needed against a mediocre opponent. As if to prove this point, he shanked a shot wide in added time.

  Casemiro (6/10):

  Made an important slide tackle on Mateus Fernandes but let West Ham have too much space and dominance in midfield. Played his part in the goal, albeit courtesy of a wayward shot which happened to land at Dalot's feet.

  Diogo Dalot (6/10):

  Didn't ask many questions of West Ham, again struggling to cause any damage on his weaker left side. But he popped up in the right place at the right time and when he left the pitch United were heading for victory.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Bryan Mbeumo (6/10):

  Provided some excitement with the help of Amad but didn't have any clear openings.

  Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):

  Close to scoring with his thigh but overall he failed to provide a box threat or create any promising moves.

  Matheus Cunha (5/10):

  An underwhelming return to action after two games out. Having a bicycle kick blocked summed up the gap between his potential and what he is delivering.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Leny Yoro (6/10):

  Gave the defence more stability after replacing Heaven.

  Patrick Dorgu (5/10):

  Brought on to bring more potency to the attack but lacked precision when he got down the flank.

  Mason Mount (5/10):

  Not much of an improvement on Zirkzee.

  Manuel Ugarte (5/10):

  Couldn't put any fear into West Ham after replacing Cunha.

  Lisandro Martinez (N/A):

  Got two minutes plus added time to continue his slow return to action after so long out.

  Ruben Amorim (5/10):

  Another huge opportunity missed at home. Deserves some credit for overseeing an improved performance as game progressed but equally has questions to answer about their lousy start and failure to see out their advantage.

England captain wants more fight from his side after crushing defeat in Brisbane leaves Ashes hopes hanging by thread

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Dec-20250:50

Stokes: ‘If we lose hope, we might as well not turn up’

Ben Stokes admitted that England had not been “able to stand up to the pressure” applied on them by Australia after his side went 2-0 down in the series in Brisbane. He said England had to show more fight but reiterated his belief that he could lead them back from the brink, with a 3-2 result now their only route to regaining the Ashes.England’s captain pinpointed dropped catches on the second night as one of the tourists’ key failings, undermining their rally with the pink ball under lights. Having been 290 for 3, Australia fell to 329 for 6 – still behind England’s first-innings 334 – but capitalised on a host of reprieves to eventually stretch their total beyond 500 on the third day.Stokes added that he did not believe there was a skills deficit with Australia but conceded England’s mentality in tough situations had twice been found wanting after two chastening defeats. For the second Ashes in a row, England find themselves 2-0 down after two games and, although they came back to draw in 2023, that would not be enough to reclaim the urn from Australia. Only once in Ashes history has a side won 3-2 after being 2-0 down, and that was Don Bradman’s Australia in 1936-37.Related

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“Very disappointing,” Stokes said at the post-match presentation. “A lot of it comes down to not being able to stand up to the pressure of this game, this format, when the game is on the line. In small passages, we’ve been able to bring the game back into some kind of control and then we’ve let us slip away. We’ve done that again here this week, and it’s very, very disappointing, in particular, because of the ability of the players that we have in that dressing room.”We need to think a bit harder and deeper about those moments and what we’re taking mentally into those, and overall show a bit more fight when it’s needed.”We sit there and watch what’s going on in front of us, what Australia are looking to throw at us, and what plans they’re trying to bowl to,” he added. “And then it’s up to us as players to be able to go out there with a plan and how to negate the threat.”To me, it just seems to be a constant theme at the moment, that when you know the game is in a pressure moment, Australia keep outdoing us. They say Australia isn’t a place for weak men. We’re definitely not weak, but we need to find something, because we’re two-nil down now we’ve got three more games to go, and we need to, sort it.”Speaking to TNT Sport after the game, he said that errors in the field had hurt England the most. England put down five chances on day two – Jamie Smith off Travis Head, Ben Duckett off Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, Brydon Carse off Michael Neser and Joe Root off Carey – as Australia carved out a match-defining lead of 177.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“A huge part of it was that we had to take 15 wickets,” Stokes said. “You can’t drop catches. They always come back to bite you. And I think it definitely showed there. If we were able to hold on to our chances, we shouldn’t have been batting last night [day three]. No one means to do that kind of stuff. No one means to drop catches. No one means to not bowl an area where you set plans to but, yeah, those kind of things just can’t happen at this level.”On the gap between the sides, he said: “It’s a mentality. It’s a mindset about how you take yourself out there in those situations. You know, Test cricket has its own pressures anyway, and how you handle those moments, how you handle yourself in those moments, how you get yourself into a clear head, a clear space to make good decisions. That’s so important to being successful at this level.”England had posted their highest score in Australia since 2018 after opting to bat first in the day-night Test, buoyed by Joe Root’s maiden hundred on Australian soil. But after Head’s reprieve on 3, Australia’s openers raced off to a 77-run opening stand, with Jake Weatherald’s punchy 72 from 78 setting the tone – and Stokes took some of the blame for a wayward bowling effort, as he and Brydon Carse in particular leaked runs.”Not being able to execute skill is something that you can live with, because no one means to bowl away from the plan that we’re trying to do. We knew exactly how we needed to bowl on that wicket, and we weren’t able to do it for a long enough period to put the Australian batters under pressure. And that was evident in the way that Australia were able to score so quickly and so easily against us.”I think Jofra and Gus set the tone very nicely, actually, when we first took ball, but then myself and Brydon sort of let the game get away from us quite quickly. So, yeah, just not being able to execute what’s needed, not only with batting and also with the ball. We’ll be having some conversations that I’ll be keeping in the dressing room.”Asked about lessons from previous tours – England have lost 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0 in their last three Ashes series down under – Stokes said that he wanted to maintain belief within the dressing room.”Don’t panic, don’t flap, don’t waver, and just have complete and utter belief in our guys as a team. Because I know we can do this. I believe emphatically in the group, I believe empathy, myself, as a captain, as a leader, that I can get the guys into a place where they need to be to able to win these next three games.”

Rangers are now reportedly ready to grant Danny Rohl’s transfer request after the German commenced a personal scouting mission ahead of January.

Rangers must be "ruthless", says Rohl

As Old Firm rivals Celtic closed the gap on Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership, Rangers stuttered for the second-consecutive outing in midweek – drawing 2-2 against Dundee United. Just when Rohl was looking for a reaction, he watched on as the Gers were forced to salvage a point courtesy of Nedim Bajrami’s late penalty.

Disappointed by yet more dropped points, the Rangers boss told reporters: “We are disappointed because it’s just one point. We put everything on the pitch until the end, that’s why we deserve a point.

“When I see how many chances we create, we should win this game. If we can bring this together in the future with a clean sheet, we win games.

“We are disappointed, but I see a step forward today from my group. We had more tempo, better decision-making, our body shape between the lines. We sped up our games in the right moment.

Rangers "passenger" has been so bad that he makes Dowell look good

This Glasgow Rangers flop is currently making Kieran Dowell look like a good player by comparison.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 3, 2025

“I’m not happy because you have to win, there’s no question. We have to be ruthless in both boxes. I am convinced that more goals will come. At the moment it is hard work.

“Of course, the last two results are not what we want. They are two different results. The weekend [at home to Falkirk] was a boring draw, today it was an entertaining draw, but for both you get just one point.”

It’s become clear in the last week that those at Ibrox must back Rohl when the January transfer window swings open. Without sporting director Kevin Thelwell, there’s also every chance that the German will have greater control on arrivals and that could see Youssef Chermiti replaced.

Rangers ready to grant Rohl request

As reported by TeamTalk, Rangers are now ready to grant Rohl’s request for a new No.9 to replace summer flop Chermiti. The Gers boss has commenced a personal scouting mission in recent weeks and recruitment chiefs have held talks with agents in the Netherlands and Belgium on the hunt for a crucial addition.

Alongside a new striker, Rohl has reportedly asked the 49ers to sign a dynamic central midfielder and a versatile full-back in an attempt to add quality in depth.

It comes as no surprise that Rohl has set his sights on a striker. It would instantly make up for Thelwell’s mistake in the summer, which saw Chermiti arrive for as much as £8m to make the forward one of Rangers’ most expensive ever signings. That alone perfectly sums up the disaster that was the sporting director’s time in Scotland.

It’s also not a great shock that Rohl’s after a dynamic midfielder in 2026, given that Nicolas Raskin could still leave the club amid interest from the Premier League. Losing the Belgian would be a major blow, but the sale would also fund a much-needed overhaul when the winter window swings open.

Rohl must now ditch Rangers dud who was the "shining light" under Martin

Harshit Rana had aggressively pointed to the dressing room after getting rid of Dewald Brevis in the first India vs South Africa ODI

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-20252:05

Harshit Rana: ‘Don’t care about outside noise; focus is on cricket’

Harshit Rana has been pulled up and has had a demerit point added to his disciplinary record for his gesture at Dewald Brevis after dismissing the batter, which was a breach of the ICC’s code of conduct, in the first India vs South Africa ODI in Ranchi on Sunday.In a statement on Wednesday, the day of the second ODI, ICC said Rana’s gesture “breached Article 2.5” of the code, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter”. It was Rana’s first offence in a 24-month period.A level 1 breach such as this carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.Related

• Harshit takes the first step in fast bowlers' race for 2027 WC

The incident took place in the 22nd over of South Africa’s chase of India’s 349, when Rana dismissed Brevis caught at deep point by Ruturaj Gaikwad and pointed in the direction of the dressing room.Brevis fell at a crucial juncture in the game when South Africa were 130 in the 22nd over and he was in a strong-looking partnership with Matthew Breetzke, who was South Africa’s top-scorer with 72. Rana had earlier sent back Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock and finished with 3 for 65. Virat Kohli had earlier scored 135 in 120 balls – a record 52nd ODI century for him – to headline India’s batting effort after South Africa had won the toss and inserted them.Rana admitted to the offence after the charge was levelled by on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sam Nogajski, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit.

West Ham are closing in on a deal for one highly-rated Tottenham youngster after sporting director Mark Noble played a key role in the transfer, according to a new report.

West Ham take on Brighton after Man United draw

On the pitch, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side can take real encouragement from their 1-1 draw with Man United at Old Trafford.

West Ham demonstrated admirable resilience at Old Trafford, battling back from Diogo Dalot’s 58th minute opener to salvage a point through Soungoutou Magassa’s late equaliser.

The Malian midfielder opened his Premier League account with a composed finish seven minutes from time after substitute Andy Irving’s corner caused chaos in United’s penalty area, silencing the Theatre of Dreams.

While earning a point at United represents a creditable result, West Ham’s relegation concerns are still very much there.

The Hammers remain stranded in 18th with just 12 points from 14 games, with Nuno’s men having now conceded 28 goals this season, managing just three victories and failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 attempts across all competitions.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man United 1-1 West Ham

Brighton now pose a tough test for them too.

Lucas Paqueta has returned following a one-match suspension for his red card against Liverpool, offering Nuno crucial midfield reinforcement. However, his Brazilian compatriot Igor Julio cannot feature against his parent club, while Crysencio Summerville remains doubtful with a persistent knock.

Lukasz Fabianski and Oliver Scarles are confirmed absentees.

Brighton present formidable opposition despite their own recent setback. Fabian Hurzeler’s side suffered a dramatic 4-3 home defeat against Aston Villa on Wednesday, surrendering a two-goal advantage as Unai Emery’s men scored four unanswered goals before Jan Paul van Hecke’s late consolation.

The Seagulls sit seventh, just two adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, and maintain an exceptional home scoring record with at least two goals netted in each of their last six Amex Stadium fixtures.

Veteran striker Danny Welbeck should return after missing the Villa defeat, having scored six Premier League goals against West Ham throughout his career.

Away from the field, West Ham are believed to be eyeing a new striker in January, with Noble now also bolstering the club’s youth ranks with a rival sensation.

West Ham 'set to sign' Tottenham sensation Frankie Day

That is according to very reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, who has told his Patreon that West Ham are now ‘set to sign’ Tottenham starlet Frankie Day.

The 16-year-old, who plays as a striker, is said to be ‘prolific’ in his age group and Noble has personally been very involved in making the transfer happen.

Day is now poised to swap Tottenham for West Ham, with the deal seen as a ‘bit of a coup’ factoring in his potential.

As West Ham wait for the formalities to be completed, it will be very interesting to see what the future holds for Day in east London.

The Irons have been more focused on youthful recruitment these past few seasons, as evident by their recent signings of Mohamadou Kante, Mateus Fernandes and Magassa.

Their academy sides have shown great promise as well, with West Ham’s Under-23s completing a league and cup double in 2023 whilst finishing that campaign with 26 wins out of a possible 30 in all competitions.

Day could be at the perfect place to further his development, and there’s no doubt Noble will have emphasised that in talks with the teenager.

One of the most distinguished players in all of ODI cricket has bid farewell

Valkerie Baynes26-Oct-2025

Sophie Devine ended an ODI career that lasted 19 years and four days•ICC/Getty Images

Sophie Devine’s clenched jaw couldn’t stop the tears as she stood on the field ahead of an ODI listening to the New Zealand anthem wrap up for one last time.The fact that her team sent her off without mounting a contest, let alone a fairytale victory against England, and instead exited the World Cup with barely a whimper doesn’t take away from a decorated career.”Everyone wishes that they could finish on a high, but it doesn’t happen very often at all,” Devine said. “I am still so proud and so grateful for everything that this group has given me, and in my whole career. One day, one game doesn’t define that.”I’ve just got so much love that I’ll be really keen just to sit with my team-mates and support staff and just reflect on what’s been a pretty cool ride.”Related

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• 'It sucks' – Devine emotional about World Cup exit

• England finish second with a big win as Devine bids farewell

Enjoying the ride formed part of Devine’s reasoning behind announcing before the tournament that she would retire from ODIs immediately after New Zealand’s campaign ended.And while it ended in an eight-wicket defeat as her side were bowled out for just 168 inside 39 overs and with Amy Jones striking back-to-back fours off Devine to bring up the winning runs in an unbeaten 86, she reflected on that last passage of play with trademark deadpan humour.”Jones could have at least patted one back to me and given me another wicket,” Devine said, having removed Heather Knight lbw for 33 in her previous over. “Heather just walked away, I appreciate that.”Today was always going to end at some stage, I guess it’s probably fitting that it happened off my bowling. I got pumped for four, so a bit of a reality check for me just to send me on my way. But cricket, yeah, cricket doesn’t owe you anything.”The truth is, cricket owes Devine a lot.Sophie Devine finished the World Cup as NZ’s highest run-getter•Getty ImagesOne of the sport’s great servants, Devine ends her ODI career after 159 matches as one of only three players in the world – alongside Stafanie Taylor of West Indies and Australia’s Ellyse Perry – to score more than 4,000 runs and take more than 100 wickets in the format.After 19 years and four days, she is New Zealand’s second-longest serving player in ODIs behind great friend Suzie Bates, at 19 years and 236 days and counting. It could have been longer for Devine, had she not paused her career for two years in 2011-12 to represent New Zealand in hockey.Having also played 146 T20Is Devine passed 300 international appearances at this tournament. Her team-mates marked the occasion by presenting her with a necklace made from the pounamu green stone unique to New Zealand which she wore for the toss and anthems in Visakhapatnam on Sunday to “share a little bit of Aotearoa (New Zealand) with the rest of the world”.Devine has also been a forthright advocate for mental health awareness through words and actions, taking breaks from the game in recent years to prioritise her wellbeing, and for living with Type 1 Diabetes, which she regularly has to manage on-field, including at this World Cup.Devine plans to continue playing T20 internationals, having relinquished the captaincy in that format after she and her team-mates lifted the world title last year.Whether she travels to England to defend that crown in mid-2026 remains to be seen but the bigger question is, how will New Zealand move on without her?1:51

Devine reflects on the T20 World Cup win in 2024

Although Bates, who at 38 is two years Devine’s senior, has made no announcements on her future, a time without both stalwarts is a reality the White Ferns have had to consider while it is still too early to gauge the legacy of their T20I success in attracting new players to the game.More than 18 months ago, and more than six months before their T20 World Cup triumph, Devine lamented the lack of depth coming through New Zealand cricket on ESPNcricinfo’s Powerplay podcast. But in the lead-up to this game, the picture was a little brighter.”I am really excited and it’s taken a lot of time,” Devine said last week of New Zealand’s emerging talent. “That’s something that we’ve got to be realistic about, is these things don’t happen overnight.”We’re not like India; we don’t have one billion people to be able to call upon. We’re literally a small country at the bottom the world with five million people and unfortunately cricket isn’t, at the moment, the number one sport. We’re always going to be fighting for the attention of youngsters coming through.”But the opportunities – and that’s what’s really exciting as a selling point to any youngsters in New Zealand at the moment and that’s not just girls, it’s boys as well – it’s that the opportunities that cricket presents to you should be really attractive.”We’re starting to see it now as the depth is starting to grow and it’s going to be a continual process. Just because we’ve brought a few young players through doesn’t mean it’s job done. There’s still lots of work to do in terms of our domestic structure, in terms of our contracting system providing opportunities.”ESPNcricinfo LtdAs New Zealand faced up to the looming prospect of life beyond Devine and Bates, there was faint encouragement from a World Cup campaign which yielded just one win, against Bangladesh, and was hit by two washouts.Brooke Halliday was inside the batting top-10 for the tournament after New Zealand’s final match with 227 at 45.40, including scores of 69 against Bangladesh and 81 against India. At 29 she has good years ahead of her while Georgia Plimmer, the 21-year-old opener, was their best batter against England, with 43.That said, Devine was their leading run-scorer for the tournament with 289 at an average of 57.80, striking at 85.25 and with a century in the opening match, against Australia. Meanwhile, Lea Tahuhu, the 35-year-old seamer, was their leading wicket-taker with 10 at 15.70 and an economy rate of 4.61.While she hasn’t enjoyed her best tournament, allrounder Amelia Kerr was the star of the T20 World Cup and at 25 years of age with 172 international caps already, she is the perfect bridge between generations within the team.That makes Kerr the obvious choice to take over as long-term captain with Bates having assumed the T20 role over the past year, although New Zealand are yet to announce whether she will take over from Devine in ODIs as well.Sophie Devine with her potential successor Amelia Kerr ahead of the World Cup match against England•Getty Images”I’m in a really nice position with having the experience but also having youth on my side,” Kerr said ahead of this World Cup. “I’m in a position where I can relate to all players in the team.”But for me, I don’t think you need a title to lead and I just want to help my team-mates believe in their ability and encourage them to do what they do well and that doesn’t change whether I’ve got a title next to my name or not.”Ben Sawyer, New Zealand’s head coach, was reluctant ahead of Devine’s swansong to name her possible successor.”We’ve identified players that we think could, I guess for want of a better phrase, make up a bit of a leadership group and we’ve spoken to who we think will captain the team,” he said before turning his attention back to Devine.”It’s just been an absolute honour and a privilege to work alongside her. I know in my early days of WBBL, she was always a player that I probably thought it’d be cool to be in the same team as her. I’ve been lucky enough with a couple of franchises and saw her work there, but it’s really in this New Zealand environment where I think she’s at her most comfortable.”She leads this team so well. Everything about this team, the culture, the values that they have on and off the field, I feel from when I stepped in here, they came from Soph. I’m certain that people before her did the same, but from my experience, she’s the one who’s driven this team and it’s up to now some younger players to pick that up and run with it.”Devine also received the appreciation of her opponents as she reluctantly accepted a guard of honour formed by the England and New Zealand squads as she walked from the field.”Having made my announcement so early, everyone knows about it and they probably want to recognise it, whereas I would’ve just liked to have gone under the radar and gone about my business like any other day,” Devine said.Only this wasn’t any other day. It was a special day in a special career – one that, sadly, we won’t see again.

Manchester United could be in line for a cash boost courtesy of Mason Greenwood, with it claimed that a €100 million (£87m/$116m) bid from the Saudi Pro League has been tabled for the 24-year-old forward. If Marseille were to accept that offer, and Greenwood agreed personal terms, then the Red Devils would be due 50 per cent of any fee that is generated from a sale.

Golden Boot winner: Greenwood has thrived in France

United allowed Greenwood to leave Old Trafford on a permanent basis in the summer of 2024. He had spent much of the previous season on loan at Getafe in Spain. Another fresh start was embraced when the opportunity to head for France materialised.

A productive debut campaign was enjoyed at Stade Velodrome, with Golden Boot honours shared in Ligue 1 with Ballon d’Or-winning Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele as both men found the target on 21 occasions.

Greenwood has reached double figures again this term, netting 11 times across all competitions in 2025-26. His performances continue to attract admiring glances from afar, even if Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi is not always entirely happy with what he sees.

AdvertisementGettyHuge transfer offer: Neom table bid for Greenwood

Leading clubs from across Europe, including the likes of Barcelona and Juventus, are said to have seen Greenwood register on their recruitment radar. Big-spending teams in the Middle East are also monitoring his progress.

According to , that interest has been formalised ahead of the January transfer window. They claim that Neom Sports Club have put a nine-figure offer to Marseille. They want to “finalise his signing as soon as possible”, with the terms tabled considered to highlight how serious they are.

They have seen Greenwood register 10 goals and four assists across his Ligue 1 outings this season, helping Marseille to challenge for the title. He has also impressed in Champions League action, registering one goal and an assist in elite European competition.

Neom are said to be impressed by Greenwood’s “consistency in high-pressure situations”. They view him as an ideal candidate to “lead their attack”. They are willing to give the former United winger “a leading role from day one” and are “prepared to compete with any team” that enters the race for a much sought-after signature.

Man Utd clause: Red Devils due half of any fee

Neom Sports Club believe that signing a player of Greenwood’s ilk would be a “huge step in their quest to gain international prominence”. They are piecing together an ambitious project in a bid to rival the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr.

The terms on offer for Greenwood are also considered to be appealing to Marseille. As they will have to hand over half of any fee to Premier League giants United – due to a clause inserted in his contract – the opportunity to raise 50m (£44m/$58m) is said to be “one of the most attractive offers in the current market”.

They accept that losing Greenwood would be a “sporting blow”, but bringing in big money for him would “allow them to strengthen several positions and plan for a competitive future”. Those at Old Trafford would also welcome a cash injection during the winter window of 2026.

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GettyWhat next? Greenwood mulling over his options

Marseille are reported to have an “open stance” when it comes to talks about Greenwood’s future, with progress on that front expected in the coming days. Fichajes claim that discussions are “nearing a decisive point”.

There is, however, acknowledgement that Greenwood has become “one of the major players in the market” and that teams in Europe are likely to join the transfer chase were he to be made available by Marseille. The player himself is said to be “weighing his options”.

Greenwood is working on a five-year contract with Marseille that is due to run until the summer of 2029. That means the French outfit are under no pressure to sell and can demand the highest possible fee. Their resolve is being tested by Neom, with interested observers in Manchester waiting to discover how an intriguing January window plays out in the south of France.