The Dodgers built a comfortable lead over the Reds in Game 1 of their National League wild-card series and hung on for a 10–5 victory. Shohei Ohtani blasted a titanic home run and Blake Snell was dominant through seven innings. But a trio of pitchers—Alex Vesia, Edgardo Henriquez and Jack Dreyer—were very shaky in an eighth inning that resulted in three Cincinnati runs.
And Colin Cowherd thinks that's a very bad sign for a team expected to valiantly defend their World Series crown.
"Last night's a prime example of why they're not going to win the World Series," Cowherd said on his show Wednesday. "
"Dave Roberts doesn't trust the bullpen," he continued. "Dodger fans don't trust the bullpen. The Dodger bullpen doesn't trust the bullpen. They're going to push their starters as long as they can go."
Cowherd believes Los Angeles need to get great starting pitching and have their big bats deliver. Which sounds like a lot but is the same challenge almost every team in the MLB playoffs is hoping to receive. So there's no need to panic, especially with that lineup.
There is also the possibility that razor-sharp focus wasn't there in an 8–0 game and the effort could be better with more on the line.
"It feels good," Cowherd said of the opening triumph. "But this is how they're going to have to win."
Another sloppy, error-strewn day by the tourists could prove terminal
Matt Roller05-Dec-20251:18
Root jokes England’s ‘wheels would’ve come off’ if he was captain
Brydon Carse peeled himself off the outfield at the Gabba with his shirt drenched through with sweat, his left hand strapped, and his whites stained with grass after a failed attempt at a sliding stop on the boundary rope. His obvious exhaustion reflected England’s mood: through no shortage of effort, this series is already threatening to slip away from them.England simply cannot afford to lose in Brisbane. If that sounds like an exaggeration after four days of cricket, consider this: only once, in 1936-37, has a team ever come from two-nil down to win an Ashes series. They have been handed two golden opportunities to face an Australia side without two of their three great fast bowlers but gifted them a win in the first Test and already have conceded a significant deficit in the second.They still have a foothold thanks to Australia’s crazy half-hour under lights, but make no mistake: this was a brutal day for England, who leaked more than five runs per over, dropped five catches, and rarely managed to hide their frustrations in doing so. Carse personified their struggles, his eye-watering figures of 3 for 113 from 17 overs somehow representing a comeback from a dreadful start.Related
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Mark Waugh, commentating for Fox, described Carse’s pitchmap as “third-grade standard” during his first spell, then apologised to third-graders who might think that was an overly generous assessment. He seemed convinced that Jake Weatherald and Travis Head had weaknesses against wide long-hops and straight half-volleys, being picked off either side of the wicket, and leaked 45 runs in his first five overs.In the twilight, Carse could be seen cursing himself at mid-on as Ben Stokes ran in after an over that highlighted his volatility: he struck Steven Smith on the right elbow with a ball that climbed sharply, but then booted the air in frustration after his wide half-volley was sliced away behind point and felt his body thud into the pitch two balls later, losing his footing in his follow-through.His third spell lasted a single over. Carse charged in and slammed one in halfway down at 84mph/135kph, and watched Cameron Green back away to slap it, cross-batted, over mid-off for four. Green cut him for four more, Smith top-edged a hook for six, and a loopy bouncer was deemed wide, too high to reach.Things were getting badly out of hand: Carse’s figures after 12 overs – 1 for 95 – were briefly the most expensive in England’s Test history. Then came a bizarre, drawn-out over: another loopy wide, a yorker bluff to clean up Green, a drop at gully by a sprawling Ben Duckett, and an outstanding diving effort by Will Jacks at long leg to account for Smith.He charged down to Jacks in celebration, briefly convinced that his and England’s day to forget was becoming a night to remember. But it soon came crashing back down: in between drops by Duckett and a tough chance for Joe Root, Carse shelled the easiest of the lot at cover to reprieve Michael Neser and split the webbing on his left hand in the process.Brydon Carse rues a dropped a catch•Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesIt was nearly as tough for England’s other bowlers: Stokes leaked 5.47 runs per over and struggled with cramps, Jofra Archer had two catches put down off his bowling, Will Jacks’ only over cost 13 runs (including four byes for a freebie down the leg side), Gus Atkinson is wicketless after 39 overs in this series, and Mark Wood’s left knee is in a brace.Since bowling Australia out for 132 in Perth – the best-case scenario for their fast but fragile attack – England have conceded a combined 583 for 8 in 101.2 overs and appear incapable of exerting any control. Stokes must shoulder some of the blame: unusually, it was hard to ascertain England’s plan to take wickets for much of the second day in Brisbane.There has long been a sense within English cricket that Carse is ideally suited to bowling in Australia. He took wickets in the Lions’ win against Australia A at the MCG in 2019-20, made a strong impression before an injury while bowling to England’s batters in the build-up to the 2021-22 series, and is rare in preferring the Kookaburra ball to the more familiar Dukes.He is their leading wicket-taker in the early stages of this tour, but that he has also conceded more than a run a ball is emblematic of England’s wider selection policy: picking players based on their best moments with minimal concern for their consistency results in days like these. For all the adrenaline and excitement England have produced, Australia are in control.”Clearly we didn’t get it right to start with,” Root said, doing his best to cling to the positives, “but the way we responded, especially towards the back end of the day [was great]…The wheels could have come off and at other times – probably on a tour where I was captain, they would have.”We know that [when we play] our best cricket and when we execute well, we’re a very difficult side to play against. It’s about turning up with the right manner tomorrow… I don’t think we’re massively out of the game at all. I think we’re actually not too far behind, as long as we get things right early tomorrow.”Root is right that all hope is not lost: England could yet blow away Australia’s lower order on the third morning, and will have the opportunity to bowl last on a pitch that has already shown signs of variable bounce. But Carse’s slow trudge towards the dressing room was a reminder that another sloppy, error-strewn day could prove terminal.
De Zorzi has also been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India, as is Maphaka
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Dec-2025Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi have been ruled out of the series-deciding third ODI against India due to injury.Left-arm seamer Burger suffered a hamstring injury that curtailed his participation in the second ODI in Raipur, while de Zorzi experienced a right hamstring strain towards the end of South Africa’s chase and retired hurt on 17 after the 45th over.The CSA said that both players underwent scans on Friday, which confirmed the extent of their respective injuries. “De Zorzi has also been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India, which gets underway on Tuesday, and will return home,” the release said. “No replacement has been named.”Related
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Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been withdrawn from the T20I squad as well, as he did not “progress as expected during the final phase of his rehabilitation” from a left hamstring injury. Fast bowler Lutho Sipamla has been added to the side.South Africa’s T20I squadAiden Markram (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, and Tristan Stubbs
Liverpool are waiting for this nightmare to end, rediscovering the form of last season under Arne Slot’s wing that led to the Premier League title and a summer of sweeping changes.
The signings made this summer were completed after meticulous research, but, nonetheless, the Reds have been dismal this year, lacking identity and inspiration. Even in victory have Liverpool given their opponents plenty of optimism.
It’s worth noting that Liverpool were far better defensively than has so often been the case this term, but this has done little to calm the anxieties of supporters who have been forced to accept a bleak new norm.
Among the bitter pills swallowed has been the form of captain Virgil van Dijk, the centre-back very much at the core of Liverpool’s problems this season and lacking solutions so often provided across his illustrious career at the club.
Virgil van Dijk's drop-off this season
Liverpool’s monster has been made mortal by the tailspin of Slot’s system this season. Ibrahima Konate’s struggles have no doubt been exacerbated by the slow recession of Van Dijk’s indomitability.
He is 34 years old, 35 at the end of the season. It is only natural that the Netherlands skipper should begin to wind down. However, it presents Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes with quite the conundrum as Konate edges toward the expiry of his £70k-per-week contract.
Liverpool signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma for about £27m this summer, but the 18-year-old Italian tore his ACL on his debut against Southampton and is not expected back until the start of next season.
The Italian would have offered a much-needed dimension over the past few months, allowing Slot to enforce more rotation, with Konate having started each of his side’s Premier League fixtures this season despite his rut. Van Dijk is now foundering beside him.
Change is needed, and with the winter transfer window approaching, it’s clear that Liverpool need a centre-back.
Liverpool targeting centre-back this January
As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are set to table a bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi this winter, having reopened direct communications this week with the player’s agents after fumbling a deal to sign him in August.
Guehi is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the season, and while Liverpool had a clean shot at the 25-year-old at the start of the season, notably even agreeing personal terms with the player, rival interest is now sure to be thick, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid considered suitors.
Sources suggest FSG are willing to offer around £25m for Guehi’s signature in January, paying something of a premium for one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
What Guehi would bring to Liverpool
Guehi could well be plying his craft for Liverpool right now, but it wasn’t to be as sporting director Richard Hughes gambled and left it late, Palace barring the door at the eleventh hour after failing to find a replacement.
It’s a real shame. Guehi is a seasoned Premier League star who just keeps on evolving. He has been hailed as a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, but he is so much more.
As per data-driven site FBref, Guehi ranks among the top 7% of central defenders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for through balls, the top 6% for assists and shot-creating actions, and the top 15% for tackles won per 90.
If Liverpool succeed in completing a deal for the two-footed centre-half this winter, it could carry the weight of that one-time signing of Van Dijk, who joined from Southampton midway through the 2017/18 season for a £75m fee.
Van Dijk needs no introduction. He is one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history, a titan of the game.
He dovetailed into Jurgen Klopp’s exciting team and reinforced it with steel. He was the mortar which filled in the cracks and created a superteam.
Big boots to fill, but Guehi has been extensively profiled and could emulate the Netherlands man by arriving at the season’s midpoint, providing that dearly desired relief.
After such incredible success in recent years, it is staggering that Liverpool have plummeted so far beneath their expected level. This borders on a crisis, and one signing won’t stop the rot for good, but Guehi has the combative, confident defensive style to help put the Reds back on track, with his quality in the build-up something that Konate simply doesn’t possess.
It’s Van Dijk-esque, and given that Guehi would be arriving in January after previous attempts to sign him, this could have the much-needed echoes of that euphoric deal.
Fewer touches than Alisson & only 2 passes: Liverpool flop must be dropped
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Harry Kane starred with yet another hat-trick, while Michael Olise contributed with two assists as Bayern Munich thrashed VFB Stuttgart 5-0 to increase their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga to 13 games. With 37 points, Bayern increased their lead to 11 points at the top of the table over RB Leipzig after comfortably routing their opponents on Saturday.
Kane inspires Bayern to their 12th win of the season
Bayern's unbeaten streak continued as they comfortably beat VFB Stuttgart 4-0 on Saturday to extend their lead over second-placed RB Leipzig to 11 points. Star forward Kane once again stole the show as he scored a hat-trick and took his Bundesliga goals tally to 17.
The visitors dominated the game right from the start and took just 11 minutes to break the deadlock as Konrad Laimer opened the scoring. Laimer received a pass from Jonas Urbig and entered the box before squaring it towards Michael Olise. The Frenchman quickly gave the ball back to Laimer, who comfortably found the back of the net.
Stuttgart pulled one back and restored parity in the match just minutes before the break as Nicolas Nartey headed the ball into the net from Bilal El Khannouss's inch-perfect free-kick but after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out due to offside.
Stuttgart did not create too many chances in the second half and fell to a heavy defeat after the introduction of Kane. The England captain, who did not feature in Vincent Kompany's starting lineup, came on as a substitute in the 61st minute, replacing Nicolas Jackson. The move proved to be a masterstroke as he soon scored his opening goal. The Englishman made a solo run after receiving a pass from the centre of the park before finding the back of the net with a low-lying long-range shot.
Josip Stanisic then added a third goal to the club's tally after former Liverpool star Luis Diaz dribbled past his marker inside the box. Thereafter, it was all Kane as he soon completed his brace after Lorenz Assignon conceded a red card for trying to stop the ball from going into the net with his hand. The England captain took the resulting penalty and made it 4-0 for his side before scoring a third goal from Michael Olise's cross.
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The MVP
It was yet another masterpiece from Kane as the start forward once again stole the limelight with yet another hat-trick. Kane spent a little over 30 minutes on the ground but it was enough for him to bag a treble and guide his team to a dominant win.
The big loser
The Stuttgart defence completely crumbled once Kane entered the pitch just past the hour mark. However, it was Assignon who proved to be the villain as he tried to stop the ball with his hand in front of the goal in the 80th minute and picked up an unnecessary red card. Stuttgart going a man down at that point just added salt to their wounds as Kane completed the annihilation in the end.
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He wanted to continue batting but was taken off the field by India A coach and the physio
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Nov-2025Rishabh Pant gave India a brief injury scare ahead of next week’s first Test against South Africa in Kolkata by having to retire hurt while batting for India A against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.During the first session of the third day, Pant was struck three times – on his body and helmet – by fast bowler Tshepo Moreki, forcing him to retire hurt on 17 off 22 balls in the 34th over of India A’s second innings.However, he allayed fears of serious injury by returning to bat in the final session, after Harsh Dubey put on 184 for the sixth wicket with Dhruv Jurel, who made an unbeaten 127. Pant took on the spinners, racing to a half-century before declaring India A’s innings on 382 for 7. He was dismissed for 65 when he top-edged a slog sweep off left-arm spinner Kyle Simmonds to the wicketkeeper.Pant had walked out to bat at No. 5 in the third over of the day after overnight batter KL Rahul was bowled for 27 – he added just one to his overnight score – by an inducker from Okuhle Cele. Pant didn’t take long to get going, his first three scoring shots were 4, 4 and 6 – all off Cele – but a series of short deliveries left him wincing in pain.Related
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While Pant was keen to continue batting, he had to be taken off by India A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and the physios as a precautionary measure. He was grimacing in pain every time the ball thudded into his bat, and his range of motion was limited due to some taping on his elbow after being hit there.The first blow Pant suffered was to the helmet when he attempted a reverse pick-up shot off Moreki, who had bowled a short ball from around the stumps. Pant was off balance at the point of impact and immediately fell to the ground, forcing the physios to conduct a mandatory concussion test. Once cleared, he pulled out from his stance to take his helmet off and gather himself before taking strike.The second blow had Pant groaning as the ball thudded into his right elbow as he shaped to play a short-arm jab. This time, the physio administered some pain-relief spray and taped the elbow. The third blow to the abdomen from a delivery that cut back in off the seam eventually forced the management to take Pant off the field.Having proved form and fitness with a 90 in the second innings of the first four-day fixture that India A won last week, Pant has had a more challenging time in the second game. In the first innings, he was rapped on the glove by a short ball from Moreki and caught at slip for 24.At the toss of the second game, Pant had kept an exact count of the number of days he’d been away for – 98 – while recovering from a fractured toe after being hit by Chris Woakes during the fourth India-England Test in Manchester in July.He spent two months in rehab at the Centre of Excellence following surgery, and resumed training in early September before playing for India A to get some match time ahead of the South Africa Tests. In his absence, Dhruv Jurel kept wickets during the two home Tests against West Indies as well as the fifth Test at The Oval, which India won to level the five-Test series at 2-2.India play two Tests against South Africa from November 14 in Kolkata, and then from November 22 in Guwahati, a city that will be hosting Test cricket for the first time. India are currently third in the World Test Championship table with 61.90% points; South Africa, meanwhile, are fifth with 50% points.
During the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur have started to splash the cash in the transfer market to aid them in their quest for success in the Premier League.
In the last four years alone, the hierarchy have dropped over £400m on new additions, but not all the big-money additions have made the desired effect in North London.
Tanguy Ndombele is just one of the players who cost a pretty penny, with the Frenchman costing a reported £63m in 2019 – a deal that was then a club-record.
He was only able to rack up 91 appearances for the Lilywhites over a five-year period, before leaving on a free transfer last summer to move back to his homeland.
With the January window on the horizon, the board and Thomas Frank will need to keep such a deal in mind to prevent themselves from losing a huge chunk of their investment.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this January
In recent weeks, Juventus defender Gleison Bremer has been one of the latest players touted with a move to join Spurs during the upcoming transfer window.
It’s been reported that Frank’s men are willing to fork out £35m for the Brazilian centre-back, as the board aim to add key depth and quality to the backline.
Juventus defender Gleison Bremer
The Lilywhites have shipped 11 goals in their last three competitive outings, which could make the 28-year-old a viable option for the upcoming window.
However, the attacking department could also be subject to improvement, with Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche once again emerging on their radar after previously wanting to sign the forward in the summer.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, the Lilywhites are extremely keen on a deal to land the 23-year-old this winter, but a deal could cost the hierarchy a pretty penny.
The journalist has stated that the Ligue 1 side are currently demanding a fee in the region of €70m (£61m) for his signature, a deal that would be one of the most expensive in their history.
Why Spurs’ £61m target would be Simons 2.0
Spending big on a young attacker hasn’t been alien for Spurs in the last couple of months, with the board splashing a reported £52m on the signature of Xavi Simons last summer.
The Dutchman’s move generated huge excitement, with the hierarchy selecting the 22-year-old as the player to fill the void in the number ten role after James Maddison’s injury.
However, a couple of months on from his mammoth transfer, the youngster has struggled to hit the ground running, as seen by his tally of zero goals and just two assists to date.
Frank has also evidently been frustrated by the Dutchman’s lack of quality, with the manager leaving him on the substitutes bench in each of the last two outings.
A little ounce of leeway must be handed Simons’ way though, especially with the attacking midfielder often having to operate in a somewhat unnatural left-wing role in multiple of his starts.
However, the club could be about to land another version of the big-money talent this January, especially if they manage to complete a deal for Akliouche in the near future.
He’s been ranked as a similar player to Simons in the Champions League by FBref, with the pair even facing off against each other in the clash between the two sides in October.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats in such a campaign, the Frenchman has dominated the current Spurs star, which could hand Frank the attacking talent he’s craved in recent months.
Akliouche, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has achieved a higher tally of combined goals and assists in the Champions League at present.
How Akliouche & Simons compare in the UCL (25/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Akliouche
Simons
Games played
5
5
Goals & assists
2
1
Pass accuracy
83%
81%
Progressive passes
6.3
4.7
Passes into final third
3.8
2.9
Take-ons completed
2.7
2.1
Carries into final third
2.1
1.3
Crosses completed
2.4
2.1
Stats via FBref
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, with more of his efforts going into the final third – showcasing his creative nature when in possession.
The aforementioned tallies would undoubtedly hand Frank the big-money talent he’s been craving since taking the reins in North London during the off-season.
The Monaco star has also completed more take-ons per 90 in Europe this season, whilst achieving more carries into the final third per 90 – reaffirming his incredible ability with the ball at his feet.
£61m in today’s market for a player of Akliouche’s quality would be an excellent deal, with the 23-year-old having bags of time to reach the next level in his development.
As for Simons, the Frenchman’s potential move could push him down the pecking order further, but it could also provide him with the
needed kick to ignite his career in North London.
Romero upgrade: Spurs "ready to make" £35m bid for "world-class" defender
Tottenham Hotspur look set to make a huge January move for a new centre-back.
South African Marizanne Kapp has again showed how big a loss she will be to the Melbourne Stars once she leaves the WBBL for international duties. Kapp starred in the field as the Stars easily beat Hobart Hurricanes by 37 runs on Thursday at Junction Oval.Their third-straight win left the Stars second on the ladder ahead of Saturday’s massive home derby against the third-placed Melbourne Renegades.While teammate Amy Jones was Player of the Match, Kapp bowled Lizelle Lee with the first delivery of the Hurricanes innings. She removed fellow opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge in the third over and took an outstanding catch to remove No.4 Nicola Carey.But Saturday’s match will be the last for Kapp before she returns to the South African team.”Obviously Kappy is going to be a massive loss – it seems like she’s playing her best cricket, now that she’s leaving us, which is a bit frustrating,” teammate Kim Garth said. “But I feel like we do have the depth to cover it.”Garth added they were worried about what damage Lee could do.”I was pretty relieved – she was hitting them pretty well,” Garth said. “We did a lot of planning for her and when Kappy comes in and knocks her over first ball, it’s quite nice.”After starting the season with five-straight wins, Hurricanes have lost their last two and are in danger of ceding top spot to either Melbourne team.Renegades will host Perth on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Stars, who are only one point behind Hurricanes.After Hurricanes won the toss on Wednesday at Junction Oval, Jones and Danielle Gibson gave momentum to Stars’ stalled innings and the home side reached 151 for 6 from their 20 overs. Hurricanes were bundled out for 114 with 22 deliveries left.Jones top-scored with 59 from 40 balls, featuring six fours and a six. Jones and Gibson came together at 91 for 4 in the 14th over – not yet a crisis, but Hurricanes would have felt they had the momentum.Instead, Gibson belted 39 from 27 deliveries, with five fours and a six, as they put on a quickfire 44 for the fifth wicket. Carey took 2-29 from her four overs.After Hurricanes slumped to 59 for 6, captain Elyse Villani and Hayley Silver-Holmes gave them a glimmer of hope with their 40-run stand for the seventh wicket.Then Sophie Day bowled Silver-Holmes for 18 from 14 deliveries and Sutherland bowled Villani for 38 off 21 balls to kill off the late rally.Kapp took 2 for 29 from her four overs, while Sutherland also snared two and Day cleaned up the tail on the way to 4 for 17 from three overs.
Everton are now reportedly keeping close tabs on a Premier League gem who’s been compared to Aston Villa’s Jadon Sancho.
Everton ready to pounce in Zirkzee race
Everton’s January transfer window may well centre around Premier League talent. The Toffees already enjoyed great success in the summer when they welcomed out-of-favour stars Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Now, The Friedkin Group could look to repeat that act of genius.
Despite the fact that Thierno Barry finally scored his first goal for the club against Nottingham Forest last time out, it seems as though those in Merseyside still intend to target an attacking reinforcement.
Reports have even gone as far as to claim that they’re ready to pounce in the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United in January. The forward has fallen down the pecking order since the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, but could have his season saved by the Toffees.
Zirkzee may have struggled at Old Trafford, but Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall are living proof that a move to Merseyside can quickly revive a career.
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Even if Barry now kicks on, David Moyes could do with that extra attacking addition, given that Beto is yet to show signs that he’ll become a viable goalscoring option for Everton.
That’s not to say Zirkzee is their only target, however. Alongside the Man United forward, the Toffees have also reportedly set their sights on signing Chelsea’s young, versatile winger, Tyrique George.
Like Zirkzee, the youngster has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and is now looking to leave Chelsea when the winter window swings open in less than a month.
Everton keeping close tabs on Tyrique George
According to TeamTalk, Everton are now eyeing a move to sign George and have joined Leeds United in the early race to secure the 19-year-old’s signature.
Compared to Sancho by Italian media, George wouldn’t be the first struggling Chelsea star to find life at Everton. His former teammate, Dewsbury-Hall has undeniably thrived since arriving in Merseyside.
Ultimately, fresh faces have forced George down the pecking order in West London, but Enzo Maresca was certainly impressed by the teenager last season.
The Chelsea boss told reporters after George’s display against Man United in May: “Very good. Very good. Brave. He was a threat in behind. Not easy for him because on the other side you have Maguire, you have Lindelof, you have Shaw.
“He was fighting against important defenders. But again, we tried to find a solution with a player from the academy. Overall I think also he had the penalty moment, so he works quite good.”
Whether it’s Everton or Leeds, both would benefit from George’s arrival in the January transfer window and the striker himself desperately needs senior minutes if he is to kick on.
Three promising players, and an umpire, made their Test debuts in Sylhet
Mohammad Isam11-Nov-2025It was the day of the debutants in Sylhet. Cade Carmichael, 23, and Jordan Neill, 19, provided a glimpse into Ireland’s future while 24-year-old Hasan Murad showed why he’s a highly-rated left-arm spinner in Bangladesh domestic cricket. Australian umpire Sam Nogajski also made a sound start to his Test career as an umpire.At the end of the first day’s play, there was no discussion about Nogajski, which should serve as good news for the debuting umpire. The three rookie players headlined the day with their strong first impressions.Carmichael scored 59 off 129 balls from No.3 while Neill made 30 off 60 balls from No.8. Murad, meanwhile, returned 2 for 47 in his 20 overs.Carmichael proved the perfect foil for the aggressive Paul Stirling during their 96-run partnership. He struck the ball sweetly to go with some flourish in his followthrough. Ireland then suffered a middle-order slump but despite wickets falling at the other end, Neill batted confidently.Gary Wilson, the Ireland batting coach, said that both Carmichael and Neill earned their places in the Test side.”I think they’re both very, very exciting talents,” Wilson said. “I think that they both performed well. They acquitted themselves very well in Test-match cricket and showed good method at times. They dealt with some pretty good bowling upfront from Bangladesh. I think they can be relatively pleased with their Test debuts.”Carmichael was born in South Africa where he attended Kearsney College, known for producing international cricketers like Andrew Hudson, Kyle Abott and Chad Bowes. Carmichael, however, played most of his formative cricket in Ireland. He was impressive in his lead-up to the ODI debut in May this year, before he made many others sit up and take notice of his talent in his first foray into Test cricket in Sylhet.Like Carmichael, Neill was born in South Africa but played most of his formative cricket in Ireland.”I think they’re the future, but I also think that they’re the now. They are playing on their own merit,” Wilson said. “Cade has come off the back of heavy scoring in domestic. He has good attributes that we like. He looked very accomplished on his ODI debut against West Indies earlier in the year.”[Carmichael] is someone that we have high hopes for. He looks like a very good player. He is only 23. Jordan is only 20 [19]. They are both players for the future and hopefully they can go and have long careers, but they’re also players for the right now.”Related
Ireland let advantage slip as Mehidy, Murad pull game into balance
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As for Murad, he showcased his accuracy and flight, skills that have fetched him a bagful of domestic wickets, when he dismissed Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker. Murad is one of only three bowlers to take 150 first-class wickets in Bangladesh since 2021, the others being the Test bowlers Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan.”I thought [the Bangladesh spinners] bowled accurately,” Wilson said. “It didn’t spin a huge amount in the first couple of sessions and then we began to see more spin towards the end of the day. They made us play if we wanted to take an attacking option. There wasn’t many freebies on board. They made us work for our runs.”Murad faces stiff competition from Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz who are Bangladesh’s first choice spinners in home Tests while Nayeem has been their designated understudy since 2018. There’s also hope that wristspinner Rishad Hossain will make the step-up to Test cricket soon while the likes of Nasum Ahmed and Tanvir Islam are white-ball regulars.Bangladesh, though, need to prepare for life after Taijul, who will turn 34 next February. They are already without Shakib Al Hasan for more than a year, so now it’s time to look into the future and groom Murad.