Chelsea teenager who's "truly ridiculous" looks like a right-footed Palmer

While they’ve not all been hits, Chelsea have signed some seriously talented players over the last few years.

The best of them all, though, has undoubtedly been Cole Palmer, who has taken the Premier League by storm since his arrival in 2023.

The Englishman has already produced 74 goal involvements for the side in just 101 appearances and, so long as he’s fit, will most certainly be going to the World Cup with England.

So it’s great news that Cobham looks like it may well have just produced Chelsea a right-footed version of the ice-cold superstar.

Chelsea's most exciting academy gems

Cobham has long been one of, if not the best, academies in England, and there are once again a handful of seriously exciting academy prospects who could soon be making a significant impact on the Chelsea first team.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

For example, Shim Mheuka has been on fire for some time now and even made a few appearances for the senior side last season.

As things stand, the 18-year-old phenomenon has scored 13 goals and provided three assists in just 12 appearances across various youth sides, totalling 977 minutes.

Mheuka’s Chelsea youth record

Appearances

61

Goals

34

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

All Stats via Transfermarkt

That comes out to an outrageous average of 1.33 goal involvements every game, or one every 61.06 minutes, and helps to explain why respected talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “the future of Chelsea and English football.”

Moving deeper down the pitch, and while it’s likely going to be a couple of years before he’s given a chance in the first team, Reggie Watson looks to be the real deal.

The 15-year-old can, and has played in a few positions for the youth sides, but is at his best as a six, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “midfield powerhouse.”

Another analyst has highlighted his impressive “passing and vision” as well as his knack for “dictating the tempo of the game.”

He’s not just impressive at club level either, as, after producing six goal involvements in six appearances for England’s under-15s, he was moved up to the under-16s, where he has already scored three goals in just six games.

With all that said, there is another gem who is arguably the most exciting of the lot, and the one who could be Chelsea’s own homegrown Palmer.

Chelsea's homgrown Palmer

While there are an impressive number of academy talents who could become first-team stars at Chelsea, one of the most exciting, and the one who could become the club’s homegrown Palmer, is Reggie Walsh.

The 17-year-old gem joined the Blues at the under-8s level and has worked his way through the academy, impressing at every step of the way and made his competitive debut for the club in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden last season.

He then became the club’s youngest European starter in the second leg, aged just 16 years and 200 days.

With all that said, what about him means he could be the club’s next Palmer?

Well, while he hasn’t got an outrageous goalscoring record with the youth sides, he, like the Blues starman, is a proper entertainer on the ball, someone capable of doing the simple things while also playing with some flair.

For example, he has been described as a “truly ridiculous” talent by Como scout Felix Johnston, and when asked about him last season, Maresca was full of praise for his playstyle, describing him as “perfect for our system.”

As if that wasn’t enough, another analyst claimed the youngster is “a joy to watch”, and u23 scout Antonio Mango went even further than that, stating that “watching Reggie Walsh perform is a thing of beauty.”

The right-footed gem isn’t just making waves at club level, though, as he’s gone through England’s u15s, u16s, u17s and u18s.

Ultimately, it is still so early in his career, but Walsh is clearly a star in the making, and like Palmer, is a truly entertaining player to watch.

Forget Delap: Cobham star who "lives & breathes goals" is Chelsea's future #9

The incredible Cobham gem could be a star for Chelsea but a problem for Delap.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 13, 2025

Cardinals Trade Veteran Reliever Steven Matz to Red Sox

Pitcher Steven Matz has reinvented himself in 2025—and the Boston Red Sox appear hopeful he can reinvent their bullpen.

The Red Sox are acquiring Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals for infielder Blaze Jordan, according to a Wednesday night report from ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Matz, 34, is in the first year of a shift to the bullpen after 10 years as a starter. That move has gone fairly well—in 32 games this season, he is 5-2 with a 3.44 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 55 innings pitched. His 2.88 FIP suggests he may be even better than his numbers let on.

Among most baseball fans, Matz remains best known for his stellar—albeit injury-marred—early years with the New York Mets. The Long Island native helped the Mets win the National League pennant in 2015, and went 9-8 in a very good rookie season in 2016.

He reportedly joins a Boston team clinging to the American League's second wild-card spot; it leads the Seattle Mariners by one game.

Is Head's form a worry? How the Australians have prepared for the Ashes

Marnus Labuschagne has churned out runs, Steven Smith looks primed and Scott Boland has been in the wickets

Andrew McGlashan15-Nov-20252:17

Weatherald or Labuschagne – who will open in Perth?

Usman KhawajaSheffield Shield – Matches: 3; Runs: 202; Average: 50.50; 100s: 0A solid build-up for Khawaja, who was always scheduled to miss the game against Western Australia having played the first three. Made contributions in all the matches and looked good for his 87 against New South Wales, although the real test will come against the extra pace in England’s attack.Jake WeatheraldSheffield Shield – Matches: 4; Runs: 301; Average: 37.62; 100s: 0
One-Day Cup – Matches: 2; Runs: 28; Average: 14.00Though he hasn’t nailed a huge score, his rapid 94 against Western Australia helped seal his first Test call after starting with twin fifties on a docile Allan Border Field pitch on the back of his 900-run 2024-25 summer. Two lean rounds heading into the series isn’t ideal but Weatherald is a cricketer very comfortable with where he is at in his career. Has been picked because of his naturally positive game, so don’t expect that to change if he makes the XI.Related

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The Ashes gave Khawaja a 'fairy tale' but can he write another chapter?

Marnus LabuschagneSheffield Shield – Matches: 4; Runs: 402; Average: 67.00; 100s: 2
One-Day Cup – Matches: 4; Runs: 338; Average: 84.50; 100s: 3Has done everything, and probably more, asked of him after being dropped in the West Indies. While the volume of runs will be pleasing for the selectors, it’s the manner in which Labuschagne has made them that has probably been the most important factor – back to the positive intent that was a hallmark of his prolific time as a Test batter a few years ago. Seems to be less worried about the little things.Steven SmithSheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Runs: 231; Average: 115.50; 100s: 1Smith said he was ready before he had hit a ball in anger this season and his returns in two New South Wales outings has backed that up. He was especially impressive on a tricky SCG pitch against Victoria. Also took a brilliant catch at slip to suggest the reflexes are still in top working order.Travis HeadODIs – Matches: 3; Runs 65; Average: 21.66
T20Is – Matches: 6; Runs: 78; Average: 15.60
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 1; Runs: 21Head is a critical figure in Australia’s batting order but enters the Ashes with question marks over his form. While T20s aren’t the best barometer, he also didn’t get going in the ODIs against India. Then, in his one Shield outing, he made two low scores in a bowler-dominated game against Tasmania. The hope will be that his big-game temperament shines through when needed. “I take confidence in the last Test series we played in West Indies,” he told . “I felt like on tough wickets I played well… I try to adapt to conditions and win games of cricket for Australia. I’m not too worried about output, I know I’m working hard, I know I’m ready to go.”Cameron Green ticked every box in his Shield outing against Queensland•Getty ImagesCameron GreenSheffield Shield – Matches: 3; Runs: 195; Average: 32.50; 100s: 0 | Overs: 20; Wickets: 2It had been a slightly disjointed start to the season for Green after a side niggle interrupted his preparations, but he ticked every box in his Shield outing against Queensland, getting through 16 overs at good pace across the two innings and making 94. Four years into his Test career, Green’s numbers are solid – can he now go to the next level?Beau WebsterSheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Runs: 38; Average: 9.50 | Overs: 47.5; Wickets: 9; Average: 19.66
One-Day Cup – Matches 3; Runs 159; Average: 53.00 | Overs: 19.4; Wickets: 5; Average: 18.40Webster’s immediate Test future hangs in the balance, largely through no fault of his own. However, it wasn’t a great time to have two lean outings with the bat for Tasmania after an ankle injury meant he missed the start of the Shield season. But with the ball he has been excellent – the injuries Australia have suffered may yet work in his favour if the selectors opt for extra bowling depth – and he would certainly be an asset in the field.Alex CareyODIs – Matches: 2; Runs: 33; Average: 16.50
T20Is – Matches: 3; Runs 8; Average: 4.00
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Runs: 126; Average: 31.50; 100s: 0
One-Day Cup – Matches 1; Runs 8It hasn’t been the most prolific six weeks for Carey but there won’t be too many concerns. His half-century against Tasmania was a timely tune-up ahead of next week. The original plan was probably for him to have three Shield outings, but he was a late call-up for the T20Is in New Zealand after Josh Inglis was injured.Josh InglisT20Is – Matches: 5; Runs: 33; Average: 11.00
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 1; Runs: 32Barring an injury to Carey, it’s unlikely Inglis will be needed, at least early in the Ashes. It’s been a frustrating season so far with a calf problem leaving him short of match time. He struggled in the T20Is against India and then made 4 and 28 in Western Australia’s thrilling one-wicket win over Queensland.Mitchell Starc bowled with pace against Victoria at the SCG•Getty ImagesMitchell StarcODIs – Matches: 3; Wickets: 3; Average: 38.33
Sheffield Shield – Matches: 1; Overs: 31; Wickets: 5; Average: 27.80Starc voluntarily offered up that he had been searching for rhythm a little after a lengthy lay-off since the West Indies tour. Things hadn’t quite felt right in the ODIs against India but signs were promising in his Shield outing where he produced a rapid spell after lunch on the first day. His durability is legendary but will be tested this summer.Nathan LyonSheffield Shield – Matches: 4; Overs: 150; Wickets: 12; Average: 34.00Lyon’s pre-season plan was to play three of the four Shield games before the first Test, but with seamers dominating the first two he opted for an extra outing to build his workload. Wickets didn’t come in abundance, but he looked to be finding a nice groove against Victoria. “I feel like I’ve been building nicely,” he said during the game. “Especially over at the Gabba and here now. It’s feeling really good.”Scott BolandSheffield Shield – Matches: 3; Overs: 90.4; Wickets: 14; Average: 17.57Boland, who is now likely to see much more Ashes action than may have originally been the case, looks to have timed his run perfectly. By his own high standards, he wasn’t quite at his best against NSW in Melbourne but still claimed a match-winning eight wickets. Was a constant threat in the return fixture at the SCG.Brendan DoggettSheffield Shield – Matches: 2; Overs: 64.4; Wickets: 13; Average: 14.69
One-Day Cup – Matches: 1; Wickets 2After a hamstring injury ruled him out of the first two Shield matches, Doggett has put his name up in lights with a bagful of wickets for South Australia. Josh Hazlewood’s injury has put him on the brink of a Test debut in Perth and he looks like a bowler ready for the step up.Michael NeserSheffield Shield – Matches 3; Overs: 115.3; Wickets: 14; Average: 24.38
One-Day Cup – Matches 2: Overs 20; Wickets: 4; Average: 26.25A late call-up after the major loss of Hazlewood for the first Test. Neser has been as probing as ever, particularly in his first two Shield outings in October that brought 11 wickets. Missed the third round to manage his workload.

Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal Leaves Start Against Marlins Early With Apparent Injury

Tigers ace and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal left his start against the Marlins with a team athletic trainer Friday night.

He appeared to grab the left side of his upper body after a pitch in the fourth inning which caused manager A.J. Hinch and a member of the training staff to head out to the mound. After a brief discussion, Skubal exited the game. You can watch the unfortunate sequence below:

Per 's Cody Stavenhagen, the team said the Cy Young Award frontrunner left his 29th start of the season with tightness in his left side and is getting evaluated. Heading into the night, he is 13–4 with a 2.10 ERA and 222 strikeouts. He leads the AL in ERA, trailing only Paul Skenes (1.92) for the best mark in baseball. Only Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet has more punchouts with 228.

Something was off with Skubal from the start Friday as he gave up two home runs in his first two innings and ended the evening allowing four earned runs to two strikeouts. He pitched 14 innings of scoreless baseball over his two previous starts while striking out 10 batters along the way.

Javier Báez exited early for Detroit Friday also after he fouled a ball off his head earlier in the game.

'Belief is key' – Mushtaq rallies Bangladesh ahead of must-win Afghanistan clash

Belief. That was the buzzword as Mushtaq Ahmed, Bangladesh’s spin consultant, addressed a press conference ahead of his team’s must-win Asia Cup fixture against Afghanistan.Bangladesh’s chastening defeat to Sri Lanka with 32 balls to spare dented a net run-rate that should’ve received a bigger fillip when they beat Hong Kong. That they took 17.4 overs to knock off 144 despite having a platform was criticised from several quarters.That means Bangladesh won’t be able to control their fate even if they win, since Afghanistan and Sri Lanka play the last group game of the pool.Related

  • Trott: Afghanistan 'not shy about achieving new things or breaking new ground'

  • Bangladesh in need of a handout against buoyant Afghanistan

  • Hridoy hits back at critics as Bangladesh opt for safety over speed

“You have to believe. The coaches and management keep telling the players that belief is very important,” Mushtaq said. “It’s difficult, of course, having to rely on ifs and buts, but you have to concentrate on winning the match first.”Asked of potential dangers to look out for, Mushtaq was clear it would come from Afghanistan’s spinners, led by their captain, Rashid Khan.”Their spin department is very good, especially in the middle overs,” he said. “If we can counter their spin well and put a decent score on the board, we can challenge them because our bowling unit is also strong. My main concern is the middle overs.”This middle phase is where Bangladesh revived their innings in their previous game, with Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain reviving a floundering innings. From 59 for 5, they put together an unbroken 80-run stand to lift Bangladesh to 139.Mushtaq said despite their batting struggles, the messaging has been constant: to try and keep going for their shots, which he also said wasn’t something that can be ingrained instantly. But it’s something they’ve been trying to develop in trying to ramp up their batting methods – like their focus towards six-hitting.”Sometimes, early failures lead to losing four or five wickets quickly,” Mushtaq explained. “We tell our batsmen that such things happen, but they must move on fast. If they dwell on the past, their progress will be slow. As coaches, our duty is to prevent them from going into a shell, maintain their confidence, and keep giving them belief.Bangladesh suffered a heavy defeat to Sri Lanka•Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images

“As I’ve said in press conferences, I emphasise on belief. I played with legends like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Wasim Akram. One lesson I learned from them is that if you don’t believe you belong at the international level, you start over-respecting the opposition and forget your strengths. Even failure while playing aggressively makes you a stronger player.”If coaches and management can instill that belief, the team can challenge any side. Players like Litton [Das], [Towhid] Hridoy, Tanzim [Hasan], Jaker and Shamim have shown that even when situations look tough, they can find momentum and score 170-180. With good fast bowlers and spinners, and if we get stronger as a team, we can challenge any team.”Mushtaq also called for some patience while dealing with a player like Rishad Hossain, the legspinner. It’s an art that hasn’t always been explored to its full potential in Bangladesh, primarily because of their battery of traditional left-arm spinners over the years.Rishad, though, has had an impressive initiation into international cricket, even though he hasn’t picked up wickets by the truckloads. His only over the other night against Sri Lanka went for 18.”Sometimes, as a young leg-spinner, you can overthink and try too many deliveries in one over,” Mushtaq assessed. “Especially in the first few overs, you risk losing your line and length. Funny enough, you asked this question [about his form].”I spoke to him today before we came to the nets. His strength is always to bowl the first three balls in good areas. That builds belief and confidence, after which he can use variations. He has to learn these little things quickly and also figure out, situation-wise, which deliveries to bowl more.”If a bowler, like Rishad, struggles in the first three balls, it doesn’t mean he loses rhythm for the rest of the spell. As a leg-spin bowling coach, I remind all spinners to focus on the process. Bowling good balls consistently builds confidence. He’s young and hasn’t played much red-ball cricket, so it’s my responsibility to ensure he remembers his process before worrying about outcomes.”Mushtaq was then asked what Afghanistan are doing in their development of wristspinners and cricketers in general that Bangladesh aren’t.”Afghanistan players have played lots of franchise cricket,” he explained. “You can buy a bed, but you can’t buy sleep. Bangladesh has been strong at home, but in ICC or ACC tournaments, we have to improve.”

فان دايك يوجه رسالة إلى جماهير ليفربول بعد زلزال آيندهوفن

وجه فيرجيل فان دايك قائد ليفربول رسالة لجماهير الفريق بعد الخسارة الثقيلة أمام آيندهوفن برباعية لهدف واحد، على ملعب آنفيلد في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وأكد المدافع الهولندي المخضرم أن فريقه لن يستسلم، وأن ليفربول سيسعى لقلب سلسلة هزائمه الكارثية التي بلغت تسع هزائم من أصل 12 مباراة خاضها الفريق.

ويستعد ليفربول لمواجهة وست هام يونايتد على ملعب لندن يوم الأحد في الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز، وقد اعترف فان دايك أن الفريق يمر بأصعب فترة في مسيرته.

أقرأ أيضاً.. وارنوك: محمد صلاح سيعود لحالته في ليفربول.. ولكن بشرط

وكتب فان دايك عبر “إنستجرام” في رسالة نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية: “نواجه واحدة من أصعب لحظات مسيرتنا”.

وأضاف: “لكننا نرفض أن نسمح لهذا بأن يحدد مسارنا، سننهض من هذه المحنة، أؤمن بهذا الفريق بكل ما أوتيت من قوة”.

واختتم فان دايك: “لن نستسلم، كل تحدي هو فرصة، علينا أن ننمو معاً وندعم بعضنا البعض ونظهر قوتنا، إلى الجماهير استمروا في دعمنا، كلنا بحاجة لبعضنا البعض أكثر من أي وقت مضى”.

Flamengo é o maior vencedor de Bolas de Ouro no futebol brasileiro

MatériaMais Notícias

Com o título da Bola de Ouro entregue ao Arrascaeta, no prêmio “Bola de Prata”, o Flamengo se tornou a equipe que mais venceu o troféu. Embora campeão do Brasileirão e com o destaque do uruguaio como o melhor do ano, o Rubro-Negro teve menos jogadores na seleção do campeonato, que premia os 11 melhores da temporada.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol InternacionalGoleiro do Cruz Azul manda recado ao Flamengo: ‘Tenho certeza’Futebol Internacional08/12/2025FlamengoBrasileirão: Arrascaeta, do Flamengo, vence prêmio Bola de OuroFlamengo08/12/2025FlamengoFlamengo: Estádio rubro-negro recebe a Copa IntercontinentalFlamengo08/12/2025

Antes de Arrascaeta, grandes nomes do Flamengo já foram eleitos os melhores na premiação. Com o uruguaio, o clube chegou a sete vencedores, tornando-se o que mais teve um atleta eleito como o melhor da competição na tradicional premiação da ESPN.

➡️Flamengo tem quatro representantes e craque na Seleção do Brasileirão; veja lista

Zico (1974)Zico (1982)Renato Gaúcho (1987)Júnior (1992)Adriano (2009)Gabriel Barbosa (2019)Arrascaeta (2025)

Essa foi a primeira Bola de Ouro da carreira do uruguaio, mas foi o sétimo título do evento. Neste cenário, ele se tornou o estrangeiro mais vencedor da premiação até hoje. Com nove títulos cada, apenas Zico e Rogério Ceni o superam individualmente.

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➡️Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Flamengo

Seleção da competição

Mesmo vencendo a competição, apenas três jogadores do Flamengo foram colocados na lista final dos melhores do campeonato. São eles: Arrascaeta, Pedro e Léo Pereira. A equipe que mais teve representantes na Seleção do Campeonato foi o Cruzeiro, com quatro jogadores. Kaio Jorge, Matheus Pereira, Lucas Romero e Fabrício Bruno.

Vencedores do Prêmio Bola de Prata

Felipe Luís, técnico e campeão com o Flamengo, também não foi premiado. Rafael Guanaes, treinador do Mirassol, ficou com o troféu de melhor técnico. A campanha do time paulista foi uma das mais elogiadas e exaltadas durante toda a temporada.

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Allan, do Palmeiras, também foi um dos premiados e recebeu o ‘Troféu Revelação’. No entanto, a escolha dividiu opiniões. Torcedores opinaram sobre o merecimento do atacante do Vasco Rayan, devido ao destaque durante a temporada.

No campeonato, a joia do Verdão jogou 28 partidas, marcando dois gols e duas assistências. O Cria da Colina, por outro lado, jogou 34 jogos, marcou 14 gols e deu uma assistência, só no Brasileirão.

Tudo sobre

ArrascaetaFlamengoFora de campoFutebol Nacional

Sai, lei do ex! Inter pode ter duas crias do Palmeiras como titulares em Barueri

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras enfrenta o Internacional nesta quarta-feira (17), na Arena Barueri, em jogo válido pela 2ª rodada do Brasileirão 2024.

RelacionadasMercado do EsporteQuanto vale Felipe Anderson? Veja evolução do valor de mercado do reforço do PalmeirasMercado do Esporte17/04/2024PalmeirasPalmeiras volta para Barueri invicto há sete jogos e com ótimo aproveitamento em 2024Palmeiras17/04/2024Onde AssistirPalmeiras x Internacional: onde assistir, escalações e horário do jogo do BrasileirãoOnde Assistir17/04/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

Buscando a sua segunda vitória na competição, o time de Abel Ferreira deve reencontrar velhos conhecidos que hoje defendem o Colorado. Ao todo, seis jogadores do atual elenco do Inter já passaram pelo Palmeiras, porém apenas três podem ser titulares hoje.

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O volante Bruno Henrique, capitão do Deca Brasileiro do Verdão, e também as duas crias da Academia, Vitão e Wesley, brigam por uma vaga entre os 11 do time de Eduardo Coudet.

Alan Patrick e Hyoran, outros dois jogadores que passaram pelo Palmeiras, estão no departamento médico e não enfrentam o atual bicampeão brasileiro.

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Enquanto o Inter está recheado de jogadores em seu elenco que já vestiram o manto do Maior Campeão do Brasil, no Palmeiras, apenas o goleiro reserva Marcelo Lomba tem passagem pelo Colorado.

O provável Internacional para pegar o Palmeiras é: Rochet; Bustos, Vitão, Mercado e Renê; Thiago Maia, Bruno Gomes (Bruno Henrique) e Mauricio; Wesley, Wanderson e Borré.

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➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

Invicto no ano com o time titular, o Inter só tem uma derrota nesta temporada (assim como o Palmeiras) e também estreou com vitória no Brasileirão, quando bateu o Bahia no Beira-Rio por 2 a 1.

Yash Rathod's 194 gives Central Zone a firm hold

South Zone were on 129 for 2 at stumps, still trailing by 233 runs

Ashish Pant13-Sep-2025Yash Rathod missed out on his maiden first-class double ton, but his 194 was enough to give Central Zone a firm hold on the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy final in Bengaluru.Resuming the third day on 384 for 5, ahead by 235 runs, Central Zone stretched their lead to 362, with useful contributions from Saransh Jain (69) and Deepak Chahar (37) alongside Rathod’s ton. Left-arm seamer Gurjapneet Singh and left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma took four wickets apiece, but Central Zone racked up 511 in 145.1 overs.In reply, R Smaran and Ricky Bhui maintained a positive approach as they took South Zone to 129 for 2 at stumps, still trailing by 233 runs.Related

  • 'I love playing risk-free cricket' – Rathod extends dream red-ball run

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The morning session on both days of the final had plenty for the fast bowlers. That wasn’t the case on day three, though, with the pitch flattening out. Rathod clipped Gurjapneet through midwicket early before Jain reached his second successive fifty with a cut through point. Rathod, too, reached his 150 after the lead crossed the 250-mark.South Zone missed a chance to send back Jain on 61 when he seemingly played and missed a flatter delivery from Ankit. Replays confirmed Jain had got a thin nick through to the wicketkeeper but none of the fielders appealed. The miss didn’t cost South Zone much with Jain missing a reverse sweep off Ankit and getting bowled for 69.Deepak Chahar cracks a cut•PTI

Rathod, meanwhile, picked up pace. He drove V Koushik past mid-off and lifted Bhui over long-on. South Zone burnt their final review when Ankit pinned Deepak Chahar on the back foot with a quicker delivery, but the ball was sliding down leg.Having defended and prodded enough, Chahar took on Ankit, depositing him over long-on and then slashing him through point before going after Gurjapneet through mid-off and cover in an over.Rathod looked fidgety after lunch, and his luck ran out when Gurjapneet got a length ball to nip back sharply into the batter, breaching his defence to end a 286-ball knock. Central Zone lost their last four wickets in 11 runs as Ankit wrapped up the innings. He toiled 44.1 overs and took 4 for 180, while Gurjpaneet picked up 4 for 124 in 28 overs.With no major alarms in the pitch, South Zone started their second innings confidently. Chahar and Aditya Thakare got a hint of movement, but Tanmay Agarwal and Mohit Kale kept things steady. Kale was circumspect initially, but back-to-back flicks for four against Chahar got him going. He reeled off four fours in the next three overs as South Zone went into tea on 57 for 0, trailing Central Zone by 305 runs.Jain got Central Zone the first breakthrough after tea, trapping Kale lbw with a quicker delivery. Smaran, in at No. 3, pulled and drove Kuldeep Sen twice in three balls, but the fast bowler struck at the other end. Agarwal shouldered arms to Sen, only to find the off bail getting dislodged.With the ball gripping and turning, Bhui and Smaran counterattacked against the spinners and found the boundaries regularly. Smaran had a close shave when he was given out lbw to Jain, but a tiny inside edge onto the pad saved him. The duo added an unbroken 53-run stand for the third wicket before bad light ended the third day 25 minutes early.

John McEvoy: Who is the American billionaire looking to buy Sheffield Wednesday?

After being put into administration last week, Sheffield Wednesday have reportedly received first contacts from American billionaire John McEvoy.

Despite all the consequences that come with being put into administration, including a 12-point deduction, the mood has been relatively positive around Sheffield Wednesday. The era of Dejphon Chansiri has finally come to an end and fans flocked to the club shop in support of their side when the news emerged.

The future is finally looking up even if it does immediately start in League One next season and a number of potential owners have already emerged.

Kris Wigfield, joint administrator with insolvency firm Begbies Traynor provided an update about the Owls’ takeover on BBC Five Live’s Wake Up to Money programme.

Among those in the running to buy the club is McEvoy. According to The Telegraph, the American billionaire has asked questions about the club and is one of the early candidates that could yet complete a takeover.

Whilst everything is still at a very early stage, McEvoy is someone to keep an eye on. The interested candidate has made investments in baseball, ice-hockey and music in an impressive portfolio. Now, he could be on his way to Hillsborough.

Who is Sheffield Wednesday candidate John McEvoy?

So, who is McEvoy? Most will know him for his minority stakes in NHL side Nashville Predators and MLB side Colorado Rockies, but any music fans will also be well aware of Various Artists – a talent agency which manages the likes of Mel C and Tom Grennan.

Interestingly enough, that same talent agency manages Reverend and the Makers, who are fronted by famous Sheffield Wednesday fan John McClure – someone that McEvoy has reportedly already spoken to about buying the club.

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This is also not the first time that the American has shown an interest in English football. In 2022, reports claimed that he was considering a bid for Coventry City and even attended a game before a takeover failed to materialise.

McEvoy made a large share of his billions from founding a San Diego-based mobile device distribution company and could now use those billions to welcome Sheffield Wednesday into a new era.

On paper, he ticks the box for experience in the world of sports investment and the credentials to avoid the same problems that Chansiri handed the Owls.

John Textor makes contact with Sheffield Wednesday

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