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Kotak has been head coach of several India A tours, and served as assistant coach to Laxman during the Ireland T20Is, and has been a batting coach at the NCA since 2019

Nagraj Gollapudi16-Jan-2025

Sitanshu Kotak was India men’s stand-in coach for the Ireland T20Is•Sportsfile/Getty Images

Former Saurashtra captain and batter Sitanshu Kotak is set to join the India men’s set-up as batting coach. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Kotak, who is 52, will start with the five-match home T20I series against England which starts from January 22.Kotak, who retired in 2013 after a first-class career spanning more than 20 years, has been the batting coach at the National Cricket Academy since 2019. Kotak also was the head coach of several India A tours and served as assistant coach to VVS Laxman when the latter helmed India’s white-ball bilateral engagements as head coach in the last few years.Kotak will be the fifth assistant on the coaching staff which is led by Gautam Gambhir, who took charge as the all-format head coach last August. At the time Gambhir brought in three assistant coaches: former South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel (bowling coach), along with former India and Mumbai allrounder Abhishek Nayar and former Netherlands and Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. T Dilip, who was the fielding coach during Rahul Dravid’s tenure, was retained.Related

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The development comes soon after the BCCI conducted a review meeting in Mumbai last weekend to assess India’s disastrous run of series defeats starting with the white-ball loss in Sri Lanka, followed by an unprecedented 3-0 defeat in the Test series against New Zealand at home and then the 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.The India batters’ plummeting form – and subsequent failures – was the key reason behind those defeats, and played a big role in the Test side missing out on a World Test Championship final berth. It is understood that batting was among the significant points discussed during the review meeting which included Gambhir, selection committee head Ajit Agarkar and many from BCCI’s top brass, including newly-appointed board secretary Devajit Saikia.

The MET office has delivered an update amid fears Liverpool's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid could be postponed due to extreme weather. A yellow weather warning was issued ahead of the match warning of gusty winds that could disrupt travel and cause power outages.

Harsh weather condition in Merseyside

The MET office's initial forecast carried a warning of strong winds interrupting road, rail, and ferry travel, with coastal communities put on alert for spray and waves as the weather front moved in. The forecast was put in place from Sunday evening to Monday, which raised concerns over the midweek Champions League game at Anfield.

AdvertisementAFPFresh update from MET Office

Fortunately for Liverpool and Atletico fans, the MET Office has issued a new update confirming that severe weather conditions will subside before the ball is kicked at Anfield on Wednesday evening. The heavyweight European encounter is expected to go ahead as planned with no further formal warnings issued.

Liverpool protecting perfect record

Arne Slot's Liverpool side have begun their Premier League title defence with four consecutive wins, including a narrow 1-0 victory at Burnley last time out. In stark contrast, Diego Simeone's Atletico have only won one of their opening four La Liga matches and are currently down in 11th in the table.

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GettyAtletico missing key players

Atletico will head to Liverpool without star striker Julian Alvarez and USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso. While the former Manchester striker suffered a knee injury in the club's 2-0 win against Villarreal at the weekend, Cardoso picked up a sprain during Monday's training session, and both men were left out of Simeone's final 22-man squad.

West Ham United fans will be hoping Graham Potter finds his groove in the Hammers’ hot seat this coming Premier League season, after experiencing an underwhelming start to life in East London.

Potter won’t want another blunder damaging his managerial CV, akin to his Chelsea misfire, with only five victories coming his way last season from 19 games.

He will be nervous about what lies ahead, therefore, especially as he grows accustomed to not having Mohammed Kudus at his disposal, with the ex-Irons star costing London rivals Tottenham Hotspur £55m to snap up.

Still, there’s plenty of time for West Ham to make a splash in the transfer market with some of their own exhilarating signings, as a new £35m ace emerges on their radar.

West Ham weighing up £35m transfer

In all fairness, away from the disappointment of Kudus leaving, West Ham have made some impressive signings here and there.

Indeed, Jean Clair-Todibo has now made his Hammers move permanent this summer, alongside both El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters joining in quick succession to further bolster Potter’s options at the back.

Now, the task at hand will be to improve the attack at the London Stadium in the wake of Kudus upping and leaving, with reports now suggesting West Ham are weighing up a £35m move for Manchester City outcast James McAtee.

The Telegraph has stated that this is City’s asking price amid interest also coming from Nottingham Forest, but the Hammers and the Tricky Trees, who are pushing to seal his signature, would much rather do a deal around the £20m-25m price range instead.

Potter’s side might just have to bite the bullet if Pep Guardiola’s outfit isn’t willing to budge, with McAtee perhaps going down as a bigger talent to obtain than Harvey Elliott, who has also consistently been talked about as another West Ham target this summer.

How McAtee could be a bigger talent than Elliott

Both midfielders in question are at a crossroads in their careers, having been talked up as shining, homegrown talents once upon a time, only to now find themselves stuck on the periphery.

Between them last season, both McAtee and Elliott would only start a meagre five Premier League clashes, with a fresh move to the London Stadium just the switch the ex-Sheffield United loanee needs to show off his class on a more consistent basis.

Despite such limited opportunities, McAtee still managed to chip in with a high seven goals in all competitions, with three of those efforts coming his way in the bread and butter of the top-flight, on top of also managing to break his initial City duck in the illustrious Champions League.

Elliott falls just behind McAtee in his regard, with a slightly lesser five strikes managed on his end, with the hope now that the 22-year-old can come in and fill Kudus’ hole effectively, having displayed more of a flexibility across his fledgling career to date than his Reds counterpart has shown off.

AM

68

24

14

CM

47

26

14

RM

12

4

3

CF

8

3

3

RW

6

3

1

SS

4

0

1

LM

2

0

0

LW

1

0

0

McAtee could well morph into a new Kudus-like figure for Potter on his arrival, with the Salford-born talent an adaptable presence.

Indeed, he can line up as a number ten, as a right winger, or as a left winger, much like the Ghanaian, as seen in his impressive 38 goal contributions from the central number ten slot, on top of his equally high 40 goal-and-assist count as a traditional central midfielder, further highlighting his malleable nature.

On the contrary, the Liverpool number 19 has amassed just 12 goals and assists himself as an out-and-out number ten, with plenty more to frighteningly come from McAtee if he’s handed consistent minutes in East London.

The “incredible” number 87, as he’s been labelled previously by Guardiola, will be champing at the bit to be a leading man for a Premier League side – after also just lifting the Euros with the England U21s alongside Elliott – with West Ham perhaps gifting him that opportunity very shortly if £35m is coughed up.

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يخوض منتخب مصر لكرة الطائرة “رجال” مباراة قوية وهامة أمام منافسه تونس، اليوم الخميس ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للكرة الطائرة.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع تونس، في إطار الجولة الثالثة من عمر مباريات المجموعة الأولى لبطولة العالم لكرة الطائرة.

وتلعب منافسات بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة 2025، في الفترة من 12 إلى 28 سبتمبر الجاري، في دولة الفلبين.

طالع | اتحاد الطائرة يتوصل إلى اتفاق مع ماركو بونيتا لتدريب منتخب مصر

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى من بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة مع منتخبات الفلبين وتونس وإيران.

ويحتاج منتخب مصر للفوز بمباراة اليوم أمام تونس من أجل حجز بطاقة التأهل إلى دور الـ16 من بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة. موعد مباراة مصر وتونس اليوم في بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة

تقام مباراة مصر أمام تونس، اليوم الخميس 18 سبتمبر 2025، في تمام الساعة 08:30 صباحا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر وتونس اليوم في بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة

تنقل المباراة بين منتخبي مصر وتونس، عبر قناة أون سبورت 1.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

Looking to continue their summer business, Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive 12-goal midfielder for Ruben Amorim this summer.

Rashford and four others ask to leave Man Utd

As much as results haven’t gone his way since arriving, there’s been no standing in the way of Ruben Amorim’s ruthless streak at Old Trafford. The former Sporting Club manager instantly showed Marcus Rashford the new and initially dropped Alejandro Garnacho before falling out with the latter altogether. Now, with the summer transfer window open, that ruthless streak looks destined to end in a much-needed exodus of players.

Without a role under Amorim, Rashford, Antony, Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho have all reportedly asked to leave Manchester United this summer – sparking several exit rumours.

Rashford and Garnacho are two names that stand out the most in that list, with the former even reportedly attracting the interest of Barcelona. The La Liga giants just missed out on Nico Williams, who opted to sign a new contract at Athletic Bilbao, and have now set their sights on Rashford as a result.

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Meanwhile, Garnacho could yet decide to stay put in the Premier League in the hope of exacting revenge on Amorim and United amid links with a move to rivals Chelsea. At 21 years old, the winger is still a player full of potential and one who could realise that potential elsewhere if he avoids the problems that he has endured at Old Trafford.

With that said, all of these potential departures are likely to hand Manchester United a major boost, allowing them to return to the transfer market themselves this summer.

Man Utd enter race to sign Orkun Kokcu

Among the names that the Red Devils could turn towards as a result of departures this summer is an Inter Milan target. According to Caught Offside, Manchester United have now entered the race to sign Orkun Kokcu from Benfica this summer – rivalling the Italian giants as well as Liverpool for his signature.

The deal wouldn’t break the bank for INEOS either. Reports are suggesting that Benfica will let their midfield star leave for around €40m (£35m) this summer, which should hand those at Old Trafford a major boost.

Non-penalty goals per 90

0.17

0.17

Shots per 90

2.05

2.83

Assists per 90

0.24

0.29

Shot-creating actions per 90

5.06

5.86

Keeping up with Bruno Fernandes’ output is no easy task, but Kokcu is one of the rare few midfielders who manage to do so throughout Europe. Now, United could form the ultimate midfield partnership.

Dubbed a “leader” by scout Jacek Kulig during his Feyenoord days, Kokcu has only kicked on at Benfica since then and could be on his way to the Premier League after scoring 12 goals in all competitions last season.

Celtic have finally confirmed that Kieran Tierney is set to officially join the club at the start of next month after his contract with Arsenal expires.

The Scotland international is returning to Parkhead for a second spell as a player, joining on a free transfer, to start at left-back for Brendan Rodgers next season.

Tierney left the Scottish giants in the summer of 2019 to sign for Arsenal after coming up through the youth ranks in Glasgow before thriving as a young talent.

The experienced defender, as shown in the graphic above, provided a big creative threat from a left-back position for Celtic, with 37 assists in 170, and Celtic are reportedly eyeing a star who could be amazing with the full-back down the left flank.

Celtic in talks to sign new winger

The Scottish Premiership champions are aiming to bolster their options in the left wing position and are eyeing up a star who could play ahead of Tierney next season.

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According to Sky Sports, Celtic are in talks with Sarpsborg over a deal to sign Norway youth international Sondre Orjasaeter in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hoops have ‘re-opened talks’ with the Norwegian outfit, having made contact with the Eliteserien side, after they failed to get a deal done for him in January.

It states that the Scottish giants had an offer of £4.6m turned down for the winger at the start of the year, as Sarpsborg want a fee of £7m, but the club have yet to make a new bid for his services as of yet.

Why Celtic should sign Sondre Orjasaeter

Celtic must now ensure that these fresh talks end with an agreement between all parties, because Orjasaeter could be an exciting addition to start on the left wing ahead of Tierney at left-back.

The 21-year-old starlet, once dubbed an “artist” by Havard Flo, would be a good stylistic fit ahead of the Scottish full-back, as he is a right-footed left-winger who likes to dribble infield to cause havoc in the final third.

This means that Tierney’s overlapping runs down the left, which led to him racking up 37 assists during his first spell, could create space for Orjasaeter to cut in on his favoured foot by dragging opposition full-backs wide and towards the touchline.

This could help both players to thrive because Tierney’s movement down the left could create space for the winger, whilst the Norwegian star’s dribbles infield could draw attention away from the full-backs overlaps to provide him with more chances to send crosses into the box.

Sondre Orjasaeter (Eliteserien)	2024	2025
Appearances	28	7
Goals	5	1
Big chances missed	5	2
Big chances created	12	7
Key passes per game	1.9	2.0
Assists	5	2
Dribbles completed per game	2.4	2.7
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Orjasaeter has caught the eye with his performances in the Eliteserien since the start of the 2024 campaign, with six goals and 19 ‘big chances’ created, which shows that he could make an immediate impact in the final third if Celtic get a deal over the line.

No Celtic player managed more than Nicolas Kuhn’s 1.9 dribbles completed per game in the Scottish Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, which illustrates how impressive the £7m-rated star’s dribbling numbers in the Norwegian top-flight are.

Orjasaeter could be an incredibly exciting player for supporters to watch at Parkhead, due to his dribbling skills and his offensive output, and he could help to bring the best out of Tierney’s attacking talents on top of that.

Therefore, Celtic must work hard to agree a fee with Sarpsborg in the coming days and weeks because it could provide Rodgers with an amazing left-hand side of Tierney and Orjasaeter next term and beyond.

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Already focused on the summer transfer window, Aston Villa sporting director Monchi is now reportedly leading their charge to sign a Serie A midfielder in the coming months.

Emery focused on Tottenham game

Whilst the Villans continue to build their summer plan around the action on the pitch, Unai Emery’s focus has not changed. Champions League qualification is still a possibility for his side, who have Europa League finalists Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to play as they wait for a potential slip up from those above them in the Premier League.

Emery will be well aware of just what’s at stake in the next couple weeks and reiterated the need for focus ahead of this weekend’s Tottenham game, telling reporters: “I am wishing to play. I don’t want holidays because we’re in a very good moment after a long season, but now we’re very, very motivated.

“Very excited to play at Villa Park tomorrow, for our objectives we have in front of us to play again in Europe. It’s not in our hands but we can have some options to play Champions League again. And focusing on Tottenham because I know the most difficult way we can have is our own way, playing against Tottenham tomorrow and how we can beat them.”

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Aston Villa won’t need reminding what Champions League football can offer, either. They experienced moments that those at Villa Park will forever savour this season, with victory over Bayern Munich a particular standout. Now, however, they’ll be desperate to ensure that their place among Europe’s elite is not just a one off blip and, instead, a consistent feature of the competition.

Meanwhile, away from the action, Monchi is already thinking about the targets that could arrive with or without Champions League qualification.

Monchi leading Payero charge

According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Monchi is now leading Aston Villa’s charge to sign Martin Payero from Udinese this summer. The sporting director is reportedly a huge admirer of the midfielder, which could yet see the Villans push on and secure his signature in the coming months. In terms of depth, there’s no doubt that the Argentine has plenty to offer.

League stats 24/25 per 90 (via FBref)	Martin Payero	Youri Tielemans
Minutes	1,381	2,997
Progressive Passes	3.33	7.03
Progressive Carries	2.16	1.17
Ball Recoveries	4.90	4.35

When assessing the numbers, it’s clear that Payero wouldn’t be able to offer the same quality in possession as Tielemans, but he would be able to complete the legwork that the Belgian arguably struggles with. And that could create quite the midfield combination for Emery.

It wouldn’t be the first time that the midfielder enjoys a foray into English football, either, having previously been at Middlesbrough. It was there that he earned the praise of former manager Neil Warnock.

The former manager told reporters when he unveiled the midfielder in 2021: “Martin will be a great addition to the squad. I think he will be an exciting signing, we’re delighted to get everything done, and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

One Tottenham Hotspur star is attracting very serious interest from a Premier League rival, who are also set to open talks over his signing “in the coming weeks”.

Tottenham face Bodo/Glimt in crunch Europa League semi-final

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou’s sole focus right now is on the club’s potentially fruitful Europa League campaign.

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The north Londoners travel to Bodo/Glimt knowing they’re just 90 minutes away from their first European final since Mauricio Pochettino took them to the brink of Champions League glory in 2019, and if they avoid an embarrassing defeat against the Norwegian minnows, Spurs’ spot will be confirmed.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Winning the Europa League would be a perfect end to an otherwise dismal campaign for Postecoglou, who has led the Lilywhites to 19 Premier League defeats as Tottenham languish 16th in the table.

Not only would it mean lifting their first piece of major silverware since 2008, but Spurs also have a golden opportunity to book a place in next season’s Champions League draw, so quite a lot is on the line tonight as Postecoglou seeks to rescue the season in dramatic fashion.

“I think the fact it is a semi-final and such a big game irrespective it is always going to be a bit tight and tense throughout the whole game,” said Postecoglou on the challenge of Bodo/Glimt.

“I think it is just the nature of the competition you’re in and being in a semi-final, whether it was at our place first or at our place second, it would have been the same kind of scenario of two teams who know there is a big prize at the end of getting to a final. Yeah, we’ll have to perform.”

Everton set to open talks for Richarlison

Their success in the competition may also determine Tottenham’s transfer plans for the summer, with recent reports suggesting they’re set for a ‘sell to buy’ summer window as things stand (The Telegraph).

One of the men who could be sacrificed to make room for new signings is £60 million striker Richarlison, who hasn’t featured as often as he would’ve liked this term due to a 24/25 campaign blighted by injuries.

The Brazil forward also faces losing his spot in the national team, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who also told The Boot Room that Everton are set to open talks for Richarlison “in the coming weeks”.

The Merseysiders could offer Tottenham’s “underrated” attacker a route out in pursuit of more minutes, and it is believed Richarlison views the brand-new Everton Stadium as an ideal landing spot.

“I’m told that he has been made aware that he needs to be playing next season,” said Bailey.

“Brazil have a host of options competing with him – Real Madrid’s Endrick but also a host of Premier League rivals – Joao Pedro, Rodrigo Muniz and Evanilson – and they will all be starting for their respective clubs.

“Richarlison needs to be playing, he knows this and that is just why Everton are in such a strong position. They can offer him that chance of first-team football.

“Everton want him back, as we revealed earlier this year, and I believe there is confidence from their side, but also a belief from Richarlison and Spurs’ end that this is likely the best option.

“As it stands a permanent deal will be tough, but that is what the talks in the coming weeks will be aimed to work out.”

Richarlison is also believed to be attracting interest from Brazilian Serie A sides, and it will be intriguing to see where his future lies.

The 27-year-old has been a real mixed bag since making the move to London, enduring spells of bad form and unavailability whilst also going through real purple patches, like the one midway through 2023/2024, when he was seemingly scoring goals for fun.

Celtic provided the perfect response to their 3-2 defeat to their rivals before the international break with a 3-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday.

The Hoops had allowed their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to be cut down to 13 points by losing to Rangers, but immediately bounced back with a convincing win over the Jam Tarts.

Daizen Maeda took his tally for the season to 30 goals in all competitions for the Bhoys with his two strikes against Hearts, whilst Jota added another goal to his collection since his return to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

Whilst many will focus on the attacking talent that was on display, as Jota and Maeda stole the headlines with their goals, the presence of Callum McGregor in the middle of the park was equally as important.

Why Callum McGregor's performance was important for Celtic

The retired Scotland international missed the 3-2 defeat to Rangers before the break through injury and returned to show the Hoops what they missed with a sublime display in midfield.

Celtic’s captain lined up alongside Reo Hatate and Arne Engels in the midfield three against Hearts on Saturday and stood out as the star performer in that area of the pitch.

Celtic’s starting midfielders

Vs Hearts

Hatate

Engels

McGregor

Pass accuracy

89%

81%

99%

Passes completed

59

34

66

Key passes

1

0

2

Big chances created

0

0

1

Tackles + interceptions

0

1

2

Dribbled past

1x

0x

0x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, McGregor outperformed his positional peers in the match with his exceptional use of the ball and his reliability defensively.

This illustrates why his display was so important for Brendan Rodgers against Hearts because it highlights the quality he brings in and out of possession.

The left-footed star provides a metronomic presence at the base of the midfield for Celtic with his ability to complete passes efficiently under pressure, completing 94% of his passes overall in the division this season.

McGregor, who completes 73 passes per game on average, can control games for the Hoops by dictating the tempo of matches with his passing quality, whilst also frustrating opposition teams because of his press resistance on the ball, forcing them to drop back deeper.

This is part of the reason why Celtic struggled without their captain when they faced Rangers at Parkhead before the break, as Engels is not best suited to that role as the number six.

Why Arne Engels struggled against Rangers

The former Augsburg star started at the base of the midfield, with Luke McCowan and Hatate in the number eight positions, and struggled against the Gers.

Engels is usually tasked with playing as one of the more advanced midfielders, looking to score and create goals, but had to step up in a deeper role against Rangers because of his captain’s injury.

Stats

Engels vs Rangers

McGregor per game (24/25 Premiership

Pass accuracy

88%

94%

Touches

76

89.1

Passes

51

73.2

Ground duel success rate

20%

59%

Possession lost

14x

7.2x

Tackles + interceptions

0

1.7

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Belgium international failed to live up to the standards that the skipper has set for that position in or out of possession, losing the ball far too frequently and offering little protection to the back four.

The 21-year-old starlet should not be expected to be as effective in that role, though, because he is an attack-minded player who has a future as a number eight for Celtic, rather than as a deep-lying conductor of play.

Engels has racked up ten goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Scottish giants this term, which shows that he has excelled at his natural game – scoring and creating goals.

The former Bundesliga whiz is not the long-term successor to McGregor, because that is not his natural game, and that is why he struggled in the game against Rangers before the break.

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Rodgers, though, may have already unearthed his next version of the Celtic captain by bringing 19-year-old academy starlet Jude Bonnar into the first-team group.

Why Jude Bonnar could be the next Callum McGregor

The teenage dynamo has been in the matchday squad on five occasions in all competitions since the start of February, and got ten minutes off the bench in a 5-1 win over Aberdeen in the Premiership.

That ten-minute cameo, in which the Scotland U21 international completed all four of his attempted passes, was his first-team debut for the Hoops and the manager spoke to his suitability for the team after the match.

Rodgers told the Daily Record: “He’s got a good profile and fits how we want to play. So that is a nice little taster for him.”

This suggests that the Northern Irish boss sees potential in Bonnar and believes that the teenage talent has the technical skills and know-how to suit the way that his team lines up, with a number six and two eights in a midfield three.

The B team star, whose ability was described as “unbelievable” by former coach Alan McGrillen, spoke to Celtic TV after the game and admitted that he looks up to McGregor as a role model, because of how he acts on and off the pitch every day.

Bonnar has already shown a tiny glimpse of his metronomic qualities, completing 100% of his passes in his cameo against Aberdeen, and Rodgers could look to help him develop and refine that ability to mould him into the new version of McGregor in the future.

The Scottish youngster has also shown the potential to offer a goal threat, as the captain has with eight goals in 28 league matches this term, with a return of ten goals in 46 B team games.

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This is only the start of the road for Bonnar, though, and there is plenty more time left for him to progress as a player and forge his own way in the game, hopefully at Celtic.

The very early signs, however, are that the potential is there for him to develop into McGregor 2.0 for Rodgers as a composed and controlling midfield star who can also provide a goal threat.

They are entering the Test series with a batting unit that has had one of its worst years against spin

Ashish Pant14-Oct-2024This was meant to be New Zealand’s great Test-match adventure in the subcontinent. They were to start with a non-World Test Championship (WTC) game against Afghanistan in Greater Noida to get acclimatised to the conditions, travel to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series and work on their spin game, and then return to India and try and achieve something no team has in 12 years – win a Test series in the country. It was a rare stretch of six Tests in the region with their WTC final chances still very much alive.But halfway into it, the plan has unravelled, quickly.To start with, no play was possible in Greater Noida across five days. The spinners and Kamindu Mendis blew them away in Sri Lanka for a 2-0 knockout. Tim Southee has stepped down from captaincy, and their best and most experienced batter, Kane Williamson, has a groin injury and will miss at least the first Test in India.Related

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Now in Bengaluru for the first of the three Tests starting on Wednesday, New Zealand are with a new captain, without their best batter (temporarily), and with a batting unit that has had one of its poorest years against spin.In 12 innings in 2024, New Zealand have lost 67 of 104 wickets to spin – their most in five years – and they still have six Tests to go this year. Their average of 22.58 against spin in 2024 is the worst for any team in the WTC.They were found out in Sri Lanka, where they lost 37 of their 40 wickets to spinners. While still competitive in the first Test, with Latham, Williamson, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell all scoring half-centuries across the two innings, they were left shell-shocked in the second Test. On a surface where Sri Lanka amassed 602 for 5, New Zealand were bowled out for 88 inside 40 overs. They came up with a much better show in the second dig to score 360, but the Test was pretty much done by then.