Dismal forecast in Nottingham raises prospect of shared trophy between Somerset and Glamorgan

Vithushan Ehantharajah22-Sep-2024Somerset vs Glamorgan – no play possibleThe 2024 Metro Bank Final between Somerset and Glamorgan has been forced into a reserve day after no play was possible on Sunday at Trent Bridge.Heavy rains and thunderstorms across the United Kingdom were felt particularly harshly in the Midlands, meaning not even the toss was possible as the pitch and square remained under covers, with consistent showers preventing any attempt at a clean-up.The teams will return on Monday to attempt a full 50-overs contest, but more inclement weather is expected. In the event of a no-result, Somerset (50-over champions in 2019) and Glamorgan (2021 champions) would share the trophy. Fortunately, there will be enough medals for both teams due to a surplus from last year.Previously, in such circumstances, the winner would have been decided in a bowl-out. However, the ECB removed that option ahead of the 2024 season when introducing reserve days across all men’s and women’s limited-overs finals. Speaking in November, ECB operations manager Alan Fordham had hoped they would not be required: “Every knockout match has a reserve day, but it’s remarkable how little reserve days are actually required,” he said. “Hopefully, I’m not leaving myself a hostage to fortune.”It will be the third occurrence of a reserve day being used for a men’s List A final, and the first use of one in men’s domestic cricket since the Vitality Blast Final in 2020. Last summer’s Charlotte Edwards Cup also had to be completed on the reserve day.Play was eventually abandoned without a ball being bowled at 2.33pm – when the rain was at its worst – as the time needed to dry the ground would have exceeded the 4.02 cut-off point. Had any play been possible, the match would have begun as a 50-overs-a-side affair and spilled over into Monday before any reduction in the playing conditions would have been implemented.For Somerset, the wait for silverware goes on – albeit for another 24 hours – with the One-Day Cup now the only trophy standing in a bid for hat-trick of titles that was derailed last week. Last Saturday’s defeat in the Blast final to Gloucestershire was followed by defeat to Lancashire which handed Surrey their third consecutive County Championship with a round to spare.Glamorgan, meanwhile, could do with something to cheer. They failed to make it out of the South Group in the Blast and are currently second-bottom in Division Two heading into the last round.Both teams brought three coaches’ worth of fans along on Sunday. Around 200 Somerset fans set off from Taunton at 6.10am, while Glamorgan had two buses leaving Cardiff at 6am, and one from Swansea which arrived on Saturday and will remain overnight in the hope that Monday’s forecast is a dud.

Legspinner vows to carry on as wise head, especially now that Moeen Ali has retired

Vithushan Ehantharajah23-Sep-2024

Adil Rashid claimed his 200th ODI wicket when he removed Glenn Maxwell•Getty Images

Fresh from bringing up 200 ODI wickets at Headingley on Saturday, Adil Rashid says he has the hunger to continue playing international cricket, dismissing talk that retirement may be on the horizon.Rashid broke new ground as the first English spinner to reach the milestone, albeit one brought up in a second consecutive defeat to Australia. It was England’s 10th loss in their last 14 ODIs. Another at Chester-le-Street would consign the hosts to a series defeat with two matches still to play. Poor weather, which forced training indoors on Monday, may end up saving their blushes, even if it does remove a series win from the equation.That this is a transitional squad, shorn of a handful of senior players, including captain Jos Buttler, has already been offered as mitigation for the missteps so far. Nevertheless, a new era – initially under interim coach Marcus Trescothick before Brendon McCullum assumes the limited-overs job in the new year alongside his Test commitments – has had an ignominious start.Yet, even with the onus on refreshing tactics and personnel, Rashid remains an integral part of the future of England’s limited-overs teams. February’s Champions Trophy, the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027’s 50-over World Cup signpost the next three years, and the 36-year-old, currently in possession of an ECB central contract that takes him through to the end of the 2025 summer, has designs on being around for all of them.”I have not thought about it [retirement] yet,” said Rashid, speaking before Tuesday’s third ODI at Chester-le-Street. “Keep playing, enjoy it, stay fit, bowl well, contribute to wins, hopefully World Cups and Champions Trophies – that is my ultimate aim.”I’m playing each game and each series as it comes and if I’m still enjoying it and performing well, I’ll keep carrying on.”To play for this long and take the wickets I have, I’d never, ever dreamt of that, so hopefully I can carry it on. It’s been an enjoyable ride with ups and downs, and hopefully I can stay on the up for the remainder of my career.”I’ve got no eye yet on retiring or anything like that – that’s not even crossed my mind. It’s about enjoying the game and still giving it everything I’ve got.”Related

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It is a vital statement from Rashid given the lay of the land. Though the likes of Joe Root (rested) and Ben Stokes (undecided) are expected to return to the limited-overs set-up in some capacity – the Champions Trophy works for both given England’s first Test in 2025 comes at the end of May against Zimbabwe at Lord’s – the set-up has lost a lot of experience and knowledge in the last six months.Of those moved on, Moeen Ali is the one Rashid will feel the most. The former vice-captain announced his retirement earlier this month after missing out on both T20 and 50-over assignments against Australia. And as a long-time friend, inseparable at home and aboard, the fear was that Rashid may soon follow suit. Those fears, for now, have been allayed. On Tuesday, the Yorkshireman will earn his 138th ODI cap – the figure Moeen finished on.Of course, the team environment is a little different for Rashid. Not only will he not have his usual confidant for company, but he also now has more responsibility to assume as the go-to wise head in the dressing room, particularly for young spinners as England prepare for life after Rashid. The former will take getting used to, but the latter role is something he is keen to embrace.”He’s a big miss for the team and a big miss for me because we’re really good friends on and off the pitch,” Rashid said. “He’s made that decision and got another chapter of his life with the remainder of his career and I’m sure he’ll do wonders.”With Mo not being there my input will obviously be a little bit more, speaking to the youngsters and them coming to me,” he added.”That’s the ultimate aim. Whatever I’ve got in terms of experience, form, ups and downs, the knowledge I have, I can pass that on. It could be in terms of mindset or technical things. I’m trying to do that now as well, with the youngsters I’m working with.”I’ve worked with Rehan Ahmed, I’ve worked with Jafer (Chohan) at Yorkshire. There’s a few around the circuit, they’re in competition, which is healthy, and they can compete to become that No. 1 spinner.”Easier said than done, of course. Rashid’s evolution into a world-class operator was aligned with a consistency of selection and schedule. Between the 2015 and 2019 50-over World Cups, he played 76 out of a possible 81 ODIs under Eoin Morgan. In turn, England emerged during that period as a ground-breaking white-ball outfit. The demands and opportunities of the modern game mean the next generation does not have the benefit of that level of continuity.As such, England’s route back to the top of the pile after botched defences of the ODI and T20I titles in 2023 and 2024 will require a different path on less certain terrain. But in Rashid, they can still call upon someone who knows, and – crucially – still has, what it takes to push them on.

Chelsea are growing frustrated with a member of Enzo Maresca’s side for one key reason, with their Premier League rivals now weighing up a surprise move for him this summer.

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The Blues are expected to part company with a host of players over the coming weeks, following their agreed exit deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys and Marcus Bettinelli, who brought in around £19 million worth of transfer fees to the Stamford Bridge coffers.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi are all up for sale (The Athletic), given they’re out of Maresca’s long-term plans, while matchday regulars like Christopher Nkunku, Noni Maduke and Nicolas Jackson have also been linked with the exit door in recent weeks.

The latter two players have even been described as almost certain to leave, amid reported interest from Arsenal.

There is also the ongoing matter of Raheem Sterling and his next club. The £50m England international is back from a lacklustre loan spell at Arsenal, and his £325,000-per-week wages are poised to be a major stumbling block in Chelsea’s attempts to offload the ex-Man City star.

Reports last week of Sterling’s advanced talks to join Besiktas appear wide of the mark, but journalist Simon Phillips now reports that west London rivals Fulham could take the 30-year-old off Maresca’s hands instead.

Fulham weigh surprise move to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea

Writing via his Substack, Phillips reports that Fulham are weighing up a surprise move for Sterling, with Chelsea growing frustrated by the winger’s exit stance.

“SPTC sources are still hearing that he ideally does not want to move away from his family in London and wants to stay there, vastly reducing his options and making it frustrating for all involved,” said the reporter.

“If Sterling truly does only want to stay in London, then he is going to need to lower his wage demands, which he may well do.

“After having spent last season on loan with Arsenal, Sterling is once again looking for a new club to join. We understand that Fulham have been alerted by his availability this summer and are weighing up whether they can make a move. However, his wages put them off at the moment and will need to go down if they are to land him. But they like the player and there is interest from them this summer.

“Sterling’s agents will reach out to other London clubs as well to offer the player around, but at the moment, we have heard that Sterling is not chasing a pay day in Saudi or even the States. His priority is to stay in London close to all of his family.”

Tottenham are planning to sign a new centre-back this summer, with Daniel Levy and Johan Lange casting their eyes on an exciting young target who Spurs tip to become a star.

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The Spurs boss is personally keen on him.

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The Lilywhites are reliably believed to be looking at bolstering the centre of their defence, as reported by The Telegraph, who also state that Thomas Frank’s side could weigh up another move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

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

Spurs saw a club-record £70 million bid rejected for Guehi in January, but despite this and competition from Premier League champions Liverpool, they haven’t thrown in the towel when it comes to potentially signing the England international.

Palace are also now open to selling Guehi for a minimum £45 million with his contract expiring in less than 12 months (GiveMeSport), so this is certainly one to watch, but the 25-year-old isn’t Tottenham’s only defensive target.

Contrary to other reports, some media sources state that Tottenham are frontrunners to sign Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth, despite PSG’s lengthy ongoing talks to sign the Ukranian.

Zabarnyi has already agreed personal terms with PSG, but Spurs apparently remain in the race for his signature after the 22-year-old’s exceptional campaign at the heart of Andoni Iraola’s defence.

Tottenham reportedly competed to sign Zabarnyi’s former centre-back partner Dean Huijsen as well, according to Fabrizio Romano, but it was always a tall order to barge aside Real Madrid, who’ve since added the Spaniard to Xabi Alonso’s ranks.

“Tottenham Hotspur were also constantly calling as well as Bayern Munich,” said Romano to GMS about the race for Huijsen earlier this year.

“But, the German giants understood they needed to sell a centre-back like Kim Min-jae in order to proceed with a new expensive signing, and it didn’t happen. For Spurs and Newcastle, it also became impossible to compete when Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal appeared with important proposals.”

Tottenham expected to make "official move" for Giovanni Leoni

Alongside Guehi, the north Londoners could turn to Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

Levy and Lange have been linked with the 18-year-old already, but CaughtOffside now state that Tottenham are expected to make an “official move” for Leoni shortly.

Parma won’t entertain any offers below their asking price, though, which could be up to around £35 million, and Newcastle are fellow favourites to sign the Italian teenager who’s fresh off the back of a solid debut campaign for the Serie A side.

Leoni is highly-rated at N17, though, described as a “standout young defender” in the report, and those within Spurs view him as a ‘cornerstone of their future defensive setup’.

The former Sampdoria gem, who stands at a towering 6 foot 4, made 17 top-flight appearances for Parma across 24/25 – featuring at centre-back and playing as a right-back occasionally – and he’s tipped for a very bright career.

كشفت تقارير صحفية موقف رحيل الدولي الفرنسي إبراهيما كوناتي عن صفوف ليفربول بعد إصابة جيوفاني ليوني بقطع في الرباط الصليبي.

وسقط ليوني على أرض الملعب بشكل غريب بعد تدخل على خط التماس في وقت متأخر من اللقاء، وقد احتاج لمساعدة الطاقم الطبي لمغادرة الملعب.

وكان رومانو قد أوضح أن إصابة ليوني هي تمزق في الرباط الصليبي وسيغيب عن أغلب فترات الموسم بعد الإصابة التي تعرض لها أمام ساوثهامبتون في كأس كاراباو.

وانتشرت أنباء عديدة في الصحافة الإسبانية أن المدافع الدولي الفرنسي إبراهيما كوناتي قد أعطى لريال مدريد الضوء الأخضر للرحيل إليهم خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية المقبلة.

ورفض كوناتي تجديد عقده مع ليفربول حتى الآن بسبب مطالبه المالية، إلا أنه لم يصرح برغبته في الرحيل وأن الأمر بيد الإدارة.

اقرأ أيضًا | ليوني يوجه رسالة لجماهير ليفربول بعد إصابته بالرباط الصليبي

وبما أن عقده الحالي من المقرر أن ينتهي في الصيف المقبل 2026، فيمكنه توقيع على أي عقد يقدم له خلال 98 يومًا فقط.

ووفقًا لصحيفة “ذا أثلتيك” البريطانية، فإن كل الأنباء التي تناولتها الصحافة الإسبانية غير صحيحة وأن كوناتي لم يتحدث مع ريال مدريد حتى الآن.

إدارة ليفربول ستأخذ مفاوضات تجديد عقد كوناتي بجدية بسبب إصابة ليوني الطويلة، الصحيفة البريطانية أوضحت أنه حتى لو تم التعاقد مع مارك جويهي، مدافع كريستال بالاس في يناير المقبل فإنه يعتزم تجديد عقد كوناتي حتى لا يتكرر سيناريو أرنولد.

As Everton get their pre-season underway, The Friedkin Group are reportedly preparing a £35m proposal to welcome another key reinforcement for David Moyes and his side.

Everton commence Hill Dickinson era

A new era is officially underway at Everton after they squared off against Port Vale in their first-ever game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. In many ways it was, of course, an insignificant game. But it will have its place in history and so will Carlos Alcaraz for scoring the first-ever goal for Everton men’s at their impressive new ground.

After sealing a 2-1 victory against their latest pre-season opponents, Everton will now travel to the USA to take part in the Premier League Summer Series. It’s there that they will square off against Bournemouth, West Ham United and Manchester United in three tough tests to hand them a glimpse of what could be to come next season.

It’s not just pre-season that those in Merseyside should be concerning themselves with between now and next season, however. There’s also still plenty of work to be done on the transfer front.

Friedkin reportedly want to splash out as much as £150m this summer, having already welcomed Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Alcaraz to kick things off.

Eyeing a replacement for Abdoulaye Doucoure, as well as another midfielder, plus a new right-back and right-winger, Everton have already reportedly set their sights on the likes of Douglas Luiz and James McAtee.

The latter would be a particularly impressive signing, given how he still starred for Manchester City last season even in the face of little game time. The last time that City sold such a prospect, it was Chelsea who benefited and Cole Palmer who thrived. Now, the Toffees could be next in line.

Before then, though, Friedkin are seemingly planning to turn their focus towards an impressive La Liga star.

Everton preparing Takefusa Kubo offer

According to reports in Spain, Everton are now preparing a formal €40m (£35m) offer to sign Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad this summer. The Japan international has enjoyed a standout spell at Sociedad at times in the last three years, having swapped Real Madrid for the chance to become the star that he is today in 2022.

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Now, the Premier League could be calling and Everton could yet make an impressive statement. Once a Liverpool target, Kubo may come back to haunt those at Anfield at the opposite end of Merseyside next season.

Previously dubbed “amazing” for his form by scout Jacek Kulig, Kubo is still just 24 years old and still has plenty more to come. There’s no doubt that he’d also be an instant upgrade on Jack Harrison.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Kubo	Harrison
Minutes	2,372	2,076
Goals	5	1
Assists	0	0
Key Passes	45	33

Alongside Barry, Kubo’s arrival would continue the much-needed attacking changes taking place at Everton this summer, as they step into a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton are now believed to be interested in completing the signing of a highly rated Spanish defender during the summer transfer window.

Moyes positive after Everton draw with Man Utd

The Blues continued their pre-season with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday night, as they prepare for the new Premier League season. Manager David Moyes has been slightly downbeat of late, saying Everton are “not ready” as the 2025/26 campaign approaches, but he was in more positive spirits after the United game.

“I’m more pleased with tonight’s game than I was with the other games because we got something from it.” But it wasn’t so much the result, it was more the performance was much more encouraging. And look, to be fair, we weren’t probably ready in the first two games regarding players fit and available for the games.

“But we knew that tonight we were a bit closer to something which looked like an Everton team. The other games, we’ve not really looked that way. So, yes, much happier tonight.”

Everton still need new signings before the summer transfer window closes, though, and it looks as though they are targeting a player in a key area.

Everton considering offer for £13m Juanlu

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Everton are “considering” tabling an offer for Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez this summer, with his current club willing to allow him to leave.

The Spaniard is valued at around £13m, and it is claimed that Moyes is now “prioritising the signing of a new right-back following the departure of Ashley Young” at the end of last season.

Juanlu has the potential to be just what Everton are looking for at right-back this summer, having been an ageing area of the pitch in recent years, with Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman limited there. The Sevilla ace is an exciting young player who won the gold medal for Spain at last summer’s Olympics, also being lauded by Garcia Pimienta.

“He has played as an inside midfielder [before], we were short on space in midfield due to Saul [Niguez]’s suspension and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga’s injury. I spoke to him, I knew he could do well in that position. Juanlu has an incredible present and a better future.”

Juanlu has already won four caps for Spain, scoring once for his country in that time, while 74 appearances for Sevilla by the age of 21 is already an impressive return, showing that he can shine in one of Europe’s top leagues.

The youngster would add defensive nous and attacking quality to Everton’s side, giving Moyes much-needed youth at right-back into the future, with his peak still likely to be a number of years away, too.

Despite already securing the services of Mohammed Kudus this summer, there’s still a huge lingering sense of disappointment at Tottenham Hotspur so far this summer.

Morgan Gibbs-White emerged as a key target for Thomas Frank’s side, as the Dane looks to improve the forward options at his disposal in North London.

The hierarchy even went to the length of triggering his £60m release clause, leading to Fabrizio Romano confirming he was set for a medical at the club.

However, his move has now been cancelled after Nottingham Forest lodged an appeal for an illegal approach, resulting in the 25-year-old signing a record-breaking contract with his current employers.

As a result, missing out on his signature has seen other targets being considered for the number ten role, with Frank evidently wanting to improve such a position ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder

Despite having James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already on the books at Spurs, other attacking options are being considered to provide depth within the final third.

The likes of James McAtee, Harvey Elliott and Jack Grealish have been touted with moves to North London, still remaining on their shortlist despite interest elsewhere.

They’re not the only ones currently in their sights, leading to Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey being named as another target, according to TBR Football.

They claim that the Lilywhites are weighing up a move for the 24-year-old forward, who could be able to depart Villa Park if an acceptable offer is presented this summer.

The report also states that Unai Emery’s side are currently demanding a £40m fee to part ways with the academy graduate who’s notched 14 Premier League goals in his career to date.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Gibbs-White

There’s no denying that, given the work conducted for Gibbs-White’s signature this summer, that the Forest star was the number one target to strengthen their squad.

Frank has previously stated his admiration for the England international, likely being gutted to miss out on his services after the hierarchy demonstrated their ambition, given years of inactivity in the market.

£60m in today’s market would’ve been an excellent price tag for a player of his quality, but if the club are to be successful next campaign, they will need to rapidly move on to other targets.

Such a situation has seen Ramsey emerge as a key target for Frank’s side, potentially allowing them to forget about the disappointment currently being felt in North London.

However, any move for the Villa star would allow the club to land their own version of the Forest star, potentially replicating a deal that saw the 25-year-old move to the City Ground.

Ramsey could join the Lilywhites for a similar fee as Gibbs-White did a couple of years ago, whilst also moving away from his boyhood club in order to further his career.

The similarities are there for all to see, but when delving into their underlying figures from 2024/25, the Villa academy graduate has managed to better the former target in various areas, arguably being a better addition for Frank’s side.

Games played

29

34

Goals & assists

4

15

Pass accuracy

85%

78%

Passes into opposition box

1.4

1.3

Take-on success

54%

40%

Progressive carries

3.4

2.2

Carries into opposition box

1.2

0.4

Tackles won

0.9

0.7

Blocks made

1.3

0.5

Ramsey, who’s been dubbed “ridiculous” by Squawka, managed to complete more passes, registering more into the opposition box per 90 last season, arguably being a more creative option for the Lilywhites.

The number ten role also requires individual brilliance, something which the 24-year-old possesses, as seen by his higher tallies of take-ons completed and carries into the opposition’s box per 90.

Whilst the attacking role requires talent with the ball, it also comes with the demands of being effective out of possession, something which the Villa gem has demonstrated, winning more tackles per 90, potentially being a superb all-round option within the current Spurs side.

He may not provide the immediate excitement like a deal for Gibbs-White did, but Ramsey is a hugely talented player who could add further quality to the current first team squad in North London.

If he can continue on his current trajectory, he could even surpass the levels produced by the Reds’ talent, potentially seeing the disappointment of missing out on his signature become a blessing in disguise.

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Essex batter has leapfrogged Lawrence and looks set for opportunity in December

Matt Roller19-Oct-2024

Jordan Cox raced to a 92-ball century for Essex this summer, after making the move from Kent•Getty Images

Jordan Cox is set to make his Test debut as England’s wicketkeeper during their upcoming tour to New Zealand, with Jamie Smith due to miss part of the series on paternity leave. Cox, who turns 24 on Monday, has been England’s spare batter for their last five Tests and will get his chance to impress in December.Smith and his partner are expecting their first child in mid-December, with the birth likely to clash with either England’s second or third Test in New Zealand. “Being at the birth of my son is not something I want to miss,” he told the recently. “It will be a memory that I cherish more than any in cricket anyway, so if I lost my place because of it, so be it.”Cox made his international debut in England’s T20I series against Australia last month, and will soon be added to the squads for their upcoming white-ball tour to the Caribbean. He was unable to keep wicket for Essex this summer after a horrific broken finger sustained in the Hundred last year, but has been working on his keeping with Brendon McCullum in Pakistan.”It’s life, right?” McCullum said of Smith’s absence. “People have kids and we wish them all the best, to be there and support their partners. At this stage, it looks like Jamie will probably play the first [Test in New Zealand] and may miss the next two. We’re not totally sure – it’s up to Mother Nature a little – but we know we’ve got Jordan Cox in the squad here.”It will not concern England that Cox has hardly kept in the last year, as shown with Smith’s own selection earlier this summer despite being second-choice behind Ben Foakes at Surrey. McCullum believes from his own experience that New Zealand is “a comfortable place” to keep wicket, and wants to see how Cox – whose glovework he describes as “solid” – fares at Test level.Cox is a self-assured character who, by his own admission, would get “bored” once he had reached 40 while playing for a struggling Kent side last year. He moved to Essex after feeling like he “needed a change” that would help him “reignite” his passion for four-day cricket, and scored four hundreds while averaging 65.57 in his first County Championship season for them.Related

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He filled the No. 4 spot at Essex vacated by Dan Lawrence’s move to Surrey, and Lawrence’s own recent experiences highlight the problem with being England’s spare batter. After making a decent impression in the Caribbean in March 2022, Lawrence spent more than two years waiting for another opportunity in the middle order, only to be thrown in as an opener with predictable results. Now, he has slipped below Cox in the pecking order.Unless England lose a batter to injury or illness before Thursday’s third Test in Rawalpindi, Cox will be added to their white-ball squads and travel to the Caribbean, most likely along with Rehan Ahmed. Marcus Trescothick, who is interim white-ball coach for the three ODIs and five T20Is against West Indies, has already left Pakistan ahead of that tour.Cox should make his ODI debut in that series and will have a chance to stake a late claim for a spot in England’s squad for next year’s Champions Trophy. But it is the prospect of a Test debut later this year that could satisfy his restlessness, and provide vindication for the air miles he will rack up in the first half of the English winter.”He’s annoyingly good at everything he does – particularly on the golf course,” McCullum said. “He’s one of those guys that you look at and say he’s got a high ceiling in terms of talent, particularly with bat in hand. There’s a fair chance that he’ll get the opportunity in New Zealand, if Jamie does return home, to bat down the order and take the gloves.”

Andre Onana has reportedly been left 'surprised' by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's decision to support the Manchester United man heading out on loan.

Onana struggles at Man UtdSet for Trabzonspor loan spellKeeper 'surprised' that Ratcliffe backed moveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

In light of Onana's impending loan move to Turkish side Trabzonspor, the claims that the 29-year-old expected to stay at United after Monaco were put off by his £30 million ($40.5m) valuation this summer. 

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The report adds that head coach Ruben Amorim was 'unhappy' that Onana suffered a hamstring tear on the second day of pre-season after returning from Cameroon, with footage emerging of the ex-Inter star playing out of goal on a 'muddy makeshift pitch' with friends. Amorim and director of football Jason Wilcox decided to move him on, and Ratcliffe supported this as well.

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United boss Amorim was said to be wary of Onana's omission becoming a 'distraction' for new stopper signing Senne Lammens, hence why he is heading out on loan. The former Antwerp man is likely to be first choice ahead of Altay Bayindir, who has started the Red Devils' Premier League matches so far.

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It remains to be seen if Cameroon international Onana, who should join the Turkish team on Thursday, still has a future at Old Trafford. In the meantime, United travel to bitter rivals Manchester City on Sunday when the Premier League returns.