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Celtic are eyeing a potential move for England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley as their next boss, as they look to find the perfect replacement for Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

Rodgers’ second spell in charge of the Hoops went out in a whimper, following an underwhelming start to the season in the Scottish Premiership, with Martin O’Neill placed in interim charge.

While the Irishman has seemingly only come in for a short spell as manager, taking charge until the right permanent appointment is made, a new report has claimed that he would be willing to take the job until the end of the season.

Victory at home to Rangers on Sunday afternoon would not only be a massive step in the right direction for Celtic, but could even persuade those high up at the club that O’Neill is the right man to continue for longer than originally expected.

That’s not to say that other potential candidates aren’t being mentioned, however, with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna backed to be Rodgers’ successor, and Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen also seen as an option.

Lee Carsley linked with Celtic job

Now, 67 Hail Hail claim that Celtic are eyeing Carsley to be their next manager, with the Hoops “long-term admirers” of him, meaning he could “be in contention” to come in.

That said, the former Republic of Ireland international “isn’t a frontrunner for the job”, so at this stage, others feel more likely to take charge at Parkhead.

Carsley would be an interesting choice for Celtic if they did go down that route, with Roy Keane heaping praise on him during his brief stint as England’s interim boss before Thomas Tuchel came in.

Perhaps the biggest risk in Celtic appointing Carsley is the fact that he is yet to manage at club level, with his only roles coming with England, including his current Under-21s role.

Lee Carsley’s managerial career

Year

Matches

Points per game

England Under-21s

2025-present

11

2.27

England (interim)

2024

6

2.50

England Under-21s

2021-2024

29

2.41

England Under-20s

2020-2021

1

3.00

For that reason, bringing him in would be a gamble at a point when a safe pair of hands is required to steady the ship after a frustrating end to Rodgers’ reign.

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Carsley may be desperate to prove his worth in the club game, though, and if he impresses Celtic’s bosses more than the rest, they need to be trusted.

Celtic manager search takes twist as O'Neill makes decision about interim role

The series will act as preparation for Nepal to claim one of the three remaining spots at the 2026 T20 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2025Nepal have been confirmed as the first of four international teams for the 2025 Top End T20 Series to be played in Darwin from August 14 to 24. The series will act as preparation for Nepal as they look to claim one of the three remaining spots at the 2026 T20 World Cup, to be played in India and Sri Lanka early next year.Nepal are scheduled to arrive in Darwin in early August and will play a minimum of six T20s, at the DXC Arena, the TIO Stadium and Cazaly’s Arena.”We are excited and looking forward to participating in the Top End T20 Series,” Cricket Association of Nepal secretary Paras Khadka said. “It presents a valuable opportunity to prepare with strong intent and focused practice ahead of our ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers [to be held in Oman in October].Related

Nepal and West Indies to play 'historic' first bilateral T20I series

“Competing against quality opponents in Australian conditions will provide our players with critical exposure, helping them better understand their game and grow as professional cricketers.”Nepal brought in former Australia batter Stuart Law as their head coach in March this year, after which they played a T20I tri-series against Netherlands and Scotland in Glasgow, where they finished second.After the T20s in Darwin, Nepal are scheduled to play their first bilateral T20I series against West Indies, in Sharjah at the end of September.”We could not be more excited to welcome the Nepal national cricket team to the Northern Territory and Top End T20 Series for the first time,” Northern Territory Cricket CEO, Gavin Dovey said. “Nepal has developed a fanatical following in their home country and among the Nepali diaspora, so we are delighted that all Nepalese eyes will be on the Northern Territory as we play a role in their cricketing journey.”The remaining participants and schedule of the Top End T20 Series will be announced in the coming weeks.

Manchester United have an unseen teenager at Carrington who Red Devils defender Harry Maguire is helping around the training ground.

Maguire reaches 250 Man Utd appearances

After signing from Leicester City in a deal worth £80m back in 2019, Maguire has had plenty of ups and downs at Old Trafford but continues to be a regular at the back under Ruben Amorim.

Maguire recently hit 250 appearances as a Man Utd player, following in the footsteps of teammates Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw. Talking about reaching the milestone, he said:

Going on to talk about fellow defender Shaw, Maguire said: “You don’t play at this club 250 or 300 times if you’re first and foremost not a good player.

“Luke’s an excellent footballer, and every manager that comes in, he gets questioned a lot. That’s what happens at this club.

“Every manager that comes in plays Luke, and there’s a reason why they play Luke, because he’s an excellent footballer, always has been and always will be.”

Maguire’s current Old Trafford contract is worth £190,000-a-week, making him the fourth highest paid player at the club currently, however, that deal is set to expire in 2026.

Man Utd’s highest earners

Rank

Player

Pay per week

1

Casemiro

£350,000

2

Bruno Fernandes

£300,000

3

Matthijs de Ligt

£195,000

4

Harry Maguire

£190,000

5

Matheus Cunha

£180,000

Whether or not he remains at the club remains to be seen, but he appears to be helping out the future generation at Carrington.

Man Utd teenager Shea Lacey impressing

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Man Utd teenager Shea Lacey, who is yet to make his debut or a first team matchday squad and be seen by fans, but is catching the eye of those at Carrington.

It is claimed that the 18-year-old ‘was invited back after a handful of sessions with the seniors’ and is impressing first-team stars with his technical level.

Maguire ‘has taken it upon himself to help Lacey settle into the senior group and act as a sounding board’, with the winger running riot against opponents at academy level.

In just three Premier League 2 appearances this season, Lacey has scored two goals in 122 minutes of action, and in total, has contributed to 14 goals for the U18s.

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It appears as if he could be the next Carrington graduate to make the grade at first-team level, although it is stated that ‘United are eager to take a slow and steady approach when it comes to Lacey, particularly in terms of managing his minutes, after injuries in recent years’.

One Aston Villa gem has signed a Villa Park contract which the club seemingly decided against posting on social media.

Unai Emery linked with surprise Aston Villa exit

It has been an unusual start to the Premier League season for Villa and Unai Emery, who finally picked up their first three points of the season at the sixth time of asking on the weekend.

After falling behind to Fulham, Villa scored their first home league goals of the campaign to win 3-1 and move out of the relegation zone.

Former transfer chief Monchi has also left the Midlands, and now, Emery is being linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, who are on the search for a new manager after parting ways with Laurent Blanc.

Following Monchi’s exit, Emery was asked last week if he is more committed than ever to Villa, to which he said: “More speculation? I know it’s a different speculation. The reality is we drew and in the league we are not performing well.

“We have to work and work hard. With the players I have meetings after the game and talk about how we want to be, tactically and with the demands we have.”

Emery added: “We are starting the season with the problems we had, the problems before, with the transfer window. Some players joined us late. We are trying to recover our performance.

“Now we are a different team, our emotions and our emotional moments are becoming better. I will want to show how we’ve improved in everything.”

Aston Villa now racing Tottenham and Man Utd to sign £70m Premier League star

The Villans have joined the race for a new forward, who has made a very impressive start to the season.

ByDominic Lund Sep 30, 2025

Away from the speculation, though, Aston Villa have moved quietly to secure the services of a potential future star.

Aston Villa teenager pens first professional contract

It was announced on Aston Villa’s website on Tuesday that young defender Finlay Barnard has signed his first professional contract.

The club said they are pleased the U18 ace has committed his future at Villa Park after agreeing scholarship terms having signed over the summer Tottenham.

The update wasn’t posted on Villa’s X social media, so it is news that may have gone under the radar.

A versatile defender, Barnard will be looking to breakthrough into the first-team setup over the coming years, and continuing to impress Harrison will only help his case.

“We respect that they have got a phenomenal batting line-up with a lot of power, but we are here to focus on our game”

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Mar-2025Mitchell Marsh has backed the weakened Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowling unit to get the job done against the ultra-aggressive Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batters.LSG, who lost their opening game of IPL 2025 to Delhi Capitals (DC), are without Mayank Yadav and Akash Deep as both are recuperating from lower-back injuries, while Avesh Khan has just joined the side after recovering from a knee problem. Mohsin Khan, another first-choice pick, was ruled out before the tournament started and was replaced by Shardul Thakur. Even Marsh is playing the tournament purely as a batter because of a back issue.”Yeah, we have a few guys out, no doubt, but I think we have assembled a really solid squad,” Marsh said ahead of Thursday’s game in Hyderabad. “There is no doubt that in time we will welcome guys back into the team who have a bit of experience with the ball. But we certainly back our [current] bowlers to do the job. I don’t see it as a lack of depth.”Related

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Expect another big total as SRH batters face weakened LSG bowling at home

The last time these two teams met, also in Hyderabad, SRH chased down 166 in just 9.4 overs with all ten wickets intact. They have started the new season in similar fashion, smashing 286 for 6 against Rajasthan Royals (RR).Asked what LSG’s plan was, Marsh kept it short: “To score more runs than them.”Elaborating, he said, “We know they’re going to come hard. I think there are not many T20 teams in the world now that don’t go hard from ball one and try to apply as much pressure as they can to a bowling team. So we know we’re going to be under pressure at some point tomorrow night.”The most important thing for us as a team is to focus on our strengths and what we are coming here to do and play our brand of cricket. There’s no doubt that Sunrisers have put a lot of teams under pressure, but that’s any team these days. It seems 230 is now the new par score at most grounds. We respect that they have got a phenomenal batting line-up with a lot of power, but we’re here to focus on our game and hopefully match with them.”

Chelsea capitulated in the second half against Brighton as Trevoh Chalobah was sent off and the visitors struck three times to claim a shock 3-1 win. Enzo Fernandez had given the Blues the lead but Danny Welbeck scored twice, with Maxim De Cuyper also on target, as the Blues fell apart and lost more ground in their quest to challenge at the Premier League's summit.

Enzo Maresca's side made a fast start to the game and after Bart Verbruggen made two smart saves to deny both Fernandez and Reece James, he was powerless to prevent the opening goal. A delicious through ball from Moises Caicedo set James on his way, with the Blues skipper crossing for Fernandez to nod home.

Then came the moment that changed everything as, early on in the second half, a hopeless stray pass from Andrey Santos gave the ball to Diego Gomez, who raced through on goal before being brought down by Chalobah. A VAR review followed, with Simon Hooper eventually issuing a red card to the England international.

It went from bad to worse thereafter, with Brighton's pressure eventually telling. Welbeck, who had already stabbed a half-volley inches wide, powered a header home from close range before De Cuyper nodded past Robert Sanchez in stoppage time to make it 2-1. Former Manchester United striker Welbeck still had time to loop the ball high into the net for his second, and the Seagulls' third, in the final seconds, piling on the misery for Marseca on what turned out to be a complete nightmare of an afternoon for the Italian and his team.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Robert Sanchez (6/10):

Made amends for last weekend's horror show at Old Trafford as he dealt with looping crosses, tried to instigate quick counter-attacks and intelligently came off his line to halt promising Brighton attacks. Would've been at least one or two more goals if it wasn't for him.

Reece James (7/10):

An assured display that saw him gallop forward and claim the assist for Fernandez's opener, as well as defending resolutely. Encouraging that he managed to play on despite appearing to twist his ankle, too, given all his previous injury issues.

Trevoh Chalobah (2/10):

His crazy decision to attempt to make a challenge as Diego Gomez raced through on goal led to a tangle of legs and the inevitable red card that changed everything. Awful.

Jorrel Hato (5/10):

Doubled up with Cucurella to deal with the considerable threat of Minteh and had to be even more alert after Chalobah's red. Taken off straight after Welbeck scored his first having gone missing in the middle.

Marc Cucurella (5/10):

Had a difficult assignment up against the pacey Minteh but stuck to his task and limited the Brighton winger's threat. A bit too fired up against his former team, though, resulting in a rash booking in a game where Chelsea needed calm heads.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Andrey Santos (3/10):

Ruined his day with the clumsy touch and wayward pass that inadvertently set Brighton away and led to Chalobah's red card. Hooked immediately after.

Moises Caicedo (7/10):

Consistently snuffed out Brighton attacks and his wonderful ball through sent James in behind for Chelsea's first goal. Life became more difficult for him after the Chalobah red, though.

Enzo Fernandez (7/10):

His bright start to the game was rewarded with a goal and he must have covered every blade of grass over the 90 minutes. The capitulation certainly wasn't down to him.

Getty Images SportAttack

Estevao (7/10):

Livewire. Shades of Eden Hazard with his silky touches and jinking runs, albeit there was no end product today. Sacrificed for Gusto as Maresca looked to shut up shop and hold onto the lead, which obviously didn't work.

Joao Pedro (5/10):

Played the No.9 role well in the first half as he dropped deep and linked attacks but wasn't really his day in front of goal as his team-mates failed to create any big chances for him.

Pedro Neto (4/10):

So pleasing on the eye when he gets his head down and drives forward but there was a frustrating lack of end product that Blues fans will be all too familiar with. Replaced after the equaliser.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Josh Acheampong (3/10):

Brought on to fill the hole at centre-back after Chalobah's red card and should've got much tighter to Welbeck for the equaliser before his mistake then led to the third goal.

Malo Gusto (3/10):

Came on midway through the second half and frustrated the Stamford Bridge punters with his lack of invention before failing to stop the cross that led to Welbeck's goal. Might've given away a penalty, too, for a reckless high boot. A woeful cameo.

Benoit Badiashile (N/A):

Replaced Hato for the final 10 minutes and scrapped with Lewis Dunk as a number of Chelsea players lost their heads.

Romeo Lavia (N/A):

On for Pedro Neto as Maresca sensed the danger of a possible Brighton winner, which inevitably came.

Enzo Maresca (3/10):

What a nightmare. Everything looked to be going according to plan until Chalobah's red card and he clearly didn't have the answers as Brighton turned the screw. If anything, the introductions of Acheampong and Gusto made things a lot worse.

Nottingham Forest are now leading the race for a “world-class” player, with Edu Gaspar driving the move, having previously tried to sign him for Arsenal, according to a report.

Forest eyeing new midfielder after securing Gibbs-White's future

Chris Wood has recently made it clear just how important it was to secure Morgan Gibbs-White’s future this summer, with the striker saying: “It feels like a top-class signing, keeping him here and doing well for our team. He would have been a hard man to replace,

“He’s a top-class talent and an England international. That type of talent doesn’t come around too often, so everyone from the manager to the owner has done fantastically well to keep him.”

However, having cashed in on Danilo and Lewis O’Brien already this summer, there may be room for Nuno Espirito Santo to bring in another midfielder before the transfer window slams shut, and Forest have set their sights on a former Premier League player.

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Indeed, earlier this week it was revealed the Tricky Trees have now agreed personal terms with Juventus’ Douglas Luiz, formerly of Aston Villa, with a transfer fee currently in the process of being negotiated.

There has now been a new update on Forest’s pursuit of Luiz, with a report from Italy revealing they are leading the race for the Juventus maestro, who is valued at €40m (£35m) by the Italian club.

Edu is said to be the driving force behind the deal, having previously tried to sign the central midfielder for Arsenal, and developments are expected soon, with Nuno’s side ahead of the rival suitors in the race for his signature.

The Juventus ace struggled in the 2024-25 campaign, but his previous exploits in the Premier League suggest he could be a fantastic signing for Forest…

Luiz could be "world-class" addition to Nuno's squad

The former Villa man hasn’t set the world alight since moving to Italy, but he was held in very high regard by ex-teammate John McGinn during his previous stint in England, with the Scotland international lauding him as “world-class”.

That description is certainly bold, but it is arguably backed up by the numbers, with Statman Dave providing an overview of just how impressive the Brazilian was during the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.

The Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder was a real difference-maker for Villa in their pursuit of Champions League football, indicating that he could have a similar impact at the City Ground.

As such, it is exciting news that Forest are now leading the race for the 27-year-old, who could form a formidable partnership with Gibbs-White in midfield.

One of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer has surrounded Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. The Sweden international seems destined to leave St James’ Park, with Liverpool still pursuing a move despite signing French striker Hugo Ekitike earlier in the window.

The Magpies are also linked with Benjamin Sesko, but a recent report from Craig Hope explains that ‘the feeling inside the club is that he is likely to join’ Manchester United instead. David Ornstein says that he is still a ‘top target’ for the Magpies, although Ruben Amorim’s side are keenly pursuing him.

As the Magpies continue their search for a new striker this summer, a new option has seemingly emerged in the last couple of days.

Newcastle’s striker search

So, it does seem that Isak is set to leave the North East for pastures anew this summer. With Ekitike now a Liverpool player, and Sesko a key target for the Red Devils, the options have certainly been narrowed for the Magpies.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, a report from TEAMtalk suggests that Porto and Spain striker Samu Aghehowa is ‘under consideration’ this summer at St James’ Park. Newcastle have clearly shortlisted a set of striker targets, but the 21-year-old is an ‘option’ for the club.

However, this will not be a cheap deal to do for the Magpies, although selling Isak means that would not be an issue. According to reports in mid-July, Aghehowa could be worth as much as £69m this summer.

That same report suggested that Aston Villa were also interested in signing the player, so Newcastle might face stiff competition from Premier League rivals.

Why Aghehowa would be a good signing

Despite not turning 21 until the start of May, Aghehowa impressed for Portuguese giants Porto. Having impressed in La Liga on loan at Alaves from Atletico Madrid the season before, he continued such form for Dragoes.

In 45 games across all competitions, Aghehowa scored an impressive 27 goals, grabbing three assists in that time, too. His record in the Portuguese top flight stood out, with the striker bagging 19 goals in 30 appearances.

The Spain international, who came through the academy at Granada, has also impressed in Europe. He bagged six goals in nine Europa League games last term, including two against Man United, then managed by Erik ten Hag, in a 3-3 draw.

Indeed, if the Magpies are to sign the 21-year-old this summer, Aghehowa could become their own Viktor Gyokeres. The Sweden striker, who recently signed for Arsenal, also impressed in the Portuguese top flight over the past couple of seasons.

The 27-year-old, who will take the number 14 shirt at the Emirates Stadium, bagged 68 goals in just 66 games in the Liga Portugal. Whilst his 39 league goals in 2024/25 eclipsed Aghehowa’s tally from last term, it is worth remembering that he is six years his senior.

With that being said, scoring 19 league goals is still an incredibly prolific return for the youngster. The Magpies will surely hope that, over time, he can grow into a similar player and is already showing signs of being a clinical number nine. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig said he is a “monster in the making”, which is certainly positive for the Magpies.

On top of that, the striker’s numbers from last season in the Portuguese first division stand out. As per Sofascore, he averaged 0.8 goals each game and was a threat in the air, too, winning 1.9 aerial duels per 90 minutes. In contrast, the new Arsenal number nine scored 1.3 goals and won 1.2 aerial duels each game, according to Sofascore.

Goals

0.8

1.3

Shots on target

1.4

2.6

Big chances created

0.2

0.4

Aerial duels won

1.9

1.2

Expected goal involvements

0.65xGI

1.21xGI

Newcastle will have the money to spend on a new number nine this summer, and Aghehowa could be the dream acquisition. The Magpies will hope he can become their own version of Gyokeres, after showing how clinical he can be in the Portuguese top flight.

£69m is no doubt a costly signing, but the Spaniard could help solve their issues up front and become a key player for Howe’s side.

A new Ben Arfa: Newcastle join the race to sign "sensational" £21m star

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While the elusive centre forward is yet to arrive, there is no doubt that this has been a great summer for Arsenal in the transfer market.

There’s no Edu-like hesitancy from the recruitment team as Andrea Berta is here and he’s making a stamp on the Gunners.

With a move for Viktor Gyokeres continuing to rumble on in the background, Mikel Arteta’s side have added Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke to their ranks.

Yet, they aren’t done there. It feels like a matter of time before Gyokeres becomes an Arsenal player and a new centre-back in the shape of Cristhian Mosquera has already completed his media duties ahead of being announced.

But, another winger could also arrive before transfer deadline day.

Arsenal looking to further bolster their forward line

Two of the biggest rumours this summer have concerned Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo.

Eze, who was once in the Arsenal academy, has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Gunners but club-to-club talks are yet to open between the north Londoners and Crystal Palace.

If the attacker does make the move to the Emirates Stadium, then it’s likely his £68m release clause will have been activated.

But, how about Rodrygo? Well, this saga is one that looks as though it could continue until the latter stages of the window.

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

The Brazilian played just 92 minutes at this summer’s Club World Cup and as a result, Xabi Alonso could well be looking to move him on from Real Madrid.

Arsenal have been at the table for a while now, but they are joined by Liverpool in the race. However, according to reports in Spain, the Gunners are now looking to steal a march on the Reds.

Those reports suggest that Arteta views Rodrygo as ‘the ideal player to strengthen the left flank’ and as a consequence, they are preparing an €80m (£70m) bid to bring him to London. It’s unlikely that will be accepted as Madrid have set their asking price at €100m (£87m).

Why Rodrygo could be Arsenal's best left winger since Alexis

While the centre forward position at Arsenal has been a problem for two years now, arguably so has the wide left position in Arteta’s side.

Gabriel Martinelli scored as many as 15 Premier League goals in 2022/23 but since then, he’s not scored more than eight in a single league campaign. As for Leandro Trossard, he did find the net on 17 occasions in 2023/24, but as far as league goals are concerned, it was an inconsistent term in 2024/25 for the Belgian too.

Indeed, the former Brighton winger scored just eight in the top-flight, leading to concerns about the overall makeup of Arsenal’s attack.

It feels like a long time ago now that the Gunners had Alexis Sanchez dominating the left flank. Like Trossard, he also featured as the main centre-forward, but his quality far surpassed both him and Martinelli.

Cast your minds back to 2016/17 and you will recall just how magical the Chilean was, scoring as many as 24 Premier League goals. In all competitions, he found the net 30 times and supplied 18 assists too.

It’s numbers we’ve not seen from a forward player at Arsenal since Sanchez. Not even Bukayo Saka has enjoyed a season as good as that.

Well, Rodrygo could well be the type of winger who can emulate Alexis in north London. Like the Chile international, he’d arrive at the Emirates having played second fiddle to some major names in Spanish football.

Sanchez moved to Arsenal in the shadow of Lionel Messi and Co while Rodrygo is firmly behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vini Jr.

Yet, his quality is clear for all to see. In 2022/23, he scored 19 goals in all competitions and possesses a dazzling dribbling ability akin to the club’s former number 17.

Taking a fraction of the data from the best individual seasons of both players’ careers, there are obvious differences, notably in terms of output.

That said, they created an identical number of big chances and their dribbling is very much on par, with Rodrygo only 0.4 down when it comes to their success rates.

To rubberstamp that ability, the Madrid star ranked among the top 20% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues last year for take-ons and the best 14% for progressive carries.

On that evidence, the Brazil international is a captivating star and even though he’s not too consistent with regards to goals and assists yet, he is still only 24. Alexis, in contrast, was 27 during that 2016/17 campaign. There is plenty of time left for him to develop yet.

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The attacking midfielder would be unreal for Arsenal and Viktor Gyokeres.

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Sussex duo lead recovery from 14 for 2 on hard-fought first day

ECB Reporters Network22-Aug-2024Yorkshire enjoyed the better of a hard-fought opening day of their Vitality County Championship promotion battle with Division Two leaders Sussex at Scarborough, though potentially not by much.Sussex came into this 10th-round Division Two affair top of the table with six wins and Yorkshire third with two. The gap between the two sides was 27 points, and both have high hopes of playing top-flight cricket next season.Sussex, invited to bat in challenging conditions, battled hard to reach close at 187 for nine from 72 overs, including half-centuries for left-handers Daniel Hughes and Tom Alsop, who top-scored with 84 not out off 184 balls.They had to recover from 14 for 2 during the early stages of the afternoon after rain had limited the morning session to only four overs. Matthew Revis’s seam accounted for three wickets.Although the day was shortened by 24 overs due to rain at the start and bad light at the end, the play was intriguing, and it would be absolutely no surprise if Sussex’s total turns out to be a competitive one.They batted under grey skies and on a pitch showing signs of uneven bounce.Hughes, who made 53, and Alsop, the latter dropped in the slips on nine during the afternoon, both drove nicely.Australian overseas opener Hughes has enjoyed an excellent start to life with the South Coast county during the second half of the summer, mainly in the Vitality Blast. And he has just signed on to return for the majority of 2025.He drove the first ball of the match, from Ben Coad, through the covers after Jonny Tattersall had elected to bowl.Another memorable one came almost arrow straight off George Hill midway through the afternoon to move him into the forties. But, largely, he was forced to battle hard.Unfortunately, having done the hard work and got set – he reached his fifty off 85 balls – he drove Coad to cover two balls later, falling to leave Sussex at 75 for 3 in the 30th over.Either side of the morning rain, from 11.20pm to 1.10pm, including lunch, Coad had trapped Tom Haines lbw with a full ball with the last delivery of the contest’s opening over before Tom Clark was caught at point having aimed a lazy drive at Thompson.Hughes and Alsop then shared 61 for the third wicket to ease Sussex nerves.Like Hughes, Alsop has this week committed his future to the South Coast county, signing a long-term contract.He was also strong on the drive but was far more obdurate than Hughes, seemingly determined to make the most of his life on nine when Fin Bean shelled a head-high chance at third slip off the bowling of Matthew Revis.After the Hughes dismissal, Thompson trapped James Coles lbw – 85 for 4 in the 36th over.Alsop and captain John Simpson shared 40 into the evening, but the latter pulled George Hill’s seam to midwicket. When Fynn Hudson-Prentice edged Revis to first slip shortly afterwards, Sussex were 134 for six in the 55th.Shortly afterwards, Alsop reached his half-century off 142 balls.Jack Carson and Indian seamer Jaydev Unadkat then offered catches to third and fourth slip as they drove at Revis. Sandwiched in between, Ollie Robinson edged Dan Moriarty’s left-arm spin to slip as the score slipped to 172 for 9 in the 69th over.Jonny Bairstow took the wicketkeeping gloves for Yorkshire in his first county appearance of the season and was neat and tidy, while Sussex’s new ball seamer Robinson was only called upon late on with the bat and made two.Both men are hoping to rekindle their England Test careers.Shortly before bad light was called at 6.15pm, the excellent Alsop hit two boundaries – one reverse swept and the other swept – off Moriarty as he ran out of partners.