The South Australia batter, who is captaining Australia A, plundered the England Lions attack
AAP06-Dec-2025Nathan McSweeney threw up his hand to be the man to replace Usman Khawaja, with a superb double century for Australia A against the England Lions.As David Warner urged selectors to return Travis Head to No. 5 and put a specialist opener alongside Jake Weatherald, McSweeney made his case on Saturday.Related
Kellaway enhances his credentials with top score for Prime Minister's XI
Richardson stands out with four wickets as England Lions collapse
The 26-year-old finished unbeaten on 222 in Brisbane, posting his maiden double-century as Australia A went to stumps on day two at 554 for 7 in reply to the Lions’ 166.This match is now effectively over as a contest, with the hosts leading by 388 at Allan Border Field against a Lions side fielding three frontline bowlers with Test experience.But it has come at a perfect time for McSweeney, who also hit 63 for the Prime Minister’s XI against a more experience English attack last weekend.McSweeney is a natural No. 3 or No. 4, but was given the chance to open for Australia in three Tests last year against India. He was ultimately worked over by the world’s best bowler Jasprit Bumrah, before being dropped after averaging 14.4 across six innings.But he bounced back to form with a century for South Australia in late October, and now has scores of 103, 68, 63 and 222 not out in the past six weeks.Khawaja is hopeful of being fit for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide on December 17, but it remains to be seen whether the 38-year-old will be brought back in.Head hit 33 for Australia in the first innings at the Gabba after his Perth second innings heroics as opener, but the likes of Warner believe he is still better placed at No. 5 as a rear-guard option.”I think they need a genuine opener to compliment Jake Weatherald,” Warner said on Kayo. “Because the way Jake plays you’re probably going to be hit or miss at the top of the order with two guys who like to go after the ball. That’s Australia’s problem.”If they have a couple of innings where that does happen and they lose early wickets, that’s going to come under the microscope.”Beyond Khawaja, Matt Renshaw has hit three Sheffield Shield centuries for Queensland this year but missed out for Australia A on Friday, scoring 8.Young Victorian Campbell Kellaway has also made a sound case this summer, with his 71 against the Lions on Friday following a century for the Prime Minister’s XI last week.But Saturday was McSweeney’s time to shine, routinely pulling England’s quicks and spinners to the boundary. Batting at No.3, some 11 of his 27 boundaries came in that fashion, while he also used his feet to hit spinner Jacob Bethell for a big six down the ground.Beau Webster also cover-drove well and hit 44 for Australia A after losing out in a selection battle for the Gabba Test, while Cooper Connolly struck 88.
A four-day defeat loomed until Greaves and Hope dug in to give West Indies some hope against New Zealand’s tired attack
Shashank Kishore05-Dec-2025A depleted New Zealand attack – effectively reduced to just two-and-a-half frontline bowlers – was made to toil as a defiant West Indies rearguard stretched the contest into a fifth day on an increasingly docile Hagley Oval surface.Forced off the field on day three by an eye infection, Shai Hope returned with sunglasses under his helmet to compile an unbeaten 116. It followed his first-innings 56 and marked his second century in three innings, a seamless extension of the defiance he showed while stonewalling India for long periods in New Delhi in October.If Hope was the fulcrum, Justin Greaves was the anchor beside him. He reined in his instincts to play a composed, almost uncharacteristically restrained hand to finish 55 not out off 143 balls. His unbroken fifth-wicket partnership with Hope was worth 140 as New Zealand’s attack toiled under the blazing Christchurch sun.Related
Blundell, Smith, Henry sustain injuries in Christchurch; Jamieson returns to Plunket Shield
Nathan Smith did not come out to bat and spent the entire innings off the field with a side strain. When Matt Henry left the field after the 35th over – later heading to hospital next door for scans – with West Indies 92 for 4, New Zealand may have hoped to finish off the game quickly.But with his bowling resources rapidly thinning, Tom Latham – already standing in with the gloves due to Tom Blundell’s torn hamstring that ruled him out of not just this Test but the next – was left to lean heavily on Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell’s part-time spin around pacer Jacob Duffy. On a surface that only got easier to bat on against the old ball, Hope and Greaves settled in and applied themselves admirably.Having begun with positive intent, Hope was tested periodically with the short ball, Duffy setting a square leg halfway to the rope along with a short leg and fine leg for the pull. Hope mostly swayed and ducked out of harm’s way, and on the rare occasions he was tempted into the shot, he did well to keep it down. He brought up his fourth Test century off 139 deliveries.Duffy employed a similar plan to Greaves, whose natural game is far more instinctive. But to his credit, Greaves appeared to take a cue from Hope, choosing restraint instead. He played only when the ball was at his body, using his height to ride the bounce and fend safely. While he was a lot more enterprising against spin, the fundamental of his knock was crease occupation.Justin Greaves played a composed knock of 55 not out off 143 balls•Getty ImagesHope and Greaves laid down the template for those who perished prior to their arrival. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and John Campbell were put through a stern new ball test by Foulkes and Henry as they repeatedly tested both their edges in an engaging first spell. Chanderpaul’s propensity to shuffle across got him into trouble more often than not, and was out to a short ball that he inside-edged to the keeper for 6 off 45 balls.Campbell – out an over earlier – was taken out by Foulkes as he jabbed at an away-swinger with no feet movement as Bracewell took a superb low catch at second slip. In the overs prior to his dismissal, Campbell wore a blow on his boot as he smashed one back off an inside-edge, making him groan in discomfort. This may have eventually had a hand in his dismissal.Alick Athanaze never got going, and the frustration of being unable to score had him attempt a pull, only to be rushed into the stroke by Bracewell. He only managed to toe-end a pull to mid-on. And when Roston Chase fell in eerily similar fashion to his dismissal in the first innings – nibbling at a Henry away-swinger while being rooted to the crease – West Indies were collapsing swiftly and were 72 for 4.A four-day defeat loomed until Greaves and Hope dug in to give West Indies some hope even as New Zealand’s tired attack wheeled away in the hope of a mistake. That wasn’t to come, as West Indies took the fight into the final day even though hopes of scaling down the 531-run target they were set seem just a pipe dream for now.Earlier in the morning, New Zealand surprised many by choosing to bat on. Perhaps this was to give their bowlers more rest on a placid surface, considering the slew of injuries. Kemar Roach picked up three of the four wickets to fall, finishing with figures of 5 for 78 to take his wickets tally to 290.
da aposte e ganhe： O Palmeiras se reapresentou na Academia de Futebol nesta terça-feira (2) depois de folga na segunda-feira (1), após a vitória diante do Grêmio, fora de casa, pelo Brasileirão. Recuperado de lesão no joelho, o lateral-direito Mayke foi a novidade do treinou a participou das atividades sem restrições.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasApós final da Libertadores, Palmeiras reencontra Santos em situações opostasPalmeiras02/11/2021PalmeirasGustavo Scarpa participará de evento universitário sobre leituraPalmeiras02/11/2021PalmeirasCBF escala Raphael Claus como árbitro em clássico entre Palmeiras e SantosPalmeiras02/11/2021
da brdice： A principal atividade da sessão desta terça foi um trabalho técnico em campo reduzido comandado por Abel Ferreira e sua comissão técnica. Com poucos toques, os jogadores aprimoraram raciocínio e passe. Ausentes na primeira parte da atividade, os goleiros participaram em um segundo momento.
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Em função do desgaste da última partida, os titulares foram liberados antes do final do exercício para recuperação física. Neste momento, o Palmeiras conta somente com Jorge como desfalque por lesão em todo o elenco.
O time volta a campo no próximo domingo (7) às 16h (de Brasília), contra o Santos na Vila Belmiro, pela trigésima rodada do Brasileirão. Com 52 pontos, o Verdão ocupa a vice-liderança, sete pontos atrás do líder Atlético-MG.
Phoebe Litchfield steered Sydney Thunder to within one win of the WBBL grand final, helping her side end Hobart Hurricanes’ season with a tense six-wicket victory at Drummoyne Oval.With Thunder chasing 127 for victory in the knockout final, they appeared to be in trouble with 26 runs required from the final three overs.Enter Litchfield and Anika Learoyd, who got the job done for the Thunder with six balls to spare. The pair took 16 runs off the 18th over from Heather Graham, before Litchfield struck Nicola Carey for six off the first ball of the next over.The 21-year-old was eventually bowled trying to scoop Carey and finish the game off, but by the time she walked from the field on 46 the game was effectively over.Litchfield controlled the chase calmly, twice breaking the tension by driving Hurricanes’ bowlers to the rope when the pressure appeared to be building. She hit five fours in her 36-ball knock with Hurricanes left to rue a crucial missed stumping chance when Litchfield was on 23 and Thunder still needed 42 to win.Her runs came as Learoyd played a supporting hand with an unbeaten 23 from 24, while Chamari Athapaththu hit 31 up top after also taking two wickets with the ball.The victory means Thunder will play Brisbane Heat in Friday night’s Challenger, with the winner of that to face the Melbourne Renegades in Sunday’s final at the MCG.Elyse Villani had given Hurricanes a small hope of victory with an unbeaten 49 after the Hurricanes had fallen to 47 for 4 from their opening 10 overs.Athapaththu’s 2 for 24 did the bulk of the damage with the ball, bowling Carey for 1 and then having Heather Graham caught cutting to cover cutting on 10.Litchfield also took two neat catches, while Taneale Peschel got the key wicket of Lizelle Lee for 23.And while Molly Strano’s 1 for 8 from four overs and Amy Smith’s 1 for 17 from three threatened to strangle Thunder, Litchfield was in the end too good after being offered a second life.
Ecclestone’s 3 for 13 and Capsey’s 51 ensured England’s wobble didn’t cost them the win
Matt Roller13-Feb-2023England stumbled across the line against Ireland in Paarl, winning by four wickets with the better part of six overs remaining after Alice Capsey thrashed 51 off 22 balls.Capsey fell immediately after reaching a 21-ball half-century, the joint-fastest in Women’s T20 World Cup history, as England looked for a net run-rate boost in pursuit of 106. They stuttered after her dismissal, losing 5 for 33, but Ireland’s own collapse with the bat ensured there was never any scoring pressure on England.Ireland were aggressive with the bat after winning the toss. They reached 80 for 2 after 12 overs, with Gaby Lewis playing fluently after surviving a dropped chance off Lauren Bell in the first over. But they fell away dramatically, losing 8 for 25 in 35 balls. Sophie Ecclestone made the crucial intervention, dismissing Lewis in a double-wicket maiden which sparked a dramatic collapse.Ecclestone took a sharp, diving catch at mid-off in the following over to dismiss Louise Little and leave Ireland five down, before Sarah Glenn struck twice in her final over. Ecclestone yorked Ireland captain Laura Delany with her final ball to finish with 3 for 13, with Bell and Katherine Sciver-Brunt striking either side.Ireland needed early wickets – and got one, as Sophia Dunkley chipped to mid-on. But they bowled poorly with the new ball, with the nerves of a young team playing their first T20 World Cup fixture in four-and-a-half years.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Capsey was disdainful, swinging her way to England’s fastest fifty in this format – before lofting Arlene Kelly to long-off. Cara Murray took three wickets with her legbreaks after Danni Wyatt ran herself out to take the shine off England’s win, but they secured the two points with 34 balls to spare.
Gaby Lewis leads Ireland’s bright start
Ireland had not played in a Women’s T20 World Cup since 2018 but expectations were high after their victory against defending champions Australia in a warm-up fixture. They became higher still when they crashed four fours off the first nine balls of the innings, openers Lewis and Amy Hunter trading boundaries.Lewis, Ireland’s all-time leading run-scorer in T20Is, set the tone when she pounded the first ball she faced through backward point for four, though did benefit from some early luck. She cut her fourth ball straight to Wyatt, who shelled a straightforward chance at point.Heather Knight turned to spin in the third over on a dry, used pitch but Lewis continued to score fluently, reverse-sweeping and sweeping boundaries. Hunter holed out to deep midwicket off Charlie Dean, but Ireland raced to 42 for 1 off the six-over Powerplay.After two lengthy delays to fix a loose stump-camera cable, Orla Prendergast’s bright cameo ended when she was bowled by a ball from Glenn that kept low, but Lewis and captain Delany continued to tick over, reaching 80 for 2 at the end of the 12th over as they looked to build a platform for a late launch.
England’s spin squeeze
Ecclestone is Knight’s trump card, and she opted to play it in the 13th over, looking to break the burgeoning partnership between Lewis and Delany. It worked, as Lewis top-edged a sweep to Wyatt – who hung onto this low chance at deep backward square leg – and Ireland’s middle order was exposed.Eimear Richardson was trapped lbw, looking to paddle-sweep her first ball. Louise Little survived the hat-trick ball and lofted Dean back over her head for Ireland’s only six, but miscued her next delivery to Ecclestone at mid-off.Glenn struck twice in her next over. First, she trapped Waldron – playing her record 180th game for Ireland – lbw on the sweep and then crashed one into Leah Paul’s middle-and-off stump. Ireland had lost five wickets in 17 balls, and the game was over as a contest.
Murray sparks mini-collapse
England needed only 33 off 13 overs when Murray was introduced, and Delany must have rued holding her back so long. A wicket fell in her first over when Wyatt pushed to short cover and set off for a single that was never there, and Murray had her own first wicket with her seventh ball when Nat Sciver-Brunt holed out to long-off.Knight and Amy Jones both fell with the finish line in sight, Knight diverting a ball onto her own stumps via the glove and Jones chipping meekly into the covers. But Ireland never had quite enough runs to play with, and England’s implosion came a little too late to give Ireland any real hope.
WPL offers England sub-plots
Knight admitted before the tournament that the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction was “on everyone’s minds”, saying: “It would be naive to think it isn’t a slight distraction.” Before Monday’s game had started, three England players – Nat Sciver-Brunt, Dunkley and Ecclestone – had secured contracts, but Knight herself went unsold in the first round of bidding.By the innings break, three more players had deals: Capsey, Bell and Knight herself, with travelling reserve Issy Wong also picked up. The rest of the squad went unsold, and Knight will need to ensure players’ franchise contracts do not become a distraction across the rest of the tournament.
A reunion between Neymar and Barcelona seems to have been ruled out, with the club aiming to sign a much younger attacker as a reinforcement.
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Barcelona not keen to sign Neymar
Brazilian doesn't fit Hansi Flick's plans
Catalans eyeing three other forwards
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have no plans to pursue a surprise return for their former player Neymar despite reports to the contrary. Instead, the Catalan giants are said to have shortlisted several top names playing in Europe's top five leagues to strengthen their frontline.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Neymar rejoined boyhood club Santos on a six-month deal in January after terminating his contract with Saudi side Al-Hilal via mutual consent. In seven games back in Brazil, the 33-year-old has scored three times and assisted as many goals, showing glimpses of the player who shone at Barca between 2013 and 2017.
However, the Blaugrana are currently showing no desire to reunite with one of their best ever forwards due to his age and the 'current level of his performances'. They are moving in a different direction and their top priority for the summer remains Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, who is valued at £150 million.
DID YOU KNOW?
The report from also reveals that the option for Neymar's return had been available in previous years but was never pursued. Moreover, Barca head coach Hansi Flick believes that the Brazilian would not be a good fit in his current system.
As such, the club have also shortlisted two left wingers who they think would add a different dimension to their already staggering attack – Liverpool's Luis Diaz and AC Milan's Rafael Leao.
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WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?
Should Neymar's impressive form continue for Santos, a move to one of Europe's top clubs could still be on the cards, even if it's not to Barcelona. However, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira recently asserted that he was confident about their star man renewing with the club to stay at least until the 2026 World Cup.
West Ham United are fighting to improve their fortunes under Nuno Espirito Santo and could now be set to make an ambitious move in January.
West Ham look to regroup after Arsenal defeat
Following a solid point against Everton last Monday, West Ham suffered a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal over the weekend and will feel that the international break has come at a decent time for the new manager to perfect his vision at the London Stadium.
Nuno has already taken the bold step of axing James Ward-Prowse from his squad, illustrating a ruthless streak that was sorely lacking under Graham Potter. Nevertheless, it will take more than that to get a restless support back on side.
Speaking after his side were defeated at the Emirates Stadium, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss urged his squad to stick together as he looks to build a sense of unity in the capital that will translate into results.
He stated: “We’ve had two tough games away from home against very good teams. Now is the moment to analyse but with all the changes that has been happening I feel the players are responding and trying and that pleases me the most.
“The international break will be important for all of us especially for the players to be calm, there’s been many changes and many noises around us. This is our priority – that we know each other as a group because it is basically our unity and fight for each other.”
While fans remain frustrated at the current West Ham ownership, there is potential for things to get better on the pitch, and the Hammers could now be set to conclude a statement deal involving one of the world’s renowned young talents.
West Ham make contact over Endrick loan move
According to reports in Spain, West Ham have made contact to sign Real Madrid star Endrick on loan as they look to solve their lack of firepower, albeit Valencia and Real Sociedad are interested in striking a temporary arrangement to bring in the Brazil international.
The 19-year-old has failed to appear for Los Blancos this term and difficulties have occured in trying to displace the likes of Kylian Mbappe, though he has delivered seven goals and an assist in 37 appearances for the club.
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Labelled “spectacular” by Carlo Ancelotti, Endrick is someone that Real Madrid feel could develop away from the spotlight of the Santiago Bernabeu and his future is set to be decided in the next few weeks by club chiefs.
Niclas Fullkrug and Callum Wilson are both ageing and could do with a younger striker to take on some of the goalscoring burden. On the flip side, it remains to be seen whether Callum Marshall’s development would be impacted if the Irons were able to pull off a statement capture.
Matthew Revis hundred helps Yorkshire to post imposing 517 for 6 declared
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay24-Jul-2025Surrey 338 for 4 (Patel 86*, Burns 78, Lawrence 78, Sibley 52) trail Yorkshire 517 for 6 dec (Revis 110) by 179 runsOpener Dom Sibley became the first batter in either division of the Rothesay County Championship to reach 1000 runs for the summer as Surrey responded strongly to Yorkshire’s first-innings 517 for 6 declared from late morning onwards on day three at Scarborough.Sibley is enjoying a superb 2025, highlighted by a career best 305 earlier this month against Durham, and he needed to reach 24 in this game to get to four figures.The 29-year-old reached the aforementioned milestone shortly after lunch and went on to make 52 in Surrey’s 338 for four from 83 overs. He was one of four half-centurions in Surrey’s top order alongside Rory Burns, Dan Lawrence and unbeaten Ryan Patel, who top-scored with 86 off 133 balls.Earlier, emerging allrounder Matthew Revis posted an excellent 110 off 134 to help Yorkshire advance from 376 for 5 overnight. However, given Surrey’s response, this 10th round Division One fixture will almost certainly end in a draw.Revis dominated the morning session, which he started on 34, and finished with 13 fours and five sixes.This was his second successive Championship century after 150 in the second innings of the win over Essex at York earlier this month. Before that he hit 93 not out in the late June draw at Nottinghamshire.Revis, aged 23, first of all helped to take 20 off one Jamie Overton over and then launched Sai Kishore’s left-arm spin for two sixes in three balls to move into the eighties.Kishore had Will Sutherland, for 17, caught at mid-off following a miscue. But they were unable to limit the runs as emerging allrounder Revis, who is on the radar of the England management, hurtled towards another ton.By the time he reached it, off 131 balls – his second fifty came in 35, Yorkshire were 497 for 6. With Dom Bess also adding an unbeaten 45, they declared 50 minutes before lunch.While Revis may be the future, the jury’s out on whether Sibley is England’s past.Capped 22 times at Test level, many will argue that his accumulative, watchful approach is not suited to the Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum style. However, if he carries on racking up the runs, he will be hard to ignore.Sibley just pipped Northamptonshire’s Saif Zaib to the 1,000 mark, and he got there with a lovely pushed drive down the ground for four off Will Sutherland’s seam during the early stages of the afternoon.At that stage, Surrey were 64 without loss, including 36 for left-handed captain Burns. The latter was first to 50, off 78 balls. He pulled Jordan Thompson’s seam for six on the way there and went on to post 78 off 136.By the time Sibley reached his fifty, off 87 balls, Surrey had 129 on the board. But both openers fell quickly, leaving Surrey at 150 for 2.Sibley fell when he miscued a short ball from the offspin of Bess to short-leg – 134 for one – before Burns spooned a pull to wide mid-on off Thompson.Bess – three for 87 – got Will Jacks after tea in identical fashion to how Sibley fell. Jacks fell for 17 having reverse swept the previous two balls for four. Surrey were now 194 for three in the early evening.Patel pulled two sixes off seam in following Burns and Sibley to 50, this off 82 balls.Lawrence was the most aggressive Surrey batter on show and helped his side accelerate in pursuit of valuable batting bonus points, dominating a 115-run stand with fourth-wicket partner Patel.By the time he reached his fifty off 51 balls, Surrey were 271 for 3 and cruising along. But Lawrence fell for 78 off 77 when looking set for a century, caught at deep midwicket pulling against Bess – 309 for 4.
Knowing when it’s time to go is a valuable trait, and if Pakistan were in any doubt their time in the Caribbean was up, West Indies quashed them and sent the visitors out of town with a comprehensive trouncing.Jayden Seales’ six-wicket haul – the joint second-best figures by a West Indian in men’s ODI cricket – and an unbeaten hundred from Shai Hope put Pakistan to the sword in each innings. It was more than enough to secure West Indies’ first ODI series win over Pakistan in 34 years with their biggest ever win over Pakistan, scything through them for 92 having set them 295 to win.It was a 15.2-over passage of play straddling both innings which lay at the heart of West Indies’ dominance, a stunning inversion of a script Pakistan thought they had been writing all along. West Indies struggled to get going on what looked a tricky pitch to negotiate against the slower bowlers, with Mohammad Rizwan greedily getting through as many of their part-time fifth bowling options as possible.West Indies appeared to have sacrificed an ambitious innings total in exchange for conservatism that at least preserved their wickets, but as a result, they hadn’t yet crossed 200 by the start of the 44th over. It took one ball to change that, a smeared six from Hope off the first ball from Mohammad Nawaz bringing up that milestone. A second six off the next delivery emphasised his intent, and Pakistan watched frozen as West Indies shuffled themselves off the canvas and began landing body blows Pakistan one after the other.Shai Hope remained unbeaten after making his 18th ODI ton•AFP/Getty Images
Rizwan immediately turned to Abrar Ahmed, so effective through the middle of the innings that he’d conceded just five off his first six overs. But West Indies’ captain had redlined his game, turbocharging to a gear Pakistan believed he wasn’t capable of achieving on this surface. He would bleed a further 18 off the mystery spinner, with Justin Greaves bursting into life from the other end, flaying Hasan Ali for as many. Naseem Shah, trying his best to land the kind of reverse swinging yorkers that had put paid to Roston Chase earlier, could not escape Hope’s wrath as he bore down on three figures, getting there with a crunching cover drive that put him third on the all time West Indian ODI centuries list.That was just the start of a 21-run over, and by the time he caressed Hasan Ali over backward point off the final ball of the innings, 100 had come off the final seven. As Pakistan walked off dejected muttering amongst themselves, it was hard to escape the feeling this was about as poor a passage of play as they could endure.And yet, Seales spent the next 8.2 overs disabusing them of that notion. For the third time in the series, the right-arm quick exploited the angle moving away to Saim Ayub, who nicked off in the first over. His fellow opener, Abdullah Shafique, would also leave without troubling the scorers, trying to whack Seales over mid-on, but couldn’t take into account the heavy ball he was bowling, ballooning it to Gudakesh Motie stationed perfectly in position.Jayden Seales finished with a career-best six-for•AFP/Getty Images
But it was the third of his six which will serve as the jewel in the crown. Rizwan can be tricky to settle on a length to for all his fidgetiness, and as he took a step out, he determined the fourth-stump line on a hard length was safe to leave on both counts. As he shouldered arms, he would have heard the mildest clink behind him, like ice-cubes tinkling in a glass. The ball had seamed back in and kissed the off bail without even touching the stumps; it could not have been dislodged more clinically if someone picked it up and set it on the ground.A punch-drunk Pakistan were already dreaming up wild scenarios for how this match could turn, and it’s safe to say they all involved Babar Azam. Babar, though, was a mere plot-point to Seales’ perfect day as he trapped him in front with the batter still in single figures to leave Pakistan reeling at 23 for 4.It was those 92 balls that defined the game. Pakistan may have started well, but it barely feels like it matters now. The cracks and weaknesses were apparent even then, when Rizwan turned to Hussain Talat for his first deliveries in international cricket after the first powerplay saw them constrict West Indies, only for Evin Lewis to pick him up for two sixes and break the shackles. Abrar was so accurate and menacing he often appeared on the verge of running through West Indies early, and the hosts spent much of the innings batting at a glacial pace well under four runs per over. It did not matter now.Mohammad Rizwan looks back after Jayden Seales’ sorcery dislodged the bails•AFP/Getty Images
Neither did whatever happened after that fourth Pakistan wicket fell. Salman Agha and Hasan Nawaz had little ambition beyond stealing a few singles each over, even if that made the ultimately Herculean task even more insurmountable as the asking rate spiked. That Pakistan had stripped their side of full-time bowlers for superficial batting depth hardly seemed to matter. They knew they were never getting there anyway, and when the spin of Motie and Chase accounted for them in quick succession, West Indies could see the finish line.To do the honours, they handed that baton to none other than Seales, who blew past Naseem and Hasan Ali before Abrar jogged through for a single that was never on. Chase effected a direct hit, that sharpness depriving Seales the opportunity to bag the best ever bowling figures in men’s ODIs by a West Indian. For all of the young speedster’s brilliance, the fact Pakistan ensured they had a final say in their own downfall felt somewhat apt.
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy this summer has been nothing short of chaotic, and yet strangely ambitious.
For a club that finished 17th in the Premier League last season but secured Champions League football thanks to their Europa League triumph over Manchester United, the need to strengthen has never been more urgent.
Their early business included the £60m acquisition of Mohamed Kudus from West Ham, an exciting attacking player who provides versatility across the forward line.
But departures and missed opportunities have left significant gaps.
Fan favourite Son Heung-min departed for LAFC after a decade of service in North London, while the club’s most creative midfielder, James Maddison, suffered a devastating ACL injury in pre-season against Newcastle.
Their attempts to fill the void have, so far, been met with frustration.
The latest on Spurs' hunt to find a Maddison replacement
A £60m pursuit of Eberechi Eze collapsed when Arsenal hijacked the deal. A move for Morgan Gibbs-White ran into legal complications.
A €70m (£65m) package for Como star Nico Paz was swiftly rebuffed, with the Argentine making clear his intentions to return to Real Madrid in the near future.
Spurs have even looked at Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, but his £100m price tag puts him out of reach.
All of this has forced Tottenham to look elsewhere.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Their search has now led them towards a player long admired in England, one who has already proved himself in the Premier League, but whose reputation has recently been clouded by off-field controversy.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Spurs are now weighing up a move for Lucas Paquetá, the Brazilian playmaker currently at West Ham United.
Aston Villa are also monitoring his situation, but Tottenham’s need for a creative spark is arguably more urgent. Different reports suggest he could go for around £40m.
Paquetá has endured a turbulent year, but his quality has never been in question.
Former teammate Declan Rice once described him as “mind-boggling”, while he’s also been described as “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, a reminder of the immense technical ability he brings.
The central midfielder’s form dipped after he became the subject of a betting breach investigation in August 2023.
He continued to play, scoring West Ham’s only goal in their recent 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, but his confidence and consistency were visibly affected by the allegations.
Now that he has been cleared of all charges in 2025, the expectation is that he can finally put the matter behind him and re-establish himself at the top level.
Assessing Paquetá vs Maddison
For Spurs, the appeal is clear. With Maddison sidelined for the season, there is no natural replacement in the squad capable of offering the same vision and incisive passing.
Paquetá, with his flair and ability to turn games in an instant, represents a player in a similar mould.
He may not have matched Maddison’s output in recent seasons, but the tools are there – and in the right environment, he could thrive.
Tottenham Hotspur'sJamesMaddisonreacts
Paquetá’s numbers at West Ham illustrate both his strengths and his limitations.
At 27, he is approaching the prime of his career. He has 55 caps for Brazil and joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022, making 33 Premier League appearances last season with four goals.
The raw statistics do not scream world-class productivity, but they do reveal a midfielder with a valuable mix of creativity and defensive work.
Matches
19
7
Wins
11
0
Goals Scored Per Match
1.8
0.7
Goals Conceded Per Match
1.5
2.4
Points Per Match
1.9
0.4
According to FBref, he ranks in the 74th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 (2.89), the 79th percentile for progressive passes (6.16 per 90), and the 84th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (2.18 per 90).
These metrics underline his ability to link play between midfield and attack, progressing the ball into dangerous areas.
Lucas Paqueta looks dejected for West Ham
His defensive contributions are also notable, with 2.51 tackles per 90 (75th percentile) and an impressive 1.91 aerial duels won per 90 (89th percentile), making him more than just a luxury player.
When compared directly to Maddison, however, there are contrasts. The England international has been one of Spurs’ key players since arriving from Leicester in 2023, with 16 goals and 21 assists in 75 games.
Regrettably, his injury record is a concern. He missed 13 games in 2023/24 and 11 last season – but his impact when fit is undeniable.
Statistically, Maddison outperforms Paquetá in almost every attacking metric: 4.73 shot-creating actions per 90 (to Paquetá’s 3.10), 8.16 progressive passes per 90 (Paquetá’s 5.87), and 0.85 shots on target per 90 (Paquetá’s 0.11).
Even his pass completion rate (81.3%) edges the Brazilian’s 77.3%.
This raises a key question: would Spurs be settling for a downgrade? On paper, Paquetá does not replicate Maddison’s efficiency in front of goal or his ability to sustain attacks through consistent ball progression.
West Ham's Lucas Paqueta against Liverpool.
Yet the Brazilian brings different qualities – a more physical presence, stronger defensive contributions, and the versatility to operate across midfield roles. In that regard, he is a big upgrade.
His 227.8 progressive passing distance per 90 minutes is only slightly behind Maddison’s 250.1, suggesting he can still drive the ball forward effectively.
What truly matters is context. At West Ham, Paquetá has often been tasked with working within a rigid system where creativity can be stifled.
In a more attacking, possession-based setup at Tottenham, his ability to combine with Kudus and Richarlison could unlock a new level of performance.
For Spurs, the decision is not about finding a perfect Maddison clone. It is about ensuring they are not left without a creative heartbeat in midfield for an entire season.
Paquetá may be inconsistent, but he remains capable of brilliance.
If Thomas Frank can provide the structure and confidence that he lacked at West Ham, Tottenham could have a player who, like Maddison, is able to decide games single-handedly.
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