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Jurgen Klopp stunned fans by appearing in a Germany tracksuit and teasing a “return to the sideline” in a dramatic announcement video, sparking immediate speculation about a comeback to management. However, while the former Liverpool boss admitted the “tingling” of the touchline had returned, the reveal actually involved him confirming a very different role for the 2026 World Cup.

Klopp teases 'return to the touchline'

Klopp sent shockwaves through both Liverpool and German football circles when he released a dramatic Instagram video hinting at a sensational managerial return. The clip showed him pitchside declaring that the “grass underneath my feet” and the “heated atmosphere in the stadium” had awakened something in him, prompting widespread speculation that he was preparing to step back into coaching. The twist arrived only moments later, however, when he revealed the truth: his return to the touchline will be as a pundit for MagentaTV during the 2026 World Cup.

The video continued with Klopp joking about the assumptions surrounding him, stating that many believed they “always knew better,” before adding that he once thought he would never go back to the sideline. His remarks were framed deliberately to tease supporters, especially when he admitted that he felt the buzz again, describing the sensation as “tingling” after two years away from the dugout. But he made clear that this excitement did not signal a managerial comeback, clarifying instead that he would be working pitchside for broadcast coverage in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

An exchange with German host Johannes B. Kerner added to the intrigue, with Klopp enthusiastically confirming he would be part of the network’s team from the very start of the tournament.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportKlopp's busy life since Liverpool exit

The announcement arrives less than two years after leaving Liverpool and just weeks after reiterating that he may never manage again. Klopp's post-Liverpool career has been defined by strategic involvement off the pitch rather than front-line coaching. As Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, Klopp oversees football operations across RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls, shaping their long-term development models. More recently, he joined a specialist DFL group dedicated to strengthening youth development and maintaining the Bundesliga’s global competitiveness, a role he accepted enthusiastically as part of his commitment to the future of German football.

Klopp’s dramatic announcement once again demonstrated the level of fascination that surrounds his future, especially after his legendary spell at Liverpool. Since stepping down in 2024, he has insisted repeatedly that top-level management takes an immense toll and that he may never return, telling The Athletic that although “that’s what I think,” even he cannot predict how he will feel years from now.

The reveal also fuels discussion about Klopp’s long-term intentions and whether the “tingle” he referenced signals an eventual shift back to management at some point beyond 2026. The visual of the ex-Dortmund boss wearing a Germany tracksuit is likely to have created a buzz amongst fans for the German national team, with it having previously been suggested that he might be interested in taking over in the future. But, for now at least, Klopp has committed himself to analysis and advisory roles, maintaining distance from the technical area while still engaging deeply with the game.

Klopp's previous experience as a pundit

Klopp’s return to punditry marks his first major broadcast role since the early 2000s, when he revolutionised German football television during the 2006 World Cup as an analyst for ZDF. His screen-based tactical breakdowns, delivered alongside Kerner, were widely praised for their clarity and innovation, helping bring modern tactical analysis into mainstream German broadcasting. That first punditry era even earned him a German Television Award and helped establish him as one of the sport’s most promising tactical minds before he became a coaching superstar.

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GettyCould Klopp actually make a managerial return?

Despite Klopp's insistence that he does not miss coaching, moments like this announcement show that stepping away from the dugout has not fully removed his emotional connection to the pitch. The upcoming Liverpool vs Borussia Dortmund legends match at Anfield in March 2026 — where Klopp is expected to attend as LFC Foundation ambassador — has further fuelled talk of a symbolic temporary sideline return.

Klopp will also spend the first half of 2026 preparing for his role with MagentaTV, where he is expected to be part of the core punditry team from the opening match on June 11 in Mexico. His World Cup coverage is likely to include pitchside analysis, in-depth tactical breakdowns and live reaction to Germany’s performances under Julien Nagelsmann. The 58-year-old will also continue overseeing the Red Bull football group and fulfilling his newly adopted responsibilities within German football governance, and it doesn't appear likely that he'll be returning to the dugout on a full-time basis anytime soon.

Tim Robinson has only done it once (maybe twice if you consider this game) but already, he can tell he won’t be able to get enough of being the player that seals the deal for his team.”It’s a great feeling contributing to a win for your country and it’s an addicting feeling and one that I hope to replicate later on,” Robinson said after his career-best 75 not out contributed to New Zealand’s 21-run win in the Zimbabwe T20I tri-series.Related

• Robinson, Duffy, Henry step up as NZ subdue South Africa

Robinson and debutant Bevon Jacobs shared a sixth-wicket stand of 103 – New Zealand’s second highest in that position – and took the innings from a stuttering 70 for 5 for a competitive 173 for 5. While the Harare Sports Club is known for being fairly flat and conducive to run-scoring, Robinson credited South Africa’s four-seam attack with making things difficult for New Zealand upfront.”The Proteas bowling was exceptional,” he said. “Their lengths and the use of the long side was really impressive and they bowled really well with the newer ball. It was hard to find momentum when we were continuing to lose wickets but as we got on and took it deeper and deeper, we could capitalise.”Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson gave New Zealand late impetus•Zimbabwe Cricket

It was, in fact, against South Africa’s seamers that Robinson and Jacobs found runs. Robinson took 27 runs off 20 balls he faced from Corbin Bosch, including five fours, and 23 off 15 balls from Gerald Coetzee, off whom he hit both sixes, but that was only once they were together for some time and had worked out their run-scoring strategy.”The way we thought about it was that the longer we spent at the crease, the easier runs would come,” Robinson said, “and we couldn’t quite afford to lose many more wickets. We tried to take it as deep as we possibly could and then run hard to the long side.”New Zealand ran 29 singles and six twos to what Robinson referred to as the longer side, compared to South Africa’s 21 singles and three twos, which was ultimately the difference between the two sides. They both hit 13 fours and six sixes but New Zealand’s fielding kept South Africa quieter than they would have liked when they needed to counterattack with quick singles. New Zealand also managed to finish their innings strongly, with 95 runs from the last nine overs and 43 from the final three.The composure shown by Jacobs, in his first match, was a highlight and Robinson was full of praise for his batting partner. “He’s an amazing guy. You look at him and he’s quite the big guy and you think he should hit a big ball and he sure does,” Robinson said. “It was fantastic batting with him. What stood out for me was when he came out he was very calm and looked to really enjoy it. He looked completely comfortable out there and played a really really good knock. He’s going to play a lot of cricket and it’s very exciting watching him bat.”New Zealand will next play hosts Zimbabwe, who lost to South Africa in the series opener on Monday, in two days’ time and expect they will have to change their approach slightly.”Zimbabwe are going to pose a different challenge on Friday and we pride ourselves on trying to adapt as quick as we possibly can,” Robinson said.

Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly ready to end his troubled Manchester United spell by formally requesting a transfer in January. The £36 million 2024 signing has fallen completely out of favour under Ruben Amorim, and West Ham United are leading the race to rescue the Dutch striker from his Old Trafford nightmare after a torrid year where he has struggled to find any form.

• Zirkzee to request transfer

  Zirkzee is set to ask Manchester United for a move away when the transfer window reopens in January as per the Daily Star. The 24-year-old forward has endured a miserable stint since joining from Bologna in 2024, managing only seven goals in 49 appearances during his first season before falling out of the Amorim’s plans this term. Red Devils boss Amorim has not made it clear that Zirkzee is not part of his long-term vision, however, the Dutchman has slipped behind new arrivals Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in the pecking order.

  West Ham United have emerged as frontrunners to secure his signature, according to reports from talkSPORT. The Hammers are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, having scored just six goals in eight Premier League games and currently sitting second bottom of the table. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is seeking a striker to complement Jarrod Bowen and lift the team out of their early relegation battle.

  Zirkzee has become increasingly frustrated with his lack of minutes, featuring only four times this season and accumulating just 74 minutes of league football. He has not scored in a Premier League match since December last year, and his peripheral role at Old Trafford has left him “desperate” to secure a move that will reignite his career. United are open to letting him leave either on loan or permanently, with the possibility of a short-term exit leading to a full transfer next summer.

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  Zirkzee's struggles

  Signed as a key part of Erik ten Hag’s rebuild, Zirkzee arrived with high expectations following an impressive season in Serie A but never truly settled into the pace and intensity of English football. Fans initially hoped he would provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund, but inconsistency and low confidence turned him into a peripheral figure long before Amorim’s arrival.

  The arrival of Amorim brought no change in fortunes, as the Portuguese coach has favoured more mobile, high-pressing forwards suited to his tactical system. Zirkzee’s technical ability is undisputed, yet his lack of aggression and efficiency in front of goal have cost him opportunities. His struggles were amplified by United’s turbulent form last season and the pressure surrounding every performance, making it difficult for him to recover lost confidence.

  Despite being on the fringes, Zirkzee has remained professional, continuing to train and maintain a positive presence in the dressing room. After United’s recent 2-1 win over Liverpool, he was seen celebrating enthusiastically with teammates, even putting Bruno Fernandes in a playful headlock. However, while fans admired his attitude, sources close to the player insist that the forward knows he must move on if he is to salvage his international ambitions and reignite his club career.

• World Cup worries

  Zirkzee’s situation has been further complicated by his omission from Ronald Koeman’s recent Netherlands squads. The Dutch national team manager openly criticised the striker’s performances, stating that he was not currently “good enough” to be considered for selection. Koeman specifically highlighted issues with Zirkzee’s decision-making and awareness, saying: “He wasn’t in the preliminary selection because I don’t think he’s good enough at the moment. Scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong.” 

  Koeman’s comments underline the urgent need for Zirkzee to secure consistent playing time ahead of next year’s World Cup, should the Netherlands qualify. The forward believes that remaining on United’s bench will only further damage his prospects of making the squad. A move to West Ham could provide the platform he needs to rebuild his form, especially given the club’s lack of reliable goal scorers.

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  What comes next?

  Manchester United are expected to listen to offers for Zirkzee once the January window opens. While Amorim appreciates his professionalism, he has prioritised other attacking profiles more suited to his tactical setup. The Red Devils are reportedly open to both permanent and loan exits, depending on the terms of any offer that arrives.

  For West Ham, the deal presents an opportunity to revitalise their faltering frontline and secure a striker with proven experience in top European leagues. Early discussions suggest the Hammers could propose an initial loan with an option to buy, giving Zirkzee the chance to prove himself in a less pressurised environment. Sources indicate that personal terms are unlikely to be a major issue, as the Dutchman is eager to play regular football again.

Hosts’ top four blown away in evening session as Surrey tighten grip

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 23-Jun-2025

Four late wickets for Surrey saw them take control of the Rothesay County Championship clash at Visit Worcestershire New Road, as Worcestershire ended day two 69 for 4, still trailing by eight-runs.Ben Allison led the way for the hosts, with his 5 for 44 helping restrict Surrey to 291 all-out, Dom Sibley top-scoring with a measured 73.With a lead of 77, Surrey’s seam-bowling attack ensured the day belonged to them with another potent display.Nathan Smith and Matt Fisher collected two wickets apiece, as Worcestershire’s top four were ripped apart in a devastating evening session that put the visitors well in control.Surrey added 40 to their overnight total, but shortly after Ryan Patel had brought up an elegant half-century, Allison made the breakthrough for Worcestershire as he hurried the left-hander with a back of a length delivery that was chipped straight to Jacob Duffy at mid-on.Rory Burns joined Sibley, as the pair continued Surrey’s batting dominance, bringing up their 100 in the 35th over.With Sibley easing his way to a measured 132-ball fifty, Worcestershire’s seamers offered little in the way of opportunities, as lunch arrived with the visitors in total control at 147 for 1.The home side struck twice in quick succession upon resumption, however, when Duffy drew an edge from the bat of Burns for 34, followed up three overs later by the industrious Matthew Waite, who produced a gem of a delivery to see the back of Sam Curran for just 8.Worcestershire had seamer Allison, their standout bowler on the day, to thank for a vital three-wicket burst, that swung the momentum of the afternoon and checked the visitors’ progress.After ending Sibley’s 184-ball knock, he then claimed the wickets of Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner in successive overs, as the home side reduce their opponents to 197 for 6.As a result of Santner’s frustration at his dismissal, Worcestershire were awarded five penalty runs and saw their total rise to 214, with confirmation the New Zealand international had been charged with two separate Level One offences.Dan Lawrence came together with Jordan Clark, as Surrey raced into a lead of 52 when tea was taken. Lawrence continued his fine four-day form, passing fifty early in the evening session, but failed to capitalise as he edged a rising Tom Taylor delivery shortly after the new ball was taken, departing for a well-made 52.Taylor was consistent throughout, claiming more two wickets late on, before Allison returned to complete his five-wicket haul as Surrey were bowled out for 291.With 17 overs left in the day, Smith wasted no time exposing the hosts top-order batting frailties, as he dismissed both Gareth Roderick and Henry Nicholls inside his first two overs.Fisher picked up where he left off in the first innings, nicking two wickets for himself as the top four departed, leaving Worcestershire still short of parity and well behind in the contest.

Arsenal’s summer transfer window once again blended big-money investment with their long-standing faith in youth.

After finishing second in the Premier League last season, and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, the club doubled down on its squad rebuild.

Major arrivals included Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Nørgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Departures such as Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Reiss Nelson cleared space in the squad, while Arsenal also leaned heavily on their Hale End academy graduates.

Ethan Nwaneri, now 18, continues to develop after becoming the Premier League’s youngest-ever debutant in 2022.

Myles Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakout season, and Max Dowman, still only 15, made his senior bow against Leeds.

That commitment to the academy has become a central pillar of Arsenal’s squad-building philosophy under Mikel Arteta.

Yet while several young prospects have been integrated, others have slipped away.

The balance between spending heavily and nurturing talent is once again at the heart of Arsenal’s defensive planning.

Who is Piero Hincapié, and Why Did Arsenal Sign Him?

When Arsenal announced the arrival of Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen on loan with a £45m option to buy, it was framed as a major upgrade on the left side of their defence.

At 23, the Ecuadorian international already brings European pedigree, with 32 Bundesliga appearances last season, contributing two goals and two assists.

Hincapié has been on Arsenal’s radar for years, valued for his ability to operate at both left centre-back and left-back.

With Gabriel undergoing hamstring surgery at the end of last season and Riccardo Calafiori struggling with fitness, versatility is essential.

Sporting Director Andrea Berta emphasised Hincapié’s tactical flexibility, and Arteta believes he is not simply cover but a genuine competitor for a starting role. His statistical profile backs up the excitement.

Matches Played

32

Progressive Carries

52

Progressive Passes

152

Tackles

52

Blocks

40

Aerials Won

65

Compared to positional peers, Hincapié ranked in the 96th percentile for progressive carries (1.69 per 90), underlining his comfort driving forward with the ball.

He also sat in the 86th percentile for progressive passes (4.94 per 90) and an eye-catching 94th percentile for key passes (0.54 per 90) – numbers that show how he can help Arsenal’s build-up from deep.

Defensively, he impressed in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.29 per 90) and the 86th percentile for passes blocked (0.72 per 90).

This blend of defensive solidity and forward-thinking distribution makes him a natural fit for Arteta’s system, where centre-backs are expected to initiate attacks as much as they are to shut them down.

His arrival represents a continuation of Arsenal’s recent strategy: recruit players with multi-positional value while retaining the ability to progress possession.

Ayden Heaven could have been Hincapie 2.0

As Arsenal commit to potentially spending £45m next summer to make Hincapié’s move permanent, questions linger over whether they let a homegrown option slip through their fingers.

Ayden Heaven, once considered one of the Hale End academy’s brightest defensive prospects, departed for Manchester United in February for a fee of just £1m.

His departure came after limited opportunities at the Emirates despite being highly rated within the club. Analyst Ben Mattinson once described Heaven as “highly unique,” and he has quickly shown why.

Drafted into United’s first-team picture earlier than expected after Lisandro Martínez’s season-ending injury, the 18-year-old has already made eight appearances for the Red Devils.

He has looked composed in possession, comfortable carrying the ball out from defence, and tactically assured despite his age.

United moved quickly to secure him on a long-term deal running until 2029, amid reported interest from Barcelona, Frankfurt and Marseille.

Heaven’s profile, a left-footed defender who is confident on the ball, is precisely the type of player Arsenal are now looking to integrate through Hincapié.

The irony is hard to miss.

Where Hincapié ranks among Europe’s best for progressive actions, Heaven has showcased similar traits in his early United outings.

His poise on the ball and ability to step into midfield mirrors the qualities Arteta demands from his defenders.

For a club that has prided itself on giving opportunities to youth, losing Heaven for such a modest fee may come to be seen as a misstep.

The comparison is not to suggest Hincapié is the wrong signing – his experience and proven metrics make him a high-level addition.

But for a side that has successfully nurtured Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, the case of Heaven highlights the fine margins of squad planning.

Arsenal could soon pay £45m for a defender to fill the very role that a Hale End graduate, now at a Premier League rival, may have slotted into seamlessly.

Sold by Wenger: Arsenal had their own Rodrygo in £312k-p/w "future legend"

The incredibly successful international would have been a superstar at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 5, 2025

The Bloemfontein-based Knights have been relegated to the second division of South Africa’s domestic competition, while Pietermaritzburg’s KZN Inland have been promoted ahead of the 2025-26 season. This is the second time in the current structure that the Knights have dropped down after playing in Division 2 in the 2023-24 season and also the second time KZN Inland have been promoted.Knights finished last on the integrated promotion-relegation table which takes into account where teams finish across all formats over the course of a season and awards points accordingly. The Knights had two points from their sixth-placed finish in the four-day competition, three from their fifth-place finish in the one-day cup and none from their ending seventh in the T20 competition, which gave them a total of five points, two fewer than the seventh-placed Warriors, who were battling relegation until the final weekend.This season’s final spots were marred by controversy after the Warriors were docked five points for not meeting Cricket South Africa’s transformation requirements in the one-day cup. In a match against the Dolphins, they fielded two black African players instead of the required three in their XI and failed to provide a reason for their transgression.Related

• Warriors lose playoff spot after sanction for not meeting transformation targets

Warriors then lost out on a playoff place, but the records of the match were not expunged, so they retained the win, which saw them finish fourth on the points table, above Knights. Knights were a place behind with three wins and have since sent legal communication to CSA to argue that the win in the match in which Warriors fell foul of the regulations should also be taken away from them, which they argue would then put the Knights in fourth place and the Warriors fifth. However, the Knights’ argument appears incomplete as the Warriors still have a higher net run-rate and would finish a place above them.ESPNcricinfo has established that the only way this could change is if the records from the match in which the Warriors contravened the transformation targets were completely erased. There is no known precedent for this in cricketing history and it is unlikely to occur on this occasion. CSA’s Domestic Cricket Executive Eddie Khoza confirmed that the sanction against the Warriors was “done as per administrative conditions governing the domestic league.”That means Knights will have to settle for a spot in the second division, which is essentially a semi-professional league, receives less funding from CSA and struggles to attract attention from sponsors. The last time the Knights were relegated, they lost R5 million (US$257,000) as well as some of their best players including Gerald Coetzee, who moved to the Titans.The current two-tier domestic system will continue next season, but the system is expected to undergo another overhaul in the near future. Maintaining eight first division and seven second division sides is financially unsustainable for CSA and has faced criticism over the number of games each team plays.Currently, division one teams play seven matches across all formats, down from ten matches in the old franchise structure. CSA is understood to be considering a proposal to remodel the domestic competition into either eight or 10 professional teams, with more matches for each side, and a smaller, amateur provincial system below that.

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن وجود فكرة جديدة داخل النادي الأهلي تتعلق بمنصب مدرب حراس المرمى، مشيرًا إلى أنها لا تزال قيد الدراسة ولم تُحسم بعد.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأربعاء: “هناك فكرة مطروحة داخل النادي الأهلي في الوقت الحالي بشأن جهاز تدريب حراس المرمى. الفكرة تتمثل في وجود مدربين اثنين لحراس المرمى، أحدهما أساسي والآخر مساعد له، على غرار ما يحدث في عدد كبير من الأندية الأوروبية الكبرى”.

طالع أيضًا | محمد يوسف: الأهلي لا ينسى أبناءه.. وكنت صاحب قرار اختيار عماد النحاس

وأضاف: “المقترح يتضمن أن يستمر أمير عبد الحميد في منصبه كمدرب لحراس المرمى، إلى جانب المدرب الأجنبي الجديد، ولكن حتى الآن الأمر ما زال قيد البحث والدراسة، ولم يصل إلى مرحلة التنفيذ أو الإعلان الرسمي”.

واختتم شوبير حديثه قائلًا: “كل ما يُثار في هذا الشأن ما زال في إطار النقاشات الداخلية داخل النادي، ولم يُتخذ أي قرار نهائي حتى هذه اللحظة”.

ويستعد النادي الأهلي في الوقت الحالي، لمواجهة إيجل نوار البوروندي، يوم السبت المقبل، في إطار مواجهة الذهاب لدور الـ 32 من منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، في الظهور الأول للمدرب الجديد الدنماركي ييس توروب.

Despite just welcoming Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers are reportedly back in the Premier League market and have opened talks to sign a talent who the 49ers know well.

Martin "thrilled" to welcome "aggressive" Moore

It’s been an impressive overhaul by Rangers this summer and Moore instantly stands out as one of their best arrivals. The exciting 17-year-old often showed glimpses of what he is capable of whenever given the opportunity at Tottenham and a loan move to Rangers should provide him with the platform to begin realising what is incredibly high potential.

Speaking for the first time since sealing his loan move, the young winger told Rangers’ official website: “I’m excited to get going. As soon as I heard Rangers were interested and wanted me to come, it was a massive opportunity for me.

“I’m excited to be here and hopefully I can show the fans and everyone what I can do. I’ve always loved Rangers as a club. My family have always loved them. I think with the new boss and the way that we play, it’s a great place to be at the minute. It was a pretty easy decision for me to come here.”

Russell Martin was also thrilled to get the deal over the line, saying: “We are thrilled to bring Mikey on loan for this season. His profile as a brave, aggressive attacking player is one that we were keen to add to the squad, and he is certainly a player who, despite his age, can make an impact on the team from day one.

More exciting than Gassama & Moore: Rangers must sign "tenacious" £5m star

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ByDan Emery Aug 2, 2025

“He is a player with huge potential, and it is testament to his quality that he has been entrusted by Spurs in both the Premier League and UEFA Europa League with such regularity over the last 18 months.”

Those at Ibrox aren’t done there with their shopping in the Premier League, however. Reports are now claiming that they’ve opened talks to sign a young talent who the 49ers know well.

Leeds open talks to sign Joe Gelhardt

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers have now opened talks to sign Joe Gelhardt in a permanent deal from Leeds United, who are also owned by the 49ers.

The 23-year-old forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull City, having struggled for game time at Elland Road, and ended his spell with five goals to his name. It was a loan move which, ultimately, lacked consistency but one that seemingly showed Rangers enough to warrant a summer move.

Whilst Gelhardt struggled for starts at Leeds, Martin and Rangers could yet provide him with the platform that he has desperately needed for the last 12 months.

It’s then that he could realise his best form and prove Jamie Rednkapp right, who said when speaking about Gelhardt in 2021: “He’s like a human wrecking ball. I like him; he’s really exciting. He’s fast; he’s aggressive; he gets on the ball, he takes people on.”

Initially left out of tour amid a batting form slump, she leaves Melbourne Renegades to link up with England

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Nov-2024Alice Capsey will join England Women’s T20I squad for their tour of South Africa after earning a belated call-up to cover for injury.Capsey, who was initially left out of the touring party amid an extended form slump with the bat, has left WBBL side Melbourne Renegades to join her England team-mates in South Africa today.England said her recall was due to “a couple of minor injury concerns within the squad” but would not elaborate, adding only that all squad members were taking part in a light training session on Monday amid “a couple of niggles, nothing major”.Capsey made a top score of 19 in three innings at last month’s T20 World Cup, where England failed to reach the knockouts. Since then, she has scored 72 runs in eight innings at the WBBL, where she is currently the third-highest wicket-taker with 13 at an average of 13.23 and economy rate of 7.21, including a best of 5 for 25 in a losing cause against Perth Scorchers.Capsey and the injured Dani Gibson were the only members of the T20 World Cup squad not included in the original group bound for South Africa, with middle-order batter Paige Scholfield and fast bowler Lauren Filer called up after missing out on the World Cup. Scholfield made her England debut on the tour of Ireland in September.South Africa host England in three T20Is from November 24 in East London, followed by three ODIs and ending with a Test in Bloemfontein.

Saurashtra have started the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season on a disappointing note. In four games so far, they have drawn and lost two each. Those results have put them seventh in their group, but their captain Jaydev Unadkat believes that his side is going “through a period of transition”. This season, Saurashtra have already had three debutants in the four matches they have played so far.”Efforts are being made to give opportunities to youngsters. As captain, I want this change to be smooth,” Unadkat told ESPNcricinfo. “We want young players to come forward, and we want them to be given maximum opportunities. I want young players to settle in our team during my captaincy.”Saurashtra’s debutants this season include pace bowlers Navneet Vora and Hiten Kanbi, and batter Parswaraj Rana. While Vora has three wickets in two games at an average of 41, Rana contributed only 21 runs across two innings against Tamil Nadu. Kanbi, though, had a promising debut against Jharkhand, as he picked up 5 for 70 in the first innings, before grabbing one more in the second.Related

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Over the last five Ranji seasons dating back to 2018-19, Saurashtra have made the final three times. Unadkat was their captain on each occasion, having even led his side to the title twice – in 2019-20 and 2022-23. Saurashtra also made the quarter-final last year, but this season, they run the risk of getting eliminated in the group stages. But Unadkat understands that a change of guard is inevitable, as seniors like Sheldon Jackson (38), Cheteshwar Pujara (36) and Arpit Vasavada (36) are near the end of their careers. Even Dharmendrasinh Jadeja is 34 while Unadkat himself is 33 years old.”It is not that players keep coming and going,” he said. “We know that when a transition period comes for a team, the performance goes up and down; but this is a part of this game.”Despite that, as captain, Unadkat remains focused on how to guide his side to a win each time he takes the field.”If you ask me what is most important for me, then I would say that I keep thinking about ways of taking Saurashtra to victory. I think about my team. When I wake up in the morning, the first thought that comes to my mind is how our team will win, and how it will become better. This is the biggest motivation for me right now.”Jaydev Unadkat had played 11 games for SRH in IPL 2024•Associated Press

‘IPL auction nothing new for me’

Unadkat is one of 1574 players to enter the mega auction for IPL 2025, which will be held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah. Last year, he played 11 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which was the eighth different side he was representing since his debut in 2010. While Unadkat is hopeful to make it back to SRH for the 2025 tournament, he doesn’t mind getting a new team either.”I am definitely very excited about the auction. The auction is nothing new for me,” he said. “Mega auction is a big opportunity, but whatever the results of the auction, I am fully prepared to accept it… Hopefully, SRH will select me in their team again. But even if they don’t – or something else happens – I am ready for it.”I played for eight teams; now even if there is a ninth team – or I get a chance for any team – I don’t have any problem. If I get my bowling role and I get to play, I will be satisfied. Earlier, I was with Lucknow [Super Giants, in 2023]; before that, I was in Mumbai [Indians, in 2022]. I got [to play] very few matches there, but still I was very happy in that set-up.”