More than half the squad have played some competitive cricket over since the end of last season

Andrew McGlashan28-May-20252:00

Decoding Mitchell Starc’s wobble seam delivery

The Australia squad for the World Test Championship final convenes in the UK this week for a team-building camp before training ramps ahead of facing South Africa at Lord’s on June 11. Coach Andrew McDonald termed the recent period a “muddled mess” with a mixture of players at home, featuring in the IPL either side of its suspension and playing county cricket but was confident in how the side would be able to prepare once they are all together. Here’s a round-up of what those selected have been up to over the last couple of months.

Usman Khawaja

After the controversial end to the season amid the fallout with Queensland cricket boss Joe Dawes over Sheffield Shield availability it’s been a period at home for Khawaja as he enters what might be the final stretch of his international career. The end of the Ashes next season, which concludes at the SCG, could be the stepping off point. In the WTC final his experience will be vital given the uncertainty over who will partner him at the top of the order.

Sam Konstas

Konstas had been keen for a county deal to further his cricket education but an opening didn’t transpire so he, too, has prepared at home with sessions at Cricket Central in Sydney and at the Brisbane-based camps where McDonald revealed he had been working on some technical tweaks. It will be fascinating to watch how the next couple of months play out for Konstas after the high-octane start to his career against India. The reported that he had self-funded an extra session in Brisbane after being invited up by Nathan Lyon.Related

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• Green has 'all bases covered' amid Australia's WTC final selection debates

Marnus Labuschagne

The key figure in Australia’s selection debate. Has time run out for Labuschagne after two lean years in Test cricket? His two-match stint with Glamorgan was unconvincing with scores of 0, 4 and 23. But in his favour is the experience he has of playing in England, although should he retain his place in the XI it looks increasingly likely he would be handed a new role as opener.

Steven Smith

Smith has spent time in New York, a favourite destination of his and somewhere he owns property, where he has regularly posted on social media of various runs around the city and gym sessions ahead of joining his team-mates in the UK. With over 10,000 Test runs the management are content to allow Smith to tailor his own preparation and he will no doubt switch on to some intense net sessions when the squad begins training. As ever with Smith there is intrigue around how much longer his career will go but his recent run-scoring suggests the hunger remains.Travis Head has had another season at the IPL•Associated Press

Travis Head

Head has been among the contingent at the IPL and while he couldn’t match the highs of last season he still produced the occasional dazzling display as he made 374 runs with a strike-rate of 162.60. He signed off with 76 off 40 balls in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) massive 278 for 3, having overcome a bout of Covid, and now the transition begins to Test mode. Head played the decisive innings two years ago with a thrilling 163 off 174 balls against India at The Oval.

Cameron Green

Things could hardly have gone much better for Green on his return from the back surgery that kept him out for the whole of the last home season. Three centuries in nine innings for Gloucestershire, including tons in his last two outings, has left him primed for a return to the Test side even though he won’t be a bowling option until the Ashes later in the year. Last time he played Tests, against New Zealand in early 2024, he batted at No. 4 where he made a superb unbeaten 174 in Wellington. Where he fits in this time is intriguing.

Beau Webster

Webster, who impressed on his Test debut against India, has had a four-game spell with Warwickshire where he has chipped in without setting things alight. He made 85 in his first innings but did not pass fifty again while claiming 10 wickets at 27.80. Whether he retains his place at Lord’s appears likely to come down to conditions and how important the selectors view overs from a fifth bowler.Cameron Green will be one of Australia’s most in-form players heading into the final•Getty Images

Alex Carey

Carey finished last season in some of the best form of his life having made a century in Sri Lanka, runs at the Champions Trophy and two hundreds to end the Shield season, the second of them central to South Australia’s historic title victory. Since then he has been at home and has used the camps in Brisbane this month to tune up for the final.

Josh Inglis

Inglis has been with Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the IPL where he had to bide his time on the bench but has since played eight matches – making 197 runs at a strike-rate of 164.16 – either side of the tournament’s suspension with his latest innings being a superb 73 off 42 balls. He was a slightly late returnee but will be available for the playoffs meaning he will join the squad in the UK when PBKS’ campaign comes to an end. Despite a century on Test debut in Sri Lanka he will likely be carrying drinks at Lord’s.

Pat Cummins

Cummins completed the entire season for SRH as they failed to make the playoffs. He finished as their joint-leading wicket-taker with 16 at 28.12 having not played since the final Test against India due to paternity leave and an ankle problem he had nursed through the summer. Behind the scenes he has been working on increasing his loads with an eye on a return to red-ball cricket at Lord’s and the next couple of weeks will be vital in ensuring he can peak against South Africa.Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, along with Josh Hazlewood, have been involved in the IPL•Associated Press

Mitchell Starc

Starc did not return to the IPL with Delhi Capitals meaning his tournament ended with 14 wickets at 26.14. His economy rate was high at 10.16 but he produced a couple of starring performances including a career-best 5 for 35. Having remained in Australia, Starc joined the home-based players in Brisbane last week which meant his focused WTC preparation started a little ahead of schedule.

Nathan Lyon

Another of those based at home, Lyon has been bowling at the training camps having recovered from a hip injury he carried for most of the home summer after initially picking it up early in the India series. It was a nastier injury than was initially indicated and a build-up of fluid needed draining to ensure he could get through the Sri Lanka tour, but feedback from the last few weeks is that he is in excellent shape heading to England.

Josh Hazlewood

After spending a period back in Australia rehabbing a shoulder niggle, Hazlewood has returned for the IPL playoffs with Royal Challengers Bengaluru aiming to cap what had been an outstanding season before the interruption. Hazlewood, who had an injury-hit home season, has so far taken 18 wickets at 17.27 with an economy of 8.44 and often found success with his Test-match length. Barring any further injury setbacks he will likely keep Scott Boland out of the XI at Lord’s.Scott Boland appears likely to miss out at Lord’s, but Australia know he will deliver if needed•Getty Images

Scott Boland

Speaking of Boland, he’s the ultimate super sub for Australia should anything happen to the big three. He managed a knee niggle through the closing stages of the season and opted against finding a small window for a county stint. Two years ago he was impressive against India in the final but may have to watch from the sidelines this time.

Matt Kuhnemann

It was a rollercoaster latter part to the season for Kuhnemann who starred in Sri Lanka and then had his action reported. He was cleared by ICC testing and after a period of the off-season at home has squeezed in a one-game outing for Glamorgan which proved very productive with a career-best 6 for 53. He won’t feature at Lord’s barring injury to Lyon but could play a role in the Caribbean.

Brendan Doggett

Doggett is the traveling reserve for the WTC final so will only be called into the 15 should injury strike. He has had a three-game stint with Durham which brought nine wickets at 33.44. An impressive home season has seen him leapfrog Sean Abbott in the pecking order.

Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness says he “assumes” Harry Kane will see out the remainder of his contract with the club, despite having the option to trigger an early exit in January. The England captain continues to be linked with La Liga giants Barcelona after revealing he is yet to open talks over an extension to his current deal, which expires in 2027.

Kane has been in stunning form for Bayern and England in 2025

Kane has been in remarkable form for both Bayern and England in 2025. The 32-year-old has scored 24 goals in just 20 games in all competitions for the Bundesliga heavyweights, who are currently eight points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig at the top of the table.

The former Tottenham striker also played a key role in helping England qualify for the 2026 World Cup, scoring eight goals in as many qualifying games as the Three Lions topped Group K with a 100 per cent record. In their final competitive fixture before next summer’s showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the United States, Kane scored both goals as Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Albania 2-0 on 16 November.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEngland captain is yet to enter contract discussions with Bayern

However, while Kane continues to sparkle on the pitch, speculation is swirling regarding his long-term future. In an interview with German newspaper earlier this month, the forward confirmed he is yet to start negotiations with Bayern over a contract renewal with the club.

“I haven't had any contact with anyone, nobody has contacted me,” said Kane. “I feel very comfortable in the current situation, even though we haven't yet discussed my situation with Bayern.

“There's no rush. I'm really happy in Munich. You can see that in the way I'm playing. If there's contact, then we'll see. But I'm not thinking about the new season yet. First up is the World Cup in the summer. And it's very unlikely that anything will change after this season.”

Getty Images SportBayern chief Eberl recently issued cryptic update on striker's future

On the back of Kane’s comments, Bayern director of sport Max Eberl issued a cryptic update on the attacker’s future following the club’s last-gasp 3-1 league win over St. Pauli on Saturday.

Speaking to after the final whistle, Eberl said: “Harry knows exactly what he wants and we have plans for him. We would like to continue. We can very, very well imagine that, but we will basically discuss everything with Harry.”

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Getty Images NewsClub legend Hoeness believes Kane wants to remain in Germany

However, club legend Hoeness – who was part of the iconic Bayern side that lifted numerous honours in the 1970s including three consecutive European Cups in 1974, 1975 and 1976 – has since issued a more bullish update on the situation.

Confirming Kane holds the option to trigger a release clause before the end of January which would allow him to leave next summer for just £56.7 million (€65m/$76m), Hoeness told “We assume that he will definitely fulfil his contract until 2027.

“And if it were up to us, and I've heard he wants it too, then he will extend. His family feels very comfortable. In Munich, you can still go about your business in peace. Harry Kane only ever worked with bodyguards at home (in London, when playing for Tottenham). You don't necessarily need that kind of life.”

Three-cap Australian opener signs all-format deal for 2026 summer

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2025Northamptonshire coach Darren Lehmann has made a statement signing by luring Australia’s Nathan McSweeney to Wantage Road for the 2026 season. The deal covers all formats and the club expect McSweeney to be available “for the whole season” barring an international recall.Lehmann joined Northants last summer and took them to T20 Blast Finals Day for the first time since 2016, though they finished second-bottom of Division Two in the County Championship and won only once in the One-Day Cup. He signed an extension mid-season which means his contract now runs until the end of 2027, and has started to strengthen his squad for next year.Lehmann was an assistant coach when McSweeney captained Brisbane Heat to the BBL title in 2023-24, and presented him with his baggy green cap when he made his Test debut against India last year. McSweeney was harshly dropped after only three caps – four of his five dismissals were to an in-form Jasprit Bumrah – but has not featured for Australia since.McSweeney previously worked with Lehmann at Brisbane Heat•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesAs a result, he should be available throughout the English summer. He will play alongside his South Australia team-mate Harry Conway for the first half of the Championship season, with Yuzvendra Chahal set to take over from Conway for the second half of the Championship and the One-Day Cup. Allrounder Louis Kimber has also joined from Leicestershire.”When the chance came up to sign with Northamptonshire, it was an easy decision,” McSweeney said. “The club has a strong culture and some quality players, and working with Boof again made it even more appealing. I’m eager to get over there, settle in, and help the team win games.”Lehmann said: “Nathan McSweeney is a brilliant player who has so much talent and potential. He’s a classy individual who will hopefully provide us with some stability in that top order. We can’t wait for him to arrive and hit the ground running.”

Australia’s T20I captain has a series against India starting on Wednesday but could return to Shield cricket after that

Andrew McGlashan27-Oct-20253:26

McGlashan: ‘Marnus has done everything asked of him’

The door remains open for Mitchell Marsh to return to Test cricket in the Ashes, with Australia head coach Andrew McDonald saying he’s batting “as well as he has for a long period of time”, while Usman Khawaja has endorsed his Queensland team-mate Matt Renshaw as the best option to partner him in the first Test.Speaking ahead of the T20I series against India but with much of the focus on the Ashes, McDonald said the selection panel would be confident picking a player out of white-ball cricket to face England, but added there could be a window for Marsh to return to the Sheffield Shield when it overlaps with the first two Tests.McDonald’s view is consistent with what was first stated back in April when the chair of selectors said Marsh’s Test career wasn’t over after his axing against India in January. In recent weeks the notion of a recall has gained traction amid Marsh’s impressive ODI and T20I form, which has brought 555 runs in his last ten innings.Related

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“We would be comfortable picking someone, and if you want to put a name to it, Mitch Marsh, out of white-ball cricket, if we felt like that was going to benefit the Test team,” McDonald said. “He’s the captain of the white-ball team. It’s very hard for him to vacate and balance out Test preparation, if he was to be in the window for that.”We feel he’s batting as well as he has for a long period of time. And when he got dropped last summer, I think he was one of our highest averages from Headingley [in the 2023 Ashes] to that point. He hit a bit of a flat patch there, and we felt it best at that time to bring Beau Webster in.”Marsh, Australia’s T20I captain and stand-in ODI leader, has played down the prospects of a Test return with varying degrees of humour over the past month, starting with a simple “no” in New Zealand when asked if he was thinking about to, to saying he’ll be “six beers deep” by lunch on day one having got tickets for the opening Test.”We still haven’t given up on Mitch Marsh’s Test career,” McDonald said. “So what would the prep look like for him? It would have to be through white ball or maybe some Shield cricket after white ball if he isn’t in that first squad and then [he] he can press his claim through that.Mitchell Marsh’s immediate priority is the T20I series against India•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

“There’s Shield [rounds] five and six also when we’re playing the Test matches, where players that aren’t in the first Test will obviously go to work then.”Western Australia play a day-night game against South Australia from November 22 and then face Victoria in the final round before the Big Bash break. Marsh played two Shield games last season before the India series, where he was then dropped after six single-figure scores in seven innings.It’s unlikely Marsh would be an all-round option, having shelved his bowling and not done any since late last year against India.Meanwhile, Khawaja believes that Renshaw is ready to return to Test cricket as the selectors ponder over who will open in Perth. Sam Konstas is the incumbent alongside Khawaja, having done the job in the West Indies but has just one fifty in four Shield innings so far this season after his lean returns in the Caribbean.Marnus Labuschagne could yet take the role if both Cameron Green and Webster make the XI but Khawaja would prefer him to return at No. 3.”I think our best line-up has Marnus three, [Steve] Smith four and [Travis] Head five,” he said ahead of Queensland’s match against New South Wales at the Gabba. “I know if Renshaw is picked, that he is in the best space right now to have a crack at Australia again and be ready to score runs. Obviously, I am a little bit biased because he is my opening partner and a friend of mine, but he’s been there and done it. He has scored 184 for Australia.”He hasn’t done himself any harm with the way he has played in the last three matches in the one-dayers [against India]. He has taken the pressure on really well and looked the part, which he always does whenever he goes to the next level. You feel like he is one guy that really belongs at the next level.”

How will Sunderland respond to their Craven Cottage setback?

Unfortunately, for the Black Cats, their return to the Premier League after the international break was rather subdued, as Regis Le Bris’ men slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham.

They could put things instantly right, though, with a welcome return to home soil up next versus AFC Bournemouth, with the Wearside giants yet to lose at their beloved Stadium of Light so far this season in league action.

The games come thick and fast after this clash with the Cherries, too, with a Tyne-Wear Derby even on the menu as an early Christmas treat in mid-December.

Before you know it, the January transfer window will also reopen, as Sunderland already begin to be linked with some high-profile captures.

Sunderland looking to spend more big money

Le Bris will be hopeful that Wilson Isidor can break his four-game goalscoring duck when Andoni Iraola’s men come to town.

If he does continue to fire blanks, though, Sunderland could be prepared to splash the cash on a flashy, new striker recruit in January, as AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez begins to be tipped for a move to England, for around the £26m price range.

He, of course, isn’t the only Serie A talent on the Premier League newcomers’ agenda, however.

Indeed, the main rumour rumbling on, heading into the bumper window, is Matteo Guendouzi potentially returning to England with the Black Cats, with a £26m move also being reported on for the Frenchman to link back up with his ex-Lorient manager in Le Bris.

There is a slight spanner in the works, though, with Italian journalist Enrico de Lellis stating – via a relayed report from Sport Witness – that the Lazio star isn’t keen on joining the newly promoted side, even with an offer allegedly being on the table for his services.

De Lellis said: “Guendouzi has an offer from Sunderland, but the player doesn’t want to go there.”

Transfer Focus

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

The Mackems could well have to battle it out with Antonio Conte’s Napoli for his signature, as per further words from de Lellis, but fighting it out with some elite clubs in the past hasn’t stopped the Black Cats from landing other statement signings, as Le Bris aims to land his next Le Fee in Guendouzi.

How Guendouzi can be Le Bris' next Le Fee

Once allegedly on the radar of Arsenal, Le Fee would end up being a major coup of a loan signing for Le Bris and Co. during their promotion heroics last season.

Le Fee’s classy displays – which included this goal being expertly put away during the tense run-in – gave the Black Cats just that extra bit of pizazz to seal a dramatic return to the Premier League, as the French boss now hopes Guendouzi’s arrival can gift Sunderland another calm and controlled performer, like Fee, in their ongoing bid to punch above their weight in the top-flight.

Like his fellow compatriot, though, who struggled to get going at Lazio’s fierce rivals in AS Roma, Guendouzi hasn’t always had it his own way during his bumpy career.

He was discarded by Arsenal at the close of the 2021/22 season for his “petulance” often getting the better of him, as per the words of ex-Gunners defender Lee Dixon.

Thankfully, since his Emirates departure, Guendouzi has managed to turn into a goal-and-assist machine in Serie A with 16 goal contributions collected, with an expectation he will return to the Premier League and be capable of delivering on the big stage, much like Le Fee showed off when he converted a penalty against Brentford in late August.

Games played

10

Goals scored

2

Assists

1

Touches*

57.2

Accurate passes*

41.5 (89%)

Ball recoveries*

4.3

Total duels won*

3.0

He has also put his hot-headedness, which became his undoing in North London, to better use in Italy, with an energetic 4.3 ball recoveries averaged per Serie A clash this season, backing up claims that he is a “monster” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Amazingly, Guendouzi’s high ball recovery numbers put him on the same pedestal as another of Arsenal’s reinvigorated ex-roster in Granit Xhaka, who has 4.6 ball recoveries averaged next to his name. Le Bris will surely be champing at the bit at the prospect of both his ex-Lorient youngster and his standout captain battling it out together from the centre of the park, away from any Le Fee comparisons.

It could well be a deal that’s hard to pull off, but Sunderland’s ambition has previously been rewarded in Le Fee, who joined the ranks permanently in the summer for £19.3m.

For around £6m more, this feels like a transfer fight worth persisting with.

Isidor upgrade: Sunderland open talks to sign "unstoppable" £26m striker

Sunderland are reportedly keen on a move for a striker who could come in as an upgrade on Wilson Isidor.

ByDan Emery Nov 27, 2025

Manchester United are pursuing new reinforcements in January and could now be set to submit a bid for one of Europe’s most high-profile midfielders.

Man Utd looking towards the January window

Admittedly, the Red Devils have enjoyed a mixed start to the Premier League season and will now look to take advantage of the chance to move up a few places within a tight collective of sides all vying for a spot in the European slots.

On Monday, Manchester United’s frustrating defeat at home to Everton brought back some old scars that have been a feature of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at the club, with his side unable to break down a spirited Toffees outfit despite having a man advantage for most of proceedings.

Falling flat in attack, Joshua Zirkzee’s emergence after failing to earn a regular place in the side this season was questioned by BBC Radio Manchester’s Gaz Drinkwater, who believes Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount should’ve been brought into the starting side instead.

He said: “Bring Mount and Kobbie Mainoo into the starting XI. He obviously doesn’t see Mainoo as a midfielder because he can’t get in the team in that position. Amorim sees him as a number 10 or maybe even a false-nine type player where maybe they [the front three] interchange a bit.

“I don’t understand the logic of bringing in a totally cold Joshua Zirkzee into the game, who has basically had zero minutes this season, and he did nothing.”

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He could complete Amorim’s back three.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 27, 2025

Without doubt, the Red Devils will need to recruit wisely in January as they begin to feel the effects of a hefty schedule, and they could now be set to lodge a bid for a high-profile midfielder.

Man Utd ready bid for Federico Valverde

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are preparing a £87m bid for Federico Valverde, and he may be allowed to depart amid a spate of up and down performances for Real Madrid.

The Uruguay international may now be set for a change of scenery and would be open to a move elsewhere, potentially re-establishing himself as the central part of a project at Old Trafford.

Five similar players to Federico Valverde

Declan Rice

Arsenal

Bernardo Silva

Manchester City

Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid

Nicolo Barella

Inter Milan

Moises Caicedo

Chelsea

All data courtesy of Football Transfers

Labelled “superb” by Thibaut Courtois, Valverde has registered four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season. Overall, he has scored 32 times and laid on 35 goals for his teammates in 340 appearances for Los Blancos, cementing himself as a fan favourite.

Amorim is confident that his versatility, quality and combativeness could form a new dynamic in the engine room as they look to reclaim their place among the elite of English football.

Real Madrid aren’t totally closed off to selling Valverde, creating a scenario that could work out for all parties if the 27-year-old makes a headline-grabbing move to English shores.

Callum McGregor’s stunning winner for Celtic against St Mirren on Saturday night in the Scottish Premiership looks even more important with the benefit of hindsight.

Hearts went on to lose to Aberdeen on Sunday in their match, which means that the Hoops are only four points adrift of the Jam Tarts and have a game in hand over them.

Martin O’Neill has done a terrific job in interim charge, winning all of his Premiership matches so far, but some of the players who struggled under Brendan Rodgers have also struggled under him, including Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

Why Balikwisha looks like a misjudged signing by Celtic

The Hoops signed the Belgian forward from Royal Antwerp in a deal worth up to £5m during the summer transfer window, but it was an odd piece of business because Sebastian Tounekti, who plays in the same position, was also brought in from Hammarby.

Tounekti has since started all 12 of his appearances in the Premiership and the Europa League, per Sofascore, whilst Balikwisha has started twice in the Premiership and is yet to start in Europe.

In fact, the former Antwerp star has been an unused substitute for O’Neill in the last two league games against Kilmarnock and St Mirren, which suggests that he has failed to impress the Northern Irishman in training.

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Balikwisha has, therefore, been a bad signing for the Hoops because he has failed to earn a place in the team on a regular basis, and it was an odd move by the club given the deal they then clinched for Tounekti in the same area of the pitch.

The 24-year-old flop was not the worst attacking signing made by the Scottish giants in the summer, though, as that award may go to centre-forward Shin Yamada.

Why Shin Yamada was a worse signing for Celtic than Michel-Ange Balikwisha

He was a curious signing by Celtic in the summer transfer window because the Japanese forward only scored two goals in 21 J1 League matches in the 2025 campaign for his previous club, after a return of 19 goals in 38 matches in 2024, per Sofascore.

This suggests that the Hoops were signing a player who was on the decline, given his poor goalscoring record this year, and that made it a slightly puzzling move.

His time at Parkhead so far this season has done little to answer any questions around why the club decided to sign him on a permanent deal, as he has rarely featured or made an impact when given the opportunity.

Appearances

4

7

Minutes played

137

236

Goals

0

0

Big chances missed

2

0

Big chances created

0

1

Assists

0

1

As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha has played more matches and more minutes in the league, delivering one assist, than the former J1 League marksman.

Shin was also left out of the squad for the league phase of the Europa League, as Johnny Kenny, Kelechi Iheanacho, Daizen Maeda, and Callum Osmand were picked ahead of him in his position, whilst Balikwisha has made three appearances in that competition.

Brendan Rodgers said that Shin was a “strong player who can score goals and create for others” in his unveiling, but a return of two goals and one assist in 27 games for Kawasaki Frontale and Celtic combined, per Sofascore, in 2025 does not back that up.

The 25-year-old striker is yet to deliver a goal or an assist for the Hoops in six appearances in his first three months at the club, and appears to be well down the pecking order after being left as an unused substitute against St Mirren last time out.

O'Neill could drop Tounekti by playing "tenacious" Celtic star in new role

Martin O’Neill could finally drop Sebastian Tounekti from the starting line-up by playing this star in a new role.

ByDan Emery Nov 24, 2025

Therefore, as it stands, Shin is looking like an even worse signing for the Scottish giants than Balikwisha, who has at least provided an assist in the league and been included in the European squad list.

Australia have more questions than answers ahead of their next Test assignment in the Ashes later this year despite trouncing West Indies 3-0 in the Carribbean

Andrew McGlashan16-Jul-2025Australia completed a 3-0 sweep over West Indies in dramatic fashion at Sabina Park in a low-scoring series dominated by the quick bowlers. They don’t play Test cricket again until the Ashes, while England are in the midst of an epic tussle against India with two matches remaining.There is now a diet of white-ball cricket for Australia – a plethora of T20Is will shape plans for the World Cup early next year – before four rounds of Sheffield Shield ahead of the first Test in Perth, three of which will likely be key in nailing down the batting order. In late September, there is an Australia A tour of India that, while probably less relevant given the conditions, will be a chance for players to leave an impression both for now and the future.So how are Pat Cummins’ team placed ahead of facing England in November?Related

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Open seasonThis was a good series to miss if you are an opening batter. Australia had hoped the three Tests would provide some clarity ahead of the Ashes, but instead, the domestic season will start with another selection race – great for the hype, not so good if you are Sam Konstas. He won’t remember the cricket aspect of this tour too fondly, walking away with an average of 8.33 and a sense that he may need to do more than those outside of the XI to keep his place for the first Ashes Test in Perth.Usman Khawaja isn’t flying high either, but barring any calamities early in the season, he is secure of his spot for what could be a swansong. Since the start of 2024, he is averaging 31.28 from 16 Tests with his 232 in Sri Lanka doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Quick bowlers are almost exclusively operating around the wicket to him and England’s attack will fancy their chances. However, Khawaja was one of only three batters to face more than 300 deliveries in the West Indies.Who he opens with in Perth will likely come down to three rounds of Sheffield Shield matches. Familiar names will be in the mix: Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw. Jake Weatherald could also come into consideration as the in-form domestic opener last season, and is currently playing for Australia A. But it may also end up being Marnus Labuschagne’s route back into the side.Cameron Green played superbly in the second and third Tests•Associated PressGreen shootsThat is partly because Cameron Green has got a foothold at No. 3 after an excellent second half to the series against West Indies with scores of 52, 46, and 42 – the latter two at Sabina Park could easily have made him Player of the Match had it not been for Mitchell Starc’s stunning display.It still may not prove Green’s long-term home at Test level, but after a tough start against South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final and a lean outing in Barbados, he comes away as one of the biggest gains from this tour for Australia. England will likely see his slightly hard-handed technique early in an innings as an area to attack him.”I think, after a couple of light games, you can go and chase your previous innings and change something,” Cummins said. “He made some minor adjustments, was pretty positive, and kept trying to turn over the strike, but I just loved that he had a simple game plan and he backed that. Coming into that [WTC final], he was coming off a bulk of runs, so we felt really confident, and really happy that he stuck to that. This Test but also last Test, he made some key contributions on tough wickets.”It will be interesting how the selectors manage Green when the season starts. There is white-ball cricket against India ahead of the Ashes – he is a key part of the future in those formats – but it may be that this summer there is more value in Shield outings.Green, though, did suggest he would be facing India when he talked about his return to bowling, which has been earmarked for the start of the season. That’s the other key aspect to his role in the side and could yet have a bearing on the next player.No. 6 tied in a Beau?Beau Webster could hardly have done more much early in his Test career. Four half-centuries in his first six matches, all coming at pressure moments in games in challenging conditions on four different continents against a variety of ball types. He has also chipped in with handy wickets and caught securely in the cordon where he is among the best in Australian cricket.In contrast to the Konstas scenario, Webster has shown the value of picking experienced domestic players. It doesn’t guarantee they will perform as Webster has, but the step up potentially comes with a little less fear. There is a sense, too, that he is enjoying the ride of a Test career that he may have thought wouldn’t come.Barring a form slump for Tasmania early season, it would be very harsh on Webster if he wasn’t lining up in Perth. But there is a world where, if Green is back bowling and, for example, Labuschagne and an opener churn out early season runs, that the selectors opt to shuffle the order again.Scott Boland celebrates a Test hat-trick•AFP/Getty ImagesAnother awesome foursome?Australia saved their biggest selection call until the final match of the tour, leaving out Nathan Lyon for the first time since 2013. They said the data had persuaded them and the way the Test played out supported that view, although Australia would surely have won with Lyon in the side.Has it opened the door for it to happen again? In Australia that feels unlikely given the pink Kookaburra can go soft unlike the Dukes and Lyon has found considerable success with the bounce he can obtain at home. It will no doubt be a question posed when the Ashes reaches Brisbane (with Adelaide a day Test this time) and, for the first time in his career, Lyon may be sitting a little uneasily.But Scott Boland, who replaced Lyon and added to his storied career with a hat-trick, is expecting to return to his role as super sub for the big three. Whether they all get through the Ashes, particularly Josh Hazlewood, will be a factor. There is every chance Boland will be needed.”I’m playing with three of the best fast bowlers Australia’s ever had, so I’m happy to be in behind them,” he said. “I think it’s going to extend all of our careers if we can all stay on the park and keep bowling really well. Even from my point of view, I think having those guys, where I know I’m not going to play every game, I can sort of be really specific with my training, and then when I get to the Test match I’m going to play, I’m ready to go and my body’s feeling really good.”Unlike the opening batting situation, this fits into the good-problem-to-have category.

Saudi Arabia’s Fund for Development (SFD) has taken a major step into global football development through a new agreement with FIFA to provide up to $1 billion in concessional loans for sporting infrastructure projects. The partnership is designed to help close facility gaps in developing nations while supporting broader social and economic development tied to football investment.

• AFP
  

  FIFA and SFD sign Memorandum of Understanding

  Saudi Arabia’s Fund for Development (SFD) will provide up to $1 billion in concessional loans to build or upgrade football infrastructure in developing nations under a Memorandum of Understanding with FIFA announced on Monday. The initiative will support sports-facility projects identified by member associations and aligned with national development plans.

  FIFA said the agreement will prioritize associations in developing countries that outline clear strategies for using sport within broader development goals. Funding will focus on constructing or improving FIFA-certified stadiums and related infrastructure.

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• FIFA stresses infrastructure support

  FIFA President Gianni Infantino framed the agreement as a response to widespread infrastructure needs among the organization’s member federations. He said the partnership will help associations secure the venues and training centres required to host competitions and broaden access to the game.

  "FIFA's role is to develop football worldwide, and many of our FIFA Member Associations need additional support for the infrastructure necessary to host competitions," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement as per Reuters. "This agreement is a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  How the concessional loan program will work

  Under the memorandum, the Saudi Fund for Development will make concessional loans available to finance the construction and upgrading of football infrastructure in eligible countries. The SFD combines below-market lending with technical assistance on project design and delivery, which FIFA says will help ensure facilities meet international and sustainability standards. Member associations will be able to apply for support for stadiums, training centers, and related infrastructure.

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• AFP
  

  Program targets facility development in eligible countries

  Many FIFA member associations, particularly in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, have cited limited access to modern, FIFA-certified facilities as a barrier to expanding participation and hosting competitions. The initiative provides a mechanism for eligible associations to seek financing for new or upgraded infrastructure.

The Blue Jays suffered a tough out in Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers Monday. With center fielder Daulton Varsho at the plate and ahead in the count 3-1, home plate umpire Mark Wegner called a delayed strike on a high pitch that Toronto initially believed was ball four and a walk.

Dodgers catcher Will Smith threw the ball back to starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow and motioned over to first base after Wegner made his late call. Blue Jays second baseman Bo Bichette thought he was off to second, but Glasnow fired the ball over to first with Bichette stranded for a bizarre first out of the second inning.

Blue Jays skipper John Schneider was understandably upset about the strange sequence, which he explained in a mid-game interview with Fox's Ken Rosenthal. Schneider had a heated conversation with Wagner after the moment. and said he wants the umpire to change course moving forward as he hopes his squad doesn't fall victim to another phantom out.

"I think just to be a little bit quicker with his call," Schneider said to Rosenthal on the Fox broadcast about his discussion with Wegner. "Mark's a great umpire, been doing it a long time. Very delayed call, pretty deliberate. Just didn't say anything, so Varsh assumed it was a ball and Bo assumed. I just asked him in this environment, can he be a little bit quicker or give a little bit more clarity so everyone knows what's going on."

Bichette clearly thought it was a ball due to Varsho's reaction, tossing his bat and beginning to take off his elbow guard in preparation to head to first. Toronto hopes to regain the lead in the series after they took Game 1 before L.A. stole Game 2 on the road ahead of the World Series' trip to Dodger Stadium. The Jays weren't able to score after the odd play, which they possibly could have as Varsho did end up getting a walk in the at-bat and Alejandro Kirk singled as the next hitter.

It was early in the game, but every out matters, especially in the Fall Classic.