The left-arm wristspinner was back with a bang as UAE lost 8 for 10
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Sep-20252:03
What are India’s expectations from Gill?
India began their Asia Cup title defence by making short work of UAE’s batting, bowling the hosts out for 57 in just 13.1 overs. UAE came into this match on the back of encouraging displays against Pakistan and Afghanistan in the tri-series they recently hosted, but all that promise came to nothing against the relentless quality of India’s bowling.Related
Gill and Abhishek begin new chapter in old bromance
UAE began well enough, all things considered, scoring 41 for 2 in their powerplay with openers Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem hitting six fours and a six between them. They fell apart thereafter, losing their last eight wickets for the addition of just ten runs.Jasprit Bumrah – India’s only specialist quick – and Varun Chakravarthy took the first two wickets, but the bulk of the damage thereafter came courtesy two bowlers who had looked less than certain to play in the lead-up to this match. Kuldeep Yadav picked up 4 for 7, including three wickets in his second over, and Shivam Dube ran through the lower order to bag 3 for 4, his best T20I figures.To their credit, UAE did not let the loss of two powerplay wickets curb their intent, but on this day they kept losing wickets to low-percentage shots. Rahul Chopra took on the large outfield at the Dubai International Stadium and the protected long-on boundary and holed out off Kuldeep. Waseem followed him to the dressing room three balls later, missing a sweep against a bowler whose stock ball, straightening into the right-hander from left-arm over, is stump-to-stump by design. Kuldeep finished the over with a trademark wrong’un to bowl the left-handed Harshit Kaushik through the gate, and UAE were already five down.India used six bowlers, and five of them ended up on the wickets column, with Bumrah – who bowled three overs in the powerplay, a rarity for him – Varun and Axar Patel taking one each. Dube, playing ahead of a second frontline quick to give India batting depth until No. 8, couldn’t help but take wickets with his medium-pace, even when India gave them back. No. 10 Junaid Siddique was given out stumped when Sanju Samson caught him wandering out of his crease, a la Jonny Bairstow, but India withdrew their appeal. Next ball, Junaid swung at a slower ball and skewed it to India captain Suryakumar Yadav, the man who had made that call.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. left the Yankees’ game against the Astros early Thursday after he came up gingerly when he tagged out Jose Altuve as he attempted to steal second base.
Chisholm's glove and Altuve's helmet appeared to make contact with the Yankees' second baseman's knee on the play. After the inning-ending throw out, Chisholm took a moment to gather himself before slightly limping off the field. He grabbed toward his left knee as he eventually jogged to the dugout. You can watch the full sequence below:
Chisholm stayed in the game and took his at-bat in the next inning, but he struck out on three pitches and left the game shortly thereafter.
The Yankees then announced that he was pulled from the game due to knee contusions in both knees per SNY.
According to Gary Phillips of the , the multiple knee contusions happened on different plays. It appears Chisholm aggravated his left knee on the play with Altuve, however it's currently unclear the other play where he suffered the contusion to his right knee.
On the season, Chisholm is slashing .243/.341/.501 with 28 home runs and 70 RBIs for the Yankees.
شارك النجم المصري محمد صلاح في تعادل ليفربول أمام سندرلاند بهدف لمثله، على ملعب أنفيلد في الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز.
وعلى الرغم من أن محمد صلاح قد بدأ المباراة على مقاعد البدلاء، لكن آرني سلوت استعان به منذ بداية الشوط الثاني بعد انتهاء الشوط الأول بالتعادل السلبي.
وجاء هدف سندرلاند الأول عن طريق المغربي الشاب شمس الدين طالبي في الدقيقة 67 بتسديدة رائعة من خارج منطقة الجزاء.
وتعادل ليفربول بعد مجهود فردي وتسديدة رائعة من فلوريان فيرتز، لتصطدم الكرة بلاعب سندرلاند نوردي موكيلي في الدقيقة 81 وتسكن شباك الفريق الضيف.
أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | ماذا قدم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وسندرلاند بـ الدوري الإنجليزي؟
وعبر منصة “إكس” تفاعل العديد من جماهير ليفربول مع أداء النجم المصري محمد صلاح والذي شارك منذ بداية الشوط الثاني:
“سلوت احتاج صلاح لإنقاذ وظيفته”
Now he needs Salah to save his job lol. — A.B.L (@aalk89372) December 3, 2025
“اطردوا سلوت الآن”
Sack Slot now please — Ebube_brown🍅 (@Ebube_brown) December 3, 2025
“عندما لا يبدو 7 أو 8 لاعبين في حالتهم، فالمشكلة تكون في النظام”
Maybe he should have played better lately? No one is bigger than the team. — Robin W (@RobinS66BS) December 3, 2025
“المدرب هو المشكلة”
This is a coach problem — hidden name (@brokinsolz) December 3, 2025
“لا شك أنه لا يزال أفضل لاعب في الفريق بفارق كبير جداً”
Undoubtedly still the best player in the squad by a VERY large margin — Stillde Bred (@YoMomsMeatyLips) December 3, 2025
“صلاح ليس المشكلة، لا أحد يتراجع من مستوى عالمي لمستوى متوسط في غضون أشهر، هذه مشكلة جماعية وليست فردية”.
Btw Salah isn’t the problem. No one drops from world-class to average in a matter of months. This is a team problem, not an individual one. — Nuna (@NaiiLFC) December 3, 2025
“يجب أن يذهب إلى السعودية”
He should go to Saudi pic.twitter.com/QLtHI66TAl — Locket Mokete (@LockeyMango) December 3, 2025
“عليكم جميعاً أن تضغوا مصلحة الفريق فوق كل اعتبار، صلاح يأتي ويرحل، أنا ممتن لمحمد صلاح، الرجل الذي منح ليفربول الحياة، لم يكن هناك فرق يذكر حتى عندما دخل الشوط الثاني”
You all should put the team first , salah will come and go .I’m grateful to MO the man gave Liverpool life
Even when he entered second half , little or no difference — plato_ovu (@plato_ovu) December 3, 2025
“ربما كان عليه أن يلعب بشكل أفضل مؤخراً؟ لا أحد أكبر من الفريق”
Maybe he should have played better lately? No one is bigger than the team. — Robin W (@RobinS66BS) December 3, 2025
” سيذهب إلى كأس الأمم الإفريقية ونحن بحاجة لفريق فعال بدونه”
Brother he’s going to afcon and we need a functioning team without him — PsVEagle (@PsVEagle) December 3, 2025
E o Glorioso venceu a primeira na Libertadores! E com grande estilo, tá? No segundo gol, Luiz Henrique TIROU o goleiro da jogada e bateu mansinho pra ampliar o placar. Contratação mais cara da história do clube, o jogador levou os torcedores do Glorioso à loucura nas redes sociais. Confira!
continua após a publicidade
➡️ Tudo sobre o Fogão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Botafogo
O jogo
O Botafogo venceu Universitário, do Peru, por 3 a 1, nesta quarta-feira (24), pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores. Superior durante toda a partida, o Glorioso marcou com Eduardo (2) e Luiz Henrique. O gol dos peruanos foi marcado por Olivares, já no apagar das luzes. Antes distante, o sonho da classificação para as oitavas está vivo!
✅ FICHA TÉCNICA BOTAFOGO X UNIVERSITÁRIO 3ª RODADA – FASE DE GRUPOS DA LIBERTADORES 🗓️ Data e horário: quarta-feira, 24 de abril de 2024, às 19h (de Brasília); 📍 Local: Estádio Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ); 📺 Onde assistir: ESPN e Star +; 🟨 Árbitro: Jesús Valenzuela (VEN); 🚩 Assistentes: Jorge Urrego (VEN) e Alberto Ponte (VEN); 🖥️ VAR: Juan Soto (VEN).
Luka Modric admits he took "a step down" by joining AC Milan after his spell at Real Madrid came to an end, but the midfielder insists he made the "right" decision by accepting the Serie A side's offer. Still going strong at 40 years old, the midfielder is aware his longevity has been "incredible" as he explained why he abandoned his plan to retire in Madrid.
Modric still a key component at 40
Modric bailed on his initial plan to end his playing career at Madrid by joining Milan in the summer. Having since turned 40, the midfielder has thoroughly impressed in Serie A, earning immense praise from his team-mates and many former heroes of the Italian game. The six-time Champions League winner has one goal and two assists to his name for the Rossoneri so far, immediately taking on an integral role as Massimiliano Allegri's side target the Serie A title. His performances have already sparked rumours of another transfer, but the ex-Tottenham star has opened up on his attraction to the San Siro club and his joy at wearing the red and black shirt.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportVeteran midfielder explains AC Milan move
As per the Croatian, it was Milan's reputation that prompted him to sign a one-year deal at the club. He explained to : "After Real, I've always said it, wherever you go it's a step down. There is no doubt about this and all players can confirm it. But I think I arrived at a club that is very close to Real Madrid in terms of reputation and history: for me it is the most ideal situation that could have happened to me. Especially because I love Milan and as a child I grew up with Italian football. Milan was the club I adored the most. When Milan's option presented itself, it was the right one for me."
Speaking on his experience in the city and at the club, he claimed, "The city is wonderful. People welcomed me phenomenally, both inside and outside the club. The teammates, the coach, the fans, everything is really high-level. You can see that Milan is a great historic club, one of the biggest in the world. You can feel it at every step, so I'm really happy and I'm enjoying all of this."
Modric admits leaving Madrid was difficult
Modric won 28 trophies during his 13-year tenure at the Spanish capital, and that includes six Champions League titles and four La Liga accolades. However, departing from the club was tough for him, as he mentioned: "Honestly, it wasn't easy, because I spent 13 years, almost half of my life, practically in a club, in a city. It was one of the best times of my life. I arrived in Madrid perhaps relatively late, at 27, but at the right time. I was ready for that step. The four years in England helped me a lot. And everything I experienced and achieved in Madrid afterwards seems unreal to me.
"Apart from the trophies and victories, staying 13 years in such a club… I arrived at 27 and I stayed almost until 40 and it is something incredible! Because you know what kind of club Madrid is, you know that they don't tolerate mediocrity, and to stay at that level, in a club like that, for so many years, with all the successes I've experienced there, it's something incredible. In my previous way of thinking, I believed that I would be satisfied if I ended my career at 35. But my professional curriculum has long since exceeded that limit, and I do not hide my gratitude: I am still, thank God, at that level and it is something incredible!"
He added: "I've always said it and it wasn't platitudes, flattering the fans or the club – my big wish was to retire in Madrid. But simply, everything has a beginning and an end."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportWhen will Modric play again?
Sitting second on the Serie A table, Modric's Milan will take on Lazio on Saturday at San Siro with the aim of leapfrogging Roma into first place, temporarily at least. Modric, who enjoyed a full 90 minutes in the Rossoneri's 1-0 win over arch-rivals Inter, is expected to start once again this weekend.
Closing in on his arrival, Kim Hellberg has already reportedly made the decision to overhaul Middlesbrough’s backroom staff and hand interim manager Adi Viveash a new role at the club.
The Swedish manager has already caused plenty of controversy around the Championship after he rejected Swansea City in favour of Boro in a late twist, and is now set to arrive in Teesside with the task of picking up where Rob Edwards left off.
Having reportedly paid £250k to secure his services, Boro will be hoping to see Hellberg get off to the perfect start, but to say he doesn’t have an easy start would be an understatement.
With Viveash set to remain in charge against Oxford United this Saturday, Hellberg’s first game in charge is likely to come against Championship leaders Coventry City. If nothing changes between now and that game, then Middlesbrough will be able to go within a point of the league leaders with victory on their manager’s debut.
It will be interesting to see how the 37-year-old sets his side up for that game. His preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1, which Boro played so often under Edwards and will now look to use to their advantage under a new manager. This should at least help ease any period of adjustment for all involved.
The Swede isn’t wasting any time before implementing other changes, however. Reports are now claiming that he’s already made an immediate staff overhaul involving interim boss Viveash.
Hellberg makes instant Viveash decision at Middlesbrough
According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Hellberg has already appointed David Selini as his assistant manager and made the decision to keep Viveash on as a technical coach as part of a staff overhaul. The young coach has instantly got to work to make changes in an attempt to hit the ground running in Riverside.
It’s a new role that Viveash has more than earned. The Boro coach stepped up for the club when Edwards departed, leading them to a 2-1 victory over Birmingham City and there’s no doubt his presence will help to welcome Hellberg to the job.
Meanwhile, Selini is also an interesting appointment. The Hammarby assistant has only worked with Hellberg for over a year, but is now set to join him in the Championship at just 31 years old.
In Hellberg and his assistant, Selini, Boro have placed their trust in a young management team and must now hope that their gamble ends in the pay out of promotion.
Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat against PSG in the Champions League last night was the second time in a matter of months in which Thomas Frank’s men have been bettered by the French side.
The UEFA Super Cup final back in August was the Dane’s first competitive match in charge of the Lilywhites, but he was unable to get one over Luis Enrique’s side.
Such a result once again appeared at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, with the host’s 5-3 win inflicting the club’s first loss of the current European campaign.
Both fixtures could have fallen in Spurs’ favour, especially after taking the lead in both contests, but ultimately the defensive frailties have cost Frank’s men in each of the meetings.
The inability to keep one player out in Paris last night ultimately contributed to their downfall, with one opposition star constantly tormenting Frank’s men in the defeat.
Vitinha’s stats against Spurs in the Champions League
PSG’s success in the Champions League last season was no doubt down to the quality side Enrique has built over recent years, with Vitinha central to the Parisians’ European triumph.
The Portuguese international has continued his phenomenal form in the current campaign, as seen by his performance against Spurs on Wednesday night.
He featured for the entirety of the contest at the Parc des Princes, scoring a hat-trick during the triumph – achieving such a feat for the first time in his professional career.
The 25-year-old’s first strike was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch, with the midfielder firing Quentin Ndjantou’s perfectly weighted pass into the top corner via the crossbar.
His underlying stats from the contest also reflect his impressive display, with Vitinha completing 87 passes – the most of any player – whilst also completing 100% of his attempted dribbles.
Such a performance led to Spurs boss Frank heaping huge praise on the midfielder, labelling him as the “best midfielder in the world” and that he’ll be the “next Ballon d’Or winner”.
The Spurs star who could be Frank’s answer to Vitinha
After the North London Derby defeat against Arsenal, it was imperative that manager Frank switched up his midfield department for the Champions League clash.
The Dane started with a two-man pivot of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur at the Emirates, with such a partnership far too negative – which no doubt contributed to the 4-1 hammering.
For the defeat against PSG, the 52-year-old opted for a younger base of the side, with Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall just two of the youngsters who featured in the middle of the park.
The duo were unable to produce a winning display, but they did offer a reason to be positive despite falling to a third consecutive defeat under Frank’s guidance.
However, the shining light in the middle of the park was certainly Archie Gray, with the 19-year-old taking full advantage of the rare start handed his direction.
The Englishman joined in a £40m deal from Leeds United last summer but has often had to bide his time for a regular run of first-team appearances since Frank’s arrival.
Yesterday was just his fourth start of the 2025/26 campaign, but he did manage to thrive, even against the defending European champions last night.
Gray featured for 76 minutes before being withdrawn, even linking up excellently with Bergavll in the first half as the Lilywhites took a one-goal lead.
He also won 100% of the tackles he attempted, whilst making two clearances and two recoveries – in what was an exceptional defensive performance at the Parc des Princes.
Minutes played
76
Touches
20
Passes completed
7
Passes into final third
2
Tackles won
100%
Clearances made
2
Recoveries made
2
Aerials won
100%
Other stats, such as 100% aerials won and two passes into the final third, also showcase his all-round quality – backing up Ben Mattinson’s claim that he’s a “future £100m” star.
However, if he is to reach such levels and become the club’s very own Vitinha, it’s crucial that Frank hands him the needed game time to help him continue his development.
The player will no doubt be immensely proud of such a showing in Paris, with his efforts no doubt giving the manager a selection headache against Fulham this weekend.
As bad as Romero: Frank must instantly drop 5/10 Spurs flop after PSG
Thomas Frank will have some huge calls to make on some players after Tottenham Hotspur’s latest defeat.
Newcastle United are in an unusual position at the moment, as Eddie Howe’s long-standing position as manager is now under threat.
Howe has been in the Magpies’ hot seat since October 2021, when the hugely unpopular Steve Bruce was ditched, and it’s fair to say the 47-year-old has been a resounding success, for the most part, finished twice inside the Champions League places and securing an EFL Cup triumph.
Still, with just three wins from 11 in Premier League action this season in isolation, it’s right that the beloved Toon boss is facing scrutiny currently.
Nick Woltemade could well be the man to guide Newcastle up the league in the coming weeks to keep Howe situated on Tyneside, though, with the 6-foot-6 goal machine continuing on his fine run of goalscoring form in England on the international stage for Germany during the break.
How Woltemade can save Howe's job
Off the back of bagging three goals for Germany during the recent stage of World Cup qualifying, the £69m summer recruit is now up to a stunning ten goals this season for both club and country.
If he keeps up this blistering form, the results will turn in the Toon’s favour in time, with Woltemade’s 12 goals for Stuttgart last season pushing them far away from the lower reaches of the Bundesliga and into European conversations.
On top of being clearly potent, which will hopefully stand the underachieving Newcastle in good stead during tense matches to come, Woltemade was also purchased this summer for that high amount for how he stylishly links up with teammates around him.
That was seen in him cleverly flicking a ball through to Harvey Barnes to score in the Champions League in October.
Journalist Adam Clery would even go out of his way to state that the much-loved German “made this entire goal” with this ingenious bit of skill, with this unselfish approach perhaps getting the best out of the likes of Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga down the line to rise the league standings.
Of course, he isn’t superhuman, with Woltemade frustratingly amassing no shots on goal against Brentford and West Ham United in back-to-back defeats when managing just 45 touches of the ball.
So, perhaps a different manager could get even more out of the clinical marksman if Newcastle were to replace Howe. After all, Toon reporter Craig Hope has already noted that ‘a 6ft 6in striker who plays with his back to goal & drops so deep was never the plan.’
Why a new manager can get more from Woltemade at Newcastle
The Mirror has speculated who could come in for Howe if he is to be relieved of his long-standing duties very soon, with the likes of Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner named.
But, if Newcastle want a manager in the same mould as the 47-year-old, they could look to hire Kieran McKenna, with the Ipswich Town boss making a name for himself from a very young age in the main management game, much like Howe did when managing AFC Bournemouth.
McKenna would transform the Tractor Boys’ faltering fortunes when taking them up all the way from League One to the Premier League via back-to-back promotions, leading to former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt lauding the ex-Red Devils coach as “one of the best coaches” in England.
Woltemade would surely love to work alongside the 4-2-3-1-focused manager if he were to swap Suffolk for St James’ Park, with his Ipswich sides over the years centring on some explosive, yet team-oriented attackers, much like the German has already shown in spades at his new home.
McKenna’s numbers as Ipswich manager
Stat
McKenna
Games managed
188
Wins
88
Draws
50
Losses
50
Goals scored
340
Goals conceded
239
Points accumulated
314
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Indeed, from 188 games in charge of the Tractor Boys, McKenna has overseen 88 wins with a mighty 348 goals scored along the way.
Up in the Premier League last season, the Northern Irishman would turn Liam Delap into a Chelsea-bound centre-forward, having got 12 top-flight strikes out of the ex-Manchester City striker from 40 games, even as his side languished near the drop zone all campaign long.
Therefore, with Delap also coming in a slick, yet imposing presence like Woltemade at a 6-foot-2 frame, it’s intriguing to see what McKenna could do to Woltemade if he were handed the Newcastle reins, having further got an impressive haul of 73 goals out of Conor Chaplin and George Hirst in the EFL and above.
The worry here would be that McKenna’s only Premier League season to date as a manager resulted in relegation, but having been previously tipped to go to “the very top” by podcaster Dave Hendrick, this could be the 39-year-old’s chance of becoming an established boss in the big time.
With his glittering track record with strikers, Woltemade could come even more into his own under his fresh set of ideas if he does surprisingly succeed Howe, as the powers that be at Newcastle continue to ponder whether a change is the correct call right now.
Better deal than Woltemade: Newcastle among favourites to sign £100m star
Newcastle need to add some more quality to Eddie Howe’s side in 2026.
They might have blown a two-goal lead on Saturday, but things are looking up for West Ham United.
Following a dire start to the season and a poor start to his tenure, Nuno Espírito Santo has now picked up seven points from the last three Premier League games.
This has seen the East Londoners pull themselves out of the relegation zone, and one of the club’s best performers during this uptick in form has been Callum Wilson.
However, even though the Englishman is in fine form, reports have started to link West Ham with someone who could be a dream replacement.
West Ham target Wilson upgrade
The transfer window is still over a month away, but that hasn’t stopped West Ham from being linked with a number of interesting players from across the country and beyond.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Fulham’s Adama Traoré, for example, has been heavily touted for a move to the London Stadium in January, as has Norwich City’s Josh Sargent.
However, the Hammers are now interested in another, arguably more exciting goalscorer.
At least that is according to a recent report from Claret & Hugh, which claims that West Ham are keen on signing Promise David.
In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the Hammers have already made enquiries about the Union SG gem, who is valued at up to £17m.
The Canadian international might not be a known name in England, but his form in recent seasons and potential make this a deal West Ham can’t ignore, especially as he could be a perfect Wilson upgrade.
How David compares to Wilson
While it sounds simplistic, probably because it really is, the first place to start when comparing two centre-forwards is their raw output.
After all, the most important thing a striker is generally going to do is score or assist a goal, especially when it comes to a side like West Ham, who need to do all they can to build a buffer between them and the relegation zone.
Unfortunately for Wilson, even with his recent flurry of goals, this is an area in which he comes out second best.
For example, in ten appearances this season, he has scored four goals and failed to provide any assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.5 games.
In contrast, the “outstanding” Canadian, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored eight goals and provided no assists in 19 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.37 games.
David vs Wilson
25/26
David
Wilson
Games
19
10
Goals
8
4
Assists
0
0
24/25
David
Wilson
Games
41
22
Goals
24
1
Assists
5
0
All Stats via Transfermarkt
The comparison is even more one-sided when last season is taken into account, as the former Newcastle United forward scored just a single goal in 22 appearances for the Toon.
The Union SG ace, on the other hand, racked up a stellar haul of 24 goals and five assists in 41 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.41 games.
With numbers like these, it’s easy to understand why Canadian reporter Ben Steiner claimed the 24-year-old “just can’t stop scoring.”
However, it’s not just output that would make the eight-capped international a wise signing, but the fact that he’s still just 24 years old.
In other words, he’s someone who could come in as an upgrade and then become the long-term striker option the Hammers have needed for some time.
Ultimately, given his consistently impressive output, age and relatively low price, West Ham should do what they can to sign David in January.
Forget Guilherme: Nuno can fix Summerville blow with West Ham academy star
Nuno might already have the perfect solution to West Ham’s Summerville problem.
Johnson suffered a stress fracture in the IPL but it wasn’t formally diagnosed until the lead-up to Australia’s tour of the Caribbean
Alex Malcolm10-Oct-2025While Australia have been sweating on Pat Cummins’ scan results, another of the country’s fast bowlers, Spencer Johnson, faces an equally nervous wait this week to see if a stress fracture he suffered in the IPL has heeled enough for him to play in the upcoming BBL and push for a T20 World Cup berth.There had been a little bit of mystery around Johnson’s absence from Australia’s T20I side across the last three series, especially following the retirement of Mitchell Starc from the format.He was ruled out of the Caribbean T20I tour with a back injury and also wasn’t selected for the T20I and ODI series against South Africa in August but the extent of injury was not specified until September when Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey revealed Johnson was unlikely to play until the new year.Related
Australia's pace depth: Who's in the Ashes mix if Cummins and co run aground?
Maxwell hopes to be fit for back-end of T20I series against India
Labuschagne dropped from Australia ODI squad, Renshaw earns call-up
Johnson, who has played five ODIs and eight T20Is, is hopeful he might be able to return sooner but he cut a frustrated figure at a BBL kit launch event in Melbourne on Thursday.”The back, to be honest, feels fine,” Johnson said. “Stressies are one of those things where they feel good, but it’s just just a waiting game. I’ve got a scan in over the next couple of days, and pending that result, we’ll be able to find out hopefully a return to play there. I think it should be around the Big Bash in some capacity, whether it’s at the start or manage through that. It’s frustrating, but it is what it is.”Part of Johnson’s frustration had come from not identifying the injury earlier, mainly because he had never had a stress fracture in his back previously. Johnson has been a late bloomer into professional cricket after a lot of injury other injury concerns.He initially wrote off his back pain in the IPL as a disc issue, something he had dealt with previously, and did not get in scanned because it settled quickly.”I started to get a bit of back discomfort, and sort of wasn’t too bad, because I was only really training at that stage,” Johnson said. “And when I got back to Australia, I was trying to build-up for the T20 series in the West Indies. I think just the increased load stirred it up a little bit a little bit more. And we got a scan, and unfortunately, there was a stress [fracture] there. A little bit uncommon for a 29-year-old.”It’s a bit of a strange one, because initially they thought it was an old fracture that had just sort of scarred and then I think more recently the more scans we’ve done, they’ve thought it’s probably a fresher one.”Spencer Johnson suffered a stress fracture during the IPL•PTI The injury could not have come at a worse time for the left-arm quick. Having missed the 2024 limited-overs tour of England due to injury, he bounced back with a superb T20I series at home against Pakistan including a maiden international five-wicket haul in Sydney. Injuries to Australia’s big three opened the door for Johnson to play in the Champions Trophy and he took 2 for 49 from 10 in the rained out clash with Afghanistan.But missing the last four white-ball series, including the ODIs against South Africa, and the upcoming one-dayers and T20Is against India leave him with a tough climb back to be part of the T20 World Cup, particularly with fellow left-armer Ben Dwarshuis performing so well for Australia in recent times.”It’s never a great time being injured,” Johnson said. “Unfortunately, especially this calendar year, there’s plenty of white-ball cricket. Regardless of the back I was planning on staying here in the winter and making sure this summer was a big one, hopefully for Australia. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. But there’s still plenty of cricket to play post Christmas and a T20 World Cup and something I’d love to be a part of.”For now he will continue rehabbing his back in Adelaide, diligently doing pilates and swimming to keep up his shoulder mobility and strengthen his core. He has been leaning on Australia and Brisbane Heat team-mate Xavier Bartlett for recovery advice, as Bartlett has come back from multiple stress fractures.He will also need to do a bit of remedial work on his action when he returns to bowling and will liaise with national pace bowling coach Adam Griffith, Heat bowling coach Andy Bichel and South Australia coach Ryan Harris on what is required.”The beauty of being a part of the Brisbane Heat set up, the SACA, and then even Cricket Australia that I’ll be sort of leaning on all three Rhino, Andy Bichel and Griff and everyone’s sort of on the same page,” Johnson said. “I’ve got plenty of ideas of what I want to do and keeping everyone on the same page and doing a lot of the work at the SACA is what I’ll do. It’s been nice to be at home at the minute.”