Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has been linked with a free transfer to Celtic next summer and now a fresh claim has dropped over a potential 2026 switch.
The 31-year-old has enjoyed a glittering career, winning the Champions League and Premier League with the Reds, and proving to be one of the standout left-backs of his generation.
Robertson is also the current captain of Scotland, hopefully leading the troops into the 2026 World Cup, and his current Liverpool deal expires at the end of this season.
The veteran defender has been linked with a move to Celtic in recent weeks, with one report claiming that he is open to the idea of signing a pre-contract agreement in January and that Parkhead talks were planned. He grew up supporting the Hoops, so a move there could be a perfect way for his career to end.
Robertson has a huge decision to make, especially as he has won his place back in Liverpool’s starting lineup over Milos Kerkez of late, but the lure of heading to Parkhead is something that may appeal, given his history.
New update on Andy Robertson joining Celtic
Now, speaking to 67 Hail Hail, journalist Graeme Bailey played down rumours of Robertson joining Celtic, saying he is likely to remain at Liverpool beyond next summer, in a new twist.
This is a disappointing update for Celtic fans, with many no doubt liking the idea of Robertson finishing his career at the club, given his brilliance as a footballer.
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At 31 years of age, he is still far from old, and combines a winning mentality with defensive and attacking quality down the left flank, with journalist Henry Winter recently lauding the “intensity” that he brings for the Reds.
Hopefully, the situation changes in the coming months, with Robertson deciding that a new challenge makes sense, but in truth, it does feel more likely that he will extend his stay at Liverpool on a short-term basis. That’s not to say an eventual move to Celtic won’t happen, though.
Approach imminent: Manager with 209 wins to 70 losses excited by Celtic
Managers being hired and fired is very much a part of life in football, and the managerial merry-go-round is in full swing during the 2025/26 season.
There have already been sackings in the Premier League and Championship, with Ange Postecoglou’s 39-day tenure in charge of Nottingham Forest arguably the main managerial story of the season.
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Here is a full list of dismissals from the Premier League and EFL.
Every Premier League and EFL manager sacked in 2025/26
Manager
Club left
Date
1
Nuno Espirito Santo
Nottingham Forest
9th September
2
Ruben Selles
Sheffield United
14th September
3
Mike Dodds
Wycombe Wanderers
18th September
4
Michael Flynn
Cheltenham Town
20th September
5
Graham Potter
West Ham
27th September
6
Steve Bruce
Blackpool
4th October
7
Matt Bloomfield
Luton Town
6th October
8
Paulo Pezzolano
Watford
8th October
9
Ange Postecoglou
Nottingham Forest
18th October
10
Darren Ferguson
Peterborough United
25th October
11
Noel Hunt
Reading
26th October
12
Vitor Pereira
Wolves
2nd November
13
Will Still
Southampton
2nd November
14
Liam Manning
Norwich City
8th November
15
Alan Sheehan
Swansea City
11th November
16
David Hughes
Newport County
15th November
1
Nuno Espirito Santo
Nottingham Forest
Nuno Espirito Santo was the first manager sacked in the top four leagues, despite leading Nottingham Forest to Europa League football.
A breakdown in relationship with those above him at the City Ground resulted in his departure, with Nuno taking the West Ham jobs weeks later and Forest not having any luck with his replacement.
2
Ruben Selles
Sheffield United
After parting ways with Chris Wilder, Sheffield United brought in Ruben Selles, believing he was the man to take the Blades back to the Premier League.
However, Selles lost all six of his games in charge and was out the door in mid September, with Wilder returning shortly after.
3
Mike Dodds
Wycombe Wanderers
Former Sunderland assistant Mike Dodds was in charge of Wycombe for seven months. One win and five defeats in their opening eight League One games saw Dodds depart, with Michael Duff being named as his replacement.
4
Michael Flynn
Cheltenham Town
Michael Flynn was sacked by Cheltenham Town in September after losing nine matches from 12 across all competitions.
Rock bottom of the 72 EFL sides at the time of his dismissal, Flynn was replaced by Steve Cotterill, who managed the Robins between 1997-2002.
5
Graham Potter
West Ham
After taking over at West Ham at the beginning of 2025, Graham Potter couldn’t see the year out at the London Stadium after a woeful start to the 2025/26 season.
Sacked on a Saturday two days before a game, the Hammers moved quickly to appoint Nuno Espirito Santo.
6
Steve Bruce
Blackpool
Steve Bruce’s return to management with Blackpool lasted 12 months, with the experienced former Premier League boss losing seven of 11 League One games in 2025/26.
The 64-year-old was replaced by Ian Evatt, who spent seven years as a player at Bloomfield Road.
7
Matt Bloomfield
Luton Town
Matt Bloomfield couldn’t keep Luton Town in the Championship in the 2024/25 season, and a poor start to the League One campaign resulted in his sacking.
The Hatters moved swiftly after parting ways with Bloomfield, bringing in former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.
8
Paulo Pezzolano
Watford
It is very rare these days that Watford go through a season without making a managerial change, so Paulo Pezzolano’s departure wasn’t exactly a shock.
The Hornets, in one post on X, shared the news of Pezzolano’s exit and the return of Javi Gracia.
9
Ange Postecoglou
Nottingham Forest
Ange Postecoglou’s time in charge of Nottingham Forest was short and not so sweet at all, failing to win any of his eight games.
After a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea and just 39 days in charge, Evangelos Marinakis brutally parted ways with his second manager of the season, bringing in Sean Dyche days later.
10
Darren Ferguson
Peterborough United
Darren Ferguson’s fourth spell as Peterborough United manager came to an end in October after winning three of the Posh’s opening 13 games.
He previously won four promotions with the club but had the club bottom of League One at the time of his departure.
After watching on as Celtic fell further behind in the Scottish Premiership last weekend, Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd had a lengthy chat about Brendan Rodgers’ future.
Rodgers blasts unacceptable Celtic
The Scottish Premiership champions are beginning to falter under Rodgers. The Bhoys now find themselves as many as five points behind Hearts and Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Dundee only compiled their misery.
With their European form creeping into their domestic outings, questions will continue to be asked about Celtic’s summer recruitment. Many around Celtic Park were far from confident that club chiefs had done enough in the summer and have since been proved right.
Rodgers, however, took aim at the players that he did have at his disposal against Dundee rather than those that Celtic missed out on in the summer.
The former Leicester City manager told reporters: “I just said that this is where you really have to be a man, because at Celtic it’s great from the outside when you look in and you win in trophies and playing great football, but you’ve got to deal with pressure.
“And also the result and performance today isn’t good enough or acceptable for Celtic. I’ve come here a number of times over a number of years, and that today is not the level, so we have to find it.”
At a time when Rodgers’ future remains so uncertain, the Bhoys’ current form is far from ideal. The manager is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal and one Sky pundit has already delivered a worrying verdict about his time at Celtic.
Sutton reacts to damaging Rodgers claim
Speaking about the future of Celtic’s manager after his side’s defeat against Dundee, Sutton reacted to Boyd’s claim that Rodgers is publicly looking for a Premier League job.
Sutton replied to Boyd’s verdict by asking: “Did he say that?
“I think he took a bit of responsibility there [in his post-match interview]. He said it was his issue to get the team playing better.
“He will point – and I think fairly so – to rotten recruitment.
“You look in the final third for that spark and the players who have left and have they replaced them. I get the argument but should the team be playing better?”
Whether Celtic are in for a repeat remains to be seen, but they must turn their form around with or without their manager. Up next, the Scottish champions play host to SK Sturm Graz in the Europa League, where they’ll hope to pick up the first win of their European campaign.
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Then, as if things couldn’t get more difficult, the Bhoys travel to face league leaders Hearts. Lose that and they will be as many as eight points behind the unexpected leaders with plenty of football left to play. Simply put, it is a massive week for Celtic’s season.
Glasgow Rangers are inching ever closer to finally appointing their next head coach after they decided to relieve Russell Martin of his duties before the start of the international break.
The Light Blues made the decision to part ways with the former Scotland international after a poor run of form that saw his side win five out of 17 matches.
Martin’s side, as illustrated in the graphic above, were simply not good enough across his time in charge of the Scottish giants, conceding a whopping 24 goals in 17 matches.
RangersReview reports that Kevin Muscat is close to finalising a deal to join the club from SH Port, and that an announcement could come this weekend.
The English-born tactician is set to see out the last three matches of the Chinese Super League season, with his team sat at the top of the table, before coming in as the long-term replacement for Martin next month.
Youth team coach Steven Smith will be in interim charge for the clash with Dundee United at Ibrox on Saturday, but it remains to be seen who will be in charge after that and before Muscat comes through the door.
What Rangers fans can expect from a Kevin Muscat team
Based on SH Port’s performances this season in the Chinese Super League, Rangers fans can expect a winning culture and entertainment from a Muscat team.
In the Super League, his side are top of the league with 60 points from 27 matches in a 30-game division, and have scored 67 goals in that time, eight more than any other team, per Sofascore.
Interim boss Steven Smith claimed that Rangers need a winner in the dugout in his pre-match media duties on Friday, which suggests that Muscat is the perfect man for the job.
The SH Port manager is on course to win a league title for the third time in his last four seasons as a manager, with his team sat four points clear with three games to go.
Kevin Muscat’s last five league seasons
Season (matches)
Points per game
Position
2025 (27)
2.22
1st
2024 (30)
2.60
1st
2023 (34)
1.88
2nd
2022 (34)
2.00
1st
2021 (18)
1.83
2nd
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Muscat is used to managing teams that are competing for league titles every season, and he has shown that he can coach a side to get over the line and win silverware.
However, supporters who were not too keen on the defensive set-up and record under Martin may not be too pleased to learn that SH Port have conceded 41 goals in 27 league games this season.
Muscat’s strengths are clearly in structuring a team to attack and score goals, rather than defend and cling on to 1-0 or 2-1 leads, and supporters will hope that that approach will be enough to turn the tide in Glasgow.
Whilst he may not officially link up with the team until next month, there are things that Steven Smith, or the next interim, could do to prepare the squad for Muscat.
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For example, the SH Port manager typically deploys right-footed forward Ruofan Liu on the right wing to provide creativity at the top end of the pitch.
The 24-year-old has created nine ‘big chances’ and delivered five assists in 17 league starts in 2025, per Sofascore, and Smith must unleash Oliver Antman against Dundee United to be Muscat’s next Liu in the making.
Why Rangers must unleash Oliver Antman against Dundee United
Mikey Moore has started three of the last five Scottish Premiership matches for the Light Blues on the right wing, including the 1-1 draw with Falkirk last time out.
The 18-year-old attacker, however, has failed to provide much in the way of quality at the top end of the pitch for the Gers, with no goals and one assist in ten appearances, per Transfermarkt.
His only assist for the club to date was a short pass to Nedim Bajrami, who scored a screamer from distance against League One outfit Alloa Athletic, which suggests that he has yet to provide any moments of genuine quality in front of goal.
Antman, on the other hand, is a right-footed right winger who has shown glimpses of the creative quality that he can provide when he is at his best.
The Finland international has delivered three assists in 13 matches for Rangers, per Transfermarkt, since his summer move from Go Ahead Eagles, including one for James Tavernier in the Premiership in the clip below.
Antman, who reporter Chris Jack claimed has “feet like drumsticks”, also showcased his creativity in the Netherlands with Go Ahead Eagles in the 2024/25 campaign.
The 24-year-old wing wizard ended the season with a return of six goals and 15 assists in 32 Eredivisie appearances for the Dutch outfit before his move to Ibrox in the summer transfer window, per Sofascore.
24/25 Eredivisie
Oliver Antman per 90
Percentile rank vs wingers/AMs
xAG
0.34
Top 3%
xA
0.24
Top 16%
Assists
0.56
Top 1%
Key passes
1.87
Top 21%
Passes into the penalty area
1.42
Top 36%
Crosses into the penalty area
0.37
Top 32%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, Antman ranked as one of the most creative attacking midfielders or wingers in the league for Go Ahead Eagles last term.
This shows that he has the potential to be a Liu-type player for Muscat if he can unlock his best form in a Rangers shirt, as he has the creative potential to be a consistent threat as a right-footed right winger in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 system.
Therefore, Smith can warm him up for the next Gers head coach by playing him from the start against Dundee United this weekend, so that he can start to find his feet and gain confidence in Scottish football.
52 y/o who worked with Postecoglou now set to join Kevin Muscat at Rangers
The Gers have almost solved their manager problem.
Lucas Veríssimo não se contentou com o empate conquistado pelo Corinthians no último minuto da partida contra o Cruzeiro, neste sábado (19), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. A partida marcou a estreia do defensor com a camisa corintiana. Para ele, a circunstância do resultado pode até fazer com que o placar pareça positivo, já que a equipe escapou da derrota, mas quem defende o Timão não pode se contentar com isso.
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– A gente não tem que se contentar com o empate. Pela circunstância que foi o jogo, a gente pode até sair contente, mas a gente tem que sempre querer a vitória. O Corinthians tem que sempre querer a vitória, a gente não pode se contentar com o empate”, disse Veríssimo na zona mista do Mineirão.
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Apresentado no fim de julho, o atleta passou pouco menos de um mês realizando um cronograma de condicionamento físico para estrear com a camisa corintiana. No ano passado, o profissional nção teve muitos minutos pelo Benfica, de Portugal, clube que ainda detém os direitos do atleta e o emprestou ao Corinthians até junho do ano que vem.
continua após a publicidade
No fim de 2021, Lucas Veríssimo rompeu três ligamentos do joelho direito: o cruzado anterior, posterior e o canto posterolateral, ficando um ano afastado dos gramados por conta disso. Quando voltou aos Encarnados, tinha perdido espaço para a dupla António Silva e Nicolás Otamendi. Na última temporada, foram apenas 236 minutos em campo, alguns deles até mesmo pelo Benfica B, na segunda divisão portuguesa, para recuperar a parte física.
A alternativa dos lusitanos, então, foi emprestar o jogador, o que é onde o Corinthians entra. Mesmo apresentado no fim de julho, Lucas precisou passar por um processo de condicionamento para disputar jogos oficiais. A primeira oportunidade foi exatamente neste empate com o Cruzeiro.
continua após a publicidade
– Foi muito bom. Claro que falta um pouco de ritmo de jogo, o que é normal, mas eu me senti bem. Estou pegando o jeito de jogar com os meus companheiros. Acredito que daqui para a frente só tem a melhorar – disse o zagueiro sobre a estreia.
Veríssimo está à disposição do técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo já para o próximo compromisso, que será nesta terça-feira (22), na Neo Química Arena, contra o Estudiantes pela Copa Sul-Americana. Será o primeiro jogo da fase de quartas de final do torneio continental.
Embora tenha se destacado em sua primeira vez com a camisa corintiana, Lucas Veríssimo ainda precisará brigar por uma vaga na titularidade com o zagueiro Gil e, principalmente, Murillo. A dupla é considerada a titular pelo treinador corintiano até segunda ordem.
The openers added a 120 run-stand in quick time but the middle order could not launch from the platform
Deivarayan Muthu12-Apr-2025
B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill added 120 runs for the opening wicket off 73 balls•BCCI
Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan struck up a 120-run opening stand for Gujarat Titans (GT), but their middle order couldn’t quite launch from that platform. After Gill and Sai Sudharsan holed out in the 13th and 14th overs, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) conceded 45 off the last five overs, keeping GT to 180 for 6. GT managed only 60 runs off their last eight overs.After GT were asked to bat first on a black-soil surface, Gill and Sai Sudharsan added 54 in the powerplay. Sai Sudharsan had kicked off the innings with a slapped four off the first ball from Shardul Thakur and then when Akash Deep overpitched one in the second over, he stretched out and drove the ball past the bowler for four more. At the other end, Gill often shimmied out of the crease to manufacture scoring opportunities.When LSG tried to burgle an over from Aiden Markram, Gill and Sai Sudharsan spoiled their plan by taking the part-time offspinner for 15 in the eighth over. Mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi, though, showed better control and fronted up to bowl in the powerplay as well as in the death. He could’ve cut Sai Sudharsan’s innings short on 46 had Abdul Samad held onto a catch at short cover.Sudharsan went onto bring up his fourth half-century in six innings in IPL, soon after Gill had raised his own fifty. LSG separated GT’s opening pair in the 13th over, when Gill swatted a slower cutter from Avesh Khan to long-on for 60 off 38 balls. In the next over, Bishnoi got both Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar in the same over to slow GT down.Bishnoi and Rathi had combined figures of 8-0-66-3. Thakur then closed out the innings well with his variations on a pitch that was slowing down, something that Sai Sudharsan alluded to at the innings break. Sai Sudharsan also said that some balls were keeping low, which will bring GT’s three-man spin attack into the fray during their defence.
Aston Villa are yet to pick up a win in the Premier League this season as Unai Emery’s men continue to draw blanks.
A 0-0 draw against Newcastle United on the opening weekend could have been excused, as Ezri Konsa’s second-half dismissal saw the Villans fight for a point, but following up that battling display with a dire 1-0 defeat on the road to Brentford would have undoubtedly irked the claret and blue masses watching on in West London.
The Spaniard will hope his team can finally kick into gear this campaign when they face Crystal Palace at home to round off a choppy month.
He will be all too aware of how vital the coming days could also be as Villa hunt down some last-minute signings, with the West Midlands outfit in desperate need of an injection of positivity, after losing homegrown Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United recently.
Aston Villa plot £26m move for new attacker
Losing the Birmingham-born midfielder to St James’ Park will sting temporarily.
However, the Villans’ PSR situation dictated that this £40m switch must take place, with the early Premier League underachievers now hoping to use that hefty amount to improve their own personnel.
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It has long been reported that Villa are eyeing up Chelsea outcast Nicolas Jackson as a striker target this summer, with a recent report even revealing that the £65m striker is one of their main targets.
However, there are other promising talents on their radar, perhaps most notably in the form of Sporting attacker Geny Catamo.
Sporting CP forwardGeny Catamo.
Portuguese outlet A Bola speculate that Villa have offered £17m to the Liga Portugal giants for the services of their rapid winger.
Unfortunately for Emery and Co., only a fee in the region of £26m will suffice.
How Catamo can be Emery's next Ramsey
It could well be a lump sum worth coughing up if the Mozambique international does go on to be as impactful as Ramsey was in flashes for his boyhood side.
Despite largely being used as a substitute option at Villa Park – with 43 of his Premier League appearances for Emery’s men seeing him come off the bench – Ramsey still left a lasting impression on those watching on.
A healthy haul of 14 goals and 12 assists came his way from 136 appearances in the West Midlands, with ex-Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister once even declaring that Ramsey could “go right to the top” despite his impact substitute presence.
Catamo has been showered with equal levels of praise for his gung-ho approach for Sporting, having once been lauded as being “incisive” by former boss Ruben Amorim, before he swapped Lisbon for Manchester.
He could soon be competing against his ex-manager, donning Villa claret and blue, with the quick-thinking 24-year-old only three goal contributions shy of Ramsey’s Villa total, strutting his stuff in the Portuguese top division.
Catamo in Liga Portugal
Stat
Catamo
Games played
80
Games started
44
Goals scored
11
Assists
8
League titles
2x
Sourced by Transfermarkt
But, much like his English counterpart, Catamo has often had to make do with limited opportunities in the Portuguese capital, having started just 44 of his overall 80 league contests for Sporting.
Yet, that hasn’t stopped him from consistently seizing his opportunity, with Emery hopeful he can find another bright spark – who is similar to the relentless energy of Ramsey – that he can rely on if Catamo were to walk through the door shortly.
Geny Catamo celebrating with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting.
With the 24-year-old also capable of playing down the left wing, where Ramsey usually resided for Villa, on top of being another potential face down the opposing right flank, or even through the middle as a number ten, this feels as if it would be a smart next signing to make.
Emery would at least then know that the millions injected into the bank from the Birmingham-born attacker’s exit had been put to good use.
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What was shaping up to be a perfect pre-season for Chelsea took a bit of a hit last week.
In a statement on Thursday morning, the club confirmed that defender Levi Colwill had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury and had undergone surgery as a result.
The Englishman is now set to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming campaign, which is a massive blow for Enzo Maresca considering how well he played towards the end of last season.
Fortunately, with the transfer window still open, it looks like the West Londoners have identified someone who could be the perfect replacement.
Chelsea target perfect Colwill replacement
It’s been another busy summer of spending and selling for Chelsea this year.
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For example, the club made a tidy profit on Noni Madueke and finally shifted Kepa Arrizabalaga, with both going to Arsenal, while bringing in an array of seriously exciting youngsters like Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
On top of that, they continue to be linked with Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho, and now with Colwill out, appear to be targeting another exciting defender.
At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has claimed Chelsea are very interested in Piero Hincapié.
Although it sounds like the club have already moved beyond mere interest, as the report claims they’ve already prepared an offer worth €50m for the centre-back, which converts to about £43m.
It remains to be seen whether Bayer Leverkusen will accept such an offer, but given Hincapié’s ability and potential, plus the injury to Colwill, Chelsea should do all they can to wrap this potential transfer up as soon as possible.
Why Hincapié would be the perfect Colwill replacement
There will likely be a section of the fanbase who argue that Hato could and should be the solution to this problem for Chelsea this season, and while it’s an argument that makes sense, it’s not one we agree with.
Jorrel Hato
This season is going to be a massively important one for Maresca and his squad, one in which fans will expect them to at last challenge for the title, and so starting a 19-year-old with no experience in a top-five league feels too risky for the club and the Dutchman’s development.
This brings us to the first, and arguably the most crucial, reason why Hincapie would be the perfect replacement for Colwill: his experience.
Despite still being relatively young for a centre-back, the 23-year-old titan has a proven track record at the top level.
For example, at club level, the “absolute beast,” as journalist Antonio Mango dubbed him, has made 115 appearances in the Bundesliga, 26 in the Europa League, 14 in the Champions League and eight in the DFB Pokal since moving to Europe.
Bundesliga
115
10
Europa League
26
1
Champions League
14
1
DFB-Pokal
8
0
DFL Super Cup
1
0
Moreover, he was a key member of the Leverkusen team that won the league and cup double undefeated a couple of seasons ago.
Then, if that wasn’t enough, the “sensational” ace, as dubbed by one analyst, has also won 46 senior caps for Ecuador, with nine of them coming in the Copa América and three in the World Cup.
Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen
Another benefit to this is that he’s already got a well-established partnership and understanding with Moises Caicedo, which would make settling in at Stamford Bridge far easier.
Ultimately, losing Colwill is a massive blow, but thanks to his vast experience and history of winning things, Hincapie could be the perfect solution for Chelsea.
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He scored 38 more runs than England’s collective total to complete India’s 4-1 series win
Andrew Miller02-Feb-2025
Abhishek Sharma celebrates his second T20I hundred•Getty Images
India 247 for 9 (Abhishek 135, Carse 3-38) beat England 97 (Salt 55, Shami 3-25) by 150 runsAbhishek Sharma demolished records left, right and centre – and with it England’s pace-laden T20I attack – to power his way to 135 from 54 balls, the highest score ever made by an India batter in T20Is.On his watch, India romped to a massive total of 247 for 9, which would prove to be overkill in a crushing 150-run victory, and with it a 4-1 series scoreline.In response, Phil Salt reprised some of the form that had lit up last year’s IPL, to crack his way to a 21-ball fifty, but his was a lone hand in an overwhelmed England reply, as they stumbled to 97 all out in 10.3 overs.Related
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Gambhir on India's approach: 'We want to try and get to 250-260 regularly'
Stats – Abhishek blazes India's second-fastest T20I century
Even after his commanding display, there was no keeping Abhishek out of the game. First, he was on hand in the covers to intercept Ben Duckett’s first-ball drive and hand Mohammed Shami the first of his three wickets.And then, after Jos Buttler, Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone had each fallen in their quest to stay in touch with a rate of more than two a ball, Abhishek was tossed the ball for the ninth over, and duly bagged two more in five balls, as Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton each holed out.Abhishek tears it up All of that, however, was somewhat superfluous to the day’s main action. The stats of Abhishek’s innings were as breathless as his strokeplay. He creamed an India-record 13 sixes (equating to almost one in four of his balls faced), all of them in the arc from point to mid-on, with the crowd at extra cover living a particularly dangerous existence.His 17-ball fifty was India’s second-fastest in the format; his 37-ball century was tucked in just behind David Miller’s 35-ball effort against Bangladesh in 2017 as the second-fastest in a contest between Full Member nations. On Abhishek’s watch, India romped to 95 for 1 in the six-over powerplay, another national record … and all this after being stuck in by Jos Buttler, too.Abhishek Sharma could not be kept out of the game•BCCIAt times, it was like watching a full-fidelity game of Stick Cricket, with Abhishek’s utter faith in the conditions, and in England’s often guileless lengths, encouraging him to plant his front foot to pace and spin alike, and launch even 150kph deliveries with impunity through the line.At the 10-over mark of the innings, the sky was the limit for India’s ambitions. Abhishek had pumped his way to 99 from 36 balls, and with 143 for 2 on the board, the first Full Member 300 was very much on the cards.To their credit, however, England found themselves a relative toe-hold, thanks in particular to Brydon Carse’s excellent three-wicket spell. Abhishek’s momentum dipped significantly after he had nudged a rare single into the covers to bring up his three figures, as he was limited to nine runs from nine balls in the next six overs.India’s onslaught could not be entirely contained, however. Abhishek reasserted himself as Carse’s final over went for 17, and though a game of cat-and-mouse with Adil Rashid resulted in a miscued wrong’un to deep cover, that wasn’t until Abhishek had connected with two more sixes back over the bowler’s head.Dube’s return to the fray There was no shortage of needle after the events at Pune, where Harshit Rana’s controversial introduction as Shivam Dube’s concussion substitute had left England feeling rather aggrieved. Buttler’s description at the toss of England’s four unselected players as “impact subs” was an amusing commitment to the rumpus.Shivam Dube was among the wickets for India•Associated PressThe fact that Dube was back in action, just 48 hours after a heavy blow to the helmet from Overton, was further reason for England to look slightly askance at that call. But not only did Dube show no ill-effects, he underlined the fact that his own bowling – though noticeably less express than Harshit’s – was every bit as capable of making an impression.His first delivery, at the start of the eighth over, was the final death knell to England’s innings. Salt had bludgeoned 17 runs from Shami’s first over – the only moment at which England had been ahead of India’s rate – but when he snicked Dube’s 117kph sighter through to Dhruv Jurel, England were 82 for 5 and sinking fast. He then bowled Jacob Bethell with the first ball of his next over. Oh, and he also thumped 30 from 13 balls for good measure.Carse keeps his cool Carse has had an exceptional breakthrough winter for England across formats. His thirst for the hard overs means he has already inked himself in as their go-to third seamer in Test cricket, and many of those same big-hearted traits were on show in a gruesome match situation today.Carse began his spell with India rattling along at more than 15 runs an over, having reached 127 for 1 after eight, but from the outset, his ability to hit hard lengths with canny changes of pace set him apart from the more one-dimensional block-knocking approach that his colleagues had settled for.Mark Wood and Jofra Archer set the tone for England’s approach with another deeply unsubtle powerplay display, albeit it was thrilling to behold. Archer’s first-over duel with Sanju Samson featured two sixes, 16 runs and a nasty cut to the finger from a third-ball lifter into the gloves; Wood’s follow-up barely dipped below 150kph, as Samson holed out to deep square leg – his fifth dismissal to the pull shot in as many innings this series.Suryakumar Yadav had a similar experience – once again India’s captain came a cropper to a leading edge as he finished his series with just 28 runs in five innings. But at the other end was Abhishek, and so it mattered little.
Last season there were a number of controversial decisions in games without a TV umpire
ESPNcricinfo staff15-Oct-2024The WBBL will have a third umpire available in every game for the first time and an increase in matches with the full DRS in use for its tenth season.There will also be an innings timer in operation for the tournament to mirror the BBL with 73 minutes available to be ready to bowl the first ball of the 20th over, otherwise a fielding penalty is implemented which requires one extra fielder inside the circle.ESPNcricinfo had previously reported that an increase in TV umpiring technology would be put in place following a number of controversial line decisions last season which frustrated players.In all, 33 of the 43 matches will have DRS while for the 10 games without it the TV umpire will be able to rule on line decisions such as stumpings and run outs.The DRS matches will include all 23 broadcast by Seven while another 10 come from the increase in fully produced matches by Fox Sports as part of the reduced tournament length. It means that 77% of matches will have full DRS compared to 41% last season.”A world class competition demands world class technology and innovation,” Alistair Dobson, the head of Big Bash Leagues, said. “We are pleased to deliver this via expanded DRS coverage to 33 matches, TV Umpire availability at all matches and the introduction of the Innings Timer.”Increasing DRS availability was a significant priority for players and umpires alike and will also improve the viewing experience on TV.”The tenth season of the WBBL begins on October 27 with a triple-header day. Defending champions Adelaide Strikers take on Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval in rematch of last season’s final which is followed by Melbourne Renegades against Sydney Sixers at the same venue. Perth Scorchers then host Melbourne Stars at the WACA.