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In search of a consistent goalscorer, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly preparing a £40m+ offer to sign Georges Mikautadze from Villarreal in 2026.

The great weakness in Thomas Frank’s side this season has been their goalscoring struggles. With Dominic Solanke yet to return to full fitness, the likes of Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani have struggled to truly take hold of the starting role – handing the Lilywhites a frustrating problem.

Kolo Muani has particularly struggled since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain and is still searching for his first Tottenham goal. With the North London derby against Arsenal up next, however, the forward has been passed fit and has the perfect opportunity to find the back of the net for the first time in the Premier League.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Arsenal game, Frank revealed early team news which included an update on Kolo Muani’s unexpected return to action after suffering a jaw injury before the break.

If the PSG loanee continues his run without a goal, then many around North London will be asking big questions. Tottenham chiefs are already reportedly searching for a striker and the Frenchman’s struggles could accelerate their plan to welcome La Liga star Mikautadze in 2026.

Tottenham readying Mikautadze offer

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now preparing a €50m (£44m) offer to sign Mikautadze from Villarreal in 2026. A player who’s been compared to the great Diego Forlan by Spanish media, the 25-year-old has shown glimpses of his best form so far this season – scoring five goals in 14 games – and has entered Spurs’ radar as a result.

Tottenham's eye-watering 'initial offer' for Rodrygo after contacting Florentino Perez

Spurs reportedly mean business.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 21, 2025

After becoming a transfer flop at Ajax, the Georgian striker reinvented himself at FC Metz, before starring at Lyon to earn a summer switch to Villarreal. Now, he could be about to make the biggest move of his career courtesy of Tottenham.

Dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig, Mikautadze has only kicked on since then to attract the interest of the Premier League. As Tottenham’s forwards continue to struggle, the 25-year-old should be seen as a serious option to consider next year.

Tottenham eyeing 'dream' move for striker likened to Diego Costa after Frank request

Veteran reliever David Robertson is signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of

Robertson, who turned 40 earlier this year, conducted a workout for multiple teams on Saturday in Providence, R.I. The workout yielded a deal for the rest of the season with Philadelphia that will pay him $6.22 million (prorated from $16 million) according to Mark Feisand of MLB.com.

Robertson has not pitched this season, but spent 2024 with the Texas Rangers, where he posted a 3.00 ERA with 99 strikeouts and 27 walks. This will be Robertson's 17th MLB season and his third stint in Philadelphia.

Robertson is hoping to help stabilize a contending Phillies club that ranks 23rd in the major leagues in bullpen ERA.

Former England batter ends playing career at Somerset to forge new beginning in Bristol

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Nov-2025Fran Wilson, the former World Cup-winning batter, has been named as Gloucestershire Women’s head coach after ending her playing career with Somerset.Wilson, 33, made 64 international appearances across formats between 2010 and 2021, including eight of England’s matches at the 2017 World Cup, en route to their victory over India at Lord’s in the final.She also featured in the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia, and made the last of her international appearances on England’s tour of New Zealand in February 2021.Domestically, Wilson made her Somerset debut in 2006, before joining Western Storm in 2016, and also represented Gloucestershire in the 2022 and 2023 Vitality Women’s County T20 competitions while developing her coaching skills through the county’s Girls Emerging Players Programme.In the course of her career, she also represented Sunrisers, Middlesex, Kent, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder, Welsh Fire, Trent Rockets, Oval Invincibles and Birmingham Phoenix.Now, she will be taking full-time charge of Gloucestershire in Tier 2 of the new women’s county structure, having worked with the first team on a consultancy basis during the 2025 season.”I’ve done a lot of coaching alongside playing over the last five or six years, but it’s really exciting to now step into that journey fully,” Wilson said, “especially with Gloucestershire, a great club that I’ve been involved with for a long time.”We all want results, but the real goal is to build sustainable success and to put the foundations in place that allow us to compete and thrive as a Tier 1 Club.”A huge part of my role is about building those foundations from the first team right through to the age groups, having a genuine influence across that pathway.”By developing the resources we already have in the county and creating a strong network and structure around the players, I believe we can achieve long-term success.”Jon Lewis, Director of Cricket at Gloucestershire Cricket, added: “Everyone at Gloucestershire is really excited about the appointment of Fran Wilson as Women’s Head Coach.”We went through a thorough recruitment process, and Fran was the standout candidate throughout. With strong roots in cricket across the South West, a deep passion for Bristol and Gloucestershire, and a long-standing connection with the Club, that understanding of the region was an important factor for us.”Fran demonstrated an exceptional range of qualities during the process and this marks a hugely significant appointment in an area where we have serious ambition. It also comes at the start of a landmark year for the Club, with Bristol set to host England Women v India in May, followed by six matches during next summer’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June.”An outstanding playing career, a history of success at both club and international level and a deep understanding of elite performance make this an appointment we are extremely proud of. The environment Fran will build will be welcoming, driven and true to the ‘Gloucestershire way’.”Our aim is to provide the best possible environment for our players to learn and develop and we believe Fran is the ideal person to lead that journey.”

Manchester City are now reportedly willing to launch a stunning £100m+ move to sign a young talent who’s been compared to Lamine Yamal.

Guardiola: Man City "had everything" in Sunderland win

Say it quietly, but we might just have a Premier League title race on our hands. After Arsenal slipped up against Aston Villa, courtesy of a dramatic Emi Buendia winner, Man City took full advantage. The Citizens shoved Sunderland aside in vintage fashion as goals from Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden and a Ruben Dias stunner sealed all three points.

Arsenal’s lead at the top has now been cut to just two points and Pep Guardiola couldn’t hide his delight at full-time, telling reporters: “It had everything. It was one of our best performances of the season, against a great team, considering what they have done so far.

“Definitely [pleased to get a clean sheet], as they don’t concede much. One action from Ruben [Dias] when he lost the ball and they had a chance, but the rest of the match we were composed. We created a lot.”

The Spaniard, a title veteran, also assured reporters that there’s still a long way to go before the season concludes, saying: “Many things are going to happen still. It’s down to the way we play, not how many points behind we are. It’s the way you perform. The players are not stupid, consistency doesn’t come from one result.

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The Citizens could get one over on their title rivals.

ByTom Cunningham 6 days ago

“In the last 9 to 10 games, we have been good. We have suffered a lot but we have to learn from it so it doesn’t happen again. When you score five goals against Fulham, you are doing good things.”

Back in their groove on the pitch, City are now reportedly willing to send shockwaves away from the action with a stunning bid to sign Chelsea’s Estevao Willian.

Man City willing to launch Estevao offer

According to reports in Spain, Man City are now willing to launch an offer to sign Estevao worth as much as €120m (£105m). The Brazilian has enjoyed a sensational rise since arriving at Stamford Bridge and is now recognised as one of the best young players in the world.

The 18-year-old recently stole the spotlight from Yamal when he scored an excellent solo goal against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge and that only added credit to Gus Poyet’s comparison between the two.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has also been full of praise for the teenager, dubbing him “special” earlier this season. Everything is pointing towards a generational star that Man City should be desperate to sign.

Chelsea hatch Mykhailo Mudryk plan in 'carefully considered' roadmap to rescue career

Big Picture – South Africa look to extend winning run

It’s been a change of fortunes for both sides since their respective opening games at the Women’s World Cup, 2025. After a crushing defeat in their opener, where they were bowled out for 69 against England, South Africa have turned things around in style, edging past New Zealand before putting themselves back as strong contenders by beating hosts India in an epic chase.Bangladesh began with a statement win over Pakistan but have since faltered. They pushed England close and were thoroughly outplayed by New Zealand, leaving their campaign teetering.Related

• Mlaba handed demerit point for waving at Deol

• 'Simplicity is everything' and impossible is Nadine for South Africa

South Africa’s resurgence has been powered by individual brilliance. Tazmin Brits stood tall against New Zealand, while Nadine de Klerk delivered a game-changing performance against India, with Chloe Tryon playing a supporting role. Captain Laura Wolvaardt, too, found form at the top of the order. South Africa will hope their core batters can fire in unison as the tournament enters its crunch phase.It’s not just their batting that South Africa will be pleased with. Nonkululeko Mlaba has been the standout among bowlers, her left-arm spin proving decisive in the middle overs. South Africa’s next fixtures are against Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, teams currently occupying the bottom three spots on the points table. With their net run-rate still in the negative (-0.888), South Africa will want more than just wins to stay in the hunt for the top four berth.For Bangladesh, their bowlers have performed well so far in the tournament, boasting the second-best team average (23.26) behind only England, but the batting remains a concern. While two different players have registered fifties in the tournament, the lack of consistency has held them back. If Bangladesh are to challenge South Africa, they’ll need their top and middle order to click.Nigar Sultana needs to step up with the bat for Bangladesh•ICC/Getty Images

Form Guide

Bangladesh LLWLL (last five matches, most recent first)
South Africa WWLLW

In the spotlight – Chloe Tryon and Nigar Sultana

After a quiet start to the tournament, Chloe Tryon chose the right moment to shine, showcasing her all-round skills against India. She first dented India’s batting with a clinical spell of 3 for 23 by removing key players in Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Amanjot Kaur. Then she walked in with South Africa 81 for 5 in their 252-run chase, and helped script one of their most memorable wins. She managed all of this while nursing a calf niggle.While Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana has led energetically on the field, her form with the bat has been a concern. Scores of 23, 0, and 4 in her last three outings, each ending with a soft dismissal, have left a void in Bangladesh’s top order. She was full of praise for her bowling unit after the loss to New Zealand, but called out the team’s shortcomings with the bat, stressing the need to build partnerships and show composure when chasing targets over 200.

Team news – Tryon fit for Bangladesh clash

With batting being a concern, will Bangladesh look to bring back the experienced Fargana Hoque at the top of the order?Bangladesh (probable): 1 Rubya Haider, 2 Sharmin Akhter, 3 Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), 4 Sobhana Mostary, 5 Sumaiya Akter, 6 Shorna Akter, 7 Fahima Khatun, 8 Nahida Akter, 9 Rabeya Khan, 10 Marufa Akter, 11 Nishita Akter NishiChole Tryon, who batted with a calf niggle against India, is fit and available for South Africa•ICC/Getty Images

South Africa will want to keep their winning XI. Tryon, whose calf required heavy strapping when she was batting against India, is fit and available to play.South Africa (probable): 1 Laura Wolvaardt (capt), 2 Tazmin Brits, 3 Sune Luus, 4 Marizanne Kapp, 5 Anneke Bosch/Annerie Dercksen, 6 Sinalo Jafta (wk), 7 Chloe Tryon, 8 Nadine de Klerk, 9 Tumi Sekhukhune, 10 Ayabonga Khaka, 11 Nonkululeko Mlaba

Pitch and conditions – Rainy and humid in Vizag

Visakhapatnam has been the most batting-friendly venue of this World Cup so far, with a high-scoring pitch laid out during the India-Australia clash. There is a chance of rain on Monday afternoon, but the weather is expected to clear up later in the day. The temperature will peak around 31°C with high humidity. Dew has been a factor in the evening and could influence the toss.

Stats and Trivia

• This will be South Africa’s 50th World Cup game
• Fahima Khatun has 15 wickets this year. She needs to add six more to her tally to have the most for Bangladesh in a year
• Marizanne Kapp is two wickets away from becoming South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in World Cups, going past Shabnim Ismail’s 36.
• Fargana Hoque needs four more runs to complete 500 runs against South Africa. She will become the first Bangladesh player to hit 500 runs against any opponent in women’s ODIs

Quotes

“With a bowling style like mine, what I try to do is bowl my variations as much as possible. Coming to the subcontinental teams, sometimes pace doesn’t work, or rather, go your way. So, I think I try to change up my pace there and then see how that can actually work for me.”
“I agree our batting collapsed [against New Zealand]. We’ve already discussed it with our batting coaches and among the players. We’ve been working on those weaknesses, and hopefully the batters will come back in the next match. We have other capable batters in the team. And our captain, Joty, always plays in a way that inspires us. I believe she’ll do better from the next match.”

Norwich City have appointed former Rangers boss Philippe Clement as the club’s head coach, and the new boss has revealed a message of ambition from majority shareholder Mark Attanasio.

Clement – sacked by Rangers in February – has signed a contract through to the summer of 2029 and will be joined at Carrow Road by coach Stephan Van Der Heyden.

The Belgian replaces Liam Manning, who left Carrow Road ahead of the international break with the Canaries second bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, having lost all of their home matches so far this season.

Norwich were reported to have spoken to both ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, who had a spell as a player with the Canaries, as well as former Sweden and Blackburn manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, before settling on Clement.

Although the Belgian’s time at Ibrox ended following a disappointing run – with Rangers well adrift of rivals Celtic in the league – Clement did win the 2024 Premier Sports Cup and had previously guided Club Brugge to their domestic title twice before a spell at Monaco.

Clement excited by Norwich ambition

His reign in Glasgow was marred by issues with ownership and recruitment – the Rangers board are still unter intense scrutiny after their failed summer revamp of the playing squad and appointment of Russell Martin – but Clement has revealed he is excited by what Attanasio and Co have in store in Norfolk.

“I’m really excited by this story and opportunity. I’ve known of this club for a long time and, whilst we are not in a good moment at this time, we are excited to work together with the players and staff to turn things around,” Clement said on the Norwich club website, revealing the board’s ambition convinced him to join.

Clement’s first game in charge will be away at Birmingham on Saturday.

Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper added: “Philippe is an incredibly experienced and prominent head coach, with clear values and beliefs that align with ours.

“We now have an incredible amount of work ahead of us to ensure we improve performances and results and we will do everything possible to ensure Philippe has our full backing and support.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Com a vitória na decisão do Campeonato Cearense de 2024, o Ceará encerrou a hegemonia do Fortaleza, que venceu as cinco últimas edições da competição. Desde 2019, o Laion havia engatado uma sequência com cinco taças.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCearáCeará vence o Fortaleza nos pênaltis e é campeão estadual após cinco anosCeará06/04/2024Futebol NacionalFortaleza ou Ceará: quem é o maior campeão cearense?Futebol Nacional06/04/2024

Em 2022, inclusive, o Ceará esteve de fora da decisão, que contou com o grande rival e o Caucaia. Em 2007, o Fortaleza conseguiu uma sequência de quatro títulos, encerrada pelo Vozão em 2011, que venceu todos os troféus até 2014.

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⚽ COMO FOI A PARTIDA?
O jogo começou com tudo. Equilibrado, o duelo reunia a vontade do Ceará de vencer a qualquer custo e o empenho tático do Fortaleza, que esperava um erro do rival para sair na frente. Mesmo assim, o primeiro tempo ficou marcado por poucas chances dos dois lados, com os destaques sendo Saulo Mineiro, pelo Ceará, e Lucas Sasha, pelo Fortaleza.

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No segundo tempo, Saulo Mineiro seguiu se destacando, e acabou premiado com um golaço na segunda etapa. Animado, o Ceará segurou até o momento que pode, mas o artilheiro Lucero, com sua classe de sempre, empatou de cabeça. Após isso, o equilíbrio voltou, mas o Fortaleza perdeu Bruno Pacheco, expulso da partida. Com o empate, tudo acabou decidido nos pênaltis.

Nos pênaltis, a parada só foi decidida após cinco cobranças, com o Ceará vencendo por 3 a 2 e o goleiro Richard sendo o herói.

➡️ O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

O Ceará volta a campo nesta quarta-feira (10), às 21h30, contra o Sport, pela Copa do Nordeste. O Fortaleza recebe o Nacional Potosí, às 19h, também na quarta-feira (10), pela Copa Sul-americana. Os dois jogos acontecem no Castelão.

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Tudo sobre

Campeonato CearenseCearáFortaleza

Tottenham Hotspur are a club who are looking to reach the next level under the guidance of Thomas Frank, with the first-team making huge strides since his appointment.

The Dane has largely worked with the players already at his disposal in North London, but he has also delved into the transfer market to bolster his chances of success in the role.

He spent over £100m on new additions during his first window, with Mohammed Kudus already having a huge impact during his first handful of Premier League outings.

The Ghanaian may have cost £55m in the summer, but he’s been worth every penny, as seen by his tally of one goal and four assists – with the latter the joint-highest of any player in the division.

With the January transfer window rapidly approaching on the horizon, the board and manager will be hoping that any new additions could follow in the same vein in North London.

Spurs’ hunt for added signings in the January window

Over the last couple of weeks, a new striker has been firmly in Spurs’ sights, which has led to numerous names being linked with a winter move to join the Lilywhites.

Dušan Vlahović is just one name on their shortlist, with returning Sporting Director Fabio Paratici no doubt playing a key role given his previous stint at Juventus.

He’s not alone in their sights for a new talisman, as Porto star Samu Aghehowa is also another option, but he could be slightly realistic given the £87m release clause within his current contract.

Other areas of the pitch are also being subject to potential investment, with the winger department also one of interest – leading to Brentford star Kevin Schade being named as one target.

According to CaughtOffside, Paratici is already working on a potential deal for the German, who joined the Bees back in 2023 under Frank’s tenure at the helm.

Another report states that Keith Andrews’ side are reluctant to offload the 23-year-old in the coming months, but could listen to offers in the region of €55m (£48m) for his signature.

Why Spurs’ £48m target could end Johnson’s Spurs career

Brennan Johnson’s time at Spurs has been a rollercoaster to say the least, with the winger often a hugely inconsistent figure within the Spurs first-team.

He joined in a £47.5m deal from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023, but came under huge fire from the fanbase for his lack of impact in the first 12 months in North London.

However, his Europa League-winning goal and total of 18 efforts last year subsequently papered over the cracks of his career with the Lilywhites – as seen during the early stages of 2025/26.

The Welsh international has since dropped down the pecking order after Kudus’ arrival, often showing he can’t be relied upon to provide the goods by Frank.

His latest showing showcased his struggles, as Johnson scored the opener against FC Copenhagen, but was subsequently sent off for a rash tackle in the second half.

The manager will no doubt be disappointed with the winger after his actions in the Champions League, which in turn could only fuel rumours over a winter move to land Schade.

When comparing the German’s stats with those of Johnson from the ongoing campaign, he’s managed to outperform him in key areas, which could push the Welshman further down the pecking order.

Schade, who’s been labelled a “world-beater” by Dietmar Hamann, has already achieved a higher tally of combined goals and assists in the Premier League this season.

He’s also placed more of his shots on target so far in 2025/26, arguably making him a more efficient and effective option within in the final third for Frank in North London.

Games played

10

10

Goals & assists

3

2

Shot on target accuracy

46%

40%

Key passes

1.2

0.7

Shot-creating actions

1.6

1.4

Take-on success

32%

25%

Carries into final third

1.1

0.7

Aerials won

2.8

0.4

The German’s talents are further reflected in his higher take-on success rate and tally of key passes completed per 90 – subsequently offering the Lilywhites a phenomenal creative outlet.

His creativity, coupled with his goalscoring prowes,s could make Schade an excellent addition, potentially putting an end to Johnson’s spell at the club as a result.

Frank’s previous stint working with the youngster could also hand the manager another reason to prioritise him over Johnson, with the Dane having the keys to unlocking Schade’s success.

At just 23, he has bags of time to improve in the years ahead, potentially replacing Johnson and playing a key role in any success during the Frank reign at Spurs.

Spurs star is now "very similar to Saka" and he's better than Johnson

Tottenham Hotspur already have a star who could reach the levels achieved by Bukayo Saka.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 6, 2025

Erling Haaland became the fastest player ever to score 100 Premier League goals as he struck the opening goal in Manchester City's epic 5-4 win at Fulham on Tuesday. The Norwegian hitman reached a century of goals in 111 games, smashing Alan Shearer's previous record of 100 strikes in 124 matches.

• Haaland brings up PL century versus Fulham

  Haaland went into the match failing to score in successive games for the first time this season following blanks at Newcastle and against Leeds, having also not struck as a substitute in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen. But, after hitting the post with a clear opening early in the game, he ended his mini-drought by finding the net in the 17th minute at Craven Cottage to write yet another page in the Premier League history books.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Haaland the 35th player to score 100 PL goals

  Haaland lashed in a cut-back from Jeremy Doku with his favoured left foot to break the deadlock against Fulham, scoring for the seventh time in seven games against the Cottagers. He is only the 35th player to reach 100 Premier League goals. And given that he is only 25 and has a contract with City until 2034, he is well placed to join Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Alan Shearer as the only players to have scored 200 or more Premier League goals. 

• 'Nice to join 100 club'

  It was an unforgettable night for Haaland and City, and not just because of the 100th goal. City marched into a 5-1 lead early in the second half thanks to two goals from Phil Foden, one from Tijjani Reijnders and an own goal by Sander Berge but then conceded three times to set up an enthralling finish. They eventually clung on to take all three points.

  "It's huge and I'm really proud. It's a massive thing, the 100 club is a nice thing to be in and I'm happy," Haaland told . "I knew about it, that's what I tried to do. I try to help the team scoring goals, that's my job. Every game is a different game, you can't think of the game that's been, you need to focus on what's ahead. 

  "The reality is we lost against Newcastle and Leverkusen but now we have two in a row and we have to keep going. I think if you're sitting at home now you enjoyed that game. It was a crazy game, nine goals is a lot. In the end, we win and we're happy but it's not the best win."

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  Shearer believes Haaland will break all-time PL record

  Haaland wrote Premier League history by scoring 36 goals in his very first season with City, beating Alan Shearer and Andy Cole's tally of 34 strikes in a single campaign which had stood for 28 years.

  And the former Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers striker, who celebrated when second-top scorer Kane left for Bayern Munich in 2023 as it meant his record was safe, is resigned to the fact that the Norwegian will eventually usurp him as the league's record marksman.

  "Yes, Haaland is the perfect centre-forward. His record is phenomenal, appetite to score is fantastic. I love it," Shearer, who scored 260 Premier League goals, told "He’s quick, strong, agile, he reacts quicker than most around the six-yard box which is impressive and his ability to put the ball in the back of the net is magnificent.  

  "Haaland could definitely break my Premier League goal record. There’s no doubt that if he does another seven or eight years, maybe even less then he’ll have a brilliant chance of breaking it. But there’s so many ifs and different things that could happen to that."

  Asked about toppling Shearer's all-time record, Haaland said: "I know about it but I don't think too much about it."

The question was whether India would pick Kuldeep Yadav or a spin-bowling allrounder. They found a way to accommodate both

Sidharth Monga14-Nov-20255:09

Bangar on India playing four spinners: ‘The team selection continues to surprise me’

A day before the first Test against South Africa, Shubman Gill gave followers of Indian cricket a scare when he said the last spot was between a specialist spinner and an allrounder. It was a here-we-go-again moment. Surely they were not debating Kuldeep Yadav’s place in the side?A moment of empathy later, one thought that the statement was perhaps necessitated by the need for a third seamer. That it wasn’t actually India craving Axar Patel’s batting at No. 9.When the pitch was revealed on the morning of the Test, it was apparent they didn’t need a third quick. So it was indeed the worst fears. Kuldeep’s place was under threat even though India had batting till No. 8.Related

Rib injury sidelines Rabada from first Test against India

A massive sigh of relief must have been breathed when Gill reported at the toss that they had gone from Kuldeep or a spin-bowling allrounder to Kuldeep a spin-bowling allrounder. India were entering the bold new era of trying Washington Sundar as a top-order batter to accommodate a fourth spinner, Axar, in the XI, with Ravindra Jadeja in there as always.The player who missed out is a bit of an experiment himself. B Sai Sudharsan is the first specialist batter since WV Raman in the late 1980s to play Tests for India with a first-class average of under 40. He debuted in England, was left out after one Test, but had played five of the seven Tests since his debut. His average of 30.33 is the lowest among the specialist batters played by India in this period.We can reasonably eliminate an injury because India didn’t replace Sai Sudharsan with another specialist batter, in this case Devdutt Padikkal. That they replaced him with an allrounder is a sign that India are up to an experiment that is not quite outlandish. Experts have suggested in the past that Washington is good enough to bat higher in the order.India have decided it is time to pull the trigger on that experiment because these are the conditions when India have players who can cover up if it fails. Axar, who averages 35.88 with the bat, is a formidable No. 8. If it works out, though, the upside is huge. If Washington can develop into a batter good enough to bat in the top order, the flexibility it will give India is huge.Sai Sudharsan, who scored 87 in his last innings, might feel a bit hard done by after having been blooded at No. 3 in England, but this is the reality of playing cricket for India. Especially in India. There is just too much talent to keep out of the XI.