Yorkshire edge closer to safety as relegation equation wavers for Durham

George Hill steers hosts on shortened day with both dressing rooms eyeing Hampshire result

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-Sep-2025

George Hill acknowledges reaching fifty• Allan McKenzie/SWPIx.com

Yorkshire 465 for 9 (Hill 88, Raine 4-79, Ghafari 4-114) lead Durham 346 (Raine 101, White 5-69) by 119 runsYorkshire are closing in on Division One survival in the Rothesay County Championship, but Durham are not quite sure of the size of their task heading into day four at Headingley.Should Hampshire – 148 for 9 chasing 181 to beat Surrey at the Utilita Bowl – lose, seventh-placed Yorkshire would be safe no matter the result here in this season finale. Second-bottom Durham would need a draw to be safe.Should Hampshire win – they are eighth in the table – Yorkshire would need to draw here, which they are very well placed to do. But Durham would need a miracle victory to get out of trouble.Yorkshire, replying to a first-innings 346 all out, started a weather-affected day on 314 for 5 and advanced to 465 for 9 in the 51 overs possible, with George Hill compiling a skilful season’s best 88.It’s difficult to see how Durham can win, so they desperately need Surrey to do so down on the south coast.Bad light interrupted play on three occasions at Headingley, with the bulk of the evening lost. No play was possible beyond 3.25pm.Hill impressively supplemented Indian batter Mayank Agarwal’s superb 175 on day two with his fourth fifty of a season which has seen him excel with the ball. His seamers have accounted for 47 Championship wickets.He shared in half-century stands with fellow allrounders Matthew Revis and Jordan Thompson, the latter contributing an unbeaten 44.The morning session was a relatively quiet affair, with Yorkshire advancing to 365 for 7. Ben Raine, who has been excellent with 4 for 71 from 33 overs added to his first-innings century, and Matthew Potts struck for Durham.Raine broke a sixth-wicket stand of 50 between Revis, 38, and Hill. Revis, crowned Yorkshire’s members’ player of the year at the end of day two here, was trapped lbw by an in-ducker before Dom Bess pulled Potts to deep backward square-leg.Hill was a calming presence for Yorkshire as they stretched their lead. In all, he hit 14 fours in 175 balls. Thompson was more expansive, whipping Will Rhodes over deep midwicket for six.Hill moved to a fifty off 105 balls shortly before the hosts reached 400 for 7 in the early stages of the afternoon. By this stage, Yorkshire led by 54 and Durham’s need for wickets was becoming more desperate.Hill did fall short of what would have been his season’s first century when bowled trying to attack the legspin of Afghanistan’s Shafiqullah Ghafari. But Yorkshire’s lead was 97 at 443 for 8.Hill and Thompson had shared an eighth-wicket 86, the latter allrounder playing his last match before a winter move to Warwickshire.Matt Milnes edged to slip to hand Ghafari a fourth wicket before the third bad light stoppage at 3.25pm was the last. With the players off the field at that stage, Durham’s dressing room would have been buoyed by news from Southampton.Yorkshire will head into day four in a much more relaxed state given their strong performance here. Durham, on the other hand, will be on tenterhooks not quite knowing the size or shape of their task in hand.

Arsenal women's player ratings vs Tottenham: Derby frustration for misfiring Alessia Russo & Stina Blackstenius as Gunners draw a blank in WSL stalemate

Arsenal dropped further off the Women's Super League title-chasing pace after being held to a goalless draw by Tottenham in the north London derby. The Gunners, who are without a win through their last three games in all competitions, find themselves stuck in fourth place – nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City – after Alessia Russo and Co posted a blank against stubborn Spurs on Sunday.

The home side started brightly, in front of a lively atmosphere, with Tottenham aware of the need to burst out of the blocks in a bid to end their sorry recent record against their arch-rivals. Arsenal’s defence held firm, though, and Renee Slegers’ side slowly grew into the game.

United States star Emily Fox saw a tame effort saved on the 15-minute mark, before Kyra Cooney-Cross curled an ambitious strike inches past the post seven minutes later. England star Russo fired a difficult volley wide of the target with 10 minutes of the first-half remaining, while Stina Blackstenius saw a poor header and low drive from a tight angle easily kept out before the interval was reached.

The first chance of the second 45 also fell to the Swedish striker, but she fired high over the crossbar from eight yards out when leaning back and getting her effort all wrong. Substitute Olivia Smith will feel that she should have done better with a sight of goal on the hour as she drilled straight at Lize Kop before Mariona Caldentey lashed high over the top with her left foot 10 minutes from time as the contest began to fizzle out.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Brisbane Road..

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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Daphne van Domselaar (6/10):

    Did what was required of her on a relatively quiet afternoon – making one early save – with the odd risk being taken in possession when closed quickly by Tottenham forwards.

    Emily Fox (6/10):

    Fired in Arsenal’s first effort of note, which set the tone from that point. Happy to sit and allow others to flood forward, with Spurs being forced deeper into their shell.

    Lotte Wubben-Moy (6/10):

    Never looked flustered and kept Spurs at arm’s length. Does not dive into challenges, forcing opponents to take an extra touch. Kept a clean sheet on her 100th WSL appearance.

    Steph Catley (6/10):

    Shaken up after taking a blow to the head during the first-half, which left her requiring treatment. Played through any pain and was rarely troubled by the Tottenham attack.

    Katie McCabe (5/10):

    Sloppy in possession, doing little to aid Arsenal’s cause when it came to building attacks. Was booked and it came as little surprise when she was hooked at the interval.

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    Midfield

    Kyra Cooney-Cross (6/10):

    Drove the Gunners forward with positive intent. Set-piece delivery from deep caused Spurs problems at times and came as close as anybody to a goal when curling narrowly wide.

    Mariona Caldentey (6/10):

    Surprisingly quiet in the opening exchanges, seeing few touches, but her influence grew as the game wore on. Tried to drive Arsenal through midfield, but lacked any end product.

    Caitlin Foord (5/10):

    Despite Arsenal seeing a lot of the ball, she was rarely involved in their most promising moves. Formed part of a second-half shuffling of the Arsenal pack.

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    Attack

    Alessia Russo (6/10):

    Arsenal’s record when fielding her and Blackstenius is impressive, but the Lionesses striker is better leading the line. Had a couple of half chances while being starved of service.

    Beth Mead (6/10):

    Replaced at half-time. Provided a couple of dangerous deliveries and was always looking to tee up team-mates. Took a terrible free-kick moments before the interval.

    Stina Blackstenius (5/10):

    Found space hard to come by early on. Saw a tame header and shot from a tight angle easily saved. Fired over when well placed early in the second half before being hauled off.

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    Subs & Manager

    Olivia Smith (7/10):

    Strong in the tackle and willing to race forward. Made an immediate impression and posed a threat on the right throughout the second 45 – with one clear sight of goal being passed up.

    Taylor Hinds (5/10):

    Did not have much to do defensively, which may have impacted her concentration. Did not offer much of an improvement on McCabe.

    Frida Maanum (6/10):

    One bright burst into the penalty area troubled Tottenham, but her cross-shot was ultimately cut out before it could reach Russo.

    Chloe Kelly (N/A):

    Thrown on for the final three minutes.

    Renee Slegers (6/10):

    Did her best to mix things up with second-half changes, but was unable to find that attacking spark. Needs a win to raise morale in the Gunners camp.

No Rodri & the "next Kroos" signs: Man City's dream lineup after January

Manchester City are the closest challengers to Arsenal in the 2025/26 Premier League title race. We are only 11 games into the new season, with Pep Guardiola’s side four points behind that of his protege Mikel Arteta.

Last Sunday’s 3-0 thrashing of Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium was a performance which emphasised how deadly the Citizens can be at their best. It was certainly a statement to the Gunners, who might not have as much of easy a run at the title as one might think.

With the January transfer window around the corner, City might well look to add to their squad to boost their title hopes. Here is a look at their dream lineup if they manage to bring a few new faces into the club in January.

1 GK – Gianluigi Donnarumma

One of City’s marquee summer signings was Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite signing James Trafford as well, the Euro 2020 winner has been Guardiola’s first choice.

He’s played 12 times so far for the East Mancunian outfit, keeping an impressive six clean sheets and conceding just seven goals. Standing at six-foot-five, he has a large wingspan, which makes it nigh on impossible to score past him.

This save against Bryan Mbeumo’s strike in the Manchester Derby, his debut for the club, was an example of how colossal he is.

2 RB – Ben White

The first hypothetical new addition to this City side comes at right-back, and, interestingly, from their title rivals Arsenal. Journalist Graeme Bailey recently revealed that City are “keeping tabs on his situation” at the Emirates Stadium. A price was not named by Bailey.

It has not quite been the season the England international may have expected. White has struggled for regular game time under Arteta, with Jurrien Timber the first-choice at right-sided full-back.

White has only played six games across all competitions, with just one of those appearances coming in the Premier League. The 28-year-old is incredibly comfortable on the ball, averaging 5.99 progressive passes per game in the last 365 days. He seems like an archetypal Guardiola full-back and could bring plenty of quality in that position.

3 CB – Ruben Dias

One of the two first-choice centre-backs under Guardiola this season has been Ruben Dias. The Portuguese star has played 15 games across all competitions, and it is no secret the quality that he brings.

Composed on the ball, exceptional out of possession, and a brilliant leader, the 28-year-old has long been one of Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants. City Director of Football, Hugo Viana, called him “the ultimate professional” in the summer, highlighting his importance to City.

4 CB – Josko Gvardiol

The other half of City’s centre-back pairing is Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian star can also operate left-back, but this term, he has found himself alongside Dias at the heart of the Citizens’ defence.

It is a role he has excelled in, too. Gvardiol is one of the best ball-playing defenders in the league, averaging 5.62 progressive passes and 1.03 progressive carries per 90 minutes, which really highlights his on-ball quality.

5 LB – Nico O’Reilly

It has been a breakthrough campaign for the versatile Nico O’Reilly. He has cemented his place in the City side at left-back, despite being a number ten by trade, and has made 14 appearances across all competitions.

Naturally an attacking player, the City academy graduate has chipped in with one goal and four assists, so he is having a productive season going forward.

This might be one of the things that caught the eye of Thomas Tuchel. The defender has been named in the last two England squads, amid hopes of securing a World Cup place next summer.

6 DM – Nico Gonzalez

Figuring out how to cope without Rodri in the side has been a conundrum for Guardiola over the last year. However, the form of Nico Gonzalez over the past few weeks has been a huge bonus. The Spaniard is finally starting to show why City paid £50m to get him from Porto last winter.

Once the best midfielder on the planet, the last 12 months have not been easy for Rodri, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the start of last season. He’s only played 415 minutes this term as he continues to be plagued by injuries.

Gonzalez has stepped up in his countryman’s absence. Guardiola clearly sees a lot in his talent, having described him as a “mini Rodri” last season. The former Porto star has played 16 games across all competitions, and it will be hard to displace him from a side in great rhythm.

7 CM – Phil Foden

This season, one of City’s academy graduate gems, Phil Foden, is thriving in a new role. Previously operating as a winger, the England star has excelled in a deeper number eight berth, with Guardiola giving him more responsibility in build-up and from deeper areas of the pitch.

In that deeper role, BBC Sport analyst Umir Irfan said he has “been one of the best players this season.”

Goals & assists

0.5

7

Key passes

3.1

38

Dribbles completed

0.8

10

Tackles and interceptions

1.5

19

Expected goal involvements

0.44xGI

532xGI

The stats from this season highlight how well the midfielder has played. For example, he averages 3.1 key passes and 1.5 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes.

8 CM – Aleksandar Pavlovic

Partnering Foden in this City dream lineup could be Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, the second new signing. The 21-year-old is reportedly a key target for City, as they look to boost their midfield stocks, amidst Rodri’s injury issues and Bernardo Silva’s contract, which will expire this summer.

The midfielder, who could be worth as much as £43m, is well thought of around Europe. Journalist Manuel Veth has even suggested he can follow in the footsteps of a German legend and be “the next Toni Kroos,” which would surely appeal to City fans.

Despite being so young, he is well-trusted by City great and current Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. The Belgian has played Pavlovic 14 times this season. As for the Kroos comparison, well, that stems from his excellent passing ability. In the last year, Pavlovic has averaged 7.59 progressive passes per 90 minutes, ranking him in Europe’s top 8%.

9 RW – Rayan Cherki

The summer was a busy period for City, who looked to enhance the quality of the squad. In signing Rayan Cherki, it is fair to say they did just that. The Frenchman only cost £34m from Lyon, but has taken to life at City like a duck to water.

The France international is a versatile attacker who can play as a number 10 or off the right. Wherever he is operating, though, Cherki has shone this season despite injury issues. He already has six goals and assists in nine games, averaging a goal involvement every 535 minutes.

10 LW – Jeremy Doku

Last Sunday, against Arne Slot’s Liverpool, the Etihad Stadium witnessed one of the best performances in a long while from Jeremy Doku. He scored the third goal and completed seven dribbles, terrorising the Liverpool defence.

Already this season, the tricky Belgian winger has chalked up seven goals and assists this term. He has shone under Guardiola, with Irfan even going as far as saying he is “one of the best in the world” right now.

Fraser-McGurk rides the ebbs and flows of IPL in two contrasting years

It has been a classic case of second-season syndrome, with bowlers now wise to Fraser-McGurk’s strengths and planning accordingly

Matt Roller26-Apr-2025During the IPL’s run-glut last year, there was no combination more compelling than Jake Fraser-McGurk and the batting-friendly pitches of the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Fraser-McGurk batted five times in Delhi and belted 222 runs off 81 balls; more than half of them went either to, or over, the boundary.But 12 months on, Fraser-McGurk finds himself out of the Delhi Capitals (DC) XI. He played the first six games of the season but a tally of 55 runs – and a strike rate of 105.76 – made him dispensable. He was duly dropped, even with Faf du Plessis absent through injury. “It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?” he said on Saturday, when asked to assess his form. “It’s not been great this year.”It has been classic second-season syndrome, with bowlers now wise to Fraser-McGurk’s strengths and planning accordingly. In DC’s opening game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rishabh Pant stationed a fielder at long-off from the outset, daring Fraser-McGurk to try and clear him. He duly obliged, and was caught by the man on the rope.ESPNcricinfo LtdHe has only made it to double-figures in one innings, when he was dropped twice early on in making 38 off 32 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He showed a brief glimpse of his destructive best when hitting 4, 4, 6 off consecutive balls from legspinner Zeeshan Ansari, but chipped back a return catch off the fourth delivery in that sequence, seemingly caught between stalls.”Obviously I’d love to have some more runs next to my name, but that’s the way cricket is,” Fraser McGurk said. “Sometimes you go through highs and you go through lows. I think the IPL has seen it in both years for me personally: you saw last year, and now you’re seeing this year.”The most important thing is to stay level through the whole thing, no matter if you’re going well or not going so well. My role as a batter is to get the team off to a nice start, but it doesn’t mean I have to try and hit every ball for six. I’m working really hard through myself and my coaches and everyone around me on how I can get back into that team and succeed.”Related

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But staying level is easier said than done, not least at the age of 23. Fraser-McGurk was thrown into the world’s biggest T20 league last year and became an overnight superstar, but has struggled to maintain his form since: in his last 30 T20 innings around the world, he is averaging 14.56. He now has the pressure of an INR 9 crore (AUD $1.65 million) price tag, too.”It’s under more eyes,” he said. “More eyes are seeing this tournament than any [other]. It’s only been a few years where I’ve been a part of things like this, and staying level is something that I’ve not always been good at. It takes a bit of learning to do that. I think [it’s about] trying to focus on yourself and be as professional as you can.”You can’t be too results-based and outcome-based in this game, otherwise you just won’t get anywhere. You’ve just got to keep trusting the process and keep backing your strengths and trying to strengthen your weaknesses. Hopefully, one day, it turns around and then you kick start again. That’s the game.”It’s T20 cricket, it’s going to happen. Not everyone’s going to go out there and hit 50 off 20 balls every single time. It’s just how you find ways to get through that, those little bad periods and then come out on the other side stronger.””Obviously Ricky’s a wonderful coach and was a wonderful player, and I love playing under him, but Hemang is just the same”•Delhi CapitalsFraser-McGurk thrived under the public backing of his coach Ricky Ponting last year, but Ponting has since moved to Punjab Kings (PBKS) and has been replaced at DC by Hemang Badani. Fraser-McGurk has previously worked with Badani at Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, and said he has been fully supported by the team’s coaching staff and their captain, Axar Patel.”I mean, Ricky’s Ricky,” Fraser-McGurk said. “Obviously Ricky’s a wonderful coach and was a wonderful player, and I love playing under him, but Hemang is just the same. [Axar] always says ‘keep smiling’ to everyone – not just me. He is one of those guys who are so relaxed in all these situations.”He has also worked with DC’s mentor, Kevin Pietersen, who has encouraged him to “be ready” in case he gets another opportunity later in the season. “He keeps saying that it’s a long tournament, and we’ve got 14 games. We’re only halfway through now, so there’s so many more opportunities that could come.”‘Just be ready’ is what he’s saying. ‘Just keep being ready,’ and obviously [we are] working on some weaknesses, and things like that. The pitches are a bit different this year – a bit slower – [so we are] working on some things that we can get through that with. Hopefully, the next opportunity, [it] should be good.”

NWSL Championship: A case for how Jaedyn Shaw, Gotham FC can beat the Washington Spirit

With everything on the line, here's how Gotham FC can top the Spirit for the 2025 NWSL Championship.

For the second time in three years, Gotham have charged into the NWSL Championship after delivering upsets to higher-ranked teams. Jaedyn Shaw disagrees that they’re underdogs, per se (see: “underdog, my ass” comment after they downed Kansas City), but they’ve been the surprise story of the postseason. Saturday night, they could take their Cinderella run all the way to the title. Here’s a few reasons why they might:

Getty ImagesReason 1: Defensive strength

Simply put, Gotham is hard to score on. In part, that’s because they have one of the best goalkeepers in the league (more on that shortly). But notably, they also don’t allow their opposition many chances to score. With a team that defends from the front, a midfield that’s hard to cut through, and a solid defensive line waiting behind, Gotham finished the 2025 season having allowed just 76 shots on target. That’s an average of 3 per game and is tied with the first-place Shield winners, Kansas City, for fewest shots on goal allowed in NWSL. 

There’s a number of reasons they’re dynamic defensively, and it involves players across all of their lines. Emily Sonnett is in top form as a leader in their backline. Rookie of the Year Lilly Reale awaits her opportunity at left back to thwart Rose Kouassi creating from the right. Jaelin Howell, who just earned her first USWNT callup since 2022, could have a massive match as she jockeys for control of the midfield. 

As a team that likes to have possession, they’re also effective at limiting the opposition by reducing their opportunities to get on the ball. The Spirit are also hard to score on, but they allowed 107 shots on target throughout the season, averaging four per game. They also conceded 33 total throughout the year, compared to Gotham’s 25. In a game of margins, that could matter.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesReason 2: Ann-Katrin Berger

Gotham may have the Rookie of the Year (Lilly Reale), but they’re also stocked with veteran talent. One of Gotham’s most essential veterans is 35-year-old German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. 

Berger was named Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 and was nominated in 2025 after another strong season cleaning up the few shots that Gotham does allow. Berger’s steady presence has been pivotal for club and country the past few years. The German keeper helped see her team to an Olympic bronze medal in 2024 and a semi-final finish at Euro ‘25 with clutch penalty heroics and massive saves. 

This postseason, Berger has come through for Gotham multiple times. She made seven essential saves in their upset of Kansas City, and was called on to make a few key ones against Orlando to see them to the final. Saturday in San Jose, she could be a difference maker.

Getty ImagesReason 3: Peaking at the right time

The Washington Spirit finished the season in a comfortable second-place position and have been the more consistently strong team throughout the year. But Gotham is glistening at the moment, with multiple players hitting their top form at just the right time. 

That includes USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle, who was out with injury in the first half of the year but has five goals and two assists in 16 games since returning. That also includes 20-year-old Jaedyn Shaw, who joined Gotham in early September and has looked like a unique talent finally in the right spot with the move. 

Shaw has been electric for Gotham in the postseason, scoring in both of their playoff tests, including the stoppage-time match-winner against Orlando. The team’s top scorer, Spanish striker Esther Gonzalez, is just returning from injury and hasn’t scored in five games, isn’t in her top form of the season. But Esther has scored game-deciding goals for Gotham in two previous trophy matches. If she catches fire Saturday night, it’ll be hard to discount this ‘underdog’ team that’s hitting its collective stride at precisely the right moment.

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Gotham FC will face the Spirit on Saturday, November 22 at 5pm ET on CBS and Paramount+.

Ree-Mac rides the lightning as old-ball impact gives England edge

Debutant hailed for seam skills at vital juncture of South Africa’s first innings

Firdose Moonda16-Dec-2024Another day, another impressive performance from an England Test debutant in Bloemfontein. This time it was Ryana MacDonald-Gay, the 20-year old seamer, who struck twice even as lightning could not, either side of a 45-minute weather-related interruption, as South Africa’s batting unravelled.Their collapse of 7 for 44 started when MacDonald-Gay, in her second spell and with the old ball, produced a delivery that held its stump-to-stump line, beat Marizanne Kapp’s drive and hit the top of off. It was a dream dismissal for any bowler, nevermind a complete newcomer taking her first wicket and that too, of one of the opposition’s most valuable players and a franchise team-mate. Kapp, who plays alongside MacDonald-Gay at Oval Invincibles, could only accept being undone.”She actually bowled the best out of all their seam bowlers,” Kapp said in the end-of-day press conference. “If you just look at her seam that they keep on showing on TV, that’s a massive standout. And if you are bowling with a seam like that, you’ll always get movement or a bit of nip or something.”Five balls after Kapp was bowled, the players were taken off the field with lightning visible in the distance. They spent 45 minutes waiting for the storm to pass and when they returned, MacDonald-Gay picked up exactly where she left off. New batter Nadine de Klerk had no answers for a back-of-a-length ball that was zoning in on off stump and nicked off.That opened the door to the South African tail with the second new ball still to come. The remaining five wickets fell when England took it, and Lauren Bell was the biggest beneficiary. She picked up three in seven balls and ended with a career-best 4 for 49 but agreed with Kapp that it would not have been possible without “Ree-Mac,” as she called McDonald-Gay.Related

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“I completely agree (that she was the best),” Bell said. “I think (Lauren) Filer and Ree-Mac both bowled unbelievably today. Filer’s pace and Ree-Mac, she presented the seam amazingly and just nipped it around, so she held length. On debut, yeah, she was outstanding today.”Filer’s 2 for 53 included the big wickets of Annerie Dercksen, whom she peppered with short balls, and Sune Luus and proved the value of England including a fourth seamer. With more resources available to her, Heather Knight could use Filer, especially, in short spells. She had only one five-over spell, split by lunch, but was mostly used in three-over bursts, when she could crank the pace up. “That’s the best way to get the best out of our seamers is short spells, go really attacking, and just keep it ticking,” Bell said.She marvelled at Filer’s barrage to Dercksen which ended when the South African No.3 top-edged an attempted cut and sent a chance to Knight at second slip who parried it to Sophie Ecclestone at first. “Filer’s pace is obviously really attacking and she (Dercksen) didn’t look comfortable,” Bell said. “She holds that pace really well throughout her spell and she got her in the end with that team catch.”After lavishing praise on her team-mates, Bell also had the chance to reflect on her own performance and she was happy to call herself a work in progress, both in this innings and overall.Maia Bouchier and MacDonald-Gay pose with their debut Test caps•ECB/Getty Images”The job I had today was to bowl into the wind and I think I wanted to just hold length and hold line as much as possible,” she said. “With the second new ball, I was happier. It took me a while to work out what my best option was in that pitch but by the end I felt really good. At this current moment in time, it’s a process that I am very much going through.”It’s not that I won’t bowl inswing, or that that inswing that I used to bowl is gone. I just have been practising away-swing so much and it’s what I’m most comfortable bowling at this current moment in time. But my game will hopefully get to a point where I’m really comfortable bowling inswing, I’m really comfortable bowling away-swing, I’ve got my wobble ball will obviously make me, I hope, a pretty challenging bowler to face.”Someone Bell may look to emulate is Kapp, who has been South Africa’s best seamer and bowled four especially tough overs to start England’s second innings. The outswinger is Kapp’s poison and she beat Beaumont’s bat several times on the second evening.That may not concern her as much as what happened in the first innings, when Kapp thought she had Beaumont out lbw second ball after pinning her on the pad but umpire Kerrin Klaaste was not interested.In the absence of DRS (due to CSA prioritising it for white-ball women’s matches because of the cost), Kapp could not review. When asked about it, she did not complain.”It’s a new thing that we have DRS available,” she said. “I don’t believe we’ve had it available for T20s and ODI cricket before so it’s really helped in those series. And if I have to be completely honest, I’d probably prefer having it in those two formats.”Laura Wolvaardt also appeared to want to review when she was given out lbw to Sophie Ecclestone when she was on 65 and indicated she had hit it but had to go. South Africa will hope that, if there is another decision they want to go their way, it’s third time lucky.

Celtic now tracking Maeda replacement who Jamie Carragher called "special"

Celtic are now reportedly tracking Evan Ferguson ahead of a potential 2026 move as the Brighton & Hove Albion forward continues to struggle out on loan at AS Roma.

Celtic have faced several problems so far this season, but their frontline has been their biggest issue. Parkhead chiefs failed to replace the impact of Nicolas Kuhn in the summer and part of the reason why Brendan Rodgers resigned was that lack of investment. It’s left them adrift of shock leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and on the hunt for a new manager.

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Things are unlikely to get any easier for the Hoops anytime soon, either. Recent reports have claimed that Daizen Maeda is now looking to leave the club in the January transfer window and has Premier League sides interested.

The Japan international may force Celtic’s hand this time around too, having revealed to reporters earlier this season that he was denied an exit in the summer transfer window.

Whether that is the reason behind Maeda’s poor form is the question that Celtic will be asking. The forward scored 33 goals in all competitions last season, but has so far managed just four in the current campaign.

If his current struggles continue, then it may be best for all parties to move on and for Celtic to shift their focus towards the likes of Ferguson.

Celtic now tracking Evan Ferguson

According to Graeme Bailey, via 67 Hail Hail, Celtic are now tracking Ferguson and could yet make their move in 2026 with Roma looking to cut his loan spell short and send him back to Brighton in January.

It’s been a frustrating year or so for the young striker. From undeniable, he has become unwanted in Italy after failing to score once in 10 appearances. If anyone needs a next move to work out, it is Ferguson.

Whether Celtic is that move is the big question. The Irishman is still just 21 years old and still so full of potential. If the right deal presents itself, the Bhoys should take a chance on Ferguson in the hope that both parties solve their respective problems.

It’s also worth noting that it wasn’t so long ago that Ferguson found himself at the centre of praise from the likes of Jamie Carragher.

The Liverpool legend dubbed the forward “special” whilst also praising then-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, saying: “I think that lad he has got up front, I think he’s pretty special. He is only going to get better with him as his manager.”

Celtic keeping tabs on "brilliant" Serie A gem who starred vs Rangers last season

Pumas now happy for Juarez to join Celtic as Hoops eye secret release clause

Pumas are now reportedly happy to let manager Efrain Juarez join Celtic, who could take full advantage of their former star’s secret release clause at the Mexican club.

The Bhoys once again struggled on the European stage in midweek, losing 3-1 against Midtjylland, as Martin O’Neill saw their problems in full for the first time. The interim boss has continued to distance himself from the permanent job, despite recent reports suggesting that he could yet be the next man to take the hotseat.

For now, the 73-year-old is set to remain in the dugout for Celtic’s Scottish Premiership clash against Kilmarnock this weekend, but Parkhead chiefs are continuing their search.

Recent reports have claimed that Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna is now open to joining the Scottish giants, but it remains to be seen whether he’d leave Portman Road in the middle of a campaign which has so far been disappointing.

Meanwhile, Nicky Hayen is also a reported candidate. The Club Brugge manager knows all about beating the top clubs in Scottish football, having smashed Rangers 9-1 on aggregate in the Champions League qualifiers earlier this season and defeated Celtic last season. Now, he could be on his way to the home dugout in Glasgow.

Once again, however, luring him away from Club Brugge will not be an easy task. Instead, the Hoops may have no choice but to turn towards former player Juarez, who has previously shared that he dreams of managing the club.

Pumas happy to let Juarez join Celtic

As reported in Mexico and relayed by Sport Witness, Pumas are now happy to let Juarez join Celtic, who could trigger a release clause that allows the 37-year-old to leave for free when a European club comes knocking.

Celtic discover extent of Callum Osmand injury that has "never happened to him before"

More bad news for the Bhoys.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 7, 2025

It would save Celtic a transfer fee and it would welcome someone who knows the standards of the club, given that Juarez played for the Bhoys between 2010 and 2012. Whether he has the right managerial experience for the role is another question, though, and the Scottish club may find that out after reportedly scheduling an interview over zoom.

The former player, who uses a 4-2-3-1 system, has taken charge of just two sides and is yet to even reach 100 games as a manager. At this point in time, it should be questioned whether Celtic can afford to take such a gamble.

Games

33

Wins

11

Draws

10

Defeats

12

Juarez’s time at Pumas hasn’t exactly been the greatest success, either. The Mexican has lost more games than he’s won and averaged just 1.3 points over 33 games in charge. It suddenly makes the club’s willingness to let him leave make all too much sense for Celtic to make their move.

For the time being, those at Celtic Park should trust O’Neill with the job until a suitable candidate emerges.

Celtic schedule first interview with Efrain Juarez

Report: Eight Tigers Employees Accused of Misconduct Toward Women Over Two Years

Eight Tigers employees have been accused of misconduct toward women over the last two years, according to a wide-ranging Wednesday morning report from Alex Andrejev and Brittany Ghiroli of

Per Andrejev and Ghiroli—who interviewed 45 current and former employees of the organization—that group includes at least four vice presidents.

"Seven of those eight were accused of mistreating women employed by Ilitch Sports and Entertainment [Detroit's parent company]," Andrejev and Ghiroli wrote. "The allegations against the men ranged from offensive comments to physical confrontation."

The report comes amid much excitement in Michigan over the Tigers' best on-field record since 2013, which employees told masks a misogynistic, dysfunctional culture.

"We are committed to a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment, and when concerns are raised, we investigate promptly and take decisive action, which has included terminating employees for misconduct, regardless of seniority or tenure," the team's parent company said in a statement. "We are committed to accountability and to upholding the standards essential to our workplace."

Per Andrejev and Ghiroli, six of the men have left the company, and a seventh was suspended after the reporters requested comment.

Vasco x Criciúma: onde assistir, horários e escalações do jogo pelo Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

Vasco e Criciúma se enfrentam, neste sábado (27), pela quarta rodada do Brasileirão, em São Januário, às 16h, com transmissão do Premiere (pay-per-view). O Cruz-Maltino aposta na volta para o Caldeirão para voltar a vencer. Já o Tigre vai em busca da sua primeira vitória no campeonato após dois empates.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

É o Pirata do Vascão! Aposte R$100 no Lance! Betting e ganhe R$203 com gol de Vegetti sobre o Criciúma

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

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
Vasco x Criciúma
4ª rodada – Brasileirão

🗓️ Data e horário: sábado, 27 de abril de 2024, às 16h (de Brasília)
📍 Local: São Januário, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
📺 Onde assistir: Premiere
🟨 Árbitro: Caio Augusto Vieira (RN)
🚩Assistentes: Marcelo Van Gasse (SP) e Francisco Bezerra Junior (PE), Rodrigo Ferreira do Amaral (VAR)

⚽PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

VASCO (Técnico: Ramón Diaz)
Léo Jardim; Paulo Henrique, João Victor, Léo e Lucas Piton; Mateus Carvalho, Sforza e Galdames; Rossi (Rayan), Vegetti e David.

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CRICIÚMA (Técnico: Cláudio Tencati)
Alisson (Gustavo); Claudinho, Rodrigo, Walisson e Trauco; Meritão, Barreto e Marcelo Hermes; Éder, Marquinhos Gabriel e Bolasie (Felipe Vizeu).

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BrasileirãoCriciúmaFutebol NacionalOnde assistirVasco

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