Newcastle United are preparing for a return to the Champions League stage under Eddie Howe and could now be set to lodge a bid to complete a bargain deal on Tyneside, according to reports.

Newcastle United prepare for a summer of change

The Magpies sit at an advantage to some of their Premier League rivals when it comes to their financial health. However, PSR regulations could be a frustrating factor in their ability to solicit business.

Speaking about their potential activity, finance expert Kieran Maguire understands why the Magpies may feel short-changed by the rules and the course of action they have taken since falling into play.

He explained: “City, Chelsea and PSG got in before those rules changed. We now have clubs like Newcastle, Villa and Nottingham Forest, who are ambitious and aspirational. They want to move to the next level. The owners are willing to fund that move to the next level, but the cost control measures prevent them from doing so.

“It’s a function of time. Some clubs were on the right side of the divide when the rules were introduced, but we have since seen clubs become very frustrated.”

Either way, Howe is keen on strengthening his forward line having already signed youngster Antonio Cordero, and Porto forward Samu Aghehowa may be on his way to Newcastle amid his £82.5 million release clause.

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Central defender Evan Ndicka could also move to the North East from Roma if reports are to be believed in a swoop that would see a priority position strengthened for Howe.

Strength in depth is needed to adequately handle both domestic and European endeavours, so it won’t come as any surprise to hear that Newcastle are probing for another option that could add to their rearguard.

Newcastle open negotiations to sign Nordi Mukiele

Africa Foot claim Newcastle have opened negotiations to sign Nordi Mukiele from Paris Saint-Germain and have kicked things off with an offer in the region of £12.7 million for the France international.

The Champions League holders don’t see the 27-year-old as a major part of their future plans, which is reflected in the fact he spent the campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen and registered two goals and one assist in 24 matches.

Five similar players to Nordi Mukiele (FBRef)

Josko Gvardiol

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Thomas Meunier

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Lyon

Earning around £113,000 per week at his parent club, versatile defender Mukiele won 80% of his attempted tackles in the Bundesliga last term either in central defence or on the right-hand side of Xabi Alonso’s backline.

Now back at his parent club, he finds himself at a career crossroads amid Paris Saint-Germain’s excellent position in the world of football, but he will have plenty of interested suitors ready to offer him a new challenge, including Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Besiktas, Everton, Aston Villa and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Newcastle are likely to be at the front of that queue due to their upward trajectory, meaning it is now over to Howe and company to push a deal through.

MatériaMais Notícias

da gbg bet： O Santos enfrenta o Vasco neste domingo (1), às 16h, na Vila Belmiro, em confronto direto válido pela 25ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A expectativa é que o interino Marcelo Fernandes repita a equipe que venceu o Bahia, de virada, na última rodada. Dessa forma, o lateral Dodô, que foi peça importante no setor defensivo do Peixe no último jogo, deve ser improvisado mais uma vez na zaga, decisão aprovada pelo próprio jogador.

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da leao： + Confira a tabela completa do Brasileirão-2023

– Foi decisão do professor (Marcelo Fernandes). Conversamos durante a semana para experimentar esse novo formato contra o Bahia e deu certo. Estou feliz e à disposição. Já havia atuado assim algumas vezes, mas começar o jogo nessa posição foi uma das primeiras vezes – disse Dodô.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

“Comprando” a luta do time contra o rebaixamento, a torcida do Santos esgotou os ingressos para a “decisão” contra o Vasco em poucas horas após o início das vendas. Em mais uma “final”, o Peixe conta com a Vila Belmiro lotada para ir em busca dos três pontos, contra um adversário direto, que podem, enfim, tirar o Peixe da zona de rebaixamento. Dodô enalteceu a confiança da equipe para o confronto decisivo deste domingo.

– Jogo importante e grande oportunidade para nós dentro de casa. Estamos trabalhando bastante e estamos confiantes em fazer um grande jogo – completou o jogador.

Um dos reforços do Santos na última janela de transferências, Dodô foi titular em sua posição de origem em todas as partidas, totalizando dez jogos nesta temporada. Em sua segunda passagem pelo clube, o jogador totaliza 63 duelos com a camisa santista. Com a saída de Diego Aguirre, o interino Marcelo Fernandes optou por improvisá-lo como zagueiro aberto pela esquerda contra o Tricolor de Aço, o que deve se repetir diante dos cariocas.

+ Conselho do Santos adia votação do novo centro de treinamento para a base e questiona projeto

Com a vitória do Vasco contra o América-MG na segunda-feira (25), o Peixe caiu para a 18ª posição do Brasileirão com 24 pontos, dois a menos que o Goiás, primeiro time fora do Z4. Um eventual triunfo diante do Cruz-Maltino pode fazer com que o Santos finalmente saia da zona após quase dois meses e ultrapasse a equipe carioca na tabela.

Para dar ainda mais o ar de “decisão” para a partida e atrair seus torcedores, o Santos realizará um treino aberto no dia anterior, no sábado (30), à torcida e imprensa, na Vila Belmiro. A abertura dos portões será às 9h, e o treino terá início às 10h. O clube disponibilizará mais informações sobre o evento ao longo desta semana.

da spicy bet： Leeds United are ready to arrive on the Premier League stage once again and could now be lining up a swoop for a captain in one of Europe’s top five leagues, per a report.

Leeds United urged to bring in Premier League quality

da bet7k： Daniel Farke was lauded for the magnificent job he did at Elland Road last term after his side gained promotion to the top flight. However, the German coach knows more than most how big the jump is between the Championship and Premier League.

Back in 2021, the 48-year-old was sacked by Norwich City after the Canaries endured a tough start to life as a newly-promoted outfit, which will be a scenario the Whites will be desperate to avoid this time around.

With bringing in Premier League quality on the agenda, Paul Robinson has urged Leeds to sign Kyle Walker-Peters after he departed Southampton under freedom of contract following their relegation last term.

He stated: “I think he’s given himself a real opportunity now of being the master of his own destiny as to where he wants to go. I think the important thing is he just doesn’t go into a squad and be a bit-part player, but he goes into a team where he gets the opportunity to play every week.

“That could be Leeds, and it’d be a very good signing. With Firpo looking like he’s moving on, there’s an immediate opportunity to get in the team, though Tottenham will also be in for him, and it may depend on regular football.”

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He is ‘really appreciated’ at Elland Road.

Posts 1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 27, 2025

Versatile Juventus star Timothy Weah could also join Leeds after he turned down the opportunity to join Nottingham Forest, potentially presenting a coup if the Whites can put forward a compelling offer to the United States international.

Now, there is every chance Farke and company could now swoop to land a midfielder from France who would fit the bill at Elland Road.

Leeds prepare bid for Himad Abdelli

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Leeds are preparing a £12 million bid for Angers captain Himad Abdelli after scouting the Algeria international for an extensive period.

Farke is said to be a huge fan of the 25-year-old, who recorded 112 ball carries in Ligue 1 last term, drawing level with the likes of Florian Wirtz and exceeding Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Five similar players to Himad Abdelli (Fotmob)

Mateus Fernandes

Southampton

John McGinn

Aston Villa

Iliman Ndiaye

Everton

Tete Morente

Lecce

Omari Hutchinson

Ipswich Town

Labelled “powerful” by Angers manager Alexandre Dujeux, Abdelli registered six goals and a solitary assist in 36 appearances last term and could become the Whites’ third signing of the summer after sealing deals for Lukas Nmecha and Jakub Bijol.

Leeds are in the market for attacking midfielders to bolster their chances of survival, and the man in question may be a cost-effective solution if all parties can come to agreement over a deal that sees Abdelli pitch up at Elland Road.

Gavi is super confident about his team-mate Lamine Yamal ending his career with many Ballons d'Or, emphasising that he's improving every day.

• Gavi backs Yamal to win 'many' Ballons d'Or
• Not too worried if Yamal loses out on the award this year
• Noted that youngster keeps improving every day

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barcelona midfielder Gavi has absolutely no qualms about Yamal lifting "many" Ballons d'Or in the future, asserting that the young winger will not be bogged down if he loses out on the prestigious individual accolade this year, thanks to his mentality.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yamal had a breathtaking 2024-25 campaign and transcended into one of the best players in the world, helping the Catalans win La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana. He was simply unstoppable in the latter stages of the Champions League, too, although he couldn't prevent his side from losing to Inter in the semi-final. All in all, Yamal scored 21 goals and delivered 25 assists for both club and country, staking his claim as one of the favourites for this year's Ballon d'Or.

• WHAT GAVI SAID

  Speaking to , Gavi said: "I hope he wins. If he doesn't this year, he's 18 and very young. Being among the favourites is something unique. I'm happy with what he's doing with us.

  "He's an incredible player. He's getting better every day. He's amazing in training. He has to keep going like this, with that mentality, and I'm sure that if he doesn't win the Ballon d'Or this year, he'll win many in the future."

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Barcelona will play their final pre-season game of the Asia tour on August 4 against Daegu FC. Then, they will return to Spain and face Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy game, before kicking off their La Liga campaign away at Mallorca on August 16.

Manchester United are beginning to motor in the summer transfer window and could now make progress in signing a defensive addition, according to reports.

Manchester United look for arrivals after Matheus Cunha

Ruben Amorim is aware there is alot of work to do this summer at Old Trafford and there is plenty of movement expected to occur in both directions, though he can smile at the thought of having Matheus Cunha to work with at the Red Devils.

Signing a five-year deal, the Brazil international will earn £200,000 per week after his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers and could rise to their second-highest earner if Bruno Fernandes leaves the club for Al Hilal alongside other permutations.

Financially, it may be difficult to secure everyone on Manchester United’s shopping list after missing out on around £100 million by virtue of losing out in the Europa League final.

Regardless, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s swinging cutbacks may have left some room for manouvre alongside the aforementioned news that Al Hilal have set a five-day deadline regarding Red Devils captain Fernandes. If the skipper does leave, his goal contributions could be replaced by Bryan Mbeumo, after David Ornstein revealed on Monday that the Cameroon star wants to join the Red Devils.

Defensively, Amorim wants to strengthen his side and could try to land a bargain £15 million deal for Brighton & Hove Albion star Pervis Estupinan.

Big Delap upgrade: Man Utd make approach to sign "unbelievable" £55m star

Manchester United could soon land an upgrade on Liam Delap by going after this sharpshooter instead.

1

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Kelan Sarson

Jun 1, 2025

Intriguingly, the Ecuador international has just two years left on his deal at the Amex Stadium, which may force the Seagulls to sell before his value begins to dwindle if he doesn’t sign an extension. Now, the Red Devils could be set to pounce for another defender after opening talks over a swoop for his services.

Manchester United could land Udinese star Oumar Solet

According to reports via TBR, Manchester United could land Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet this summer after agent Claudio Pasqualin noted that the 24-year-old may depart the Serie A outfit following talks between both clubs.

Labelled “excellent” by Fabrizio Romano, Solet has notched a solitary goal and two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions, but his main sphere of influence exists at the other end of the field. Making 92 recoveries and winning 20 duels on Serie A duty this term, reports claim that the 25-year-old could move for £34 million, fitting Manchester United’s philosphy of finding value for money on the market.

Members present at the BCCI’s 93rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bengaluru on Sunday requested incumbent secretary Jay Shah to speed up the process of finding his successor to make the transition as smooth as possible. Shah is expected to step down from his post in the last week of November to take over as chairman of the ICC for a three-year period from December 1.While selecting the new secretary was not on the AGM agenda, it has been learnt that the attendees discussed the succession plan among themselves.”It was a normal request to keep all due processes in place at the earliest as [then] there will be clarity for us,” a state association representative who attended the AGM told PTI.As things stand, Rohan Jaitley, president of Delhi and District Cricket Association, BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar, joint-secretary Devajit Saikia and Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Anil Patel are in the mix to succeed Shah.The primary focal point of the AGM was the nomination of India’s two representatives to attend ICC meetings. Currently Shah is the BCCI’s representative on the ICC Board and IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has the same role in the Chief Executives’ Committee.The AGM entrusted the general body members with recommending two names for the posts at the earliest.Arun Dhumal and Avishek Dalmiya were also elected to the IPL Governing Council (GC) as general body representatives, with the former set to continue as the league’s chairman till at least IPL 2025.Former Andhra cricketer V Chamundeswarnath was nominated by the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA) as a player representative and was inducted into the IPL GC.The AGM also ratified the annual budget for the 2024-25 season, and the members unanimously resolved to maintain BCCI’s legal status as a society, an item which was originally not on the agenda of the meeting. “The members further resolved that the tournaments of the BCCI, including the IPL, shall not be converted into a company,” a BCCI statement said.

Newcastle are closing in on the signing of highly-rated Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Use these three bullet points, five to eight words eachTo summarise the entire storyAvoid repetition of the same words & topicsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite having several suitors across Europe, Ramsey looks set to land at St James' Park this summer and is expected to sign a long-term contract in a deal worth £38million. The Aston Villa midfielder will become Newcastle's fourth major signing of the summer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Eddie Howe is believed to be a huge fan of the 24-year-old, and has pushed for the England Under-21 international. Newcastle reportedly failed in a previous bid to bring Ramsey to Tyneside, but is finally getting his man, appeasing his concerns about squad size in the process.

DID YOU KNOW?

Villa also reportedly had an approach for Ramsey from West Ham, but the East Londoners was not an option for the Villa man, who wanted to play in the Champions League.

AFPWHAT NEXT?

The formalities of the deal are still to be fully agreed, but the deal will represent pure profit for Villa. Ramsey could be in line to face his old side immediately, with Villa Park welcoming Newcastle on Saturday.

Leeds United aren’t messing about getting their business done early during the chaotic summer transfer window.

Already, Daniel Farke’s Whites are two signings down with plenty more activity expected at Elland Road, with Lukas Nmecha starting proceedings when joining from Wolfsburg, before Leeds dipped their toes in once more to land Jaka Bijol for a bumper £15m.

Of course, there will be the worry of exits still to come – as faces such as Junior Firpo slowly edge away from their West Yorkshire home – but the general feeling in the air at the newly promoted side will be one of optimism, especially as Leeds are usually notoriously slow out of the traps to seal signings.

Nikola Krstovic could be the next notable pick-up through the door, but the Whites might be able to land an even better signing than the potent Montenegrin if they succeed with this other pursuit.

Leeds join the race for £9m star

As per a new report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are now in the race to snap up promising Borussia Mönchengladbach left-back Lukas Ullrich this summer.

Bailey states that the Bundesliga giants are looking to tie the Germany U21 international down to a new deal. However, significant interest from the Premier League – away from just Leeds being keen – could potentially jeopardise those talks.

Indeed, it’s stated that Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Everton, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest are all also chasing the £9m-rated defender, as per Football Transfers, meaning Leeds will have their work cut out to advance to the front of the queue for Ullrich’s services.

Still, Leeds might well deem it more of a necessary and worthwhile venture chasing after the Berlin-born starlet than continuing to pursue Krstovic, with the newly promoted side desperately short on numbers down the left.

Why Ullrich could be a better signing than Krstovic

Leeds already possess the likes of Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford in attack, even if the Lecce striker didn’t move on to England, with the Dutchman just fresh off a 19-goal season in the Championship.

Moreover, Bamford – away from his recurring injury problems – is also a Premier League-experienced head that could still offer Farke a worthwhile option if needed, as seen in his respectable 24-goal tally at the intimidating level.

Therefore, it would be safe to assume that the Whites are well-stocked in this department for the time being, with it also being a risk to splash around the £30m mark on Krstovic, considering Georginio Rutter is their most expensive capture ever at just £5.5m more.

Whereas, for £7m, Leeds would be able to win a star in Ullrich, who should only get better with time, and a purchase that is needed far more urgently than another centre-forward joining the building. After all, if you remove Firpo from Leeds’ ever-changing squad, only an ageing Sam Byram is available in the left-back spot.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

1

Touches

52

Accurate passes

20/28 (71%)

Successful dribbles

1/1

Clearances

4

Tackles

6

Total duels won

7/10

The in-demand 21-year-old has already shown he can do it on the big occasion for club and country too, as seen in his one goal and two assists last season as an attack-oriented full-back for Gladbach, on top of his recent heroics for his nation at the U21 Euros when his early assist got Germany up and running against the youthful Three Lions.

On the night, the “high intensity” defender – as described by Germany U19 manager Guido Streichsbier – showed he can tussle with the likes of Harvey Elliott and Ethan Nwaneri and come out on top, meaning he might well be ready for the challenge of the Premier League to follow.

He isn’t quite at Firpo’s level just yet, considering the ex-Barcelona defender picked up a hefty ten assists last campaign.

But, having been noted as making “huge strides” already by manager Gerardo Seoane, the Premier League might well just be the next big step he has to adjust to, with Farke also known to get the maximum out of up-and-coming youngsters under his wing.

He'd be unstoppable with Tanaka: Leeds make offer to sign "complete" star

Leeds are looking to sign a new midfielder this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 26, 2025

A look back at some of his standout performances after he became the third Australian to 500 Test wickets

Andrew McGlashan10-Dec-2021 • Updated on 17-Dec-20235 for 34 vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2011It couldn’t have started much better. First ball in Test cricket, a beautiful, dipping offspinner which then gripped and turned to find the edge of Kumar Sangakkara’s bat and was safely held at slip by Michael Clarke. “I was so full of excitement,” he said on the day. “I wouldn’t say it was the perfect ball, I thought it was a bit wide, but I was quite happy with it in the end.” Lyon would transform it into a five-wicket haul, albeit with a helping hand from Sri Lanka’s lower order, and would later take the scalp to seal victory.Related

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5 for 134 and 7 for 152 vs India, Adelaide, 2014The most emotionally charged Test Australia have ever played, coming shortly after the death of Phillip Hughes. It was a game dominated by the bat and Lyon was the difference with the ball. India attacked him in both innings – Virat Kohli with a pair of brilliant hundreds – but Lyon kept finding a way through. He took out the middle order in the first innings to earn a handy lead and then, for the first time in his career, was the final-innings matchwinner. At 242 for 2, India sensed a famous victory but Lyon trapped Murali Vijay for 99 then had Ajinkya Rahane caught a short leg (although there was no bat). Less than 20 overs later this Test was over.Nice Garry: Nathan Lyon holds the ball up after claiming 8 for 50•AFP8 for 50 vs India, Bengaluru, 2017This haul remains Lyon’s best figures in Test cricket although they would come in defeat as India’s spinners, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, had the final say. Still, it was a remarkable opening-day display from Lyon as India fell from 72 for 1 to 189 all out after he had removed Cheteshwar Pujara shortly before lunch then soon after pinned Kohli lbw when he shouldered arms. “I don’t know if they’re going to spin or go straight, so if I don’t know neither does the batter really,” he said.Lyon finished with a 13-for in the Chattogram Test of 2017, his best in the format•Getty Images7 for 94 and 6 for 60 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2017Later the same year, Lyon enjoyed a bountiful tour of Bangladesh capped by the best match haul of his career. And it came at a moment where Australia desperately needed it having lost the first Test in Dhaka by 20 runs. It’s a good quiz question to name the Australia XI that took the field in Chattogram (no cheating) but suffice to say Lyon opened the bowling. In the first innings he removed Bangladesh’s top four lbw then with a useful lead to work with skittled them for 157 in the second – his 10th wicket of the game a lovely piece of bowling to get the key scalp of Shakib Al Hasan.2 for 78 and 3 for 67 vs England, Brisbane, 2017An overall match tally of five wickets may not leap off the page, but this was a classy performance from Lyon which was key to the early stranglehold Australia took on the Ashes. He conceded just 2.41 runs an over throughout the Test and the first-innings display where he sent down 36 overs was a textbook example of the role a spinner needs to play in the early stages of a Test in Australia. He set his sights on Moeen Ali and never let go, produced a ripper to spin through Chris Woakes on the second day and harassed England’s other left-handers. And, of course, there was run out as well.5 for 67 and 3 for 39 vs India, Perth, 2018He was Player of the Match in Australia’s first Test victory post the ball-tampering scandal as he made terrific use of the bounce available on the Optus Stadium surface. His first-innings haul secured a precious lead and after Australia had battled for every run on a spicey pitch he helped seal the game, bowling Vijay through the gate and then having the key man – Kohli – caught at slip. “Every team wants a spinner like Nathan Lyon,” Tim Paine said. “He loves bowling to the best players in the world.”Lyon picked up the 350th wicket of his Test career in Edgbaston in 2019•Getty Images3 for 112 and 6 for 69 vs England, Edgbaston, 2019The match will be remembered for Steven Smith’s spectacular twin hundreds on his return to Test cricket, but Lyon’s nine wickets were a crucial part of a win that would set-up Australia’s retention of the urn. In the first innings he dented England’s hopes of a more substantial lead and with a big target to defend on the final day – on a surface by now offering assistance – Lyon worked through England’s flimsy batting order. His wicket of Ben Stokes was the 350th of his Test career.5 for 68 and 5 for 50 vs New Zealand, Sydney, 2020A landmark occasion for Lyon on his home ground, a venue that had not often been kind to him. It was a lop-sided contest against a New Zealand side badly hit by injury and illness, but Lyon battled through an injured thumb after he had dropped a return catch. “It’s quite special to go up on the honours board and take five wickets at your home, in front of your family and friends, and to take five at one of your favourite venues from around the world,” he said. The match return of 10 for 118 was the best by an Australia spinner against New Zealand.Nathan Lyon helped Australia to a famous victory in Pakistan•AFP/Getty Images5 for 83 vs Pakistan, Lahore, 2022Australia had been denied the game before by the rearguard of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, but didn’t let a second opportunity slip and secured a famous series win in Pakistan. At the start of the final day they needed all 10 Pakistan second-innings wickets. About an hour into the day, Lyon got to work got when he removed Azhar Ali and later added the stubborn Imam-ul-Haq for 70 off 199 balls. But the moment that really made Australia believe came when Lyon had Babar caught at slip by Smith and the lower order swiftly followed.3 for 35 and 8 for 50 vs India, Indore 2023In a helter-skelter Test that barely made the third day, Lyon earned himself a new career-best haul when he ran through India’s second innings to enable Australia to claw back a game after they had thrown away the advantage in Delhi. The highlight was his absorbing battle with Cheteshwar Pujara who played superbly on a spiteful surface before tickling Lyon to leg slip where Smith, who was captaining in the absence of Pat Cummins, held a wonderful catch. “Certainly, it’s up there as one of my career highlights,” he said.4 for 149 and 4 for 80 vs England, Edgbaston, 2023This was a very different sort of challenge for Lyon, with England’s Bazballers trying to hit him out of the attack. In the first innings he conceded more than five an over, but the wickets of Ollie Pope, Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow were vital – especially the latter with England 297 for 5. In the second innings he was superb, managing to go at a little over three an over. Luring Joe Root down the crease was a critical moment in the game as England tried to build their lead. And then, at the finish, he was there with the bat.

India lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Chennai by 280 runs

Hemant Brar26-Sep-20242:23

Manjrekar: I will play Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test

Big picture: Another stern test awaits BangladeshBangladesh came into this series riding on the high of winning 2-0 in Pakistan. It peaked when they had India 144 for 6 in the first innings in Chennai. But then India once again showed why they are arguably the strongest home side in Test history and went on to steamroll Bangladesh by 280 runs.It was a show of India’s depth in both batting and bowling. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli managed only 34 runs between them across four innings, but India had three centurions and two half-centurions. When it came to bowling, their seamers shared eight wickets in Bangladesh’s first innings and the spinners nine during the second.Things will not get easier for Bangladesh in Kanpur, where New Zealand’s tail had held on to secure a draw the last time a Test was played here. There is also some uncertainty about the pitch. The ground staff were preparing two surfaces and, as of noon on the eve of the match, it was not clear which one would be used.Related

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Kanpur generally offers good Test-match pitches that help fast bowlers on the first morning before flattening out and assisting spinners on the last two days. However, the weather could be an issue this time, with rain forecast on the first three days. That could impact not just the pitch but also the toss decision and team compositions.But all is not bleak for Bangladesh. In their second innings in Chennai, their openers gave them a solid start, followed by Najmul Hossain Shanto’s return to form with 82. In their first innings, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz all got starts. But to be competitive against this Indian team at home, you have to be at your best for much longer periods. Can Bangladesh do that?Form guideIndia WWWWW (last five Tests, most recent first)
Bangladesh LWWLL0:48

Manjrekar: Bangladesh attack lacks quality and experience

In the spotlight: Shubman Gill and Shakib Al HasanShubman Gill knows his ceiling. Even after scoring 452 runs with two hundreds in the home series against England earlier this year, he recently said he was yet to fulfil his expectations as a Test player. Gill got out for a duck in the first innings of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh but scored a stroke-filled unbeaten 119 in the second. Given India are to face tougher opponents in the coming months – New Zealand and Australia – Gill would be keen to fine-tune his game at No. 3.When is Shakib Al Hasan not in the spotlight? While batting in Chennai, he was seen biting a black strap, wrapped around his neck, to keep his head from falling over. When it was time to bowl, there were murmurs about his workload, ineffectiveness and discomfort with the spinning finger. And after Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe confirmed Shakib’s availability for the second Test, he dropped a bombshell about his future on the eve of the match.Team news: Wait and watch?There was no indication from the Indian camp whether they would play three spinners. Even if they do, it may not be a straightforward choice. If the pitch is too slow, Axar Patel could be handy with his pace and attacking the stumps. But India already have a similar spinner in Ravindra Jadeja. In Kuldeep Yadav’s favour, this is his home ground. So he is a tempting option, too. If India play one of Axar or Kuldeep, Akash Deep could be the one to miss out.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Shubman Gill, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 KL Rahul, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Kuldeep Yadav/Axar Patel, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed SirajIf Bangladesh go with three spinners, Taijul Islam could replace Nahid Rana. That could also help with Shakib’s workload, if required.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Shadman Islam, 2 Zakir Hasan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 4 Mominul Haque, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Shakib Al Hasan, 7 Litton Das (wk), 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Taijul Islam, 10 Hasan Mahmud, 11 Taskin AhmedGautam Gambhir and Abhishek Nayar inspect one of two pitches in consideration for the Kanpur Test•AFP/Getty ImagesPitch and conditions: Slow and low bounce?The red-soil pitch in Chennai had decent bounce for both seamers and spinners in the first Test. Kanpur will be different. The two pitches being considered for the match are black-soil surfaces. They are likely to be flatter, with lower bounce, and are expected to become slower as the Test progresses. All that could change if it rains as forecasted, and bad light could become a factor too towards the end of each day.Stats and trivia: Jadeja double on the cards For the first time in their Test history, India have more wins (179) than losses (178). Jadeja is one short of becoming the seventh Indian to take 300 Test wickets. When Jadeja gets there, he will also complete the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets. If he does it in Kanpur, in his 74th Test, he will be the second fastest to do so after Ian Botham (72). Virat Kohli is 129 short of 9000 Test runs. Taijul is five short of 200 Test wickets. Only Shakib (242) has more Test wickets for Bangladesh. Quotes”We don’t particularly pattern bad pitches. But we try to make sure the conditions are tough enough so that the players are challenged. A lot of these guys have played for so many years. Only if they’re challenged are they going to get better. So sometimes the thought process is just to challenge them differently so that your game and you, organically and mentally, grow.”