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Liverpool are now keen on signing a “lethal” £50m striker, who’s scored the same number of goals as Alexander Isak this season, according to a report.

Liverpool eyeing Nunez replacement

Arne Slot has enjoyed a remarkable first season at Anfield, having secured the Premier League title with a squad effectively built by Jurgen Klopp, but the manager is looking to bring in some new faces this summer, having been left unconvinced by some of his current options.

One such player is Darwin Nunez, with reports stating the Dutch manager doesn’t trust the striker, and with the Uruguayan open to an exit this summer, the manager could well be tasked with bringing in a replacement.

There has recently been a positive update on the Reds’ pursuit of Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo, with it being revealed that a bid for the 25-year-old is likely to be accepted, should they decide to make a concrete approach.

Kerkez upgrade: Liverpool could sign £21m star who's a left-footed Trent

Liverpool are looking to sign a left-back in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 4, 2025

Having proven himself at Premier League level, the France-born striker could be an attractive option for Slot, but he is not the only target they have in mind, with Newcastle United’s Isak also on the shortlist.

A deal for Isak could be difficult to pull off, however, which means Liverpool could make a move for an alternative option, and a report from Anfield Watch has now revealed they are now keen on signing Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui.

Retegui has been added to the shortlist, having impressed in front of goal this season, and the report adds that Nunez is now expected to depart this summer, which exacerbates the need to bring in a new striker.

Isak and Hugo Ekitike are also of interest to the Reds, but they could choose to hone in on the Atalanta forward, and previous reports have revealed he could be available for the relatively affordable fee of £50m.

"Lethal" Retegui keeping up with Isak this season

Isak has been one of the Premier League’s stand-out players this season, netting 27 goals for Newcastle in all competitions, but the Atalanta star has been juist as prolific, having found the back of the net 27 times in 45 outings.

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has been left particularly impressed by the 26-year-old’s performances, saying: “Inside the box, he is lethal. And now he has learned how to connect with the team better. He’s going to become a top player.”

Nunez, on the other hand, has never really managed to make a name for himself at Anfield, scoring just five Premier League goals this season, so it is little wonder that Slot is looking to bring in an upgrade this summer.

There is every indication that Retegui could be a fantastic signing for Liverpool, so it is exciting news they are in the race for his signature, but there could be competition from Manchester United, who have already held talks.

The campaign is still a month away from completion, although attention at Manchester United is swiftly turning toward the summer transfer window and the need to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

While it would be foolish for anyone of a United persuasion to be too optimistic regarding the impact of potential new signings, amid the club’s wretched recruitment record over the last decade or so, it is difficult to argue that this side is in need of major surgery once again.

With departures expected to reach double figures, ahead of next season, there is likely to be something of an overhaul at Old Trafford, with drastic improvement needed amid the Red Devils’ place in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Much could depend on whether or not Champions League qualification is secured, via Europa League glory, although regardless of what occurs on the continent, it looks as if the INEOS regime are already closing in on the signing of wantaway Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Matheus Cunha.

The latest on Man Utd's move for Cunha

It’s fair to say that Cunha can’t have done much more to catch the eye of those at Old Trafford this season. Indeed, during Wolves’ 2-0 win over United on Boxing Day, the Brazilian was simply sensational for the hosts, having scored directly from a corner, while also teeing up Hwang Hee-chan for the second of the day.

That was followed by the 25-year-old’s impact in Sunday’s 1-0 win for the Old Gold, as it was actually his surging run which earned the free-kick that Pablo Sarabia duly converted.

Now onto 14 league goals for the season, Cunha appears all but certain for a Molineux exit this summer – following prior January interest – having already outlined his desire to “take the next step” in his career.

As widely reported, that ‘next step’ looks set to lead the former Atletico Madrid man to Manchester, with positive talks having been held regarding the forward’s potential contract at the Theatre of Dreams.

That move for the £62.5m sensation could represent the first piece of business in a potentially hectic summer for the Red Devils.

Man Utd readying offer for new midfielder

Alongside that interest in the Wolves ace, it would appear that United are also keeping a close eye on Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with the Englishman set to be available for £30m amid the Tractor Boys’ impending relegation.

Transfer Focus

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

Elsewhere, meanwhile, reports in Spain have suggested that Amorim and co could also go back in for a long-term target, in the form of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the Dutchman said to be ‘back on the Red Devils’ radar’.

As per the report, United are ‘willing to present a proposal’ in order to entice the LaLiga giants into a summer sale, with the Premier League said to be ready to ‘test the limits’ of Barca’s resolve.

The 27-year-old was famously linked with the Old Trafford side back in the summer of 2022, during Erik ten Hag’s first window in charge, albeit despite an agreement on a fee, a deal for the former Ajax midfielder couldn’t get over the line amid issues regarding personal terms.

There may be a feeling of De Jong’s chance having come and gone, although United should still jump at the opportunity to land such a statement signing.

How De Jong could fit in at Man Utd

There could well be a fresh look to Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up next term, with a new goalkeeper and centre-forward seemingly set to be prioritised, while Cunha would likely line up in one of the two number ten berths.

The Wolves talisman has already thrived in a similar system under Amorim’s compatriot, Vitor Pereira, in recent months, with his overall record in England’s top-flight now standing at 39 goals and assists in just 77 games.

What the one-time RB Leipzig man will need, however, is quality service from those around him, hence why bringing De Jong into the fold could be a dream scenario.

Likely to operate as part of the midfield two – potentially alongside Bruno Fernandes or Manuel Ugarte – the Netherlands international is simply a master at progressing play, as emphasised by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% of European midfielders for progressive passes, and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Also ranked in the top 1% for pass completion, the experienced metronome has rightly been lauded as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by former boss, Xavi Hernandez, ensuring he would be a worthy upgrade in Amorim’s ranks.

As stated, that forward-thinking ability that De Jong provides would ensure he is the ideal figure to pick out the likes of Cunha ahead of him, as indicated by the fact that he also ranks in the top 3% for passes into the final third, at an average of 9.21 per 90.

What also sets the 5 foot 11 maestro apart is just how effective he is at regaining possession too. As evidenced last season – considering he has only started seven league games this time around – De Jong averaged 2.2 tackles per game, having also recovered the ball 5.9 times per game in LaLiga.

For context, United’s ball-winning monster, Casemiro, has only recovered 3.9 balls per game in the Premier League this term – albeit while enjoying a far superior record with regard to tackles made (3.5).

For De Jong to then have such quality both in and out of possession would ensure he can comfortably cope in a midfield two, with United having the chance to acquire two players entering their peak years, in the form of him and Cunha.

After Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign a "monster" upgrade on Delap

Man Utd could be set to land another sparkling forward this summer, alongside Matheus Cunha

By
Robbie Walls

Apr 22, 2025

A Europa League club have held talks over a move to sign a Wolverhampton Wanderers player who Molineux chiefs are ready to sell, and it’s not Matheus Cunha.

Wolves could cash in on Cunha as numerous Premier League clubs circle

Despite signing a contract extension earlier this year, there has still been plenty of talk about Cunha leaving Wolves this summer.

The Brazilian penned new terms until 2029, however, importantly, the new contract to includes a release clause. Cunha, talking in recent weeks, admitted the “need to take the next step” and “fight for titles” in his career, hinting at a Molineux exit.

“I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it (left Wolves). Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone. Now, we’re close to achieving our goal (of staying up). But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”

There is plenty of interest in Cunha as well, with reports recently saying both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are ready to pay a huge £75m to sign the Wolves star over the coming months.

Both Villa and Forest could be able to offer Champions League football ahead of the new season, so Vitor Periera may soon lose his star striker.

£23m Wolves star is going to swiftly become more important than Cunha

Wolves could be set to lose Matheus Cunha this summer…

By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 15, 2025

However, another forward on the books at Molineux, Fabio Silva, could also be about to find a new club. Currently on loan in Spain at Las Palmas, recent reports have claimed that Wolves are ready to sell Silva for £25m.

That would be a loss for the Old Gold, and one club have made their move for the Portuguese attacker.

Wolves may sell Fabio Silva as Eintracht Frankfurt hold talks

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Eintracht Frankfurt have held “initial talks” over a move for Wolves forward Silva.

Currently in the Europa League quarter finals, Frankfurt see Silva as a “very interesting option”, although there are more clubs keen on the 22-year-old.

Things haven’t gone to plan for Silva in England after signing for a then record €40m (£33.4m) from FC Porto in 2020.

He’s scored just five goals in 72 Old Gold appearances, whereas on loan at Las Palmas this season, Silva has already netted 10 times.

Therefore, it could make sense for Wolves to cash in on Silva, and who knows, with Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike linked with a move to the Premier League, the Wolves man could be seen as his replacement in Germany.

The brutal reality of the latter stages of the Champions League hit Aston Villa like a brick when they travelled to Paris to take on PSG on Wednesday night.

Villa, who did take the lead through Morgan Rogers, were beaten 3-1 by a dominant Paris Saint-Germain side, managed by Luis Enrique, who had some terrific individuals on display at the top end of the pitch.

The effervescent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele put on a masterclass in front of their home supporters, with all three of them involved in at least one of the three goals.

Because of the quality of the PSG attackers, several Aston Villa players endured a rough evening in France. One of those was Axel Disasi, after he was brought on at half-time.

Axel Disasi's awful performance against PSG

The versatile defender, who is a centre-back by trade, came on to replace Matty Cash at the break at right-back and was almost immediately sent to the shops for PSG’s second goal in the 49th minute.

Kvaratskhelia, who is a test for any full-back, showed unbelievable footwork to jink past the Frenchman before blasting a finish into the top corner of Emi Martinez’s near post.

In his 45 minutes on the pitch, Disasi managed two tackles, one interception, one block, and one key pass, whilst he also won half (2/4) of his ground duels, in what was a solid display outside of being brilliantly beaten by the Georgian magician.

The 27-year-old defender, who is on loan from Chelsea, was far from the worst player on the pitch for Unai Emery, though…

Aston Villa's worst player against PSG

While Disasi struggled, it was Matty Cash who was even worse than him in the first half.

Chalkboard

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

The Poland international was actually selected ahead of the Chelsea loanee to start at right-back against Kvaratskhelia and had to be withdrawn from the action at half-time after a dismal opening 45 minutes in Paris.

GOAL awarded him a player rating of just 4/10 and wrote that he was a ‘red card waiting to happen’, after his early yellow card for a foul on the former Napoli forward.

The English-born defender must be brutally binned from the starting XI by Emery after his poor showing in the opening 45 minutes, as Disasi outperformed him off the bench – despite his part in the second PSG goal.

As you can see in the table above, the 4/10 full-back was incredibly wasteful with the ball at his feet and offered nothing at the top end of the pitch, whilst Disasi – at least – created one chance for the team in the second half.

As mentioned by GOAL, Cash was also walking a disciplinary tightrope with four fouls committed and a yellow card to his name in the first 45 minutes, as he was forced to foul Kvaratskhelia, who got the better of him, on several occasions.

With their respective performances in mind, Emery must drop the former Nottingham Forest star from the starting line-up to bring Disasi in at right-back from the start next time out.

Emery's own Saliba: Aston Villa will have bid accepted for £50m "monster"

Aston Villa could soon welcome in their very own William Saliba in this defensive monster.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 8, 2025

Lionel Messi delivered a moment of magic to secure Inter Miami their first MLS Cup title, ending a two-and-a-half-year wait to lift the league's biggest prize.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Andres Cubas learned what opponents of Lionel Messi have been tormented by for over two decades. It only takes one moment for the legendary Argentine to effectively put an end to a match. 

Messi capitalized on an errant pass from the Vancouver Whitecaps' star defensive midfielder and in a split second, delivered an incredible, perfectly-weighted killer pass on a plate to a forward charging Rodrigo De Paul, who converted with ease in front of a roaring supporter's section at Chase Stadium to put Miami ahead 2-1. With Vancouver denying Messi space, the scoring chances that are typical for the forward weren't on the table. But it didn't matter; time after time, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner punished them with his passing, helping secure Inter Miami's first title with a 3-1 victory. 

Messi didn't take long to have his impact felt. Within the opening 10 minutes, he weaved through two Vancouver defenders to find Tadeo Allende in space. The forward then squared a way a ball into the penalty area, which Edier Ocampo unfortunately converted into a own goal for the Herons in their opener. Vancouver made things interesting in the second half, though. Inter Miami had no answers for Emmanuel Sabbi on the flank and Canadian international Ali Ahmed took advantage of a goalkeeping lapse from Rocco Rios-Novo to level in the 60th minute. From that moment, it looked as if Thomas Muller and Co. would have the greater impetus in the match. Jesper Sorensen's side largely dominated possession against the home side, with 65 percent of the ball. Yet, just 10 minutes later, Messi delivered the game's defining moment. 

But Inter Miami weren't done yet. Allende, who entered the game tied for the postseason goal-scoring record with eight, would break it to ensure the victory for Javier Mascherano's side in extra time. And of course, it was Messi who again delivered the assist. The match also served as a fitting end for the careers of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who are both retiring after this season.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium….

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Rocco Rios-Novo (5/10):

  Brilliant first half, painful second. Novo made some critical point-blank saves in the opening 45 minutes as Vancouver chased the game, but let Ali Ahmed's chance slip through his fingertips on a must-save chance. 

  Ian Fray (8/10):

  Far and away, Inter Miami's best defender on the day, with x defensive contributions. He largely kept Ahmed and Muller at bay at times, but he'll rue his positioning on the goal Miami conceded. 

  Noah Allen (6/10):

  Largely quiet outing for the usually effective Herons' defender. He did make some key clearances, though, especially with Vancouver having the lion's share of possession. 

  Sergio Busquets (5/10):

  Outside of a brilliant pullback move in the first half, he was more of a liability playing at center back than he was an asset. Struggled to be his accurate best when it came to what he does best, too, connecting on a low by his standards at 78 percent. 

  Maximiliano Falcon (6/10):

  Erratic, but weirdly effective at the same time. Falcon channeled his inner David Luiz, at times reckless with his positioning, but also winning the ball at key moments up the pitch as Miami struggled to retain possession. 

  Jordi Alba (4/10):

  Was tormented multiple times by Emmanuel Sabbi,  with the Spaniard not able to stay in front of the pacey American winger. With Alba having to constantly play catch-up, it likely played a factor in his ineffectiveness on the other end of the pitch. He was abnormally inaccurate with his passing, connecting on just 78 percent of his attempts and didn't create a single chance. Not a memorable game for arguably the best attacking left back in football history. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

   Baltasar Rodriguez (4/10):

  Ineffective. Ran 57 minutes of cardio before being pulled off. 

  Rodrigo De Paul(8/10):

  Let's be fair, the high rating is largely a participation award here, but the star Argentine midfielder didn't fluff his lines when Messi delivered an all-world pass. Otherwise, by De Paul's high standards, Vancouver largely curtailed his effectiveness. The goal changed everything. 

  Mateo Silvetti (5/10):

  Didn't offer much, but he was largely kept on due to being one of Miami's fastest players. Was removed in the 78th minute for Yannick Bright as Mascherano wanted to preserve a 2-1 advantage. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Lionel Messi (10/10):

  This was the Messi show, despite not having many chances. He played a composed game and masterfully made his impact felt by being a facilitator. He played a role in all three goals for Miami, assisting the final two. Miami doesn't win this game with Messi's performance Saturday. He was that good. 

  Tadeo Allende (9/10):

  The owner of MLS's postseason scoring record with nine goals, continues to be an underrated cog for the Herons. It will be interesting to see if the team is able to keep the Celta loanee for next season. 

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• Subs & Manager

  Telasco Segovia (6/10):

  Was stronger than Rodriguez, but that isn't saying much. Provided an injection of pace and spacing. 

  Yannick Bright (6/10):

  Brought on to keep the lead intact and did his job. 

  Marcelo Weigandt(NA):

  Came on to relieve Fray. Played one minute. 

  Javier Mascherano (8/10):

  Really grew into his own this postseason and showed he is a young manager on the rise. Unlike earlier in the season, he was unafraid to make adjustments where needed. He had unbelievable pressure this season and more than delivered on sky-high expectations. This could be the start of lenghty and potentially successful coaching career for the former Barcelona star

The Blue Jays are one win away from their first trip to the American League championship series since 2016.

After hammering the Yankees 10–1 in Game 1 of the AL division series on Saturday, the Blue Jays were back at it on Sunday, racing to a 12–0 lead before holding on for a 13–7 win. Toronto’s bats were a big part of the story in Game 2, but rookie righty Trey Yesavage stole headlines with an incredible performance on the mound.

The Yankees failed to show up in either game north of the border and now find themselves with their backs against the wall, trailing 2–0 in the best-of-five series. Here’s a look at three takeaways from Toronto's big win on Sunday.

The Blue Jays Aren’t Intimidated

Toronto came out firing in Game 1, and that continued in Game 2. A 10–1 victory on Saturday led to a 13-run outburst that included a 12–0 lead by the fifth inning. The Blue Jays are not scared of what the Yankees have thrown at them, even with Bo Bichette sidelined.

After scoring eight runs on New York’s bullpen in Game 1, Toronto lit up Yankees ace Max Fried, scoring seven runs on eight hits in three-plus innings. Perhaps most importantly, the Blue Jays’ big bats came to play. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a monster grand slam to drive in four. Daulton Varsho had two bombs, George Springer also went deep and Alejandro Kirk drove in a run after hitting two home runs in Game 1.

The Blue Jays had one of MLB’s best offenses all season. Even with Bichette watching from the dugout, Toronto hasn’t missed a beat.

Trey Yesavage Earned His Spot

A lot was made about Toronto’s decision to give top prospect Trey Yesavage the start in a critical spot on Sunday. It turned out to be a phenomenal call. The rookie righty showed he’s the team’s top prospect for a reason.

In 5 1/3 electric, shutout innings, Yesavage held the Yankees without a hit, walked one and struck out 11, which was a Blue Jays postseason record. He sat in the mid-90s and garnered a ridiculous 18 whiffs, 11 of which came on his devastating splitter. He was excellent all afternoon and fed off the raucous crowd at Rogers Centre.

The 22-year-old is Toronto’s No. 1 prospect, and MLB Pipeline ranks him at No. 26 overall. The 20th pick in the 2024 MLB draft, Yesavage rose quickly through the minor league ranks this season, earning a call-up in mid-September after 25 outings.

Yesavage went 1–0 with a 3.21 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in three big league starts before the playoffs. He struck out 16 and walked seven in 14 innings. It was a gamble to give him a start in such a big spot, but he stepped into the spotlight and owned the moment.

Toronto’s starting rotation ranked 23rd in baseball with just 8.5 fWAR, and it was 24th in FIP (4.46), so there was plenty of room to add another piece. Yesavage is an elite talent that elevates the rotation when he’s locked in. He’s earned that rotation spot after Sunday’s immaculate performance.

It’s Getting Late Early for the Yankees

The Yankees entered the 2025 season looking to finish what they started in 2024 when they fell short against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. They got past the Boston Red Sox in the wild-card round after losing Game 1 and winning the next two, but now find themselves on the brink again.

In two games against Toronto, New York has been outscored 23–8. At one point, it was 22–1 before the Yankees got two runs in the sixth inning on Sunday, then followed that with five more in the seventh. That only came against the back of the Blue Jays’ bullpen after the Yanks dug themselves an insurmountable deficit.

New York’s staff has allowed 23 runs in 16 innings so far in this series, which works out to a brutal ERA of 12.94. Part of that has been Toronto’s relentless offense, but it’s also the Yankees’ pitchers not executing. The franchise didn’t give Fried $218 million to watch him allow seven runs in three-plus innings during a key playoff game. The lefty delivered 6 1/3 shutout innings in Game 1 of the wild-card series but now has a 9.64 ERA in his last five playoff starts dating back to 2022.

Now the series heads to Yankee Stadium, where Carlos Rodón will face Shane Bieber on Tuesday night. The 32-year-old lefty allowed three runs in six innings against the Red Sox in Game 2 of the wild-card series, so he’s already pitched in an elimination game this postseason.

Rodon will need to be at his best because the Yankees already find themselves on the verge of a very long vacation.

Sophie Devine made a fifty and Amelia Kerr made 40 off 67 for the White Ferns in Bengaluru

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Sep-2025India chased down 237 to beat New Zealand by four wickets in their second Women’s World Cup warm-up match in Bengaluru after a heavy loss to England in their first match.After a solid start, where they reached 54 for 0 in the eighth over, India lost Pratika Rawal and Uma Chetry to leave the score at 71 for 2. Harleen Deol (74) and Harmanpreet Kaur (69) then put on a 132-run third-wicket partnership, guiding India towards the target. Despite a late collapse from 203 for 2 to 230 for 6, India held on to win with ten balls to spare.Earlier, after a rain delay, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat. India struck early, reducing them to 38 for 2 by the eighth over. Sophie Devine’s 54 and Amelia Kerr’s 40 steadied the innings, taking New Zealand to 132 for 3. They finished on 232 for 8 in a 42-overs-a-side contest.For India, N Shree Charani claimed three wickets, while pacers Kranti Goud and Arundhati Reddy – back in action after suffering a blow to her leg in the previous match – each took two.

Everton are in the race to sign James Ward-Prowse from West Ham in January, with the midfielder “almost certain” to leave the London Stadium in the new year.

Ward-Prowse has enjoyed an impressive career, spending many years at Southampton and being renowned for being one of the best set-piece specialists in Premier League history.

Ward-Prowse has struggled to be a regular for West Ham this season however, and with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2027, the Hammers are set to listen to offers for him in January.

“There’s no way he’s getting back into the plans at West Ham. Nuno just doesn’t want him in the team; he is not open to the idea of this turning around,” reported Dean Jones earlier this month, claiming a move is “almost certain”.

“I don’t see any possibility that West Ham try to stop him from leaving. I think they will treat him with respect and allow him the chance to move.”

Everton are the team most strongly linked with the 11-cap England international, and now a new update has emerged regarding a possible move for the 31-year-old.

Everton ready to offer Ward-Prowse exit route

Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown talked up Everton’s interest in Ward-Prowse due to his connection with David Moyes, confirming the Blues are “willing” to offer him a fresh start.

At 31, Ward-Prowse is now in the autumn of his career, so Everton wouldn’t be signing him as a long-term prospect with lots of sell-on value.

That said, he could be a shrewd signing in terms of his experience and enduring quality, not necessarily being a key starter but adding depth to the Blues’ squad at a relatively low cost given his contract situation.

Friedkin now plotting 2026 move to sign "sensational" boyhood Everton fan

He recently scored a hat-trick.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 21, 2025

The fact that Moyes knows him well can only be a positive – he wouldn’t want him if he didn’t value him as a player and a character – so the positives outweigh the negatives.

Only three players earn more than James Ward-Prowse at West Ham

Kane Williamson accepts that “managing priorities on the calendar is a big task” but hopes all Test-playing countries give the format the attention it needs

Abhimanyu Bose08-Oct-2025Kane Williamson wants all stakeholders to give “greater importance” to Test cricket, especially in countries where the format faces the most challenges.”There’s been a lot of discussion about the Test game and how to keep breathing life into it, especially in countries where it’s facing greater challenges,” Williamson said on the sidelines of the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai on Tuesday. “The concern with a potential two-tier system is how teams in the second tier can continue to improve and work their way up to the top division.”There are already many conversations around this, but the reality is that the impact has been felt for some time, so finding a solution sooner would be better. The Test format needs greater importance placed on it by all playing nations, along with additional resources to support its growth. As a passionate supporter of Test cricket, I would love to see it thrive.”Related

• Williamson 'deserves' time to communicate NZ availability

• Chase: 'There is a struggle in the Caribbean for finances'

• West Indies 'hedging our bets' as fear over two-tier WTC grows

• Two-tier model for Test cricket – ECB wary, CA 'open'

Williamson, who has called for tweaks, like designated windows for Test cricket in the past, supported the argument against two-match Test series, but also recognised the challenges faced by certain boards to host longer series.”These circumstances aren’t ideal, but the Test game faces more challenges in some countries than others. Organising three- or four-match Test series is difficult commercially, making it hard for boards to support,” he said. “However, the Test Championship has helped provide context, leading to more results and making the competition meaningful for teams.”While some adjustments are needed, the international schedule is very busy with both international and franchise cricket, creating clashes and challenges for players. Managing priorities on the calendar is a big task.”Two-match Test series aren’t ideal – I’ve played many for New Zealand and we always want more [games in a series] – but often this is the reality. I would love to see the Test game grow with more opportunities for teams and countries to develop, but those are complex discussions.”Williamson is now 35 and has opted out of a central contract with New Zealand Cricket and is on a casual agreement, meaning his international appearances have been and will continue to be sporadic. However, he insists that there is plenty more left in his international career.”I still love playing the game, and every opportunity to represent New Zealand remains special,” he said. “I recently spent some time in England, and although the team [New Zealand] hasn’t played a lot of cricket lately, we have a busy schedule ahead.If Test cricket is split in two tiers, West Indies could be one of the teams to be relegated•Associated Press

“Looking back on my international career, I feel incredibly grateful for the journey. There have been transitions with new players coming in, and for me, it’s been about moving from captaincy to continuing as part of the group. I still feel connected to that community and want to contribute to a team that’s heading in the right direction. There’s always plenty to look forward to.”Last year, injuries had ruled Williamson out of New Zealand’s three-Test series in India where they inflicted a historic 3-0 whitewash on the hosts, the first time India had been swept in a series of three or more Tests at home and also India’s first Test series defeat at home since England beat them in 2012.Williamson, who had captained New Zealand to another famous win over India – the one that won them the World Test Championship title in 2021 – dubbed the series win he had missed as New Zealand’s greatest achievement in Test cricket.”I believe our achievement in a three-Test series in India stands as probably our finest accomplishment as a Test-playing nation,” he said. “As we have witnessed over the years, competing – and especially winning – here is a major challenge. What the New Zealand team accomplished was remarkable and is undoubtedly a standout highlight in the history of our game.”

The young opener put India on the back foot with his outrageous shots, reminding people of a recent attacking batter whose absence is felt

Ian Chappell29-Dec-2024The team doesn’t mention it but the player Australia has badly missed is the ultra-aggressive opener David Warner.Australia were without a top-order batter who could disrupt the opposition with his strokeplay and make opposition bowlers think differently. Well, on Boxing Day they found such a player in vibrant young opener Sam Konstas.He not only disrupted India and gave Jasprit Bumrah something to seriously ponder, he also frustrated the opposition. In the end Virat Kohli succumbed and resorted to a physical approach. This is not the answer; cricket isn’t a physical game – it requires skill and thought.Related

• Cummins wants Konstas to play like 'you're a kid in the backyard' on Boxing Day debut

• Konstas arrives at the Test arena like a supernova

• Konstas on taking on Bumrah: 'That's the beauty of being young and a bit naive'

Konstas’ strategy was sound: shift some of the catching fielders and don’t allow good bowlers to operate the way they want to. It was his execution that was so different from Warner’s, and it remains to be seen if his is a viable long-term method.It certainly worked on Boxing Day but India will have noted that whenever Konstas played traditional cricket shots, his success rate was extremely low. Will this mean that in future India tries to force Konstas to play more normal cricket shots?This is how the battle plays out in Test cricket: a player arrives, batting in an unusual manner, then it’s up to the opposition bowlers to re-assess. Once the bowling team reacts, it’s the batter who has to make an adjustment. This is an ongoing process until one gains the upper hand.Apart from creating an immediate cult following, Konstas made life simpler for his fellow batters. Konstas’ outrageous blitz on the Indian new-ball bowlers allowed Australia to burst out of the gates and put themselves in a strong position.In his own way Konstas caused India to slip into the mentality of feeling sorry for themselves about the opposition playing and missing and edges falling short of the cordon. It wasn’t until late in the day when the batting took on a more normal approach that Bumrah began to exert some control over the Australian team again.

A player arrives, batting in an unusual manner, and it’s up to the opposition bowlers to reassess. Once the bowling team reacts, it’s the batter who has to make an adjustment. This is an ongoing process until one gains the upper hand.

In the build-up, Konstas’ statistical likeness to Ricky Ponting (twin centuries in a Shield game) was noted. Normally a statistical likeness with one of Australia’s best batters places a heavy burden on the newcomer. However, Konstas made light of any debutant pressure. The burden will come later when – not if – he fails.It’s then that his method will be questioned rather than admired. How Konstas reacts will decide whether he has the courage and skill to disregard the doubters, as Warner did, to become a highly successful batter.What Konstas’ gregarious attitude did do was energise Steve Smith, who rediscovered his old self and began to play with more freedom. Smith’s strokeplay and skipper Pat Cummins’ determination put Australia on the path to a big total.With Australia dominating the must-win Test, India needed to mount a strong fightback.It was then that the confident Yashasvi Jaiswal made it the story of two brash young openers, as he instituted his own form of disruption. Playing with flair, scintillating strokes and assurance, Jaiswal, with solid assistance from a determined Kohli, pushed India into safer waters.Just when it looked as though India were mounting a serious challenge, Jaiswal went and spoiled it all by saying “yes”. The inexcusable mix-up that followed resulted in him being needlessly run-out. Then Kohli, disoriented by the senseless waste, lost concentration and his dismissal meant India were in big trouble.The talented young openers from each side played their part in giving this Test a sense of drama but Konstas was better supported by his more experienced team-mates.Now it remains to be seen if India can regroup and provide the fight needed to keep Australia at bay. India will require all the resolve they can muster, as the result of this Test could well decide the destination of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.