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Chelsea are reportedly closing in on their next signing of the summer for Enzo Maresca, and BlueCo are simply ironing out the final details, claims one reporter this week.

The west Londoners, following their recent confirmation of a deal for left-back Jorrel Hato, have taken their transfer spending this window to around £277 million (including their pre-agreed summer arrivals).

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Amid pressure from UEFA to balance out their squad through player sales, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are on track to secure just as many outgoings as incomings, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Armando Broja, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Lesley Ugochukwu all leaving Stamford Bridge permanently thus far.

Carney Chukwuemeka is expected to re-join Borussia Dortmund too, and many more could still follow the Englishman.

This will allow Chelsea to make room for a few more key additions before the transfer deadline on September 1, with two players believed to be high on the Blues’ agenda.

Maresca’s side are in pursuit wantaway Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and talks are being held over a move for the Argentine, according to Sky Sports, with Chelsea looking to add another left-winger after Jamie Gittens.

In a big boost, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Garnacho has given his “total priority” to joining Chelsea, so the 21-year-old is very keen on a move to west London and personal terms may not be an issue.

As well as the Premier League forward, Chelsea are actively targeting RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons.

The attacker only made his move to Leipzig permanent in the winter after one and a half years there on loan, but the Dutchman is seeking a fresh challenge and has informed the Bundesliga side of his desire to join Maresca.

Now, journalist Orazio Accomando claims to have a big update.

Chelsea reach "total agreement" for Xavi Simons

Taking to X, Accomando reports that Chelsea have reached a “total agreement” for Simons, with the deal now “concluded”.

The 22-year-old, who’s racked up 21 goals and 23 assists in all competitions for Leipzig since the start of 2023/2024, is their current highest-paid player ever on a contract of around £192,000-per-week.

Interestingly, Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard recently alluded to rumours he’s heard about Simons’ questionable attitude, but emphasised the ex-PSG starlet’s real quality.

“He scores goals, he makes goals, he’s always trying to affect the game,” said Hatchard on talkSPORT.

“He’s a real puzzle, Xavi, because I like watching him play. I like what he brings to a game. He’s got really silky skills,” said Hatchard.

“The debate in Germany has been: Is he a team player? Does he have attitude problems? All of that.

“Now, that might be paper talk. That might be just media noise, and it just isn’t true, because there are some coaches that speak up for him. But there are also coaches that have alluded to, he could be more of a team player, his attitude could be different, etc.”

Still searching for a new No.9 even if it’s not Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool have now reportedly initiated contact to sign a 17-goal striker who once terrorised Virgil van Dijk.

After a quiet first summer in charge, Richard Hughes has silenced all doubters at Liverpool this summer. He emerged victorious in the race to sign Florian Wirtz in a British transfer record, swooped in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong and even returned to former club Bournemouth to sign Milos Kerkez. But he’s not done there.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have now made their first approach to sign Isak from Newcastle United and have told the Magpies that they’re willing to break their transfer record for the second time this summer to welcome the Swede.

Signing Wirtz was a statement of intent from Liverpool, but signing Isak would arguably blow that out of the water. The one weakness in Arne Slot’s side last season came in the No.9 role and the Newcastle star stood out as the Reds’ dream target to solve that problem. Now, in the mood to spend, he could arrive.

He's better than Ekitike: Liverpool chasing "monster" £60m Isak alternative

Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

That said, it almost goes without saying that it will be a complicated deal and Newcastle’s stance remains a difficult one to change. So it comes as no surprise that Isak isn’t the only name on Liverpool’s radar, with an approach also made towards Frankfurt star Ekitike, who is wanted by Newcastle themselves.

Alongside the widely reported two targets, Liverpool have also set their sights on a Premier League rival who previously dominated Van Dijk.

Liverpool make contact to sign Watkins

As reported by The Daily Mail, Liverpool have now initiated contact to sign Ollie Watkins. Those at Anfield reportedly contacted the Villans to discover details over how much a deal for the forward would cost this summer amid their PSR problems in the Midlands. Whether that means a cut-price deal can be formed remains to be seen, but there’s little doubt that Watkins would be an excellent addition.

Appearances

10

Goals

6

Assists

2

With six goals in 10 appearances against Liverpool, including a hat-trick against Van Dijk and his teammates in a stunning 7-2 thrashing in 2020/21, the Reds know more about Watkins’ quality than they’ll care to admit. Alas, five years on from that thrashing and he could at last become a teammate rather than a thorn in their side.

Villa boss Unai Emery won’t be keen to lose his star striker, and those around Villa Park will likely share that stance. The Spaniard, full of praise for Watkins during his 17-goal haul last season, told reporters: “He’s amazing. Because he’s a really hard worker and his commitment to work every day is amazing.

“When he is scoring goals, it’s the main objective he can have. Where he is assisting as well, he’s contributing to help the team. But even when he’s not doing both, he’s working for the team.”

Watkins’ 16 top flight goals last season was actually one more than Ekitike’s 15 in the Bundesliga, and given the difference in quality between the two leagues he could provide more guaranteed end product.

West Brom are showing an interest in completing the loan signing of a “sublime” Premier League player this summer, according to a new update.

West Brom eye signings ahead of Mason's first season

The Baggies will once again be among the favourites to seal a top six finish in the Championship next season, as is so often the case, with new manager Ryan Mason admitting he is excited about getting started at The Hawthorns.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion. This is a huge club with a fantastic infrastructure and an incredible fan base and I am excited about what we can achieve together. Having spoken at length to the board and those at the club I am convinced that Albion is the perfect place for me to be and I can’t wait to get started. I will bring with me a huge amount of enthusiasm, dedication and ambition and look forward to a positive future together at such a fantastic club.”

Mason will know that some new signings will be needed this summer, though, in order to aid West Brom’s promotion push, with Rangers forward Tom Lawrence mentioned as an experienced option who has proven himself in the past in the Championship.

Nottingham Forest left-back Harry Toffolo has also emerged as a rumoured option for West Brom, following his departure from the City Ground, with the Englishman set to be a free agent. Now, another name has been thrown into the hat for the Baggies.

West Brom want to sign "sublime" Premier League ace

According to a new update from The Express & Star, West Brom are considering the loan signing of Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks in the summer window, having joined them for £11.5m seven years ago.

The report states that a lack of regular starts for the Cherries last season means that “a departure from the Vitality Stadium, if only on a short-term basis, is considered a possibility this summer.”

Brooks, who scored for Southampton at The Hawthorns in a 2-0 win last year, could be a brilliant addition for West Brom, even if it’s just on loan, with the 27-year-old a gifted footballer who has been highly-rated for years, being lauded by Eddie Howe back in 2018:

“He has played ever so well for us, he has got a creative flair, non-stop energy and he took his goals really well today. He is a player that can do a little bit of everything, he is very good offensively, is creative, turns well with the ball and is very intelligent. His first goal was sublime and his second was very clever because he was running at an angle and just directed it backwards behind him which was really impressive.”

Appearances

29

Starts

9

Minutes played

952

Goals

2

Assists

0

Shots per game

0.9

Key passes per game

0.7

Pass completion rate

82.2%

The fact that Brooks is struggling to be a key starter for Bournemouth means that a temporary move away could appeal to him, and he has the technical quality to be an influential performer for West Brom, helping inspire them to a return to the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in the Champions League next season and riding high off their Europa League triumph in Bilbao last month, with new head coach Thomas Frank now preparing to build upon their fantastic end to 2024/2025.

The Dane is tasked with picking up where Ange Postecoglou left off, and he stands to inherit an awkward dressing room atmosphere considering just how popular his predecessor was with the Spurs squad.

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James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray were among the players who spoke out in support of Postecoglou, but that wasn’t enough to convince chairman Daniel Levy not to part ways with the 59-year-old who ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites cited their torrid domestic form as the main reason behind Postecoglou’s dismissal, and it is hard to argue with a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats which handed them a lowly 17th-placed finish in the table.

Frank must now win over the members of his new team in quick fashion, and it is very likely that the former Brentford favourite will bring in new players of his own.

Right now, Spurs are being repeatedly linked with a vast array of wingers, including the likes of West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Man City star Jack Grealish, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.

However, while the signing of another wide forward could be imperative, especially given Son Heung-min’s potential exit to Saudi Arabia, it is also believed that the north Londoners are keen to strengthen at centre-half again.

Tottenham were seriously hamstrung by repeated injuries to their backline last term, with Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso and Cristian Romero all sidelined for extended periods, which even required teenage midfielder Gray to provide cover at one point.

The 19-year-old filled in excellently, and you’d think the arrival of Danso in January would negate the need for another body in that area. However, Romero could well leave Spurs for Atletico Madrid, so Frank would need a replacement for the Argentine.

Tottenham preparing bid for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni

As per CaughtOffside, towering Parma defender Giovanni Leoni is now on their radar as a possible new defensive addition.

The Italian has been called a “rising star” by sources within the industry, as quoted by this report, and the young 6-foot-5 colossus is a man in demand. Antonio Conte’s Serie A champions Napoli, Inter Milan and AC Milan are all expressing Serie A interest, while Bournemouth and Wolves are believed to be keen on tempting Leoni with a move to England.

Tottenham are even understood to be preparing a £21m bid for Leoni, but this won’t be enough as Parma demand closer to £30 million at least. The teenager was a regular in the top flight last season, and Parma are aware that they have a real talent on their hands, even if the right offer could put them under some pressure to sell.

Serie A has been a fruitful pool of talent for Levy in recent years, so this could be one to watch over the coming weeks, if Spurs decide to go in with a bigger bid.

With Steven Gerrard potentially on his way back to the club, Rangers could now reportedly bring an experienced star to Ibrox this summer in a surprising new role at the club.

Rangers' manager update

With the season now over, the Gers have instantly turned their attention towards finding their next permanent manager. It’s a decision that those at Ibrox must get right as the 49ers look to make an instant statement in Scotland. Just who will take to the hot seat next is the unanswered question. So far, a range of names have been linked with the role with Davide Ancelotti and Gerrard particularly standing out.

According to recent reports, Gerrard could return to Ibrox for the first time since leaving them for the chance to take charge of Aston Villa in 2021 in what may receive a mixed reaction. The Liverpool legend would certainly need to get off to a strong start back in Scotland in an attempt to get any frustrated fans back onside four years on from his departure.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti is also an interesting candidate. The assistant manager to his father, the legendary Carlo Ancelotti, for much of his career, he could now choose to break away and commence his own managerial spell.

Igniting reports, his father has chosen not to take Ancelotti to the Brazil national team with him, claiming that his son is in talks with a European club. The former Real Madrid manager told reporters: “Davide is currently in negotiations with a European team. I don’t think it’s right for him to come with me. If he goes to a club, I wish him the best. And if not, he can come back to us at any time.”

Whether that European club is Rangers remains to be seen, but Ancelotti is certainly one to watch alongside Gerrard.

Gerrard could bring Henderson with him to Rangers

If it is to be Gerrard, then he could bring a Premier League-winning captain with him to Ibrox. According to reports from the Netherlands, as relayed by The Daily Record, Rangers and Gerrard are now interested in signing Jordan Henderson from Ajax this summer in an unexpected coaching role, with the former Liverpool midfielder reportedly open to a new adventure.

It’s been a tough few years for Henderson on the pitch. His decision to leave Liverpool to join Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq side in 2023 was ultimately one that he came to regret. Meanwhile, his time at Ajax has since been mixed and he could be on his way out of the Dutch giants just 18 months after arriving. From being a Premier League-winning captain at Anfield, Henderson is at a major career crossroads.

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If anyone knows about the midfielder’s quality too, it is Gerrard. The Anfield hero played together with Henderson, currently on a base salary of £75,000-a-week, at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield for a number of years and shared high praise for his former teammate back in 2019 – telling reporters: “Some people don’t see the stuff behind the scenes, the gym work, the way he eats, but he is an incredible role model.

“He is selfless. He puts himself at the back of the queue because he looks after everyone else first. He puts Jordan Henderson last.”

Manchester United are enjoying a climactic end to the campaign and may already have made progress in pursuit of one high-profile summer target, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Manchester United put one foot in Europa League final

In what has been a strange campaign for the Red Devils, they have little to play for in the Premier League bar pride as their domestic season slowly peters out under Ruben Amorim. However, United appear nailed on to feature in the Europa League final later this month after a heroic 3-0 victory away to Athletic Club on Thursday evening.

Despite facing the wrath of a raucous home crowd, Casemiro’s header and a double from Bruno Fernandes kept the Red Devils’ hopes of securing a backdoor route to the Champions League alive, which is bound to be advantageous in soliciting summer transfer business.

Reports suggest that Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is a legitimate Manchester United target despite the fact it may cost upwards of £85 million to bring the Brazil international to Old Trafford.

Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha could join the Europa League semi-finalists from Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively. Still, Viktor Gyokeres is another target firmly in the sights of Amorim.

Man Utd ahead of Barcelona in race to sign £4.2m sensation alongside Biyik

The club are doing some sensible long-term planning.

ByHenry Jackson May 2, 2025

Truthfully, the outcome of Manchester United’s exploits in Europe will determine their scope of doing business. If they fail to claim silverware on the continent, there will be a scaled-back approach to dealings in light of the financial reality at the global giants.

Nevertheless, not every signing needs to cost millions, which is a philosophy Amorim seems to have taken into account after his side initiated talks with a defender who would strengthen their experienced backline.

Manchester United hold talks over move for Jonathan Tah

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have held talks over a free transfer move for Jonathan Tah as his contract at Bayer Leverkusen nears expiration.

Discussions with his management have occurred, while Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid remain in pursuit of the 35-cap Germany international.

Enjoying a fine campaign at Bayer Leverkusen, the central defender has registered three goals and a solitary assist in 30 appearances across all competitions.

Dominant at the back, Tah has won 91 duels and made 146 recoveries on Bundesliga duty as his side look to secure a runners-up spot behind league leaders Bayern Munich.

Inexpensive deals that can provide high pedigree could be the way forward for Manchester United, who are still yet to determine whether they will have a sizeable amount to invest in their squad this summer.

Liverpool are nearing the end of a terrific season under Arne Slot and could now pounce in an exciting summer transfer deal, according to reports.

Liverpool set for an exciting summer transfer window

Last week, news of Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal at Liverpool brought a feeling of jubilation to supporters ahead of their inevitable Premier League title triumph.

The Reds could be crowned champions this weekend if Arsenal lose at Ipswich Town and they defeat Leicester City. This would likely excite the general public about the possibility of talented summer arrivals at Anfield.

Looking to make a statement, Liverpool could strike to bring in Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman and his current employers could be open to selling him, per Christian Falk.

Furthermore, RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba is on Slot’s wishlist following a scouting mission involving the 22-year-old alongside his teammates Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko.

Arne Slot is aware that change could be afoot upon the red half of Merseyside. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is up in the air with his contract set to expire, while clubs in Saudi Arabia are keeping tabs on Luis Diaz as his deal ticks into its final two years.

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Several of Liverpool’s title competitors simply haven’t been able to keep pace this term. Come the window, many will have designs on bringing in new talent to avoid a repeat scenario next time out.

FSG have gained a mixed reception among supporters, creating a feeling that this summer may be the time to go big in their quest to keep the Reds at the top of the English pyramid for years to come. Heeding that warning, Slot and company are now planning a swoop for a Premier League star that could make headlines across the country.

Liverpool line up sizeable Kaoru Mitoma deal

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are in the mix to sign Brighton & Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma and the Seagulls are said to be open to selling the Japan international once the window finally opens.

Fabian Hurzeler is set to demand £80 million for the 27-year-old, who may also attract further interest from Al Nassr following their failed attempts to secure his services in January.

Kaoru Mitoma’s key statistics in 2024/25 – Premier League

Completed dribbles

48

Chances created

35

Shots on target

23

Touches in opposition penalty area

156

Goals

7

Assists

3

Labelled a “special talent” by boss Hurzeler, the tricky winger has registered eight strikes and three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions as the Seagulls look to seal continental qualification.

Financially, Mitoma would cost a pretty penny to bring to Liverpool, but having a ready-made replacement for Diaz in the event the Colombia international does move on would be a wise move for all concerned.

In a summer where the Reds are set to be one of the most appealing potential destinations for players on the market, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Oita-born man join up on Merseyside.

While most fans dislike the international break, it was probably a welcome distraction for the Ipswich Town faithful.

Kieran McKenna’s side have played some great football at points this season but have lost their last five games in all competitions and sit in 18th place in the Premier League with just 17 points to their name.

Yet, while it’ll be a Herculean task, there is still a faint chance that the Tractor Boys could overturn the nine-point advantage Wolverhampton Wanderers have over them in 17th.

Premier League

Palace

1-0 (Loss)

Premier League

Forest

4-2 (Loss)

FA Cup

Forest

1-1 (5-4 Loss on Pens)

Premier League

Man Utd

3-2 (Loss)

Premier League

Spurs

4-1 (Loss)

However, to do that, McKenna’s men need to start picking up wins, including tonight away at Bournemouth. To give his side the best chance of doing so, he should unleash Ipswich’s answer to Milos Kerkez.

Ipswich's record vs Bournemouth

Since their first encounter in September 1936, Ipswich have played Bournemouth 39 times in all competitions, winning 14, drawing 13, and losing 12.

However, while their overall record against the Cherries makes for sweet reading, the Tractor Boys have not fared so well in recent encounters.

In fact, four of their last five matches have ended in a draw, with their most recent being an away win for the south coast side earlier this season.

It was a particularly painful result for the hosts. A 21st-minute goal from Conor Chaplain gave them the lead, which they held onto until Enes Unal came off the bench to score an equaliser in the 87th minute and snatch away the chance for a first home win of the season.

Then, as if that wasn’t demoralising enough, another substitute, Dango Ouattara, ended up scoring the winner in the 95th minute.

Chalkboard

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

So, it would probably be fair to say that the Blues will be out for revenge tonight, and to make sure his side have the best chance of getting it, McKenna should unleash his answer to Kerkez.

Ipswich's answer to Kerkez

There are a few dangermen that Ipswich have to be aware of tonight, including the obvious, like Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, and Evanilson. On top of that, Kerkez is also someone who can’t be allowed to roam freely.

The Hungarian left-back has been one of the most exciting full-backs in the Premier League this season, racking up a tally of two goals and six assists in 29 games, which has been enough to catch the eye of top sides like Liverpool.

However, while the 21-year-old is undoubtedly someone the team will have to monitor at all times, McKenna has his own version of the ace he can unleash in Leif Davis.

The former Leeds United ace might not be getting the same level of attention from other clubs and fans, but over the last few years, he has proven himself to be a sensational attacking full-back.

For example, since moving to Portman Road, the incredible “animal,” as former manager Scott Parker dubbed him, has racked up a brilliant haul of six goals and 38 assists in 118 appearances, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.68 games.

Appearances

46

44

28

Goals

3

2

1

Assists

14

21

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.52

0.14

Moreover, despite playing in a newly promoted team, he’s scored one goal and provided three assists in 28 games this term, which is seriously good going.

Finally, in addition to his output, the £25k-per-week ace has some impressive underlying numbers as well, with FBref placing him in the top 4% of full-backs in the Premier League for key passes, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for crosses, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Ipswich are undoubtedly going into this game as big underdogs, but with talents like Davis in the side, there is every chance they can snatch all three points and kickstart their great escape.

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Carey made a brilliant 74 in just his second match back since being dropped from the ODI side and his first match at Headingley since the hostile 2023 Ashes

Andrew McGlashan22-Sep-2024It was probably no surprise that the Headingley crowd noted Alex Carey’s arrival at the crease with a reception not dissimilar to last year, although they kept their shoes on this time.Fourteen months ago Carey arrived in Leeds as public enemy No. 1 after his (perfectly legal) part in Jonny Bairstow’s stumping at Lord’s. It was a difficult match for Carey who fell for 8 and 5; team-mates have since revealed their concern for him at the time, while Carey has spoken of the vital role his family played and also his anger that they were drawn into the abuse.”Look, it’s never nice hearing things spoken about yourself, but more importantly [I had an issue with] the personal attacks on my family,” he recently told the . “It was unwarranted and disappointing to see that.”A mid-September ODI provided much lower stakes than the heat of one of the most hotly contested Ashes series in recent memory, but Carey came away the winner in every sense on Saturday having played the defining hand in Australia’s 68-run win.Related

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“I was aware of it [the crowd] but it’s business as usual,” Carey said after being named Player of the Match. “As soon as you get into your routine you block out as much as you can and you start to get into your innings. I think [for] most batters, a lot of that noise disappears and you are quite focused, and that’s the position I like to get into. It’s one of those things, isn’t it. I think Smudge [Smith] gets it all the time, I was prepared to get it today. It happened. So fair play.”Carey forged a last-wicket stand of 49 with Josh Hazlewood which changed the complexion of the game, finishing with 74 off 67 balls in his first innings since the Test series against New Zealand in March – which, coincidently, finished with him playing a matchwinning hand with 98 not out in Christchurch. He had spent time with Los Angeles Knight Riders in MLC in July but didn’t get a game.

“I’ve sat on the bench the last little period for the Australian team in ODIs and it’s nice to get back out. An opportunity popped up; who knows how long I’ll last but it’s been great fun.”Alex Carey

And this was a match he wasn’t expected to be playing. Carey lost his ODI spot after one game of last year’s World Cup in India when Josh Inglis replaced him. Inglis is viewed as a key part of Australia’s white-ball future but picked up a quad injury in the second T20I against England and has sat out the start of the ODIs, creating the opportunity for Carey.Carey walked in on the back of Marnus Labuschagne’s wicket and soon saw Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell depart to leave Australia 161 for 6. He added a lively 55 with Aaron Hardie before three more quick wickets had the visitors 221 for 9 in the 37th over. Carey was on 32 off 29 balls and looking likely to be stranded. But he marshalled things superbly alongside Hazlewood, turning down singles until late in the over and picking his moments to find the boundary.”[It’s] probably the longest break I’ve had since I’ve played professional cricket and to spend that time with the family, two young kids, it brings a lot of energy back to you,” he said. “I’ve had a fair bit of time just to bat in the nets and I haven’t done that for a while. To get back into the game scenario is great. Although it’s been close to six months it doesn’t feel that long. Once you get out there and the competitive juices come back it feels like just the other day.”The situation required a bit of batting for a while and then the way Hoff stuck around, he does a great job at doing that.”Marsh felt Australia had been a little short with 270 but was delighted with how the team fought. “It really goes to show those little partnerships towards the back end with your tailenders are vitally important in days like today,” he said. “A real credit to Kez [Carey] coming back in and Hoff hanging around for a beautiful four not out.”Carey added to his impressive outing with a slick leg-side catch, diving full length to his left, that removed Liam Livingstone and left Hardie on a hat-trick. “Not a nice way to get out, but nice to be the keeper when you hold onto them,” he said.A few minutes earlier at the post-match presentation Carey was asked about potentially just keeping Inglis’ seat warm. “He’s a great young player, he showed that in T20 series’ earlier this tour,” he said. “I’ve sat on the bench the last little period for the Australian team in ODIs and it’s nice to get back out. An opportunity popped up; who knows how long I’ll last but it’s been great fun.”Probably a bit more fun than his last visit to Headingley.

Bowling coach tight-lipped on whether tourists will stick with two spinners at The Oval

Firdose Moonda04-Sep-2022Some golf was played, but only some, and no serious injuries were sustained during South Africa’s week off between the second and third Tests. Mostly, their break was about chilling hard as they approach the end of what bowling coach Charl Langeveldt called a “long tour for both the coaches and the players”, which has ebbed and flowed in extremes.The teams have matched each other almost blow-for-blow in results (one ODI apiece, one T20I apiece before South Africa clinched the series, one Test win by an innings apiece), personnel issues (Rassie van der Dussen will miss the third Test and see a finger specialist while Jonny Bairstow will be missing, too, off to see an ankle specialist) and playing styles (with the accepted narrative that their bowling attacks are similarly strong but England’s middle-order is ahead of South Africa’s) and there’s one fixture left to separate them. For Langeveldt, South Africa’s task is simple, though “easier said than done”: runs on the board and wickets in the bag.”If you don’t score enough, you’re not going to win Test matches. That’s the bottom line,” he said, repeating captain Dean Elgar’s assessment of where the Old Trafford Test went wrong. “And with the bowling, we had good spells but I felt we hadn’t got enough balls to put pressure from both ends. Sometimes we just have two soft balls, we release the pressure and that’s it. If we can touch up with that, we can restrict them, bowl them out cheaply and then bowl them out again. It’s easier said than done.”Related

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South Africa lie low to lick wounds in wake of Old Trafford defeat

'Freak' injury puts Bairstow out of third Test and T20 World Cup

Langeveldt can’t speak for South Africa’s batting except to say that he believes it’s “improved” recently and it only needs to be able to do just enough to give the bowlers something to work with. Anything, really, because Langeveldt is bullish about their abilities and their resolve to get even better. “When we’ve got runs on the board, we’ve got the bowling attack to put them under pressure. We’ve got a saying – 18 consecutive dot balls gets us a wicket,” Langeveldt said.That’s more of an ideal than a mantra at the moment, because South Africa have not bowled 18 successive score-less balls in the Test series so far. Their longest string is 15, in the first innings of the second Test, and that didn’t result in a wicket. The most number of dot balls they’ve bowled before taking a wicket is seven, and it came before Marco Jansen dismissed James Anderson to conclude the first Test.But Langeveldt had a broader point about closing down scoring opportunities and creating pressure. “It’s no use if one guy is bowling well from one end and we are leaking soft boundaries – not a lot of boundaries – but sometimes, we release the pressure and we need to touch up on that. If you get 18 balls in a good area, you ask good questions and you’ll get a wicket.”South Africa have conceded a boundary almost every two-and-half-overs (15.5 balls) in this series, compared to England’s boundary every three-and-half-overs (20.9 overs). That allows batters a release. When they’re able to plug that, they take wickets. Of the 30 England wickets to fall in the series so far, 13 came after a period of at least two boundary-less overs.Charl Langeveldt talks with Glenton Stuurman•Getty ImagesThe bowler chiefly responsible for that is Lungi Ngidi, who has taken on a new role of controlling the innings. Ngidi has the lowest economy rate among the South Africa bowlers – 2.93 – and has conceded the fewest boundaries among the seamers – 10 in 180 balls (or a boundary every 18 balls, as luck would have it). He does most of it at speeds of 140kph, with the slower-ball variation as a trump card.”Lungi has impressed me. His pace has been up. He has worked hard,” Langeveldt said. “He went to the IPL and I said just work on your fitness and work on just getting your action repeatable. He has also developed the slower ball and spent a lot of time with Dwayne Bravo and then there are other things that we have been working on – to get the wide yorker, the straight yorker and slower-ball bouncer right. But his slower ball has come a long way and people really struggle to pick it up.”Ngidi’s development as a bowler saw him preferred over Jansen for the second Test, where South Africa fielded two specialist spinners in anticipation of a surface which would take turn in the last two days. The match did not last long enough to see if their selection was justified and it’s too early to tell if they will go the same way the The Oval. While Langeveldt called it the “best English summer ever” because of how hot and dry it has been, four days before the third Test the pitch wore a healthy covering of green grass and with rain forecast in the lead-up to the match, a return to four quicks might be more likely.All of them, along with van der Dussen’s replacement in the squad, Wiaan Mulder, were training at full tilt on Sunday, South Africa’s second day back at work after their break. They returned to the nets on Saturday at London School of Economics grounds in New Malden but plan to lie low on Monday before final preparations begin on Tuesday. That’s also when England will regroup after 10 days apart and some golf. The decider awaits.With stats inputs from Shiva Jayaraman