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

Tristan Lavalette18-Jan-2025

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 are now preparing a £130m double swoop for a “world-class” goalkeeper and a “generational” midfielder, according to a report.

Man Utd ramping up pursuit of new goalkeeper and midfielder

Ruben Amorim made it clear he was happy with his side’s performance in their opening Premier League match, despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at home against Arsenal, with the manager saying: “I am proud of the players. I said so many times that the players need to adapt. Intensity, the way they are sprinting. They fought for every duel. They were so brave playing one against one. They were really brave, and I am happy with that.”

However, the difference between the two sides was Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half goal, which came from a Declan Rice corner that Altay Bayindir dealt with poorly, according to both Roy Keane and Micah Richards.

With Andre Onana also suffering widespread criticism since his arrival at Old Trafford, it is little wonder that Amorim is now looking to bring in a new goalkeeper, alongside a midfielder, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba known to be well-liked.

However, the Red Devils have halted their pursuit of Baleba, and they have now moved on to an alternative target, according to a report from Spain, which suggests chiefs are prepared to spend big on a midfielder and goalkeeper.

The report states Man United are now willing to shell out a combined €150m (£130m) to get deals for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton over the line.

The addition of Wharton would ideally provide Bruno Fernandes with more attacking freedom, while signing a new goalkeeper is deemed a top priority for Amorim, following Bayindir’s costly error against the Gunners on Sunday.

Wharton and Donnarumma could be statement signings for Man Utd

Despite being unable to pick up a positive result in the opener against Arsenal, there were some positive signs for Man United, with new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha looking particularly lively.

However, United’s goalkeeper ultimately cost them once again, underlining how vital it is to bring in a replacement before the deadline, and Donnarumma could be a real upgrade, having been lauded as “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti in the past.

The 26-year-old is proven at the top level, having featured 15 times for PSG en-route to their Champions League final triumph last season, and he should undoubtedly be United’s priority target.

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While Wharton is yet to play in Europe’s elite competition, the Englishman is Premier League proven, much like previous arrivals Mbeumo and Cunha, and he clearly has a lot of potential, having been lauded as a “generational talent” by members of the media.

Having packed his career with highlights, he exits as a white-ball great for New Zealand

Deivarayan Muthu08-Jan-2025Martin Guptill has officially confirmed his retirement from international cricket, having last played for New Zealand in October 2022. Guptill, 38, will continue to feature in T20 leagues around the world.Guptill is currently in action for Auckland in the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition, and has also signed up for the PSL draft, where Islamabad United have the option to retain him.Guptill leaves the international stage as a white-ball great for New Zealand, having racked up 7346 runs in 198 ODIs – only Ross Taylor (8607) and Stephen Fleming (8007) have scored more in the format for the Black Caps. In T20I cricket, he is still New Zealand’s highest run-getter, with 3531 in 122 games at an average of 31.81 and strike rate of 135.70.Related

'Thank You Gup' day in Auckland on January 4 to celebrate Guptill's career

Guptill also played 47 Tests from 2009 to 2016, though he didn’t have as much success in the longest format, scoring 2586 runs at 29.38.”As a young kid it was always my dream to play for New Zealand and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country,” Guptill said in an NZC statement. “I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys.”I want to say a huge thanks to all my team-mates and coaching staff over the years, in particular Mark O’Donnell who has coached me since the Under-19 level and been a source of ongoing support and wisdom over my career.”To my wife Laura and our beautiful children Harley and Teddy – thank you. Thank you Laura for the sacrifices you have made for me and our family. You’ve been my biggest supporter, my rock and my counsel through all of the ups and downs that come with the game. I am eternally grateful.”Finally, I’d like to thank all the cricket fans, here in NZ and around the world for all their support throughout the years.”ESPNcricinfo LtdGuptill had made an immediate impact on his ODI debut in January 2009, when he clattered 122 not out off 135 balls against West Indies in Auckland. Six years later in the 2015 ODI World Cup quarter-finals at home, Guptill smashed an unbeaten 237 off 163 balls against the same opposition. Only India’s Rohit Sharma has a higher individual score in ODI cricket.Guptill’s explosive hitting at the top during the 2015 ODI World Cup – he scored a chart-topping 547 runs – played a vital role in New Zealand making the final, which they lost to Australia at the MCG.Four years later, Guptill was in the hot seat when New Zealand lost the 2019 ODI World Cup final to England at Lord’s without actually losing it. After having been trapped lbw for 19 off 18 balls in regular time, he returned to bat in the Super Over along with Jimmy Neesham but was run-out off the last ball as England won the title on boundary count.It got to Guptill and his New Zealand team-mates. “Neesham batted very well, and for Guppy to be that man in the situation – I’d have backed him every day of the week,” Taylor told the while recounting that nerve-wracking finish. “But, you know, Archer bowled very well and Roy did a good throw to Buttler. But at the same time, disappointed as a team, and disappointed for my team-mates and Guptill. But hopefully he’s still proud of what he did in getting us there and doesn’t put too much pressure on himself for that.”Though Guptill wasn’t at his best with the bat in the 2019 ODI World Cup, he certainly was at his best in the field in the rain-hit semi-final against India. He launched a rocket direct hit after running in from deep square leg to catch MS Dhoni just short. That run-out helped New Zealand make their second successive ODI World Cup final. Earlier in the tournament, in a league fixture against Australia, he had taken a blinder at leg gully to send back Steven Smith.Guptill was then part of the New Zealand team that had progressed to the T20 World Cup final in Dubai in 2021. Guptill was also part of the T20 World Cup squad in Australia in 2022 but did not get to play as Finn Allen was preferred over him.In November 2022, Guptill gave up his New Zealand central contract to become a freelancer. Since then, he has played in Australia’s Big Bash League, the Pakistan Super League, the Caribbean Premier League, the UAE’s ILT20 and the Nepal Premier League.When ‘Thank You Gup’ day was celebrated in Auckland in January last year, with the Eden Park Outer Oval turning into the ‘Martin Guptill Oval’ for a Super Smash testimonial game, it felt like Guptill’s retirement party.But he returned for the 2024-25 Super Smash, starting the season with scores of 31 off 23 balls and 60 off 35 balls for Auckland. Tom Latham, who witnessed Guptill’s most recent fifty from behind the stumps for Canterbury and has also opened the batting with him for New Zealand, paid tribute to the departing hero.”On his day, Gup was world-class and his crisp ball-striking and timing could take down the best bowling attacks in the world,” Latham said. “His numbers speak for themselves, but it was the matches he helped us win that I’ll remember, along with the way he set the standard in the field. I wish him all the best for what the future holds and hope to see him around a cricket ground soon.”Guptill’s glittering Black Caps career will be acknowledged during the team’s third ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Park on January 11.

Leeds United have less than two weeks to prepare for their opening game of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign against Everton at Elland Road.

It will be the club’s first top-flight match in more than two years, since their 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in West Yorkshire under the management of Sam Allardyce at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Daniel Farke will now be hoping to be more Marcelo Bielsa than Sam Allardyce or Javi Gracia, as the German head coach attempts to guide the team to safety.

The Whites boss will want more options to pick from at the top end of the pitch, though, as Lukas Nmecha is currently the only attacking player who has been added to the squad during the summer transfer window.

As you can see in the quotes above, Farke has made it clear that the club need to bring in more attackers, including a replacement for Manor Solomon.

The Championship champions should also be on the lookout for a marquee number nine addition, as it remains to be seen whether or not Joel Piroe has what it takes to make the step up.

Leeds have doubts over Joel Piroe's Premier League ability

Back in May, Football Insider reported that Leeds would not build their Premier League attack around the Dutchman, because they have doubts over his suitability for the top-flight.

The outlet stated that the Whites were not planning for the former Swansea marksman to be their first-choice number nine for the 2025/26 campaign, because of their doubts.

This may seem like an odd stance for the club to take after Piroe won the Golden Boot with 19 goals in the Championship for Leeds last season, but it is one that makes sense.

The Whites won the league with 100 points and were utterly dominant in the second tier, which meant that they were able to carry a striker like Piroe, who does not offer much to the team from a physical perspective.

In the Premier League, however, his lack of mobility and strength could cause problems as a starting number nine, as Leeds will be fighting against relegation rather than dominating matches.

As you can see in the table above, Piroe was far too weak in duels with opposition players and ranked incredibly lowly among his positional peers in a host of physical metrics.

Leeds pushing to sign Serie A striker

Piroe’s lack of physicality, in terms of both speed and strength, may be why the Championship champions are reportedly eyeing up a new centre-forward.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Leeds United are “pushing” to complete a deal to sign Montenegro international Nikola Krstovic from Italian side Lecce.

The reporter claims that the 25-year-old marksman has been given the “green light” to pursue a move away from the Serie A outfit this summer, which has opened the door to a potential transfer to Elland Road.

Vidal adds that the former Red Star Belgrade marksman is “high” on Farke’s wishlist of attacking reinforcements, with the club now pushing to get a deal done for the striker.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that Lecce value the centre-forward at a fee of around £26m, although it remains to be seen how much Leeds are willing to pay for his services.

Why Leeds should sign Nikola Krstovic

The Whites should sign the Serie A number nine because he would come in as a big upgrade on Joel Piroe for Farke ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser against Everton.

Unlike the current Leeds forward, Krstovic has already proven his quality in one of Europe’s major leagues with his performances for Lecce over the past two seasons, proving that he can score goals at an impressive rate.

The £26m-rated striker scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 37 appearances in the Serie A during the 2024/25 campaign, which is a very respectable return for a player in a team that battled relegation, and successfully, it is worth noting.

Krstovic’s contributions at the top end of the pitch helped Lecce to finish 17th in the division, three points above the bottom three, which shows that he can step up and deliver crucial goals to help a team in a relegation battle.

Along with his potential to be an excellent goalscorer for Leeds, having scored 21 goals in the last two seasons, the Serie A star would also come in as a big upgrade on Piroe from a physical perspective.

As you can see in the table above, the Lecce centre-forward ranked above average in most of the physical metrics that Piroe ranked among the worst in the Championship for.

Krstovic, who was hailed as “integral” by former boss Roberto D’Aversa, is a strong number nine who can hold his own in duels, on and off the ball, to provide his team with a strong outlet up front.

This means that he would be far more useful to Farke as a starter in the Premier League, as Leeds are likely to be battling the drop and will need a striker who can provide relief by winning fouls and duels, which is not Piroe’s strong suit.

Therefore, Krstovic could be an ideal signing for the Whites to come in as a proven goalscorer and physical presence in the number ninerole ahead of Piroe.

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Wrexham's non-executive director Shaun Harvey has rubbished reports suggesting that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are considering showing record-breaking head coach Phil Parkinson to the door at SToK Racecourse. Questions have been asked of the Red Dragons' boss, but said speculation has been branded an "absolute disgrace" by a man on the inside.

• History books rewritten in meteoric rise

  Success has become par for the course in North Wales on the back of three successive promotions, with the EFL history books being rewritten. Wrexham have enjoyed a meteoric rise out of the National League and into the Championship.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  Transfer talk: Big money spent in summer window

  Remaining competitive one step away from the Premier League was always going to be tough, with £33 million ($45m) being spent in the summer transfer as the Red Dragons sought to bridge that gap.

• Pressure talk amid links to other big-name coaches

  A slow start to the 2025-26 campaign, which has delivered one win and four points from five second tier fixtures, has seen it suggested by some that Parkinson may be under pressure and fighting to keep his job – with so-called bigger names already being linked with a role that does not need to be filled.

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  Director addresses speculation that lacks substance

  Addressing that gossip, Harvey told the : "It's an absolute disgrace. I think we're all disappointed we've not got more than four points at this moment in time. But to start quoting discussions and meetings that have taken place is the bit that's the disgrace."

  He went on to say: "Phil has everybody at the club's full support. I know before somebody starts writing headlines, 'Harvey gives Parkinson the vote of confidence'. That is not the vote of confidence.

  "What I'm saying is, he's got our full support. You can only give somebody a vote of confidence when you've actually discussed the future. It's not even been on anywhere near an agenda as yet.

  "So, if that day comes, the decision has to be taken. But Phil's our man. We've backed him from the start. We backed him from four years ago. We've had all the success under that regime. Why should we start panicking now?"

Chelsea are currently undergoing a hectic last 13 days of the summer transfer window, as BlueCo attempt to agree a host of incomings and outgoings.

The west Londoners have balanced out their near-£280 million spend on new signings over the last few months with a major influx of cash.

Chelsea’s triumph at the Club World Cup yielded prize money of around £87.5 million, adding to their estimated £80m revenue from qualifying for the Champions League and £220 million raised through player sales.

Cash isn’t the issue when it comes to adding more new signings to Enzo Maresca’s squad before the deadline on September 1, but their pact with UEFA is.

Chelsea must produce a positive transfer balance by the end of the window, or they won’t be able to register new signings for their Champions League squad. This is part of the settlement Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital reached after Chelsea were found guilty of breaching FFP rules last month.

Simply put, the Blues must sell before they can buy right now. Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Alfie Gilchrist and potentially Tyrique George are all up for grabs from Chelsea, either on loan or permanently.

All the aforementioned players could join Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu out the door.

Their success when it comes to trimming the squad will have a knock-on effect when it comes to Chelsea’s moves for Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

Chelsea have been in talks to sign both Simons and Garnacho over the last fortnight, and the attackers have already agreed personal terms on switches to Stamford Bridge.

However, as Chelsea attempt to get the likes of Jackson and Nkunku out to make space, it appears both men are in limbo right now and waiting to seal their desired moves to London.

Chelsea pledge to make official bid for Xavi Simons soon

Sky Germany have an intriguing update on this, and they reassure supporters that Chelsea’s move for Simons remains very much alive despite the delay.

The 22-year-old, who is Leipzig’s highest-ever paid player on a contract worth £192,000-per-week, has indeed already agreed personal terms to join Maresca’s side – and it is believed that Chelsea have promised to make an official offer to Simons’ club soon.

Sky give a timeframe as to when this transfer could start moving, and they estimate that the dominos will start falling into place after Leipzig’s Bundesliga opener against Bayern Munich on Friday.

The former PSG sensation is expected to play for Leipzig against Vincent Kompany’s German champions, and this could well act as a farewell game for Simons before his potentially imminent move to the Premier League.

It is set to be a very entertaining end to the summer for Chelsea, coming amid Maresca’s serious desire to sign a new centre-back as well, which he’s made public to the media in light of Levi Colwill’s ACL injury.

أعلن الكرواتي كرونسلاف يورتشيتش المدير الفني لفريق بيراميدز، قائمة اللاعبين المختارين لمواجهة الجيش الرواندي، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

واقترب بيراميدز من التأهل إلى دور الـ32 حيث يكفيه الفوز أو التعادل أو الخسارة بفارق هدف من أجل التأهل بعد الفوز بهدفين دون مقابل في كيجالي.

طالع.. موعد وحكام مباراة بيراميدز ونهضة بركان في السوبر الإفريقي

ويلاقي المتأهل من هذه المواجهة فريق التأمين الإثيوبي في دور الـ32 من البطولة، ما يمثّل محطة جديدة على طريق البحث عن مجد إفريقي جديد للفريق المصري.

ويستضيف بيراميدز، الجيش الرواندي غدًا الأحد، ضمن منافسات إياب دور الـ64 من دوري أبطال إفريقيا على ملعب استاد الدفاع الجوي، في الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. قائمة بيراميدز لمباراة الجيش الرواندي

حراسة المرمى: أحمد الشناوي – محمود جاد – شريف إكرامي.

خط الدفاع: علي جبر – كريم حافظ – محمد الشيبي – محمد حمدي – أحمد سامي.

خط الوسط: أحمد توفيق – محمود دونجا – مهند لاشين – عبد الرحمن مجدي – أحمد عاطف قطة – مصطفى زيكو – إيفرتون داسيلفا – محمد رضا بوبو – بلاتي توريه – مصطفى فتحي – وليد الكرتي.

خط الهجوم: دودو الجباس – يوسف أوباما – فيستون ماييلي – مروان حمدي.

Southampton have now opened talks over a deal for a £12m Championship star, who could be brought in as a replacement for Mateus Fernandes, according to a report.

Fernandes' future remains up in the air

Unlike some other high-profile players, Fernandes has not downed tools in order to force a move this summer, featuring in the opening two Championship games, even though the Saints’ midfielder has been attracting serious interest from the Premier League.

Indeed, West Ham United have now submitted an offer for the 21-year-old, while there has also been interest from elsewhere, with the likes of Manchester United and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors.

Given that the Hammers’ most recent offer was deemed unacceptable, it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese midfielder moves on this summer, but Will Still’s side have already made a move for a potential replacement.

That is according to a report from The Daily Mail, which states Southampton have now opened talks over a deal for Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz, with an offer worth up to £12m currently under discussion.

The negotiations for Azaz got underway straight after West Ham made an offer for Fernandes, and given that the 24-year-old excels in both attacking and central midfield roles, it seems as though he is being targeted as a direct replacement for the youngster.

However, the need for Still to bring in a new attacker is also exacerbated by the interest in Tyler Dibling, with a number of Premier League clubs still keen on signing the young winger.

Azaz could be exciting replacement for Fernandes

Fernandes has featured in the Saints’ opening three games this season, most notably scoring the winner after starting and finishing a move against Northampton in the EFL Cup.

As such, Still will be disappointed if he loses an important player, but there are signs that Azaz could be a top-quality replacement, having received very high praise from former manager Michael Carrick last season.

Carrick said: “We know his quality, his eye for a pass and for finding spaces to create for others. He’s an intelligent player and he can score goals as well. He did so before he came here and it was one the reasons we bought him. He’s got the whole package really.”

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The Championship star was very impressive from an attacking point of view last term, chipping in with 23 goal contributions in 45 league outings for Boro, which suggests he would be very capable of slotting straight into Still’s promotion-chasing Southampton side.

Losing Fernandes would be tough to take, but it would not be a surprise if the starlet is eager to return to the Premier League, and Azaz could be the ideal replacement.

A cluster of big names joined the playoff stage of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), all arriving from the International League T20 (ILT20) tournament in the UAE after being eliminated in that competition. James Vince, Tim David and Shimron Hetmyer have come from Gulf Giants (GG) while Andre Russell and Jason Holder have arrived after playing for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR).All five were in action at Monday’s BPL eliminator match. David, Russell and Vince turned out for Rangpur Riders while Khulna Tigers have Hetmyer and Holder in their corner.Kyle Mayers is reportedly also returning for Fortune Barishal after his stint with the Abu Dhabi franchise in the ILT20. Mayers had initially played five matches for Barishal, before hopping off to the ILT20 where he played ten matches.Related

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It is a timely boost for the BPL after a plethora of controversies over allegations of corruption and salary payment issues.The inclusion of these T20 A-listers will give the tournament some legitimacy. But the swift player transfer highlights the absurdity of the T20 market where a player gets to play more franchise leagues in the same window if his team is eliminated earlier than others. Vince has played in the Big Bash League, before making it to the ILT20 and now have arrived for the BPL.The injection of big stars created an early problem for Rangpur in the eliminator though. Vince had a mix-up with Soumya Sarkar in the first over of the eliminator, resulting in the latter getting run-out. Vince then fell for just one run, unable to read a two-paced wicket. David and Russell fell for seven and four respectively.The BPL hasn’t had a lot of big names playing this season. Alex Hales and Shaheen Afridi featured for the first couple of weeks while Jason Roy and Reece Topley also appeared for a few matches. In fact, there has been criticism of the large number of lesser-known and former overseas cricketers in the BPL.

Phil Parkinson has explained how Wrexham were able to contain “best in the league” Josh Sargent when taking on Norwich City. The USMNT striker headed into that contest with six goals to his name, but drew a blank against the Red Dragons as the Welsh outfit claimed a notable 3-2 win at Carrow Road – helping to ease some of the pressure that had been building on their boss.

Change in the dugout? Reports quickly rubbished

Those inside the Wrexham camp have been quick to play down any talk of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney considering a change in the dugout, but positive results were required after making a slow start to the 2025-26 campaign.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportContained Sargent to prevail in five-goal thriller

The Red Dragons returned to winning ways in Norfolk, having trailed at half-time, with Sargent’s considerable threat being extinguished. Parkinson said of keeping the United States international quiet: “We were up against probably the best striker in the league today in Josh Sargent. We did a lot of work on him, how we felt we had to deal with him. He’s a dangerous player but our concentration levels were good. There was a lot of fatigue out there eventually, as they tracked his runs, they got tight to him and limited a really good player to very little.”

Wrexham have enjoyed a meteoric rise

Parkinson is pleased to have got another three points on the board, with Wrexham’s record-breaking promotion-winning coach calling for a sense of perspective. He said of competing with the Championship elite: “I wanted the lads to enjoy this game. Four years ago we were down this way and playing King’s Lynn away in front of 800 people. I want people to understand how far we have come.”

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GettyWrexham fixtures: Next up for the Red Dragons

Wrexham have moved onto seven points from six games, with that return leaving them 15th in the table. They are, however, only three adrift of the play-off places and will be back in action on Tuesday when facing Reading in the Carabao Cup third round.