Sam Konstas says he is already a better batter than the one who started the summer with twin tons for New South Wales, as selectors weigh up Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test against India.The shining light of cricket’s next generation, Konstas has found himself back in the selection debate after Australia’s top order failed again at the Gabba. While Australia have been the better team over the past two Tests, the draw in Brisbane has left the series at 1-1 and India one win away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Selectors were due to meet on Thursday to discuss plans for the penultimate fourth Test in Melbourne, with a squad to be announced as soon as Friday.Related

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Australia are guaranteed to make one change to their XI, with Scott Boland expected to come in for Josh Hazlewood after his series-ending calf injury.The heat also remains on Australia’s openers, with neither Usman Khawaja or Nathan McSweeney locking in their spot this summer against a rampant Jasprit Bumrah.Khawaja turned 38 on Wednesday, and has now gone 11 Test innings without scoring a half-century. His series average of 12.60 is also the lowest of any Australia opener in a home Test series of at least three matches since Matthew Elliott’s against South Africa in 1997.McSweeney was gutsy in Adelaide, but is also yet to show the opening role is right for him after only batting there for the first time for Australia A last month.Sam Konstas has had a productive few weeks•Getty Images

At the same time, Konstas has been knocking on the door in domestic cricket. The 19-year-old has averaged 55.83 this summer, catapulting into contention in October when he became youngest player since Ricky Ponting to hit twin tons in a Sheffield Shield game.Konstas endured a brief lean patch after that, but believes he is a better batter now than in October.”I’m understanding the scenarios of the game and when to take on the game,” Konstas said. “Trying to mature as a batsman. Obviously I’m going to make some silly mistakes but I think understanding when to take the game on [is an area I’ve improved in].”Konstas has scored 107 against India for the Prime Minister’s XI, a Sheffield Shield 88 for NSW and a quickfire 56 for Sydney Thunder in the BBL past three weeks.But the opener said he had blocked out the most recent selection talk, as his chances of a debut looms as a when-not-if scenario. For now, he is taking the chance to pick the brain of David Warner, opening alongside him for the Thunder.”I’m trying to learn from him each time I bat with him,” Konstas said. “[He’s taught me] to try to be fearless and take the game on. Whatever happens, happens.”Konstas’ comments came after captain Pat Cummins said Australia’s second-innings collapse to 89 for 7 at the Gabba should not be held against the top order, as the side pursued quick runs in the ultimately-drawn Test.Cummins also defended chief selector George Bailey’s close relationship with players, and said the panel had proven they could make tough calls.Australia have carried Josh Inglis and Beau Webster as reserves, while questions have been asked of Mitchell Marsh’s spot after the allrounder only bowled two overs in Brisbane.

Players voice frustration at move that will largely benefit overseas signings in men’s competition

Matt Roller12-Dec-2024

Tymal Mills was critical of changes to Hundred salaries in a post on X•ECB via Getty Images

The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) has escalated its row with the ECB, accusing the board of showing players “a lack of respect” with changes to the Hundred’s pay structure.Salaries for the 2025 edition were announced on Thursday to the backdrop of existing discontent over a controversial new No-Objection Certificates (NOC) policy, and prompted frustration from both players and the union that represents them. Their objections include: The growing gender pay gap between men’s and women’s competitions An expectation that top salary increases will predominantly benefit overseas players Failure to reward the players that have grown the Hundred’s profile ahead of the sale of stakes in its teams A “severe lack” of communication between board and players Changes from plans pitched to players at a PCA summit in OctoberThe PCA has been publicly critical of several recent ECB decisions, including piecemeal changes to the county schedule and new restrictions on NOCs. Neil Snowball, the ECB’s managing director of competitions and major events, denied last month that the two organisations were at loggerheads but the PCA’s frustration is abundantly clear.The response to the split of salary increases will further raise the prospect of some players refusing to engage in the Hundred’s retention process. The threat of a boycott was raised last week as a potential last resort by those disillusioned by the new clampdown on NOCs, which will affect the same group of players frustrated by Thursday’s announcement.”We have had a strong working relationship with the ECB on player matters for a significant period of time and there has been a feeling of genuine collaboration,” Daryl Mitchell, the PCA’s interim chief executive, said. “However, this has not been the case in the last few weeks, including the lack of player consultation and clarity on the NOC policy.”Mitchell said the PCA were “extremely concerned” at the management of salary increases, citing a growing gender pay gap and a sense that English players “will see little benefit” from the changes to the top wage bands in the men’s game, which are designed to attract leading overseas players.In the men’s Hundred, top salaries will rise by 60% from £125,000 to £200,000 next year, with a 20% rise from £100,000 to £120,000 for players in the second-highest salary band. The other four salary bands – covering 11 players in each squad – will only increase by 3-5%.Salary increases in the women’s Hundred are more evenly distributed, with a 30% hike for top earners and raises between 13 and 25% for the remaining wage bands. But the competition’s gender pay gap has grown overall, with the vast majority of the overall 25% increase in its salary pot to be distributed to the 16 highest-earning players in the men’s competition.”Due to a severe lack of communication and consultation, there is a feeling there has been a lack of respect to the players who have been incredibly supportive in growing the competition,” Mitchell said.Tymal Mills, who is the top wicket-taker across the four seasons of the men’s Hundred, wrote on X: “Players in bands three downwards have largely carried and made the competition what it is today, ready to be sold and profited on. Yet, after tax, [they] are essentially getting no salary improvement after four years. First world problems I know but worth pointing out.”Sam Billings, who has captained Oval Invincibles to back-to-back men’s titles, added: “Remarkable how a category gets a 60% increase yet most others get under 5%… Who has come up with this???”The ECB was represented at a PCA summit in Paris in October by Vikram Banerjee and Rob Hillman, director of business operations and director of major events respectively, who briefed players on planned Hundred salary changes. Mitchell said: “Unfortunately, what was presented to the players and the subsequent conversations that followed has changed significantly.”Hillman said on Thursday it was “imperative” that the ECB reviewed its salary offers “in the current landscape of global cricket”. He said: “We want the best players participating in the Hundred… We’re really excited about where the Hundred goes next.”The row has broken out at a time when the PCA’s leadership is in transition. Mitchell, the chief operating officer, has stood in as interim chief executive since Rob Lynch left for a role at MCC in July. James Harris will stand down as chair in February, with both roles recently advertised.

Birmingham City have reportedly hijacked a Champions League team’s summer move for a striker who “does everything” in attack.

Davies eyeing another striker for Birmingham

The Blues have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window to date, signings the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Demarai Gray, bringing the latter back to the club where he started his career.

Manager Chris Davies has refused to rule out the idea of another centre forward arriving at Birmingham before the 2025/26 Championship season gets underway, though, no doubt wanting as much firepower as possible in his squad.

“No, not necessarily. At the moment we have got four centre-backs which is what we want. If nothing changes then we are where we are but you just don’t know how things are going to develop in the next few weeks.”

Birmingham will go strutting into the Championship looking for back-to-back promotions, following last season’s relentless title-winning League One campaign, and they are now being linked with an attacker who could help take them to greater heights.

Birmingham could sign a bigger talent than Cashin in "dynamite" £10m star

Birmingham City could soon win themselves a bigger talent than Eiran Cashin by landing this dynamite attacker.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 25, 2025 Birmingham hijack Celtic's move for striker

According to a report from Gol [via Celts Are Here], Birmingham are looking to hijack Celtic’s move for Girona striker Bojan Miovski this summer, holding talks with him over a switch to England. This has been followed by claims in the Spanish press that Girona are eyeing Leeds striker Mateo Joseph as they expect Miovski to leave.

The 26-year-old is a wanted man ahead of the new season, despite struggling to set the world alight in Spain since moving from Aberdeen last year.

Miovski could be another statement signing on top of Kyogo for Birmingham this summer, with the North Macedonia international scoring eight goals in 33 caps for his country.

It was at Aberdeen that the striker really made a name for himself, which is why he has been linked with Scotland’s biggest club for some time in Celtic, with a tally of 44 strikes in 98 appearances outlining his class. Meanwhile, former Scotland striker Billy Dodds is a big admirer of the attacker.

Miovski has the ability and pedigree to be a big hit in a Birmingham shirt, given his status as a proven international attacker, so it would feel big if they got a deal over the line.

To pip Celtic to his signature would also feel significant, considering they are a Champions League team, showing the giant strides being made by the Midlands outfit.

With Aaron Ramsdale set to hand Newcastle United a much-needed upgrade between the sticks, PIF have now reportedly set their sights on another key defensive addition.

Newcastle ramping up business with Ramsdale deal in place

He may not be James Trafford, but Ramsdale is an England international who has played at the highest level at Arsenal and has a wealth of experience all throughout the Premier League. Set to welcome the Southampton star on loan with an option to buy, those at St James’ Park are about to get their first deal over the line since Anthony Elanga in what has been a transfer window full of frustration.

Having worked together during their time at Bournemouth, Eddie Howe will be well aware of the talent that Ramsdale has to offer his Newcastle side. It’s worth noting that it wasn’t so long ago that the England international was Arsenal’s first-choice in the middle of a title race against Manchester City. That’s the level he’s capable of and that’s the level he could offer Newcastle in the coming campaign.

But even Newcastle will admit that their spending simply cannot end there. Putting their potential Alexander Isak problem to one side for the moment, the Magpies still need another central defender this summer.

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It doesn’t look as though Marc Guehi will be the man to solve that problem, either. Despite eyeing his arrival since last year, Newcastle could once again lose out on a key target to a Liverpool side who are enjoying an almighty spending spree.

If that does prove to be the case, however, then PIF could move to sign an impressive alternative to the Crystal Palace man.

PIF now eyeing Piero Hincapie move

According to reports in Spain, PIF are now eyeing a move to sign Piero Hincapie if they fail to sign Guehi for Newcastle this summer. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is reportedly valued at just €40m (£35m), which is cheaper than the £45m that Crystal Palace are reportedly demanding to sell their own star defender in the next month.

At just 23 years old, there’s a valid argument that Hincapie would provide Newcastle with a better reinforcement than Guehi. The Leverkusen man boasts Champions League experience over the England star and even has an invincible Bundesliga title win to his name.

A “great player” and “aggressive” defender, according to former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, Hincapie could prove to be quite the coup for Newcastle if they push on and secure his signature this summer.

تعرض تشيلسي لخسارة جديدة أمام برايتون بثلاثة أهداف لهدف واحد على ملعب ستامفورد بريدج، مساء أمس في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وبهزيمة مباراة أمس، اصبح تشيلسي يحتل المركز الثامن في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز برصيد 8 نقاط.

وقد انتشرت تقارير صحفية بعد نهاية المباراة أن الشكوك أصبحت تحيط بمستقبل المدرب الإيطالي إنزو ماريسكا، الذي يثير حالة من عدم اليقين بشأن بقائه على رأس الجهاز الفني للبلوز.

وأكد الصحفي البريطاني “بن جاكوبس” عبر صفحته الرسمية حقيقة هذه التقارير، حيث ذكر أن ماريسكا لا يزال يحظى بدعم كامل من إدارة تشيلسي رغم الهزائم أمام بايرن ميونخ ومانشستر يونايتد وبرايتون.

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وتعتقد إدارة تشيلسي أن ما يتراوح بين 4 إلى 5 هزائم لتشيلسي في الأشهر الستة الماضية تضمنت بطاقات حمراء وهو ما ينظر إليه على أنه عامل مؤثر.

ويلاحظ أن ملاك تشيلسي ومديريه الرياضيين ما زالوا هادئين بشأن مستقبل ماريسكا، كما كانوا خلال فترة الركود في فترة الأعياد الموسم الماضي وقد واصل البلوز مسيرته بعد ذلك وحقق بطولتين وصعد نحو المراكز الأربعة الأولى في ترتيب البريميرليج.

ويقدر مجلس إدارة تشيلسي بأن موسمًا يضم أكثر من 60 مباراة سيشهد صعودًا وهبوطًا للفريق على مستوى النتائج، وينتظر البلوز أسبوع حافل بمباريات ضد بنفيكا وليفربول.

Journalist Mike McGrath reports Birmingham City have submitted a bid for a “very interesting” attacking player, with a rival Championship club also in the mix to sign him.

Davies delighted ahead of Birmingham's next test

The Blues have made a positive start to the season, drawing 1-1 at home to Ipswich Town in their league opener last week, largely outplaying last year’s Premier League side. Birmingham then knocked Sheffield United out of the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening, winning 2-1, and manager Chris Davies was delighted with what he saw from his players.

“There was some excellent football, really fluid, we moved the ball well and gave them a problem either through our possession play or through our pressing – and we should have been out of sight.

“You saw that last season, when it’s 1-0 there’s always a chance, but they didn’t create chances, they didn’t have those moments, but what they did have was a goal that shouldn’t have been a goal. But I thought the reaction was fantastic.

“What you can do is control what you can do, which is your performance, and we reacted really well and got the goal. We know what it’s like, it’s going to be really hard this season. Sheffield United were in the play-off final last year, we are talking about a team that was twenty minutes away from the Premier League. To beat a team like that is a big, big test. A big challenge, and we did it tonight.”

Next up for Birmingham is a trip to Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Saturday afternoon, with potential new signings being looked at away from on-pitch matters.

Birmingham make offer for international attacker

According to McGrath on X, Birmingham have submitted an offer for £5m-rated Queens Park Rangers attacker Koki Saito, with Derby County also interested in signing him.

Saito could be exactly what Birmingham are after this summer, with the three-cap Japan international adding extra depth and quality in the final, having proven himself in the Championship.

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The 24-year-old is a versatile player, invariably taking up a left-sided role but also being able to shine as a centre forward, and scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “very interesting” player in the past.

The lure of Birmingham is hopefully greater than the other clubs linked with signing Saito, with the club in an exciting period in their history, and the QPR man can help take them in the right direction.

MatériaMais Notícias

O primeiro trimestre evidenciou um cenário promissor para os clubes na temporada 2023. De acordo com levantamento da Pluri Consultoria, em parceria com o LANCE!, o futebol brasileiro teve um aumento nos números de público pagante e bilheteria em relação ao mesmo período de 2022. Abaixo, o L! apresenta detalhes e os destaques em cada categoria.

Cabe destacar que os dados são referentes apenas aos jogos disputados nos meses de janeiro, fevereiro e março. No cálculo do público pagante, a Pluri desconsidera torcedores que assistem aos jogos por meio de gratuidades, enquanto que o levantamento da renda bruta considera toda a arrecadação com bilheteria nas partidas realizadas no Brasil.

RelacionadasLance! BizKevin Durant assina contrato vitalício com patrocinador e entra para seleta lista com lendas da NBALance! Biz28/04/2023Lance! BizÀ espera de nova assembleia, Libra apresenta estrutura de governança para Liga únicaLance! Biz27/04/2023Lance! BizExecutivo da Libra diz que Athletico e Fluminense participaram da elaboração do estatutoLance! Biz27/04/2023

+ Conexão e oportunidades: os planos do COB com a nova campanha para os Jogos Paris 2024

Público pagante tem alta de 52% em 2023

Ao todo, os jogos realizados no primeiro trimestre de 2023 levaram mais de 5,8 milhões de pessoas aos estádios brasileiros. Este número representa uma alta de 52% em comparação com os 3,8 milhões do mesmo período em 2022.

O número pode indicar um crescimento do interesse do público pelo futebol brasileiro, mas também tem um fator extra: o fim das restrições de público nos estádios por conta da pandemia da Covid-19, que ainda impactava os números no início da última temporada.Confira abaixo o raio-X de público pagante em 2023:

Janeiro -1.732.474 (média de3.955)
Fevereiro -2.046.594 (média de3.243)
Março -2.071.677 (média de4.687)

Bilheteria tem alta de 81% em 2023

A renda bruta total do primeiro trimestre de 2023 foi de R$ 238,1 milhões, o que representa um aumento de 81% em comparação aos R$ 130,8 milhões movimentados nos mesmo período de 2022.Confira o raio-X de bilheteria neste ano:

Janeiro – R$ 78,4 milhões (média de R$ 192,58 mil)
Fevereiro – R$ 75,4 milhões (média de R$ 124,84 mil)
Março – R$ 80,84 milhões (média de R$ 182,9 mil)

England captain will join Charlie Dean and Dani Gibson in playing county cricket at Taunton

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-2024England captain Heather Knight has become the latest player to agree terms with Somerset ahead of the launch of Tier 1 professional women’s county cricket next summer.Knight had previously represented Berkshire, having come through the Devon pathway, and captained Western Storm to two Kia Super League titles in the regional system. She was appointed to the Somerset board in an advisory role earlier this year.Her signing follows that of England spinner Charlie Dean and allrounder Danielle Gibson, a Western Storm team-mate of Knight’s, whose moves were announced earlier in the week. All three are centrally contracted to England, and will play for their county when international commitments allow.”Somerset is a club that holds a special place in my heart, so I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity,” Knight said. “The South West has played an integral role in my journey and it’s a privilege to be able to represent the region that means so much to me.”We have a genuine opportunity to create something special. This is the first Somerset women’s team of the professional era, and we have a duty to those who have gone before and laid the foundations to make sure that we are a team that competes on the field and inspires young people across the region. There is a special heritage surrounding the club and that is something that we will be taking very seriously.”The Cooper Associates County Ground is a special place to play, and I can’t wait for some of the younger players to experience the atmosphere that the members and supporters can generate. The Taunton crowd is passionate and knowledgeable, and we will be doing everything that we can to win games of cricket and give them something to celebrate.”A World Cup-winner, Knight has captained England across formats since 2016, and is currently leading the team on their tour of South Africa.Somerset Women head coach, Trevor Griffin, said: “Heather is a player I’ve worked with for many years, and I’m delighted she will be playing for Somerset when her England commitments allow. She is a true professional who impacts games both on and off the pitch and is an invaluable addition to any side.”I’m sure our supporters will be looking forward to seeing Heather in a Somerset shirt and winning games of cricket for us.”Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, added: “Heather is a world-class performer who has shown her quality on the biggest stages across the world. She is hugely respected within and outside the game, and the experience she can share both on and off the field will have a major impact on the team, the club and the region.”It’s an honour to have the England captain committed to the club, and there is no doubt that she will inspire future generations of Somerset players, members and supporters.”

Tottenham Hotspur are set to attempt a bid for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with Lilywhites chiefs now holding an intriguing theory behind-the-scenes.

A move for the 27-year-old has been brought to the very forefront of Thomas Frank’s transfer plans, especially after the Dane lost star playmaker James Maddison.

Maddison is expected to miss a large portion of 2025/2026 after rupturing his ACL in a pre-season draw against Newcastle nearly two weeks ago, so Spurs’ glaring need for a new playmaker has now intensified.

Tottenham were already in the market for number 10 and failed with a once-very advanced move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White last month. Daniel Levy originally planned to head into the new season with both Maddison and Gibbs-White, but Frank’s now got neither at his disposal for their opening Premier League game of the season against Burnley on Saturday.

As Levy and technical director Johan Lange attempt to end the summer transfer window on a high, they’re set to make a formal bid for Eze to solve Tottenham’s shortage of attacking options.

“Tottenham are set to make a bid for Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze,” wrote talkSPORT earlier this week.

“Spurs view the England attacker as a No.10 and their pursuit is separate to the club’s interest in Manchester City winger Savinho as a result.

“Spurs are hoping to move quickly and have been told by Eze’s camp terms will not be a problem. Eze is open to the move, and wants to both play Champions League football and ideally stay in London.”

A move for the England international, who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, is very much alive.

Eze’s £68 million release clause is believed to expire on Friday, but it is likely irrelevant, as Tottenham want to pay a similar fee to that of Mohammed Kudus – who they signed for around £55 million earlier in the window.

Tottenham hold behind-scenes Eberechi Eze theory amid Crystal Palace talks

This is backed up by TEAMtalk, who also report that Spurs are growing in confidence when it comes to potentially completing a deal.

The outlet states that Eze is likely to have already “played his last game for Palace”, with Levy and co working on a plan to make a “quick breakthrough” in negotiations to sign the ex-QPR star.

Tottenham also theorise that they’ve put together the frameworks of a deal for Eze which will satisfy Palace and chairman Steve Parish, even if there is a £13 million gap in valuation between the clubs right now.

Even if their initial approach for him gets snubbed, Spurs will follow up in quick fashion.

By all accounts, Eze is worth this late-window effort.

The Eagles superstar was, by some distance, their standout attacking asset last term – bagging 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions – including the FA Cup-final winning strike against Man City.

His goal against City at Wembley ended Palace’s history-long wait for a major trophy, so Eze is absolutely no stranger to the big occasion.

If Levy is serious about winning the Premier League and Champions League, which he pledged was the case earlier this year, Eze is exactly the kind of primed, proven player that Tottenham need to be signing.

After agreeing a deal to sign Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United have reportedly turned their attention towards landing an upgrade on Andre Onana this month.

Man Utd agree deal to sign Sesko

Dealing Newcastle United another transfer blow, Manchester United have now agreed a deal to sign RB Leipzig’s Sesko worth an initial £66m before add-ons. Spending big once again, the Red Devils have now completed their attacking overhaul by welcoming three instant upgrades for Ruben Amorim this summer.

Minutes

2,380

2,597

3,414

Goals

13

15

20

Assists

5

6

7

Expected Goals

10

8.6

12.3

Not only have Manchester United added a combined 48 goals to their frontline, they’ve also added three clinical goalscorers. Last season, Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all outperformed their expected goals by at least three as they remained lethal in front of goal throughout their respective campaigns.

Amorim has already spoken about the quality that Cunha, in particular, will add to his side – telling reporters: “He’s a loud guy that’s really important in this moment. When he’s upset, you can feel it in the environment and that’s good.

“When you play some games and he loses, he’s a different guy, and that’s good. He has some characteristics that we miss last season, so I’m really happy with him and the other guys.”

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Now, he’s likely to hand Sesko a similar welcome as Manchester United gear up for a blockbuster opening game against Arsenal next weekend. If Amorim is looking to find out exactly where his side are at then their face off against Mikel Arteta’s side should certainly help.

That said, there is still work to be done on the transfer front even after Sesko and it now looks as though the focus has turned towards upgrading on Onana.

Man Utd targeting Senne Lammens

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are still targeting a move to sign Senne Lammens and the Royal Antwerp shot-stopper “is on the list” of targets at Old Trafford.

The transfer expert said in his GiveMeSport transfer newsletter: “Now focus is on midfielder. Goalkeeper can be a possibility, Lammens from Antwerp remains a name on the list.”

As Romano claims, a midfielder is also the focus for the Red Devils and then they may go full steam ahead to replace Onana. The former Inter Milan goalkeeper struggled again last season and, whilst they’re in the mood to spend big, United may land an instant upgrade this month.

Just who arrives is the big question. The biggest name mentioned so far has been Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Paris Saint-Germain star is reportedly in a contract standoff with the French giants and now looks destined to leave either this summer or when his contract expires next year.

With Manchester City also interested in the Italian, however, United could yet be forced to turn towards Lammens. At 23 years old, the Belgian – who analyst Ben Mattinson believes has an “elite potential” – wouldn’t exactly be a bad alternative.