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England’s batting line-up no longer resembles a side playing with a single-minded purpose and utter conviction in their approach

Matt Roller08-Dec-20250:53

Finch: ‘England’s shot selection has been horrible’

It was like being offered a mouthful of the meal you wish you had ordered.Ben Stokes and Will Jacks’ tenacious – if ultimately futile – resistance on the fourth day at the Gabba served only to underline just how wrong England had already got it, a bite of someone else’s steak that left them wondering how they had ended up with nothing more than a bowl of soggy chips.Stokes and Jacks’ partnership for the seventh wicket was worth 96 in 221 balls, the longest stand of the series on either side, and felt like England’s captain directly rebuking his batters for their shot selection during a collapse of 5 for 38 on the third evening. They hit six boundaries between them, one every half-hour: “I just wanted us to fight,” Stokes said.Throughout his captaincy, Stokes has seen batting as an opportunity to make a point to his team-mates. In his first summer in the job, he would start in fifth gear and rarely change back down, scoring at a strike rate of 73.45; in 2025, he has slammed the brakes on, highlighting the need for some middle-order ballast with his strike rate dipping to 47.67.Related

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“I said last night, ‘we are where we are’. We talked about taking the scoreboard out of the equation,” Stokes said. “Nothing’s guaranteed in life, and nothing’s guaranteed in sport, but as long as you walk out there and think in your head, ‘I’m going to fight all the way to the end here’, that’s all you can focus on.”What you saw from me and Will Jacks was me saying, ‘anyone who’s got responsibility left in this game, just show fight’. Sometimes, that doesn’t show in the output of what you’re trying to do. It’s all in the mind.”For all that conditions were easier – the ball had gone soft, and there were no visibility issues in the daytime – it provided a stark contrast to England’s approach the night before. The return catch that Zak Crawley chipped back to Michael Neser had summed up the ineptitude, a carbon copy of Ollie Pope’s dismissal, which showed a total failure to learn from others’ mistakes.0:50

Stokes: ‘If we lose hope, we might as well not turn up’

Jacks had a few sketchy moments during his innings of 41, most notably when Australia attacked him with the short ball. He may well have faced more bumpers on Sunday afternoon than in his 54 first-class appearances for Surrey but, after a handful of plays-and-misses, developed a method as he gradually grew in confidence. Put simply, he learned on the job.Yet, far too many of his more experienced team-mates seem incapable of doing so: Crawley and Pope most obviously, who are both still making the same mistakes after more than 60 Tests each, but so too Harry Brook, whose decision to play a booming drive at the first pink ball he had ever faced from Mitchell Starc under lights was indefensible.But the most galling aspect of England’s struggles is that their batting line-up no longer resembles a side playing with a single-minded purpose and utter conviction in their approach. Brook aside, most of their dismissals in Brisbane came from half-hearted shots ill-suited to the Gabba’s pace and bounce.

“We are a much better team at applying it than we are at absorbing it at the moment”Ben Stokes

Australia have outperformed England across every main batting metric in the first two Tests: they have lost a wicket every 50.3 balls to England’s 32.9; they have averaged 38.20 runs per wicket to England’s 22.77; and they have even outscored England, going at 4.55 per over to England’s 4.15. Really, this is barely even Bazball Lite.Pope inadvertently summed up the confusion that has crept into the England dressing room two days out from the Test, providing a barely comprehensible answer when asked about their approach. The thrust was that “complete clarity” as to whether to attack or defend was vital, but he batted as though totally unclear – particularly in his skittish second innings.Stokes and Brendon McCullum have attempted to “refine” their set-up – in terms of both method and personnel – over the past 18 months, an admission that beating the best Test teams demands nuance and nous. But the most notable effect appears to have been to dull England’s attacking strength without improving at all on their shortcomings.6:09

‘Australia have sat back, waited for England and pushed them over’

It was a theme that Stokes himself acknowledged after England’s defeat, looking physically and emotionally drained after four gruelling days. Stokes said that he was “definitely not doubting” England’s approach but made an unusually candid admission that his team has lacked the resilience and character to withstand pressure in this series.”I remember my first team chat with Baz. It was, ‘our blueprint is about applying pressure to the opposition, but also understanding that we do need to absorb that at moments’. I will agree, and say that we are a much better team at applying it than we are at absorbing it at the moment.”You’ll always see us chase the ball hard to the boundary, and you’ll always see people leave everything out there on the field. That is the blueprint of this team. And we can definitely look to improve on the moments where we need to absorb [pressure], and just understanding a lot better what that looks like.”The fear is that it is too little, too late. England are already 2-0 down in the series, a deficit that has only once been overturned to win the urn in Ashes history. Stokes has a four-night stay in a Noosa resort and three training sessions in Adelaide to ensure that the message he tried to send has got across to his batters, but is it the right one?With every passing week, England’s early success under Stokes and McCullum – the heady run of 13 wins in their first 18 Tests, including the intoxicating comeback from 2-0 down in the 2023 Ashes – looks increasingly like a cricketing equivalent of football’s new-manager bounce. Since then, they have been a coin-flip team who have lost as many Tests as they have won.

INEOS are now reportedly prepared to spend more than £100m to sign Raphinha from Barcelona under one circumstance at Manchester United in 2026.

The Red Devils owners have not been afraid to spend big on transfer fees in the last six months, despite their cost-saving measures off the pitch. Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to back Ruben Amorim, who has shown signs that he could yet turn things around at Old Trafford, and that could yet result in further much-needed reinforcements.

INEOS have already seen the majority of their summer signings settle into life at Old Trafford, with Bryan Mbeumo even picking up the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for October to match Amorim’s Manager of the Month achievement. The former Brentford forward scored three goals and assisted one other to earn the award.

After watching Mbeumo pick up the award and claiming the Manager of the Month prize himself, Amorim told reporters: “The credit is not mine, the credit is for my players. They did really well, and our goal is to win the next one because it means we win football matches.”

The former Sporting CP boss, more than anyone, will be well aware that there’s still a long way to go, however, and INEOS must still back the Red Devils in the transfer market.

Forget Mbeumo: "Phenomenal" Man Utd star was the real player of the month

Bryan Mbeumo has won the Premier League Player of the Month, but one other Manchester United star may feel hard done by.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 7, 2025

On that front, those at Old Trafford have already been linked with 2026 moves for the likes of Elliot Anderson and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. Anderson would be a particularly impressive signing, given how he’s starred in a struggling Nottingham Forest side as of late, whilst Vlahovic would undoubtedly add depth to Amorim’s frontline.

Neither of those players would be as impressive as Raphinha though, who has scored twice against Man United throughout his career.

Man Utd prepared to spend over £100m on Raphinha

According to reports in Spain, INEOS are now prepared to spend €120m (£105m) to sign Raphinha if Man United qualify for the Champions League this season. Qualification for the competition would hand the Red Devils further financial freedom and the ability to attract stars such as the Barcelona winger.

The Brazilian would instantly become Man United’s record signing at £105m, finally dethroning the £89m fee that they paid to sign eventual flop Paul Pogba in 2016.

Unlike the Frenchman, Raphinha may well prove to be worth every penny after becoming one of the best wingers in the world at Barcelona and finishing fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Whether a club-record bid would be enough to lure Barcelona into a sale is the big question. Manager Hansi Flick should be desperate to keep hold of his winger, having told reporters last season: “He has good dynamics with the ball and he has had an extraordinary match. His offensive and defensive dynamics, and his good technique, are something special. I have never had a player like him and he helps us a lot.”

Forget Cunha & Mbeumo: "Explosive" Man Utd star is coded for the Fergie era

New Zealand have won four out of four matches, while South Africa are yet to settle on a combination

Firdose Moonda25-Jul-2025Big Picture: Battle of new coachesThe match we already knew was going to happen a week ago is upon us after South Africa and New Zealand both qualified for the tri-series final when Zimbabwe were knocked out last weekend. The teams have even had a dress rehearsal, when they met in a match on Tuesday, and New Zealand have a clear upper hand.They are unbeaten in this event, with four wins from as many games, and have put in a quartet of clinical performances even as they have rotated through their squad. South Africa are yet to beat New Zealand in this competition, and are yet to settle on a combination with an inexperienced squad. The biggest issue is that they have routinely appeared a batter light, amplified by a struggling top order, and will need to put that right in the final.Both teams are looking for their first trophy under a new coach, which has been the subplot to this contest. Both, South Africa’s Shukri Conrad and New Zealand’s Rob Walter, worked for the same side not long ago as Walter was South Africa’s white-ball coach as recently as March. He took South Africa to the 2024 T20 World Cup final. But Walter’s record in bilateral series, especially T20Is, was poor, and when he resigned, Conrad was given the all-format job.Related

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South Africa won only one out of eight T20I series under Walter, and he always explained that as being because he did not have a full-strength squad available to him. Conrad was confident he would not face the same challenge, but in his first few matches in charge, has had to be without several regulars – including the captain Aiden Markram – and has had similar results. Though South Africa beat Zimbabwe twice, they were unable to get over the line against New Zealand. Conrad has a stronger playing group for his next assignment in Australia, but for now, he will want to get one over New Zealand to show what’s possible with the country’s next best.Walter has not had it all his way with New Zealand so far either. Ben Sears, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson and Kane Williamson were unavailable to play this series, and then Finn Allen had to withdraw with a foot injury. But Walter also used the opportunity to test depth and the waters in his first stint in charge. So far, he will be the happier of the two coaches with the results, but the final will determine who leaves with the biggest bragging rights.Form guideSouth Africa: LWLWW
New Zealand: WWWWWLhuan-dre Pretorius has a lot to prove at the international level•Zimbabwe Cricket In the spotlight: Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Jacob DuffyAfter topping the SA20 run-charts last summer, big things were expected from Lhuan-dre Pretorius at the international level. But 32 runs in four T20Is must feel like a tough start for him. Pretorius started out opening the batting, and moved down No. 5 in the last round-robin match in what Conrad called an “experiment because I want to expose him to all sorts of situations and conditions”. Conrad has retained Pretorius in his squad for the Australia tour next month, and will be keen to see how he copes with changes in pace, which have undone him thus far. For his part, Pretorius will not want to play any reckless shots, which he has done twice in four innings, and show he has the temperament to succeed at the highest level.Jacob Duffy might struggle to get into New Zealand’s XI if Jamieson or Ferguson were available. But with the pair not in the squad, Duffy has been able to step into the spotlight. He is the only bowler who has generated noticeable extra bounce from the Harare surfaces, and has used the short ball to his advantage. All five of Duffy’s wickets have come against South Africa, and three with absolute snorters – the one to Gerald Coetzee in the fifth match was particularly memorable – and with an economy of 6.36, he has also been difficult to get away.Team News: Conway could openWith Reeza Hendricks dropped from South Africa’s white-ball sides to tour Australia, the final could be an important opportunity to show what he can do ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. Pretorius should join Hendricks at the top of the order. South Africa like to use allrounders, so Senuran Muthusamy, George Linde and Corbin Bosch could all play, while a decision will be made on whether to go with an extra spinner in Nqaba Peter or seamer in Kwena Maphaka.South Africa (probable): 1 Reeza Hendricks, 2 Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), 3 Rassie van der Dussen (capt), 4 Rubin Hermann, 5 Dewald Brevis, 6 Senuran Muthusamy, 7 George Linde, 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Nandre Burger, 10 Nqaba Peter/Kwena Maphaka, 11 Lungi NgidiDevon Conway could be back to open•Zimbabwe CricketDevon Conway could be back to partner in-form Tim Seifert at the top, while Bevon Jacobs might lose out to Daryl Mitchell. With their seamers all in good form, New Zealand could likely pick four of Zakary Foulkes, Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, Adam Milne and Duffy.New Zealand (probable): 1 Tim Seifert (wk), 2 Devon Conway, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Mark Chapman, 6 Michael Bracewell, 7 Mitchell Santner (capt), 8 Zakary Foulkes, 9 Will O’Rourke, 10 Matt Henry/Adam Milne, 11 Jacob DuffyPitch and conditionsIn five of the six matches (apart from the last one between Zimbabwe and New Zealand on Thursday), the captain who has won the toss has chosen to chase. Batting against the new ball in the early afternoon has proved tricky, and seamers have found that bowling just back of a length is most effective. It has been difficult for spinners to get among the wickets, and for batters to score as quickly – as has become the norm in the T20 game. Expect a run rate of around eight an over.Stats and trivia South Africa and New Zealand have met 17 times in T20Is, with South Africa holding an 11-6 advantage. Before this series, South Africa had also beaten New Zealand in all four of their matches in multi-team tournaments. So far, though, New Zealand have won both matches against South Africa in this tri-series. New Zealand scored both the highest total of the competition, 190, in their victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday, and the highest powerplay score of 57 for 1 in the same match. They also have the series’ two highest wicket-takers in their ranks.Quotes”The final on Saturday will give us a really good idea of where everybody’s at. I’ll be disappointed if we didn’t put up a bold showing, and try and get one over New Zealand. It’s been exciting on a personal level. Just in the blink of an eye, the game’s finished, you’ve got to pack your bags, and go back to the hotel. It’s certainly not as drawn out as a Test match.”
South Africa’s coach Shukri Conrad is settling into the white-ball role“Throughout this series, we’ve done a lot of good stuff. Different guys stepping up at times is always a good thing, and does give us a bit of a selection headache.”
New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner was all smiles after they finished the group stage with the maximum points

While Red Sox Nation likely all held their collective breath when closer Aroldis Chapman left Sunday's game with an injury, manager Alex Cora seems to believe there's nothing to worry about.

When speaking with reporters following the team's 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston's skipper nonchalantly relayed that Chapman left with a "tight back."

"He should be OK," Cora continued, while also saying that the closer will likely avoid a stint on the injured list.

Chapman has been spectacular for the Red Sox out of the bullpen this season, recording 18 saves in 44 appearances while posting a career-low 1.31 ERA. He was also voted an All-Star for the first time since 2021.

After riding a 10-game winning streak into the mid-summer break, Boston is just 4-5 since—albeit against juggernauts that include L.A., the Chicago Cubs, and the Philadelphia Phillies. They remain a half-game ahead of the Texas Rangers in the American League wild-card race and are headed to Minnesota on Monday for a three-game series against the Twins.

Tanisha Singh, Pratika Rawal and G Kamalini will also be on the teams’ radar

Sruthi Ravindranath14-Dec-2024Deandra DottinAfter a controversial beginning that led to her missing the inaugural season and going unsold in the subsequent year, Dottin could finally land a wholesome WPL gig considering her recent form. At the T20 World Cup in the UAE, she scored 120 runs at a strike rate of 162.16, the best for any batter who faced at least 20 balls. In the WBBL that followed, she played an important role in Melbourne Renegades’ title-winning run. In 11 games for them, she scored 148 runs at a strike rate of 151.02 and picked up ten wickets. Teams like Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz could benefit from having such a power-hitter in their middle order.Lauren BellReleased by UP Warriorz, Bell can be that X-factor seamer who can extract steep bounce even on docile decks and can also move the ball both ways. With a remodelled action this July, she picked up her first five-for in ODIs, against New Zealand. Warriorz’s reliance on spinners, and the emergence of Saima Thakor, didn’t allow Bell opportunities last season. While Warriorz head coach Jon Lewis did not rule out a comeback for Bell, who withdrew from WPL 2024 to prioritise her England career, Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians are likelier to go for her.Related

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Raghvi BistA batter with a strong off-side game, Bist made an impression during India A’s one-dayers against Australia A in August in Mackay, scoring three consecutive half-centuries, including a match-winning 53 in the third game. She was rewarded with a maiden India call-up for their home T20Is against West Indies. In domestic cricket, she has been making waves steadily. She was part of Uttarakhand’s successful U-19 Women’s One-Day campaigns in 2021 and 2022, and was also part of their run to the final in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy earlier this year. Last month, she smashed a 51-ball 71 in the final of the T20 Challenger Trophy to help her side to the title.Lauren Bell could be an X-factor with the ball•ECB/Getty ImagesTanisha SinghTanisha Singh, 21, showed a glimpse of her batting potential when she blasted 94 off just 50 balls for Delhi against Assam in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy in October. In the 50-over version, she was the fifth-highest run-getter, with 359 runs in seven innings at an average of 71.80 and a strike rate of 104.97. She also bowls offspin and can deceive batters with her pace variations and flight, a skill that was on display when she took five wickets in four games at the Delhi Premier League (DPL) this year. She also finished as the third-highest run-getter in the tournament with 121 runs. Tanisha was also instrumental in Delhi’s unbeaten run to the title in the Under-23 women’s tournament in January.G Kamalini trains at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai•Super Kings AcademyG KamaliniA promising teenager from Tamil Nadu, Kamalini is primed for an Under-19 World Cup berth in Malaysia early next year. A hard-hitter, she was instrumental in Tamil Nadu winning the U-19 domestic tournament in October, hitting 311 runs in eight matches. She followed that up by top-scoring with 79 in the Under-19 tri-series final for India B against South Africa A. That form earned her a berth in India’s squad for the Under-19 Asia Cup next week. Kamalini, who can keep wicket and also bowl spin, trains at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai.Pratika RawalA psychology student who started playing cricket at the age of ten, Rawal, two years Tanisha’s senior at Delhi, first came into the spotlight in 2021 when she hit an unbeaten 161 off 155 balls to take Delhi into the knockouts of the domestic one-day competition. Earlier this year, she captained Delhi in their unbeaten run to the Under-23 T20 Trophy final, where she finished as the second-highest run-getter (182 runs) for her side behind Tanisha. She also made a smooth transition into the senior Delhi team. Pratika’s improved power game, which was on view at the DPL, earned plaudits from state coaches and scouts. On Friday, she was named in India’s ODI squad for the West Indies series.

Former Real Madrid youth player Jacobo Ramon wants to return to his boyhood club one day after first meeting with 'football legend' Xabi Alonso. Ramon left Madrid in the summer to join Como to grow under the tutelage of Cesc Fabregas but the 20-year-old is determined to improve his game as he wants to reach the 'Real Madrid level' and return to Santiago Bernabeu someday.

Ramon shining at Como after Madrid exit

Ramon, a graduate of Real Madrid’s famed La Fabrica academy, rose through the youth ranks before earning a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti, featuring in three La Liga matches and one Champions League game in the 2024-25 campaign. Como paid a transfer fee of €2.5 million after coach Fabregas called the youngster and convinced him that the club was the ideal place to continue his career. Though sold to Como, Madrid have retained a buy-back option on the defender.

In the current 2025-26 season, Ramon has appeared in eight Serie A games out of their 10 outings and has started in seven of them. Last weekend, the 20-year-old starred in defence as Como held reigning champions Napoli to a goalless draw. Despite his bright start in Italy, he hinted that he still has a return to Madrid in mind for the future.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'I strive to reach Real Madrid level'

Speaking to , Ramon said: "I strive to reach 'Real Madrid level', which is the highest level. I'm super happy here, I'm doing what I have to do. And in the future, we'll see."

Reminiscing the first time he caught up with current Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, Ramon said: "I remember perfectly when he came into the locker room. It was the first time I'd ever met a football legend like Xabi! It was incredible. He loved the rondos, the small-sided games, he was always involved. And his team always won! He hasn't lost his long-range shooting touch (laughs). Not much, because it was already the first team. But I was very excited; I saw my progress. It was like coming full circle."

When asked if player Alonso is similar to the manager version of the Spaniard, Ramon added: "Yes, even though we were just kids. It shaped us more as people. It instilled values like humility, hard work, and effort. But he already demanded high pressing, good organisation, and personality on the ball. He asked us to play out from the back. A bit like what this Real Madrid team is trying to do."

How Ramon joined Como

Speaking about his transfer to Italy, Ramon had earlier told : "Cesc and I immediately understood each other. The project is ambitious; I found a perfect environment and many friends already in the team. I started straight away with two games as a starter and I couldn't have asked for more. He told me I was perfect for him, and I was thrilled to come. I've already learned a lot [from Fabregas] in just a few weeks. He did a great job last year, and having him as my coach is a privilege. Nico Paz is a close friend; I'm not surprised by what he's showing. I know his talent well and hope he stays with me for a long time at Como."

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Getty ImagesWhen will Ramon play next?

Ramon will be back in action for Como on Sunday as Fabregas' side take on Cagliari in a Serie A clash. Como, who have not lost a game since August 30, will aim to extend their unbeaten streak to 10 games across all competitions with a win at home. 

Christian Pulisic hailed Mauricio Pochettino’s effort to instill a more combative, unity-focused identity in the U.S. Men’s National Team, saying that emphasis on fighting for one another is already showing in camp. The AC Milan forward added that the 2026 World Cup continues to fuel both his personal ambitions and the team’s desire to inspire the next generation of American players.

Getty Images SportPochettino’s culture change

Pulisic framed Pochettino’s influence as cultural and tactical, arguing the Argentine coach wants the USMNT to mirror the collective toughness seen in elite international teams. 

“I mean I would say when we’re in camp and leading up to games, I think he has a real focus on just the fighting spirit of the team,” Pulisic told CBS Sports Golazo. “I think kind of with the South American background too, the Argentinian is very, I mean, you can see when they play. They have the best player, potentially ever, but they have 10 other guys around them to run through a brick wall and do all those things.

“And I think that’s kind of what he wants to instill within the team. And that fighting kind of nasty spirit, and I think that’s his main focus.”

While Pulisic acknowledged it is hard to measure a wholesale transformation without a steady run of competitive matches, he believes the seeds of that identity are beginning to take hold.

 “I think it has, it’s tough without the competitive, the more competitive games. [of World Cup qualifying] to really know," Pulisic said. "I think even in some of the friendlies we’ve played, I feel like the team does have a togetherness about them. And I feel very positive about where we are going.”

AdvertisementWorld Cup as motivation

Beyond tactical change, Pulisic described the 2026 World Cup as a personal driving force: a chance to help elevate the game in the United States and to give young American players tangible role models to emulate. 

“Like truly, it’s one of my biggest inspirations is to kind of push the game back in the US and especially to inspire the next generation,” Pulisic explained. “I mean, like we talked about, having an American player in Europe and being able to look up to a guy who’s doing incredible things, it pushed me so much to want to do that, to want to be that much better. To believe and see, ‘Okay, he’s done it now, I can do it too.’

“And I hope that some people have watched me play and maybe thought that….I hope that I can inspire a lot of people around the world especially American kids because it’s a an incredible life, an incredible journey that I’ve been on. And I hope that people can see that.”

GettyOut of USMNT’s November 2025 international camp

The American forward won’t be with the USMNT for the November international break as he continues his recovery back to full fitness.

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(C)Getty ImagesU.S. balance expectations

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, Pochettino faces the challenge of balancing player development with tactical implementation. The November international window represents one of the limited opportunities remaining for the coach to work with his full squad before the tournament begins.

No reason was given for the move, even as it came a day after Pakistan lost to India in Asia Cup final

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Sep-2025The PCB has suspended all no-objection certificates for players who want to participate in T20 leagues outside Pakistan.Sumair Ahmad Syed, the board’s chief operating officer, sent a notice on September 29, informing players and agents of the decision.”With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out of country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the notice, seen by ESPNcricinfo, read.No reason has been given as to why this action was taken. Reports have suggested the PCB aims to tie NOCs to a performance based system, the criteria for which has not been made public. The goal, from the board’s perspective, is for players to incentivise national and domestic performances. However, there is no information on how long such an evaluation will take before the current suspension on NOCs is lifted.The move came a day after Pakistan’s tight loss in the Asia Cup final to India in the UAE, but from a tour in which they also won a T20I tri-series. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier domestic first-class competition, is also due to start in October, having been delayed from its original start date of September 22.The details around the NOCs and any possible exemptions, or how long they last, are not yet known.Seven Pakistanis, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi, are due to play in the BBL this season, which begins in December. There are also 16 Pakistan players in the shortlist for the ILT20 auction, which is due to take place on October 1 in the UAE. Three of those include Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman.

Stats highlights from MI’s fifth win in a row in IPL 2025, against Lucknow Super Giants

Sampath Bandarupalli27-Apr-20253:25

Rapid Fire: Can MI finish in top 2?

2714 Number of balls taken by Suryakumar Yadav to complete 4000 runs in the IPL – the third quickest to the milestone after Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, both of whom took 2658 balls.10 Consecutive scores of 25-plus for Suryakumar in IPL 2025, after his 54 off 28 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in Mumbai. He’s only the second batter to achieve such a streak after Robin Uthappa had ten consecutive 40-plus scores in IPL 2014.174 Wickets for Jasprit Bumrah in the IPL after his spell of 4 for 22 against LSG. He is now Mumbai Indians’ leading wicket-taker, surpassing Lasith Malinga’s tally of 170.ESPNcricinfo Ltd16-0 MI’s win-loss record while defending targets of 200-plus in the IPL. They are the only team to defend all their 200-plus totals in the IPL.150 Number of matches MI have won in the IPL, including two via a Super Over. They are the first team to register 150 wins in the IPL.ESPNcricinfo Ltd5 Consecutive matches won by MI in IPL 2025 after starting the season with only one victory in their first five games. The previous instance of MI winning five consecutive IPL matches was in 2020.5 Number of LSG bowlers to concede more than 40 runs against MI at the Wankhede – only the third such instance in IPL history, after Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad and SRH against Punjab Kings earlier this season.

There was a 19-minute delay during Monday night's Mets-Phillies game at CitiField. The delay came after Alec Bohm grounded into a double-play during the top of the fifth inning. As Bohm was called out at first he looked towards center field and then he kept looking back as he walked back to the dugout.

Before play could continue with the next batter umpires stopped the game to find out what was wrong. After some confusion the SNY broadcast determined that Bohm was claiming to be distracted by a parabolic microphone set up in center field.

The microphones were eventually removed and play continued, but people immediately began pointing out that the mics were not new. In fact, they'd been there all season. Even worse, the Phillies home broadcast looked into it and determined that they'd been there for .

This information was revealed during Phillies Post Game Live as Ricky Bottalico roasted Bohm for wasting everyone's time.

"Let's talk about Alec Bohm over at third base," said Bottalio. "Okay Alec, you had a good deefensive game but what really kind of got to me? You caused a 19-minute delay on something that's been there since at least 2017. We went back and checked. That exact same thing has been there since 2017."

The media in New York wasn't happy either as WFAN's Boomer Esiason tweeted that the delay was "asinine."

What none of the annoyed viewers took into account was the possibility that the microphone had been distracting players since 2017 and maybe Bohm was the first one brave enough to speak up.

Unfortunately for the Phillies, that's where the heroics ended as the Mets outscored Philadelphia 10-0 after the delay.