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Chelsea have now made contact with the agents of an “amazing” Premier League star, who is open to a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, journalist Simon Phillips has revealed.

Maresca looking to bolster his backline

Enzo Maresca is proud of the strides his side have taken since last summer, having recently been crowned Club World Cup champions, with the manager saying: “For me, the biggest achievement this season is that exactly one year ago, no one was talking about Chelsea for football (reasons), but talking about the big squad, big money.

“Now, no one is talking about this, but they are talking about the way we play, and the way we win games. This is personally the biggest achievement of this season.”

The Blues silenced a lot of critics with their shock 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, but their squad arguably still needs to be trimmed down, with Nicolas Jackson now unhappy about potentially being behind Liam Delap and Joao Pedro in the pecking order.

More exciting than Rogers: Chelsea in talks to sign "exceptional" £52m ace

Chelsea could sign a more exciting talent than Morgan Rogers by snapping up this £52m ace.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 20, 2025

At the opposite end of the pitch, however, Maresca may still need some new recruits, given that Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah or Benoit Badiashile could be used as part of a swap deal for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers.

As such, according to Phillips, Chelsea have now made fresh contact with the agents of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is expected to cost around £40m, as he has now entered the final year of his contract and doesn’t plan to renew.

The journalist also added: “Guehi has a lot of interest and not just from Chelsea, and he is expected to depart his club this summer.

“Guehi is believed to be open to making a move back to Chelsea this summer but is also aware of other interest from big clubs in the Premier League.”

Guehi could be "amazing" signing for Chelsea

It could be difficult for the Palace defender to immediately force his way into Maresca’s starting XI, given that the Blues’ backline impressed considerably at the Club World Cup, keeping four clean sheets, including one against PSG in the final.

However, having proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years, the 25-year-old clearly has the talent to be a success at Stamford Bridge, with international teammate Harry Maguire even dubbing him as “amazing”.

The England international made 44 appearances in all competitions last season, displaying his leadership abilities by captaining the Eagles, while also impressing manager Oliver Glasner.

Guehi could be a fantastic signing at just £40m, and Chelsea should have the funds to make a deal, considering their recent Club World Cup triumph.

Sussex coasting to title after rain-ruined contest at Hove

ECB Reporters Network29-Sep-2024Tom Haines and James Coles both scored centuries as Sussex clinched the second division title on a day of celebrations at Hove.Haines made 105 – his third hundred of the season – and Coles hit an unbeaten 132 as Sussex finished the season undefeated at the 1st Central County Ground after drawing with Middlesex.They began the final day on 112 for two, needing to reach 250 and a fourth bonus point to ensure promotion as champions.There was a slight sense of anti-climax shortly after lunch when Luke Hollman overstepped and the two no-balls took Sussex to 250, but the celebrations out in the middle, where Coles and skipper John Simpson embraced warmly, and on the pavilion balcony showed what it meant as Sussex returned to Division One after a nine-year absence.Sussex finished 20 points clear of Yorkshire, having won eight of their 14 games.There had still been a bit of work to do at the start before the celebrations could begin and Haines and Tom Alsop settled any nerves by putting on 123 in 35 overs for the third wicket with few alarms. Alsop passed fifty for the eighth time this season and must have fancied his chances of converting it into a first hundred, only to mistime a pull off Josh De Caires to deep midwicket.Haines reached a chanceless hundred – the 12th of his career – with a cut through backward point off Hollman for his 13th boundary only to fall just before lunch when he bottom-edged into his stumps to reward Hollman’s perseverance.Once Sussex had achieved their objective the cricket not surprisingly lost any intensity. Ryan Higgins bowled off breaks instead of his usual medium-fast seamers, Luis du Plooy gave his left-arm tweakers an airing as Middlesex employed nine bowlers including Mark Stoneman, who sent down seven overs in his final game for the county, and wicketkeeper Jack Davies.Not that Coles or Simpson were complaining too much as they built a fifth-wicket stand of 226 in 46 overs, beating the previous best against Middlesex set of 223 by Simpson and Cheteshwar Pujara when the teams drew at Lord’s earlier in the season.Coles played aggressively, hitting six sixes and nine boundaries, clipping Hollman into the leg side to bring up his first hundred of the season. His unbeaten 132 came from just 150 balls while Simpson took his aggregate to 1197 runs at 74.81 with an undefeated 87.It was fitting that Simpson, whose five centuries as well as his leadership has been so crucial to Sussex’s success, was there when the players shook hands at 4.20pm with Sussex on 459 for 4.A few minutes later the celebrations could begin in earnest when the trophy was presented to him by another former Sussex captain Clare Connor, the managing director of England Womens Cricket.

After their dismal Premier League season in 2024/25, it’s no surprise that Manchester United have spent big in the transfer window in an attempt to hand Ruben Amorim the tools for success.

The 40-year-old could only achieve a 15th-placed finish after taking the reins from Erik ten Hag in November, finally having the opportunity to make his own mark on the side this summer.

He’s taken action and cleared out the deadwood within the first team squad, before splashing over £130m on the additions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha – arriving from Brentford and Wolves, respectively.

Benjamin Sesko could be another player to make the move to Old Trafford, after the 22-year-old agreed personal terms with the Red Devils after making a £74m bid for his services.

However, despite the prospect of the Slovenian making a move to link up with Cunha and Mbeumo, Amorim clearly wants more additions, making key moves in other areas of the pitch as a result.

The latest on United’s hunt for additions this summer

Douglas Luiz is a player who reemerged on United’s shortlist earlier this week, with the Juventus midfielder set to depart his current side before the end of the window.

The Brazilian is also on the radar of Everton and Nottingham Forest this summer, with the Serie A side demanding a permanent transfer rather than a loan move.

However, another midfielder has emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba a player in their sights, according to L’Equipe.

They claim that Liverpool and Arsenal are also interested in a move for the 21-year-old before the end of the window – which finishes on the 1st of September.

Despite the interest from elsewhere, the report claims that the Red Devils are currently the side in pole position for his signature, with a £100m transfer fee mooted – a figure that would be a club record.

Why United’s £100m target would be perfect for Bruno

Bruno Fernandes ended the most recent campaign with 38 combined goals and assists for United last season, by far and away the most in the first-team squad.

Such a tally undoubtedly pushed the side away from any relegation battle, whilst helping them reach the Europa League final – in which they fell at the final hurdle against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Portuguese international has been a consistent presence in the side since his arrival back in January 2020, making 290 appearances for the club, often featuring in an attacking midfield role.

However, he may struggle to feature in a deeper role next season, with Cunha and Mbeumo expected to operate in the number ten roles behind the striker.

He will subsequently have to feature as part of the central midfield department, potentially benefiting massively from the potential addition of Baleba in the next few weeks.

The Cameroonian would be the perfect ball-winning option that could allow the 30-year-old to still cause havoc with the ball at his feet within the attacking areas.

Baleba, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, made 2.3 tackles per 90 last season, along with 1.4 interceptions – having the talent to break up the play at the heart of the side.

1. Carlos Baleba

1.6

2. Matthijs de Ligt

0.9

3. Harry Maguire

0.6

= Casemiro

0.6

4. Lisandro Martínez

0.4

= Christian Eriksen

0.4

5. Diogo Dalot

0.3

= Noussair Mazraoui

0.3

However, he also thrived with the ball at his feet, completing 88% of the passes he attempted, with 3.7 of which being into the final third, allowing Bruno to be provided with the opportunity to impress once again in 2025/26.

His talent on the ball is further highlighted by his tally of 58% of take-ons completed, whilst also possessing an excellent long-range strike that saw him find the net on three occasions last time around.

Whilst £100m appears to be a mammoth sum of money for a player with just two years’ experience in England’s top-flight, it’s a signing that would massively bolster the options at Amorim’s disposal.

If he can thrive in and out of possession like he has at the AMEX, it would be the perfect signing for Bruno, who can still thrive despite dropping into a deeper role next campaign.

Amorim can get Sesko firing at Man Utd by signing 'one of the world's best'

Manchester United could yet continue their heavy spending under Ruben Amorim this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 7, 2025

The appointment is understood to be a prelude to a role with the franchise at the PSL

Danyal Rasool01-Nov-2024Darren Gough has been appointed head coach of Lahore Qalandars. His first assignment with the franchise will be the Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana, which starts on November 26.The appointment is understood to be a prelude to a more permanent role in Qalandars’ stock competition: the PSL. Aaqib Javed, who served as head coach and director of cricket operations for Qalandars for eight years, quit last month to focus on a new role at the PCB with Pakistan cricket: he is now a member of the selection committee for the Pakistan men’s national team.Qalandars won back-to-back PSL titles in 2022 and 2023 before stumbling this year, finishing bottom. Aaqib’s departure left a vacancy at the franchise, one they wish to ensure is filled well before the PSL begins in April next year. Gough, who retired in 2006 as England’s leading ODI wicket-taker (and is still No. 2 on the list behind James Anderson) is understood to be keen on the role, with the GSL seen as a useful opportunity to allow him to get his feet under the table before a permanent decision is made.”It’s an absolute honour to have been asked by the Lahore Qalandars to be the head coach for the upcoming Global Super League in Guyana,” Gough said in a statement. “I’m really excited about this opportunity because I’ve been fortunate to work with the Qalandars in Lahore on several occasions, assisting with their PDP [player development programme].”We know that Lahore Qalandars are all about giving young players opportunities they’ve never had before -developing their skills and shaping them into players who can go on to represent the Qalandars, and hopefully make Pakistan cricket proud.”Gough most recently served as managing director at his old club, Yorkshire, after being appointed in December 2021 following the racism allegations that rocked the club. He parted ways with Yorkshire in March this year. Before that, he had a stint as England’s bowling consultant in 2020. Not long after Gough joined Yorkshire in 2021, the club launched a partnership with Qalandars aiming to “nurture talent [by] reducing barriers to entry” following the racism crisis.Sameen Rana, co-owner of Qalandars, said Gough’s vision aligned “seamlessly with our commitment to player development”, referring to the appointment as an embarkation on “a new journey”.The GSL will be contested by five teams. Qalandars are joined by Hampshire Hawks from the T20 Blast, Rangpur Riders from the BPL, Victoria from Australia, as well as the hosts, Guyana Amazon Warriors. The final will take place on December 7.

A shirt worn by Cristiano Ronaldo has smashed an auction record – knocking great rival Lionel Messi off top spot in the process.

Ronaldo jersey goes on sale at auctionTops list for most valuable match-worn shirtsPortuguese edges out great rival MessiFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

MatchWornShirt.com has revealed that the top donned by Ronaldo during Portugal's 5-0 World Cup qualifying win over Armenia, where the 40-year-old bagged a brace, is currently at £61,657 (€71,0126) in a live auction. Even with four days to go, the Portuguese's shirt has surpassed the website's previous number one sale – Messi's Paris Saint-Germain-worn jersey against Reims in 2023. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Ronaldo and Messi's shirts make up eight of the top 10.

AdvertisementGetty Images/GOALMATCHWORNSHIRT’S TOP 10 MOST VALUABLE SHIRTSCristiano Ronaldo – €71,026 (£61,657)Lionel Messi – €55,019 (£49,446)Lionel Messi – €50,517 (£44,598)Heung-Min Son – €48,907 (£41,221)Cristiano Ronaldo – €45,012 (£39,148)Lionel Messi – €43,623 (£38,689)Cristiano Ronaldo – €43,206 (£36,942)Lionel Messi – €42,786 (£36,786)Cole Palmer – €41,127 (£34,411)Lionel Messi – €37,405 (£33,372)THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo and Messi will go down as some of the greatest footballers of all time, with the debate raging on about who is the best. But football fans have been truly privileged to see the Al-Nassr ace and the Inter Milan star play for so long. Despite being in the winter years of their careers, fans still clamour for a piece of them.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

The MWS website states that there are still four days and four hours left, at the time of writing, for fans to bid for Ronaldo's Portugal shirt. The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid man is clearly still a phenomenon in the sport.

He was only able to send down one over before leaving the field early on the fourth day at the Gabba

Andrew McGlashan17-Dec-2024Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series against India after suffering a calf strain during warm-ups on the fourth day in Brisbane meaning Scott Boland will be set to return to the side for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.Hazlewood, who returned in this game after missing Adelaide with a side strain, was late entering the field at the start of play on Tuesday, having spent time talking with head coach Andrew McDonald and physio Nick Jones, then looked laboured when he came into the attack, barely topping 131kph which included a wide long hop first ball that was cut away by KL Rahul.During the drinks break which followed that over, Hazlewood was part of a lengthy conversation with Pat Cummins, Steven Smith and the physio before he walked off the field.Cricket Australia initially said he had “calf awareness” and he went for scans which confirmed the severity of the injury.”He’s pretty despondent,” Daniel Vettori, Australia’s assistant coach, said. “Felt it this morning in warm-ups, gave it a good crack, it’s just unfortunate for him to come back, put so much effort after another injury with the side strain, then to pick up a calf strain here, particularly in these circumstances is really tough on him.”Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott have been part of the squad in this series, when they were initially called up as cover in Adelaide after Hazlewood was ruled out, and would likely head the queue of replacements. Western Australia pair Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson are still early in their comebacks to red ball cricket and the domestic season has now switched into BBL mode.Australia were trying to force victory between frequent rain delays in Brisbane with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc putting in significant stints in the absence of Hazlewood but India’s last-wicket stand between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep denied them the chance of enforcing the follow on.Vettori confirmed that despite being a bowler down that option would have been taken and, given the lighter workloads in Adelaide and regular rain breaks, there was confidence that Starc and Cummins would be able to manage the overs.Hazlewood had returned to the side for this Test after a side strain ruled him out of Adelaide. His latest injury opens the door for Boland to return to the side at the MCG, the venue where he claimed a remarkable 6 for 7 on debut against England in 2021-22. Cummins had flagged the potential for Boland to play a further role in the series when he missed out in Brisbane.”[We told him] it’s about preparing for the MCG because there’s a good chance we might need you,” he said. “History suggests there’s always some form of natural attrition throughout a Test series. A good thing [is], he’s probably played a Test earlier in the series than he maybe thought. Showed that his standard’s still super high. [It’s] about trying to set him up for the last two Test matches.”While selection is not part of Vettori’s remit, he acknowledged the decision would probably be a simple one. “Fortunately I don’t have to worry about that, but Boland speaks for himself,” he said. “The way he bowled in Adelaide, the way he’s consistently been the back-up seamer and every single time he’s been asked to step up, particularly in Australia, he’s been outstanding so think that would be the logical thing to conclude.”Hazlewood previously suffered a mild calf strain earlier in the year which kept him out of the T20Is against Scotland and England. The Perth Test against India was his 10th consecutive match following a frustrating couple of years where he was hit by a series of injuries while also being left out due to conditions on the subcontinent. Overall, Hazlewood has missed 18 of Australia’s last 35 Tests dating back to the 2021-22 Ashes.Hazlewood’s next opportunity to play Tests could come in Sri Lanka from late January although conditions could mean he is surplus to requirements if Australia pack their line-up with spinners. After that there’s the possibility of the World Test Championship final in early June should Australia qualify ahead of a three-match tour of West Indies that is expected to start later that month

And just like that, Viktor Gyokeres has lift off at Arsenal.

After a short cameo against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong and then an underwhelming 60 minutes against Villarreal, the Swedish striker opened his account at the Emirates with a brilliant header on Saturday evening.

It was the perfect way to stop some of the incredibly premature talk around his suitability for Mikel Arteta’s side and should be enough to see him start against Manchester United this Sunday.

Moreover, if reports are to be believed, it looks like Arsenal could be targeting another attacking star, someone who could help get even more out of the former Sporting CP star.

Arsenal target perfect teammate for Gyokeres

With those two losses now firmly out of mind, it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that this summer has been one of Arsenal’s best for quite some time, and that is almost entirely thanks to the business conducted by Andrea Berta and his team.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, on top of bringing in first-team level game-changers like Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, the Italian Sporting Director has massively bolstered the depth of the squad with signings like Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera.

However, even with six new faces through the door already, the Gunners aren’t done and now appear keen on signing a dynamic attacker who could be a perfect teammate for Gyokeres.

At least that is according to a recent report, which claims Arsenal are very interested in Malick Fofana, who has also caught the interest of Liverpool.

More than that, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have already held talks with Lyon over the talented winger they value at £43m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, made more so by Arne Slot’s side, but Fofana was brilliant last year and could help get even more out of Gyokeres this season.

Why Fofana would be perfect for Gyokeres

Now, while there were certainly moments in the game on Saturday when Gyokeres was dropping deeper to help in the build-up and to move Bilbao’s backline around, it’s clear he’s most comfortable playing in and around the penalty area.

That’s the area he thrived in over the last two years, and it’s no surprise that almost all of his shots last season came in and around the area.

Therefore, to ensure they are getting the absolute best out of the Swede this season, Arsenal need to start players alongside him who are excellent at getting the ball into dangerous areas, either through passing or carrying the ball.

The good news is that Fofana is utterly brilliant at the latter, as evidenced by FBref, which ranks him in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, the top 6% for carries into the final third, the top 9% for progressive carrying distance and more, all per 90.

In other words, the young “game-changing” prospect, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is elite at bringing the ball up the pitch and into goalscoring areas, which should make him an ideal partner for the Gunners’ new number 14.

Appearances

41

Starts

23

Minutes

2280′

Goals

11

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.41

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.11′

Moreover, he’s not just a facilitator, as the 20-year-old dynamo, who Mango claims is blessed with “frightening speed & acceleration,” was able to score 11 goals and provide six assists in 41 appearances, totalling 2280 minutes, last season.

That means the in-demand talent maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.41 games, or every 134.11 minutes.

Ultimately, Fofana looks ready to explode in the coming seasons, and while he’d be a great signing in his own right, the idea of him playing alongside Gyokeres is particularly exciting, and therefore, Arsenal should be doing all they can to make that a reality.

£866m release clause: Arsenal very serious about signing "world-class" star

The Gunners have set their sights on a forward, who could join in a loan-to-buy deal.

ByDominic Lund Aug 11, 2025

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that a number of clubs have made an approach for a “dynamite” Everton player, with The Friedkin Group making a decision over his future.

Everton set for opening game at new stadium

The Blues officially begin a new chapter in their history on Sunday afternoon, hosting Brighton in the Premier League in their first-ever competitive game at their new ground.

The Hill Dickinson Stadium is an impressive new setting for Everton’s home games, and while it was sad for them to leave Goodison Park, it was important that the club planned for the future and found a new home to help take them to new heights.

Blues manager David Moyes is certainly excited about his side beginning life in a new stadium, speaking glowingly about it earlier this month.

“It’s brilliant for the football club. For my journey as well – I’ve had lots of different twists and turns – but overall I think the football club has been so desperate for this situation to arise with the new stadium. I think it’s a wonderful stadium, it’s a step up, certainly, from Goodison and I think for Everton Football Club it’s a real positive step.”

Everton’s new venture will hopefully lead to plenty of exciting new signings, as well as persuading current players to stay put, and a new update has dropped regarding an individual in the latter category.

Everton make decision over "dynamite" ace's future

According to Romano on X, Everton have seen numerous clubs make approaches for Iliman Ndiaye, but The Friedkin Group have rejected their advances.

Losing Ndiaye would be a massive blow this early in his Everton career, so this update is an extremely positive one for Blues supporters.

The 25-year-old has so often provided the creative spark for the Blues since arriving from Marseille last summer, being described as a “dynamite” player by Jamie Redknapp and being hailed as “brilliant” by Second Tier podcast.

Ndiaye is going to be a massive player for Everton moving forward – he scored nine goals in the Premier League last season – and it would be just like him to bag the opening strike at the Blues’ new ground this weekend.

Grealish can make him world-class: Everton "in negotiations" for £40m star

Everton still need to sign several more first-teamers before the end of the transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 22, 2025

The Blues cannot afford to let him go, and with his current deal not expiring until the summer of 2029, they are in a strong bargaining position and would surely only allow him to leave for huge money.

La Liga giants Real Madrid are expected to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday for the second year in a row. Los Blancos famously failed to attend in 2024 after learning that star man Vinicius Jr had been pipped to the prestigious Golden Ball by Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri. Tensions between Real Madrid and UEFA still linger in the wake of the snub as the club feel they have been unfairly treated.

Dembele and Yamal favourites for Ballon d'Or

The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced on Monday at a glitzy ceremony in Paris. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele are the two favourites for the prestigious prize which was won last year by Rodri. The Manchester City star was named in the best male player in the world in 2024, ahead of Vinicius Jr, which prompted outrage back in the Spanish capital and saw Los Blancos boycott the ceremony in protest at the decision.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportReal Madrid set for second Ballon d'Or boycott

Real Madrid are set to boycott the awards ceremony again as their rift with UEFA after last year's snub has still not healed, according to AS. There were feelings of disbelief and "shock and anger" at Vinicius Jr missing out on the top prize and a belief the club had been disrespected. Real Madrid players do have permission to attend but nominated players such as Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, Dean Huijsen and Jude Bellingham are not expected to attend. Xabi Alonso's side are also due to play away at Levante in La Liga on Tuesday night which has also played a part in the club's decision.

Seven Real Madrid players nominated

Los Blancos do have seven players nominated for awards at the 2025 ceremony. Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius are up for the main award, while Caroline Weir has been nominated for the women's Ballon d'Or.  Courtois has been shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy, while Huijsen and Linda Caicedo are in contention for the best young player awards. 

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AFPBig week for Real Madrid in La Liga

Real Madrid will instead be focused on La Liga and games against Levante and Atletico Madrid. Alonso's side take on Levante on Tuesday and then head to the Metropolitano on Saturday for the first Madrid derby of the new season.

Despite Wyatt-Hodge and Knight’s fighting knocks, England fell short by six runs

Andrew McGlashan23-Jan-2025Australia secured Ashes outright despite a fine hand from Heather Knight when the skies in Canberra parted for long enough for the game to resume after England had been ahead of the DLS target. But the conclusion was dramatic with the umpires ruling the rain had become too heavy again with Knight having got the equation down to needing 18 off five balls.As the umpires took the players off, Knight threw the bat to the ground in frustration and remonstrated with the officials although later said there was no anger towards them and it was the correct decision to end the game. The requirement would still have been tough, but Annabel Sutherland was bowling with a wet ball. It ended England’s hopes of a drawn series in a way befitting of a campaign they would want to forget.Megan Schutt made the key breakthroughs to push England behind the requirement, ending a second-wicket stand of 52 when Danni Wyatt-Hodge picked out mid-off for a 40-ball 52, and then removing the well-set Sophia Dunkley. But Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt added 65 off 37 balls to just about give England a chance only for Australia to again take the honours.Related

Heather Knight admits 'frustration' at rainy finish as Ashes hopes are washed away

Either side of the rain break it had been nip-and-tuck, rarely more than a run between England’s total and the DLS target. The last two deliveries before the players left the field in the ninth over showed how tight it was: had Australia completed a run-out chance with both batters mid-pitch they would have been ahead, but then Dunkley lofted the next delivery from Alana King for four.Having been put in, Australia’s innings went through a number of phases. Beth Mooney gave them a positive start but there was a wobble against England’s spinners. However, they were handed a powerful finish with stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris added a record sixth-wicket stand of 71 off 35 balls.England fell just short despite Heather Knight’s efforts•Getty ImagesA ball-by-ball chaseEngland began their chase confidently. After a quiet opening over that went for four, 11 came from Kim Garth’s first and ten off King when she was introduced in the third over. As the rain started to approach, England were ahead of the DLS target although often not by more than a run or two.In the fifth over, the last needed to make it a match, Ellyse Perry bowled for the first time in the Ashes. A boundary for Maia Bouchier kept England on track and the batters clearly knew it because, after a lightning strike, they started to walk off the field at the end of the over but were called back by the umpires as played continued. Australia were clearly not impressed by England taking matters into their own hands.Bouchier then gave Australia an opening when she fell trying to scoop Sutherland and a tight over from Georgia Wareham left England behind. But then things changed again when Dunkley sent Perry for a four followed by a six straight down the ground to leave the score tied on DLS.Shining KnightWhen Schutt struck twice in the space of four balls in the 13th over, it left England with a tall order, but their two best players – the captain and the vice-captain – were in. The equation ballooned out to 84 needed off 36 when Wareham went for 13 followed by ten off a Garth over. Schutt’s figures were spoiled when her last over was dispatched for 17, leaving 44 needed off 18.McGrath bowled five excellent deliveries but Knight was just able to clear Perry at deep square for six. When Sciver-Brunt dragged Garth onto the stumps, Australia had breathing space in the last over, but no one will know whether Knight could have pulled off a spectacular finish.Beth Mooney was quickly into her stride•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesDean’s doubleMooney dominated Australia’s powerplay, to the extent that after four overs Georgia Voll had faced two balls for zero runs before being run out by some good work in the deep from Bouchier. Mooney continued to enhance her spectacular record at Manuka Oval until she was smartly stumped down the leg side by Amy Jones off what appeared to be a plan that had come together with Sophie Ecclestone signalling to Jones before the delivery.Mooney’s wicket caused Australia to stall as Perry tried to play herself in and in the tenth over she skied to cover off Charlie Dean. Two balls later, Dean had Litchfield as well when the left-hander moved across her stumps and missed a sweep. All of a sudden Australia had lost 3 for 9 and needed to rebuild.McGrath and Harris finish bigSutherland threatened before picking out deep square to continue what has been a frustrating series for someone who came into the Ashes in such fine form. But not for the first time, the depth of Australia’s batting order was on show as McGrath and Harris dominated the latter stages of the innings.Harris clubbed her fourth ball for six and in the 18th over against Sarah Glenn collected two more off consecutive deliveries. At this point McGrath was 30 off 29 balls and, notwithstanding the need to prevent a more serious wobble, needed to finish strongly. She did just that with three consecutive boundaries off Ecclestone and another to close out an over that cost 18 and included another drop to England’s tally when McGrath was given a life by Dean at long-off.Lauren Bell was unable to bowl her full four overs having left the field due to illness but returned for the last with Harris twice finding the boundary. It made the difference.