Leeds United endured a frustrating return after the international break, though their defeat to Burnley was marred by an alleged incident involving Hannibal Mejbri.

Leeds lose out against Burnley at Turf Moor

Clashes between newly-promoted sides tend to be combative in nature, and that was certainly the case as Scott Parker’s Clarets saw off the challenge laid before them by Daniel Farke to take all three points at Turf Moor.

Brenden Aaronsen was one of several underperformers on the day for the Whites in what became a forgettable occasion for the visitors despite their vastly superior chances, leaving them three points above the Premier League relegation zone with eight matches played.

After the match, Farke made it clear that his side won the statistical battle on the day and can feel hard done by that they didn’t take something in Lancashire, though conceded that goals win games when all is said and done.

He said: “You can’t have better statistics than we did today in an away game in the Premier League. When Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City travel here even they won’t have better statistics. We won each and every statistic but in football it is also just about goals. They were more effective than us today.”

Nevertheless, Burnley midfielder Hannibal was at the centre of an alleged spitting incident after a complaint was lodged from a supporter in the Leeds United section.

Leeds eyeing fresh 2026 move to sign "perfect" Championship star for Farke

They could finally get their man…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 18, 2025

BBC reporter Adam Pope said on X: “Leeds United are aware of an allegation of spitting by a Burnley player believed to be Hannibal. The authorities are investigating after a complaint was made from a supporter in the Leeds United section at Turf Moor.”

With that in mind and an investigation now launched, further developments have come to light regarding the potential consequences of yesterday’s controversy if he is to be cited.

Hannibal Mejbri could be suspended if found guilty

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, former referee Keith Hackett has said Hannibal could be banned for a minimum of three matches if the allegation of spitting relating is found to be true after the investigation takes place.

Ultimately, nobody wants to see this sort of incident emerge in the aftermath of any football match. For now, it will be down to the authorities to conclude exactly what happened and to dish out the appropriate punishment.

Now, Leeds will take some time to prepare for the visit of West Ham United next Friday, offering another major opportunity to stray further away from the relegation zone after a mixed start to the campaign.

Farke’s side don’t have any problems when it comes to chance creation, but the German coach will hope his side can tighten up at the back before the Hammers make their way to Elland Road.

There’s a lot to like about Manchester United at the moment. Of course, many more improvements are needed before Ruben Amorim’s project hits the desired level, but recent results and, perhaps more importantly, performances, suggest a page may have been turned.

Amorim has stuck to his guns in the Old Trafford hot seat and received more than a measure of criticism and question marks in return. But are the signs of vindication just about appearing for the thought-filled tactician?

A summer well spent has seen first-team outliers cast away and upgrades in the form of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arrive and work their stuff under the Theatre’s lights.

Benjamin Sesko is a talented striker, but the jury remains out in regard to his potential as the leading man for many years to come.

What Sesko has to prove at Man Utd

Sesko joined Man United from RB Leipzig for a £74m fee this summer, ending a protracted search for a new striker.

So far, the 23-year-old has only scored two goals and provided one assist across 11 matches, but his link-up play and presence in the area offer much promise.

Podcast host Adam Joseph noted that the Slovenian “needed a better touch” during Saturday’s hair-raising draw to Forest, unable to capitalise on the wizardry of Mbeumo. But this will come.

Mbeumo and Cunha, after all, are seasoned Premier League stars, whereas Sesko is only a few months into his career in English football and younger besides.

We know he can score goals. But Man United’s finest strikers in modern times have proved they have many more strings to their bow.

Take Robin Van Persie. The iconic centre-forward was hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson for his “sensational” shooting and for having “an impact as big as anyone” at Old Trafford after joining from Arsenal for £24m in 2012.

His movement and intelligence in the final third set him apart from the masses, and Sesko, tall and well-built, could emulate the Dutchman in that regard.

But there might actually be an up-and-coming Carrington talent with more potential than the summer recruit.

Man Utd's biggest striker talent since RVP

Last week, Amorim acknowledged JJ Gabriel publicly and confirmed he has been paying attention to the 15-year-old forward’s progress, even handing him an opportunity to train with the first team.

Hailed for his “exceptional skillset” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, “combining flair and confidence on the ball”, Gabriel hasn’t yet developed positionally, capable both on the left and in a central striking berth, but there’s so much to like and he could even make his debut in the not-too-distant future.

Already a regular for the U18s, Gabriel has shattered expectations with his prodigious technical ability and fleet-footed work on the ball. He’s too good for the youngsters around him, and journalist Nathan Salt confirmed that “one insider thinks ‘he’s already better than Premier League players'”.

Correspondent Steven Railston has even suggested that Gabriel “the best talent United’s academy has ever seen”.

Sometimes, you can just tell. Gabriel is a one-of-a-kind dribbler and is the top goalscorer in the U18 Premier League this season, with seven goals (and one assist) from just eight matches. Darren Fletcher has predominantly used him centrally, despite being schooled out wide, but the prolific potential of this young star suggests this might be a wise call.

Though he’s not physically developed, nor has he tried his hand on the senior stage, Gabriel has so much potential, and there’s no question that his ceiling reaches higher than Sesko’s.

Could the teenager turn out to be United’s best since Van Persie? It is far too early to tell, but the signs so far are more than promising, to be sure.

Man Utd's "anonymous" flop is rapidly becoming a bigger problem than Dalot

Ruben Amorim has a job on his hands to put one Manchester United player on the right track.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 3, 2025

Celtic have been meticulously assessing options to succeed Martin O’Neill in the dugout and may now have identified a new figure that could become a serious contender to take the Scottish Premiership champions forward.

At 73 years of age, O’Neill deserves plenty of plaudits for taking a step out of his comfortable stable of punditry work for another spell in charge of his old side, even if he may only be around for a brief period of time.

The victories over Falkirk and Rangers brought back some much-needed morale to the Celtic dressing room. However, the Bhoys’ defeat to FC Midtjylland in midweek prompted the former Republic of Ireland boss to make his stance clear on a longer stay in Glasgow.

He told TNT Sports: “I will be here as long as the football board wants me, it’s as simple as that. That could be at the end of the week, it could be after the Kilmarnock game. I just don’t know.”

Later, he added after being asked if he was in constant discussions with the hierarchy, fuelling speculation that he may not be in charge beyond the international break: “No I’m not and I don’t really want to be. I just want to be told when my time is up.”

Kjetil Knutsen continues to be in the Celtic running as his Bodo/Glimt contract comes to an end. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is a Parkhead candidate due to his sterling work at Portman Road.

With speculation bound to continue over the coming days, a new name has entered the picture as a potential successor to interim coach O’Neill.

Celtic place Brian Barry-Murphy on manager shortlist

According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon, Celtic have shortlisted Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy as a managerial candidate to take over permanently at Parkhead.

Middlesbrough are also on the hunt for a new head coach as Rob Edwards completes a controversial move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, though the Scottish champions appear ready to throw a spanner in the works amid their links to the City Football Group.

Brian Barry-Murphy at Cardiff City – 2025/26

Wins

13

Draws

2

Losses

6

62% win ratio from 21 matches this season.

Previously, he was head coach at Rochdale before a spell in charge of Manchester City’s elite development squad, and he has also further coaching experience in a technical role at Leicester City.

Celtic could land an alternative manager with a secret release clause

Cardiff City find themselves fourth on 26 points and could go top of the table should they win their game in hand. Predominantly adopting a 4-2-3-1, the Bluebirds have been an attacking force this campaign, scoring the joint-third most goals in League One.

Nevertheless, managing Celtic is a whole different kettle of fish due to the pressures associated with the role. It remains to be seen who will be trusted to lead their bid to retain the Scottish Premiership title.

Chelsea cruised to a 6-0 win over Austrian side St Polten on matchday three of the Women's Champions League league phase on Tuesday night, which included a landmark 150th goal scored by the club in European competition. Sonia Bompastor's Blues move up to second in the standings, at least for the next 24 hours, with Sam Kerr working hard and rewarded for her efforts.

Kerr lacked conviction with a great early chance only a few yards from goal, but Wieke Kaptein made sure to put a similar opportunity away to break the deadlock after 12 minutes. Naomi Girma's bundled would-be second for Chelsea just over half an hour in was chalked off due to Kerr being offside as she knocked the ball across goal to the American, but there was nothing wrong with Catarina Macario's low strike from the edge of the box just before the interval.

A top Schluter save denied Macario a quickfire third right after the restart. But Alyssa Thompson soon drew a penalty by bamboozling Izabela Krizaj, that Macario made no mistake converting. Thompson had a goal disallowed with Kerr again offside in the build-up.

Kerr kept at it and eventually got her reward with a well-taken goal to make it 4-0. A heavily deflected Lauren James effort on her return from four months out handed Chelsea a late fifth, officially recorded as an own goal. A heavily deflected Lauren James effort on her return from four months out handed Chelsea a late fifth, officially recorded as an own goal from Lisa Ebert, before Kerr’s second of the night wrapped up the 6-0 win.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the NV Arena…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Livia Peng (6/10):

Standing in for the injured Hannah Hampton, although she may have got that nod anyway due to the Lionesses number one being rested on matchday one. Largely a spectator.

Ellie Carpenter (8/10):

Chelsea had so much of the ball in advanced areas it was the perfect opportunity to get forward, playing like an extra winger at times, and she laid on the early breakthrough for Kaptein with a smart cutback. Defensively strong too.

Lucy Bronze (7/10):

Obviously not known for playing at centre-back, but it was a repeat of the recent WSL win over London City Lionesses, affording Millie Bright and Nathalie Bjorn a rest after the Arsenal game.

Naomi Girma (7/10):

Didn't know much about she managed to get the ball in the back of the net, after an initial header came back off the post and rebounded in…not that it mattered because of an offside flag.

Sandy Baltimore (7/10):

Freed up to move higher up the pitch once Niamh Charles was brought on in the second half.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Catarina Macario (9/10):

Always a threat with exceptional delivery in to the danger area from both set-pieces and open play. Finished her chance with great precision to double the lead at a key moment right before the break and showed composure from 12 yards to send Schluter the wrong way for 3-0. The width of a post away from a hat-trick after striking the woodwork with a late free-kick.

Keira Walsh (7/10):

Probably wishes opposing players would stop flying in on her ankles, after Arsenal's Victoria Pelova at the weekend and now Fanni Nagy here. hardly misplaced a pass all night to help exhaust St Polten.

Wieke Kaptein (7/10):

It was a case of a well-timed run that got her into the right place at the right time to score early on. Tidy on the ball throughout.

Getty Images SportAttack

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (7/10):

Ought to have made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage-time, but denied one-on-one by Carina Schluter's outstretched right foot. Otherwise a source of decent creativity on the right.

Sam Kerr (9/10):

This was her first start in almost two years – since December 2023 – after coming through injury hell. Got into the right positions constantly, but should have done better with an early opportunity and put a great headed chance wide. Eventually scored, setting the chance with a brilliant first touch, and arguably a sharper and more match-practiced version of Sam Kerr would have scored a hat-trick on another night.

Alyssa Thompson (7/10):

Won the second half penalty that really put the game beyond doubt and was unlucky that her goal was chalked off due to Kerr being offside.

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Veerle Buurman (6/10):

A nice opportunity to give the Dutch teenager meaningful minutes, replacing Girma at half-time.

Niamh Charles (8/10):

A very impressive half hour.

Lexi Potter (7/10):

Another youngster to get a chance on the big stage.

Sjoeke Nusken (6/10):

Almost got a Chelsea seventh in stoppage time at the end, drawing a good save from Schluter.

Lauren James (7/10):

First Chelsea appearance since last season for the final 15 minutes. Deflected late shot goes down as a Lisa Ebert own goal.

Sonia Bompastor (8/10):

Kept key players Millie Bright, Nathalie Bjorn and Erin Cuthbert on the bench to provide at least some rest, and made good use of the wider squad. The result never really should have been in doubt.

The Local Organising Committee will be tasked with the roll-out of the flagship tournament being co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Aug-2025Experienced former South African cabinet minister Trevor Manuel has been named chair of the 2027 Cricket World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) board, unveiled by Cricket South Africa on Thursday. The 15-member board also has two provincial presidents, a CSA board member, seven independent directors, two appointees made by the South African sports ministry and three CSA executives, including CEO Pholetsi Moseki. The LOC will be tasked with the roll-out of the flagship tournament being co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.Among the independent directors are South Africa’s former deputy president Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and industry leaders in banking and business, such as Nomfanelo Magwentshu who was the chief operating officer of the 2010 Football World Cup hosted in South Africa.A familiar name to some cricket circles is that of Dr Stavros Nicolaou, CSA’s former interim board chair, who was in office as the organisation made the move to a majority independent board. The 2027 LOC mirrors that. “We deliberately went with a lot of independents in order to bring in a variety of skills. The operational matters will be covered from within the CSA perspective,” Rihan Richards, CSA’s members council president said at a press conference in Johannesburg.Manuel, who was part of South Africa’s first democratically elected parliament, served as minister of trade and industry, minister of finance and minister in the presidency and has been involved in various business endeavours. This is his first foray into sport.”I’ve done many different things in my life. Sports administration is not one of them,” he said at a press conference in Johannesburg. “Trying to do this late in my life is not easy for me. We have seven independent non-executive directors, two of whom served on the LOC for 2010, very good legal people, strong financial people and representatives of the minister and the presidency. We must make that commitment to South Africa, to sport, to the durability of the exercise. This is a nation-building exercise.”Unathi Matthew Tshotwana, one of the non-independent directors appointed, was named in the Fundudzi report which resulted in the sacking of former CSA CEO Thabang Moroe in 2019, as the director of a company that CSA paid R3 million (approx US$170,000) to without evidence of service provided. CSA have clarified that Tshotwana’s appointment, which was recomended by the ministry, was cleared by their legal team.The two provincial presidents are Johannes Adams from Western Province and Yunus Bobat from Kwa-Zulu Natal. Adams is a curious choice given that he already has his plate full with attending to issues at his own union, which faces a severe financial crisis. In September last year, it was revealed that the Western Province Cricket Association, which is based at Newlands, suffered losses in excess of R15 million (approx US$850,000) and the venue is in a concerning state of disrepair, some of which is being attended to.Newlands is among the grounds receiving new floodlights as part of the 2027 World Cup upgrades project. Along with the Wanderers, SuperSport Park and Kingsmead, Newlands will also make use of drop-in pitches, which are already in development. CSA opted for drop-in surfaces as a more cost-effective solution to full relaying of the squares at the venues. These are expected to be ready to be played on next season – 2026-27 – a full year ahead of the World Cup.2027 World Cup LOC: Trevor Manuel, Independent Chair
CSA members’ council and board appointments
Johannes Adams, President of Western Province (non-independent)
Yunus Bobat, President of Kwa-Zulu Natal (non-independent)
Vuyani Jarana, (CSA Board member – non-independent)
Ministry Appointments:
Advocate Philip October, Non-Independent Director
Unathi Matthew Tshotwana, Non-Independent Director
Independent Directors:
Herman Bosman, Independent Non-Executive Director
Nomfanelo Magwentshu, Independent Non-Executive Director
Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Independent Non-Executive Director
Ravi Naidoo, Independent Non-Executive Director
Dr Stavros Nicolaou, Independent Non-Executive Director
Advocate Karrisha Pillay SC, Independent Non-Executive Director
CSA staff:
Pholetsi Moseki CSA CEO
Refentse Shinners, CSA Public Affairs Executive
Tjaart van der Walt, CSA COO

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fluminense está próximo de confirmar o zagueiro Antônio Carlos, do Orlando City, como o primeiro reforço da próxima temporada. O jogador chega para repor a iminente saída do capitão Nino.

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Antônio renovou o contrato com o clube americano recentemente. O Orlando exerceu uma cláusula para prolongar o vínculo do jogador na intenção de não deixar o atleta sair de graça. O Fluminense vai pagar uma compensação financeira para ter o zagueiro no ano que vem.

➡️ Fluminense define elenco para o Mundial; confira quem ficou fora

O desejo do jogador de vestir a camisa tricolor não é novidade. Formado em Xerém, o zagueiro esteve perto de reforçar os cariocas ainda nesta temporada, mas o Orlando City quis manter o atleta. A vontade de Antônio Carlos de jogar pelo Fluminense é um dos maiores aliados do clube das Laranjeiras nesta negociação.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense

A frustrada tentativa de trazer Antônio Carlos para esta temporada resultou na chegada de Marlon, outro “cria da casa”. Além do zagueiro do Orlando City, o Fluminense ainda sonha com o retorno de Thiago Silva, que está no Chelsea.

يعد إيجاد بديل البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي في برشلونة أحد أهم القرارات التي يجب على ديكو المدير الرياضي اتخاذها لحسم مستقبل اللاعب في نهاية الموسم.

وينتهي عقد روبرت ليفاندوفسكي في يونيو ولا يزال مصير المهاجم البولندي غامضاً حتى الآن هذا الصيف، وعلى الرغم من أن رحيله كان مؤكداً خلال الشهور الماضية إلا أنه يرغب في البقاء ومستعد للحصول على دور ثانوي في الفريق.

ولا يبدو أن برشلونة قد اتخذ قراره النهائي بعد ويدرس النادي عدة خيارات في السوق للتعاقد مع لاعب رقم 9، الذي يدخل على رادار المدير الرياضي وستعتمد أي تحركات على سقف رواتب البلوجرانا.

وقامت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية باستطلاع رأي جماهير برشلونة حول المهاجم الذي يفضلون التعاقد معه في مركز اللاعب رقم 9.

أقرأ أيضاً.. باردجي: لم يكن أحد يعلم بوجود ميسي في برشلونة.. ولامين يامال يعاني بعض المشاكل

ومن بين الخيارات التي تدخل على رادار برشلونة لملء مركز المهاجم، جوليان ألفاريز مهاجم أتلتيكو مدريد وهاري كين مهاجم بايرن وإيتا إيونج مهاجم ليفانتي وسيرهو جيراسي مهاجم بوروسيا دورتموند.

وقام 2393 شخصا بالتصويت حتى الآن، وأصبح جوليان ألفاريز المرشح الأوفر حظاً حيث حصد نسبة 54% من الأصوات، يليه هاري كين بنسبة 23% وإيتا إيونج بنسبة 19% وجيراسي بنسبة 4%.

ويأتي تفضيل جماهير برشلونة للمهاجم الأرجنتيني لينضم إلى البارسا، على الرغم من تعقد موقفه بعد بيع 55% من أسهم أتلتيكو مدريد للصندوق الأمريكي أبولو سبورتس كابيتال ووصول ماتيو أليماني كمدير رياضي جديد للنادي.

ويحظى هاري كين صاحب الـ32 عاماً بإعجاب جماهير برشلونة، وسيكون قد انتقل في نفس عمر روبرت ليفاندوفسكي عند انضمامه للبارسا وينتهي عقده مع بايرن ميونخ في عام 2027، ولدى البافاري خياران إمام تجديد عقده أو بيعه مقابل 60 مليون يورو وسيكون الإنجليزي منفتحاً للرحيل إذا تم عرض عليه عقد طويل الأمد ويحصل على راتب 25 مليون يورو سنوياً ويمتلك حالة بدنية ممتازة إلى جانب شغفه بالتتويج بدوري أبطال أوروبا، بينما ستكون صفقات إيونج وجيراسي أقل تكلفة لدى لبرشلونة.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been blasted by Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson for the "silly decision" that led to his historic red card for Portugal in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium. CR7 was sent off for the first time in his international career during that contest, when earning his 226th cap, with his reaction to that dismissal being revealed.

• Ronaldo suspension: Sent off for first time when winning 226th cap

  Portugal headed to Dublin knowing that a positive result would confirm their automatic qualification for next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. That process will now go down to a final group phase outing against Armenia on Sunday. Ronaldo will sit that game out through suspension.

  A ban must be served after swinging an elbow in the direction of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea. Said incident was the subject of a VAR review, leading to Ronaldo being sent for an early bath. Hallgrimsson had said in the build-up to the game that he felt like CR7 was able to influence the referee during an October contest in Lisbon that delivered a dramatic 1-0 victory for the hosts.

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  Ronaldo fails to deliver on 'good boy' promise

  He said: "It's obviously up to the referee if he takes part in a play. But the thing in Portugal, he was not only controlling the referee, he was controlling the whole stadium, so all the fans supported his actions. The referee just kind of played along. I hope it will be the vice versa now that we are in Aviva. Obviously, a player shouldn't be refereeing. It should be the officials doing the refereeing."

  Ronaldo reacted to those comments by vowing to be on his best behaviour. He told reporters: "I really like the fans here, the support they give to their national team is lovely. For me it's a pleasure to come to play here again, and of course it will be tough. I hope they don't boo me too much, I swear that I'm gonna try to be a good boy!"

• Ronaldo's reaction to red card: Ireland boss reveals what was said

  The five-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to deliver on that promise. He cut a frustrated figure as Portugal conceded twice before half-time. He was then given his marching orders just after the hour mark.

  Hallgrimsson told of that incident: "He lost his focus a little bit, again maybe the fans helped a little bit in that. He was frustrated and reacted in a way that he knows he shouldn't. He said to me walking away, he told me (Hallgrimsson's pre-match remarks were) a clever thing to do and he blamed the referee or whomever, but it was his silly decision to attack our player."

  Hallgrimsson went on to say of his touchline exchange with Ronaldo as the all-time great made his way off the field: "He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee. It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card. It had nothing to do with me – unless I got into his head."

  Asked if he had spoken to Ronaldo after the game, Ireland’s head coach added: "No, I think we spoke enough when he came off. There was nothing to speak about. This was just a moment of a little silliness from him, I would say."

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  2026 World Cup qualification: Crucial games for Portugal & Ireland

  Two goals from Troy Parrott helped Ireland to a notable win on home soil, meaning that their own qualification hopes now rest on a final showdown with Hungary. Hallgrimsson said of that must-win encounter: "That is what we wanted, it is in our hands and with a performance like this we have a chance. We have to focus and recover, we have tired legs and the staff need to work really hard to get everyone fit and ready because that game is very important now. We won the second game in the last window and rotated players and happy we did that today. Those who played 90 minutes will be tired but hopefully everyone will be ready."

  Portugal will be at the 2026 finals. Ronaldo has admitted that tournament will be his last World Cup – as he graces FIFA’s flagship event for the sixth time at 41 years of age – but is not yet ready to head into retirement as he continues to chase down 1,000 career goals.

Bethell set to become England Men’s youngest-ever captain during Ireland T20Is

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2025

Sonny Baker has won his maiden England call-up for the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa, while Jacob Bethell’s rapid rise continues after he was named captain of the T20I side to tour Ireland immediately after.Bethell is set to become England’s youngest men’s captain when he deputises for Harry Brook in three T20Is. Still only 21, Bethell will beat the mark currently held by Monty Bowden, who was 23 and 144 days when he led England against South Africa at Cape Town on the Test tour of 1888-89.Related

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South Africa will arrive to play three ODIs and three T20Is next month, which will conclude England’s home season. Brook will then sit out the three-match trip to Ireland, along with four other all-format players – Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith – as part of workload management.Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will also take the reins from Brendon McCullum for the games in Malahide.Baker impressed with England Lions over the winter, which led to him being awarded an England development contract. Capable of bowling around the 90mph mark, he has caught the eye with Hampshire and Manchester Originals this summer.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

He joins an ODI squad that is largely unchanged from the group that beat West Indies 3-0 in Brook’s first series as permanent white-ball captain earlier in the summer. Gus Atkinson, Luke Wood and Tom Hartley drop out, though Wood is included in both T20I squads and Hartley will travel to Ireland. Atkinson will likely build up his red-ball loads ahead of the winter’s Ashes.Rehan Ahmed returns to the ODI group and is included in all three squads after a prolific summer with the bat. Baker is also in the Ireland T20I squad, as is Matthew Potts, who debuted in the format against West Indies.”Jacob Bethell has impressed with his leadership qualities ever since he has been with the England squads and the series against Ireland will provide him with the opportunity to further develop those skills on the international stage,” England men’s selector, Luke Wright, said.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“Sonny is a player we have identified for a while and he was impressive during the England Lions tours last winter. He has carried that form into this season in white-ball cricket with Hampshire and Manchester Originals and deservedly gets his opportunity.”England ODI squad to face South Africa: Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie SmithEngland T20I squad to face South Africa: Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke WoodEngland T20I squad to face Ireland: Jacob Bethell (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood

India are likely to play the upcoming Asia Cup without a lead sponsor following Dream 11’s withdrawal from its contract with the BCCI last month.On September 2, the BCCI began the process to secure a new sponsor by releasing an invitation for expression of interest for the lead sponsorship rights of the national team. The last date for interested parties to purchase the expression of interest is September 12 and the deadline to submit a bid is September 16. The Asia Cup begins on September 9 and concludes on September 28.The need for a new team sponsor arose after the Indian government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming bill last month prohibiting real-money gaming, which was Dream 11’s core business. Following that development Dream 11 communicated to the BCCI that it would have to pull out of its contract, which contained an exit clause to account for such government regulations. Dream XI’s contract was until 2026 and was worth USD 44 million (INR 358 crore approximately).The BCCI has been confronted with the challenge of finding a new lead sponsor after the incumbent pulled out mid-contract previously as well. The most recent instance was in 2019, when mobile company OPPO withdrew three years before its contract was scheduled to end. Educational technology company Byju’s filled the breach before Dream 11 made a successful bid for a three-year deal in 2023.In its invitation for expressions for interest for a new team sponsor, the BCCI specified that alcohol brands, betting or gambling services, cryptocurrency, online money gaming, tobacco brands, or any product or service likely to “offend public morals such as, including but not limited to, pornography” were not eligible to submit a bid.The Indian team is scheduled to leave on September 4 for the United Arab Emirates, where they are grouped with Oman, Pakistan and UAE in Group A of the tournament. They play UAE and Pakistan in Dubai on September 10 and 14, and then play Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19.Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group qualify for the Super Four stage, and the teams that finish one and two in that round will contest the final on September 28.