Kent appeared to be cruising but Sussex’s lower order had other ideas

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 07-Aug-2025Sussex 288 for 7 (Carter 68, Carson 50*, Cohen 4-65) beat Kent 287 for 9 (52 Evison, Hudson-Prentice 3-65) by 3 wickets A remarkable and unbroken eighth wicket stand of 88 in 11 overs between Jack Carson and Archie Lenham saw Sussex to an unlikely three-wicket win over Kent with ten balls to spare in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Arundel.Kent looked home and dry in their opening game when they had Sussex 200 for 7 in the 38th over. They had weathered a fifth wicket stand of 90 between Oli Carter (68) and John Simpson (50) and then dismissed the dangerous Danny Lamb for 16.But Carson struck his maiden List A fifty off 43 balls, with five fours and a six. And Lenham made 45 off 38 with six fours and a six. The match was still in doubt with 22 needed off the last three overs. And it was leg-spinner Lenham who settled the argument when he hit Michael Cohen for 14 off three balls, an on-drive for six, a square slash for four and an off-drive for another boundary.That left Sussex needing five from the last two overs and Carson hit the first two deliveries from Fred Klassen for four.Earlier, Cohen, a South African-born left-arm seamer who is qualified to play for France, looked set to be the hero of the day. He had made a memorable first appearance for Kent when he took three wickets in his opening spell before returning to dismiss danger man Carter.Cohen, whose debut had been delayed by injury, struck with his second ball when he had Danial Ibrahim lbw and broke through again with the first ball of his second over when he bowled one across the left-handed Tom Haines to have the batsman caught behind.Fynn Hudson-Prentice looked anxious to dispel local concerns that he was batting too high in the order at No 4 when he flicked Cohen for two leg-side fours before driving him for two more. But Sussex kept losing wickets. Tom Clark had his middle stump knocked back by Klaassen as he went for an extravagant off-side stroke to make it 50 for three and in the next over the dangerous Hudson-Prentice was caught at backward square-leg.Sussex, who had lost their opening game against Durham, decided to bowl first on a slow pitch and made a good start. Jaydn Denly, driving, was well caught by Henry Crocombe at backward point off the last delivery of the first over and opening partner Ben Compton was caught behind off Ari Karvelas to make it 27 for 2 in the sixth over.Kent rebuilt through Joey Evison and and Chris Benjamin, who added 81 in 14 overs before both were dismissed by exceptional pieces of fielding. Lamb came on to bowl the 20th over and off his first delivery he produced an outstanding one-handed catch, flinging himself to his left, to dismiss the bewildered Benjamin. And in the next over Carter held on to a stinging catch at short midwicket to end Evison’s innings, a 54-ball 52 which included ten fours.For the second time Kent, winners of the competition in 2022, regrouped again, first through captain Harry Finch – a former Sussex player – and the Orpington-born Ekansh Singh, a recent century maker for the England Under-19 side, who put on 89 in 17 overs, and then again through Jack Leaning and Mo Rizvi, making his debut in the competition. They put on 75 before the innings ended as it had started, with a flurry of wickets.

West Ham United are now plotting a 2026 move to sign Quinten Timber, according to reports, with the Dutchman set to become available as a free agent when next summer arrives.

Those at the London Stadium would have breathed an almighty sigh of relief when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side defeated Newcastle United last week. The Hammers have looked on a one-way course towards the Championship all season, but victory over the Magpies should give Nuno’s tenure lift off at last.

This Saturday’s clash against Burnley is now West Ham’s most important game of the campaign so far. Victory would see them move level on points with the Clarets and potentially just outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Within the space of two weeks, the Hammers’ season could be handed a major lifeline.

Ahead of the relegation six-pointer, Nuno provided early team news and updates on both Niclas Fullkrug and Konstantinos Mavrapanos, who could be making a return sooner rather than later.

The West Ham boss also took the time to praise young midfielder Freddie Potts, who has been one of few bright sparks at the club this season, saying: “He played really really good. He had a fantastic match.

“His actions were accurate, and he balanced the team in the middle of the park. He’s played a lot of games on loan, and he is a good option for us. We’re here to help him improve.”

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The academy graduate looks like the future of West Ham’s midfield and could yet be joined by Dutch talent Timber in 2026.

West Ham plotting move to sign Timber

According to reports in Spain, West Ham are now plotting a move to sign Quinten Timber – the twin brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber – in 2026. The defender’s contract is on course to expire at Feyenoord in the summer, handing the Hammers and others in the Premier League the chance to land a bargain deal should they please.

Meanwhile, if they want to land the Dutchman before the summer, then Feyenoord could reportedly accept a deal worth around just €20m (£17m) in what would be an undeniable bargain.

Described as a “superb signing” by scout Jacek Kulig in 2023, Feyenoord could now lose Timber for free when the summer arrives. West Ham, meanwhile, could land a player who can play defensive midfield, attacking midfield and centre-back.

West Ham flop looks finished after Potts emergence

Newcastle United defender Sven Botman was dubbed “utterly embarrassing” after the role he played in Brentford’s third goal on another afternoon to forget for the Magpies on their travels.

Tierney took centre-stage, the former denying Brentford what looked a clear penalty for a foul by Dan Burn – instead booking Dango Ouattara for a dive – and the latter surprisingly agreeing.

But, lo and behold, a few minutes later when Ouattara went down again under Burn’s challenge, Attwell this time pointed to the spot and showed the hapless Burn a second yellow card.

Igor Thiago rolled in the penalty and added a third in stoppage time to condemn Newcastle to more misery on their travels on the fourth anniversary of Eddie Howe’s appointment as manager.

The big controversy erupted when Ouattara tumbled, Burn protested his innocence and Attwell waved away Brentford claims for a spot-kick and flashed the yellow card instead.

Replays showed Burn had clearly made contact with Ouattara’s foot before he went down but Tierney upheld Attwell’s decision, “minimal contact” was the official explanation.

Then came the reprise; Ouattara brought down again by Burn. This one was maybe less convincing, but Attwell pointed to the spot.

Sven Botman dubbed "utterly embarrassing" in Newcastle defeat

A lot of the blame will be put on Burn for his second yellow card and the penalty that he conceded as a result, but the rest of the Newcastle squad didn’t exactly enjoy excellent outings, either. Nick Woltemade came away with an assist, but largely struggled to make the ball stick for the Magpies going forward and Sven Botman looked a shadow of his best self.

At the centre of criticism, Sky Sports’ commentary team took aim at Botman after Thiago scored his second of the afternoon, saying: “Sven Botman, I don’t think he knows that Thiago is behind him, he thinks Ramsdale is coming, he stops running, it’s going to end a sorry afternoon this for the Geordies.”

The criticism didn’t end there, either. Newcastle reporter Joel Bland dubbed Botman “utterly embarrassing” for Brentford’s third and final goal – a verdict that is hard to dispute.

The Dutchman was all too casual before Thiago took full advantage to leave Newcastle on just three Premier League wins in their opening 10 games. Alan Shearer accused the Newcastle squad of being “lazy” when they lost 3-1 against West Ham United last week. Now, a week later, Botman has been accused of not running.

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Whilst they continue to thrive in the Champions League, Newcastle remain in the bottom-half of England’s top tier following a disastrous start.

Newcastle have "one of the best teen prospects" & he can surpass Woltemade

David Miller remains in contention for the 2027 World Cup despite his absence from South Africa’s squad for their ODI series in England, according to captain Temba Bavuma.Miller, 36, has not played international cricket since the Champions Trophy in March and signed a hybrid contract with Cricket South Africa earlier this year. He missed South Africa’s white-ball tour to Australia in August while playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred and will not feature in this week’s ODI series, but will return for the three T20Is that start on September 10.Bavuma said that Miller’s involvement in the Hundred – which ended on Saturday night in the Eliminator – effectively precluded him from selection for the ODI series, since he had missed South Africa’s build-up since arriving in Leeds last week. By contrast, five of England’s players only travelled to Headingley on Monday afternoon after playing in Sunday night’s final.Related

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“What I understand is that those communications were done during his contract times, in terms of him being available during this period for the Hundred,” Bavuma said. “Essentially, he wasn’t available for selection – but I stand by correction around that… David’s still within the mix in the ODI stuff, if that answers your question.”The Australia tour would’ve coincided with the Hundred. I guess any international commitments that occurred during the Hundred, David wasn’t available for. Unfortunately, the one-day [series], it clashes: he wasn’t part of our build-up. But then with the T20 stuff, the Hundred is done, he’ll fall back into the team.”While Miller will be 38 by the time of the 2027 World Cup, he has an exceptional ODI record as a middle-order batter, averaging 42.30 and striking at 103.68 after more than 150 innings in the format. He impressed during the Hundred too, scoring 133 runs in five innings and hitting 14 of the 71 balls that he faced for six – including four in 10 balls in Saturday’s Eliminator.South Africa’s squad is otherwise at full strength for the ODI series, although Matthew Breetzke and Kagiso Rabada miss out for Tuesday’s series-opener with niggles. They have also lost Heinrich Klaasen from the group that reached the Champions Trophy semi-finals, following his retirement from international cricket earlier this year.Bavuma said that the wider context for this week’s ODI series is for South Africa to continue their development as a 50-over side ahead of the 2027 World Cup – which they will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia: “That’s the bigger picture… But we’d like to bring ourselves back to here and what we need to do to be successful in England.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Internacional venceu o Cuiabá por 2 a 0, com os gols de Enner Valencia e Pedro Henrique, pela 36ª rodada do Brasileirão, na Arena Pantanal. Com a vitória, o Colorado chega aos 49 pontos e alcança a nona colocação na tabela, ficando mais próximo da classificação para a Sul-Americana de 2024.

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⚽ COMO FOI A PARTIDA?

No primeiro tempo, a partida teve poucas ações e com o meio-campo bem truncado, o gol de Enner Valencia sai no segundo tempo, aos sete minutos, após o atacante receber um passe açucarado de Wanderson, o equatoriano encobriu o goleiro e deixou a bola entrar.

Com o passar do jogo, o Inter foi administrando o jogo para manter o resultado. Porém, após uma jogada na lateral feita por Mauricio, Pedro Henrique só empurrou para as redes, fechando o placar em 2 a 0.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

✅ O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

O Internacional vai enfrentar o Corinthians, neste sábado (2), às 18h, na Neo Química Arena, pela 37ª rodada do Brasileirão. O Cuiabá irá enfrentar o Flamengo, no Maracanã, no domingo (3), às 16h.

Joao Pedro has promised to do one thing for Chelsea team-mate Moises Caicedo after he helped end his nine-game goal drought in Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Tottenham.

Summer recruit Pedro started life at Stamford Bridge with two goals in his first three Premier League games, but had failed to find the net since August before his 34th-minute winner in north London.

Pedro, who was thwarted on three other occasions by Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, was indebted to Caicedo after he won back possession from Micky van de Ven and teed up the Chelsea forward to fire home.

Caicedo was later described as two of the best defensive midfielders in the world by boss Enzo Maresca along with Manchester City’s Rodri.

Pedro's plans for Caicedo after Chelsea winner

Brazil attacker Pedro echoed that sentiment and reflected on the importance of his goal in a period where he has struggled to train due to unspecified fitness problems and plans to take Caicedo out for dinner following his assist.

Chelsea’s fifth straight win at Tottenham helped them bounce back from a shock 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland on October 25.

It helped rebuild momentum for Maresca’s talented but youthful squad ahead of a midweek trip to Qarabag in the Champions League and Saturday’s visit of bottom-of-the-table Wolves.

Pedro added: “I think it was a big game, a derby and we know they are a good team.

“We knew we had to do 100 per cent to win this kind of game and we did. We won the game and now we need to look forward.”

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has major issues to solve in attack after they registered an XG (expected goals) figure of 0.05 – the lowest the club has recorded since records started in the 2012-13 season.

Maresca must drop Chelsea star who had fewer touches than Sanchez vs Spurs

What will not help Frank’s cause is the likely absence of Lucas Bergvall for Tuesday’s visit of Copenhagen after he was forced off with suspected concussion early on during the loss to Chelsea.

“That was a concussion, so he totally couldn’t stay on and I think the medical team did a good job in that aspect,” Frank reflected.

“And even if he wanted to stay on, it’s the right decision.

“Of course, we would have loved to have him continue. That’s why we picked him in the starting XI.

“Unfortunately, that couldn’t happen. So others will step in. Xavi (Simons) knew the game plan.”

Kylian Mbappe has cheekily hinted that his France teammate Dayot Upamecano could find “better teams” than Bayern Munich in a playful invitation to join him at Real Madrid. The defender is out of contract in 2026, and talks with Bayern remain unresolved. With Los Blancos searching for a long-term defensive anchor, Mbappe’s comments have reignited talk of a blockbuster French reunion in Madrid.

Madrid circle as Upamecano faces uncertain Bayern future

Madrid’s pursuit of a new central defender has taken a familiar turn, straight into the heart of France’s national team setup. Last week reports emerged in Spain that Los Blancos have held preliminary talks with the representatives of Upamecano, who could be available on a free transfer in 2026 if Bayern fail to secure a renewal.

The 27-year-old centre-back has become one of Vincent Kompany’s key players at Bayern, forming a formidable partnership in defence and featuring heavily across competitions. However, with Madrid exploring options due to long-term fitness concerns around David Alaba and Eder Militao, Upamecano’s name remains high on their shortlist. 

Adding intrigue to the speculation, Mbappe was quizzed about his compatriot’s situation ahead of France’s World Cup qualifiers and couldn’t resist a mischievous comment about Bayern’s place in football’s pecking order.

AdvertisementAFP‘There are better clubs’ – Mbappe praises Upamecano but drops Madrid hint

Mbappe, speaking at a press conference, was full of admiration for Upamecano’s recent form but couldn’t help letting a playful smile slip when asked whether his teammate should stay in Munich.

“He’s doing very well, he’s very confident, full of self-assurance. He’s in the debate about who is the best defender in the world,” Mbappe said. “For me, he’s one of those dominant defenders. He’s capable of keeping up with the forwards, of winning duels. He’s a tactical asset.”

With a grin, Mbappe added a line that quickly caught fire: “He’s at a big club, Bayern, there’s not much better… But there are better ones [smiles]. I’m not going to say anything, I’m not going to get into that debate, out of respect for his club and for him, because I know that if I say something he’ll be under more pressure. But when you talk about a player of this calibre, all the clubs will be on the lookout to sign him.”

Upamecano stays calm amid Madrid links

In response to mounting speculation, the former RB Leipzig has remained composed and avoided fueling transfer talk. Speaking to recently, Upamecano said he’s letting his representatives handle discussions while focusing on the season ahead.

"My agent is taking care of it. We will make the right decision. I am receiving good advice," he said. "I am focused on this season and my goals with the club and the national team. I don't have the headspace for it."

At the same time, he expressed appreciation for the growing interest in his future: “I'm completely relaxed. I'm under contract with Bayern. I have goals. But I'm very grateful when clubs are interested in me.”

Upamecano’s agent Moussa Sissoko, who also represents Ousmane Dembele, is known for his strong negotiating stance and close connections within French football circles. His involvement adds another layer to the ongoing situation, especially with the Bavarians pushing for an extension to avoid losing the defender at his peak.

For Madrid, the potential arrival of a French international with Champions League pedigree and a strong relationship with Mbappe fits perfectly within Florentino Perez’s recruitment model.

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Getty ImagesNext moves: Contract talks or free transfer showdown?

Bayern remain confident of keeping Upamecano, but there’s a growing sense within the club that delaying negotiations could prove costly. The Bavarian giants have already seen several key players depart on free transfers in recent seasons – a scenario they are determined to avoid repeating with one of their most reliable defenders.

Club president Herbert Hainer confirmed that discussions with the player’s representatives are already underway, expressing optimism about a positive outcome. “We are in the process of speaking with Upamecano. I believe he feels comfortable in Munich. It's obviously an important decision for him as well. In principle, he likes it very much at Bayern. We would like to keep him. I am cautiously optimistic.”

While Madrid continue to monitor developments quietly from afar, Bayern’s leadership remain united in their stance that Upamecano is central to their long-term plans. For now, both camps are handling matters with professionalism, Mbappe’s teasing remarks aside but with Les Blues stars regularly linking up on and off the pitch, speculation around a future Madrid move is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

Chelsea have now reportedly launched their first move to re-sign Antonio Rudiger in what would be a sensational return for the experienced central defender.

It’s no real surprise that the Blues have set their sights on more experience. As impressive as their young squad is, it is still exactly that – young. Enzo Maresca has already suffered the consequences of an inexperienced side at times this season, with Chelsea too inconsistent to seriously challenge for the Premier League title but good enough to secure a top four place.

Against Wolverhampton Wanderers, that quality was on full show as goals from Malo Gusto, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto wrapped up a comfortable 3-0 defeat. In the same week, however, Chelsea drew 2-2 with Qarabag in a game they should have comfortably won – highlighting their inconsistencies once again.

The addition of a serial, experienced winner could be the missing piece to the puzzle – particularly within Maresca’s backline. The Blues have suffered a number of injuries and suspensions within their back four this season, leaving Maresca with little choice but to come up with internal solutions.

Against Qarabag, 19-year-old Jorrel Hato especially struggled, begging the question as to whether he’s ready to be thrown into the current Chelsea side. Maresca defended his decision to rotate in midweek, but admitted that young players need the chance to make mistakes.

The Italian told reporters: “They are talented, they are young. When they are young you have to give them chance to make mistakes.”

Still, the question of experience will remain and as Rudiger’s contract continues to tick down at Real Madrid, the Blues could have the ultimate solution to their problems lying in wait.

Rudiger makes Real Madrid decision as Chelsea come calling

According to reports in Spain, Chelsea have now made contact with Rudiger over a return to the club in 2026 when he’s set to become a free agent at the end of his Real Madrid contract.

Alas, whilst Rudiger does love the West London club, his preference is to extend with Real Madrid and stay put. Leaving the ball in the Spanish side’s court, the German has less than nine months to get his wish.

If that contract doesn’t arrive, then Chelsea should come swooping in. Rudiger is a two-time Champions League winner these days and one of the most experienced defenders around at 32 years old. He’s led the Blues before and would comfortably do it again.

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Having previously written in the Players’ Tribune that Chelsea will always be “in his heart”, a return to Stamford Bridge could be the perfect way for Rudiger to close out an excellent career.

Whether Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso will let him leave that easily is another question, though. The Spaniard previously reiterated that the German is “very reliable” and losing that for the cost of nothing next summer is something that the La Liga giants should want to avoid.

Chelsea "actively in talks" over signing "very mature" England international

حُسمت هوية المنتخبات الـ16 المتأهلة إلي دور ثمن النهائي، من بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا، بعد انتهاء منافسات دور الـ 32.

وتقام بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا، بدولة قطر، من الفترة 3 نوفمبر وتنتهي 27 من الشهر ذاته.

وكان منتخب البرتغال، قد حجز أولي البطاقات إلي دور ثمن النهائي (دور الـ 16)، بعد الفوز على بلجيكا 2-1، كما تأهل منتخب مالي بعد تحقيقه الفوز على زامبيا 3-1.

منتخب مصر بقيادة أحمد الكاس، ودع منافسات بطولة كأس العالم من دور الـ 32 بعد خسارته أمام سويسرا 3-1، ذلك بعدما تأهل من دور المجموعات كأفضل مركز ثالث ضمن أفضل المنتخبات التي احتلت المركز الثالث للمجموعات الـ12.

طالع.. فيديو | منتخب مصر يخسر بثلاثية أمام سويسرا ويودع كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

كما حسم منتخب المغرب تأهله إلي دور الـ 16 بالفوز على الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، بركلات الترجيح 4-3 بعد التعادل في الوقت الأصلي 1-1.

طالع | مواجهات دور الـ 16 من كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا المنتخبات المتأهلة لدور الـ 16 من كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

1- البرتغال.

2- المكسيك.

3- سويسرا.

4- المغرب.

5- فرنسا.

6- ايرلندا

7- مالي.

8- البرازيل.

9- إنجلترا.

10- أوغندا.

11- إيطاليا.

12- اليابان.

13- بوركينا فاسو.

14- كوريا الشمالية.

15- النمسا.

16- أوزبكستان.

Head spent more than a year on top of the rankings, but last played a T20I in September 2024

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jul-2025

India batter Abhishek Sharma has overtaken his Sunrisers Hyderabad opening partner Travis Head to go top of the T20I batting rankings.Head had held on to the No. 1 position since June last year, when he toppled Suryakumar Yadav, but having last played a T20I in September 2024 and opting to sit out of Australia’s five-match series in West Indies, he slid down a slot as Abhishek became the third Indian to top the T20I batting charts after Virat Kohli and Suryakumar.Abhishek last turned out for India in the five-match T20I series against England in February, scoring a 54-ball 135 in the final game of that series.Josh Inglis, who racked up 172 runs in the five matches against West Indies and finished as the third-highest run-scorer of the series, moved up six places to ninth in the rankings. Shai Hope, despite a century helping him finish as the second on the run charts in the series, stayed tenth.Full rankings tables

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While Tim David moved up 12 places to 18th after he scored the fastest T20I century for Australia, and Brandon King made gains by moving up nine places, Cameron Green was the biggest mover from the series, shooting up 64 spots to sit at No. 24.Among the bowlers, fast bowler Nathan Ellis jumped up nine spots to go joint-eighth.Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes’ century and five-wicket haul at Old Trafford saw him move up three spots to No. 3 in the Test allrounders’ charts, which is still led by India’s Ravindra Jadeja, who has been in fine form in the ongoing series between the two teams.Washington Sundar, who brought up his maiden Test century in Manchester, moved up eight places to go joint-thirteenth, with career-high ranking points of 193.