A century of sixes in each of the last two years suggests a big-hitting bump like never before for Bangladesh

Mohammad Isam08-Sep-202515:43

Who are the favourites for the Asia Cup final?

Bangladesh have had a tough time in transition over the last two years but one upside of this period is their vastly improved big hitting in T20 internationals.Between 2006 and 2023, Bangladesh had averaged 3.81 sixes per T20I innings (the lowest among Full Member nations); in 2024, it rose to 5.08, and improved further to 7.73 in 2025. They hit 238 sixes in T20Is in 2024 and 2025, compared to only 130 in 2022 and 2023. The recent spike in sixes is a refreshing departure from their previous conservatism and is helping them emerge from a difficult start to the year.They will hope their newfound aggression will improve their performance at the 2025 Asia Cup; they last made the finals in 2018 and have never won it.Related

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Openers Tanzid Hasan (24) and Parvez Hossain (23), and middle-order batters Jaker Ali (27) and Shamim Hossain (24) are at the forefront of Bangladesh’s six-hitting revolution. The younger generation isn’t reliant on one or two release shots either. Their attacking repertoire is wider and their appetite for risk larger. Between 2021 and 2023, Bangladesh hit a six every 9.5 balls in T20Is; in 2024-25, their balls per six ratio is down to 5.58.Mohammad Salahuddin, Bangladesh’s senior assistant coach, is of the opinion that these four batters have influenced the rest with their intent and belief in big hitting.”There’s a lot of freedom for players to play their own game in the Bangladesh team,” Salahuddin told ESPNcricinfo. “We know how (Tanzid Hasan) Tamim, (Parvez Hossain) Emon, (Towhid) Hridoy and Jaker (Ali) like to bat. They have an aggressive attitude. It has had an impact on the team. They are also improving technically so their abilities have become better, which in turn has made them more comfortable at the crease.”Tanzid Hasan is giving Bangladesh power at the top•Getty Images

The six-hitting bump

Bangladesh have not had success by saving wickets up front to try and go big in the last four overs – they don’t have any Asia Cup trophies and have never made the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.Among the 12 Full Members from 2005 to 2023, they had the lowest sixes-per-innings ratio (3.81) and highest balls-per-six ratio (29.58). In the last two years, Bangladesh’s average sixes per innings (6.10) and average balls per six (18.56) are better than Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Zimbabwe.The improved big-hitting has impacted Bangladesh’s overall batting stats. Between January 2021 and December 2023, they had the lowest run-rate (7.20) among Full Member nations. Although they remain well below par, their run-rate of 7.81 in the last two years is an improvement.

New batters, new mentality

The quartet of Tanzid, Parvez, Jaker and Shamim will be known as Bangladesh’s first group of six hitters. Of the four, Shamim had the earliest T20I debut (in 2021) while Jaker, who made his debut in 2023, is the most experienced (36 matches).Together, they hit a six every 15.38 balls on average in T20 internationals. Though their sample size is much smaller at present, for perspective, Bangladesh’s most famed quartet – Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah – averaged 32.89 balls per six over their long T20I careers.”The big hitting is totally a natural process for these guys who have the ability to hit sixes,” Salahuddin said. “Most of the guys have been playing in the same role for a considerable amount of time. They know what to do in those roles. They also train very purposefully, which is one of the major reasons why they have shown this improvement. They also play on far better pitches in domestic one-day cricket.”Shahriar Nafees, Bangladesh’s first T20I captain who works in the BCB and also as batting coach for Rangpur Riders in the BPL, said the change in personnel has made the difference. “These guys have grown up watching Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers so they grew up with the habit of hitting sixes. When our generation was growing up, we were told to keep the ball along the ground. It was the case for a very long time until Bangladesh’s batting line-up completely changed in 2024.”We now have players who are technically sound when it comes to six-hitting. They have a strong base. There is no physical change in the players. It is just a change in mentality.”Bangladesh are banking on Jaker Ali’s skills as a finisher•AFP/Getty Images

Where have they improved?

Nafees worked with Tanzid to improve aspects of his range-hitting in the previous two BPL seasons. “When we were working together a couple of seasons ago, I told Tanzid about a couple of things to keep in mind,” Nafees said. “He could feel the change in his range hitting. In the next couple of innings, he made 70 and 116. Our trust grew, so we worked together on a few more occasions. Like during last season’s BPL, we spent a couple of days talking about his batting in Sylhet. It led to his second century.”In an interview with ESPNcricinfo earlier this year, Jaker said Salahuddin had helped him understand the importance of a proper base and positioning for big-hitting.”Jaker knows he will probably get to face 20 balls, so he has to hit a few sixes in this limited opportunity,” Salahuddin said. “You will see him start in one way, and finish in another way. He has adapted pretty well.”Salahuddin said Shamim had improved his range of shots over the last four years. “I think he changed his mindset. He was adept at playing behind the wicket but it was up to the coaching staff to give him confidence to play in front of the wicket. I think he has also understood that he can play all around the wicket. It is a huge benefit to the team that we have two good finishers.”Nafees said the notion that big-hitting is not just about power was beginning to spread among the batting group. “As Bangladeshi batters, we feel that we should rip the ball into two pieces when we try to hit a six. I mean we try to hit the ball too hard. It is nothing like that. It is more about timing the ball.”Bangladesh have taken more risks during the powerplay in 2024-25 than they did in 2021-23. They have a better strike-rate (123.62) while hitting the ball down the ground in 2024-25 compared to 2021-23 (103.83). They are also hitting more sixes square of the wicket in 2024-25, with a slightly higher overall strike-rate in these zones too.Bangladesh have improved their conversion rate for sixes when playing the pull, slog sweep or loft down the ground. For example, they used to hit a six once every 18 attempts at a pull shot in the 2021-23 period; that’s now down to a six every 4.59 attempts at a pull shot in the 2024-25 period.Once openers Tanzid and Parvez set the pace, the rest followed. As a result, Bangladesh are scoring at 7.5 in the middle overs in 2024-25 compared to 6.98 in 2021-23, and at 9.73 in death overs compared to 8.30 previously.

The Asia Cup test

Bangladesh’s improvement in six-hitting is encouraging but the test is whether they will be able to pull it off at the Asia Cup. They face Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the group stage and they are familiar with those bowling attacks. Having already beaten Sri Lanka in an away T20I series this year, Bangladesh’s first goal is to get out of Group B and into the Super Four stage of the tournament. And their best chance is to stick to their new and improved big-hitting approach.

While the defeat to Aston Villa has taken the wind out of their sails somewhat, Arsenal are still having an excellent season.

Mikel Arteta’s side are top of the Champions League table, having won five of five, and still sit two points clear atop the Premier League table.

However, while most of the team are playing at the level expected, a few stars aren’t quite where the manager would want them to be.

This latter camp includes one of Arteta’s most significant signings, who, if he doesn’t start improving, could become Arsenal’s new Nicolas Pepe.

What went wrong for Nicolas Pepe at Arsenal

In the summer of 2019, after Unai Emery’s first season in the dugout, Arsenal decided to go big in the transfer market, spending what was then a club record fee of around £72m to sign Pepe.

While the figure did raise a few eyebrows at the time, it wasn’t considered too outlandish as, in 41 appearances in the 17/18 season, the winger racked up a sensational haul of 23 goals and 12 assists.

Unfortunately, the Emirates faithful would never see the talented international reach that level during his time in North London.

In his first campaign in England, the former LOSC Lille star managed a reasonable, if a little underwhelming tally of eight goals and ten assists in 42 appearances.

However, as it was his first season in a new league, and he produced a goal involvement in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the FA Cup, fans gave him some leeway.

Unfortunately, he also failed to hit the heady height of his Lille numbers the following season, ending it with a tally of 16 goals and five assists in 47 games, with ten of those goal involvements coming in the Europa League.

The 21/22 campaign would prove to be his last in red and white as Bukayo Saka was now well and truly Arteta’s first-choice right winger.

The 30-year-old spent the next two years on loan, first with Nice in France, and then with Turkish outfit Trabzonspor.

Arsenal finally agreed to terminate Pepe’s contract in the summer of 2024, and the player who was supposed to be the club’s superstar attacker left with a middling tally of 27 goals and 21 assists in 112 appearances.

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Since then, the Gunners have been a bit better at spending money, but there is one of Arteta’s signings who could end up following the Ivorian’s path, lest he improve, and quickly.

Arsenal's new Nicolas Pepe

Now, it’s still early in the season, so making any concrete predictions about Arsenal’s summer signings would be unwise.

However, as things stand, the attacker who has somewhat underwhelmed since his big-money move, and could go down a similar route to Pepe, is Viktor Gyokeres.

Like the Ivorian, the Swedish international joined the Gunners for a fairly sizable fee off the back of a truly sensational season in a weaker league.

For example, the “absolute steam train,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists in just 52 appearances.

Moreover, while nobody expected him to recreate those numbers in England, fans would have expected more than what he has delivered thus far.

For example, even though he hasn’t been a total flop like some other striker signings this season, the 27-year-old’s return of just six goals in 17 appearances is underwhelming.

Furthermore, all four of his Premier League goals have come against relegation candidates, and in games against the big sides earlier in the season, he looked somewhat out of his depth. As Gary Neville said earlier this term, he’s a bit of a “misfit.”

Appearances

52

17

Minutes

4248′

1130′

Goals

54

6

Assists

13

0

Finally, with Mikel Merino contributing up top, Gabriel Jesus back in matchday squads and reports that Kai Havertz is set to come right back in as Arteta’s first choice before Christmas, it’s not difficult to see a world in which the Stockholm-born powerhouse becomes a rotation option.

That was evident against Aston Villa. Arteta relied on the Swede to make a difference, bring him on at half-time for Merino. Yet, in his 45 minutes on the field, the centre-forward only had 11 touches of the ball and completed just four passes. He didn’t even have a single shot.

With all that said, there is still plenty of time for the former Coventry City star to come good, especially if he starts the next two games against Club Brugge and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ultimately, the next six months will be vital in determining whether Gyokeres becomes Arsenal’s next superstar striker or their next Nicolas Pepe.

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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has conceded in his pre-Leeds press conference that the Reds need to get Alexander Isak more involved in games.

Isak, 26, joined the Anfield side this summer for a British record £125m fee. Last season, Jamie Carragher declared him “the best striker in the Premier League”. He scored 27 goals in all competitions for Newcastle United, including the winner in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, against Liverpool.

Isak’s Involvement on the Ball in the Premier League

Season

Touches per game

Passes per game

25/26 – LFC

17.1

5.6 (65%)

24/25 – NUFC

33.3

14.9 (77%)

23/24 – NUFC

26.8

12.6 (80%)

22/23 – NUFC

29.5

12.5 (78%)

Data via Sofascore

But he’s toiling away at his new club, and to little avail at that. This speaks of the wider tactical imbalances at the club right now, with the forwards all struggling and the midfielders and defenders too.

Change is needed, but with new and elite centre-forward options strapped in, FSG are turning their attention to Liverpool’s attacking flanks.

Liverpool lining up a wide forward

Last month, Slot was quizzed on Liverpool’s transfer plans ahead of the January transfer window, as the dismal form raged on. That stain has only spread since, but the coach hinted that the Premier League champions’ priority lies not with the rearguard but on the wing.

Liverpool didn’t replace Luis Diaz when selling the versatile Colombian to Bayern Munich in August, and that was clearly a mistake. Cody Gakpo knows where the back of the net is, but he’s somewhat one-dimensional, with fans annoyed by the regularity of his cutting inside when the ball finds him down the left lane.

Perhaps that is why rumours have resurfaced of Liverpool interest in Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with TEAMtalk suggesting this week that Anfield is one of the few places the Brazilian would consider joining; Arsenal have also been mooted.

Rodrygo may be undergoing a divorce with superstardom at Los Blancos, but that doesn’t mean Florentino Perez will let the 25-year-old leave on the cheap, tentatively transfer-listing him for around €90m (£79m).

Why Liverpool should sign Rodrygo

It’s no secret that Liverpool are interested in signing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo in January, but Rodrygo is cut from finer cloth, the Brazil international having conquered Europe and Spain too during his time with Real Madrid.

Across 286 senior appearances, he has scored 68 goals and supplied 53 assists, and last year, Jude Bellingham said “he’s probably the most gifted player in the squad”, with frightening speed and deadly finishing and a versatile take on the attacking game.

Though he has served Real Madrid’s wishes out on the right flank for most of his career, Rodrygo actually prefers playing off the left. The right-footer believes he is at his most clinical in that role, and last season, though he struggled on the whole, he scored six goals and supplied six assists across just 12 outings.

Rodrygo – Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Right winger

148

34

31

Left winger

89

23

18

Centre-forward

85

22

8

Attacking midfield

4

–

1

Data via Transfermarkt

Rodrygo would surely displace Gakpo and cement a regular starting berth under Slot’s wing at Liverpool. Gakpo, scapegoated at times this season, is still not the multi-faceted wideman that Diaz was, and Rodrygo would restore that presence that FSG are so intent on replacing.

Hailed as a “world-class superstar” by former teammate Luka Modric, he is the real deal, alright, with pedigree on the biggest stage and so much more still to give. Rodrygo has lost his way in Spain, but at Liverpool, he could become a leading man, especially with Mohamed Salah ostensibly winding down.

He is a man of many dimensions, and indeed has more in his locker than Gakpo, even with the Dutchman averaging 2.2 created chances per game in the Premier League this season, the most frequent of any Liverpool player and the fifth-highest average in the division.

But Rodrygo, even at his lowest ebb, ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive carries and the top 18% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

There is little question that Rodrygo would raise Liverpool’s level, adding width and pace and dynamism down the left flank and maybe serving out on the right when called upon.

Gakpo enjoyed plenty of success last season, scoring 18 goals and supplying seven assists across all competitions. He is a potent threat. But he also needs a counterpoint to jockey with out on the left, and Rodrygo would provide that presence and then some.

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is set to make his return after two months out against Leeds in midweek. The Blues star has been absent since the club's defeat to Manchester United on September 20, and while he returned to the bench against Arsenal at the weekend, he did not come on, with the England international being eased back into action.

• Palmer's return

  Palmer has been absent for Chelsea since their defeat to United but was back on the bench against Arsenal at the weekend. While Moises Caicedo's red card may have scotched any chance of the England international coming on, he is now poised to play against Leeds on Wednesday. The playmaker's return from a groin issue was pencilled in for last week, but he broke his toe in a freak accident at home, and his comeback was subsequently delayed. Now, he is set to play at Elland Road, his manager, Enzo Maresca, has confirmed.

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• AFP
  

  Maresca's confirmation

  Maresca told reporters:"He is available. The last game he was on the bench. For sure with the players was more complicated for Cole because now he needs to come back in terms of fitness condition. He is available, he can start the game.

  "The idea of the game is to start giving minutes until he can play 90 minutes."

  Maresca has also confirmed that he is facing a "complicated" decision over Reece James' selection, adding: "It's complicated. I would like to start him, but we need to do the right thing."

  Asked if he can play in midfield, he said: "I think he can play in both positions. He has been full-back all his life. He also has played as a midfielder. But I think he can be good in both positions. When we decide for him as a midfielder, most of the time it's also when we want physicality in terms of midfielders, when we face some teams that are strong in the middle. So it depends a little bit on the game plan. But as you said, he's doing very well in both positions."

• Chelsea challenging at the top end

  Chelsea and Manchester City are currently running Arsenal the closest in the Premier League and held the leaders to a 1-1 draw at the weekend, despite Caicedo's red card.

  And midfielder Enzo Fernandez insists they should be seen as proper title contenders, telling GiveMeSport: “Of course we are [title contenders]. This season, there are many contenders: Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United. All the teams are battling towards the top.

  “There are some very strong Premier League sides. Arsenal have also been doing really well for many years. And Liverpool are a great side. I’m not going to choose one because they’re all good.

  “And we know the Champions League is very tough. We’ll try to reach the final, which is what we deserve as a club. We’ve been doing well, so we’re capable of being right up there.”

  On the lure of moving to west London, he added: "When Chelsea came in for me, I had no doubts. I wanted to make the move up, in sporting terms, to the Premier League.

  “I wanted to come to Chelsea at all costs and didn’t want to let the opportunity pass me by. Everyone knows that and thank God it worked out. I’m here now and I’m very happy."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What next for Maresca's men?

  Chelsea face Leeds this week and sit six points behind Arsenal ahead of the week's fixtures. The Blues also face Bournemouth this weekend, as they attempt to close the gap on the Gunners at the top-end of the table. 

  Meanwhile, Arsenal face Brentford in midweek in a potential banana skin of a London derby, before then taking on Aston Villa this weekend. The Gunners, of course, also face European obligations, and will play Club Brugge three days after their clash with Villa; Chelsea play Atalanta on Tuesday.

It wasn’t necessarily pretty, but Arsenal did what they needed to against Brentford.

Following a brutal run of fixtures that ended in a trip to Chelsea on Sunday, Mikel Arteta’s side had the tough task of hosting Keith Andrews’ Bees in a midweek Premier League fixture on Wednesday night.

Fortunately, despite looking a little underpar in the second half and losing another defender to injury in Cristhian Mosquera, the hosts came away with all three points, restoring their five-point lead over Manchester City.

While it wasn’t a classic performance, a few Arsenal players put in a good showing, though a couple probably played themselves out of the team as well.

Arsenal's best players vs Brentford

When it comes to those Arsenal players who really stood out for the right reasons on Wednesday night, it’s impossible to look past Ben White.

After all, the right-back was named the Player of the Match by Sky Sports, and it was entirely deserved.

On top of maintaining Jurrien Timber’s defensive solidity at the back, the Englishman reminded fans just how useful he can be in attack, and, in the words of one content creator, put in an “absolute vintage” performance.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion star ended the game having taken 86 touches, playing two key passes and creating one big chance, which led to Mikel Merino’s opener.

Speaking of the Spaniard, he was another starter who put in a brilliant account of himself.

The former Real Sociedad star might not be the most pleasing of players to watch, and can certainly misplace a pass, but he has become irrefutably efficient in 2025.

On top of scoring his goal, he also played the ball into Bukayo Saka, which led to the all-important second goal.

Next up, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori deserve to be singled out for their performances.

Like White, the latter perfectly married up his defensive and attacking duties, ending the game with four recoveries, three clearances, and one interception, as well as taking two shots on target and completing two dribbles. When it comes to the Englishman, what more is there to say about him?

It was another match in which he was here, there and everywhere, doing all the dirty work, while still finding time to get forward, take three shots and play three key passes – fans will be hoping it was only fatigue that forced him off at the end.

Finally, Noni Madueke and David Raya deserve some plaudits; the former for his direct play that led to the opener, and the latter for his incredible save in the first half.

With all that said, there were two Arsenal players who were underwhelming against Brentford and should be dropped from the side.

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

To some extent, that was the case with Martin Odegaard against Brentford.

Now, it was the captain’s first start since returning from injury, so it’s not exactly surprising, but he was frustrating throughout the match and warrants being dropped for Saturday.

For example, in his 96 minutes of action, the Norwegian failed to create a single big chance, failed in 100% of his dribbles, lost six of seven duels, misplaced 100% of his crosses and failed to register a shot on target.

It was not the performance Arteta would have wanted from what was his most creative midfielder in the starting lineup, and more than justifies the 5/10 match rating he received from the Express’ Tom Parsons.

Minutes

96′

Expected Goals

0.04

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.08

Assists

0

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Shots on Target

0

Dribbles (Successful)

1 (0)

Lost Possession

12

Ground Duels (Won)

5 (1)

Aerial Duels (Won)

2 (0)

Dribbled Past

1

Odegaard wasn’t the only starter who played himself out of the side, though, as the same thing could be said about Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian was handed his second start on the bounce in Leandro Trossard’s absence, but as was the case on Sunday, he only showed why he might be better suited as an impact player.

For much of his time on the pitch, the former Ituano gem was anonymous, and then, when he did get a chance to make a difference, like the chance towards the end of the first half, he fluffed his lines.

He didn’t impress Parsons either, who also gave him a 5/10 match rating, writing that he ‘lacked an end product and will be concerned about keeping his place in the coming weeks.’

Minutes

61

Expected Goals

0.08

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.02

Assists

0

Shots on Target

0

Touches

34

Lost Possession

11

Dribbles (Successful)

2 (1)

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Passes

16

Ground Duels (Won)

8 (3)

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (0)

Fouls

1

That might sound harsh, but it’s backed up by the statistics, as in his 61 minutes of relative inaction, he registered a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.10, failed to register a shot on target, took 34 touches – 18 fewer than Raya -, failed in 50% of his dribbles and 100% of his crosses.

Ultimately, Wednesday night was largely positive for Arsenal, but, like Odegaard, Martinelli should be dropped for the game against Aston Villa at the weekend.

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The washed out opening day meant time was always short for a result and WA batted through the final day

AAP25-Nov-2025Emerging allrounder Cooper Connolly top-scored with a fighting half-century to help Western Australia thwart South Australia in a Sheffield Shield draw.Connolly’s polished 70 and fifties from Hilton Cartwright and Jayden Goodwin led WA’s final-day resistance in the rain-marred day-nighter at Adelaide Oval.Related

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WA started Tuesday’s final day 85 for 2, trailing by 60 runs, with SA hoping to engineer a victory push.But Goodwin followed his first-innings half-century with 55 in another knock of substance, and Cartwright made 64 to defy SA. The pair combined for a 105-run stand for the third wicket, soaking up more than 40 overs from SA’s bowlers.Hanno Jacobs broke the partnership when he bowled Goodwin, ending his 156-ball knock. Cartwright departed only 10 runs later, launching at a full, wide delivery from Henry Thornton to Jake Lehmann at point.WA were 185 for 4 but again steadied with Connolly and Aaron Hardie featuring in a 101-run partnership. But the duo were dismissed in a three-over span as Thornton struck at dusk.Connolly, a match-winner for Australia in the Adelaide ODI against India last month with an unbeaten 61, hit 11 fours from 135 balls but edged a Thornton cutter.The SA paceman bowled Hardie in his next over, leaving WA 301 for 6 as the game drifted through the final session.SA sit with one win from five games in their title defence, the same as fellow strugglers WA. Pacesetters Victoria and Queensland are a dozen points clear with one round remaining before the BBL break.

Chelsea have decided not to fast-track Emmanuel Emegha’s arrival from Strasbourg despite Liam Delap suffering another significant injury setback, with the club maintaining their long-planned timeline for the striker’s summer 2026 arrival. Delap’s shoulder issue leaves Enzo Maresca short of natural No.9 options, but the Blues remain committed to their original transfer plans.

Delap's injury won't change Emegha transfer plans

Chelsea entered the week preparing for their Champions League trip to Atalanta with an unexpected disruption in attack after Delap suffered a nasty shoulder injury in the 0-0 draw at Bournemouth. Delap left the pitch with his right arm supported in a sling, leaving Maresca without one of his two recognised strikers and creating immediate questions about the club’s reinforcement plans heading into January. Although early assessments indicate the issue is “quite bad,” there is not yet a definitive recovery timeline.

Because of Delap’s absence, speculation quickly grew suggesting Chelsea might accelerate the arrival of Emegha, the Strasbourg forward already pre-signed for next summer. However, the has insisted that Emegha will remain in France until the end of the season as originally agreed, with no intention of altering the transfer schedule. Chelsea believe they have enough cover internally and prefer not to disrupt the development plan set for the 22-year-old Dutch striker.

Chelsea opted to bring back Marc Guiu from his Sunderland loan back in August after Delap's earlier injury, and the plan is to stick with the former Barcelona star yet again to provide cover for Delap. Guiu replaced the injured Englishman against Bournemouth, with Maresca explaining that the physical nature of the match suited the teenager more than using Joao Pedro as a makeshift centre-forward. As a result, the club does not see the need to adjust their recruitment plans mid-season, even amid another injury blow in attack.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportChelsea left short of No.9s after Delap's injury

The timing of Delap’s injury is particularly disruptive given Chelsea’s need to balance Champions League commitments with Premier League progress. The club has scored in 20 consecutive matches across competitions before the Bournemouth draw, but the stalemate highlighted the fragility of their attacking output when key personnel are absent. Maresca’s forward line now depends heavily on the rotation of Guiu, Pedro, and Pedro Neto, the latter two of whom are not long-term natural fits as a conventional No.9.

While the decision to keep Emegha at Strasbourg appears firm, Chelsea know they must extract maximum versatility from their existing forwards in the coming months. Neto has operated as a false nine before, however, using him in that role regularly may hinder the team’s balance in wide areas. Pedro remains more effective between the lines, meaning Guiu becomes the most natural option, though the club acknowledges he is still raw and in the early stages of his development.

AFPEmegha's move pre-agreed for the summer of 2026

Emegha’s move to Chelsea was agreed months ago as part of the recruitment network shared between the club and their sister side Strasbourg. The plan is for him to complete the season in France to maximise minutes, given that he is still refining his physical and technical profile, and Chelsea consider a mid-season move potentially damaging to his progress. The Blues believe that arriving during pre-season offers him a much stronger platform to integrate and adapt.

These developmental considerations remain central to Chelsea’s reluctance to bring him in ahead of time despite the disruption caused by Delap’s injury. The 22-year-old forward has been closely monitored throughout the first half of the Ligue 1 season, and the west Londoners view his steady progression as evidence that sticking to the original timeline is beneficial. At the same time, Chelsea’s hierarchy trusts Maresca’s ability to extract attacking solutions from the current squad.

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Getty Images SportChelsea to utilise multiple players to cover for Delap

Chelsea are expected to continue with Guiu, Pedro, and Neto sharing responsibilities in central areas while Delap undergoes further medical assessment in the coming days. Maresca will rotate based on tactical needs, while the availability of Moises Caicedo and other key returnees may help stabilise the team’s overall structure. The manager is likely to offer further updates on squad depth following Tuesday’s Champions League match.

Attention will soon shift to Everton at Stamford Bridge, where a more traditional attacking setup may be preferred if Guiu continues to meet training expectations. Chelsea will be cautious not to overwork their young forwards amid a packed schedule, especially with Delap facing another potentially lengthy spell out. January discussions will continue internally, but the stance on Emegha appears settled barring an unforeseen change in circumstances.

Looking ahead, Emegha’s arrival in the summer remains a central part of Chelsea’s evolving forward blueprint, with the club expecting him to compete immediately for significant minutes. Delap’s long-term role will depend on his recovery and ability to stay fit.

Australia allrounder Matt Short prefers opening the batting, but has revealed his best chance of playing at next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka is in the middle and lower order.The 29-year-old toured the West Indies for Australia’s underwhelming 2024 World Cup showing as a reserve player outside of the 15-man squad and did not play.The current T20 series against India, which concludes in Queensland with matches on the Gold Coast and at the Gabba, has a lot riding on it for Short.Related

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His best innings for Australia, including a dynamic 66 off 30 deliveries against South Africa in 2023, have come as an opener. However, Short, who played his first two matches of the current series at No.7, has been given a clear picture of his path to T20 World Cup inclusion by the side’s brains trust.”Personally I think I am suited to the top of the order, but having conversations with selectors and coaching staff, I think, looking forward to that T20 World Cup, I know that our top four or five is going to be pretty locked in,” Short said.”If I was to make the XI in the World Cup, I think my best chances are in the middle or lower order. We are probably using this series to see guys in different positions and looking ahead to that World Cup.”[To play at the World Cup] would be massive. I missed out on the one in the West Indies where I was a travelling reserve, but I love playing cricket for Australia no matter if it’s in the World Cup or a series like this. I am happy taking what I am getting, whether that is in the top order or through the middle.”The Adelaide Strikers captain confirmed himself as a cricketer of absolute class when he was player of the tournament in BBL 12 and BBL 13, where his powerful batting and crafty offspin stole the show.That high level of consistency was the stepping stone for Short to gain selection in both the Australian T20 and ODI sides, where he debuted in 2023.Short enjoys the ball coming onto the bat, but has set himself a goal of upping the ante when facing spinners.”There’s always ways to improve,” he said. “Looking at the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, it is probably my game against spin that probably needs a little bit of work.”Especially when you look at our squad and the power hitters we have got through the middle like Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis … guys that have had that experience in India before and have that real power game against spin.”It is obviously a challenge, and playing for Australia is not easy, so we will have to wait and see.”

NZ batter had represented the franchise in 2025, but was released despite being their highest run-getter

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Nov-2025

Kane Williamson had also played for DSG last season•Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Kane Williamson is set to replace Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam at Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) ahead of SA 2025-26, ESPNcricinfo understands. DSG had bought Taijul for R500,000 (approx. US$28,858) at the mega auction in September, but he’s set to miss the upcoming fourth edition of the SA20.Williamson, meanwhile, had made his debut in the tournament when he represented DSG last season, but was released by the side despite being their highest run-scorer. He scored 233 runs at an average of 46.60 and a strike rate of 118.87 in eight games. DSG finished at the bottom of the table.Williamson’s return to the SA20 continues his foray in the franchise world. Last month, he was appointed Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) strategic advisor in the IPL. Earlier this year, after his maiden stint at the SA20, he played in the Hundred for the first time in his career and in the Vitality Blast after seven years. Soon after, Williamson signed only a casual agreement with New Zealand Cricket to have flexibility in playing overseas.Related

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Last week, he also retired from T20Is with the T20 World Cup only three months away.At the SA20 next year, Williamson will join Noor Ahmad (retained), Sunil Narine and Jos Buttler (both pre-signed), among others, as DSG look to improve on their performance from last season.The fourth edition of SA20 begins on December 26, with DSG playing the opening game against MI Cape Town in Cape Town.

Will Pat Cummins play the Gabba Test? And if he does, will he be captain? And who will he replace – Nathan Lyon or Brendan Doggett?

Andrew McGlashan03-Dec-20250:54

Clarke: Australia going to a venue where they play well

It was a question that summed up the slightly curious situation that has become the discussion around Australia’s selection for the Gabba Test. Steven Smith, the stand-in captain, was asked if he would still be leading if Pat Cummins made a surprise return: “I wouldn’t have thought so,” Smith said.There have been plenty of chances this week to say that Cummins definitely won’t make his comeback in Brisbane. Adelaide had long seemed the most likely timeline and he has never officially been made part of the squad. But the door has not been slammed shut.At the time Smith spoke on Wednesday, Australia’s hierarchy wanted a further look at the pitch before making a call on their XI. It was due for another cut from the groundstaff, which duly came at around 3pm, although, in truth, it did not seem to change its distinct green tinge much at all – at least from 100 or so metres away.Related

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A short while later, Smith and chair of selectors George Bailey wandered out to the middle for a look and a prod. There were chats with the curator. How much grass was left, how firm was it? Around 15 minutes later another inspection followed, this time including Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald.There was a hug exchanged between Cummins and McDonald, but that could have meant absolutely nothing, and they will have been well aware that plenty of eyes were watching. Remember when Mitchell Marsh marked out his run at Edgbaston before the opening Test of the 2023 Ashes?Shortly after 5pm, in which time the Gabba had been evacuated due to a smoke alarm, it was confirmed Australia would name their XI at the toss. Yes, that has taken quite a lot of words to say something completely unremarkable. But there’s been 11 days without cricket.

“We’ll look at the surface, as I said, and we’ll sum things up from there. I think here’s a place where Nathan’s done really well in the past. He’s a quality bowler, but we’ll weigh up the options”Steven Smith on Nathan Lyon

On a slightly more serious note, the intrigue around Cummins has been fuelled by how impressive he has looked during his ramp up in bowling over the last two weeks. On Monday in Brisbane, he bowled twice either side of a having a bat. On Tuesday, he went out to Allan Border Field, along with Mitchell Starc, where bowlers are able to get full run-ups unlike in the Gabba nets, although it could not be ascertained what he did there.”He looked in red-hot form the other night, as good as you’ll see [from] a fast bowler charging in in the nets,” Scott Boland said.But, perhaps significantly, Smith made reference to how nets and the middle are different beasts. “He looks pretty good to me,” he said. “The way he’s bowled in the nets, obviously the game’s a different intensity for sure, but he’s tracking really nicely. He knows his body well, and we’ll wait and see.”The other interest in all this comes from who Cummins would replace. It’s understood that a week ago the only realistic way for him to feature in Brisbane would be as part of an all-pace attack so that workloads could be managed, which would mean Nathan Lyon being left out.2:10

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Lyon didn’t play Australia’s previous pink-ball Test in Jamaica, bowled only two overs in Perth and sent down just one in last season’s day-night Test in Adelaide. But he had an important role to play at the Gabba in the ground’s previous day-night Test against West Indies, and concerns linger about how the harder surface here could make the ball so soft. Overall with the pink ball, Lyon has 43 wickets at 25.62.”We’ll look at the surface, as I said, and we’ll sum things up from there,” Smith said. “I think here’s a place where Nathan’s done really well in the past. He’s a quality bowler, but we’ll weigh up the options.”The other way back for Cummins would be in place of Brendan Doggett, although there may be a risk of having him as one of three frontline quicks without another two weeks of work under his belt, albeit Cameron Green was barely needed in Perth.England captain Ben Stokes acknowledged he didn’t know who he would be walking out with tomorrow afternoon. “Pat’s awesome,” he added. “Has been for a very, very long time. He’s done great things, not only as a player, but he’s been great since he’s been given the responsibility of being captain for Australia.”0:46

McGlashan: An unfortunate end if Khawaja’s Test career is over

The home side has another decision to make, but the replacement for Usman Khawaja feels more certain with Josh Inglis, who made a century on Test debut in Sri Lanka earlier this year, strongly favoured to come into the middle order with Travis Head continuing the opening role he took on with such dramatic effect in the second innings in Perth.It would mean Beau Webster being unfortunate for the second Test in a row, but Inglis’ strength against the short ball, something Australia expect to continue to receive plenty of, is highly rated by the selectors. He was very impressive against Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Mark Wood (the latter now injured) when he crunched 120 off 86 balls at the Champions Trophy earlier this year.”He’s obviously a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith said. “He did really well on his debut in Sri Lanka. He’s been in really good form… he plays fast bowling really nicely. He’s been a really good player for a long period of time. He’s come up through the system and I think he just continues to get better and better. Every opportunity he’s got at any level, whether it be T20, ODI or Test cricket, he’s put his best foot forward and done a good job for the team.”But tomorrow afternoon, all the interest will be around one man. Is it all a smokescreen? You know, those dastardly Ashes mind games. Or is it a genuine selection discussion? Either way, one of Smith or Cummins will be in their blazers to toss the coin and then this Ashes series can finally resume.