A LDU vive grande momento na temporada. Líder do Campeonato Equatoriano e em segundo do seu grupo na Libertadores, a Liga será um grande desafio para o Botafogo na próxima quarta-feira (08).
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O grande nome do “Rei das Copas” como é conhecido a equipe nos diários equatorianos, é o artilheiro paraguaio Alex Arce.
Chamado no país de “Haaland Paraguaio”, o atacante é um dos grandes nomes do futebol sul-americano no primeiro semestre da temporada. Recém-chegado a LDU, Arce possui incríveis 14 gols em 14 partidas. Além de uma assistência e uma incrível média de um gol a cada 71 minutos. Aliás, nos últimos 51 jogos que disputou como atleta profissional, o jogador foi às redes em 42 oportunidades.
Inclusive, o paraguaio marcou o gol da vitória da Liga na final da Recopa no jogo de ida contra o Fluminense. Por sinal, nos últimos três jogos, o jogador fez gol nas três partidas.
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Além da grande forma pela LDU, Arce vive expectativa de atuar na Seleção Paraguaia. O jogador, que foi pela primeira vez convocado na carreira na última Data Fifa, deve fazer parte do grupo que será chamado até o final do mês para disputar a Copa América.
Vale lembrar que Alex Arce vive seu auge técnico e físico. Na temporada passada, atuando pelo Independiente Rivadavia, equipe da segunda divisão argentina, o jogador marcou 26 vezes em 32oportunidades.
Fans in attendance at Wednesday's Pirates-Dodgers game in Pittsburgh will have the chance to see Shohei Ohtani, but the three-time MVP will only take part in one facet of the game for Los Angeles.
Ohtani was in line to make his 12th start on the mound for the Dodgers on Wednesday, but has instead been scratched in favor of Emmet Sheehan, per L.A.'s lineup announcement. Ohtani will instead serve as designated hitter and bat first in the Dodgers' lineup.
Ohtani made his pitching debut for the Dodgers in June, after missing nearly two seasons on the mound following an elbow injury suffered late in the 2023 season with the Angels. Because he has been an everyday part of L.A.'s lineup, he hasn't had the chance to ramp back up on the mound in the minor leagues, as is traditional, and has instead done so at the big league level, leading to some shaky outings. His last start, on Aug. 27 against the Reds, was his best of the year so far—Ohtani went five innings allowing a single run on two hits, with a pair of walks and nine strikeouts.
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Says Shohei Ohtani Is 'Under the Weather'
A few hours after news broke that Ohtani would not make his scheduled start Wednesday, Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts updated the star's status, saying that he has been feeling a bit "under the weather" since Tuesday, per 's Fabian Ardaya. Ohtani is feeling well enough to hit, but was uncomfortable throwing during a recent side session, leading to the decision.
The fact that Ohtani will still appear at the plate—and the Dodgers' understandable conservatism around his return to two-way status—certainly makes this scratch less concerning than it could be.
First pitch between the Dodgers and Pirates—and Ohtani's first at-bat of the game—will take place at 6:40 p.m. ET.
كشفت تقارير إعلامية اليوم الإثنين، عن آخر التطورات الخاصة بحالة لاعبي برشلونة المصابين، وذلك قبل قمة الأسبوع في الدوري الإسباني أمام أتلتيكو مدريد.
ويستضيف برشلونة نظيره أتلتيكو مدريد على ملعب كامب نو مساء يوم غدًا الثلاثاء، وذلك لحساب قمة مُقدمة من الجولة الـ19 من الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.
ويسعى برشلونة إلى تحقيق الانتصار على أتلتيكو مدريد، وذلك من أجل تعزيز صدارته للدوري الإسباني والتي انتزعها من ريال مدريد المتعثر ضد جيرونا والذي تعادل أمس 1-1.
وذكرت صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو، أن تدريبات برشلونة قد شهدت عودة حارس المرمى، مارك أندريه تير شتيجن، من الإصابة التي كان يعاني منها خلال الفترة الماضية.
اقرأ أيضًا .. ديكو يفسر معاناة نجم برشلونة في ناديه السابق: كنا نبحث عن لاعب مثله
وأكدت الصحيفة، أن تير شتيجن تواجد في تدريبات برشلونة، حيث تدرب بشكل منفرد ويبدو أن الدولي الألماني في المراحل الأخيرة من تعافيه من إصابته في الظهر.
وأوضحت موندو، أن تير شتيجن كان من المفترض أن يعود من إصابته في الظهر بعد ثلاثة أشهر، لكن حارس المرمى احتاج إلى أربعة أشهر للتعافي.
وأردفت الصحيفة، أن فرينكي دي يونج تشارك مع تير شتيجن في تدريبات صباح الإثنين بشكل منفرد، حيث غاب الدولي الهولندي عن مباراة ألافيس لأسباب شخصية ومن المقرر أن يكون جاهزًا لمواجهة أتلتيكو مدريد.
كما أفادت موندو، أن رونالد أراوخو، مدافع برشلونة، قد عاد إلى صفوف فريقه بعدما كان يعاني من فيروس في المعدة أبعده عن مباراة ألافيس، لكن الدولي الأوروجوياني لم يشارك في تدريبات اليوم.
وبنسب كبيرة لن يكون أراوخو جاهزًا للقاء أتلتيكو مدريد، لكن اللاعب سيكون متاحًا للعب بعد ذلك.
Afghanistan left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad has joined the Desert Vipers squad for the fourth season of the ILT20. The 20-year-old was signed by the franchise as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, who will be unavailable for the tournament due to commitments for Sri Lanka.Noor has a wealth of experience in the franchise T20 circuit, having played in the IPL, Hundred, CPL, SA20, BBL and PSL among other leagues. He has also appeared in the ILT20 once before, in its inaugural season in 2022-23, when he played seven matches for Sharjah Warriorz.Noor has played 14 T20s in the UAE, of which 10 were for Afghanistan. He has 15 wickets in the country at an average of 23.73 and economy of 6.84. He joins two other Afghanistan players spinner Qais Ahmad and fast bowler Faridoon Dawoodzai in the Vipers squad.”I played in the first season of the competition and so I know what to expect from conditions,” Noor said. “With two other Afghanistan players in the squad there will be some familiar faces for me as soon as I walk through the door.”Desert Vipers have reached the finals of the ILT20 twice – in the previous edition and the first one in 2022-23 – but lost on both occasions. They lost to the Gulf Giants in the first final, while the Dubai Capitals won the title in a final-over finish in the 2024 edition.Vipers and Capitals will play the opening match of this year’s tournament in Dubai on December 2, in a repeat of the previous year’s final. Noor is expected to be available for the whole tournament.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s team was an over short of the rate during the defeat to Australia
ESPNcricinfo staff15-Oct-2025India have been fined for maintaining a slow over rate during their Women’s World Cup match against Australia on October 12.Harmanpreet Kaur’s team was found to be one over short of the target after allowances had been made during their unsuccessful defence of 330 in Visakhapatnam. Australia won by three wickets and with six balls to spare.There was no need for a formal hearing with the match referee after Harmanpreet pled guilty to the charges levied by the match officials and the proposed sanction. India were fined 5% of their match fees.According to the ICC Code of Conduct, players are fined 5% for every over they fail to bowl within the allotted time to complete the innings.India are presently fourth in the points table, having won their first two games in the league stage of the World Cup before losing to South Africa and Australia. Their next fixture is against England in Indore on Sunday.
After the 3-0 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, the feel-good factor is well and truly back at Nottingham Forest under the keen eye of Sean Dyche.
The hometown hero has installed a reason to be proud of the first-team squad once again after Ange Postecoglou’s failed attempts to make the Reds a force to be reckoned with.
Back-to-back victories have teed the side up perfectly for the latest Europa League clash with Malmö, which is no doubt going to be a meeting for the ages.
However, the bigger picture will certainly be coming into view over the next few weeks, with the transfer window creeping on the horizon and opening in a little over a month’s time.
Numerous players have already been touted with a winter move to the City Ground, with Evangelos Marinakis looking set to get his chequebook out once again after the summer spending spree.
Nottingham Forest’s hunt for January additions
Over the last couple of weeks, Forest have been touted with a surprise reunion with James Garner, after the midfielder spent two years on loan with the Reds in the Championship.
He’s since moved to Everton, plying his trade under Dyche, which no doubt will have pushed the rumours over a potential switch back to the East Midlands this winter.
The 24-year-old has played every minute in England’s top-flight to date, with the Toffees unlikely to sanction his departure away from Merseyside this window.
However, he’s not the only Englishman in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with Brighton star Jack Hinshelwood another player being targeted by Dyche and Co.
According to the Daily Mail, Forest have made the 20-year-old their top target for January, after only featuring in four Premier League games for the Seagulls in 2025/26.
The report also states that the youngster, who’s an England U21 international, is happy at the AMEX at present, whilst also failing to mention the rumoured fee it would take to prise him away from Fabian Hurzeler’s squad, although Transfermarkt value him at around £21m.
Why Hinshelwood would be perfect alongside Anderson
Back in the summer of 2024, many Forest fans would have been unaware of the talent of Elliot Anderson, but it’s safe to say his success is recognised more than just at the City Ground in the present day.
The 23-year-old arrived in a PSR deal from Newcastle United, which saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos moving in the opposite direction – with the Reds paying a net £15m for his signature.
18 months on, such a deal could be one of the best in the club’s history, with the midfielder now a full England international and currently being valued at the £100m mark.
He’s featured in every minute of the Premier League campaign to date, subsequently ranking at the top of countless stats compared to other midfielders in the division.
Anderson has been partnered by various players at the heart of the side, but he may have the perfect partner should the hierarchy complete a deal for Hinshelwood in the coming months.
The 20-year-old’s stats from the ongoing campaign highlight the talent he possesses, with such a deal potentially being yet another excellent piece of business.
Hinshelwood, who’s been dubbed a “superstar” by content creator Ryan Adsett, has made 2.8 tackles per 90 and won 64% of the duels he’s entered – arguably being an excellent ball-winning option.
Jack Hinshelwood – PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
4
Goals & assists
1
Pass accuracy
84%
Tackles made
2.8
Duels won
64%
Recoveries made
5.6
Aerials won
1.7
Chances created
1.1
Stats via FotMob
Such numbers would be perfect for Anderson, which could allow him to be freed up and continue his vein of completing the most passes into the final third per 90 of any player in the Premier League this season.
As for the Seagulls star, he’s also made a staggering 5.6 recoveries per 90 along with 1.7 aerial duels won – further showcasing his incredible ability without the ball.
However, the 20-year-old has also showcased his ability to pop up with a goal at key moments, with the youngster finding the winner in the clash against Brentford last weekend.
As previously mentioned, it’s unclear whether a deal for the Englishman could be agreed, but it would be a move that would add serious defensive quality to the current midfield.
The prospect of Hinshelwood starring alongside Anderson is certainly one for the fans to get excited about, which could see the club be the home to two of the country’s brightest talents.
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Manchester City have hit some extraordinary heights under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage. The Spanish coach will go down as one of the greatest managers in the history of the game, and his Citizen side have written themselves into the English and European history books.
Last season, City fell off a proverbial cliff, their four-in-a-row domination of the Premier League coming to an end. They rallied, but it was a campaign to forget about, and many felt that it marked the end of Pep’s illustrious tenure.
But he’s not done yet, rebounding emphatically after signing a two-year contract extension last November. And Guardiola isn’t the only one who is resurgent at the Etihad, with this optimistic new season coinciding with the tentative resurgence of Phil Foden.
Why Foden is improving for Man City
There’s no denying it: Foden fell by the wayside last season. But he’s picked himself back up. The Three Lions superstar still has gears to shift through before he recalls his finest form, but this is an essential comeback, should City hope to reclaim their Premier League title and ensure the peerless Erling Haaland has a strong complementary force in the final third.
He hasn’t found prolific form yet this season, but the 25-year-old is undoubtedly producing more polished and cultured results, having been placed deeper to influence and dictate play.
He has been more convincing in the duel and is seeing more of the ball on average. There is also a clear tactical maturity, Pep’s teachings seeping into Foden’s brain. He might not be the headline stealer at this stage, but Foden is unquestionably operating at a higher level, and City’s wider system are feeling the benefits.
Matches (starts)
28 (20)
9 (8)
Goals
7
1
Assists
2
1
Touches*
43.5
59.4
Accurate passes*
27.0 (89%)
39.7 (89%)
Chances created*
1.5
2.3
Dribbles*
0.5
0.7
Ball recoveries*
2.2
4.1
Tackles + interceptions*
0.8
1.3
Duels (won)*
2.3 (45%)
3.1 (54%)
Foden is one of the best in the Premier League, and he is on his way to reminding everyone of that fact. However, he’s not the only member of City’s squad doing such a thing right now, with his younger countryman emerging as the latest starboy fashioned under Guardiola’s wing.
Man City's homegrown talent is now one of PL's best
Manchester City’s academy is a thing to behold. Truly, the dominant Premier League force have welcomed some of the country’s most exciting talents to the scene, and the likes of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are among those plying their trade elsewhere, such is the bloated nature of the club’s youth scene.
But City learn from their mistakes, and when Chelsea came calling for Nico O’Reilly in January, they were flat-out rebuffed in their advances, despite The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirming the interest was very much genuine.
This time last year, the 20-year-old was on the fringes of Guardiola’s outfit. Now, he is emerging as the first-choice left-back for club and country.
He impressed for the Three Lions after making his debut last week, playing 90 minutes against Serbia and then Albania, keeping clean sheets on both counts. As per Sofascore, he lost only one duel across those two clashes, recovering eight balls and completing 92% and 93% of his passes.
Already, he has nailed down a prominent position in City’s first team. Naturally a centre-midfielder, the boss has repeated hisown spectacular trick and redefined his technically sound up-and-comer into a dynamic, inverted full-back. O’Reilly has started seven of the last eight Premier League matches, defending resiliently and getting forward and arcing inward to create overloads and help service Haaland.
Continuing to look at it from a wider scope, the 6 foot 4 star ranks among the top 16% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for passes attempted, the top 9% for progressive carries and touches in the attacking box, and the top 6% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.
He’s only going to get better, and given the high regard he is held in by Guardiola and for the Three Lions under Thomas Tuchel, there’s little question that City have found their latest superstar in the making.
It is important, typically, not to overburden up-and-coming prospects. But O’Reilly is different, so cultured and convincing across the various phases of play.
One Man City content creator was left speechless after the club’s recent win over Liverpool, hailing O’Reilly as “our best academy graduate since Phil Foden”.
That might just be the case. Even Roy Keane agrees. The Manchester United legend remarked that the versatile defender “could surprise everybody” by securing a starting berth at the 2026 World Cup next year. Clearly, this is a player becoming one of the best in the Premier League, if not the world.
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Despite a few poor results, this season is starting to shape up nicely for Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca’s side are currently second in the Premier League and have the chance to cut the gap to Arsenal to just three points when they play them on Sunday.
However, for the West Londoners to have any chance of beating the high-flying Gunners, they’ll need to have their shooting boots on, and Liam Delap will have to show why the club signed him in the summer.
However, Chelsea might already be having second thoughts about the Englishman, as reports are linking them to another exciting young striker, someone with shades of Didier Drogba in their game.
Chelsea target Delap upgrade
Given Chelsea’s propensity to spend big in the transfer window, it’s not been much of a surprise to see reports already linking them with a host of talented players ahead of the January window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
For example, Athletic Bilbao’s incredibly exciting Nico Williams has been touted for a £62m move to Stamford Bridge, and Nottingham Forest’s Murillo has also been heavily linked.
However, as talented as these two internationals are, neither can be compared to Drogba, nor would they be a threat to Delap’s place in the team, unlike Robinio Vaz.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a few teams interested in the exciting French talent.
In fact, the report has revealed that the Blues have already established contact with Marseille over a possible move that could cost as much as €30m, about £26m.
However, sides like Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Napoli are also said to be interested in the youngster.
It could therefore be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Vaz’s ability and potential, it’s one Chelsea should fight for, especially as he could be an upgrade on Delap and has shades of Drogba in his game.
How Vaz compares to Delap and Drogba
Okay, so before looking at how Vaz compares to Delap, let’s examine the shades of Drogba in his game and this potential move.
The first and most significant would be that, so long as this transfer happens, the youngster would be following in the legendary striker’s footsteps, who moved from Marseille to Chelsea in 2004.
Another trait he appears to share with the iconic centre-forward is that he’s more than a goalscorer.
While he certainly can put the ball in the back of the net, the teenage sensation is also someone who can create chances for his teammates through, in the words of respected analyst Ben Mattinson, an ability to “hold up the ball.”
With all that said, how does his output stack up to that of Delap’s this season?
Vaz vs Delap
Player
Vaz
Delap
Appearances
14
7
Minutes
331′
294′
Goals
4
0
Assists
2
0
Goal Involvements per Match
0.42
N/A
Minutes per Goal Involvement
55.16′
N/A
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Well, despite still being just 18 years old, the “lethal” number nine, as one analyst dubbed him, has scored four goals and provided two assists in 14 appearances, totalling just 331 minutes this season.
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.33 games, or far more crucially, one every 55.16 minutes.
In contrast, the West Londoners’ summer signing has failed to score a single goal or provide a single assist in seven appearances across all competitions, totalling 294 minutes.
Granted, he has been out injured, but the Englishman has almost played as many minutes as the youngster and arguably for a far better team.
UltimatelyUltimately, it’s still early in his career, but as one analyst puts it, Vaz looks like he’s “going straight to the top,” and therefore Chelsea should sign him, even if it’s bad news for Delap.
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Real Madrid are planning to bring Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz back to the club. Madrid hold a buy-back option on the player, with its value increasing each year. The Argentine has been in sublime form this season, prompting Madrid to act quickly to secure his return.
Madrid's buy back clause
According to , Madrid are keen to bring Paz back to the club in the upcoming January transfer window. The player has reportedly already agreed to the move, signalling his willingness to return to the Spanish giants. However, Fabrizio Romano has clarified that Madrid cannot exercise their buy-back clause in January, as it is not valid during this window.
The Spanish club currently hold a structured buy-back clause on Paz, reportedly valued at €8 million in the summer of 2025, €9m in 2026, and €10m in 2027. In addition to this, Madrid also retain a future buy-back option on 50% of the player’s rights, providing long-term leverage in any potential transfer.
Furthermore, the club benefits from a right-to-match clause, allowing them to match any offer made by another club to secure Paz’s services. While Paz has shown readiness to return, Madrid’s ability to act immediately is limited by the contractual terms of the buy-back clause, meaning negotiations and potential registration of the player would likely be completed only during the next eligible window.
Earlier Como President Mirwan Suwarso addressed Paz's transfer situation, explaining that Madrid are fully entitled to re-sign him based on the terms agreed in the original deal. He made it clear that the club respects the arrangement and that the player's future remains his own choice. Suwarso said: “I couldn’t care less. It’s a situation we agreed on from the beginning. Real Madrid are allowed to buy him back whenever they want. It’s up to Nico to decide what he wants to do with his future. We are very happy to have him. We like to build a home for him in Como. He chose to stay this season, and we take it day by day. We see how it goes. Does he go back to Madrid next season? Madrid have every right to do that. Will he stay with us? It’s up to him whether he wants it or not.”
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Paz's amazing start to the season
The 21-year-old joined Como from Madrid for €6m in 2024 and quickly established himself as one of Serie A’s most promising young attackers. A dynamic forward, Paz excels at finding space between the lines, beating defenders in one-on-one situations, and creating opportunities even in tight areas. His debut campaign in 2024-25 was highly productive, delivering eight goals and six assists, earning him the league’s best young player award.
Paz has seamlessly continued his form into the current season, contributing five goals and four assists. A significant factor in his rise has been his perfect fit in Cesc Fabregas’ tactical system. The coach has granted him freedom to dictate the tempo, find pockets of space and drive the team forward, allowing his intelligence and technical ability to shine. Fabregas has even likened him to Lionel Messi in terms of how opponents overcommit to stopping him, emphasizing that Paz must never be restricted.
The coach describes Paz as a magician capable of pulling tricks out of nowhere, highlighting his unpredictability and creativity. With his consistent performances, Paz is beginning to demonstrate that he could become a worthy successor to Messi as the national team’s primary creative force.
Inter's interest in Paz
Inter are preparing to make a major statement in the upcoming transfer window with a €58 million (£49m/$63m) bid for Paz. The Nerazzurri view the dynamic attacker as the perfect long-term partner for Lautaro Martinez and are eager to bring him to the San Siro. Talks with the player’s entourage have already begun, with Inter confident that Paz would be open to the move.The situation, however, remains complicated as Real Madrid still hold significant leverage over any future transfer.
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Paz's challenge this season
Como thrashed Torino 5-1 on Monday, with Paz scoring the fourth goal in the emphatic win. The club are keen to retain Paz as they remain on course to secure a place in a European competition next season. For Paz, the opportunity to play for Madrid is always enticing, but he is focused on his Como career and plans to decide on his future at the end of the season. Como will face Sassuolo on Friday, and a victory could see them level on points with Inter in fourth place.
“Once you’re back in, you start looking at what’s on the horizon and it’d be amazing to play in a home T20 World Cup”
Valkerie Baynes26-Jun-2025Two teams, many changes, all to play for. That’s the scenario for India Women’s tour of England, where the hosts of the next two World Cups will face each other, not just for the immediate spoils but with an inevitable big-tournament focus.England have been buoyed by twin 3-0 sweeps of their white-ball series against West Indies after their 16-0 Ashes drubbing but expect a sterner test from an India side featuring a mix of stars, comebacks and inexperience.England have also shaken things up under the new leadership of head coach Charlotte Edwards, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and national selector Lydia Greenway.Related
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Sophie Ecclestone returns for her first international appearances since January, joining fellow left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, who shone on ODI debut against West Indies, as did seamer Em Arlott.Tammy Beaumont, who has been on the fringes of the T20I side since the 2022 Ashes, is in the squad after a hugely successful ODI campaign, reprising her opening partnership with Amy Jones.Against West Indies, the pair amassed 464 runs between them, including 424 in tandem, in two ODIs. With T20I opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge scoring just 17 runs in three innings, Beaumont offers a batting option, especially with former captain Heather Knight sidelined after tearing her hamstring tendon from the bone during that series.Knight says she is on track to be fit for the 50-over World Cup in India later this year, while Beaumont – who has played just five T20Is in three years and was part of the squad but didn’t play against West Indies – hasn’t given up on making it to a home T20 World Cup in the English summer of 2026.Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont were prolific in the ODIs against West Indies•PA Photos/Getty Images”The previous couple of years, I hadn’t overly thought about that Lord’s final and that World Cup here next year,” Beaumont told ESPNcricinfo. “It was something that would be nice to happen, but I can’t get too caught up in it. Getting that call-up for the West Indies T20 series was a little bit of a surprise, but a really nice surprise.”This India series, I’m just trying to really enjoy my T20 cricket and try to contribute in any way I can. Once you’re back in, you start looking at what’s on the horizon and it’d be amazing to play in a home T20 World Cup. For me, it’s just about enjoying every opportunity I get these days.”It’s been proven that if you perform at county level, you’ll get a go and then you’ve just got to perform where you get the chance. That’s something that tends to work pretty well in my brain, play what you see in front of you and, so far, so good.”Rewarding players for performing at domestic level has been a tenet of Edwards’ time in charge since replacing Jon Lewis in April and the India series represents the next step in her task of rebuilding a team which, like India were humbled at the T20 World Cup 2024.
“She’s almost superhuman at times, just to be able to be a mother and a new England captain and perform at the level that she always has done”Tammy Beaumont is in awe of Nat Sciver-Brunt’s all-round game
“It will be a really tough tour and series for us, but a really good test and a really good time for that,” Beaumont said. “They keep finding more and more talent. There’s a lot of names that I haven’t played against before in this squad and that normally throws out some unexpected challenges.”With the WPL, they’re just getting so much talent coming through that’s ready to go. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but really exciting. There’s always a bit of drama with the England-India series, so I’m sure there’ll be some drama coming forward.”This is India’s first visit to England since 2022, a tour which ended in high drama when Charlie Dean was run-out backing up by Deepti Sharma in the third ODI at Lord’s and which seems a long time ago in the context of two T20 World Cups in which both sides have fallen short.The T20I leg which kicks off this tour with five matches from Saturday represents a chance for both sides to stamp their authority before moving their attention to the three ODIs with eyes on the 2025 ODI World Cup.The coach-captain combo of Charlotte Edwards and Nat Sciver-Brunt could face a stern test against India•Getty ImagesWhile Jones and Beaumont made the bulk of England’s runs in the ODIs, Sciver-Brunt still managed to score fifties in the first and third games, the latter while Beaumont was rested and Jones dropped down the order to give others a chance to bat. Sciver-Brunt also struck an unbeaten 55 in the second T20I in Hove, her first series as captain and a new mum after wife Katherine gave birth to their son, Theo, in March with the family travelling together through the West Indies series.”She’s always been great with kids and being with her own son is absolutely no different,” Beaumont said of her skipper. “A lot of us are getting a bit broody watching how good she is with Theo.”Katherine is doing brilliantly as well, making sure Nat can do everything she needs to do and look after the baby and then enjoy that time together and the way that Nat’s handled it, is so typical Nat.”She’s almost superhuman at times, just to be able to be a mother and a new England captain and perform at the level that she always has done. It’s just a testament to her character that she can just always take anything and everything in her stride.”