All posts by h716a5.icu

Alex Carey posted his second Shield century in two games while Nathan McSweeney continues to push his Test credentials with 72 as South Australia build a big lead

AAP22-Oct-2024Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey has fired another warning shot to India with an unbeaten century for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland.Already in blistering form to start the red-ball summer, Carey was again chief agitator on day three scoring 123 not out from 163 deliveries as SA stormed to a 358-run lead at Allan Border Field. Skipper Nathan McSweeney continued his excellent form making 72 to push his case for a Test call-up.A declaration appears likely overnight, with paceman Jordan Buckingham unbeaten at the crease alongside Carey.As at the close of play, Carey is averaging 122 across four knocks this summer in positive signs for an Australian middle order missing Cameron Green for the five-Test series against India that begins next month.Unfazed by the second new ball, Carey notched his second century of the summer by blasting paceman Mark Steketee for three consecutive boundaries in the final hour of play on Tuesday.The 33-year-old bookended a huge six over deep mid-wicket with a pair of fours past extra cover to race through the nervous nineties and into triple figures. He capped a brilliant day at the crease by slogging his favourite victim Steketee for six over deep mid-wicket in the final over.Earlier, Carey brought up his half-century pulling Tom Whitney’s short ball to the boundary in a rare tough over for the impressive debutant paceman.Carey raised his bat from only 67 deliveries, signalling his intentions to pick up where McSweeney had left off before Usman Khawaja caught the South Australian captain at first slip off Mitchell Swepson.Whitney backed up his five-wicket haul from the first innings with three key scalps early on day three before a minor heel injury prevented him from bowling as Carey kicked on in the afternoon.Whitney trapped opener Conor McInerney lbw early on day three, before cleaning up Nathan McAndrew’s middle stump with his first ball following lunch after the nightwatcher stubbornly stuck around through the first session.Whitney’s figures of 8 for 119 across the two innings were the third-best for a Queensland debutant in Sheffield Shield history.In the spotlight since his omission from the Australia A squad, Test hopeful Matt Renshaw grabbed a headline moment late on day three – but not with the bat.The towering Renshaw dived at midwicket for a brilliant catch to dismiss Jake Lehmann from Marnus Labuschagne’s part-time medium pace.Labuschagne joined would-be Test opener Renshaw on the highlight reel with a catch above his head to send Liam Scott packing and help Queensland tear into the bowlers.

The side will be captained by New South Wales allrounder Jack Edwards for the day-night two-day fixture

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Nov-2024Scott Boland will play for the Prime Minister’s XI in the two-day pink-ball fixture against India in Canberra in order to keep himself match ready should he be needed during the Test series.Sam Konstas, who played for Australia A against India A, will also feature alongside Matt Renshaw who was overlooked for that series despite being the reserve Test batter earlier this year. Jack Edwards, the New South Wales allrounder, will lead the team and is joined by state team-mate Ollie Davies for the game on November 30 and December 1.”The Prime Minister’s XI match presents an opportunity for a highly talented squad to impress against a strong Indian team in their only pink-ball hit out prior to the second Test,” national selector George Bailey said. “We are utilising the opportunity to maintain Scott Boland’s match fitness in his preparations as part of the Test squad.”Konstas is one of four members of the Australia Under-19 side that won the World Cup earlier this year who will be part of the PMs XI alongside quicks Mahli Beardman, Charlie Anderson and Aiden O’Connor.Beardman, the 19-year-old Western Australia fast bowler, was a shock addition to the tour of England in September and he has still only played one professional game. For Anderson, the call-up follows a hasty NSW debut earlier this season when he was a last-minute replacement for an ill Josh Hazlewood in the One-Day Cup match against Victoria where he claimed 3 for 37 and opened the bowling alongside Pat Cummins having only traveled to shadow the senior squad.The ACT are represented in the 14-player squad by pace-bowling allrounder Hanno Jacobs while local premier cricketers will support the PM’s XI side throughout the game.Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Taking on India, one of the best sides in world cricket featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, will be an amazing experience for the squad, particularly knowing that millions of fans around the globe will be watching the match.”The match is expected to be Rohit Sharma’s first of the tour after the India captained missed the Perth Test after the birth of his second child.Prime Minister’s XI squadJack Edwards (capt), Charlie Anderson, Mahli Beardman, Scott Boland, Jack Clayton, Aidan O’Connor, Ollie Davies, Jayden Goodwin, Sam Harper, Hanno Jacobs, Sam Konstas, Lloyd Pope, Matt Renshaw Matthew Renshaw, Jem Ryan

Chelsea have now made an approach over a deal to sign a “special” Premier League player, according to a report.

Blues keen on new defenders after Colwill injury

After such a positive pre-season, during which the Blues emerged victorious in the new-look Club World Cup, the Blues suffered a major injury blow, with centre-back Levi Colwill set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ACL injury.

Consequently, Enzo Maresca wants to sign a new centre-back, although the Italian has revealed that club chiefs are hoping that one of the current players will be able to step up to the plate in Colwill’s absence.

Maresca said: “I think we need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution but as I said, the club know exactly what I think.”

In the west Londoners’ Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah were given the nod at centre-back, and the Cobham academy graduates kept a clean sheet with the help of Reece James and Marc Cucurella on either side.

Maresca is very well-stocked at full-back, with the likes of James and Malo Gusto to choose from on the right, but the Blues have now stepped up their interest in a new signing, having lodged an enquiry over a deal for a Premier League right-back…

Indeed, according to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea have now made an approach to Manchester City over Rico Lewis, who is currently in talks over extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea verbally agree deal for £192k-a-week star but need Nkunku to leave

It’s a case of one in, one out at Stamford Bridge.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 16, 2025

Pep Guardiola is determined to keep hold of Lewis, amid widespread interest in the right-back’s signature, with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors.

Nottingham Forest have already tabled a €30m (£25.9m) proposal for the 20-year-old, which was immediately knocked back, indicating it could take a significantly higher bid to tempt City into a sale.

"Special" Lewis held in high regard by Pep

It could be difficult for the Blues to get a deal over the line, given that Guardiola clearly rates the starlet very highly, having once suggested he is a very well-rounded full-back.

The City boss said: “In the training sessions we always thought this guy has something special. Defensive he is aggressive enough. He has the margin to improve but with the ball inside he is so good and outside we saw today, one v one good crosses and good finishing.”

The England international is an ideal fit for Pep’s system, and perhaps Maresca’s, given that he is a superb passer of the ball, averaging a pass-completion rate of 91.9% per 90 over the past year, which places the City ace in the top 1% of all full-backs.

Lewis also got off to a flying start to the new campaign, picking up an assist in his side’s 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he clearly has a huge future ahead, but given that Chelsea already have James and Gusto, the deal should not be a priority.

Juan Cuadrado has lifted the lid on a tense transfer negotiation with Antonio Conte, revealing he was reluctant to sanction his move to Juventus

Cuadrado says Conte tried to block Chelsea exit due to Juve falloutColombian reflects on eight years at Juventus and Champions League regretCriticised the way his departure was handled by the club’s managementFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Cuadrado has revealed that his permanent transfer from Chelsea to Juventus in 2017 was almost scuppered by then-Blues manager Conte due to the Italian's acrimonious relationship with his former club. In an interview with , the Colombian detailed the tense negotiations that secured his move to Turin.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Cuadrado joined Chelsea in 2015 but failed to establish himself before moving to Juventus on an initial loan. The move was made permanent during Conte's tenure at Stamford Bridge, a period in which the Italian manager still held a strained relationship with the Juventus hierarchy following his own departure in 2014. Cuadrado went on to spend eight successful seasons in Turin, winning five Serie A titles and becoming a fan favourite.

WHAT CUADRADO SAID

The former Bianconeri player also recounts the negotiations that led him to Juventus and his relationship with Conte, he said: "Conte didn't leave Juventus on the best of terms, so there were some problems; he didn't want to let me go. Other teams were also interested in me, especially abroad, but when I heard about Juve, I told my agent that I only wanted to play for the Bianconeri.

"I became a Juventus fan. My mother still lives there, my children were born in Turin. Lucas is six, Lucia is nine. I experienced eight magical seasons, winning five league titles and several cups. Compared to Cuadrado in Florence, I was more complete and, above all, more mature. My only regret is losing the Champions League final in Cardiff."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

ON JUVENTUS DEPARTURE

The 37-year-old ended up leaving Juve in 2023 and signed a one-year deal with Inter, but the decision to leave Turin was not his.

"De Sciglio's injury had increased my chances, [coach Massimiliano] Allegri wanted to keep me," he added. "For my part, there was no doubt: I would have stayed. Then the management changed, the coach left and I was left waiting. While I was waiting for a call, I read on social media that my adventure with Juve was over. I would have preferred a word or a private message. I was upset, it was very sad. But that's football. The fans are and always will be in my heart."

Nair, who smashed 112, set a new record of 542 runs without being dismissed, going past former New Zealand allrounder James Franklin

PTI03-Jan-2025Karun Nair on Friday broke the world record for most List A runs without being dismissed, while guiding Vidarbha to an eight-wicket victory over Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.Nair, who smashed 112, set a new record of 542 runs without being dismissed, going past former New Zealand allrounder James Franklin, who in 2010 had managed a streak of 527 runs without getting out. Other prominent names in the list are: Joshua van Heerden (512), Fakhar Zaman (455) and Taufeeq Umar (422).The knock was his fourth hundred of the season – and third on the trot – as he helped Vidarbha overhaul UP’s 307 for 8 in just 47.2 overs. Nair’s unbeaten streak began on December 23, when he first blasted 112 off 108 balls against Jammu & Kashmir. He followed it up with an unbeaten 44 in a small chase against Chhattisgarh. He then made a season-high 168 not out against Chandigarh, helping Vidarbha chase down 316 in 48 overs, before finishing 2024 with another unbeaten ton – 111* against Tamil Nadu.On Friday, Vidarbha ended at 313 for 2 as Yash Rathod also made an unbeaten 138 off 140 balls. He and Karun shared a massive 228-run stand for the second wicket.The victory also enabled Vidarbha to position themselves comfortably as the top team in Group D with 20 points from five games ahead of second placed Tamil Nadu (14) and UP (14), who are on third.

Liverpool have only gone and done it again! For the fifth game in a row, the relentless Reds managed to win a game that appeared destined to end in a draw by netting a late winner. This time, captain Virgil van Dijk was Liverpool's hero, heading home a 92nd-minute corner from Dominik Szoboszlai to earn his side a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Arne Slot's side had initially looked set to claim a comfortable win in their Champions League opener, after scoring twice inside the opening six minutes through Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. However, Marcos Llorente, who loves a goal against Liverpool, pulled one back for Atleti just before half-time and struck again with a deflected volley from outside the area with just nine minutes to go.

Liverpool weren't done, though. They never are these days, and Van Dijk sent the home fans wild with his late intervention to kick off Liverpool's bid for a seventh European Cup in the most dramatic fashion possible. Below, GOAL rates all of the Reds on show in a chaotic clash on Merseyside that ended with Atleti coach Diego Simeone being sent off!

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (6/10):

The Brazilian was also rightly furious that Llorente's goal was allowed to stand – as Antoine Griezmann was standing right in front of him in an offside position. Nothing he could have done about the equaliser either, as it took a wicked deflection.

Jeremie Frimpong (6/10):

Recalled to the starting line-up after his recent injury lay-off and was typically lively down the right flank and really should have scored after being teed up by Wirtz only to completely miss his kick.

Ibrahima Konate (7/10):

An assured display from the France international, who has responded very well to Liverpool's failed attempt to sign Marc Guehi during the international break. Konate was his usual strong self in the air but also distributed the ball excellently.

Virgil van Dijk (9/10):

Liverpool's Captain Fantastic. The Dutchman was his usual dominant self in defence. He won everything in the air and was typically excellent on the ball. Then, when Liverpool needed another late winner, he stepped up to the mark.

Andy Robertson (7/10):

Got the nod at left-back ahead of struggling summer signing Milos Kerkez and did his chances of holding onto the spot no harm at all – even if he knew absolutely nothing about his goal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Ryan Gravenberch (8/10):

Slot's most important player was outstanding, particularly during the first half. Gravenberch effectively created the game's opening two goals, by winning the free-kick that led to the deadlock being broken and then putting Salah through to score.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):

Another dynamic display from the multi-talented Hungarian, who did an excellent job controlling the game with Gravenberch. Szoboszlai's versatility, energy and dead-ball deliveries are such wonderful assets. 

Florian Wirtz (7/10):

Another step in the right direction for the £100 million man, who created more chances than any other player on the pitch (five) with his dribbling skills, deft touches and clever movement. So unlucky not to register at least one assist after putting the ball on a plate for both Frimpong and Salah.

Getty Images SportAttack

Mohamed Salah (8/10):

Perhaps buoyed by his crucial penalty at Burnley on Sunday, the Egyptian turned in his most effective performance of the season so far. Salah's role in the opener was fortuitous but his control and finish for Liverpool's second goal was pure class.

Alexander Isak (6/10):

A surprise starter given he wasn't even on the bench at Turf Moor but the Swede looked surprisingly sharp during his 57 minutes of action and already appears to be developing a good understanding with Wirtz.

Cody Gakpo (4/10):

A very flat performer from a player that started the season well. Make no mistake about it: Gakpo's starting spot is now under serious pressure with Isak now fit to play, given Ekitike is a legitimate option on the left wing.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

AFPSubs & Manager

Hugo Ekitike (6/10):

Unlucky to be left out of the starting line-up for the Champions League opener but brought on just before the hour mark. Showed some good touches but missed a great chance to score in the dying seconds – even if Salah's cross came at an awkward height.

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

After picking up a knock at the weekend, the Argentine was unsurprisingly utilised as a second-half sub. Struggled to get up to speed, though, and it was his trailing leg that deflected Llorente's shot past Allison.

Conor Bradley (5/10):

Took over at right-back from Frimpong for the final 30 minutes but didn't offer the same attacking threat. Also booked after being beaten high up the field.

Rio Ngumoha (N/A):

Only introduced for the final 15 minutes.

Milos Kerkez (N/A):

Replaced Robertson not long before the full-time whistle.

Arne Slot (6/10):

A mixed bag for Slot. His team arguably played their best football of the season in the first half and had several chances to kill the game before conceding an unfortunate late leveller. If there's one criticism, though, it's that, for once, his substitutions didn't really work, with the decision to take off Wirtz particularly puzzling.

Chelsea have raised £239 million in player sales after Carney Chukwuemeka’s £24m move to Borussia Dortmund, but another could soon be following him.

Thanks to their plethora of exit deals, Enzo Maresca’s side possess an excellent summer net spend of just £3 million heading into deadline day, so they’re under no pressure from the Premier League’s PSR rules to balance their books.

However, due to their pact with UEFA, Chelsea still need to sell certain members of the squad.

They reached a settlement with the governing body last month after Chelsea breached FFP laws, and a condition of this pact is that they must produce a positive transfer balance by the end of the window.

Failure to do so will result in them being unable to register new signings for Maresca’s Champions League squad, and only players who were involved in their Conference League squad last season will count towards viable outgoings.

This is why the sales of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson are viewed as crucial to Chelsea’s remaining transfer plans for the window.

BlueCo have been in talks over signing Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons for weeks, and reports now claim that Chelsea are also eyeing Barcelona star Fermin Lopez as an alternative to the latter.

A sell-to-buy policy appears very much in effect at Stamford Bridge, but a potentially imminent exit for Jackson could be on the cards to allow Maresca’s side to make room.

Bayern Munich are in negotiations over the Senegal international, valued at £80 million, who has also attracted rumoured interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Now, the player’s own agent has shared an intriguing update on his future.

Nicolas Jackson tipped to leave Chelsea within 24 hours

Speaking to Wiw Sports on Tuesday morning, Jackson’s representative, Diomansy Kramara, claimed that the striker is expected to leave Chelsea in the next 48 hours, so at the time of writing now, this is now 24 hours.

The former Villarreal star was a key member of Maresca’s first team last season, bagging 13 goals and six assists in all competitions, including a strike in the Conference League final.

However, the additions of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have pushed Jackson down the pecking order, and he’s not been involved in any of Chelsea’s opening Premier League games as Maresca confirms he can leave.

Newcastle United’s status as a Champions League club means they are now are best-placed to win a hotly contested Premier League race for a highly decorated player.

Howe ready for "electric" Liverpool clash

The Magpies’ first home league of the season promises to be a cracker on Monday evening, with champions Liverpool making the trip to St James’ Park.

Relations between the two clubs aren’t exactly strong at the moment, given the Alexander Isak saga, and there is every chance that this is a ferocious game that could boil over at times.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is certainly looking forward to the match, saying in his pre-match press conference that he expects St James’ to be “electric” on Monday.

Once the dust settles after the Liverpool game, attention will return to transfer business for Newcastle, both in terms of keeping Isak and bringing in new signings, and a fresh update has now dropped regarding a potential addition.

Newcastle winning race for Premier League defender

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Newcastle are in the best position to sign £35m-rated Manchester City defender Nathan Ake this summer. They are “better placed to match the ambitions” of the Dutchman than fellow suitors Everton and West Ham, because they “can offer continental competition this season and the promise of a prominent role in their squad”.

Last week, it was reported that the Magpies were looking to hijack the Toffees’ move for Ake, and they now appear to be in pole position to win the race, should he follow the likes of Jack Grealish and leave the Eithad in search of more regular playing time.

Ake ticks so many boxes for Newcastle at a time when defensive reinforcements are needed, possessing experience, a winning mentality and versatility.

The 30-year-old can flourish as both a centre-back and a left-back, and Pep Guardiola has spoken glowingly about his defender in the past.

He's perfect for Elanga & Gordon: Newcastle offered "monster" CF for £35m

Newcastle United offered chance to sign Juventus outcast who’s ideal for Elanga and Gordon.

ByWill Miller Aug 24, 2025

In truth, there aren’t many negatives to Newcastle signing Ake, with the Netherlands international having the potential to enjoy a Kieran Trippier-like impact, coming in during the autumn of his career but offering a huge amount on and off the pitch.

Harry Kane admits that an NFL crossover remains “in the back of my mind”, but says a move into American football remains “a long way away”. The prolific Bayern Munich and England striker has never hidden the fact that he would like to test himself as a placekicker. There is, however, plenty left for him to achieve in his sport of choice before considering any switch into another.

Which NFL team does Kane support?Three Lions captain Kane is a big NFL fan, with his colours being nailed to the New England Patriots’ mast during Tom Brady’s record-shattering spell as quarterback in Massachusetts. He has attended regular season games in Europe and Super Bowl LIII.AdvertisementFrom penalty-taking to placekicking

Kane’s ability to strike a clean ball – which is highlighted in his remarkable penalty-scoring record – suggests that he would have little trouble adjusting to the demands of kicking for points in the United States.

Relocation to the United States requiredHe would, however, need to commit fully to learning a new role and relocating his family again. For now, at 32 years of age, Kane is happy for any potential NFL career to remain a distant dream – with there no plans on his part to go chasing that any time soon.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

GettyNFL dream? Kane still interested in future moveKane told his channel when asked if American football could form part of his future: “Tbh it’s always something that’s in the back of my mind but still a long way away yet, we’ll see in the future if it will be possible.”

The pair added 116 for the fourth wicket after a brief wobble to secure a comfortable win for India in Rajkot

Shashank Kishore10-Jan-2025Pratika Rawal continued her impressive initiation into international cricket, hitting her second half-century in four innings at the top of the order, as India secured a comfortable six-wicket over Ireland in the first ODI in Rajkot.Rawal’s partner was another rookie, Tejal Hasabnis, who notched up a maiden half-century in her fourth ODI. The pair added 116 for the fourth wicket after India briefly wobbled when they lost Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues in quick succession.While Rawal steadily shifted gears after playing second fiddle to Smriti Mandhana in a robust 70-run opening stand, Hasabnis displayed an attacking game and a penchant for the big shots from get-go.Hasabnis couldn’t break into the XI in any of the three ODIs against West Indies late last month, and only got the opportunity here because Harmanpreet Kaur was rested. She repaid the faith, getting to a half-century off just 43 balls and remaining unbeaten on 53.As India’s chase entered its home stretch, Rawal’s impending century became a matter of great interest. Rawal showed keenness to go for the runs as she raced through the 80s. With Rawal needing 25 and India just 21, she tore into left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire, hitting her for two fours and a six.The first of those fours was an aesthetically pleasing inside-out drive over extra cover against the turn. She followed that with two big hits straight down the ground. On 89, an attempt to loft the ball down the ground for six led to her holing out inches from the boundary as Orla Prendergast took an excellent catch.Tejal Hasabnis played a counterattacking knock•BCCIRawal walked off to a standing ovation. That she was even remotely in with a chance to score her maiden ODI century was down to her sensational strokeplay once she crossed fifty. Richa Ghosh came in to hit her first two balls to the boundary to seal India’s win in the 35th over.While Rawal couldn’t remain unbeaten, Hasabnis did her reputation no harm, showing the ability to be a big-hitting middle-order batter India would love to have. She got going very early on, when she smashed Laura Delany for two back-to-back fours in the 24th over that went for 22.When Delany pulled out midway through the over, Prendergast came under Hasabnis’ hammer as she hit a third four by slapping a length ball through extra cover. The enterprising nature of the Rawal-Hasabnis partnership allowed India to charge towards the target.Despite the nature of the defeat, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Ireland. They challenged an inexperienced Indian attack with Gaby Lewis, the captain, leading the fight with 92 in a total of 238 for 7 after electing to bat. Lewis, who narrowly missed out on a maiden ODI century with cramps eventually leading to her downfall, was supported by Leah Paul, who made an industrious 59 from No. 5.Gaby Lewis led the Ireland batting effort with 92 from 129 balls•BCCIThe pair shared a stand of 117 to rescue an innings that appeared to be heading towards a free-fall when rookie legspinner Priya Mishra sent back Prendergast and Delany, two of Ireland’s most-experienced batters, off successive deliveries in the 14th over to leave them 56 for 4.India were off the boil on the field though, dropping four catches in all that played a role in them allowing Ireland to bat the entire 50 overs. Lewis was the first to be reprieved on 59 when Richa Ghosh bailed out of a catch to stop the healthy edge with her boot. Paul was let off in back-to-back overs, off Titas Sadhu at deep midwicket and by Mishra off her own bowling, after the batter had crossed her seventh ODI half-century.Then with Ireland looking for end-overs acceleration, Harleen reprieved Arlene Kelly at extra cover. Ireland batting out the entire 50 overs should count as a mini-victory of sorts given only two players – Lewis and Delany – had prior experience of having played in India.Cameos from Kelly and Christina Coulter Reilly helped Ireland pick up some crucial runs in the death overs, but it became evident very early on, as Mandhana turbocharged her way to a succession of pull shots in her breezy 41, that it wouldn’t be enough.