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Tottenham Hotspur are entering a new era under Thomas Frank this summer, with the Dane the latest manager to try and catapult the side to sustained levels of success.

The 51-year-old signed a three-year deal after joining from fellow Premier League side Brentford, subsequently wanting to take his managerial career to the next level in North London.

However, if he wants to achieve both of his goals, he will require serious investment from the hierarchy to provide him with the tools for success at the Lilywhites.

He’s already added Mohammed Kudus to his ranks, but despite the Ghanaian’s move to the club, other additions will be needed in key areas of the pitch.

Countless players still remain in their sights during the current market, opening the door to further big-money signings to improve the options at Frank’s disposal.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

James McAtee is the latest player currently on their radar, potentially softening the blow after missing out on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

It’s been reported that Spurs could be about to jump ahead of Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in the race for his signature, after the Reds had a £25m bid rejected for the Manchester City youngster.

However, he’s not the only Premier League player on their radar, with Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo
Muniz also a player they’re considering, according to TBR Football.

They claim that talks have already been held with the 24-year-old’s representatives this window, opening the door to a move to North London for the Brazilian forward.

It also states that the player has yet to receive a suitable offer to renew his contract, potentially leading to a departure, with Leeds United also circling for his signature.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s next Wissa

During Frank’s stint as Brentford boss, he managed to unearth multiple gems that allowed him to turn the Bees into an established top-flight outfit.

Yoane Wissa is just one player he managed to transform into a top-level talent, with the DR Congo star managing to torment countless backlines in the division.

The 28-year-old made 35 appearances in the league last time around, registering a total of 19 goals and four assists, forming an excellent partnership with Cameroonian international Bryan Mbeumo.

Given his tremendous form in recent times, he’s also been linked with a move to join Spurs this window, potentially following the manager in moving to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

However, Newcastle United and Forest are also interested in a deal for his signature, making any move for his services somewhat tricky, leading to other options being considered.

That’s where a move for Muniz comes in this summer, with the Fulham star being the next key talisman to try and make a name for himself under Frank’s guidance.

He’s been labelled as a similar player to the Bees star by FBref, also managing to outperform the DR Congo international in numerous key areas throughout last campaign.

Games played

31

35

Goals & assists

9

23

Goals & assists (per 90)

0.84

0.71

Shot on target accuracy

49%

45%

Take-on success

33%

30%

Fouls won

2.9

1.5

Aerials won

6.3

0.9

Aerial success rate

52%

45%

Muniz, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian, posted a better goal and assist rate per 90, whilst notching a higher shot on target accuracy rate – having the added ability to thrive in the final third.

He also managed to complete more of the take-ons he attempted last campaign, possessing a more all-round ability to thrive and create carnage to the opposition’s backline.

The Brazilian’s talents are further reflected in his ability in the air, winning a higher percentage of his aerial duels, offering Frank a needed focal point, which the Spurs side are currently lacking ahead of 2025/26.

Whilst it’s unclear how much Marco Silva’s side are demanding for his signature, it’s evident that the youngster has all the tools needed to be a fan favourite with the Lilywhites faithful.

If he can transform his game and match the goals produced by Wissa under Frank’s guidance, he would be a superb signing that would massively bolster the club’s chances of success next year.

Better than MGW: Levy in talks to sign £40m talent who wants to join Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making a move for a star after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 31, 2025

If there is one thing Arsenal need to add to the team this summer, it is goals.

The signings of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arizabalaga and Christian Norgaard will undoubtedly improve the side, but to get to the next level, Mikel Arteta needs to reinforce his attack.

After all, the North Londoners have produced the best defence in the Premier League for two years on the bounce now, but still finished in a more distant second place last year.

Fortunately, after a couple of years in which they ignored it, the board do seem intent on bolstering the frontline this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres looking set to sign, and fresh links to someone who’d be unreal alongside him.

Arsenal target Gyokeres and world-class winger

Arsenal’s search for a new number nine has been one of the defining sagas of the summer so far, with Benjamin Sesko at one point looking like the man to lead the line for them next season.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, talks with RB Leipzig over the forward have practically come to a complete stop now, with it being reported that the German outfit wants around €100m for their young poacher, which is approximately £86m.

Instead, it is now Gyokeres who looks the most likely to be the Gunners’ new number nine, with him reportedly already agreeing to personal terms and even agreeing to give up €2m of his salary to help the talks progress.

While it hasn’t been confirmed yet, it does appear as if the final fee for the Swede will be around £70m, which is almost as much as the North Londoners might spend to secure his dream winger this summer: Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal remain very interested in the Real Madrid star and have even held preliminary talks with his camp regarding a potential move.

The good news is that the Spanish giants are reportedly happy to let the Brazilian international leave this summer if the right offer comes in.

The bad news is that the right offer is likely to be in excess of 90m, which comes out to about £77m.

In all, signing Rodrygo this summer is going to be complicated and costly, but given his sensational ability, Arsenal should be doing all they can to make it happen, especially as he’d be a dream winger for Gyokeres.

Why Rodrygo would be the perfect winger for Gyokeres

The first and arguably the most crucial reason Rodrygo would be Gyokeres’ dream winger is that he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.

In fact, that undersells it somewhat, as even though Real have played him out of his preferred left-wing position over the last few seasons, the Brazilian has remained a seriously effective attacking outlet.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 32 goals and provided 20 assists in 106 appearances, totalling 7229 minutes.

That means the dynamic 33-capped international has averaged a goal involvement every 2.03 games, or every 139.01 minutes across two seasons, despite rarely starting in his actual position.

Furthermore, and this is the second reason the Swede will love playing with him, he’s someone who turns up in the big games, and rarely, if ever, gets overawed by the occasion.

For example, he has scored 25 goals in the Champions League, including eight game-winning goals and eight that have come in the knockout rounds.

This will be important to the Sporting star, as at 27 years old, he will not want to be playing alongside a ‘project’ winger or a prospect; he will want someone who can help him win major honours right away.

Finally, the former Coventry star is very much a penalty box poacher, as exemplified by his heatmap, so he’s going to need a winger who can get the ball to him in dangerous areas, either through passing or carrying, and fortunately, the former Santos gem excels at the former.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues and the Champions League for carries into the final third and pass completion, as well as the top 5% for progressive carrying distance and more, all per 90 minutes.

Ultimately, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Gyokeres and Rodrygo, as the Real Madrid star could help the Swede totally transform their attack and fire them to glory.

Bad news for Nwaneri: Arsenal set to submit bid to re-sign £60m "monster"

Ethan Nwaneri could suffer at Arsenal if the Gunners wrap up this £60m move.

4

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 8, 2025

Newcastle United have now enquired about signing a Champions League winner, as they battle two other clubs for his signature this summer.

Newcastle eyeing move for World Cup finalist

The Magpies are being linked with possible new signings on a daily basis, with Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani the latest attacker to be mentioned as an option, and discussions already underway.

Alexander Isak’s future at St James’ Park doesn’t feel completely secure currently, amid rumoured interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, but even if the Swede stays, more competition is needed. Muani could be ideal in that respect, having scored nine goals in 31 caps for France, also appearing in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.

Manchester City ace Jack Grealish has also been backed to join Newcastle this summer, with former scout Mick Brown talking up a move to St James’ Park.

“Newcastle are still keeping a close eye on Jack Grealish. There’s been a lot of talk about Everton, but I think they’re still very much in the mix. Of course, they’re not the only club interested because everybody knows about Jack’s qualities and what he can bring to the side when he’s at his best.”

Newcastle enquire about signing Grealish

Now, according to an interesting development from Give Me Sport, Newcastle have “enquired” about Grealish, having been linked with him in recent days, as mentioned.

While Everton and Napoli are also mentioned as potential suitors for the winger, he “wants to see if there are any other takers for his talent”, as he looks to make sure he is part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the 2026 World Cup. He also wants to play Champions League football next season, something PIF can offer, after winning the competition with Man City in 2023.

This summer feels like the right time for the £300,000-a-week Grealish to depart City and enjoy a new challenge, with his performances there going flat and playing time coming at far more of a premium in recent times.

The 29-year-old wasn’t even included in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the current Club World Cup, so the writing appears to be on the wall for him.

He's an Isak clone: Newcastle start discussions to sign £50m "superstar"

Newcastle have enquired about signing their next Alexander Isak.

1

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 23, 2025

Opinion may be split on whether Grealish would be the right choice for Newcastle, with some perhaps feeling that his best days are behind him, but it is also easy to see him flourishing in fresh surroundings.

David Moyes once called him the “best player in the Premier League”, such was the level of his performances, and Guardiola lauded him during pre-season last summer.

“What I’ve seen so far here, one week in the pre-season on tour, I loved it. I don’t care how he performs, it’s every session his commitment and his trying, against Barcelona he made five or six shots, he was aggressive with the ball, that’s all, after that his quality will do the rest.”

A tally of just 17 goals in 157 appearances for City doesn’t reflect too well on Grealish, but if Newcastle could have the swaggering Aston Villa version of him, forever taking risks on the ball and lighting up games, he could be an extremely popular figure at the club.

Norwich City have now reached a £2.1 million agreement to complete their fifth signing of this summer, according to a recent report.

Canaries active early in the summer window

It has been a busy few weeks for the Canaries since their 2024/25 Championship campaign came to an end. Not only have Norwich brought a new manager in, in the form of Liam Manning, but they have also made four new additions in the short time the transfer window has been open.

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Midfielder Jacob Wright became Norwich’s first signing of the summer, as he joined the club on a permanent basis from Manchester City. He was then followed by goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw, who has joined from Plymouth Argyle. Defender Harry Darling joined the Canaries early this week, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal after rejecting a contract offer from Swansea City.

Norwich have since added a fourth signing this week, as they have announced the arrival of another goalkeeper in the form of Louie Moulden. Moulden joins the club on a free transfer after his contract at Crystal Palace expired, and he has signed a two-year deal at Carrow Road. Moulden is “buzzing” to be at Norwich and is “looking forward to getting started”.

He told Norwich’s media team: “Buzzing to be here, really happy. Obviously, it’s a huge club with great fans. And I’m really looking forward to getting started now.

“I want to show my quality to the manager, push the other goalkeepers and see where that takes us.”

Norwich reach £2.1m agreement to complete 5th signing this summer

It could be three signings in a week for the Canaries, as according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Norwich have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign defender Jakov Medic.

Medic had the option of many Championship clubs this summer, but his preferred destination was Carrow Road. The report states that the Canaries have agreed a 2.5 million euro (£2.1m) fee plus bonuses and a percentage of a resale should Medic leave Norwich.

The 26-year-old has been at Ajax since August 2023, when he joined the club from FC St. Pauli. He spent the 2023/24 campaign with the Dutch side but played just six games in the Eredivisie, as well as three games in the Europa League. His game time with his parent club didn’t improve last term, and he was sent out on loan to German side VfL Bochum, where he played 23 times in the Bundesliga.

Jakov Medic’s 24/25 Bundesliga stats

Apps

23

Starts

17

Goals

1

Touches per game

45.0

Passing accuracy per game

30.1 (88%)

Interceptions per game

1.0

Tackles per game

0.6

Balls recovered per game

3.3

Clearances per game

4.9

Medic, who is a centre-back by trade but can also operate in a defensive midfield role, will join Darling as a defensive signing this summer. The Canaries already have the likes of Shane Duffy, Ruairi McConville and Jose Córdoba as centre-back options, but it is likely Medic and Darling could form a partnership now at the heart of Norwich’s defence.

Celtic enter the market with a clear idea of where they need to strengthen and could now turn to a recognisable name to solve their quest to land another centre-forward, according to a report.

Celtic's quest to add attacking firepower

Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda ended the campaign as Celtic’s only two senior centre-forward options, while Johnny Kenny came in from the cold to supplement their output from the bench.

Late attempts in January to secure a striker fell through, despite the Bhoys’ failed pursuit of Danny Ings from West Ham United following Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure to Rennes.

Nevertheless, the calculated decision to stick with what they had at the time has allowed more time to make sure the right man arrives to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ pool of attacking talent.

Youssef El Kachati was mooted as a Celtic target. However, the former Morocco Under-23 international looks set to join NEC Nijmegen under freedom of contract on a three-year deal from Telstar.

Rodgers could potentially be left with more work to do on that front if Fenerbache or Tottenham step up their interest in Japanese forward Maeda. Both clubs are keen to deal him in, though have been told a fee in excess of £21 million is required for his services.

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The Bhoys are set to witness movement in both directions this summer…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 6, 2025

Left-back, centre midfield and on the flanks have been mooted as areas of the field where Celtic could look to enact squad surgery, whetting the appetite for a summer of significance before they enter the Champions League qualifiers at the playoff phase.

Encountering a quick turnaround, the Bhoys may now look to a former player who is available on the market to add some expertise in front of goal.

Celtic hero Kyogo Furuhashi wants to return to Parkhead

According to reports in France, Celtic are ‘ready’ to offer an olive branch to former striker Furuhashi following his frustrating spell at Rennes, where he has yet to score in six appearances.

The Ligue 1 outfit are set to part ways with the 30-year-old this summer, and it is now said that the Bhoys icon is in favour of completing a sensational return to Parkhead. However, Bournemouth are also lurking in the distance and could submit an offer.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s excellent time at Celtic

Appearances

165

Goals

85

Assists

19

Rennes boss Habib Beye is set to omit Furuhashi from his pre-season plans and will put him up for sale after he failed to live up to expectations at Roazhon Park.

Labelled “excellent” by Rodgers, he made his move to France for roughly £10 million mid-season, though he has only completed 120 minutes of football, coming mostly as a substitute.

Truthfully, it did seem like a strange move in January for the Nara-born man in light of his new club’s close brush with relegation, but a swift exit would suit all parties, including the player and his desire to be considered for Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Whether he could achieve that feat at Celtic remains to be seen. Either way, the prospect of Furuhashi returning to Glasgow’s east end could soon become a reality.

Setting their sights on a crucial summer transfer window fresh from Championship promotion, the 49ers are now reportedly ready to launch their move to sign an attacking reinforcement for Leeds United this summer.

49ers ready to back Farke with big summer spend

After securing the Championship title with 100 points and a better goal difference than Burnley, Leeds have already commenced their summer plan. Names such as Beto, Jamie Vardy and Caoimhin Kelleher have all been mentioned on the 49ers’ radar as they look to make a statement ahead of the Whites’ return to the top flight next season.

Vardy would be a particularly interesting signing. At 38 years old, it’s easy to assume that his days as a Premier League striker are behind him. Those assumptions have been proved wrong throughout the current campaign, however. In a struggling Leicester City side, the veteran forward managed nine goals in all competitions, with eight of those coming in the Premier League.

Set to become a free agent following the expiration of his current Leicester deal next month, Leeds could do a lot worse than boosting their squad with the addition of a Premier League-winning striker.

Those at Elland Road aren’t shying away from just how difficult the Premier League will be next season, either. Club chairman Paraag Marathe told fans in a club statement after promotion was sealed: “The Premier League is where Leeds belongs, and our goal is to establish a long-term presence there. With that in mind, we have been quietly preparing the club for this moment.

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“The road ahead won’t be easy but we are ready to step confidently into this next chapter. Above all, this is your club and your promotion. I want to thank each and every one of you, along with the players and every member of staff at Elland Road and Thorp Arch, for your tireless commitment in pursuit of this unforgettable moment.”

Leeds ready to launch Geubbels move

If it’s not Vardy, then it seems as though those in Yorkshire still want to sign an attacking addition this summer. According to Berliner Kurier, as relayed by Sport Witness, the 49ers are now ready to launch a fresh bid to sign Willem Geubbels from St. Galen this summer, handing Leeds and Daniel Farke an instant boost.

The Frenchman was reportedly on Leeds’ radar in January before a deal never took place. This time around, however, the Whites have Premier League football to offer and the forward, himself, is open to leaving St. Gallen.

Once tipped for great things, injury problems have often prevented Guebbels from reaching his top potential. After scoring 16 goals in all competitions this season, though, Leeds could offer him a route back to where he belongs at the top level.

It would be quite the story if the 23-year-old managed to fight his way back from obscurity surrounded by injuries all the way to the Premier League, but it remains to be seen whether Leeds can win the race for his signature.

Regardless of what division Leeds United find themselves in next season, this summer is a huge window for boss Daniel Farke to provide the added quality to the first-team squad.

The German has already made some shrewd additions in the transfer market, landing the likes of Ao Tanaka and Jayden Bogle, who have both been two of the Championship signings of the season.

However, he will have to replicate such dealings this summer – especially if they secure promotion to the Premier League, needing to invest if they are to secure survival in 2025/26.

The Whites already have serious quality within the current squad, helping them sit second in the division with just a handful of games remaining this campaign.

If they are to reach the next level, Farke will want to build on the progress made, with one player seemingly already on their radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

Leeds set to make offer for defensive star

According to Africa Foot, Leeds are set to make a €2m (£1.7m) bid for Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi regardless of what division they find themselves in next season.

The Nigerian has only made six first-team appearances for the Liga Portugal outfit this season as he continues his recovery from the ACL injury he suffered last season.

However, Sanusi has already stated that no deal has been agreed after other rumours suggested a deal was already agreed for him to move to Elland Road.

This report claims no bid has yet been made, but the Sanusi could be open to a move to Yorkshire in the near future to gain more first-team minutes given his lack of action since his return from injury.

It would be a superb addition for the Whites, potentially being the next version of a former fan favourite who captured the hearts of many during his time at the club.

Why Sanusi could be Leeds’ next Ben White

Defender Ben White thrived during the 2019/20 season at Leeds, spending the season on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, making 49 appearances across the promotion-winning campaign.

He featured for every minute of the league campaign that season, highlighting the importance he held under Marcelo Bielsa in their return to the Premier League.

However, after promotion, the club tried to sign him on a permanent basis, but were unable to strike a deal with the Seagulls despite offering a £30m deal for his signature.

He’s since moved to Arsenal in recent years, featuring for the Gunners in the Champions League and thriving at right-back, taking his career to the next level.

The Whites could land their next version of White with a move for Sanusi, with the full-back being ranked as a similar player to the Arsenal star by FBref for his displays in Europe last campaign.

When delving into their respective figures, the Nigerian has matched or bettered the 27-year-old in various key areas, showcasing what a phenomenal addition he would be to Farke’s side.

Sanusi, who’s been labelled a “superstar” by one analyst, managed to win more tackles per 90 along with more interceptions made, highlighting the defensive quality he possesses – aiding Farke should he sign this summer.

Games played

4

10

Minutes played

307

754

Tackles won

1.2

0.6

Interceptions made

1.2

1

Clearances

1.8

1.2

Take-ons completed

1.5

0.5

Aerials won

2.7

1.1

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons per 90, whilst also winning more aerial battles, offering that all-round presence that may be needed should they achieve promotion this summer.

With Junior Firpo’s contract set to expire this summer, the club will need added reinforcements in the left-back area, with the Porto star certainly providing just that.

Should he get anywhere near the level produced by White during his time at Elland Road, he would be a superb addition – especially for the bargain fee touted for his signature.

Not just Meslier: Leeds must axe "reliable" star who won't cut it in the PL

Leeds United have a huge summer window ahead of them regardless of what division they find themselves in.

1 ByEthan Lamb Apr 2, 2025

The bowlers were also seen practising how to stop a batter trying to sweep and reverse-sweep them

Alagappan Muthu31-Jan-20241:46

Rathour: ‘Gill, Iyer, Jaiswal will eventually get big runs’

Sarfaraz Khan is hard to miss. He is wearing the reddest of all red socks. Quick, somebody head over to Sesame Street and check on Elmo and see if he’s missing any bits.India’s training session in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday looked like mandatory attendance for everyone. But the eye kept going to the new kid on the block. Even the BCCI’s content creators kept following him.Sarfaraz was among the last to arrive at the nets and he spent much of the afternoon with the man who has the power to make all his dreams come true. Rohit Sharma.The conversation is long and animated. There’s hand waving and head tilting. There’s thoughtful pauses and breaks for laughter. Everybody else is busy batting or bowling but these two just keep chatting away like a couple of school kids on the back bench.Related

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Eventually it comes time for Sarfaraz to show his wares. He goes to unpack his kit and pull out his bat. The sun catches the flourescent orange and yellow stickers on it and for a second it just gleams. Even Bollywood doesn’t do a better hero intro scene. Since 2020, he’s been averaging 84.42 in first-class cricket. The tap on the shoulder has finally come.While all this was happening on the side, Rajat Patidar is well into his work. He began with a hit against the spinners. Four of his first six deliveries were various kinds of sweeps. The odd ones out were a couple of forward pushes because Mohammed Siraj wasn’t really in the mood to encourage any extravagant strokeplay.India are working to avoid a repeat of Hyderabad, where they kept waiting for the spinner to bowl a bad ball and it just never came. All through the afternoon, every single batter, including Kuldeep Yadav, got the broom out. Patidar, in particular. He was called into the squad ahead of Sarfaraz and this management does buy into the idea of first come, first serve. They believe in the sanctity of an incumbent, just like the previous regime did.And based on the session he was having, where he seemed to be able to get himself in positions to attempt more shots than end up stuck playing the forward defensive, the people who are deciding the pecking order have got it right. Patidar is nimble at the crease, moving forward or back decisively and he makes it a point to meet the ball under his eyes. That is of course when he isn’t reaching out to mess with the spinners by nailing those sweeps. He reverses R Ashwin. It makes sense that he averages nearly 50 in first-class cricket. He is as compact as the day is long.Sarfaraz is in the adjacent net. He’s been made to push out in front of his body. The ball had dipped and, all of a sudden, he is out of position. Then comes a whirl of his wrists. Even though he had been suckered in, he keeps the ball down because of how quickly his hands were able to adjust. And then from there his greatest asset took over. Power. Just raw power. It feels only natural to imagine heat coming up off the red leather after he hits it. Off in South Africa, his little brother Musheer is having a grand old time at the Under-19 World Cup. If that long awaited debut does come this week, it might be one of the best adverts for serendipity. Though it has to be said, Patidar is making that less of a straightforward decision. He actually looks favourite to take the vacant middle-order spot.Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, Yashasvi Jaiswal in action at India’s training session•Getty ImagesAnd Kuldeep seems set to take over for Ravindra Jadeja. He was the first at the nets so he had the honour of playing the first reverse sweep of the afternoon. Later, all of his focus was on preventing others from using it. And he had a fair bit of success. Wristspinners can at times get the ball to drop on a batter more than fingerspinners and that was on show here where more than once Kuldeep made a batter bail out of an aggressive shot.There was a lot of information sharing as well. It began right at the start of the session where Rohit went out to sweep Ashwin but the ball came off the bottom of the bat. The two came together to figure out why that had happened and on and on it went. The batting coach Vikram Rathour got around Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. The head coach Rahul Dravid was teaching Jasprit Bumrah the nuances of what happens when you hold the bat a particular way, which really should be illegal. It just isn’t right if that guy gets any better at doing what he does.Ashwin made it a point to tell the batters he was paired with the fields he was using and at the start it was almost like a lot of them were just feeding balls to enable the sweep and reverse sweep; to enable the finding of gaps and the scoring of runs and the feeling of good. Eventually though, Ashwin got sick of being hit around and started fiddling with his lengths. He began to make it awkward for the guys down on one knee, expecting the ball to arrive at a certain point and at a certain pace, and it didn’t.Barely 20 minutes before all of this, Rathour was sat in a press conference saying India will trust their method of playing spin, which is to try and come down the track, or use the depth of the crease and largely present a straight bat. That’s how they trained in the nets in Hyderabad. But this was different. Gill actually swept Axar Patel so hard the ball burst through the nets and travelled the 20 or so yards out into the viewing area. Rohit batted only for about 10 minutes or so but that was enough for him to try a lap, a reverse and one superbly timed, hit-in-front-of-square slog sweep.It is true that the best of the best don’t just randomly change things up, but they also hate losing. Something had to give and it has.

Having waited so long for that first World Cup win, Scotland have now strung together four in a row. They believe this is just the beginning…

Alan Gardner24-Oct-2021Scotland and World Cups has not exactly been a recipe for success over the years. It took them 21 attempts between 1999 and 2016, across six different tournaments in the 50-over and T20 formats, to win a game at limited-overs cricket’s highest level – and that a first-round match against Hong Kong with qualification already beyond both sides.Such heartache was very much in keeping with the national character. Scotland’s football team has a longer, slightly more respectable history at World Cups, but nevertheless last qualified for one in 1998, when the anthem that accompanied them to France was Del Amitri’s “Don’t Come Home Too Soon” (a plea that sadly went unheeded).In Oman over the last week, however, the cricketers refused to contemplate going home early. In the process they have written a fresh page in Scotland’s sporting history. Their three wins in Group B included knocking over a Full Member in Bangladesh – gaining some measure of revenge for a narrow defeat at Edinburgh’s Grange ground in the 1999 World Cup – and saw Scotland emphatically through to the Super 12s.Related

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• Scotland have turned the heat on their opponents, but know 'there's still plenty on the line'

• Personality quiz: Which team should you support this World Cup?

Before the start of the second stage, England captain Eoin Morgan called them “the team of the tournament so far”. Having waited so long for that first World Cup win, they have now strung together four in a row.Reaching the second round of a global ICC tournament for the first time must rank as Scotland’s greatest achievement since being granted Associate membership in 1994. For Preston Mommsen, who captained Scotland at the 2015 World Cup and the World T20 a year later, “this is the proudest moment” in cricket.”For me it’s comfortably now the pinnacle of Scottish cricket in terms of what we’ve achieved in the past,” he told ESPNcricinfo from the UAE, where he is commentating at the T20 World Cup. “The highest [point] we’ve reached, to make it through to a second round of a World Cup event in these sort of foreign conditions is testament to how far Scotland has come as a cricketing nation.”Scotland made a noise by beating Bangladesh in their first match – quite literally, as a full-throated team rendition of “Flower of Scotland” interrupted the official post-match press conference and left Mahmudullah purse-lipped, looking like he’d just been offered a plate of haggis. Victory over Oman sealed Scotland’s progression as group winners and left Kyle Coetzer, Scotland’s current captain and playing in his fourth ICC tournament, seeming somewhat overwhelmed.”For Cricket Scotland and back home it’s huge,” Coetzer said, “the opportunity to play on the biggest stage, the opportunity to test ourselves against the best, and grow the game back home. People are watching, the following has been immense.”

The celebrations in the #Scotland camp caused a few interruptions during Mahmudullah's press conference

(via @CricketScotland) pic.twitter.com/f7nT2WkIi1

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 18, 2021