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Bayern Munich have now made an approach over a potential deal for a Chelsea star who excelled at the Club World Cup, according to a report.

Blues crowned Club World Cup champions in New Jersey

Few would have predicted the Blues to cause an upset against European champions Paris Saint-Germain, but they put in a remarkable performance to secure a 3-0 victory, with all three goals coming in the first-half.

Cole Palmer is likely to get most of the headlines, with the England international bagging a brace, and the 23-year-old’s second goal was extremely well-taken, creating space with a shimmy that was impossible for Lucas Beraldo and Vitinha to predict.

However, Enzo Maresca has praised the entire team for the way in which they were able to implement his game plan, saying: “It went well, but I think we won the game in the first 10 minutes, when the team came out to demonstrate that we were here to try to win, respecting the rival, considering the rival the best team in the world at this time.

“But I think in the end, you can give the players a plan, but in the end it’s them who have to execute it, and they did it very well.”

Another player who caught the eye was Malo Gusto, with the right-back assisting Palmer’s opening goal vs PSG, while also being trusted by Maresca throughout the tournament, featuring in every single match.

Chelsea now in race to sign PSG's "sensational" £34m Ballon d'Or contender

The Blues are vying to sign one of the world’s best-performing players…

ByDominic Lund Jul 14, 2025

However, according to a report from France, Gusto is now attracting interest from across the continent, with Bayern Munich submitting an enquiry over a potential deal, given that Sacha Boey is expected to leave the German club this summer.

It is currently unclear whether the Blues would be willing to listen to offers for the Frenchman, who started against PSG, but they should be in a strong negotiating position, as he remains contracted until 2030.

Chelsea must reject Bayern's advances

Maresca could be brewing something special at Stamford Bridge, with the statement victory over PSG suggesting his side may be Premier League title contenders next season, and Chelsea must not put that at risk by selling one of their key players.

The France international made 32 appearances in the Premier League last season, indicating Maresca trusts the full-back, with the Italian also describing the 22-year-old as one of his “favourite” players.

As such, it seems unlikely that a departure will be on the cards this summer, especially in the wake of the Club World Cup final triumph, which may convince the defender to continue being a part of Maresca’s project.

That said, if Chelsea do decide to cash-in, they should hold out for far more than the £31m they forked out to sign him from Lyon back in January 2023.

Newcastle United are beginning to motor this summer and could now be in the running to sign one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen, according to a report.

Newcastle United look to follow up Anthony Elanga's arrival

Eddie Howe has taken a measured approach this window and had to bide his time in the hunt for a big-money signing to follow Antonio Cordero’s arrival in the North East.

However, Anthony Elanga is now officially a Newcastle player after joining on a long-term deal from Nottingham Forest in a transfer said to be worth around £55 million.

Signalling his intention to hit the ground running at St James’ Park, he stated: “I’m ready to put on this black and white top to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fanbase that lives and breathes football.

“I had an amazing two years at Nottingham Forest, they really helped me to become the player I am today, but I’m really happy to be here now. The club won a trophy last season and are building something unique, something special that I really want to be part of.”

Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike is also on Newcastle’s radar and could represent a statement piece of business at the club. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins could be a left-field solution to strengthen their forward line.

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jul 13, 2025

Missing out on Joao Pedro to Chelsea will have come as a body blow in the North East. However, with Champions League football on the table, there is far more in the way of optimism than pessimism on Tyneside.

Now, Newcastle are said to have been contacted over the availability of another exciting marksman who could answer the call to fill one of their striking berths.

Newcastle contacted by Benjamin Sesko's agent

According to TBR, Newcastle have been contacted over RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko’s availability by his agent, and Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also being kept in the loop regarding his future.

Arsenal had been heavily linked with a swoop for the Slovenia international earlier this summer, but it looks as if Viktor Gyokeres will move to the Emirates Stadium instead, and there are indications from Sesko’s camp of a willingness to move to England.

Hugo Ekitike in senior football

Benjamin Sesko in senior football

Appearances – 150

Appearances – 251

Goals – 50

Goals – 106

Sesko, who has an asking price of £78m, could now be eager to try his hand at the English top-flight and is on the market after missing out on a move to the Gunners, but the scenario of him staying in Germany for another season hasn’t been discounted.

Should Newcastle accelerate their hunt for a new striker, being able to bring in someone who has claimed a wealth of senior experience despite only being 22 years of age would be a statement of intent ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Setting his sights on further arrivals, Regis Le Bris is reportedly set to drive Sunderland’s move to sign a former Arsenal midfielder who he has already worked with in the past.

Commencing their summer business in style, the Black Cats are reportedly set to break their club-record deal to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg before also welcoming Reinildo from Atletico Madrid. An impressive double swoop, Le Bris will have himself a much-needed replacement for Jobe Bellingham as well as key depth at left-back.

Given that Leeds United were also interested in Diarra, Sunderland’s move looks all the more impressive. Those in Wearside, by outbidding another promoted side, are set to make quite the statement.

The Black Cats may not be finished with their spending, however. Names such as Charlie Creswell have threatened to steal the headlines as of late in what would be another big-money deal. The defender has impressed ever since swapping Leeds for French side Toulouse and could now be on his way back to English football as a result.

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2 ByTom Cunningham Jul 1, 2025

Creswell’s arrival would deal Leeds another blow, who could watch on as their former player stars elsewhere in the Premier League next season. That said, he’s not the only name on Sunderland’s reported radar.

As well as strengthening their backline, those at the Stadium of Light have also reportedly turned their focus back towards their midfield and signing an ex-Arsenal player. Perhaps attempting to find a partner for Diarra, Le Bris is now reportedly driving the move.

Le Bris driving move to sign Matteo Guendouzi

According to their former chief scout Mick Brown, Le Bris is set to be the “driving force” as Sunderland race to sign Matteo Guendouzi. The Frenchman previously worked under the Sunderland boss during their time together at FC Lorient’s B team several years ago and could now finally have the chance to reunite with his former manager.

Speaking about the potential deal, Brown told Football Insider: “Sunderland are in a position where they feel they need to strengthen their squad. They need Premier League-level players and to get those you have to be ambitious in the market.

“A lot of it will depend on what sort of fee his club are going to demand for him. The manager is playing a big role in their recruitment so far and did the same when they were in the Championship, he appears to have good relationships in France. He’s worked with Guendouzi before and he’s going to be the driving force behind the move.”

Previously dubbed “impressive” by former Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce, Guendouzi has unfinished business in the Premier League and could have the chance to return from Lazio with a bang courtesy of the Black Cats this summer.

West Bromwich Albion have boldly put their faith in the unknown ahead of next season as Ryan Mason embarks on his first proper managerial gig at the helm of the Baggies.

Mason has taken charge of Tottenham Hotspur previously on an interim basis, but this is an entirely different kettle of fish for the 33-year-old to get used to, with a hope hanging in the air that his fresh approach can finally guide the West Midlands side back up to the Premier League.

To boost his chances of securing promotion right away, Mason will no doubt be busy in the transfer market when it comes to incomings to stamp his mark on his new side, with experienced signings akin to the success story of Jonny Evans potentially in the offing.

Evans was a regular in the heart of the defence when the Baggies were routinely competing in the Premier League, and for good reason too, with the Northern Irishman very rarely putting a foot wrong at the Hawthorns.

Evans' successful stint at West Brom

The 37-year-old is still amazingly going strong so late into his playing days, with seven Premier League appearances notched up for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United last season.

He might well have just been released by the Red Devils, but that doesn’t taint his successful stint with the Baggies at all, as Evans ended up tallying up 96 appearances for the then top-flight club over three seasons.

In total, Evans would collect a rock-solid 15 clean sheets across his three Premier League campaigns at the Hawthorns, with the dependable centre-back also chipping in with an impressive five goals and four assists, away from competently completing his defensive duties.

West Brom could be about to win their next Evans-style figure with this defensive target; therefore, with the colossus in question a similar under-the-radar presence to the 37-year-old when also consistently putting in sharp, yet unspectacular, performances at the back.

West Brom could land the new Evans

Mason will hope that adding in gritty battlers to this camp can help make their instant promotion dreams a reality, with the long-term goal that the Baggies end up being a Premier League regular again, like they were during Evans’ stint.

Nathaniel Phillips might well be what Mason and West Brom desire in attempting to land an up-to-date version of the Northern Irishman, with the Liverpool centre-back reportedly on West Brom’s shopping list as per The Athletic.

The £1.7m-rated brute has often had to make do with a background role at Anfield, but he has shown off his brilliance on occasion for the Reds, with this stylish piece of skill away at the San Siro one standout moment from his Liverpool career to date.

Away from that isolated clip, the 6-foot-3 “monster” – as he was once labelled by Jurgen Klopp – has also collected a favourable seven clean sheets from his sparing 19 top-flight appearances on Merseyside, on top of also showing off his strengths as a defender more widely when out on loan in the EFL.

This season just gone, in particular, the 28-year-old would shine bright on loan with Derby County, with an imposing average of six duels won per Championship contest helping the Rams stave off the relegation positions in the division.

He would be expected to come in and be as strong for Mason’s men, but with promotion their main end-goal, over seeking out survival.

This wouldn’t be a jaw-dropping pick-up that gets Hawthorns spectators out of their seats, but Phillips could be just what West Brom need in defence to strengthen ahead of a promotion run-in. With prior experience at an elite Premier League club – like Evans – he could well be a worthy addition.

If he’s steady and slots in well, he could even go on to star for the Baggies in the top-flight, much like Evans did all those years ago.

West Brom in talks to sign their best striker since Maja for £0

West Bromwich Albion could be about to land their best striker since Josh Maja with this summer purchase.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 9, 2025

The Premier League is the most popular league in the world and has seen some of the best players of all time since its inception in 1992, but Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard once claimed there is only one Premier League ‘GOAT’.

The right wing spot in a Premier League all time XI is firmly up for debate – Mohamed Salah has cemented himself as one of the greatest players in English football history after winning a second title with Liverpool.

Salah is now in the top ten goalscorers in top flight history and could potentially even surpass Alan Shearer’s record of 260 goals in the division.

Premier League's top 10 goalscorers in pictures

However, many still believe the sheer talent of Cristiano Ronaldo takes the cake. Indeed, Sir Alex Ferguson once claimed the Portugal superstar is “up with the best” players he had coached, while Jose Mourinho even placed him in the same category as Diego Maradona and Pele.

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Indeed, Ronaldo won three league titles in England, one Golden Boot and two Player of the Season awards, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest two players in football history alongside Lionel Messi.

When it comes to crowning the best of the best in England however, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard revealed one man stands above the rest.

Gerrard: Thierry Henry is the Premier League 'GOAT'

Speaking in an interview during his time as Aston Villa manager, Gerrard was fast and firm with his reponse when asked who the greatest of all time is – Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry.

The former Anfield skipper picked Messi as the greatest in football history and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe as the next up for the crown, but had no hesitation when pointing to Henry as English football’s best.

Gerrard was no stranger to Henry’s talents, as the Frenchman scored nine times in 18 career appearances against Liverpool, including a brace in a famous 2-0 win at Highbury in the 2005/26 season, in which Gerrard accidentally set up the winner.

France legend Zinedine Zidane called his compatriot “technically the most gifted footballer ever to play the beautiful game”, and his list of accomplishments is extremely impressive.

Thierry Henry Trophies Won

Year

Monaco

Ligue 1

1996-97

Arsenal

Premier League

2001-02, 2003-04

FA Cup

2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05

Barcelona

La Liga

2008-09, 2009-10

Copa del Rey

2008-09

UEFA Champions League

2008-09

UEFA Super Cup

2009

FIFA Club World Cup

2009

France

FIFA World Cup

1998

UEFA European Championship

2000

Since retiring from playing, Henry has coached at club level with Monaco and at international level as an assistant for Belgium. He also managed the French team at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games, winning the silver medal as France were beaten in the final by Spain.

Arsenal’s season now rests on 90 minutes in Paris next week.

Mikel Arteta’s side have failed to win the Premier League for a third campaign on the bounce, but as things stand, they still have a genuine chance of overturning Paris Saint-Germain’s one-nil lead at the Parc des Princes and making it to their first Champions League final in 19 years.

However, to do that, they’ll have to play substantially better than they did on Tuesday night, and more specifically, club captain Martin Odegaard will have to step up in a big way following his dismal showing at home.

Odegaard’s 24/25

Appearances

40

Minutes

3072′

Goals

5

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.37

Minutes per Goal Involvement

204.8′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

With just 15 goal improvements in 40 appearances, the Norwegian international has been a massive disappointment this season, so it’s excellent news that recent reports have linked the club with a striker who should be able to revive his fortunes next year.

Arsenal's striker search

Ask any Arsenal fan what they desperately need in the summer, and we’d hazard a guess that almost all of them will say a striker. After all, despite being just one place ahead of them in the Premier League, Liverpool have scored 17 more goals this season.

Transfer Focus

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

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Fortunately, the board clearly agrees with this sentiment, as there have been a whole host of centre-forwards touted for moves to the Emirates in recent weeks, one of the more recent being Jonathan David.

Thanks to his contract expiring at the end of next month, the Canadian international will be available for nothing in the summer, and as he’s already scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 games this year, he’d undoubtedly be an incredible addition to Arteta’s squad.

A little closer to home, the Gunners have once again been linked with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in recent weeks.

The Englishman was the subject of a failed £45m bid from the North Londoners in the winter window, and while it’s unclear just how much he’d cost in the summer, it’s clear that with 29 goal involvements in 50 games this season, he’d be a brilliant signing.

However, to really propel the club to the title next year and get the likes of Odegaard firing again, Arteta and Co need to sign a goalscoring machine, which is where Viktor Gyokeres comes in.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal remain incredibly keen on bringing the Swedish international to N5 this summer.

A potential price tag is not mentioned in the story, but other reports from this week claim that the striker could be available for up to £70m.

It’s certainly a lot to spend on one player, but given his immense ability and the effect he could have on the likes of Odegaard, it’s a transfer worth doing for Arsenal.

How Gyokeres would revive Odegaard

While there might be several small reasons here and there why Gyokeres would be able to get more out of Odegaard, like his application in training sessions and his attitude during games, his raw output is what matters more than anything.

After all, it doesn’t matter how hard he works if he can’t finish the chances the Norwegian creates for him.

Fortunately, when it comes to being a pure out-and-out goalscorer, it’s hard to think of anyone better than the former Coventry City star in Europe at the moment.

Gyokeres’ 24/25

Appearances

48

Minutes

3858′

Goals

52

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

1.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

60.28′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, in 48 appearances for Sporting CP, totalling 3858 minutes, the 6 foot 2 “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored a simply staggering 52 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.

In other words, the 26-capped monster is currently averaging 1.33 goal involvements every game, or one every 60.28 minutes, which is undoubtedly a world-class rate of return.

Just imagine a striker as unrelentingly efficient as that in front of the Gunners’ captain – he’d almost instantly see his assist tally skyrocket.

Moreover, if opposition defenders had to spend more time worrying about the North Londoners’ new monstrous forward as well as Bukayo Saka off the right, there would be more room for the former Real Madrid prospect to operate in, and as a result, his own goal tally would likely increase as well.

Ultimately, while it’s a lot of money, Arsenal should be doing all they can to bring Gyokeres to the Emirates this summer, as not only could he fire them to the title next year, but he could be just the man to get Odegaard back to his mercurial best as well.

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Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 1, 2025

Enzo Maresca has plenty of dynamic midfield options in his Chelsea squad. Of course, he has two of the most expensive Premier League footballers ever, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, the former of whom is sometimes tasked with playing in more advanced roles.

The Italian coach can also call upon the likes of Romeo Lavia in the middle of the park, although the talented youngster has struggled with injury this term.

Summer signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is another option the Blues have in midfield, but he has started just one league game since moving to Stamford Bridge, and captain Reece James, a right-back by trade, has also featured in midfield.

However, that is seemingly not enough depth for Maresca’s liking, given Chelsea are linked with another midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.

Latest on Chelsea's search for a midfielder

It is no secret that one of the best academies at producing midfield talent is Barcelona’s La Masia academy. The famous trio Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets are all graduates, and a modern-day example is Pedri.

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Well, reports from Spain suggest that Chelsea, and owner Todd Boehly, have ‘set their sights’ on signing Marc Casado, who has impressed for the La Liga giants.

The West Londoners reportedly see the 21-year-old ‘as a strategic addition to strengthen their midfield both now and in the future’ and are willing to ‘submit’ an offer to secure his signature.

However, Maresca’s side are reportedly not alone in their hunt for Casado’s signature. London rivals Arsenal are also interested in a deal and view the Spaniard as the ‘ideal option’ to add to their midfield quality. Casado could cost the Premier League giants upwards of £33m this summer.

Why Chelsea could be targeting their next Fabregas

Given that he is a La Masia graduate who has featured prominently for Barca this term, there is no doubt that Casado will be a quality player for Chelsea’s midfield. Naturally, he oozes technical quality on the ball.

The youngster has played 41 times for his boyhood club so far across his career, making his debut in the 2022/23 campaign. However, under Hansi Flick this term, Casado has really made an impact.

The young midfielder has played 36 times across competitions this term under the German boss. In that time, he has grabbed six assists and managed to get on the scoresheet once in the recent 4-0 win over Real Sociedad.

Many of Casado’s appearances this term have come from defensive midfield, which suggests he has the progressive skills and ball-winning ability to play a deeper role.

The 21-year-old was described as a “midfield general” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

In fact, his statistics via FBref from La Liga games this term show just how good he is on the ball. For example, the midfielder averages 5.98 progressive passes per game, which ranks him in the top 18% of Spanish top-flight midfielders.

He makes, on average, 3.69 tackles and interceptions per game, placing him in the top 22% of midfielders in La Liga.

Passes completed

68.21

95th

Passes into final third

7.71

94th

Progressive passes

5.98

82nd

Tackles

3.69

78th

Ball recoveries

5.03

60th

Should Chelsea sign the Barca prodigy, it would be reminiscent of the reported £30m deal to sign Cesc Fabregas from the La Liga giants back in 2014.

Described as a ‘major coup’ for the Blues by The Guardian at the time, the Blues swooped in to sign the former Arsenal midfielder after the Gunners decided against their buyback clause.

Indeed, what a signing the 2010 World Cup winner proved to be for the West Londoners. Described as a “maestro” by former boss Jose Mourinho, he played 198 games for the club, scoring 22 times and grabbing 57 assists.

Fabregas’ quality was on a whole other level during his time in the Premier League. His 111 assists for both Arsenal and Chelsea, of which 41 came for the Blues, are bettered by only two players in the competition’s history – Ryan Giggs (162) and Kevin De Bruyne (118).

If Casado could have anywhere near that level of impact at Stamford Bridge, it would be a hugely successful signing for Boehly and co. He would certainly elevate the technical quality of Chelsea’s midfield, and would hope to help them win titles, just as Fabregas did all those years ago.

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Bangladesh and West Indies are the favourites, but if Pakistan raise their game at home, the calculations could change

Firdose Moonda08-Apr-2025The last stretch of the road to India begins in Pakistan, where six teams will compete for two spots at the Women’s ODI World Cup later this year over the next few days.All 15 matches will be held in Lahore, between the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium and the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground, which will host women’s internationals for the first time. Lahore was chosen as it will not have any PSL games taking place there for the duration of this event, and yes, that means the tournament clashes with not one but two of the biggest men’s franchise competitions (the IPL and the PSL). If that means there’s too much cricket to keep an eye on, we’ve got the cheat sheet to keep you covered.To recap: six teams – hosts India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka – have already confirmed their places at the World Cup by virtue of their positions on the Women’s Championship table played between 2022 and 2025. The four other teams in that competition – Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan and West Indies – will play in the qualifier, along with the two next highest teams on the ODI rankings at the cut-off date of October 28, 2024. Those two teams are Scotland and Thailand, who finished 11th and 12th.The tournament takes the format of a league, in which each team will play the other five and the top two will qualify for the World Cup. Unlike the men’s ODI World Cup qualifiers, there is no final, which is without any context in any case.Bangladesh enter the event as the most improved women’s side over the Women’s Championship cycle•Getty Images

Bangladesh and West Indies start as favourites

After a maiden ODI World Cup appearance in 2022, Bangladesh missed out on automatic qualification by the narrowest of margins. They finished on the same number of points as New Zealand but with a lower net run-rate and one fewer win, which pushed them into the qualifier. Their captain Nigar Sultana previously told ESPNcricinfo’s Powerplay podcast that she hoped to avoid the tension and pressure of a qualifier through more consistent performances, but two series wins out of eight, over Ireland and Pakistan, were not enough to do that.Still, Bangladesh enter the event as the most improved women’s side over the cycle with a particularly strong and varied bowling attack. Among them is the fifth-highest wicket-taker of the women’s championship overall: left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, who could be the player to watch in Pakistan. With a left-arm seamer in Fariha Trishna, right-arm seamer Marufa Akter, and three legspinners – Fahima Khatun, Shorna Akter and Rabeya Khan – Bangladesh will be difficult for most line-ups to negotiate. And given their quality, they would be disappointed if they don’t secure one of the two spots.The same could be said for West Indies, who were semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup but have found themselves in the qualifiers now. In their women’s championship campaign, they only beat their opponents who are at the qualifiers – Bangladesh, Ireland and Pakistan – which may bode well for them for this event but is also an indication of the gap between them and the top sides.Another concern is how overly reliant West Indies have become on one player: their captain Hayley Matthews. She finished as the fifth-highest run-scorer and ninth-highest wicket-taker in the women’s championship, where West Indies ended eighth, and she needs some support for West Indies to go further. On paper, West Indies have the personnel. Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharak and Chinelle Henry all provide experience, while Zaida James, Janillia Glasgow, Mandy Mangru and Ashmini Munisar make up the younger crop. If they all click, West Indies should be shoo-ins for India, and anything less is likely to prompt severe introspection.On Fatima Sana’s young shoulders rests Pakistan’s hopes now•Getty Images

The curious case of Pakistan

As hosts, Pakistan should be able to take advantage of familiar conditions to push for a World Cup spot, but recent form doesn’t inspire confidence. They have not won an ODI since November 2023, and have since had a change in captaincy from the experienced Nida Dar to the potential of young Fatima Sana. At just 23, Sana is also their premier allrounder and, like Matthews, she needs others to stand up.Muneeba Ali, Gull Feroza and Aliya Riaz are key with the bat, while Diana Baig’s return from injury bolsters the seam department. Pakistan have a solid spin contingent in left-armers Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu, and could challenge Bangladesh and West Indies for a World Cup place. They have already beaten one of them, West Indies, by five wickets, in a warm-up game on Monday.Should Pakistan qualify, it will complicate the World Cup schedule. After India and Pakistan agreed a hybrid structure for all ICC events starting with the Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s matches must be played outside India, who have announced five host cities for the event. It is likely Pakistan’s games will be in either Sri Lanka or the UAE.

Can Ireland redeem themselves?

Ireland have not qualified for an ODI World Cup since 2005, which is too long ago to make much material difference, but they do have recent World Cup pedigree. They have appeared at four T20 tournaments, most recently at the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa, but missed out on the 2024 edition after a shock defeat to Scotland in the qualifier.

Should either of them make it to the World Cup, expect questions to be raised about their inclusion in future editions of the FTP

Unlike Scotland, Ireland are part of the FTP, and would consider themselves Europe’s second-best side (after England) and have the results to show for that. Since the last World Cup, Ireland have played 11 series and won four – against Netherlands, Scotland, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, – which suggests the quality is there. The question facing them is whether they have the ability to turn over the bigger sides consistently enough to start making regular World Cup appearances, and they would hope to start here.

Scotland, Thailand aim to be first-timers

Neither Scotland nor Thailand are part of the women’s FTP or championship, neither have been to an ODI World Cup, and both have little experience in the format. Scotland have played 17 official ODIs, and Thailand nine. But they could be the Cinderella story of the qualifiers.Scotland have some experience of what it takes to get to a global tournament after beating Ireland to qualify for the T20 World Cup, where they were thoroughly outplayed but won hearts. They will have Ireland in their sights again after beating them in an ODI 2023. Thailand, too, have World Cup experience. They were at the 2020 T20 World Cup and have 11 players from that tournament in this squad. Should either of them make it to the World Cup, expect questions to be raised about their inclusion in future editions of the FTP.

It is difficult to separate the series of 1981, 2005 and 2023 for the cricket played or the impact they had

Mark Nicholas01-Aug-2023″Don’t bother looking for that, let alone chasing it. That’s gone straight into the confectionery stall and out again,” said Richie Benaud of a hit by Ian Botham at Headingley in 1981. From a position of nowhere after the first two Tests of that summer, “Beefy” stole the series; so much so that it was immediately christened Botham’s Ashes and has remained so ever since.Andrew Flintoff did much the same in 2005 but didn’t quite manage to get his moniker stuck to it. Freddie bowled like the wind that golden summer and struck the ball like the warrior he was from the first day we saw him as an outsize youth to that last Ashes day at The Oval in 2009, when he limped home, spent.We might have expected the next in the line of great England allrounders to stamp his name all over the 2023 edition, but a dicky knee and the hidden demands of captaincy stole the title from him. Of course, there were heroics that came mainly with the bat and his unwavering message of cricket without inhibition but in the end Ben Stokes gave way to Chris Woakes as gamebreaker writ large across three Tests that so nearly did something only Don Bradman’s Australians managed 87 years ago.Related

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• England lose 19 WTC points and Australia ten for slow over-rates during the Ashes

The show-stopper, however, was neither Stokes nor Woakes but Stuart Broad, whose sense of theatre is very Beefy and Fred; not that even those two gargantuan figures of the English game could finish in a front of a full house at The Oval by hitting their final ball faced in Test cricket for six and take the wicket that squared the series the following evening* with the last ball they ever bowled in first-class cricket. You couldn’t make it up.This stunning triumph and the amazing scenes that followed were nothing more than England deserved. The cricket played by Stokes’ team brings pride to its supporters and inspiration to the generation now growing up with so much else to grab their attention. Various sessions, not least the last two hours yesterday, have been as electrifying as anything in the arena of sport, and some of them more so. It is risk and reward in a way most professional sportsmen look to avoid for fear of the wheels coming off. It is exemplified by names such as Botham, Best and Ballesteros; Flintoff and Federer; Stokes, Senna and Sobers. Only, this time Stokes has press-ganged a whole team to walk in the steps of its leader.

Over-analysing this period in English cricket history is not so much futile as it is unnecessary. Rather, we must applaud the light, the hope, the faith and the brilliance

Probably England deserved the 3-2 margin in their favour simply because of the extent of their ambition. It is one thing to entertain, quite another to avoid becoming only a Harlem Globetrotter. There is a practicality to winning cricket matches otherwise known as game management, and as the series progressed, so England began to log in. When the free spirit joined forces with clear thinking, it became an unstoppable force.As it was, rain in Manchester denied this result and in a strange sort of way it doesn’t now seem to matter too much. Sure, Australia retained the Ashes but everyone knows what happened and who made it so. Two fine teams went at it with an iron will and by the end could not be separated. One took the game to a soaring new height of expressionism, the other did it by the book of words long written into history. This contrast was in itself a fascination.The clamour in the immediate aftermath is to call it the greatest Ashes ever. How we love to rate things!Frankly, it is difficult to separate the series of ’81, ’05 and ’23 for the cricket played or the impact they had on the nation, or should we say nations? How do Australians see Ashes defeats that followed a winning start? In 1981, Botham left the field at Lord’s to silence from the MCC members: probably not the same ones who gave Usman Khawaja and Co a serve early last month, but members nonetheless. The match was drawn but England had been outsmarted in a low-scoring game and the grim reaper followed England’s captain and talisman up those steps to the dressing room, in which he decided upon resignation. Mike Brearley took over and the rest, well, it’s thrilling history.Sense of theatre much? Stuart Broad struck to take the final two wickets at The Oval and level the series•Getty ImagesBrearley’s contribution was immediate. Twenty-four years later, Michael Vaughan matched it with bells on, though Vaughan had long planned the mission while assembling a gifted team driven by an engine of fast bowling of the sort rarely seen in the storied life of England cricket. After a dramatic and hugely promising first session in the first Test at Lord’s, England were humbled – hammered actually – by a great Australian team. What followed was remarkable. Far from retreating into themselves, Vaughan and his troop fashioned a comeback for the ages amid four nail-biters and mighty resistance from cricket’s most charismatic talent. Across that draining seven weeks Shane Warne took 40 wickets at 19.9 each and made 249 runs at 27.6 from No. 8 in the order. But still England won.At The Oval yesterday my mind cast back to Kevin Pietersen’s explosive innings which secured the series and led to all manner of eccentricity in celebration. Pietersen was Bazball long before Ben or Baz, an outlier untouched by English reservation and in situ for a good time if not necessarily a long time. Actually, he was around longer than many thought, and never dull. To save The Oval Test, he hooked Brett Lee’s searing bouncers from his eyebrows and into the crowd. When finally out for 158, Australian players shook him by the hand. Well, one. Warne.Eighteen years on and Stokes’ team was being picked apart by the finest Australian batter of the day. Steven Smith had a fortunate match, having been given the benefit of the doubt after a review in as tight a run-out call as you can imagine during the first innings and then surviving Stokes’ “catch” at leg slip in the second. Eventually Woakes of Warwickshire found his edge and Zak Crawley at slip did the rest.There has been controversy throughout the series and the sense, from afar, that the players have been more on edge than they have revealed. For once, dignity has not been the first to leave. Probably, the IPL is to thank for players who understand each other better then at any time previously. A few names from the past have grumbled about how “nice” everyone is to one another on the field, but rather there be a kind face for our game than a sneer.

Probably England deserved the 3-2 margin in their favour simply because of the extent of their ambition. It is one thing to entertain, quite another to avoid becoming only a Harlem Globetrotter

It is a sign of the times that the 1981 series was played across 75 days, the 2005 battle fought through 52 days and nights (ask Vaughan about his sleep, or lack of it) and this little corker of a five-match set has taken 46. No wonder Pat Cummins began to look knackered. Remember that he started in early June with the final of the World Test Championship, and has been on the edge of his nerves ever since. It seems mean to question his suitability for the job.The relevant question is whether such a schedule compromises the quality of the cricket and the longevity of its players. Of the three series, 2005 is the standout for me. England were able to beat an Australia side jammed with a collection of the country’s greatest ever cricketers. Each day was hard-fought, won and lost, as against some in this current series that were relinquished.Truth be told, by throwing all signs of caution to the wind, England made a surprising number of mistakes. Australia judged these to be the cause of an unsustainable method and chose to play more pragmatic cricket themselves. Game management is a skill, albeit an unglamorous one. Self-awareness is an attribute. At various times in the series England have missed the mark on both, and costly it has been. The second-innings freefall with the bat and dropped catches cost them Edgbaston; a first-innings slide into chaos and further missed chances cost them Lord’s. But does one come with the other? Is the corollary of inhibition the fallout from consistency?The same happened at The Oval. Four wickets were lost for 28 on the opening day and five for 35 in the second innings – most of them to batting that was, not so long ago, perceived as madness. We must buy in and watch on with a joyous heart. Over-analysing this period in English cricket history is not so much futile as it is unnecessary. Rather, we must applaud the light, the hope, the faith and the brilliance.For me, 2005 nicks it but only because 2023 has been a series of flawed genius within the parameters of cricket as entertainment. But when the free spirit kicked in and the clear thinking held its own – think Woakes and Mark Wood bowling and batting at Headingley, and specifically, the manner in which they ushered England over the finish line – well, the potential of cricket seemed to have become endless. For that, captain, we thank you.03:38 GMT, August 2, 2023: The article originally said Broad hit his last six and took his last wicket on the same day. This was corrected.

All the statistical highlights from one of India’s worst efforts with the bat in T20Is

Sampath Bandarupalli29-Jul-202181 for 8 India’s total in the third T20I was their third-lowest in the format and their lowest against Sri Lanka. India’s previous lowest T20I total against Sri Lanka was 101 all-out in Pune in 2016.81 for 8 It was also the second-lowest total made by a Full Member side while batting through all 20 overs in a T20I. The lowest is West Indies’ 79 for 7 while chasing 106 against Zimbabwe in 2010.4 for 9 Wanidu Hasaranga’s bowling figures were the best against India in men’s T20Is. The previous best was 4 for 11 by Mitchell Santner for New Zealand in Nagpur during the 2016 World T20.2 Hasaranga is also only the second player to take a four-wicket haul on their birthday in men’s T20Is. Imran Tahir celebrated his 35th birthday with figures of 4 for 21 against Netherlands in 2014.1 The 2-1 series win was Sri Lanka’s maiden T20I series victory over India. It is also Sri Lanka’s first series win in any format against India since their 2-1 victory in a home Test series in 2008.0 Sixes struck by India in the third T20I, the first time they failed to clear the ropes in a T20I after playing out the full 20 overs. They only hit four boundaries in all, their fewest in a 20-over innings in T20Is. Their previous lowest was eight boundaries (seven fours and a six) during the second T20I on Wednesday.3.30 Economy rate of Sri Lanka’s spinners, the second-best for a Full Member team’s spinners in a men’s T20I (minimum: 10 overs). Bangladesh recorded the best effort against Afghanistan in 2014, when their spinners bowled 12.1 overs for the cost of only 37 runs, at an economy rate of 3.08.4.72 The two teams’ combined run rate in the third T20I, the second-lowest in a completed men’s T20I game involving two Full Member teams. The lowest is 4.61 during the T20I between West Indies and Zimbabwe in 2010 at Port of Spain.