Joao Felix has admitted he wants to return to his boyhood club Benfica to regain his form, but his wage demands and transfer fee may block a transfer.

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• Joao Felix wishes for a call back to Lisbon
• Portuguese forward unable to shine in recent spells
• Benfica interested in bringing the forward home

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Felix has struggled to live up to the hype since leaving Benfica in a big-money move to Atletico Madrid, which was followed by an unsuccessful loan spell at Barcelona. Chelsea then snapped him up, but he failed to get going in the Premier League and was loaned to AC Milan last season.

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  Although he had a good start at San Siro, the Portugal international was inconsistent in the latter half of the season as he amassed three goals and one assist in 21 games for the Italian club. With his future unclear yet again, Felix now hopes to return to Benfica, but Chelsea's asking fee and the player's wages are out of the Portuguese club's budget.

• WHAT JOAO FELIX SAID

  Chelsea signed Felix for €52 million (£45m/$61) from Los Colchoneros on a seven-year contract. The club are willing to offload the player, and Benfica coach Bruno Lage has been open about the desire to bring him back, but was clear that he must make a compromise on his salary if he is to re-join the Eagles.

  Felix has now spoken about his desire to move to Lisbon, saying: "The whole world knows that Benfica is my favourite team. It's my home. One day I will return. I don't know if it's now or in a few years, but if it were now I would be very happy. There are two options: either I stay in England or I return to Benfica."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FELIX?

  Felix is not a part of Enzo Maresca's project at Chelsea, with the London club already assigning his shirt number to Dario Essugo, suggesting another summer transfer is on the cards.

India batter to play first seven Championship games, joins Australian Daniel Hughes as overseas signings

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Dec-2023Cheteshwar Pujara will return to Sussex for the 2024 season, joined by Australian batter Daniel Hughes as overseas signings for the club.Pujara will be available for the first seven County Championship matches in his third successive season with Sussex. Hughes, meanwhile, will be available from the start of the T20 Vitality Blast until the end of the season, playing in both the Blast and County Championship. They join bowlers Jayden Seales, of West Indies, and Australia’s Nathan McAndrew as the club’s overseas signings for the 2024 campaign.India Test batter Pujara has made 18 Championship appearances for Sussex so far, accumulating 1,863 runs at an average of 64.24, including eight centuries and three half-centuries. His highest score came against Derbyshire in 2022 when he made 231, sharing a stand of 351 with Tom Haines, who also scored a double-century. In 2023, Pujara’s highest score of 151 came against Gloucestershire, a knock that included 20 fours and two sixes.Related

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“I have enjoyed my time at Hove the last couple of seasons and couldn’t be more delighted to be back again with the Sussex family,” Pujara said in a statement. “I am looking forward to joining the team and contributing to its success.”Paul Farbrace, Sussex Head Coach, said: “I am delighted that Cheteshwar is returning to Hove again for the first two months of the season. He is not just a high-quality player but is also a high-quality person. His experience and calmness in matches is a fantastic asset for our team.”Hughes, an aggressive top-order batter with NSW Blues and Sydney Sixers who turns 35 in February, averages 36.90 in first-class cricket with a best knock of 178. In his 137 innings, Hughes has gone on to 26 half-centuries and eight centuries.He claimed his second Steve Waugh Medal in 2019-20 after receiving his first in 2017-18. He also claimed the NSW Blues Marsh One-Day Cup Player of the Season award.In T20 cricket, Hughes has accumulated 2,204 runs in 93 innings at a strike rate of 120.89 and has been part of the Sydney Sixers team that won back-to-back Big Bash League titles in 2020 and 2021.”Playing county cricket has been a long-held ambition for me,” Hughes said. “I am delighted to get that opportunity at Sussex. The plans that exist for team are exciting and I look forward to getting to Hove and helping Sussex with success along the way”.Farbrace described Hughes as “a top-class player” with vast experience. “We are all very much looking forward to working him and enjoying how he helps our team on and off the field,” he said.

Real Madrid are on the verge of signing Alvaro Carreras but are in no mood to pay the full €50 million buyout clause for the Benfica defender.

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Los Blancos closing in on CarrerasMadrid refuse to pay €50m release clauseDeal could be completed for around €40mFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Marca, Real Madrid are close to signing Carreras from Benfica. The Portuguese club have softened their stance after realising the 22-year-old is fully set on a move. The talks between both clubs have been progressing well, with the Spanish club set to close the signing in the next few days.

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The negotiations between Madrid and Benfica have been far from straightforward. The Portuguese club made the Los Blancos toil hard to move the deal forward, which was why the left back couldn't join the Spanish giants for the Club World Cup. At one point, talks stalled due to Benfica’s firm stance on demanding the full €50m release clause. However, Madrid held their ground, refusing to meet that valuation. Behind the scenes, the efforts of Carreras’ agent, Gines Carvajal, proved crucial in keeping the deal alive.

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One key element helping the deal move forward is youth talent Rafael Obrador. The 21-year-old left-back, who spent last season on loan at RC Deportivo, has been offered as part of the deal for the former Manchester United defender. The La Liga club will reportedly receive €5m and likely retain a buy-back option. For now, Madrid's valuation and Benfica’s have a reported difference of €8m, which is likely to be resolved after the Club World Cup.

Meanwhile, Man United are also set to benefit from the deal, earning over €9m as part of the transfer agreement.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID

Both parties are yet to meet face-to-face, but optimism is growing that a deal could be reached soon. Meanwhile, Madrid continue their preparations for the Club World Cup semi-final against PSG, set to be played on Wednesday.

Jake Fraser-McGurk smashed his maiden BBL half-century, but Brisbane Heat overcame the onslaught with Paul Walter producing a strong all-round performance in their clinical victory over Melbourne Renegades at Marvel Stadium.After Heat elected to bowl on a slow surface, Fraser-McGurk hammered seven sixes in his 55 off 23 balls but Renegades were pegged back by English import Walter, who claimed 3 for 27 off four overs.Related

• Tom Curran banned for four BBL games for intimidating umpire

Renegades’ total seemed imposing when Heat slumped to 45 for 3 before Matthew Renshaw and Sam Billings combined for a 72-run partnership. Fittingly, Walter finished the job with superb late hitting to finish with 30 off 15 balls as unbeaten Heat crossed the line with 11 balls to spare.Renegades, however, are winless and will be disappointed not to have capitalised on Fraser-McGurk’s early fireworks.The first half of Renegades’ innings was completely dominated by Fraser-McGurk, who came to the crease after opener Quinton de Kock fell in the second over to left-arm quick Spencer Johnson for a seven-ball duck.Having failed to unlock his prodigious gifts before this domestic season, Fraser-McGurk is fast becoming a drawcard having just two months ago entered the record books for the fastest ever List A century. His breakout season has also included a maiden First-Class century underlining his huge potential across formats.Fraser-McGurk had no trouble countering the sharp bounce of Johnson, who was playing his first match since being purchased by Gujarat Titans for AU$1.78million.He hammered 22 off his first six deliveries, which included three sixes in a clean-striking aerial assault. While Renegades’ top-order struggled for fluency on a sluggish surface, Fraser-McGurk appeared to be batting on a different pitch and he handled seamer Michael Neser with disdain by sweeping him for six.Heat stand-in captain Colin Munro turned to left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann who was smoked second ball for six over midwicket by Fraser-McGurk. No bowler was spared from the carnage with legspinner Mitchell Swepson pummelled over deep midwicket as Fraser-McGurk reached his half-century off just 21 balls.His whirlwind knock was being lapped up by not only the Renegades faithful, but Australia’s World Cup hero Glenn Maxwell who gushed about Fraser-McGurk on social media.But Fraser-McGurk holed out before drinks off Walter’s first delivery and Renegades predictably slowed considerably. Walter, who was a surprise selection by Heat in the BBL draft, continued his strong start to the season by bowling clever slow shorter deliveries that proved hard to score off.He also claimed the pivotal wickets of veteran Aaron Finch and Will Sutherland, who is key at the death for Renegades, as Heat recovered well from Fraser-McGurk’s hot start.Bu Heat couldn’t quite finish the job with Jono Wells enjoying a late flurry, including a last-ball boundary off Johnson who finished with 1 for 39 off four overs.Heat got off to a fast start in their chase through openers Josh Brown and Munro, who smashed seamer Tom Rogers for a first-ball six to cap a 15-run opening over.But Afghanistan offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman came into the attack in the second over in an inspired move. Munro tried to counter by moving his stance well across the stumps but it backfired and he was dismissed lbw after Mujeeb successfully reviewed.Brown holed out to quick Kane Richardson’s first delivery and Heat were in trouble when Nathan McSweeney spooned a return catch to Mujeeb.Batting appeared tough as Heat’s run rate creeped up, but Renshaw made his move in the eighth over with consecutive boundaries off spinner Nic Maddinson.Renshaw found good rhythm with Billings as the pair played smartly by nudging the ball around in a constant rotation of the strike. Occasionally they would go for broke like when Billings whacked Sutherland for a huge six in the 12th over to bring up the half-century partnership.Heat appeared to be cruising until Maddinson desperately turned to legspinner Adam Zampa, who gave Renegades hope by dismissing Billings for 40 in the 14th over.But Heat timed the power surge perfectly with Walter pummelling Richardson for 20 runs in a game-changing 17th over.Walter’s purple patch continued with a stunning straight six off Zampa as Heat soon clinched their third straight victory to start the season.

GOAL takes a look at five footballers from the CWC that would make sense for MLS teams to pursue this secondary transfer window

The secondary transfer window for Major League Soccer opens on Thursday, July 24, but that doesn't mean teams aren't already picking up the phone ahead of bolstering their squad for the second half of the regular-season campaign and an ensuing playoff push.

This summer, with the FIFA Club World Cup taking place in the United States, teams were playing on their doorstep, allowing clubs and scouts to get first-hand accounts of how teams and players perform in high-pressure surroundings. DAZN commentator for the tournament, Callum Williams, recently told GOAL he believes that multiple clubs are set to pounce on players who had top tournament showings.

"I think for certain teams, it is the right moment to," Williams said. "For sure, there's a handful of teams I know that are looking, they are actively having conversations."

Individuals like Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller, who has been linked with a stateside move for months, as well as Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo De Paul, would be superstar signings for the league. Then, in order to secure their spot with their respective national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a move to MLS for U.S. international Gio Reyna and Uruguayan forward Santiago Rodriguez would make sense too, as both have fallen down the pecking order for club and country of late.

There are also breakout players who emerge in the competition to catch the eyes of teams, and per reports, Al Ahly's Wessam Abou Ali could be just that man – as an Eastern Conference contender could be chasing his signature this summer now.

GOAL US takes a look at all five footballers and shares why a move to MLS this summer would ultimately make sense for each individual.

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  Rodrigo De Paul, Atletico Madrid

  One of the best players competing at the Club World Cup this year, De Paul is a rare type of midfielder. He's a player who has elite strength and athleticism but is also gracefully and has incredible technical skill – a unicorn in the European game.

  A move to MLS would be a no-brainer for any club if they were able to make it happen – but, if reports are to be believed, one in particular might actually be set to make it come true.

  De Paul has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Miami this week, where he would join Argentina national team compatriot Lionel Messi at the South Beach club. According to various reports, he himself has signed off on the deal and is open to the move, while Miami and Atletico Madrid just need to come to terms over a potential agreement.

  READ MORE:

  The 31-year-old mainstay in the midfield for is a known commodity in world football, and is a 2022 FIFA World Cup champion alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who already hones his trade with the Eastern Conference MLS club. A reunion would be sentimental for Messi and De Paul, who have a well-known friendship off the pitch already.

  Reports say a fee in the range of $17 million would be enough for Atletico to let De Paul go, but as it stands, Miami does not have a DP spot to offer the 31-year-old. To make that happen, it would reportedly require Sergio Busquets to forgo his contract with the club, and potentially, retire.

  At the CWC this summer, De Paul started all three games for Atleti until they were eliminated in the Group Stage.

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  Thomas Muller, Bayern Munich

  Muller, whose contract with Bayern Munich officially ended upon completion of the Club World Cup, has been heavily linked with a move to MLS this summer over the past few months. He reportedly turned down an approach from FC Cincinnati ahead of the competition, the club that owns his MLS rights.

  However, midway through this summer's tournament, he was asked about a potential move there, and he responded with a flirtatious answer, saying: "You have to say, the entire stadium and the spectators were there very well too. They have very good conditions here, you have to say."

  Although nothing is confirmed, and any transfer still has a lot of legwork to get done, it feels as though it's become increasingly likely that the German legend is going to land in the league.

  MLS side LAFC have also been linked with Muller, while the 13-time Bundesliga champion himself has admitted he's "asking around" the league amid a potential signing with a club this summer.

  Any club that takes on Muller will be able to sign him as a free agent, but he would likely take up a Designated Player roster slot.

  At the Club World Cup this summer, he started two matches, scoring two goals and recording one assist as the Bavarian club exited the tournament in the quarterfinals to the now-finalists PSG.

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  Gio Reyna, Borussia Dortmund

  Reyna needs to move as his treatment at the Club World Cup was the final straw. Where he lands next will be the most crucial point in his professional career, and playing it safe might be the best course of action for a footballer who was once deemed the next great American soccer player.

  While that very well still might be true, or still come true, nobody would know because Reyna has barely played over the past two years. Sure, that's due to a mix of reasons, from injuries to a failed loan move with Nottingham Forest to falling out of favor under the managerial carousel that is Dortmund, but this next transfer is absolutely everything.

  He's logged just one appearance under USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino, and as things stand, he is on the outside looking in with the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. A move to MLS – a league that the Argentine manager has CLEARLY shown respect for – would be the safest bet possible to get eyes on him ahead of the competition. Sure, it's not the sexiest of moves, it's not a blockbuster, and frankly, it's a step down from where he was a few years ago, but it's a move that gets him the playing time he desperately needs. MLS would be a confidence builder, and he can always return to Europe – if he succeeds.

  Any club with an open DP spot and ambitions should at least make the call. As for Reyna, he and his agency cannot mess this next move up, and a transfer or loan to MLS would ultimately make sense for both parties.

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  Santiago Rodriguez, Botafogo

  Well, here's a familiar face for MLS fans, and probably one that has you scratching your head a bit, too.

  Rodriguez signed for Botafogo for a monumental fee of $17 million in February, but the move has been nothing short of a disaster. Rodriguez managed to secure only 42 minutes at the Club World Cup, and has only played a mere 430 minutes in total since his move to the Brazilian club.

  As for his national team ambitions, he's fallen down the pecking order with Uruguay, too, and time is going to run out fast with if he wants to try and secure a roster spot with his nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

  A loan move back to MLS, at least through the end of the 2025 campaign, would make loads of sense for both parties. It would be incredibly difficult for Botafogo to recoup anything close to the fee they paid for Rodriguez roughly six months ago, but getting him regular minutes could be crucial as next summer closes in fast. If a team were to approach the Brazilian side with a permanent offer that was anywhere close, though, it would be hard to see them turn it down.

  Any club that needs a top-tier attacking midfielder should pick up the phone and ask, because it's well-documented what Santi can do within this league.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta sexta-feira (4), o Corinthians Sub-20 vai para a sua segunda final na temporada. Novamente, o Timãozinho irá enfrentar um rival paulista, e a equipe alvinegra busca um resultado diferente do que obteve no Brasileirão da categoria, onde o Palmeiras sagrou-se campeão em plena Neo Química Arena.

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+ Fagner passou Rivellino! Veja os 10 jogadores com mais partidas pelo Corinthians

Antes do primeiro jogo contra o Santos, pela final do Campeonato Paulista Sub-20, o meia Kayke Ferrari conversou com o LANCE! e falou que o grupo quer usar a derrota contra o Palmeiras como combustível para mudar o cenário no ano e vencer os santistas na decisão.

– A derrota para o Palmeiras serve de combustível para o nosso elenco, doeu demais perder aquela final em casa, mas vamos com tudo para dessa vez fazer diferente – iniciou o meia.

Kayke está acostumado com finais. O atleta marcou um dos gols corintianos no ano passado, quando o Timão bateu o Palmeiras no Allianz Parque e faturou o Paulistão Sub-17. Agora, o garoto quer o título no Sub-20 para coroar mais um temporada de sucesso na base do Timão.

-É o campeonato estadual mais difícil do Brasil. Fechar o ano com o título é o maior objetivo, queremos ficar na história da base do Corinthians – afirmou.

Kayke não poupou elogios ao ídolo Danilo, que está em busca da sua primeira taça no primeiro ano comandando a categoria alvinegra.

– Ele (Danilo) mantém a mesma frieza fora e dentro de campo. Isso ajuda muito, passa muita confiança para nós, e ajudar ele com esse título será uma honra – comentou.

+ Veja tabela e simule a reta final do Campeonato Brasileiro

Kayke ainda não estreou no profissional, mas o atleta de 18 anos é um dos ‘miúdos’ que já receberam chances com Vítor Pereira nos treinos com o elenco principal. O garoto valorizou a experiência e destacou a forma como VP trata os garotos da base.

– Treinar no profissional é sempre inexplicável, estar por perto de quem tem muita experiência e ganhando isso deles nos ajuda muito. O Vítor Pereira é um excelente treinador, conversa e orienta muitos nós da base –

Com sete gols e oito assistências na temporada, Kayke quer manter o nível no próximo ano e evoluir ainda mais no Corinthians.

-Quero manter essa constância em gols e participações. Minha meta para 2023 é evoluir muito e continuar ajudando da melhor maneira – concluiu Kayke.

A partida de volta entre os rivais paulistas, pela taça estadual, será no dia 12 de novembro, às 17h, na Vila Belmiro.

أعرب الكونغولي فيستون مايلي، لاعب فريق كرة القدم بنادي بيراميدز، عن سعادته بعد فوزه بجائزة أفضل مهاجم، التي حصل عليها في حفل “دير جيست”.

وقال فيستون مايلي في تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “أشعر بالكثير من السعادة، لكن لا يجب أن ننسى أن هذا نتيجة عمل المجموعة كلها، لم نفز بالدوري المحلي، ولكن هذه الجائزة بمثابة تعويض عن فقدان اللقب”.

وتابع: “كان موسما طويلًا جدًا، لعبنا الكثير من المباريات وتوجنا بدوري الأبطال، وفعلنا كل ما بوسعنا للفوز بكل الألقاب، لقد كنا مجموعة متلاحمة وسيبقى هذا الموسم محفورًا في ذاكرتي، وليس من السهل أن ننساه، أن يكون بيراميدز بطلًا لإفريقيا هذا أمر ليس سهلًا”.

طالع أيضاً.. إنفانتينو يوجه رسالة خاصة إلى وائل جمعة

وأضاف: “حتى هذه اللحظة أنا لاعب في بيراميدز ويتبقى في عقدي موسم واحد”.

وأتم: “في الموسم المُقبل التحدي الأكبر أن افوز مع زملائي بكل الألقاب، ولما لا أنهي الموسم القادم أيضًا كأفضل هداف، سأفعل كل ما في وسعي لأصل لذلك”.

After 15 wickets fell on day one, the teams were not able to take the field in Mirpur

Mohammad Isam07-Dec-20231:27

Explainer: Mushfiqur Rahim’s obstructing the field dismissal

Rain prevented any play from happening on the second day of the second Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand in Mirpur. The day was abandoned at 1:55pm local time.The rain had begun early on Thursday morning and continued through the day. The umpires inspected the conditions a few times, with the last one at 1.00 pm, after which the rain intensified and forced the abandonment.However, given the pace at which the Test progressed on day one, there is still plenty of time for a result. Bangladesh were bowled out for 172 on the first day with New Zealand’s spinners picking up eight of the ten wickets. Tim Southee took one, while Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladesh batter to be given out for obstructing the field. His dismissal would have been a bigger talking point for the hosts had their spinners not reduced New Zealand to 55 for 5 when bad light ended play.Bangladesh are still 117 runs ahead in the first innings, and are pushing for their maiden Test series victory against New Zealand, after winning the first match by 150 runs.Play is scheduled to start at 9.15 am local time on day three in Mirpur, with a minimum of 98 overs to be bowled.

Real Madrid suffered a massive defeat during their Club World Cup semifinal to Paris Saint-Germain, a match that not only confirmed their struggles on the pitch but also amplified tensions within the squad as internal discord between the two biggest names, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., became evident. According to Sport, Xabi Alonso will now choose between the two superstars, with the odds favouring the Frenchman.

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Real Madrid in crisis after PSG humblingAlonso to make tough calls to fix the situationLikely to favour Mbappe over ViniciusFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mbappe’s move to Madrid last summer, following the expiration of his PSG contract, was expected to elevate Los Blancos to greater heights. However, the opposite appears to have happened. While PSG has flourished since his departure, Real have stumbled, sparking concerns that the Frenchman’s presence has disrupted squad harmony, particularly with Vinicius. The duo often appeared disconnected on the pitch, while off it, tensions have allegedly been brewing. suggests that both players have been criticised for their effort and attitude, with the Club World Cup semifinal serving as the latest example of their lackadaisical attitude while pressing.

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After the defeat, Alonso echoed Carlo Ancelotti's frustrations with what he viewed as a lack of collective discipline and hunger, two traits that once defined Real’s identity. The Spaniard has inherited a fractured dressing room and a squad that seems to have lost its competitive edge. The data from this season paints a dire picture: 68 matches played, 15 defeats, and 84 goals conceded, matching the club’s worst-ever defensive record, set in 1998–99. Moreover, embarrassing defeats to Barcelona, PSG, Liverpool, and Arsenal have only highlighted the scale of the decline.

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In response, club president Florentino Perez has given Alonso full authority to reshape the team and take decisive steps in evaluating and overhauling the squad. This includes one-on-one meetings with every player to assess their mindset and commitment. At the top of this list is Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian’s conduct during the Club World Cup defeat has raised eyebrows. As Madrid trailed 3-0, Vinicius was seen laughing on the bench, a moment that reportedly infuriated the club’s hierarchy. While Real had been working on extending his contract beyond 2027, that process is now in doubt as the Brazilian has hit pause on renewal discussions. If there’s no significant change in his attitude, the club may consider parting ways.

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DID YOU KNOW?

In contrast, Mbappe appears to have stronger backing from Perez. Given the club’s seven-year pursuit of the Frenchman, it’s not surprising that the president remains firmly in his corner. And if Real are forced to choose between the two, the club would prefer to build around Mbappe.

Big picture – Final throes for 50-overs in 2023

Ding and then dong. Punch and then counterpunch. The series set up for a decider in Bridgetown. England found their feet after being wobbled in the first game but West Indies can still come back off the ropes with the aim of landing a knockout blow under the Kensington Oval floodlights this weekend.If they do so, it would result in a rare bilateral ODI series win – their first against Full Member opposition in more than two-and-a-half years, and their first against England since 2007. It would also be the most significant success of Shai Hope’s tenure, after he took charge of the one-day side earlier this year. Hope has led from the front so far, scoring 177 runs from 151 balls for once out, but needs greater consistency from the rest of the team if they are to once again expose English uncertainty in the format.There was some fight on display in the second Antiguan bout, most notably during a stand of 129 between Hope and Sherfane Rutherford – who hinted at an aptitude for longer formats with his first international half-century – to lift the home side from the penurious position of 23 for 4; and again with the ball, chiefly through Gudakesh Motie, to check another rampaging England start. But they could not sustain the challenge for long enough.In part that was due to England taking their game up a notch following a tepid first outing. Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone dealt with the double-edged sword of their allrounder status to share six wickets – Curran’s new-ball burst laying the early groundwork before Livingstone removed West Indies’ two top-scorers. Then, after a gamebreaking assault from Will Jacks at the top of the order, England’s white-ball kingpin finally reasserted his status: Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 58 from 45 ended a run of 13 innings without a fifty and eased the chase to a swift conclusion.Buttler described himself afterwards as “fed up” with his lack of runs, and you suspect he would be similarly dischuffed if his team were to let the momentum slip again. England have lost 11 of 22 completed ODIs this calendar year, and will not play the format again until September 2024. Taking the series spoils would scarcely make up for the disappointment of the World Cup but it would at least mean they can put 50-over cricket to bed with a mug of cocoa before thoughts to the T20s and another looming title defence.

Form guide

West Indies LWLWL
England WLWWL

In the spotlight – Phil Salt and Alzarri Joseph

Phil Salt has been the coming man – and a man in a hurry – for England in limited-overs cricket for a couple of years, but he is yet to fully nail himself on as the natural successor to Jason Roy. Salt has the highest batting strike-rate (134.27) of anyone to have scored 500-plus ODI runs, and the method he employs at the top of the order is perfectly attuned to the way England want to get back to playing. But, after scoring a maiden hundred in the Netherlands last year, he has managed just one half-century in his last 11 innings. A hefty contribution to underline his status before England turn their thoughts back to T20 would be timely.West Indies’ new-ball bowling has come under as-Salt in both games, and it has needed the introduction of spin to calm things down. At 27, Alzarri Joseph is the most experienced member of this attack and, newly appointed as Hope’s vice-captain, he carries a weight of extra responsibility during this series. He bowled better than figures of 1 for 65 in the first game suggest, but was manhandled during the opening exchanges in the second ODI – a three-over spell of 0 for 38 setting the tone for England to race away. With Oshane Thomas playing international cricket for the first time in two years and Romario Shepherd more of an all-round option, West Indies need Joseph to be their cutting edge.

Team news – Pope to pop in?

West Indies were unchanged in Antigua but could look to stiffen the batting by bringing in Kjorn Ottley for his first appearance since 2021. Roston Chase offers an allrounder option on his home ground.West Indies (probable): 1 Alick Athanaze, 2 Brandon King, 3 Keacy Carty/Kjorn Ottley, 4 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Sherfane Rutherford, 7 Romario Shepherd, 8 Yannic Cariah, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Oshane ThomasEngland, too, have stuck with the same XI and might see little reason to tinker for the deciding match – otherwise Ollie Pope, ostensibly in the Caribbean to continue his rehab from a shoulder injury, and John Turner would perhaps be pushing harder for debuts in the format. Jofra Archer also trained with England on Friday but won’t be in contention.England (probable): 1 Will Jacks, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Zak Crawley, 4 Ben Duckett, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jos Buttler (capt & wk), 7 Liam Livingstone, 8 Sam Curran, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Rehan Ahmed, 11 Gus Atkinson.

Pitch and conditions

The surface at Kensington Oval tends to offer a bit of something for everyone, though rain during the build-up might assist the bowlers. In the last four years, six of the ten ODIs played in Bridgetown have seen the team batting first bowled out for less than 200 – but prior to that, it was the scene of England’s record ODI chase, after West Indies racked up 360 for 8. “It can be slightly unpredictable at times, the surfaces here at Kennington,” Hope said on Friday. “From what I can see it looks like a decent surface, so I think it should be a nice cricket wicket.” The forecast for Saturday is clear.

Stats and trivia

• England have won eight and lost six of their 14 ODIs at Kensington Oval. Their most recent visit resulted in a 26-run loss, with Shimron Hetmyer scoring a century.
• In the previous game, on that same 2019 tour, England achieved what is still their highest successful chase – reeling in a target of 361 with six wickets standing.
• West Indies’ last bilateral series win against a Full Member came in March 2021, when they beat Sri Lanka 3-0 at home. Since then, they have only been victorious against Netherlands and UAE.
• Hope is 18 runs shy of overtaking Gordon Greenidge and moving into the top ten of West Indies men’s ODI run-scorers.

Quotes

“We’ve got to start better with the ball, especially at the top to see if we can get some early inroads. We’ve been struggling a little bit to get those early wickets and put teams under pressure, so that’s a certain highlight for us going forwards.”
“I still feel like I can affect games of cricket for England and that’s the major bonus for me at the moment. The ball’s coming out of my hand really well and I know for a fact that things are going to change around with the bat.”