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White-ball captain wary of distractions as he embarks on first tour in charge

Cameron Ponsonby17-Oct-2025It is infuriating talking to an England player at the moment. The biggest series in years is on the horizon. It’s all we’ve been speaking about for months. And rather than indulge in playground gossip like the rest of us, they’re rising above it.”We’re in New Zealand,” says Harry Brook, speaking from New Zealand. So far, so good. “I’m the white-ball captain.” Also correct. “We’ve got a game tomorrow night.” Three from three. “And that’s all I’m thinking about.” Wrong. Tell us that Josh Hazlewood is going to get sent to the moon.This is a refined Harry Brook. Wiser than the man who was once burnt after saying he was glad he could “shut up” Indian fans in 2023, then twice burnt by England fans in 2024 after saying “who cares” if someone gets caught on the boundary. Now, in 2025, he is a man who leads his country on and off the pitch. When England were given a traditional cultural welcome on Friday at the Hagley Oval, it was Brook, in his role as captain, whose responsibility it was to stand and say a few words of thanks to the local Maori leaders at the end of the ceremony. A simple, but important task that earned him a tap on the thigh from head coach Brendon McCullum.Related

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“Like I said. We’re in New Zealand now,” Brook reiterates.Through nothing other than coincidence, Brook’s development as a cricketer has been inextricably linked to the country. His Test captain, Ben Stokes, has his roots in New Zealand. The only Test head coach he’s ever known, McCullum, is one of the most famous New Zealanders of all time. His centuries in Wellington, Christchurch and Wellington again include arguably his finest knock in an England shirt. And his first tour as an England captain is to the country as well. Most recently, Gilbert Enoka, the famous mental skills coach who worked extensively with the All Blacks, has become a figure Brook turns to for advice.”He’s awesome,” Brook said of Enoka’s presence with the England team. “We’ve actually just done a session with him now for an hour or so. To have him in the ranks, just to be able to pull him for a chat for five or 10 minutes is awesome.”Unprompted, Brook, who was recently named as vice-captain of the Test side, spoke about his need to adapt both as a captain and a batter. A question about Jacob Bethell’s ability against spin segued into an answer about Brook’s recognition about the need to be flexible with a batting line-up.”I haven’t liked doing that in the past,” Brook says of switching left-and-right-handers in the order depending on what the opposition is throwing up. In his eyes, that amounts to a bending of the knee to an opponent who should be dictated to, not delegated around.”But whatever’s best for the team at that stage is vital. And like I said before, having them little chats with Gilbert with everybody heading in the same direction, knowing that things might change here and there is vital for the side.”Similarly with his batting, his quickly trademarked but almost impossible to describe roly-poly Dilscoop ramp, that he unfurled in the Hundred, sounds set for a spell on the sidelines. As a shot it is a moment of pure entertainment. But rather than being the sign of a man with unlimited confidence and limitless form, Brook saw it as a sign he was straying too far into the woods.”It’s fun when the crowd’s cheering and whatnot,” Brook told talkSPORT. “But it doesn’t necessarily work every time.”I’ve actually been quite disappointed with the way I’ve played in white-ball cricket. I feel like I’ve been premeditating a lot. And that’s one goal for me this series, just to try and play on instinct as much as possible.”Brook’s aim to move away from premeditation stems from a desire, to use a football term, to play the way he’s facing. The fact he is able to play 360 degrees, he feels, is pulling him in too many directions. Literally.”Because I’m hitting it in different areas,” Brook explained of why he wanted to scale back. “Obviously it all depends on the situation of the game and the surface, but when I’m at my best I’m hitting it straight.”Brook got engaged recently. It can be the only explanation for such clarity of thought. A man can only plan so much. And a wedding outranks deciding when to scoop Jacob Duffy.When Brook entered the international set-up in 2022, Stokes made a joke at his expense, calling him “a bit dumb”. Joe Root joined the party a couple of years later when referring (endearingly, it must be said) to Brook as an “idiot”.But the fact of the matter is that Brook is very likely to walk out at some stage across the Ashes series with the England blazer on and as captain of his country. Stokes has missed a match through injury in each of his last four Test series. And the Brook that does so, thanks to those around him, will be very different to the one who debuted just over three years ago.”I want Stokesy to play all five games,” Brook said, knocking back any suggestion he’s thought at all about the prospect of walking out on Boxing Day to call heads in front of 95,000 people. “But now we’re in New Zealand. I’m the white-ball captain, and that’s my main focus. That’s all I’m thinking about at this moment in time. We’ve got a game tomorrow night. And like I’ve said so many times, [I want to] just stay in the moment as much as possible.”Brook is only interested in speaking about New Zealand. And really, given his history here, why would he want to talk about anything else?

Despite registering an assist against Nottingham Forest, Leeds United attacker Brenden Aaronson has struggled to find his best form this season. Indeed, that strike he set up at the City Ground was only the second time in 2025/26 he’s chipped in with a goal or assist, despite playing 11 Premier League games.

It might not be a surprise to see the United States international struggling for form in the Premier League. Despite a dominant season in the Championship last term, former Leeds man Jon Newsome told BBC Radio Leeds that he doesn’t think he is “good enough to play in the Leeds United team.”

With Aaronson’s poor form continuing, it might lead Daniel Farke to look at alternative options on the right wing against Aston Villa.

Farke's options to replace Aaronson

One candidate to replace the American international against Villa is Wilfried Gnonto. The 22-year-old Italian is on the cusp of returning from a calf injury which has kept him out for most of the season, but Farke confirmed pre-match that his side have “not one player injured” this weekend.

Assuming the former Inter winger is back, he could get some involvement this weekend. Last term, Gnonto was excellent, scoring nine goals and assisting six in 43 second-tier games, and his direct nature could offer a new threat for Leeds.

However, given his recent fitness issues, this game may have come too soon for him to start.

An alternative option could be Jack Harrison. The 29-year-old Englishman has had a bit-part role this season in the Premier League, playing ten games, but featuring for just 262 minutes in total.

He is a player who certainly splits opinion at Elland Road. The former Everton loanee returned to the club this season after two years on Merseyside. He was not given a warm reception upon that return, though, and was booed by fans in preseason.

With Gnonto’s lack of game time and Harrison’s lack of form, there could be an ideal alternative to replace Aaronson.

Farke’s perfect Aaronson replacement

It would certainly be a fair call if Farke were to drop Aaronson from the side against Villa. He has struggled to have a real impact on the Leeds side this season, and has left a little to be desired creatively.

If the American were to be dropped from the side against the Villans, the man who could replace him is Daniel James. The Wales international has also not been fully fit this season, having racked up just eight Premier League appearances.

Yet, he played an hour for Wales over the last week as they beat Liechtenstein, a game in which he grabbed an assist, and North Macedonia, against whom he scored.

He is back fit and firing and in good form, which is a huge positive for Farke and Leeds.

Despite a lack of involvement this term, the former Manchester United star has previously impressed for the West Yorkshire side. In their Championship title win last term, he chipped in with a strong tally of 12 goals and nine assists in just 36 appearances.

He averaged 0.72 goal involvements per 90 minutes, which ranked him in the top 2% of Championship attackers.

Goals and assists

0.72

98th

Passes into penalty area

2.17

97th

Crosses into penalty area

0.9

96th

Goal-creating actions

0.52

90th

Progressive carries

4.04

87th

The Welsh international could hurt Villa in transition, too. It is no secret that he is lightning fast, with a top speed of 31kph, according to Speeds Database. Well, if Leeds decide to sit in a low block and hit Unai Emery’s side on the counterattack, James could be imperative to executing those fast transitional moments.

Statman Dave once described the 28-year-old as someone who is “unstoppable on the break.” If Leeds do decide their best way of winning is to try and hit the Villans on the counter, his pace and recent form in the final third could be pivotal.

It would be a bold call for Farke to drop one of his most trusted lieutenants in Aaronson, but James has the skillset to really hurt Villa and help his side pick up a huge win in dire circumstances.

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Southampton chiefs have made a new manager decision which involves current interim boss Tonda Eckert.

Eckert looking to make it three wins in a row for Southampton

Following the sacking of Will Still at the beginning of the month, the Saints and Sport Republic are yet to appoint a new permanent manager.

A number of candidates have been linked with the St Mary’s vacancy, with Eckert impressing on a temporary basis, winning back-to-back Championship games to steer the club clear of the bottom three.

With the international break now finished, attention once again turns back to club action, with Southampton set to travel to Charlton Athletic on Saturday lunchtime.

As we know, the Saints are no closer to appointing Still’s long-term successor, meaning Eckert looks set to be given the chance to make it three victories in a row.

Tonda Eckert’s coaching career

Role

Years

1.FC Koln U17

Assistant manager

2013-2016

RB Salzburg YL

Assistant manager

2016-2017

RB Leipzig YL

Assistant manager

2017-2019

FC Bayern U17

Assistant manager

2019-2020

Barnsley

Assistant manager

2020-2022

Genoa

Assistant manager

2022-2025

Southampton U21

Manager

2025

Southampton

Interim manager

2025 – present

He has impressed Saints star Finn Azaz, who scored last time out against Sheffield Wednesday, with the summer signing calling Eckert “top level”.

“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.

“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”

Now, a fresh manager update has emerged from St Mary’s ahead of the trip to The Valley.

Southampton to give Eckert next three games

According to sources from Give Me Sport and reliable reporter Ben Jacobs, Sport Republic have decided that Eckert is set to take charge of Southampton’s next three Championship fixtures.

Southampton’s next 3 Championship fixtures

Date

Charlton Athletic vs Southampton

22nd November

Southampton vs Leicester City

25th November

Millwall vs Southampton

29th November

It is stated that the 32-year-old is not guaranteed to be given the job on a permanent basis just yet. However, if Southampton’s games against Charlton, Leicester and Millwall go to plan, Eckert could become a genuine contender.

Radio Solent’s Sports Editor Adam Blackmore even admitted recently that Eckert was always on the radar to be promoted and replace Still as Southampton manager, although it wasn’t supposed to come this early.

“Saints have spoken to candidates, but they can afford to be patient with Eckert’s good start, and it allows them time to see the market develop.

“Eckert was always Johannes Spors’ succession policy after Will. It just wasn’t supposed to be after months! So it’s highly unlikely anything imminent occurs either way …..like I said about Will, it would be a risky appointment giving it to Eckert …but if he wins 5 out of 5? Hard not to!”

The early signs are positive, and another three points on the weekend will only strengthen Eckert’s claim to be named Southampton’s next full-time manager.

Southampton told to appoint new manager over Eckert who "ticks every box"

Never far from the headlines, Brazilian superstar Neymar has now started writing his own after an expletive-laden attack on a journalist on social media over a newspaper report he claims was "all lies". The incident came following Neymar's shocking reaction to being substituted for Santos and reports he phoned his manager to say sorry – a call which the Brazil international strongly denies.

• Public spat as Neymar hits back

  It's been a rough time of late for the Brazilian superstar, who has now publicly called a reporter a "sh*tty journalist" in a heated social media post. The incident occurred after sports outlet claimed that Neymar had called boss Juan Pablo Vojvoda, to apologise for events during the loss to Flamengo at the weekend, where he was seen questioning why he had been taken off. Neymar commented on the post, denying the phone call and attacking the reporter. "Another lie invented by a sh*tty journalist!!!" wrote Neymar.

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  'The Brazilian appeared slow and lacking rhythm'

  Neymar was heavily criticised for his latest performance for Santos in the recent 3-2 defeat by Flamengo. Spanish newspaper labelled the former Barcelona and PSG star "slow" and warned he faces a massive battle to put himself in contention Carlo Ancelotti's final Brazil squad for next year's World Cup. 

  said: "Upon his return to the starting lineup, the Brazilian appeared slow and lacking rhythm, even hindering the plays of some teammates. He even protested against being substituted. If he doesn't regain his form soon, it will be difficult for him to wear the Brazilian national team jersey again in the next World Cup. The former PSG player was sidelined for almost two months with Santos due to a muscle injury that kept him out of seven matches. He briefly returned in the draw against Fortaleza before missing another game. This long absence was reflected in his performance against Flamengo. Even so, he showed glimpses of his quality with a dangerous free-kick and a header that almost resulted in the equalising goal."

• Misunderstood genius?

  Understandably, Santos have leapt to the defence of their Brazilian star, with Alexandre Mattos, the executive director of football at the club, posting on Instagram: "Geniuses are misunderstood, it has always been that way in human history. They think ahead of their time, they do things differently, they make a difference… they are insatiable for challenges, for change, for goals that few manage to achieve… they leave legacies, they make history…But they are also human beings, they get things right and wrong, they smile and cry, they have feelings, a heart, they breathe, they live and survive life's blows…You are like that, a genius… those who know you know the human being you are, the heart you have, the humility you exude, the concern you have for everyone, the father and friend you are…They try to defeat you, they can't, they try to knock you down, you get up, everything is bigger for you, but you are bigger than everything…Do you know why? Because you have God in your heart… a good aura…My brother, you will never be alone… be sure that I'm here to take life's blows with you… your family is, your friends are, your companions are…You are admired and adored by me and by everyone who knows you, by billions around the world who dream of being like you… you earned this, you deserve this…Difficult moments make men stronger!! I'm always with you!!! Through thick and thin….We are!!!"

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  Back in the squad?

  Neymar hasn’t long to wait to find out if the incident will impact his place in the Santos squad, as they have a Serie A match against Palmeiras on Friday evening. He will hope to make headlines for the right reasons.

Aston Villa are on the rise under Unai Emery, with NSWE backing the manager in the transfer market. However, the club have also cashed in on a number of Villa Park stars down the years – but who is the club’s record departure?

Here is a detailed look at Villa’s most expensive sales in their history, as per Transfermarkt, with an in-depth view of the top 10.

Here's a detailed look at Aston Villa's top 10 sales…

10

Cameron Archer

£18m to Sheffield Utd, 2023

The first time Aston Villa sold Cameron Archer was in 2023 to newly promoted Sheffield United. Archer had a respectable campaign at Bramall Lane which resulted in Villa activating a buy-back clause in 2024, only to sell him again months later.

The Blades shelled out £18m to sign the forward, with their subsequent relegation perhaps playing a part once Villa sensed they could get some more money for him, with play-off winners Southampton the latest beneficiary.

9

Jaden Philogene

£20m to Ipswich, 2025

Jaden Philogene swapped Villa Park for Portman Road in January 2025, looking to help keep Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

The Villa academy graduate had loan spells at Stoke City, Cardiff City, and Hull City in the Championship before the club cashed in.

8

Carney Chukwuemeka

£20m to Chelsea, 2022

Young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka starred for a brief period of time in the Aston Villa first team after coming through the academy.

Chukwuemeka’s impressive performances caught the eye of Chelsea, who added the midfielder to their growing list of young signings in 2022 for £20m. However, he has already been linked with an exit without making his mark at Stamford Bridge.

7

Stewart Downing

£20m to Liverpool, 2011

Stewart Downing was Martin O’Neill’s first signing of the 2009 transfer window and his time at Aston Villa was short and sweet. After two seasons, Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish took Downing to Anfield and the left-winger would spend two years with the Reds.

The Anfield side spent a reported £20m to bring the England international to Merseyside, though the fee has officially remained undisclosed.

6

James Milner

£26m to Man City, 2010

Premier League icon James Milner initially joined Aston Villa on loan in 2005 as part of Newcastle’s deal to re-sign Nolberto Solano.

Milner would go on to impress at Villa Park and signed on a permanent basis three years later in 2008, making a total of 126 appearances before signing for Man City in a £26m deal in 2010, from which point he continued to carve out a successful top-flight career.

5

Christian Benteke

£32.5m to Liverpool, 2015

Powerful striker Christian Benteke first made his mark in England with Aston Villa after arriving from Genk in 2012, and the Villans would make a huge profit on the Belgian three years later.

It was again Liverpool who came calling and paid an eye-catching £32.5m fee for the forward, though his transfer to Anfield didn’t work out, and he was on the move again 12 months later.

4

Douglas Luiz

£42.35m to Juventus, 2024

More recently, central midfielder Douglas Luiz was sold by Aston Villa to Juventus in 2024 after spending five successful years with the club.

A transfer was reportedly worth €50m (£42.35m), with Villa soon taking Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea to the Midlands in return. Amadou Onana has since become his successor at Villa Park.

3

Moussa Diaby

£50m to Al-Ittihad, 2024

Another big-money exit in 2024 to help balance the FFP books was Moussa Diaby, who moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for around £50m.

The France international only spent one campaign in England, but his displays were enough for Villa to more or less break even on the fee they paid Bayer Leverkusen a year earlier.

2

Jhon Duran

£64m to Al-Nassr, 2025

Jhon Duran was going from strength to strength at Villa Park when the surprise decision was made to sell the Colombia international to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January 2025.

The forward cost Villa just £18m, so a £64m exit represented a huge profit and the chance for Duran to go and play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

1

Jack Grealish

£100m to Man City, 2021

Unsurprisingly top of the list as Aston Villa’s most expensive sale is Jack Grealish, whose £100m move to Manchester City in 2021 was a British record at the time.

The attacking midfielder dazzled in claret and blue in the Championship and the Premier League and departed Villa after making more than 200 games for his boyhood club. His deal as the most expensive between British clubs has since been eclipsed by the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.

Manchester United are on a roll following recent victories, including the morale-boosting win over deadly rivals Liverpool at Anfield. But the dust has settled on that fine win and boss Ruben Amorim has another landmark target to overcome when they face Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

• Mixed results so far for Man United

  It’s been a turbulent period for Man United following a dismal 15th-place finish and a Europa League final defeat last season, the club also failed to qualify for European competition. Amorim's side currently sit ninth in the Premier League, but top-four ambitions have improved following recent, positive results. The new-look attack, featuring signings Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, have shown promise but the early exit from the Carabao Cup to Grimsby Town was damaging. With significant transfer activity and a lack of European football, the pressure remains on Amorim to deliver more consistent results and improve on the previous season's poor performance.

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  Amorim facing injury worries ahead of Brighton

  Amorim said: "The squad is fine. We have some doubts, we had some issues during the week, with Harry Maguire and Mason Mount. Knocks, but nothing serious. Licha (Martinez) is out, but the rest are ready for the game. I think it's always going to be like always, but it's going to be a very difficult game. It's a difficult team. They are fun to watch, really good with build-up, really strong with transitions in every aspect of the game and are doing well with set-pieces. I don't know (when he will return), he trained really well. Not with us, but on the next pitch and I was watching also the training. He's feeling well and the knee is responding really well, so I don't want to say one specific day or week, but he's near to starting the training with the team. Then it depends whether he wins a place or not. That will depend on him, but he is closer to returning to (full) training."

• The numbers stack up for Amorim

  Following their victory against Sunderland before the international break, Amorim's side secured that thrilling win at Anfield, achieving back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time under the Portuguese boss. The double gave United a significant boost and moved them within two points of Liverpool. Amorim's next challenge is to build on this success and guide United to a third consecutive victory, a feat the club has not accomplished in 49 games. That winning run came during games in February last year when they beat Wolves, West Ham, and Aston Villa, which was part of a larger winning streak under former manager Erik ten Hag.

  On the win over Liverpool, Amorim said: "We use the good spirit of winning games we know that was a good weekend for us but our focus is on the next game. That is in the past and we need to understand that football changes a lot, especially this kind of club so we are not thinking about the last game, we are thinking about this game and it is going to be really hard to win."

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  Amorim lauds changing systems

  Amorim said: "We have one identity, one way of playing but we adapt what kind of game we need to play in the moment. You could sense that the first half against Sunderland was not the same as the second half. We know how to manage that. Against Liverpool we scored right away in the first play and then we managed the game and played a different style because it was needed in that moment – that is a good thing. Then we have a good spirit and sometimes when you have a good spirit, you have a bit of luck that you need to win games."  

  After the visit of Brighton, United have away matches at Nottingham Forest on November 1st and Tottenham on November 8th. Later in November, they will host Everton.

Arsenal scouts have watched a “world-class talent” in action a number of times already this season, and they could be set to battle Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.

Gunners looking to bolster options in midfield

Mikel Arteta made major improvements to his squad in the summer transfer window, and Martin Zubimendi is already looking like a very astute signing, having been singled out for praise after scoring twice in the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney said: “The technique on the first of his two goals against Nottingham Forest was frightening. It would have been so easy to get over that and put it into Row Z, and his header was nice as well.

“We see so many players that can’t head a ball any more and it was really calm. He ran the show and that is why Arsenal brought him in. They want him to be that maestro when they have loads of the ball.”

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Christian Norgaard also arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer, meaning Arteta should be very well-stocked in the engine room this season, but the north Londoners have now joined the race for another central midfielder.

That is according to a report from journalist Ahad Shaukhat for the Daily Briefing, who states Arsenal scouts have now watched Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi on a number of occasions already.

Bouaddi is being targeted by a number of top clubs from across Europe, with bitter rivals Tottenham also in the race for his signature, but there have been suggestions a deal could be on the expensive side.

The 17-year-old has been widely reported to have a price tag of £40m, which would be a huge amount to pay for a teenager.

"World-class talent" Bouaddi is one for the future

Despite his age, the young Frenchman has already established himself as a regular starter for Lille, making a total of 58 senior appearances for the French club, including four in Ligue 1 so far this season. Already he has emerged as “one of the best young midfielders in Europe”, in the words of football writer James Brooke.

Earlier this year, the Lille starlet also received very high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who lauded him as a “world-class talent”, while also describing the youngster as having “excellent technical capacity & ball carrying ability.”

That is underlined by the fact the Senlis-born ace ranks in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to other midfielders, and the 85th percentile for tackles over the same timeframe.

Having already started to make a name for himself in Ligue 1, Bouaddi clearly has a lot of potential, and may not be too far off first-team level for a top Premier League club, so Arsenal should undoubtedly look to win the race for his signature.

AC Milan captain Mike Maignan has joined the player backlash against plans to move their Serie A home game against Como to Perth, Australia. The goalkeeper branded the move a mistake driven by finance, echoing Adrien Rabiot's "completely crazy" comments. The criticism comes despite a sharp rebuke from the Serie A chief, as the controversial fixture moves closer to confirmation.

• AC Milan captain Maignan criticises Australia fixture plan

  Maignan has publicly condemned the proposal to play the Serie A home fixture in Australia. Speaking at a press conference while on international duty with France, the goalkeeper voiced his strong opposition to the plan, arguing that financial interests are being prioritised over competitive integrity. Maignan's comments align him with Rabiot, who had previously labelled the idea "completely crazy," adding to the growing player backlash against the decision. The controversial match is scheduled to take place in February.

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  What Maignan said about the controversial fixture

  The French international did not hold back when asked about the proposed fixture, expressing his full agreement with Rabiot's earlier criticism. "I totally agree with Adrien Rabiot. I don't understand why we're playing abroad," Maignan stated. "Many things are forgotten these days, we think too much about the financial aspect. It's an Italian league match, I don't understand why we're playing abroad. Furthermore, we should have been playing at home, so we 'lose' a home game. Our goals are ambitious, we mustn't leave anything to chance."

• Rabiot's 'completely crazy' criticism

  Maignan's comments echo the strong sentiments previously shared by his teammate, Rabiot. The midfielder expressed his disbelief at moving a domestic league game over 13,700 km away. 

  "I was surprised when I heard that we'll be playing a Serie A match in Australia with AC Milan. It's completely crazy," Rabiot said. "But these are financial agreements to give visibility to the league, things that are beyond us. There's a lot of talk about schedules and player health, it all seems truly absurd. It's crazy to travel so many miles for a match between two Italian teams in Australia. We have to adapt, as always."

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• Serie A chief hits back at player complaints

  The player complaints prompted a sharp response from Lega Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo, who directed his comments at Rabiot. "Rabiot forgets, like all footballers who earn millions of euros, that they're paid to do something, namely play football," De Siervo said. "He should be respectful of the money he earns and more accommodating of his employer, AC Milan, who accepted and pushed for this match to be played abroad. The organizational challenge is complicated, the flight hours are long, but you're traveling business class to the other side of the world, something teams regularly do. Top footballers, whose salaries are commensurate with the effort they put in, should understand better than others that this is a sacrifice that can be made."

Vidarbha put the ghosts of 2023-24 to bed in the most emphatic manner possible – snatching a thrilling battle for the first-innings lead in style – and then grinding Kerala down for nearly five sessions in the second innings to be crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the third time. It made it all the more special that they achieved this feat in front of nearly 3000 home fans who had trooped into the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on a Sunday afternoon, and saw Akshay Wadkar’s team lift the trophy.A heartbroken Kerala squad were left to rue what could’ve been. Would things have been different had Sachin Baby middled his slog sweep on 98 with a lead within touching distance? What if Akshay Chandran had taken second-innings centurion Karun Nair’s catch early on day four? What if DRS had not reprieved half-centurion Danish Malewar after Vidarbha had lost two early wickets?