Young batter has opportunity to build narrative ahead of England’s defining campaign in November

Matt Roller13-Oct-2025Jacob Bethell has gone platinum. He has not broken into the music industry just yet, but England’s wunderkind used his time off at the end of the season to refresh his bright blond shock of hair and arrived in New Zealand this weekend with a golden chance ahead of him.He may not have an England crest tattooed on his biceps to prove his allegiance, but Bethell’s haircut is as much of a statement as the ‘skunk’ that Kevin Pietersen wore two decades ago in similar circumstances. For not since Pietersen in 2005 has an England batter gone into a white-ball series with such a clear opportunity to lock down a spot for the subsequent Ashes series.The obvious difference is that Pietersen had scored 21 first-class hundreds by the time that his one-day performances – most notably, a match-winning 91 not out at Bristol – secured his place ahead of the late Graham Thorpe for the first Test a few weeks later. Bethell has not scored any; as such, his case to beat Ollie Pope to the No. 3 spot in Perth relies on potential far more than performance.There may be little obvious relationship between three T20Is and three ODIs on small grounds in New Zealand and an Ashes series in Australia, but narrative is a powerful drug. After 61 Tests – already more than Jonathan Trott – Pope is a known entity, whose average has stabilised at 35. Bethell’s may yet do the same, but the uncertainty is precisely what makes him so enticing to an England management obsessed with upside.Bethell’s role in England’s white-ball teams became steadily more prominent last month: having mainly batted at No. 6, he shuffled up to No. 4 in the final two ODIs against South Africa, and moved up to No. 3 in the T20I side. If that continues in New Zealand, he will have more than enough time in the middle to press his case with substantial scores; all the while, Pope will have to watch on from afar.”I’ll be playing cricket, but whether that has any impact on what actually happens going into that Ashes series, I don’t know,” Bethell said at Thursday’s Toyota PCA Awards. “Form’s a big thing in sport… I’ll just try to put in performances to win games for England, and if that does end up in an Ashes call-up into the XI, then I’ll be taking that with both hands, hopefully.”Bethell scored the first hundred of his professional career in the ODIs against South Africa•ECB via Getty ImagesEngland have indicated that they will take a late call on the identity of their No. 3, with the logic that selection dilemmas are often solved by circumstance. Harry Brook’s withdrawal from their tour to India last year for personal reasons avoided a middle-order logjam, and England are only a rolled ankle or a broken finger away from being spared a headache for Australia.The downside of that approach is that it leaves room for speculation, which will only increase over the next month. But in turn, that only adds relevance to Bethell’s white-ball opportunities in New Zealand: if he can overcome the pressure of knowing that his Ashes spot is on the line, then he should be well equipped for the intense scrutiny of a Test series in Australia.Bethell has played in Australia before: he scored a hundred from No. 3 while captaining England Under-19s three winters ago, and had a modest season for Melbourne Renegades last year. He found conditions “pretty different to what I expected” in the Big Bash – where some pitches are slow and low – but is confident that he will be up to the task this time.Related

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“I’ve definitely had a little think about the kind of challenge that I’m going to face over there,” he said. “The only thing I’ll be looking to do is try to adapt as quickly as possible. I think my game is pretty suited to Australian conditions, in terms of [there being] a bit more bounce [than in England], so that’ll be something that I’m looking to capitalise on.”Bethell spent two weeks with his family in Barbados at the end of the summer, and reflected on a summer in which he scored his maiden professional hundred and captained England for the first time with a level of disappointment. “I’m actually not very happy with the summer I had, but it’s something that has lit a fire in me,” he said.It is that attitude that has impressed so many players and coaches in Bethell’s career to date, and means that he is a genuine contender to replace Pope – a man with nine Test hundreds – at No. 3 in Perth on November 21. He could not hope for a better chance to prove it than over the next three weeks in New Zealand.

Life at Bayern Munich couldn’t be going much better for England captain Harry Kane, who has heaped praise on boss Vincent Kompany for his no-nonsense management style and believes he is now playing and enjoying his football better than ever before. Kane has also highlighted how life is very different to what he left behind at Tottenham.

Brilliance in Bavaria for Bayern Munich

The former Tottenham's striker's time at Bayern Munich has been nothing short of brilliant, defined by phenomenal individual performances and record-breaking goalscoring. In his debut 2023-24 season, Kane was exceptional, scoring 36 goals in the Bundesliga to win the European Golden Shoe and break the record for most goals in a maiden Bundesliga campaign. His overall form saw him register 44 goals in 45 matches across all competitions that season. 

Building on that success, the following season saw him finally secure his first major career trophy by winning the Bundesliga title, a long-awaited moment that ended his "trophy drought" narrative. He was also named the Bundesliga's Best Player for the same season. Kane has seamlessly adapted to the German top flight, proving his worth as one of the world's best strikers and solidifying his move as a resounding success. 

And Kane believes boss Kompany deserves his share of the praise for how well he has played. 

AdvertisementAFPKane: 'People are appreciating some of the other stuff I do'

Kane told the : "There is no BS with him [Kompany]. A lot of footballers, and people generally, appreciate that. I think this is the most I’ve been enjoying my football because I'm involved more. He’s definitely improved me. I love tackling, helping the team, blocking shots. I’ll be judged on goals but I think this season people are appreciating some of the other stuff I do as well.

"The way we play, man-for-man, obviously makes me do that. At Tottenham, with [Antonio] Conte, we ran! That was a pretty tough time, a tough pre-season! I feel like I’m affecting the game with and without the ball much more than I ever have in previous years."

Barcelona transfer talk grows louder

Kane has been linked with Catalan giants Barcelona in recent months and, as he approaches the end of his current deal with Bayern, has finally addressed the speculation, saying: "I haven't had any contact with anyone, nobody has contacted me. I feel very comfortable in the current situation, even though we haven't yet discussed my situation with Bayern."

He added: "There's no rush. I'm really happy in Munich. You can see that in the way I'm playing. If there's contact, then we'll see. But I'm not thinking about the new season yet. First up is the World Cup in the summer. And it's very unlikely that anything will change after this season." 

And when asked if Bayern fans should worry about the lack of talks, he replied: "I don't think so."

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Getty Images SportChampions League showdown approaches

Bayern face Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday evening and both teams head into the match with perfect records in the Champions League this season, having won their first four matches. The winner has the opportunity to take a commanding lead at the top of the league phase table. Arsenal boast the competition's best defence, having not conceded a single goal so far. However, they face a significant test from Bayern's potent attack, spearheaded by Kane, who has an excellent scoring record against the Gunners (15 goals in 21 appearances) and Bayern arrive in red-hot form, coming off a 6-2 domestic win. History slightly favours Bayern, but the current Arsenal side is seen as a different, mentally tougher challenge. Injuries are a factor for both sides, with Arsenal missing key players like Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, while the Bavarians will be without Luis Diaz due to suspension and Jamal Musiala through to injury. This encounter promises an exciting, high-scoring affair as two European powerhouses vie for supremacy.

Mitchell Starc is set to play his first BBL match in 11 seasons in January after signing with the Sydney Sixers but remains adamant that any changes to the competition should not come at the expense of Test cricket.Starc played six matches in the first season of the BBL back in 2011-12, the same summer he made his Test debut for Australia, including taking two wickets in the final which Sixers won. He played four more games over the next three editions but has not featured since, having long prioritised the international summer with Australia.Related

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But after retiring from T20I cricket this year, Starc will not have any commitments with Australia following the completion of the fifth Ashes Test on January 8. It presents an opportunity for Starc to play upwards of three BBL matches on January 11, 16 and 18, depending on how he has recovered physically after a gruelling five-Test series, as well as the BBL finals if Sixers qualify.”I’ve got no cricket scheduled between the fifth Test and the IPL at this stage,” Starc said.”An opportunity to play some BBL cricket, I’ve obviously been a part of the small part of the Sixers throughout the 15 seasons, so it’s nice to return to potentially a playing role. Obviously, we’ve got the five Test matches to focus on, first and foremost. But post that, it’s obviously my intention to be available to play some part if called upon.”While Starc was excited about the possibility of returning to play with the Sixers, he was adamant that Australia’s Test summer should remain untouched regarding any future scheduling decisions to do with the BBL which are likely to come amid the privatisation discussions.”I’m fine with BBL windows,” Starc said. “The only view I have on it is the Test cricket schedule is not to be touched. Test cricket is the pinnacle. I don’t think Test cricket should make way for T20 cricket at all. Whether it’s the BBL, the IPL, anything, the Test summer is the Test summer. I would hate to see that change for domestic cricket.”So that is not a snipe at anyone. That’s just my opinion of Test cricket and where it sits on my priority list. Whether you move the Big Bash into a smaller window and play back-to-back, it’s T20 cricket. It’s not as physically demanding as Test cricket. I know they’ve shortened the schedule already. I think that’s been a positive impact.”Starc’s signing is another significant boost for the BBL in what is expected to be a massive season for the competition. Former India spinner R Aswhin is set to play the whole season for Sydney Thunder and there is a potential that Ashwin, Starc, David Warner, Steven Smith and Pakistan batter Babar Azam (provided the PCB’s NOC suspension is overturned) could all play in the same match on January 16 between Sixers and Thunder at the SCG.The Sydney Sixers with the inaugural BBL trophy•Getty Images

Head of the BBL Alistair Dobson was thrilled that Starc had made himself available for the BBL. “To have Mitch signing off for Sixers it just shows that it’s still a comp that everyone wants to play in,” he said.Despite Starc’s retirement from T20I cricket, his availability in the BBL may be short-lived because Australia have Test commitments in January of 2027 in India, with Starc on record saying he wants to push his international career through until the 2027 ODI World Cup.The BBL is still yet to create a clear window for Australia Test players to be available, which has been a key talking point among potential investors interested in being involved in the league as Cricket Australia continues to investigate the possibility of allowing private investment into the competition.”Global scheduling is a really challenging topic,” Dobson said. “It’s only getting more complicated. And the ability, not only for the BBL to grow, but the Australian team to continue to play great cricket around the world, is really important. How you combine all those things is part art, part science and a little bit of luck probably along the way. So the future FTP is a little way away, but as we look at the future of the BBL it will be part of those discussions.”

The Mets have endured a difficult second half of the season, having lost seven games in a row and 11 of their last 12.

As the team's struggles continue to mount, manager Carlos Mendoza announced Tuesday that he'd be making a change to the starting rotation. Veteran right-hander Frankie Montas is no longer set to make his next scheduled start and will instead be pitching out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future, Mendoza told reporters.

The team hasn't officially decided on a replacement in the rotation for Montas. Mendoza indicated they'd been eyeing Noah McLean and Brandon Sproat, two of the organization's top pitching prospects, as potential call-ups, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. McLean is the No. 3 prospect in New York's farm, while Sproat is No. 5, per MLB Pipeline.

In 2025, Montas has made seven starts and eight total appearances. He has a career worst 6.38 ERA with 32 strikeouts and 12 walks in 36 2/3 innings. In his most recent outing, Saturday against the Brewers, Montas followed an opener and pitched three innings while surrendering three runs, though only one was earned.

The 32-year-old would've been in line to start Saturday against the Mariners, but instead it seems the team will look to one of its farmhands instead.

أصدر الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”، بيانًا للتعليق على أحداث مباراتي الأهلي والجيش الملكي وشبيبة القبائل أمام يانج أفريكانز ضمن لقاءات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وحل الأهلي ضيفًا على الجيش الملكي المغربي مساء الجمعة، في إطار مباريات الجولة الثانية لدور المجموعات بدوري أبطال إفريقيا. وشهدت المواجهة مشادات قوية بين لاعبي الفريقين، إلى جانب أعمال شغب جماهيري من قبل جماهير الجيش الملكي، أسفرت عن إصابة محمود حسن تريزيجيه، بسبب إلقاء آلة حادة نحو لاعب الأهلي. وطالب النادي الأهلي في بيان رسمي من الاتحاد الإفريقي عدد من المطالب من أجل تنظيم البطولة بشكل أفضل وتطبيق تقنية الفار.

طالع | بـ4 مطالب حاسمة.. الأهلي يوجه خطابًا رسميًا إلى كاف بشأن أحداث مباراة الجيش الملكي

وأكد كاف في بيانه إدانته للأحداث التي شهدتها المباراتين، مشيرا إلى تحويلها إلى لجنة الانضباط من أجل التحقيق فيها. بيان الاتحاد الإفريقي بشأن مباراتي الأهلي والجيش الملكي وشبيبة القبائل مع يانج أفريكانز

يدين الاتحاد الأفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”، بشدة الخروقات الخطيرة لقواعد السلامة والأمن التي لوحظت خلال مباريات دوري أبطال أفريقيا TotalEnergies التي أقيمت في 28 نوفمبر 2025: الجيش الملكي (المغرب) ضد الأهلي (مصر)، وشبيبة القبائل (الجزائر) ضد يانج أفريكانز (تنزانيا).

وأحيلت الأحداث إلى لجنة الانضباط بالاتحاد الأفريقي لكرة القدم، التي فتحت تحقيقا.

In 2022, pitcher Alek Manoah was the toast of Toronto, having nearly won a Cy Young Award as a sophomore for a 92-win Blue Jays team. With the second-lowest seasonal ERA (2.24) in team history in his back pocket, the future seemed limitless.

Multiple injuries and demotions later, Manoah is simply trying to save his career. Perhaps sensing a potential low-risk flier, the Braves claimed the Homestead, Fla., native off waivers Friday with three games to go in the regular season.

Manoah has not pitched in the big leagues this year after undergoing UCL surgery in 2024. He did pitch for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, starting seven games and going 1–1 with a 2.97 ERA and 30 strikeouts.

In five big-league starts in 2024, he went 1–2 with a 3.70 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings. He struggled to a 5.87 ERA in 19 starts in '23, going 3–9.

Atlanta, which is finishing 2025 strong after months of poor play, hosts the Pirates in a three-game set beginning Friday to close out the franchise's 150th season.

MatériaMais Notícias

Principais contratações do Corinthians para 2024, Igor Coronado e Rodrigo Garro dificilmente atuam juntos como titulares. António Oliveira só começou com a dupla de meias nas derrotas contra o Juventude e RB Bragantino, pelo Brasilerão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoDenílson dá sugestão para Cássio, do Corinthians, sobre o futuro: ‘Melhor caminho’Fora de Campo16/05/2024CorinthiansCorinthians abre as portas, e Grêmio tem local definido para treinamentosCorinthians15/05/2024

➡️ Vai dar Brasil? Aposte no Lance! Betting e fature com a Copa América

Embora o retrospecto de Coronado e Garro atuando desde o início não seja animador, António Oliveira não fechou as portas para utilizar a dupla em mais jogos, mas ainda busca o equilíbrio necessário dentro do sistema de jogo para os dois meias receberem mais minutos juntos.

➡️ Siga o Lance! Corinthians no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Timão

– É evidente que o talento sempre terá espaço, mas existe uma coisa que se chama equipe e nunca irá se priorizar da equipe, quando eu achar que a equipe estará equilibrada com os dois juntos é ok. Quando eu não achar que isso não é possível, vamos ter paciência, mas é assim, são jogadores muito talentosos, que vão nos ajudar, vão ter oportunidade, que trabalham muito, que estão querendo muito ajudar e estamos muito satisfeitos e orgulhosos do trabalho deles – salientou António Oliveira após a vitória na Sul-Americana.

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Enquanto Garro se estabeleceu como titular absoluto no Corinthians, Coronado sofreu com problemas físicos e ainda não se adaptou a intensidade do futebol brasileiro. Além de lidar com a dengue, o camisa 77 ficou afastado por cerca de três semanas por um problema no quadril.

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários de todos os jogos do Brasileirão

Existe a expectativa de que Garro e Coronado atuem juntos na próxima quarta-feira (22), quando o Corinthians recebe o América-RN, pela partida de volta da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil.

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Tudo sobre

CorinthiansIgor CoronadoRodrigo Garro

Sam Allardyce has named a Crystal Palace star in his Premier League Team of the Season so far, with an Arsenal counterpart snubbed.

Palace pushing for Europe once again

Off the back of winning the first major trophy in their history last season, Palace have started the current season in style, having taken 20 points from their opening 12 Premier League games, which leaves them just three points adrift of second-placed Chelsea.

Oliver Glasner has made his side very difficult to beat, with only Everton and Arsenal chalking up wins against the Eagles so far this season, and a solid defensive record has been the key to their success, keeping clean sheets in four out of the last five matches in all competitions.

Having managed to retain the services of Marc Guehi in the summer, despite deadline-day drama, Glasner’s side have shipped just nine goals in the Premier League this term, the second-fewest of any side, behind only league-leaders Arsenal.

However, Guehi hasn’t been the only player to catch the eye, with Allardyce recently naming another Crystal Palace star in his Premier League Team of the Season so far.

Speaking on the ‘No Tippy Tappy Football’ podcast, the former manager chose Dean Henderson ahead of David Raya between the sticks, while also adding: “He’s so confident in himself, he believes when someone’s got a penalty he’s gonna save it – you can see, it’s bordering on a bit arrogant.”

The 71-year-old justifies his decision by asserting that Raya doesn’t face enough shots to make it into the team, given the Gunners’ fantastic defensive record, most recently limiting Tottenham Hotspur to an xG of just 0.06 in the 4-1 North London derby thrashing.

Henderson must be in Tuchel's thoughts ahead of World Cup

Jordan Pickford has been England’s first-choice goalkeeper for quite some time, having now amassed 81 caps, and it is difficult to envisage Thomas Tuchel dropping him for the World Cup next summer, but the Palace shot-stopper is certainly pushing the Everton star all the way.

Player

Club

Premier League clean sheets

David Raya

Arsenal

7

Robert Sanchez

Chelsea

7

Dean Henderson

Crystal Palace

6

Nick Pope

Newcastle United

5

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Manchester City

4

Robin Roefs

Sunderland

4

Jordan Pickford

Everton

4

Guglielmo Vicario

Tottenham Hotspur

4

Djordje Petrovic

AFC Bournemouth

4

The 28-year-old has already picked up six clean sheets in the Premier League this season, two more than Pickford, while also saving two penalties in the shoot-out against Liverpool to help the Eagles clinch the Community Shield for the first time in their history.

Raya may have kept more clean sheets than the Englishman, but the Spaniard won’t be happy by Richarlison recently lobbing him from distance in the North London derby…

As such, Henderson’s selection is fully justified, and the goalkeeper has a huge part to play as Palace look to qualify for Europe for the second year running.

Crystal Palace star who "they don't want to lose" now has his agent testing an exit

The Eagles must look to keep hold of their star striker.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 25, 2025

Newcastle United are now reportedly preparing a big-money offer to sign a Champions League star, who finished in the top 10 of the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Eddie Howe drops Yoane Wissa update

It was such a frantic summer at St James’ Park that it’s sometimes easy to forget that Newcastle still have Yoane Wissa waiting in the wings. The striker is yet to kick a ball for the Magpies after suffering an injury on international duty not long after his £55m move from Brentford.

That could soon change, however. Eddie Howe recently took the chance to provide an update on his summer signing, who would certainly provide his side with a much-needed attacking boost.

The Magpies won’t want to rush Wissa back, but the fact that he is back training with the team is certainly a positive sign. With fixtures set to come thick and fast across the festive period too, they could do with every option possible available.

Whether Wissa’s return changes Newcastle’s January transfer plans is another question. It will potentially allow them to maintain their focus on signing an added midfield star and another winger.

The likes of Manu Kone have already been linked with a move to Tyneside this week and it’s becoming clear that Newcastle are keen to reinforce their midfield in 2026.

They could also land an instant upgrade on the struggling Anthony Elanga. The winger is yet to make his mark at the club, despite becoming one of the most expensive signings in Newcastle history in the summer and could now be replaced by a sensational move for Raphinha.

Newcastle readying big-money Raphinha offer

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now readying a big-money offer to sign Raphinha as PIF look to intensify their pursuit. The Barcelona star finished as high as fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or and could now be on his way back to the Premier League in sensational fashion.

“Special" Newcastle signing is now becoming the biggest disaster since Wood

Newcastle may have got this one wrong in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 29, 2025

The former Leeds United man would transform Newcastle into a consistent Champions League side and the prospect of a partnership between himself and Nick Woltemade is certainly something to get excited about. In Raphina, the Magpies would be signing “one of the best players in the world”, according to Barcelona legend Romario.

Just how willing Barcelona are to sell one of their main men is the question. As usual, it’s worth noting that they could certainly do with the financial boost that a sale would hand them and this may be their final chance to cash in on 28-year-old Raphinha.

Joelinton upgrade: PIF pursuing £44m Newcastle move for "one-man army"

Second round of the Ranji Trophy starts on October 25

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Oct-2025Ravindra Jadeja is set to play for Saurashtra in the second round of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy starting October 25.Jadeja’s inclusion will strengthen their attack against Madhya Pradesh at home in Rajkot, on the same pitch where spinners took for 31 of the 35 wickets to fall in last week’s fixture between Saurashtra and Karnataka.Jadeja, the top-ranked Test allrounder, is currently on a break, having most recently played in the two home Tests against West Indies earlier this month. He scored his sixth Test hundred – an unbeaten 104 – in the first Test in Ahmedabad and took eight wickets in the series as India won 2-0.He wasn’t selected in India’s ODI squad that is currently in Australia, which Jadeja said was “not a surprise” after the team management spoke to him about their decision.”It is a good thing that they communicated the reason behind my omission,” Jadeja had said during the Delhi Test against West Indies. “I am happy about that. But whenever I get a chance next, I will try and do what I have done all these years.”If I get a chance in the World Cup and there are many ODIs before and if I do well there, it will be a good thing for Indian cricket. Winning a World Cup is everyone’s dream. We narrowly missed out last time, so next time we will try and make up for it.”When he plays against Madhya Pradesh, Jadeja will reunite with his Saurashtra spin twin Dharmendrasinh Jadeja. Dharmendrasinh picked up a match haul of 10 for 203 as Saurashtra earned points for taking the first-innings lead against Karnataka.Jadeja had most recently featured for Saurashtra in the previous Ranji season. He took 12 wickets in two matches – both all against Delhi – including a best of 7 for 38.