NZ captain scored 86 after Santner bagged 7 for 53, with visitors ending day two 301 runs ahead

Sidharth Monga25-Oct-20243:12

Why have India’s batters struggled in home Tests?

New Zealand 259 and 198 for 5 (Latham 86, Blundell 30*, Washington 4-56) lead India 156 (Jadeja 38, Santner 7-53, Phillips 2-26) by 301 runsNew Zealand took massive strides towards doing the unthinkable: not just their first Test series win in India, but also India’s first series defeat at home in 12 years. Mitchell Santner, who had never taken four wickets in an innings before this Test, and with just one first-class five-for to his name, tied India to the crease and took seven wickets to bowl India out for 156. The batters, led by Tom Latham, did some efficient front-running by attacking the Indian spinners to end the day with a lead of 301 runs with five wickets in hand.India have only twice overturned a lead of 100 to win a Test: the great Kolkata Test in 2000-01, and a successful chase of over 400 in Port-of-Spain in 1976, for long the highest in Test cricket. They found themselves in this situation because their legendary spinners were outbowled by two who came into the match with two first-class five-fors between them. Glenn Phillips was Santner’s partner in crime, taking out the two dangerous left-hand batters, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant.Santner bowled unchanged through the day for 17.3 overs. Six of his victims were either bowled or lbw as he kept attacking the stumps with balls behaving differently from the same spot. This wasn’t quite the square turner that India lost their last Pune Test on – against Australia in 2016-17 – but there was enough turn and enough variation in turn to not allow India the ultra-aggressive approach they have employed this home season.Right from the first three balls of the day, the challenge for India was apparent. From the same spot, the first one turned lesser than expected, the second one went straight on but Shubman Gill survived the umpire’s call, and the third one turned big past the outside edge. There was not just turn, but also quick turn and natural variations from the surface.India had batting till No. 9, but on such pitches, the depth doesn’t mean much. So accurate was Santner that it took just 47 false shots to run through India. For the first half hour, though, New Zealand’s patience and belief was tested. Gill managed to start breaking free with a six off Tim Southee after charging at him. Yashasvi Jaiswal drove Southee for a four, before Ajaz Patel, the lead spinner on paper, offered him another half volley.Sweeps, reverse sweeps, and the use of feet were all employed by Tom Latham and co•AFP/Getty Images

But it turned around for New Zealand in the 22nd over of the day when Santner again beat Gill with one that went straight on. This time the umpire’s call went the bowler’s way. As the 15 seconds on the DRS timer lapsed, the crowd broke into a big cheer. For the arrival of Virat Kohli. The joy for them was short-lived as Kohli soon missed a full toss, which he tried to mow to square leg. The ball did drift in from the initial line, but it was still a full toss that Kohli would have dispatched almost every time had he played with a straighter bat.By now, the effect of the roller was wearing off. Batters were shanking even full balls – or those that they got close to – by using their feet. The ones that didn’t turn created further doubt. As it tends to happen at such times, fielders were everywhere: a hard sweep went straight into the shin of short leg, a short ball stopped and turned, and the pressure kept mounting.With two left-hand batters in the middle, Latham went to Phillips post the first drinks break. It took Phillips four balls to turn one and take Jaiswal’s edge to slip. Rishabh Pant, who had been kept quiet with in-out fields, then went to pull one that was only slightly short of a length. The ball stayed low and bowled him, drawing an inaudible invective that might end up hitting Pant in the wallet.Sarfaraz Khan, who had shown proficiency against spin in Bengaluru, soon found out that the margin for error was little in Pune. If you had to attack, you needed everything to go right. He tried to go inside-out to a really full ball, and it still spooned just over cover. His sweep was blocked, and brought him just singles. Eventually, he tried to the clear the deepish mid-off without getting to the pitch of the ball, a reminder of Phillips’ dismissal on day one. A shooter then did R Ashwin in, the first time Santner went past three wickets in a Test innings.Washington Sundar completed only his second ten-wicket match haul in first-class cricket•BCCI

India had lost 6 wickets for 53 runs, and so far ahead were New Zealand that they could afford to make a DRS error and have Ajaz bowl to two left-hand batters four overs for 32 runs. Meanwhile, Santner kept attacking the stumps and kept producing enough chances. Only some hitting from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar took India past 150.A lead of 103 here was a far worse scenario than the 356 in Bengaluru because this pitch was only going to get worse and India would have to bat last. Latham paddle-swept the first ball. A backward short leg came in to block that shot, and he cover-drove a boundary. Rohit Sharma was now just chasing the ball because you can’t react when you trail by so much on a turning pitch.The taking down of two of India’s greatest match-winners was clinical. Sweeps, reverse sweeps, and the use of feet were all employed. Ashwin’s first spell went for 33 in six overs, and Jadeja went for 24 in three. Washington, at the other end, kept picking up wickets. Devon Conway edged a sweep on to the pad, but didn’t review the lbw decision. So far ahead were New Zealand.Once they had got off to a start and the field had spread, Latham pitched his tent for a long innings while the others batted more briskly around him. Washington went on to convert his first-innings seven-for into only his second ten-wicket match haul in first-class cricket, but New Zealand found runs easier to come by at the other end. Latham missed out on a century, but he had brought New Zealand to a great position.

“I’m sure we’ll come up with a plan and find a way to take 20 wickets and hopefully score a few runs as well”

Deivarayan Muthu22-Oct-20242:11

Mitchell backs NZ to adapt on the fly

Pune is preparing to roll out a bald, low-bounce black-soil pitch to negate New Zealand’s seamers, who had set up their first Test win in India in 36 years in Bengaluru, but the visitors aren’t too fussed about it, according to Daryl Mitchell. After New Zealand finished their first practice session by noon on Tuesday, the groundstaff cut some amount of grass off the pitch and it might be shaved bare on the eve of the second Test.”One thing we can’t do is we can’t change the surface,” Mitchell said two days out of the Pune Test. “So for us, it’s reacting to what’s coming at us and adapting on the fly. We as Kiwis, that’s what we pride ourselves on, we get stuck into the moment, we stay where our feet are and we be as present as possible. We can’t change the wicket. What will be, will be. But I’m sure we’ll come up with a plan and find a way to take 20 wickets and hopefully score a few runs as well.”While Mitchell is often proactive against spin – he is adept at stepping out and also sweeping and reverse-sweeping – he has been searching for some form. Since scoring a century against Sri Lanka at his home ground in Christchurch in March last year, Mitchell has managed only 406 runs in 16 innings at an average of 27.06, which is almost 20 points below his overall average of 46.08 in Test cricket. Mitchell, however, isn’t reading too much into it.Related

India's invincibility under threat as NZ look to complete the impossible

New Zealand hope turning Pune pitch will play into their hands

Santner named NZ's interim captain for SL white-ball tour; Smith and Hay get maiden call-ups

Sarfaraz Khan inverts the 'V' in his search for victory

Pant and Gill likely to be fit to play Pune Test

“Look, that’s the nature of the game that we play, especially Test cricket,” he said. “You know, you have little patches where you score a lot of runs and you have patches where I guess you get starts and you want to keep trying to convert. So, look, for me, I just love playing for New Zealand. It means a hell of a lot to pull on that baggy and play Test cricket. And I know that if I keep doing my job for the team, then personal milestones and things like that will take care of themselves.”With Kane Williamson unavailable for the second Test too, as he continues to recover from a groin strain, Will Young is set to keep his place at No.3. He forged an unbroken 75-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra in the fourth innings to settle New Zealand’s small chase of 107 after Jasprit Bumrah had taken out both Tom Latham and Devon Conway in another sensational burst. Mitchell’s Canterbury team-mate Will O’Rourke, who was playing his first Test in India, also made a serious impression by coming away with a match haul of seven wickets, including the first-innings scalp of Virat Kohli. Mitchell hailed their smooth transition from domestic to international cricket.Daryl Mitchell has managed only 406 runs in his last nine Tests•AFP/Getty Images”Youngie and Rachin have been around our group for a long time even though they haven’t played a lot of cricket,” Mitchell said. “They’ve been able to see how the culture works and how we want to go about playing as Black Caps. And they’ve fitted seamlessly into their roles.”Will O’Rourke, he’s a young talent. He’s from my domestic team back home, so I’ve had to face him plenty of times in the nets and it’s not much fun. So look, he’s a great talent and I’m sure he’ll continue to do amazing thing for New Zealand in the future.”While O’Rourke’s 6’4″ frame – and high release point – has provided New Zealand’s attack a new cutting edge, he is also capable of locating a fuller length and moving the ball both ways at speeds north of 140kph. Mitchell, who has followed O’Rourke’s progress from close quarters, gave his take on why O’Rourke is an awkward bowler to face.”He’s a big unit first of all,” Mitchell said. “He’s tall, he bowls from a height but he also can get the balls to go both ways which is always a challenge especially in Christchurch at Hagley [Oval]. There’s a bit of bounce in those wickets, so as you can imagine it can be quite tough at times. “But yeah look, he’s first of all a great man as well. He doesn’t say a lot but when he does it’s pretty funny and yeah, he’s good to have around.”

Paris Saint-Germain have been accused of manipulation as ex-international Christophe Dugarry slammed the club's reaction to Ousmane Dembele's injury.

• PSG furious at FFF after injuries to Dembele and Doue
• Dugarry sides with France boss Didier Deschamps
• Ex-French international blames PSG for the duo's injuries

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former France forward and 1998 World Cup winner Dugarry has come to his ex-captain, and current national team boss, Didier Deschamps' defence amid the feud between PSG and the French Football Federation (FFF). PSG have expressed their disappointment after the injuries to their players Dembele and Desire Doue, throwing the blame on Deschamps and his coaching staff. On the contrary, Dugarry believes it was PSG who didn't manage the duo's minutes wisely.

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  France's 2-0 win over Ukraine came at a heavy cost, as Dembele suffered a hamstring injury just 30 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute, while Doue sustained a calf issue. The Ballon d'Or frontrunner is expected to miss six weeks, while Doue will be out of action for around four weeks. 

  Per journalist Fabrice Hawkins, PSG were absolutely furious over the injuries to Dembele and Doue, which the Champions League holders referred to as "serious and avoidable." The Ligue 1 giants have accused the French setup of ignoring their warnings about the winger's medical condition, according to In a pre-match press conference over the weekend, Deschamps addressed the situation and tried to calm the chaos brewing behind the scenes.

• WHAT CHRISTOPHE DUGARRY SAID

  Speaking on with former player Jerome Rothen, Dugarry said: "I'm 100% behind the Federation and behind Didier Deschamps.

  "We've known that Dembele has been fragile for several years. Now he's injured, it's just bad luck. If PSG can explain to me and make me believe that Ousmane Dembele never played for Paris when he had too much muscular work, I don't believe it for a single second.

  "The manipulation PSG is trying to implement is scandalous; it's disrespectful to the national team and Didier Deschamps. PSG is solely responsible for Dembele's work overload. 

  "I understand PSG's disappointment, but the national team is above all else. The coach chooses the players no matter what. [PSG] already have their noses in the LFP (governing body that overlooks French leagues), they also want to have it in the FFF and decide what will happen at the Federation? When I see President Nasser [Al-Khelaifi] alongside Gianni Infantino, explaining to us that the Club World Cup is a good thing…"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?

  France will hope to make it two wins out of two during the ongoing international break as they prepare to host Iceland at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.

Liverpool have played the long game recruitment-wise, and boy, does it look to be paying off now.

12 months ago, rival supporters were no doubt sneering at the Reds’ lack of transfer activity, with the Anfield side – who had seen the great Jurgen Klopp replaced by Arne Slot – expected to implode with only Federico Chiesa brought in to bolster the ranks.

A new manager normally calls for a mass overhaul, but instead, the Dutchman merely tweaked and tinkered, ultimately steering an already talented squad to Premier League glory at the very first attempt.

A quiet 2024 window now looks to have paid even greater dividends for the imperious champions, with £187m already dished out on five signings this summer, while further high-profile deals could lie in store for the financially secure outfit.

Recent reports have indicated that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is expected to be on his way to Anfield, while Newcastle United man Alexander Isak remains the dream target for those on Merseyside.

Whether that ‘dream’ becomes a reality is anyone’s guess, however, with alternatives to the Swede still under consideration.

Latest on Liverpool's transfer dealings

They say to strengthen while on top, and that appears to be exactly what Richard Hughes and co are plotting, with reports outlining that a £120m move could be in the offing for that man Isak.

The Magpies are adamant that the former Real Sociedad striker won’t be sold, however, hence why Liverpool are keeping their options open, with speculation even hinting at controversial interest in Manchester United outcast, Marcus Rashford.

That admiration for the Englishman is unlikely to go any further, however, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike the man being lined up in case Isak can’t be prised from St James’ Park.

Transfer Focus

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

As revealed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Reds made contact with the Bundesliga side regarding a potential move for the 23-year-old, amid that parallel interest in Isak.

That has been followed by further reports in France, which suggest that Ekitike has even agreed personal terms with the club, after signing off on a six-year contract with the Merseyside outfit.

The suggestion is that he only wants to join Slot’s side, despite the rival pursuit from Newcastle.

A price tag of around €80m (£70m) has been mooted. Watch this space.

Why Ekitike could have shades of Coutinho

It is no secret that Isak is the man that Liverpool want, with there likely to be a sense of Ekitike being left to feel like second choice, should a deal for the former France U21 international be pursued instead.

A move for the Frankfurt man may well be more with one eye on the future, however, with there no immediate rush to propel him into the starting lineup at Anfield, not least with Slot already boasting a title-winning forward line.

Fresh off the back of scoring 22 goals in all competitions last season, Ekitike could be slowly integrated into the team in 2025/26, before truly exploding in years to come. Already looking like “one of the best strikers out there”, as per analyst Ben Mattinson, there is no telling the heights that he could reach.

In many ways then, such a deal could evoke memories of the purchase of a young Philippe Coutinho back in January 2013, with Liverpool forking out £8.5m to sign the then 20-year-old from Inter Milan, ahead of rival interest from Southampton.

Like Ekitike – who only scored four goals in 33 games during a difficult stint at Paris Saint-Germain – Coutinho hadn’t exactly flourished during his time in Italy, making just 47 appearances and scoring only five times in total at the San Siro.

It was a loan switch to Espanyol in January 2012 that appeared to reinvigorate the Vasco de Gama youth product, as he scored five times in just 16 games in Spain. Ekitike, meanwhile, joined Frankfurt on an initial loan 18 months ago, scoring four times in just 14 league games at the tail-end of 2023/24.

Like Coutinho, Ekitike appears to have flourished away from the bright lights of an elite club like PSG, although that’s not to suggest he can’t thrive second time around by joining another European giant in Liverpool.

What particularly stands out regarding the “world-class” talent – as per scout Jacek Kulig – is the creative ability that goes along with his ball-striking prowess, having registered eight assists and created 12 ‘big chances’ in the Bundesliga last time out, as per Sofascore. For comparison, only Mohamed Salah provided more league assists (18) back at Anfield.

That blend of creativity and quality in front of goal was also evident during Coutinho’s fruitful stint for the Reds, having scored 54 goals and registered 44 assists in 201 games, prior to his £142m exit to Barcelona.

Where the pair – who can both operate centrally or in that left channel – are also alike is in their ball-carrying prowess, with Ekitike ranking in the top 4% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

For Coutinho, his final season in the Premier League for Liverpool saw him rank in the top 1% and the top 4% of midfielders for those same two metrics, respectively, having possessed that gift for breezing past an opponent with ease.

Having been an exciting young prospect initially under Brendan Rodgers, the Brazilian playmaker ultimately emerged as a central figure for the club over the next few years, with the chance there for Ekitike – alongside Florian Wirtz – to enjoy a similar progression when Salah’s impact ultimately begins to wane.

A better signing than Ekitike: Liverpool in talks to land £50m PL striker

Liverpool are considering their options amid links to both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

1

By
Matt Dawson

Jul 16, 2025

Given Manchester United’s lowly Premier League finish of 15th last season, Ruben Amorim has a huge task on his hands to try and catapult the side up the table in 2025/26.

The 40-year-old took the reins back in November, and whilst leading the side to the Europa League final, he was unable to secure a respectable finish in England’s top-flight.

However, an ounce of leeway should be handed his way, barely having any time to land players who he desired to make an impact in his demanding 3-4-2-1 system.

Whilst Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already arrived at Old Trafford this summer, the hierarchy will once again need to get their chequebook out to improve the side.

Despite the other additions already made within the attacking department, Amorim is still wanting more depth, but also keeping a close eye on other areas of the pitch.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

Benjamin Sesko is a player who appears to be one of United’s key targets for the remainder of the transfer window, with the club crying out for a new talisman ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Talks have already been held between the Red Devils hierarchy and the striker’s representatives, but his current £78m asking price could prove to be a stumbling block.

However, the midfield department is also set to be bolstered during the current window, with Sevilla star Lucien Agoume a player on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that the Red Devils are closely monitoring a move for the 23-year-old talent, who made 35 appearances in LaLiga throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

It also states that the player himself would be keen on a switch to the Premier League, leading to a £20m price tag being mooted, with Arsenal previously interested in his signature this summer.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Sesko

As previously mentioned, United have been laying the foundations for a big-money move for Sesko in recent days, a signing that would massively boost the options at Amorim’s disposal.

After taking the reins last season, he was reliant upon Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee to provide the goods in the final third – a task that proved unsuccessful as seen by their lowly league standing.

The pair only netted seven league goals between them throughout 2024/25, a tally which Sesko nearly doubled on his own, after he found the net on 13 occasions.

At just 22, he’s already shown his talent, evidently being able to star in one of Europe’s top five divisions, whilst also having the potential to massively improve in the years ahead.

However, there’s only so much the youngster will be able to achieve on his own, needing others around him to provide him with the opportunities to thrive in front of goal.

Despite being a more deep-lying midfielder, Agoume could offer the Slovenian just that, especially if he can transfer his underlying stats across to England with him.

The French star, who’s been labelled “extraordinary” by former boss Enrique Sanchez Flores, completed 5.8 progressive passes per 90 last campaign, 5.4 of which were into the final third.

Games played

33

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

82%

Progressive passes

5.8

Passes into final third

5.4

Tackles won

1.4

% of tackles won

69%

Interceptions made

1.8

Aerials won

52%

Such tallies would perfectly suit the playstyle of Sesko, who’s able to play with his back to goal, or on the shoulder of the last defender, offering him the constant chances he will need to thrive.

Agoume also dominated without the ball, winning 69% of the tackles he entered, handing Amorim the perfect ball-winning option he needs at the heart of the side.

If he can put his two most impressive talents together at Old Trafford, the 23-year-old could easily become a fan favourite, allowing others, like Sesko, to also adhere themselves to the supporters.

£20m for a player of his calibre would be a sensational piece of business by the club, not to mention having the ability to further develop into one of Europe’s leading deep-lying playmakers.

Should he replicate the levels he’s produced in Spain at Old Trafford, Agoume could well go down as one of the most important additions made by the Red Devils this summer.

He's just like Zirkzee: Man Utd preparing move for £40m Sesko alternative

Manchester United have turned their attention to another striker alongside Benjamin Sesko.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 1, 2025

سجل جوليان الفاريز هدفين من الأهداف الخمسة التي احرزها أتلتيكو مدريد ضد ريال مدريد في ديربي مدريد، على ملعب واندا ميتروبوليتانو في الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم.

وجاء الهدف الأول الذي سجله جوليان ألفاريز في الشوط الثاني من ركلة جزاء، بينما جاء الهدف الثاني الذي أحرزه المهاجم الأرجنتيني الدولي من ركلة حرة مباشرة.

وأفادت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، أنه في البداية لم يشكل الخطأ مخالفة للقواعد أو ربما كان ذلك، ووفقاً لحساب “Archivo Var” عبر منصة “إكس”، فإنه كان من المفترض استخدام تقنية الفيديو المساعد في الركلة الحرة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ألفاريز: أردنا هزيمة ريال مدريد.. وكنا فعالين في الديربي 

وأوضح الحساب: “خطأ فادح من حكم الفيديو المساعد (الفار) في هدف جوليان ألفاريز من ركلة حرة قبل التسديد، حيث وقف لو نورماند بجانب الحائط متجاوزًا مسافة المتر المطلوبة، كان على حكم الفيديو المساعد التدخل وإبلاغ ألبيرولا روخاس بهذا الأمر”.

وقد أكد الحساب أيضاً أن ألبيرولا روخاس كان محقاً في القرارات التي ادعى ريال مدريد أنه كان يجب احتسابها وأوضح أن تدخل نيكو على كارفاخال الذي طلب ريال مدريد بسببه بطاقة حمراء كان بطاقة صفراء وليست حمراء.

Steven Smith found some form while Pat Cummins made a successful return after a long layoff as New South Wales hammered Victoria in a their One-Day Cup clash at the Junction Oval after Josh Hazlewood was a late omission when he woke up ill.An early rain delay allowed both sides to attend a pre-match ceremony where Cricket Victoria unveiled the renamed Shane Warne stand on the western side of the ground. But shortly before that ceremony, Hazlewood walked out of the venue unaccompanied and headed back to the hotel on orders of the NSW team doctor having woken up feeling ill.”He looked terrible this morning,” Matthew Gilkes said post-match. “I think he had a headache and he looked like death. Feel for him. Hopefully he’s resting up and getting himself better.”He was replaced by Under-19 World Cup winner Charlie Anderson who took three wickets on his List A debut. Anderson, who was on the trip for experience only until Hazlewood was ruled out, had to wear Sam Konstas’ shirt as he did not have one made with his name on it.Related

• Sheffield Shield round-up: Openers stall, Smith frustrated, Carey flies

• Western Australia lose 8 for 1, all out for 53, Webster takes 6 for 17

• Shane Warne stand unveiled at the Junction Oval

Smith, Nic Maddinson and player of the match Gilkes, all made brisk half-centuries as the Blues piled up 336 for 8 from 45 overs, having been sent in after 10 overs of the match were lost. Most of Victoria’s bowlers were clobbered on a good pitch, but the veteran Peter Siddle was the exception. A month shy of his 40th birthday, Siddle took his first List A five-wicket haul in an 81-game career that has remarkably spanned 19 years. He finished with 5 for 49 in nine overs including the wickets of Smith, Gilkes, Cummins, Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques.Victoria never got close, bowled out for 196 in reply despite a blistering 57-ball 80 from Matthew Short who was playing his first game since injuring his adductor in the last ODI of Australia’s UK tour. Short looked in supreme touch as he tuned up for Australia’s upcoming ODI series against Pakistan where he is set to open the batting in the absence of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh.Glenn Maxwell’s return to the Victoria senior side was not as productive. He made a run-a-ball 21 after scores of 14 and 10 in a four-day Victoria Second XI match last week. He did strike two massive sixes before falling caught behind trying to glide Anderson fine of short third.Smith’s return to form was noteworthy after scores of 3 and 0 in the Sheffield Shield match at the MCG. He entered in the 13th over after a 73-run opening stand between Philippe and Maddinson got the Blues off to a quick start. Smith looked on-song from the outset as he struck four fours and two sixes. One was a dismissive whip off the stumps over deep midwicket. He also unfurled some brilliant lap scoops off both the quicks and the spin of Todd Murphy.He was frustrated to be judged lbw when he missed a straight delivery from Siddle trying to whip square. Maddinson had already departed for 63 off 64. But Gilkes powered the back-end of the innings with a blistering 42-ball 74 which included eight fours and four sixes. Chris Green added 25 from 18 to close out the innings.Short was imperious at the start of the chase smashing the first two balls of the innings for four off Cummins. He clubbed five fours and five sixes and looked unstoppable but he kept losing partners at the other end.Cummins trapped Sam Harper lbw with an off-cutter to claim his first wicket of the season. Marcus Harris was bizarrely stumped when he failed to realise the ball had rolled behind him after an attempted sweep. Peter Handscomb and Tom Rogers both holed out before Short and Maxwell fell in quick succession as the required run-rate spiraled out of control. Green picked up two wickets late to finish with 3 for 27.

John Eustace’s first transfer window as Derby County boss has incorporated both frugal signings and more costly ventures. After narrowly avoiding relegation from the Championship last season, the manager is looking to build a team that will solidify their place in the league.

Derby have picked up a number of seasoned EFL players on free transfers, including Richard O’Donnell, Danny Batth and Andreas Weimann, all of whom have at least 300 EFL games under their belts. These players have copious amounts of experience between them, and their level heads may prove the difference between relegation and survival.

Eustace has spent money in the market as well, bringing in Patrick Agyemang for the fourth-highest fee in the club’s history. The 24-year-old was picked up from MLS side Charlotte FC and became their biggest ever departure.

One of the next players on the transfer list looks to be Sturm Graz’s Max Johnston. Johnston may be tempted by a return home to the UK, where he can continue to get noticed by the Scottish national team, who gave him his senior debut back in March. Derby have put in two bids already, both of which have been rebuffed.

Brown loan "green-light"

Football League World have reported that Eustace has made the decision to “green-light a loan move away from Pride Park” for Dajaune Brown for the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

The 19-year-old had previously spent the back half of the 2023/24 season on loan at National League side Gateshead, where he won the FA Trophy. This time around, the loan opportunities are looking to be slightly higher up the English football pyramid, with League One and League Two sides interested.

Last season, Brown attempted to break into the Derby team, but competition for places and being hampered by an injury made it a difficult thing to accomplish. The report adds that “he will be out to prove to Eustace that he is ready for the step up to become an important part of his Derby squad in the future”, suggesting this loan move is to get the attention of his manager rather than to put himself in the shop window.

Brown "not ready for the Championship"

Football League World’s Derby County Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, had previously been lobbying for Eustace to make this decision. While advocating for a loan move for Brown last month, Woodward described the forward as “young and raw”.

Woodward also added: “He’s not ready for the Championship… he’s someone that needs to go out maybe to a League One or League Two side, get a decent season under his belt and come back next pre-season ready to kick on with his career.”

Fans of many clubs in Leagues One and Two have taken to social media to tag their teams in the news in an effort to get them to bring Brown in on loan.

If the fans of the lower league clubs are anything to go by, then there will be no shortage of options for Brown. The challenge will be finding a club where Eustace believes the 19-year-old can develop and that agrees to a preferential financial structure of a loan deal.

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dos grandes vilões dos treinadores brasileiros, o calendário do futebol nacional foi novamente tema de insatisfação do técnico Abel Ferreira, do Palmeiras. Em entrevista coletiva concedida pelo treinador após a vitória da sua equipe por 2 a 1 sobre o Cuiabá, pela primeira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, Abel revelou que tem pedido ajuda à diretoria palmeirense para que a situação seja repensada.

Abel ressaltou o fato de ter sido campeão paulista no último domingo (9), mas não ter tido tempo ao menos de comemorar. Para o comandante do Alviverde, o ideal é que o tempo mínimo para os time entrarem em campo deveria ser de quatro dias, sendo três de recuperação.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasAbel não entende expulsão na vitória do Palmeiras e desabafa: ‘Isso me tira a vontade de continuar aqui’Palmeiras15/04/2023PalmeirasNa ‘volta para casa’, Deyverson é homenageado pela torcida e diretoria do PalmeirasPalmeiras15/04/2023PalmeirasNo reencontro com Deyverson, Palmeiras vence o Cuiabá na estreia pelo BrasileirãoPalmeiras15/04/2023

+Flaco López brilha novamente em vitória do Palmeiras na estreia no Brasileirão

– Fico triste porque não dão, pelo menos, três dias (de recuperação). Pedi à direção para que ajudassem a ter um calendário. Só pedi três dias de descanso, para jogar no quarto. Que eles falem quando tiver reunião, falem com as televisões para ter 72 horas (de intervalo entre os jogos), jogo sempre às 4 (horas da tarde) – disse o técnico.

O comandante palmeirense destacou a importância disso para que não perca os jogadores com constância e, assim, o evento seja valorizado. O treinador citou a ausência do meia Raphael Veiga e do atacante Rony, recentemente convocados para a Seleção Brasileiro, mas que, entregues ao departamento médico, não estiveram em campo no triunfo deste fim de semana.

– Tem que sentar os clubes, as televisões, para não chegar aqui e não ter o Veiga, não ter o Rony. É isso que a televisão quer? Eu fico triste quando as pessoas falam que sempre foi assim. Essa é a parte que me custa – acrescentou o comandante palmeirense.

Contra o Cuiabá, o Palmeiras teve oito desfalques, sete deles por questões físicas. Além de Veiga, com uma lesão na coxa direita, e Rony, que se recupera de uma fratura no antebraço direito, o goleiro Vinicius Silvestre (mialgia coxa esquerda), o lateral Mayke (entorse no tornozelo direito), e o volante Atuesta (lesão no ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito), estavam entregues ao departamento médico. Piquerez e Bruno Tabata estão em processo de transição física.

continua após a publicidade

West Ham United’s notable exits this summer look as if they will be continuing on way past Mohammed Kudus’ crushing departure to Tottenham Hotspur.

The next reality check in the transfer department could come very soon, as Lucas Paqueta appears to be edging for a move away from the London Stadium, amid interest in the midfielder’s services from Manchester City and the aforementioned North Londoners.

It remains to be seen whether the Hammers would let Paqueta go during the same demoralising summer that saw Kudus defect to Spurs, as a new Paqueta-style figure appears on Graham Potter’s shopping list anyway.

West Ham ask about signing £30m midfielder

Potter’s men look as if they will be busy between now and September’s approaching deadline, with a whole host of names being tipped to join the East London ranks.

New reports have suggested that Cagliari attacker Roberto Piccoli might join the building to help boost the ex-Chelsea manager’s options up top, alongside the Hammers also eyeing up promising Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper to add depth in between the sticks in the wake of Lukas Fabianski’s retirement.

West Ham are further assessing their options in the EFL away from just the Blades when it comes to Southampton starlet Mateus Fernandes, with journalist Jack Rosser via X speculating that the Hammers have approached the Saints about a potential move for the rising Portuguese star.

It is stated that they haven’t been left with much encouragement from these conversations, however, with Atletico Madrid also keen on the 21-year-old, who is touted to be worth around the £30m ballpark.

Standing out as a shining light last season, even as his South Coast outfit plummeted to relegation, Fernandes could kick on and become an even brighter talent at the London Stadium if a deal can be secured, potentially filling the hole left behind by Paqueta in the process.

Why Fernandes could be the next Paqueta

£30m does feel like a steep amount to splurge on a midfielder that has just tasted the unwelcome flavour of relegation, but the 21-year-old did manage to come out of Southampton’s basement finish with his head held high, at least.

Indeed, come the end of the depressing campaign for his team, Fernandes would still manage to tally up two goals and four assists for his lowly team in Premier League action.

All this frenzied interest has come his way off the back of completing such an impressive individual campaign, despite the many setbacks facing him at St. Mary’s.

Amazingly, Fernandes’ standout 2024/25 output is more goals and assists than Paqueta would manage back at the Irons across the same span, with the spotlight on the Brazilian more focused on controversies off the pitch, away from him only collecting a disappointing four goal contributions.

However, whilst the 21-year-old would shine in this regard, he is also similar to his South American counterpart when considering his overall, varied game, which would make him a perfect replacement for Paqueta in the long run. Indeed, as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson, he is the “complete” talent.

Games played

36

33

Goals scored

2

4

Assists

4

0

Touches*

53.3

58.6

Accurate passes*

29.0 (85%)

33.6 (79%)

Big chances created

6

4

Tackles*

2.5

2.0

Ball recoveries*

5.0

4.5

Total duels won*

5.8

6.0

Looking at the table above, it becomes far clearer as to why Mattinson described Fernandes as a ‘complete’ talent from the middle of the park.

The former Sporting youngster matches Paqueta and even betters him when it comes to the more defensive aspect of their games, when glancing at their numbers in the Premier League last season, as seen in him averaging more tackles and ball recoveries last campaign per match.

Even FBref states that the midfielders are statistically similar, with Paqueta also a versatile performer, much like the 21-year-old, when previously lining up down the left flank for the Irons.

Fernandes is some way off establishing himself as a Premier League regular like the “mind-boggling” Paqueta – as former teammate Declan Rice once described his ability – but his time could soon come to become an established talent at the level, particularly if the Hammers cough up what Southampton want this summer.

Bowen 2.0: West Ham targeting move to sign "incredible" £15m star

As West Ham United target new additions in the summer transfer window, are they about to sign a £15m star who could be their new Jarrod Bowen?

Jul 29, 2025