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Drawing a blank overseas, slumping pacers and wasting home advantage have left them at eighth out of nine teams in the points table

S Rajesh07-Mar-2023With just one series to go for them in the current cycle, it would be fair to say that New Zealand’s defence of their World Test Championship crown has gone rather badly. They are currently languishing in eighth place out of nine teams; and in fact, their opponents in this last series, Sri Lanka, still have the chance of making the final if they win both Tests.ESPNcricinfo LtdUnder normal circumstances, you would scoff at the possibility of Sri Lanka winning two out of two Tests in New Zealand. After all, they have won only one out of nine Test series in New Zealand, and that victory came way back in 1995. In 19 Tests in the country spanning 40 years, Sri Lanka have won exactly two; now they need to double that tally in a couple of weeks to give themselves any chance of qualifying for the final. However, thanks to New Zealand’s poor form in this cycle, Sri Lanka might fancy their chances of pulling off the improbable.How did New Zealand fall so steeply from being champions in the last cycle to rank eighth in the current one? Here are the key numbers comparing their previous campaign to this entirely forgettable one.No longer unbeatable at homeWhat should give Sri Lanka the greatest encouragement is the fact that New Zealand were beaten by Bangladesh in a home Test last year. They recovered to win the second Test and draw the series, but their eight-wicket defeat encapsulates their dismal defence of the WTC crown.ESPNcricinfo LtdIn six home Tests in the current cycle, New Zealand only have a 3-3 win-loss record, with drawn series against Bangladesh, South Africa and England. This includes the two Tests against England which isn’t part of the WTC. Had England scored two more runs in that Wellington chase, New Zealand’s home record would have been 2-4. That is a huge slide from the 2019-21 cycle, when they had a 7-0 winning record in eight Tests at home.Drawing a blank overseasIn the 2019-21 cycle, New Zealand had a 3-4 win-loss record overseas. They were clean swept 3-0 in Australia, but won a Test in Sri Lanka and two in England, including the WTC final (Their 1-0 win in England in 2021 wasn’t a part of the WTC).

Devon Conway’s seamless elevation brought the first half-century of the final

Andrew Miller20-Jun-20213:04

Manjrekar: Conway tailor-made for Test cricket

It took until 6pm on the third day at Southampton for the first fifty of the World Test Championship final to be posted, and not entirely surprisingly – even in a contest featuring a handful of the most iconic batters of the decade – it came from a player whose first appearance at this level came less than three weeks ago.Some people spend most of their lives searching for their one true purpose. It speaks volumes for Devon Conway’s character and self-belief, not to mention his intense skill as a batter, that he can come through a decade of itinerance in lower-league cricket – both in his native South Africa and, since, 2017 in Wellington – and discover that the one place where he truly feels at home is in a New Zealand Test team that has never been bettered in the country’s history.His dismissal in the day’s final moments took the shine off New Zealand’s quietly dominant display, but in no way did it diminish the magnificence that had preceded it. Conway’s 54 was his third fifty-plus score in as many Test first innings, following his 200 on debut against England at Lord’s and a series-settling 80 in the second Test at Edgbaston, and though time is ticking by in a match that cannot quite catch a break, it guided his side through a fiendishly tough examination to maintain their ascendancy in a fascinatingly smouldering contest.Conway’s 70-run stand with Tom Latham was New Zealand’s second fifty-run opening stand in three first innings on this Test tour – which, as an indication both of their levels of application but also of the innate trickery of English conditions, is already one more than England themselves have managed at home in the past three seasons. The pair had to ride their luck, not least against Mohammed Shami, whose current Test average in England is a travesty at 47.95, but they made it too with their diligent defence and a refusal to be hustled.

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The current run-rate for this Test match, 2.25 an over, is the lowest in England since the turn of the Millennium, but such has been the challenge from two outstanding attacks, at no stage has that felt like anything other than a defiantly smart approach. Latham and Conway ground along at an even more sedate pace, barely a click above two by the time they were parted, and a long way removed from that now-anomalous opening gambit from India.”They were superb,” Kyle Jamieson, New Zealand’s star with the ball, said. “From my short time in this team, it was some of the best batting that I’d seen. The ball was going to move around, we knew that, and the conditions were probably going to be in the bowlers’ favour. They’re two pretty world-class openers in my opinion, and the way they built a partnership, and got us to where we are, was pretty special.”Devon Conway has barely put a foot wrong at the start of his Test career•Getty ImagesBatter error got the better of both men in the end – with Conway again falling to that flamboyant leg-side flick that had proven so productive on debut – but these have been conditions in which mistakes are inevitable, as India’s top-scorer, Ajinkya Rahane, proved in the tipping point of their innings, as he took on Neil Wagner’s short ball, and joined the cast of hundreds who’ve previously succumbed to his Route One methods.The main man in New Zealand’s attack, however, was another over-achieving rookie – of a few more months’ standing than Conway, maybe, but every bit as much of a ready-made competitor. Jamieson’s outstanding figures of 5 for 31 in 22 overs included the day’s most unplayable moment, as he found his fullest length yet to India’s captain, Virat Kohli, and jagged a perfect nipbacker into his front pad to dispatch him without addition to his overnight 44.Jamieson has now claimed a remarkable 44 wickets in eight Tests since February 2020, including five five-wicket hauls – and on this evidence, he could yet have a shot at pushing for 50 before this game is done – a mark that only Vernon Philander, in seven Tests, has reached more quickly in the modern era.Jamieson’s extraordinary physical attributes, allied to a metronomically precise action that ensures each and every delivery is unleashed from a cloud-snagging 2m 30cm altitude, are the most fundamental reason for his success, of course. And yet, for both him and Conway to arrive so fully formed on the international stage – and with such vital points of difference too, even for a side rammed with all-time New Zealand greats – is a tribute too to an extraordinary and ego-less dressing-room, one that has been living its best life for the best part of a decade already.Related

• Dig deep, get down and dirty – no one does it better than New Zealand

• Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway nudge New Zealand ahead

• India quicks take time to find their feet, as New Zealand threaten to run away

• Height, pace, movement, nous: why Kyle Jamieson is close to fast-bowling perfection

“The team culture and the environment that has been created over a long period of time certainly is one of the strengths of this team,” Jamieson said. “You’ve got some world-class guys around, which allows you to settle into your role, and it’s been an absolute pleasure coming into this group and just being able learn off these guys, and ride the coat-tails of them a little bit, in terms of the pressure they build and the runs they score.”Such have been the standards on display in the ICC’s optimistically (but not inaccurately) billed “Ultimate Test”, that the players on both teams have even set about demystifying two of the more entangled arts of the game. If ever you’ve wondered whether there was a significant difference between swing through the air and seam movement off the pitch, then the impact of the latter in this contest leaves little room for doubt.Coming in from the clouds: Kyle Jamieson is pumped after picking up a wicket•ICC via Getty”The ball certainly swung a fair amount, and probably at times almost too much,” Jamieson said “So for me personally today, and a little bit yesterday, I tried to more wobble the ball than swing it, and just engage guys for longer periods. Instead of guys playing and missing, they tend to grab the edge a little bit more.”In terms of the match situation, another grim forecast for Monday – day four of a possible six – leaves little margin if New Zealand are to drive home their advantage. But Jamieson isn’t feeling rushed by circumstance just yet.”Where we’re sitting now would be pretty comfortable,” he said. “If you said to us at the start of the game, we can get them for low 200s and then to be 100 for 2, we’d be pretty happy.”

Fresh out of the holiday on Thursday, Major League Baseball is back with 15 more games for us to dive into, with multiple afternoon matchups to get our weekend of betting started early!

Every day here at SI Betting, we give out a moneyline pick for every MLB game, and July 5 is no different.

With the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox renewing their historic rivalry tonight, let's break down that matchup — and the rest on this 15-game slate — for Friday.

Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction and Pick

I don't love laying this price with the last-place Chicago Cubs, but Justin Steele (3.20 ERA) gives them a huge advantage over the Los Angeles Angeles and Griffin Canning (4.71 ERA).

Los Angeles has dropped four games in a row, and it is just 6-11 straight up when Canning is on the mound in 2024.

Steele has allowed three or fewer earned runs in seven straight starts, a solid floor that should give the Cubs a chance to win this afternoon.

New York Mets vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction and Pick

Happy Paul Skenes Day!

I'm rolling with the Pittsburgh Pirates rookie to earn another win on Friday, as he's 4-0 and the Pirates are 6-3 straight up in his nine starts this season.

Luis Severino gets the ball for the New York Mets, and he's been solid in 2024 — posting a 3.42 ERA — but the Mets are just 8-8 in his 16 outings.

Skenes has been red hot, allowing one or fewer runs in four straight starts. I'll roll with him on Friday.

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals Prediction and Pick

I have to take Sonny Gray and the St. Louis Cardinals against Washington and Patrick Corbin on Friday.

Gray has been one of the best pitchers in the league, posting a 2.98 ERA and 2.56 FIP through 15 outings. Meanwhile, Corbin has a 5.49 ERA, and the Nationals are just 5-12 when he's on the bump.

Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees Prediction and Pick

I can't back the New York Yankees right now, who have dropped eight of their last 10 games and three in a row against the Cincinnati Reds heading into Friday's matchup with Boston.

The Red Sox are starting Tanner Houck (2.67 ERA), who should be able to lead Boston to a win in this one.

Chicago White Sox vs. Miami Marlins Prediction and Pick

Both of these teams are in last place, but the Miami Marlins have struggled a lot at home (16-30 straight up).

Miami is going with a bullpen game in this matchup, which isn't ideal since it has a 4.10 bullpen ERA this season. Meanwhile, the White Sox will start youngster Drew Thorpe, who has allowed two or fewer earned runs in three of his four starts in 2024.

Detroit Tigers vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction and Pick

I actually think Detroit Tigers starter Reese Olson (3.32 ERA, 2.90 FIP) is the better starter in this matchup with Carson Spiers and the Cincinnati Reds, but I can't get past one stat.

The Tigers are just 3-13 (!!) when Olson is on the mound this season. I'll take a shot on Cincy — especially at home — on Friday.

San Francisco Giants vs. Cleveland Guardians Prediction and Pick

Cleveland has been great this season, especially when righty Tanner Bibee is on the mound.

In 17 outings, Bibee has led Cleveland to a 14-3 record. I expect that to continue against the San Francisco Giants tonight.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves Prediction and Pick

Max Fried has been red hot as of late for the Atlanta Braves, leading them to a 12-4 record in his starts this season and lowering his ERA from 3.20 to 2.91 in his last three starts.

I'll give the star lefty a slight edge over Aaron Nola, who struggled in June, posting a 4.45 ERA in five starts.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Prediction and Pick

Texas Rangers starter Michael Lorenzen is due for some regression, as he's posted a 5.07 FIP so far in 2024 and his ERA jumped from 2.96 to 3.40 over the last month.

Tampa Bay has taken a step back in 2024, but it's three games over .500 on the road.

Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins Prediction and Pick

Houston is rolling with a bullpen game this season, but it has been solid out of the pen (3.60 ERA) in 2024.

The Minnesota Twins are starting Pablo Lopez, who was an All-Star last season, but he has a 4.88 ERA in 2024. This is one of my favorite underdog bets to make tonight.

Kansas City Royals vs. Colorado Rockies Prediction and Pick

Kyle Freeland (7.94 ERA) is making another start for the Colorado Rockies, and I can't back him against another lefty — Cole Ragans (3.33 ERA) — on Friday.

Ragans has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 15 of his 18 starts this season, a great floor to set for a Kansas City team that is eyeing a playoff spot in 2024.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres Prediction and Pick

San Diego has been hot as of late, winning seven of its last 10 games, and I will give the Padres a shot at home with two young pitchers on the mound.

Slade Cecconi (5.81 ERA) is on the mound for Arizona against Randy Vasquez (4.88 ERA), who had just one start where he allowed more than three earned runs in June. If he can keep that up, the Padres should be in a good spot at home.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Oakland A's Prediction and Pick

Can the A's keep their three-game winning streak going on Friday?

I'm not sold in this one, as Albert Suarez (2.43 ERA) has pitched well for the first-place Baltimore Orioles so far in 2024. Hogan Harris (3.18 ERA) could be due for some regression with a 4.77 FIP on the season.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Seattle Mariners Prediction and Pick

Luis Castillo vs. Kevin Gausman should be a great pitching matchup, but the Seattle Mariners' home record is what is swaying me in this one.

Toronto is six games under .500 on the road, while Seattle is 29-16 at home, one of the best marks in the league.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction and Pick

When Tyler Glasnow is on the mound, the Los Angeles Dodgers are a must bet.

They're 11-6 in his 17 starts, and Glasnow has a 3.23 ERA and 2.69 FIP in 2024. That should be enough to take down the Milwaukee Brewers tonight.

Fisher, whose only Test so far came against West Indies in 2022, is already in Australia with England Lions

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Dec-20251:06

Is this the end for Mark Wood with England?

Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series following a recurrence of the left-knee injury he sustained during the first Test in Perth. Matthew Fisher has been named his replacement.Fisher, whose only Test so far came against West Indies in 2022, is a six-foot-two seamer with a high release point. He is already in Australia as part of the England Lions side and will link up with the senior team this week. The third Test in Adelaide starts on December 17.Wood, who turns 36 in January, was hoping to be available for the last two Tests, in Melbourne and Sydney, but at the same time, he admitted that age was catching up with him. “Wood will return home later this week and will work closely with the ECB medical team on his rehabilitation and recovery,” an ECB statement said.Related

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“Gutted to be out the remainder of the Ashes,” Wood wrote in an Instagram post. “After extensive surgery and seven long, hard months of work and rehab to get back into the Test arena, my knee just hasn’t held up. None of us expected this. I came here with high expectations about making a big impact. I’m desperately disappointed that despite yet more injections and intensive medical treatment, it has become clear that the flare-up in my knee is worse than feared.”I’m really sorry that it has left me unable to perform as expected but it is not for want of trying. Whatever happens, I will continue to push the limits to get back again. It has been a tough road these past few months but I remain determined to give it another proper go. I still believe we can turn things around. Never give in. Come on, England.”Wood had surgery on his left knee after hobbling out of England’s Champions Trophy campaign in February. The series opener in Perth was his first Test match in 15 months. He bowled 11 wicketless overs across the match and was sent to a specialist after reporting pain in his knee. He missed the second Test in Brisbane, which Australia won by eight wickets to take a 2-0 lead.Earlier in the day, Australia’s Josh Hazlewood was also ruled out of the series. But the hosts will be bolstered by the return of their captain Pat Cummins. Usman Khawaja, who missed the second Test with a back issue, is also expected to be fit and available for the third Test.

Liverpool are now ready to accelerate talks to sign a key defensive addition, who could put an end to Ibrahima Konate’s struggles.

Romano shares update on Slot's Liverpool future

It’s been a disastrous season for Liverpool so far. The defending champions have seen their crown go from gold to paper in a matter of 12 Premier League games. Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest turned a blip into a crisis and questions are now being asked of Arne Slot.

The Dutchman, for the first time in his Liverpool career, is under pressure to turn his side’s form around. According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, however, the Reds are not searching for another manager just yet, even if everyone involved at the club is well aware that the current results cannot go on.

The news will come as a relief for Slot, who clearly has plenty of credit left in the bank after winning the Premier League title in his first season at the club.

There is still no denying that the Red must turn a corner sooner rather than later, though. They currently sit 12th and are on course for one of the worst title defences in Premier League history.

Having spent big in the summer, breaking their transfer record twice, those at Anfield could turn towards the January window to make further, much-needed additions.

Names such as Marc Guehi have continued to steal the headlines on that front, but reports are now claiming that Liverpool are ready to accelerate their talks to sign Goncalo Inacio.

Liverpool ready to accelerate Inacio talks

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are ready to accelerate their move to sign Inacio from Sporting CP in 2026. The impressive central defender has a release clause worth €80m (£70m) in Portugal, but that looks unlikely to be enough to fend off the interest of those at Anfield.

Related Xabi Alonso makes decision about Liverpool role if he is sacked by Real Madrid

The Spaniard is also under pressure in Spain.

Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham Nov 26, 2025

By signing Inacio, Liverpool would also have the chance to rub salt in the wounds of Ruben Amorim. The Manchester United boss was a big fan of the centre-back at Sporting, telling reporters: “Gonçalo is perfect for the way we play. He can defend aggressively, step up to win the ball, and then start an attack with one pass. His ability to do both phases so well is rare.

“I’ve said it before—Gonçalo has everything to play at the highest level. His technique, his vision, his bravery. He’s brilliant, and he’s still improving every day.”

League stats 25/26

Inacio

Konate

Minutes

990

976

Progressive Passes

98

45

Successful Aerial Duels

24

42

Ball Recoveries

69

30

It’s also worth noting how impressive Inacio has been compared to Konate this season. If the Frenchman does leave as a free agent next summer, then Inacio would provide Liverpool with the perfect upgrade.

Liverpool launch move to sign "perfect" right-back ahead of Arsenal

Manchester United’s main priority during the summer transfer window was to bolster the club’s frontline – something which was achieved as seen by their £200m investment in such an area.

Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all made the move to Old Trafford, forming a new deadly trio for Ruben Amorim to work with during his tenure at the helm.

However, after completing such deals, the hierarchy turned their attention to a new number six to help bolster the strength and quality within the midfield department.

Carlos Baleba was identified as the Red Devils’ primary target during the summer, but they were unable to strike a deal, with Brighton & Hove Albion demanding over £100m for his signature.

No doubt, Amorim’s men will still hold a keen interest in his signature this January, but another Premier League option has since emerged on their radar over the last few weeks.

How Anderson compares to Man Utd’s CMs in 2025/26 so far

In an attempt to bolster the midfield ranks, United have been hugely touted with a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in the upcoming January window.

It’s been reported that Amorim’s side have already made contact with Sean Dyche’s men over a deal for his signature this winter, but it could cost a fee in the region of £100m.

Such a deal would be a mammoth backing from the board, but how does the 23-year-old compare to current starters Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro?

Both the current Red Devils are experienced options, with both now over 30, but it hasn’t stopped Anderson from massively dominating the pair in such key areas.

The Englishman has topped 13 separate metrics in the Premier League this campaign, with many showcasing his talents with and without the ball at his feet.

He’s completed 113 passes into the final third, with his tally of 706 passes completed, the most of any player in the division – subsequently showcasing his fantastic ability in possession.

Without the ball, the youngster has also dominated, with such a skillset potentially putting an end to Casemiro’s career at Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.

Anderson has entered the most defensive duels of any player in the division, whilst also winning the most duels – potentially making him the perfect deep-lying option for Amorim’s side.

At just 23, the Forest star has all the tools to transform into an elite-level talent, but it remains to be seen if the hierarchy would be prepared to fork out £100m for his signature.

The United star who’s their homegrown version of Anderson

Given the rumoured price tag for Anderson’s signature, it shows the importance of being able to identify talent at a young age, or even produce your own versions from the academy setup.

United have no doubt shifted their recruitment focus over the last couple of months, as seen by their deals to land Diego Leon and Senne Lammens – with both talented youngsters with huge potential.

However, the academy ranks have also proven fruitful in recent years, as seen by the emergence of the Class of 92, with the graduates playing a huge role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure.

The likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have all operated at the heart of the side throughout their respective careers – helping the club win 13 separate Premier League titles.

The fans will no doubt be hoping that Anderson can add himself to such a list in the near future, but Amorim could save himself and the club millions by unleashing Kobbie Mainoo.

Like the aforementioned academy stars, the 20-year-old burst on the scene as a teenager, making an immediate impact and becoming a key member of the United squad.

His major breakthrough came in 2023/24, where the youngster racked up 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring on five separate occasions – many of which proved to be crucial efforts.

Mainoo scored a last-minute victory in a close clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, whilst also scoring against bitter rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final triumph.

However, he’s been unable to reach such heights over the last 12 months, with current boss Amorim preferring the likes of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte ahead of him.

Such a decision may come as a surprise to the fanbase, especially given his stats from last season, which saw him outperform Anderson in numerous key areas – that’s despite making just 25 league appearances.

Mainoo completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing more of the crosses he attempted – leading to Alex Turk dubbing him a “future £100m+ footballer”.

Games played

25

37

Goals & assists

0

8

Pass accuracy

87%

82%

Crosses completed

29%

26%

Dribbles completed

1.3

1.1

Dispossessed

1.9

2.6

Dribbled past

0.8

2.1

Interceptions made

1.1

0.9

He also completed more of the dribbles he attempted, whilst also being dispossessed on fewer occasions, subsequently showcasing his incredible ability in possession.

However, without the ball, Mainoo was dribbled past on fewer occasions, along with more interceptions made – highlighting he’s able to beat the £100m star when given the chance.

It’s evident that Mainoo is still a player with bags of talent, but the manager desperately needs to swallow his pride and hand the 20-year-old the chance to stake his claim as a first-team regular.

He’s for so often had to settle for minutes off the substitutes’ bench, which has no doubt hindered his chances of continuing his progression and building on his incredible start to his career in 2023/24.

Upon his return from injury in the near future, the 40-year-old needs to hand the youngster the opportunity to have a consistent run as a regular starter to allow him to reach his full potential at the Theatre of Dreams.

Such a decision would save the club millions of pounds, with the academy graduate having the chance to lead the Red Devils to new heights in the years ahead.

Forget Sesko: Man Utd's "anxious" dud is now becoming INEOS' worst signing

Manchester United have one player who has massively struggled to meet expectations at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 11, 2025

There was no thrilling finale on the field but Leicestershire could celebrate nonetheless after securing the draw with Gloucestershire that, in the event, ensured their promotion to Division One of the Rothesay County Championship.With two fixtures still to play, the result at the Uptonsteel County Ground combined with the draw between Middlesex and Derbyshire at Lord’s guarantees that Leicestershire will finish in the top two in Division Two and end a 22-year-exile from the top division.Set 316 to win from a minimum 74 overs when Gloucestershire, who felt their outside chance of a promotion required them to win here, declared four overs before lunch on 175 for 3 in their second innings, Leicestershire were 93 for 1 from 30.3 when the afternoon’s third interruption for rain proved heavy enough for the final day’s play to be abandoned at around 4.10pm.It is a first promotion for Leicestershire since the County Championship adopted its current two-division format in 2000. Led for most of the season by Australian international Peter Handscomb – now back home preparing for his domestic season – Leicestershire have been the dominant side in Division Two all season after winning five of their first seven matches and suffering only one defeat.They last played in Division One in 2003 and have since become almost perpetual stragglers, finishing bottom of DivisionTwo on eight occasions. In four of those, the last as recently as 2022, they failed to register a single victory, famously going 37 matches over 933 days without a Championship win between September 2012 and June 2015.Leicestershire, whose next target is to secure the points they need to guarantee they are crowned Division Two champions, went into the final day in the comfortable knowledge that while a victory would seal the deal in terms of confirming promotion, a draw might do it anyway depending on the result at Lord’s, or at worst leave them needing minimal gains from their final two fixtures.Gloucestershire’s need for a win, therefore, put the onus on them to set up a finish, to which end they added 165 in 21 overs before declaring just before lunch, setting the home side 316 to win in a minimum 74 overs.Against a Leicestershire attack that was a man down because of Ben Mike’s ongoing hamstring problems, 21-year-old opener Joe Phillips further enhanced his growing reputation with an unbeaten 69 from 73 balls.Ben Charlesworth cleared the midwicket boundary off Logan van Beek and landed back-to-back sixes off Chris Wright in his 56-ball 61 before a miscue to deep third man ended his charge. Ian Holland limited Ollie Price to just 8 but Miles Hammond plundered another 28 from 26 before top-edging into the off side, Holland veering away in his follow-through to be under the ball when it came down.Gloucestershire asked Leicestershire to face four overs before lunch possibly more in hope than expectation. The wicket of Sol Budinger perhaps came as a bonus, the opener making no attempt to rein in his natural attacking instincts but perishing after just 13 deliveries, tempted by a widish ball from Ajeet Singh Dale despite having collected three boundaries already and picking out the fielder at wide third.The visitors’ cause was not helped by showers after lunch, which eventually washed out 43.3 overs of the scheduled 74.Yet there never seemed enough jeopardy in the fourth-day surface to make 10 wickets a realistic possibility. Rishi Patel finished unbeaten on 42 with acting captain Holland on 27. Gloucestershire’s frustration was cushioned a little by taking 15 points for the draw, but the gap between themselves and second-placed Glamorgan remains at more than 30 points.

A gripping series comes to a close at The Oval, with everything still on the line

Andrew Miller30-Jul-20251:31

What should India’s pace attack look like for The Oval?

Big picture: Nice and spicyWho doesn’t love a bit of rancour with their Test cricket? Admit it. You’re every bit as hooked as the players themselves. Emotional over-investment has been the theme of the week, from England’s graceless antics at the fag-end of the Manchester Test to Gautam Gambhir’s foul-mouthed altercation with the Oval groundsman. The stakes, and the tempers, are on a knife-edge as the series finale looms, and no matter what else one might think of the behaviour on display, one thing is for sure: there will be no going through the motions for the coming five days. This contest has developed a context all of its own.It is also shaping up as an extraordinary opportunity for India to turn the tables in a series that looked done and dusted when Chris Woakes reduced them to 0 for 2 in their second innings at Old Trafford. If it wasn’t clear by the end of that game, it seems more obvious now; England’s grumpy attitude towards India’s milestone-hunting stemmed from their own frustration and exhaustion after laying everything on the line for 143 overs. They had gone into that final innings expecting to win the series with a game to spare, and maybe coast into this fifth Test with a chance to relax and experiment. Instead, they arrived at that controversial final hour with a very real sense of vulnerability in the air. Sure enough, here they are now, starting again from scratch just four days later, with a rejigged bowling attack and, as it turns out, without the one man whose efforts had hauled them into that winning position in the first place.Ben Stokes clearly knew, even as he was imploring Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to shake his hand, that his shoulder injury was a very significant concern. His absence now transforms the agenda for both teams. At Old Trafford, England’s captain reprised the peak of his all-round powers, with a superb first-innings five-for, followed by his first Test century for more than two years. Now, however, he’s reprising a more familiar recent theme – the unavoidable fragility of a competitor whose body is struggling to keep up with his gut-busting desire.Related

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Bumrah to miss Oval Test; Akash Deep likely to replace him

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He’ll be back – of course he will – in good time for the Ashes, but another six-seven weeks of rehab is not how Stokes hoped to finish his most prolific series as a Test bowler. Even so, Brendon McCullum’s concerns about his workload – as telegraphed from the Lord’s balcony two Tests ago – suggests that the England dressing room always feared this could be the upshot.Talking of the Ashes (as of course we must, it’s English cricket’s version of Godwin’s Law) it is fascinating how different the feel is around this fifth Test, compared to the last time a drawn Test at Old Trafford was the prelude to a series decider at The Oval. In the 2023 Ashes, England were the team on the rampage – high on their own supply, as has been standard for the past three years – but as convinced of their direction of travel as they seem a little spooked by it right now.Even though England lead the series, India’s batters make up the top four run-scorers so far, with 11 centuries to England’s seven. Notwithstanding the Bazball belief in bowling long and backing their batters to match any given innings in double time, there is bound to be a cumulative effect to those long and fruitless hours in the field on the psyche of the attack, let alone their stamina. The pitches, ever a talking point even before Lee Fortis got involved in the discussions, have been flat and unforgiving with only session’s worth of exceptions, while Woakes’ returns – 10 wickets at 52.80, compared to his home average of 21.59 from 34 previous Tests – have epitomised the underlying toothlessness of England’s attack.0:35

Watch – Gambhir’s heated exchange with Surrey groundsman

India aren’t without concerns on that front too, of course. They need 20 wickets to secure a share of this series, but their own attack was utterly devoid of ideas in England’s only innings at Old Trafford, where Joe Root and Stokes controlled the agenda after a flying start from Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. Jasprit Bumrah will not play, which puts the onus squarely on the returning Akash Deep and Mohammad Siraj – who claimed 17 wickets between them in that memorable win at Edgbaston.Glib though it is to say it, however, desire may be the deciding factor in this fascinating series. To claim that the series is descending into foul-tempered anarchy would be doing a disservice to the genuine respect that emerged after England’s agonisingly tight victory at Lord’s earlier this month. But, there’s also no doubt – to channel each side’s inner Kevin Keegan – that each would “love it” if they beat the other this week. It may require the straining of several sinews for either side to get over that finishing line, especially if the forecast for the back-end of the Test is correct. But unfortunately for England, their key piece of sinew has already been sidelined by prior exertion. It’s up for grabs now.Form guideEngland: DWLWW
India: DLWLLIn the spotlight: Jacob Bethell and Washington SundarFor most of the summer – especially after Ollie Pope quietened his doubters with a century in the first Test – it looked as though Jacob Bethell would remain on the outside looking in, his reputation growing given the instant impact he had made as an emergency No. 3 in New Zealand last year. Now, not unlike the last man in this set-up who was forced to wait his turn, Harry Brook in 2022, Bethell’s chance has come in the final Test of the summer, and the rewards for seizing it could be immense. For it’s not just his precocious batting that will come into the spotlight this week. Bethell’s potential as a spin option will be explored in the absence of Shoaib Bashir and Liam Dawson, which – in certain circumstances during the Ashes – might offer him another route into England’s XI. For the time being, though, his primary task will be to hit the ground running in a series that has been dominated by the bat.2:33

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Washington Sundar’s stock has risen immensely in the course of this campaign. His inclusion for the second Test at Edgbaston looked at first like a conservative choice, with the connoisseur’s preference being the more dramatic wristspin option of Kuldeep Yadav. But then Washington chipped in with a vital 42 from No. 8 that set up a winning total, before his four-wicket onslaught at Lord’s brought his primary suit back into focus. Now he’s a Test centurion, having been a focus of England’s ire in those fraught final overs at Old Trafford. And, in the absence of Rishabh Pant, that resolve could be vital to India’s hopes of squaring the series, with Pant’s No. 5 berth up for grabs once more.Team news: Stokes ruled out with grade three tear”Pain is just an emotion,” Stokes said after the fourth Test. Grade Three tears of the shoulder, on the other hand, are a more significant problem. The captain’s absence from this contest is a shattering blow to England’s hopes of closing out the campaign, not least because he has been their best and most penetrative bowler all summer long. Bethell slots in for his first Test of the summer, and given that he and Root form a passable spin partnership, Dawson is the fall guy. His absence also reflects England’s need to shore up their seam attack in Stokes’ absence. Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer were off-colour at Old Trafford; Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue complete a significantly changed line-up.England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope (capt), 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jacob Bethell, 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Gus Atkinson, 10 Jamie Overton, 11 Josh Tongue2:08

How do India’s five regulars cope with the quick turnaround?

Bumrah is set to be rested by India’s medical team after a tough outing in Manchester, where he bowled 33 overs and was taken for more than 100 runs in an innings for the first time. Akash Deep, unavailable last week, is the likely candidate to replace him. Anshul Kamboj, uninspiring on debut, is expected to make way too – potentially for Prasidh Krishna, who was expensive at the start of the series – while Arshdeep Singh, who split his webbing between the third and fourth Tests, is fit again too. A decision needs to be taken on Shardul Thakur, who was neither one thing nor the other at Old Trafford. With India facing a must-win game, is it time at last to unleash the wiles of Kuldeep? Dhruv Jurel, a familiar face after his substitute keeping in the last two Tests, is this time officially included, with Pant ruled out with that broken foot.India (probable): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 B Sai Sudharsan, 4 Shubman Gill (capt), 5 Washington Sundar, 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 Dhruv Jurel (wk), 8 Shardul Thakur/Kuldeep Yadav, 9 Akash Deep, 10 Prasidh Krishna/Arshdeep Singh, 11 Mohammed SirajPitch and conditions: Grass left on the pitchWho dares to get close enough to the pitch to analyse it fully, in light of the furore that kicked off on Monday? The surface on match eve still had a green tinge, although plenty can change in 24 hours. The weather, for the most part, looks warm, although showers are forecast for Thursday afternoon, while the back end of the match could see further downpours.Ollie Pope has won three and lost one of his four previous Tests as captain•Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Stats and trivia: Seamers’ paradise India have won twice in 15 previous visits to The Oval, in 1971 and 2021, which was also their most recent match against England at the venue. They lost their last visit there, against Australia in the World Test Championship final in 2023. With 722 runs in the series so far, including four centuries, and a maximum of two innings to come, Shubman Gill has a range of batting records in his sights. Only one man, Clyde Walcott in 1955, has previously made five hundreds in a single series, while no player has passed 800 in a series since Mark Taylor in the 1989 Ashes. Don Bradman did it three times: his all-time record of 974 runs in the 1930 Ashes remains 252 runs away, which is less than Gill’s highest score of the series so far. Pope has won three and lost one of his four previous Tests as captain, against Sri Lanka and Pakistan between August and October last year. In a microcosm of his career, he has a top-score of 154, on this ground against Sri Lanka, and 37 runs in six remaining innings. Since the start of 2023, there have been 22 first-class matches at The Oval, in which seamers have taken 617 wickets and spinners have taken 79. This season alone, seamers have accounted for 131 wickets out of 150. For 21 consecutive first-class matches, dating back to April 2023, teams winning the toss at The Oval have chosen to bowl first – including India against Australia in the WTC final.Quotes”Decisions like this are not straightforward. You have to let the emotion settle before you make a clear, firm decision. I did turn up to training to see if I could go as a batter, but it wouldn’t be a sensible call to make, considering how much worse it could be by going out there.”
Ben Stokes explains why he’s not risking his fitness for this match“We have played four matches already in this series, and nobody had stopped us from watching the pitch. All of us have played so much cricket, [and] we have gone to the pitches so many times – including the coaches and captain. I don’t know what the fuss was about.”
Shubman Gill, India’s captain, is bemused by the row with the Oval groundsman

Australia captain Pat Cummins says “trend of the game is the runs are coming down” ahead of likely three-day finish

Nagraj Gollapudi12-Jun-20252:43

Can South Africa chase down 200-plus?

South Africa will approach their fourth-innings chase in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s with “belief” and are “very confident” of their ability to reach whatever target Australia set for them, David Bedingham said at the end of the second day.The run-chase already looks like it will be a challenging one – Australia are 218 ahead with two wickets left in their second innings.For the second successive day at Lord’s, 14 wickets fell with fast bowlers again dominating play on a seamer-friendly pitch. Pat Cummins followed Kagiso Rabada in etching his name on the honours board, while also entering the 300-wickets club after his 6 for 28 blew South Africa away.Related

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Bedingham, who was the leading scorer for South Africa with a stoic 45 from 111 deliveries, doffed his hat to Cummins, but said that Temba Bavuma’s men were ready to grab the opportunity they have. “It’s just an amazing chance and we are all very, very excited about the opportunity to win,” Bedingham said. “Could go either way, but us as a team we are very, very excited and there’s a lot of belief in the dressing room.”South Africa’s seamers utilised the overcast conditions mid-afternoon to hurt Australia, who were reeling at 73 for 7 before Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc brought them back into the game. Bedingham said the bowlers’ performance certainly would act as a catalyst in pursuit of the victory. “It’s an amazing day. When they started batting in the third innings, we would’ve definitely taken 220 for 8. So we are very confident, there’s a massive belief in this team.”Cummins said Australia would have been happier with a few more wickets “in the shed”, but he pointed out that batting remained difficult. “The trend of the game is the runs are coming down. It’s still pretty difficult out there, so it’s set up pretty well for a day-three finish, you’d imagine, tomorrow, but we are going to have to bowl well still in the fourth innings.”1:26

Bedingham: ‘Way I picked up the ball came across dodgy’

Several among Australia’s top order are bound to be disappointed for failing for the second time in successive days, though Cummins did not want to focus on that. Instead, he said the Australia had would be difficult to chase down.”When I walked out, anything over 200, so good to get over that,” he said. “But you just want to get as many runs as you can. So, happy we’ve got 200, hopefully we get another 20 or 30 in the morning. That’d be good. That’d give us a few more options to bowl a few more aggressive fields.”The procession of wickets, and collapses across all three innings, might be seen to tarnish a marquee final. Cummins, though, felt the Lord’s pitch had offered a good balance between bat and ball. “I think it’s pretty close to 50-50. It’s a pretty good Test match. That’s the beauty you get [where] all Test matches look a little bit different, but whenever there’s a pretty good balance between bat and ball, it’s always a pretty good match. This game, some guys have got themselves in and looked pretty comfortable out there and obviously a lot of other guys haven’t, so it’s been a pretty good balance.”2:38

Cummins: Reaching 300 wickets a sign of durability and resilience

As to why batting has been difficult, Cummins said it was due to the discipline of both fast-bowling attacks. “It’s a mixture of the wicket still doing a little bit. It feels like just when it’s not doing anything one ball will suddenly seam quite drastically. But both teams bowled really well, really disciplined, haven’t bowled too many half-volleys. Both teams are kind of just hanging in that good length area, pretty tight line.”Bedingham agreed with Cummins but was optimistic about batting getter easier on the third day. “When you have six quality seamers on a tricky pitch it obviously makes batting tough. The way the game’s going, the wicket’s slowed down a bit, so the nicks won’t carry,” he said. “So in the fourth innings they’ll maybe come a bit straighter and that will probably be the danger on that type of wicket, but hopefully we can get those runs.”Knowing the target, Bedingham agreed, would help South Africa to continue batting with intent, something they showed a bit more on the second day compared to the timidity on display late on Wednesday afternoon. “The main thing is just to 100% commit if you are defending or attacking. As soon as you get caught in two minds against these [bowling] attacks, you get found wanting.”June 13 could become a historic day for South African cricket if Bavuma’s team can defeat Australia to win the title and claim a first ICC title since the 1998 Knockout Trophy. In the past, they have succumbed to nerves on the big occasions, the latest instance coming in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.