Former Premier League star Luke Moore has told Wrexham fans that they shouldn't hold their breath over the prospect of promotion, as the club aim to find a way out of the Championship and into the promised land of the top-tier. The Welsh side have enjoyed back-to-back-to-back promotions from the National League, but Moore thinks they will simply run into too much resistance to climb out of the second-tier at the first time of asking.

Wrexham eyeing promotion

The Welsh club have enjoyed a staggering rise from non-league to within one more promotion of the Premier League. Phil Parkinson's side, though, have found it difficult as they attempt to adapt to the increased competition in a league that regularly features massive clubs dropping out of the top-flight with immense parachute payments behind them. Thus far this season, they sit 10th, having won six, drawn eight, and lost four of their 18 games. Parkinson's troops are just three points behind Bristol City in sixth, the final play-off spot, and are seven behind second-placed Middlesbrough. Leaders Coventry City are almost out of sight, sitting 17 points clear of Wrexham.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMoore's warning

Moore is unsurprised that Wrexham have found the adaptation period difficult, and believes it would take a "fairytale" for them to win promotion and has praised the "innovation" of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.

He told BetVictor Casino: “It would be really a fairytale if they managed to get promoted this season. But the Championship is so hard to get out of, so I wouldn't hold my breath. But in terms of them as a club, they're doing incredible things. From what I hear, they're quite innovative in terms of how they are getting money through the door as well, which obviously helps them grow.

“The boys look like they're enjoying playing for the club. I think sometimes that's always the biggest indicator of how well a club's run or how healthy it is. I think it's a good thing and I think we need more team like Wrexham. I wouldn't call them a disturber, but they're making noise and they're making a mark, so you can't knock it.

“It’s more the merrier in that sense, I think the clubs need to be more innovative of how they get fans to the games and put across their brand, especially in the lower leagues, it needs to be better. People say that football's getting boring so we need every bit of excitement that we can get, honestly. So I'm all for documentaries, I think you have just got to keep pushing a good product out on the pitch so the fans enjoy it.”

Wrexham's ambition

Regardless of their results this season, co-owners Reynolds and Mac have firmly set their sights on reaching the Premier League. 

Mac has confirmed they are going to continue reaching for the pinnacle of the sport, whether they get there quickly, or gradually. 

He said: "That's the way the pyramid is set up and why not us? Why should that be reserved for other towns, for other cities?

"It doesn't mean it's going to be easy and it doesn't mean that it's just going to happen quickly. It could take many, many years for it to happen. We're going to make a push to do it as quickly as possible, because we don't know any other way to do it, but we're going to do it the right way."

He added: "We're going to do it [reach the Premier League] in the same way that we've been doing it from day one, which is asking the town," McElhenney said. "I sort of jumped the gun early on and just assumed that that's what the people of the town wanted for their club, and that that wasn't necessarily the case.

"I had a lot of very long conversations with people that said, 'Well, we might not be ready for that. The town might not be ready for that and the club might not be ready for that.'

"We have to make sure that we're always checking in with the community to make sure that this is what they want. It was a crazy pipe dream four or five years ago where we got laughed at by the media and by the world, but I don't think anybody's laughing anymore."

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Mac has accepted that Premier League promotion brings with it its own challenges, but he is not giving up. 

He added: "We don't want to build something that's unsustainable. As glorious as it might be to be promoted to the Premier League, it would be equally as tragic to be relegated again, because that can very quickly create that spiral downwards.

"Is the ultimate goal the Premier League? Yes, of course. Is it winning the Premier League? Yes, of course. But that actually isn't the number one goal. The number one goal is building something for the next generation and leaving something behind that is sustainable for the rest of its existence."

Jake Lehmann continued his fine form to lift the home side to a defendable total after they had slipped to 68 for 3

AAP09-Oct-2025

A super spell from South Australia quick Nathan McAndrew inspired the reigning one-day champions to a 79-run bonus-point win against Victoria.Set a target of 274 at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, Victoria were in trouble straight away as McAndrew dismissed openers Matt Short and Campbell Kellaway cheaply.After steering Victoria to victory in a dramatic Sheffield Shield finish two days earlier, teenage sensation Oliver Peake also fell to McAndrew When Peake departed, the visitors had crashed to 61 for 4.Wicketkeeper Sam Harper saved some face for Victoria, crafting a team-high 59 from 68 balls. Harper had more than solid support from Blake Macdonald.But SA did all the early work and Victoria couldn’t recover, with McAndrew taking the final scalp for a five-wicket haul as Victoria were out for 194 in the 45th over.SA defeated their state rivals again after claiming bragging rights in last season’s Dean Jones Trophy final. They endured a difficult start to their title defence, losing the first two one-day games to slump to 0-2.Victoria also entered the match winless from two starts, meaning they have dropped to 0-3 and requiring a power of work to be in contention for back-to-back finals.Earlier, Jake Lehmann’s superb run of form continued with an outstanding 85 to anchor SA’s 273 for 8.Fringe Australia white-ball batter Jake Fraser-McGurk showed some promising signs at the top of the order after a difficult 12 months. He smashed 34 from 29 balls, while Harry Manenti made 34 off 46 deliveries.Xavier Crone was the pick of the Victorian bowlers with 4 for 61 which included bowling Fraser-McGurk with a beauty and having Jason Sangha taken at second slip with consecutive deliveries.SA took a liking to the under-strength Victorian bowling line-up missing captain Will Sutherland and Fergus O’Neill. Opening bowler Cameron McClure went for 1 for 68 from his eight overs.Victoria are next in 50-over action on October 20 when they host New South Wales at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, while SA face Queensland on the same day at Karen Rolton Oval.

Two losses in the first three games, and the next two washed out. New Zealand’s World Cup campaign has veered off track, but on the eve of an all-important clash against India, captain Sophie Devine was all calm, answering questions at the press conference in her signature deadpan style.”Thanks for not saying I’m old. I appreciate that, experienced is nice,” she said on being asked how her near 20 years as an international cricketer might help her in Thursday’s high-pressure game.New Zealand haven’t had much game time lately but they’re embracing the “underdog badge with pride”, Devine said, also acknowledging the pressure her side will be under playing in Mumbai in front of “99.9%” of India fans. But she also feels “real empathy” for hosts who have come under scrutiny after losing three matches in a row.”We’re really stepping towards that pressure,” Devine said. “In all honesty, I can’t begin to imagine the type of pressure that the Indian team is under. I know when we played at a home World Cup [in 2022], the pressure that we felt to perform in front of our home crowd was at times overwhelming. I can’t imagine what that’s like with a billion people tuned into the TV screens and the expectation and the weight that’s on their shoulders.””These are the moments that you want to be playing cricket in – a pretty much knockout game against India in India at a World Cup. We’re obviously under no illusions that India are still the favourites, without a doubt. And we will wear the underdog badge with pride, as Kiwis often do.”India might have home advantage but when it comes to ODI World Cups, their win-loss ratio against New Zealand is 0.2, the lowest against any opposition. Does that give New Zealand a psychological edge?Sophie Devine has 260 runs at the World Cup at an average of 87•ICC/Getty Images

“Yeah, ask me after the game tomorrow because I think that’s generally the way it goes, isn’t it?” Devine quipped. “We can get confidence from the fact that we’ve played them in pressure situations before. But tomorrow’s a new game, everyone starts on zero.”Related

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Whether it’s the atmosphere or the profile of the game, Devine hopes it serves as a learning experience for the young players in her side.”Some youngsters that we’ve got, they’ve still played cricket under different pressures and have had to perform at different stages,” she said. “It is such a cool opportunity. This is why you play high-performance sport, it’s why you play international cricket. To be put under the most intense pressure and see how you stand up.””To me that’s just a really exciting opportunity to not only showcase the women’s game, but showcase New Zealand cricket,” she said. “And as you mentioned, we’ve had a great record, not just females, but males as well, of playing India in these sort of tournaments.”Rustiness is a concern – New Zealand haven’t played a full game in nearly 12 days – but so is the forecast. With rain having already sabotaged their campaign, Devine responded in her trademark style when informed there’s more in the forecast.”I’m not surprised, to be honest. I expect there to be rain everywhere we go at the moment,” she said, shrugging. “But you can’t control the weather. We’ll deal with it if it comes. There’s no point worrying about it until it actually falls down and the umpires call you off, we’re just focused on what we want to do.”Thursday’s clash will also be New Zealand’s first outing at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, but they’ll be banking on local knowledge from Amelia Kerr, who has played six WPL matches at the venue.”Not just tomorrow, but everyone expects Melie to perform and to give to this group,” Devine said. “She’s played a lot with Harman [Harmanpreet Kaur], she’s obviously played with the Mumbai Indians here. Hopefully she’s got a few fans in the crowd as well that’ll be cheering for New Zealand and her.”Melie knows some of those Indian players really well. They also know Melie well. I think the Indians probably have enough pressure on them coming from the rest of your country to try and perform and get through to a semi-final, which I know is the expectation for them.”Devine ended the press conference in her typical style: “We’ll let the Indian public and the media and all that give the Indian team enough pressure and we’ll just keep going about our thing.”

Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton's seven years with the New York Yankees have been a bumpy ride.

Since coming over via trade from the Miami Marlins in Dec. 2017, Stanton has played 150 games in a season just once. He has produced only 9.1 bWAR with the Yankees—a mere fraction of the 35.8 he produced with the Marlins in a torrid start to his career.

Stanton has yet to play in 2025 due to epicondylitis in both elbows—but on Sunday, New York general manager Brian Cashman offered a timeline on when the slugger could return.

"He's scheduled for live BP for the next two weeks and he's really close to doing a rehab assignment thereafter," Cashman told MLB Network's Sirius XM radio station. "It'll be great to get him back at some point, and hopefully we don't lose anybody along the way."

Stanton played 114 games in 2024, slashing .233/.298/.475 with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs. He raised his game significantly in the postseason—crushing seven home runs in 14 games, including four in the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians.

A rough sketch of Cashman's timeline would put a Stanton rehab assignment in mid-June—which, if it comes to pass, would be just what the doctor ordered for the American League East leaders.

West Ham United’s unbeaten run was brought to a halt by Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Now, the good news is that the Premier League champions were miles better than the Hammers, but the bad news is that they are still level on points with 18th-placed Leeds United.

Worse than that, though, at least in the immediate, is the fact that Nuno Espírito Santo is now going to be without Lucas Paqueta for the Hammers’ trip to Manchester United on Thursday night following his sending-off for dissent.

The Brazilian’s absence is undeniably a big problem, but Nuno might have a surprise solution in the shape of a particularly exciting prospect.

The latest West Ham team news

With every game now becoming increasingly crucial for West Ham and Nuno this season, it’s equally important that players are available.

Chalkboard

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

Fortunately, there are only two first-team players out injured at the moment who will miss Thursday’s game, alongside Paqueta.

Unfortunately, while nobody was expecting Ollie Scarles to be declared fit given his surgery, there was hope, at least among the fanbase, that Crysencio Summerville would be fit enough to play.

However, speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Nuno revealed that “there are still some issues” with the knock that the Dutchman picked up in the game against Bournemouth.

He then added that, while the club “are still assessing” the issue, they believe “Thursday is probably going to be too soon.”

It’s a real blow for the East Londoners, as while the former Leeds United star hasn’t quite delivered in terms of output, he is still one of their most dangerous and electric attackers.

Moreover, with him out and Paqueta out, that left-hand side looks a lot weaker, that is, unless Nuno makes a bold decision and unleashes one of the academy’s most exciting products there.

The academy star who could replace Paqueta

West Ham have a proud history of developing and promoting their best academy gems, and the latest youngster who could join the likes of Declan Rice and Freddie Potts, while also stepping in for Paqueta, is George Earthy.

The 21-year-old first joined the club at the under-6 level and has since worked his way up through the age groups, impressing the right people at every step.

For example, in 60 appearances for the u18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.

And if that’s still not enough, he has scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3703 minutes, for the U21S, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.61 games, or every 108.91 minutes.

Last but certainly not least, the “priceless” youngster, as dubbed by coach Steve Potts, also has four first-team appearances under his belt, in which he’s scored one goal.

In other words, the boyhood Hammer is a huge attacking threat, whether scoring goals or assisting.

Now, some might argue that he lacks enough senior experience to be thrown in the deep end by Nuno on Thursday, but they would be mistaken.

Last season saw the Havering-born gem go on loan to Championship side Bristol City, where he not only made 40 appearances but was named the club’s young player of the year.

Finally, while it is undoubtedly true that the youngster is primarily an attacking midfielder, he has spent time out wide, and it’s not uncommon for managers to stick academy products where they are needed in the team.

Moreover, Paqueta is banned for just one game, and Earthy has more than enough talent and mental fortitude to do a job in a newish position for such a brief spell.

Ultimately, losing the Brazilian for Thursday’s game is far from ideal, but if Nuno is bold enough to start him there, Earthy might just be the solution he needs.

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Crystal Palace may have a big decision to make in the January transfer window, with it being revealed Real Madrid are preparing a bid for one of their key players.

Palace fighting for European qualification

Palace have taken major strides under the helm of Oliver Glasner, winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history last season, which granted qualification for the Europa Conference League, and they are now knocking on the door to make it to Europe once again.

The Eagles are flying high in the Premier League, currently sitting in fourth, moving into the Champions League places as a result of a 2-1 victory away at Fulham last time out.

Adam Wharton once again put in a top-quality performance, assisting Eddie Nketiah’s opening goal, with the Englishman attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window.

Real Madrid have also been named as potential suitors for Wharton in the past, but he is not the only Crystal Palace star of interest to the Champions League club, according to a report from Spain, which states they are now preparing a €40m (£35m) offer for Marc Guehi.

Guehi has been identified as the ideal target for the Spanish side, who are looking to bring in a new centre-back in the January transfer window, given that Éder Militão is set to spend up to four months on the treatment table.

The Eagles will have a big decision to make in the January transfer window, given that Glasner has already made it clear Guehi wants to leave in 2026, and they are currently at risk of losing him on a free transfer in the summer.

Palace sanctioning Guehi's departure would be major risk

Palace currently have a real opportunity to make more history this season, given that they are currently in the Champions League places, and letting their captain leave next month would jeopardise their chances of finishing in the top four.

The England international has been Glasner’s most consistent performer in the Premier League this season, averaging a 7.40 SofaScore match rating, the highest of any player in the squad.

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The 25-year-old has averaged 2.03 tackles per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 87th percentile compared to other centre-backs, while he has also displayed his attacking qualities, picking up two goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.

Although it may be difficult to resist a big January bid for Guehi, given that he is set to leave in the summer, Crystal Palace should resist any approaches and keep the centre-back until the end of the season.

Liverpool are in uncharted waters, with these deep fathoms threatening not only the future of Arne Slot, who won the Premier League a matter of months ago, but that of Mohamed Salah, one of the greatest players in the club’s history, too.

Where is the respite? At the moment, Liverpool can’t catch a break, fumbling a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at Leeds United on Saturday after previously drawing against well-worth-their-money Sunderland at Anfield. All told, the Reds have won only two of their past ten league fixtures, losing six.

But Liverpool have sculpted this disaster themselves. They have patented a startling ability to wreak havoc on their own progress, with tactical imbalances sparking crises of confidence, sparking mutiny.

Salah’s flaming interview at Elland Road will go down in the history books, and though FSG have since underlined their faith in Slot’s stewardship, the severity of this crossroads cannot be understated.

The latest on Slot's Liverpool future

Slot is in an unenviable position, with Salah’s outburst proving the latest and most damaging in a long line of mishaps since the summer.

While FSG retain the faith in the 47-year-old, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title last year after Jurgen Klopp stepped down, there’s an acceptance that results are needed quickly if something is to be salvaged from this campaign.

The fact of the matter is that Slot’s Liverpool started wobbling well before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and he now needs to show that he can sort out the defence and restore balance to the team. He needs to show that quickly.

27

Games

52

23

Wins

26

3

Draws

10

1

Losses

16

2.66

PPG

1.69

73

Goals scored

91

27

Goals conceded

69

Liverpool are in big bother, and though FSG have been steadfast in their backing of the Dutchman, their leniency will only stretch so far, especially when there is such an exciting successor for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes to consider.

Liverpool could hire Slot upgrade

Last week, it was reported that FSG have been considering Julian Nagelsmann as a candidate to replace Slot, should the Reds coach be sacked, though they will face a tough task in wrestling him away from the German national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming large.

Nagelsmann, 38, is among the world’s finest young coaches, having managed Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in his homeland.

Would he be willing to park his international ambitions? Probably not. That’s why it’s anticipated he could be lined up ahead of the start of next season, meaning Liverpool would need to find an interim boss if Slot is dismissed before the end of the term.

What Nagelsmann would offer Liverpool

Nagelsmann has been described as the “best young coach in Europe” by journalist Josh Bunting, and though he’s the junior of practically all of the game’s standout managers, he’s hardly inexperienced, with a keen tactical mind that could be the remedy to a Liverpool team who have fallen by the wayside.

This is a fluid and interchangeable tactician. Nagelsmann employed a counter-pressing system at Leipzig before changing to a more dominant playing style at the Allianz Arena. He recognises the quirks and whims of the players at his disposal, and he crafts a system that caters to his troops.

Journalist Kai Iliev has even named him a “world-class manager” for his ability to fix a range of flaws within Germany’s national set-up. Now they are contenders. Now they believe again.

Liverpool could do with a bit of that, right? The appointment of Nagelsmann might even play into keeping Salah at the club; with the Egyptian King’s relationship under Slot having broken down, something has to give.

Liverpool, of course, will now back Salah over Slot. To do the contrary would result in anarchy. But this latest splinter in an outfit splitting wide open is not the root cause. Slot’s system is in a tailspin, and if he cannot establish form and fluency quickly, he will find that he has exhausted all the credit in the bank, and Edwards and Hughes will be forced into making a tough call.

The German coach’s principal 4-2-3-1 set-up would accommodate new signing Florian Wirtz and allow Salah to arc inwards once more and find passages into the danger area. This season, the 33-year-old has only posted five goals and three assists across all competitions.

Who could have expected this when Liverpool lifted the Premier League title? Salah was not the main man but the author of his long-term outfit’s illustrious success.

It’s not controversial to suggest that many, many Liverpool supporters would be dejected if Salah were to leave this winter, and it would be sure to put more than just a dampener on Slot’s reign at the Anfield helm.

If results do not continue over the coming weeks – with Salah off to AFCON after Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend – FSG will have to face the reality of theirt spiraling situation and make a change.

Could that prompt Salah to stay? Working under Nagelsmann on Merseyside, it just might, though whether the Reds are able to keep the African legend appeased and reach a decision that would see him remain at the club he has served so well over the past nine years remains to be seen.

In any case, this is a staggering, stomach-sinking situation, one that nobody could have foreseen, and Liverpool’s powers that be need to make sure an upswing is found – quickly.

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Keep up to date with all the movements around the counties ahead of the 2026 men’s county season

ESPNcricinfo staff

Keep up to date with all the movements around the counties as preparations are made for the 2026 men’s county seasonDerbyshireIN: Matt Montgomery (Nottinghamshire)
OUT: David Lloyd (retired), Alex Thomson (released)
OVERSEAS: Caleb JewellDurhamIN: Kasey Aldridge (Somerset), Archie Bailey (Gloucestershire)
OUT: Mitchell Killeen (Essex), Paul Coughlin (Lancashire)
OVERSEAS:EssexIN: Mitchell Killeen (Durham), Zaman Akhter (Gloucestershire)
OUT: Nick Browne (retired), Adam Rossington, Jamal Richards (both released)
OVERSEAS: Simon HarmerGlamorganIN: Sean Dickson (Somerset)
OUT: Sam Northeast (Kent), Tom Bevan (released)
OVERSEAS: Colin IngramGloucestershireIN: Craig Miles (Warwickshire), Will Williams (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)
OUT: Archie Bailey (Durham), Ajeet Singh Dale (Lancashire), Zaman Akhter (Essex), Dom Goodman (Sussex), Tom Price (Sussex), Josh Shaw (Somerset)
OVERSEAS: Cameron Bancroft, Gabe Bell (April-May), D’Arcy Short (T20), Liam Scott (May-July)HampshireIN: Jake Lehmann (UK passport)
OUT: Keith Barker (Warwickshire), Benny Howell (Nottinghamshire), Joseph Eckland (released)
OVERSEAS: Kyle Abbott, Michael Neser (April-May)KentIN: Sam Northeast (Glamorgan), Matt Milnes (Yorkshire)
OUT: Jack Leaning (Sussex), Nathan Gilchrist (Warwickshire), George Garrett (retired), Marcus O’Riordan, Mohammed Rizvi (both released)
OVERSEAS: Keith DudgeonLancashireIN: Paul Coughlin (Durham), Ajeet Singh Dale (Gloucestershire)
OUT: Will Williams (Gloucestershire), Josh Boyden (released)
OVERSEAS: Marcus Harris, Chris Green (T20)LeicestershireIN: Stephen Eskinazi (Middlesex), Jonny Tattersall (Yorkshire), Josh Davey (Somerset), Ben Green (Somerset)
OUT: Louis Kimber (Northamptonshire), Chris Wright, Harry Swindells (both retired), Matt Salisbury, Roman Walker (both released)
OVERSEAS: Peter Handscomb, Keshav Maharaj (April-July)MiddlesexIN: Caleb Falconer (academy)
OUT: Stephen Eskinazi (Leicestershire)
OVERSEAS:NorthamptonshireIN: Louis Kimber (Leicestershire), Calvin Harrison (Nottinghamshire)
OUT: Freddie Heldreich (released)
OVERSEAS: Matthew Breetzke, Nathan McSweeney, Harry Conway (April-May), Yuzvendra Chahal (July-Sept)NottinghamshireIN: Benny Howell
OUT: Calvin Harrison (Northamptonshire), Matthew Montgomery (Derbyshire), Sammy King, Dane Schadendorf (both released)
OVERSEAS: Kyle Verreynne, Fergus O’Neil (April-June)SomersetIN: Josh Shaw (Gloucestershire)
OUT: Kasey Aldridge (Durham), Sean Dickson (Glamorgan), Josh Davey (Leicestershire), Ben Green (Leicestershire), Andrew Umeed (released)
OVERSEAS: Riley Meredith (T20), Migael PretoriusSurreyIN: Ralphie Albert (academy)
OUT:
OVERSEAS:SussexIN: Danny Briggs (Warwickshire), Jack Leaning (Kent), Dom Goodman (Gloucestershire), Tom Price (Gloucestershire)
OUT: Ari Karvelas, Bertie Foreman, Archie Lenham, Zach Lion-Cachet, Henry Rogers (all released)
OVERSEAS: Jaydev Unadkat (June-Sept)WarwickshireIN: Keith Barker (Hampshire), Nathan Gilchrist (Kent), Jordan Thompson (Yorkshire)
OUT: Danny Briggs (Sussex), Craig Miles (Gloucestershire), Moeen Ali (retired)
OVERSEAS: Beau Webster (April-July)WorcestershireIN:
OUT: Tom Hinley, Yadvinder Singh (both released)
OVERSEAS: Usama Mir (T20), Ben Dwarshuis (T20)YorkshireIN:
OUT: Matt Milnes (Kent), Jordan Thompson (Warwickshire), Jonny Tattersall (Leicestershire), Dawid Malan (Gloucestershire)
OVERSEAS:

England XI haul in target of 202 as warm-up game with Lions goes the distance

Tristan Lavalette15-Nov-2025Joe Root and Harry Brook had final hits in the middle before the first Ashes Test, but weren’t able to kick on from encouraging starts in England’s five-wicket victory over the Lions on a slow surface at Lilac Hill.Chasing 202 runs in batting-friendly conditions, England stuttered at 14 for 2 after the wickets of openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. The pair had combined for a swashbuckling 182-run stand in the first innings, but Duckett fell for a golden duck after fending a short delivery from seamer Nathan Gilchrist to point.It was a rare occasion that the ball reared off the sedate surface and the type of fierce delivery that Duckett can expect on the bouncier surface of Optus Stadium, while Crawley edged Matt Potts to slip after a loose drive.Potts followed up from his impressive effort earlier in the match with 1 for 9 off his four-over burst with the new ball.Related

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Stokes six-for highlights England's first day of pre-Ashes action

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Ollie Pope’s stylish century in the first innings put to bed any speculation over his spot for the first Test and his confidence was further underlined with a rapid 90 off 67 balls.With belligerent blows all around the wicket, particularly effective down the ground, Pope dominated a 113-run partnership with Root, who had a lengthier stint at the crease after making just 1 run off 12 in the first innings.Root was mostly intent on rotating the strike with sharp running between the wickets, quietly moving to 31 off 52 balls before being bowled by offspinner Will Jacks after playing down the wrong line.Brook came to the crease after an ugly first-innings dismissal when he was bowled after charging down the pitch. He motored to 19 before his stumps were rattled after botching a reverse paddle against Jacks.Jamie Smith ensured the game wrapped up quickly, clubbing an unbeaten 39 off 22 while Ben Stokes finished 15 not out as England hauled in the target in just 34.4 overs.There had been an unknown over whether the final day would meander into an early finish or whether a chase late in the day would be conjured. But Stokes followed through with his “balls to the wall” mantra from ahead of the match, with the game going the distance.The Lions declared at 251 for 6 midway through the second session as England’s hierarchy opted for their top-order to have another hit-out. Quick Brydon Carse made a compelling case for selection in the first Test with three wickets after missing the opening two days due to illness.Shoaib Bashir in discussion with Jeetan Patel•Getty Images”It [Optus Stadium pitch] might be a little bit different to this week’s preparation, but this was all about bowlers getting miles in their legs,” Carse told reporters.”Over the handful of Tests that I’ve played, whether that’s with the new ball or first change….I’m pretty open to both of those [roles]. We’ve got a group of bowlers that can do different roles and happy to slot in anywhere.”Offspinner Shoaib Bashir bowled for the second consecutive day, but again proved ineffective with little turn on offer to finish with 1 for 83 off 12 overs, an even more expensive return than his earlier effort against England’s main XI.England were buoyed earlier in the day by the news that quick Mark Wood was cleared of a hamstring injury, just hours before Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the first Test. But Wood did not take the field on the final day as the England XI had a shake-up with Bashir changing teams having taken 1 for 68 from 12 overs in the Lions’ first innings.Much like on day two, the surface seemed livelier earlier in the day with Jofra Archer producing sharp bounce and beating the bat on several occasions. But Archer and Gus Atkinson were upstaged by Carse who threatened with a nagging back-of-a-length approach. His accuracy frustrated opener Tom Haines, who on 12 slashed straight to point.Carse also claimed the wickets of Ben McKinney and Jordan Cox, who both made half-centuries in each innings. The 6ft 7in McKinnie dominated the opening session and took the aerial route against Bashir, his eyes lighting up when he threw the ball up.Jacob Bethell’s chances of a first Test call-up are unlikely, but he did stroke an effortless 70 off 80 balls having failed in the first innings with 2. Bethell appeared to be cruising to a century until he whacked straight back to Bashir who took a sharp return catch.After a six-wicket haul in the first innings, Stokes bowled just one four-over spell while Root claimed Jacks in his only over before the Lions declared.

Newcastle United were unable to make it three Premier League wins in a row last night, as Eddie Howe’s men secured a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

After a drab first half with little to shout about for both sides, Bruno Guimaraes’ second-half strike put the Magpies ahead with just under 20 minutes remaining.

Anthony Gordon’s penalty with just a handful of minutes remaining put the hosts ahead once again, but for the second time in the contest, Cristian Romero managed to find a leveller.

The point takes Howe’s men up a place to 13th in the Premier League, but it could have been a whole lot better had his side managed to hold on for all three points.

Despite numerous positive showings, a handful of the players selected to start the game failed to impress, which could lead to numerous changes ahead of the weekend.

Newcastle’s poor performers against Spurs

For the third game in a row, Joelinton was handed a start at the heart of the Newcastle side, this time partnering Lewis Miley and Sandi Tonali, with the latter coming into the starting eleven.

However, the Brazilian was unable to repay the faith shown in him by the manager, with such a showing one to forget for the Magpies’ number seven on Tyneside.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, but only managed to come out on top in just 27% of the duels he entered, whilst being dribbled past on three occasions.

Joelinton wasn’t alone in struggling to deliver at St James’, with winger Jacob Murphy also struggling to provide his usual impact off the right-hand side of the attack.

The Englishman was largely unable to deliver in the final third, as seen by his measly tally of just three crosses completed, doing so at an accuracy rate of just 30%.

He also only managed to complete 50% of his attempted dribbles and completed just 16 passes before being substituted for Anthony Elanga with just over 20 minutes remaining.

The Newcastle star who needs to be dropped after Spurs

Home games against Spurs have often been a formality for Newcastle, as seen by the club’s recent record against the Lilywhites over the past couple of seasons.

Howe’s men had won four in a row against the North London outfit at St James’, but his men were unable to add to such a record during their lacklustre showing last night.

The inability to secure all three points was no doubt down to the disappointing showings from numerous players, with the aforementioned duo just two of the stars who failed to deliver.

However, they weren’t alone in struggling to match the expectations of the supporters, with winger Harvey Barnes unable to replicate his recent showings in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has now started four league games in a row, with his two-goal game against Manchester City undoubtedly keeping his place in the starting eleven.

He’s now failed to score in each of the last two outings, including against Spurs, with winger Gordon now deserving of a start after his goal off the bench.

However, Barnes’ performance before his teammate’s arrival onto the pitch was certainly below par, which will no doubt contribute to the manager’s thinking.

The winger featured for 66 minutes on Tyneside last night, but could only muster 30 touches of the ball and made just ten passes, six fewer than Aaron Ramsdale, as he struggled to make the desired impact on proceedings.

He also only managed to complete one of his attempted dribbles and one of his crosses, which further highlights his struggles within the final third of the pitch.

Minutes played

66

Touches

30

Shots taken

2

Dribbles completed

1

Crosses completed

1

Possession lost

12x

Duels lost

75%

Passes into final third

2

Barnes massively struggled to find any of his teammates during the draw, as seen by his tally of 12 times possession lost – ultimately being wasteful when in possession.

The attacker was just as poor without the ball, often being dominated by the opposition, subsequently losing 75% of the ground duels he entered against Thomas Frank’s side.

As a result of his performance, Barnes was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by The Express journalist Lee Ryder – further showcasing his struggles against Spurs.

After such a showing, Howe will no doubt want to shuffle his pack on Saturday against Burnley to attempt to get their recent winning run in the Premier League back on track.

Gordon will no doubt be chomping at the bit after his goal, which could result in his compatriot being dropped after his recent flurry of starts in the North East.

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