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Batter rewarded for impressive form for Oval Invincibles, en route to their third Men’s Hundred title

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Sep-2025Jordan Cox has been rewarded for his Player-of-the-Tournament display in the Men’s Hundred with a belated call-up to England’s T20I squad to face Ireland later this month.Cox, 24, topped the Hundred averages with 367 runs at 61.16, and a strike-rate of 173.93, as Oval Invincibles lifted the trophy for the third consecutive season with an emphatic 26-run victory over Trent Rockets in the final at Lord’s on Sunday.Cox himself made 40 from 28 balls in the final, after which he said he would continue to “bang the England door down”, after a series of luckless near-misses in recent months, including a broken thumb sustained on the eve of his designated Test debut in New Zealand, and a side strain sustained while making a century for Essex earlier this summer.He has previously played two T20Is, making scores of 17 and 0 against Australia in September 2024, as well as three ODIs on the subsequent tour of West Indies in October and November.His recall comes as part of a second-string England squad, captained by Jacob Bethell, that is due to play three T20Is in Dublin on September 17, 19 and 21. The original 14-man squad had been notably light on specialist batting, with the likelihood that a bowling allrounder – Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed or Jamie Overton – would be carded to come in at No.6.The news comes just 24 hours after England’s 50-over squad were bowled out for 131 in 24.3 overs at Headingley, to slump to a humiliating seven-wicket loss to South Africa in the first ODI.

Chelsea legend Pat Nevin has lauded Moises Caicedo's performances, going as far as to call the 24-year-old a "genius defensively". The pundit said the Ecuadorian could be a transfer target for Real Madrid going forward, however, given his performances and the lofty £115m sum the Blues paid for his services in 2023, a future deal for the player would be difficult to execute.

Caicedo will interest Real Madrid

Nevin was running the rule over Chelsea's season so far in an interview with Casino Hawks. He spoke glowingly about the Ecuadorian, suggesting he could play in any team, including Xabi Alonso's side. 

However, the finances of any approach for Caicedo could prove prohibitive, says Nevin. While the midfielder has been a standout performer in 2025/26, the pundit still thinks even the biggest clubs might hesitate to part with the £200m Chelsea would likely demand. Caicedo joined the west London club from Brighton for a British record transfer fee of £115m in 2023, signing an eight-year contract with the Blues. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNevin: Caicedo is an "absolute genius defensively"

Speaking about the midfielder, Nevin said: "Moises Caicedo is capable of playing in any team because he's more than a destructive player, he's an absolute genius defensively. Yes, he would interest Real Madrid, but I can't see the numbers working. I’m struggling to see the numbers working.

"Because if he's bought for £100m, or £115m depending on what you hear about the add-ons, etc., how much is he going to have to spend to get him to give Chelsea a viable profit that they don't feel as if they've lost one of their best, if not their best, player? 

You're talking 200 odd million. Unless you're a forward scoring 30, 40 goals a season, that market, I'm not sure about. Even though Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo were both bought for over 100 million and I have to say, it shocked a lot of us, that amount of money spent in that position. But to go further than that, I don't know."

Caicedo's 2025/26 season so far

Caicedo has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in the 2025/26 season. He has completed 90.7% of his passes, according to Opta. Typically viewed as a destructive defensive presence, his output in the final third has improved this term, completing 81.7% of his passes in the attacking third this term. 

He is still just as ferocious in the tackle, making 3.2 tacklers per 90 minutes and winning close to 60% of his ground duels. 

The standout moment of his campaign came during the Blues 2-1 win over Liverpool last month. His thunderous strike had an xG of just 0.03. 

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AFPCaicedo a consistent performer in a baffling Chelsea side

Enzo Maresca's side has blown hot and cold throughout the 2025/26 season, yet they still find themselves sitting in third place in the Premier League table. While his teammates have struggled for consistency, Caicedo has been a stalwart in the middle of the park. If the Blues are to mount any serious attack on the title race this term, he will need to continue his rich vein of form. That will likely attract a cadre of suitors for his services, but as Nevin points out, his already lofty price tag following his record switch from Brighton could well see him stay in west London for the bulk of his prime. 

Caicedo and Chelsea's Premier League season continues with an away trip to Burnley following the international, before the Blues travel to Barcelona in the Champions League on November 25. 

The MLB offseason is in its final stages as pitchers and catchers report for spring training this week.

There have been plenty of big signings throughout the winter, including the mega-deal Juan Soto inked to swap allegiances from the New York Yankees to the New York Mets, and the plethora of top-tier free agents that agreed to join the superteam that is the Los Angeles Dodgers on deferred contracts.

Despite the abundance of offseason movement, there are still some notable free agents who remain unsigned. Whether they're hoping to see a more lucrative offer come through or they're working to identify the best opportunity, plenty of quality players remain available on the open market.

The first spring training games get underway Feb. 20, so time is running out for those unsigned free agents if they want to spend the full spring with a team to get back into the swing of things. As the end of the offseason approaches and teams report to camps in Arizona and Florida, here's a look at the top five remaining free agents.

Alex Bregman, 3B

Eddie Howe says he takes "no pride" in ending his wretched record against Manchester City in the Premier League following Newcastle United's 2-1 win. A Harvey Barnes brace, either side of Ruben Dias' goal, ensured the Magpies boss beat City at the 19th attempt in the English top-flight. Despite getting that monkey off his back, the 47-year-old focused more on his team's positive performance.

Newcastle hurt Man City's title hopes

In a pulsating clash where Newcastle had just 32 per cent possession and nine shots to City's 17, Howe's side overcame Pep Guardiola's in-form team to give them a morale-boosting victory at St James' Park on Saturday. After winning four of their last five Premier League games, City looked like they may catch table-topping Arsenal but this defeat has hurt those chances. They are down to third after Chelsea's win over Burnley and if Arsenal beat Tottenham on Sunday, they could go seven points clear of the Citizens.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportHowe thrilled with Newcastle triumph

Howe cut a relieved figure after Newcastle had secured all three points on Saturday night. He would have had his heart in his mouth when Barnes' second goal was the subject of a lengthy VAR review, before the decision went their way. And the former Bournemouth manager was clearly thrilled with how things panned out in the north east. 

He told BBC Radio 5 Live after the game: "That doesn't sound good that, 19 games. I'm well aware of my record against Manchester City, that is something I take no pride in really. Trying to figure out a way to beat them is very, very difficult. Even today's game, it was so tight. The margins in Premier League games against them are so fine, but we came out on the right side today. I thought it was a great performance from the players, full of energy, heart and bravery. I'm delighted with how we played.

"The mindset was key and the attitude. The energy was back that was missing against Brentford and West Ham. Our running ability and power was there. Our technical ability was there too, which hasn't always been the case. We were brave in our approach. We tried to be aggressive and we got rewarded that at times, they punish you for that at times, so you are always on a bit of a knife-edge against them. Thankfully Nick [Pope] made some good saves when needed them and we got the goals at good times."

Howe praises matchwinner Barnes

With Barnes' contribution, he took his goal tally to six in all competitions. In the league, he is Newcastle's joint second highest scorer with team-mate Bruno Guimaraes (three) and is one behind Nick Woltemade. But the former Leicester City man did miss a glorious chance in the game, which could have proven costly. But Howe was quick to praise the winger.

He added: "Two great goals for Harvey, he missed a couple in the first half, but he is always a player that gets chances and that is the great thing about him. When you put him on the team sheet you know there is going to be some moments. His first goal was an outstanding finish and that was probably the hardest of the ones he had today, found the corner with his right foot. The second one is about being in the right place at the right time. Two massive goals for us and hopefully that can lift us in the Premier League."

Barnes himself said to BBC's Match of the Day: "It feels great [to be the matchwinner]. I don't think I was the most popular man at half time. Glad to make up for it in the second half with a couple of good goals and it was a great win for us. Hopefully after today's result we can kick on and go on a good run."

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AFPWhat comes next for Newcastle?

Newcastle, like all the teams taking part in European competitions this season, are preparing for a busy run of fixtures over the coming weeks. In fact, between Tuesday's trip to Marseille in the Champions League and their crunch derby clash with Sunderland on December 14, the Toon play six matches in all competitions. That will demand a lot of Howe's men, and whether they will be up to the task remains to be seen.

A significant update has emerged regarding one Rangers star’s Ibrox future, with the 49ers Enterprises tempted to sell and his potential price tag in the January transfer window revealed.

The Gers have found some much-needed form with Danny Rohl at the helm, with three wins in succession coming their way in the Scottish Premiership.

Numerous players have performed better under the German than they did with Russell Martin in charge, not least Nicolas Raskin, who was impressive in Sunday’s 3-0 win away to Dundee in the league, bossing the midfield battle for the visitors.

The Belgian fell out of favour under his previous manager, who publicly explained why he axed him from Rangers’ squad to face Hearts earlier this season.

“He won’t be in the squad tomorrow. We have a lot of conversations as we do with every player, but he’s back training with the squad which is a good step. Now, like every player, he has a duty to make sure he earns the trust of all his other team-mates, coaching staff and the staff in the building to help us win football matches.”

Rangers may sell Raskin for £20m in January

Now, according to a new update from TEAMtalk, Rangers and the 49ers could be willing to sell Raskin in January, potentially demanding as much as £20m for his signature, even though Rohl has “consistently praised” his influence and sees him in his long-term plans. Two unnamed Serie A sides are weighing up a New Year approach.

£20m “could be enough” to force the Gers’ hand midway through the season, with the Scottish side “aware of his growing market value -particularly after another impressive international break with Belgium, where he earned widespread plaudits for his composure and work rate.”

Opinion may be split over Rangers potentially letting Raskin leave the club in January, not least because he has shown the quality that he has in his locker in recent weeks, also being lauded by Derek Ferguson in the past: “Raskin, since he started looking after himself, has been phenomenal. It’s his drive, his ability on the ball.”

The 24-year-old is contracted at Ibrox until the summer of 2027, so a big decision does need to be made relatively soon, in order for the Gers not to miss out on receiving a hefty fee for him, and certainly not losing him on a free transfer at that point.

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That said, waiting until the summer feels like a sensible choice, allowing Raskin to remain at the club for the rest of this season, helping Rohl’s side give themselves the best possible chance of success, both domestically and in Europe.

0 mins under Martin: Rohl must unleash Rangers' "left-footed Van Dijk"

India captain Suryakumar Yadav said the move was planned in alignment with the BCCI and the Indian government

Shashank Kishore14-Sep-2025No handshakes were exchanged before or after India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday as tensions between the two countries spilled out onto the field in Dubai.Suryakumar Yadav, the winning captain, said India had decided before the match – in alignment with the BCCI and the Indian government – that they would not shake hands with the opposition, a move that left Pakistan visibly disapppointed. Mike Hesson, the Pakistan coach, said the team had been waiting after the game to shake hands only to discover India were snubbing them.Related

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Asia Cup: India-Pakistan set to go ahead after Indian government clarifies stance

That led to their captain Salman Agha not appearing for the post-match TV interview, as is a broadcast norm. Pakistan’s displeasure over these events has extended as far as match referee Andy Pycroft.Hours after the match ended, the PCB said in a statement that Pakistan’s team manager had registered a “formal protest” against him, because he had “requested the captains not to shake hands during the toss”.This was the first meeting between the two sides since India and Pakistan exchanged cross-border hostilities following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, and uncertainty had surrounded the match in the intervening months, with several calls for India to boycott it.Clarity only emerged when the Indian government came out with its official policy for sporting engagements with Pakistan, greenlighting meetings in multilateral events while refusing to engage in bilateral contests. All that remained to be seen was how the match would play out against this backdrop.”Our government and BCCI – we were aligned today,” Suryakumar said at his post-match press conference. “Rest, we took a call [about not shaking hands]. We came here to just play the game. We have given a proper reply.”The match was played against the backdrop of heightened political tensions between India and Pakistan•Associated PressAsked if their refusal to shake hands was against sporting spirit, Suryakumar said: “Few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit also. I’ve [said] it at the presentation as well, we stand with all the victims of Pahalgam terror attacks, stand with their families, and express our solidarity.”Hesson expressed “disappointment” at India’s stance.”We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game, we obviously are disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that,” he said. “We sort of went over there to shake hands and they’d already gone into the changing room.”That was a disappointing way for the match to finish, and a match we were disappointed for the way we played, but we were certainly willing to shake hands.”Hesson said Agha’s absence from the presentation ceremony was a “follow-on effect” of India’s refusal to shake hands. The PCB statement confirmed this, terming India’s actions to be “against sportsmanship”.”Manager Naveed Akram Cheema has registered a formal protest against the match referee’s behaviour,” the PCB statement said. “Match referee requested the captains not to shake hands during the toss.”Pycroft’s response to Pakistan’s statement is awaited.

When Nick Castellanos hits a home run, bad news also strikes.

While more a joke than a reflection of reality, the joke has legs, leading many to post about expecting the worst after Casty goes yard.

The trend began after former Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman interrupted his own apology to call a Castellanos dinger back in 2020. Since then, Castellanos has hit one out of the park on a few more somber or solemn occasions, and now it’s just something that baseball fans have come to expect, or at least have fun with.

Fast forward to Sunday, where Castellanos stepped up to the plate against the Los Angeles Dodgers with the bases loaded and smashed the first pitch he saw for a drive to deep left field over the wall. Immediately, baseball fans got to work, relating the dinger to the stock market free fall that began last week and seeing Casty’s shot as a sign that crash was only just beginning.

While it feels difficult to imagine that the right fielder of the Philadelphia Phillies has any influence on global economics, does anyone really know what does control the stock market?

Wait, don’t answer that.

The opener only made 4 and Kurtis Patterson was dismissed cheaply as NSW made a bad start

AAP04-Oct-2025Sam Konstas missed out in his first Ashes audition of the new Sheffield Shield summer as New South Wales slumped against Western Australia on a rain-shortened opening day at the WACA ground.The NSW opener, who turned 20 this week, fell for 4 off 25 balls before rain stopped play on Saturday in Perth. Team-mate Kurtis Patterson also was dismissed for 8 from 36 balls after WA won the toss and had no hesitation in sending NSW in on a moist green surface under overcast skies.Related

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Konstas’ low score came on a day when another Ashes hopeful, Tasmanian opener Jake Weatherald, made 67 from 99 balls against Queensland in Brisbane.When rain stopped play in Perth, NSW were in early strife at 35 for 3.Konstas came to Perth with a head of steam after scoring a century for Australia A in India but batting was much harder on the bowler-friendly surface at the WACA. He survived two lbw appeals, while wicketkeeper Joel Curtis dropped a tough catch off his inside edge from the bowling of Matt Kelly.But WA left-arm seamer Joel Paris was ultimately rewarded for an impressive opening spell when he trapped Konstas lbw. Paris bowled eight overs with seven maidens and has figures of 1 for 1.Cameron Gannon had Patterson caught behind and Test all-rounder Cameron Green took an outstanding catch at second slip off spinner Corey Rocchiccioli to dismiss opener Blake Nikitaras for 9 from 57 deliveries.Matthew Gilkes and Oliver Davies were trying to rebuild having come together at 23 for 3 in the 20th over but rain halted play after 25.1 overs and teams never got back on.

Paul Scholes has admitted that he has been forced to use Manchester United touts in order to secure Old Trafford tickets for matchdays, as claims emerge that the Red Devils have frozen out legends such as fellow Premier League title winner Nicky Butt. The pair have revealed their experiences in dealing with the club in recent years, claiming that the club is "different" from the years when they were playing under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Scholes reveals Old Trafford ticket troubles

Scholes was speaking on podcast and touched on the issues he has faced in securing tickets to watch United play in recent years.

While he noted that it has now been 13 years since he hung up his boots and departed the club as a player – following a storied career in which he won 11 Premier League titles – he expressed a desire for a clearer line of communication to exist between the club and former players.

This revelation that he has used ticket touts to gain resold Old Trafford tickets paints an uncomfortable picture, which reflects the state of United as a club in recent times, something Scholes has often spoken out on.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Am I allowed to say that?' – Scholes explains embarrassing situation

"It's a very different football club to the club we knew," Scholes began. "I don't know about you Nicky, you worked there quite recently, but I don't really know anybody there."

Butt agreed: "I don't know anybody there."

Scholes continued: "I have four season tickets so we use them… my son uses them every single week. You get people asking [for tickets]. I've had a Salford lad who wants to go to the game this week – a couple of tickets. So I've had to ring a tout? Am I allowed to say that? Honestly, I know a tout."

Butt explains shocking season ticket threats

"My lad has got the same thing," Butt explained. "If you don't use them three times you get them taken off you.

"I've had an email saying ‘you're having your ticket taken off you’. So I rang them up and said can I speak to somebody about this please? And they go ‘who am I speaking to please?’, and I go Nicky Butt and they go, ‘OK, well who's that?’"

Scholes joked: "Who's that? Is that the one who used to play for Newcastle?"

"I couldn't really say it but I felt like saying: I played about 450 games for this club!" Butt concluded.

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The club is 'different', Scholes concludes

"I'm not complaining about that," Scholes said about not receiving special treatment. "That's just the way it is and the way it happens. Just because you played for the club, you're not entitled to stuff."

Host Paddy McGuinness interjected: "Hang on a minute! The amount of games you played, your life-long service as a player for United, you gave everything to the club."

Scholes replied: "Yeah, but we only played for them. You're going back 13 years now for the last time I played. We don't mind paying for them, we just don't know who to ring because the club is just different, it's a different football club."

Manchester United are building for the future under Ruben Amorim, and he now appears to have made key decisions on two of his most high-profile Old Trafford stars.

The Red Devils have made a reasonable start to the Premier League campaign and could well make a push for the European slots if they can maintain momentum, though that is something that will be challenged over the festive period due to the African Cup of Nations.

Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are set to depart next month, leaving roles to be filled in the squad during a busy schedule that is set to be fraught with intense action.

Still, Premier League sides have known the competition is part and parcel of their squad planning, making it an issue they should be able to handle without the need for mass panic.

Signings in January will be important and there is an obvious need for midfield reinforcements, especially with Casemiro drawing closer to the end of his contract at Old Trafford.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes is the latest name on Manchester United’s list, and discussions are said to be progressing well over a potential move to work under Amorim’s stewardship in January.

Rob Edwards has signalled his desire to keep the Brazilian at Molineux. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped the Red Devils making tracks, even if there could be a twist in the tale regarding the state of play on their engine room, courtesy of Fabrizio Romano.

Fabrizio Romano delivers contract update on Casemiro and Maguire

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has confirmed that Amorim wants both Casemiro and Harry Maguire to stay at Manchester United, providing they reduce their wages in line with the club’s new salary structure.

He said: “My understanding is that the situation of Casemiro is a really similar situation in terms of strategy to Harry Maguire.

“Casemiro and Harry Maguire are out of contract in the summer of 2026 and for Manchester United, they are two really important players, especially now.

“We have to say congrats to Casemiro. In this video let’s focus on Casemiro, because he’s been able to change his situation at Manchester United.”

Later, he added: “So now the desire is from Man United, obviously, to continue with Casemiro, but in different conditions. So the salary he has right now is a salary that Manchester United don’t want to pay in the future, not because of Casemiro or Maguire, but because they want to change the salary structure.”

Between them, a pay packet of £540,000 per week is a major chunk of the Red Devils’ wage list, and with both edging closer to the twilight of their respective careers, it may be worth looking at younger reinforcements as their contracts look set to expire.

Man Utd progress in talks to sign £40m+ midfielder who gives "everything"

The Red Devils could be closing in on a deal to sign a talented Premier League star.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 23, 2025

Conversely, experience is vital and cannot be understated. Over the coming months, it would be a smart decision to tie down both stars if they can agree to a wage reduction.