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It all feels a little inevitable, doesn’t it? A bright pre-season swiftly squashed as Manchester United fall behind to an early Viktor Gyokeres goal at Old Trafford, the camera duly panning to his former boss Ruben Amorim looking forlorn on the touchline. It’s written in the stars.

Amorim has been forced to witness his one-time Sporting CP talisman join Arsenal for a fee of around £64m this summer, despite prior claims that the Portuguese coach was keen on a reunion with a player who scored 66 goals in just 68 games under his watch in Lisbon.

Hopefully, however, it is a different number nine stealing the headlines when the two sides go head to head later this month, with speculation ramping up regarding United’s own search for a striker.

At present, the leading name to fill that striking void appears to long-term target, Benjamin Sesko, although would the 22-year-old RB Leipzig starlet really be the right solution?

Latest on Man Utd's move Sesko

It’s been a summer all about strikers, with Sesko right at the centre of the transfer merry-go-round.

Indeed, the Slovenian marksman at one stage appeared to be the leading target to join the Gunners, before Mikel Arteta and co settled on Gyokeres, having also emerged as a leading target for Newcastle United.

Identified as the man to potentially replace the wantaway Alexander Isak at St James’ Park, Sesko might be yet another high-profile target to spurn the Magpies’ advances, however, if the Red Devils get their way.

As reported this week, the Old Trafford side are also now in the mix for the striker’s signature, with United said to be working on a deal for a player who could cost in the region of £60m-£70m.

There have been differing reports over whether the former Red Bull Salzburg man would favour a move to Manchester or not, although journalist Graeme Bailey has outlined that Amorim’s side are “confident” of securing a deal.

With a potential exchange involving Rasmus Hojlund also mooted, there are avenues for United to seal this switch before the season rolls around. That said, is there not a better target out there to consider?

Why Man Utd need to avoid Benjamin Sesko

Sesko has reached double figures for league goals in each of his last two seasons in Germany, although whether that form would translate to English football remains to be seen, with United having been stung by their £73m investment in a certain Jadon Sancho from the Bundesliga.

Transfer Focus

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

The capture of the then-Borussia Dortmund man – who has scored just 12 times in 83 games in four years in Manchester – saw the Red Devils fork out for an exciting talent with sky high potential, with Sesko’s addition likely to be with the same aim in mind.

However, at a time when Amorim’s side are still reeling after a season in which they finished 15th in the Premier League, after netting only 44 league goals collectively, perhaps a more proven, risk-averse option is required.

Enter, Ollie Watkins.

While Sesko has nudged ahead on the centre-forward shortlist, reports have suggested that Amorim’s preference would be to go for Watkins, with the England international following in the footsteps of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as a top-flight-ready acquisition.

Although Aston Villa appear to have rebuffed any interest so far this summer, a suitable bid of around £60m may well tempt them into a sale, not least with the former Brentford man approaching 30.

There is a sense that Watkins would be a mere short-term fix due to his age, although having scored at least ten league goals in each of his five seasons in England’s top tier, he would represent one of the few guarantees on the market.

United only have to look to the past for reason for optimism, having famously plucked Dwight Yorke from Villa Park on a £12.6m deal back in the summer of 1998, following the enigmatic striker’s stunning stint in the Midlands.

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36

16

8

2023/24

37

19

13

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37

15

6

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35

11

2

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37

14

5

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184

75

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Like Watkins – who boasts 87 goals in 223 games for the Villans – Yorke had been a revelation for his former side, prior to joining Alex Ferguson’s ranks, having netted 98 times in 287 games.

While he would go on to last just four years at the Theatre of Dreams, the Trinidad and Tobago sensation more than made an impact, having notably scored 29 times in all competitions during the famed treble-winning season.

Much like Yorke – who was 26 at the time of the move – Watkins is still at the peak of his powers, having registered 31 goals and assists in all competitions last time out under Unai Emery. That tally includes 14 assists, showcasing that he is as much of a provider as he is a supreme goalscorer.

Lauded as “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Emery, the 29-year-old should need no period of adaptation to life at United, with the prospect there for him to also rekindle his prior partnership with Mbeumo, following their days together at Brentford.

Sesko might be the young, glamour name, but Watkins’ brilliance has already been seen first-hand across five consistent years at Villa. As Ferguson witnessed in the case of Yorke, adding a proven Premier League striker into the mix could well be devastating.

Most important deal since Bruno: Man Utd make enquiry for "world-class" gem

Manchester United are set to make another key move within this summer’s transfer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 2, 2025

German striker Timo Werner has chosen to remain at RB Leipzig despite being informed he would be out of the squad this season. Expert Stefan Effenberg has warned that Werner is in a dangerous phase of his career, risking a loss of motivation and the drive to push himself to the limit if he continues to stay out of the team.

Werner's current situation

Werner, who returned from Tottenham after his loan move was not made permanent, has been left out of RB Leipzig’s plans for the 2025-26 season. Despite receiving several offers, including one from MLS side New York Red Bulls, he rejected them all in order to guarantee his €10 million salary from the Bundesliga club, which means he could be in danger of not receiving any playing time until the transfer window opens once again in January.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB Leipzig director attempted to persuade Werner to leave

Speaking on , Leipzig sporting director Marcus Scahfer explained the open and honest conversation with Werner. 

"That's why we suggested to him in the summer that if he wanted to be a regular starter and get plenty of playing time, it might be better to look elsewhere. Werner made a conscious decision to stay in Leipzig," he said. "Werner behaves very professionally; we really have a good exchange. He doesn't let himself get down."

Ex-Germany and Bayern Munich star gives advice to Werner

Effenberg, a former Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg and Germany midfielder, feels Werner should be careful as lack of playing time can lead to a lack of motivation, warning the next few months could be detrimental to his career. 

"What's not good for such players, of course, is not getting any playing time," he added. "Training is one thing, and at some point, it wears you down if you continue that into the fall. I know examples of players I've played with. Then at some point they're no longer happy and no longer have the willingness to push themselves to the limit. it is a dangerous situation for Timo right now. I'm not sure if it was the wisest decision he made there."

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Getty Images SportWerner's future at Leipzig

Werner will hope to work hard in training and convince coach Ole Werner to give him a chance despite his refusal to leave the club. Leipzig, however, remain hopeful that once the transfer window reopens, the striker will agree to move on.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz takes over as captain, while Shahadat Hossain has been named Shanto’s replacement

Mohammad Isam10-Nov-2024 • Updated on 12-Nov-2024Najmul Hossain Shanto* and Mushfiqur Rahim have both been ruled out of Bangladesh’s upcoming two-Test series in the West Indies. While Mushfiqur has a finger injury, Shanto has a groin strain. The absence of Mushfiqur means Bangladesh will go into a Test series for the first time in 16 years without any of Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal or him.Mushfiqur, a veteran of 94 Tests, has also been suffering from a shoulder injury since the Pakistan Test series in August. He suffered the finger injury during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah last week.Shanto, who will also miss the third and final ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah on Monday, sustained the injury during the second ODI, a BCB statement said. He left the field, and scans later confirmed the nature of the injury.”We have received the team physio’s report and the scan report, which has confirmed a Grade II strain on his left groin,” BCB senior physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury said in a statement. “This will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. We will reassess his condition after two weeks. He will return home from the UAE to continue his rehab.”Mehidy Hasan Miraz will captain the side in Shanto’s absence.Shahadat Hossain, the 22-year-old right-hand top-order batter, has been named Shanto’s replacement.He has played four Tests after debuting against New Zealand last year, and has an average of 14.75 with a highest score of 31. He was dropped for the home Tests against South Africa in October, and averages 26.33 in four matches in the National Cricket League, including a century in his last game. Possible alternatives could have been Amite Hasan, who has 466 runs at an average of 77.66 in the NCL, and Anamul Haque and Amit Majumder, who have also crossed the 400-run mark in the competition.Mushfiqur Rahim had hurt his shoulder during the Test series against Pakistan in August•AFP/Getty ImagesBangladesh have also left out Khaled Ahmed and Nayeem Hasan, but will welcome Litton Das back in the fold after the wicketkeeper-batter missed the second Test against South Africa in Chattogram, and the three ODIs against Afghanistan due to fever.The touring party has a strong pace attack, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana. Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been added to the spin department that includes vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.Bangladesh have kept faith in their regular top-order batters Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan. Shanto and Mominul Haque will bat at No. 3 and 4 respectively. Mushfiqur’s role could fall on Jaker Ali or Mahidul Islam Ankon, with Litton back with the gloves, and likely to bat at No. 7.Bangladesh will start the tour with a four-day warm-up game at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, followed by the first Test in Antigua from November 22. The second Test is in Jamaica, starting November 30. The visitors will then play three ODIs and as many T20Is, but their white-ball squad hasn’t been announced yet.Bangladesh Test squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shahadat Hossain, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad

A Glasgow Rangers target has now been put up for sale in a twist from the reports of a loan offer with a £10m buy obligation.

Rangers now eyeing multiple new faces

Russell Martin is already putting his own stamp on his Rangers team, as the Gers have brought in eight new players in this transfer window so far. The arrivals have been a mixed bag of positions and roles, but with still over a month and a bit left of the window, Rangers are looking to remain active.

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ByBen Gray Jul 24, 2025

Earlier this week it was reported that Rangers are interested in signing Johannes Bjarnason from KR Reykjavik. The midfielder is only 20 years old, but it is his impact in the final third that has attracted attention.

However, the Scottish side are not the only team chasing the youngster, as Genk and Pro Vercelli are also keen. Bjarnason has already netted an impressive 15 goals and recorded 10 assists in 72 appearances for his club.

However, Bjarnason is not the only midfielder the Gers are looking at, as, according to Edinburgh News reporter Barry Anderson, the Scottish giants are keen on a deal for Andrej Bacanin, who plays for FC Cukaricki.

There is strong competition for the Serbia under-19 international, as Celtic, Ajax and Udinese are also chasing a transfer agreement.

Rangers target up for sale in £8m twist

According to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has now been put up for sale after Rangers made a loan offer to Crystal Palace.

David Orstein reported on Thursday that Rangers saw a loan bid with a £10 million obligation to buy Rak-Sakyi turned down by Palace. Orstein stated that the Gers remain interested in the winger alongside other suitors from England.

However, Jack reports the Gers did make a loan offer but it did not include a £10 million buy option. They are still keen to strike a loan deal with Crystal Palace for Rak-Sakyi, but the Eagles are now looking to sell the winger on a long-term basis.

Rangers are now looking at their options, which do include possibly making an £8 million offer, but they may have to wait until late in the window to do so.

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Rak-Sakyi has spent the last two seasons away from Selhurst Park, as he spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Charlton Athletic, during which he scored 15 goals in 43 League One games.

Then, last season, the 22-year-old scored seven goals in 34 Championship games, as he spent the campaign at Sheffield United. Rak-Sakyi is under contract until 2027, but the Premier League side have clearly decided it’s time to cash in for good.

Chelsea are set for a short pre-season after winning the Club World Cup final, with just five weeks separating their 3-0 win over PSG in New Jersey and their first Premier League game of 2025/2026 against Crystal Palace.

Chelsea hold talks with £100k-per-week England star this week

Enzo Maresca is prioritising one key area.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 17, 2025

They have scheduled just two pre-season matches as a result of their CWC triumph, needing to fit a holiday in for both players and staff after what was a successful but very long campaign.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea will take on both Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan on August 8 and August 10 respectively, but as things stand, these are the only friendlies they’ll play before facing Palace in the top flight a week later.

It remains to be seen how Enzo Maresca’s side will fare given their minimal preparation, but the Italian did get a chance to try out new tactics during their CWC campaign in the US.

He also managed to give some of his major summer signings a run-out. Joao Pedro seriously impressed at the tournament in particular, scoring three goals in three CWC games, including a brace in their semi-final against Fluminense and a goal in the final against PSG.

Despite Chelsea’s need to sell players and balance out the squad due to a pact with UEFA (Kaveh Solhekol), Maresca could still add more fresh faces before their new season kicks off against Palace.

This will be dependent on departures (Simon Phillips), but perhaps Djordje Petrovic’s £25 million move to Bournemouth has freed up space for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to come in.

The France number one was a serious target for Chelsea earlier in the window, and they tried to complete a deal for him before competing in the CWC. However, Milan and Chelsea failed to find an agreement, despite Maignan’s eagerness to join.

Despite reports to the contrary, Chelsea could go back in for Maignan before deadline day on September 1, with Robert Sanchez also told he’s free to find a new club away from Stamford Bridge (Graeme Bailey).

Mike Maignan very keen to join Chelsea, he's a top target

TEAMtalk have another update on the situation this week, claiming Maignan remains a top target for Chelsea.

The 30-year-old is also “enthusiastic” about joining Maresca’s side this summer, even if negotiations previously failed, with the main roadblock being Milan’s £22 million asking price – a figure deemed too high by Chelsea considering both his age and his contract situation.

However, given Maignan’s pedigree as one of world football’s most commanding shot-stoppers, £22 million is surely a price worth paying – especially if they sell Sanchez.

Every title-winning side in history have one thing in common – the presence of a world-class keeper. Maignan, who’s been lavished with praise by his fellow top-level players, arguably stands out as the best option by far this summer.

“He is physical, quick, he has clean technique. He is very strong. He is one of the best in the world,” said Liverpool keeper Alisson about Maignan’s quality.

“The quality of goalkeepers has really increased – Mike Maignan is within this elite.”

أعلن أحد أفراد الجهاز الفني لنادي الزمالك رحيله عن منصبه بالجهاز المعاون بقيادة البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، بعد فترة امتدت لثلاثة أعوام رفقة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم.

وقرر علاء رجب، مخطط أحمال الفريق، الرحيل عن منصبه بنادي الزمالك، موجهًا رسالة مؤثرة لجماهير القلعة البيضاء ومجلس الإدارة وزملاءه.

وكتب علاء رجب عبر حسابه الشخصي على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “فيس بوك”: “بعد 3 سنين عمل في نادي الزمالك العريق وجمهوره الوفي العظيم، تعلمت الكثير ونلت شرف التتويج ببطولة السوبر الإفريقي وبطولة كأس مصر وبطولة الكونفدرالية”.

وتابع: “أحب أوجه الشكر لجميع الإدارات وجميع الأجهزة الفنية والطبية والإدارية وجهاز المهمات على مدار هذه المدة، وفي الختام حسن الكلام، أتمنى من الله التوفيق لنادي الزمالك العريق فيما هو قادم”.

طالع أيضًا.. خاص بالتفاصيل | إصابة صفقة الزمالك الجديدة قبل مواجهة المصري

وفي سياق آخر، استأنف الزمالك تدريباته مساء أمس الجمعة، عقب انتهاء فترة الراحة السلبية التي حصل عليها الفريق بعد مواجهة وادي دجلة، والتي خسرها بهدفين مقابل هدف ضمن الجولة الخامسة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الزمالك في مباراته القادمة مع المصري البورسعيدي في الجولة السادسة، وذلك يوم السبت المُقبل الموافق 13 سبتمبر.

Tottenham Hotspur have “invited” a manager to hold discussions over potentially replacing Ange Postecoglou, with the tactician also responding to this approach behind-the-scenes.

Ange Postecoglou future uncertain despite Europa League campaign

Spurs booked their place in the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday after a very hard-fought 1-0 win away to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Tottenham: Thierry Henry-like striker facing exit with Spurs ready to bid

The Lilywhites want to take full advantage.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 19, 2025

Dominic Solanke’s cooly-taken penalty was enough to hand Postecoglou a precious win and keep his hopes of winning silverware alive, following a torrid Premier League campaign where Spurs are on course for their worst ever finish.

Nottingham Forest (home)

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West Ham (away)

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However, some reports suggest that Postecoglou could be sacked regardless of what happens in Europe, so the Australian’s future still very much hangs in the balance amid repeated links to other managers.

Chairman Daniel Levy’s shortlist of potential replacements for the 59-year-old includes names like Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, according to recent rumours.

Iraola has been tipped as Tottenham’s top target to succeed Postecoglou, but Bournemouth won’t make it easy for the Lilywhites after his impressive campaign in the Cherries dugout.

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley wants to extend Iraola’s deal and is working to do so, having hailed his boss as “excellent”, meaning Silva has emerged as an alternative frontrunner for the Tottenham job (talkSPORT).

The Telegraph also reported this week that Iraola is more inclined to remain at Bournemouth, despite the £10 million release clause in his contract, and this is echoed by journalist Duncan Castles.

Tottenham invite Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola for talks

Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Castles reports that Tottenham have approached Iraola over the manager’s job, inviting him for discussions, but the 42-year-old has seemingly rejected their advances in favour of staying on the south coast.

“Interestingly, my guidance on this is that Tottenham’s approaches to Iraola have been rebuffed by the manager,” said Castles.

“He has been invited and told to speak to them about that position, and has actually declined to do so.

“And instead, he has been having conversations with Bournemouth, informal conversations with Bournemouth for several weeks now, about not only continuing on his current contract, but signing a new contract to extend there.”

With a move for Iraola looking less and less likely by the day, perhaps Glasner could be an excellent option. The Austrian, lauded for his “exciting” approach by Steve Parish, has guided Palace to an FA Cup semi-final and earned plaudits for his work at Selhurst Park since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Glasner also boasts a Europa League winner’s medal on his CV, having won the competition with Eintracht in 2022, with pundit John Wenham also calling the 50-year-old a “far more exciting” appointment than Iraola.

“He is far more exciting than most names that have been linked,” said Wenham to Tottenham News, “He is someone I would be happy for Tottenham to appoint. I think with better players he would excel, and I find him more exciting than Marco Silva or Thomas Frank, to be honest.”

Arsenal are now ready to pay the £51m release clause for a “world-class” player, who is also of interest to Real Madrid, according to a report.

Gunners title hopes bleak despite Fulham victory

Fulham secured a surprise 3-2 victory against Liverpool yesterday afternoon, which means the Gunners remain 11 points behind the Reds in the Premier League table, but with just seven games left to play, their title hopes are looking very bleak.

Mikel Arteta still has an opportunity to make the 2024-25 campaign a memorable one, however, with his side still fighting in the Champions League, although their route to Munich will not be easy, as they are set to take on Real Madrid in the quarter-final.

The north Londoners will have to take on the reigning champions without an out-and-out striker, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined, which will make the daunting task even more difficult.

£77m striker now gives Arsenal move green light after talks with Berta

A “lethal” striker has now said yes to signing for the Gunners, with Andrea Berta playing a key role in convincing him.

3 ByDominic Lund Apr 6, 2025

Squad depth has been an issue for Arteta this season, and the manager is keen to bolster his options in the summer transfer window, with a new central midfielder of interest.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now ready to meet the €60m (£51m) release clause in Martin Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad contract, having wanted to sign the midfielder for quite some time.

The Gunners are looking to finalise the deal for Zubimendi, who is Arteta’s primary target in central midfield, but Real Madrid also retain an interest, and the Spanish side could provide competition for his signature, alongside Atlético Madrid and Manchester City.

An agreement has already been reached on personal terms, indicating the Spaniard is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, but his head could still be turned by one of the rival suitors.

Gunners must win race for "world-class" Zubimendi

The 26-year-old has been one of Sociedad’s best performers in La Liga this season, averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.89, the second-highest figure in the squad, and he has received high praise from members of the media.

Ben Mattinson lauded the Spain international for a “top performance” against Real Madrid last week, claiming he could relieve the burden of creating chances that is currently on Martin Odegaard, while he has also proven himself to be solid defensively.

Journalist Alexandra Jonson believes there is “no doubt” the Sociedad star is “world-class”, indicating he could take Arsenal’s midfield to the next level, with Arteta in need of at least one new player, given that Jorginho is in talks over a move elsewhere.

As such, it is promising news that Arsenal are now ready to pay the £51m release clause, and they will be hoping his head isn’t turned by the prospect of remaining in Spain with Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid.

All the statistical highlights from the thrilling Centurion Test

Namooh Shah29-Dec-20248.0 South Africa’s win-loss ratio in Tests in Centurion is the highest for a team at any venue for a minimum of 20 matches, followed by Pakistan’s 7.6 in Karachi.2 – South Africa’s two-wicket victory is only the second time that they won with two or fewer wickets remaining.31 not out by Kagiso Rabada is the third best score of a No.10 batter in the fourth innings of a winning Test. The top two scores in this list were registered more than 100 years ago.Related

• When the orchestra played as one – South Africa's journey to their first WTC final

• Make plan, find a way and believe – South Africa's not-quite-perfect WTC campaign

• South Africa clinch two-wicket thriller to seal WTC final spot

• WTC final scenarios: South Africa through, but what about India, Australia and Sri Lanka?

1 – For the first time in their Test history, South Africa’s ninth and tenth-wicket stands added 40-plus runs three times. Overall, it was the eighth time this has happened in Test cricket.139 – Number of runs added by the ninth and tenth-wicket stands of South Africa (51*, 47, 41) in the Centurion Test is the second highest by them in winning cause.51 – Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada added 51 for the ninth wicket, which is the seventh highest unbroken partnership for the last two wickets in a winning cause in Tests.1 – Mohammad Abbas’ figures of 6 for 54 is the best by a Pakistan bowler in South Africa. Four other Pakistani bowlers have also taken six-wicket hauls each in South Africa.3 – Abbas’ figures in the fourth innings is also the third best for a bowler and best by a Pakistani in a losing Test since 1948.16 Number of Test wickets taken by South Africa bowlers, who did not share the new ball. It’s also the most by them, going past their 15-wicket mark, against England in Johannesburg in 2020.

Unprecedented scoring rates have been the calling card of the Stokes-McCullum regime

Alan Gardner31-May-2023We don’t know exactly the moment Bazball was born. Was England’s approach to Test cricket discussed in the first meeting between the team’s new coach and captain, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes? Perhaps we can trace it to the run chase at Trent Bridge, a dizzying 50-over romp to 299 in the second Test of last summer. Or maybe it was a twinkle in McCullum’s eye back when he was still an all-format player.We do know that Friday will mark exactly a year since the pair came together to revive England’s Test fortunes, starting with the home series against New Zealand in June 2022. Never mind the philosophical debates – and the fact that England, and McCullum in particular, don’t like the zeitgeist-surfing nickname for their style of play – it seems a good time to check in on the revolution, with England having won 10 out of 12 Tests and preparing for six more across the next two months, including an eagerly anticipated Ashes series.Stokes the fire
Whatever the effect of Stokes’ captaincy, things couldn’t really have got much worse. England had won one Test in 17 under Joe Root, going back to the winter of 2020-21, and after the failed “red-ball reset” in the Caribbean were ready for a complete reboot.The beauty of Test cricket is that is always more than one way to win – and there is still a place for old-fashioned, copper-bottomed batting, as New Zealand showed when turning the Basin Reserve Test on its head in February, thereby handing Stokes only his second defeat. Australia have already made noises to suggest they won’t be lining up to accept a pasting. Whether Bazball can maintain trajectory into its second year will not be in England’s hands alone.