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Joe Clarke top-scores as Outlaws win again after nightmare opening to Blast campaign

ECB Reporters Network21-Jun-2024

Joe Clarke top-scored as Notts won their second game of this year’s Blast•PA Images via Getty Images

Notts Outlaws avenged a heavy defeat at Derby with a eight-run victory at Trent Bridge to keep their Vitality Blast season just about alive.Joe Clarke’s side climb off the bottom of the North Group table for the first time with their second win. After losing their first five matches, qualification for the quarter-finals will be a tall order but it remains mathematically possible.Clarke, still searching for his first half-century of the season, hit 47 from 28 balls with Tom Moores (31 from 27) and Matt Montgomery (28 not out from 31) adding useful late runs to give Falcons a target of 174, skipper Samit Patel taking 2 for 24 on his first visit to Trent Bridge as a Derbyshire player, supported by Pat Brown’s 2 for 39.Aneurin Donald hit a 26-ball 52 and veteran Wayne Madsen 40 from 35 in Falcons’ response but a solid performance with the ball by the home side, led by New Zealand left-arm quick Ben Lister taking 2 for 24 in his final appearance, ensured there would be no fairytale return for Patel.After opting to bat first, Clarke hit 36 out of 59 for 1 in the powerplay. He was dropped just behind square off Patel on 24, but responded with three fours in an over off South African quick Daryn Dupavillon before slog-sweeping Ross Whiteley for his second six. Ben Martindale, in his maiden Blast innings, fell to a well-judged catch at long-off for 16.Controversy followed before Outlaws reached half-way on 89 for 2, Clarke putting himself at serious risk of sanction after being given out caught at short third man.As Dupavillon insisted he had his fingers fully under the ball to take Clarke’s reverse-scoop just above the ground, the Notts skipper stood his ground, shooting alternate glares at standing umpire Graham Lloyd and the fielders, before ex-colleague Patel persuaded him he should leave the field.Alex Hales (26 off 23) and Jack Haynes (18 off 13) both made starts before being caught off Patel in the deep and it took some enterprising batting from Moores and Montgomery to give the Outlaws bowlers something to defend, Moores hammering Patel for six over long-on before being athletically caught at short fine leg by 40-year-old Madsen.Giving early impetus to the chase, Donald’s extraordinary hitting power lifted the Falcons to 70 for 1 in their batting powerplay after David Lloyd had hoicked Olly Stone to midwicket for 7, the former Glamorgan batter completing a 21-ball half-century with his fifth six as Liam Patterson-White’s first over went for 27 runs.But the Outlaws left-arm spinner responded superbly, having Donald caught on the slog-sweep before bowling Zak Chappell in a second over that conceded only two runs. With legspinner Calvin Harrison miserly at the other end, Falcons were 87 for 3 from 10, the outcome squarely in the balance.Cam Fletcher was well caught at long-off but Madsen stepped up to damage Harrison’s figures with a four drilled through the on side and a six over long-off to bring the requirement down to 46 from five overs before Ross Whitely cleared the rope off Stone but holed out off Lister.Patel’s visions of being the match-winner vanished when he bottom-edged Stone into his stumps and when Madsen slashed Lister to be caught on the point boundary – a second wicket in two superb death overs – Outlaws were favourites, Falcons needing 19 from six balls, which proved too much.

Kylian Mbappe is one of the best footballers in the world today, but he once revealed it’s a basketball superstar who he looks up to for his status in and out of the game.

Mbappe, currently starring with Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, winning the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018.

Related How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025

Following a hat-trick in the 2022 final, in which France were defeated by Argentina on penalties, Lionel Messi heaped praise on Mbappe: “It really was a breathtaking final. It was crazy how the match went. Kylian scored three incredible goals, in a final! Not being able to be champion after that was crazy.”

The Real Madrid superstar has scored 50 goals for his country, meaning he only needs eight more to be his nation’s greatest ever goalscorer at the age of just 26.

Kylian Mbappe

Major Trophies

Monaco

Ligue 1

2017

PSG

Ligue 1

2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024

Coupe de France

2018, 2020, 2021, 2024

Coupe de la Ligue

2018, 2020

Real Madrid

UEFA Super Cup

2024

FIFA Intercontinental Cup

2024

France

FIFA World Cup

2018

UEFA Nations League

2021

Mbappe has previously refused to pick a ‘Greatest Of All Time’ when it comes to football, revealing he believes Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both the best, but he hasn’t been quite so diplomatic when it comes to picking his favourite NBA star.

Known as a big basketball fan, previously attending NBA Draft nights and even signing a media partnership with the league, Mbappe has become friends with San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and is regularly spotted courtside at big games.

Mbappe names LeBron James as the 'GOAT'

Speaking on his own Instagram page after LeBron James broke the all-time NBA scoring record, Mbappe called the Los Angeles Lakers forward the ‘the greatest’, and he previously revealed he idoloses James for his actions on and off the court.

James is a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA MVP, while he also leads the all time records for most points and sits in the top ten for both assists and steals, but his 4-6 finals record opens the door for debate.

Michael Jordan won the title six times, significantly boasting a 6-0 finals record and being named the finals MVP in all six, while winning the regular season MVP award on five occasions.

LeBron James

Who’s the GOAT?

Michael Jordan

27.0

Points per game

30.1

7.5

Assists per game

6.2

7.4

Rebounds per game

5.3

1.5

Steals per game

2.3

0.7

Blocks per game

0.8

Four

NBA Championships

Six

Four

NBA MVPs

Five

ESPN’s Stephen A Smith believes Jordan’s peak puts him above the rest: “I’m putting nobody ahead of Michael Jordan. Nobody. Because my definition of the ‘GOAT’ is you at your best against anybody else at their best.

“There’s nobody who has been as good as long (as LeBron), meaning longevity, a sustained level of pristine excellence – LeBron James is the ‘GOAT’ in that category. But I don’t think LeBron’s best eclipses Jordan’s best.”

Mbappe’s verdict is perhaps symbolic of the generational divide that often defines the debate, while James still has the opportunity to extend his legacy with one more year left on his contract with the Lakers.

Related Highest earning athletes 2025: NBA star Kevin Durant invests in PSG but ranks below Lionel Messi

Three football stars crack the top ten…

Posts ByBen Goodwin Jun 21, 2025

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will be desperate to ensure that his decision to sack Ange Postecoglou won’t come back to bite him, and he’s apparently prepared to back new manager Thomas Frank so he can give the Australian’s replacement the best-possible chance of success.

Related Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining

The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy by guiding them to an historic Europa League final victory over Man United last month, a result which also gifted them a spot in the Champions League next season, but Spurs’ torrid 2024/2025 domestic form meant that Levy was forced into the tough call of letting him go.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank is now tasked with re-settling the dressing room whilst helping Spurs to kick on from their memorable night in Bilbao, and the Dane has already paid homage to his predecessor’s work at N17.

“I think Ange has done something special. He’ll forever be a legend in Tottenham,” Frank said in his first interview as Tottenham boss.

“It’s important to understand we all stand on the shoulders of others. I’m going in on the foundation Ange built, and his coaching staff, and I’m very humble about that. I’ll do my very best to continue the great work he put in.

“The feeling, the excitement, the joy and the happiness in the fans’ faces, the pictures were ‘wow’. Hopefully, we can create more of those moments. That will be the ultimate dream: to do that and build on that.”

The 51-year-old is reportedly keen to upgrade his new ranks by signing a proven wide-attacking player, especially considering Son Heung-min may have already played his last competitive game for Tottenham amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Many high-profile Premier League names have been linked already, but chief among them is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The England international guided Palace to their first ever major trophy last season, bagging the winner in a 1-0 victory over Man City in the FA Cup final, adding to his impressive tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze has been a star player at Selhurst Park ever since his move there from QPR, and Eagles chairman Steve Parish was left “astounded” by the lack of interest in him last summer.

Tottenham ready to pay £68 million for Eberechi Eze

The £100,000-per-week forward, who can play both as a CAM and out wide, has certainly got admirers this time round, and Spurs are one of the chief contenders for his signature.

Reports have suggested that Frank has personally recommended Eze as a target for Tottenham, with TEAMtalk now sharing an update on the situation amid rumours that the player would also be keen on a north London move.

The outlet states that Tottenham are ready to meet the price required to sign Eze, his £68 million release clause, and the ex-Arsenal academy man is “enthusiastic” about swapping south London for a place in Frank’s side.

Frank also apparently believes that Eze would be a stellar addition for the Lilywhites, and one capable of thriving both on the wing and as a complement to James Maddison in the centre of attacking midfield.

Palace are also open to receiving Eze’s final fee in installments, even if they’d want an upfront payment of £45 million, something which Tottenham are prepared to offer as well.

This could be one to watch in the coming days/weeks, as Spurs want to act “swiftly” and provide Frank with fresh additions ahead of a crucial campaign.

He says Pakistan “should play the game the way” it is being played by other teams around the world

Sidharth Monga16-Jun-20242:55

Flower: ‘Pakistan underperformed, they were panicking’

Imad Wasim came out of retirement for the T20 World Cup 2024 only to become part of “the lowest point” Pakistan cricket has hit during his career, but hopes that something good comes out of the reflections that follow because “you can’t get any lower than this”. Imad has called for a total reset in the way Pakistan play white-ball cricket, especially the mindset and approach because a side that “used to rule T20 cricket” has fallen behind the rest of the world.”I’m giving my personal opinion so don’t make these the headlines,” he said at a press conference a day before their last league game against Ireland in Lauderhill. “It’s all your mindset. What mindset do you want to play the game with? You either play fire with fire, or you play your way. I personally believe that you should play fire with fire. And even if you lose, you can sit down and say to yourself that on that day we were not good enough.”The problem is our team is so good, our players are so good, that we are good enough to play any kind of cricket. We haven’t tried that but the thing is you have to try that, you have to get rid of the fear of failure. In everything – batting, bowling, fielding, you have to get rid of fear of failure. Personnel change doesn’t change anything, just changing the mindset can change a lot of things. The same ball can be hit for a six, a four, a single, and that same ball can take a wicket and be a dot ball.Related

Old debate, simple answer: Pakistan's batting just not very good

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Two great cricket rivalries have fizzled out at the T20 World Cup, but there's still one to watch

“We compete with the world’s best teams. Their mindset has changed over time. We used to rule in T20 cricket. I think we have moved back a little now. Maybe our mindset [needs a change] – in all three areas. I won’t say any one area. If you change the mind of the player, you can achieve things beyond your limits. I always believe in this. You can talk a lot, but it is what it is – today, we are out of the tournament and whatever happens in the next World Cup, whoever plays, however they play, I think if we go with the right approach, the results will be better for us.”One reason for the fear of failure could be the personal attacks that follow. Imad was told about reports that he was played despite not being fully fit. He was asked if he felt the team, but in particular he and Mohammad Amir, both of whom came out of retirement, felt they have not repaid the trust put in them. He was also asked if his comeback was limited to this World Cup alone, and if he was going to go back into retirement after the Ireland game on Sunday.Despite there being a sense of “too soon” to these questions, Imad answered them calmly. He rubbished the allegations around lack of fitness, said he had not yet thought of his plans after the World Cup, and also pointed out cricket is a team game and is not won or lost by individuals. He reminded people that they were more disappointed than them, and that they should not be disrespected.Imad Wasim came out of retirement for the T20 World Cup 2024•Getty Images

“Me personally and our team, including me, are very disappointed and sad,” he said. “And the whole public is sad that we didn’t perform well and believes we are guilty. We are more disappointed than you are. This is our profession after all. But I would also like to say that we are human beings, we can make mistakes and we also get affected by these things.”Imad himself was a TV analyst when he had retired, and used to criticise his current team-mates. When asked to put that analyst hat on to review this performance, he suggested that that kind of dispassionate analysis was perhaps what was the need of the hour.”I have always talked about cricket [as an analyst],” Imad said. “I have never talked about players individually or body-shamed anyone or anything like that. Cricketers have to do their job and analyse the cricket. They have to tell you what is right and what is wrong without getting personal.”I think we should play the game the way world cricket is going. We should sort out the way we play the game, the way we should bring awareness, the way we should chase, the way we should approach the game…. We will sit and sort out our approach. Other teams also go out in early stages, but I don’t think Pakistan have exited this way. We are extremely disappointed.”But is it all about how you react after the fall? This is bad but who knows this could be big for Pakistan? We could revamp, revisit and start playing white-ball cricket the way it should be played.”

Pakistan international team-mate Hasan Ali has also been sidelined with elbow issue

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jul-2024

Aamer Jamal struggled for fitness during his spell with Warwickshire•Getty Images

Aamer Jamal’s injury-blighted stint with Warwickshire has come to an early end after his fitness struggles limited him to three appearances across formats during a six-week spell in county cricket.Jamal joined Warwickshire in April after his omission from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad opened up his availability, and he went straight into their side to face Nottinghamshire barely 24 hours after arriving in the UK.But he took a solitary wicket in his first two appearances in the County Championship, with head coach Mark Robinson admitting he was “struggling for rhythm” and “not reaching the sort of pace we’d like him to”. Jamal was then sidelined with a back issue and has not played in the Championship since.His contract also covered the Blast but he has been limited to one appearance due to injury, in which he bowled a single wicketless over which cost 25 runs and was dismissed for a first-ball duck.Related

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Aamer Jamal's back issues rule him out of Bangladesh Test series

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Jamal joins Warwickshire for Championship, Blast

Gavin Larsen, Warwickshire’s director of cricket, said: “Aamir has worked incredibly hard with our medical and strength and conditioning team, but unfortunately, we’ve run out of time to get him back on the field and bowling at full pace… I know he’s very disappointed not to have demonstrated his capabilities to the Bears fans.”On Wednesday, Jamal claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that he is “fully fit” despite Warwickshire’s statement suggesting otherwise. “Unfortunately, my time at Warwickshire County Cricket Club did not go as planned due to an injury I sustained during the second championship game,” he wrote. “Following medical advice, I underwent MRI scans and was diagnosed with a back spasm.”I then started the process of rehabilitation and recovery with the medical staff. My rehab has just finished, and I am fully fit to return to the field and resume playing cricket, . However, it is too late for me to continue with the county as an overseas player, as they have already replaced me. I wish WCCC the best of luck and thank them for the opportunity.”New Zealand’s Zak Foulkes has featured in Warwickshire’s last two T20 Blast games after signing a short-term contract as injury cover.Jamal’s compatriot Hasan Ali has also struggled with an injury while at Warwickshire and has not played for them in the Blast since June 14 due to an elbow problem. He is due to stay at the club until the end of July.Ethan Bamber will join Warwickshire at the end of the season•Getty Images

Warwickshire have been short of seam-bowling options throughout this season, with Craig Miles, Liam Norwell and Chris Rushworth all spending long spells on the sidelines through injury. Their spin-heavy side has thrived regardless in the Blast, topping the North Group after 10 games, but they sit eighth in Division One of the Championship and are yet to register a win.They have bolstered their resources from next summer with the signing of former England Under-19 seamer Ethan Bamber from Middlesex, which was announced on Monday. “Ethan was highly courted around the game, and we’re thrilled he’s chosen to call Edgbaston home for the future,” Larsen said in a press release.Alan Coleman, Larsen’s counterpart at Middlesex, said he was “naturally disappointed” that Bamber had chosen to leave after he was offered a long-term contract extension. “Ethan is an ambitious young man who wants to challenge himself in a new environment and has a passion to play for England,” Coleman said.

Leeds United are now in the race to sign a “highly rated” £17 million Ligue 1 ace who’s being chased by major teams throughout Europe, according to a new report.

As pre-season preparations get underway, Daniel Farke will be very pleased with the business the club have conducted so far, but he will be wanting more arrivals between now and September, as he knows Leeds have a lot of work ahead of them if they are to remain in the Premier League.

Related Better than Gudmundsson: Leeds want to land deal for "dominant" £22m star

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be even better than Gabriel Gudmundsson.

Posts 2 ByDan Emery Jul 7, 2025

Three players have already arrived at Elland Road, but that could soon be about to double. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are closing in on the signing of Gabriel Gudmundsson from French side Lille. The Sweden international was expected to travel to England on Sunday to complete the transfer and add more options in the left-back spot for Farke.

That is not the only full-back the Whites are chasing, as Leeds are also interested in signing El Hadji Malick Diouf and are in a good position to beat West Ham to his signature, as they have already seen a bid turned down.

Meanwhile, the Premier League newcomers have also held talks with goalkeeper Lucas Perri over potentially replacing Illan Meslier between the sticks at Elland Road.

Leeds in race for highly rated Neil El Aynaoui

The transfer news doesn’t stop there for the Yorkshire side, as according to Foot Mercato, Leeds are interested in signing midfielder Neil El Aynaoui from RC Lens.

The report states that after a successful 2024/25 season on a personal level, where El Aynaoui scored eight goals in 24 Ligue 1 games, the 24 year-old midfielder is now wanted by many teams across Europe. As well as Leeds, Sunderland and Wolves showing strong interest from England, they all face competition from Juventus and AC Milan.

But it could be AS Roma who are the significant threat to the Whites, as the Italian side have already submitted a bid worth 20 million euros, which is roughly £17.2 million, and are looking to continue talks with Lens over the coming days.

El Aynaoui, who has been dubbed “highly talented” in the past, would bring versatility to Leeds’ midfield department, as he can operate defensively and offensively, as well as being comfortable playing out wide.

Neil El Aynaoui’s RC Lens stats

Apps

56

Goals

9

Assists

5

Capturing El Aynaoui would show significant intent from the 49ers, given the interest from huge clubs with multiple Champions League titles to their name, with the American group seemingly intent on putting Leeds back on their perch.

With a new goalkeeper likely to cost in excess of £10m and El Aynaoui’s price looking likely to breach the £30m mark, it may not be long before the Whites are heading towards a nine-figure spend in the summer market.

تحدث ماريو إيليتش قائد فريق أوكلاند سيتي النيوزيلندي، عن مواجهة بيراميدز، التي تقام بين الفريقين، مساء غد الأحد، في إطار منافسات بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

ويلتقي بيراميدز مع أوكلاند سيتي، في التاسعة من مساء غد الأحد، على استاد الدفاع الجوي، في الدور الأول من بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

وقال إيليتش خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت: “نحن دائمًا نضع لأنفسنا توقعات عالية، في كل مباراة نلعبها نريد فيها الفوز، نركز على الأداء أولاً، وحافظًا على صلابتا الدفاعية بالتاكيد ستكون فرصتنا كبيرة للفوز”.

وأضاف: “سندخل مباراة بيراميدز بهدف تحقيق الفوز، مع إدركنا بصعوبة المباراة، وقوة المنافس، لكن لدينا ثقة كاملة في أنفسنا، وقدراتنا على تحقيق المفاجأة”.

وتابع: “نعلم أن بيراميدز فريق كبير وخطير هجوميًا، قد أثبت جدارته بالفعل، بالفوز بدوري أبطال إفريقيا، سبق وأن خوضنا مباراة قوية أمام النادي الأهلي، نتوقع أن تكون هذه المواجهة بنفس الصعوبة”.

طالع | وقت إضافي أم ركلات ترجيح؟.. فيفا يوضح مصير مباراة بيراميدز وأوكلاند سيتي حال انتهائها بالتعادل

وأكمل: “قمنا بدراسة فريق بيراميدز تفصيلاً وحددنا عناصر القوة لديهم، لكنا على علم أنهم متماسكون في جميع الخطوط، وضعنا خطة واضحة ونسعي للالتزام بها حتي نقلل من خطورة بيراميدز ونحقق النجاح المطلوب”.

وواصل: “نعلم أن اللقاء سيكون مرهق بدنيًا خاصة أن الفريق معتاد على الأجواء ونحن قادمين من أجواء شتوية في نيوزيلندا، لهذا قضينا عدة أيام في أبو ظبي قبل اللقاء للتكيف مع الأجواء”.

واستطرد: “استفدنا من تجربتنا السابقة ضد الأهلي كما أن مشاركتنا في عدة نسخ في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية منحتنا خبرة وثقة كبيرة، خوضنا 3 مباريات قوية في مونديال الأندية بأمريكا”.

وأستكمل: “دائمًا ندخل في مثل هذه اللقاءات ونحن الطرف الأضعف، خاصة أننا فريق من الهواة ولاعبينا لديهم وظائف يومية خارج مجال كرة القدم لذلك يكون الضغط الأكبر على المنافس”.

وأتم: “نركز على المباراة دقيقة بدقيقة ونتمسك بالأسس الدفاعية ونعرف أننا قادرون على صناعة الفرص ويبقى الأهم استغلال تلك الفرص عندما تأتي، كرة القدم هي لعبة المفاجآت، حققنا نتيجة تاريخية بالتعادل أمام بوكا جونيور الأرجنتيني في كأس العالم للأندية، لذلك طالما على أرضية الملعب نملك الفرصة في الفوز في النهاية 11 لاعبا أمام مثلهم، سنلعب بخطة واضحة وسنترك الباقي لكرة القدم”.

McMullen scored his third half-century in four matches against Australia, but once again it went in vain

Abhimanyu Bose07-Sep-2024

Cameron Green scored a fifty and took three wickets•Getty Images

An all-round display from Cameron Green, coupled with some excellent fielding, helped Australia complete a 3-0 sweep against Scotland at Edinburgh.Green first registered his career-best figures to help restrict the hosts to 149 for 9 before anchoring the chase with his highest score as Australia overcame the challenge of losing their openers early and completed the chase with 23 balls to spare.Brandon McMullen scored his third half-century in four matches against Australia, but once again, it wasn’t enough as he and opener George Munsey were the only batters to make significant contributions for Scotland.Currie gets Australia’s openers againUnlike in the first match of the series, where they blitzed 156 inside ten overs, Australia got off to a nervy start in their chase. McMullen took a blinder, diving low to his left at backward point, to dismiss Jake Fraser-McGurk off Brad Currie for the batter’s second duck of the series.In his next over, Currie had Head hole out to long-on to account for both Australia openers in his first two overs for two matches in a row.Brad Currie dismissed the Australia openers for the second straight match•Getty Images

Green, Marsh bring the chase under controlBut Mitchell Marsh, back at No. 3 after demoting himself down the order in the second game, and Cameron Green stitched a 61-run stand that put Australia in control.Currie was given a third consecutive over in the powerplay as Scotland looked to make the most of the early movement on offer. But Marsh and Green took on the left-arm quick in the sixth over, with both batters hitting him for sixes between long-on and deep midwicket.Marsh then pulled Chris Sole for a six before getting a boundary off Safyaan Sharif. When Mark Watt entered the attack, Green drove him down the ground for four before launching him for a six over long-on.Jack Jarvis then got a breakthrough for Scotland when Marsh chopped on trying to pull a length ball that stuck in the pitch.But Green and Tim David continued to attack, hitting a six in each of the next three overs, the best of which came off Watt’s bowling as Green reverse-swept him over backward point.Green then drove Jarvis down the ground before getting to a 33-ball fifty with a single.David, who hit two fours to end that Jarvis over, holed out off Sole’s slower short ball to deep-backward square leg, but by then Australia just needed 19 off 34 balls.Green continued to take on Watt, hitting him for another six, before Aaron Hardie hit the winning runs with a square drive for his second boundary.Brandon McMullen scored his third fifty in four T20Is against Australia•SNS Group/Getty Images

Munsey drives Scotland’s good startAn injury to Michael Jones brought Ollie Hairs back into the side, and he was the one who gave Scotland the early momentum after Australia chose to bowl. He hit Hardie over covers for four before pulling Sean Abbott for six. But Hardie then had him chopping on to give Australia their first breakthrough.Munsey, who was struggling till then, ended the third over with a six whipped over midwicket with fast hands. Debutant Cooper Connolly was given the ball in the powerplay and was greeted by McMullen with a six over long-on. In the next over, McMullen hooked Stoinis for four.Green was entrusted with the sixth over, and drew Munsey’s inside edge that went past the stumps for four. Munsey deposited the next ball over cow corner but Green then cramped him for room and had him steering a catch to backward point.McMullen stands tall for ScotlandThe scoring slowed down after the fielding restrictions were relaxed. Green then bowled Richie Berrington through the gate with one that jagged in from outside off. But McMullen continued his excellent form against Australia, hooking Green for a six. When Cross was bowled by Adam Zampa three overs later, McMullen responded by lofting the legspinner over long-on.McMullen held steady even as Michael Leask holed out to a good diving catch by David at long-on off Abbott. He hit Connolly for a four to bring up his half-century off 32 balls.But Head took a stunning catch at short fine leg to end McMullen’s innings. McMullen looked to scoop a short ball around off over his shoulder and it was timed well, but Head moved to his right and plucked it.Scotland managed just 11 runs for the loss of three wickets in the remaining 20 deliveries, with Green dismissing Mark Watt in the final over to register his first three-wicket haul in all T20s.

Tottenham Hotspur fans won’t be used to the heavy spending they’ve seen over the last couple of weeks, with Daniel Levy evidently looking to back new boss Thomas Frank.

The club completed the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United last week, as the club look to build a competitive squad which is capable of challenging for a place at the top of the table.

After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, it’s no surprise to see new additions being lined up, with added funds expected to be dropped in the coming weeks.

Morgan Gibbs-White has been another player mentioned with a move to North London this summer, but a deal could now appear complicated given the threat of legal action from his current side, Nottingham Forest.

It’s unclear whether a deal for the England international will get completed, leading to other attacking talent being linked with big-money transfers to join the Lilywhites.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Tyler Dibling is a player who’s constantly been on Spurs’ radar in recent months, especially after suffering relegation back to the Championship at the end of the season.

However, any deal for the teenager would set the hierarchy back a fee in the region of £55m this summer, potentially facing competition from Manchester United for his signature this window.

Another Premier League attacker has appeared on their radar over the last couple of days, with Brentford striker Yoane Wissa now a key target, according to TBR Football.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites are just one of various top-flight sides who have been in talks with his representatives over a move after scoring 19 league goals in 2024/25.

It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £40m during the ongoing window, that’s despite the Bees originally demanding £50m for his signature.

Why Spurs’ £40m target would be perfect alongside Kudus

The signing of Kudus could prove to be an excellent one for Spurs ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, handing Frank the needed versatility within attacking areas.

The Ghanaian can operate off the right or left-hand side of the frontline, whilst also being able to feature in the number ten position – having the creative nature to hand others around him the chances to impress.

In the Premier League last season, the 24-year-old registered 3.2 successful take-ons and an 84% accuracy, having the skillset to take the ball forward into attacking areas.

He also notched 2.1 carries into the final third along with 1.5 carries into the opposition’s box per 90, further highlighting his impressive ability with the ball at his feet.

Such figures could be handy for Wissa should the DR Congo international make the move across the capital and reunite with his former boss in North London.

When delving into the forward’s stats from his spell with the Bees last season, he has the tools to be a success at the club, handing Frank the needed talisman he craves with the Lilywhites.

Wissa, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, managed to register 1.3 shots on target per 90, subsequently being able to link up with Kudus, especially considering the Ghanian’s tally of 1.2 chances created per 90 in the Premier League.

Yoane Wissa’s PL stats for Brentford (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

35

Goals scored

19

Shots on target per 90

1.3

Aerials won

46%

Pass accuracy

80%

Touches in opposition box

5.2

Fouls won

1.6

Stats via FotMob

He could also offer the side an out-ball given his aerial ability, with the current Brentford star winning 46% of the battles he entered, offering a focal point despite his small frame.

His clinical nature in front of goal would be a massive boost in the club’s hunt for future success, scoring 19 times, which would’ve made him the Lilywhites’ top scorer last campaign.

The prospect of Wissa linking up with Kudus in North London is one for the fans to be excited by, having the tools to work together and catapult the side up the table next time around.

£40m may appear to be an expensive price tag, but if he can replicate the levels he produced under Frank last season, it would be a phenomenal signing that would add a new dimension to the frontline.

Related Perfect with Gibbs-White: Spurs to make £60m bid for "phenomenal" talent

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be prepared to splash the cash under Thomas Frank this summer.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 12, 2025

Nottinghamshire trail by 420 runs after just 10.5 overs possible in second innings

ECB Reporters Network10-Sep-2024

Michael Pepper transformed Essex’s innings•Getty Images

Michael Pepper continued a rich vein of form that has now brought him centuries in successive Vitality County Championship matches to sit alongside two T20 Blast centuries as he helped Essex tightened their stranglehold over Nottinghamshire.The wicketkeeper-batsman’s 115 from 147 balls eclipsed his previous best score against Worcestershire last week by three runs as he built on Tom Westley’s 122 to take Essex to a formidable 457 in their first innings.After putting on 69 with his captain, Pepper joined forces with Simon Harmer in a stand of 133 for the seventh wicket that threatened to pile further pressure on the relegation-haunted visitors. Pepper seasoned his innings with12 fours and a six while Harmer’s 51 was his highest score of the season.Nottinghamshire had reduced the deficit to 420 for the loss of captain Haseeb Hameed in the 10.5 overs possible before play on day two was curtailed by bad weather with the visitors on 37 for 1.At the start of the day, Rob Lord struck for his third wicket of the innings with the 19th delivery of the new-ball – but the Kookaburra was more than 30 overs old before the next wicket fell. The only success of the morning session was when the pace bowler got one to jump up at Westley who dragged on to his stumps to depart after more than five hours of patient accumulation in scoring 122 from 241 balls.Pepper continued to bat sensibly, a textbook straight-driven four a stand-out alongside an unorthodox forehand smash through mid-off. His alliance with Harmer saw off the new-ball and took Essex to a fourth batting point.Harmer had been struggling with the bat but reached his first fifty of the season – and only his second score above 19. A six over midwicket off Farhan Ahmed and a reverse-swept four off Liam Patterson-White had already indicated that confidence was returning.A quickly scampered single took Pepper to three-figures from 135 balls and earnt a warm embrace from a batting partner who would depart soon after. An attempt at another reverse sweep in Freddie McCann’s first over proved to be Harmer’s downfall as the misjudgement ended in him being bowled. His fifty included five fours and a six.Neither Shane Snater nor Sam Cook lasted long, both going down the wicket to Ahmed (3 for 102) and being bowled and stumped respectively before Pepper was bowled by Patterson-White. The last four wickets went down for 27 runs in six overs.Nottinghamshire lost Hameed in the fourth over of their reply when he slashed Cook to point. However, his opening partner Michael Slater refused to be tied down, flicking three of his four boundaries off his legs in a 36-ball 26 before rain added to the gloom to curtail the day with 36 overs remaining.