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Australia’s top four all made fifties to lift the team to 352, and despite half-centuries from Kohli and Rohit, India fell well short in the chase

Ashish Pant27-Sep-20231:00

Have Iyer and Suryakumar settled some nerves for India?

Attacking fifties from the top four, backed up by Glenn Maxwell’s frugal four-for on return helped Australia avoid a clean sweep as they got the better of India by 66 runs in the third and final ODI in Rajkot. India still took the series 2-1 having won the opening two games convincingly.Both sides made a host of changes – Australia five and India six – from the second ODI. Batting first on what looked like a placid Rajkot surface, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith and David Warner all scored fifties to propel Australia to 352 for 7.Related

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In reply, Rohit Sharma bashed a 57-ball 81 while Virat Kohli scored a more sedate fifty, but the lower middle order failed to get going as India were bowled out for 286 in 49.4 overs.Australia, playing a near full-strength side, took charged up from the get-go. They raced to 90 for 1, with India conceding 11 fours and five sixes in the first ten overs. And it was Jasprit Bumrah they targeted, who had a game of two halves. He conceded 0 for 51 off his first five overs and 3 for 30 off his last five but seemed off the boil with his lengths overall.Marsh creamed the first ball he received from the fast bowler through covers before pummeling him for two fours and six in his second over. Warner took 16 runs off Mohammed Siraj’s second over before thumping Prasidh Krishna was for 19 off his first as Australia galloped to 50 in 6.1 overs.Warner soon notched up a half-century of his own, his third of the series, off 32 balls but failed to carry on. Trying to be a bit too adventurous, Warner pre-meditated a scoop to a Prasidh length ball on the stumps but could only get a bit of a glove and a top edge through to the wicketkeeper.Smith, coming on the back of a duck, was in his elements right away. He started off with a typical across-the-line wristy clip before dishing out a stunning cover drive against Prasidh.David Warner and Mitchell Marsh show some glove-love after giving Australia a rollicking start•BCCISpin was introduced in the tenth over but did not make much of a difference with both Marsh and Smith collecting boundaries at regular intervals. Marsh brought up his fifty off 45 balls before the heat started to take its toll even as Australia breached the 150-mark in the 22nd over.Bumrah’s second spell also proved expensive with Marsh laying into him. He hoicked the quick over deep backward square leg before crashing him for three successive fours. Smith and Marsh added 137 off 119 balls for the second wicket and when Australia screamed past 200 in 26.2 overs, 400 was on the cards.But India managed to pull things back well. Marsh, absolutely knackered by the heat, patted a Kuldeep wrong’un to cover to fall for 96. Soon after, Siraj pinned Smith right in front with a length ball that skidded through and missed his attempted flick. Bumrah returned to deceive Alex Carey with a slower offcutter and then rattled Maxwell’s off pole with a pinpoint yorker. And, when Cameron Green holed out to long-on, Australia had lost four wickets for 57 in 11 overs between the 32nd and 43rd.Labuschagne, however, kept his composure to keep Australia going. He smashed 72 off 58 balls with nine fours as Australia crossed 350 in the final over. Despite the tall score, India did manage to pull things back in the last part, conceding 122 runs in the last 20 overs and just 66 off the last ten.Rohit had a new opening partner in Washington Sundar and India’s chase got off to a flying start largely due to Rohit. The duo added 74 for the opening wicket in 65 balls, with Rohit’s contribution being 55 off 35.The pull worked the magic for the India captain on the day with the shot earning him 35 runs off just ten balls. Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were all dispatched to various locations over the on-side boundaries while the extra cover fence was also peppered more than once.Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli added 70 for the second wicket•AFP/Getty ImagesRohit raced to his fifty off 31 balls with the help of three fours and five sixes. Ironically, it was a mistimed pull that got him to the landmark. Green purchased some extra bounce outside off with Rohit managing a top edge on a pull that ballooned straight up. But Starc running back from short third, failed to latch on to a tough catch.Washington was dismissed for a 30-ball 18 with Labuschagne taking a wonderful catch at wide long-off. Kohli then joined forces with Rohit and the duo added 70 off 61 balls to keep the chase on track.A stunning piece of reflex catch, however, sent Rohit back and Australia applied the choke thereafter. Rohit absolutely slapped a quickish length ball by backing away towards the bowler, who tried to take evasive action but also held out his right hand with the ball sticking.Post Rohit’s dismissal in the 21st over, Australia conceded just two fours and a six in the next ten overs. Kohli reached his 65th half-century in the format, but became Maxwell’s third victim when he top-edged a short-of-a-length ball to Smith at midwicket.Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul failed to find the boundaries as the required rate continued to creep up. Rahul was sent back by Starc while Suryakumar Yadav failed to repeat his second ODI heroics. And when Iyer was castled by Maxwell, the end was nigh.Ravindra Jadeja managed to get some batting practice enroute a 36-ball 35 before Green ended proceedings by taking out Siraj off the penultimate ball of the game. For Australia, each of the six bowlers picked up a wicket.

Athletic Club are set to report Barcelona to La Liga in an attempt to force a full financial audit as they bid to keep Nico Williams this summer.

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Athletic to report Barca to La LigaWant them to prove 1:1 rule eligibilityWilliams keen on move to Camp NouFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per , Athletic have sent a delegation, comprising of president Jon Uriarte and general manager Jon Berasategi, to Madrid in a bid to force a full audit of Barca's financial operations amid their ongoing pursuit of Williams. They believe that the club have not complied with the league's 1:1 rule, which allows clubs to only spend what they have generated in revenue.

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Williams has communicated to Athletic that he wants to leave to join Barcelona, but report that Athletic are ready to fight to keep him, and insist they have not reached any agreement with the winger to leave this summer, after he signed a new deal in December. The Spain international has a release clause of just over €60 million (£51m/$70m), but his current employers will call on La Liga to stop any transfer until Barca prove they can meet the 1:1 criteria.

WHAT LAPORTA SAID

Laporta told Mundo Deportivo, via Barca Blaugranes: “We don’t have bad relations with Athletic, yes there have been a series of misunderstandings and incidents in recent years, but you can’t say we have bad relations, we are two clubs with a very long history and with relationships that go back a long time.

“I don’t understand the reactions they are having, with all due respect, each one should look after their own, I don’t understand why they are going to talk about Barça in La Liga, I don’t think it’s right, but they will know what they are doing.”

Asked about the 1:1 rule, he added: “We are working to be in the 1:1 rule, we were already in it in the winter market, all the steps have been taken to be able to sign normally, to not be financially intervened with the ‘fair play’ as happened until winter, we have to comply with certain parameters, which is what we are doing and depending on that we will be able to sign and register the two players we want to sign… or register.”

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Williams has made 167 appearances for Athletic, scoring 31 goals and registering 30 assists. He has a contract until 2027 and it is clear that Bilbao do not plan to let him go without a fight.

Vasavada scored a patient fifty but Saurashtra are still 96 runs behind with only a wicket in hand

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Oct-2023Saurabh Kumar’s all-round show, combined with Rest of India bowlers’ clinical performance put the team ahead against Saurashtra in the Irani Trophy. In reply to Rest of India’s 308, Saurashtra reached 212 for 9 at stumps. Vidwath Kaverappa and Saurabh picked up three wickets each to entertain thoughts of a first-innings lead.After Saurashtra bowled Rest of India out early in the morning, they were put on the back foot straight away with fast bowler Kaverappa knocking over Harvik Desai and Chiraj in his first two overs. A score of 1 for 1 became 77 for 5 with Saurabh snagging Sheldon Jackson and Samarth Vyas. Cheteshwar Pujara consumed 81 balls for 29 runs before he was dismissed by right-arm offspinner Pulkit Narang. Kaverappa picked up one more wicket in the final session to return figures of 3 for 28 in his nine overs.With Saurashtra in need of repairs, Arpit Vasavada produced a patient half-century. He first shared a 47-run partnership with Prerak Mankad for the sixth wicket and then put on 54 runs for the seventh wicket with Parth Bhut, who had completed a five-wicket haul in the morning. Vasavada hit just two boundaries in his 127-ball knock and scored 54 runs before falling to Saurabh, ten minutes before the close of the play.Earlier, Saurabh, at No. 8, managed to push his score up to 39, including five fours, before he eventually became Bhut’s fifth victim as Rest of India folded soon after crossing the 300-mark.

Thomas Tuchel reportedly wants an England 'boot camp' in Miami ahead of the 2026 World Cup with the Three Lions looking to adapt to high American temperatures.

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Tuchel eyeing a summer training camp in MiamiWants to give the players a taste of the summer heatTrip eyed for 2026 March international breakFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Tuchel is laying down the groundwork for a rigorous training regime aimed at acclimating his players to the high temperatures expected during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. With rising concerns about how the scorching American climate could impact performance, Tuchel is pushing for a boot camp ahead of the global tournament next June, preceded by another training camp during the March international break in Miami.

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Tuchel is working closely with the Football Association’s medical and sports science experts to ensure the squad is well-prepared for the physical demands of competing in extreme weather conditions. He also intends to use his attendance at the ongoing Club World Cup to evaluate the physical condition of England’s potential World Cup players first-hand. Meanwhile, the FA will dispatch operational staff to the United States during the tournament to inspect potential training venues and hotel accommodations.

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While the idea of sending England’s top players on a transatlantic trip during the busy March window might not sit well with club managers, especially with crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures looming, Tuchel appears unfazed. If England top their World Cup qualifying group and avoid the playoffs, Tuchel will have even more flexibility to execute his preparation plans.

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Though Miami remains Tuchel’s top choice, the Middle East is also on the radar due to its high-quality training facilities and more manageable time difference. However, the final call on the training camp location will only be made after England's World Cup qualifying campaign concludes.

Timothy Weah has turned down advances from Premier League's Tottenham and Everton, with the United States star closing in a move to Ligue 1.

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Weah set to leave Juve this summerUSMNT star snubs Spurs and EvertonAppears to be joining MarseilleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Marseille are moving quickly and decisively in the transfer market. In search of players who can bring power, versatility, and experience, the French outfit seems to have found a new gem in Weah. His name has been circulating insistently for several days, and a final agreement is now imminent.

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After finishing second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain and securing a place in the Champions League, Marseille want to give Roberto De Zerbi a solid squad tailored for the European stage. Former PSG and Lille player Weah is attracted to the Marseille project.

He rejected an offer from Nottingham Forest and had been a target for Tottenham and Everton. Juventus had tried to force Weah to join Forest by leaving him out of the squad for a Club World Cup match, prompting the former's agent to launch a scathing attack on the Bianconeri.

According to Italian journalist Giovanni Albanese, however, Weah is "one step away from signing" with Marseille. Les Phoceens have offered him a five-year contract until June 2030, while Juve initially demanded at least €15 million to finalise the transfer.

DID YOU KNOW?

While a few contractual details remain to be ironed out, Weah is edging closer to the Stade Velodrome. The 44-time USA international played just 45 minutes at the Club World Cup before he was dropped. Last season, he made 30 Serie A matches but started just 18 as he battled a few injuries in the first half of the campaign.

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AFPWHAT NEXT?

Weah's relationship with Juve seems to have broken down completely. The deal with Marseille appears to be in advanced stages, with official confirmation now imminent. The Ligue 1 side have made some decent signings ahead of the upcoming season, with the likes of Angel Gomes and CJ Egan-Riley joining the club.

Afghanistan continue bring joy back home with fourth victory of World Cup campaign

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Nov-2023Hashmatullah Shahidi, the Afghanistan captain, dedicated his side’s seven-wicket win over Netherlands to the thousands of Afghan refugees in Pakistan who are facing the prospect of being deported back to Afghanistan.Shahidi was speaking after a comfortable win in Lucknow, Afghanistan’s third in a row and one which sees them move to eight points and closer to a semi-final spot, albeit with two games left to play against Australia and South Africa.”Right now, a lot of refugee peoples are in struggle so we are watching their videos and we are sad for that and we are with them in this tough time,” Shahidi said after the game. “I dedicate this win to those refugees that are in pain and also to all country peoples back home.”Nearly two million Afghan refugees that Pakistan says are in the country illegally had been told by the government to leave by November 1 or face either deportation or arrest. This week many thousands have rushed to the border between the two countries, trying to beat the deadline but worried about facing an uncertain future in Afghanistan, which has been governed since August 2021 by the Taliban.Related

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Pakistan has a long history of taking in Afghan refugees, dating back to 1979 when the former Soviet Union came into Afghanistan in a new front of the Cold War with the US. A lot of the players from Afghanistan’s earliest cricket sides had grown up and learnt the game in refugee camps in north-west Pakistan. There has been another sizeable influx of refugees into the country after the Taliban took control two years ago. But the order for the refugees to leave Pakistan comes amid tense political relations between the two countries.The issue has been close to the hearts of the cricket team. Following their eight-wicket triumph over Pakistan in Chennai last week, Ibrahim Zadran also dedicated the win to refugees being forced to leave.”I think the players are attuned with everything that’s going on back home, whether it’s an earthquake and other things,” Jonathan Trott, Afghanistan’s coach, said on Friday after the Netherlands win.”So they realise, and I think they’re enjoying the joy that they’re giving to the Afghan people and the smile that they currently have on their face in the changing room, but also the smiles that’s giving everybody else. That’s the great thing about sport and being able to touch people far further afield than just here in the stadium or in this country, but back home as well.”Afghanistan are now fifth on the points table, outside the top four on net run-rate but with the same points as New Zealand and Australia. They take on an in-form Australia in Mumbai first, on Tuesday, and then a rampaging South Africa in Ahmedabad, among their toughest tests.”I think you’ve got to definitely prepare and have a look at how the opposition are going to play, but the thing is with us, I certainly feel that if we worry, we just focus on how we play and what makes us the side that we are,” Trott said.”We’ve got to make sure that we don’t look at the opposition too much and forget about what we’ve got to do well. So that’ll be it and obviously we’ll prepare for Australia, a very good side along with South Africa but right now we’re focused on Australia and what we can do to beat them.”

India’s Suryakumar Yadav remains the top T20I batter while R Ashwin leads the Test rankings for bowlers

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Dec-2023England legspinner Adil Rashid has become the No. 1 ranked bowler in T20Is, while Pakistan batter Babar Azam has displaced India opener Shubman Gill at the top of the ICC men’s ODI rankings.Rashid overtook two other legspinners – Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (No. 2) and India’s Ravi Bishnoi (No. 3) – after taking seven wickets in the first four T20Is of England’s ongoing series in the West Indies. He is only the second England player to become No. 1 in the ICC men’s T20I rankings for bowlers, after offspinner Graeme Swann more than a decade ago. Rashid’s elevation to the top came a day after he went unsold during the IPL 2024 auction.India’s Suryakumar Yadav remains the top ranked T20I batter after scoring a fifty and a hundred in the second and third T20Is in South Africa. His lead over Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan in second place is now a 100 ratings points.In ODIs, Babar has gone past Gill to become the No. 1 batter after Gill was rested from India’s ongoing series in South Africa, though neither batter has played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup ended.In the Test rankings, Kane Williamson remains No.1 while Usman Khawaja moves up three places to fourth following Australia’s win against Pakistan in Perth, with another opportunity to close the gap during the Boxing Day Test match.Pat Cummins has moved up a spot to third in the Test bowling rankings, while Nathan Lyon has risen to fifth, Mitchell Starc to eighth, and Josh Hazlewood tenth. India offspinner R Ashwin remains the No. 1 ranked bowler in Tests.

The English club is making a serious push for the Toluca midfielder, while two other European teams have entered the mix

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Ipswich offer reportedly worth $10 millionNice and Borussia Mönchengladbach also interestedRuiz earned a starting role with Mexico at the Gold CupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Fresh off a championship season with Toluca and a standout performance for Mexico at the 2025 Gold Cup, Marcel Ruiz has become one of the most sought-after Liga MX players in this summer’s transfer window. The 24-year-old midfielder is now firmly on the radar of European clubs, with English Championship side Ipswich Town leading the charge.

According to multiple reports, Ipswich have already submitted a formal offer to Deportivo Toluca for the Mexican international. The bid is said to be in the region of $10 million, and the front office is expected to make a decision within the week.

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Ruiz, who played in Toluca’s Apertura 2025 opener and is expected to feature against Santos Laguna on July 16, has attracted interest not only from England. French club OGC Nice and Bundesliga outfit Borussia Mönchengladbach have also made inquiries, although Ipswich appear to be furthest along in negotiations.

The midfielder’s stock has risen sharply over the past year. He played a pivotal role in Toluca’s Clausura 2025 title run and later established himself as a starter for during their Gold Cup triumph. While Nice and Gladbach are still in the scouting phase, Ipswich have made their intentions clear with a concrete offer, giving them an edge in the race.

As things stand, Ruiz remains a Toluca player – but his future could be decided very soon. All eyes will be on the club’s response and whether Ruiz becomes the latest Liga MX talent to make the jump across the Atlantic.

Getty Images SportWHAT FRANCISCO SUINAGA AND ANTONIO MOHAMED SAID

"Obviously there’s interest from many clubs, but unless it’s something truly exceptional – something that will help him grow as a person and as a footballer with a future in Europe – he knows it’s a World Cup year and he’s in a team where he runs the midfield. There’s no point in moving just for the sake of it," emphasized Toluca’s sporting director, Francisco Suinaga.

Meanwhile, the team’s head coach, Antonio Mohamed, downplayed the move.

“Marcel doesn’t have anything concrete – neither he nor the club. What matters is that he wants to stay and move only to a significant club. So he’ll surely evaluate what’s best for him and make a decision when something real comes along," he said.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MARCEL RUIZ AND TOLUCA?

While his future remains uncertain, Toluca will face Santos Laguna this Wednesday in a rescheduled Matchday 2 fixture. The change comes ahead of their Campeón de Campeones showdown against Club América this Sunday in Los Angeles.