Celtic’s interim head coach Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Wednesday night’s clash with Dundee at Parkhead will be his final match in the dugout for the Scottish giants.

The experienced manager stepped in after Brendan Rodgers resigned at the end of October and has won six of his seven matches in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, to date.

Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy will then take over as the permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers and will face a baptism of fire at the weekend against league leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

The French boss will be watching on from afar for the clash this evening and will have one last chance to assess the players who will soon be at his disposal before being tasked with organising them in training.

O’Neill will also be keen for his last game to be a memorable one, leaving Nancy with the team in the best possible position, by claiming all three points against Dundee.

The experienced boss may look to make some changes to his starting line-up from the side that beat Hibernian 2-1 at Easter Road on Sunday in order to secure the win this evening.

The Celtic players who could be dropped against Dundee

Football FanCast have already suggested that right-sided winger Luke McCowan should be dropped from the team after he failed to impress against Hibs at the weekend, with no shots on target or ‘big chances’ created, per Sofascore.

The former Dundee man has been tasked with filling in out wide in recent games, due to the lack of natural options in that position, but he was ineffective last time out, which could provide Benjamin Nygren with a chance to play in that role.

On the other side of the pitch, Marcelo Saracchi could make way for Kieran Tierney at left-back, as the two defenders have shared the workload so far this season in the Premiership.

As you can see in the statistics above, they have both started six league games this term, and it could be Tierney’s time to start this evening after coming off the bench against Hibs.

Another player who could be dropped from the starting line-up, alongside Saracchi and McCowan, is left-sided attacker Hyun-jun Yang, who played a part in Arne Engels’ goal with a deflected cross for the Belgian on Sunday.

Aside from that deflected cross, the South Korean forward offered little to the side in or out of possession on the left flank. Per Sofascore, he played 86 minutes without registering a key pass, a ‘big chance’ created, or a shot on target, as his part in Engels’ goal did not count as an assist.

The 23-year-old star, who scored against Feyenoord last week in the Europa League, also lost 75% (3/4) of his duels throughout the game, per Sofascore, which shows that he was not strong enough in his physical battles.

With this in mind, and the fact that they have Hearts to play on Sunday, O’Neill should ruthlessly ditch Yang from the starting line-up to provide another player with an opportunity to impress.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Dropping the South Korea international could allow the experienced boss to finally unleash rarely-seen winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha on the left flank against Dundee tonight.

Why Celtic should unleash Michel-Ange Balikwisha

The Belgian forward played 59 minutes across three substitute appearances in O’Neill’s first three games in charge, but has been an unused substitute for the last four matches in all competitions.

We are not privy to what goes on behind the scenes, in training and in tactical meetings, and the experienced boss will have his reasons for not giving Balikwisha much game time in recent weeks.

However, in a three-game week, this clash with Dundee ahead of the meeting with Hearts on Sunday provides the manager with a chance to give the summer signing from Royal Antwerp a start for the first time.

In fact, Balikwisha has not started a game for Celtic since the 2-1 win over Kilmarnock away from home in September under Rodgers, per Sofascore, which means that the winger has not had many opportunities to showcase his quality.

As you can see in the table above, the Celtic winger started his first two games in the Premiership against Rangers and Kilmarnock, after signing from Royal Antwerp, but has not gotten a look-in since then.

There is more to come from Balikwisha in a Celtic shirt because his form for Royal Antwerp in Belgium suggests that he does have the potential to carry a threat at the top end of the pitch.

Per Transfermarkt, the 24-year-old wing wizard scored 30 goals and provided 17 assists in 145 matches for Antwerp, yet he has only managed two assists and no goals in 12 outings in all competitions for the Hoops.

The only way he will improve and adapt to Scottish football, though, is by playing matches and getting used to the intensity and physicality of the division, which he cannot do from the bench.

That is why O’Neill should give Balikwisha a rare opportunity to start against Dundee as a parting gift to Nancy, as it would provide the winger with another opportunity to develop as a Celtic player ahead of a fresh page under the next manager.

Therefore, the interim manager should ruthlessly drop and rest Yang from the starting line-up this evening, bringing the rarely-seen Belgian in to give him a chance to stake a claim for a place in the side moving forward.

Nancy could bin Celtic star who's been the biggest winner of O'Neill's reign

Incoming Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy could drop this star who has been the biggest winner of Martin O’Neill’s reign.

1

By
Dan Emery

Dec 2, 2025

They may have dropped points on the weekend, but Arsenal are flying this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side are top of both the Champions League and Premier League tables at the moment, and show no signs of slowing down.

Even with the absurd number of injuries the Gunners have had to deal with, they have been rock-solid at the back and clinical in attack.

One of Arsenal’s surprising stars of the season so far has been Leandro Trossard, but if reports are to be believed, the club could be looking to sign an upgrade.

Arsenal target Trossard upgrade

The winter transfer window is now less than a month from opening, and Arsenal have already been linked with a huge number of exciting and potentially game-changing additions.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, for example, has been touted for a £70m switch to the Emirates, as has Nottingham Forest’s monstrous centre-back Murillo.

However, while both players would certainly add something to Arteta’s squad and likely improve it, they cannot be described as Trossard upgrades, unlike Kenan Yıldız.

Yes, according to a recent report from Italy, Arsenal are once again interested in the hugely exciting Turkish wonderkid.

More than that, though, the report has revealed that the Gunners have once again been in contact with the player’s representatives to find out what it would take to make the deal work.

However, Juventus are understandably keen to keep hold of the incredible talent, and according to other reports from Italy, would demand at least £88m to sell him.

It could therefore be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s ability and potential, it is one Arsenal should pursue, especially as he’d be a perfect Trossard upgrade.

How Yıldız compares to Trossard

Now, it might sound simplistic, and that’s because it is: the first place to start when comparing two attackers is their raw output from the last two seasons.

For his efforts last season, Yıldız racked up an impressive tally of 12 goals and nine assists in 52 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every 2.47 games.

Trossard, on the other hand, scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 56 appearances, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.8 games.

In other words, the Turkish gem was comfortably more productive last season, but this year, it’s the Belgian who has been marginally better.

In 16 appearances, he has produced ten goal involvements, which is an average of one every 1.6 games.

In contrast, the Juve star has produced as many goal involvements in 18 appearances, averaging one every 1.8 games.

With that said, when you look at both campaigns holistically, it is still the youngster who comes out ahead, as he does when comparing their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.41

0.38

Progressive Carries

4.36

2.63

Progressive Passes

3.55

3.63

Shots on Target

1.09

0.62

Passing Accuracy

78.9%

69.3%

Key Passes

2.45

1.38

Shot-Creating Actions

4.80

3.25

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

0.37

Successful Take-Ons

1.64

0.88

For example, the Regensburg-born dynamo lives up to his billing as a player with “Mbappe-like ability”, in the words of European football writer Danny Corcoran, by coming out on top in most relevant metrics like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, key passes, goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Finally, add the statistical advantages to the fact that he is still just 20 years old, and therefore has over a decade left to play at the top level, and it’s clear he would be an upgrade on the Belgian.

Ultimately, Trossard has been a great player for Arsenal and has been unreal this season, but if the Gunners have the chance, they should go all out to sign Yıldız, as he would be an upgrade.

The new Rice: Berta enters race to sign £70m midfield "machine" for Arsenal

The international superstar could become Mikel Arteta’s next Declan Rice at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2025

The summer transfer window saw Arsenal enjoy one of the most exciting transfer windows in their illustrious history.

Edu had left the club and Andrea Berta had arrived. The job he performed was incredible during his first window in charge of recruitment.

Viktor Gyokeres was the marquee addition but the likes of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have bolstered the forward line and ensured that Mikel Arteta can afford to rest and rotate a little bit more.

The defence was also strengthened, of course it was. Arteta loves a defender. Although, with both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes currently out injured, it’s probably just as well Cristian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie signed.

So, what could January hold?

Where Arsenal could strengthen in January

Given the mass spending over the summer, it’s quite unlikely that Berta signs anyone throughout the winter.

That being said, with injuries ravaging the squad, it would not be a total surprise to see even more depth added.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It’s in the forward line where another player could arrive. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz have both been linked, as has someone from Real Madrid.

According to Caught Offside, both Liverpool and Arsenal are ‘preparing their bids’ for Brazilian winger Rodrygo.

The Gunners were linked with the Madrid star right throughout the summer window but he ultimately ended up staying at the Bernabeu.

A few months on and rumours of a Rodrygo move to north London are gathering pace again. Caught Offside state that as a result of the attacker’s limited game time this season, they are willing to sanction his exit if a bid of around £78m is made.

Liverpool and Arsenal both currently lead the race but you would sense a move to Anfield is more likely given the Gunners already have plenty of options in wide areas.

Why Rodrygo would be a good signing for Arsenal

How we judge Rodrygo is a tricky one. This season, the 24-year-old has played 16 games but has only started three times in LaLiga. He’s failed to score and only registered two assists. It’s pretty evident why he’s searching for a way out of Madrid this winter.

Last term was a better one for the Brazilian, scoring 14 and supplying 11 goals for his teammates. That said, he failed to score in his final 13 league outings. Worrying signs.

At his best, however, he is “one of the best wingers in the world” in the words of analyst Spencer Mossman. He’s also a “world-class superstar” in the eyes of former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric. He’s certainly seen a few greats come and go in the Spanish capital.

It was only back in 2022/23 that Rodrygo, still a spring chicken in the world of football, scored 19 goals. He’s a goal threat and a creative outlet too. He’s rather similar to Eze in that regard.

While Rodrygo can play on either flank, it’s on the left, one of Eze’s best positions, where he’s most at home. Both fabulous ball carriers and comfortable in tight spaces, they are particularly alike with regard to their flair and the excitement they offer in the final third.

Goals

0.31

0.37

Assists

0.19

0.21

Expected goals

0.32

0.36

Shots on target

1.18

1.17

Key passes

1.93

1.95

Progressive passes

4.08

3.72

Shot-creating actions

4.64

4.42

Successful take-ons

2.32

2.47

Analysing their numbers over the last two and a half seasons, it’s clear to see just how alike the two dynamic forwards are.

Over several metrics they’ve been registering near identical numbers, specifically when it comes to shots on target, key passes and shot-creating actions.

Eze has been a breath of fresh air since joining Arsenal from Palace. That hat-trick against Spurs will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments from a north London derby. To sign a similar player in Rodrygo, therefore, is sure to delight supporters.

Creative, capable of scoring goals and fleet-footed, another Eze could be on their way to north London.

Arteta must drop Arsenal star who had fewer touches than Raya vs Brentford

It was a game to forget for the Arsenal star on Wednesday night.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 4, 2025

Manchester City have now reportedly opened talks to sign a teenage gem ahead of both Chelsea and Arsenal in 2026.

Man City obsessed with signing Yan Diomande

It’s all slowly coming together for Pep Guardiola and Man City again, with just two points separating themselves and Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The Citizens sent an impressive statement in midweek, almost a warning shot to Arsenal, when they came from behind to defeat Spanish giants Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. It was a professional, clinical victory and the type that Pep Guardiola’s side will be hoping to carry over against Crystal Palace this weekend.

That said, Guardiola – ever the perfectionist – will be well aware that Man City still have new levels to reach in this new chapter of his iconic tenure and that could see the Citizens turn towards the transfer window.

According to recent reports, Man City have become obsessed with signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in a move that would complete a deadly front three alongside Erling Haaland and Jeremie Doku.

That spot is arguably the one that is most up for grabs, with Savinho struggling to find last season’s form and Rayan Cherki’s game out of possession yet to reach the levels needed to play every week under Guardiola.

Diomande has enjoyed an excellent breakout campaign in Germany, but he’s not the only young player on Man City’s radar. Those at the Etihad are also reportedly targeting a move to sign 17-year-old talent Oskar Pietuszewski.

Man City open talks to sign Pietuszewski

As reported by TeamTalk, Man City have now opened talks to sign Pietuszewski and are leading the race to sign the Polish teenager ahead of both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Man City showing strong interest in £65m star who looks like the new Sane

Manchester City are primed to do business this winter, should the right opportunity present itself.

ByAngus Sinclair 5 days ago

At just 17 years old, the Jagiellonia winger will reportedly cost interested parties as much as €15 million (£13m) if they decide to make their move in 2026. With scouts from Barcelona, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and others all keeping tabs on Pietuszewski, it’s easy to see why his price tag has been set at such a rate.

After becoming a record-breaker for Poland’s U21 side, scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Pietuszewski a “truly special talent” in impressive praise for the teenager.

The winger has the world at his feet and could yet join up with one of the greatest managers to ever grace the game in Guardiola to take his potential to a whole new level in the process.

"Top-level" £35m maestro with shades of Yaya now a priority Man City target

A number of Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover candidates are now reportedly considering a fresh move to get the sale of the club over the line.

Sheffield Wednesday dealt fresh point deduction

Despite the fact that Dejphon Chansiri is no longer at the club and Sheffield Wednesday are in administration, they’re still facing the consequences for the actions of their former owner. The EFL confirmed earlier this week that the Owls have been dealt a further six-point deduction on top of the initial 12 points that they had deducted.

It’s frustrating news for Wednesday, who were already destined for League One. Administrators will now be hoping to hand supporters some better news regarding the club’s takeover process.

So far, bids have arrived and been rejected from the likes of Mike Ashley, who is looking to get back into English football for the first time since leaving Newcastle United.

Administrators initially set a soft deadline of December 5, but it remains to be seen whether they can actually stick to that on Thursday. Instead, the Owls’ pain may be prolonged as candidates prepare to take a new approach to takeover attempts.

Sheffield Wednesday candidates considering joint bid

As reported by City AM, a number of candidates are considering a joint bid to buy Sheffield Wednesday to get the takeover across the line. The Championship club reportedly have six bidders on the table, but could see some of those opt to join forces to match their £30m valuation.

Related Sheffield-born takeover candidate makes key contact in race to buy Sheffield Wednesday

He could buy his local club.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 26, 2025

As things stand, there is no clear favourite to buy the club and Begbies Traynor’s initial deadline is likely to be pushed back until at least next week.

In the meantime, the Owls could continue looking at the free agent market. Although they are yet to welcome new owners, those at Hillsborough have already signed both Nathan Redmond and former Leeds United man Liam Cooper.

Whether it’s joint-bidders or just the one candidate in the coming weeks, Sheffield Wednesday’s new owners will instantly have their eye on success in League One next season following the club’s inevitable relegation.

Earning instant promotion back to the Championship whilst finally adding financial stability to the club should be top of the wishlist of the new owners.

Simon Jordan reveals Sheffield Wednesday "consortium" as next takeover step shared

علّق الإعلامي أحمد شوبير على تعادل منتخب مصر الثاني أمام منتخب الإمارات في الجولة الثانية من مرحلة المجموعات ببطولة كأس العرب 2025، مؤكدًا أنه غير راضٍ عن أداء المنتخب رغم الخروج بنقطة التعادل.

وقال شوبير في تصريحاته الإذاعية: “يا جماعة، لماذا نشعر بالخوف بهذا الشكل؟ ما معنى ضبط الأداء الدفاعي؟ لا يوجد شيء بهذا المعنى في كرة القدم بصراحة”.

وتابع: “كابتن حلمي طولان يعرف قيمته عندي، لكن وجود عمرو السولية ومحمد النني وغنام في وسط الملعب أمر صعب، بل صعب جدًا، ومع ذلك، تبرير الأمر بضبط الأداء الدفاعي لا أعتقد أنه كان تفكيرًا صحيحًا من الكابتن حلمي، عندما تواجه الفريق الذي أمامك، يجب أن تظهر له أنك داخل بعقلية هجومية شرسة”.

وواصل: “أعجبني كثيرًا تصريح الكابتن علي ماهر عندما قال إن دوره هو جعل الهجوم أكثر شراسة، وهذا بالفعل ما حدث، والدليل أن سيراميكا كليوباترا يتصدر الدوري العام، الشراسة مهمة جدًا جدًا، وأن تبدأ المباراة مهاجمًا من اللحظة الأولى إذا كنت تريد الفوز”.

طالع أيضًا | حلمي طولان: لن أتحدث حتى لا يقال “إني بتحجج”.. وقادرون على التأهل في كأس العرب

وأضاف: “هناك من يقول إن الدفاع الجيد يؤدي إلى الفوز، وأنا لا أعترض، لكن يجب أن يبدأ الدفاع من رأس الحربة بشكل جيد، وفي الوقت نفسه يجب أن يكون هناك توازن هجومي دفاعي، هذا أمر بالغ الأهمية، نعم، يجب أن ندافع بشكل جيد، لكن كيف ندافع دون أن نهاجم؟ ما معنى الدفاع دون هجوم؟ هل يعقل أن يُختبر حارس مرمانا بينما لا يُختبر حارس الفريق المنافس؟”.

واستكمل: “هناك الكثير مما يمكن قوله عن المنتخب الثاني، لكن الأهم أن أمامنا مباراة يجب أن نفوز بها، وحتى إذا تعادلنا بشرط تعادل المنافسين، قد نتأهل، لكن ما كنت أحب أبدًا أن نكون في المركز الثاني بعد مباراتين بنقطتين فقط، كنت أتمنى أن نكون قد حققنا الفوز، وأن نكون أكثر استعدادًا للمراحل المقبلة”.

وأردف: “حتى لو تأهلنا – وهذا ما نتمناه جميعًا – سيكون الأمر صعبًا، لأنك ستواجه منتخبات قوية مثل السعودية والعراق، وهي منتخبات تمتلك قوة كبيرة في كرة القدم، إلا إذا أكرمنا الله بقرعة أسهل”.

واختتم: “الجزائر فازت على البحرين بخمسة أهداف، والجزائر والمغرب مثلنا يشاركان بالمنتخب الثاني، بينما تونس ذهبت بالمنتخب الأول، بشكل عام، أنا لست سعيدًا، ولست مرتاحًا، لدي شعور بعدم الارتياح، لكن في النهاية، يجب أن نستمر في دعم المنتخب كما اتفقنا، لأن الدعم في وسط البطولة أمر مهم للغاية”.

Defending champions MICT bought Shamsi for R500,000 in the September 2025 auction

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2025

Tabraiz Shamsi, the South Africa and MI Cape Town wristspinner, will not feature in the upcoming SA20 season. Shamsi made himself unavailable for personal reasons and has been replaced by allrounder Thomas Kaber, who also bowls left-arm wristspin.MICT’s spin-bowling contingent for the fourth season includes Rashid Khan, George Linde and Dane Piedt. Their fast-bowling attack features Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Corbin Bosch and Dwaine Pretorius.Kaber returns to the franchise he represented in the last two seasons. He played one game in MICT’s 2024-25 title-winning campaign and eight in the 2023-24 season.Related

How the SA20 squads stack up

Graeme Smith: 'Would love to have more Indian players' in SA20

Williamson to replace Taijul at DSG

Overall, Kaber has bowled in seven innings in SA20 and has taken 10 wickets, averaging 16.60 at an economy rate of 8.05. In four batting innings, he has scored just 34 runs but with three unbeaten knocks. In the ongoing CSA T20 Challenge, he has seven wickets in six games for Warriors at an economy rate of 6.31 and average of 17.42.Shamsi was picked by MICT in the auction held in September for R500,000 (US$ 29,000 approx.) and was set to play his maiden season with the franchise. He represented Joburg Super Kings last season and Paarl Royals for the first two seasons. Shamsi is currently representing Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10. Earlier this year, he opted out of a Cricket South Africa (CSA) national contract, and was not selected for the ODI series against India. His last T20I appearance was in the 2024 T20 World Cup.Defending champions MICT play in the season opener on December 26 against Durban’s Super Giants. Newlands, the franchise’s home venue, will host the opener as well as the final on January 25.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a maior goleada aplicada pelo Flamengo em cima do Vasco Vasco , torcedores se mostraram revoltados com o placar de 6 a 1 deste domingo (2), no Maracanã, pela sétima rodada do Brasileirão. O Cruz-Maltino chegou a abrir o marcador com Vegetti, mas foi surpreendido pelo rival que virou rapidamente ainda no primeiro tempo. Pelo Rubro-Negro, marcaram Everton, Pedro, David Luiz, Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique e Gabriel. Veja algumas reações nas redes sociais.

continua após a publicidade

As melhores e mais variadas ofertas para o Brasileirão estão no Lance! Betting! Abra já a sua conta!

Melhor o Vasco fechar as portas logo antes de passar mais vergonha durante o ano

— Léo sem Jardim (@leomenezes1898) June 2, 2024

Se um dia eu fui feliz nessa vida saiba que o Vasco tirou toda a minha felicidade e eu sempre estou assim: pic.twitter.com/Qcn25ohwNa

— Central do CR Vasco Da Gama (@central_gama) June 2, 2024

Pede pra sair @LucioFBarbosa, INCOMPETENTE. pic.twitter.com/uW14WguvGS

— ✠Estagiário do VASCO✠ (@EstagiarioVasco) June 2, 2024

O Vasco literalmente RESSUSCITOU todos os jogadores que estavam em baixa no Flamengo, literalmente TODOS.

Esse clube não pode acabar nunca, é o maior freguês de todos.

— vnᶜʳᶠ (@crfvnc) June 2, 2024

O foda é saber que o Gary Medel vai sair do Vasco, e Léo Pelé vai continuar como titular, é uma vergonha isso 🤬😪

— Rangel Felipe (@RangeelFelipe94) June 2, 2024

Vasco tá acumulando vergonha e quem toma no cu é quem realmente se importa com esse clube, a torcida!!

— Samantha ✠ (@SamanthaDias9) June 2, 2024

o Flamengo esculachando o Vasco meu Deus que vergonha

— lala (@lalarnevess) June 2, 2024

o Vasco é uma vergonha.

— 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒐 𝒑𝒐𝒆𝒕𝒂 (@batendopoeta) June 2, 2024

COMO QUE TU FALA PRA UMA CRIANÇA DE 10 ANOS PRA ELA TORCER PRO VASCO? COMO UM PAI QUER QUE O FILHO SEJA VASCAINO?

MANO, O VASCO NAO GANHA PORRA NENHUMA, VIVE PASSANDO VERGONHA, CAI CAI QUE AMA A SÉRIE B……..PORRA VAI TOMAR NO CUUUUUU QUE ODIOOOOOOOO

— Thaisinha (@thaisfreirr) June 2, 2024

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoFlamengoFutebol NacionalVasco

Allrounder Will Jacks will make his first Test appearance in three years after leapfrogging Shoaib Bashir as England’s spinner for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.Jacks, a left-field pick for the tour of Australia, will replace fast bowler Mark Wood, who was ruled out through injury. It will be the Surrey allrounder’s third Test cap, having earned his first two in Pakistan in 2022, taking 6 for 161 on debut in the first Test in Rawalpindi.The 27-year-old was one of multiple spinners on both those occasions but now finds himself not just thrust into an Ashes with England 1-0 down, but as their primary spinner in the day-night Test, which begins on Thursday.Jacks has played just five first-class matches in the last two seasons, and took just five wickets in three County Championship appearances in 2025 at an average of 38.80. Should he pick up a wicket in the upcoming Test, it will be only his 50th in first-class cricket since debuting in 2018.Related

• Root questions need for pink-ball Ashes Test

• Root unperturbed by 'challenge' of facing pink-ball master Starc

• Khawaja gets a good workout ahead of pink-ball Test

• Ten years since Adelaide, pink-ball Tests remain an Australian speciality

He has been used intermittently as a spinner in limited-overs cricket, with 50 caps across ODIs and T20Is with just nine wickets. It helped his case for selection on the tour that he had spent the summer working with head coach Brendon McCullum upon his return to the limited-overs set-up in May. Jacks was subsequently awarded a two-year central contract in October.”It’s something I’m really looking forward to,” told the ECB’s in-house media. “To be on an Ashes tour in the first place is something I wouldn’t have been expecting a few months ago. But it’s been amazing to be here, be around this team… to be in the XI is a dream come true, to play an Ashes series away from home.”Personally, I’ll just be looking to add a little bit to the team in each three facets of the game. I know I can effect the game in a positive way like that, and I’ll just be doing my best to support whenever the team needs me.”Obviously I play a lot of white ball cricket under lights and hopefully that will suit me and the conditions won’t feel too foreign to me. Mostly, I’m just looking forward to getting out there and trying to do my best.”Will Jacks was included in England’s side for the second Test•PA Images/Getty

Though primarily a tactical decision to opt for Jacks given he is a far superior batter to Bashir, it marks a significant moment in the latter’s career. Since becoming Ben Stokes’ No.1 spinner from the start of the 2024 summer, debuting in India earlier that year, this is the first time Bashir has been left out.The 21-year-old missed the last two Tests against India this summer with a broken finger on his left hand, though he did take the final wicket in a thrilling victory at Lord’s having suffered the injury in the same game. That bravery further enamoured him to Stokes, who has been Bashir’s biggest advocate since spotting him two years ago on social media bowling to Alastair Cook on first-class debut for Somerset against Essex.He has since gone on to earn 19 caps, taking 68 wickets at 39.00 but is now without a county after his deal with Somerset expired at the end of the season, though he is on a central contract. After making England’s 12-man squad for the first Test at Perth, Bashir now finds himself lower down in the pecking order.Ironically, part of the attraction to Bashir is his high release point and the over-spin he imparts on the ball – characteristics England deem vital in Australia based on Nathan Lyon’s success. That Lyon boasts an impressive record across his 13 day-night Tests – 43 dismissals at 25.62 – has prompted England into changing their all-pace tactic from the first Test.”Talking about the tactical element of a day-night game, you do try to look at Australia,” Stokes said. “They play a lot of day-night cricket here, how they use their spinner as an attacking option, or more to give the bowlers an easier rotation and to get through the overs quicker to have more time with the new ball under lights. There’s both those elements we will consider with how a spinner is to be used in a day/night game.”England XI: 1 ⁠Zak Crawley, 2 ⁠Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 ⁠Harry Brook, 6 ⁠Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Will Jacks, 9 Gus Atkinson, 10 ⁠Brydon Carse, 11 Jofra Archer

At the end of Sunday’s action, Melbourne Renegades have climbed to second place behind Hobart Hurricanes, while Perth Scorchers have risen to fourth place

AAP16-Nov-2025Tess Flintoff’s clutch, late hitting cut the tension as Melbourne Renegades toppled Melbourne Stars in the WBBL’s derby on Sunday at Junction Oval.Chasing 142 for victory, Flintoff (17 in nine balls) held her nerve with a six, four and four off Annabel Sutherland’s penultimate over to clinch the win with four wickets and seven balls to spare.Stars had given themselves every chance with some tight bowling after Courtney Webb (37) and Sophie Molineux (32) had put the defending champions on track.Needing a-run-a-ball in the final four overs, both Deandra Dottin and Georgia Wareham holed out to heap the pressure on the lower order. But, needing 12 off ten balls, Flintoff was up to the task against her former club.First she split two leg-side fielders with a swipe that hit the rope before hammering a back-foot drive over cover to level the scores. Victory came courtesy of a sweetly-timed drive over mid-off to put Renegades (3-1) into second behind the unbeaten Hobart Hurricanes (3-0).Earlier, Meg Lanning (3) recorded a rare failure, leaving Sutherland (29) and Marizanne Kapp (22) to pilot Stars’ innings before Kim Garth’s (29 off 19) late hitting. Dottin, with 3 for 20 in three overs, took the last three wickets and was later named the Player of the Match.Devine three-for takes Scorchers past Strikers in rain-hit gameSophie Devine’s intervention took Adelaide Strikers apart before the heavens opened up to hand Perth Scorchers a dominant WBBL win in Melbourne on Sunday.

"The ball of the WBBL!"

What a SEED from Sophie Devine. #WBBL11 pic.twitter.com/tl1S5Mn8Hv

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 15, 2025