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Hardik Pandya captains the side which will play five games against West Indies in August, with Suryakumar Yadav named his deputy

Alagappan Muthu05-Jul-2023Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma’s stellar performances in the IPL have paved a way to the Indian T20I squad with the two quick-scoring left-handers chosen as part of a 15-member squad to play against West Indies from August 3. It is their first call-up to the senior side in the shortest format.Hardik Pandya captains the team which will play five games in the Caribbean and the USA, with Suryakumar Yadav named his deputy. Some of the other heavy hitters are missing though. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli haven’t represented India in T20Is since their semi-final exit at the 2022 T20 World Cup. Ravindra Jadeja, the hero of the 2023 IPL final, was absent as well. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has not been picked either.ESPNcricinfo LtdThis is the first squad chosen by the newly installed men’s senior selection panel and they appear to have bought into the idea of needing batters who can go big from ball one, starting with the two rookies. Jaiswal has already developed a reputation as a powerplay smasher, with a particular emphasis on taking apart the first over of the innings. Varma, who had a fan in Mahela Jayawardene even before he faced a ball of IPL cricket, has only grown in stature since then. The middle-order batter averages almost 40 from 47 T20s, without compromising on his strike rate, which is a healthy 142.54.Shubman Gill and Hardik might act as failsafes if things go wrong but Ajit Agarkar, the new chief of selectors, and his panel have put their trust in a line-up that hits boundaries first and asks questions later. Rinku Singh, who became a revelation by playing that very same brand of cricket in this year’s IPL, remains on the outside. This despite the squad looking light on finishers with Hardik being the only recognised option.India last played T20Is in February 2023, against New Zealand, and seven members of that squad have been sidelined. They are Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma, who has been left out without getting a go in the XI.Related

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'I visualise every night how I can bat' – elated Tilak Varma on maiden India call-up

Samson, Gaikwad and Mukesh called up to India ODI squad for WI tour

Pujara dropped; Jaiswal and Gaikwad in India's Test squad for WI

The bowling group will be led by Yuzvendra Chahal, who is India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, and he will have two other wristspinners, including his old friend Kuldeep Yadav, for company. Axar Patel ticks the fingerspin requirement.The seam attack looks a bit inexperienced but it does contain variety with Arshdeep Singh providing swing and seam from a left-arm angle and Umran Malik providing raw pace. Mukesh Kumar retains his place in the T20I team as well having earlier secured his first-ever Test call-up. Avesh Khan, who played the last of his 15 T20Is in August 2022, has been given another shot. IPL winner Deepak Chahar, who returned from injury to play the latter half of the campaign for Chennai Super Kings, wasn’t picked.Sanju Samson, who is part of the ODI squad on tour, and Ishan Kishan are the wicketkeeping options.India’s tour of West Indies begins with the first of two Tests in Dominica on July 12. Then they play three ODIs from July 27 to August 1 before moving on to the T20Is, the final two of which will be played in Florida, USA.

Former Tottenham Hotspur scout Bryan King is “sure” two players will be trying to convince an “exciting” midfielder to move to north London in the summer.

Tottenham eyeing summer move for midfielder

Tottenham were forced into action during the January transfer window, with Ange Postecoglou in need of reinforcements in light of the injury crisis the manager has been forced to deal with over the past few months.

To ensure a similar situation does not arise again, however, Postecoglou may feel he needs more squad depth, and Spurs are thought to be pursuing a new central midfielder, identifying a number of targets.

Johnny Cardoso is thought to be of particular interest, with the Real Betis midfielder set to be available for the relatively low fee of £21m due to a release clause in his contract, which the Lilywhites are planning to activate.

ESPN journalist shares Tottenham takeover update after Qatari claims

Private investors have been showing interest in a phased buy-out of the club.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 15, 2025

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson is another long-standing target for Tottenham, who has also attracted attention from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, and there has now been a new update on the pursuit of the midfielder.

Former Spurs scout King has now claimed Swedish duo Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall will play a pivotal role in convincing the midfielder to move to N17 this summer when they link up with Larsson on international duty.

King said: “They have already brought Bergvall in, for a lot less of course. Larsson moved out of Sweden before Bergvall did and he has since established himself in Germany. Spurs should be looking at these players before they make the move to Holland or Germany.

“However, I’m sure that Kulusevski and Bergvall will be recommending the club to Larsson to help get a transfer across the line. They’ll obviously meet up on international duty, and I imagine they will be selling life at Tottenham to Larsson.”

"Exciting" Larsson impressing in Germany

Although he is still just 20-years-old, the Swedish maestro has established himself as a key player for Frankfurt this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions, during which time he has amassed five goals and one assist.

Sky Sports Germany journalist Kerry Hau has been full of praise for the youngster, in light of his top-drawer performances, saying: “Hugo Larsson is one of Eintracht Frankfurt’s shooting stars and is currently one of the most exciting midfielders in the Bundesliga,”

Of course, it would be useful for Tottenham if Bergvall and Kuluveski make an attempt to lure their compatriot to north London this summer, but the truth is it will still be very difficult to win the race for his signature.

Barring a Europa League triumph, it seems very likely Spurs won’t have European football on offer next season, which could play a big part in Larsson’s decision-making, amid interest from Arsenal, Bayern and a number of other clubs who are set to be in the Champions League.

England's Alejandro Gomez scored an incredible team goal at the Under-17 European Championships before Noah Fernandez struck a stunning free-kick.

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England held to 1-1 drawRodriguez set tone with incredible team goalFernandez replied with sensational free-kickFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

England got off to a flying start thanks to a moment of composed brilliance from Rodriguez. The Lyon striker opened the scoring just 12 minutes into the match, finishing off a fluid attacking move that started from the goalkeeper. The final pass was provided by Seth Ridgeon, as he split the Belgian defence with a perfect through ball. Rodriguez latched onto the pass with confidence and expertly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, putting England in front with a clinical finish.

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Belgium found themselves trailing at the break, but came out in the second half with renewed purpose and urgency. Just minutes after the restart, they drew level in dramatic fashion courtesy of a moment of individual brilliance from Fernandez. Given a free-kick just outside the penalty area, Fernandez took his time before launching a stunning curling strike that arched over the English wall and nestled into the top corner.

WATCH THE CLIPSWHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND & BELGIUM?

With one point apiece from this opening match, both England and Belgium will now turn their attention to crucial upcoming games in Group B. England are set to face Italy on Friday. Belgium, meanwhile, are preparing to take on the Czech Republic on the same day.

Somerset have brought in Ish Sodhi for their final two group games

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2023Nottinghamshire have signed Imad Wasim on a short-term deal as cover for Colin Munro and Samit Patel, who will miss the end of the Vitality Blast group stages through injury.Imad was part of the Notts side that won the trophy in 2020 and returns for a third spell at Trent Bridge ahead of their final two group games, and potentially the knockouts beyond.Notts sit fourth in the North Group and will qualify for the quarter-finals if they win either of their remaining games, both of which are at home: against Birmingham Bears on Friday, then Leicestershire on Sunday.”We’re delighted to welcome Imad back, particularly with the memories we have with him lifting the trophy at Edgbaston three years ago,” Peter Moores, Nottinghamshire’s head coach, said. “We have two big games at Trent Bridge with qualification in our own hands and an opportunity to still gain a home draw depending how other results go.”Elsewhere, Somerset have brought in Ish Sodhi for their final two group games. They have already qualified for a home quarter-final – but players must be registered in the group stage of the competition to be eligible to play in the knockout stages.Sodhi will act as cover for Peter Siddle (hand), Roelof van der Merwe (finger), Lewis Gregory (finger) and Lewis Goldsworthy (rib) who are all sidelined through recent injuries.”Everyone is aware of the injuries that we have picked up to senior players over the last week or so,” Andy Hurry, Somerset’s director of cricket, said. “It was imperative at such a key stage of the Vitality Blast campaign that we acted quickly and identified a player who could add real value to our squad.”

Vinicius Junior launched an angry rant during Real Madrid's loss against Barcelona in Sunday's El Clasico.

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Vini Jr left frustrated during El ClasicoMadrid went down 4-3 against BarcelonaBrazilian winger picked up an ankle sprainFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Madrid suffered their fourth El Clásico defeat of the 2024-25 season on Sunday as they went down 4-3 against rivals Barcelona despite taking an early two-goal lead. With the defeat, the defending champions are on the verge of losing the La Liga title race as the Blaugrana are now only a win away from sealing their 28th Spanish championship.

AdvertisementWHAT VINICIUS JUNIOR SAID

Vinicius Junior, who provided assists for two out of Kylian Mbappe's three goals, was spotted angrily ranting at his teammates for losing the ball easily. DAZN's cameras filmed him saying: "We lose the ball so easily, damn it! We lose it so easily, damn it! Of course, damn it. Back, back, back, back, always back."

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The Brazilian winger remained on the pitch for 88 minutes before being subbed off due to an ankle injury. A day after the Clasico loss, Los Blancos confirmed that the 24-year-old picked up an ankle sprain. The club, however, did not reveal the degree of his injury.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS JUNIOR?

It remains to be seen if the Brazilian regains his fitness before the club's upcoming must-win La Liga clash against Mallorca on Wednesday.

Harry Kane was given a beer shower following Bayern Munich's Bundesliga trophy celebrations.

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Kane wins first trophyCelebrates Bayern's Bundesliga winMobbed with beer showerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayern backed up their Bundesliga title win last weekend with a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, with Kane getting on the scoresheet again. And just when the England captain was being interviewed about his team's triumph, the striker was doused in beer in front of his home fans – a tradition known as a Weißbierdusche (or wheat beer shower).

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Former Tottenham man Kane finally ended his lengthy wait to win a trophy when he helped Bayern win the league title earlier this month. The 31-year-old has been prolific for the German giants since signing for them in 2023 and now he is enjoying some well-earned celebrations.

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Kane's Bayern round off their Bundesliga season away to Hoffenheim next Saturday.

The full text of Stokes’ statement at Lord’s, in the wake of the publication of the ICEC report

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2023The long-awaited report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket was published on Tuesday, and offered a damning critique of both English cricket, and Marylebone Cricket Club – the hosts for this week’s second Test against Australia at Lord’s.The issues raised in the report have overshadowed England’s preparations for the contest, and at the start of his pre-match press conference, captain Ben Stokes read the following statement.“Just before I start, I want to make it clear I have not read the report as it only came out last night.”To the people involved in the game who have been made to feel unwelcome or unaccepted in the past, I am deeply sorry to hear of your experiences. Cricket is a game that needs to celebrate diversity on all fronts because without diversity, this game would not be where it is at today.”As a sport, we need to learn from past mistakes and do all we can to make people feel safe and be themselves at every level. I have been an England player since 2011 and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of some incredibly diverse teams and love how everyone has a different story to tell.”We must go further and be more inclusive and diverse because the game I love – and millions worldwide love – should be enjoyed without fear of discrimination or judgement whether that be due to your upbringing, race or gender.”As I said earlier, everyone has a different story to tell. I am Ben Stokes, born in New Zealand, a state-educated pupil who dropped out of school at 16 with one GCSE in PE. I needed help with the spelling and grammar in this speech and I am currently sitting here as the England men’s Test captain.”It is clear there is so much more the game has to do and, as players, we really want to be a part of that to ensure this is truly a sport for everyone.”

Everything you need to know about Jonathan David's salary details playing for Lille

Canadian forward Jonathan David joined Ligue 1 side Lille from Gent in the summer of 2020 on a five-year contract. David is considered one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, and given his young age, he has attracted interest from several top clubs across the continent.

Known for his strong physique and clinical finishing, David has set himself apart from other strikers, scoring over 100 goals for Lille in just five seasons.

His contract is set to expire in June 2025, and it will be interesting to see where the next chapter in his career will take him.

Despite his consistent performances, David earns a relatively modest salary under his current deal compared to the top earners in the Lille squad. So, how much does the Canadian striker actually earn?

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

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Jonathan David's wages at Lille in numbers

David's current contract with the French club provides him a weekly salary of £31,888 ($42,754), which is lower compared to the top earners in the team.

His annual earnings total £1.6 million ($2.2m).

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in GBP

Weekly wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Jonathan David

Canadian

£31,888

$42,754

£1,658,153

$2,223,221

AdvertisementAFPTop earners at Lille

Andre Gomes, a Portuguese midfielder, is the top earner at Lille. He is followed by Belgian full-back Thomas Meunier.

Mitchel Bakker ranks third, with French players Samuel Umtiti and Benjamin Andre completing the top five.

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in GBP

Weekly wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Andre Gomes

Portuguese

£89,122

$119,493

£4,634,325

$6,213,616

Thomas Meunier

Belgian

£74,241

$99,541

£3,860,520

$5,176,113

Mitchel Bakker

Dutch

£65,410

$87,701

£3,401,340

$4,560,452

Samuel Umtiti

French

£52,328

$70,161

£2,721,072

$3,648,362

Benjamin Andre

French

£35,322

$47,359

£1,836,723

$2,462,644

Top earners in Ligue 1

Lille players have high earnings, but Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) leads the league's wage structure.

PSG's dominance in Ligue 1 is evident from the top earners list. PSG players occupy the first thirteen spots, with Adrien Rabiot from Lyon at fourteenth.

Player

Club

Weekly wages in GBP

Weekly wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Ousmane Dembele

Paris Saint-Germain

£297,548

$393,131

£15,472,512

$20,442,812

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Paris Saint-Germain

£270,438

$357,312

£14,062,794

$18,580,245

Marquinhos

Paris Saint-Germain

£222,235

$293,756

£11,561,405

$15,275,324

Lucas Hernandez

Paris Saint-Germain

£218,202

$288,296

£11,346,509

$14,991,396

Achraf Hakimi

Paris Saint-Germain

£218,202

$288,296

£11,346,509

$14,991,396

AFPHighest paid players in the world

PSG leads Ligue 1, but none of their players are among the top five highest-paid footballers globally.

The top five are all from the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo has the highest salary at Al Nassr.

Karim Benzema, his former Real Madrid teammate, is second. Riyad Mahrez, formerly of Manchester City and now with Al-Ahli, is third.

Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, both from Senegal, are in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Player

Club

Weekly wages GBP

Weekly wages USD

Annual wages GBP

Annual wages USD

Cristiano Ronaldo

Al Nassr

£3,216,155

$4,210,425

£167,250,468

$218,942,120

Karim Benzema

Al Ittihad

£1,608,178

$2,105,213

£83,625,234

$109,471,060

Riyad Mahrez

Al Ahli

£839,469

$1,098,921

£45,652,372

$57,43,893

Sadio Mane

Al Nassr

£643,271

$842,085

£33,450,094

$43,788,424

Kalidou Koulibaly

Al Hilal

£558,038

$730,509

£29,017,956

$37,986,458

“It always helps to practise with the mindset that you’re a couple of wickets down and have to get say 100 runs in eight overs”

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Apr-20232:50

Moody: Hetmyer showed how to navigate a difficult run chase with a calm head

Twelve overs into their chase at Motera, Rajasthan Royals were going at less than a run a ball, and they needed 14 runs an over with four batters already back in the dugout. It seemed lost-cause territory, Gujarat Titans well on their way to their fourth successive win against this opposition. But Shimron Hetmyer, Royals’ big finisher, had been training for just this kind of situation.Related

Rajasthan Royals' hustle trumps Gujarat Titans' pragmatism

Hetmyer counter-attacks to take Royals clear at No. 1

The case for Hetmyer to bat higher up in Royals' line-up

After the game, which, with some help from his captain Sanju Samson, he won for Royals with four balls to spare, Hetmyer explained. “I just practise it really. It always helps to practise with the mindset that you’re a couple of wickets down and you have to get say 100 runs probably in eight overs. You just try to program your mind that way, and so far it’s working.”Samson got things moving in the 13th over, hitting Titans’ lynchpin Rashid Khan for three successive sixes. The following over Hetmyer, on 4 off seven balls at the time, took Alzarri Joseph for a four and a six, and from there the big hits never ceased. Samson fell to left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad in the 15th, but only after taking him for a four and six, before Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel took full toll on Joseph again, going 6, 4, 6 in a 16th over that went for 20. Shami, Titans’ best bowler on the night, managed to prise out two wickets in the penultimate over but was himself dispatched for 16 runs by Jurel and R Ashwin. That left Hetmyer, now on 48 off 24, on strike for the final over, with just seven runs to get, and facing up to the spin of Ahmad.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”I was actually pretty happy, to be honest, to be facing [a spinner in the final over],” Hetmyer said. “But I think he had bowled pretty well tonight. So I was just thinking, if I can just get a double off the first ball and then just see what happens after that.”What happened was Hetmyer received a short one from Ahmad, and duly pulled it into the stands to seal an improbable chase with time to spare. And this was a win that Hetmyer “really wanted”. “Just really wanted to win against these guys because they beat us three times [in the league phase, in the qualifier, and in the final] last year,” he said. “So it was a kind of revenge really.”It might have seemed improbable from the outside, but Samson said he knew this chase was not beyond his team. “With the start we had while batting [being reduced to 4 for 2], it was very important to know how good a wicket this was. With the quality of bowling they had in the powerplay, we had to respect them.”But we knew at this ground, on this wicket, chasing would be really nice with the power we have at the end.”Titans will take due note. As their captain Hardik Pandya said after the game: “The game is never over till it’s over. So I think this is one more lesson for us.”

Bayern Munich look set to miss out on signing Xavi Simons after the RB Leipzig star reiterated his desire to join Chelsea this summer.

Bayern make fresh enquiry for SimonsSimons only wants Chelsea moveBayern also in talks for NkunkuFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Bundesliga giants have been strongly linked with a move for Simons, 22, after the Netherlands international told Leipzig he wished to leave the club following their failure to qualify for any form of European football. And according to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg, Bayern have since made a fresh enquiry to Simons' camp as they look to gauge his interest in moving to Munich.

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However according to Plettenberg, Bayern have been told Simons only has eyes for Chelsea and is waiting for the Premier League side to agree a deal with Leipzig. The Blues are currently trying to offload players in order to raise enough money to match Leipzig's reported £60 million ($81m) valuation.

DID YOU KNOW?

In what could turn out to be a transfer merry-go-round between the three clubs, the report also claims Bayern are in talks with Chelsea to sign forward Christopher Nkunku. And should a deal be agreed between the two clubs, Enzo Maresca's Chelsea may then have the means to bring Simons to Stamford Bridge.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN, LEIPZIG AND CHELSEA?

Bayern have the chance to earn their first piece of silverware of the new season when they take on Stuttgart in the German Super Cup on Saturday. Meanwhile, Leipzig are set to face SV Sandhausen in the German Cup on the same day, whereas Chelsea will lock horns with Crystal Palace in their opening Premier League fixture on Sunday.