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Cristiano Ronaldo’s demands for signing a new Al-Nassr contract reportedly include sacking the club’s coach, sporting director and several players.

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• Current deal is set to expire this summer
• Reluctant to pen extension as things stand
• Wants sweeping changes across the board

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The expectation was, having made a trend-setting move to the Middle East in 2023, that CR7 would agree an extension to his record-breaking deal at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr – with his current terms set to expire this summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  No paperwork has been signed, though, and Ronaldo is said to have grown frustrated and concerned by the lack of success that Al-Nassr have been enjoying. He still has just one trophy to his name across two-and-a-half years in Riyadh.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  With Ronaldo stalling on prolonging his spell with Al-Nassr, claims that the Portuguese GOAT has laid out his demands in order for an agreement to be reached. He is calling for sweeping change.

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  WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO IS DEMANDING

  Ronaldo is said to be keen for Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro to leave his role as sporting director and follow head coach Stefano Pioli through the exits. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also of the opinion that half of Al-Nassr’s squad are not good enough.

Rangers have been dealt a blow as it has now emerged that a member of Europe’s elite have now made contact to sign a member of Philippe Clement’s squad as they look to bolster their own ranks in the coming months.

Rangers improving too late

Rangers have seen an upturn in form recently, but remain well off the pace in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership title. Though they beat Celtic 3-0 in the last meeting between the two sides, they remain 10 points behind Brendan Rodgers’ side, who also boast a game in hand on their rivals.

Well clear of anyone else and sitting in second place, it is threatening to be another trophyless season for Clement’s side. Meanwhile, a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Europa League has left Rangers’ chances of automatic qualification into the next round of the competition hanging by a thread.

Big Dessers upgrade: Rangers eye up move for "extremely talented" striker

Rangers are seeking to add more firepower this month, so could they sign an out-of-favour Premier League striker who would be Cyriel Dessers upgrade?

By
Ben Gray

Jan 28, 2025

Instead, they will need to get a result against Belgian side Union Saint Gilloise to ensure that they make it into a qualification spot for the knockout rounds despite having what many would deem a strong campaign in Europe’s secondary competition.

While the breakthrough of Hamza Igamane has been a joy for Rangers fans, it has otherwise been a tricky season to date and there are still reservations over whether Clement is the right man to take them forwards in the long term.

Rangers rocked by Chelsea's Jefte interest

Now, a fresh report has claimed that Chelsea are now plotting a potential summer move to sign exciting fullback Jefte, and have already contacted his representatives over a Stamford Bridge switch.

The Brazilian has been one of the club’s standout performances so far this season, impressing plenty at Ibrox since his arrival from Brazilian side Fluminense in the summer.

Still just 21-years-old, he has caught the attention of clubs around Europe and as per the report, Chelsea “have made initial contact with Jefte’s representatives” as they look to find an understudy for Marc Cucurella in west London.

It is added that there is also “other interest from a handful of clubs on the continent” in what could turn into a scramble for the signature of the Rangers youngster, who is believed to have penned an £8,000 a week deal at Ibrox until 2028.

Clement is understandably a big fan of Jefte, dubbing him “very talented” months after his arrival at Ibrox, but that talent may well see him depart Scotland sooner than most Rangers fans would like.

He is not the only Rangers man in the spotlight either, with teammate Igamane attracting Premier League interest too in the form of Tottenham and Everton. With that in mind, it could prove challenging for Clement and co. to hold onto their star men this summer.

New Zealand are on a five-game winning streak, but Afghanistan have just felled England in commanding fashion

Ashish Pant17-Oct-20233:17

McClenaghan: Afghanistan’s spinners will be a big threat for New Zealand

Big Picture: Two teams on a high face off

The 2019 World Cup champions have been taken down. Time for the runners-up next?Afghanistan players have time and again called India their second home. At various points, they have had their base set up at Indian venues like Dehradun, Lucknow and Greater Noida, where they played their “home games”. IPL regulars Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have always been a crowd favourite, while Naveen-ul-Haq keeps the buzz going.Which is why there was genuine excitement among the Delhi crowd when Afghanistan served defending champions England a 69-run thrashing on Sunday. It was only Afghanistan’s second-ever win in an ODI World Cup game in 18 attempts and their first since 2015.Related

• Ferguson's spell from hell

• Williamson has fractured left thumb; Blundell called in as cover

• Rashid Khan hopes for 'big celebration' in earthquake-ravaged Afghanistan

• Forget Bazball, this was Gurbazball

However, even with the confidence of a big win under their belt, Afghanistan know they have their work cut out as they run into red-hot New Zealand in Chennai. Unbeaten so far in the tournament – three wins out of three – New Zealand seem to have all the pieces of the puzzle in place. But the Chennai surface could prove to be a potential banana peel against the spin trio of Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Nabi. The three spinners lead the wicket-taking list for Afghanistan in the World Cup so far and will hope for more success on a pitch which is expected to turn.Afghanistan’s biggest issue remains their over-reliance on the top three of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah. In ODIs since the start of 2021, the trio has accounted for 52.79% of the total runs that Afghanistan have scored. Among all Full Members nations, their middle order (Nos. 4 to 7) has the lowest average: 26.00.This was on display in the game against England as well where Afghanistan collapsed from 114 for 0 to 190 for 6 before the lower order bailed them out. The likes of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Nabi will need to step up and quick.New Zealand have far fewer problems. They come into this game on a five-match winning streak, having won each of these games rather convincingly. Their top order has fired in every game while the bowling unit looks well-rounded. Of course, Kane Williamson’s “undisplaced fracture” to his left thumb might be a cause for concern for them, especially given the nature of this Chennai pitch, but Tom Latham has proven to be an effective leader in his absence.New Zealand might be on a high, but they can’t afford to be complacent against a side that seems to have finally found its mojo.3:47

Should New Zealand look to bring Southee in?

Form guide: New Zealand on a roll

Afghanistan WLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand WWWWW

In the spotlight: Mitchell Santner and Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Mitchell Santner has turned his 2023 upside down and how! Coming into the World Cup, Santner had only four wickets in seven ODIs at an average of 80.25 and economy of 5.24 in 2023. Three matches into the tournament, he has already doubled that tally and is currently the joint-leading wicket-taker alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Matt Henry with eight scalps at 15.87. He’s been excellent with his pace variations and has tied the batters down in the powerplay. Chepauk is like home away from home for Santner. He has been with the Chennai Super Kings squad in the IPL since 2019 and will want to put up another solid show on “home” territory.Mujeeb Ur Rahman did not start off the World Cup the way he wanted but did a star turn against England first with the bat and then picking up 3 for 51 to take home the Player of the Match award. He’s been Afghanistan’s joint-leading wicket-taker in ODIs this year and, having found his groove, will want to inflict more damage against New Zealand come Wednesday.

Team news: Who comes in for Williamson?

With Williamson out injured for a while, Will Young is the likely candidate to take his place in the New Zealand XI. He is likely to slot back into the opening position, with Rachin Ravindra expected to move to the No. 3 spot. Tom Latham will lead the side once more.New Zealand (probable): 1 Devon Conway, 2 Will Young, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Tom Latham (capt, wk), 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Mark Chapman, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Matt Henry, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent BoultCan Rashid Khan and Co spring another surprise?•Associated Press

Afghanistan are unlikely to make any changes to the playing XI that beat England convincingly.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 5 Azmatullah Omarzai, 6 Mohammad Nabi, 7 Ikram Alikhil (wk), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pitch and conditions: Turner in Chepauk?

The first game of the World Cup in Chennai, between India and Australia, was played on black-soil turner, but the second game had a lot in it for the fast bowlers. Historically, surfaces in Chennai have aided spin and that is likely to be the case on Wednesday as well.There was a slight drizzle in Chennai on the eve of the game, but the forecast is clearer on match day.

Stats and trivia

• Mitchell Santner is just one short of 100 wickets in ODIs, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman needs four wickets to reach the 100-mark in the format.
• Rashid Khan has gone wicketless just three times in ODIs in India and has picked up two or more wickets in an innings seven times in 15 innings.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz has fallen to left-arm orthodox spinners in four out of seven innings and averages just 20 against them.
• Ibrahim Zadran is just 17 short of 1000 runs in ODIs. If he gets there on Wednesday, he will be the quickest Afghanistan batter to the landmark in the format.

Quotes

“See Rahmanullah [Gurbaz] is one of the players in our team who is I believe a match-winner player. He can change the game anytime.”

With the Belgian linked to a MLS move, GOAL US writers debate the best landing spot for the Manchester City star

Kevin De Bruyne gets closer to an MLS move with every headline. There are a few things we know for certain here. The first is that the Belgian will leave Manchester City upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season. The second is that he has a long-standing interest in playing in MLS.

The third is that some configuration of Chicago Fire, D.C. United, Inter Miami and NYCFC are interested – in some form – of securing his signature. If De Bruyne is playing in the U.S. this summer, he'll likely do so with a club in a sizable and attractive market.

These are all good things from an American point of view. Big names are still necessary for a league that is trying to grow its global footprint. De Bruyne may not be a megastar, but he is one of the finest midfielders to ever grace the game.

Miami reportedly own his MLS discovery rights, but could the Man City star legitimately co-exist with Lionel Messi in South Beach? Morever, Miami’s three designated player spots are already occupied by Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Chicago now reportedly hold the priority to negotiate with De Bruyne

He will certainly have an impact – good or bad – wherever he plays. But what about the specifics? Where, exactly, should he play? Where would he be an unmitigated disaster? And what impact could have have on the league?

GOAL US writers debate it all in the latest edition of … The Rondo.

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  Which MLS club is the best fit for Kevin De Bruyne?

  Tom Hindle: Unfortunately, it's not Miami. As much as it would be fun to see them continue to farm European stars, it makes absolutely zero sense. The issue is, none of the other three significant links are particularly exciting. NYCFC adds up due to City Group association. Chicago could probably do with some midfield creativity, and they did previously pursue Neymar. And D.C. United are simply thirsty for any big name they can, in theory, get their hands on. Let's go with NYCFC, if only because they've lost a couple of creative presences, and could do with a star man.

  Ryan Tolmich: The rumor mill keeps linking him with the Chicago Fire and, yup, that checks out. The Fire seem close to arriving, both on and off the field, and De Bruyne is exactly the type of signing that can take this team forward. He'd have pieces in front of him that are legitimately goal-dangerous and, in many ways, would be a perfect mentor for rising star Brian Gutierrez. Off the field, this is exactly the type of big-time signing this club needs to make a statement locally and nationally, while proving that this ownership group is serious about winning. It all makes so much sense, which is why it's the most likely to happen of any of the options.

  Alex Labidou: Thank goodness, it's not likely to be Miami. The three other teams De Bruyne has been linked with – NYCFC, D.C. and Chicago – are all fighting for the same thing: relevancy. While it would be interesting to see how the Belgian connection between De Bruyne and Christian Benteke would play out, it is more vital for MLS to get a shot in the arm in one of its two biggest markets of Chicago and New York. And those two are really neck and neck. Considering Gregg Berhalter's ties to the USMNT and his former players there, it is probable that he will sign an American star at some point – likely after the World Cup. So this seems a move NYCFC HAVE to make. It's hard to envision where the club is going to find another marketable star. Soccer is almost an afterthought in the Big Apple, despite both teams being among MLS's most successful clubs. KDB wouldn't be a cure-all, but he would be a signal of intent for The Pigeons, who are opening their new stadium in two years.

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  Where would he be the worst fit?

  TH: Miami, which fills me with a deep sadness.

  RT: A word of advice to Miami: don't even think about it. This week's CONCACAF Champions Cup loss exposed just how unbalanced this team is, and bringing in another older midfielder – even one of De Bruyne's quality – would only further unbalance it. The team's entire transfer strategy has centered around Messi's friends and South American journeyman. Ahe while they have signed a few young stars, the club needs to be targeting more of those players. The Herons need more runners anywhere on the field, and De Bruyne isn't that.

  AL: Outside of Miami, the other three clubs would be an excellent fit for the Belgian. That said, D.C. would still be a far cry from contending, even if De Bruyne joins. That club has holes in every position outside of striker and at 33, De Bruyne is likely just an outstanding playmaker at this point. He's never been one to impact a game defensively and he hasn't scored more than 10 goals since 2022. It would be an expensive luxury for D.C., but it is a potential game-changer for the Fire and NYCFC, as both are in the playoff hunt.

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  Will De Bruyne succeed in MLS?

  TH: Honestly, no.MLS is brutally unkind to former Euro stars without legs, and De Bruyne's hamstrings are made of rubber bands at this point. He's immobile in the Premier League, and unless someone can throw a bag at building a roster around him – unlikely – then he might struggle in this league. More Marco Reus than Lionel Messi, at the moment.

  RT: Definitely, but he has to have the right team around him. MLS is one of the remaining few leagues in which a team can carry one or two players defensively, which means De Bruyne can just focus on what he does best: creating. Surround De Bruyne with younger, hungry players and let him ping passes to whichever of them is making the best run. If that's the recipe in place, De Bruyne should thrive while helping take a team from good to great.

  AL: Depends on where he lands. In some ways, this is similar to when Andrea Pirlo came to MLS. The skill was evident for anyone to see, but he was extremely limited in what he could offer when he wasn't on set pieces or threading the needle on key plays. The Premier League is a world apart from MLS, but if there's one similarity between the two leagues, it's the required athleticism to be successful. Miami have struggled recently as teams are punishing them with their pace and physical superiority. If De Bruyne goes to a team at which the midfield can cover for his deficiencies, he will be a success. But if he goes to a situation where he's expected to cover several gaps, he won't. It's that simple.

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  Would he be a 'needle-moving' signing for MLS?

  TH: The good barometer for this is always "Has my mum heard of this player?" She knows the names Messi, Suarez, Beckham, Ibrahimovic and Neymar. Ask her who De Bruyne is, and she will probably be clueless. This is a long-winded way of saying he might hit with the Premier League truthers, but won't bring in any eyes outside of them. Sure, it'll be good for the league, but the star power isn't really there.

  RT: It's not in the Messi-Beckham tier, and it might not be quite in the Zlatan tier, either. But it is just below that. De Bruyne is a big name and, at one point, he was right there among the best players in the world. Personality-wise, though, he doesn't have that star-power charisma that Zlatan has – and it remains to be seen how active he'd be in promoting his club. Still, this is a player that adds gravitas to MLS, even if he doesn't change the game by himself.

  AL: No. De Bruyne will certainly elevate whatever team he signs with, and likely will put fans in the stands in that specific market. But will he have the impact of Messi – fans literally paying thousands on resale markets to see him play – or David Beckham, who sold out entire NFL stadiums his first year Unfortunately not. But MLS is a stronger league with De Bruyne playing in the U.S.

Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams have been included as replacements in South Africa’s 15-man squad

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Sep-2023Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the 2023 ODI World Cup with injuries. They have been replaced by Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams in South Africa’s 15-man squad for the tournament that begins in India on October 5.Nortje has a suspected stress fracture of the back after experiencing spasms during the second ODI against Australia earlier this month. Magala, who played only the third ODI against Australia and went for 1 for 46 in four overs, has a left-knee injury.”It’s hugely disappointing for Anrich and Sisanda to be missing out on the 50-over World Cup,” South Africa’s coach Rob Walter said. “We sympathize in their omission and will continue to provide all the necessary support as they work towards their return to competitive action.”This provides an opportunity for Andile and Lizaad on the global stage. Both players have been part of our winter programs as well as having represented South Africa in the recent white-ball tour against Australia. They offer great skill sets and we’re excited to have them complete the 15-player squad for this year’s World Cup.”Phehlukwayo played in the second and fifth ODIs against Australia. While he did not make much of an impression in the first game, he scored 38 off 19 balls to finish the innings strongly in the series finale and then took 1 for 44. Williams played three of the five matches, taking 3 for 44, 1 for 17 and 0 for 24.Nortje’s absence is a major blow for South Africa as he is their quickest bowler with substantial experience in India, where he plays for Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He played in the Major League Cricket tournament in the USA over the South African winter and was rested for the T20Is against Australia. He was then ruled out of the first ODI but played the second, bowling only five overs before leaving the field. He missed the third game after he was sent for scans and was then ruled out of the series.Magala had not played any cricket since splitting the webbing in his hand at the IPL in early April and was subsequently ruled out of the T20Is against Australia with infrapatellar tendinopathy – pain in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin bone. He experienced discomfort in the knee again after playing one ODI against Australia.South Africa leave for India on September 23, and play their warm-up games against Afghanistan on September 29 and New Zealand on October 2. Their first game of the tournament is against Sri Lanka on October 7.

South Africa’s ODI World Cup squad

Temba Bavuma (capt), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams

Gus Atkinson claims best figures by England T20I debutant as tourists slide to crushing defeat

Alan Gardner01-Sep-2023Harry Brook ensured the conversation about his 50-over World Cup omission would continue to bubble under, as he and Jonny Bairstow dismantled New Zealand’s attack during a century stand at Old Trafford. Gus Atkinson then confirmed his arrival as a fast man of international pedigree with the best figures by an Englishman on T20I debut as New Zealand were brutally dispatched in the second T20I.Bairstow batted through the England innings for 86 off 60 balls but it was Brook’s audacious strokeplay that had the crowd off their feet while adding 67 from 36, with five fours and as many sixes, as England powered to a commanding score after choosing to bat first.Atkinson, clocked at 95mph/152kph during the Hundred last month, claimed a wicket with his fourth ball in international cricket before returning to blast out the final three in the space of an over. Atkinson finished with 4 for 20, New Zealand plummeting from 72 for 3 to 103 all out – only three batters managing double-figures – as England consigned them to their third-heaviest defeat in T20s, and a 2-0 series deficit.Atkinson quick off the mark
“He’s got extra pace, and pace can create wickets,” Jos Buttler said at the toss, when asked about England’s newest quick bowler, Atkinson of Surrey (or Oval Invincibles in new money). Few outside the county borders knew much about the 25-year-old at the start of the season, even though he had been on the club’s books since 2017, but impressive returns and, more importantly, a propensity to push the speed gun well above 90mph, had seen him rocket up the pecking order and into England’s 50-over World Cup squad despite being uncapped in any format.The first cap duly came, having been given an extra couple of days to recover from his exertions in the Hundred final, and it didn’t take long for pace to create a maiden international wicket. His start was tight, the wheels in evidence – second ball, 92mph/148kph – and Devon Conway duly attempted to hit his way out of trouble, only to flick another 90mph/145kph delivery down the throat of deep backward square leg.New Zealand crumble in steep chase
With both openers gone for single-figure scores and Glenn Phillips hitting an Adil Rashid full toss straight to long-on – Brook again on the scene with a precisely judged leap – New Zealand were 44 for 3 and struggling to keep up with a required rate of almost 10 an over. Mark Chapman crashed Liam Livingstone’s first two balls for six and four but fell in the same over, and when Brydon Carse’s deck-hitting approach had Daryl Mitchell caught behind first ball, the jig was as good as up.It was still a tame ending, as Will Jacks bowled Mitchell Santner for a maiden T20I wicket, Adam Milne reversed Rashid straight to slip – a fine reaction catch from Moeen Ali – and Atkinson returned to end it in the space of five balls. Tim Seifert, who battled gamely for 39 off 31, top-edged a bouncer straight up, before Tim Southee was lbw attempting to scoop and Atkinson’s yorker thudded into the base of middle and off stumps to dismiss Lockie Ferguson first ball. As at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday, the game was done with six overs to spare.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Bat first, bat steady
After Buttler had opted to bat at the toss, England’s powerplay effort of 40 for 1 suggested that conditions might not be conducive for outright carnage. Bairstow ticked along at just under a run a ball, and although Jacks fetched Ferguson for two fours and a six in the space of three balls, not everything was coming out of the middle – as evidenced by a flaccid pull off Southee that looped to mid-on in the following over.Dawid Malan, a T20I banker for England but coping uneasily with scrutiny over his 50-over World Cup spot, soon departed for a four-ball duck, done by Santner looping one up in the old style, to make it 43 for 2. Bairstow bludgeoned Santner into the crowd for his first six, before Brook twice smoked Ish Sodhi over deep extra cover from consecutive balls – the latter despite barely reaching the pitch – but a score of 76 for 2 at halfway would not have daunted New Zealand.Bairstow, Brook go big
A pair of Yorkshiremen on Lancashire’s home ground, Bairstow and Brook took a while to feel comfortable. England’s third-wicket pair were prepared to put in the groundwork, easing to a fifty partnership from 30 balls – and then came the signal to unleash. Bairstow, having notched a 40-ball half-century, slog-swept Southee over the ropes before hitting him down the ground for four and then six – the latter a huge straight hit into the pavilion – before Brook latched on to another wide slower ball and flogged six more over long-on, as the over went for 23.Bairstow made it three sixes in five balls by tucking into Sodhi, Brook adding another boundary with an impudent reverse-slap. Milne briefly put a break on the scoring with a boundary-free 15th, but Brook showed his touch by dabbing and driving Ferguson for another brace of fours, then went after Southee again with 6-4-6 from consecutive balls. A baseball slap down the ground took him to fifty off 31 balls, before whipping a full toss through midwicket, then picking the wide legcutter again and ploughing it over long-on.By the time Brook departed in the 18th, advancing to mistime Sodhi to long-on, the partnership had realised 131 from 65 balls – the highest stand in T20Is at Old Trafford. Although only 24 runs came from the last 16 balls, Milne completing an excellent showing to finish with figures of 4-0-23-0, England were as good as out of sight already.

Enzo Maresca claimed he is not to be blamed for Cole Palmer's dip in form as the Chelsea boss admitted that the Blues talisman is "worried".

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• Palmer has drawn a blank in the last 16 games
• Maresca thinks the problem is "mental"
• English star desperate to end goal drought vs Everton

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer has had a sensational debut season with Chelsea, but is now going through a rough patch. He has drawn a blank in his last 16 appearances for the Blues, and the pressure is mounting on the forward to deliver the goods. Things are even more complicated since he has not faced such an extended dip in form at West London since his £40 million ($53.2m) transfer from Manchester City.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, Maresca was quick to dismiss suggestions that Chelsea’s tactical setup was to blame for Palmer’s struggles. Speaking ahead of their clash with Everton, the Italian manager stressed that the issues were more psychological than tactics or quality.

• WHAT MARESCA SAID

  Before facing Everton, Maresca told reporters: “For sure, it’s mental. I don’t think it’s tactical, I don’t think it’s technical, because Cole is still the same player who scored this season with us. The style of football we play is the same one. The manager is the same one. The club is the same one. So nothing changes around Cole and Cole doesn’t change. It’s just mentally at this moment. For sure, you can see that he is a little worried because he wants to help the team.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PALMER?

  While it was almost inevitable that Palmer would find it hard to maintain the extraordinary levels he displayed during his first 18 months in top-flight football with Chelsea, the extent of the drop-off has still become a major talking point. Despite the challenges, Palmer will have a golden opportunity to rediscover his scoring touch this Saturday against Everton – the very same side he famously scored four goals against in a 6-0 rout a year ago.

Motie and Shepherd picked up three wickets each to set up the game for West Indies; Hope and Carty then did the job with the bat

Himanshu Agrawal29-Jul-20231:23

Jaffer: Suryakumar will probably get one last chance in the third ODI

West Indies beat India in an ODI for the first time since December 2019, the six-wicket win in the second of three games their first after nine defeats in a row. The win helped West Indies level the series 1-1 after losing the first ODI on Thursday.After Gudakesh Motie and Romario Shepherd got three wickets each and Alzarri Joseph picked up two to bowl India – they had rested Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – out for 181, captain Shai Hope and the inexperienced Keacy Carty took care of the chase, which was completed with more than 13 overs to spare.It was comfortable in the end for West Indies, but didn’t come without its share of hiccups – they slipped from 53 without loss in the ninth over to 91 for 4 after 17, Shardul Thakur the main reason for it. That must have raised India’s hopes, but Hope and Carty ensured smooth sailing after that. Hope scored 63 not out, and put up an unbroken stand of 91 with Carty (48 not out) for the fifth wicket.The pitch in Bridgetown offered grip and turn throughout the game, with the spinners’ economy rate across two innings being 3.89 as against the pace bowlers’ 5.20. However, before Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja tested West Indies’ middle order – Jadeja was fast and flat; Kuldeep was slow while getting more turn – it was Thakur who removed the top three batters in the space of 25 balls to open the game up.Once they got together, Hope and Carty were content to do it in singles after Kuldeep had cleaned Shimron Hetmyer up with one that was quicker and skidded through to hit off stump.1:40

Should Axar Patel have bowled more for India to defend 181?

Carty got to a patient 48 off 65 balls, opening up only after the job was almost done and smashing consecutive boundaries off Hardik Pandya to finish the game off. But the fact that West Indies had only 182 to chase was down to a collective bowling effort, along with a combination of a helpful pitch and refreshing athleticism from the fielders.India, asked to bat at the toss, suffered two collapses of their own. First, from a solid 90 for 0 to a dicey 113 for 5, and then from 146 for 5 to 181 all out. These came either side of a lengthy rain break. West Indies sensed an opportunity in the absence of Rohit and Kohli, and they pounced. It all started in the 17th over, when a full, tossed-up delivery from Motie had Shubman Gill lofting to long-off for 34, his highest score in seven international innings across formats since June.For a change, West Indies also put up an impressive fielding and catching display•AFP/Getty Images

That got West Indies going, and in the 18th over, Alick Athanaze dived to his right at point to send Ishan Kishan back for 55. It was Kishan’s second successive half-century in the series. Two overs later, Shepherd got one to rise sharply at Axar Patel, promoted to No. 4, and he was cramped for room with the ball angling in from around the wicket. Axar tried to drop his gloves, but still ended up tickling to the wicketkeeper.Jayden Seales then got his only wicket of the day when a shoulder-height bouncer to Hardik had him pulling straight to midwicket, before Yannic Cariah foxed the comeback man Sanju Samson with turn and bounce. Landing one on a good length around off stump, Cariah got the legbreak to jump as well as move considerably away from the batter, who edged it to slip.India were sliding, and then came heavy rain. When Suryakumar Yadav and Jadeja added 33 to signal a brief recovery after the stoppage, it seemed like the break had come as a blessing for them. But West Indies seized control again, picking up the last five wickets for just 35 runs.Shepherd pitched short at Jadeja, having him top edge a pull to fine leg in the 32nd over. Motie, getting turn and bounce, had Suryakumar slashing to point after an entertaining 24. Soon after came another moment of spectacular fielding from West Indies, when Carty rushed in and dived forward from deep square leg to send back Umran Malik in the 38th over.Motie wrapped the innings up when he got last man Mukesh Kumar in the 41st, finishing with 3 for 36. As a result, West Indies now have a shot at a first ODI bilateral series win against India since May 2006.

Visiting captain finishes off the game himself as South Africa go down heavily in second Youth Test

ECB Reporters Network06-Feb-2025England U19s 353 (Sawant 130, Fonseka 52, Rossouw 5-74) and 25 for 0 beat South Africa U19s 224 (James 84, Hansen 63, Jack 3-42) and 153 (Rowles 71, Vaughan 6-19) by 10 wicketsYoung Lions captain Archie Vaughan put the finishing touches on a comfortable 10-wicket win over South Africa Men U19s in the second Youth Test at Cape Town.Vaughan helped tidy up the home tail on the fourth morning to return 6 for 19 before he and Ben Dawkins knocked off a victory target of 25 in just 3.1 overs.The tourists needed two wickets to end the Young Proteas’ second innings when play resumed and Vaughan, who did the damage on the third evening with five wickets, immediately made an impact bowling Sandiswa Yeni for a duck.Eddie Jack wrapped up the innings when Nqobani Mokoena hit out to Alexander Wade in the deep as the hosts were bowled out for 153.The England Men U19 openers made light work of the chase, with Vaughan lap-sweeping Mokoena for six before Dawkins crunched Nathan Rossouw to the rope to win the game.England Men U19s won the series 1-0, after falling one wicket short of victory in the first Youth Test last week. South Africa Men U19s had won the preceding Youth ODI series 2-1.

The 23-year-old finally returned to training, admits that it "sucks being away from the team and being away from soccer'

• Rodman discusses long-term back injury
• Admits she's been in pain "all the time"
• Winger in contract year, teams allowed to approach her

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. women's national team star Trinity Rodman finally returned to training with the Washington Spirit after a lengthy absence, time spent receiving specialized treatment for a persistent back injury she says caused her pain "all the time."

  "I'm just happy to be back and actually in team training and not coming back on the side from step one," Rodman said Tuesday.

  Rodman has been battling the injury for many months, but returned to the U.S. squad in early April for friendlies against Brazil, scoring just minutes into her return. The match was her first for the USWNT since the 2024 Olympics. The 23-year-old stepped away again, however, and hasn't played for the NWSL side since April 12, when she came off the bench to play 45 minutes in a 2-0 win over Racing Louisville.

  "I think for me mentally, it was really hard," Rodman said. "Now being better and fixing the problem – I can now kind of openly say I was in pain all the time – working through that was difficult. Obviously, it sucks being away from the team and being away from soccer in general. But I got to work on things that I wouldn't have gotten to work on if I was in the team environment all the time, so I think that was a positive."

  Rodman said she is now better prepared to adjust her game to benefit her long-term health.

  "I'm still gonna be intense, and I'm still gonna give it 100 percent all the time," she said, "but I think there's parts of my game where I need to save energy or adjust to certain tackles. And I think I've been doing a pretty good job with that so far coming back in training."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rodman has become an integral figure for club and country. At the 2024 Olympics, she was part of the esteemed "Triple Espresso" attack – along with Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson – that led the USWNT to a gold medal.

  For the USWNT, Rodman has amassed 47 caps, scoring 11 goals and recording nine assists. In 2024, she made 26 appearances for the Spirit, scoring eight goals and recording six assists as she helped lead Washington to the NWSL championship game, where they fell just short against the Orlando Pride, 1-0.

  "It's tough for me coming off such a good season and the Olympics and then going into an injury and now trying to find my place again and find my role and rhythm," she said during the USWNT's April camp. "I think having such an incline of momentum of going and going and going and then getting injured to where it's like 'Am I starting again?' Because you can't just get right back into it.

  "It's been the mental battle of 'I can't be the Trinity I was at the Olympics' now coming back from injury, so I'm trying to play the role as best as I can and still be effective in a different way as I build back up into it."

• WHAT RODMAN ADDED

  The 23-year-old's contract with the Spirit concludes at the end of the NWSL season. Teams are now allowed to approach her with pre-contract agreements ahead of a potential departure from the club next season. Spirit CEO Kim Stone recently told media that team owner Michele Kang is in negotiations with Rodman's camp over a new deal.

  Rodman added that it's a "weird situation" to be in while she's dealing with her return from injury. Ahead of the NWSL season, Rodman admitted that at one point in her career, she would like to play in Europe, and that it is "only a matter of time" before a move like that comes to fruition.

  "This is the first time I've kind of been in a situation where it's like, 'What's happening?'" she said. "Dealing with this injury the whole time, like I barely played. So, it is a weird situation. I'm trying not to stress about it or put too much pressure on it, because at the end of the day, I'm worried about health first, and then everything else can come next."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Spirit next return to the pitch on Sunday, when they take on the Portland Thorns. Rodman has no specific timeline to make her return beyond training, though she is expected to play for the Spirit before the end of the season.