Chelsea are now frontrunners in the race for an “incredible” new defender, with a January move on the cards, should they be willing to shell out at least €30m (£26m).
Blues looking to strengthen defence amid Richards criticism
The Blues rose to fifth in the Premier League table courtesy of a 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, but Micah Richards wasn’t overly impressed with the overall performance.
During the second half, the pundit told BBC Sport: “Chelsea have been terrible at the back, they haven’t had a clean sheet in the Premier League since August. You can tell something isn’t right there, they’ve been making too many mistakes.
“Forest look better than they have been and they’ve had the clearest chances. But I worry for them that missing those chances could come back to bite them as Chelsea take the lead.”
Ultimately, the three points are the most important thing, but Enzo Maresca may be slightly concerned about his side allowing Forest to create so many opportunities, with the hosts squandering four big chances and hitting the woodwork.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea have now joined the race for a new defender, with it being revealed they are frontrunners to sign Strasbourg’s Guela Doue, who could be in line to join as soon as the January transfer window.
The French side are planning to cash-in for a fee north of €30m (£26m), given his importance to the side, which would be affordable for the Blues, and the fact both clubs are under BlueCo ownership could feasibly make everything easier to orchestrate.
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Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford are also keen on Doue, who is currently contracted until 2029, but the west Londoners are now in the strongest position to get a deal done.
"Incredible" Doue would be versatile option for Maresca
The 23-year-old, who is the brother of Paris Saint-Germain star Desire Doue, is capable of playing at both right-back and centre-back, meaning he would be a versatile option for Maresca, and the defender has displayed his ability to contribute on the front foot this season.
Indeed, the Angers-born ace has one goal and two assists to his name in four Ligue 1 outings, while also showcasing his passing ability and defensive talent on a regular basis over the course of the past year, placing in a high percentile on several metrics, compared to other full-backs.
Statistic
Average per 90
Clearances
4.95 (99th percentile)
Aerials won
1.97 (97th percentile)
Passes attempted
66.67 (90th percentile)
Progressive passes
6.32 (93rd percentile)
Having been lauded for his “incredible character” by Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior, Doue could be a solid addition for Chelsea, who definitely need to improve their defensive depth, having been left light on options following injuries to Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile.
A “world-class” forward is now a top attacking target for Tottenham Hotspur, alongside AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
Spurs vying to sign Son Heung-min replacement
Son Heung-min has proven he still has plenty left to give since making the move to LAFC in the summer, with the South Korean picking up eight goals and three assists in his opening nine MLS games, so Tottenham may be ruing the decision to sanction a sale.
Initially, Xavi Simons featured at left-wing in Son’s place, but the Dutchman has since moved into a more central role, with Wilson Odobert being given the nod against Leeds United, but the young Frenchman is still yet to register a Premier League goal contribution this term.
On the opposite flank, Mohammed Kudus has made a more impressive start, scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 victory against Leeds, but Thomas Frank may feel he is a little light on top-quality options on the left.
As such, it is no doubt exciting news that Spurs are preparing a January move for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, with Frank of the belief the 25-year-old would be the “perfect fit” in his squad.
With nine goal contributions to his name in the Premier League already this season, a move to a Champions League club could provide the platform for Semenyo to become one of the best wingers in the world.
Tottenham now in contact to sign "complete" fast winger ahead of Rangers
He would be one for the future for Spurs.
ByHenry Jackson Oct 12, 2025
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Semenyo is one of Tottenham’s top targets to replace Son, but so is Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, with the north Londoners expected to spend a significant amount of money on a new left-winger.
Spurs came close to signing Lookman in the summer, at which point he was valued at £43m, but the deal fell through, as the Italian club were unwilling to sanction a loan move and wanted a permanent sale.
Since then, however, the forward has worked his way back into first-team contention, starting against FC Como last time out, and the Nigerian’s previous exploits suggest he could be a fantastic addition to Frank’s squad…
"World-class" Semenyo could flourish at N17
BBC reporter John Bennett hailed the Atalanta forward in light of his remarkable performances across 2024, perhaps most notably scoring a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League to lead his side to victory against Bayer Leverkusen.
Since leaving England for Italy, the London-born attacker has also maintained a very impressive goal and assist record in the Serie A.
Season
Serie A appearances
Goal contributions
2022-23
31
21
2023-24
31
19
2024-25
31
20
There may be some concerns over the fact Lookman hasn’t set the world alight in England in the past, scoring just four goals in 48 games for Everton, but he has clearly developed since then, and at 27-years-old, the ex-Fulham man may now be in his prime.
Grace Harris had cut loose for defending champions Brisbane Heat but it wasn’t enough while the second game of the day provided an upset
AAP02-Nov-2024. “Just play attacking cricket but being smart about it. I thought that was probably about par. We knew we could chase that if we put our minds to it and get our heads down. Me and Lizzie just wanted to make the most of the powerplay and stick to our strengths … keep things simple and play aggressive cricket.”Lee’s dismissal for 38 failed to curb the momentum of Wyatt-Hodge, who struck six fours and three sixes in her game-changing innings. Heat removed Nicola Carey, victim to a sensational catch from Nadine de Klerk, and Wyatt-Hodge then continued to rally, leaving Hobart with a tricky equation of 33 runs from the final three overs.Legspinner Grace Parsons’ economical haul of 1 for 15 from four overs, including the all-important scalp of Wyatt-Hodge, gave Heat genuine hope of victory. But Elyse Villani’s reverse-swept boundary, her second four in a dramatic final over delivered by Charli Knott, secured the win.Courtney Webb led Melbourne Renegades’ chase•Getty ImagesMelbourne Renegades’ comfortable triumph over Perth Scorchers could prove one of the shocks of this season. Beaten in both of their opening games and wooden-spooners last year, Renegades bowled superbly to have heavyweights Scorchers all out for 140.Sophie Molineux was particularly brilliant with a tournament-best 4 for 17 from her four overs, bowling Amy Jones and Chloe Piparo in the middle before helping clean up the tail.All 10 of the Scorchers’ wickets fell to spin, with Hayley Matthews, Alice Capsey and Georgia Wareham taking two each as the pressure continually told.Beth Mooney hit 36 up top for the Scorchers, but after she fell trying to scoop Capsey it was only Alana King (26 off 15) that truly got going.Renegades then made light work of the chase, with Courtney Webb hitting Chloe Ainsworth over the long-on rope in the first over and taking 12 off the next from spinner Lilly Mills.In her 79th WBBL match, Webb finished with her highest score of 61, dominating a 102-run opening stand with Matthews that helped Renegades to victory with 14 balls to spare.The result leaves Sydney Thunder top of the ladder ahead of Heat with two wins and one loss, while two-time defending champions Adelaide Strikers are last with a 1-2 record early in the shortened 10-round season.
da aposte e ganhe： OCorinthians iniciou o Campeonato Paulista feminino com goleada por 6 a 1 sobre oE.C São Bernardo, no estádioBruno José Daniel, em Santo André.Jheniffer (2x), Mylena,Vic Albuquerque, Grazi e Bianca Gomesmarcaram os gols corintianos. Tuca descontou para as mandantes.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansWillian confirma saída do Corinthians e nega problemas de relacionamento com Vítor PereiraCorinthians10/08/2022CorinthiansCorinthians e Willian acertam rescisão contratual, e camisa 10 não joga mais pelo clubeCorinthians10/08/2022Fora de CampoGaroto imita Gabigol em frente a jogadores do Corinthians e viralizaFora de Campo10/08/2022
da betsul： + GALERIA – Yuri Alberto passa em branco em eliminação do Timão; veja notas
As Brabas faturaram o caneco do Paulistão nas últimas três edições da competição.
O próximo desafio da equipe treinada por Arthur Elias é no domingo (14), às 11h, contra a Real Brasília, pelo jogo de ida das quartas de final do Brasileirão.
+ TABELA – Timão briga no Brasileirão feminino? Simule o mata-mata
O JOGO
O técnico Arthur Souza escalou a equipe com: Lelê; Mariza, Andressa, Yasmin e Juliete; Diany, Grazi e Miriã; Milena, Bianca Gomes e Jheniffer.
O Timão abriu o placar aos cinco minutos de jogo, com Jheniffer. A camisa 9 recebeu cruzamento deJuliete e estufou as redes. Ao final da primeira etapa, a atacante fez seu segundo gol na partida após cobrança de escanteio de Bianca Gomes.
O Corinthians não tirou o pé do acelerador no segundo tempo e ampliou a vantagem aos sete minutos. Mariza cruzou na cabeça de Mylena, que só teve o trabalho de conferir para o fundo do gol. Oito minutos depois, o São Bernardo descontou com Tuca, após falha na marcação de Yasmin.
As Brabas chegaram ao quarto gol em jogada envolvendo duas atletas que entraram no segundo tempo. Lia Salazar chutou de longe, a goleira deu rebote, e Vic Albuquerque completou para o gol vazio, marcando pela primeira vez em seu retorno ao clube.
Na reta final da partida, Grazi e Bianca Gomes foram as redes e deram números finais a goleada aplicada pelo Corinthians.
Pakistan only scored 80 in the back 10 despite being only one down at the halfway mark
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Sep-2025Pakistan got to their highest T20I score while batting first against India, 171 for 5. If India win, it will be the highest successful chase of Asia Cup 2025. Yet, the total looked insufficient after the start Pakistan had. They scored just 80 runs in the back 10 despite being just one down at the halfway mark.There was a period of 39 legal deliveries without a boundary leading up to the death overs, which completely derailed what looked like a promising innings that could finally give the tournament a game to remember. It would have frustated Pakistan even more that they had got the better of India’s spin threat, hitting three sixes in the first three middle overs, but succumbed to the sixth bowler, Shivam Dube.Dube ended up with figures of 4-0-33-2, taking the wickets of the two set batters, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, who put on 72 for the second wicket after the latter’s demotion to No. 3. Farhan, who reached 51 off just 34 balls, ended up with just 58 off 45. It was only Faheem Ashraf’s unbeaten 20 off 8 in the end that gave Pakistan respectability.Pakistan, the slowest side bar Oman and UAE in the middle overs during this Asia Cup, had looked set to correct those numbers, but Dube’s breakthrough and the quality of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav proved to be too big a challenge. Varun went for just 25 in four overs, and Kuldeep returned figures of 4-0-31-1.
Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that he can claim his first win as Nottingham Forest manager this afternoon when his side travel to face Burnley at Turf Moor.
The Aussie has already lost his first two outings in charge, losing 3-0 against Arsenal last weekend before falling to a late defeat against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup.
Igor Jesus’ first-half double gave the Reds a 2-0 lead at the break, but three second-half goals from the Championship side knocked the Premier League outfit out of the competition at the first hurdle.
However, the clash against Scott Parker’s side today presents a quick opportunity for the 60-year-old to gain his first victory in the role after taking over from Nuno Espírito Santo.
The volume of additions made by Evangelos Marinakis has handed the new boss key depth in various areas of the squad, with one of the new additions deserving of his first league start.
Why Douglas Luiz needs to start against Burnley
Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz joined Forest on loan with an obligation to buy from Juventus during the summer window, subsequently injecting needed quality into the heart of the side.
He’s had to bide his time in the East Midlands, failing to appear in a single minute of first-team action before Wednesday’s cup defeat in South Wales.
The 27-year-old featured in the defeat for an hour, but demonstrated his composed nature – something which could make him a valuable asset against the Clarets later today.
He won 100% of the duels he entered, whilst also being fouled four times – the most of any player on the pitch – with the opposition often unable to dispossess the former Aston Villa man.
Luiz also completed 86% of the passes he attempted, creating one big chance in the process, showcasing his excellent ability in and out of possession.
However, he shouldn’t be the only player handed his first Premier League start for the Reds, with another talent impressing in the defeat to the Swans in midweek.
The Forest player who can unlock Ange’s first win
After securing Europa League football in 2024/25, there was always going to be added pressure on Forest to be competitive in all of the competitions they entered.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis watches on.
European football, for the first time in 30 years at the City Ground, will give a generation of supporters memories to last a lifetime, but also open the door to adding a third star to their badge.
The ability to qualify for such a competition has undoubtedly aided the club in the transfer market, allowing for numerous high-profile names to make the move to the East Midlands.
Luiz will undoubtedly be one of the biggest, given his recent stints across Europe, but Dilane Bakwa is another player the hierarchy managed to get a deal completed for in the same window
The French youngster joined in a deal totalling £30m from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on deadline day, adding further depth and quality into the club’s already threatening frontline.
However, like Luiz, he’s had to be patient to get his chance to shine, subsequently making his Reds debut off the bench against Arsenal at Emirates, seven days ago.
Bakwa, who’s been labelled “menacing” by journalist Antonio Mango, made his first start on Wednesday and grabbed his chance with both hands – completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted.
Minutes played
62
Touches
38
Pass accuracy
86%
Dribbles completed
100%
Passes into final third
4
Chances created
2
Ground duels won
100%
Big chances created
1
He also registered four passes into the final third, whilst creating two chances for his new teammates and often looking a real threat when driving at the opposition’s backline.
The 23-year-old has bags of pace in his arsenal, potentially making him a key player in Postecoglou’s attacking-minded system – as seen in midweek with the Reds’ second goal.
The right-winger has yet another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role this afternoon, with the youngster more than deserving of the opportunity to start his first Premier League game.
If he and Luiz both start against Parker’s men, there’s no reason as to why Ange can’t claim his first win as manager – kick-starting his reign and allowing the fanbase to forget about their Carabao Cup disappointment.
"World-class" manager wanted Nottingham Forest job before Ange appointment
A renowned manager was interested in taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo at The City Ground.
Transfer deadline day has come and gone, and thankfully, Kobbie Mainoo remains a Manchester United player, having been heavily linked with an exit in the last knockings of the window.
An unused substitute in the opening two Premier League games of the season – having also been afforded just mere minutes off the bench in the Europa League final back in May – the 20-year-old appeared to have his heart set on a loan exit from Old Trafford, amid the search for increased game time.
This is a World Cup year after all, with the United academy graduate firmly out of the England picture at present, despite playing a starring role in the knockout stage run at Euro 2024 just last year.
Having seen Thomas Tuchel elect to recall forgotten man Ruben Loftus-Cheek after a six-year absence this week, Mainoo’s place in the midfield pecking order is evident. He needs to get back playing regularly again.
Once the shining light under Erik ten Hag, the local hero is yet to win over Ruben Amorim. Something needs to change.
Mainoo's rise – and 'fall' – at Man Utd
This writer was there the day that a 16-year-old Mainoo truly announced himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a fine FA Youth Cup final display in May 2022, producing a composed, eye-catching performance at the base of midfield that has since become his trademark.
Kobbie Mainoo
Fleeting first-team opportunities for the then-teenager followed in 2022/23 – just three to be precise – before he was belatedly unleashed the following campaign, having gradually been introduced after being struck down by injury during pre-season.
From his Man of the Match display away at Everton on just his first Premier League start, Mainoo simply didn’t look back over the next six months, with notable highlights including that late winner at Molinuex, alongside his stunning curler at home to Liverpool.
Such a remarkable rise was capped by his Wembley heroics in May 2024, a year on from the midfield maestro having been singled out by Ten Hag as the senior set-up celebrated their Carabao Cup triumph.
For all the negativity that surrounds the Dutchman, his faith in Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho was more than admirable. Amorim, take note.
Indeed, had it not been for Mainoo’s inclusion in the squad at Burnley last weekend, United would have been at risk of abandoning an 85-year tradition. Since 1937, an academy player has featured in every matchday squad.
That may seem trivial, but this is the essence of Manchester United. Amorim can’t lose that.
In the Portuguese’s defence, however, it isn’t as if he won’t put faith in young talents when suitable. He appears to have settled on his own boy wonder during his Red Devils tenure thus far.
Leny Yoro is the new boy wonder at Man Utd
Question marks remain over the new INEOS regime at Man United, with notable low points including the protracted pursuit – and subsequent dismissal – of Dan Ashworth, alongside the indecision regarding Ten Hag’s future following the FA Cup final.
Throw into the mix the ongoing off-field issues which have clouded the club in recent times, namely a string of redundancies under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s watch, and the new-look hierarchy still have a way to go to win over an expectant and committed fanbase.
That being said, an optimist could look to the odd success story on the transfer front thus far, with the capture of Leny Yoro an obvious case in point.
Poached from Lille on a £52m deal last summer, amid rival interest from the mighty Real Madrid, the ability to entice the teenage Frenchman appeared to be a real coup at the time. Just over 12 months on, and that remains the case even more so.
While an injury sustained against Arsenal last summer halted his introduction to Premier League football, in a similar vein to Mainoo a year earlier, the 19-year-old grew into the campaign in impressive fashion, following his competitive debut in December.
The doubters will look to his performance against Southampton, and more specifically against Kamaldeen Sulemana, as a reason for concern, but that was a rare blot on the copybook for a player yet to realise his full potential.
That night at the Theatre of Dreams aside, Yoro has looked simply sublime under Amorim, seemingly relishing his role at right centre-back or left centre-back in this much-discussed 3-4-2-1 system.
From his last-ditch challenge on Darwin Nunez away at Anfield, to his vital header out in Lyon, 2025 has proven to be the year of Yoro thus far, none more so than amid that Europa League run.
While others of more seniority and authority faltered around him, the £115-per-week talent – as per Capology – was a real driving force during that surge to Bilbao. Indeed, he quite literally drove Amorim’s men up the pitch from deep at any available occasion, namely against Athletic Club to tee up Mason Mount’s crucial curler.
Described as a “generational” talent by Statman Dave, Yoro ranked in the top 3% of centre-backs in the competition for progressive carries per 90 last term, as per FBref, as well as in the top 7% for pass completion.
Tipped to be ‘the new Rio Ferdinand’ by Amorim, he also started the new campaign in fine fettle, averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game in the top-flight, as per Sofascore, while winning 82% of his aerial duels thus far.
Bruno Fernandes
44
Noussair Mazraoui
41
Rasmus Hojlund
40
Alejandro Garnacho
40
Diogo Dalot
39
Manuel Ugarte
37
Leny Yoro
36
Andre Onana
35
Harry Maguire
34
Joshua Zirkzee
34
Positions are up for grabs across the park, but Yoro’s starting berth appears almost nailed on. Was it any coincidence that when afforded a rare rest for the trip to Grimsby, the team simply fell apart defensively?
Only six players have made more United appearances since Amorim walked in the door, with the youngster’s importance to both his manager and his team only looking set to grow and grow.
Every manager appears to have their favoured rising star when in the United dugout, and while Yoro may not be a product of the academy like Mainoo, he represents everything that this new regime should be looking for to build around.
Ten Hag sold him for £9m: Man Utd had the original Mainoo who Bruno loved
Manchester United must regret offloading one top-level talent whom Bruno Fernandes adored.
After a hectic summer transfer window, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined a hectic Premier League race to sign a Manchester City gem who Pep Guardiola loves.
Latest on Nuno and Nottingham Forest
As busy as their transfer window was, it’s Nuno Espirito Santo who stole most of the headlines at the City Ground after he revealed a rift between himself and owner Evangelos Marinakis. It sparked instant reports that the Portuguese manager could be facing the sack and rumours suggested that his frustration came as a result of Forest’s transfer activity.
Since then, however, Nuno has got his wish. Nottingham Forest signed a goalkeeper in John Victor and welcomed reinforcement at full-back by signing Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nicolo Savona. Add in the likes of Douglas Luiz, Arnaud Kalimuendo and James McAtee, and it’s hard to see what else those at the City Ground could have done to satisfy their manager.
On paper, Nuno’s transfer problem should be solved. But now he must get results. Forest have won just one of their opening three Premier League games, with that win against Brentford coming before the public spat between Nuno and Marinakis.
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Nottingham Forest are developing one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars in this complete player.
ByAngus Sinclair Sep 6, 2025
Those in the Midlands will be hoping that the international break has helped things cool down and set Forest back on course for success. With a trip to Arsenal awaiting Nuno’s side next weekend, there would be no better way to get back on track than by defeating a side of the Gunners’ calibre.
Meanwhile, as the action continues on the pitch, Forest have kept one eye on the transfer window and already have one 2026 target in mind.
Nottingham Forest join Nico O'Reilly race
According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Nico O’Reilly from Manchester City in 2026. Joined by Lyon, Leeds United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea, the Midlands club have plenty of competition for the midfielder’s signature, but could yet pull off an impressive coup.
It should come as no surprise that several clubs are interested in the 20-year-old, either. The big question is whether Forest or the rest of the chasing pack can lure Manchester City into a sale.
Guardiola is also a big fan of the midfielder and may not be keen to sanction his exit. The Spaniard told reporters last season: “He played really good. He’s a number 10, we cannot forget. But he has the pace, he is so intelligent and quality with the ball. In the final third he has vision. He played really good and had an impact.”
Of course, O’Reilly wouldn’t be the first Manchester City gem to join Nuno at the City Ground. McAtee decided to leave the Etihad in search of game time this summer, with Forest stepping up to offer him exactly that. Now, another rising star could follow suit.
Seamer Ben Aitchison’s maiden T20 five-wicket haul set Derbyshire on their way to hammering Yorkshire for the second Sunday running, ending the hosts’ already slim Vitality Blast quarter-final hopes in the process.Excellent Aitchison was potent en route to a superb 5 for 29 at Headingley and Afghanistan overseas spinner Mohammad Ghazanfar miserly in returning 2 for 5 from four overs as Yorkshire were limited to 151 for 9.The Falcons won at Chesterfield last Sunday, and here they deepened their local rivals’ misery by reducing them to 17 for 4 in five overs. Ghazanfar struck twice early and returned the joint-second most-economical four-over spell in Blast history.In a clash between the bottom two sides in the North, Dom Bess’s career best 53 off 37 balls at least gave Yorkshire a fighting total. But Derbyshire eased home by eight wickets inside 17 overs thanks largely to opener Aneurin Donald’s 54 off 30 balls.Derbyshire were already out of knockout contention, but this was their fourth win in 13 games and Yorkshire’s eighth defeat in 12.Yorkshire were left shell-shocked in the powerplay, which ended with them stranded on 28 for 4 having been inserted. Jonny Bairstow was bowled for a five-ball duck playing back to the offspin of Ghazanfar, who also had James Wharton caught at short cover.Sandwiched in between, Will Luxton was caught at short third-man and Dawid Malan at short fine-leg off Aitchison’s seam.On Thursday, Derbyshire reduced Worcestershire to 10 for 4 and lost. So they will have been wary not to let their foot off the gas. And they did not.Pakistani overseas batter Abdullah Shafique was next to go for 26, caught at mid-on off a miscued pull at Zak Chappell as Yorkshire reached the 10-over mark at 55 for 5. Chappell struck again in the 16th with the score on 97 when he had Will Sutherland caught at deep midwicket following a miscued pull.Bess, who hoisted two leg-side sixes off Pat Brown’s seam, kept Yorkshire afloat with his second career Blast fifty, this off 36 balls. But he fell to his next, caught at deep midwicket off Aitchison, who struck three times in four balls in the 19th over.Either side of dismissing Bess, he had Jordan Thompson caught behind and Jafer Chohan caught at backward point in posting only Derbyshire’s second ever T20 five-for.At Chesterfield last weekend, opener Donald smashed 85 off 30 balls as the Falcons chased 201. Here, their task was much more straightforward, and Donald was in the mood again.He ramped Sutherland’s seam for six and went on to reach his fifty off 24 balls – his sixth fifty of the campaign. By the time that was recorded, Derbyshire were motoring at 70 without loss in the sixth over. From there, with Yorkshire sloppy in the field, the result was inevitable.Donald miscued to point off Dan Moriarty’s left-arm spin having shared 78 inside eight overs with Australian Caleb Jewell.Jewell went on to post 41 not out and share an unbroken third-wicket stand of 73 with Wayne Madsen, who finished 51 not out off 28 balls and reached his fifty with the winning blow – a six over long-on off Jafer Chohan.
The first session was uninterrupted by weather despite the threat of rain, though conditions were grey and murky
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2025
Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley brought up their 50-run stand in the 17th over•Getty Images
Lunch England’s openers batted through the first session unscathed at Headingley, with all four results possible at lunch on the final day. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley put on their fourth century partnership and became the first set of England openers since Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss to score 2000 runs as a pair, as India toiled in vain for a breakthrough.Duckett and Crawley were cautious against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the early stages, with gloomy conditions and tight lines and lengths making fluent run-scoring a challenge. But they kicked on against the change bowlers, Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur, and Duckett accelerated to a 66-ball half-century.The closest India came to a breakthrough was shortly before lunch, when Bumrah put down a tough low caught-and-bowled chance off Crawley. Roared on by the sizable Indian contingent at Headingley, Bumrah induced a leading edge as Crawley, on 42, looked to defend towards mid-on but he failed to cling on while diving forwards to his left.Crawley had another brief scare on 21 when Shubman Gill was talked into using a review in the hope of winning an lbw decision. He was struck on the pad when skipping down the pitch to Siraj and looking to hit him over the top, but ball-tracking projected that it would have missed the top of leg stump.Duckett missed a couple of attempted scoops while attempting to relieve the pressure during the first hour, but his change in tempo owed primarily to orthodox cuts and pulls. He reached lunch unbeaten on 64, following on from his first-innings 62.The first session was uninterrupted by weather despite the threat of rain, though conditions were grey and murky, with the floodlights on full beam for most of the morning.