New Zealand A were knocked over for 147 on the opening day in Brisbane

Andrew McGlashan28-Aug-2023Young pace bowler Jordan Buckingham made another good impression for Australia A on the opening day of the first four-day match against New Zealand A in Brisbane. He collected three wickets in a 13-ball rush as the visitors were left in a hole they never really climbed out of.Buckingham’s burst instigated at collapse of 5 for 16 either side of lunch before some lower-order resistance lifted New Zealand A to 147. Legspinner Mitchell Swepson, who may have imagined his chance of a bowl disappearing as the quicks did the early damage, bagged three to wrap up the tail. By the close, Australia A were almost in the lead.Buckingham’s performance followed his career-best haul of 6 for 58, which he took in Lincoln in April when these two sides met in New Zealand.”It was a pretty conducive wicket and an important toss to win,” Buckingham said. “To get the rewards was really nice, especially in that first spell, but think we all bowled really well. Definitely pride myself on consistency. I’m not out-and-out express pace like some guys are blessed with. For me, I try to stay as patient as possible and try and win the mental battle.”This is Buckingham’s 11th first-class match and two of them have already come for Australia A, along with another non-first-class outing for a Cricket Australia XI against South Africa last season.”You are always confident in your own ability and what you can do, but to get the opportunities early in your career is an absolute blessing if you ask me,” he said. “To get exposed to good opposition and such good cricket at such an early age is only going to hold you in good stead for the future.”Caleb Jewell played the innings of the day•Getty ImagesCaleb Jewell led Australia A’s response with a half-century studded with crisply hit boundaries including two fours and a six in the space of four deliveries against Brett Randell.Jacob Duffy, who has clocked up some air miles in the last couple of weeks, flying to the UAE for the T20I series where he did not play and then back to Brisbane, struck twice. He had Tim Ward taken at second slip and removed Nathan McSweeney when he edged a full delivery.Scott Kuggeleijn claimed the other wicket, drawing Cameron Bancroft, who is trying to push his claims for a Test recall, into nibbling away from his body after having beaten him with a superb delivery the ball before.After Australia A captain McSweeney won the toss it was not long before his attack made inroads. Mark Steketee found himself on a hat-trick in his second over when Henry Cooper was caught behind off an inside edge then Nick Kelly nicked to second slip first ball. There was encouragement for the quicks in the air and off the pitch in early-season conditions – it is not officially spring for another three days.However, from there, New Zealand A gave themselves a foundation as Sean Solia and captain Tom Bruce added 59 for the second wicket. But Buckingham put an entirely different complexion on the morning session as he surged in with 3 for 1. He started by nipping one through Solia before finding the edge of Muhammad Abbas with a full delivery, and then getting Josh Clarkson lbw when he missed a swipe across the line.It left New Zealand A in a mess at lunch on 69 for 6 and when Kuggeleijn was caught in the slips shortly after the resumption it appeared they could fall short of three figures.But Randell and Cam Fletcher combined with decent effect in an eighth-wicket stand of 31 before Swepson had Fletcher lofting to mid-off in his opening over, having moments earlier taken a painful blow on the fingers from a drilled straight drive. Swepson wrapped up the innings when Ajaz Patel top-edged a sweep and Duffy missed a googly.

Morkel’s contract ran till the end of the year

Danyal Rasool13-Nov-2023

Morne Morkel had joined the Pakistan set up in June this year•AFP/Getty Images

Morne Morkel has quit as Pakistan’s fast-bowling coach six weeks before his contract was to expire.In a short statement on Monday, the PCB announced that Morkel had resigned after Pakistan formally exited the ODI World Cup, and that a replacement would be announced “in due course”.Morkel was contracted until the end of the year, but it is understood he was expected to reevaluate after the World Cup taking his IPL and SA20 commitments into account. Those commitments made it untenable for him to continue through the Australia tour, with the PCB telling ESPNcricinfo he enjoyed his time in Pakistan cricket and wished it could have continued.Morkel was appointed in June this year as part of a reshuffle of the coaching staff, which saw Mickey Arthur return as team director. Morkel’s first assignment with the team was in Sri Lanka in July for a two-match Test series, which Pakistan won 2-0. It was followed by a clean sweep of Afghanistan in a series of three ODIs, played in Sri Lanka, before a disappointing Asia Cup campaign where Pakistan failed to qualify for the final, with injuries to Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah affecting the fast-bowling department. Naseem was later ruled out of the World Cup as well because of the shoulder injury.Related

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At the World Cup, Pakistan began with two wins but lost steam quickly, losing four consecutive matches for the first time in their World Cup history, and finishing with a limp defeat to England that officially confirmed their exit. They finished fifth for the second consecutive World Cup, winning four games and losing five.The best period with respect to Morkel’s role came during the series against Afghanistan and the early part of the Asia Cup, where he was in charge of three of the best and most in-form fast bowlers in the world. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem and Haris were all at the top of their game, combining to form a formidable three-man attack, memorably showcasing their potential in an ultimately washed-out game against India where they took all ten wickets after ripping through the Indian top order.It was presumed that Morkel, who is now an Australian citizen, might continue for Pakistan’s next assignment – an away tour of Australia for three Test matches in December and January – but that has changed now.

West Ham United are now battling Arsenal and Liverpool for the signing of a “very rare” kind of centre-forward, with Graham Potter already making plans for life after Evan Ferguson returns to Brighton from his loan spell.

West Ham identify Evan Ferguson alternatives for next season

Ferguson’s temporary stint at the London Stadium doesn’t include an option or obligation to buy, so if the Irishman impresses enough from now until the end of this Premier League season, West Ham would need to head back to the negotiating table to discuss an extended stay.

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That being said, Ferguson is yet to open his account for the Hammers, so West Ham co-chair David Sullivan could even decide to go in a different direction if he can’t make a significant enough impact.

Newcastle United (home)

March 10th

Everton (away)

March 15th

Wolves (away)

April 1st

Bournemouth (home)

April 5th

Liverpool (away)

April 13th

West Ham are reportedly already planning for life after the 20-year-old. Indeed, Man United striker Rasmus Hojlund is on West Ham’s summer radar, with the 22-year-old Denmark international seen as an alternative to Ferguson (TEAMtalk).

Meanwhile, there are also reports that Roma striker Tammy Abraham is a target for West Ham, with the current AC Milan loanee and former Chelsea striker subject to contact from east London (TEAMtalk).

Niclas Füllkrug could be back from injury sooner than expected in a boost for West Ham, and may even return to the fold this month (Claret & Hugh), but the German’s time in England has been blighted by a lack of availability and isn’t getting any younger.

Michail Antonio’s horrific car crash means West Ham will be without the Jamaica international for a lengthy period as well. Danny Ings is also out of contract at the end of this season, meaning it is quite simply imperative that the Irons bring in another striker this summer.

West Ham battling Arsenal and Liverpool to sign Hugo Ekitiké

According to journalist Loic Tanzi, via his colleague Christopher Michel on X, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké is attracting attention from Potter’s side.

The Frenchman has come on leaps and bounds since departing PSG for the Bundesliga, scoring 18 goals in 35 total appearances so far this season, so he’s unsurprisingly on the radar of elite English sides.

Eintracht have set a price tag of around £67 million to sell the 22-year-old, with West Ham battling Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for Ektike.

Michel has heavily endorsed Ekitike as a centre-forward option, calling him a “very rare” commodity for his age and a “complete striker”, but it remains to be seen whether West Ham can sway him considering the stiff competition.

“Heki is an exceptional player at 22 years old,” wrote Michel on X. “Yes, he lacks directness. But such a complete striker is very rare in Europe.”

At least domestically, the rest of this campaign for Tottenham Hotspur has to be focused on getting the team to the best place possible for the start of next season.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have been blindsided by an enormous number of injuries this year, and while that has had a serious impact on their results, there is at least one positive.

The lack of options has seen the manager turn to the club’s tremendously exciting youngsters far more than fans would have predicted in the summer.

Moreover, they haven’t just made up the numbers but have helped improve the side, with one prospect doing so well that his valuation has more than doubled.

Spurs' most exciting youngsters

So, when it comes to the club’s young talent this season, there is one player who has probably received the most attention: Archie Gray.

The former Leeds United gem joined the club in the summer for around £30m, so there were some hefty expectations placed upon him, but so far, it would be fair to say he’s more than met them.

For example, even though he is still 18 years old and primarily a central midfielder, the Durham-born dynamo has had to deputise across the backline this term, excelling at full-back and centre-back.

So far, the tremendously promising phenom has made 18 appearances at centre-back, seven at right-back, five at left-back, and two in defensive midfield, and it looks like he could eventually fulfil analyst Ben Mattinson’s claim that he’s a “future £100m” star.

Centre-Back

18

Right-Back

7

Left-Back

5

Defensive Midfield

2

Amazingly, there is an even younger player who has caught the eye for the North Londoners this season: Mikey Moore.

The academy product has been limited to just 16 first-team appearances this term, but he’s already scored one goal, picked up two assists and left a serious impression on his senior teammates.

For example, following his eye-catching display against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, James Maddison described the 17-year-old as “fearless” and like “Neymar on the left wing” – high praise indeed.

There is another teenage sensation within the first team, though, someone who is already worth more than double what he cost the club a year ago.

The Spurs youngster whose value has soared

While arguments could be made about including the likes of Wilson Odobert and Pape Matar Sarr in discussions about the club’s youngsters, we are talking specifically about those who aren’t even 20 yet, like Lucas Bergvall.

The 19-year-old Swede signed for Tottenham for around £8.5m last winter but did not officially join the squad until the summer.

However, while he’s still incredibly new to English football, the former Djurgårdens ace has taken to it like a duck to water and is already a key member of the first team.

In fact, the “uber-complete” talent, as dubbed by Mattinson, has been so impressive for the Lilywhites that, according to Football Transfers, he is now worth up to €21.7m, which comes out to about £18m.

That means the Stockholm-born dynamo is already worth 111% more than Daniel Levy and Co paid for him, which, based on his growing importance to the club, seems about right.

Appearances

34

Starts

17

Minutes

1611′

Goals

1

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.11

Minutes per Goal Involvement

402.75′

For example, he has already made 34 appearances under Postecoglou this season, scoring one goal and providing three assists.

On top of that, FBref have placed him in the top 3% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for tackles in the attacking third, the top 6% for long pass completion and successful take-ons and the top 8% for tackles and interceptions, all per 90.

Ultimately, in Bergvall, Spurs have struck gold, as he is way ahead of where you’d expect a 19-year-old midfielder to be, and his skyrocketing valuation is just more confirmation of his incredible talent.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 4, 2025

da wazamba： Glasgow Rangers are now searching for their fourth permanent manager since Steven Gerrard departed the club in November 2021.

da prosport bet： In that time, just two trophies have been won – the 2022 Scottish Cup and the 2023 League Cup – while the Ibrox side reached the Europa League final in the 2021/22 campaign.

Aside from this, it has been underwhelming to say the least. Barry Ferguson replaces Philippe Clement on an interim basis until the end of the season, although there is nothing to play for apart from progress in Europe.

It is a sad state of affairs that the Light Blues’ hopes of domestic silverware are over by February, proving how badly the club has been run recently.

There is plenty of talent among the first-team squad. Under the right manager, this group of players could achieve some success. The key question now is who will take over the Light Blues ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Regardless of who it is, there are five players in the team who could be revived under a change of leadership. Rangers’ 3-1 first-leg win over Fenerbahce may rekindle hope of brighter times ahead, so which players could start a revival of their Ibrox careers?

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington Mar 2, 2025

We have taken a look into who could benefit ahead of next season.

1 Mohamed Diomande

Mohamed Diomande was signed by Clement during the winter transfer window last season, initially on loan before signing permanently last summer.

The former FC Nordsjaelland midfielder has since racked up 62 games for the Light Blues, scoring seven times while chipping in with nine assists.

However, there are still doubts as to where his best position lies. This season, he has been utilised as an attacking midfielder (8 games) and in a more defensive role (17 games), while showcasing his talents across a range of metrics.

In the top flight, he has created six big chances while averaging 1.1 key passes per game. Defensively, Diomande has won 54% of his total duels and averages 1.1 tackles per match in the Scottish Premiership.

His positional flexibility has been one of his biggest strengths, but is it time for a manager to play him in a fixed role? With Lyall Cameron joining the club in the summer and the emergence of Bailey Rice, perhaps the Ivorian could shine if deployed as a No 10 next season.

If so, expect to see Diomande produce some of his best football for the Light Blues, which could lead to plenty of clubs showing interest.

2 Nedim Bajrami

It is safe to say that Nedim Bajrami hasn’t exactly produced the goods since joining the Ibrox side last summer.

For an outlay of £3.4m, the attacking midfielder has registered nine goal contributions in all competitions, often playing out of position on the left flank.

There have been flashes of his brilliance, most notably in the League Cup final against Celtic and during the Europa League games earlier this season, but was poor in the weeks leading up to Clement’s dismissal.

A new manager could look to bring out the best in the Albanian, who certainly has a point to prove in Glasgow ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

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Posts ByCharlie Smith Feb 26, 2025 3 Oscar Cortes

Clement secured the loan signing of Oscar Cortes in January 2024, although he lasted just seven games before suffering a season-ending injury against Kilmarnock in February.

At the time of writing, the Colombian winger has endured another injury-plagued season, featuring eight times. Rather than revive a player who hasn’t had the chance to show his worth, the new manager must get Cortes fit and healthy ahead of the new season.

The left-winger could cement his place in the starting XI by performing well in pre-season, particuarly since his position has been a troublesome one for the Gers since Ryan Kent departed.

Indeed, Ianis Hagi, Rabbi Matondo and Nedim Bajrami have played there throughout the current season. Cortes can be an ideal long-term solution to this problem, but the new manager must ensure he doesn’t suffer any more setbacks.

4 Danilo

Like Cortes, Danilo’s spell at Rangers has been blighted by injury since joining in a £6m deal from Feyenoord in the summer of 2023.

A tally of six goals and five assists last season was promising, although he played just 21 games due to suffering two serious injuries, hampering his overall impact.

Seven goals and three assists this season – including two goals against Celtic – demonstrated that the Brazilian could play a key part in the squad. More injury issues occurred when he damaged his shoulder in January, ensuring yet another spell on the sidelines.

If the striker can hit top form on his return, the new manager could have a player ready and raring to go ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Will they be able to bring out the very best in the 25-year-old? Only time will tell.

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington Feb 24, 2025 5 Leon King

This may be a contentious choice, but Leon King is a player who is approaching a crossroads in his Ibrox career.

The centre-back featured 23 times for the Ibrox side during the 2022/23 campaign due to injury issues at the heart of the defence. The youngster even played in all six Champions League matches for the club.

Since then, he’s made a total of 11 appearances, with only two of those in the starting XI, indicating that Clement didn’t exactly trust the Scot.

Despite being thrown in the deep end during the Gers’ Champions League group stage fixtures a couple of seasons ago, King managed to win 50% of his total duels contested, while also averaging 1.7 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game.

It may not have been enough to see the club secure a win, but his performances certainly weren’t the worst out of the squad, that’s for sure.

Whoever arrives to take over the managerial vacancy this summer, King will be keen to impress. Now hopefully getting more regular game time at Queen’s Park until the end of the 2024/25 campaign, this could be the catalyst for a successful career at the club if given a chance next term.

If not, he could well be looking for a new team before the summer transfer window shuts. Hopefully, he can rise to the challenge, as he has the potential to be an excellent defender.

Xabi Alonso has revealed that Jude Bellingham will see his role tinkered with slightly as Real Madrid prepare to usher in a new era.

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World Cup winner appointed as Blancos bossHas a star-studded squad at his disposalThree Lions star will be dropped a little deeperFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Having bid farewell to Champions League-winning coach Carlo Ancelotti, another familiar face has been welcomed into the dugout at Santiago Bernabeu. Former Blancos midfielder Alonso has returned to his homeland after overseeing title glory during his time at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

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World Cup winner Alonso is understandably keen to put his own stamp on a side that surrendered domestic and continental crowns in 2024-25. More movement on the transfer front is expected, while legendary playmaker Luka Modric is leaving as a free agent.

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It is in the middle of the park that Bellingham operates – with a further 14 goals and as many assists added to his tally in the season just gone – and he will be pulled back from a No.10 berth under Alonso in a bid to make the most of his energy in Real’s engine room.

Getty ImagesWHAT XABI ALONSO SAID

Alonso has told reporters of Bellingham: “He can be special anywhere because he’s a special player. His eruption is that of an era-defining player for Real Madrid. He’s 21 years old I think and will be fundamental to the club’s future projects.

“The feeling I get is that he is in a good place and good moment to work with him. I see him as a midfielder. We’ll try to make him as efficient as possible.”