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Rashid picked up his sixth five-for in ODIs after Zadran’s 95 helped Afghanistan to 190

Mohammad Isam11-Oct-2025

Rashid Khan triggered a middle-order collapse to finish with 5 for 17•Afghanistan Cricket Board

Afghanistan completed their third successive ODI series win against Bangladesh, all in the last three years, as they defended a modest 190 in the second ODI in Abu Dhabi. It was the lowest first-innings total at the Zayed Cricket Stadium but in response, Bangladesh folded for a mere 109.Just like the first ODI, the Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan combination wrecked Bangladesh. Omarzai took three early wickets before Rashid’s 5 for 17 blew away the Bangladesh middle and lower order. It was his sixth five-wicket haul in ODIs.Afghanistan’s series win is a comeback after their early exit from the Asia Cup and the 3-0 loss in the T20I series against Bangladesh. Even though they dropped a few experienced players for the series, they had plenty of top performers in the side.Ibrahim Zadran’s 95 was an invaluable contribution, especially when the rest of their batters couldn’t muster up enough runs. Omarzai failed with the bat but showed his worth by contributing with the ball. He did the early damage by having Tanzid Hasan caught at fine leg when the left-hand opener top-edged in the first over. Najmul Hossain Shanto was next to go, run out trying to complete a second run.Saif Hassan once again threw away a good start. He made 22 off 23 balls but having hit Omarzai for a four and a six of the previous two balls, he went for the uppercut and was pouched by Bashir Ahmad at the deep third. Omarzai’s third wicket was Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was trapped lbw for 4.Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 95 off 140 balls•Afghanistan Cricket Board

Towhid Hridoy offered a semblance of hope before playing a needless slog sweep against Rashid to be bowled in the 17th over. He made 24 with four boundaries, but the dismissal betrayed his earlier approach. Nurul Hasan played the same shot in the 23rd over and missed the googly. He, too, was bowled.Next ball, Rashid had Tanzim Hasan Sakib lbw. Rishad Hossain used the review to deny Rashid the hat-trick after he too was ruled out lbw. Jaker Ali fell in the following over as Bangladesh lost three wickets without adding a run. Tanvir Islam fell for a duck, lbw to Rashid, before Rishad was stumped in the 28th over.Earlier, Zadran held Afghanistan’s innings together after they decided to bat. He made 95 off 140 balls with only four boundaries while wickets kept tumbling at the other end. He started with a straight six off Mehidy before hitting two more fours within the first 13 overs. His only other boundary came in the 30th over but his strike rotation kept Afghanistan going for most of the innings. He fell in the 44th over when Mehidy had him caught at deep midwicket.Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal paid for their aggression, falling inside the first nine overs. Rahmat Shah’s calf injury, too, disrupted Afghanistan. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Omarzai also fell cheaply, and in quick succession, to leave Afghanistan at 79 4.Mohammad Nabi and Nangeyalia Kharote offered a bit of support to Zadran before No. 10 AM Ghazanfar, whose 22 consisted of two fours and a six, helped the side get closer to 200.

After setting a soft deadline of December 5, former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has reportedly emerged as one of the final candidates to buy Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls have not rushed into anything since entering administration and will be well aware that they must ensure that their next owner can make the guarantees that Dejphon Chansiri could not, financially speaking.

A number of candidates have shown proof of funds worth around £50m, but it has also been reported that a consortium from the Middle East has dropped out of contention due to the cost of completing a takeover. It is expected that, whilst the reserve price could be £30m, the actual cost of buying Sheffield Wednesday could rise to £100m over the next three years when considering a number of investments around the club.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, the Owls have the smaller matter of the Steel City derby to play against Sheffield United this weekend. They square off against the Blades looking to drag their rivals down with them in the Championship’s dropzone.

Previewing the crucial clash, Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen admitted that he expects to face an “organised side” in a tough challenge for his side this weekend.

With a soft deadline of 5 December for their takeover, victory over Sheffield United would certainly be a fine way to start what is a crucial two-week period.

Mike Ashley now a serious contender to buy Sheffield Wednesday

As reported by the i Paper, Ashley is now among the serious candidates to buy Sheffield Wednesday ahead of their December 5 deadline. The Owls are expected to narrow their search down to three or four options by the time that it’s time for offers to arrive and the former Newcastle United chief could yet be among those.

Whilst some will be quick to point out Ashley’s flaws from his time at St James’ Park, he could arguably be what Sheffield Wednesday need at present. He was unambitious at Newcastle when it came to signings, which left fans frustrated, but in terms of finances he was safe.

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The 61-year-old cleared the Magpies’ debt with an interest-free loan and may well steady the ship at Sheffield Wednesday. Whether he’d ensure that they become an established Championship side again after what seems to be inevitable relegation is another question, however.

There’s no denying that Ashley didn’t exactly jump at the chance to invest in the squad during his time at Newcastle, as they suffered relegation from the Premier League twice.

Latest Sheffield Wednesday takeover news

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank needs to find a way for his team to create more chances on a consistent basis after some struggles in the Premier League of late.

The Lilywhites created a staggering eight ‘big chances’ against Copenhagen in the Champions League last week, per Sofascore, but they have been unable to showcase that level of creativity on the domestic stage.

Spurs created 0.92 xG in their 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday, per Sofascore, after creating 0.10 xG in their defeat to Chelsea at home in their previous top-flight clash.

Per FBref, Tottenham rank 14th in the Premier League for xG, with 11.0 in 11 matches, which shows that they are far away from being one of the most creative teams in the division.

The former Brentford head coach, therefore, needs to adjust his system or work harder with the players on the training pitch to ensure that they start creating more chances.

One team selection move that Frank could make to add more creativity to the team in the short-term could be to unleash Wilson Odobert from the start after his excellent cameo on Saturday.

Why Wilson Odobert should start for Spurs

The former Burnley forward came off the bench to make a significant impact against Manchester United, as he provided the assist for Richarlison’s goal with a shot that turned into a cross.

Irrespective of whether it was intended as a shot or a cross, Odobert set himself brilliantly with a perfect first touch and struck the ball superbly, with an effort that may have gone in even if Richarlison had not made contact with the ball.

The France U21 international came on at half-time for Randal Kolo Muani and added directness and excitement to the Tottenham attack with his willingness to take players on with the ball at his feet.

Minutes played

45

Shots

1

Key passes

3

Big chances created

2

Dribbles completed

2/2

Pass accuracy

100%

Duels won

4/4

As you can see in the table above, Odobert created two ‘big chances’ in 45 minutes of action, whilst being incredibly efficient as a dribbler, as a passer, and in his duels.

That impressive cameo against the Red Devils came after he started and scored in the 4-0 win over Copenhagen, which means that the forward has registered goal contributions in successive matches for the first time in his Tottenham career.

This shows that the French youngster is finally finding his feet in North London and is building positive momentum with his performances, which is why Frank should reward him with a start against Arsenal on the other side of the international break.

His direct play and invention with the ball at his feet could improve Tottenham’s creativity and go some way to solving some of the issues that they have had, creatively, in the Premier League this season.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Of course, a player will have to be dropped from the starting line-up in order to facilitate Odobert’s return to the XI, and that unfortunate man could be summer signing Xavi Simons.

Why Spurs should drop Xavi Simons

The Netherlands international created three ‘big chances’ and registered an assist in the 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League last week, delivering a brilliant through ball for Brennan Johnson to score.

Football FanCast published an article after that match suggesting that it was the kind of performance that could kickstart his season, as it was a reminder of the kind of quality that he can provide at his best.

Unfortunately, the Dutchman, who was signed from RB Leipzig for £52m in the summer transfer window, played 79 minutes against Manchester United on Saturday without creating a single chance for his teammates, per Sofascore.

Unlike Odobert, Xavi was unable to build on his Champions League performance by following it up with productivity in the Premier League, which has been an issue for him throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

After the 2-2 draw with United, content creator Ronaldo Brown claimed “Xavi Simons is the master of taking “one touch too many” which has gotten him swallowed in the Prem”, and it is hard to disagree with that assessment.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has no goals and one assist, which was a corner for Pape Matar Sarr to score, in eight appearances in the Premier League so far this season, since his move from the Bundesliga.

xG

0.31

Bottom 22%

Shots on target

1

Bottom 11%

Goals

0

Bottom 3%

Chances created

6

Bottom 46%

xA

0.64

Top 47%

Assists

1

Top 49%

Touches in opposition’s box

9

Bottom 18%

As you can see in the table, Xavi ranks among the worst attacking midfielders in the Premier League in a host of key metrics, aside from his one assist, which was from a set-piece.

The Dutch playmaker is yet to show the kind of quality that saw him deliver 21 goals and 21 assists in two seasons with RB Leipzig in Germany, per Sofascore, which is why Frank should ruthlessly ditch him from the starting line-up for now.

Unfortunately, Xavi is not delivering enough quality at the top end of the pitch when given chances by Frank, whilst Odobert showed on Saturday that he can impact games in the Premier League at this stage in his development.

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Tottenham ended up drawing a frenetic Premier League clash against Manchester United this weekend.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 9, 2025

Therefore, the Spurs head coach should ditch the Netherlands international from the XI to play Odobert in a central position, where he can drive forwards and make things happen for the Lilywhites.

Brendon McCullum admitted that England got the toss wrong at Edgbaston, opting to bowl first on a surface that did not develop as they had expected throughout the second Test, culminating in India securing a mammoth 336-run victory to level the series 1-1.England have made no secret of their desire for pitches with good pace and carry that, crucially, do not deteriorate much over five days. Headingley was a case in point, with England inserting India upon winning the toss and then knocking off a target of 371 with relative ease on the final day.Ben Stokes revealed on the eve of this Test that requests have been put in for pitches that “suit what we want to go for and how we want to play our cricket”. He did cede, however, that there was a hint of uncertainty about how the Edgbaston pitch would play, with a warm, dry summer making preparations for ground staff that little bit trickier.Related

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Nevertheless, England believed conditions underfoot were going to evolve a certain way and were found wanting. Given first go, India posted 587, and it was only Jamie Smith’s unbeaten 184 and Harry Brook’s 158 in a scorecard of six ducks that meant the visitors began their second innings 180 in front.Burned by the first Test, Shubman Gill, who made the most of his time at the crease with 269 and 161, set England 608 and then handed the ball to Akash Deep, who exploited a worn day-five surface to take 6 for 99.McCullum, while aware England did not help themselves with bat or ball, acknowledged the first mistake was made at the toss.”I think, as the game unfolded, we probably looked back on that toss and said ‘did we miss an opportunity there’, and it’s probably fair,” he said. “We didn’t expect that the wicket would play quite as it did and hence we probably got it slightly wrong. But we did have them 200 for 5 and we weren’t able to capitalise on that position and when you win the toss and bowl you’re hoping to, well, you’re not anticipating the opposition’s going to score 580 and then, from that point, we’re behind the game.”It was only a brilliant partnership from Jamie Smith and Harry Brook which gave us any balance in the game throughout the five days. That’s something we’ve got to look at. We’re not rigid with our plans. It’s just we thought this pitch might get better to bat on as we went through the five days but as we saw it didn’t.”1:46

Harmison: England’s top-order returns a worry

McCullum went as far as to suggest the way the pitch was playing by the end was akin to those in India, with cracks emerging and creating uncertain bounce and extravagant movement off the seam that Akash Deep, in particular, was able to exploit.With Jasprit Bumrah returning for the third Test at Lord’s, which begins on Thursday, McCullum hoped a wiser performance would come off the back of this experience, perhaps aided by a friendlier surface for England’s needs.”I thought Akash Deep bowled outstandingly on that surface,” McCullum said. “Obviously growing up playing on those types of wickets, he hit his length and was able to utilise the surface where he could.”He was exceptional. Bumrah will more than likely come back in for the next one, so we’ve just got to make sure we’re well planned and well prepared and ready for the next challenge. It will be quite different, I imagine, to this surface and that’s probably a good thing for us.”We ran second for five days. I thought India played exceptionally well. Shubman Gill was at an elite level and played brilliantly on this pitch. We weren’t quite able to play how we wanted to on it and they thoroughly deserved to win.”

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O Palmeiras conta com o poder de decisão e a experiência do lateral Marcos Rocha para tentar bater o Boca Juniors, na Bombonera, nesta quinta-feira (28), em jogo válido pela ida da semifinal da Libertadores 2023.

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+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Remanescente da vitória épica do Verdão por 2 a 0 sobre o Boca, na Bombonera, naquele que é o único triunfo alviverde na temida casa do adversário, o camisa 2 se prepara para alcançar um número impressionante em Libertadores.

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Rocha pode alcançar nesta noite a terceira posição no ranking de atletas com mais vitórias na história da competição – atualmente, soma 50 (sendo 27 pelo Palmeiras e 23 pelo Atlético-MG), atrás apenas de Rogério Ceni, com 51, Weverton, com 53, e Fábio, com 55.

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Rocha já é o jogador com mais Libertadores seguidas disputadas em toda a história: 11 (2013 a 2017 pelo Atlético-MG e 2018 a 2023 pelo Palmeiras), ao lado do paraguaio Néstor Camacho, do Olimpia-PAR. E, com três títulos, é recordista de Copa entre os brasileiros.

O camisa 2 também guarda com muito carinho a vitória histórica sobre o Boca em 2018, uma vez que deu a assistência para Keno abrir o placar, de cabeça. Outra superstição que o palmeirense pode se apegar, é que na derrota pela semifinal, no mesmo ano, Marcos Rocha lesionado não pôde atuar.

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Com Mayke improvisado como ponta, Rocha está mais do que confirmado na equipe titular de Abel Ferreira para o duelo diante do Boca.

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Palmeiras

After a mixed start to their Premier League campaign, Leeds United and Daniel Farke have been handed a number of injury issues ahead of their all-important clash against relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Latest Leeds injury news

With one win and a draw in their first four games back in the Premier League, Leeds have shown plenty of promise when it comes to carving out narrow results.

But there’s still a long way to go before they break the trend of promoted clubs heading straight back down to the Championship. That didn’t stop Farke from praising his side’s defensive work ahead of their trip to Wolves, however.

Barring a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, Leeds have kept a clean sheet against Everton and Newcastle and conceded just the one goal in a last-gasp defeat against Fulham last time out. Defensively, the Whites have been impressively stubborn.

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It’s going forward that they’ve struggled. And recent injury news certainly won’t help in that regard. Farke confirmed that Dan James is a major doubt to face Wolves, whilst goalkeeper Lucas Perri is also sidelined alongside another key attacking talent.

Gnonto now facing late Leeds fitness test

As revealed by Farke, Wilfried Gnonto is also an injury doubt to face Wolves and could deal Leeds’ frontline another frustrating blow. So often the bright spark in what has been a blunt attack so far this season, Gnonto’s absence would hand Wolves a major boost and deal the Whites more trouble in front of goal.

It’s not just those at Elland Road who have been impressed by Gnonto over the years, either. The last time that Leeds were in the Premier League, it was Manchester United legend Gary Neville who was leading the praise for the winger.

The former defender said: “Sometimes you see potential and talent but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good honestly.”

Ex-Leeds star Jermaine Beckford also described Gnonto as “direct” in what is the trait that Leeds are likely to miss the most if he is sidelined against Wolves this weekend.

In January 2023, when Anthony Gordon forced his way out and signed for Newcastle United in a £45m deal, Everton supporters were livid.

The Toffees were in the throes of a relegation battle, after all, and Gordon was one of their own, handed his big break after graduating from the academy and featuring 65 times in the Premier League for the club before buying a one-way ticket to Tyneside.

It was a blow, but Everton staved off relegation, and then, in 2024, welcomed Iliman Ndiaye to the fold from Marseille in a £15m deal, and that has certainly proved to add flair and potency to the flanks.

No player scored more goals than the Senegalese winger last season, whose combination of pace and skills quickly established him as a fan favourite. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp marvelled that he brought a “dynamite” style to Goodison Park, while analyst Ben Mattinson noted that he “could play for any Premier League side”.

Iliman Ndiaye

37

11

Beto

34

10

Dwight McNeil

24

5

Abdoulaye Doucoure

31

4

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

26

3

Michael Keane

31

3

Any frustration around Gordon has long since passed, but this football club have a deep connection with their academy ranks, and might find a new homegrown hero, having welcomed a few to the senior stage over the years.

Everton's best academy graduates

Where else to start but with Wayne Rooney? One of the Premier League’s all-time greats, Rooney was handed his professional debut by Moyes during the manager’s iconic first tenure on Merseyside, starting with a bang and then signing for Manchester United for £30m when he was still only 18.

How the Toffees would like their next version of the Three Lions legend to join their ranks from Finch Farm.

There have been more, Leon Osman being a case in point. The 44-year-old was more of an unsung hero, a versatile midfielder, but he racked up 433 appearances for Everton and served dutifully for Moyes during his first term in office.

Ross Barkley was slated as Rooney’s natural successor, so impressive was his start to life at Goodison Park. Barkley came and went, and then Gordon did too, but Everton still seek their next big star from the youth ranks.

And though such talents are few and far between, Moyes might have a versatile attacking talent at his disposal who might even cause Jack Grealish to cast a glance over his shoulder.

Braiden Graham could be a star for Moyes

Grealish has made quite the start to his new career on Merseyside, having joined on loan from Manchester City this summer after falling from grace at the Etihad.

Four assists from as many matches and the Premier League Player of the Month award to boot emphasise just how impressive a start to this new chapter it has been for Grealish, so much so that he has moved Ndiaye out onto the right flank, a role he performed just once last season, and three times already in 2025/26.

It would take a special talent indeed to displace the silky Three Lions star, but Everton might just have such a player rising to the fore in 17-year-old Braiden Graham, who completed a move from Linfield in Ireland to Everton in July 2024, when he was only 16.

It would take only a couple of months for Graham to earn his first professional contract, proving to Everton his capacity to score and to assist across a number of attacking berths after ex-Linfield boss David Healy hailed his “incredible” potential.

Attacking midfield

8

6 (1)

Centre-forward

5

2 (2)

Left winger

4

3 (1)

Right winger

2

1 (0)

Centre-midfield

2

0 (0)

He scored eight goals across only 12 matches in the U18 Premier League last season, assisting two goals too, thus earning a promotion to the Premier League 2, nestled right underneath the big time.

At 17, he wouldn’t have been expected to offer more than support as he cut his teeth among older hopefuls, but eight games later, the Irish talent had five goals and an assist to his name. All told, 13 goals in all competitions last year saw him rise above Ndiaye as Everton’s top goalscorer, albeit at a lower level.

The fanfare is real, and Moyes will no doubt be interested in handing him a senior shot this season, perhaps in a domestic cup against lesser opposition, should the opportunity arise.

The right-footed teenager is still working out his best position, but he seems at his most fluent and dangerous when coming off the left flank and into the danger area, fearless on the ball and endowed with natural strength and balance.

His physical development continues to be the biggest hurdle yet to be leapt over, but that’s only natural given his age. Praised as “a good finisher” by Everton U21 boss Paul Tait, that advantage in goalscoring could see him offer something excitingly different to Grealish, who has never really been clinical in front of goal.

Grealish appears to be the cream of the crop right now, but Everton have got a whole load of creative forces who weren’t there af few years back.

What still appears lacking is a range of goalscoring threats. Up top, Beto currently lacks the clinical edge that comes to him in bursts, and Thierno Barry is unrefined within the English game.

Graham is a player who has the lot: goals, assists, pace, power, smarts. Whether he can transfer his youthful flair to the senior stage remains to be seen, but there’s little question that if he keeps going from strength to strength, he will come knocking on the 29-year-old Grealish’s door, with sights set on claiming that left-sided spot and adding a new dimension to Everton’s frontline.

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Newcastle United are set to make a bid “imminently” for one of their top striker targets, as they look to reinforce the front line before the end of the transfer window next Monday.

Howe: Newcastle "running out of attacking options"

Newcastle’s meeting with Liverpool was always expected to be full of drama, but not a single onwatching fan could have predicted the spectacle that took place at St James’ Park. The Magpies, down to 10 men and 2-0 down, valiantly fought back to level at 2-2 courtesy of William Osula from the bench. The young striker, who is full of potential, sent a timely reminder of his quality.

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Ultimately, however, it was a night that saw another young player shine as Rio Ngumoha emerged from the bench to become Liverpool’s youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer in the 99th minute. He was left in dreamland. St James’ Park was left in silence.

Eddie Howe couldn’t hide his disappointment in the result either. Barring the end of the first-half and the start of the second, the Magpies were the side on top. Just like against Aston Villa, however, they lacked a clinical goalscorer to take advantage and Howe admitted that his side are “running out of attacking options”.

Newcastle now have less than a week to solve that attacking problem in a summer that has already seen several targets come and go. That said, one reporter does now expect those at St James’ Park to finally welcome one of their top targets before the deadline.

Newcastle set to make "imminent" new bid for Strand Larsen

Despite reports that their first offer worth £50m was turned down, Jan Åage Fjørtoft now expects Newcastle to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen this week with another bid “imminent”, which “should be enough” to complete a deal.

At this stage of the transfer window, Newcastle have very little time to negotiate small details and simply must go all out to finally welcome a striker.

Strand Larsen’s far from a bad choice, either. Whilst Yoane Wissa has been the name mentioned for most of the summer, the fact that he’s back in Brentford training is not an encouraging sign for Newcastle, who look to be turning to a younger forward with more potential.

Described as “fantastic” by Wolves boss Vitor Pereira last season, Strand Larsen ended the campaign with 14 Premier League goals and could now be on his way to Tyneside as a result.

Opener gives squad a boost after tough tour of India, as England build towards Australia opener

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Feb-20252:28

Buttler: ‘We’ve done plenty of training throughout the tour’

England’s Champions Trophy prospects have received a boost after Ben Duckett was given the all-clear, following a left groin injury sustained during last week’s ODI series against India.Duckett’s form at the top of the order had been one of the positives for England in an otherwise disappointing campaign. He made two half-centuries across the T20I and ODI series, in which England won just one of the eight matches, but contributed regular strong starts in the powerplay, alongside Phil Salt, which whom he made three consecutive fifty stands.However, Duckett appeared to tweak his groin while fielding in the latter stages of India’s innings in the final ODI at Ahmedabad on Wednesday, and was visibly hampered while making a boundary-laden 34 in England’s subsequent innings.However, with England having decamped to the UAE ahead of their Champions Trophy campaign, scans on Duckett’s groin have revealed no significant issue, and an ECB press release declared him “fit and available” for England’s tournament opener against Australia in Lahore on February 22.England are due to arrive in Pakistan on February 18, and the news is a welcome boost given the squad’s other injury concerns. They have already lost Jacob Bethell to a hamstring injury, with Somerset’s Tom Banton drafted into the squad as a replacement, while Jamie Smith has not featured since the third ODI on January 28 due to a calf injury.Ben Duckett was in form during the India tour without converting his starts•Getty ImagesThere are concerns among the fast-bowling contingent too, with Brydon Carse managing a toe injury and Jamie Overton affected by a hamstring issue. Jofra Archer is also nursing a cut hand.The squad has had to ride out criticism of their training methods, too, with Kevin Pietersen particularly outspoken about their lack of net practice during the ODI series.Renewing his attack on X on Thursday, Pietersen said that injuries are part and parcel of sport, adding that that was not what was stopping “batters from batting against net bowlers and learning the art of playing spin”.However, Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, rejected the “factually incorrect” take on England’s preparations, and insisted that his team was on track to compete strongly at the Champions Trophy.”Guys have come from a lot of cricket and keeping guys fresh is just as important, especially when you have injuries,” he said. “We’ve done lots of training. We have had injuries in the camp so we’ve backed guys off a little bit to make sure we had a fit team.”

Nottingham Forest have now identified an “incredible” Douglas Luiz alternative as their new “top” target, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed.

Forest set out to bolster midfield options

Forest have already made a major statement of intent by keeping hold of attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, and Nuno is now keen to bolster his options in the engine room even further, having seemingly identified Juventus’ Luiz as a major target.

The Tricky Trees have already agreed personal terms with the former Aston Villa man, and they are thought to be leading the race for his signature, with sporting director Edu said to be driving the move, but there are some doubts surrounding the deal.

Juventus are reportedly reluctant to sanction a departure until they bring in a replacement, which means Nuno may have to wait until the end of August before he is able to add the Brazilian to his squad, and a different midfielder has now emerged as the first-choice option.

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That is according to an update from Plettenberg on X, who states RB Salzburg midfielder and captain Mads Bidstrup has now been identified as Nottingham Forest’s new “top” target.

Bidstrup remains contracted until 2028, which puts Salzburg in a strong negotiating position, and the Austrian club are thought to be holding out for around £17m, potentially making the central midfielder a relatively low-cost addition to Nuno’s squad.

Luiz, on the other hand, could set the Tricky Trees back £35m, but the ex-Villa star is already very experienced at Premier League level, having made 175 appearances in the competition.

Bidstrup could be "incredible" Luiz alternative

Indeed, the Juventus ace was very impressive during his previous stint in England, particularly impressing from an attacking point of view during his final two seasons at Villa Park.

Season	PL appearances	Goals	Assists
2022-23	37	6	6
2023-24	35	9	5

However, it would be a gamble for Forest to solely focus on signing the 27-year-old, given that he could very easily choose to go to a different club at the end of August, and there are signs the RB Salzburg midfielder could be a solid alternative.

Former RB Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund has spoken very highly of the 24-year-old in the past, saying: “Mads has an incredible mentality and suits our playing style in Salzburg perfectly with his way of playing. He is very versatile too and can be used anywhere in midfield.

The Dane has been a regular starter for Salzburg ever since arriving at the club, making 30 league appearances last season, and he clearly has leadership abilities too, having already taken on the role of captain.

That said, there may be some concerns over the fact that Bidstrup is yet to prove himself in a major European league, having only really starred in Denmark and Austria, and Luiz is vastly more experienced at the top level, which could make the Juventus ace the better option.