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Leeds United lost their first game of the 2025/26 Premier League season at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke’s side suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.

It’s the first time they’ve lost at home since February 2nd in the FA Cup, against Championship side Millwall.

A first-half goal from French starlet Mathys Tel gave the Lilywhites the lead, although Noah Okafor equalised for his side just before half-time. However, a long-range effort from Mohammed Kudus just before the hour mark was enough to secure Spurs the three points.

The North Londoners’ victory came despite pressure from the home side. Leeds dominated the ball against Thomas Frank’s side, having 57% of the possession. They didn’t waste that, either, taking 16 shots on goal and creating three big chances. However, just four of those were on target, with Joe Rodon also hitting the post.

It was certainly disappointing that Farke’s side couldn’t capitalise on their possession and the number of shots they managed. They had chances throughout the game, including four in added time, but failed to find the equaliser they needed to keep their excellent record at Elland Road.

Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.

Leeds’ best players vs. Spurs

As Leeds journalist Beren Cross said, there were plenty of “silver linings” to take after the clash with Spurs. One of the players who stood out was the goalscorer, Okafor. He doubled his tally in that famous White shirt today, after scoring in the 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The goal from the former AC Milan attacker showed excellent instinct in the penalty area.

He pounced on a loose ball in the penalty box after Tottenham’s goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, tipped Brenden Aaronson’s effort into vacant space in the six-yard box.

Another player who once again shone for Farke’s side was Sean Longstaff. Another of the Whites’ summer signings, the former Newcastle United star was the chief creator in that midfield three for Leeds.

Indeed, his stats from the game show just how well he performed. Longstaff was always busy in the midfield, having 64 touches of the ball and creating an impressive five chances. He also won five ground duels and four tackles.

Despite the strong performances from the likes of Okafor and Longstaff, not every Leeds player performed well. There was one attacker in particular who struggled.

The Leeds player who struggled vs. Spurs

Naturally, with the result being the way it was, there were a few Leeds players who somewhat underperformed against the Lilywhites. Pascal Struijk, for example, didn’t have his best game, and both goals were deflected off him.

However, it was another tough day for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Leeds striker joined the club on a free transfer in the summer, and whilst he has scored already this term, also against Wolves, his performances have left a little to be desired at times.

That was the case against Spurs, too. He only managed to get 23 touches of the ball, playing 90 minutes. That was fewer even than Karl Darlow in the Leeds goal, who had 43.

The England international only won two from 11 duels and had just one shot on target.

Touches

23

Pass accuracy

85%

Passes completed

11/13

Ground duels won

0/6

Aerial duels won

2/5

Shots

2

Shots on target

1

One person who seemed to think Leeds’ number nine struggled at Elland Road was Graham Smyth. The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist gave him a 6/10 for his efforts, and whilst he did credit Calvert-Lewin for the ‘hard work’ he put in, but said that ‘the finishing was missing again’ from his game.

It is certainly a problem for Leeds that their number nine is struggling in front of goal. Given they created so many chances, there surely would have been a hope that he could have got on the end of one.

Farke might well decide to drop Calvert-Lewin for Leeds’ next game against Burnley. It was a tough outing against the Lilywhites, and with Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha also options up front, it does give the manager flexibility.

If he does make that decision, it would not necessarily be a surprise. The England international has certainly not been at his clinical best up front, and with other centre-forwards in the squad, Farke may well decide to rotate him out of the side.

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ByKelan Sarson Oct 2, 2025

Grimsby Town have had another cheeky pop at Manchester United two months after their historic victory over the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup. The League Two side take on Brentford on Tuesday aiming to reach the quarter-finals and coach David Artell believes the Bees will make for much tougher opponents than United, who they knocked out in the second round back in August.

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  Grimsby targeting more Carabao Cup glory

  Grimsby became the first ever team from the fourth division or lower to beat United when they edged out Ruben Amorim's side 12-11 in a marathon penalty shootout following a thrilling 2-2 draw at Blundell Park. The Mariners followed up that shock result with another upset by knocking out Sheffield Wednesday away from home although it was a less impressive feat given the Owls' deep financial issues which saw them go into administration last week and docked 12 points. 

  Coach Artell outlined Brentford's strengths ahead of Tuesday's fourth round tie and praised Keith Andrews' side, who are fresh from beating Liverpool 3-2 on Saturday and have also beaten United and Aston Villa this season. And he could not resist having a sly dig at United in the process.

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  United 'finding their way' according to Grimsby coach

  Artell told a press conference: "I don’t want loads of letters from Manchester United fans from Kenya or Norway — or Stretford — but I think they’re still in that process of finding their way again. Brentford are fully in, fully understanding. That makes it so much more difficult. I think everyone agrees that Man United are still — maybe not in transition per se — but finding their way under a new manager that needs to be given time."

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  Brentford 'well established' – unlike United

  Artell contrasted Brentford's stability with the upheaval that has taken place at United, who are on their fourth coach in four years and changed their ownership structure in 2024. The Red Devils, however, have overcome their rocky start to the season by rising up to sixth in the Premier League table after beating Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton in their last three games. 

  He added: "I think you can see the fruits of the green shoots of progress from their side, but Brentford are not that team. Brentford are a well-established team. They’ve appointed from within to continue the work that the previous manager [Thomas Frank] did, and I think everyone would suggest that Keith Andrews is doing a brilliant job and he’s taking them on.

  "You don’t beat West Ham so comprehensively, you don’t beat the reigning [Premier League] champions [Liverpool] if you haven’t got those principles of play already ingrained. Whether it’s set pieces, whether it’s transitions, whether it’s in possession, whether they come and get you out of possession, all that is already really well implemented into the squad. I’m not sure that was the case with Man United."

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  United reaping benefits of extra training sessions

  The shootout defeat by Grimsby meant Amorim became the first United coach since Louis van Gaal 11 years ago to exit the League Cup in the second round and suffered the ignominy of being the first manager to oversee a defeat to fourth-tier opposition. However, there has been an upside to that humiliating loss.

  United have had even more time to prepare for their Premier League games on the training ground, having not qualified for European football this season. Amorim admitted after beating Brighton – who had won their last three visits to Old Trafford – that his side were starting to benefit from that added preparation time. 

  He said: "I think you can sense that. The results now you can feel that but the team play so much better since we start this season compared to last season, we have different players more suited to this kind of style but it is a big difference, every team that plays in this league and in Europe, it is so much harder. It is a big advantage to have just one game a week and we have to take advantage of it."

  United have the chance to win a fourth consecutive league game for the first time since February 2024 when they take on Nottingham Forest next Saturday in Sean Dyche's first Premier League home match in charge of the Tricky Trees.

Chelsea could sell Axel Disasi to make room in the squad for a “monstrous” new centre-back, who is highly-rated by manager Enzo Maresca.

Blues looking to sign new defender amid injury crisis

Injuries have plagued the Blues at the beginning of the Premier League season, and they are currently particularly light on options at centre-back, with Wesley Fofana and long-term absentee Levi Colwill still sidelined.

Against Liverpool, both Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile were withdrawn due to injury, but Maresca’s side miraculously managed to come out on top in a 2-1 victory, with Estevao bagging a stoppage-time winner.

Disasi technically remains an option for the west Londoners too, but the 27-year-old is part of the ‘bomb squad’, and Maresca has previously made it clear he has no plans to reintroduce the Frenchman.

The Italian said: “Since the season started, I haven’t seen either of them. I haven’t seen Axel or Raheem. They train at a different time and on a different pitch. I haven’t seen them since the start of the season.”

As a result, it would make sense for Chelsea to cash in on the defender, and a report from Spain has now revealed they could sell Disasi to make room in the squad for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, who is also being targeted by Bayern Munich.

The centre-back is highly-rated by Maresca, given his ability to play the ball out from the back, but a deal could be on the expensive side, with a price tag of £80m being touted back in the summer.

There is a belief the Brazilian would be the perfect fit in Maresca’s squad, and the Blues are confident they will be able to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge, despite the interest from elsewhere.

"Monstrous" Murillo could be ideal addition for Chelsea

Under BlueCo ownership, Chelsea have set out to sign young, high-potential players, and the 23-year-old certainly fits the bill in that regard, having already made a name for himself in the Premier League.

Related Chelsea join race to sign £17m German forward who Bayern Munich also want

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Posts ByDominic Lund Oct 12, 2025

Journalist Ryan Taylor has been left particularly impressed by the Forest star’s performances, lauding him as “monstrous” earlier this year, and the former Corinthians man has caught the eye across a number of key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Blocks

1.90 (94th percentile)

Clearances

6.97 (92nd percentile)

Successful take-ons

0.68 (95th percentile)

The only real doubt over the signing of the Brazil international is the fact he isn’t accustomed to playing in a side where keeping possession is a priority, as evidenced by the fact he places in just the seventh percentile for his pass-completion rate over the past year, compared to other centre-backs.

That said, Murillo is still young, and clearly has the talent to succeed at Stamford Bridge, having already made 72 Premier League appearances at Forest, and a January approach would make perfect sense, amid Chelsea’s injury troubles.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has sounded an alarming warning for England and Chelsea star Cole Palmer, saying his persistent injury issues are threatening his World Cup hopes. And, what’s more concerning, the German boss fears Palmer’s groin problem could become chronic and impact his career longer-term.

• Worrying news for England star

  Tuchel was speaking ahead of England’s forthcoming fixtures, a friendly with Wales and World Cup qualifier against Latvia, both of which Palmer will miss. The 23-year-old has been dealing with a recurring groin injury in the early weeks of this season, which has limited his playing time for club and country. This issue first arose during a short pre-season period after Chelsea's Club World Cup success in the summer. He was reportedly rushed back to play against Manchester United in September, only to be forced off after just 21 minutes when the injury flared up again.

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  England boss fears for Palmer’s future

  Tuchel was brutally honest as he spoke ahead of the friendly with Wales, but the message to Palmer was loud and clear. The Three Lions boss said: "He was only in the June camp, that is concerning, of course. First of all, the most important thing is that he can play without pain, because the groin issue is a very dangerous one to become chronic. This is the most important thing. When he's fit and when he has rhythm and flow, he can decide matches on club level and, for sure, on international level. We know that. There is also with him no problem at all (for me). We clearly understand and see the potential and the quality, but there is also a reality that he was not available in five of the (last) seven camps, so right now there are two camps left before the World Cup."

  Chelsea’s first game back after the international break is away at Nottingham Forest on October 18th, but Tuchel is doubtful Palmer will be fit for that one. He added: "It would surprise me this time if he was able to play."

• Did team-mate worsen injury?

  Enzo Maresca confirmed that Palmer would be rested until after the October international break to allow the injury to heal, which ruled him out of the Premier League matches against Brighton and Liverpool, a Champions League meeting with Benfica and a Carabao Cup tie at Lincoln. The head coach has stated that surgery is not currently deemed necessary and the plan is to manage the pain.

  But did his Chelsea team-mate Jarrel Hato make the injury worse? During celebrations following Chelsea's dramatic win against Liverpool the Dutchman jumped into Palmer to celebrate Estevao's late goal, and TV cameras captured Palmer grimacing and clutching his left groin area. The incident caused significant concern among fans, who worried that Hato's innocent but misguided exuberance had aggravated Palmer's chronic issue.

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  World Cup woes for Palmer?

  This ongoing issue raises concerns about Palmer's potential availability for next year’s World Cup. While he is considered one of England's most talented players, his recurring fitness troubles could hinder his chances of securing a starring role for the Three Lions at the World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada next summer. Palmer is running out of opportunities to show Tuchel what he can do, as there are just two World Cup qualifiers to come after the Latvia clash and limited international windows in the build-up to the World Cup. 

USMNT forward Patrick Agyemang opened his account for Derby County with a first-half goal in their Championship clash against Southampton. The 24-year-old striker struck in the 40th minute to bring the Rams level at 1-1, notching an important milestone early in his stint with the club following his summer move from Charlotte FC. Both the Saints and Rams would settle for a point Saturday.

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  An impact play

  Agyemang demonstrated predatory instincts to find the equalizer at Pride Park, responding quickly after Southampton had taken an early lead through Adam Armstrong. The American striker rose highest to a flying cross in from the right and nodded the ball past Alex McCarthy in goal to restore parity just before halftime. 

  On the other side, fellow U.S. international Damion Downs came on in the second half and played 30 minutes for the Saints without a goal contribution. 

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  Significant career progression

  Agyemang emerged as one of Major League Soccer's most promising talents during his time with Charlotte FC, recording 22 goals in 72 appearances since his senior debut for the MLS side. However, it his was his exploits with the USMNT during the 2025 Gold Cup that saw him attract significant interest from European clubs, eventually leading to a move to Derby.

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  Adjustment to Championship

  Agyemang's first goal arrives after a challenging start to his Derby career as the 24-year-old missed the first four games as he was recovering from a hernia surgery. He has since played in every Championship game for the club since then, contributing to three goals (two assists and one goal) in that period. The Rams have struggled for form, though, winning just one of their last four games, losing one and drawing the other two.

After becoming a full-time No. 5 in ODI cricket, KL Rahul had expanded his range as a middle-order batter – since 2020, nobody has a higher average than his 61.52 in that position (for a minimum of 20 innings). Not even Heinrich Klaasen, whose average is about seven points lower than Rahul’s. But in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, India were keen to break up the sequence of right-handers and hence decided to promote Axar Patel to No. 5. As a result, Rahul dropped down to No. 6, but he’s adapted to that position, too, and has been “working on boundary-hitting a lot more”.”Yeah, I do [enjoy batting at the top] – I mean, I won’t lie,” Rahul told after taking India home in the semi-final. “It’s after opening the batting in Australia in Test matches [in the last series] and having to face that attack in Australia. And, you know, red-ball [cricket] is much harder. I opened the batting there and then to come here and bat low seems a bit different, but this is how I’ve played white-ball cricket in the last four-five years.”I’m quite used to going up and down the order, so I’m just happy getting a chance to play in the middle and whatever role is given, I think it’s really helped me understand my game a lot more and I’ve had to work on boundary-hitting a lot more in the last year or so, because the last ODI we played in Sri Lanka I batted at No. 6, so I knew that’s where I’ll be batting and [we] needed a left-hander in the top order.”Related

• Kumble: There is always undue pressure on Rahul

• Kohli conquers legspin to add new layer to his mystique

• 'Grow up' – Gambhir takes aim at 'perpetual cribbers'

• Kohli's 84 sends India into Champions Trophy final

• Shami vs Connolly: A different kind of six and out

Before the Champions Trophy, there was a toss-up between Rahul and Rishabh Pant for the keeper-batter’s spot, but Rahul, the incumbent, eventually got the nod. On Tuesday, Rahul went out to bat at the fall of Axar’s wicket, with India needing 86 in 15 overs with six wickets in hand on a tricky Dubai surface. When Virat Kohli holed out for 84, it appeared like Australia had an opening, but Rahul slammed the doors on them with an unbeaten 42 off 34 balls, including two fours and two sixes. After putting India in the final, Rahul was asked how he dealt with the uncertainty around his role.”It’s since I think 2020 that I’ve batted at No. 5 and a lot of times people forget that that’s where I’ve been batting,” Rahul said. “And every time I perform in a series and then there’s a break from ODI series, ODI cricket, and then we come back after four or five months there’s a question mark again about ‘oh well, will he play in the XI, where does he fit’ and sometimes I’m sitting there thinking what more can I do. Everywhere that I’ve been asked to play I’ve played, and I feel like I have performed my role, whatever’s been told to me by Rohit [Sharma]…”And whatever he’s told me I feel like I’ve done that to the best of my ability. And I know that Rohit feels the same and he’s always supported me and backed me with that. So there’s that confidence going into game that the captain has my back.”KL Rahul paced his innings smartly in India’s chase•AFP/Getty Images

Though Dubai had rolled out a fresh pitch for the semi-final, it was still slow and conducive to spin. It was one of those pitches where it was difficult to rotate strike, so Rahul felt that it was worth taking a risk every over, especially when Kohli was in supreme control at the other end. Rahul took Tanveer Sangha, Ben Dwarshuis and Adam Zampa for a brace of fours and a six in quick succession before Kohli was caught at long-on. Hardik Pandya did his job but also holed out later, and Rahul got the job done with Ravindra Jadeja.”When I walked in and when I played ten-12 balls, I told him that you’re the batter that needs to go on and be there till the end, and let me try and hit or let me try and take one chance an over,” Rahul said of his chat with Kohli. “Because we only needed 6 runs an over. But 6 runs an over on that wicket seemed like 8-8.5. So, you had to take one chance an over, one boundary or one six.”So, I told him that I will do that and why don’t you just rotate the strike and be there because you’re the set batter and it might be harder [for me]. If you get out another batter comes, it becomes a lot harder. But yeah, he felt like it was in his range to hit and yeah, he didn’t time it well.”

Matt Kuhnemann admitted he briefly feared his thumb injury could have ended his hopes of touring Sri Lanka but both he and Steven Smith completed full training sessions on the squad’s arrival in Galle for the Test series.Australia’s premier left-arm spinner Kuhnemann is now pain-free after wearing a ball on his non-bowling hand playing for Brisbane Heat earlier this month. He reunited with the squad in Sri Lanka at the weekend and completed Sunday afternoon’s first full session since arriving on the island for the two-match series.Related

• The questions Australia will need to answer in Sri Lanka

• Kuhnemann given all-clear to travel to Sri Lanka

• Uncapped Dinusha and Udara included in Sri Lanka squad for Australia Test series

Stand-in captain Smith, who suffered a minor elbow injury in the BBL, spent as much time batting in the nets as anyone else and did not appear hampered.Every team member attended the optional session, with conditions so humid that top-order option Sam Konstas removed his helmet to finish batting in the nets.Apparently in preparation for the turning conditions, allrounder Beau Webster bowled the right-arm offspin of earlier in his career rather than the medium pace trotted out on Test debut at the SCG earlier this month.Kuhnemann is continuing to wear a brace on his right thumb and medical staff will monitor him. His injury appeared more serious than Smith’s, but Kuhnemann feels fit ahead of the first Test that begins on January 29.Matt Kuhnemann bowls at training with a protection on his injured thumb•Getty Images

“I had a couple of sessions back home and I was obviously cautious batting and fielding and everything but bowling, I haven’t had a problem whatsoever,” Kuhnemann said prior to the first training session. “I did this same thumb a couple of years ago and it was real painful but this one has been fine from the get-go.”As he awaited surgery, Kuhnemann said he was unsure whether he would have the chance to add to his three Test caps in Sri Lanka. The 28-year-old was a late call-up when Australia toured India in 2023, and the lack of subcontinent visits since had robbed him of further chances.”Definitely there were times when I was disappointed. It’s not great timing,” Kuhnemann said when asked whether he feared for his ability to tour. “There was a couple of hours. But I believe everything happens for a reason and you sort of move on. Obviously you do everything you can because these tours don’t come around very often as a spinner.”Kuhnemann could not attend the squad’s preparatory camp at the ICC Academy in Dubai but managed a hit-out with a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions at Allan Border Field last week.”The boys said I didn’t miss out on too much and what I was bowling on back in Brisbane was an eight-day old wicket so it worked out pretty good,” Kuhnemann said. “If it was the off-season then maybe it would be a blow to miss Dubai but we’re in the middle of summer and the workloads and confidence are high. Everything is all good.”

Ben Dwarshuis hit Sydney Sixers to an unlikely last-ball win over Sydney Thunder, taking 15 from the last over to take his team past the victory mark.On the same night that Sam Konstas was bowled for a duck in his last innings before a likely Boxing Day Test debut, Dwarshuis hit Sixers home at Engie Stadium.Chasing 164 for victory, Sixers looked shot when they needed 47 from the final four overs. But Jordan Silk (36* off 25 balls) helped them take 17 from a Nathan McAndrew over, before Dwarshius provided the late heroics with 20 not out from eight balls.After launching Lockie Ferguson for six from the first ball he faced, Dwarshuis took charge with 15 needed from Chris Green’s final over. Green’s first three balls were hard to get away but he was hurt by two straight wides outside off. Then with seven needed from two balls, Dwarshuis smashed Green over the long-on rope for six, before taking a quick single off the last ball to finish the job.Earlier, Cameron Bancroft hit an unbeaten 70 from 52 balls to help Thunder reach 163 for 5. Bancroft was the favourite to return to the Test team when Cameron Green was ruled out for the season, before a nightmare summer with the bat pegged him back.Cameron Bancroft top scored for Sydney Thunder with 70 off 52•Getty Images

In his past 15 innings across all formats before Saturday night, Bancroft passed 20 twice as Nathan McSweeney and Konstas both went past him in the pecking order. But Bancroft looked back to being in good touch against Sixers, hitting three sixes and five fours. His innings helped keep Thunder’s innings together, as Oliver Davies also banged 47 from 34 for the hosts and hit three straight sixes off Todd Murphy.Playing for the first time since being called into Australia’s Test squad, Konstas went to cut a short ball from Akeal Hosein and bottom-edged it on to his stumps. The 19-year-old’s duck came after he had set the BBL alight on debut five days earlier, smashing the fastest 50 in Thunder’s history against Adelaide Strikers.It has been one of the few times he has missed out on making a score this summer, since making a splash with twin tons to start the Sheffield Shield season for New South Wales.Konstas said axed Test opener McSweeney had been among the first to congratulate him, following an initial call from chief selector George Bailey.”I was so thrilled and called my parents straight away, and they were very emotional,” Konstas said on Fox’s BBL coverage. “Mum was in tears so I was trying not to cry. Dad was super proud. It’s been an amazing journey with all the ups and downs.”I’m very excited. I want to be challenged and I’ve got a few plans against [India’s] bowlers. I feel like I’m moving really nicely so hopefully I get that opportunity.”

Australia’s incumbent opener does not buy into the theory that there has to be someone scoring quickly at the top of the order

AAP13-Nov-2024

Usman Khawaja has brushed aside the perceived need for quick top-order Test runs as a “myth” in endorsing new Australian opening partner Nathan McSweeney.The 25-year-old will debut against India in Perth’s first Test from next Friday. McSweeney, the South Australian skipper and former Queensland team-mate of Khawaja’s, will be in unfamiliar territory, given he bats at No. 3 for his state. Steven Smith will shift back to his preferred No. 4 after a short-lived audition to replace the retired David Warner last summer.Related

Neser hamstrung as Test back-up but Richardson comeback gains speed

The tough runs that propelled McSweeney to new world of opening

McSweeney to open in first Test, Inglis handed call-up

Mature McSweeney making his mark in South Australia

Warner struck at 70.76 in 143 first-class games, while the more measured McSweeney’s strike rate is 41.92 in 34 first-class matches. Khawaja scores slightly quicker than McSweeney but laughed off the suggestion Australia’s Test fortunes would be scuppered by a lower scoring rate against the new ball.”I don’t know where this myth started that you need someone to score really fast to do well,” Khawaja said on Wednesday. “You’ve got five days to do it…I don’t know why you need to score fast.”Opening’s as much about scoring runs as it is about being able to absorb. Davey was special; he could score runs while absorbing but he didn’t do it [score fast] every time. He was consistent; out there and setting a platform, and Nathan does that very well.”Usman Khawaja has been in solid form this season•Getty Images

McSweeney, once an offspinning No.6, was yet to cement his place at Queensland when he left for Adelaide seeking what he figured would be greater opportunities in 2021. He’s flourished since and relished the responsibility of captaincy, Khawaja joking a haircut to remove the “boofy curls” had also helped his cause.Commentary has centred around McSweeney’s task of adapting to the new role at the top of the order. But Khawaja, himself a former No. 3, said he shouldn’t overthink it.”There’s no guarantees in cricket…but he doesn’t have to do anything different,” Khawaja said. “Just repeat the process. He’s been able to handle the pressure at Shield level. When you look at his demeanour, the way he plays, you do kind of feel over a longer period of time he’ll be able to handle the scrutiny, the pressure of Test cricket.”Khawaja on Wednesday detailed plans to link his Usman Khawaja Foundation annually with the Gabba Test, which will this year be the third in the series from December 14. It’s purpose is to assist youth from refugee, immigrant, Indigenous, rural, remote and low-socio economic backgrounds through cricket and educational programs.The fundraiser will include a pre-Test lunch, with proceeds from the gate and an auction including Pakistan star Babar Azam’s Test shirt going to the charity.”We’ve got the pink Test in Sydney,” Khawaja said of the high-profile McGrath Foundation fundraiser. “We’re trying to make the Usman Khawaja Foundation a part of the Gabba Test. I didn’t speak English [when arriving in Australia from Pakistan as a child]…cricket broke down the barriers for me.I never felt isolated when I played sport.”

But he calls for Shakib to appease the public with his “own words” to stave off discontent at his silence on the political situation in Bangladesh

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Sep-2024

Bangladesh’s government will provide Shakib Al Hasan with the security that is accorded to a national cricketer, but Shakib also has to clarify his political standpoint according to the country’s sports adviser Asif Mahmud. Mahmud said that Shakib, a former member of parliament whose party the Awami League was overthrown by a student-led revolution last month, can appease the public with him with his “own words”.Mahmud was alluding to Shakib’s plunging popularity after he remained silent during the student-led protests in July and August, during which hundreds were killed. On Thursday, in Kanpur, during his first press conference since the T20 World Cup in June, Shakib skirted the subject when asked about his position on the political changes in Bangladesh.He announced during the same media briefing that the upcoming Dhaka Test between Bangladesh and South Africa will be his last, provided the BCB and/or the government can guarantee his safety. Since the protests, scores of Awami League ministers and MPs have been arrested in Bangladesh. Shakib, along with 146 others, was named in a murder case related to the protests, and he has not been in Bangladesh since then or for that matter at any point since the start of the T20 World Cup. He linked up with the squad directly in Pakistan and India for Test series.Related

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Shakib on Bangladesh protests: 'To those of you who were hurt by my silence, I sincerely apologise'

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Shakib says he's done with T20Is, and will play his final Test next month

'Shakib's security is not in the board's hand,' says BCB chief

Sports adviser Mahmud said Shakib’s dual role as a cricketer and a politician had drawn the public’s wrath, and that’s where the complication lies.”The state is bound to give security to each citizen, so we will obviously [provide him with security]. In Shakib’s case, we have to remember that he has two identities – the cricketer and the politician. He took part in the general elections from Awami League. People have mixed reactions regarding both his identities. Now we will give Shakib, the player, enough security, as much as a sportsperson. This is our responsibility. We will give him [security] if he comes to the country.”The public could however be angry at him for his political identity. If half the country’s population is angry at me, then the five or six security persons I have won’t be enough to protect me. Shakib can however reduce the public’s anger through his own words. I think he has to clarify his political standpoint. [Former Bangladesh captain and MP] Mashrafe Mortaza already talked about his situation. So if there are security risks from the people, then no one can give security to anyone. Even [then prime minister] Sheikh Hasina could not be provided the security, she had to flee the country. So Shakib has to make his political stance clear.”Mahmud said that the murder case shouldn’t be an obstacle for Shakib, referring to a recent statement by law adviser Asif Nazrul. Nazrul made statements last month and on September 25 that suggested Shakib will not face arrest by merely being named in a case. “Already the law ministry has said about his case, that a name can be removed if the person is not complicit,” Mahmud said.Mahmud’s statement should hold some assurance for Shakib. He is reportedly heading back to the USA, where his family resides, after the Kanpur Test. Shakib isn’t part of the T20I squad for the three-match series against India starting on October 6, having also announced his international retirement from the shortest format.