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The start of this season couldn’t have gone much better for Tottenham Hotspur, with convincing wins over Burnley and Manchester City.

However, in the months since, things have really gone off the rails for Thomas Frank and his side.

They currently sit 16th in the Champions League and, following their dismal defeat at the hands of Fulham on Saturday night, 11th in the Premier League.

Frank looked bereft of ideas against the West Londoners, and his team appeared all at sea, including one player who could be in danger of becoming their new Serge Aurier.

Spurs' worst players against Fulham

Aside from maybe Micky Van de Ven for his goalsaving tackle and Randal Kolo Muani for his general play, there were dismal displays across the entire Spurs starting lineup.

Chalkboard

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

The player who has received the most stick during and after the game is undoubtedly Guglielmo Vicario.

The Italian goalkeeper was the main culprit for the visitors’ second goal, with him rushing out to intercept a long ball, kicking it into danger and then being way out of the penalty area when Harry Wilson curled the ball into the net.

Such a costly blunder, and the fact that the team were 2-0 down in just the sixth minute, led to sections of the home support booing the former Emploi man at every touch.

While not responsible for conceding a goal, Richarlison was another Lilywhites ace who was practically useless on the night.

In his 60 minutes of action, he offered no threat at all, producing an expected goals figure of 0.00 and completing just six of his nine passes.

Moreover, while he took 21 touches, he ended up losing possession nine times, which helps to justify the 3/10 match rating he received from the Standard’s Matt Verri.

It was also a poor showing for Kevin Danso, who was second best to Raul Jimenez throughout the game, and it was his headed clearance that led to the opening goal.

Unfortunately for Frank and the fans, another starter put in a horror display against the Cottagers and could end up becoming the Spurs’ next Aurier if he’s not careful.

Spurs' new Serge Aurier

It was clear that Aurier was a talented player during his stint with Spurs, but what was also clear was that he was error-prone and became something of a scapegoat.

After all, he got sent off on his Premier League debut, and it was his foul that led to Manchester City’s winning free-kick in the 2021 League Cup final.

After that mistake, Jamie Carragher described him as “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football.”

The Ivorian left the club that summer, and unfortunately, it feels like Pedro Porro could be becoming the new version of him.

Now, to be clear, the Spanish full-back, originally signed on loan by Antonio Conte, is a hugely talented footballer and someone who is capable of delivering a brilliant cross at times.

However, he has become a growing concern for North Londoners over the last season or so, both offensively and defensively, with the game against Fulham a perfect example.

In his 94 minutes on the pitch, he lost 100% of his aerial duels, lost five of eight ground duels, was dribbled past three times, was accurate in just three of 16 crosses, failed in 100% of his dribbles and completed only 62% of his long balls.

Minutes

94′

Ground Duels (Won)

8 (3)

Aerial Duels (Won)

3 (0)

Dribbled Past

3

Crosses (Accurate)

16 (3)

Dribbles (Successful)

2 (0)

Long Balls

8/13

In short, it was a poor attacking display and a truly horrendous defensive one, which more than justifies Verri’s match rating of 4/10 and description of him looking a ‘nervous wreck at the back.’

As if that wasn’t enough, he then proceeded to throw his shirt to the floor and storm off the pitch when the full-time whistle went, in what journalist Mitch Fretton described as “absolute embarrassment.”

It’s this combination of yet another poor performance and the petulance afterward that makes it hard not to think of the former Ivorian international.

Ultimately, Porro is still a talented player and could turn things around, but it’s been some time since fans have seen him at his best, and that display against Fulham was more than worrying.

New Soldado: Frank must bin Spurs flop who had fewer touches than Vicario

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank must drop this flop who is becoming the new Roberto Soldado.

ByDan Emery Nov 30, 2025

Over the years, Manchester United have become known for their impressive young talents, with many of whom cementing their place within the first-team squad.

From players breaking through the academy to big-money additions, the Red Devils faithful have been truly blessed and have had the chance to experience numerous elite-level talents.

At present, Ruben Amorim has massively utilised Leny Yoro, after the Frenchman joined the club in a mammoth £52m deal last summer despite being just 18.

However, his importance to the manager simply cannot be overstated, with the 20-year-old featuring in every single Premier League game of the 2025/26 campaign.

The same can’t be said for every youngster currently in the first-team at Old Trafford, especially with one talent who is seemingly out of favour at present.

The future of Kobbie Mainoo at Man Utd

Just a couple of years ago, Kobbie Mainoo was one of, if not the most important player within the Manchester United first-team squad, but he’s endured a huge decline in recent seasons.

He made his breakthrough in the 2023/24 campaign, scoring vital goals against Manchester City in the FA Cup final and even netting a worldie against bitter rivals Liverpool.

Such form enabled him to secure a place at Euro 2024 with the England squad, subsequently featuring in all but two matches during the competition.

However, Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford last November has seen a huge drop in his first-team minutes, with the manager evidently not a fan of the 20-year-old.

In 2025/26 alone, Mainoo has failed to make a single league start, subsequently being restricted to just eight appearances – totalling just 170 minutes to date.

As a result, a permanent exit has been mooted for the academy graduate, with Italian side Napoli just one of the clubs reportedly interested in a deal ahead of January.

Amorim spoke in the summer, stating that he didn’t want the player to depart Old Trafford, but given the lack of change in his first-team action, it could lead to a move this window.

The United player who has shades of Pogba & could end Mainoo’s stay

Paul Pogba is another youngster who managed to make the jump into the United first-team ranks, with the midfielder joining from Le Havre at the tender age of 17.

However, his career at Old Trafford wasn’t straightforward, with the Frenchman even leaving on a free transfer before re-joining in a club-record deal back in the summer of 2016.

He managed to rack up a total of 233 appearances during his two separate spells at the Theatre of Dreams, often catching the eye with his ball-striking ability from distance.

However, his spell was marred with attitude and fitness issues, which ultimately led to yet another free transfer departure – subsequently moving back to Juventus in 2022.

Regardless of the issues behind the scenes, he gave the supporters countless moments to remember, with the Frenchman being one of the most technically gifted players to wear the shirt.

In the present day, Amorim may have landed his own version of Pogba, with a deal for teenager Cristian Orozco completed ahead of the January window.

It’s been reported in the last couple of days, that the Red Devils have paid a fee in the region of $1m (£750k) for the 17-year-old from boyhood side Fortaleza.

He may be seen as a player for the future, but there’s no reason why he can’t be catapulted into the first team in the near future, which could end Mainoo’s stay at Old Trafford.

Orozco’s stats in the early stages of his career reflect his talents, with the Colombian’s move handing the fanbase another reason to be excited about a new addition.

The youngster, who’s been dubbed “generational” by one Colombian analyst, starred at the U17 World Cup over the last couple of months, which has no doubt led to his transfer to join United.

He won the Man of the Match award against El Salvador, subsequently registering two shots on target despite operating as a holding midfielder in front of the back four.

Minutes played

90

Touches

107

Pass accuracy

75%

Passes completed

63

Tackles made

2

Duels won

9

Recoveries made

9

Dribbles completed

2

Orozco also completed 67 passes at an accuracy rate of 75%, whilst also completing two dribbles within his total of 107 touches during the 0-0 stalemate.

His tally of nine duels won, nine recoveries and two tackles made further highlights his all-round quality, with the midfielder undoubtedly having a huge future at Old Trafford.

He will replicate Pogba in moving to the club as a 17-year-old, with many fans hoping he can match the levels produced by the Frenchman during his own spell at the club.

However, should Orozco continue on his current development path, there’s no reason why he can’t become a key member of Amorim’s squad – potentially ending Mainoo’s stay with his boyhood club.

Best January deal since Bruno: INEOS make PL "warrior" Man Utd's top target

Manchester United have a new top target ahead of the January transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 29, 2025

قدم جيرارد بيكيه، أسطورة نادي برشلونة، كافة دعمه لنجم الفريق الكتالوني، موضحًا أنه يجب أن يتم الاهتمام بصحة اللاعبين النفسية بشكل أكبر خلال الفترة المقبلة.

ويمر نادي برشلونة بفترة جيدة على كافة المستويات، حيث يبتعد الفريق الكتالوني في صدارة الدوري الإسباني بفارق أربع نقاط عن ريال مدريد صاحب المركز الثاني.

لكن مدافع نادي برشلونة، رونالد أراوخو، يعاني الأمرين في المقابل، حيث لا يشارك الدولي الأوروجوياني مع البلوجرانا خلال الفترة الأخيرة، وذلك بسبب مشاكل تتعلق بصحته النفسية.

أراوخو تعرض إلى انتقادات هائلة، عقب طرده خلال مباراة برشلونة وتشيلسي قبل أسبوعين بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ودعم بيكيه أراوخو، موضحًا أن أمر الصحة النفسية لا يمكن الاستهانة به في كرة القدم.

وقال بيكيه في تصريحات إلى صحيفة “سبورت”: “يجب الاهتمام بالصحة النفسية، هذا أمر بديهي وليس فقط في عالم كرة القدم أو الرياضة عمومًا”.

وأضاف بيكيه في حديثه: ”كما رأينا حالة أندريو بوينافوينتي الذي اضطر للتوقف لنفس السبب، يناقش هذا الموضوع بشكل متزايد وأعتقد أنه أمر جيد أن الكثيرين لا يدركون أهميته”.

أقرأ أيضًا.. “يفعل مثل والده”.. صحفي إسباني يتوقع موعد رحيل لامين يامال عن برشلونة

وأوضح: ”لطالما كان عالم الرياضة متأخرًا في هذا الشأن، أتذكر حقبة العنصرية والعنف في الملاعب، على مستوى المشجعين يبدو أننا في كرة القدم كنا دائمًا آخر من يتكيف مع هذه الأمور، لقد حان الوقت لاحترام المحترفين، حان الوقت للتوقف عن كون هذا العالم مكانًا يسمح فيه بكل شيء حيث يمكن للجميع أن يفعلوا ويهينوا كما يحلو لهم”.

وأردف بيكيه: ”أتذكر أنني عشت كل هذا في زماني، وخاصًة خلال سنوات استقلال إقليم كتالونيا، عندما كنت في المنتخب الوطني وكان علي أن أبني لنفسي درعًا واقيًا، ويأتي وقت وهو أمر غير صحي، عندما لا يعود المرء يهتم بما يقوله الناس أو يفكرون فيه، لكنها الطريقة الوحيدة للحفاظ على صحته النفسية وشعوره بالراحة العاطفية”.

واختتم حديثه قائلًا: “قد يواجه آخرون صعوبة أكبر أو لا يرغبون في اتخاذ الإجراءات التي اتخذتها، في هذه الحالة، رفع رونالد أراوخو يده وقال علي أن أتوقف، وأعتقد أن النادي يبلي بلاءً حسناً للغاية بالاستماع إليه ومنحه الوقت الذي يحتاجه، وأعتقد أن على جميع مشجعي كرة القدم في إسبانيا التفكير في الأمر قليلاً”.

The Padres struggled to score again in a playoff game. It's a story the team's fans know all too well after the team's failure in the NLDS last season.

On Tuesday, the Padres scored a run in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs, breaking a 25-inning scoreless streak in the postseason. Then they didn't score again in a 3–1 loss. San Diego has now mustered only one run in its past 33 postseason innings.

Last season, the Padres beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–5 in Game 3 of the NLDS, scoring all six runs in the second inning before being shut out for the rest of the game. L.A. then blanked San Diego in Game 4 and Game 5, totaling 24 consecutive shutout innings to end the Friars' season.

On Tuesday, San Diego scored on a Xander Bogaerts double in the top of the second inning to take a 1–0 lead. Despite several chances to plate another run, the Padres couldn't capitalize as they finished 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Chicago battled back with back-to-back solo home runs from Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly in the fifth inning. The Cubs tacked another run on in the eighth inning to secure a 3–1 lead.

Cubs relievers tossed 5 2/3 shutout innings after starter Matthew Boyd was pulled with one out in the fifth inning. They didn't allow a hit or a walk and struck out four batters after Boyd left the game. Chicago's pitchers retired the final 14 Padres batters in order to end the game.

San Diego managed only four hits and one walk on the day. The top three in the Padres' lineup, Fernando Tatis Jr., Luis Arraez and Manny Machado, went a combined 0-for-10 with three strikeouts and a walk.

It will be do-or-die for the Padres on Wednesday, but history is working against them. Since MLB moved to its current playoff format in 2022, no team that has lost the opening game of a wild-card series has come back to win it. San Diego's offense will need to wake up if the team wants to have any chance.

The Cubs have home-field advantage and all the momentum.

Unlike last month, the current international break is an unwelcome escape from Premier League football for West Ham United fans.

Nuno Espírito Santo has seemingly worked his magic, and a team that looked incapable of a win just a few weeks ago have just beaten Newcastle United and Burnley.

One of the reasons the Hammers look so much better is that Freddie Potts has finally been given his chance to start in the first team.

The Barking-born star has been immense in the middle of the park, and the good news is that the academy is producing a few players who could be the next Potts, although they also lost a youngster who’s an even bigger talent than the 22-year-old.

West Ham's next Freddie Potts

The good news for West Ham fans is that their academy system continues to produce exciting prospects, some of whom could go on to become the next Potts in a few years.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

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One of those youngsters is Preston Fearon, who joined the Hammers in 2022, signed his first professional contract last year, and then signed another just last month.

Jarrod Bowen has described the 18-year-old as a “special player”, and it’s not hard to see why, as, in addition to making 43 appearances across the club’s youth sides, he was also taken on the pre-season tour of America.

Like the Hammers’ new star, the youngster can play in several positions, but thrives as a tough-tackling, yet technically accomplished, central midfielder.

Another youngster who could be fighting for first-team minutes a few years from now is Isaac Thomas.

The 16-year-old Welshman just scored four goals during his second appearance for the U18S, and what’s even more incredible is that he did so from centre-back.

However, just like Fearon and Potts, his primary position is in the middle of the park, but he’s capable of filling in where he is needed.

Finally, while a little older, Mohamadou Kanté looks every bit as exciting.

Described as having “good anticipation” and being “very calm and composed on the ball” by one analyst, the 20-year-old Frenchman is also no stranger to scoring goals and could provide a similar presence to the middle of the park as Potts.

In all, West Ham have plenty of exciting youngsters coming through the ranks, but even so, they surely rue losing someone who is an even bigger talent than Potts.

The academy gem who is a bigger talent than Potts

West Ham have done relatively well at retaining their most promising academy talents over the years, but they were unable to do so with Divine Mukasa.

The incredible prospect joined the Hammers as a five-year-old, but in September 2023, he moved to Manchester City for free.

The 18-year-old phenom made his senior debut for City in September, in a League Cup game against Huddersfield Town, and as if that wasn’t impressive enough, he also provided an assist.

He also started the following game in the competition against Swansea City and has been on the bench for three Premier League games so far this season.

However, while a player his age starting two games for a club like City is certainly impressive enough, it’s his record for their youth sides which suggests he could be a future superstar.

Mukasa’s 24/25

Appearances

41

Minutes

2807′

Goals

17

Assists

25

Goal Involvements per Match

1.02

Minutes per Goal Involvement

66.83′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, in 41 appearances across various youth sides last season, totalling 2807 minutes, the former Hammer chalked up an outrageous tally of 17 goals and 25 assists.

That means the incredible superstar in the making averaged 1.02 goal involvements per game, or one every 66.83 minutes all season, which goes some way in justifying journalist Nassali Sandrah’s claim that he is “the best academy player in Europe.”

To top it off, the Newham-born gem has also won five caps for England’s u19s, and scored his first goal for them against Wales last time out.

Ultimately, there are some seriously exciting prospects emerging from West Ham’s academy at the moment, but it certainly appears that they have lost the biggest talent of all in Mukasa.

Related Alongside Fullkrug: West Ham must sell £30m flop who was a "big voice"

The former international should have been a big success at West Ham United.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 12, 2025

Well, that was about as perfect a night of Champions League action as Arsenal could have hoped for.

Mikel Arteta’s side travelled to Czechia to take on Slavia Prague on Tuesday night, and while they were without the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, they came away with all three points.

More than that, though, the Gunners scored three goals, fielded the youngest player in the competition in Max Dowman, and most crucially of all, kept another clean sheet.

There were standout performances across the pitch, including one player who’s starting to look like Arsenal’s new Gabriel Magalhães.

Arsenal's standout stars vs Slavia Prague

Starting up top, and while he had a quiet first half, Mikel Merino once again found himself on the scoresheet in the second half. In fact, he ended up there twice.

The Spaniard’s first came just 35 seconds into the second 45 when he got on the end of a wonderful Leandro Trossard cross.

Then, 22 minutes later, he put the game well and truly to bed by heading home another cross from Declan Rice.

However, it wasn’t just the Merino show, as other starters like Jurrien Timber and Gabriel looked exceptional once again.

The former was as sturdy at the back as ever, but also, as he has all season, was a massive threat going forward.

One moment, he was overlapping on the right, and then the next, he was surging through the middle of the park.

Likewise, while he failed to get his customary goal from a corner, Gabriel was as imperious as ever.

In his 95 minutes of action, he made four clearances, blocked two shots, recovered the ball three times and won four of six aerial duels, which is impressive considering the absurd size of Slavia’s centre-forward.

There can be no doubt that the former LOSC Lille monster is now one of Arsenal’s most important players, and so it’s a good thing that another starter on Tuesday is starting to look just like him.

Arsenal's new Gabriel

If he could, Arteta would undoubtedly have a team of 11 Gabriels.

Chalkboard

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

Alas, unfortunately for him, or fortunately for opposition set-piece coaches, cloning is yet to be invented.

However, there is one summer signing who is starting to look more and more like the Brazilian: Piero Hincapie.

Yes, the tough-tackling Ecuadorian “warrior,” as dubbed by one analyst, might still be finding his way in English football, but he’s already looking like another masterful addition to the Gunners’ defensive unit.

The same analyst points out that the 23-year-old shares several similarities with the Gunners’ number six, including his mobility, aggressiveness, aerial threat, and the fact that he’s a left-footer.

With all that in mind, it was hardly a surprise to see him put in such an impressive performance on Tuesday night.

For example, in his 73 minutes of blood-pumping action, he won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, won 100% of his aerial and ground duels, made one clearance, recovered the ball once, took 42 touches and completed 100% of his dribbles.

Ultimately, it truly was as complete a defensive performance from Hincapie as could’ve been asked for, and one that should see him get more minutes.

Moreover, his fiery Gabriel-esque attitude and desire are going to make him a fan favourite very quickly indeed.

Arsenal star is starting to play like Cazorla & he's not even a midfielder

The incredible international is starting to show shades of Cazorla for Arteta and Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 4, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians se impôs no Mineirão e venceu o Cruzeiro por 1 a 0, na noite desta quarta-feira (10), no jogo de ida da semifinal da Copa do Brasil. Memphis marcou o gol do Timão ainda na primeira etapa e levou para São Paulo a vantagem do empate.

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Sem vencer há quatro partidas, o Corinthians chegou contestado ao Mineirão, mas surpreendeu o Cruzeiro. A equipe de Dorival Júnior mostrou intensidade, terminou o primeiro tempo com mais posse de bola que os mandantes e abriu o placar com gol de Memphis após assistência de Yuri Alberto.

Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

O Cruzeiro retomou o controle no segundo tempo, pressionou o Corinthians no campo de ataque, mas não conseguiu chegar ao empate.

Como foi jogo?

O Corinthians pressionou o Cruzeiro nos primeiros minutos. Os visitantes tomaram as primeiras atitudes e obrigou Cássio a fazer a primeira defesa da semifinal. Aos seis minutos, Memphis bateu escanteio fechado, Carrillo desviou na primeira trave e o goleiro do Cabuloso fez boa defesa.

continua após a publicidade

Os mandantes equilibraram o jogo e tiveram uma boa chegada com Matheus Pereira. André Ramalho não conseguiu cortar um passe enfrente a área, o meia aproveitou para fintar o marcador e finalizar forte para defesa de Hugo Souza.

Com mais posse de bola, o clube alvinegro tinha domínio no meio de campo. Aos 21 minutos, Carrillo lançou na área, Yuri Alberto ajeitou, Memphis finalizou em dois tempos para abrir o placar. Atrás do placar, o Cruzeiro se lançou ao ataque.

continua após a publicidade

O jogo ficou nervoso, com muita discussão entre os atletas, e poucas oportunidades. O Cruzeiro dominou as ações da posse de bola, enquanto o Corinthians se armou para alcançar um contra-ataque. No fim, o clube alvinegro conseguiu levar a vantagem para o intervalo.

Na segunda etapa, o jogo mudou de tom. O Cruzeiro dominou as ações ofensivas, e chegou a ter 81% de posse de bola. Aos 13 minutos, Arroyo levantou a bola na área, Matheus Bidu desviou e Hugo Souza foi obrigado a fazer uma boa defesa.

A estratégia do Corinthians não surtiu efeito, a equipe ficou acuada na defesa, com a dupla de ataque isolada. Aos 20 minutos, Kaio Jorge recebeu na grande área após bate e rebate. O artilheiro girou sobre a marcação, chutou, mas a bola explodiu em André Ramalho.

Assim como no primeiro tempo, o jogo ficou nervoso, com muitos cartões amarelos. Dorival Júnior preencheu o meio de campo as entradas de Charles, Garro e André. O Timão controlou a partida e saiu com a vitória.

Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Tudo sobre o Cabuloso agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Cruzeiro

Vantagem

As equipes voltam a se enfrentar no próximo domingo (14), às 18h (de Brasília), na Neo Química Arena. O Corinthians joga pelo empate para avançar à final da Copa do Brasil. O Cruzeiro precisa vencer por dois gols de vantagem para se classificar diretamente; se ganhar por apenas um, a vaga será decidida nos pênaltis. O adversário sairá do confronto entre Fluminense e Vasco.

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA

CRUZEIRO 0 X 1 CORINTHIANS
SEMIFINAL (JOGO DE IDA) – COPA DO BRASIL

🗓️ Data e horário: quarta-feira, 10 de dezembro de 2025, às 21h30 (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Mineirão, Belo Horizonte (MG)
🥅 Gols: Memphis (21’/1ºT) (1×0)
🟨 Cartões amarelos: Memphis (COR); Romero (COR); Gustavo Henrique (COR); Matheus Pereira (CRU); Fabrício Bruno (CRU); Romero (CRU)
🔴 Cartão vermelho: –
🟨 Árbitro: Anderson Daronco (RS)
🚩 Assistentes: Rafael da Silva Alves (RS) e Maira Mastella Moreira (RS)
🏁VAR: Rodrigo D’ Alonso Ferreira (SC)

⚽ESCALAÇÕES

CRUZEIRO (Técnico: Leonardo Jardim)
Cássio: William, Fabrício Bruno, Villalba (Jonathan Jesus), Kaiki; Lucas Silva (Eduardo), Lucas Romero; Christian (Sinisterra), Matheus Pereira, Kaio Jorge e Arroyo (Gabriel)

CORINTHIANS (Técnico: Dorival Júnior)
Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique e Matheus Bidu; José Martínez (Garro), Maycon, Carrillo (André) e Breno Bidon (Angileri); Memphis (Charles) e Yuri Alberto (Vitinho)

Tudo sobre

Copa do BrasilCorinthiansCruzeiroFutebol Nacional

The 19-year-old batter clinched Victoria victory in their opening Sheffield Shield match

AAP14-Oct-2025

Rising Victoria star Oliver Peake has seen up close what opportunities are in front of Australia’s next generation of cricketers.When Sam Konstas was famously ramping Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah last Boxing Day, Peake was running drinks out onto the MCG for his former Australia Under-19 team-mate.Then yet to make his first-class debut, Peake watched in awe as his fellow Gen Z product made an instant impact on international cricket.Related

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Peake performance: 19-year-old batter shows his talent

Konstas vs Boland as Ashes selection looms closer

But the 19-year-old has started making a name for himself after steering Victoria home with an unbeaten 70 in last week’s Sheffield Shield match against reigning champions South Australia. Earlier this year he was also with the Test squad in Sri Lanka as a development player.”I was running him [Konstas] out gloves and drinks, and to watch him take down Bumrah was so cool to see,” Peake said of his experience as Australia’s water boy. “He was pretty in the zone. I caught Uzzy [Usman Khawaja] a couple of times chuckling at him and sort of thinking, ‘How crazy is this?'”Even talking to the spider cam during drinks breaks, I was just like, ‘This is a different world’.”Peake and Konstas are among several members of Australia’s U-19 World Cup-winning team in 2024 making their mark.Captain Hugh Weibgen has fitted seamlessly into Queensland’s red and white-ball teams, scoring his maiden domestic one-day century for the Bulls last month in a thrilling run-chase against Western Australia.Harjas Singh went viral after belting an unbelievable 314 in NSW premier cricket earlier this month.Harry Dixon will open for Victoria in their Sheffield Shield match against NSW, starting on Wednesday, while Peake bats at No. 5. Konstas will be in the opposition trying to convince Australian selectors he deserves to retain his spot for the start of the Ashes.”From that World Cup team a couple of years ago, everyone’s pretty close,” Peake said. “When guys are doing well, everyone sends messages to each other.”Hugh Weibgen getting his first hundred was awesome to see, but no surprise for any of us. We all support each other and back each other in and have massive belief in each other. Sam was a good example of doing really well early in the year and finding his chance through that.”Peake said for now he was “just trying to purely focus on Vics cricket”, to achieve wins and “enjoy it as well”.”I was driving here this morning and thinking to myself, pinching myself, like, ‘This is so cool’,” he said. “I’ve got mates at uni and [doing other] stuff that I grew up with, and for me to be driving to cricket in the morning as my job, it’s incredible.”This rise of young talent comes at a time when there are set to be several looming vacancies in Australia’s Test XI. Khawaja is likely heading into his final summer, with him turning 39 in December. Steven Smith is still batting superbly, but at 36 there are doubts over how long his legendary career will go.

The PCB also lodged a complaint against Suryakumar Yadav for his “political” comments after the first India vs Pakistan game at the Asia Cup

PTI25-Sep-2025The BCCI has filed an official complaint against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan with the ICC for their on-field gestures during the Asia Cup Super Fours game in Dubai last Sunday. It is reliably learnt that the BCCI filed the complaint via an email on Wednesday, and the ICC is in receipt of it.In case Farhan and Rauf deny the allegations in writing, an ICC hearing could take place to address the matter for the hearing. They might have to appear before match referee Richie Richardson – the second match referee at the tournament, Andy Pycroft being the other.Farhan’s celebration after getting to his half-century and Rauf gesturing towards a section of fans while fielding at the boundary – the incidents the BCCI has complained about – have been all over social media since that day.Related

• Suryakumar found guilty of breaching code of conduct; verdict on Rauf and Farhan awaited

• Pycroft given barely any notice ahead of handshake-gate

• Suryakumar: India vs Pakistan isn't a rivalry anymore

“Let me first say, the amount of pressure that’s been heaped on the players because of the situation, it’s very difficult to control your behaviour,” India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Tuesday when asked about Haris’ provocative gestures.”I did see some of the things Haris did and that’s not our concern. Like I said earlier, we’re really proud of how the guys carried themselves. They fought fire with their bats on the field. Other teams may have had issues with some of the things we’ve done. But from our side, we’re proud of how the guys have carried themselves.”The PCB has also lodged an official complaint with the ICC against Suryakumar Yadav for the India captain dedicating the win over Pakistan in the first round, on September 14, to “the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack” in April this year, which led to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.”Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile,” Suryakumar said in the presentation ceremony after that match, which made headlines for events before and after the match – the captains didn’t shake hands at the toss, the players didn’t greet each other after the match, and “handshakegate” has continued to be a subject of talk and debate at the Asia Cup ever since.The PCB has alleged that Suryakumar’s comments were “political”.Sunday’s Super Fours match, the second meeting between the two teams during the Asia Cup, witnessed several heated moments including exchanges between Pakistan quicks Shaheen Shah Afridi and Rauf and India openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.

Freddie Freeman's defensive prowess at first base may have just saved the Dodgers.

Los Angeles narrowly escaped with a win in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, thanks to the steady hand of Freeman. With runners on the corners and two outs, Trea Turner launched a hard-hit ball to the middle of the infield, which was fielded cleanly by Tommy Edman. Edman misfired on his throw, however, sending it to Freeman on a rather awkward hop.

Fortunately, Freeman, a Gold Glove winner, was able to handle what could've been a devastating hop in order to secure the final out of the game and seal the victory.

Edman had plenty of time to make his throw, but he short-hopped it from second base, causing Freeman to sprawl to his right and make an awkward play on the ball. A less-experienced first baseman may have struggled with that, but the 36-year-old was cool and collected while making a game-saving play. Had that ball gotten through, Philadelphia would've evened up the score with runners in scoring position and their home crowd fully behind them. Freeman avoided any such instance with his heroic play at first.

Now, the Dodgers will be full of confidence as they return home for Game 3, at which point they could put an early end to the NLDS and clinch their spot in the NLCS for the second straight year.