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The ICC has introduced the stop clock to control over rates in Test cricket as well

Nagraj Gollapudi26-Jun-2025The ICC recently approved several changes to its playing conditions for men’s international cricket including the updated Boundary Law and operating with just one ball in ODIs from the 35th over. While some of these new rules have already come into play in the new cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) (2025-27), those pertaining to white-ball cricket will be effective from July 2.Having accessed the playing conditions the ICC shared with the member countries recently, ESPNcricinfo looks at the noteworthy changes across the three formats.Stop clock in Test cricketA year after introducing a stop clock in white-ball formats, the ICC has decided to introduce it in Test cricket as well because slow over rates have been a long-standing problem in the format. According to the rule, the fielding side must be ready to start an over within a minute of the previous one ending. They will receive two warnings from the umpires if they fail to do so. After those warnings, the umpires will impose a five-run penalty on the bowling team. Warnings will be reset to zero after each block of 80 overs. Also, the clock will be counted upwards from 0 to 60. The rule has already been in play since the beginning of the 2025-27 WTC cycle.Related

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ICC makes between-overs stop clock a permanent feature in ODIs, T20Is

No mandatory ball change for deliberate use of salivaWhile the ban on the use of saliva on the ball continues, the ICC has said it is no longer mandatory for the umpires to change the ball after a player is found using saliva. This change comes to avoid a scenario where teams trying to force a ball change deliberately apply saliva on it. So going forward, the umpires will only change the ball if its condition has been drastically changed, like if it appears too wet or there is more shine. This has been left entirely to the discretion of the umpires. Also, if the ball starts doing things after the umpires have said the application of saliva has not changed its condition, it cannot be replaced. The batting team, though, will be awarded five runs.DRS protocol for secondary review after an out decisionImagine this – a batter has been given out caught behind and he asks for a review. UltraEdge shows the ball has actually brushed the pads without any contact with the bat. With the catch ruled out, the TV umpire now checks for the second mode of dismissal, and, asks to verify via ball-tracking whether the batter is lbw. So far, the protocol during such a review was, once it was determined the batter was not out caught, the default decision for the second mode of dismissal – lbw – would be not out. That means if ball-tracking led to an “umpire’s call” verdict, the batter would remain not out. But in the updated rule, when the ball-tracking graphic for lbw is displayed, the “original decision” label on it will read “out”. And if the review yields an umpire’s call verdict, then the batter would be ruled out.Combined reviews – decision will be chronologicalThe ICC has also decided to modify the process of adjudication during a combined review involving both umpire and player referrals by conducting them in a chronological order, or their order of occurrence. Till now, during a combined review the process involved the TV umpire taking up the umpire review before moving on to the player’s review. “If the conclusion from the first incident is that a batter is dismissed, then the ball would be deemed to have become dead at that point, rendering investigation of the second incident unnecessary,” rule 3.9 in the revised ICC playing conditions says. So if there is an appeal for an lbw as well as a run out, the TV umpire would now first take up the leg-before review as that occurred first. In case the batter is out, then the ball would be declared dead.There will continue to be a five-run penalty if saliva is applied on the ball•Getty ImagesFairness of catch to be reviewed for no-ballSay there is a case where both on-field officials are not certain if a catch has been taken cleanly, but even as they are deliberating, the TV umpire informs them it was a no-ball. In the previous version of the playing conditions, once the no-ball was signaled, the TV umpire would not need to adjudicate on the fairness of the catch. But in the updated playing conditions, the third umpire will now review the catch and if it is a fair catch then the batting team will only get an extra run for the no-ball. However, if the catch is not clean, the batting team would get the runs the batters have taken.Deliberate short runSo far, in case one of the batters had been caught taking a deliberate short run, the batting team would suffer a five-run penalty. But in the updated rules if one of the batters is found to have not made their ground deliberately in order to steal an extra run, then the umpires will ask the fielding team to decide which batter they want on strike. Also, the five-run penalty will continue to be part of the sanction.”A deliberate short run is an attempt for batters to appear to run more than one run, while at least one batter deliberately does not make good their ground at one end,” Rule 18.5.1 of the playing conditions says. “Batters may choose to abort a run, provided the umpire believes that there was no intention by the batter concerned to deceive the umpires or to score the run in which they didn’t make their ground.”Full-time playing replacement in domestic first-class cricketTo offset the loss of a player who has suffered serious external injury, the ICC has asked boards to trial in their domestic first-class cricket fielding a full-time replacement player who can come in and perform the role of a team participant. The replacement player will have to be like for like, as is the case for a concussion sub. The injury will need to be evident and visible to the match officials before they allow a full-time replacement. This would not apply for players suffering hamstring pulls or niggles.This rule will be on a trial basis and is entirely up to the member countries to implement in their domestic first-class circuit.

Jose Mourinho has admitted that "killer" Newcastle were too strong for Benfica, who could not "compete with their horsepower" during their Champions League mauling on Tuesday evening at St. James' Park. The ‘Special One’ believes Eddie Howe’s men belong to a different league after a 3-0 defeat that left the visitors reeling and without a single point after three matches in Europe.

• Gordon, Barnes, and Murphy led the charge

  Benfica showed flashes of promise in the first half, notably when winger Dodi Lukebakio struck the post, but Mourinho conceded that Newcastle’s pace and physicality simply outgunned his team. The Magpies’ front line was ferocious. Anthony Gordon grabbed the opener, Harvey Barnes came off the bench to score twice, and Jacob Murphy ran riot down the flank, setting up Gordon’s first-half strike with a teasing delivery that split open Benfica’s defence. It was a showcase of pressing, power, and precision.

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  Mourinho lauds Newcastle's wingers

  In his post-match debrief, Mourinho was composed yet candid. He praised his players’ first-half effort but lamented their loss of structure after conceding.

  "This tells me about the level of Newcastle," Mourinho began. "While the score was open, and I think it was even unfairly open, because in the first half the team played well on the pitch, the players felt comfortable in a stadium with a palpable atmosphere.

  "The danger they posed for us was obviously from set pieces and everything indirect in the box, because it's difficult to compete with a team with this physicality, but we had great chances to score, three or four. Before they scored, we had a beautiful shot from Lukebakio that hit the post, so I reiterate that the first-half result doesn't reflect the game at all."

  The 62-year-old drew attention to the physical contrast between the teams and added: "In the second half, we conceded a goal we couldn't afford, a set piece in our favour, where our initial positioning for the transition was correct, but then we made mistakes in our defensive movement. And when we concede that goal, the differences in characteristics between the teams come to the fore.

  "There's a team with a higher horsepower engine than the other, a team with much more intensity, a team with much more speed. As I said yesterday [the day before yesterday], I think in the press conference—if not in the press conference, it was on TV—they have four lightning-fast wingers. They don't have one or two, they have four. And when you change two who come on in the 50th or 60th minute, when you change one and then later change another, we, losing the compact play we had in the first half, were exposed."

  However, Mourinho feels things could have panned out differently if they had taken the lead when Benfica were on top in the first half. 

  "We score a goal before them, we reach half-time leading, we reach half-time tied, we can continue with the same type of organisation," he said. "Then, the second goal, psychologically, kills us. The players felt the second goal deeply, and then the game took a different turn, which was tough for us."

• Gordon’s record-breaking night

  Gordon continues to grow into one of the Premier League’s most complete wingers. His goal against Benfica made him the first Newcastle player in history to score in three consecutive Champions League games. 

  "It means everything, but we need more, my ambition doesn't stop there," he said. "Because we had so many chances, we had to put one away to calm the nerves. I was glad to see it go in. Playing with [Jacob] Murphy, I knew he was going to play that ball every time. That goal is all about him. We all love [Nick] Pope. He is one of the most popular people in the dressing room he is a top guy and a top keeper. He has kept us in so many game already this season and some of the saves he made were incredible."

  Eddie Howe, visibly delighted on the touchline, hailed the performance of his forwards, and especially Gordon's. 

  "Anthony [Gordon] was outstanding. He looked a real threat all game," the Newcastle boss said. "He was dynamic, aggressive and positive. Jacob [Murphy’s] always been an assist threat and he was absolutely that. Some of the deliveries he put in were very good. I’m pleased for Harvey[Barnes] to come on and get the two that he did on the right side which shows his versatility. It’ll do those three players a world of good."

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  A tale of two tables: Champions League joy, domestic frustration

  While Newcastle’s European adventure gathers pace, now seventh in the Champions League league phase, their Premier League campaign tells a more sobering story. The Magpies sit 14th domestically, the lowest position they’ve held under Howe after eight rounds of fixtures. Their next test comes at home against Fulham on Saturday, and Howe's troops will be desperate to get the three points. Meanwhile, Mourinho's Benfica will look to bounce back in a Liga Portugal clash with Arouca on the same day.

Josh Cobb, the only man named player of the match in two T20 Blast finals, has retired from professional cricket to take up a new role as boys academy lead at Warwickshire.Cobb, 34, played 448 professional games across a career which started at Leicestershire in 2007 and has seen him represent two other Midlands counties in Northamptonshire and Worcestershire. He was also a Bangladesh Premier League winner with Dhaka Gladiators in 2013, and has captained Welsh Fire in the Hundred.A powerful top-order batter, Cobb won his first match award in a Blast final for his bowling, taking 4 for 22 as Leicestershire beat Somerset to the title in 2011. Five years later, his innings of 80 off 48 balls secured Northamptonshire’s second T20 title as they beat Durham at Edgbaston – the ground he will now call home in his new role.Cobb spent two weeks working with Australia’s players as a consultant coach during their ODI series in England last September, an opportunity that was the result of his relationship with Andrew McDonald, his former Leicestershire team-mate. He is following his father Russell – who runs the UCCE set-up at Loughborough University – into coaching.”Since making my debut 18 years ago, it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable ride with plenty of ups and downs,” Cobb said in a statement on Tuesday. “I’m immensely thankful for the people I’ve met, places travelled, and memories created over the years. Cricket has given me so much. Scoring my first hundred at Lord’s aged 18 and winning the T20 Blast Finals twice are just some of the memories I’ll cherish.”Recent graduates of the Warwickshire academy include Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley. “My challenge is to keep developing homegrown players that can go on to play for the Bears and England,” Cobb said. “I’m excited at the chance to lead an academy at such a great club like Warwickshire, one that’s had a lot of success over a number of years.”

Juventus coach Igor Tudor expressed his fury after his side conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Croatian coach blamed missed chances and nerves for the draw but came to the defence of his centre-backs amid criticism for their sloppiness in recent matches.

Juventus’ draw with Villareal

An acrobatic finish from Fabio Gatti helped Juventus level early in the second-half after Villarreal had taken the lead in the first through Georges Mikautadze. With the score at 1-1, Francesco Conceicao capitalised on a misplaced pass from Villarreal captain Dani Parejo, ran through on goal and slotted it past goalkeeper Arnau Tenas in the 56th minute. Just when it looked like the Italians would take all three points, former Juventus player Renato Veiga scored in the 90th minute with a header from a corner, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTudor's frustrations and missed chances

In a post-match interview with , Juventus coach Tudor expressed his anger, saying: “I'm angry; you can't throw the game away in the final seconds because of a corner like that. It's disappointing because we had the game in hand.

“During half-time, I gave concrete instructions and asked them to be positive. Then Conceicao made the difference. Where did we go wrong? There's regret for not having closed it out sooner; we had two chances with [Jonathan] David and at 3-1 it would have been over. Too much frenzy and nervousness, too many simple misplaced passes.”

Finally, he accepted the shared point, adding: “We pushed hard in the second half, a great second half, they were better in the first. We'll take this point and move on.”

Tudor's defence of his backline

Juventus have conceded 11 goals in their last five games across all competitions, including seven against Inter and Dortmund. However, Tudor spoke highly of his defenders, believing they have done well and kept things from going worse. 

“The three at the back are all doing well, they keep the team afloat every game,” he added: “We're a bit lacking in ball possession, we're last in this statistic. The team is there, it would be nice to play at a high level for 90 minutes, but it's not easy. We also have our weaknesses and our difficulties.”

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Getty Images SportJuventus' clash against Milan and Allegri's return

Juventus are set to host Serie A table-toppers AC Milan on Sunday, and Tudor will hope his team can produce their best performance in what will be Massimiliano Allegri’s return to the Allianz Stadium.

Arne Slot has built on the successful era under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool incredibly well, winning the Premier League in his first year in charge.

In the summer of 2025, FSG also splashed the cash, spending more than £400m on the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

The Reds currently have an annual payroll of £154,440,000 and pay out just under £3m per week. We have ranked every Liverpool player in the first-team squad in order from highest to lowest in terms of wages for the 2025-26 season, with the help of Capology.

1

Mohamed Salah

£400,000

£20,800,000

2

Virgil Van Dijk

£350,000

£18,200,000

3

Alexander Isak

£280,000

£14,560,000

4

Hugo Ekitike

£200,000

£10,400,000

5

Florian Wirtz

£195,000

£10,140,000

6

Andrew Robertson

£160,000

£8,320,000

=7

Alexis Mac Allister

£150,000

£7,800,000

=7

Alisson

£150,000

£7,800,000

=7

Ryan Gravenberch

£150,000

£7,800,000

=7

Federico Chiesa

£150,000

£7,800,000

=11

Dominik Szoboszlai

£120,000

£6,240,000

=11

Cody Gakpo

£120,000

£6,240,000

13

Jeremie Frimpong

£100,000

£5,200,000

=14

Joe Gomez

£85,000

£4,420,000

=14

Giorgi Mamardashvili

£85,000

£4,420,000

16

Conor Bradley

£75,000

£3,900,000

17

Ibrahima Konate

£70,000

£3,640,000

18

Wataru Endo

£50,000

£2,600,000

19

Stefan Bajcetic

£40,000

£2,080,000

=20

Curtis Jones

£15,000

£780,000

=20

Calvin Ramsay

£15,000

£780,000

22

Rhys Williams

£10,000

£520,000

Here are the top 10 Liverpool earners… 10 Federico Chiesa £150,000 per week

One of four players on £150,000 per week is forward Federico Chiesa. The Italy international arrived in Slot’s first transfer window in charge after being made surplus to requirements at Juventus.

A pacey wide man who can also occupy a central role when required, Chiesa has struggled to break into the starting XI but has become a fan favourite.

9 Ryan Gravenberch £150,000 per week

Ryan Gravenberch arrived at Liverpool from Ajax in 2023 and had to remain patient to find a permanent role in the starting line-up during his first season with the club.

Under Slot, Gravenberch has been transformed into the club’s new No.6 and may well be used there for the foreseeable future, with his Anfield deal expiring in 2028.

8 Alisson £150,000 per week

The arrival of goalkeeper Alisson from AS Roma back in 2018 helped transform the Reds under Klopp, with the Brazilian being an ever-present figure during his six-year stay so far.

In total, Alisson has made more than 300 appearances for Liverpool and has kept more than 125 clean sheets.

7 Alexis Mac Allister £150,000 per week

Liverpool picked up the services of midfielder Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023 after his impressive three years on the south coast.

The Argentine’s current agreement with the Reds is for another three years.

6 Andrew Robertson £160,000 per week

One of the best value-for-money signings in Liverpool’s recent history has to be Andrew Robertson, who cost the Reds just £8m from Hull City in 2017.

The Scot is now into his 30s, though, and with his contract expiring in 2026, Liverpool may soon be without their iconic left-back.

5 Florian Wirtz £195,000 per week

Costing a whopping £116m from Bayer Leverkusen, Florian Wirtz was Liverpool’s record signing for a matter of months.

The attacking midfielder signed a deal worth more than £10m a season and will look to star at Anfield over the next five years.

4 Hugo Ekitike £200,000 per week

Hugo Ekitike was one of two star strikers to sign for Liverpool in 2025, with the Reds paying Frankfurt an initial £69m for the French forward.

He scored on his debut at Wembley in the Community Shield and also netted the first goal of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Ekitike is on £10.4m per season on Merseyside.

3 Alexander Isak £280,000 per week

In what was the transfer saga of 2025, Liverpool eventually splashed the cash on Alexander Isak for a British record £125m.

The forward went on strike at Newcastle to push through a deadline day move to Anfield, penning a six-year contract where he is set to earn a total of £87m.

2 Virgil Van Dijk £350,000 per week

Centre-back Virgil Van Dijk was signed for an eye-catching £75m fee from Southampton in 2018, a figure which some were shocked by at the time.

However, since then, Van Dijk has comfortably repaid the faith shown in him by the Reds, starring at the back at Anfield and winning numerous trophies. His current deal through until 2027 was signed in 2025.

1 Mohamed Salah £400,000 per week

Like Van Dijk, star attacker Mohamed Salah also signed a new two-year deal in 2025. The Egyptian King has helped turn the Reds into Premier League and Champions League winners, becoming a Liverpool legend in the process.

During his eight-year stay, Salah has made more than 400 appearances, scoring over 240 goals.

It hasn’t always been this way. There was a time, not too long ago, when Liverpool were scraping to qualify for Europe, or indeed failing to qualify for Europe.

The Luis Suarez-led Premier League title charge of 2013/14 will forever remain an incredible, awe-inspiring season, but it stood as a lonely outlier across a number of years of strife and disappointment.

But Jurgen Klopp changed all that, remoulding Anfield and placing Liverpool back among the big-hitters on the global stage. For many, it was a return to the old days of excitement and glory at the top.

Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley were joined by another in the shape of the larger-than-life German manager, who signed and grew, organically, a team capable of challenging for the biggest prizes year on year.

Liverpool had created superstars like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Bobby Firmino. They joined the likes of John Barnes and Kenny Dalglish and the like from an era of old.

And now, there’s a new wave.

Slot's Liverpool rebuild

Arne Slot led Liverpool to their first Premier League title in five years last season, and in the first year since Klopp stepped down too.

He did it without any proper transfer investment, only bringing Federico Chiesa, who scarcely played for several reasons, over in a £12.5m deal.

He’s since been rewarded. Liverpool have spent a British-record £116m sum on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, and are looking to smash their own record with a bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Sweden striker wants to sign for the Reds, and a first informal approach has been made.

Such players have the potential to evoke nostalgia on Merseyside, for sure, but Liverpool are planning to sign yet another high-class footballer this summer with something of a stylistic connection to a former icon.

New Gerrard & Torres: Liverpool can form "world-class" duo with bid pending

Liverpool are still hoping to make a few more moves in the summer transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 1, 2025

Indeed, the aforementioned Barnes was quite the player back in his heyday, and Liverpool have a similar player in their sights.

Liverpool make contact with CL superstar

As per Spanish journalist Siro Lopez, Liverpool have been in contact with Real Madrid star Rodrygo as Slot looks to replace Diaz.

The Brazilian forward, 24, is anticipated to leave Xabi Alonso’s fledgling project after falling out of favour, but he remains one of the game’s most talented wingers and could be available for a fee in the region of £69m.

Rodrygo has also been coveted by Arsenal this summer, and with Leandro Trossard rumoured to be leaving the Emirates, FSG might want to act swiftly with this one.

Why Liverpool should sign Rodrygo

Like Barnes, Rodrygo is an elegant and dynamic forward, though he’s, of course, more accomplished at this stage of his career than when Dalglish agreed a £900,000 fee with Watford to bring the now-retired great to Anfield in 1987.

The Los Blancos sensation has scored 68 goals and supplied 51 assists across 270 senior showings in the Spanish capital, winning the full gamut.

Rodrygo is a big-game player and could prove a fantastic Diaz replacement in that regard, filling in a void and ensuring that Liverpool have the technical quality and firepower to make an impact on the grand stage.

His talismanic approach adds a further level to the argument that he’s apt as the club’s new Barnes.

Barnes, when operating on the left side of the midfield, was a powerful and direct player, renowned for his speed and athleticism, his purposeful strides and (at times) clinical finishing.

He led a storied career, but it was at Liverpool that Barnes enjoyed his finest hours, notably winning two top-flight titles, two FA Cups and leaving as a two-time Liverpool Player of the Year.

John Barnes – Career Stats by Club
Club	Apps	Goals	Assists
Liverpool	406	107	92
Watford	237	64	9
Newcastle	41	7	1
Charlton	11	–	–
Data via Transfermarkt

Though it’s unlikely Rodrygo would take a leaf from Barnes’ book and relocate to a deeper-lying midfield role in the deeper stretches of his career, there’s little question that the Brazilian shares some of the 61-year-old’s one-time versatility and cleverness on the pitch.

Former England international Tom Finney once said, “Players like John Barnes come along just once in a lifetime.” His pace, power and sheer will to win allowed him to thrive as one of the game’s elite, and these are traits also found within Rodrygo’s skill set, for sure.

As per FBref, Rodrygo ranked last season among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for pass completion, the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90, highlighting his mix of sharp passing and high-speed, controlled running with the ball.

The right-footer might not have enjoyed his best season in 2024/25, only scoring six times in La Liga, but he was routinely played out of position and could find a permanent home on the left flank in Slot’s Liverpool.

Carlo Ancelotti might have hailed his “special striker” for being able to “play in all positions”, but coming off the left flank, his potency and creativty are maximised.

Should sporting director Richard Hughes pull this one off, perhaps we will see the spirit of Barnes reborn in Slot’s Liverpool, adding that extra bit of quality to take this illustrious project to the next stage.

Bigger mistake than Diaz: Liverpool ready to sell Slot's "monster" for £47m

Liverpool sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, and now face the exit of another star player.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 31, 2025

“He’s bowling quite well” – SL batter also pleased with his captain Charith Asalanka’s efforts

Madushka Balasuriya14-Nov-2024Kusal Mendis took home the post-game accolades for a career-best 143 as Sri Lanka won the first ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday by 45 runs via DLS method. However, it might have all been for nought if not for an exemplary effort by the bowlers.New Zealand’s openers Will Young and Tim Robinson had given the visitors an ideal start in pursuit of an adjusted target of 221 in 27 overs, with an 88-run opening stand off 80 deliveries. With Young and Robinson on song, only Asitha Fernando was able to limit the damage. His first three overs went for only 13 runs, but at the other end, Dilshan Madushanka was sprayed around for 21 off his first two, while even the usually miserly Maheesh Theekshana had been taken for 18 in his only two overs before being withdrawn from the attack.”Asitha bowled a good line in the first couple of overs, but after that, they scored a few runs off Dilshan [Madushanka],” Kusal said after the game.Related

Bracewell admits NZ 'didn't time the chase very well'

Kusal Mendis 143 and Avishka Fernando 100 put Sri Lanka 1-0 up

Hasaranga ruled out of NZ ODIs with hamstring injury; Hemantha called up

During the period when New Zealand’s openers were attacking, Sri Lanka had to deal with a wet ball and a wet outfield, and a much skiddier surface, courtesy heavy rain during a prolonged innings break. They might have been fearing the worst when nearing the halfway point of the innings.”When we were batting, there didn’t really seem to be much difficulty for the bowlers; there was no dew or drizzle to deal with,” Kusal said. “But we need to give credit to our bowlers. After the rain, with the dew, the ball gets quite wet. So I think the ball came on to the bat better for them [New Zealand] on the wicket, than it did for us.”It was the reliable Theekshana, though, who eventually provided the breakthrough, with a double-strike in the 14th over to remove both openers. This left New Zealand having to start over again, and gave Sri Lanka the opening they had been looking for to turn the screws.”Our plan was to keep the runs down at least, even if wickets weren’t coming,” Kusal said. “The idea was to make sure the required run rate kept rising, and to build that pressure.”Charith Asalanka has nine wickets in as many previous ODIs•AFP/Getty ImagesThis plan was aided considerably by Charith Asalanka, who once more contributed with the ball, registering figures of 2 for 15 in three overs. After Theekshana’s strikes, Asalanka introduced himself into the attack and struck in consecutive overs as New Zealand tumbled from 88 for 0 to 100 for 4.”Honestly, he’s bowling quite well,” Kusal said of his captain’s bowling exploits. “He has bowled a fair bit since his time with the Under-19s. But after he came to the national team, you would have five frontline bowlers regularly. So it wouldn’t be as common to use a part-time bowler.”Asalanka has bowled in each of Sri Lanka’s last nine ODIs, picking up nine wickets in the process.  Most of his success however has come on favourable home surfaces, particularly in the series earlier this year against India on a Khettarama turner.His efforts on Wednesday, though, were the first in conditions that might not have been as ideal for spin bowling, and it speaks towards Sri Lanka’s growing confidence in Asalanka, the bowler – something highlighted even further by the fact that in several of Sri Lanka’s recent ODIs, they have opted to go with just four frontline bowlers.”It was only because Charith had bowled so well in previous tours that we decided to go with just four [frontline] bowlers [against New Zealand],” Kusal said. “He understands what’s needed of him when bowling, and adjusts depending on the batter. Even as a captain, he reads a lot of things well. Even during practice, we ask him to bowl more, so that he can be ready when needed.”With Sri Lanka’s current part-time bowlers’ combination, Dunith Wellalage finds himself out of the XI•Associated PressThat fifth-bowler quota is now seemingly being fulfilled by the trio of Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage. The idea is to presumably stack the batting line-up – Kamindu was lined up to come in at No. 7 against New Zealand – while keeping options available as far as bowling is concerned.The long-term feasibility of such a plan is questionable, particularly with genuine batting allrounders in Dunith Wellalage and Chamindu Wickramasinghe finding themselves out of the XI. While Wellalage offers better bowling – and can also work on his batting – Wickramasinghe can well clear the ropes apart from being a more useful seam option than Liyanage.Also, by opting to play two part-time bowlers in Kamindu and Liyanage – the captain Asalanka remains a certain starter apart from injury or rest – Sri Lanka also rule out option of having a frontline fifth bowler. However, for the time being, they seem content with trialing out their current combination.”Janith, Charith and Mendis – all three are bowling well,” Kamindu said. “In these sort of conditions, when the ball is harder to grip, then you need a seam bowler, which is what Janith is there for. The other two are there if it’s a spinning wicket. Kamindu Mendis can bowl with both hands.”Honestly, they do the job when required. Sometimes, if the conditions change, we can see if we need to bring in a genuine fast bowler or spinner.”

Nottingham Forest are now “ready” to submit a new offer for a “fantastic” forward, who is keen on a move to the City Ground, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Forest keen on new forward after securing Gibbs-White's future

In perhaps one of the most surprising twists of the summer transfer window, Morgan Gibbs-White has now committed his long-term future to Forest, signing a new contract which will keep him at the club for the next three years.

Gibbs-White had been expected to join Tottenham Hotspur, with the north Londoners controversially triggering the £60m release clause in his contract, but the attacking midfielder is now set to remain at the City Ground.

In a recent statement, the 25-year-old revealed that Evangelos Marinakis’ ambition was one of the main reasons he decided to extend his deal.

Consequently, Nuno Espirito Santo will no longer be faced with the difficult task of finding a replacement for the England international, but he remains keen on a new forward, and there has now been an update on Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Bologna’s Dan Ndoye.

Taking to X, Romano has revealed that Forest “will bid again” for Ndoye, with a new proposal “ready”, having had their initial offer knocked back by the Italian club.

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The Tricky Trees are “ready to push” for the 24-year-old starting next week, having already struck an agreement on personal terms, with the Bolgona star keen on a move to the City Ground.

However, Nuno’s side may have to stump up a lot of money to get a deal over the line, with Bologna set to hold out for around £39m, and there could be competition for his signature from Napoli.

"Fantastic" Ndoye could excel at the City Ground

With Anthony Elanga moving to Newcastle United, it is clear that Nuno will need to bring in a new right-winger this summer, and the Bologna forward could be an excellent replacement for the Sweden international.

Last season, the former FC Basel man proved himself as a reliable source of goals and assists in the Serie A, picking up eight goals and four assists in 30 matches, while he has also impressed at international level.

Indeed, the Swiss forward received high praise from manager Murat Yakin after impressing at Euro 2024, with the Switzerland boss saying: “His development is fantastic, I can see it day after day,”

“He’s young, I like having him in the team a lot with his unpredictability and his clear head.”

Gibbs-White committing his future to Forest came as welcome news, and it would be an added bonus if they were able to get a deal for Ndoye over the line too.

Chelsea are just one win away from claiming the Club World Cup and the $125m prize money that goes with it.

This would give Enzo Maresca a significant boost heading into the next few weeks, especially as it looks like he still has unfinished business in the transfer market.

So far this summer, Chelsea have signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Mamadou Sarr. Brazilian prodigy Estevao is set to join the Blues before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

His squad is very top-heavy, but the Italian will be looking to move certain players on to balance the books.

Noni Madueke looks set to join Arsenal in a deal worth £52m. Elsewhere, the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix could be set for moves away from Stamford Bridge.

These sales will ensure Maresca doesn’t breach any profit or sustainability regulations while allowing the club to have a significantly stronger squad at the end of the window compared to how they started it.

Delap and Pedro have already proven their worth at the Club World Cup, but it could be Gittens who turns out to be one of the club’s most exciting signings this summer.

Why Jamie Gittens could be Chelsea’s best signing

Throughout his spell at Borussia Dortmund, Gittens demonstrated why he was one of the finest young talents on the continent.

Last season, he registered 17 goal involvements – 12 goals and five assists – across 42 games for the German side, despite falling out of favour slightly during the second half of the season under new coach Niko Kovač.

Despite struggling during the second half of the campaign, Gittens still ranked highly across several metrics when compared to his peers.

Indeed, not only did the youngster rank in the top 1% for successful take-ons (3.57) per 90 across Europe’s top five leagues, but he also ranked in the top 9% for progressive carries (5.53) and in the top 15% for non-penalty goals (0.41) per 90.

On this basis, Gittens is certainly one of the most promising wingers on the continent and should he hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge, Maresca will have pulled off an excellent coup.

Goals

8

Assists

3

Key passes per game

0.7

Total duels won per game

4.9

Goal conversion percentage

15%

Big chances missed

4

The 20-year-old is capable of playing across either flank, while he has even played in a more central role. Maresca will likely use him on the left, as that is the position where he is at his best.

Given his skills and statistics over the previous 12 months, landing a talent like Gittens could make Chelsea challengers for both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

As mentioned earlier, however, the Italian isn’t going to stop there in terms of improving his squad. Could he be targeting another swoop on the Bundesliga giants in the coming days?

Chelsea learn fee for Borussia Dortmund talent

Recently, the Blues have been linked with moves for Emiliano Martinez, Giorgio Scalvini and Antonio Silva in a bid to bolster their defensive options.

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With plenty of attacking options joining the club, Maresca still needs to add another defender or two to his squad ahead of next season.

Despite this, there are still links appearing for attacking players, and the latest one sees the club being touted with a move for Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi, according to reports from German outlet Bild (via Sport Witness).

Indeed, they are battling it out with Newcastle United for his signature, while Juventus were preparing a bid of €40-45m (£35m – £39m) for the player, but this figure won’t be high enough to convince Dortmund to sell the forward.

As per the report, the German side have placed a price tag of between €65-70m (£56m – £60m) for their prized asset, with Dortmund’s management only willing to engage in negotiations if an offer of at least £56m is submitted.

With the likelihood that the Blues could see a bid accepted if an offer is made in that region, Maresca could be getting a major Gittens upgrade.

Why Chelsea must sign Karim Adeyemi

While Gittens registered 17 goal contributions last season, Adeyemi went and scored 12 goals while also registering 11 assists in all competitions for the club.

His positional flexibility will also be a huge plus point for Maresca. Not only did Adeyemi play on either flank last term, but the German also featured through the middle as a centre-forward, giving the Blues several options on how to utilise his talents.

In the Bundesliga last season, he also created nine big chances, averaged 1.1 key passes and registered 1.8 shots per game.

Comparatively, Gittens managed six big chances created, averaged just 0.7 key passes and 1.6 shots per game in the top flight.

Delving even deeper, Adeyemi also registered more goal-creating actions (0.69 vs 0.51) per 90 than Gittens, while also registering more shot-creating actions (3.61 vs 3.57) per 90 and more shots on target (1.23 vs 1.06) per 90 across the Bundesliga and Champions League last season.

Back in 2020, football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Adeyemi as a “world-class” talent, while also stating that the youngster had “electric pace” and was “intelligent & unselfish” when profiling the player.

Since then, the Dortmund star has exuded all of these qualities and more as he has gone on to establish himself as one of the best players in the German top flight.

Maresca wouldn’t just be improving his attacking department by signing Adeyemi; he would also be landing an immediate upgrade on Gittens.

Although the Englishman comes with plenty of hype, it remains to be seen whether he has the maturity to succeed in the Premier League.

Adeyemi has plenty more experience; thus, he could turn out to be a better signing, especially if he starts well. For £56m, Maresca could be sealing yet another impressive signing that will bolster his frontline this summer.

If he manages to sell the likes of Madueke, Nkunku and Felix over the coming weeks, there is no doubt Adeyemi will fit right in.

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