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Batsman Lahiru Thirimanne has been recalled into Sri Lanka’s Test squad, with wicketkeeper-batsman Sadeera Samarawickrama also picked in the 17-strong outfit heading to New Zealand for two Tests in December.Dinesh Chandimal, who missed the last two Tests of the recent series against England with a groin strain, is back to lead the side. His deputy is the opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who has been elevated to vice-captaincy ahead of fast bowler Suranga Lakmal, who led Sri Lanka in Chandimal’s absence against England.The only major omission is that of offspinner Akila Dananjaya, who is awaiting the results of his biomechanics test, having been reported for a suspect action. Also failing to find a place in the squad is opener Kaushal Silva, who produced four modest innings in the recent series against England. Danushka Gunathilaka, who also had a poor Test at the SSC, and has been in various disciplinary scrapes over the past 18 months, has been selected, however.The composition of the five-member seam-bowling contingent is largely as expected. Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara, who had both impressed in the West Indies, are in the squad. Dushmantha Chameera, who had a good tour of New Zealand in 2015, has been chosen as well. Senior seamers Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep are in the squad as well. Pradeep has not played a Test for over a year, but that has largely been down to injury concerns rather than form reasons.Thirimanne, who had had an extended poor stretch before being dropped in 2017, makes his way back into the squad via runs for Sri Lanka A. He had been the highest scorer in the A team tour to Bangladesh in July, having scored 347 runs at an average of 173.5, across four innings. The 23-year-old Samarawickrama, meanwhile, has not been in particularly prolific form in the high-profile domestic competitions this year, but has been picked largely on potential. He had played four Tests toward the end of 2017 and made a high score of 38.Sri Lanka Test squad: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera

Mohammad Amir’s ouster from the one-day setup means he has now been dropped from all three formats this month

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Nov-2018

Imad Wasim conceded just eight runs in his four overs•AFP

Imad Wasim and Mohammad Hafeez find themselves back in Pakistan’s 15-man ODI squad after spells of varying lengths out of the side. Hafeez sat out of Pakistan’s five ODIs against Zimbabwe in July and was dropped from the squad for the Asia Cup altogether, while Imad hasn’t played a 50-over international in 2018. Both of them are part of the squad that will face New Zealand in a three-match ODI series next week, which is otherwise notable for Mohammad Amir’s continued exclusion from the side. His ouster from the one-day setup meaning he has now been dropped from all three formats this month.Pakistan’s ODI squad v New Zealand

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Shinwari

The squad is otherwise largely unchanged from Pakistan’s Asia Cup side, with Shan Masood, included in that 16-man side (though he didn’t play any match) the only other played omitted. Asif Ali retains his place, while Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Hafeez are the three opening options named. Sahibzada Farhan, who averages over 53 in List A cricket in Pakistan and was included in Pakistan’s squad for the T20I series against Australia and New Zealand, has failed to earn a call-up to the 50-over side. Shaheen Afridi, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali and Usman Shinwari are the four fast bowlers in the side, while Shadab Khan and Imad are the specialist spin options.Despite their splendid T20I form over the past two years, Pakistan are coming off a disappointing Asia Cup tournament, where they failed to make the final after losing to Bangladesh in a must-win encounter. It was part of a trend of shaky performances throughout the competition in which they were soundly beaten by India twice, and only managed to squeak past Afghanistan in a final-over thriller.Despite a superb record in Test cricket in the UAE, Pakistan have struggled there in ODI cricket ever since they relocated. In 61 ODIs there over the past decade, they have won 28 and lost 33. Excluding Sri Lanka, against whom they have won 12 of 15 encounters in the UAE, Pakistan’s record is an even more unflattering 16 wins and 30 losses. They have lost both series they played against New Zealand over that period, most recently in 2014, when the visitors triumphed 3-2.The first two ODIs will be held in Abu Dhabi on 7 and 9 November, with the third to take place in Dubai on 13 November.

Here's something we haven't seen happen in a MLB in quite some time—a hitter getting thrown out at first after smashing a liner to deep left field.

That happened in Wednesday night's Washington Nationals-Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park and it left everyone a bit confused.

Pittsburgh's Tommy Pham hit a ball to left that looked like it had been caught by James Wood. However, the third base ump ruled that it hit the ground first. Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz thought it was a catch and returned to first and Pham stopped running thinking he was out.

Wood then threw the ball to first and got the rare 7-3 putout on Pham thanks to some quick thinking from Luis Garcia Jr.

This was a wild one:

You gotta love baseball.

The Pirates went on to win the game 6-1.

Samuel Luckhurst criticised a Manchester United star, who looked “haunted” in the first half of the 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Man Utd complete second-half comeback to prevail at Palace

Man United’s performance in the first half of the win against the Eagles left a lot to be desired, with Mark Goldbridge taking to X to criticise Ruben Amorim, while also taking aim at the manager’s reluctance to change things at half-time.

However, Amorim’s approach ultimately paid off, with Joshua Zirkzee cancelling out Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener early in the second half, before Mason Mount secured all three points after being laid off by Bruno Fernandes from a free-kick.

The Red Devils were able to close out a 2-1 win, bringing their four-game winless run against Palace to an end, but it was far from a vintage performance, with Luckhurst taking to X to criticise Casemiro’s performance during the first half.

The reporter said: “Not remotely got going and Casemiro looks haunted up against Adam Wharton again.”

Man Utd should go all out to sign Wharton

It is little wonder United are so keen on signing Wharton, who put in a fantastic first-half performance, once again catching the eye with his passing ability.

With Amorim in the market for a new midfielder, INEOS should go all out to sign the Crystal Palace star, who was unlucky to be on the losing side after bossing the midfield in the first half, although Casemiro did manage to turn things around.

Although he lost possession 11 times, the Brazilian made a number of key defensive contributions throughout the match, winning seven duels, the second-highest number of any United player, while also making two interceptions, three clearances and three tackles.

Man Utd have unseen teenager who "looks better than half their first team"

Carrington has produced another gem.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 29, 2025

Journalist Liam Canning was also left impressed with the 33-year-old’s display, in what could be his final season as a Man United player, although an encouraging new update from Fabrizio Romano suggests the central midfielder could extend his contract beyond next summer…

Fabio Capello has launched a fiery attack on Italy’s national team after their shocking defeat to Norway, calling out players for their bad attitude.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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• Capello ashamed by Italy’s loss to Norway
• Criticises Calafiori and Acerbi by name
• Wants Claudio Ranieri to replace Spalletti

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Italy suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Norway, sparking an explosive reaction from former manager Capello. Speaking on , Capello tore into the national team setup, accusing several players of lacking commitment and faking injuries to avoid call-ups.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He singled out Calafiori, Acerbi, and others for their attitude, claiming their actions show “no love for the blue shirt.” This latest crisis adds to a growing list of issues for the Azzurri. With Spalletti dismissed following Italy’s loss to Norway, a dip in form, and growing reports of a divided dressing room, the national team finds itself in turmoil.

• WHAT CAPELLO SAID

  The former AC Milan manager didn’t hold back in his scathing assessment of Italy’s national team. He said: “I was ashamed. Players didn’t want to come. That’s something I never thought possible,” expressing disbelief over the lack of commitment.

  He specifically called out Calafiori and Acerbi, accusing them of faking injuries to dodge national duty, saying, “They claimed injury but were playing a week earlier. That’s betrayal.”

  Capello endorsed Ranieri as the man to lead the revival: “He’s the right name. He’s experienced, knows the players, and can spark a turnaround.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Former Roma manager Ranieri is now being championed as a calm, experienced figure who can restore order and unity. Whether the Italian Football Association acts quickly or waits for another collapse will shape the future of the Azzurri heading into their next campaign.

Which of these moments of madness from South Africa in a crunch match of a global tournament is the worst?

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jun-2017

Everton and James Tarkowski made it a Goodison goodbye to remember in an affair full of drama as he slammed home at the death to snatch a point and dent what has seemed an inevitable Liverpool title charge.

36%

Possession

64%

10

Shots

6

3

On target

4

3

Bookings

3

2

Corners

3

Everton player ratings Jordan Pickford – 6

Although the England number one had little to do, it was a frustrating evening for Jordan Pickford who parried Curtis Jones’ effort into the path of Salah as Liverpool found what they believed to be the winner.

Jake O'Brien – 8

One of O’Brien’s best performances in an Everton shirt as he continues to make up for a slow start in a rejuvenated run under David Moyes, he was unfortunate not to end the game with three points.

James Tarkowski – 8

Dominant up against Luis Diaz and then against Darwin Nunez, Tarkowski enjoyed an evening to savour, equalising with a thumping finish at the death to send Goodison Park into bedlam.

Jarrad Branthwaite – 7.5

Just like his centre-back partner, Branthwaite enjoyed a fine evening, and continues to rediscover last season’s form as he made what seemed like a million clearances.

Vitaliy Mykolenko – 5.5

Back from injury, the Ukraine endured a quiet evening and summed that up with a late cross into the stands just when Everton needed a pinpoint delivery.

James Garner – 6

Although not as prominent as his teammates, Garner still managed to push his side onto the front foot in what could have resulted in victory on another day.

Idrissa Gueye – 7.5

Among those who deserved three points at Goodison Park, Idrissa Gueye took control in the middle of the park in a scrappy affair, breaking up play throughout.

Jesper Lindstrom – 6

Did well to keep Andrew Robertson busy and push the Liverpool frontline into their defensive half, albeit whilst failing to make his mark on the scoresheet.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7

Moving up next to Beto at times, Doucoure handed Virgil van Dijk a rare uncomfortable game, but loses marks for heading a crucial chance wide of the mark. Sent off after the full-time whistle to add to the drama.

Iliman Ndiaye – 6

Earning the free-kick which led to Beto’s opening strike, Ndiaye left his mark before limping off in tears midway through the half. Everton will certainly be hoping for a swift return.

Beto – 9

One of the best games that he has enjoyed at Goodison Park, Beto handed Ibrahima Konate a nightmare at times in a true derby battle, whilst also netting his third goal in two league games.

Substitutes: Jack Harrison, Carlos Alcaraz, Tim Iroegnunam

Liverpool player ratings Alisson – 7

The Brazilian would have been left angered by his side’s lack of sharpness for Beto’s goal, but otherwise enjoyed a quiet game on the shot-stopping front.

Conor Bradley – 6

In a game full of angst, Conor Bradley was among several who received a booking from Michael Oliver, before he tested the referee’s patience with one foul too many for Arne Slot, who hooked the right-back on the hour mark.

Ibrahima Konate – 6.5

Losing a crucial aerial battle in the dying embers, Konate will be desperate to move on from what was a difficult evening at times up against Beto.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.5

Unusually scrappy by his standards and forced to shift out of first gear by a resilient Beto and Doucoure, but still mopped up with aplomb several times.

Andrew Robertson – 6

Again Liverpool’s achilles heel at times, Robertson – like many – failed to escape Oliver’s book and faced the same fate as Bradley when Slot introduced Kostas Tsimikas.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.5

By his standards, the Dutchman struggled to take control of proceedings and instead found himself sucked into a scrappy affair before Slot brought his game to an end on the hour mark.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7

Found an excellent equaliser by heading home despite his unlikely aerial prowess. Mac Allister is creating a habit of enjoying important moments.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.5

Entering the derby in fine form, Szoboszlai struggled to gain control at times up against a frantic Everton midfield. Tested Pickford with a fine effort in the first half.

Mohamed Salah – 8

For a moment, it looked as though the Egyptian King was set to bow out at Goodison Park with one last royal goodbye, only for Tarkowski to spoil his moment.

Luis Diaz – 4

Continuing Liverpool’s number nine problem, Diaz struggled to get into the game and continued to look like a player shoehorned out of position.

Cody Gakpo – 6

Unusually quiet despite recent form, Gakpo followed the initial trend of a frustrating night for Liverpool’s frontline before being replaced by Darwin Nunez.

Substitutes: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kostas Tsimikas, Darwin Nunez, Curtis Jones

Following Miguel Almiron’s departure to join MLS side Atlanta United, Newcastle United have reportedly opened talks to sign a rising star in a bargain deal for Eddie Howe.

Newcastle transfer news

Like many in the Premier League, Newcastle have left things late when it has come to potential reinforcements, having waited for the sale of Almiron to fund a last-gasp attempt to sign Bryan Mbeumo. Despite reportedly making a late approach to sign the Brentford star, who is valued at a hefty £60m, it seems as though the Magpies are set to miss out this time around.

That may not be the end of the matter, with Mbeumo someone who is on Newcastle’s radar following an excellent campaign. When the summer arrives, the Bees will no doubt face another battle to keep hold of one of their star men.

If successful later down the line, the Magpies could be welcoming a future star alongside Mbeumo, as there is a deal that they’re seemingly already setting in motion towards the end of the current window.

According to Mail Online, Newcastle have opened talks to sign Antonio Cordero from Malaga on a pre-contract agreement, which would see the 18-year-old winger arrive on a free deal in the summer.

Newcastle could move on from Wilson in late swoop for "electric" star

Newcastle have been offered a chance to sign the Serie A attacker.

ByDan Emery Feb 1, 2025

The young Spaniard could instantly become the heir to Almiron as a player on the rise and one to watch in the coming years.

"Direct" Cordero is one for the future

Whilst Almiron handed Howe an ageing option who was past his best, Cordero would instantly hand the Newcastle boss an exciting player who is yet to reach the peak of his powers. At just 18 years old, the Spaniard has already made an impact for Malaga’s senior side, scoring four goals and assisting another two in the Segunda Division in Spain.

Earning deserved praise as a result, analyst Ben Mattinson described Cordero as “direct” and “exciting” earlier this year, in what is a preview of what St James’ Park may witness in years to come if Newcastle get their deal over the line.

As the January transfer window comes to a close and Newcastle set their sights on summer additions, all signs are pointing towards a rising star in 18-year-old Cordero.

Blackburn Rovers are ready to make a move to sign a 25-year-old striker in what remains of this January transfer window, according to a new report.

Blackburn Rovers news and updates

John Eustace’s side fell to back-to-back defeats on Tuesday evening, as they were beaten 2-0 at Ewood Park by Coventry City. Despite the two losses, Rovers remain in the play-off places, but given they have lost 10 games, the most of any top six side this season, Eustace will have his eyes on ways of improving his team in the transfer market.

Blackburn now offer £1.75m to sign new forward instead of Brereton Diaz

Rovers are keen to add more attacking firepower to their ranks this month.

ByBen Browning Jan 15, 2025

One player that Blackburn are interested in signing is Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest. The 26-year-old has been playing in the MLS but has now returned to the City Ground and is expected to leave on loan once again before the window closes on February 3rd. But Blackburn are not alone in their pursuit, as Hull City have joined the race to sign O’Brien and are planning to make a move soon.

Signing a new midfielder may have just become even more important for Rovers, as Eustace confirmed this week that Sondre Tronstad is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines due to picking up a significant hamstring injury: “We have had Sonny [Tronstad] scanned, and he’s going to be out for six weeks, unfortunately. He has been a magnificent performer for us, and he’ll be a big miss.”

Blackburn to make move for striker who has 44 career goals

But a new midfielder isn’t all that Eustace wants, as according to TuttoMercatoWeb, Blackburn are looking to rekindle their interest in striker Augustus Kargbo in the remaining days of this transfer window.

Rovers made contact with the 25-year-old during the summer transfer window, but a deal never worked out. This report states that interest has remained from the Lancashire side, and they are now ready to make a fresh move this month.

Kargbo, who has won 17 caps for Sierra Leone, currently plays for Serie B side Cesena and has done so since August 2023. The forward has spent the majority of his career in Italy and has done well since moving to Cesena, as he scored nine goals and recorded 10 assists last season, taking his tally to 44 career goals in senior football.

Apps

53

Goals

15

Assists

14

It is unclear how much Kargbo could cost Rovers in this transfer window, but the striker is only under contract until 2026, meaning there shouldn’t be a massive price tag.

Blackburn currently have Makhtar Gueye, Yuki Ohashi, Andreas Weimann, and Harry Leonard as their forward options. Weimann and Gueye are their top goalscorers with five goals, but if Rovers are going to last the distance in the play-off race, there is going to be a need for more goals in the team.

Kargbo’s flexibility in the sense that he can play on the left as well as behind the striker means his arrival may not guarantee he replaces one of the current ranks but instead partners them at the top end of the pitch.

Blackburn manager John Eustace has now confirmed that his team are interested in signing a “special” Leeds United player.

Leeds transfer news

Given the fact that the Whites sit at the top of the Championship table, it may not be a surprise to see that they are yet to do any transfer business this month. However, that doesn’t mean the club or Daniel Farke are not looking at players, as reports keep emerging of potential targets that they have in mind.

Leeds scouts watching "pacey" versatile wide player during transfer window

Daniel Farke wants to strengthen his backline and Leeds have their eye on a familiar face.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jan 13, 2025

A report has recently claimed that Leeds are looking to sign a new goalkeeper in this transfer window, given the mistakes that Illan Meslier has made throughout this campaign, even though Farke has publicly backed him. As well as looking for a new goalkeeper, Leeds scouts watched Bali Mumba in action for Plymouth Argyle this weekend, as they took a closer look at him.

The defender is known to Farke, as he is the one that gave him his Premier League debut with Norwich City, and given the German wants to improve his full-back options, they could be set for a reunion. Aside from potential arrivals, Leeds are set to see a player leave Elland Road, as Joe Gelhardt closes in on a move to Hull City. The forward is set to join the Tigers on a six-month loan deal as he searches for more football.

Eustace confirms January transfer interest in Leeds player

Gelhardt may not be the only player to leave Leeds, as when speaking to The Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn Rovers boss Eustace confirmed that Patrick Bamford is on a list of potential targets for this month.

Bamford, who was dubbed “special” by former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, has been at Elland Road for seven seasons now after joining the club from Middlesbrough in 2018. The forward has been an important player for the club, but recent reports have suggested that his time at Leeds could be coming to an end, despite being under contract until 2026.

It was reported in December that the Whites could let the £70,000-a-week man leave this month, and it now seems that Blackburn are one side interested in his services.

Eustace has revealed that he believes Bamford is a good player and went on to admit that he is on their list of players they have looked at: “Patrick is a very good player. I played with him at Derby a long time ago when he started out.

Apps

198

Goals

60

Assists

22

“He’s a consistent performer at this level; he plays for a huge club in Leeds. But there will be lots of names thrown towards me, and I’ll just say they’re good players. You’d have to ask the club. He’s a player on a long list that we have looked at, and we’ll have to see.”