Bangladesh hope their spinners can test the tournament hosts in their last league game

Sruthi Ravindranath25-Oct-20254:21

Preview: Can Bangladesh upset India?

Big picture – India look to gather momentumIndia will walk into this fixture with a sense of relief and renewed confidence. Having already secured a place in the semi-finals, the pressure has shifted from qualification to maintaining momentum. After three games where things seemed to go awry, they finally hit top gear against New Zealand, led by a commanding performance from their batters.It’s not just that. The match will be played in Navi Mumbai – the venue for both India’s semi-final and the final – a ground India know well and one where they appear to have found their ideal template. After several games of tinkering with combinations, they seemed to get it right against New Zealand, reverting to five-bowler setup, leaving allrounder Amanjot Kaur out. The move to promote the returning Jemimah Rodrigues to No. 3 also paid off, and that could open the door for further experimentation against Bangladesh.India’s bowlers backed the batters up with precision. The seamers struck early, and the rest of the attack ensured New Zealand never recovered, forcing errors and maintaining pressure throughout.Related

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The middle order was not tested but with knockout games approaching, time in the middle for those players could be invaluable. India have batted first in five matches so far and chased only once – losing that game to England by four runs – so they may also be tempted to test themselves in a chase, should they win the toss, to round out their preparation.For Bangladesh, this is a chance to upset one of the tournament favourites and prove they belong on this stage. They’ve run stronger sides close in at least three games and have relied on their disciplined bowling attack, their biggest strength all tournament. There have been flashes of resistance with the bat, and if they can sustain those longer, they have a chance of stretching India.Form guideIndia WLLLW
Bangladesh LLLLLIn the spotlight – Renuka Singh and Bangladesh’s legspinnersIndia will look once again to Renuka Singh for early breakthroughs. Against New Zealand, she delivered exactly that. Having missed the matches against Australia and South Africa, and gone wicketless in her two previous outings, Renuka rediscovered her rhythm in Navi Mumbai. Exploiting the early movement on offer, she teamed up with Kranti Gaud to keep New Zealand in check, not conceding a single boundary in the first six overs. Her efforts were rewarded with the wickets of Georgia Plimmer and Sophie Devine, both undone by sharp in-duckers. She finished with figures of 2 for 25 from her six overs – a spell that set the tone for India’s dominance.Rabeya Khan and Shorna Akter will be key to Bangladesh’s hopes•BCB

Can Bangladesh’s legspinning duo of Rabeya Khan and Shorna Akter trouble India’s batters? The pair injected energy and control into their attack against Sri Lanka, bowling tirelessly in the Navi Mumbai heat. Their discipline through the middle overs stifled scoring opportunities and built pressure. Rabeya provided the key breakthrough, removing the dangerous Chamari Athapaththu and halting Sri Lanka’s momentum, while Shorna struck twice, dismissing Hasini Perera and Nilakshika Silva, to help restrict the opposition to just 202.Team newsRicha Ghosh copped a blow to her left hand while keeping against New Zealand and was off the field during much of their chase, with Uma Chetry taking the gloves. On the eve of the Bangladesh game, bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi said Ghosh was “fine and the S&C team is taking care of it,” but India were “still discussing” her availability. India went back to their five-bowler strategy in the match against New Zealand, leaving allrounder Amanjot out, and they are likely to persist with that winning combination.India (probable): 1 Smriti Mandhana, 2 Pratika Rawal, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Jemimah Rodrigues, 6 Richa Ghosh (wk), 7 Deepti Sharma, 8 Sneh Rana, 9 Renuka Singh, 10 Kranti Gaud, 11 Shree Charani.Sharmin Akter walked off battling cramps during Bangladesh’s chase against Sri Lanka but came back to bat in the final over. There are no injury concerns in the side.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Fargana Hoque, 2 Rubya Haider, 3 Sharmin Akhter, 4 Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), 5 Sobhana Mostary, 6 Ritu Moni, 7 Shorna Akter, 8 Nahida Akter, 9 Rabeya Khan, 10 Nishita Akter, 11 Marufa Akter.Pitch and conditionsThe pitch remained covered on the eve of the game with rain in the air. There’s rain forecast for Sunday evening as well. The surface has generally aided batting, while fast bowlers have tended to get early movement.Stats that matter Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have 1557 partnership runs between them across 20 innings in 2025, the second-most by any pair in ODIs in a calendar year. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly are ahead, with 1635 runs in 29 innings in 1998. Kranti Gaud has 22 wickets in 13 ODIs so far. These are the most by an India bowler in her debut year in Women’s ODIs and only three overall have taken more – Charmaine Mason (25 in 1997), Aimee Watkins (23 in 2002) and Lyn Fullston (23 in 1982). Bangladesh’s bowlers have an economy rate of 4.54 in this World Cup, the same as England’s.

Jack Leach has signed a contract extension with Somerset after revealing that he has been released from his England central contract.Leach has played 39 Tests for England, most recently on their tour to Pakistan a year ago, and was the only spinner to take 50 County Championship wickets this season. But he has slipped down the pecking order to the extent that England have opted to take the allrounder Will Jacks to Australia as their back-up spin option ahead of him.He has been centrally contracted since the start of the 2021-22 winter but will fall back onto his county deal with Somerset next year. Leach was already under contract with his hometown club until the end of next season, but the county announced on Monday that he has now signed a two-year extension until the end of 2028.Related

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England have not yet announced their central contracts for 2025-26, but Leach told the BBC last week that he had been informed by managing director Rob Key that his deal would not be renewed. “My contract was up, so he obviously told me that and at the same time, said about the Ashes squad and that I wasn’t going to be in it,” Leach said.”I was gutted about that. That was really my aim for the summer, and it wasn’t to be, so [now] it’s time to reflect and try to keep getting better and get myself back in there… I don’t know from their point of view whether they have completely moved past me, but I believe I’m still getting better and I need to keep showing that in county cricket.”Shoaib Bashir, who has leapfrogged Leach to become England’s first-choice spinner, is widely expected to leave Somerset after he did not feature for them in any format this season. He is likely to retain his central contract for 2025-26, meaning that the ECB – rather than whichever county he joins – will pay his salary.Elsewhere, Sussex have announced the signing of batting allrounder Jack Leaning from Kent on a three-year contract, while legspinning allrounder Calvin Harrison has signed a permanent deal with Northamptonshire after impressing on loan from Nottinghamshire earlier this year.

Jamie Vardy’s new family home in a picturesque part of northern Italy was broken into by three burglars over the weekend, while the former Leicester City and England striker was playing for Cremonese in a home Serie A clash with Roma, with wife Rebekah in attendance at the game. Cremonese were soundly beaten 3-1, but that was the least of Vardy's problems.

• £80,000 worth of valuables stolen

  The has reported that three men gained entry to the Vardys' £2 million property by the shores of Lake Garda in the town of Salo – around an hour's drive from Cremona – via a window. The break-in happened on Sunday, when Cremonese were hosting Roma at the intimate Stadio Giovanni Zini.

  The report states that £80,000 worth of valuables, including jewellery and cash, were taken from the house. However, security cameras are believed to have picked up the thieves, who are likely to have scouted the house to learn when it would be empty, coming and going via their chosen entry point.

  Local police captain Giacomo Tessarolo told the: "We have CCTV which shows the individuals entering the house through a window that was left open. They were on the premises for several minutes before escaping with the [Patek Philippe] watch and several other high value items. There was a woman inside, not his wife but the baby sitter. The theft was discovered when some of Vardy's friends returned to the house and found items on the floor and it had evidently been broken into."

  Rebekah Vardy was at the Cremonese game when the incident took place.

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  Serie A raises awareness of domestic violence

  Over the weekend, Cremonese were among a handful of Serie A clubs given permission to promote the 'A Red to Violence' campaign, dedicated to fighting domestic abuse. Each player was able to change the name on the back of his shirt to that of an important woman in their life. Vardy opted to have 'Becky' printed above the number 10 on his jersey, in tribute to his wife. Players also took to the field with a streak of red face paint, again to raise awareness and put the issue of domestic violence in the spotlight.

  The Vardy family are said to have immersed themselves in their new Italian adventure, making themselves a visible presence in the town of Salo, population: 10,500, by going out for walks and eating dinner in local restaurants, as well as trying to learn the language. It makes it doubly cruel that they have now been the victims of an unsettling burglary.

• Vardy's Serie A inspiration

  Vardy was linked with other clubs after leaving Leicester in the summer, including Wrexham, but eventually settled on a new challenge in Italy and has adapted quickly to life abroad. "Once I made my decision, that was it. I was coming here," Vardy explained in a September interview. "I'm settling in really well and just can't wait to get going now. It's all about match days and wanting to pick the results up, so now it's about just knuckling down when I get given the opportunity, helping my teammates out as much as I can and hopefully chipping in with some goals."

  He also noted that his favourite Serie A player to watch growing up was Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero: "You watch him play – he was unbelievable. Watching him score most weeks was really encouraging for me. Having watched that, me coming here and trying to do exactly the same – it’s really exciting."

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  Vardy contract extension looks likely

  Having left Leicester at the end of last season when his contract expired, 38-year-old Vardy signed an initial 12-month deal with Cremonese to cover the 2025-26 campaign. However, the terms of that contract also include a 12-month extension to the summer of 2027 if the club avoids relegation. So far, at least, that looks a plausible eventuality, given their mid-table safety after 12 games.

  The defeat to Roma was a third on the bounce in Serie A, but Cremonese still sit 11th, with a healthy six-point cushion between them and the relegation zone. The team has lost the same number of games as European powerhouse Inter (4), but needs to be able to turn draws into wins, having taken maximum points from only three league matches. Still, for a newly-promoted provincial club navigating just a second season in the top flight in the last 30 years, it has been a strong start.

J.T. Realmuto suffered a pretty painful injury on Wednesday night.

While he was catching for Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jordan Romano in the bottom of the ninth inning, a 94-mph fastball just barely went off of Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette's bat and hit Realmuto in the groin.

Realmuto doubled over with pain. He sat in the batters box for some time before leaving the game, and struggled to walk when he finally did make it to his feet.

The full video of the pitch and injury can be viewed here, but watch at your own discretion.

On top of losing Realmuto in the ninth inning, the Phillies ended up losing the game thanks to Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scoring a game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth, shortly after Realmuto's exit.

The Phillies will face the Toronto Blue Jays again on Thursday afternoon, so we'll know pretty soon if Realmuto can return to the lineup or not.

Bayern Munich are now in contact with the representatives of a Manchester United star, who has been told to leave the club by Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes.

Man Utd targeting midfield addition in 2026

The January transfer window is now less than a month away and Man United could once again be active on the hunt for reinforcements. In the summer, it was their frontline that took the focus as they welcomed Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha. Now, however, INEOS are looking to add to Ruben Amorim’s midfield.

It’s not a major surprise that the Red Devils are after a midfielder. Casemiro is an ageing option, Manuel Ugarte has proved to be an unreliable option and Mason Mount’s injury history speaks for itself. As such, a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton would make perfect sense.

According to The Mirror, the England international sits at the very top of United’s wishlist even though he wants the guarantee of Champions League football next season.

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For those at Old Trafford, it could be a case of one in one out if they sign Wharton but allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave in 2026. The Carrington graduate has been left aside by Amorim this season, despite the fact that the manager blocked his attempts to leave in the summer and told him to fight for his place.

The midfielder could now follow the path of Scott McTominay and others by thriving away from Old Trafford, especially if it is Bayern Munich who secure his signature.

Bayern Munich make contact with Mainoo

According to TeamTalk, Bayern Munich have now made contact with Mainoo over a 2026 move away from Man United. The German giants have joined the likes of Napoli in the race to sign the 20-year-old, who is increasingly desperate to leave his boyhood club when the chance arrives.

Mainoo isn’t the only one frustrated by his current situation, either. Man United legend took the Instagram after the midfielder was an unused substitute against West Ham United to say: “Bulls**t. The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football. Hate seeing home grown players leave but it’s probably best for him now. Enough is enough.”

At his best, meanwhile, the academy graduate has earned high praise from teammate Bruno Fernandes, who described him as “great” after he first burst onto the scene while journalist Alex Turk has even described him as a “future £100m+ footballer.”

Praise from his captain isn’t enough for Amorim, however, who has not given Mainoo a fair chance since blocking his late loan move away from the club in the summer.

He's "like Reijnders": Old Trafford chiefs pushing Man Utd to sign "elite" star

Tottenham are ready to offload a member of Thomas Frank’s squad in January following a behind-the-scenes incident, according to a new report.

Players who could leave Spurs in January

Spurs are poised for an intriguing January transfer window, and not just in terms of incomings.

Among the few players who could leave next month, Mathys Tel has emerged as a credible candidate for the exit door with Roma named as an interested suitor.

The 20-year-old, signed permanently from Bayern Munich for £30 million last summer, has reportedly expressed unhappiness with his limited opportunities at Spurs — managing just 409 minutes across 14 total appearances this season.

His exclusion from the Champions League squad earlier this term signaled his peripheral status under Frank, and a temporary switch to Serie A is probable even if Tel has since been recalled to the European fold to replace Dominic Solanke.

Richarlison’s long-term future also remains uncertain despite scoring seven goals so far this term, including two goal of the season contenders against Burnley and Arsenal respectively.

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Tottenham are preparing to receive offers from Brazil, Saudi Arabia and potentially Everton — his former club where he enjoyed considerably greater success.

However, media sources indicate Spurs will reject loan proposals and only entertain a permanent sale.

The Brazilian’s inconsistency throughout his Tottenham career, just 39 goal contributions since joining in 2022 for £60 million, has frustrated sections of supporters.

With his contract expiring in 2027, January represents Tottenham’s optimal window to recoup a reasonable fee before his value diminishes.

Frank apparently views Richarlison as an ‘expendable’ member of his squad, even if he selects the 28-year-old regularly, with Solanke and Kolo Muani likely to be his first choices once the former at last returns to full fitness.

There is also the matter of Yves Bissouma, who’s already fallen foul with Frank after disciplinary issues and is yet to make a single competitive appearance under the Dane’s tutelage.

The Mali international has suffered injuries this campaign which have limited his availability, but according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Spurs have seen enough.

Tottenham decide to sell Yves Bissouma in January

Recent footage emerged showing the 29-year-old midfielder allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide in early November, despite being sidelined through injury at the time.

This marks the second such incident involving Bissouma, who was previously suspended by the club in August after similar footage surfaced.

The midfielder issued a public apology then, acknowledging a “severe lack of judgment” and recognizing the health risks involved, but his latest alleged breach has now exhausted the club’s patience.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s visit of Slavia Prague in the Champions League, Frank said: “It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it.”

Now, Crook reports that Tottenham are ready to sell Bissouma in January following this incident, which has effectively sealed his fate in north London.

Bissouma earns over £55,000-per-week, but has now become completely surplus to requirements under Frank.

The former Brighton star, who played a key role in Spurs’ Europa League final win last term, was excluded from Tottenham’s 22-man Champions League squad and subsequently underwent ankle surgery in October.

Bissouma’s contract expires at the end of the season, but Tottenham do hold an option to extend it by another year, according to The Mail.

As per talkSPORT again, Galatasaray remain interested in securing his signature after a proposed summer transfer collapsed. The Turkish champions nearly signed Bissouma before the deal fell through, and they are prepared to revive their pursuit next year.

They haven’t won every game, but this season is shaping up to be a truly special one for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta has got his side playing some sensational football at times while simultaneously ensuring they remain the best defensive team in the Premier League.

It seems like every player, new and old, is all pulling in the exact same direction and helping each other reach new levels.

One of the team’s best players in recent weeks has been summer signing Eberechi Eze, and so fans should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal with someone who could be another version of the Englishman.

Arsenal target another Eze

There was tremendous excitement from the Arsenal fan base when it was announced that the club had signed Eze, and understandably so.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

After all, here was a player who many considered to be one of the most exciting in the Premier League, and had just spearheaded Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory.

Fortunately, while it took him a few games to get up to speed, the 27-year-old has more than delivered so far this season, racking up a tally of nine goal involvements in 19 games for the club and scoring that North London Derby hat-trick.

So, with all that in mind, it’s not all that surprising to hear that the Gunners may be after another player who has the potential to be another Eze in Kenan Yıldız.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Turkish wonderkid.

In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners are going all out to sign him and have been in contact with his representatives.

However, Juventus are understandably keen to keep hold of the incredible youngster and, according to other reports from earlier this month, would need a fee of at least £88m to consider selling him.

Therefore, it could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s ability and potential, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be another Eze.

Why Yıldız would be another Eze

Now, there are obviously some key differences between Yıldız and Eze, such as their age, but there are also more than a few similarities between them.

For example, like the Englishman, the young Turkish superstar is an attacker who can and does play in a multitude of positions.

Since making his first team debut for Juventus, the 20-year-old monster has played as a second-striker, on the left and right wings, in attacking midfield and even up top a few times.

The second similarity is that, like the former Palace star, he is a dual threat, someone who is as happy scoring a goal as he is assisting one.

For example, in 52 appearances last season, totalling 3520 minutes, he scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 2.47 games, or every 167.61 minutes.

Appearances

52

18

Minutes

3520′

1457′

Goals

12

5

Assists

9

5

Then this season, he has become even more dangerous, scoring five goals and providing five assists in 18 appearances, totalling 1457 minutes, which is a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 145.7 minutes.

Finally, and this is related to his output, the 26-capped international is, in the words of content creator Alex Moneypenny, “capable of the spectacular.”

He doesn’t just score tap-ins; he already has quite the impressive catalogue of goals, ranging from long-distance strikes to ones stemming from brilliant close control.

It is also this ability to create magic on the football pitch that likely led European football writer Danny Corcoran to describe the youngster as having “Mbappe-like ability.”

Ultimately, it won’t be an easy transfer to get done, but Arsenal should be going all out to sign Yıldız in 2026, as he could be another Eze.

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This time last week, Chelsea looked like they would be the ones to rival Arsenal for the Premier League title.

Unfortunately, a humbling loss away to Leeds United, quickly followed by a drab one-all draw away to Bournemouth, has put such ideas to bed, for now anyway.

While Enzo Maresca’s squad is undeniably talented, some areas could be improved upon, such as the number nine position.

Fortunately, Chelsea are now being linked with someone who could do just that, someone who could be an upgrade on Liam Delap.

Chelsea target Delap upgrade

The transfer window is now less than a month away from reopening, and in a surprise to absolutely nobody, Chelsea are already being linked with a host of players.

Transfer Focus

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For example, the Blues have been one of a number of sides linked with Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.

Likewise, RB Leipzig’s incredibly exciting Castello Lukeba has been touted for a £53m move to Stamford Bridge.

However, while the two defenders would certainly bolster Maresca’s squad, neither one could or would displace Delap or Joao Pedro up top, unlike Joaquín Panichelli.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Chelsea are one of a few Premier League clubs interested in the RC Strasbourg striker.

Alongside the West Londoners, the report has revealed that West Ham United and Aston Villa have set their sights on the Argentine striker.

The report does not reveal how much the £28k-per-week star might cost, but considering his contract runs until the summer of 2030, he’s unlikely to be cheap.

Even so, Chelsea should do what they can to sign Panichelli, as he could be the striker to really take them forward, even if that’s bad news for Delap.

How Panichelli compares to Delap

Now it might sound simplistic, and that’s because it is, but the first and most important metric to compare when looking at two strikers is output.

Unfortunately for Delap, this is an area that Panichelli has him beat, and comfortably at that.

For example, so far this season, the Argentine, whom U23 scout Antonio Mango has dubbed “one of the most in-form Strikers in Europe,” has scored ten goals in 19 appearances, totalling 1367 minutes.

In other words, the Córdoba-born gem is averaging a goal involvement every 1.9 games, or every 136.7 minutes.

In stark contrast, the Blues’ summer signing has scored just a single goal in 11 appearances, totalling 453 minutes.

Appearances

19

11

Minutes

1367′

453′

Goals

10

1

Assists

0

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.52

0.09

Minutes per Goal Involvement

136.7′

453

The next advantage that the former Deportivo Alavés star has over the Englishman is the fact that he seems to be less injury-prone.

For example, while he did suffer a significant ACL injury in the 23/24 season, which kept him out for 24 games, he only missed one game in the entirety of last season, and so far this year, he’s missed just one.

On the other hand, the former Ipswich Town star suffered a knee injury that kept him out for 18 games in 23/24

Furthermore, so far this year, he has already missed 12 matches due to a hamstring problem, and now his current shoulder injury.

Finally, the Winchester-born ace doesn’t even have the advantage of being significantly younger and therefore possessing a higher ceiling, as he’s currently 22 years old and the Strasbourg star only turned 23 two months ago.

Ultimately, Panichelli is clearly a more dangerous forward and, on top of that, seems to be injured less often. Therefore, Chelsea should do what they can to sign him in 2026, even if that spells the end of Delap’s time at Stamford Bridge.

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SA coach explains the rationale behind batting deep into the fourth day and keeping India on the field in Guwahati

Firdose Moonda25-Nov-20252:10

Philander: ‘South Africa playing mind games with India’

South Africa wanted to make India “grovel” and spend more time than they would have liked on the field by batting an hour into the third session on day four of the Guwahati Test. South Africa extended their lead to 548 before declaring, effectively taking the home side’s chances of a win off the table.That was Shukri Conrad’s explanation, when the South Africa coach was asked why his side felt they needed to set India a target far greater than the record chase of 418 in a series where they have an unassailable lead. In answering, Conrad made reference to former England captain Tony Greig’s infamous comment – albeit in a different era and context – about West Indies in 1976 that galvanised the Caribbean team, who won the five-Test series 3-0.”We obviously looked at how best we were going to use the new ball, because in the morning we still wanted a newish, hardish ball,” Conrad said after the fourth day’s play. “What we felt is that when the shadows come across the wicket in the evening, there’s something in it for the quick bowlers, so we didn’t want to declare too early and not be able to use that.”And then, obviously, we wanted the Indians to spend as much time on their feet out in the field, we wanted them to really grovel, to steal a phrase, bat them completely out the game, and then say to them ‘Come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening.’ So, so far so good, but we also know that they’re not just going to roll over, we’re going to have to be at our very best in the morning.”Related

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South Africa have not won a series in India since 2000, had not won a Test since 2010 until last week in Kolkata, and have held the advantage throughout the Guwahati Test and want to make the most of it. After winning the toss and batting first, they recovered from 247 for 6 on day one to score 489 and then bowled India out for 201. Though South Africa could have enforced the follow-on, they chose to bat late on day three and continued deep into day four, keeping India on the field for a total of 229.4 overs. India go into day five on 27 for 2 after 15.5 overs in their second innings, and South Africa need eight wickets to sweep the series.With 90 overs of play scheduled for day five – though several have been lost in fading light on each of the previous four days – South Africa gave themselves a minimum of 106 overs to dismiss India. On a surface that Conrad admitted had “stayed remarkably good” for batting, one of the questions facing South Africa, who went into the match without a third seamer, was how long they would need to dismiss India.It took them 83.5 overs in the first innings, thanks largely to Marco Jansen’s ability to extract extra bounce which earned him 6 for 48. Since then, Conrad confirmed South Africa expected the surface to “deteriorate a little bit more” than it had but they felt an earlier declaration would have been futile and will be comfortable with whichever way the match ends, even if it is a draw.Tristan Stubbs countered India’s spinners with the sweep•Associated Press

“I don’t think there’s a right and a wrong in anything. We wanted India to come out again after lunch and spend time on their feet. We saw the effects of batting for two full days in the first innings and what sort of effect it had on them,” he said. “And it was never going to be easy for the opening batters to come this evening, with the new ball and shadows across the wicket. We felt we could have struck there. If tomorrow evening comes and we have them eight down and people say, ‘Well, see you told you so’… we’ve got to base it on our sound judgement and if that doesn’t work out, it doesn’t. I don’t think there’s a right and wrong in any of this but obviously, 2-0 is a lot better than 1-0. I’d like to think that the series is secured and we’re going to go all out for the win.”There is still evidence of good bounce in the surface and what Conrad described as “consistent turn,” which he backs his attack to exploit. “Hopefully Marco and the spinners can do the job tomorrow. We’re going to give it our best shot.”While Jansen’s wicket-taking abilities are well known, over the last two months South Africa’s spinners have been in the headlines during tours of Pakistan and India. Senuran Muthusamy, who has yet to bowl in this match, was player of the series in Pakistan, where he took 11 wickets in Lahore, while Simon Harmer is the joint-leading wicket-taker in the ongoing series against India. That South Africa have fielded as many as three spinners in two of the four Tests also demonstrates a changing attitude in the country’s cricket, which Conrad hopes can inspire a new wave of bowlers.”For the first time, we’ve thrown our weight behind spin bowlers. We’ve got quality spinners that can mix it with the best in the world and I believe we’ve got the balance of our sides right,” he said. “The big thing for me is that it provides hope for young spinners back in South Africa, where we were primarily seen as a country that just throws its weight behind fast bowling. I’d like to think that the young spinners back home are saying there’s hope for us now, because spinners are also part of the armoury for Proteas’ attack.”

Sheffield United are now eyeing a January move for an “outstanding” ace who rejected a move to Arsenal during the summer transfer window.

Blades on the rise under Chris Wilder

After a disastrous start to the campaign, the Blades are now finally starting to hit a rich vein of form, having won their last four matches in the Championship, most recently making a real statement by defeating promotion-chasing Stoke City 4-0 at Bramall Lane.

Chris Wilder came agonisingly close to securing promotion last season, and a play-off push could be possible once again, given that the 2024-25 play-off finalists are now just eight points off the top six.

Wilder’s side have looked particularly impressive from a defensive point of view in recent weeks, keeping clean sheets in four out of their last five Championship matches, with Michael Cooper making one save from inside the box last time out.

However, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon (via Football League World), Sheffield United have started formulating plans to bring in a potential replacement in the upcoming transfer window, should interest arise in Cooper.

Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle is the player in question, with the Blades eyeing a January move for the goalkeeper, as there is a belief he would be able to make the jump to the second tier soon.

A move for Tickle is likely to hinge upon Cooper departing Bramall Lane, however, given that the Wigan star may not have any desire to leave his boyhood club if regular minutes elsewhere aren’t guaranteed.

The 23-year-old is highly regarded, with Burnley, Everton and West Ham United emerging as potential suitors during the summer transfer window, and he even turned down the opportunity to move to Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

"Outstanding" Tickle impressing in League One

Former Wigan manager Shaun Maloney has lavished the English shot-stopper with praise in the past, saying: “His attitude – both on and off the field – has been exemplary. Sam is an outstanding young talent and we’re looking forward to working with him over the next few years to help continue his development.”

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ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025

This season, the Warrington-born goalkeeper has continued to impress, conceding just three goals in his last six League One games, while also managing to keep clean sheets in his last two outings.

As such, Tickle may now be ready to make the step-up to the second tier, and it could be worth considering a January move, given that Cooper has struggled at times this season, receiving a SofaScore match rating of 6.1 in the 3-2 win at Leicester City, after making just one save.

The 26-year-old also struggled in the 3-2 defeat at Preston North End, again making just one save, so it may be about time Sheffield United bring in a replacement, and the Wigan goalkeeper could be up to the task.