Kane Williamson accepts that “managing priorities on the calendar is a big task” but hopes all Test-playing countries give the format the attention it needs

Abhimanyu Bose08-Oct-2025

Kane Williamson isn’t done with international cricket just yet•Getty Images

Kane Williamson wants all stakeholders to give “greater importance” to Test cricket, especially in countries where the format faces the most challenges.”There’s been a lot of discussion about the Test game and how to keep breathing life into it, especially in countries where it’s facing greater challenges,” Williamson said on the sidelines of the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai on Tuesday. “The concern with a potential two-tier system is how teams in the second tier can continue to improve and work their way up to the top division.”There are already many conversations around this, but the reality is that the impact has been felt for some time, so finding a solution sooner would be better. The Test format needs greater importance placed on it by all playing nations, along with additional resources to support its growth. As a passionate supporter of Test cricket, I would love to see it thrive.”Related

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Williamson, who has called for tweaks, like designated windows for Test cricket in the past, supported the argument against two-match Test series, but also recognised the challenges faced by certain boards to host longer series.”These circumstances aren’t ideal, but the Test game faces more challenges in some countries than others. Organising three- or four-match Test series is difficult commercially, making it hard for boards to support,” he said. “However, the Test Championship has helped provide context, leading to more results and making the competition meaningful for teams.”While some adjustments are needed, the international schedule is very busy with both international and franchise cricket, creating clashes and challenges for players. Managing priorities on the calendar is a big task.”Two-match Test series aren’t ideal – I’ve played many for New Zealand and we always want more [games in a series] – but often this is the reality. I would love to see the Test game grow with more opportunities for teams and countries to develop, but those are complex discussions.”Williamson is now 35 and has opted out of a central contract with New Zealand Cricket and is on a casual agreement, meaning his international appearances have been and will continue to be sporadic. However, he insists that there is plenty more left in his international career.”I still love playing the game, and every opportunity to represent New Zealand remains special,” he said. “I recently spent some time in England, and although the team [New Zealand] hasn’t played a lot of cricket lately, we have a busy schedule ahead.If Test cricket is split in two tiers, West Indies could be one of the teams to be relegated•Associated Press

“Looking back on my international career, I feel incredibly grateful for the journey. There have been transitions with new players coming in, and for me, it’s been about moving from captaincy to continuing as part of the group. I still feel connected to that community and want to contribute to a team that’s heading in the right direction. There’s always plenty to look forward to.”Last year, injuries had ruled Williamson out of New Zealand’s three-Test series in India where they inflicted a historic 3-0 whitewash on the hosts, the first time India had been swept in a series of three or more Tests at home and also India’s first Test series defeat at home since England beat them in 2012.Williamson, who had captained New Zealand to another famous win over India – the one that won them the World Test Championship title in 2021 – dubbed the series win he had missed as New Zealand’s greatest achievement in Test cricket.”I believe our achievement in a three-Test series in India stands as probably our finest accomplishment as a Test-playing nation,” he said. “As we have witnessed over the years, competing – and especially winning – here is a major challenge. What the New Zealand team accomplished was remarkable and is undoubtedly a standout highlight in the history of our game.”

Strasbourg captain Emanuel Emegha, who is set to join Chelsea in the summer, has been handed a one-match ban by his current club and will miss their next game against Toulouse in Ligue 1. Strasbourg have issued a statement explaining their decision is due to the player's recent failure to "respect the club's values, expectations and rules".

• Emegha in the spotlight at Strasbourg

  Emegha has come under the spotlight in Strasbourg for his recent behaviour. The captain first raised eyebrows with comments made after the team's recent 2-0 victory over Lille, a match in which he scored both goals. After the game, it was pointed out to Emegha that the win was Lille's first against top opposition and he replied by joking that it was because he had missed his team's fixtures with Monaco, PSG, Lyon, and Rennes, according to .

  The report claims that the 22-year-old also riled the club during an interview with when he said he thought Strasbourg was in Germany before he joined the French club two years ago.

  Emegha has since spoken to the club's management, including coach Liam Rosenior and sporting director David Weir, and the decision has been made to sanction the captain for his behaviour and remind him of the team's values.

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• AFP
  

  Strasbourg issue statement on Emegha

  A statement from the club read: "Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace has decided to suspend Emmanuel Emegha for its next Ligue 1 match, this Saturday December 6 in Toulouse. This decision was taken following the player's recent failure to respect the club's values, expectations and rules. Racing reaffirms its commitment to the essential principles of exemplary conduct and respect for the collective framework. Emmanuel remains an important member of our team, who has always given his all for the club on the pitch. He will be reintegrated into the squad after this match. No further comments will be made."

• Emegha heading to Chelsea in 2026

  This does look to be Emegha's last season at Strasbourg as a deal has been agreed for the striker to move to their sister club Chelsea in 2026. Emegha will sign a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge in a move that has already generated controversy.

  Strasbourg fans turned on their striker earlier this season when the deal was announced, booing him during a fixture against Le Havre and holding up banners that read: "megha, pawn of BlueCo. After changing shirt, give back your captain's armband." 

  Manager Rosenior admitted afterwards that Emegha had been left "devastated" by the fans' strong reaction to the news.

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• 'Everybody knows my personality'

  Emegha has previously spoken about his decision to swap Strasbourg for Chelsea. He told reporters: "Strasbourg gave me the opportunity to develop and to get to the level that I am today, and I’m not finished developing or growing. I’m really grateful to the club and the supporters for everything they have done for me. I just want to focus 100% on Strasbourg until the end of the season, and then I will leave. I don’t want there to be rumours or distractions for my team or for me, so I think this is the best decision to bring it out now.

  "Everybody knows my personality. It’s not because people know I’m leaving that I will change my behaviour or my work ethic. I’m someone who gives 100% every day for the team and for the club, and I’ll keep doing this until the end.

  "I had opportunities to go to other European top clubs that play in the Champions League. I spoke with Chelsea, with Strasbourg and with BlueCo about what would be best for my career. We had open discussions and agreed that the best decision was for me to stay in Strasbourg for one more year, to lead the team in Europe, to write another piece of history here, and then go to Chelsea."

Bangladesh women’s coach Sarwar Imran attended the team’s opening World Cup match against Pakistan on Thursday, despite having suffered a stroke on Monday. The Bangladesh team have been keen to stress that the stroke was “minor”.Imran, aged 66, had been discharged from hospital on Tuesday, the day after the stroke. He had attended team training on Wednesday and was at Bangladesh’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan for the duration of that game. He was largely inside the dressing room through the course of the game, rather than in the dugout at the edge of the field.Team manager SM Golam Faiyaz told ESPNcricinfo that Imran had returned so quickly following the stroke to better support the players. “He didn’t want the players to be discouraged,” Faiyaz said. “The doctor has said to keep an eye on him, and we are doing all that. But he’s feeling better.”Having just won in Colombo – the southernmost venue of this World Cup – Bangladesh now fly to Guwahati – the northernmost venue – on a charter flight on Friday morning. Imran is expected to make that trip with the team. Their next match is against England on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to receive only a one-match ban for his red card against the Republic of Ireland in Portugal's penultimate World Cup qualifier. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was sent off after elbowing Dara O'Shea off the ball and was set for a three-match ban for 'violent conduct'. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee has decided to let the 40-year-old off easy.

Ronaldo only gets a one-match ban for O'Shea elbow

Ronaldo was expected to miss one or two of Portugal's opening clashes in the 2026 World Cup in North America after being shown a red card for violent conduct on O'Shea. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee have ruled that the Portugal captain's actions were only worth a one-game ban, which he has already served after he missed Roberto Martinez's squad for the 9-1 win over Armenia. His punishment, however, also holds a two-game suspended ban, which will be triggered if he is found guilty of a similar offence yet again in the next 365 days.

Ronaldo was sent off just before the hour mark, after Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg consulted with VAR, having shown the five-time Ballon d'Or winner a yellow card initially. In the review, it seemed clear to the referee that, in a tussle with O'Shea, Ronaldo clearly elbowed O'Shea in the back without any ball involvement around him.

AdvertisementGettyCR7's first international red card

The red card against the Republic of Ireland was Ronaldo's first of his international career as the Portugal captain has never been sent off in his 226 appearances with the national team. It has been reported that this disciplinary record may have played a massive part in the FIFA disciplinary committee's decision.

However, this wasn't the first time Ronaldo and O'Shea clashed as the Portugal captain and the Irishman had previously clashed, with the Al-Nassr star appearing to slap him all the way back in 2021. While O'Shea had hit the deck at that point as well, the referee and VAR had missed the incident, and Ronaldo had gotten away with his assault on the Ireland star; however, the same was not the case this time around.

Ronaldo's absence raises questions about Portugal squad

Ronaldo's absence for Portugal's 9-1 win over Armenia raised serious questions from fans over the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's spot in Martinez's World Cup squad as Portugal's attacking play seemed a lot smoother. The same was the case during the 2022 World Cup when Fernando Santos played Ronaldo as more of a substitute through the tournament in Qatar with stars like Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix and Diogo Jota starting instead.

However, the quarter-final failure against Morocco eventually saw Santos receive the sacking and Martinez being onboarded as the head coach of the Portuguese national team. The former Belgium coach quickly reintegrated the former Real Madrid man into the squad as he led Portugal to their Nations League triumph last year.

Nonetheless, questions are still being raised as to whether having Ronaldo as the main man in the Portugal squad is the best way forward for the 2026 World Cup as the country look to raise their first-ever trophy on the international stage.

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Getty Images SportPortugal's World Cup opener to feature Ronaldo

Despite all the questions regarding Ronaldo's form at the highest level, it is highly unlikely that Martinez will be altering his squad this close to the World Cup. As such, it is almost guaranteed that Ronaldo will be the first name on the teamsheet when Portugal kickoff their 2026 World Cup campaign in North America.

However, the ill-tempered Ronaldo will have to keep his emotions in check through the tournament, as another sending off or even a violation of FIFA's regulations could see him miss the latter stages of the World Cup.

The MLB world was absolutely floored when FanSided's Robert Murray reported a blockbuster trade on Sunday, which will send Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants.

Per Murray, the trade involves Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks and other assets heading to the Red Sox.

it's a stunning deal considering Boston locked down Devers on a long-term contract extension in 2023, just over two years ago. He's due to make $27 million next year and then $28.5 million each season through the 2033 campaign.

Devers has spent his entire career with the Red Sox, and looked destined to play at Fenway Park throughout his prime. Baseball fans were in awe over the unexpected trade, and they took to social media to express their disbelief.

Never a dull moment.

West Ham have been tipped to match one club’s asking price to sign a striker who’s been compared to former Man City star Julian Alvarez.

West Ham battle to Man United draw as Nuno makes January plans

West Ham battled back to claim a precious point at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with Soungoutou Magassa’s late strike cancelling out Diogo Dalot’s opener in a 1-1 draw.

Their stalemate away to Man United keeps the Hammers’ survival hopes well and truly alive heading into the festive period, as the east Londoners battle to make up ground on Leeds United and Nottingham Forest above them.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side spent much of the evening defending resolutely, absorbing sustained United pressure before Dalot found the breakthrough in the 58th minute.

The Portuguese wing-back reacted quickest after Casemiro’s deflected effort fell invitingly inside the penalty area, composing himself before drilling his finish beyond Alphonse Areola.

The lead appeared safe until seven minutes from time, when substitute Andy Irving’s corner caused chaos in the United box. Jarrod Bowen flicked the delivery goalwards at the near post, Noussair Mazraoui cleared desperately off the line, but Magassa pounced to fire home his first West Ham goal from close range.

Related Ex-West Ham chief shares the "big" changes Nuno "wants to make" to his squad

Nuno wants to transform them.

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The finish sparked jubilation among the travelling supporters and left United fans booing at the final whistle.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man United 1-1 West Ham

Yet, West Ham’s attacking struggles remain glaring.

With 36-year-old Callum Wilson their only reliable striking option right now following Niclas Fullkrug’s disastrous spell in east London, January reinforcements have become essential.

The German wants out after an 18-month West Ham career marred by injuries and a lack of goals, scoring zero this season, with Nuno poised to be left desperately thin in the final third if they don’t sign another number nine next month.

Reports suggest West Ham are leading the race for Union Saint-Gilloise’s towering striker Promise David, but he is by no means their only target.

West Ham tipped to meet Santiago Gimenez asking price

AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Irons ahead of January, with Milan reportedly open to selling following his underwhelming spell at the San Siro overall.

The Mexico international fired ex-club Feyenoord to an Eredivisie title in 2023 and built upon that by scoring 26 goals in all competitions the following campaign.

This excellent form in the Netherlands culminated in a £28 million move to Milan last January, but Gimenez has failed to live up to expectations, despite former teammate Kyle Walker likening him to Alvarez, who is thriving for Atlético Madrid right now.

Walker also said that Gimenez is capable of producing ‘magic’ whilst being a hard-worker for the team.

According to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero and reporter Salvatore Riggio, West Ham could bid £26 million for Gimenez in January, which would in fact match the Rossoneri’s asking price.

The 24-year-old, who has scored 93 career goals to date, is apparently ‘destined’ for England with Sunderland also very interested.

The outlet adds that Gimenez simply hasn’t settled in Milan, so perhaps a move to London could reignite his best.

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Brasil e Jamaica se enfrentam neste sábado (1º), em jogo amistoso. A bola vai rolar a partir das 17h (de Brasília), na Arena Pernambuco, em Pernambuco (RE), com transmissão da TV Brasil, Sportv e Canal GOAT.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalFilha de pai brasileiro é disputada por três seleções e projeta carreira internacionalFutebol Nacional31/05/2024Seleção BrasileiraMeia da Seleção Brasileira, Paquetá abre o jogo sobre envolvimento com apostasSeleção Brasileira31/05/2024Seleção BrasileiraDorival terá trunfo em preparação da Seleção Brasileira para a Copa AméricaSeleção Brasileira31/05/2024

Confira todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre Brasil e Jamaica (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
BRASIL X JAMAICA
AMISTOSO
🗓️ Data e horário: sábado, 1º de junho de 2024, às 17h (de Brasília);
📍 Local: Arena Pernambuco, Pernambuco (RE);
📺 Onde assistir: TV Brasil, Sportv e Canal GOAT;
🟨 Árbitro: sem informações;
🚩 Assistentes: sem informações;
🖥️ VAR: sem informações.

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES:

BRASIL (Técnico: Arthur Elias)
Lorena; Antônia, Lauren, Tarciane e Tamires; Júlia Bianchi, Angelina, Jaque Ribeiro e Marta; Gabi Portilho e Debinha.

continua após a publicidade

JAMAICA (Técnico: Lorde Donaldson)
Rebecca Spencer; Konya Plummer, Allyson Swaby, Chantelle Swaby e Naya Cardoza; Sampson; Davia Richards, Drew Spence e Jody Brown; Davia Richards e Kameron Simmonds.

Tudo sobre

Futebol NacionalJamaicaSeleção BrasileiraSeleção Feminina

Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly making checks on a Premier League goalkeeper, who could replace the out-of-form Guglielmo Vicario.

Thomas Frank responds to growing Tottenham pressure

There was plenty of hope that Thomas Frank could be the man to take Tottenham to the next level when he arrived in the summer. By all means, it was an appointment which made perfect sense. That initial hope is now beginning to fade away, however, and the pressure is growing on the Dane to turn things around, as names like Marco Silva begin to be name-dropped.

It speaks volumes that it was a Cristian Romero brace, which included a late overhead kick, which saved Spurs against Newcastle United, with Frank’s attackers continuing to struggle.

The pressure doesn’t seem to be getting to Frank, though, who told reporters when asked whether he would get time to make his mark in North London: “Yeah, I’m very confident.

“I think the ownership – of course I’m just starting to know them, but it seems like they’re good guys, intelligent people – know how to run businesses and learning about football, learning more now they’ve become owners. I think when we’re dealing with intelligent people, they can see every successful dynasty, every successful club has taken time.

“Yeah you have one where you maybe win one year or the second year, but you can’t sustain it if you don’t build something sustainable. Impossible.”

That said, even Frank may not be able to deny that something needs to change for too much longer. Where that change comes remains is the big question.

Vicario’s position is certainly up for debate. The goalkeeper was booed by his own fans after a mistake against Fulham and Spurs have since been linked with moves for both James Trafford and Bart Verbruggen.

Tottenham make first contact for Verbruggen

According to TeamTalk, Tottenham have now made initial contact for Verbruggen, making checks on the Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper. He’s someone that ENIC reportedly admire and a player that will make their shortlist if they decide to replace Vicario in the coming year.

Tottenham could prove 'irresistible' to manager who Levy was urged to hire before Frank

He’s on the verge of leaving his current club.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 2, 2025

Alas, they’re not the only ones who admire the Dutchman. Bayern Munich are also reportedly big fans of Verbruggen and see him as a potential replacement for one of the best goalkeepers of all time, Manuel Neuer.

Starts

13

14

Clean Sheets

3

4

Save Percentage

68.9%

72.%

Pass Completion

76.6%

75.6%

Whilst Vicario’s recent mistake turned him into public enemy No.1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, his underlying numbers suggest that he’s likely to turn a corner after that moment of madness.

They also suggest that Verbruggen wouldn’t be a major upgrade, despite Fabian Hurzeler’s verdict that the Dutchman is an “unbelievable character”.

The last thing that Spurs need is to waste more funds on those who wouldn’t provide Frank with much-needed upgrades. Unless the Lilywhites find a goalkeeper who is putting up better numbers than Vicario, then they should show faith in their No.1 for at least the remainder of the campaign.

Spurs star is in danger of becoming Dele Alli 2.0 under Thomas Frank

Coventry City are now reportedly plotting a January deal to sign a Premier League midfielder, who desperately needs a move after playing just two minutes of top-flight action so far this season.

"Frustrated" Coventry must bounce back vs Bristol City

Coventry were cruising at the top of the Championship two weeks ago. Now, however, their lead at the top has been cut to just five points and one more slip-up could see Middlesbrough apply greater pressure than ever before this season.

Manager Frank Lampard admitted his frustration after failing to bounce back from a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Ipswich Town and drawing 1-1 with Preston North End, thanks to Daniel Jebbison’s late equaliser.

The last thing that Lampard needs is a reminder of his past failure in the hunt for Championship promotion and Coventry would be wise to act in January to avoid an all too familiar repeat.

On that front, the Sky Blues could turn to the Premier League to get them over the line and, more specifically, Sunderland’s Dan Neil. The midfielder has struggled for minutes in Wearside this season, but has caught the attention of those in the Championship.

Coventry plotting Dan Neil move

Coventry are now plotting a January deal to sign Neil, according to TeamTalk, and there’s no doubt that the Sunderland man needs a move away from Wearside next month.

The midfielder has gone from lifting the playoff trophy at Wembley as Sunderland’s captain to playing just two minutes of Premier League action following the arrival of Granit Xhaka.

With just over six months left on his current deal, the Black Cats are reportedly ready to cash in, providing Coventry with the perfect opportunity to welcome last season’s promotion hero.

Although Neil has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League, it’s tough to doubt his ability to make his mark in the Championship following Sunderland’s promotion.

It was in the second tier that the 23-year-old earned the most praise from Regis Le Bris, with the Sunderland boss telling reporters last January: “The individual output is not maybe as big as expected but it is still very important for the team. You can feel how strong he is as an individual player. At the same, the role he has for the balance of the team is very important.”

Neil played a pivotal part in the Black Cats’ promotion and may yet get the chance to help Coventry over the line in January.

Aston Villa have now submitted a concrete bid for a “great dribbler” who’s “keen” on a move to Villa Park.

Villa stepping up pursuit of new forward

Despite a disastrous start to the Premier League season, failing to score in their opening four games, Villa have now emerged as potential title contenders, moving just three points behind leaders Arsenal after the 2-1 victory against Mikel Arteta’s side last time out.

Unai Emery has played down suggestions his side could mount a title push, however, saying: “I know 38 matches is very difficult. We are not a contender. If we were in game 35, perhaps we can speak differently.”

Danny Murphy has also pointed out another reason the Villans may not be able to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, saying: “I don’t see them as title contenders, only because of a lack of strength in depth. But their best XI can beat anybody.”

With the January transfer window now on the horizon, however, Emery will be presented with the opportunity to increase his squad depth, and a new forward is of interest, with Strasbourg’s Joaquin Panichelli, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Bologna’s Santiago Castro emerging as targets.

According to a report from Bolavip (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have also submitted an offer worth for Gremio forward Alysson Edward, having scouted him on a number of occasions this year.

Gremio are set to decide whether to accept the bid in the coming days, and the offer is now with Gremio’s new president, Odorico Roman.

Fabrizio Romano has also taken to X to confirm that a €12m (£10m) fee has been proposed, with the Brazilian eager to make the move to Villa Park.

"Great dribbler" Alysson showing promising signs in Brazil

Journalist Bence Bocsak has made it clear he is an admirer of the 19-year-old, saying: “Big fan of him. Still raw but he’s a very progressive player and a great dribbler. Has the tools to go far.”

Not only is the teenager a strong dribbler, but he is also a well-rounded winger, averaging 2.46 tackles per 90 over the past year, and 0.84 interceptions, placing him in the 96th and 93rd percentile, compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

The only thing the Gremio star may need to improve is his end product, having only chipped in with one goal and two assists in 41 matches for Gremio.

Emery's a fan: Aston Villa willing to make mega-money bid for £52m "baller"

The Villans are lining up a winter move for a new midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Dec 7, 2025

Alysson could be one for the future, and a £10m deal wouldn’t break the bank, but with Aston Villa potentially in a title race, it may be better to bring in a more experienced forward next month, considering Ollie Watkins is on just three goals in all competitions.