India 16 for 1 (Southee 1-4) trail New Zealand 259 (Conway 76, Ravindra 65, Washington 7-59, Ashwin 3-64) by 243 runsThree days ago, Washington Sundar was not even part of this Test squad, instead scoring a hundred and taking a couple of three-fors against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. Brought in the XI ahead of the incumbent spinner (Kuldeep Yadav) and the back-up (Axar Patel) in the squad, he took seven wickets on the first day of a Test to bowl New Zealand out for 259. Five of his victims were bowled, one lbw and one caught as he took out the last seven wickets following three taken by Tamil Nadu team-mate R Ashwin.While this was Washington’s maiden Test five-for and his best figures in first-class cricket, the three wickets took Ashwin past Nathan Lyon’s 530 in 25 fewer Tests. The two could be involved in a showdown later in the year in Australia, but right now India were in a fight to defend their 18-series winning streak at home. Washington proved to be just the ally he needed.R Ashwin didn’t take much time to get among the wickets•BCCI

India called up a second offspinner from outside the squad ostensibly to lengthen their batting without compromising on taking the ball away from left-hand batters, but two left-hand batters in the top order – Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra – still scored fifties and threatened to take New Zealand to a big total after winning the toss on a track on which batting last won’t be fun. New Zealand were 138 for 2 when Ashwin got Conway, and 197 for 3 when Washington accounted for Ravindra.As the series moved from Bengaluru to Pune, the clouds, seam and extra bounce all disappeared. There was no concept of good-toss-to-lose here. Nothing is ever easy in Test cricket, but this was one of the easier starts to an innings with the openers racing to 30 in seven overs without any trouble. But Ashwin was introduced early, and it took him just five balls to drift one in and then turn it past the outside edge to trap Tom Latham lbw.There was turn from the good part of the pitch, but not consistent. The partnership between Conway and Will Young looked threatening, but a sharp review demanded by short leg Sarfaraz Khan returned a faint touch of the glove to send Young back. Now Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja kept troubling the batters: in the 11 overs they bowled in tandem, they drew 24 false shots and conceded just 30 runs.Rachin Ravindra got to yet another milestone in his fledgling Test career•BCCI

Post-lunch, when India started with Jasprit Bumrah and Washington, runs came freely: 35 off the eight overs. Ashwin brought control first and then the wicket of Conway. Again the ball turned, but this time it was the drift and dip that put Conway out of position, and the turn made him look like pushing at a ball he didn’t need to play.Ravindra, Player of the Match in Bengaluru, brought New Zealand much-needed solidity because Daryl Mitchell was extremely uncertain at the start of his innings. He survived an lbw on umpire’s call, played risky sweeps of both kinds, and only looked comfortable after 20 balls or so. Ravindra, though, gave the bowlers nothing. Akash Deep got close to getting him with at short midwicket but the hit was too ferocious to catch for a fielder so close. An outside edge after two bouncers managed to beat slip and brought up his fifty.Ten minutes before tea, now in his third spell, Washington began to get it right. The first ball of this spell turned from middle and off to go past Ravindra’s bat and hit the top of off. Things began to happen now as balls went straight on or turned from the same spot. The penultimate ball before tea beat Tom Blundell’s outside edge, and the last one, slower and wider, turned back in through the gate to take top of middle.Tom Blundell was bowled by Washington Sundar on the stroke of tea•BCCI

Post-tea, Washington bowled in all his glory: at the stumps, but getting variable turn from the pitch. An inspired review accounted for Mitchell in a rare dismissal: offspinner getting an lbw from over the wicket when the batter is forward. As it turned out, this had turned just the right amount to both be hitting him in line and taking the leg stump.Tied down, frequently going back to full balls, Glenn Phillips ended his struggle of 9 off 31 with a chip straight to deep mid-off. Had you seen just the shot and not the field, you wouldn’t have been wrong to assume the mid-off was up tight and he was just looking to clear him.Mitchell Santner hit two sixes in his fighting 33, but Washington kept hitting the stumps at the other end. To Tim Southee he went wide on the crease from around the wicket. The angle beat the outside edge and hit top of off. Ajaz Patel was caught back to a full ball, and played on. To bookend his work, Washington produced another beauty to account for the set batter, Santner: one that pitched on middle and off and took the top of off.The accuracy and variations of pace and seam position, with a little help from the pitch, proved to be too good for New Zealand.With just 10-odd overs to bat to stumps, India shelved some of their ultra-aggressive approach from their last two Tests. Still, Southee swung and seamed one past Rohit Sharma’s watchful bat to take top of off. A small bit of joy for New Zealand at the end of a tough session.

Over the past couple of seasons, Chelsea have signed several players who played for Manchester City’s academy. Cole Palmer was the first, and they have also brought in the likes of Tosin, Jadon Sancho on loan and Liam Delap will be the next addition who fits the trend.

Well, in the last few days, Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, who also came through City’s academy, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. Indeed, reports suggest the Blues are ‘prepared to bid for him’ this summer.

However, it is by no means a guarantee that they will sign him. If Rogers is off the table, then Chelsea seem to be lining up the dream alternative.

Chelsea's dream Rogers alternative

Whether or not it was planned, the Blues have certainly signed a number of players from City’s academy but if a move for Rogers doesn’t materialise, they could turn to a player from Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, instead.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the West Londoners ‘are seriously considering an approach’ for Xavi Simons, RB Leipzig’s talented, versatile attacker. They are thought to be ‘primed to launch a formal approach’ for the Dutchman after contact with his representatives.

However, they will face tough competition from sides in the Premier League. Two of those hail from London, with rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur interested.

The other is newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool. Chelsea, or indeed any of the other interested sides, will have to pay upwards of £67m, as per another report from TEAMtalk back in March.

Why Simons is the dream Rogers alternative for Chelsea

Despite being just 22 years of age, Simons has been a key player once again for German outfit Leipzig. The versatile forward, who was born in Amsterdam, overcame injury issues to put in some excellent performances in the 2024/25 campaign, showcasing why he is “one of the best 10s in the world” in the words of one analyst on social media.

His numbers speak for themselves. In 33 appearances across all competitions last season, he managed 11 goals and eight assists. When you break that down further and look at his numbers in the Bundesliga, they read ten goals and seven assists, in just 25 games.

Simons’ goal and assist per game tally last term in the German top flight was impressive. In total, he averaged 0.67 goal involvements per game, showing excellent consistency throughout the campaign.

Interestingly, that is a better goals and assist ratio per game than Rogers. Last term for Villa, the England international played 37 games in the Premier League, scoring and assisting 19 times. That left him with a tally of 0.52 goals and assists per game, some way under Simons’ tally.

It is perhaps worth mentioning that the Englishman played over 20 more games than Simons last term.

He was also successful in the Champions League, a competition where the Dutchman struggled. Rogers contributed to seven goals, including a hat-trick against Celtic in the group stage.

One thing that is quite similar between the two players is their versatility. In the 2024/25 campaign, Simons played as both a number 10 and a left-winger, with Rogers slotting in the same roles, as well as playing as a right-winger and a number nine.

Interestingly, there is evidence to suggest that Simons would be a perfect alternative to Rogers when looking at the FBref underlying stats. For example, the Leipzig star averages more key passes per 90 minutes, with 2.13 to Rogers’ 1.47.

There is no doubt that SImons is a “magic” player, something Statman Dave once said about him. He would add a goal threat and creativity to this Chelsea attack, whilst being able to play in numerous different positions.

At just 22 years of age, he will surely only get better and grow into the project at Stamford Bridge. If Rogers is unattainable this summer, then surely Simons is the perfect alternative.

Better than Gittens & Sancho: Chelsea targeting "electric" £49m star

Chelsea are looking for a new winger this summer, amid Jadon Sancho’s expected exit

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 4, 2025

At 36, he is the youngest ICC chair and he was elected unopposed in August

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Dec-2024

Jay Shah has begun his tenure as ICC chair as of December 1. He takes over from Greg Barclay over the weekend, with the decision on the venue for the 2025 Champions Trophy imminent.”I am honoured to take on the role of ICC chair and grateful for the support and trust of the ICC directors and member boards,” Shah said in a statement on his first day in the role. “This is an exciting time for the sport as we prepare for the LA28 Olympic Games and work to make cricket more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide.”We are at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple formats and the need to accelerate the growth of the women’s game. Cricket holds immense potential globally, and I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to seize these opportunities and take the sport to new heights.”Related

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi takes charge as ACC president

Jay Shah could serve two three-year terms as ICC chair

Jay Shah elected unopposed as new ICC chair

Shah was elected unopposed and at the age of 36 he is the youngest ICC chair. Before moving to the ICC, he was the BCCI secretary, and it is not yet known who will succeed him in that role. He also served as the president of the Asian Cricket Council and as chair of the ICC’s finance and commercial affairs committee.A significant decision immediately facing the ICC is the venue of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is supposed to be Pakistan. Imran Khwaja, the ICC deputy chair, has been acting as the interim chair and presided over the short board meeting on Friday. It is expected he will see through the Champions Trophy issue as the interim chair.The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19 and the fixtures haven’t been announced yet following the BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian team to play in Pakistan, citing government advice. The PCB had been firm in its stance that it wanted to host all the Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, after it sent a team to play the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, but a compromise may be reached where all the matches involving India may be played at a neutral venue. A final decision is expected imminently.

Bangladesh batter was dropped from the Champions Trophy squad on Sunday morning, and scored a BPL hundred later that day

Mohammad Isam13-Jan-2025Bangladesh batter Litton Das has accepted that he was dropped from the ODI squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy because of his poor form. Bangladesh announced their squad on Sunday morning and later that day Litton smashed an unbeaten 125 off 55 balls for Dhaka Capital against Durbar Rajshahi in the BPL.”The Champions Trophy selection wasn’t in my control,” Litton said after his performance. “The selectors took the call. They decide whom to play. My job is to perform. I haven’t been able to do that. I think I was a bit upset about it. I have the same mindset before and after the game today. The day has already passed. I have played a good knock but it’s in the past. I start from zero again. I will keep working hard, let’s see what happens next.”I was given a clear message. Maybe not from the selectors but it is easy to find out why I wasn’t picked in the team. I was dropped because I wasn’t performing. There’s nothing to hide about it. Basic, normal.”Related

• Rangpur ride to seven in seven; Litton, Usman and Saifuddin put on a show

• Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan slam tons to take Dhaka Capitals to record total

• Litton and Shakib left out of Bangladesh's Champions Trophy squad

Litton hasn’t made it out of single digits in his last seven ODI innings and his previous 50-plus score was in October 2023. “Fans will support me but then when I don’t do well, people will be negative. That’s not really my concern,” he said. “I am focused on what I need to do. I haven’t been playing well, so I need to improve my game. I won’t change overnight, so I have to keep trying. People will love it when I score runs.”I am not out there to prove to anyone. I only look for improvement. I don’t think I was playing well for the last few months. I will try to become more consistent from this point, especially after this innings.”Litton began the BPL season poorly with scores of 31, 0, 2 and 9 before making 73 and 125 not out in consecutive games. The hundred helped Dhaka Capital end a run of six consecutive defeats.His unbeaten 125 contained 10 fours and nine sixes and his 241-run opening stand with Tanzid Hasan was the second highest partnership in men’s T20 cricket. Litton credited Shahin, a member of the Dhaka support staff who has given him throwdowns for years, for helping him out of his rut.”Shahin has been working in the [Dhaka Capital]) team. He has worked with Comilla Victorians for the last three years … He helps me in training all the time, and passes on information from time to time. He is capable of pointing out a batter’s mistake. That’s why I thanked him. But listen, please don’t make a news that he has now become a coach.”Litton believes Dhaka’s 149-run win against Rajshahi will help them perform better in the second half of the BPL season. “We have a good team but we haven’t been able to click so far. I think today was the first time we performed as a unit, both with bat and ball. We still have five matches left. Two teams are at the top, while the rest are around the same points. I think our run rate will improve after this game. We got our rhythm going. I don’t know if we can win the next games, but we feel more confident.”

Shaheen returned to bat despite hurting his knee but could not win the match for Lions

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Sep-2024Dolphins ensured they did not bow out of the Champions Cup without a win, as they beat Lions by 16 runs in the last league game of the tournament.With Lions needing 81 from five overs with three wickets in hand, a Dolphins win seemed a mere formality. But Khushdil Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, batting with an injured knee, threatened to pull off a heist. The pair hit seven sixes and two fours in the next four overs to reduce the equation to 23 needed from the final over. But Abbas Afridi held his nerve to give his side a consolation win.It must have been a no-brainer for Dolphins to bat after winning the toss; the teams batting first are yet to lose a game in the tournament. Dolphins lost Sahibzada Farhan in the sixth over but Muhammad Hurraira and Muhammad Akhlaq added 77 in 10.1 overs to set the platform.Hurraira scored 47 off 41 balls and Akhlaq 52 off 50. After the two fell in quick succession, Umar Amin took over. Despite Lions making regular breakthroughs, he found enough support from the lower middle order to steer Dolphins ahead.By the time Amin fell, for 75 in the 42nd over, Dolphins had 275 on the board. Even though they were all out in the last over, they had posted a challenging 326.In response, Abdullah Shafique and Rohail Nazir gave Lions a steady start of 78 in 13.3 overs. Nazir was the aggressor, scoring 62 in 70 balls.After 22 overs, Lions were well placed on 125 for 1 but Saud Shakeel dismissed Nazir and Omair Yousuf in his back-to-back overs. That derailed Lions’ chase.Lions needed 100 in the last ten overs with four wickets in hand. Then, a Faheem Ashraf delivery hit Shaheen on the left knee and he had to retire hurt. He returned at the fall of the next wicket, in the 45th over, but struggled with running between the wickets.That did not seem to matter as he and Khushdil dealt in boundaries. Shaheen hit Mir Hamza for back-to-back sixes in the 47th over. Khushdil went one better against Abbas in the next. But despite their best efforts, Lions fell short of their target.

Vic Marks’ gentleness belies the incisiveness of his observations on the game. His autobiography is an inside look at the fiery Somerset dressing room of the late ’70s, and more besides

Paul Edwards17-Nov-2019As though living up to his reputation, Vic Marks begins this delightful book by recalling an occasion in 1974 when he marvelled at a cricketer more talented than himself. Admittedly the player in question was Viv Richards, who was better than almost everybody, but it is still a typical observation from an allrounder who frequently gave the impression that he could not believe he was mixing with such cracks. Behind the gentle exterior, one might conclude, there is an even more gentle soul not trying terribly hard to get out.But there are two misconceptions here. The first is pardonable but obvious: it is that Marks approximated to a run-of-the-mill county professional (in itself a noble calling, of course) when in fact he was a bloody fine cricketer, good enough to play six Tests and 34 one-day internationals for England and to become only the second Englishman after Tony Lock to play in a winning Sheffield Shield side. Clearly Rod Marsh and the other Western Australia selectors knew a player when they saw one.Marks, himself, of course, is having none of this and often writes as though his achievements remain mysterious to him. Five years before his engagement with the state side, he played grade cricket in Perth for Bayswater. In one match against Claremont Cottesloe he took the first wicket. His account continues as follows: “We bowled another sixty-two overs after the interval, during which Claremont were dismissed for 118 and the scorecard reveals that my figures were 34.1-21-28-9. Well, it must have turned a bit, I suppose, and I did not bowl much rubbish. Even so, at this distance it’s hard to imagine how this ever came about.”The other error is to suppose that an apparently mild man has written a similarly noncommittal autobiography, when in fact this book contains all the acute insight and firm judgements that readers have come to expect from its author. And Marks has some fine material with which to work. He played alongside some of the best and most ebullient talents of the late 20th century and experienced both the joy and misery of the England tourist. Here he is on the 1982-83 Ashes trip: “It was a wretched time. I can understand how cricketers are more likely to become depressed on tour… The temptation is to conclude that if you keep playing badly you must be a bad person.”Allen and UnwinFortunately, the achievements in Marks’ career outnumbered the disappointments, and his marvellously wry humour is never far away. He is a master of the paragraph that recounts an event only for the final sentence to offer a pleasing contrast or dry observation on all that has gone before. In 1979, Somerset reached the final of the Gillette Cup and the team invited their long-time fan John Cleese to join them at Lord’s. Marks recalls that their guest “sat quietly in a corner of the dressing room, anxious not to be a distraction. A year or two later Jeffrey Archer would not be quite so reticent.” Or there is this cherished reminiscence from Marks’ schooldays at Blundell’s, where he was taught English literature by John Patrick: “When I wrote the required essay on Othello, for example, there would be John’s curt assessment at the bottom. ‘Not too bad… but where are the quotes?’ – a refrain I have heard from a succession of sports editors a few decades later.”If contains three fine chapters on its author’s experiences in the media, its most heartfelt passages concern Somerset cricket, its triumphs in the era of Richards, Joel Garner and Ian Botham, and its subsequent civil war. Marks is especially acute, here, not least because he was one of the few men who could talk to the captain, Peter Roebuck, who was one of his oldest friends in the game, and also to the skipper’s soon to be sworn enemy, Botham. (Not that it did a scrap of good.) His analysis of Roebuck’s part in the business is objective, tough and rather moving. “The club had been torn asunder and it took a long time to recover… I remained friends with him but there was always a tension on this issue. He always sought affirmation from me that he had taken the right course in 1986 and I was never able to give it to him.”Thankfully Marks is still enthralled by the game and still cares enough about it to reserve some of his sharpest analysis for The Hundred, which he dismisses as “a patronising gimmick rather than a radical change”, and one that will result in even fewer first-class games being played in the prime months of June, July and August. Marks views the innovation as unnecessary, and that is putting a kind gloss on his prose. He remains the pleasantest of press-box companions, yet behind the engaging exterior lies a sharp mind whose thoughts are clearly explained in this fine book. His deepest emotions regarding the game are revealed in his two cricketing cravings: “that Somerset should win the Championship and that the Championship should still be worth winning”. Most supporters of the game would be happy to see the first of these satisfied but accommodating the second would meet with near unanimous approval. Vic has spoken for us all.Original Spin
By Vic Marks
Allen and Unwin
336 pages, £20

Perhaps the sheer wealth of activity since then has played its part, although Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit from Liverpool now feels almost like old news, with the Anfield side far too busy looking ahead to reflect on their local hero turned villain.

Having risen up through the youth ranks, the 26-year-old – dazzled by the lights of the Bernabeu – shunned the opportunity to cement a legacy for himself on Merseyside, instead opting to become the latest Galactico signing at Real Madrid.

A leader and a figurehead under Jurgen Klopp, and then Arne Slot last season – alongside the likes of Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk – the Englishman is now just one of many at Madrid. A talented, albeit dimmed cog in a far mightier machine.

Alas, for better or worse, the rampaging right-back is now basking in the Spanish sun, with those at Liverpool, meanwhile, basking in a month of business that has already seen Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez join the party.

For all that positivity, however, the talk of potential outgoings may well sour the mood somewhat.

Latest on Liverpool's outgoings

Many a club may well have rested on their laurels after romping to the Premier League title last season, but not Liverpool. No, the Reds are acting ruthlessly in the market, both in terms of arrivals and departures.

In terms of the latter category, Caoimhin Kelleher has already moved on to Brentford, with Jarell Quansah heading for his own exit amid an imminent move to Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen.

While Luis Diaz may well stay put, despite lingering interest from Saudi Arabia, his South American colleague, Darwin Nunez, appears to be inching ever closer to a switch to Napoli.

Transfer Focus

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

The Uruguayan could well be followed out the door by England U21 star Harvey Elliott, if reports are to be believed, with journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that the aforementioned Klopp – now overseeing things at RB Leipzig – is personally pushing to bring the playmaker to Germany.

As per Bailey, while a raft of Premier League clubs have made an enquiry regarding the 22-year-old, there is also interest from abroad, with Klopp keen to be reunited with his former signing at Leipzig.

The suggestion is that Elliott is in fact open to the move, albeit with Liverpool looking to rake in more than £40m, if they are to sanction a sale. Is cashing in the right decision, however?

Why Elliott sale would be a bigger blow than Trent

The fury surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s free transfer exit was somewhat eased by the subsequent £10m agreement for his involvement in the Club World Cup, albeit with there still likely to be a lingering frustration over not raking in a fee for a player deemed to be worth £64m, as per Transfermarkt.

That said, as a product of their academy, Liverpool have more than reaped the rewards of the right-back’s progression, with the creative machine racking up 92 assists in 354 games in all competitions. Just consider what a player of that talent would have cost to buy in the first place?

Over an extended period, the Reds have witnessed Trent blossom, seen his vital role in securing a plethora of major honours. Now, he’s flown the nest.

In the case of Elliott, however, there remains a real intrigue over his talents, an undoubtedly skilled individual who has simply been lost among a pool of other high-class forwards and midfielders at Anfield.

As pundit Joe Cole has stated, perhaps the former Fulham man – who left Craven Cottage as a mere 16-year-old – is almost a “victim of his own skills” as he can “play anywhere”.

Games (starts)

6 (6)

Goals

5

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Key passes*

1.7

Pass accuracy*

82%

Tackles & interceptions*

1.2

Balls recovered*

4.0

Successful dribbles*

0.7

Described as an “explosive” talent by England youth boss, Lee Carsley, the silky left-footer has been unable to find a settled role for himself at club level, having been restricted to just two starts in the Premier League last term.

Losing such a talent, amid Leipzig’s interest, may not be too great of a mistake with that considered, although as he has showcased on the international stage, Elliott is a potential superstar in the making. Just look at his semi-final winner against the Netherlands in the U21 European Championships.

Back at club level too, he also ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as in the top 14% for assists and the top 2% for progressive passes, as per FBref. In essence, when he is given a chance to impress, he typically takes it.

The match-winner in the first-leg triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Elliott appears deserving of a more prominent role, be it at Anfield or elsewhere, with Slot risking seeing him go on to sparkle elsewhere.

And therein lies the difference with Alexander-Arnold. The England senior star has made his mark on Merseyside already, with Liverpool getting plenty out of him over the last decade or so.

In the case of Elliott, he remains an unknown quantity, a player whom the club could live to regret if he does dazzle at another Premier League or European outfit. Liverpool already know the heights of Trent’s talents – Elliott’s gifts are yet to be truly discovered…

Wirtz will make him world-class: Liverpool getting ready to bid for £85m ST

Liverpool may yet welcome a new centre-forward to Arne Slot’s fold.

6 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

da betcris： Southampton are now in advanced talks to sign an international striker who is represented by the same agency as midfielder Flynn Downes.

da dobrowin： Southampton are expected to lose one or two key players over the coming months and therefore will have to enter the market to find replacements as they bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking under Will Still.

Related Done deal: Southampton have "agreed" £6.8m exit of "incredible" attacker

He has played his final game for the club.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Jun 20, 2025

Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be considered their most important player, as he managed to stand out last season in what was a diabolical campaign for the club. His performances for the Saints earned him a call-up to the England national team, and that has now earned him the attention of Portuguese giants FC Porto.

According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Southampton have turned down a bid worth £19 million for Harwood-Bellis from Porto. Despite being under contract until 2028, the Saints are open to selling the defender in this transfer window, but they believe he is worth much more.

Southampton paid £15 million to sign the player from Manchester City last summer, so the likelihood is they’re going to want closer to double that price.

Southampton in advanced talks to sign £7m striker

But while Harwood-Bellis may eventually be on his way out of St Mary’s Stadium, Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg reports some good news – Southampton are closing in on the signing of Damion Downs from FC Köln.

The 20-year-old is considered to be a top target for Saints this summer, and they have submitted a bid worth €8 million, which is roughly £6.85 million, to the German side. Downs is currently away with the USA for the Gold Cup, so a deal for the forward is likely to be completed once that competition is finished.

Downs, who has earned two caps for the USA national team, has been at FC Köln since 2020, when he joined their under-17 team. The young forward worked his way through the age groups and was finally promoted to the first team during the 2023/24 season, where he played 10 Bundesliga games. Downs became even more of a regular last season, as he played 29 games, this time in Bundesliga 2, and scored an impressive ten goals in the process.

Damion Downs’ FC Koln stats

Apps

42

Goals

13

Assists

6

Downs has just one year remaining on his contract, and Saints will be hoping that can work to their advantage, as the German side are likely to want to sell the player before he leaves the club for nothing in 12 months.

They may hold another advantage in the race to sign Downs too, as the striker is represented by agency Wasserman, who also represent current Southampton midfielder Downes, perhaps smoothing negotiations when it comes to agreeing personal terms.

The 2025-26 season has kicked off with a new look Match of the Day and Gary Lineker has revealed what he thought of the show following his departure.

Lineker has stepped down as host of showNew season kicked off on SaturdayVerdict delivered on new Match of the DayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Lineker put his feet up to watch the first Match of the Day of the new season after stepping down as the popular programme's host last season. Mark Chapman took over hosting duties for the opening weekend, while Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney were on hand to offer some expert analysis.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Lineker had been Match of the Day host for 26 years prior to his departure and has now been asked what he thought of Saturday's show. The former England captain, who had previously told the that BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski "wants to change Match of the Day a bit," seemed pretty happy to see that Match of the Day actually looked the same as usual.

WHAT LINEKER SAID

He told The Rest is Football podcast: "I mean, I must say I enjoyed it. I went out for dinner then I came home and I got in in time to watch it. I thought it was really good. Chappers did a great job. And despite all… there was a lot of talk that they were going to change things. And I think you know what it's like when you get a new guy in as new head of sport thinking he wants to do this, wants to do that. But in the end, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. And I think that was very much the sensible decision and I thought the programme was great."

TELL ME MORE…

Lineker also admitted he enjoyed watching the show at home and was impressed with Rooney's performance. He added:"It wasn't weird really. I was quite relaxed. I was thinking I haven't got a three-and-a-half hour journey at the end of the show, but no, I really enjoyed watching it. I think that's the first time that I've watched Match of the Day on a Saturday night for… I don't know how many years. 'I don't know how many years because the only time I ever missed the show was if I'd get the odd Saturday off to take a holiday so I'd go somewhere. So it's been so long since I watched it and it's a bloody good show, Match of the Day… it really is.

"I thought the the programme was great. 'I thought Wayne Rooney did really well as well as yourself Alan, some good analysis in there. It was so nice watching it holding a glass of wine.'"

Adelaide Strikers are aiming for a hat-trick of titles but it looks a very even playing field among the squads

Tristan Lavalette26-Oct-2024When does it take place?The WBBL begins on Sunday with a triple header starting with back-to-back games at the Adelaide Oval. Reigning champions Adelaide Strikers, who are aiming for a hat-trick of titles, and Brisbane Heat square off in a repeat of last season’s classic final before Melbourne Renegades takes on Sydney Sixers. Perth Scorchers plays Melbourne Stars at the WACA in the later fixture.The regular season finishes on November 24 before a week of finals concludes with the decider on December 1.What is the tournament structure?This season’s WBBL has been reduced to 40 games plus finals to bring it in line with the BBL and fit within a burgeoning women’s cricket calendar. Each club will play 10 games – down from 14 last season – during the regular season.Related

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The three-game finals format used since 2021 remains in place with the top four teams from the regular season to qualify.The team that finishes top after the regular season will host the final. The third and fourth placed teams will meet in the Knockout on November 27 with the winner to travel and face the team that finished second on the ladder two days later for a place in the final.The Knockout final will be hosted by the third-placed team in a tweak from previous years where the second-ranked team hosted both elimination games on consecutive days.How the overseas draft played outAdelaide Strikers: Laura Wolvaardt, Smriti Mandhana (pre-sign), Orla Prendergast
Brisbane Heat: Jemimah Rodrigues, Shikha Pandey, Nadine de Klerk (pre-sign)
Hobart Hurricanes: Danni Wyatt, Chloe Tryon, Lizelle Lee (pre-sign)
Melbourne Renegades: Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews (pre-sign), Alice Capsey
Melbourne Stars: Deepti Sharma, Marizanne Kapp (pre-sign), Yastika Bhatia
Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine (pre-sign), Amy Jones, D Hemalatha
Sydney Sixers: Sophie Ecclestone, Amelia Kerr (pre-sign), Hollie Armitage
Sydney Thunder: Heather Knight, Shabnim Ismail, Chamari Athapaththu (pre-sign), Georgia AdamsWhat about their availability?There’s a bit of a crunch at the start and end. The India and New Zealand players will arrive late due to their ongoing ODI series then England, and some South Africa players, will miss the closing stages, including finals, due to their bilateral series.The squads*Subject to further updatesAdelaide Strikers: Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Maggie Clark, Ellie Johnston, Katie Mack, Eleanor Larosa, Smriti Mandhana, Anesu Mushangwe, Tahlia McGrath, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Orla Prendergast, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura WolvaardtBrisbane Heat: Nadine de Klerk, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Laura Harris, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Shikha Pandey, Grace Parsons, Georgia Redmayne, Jemimah Rodrigues, Ruby Strange, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Mikayla WrigleyHobart Hurricanes: Suzie Bates, Kathryn Bryce (Associate Rookie), Nicola Carey, Zoe Cooke, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Tabatha Saville, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Chloe Tryon, Elyse Villani, Callie Wilson, Danni WyattMelbourne Renegades: Emma de Broughe, Alice Capsey, Sarah Coyte, Josie Dooley, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Hayley Matthews, Sophie Molineux, Tara Norris (Associate Rookie), Georgia Prestwidge, Naomi Stalenberg, Linsey Smith, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney WebbMelbourne Stars: Yastika Bhatia, Sophie Day, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Maisy Gibson, Hasrat Gill, Liv Henry, Marizanne Kapp, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid, Deepti Sharma, Annabel SutherlandPerth Scorchers: Sophie Devine, Chloe Ainsworth, Stella Campbell, Maddy Darke, Hemalatha Dayalan, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Hinkley, Ebony Hoskin, Amy Jones, Alana King, Carly Leeson, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Chloe Piparo, Ni Made Putri Suwandewi (Associate Rookie)Sydney Sixers: Hollie Armitage, Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Sarah Bryce (Associate Rookie), Erin Burns, Mathilda Carmichael, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Amelia Kerr, Isabella Malgioglio, Kate Pelle, Ellyse Perry, Kate Peterson, Courtney Sippel, Elsa Hunter (local replacement), Frankie Nicklin (local replacement)Sydney Thunder: Georgia Adams, Chamari Athapaththu, Sam Bates, Ella Briscoe, Hannah Darlington, Sienna Eve, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Heather Knight, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Claire Moore, Taneale Peschel, Georgia Voll, Tahlia WilsonThere from the start: a group of players launch the WBBL season•Getty ImagesIs there anything else new about the season?A third umpire will be available in every game for the first time, while there is an increase in matches with the full DRS. In all, 33 of the 43 matches will have DRS while for the 10 games without it the TV umpire will be able to rule on line decisions such as stumpings and run outs.There will also be an innings timer in operation for the tournament to mirror the BBL with 73 minutes available to be ready to bowl the first ball of the 20th over, otherwise a fielding penalty is implemented which requires one extra fielder inside the circle.Who are the players to watch?Phoebe Litchfield: Foreshadowing what may lie ahead in national colours, the 21-year-old has been named Sydney Thunder captain for the upcoming WBBL season. She will be the youngest full-time captain in WBBL history. It’s been a rapid rise for Litchfield, who made her Thunder debut aged 16 but went up a level last season making 309 runs at a strike-rate of 130.37. There was a feeling that her prodigious batting talents were wasted down the order at the T20 World Cup, where she was mostly used at No.6. But the left-handed Litchfield is the star of the future for Australian cricket – the country’s most dynamic and inventive batter. She’s primed for a major WBBL in her captaincy debut.Annabel Sutherland: Much like Litchfield, Sutherland probably should have batted higher up the order during the T20 World Cup. Also like Litchfield, she has been named captain of Melbourne Stars. There were eyebrows raised over Sutherland coming in at No.8 especially after her Player-of-the-Tournament display in the Hundred for Northern Superchargers, where she scored 212 runs at a strike rate of 137.66 batting in the top four. She should be utilised in a similar role for Melbourne Stars and will be a key with the ball having starred in the UAE. After their World Cup disappointment, Australia may transition and build their team around Sutherland’s brilliant allround skills.Amelia Kerr will be one of the World Cup stars on show•ICC via Getty ImagesAmelia Kerr: It’s been quite the whirlwind for Kerr. She was Player-of-the-World Cup after inspiring New Zealand to a drought-breaking title. Kerr also went viral in the aftermath after showcasing her talents with the guitar to lead her team’s emotional rendition of a Maori ballad. There won’t be much time for a breather with Kerr fronting up this season in new colours for Sydney Sixers having crossed over from Brisbane Heat. Powerhouse Sixers surprisingly missed finals last season, but the recruitment of Kerr might just lift them back to title contention.Deandra Dottin: Back in the WBBL, Dottin arrives in stupendous form after a brilliant T20 World Cup. Having reversed her international retirement, she led West Indies on a semi-final run after unfurling a succession of mighty blows. Dottin had an incredible strike-rate of 162.16 and smashed nine sixes in the tournament – no other batter had more than three. She was selected as a platinum pick for Melbourne Renegades, who are desperate for a spark having finished in bottom place last season. Having also bowled with fire during the World Cup, Dottin looms as the key for a Renegades revival.