All posts by h716a5.icu

The Marlins did not make the playoffs but were still represented in the postseason once again thanks to Marlins Man, the fan who wears a bright orange Miami jersey and matching visor and sits in very good seats behind the plate.

You may have seen him in the background during the Yankees-Blue Jays series where he took a picture with Bad Bunny.

One game Marlins Man did not attend was Game 4 between the Dodgers and Phillies on Thursday night in Los Angeles. And yet some people thought they saw him.

That's right. There is another fan cosplaying as Marlins Man. Many fans were quick to note that the Marlins Man at the Dodgers-Phillies game was not the real Marlins Man, but an imposter. A fraud. A Temu version, if you will.

At least one person did not appreciate the homage.

It is certainly a choice. Since it is October, the outfit's color is definitely in-season. Plus, this could be a very early Halloween costume debut. And there's the possibility that this has to do with fantasy football punishment. The important thing is that everyone noticed.

Over 200 overs of batting in Delhi, West Indies have shown sparks of what they can do when conditions aren’t treacherous and the right personnel are selected

Karthik Krishnaswamy13-Oct-20252:43

Chopra: Credit to WI for taking Test into day five

After 15 successive innings in which they failed to get as far as the second new ball, West Indies did so twice in the second Test against India in Delhi, batting for nearly 200 overs across their two innings. After seven successive century-less Tests, they scored two in Delhi, with John Campbell and Shai Hope getting into three figures and putting on a rousing 177 as West Indies, made to follow on, erased a 270-run first-innings deficit and set India a target of 121.What does any of this mean for a West Indies Test team – and in particular a West Indies batting line-up – that has been under fire from every direction over the last few months?First things first: conditions, conditions, conditions. India have moved away from the square-turner template of most of the last four years and have stated that they are looking to play on traditional home pitches that start out flat and give batters the opportunities to score hundreds. This was largely the case in the first Test in Ahmedabad, the pitch there had an even covering of grass that provided seam movement early on. That red-soil surface also began to break up towards the end of day two. West Indies, choosing to bat first after winning the toss, ended up batting both times when conditions were at their most helpful for the bowlers.Delhi’s black-soil surface has been different. It began flat and slow, and has only seemed to slow down further as the Test match has progressed. India enforcing the follow-on gave West Indies the chance to wear down an attack that was contending with both unresponsive conditions and tiring legs.The efforts of Campbell and Hope and the unbeaten 50 from Justin Greaves in the second innings, and the resistance of West Indies’ lower order in both innings, must, therefore, be viewed against this backdrop.Related

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Equally, however, West Indies’ barren run with the bat leading into this Test match has to be viewed against the conditions they were having to face all year.They began 2025 on the dustbowls of Multan where they drew 1-1 with Pakistan in a series where the two teams passed 200 once each across the two Tests.Then they played Australia, the world’s No. 1 Test side, which boasts the world’s most potent pace quartet, on seaming pitches at home, and competed through the first two or three innings of all three Test matches thanks to their own fast bowlers. They had the misfortune of batting last in all three Tests, however, and collapsed in all three fourth innings.The last of these, of course, was 27 all out in the pink-ball Test in Kingston. It sent Cricket West Indies (CWI) into crisis mode. It heightened the frequency and volume of conversations about the World Test Championship (WTC) potentially splitting into two tiers in the future, with West Indies, of course, dropping into the bottom tier. It put West Indies’ Test team in a position where everything they did or did not do took on a significance beyond individual records and team results.3:56

What made Campbell and Hope stand out?

Now this question hasn’t been asked too often, but it bears asking. Put aside the financial issues CWI faces and the pressures that West Indian players face thanks to the state of cricket’s calendar and political economy. If you put all that aside, was the reaction to 27 all out, purely from a cricketing perspective, perhaps a touch overblown?Look through the ranks of today’s Test teams. Plenty of others would likely lose 3-0 to Australia on those West Indian pitches. And of those teams, how many possess pace attacks comparable to West Indies’ and capable of landing as many counter-blows as they did through that series?And how many of those teams would you back to go to India next, lose two key fast bowlers to injury, and compete?And how would you view West Indies’ results and batting returns over these last few months if they’d been bowled out for, say, 127 rather than 27 at Sabina Park?And before you answer that question, here’s the full list of double-digit all-out totals in Test cricket in the 2020s. You might recognise some of them. There are two India innings in that list: 46 all out last year in Bengaluru, which kickstarted a shock 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand; and, of course, 36 all out in Adelaide in 2020. Ravi Shastri, India’s head coach on that Australia tour, told his players to “wear [that total] like a badge.” You know what happened next.

“In Delhi, you could see that, given time to grow into their roles and get used to the rhythms of Test cricket, West Indies’ batters could begin to make a mark.”

India, of course, made a famous, fairytale comeback and won that series 2-1, but the cricketing wisdom of Shastri’s words would have held true even if they’d lost 4-0. His vast experience as a player, broadcaster and coach had informed his understanding that teams occasionally get blown away for small totals when quality attacks meet helpful conditions, and that these outlier events do not reflect the quality of the batting line-up that’s suffered that fate.The West Indies of 2025 are by no means as good a batting team as India were in 2020. There are deep-rooted issues in their system that a) keep much of their best batting talent away from first-class cricket, b) prevent the batters who do play first-class cricket from developing their red-ball game to the fullest, and c) leave their selectors not able to assemble anything like the best possible Test top order they could.The 27 all out split West Indies cricket through the middle, but appear to have turned a corner now•AFP/Getty ImagesBut they aren’t as bad as 2025 has made them look, and from that perspective, the Delhi Test couldn’t have come at a better time. There is inexperience running through this West Indies line-up, but there’s enough evidence of ability when the conditions have given them a chance to show it.What Delhi has also shown is the logic underpinning their head coach Daren Sammy’s strategy of backing players who have shown run-scoring ability across formats – and not just Test and first-class cricket – in the belief that it would do West Indies no good to wilfully limit their selection pool and leave out white-ball players, particularly since those players have typically been the ones with the most natural ability.Sammy’s first Test squad, for instance, included both heavy scorers in recent first-class seasons, such as Campbell and Kevlon Anderson, and white-ball regulars like Hope, who had last played Test cricket in November 2021, new captain Roston Chase, who hadn’t played Tests since March 2023, and Brandon King, who had never played Test cricket. And before this India tour, Sammy even asked Sherfane Rutherford, who hasn’t played first-class cricket since 2019, to consider joining the Test team, with his ability against spin in mind.This idea of broadening the Test selection pool is still only in its infancy, and has already had to hurdle several challenges – the hugely testing nature of these first two assignments, for one, and the unsettling of Test regulars such as Alick Athanaze, who returned for this India tour after being dropped against Australia.In Delhi, however, you could see that, given time to grow into their roles and get used to the rhythms of Test cricket, West Indies’ batters could begin to make a mark.Campbell averages less than 26 after 25 Tests, even after this 115, his maiden Test hundred, but the innings only reinforced the idea that this is an opener with an easy, natural style and range of attacking shots, particularly sweeps, that can unsettle even the best spinners.Hope has been an enigma for a long, long time – a batter capable of scoring twin hundreds at Headingley and of averaging above 50 in ODIs, but also one capable of going 42 Test innings without a half-century – but if the enigma persists, so does the artistry, particularly when he skips back nimbly to punch spinners square on the off side. If he’s permanently unburdened of the keeping gloves in this format, there’s a chance he could have something of a renaissance in his 30s.The man who took over keeping duties in Delhi, Tevin Imlach, already showed in Pakistan earlier this year that he has unusually good hands behind the wicket even on spiteful turners. Here he showed sound defence against both types of bowling and bright footwork against spin, and it mostly wasn’t his fault that all that only amounted to scores of 21 and 12, with Kuldeep Yadav getting him out with misbehaving deliveries in both innings, big turn in the first and low bounce in the second.Justin Greaves’ batting against Kuldeep Yadav showed both technique and temperament•AFP/Getty ImagesOf all of West Indies’ batters on this trip, no one has seemed more certain in his reading of Kuldeep’s deceptive lengths than Greaves, who even in Ahmedabad handled the wristspinner so comfortably off the back foot that he forced him to keep bowling fuller and fuller. On the evidence of his sure-footed defence and the purity of his straight driving against seam and spin, he could be batting well above No. 7 in this West Indies line-up; that position seems more a function of his role as seam-bowling allrounder than his ability with the bat.It’s not unusual for batting line-ups to begin to blossom towards the middle of the second Test of an away tour. It can take two or three innings for batters to figure out how best to score runs against a particular bowler or how best to survive another. For batters from England or Australia in this decade, the middle of the second Test occurs near the start of India tours. For batters from West Indies and other teams that don’t get the luxury of long tours, the middle of the second Test is almost pack-up time. Delhi is West Indies’ ninth Test against India in India since 2011. England have played nine Tests against India in India since 2021.Day four in Delhi has shown there’s promise in West Indies’ batting ranks if it can be nurtured. But day five in Delhi will be the last day of their tour, and who knows what will come next. Given the constant churn in West Indies’ line-ups thanks to the pressure of results and the push and pull of T20 leagues, it becomes hard to say which batters will play their next series, and which batters from this tour will remain when they next visit India, whenever that is.Delhi, then, brought a glimmer of positivity to a line-up that sorely needed it. But no one can begin to say what effect it might have on the future, because what does that future even look like?

Australia’s batting order for the first Test is still some way from being confirmed, but Labuschagne is currently the favourite to go in at the top

AAP31-Oct-2025Marnus Labuschagne says he would have no issue opening for Australia in the Ashes, confident he is now much clearer in his own game than in recent summers.Labuschagne was denied another chance to bat in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield match with New South Wales on Friday, with the match ending in an early draw.Related

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After rain washed out the opening day, Jack Clayton’s 113 ensured Queensland would not have to follow on.Sam Konstas was then more patient with the bat, before attacking later in the innings and being caught charging Sam Skelly on 41, before a draw was called soon after.Konstas won’t be there come the first Test in Perth next month, with the 20-year-old almost certain to be given time in the Sheffield Shield to find his game.Labuschagne is favourite to take Konstas’s spot at the top, in a move that would allow allrounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster to both stay in the team.Labuschagne has said throughout this summer his preferred position is No.3, while insisting he would be willing to open to get back into the team. He has done so just twice at Test level, out for 17 and 22 in this year’s World Test Championship final against South Africa before being dropped from the side.But on Friday he declared he would more than welcome the challenge to open in Perth in three weeks’ time.”I’d say ‘great’,” Labuschagne responded when quizzed on what he would say if asked to open. “It honestly doesn’t concern me, I just want to be playing cricket at my best.Sam Konstas whips through the on side•Getty Images”This year I’ve been in in the first few overs a few times. You’re used to it batting No. 3, and I’ve batted there probably 95 per cent of my career in both formats.”So I’m very used to being in early. If I have to open, great. If I bat three, great. Wherever there’s a spot for me I’ll take it and we’ll go from there.”Forced to watch on from the sidelines in the Caribbean last winter, Labuschagne has since adopted a less-is-more approach to his batting. The renowned cricket nuffie no longer bats in the nets on match days, admitting he was getting in his own head and thinking too much about his technique.Small changes have been made to his grip and stance, while he has also put pressure back on the bowlers in his four centuries for Queensland to start the summer.”Mentally I’m a lot clearer on my game and not getting too much deep thought into certain dismissals or methods,” Labuschagne said. “It’s not the actual training in the nets, I absolutely love that, I can do that all day.”But at times I feel like my technique gets in a space where I go home and I’m like ‘maybe I want to do this or maybe I want to go and try that’. Now I’m trying to stay out of my own way really and go out there and trust my skills when I get to the middle.”

Over the last couple of years, Manchester United have shifted their focus in the transfer market to landing young talents who can make an immediate and long-term impact at the club.

Such a strategy may prove to be a risky one, but the benefits massively outweigh the negatives, with the huge development and room for profit no doubt a real contributing factor.

Leny Yoro joined the Red Devils in a £52m deal from Lille last summer, with the Frenchman seen as a huge addition for the backline in their attempts for Premier League glory.

At just 20, he’s racked up nearly half a century of appearances at Old Trafford and is likely to remain a key member of Ruben Amorim’s squad for the foreseeable future.

However, with January rapidly on the horizon, the hierarchy look set to make yet more additions, which could see numerous other youngsters take the jump to move to Manchester.

Man Utd’s hunt for new additions in January

Elliot Anderson is the player who has mostly been linked with a move to join United this winter, with the 23-year-old seen as the club’s marquee addition for the upcoming window.

However, his potential move to Old Trafford would likely be a club-record one for Amorim’s men, as current employers Nottingham Forest are currently demanding £100m for his signature.

Such a price tag is to be expected given his recent rise, which has seen him cement himself as a regular starter in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in 2025.

However, he’s not the only youngster in their sights, with AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit another talent the hierarchy are considering, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report states that the Red Devils have already reached out to the Dutch outfit over a move for the 19-year-old star, with a £25m price tag currently being mooted for his services.

The article also claims that local rivals Liverpool are also interested in a move for the teenager, but it remains to be seen where the player himself would prefer to move.

How Smit compares to Scott McTominay

United’s academy setup has often produced numerous top-level talents, with midfielder Scott McTominay just one player who has placed himself in that bracket.

The Scottish international rose through the ranks at Old Trafford, before making himself known to the supporters in the first team ranks – subsequently racking up a total of 255 appearances for the club.

However, last summer, the hierarchy decided it was best to move him on and cash in on his services, with the club offloading him to Napoli in a deal worth a reported £25m.

Such a decision has massively backfired, with the midfielder scoring 13 times in all competitions last season, resulting in the 28-year-old winning the Serie A MVP award for 2024/25.

He’s carried his phenomenal form into his international career as of late, even scoring a remarkable bicycle kick against Denmark this week to secure Scotland’s place at the 2026 World Cup.

His move away from Old Trafford has made him an elite-level talent, but the club could be about to land their next version of the star with a move for Smit in the coming months.

The Dutch youngster has also made a name for himself in recent months, as he’s already registered six combined goals and assists in his 19 appearances across all competitions.

He’s become a box-crashing midfielder who likes to pop up with a goal or an assist, something which McTominay has done excellently since his transfer away from his boyhood club.

Smit, who possesses “superstar potential” according to Ben Mattinson, has also completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted – resulting in 2.1 chances created per 90 this campaign.

Games played

19

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

88%

Chances created

2.1

Successful dribbles

1.2

Dribble success

50%

Recoveries made

6.3

Tackles in final third

0.9

Other figures, such as 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 and a 50% dribble success rate, further showcase his talent in possession, which makes him a huge threat in attacking areas.

Out of possession, the youngster has also thrived, subsequently making 6.3 recoveries per 90 and 0.9 tackles per 90 in the final third of the pitch – numbers which could add a new dimension to Amorim’s side.

£25m for a youngster with Smit’s quality and potential is an excellent deal, but the Red Devils board will need to act quickly to avoid missing out to Liverpool.

If he can replicate McTominay’s incredible nouse for goals and assists within the final third, it would be a phenomenal piece of business that could take the club to the next level in the years ahead.

Next Carrick: Man Utd want to sign "one of the best CMs in the PL" for £60m

Man United could enhance the quality of their midfield with the signing of another Michael Carrick.

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 19, 2025

Very few players dig as deep as he does and over this India series and the Ashes coming up, he’ll need to

Sidharth Monga09-Jul-2025

Ben Stokes is an irrepressible presence•Getty Images

There are many compelling sights in our sport. Right up there is a batting team on the top, the conditions flat, the ball not doing anything at all for the other bowlers, and then Ben Stokes charging in and drawing life out of nowhere in a long spell.Stokes has the rare ability to take you along on the ride. You don’t need to be a cricket connoisseur to know something special is taking place in front of your eyes. You can almost feel the strain he puts himself through, the stretching of every sinew, the twisting away of the torso to create the unusual angle, the high pace eked out of a battered body, the unusualness he extracts from dead conditions, and the satisfaction of having achieved something when it hadn’t seemed possible.It is not magic. In this series, for example, Stokes has swung the ball more than any other fast bowler. His release is wider than most – only Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Tongue have gone wider in this series – and the swing creates problems coming from that angle.Related

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When Stokes is nearing the top of his mark, it seems like he is dragging his feet and has no gas left. They hardly seem to leave the ground, and seem like they are being thrown forward by force. Then he picks up pace and leaves a piece of himself on the pitch. It is tempting to wonder how much better his numbers would have been had he just been a bowler.Every time you feel this must be it for him, he comes back for another over, against the wishes of the coaching staff as his workload needs to be managed. It just doesn’t seem possible for Stokes to have a measured go. Even at press conferences, he is not finishing a chore, but gives thoughtful answers. Despite all his injuries, only a small percentage of his spells is short. Among 27 fast bowlers who have bowled 100 or more spells since 2021, only James Anderson, Matt Henry, Kagiso Rabada and Ollie Robinson have bowled a lower percentage of spells of four overs or fewer.Ben Stokes has made 86 runs from four innings at an average of 21.50 in this series•Getty ImagesThis is also part of the reason why Stokes is rated highly as a captain. His tactics on the field can yo-yo between the astute and a random smokescreen, but he has the ability to drag his team-mates with him, much like Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff before him. He doesn’t take the new ball, still bowls long spells, and batted against nature just to get a buy-in into the style of play he and Brendon McCullum wanted England to adopt.Stokes batted at 57.07 per 100 balls before Bazball, and has gone at 66.83 since. At the start, he batted frantically just to drive the message home despite being the one batter in the line-up who was more at home playing traditionally. It is the fall in the batting average from 36.05 to 33 during Bazball era that is starting to hurt England. In matches that Stokes has played in the Bazball era, top seven batters have averaged 38.25 overall. Of course he could ease his own batting load a little by getting in a better batter than Zak Crawley, who averages only 31.79 on some of the flattest tracks of the last decade, but Stokes the captain is not one for half measures.In opting for this way of playing the game in the first place, Stokes has shown courage of conviction to go against the grain. Captains are known to design pitches to suit their bowlers to win matches; Stokes and McCullum saw a weakness in their batting and asked for surfaces that played to their strengths instead, asking batters to make up for it with quick scoring. It hasn’t turned them into world-beaters, and the surfaces haven’t all been the same, but it has improved the results.Stokes will continue to rouse us with those bowling spells and will keep inspiring his team, but eventually the game is won by runs and wickets. He is one of the players who can get away with some leeway because of the way he plays, but the next eight Tests that Stokes plays have the ability to overshadow even that reputation. Especially because it is quite plausible that Stokes retires at the end of the Ashes.A lot – disproportionately so – rides on the next eight Tests. Stokes could perhaps drop down a slot if he feels mentally spent. Jamie Smith has shown signs he can bat in the top six. Alternatively Stokes could perhaps reinforce the batting and drop Shoaib Bashir. A home series against India on the line and the Ashes at the end of the year, runs not coming, rest of the bowling struggling, a body to manage, this is going to be some ride that Stokes will surely take us along on.

A look back at the five-time IPL champions’ worst days with the bat

Omkar Mankame11-Apr-2025Put in to bat for the first time in IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) crumbled against Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) spin-heavy attack at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, slumping to their lowest-ever total at their fortress of many years. Here are the five-time champions’ five lowest totals in the IPL.79 all out vs MI, Wankhede, IPL 2013CSK were riding high on a seven-match winning streak and faced a modest target of 140 against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede. But instead of sealing an eighth successive victory, they crumbled to their lowest-ever IPL total. Mitchell Johnson landed the early blows with a triple-wicket over that left CSK tottering at 9 for 3. The collapse continued as they slipped to 18 for 4. R Ashwin’s promotion to No. 6 failed to turn the tide, and CSK kept throwing away their wickets, and eventually folded for a record low.1:36

Bangar: ‘CSK are in tatters at the moment’

97 all out vs MI, Wankhede, IPL 2022MI’s fast bowlers made the most of the lateral movement under lights to dismantle the CSK batting line-up. The slide began with a contentious lbw decision against Devon Conway – one he couldn’t review because of a power failure. Daniel Sams made the early strikes, and the rest of the MI attack kept landing blows, bundling CSK for under 100. Though CSK fought back to reduce MI to 33 for 4, the middle order held firm to complete a five-wicket win.103 for 9 vs KKR, Chennai, 2025Related

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At Chepauk, KKR unleashed their spin trio to dismantle CSK, restricting them to their lowest total at the venue. Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine and Moeen Ali combined for 12-1-55-6, controlling the middle overs. The home side never got going, crawling to 31 for 2 in the first six — the second-lowest powerplay score of IPL 2025. An out-of-form middle order, including impact player Deepak Hooda, failed to adapt to the sluggish pitch. A last-wicket stand of 24 was all that helped CSK limp past 100.109 all out vs RR, Jaipur, 2008A red-hot spell from Sohail Tanvir – 6 for 14, the second-best bowling figures in IPL history – blew CSK away for 109 in Jaipur. Exploiting seamer-friendly conditions, Tanvir gave Rajasthan Royals (RR) a dream start by dismissing both CSK openers for ducks in the opening over. Albie Morkel came in at 44 for 5 and offered some resistance with 42, but Tanvir returned to clean up the tail and bowl CSK out with an over unused.109 all out vs MI, Chennai, 2019Riding on Rohit Sharma’s 67 at the top, MI set CSK a target of 156. On a tired surface, five of CSK’s top six batters failed to reach double-digits. Lasith Malinga struck early with Shane Watson’s wicket and returned in the end overs to dismantle the lower order with a steady dose of slower balls. The defeat ended CSK’s five-match winning streak at Chepauk and marked their first loss while chasing at the venue since 2013.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to receive only a one-match ban for his red card against the Republic of Ireland in Portugal's penultimate World Cup qualifier. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was sent off after elbowing Dara O'Shea off the ball and was set for a three-match ban for 'violent conduct'. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee has decided to let the 40-year-old off easy.

Ronaldo only gets a one-match ban for O'Shea elbow

Ronaldo was expected to miss one or two of Portugal's opening clashes in the 2026 World Cup in North America after being shown a red card for violent conduct on O'Shea. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee have ruled that the Portugal captain's actions were only worth a one-game ban, which he has already served after he missed Roberto Martinez's squad for the 9-1 win over Armenia. His punishment, however, also holds a two-game suspended ban, which will be triggered if he is found guilty of a similar offence yet again in the next 365 days.

Ronaldo was sent off just before the hour mark, after Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg consulted with VAR, having shown the five-time Ballon d'Or winner a yellow card initially. In the review, it seemed clear to the referee that, in a tussle with O'Shea, Ronaldo clearly elbowed O'Shea in the back without any ball involvement around him.

AdvertisementGettyCR7's first international red card

The red card against the Republic of Ireland was Ronaldo's first of his international career as the Portugal captain has never been sent off in his 226 appearances with the national team. It has been reported that this disciplinary record may have played a massive part in the FIFA disciplinary committee's decision.

However, this wasn't the first time Ronaldo and O'Shea clashed as the Portugal captain and the Irishman had previously clashed, with the Al-Nassr star appearing to slap him all the way back in 2021. While O'Shea had hit the deck at that point as well, the referee and VAR had missed the incident, and Ronaldo had gotten away with his assault on the Ireland star; however, the same was not the case this time around.

Ronaldo's absence raises questions about Portugal squad

Ronaldo's absence for Portugal's 9-1 win over Armenia raised serious questions from fans over the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's spot in Martinez's World Cup squad as Portugal's attacking play seemed a lot smoother. The same was the case during the 2022 World Cup when Fernando Santos played Ronaldo as more of a substitute through the tournament in Qatar with stars like Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix and Diogo Jota starting instead.

However, the quarter-final failure against Morocco eventually saw Santos receive the sacking and Martinez being onboarded as the head coach of the Portuguese national team. The former Belgium coach quickly reintegrated the former Real Madrid man into the squad as he led Portugal to their Nations League triumph last year.

Nonetheless, questions are still being raised as to whether having Ronaldo as the main man in the Portugal squad is the best way forward for the 2026 World Cup as the country look to raise their first-ever trophy on the international stage.

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Getty Images SportPortugal's World Cup opener to feature Ronaldo

Despite all the questions regarding Ronaldo's form at the highest level, it is highly unlikely that Martinez will be altering his squad this close to the World Cup. As such, it is almost guaranteed that Ronaldo will be the first name on the teamsheet when Portugal kickoff their 2026 World Cup campaign in North America.

However, the ill-tempered Ronaldo will have to keep his emotions in check through the tournament, as another sending off or even a violation of FIFA's regulations could see him miss the latter stages of the World Cup.

Mohammad Saifuddin’s cameo was crucial after Mahedi’s 3 for 25 restricted Ireland to 170

Mohammad Isam29-Nov-2025Litton Das’ 16th T20I half-century took Bangladesh to a four-wicket win against Ireland in Chattogram. As a result, the hosts levelled the three-match series 1-1 with this win, and broke a four-match losing streak in the format.Litton made 57 off 37 balls with three sixes and as many fours. But his dismissal, coupled with three more wickets in quick succession, left Bangladesh in some constraint in the end overs of the 171-run chase.When Bangladesh lost their fifth wicket in the 19th over, they still needed 22 runs to win off the remaining 14 balls. New batter Mohammad Saifuddin responded with a pulled boundary first ball, as Josh Little couldn’t grab the chance at short fine leg. When Bangladesh were six down in the 19th over and required another 14 runs in ten balls, Saifuddin hit a six over six and then a four – both off Mark Adair. He finished with a crucial 17* off seven balls, with two fours and a six.With three runs needed in the last over, Mahedi Hasan settled the matter with two balls remaining as a thumping drive through extra cover went for four.Ireland had earlier made 170 for 6 in 20 overs, although their rousing start was giving them hints of a 200-plus total. Bangladesh replied well with Parvez Hossain Emon and Litton giving them a fine start.Parvez Hossain Emon batted at a quick pace in the chase•BCBParvez cracks the whipParvez went after Matthew Humphreys, Ireland’s hero from the first T20I, for two fours in the first over, before going after Adair in the second. Parvez’s opening partner Tanzid Hasan, however, was run out after miscommunication even as Barry McCarthy, who was bowling the third over, lost possession of the ball while moving to his left.Parvez, though, didn’t stop his onslaught while his captain Litton aided him in the big-hitting. Litton and Parvez slammed Little for a six and two fours in the sixth over to give Bangladesh 66 runs in the powerplay. Parvez struck Gareth Delany for his second six, before falling in the legspinner’s next over for 43. Overall, Parvez struck five fours and two sixes in his 28-ball stay.No luck for LittleJLittle was wicketless in the first T20I, and was unlucky when his captain Paul Stirling dropped Saif Hassan in the 11th over. The chance at cover was a difficult one, but Stirling is known for plucking these catches.Little had more bad luck when Delany grabbed a difficult chance at the deep-midwicket boundary. He had intercepted Litton’s pull with one hand, before settling under the ball in the second attempt. Replays, however, showed Delany’s towel, which was tucked behind his trousers, had touched the boundary rope. It was thus adjudged to be a six.File photo: Paul Stirling bashed 29 off 14 balls•ICC via Getty ImagesLitton, Saif fall before final pushLitton and Saif kept Bangladesh’s run rate at par with the requirement. Litton lofted Delany for four before Saif struck him for a straight six in the 12th over. Litton then hit a beautiful six by going inside out over the covers to reach his fifty. Adair, however, got rid of him, trapping him lbw for 57.Three balls later, Saif gave long-on a catch off Delany, who bowled the delivery off 24 yards. Towhid Hridoy was then run-out for the sixth time in his career when he couldn’t reach the striker’s end, with his bat being in the air despite crossing the crease. When Nurul Hasan fell in the 19th over, Ireland sensed they were in the game.Ireland openers go bigIreland were off to a blistering start after they decided to bat first. Tim Tector was at it again, building on his 32 from the previous game. He struck Mahedi for three fours in the opening over, before Stirling lofted Nasum Ahmed for a four and six in the second over.Stirling then went after Saifuddin, hitting him for a six and two fours in the third over. Stirling, who bashed 29 off 14 balls, fell in the fifth over to a good catch from Saif in the deep, though Tector kept striking his pulls cleanly, as one of them landed deep into the second tier. Ireland’s 75 for 1 was their highest powerplay score against Bangladesh.File photo: Mahedi Hasan’s three wickets meant Ireland’s 88 for 1 quickly became 103 for 4•Bangladesh Cricket BoardMahedi gives Bangladesh respiteMahedi removed the Tector brothers, Tim and Harry, in the ninth over. He had Tim stumped off the first ball, when he swung at the ball, which went under the bat. Tim made 38 off 25 balls with two sixes, apart from his four boundaries. Mahedi then got one to skid below Harry’s bat to bowl him for 11. Mahedi also removed Ben Calitz for 7, also stumped by Litton. Ireland’s 88 for 1 in the ninth over quickly became 103 for 4 after 11.Tucker helps Ireland recoverLorcan Tucker and George Dockrell got Ireland back on their feet with a 56-run fifth-wicket partnership. Tucker struck Nasum with a slog-swept four through mid-on, before slamming Tanzim and Saifuddin for three boundaries in the 16th and 17th overs.Dockrell, however, struck just one boundary in his 21-ball stay for 18 runs, while Delany, known for his big-hitting, struck just one six in the last over. Tucker was run-out off the last ball, having made 41 off 32 balls, with four boundaries.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have often been blessed with the likes of Harry Kane providing the goods within the final third – but the current first-team are massively lacking such a presence.

Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani have shared the responsibility at the top end of the pitch in recent weeks, but neither have scored since the middle of September.

Their joint top scorer in the Premier League this season is centre-back Micky van de Ven, which further highlights the lack of quality currently available to Thomas Frank at present.

However, with the January transfer window rapidly approaching, the Dane has the opportunity to land a new talisman to help him in his quest for success in North London.

Numerous players have emerged on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, with returning Sporting Director Fabio Paratici likely to play a key role in any potential pursuits.

Spurs’ move for a new talisman in January

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been strongly linked with a move to land Porto star Samu Aghehowa this winter, but such a deal would be a huge investment.

After scoring 11 times in his first 14 outings of 2025/26, it’s safe to say the Spaniard is a man in demand – but any transfer would cost a pretty penny given his current £87m release clause.

However, he’s not alone on their shortlist at present, with Paratici making the most of his Juventus links to try and strike a deal for the signature of Dušan Vlahović.

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta, the Lilywhites are firmly in the race to land a cut-price deal for the Serbian, with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2026.

It also confirms that Bayern Munich are in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, but Frank’s men could hold the edge given Paratici’s links to the Old Lady.

Such a move would finally hand the Dane the talisman he’s craved, which could allow the frontman to be his next version of a player who thrived under his guidance at Brentford.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s next Toney

During Frank’s seven years at the helm with Brentford, he was able to rely on striker Ivan Toney for a four-year period, with the striker constantly producing the goods in front of goal.

The Englishman registered 72 goals in his 141 appearances for the Bees, the most of any player during the Dane’s reign across the capital – often being the player to pop up in key moments.

50% of his efforts for Brentford came in England’s top-flight, a tally that was the most in the Bees’ history, but Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo have since surpassed such a figure.

Given the lack of options currently at Frank’s disposal in North London, there’s no denying he wishes he could rely on a player of the 29-year-old’s quality.

Such a move could have come to fruition back in the summer of 2024, but the Lilywhites opted for a move for Dominic Solanke, as the former Bees star completed his own move to Saudi Arabia.

A deal for Toney’s signature may prove unlikely, but Frank could land his next version of the Englishman in the coming months, should Paratici complete a deal for Vlahovic.

Both have demonstrated unbelievable goalscoring records over recent seasons, with the Juve star finding the net 62 times in his 152 appearances for the Italian giants.

The 25-year-old’s goalscoring record is one thing, but his current contract issue in Turin could provide the Lilywhites board with a bargain option to solve their centre-forward woes.

His underlying figures from the current campaign also showcase the all-round quality he would add to the side, finally handing the manager the needed presence he’s craved since taking the reins.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers” by Luca Toni, has only started three Serie A games in 2025/26, but it hasn’t stopped him from finding the back of the net on two occasions.

Games played

14

Goals scored

6

Shots on target

1.1

Shot on target accuracy

38%

Aerials won

2.5

Goals scored per 90

0.65

Touches in opposition box

6.7

Fouls won

1.4

His tally of 1.1 shots on target per 90 also highlight his accuracy in attacking areas, with his total of 2.5 aerials won per 90 handing Frank the focal point he’s searching for.

The Serbian currently ranks in the 88th percentile of all players in Italy for goals scored per 90, potentially making him the missing piece in the Dane’s Lilywhites attacking puzzle.

It’s currently unclear how much a deal for Vlahovic would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he would be a perfect addition to the club’s impressive frontline.

Should he match the levels produced by Toney under the Dane’s guidance at Brentford, it would be a stellar move and offer the chance for the club to reach new heights in the near future.

Spurs may have Simons upgrade in the "most underrated talent" in England

Tottenham Hotspur have an exciting academy player who could be an upgrade on Xavi Simons.

ByDan Emery Oct 28, 2025

Bayern Munich's sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed that the club tried to sign Antony in the summer transfer window. The winger earlier revealed that Vincent Kompany personally called him late on deadline night before he chose Real Betis. Now Freund has confirmed that talks did indeed take place, offering clarity on Bayern’s approach, their evaluation of the player, and why the move ultimately remained only a possibility.

Antony’s revelation and Bayern’s confirmation

Antony recently opened up about the final hours of the summer 2025 transfer window, revealing that the Bavarians made a strong push to sign him and that Kompany personally called him to convince him. He described the call as emotional and destabilising but said he ultimately chose to honour his promise to Real Betis for family and personal reasons as he finally departed Manchester United.

Freund has now confirmed Antony’s version of events. Speaking to , the Bayern sporting director admitted that the period “wasn’t entirely calm,” acknowledged that Bayern had explored several players, including Antony, and agreed that discussions had indeed taken place.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportInside the deadline-day situation and Freund’s explanation

The summer saga became public only when Antony elaborated on how close he came to switching clubs. He said Bayern entered the race in the last 24 hours, Kompany personally called, and conversations were advanced enough to make him rethink what he had already agreed with Real Betis. But despite the prestige of Bayern and Kompany’s respectful approach, Antony insisted that breaking his word to Betis “was never an option.” Having thrived at the Spanish club during his loan period there earlier this year, his family felt settled in Seville, his son was thriving, and he viewed Betis as a place “of happiness and peace.”

Freund’s comments provide Bayern’s complete perspective. “This period wasn’t entirely calm. A lot happened. We looked into several players, Antony was among them. There was also a discussion, but that’s in the past. We’re very happy with how the squad is currently set up. In the end, we came out of it well and are satisfied,” Freund said.

Antony’s revival at Betis and rise as a key performer

Antony’s loan move to Betis from United in early 2025 marked a turning point in his career, laying the foundation for a revival built on consistency, influence and trust. He made an immediate impact-creating goals, dictating attacks and collecting several Man of the Match awards. By the end of that spell, he had produced 14 goal contributions across competitions, a decisive factor in Betis securing Europa League qualification.

His permanent return in September only accelerated his momentum. Across his first full season, Antony registered nine goals and three assists in 24 league games, underlining his evolution from a troubled talent to a reliable match-winner. This season, he has maintained that upward curve with four goals and an assist in eight matches.

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Getty Images SportAntony on adversity and rebuilding at Betis

Antony’s revival at Betis is rooted in everything he endured before arriving in Seville. Speaking about his turbulent spell at Old Trafford, he admitted how difficult those months were. 

“I felt like I was disrespected… more than 40 days in the hotel, training separately,” he said. “I learn from everything I go through and learn that everything is possible when you persist.”

What ultimately brought him back to Betis was happiness, his own and his family’s. Antony stressed that money could never outweigh peace of mind: “Money is important, but happiness is much more… my children and my wife are happy here.” 

He settled in well from the very first minute. In the spring, when he suddenly found himself in goal, he already did very well in important matches. When you see him with the team and the goalkeeping staff, you can tell that he's integrated really well. He wants to learn and improve. Jonas is already at a really good level."

He will be aiming to increase his tally even further when Betis face Girona on Sunday.