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An update on Daniel Farke’s future as Leeds United manager has now emerged following the 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Following the loss at the City Ground at the weekend, Leeds find themselves just one point above the Premier League relegation zone, having averaged a point per game across their opening 11 matches.

The defeat could have major ramifications at the end of the season, with Forest picking up what could be a vital three points, given that they are now just two points behind the Whites, with Sean Dyche making a major impact since his arrival.

The Tricky Trees are already on their third manager this season, while the Whites are yet to make a change, having chosen to keep the faith in Farke, but there is growing discontent among supporters, off the back of four defeats in the last five Premier League games.

Graeme Bailey shares update on Farke's future as Leeds manager

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, who recently spoke to Leeds United News, the 49ers plan to keep the faith in Farke, despite the recent poor results, the German is still set to be given until January to oversee a turnaround.

The owners are aware the squad he’s working with isn’t the strongest, but the 49-year-old is expected to be given the next seven games in what may come as a surprise given Leeds’ recent form.

Bailey adds: “Pressure is mounting on Daniel Farke – but he knew this was coming and the club did too. This is going to be a long season. Everyone was aware. They didn’t spend the tens of millions that Sunderland did.

“They know Farke can only do so much with the squad at his disposal. But the quality of performance and how they compete is going to be vital in the coming weeks.”

In truth, it would be a major gamble for the 49ers to persist with their manner for that length of time, given his previous record in the Premier League, playing a part in Norwich City being relegated in the 2019-20 and 2021-22 seasons.

Leeds’ upcoming fixtures before January also make for grim reading, with Farke’s side set to come up against a number of in-form teams, as well as the reigning champions.

Leeds’ upcoming fixtures

Date

Aston Villa (h)

November 23rd

Manchester City (a)

November 29th

Chelsea (h)

December 3rd

Liverpool (h)

December 6th

Brentford (a)

December 14th

Crystal Palace (h)

December 21st

Sunderland (a)

December 28th

The recent trip to Nottingham Forest may have been Leeds’ best opportunity to pick up points for quite some time, and it is difficult to see when the next win is going to come, so it would not be surprising if the 49ers are forced into action sooner rather than later…

Brendan Rodgers now contender to replace Farke as Leeds manager Related Brendan Rodgers a contender to take over at Leeds as pressure mounts on Farke

The Whites could look to a figure with extensive Premier League experience to take over from Daniel Farke.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Nov 10, 2025

Matthew Potts continues to be a seat-filler, a plugger of gaps in the side, but England know they can lean on him and he will not let them down

Vithushan Ehantharajah14-Dec-2024The Birkenstock slip-on clog has become must-have accessory for international cricketers across the world.After a long day’s graft, the boots are kicked off for luxury sandals that occupy that handy middle ground between aesthetic style and orthopaedic substance. The game has not gone – it’s still here, just standing a little comfier.Bowlers, especially, swear by them. A few pairs are knocking around both teams, with so many in the England dressing room it may as well be a showroom. After day one of this third and final Test in the Crowe-Thorpe trophy, Matthew Potts deserved his.Potts has owned some for a while, recommended by, among others, Ben Stokes. Both deserved the day-to-day relief of their closed-toe Bostons as the two who bowled the most of England’s 82 overs. Stokes is currently the clubhouse leader with 23. Potts’ 21 – the most he has sent down in a single day – was more concentrated.Related

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The first 20 came inside the first 67, split across fours spells in conditions that veered from “sapping” to “baking”. The Durham seamer, opening England’s innings for just the second time in typically humid Hamilton conditions, finished his work at 6:32pm when an uninhibited sun was still beating down on Seddon Park like it had come to collect a debt. With 3 for 75 at the time of writing, it is just the fifth time in 18 attempts he has taken more than two wickets in an innings.Potts has always worn graft well, even if the Birkenstocks have helped over the 12 months. Accompanying the heart and engine that can run for days is the build – and tenacity – of a prize fighter. Not to mention a marvel of a bowler’s backside. “It’s pretty obvious by looking at him,” Stokes said ahead of this match. “He looks after himself very well.”Looking after yourself does not automatically mean the cricket looks after you. Potts can vouch for that; a Test career that began with five consecutive caps in the 2022 summer has taken almost 28 more months to tick off as many. But the manner of the 26-year-old’s three wickets in New Zealand’s first innings suggests the game might be warming to him once more.Tom Latham, driver of a dominant start, was caught down the leg side with 63 to his name. Glenn Phillips’ lazy drive scuffed a catch to Zak Crawley at gully. And Kane Williamson was unable to evoke the hot feet of fellow countryman Chris Wood and kick away a delivery that was heading towards his stumps after he had defended it.It was the fourth time in five innings Potts has nabbed the prized Williamson, three of those coming across four in the quick’s maiden series two summers ago. The 14 wickets at 23.28 in Stokes’ first assignment as permanent Test captain was meant to be a springboard for Potts. Things have not panned out that way.Kane Williamson tries – and fails – to prevent the ball bouncing back on to his stumps•Getty ImagesDropped for the returning Ollie Robinson after the first Test against South Africa, Potts would play just one Test in 2023 – a four-day affair at Lord’s against Ireland ahead of the 2023 Ashes, which he watched from the sidelines. A go in the Sri Lanka series at the end of this summer was capped at two matches with England using the final match at the Kia Oval to roll the dice and select raw, tall left-armer Josh Hull. A solitary appearance in Pakistan for the second Test, on a newly scuffed used deck was a thankless task. Still, he managed to turn that into a positive with three dismissals in 31.2 overs.All of that exacerbates the sense Potts exists as something of a seat filler. Trusted to plug gaps, but not necessarily get a go outright. Set aside for others that selectors deem better. Brought in for those same options to rest up. Even parked for a relative novice. He’s sharp without being express. Reliable but unsexy. The shoes you would wear into the garden but not when you’re leaving through the front door.Potts’ opportunity comes on similar grounds. The series is already won, and Chris Woakes, after six wickets across two back-to-back Tests, has nothing to prove, as Stokes intimated. Naturally, Potts did not regard his selection as anything other than an honour, even with the time spent waiting and miles clocked around the world, desperate for an in.”I wouldn’t say it’s frustrating, no,” he said in his press conference, bowling boots still on having sent down the last over of the day. “I enjoy every single moment being part of this squad. There’s always jobs I can be doing, helping out. There’s opportunity to tinker with a few things and tinker with things.”That tinkering has involved a combination of run-up work, how he holds and releases the ball, and some extra deliveries – all honed under the watchful eye of bowling consultant James Anderson. And though he was fulfilling a role Anderson had mastered for the best part of two decades, Potts did not look out of place.

“I’d been a fraction wide to Kane early on, trying to swing a few. [Ollie Pope] felt we could go wide of the crease, angle it in a bit more towards the stumps. Bowl fourth stump, off stump, just keep smashing away on a hard length. I think [Kane Williamson’s] dismissal comes from that clarity”Matthew Potts

His opening spell from the City End – six overs, 0 for 17 – could have featured a wicket and ended an eventual opening stand of 105 for just 25 had Ben Duckett managed to cling on to Will Young’s low edge. The second spell (four overs, 0 for 16) featured a few more edges, and one that reared to catch the glove.Both spells averaged out at 131kph. England did not bowl well in the morning session, a touch too short and wide as New Zealand went into lunch on 93 for 0. Potts, however, was the least culpable of the four.Potts’ second spells only clocked in at 129kph, but housed the three wickets. Williamson’s, contained within the second – 2 for 10 from five – was an example of how Potts’ stamina gives his skills a better chance to come to the fore, even with a Kookaburra 58 overs old.Williamson was his typical self, tidy yet devastating, and completely at ease at a venue where he averages 94.26. With six centuries from the 11 times he has past fifty, England were fearful as he rounded on another half-century.However Potts, with the help of Stokes and vice-captain Ollie Pope – armed with a perfect view from behind the stumps – came up with a plan.”I’d been a fraction wide to Kane early on, trying to swing a few,” said Potts, before the brains trust got together. “Popey felt we could go wide of the crease, angle it in a bit more towards the stumps. Bowl fourth stump, off stump, just keep smashing away on a hard length. I think that dismissal comes from that clarity.”Considering how things have panned out, it is likely Matthew Potts’ career may be one of constant flux•Getty ImagesPotts did not have a great view of the dismissal, but was at least able to make out the falling of a bail. Williamson jarred his head back in disgust, while Potts raised his arms with unexpected glee. That “smashing away” had not been in vain. “To get a good player like that, a player like Kane who can play the long game and score quite quickly as well. To get a massive scalp like that for the team… I’m proud of that.”The knock-on effect was just as important. Daryl Mitchell had been playing possum – 0 off 17 – while Williamson was attracting most of the attention at the other end. His attempt at thrashing a few quick boundaries off Gus Atkinson resulted in a catch to Stokes at cover. The errors to come from Phillips and Tom Blundell – who Potts could have snared had Joe Root reacted quicker to an edge – made it a middle-order collapse of 4 for 46 in exactly ten overs.After that graft, it was a shame for Potts that the day would close with his final ball launched back over his head for six to bring up Mitchell Santner’s valiant 50 not out, taking New Zealand to 315 for 9 at stumps. A handy score after being put in to bat.It was a reminder of how unforgiving a day’s graft can be, even if you approach it with the right attitude and skill. Not that Potts saw any downside to today, his career to date or the fact he is filling in. “It was fantastic,” he beamed. “With the sun beating down it can be seen as hard work but I enjoy every moment that I put this England shirt on and I hope I do it justice.”Considering how things have panned out, it is likely Potts’ career may be one of constant flux. But on a day like today, he showed England can lean on him whenever they need to – a vital reminder ahead of 2025 and the challenges that come with five-Test series against India and Australia. He is a bowler capable of fulfilling a variety of roles and easing whatever situation arises, planned or otherwise.A classy, dependable load-bearer – England’s very own Birkenstocks.

Nottingham Forest’s revival since Sean Dyche’s arrival at the club has been nothing short of sensational, with the 54-year-old having an immediate impact at the City Ground.

He’s led the Reds to four wins out of a possible five in the Premier League, taking the side out of the relegation zone and now looking upwards rather than over their shoulder.

Dyche has allowed numerous players to recapture their best form in the East Midlands, but none more so than Morgan Gibbs-White, as seen by his form in November.

The Englishman scored three times in his four appearances last month, resulting in the 25-year-old being nominated for the division’s Player of the Month award.

He could be joined by multiple other attacking options after the January window, with owner Evangelos Marinakis once again preparing to invest in the first-team squad.

Forest’s hunt for added reinforcements in the January window

Over the last couple of days, Forest have been just one English side touted with a potential move to land Lyon star Tyler Morton in the upcoming transfer window.

It’s been reported that Dyche’s side could see the 23-year-old as a possible replacement for Elliot Anderson should the England international leave in the winter market.

However, it’s also been reported that Marinakis is unwilling to sanction a January exit for their star player, with a £100m valuation already being slapped on his head.

Morton isn’t the only player on their shortlist at present, though, with Parma striker Mateo Pellegrino another option currently being considered by the hierarchy.

According to Sport Witness, the Reds are just one of multiple Premier League sides considering a move for the 24-year-old forward, who’s already netted seven goals this season.

The report also states West Ham and Spurs have also tracked his progress, with an unnamed English outfit already making a £13m bid for his signature in the summer.

Why Forest’s latest target would be an upgrade on Jesus

During the recent spending in the summer, Forest completed a deal for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, after the Brazilian impressed at the Club World Cup during the summer.

Such a move generated huge excitement among the fanbase, with the 24-year-old already making an immediate impact in England after his transfer during the off-season.

He’s already found the net on six separate occasions to date, with three of his efforts coming in the Europa League during the club’s first European campaign in 30 years.

Jesus finally netted his first Premier League goal of the season against Wolves on Wednesday night, with his effort hopefully the first of many during the 2025/26 campaign.

However, he could find himself further down the pecking order after January, especially if the hierarchy complete a deal for Pellegrino during the upcoming window.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Argentine has outperformed him in key areas, showcasing why he would be an upgrade in the Brazilian.

Pellegrino, who’s been labelled a “freight-truck” by Serie A commentator Jose Rodriguez, has registered more league goals in 2025/26 to date, whilst also achieving a better goal per shot on target rate.

Games played

13

13

Goals & assists

4

1

Shot on target accuracy

38%

25%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.1

Passes into final third

1.1

0.6

Take-on success

64%

27%

Fouls drawn

2.3

1.4

Aerials won

4.6

3.9

Aerial success rate

55%

41%

Such numbers showcase his incredible ability when in front of goal, whether that be in the air or on the ground, with the Argentine possessing serious quality in the box.

He could be the perfect Dyche centre-forward, as seen by his tally of 4.6 aerials won at a success rate of 53%, potentially offering the focal point, an area in which Jesus has struggled.

The Parma talisman has also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst making more passes into the final third, arguably being a better all-round option than the Brazilian.

It’s unclear if the player himself would be open to a winter switch to the Premier League, but it’s clear Pellegrino would be a perfect fit for the current system at the City Ground.

He and Jesus are two players who could certainly share the responsibility at the top end of the pitch, with the former of the pair the best option to lead the club into the unknown.

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Nottingham Forest look set to target a top European talent in the January transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

It’s “very important” for India to do well in the two-Test series against West Indies after they were blanked 3-0 in their previous home Test series by New Zealand, Shubman Gill said on the eve of the first Test in Ahmedabad.”We are looking to play some hard, grinding cricket. Over the past few years, if you see the Test matches, they haven’t got to five days. So what we are looking to do is play some good, hard cricket,” Gill said at a press conference. “All the Test matches that we played in England went pretty deep [all five Tests went into the fifth day]. And I think what you can expect from us is good, hard, grinding cricket and we won’t be looking for any easy options.”And I think we have the skills to dominate in any kind of situation and the kind of talent we have got in the team, we can turn around from any situation, so that’s what we will be looking to play.”Related

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• From invincibles to uncertain: India begin home season with everything to prove yet again

• One of the greenest Indian pitches likely for Ahmedabad Test

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• With patience and old-school grit, Chanderpaul gets ready

In recent years, when India have hosted teams for Test cricket, spin-friendly pitches have been prepared more often than not. Seeing how well India competed in the 2-2 series in England earlier this year, what sort of pitch should we expect?”I can’t speak about the conversations before I came, but we would be looking to play on wickets that offer [something] to both the batsmen and to the bowlers,” Gill said. “But, having said that, any team that comes to India, the challenge is the spin and reverse swing. These are the two things that, if teams can play spin well and if they can challenge the reverse swing, they are going to get good success.”So keeping these challenges in mind, you’d be looking to play on wickets that offer [something] to the batsmen and the bowlers.”In England, India picked a pace-heavy bowling attack, and the only spinners in the mix were the allrounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, with Kuldeep Yadav sitting out all five Tests. Two days out from the Test, the Ahmedabad pitch appeared to be greener than anticipated.”The weather and wickets we have in India, it will be difficult to follow that template [employed in England],” Gill said. “We have such quality in our team. Someone like Kuldeep, such a wicket-taker for us in all formats, didn’t get a chance to play in England, which was very unfortunate. Here, I think, playing four spinners, and spinners of such quality, you are always tempted to look at the batting depth, you have to just weigh in your options, what can give you a bit more.”6:18

Aaron on Bumrah: India not taking any chances after NZ drubbing

Will Jasprit Bumrah play both Tests?

It was a constant talking point in England after it had been announced before the series that Jasprit Bumrah would play only three of the five Tests to manage his fitness. What happens now?”We’re going to take a call on a match-to-match basis depending on how long a Test match goes on and how many overs our fast bowlers bowl,” Gill said. “Nothing is pre-decided. We’re going to take the call once the Test match is over and how our fast bowlers feel and how their bodies feel after the match.”And what about Gill himself? Going from red-ball cricket in England to white-ball cricket in the UAE and back to red-ball cricket, on a red-soil pitch this time, just three days after winning the T20 Asia Cup?”For a batsman, I don’t think it’s physical fatigue. It’s more mental for a batsman. That’s a little different for a bowler,” he said. “As of now, I feel fresh and my body is ready. I am just looking at what I have to do this week and next week and that’s how I will be taking my decisions.”

Ruben Amorim has offered a blunt assessment of Manchester United’s academy pathway, admitting Chido Obi was promoted “too soon” last season while warning young stars that first-team opportunities must be earned. With the Red Devils yet to start a homegrown player in the league this term, the remarks place fresh focus on Carrington’s emerging talents as the club navigates a growing attacking shortage.

Amorim questioned about Obi and Lacey's first-team opportunities

Ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Everton, Amorim was asked about the current state of the academy pipeline, particularly in light of injuries and upcoming Africa Cup of Nations absences. The head coach has yet to start a homegrown player in the Premier League this season, increasing scrutiny on whether young talent will feature during a congested winter schedule. His comments centred on two of United’s most promising teenagers, Chido Obi and Shea Lacey, and whether either is ready to contribute meaningfully at the senior level.

With Benjamin Sesko out and both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo set for Africa Cup of Nations duty, supporters have been looking toward Carrington prospects to fill upcoming gaps. Obi made eight senior appearances last season at just 16, while Lacey has excelled at the youth level since returning from injury. Amorim, however, stressed that first-team readiness demands more than raw talent, and that neither player will be rushed for the sake of short-term needs.  

The manager also highlighted broader structural improvements within the club, emphasising the importance of bridging the gap between Carrington prospects and the demands of United’s high-intensity training environment. These measures, he explained, are designed to ensure that young players are physically and psychologically capable before stepping onto a Premier League pitch.

AdvertisementAFPAmorim opens up on necessity of steady progress for Carrington prospects

“He [Chido] played last year, but I think it was too soon,” Amorim said when asked about Obi’s chances of stepping in. “We didn't have a team we could put a young kid of 16 into and him not struggle. He's one of the guys but he started too soon. Sometimes it's hard to deal with that, with the kids, because they think that 'I'm already here'. We need to be careful with that.” 

On Lacey, he added: “I'm really happy with him. He struggled a little bit with injuries but they did a very good job balancing his body and you can sense he can manage more load during training. He has a lot of talent but when they come here they can sense the speed is completely different, so they need to spend more time with us to be prepared because our training is hard.”

Amorim also addressed the broader academy link: “When you call a kid up to the first team, they need to behave really well. This connection is really important. We are putting everything in place – a nutritionist for the academy starts now – in our club. That is something that should be basic. All these things we are doing, so I have more time with them and I'm more confident with them. When we put these kids in to play in the Premier League, they will struggle, but will struggle less I think.”

Getty Obi and Lacey: Two of Man Utd's best youth talents

Obi’s rise has been one of the most highly publicised academy stories of recent years. After breaking goal-scoring records at Arsenal, most notably scoring 10 in a single U16 game and netting 32 goals in just 18 U18 Premier League matches, he made the bold move to Manchester United in 2024. His early months at Old Trafford saw him fast-tracked through the youth ranks, ultimately making eight senior appearances and becoming the youngest Premier League starter in Red Devils' history at 17 years and 156 days.   

Obi’s development since then has been steady, but Amorim now believes the rapid exposure came “too soon”, reflecting the physical and psychological demands placed on a 16-year-old competing at senior level. His time with the U18s and U21s has shown glimpses of his prolific instincts, but the club’s plan under Amorim is more focused on long-term growth. As United restructure their academy-to-first-team pathway, Obi is expected to spend more time under controlled development rather than immediate senior pressure.  

Lacey, meanwhile, has enjoyed a resurgent 2025 after overcoming an injury that halted his momentum the previous year. The 18-year-old winger, often compared to Phil Foden for his tight control, balance and creative flair, signed a long-term deal until 2029 and has impressed for United’s U21s and England youth teams. Amorim has integrated him into first-team training consistently, even naming him in the senior squad earlier this month, and views him as a realistic option during the AFCON period. 

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Will Obi and Lacey be a part of Man Utd first team in December?

With United facing a packed winter schedule and losing two wingers to international duty, both Obi and Lacey may find themselves in contention for minutes, but only under Amorim’s strict conditions. The Portuguese manager’s comments make clear that opportunities will be earned through training standards and tactical readiness, not handed out due to injury crises. 

Manchester United will have a lot less tightly-packed fixture schedule in December compared to their European football-playing rivals. However, they will still play seven games in 30 days, starting with their clash against Crystal Palace on November 30.

Former France international Jerome Rothen has claimed Kylian Mbappe receives “special treatment” which will “cause problems” with his team-mates should they hit a poor run of form. The Real Madrid forward withdrew from Les Blues’ squad ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan after picking up an ankle injury in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Ukraine.

• Mbappe achieves milestone after firing France to World Cup

  Mbappe was on song as France secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with victory over Ukraine. The 26-year-old scored twice – including a Panenka penalty – while Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise and Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike also got on the scoresheet for Didier Deschamps’ men.

  With his heroics at Parc des Princes, Mbappe took his career goal tally to 400, becoming the youngest player to clinch the milestone. 

  However, the former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain striker later played down the magnitude of his achievement, saying after the game: “Four hundred goals? It is great, but people are not impressed with it. When you have one guy with 950 [Ronaldo] and one with 900 [Messi], I need 400 more if I want to be in the conversation that will shock people.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Real Madrid forward left Les Blues squad with ankle complaint

  Ahead of France’s final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, Mbappe left the squad as a precaution after sustaining an ankle complaint against Ukraine. 

  A statement from The French Football Federation (FFF) said: “French internationals Manu Kone, Eduardo Camavinga, and Kylian Mbappe have been released back to their clubs.

  “The French national team delegation is flying to Baku where they will face Azerbaijan on Sunday at 9:00 PM local time (6:00 PM French time). 

  "Camavinga, Kone, and Mbappe will not be making the trip.

  “Kone received a yellow card against Ukraine and is suspended. Cama was suffering from a muscle strain in his left hamstring.

  “Mbappe is still experiencing inflammation in his right ankle, which requires further examination. He will undergo these tests today in Madrid.”

• Ex-PSG winger Rothen warns Mbappe of possible 'problems'

  However, Mbappe has since been accused of receiving preferential treatment by ex-Monaco and PSG winger Rothen, who has warned the France captain that his actions will only be accepted in the dressing room so long as Deschamps’ side keep winning.

  In quotes carried by Spanish publication Rothen – who won 13 caps for France – said: "We were all asking ourselves the same question in the 80th minute, when we were up 4-0, who was going to fake an injury to avoid going to Baku?

  "Mbappe is the captain of the French national team, he receives special treatment, fine. But he has team-mates. Do you really think that all those who go to Baku, those who play as much or more than Mbappe throughout the year, aren't tired and don't want to play this meaningless match? No. But they go because they have to go.

  “While you're winning, nobody says anything. But when things start to go wrong, decisions like this take their toll. Making decisions like this can create problems in the locker room, and I remain convinced that there are players fed up with this preferential treatment.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Real sweating on Mbappe's fitness ahead of La Liga return

  France will be looking to round off their World Cup qualifying campaign with another win when they travel to Azerbaijan. Deschamps’ men have been in fine form in qualifying, winning four of their five matches and scoring 13 goals in the process. 

  Meanwhile, Spanish giants Real will be sweating on Mbappe’s fitness ahead of the return of La Liga next weekend. Xabi Alonso’s side are next in action when they head to Elche on Sunday, 23 November, as they look to remain top of the table. Los Blancos are currently three points ahead of fierce rivals Barcelona in the standings, having won 10 of their 12 games this season.

  Mbappe has been in remarkable form for Real in 2025-26, scoring 13 goals in the league. He has also netted five times in four Champions League games this term, with only Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen (6) having scored more.

The two sides will play each other in an ODI for the first time since the 2023 World Cup

Andrew McGlashan18-Aug-2025

Big Picture: Another World Cup build begins

There’s always another World Cup to plan for. The recent T20I series had the more immediate focus of next February’s tournament, but these three ODIs – the first for Australia and South Africa since the Champions Trophy – are the first step towards the 2027 50-over edition which the visitors will jointly host with Zimbabwe and Namibia.These two teams have so much ODI history and in 2023 traded blows in India with South Africa winning the group game but Australia taking the semi-final. They were due to meet at the Champions Trophy but the match was washed out.Related

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Since the Champions Trophy there have been three significant retirements between the sides: Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell from ODIs and Heinrich Klaasen from all internationals. They leave considerable holes to fill on the way to 2027.Australia have had to make changes to their initial squad for this series with Matt Short (side), Mitchell Owen (concussion) and Lance Morris (back) ruled out which has opened the door for Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie and Matt Kuhnemann. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins continue to rest but Marnus Labuschagne is in the squad and could play for the first time since losing his Test place in the West Indies.South Africa will be led by Temba Bavuma who was last seen holding the World Test Championship mace aloft in emotional scenes at Lord’s. Keshav Maharaj also returns to bring experience to the spin attack.

Form guide

Australia LWLLL
South Africa LWWLL

In the spotlight: Marnus Labuschagne and Wiann Mulder

Does Marnus Labuschagne‘s road to the Ashes start in Cairns? It’s perhaps a stretch, but despite the different format, runs in this series would certainly not be a bad thing as he embarks on trying to regain his place to face England in November. Labuschagne was dropped before the 2023 World Cup but earned a reprieve when called up as cover on a tour of South Africa and ended up making a vital 58 not out in the final against India. In a 12-month period from September 2023 to September 2024 he averaged 52.11 in ODIs with a strike rate of 85.43 but his last eight innings have brought a top score of 47.Last month, Wiaan Mulder sent the cricket world into meltdown when he declared on 367 against Zimbabwe. He’ll do well to stir quite as big a talking point in this series. His ODI record needs some work if he’s to cement a long-term spot. At the Champions Trophy his bowling had more of an impact than his batting where he finished as South Africa’s joint-leading wicket-taker including career-best figures of 3 for 25 against England.Dewald Brevis lit up the T20 series•Getty Images

Team news: Hardie could fill allrounder role; Brevis likely to debut

Green will return to the middle order, or potentially No. 3, while Josh Inglis and Alex Carey are set to continue featuring together. There will likely be some rotation among the quicks with three games in five days. Josh Hazlewood played all three T20Is so may be due to sit out.Australia (possible): 1 Travis Head, 2 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 3 Cameron Green, 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Josh Inglis (wk), 6 Alex Carey, 7 Aaron Hardie, 8 Xavier Bartlett, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodBrevis is set to make his ODI debut after a starring role in the T20Is. Kwena Maphaka has been added to the one-day squad after his success but may not make the XI with tall left-armer Nandre Burger available. Bavuma confirmed he would bat at No. 3.South Africa (possible): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Ryan Rickelton, 3 Temba Bavuma (capt), 4 Matthew Breetzke, 5 Dewald Brevis, 6 Tristan Stubbs, 7 Wiaan Mulder, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Nandre Burger, 11 Lungi Ngidi

Pitch and conditions

Conditions were good for batting in the deciding T20I although there were occasional signs of the ball holding in the surface and slower deliveries from the quicks gripped. Dew will be a factor for the bowling side in the second innings although Aiden Markram said he would have batted first on Saturday. When Australia played New Zealand in three matches in Cairns in 2022 there was help for the bowlers with the highest total across six innings being 267. There won’t be any concerns with the weather.

Stats and trivia

• The 2022 series between Australia and New Zealand in Cairns were the first ODIs at venue in 19 years.
• Green’s highest ODI score of 89 not out came on this ground in that New Zealand series. Since that innings he has averaged 42.72 in ODIs
• Marsh has won the toss 20 times as captain across T20Is and ODIs – choosing to bowl on every occasion
• If Bavuma and Maharaj play two matches in this series they will reach 50 ODIs

Quotes

“Getting ready to spend three-and-a-half hours in the field will be a little bit different for a few of the boys. But as a group and as a whole, nothing really changes. [There’s a] bit of a mindset change, it’s obviously different format. But the same stuff rolls on.”
“It’s always exciting when you see the young faces. Obviously the big talk has been on Brevis…excited to see what he can also bring within the one-day stuff.”