Glasgow Rangers are now closing in on the signing of a “powerful” player this summer after a breakthrough this week.
Martin already under pressure at Rangers
The Gers have made a hugely disappointing start to the Scottish Premiership season, drawing their opening two matches and already slipping four points behind rivals Celtic. It has been a baptism of fire for new manager Russell Martin, who is already showing signs of feeling the pressure at Rangers, admitting that there will be no “quick fix” under him.
“We are at a point now at this club where something needed to change.”The ownership has changed, there’s a new coaching staff, there’s new players, there’s hopefully a new way of behaving in the training ground – properly, every single day, regarding standards and what’s expected at this football club. So it’s not a quick fix and this is not me coming out and making excuses.
“I think we change the manager from year to year and nothing really changes. So now it’s about really changing the culture and the feel of the club day in and day out. That will end up in a good outcome. Good process, good people, will always end up in a good outcome. But maybe not so quickly as everyone wants.”
For things to change for the better at Rangers, more signings are needed this summer, and on the plus side, it looks like one piece of business is now on the cusp of being done.
Rangers closing in on signing of "powerful" ace
According to Chris Jack on Monday morning, Rangers are now “close” to completing the signing of Real Betis centre-back Nobel Mendy, with a fee of around £2m agreed after a breakthrough in negotiations and the player set to sign a long-term contract.
Mendy has been a key target for a while now, and the fact that they have beaten Vallecano to his signature has to be considered a coup. The 20-year-old has the potential to be such an influential long-term signing for Rangers, with scout Kai Watson describing him as a “powerful” player, as well as possessing other key attributes.
The fact that Mendy’s versatility allows him to shine at right-back and left-back is an added bonus for Martin, who will hope that the Senegalese is a big player for him for years to come.
Rangers target now "for sale" with "sky high" record-setting valuation
The Gers need reinforcements after a stumble out the gates…
ByCallum Kemp Aug 10, 2025
No clean sheets to start the Scottish Premiership campaign hasn’t been ideal, but Mendy will hopefully come in and sure things up.
England captain left confused by penalty after fourth-day win dents New Zealand’s WTC hopes
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-2024Ben Stokes was left bemused by over-rate penalties imposed on his England side after their eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Christchurch, responding with three shrugging emojis and sarcastically writing: “Good on you ICC.”New Zealand and England were both docked three World Test Championship (WTC) points and all their players have been fined 15% of their match fees for maintaining slow over-rates in the first Test at Hagley Oval.Stokes, England’s captain, responded to the sanctions by writing on his Instagram story: “Good on you ICC. Finished the game with 10 hours of play still left.” England have now been docked 22 WTC points in the 2023-25 cycle for their slow over-rates, having previously lost 19 of the 28 points they gained during the 2023 Ashes series for the same reason.Before the first Test, Stokes described the WTC as “utterly confusing” and said that he had never given the competition serious consideration. England finished fourth in the first two editions of the WTC, and are sixth in the ongoing cycle, meaning they will miss out on a chance to play the final on home soil for the third time in a row.The penalty meant that New Zealand, who won the inaugural WTC, dropped from fourth to fifth on the WTC table and their chances of making the final next year has taken a further hit after their loss in the first Test.New Zealand now have 47.92% points, and can only move as high as 55.36% with wins from their remaining two fixtures in the series.ESPNcricinfo LtdBoth teams were found to have fallen three overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration, with sides penalised one point for each over they were found to be short.On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Kim Cotton levelled the charges, which Stokes and Tom Latham, the two captains, accepted, and match referee David Boon imposed the sanctions.The top two positions in the WTC table are currently occupied by India and South Africa, respectively, with Australia at No. 3 and Sri Lanka at No. 4. With 15 Tests to go in the current WTC cycle, no team is assured of a place in the top two.After winning the Test series 3-0 in India, New Zealand’s sloppy fielding in Christchurch, which resulted in an eight-wicket loss, ruined any realistic chance of them making their second WTC final.
Maya Jama led the Ruben Dias fan club when soaking up the atmosphere in Manchester City’s derby date with arch-rivals United. The Love Island host is dating the Blues’ Portuguese defender, with there plenty for the happy couple to celebrate following another epic Premier League fixture that saw City claim a comfortable 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
Dias a leader without the armband
Dias did not take the captain’s armband on this occasion, having been handed that responsibility by Pep Guardiola on a regular basis, but still led by example as another clean sheet was secured.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALDerby delight! City cruise past United
Phil Foden and Erling Haaland did the damage for City in the final third, with the latter bagging a brace – including his 50th Premier League goal at the Etihad – as the Blues returned to winning ways in spectacular style.
Emotional occasion after Hatton passing
It was an emotional afternoon in Manchester, following the passing of former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton, and his beloved City made sure to honour the memory of a man that always followed the club with passion.
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Cheerleader! Jama celebrates big win
Jama was among those in the crowd, as she took up a VIP seat, and made a point of leading the cheering as City made light work of neighbours that remain alarmingly inconsistent under Ruben Amorim.
Tottenham are in the market for three new signings before the imminent transfer deadline on September 1, with Thomas Frank eyeing a new centre-back, winger, and, perhaps most importantly, a new number 10.
Spurs were a thorn in Man City’s side last weekend as the Lilywhites once again established themselves as Pep Guardiola’s bogey team, coming away from Eastlands with an impressive 2-0 win.
However, off the field, City are reluctant to sell Savinho – a player who Frank personally wants – to the north Londoners and are making it very difficult.
Tottenham opened negotiations for Savinho over a fortnight ago, and since then, chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly seen a £42 million offer rejected whilst City take a public stance that he’s not for sale.
That being said, Levy is apparently refusing to give up on signing the 21-year-old, and Spurs are ready to bid over £60 million to tempt the Sky Blues into selling in the next few days.
Unfortunately for Frank, as it is this late in the window, a deal for Savinho is also dependent on Guardiola bringing in an elite replacement – so Levy is counting on a dramatic last-gasp transfer domino to land the Brazilian.
Alternatively, Spurs do have other options to bolster their wide area, and one of them is wantaway Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.
The Nigerian, who won last 2024’s African Player of the Year award, scored a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in last year’s Europa League final to end their unprecedented 23/24 unbeaten run.
Lookman also bagged a brilliant 20 goals in all competitions last season, but he’s publicly admitted to lodging a transfer request as the versatile attacker looks to seal a move elsewhere.
Tottenham offered Ademola Lookman as Savinho alternative
According to reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold, Tottenham are among the sides who’ve been offered Lookman, and he could be a great alternative to Savinho.
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman in action with AC Milan'sEmersonRoyal
As well as being able to play in the latter’s position out wide, the 27-year-old can operate as a second striker, centre-forward and even as a playmaker when required – so this could be attractive to Frank.
His proven goal return and £43 million valuation are obvious temptations too, and Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a move to the Premier League is a real possibility for the player.
The Strikers’ slim playoff chances take further beating while the Sixers moved to the top of the ladder
Tristan Lavalette15-Jan-2025Steven Smith produced another blistering BBL innings before Hayden Kerr and Sean Abbott kept their cool at the death as Sydney Sixers completed a nerve-jangling chase that has almost ended Adelaide Strikers’ slim finals prospects.Chasing 183 at the Adelaide Oval, Smith’s red-hot form continued with a rapid half-century but his dismissal sparked a collapse. Sixers slumped to 92 for 5, but they rallied through their batting depth.They still needed 16 off the last seven deliveries before Kerr smashed a tossed up delivery from legspinner Lloyd Pope over the rope. He then hit quick Henry Thornton for a boundary off the second ball of the final over before Abbott hit the winning run off the penultimate delivery.Sixers moved to the top of the ladder, while Strikers need a miracle to progress into the finals.Smith dominates early, Kerr steps up lateAll eyes were on Smith after his blistering ton against Perth Scorchers in his BBL return. With three centuries in his last seven BBL matches, he clearly enjoys letting his hair down for Sixers, who he captained to the title in the competition’s first season.Smith’s unbelievable BBL record continued with 52 off 31 balls and he started with a third ball six after launching quick Brendan Doggett over the legside. He smashed four sixes with the loud whack coming off the bat music to the ears of the Sixers.Smith’s best shot might have been a back-foot smoke off Thornton that sped to the boundary like a tracer bullet. He scored 34 of the 47 runs in the powerplay before shifting gears with the field spread around.But Smith’s dismissal to Jamie Overton just before drinks triggered a collapse with Jordan Silk falling later in the 10th over lbw after an unsuccessful review. Skipper Moises Henriques, who had called for the review, then was adjudged lbw to spinner Lloyd Pope, but he was livid with the decision having inside edged onto his pads.Sixers slumped to 92 for 5 before Ben Dwarshuis and Lachlan Shaw produced a brisk half-century partnership. They were unable to see Sixers home but Kerr stepped against Strikers, once again, having memorably lifted them home in the Challenger final of BBL 11.His six off Pope – who was brought on in a gamble by skipper Matthew Short – was perhaps the game-changing moment. Overton finishes season on a highStrikers’ season appeared in ruins under an avalanche from Smith, who reached his half-century off just 27 balls. But Overton had other ideas in his last BBL match before linking up with his England teammates for the white-ball tour of India,He entered the attack just before drinks and produced a thick edge off Smith that flew to short third. Overton then trapped Silk lbw later in a game-changing over.Strikers were not able to get over the line, but Overton can be well pleased with his season. The firebrand has become a fan favourite for Strikers but a villain for opposition supporters to be of the characters of this BBL season.Lloyd Pope celebrates a wicket•Getty ImagesChohan unleashed, Shaw sparkles in fieldSixers, in trademark style, were a well oiled machine in the first 10 overs after electing to bowl. Henriques brilliantly rang the changes as he rotated his four quicks during the powerplay.He then threw the ball to offspinner Todd Murphy, who claimed D’Arcy Short and Alex Carey in – curiously – his only over of the innings.Jafer Chohan, the Yorkshire legspinner, finally made his BBL debut after being a surprise selection in the draft. He varied his speeds nicely and finished with 0-30 from 4 overs.Sixers weren’t quite as slick after drinks, with their quicks unable to execute. For the second straight game, Abbott struggled badly at the death to cap a forgettable performance.But 22-year-old Shaw did provide some cheer in the field. In just his fourth BBL game, Shaw produced an outstanding piece of fielding on the legside rope where he acrobatically flicked the ball back into play to prevent a boundary.Shaw, who is normally a wicketkeeper, produced another spectacular effort in the outfield after a diving catch – having misjudged initially – amid very windy conditions to dismiss Alex Ross.Strikers recover well after top-order collapseIn Strikers’ last match, they flayed Brisbane Heat and racked up the second highest score in BBL history. Matthew Short starred with a belligerent century, but he was confronted by a surface that wasn’t as rock hard and he walked to the crease without opening partner Chris Lynn, who suffered a hamstring injury in that match.Short looked to continue where he left off with a boundary straight down the ground off Jack Edwards, who earlier in the day was named the new Australia A captain.But Short could not replicate the shot, merely hitting Edwards straight up in the air in the first of three reckless dismissals.Carey missed out on the run glut against Heat and he appeared keen to make up for it with three early boundaries. But Carey fell tamely after the powerplay, picking out deep midwicket two balls after D’Arcy Short was clean bowled by Murphy having failed to execute a reverse sweep.It was left to Ross and Ollie Pope, who made their move after taking the power surge in the 12th over.Ross nailed several drives through the offside, but Pope was more fluent and reached his half-century off 35 balls before Overton provided a late flurry in the death overs.Harry Manenti hit a six in his debut to complete an impressive Strikers recovery. Manenti, who has represented Italy in international cricket, was presented his cap by his brother Ben – a Sixers squad member.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice for Real Madrid against Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday to take his tally to 50 goals in 64 matches for Los Blancos. The France international has now become the fastest player to reach a half-century of goals for Real Madrid since Cristiano Ronaldo hit the landmark in 2010 by hitting his 51st goal in just 54 appearances.
Mbappe penalties see off Marseille
Real Madrid came from behind to beat Marseille 2-1 in their opening Champions League encounter. Tim Weah opened the scoring for the visitors but Mbappe equalised from the penalty spot after Rodrygo had been fouled. Los Blancos were then reduced to 10 men when Dani Carvajal was sent off for bumping heads with Geronimo Rulli, before Mbappe won it with another penalty after Facundo Medina was penalised for handball.
AdvertisementFifty not out for Mbappe at Real Madrid
The two goals mean Mbappe has hit his half-century for Real Madrid and is the second fastest player to hit the landmark since Ronaldo. Manager Xabi Alonso hailed his talisman after the game. He told Movistar: "Mbappé hasn't been bad… in his best shape… with two goals. He has a tremendous impact on the rest and is in a good moment personally and football-wise. Happy to be with him and working day to day. We have a lot left and we're just getting started."
Mbappe needs the pressure
Mbappe was quizzed on the pressure of taking penalties after the game and says he thrives in such situations. He told UEFA: "I need to feel it. I think I need to feel it. Every player needs to feel the pressure. I think it's important to be focused and to have to do your best. It's important to have the pressure. I feel the pressure and I often rise to it. At the end of the day, I was happy to have two penalties today and to score, to help the team win the first game in the Champions League.
"This is the DNA of Real Madrid. Whatever happens you can always win. You have to trust yourself, you have to trust your team-mates. All the people around you, the stadium, they push you to win. That's what we did today. When we got the read card, nobody in the team was stressed. We wanted to push and be ready to get the win and give this pleasure to the fans."
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Getty Images SportReal Madrid face surprise package next in La Liga
Real Madrid return to La Liga action on Saturday and face surprise package Espanyol. The unbeaten Catalan team head into the match in third place in the table and can move above Los Blancos in the standings if they pull off a surprise win at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Premier League is widely regarded as not only the best league in football but also the most lucrative, as English top flight teams rack up hundreds of millions in every transfer window.
While PSR has limited owners from spending beyond their means in recent seasons, it hasn’t stopped English teams from leading the European market year after year, with over £3 billion spent in the summer transfer window by Premier League clubs.
20-16
Bournemouth sit bottom of the net spend list, as the Cherries lost nearly their entire defence in big money moves. Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid while Milos Kerkez left for Liverpool, with Illia Zabarnyi heading to PSG. South coast rivals Brighton meanwhile received a massive fee from Chelsea for Joao Pedro, who has been a hit already since moving to west London.
Brentford and Wolves both lost star strikers of their own, with Yoane Wissa moving to Newcastle on deadline day while Matheus Cunha swapped Molineux for Manchester United, and the Red Devils also snapped up Bryan Mbeumo.
Chelsea were extremely industrious in their dealings, selling the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka, Armando Broja and Christopher Nkunku among others, while Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich is the largest fee for a loan deal ever.
Rank
Club
Gross Spend
Sales
Net Spend
20.
Bournemouth
£136.7m
£202.5m
+£65.8m
19.
Brighton
£67.7m
£127.5m
+£59.8m
18.
Brentford
£92.8m
£152m
+£59.2m
17.
Wolves
£105.6m
£126.5m
+£20.9m
16.
Chelsea
£296.5m
£314.4m
+£17.9m
15-11
Although Crystal Palace were able to keep hold of Marc Guehi in dramatic circumstances in the closing hours of deadline day, their sale of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal means the Eagles end the summer in the green. Aston Villa made a profit despite late deals for Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho, which will worry fans at Villa Park after a troubling start to their domestic campaign.
England's HarveyElliottcelebrates with the player of the tournament trophy after the match with Tyler Morton and JamesMcAtee
Fulham’s club record £35m deal for Brazilian winger Kevin took them into the negative net spend, while Burnley are the lowest promoted side on the list despite signing 14 new players, including experienced heads Kyle Walker and Martin Dubravka to go with young talents like Loum Tchaouna and Bashir Humphreys.
West Ham and Graham Potter finally got their season up and running with a victory over Nottingham Forest, but may harbour little hope of avoiding a relegation battle despite holding onto star man Lucas Paqueta.
Rank
Club
Gross Spend
Sales
Net Spend
15.
Crystal Palace
£48.9m
£67.5m
+£17.7m
14.
Aston Villa
£28m
£43m
+£15m
13.
Fulham
£35.1m
£8.7m
-£26.4m
12.
Burnley
£97.7m
£31m
-£66.7m
11.
West Ham
£131.3m
£55m
£-76.3m
10-6
Manchester City surprisingly only just crack the top ten, with a chunk of the spending for their rebuild under Pep Guardiola done in January. Those winter arrivals were joined by the likes of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri this summer.
Despite all the noise surrounding Alexander Isak, Newcastle actually had one of the more productive incoming windows, bringing in Nick Woltemade for a club record £69m fee while Jacob Ramsey adds sky high potential to an already quality midfield.
Evangelos Marinakis led a late flurry of activity at Nottingham Forest in an attempt to keep Nuno Espirito Santo happy, but their greatest piece of business may just be preventing the sale of Morgan Gibbs-White to Tottenham.
Leeds failed to sell a single player for profit this summer, meaning they rank in the top ten after deals for the likes of Anton Stach and Noah Okafor.
Everton, like Forest, waited until late in the window to really get going, but ended up sixth courtesy mainly of their deals for Tyler Dibling and Thierno Barry, although the loan signing of Jack Grealish could prove to be the bargain of the season.
Rank
Club
Gross Spend
Sales
Net Spend
10.
Manchester City
£185.8m
£96m
-£89.8m
9.
Newcastle
£256.3m
£157m
-£99.3m
8.
Nottingham Forest
£182.5m
£81.5m
-£101m
7.
Leeds
£103.1m
£0m
-£103.1m
6.
Everton
£124m
£10m
£-114m
5-1
The top five sees four very unsurprising big spenders accompanied by Sunderland, who enjoyed a memorable summer, bringing in big name players with Premier League experience, such as Granit Xhaka, along with riskier moves on high ceiling players such as Brighton winger Simon Adingra.
Tottenham captured Randal Kolo Muani on loan in a last-minute move on deadline day, but it was the deals for attacking midfielders Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons that placed them in with the top spenders.
Manchester United’s late deal for goalkeeper Senne Lammens took them into the top three, having reinforced their attack earlier in the window with big money deals for Cunha, Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
Liverpool’s sales of players like Jarell Quansah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz have helped the Reds to somehow not top the list despite spending nearly £450m on new signings. Indeed, the Reds recouped over £200m more than Arsenal, whose own spending is highlighted by deals for Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was seen observing training sessions at the New York Red Bulls' facility, ahead of their crucial Hudson River Derby match against New York City FC this weekend. The German coach, who began his role as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer in January, continues his tour of the organization's global football network with this timely visit to the MLS club.
Klopp's visit creates buzz
Players appeared energized by Klopp's presence on the training ground, with several stopping to chat with the Champions League-winning manager between drills. The 57-year-old was spotted talking to New York's head coach Sandro Schwarz, and engaging with players.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportGlobal Soccer role brings Klopp to multiple Red Bull clubs
This New York visit represents Klopp's latest stop on his global tour of Red Bull's football properties, having previously visited RB Leipzig in Germany and Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil since assuming his new position. While Klopp does not handle day-to-day operations at any individual club, his role focuses on supporting sports directors, developing coaching talent, and advancing the Red Bull football philosophy across the organization's teams.
Former U.S. international Michael Bradley credited Klopp's involvement as part of the reason he decided to join New York Red Bulls II as head coach.
"One of the things that I've been able to do in the last few months is spend some time on a few different occasions with Jurgen, as well. And when you get that opportunity, and you hear him talk about the game, and you hear the way he speaks, and you see his passion and his energy, it's amazing," Bradley told GOAL. "The opportunity for a young coach to be inside this organization with people like this. That opportunity doesn't come around very often."
Hudson River Derby adds significance
The timing of Klopp's appearance coincides with one of the most anticipated fixtures on the Red Bulls' calendar, as the team prepares to host rivals NYCFC in the latest edition of the Hudson River Derby on Saturday. The fixture carries additional weight this season as the Red Bulls need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The 2024 MLS Cup finalists currently sit in 10th, just two points back from the Chicago Fire, who are in ninth with 45 points. The Fire do have a game in hand over the Red Bulls, though.
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AFPKlopp expected to attend weekend match
Klopp will be in attendance for Saturday's derby match at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. His presence in the executive box will undoubtedly add an extra spotlight to an already high-profile fixture.
Sodhi also back in T20I side with an eye on spin-friendly pitches in India next year
Deivarayan Muthu12-Mar-2025The uncontracted trio of James Neesham, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are in New Zealand’s plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup after they made themselves available for all of New Zealand’s T20I series in the lead-up to the next ICC tournament, selection manager Sam Wells has said.The three were in action in the 50-overs Ford Trophy before being reintroduced to New Zealand’s T20I side for the upcoming five-match series at home against Pakistan.”Yeah, look, we’ve had some discussions with these guys and New Zealand Cricket has really emphasised preparing well for these pinnacle events and the guys have committed to being available for all of our T20 campaigns moving forward, if selected,” Wells said. “So that’s a real positive. And credit to those guys, they’ve come back and played domestic cricket, played Ford Trophy and performed well.”So, these guys are still really hungry and made it very clear they’re still very hungry to play for their country.”Related
Tim Seifert 2.0 can bat anywhere and everywhere
Pakistan face patchwork New Zealand in first test of their new T20 era
Sodhi, Seifert in Bracewell-led NZ squad for home T20Is against Pakistan
Neesham, who last played for New Zealand in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, reminded everyone of his all-round skills when he clattered a career-best 128 not out off 82 balls and followed it up with figures of 3 for 53 to propel Auckland into the Ford Trophy final.Allen returned to captain Auckland in the Ford Trophy after finishing his BBL stint across the Tasman Sea with Perth Scorchers.Seifert also returned to play for Northern Districts in both the Ford Trophy and the Plunket Shield despite having turned down a domestic contract. Against a strong Canterbury attack comprising Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes, Henry Shipley and Ish Sodhi, Seifert hit an unbeaten 109 off 71 balls from No. 3 in the Ford Trophy.”That [the hunger to play for the country] is why they come back and play domestic cricket to stake their claim,” Wells said. “And they’ve done well as well as performing in the various franchise leagues they play around the world. But it is really helpful from a selection perspective to see them competing in domestic cricket against the guys and see them in the flesh. So, look, we’re really happy with where they’re at.”Legspinner Sodhi, who was not picked for the 2025 Champions Trophy, has also returned to the white-ball team with an eye on the spin-friendly surfaces in India at the next T20 World Cup. In the absence of captain Mitchell Santner, who will miss the home series against Pakistan owing to his IPL commitments, Sodhi is the only frontline spin-bowling option in the squad apart from stand-in captain Michael Bracewell.In a glance: New Zealand’s T20I squad for home series against Pakistan•ESPNcricinfo LtdSodhi’s recent form is also encouraging: he picked up nine wickets in 12 Super Smash matches at an economy rate of 7.00, which was second only to Jamieson among all bowlers who had bowled at least 20 overs in the competition.”Look, I think in India, you’re going to be playing two or three spinners,” Wells said. “And you see Ish come back into it. I think most teams are playing a wristspinner in both forms. So, we’re giving Ish an opportunity. He’s been a great performer in the T20 format. I thought he had a really strong Super Smash. But obviously, missing Mitch, who’s a bit of a linchpin in the bowling attacks.”So, that’ll be a challenge for Ish and Michael to really step up and take those roles if given a chance. But obviously, the boundaries are pretty small in New Zealand grounds and not taking as much turn. So, we might see an additional seamer playing where we think that’s appropriate. But it’s just about having that balance where we can.”Wells also delivered a glowing appraisal of Bracewell’s abilities as an allrounder and leader.”Michael led the T20 side over in Pakistan last year in the series we had over there and it was quite a young and experienced side and we were really impressed with the way he led that group,” Wells said. “He sort of cemented himself in both white-ball teams as a really pivotal cog. He’s experienced at domestic level, having been a captain in the side, and is well respected and knows how to run the cutter really well. So, look, he’s ticked a lot of boxes. He hasn’t got a huge amount of international experience but is an experienced cricketer and has done well when given opportunities in a leadership role.”
Green had hoped to play for WA in the final Shield round but is unlikely to be ready in time
Alex Malcolm04-Mar-2025Cameron Green is unlikely to play any Sheffield Shield cricket before his County Championship stint with Gloucestershire as he continues to recover from back surgery.Speaking at the Australian Cricket Awards last month Green had flagged that his recovery was on track to have him available for Western Australia’s final Shield match against Victoria on March 15 as a batter only. But despite returning to the nets and hitting balls regularly over recent weeks, ESPNcricinfo understands that he is unlikely to be cleared to play before the end of the Australian domestic summer. WA are not expecting him to be available for the contest with Victoria or the Shield final if they qualify.Green has to get regular scans on his back to check on his progress before returning to play, having undergone spine surgery in October. Green’s first match back is likely to be in division two of the County Championship for Gloucestershire against Kent in Canterbury on April 18.Related
Morris set for rare back-to-back Shield games as WA press for another final
Green out for the season as he takes surgery option
Green has signed a five-game deal with Gloucestershire thanks to the help of a “significant donation” from one of the club’s members. Those five matches are against Kent (twice), Leicestershire, Lancashire and Northamptonshire prior to the WTC final at Lord’s. However, it remains to be seen whether Cricket Australia’s medical staff allow him to play five straight first-class matches leading into the WTC final coming off no cricket since September and no first-class cricket in 13 months, despite the fact he will not be bowling in any of them.Green is in the frame to play in the WTC final in June as a batter only having played all 28 of his Tests to-date as an allrounder. Australia also have a three-Test tour of the Caribbean starting late June, but he will not be available to bowl until later in the year in the build-up to the home Ashes series which starts in late November.His availability as a batter only will create a selection squeeze in Australia’s line-up. Green made 174 not out in his second last Test match batting at No. 4 but Steven Smith’s triumphant return to that spot means Green will have to bat somewhere else if he plays in the WTC final against South Africa.Travis Head will also return to No. 5 after opening in Australia’s most recent Tests in Sri Lanka, meaning Australia will need another opener to partner Usman Khawaja. Sam Konstas is in the frame to return after missing selection in Sri Lanka and is keen to play in the County Championship but is yet to secure a deal.Green could possibly bat at No. 3 or No. 6 but that would displace either Marnus Labuschagne or Beau Webster. If the latter were to be left out, it would leave Australia without a fourth seam option, although that may not be a major consideration for a one-off Test in England in June. Josh Inglis’ recent run-spree across all formats makes him an enticing selection prospect for the final as well. Australia do not need to name a 15-man squad until May.