Chelsea striker Liam Delap sung the praises of a Stamford Bridge teenager after the 3-0 rout of Barcelona, describing him as “so raw” but “so exciting”.

Blues breeze to victory against Barcelona in the Champions League

The Blues made a major statement by defeating Barca 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, leaving goalkeeper Robert Sanchez optimistic they can go all the way and win Europe’s elite competition for the third time.

Delap scored his first goal since making the move to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich Town in the summer, capping off what was a fantastic all-round display against the reigning La Liga champions, and the centre-forward was left impressed by how they executed the game plan.

The Englishman could be in line for a start on Sunday, courtesy of scoring after replacing Alejandro Garnacho in the second half, potentially alongside Estevao, who bagged the second goal in the 3-0 victory.

Indeed, the 11-cap Brazil international once again caught the eye, also creating one big chance, making three key passes and completing two successful dribbles.

Speaking after the game, Delap took the time to praise his teammate, who has now established himself as a key player for the Blues.

Estevao draws Messi comparisons after remarkable solo goal

It would be fair to say Enzo Maresca was also left very impressed with the Brazilian’s performance, taking the time to praise his fantastic solo goal, saying: “The goal Estevao scored reminded me of the one [Lionel Messi] scored against us in the Club World Cup. It’s very similar, the same action.”

With Sanchez of the belief Chelsea are the favourites to win the Champions League this season, the 18-year-old could be key to their success, having already scored three goals in the competition, which is more than any of his teammates.

Not only has the starlet been impressing at club level, but he has also continued to impress for Brazil, having scored four goals in his last four matches, which bodes well for the Seleção Canarinho as we edge closer to the 2026 World Cup.

Related Chelsea have already signed another exciting star who's "just like Estevao"

Chelsea have already signed another youngster who could become another Estevao for Enzo Maresca.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025

Perhaps Chelsea’s toughest game so far this season is penciled in for this weekend, as they take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, but if Estevao is firing on all cylinders, Maresca’s side certainly stand a chance of defeating their London rivals and closing the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just three points.

Big Picture: NZ under the pump

Two matches in, New Zealand are already at risk of playing catch-up in the Women’s World Cup. Two brilliant innings from captain Sophie Devine haven’t been able to save them as they lost to Australia and South Africa. That makes them one of two winless teams in this tournament.New Zealand hadn’t played an ODI in six months prior to the World Cup. The rust has shown: before losing to Australia and South Africa, they suffered defeats in their warm-up games against India and India A. Apart from Devine, who has contributed 42% of New Zealand’s runs in the tournament so far, the batters have struggled for fluency and the bowling has lacked bite. Against South Africa, they also let themselves down in the field with seven misfields, a reflection of a team that has looked undercooked.Bangladesh, in contrast, are on the rise. They stunned Pakistan, pushed England hard, and are brimming with belief. Their batting hasn’t quite clicked, but their bowlers have done the job with Marufa Akter consistently striking with the new ball and the spinners keeping a tight leash through the middle overs. With Brooke Halliday the only left-hander in the batting order, New Zealand’s right-hand-heavy line-up could be tested by left-arm spinner Nahida Akter and the legspin duo of Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan.They’ve never beaten New Zealand in ODIs, having lost both their completed games by a big margin in 2022. But with spin expected to play a big role in Guwahati on Friday, Bangladesh will be keen to use the conditions to their advantage. Unlike New Zealand, they have already played a game at this venue in the World Cup.

Form Guide

Bangladesh LWLLW (last five matches, most recent first)
New Zealand LLWWLSuzie Bates is yet to open her account in this World Cup•ICC via Getty Images

In the spotlight: Fahima Khatun and Suzie Bates

Fahima Khatun was near unplayable against England on Tuesday, returning remarkable figures of 3 for 16. She dismissed Nat Sciver-Brunt, Emma Lamb, and Sophia Dunkley, and celebrated each wicket with her trademark jig. Fahima’s slow, loopy legspin tied England down; she conceded just one boundary in 60 balls. She also had Heather Knight caught at cover, but the low catch was ruled not out by the TV umpire, a pivotal moment that arguably swung the game.New Zealand have missed the runs from Suzie Bates from the top of the order, who will be coming into this match off two consecutive ducks. She struggled to score off her first eight balls against Australia, eventually falling to left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, while she fell for a golden duck against South Africa to Marizanne Kapp. She will need to find a way to see off a red-hot Marufa, who’s coming off four wickets in two games.

Team news: Is Mair fit and ready?

Bangladesh are unlikely to change their combination unless there’s a last-minute injury or illness. Marufa, who bowled only five overs against England and was off the field with cramps, is “fit and ready” for Friday’s game, Nahida said at the press conference.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Rubya Haider, 2 Sharmin Akhter, 3 Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), 4 Sobhana Mostary, 5 Mst Ritu Moni, 6 Shorna Akter, 7 Fahima Khatun, 8 Nahida Akter, 9 Rabeya Khan, 10 Marufa Akter, 11 Sanjida Akter MeghlaNew Zealand assistant coach Craig McMillan had said that right-arm quick Rosemary Mair was “close to fitness” before their previous fixture against South Africa. If she’s fit, New Zealand may bring her in for Jess Kerr.New Zealand (probable): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (wk), 8 Jess Kerr/Rosemary Mair, 9 Lea Tahuhu, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Bree Illing

Pitch and conditions: Spin to win

Spinners have taken 75% of the wickets (33 out of 44 total wickets) in the three matches in Guwahati so far this World Cup. There is a possibility of a rain-interrupted start.

Stats and Trivia: Tahuhu gears up for 100th ODI

• New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu will be playing her 100th ODI on Friday.
• Marufa Akter has eight wickets in the powerplay this year, the second most by a bowler in women’s ODIs.
• Brooke Halliday is 57 runs away from 1000 ODI runs. She will become the 18th New Zealand batter to the feat.

Quotes

“There has been quite a bit of turn and bounce in the nets, which is exciting for my bowling. But on the other hand with batting, it’s just being really disciplined in the best way to play spin. We know with Bangladesh, they’ve, I think apart from the opening bowler, they’re a spin-heavy attack and they’ve had a lot of teams in trouble as well throughout this tournament we’ve seen. So, I think being really disciplined with the bat, you have to sum up conditions really quickly and then work out what your best game plan is.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Os dois gols de Arrascaeta na vitória do Flamengo por 2 a 1 sobre o Cruz Azul nesta quarta-feira (10), na estreia da Copa Intercontinental, renderam ao camisa 10 um recorde. O meia alcançou Pedro como maior artilheiro rubro-negro em Mundiais, com quatro gols cada.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoCruz Azul x Flamengo: Gol de Arrascaeta rende memes aos rivaisFora de Campo10/12/2025Lance! BizFlamengo no Mundial: saiba quanto o clube embolsou com a vitóriaLance! Biz10/12/2025FlamengoFilipe Luís destaca Arrascaeta em vitória do Flamengo no Mundial: ‘Quer mais e mais’Flamengo10/12/2025

➡️Jogadores do Flamengo estão pendurados na Copa Intercontinental? Entenda regulamento

O uruguaio chegou ao quarto Mundial pelo clube e voltou a balançar as redes em torneios da Fifa. Em 2019, marcou contra o Al-Hilal. Em junho deste ano, fez um gol diante do Espérance, na Copa do Mundo de Clubes. Os dois gols desta quarta completaram a lista.

Pedro, ausente no jogo por lesão na coxa esquerda, também soma quatro gols em Mundiais, todos marcados na edição de 2022 — realizada em fevereiro de 2023. Na ocasião, foram dois gols na semifinal, na derrota por 3 a 2 para o Al-Hilal, da Arábia Saudita, e outros dois na vitória por 4 a 2 sobre o Al Ahly, do Egito, na decisão de terceiro lugar.

continua após a publicidadeMaiores artilheiros do Flamengo em MundiaisArrascaeta e Pedro – 4 gols.Bruno Henrique, Gabigol, Nunes e Wallace Yan – 2 gols.Adílio, Danilo, Gerson, Jorginho e Luiz Araújo – 1 gol.

O Flamengo volta a campo no sábado, às 14h (de Brasília), contra o Pyramids, do Egito, pela semifinal da Copa Intercontinental, no Estádio Ahmad Bin Ali, em Al Rayyan. Quem avançar enfrentará o PSG na decisão.

➡️Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Flamengo

Para acompanhar asnotícias do Flamengo, acompanhe o Lance! Todas as informações e acontecimentos atualizados em tempo real.

Tudo sobre

ArrascaetaFlamengomundial

The Guardians, despite their perennially small payroll, are a team that deals in outsized superlatives—the longest World Series drought, the longest no-hitter drought, and the largest in-season comeback in baseball history.

Despite accomplishing the last of those feats this season, Cleveland's 6–3 loss in Game 3 of its wild-card series against the Tigers Thursday ensured the first will continue. The Guardians had a runner on third in the ninth inning of Game 1 trailing by one run and won Game 2—only for the wheels to come off in a Game 3 that laid out the team's litany of flaws.

When the dust settles, Cleveland—rudderless and sub-.500 in early July—can reminisce fondly on essentially stealing a quality year as it phases in a new generation of talent. Here's a look at the problems that cost the Guardians against Detroit and the lessons the losing team can draw from them.

1. An already threadbare offense disappeared

The number ".226" followed Cleveland around like a specter during its short playoff stint—that was the team's batting average this year, the worst in the franchise's long history. The Guardians' .296 on-base percentage was a 53-year low; their .373 slugging percentage was a low for any full season this century. Even in September and October, the team hit just .242.

Lazy an observation as it may be, it is almost impossible to hit as poorly as Cleveland did all year and do protracted damage in the playoffs—even with a pitching staff as effective as the Guardians'. Thus, a one-run lead for the Tigers in Game 1 became insurmountable, and only a big eighth inning could save Cleveland in Game 2.

The Guardians, zealous platoon advocates, gave a glut of at-bats early on to some of their worst hitters: right fielder Johnathan Rodriguez (.197), first baseman Jhonkensy Noel (.162), and catcher Austin Hedges (.161) took seven at-bats combined (Hedges drew two walks in Game 1). When they rolled the dice on young talents such as right fielder George Valera and center fielder Chase DeLauter from Game 2 onward, the offense seemed to receive a modest jolt—perhaps a preview of coming attractions for 2026.

2. Small mistakes proved costly

Cleveland's defense-and-fundamentals-first approach—while undeniably entertaining to watch—had the adverse effect of shrinking the Guardians' margin of error to near zero. The trouble began for Cleveland in the first inning of Game 1, when Rodriguez misplayed a fly ball that opened the door for Detroit to score the first run of the series. Noel, too, made a costly error while playing out of his natural position (though manager Stephen Vogt correctly gave him credit for ensuring the play didn't go even more haywire).

Even third baseman José Ramírez—the Guardians' nerve center for over a decade now and a future first-ballot Hall of Famer—wasn't immune to the blunders Cleveland so carefully avoided late in the season. He ran into a crucial out in the ninth inning of Game 1, and in Game 3 appeared to slow up running to second base after a Tigers error—only for pitcher Will Vest to throw him out and extinguish the Guardians' last significant threat.

3. The Tigers beat them at their own game

On Sept. 23, Cleveland beat Detroit during its furious push for the division title with the help of a classic display of small ball. The Guardians stitched together two bunts, an infield hit, a wild pitch, a balk and a groundout to scrounge out three of their five runs in a 5–2 victory. It was part of a streak where every break in the American League seemed to be vacuumed into a black hole on the shores of Lake Erie.

As it turns out, the Tigers—a team, as ESPN announcers Sean McDonough and Todd Frazier pointed out, had five sacrifice hits —are quick learners. Detroit turned that formula back on Cleveland on multiple occasions this series, taking the lead in Game 1 on a well-placed bunt by third baseman Zach McKinstry (dubbed the "Zachrifice" by the Tigers' X account). Center fielder Parker Meadows, too, chipped in with a critical bunt in Game 3. The moral of this story for the Guardians may be the sheer fungibility of their luck-centric approach over the long term—but Cleveland fans can take heart in the knowledge that their front office's eagerness to control every variable has kept the Guardians one of baseball's most vital organizations for a decade and counting.

قدّم نادي بيراميدز شكوى رسمية لاتحاد الكرة ضد 3 حكام مصريين متّهمًا إياهم بارتكاب أخطاء تحكيمية مؤثرة في مباراتي الفريق أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية وبتروجيت، وما وصفه النادي بـ”الإخلال بمبدأ العدالة وتكافؤ الفرص”.

وجاء في الشكوى أن الحكم سيد منير الذي أدار مباراة بيراميدز أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية، اتخذ سلسلة من القرارات العكسية ضد لاعبي الفريق، إلى جانب تغاضيه عن إضاعة الوقت المتكرر من جانب لاعبي الكهرباء، مما أثّر على سير اللقاء وتسبّب في اعتراضات واسعة داخل الجهاز الفني.

وأشار بيراميدز إلى أن فوزه بالمباراة لا يعني تجاهل ما حدث، مؤكدًا ضرورة محاسبة الحكم على القرارات غير المفهومة التي صاحبت اللقاء، وعدم اعتبار النتيجة سببًا لإغلاق الملف.

طالع أيضًا | شوبير: أؤيد عدم انضمام لاعبي بيراميدز لمنتخب مصر والمشاركة في كأس إنتركونتينينتال

كما أبدى النادي اعتراضًا شديدًا على أداء الحكم محمد العتباني في مواجهة الفريق أمام بتروجت، خاصة بعد احتسابه ركلة جزاء مثيرة للجدل لصالح الفريق البترولي، رغم توصية تقنية الفيديو (VAR) بعدم احتسابها، واعتبر بيراميدز القرار خطأً حاسمًا أثّر في نتيجة المباراة.

وامتدت الشكوى إلى الحكم الرابع محمود رشدي، حيث أكد النادي أن تعامله مع المدير الفني يورشيتش كان “غير لائق”، مشيرًا إلى وقوع مناوشات بينهما وتدخله المستمر لمنع المدرب من توجيه لاعبيه داخل الملعب، مقابل مرونة أكبر وأجواء أكثر ودية في تعامله مع الجهاز الفني لبتروجيت.

وطالب بيراميدز اتحاد الكرة بفتح تحقيق عاجل في أداء الحكام الثلاثة، وتطبيق معايير المحاسبة، وضمان الاستخدام الصحيح لتقنية الفيديو، حفاظًا على نزاهة المنافسة ومنع تكرار الأخطاء التي تزايدت مؤخرًا.

Something is happening at Chelsea this season.

Enzo Maresca’s side blew Spanish champions Barcelona away in the Champions League last Tuesday and then followed that up with a sensational performance against Arsenal in the Premier League.

The Blues were by far the better team for most of the first half, and even after Moises Caicedo was sent off, they scored a goal and held on for a point.

Now, having the Ecuadorian out for three games is a problem, but Maresca could solve it by unleashing one of Chelsea’s most exciting young stars.

Chelsea's solutions to Caicedo's red card

With it highly unlikely that Caicedo’s ban will be overturned – if it’s even appealed – Chelsea need to come up with a solution for the next three games. This is a player who is renowned as one of the best midfielders in the world, a player of the calibre of a certain Declan Rice. Therefore, replacing him will not be easy.

One answer could be to keep Reece James in the middle of the park, drop Enzo Fernández back next to him to create a double pivot and start Cole Palmer ahead of them.

Now, this would be quite a change, but it would allow the captain to continue to boss games from a central area and bring the club’s best player back into the most important part of the team.

Moreover, if the Englishman is pulling the strings in the ten position, Estevao can keep his place on the right, where he tore Barça to bits last week.

However, if Enzo only wants to make one personnel change to the side to keep up momentum, he could be extra brave and bring one of Cobham’s most exciting youngsters into the side: Reggie Walsh.

The 17-year-old star in the making is someone who could slot in next to James in the midfield and, especially against a poor Leeds United, earn some brilliant experience.

It would certainly be a bold move, but even though he’s so young, the academy gem is seen as “truly ridiculous” talent, per Como scout Felix Johnston, and has already made four appearances for the senior side.

Yet, with all that said, there is a far more realistic and sensible option Maresca could go for.

Chelsea's ideal solution to Caicedo's red card

With Dario Essugo unlikely to be fit enough to play a significant role over the next three games, Maresca should turn to Andrey Santos to cover for Caicedo.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The 21-year-old is still most certainly a little raw and clearly not the finished article, but there are a few reasons why he would be the perfect solution to the Blues’ problem.

The first is that with him being comfortable playing in central and defensive midfield, he could form a fluid partnership with James and Fernandez.

In other words, the three of them could rotate in and out of positions in the middle of the park, making life difficult for opposition defenders and attackers.

The second reason is that, thanks to his comfort in a variety of positions, he has developed a skill set that makes him effective in attack and, in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig, a duel-winning “one-man war machine in midfield.”

For example, despite only playing 655 minutes across nine appearances this season, he has already produced four goal involvements.

His underlying numbers are also sensational.

Tackles Won

2.09

Top 3%

Tkl+Int

4.26

Top 7%

Goals + Assists

0.39

Top 8%

Pass Completion % (Long)

77.3%

Top 8%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.20

Top 9%

Goals/Shot

0.14

Top 15%

Clearances

2.33

Top 16%

Pass Completion %

88.3%

Top 17%

Fouls Drawn

1.74

Top 17%

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles won, the top 8% for goals plus assists, the 13% for dribblers tackled and more, all per 90.

Finally, given his brilliant box-to-box skill set, he would add some more dynamism and explosiveness to the middle of the park, which, against teams like Leeds, could make the Blues impossible to live with.

Ultimately, while nobody in the Chelsea squad can replace Caicedo in a like-for-like capacity, Santos could bring something else to the side and keep the quality level high.

Chelsea star who saved Caicedo is their "most underappreciated player"

The underrated Chelsea ace made sure Caicedo’s red card didn’t cost Enzo Maresca’s men against Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 30, 2025

Mushfiqur and Litton scored centuries to lift Bangladesh to 476 earlier in the day

Mohammad Isam20-Nov-2025Ireland lost five wickets for 98 in reply to 476 to put Bangladesh in a strong position on the second day of the Dhaka Test. The day started with Mushfiqur Rahim reaching his century in his 100th Test, before the Bangladesh spinners got into their groove.Hasan Murad took two wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam picked up one each so far. Ireland’s debutant Stephen Doheny and Lorcan Tucker were the unbeaten batters, on 2 and 11 respectively.When Ireland bowled earlier in the day, Andy McBrine completed his second six-wicket haul in Tests, both having come at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Matthew Humphreys and Gavin Hoey took two wickets each, making it the first instance of Ireland’s spinners taking all ten wickets in a Test innings.Mehidy Hasan Miraz celebrates after getting rid of Cade Carmichael•BCBPaul Stirling’s string of boundaries, including a slog-swept six off Taiju lslam, got Ireland off to a positive start. But he fell lbw to Khaled Ahmed for 27. Captain Andy Balbirnie was next to go, when Murad had him caught at slip for 21. Cade Carmichael became Miraz’s first victim when he fell lbw, camping on his backfoot to play the shot.Murad then bowled the ball of the day, his arm-ball sneaking past Curtis Campher’s defensive push. Taijul Islam then got into the act with Harry Tector’s wicket, as the batter went back to a slightly good length delivery, only to be trapped lbw for 14.Bangladesh’s 476 was built around centuries from Mushfiqur and Litton Das. Mushfiqur became the eleventh batter to score a century in his 100th Test. He completed his 13th century when he took a single off the ninth ball of the second day after being unbeaten on 99 overnight.Mushfiqur though lasted for a short while longer before Humphreys had him caught at second slip for 106. Litton too got to his century later in the first session, taking an adventurous route with a six and a four through the nineties. He added 123 runs for the sixth wicket, making it three century stands in a row.McBrine rounded off the Bangladesh innings after trapping Khaled Ahmed lbw, with 30 minutes remaining in the second session.

There are a few contenders for the other opener’s spot going into the Ashes

Greg Chappell13-Oct-2025In the grand theatre of Ashes cricket, as ever, a good start still tells the oldest story: lay the foundations and the fortress will stand.Cricket’s oldest and most storied rivalry remains a cauldron of pressure, expectation and tactical nuance, evolving since 1877 into a cultural event steeped in national pride and sporting legacy. While the public spotlight often tends to be on dominant bowlers, middle-order centuries, or dramatic collapses, an enduring truth confirmed by historical data is that victory in Ashes Test matches is often founded on a strong start – particularly resilient and productive opening batting partnerships. Over the past 35 years, data for Australian and English Test sides indicates that a solid foundation at the top of the order is not just advantageous but decisive.In a series where the margin for error is often razor-thin, a strong opening partnership transcends mere statistics; it sets the psychological tone. Such a partnership absorbs the pressure of the new ball, effectively drains the early aggression from opposition bowlers, and provides a crucial platform for the middle order, whether for stability or acceleration. In the Ashes, given the heightened intensity, this pattern is magnified more than in many other bilateral contests. Multiple analyses and match data over recent decades affirm the correlation between robust opening stands and positive match outcomes.Related

'I hide' – Renshaw blocks out Ashes speculation

Australia's next opener? Weatherald enjoying cricket 'like I did as a kid'

Australia's Ashes 'bat-off' begins: Who could open against England?

Konstas fails first Ashes audition as NSW slump on rain-soaked day in Perth

Marsh's irresistible form raises provocative Ashes question

Australia’s sustained Ashes dominance during the period between 1990 and now was largely anchored by three exceptional opening pairs. These batters were revered not just for statistical consistency but for their critical contributions in pivotal Ashes campaigns.The partnership of Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer (1999-2007) stands out. They were arguably Australia’s most celebrated opening pair in the modern era, forming the bedrock of a dominant Test side. They opened together in 113 innings, accumulating 5655 runs at an imposing average of 51.88. Crucially, they registered 14 century and 24 half-century partnerships. Their performances in the Ashes were formidable, particularly in the comprehensive home victories in the 2002-03 and 2006-07 series. They consistently blunted the England attack, often negating the new-ball threat within the opening hour. Their ability to score at a measured rate while preserving wickets perfectly complemented Australia’s aggressive middle order, demonstrating a durable, muscular method.Following them, David Warner and Chris Rogers (2013-2015) offered a blend of dynamism and discipline. Despite being a relatively short partnership of just 41 innings, they amassed 2053 runs at an average of 51.32. Rogers’ stoic technique was the ideal balance to Warner’s explosiveness. Their adaptability was pivotal in helping Australia regain the Ashes during the 2013-14 home series, laying down crucial early platforms. This pair recorded nine century and seven half-century stands in their Tests together.Sam Konstas has not been in the best form, but he’s well worth giving a longer rope to•Associated PressPreceding these modern pairs were Mark Taylor and Michael Slater (1993-1999). Opening in 78 innings, they accumulated 3887 runs at an average of 51.14, with ten century and 16 fifty stands. While Slater usually attacked from the outset, Taylor’s calm and balancing presence ensured Australia rarely found themselves under undue pressure in the first session. Their synergy and balance were instrumental in Australia’s sustained dominance during the mid-1990s.The success of these pairs is borne out by statistics. The win percentage of teams when there is a 50-run opening stand is about 39%, which rises to 44% when the opening partnership scores 100 or more. Opening stands of under 50 runs are accompanied by a win rate of about 31%. You can imagine this trend holds particularly true in Ashes Tests, where early wickets can trigger pressure-induced collapses due to the consistently high quality of seam bowling on both sides.A 2013 statistical study published in the , titled “An Investigation of Synergy Between Batsmen in Opening Partnerships” explores this aspect. It affirmed that in Ashes Tests, opening partnerships significantly affected match outcomes, especially when the batters displayed effective synergy – complementing each other’s strengths and mitigating weaknesses. It was found that “opening partnerships with synergy – even with moderate averages – had a statistically significant positive influence on the probability of team victory in Ashes Tests”. The study concluded that the ability of pairs to function as cohesive units was a stronger predictor of winning outcomes than standalone brilliance or individual averages.In matches where the Australian pairs posted partnerships of 50-plus runs, Hayden and Langer’s sides achieved victories 65.7% of the time, those of Warner and Rogers 56.3%, and Taylor and Slater’s, 65.3%.England’s current opening pair, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, embody a stark tactical departure from the Australian pairs. Their approach is aligned with the “Bazball” philosophy, which prioritises tempo and aggression. Between 2022 and 2025, they have opened in 73 innings, scoring 2281 runs at a moderate average of 32.12. Their strike rate of 72.38 is nearly double that of traditional openers like Taylor and Langer. They have three century and 14 half-century stands.While England’s modern approach is exhilarating to watch, their win rate in matches with stands of 50-plus runs is just 47.3%, significantly lower than all three noted Australian pairs above. This contrast underscores a vital nuance: while the English pair might have the edge in being incendiary, scoring quickly does not always correlate with consistent match-winning outcomes. History shows that durable, synergistic and consistent big opening partnerships are most likely to decide the outcome in close and hard-fought contests.As Australia look ahead, the selectors face a crucial decision at the top of the order, one heavily influenced by the historical mandate. Ideally, they will want to show faith in the promising youth of Sam Konstas for the first Test. His treatment by the selectors since his debut has been quixotic. Considering that it takes an individual ten Tests, at least, to work out if he fits at this level, and how to succeed, Konstas not being picked in Sri Lanka was unfathomable. So much so that he is now on the outside looking in when he could have been lining up for his first Ashes Test and perhaps a long and distinguished career.The fact that Queensland’s Matt Renshaw has begun the domestic season in imperious form means that the selectors might be swayed towards the safe hands of the two Queenslanders – Usman Khawaja being the other.Renshaw is a specialist opener with a connection to Khawaja. The two are domestic opening partners, and the established synergy between them is of the sort that has historically been a hallmark of the best Ashes opening pairs. This weighs heavily in Renshaw’s favour. Despite the potential imbalance of having two left-handers, they complement each other well: Khawaja prefers to play off the back foot, while Renshaw can hurt the opposition down the ground if bowlers fail to adjust their length from one player to the other.Mitchell Marsh might be a left-field choice to open, but it wouldn’t be the worst call if he did•AFP via Getty ImagesThe selectors are unlikely to want to experiment with their opening combination, as they have with Steven Smith and Travis Head recently, in such an important series, and Marnus Labuschagne’s rich form may entice them to bat him in his normal spot at No. 3 and slide the bowling-fit Cameron Green to the more suitable No. 6 spot and use him as the allrounder. That means Beau Webster will be the unlucky one to miss out on the final XI which already looks more definitive than it did as little as two weeks ago.A left-field choice that might tempt the panel, if they want to fight fire with fire, would be to consider Mitchell Marsh, the current T20 captain. Marsh is in good form and possesses the ability to counterattack with the best of them. He is regarded as one of the best players of pace in the country and comes from a long line of openers, his father and older brother having opened. However, the move would be a risk the selectors might not be prepared to take unless Marsh has changed his mind about taking on the family business.Renshaw’s timing has been impeccable – he has made runs at the right time; and in batting, as is well known, timing is everything. The fact that he has been included in the ODI squad for the series against India suggests that he is in mind as Khawaja’s partner for Perth. As a former selector, I would support that decision.Opening partnerships matter profoundly in Ashes Test cricket. While attacking starts, such as those offered by the Duckett and Crawley partnership, are exhilarating, durable and synergistic partnerships provide the strategic control and psychological upper hand necessary in the longest and most intense format. From Hayden and Langer’s muscular method to Taylor and Slater’s balance, Australia’s most successful openers over the past 35 years have served reliably as both shield and spear. England’s current pair offer a compelling modern model, but one that must still prove it can consistently deliver wins at the elite Ashes level.Ultimately, the selection of Khawaja’s partner must prioritise that crucial foundation, ensuring that the necessary shield is built before the fireworks can truly begin, thereby guaranteeing that the fortress will stand.

For a while, India’s performance in the World Cup opener matched the mood in a city in mourning, till Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma decided to do something about it

S Sudarshanan01-Oct-20253:06

Review: Deepti channelled her best version

A lot can happen after a pause.On Tuesday afternoon, the silence at the ACA Stadium was deafening.An overcast afternoon that began with a glowing, heartfelt, musical tribute to singer Zubeen Garg, who died 11 days ago, turned the mood among the record 22,843 that kept the mood at the venue sombre. And after the game started, India’s World Cup dream received a jolt: Smriti Mandhana played out a maiden over and soon fell in the fourth over. Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol, both playing an ODI World Cup for the first time, didn’t rattle away and India faced 61 dots in the first 15 overs. Flashbacks of another India home World Cup game against Sri Lanka.The first pause came courtesy an hour-long drizzle.Related

• India need to fix flaws ahead of tougher challenges in World Cup

• Afghanistan women's players soak up World Cup experience

• Amanjot, Deepti rescue India after batting scare

It shortened the game to 48 overs a side (another short halt later reduced it to 47) and gave Rawal and Deol the chance to change gears.India were 120 for 2 after 25, setting a decent platform. Then Inoka Ranaweera struck thrice in five balls to leave India at 121 for 5; Richa Ghosh fell in the next over to leave them at 124 for 6.That brought Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur, the latter on 50-over World Cup debut, together. It was all rather shaky for India.Then came another pause – a short and expected one, the drinks interval.India 129 for 6 in 29 overs, Deepti on 13 off 10, Amanjot 0 off 5. Something had to happen.

****

Amanjot is good at one-liners. There is this other thing that she is equally good, if not better, at – fighting her way out of adverse situations.She was sidelined for a year with a stress injury and only returned to action ahead of WPL 2025. In the injured Pooja Vastrakar’s absence, Amanjot was able to carry the allrounder’s mantle for Mumbai Indians and continued in the same vein on the tour of England.Five T20Is and an ODI later, she was missing again.She had a few niggles and, in consultation with the coaches, rested herself to be fresh for the World Cup. Her first game upon return tested her. And brought out the best in her.Amanjot Kaur celebrates after scoring a counter-attacking half-century•ICC/Getty ImagesDespite the tricky situation India were in, Amanjot chose to attack and took on Sri Lanka’s best bowler of the evening, Ranaweera, hitting her for fours in each of the next two overs. In no time, she had raced to her maiden ODI half-century in just 45 balls.Sri Lanka dropped her thrice and she made them pay.Later, Amanjot was one of only two seamers India played and she trapped Vishmi Gunaratne lbw. It was a great game for her – her rocket throws pinging wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh’s gloves just added to the fun.

****

Deepti’s first challenge was to see off Ranaweera’s hat-trick ball. Despite being one of India’s most valuable players across formats, her batting approach in such tricky situations has been in the spotlight. On Tuesday, she did not get bogged down under pressure. A quick single here, a sprint for a couple there, she kept the strike rotating and transferred pressure back on Sri Lanka.For most of her innings, Deepti batted at a strike rate in excess of 100. She used the sweep to telling effect – each of her three fours came with that shot; she scored 20 off 11 with the sweep. In ODIs since 2024, 42% of Deepti’s runs (158 out of 369) have been with the sweep. That is the best among batters with at least 200 runs against spin in this period (where ball-by-ball data is available).Together, Deepti and Amanjot added 103 runs for the seventh wicket, and put India in the position they needed to be in.ESPNcricinfo LtdDeepti’s evening was not done. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, her team-mate at UP Warriorz, hit two sixes and two fours in Deepti’s first two overs, which went for 23. In a stiff chase of 271, Sri Lanka needed Athapaththu to get a significant score. But Deepti won the duel, darting one through Athapaththu to all but douse Sri Lanka’s challenge. Her three wickets took her to second among India’s leading wicket-takers in ODIs in the process.

****

“It is said that a wounded lion takes a step back only to take a big leap forward…” Amanjot said, paused and laughed, speaking at the post-match press conference. “You people will make me famous just for my one-liners!”With Amanjot, what you see is what you get. Her confidence often rubs off on others and covers up for her lack of experience, too. Her partnership with Deepti was the perfect fire-and-ice combo to combat and wriggle out of Sri Lanka’s stranglehold. It was just the second century partnership for the seventh wicket or lower in ODI World Cups.”Ultimately, you want a good score to defend,” Amanjot said. “We can’t play dots just because we are six down. I knew that Deepti was with me and we had to stitch a big partnership. I had to stay in the middle. The pitch was sticky, the ball was holding in the surface and there was turn on offer. The longer the two of us batted, we knew we could take India to a decent total and we did that.”With Deepti Sharma, the sweep is always just around the corner•Getty ImagesThis is what Amanjot was preparing for. And she did not want to turn up for the World Cup undercooked. “I did not have an injury but I felt my body needed a little rest,” she said. “We did a few scans and I discussed with the coaches that I did not feel well while bowling. I did not want to play for India at 80-90%. I should be either at 100% or not play; I don’t like such half-measures.”I should be able to stop runs, and push with the bat and ball and contribute as an allrounder. Otherwise anyone can play in my place.”The pause in her career helped Amanjot return not only fit and fresh but also with greater clarity.”It was the first game of the World Cup and looking at the hype and crowd, there were jitters,” she said. “All that is normal, the more you play the more you get used to it. I played six [five] dot balls at the start. The Aman before rehab would have tried to hit the seventh ball in the air. But rehab has taught me patience and gratefulness – whatever you get is enough, you don’t need more. God made me do as much as was necessary today and I did that.”That’s what can happen after a pause.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first game this BBL season will be against Melbourne Renegades, who have Mohammad Rizwan in their line-up

AAP10-Dec-2025Mitchell Starc can take some of the credit as Shaheen Shah Afridi arrives in Australia as part of a star-studded Pakistan contingent to lead Brisbane Heat’s depleted attack in the BBL.Afridi, the towering left-arm quick, is a hardened three-format international at just 25, and was taken with the first pick by Heat in June’s draft. A season-ending injury to Spencer Johnson and Michael Neser’s Test duties mean Johan Botha’s side will be leaning heavily on the man who recently took over as Pakistan’s ODI captain.”They [Johnson and Neser] are experienced bowlers for this team and I hope I play my role, that’s why I’m here,” Afridi said on Wednesday. “In all three [disciplines]… fielding, and if I need, chipping in batting as well, I’ll give my best. It’s not a small league and [is] well-renowned as the best league and… the best cricket with the best players.”Related

• Maddinson eyes comeback with Sydney Thunder in BBL

• Knee surgery rules R Ashwin out of BBL 2025-26

Afridi will line up against Melbourne Renegades on his BBL debut on Monday, and will be pitted against the man he replaced as Pakistan’s white-ball skipper, Mohammad Rizwan.Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars) and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder) will also feature in the tournament, which begins on Sunday.”First game against Rizzy… a world-quality player. And Babar’s here as well,” Afridi said. “They know me, I know them. Hopefully we play some good cricket here. And we’re really hopeful we get the Pakistani support, and the Asian community as a whole.”Afridi has taken 126 wickets and gone for less than eight runs an over in 96 T20Is, while his Test average (27) and strike rate (52) are up there among the best in the current game.Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are among the many Pakistan players in the BBL this year•AFP/Getty Images

Starc’s 414th Test wicket at the Gabba last week saw him overtake Afridi’s compatriot Wasim Akram as the most lethal left-arm fast bowler in Test history.”The greats are always great,” Afridi said of Akram, but also talked about the exposure to Starc, ten years his senior, on his first international tour as a 16-year-old, which he said had played a huge part in his own story.Afridi, whose older brother Riaz had already played Test cricket for Pakistan, was plucked from the country’s popular tape-ball circuit for a development tour of Australia, and played Test cricket himself barely three years later.”He [Starc] is a legend and last time when we chatted, I told him I watched his 2015 [World Cup] bowling spell and that’s why I bowled fuller to the batsman,” Afridi said. “I can say he’s a role model for any youngster… he’s been the best for Australia for many years.”