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Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is now planning a key role for one previously unfancied member of the Spurs squad, according to a new report.

As the Lilywhites’ talks for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze ramp up behind-the-scenes, alongside their separate attempt to land Man City winger Savinho, Frank has also now had a very close look at his current options.

It’s been two months since Daniel Levy appointed the Dane as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement, with Frank since overseeing a dramatic pre-season and watching on as his side capitulated against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup.

Despite surrendering a two-goal lead in the dying minutes on Wednesday night, Luis Enrique himself admitted that Spurs were the better side and perhaps deserved something from what was a thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero handed the north Londoners a shock but well-earned 2-0 advantage, and it took very late heroics from Lee Kang-in and Gonçalo Ramos to even rescue a penalty shootout for the Champions League winners.

This is despite Frank just losing club legend Son Heung-min to LAFC and chief creator James Maddison to an ACL rupture, with star winger Dejan Kulusevski also still on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.

This weakened Spurs side giving PSG a serious run for their money is an undoubtedly an encouraging sign for Tottenham’s new manager as he begins his first full season in charge.

“Very, very proud of the players, the team, the club, the fans,” said Frank in his post-match press conference.

“I think the players gave everything, playing against one of the best team in the world, maybe the best, at the moment, and I think we were 75, 80 minutes perfect, almost giving nothing away against, they had four players with unbelievable individual quality on the pitch. So very, very proud of them.

“It’s down to the smallest of margins in the penalty shootout. It’s like the flip of a coin. First I’d like to thank all the players that stood up and were brave and took responsibility to take a penalty.”

Thomas Frank plots "major role" for Tottenham defender Djed Spence

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, some Spurs players have already left a glowing impression on Frank behind-the-scenes, and one of them is defender Djed Spence.

The Englishman was previously an outcast under Antonio Conte and Postecoglou for a time, before Spence rose to prominence during Tottenham’s injury crisis midway through last season and battled his way into the first-team squad.

Reliable reports now claim the ex-Middlesbrough man has signed a new long-term deal, just under a year after his last extension, as a result of his amazing comeback.

Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, says Frank has been “really impressed” with Spence, who could now be set for a “major role” in the Tottenham first-team.

“Spurs are really happy with Spence and Thomas Frank has been really impressed since arriving. I am told he is one of the players who has shone since Frank’s arrival.

“I get the idea that Spence has a major, major role to play for Spurs heading into the new season.”

The 25-year-old was once heavily linked with a permanent exit after spending time out on loan at various clubs – including Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa – but he’s now poised to continue being a significant member of the Spurs squad after a stellar 2025.

Arsenal are poised to negotiate contract terms with a target after reaching a club-to-club agreement on his transfer fee, with sporting director Andrea Berta closing in on another potential incoming.

International captain approves Arsenal exit with talks planned in coming days

The Gunners need to balance out their squad.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 17, 2025

The north Londoners have been very active this summer, already sealing deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera.

Madueke signed his Arsenal contract earlier this week, valid until 2030 (Fabrizio Romano), and he’s joined by Mosquera after Arsenal shook hands on a deal with Valencia to sign the 21-year-old for an initial £13 million, which could rise to £17 million through add-ons.

Arsenal are also finalising a transfer for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, following their agreement in principle with Sporting earlier this week, and reports still surround a potential Berta swoop for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.

They’ve maintained interest in other high-profile left-wingers as well (Ben Jacobs), despite their move for Madueke, so we can expect Arsenal to maintain their busy charge to sign fresh additions before the new Premier League season kicks off next month.

Arsenal to discuss personal terms with Will Wright after fee agreed

Earlier this week, it was reported that Arsenal appear to have won the race to sign highly-rated Salford City striker Will Wright as well (The Sun).

The Gunners made an offer of around £250,000 to sign Wright, plus hefty add-ons, beating Liverpool’s £100,000 bid, and the likelihood is that Arsenal will soon welcome the Englishman to N5.

The teenage sensation, who’s been on fire in pre-season with four goals in three games, was handed his senior debut by Salford last season and featured against Man City in the FA Cup – highlighting just how rated he really is at the Peninsula Stadium.

The Mail and journalist Simon Jones provide an update on Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of the forward, and they report that Arsenal are now set to discuss terms with Wright in the coming days after agreeing his fee – which they report to be north of £200,000.

If all goes to plan, the 17-year-old will be another Arsenal signing of the summer, after he left scouts impressed with his pre-season performances.

Former West Indies allrounder will be in charge of the Knight Riders teams in other T20 leagues too

Nagraj Gollapudi27-Sep-20241:58

Pollard: Champion Bravo has given cricket his all

Former West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo has ended his long and celebrated career at Chennai Super Kings, with whom he won four IPL titles in different roles. He has joined defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as mentor from the 2025 season.ESPNcricinfo learned that Bravo recently met with KKR CEO Venky Mysore during the CPL before agreeing to a long-term contract. Apart from KKR, he will be in charge of all franchises under the Knight Riders label in T20 leagues: Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC) and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20).”DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development.” Mysore said in a statement. “His relentless drive to win, along with his vast experience and deep knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players.”Bravo, who turns 41 in October, replaces Gautam Gambhir, who took over as India’s head coach soon after helping KKR win their third IPL title in 2024. A day prior to the announcement, Bravo had retired from all cricket. Apart from Gambhir, KKR also lost two of their assistant coaches, Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, both of whom were also given roles in India’s support staff. At KKR, Bravo will have Chandrakant Pandit as head coach and Bharat Arun as bowling coach.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”I’ve been part of the Trinbago Knight Riders for the last 10 years in the CPL. Having played for and against the Knight Riders in various leagues, I have a lot of respect for how they operate,” Bravo said in a statement. “The owners’ passion, the professionalism of the management, and the family-like environment make it a special place. This is the perfect platform for me as I transition from playing to mentoring and coaching the next generation of players.”The mentor role with KKR is Bravo’s second team management position in the IPL. Having joined CSK in 2011, he retired from the IPL after the 2022 season and joined the franchise as bowling coach from the 2023 season. Bravo had immediate success in his first coaching role as CSK won the title in 2023, to go with his three titles with them as a player. Among the best death bowlers in T20 cricket, Bravo is the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history and the first player to win two purple caps in the tournament.Related

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Injury draws curtains on Dwayne Bravo's CPL career

Dwayne Bravo announces retirement from all cricket

With more than 500 T20s worth of experience, Bravo is considered by players and peers as among the best tacticians and motivators, qualities that had elevated him to the West Indies captaincy. He had retired from international cricket after the 2021 T20 World Cup, and while he continued to play in T20 leagues (at Mumbai Emirates in ILT20, Texas Super Kings in MLC and TKR in CPL), he gradually moved towards coaching. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Bravo played a key role as a consultant coach for Afghanistan, helping the team making the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Game against Worcestershire in the balance heading into day two

ECB Reporters Network30-Jun-2024Ben Stokes top-scored with his first half-century of the season as 23 wickets fell on a day full of drama in the Vitality County Championship match between Durham and Worcestershire at Seat Unique Riverside.Stokes made 56 in a welcome return to form for the home side in their innings of 190, but Nathan Smith impressed for the visitors by claiming figures of 4 for 36, while Ben Allison and Matthew Waite notched three and two wickets apiece.Worcestershire looked to be making steady inroads in their reply at 71 for 2 but lost their final eight wickets for 41 runs as Matthew Potts claimed 4 for 29 to bolster his credentials for selection in the first Test of the summer.Durham entered their second innings with a 78-run lead, but lost three quick wickets, only extending their lead to 111 at the close.Worcestershire made the most out of advantageous conditions after winning the toss at a gloomy Chester-le-Street. Smith found his line and length immediately to pin Durham captain Scott Borthwick lbw with the fifth ball of the innings. Tom Taylor followed suit with a full length to find Colin Ackermann’s outside edge as Gareth Roderick claimed a fine diving catch in front of first slip.Division One’s form player David Bedingham responded with a flurry of crunching boundaries, highlighting his pristine touch at the crease. The South Africa international reached 21 before making a rare lapse of judgement, leaving a hooping Ben Allison delivery that crashed into his off-stump. Alex Lees took the attack to Matthew Waite’s first over, scoring two boundaries, but the bowler won the duel as the Durham opener became the fourth wicket of the session.Ollie Robinson and Stokes stemmed the tide of wickets with a stand worth 46. After being overlooked for the England Test squad, Robinson produced another classy innings, finding the off-side boundary with ease. He made his way to 35 and looked well set to add another score of fifty-plus to his tally, only to fall to a cracking inswinger from the returning Smith before lunch.Stokes upped the ante after lunch, chancing his arm with booming drives down the wicket. The England skipper did have the odd element of fortune, but still worked his way to a timely half-century from 73 balls ahead of the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. However, Allison returned with a short ball that Stokes’ gloved behind on an attempted hook to fall for 56.Durham’s innings unravelled after his departure courtesy of Smith and Allison to dismiss the hosts 10 shy of 200.Potts made early inroads into the Worcestershire line-up by removing Roderick for nine, but the visitors made quick runs against the new ball to put Durham’s bowlers under pressure.Borthwick turned to Stokes for inspiration and his introduction into the attack should have brought a wicket from his first ball, but Libby was dropped by Bas de Leede at point. Undeterred Stokes found Libby’s outside edge from the following delivery and Lees claimed a routine catch at third slip.Kashif Ali defied Stokes and Peter Siddle in difficult conditions as the bad light halted play for 30 minutes. The break favoured the home side as the Worcestershire batting ranks collapsed from 71 for 2 to 112 all out.Siddle started the rout by dismissing Rob Jones and Adam Hose before Ben Raine pinned Ethan Brookes lbw. Potts then took centre stage in his second spell, tearing through the lower order, including Taylor and Smith in successive deliveries.Amir Virdi survived the hat-trick ball and his resistance allowed Kashif Ali to bring up his fifty with six over the leg-side boundary before the he was final wicket to fall to Raine.Batting didn’t get any easier in the sunny twilight as Lees, Borthwick and Clark all fell for the hosts with Smith and Taylor amongst the wickets once more with the game very much in the balance heading into day two.

All Leeds United fans will be crossing their fingers now that the Whites can maintain a Premier League position for the foreseeable.

Daniel Farke’s side do jump back up the unforgiving league dripping with confidence, having just lifted the Championship title with a colossal 100 points, but the West Yorkshire outfit will be very aware of how challenging the step up can be.

The Whites unfortunately tasted the bitterness of relegation at the close of their dire 2022-23 season, with another relegation also on their record way back in 2004 when Mark Viduka was still leading the line.

To avoid a hat-trick of slip-ups, Leeds will now be in the market for a whole host of players to enhance their options in the Premier League, with this defensive target one body who could really boost Farke’s side.

Leeds now ready to sign £1.2m defender

As per a report in the Express journalist Charlie Gordon, Leeds are readying a move for Millwall star Japhet Tanganga with his transfer valuation all the way down at a meagre £1.2m.

This is the case as Tanganga has a release clause around this slim amount for all Premier League clubs, which has alerted Farke’s men back to his services, who would be more than happy to fork out this reasonable fee. However, they are not alone in their advances.

As is revealed above, Crystal Palace view the ex-Tottenham Hotspur defender as a cost-effective possible replacement for Marc Guehi, with both Sunderland and Burnley also keen on Tanganga’s services after their own jubilant promotion stories.

If Leeds were to win the services of the cheap 26-year-old, they could be about to land their next Ethan Ampadu, with Ampadu now viewed as a successful bargain in his own right after repairing his career in the EFL.

How Tanganga could be Ampadu 2.0

Ampadu would join the Elland Road ranks for around the £7m mark in the summer of 2023, having failed to ever make an impression at Chelsea.

The Welshman won’t be plagued with any lingering disappointment in the here and now as to how his Stamford Bridge tale ended, however, with the 24-year-old going on to be a key part of Farke’s camp. Last season saw Ampadu notch up a formidable 16 clean sheets from 29 league appearances, on top of looking ice-cold with the ball at his feet with a 90% pass accuracy averaged per clash.

Tanganga will hope he can be as pivotal to Leeds’ defence if he relocates from the Den to West Yorkshire shortly, with the 6-foot defender also having to get over the dismay of walking away from Spurs, much like Ampadu at Chelsea, to be the imposing option at the back he is today.

He will already be known to Leeds fans for this poked finish he managed against Farke’s champions last season, but away from silencing the Whites masses in this instance, he could soon be cheered in the same manner as Ampadu for his similarly classy yet dominant performances.

Games played

40

Goals scored

2

Assists

0

Touches*

49

Accurate passes*

26 (78%)

Tackles*

1.4

Ball recoveries*

3.8

Clearances*

5.4

Total duels won*

5.8

Clean sheets

14

As can be seen glancing at the table above, the Hackney-born target operates in a very similar vein to Ampadu, with Tanganga an equally capable performer on the ball when looking at his passing statistics, on top of his ability to rise valiantly into duels with 5.8 won on average. To add context, his Welsh counterpart won less at 5.1 on average, even as promotion was sealed.

The former Spurs youth product was even hailed as ‘magnificent’ by Premier League icon Alan Shearer when starring for the North London titans previously, with Tanganga actually already boasting 27 top-flight appearances on his career resume.

Pundit Carlton Palmer also claimed that the defender is “capable of playing in the Premier League” because of his “tremendous recovery pace”.

He could well be a perfect fit in West Yorkshire, therefore, as Farke’s men continue to hunt down Premier League-ready talents.

Better than Bijol: Leeds targeting "best CB outside the top five leagues"

Leeds United can forget about Jaka Bijol with a move for another star defender.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 14, 2025

The Europa League final can’t come soon enough for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United, with the Red Devils seemingly approaching their remaining Premier League games with a real lack of intent, having again been defeated at home on Sunday afternoon.

Up against a West Ham United side who had started the day below them in the table, the Old Trafford outfit inevitably slipped to a 17th league loss of the campaign, with Amorim subsequently stating that he has been left “embarrassed” by the domestic displays of his struggling side.

The Jekyll and Hyde hosts had swept to a 4-1 win over Athletic Club just days earlier, following a stunning, Mason Mount-inspired finale on Thursday night, although the rigours of England’s top-flight appear to be a step too far for Amorim’s men at present.

Thankfully, their upcoming showpiece opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, are enduring an even more miserable season following their 20th league defeat at the weekend, with next week’s meeting Bilbao set to be a truly desperate tussle for European glory.

As Amorim is fully aware, however, even success on the continent would not rectify what has been a grim 2024/25 for United, with far too many of his charges looking well below par – not least his former Sporting CP warrior, Manuel Ugarte.

Manuel Ugarte's debut season in numbers

By all accounts, the decision to sell Scott McTominay last summer came about amid the club’s pursuit of a new, more defensive-minded midfielder, with Ugarte ultimately replacing the Scotland star, following his £42m switch from Paris Saint-Germain.

While McTominay has since gone on to score 11 league goals as part of Napoli’s Serie A title charge, Ugarte, by contrast, has endured a topsy-turvy first year in Manchester, having netted just a solitary league goal to date.

There have been notable high points – having left Paul Scholes “surprised” by his standout display in January’s 2-2 draw at Anfield – although the Uruguayan has tailed off in recent weeks, having notably wilted in the build-up to Jarrod Bowen’s clincher on Sunday.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst noted following that 4/10 display, the 23-year-old ‘can cope in Europe but not in domestic competition’, albeit with even his Europa League performances having been dismal of late, particularly during the semi-final tie.

Indeed, those two outings saw the ex-PSG man lose the ball on 27 occasions in total, before being replaced in the second half, with his lack of quality on the ball sparking comparisons to a certain Sofyan Amrabat. Like the Moroccan, however, he is an effective ball-winner, as shown by the fact that he ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles made per 90, across the last 365 days.

At just 23 and a player whom Amorim knows well amid their time together in Lisbon, the hope will be that Ugarte can kick on and prove the doubters wrong next season. It is too soon to write him off just yet, although the same can’t be said for his struggling teammate, Altay Bayindir.

The Man Utd star who Amorim needs to sell

It is not too difficult to find players who have flopped at the Theatre of Dreams in recent times, with the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a Manchester United player certainly taking its toll.

There are those, however, who simply never look up to the task from the off, with Bayindir being a perfect case in point. As journalist Liam Canning has noted this season, the Turkish international has been simply “horrendous” for the club.

Signed from Fenerbahce for just £4.3m back in the summer of 2023, Bayindir’s lowly status was evident due to his minimal role under Erik ten Hag, even with first-choice teammate, Andre Onana, enduring an error-strewn Champions League run, in particular.

Ten Hag’s unwillingness to deploy the 6 foot 6 stopper saw him make just one appearance in all competitions that season, having shipped two in the 3-2 win over League Two side, Newport County, in the FA Cup.

Even with Onana heading off to AFCON duty in January 2024, there was to be no change in the sticks, with the Cameroonian actually departing late and returning early so that he didn’t miss a single Premier League game.

Fast forward to this season, and it has been a similar story for Bayindir, albeit while having been handed far more opportunities by new boss Amorim, including in the 4-3 defeat to Spurs in the EFL Cup.

That outing saw the 27-year-old concede directly from a Son Heung-min corner, following a meek attempt to keep the ball out, thus exposing just why he has been unable to usurp Onana over the last two years or so.

While that was followed by his penalty shootout heroics against Arsenal in the FA Cup, Bayindir still looked shaky in the early knockings of that clash, with his kicking having been particularly awry.

Those woes on the ball were also highlighted in the 4-1 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, with the towering asset failing to make the most of Onana’s absence, having gifted the ball to the Magpies for the home side’s fourth of the day.

Since then, Bayindir has conceded six in just two outings against West Ham and Brentford, having looked distinctly hapless against the Bees, resulting in Luckhurst suggesting that he is actually United’s ‘third-best goalie’, behind the veteran Tom Heaton.

With reports suggesting that Bayindir could now be sold this summer for a fee of just £6m-£7m – amid the search for a new goalkeeper – it would bring an end to a simply forgettable spell in Manchester.

Yes, he’ll always have that night at the Emirates, although sadly for the £35k-per-week dud, there has been little positivity since then in a United shirt.

Man Utd's £85k-per-week flop is quickly becoming their new Martial

Manchester United may have found their new Anthony Martial this season.

2

By
Matt Dawson

May 12, 2025

Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of an “amazing” £58m striker, who’s now keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit heating up

A new striker has been of interest to the Gunners for quite some time, and there is no shortage of options on the shortlist, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres seemingly one of the main targets, and talks over a deal have been held in recent days.

The north Londoners are confident about getting a deal for Gyokeres over the line, despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, but if they miss out on the Swedish striker, there are plenty of alternative targets in the frame.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins are the main options from within the Premier League, while RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been liked for quite some time, and there has now been a development in the pursuit of the striker.

Arsenal and Berta eye move for £68m star if Saliba is sold to Real Madrid

Real Madrid are interested in the Arsenal defender.

2 ByTom Cunningham May 4, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Sesko, having conducted extensive background work to assess the forward, while also sending scouts to watch him in action against Bayern Munich.

The Slovenian’s entourage remain in active talks with the Gunners, but rivals Chelsea and Liverpool are also in discussions, so there could be fierce competition for his signature, with a £58m move to England now looking like the most likely outcome.

The 21-year-old is yet to make a final decision about where his future lies, but there is a feeling he is now leaning towards a move to the Emirates Stadium, which will be welcome news for Mikel Arteta’s side.

"Amazing" Sesko enjoying impressive Bundesliga campaign

It has been far from a perfect season for RB Leipzig, with the German side sacking Marco Rose at the end of March, while currently occupying sixth place in the Bundesliga, but the Slovenia international has managed to catch the eye with his performances.

The youngster has picked up 13 goals and five assists in 31 Bundesliga outings, while also regularly getting on the scoresheet in both the DFB Pokal and the Champions League.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

31

13

5

Champions League

8

4

0

DFB Pokal

4

4

1

Not only that, but NK Domzale sporting director Matej Orazem clearly believes the 6 foot 5 powerhouse is capable of playing at the highest level, having claimed he is “destined for greatness”, while also lauding him as “amazing”.

Of course, Isak would be a dream signing for Arsenal, given that he is proven in the Premier League, with the Swedish striker adding to his goal tally in his side’s 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday afternoon.

However, it may be difficult to prise the 25-year-old away from Newcastle, and there are plenty of signs that Sesko could be a solid alternative option.

Player of the Series in the India Tests, he had been left out of the first two Tests against England. He will finally get a game in Hamilton

Vithushan Ehantharajah12-Dec-2024You would be forgiven for thinking New Zealand’s 3-0 victory over India was a figment of your imagination.India do not lose in India, and they certainly do not get swept in India. And so how could a team go from pulling off that impossible job with such panache and then succumb to a tame defeat in a three-match series inside just seven days? And not just that, but lose consecutive Tests comprehensively to an England side that had been trounced 4-1 by India at the start of the year?Bossing on Test cricket’s toughest frontier and falling meekly at home, all in the space of a month. Something does not quite add up.Related

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Adding to the familiar conspiracy theory theme of faked historical events was the absence of Will Young against England. Player of the Series against India with 244 runs at 48.40, yet unselected for the opening two Tests at home.Had he not graced the field as a sub during the first two Tests, the homemade “JUSTICE FOR WILL YOUNG” signs seen on the Hagley Oval grass banks might have snowballed into an hour-long Alex Jones rant by the time we got to Seddon Park. Thankfully, on Thursday, the man of the previous hour put everyone at ease as he addressed the media two days out from his return to New Zealand’s XI.”I’ve obviously got some supporters behind me,” Young said of the “hard luck” messages he has received. Just to add to the “did that really happen?” nature of what Young accomplished in India, he still does not have the Player-of-the-Series trophy back in his possession: “It’s in a box in transit (between Christchurch and Napier), I think,” revealed Young. “Hopefully I’ll get it soon.”That Young has been a key talking point this series without seeing action tells its own story. New Zealand have been outplayed by a more dominant, altogether more coherent England side. What started as an understandable decision to give Kane Williamson back his No. 3 spot at Young’s expense has morphed out of selectors’ control because of the underperformance of the rest.Williamson is the only member of the top six to average over 40 this series. That Young’s opportunity has come through the withdrawal of Devon Conway ahead of the birth of his first child has perhaps softened an impending decision on the opener’s spot, Conway having averaged 5.25 across four innings.Throw in the switch-up of emotion for Tim Southee’s retirement – a farewell tour arrives at his home ground with questions as to whether he should play in it – New Zealand Cricket is undergoing a good deal of introspection. Young’s first appearance of the home season offers temporary stability.He brought that in front of the microphones on Thursday. Even a bit of light relief regarding his drinks-carrying role over the past fortnight. “I’ve run a few now [in my career], so I know my way around. The boys were well-hydrated.Will Young had to make way for Kane Williamson in the first two home Tests•Getty Images”Look, to come back here, it’s disappointing – obviously you always want to play. It’s a very tough line-up to fit into and it’s just the way it is at the moment, and that’s fine.”It was a fantastic time in India and we did really, really well. I got the accolade of Player of the Series. But the fact of the matter is we all played outstandingly well and all stood up at different times. The nature of Test cricket is the balance of the side can change a lot.”Having one of NZ’s absolute greats in Kane coming back was always going to be a headache, so I was prepared to be back on the drinks and that’s what transpired.”I’ll wait in the wings for my opportunity and thankfully one has come here in the last Test against England.”He defended head coach Gary Stead’s part in the decision, and the subsequent status quo of selection when New Zealand went in unchanged for the second Test. An eight-wicket defeat in Christchurch was followed by a galling 323-run loss in Wellington.”Gary is pretty transparent,” said Young. “There’s nothing to talk about there. You hear his position, you understand it. At the end of the day he’s got the team’s best interest at heart, too. I understand, it’s just the way it is at the moment.”That Young will open this week adds a little more narrative to his return. There is familiarity, with 21 of the 32-year-old’s 34 Test innings come at the very top of the order. But a modest average of 22.76 in that position, set against his exploits in India at first drop – where he now averages 47.12 – represents the continuation of an ongoing challenge for the right-hand batter.He initially fashioned himself as an opener back in 2018, when New Zealand’s middle was occupied by the likes of Williamson and Ross Taylor. A clearer path further up saw him adopt the role for New Zealand A before assuming it domestically outright for Central Districts.”I’ve had various opportunities so far in my Test career,” said Young when asked of this week’s assignment. “As reserve batter, you’ve got to be capable of filling any role.”Most of the opportunities have come opening the batting. I know what it’s like at the top – certainly it can be challenging.”The key difference is the amount of time you’ve got between fielding and chucking the pads on. It can be quite rushed; you’ve got 10 minutes to get your mind back on the job. If you’re (No.) 3 or 4, you can also be in the first over, you know?It’s not a massive difference. I’m just keen to get any slot.”

Back in the middle order after a brief spell at the top, the left-hander can attack even in difficult situations

Andrew McGlashan05-Jun-2023You can go through Australia’s top order, and most have had a significant focus in the lead-up to two defining months of Test cricket. Whether David Warner has a final hurrah in him has often led the way, and will only ramp up after he mapped his own end point; Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have been visible in county cricket, which has provided plenty of fodder; the story of Usman Khawaja’s stunning return to Test cricket is never far away, and Cameron Green, with the IPL now among his successes, continues to be billed as greatness in the making.In all that, it feels like Travis Head is going a little under the radar. But he shapes as a key part of the top six, back at his regular No. 5 position after finding himself opening in India following a difficult start to that tour when he was omitted for the opening Test.And India also comes first for Australia on their tour of England – in vastly different conditions than they experienced in February and March – with the World Test Championship at stake this week at The Oval. But everything also points towards the Ashes. It was the last meeting with England, at home in 2021-22, where Head returned to the Test side a transformed player, or at the very least, a player able to express himself.Related

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In that, there are strong traits of how England have transformed themselves; and while theirs has been a team-wide overhaul of style and conviction, it was notable that Head was a player picked out by Ben Stokes during a pre-summer interview with Nasser Hussain for Sky Sports.”I think Travis Head is someone who since he came into the team has really taken his opportunity, and gone ‘This is how I’m going to play’,” Stokes had said. “Him being allowed to go out and play the way he has, he’s been so successful. He was so hard to bowl to in Australia when we were there last time because he just threw counterpunches, and those innings he played against us were really hard to bowl to, really hard to set fields to. But we are prepared for that.”Travball pre-dated Bazball by more than six months. During that last Ashes, Head had a strike rate of 86.02 across the four matches he was able to play – he missed the fourth Test in Sydney with Covid-19 which, it’s worth remembering, opened the door for Khawaja’s return.When Head had walked to the crease in first Test at the Gabba, Australia were on top, but England threatened a fightback as Ollie Robinson removed Warner and Green in consecutive balls. Head proceeded to flay 152 off 148 balls, the century coming in a session and from only 85 deliveries, in what became a pivotal few hours for Head’s career.After returning from Covid-19 for the final Test in Hobart, Head did it again – and on a green pitch being exploited by England’s seamers – as he surged to a 112-ball hundred and gave Australia enough runs to ensure their demoralised opponents fell short.