Cristiano Jr followed in his father Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps by scoring his first-ever goal for Portugal U16s with a clinical finish in the coastal Turkish city of Antalya. The 15-year-old son of one of football’s greatest icons opened the scoring in Portugal’s 3-0 triumph over Wales.

A legacy awakened in Antalya

Portugal’s Under-16 side are enjoying a rich vein of form, claiming their second straight win of the Federations Cup tournament following a 2-0 victory over Turkey in their opener. In the 42nd minute, Carlos Moita slipped in a perfect ball, and young Cristiano, showing the poise and precision that runs in the family, fired a low right-footed strike into the far corner. Rafael Cabral doubled the lead in the 65th minute, before sealing the result with a second goal deep into injury time. But all eyes were on the young man affectionately called Cristianinho. After years of being seen as “Cristiano Ronaldo’s son,” he’s now beginning to carve out his own reputation. 

AdvertisementWatch the clipA football journey across continents

The young forward’s football education has been as global as his father’s career. Having spent time in the youth academies of Real Madrid and Juventus, Cristiano Jr. is now part of Al-Nassr’s academy setup in Saudi Arabia, where his father continues to shine in the Saudi Pro League. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has always spoken openly about his son’s footballing potential. But he’s also been careful to balance praise with perspective.

"He’s very competitive, like me when I was young, and he doesn’t like to lose," he said. "I don’t make big pressure; I make a little. He already has pressure being the son of Cristiano. Let him make his own mistakes, but I hope that in the future he can become a professional player."

Earlier this year, he dazzled for Portugal’s Under-15s at the Vlatko Markovic Tournament in Croatia, scoring twice in the final to lead his team to a 3-2 win over the hosts. It is a tough job growing up as the son of Ronaldo. Every touch, every goal, especially every miss, will inevitably be compared to his father’s glittering career. The elder Ronaldo’s legacy on the international stage is simply staggering, as he has scored 143 goals in 225 appearances for Portugal, the most in history. He guided Portugal to their maiden European Championship triumph in 2016 and to two subsequent UEFA Nations League crowns in 2019 and 2025. For Ronaldo Jr., the challenge isn’t to replicate that record but to forge his own. Yet, if Saturday’s goal was any indication, he’s walking that path with remarkable confidence.

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AFPRonaldo continues to shine in Saudi Arabia

While his son was making headlines in Turkey, Ronaldo Sr. was busy writing another chapter of his own story in Saudi Arabia. The 40-year-old once again came to Al-Nassr’s rescue, scoring twice, including a last-minute penalty, to secure a 2-1 comeback win over Al-Feiha. It was a fitting parallel as father and son both found the net for club and country within hours of each other. Whereas, next up for Portugal’s U-16s is a clash with England on November 4.

Celtic supporters were hit with some earth-shattering news on Monday night when it was confirmed that Brendan Rodgers had tendered his resignation at Parkhead.

The Northern Irish head coach, who was in his second spell as the club’s manager, decided to move on from Glasgow after a 3-1 defeat to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

That result left the Premiership champions eight points behind Hearts in the table, and the next manager will have to attempt to close that gap to avoid missing out on the title.

Martin O’Neill has been brought in as an interim manager, despite backing Hearts to win the title as a pundit at the start of the week, and will be in charge against Falkirk this evening.

Whilst O’Neill leads the club in the short-term, the board will be scouring the globe in search of a manager who can be an upgrade on Brendan Rodgers.

Why Celtic need an upgrade on Brendan Rodgers

The Northern Irish boss had great success during his time with the Hoops, which cannot be doubted, as his record at the club is an impressive one.

As you can see in the graphic above, the former Liverpool manager won four trophies in his two full seasons back at Parkhead in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns, with two Premiership titles, an SFA Cup, and a League Cup.

However, whether it was entirely down to his coaching or down to the recruitment done by the club, the football on the pitch seemed to become stale this season.

There were flashes of real quality from Celtic as a team, such as the 2-1 win over Sturm Graz last week in the Europa League, but there were too many poor performances around that.

For example, the Hoops lost their last two Premiership games under Rodgers and failed to score a single goal in six of their 16 matches in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

Matches managed

50

57

16

Goals scored

121

167

25

Goals scored per game

2.42

2.92

1.56

Points per game

2.24

2.26

1.78

Games without a goal scored

8

5

6

Games per goalless performance

6.25

11.4

2.66

As you can see in the table above, the team’s attacking play took a huge hit this season under the former Leicester boss, which is something that the next manager will have to address.

The Scottish giants need to find a new head coach who can come in and ignite the team’s attacking play to get the season back on track, and get the fans at Parkhead excited to watch their side play football.

Celtic have title-winning boss on their radar

Plenty of names have already been linked with the vacant post at Parkhead, including Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and former Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou.

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According to the Daily Record, though, Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen is one of the names on the club’s radar as they search for a replacement for Brendan Rodgers.

The report claims that the Norwegian boss is ‘back on the Celtic radar’ after the Northern Irishman’s resignation, adding that he has been ‘constantly touted’ with the Hoops job in recent years.

It notes that Knutsen’s contract with Bodo/Glimt is due to expire at the end of the calendar year, which means that the Scottish giants may have the perfect opening to make a move for him.

However, the Daily Record does not reveal whether or not the 4-3-3 head coach would be interested in making the move to Parkhead after a long spell with his current side in his home country.

Why Celtic should push to appoint Kjetil Knutsen

The Celtic board should push to convince Knutsen to replace Rodgers in the dugout in Glasgow because he could arrive as a big upgrade on the former Liverpool manager.

As aforementioned, possibly the biggest problem Rodgers had with the Hoops this season was coaching them to be an effective and ruthless attacking unit, as there have been far too many goalless performances so far this term.

That may not be an issue with the way that Knutsen sets his team up. Former captain Bodo/Glimt Ulrik Saltnes described his playing style as “kamikaze”, which suggests that it is an all-action and exciting brand of football.

Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, per Transfermarkt, Bodo/Glimt have only failed to score in seven of their 103 matches in all competitions, which speaks to how prolific they are, given that Celtic have failed to score in six of their 16 games this term.

2025

26

70

2024

30

71

2023

30

78

2022

30

86

2021

30

59

2020

30

103

2019

30

64

As you can see in the table above, Knutsen knows how to set a team up to consistently score goals at league level, whilst competing for titles.

Per Transfermarkt, the Norwegian head coach has won four of the last five Eliteserien titles, and his team are currently one point off first place with a game in hand, with four matches left to play, in the 2025 campaign.

Knutsen, as highlighted in the post above, likes to play progressive football with an emphasis on wing play, which would come as music to Sebastian Tounekti’s ears.

The Tunisia international has completed 2.0 dribbles per game on average in the Premiership, per Sofascore, and could thrive under a manager who makes wing play a significant part of his attacking structure.

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Overall, Knutsen could arrive as an upgrade on Rodgers because of his history of coaching a consistent and lethal attack, whilst also winning titles, so he could come in and solve the team’s main issue this season, which has been scoring goals consistently.

Shea Lacey has been “tearing it up” in Manchester United training, leaving Ruben Amorim impressed, following a behind-the-scenes change from the manager.

Amorim has been blending youth with experience in his starting XI so far this season, with the likes of Amad Diallo and Leny Yoro emerging as regular starters, alongside Casemiro, and the Brazilian midfielder has enjoyed a resurgence.

At the moment, the manager seems to have found the right balance, as United have won three games on the spin in the Premier League, and their summer signings have been particularly impressive, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring a brace against Brighton & Hove Albion last time out.

Given that Matheus Cunha is also now off the mark, it may be difficult for any other forwards to force their way into starting contention, but a youngster has started impressing in first-team training…

Lacey impressing Amorim in Man Utd training

As reported by GiveMeSport, Amorim has made a behind-the-scenes change by introducing more and more youth players to first-team training, with the manager eager to restore the link between the academy and the senior squad.

The 40-year-old wants youngsters to start pushing for places in the first team, and Lacey, an 18-year-old winger, has been impressing staff and teammates, with one source saying: “He’s been tearing it up – fearless, creative, and always looking to make something happen. He’s really caught the eye.”

Amorim has personally taken notice of the starlet, and there is a feeling he could be introduced to the match-day squad before the end of the campaign if he maintains his current standard.

Bringing through youth players is in United’s DNA, with the ‘Class of 92’ famously going on to play a major role in Man United’s dominance of English football during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

As such, it is always good to see youngsters progress through the ranks, and the Liverpool-born winger is held in high regard by scout Jacek Kulig, who singled the Englishman out for praise after his debut for the Three Lions U17 side.

Not only has Lacey impressed in first-team training, but he is also off to a flying start in the Premier League 2 this season, picking up two goals and an assist in his opening four games.

With Mbeumo and Cunha impressing, the England U20 international may find it tricky to get into the starting XI in the Premier League, but it would be good to see him get a run out in the FA Cup later this season.

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With the pressure increasing on Chris Davies, Birmingham City chief Tom Wagner has flown in and will attend the Blues’ next game against Wrexham on Friday.

Davies admits "relief" after Sheffield Wednesday draw

After an impressive summer transfer window saw Birmingham welcome the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Demarai Gray, many expected them to be fighting for a place in the top six or perhaps even more in the Championship. So far, however, they’ve been sent plummeting back down to reality in ruthless fashion and sit routed to the middle of the pack.

On a run of one win in their last six games in all competitions, the pressure is increasing on Davies and he couldn’t help but admit the “relief” in his side’s dressing room after rescuing a late point against Sheffield Wednesday.

The manager is under unique pressure at a newly-promoted side after Birmingham’s summer spending and with Wagner set to attend the Wrexham game, a timeline for how long he might have left at the held has been reported.

When Birmingham could sack Chris Davies

As reported by Football Insider, Davies is under scrutiny at Birmingham, who will relieve him of his duties if they lose confidence that he can take them to the Premier League. Despite his achievements at St Andrew’s, Wagner and the rest of the Blues’ hierarchy would repeatedly not hesitate to make the decision if they deemed it necessary in the quest for promotion.

Games

8

Wins

3

Draws

2

Losses

3

Three wins in eight games is hardly a record worthy of the Premier League but a lot could still change. Davies is still waiting for the likes of Kyogo to come good. The former Celtic star is certainly talented enough to be among the Championship’s best, yet has so far scored just once in 10 games in all competitions.

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It must also be noted that Birmingham are asking Davies to do something that only Ipswich Town and four others have done in EFL history by achieving back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. Whether Wagner and co. take that into account when watching this Friday’s Wrexham clash remains to be seen, however.

Leeds United are now lining up a January move for Brentford’s Fabio Carvalho, amid concerns about their lack of attacking threat.

After picking up just one point from their previous three Premier League games, Leeds picked up an important three points against a struggling West Ham United side last time out, meaning they are now six points clear of the relegation zone.

Survival will undoubtedly be Daniel Farke’s main goal this season, and the manager clearly thought bolstering his frontline was important when it comes to strengthening his side’s chances of avoiding the drop, bringing in the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the summer.

However, it was the Championship promotion-winning duo of Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon that provided the goals against West Ham, with Calvert-Lewin failing to provide any sort of threat, recording an xG of just 0.1.

Nmecha hasn’t exactly been prolific since his arrival either, failing to score since converting a penalty against Everton on the opening day, and the Whites have now joined the race to sign a new forward.

Leeds lining up January move for Carvalho

According to a report from MOT Leeds News, there are concerns about the lack of attacking threat Leeds have posed this season, meaning they are keen to strengthen their forward line in January, and they are now lining up a loan approach for Brentford’s Carvalho.

The board are considering several new attacking signings, including a striker, but they are also keen to inject some more creativity into the squad, meaning the Whites are now prepared to battle it out with Bundesliga clubs for the Brentford forward’s signature.

The 23-year-old has found game time difficult to come by this season, but there is a feeling he could be ideal for Farke, given his ability to play in a number of positions, with the German a fan of versatile players.

The Portuguese attacker is capable of playing on both wings, in the number 10 role and even at centre-forward, with his attacking quality regularly on display during a loan spell at Fulham, picking up ten goals and eight assists in the Championship during the 2021-22 campaign.

The former Hull City loanee also impressed with the Tigers, scoring nine Championship goals in the 2023-24 season, during which time he was lauded as “fantastic” by Fabrizio Romano.

That said, there may be some concerns about the fact the four-time Portugal U21 international is yet to establish himself as a key player for Brentford, despite scoring a dramatic late equaliser against Chelsea back in September.

Carvalho is yet to make a name for himself in the top flight, but he would still be a low-risk signing for Leeds, given that they are aiming to get a loan deal done this January.

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This could salvage his 2026 World Cup chances.

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يستعد فريق برشلونة، بقيادة المدرب هانز فليك، لخوض مباراته في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، مساء يوم الأحد، وذلك ضد خصمه سيلتا فيجو.

ويستضيف ملعب “بالايدوس” مباراة برشلونة وسيلتا فيجو، في خضم منافسات الجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2025/26.

ويمتلك برشلونة 25 نقطة حيث يحتل حاليًا المركز الثالث، في حين أن سيلتا فيجو لديه 13 نقطة حيث يحتل المركز الثالث عشر في الوقت الحالي.

ويأمل برشلونة تحقيق الفوز على سيلتا فيجو من أجل تحقيق دفعة إيجابية قبل الدخول في فترة التوقف الدولي لشهر نوفمبر والأخيرة ذلك العام. موعد مباراة برشلونة وسيلتا فيجو اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 11 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة برشلونة وسيلتا فيجو اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة bein sport hd 1. معلق مباراة برشلونة وسيلتا فيجو اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

سيعلق علي سعيد الكعبي على أحداث مباراة الليلة.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا.

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has challenged Lucas Paqueta to lead the Hammers' revival after the FA formally closed its spot-fixing investigation into the Brazilian. Cleared of all major charges but sanctioned for non-cooperation, Paqueta is now being urged by his manager to embrace his No.10 role and help drag the Irons out of the relegation zone.

• Paqueta cleared of all wrongdoing in spot-fixing case

  Espirito Santo has set a clear target for Paqueta following the end of the Football Association’s lengthy spot-fixing investigation into the Brazilian midfielder. The 28-year-old was accused of deliberately picking up yellow cards in four Premier League games between 2022 and 2023 to manipulate betting markets, but an independent commission ruled the allegations “not proven,” after a 314-page review found no evidence of deliberate wrongdoing.

  Paqueta was instead reprimanded for failing to cooperate fully with the FA’s inquiry, a sanction the commission described as the 'mildest possible' and imposed without suspension or fine. He had provided limited answers during questioning on legal advice, which the panel accepted was due to stress and language barriers. The FA was ordered to pay 90% of the costs after the case collapsed, ending a two-year saga that also saw Paqueta’s £85 million move to Manchester City collapse.

  With the investigation finally over, the midfielder has publicly indicated he is committed to West Ham, despite reports linking him with a January exit. His social media post, a smiling picture in a Hammers shirt beside his children, came just hours after reports claimed he was pushing to leave. West Ham, who rejected summer offers from Aston Villa and Flamengo, are hoping Paqueta’s clearance will now spark a turnaround in form as they sit 19th in the Premier League table.

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  Espirito Santo set plans for Paqueta as West Ham continue to struggle

  Espirito Santo, speaking ahead of West Ham’s clash with Newcastle, admitted the off-field noise had affected Paqueta’s performances but insisted the Brazilian remains vital to the team. “The noise doesn’t help,” Nuno said. “Finally, it ends, but at the same time, there are rumours around. We have to protect ourselves and work in the best way. He’s going to play on Sunday and help his teammates.”

  The Portuguese coach revealed he had a personal chat with Paqueta about the responsibility that comes with his position. “I’ve spoken to him about many things. We need Lucas. I told him personally and the squad that being a No.10 is more than a number. It’s a symbol,” Nuno explained, underlining his belief that Paqueta must now lead by example. “That’s what we need from Lucas. We need him to help his teammates because they trust him. We know there is more to come from him, and we need him as a No.10.”

  Nuno also acknowledged the challenge ahead, particularly against Paqueta’s compatriots Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. “It’s not only going to be in midfield — there are going to be battles everywhere,” he said. “But we’re going to face one of the best midfields in the Premier League. I think during the game they won’t be friends! After the game, they (Bruno and Lucas) can be friends again!”

• Paqueta remains West Ham's best shot at redemption

  The conclusion of the FA’s investigation represents a huge personal relief for Paqueta, who has endured over two years of uncertainty that derailed his career trajectory. The former Lyon playmaker was on the brink of joining Pep Guardiola’s City in August 2023 before the allegations surfaced, forcing the eight-time Premier League champions to withdraw their £85 million offer. Since then, Paqueta has remained one of West Ham’s most consistent performers, recording three goals in ten appearances this season despite the club’s poor form.

  The midfielder’s creative output has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise dire campaign, with his vision, ball progression, and pressing helping to sustain West Ham’s attacking play. His ability to dictate tempo and find pockets between the lines remains unmatched in the squad, and Espirito Santo is banking on the Brazilian's rediscovered focus to reignite the team’s midfield engine. The new boss believes that, freed from external distractions, Paqueta can finally return to the dynamic form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after creators.

  Transfer speculation, however, refuses to fade entirely. While Aston Villa made a late approach in the summer and Flamengo remain interested in bringing their academy graduate home, West Ham have held firm. The club sees Paqueta as essential to both their Premier League survival hopes and their long-term rebuild under Nuno, who is determined to build the team around him.

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  West Ham's dreadful form could see them relegated

  Paqueta is expected to start when West Ham travel to St. James’ Park this weekend to take on Newcastle United. With the investigation settled and his manager’s full backing, Paqueta’s task is simple — deliver on the pitch and inspire a team short on confidence and consistency.

  Nuno has made clear that Paqueta’s leadership and creativity will be central to West Ham’s hopes of escaping the relegation zone. The Irons have lost seven of their first nine matches and sit four points from safety, their defence leaking 20 goals and morale at a low ebb. But with Paqueta back in focus and Nuno eager to establish discipline and clarity, the club will hope their Brazilian playmaker can transform resilience into results and begin the long climb away from the bottom three.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta sexta-feira (27), às 19h (horário de Brasília), o Ceará recebe o Sport no Castelão, em jogo válido pela 34ª rodada da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. O Vozão, em má fase, vem de cinco jogos sem vencer e se distanciou da briga pelo acesso; o Rubro-Negro, por outro lado, chega em boa batida e está cada vez mais perto da volta à elite.

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➡️ Série B: como foram os últimos jogos entre Ceará e Sport?

➡️ Gigantes nordestinos! Aposte R$100 e receba R$510 com duelo entre Ceará x Sport pela Série B

HORA DO DESESPERO
Depois de anos na primeira divisão, o Ceará acabou voltando para a Segundona e não encontrou facilidade em um retorno. Apesar de ter brigado pela subida, a equipe oscilou nos resultados e ocupa atualmente a décima primeira colocação, com 43 pontos. Nos últimos quatro jogos, a equipe comandada por Vagner Mancini acabou sendo derrotada em três oportunidades, empatando a restante. Além disso, não chegou a balançar as redes em nenhuma das partidas da sequência, tendo marcado seu último gol ainda no dia 23 de setembro, contra a Chapecoense.

PERTO DO OBJETIVO
O Sport, por outro lado, está cada vez mais próximo de voltar à elite brasileira. Passando pela dificuldade imposta pela Série B, o Rubro-Negro de Recife também oscilou e teve crises, mas empatou três e venceu dois de seus últimos cinco jogos, resultados que deixaram a equipe mais perto do acesso. São quatro pontos de diferença para o Guarani, primeiro time fora do G4. Vágner Love tem sido o principal jogador da equipe, com 11 gols marcados (vice-artilheiro geral, atrás apenas de Gustavo Coutinho, do Atlético Goianiense, com 13).

➡️ Garnacho, do Manchester United, pode ser punido pela Federação Inglesa por postagem sobre Onana

FICHA TÉCNICA
Ceará x Sport
34ª rodada – Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro

Data e horário: sexta-feira, 27 de outubro de 2023, às 19h (de Brasília)
Local: Arena Castelão, em Fortaleza (CE)
Onde assistir: SporTV e Premiere
Arbitragem: Yuri Elino Ferreira da Cruz (árbitro); Luiz Cláudio Regazone e Carlos Henrique Alves de Lima Filho (auxiliares); Alexandre de Souza Peixoto (quarto árbitro); Rodrigo Nunes de Sá e Lilian da Silva Fernandes Bruno (VAR)

PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES
CEARÁ (Técnico: Vagner Mancini)
André Luiz; Warley, Tiago Pagnussat, Lucas Ribeiro e Richardson; Léo Santos, Guilherme Castilho e Jean Carlos; Chrystian Barletta, Janderson e Nicolas

SPORT (Técnico: Enderson Moreira)
Denis; Ewerthon, Sabino, Rafael Thyere e Nathan; Fabinho, Fábio Matheus e Alan Ruiz; Negueba, Diego Souza e Vágner Love

Vaibhav Suryavanshi picked a wicket as India had England five wickets down and trailing by 310 runs

ECB Reporters Network13-Jul-2025

Rocky Flintoff fell seven runs short of a century•MB Media/Getty Images

Rocky Flintoff fell seven runs short of a century as England Under-19 fought back on day two of their Under-19 test with India at Beckenham.England were 230 for five at stumps in reply to India’s 540 all, out, trailing by 310.Flintoff was lbw to Deepesh Devendran for 93 just five minutes from the close of play and their captain Hamza Shaikh made 84. Henil Patel had India’s best bowling figures with 2 for 51.Earlier RS Ambrish hit 70 as India were dismissed for 540, with right-arm quick Alex Green claiming 3 for 74, and left-arm spinner Ralphie Albert three for 95.India were 450 for seven overnight and Ambrish reached 50 when he edged James Minto for four through the slips. He had added 20 more when he feathered Green behind.Green should have had a second wicket in the over, but Anmoljeet Singh was dropped by Archie Vaughan at second slip, the fifth drop of the innings. Anmoljeet then survived being hit on both feet and got another life when both batters ended up at the keeper’s end and England were too slow to react.Albert eventually had Henil caught on the boundary by Jaydn Denly, but only after he’d hit him for successive sixes on his way to 38 and Albert then wrapped up the innings by bowling Devendran with the final ball before lunch.Right-arm medium pacer Henil struck in the first over of England’s reply when he had Vaughan lbw for two. Denly was then dropped by Mohamed Enaan after square cutting Devendran when he was on 22, but Henil conjured a beauty that pitched on leg and hit the top of his off stump, bowling him for 27Flintoff was on 25 when he pulled Devendran straight to Kumar, who dropped a chest-high catch and he cashed in after tea when he thick-edged Enaan for four to pass 50.Shaikh then hit Anmoljeet for six over long off, but a partnership worth 154 was broken when 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi had Shaikh caught at mid-off.Ben Mayes was subsequently lbw to Vilhaan Malhotra for 11, but Thomas Rew got a life when India skipper Ayush Mhatre missed a difficult chance to catch him at slip off Anmoljeet when he was on three. The bowler had better luck in the penultimate over, when with a ton there for the taking, he trapped Flintoff lbw.

Teenager Ollie Peake made 92 for Australia A as the two-match series finished at a dull 0-0 draw

AAP23-Jul-2025Jason Sangha has given his future Test prospects a massive boost after posting an unbeaten double century for Australia A in their drawn first-class clash with Sri Lanka A in Darwin.In reply to Sri Lanka’s dominant 485 for 6 declared, Sangha posted 202 not out off 379 balls as Australia A reached a monster 558 for 4 before the game was declared a draw on the cusp of tea on day four. Only ten wickets fell across the four days, with the two-match series finishing in a dull 0-0 draw.Eighteen-year-old Oliver Peake showed he could also be part of Australia’s next generation of Test players, scoring 92 off 178 balls in just his second first-class game, and sharing a 165-run stand with Sangha. Opener Jake Weatherald (183) led the way for the hosts on Tuesday in a knock that gave his own Test hopes a boost ahead of the Ashes.But it was the Sangha show on Wednesday. The 25-year-old began the day unbeaten on 121, and the skipper continued to pile on the pain on the way to his maiden double-century in first-class cricket. Sangha’s previous highest score in first-class cricket was 151, but he blew that away on the batter-friendly deck at the Marrara Cricket Ground.Sangha’s star is well and truly on the rise. He struck an unbeaten 126 to lead South Australia to a tense four-wicket victory in last season’s Sheffield Shield final against Queensland, helping his side break a 29-year title drought.Sangha averaged 78.20 across six Shield games last season, and he looms as part of generation next for the Australian Test team, having scored three centuries in his last five first-class innings. Peake put his name in that mix as well, falling just eight runs short of a maiden first-class century, having only made his first-class debut for Victoria in March. Peake’s 92 came after he scored an unbeaten 55 off just 38 balls during Australia A’s series-opening one-day win over Sri Lanka A on July 4.Meanwhile, Weatherald’s century on Tuesday came at the perfect time, with the Tasmania opener firmly in the mix to play in this summer’s Ashes if he can keep his form going.Australia’s current opening pairing of Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas struggled in difficult batting conditions in the recent Test series against West Indies, raising questions about whether it’s time to inject a player like Weatherald.Weatherald led the Shield run charts last season with 906 runs at an average of 50.3, and his scores of 54 and 183 across his two first-class innings against Sri Lanka A will further bolster his cause.