Zimbabwe’s top-heavy batting line-up never looked in contention in a chase of 196

Danyal Rasool23-Nov-2025There are wins that seal two points, and wins that damage the opposition’s net run rate enough to imperil their path to the final. A half-century from Babar Azam and an Usman Tariq hat-trick walloped Zimbabwe by 69 runs to dent their net run-rate and keep Sri Lanka in contention for the tri-series final on Saturday. It is a final Pakistan are guaranteed to play now, having won all of their first three games. Pakistan’s 195 quickly became academic for a Zimbabwe unit that didn’t have the firepower to challenge it, and found themselves shot out for 126.After winning the toss and batting first, Saim Ayub looked to take full advantage of the powerplay. In a breezy cameo, he struck a pair of early sixes before finding a fielder. Sahibzada Farhan and Babar shifted through the gears through their partnership as they controlled the pacing of their innings, setting up Fakhar Zaman and the middle order for a big finish.Zimbabwe’s top heavy T20I batting line-up meant they could not afford to leave too much work for anyone outside the top five, but in pursuit of 196, risk-taking was inevitable. The warning signs were there when Tadiwanashe Marumani tamely spooned Naseem Shah to cover point. Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor followed soon after, and the only resistance Zimbabwe offered came in the form of a 34-run partnership between Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza.With Tariq’s hat-trick running through the visitors at speed, Burl suddenly found himself fighting a lone hand at one end. Somewhat curiously, he appeared disinterested in farming the strike right up until he began to approach his half-century. He would get there in style with a six off Naseem, and while he remained unbeaten, the same could emphatically not be said of his team-mates.Babar, Sahibzada take Zimbabwe onAfter Ayub holed out following a flashy start, it was left to Farhan and Babar – two men who have recently returned to form – to maintain Pakistan’s momentum. The pair went about their business in contrasting fashion. Farhan was intent on making the most of the powerplay, looking to heave at deliveries and partially riding his luck. Even so, the first 20 balls saw him score 32 runs, while Babar was characteristically sedate, looking to get himself in before launching. In his first 20, he had managed less than half of Farhan’s output, with 15 runs on the board.Babar Azam began sedately but accelerated after bedding in•PCB

But they appeared clear-headed about the target they wanted to set, and picked their moment to launch. Babar dispatched Sikandar Raza for a couple of boundaries in the 12th over, with both targeting the next few overs. Farhan brought up the hundred partnership with a colossal six down the ground as Pakistan set themselves up for the final five overs. Raza snared him next ball, but he had scored 63 off 41, and by the time Babar holed out in the deep, his 52-ball 74 had more than made up for the quiet start.The back-end onslaughtWith wickets to spare in the final five overs, Pakistan shuffled their batting order, but everyone had the license for uninhibited attack. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz were promoted but failed to fire, with Babar keeping the run rate soaring as he took down Brad Evans and Raza in overs that produced 16 and 11 respectively.When Raza removed Babar, though, Zimbabwe enjoyed an over or so of calm, but all that hard work would be undone in a stunning final over. Fakhar, sent in at No. 7 in a career-first, smashed three sixes and a four off the hapless Evans, plundering 25 in the over to rocket Pakistan to a tournament-best 195. That Evans appeared to have dismissed him off the innings’ final delivery, only for it to be called a no-ball and for Fakhar to dispatch the free hit for six, added insult to injury.Usman Tariq’s hat-trickThe phrase “why did he do that” has become instantly recognisable among Pakistan supporters since it was immortalised when Shannon Gabriel attempted to attack spinner Yasir Shah when on the verge of saving a Test match. Today, Wellington Masakadza attempted something similar when seeing off Tariq’s hat-trick delivery.The offspinner had dismissed Tony Munyonga when he edged a sweep to short fine, and the following ball Tashinga Musekiwa was cleaned up. With fielders crowding around the bat for the hat-trick delivery, Masakadza opted to loft Tariq into the onside. Long-on was perfectly positioned to take the catch, and Tariq was gifted a hat-trick that ensured Zimbabwe would fall to a huge defeat.

West Ham United are now planning to sign an “insane” Premier League striker in the January transfer window, as a replacement for Niclas Fullkrug.

Fullkrug set to leave West Ham in January

Sky Sports Florian Plettenberg revealed last month that Fullkrug wants to leave West Ham in the upcoming window, with the striker looking to make it into Germany’s World Cup squad next summer.

In truth, Nuno probably shouldn’t be too concerned if the German does depart, given that he has made a torrid start to the Premier League season, having failed to score in his opening eight matches.

Callum Wilson has now emerged as the first-choice option at centre-forward, and the Englishman has caught the eye at times, scoring two goals in his last three matches.

However, Wilson was unable to find the back of the net against Liverpool on Sunday, with the Hammers succumbing to a 2-0 defeat, and they are now looking to sign a new striker in the January transfer window.

That is according to a report from La Lazio Siamo Noi, which states West Ham have now identified Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee as a top target to replace Fullkrug next month.

The Irons are looking to cash-in on their £27m signing this winter, and they have already started offering him out to offer clubs, primarily to teams in the Bundesliga.

The 32-year-old would prefer to return to his home country, and if the Hammers do manage to get a sale over the line, there will be space to bring in a new forward, with Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa also of interest.

"Insane" Zirkzee returns to form against Crystal Palace

Zirkzee scored his first Premier League goal for nearly a year on Sunday afternoon, beating Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson with a tidy finish to ignite Man United’s comeback, which earned him high praise from Bruno Fernandes.

Scout Ben Mattinson has also praised the Dutchman in the past, describing him as “insane”, however, his goalscoring record should be a major concern for West Ham.

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Much like Fullkrug, the 24-year-old has struggled in front of goal ever since arriving in the Premier League for £36.5m, netting just four goals in 38 top-flight games, and the Hammers should be able to find a much more prolific striker to replace the Germany international.

Newcastle United are far from perfect this season, but there is enough quality at Eddie Howe’s disposal for the manager to craft another knockout campaign.

While the Magpies have claimed seven points from nine in the Premier League, they are 12th in the standings; however, the congested nature of the campaign means fourth-place Chelsea only hold a five-point advantage.

Whether Newcastle consolidate a fine run of form over the winter months – as they did last year – remains to be seen, but Howe will take understandable solace in his side’s more polished and coherent recent performances after a tumultuous transfer window.

However, it feels like some outside aid is needed, and with midfield emerging as a priority position for technical director Ross Wilson, it’s no surprise that Elliot Anderson continues to be linked with a return home.

The latest on Elliot Anderson to Newcastle

We all know the story. Newcastle’s PSR problems. Selling Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to circumvent a ban. Shaving fringe quality instead of selling a superstar.

But the 23-year-old midfielder has grown into a force to be reckoned with, Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel going as far as to call him “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”.

This is a sentiment shared by Howe, who was candid in discussing why Newcastle sold their prized homegrown talent to a Premier League rival, and underlined his desire to win him back.

Anderson is now a sensation, though, and Premier League tax has been levied by the Tricky Trees, who are set to demand in excess of £100m for a player now being chased by Manchester City and Manchester United too.

Newcastle will try, but this is sure to prove an elusive signature to land.

It’s important that the St. James’ Park side learn from their past mistakes, though, and don’t part with their new version of the Three Lions star.

Newcastle have an even bigger talent than Anderson

He’s had a tough time of late in regard to injuries, but Lewis Hall’s emphatic return to the field at Newcastle has remind English football of the calibre of their exciting up-and-comer.

The 21-year-old has now started three Premier League games in a row for Newcastle, and already he has reshaped the tactical fluency that was sorely missing in the early stages of the campaign. He was instrumental in taking control against Tottenham, and unfortunate not to have claimed three points.

Hailed as “the best player on the field” by reporter Andy Sixsmith, Hall has only just regained full fitness but is indeed reminding the Premier League of his elite quality.

Minutes played

90′

Touches

75

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

Accurate passes

36/43 (84%)

Chances created

0

Dribbles

2/2

Recoveries

6

Tackles won

4/4

Interceptions

2

Clearances

4

Duels won

8/15

He’s so defensively sound while playing dynamically and always looking to develop Tottenham’s attacking patterns through intelligent build-up work and calculated movement.

This is further evidenced through FBref’s data. The platform reveal the England international to rank among the top 10% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 18% for progressive passes, the top 7% for through balls, the top 19% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for tackles won per 90.

Journalist Harry De Cosemo claimed that the young full-back “makes such a difference” when starting from the opening, and no mistake there.

The vultures are bound to start circling before long, and while Newcastle may struggle to re-sign a homegrown talent in Anderson, they may have an even bigger talent in their ranks, and it is crucial that Howe is given the security to build around him.

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Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has delivered a blunt message, urging his team-mates to play with “hurt and anger” as pressure mounts on Ruben Amorim after another disappointing Premier League setback. With United slipping in their pursuit of the top five, Dalot insists the squad must find greater obsession and inner drive to meet the club’s expectations.

• Man Utd falter as their continue downward slide

  Manchester United find themselves stalled in their attempt to climb into the Champions League places after a stuttering run of form damaged the momentum built from an encouraging unbeaten spell. A home defeat to 10-man Everton and a frustrating draw against relegation-threatened West Ham have intensified scrutiny on Amorim’s project, despite a solid win at Crystal Palace wedged between the dropped points. United now face a critical trip to Wolves, who are winless all season, in what is increasingly viewed as a must-win fixture to ease tension around the manager.

  Dalot had thought he secured victory against West Ham with his goal, only for United to concede late and let a valuable opportunity slip away. The result left fans dissatisfied, the atmosphere tense, and expectations at risk of drifting out of reach during a period where United’s fixture list had appeared favourable. Failure to beat Wolves would likely trigger further discussion about Amorim’s suitability and whether the squad is reacting adequately to his demanding standards.

  Amorim’s frustration after the West Ham draw was clear, with the manager reportedly delivering a stern debrief to his players the following day. Dalot echoed that sentiment, suggesting performances must come from emotional intensity as much as tactical execution.

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  Dalot urges Man Utd players to fight for form

  Speaking ahead of the clash with Wolves, Dalot said: “Sometimes it's not football qualities. We have shown this season that we can be a very good team, but we need to get into ourselves. It has to be from inside. It has to be from the anger and drive you need every day to win football games.

  “We need to become a bit more obsessed about playing for this club, winning games and winning trophies. I'm not going to get into the 'we need time' thing. We have to win straight away because that's what the club demands. That's why it hurts sometimes even more when we have opportunities like this and we don't win.”

  He added: “Even after winning three or four games in a row, people will expect you to win five or six or seven. So, we just have to focus on one game, one win at the time. (Against West Ham) we had a good chance to get closer to the top positions and I think that’s what hurts even more.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Amorim's job under threat yet again

  Dalot’s comments reflect a broader theme within United’s dressing room, where Amorim has continuously pushed players to meet the club’s historical standards while demanding more consistency. The Portuguese coach has been vocal about needing improvements from multiple players, including Dalot and Patrick Dorgu, insisting they are “far from the best” and require higher levels of performance. Dalot responded by embracing that criticism, acknowledging that every United player must adapt to the pressure of being judged on their most recent performance.

  The defender also pointed to the psychological demands of playing for a club of United’s stature, noting how quickly expectations rise after only a handful of victories. The reaction to the West Ham draw illustrated this reality, with supporters booing at full-time despite the team having been in improved form just weeks earlier.

  Amorim’s position, while not yet under immediate threat, has become a topic of increasing debate as fans weigh visible tactical improvements against recurring lapses in key moments. United’s inability to turn dominance into results remains a concern and one that threatens to undermine their ambitions of returning to Europe’s elite competitions. With expectations high after heavy investment and a philosophy-driven managerial appointment, the margin for error has narrowed considerably.

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• Man Utd face crucial clash with Wolves

  Manchester United now turn their focus to Monday’s clash with Wolves, knowing that anything less than victory risks deepening the scrutiny on both the players and the manager. Dalot’s rallying cry places the responsibility squarely on the squad to respond with intensity, conviction and the “obsession” he believes is required to restore winning habits. Should United secure the three points, it may provide the platform Amorim needs to rebuild momentum, while another setback would almost certainly escalate pressure ahead of the festive fixture congestion.

South Africa have picked a team best suited for the subcontinent, but conditions here expose even seasoned teams, let alone first-timers

Firdose Moonda11-Nov-20251:47

Phillander: South Africa’s young team has had ‘phenomenal preparation’

South Africa’s last two tours to India have been tests of character and conditions, and it would not be too harsh to say the visitors failed on both counts. After their nine-year unbeaten run away from home was broken when they were outspun in 2015, South Africa were on shaky ground in 2019: without a permanent coach and on the cusp of an administrative unravelling that changed the game.But six years is a long time in sport, and South Africa have rebuilt from the ground up. They’re once again a champion Test side, more inexperienced than their predecessors but equally street-smart. At full strength, they have not lost a Test series under coach Shukri Conrad since his appointment in January 2023, which makes the New Zealand series of 2024 (when Conrad was forced to take a makeshift squad because of clashes with the SA20) the only time they’ve been defeated. So they’ll believe this is their best chance to beat India at home since they last did it, in the year 2000.Related

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To do that, they’ve assembled a squad who have been there but haven’t done that. This includes the captain Temba Bavuma, opening batter Aiden Markram, pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, and what appears to be sub-continent specialists, albeit that for many, this is their first experience of Tests in India.Overall, eight of South Africa’s squad have never played a Test in India before and three others have limited experience but could still add value. Batter Zubayr Hamza and left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy were on South Africa’s 2019 tour to India and Simon Harmer on the 2015 one. Hamza has also been on three A tours to the country, where he averages 42.09 in red-ball cricket. As for the rest, this is what they will bring to the table.Ryan RickeltonOpening batter Ryan Rickelton had never been to India before this year and will now make a second trip in nine months after his maiden IPL stint in 2025. There, he was Mumbai Indians’ third-leading run-scorer, hitting three fifties from 14 matches while striking at 150.97.While those numbers will give him confidence, Rickelton knows he will need to summon the discipline he “puts away,” in his own words, when transitioning from red-ball to white-ball cricket. His two Tests in Bangladesh last year brought just 40 runs, though he was batting out of position at No. 5, but he enjoyed better returns in Pakistan. Rickelton batted for more than three hours and scored 71 in the first innings of the first Test in Lahore, where he showed the patience to play the long game.Tony de Zorzi After losing his place to Rickelton earlier this year, Tony de Zorzi got another opportunity when Bavuma missed the Pakistan series through injury and took it. He scored a century in Lahore, which was his second Test hundred and second in the subcontinent, and 55 in Rawalpindi. His ability to play spin must make him a strong contender for the starting XI even though he is the only member of the squad who has never played a match, in any format, in India.2:43

Philander: South Africa batters will carry IPL learnings into Tests

Dewald Brevis India is very familiar with Dewald Brevis after he earned his first IPL contract off the back of performances at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup but the early hype barely paid off. Brevis had two quiet seasons for MI and was re-examined as a replacement player for Chennai Super Kings this year. Two half-centuries in quick time towards the latter end of the campaign showed his credentials.Since then, Brevis scored a half-century on his Test debut and enjoyed his first ODI appearance. He had a curious tour of Pakistan, which was all or nothing with two ducks and a run-a-ball 54 in the Tests. That doesn’t bother South Africa, who see Brevis as a wild card with the ability to change the game in the space of a session, and specifically surprise the opposition with his batting tempo.Tristan StubbsIt has been a difficult year for Tristan Stubbs, who has struggled for form across formats including at the IPL. He scored 300 runs in 14 matches for Delhi Capitals with a top-score of 41* but found some rhythm with half-centuries against Australia and England and another in the Rawalpindi Test. The conundrum with Stubbs in Tests seems to be where South Africa want to bat him. He has played at Nos. 3, 4 and 5 and his century in Bangladesh came at No. 3 which may inform how South Africa use him in India, if at all. He is likely competing for a spot against de Zorzi or Wiaan Mulder.Kyle Verreynne Known as one of South Africa’s best players of spin, this series is an important one for Kyle Verreynne, with the bat and with the gloves. Verreynne has only played two List-A games in India on a South Africa A tour in 2019, which was also his first trip to the subcontinent. In the years since, he has shown himself to be a versatile and adaptable cricketer in a variety of conditions including the County Championship. With three hundreds in the previous cycle, Verreynne was the South African with the most centuries, and he also has one in Bangladesh which speaks to his credentials in the region.Wiaan Mulder has done nearly everything for South Africa in Tests•Zimbabwe CricketWiaan Mulder It’s still unclear how exactly Mulder fits into South Africa’s plans as he has done everything from opening the bowling to batting anywhere from No. 3 to 8, to standing in as captain, and this tour may provide some direction. Mulder is one of three seam-bowling allrounders and the only one with some decent red-ball returns in India. He was part of a South African A side that toured India in 2019 and was their leading run-scorer.Mulder’s inclusion may depend on whether South Africa anticipate some swing and how they plan to stack their line-up. His century in the second Test against Bangladesh last year, which came after a fifty in the first Test, will mean he is fairly high up the pecking order but with the resources at South Africa’s disposal, may not be high enough.Marco JansenYou only need to remember the 2023 ODI World Cup to summon memories of how good, and how bad, Marco Jansen can be on the big stage. After searing through Powerplays in most of the group stage, Jansen suffered a severe case of stage fright against India.He has since worked on his big-match temperament and was the best-performing South African bowler at the most recent IPL. What Jansen brings in terms of his left-arm angle, aggression, and even big-hitting is well known and this series will be a test of whether he can translate that to Tests in India. Jansen has played 50 matches in India, including one red-ball game on the 2019 A tour, where he took 2 for 59. He has only played one Test in the subcontinent before, going wicketless in Rawalpindi.Corbin Bosch A late international bloomer, Corbin Bosch has enjoyed a magical last year in which he has debuted across all formats for South Africa and earned an IPL contract. He played just three games for MI, which is the extent of all his experience in India but has been preferred over someone like Lungi Ngidi for his skill set. Bosch is genuinely fast, regularly hitting speeds above 140kph, and he’s a confident ball-striker too. He performed well in the white-ball series against Pakistan and, though he may not get into the XI immediately, he provides strong backup.

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks this week to sign a key reinforcement who Arne Slot loves ahead of Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2026.

Slot urges Liverpool to "remain humble"

Sunday’s 2-0 victory against West Ham United simply cannot be a false dawn for Liverpool or record signing Alexander Isak. After a disastrous run of form, the Reds must make it back-to-back victories by defeating Sunderland this evening.

Anything but three points would only spark further concerns about Slot’s tenure, as reports continue to suggest potential managerial candidates such as Ange Postecoglou.

Ahead of Liverpool’s clash against the Black Cats, Slot told reporters: “The challenge now will be to build on this win. We do not get to believe that a corner has been turned or that a recovery is under way.

“We have to remain humble, work hard and continue to fight. If we do this then maybe we can continue taking the small steps forward that are very much required.

“I would like to welcome Regis Le Bris, his players and staff as well as the supporters and directors of Sunderland to Anfield for tonight’s game. What they have done in the Premier League already this season reflects incredibly well on all at the club having earned promotion back in May.”

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Angus Sinclair

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It’s been the type of run that sparks serious questions about the January transfer window and the need for reinforcements – particularly on the defensive front. As things stand, Liverpool have just two senior centre-backs available, but have been linked with moves for the likes of Castello Lukeba and, of course, Marc Guehi.

Liverpool open talks to sign Marc Guehi

According to TeamTalk, Liverpool have now opened talks to sign Guehi this week in an attempt to get their deal back on track and land their No.1 defensive target ahead of Real Madrid.

The Reds came within hours of signing the Crystal Palace star in the summer, only for the Eagles to pull the plug on the deal at the death. Now, they’re attempting to jump ahead of the chasing pack by making their move as early as the January transfer window.

Those at Anfield are reportedly willing to offer a deal worth around £30m next month, whilst others wait in line to secure Guehi’s signature as a free agent in the summer.

Not even Slot could hide Liverpool’s admiration for Guehi when they missed out on his signature in the summer, telling reporters: “It would be ridiculous if I were to deny we were close to signing him.

“That is so out in the open. These things happen in football. We would have liked to have signed him, of course. If we feel we can strengthen the team, we never hesitate to do so.”

Whether Crystal Palace willingly part with their defender, who was described as a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, remains to be seen, however.

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Gill was stretchered from the stadium to a private hospital at the end of the second day

Sreshth Shah15-Nov-20251:27

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Shubman Gill’s participation in the remainder of the Kolkata Test is in doubt after he was hospitalised as a precautionary measure with neck spasm. Gill was stretchered from the stadium to a private hospital for scans at the end of the second day. He was spotted wearing a neck brace and was accompanied by the team doctor and a security liaison officer out of the stadium.Gill felt discomfort three balls into his innings after unfurling a sweep to get off the mark with a boundary off Simon Harmer, and immediately called for the physio as he clutched the back of his neck.Gill was quick to leave the field, retired hurt, and didn’t return to bat as India were bowled out for 189.”Shubman Gill has a neck spasm and is being monitored by the BCCI medical team,” the BCCI said after the first session.Related

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Before the day’s play, Gill was spotted by the broadcasters doing neck exercises in front of the coaching staff and a member of the medical team. In October 2024, too, he missed a Test against New Zealand due to neck stiffness.Terming the injury as “unfortunate”, India bowling coach Morne Morkel ruled out major concerns when asked about Gill’s workload and participation.”Gill is a very fit guy, he looks after himself very well,” Morkel said. “So, it’s just unfortunate this morning that he woke up with a stiff neck and that carried him into the day, which was crucial for us. Another sort of partnership with him batting around was going to be needed for us at the time and… just bad timing.”If he returns to bat in the Test, it may not be at No. 4 since it wasn’t an external injury.Gill’s injury scare comes at a time when his workload has been under constant monitoring. He has played non-stop cricket across formats since IPL 2025 and was among four Test players who flew to Kolkata straight from Australia after the T20I series.In Gill’s absence, Rishabh Pant captained the side during South Africa’s second innings. Ravindra Jadeja’s 4 for 29 put a leash on them, reducing the visitors to 93 for 7 by stumps, ahead by only 63 runs.

Adam Voges will finish with the state at the end of the current season but may continue to coach Perth Scorchers

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Nov-2025Adam Voges, who will likely be in the frame to coach Australia when Andrew McDonald finishes, will step down as Western Australia head coach at the end of the 2025-26 season in order to pursue opportunities in franchise cricket.Voges took up the role in 2018-19 following Justin Langer’s appointment as Australia coach and oversaw an incredible run of success for WA with a hat-trick of Sheffield Shield titles and four One-Day Cup trophies, doing the double in three consecutive seasons from 2021-22 to 2023-24 in the process.Last season, they finished bottom in both competitions but are currently third after four rounds of this summer’s Shield after a thrilling one-wicket win over Queensland.”I’m incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to be in the role of WA men’s team head coach over the past eight seasons,” Voges said. “We have enjoyed an incredible amount of success over the past four seasons, which is a credit to everyone involved with the side.”It’s also been really pleasing to oversee many players from WA take the step to international duty and excel playing for their country. While it wasn’t an easy decision to make, I’m looking forward to pursuing more coaching opportunities in franchise cricket.”Earlier this month, ESPNcricinfo had reported that Voges was in talks to join Trent Rockets in the Hundred as an assistant coach. He has previously coached Australia A and worked with the national side.WA Cricket are continuing discussions with Voges about staying on as Perth Scorchers head coach in the BBL.McDonald’s current contract as Australia coach runs through to 2027 and he has indicated he is unlikely to seek an extension having been in the job since early 2022.Voges, who played 20 Tests and finished with the incredible average of 61.87, has been in charge at WA during a time where they have had significant Australia representation. Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are part of the current Test squad.There is a new generation coming through the WA system including allrounder Cooper Connolly and fast bowler Mahli Beardman.

Liverpool are now one of just a handful of clubs with the opportunity to land one of Europe’s best strikers at a bargain release clause in 2026, according to reports.

Liverpool set sights on Luis Enrique

It has undoubtedly been the worst week of Arne Slot’s Liverpool tenure. The Reds were battered by Nottingham Forest and then swept aside by PSV Eindhoven in midweek, conceding seven goals in two games at Anfield. There’s no longer the away day excuse for the Dutchman, who has seen Liverpool’s fortress set ablaze in the space of a week.

After nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions, serious questions are being asked about Slot’s position for the first time since his arrival and there’s only so much credit that a Premier League title can bring.

According to recent reports, whilst Slot does still have the backing of Anfield chiefs, they are at least eyeing potential replacements if they do decide to show the former Feyenoord man the door.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique is reportedly on Liverpool’s list of candidates to replace Slot in what would be a statement move. The former Barcelona manager has transformed PSG into the best side in the world and would be the most sought-after coach if he left the French club.

It would also represent where Liverpool find themselves these days. When they last sacked a manager it was Brendan Rodgers and they needed someone willing to oversee a long-term project in Jurgen Klopp. Now, they should set their sights on an instant winner if this is to be it for Slot.

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That said, the Dutchman still has time to turn things around and could use the 2026 transfer windows to do exactly that – potentially using a Serhou Guirassy opportunity in the process.

Sky Sports reporter confirms Liverpool's Guirassy opportunity

As reported by Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool now have a rare opportunity to sign Guirassy for just €50 (£44m) next summer. The Borussia Dortmund man has a release clause set at that price for seven clubs, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all joining Liverpool on an exclusive list.

At 29 years old, Guirassy has been somewhat of a late bloomer, but he has blossomed into one of the best strikers that European football has to offer. With nine goals in 17 games in all competitions so far this season, he’s outscored Hugo Ekitike and could quickly get Mohamed Salah firing again.

Dubbed “world-class” by Dortmund boss Niko Kovac, Guirassy is undeniably one to watch in the summer.

Best signing since Szoboszlai: Liverpool lead race for "world-class" talent