All posts by n8rngtd.top

For Australia to find any success in India, their spinners will have to keep their economy rates in check, a fact backed up by the past 20 years of Australian visits to India for Tests

Daniel Brettig22-Feb-20174:12

It’s the rookies’ turn

For Australia to defeat India in this Test series, the visitors’ spin bowlers must deliver their overs more economically than India’s do. That’s not merely an assertion but a fact, backed up by the past 20 years of Australian visits to India for Test matches. Controlling the run rate is the key to winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.In the seven most recent encounters, beginning with a one-off match in Delhi in 1996, on only one occasion did the visiting spin bowlers offer superior economy to their home counterparts. It was in 2004, when Adam Gilchrist led Australia in Ricky Ponting’s stead and Steve Waugh’s “final frontier” was finally conquered.During that series, Shane Warne served as the tourists’ only full-time spin bowler before the fate of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was decided, with Nathan Hauritz filling in for an injured Warne in the final, dead rubber match in Mumbai. While Hauritz was more expensive and left Michael Clarke’s part-timers to strike the most telling blows on a horror Wankhede Stadium pitch, Australia’s spin collective ended the series with an economy rate of 3.11 runs per over.That was enough to edge the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble and Murali Kartik, who were narrowly more expensive, going for 3.12 runs per over across the four Tests. If one 100th of a run doesn’t sound like much of a difference, then the other series either side of 2004 offer the context to prove the rule.In 1996 in Delhi on a difficult surface, India’s spinners conceded 2.07 runs per over versus Australia’s 3.20; In 1998 it was 2.54 versus 3.43; in 2001, 3.16 versus 3.31. The gap has only grown in more recent encounters, underlining how India’s batsmen have set out to destroy bowlers less capable than Warne. In 2008 it was 2.69 to 3.77; in 2010 it was 2.59 to 4.05; then on the most recent trip in 2013 the gap was truly yawning – 2.38 for India’s spinners and 4.17 for Australia’s.Clearly, India’s batsmen have grown increasingly belligerent in attacking the visiting slow men, while at the same time the home bowlers have strangled Australia’s top six with an ever-increasing level of effectiveness. In trying to reverse the trend, Australia have called upon the left-arm spin of Steve O’Keefe, a bowler for whom economy is critical to success.Steve O’Keefe is expected to form a twin-spin attack with Nathan Lyon•Getty ImagesWhile it would be easy to conclude that it simply took a bowler of Warne’s greatness to achieve the feat of out-strangling India’s spinners, closer examination of the 2004 series offers a reminder that he did so by playing very much against type. In fact there were several observers of Warne’s approach in the first Test of the series in Bangalore who expressed disappointment at how he appeared to be bowling faster and flatter than in the past, seeking maidens over stumpings.Yet by the end of the second match in Chennai, where Warne claimed a persevering 6 for 125 from 42.3 overs and became the world’s leading wicket-taker in the process, the value of his more conservative, even defensive approach had become clear. At the time, Gilchrist lauded Warne not for his long-standing class, but for his ability to learn how to best play a complementary role in the visiting attack.”Warney’s inevitably going to be compared with his history here, and it’s inevitable he’s going to be compared with their spin bowlers’ results,” Gilchrist said after rain ensured a draw. “They are totally different types of bowlers doing totally different roles in their teams. For what Warney’s role is in our team, I was thrilled with the way he went.”He is learning as he goes, which is amazing for the world record holder. He’s taking things in from various players, and batsmen … I’ve been impressed with that perspective of Warney’s game. He’s still trying to better himself. I thought it was a terrific effort here. Stats don’t lie. He got six wickets for us in a very important innings. If they had got 200 or 250 ahead we were dead and buried. He was a major reason they didn’t get there.”Intriguingly, Australia’s selectors deliberately ignored another “defensive” spin option for the tour by choosing Mitchell Swepson ahead of Adam Zampa, who was compelled to content himself with a couple of Twenty20 appearances back home instead. The interim selection chairman Trevor Hohns, himself a former wristspinner, stated that “we thought we would go for a more attacking leg-spinner over a defensive spinner”.Australia’s selectors had admitted to choosing an “attacking” spinner in Mitchell Swepson (in pic) for the tour of India over what the panel’s chairman Trevor Hohns called a more “defensive” operator in Adam Zampa•AFPHohns, funnily enough, had been the selection chairman at the time of the successful India tour of 2004, alongside the man who would replace him, Andrew Hilditch. Though he was often criticised during his tenure, Hilditch at one time offered his own opinion on “attacking” spin bowlers.”The word attacking is a bit overrated really, to assert pressure from one end is attacking cricket,” he said in early 2009.”Some spinners you regard as more attacking might spin the ball a bit more, they might be a bit more erratic, but really it’s about asserting pressure and performing the role the captain wants.”For now, the need to assert said pressure most likely rests with O’Keefe and also Nathan Lyon, one of the bowlers clattered about four years ago. While Lyon was again expensive in the Mumbai tour match preceding the Pune Test, he has at least exhibited something approaching the attitude that Warne carried into the 2004 series.”If you are going to come out and try to take a wicket off every ball, you are going to get hit for boundaries,” Lyon said this week. “For us, coming over and competing here is about building pressure, either with quickies or spinners at the other end. Try to give minimum runs and make the Indians play the big shots.”That’s where we are going to build pressure. That’s how you build pressure and take wickets. If you go out thinking that I have got 10 overs and I am going to get them in 10 overs, you are on a slippery slope to nowhere really.”Nowhere but defeat. All the available evidence says as much.

It has been hard enough for spectators to get to Pallekele for the Test match this week. Those who did were further insulted on day four by the home board’s decision to not use floodlights

Daniel Brettig in Pallekele29-Jul-2016During one of many rain delays to afflict this Test match, the martial beat of by the Cranberries was piped through the public address system at the Pallekele International Stadium.Something was unmistakably fitting about this choice of song, for a couple of reasons. First, there is something zombielike about the capacity of Test cricket to keep cheating a death pronounced by many; secondly, the way the game has been treated by its custodians is as mired in the 1990s as the Cranberries themselves.Arriving in Kandy last week, it was patently clear that few if any locals had any idea a Test match was about to be played in their midst. While Sri Lanka’s love for cricket is self-evident – just count the number of formal or impromptu matches you can spot on a walk or drive of any length – the lack of awareness about a looming match between the hosts and Australia was alarming. The Earl’s Regency Hotel, host to both the teams and the match officials, was decked out with a welcome banner and a mocked-up scoreboard in the foyer, but outside this cosseted space nary a sign existed.

No use of lights ‘disappointing but both countries have to agree’

Sri Lanka’s coach Graham Ford and the Australian batting coach Stuart Law appeared at odds when asked why lights had not been used during instances of bad light in Pallekele. Ford said the lights could not be used because other venues for the series do not have lights. “It doesn’t go across my desk,” Ford said. “We’ve got the instruction in the match referee’s meeting. I believe it’s because there aren’t floodlights at all the venues. That’s the reason for the decision.”
However Law said the tourists were happy to use the lights and that it had been up to the home board not to. “That’s always disappointing, both countries have to agree to it,” he said. “We were quite happy to proceed, that’s our policy in Australia, we’re playing day-night Test matches now, so even red-ball cricket if the lights are available we want to use them and play as much as we can. It’s disappointing but just the way it is.”

Little appeared to have been done by way of promotion, whether in terms of physical advertising or television spots. Cricketers are everywhere on billboards in Sri Lanka, but they tend to be for the recently retired duo of Kumar Sangakkara or Mahela Jayawardene. Five years ago on Australia’s previous Test match visit, it was the imposing figure of the late Tony Greig beaming from all directions. Even the broadcasters seemed to have their eyes elsewhere: bizarrely, there have been more advertisements for the Zimbabwe versus New Zealand series being aired on cable TV than this one.So it has been hard enough to know the Test match is actually taking place. That is before anyone considers the issue of how to find the time, money or transport to get there. Pallekele is about half an hour’s drive out of central Kandy, a single arterial road taking would-be attendees past a couple of military bases before arriving at a ground built largely for the 2011 World Cup. While tickets for the match itself are not overpriced, transport costs and time are major obstacles.Speaking of time, the timing of the match had more to do with fitting it into the international schedules of Australia and Sri Lanka than any consideration for spectators. A Tuesday start to a Test match might be acceptable in Australia if that day happens to be Boxing Day or January 3, but it would never occur otherwise. It is a fact of the current international climate that nations like Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and Pakistan must scrap for tours from more prosperous nations, and squeeze the matches in wherever possible. The Tuesday start here means extra matches elsewhere, and a better television deal. It also means forfeiting the chances of a decent crowd.This is not to say that Sri Lanka Cricket is completely unaware or unwilling to deal with the issue of Test match attendances. Earlier this week a senior SLC figure stated that he did not see Pallekele as a Test ground, and there are plans to try to rejuvenate the old Asgiriya Stadium closer to the centre of town. Asked about what sort of attendance was expected for this match, he replied: “A few thousand.” That included the schoolchildren invited to day one and permitted to play matches on the outfield during lunch, a worthy exercise. But the onus is on SLC to give fans a chance to turn up, and then provide for as much cricket as possible when they do.That brings us to arguably the most maddening element of the past four days: Pallekele’s unused lights. Twice in the game, but most prominently on the fourth afternoon, play was called off for reasons of bad light, the sort of anachronism to cause non-cricket fans to wonder at the point of even playing the game. The circumstances leading to the loss of more than two hours on day four included the delicate position of the game, in which both sides seemed happy enough to retreat and regroup. It was also driven by the stipulation that the umpires must keep a consistent reading as their baseline for adequate light, via their meters. On day three the issue had been the introduction of pace, but on day four there seemed no question of Angelo Mathews using anything other than spin against the muddled feet of Steven Smiths’ side.But the most defining factor by far in the lack of cricket for spectators and television viewers was the inability of the umpires to call for Pallekele’s floodlights to be switched on and so augment the sun shrouded by tropical clouds. The relevant clause of the ICC’s Test match playing conditions allows for the umpires to “authorise the ground authorities to use the available artificial lighting so that the match can continue in acceptable conditions”. Contrary to a popular perception, there is no provision barring the use of lights if not every Test series venue is equipped with them.The more devilish detail arises from a “Note” beneath that clause. It states: “Home Boards may, prior to the commencement of the series, seek the approval of ICC to amend this playing condition to provide that artificial lights will not be used at specific venues.” Therefore, it was SLC who chose not to allow the use of lights at Pallekele, for reasons best known to the board and its president Thilanga Sumathipala. As a Cricket Australia spokesperson put it: “We were happy to use them but both teams have to be in agreement.” As outspoken advocates of day-night Tests, CA could hardly say otherwise.Entering this series, few gave Sri Lanka much of a chance, perhaps explaining the lack of promotion, the Tuesday start, and the scheduling of a match in a venue no-one seems to want to turn up to. How sad then for Sri Lanka’s cricketers, spectators and television viewers, that lights could not be used when a rare victory over Australia had become a real possibility. If this was a disappointment it could not be called a surprise: Test cricket and its supporters have been saddled with these obstacles more times than anyone would care to count. It is, as the Cranberries sang in Zombie, “the same old theme”.

Stats highlights of Australia’s collapse for 85 on the first day of the second Test against South Africa in Hobart

Gaurav Sundararaman12-Nov-201685 Australia’s total, their lowest in a home Test in 32 years. They were bowled out for 76 by West Indies in Perth in 1984. In all home Tests, they have been bowled out for less than 85 only ten times.

197 The number of balls South Africa took to dismiss Australia. It was Australia’s second shortest innings at home in terms of balls faced since 1936, after the Perth Test against West Indies in 1984. Till 1936, they had seven such instances.11 Instances of Australia being bowled out in under 200 balls in a Test innings since 1950. Only two of those have been at home, while six have been in England.

17 The lowest score at which Australia have lost half their side in the first innings of a Test. The previous lowest was 21, against England at Trent Bridge in 2015. Their score at the fall of the sixth wicket in Hobart – 31 – was also their second lowest at home.1978 The previous instance of Australia losing six of their top-seven batsmen for single-digit scores at home – against England in Brisbane.8 Instances of an Australian batsman scoring a higher percentage of the team’s runs than Steven Smith. Smith contributed 48 unbeaten runs out of Australia’s 85 (56.47%). The last time an Australian batsman contributed a higher percentage was in 1999, when Michael Slater scored 123 out of Australia’s 184 (66.84%) against England in Sydney. In team totals of below 100, this is the fifth-highest contribution ever: only Asanka Gurusinha (63.41%), Mohinder Amarnath (61.85%), Len Hutton (57.69%) and Trevor Goddard (56.56%) have done better.

6 for 43 Australia’s worst first session of a home Test since the 4 for 58 against England in the Boxing Day Test in 2010. There have been only three worse first sessions for any team since then. Australia were dismissed in the first session at Trent Bridge, Pakistan lost 6 for 36 at Edgbaston, and New Zealand were dismissed for 45 at Newlands.15 Wickets that fell on the first day of this Test, which is the most ever in a day at the Bellerive Oval. Thirteen wickets fell on a day in each of the first two Tests in Hobart – on the first day in 1989, and the third day in 1993.2 Runs by Australia’s openers – the fewest they have scored since the game against England in Nottingham in 2015. Before that, both openers were dismissed for no runs against Sri Lanka in Kandy in 1999.3 Number of innings in which the opposition has been dismissed for fewer than 100 and Philander has taken a five-for. Apart from today’s game, Philander took 5 for 7 against New Zealand and 5 for 15 against Australia.

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Oct-2016Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan got together for an unbeaten third-wicket stand of 63•AFPShafiq, who had resumed on 5, compiled an unbeaten 58, before Pakistan declared on 227 for 2 at the stroke of lunch•AFPSet a target of 456, West Indies lost Leon Johnson in the eighth over, when he gloved an attempted sweep off Yasir Shah onto his stumps•AFPRahat Ali was gifted a wicket when Darren Bravo chased a wide delivery and slashed it straight to backward point•Getty ImagesYasir sent back Marlon Samuels for 23 after accepting a simple return catch•AFPKraigg Brathwaite struck his first half-century in the fourth innings of a Test, before falling lbw to Mohammad Nawaz•Getty ImagesJermaine Blackwood moved on to a brisk, unbeaten 41 to take West Indies to 171 for 4 at stumps – still 285 away from a win•AFP

Lamine Yamal seemingly confirmed his plans to buy the €14 million (£12.5m) Barcelona mansion once owned by pop sensation Shakira & Gerard Pique through a social media post. In a now-viral photodump shared with his 14 million followers, the forward was pictured standing with his back to the camera, facing the spectacular modern property and its sparkling swimming pool.

• Yamal buys a luxury real estate

  Built in 2012, the estate originally consisted of three separate buildings spread across 3,800 square feet, featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a private tennis court, and even a recording studio once used by Shakira herself.  When Shakira and Pique announced their split in 2022, the mansion was quickly put up for sale at €14 million (£12.5m). But despite global interest, it lingered on the market for over two years. One of the smaller residences was eventually sold separately, trimming the total price tag to €11 million (£9.5m), which is still enough to make most jaws drop. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo had earlier claimed that Yamal has now swooped in to take the keys, reportedly planning to move in with his cousin and a close friend. The young star is also believed to be preparing major renovations and will be spending a significant sum to remodel the home to fit his own tastes and lifestyle. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Getting inside Yamal’s lavish new mansion

  It has been reported that there are six bedrooms and five bathrooms. The main house opens into a vast living space framed by glass walls that overlook the Mediterranean. The outdoor area boasts well-maintained lawns, a private poolside terrace, and a sleek lounge zone perfect for entertaining guests. It has been suggested that Yamal could transform Shakira’s old recording studio into a gaming room or personal cinema. The move into one of Catalonia’s most iconic properties comes just months after Yamal signed a blockbuster six-year contract with Barcelona in May. The deal reportedly nets him around €30 million (£26m) per season, which is an astonishing figure for a player still in his teens. That puts him among the highest-paid players in world football, potentially earning up to €180 million (£157m) by the time his contract runs its course. And the earnings don’t stop there. Thanks to his rising global profile and a string of lucrative endorsement deals, Forbes estimates Yamal’s total annual income could reach $43 million (£32m), which is enough to buy him a seat among the sport’s financial elite alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Jude Bellingham.   

• Injury worries cloud the celebration

  Yet while the Instagram post painted a picture of glamour, things haven’t been entirely rosy for Yamal on the pitch. The youngster has been battling a groin injury, reportedly a form of pubalgia, which is a chronic and notoriously difficult-to-treat condition that has plagued several top players, including Lionel Messi. Reports from Spain claim Barca are worried the problem could become long-term if not handled carefully.    

  “Pubalgia is complicated," admitted Messi during an interview with Buenos Aires radio station back in 2019. “I suffer from it for a while now, I do little training and I can not play all the games. It is not a problem that can be solved overnight. I feel better now, but I still have not recovered and I still need treatment.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Barcelona’s battle to stay in the title race

  Despite the injury setback, Yamal remains central to Hansi Flick’s plans as Barcelona aim to chase down Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. He is expected to start as the German manager informed, "he’s fine. Some days he still feels a bit of pain, but he’s progressing well.” However, Pedri will be missing out as Flick also provided an update on the injury of the midfielder. "After the match in Madrid, he only had a minor discomfort, just fatigue, but when we checked it, we found the injury. We have to accept it. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon," he said. The Blaugranas currently sit five points behind their eternal rivals and will be desperate to keep the pressure on when they host Elche on Sunday.  

A “top class” Rangers player is believed to be on the verge of leaving Ibrox for good in the January transfer window, according to a new update.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers enjoyed a routine 5-0 win at home to Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup fourth round on Sunday, but there is also plenty of focus on potential January transfers in the next couple of weeks.

Allan Campbell has been mentioned as an option for Rangers in the current window, with the Scot currently on loan at Charlton Athletic from Luton Town. The Hatters won’t stand in his way if the right offer comes along, with the likes of Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian also mentioned as options for him.

Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron has also been linked with a switch to the Gers in January, with the 22-year-old considered an exciting long-term option for the Scottish Premiership giants. In fact, they are even said to be in advanced talks to complete that signing, suggesting a move could happen sooner rather than later.

There have also been rumours linking Rangers players leaving the club this month, with Vaclav Cerny thought to be of interest to Premier League side West Ham. The 27-year-old would be a big loss for Philippe Clement, having scored nine goals in the league this season, although the Hammers may at least wait until the summer due to the complications of cancelling his current loan deal.

"Top class" Rangers player set to leave

According to Football Insider, Alex Lowry is set to leave Rangers in the January window, with League One side Wycombe Wanderers “closing in on a deal” to snap up the 21-year-old. The youngster is out of contract at Ibrox at the end of this season, meaning that this month is the Gers’ final opportunity to receive a fee for him, rather than lose him on a free transfer come the summer.

Selling Lowry this month feels like the most logical decision for everyone concerned, even though he has been described as “top class” by Rory Wilson in the past, with Michael Stewart also waxing lyrical over him, saying: “You only need to watch the kid for a few minutes to realise that he’s a proper football player.

“Really intelligent, two good feet, good balance, and he’s always looking to make things happen. His work rate, closing down. Constantly getting himself in a position to receive the ball as well.”

Lowry hasn’t featured at all for Rangers this season, and only 14 appearances have come his way in total for the club, having broken through after years in the club’s youth system.

At 21, the midfielder is at a point in his career where he needs to be playing regularly, in order to continue developing as a footballer, and it doesn’t look like Clement and those high up at the Gers consider him a future part of their plans.

Clement can ease Danilo blow by unleashing £21k-p/w Rangers star

Rangers face Highland League side Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup today

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 19, 2025

The fact that Rangers can receive money for Lowry in January only makes it more sensible to sell him now, with the Scot unlikely to play much of a role between now and May anyway.

South Africa were expected to be too strong for Sri Lanka in the opening encounter, but what made the gap between the teams even wider were some of Angelo Mathews’ tactics

Firdose Moonda at Port Elizabeth30-Dec-2016Angelo Mathews had a front-row seat to the way captaincy could be when you are in control. He spent ten minutes short of three hours in the middle, watching as Faf du Plessis commanded his troops with scant reward on an afternoon that set South Africa up for a dominant win and which would have left Mathews wondering whether he should have been inventive with his own side.On a fourth day pitch that behaved like a second-day surface, du Plessis was making a plan. He had his quicks bowling to 6-4 offside fields and kept a short midwicket and square leg, or short leg, in place, with only one man on the boundary to try and induce a mistake. He asked his bowlers to mix up their line-and-length disciplines with a short-ball strategy which had not worked against Mathews but which du Plessis thought may eventually overwhelm the Sri Lankan batsmen. He tasked his least effective seamer on the day – Kagiso Rabada – to implement it, just as the afternoon was growing long and Rabada “put his hand up and bowled quickly.”Coming round the wicket, the second delivery of his spell brought reward when Kusal Mendis tried to ramp Rabada over the slips and was caught behind. That brought Dinesh Chandimal to the crease and immediately got du Plessis thinking again. Chandimal was strangled with close-in fielders and his frustration grew. He had only scored 8 off 37 balls – and had already been dropped by Stephen Cook at mid-off trying to go over the top – when he handed a catch to mid-on. With a second new ball still to come, South Africa had made a match-winning breakthrough and opened Sri Lanka up, thanks to their ability to create pressure.What Mathews was seeing was not revolutionary but it was lacking in his own leadership. The day before, with the pitch in a similarly good-for-batting condition, he had not been able to exert the same authority on South Africa. His bowlers were not as menacing with the bouncer and his spinner was neutralised. Still, instead of instructing Herath to tie South Africa down, Mathews spread the field and gave South Africa too many easy runs, albeit runs that could be scored in a chase if there had been more application from the batsmen.By South Africa’s own admission the target was chaseable although du Plessis was, perhaps, being a little generous. Yes, time was not an issue and the pitch hadn’t broken up, but it’s not every day that a team gets as close as Pakistan did at the Gabba. Still, even with 488 to defend du Plessis knew there was a job to do for his four-man attack.It was never going to be easy, especially after South Africa requested more grass on the surface, specifically to stop it from deteriorating. That they were even willing to make that known publicly is in stark contrast to their usual assertion that they take whatever they get, even on home turf. After last season’s drubbing in India, perhaps they’re not scared to say when they are trying to make work things work in their favour, or to concede that their line-up is not as comfortable against spin as they would like it to be.But there is a difference between the pitches they played on there – the Nagpur one was even rated poor by the ICC – and the St George’s Park one they hosted Sri Lanka on here. Although South Africa were aiming to claim an advantage, it was more about the disadvantage they wanted to impose on the visitors.A pitch that gets better for batting only suits batsmen, not a specific side. South Africa knew that if it didn’t swing or seam – and it didn’t do much over the last two days – their attack was unlikely to be able to make use of reverse-swing because the ball would not scuff up. They knew they would have to be disciplined and patient and they trusted that they would be. As Cook put it, they believed they could take Sri Lanka, “to their breaking point.” Therein lies the real difference.Du Plessis had an attack that bowled to the plans he made and the fields he set; Mathews did not always have that. Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep and Dushmantha Chameera do not offer as much as Vernon Philander, Kyle Abbott and Rabada, even on an off day, and they are not as accurate. Sri Lanka could not find consistency in the second innings and “bowled in different places,” according to du Plessis to help South Africa total over 400 – a total du Plessis wants them to reach more often.That’s not to say everything South Africa did was perfect, not even in the field. They dropped three catches and were sometimes messy but they stuck at it because they suspected that they would be able to overtake Sri Lanka in the long run. “We knew if we can get past Nos. 6 or 7, it is going to happen quickly,” du Plessis said.And it did. South Africa only needed 70 minutes on the final morning to repeat their bouncer barrage ploy and finish Sri Lanka off. In doing so, they also earned their bowlers an extra afternoon’s rest, which could be crucial given the quick turnaround.There are just two days between this Test and the next, which starts at Newlands on January 2, and Mathews lamented that it would not be enough time to make major technical changes, but hoped there will be some opportunity for a shift in mindset. There should be because the next Test starts next year and you know what they say about new years and new starts.

Coach played key role in developing Stokes as a teenager, along with other future England stars

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2025John Windows, the long-standing director of Durham Men’s academy, is stepping down from his role for health reasons, after a 27-year stint in which he helped to develop the careers of a range of the club’s greatest players, including Ben Stokes, Mark Wood and Liam Plunkett.Windows, 49, started out as a batter in Durham’s second XI, but with the club still relatively new to the first-class scene, the focus on developing home-grown players became a means to fast-track the team’s long-term viability. He became an academy coach in 1999, under the leadership of Geoff Cook, and progressed to the role of academy Director in 2007.On his watch, the academy became one of the most prolific pathways for young talent in the country. Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood and Graham Onions were among the first graduates to forge successful international careers, while more recent successes include Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts and Ben McKinney, the former England Under-19 captain.Windows himself was instrumental in recruiting Stokes as a raw 17-year-old, utilising the strong relationships that he had helped to build with neighbouring counties, including Cumbria, where Stokes’ family had lived after arriving from New Zealand in 2003.In a statement, however, he revealed that a recent medical diagnosis had left him needing to step away from his hands-on role at the academy. He will remain involved with the club in a mentorship capacity.”It is with great sadness and regret that I am having to stand down from my role as men’s academy director,” Windows said. “I have enjoyed every day of my coaching career at Durham, it has been a privilege to work with such a great club and contribute to its success.”Unfortunately, I no longer have the physical capacity to support our young talent. The role is multi-faceted but to do it successfully I have always felt you need to be active on the shop floor as well as working strategically behind the scenes.”Stepping back from a full-time role will give me more time to recharge my batteries and look after myself. I feel this is essential if I am going to maintain any sort of ‘normal life’.”Marcus North, Durham’s director of cricket, said: “John has decided that now is the right time to step away from his role as men’s academy director, due to his ongoing medical condition.”Over the course of nearly 30 years with the club, John has played an extraordinary role in shaping the journeys of hundreds of young cricketers, many of whom have become professional and international players.”His vision, passion, dedication, and care for developing players have left a lasting mark on our pathway and on the club as a whole.”Although he will no longer be leading the academy, we are delighted that John will continue to be part of the club and share the wisdom and experience that have inspired so many.”I would like to personally thank John for everything he has given to the club, and for the remarkable commitment and energy he has put into making our men’s academy the best in the country, a legacy that will live strong for future generations.”

Celtic are now reportedly plotting a 2026 move to sign a Manchester City ace, who Pep Guardiola called “world-class”.

Celtic targeting Premier League goalkeeper

There’s a lot of work for Wilfried Nancy to do in the transfer window and that work may well include signing a new goalkeeper next summer. As things stand, current No.1 Kasper Schmeichel is set to leave Celtic as a free agent at the end of his contract next summer, handing the Bhoys the task of finding a replacement.

The former Leicester City man has been an excellent servant since replacing Joe Hart in 2024, but looks destined to bow out of Scotland at 39 years old.

Celtic star with 'high ceiling' could be biggest winner of Nancy's arrival

This promising young Celtic talent could be the biggest winner of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival at the club.

By
Dan Emery

6 days ago

Celtic may also have no choice but to target attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, amid reports that Daizen Maeda could leave the club. The Japan international has plenty of admirers in the Premier League and could yet deal the Bhoys an undeniable blow this winter.

Speaking about the January transfer window and potential additions after arriving, new manager Nancy told reporters: “Each organisation, the idea is to improve.

“I’m going to have to assess the team. I know them as a team because I’ve watched many games. Now it’s about knowing them as a person. After that we’ll see what is the best for the team. I like to take my time. I know that I don’t have a lot of time.

“It’s not a secret I want to play in a certain way. Proactivity, try to put [pressure] on the opposition, try to attack the ball as soon as possible and after that also be disgusting to play against when we defend – because we’re going to have moments when we’ve got to suffer.”

With that said, it could be a busy 2026 for those at Celtic Park and one that includes the arrival of Man City’s Stefan Ortega, according to reports.

Celtic plotting Ortega move

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Celtic are now plotting a move to sign Ortega when his current Man City contract expires next summer. The 33-year-old could come straight in for Schmeichel as the Bhoys turn to English football for yet another shot-stopper.

Whilst Ortega has dropped down the pecking order at the Etihad, Guardiola hasn’t held back from praising the experienced goalkeeper in the past – telling reporters just last year: “Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper. An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper.”

For Celtic, the move makes perfect sense. Their move for Hart worked out for all involved, so too did their move for Schmeichel. Now, it looks like they’re ready to follow the blueprint by signing Ortega.

After reporting the news, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Ortega would be a good fit, you would think, especially if he does become a free agent in the summer.

“He’s basically just fallen totally out of favour at Man City, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford ahead of him, and Marcus Bettinelli has been travelling with the squad.

“If Celtic are looking a new goalkeeper come the summer when Schmeichel’s contract is up, Ortega could be a really good pick up on a free transfer.

Liverpool agree terms to sign "aggressive" Celtic teenager in first Nancy exit

Paris Saint-Germain are preparing for life after Gianluigi Donnarumma as the Champions League winners have opened talks with Lille's Lucas Chevalier.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• PSG open talks with Lille goalkeeper Chevalier
• Donnarumma’s extension remains unresolved
• New target attracting interest from English clubs

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  PSG have opened talks with Lille goalkeeper Chevalier as a potential successor to Donnarumma, according to . Donnarumma has not accepted the club's latest offer to extend his contract and they are not prepared to improve on it, which could see them replace the Italy international this summer. Chevalier, 23, is reportedly a key target for PSG, who view him as a long-term solution in goal. However, the French international is reluctant to join as a backup and is also being monitored by Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  PSG are preparing contingency plans as doubts linger over Donnarumma's future at the club. While the Italian goalkeeper remains under contract until 2026 and enjoyed a great season, lifting the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France apart from the European glory. However, the lack of agreement on an extension has prompted PSG to explore alternatives. Lille president Olivier Letang has placed a €70 million (£60m/$75m) valuation on Chevalier, who is also reportedly considering extending his deal with the French side or moving abroad amid Aston Villa interest.

• WHAT DONNARUMMA SAID

  Donnarumma has been open about his desire to continue with PSG, but hinted that he could leave this summer, saying: "There are a lot of rumours, but the truth is that I am happy here. I feel appreciated by everyone here, the club has a lot of respect for me. I am very happy, I now have my bearings here, my priority is therefore to extend."

  He had also recalled that nothing was decided at the end of the current season: "I don't know, I don't know. We will see in the next few days."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PSG?

  PSG will continue talks with Chevalier's camp while also monitoring Donarumma's contract situation. The club is expected to make a formal approach if the Italian does not renew in the coming weeks. Chevalier has to choose between trying a transfer to the Premier League, joining PSG or extending at Lille.