Category Uncategorized

In a season where no teams are on pace to finish with 100 wins, the playoff picture feels quite muddled considering there are just 11 days left in the regular season.

That's especially true in the American League, as none of the three division titles have been clinched yet and the three wild-card spots are still up for grabs. We've witnessed Aaron Judge steer the New York Yankees to the top of the AL East once again, the Seattle Mariners fumble away a big lead to their AL West bullies in the Houston Astros, and the Cleveland Guardians pull away in the AL Central under the leadership of new manager Stephen Vogt.

There will be a new team representing the American League in the World Series this year, as the defending champion Texas Rangers are all but officially eliminated from playoff contention. So, what could prevent each contender from emerging from the AL bracket? Let's dive into each contender's biggest weakness.

New York Yankees

Current playoff spot: AL East leader
Biggest weakness: Bullpen

The Yankees' high-leverage bullpen arms have been a big concern all season. Former closer Clay Holmes was demoted from his ninth-inning role earlier this month and has blown a league-high 11 saves—including two since his transition to a setup role.

Luke Weaver, Tommy Kahnle, Ian Hamilton and Marcus Stroman have combined for five saves since Holmes's demotion, but the Yankees don't really have a go-to reliever to set the table for whoever gets the ninth inning. And they certainly can't trust Holmes at this point.

Cleveland Guardians

Current playoff spot: AL Central leader
Biggest weakness: Starting rotation

The Guardians arguably boast the best bullpen in all of baseball thanks to another dominant season from All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, but the guys trying to get the game to the arm barn leave much to be desired. Cleveland's rotation ranks 24th in ERA (4.49) and 23rd in WHIP (1.32) this season, having scuffled amid injuries, poor performances, or both, from Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Logan Allen and Carlos Carrasco.

Tanner Bibee should start the first game of a playoff series, but after that? Veterans Matthew Boyd and Alex Cobb, who last pitched on Sept. 1 and is still dealing with a right hand blister, have combined for 10 starts for Cleveland and yet are probably the best options.

Houston Astros

Current playoff spot: AL West leader
Biggest weakness: The Justin Verlander situation

Remember in May when everyone thought the Astros' dynasty was over? Houston is playing its best baseball at the right time, much to the chagrin of the rival Mariners.

The Astros are still a team nobody wants to face in the playoffs and could easily make their eighth straight ALCS appearance this fall. But a big question lingering in Houston is around three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. Is there a spot for him in the playoff rotation?

Framber Valdez should start the opening game of any playoff series, and Hunter Brown has been fantastic since the All-Star break (2.33 ERA). The Astros also have won all eight games Yusei Kikuchi has pitched since he was acquired from Toronto at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, Verlander owns a 5.20 ERA in 15 starts this season and hasn't posted a single quality start since May.

Does first-year Astros manager Joe Espada roll with the hot hands in his rotation? Or does he give the ball to a future Hall of Famer and two-time World Series champion who consistently shows up in the spotlight?

Baltimore Orioles

Current playoff spot: First AL wild card
Biggest weakness: Slumping offense

An old baseball adage rings true for Baltimore: It's not who you play, it's when you play them. And right now, anyone playing the Orioles is having a pretty good time.

The O's have lost seven of their last 10 games and have failed to score more than three runs in all seven losses. Over the last 30 days, Baltimore ranks 29th in batting average (.204) and 28th in OPS (.624). The club's young, exciting core has struggled of late, as Adley Rutschman owns a .190/.289/.250 slash line over the last month and Jackson Holliday hasn't exactly secured himself a spot on the playoff roster.

Kansas City Royals

Current playoff spot: Second AL wild card
Biggest weakness: Bullpen

Bobby Witt Jr. is a problem. And he'll be a problem for whoever the Royals face in the wild-card round. But the bullpen is a problem for those employed at 1 Royal Way in Kansas City.

The Royals' relievers rank 23rd in ERA (4.42) and 25th in WHIP (1.38) this season. Trade-deadline acquisition Lucas Erceg has been mostly steady since being promoted to the ninth-inning role, converting eight of 10 save opportunities, but former closer James McArthur is the latest reliever to hit the injured list, following veterans Hunter Harvey, Will Smith and Chris Stratton. Manager Matt Quatraro is running out of reliable options to work with in the late innings.

Minnesota Twins

Current playoff spot: Tied for third AL wild card
Biggest weakness: Starting pitching

The Twins' ownership followed up its most successful season in two decades last year by significantly slashing payroll—and now the club is paying for it.

There's really no trustworthy option in the rotation behind ace Pablo Lopez. Joe Ryan is out for the season, Bailey Ober has been inconsistent after a fantastic start to the year, and the Twins' trio of youngsters—David Festa, Simeon Woods Richardson and Zebby Matthews—are so hot and cold it's tough to predict which one they'll call upon for a Game 3 start.

The bullpen hasn't been good, either, over Minnesota's current 10–19 slump since Aug. 18. Add that to lingering injuries for stars Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa, and a lot has to go right for the Twins to even match last year's playoff success.

Detroit Tigers

Current playoff spot: Tied for third AL wild card
Biggest weakness: Inexperience

To even be on this list in late September is quite the accomplishment for Detroit, which hasn't made the playoffs since 2014 or finished a season over .500 since '16. The Tigers find themselves in the mix after winning the most games (33) in the American League since the All-Star break.

Detroit, however, is a young team—the third-youngest roster in MLB. Just one of their nine regular starting hitters has more than two years of MLB service time, and Matt Vierling represents the most playoff experience among Tigers batters with 15 postseason plate appearances for Philadelphia in 2022.

The Tigers are likely still a year away. But if they surpass the Twins or Royals, the pitching staff—namely, AL Cy Young front-runner Tarik Skubal—could make some noise in the postseason.

Seattle Mariners

Current playoff spot: 2.5 GB of third AL wild card
Biggest weakness: Offense

The Mariners built a World Series-caliber rotation, as Luis Castillo, George Kirby and Logan Gilbert are about as good as it gets for a trio of starters. Unfortunately, their offense isn’t of the same pedigree.

Entering Thursday's game, the Mariners rank dead last in baseball in batting average (.221) and 25th in slugging percentage (.373). Julio Rodriguez, a preseason favorite to take home the AL MVP, is finally finding his swing in September, batting .310 with seven extra-base hits in 16 games. But will it be enough?

Table-topping form continues with successful chase of 189 at Chester-le-Street

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Jun-2025England’s Tammy Beaumont hit a magnificent 81 to lead The Blaze to a seven-wicket win over Durham in the Vitality Blast despite the best efforts of Suzie Bates.Durham were put into bat and lost an early wicket during their innings but Bates (77), who was well supported by Bess Heath (45), inspired them to 188 for 5, their highest T20 total.The chase of 189 got off to a bad start for The Blaze but the returning Beaumont, who combined with Kathryn Bryce (39) for a second-wicket partnership worth 118, supercharged the innings with a dominant performance and the visitors notched up the fourth win of their T20 campaign.The Blaze put Durham in to bat at a sun-soaked Banks Homes Riverside and got off to a good start as Cassidy McCarthy removed Leah Dobson for 6, with the opener caught on the leg-side boundary.Bates started well, showing plenty of aggression and she played a lovely shot on the off side for four off the bowling of McCarthy. The former New Zealand captain then hit Kirstie Gordon for three fours in her first over.The hosts reached 50 in the powerplay and Mady Villiers played a lovely shot, lofting a Kathryn Bryce ball to the boundary. Villiers continued to motor as she swept a Gordon ball to the fence, but she didn’t last much longer with Sarah Glenn getting her for 36 after she went for one hit too many and was caught on the leg-side boundary.Glenn struck again for The Blaze, bowling Durham skipper Hollie Armitage for 8, but Bates reached her half-century off 37 balls soon after.Bates then took a liking to the bowling of Georgia Elwiss as she hit her for back-to-back boundaries and Heath followed that up with two fours of her own. The Blaze pulled it back for a period, but Bates heaved a Kathryn Bryce ball to the legside boundary for four and Heath followed that up with an inventive scoop.Heath’s swashbuckling knock came to an end for 45, with Kathryn Bryce getting her and Bates fell for 77 two balls later.The Blaze’s chase of 189 got off to the worst possible start as Marie Kelly cut a Lauren Filer delivery straight to Sophia Turner at deep backward point, who produced a great catch. However, England opener Beaumont started well as she played a delightful shot through the on side for four.She backed that up with one that she whipped off her legs for four and she continued to motor as her side went to 50 in the powerplay.Beaumont then hit her first maximum of the innings as she heaved a Katherine Fraser delivery down the ground and she followed that up with a second, smashing a Katie Levick delivery over the long-off boundary which got her to fifty off 31 balls.Kathryn Bryce then joined in as she smashed a Villiers ball over the ropes and The Blaze went past three figures.Durham struck back with two huge wickets as Phoebe Turner bowled Kathryn Bryce for a well-made 39 and Beaumont followed soon after as Levick got her for 81.Elwiss and Heather Graham joined forces in the middle and Graham hit three consecutive boundaries from Villiers to relieve some pressure. Elwiss then launched a Sophia Turner ball for six down the ground and along with Graham she guided the visitors home with one over to spare.

Richard Thompson will continue in his role as ECB chair until 2028 after being unanimously reappointed by the board’s independent directors.Thompson was initially made chair in 2022 on a five-year term. However, earlier this year, ECB members voted to revise the board’s articles of association, changing the term served by the chair to three years, with a maximum of two terms.The ECB’s independent directors have now opted for early confirmation of a second term for Thompson, which will run through to September 2028, to provide stability for the English game while the ECB continues the process of selling stakes in the Hundred, as well as preparing to host a Women’s T20 World Cup next year.”Richard is respected throughout the game. The board and the wider game is fully supportive of his agenda to become the most inclusive team sport, grow and unite the game, and to lead cricket through a period of global transformation,” Katie Bickerstaffe, the ECB’s senior independent director who led the reappointment process, said.Thompson, a former chair of Surrey, has been prominent alongside ECB chief executive, Richard Gould, in the sale of equity in the Hundred, which is expected to raise around £500 million for the game.Thompson said: “I’m honoured to be able to continue serving the game I care so passionately about. Whether it’s growing participation and breaking down barriers or supporting our professional game and England teams, I’ll continue to work closely with our stakeholders to deliver a game that truly reflects and inspires our communities.”I’m grateful to the board for their confidence and to everyone across the cricketing family for their continued support.”

Tottenham added much-needed quality to their squad in certain areas, but there are a few key targets that Spurs’ recruitment team missed out on.

Lilywhites boss Thomas Frank was backed by the arrivals of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani before Monday’s 7pm deadline, but partly due to complications with their locally trained quota, some were forced to miss out on their 22-man Champions League squad for the league phase.

Villarreal (home)

September 16

Bodo/Glimt (away)

September 30

Monaco (away)

October 22

FC Copenhagen (home)

November 4

PSG (away)

November 26

Slavia Prague (home)

December 9

Borussia Dortmund (home)

January 20

Eintracht Frankfurt (away)

January 28

Both Tel and Takai won’t be playing Champions League football for Spurs this season, at least until they’re allowed to amend their selections past the league phase, if Frank’s side do indeed make it that far.

Nevertheless, whilst Tel and Takai will feel hard done by as absentees from Europe, both men are likely to play a key role in the Premier League.

A high-ranking recruitment team of chairman Daniel Levy — who’s now resigned after a shock announcement — CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, technical director Johan Lange and unofficial advisor Fabio Paratici eventually managed to navigate what was a notoriously tricky window, with plenty of bumps along the way.

Tottenham were involved in two of the most dramatic transfer soap operas of the summer, and ultimately felt a devastating effect from both of them.

Morgan Gibbs-White was on the verge of joining Spurs for around £60 million before Nottingham Forest blocked the deal, threatened legal action and convinced the 25-year-old to sign a club-record contract – humiliating Levy in the process – while Arsenal sensationally hijacked their rivals for Eberechi Eze at the eleventh hour in very public fashion.

Eventually, Frank got his hands on a much-needed playmaker to replace the injured James Maddison by signing Simons from RB Leipzig for £52 million – mounting a hijack of their own on Chelsea and restoring some pride.

In the final hours of the window, Tottenham also sealed an “un-Spurs-like” straight loan deal for PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani, perhaps in reaction to Dominic Solanke’s latest injury, but it is worth nothing that the Frenchman can also play out wide.

In terms of their other transfer pursuits, Spurs were targeting a left-winger and centre-back in the final weeks of the window (Sky Sports), but to no avail.

Manuel Akanji, before his move from Man City to Inter Milan, and Brentford captain Nathan Collins were among the names linked with moves to N17 before the deadline, but neither came through the door.

The same can be said for Akanji’s former teammate, Nathan Ake.

Tottenham plan Nathan Ake talks in January after Thomas Frank request

Tottenham reportedly held discussions over a late summer swoop for Ake, but the £160,000-per-week centre-back ultimately stayed at Eastlands despite his struggle for game time ahead of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Josko Gvardiol.

Now, as per CaughtOffside, it is believed that Spurs are planning to reopen talks for Ake in January, as Frank wants to add more experience to his squad.

Their interest in the Netherlands international stems from wanting an alternative to Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie on the left, with Ake versatile enough and capable of playing both roles.

City value Ake at a minimum £15 million with just two years left on his contract, which could be seen as great value for a prestigious player who Virgil van Dijk called “underrated”.

Ake also played an under the radar role in helping the Sky Blues win their historic 2023 treble, with Pep Guardiola calling him a “proper defender”.

سلطت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية الضوء على تواجد جياني إنفانتينو، رئيس الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، فيفا، في مصر يوم الإثنين لحضور قمة السلام في شرم الشيخ.

واستضافت مصر، برعاية الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي ورئيس الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية دونالد ترامب، قمة شرم الشيخ للسلام، من أجل التوقيع الرسمي على اتفاقية إنهاء الحرب في غزة.

وبدأت الحرب في غزة، من جانب الكيان الصهيوني المعتدي، في 7 أكتوبر 2023 واستمرت لمدة عامين، قبل أن تؤتي الجهود ثمارها والتوصل إلى اتفاق من أجل السلام.

وتواجد العديد من زعماء ورؤوساء الدول العربية والأوروبية في شرم الشيخ، يوم الإثنين، لحضور قمة السلام، ولكن تفاجأ الكثيرون بتواجد إنفانتينو، رئيس فيفا، مما أثار التساؤلات حول سبب حضوره.

وتحدثت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية عن الأمر، حيث ذكرت أن إنفانتينو انخرط بشكل متزايد في الصراع بين حماس وإسرائيل، خاصة بعدما بنى صداقة عميقة مع ترامب وأبدى دعمًا مستمرًا للكيان الصهيوني، جعله رافضًا لفكرة إقصائه من البطولات الرياضية.

ودعا إنفانتينو كرة القدم، الأسبوع الماضي، لدعم جهود السلام في الشرق الأوسط قبل مباراتين للمنتخب الإسرائيلي في تصفيات كأس العالم، في الوقت الذي اتفقت فيه إسرائيل وحماس على وقف إطلاق النار.

وقال إنفانتينو للصحفيين في الجمعية العامة لأندية كرة القدم الأوروبية، في روما الأسبوع الماضي: “الآن هناك وقف لإطلاق النار، يجب أن يكون الجميع سعداء بذلك، يجب على الجميع دعم هذه العملية، أولئك الذين تقع على عاتقهم مسؤولية التوسط واتخاذ هذه الخطوات، قد فعلوا ذلك، والآن ينبغي على الجميع دعم ذلك، الأمر يشمل كرة القدم كذلك”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. الرئيس السيسي يستقبل إنفانتينو على هامش “قمة شرم الشيخ”

كما دعا رئيس فيفا أيضًا إلى منح ترامب جائزة نوبل للسلام بعد توقف الحرب في غزة مؤقتًا بسبب اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار الذي توسطت فيه الولايات المتحدة.

واستغل إنفانتينو كلمته الافتتاحية في الجمعية العامة المذكورة لتسليط الضوء على أهمية إنهاء الحرب وأشاد بدور ترامب، الذي تربطه به علاقة وطيدة، وذلك قبل استضافة الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية لكأس العالم العام المقبل.

كما كتب إنفانتينو على إنستجرام قبل أيام: “تهانينا للولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والرئيس دونالد ترامب، وقطر، ومصر، وتركيا وجميع الدول التي تعاونت لإتمام وقف إطلاق النار والاتفاق على المرحلة الأولى من عملية السلام في الشرق الأوسط”.

وشدد: “السلام خبر سار ويمنح أملًا جديدًا للجميع، يجب على الجميع في جميع أنحاء العالم الآن دعم عملية السلام هذه بشكل كامل، يستحق ترامب جائزة نوبل للسلام عن جدارة تقديرًا لقراراته الحاسمة”.

وأكد: “كان الاتحاد بالفعل محورًا رئيسيًا للمناقشات في الجمعية العامة لأندية كرة القدم الأوروبية، ورغم أنها لا ترتبط ارتباطًا مباشرًا بلعبة كرة القدم، إلا أنني بدأت كلمتي بالتعبير عن مدى سعادتي بسماع هذه الأخبار المشجعة في الشرق الأوسط”.

Tottenham Hotspur are now pushing hard to finalise a deal for a “mind-boggling” rival, with talks recently being accelerated.

Spurs remain keen on another attacker after Simons

After missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze in disappointing fashion, Tottenham managed to get one over on Chelsea by completing a deal for Xavi Simons earlier this week.

Simons arrives at N17 with a good reputation, having performed very well for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga across the two seasons, and at just 22-years-old, he could be Thomas Frank’s number 10 for many years to come.

Season

Bundesliga appearances

Goal contributions

2023-24

32

21

2024-25

25

17

However, the Dutchman is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, and with James Maddison set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an ACL injury, Frank appears to be keen to bring in one more attacking midfielder before the transfer deadline.

According to a report from The Boy Hotspur, Tottenham have now made a decisive move to sign West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta, having accelerated talks in recent days, but the operation could be costly, with the Hammers looking to receive £50m – £60m.

Spurs are undeterred, however, and they are now pushing hard to finalise a deal, but there could be competition for Paqueta’s signature, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Crystal Palace also known to hold an interest.

Tottenham make highest bid for 71-cap star who's scored at the World Cup

Spurs are in talks for him right now.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 30, 2025

There is confidence the Brazilian could be a statement signing for the north Londoners, having been cleared of betting allegations and rediscovered strong form, but it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, with West Ham reluctant to lose another key player to their rivals.

"Mind-boggling" Paqueta would be exciting addition for Spurs

Former teammate Declan Rice lauded the Brazil international not long after his arrival at the London Stadium, saying: “I think now you’re seeing the real Lucas. Some of the stuff he does, even in training, it’s just mind-boggling how good he is.”

A drop-off in form coincided with betting allegations, with the 28-year-old chipping in with just four goal contributions in the Premier League last season, but he has made a strong start to the new campaign, having scored two goals in three matches in all competitions.

It was absolutely vital that Tottenham got a new attacking midfielder through the door, having lost Maddison to injury, while Son Heung-min has signed for LAFC, and Paqueta has proven what it takes to perform in the Premier League.

However, having now signed Simons, it would perhaps make more sense to focus on bringing in a new winger as a direct replacement for Son, and Manchester City ace Savinho remains keen on a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Scorchers needed to chase 162 in 18 overs to leapfrog Renegades and they did it relatively easy at the end

Tristan Lavalette18-Jan-2025

Cooper Connolly smashed an unbeaten 39 off 21•Getty Images

Before he departs for his first Test tour, Cooper Connolly stepped up under pressure as Perth Scorchers’ unlikely bid for finals remained alive after a tense victory over Adelaide Strikers.The finals hopes of both teams were remarkably revived after Melbourne Renegades’ improbable victory earlier over Brisbane Heat. Scorchers needed to chase 162 in 18 overs to leapfrog Renegades and they did it relatively easy at the end with Connolly slamming consecutive sixes to finish the job in the 17th over.In front of 41, 878 at Optus Stadium, Connolly rose to the occasion once again and finished unbeaten with 39 from 21 balls to end Strikers – and Renegades – season.But Melbourne Stars can leapfrog Scorchers and claim fourth spot if they beat Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL season-finale at the MCG on Sunday.Connolly guides Scorchers over the lineFinn Allen has been boom or bust this BBL season. He was Scorchers’ x-factor and the fans hoped he could replicate Jake Fraser-McGurk’s earlier fireworks.After a couple of early boundaries, it was an anti-climax with Allen hitting to midwicket before Aaron Hardie and Sam Fanning combined to get Scorchers back on track.Hardie has been out of form with a top-score of 34 this season, but looked in a determined mood and started with a boundary. He stroked another down the ground and whacked a short delivery into the crowd.But the match turned in the eighth over when Fanning was run out after a horrible mix up before Hardie moments later was stumped after failing to connect a flighted delivery from legspinner Lloyd Pope.Connolly, however, was composed as he kept Scorchers on pace. The nerve-jangling chase had shades of the classic BBL 12 final and, fittingly, he stepped up under pressure again.He slammed consecutive sixes off D’Arcy Short to guide Scorchers to a memorable victory that has, for now, kept their season alive.Strikers lack penetrationStrikers needed to win by at least 15 runs to keep their finals hopes alive. But they were always up against it and will rue a couple of pivotal moments. Connolly, on 6, was adjudged lbw to Pope, but it was overturned after ball-tracking had it pitching outside the line.Turner was dropped on 9 by Brendan Doggett, who ran in from long off only to grass a regulation catch.Needing wickets, D’Arcy Short was given the ball when the power surge was taken in the 13th over. It was a gamble by captain Matt Short and it looked to backfire when Turner slammed a six down the ground but fell two balls later attempting to repeat the dose.But Strikers’ lack of firepower with the ball was evident as their season came to an end.Beardman steps up in his second BBL matchAfter a disastrous defeat to Thunder in Sydney, where they were routed for 97, Scorchers’ season looked done. They looked ashen-faced returning home amid rumblings that numerous veterans were on the outer and set to leave the club at season’s end.Mahli Beardman starred with three wickets•CA/Getty Images

Their final home game, with a bumper crowd tipped for weeks, appeared likely to be a dead-rubber. But, remarkably, four results went their way and Scorchers were still alive.After Scorchers elected to bowl, spearheads Lance Morris and Jason Behrendorff – who have gone off the boil in recent games – were pumped up but perhaps overeager.Normally so reliable in the powerplay, they sprayed the new ball and were rattled by the ultra-aggressiveness of Matt Short and Alex Carey.But Scorchers were able to take regular wickets as Connolly, in his last match before he departs for the Sri Lanka tour, dismissed Short for 40 with a fuller and quicker delivery.It was 19-year-old Mahli Beardman who stole the show in his second BBL game. He has been preferred over experienced quicks Andrew Tye and Matt Kelly, as Scorchers start transitioning their list, and he justified the faith with three wickets.Beardman made a name for himself at last year’s Under-19 World Cup with rapid bowling and he showcased his innate fire with speeds hitting 140 kph.He claimed his first BBL wicket after knocking over the leg stump of Alex Ross, whose attempted ramp went horribly wrong. Beardman then bowled a sizzling short delivery first ball to Harry Manenti before dismissing him shortly after. He added the wicket of D’Arcy Short to cap Scorchers’ comeback.In good signs for the Australian national team, Hardie – who is in the Champions Trophy squad – bowled for the first time this BBL. He finished with 0 for 14 off two overs.Hardie had not bowled since taking a three-wicket haul against Pakistan in a T20I in November as he ramps up his bowling loads. He had played as a specialist batter having recovered from a nagging quad injury.Liam Scott’s brisk fifty lifted Adelaide Strikers to 161•Getty Images

Scott has breakout as Strikers go extra hardWith Renegades having lifted their net run rate, Strikers decided to go all out attack in good batting conditions. Alex Carey, promoted to open, went for broke and decided to hit hard. It was an effective strategy as he started his flurry by whacking Behrendorff down the ground for six before enjoying the extra pace of Morris.He raced to 22 off 6 before being late on a rampant Morris delivery and hitting straight to third man. Short continued to put the foot on the gas as Strikers pummelled 56 in the powerplay, with Morris conceding 37 of the runs.But the risky approach proved the downfall for numerous batters as Strikers were pegged back in the middle overs. It was left to 24-year-old Liam Scott to lift Strikers in the second half of the innings and he rose to the occasion with a maiden BBL half-century.He continued Morris’ hapless night with a couple of mighty blows into the crowd before his 43-ball 67 ended in the 17th over.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney revealed how a makeover from his wife Coleen, left him embarrassed on his first England call-up. Rooney, who made his senior professional debut with Everton in 2002, earned his maiden national team call-up a year later. He appeared for the Three Lions for the first time in February 2003 against Australia in a friendly.

Rooney revealed how Coleen embarrassed himPainted his toenails before maiden England call-upRooney was left "fuming"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Rooney, who was still dating his childhood sweetheart Coleen back in 2003, visited her parents' house the night before he would join the England national team for the first time. The United icon remembered Coleen pulling off a prank on him as she painted his toenails, while Rooney was asleep.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 39-year-old further revealed that he was completely oblivious to his new makeover when he linked up with the England team. It was only when he went for a massage that he came to know about his painted toenails, which left him "raging" and "fuming". 

WHAT ROONEY SAID

Speaking on his , Rooney said: "It was mad really, we went out to train and David Moyes came out and said, 'You've been called up by England.' I thought it was the U-21s because I'd done one training camp with the 21s. He went, 'Oh no, with the first team.' So I was surprised. I was obviously delighted. So the night before, I was in Coleen’s mum and dad’s house … and I fell asleep on the couch the night before, and Coleen painted me toenails while I was asleep, and I had no idea! It was like a – I don’t know what colour it was – like a see-through glossy type thing. If you really look close, obviously, you could see it.

"So, I got to England and then you get on with the physios and massages and stuff. I went to one of the masseurs and he said: ‘Have you painted your toenails?’ I was raging, I was fuming then."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

Thomas Tuchel's England kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Andorra on Saturday. They will next face Serbia on Tuesday.

Rohit and Kohli faced net bowlers on spin-friendly surfaces as India begin their run of ten Tests with two against Bangladesh next week

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Sep-20242:57

Takeaways: No Shami, Sarfaraz gets retained

India’s preparation for the long Test season ahead began on Friday with some new faces saying hello and some old ones saying, miss me? Virat Kohli is back on the red-ball grind for the first time in nearly nine months. Rishabh Pant looks ready to pick up where his Test career left off two years ago. And Gautam Gambhir was there overseeing it all as the team gears up to face Bangladesh (two Tests in September), New Zealand (three Tests in October) and Australia (five Tests in November-January).India’s Test squad arrived in Chennai on Thursday and took to training in batches. The captain Rohit Sharma addressed them in a huddle and was one of the first to get out there and take a hit. He was joined by Kohli as the two of them faced a series of net bowlers on specially prepared pitches at either end of the square in the MA Chidambaram Stadium.Related

Morkel's goal as India's bowling coach – 'To protect the set-up that operates by itself'

Left-arm Yash Dayal is on the right track to Australia

WTC scenarios: England's chances take a hit; Sri Lanka, Bangladesh still in contention

Pant, Rahul return to Test cricket with Bangladesh series; maiden call-up for Dayal

WTC 2023-25 final to be played from June 11 at Lord's

One had a black-soil base, with so many footmarks around the full and good length area that it almost looked scorched. The other had a red-soil base and it bore marks of selective watering; the short and good length area was pristine but everything fuller than that was roughed up. The centre wicket, though, was cordoned off and it seemed to contain a fair bit of grass. In previous years, India have tried to simulate fast-bowler friendly conditions in home Test matches to prepare for significant away tours.Rohit and Kohli worked alongside their top-order team-mates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who will be coming into the new season with plenty of confidence after coming-of-age performances against England earlier this year. All four of them alternated between the two nets and were fed a diet rich in left-arm spin. Tamil Nadu’s Ajith Ram and M Siddharth kept wheeling away in an attempt to mirror threat that Shakib Al Hasan will pose in the coming weeks. Varun Chakravarthy was there too, and so was Himanshu Singh, a 21-year-old offspinner from Mumbai who seems to have borrowed R Ashwin’s bowling action.