The Dodgers are gearing up for their second consecutive NLCS appearance in hopes of defending their 2024 World Series title. After disposing of the Phillies in four games in the Division Series, Los Angeles will now set its sights on the Brewers, with Game 1 of the best-of-seven series slated for Monday night.
On Sunday night, Dave Roberts spoke to reporters and detailed what the Dodgers' pitching plans for the upcoming series would be, via Fabian Ardaya of . Roberts indicated that the team intends for starters Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to each start two games of the series and that Shohei Ohtani is also set to pitch "at some point," though he didn't specify when.
Snell is scheduled to start Game 1, and Roberts said the Dodgers would turn to Yamamoto in Game 2.
Tyler Glasnow also figures to start at least a game in the series, though he also pitched in relief earlier this postseason and had plenty of success doing so. It's possible he'll start Game 3 and Ohtani would then go in Game 4.
As for the Brewers, they've yet to name a Game 1 starter, though Freddy Peralta is in line to start in Game 2 against Yamamoto.
First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET from American Family Field in Milwaukee on Monday.
Após goleada sofrida no Maracanã no último domingo, o presidente Pedrinho se apressou para fazer mudanças no futebol do Vasco para o decorrer da temporada. Felipe ‘Maestro’ é nomeado como diretor técnico do Cruz-Maltino e é mais um ídolo da Colina a voltar ao clube.
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Em comunicado nas redes sociais, Pedrinho diz que a contratação já estava nos planos, mas decidiu antecipar a mudança após vexame no clássico: “Um jogo inadmissível, resultado que não tem explicação”. A dupla chegou e assistiu junta a derrota na arquibancada do Maracanã.
Revelados no Vasco, onde chegaram aos seis anos de idade em 1983, os jogadores amadureceram na Colina e fizeram parte de uma das gerações mais vitoriosas da história do Cruz-Maltino, que conquistou, dentre outros títulos, dois Campeonatos Brasileiros e uma Libertadores da América.
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Não será a primeira vez que os amigos irão trabalhar juntos fora de campo. Felipe e Pedrinho já foram, respectivamente, técnico e auxiliar do Tigres do Brasil nas primeiras rodadas do Campeonato Carioca em 2017. Mas a parceria durou apenas sete jogos, sendo uma vitória, três empates e três derrotas.
Felipe chega ao Vasco após comandar o Volta Redonda no Carioca deste ano, onde conquistou 14 pontos em 11 rodadas e acabou terminando em 10º lugar. Segundo Pedrinho, a escolha para o parceiro de longa data para o cargo é a recuperação de uma identidade do clube.
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– Dentro desse DNA que é o Vasco da Gama, por ter nascido ali, eu percebi que falta isso dentro do futebol. Falta a essência vascaína, falta as pessoas entenderem o que é o Vasco, entenderem o tamanho do Vasco, entenderem quais são os objetivos do Vasco e a grandeza desse time. Resgatar essa essência é uma das minhas obrigações.
Além de Felipe, Edmundo é mais um ídolo do Cruz-Maltino que, apesar de não ter nenhuma cargo oficial dentro do clube, é sempre muito engajado com as políticas internas do Vasco, e um grande amigo do presidente Pedrinho. Dentro de campo, é inegável que o trio conhece bem o futebol, mas o desafio é tentar buscar o resultado além das quatro linhas.
Como diretor técnico, Felipe vai trabalhar diretamente com o diretor de futebol Pedro Martins para buscar reforços nesta janela de transferências. Em coletiva de imprensa, Martins deixou claro que o Vasco não pretende fazer movimentações bruscas de mercado e que visa primeiramente a segurança financeira do clube.
A principal esperança para o torcedor vascaíno é a chegada do cria Philippe Coutinho, que está em conversas avançadas com o Vasco, e aguarda liberação do Aston Villa, da Inglaterra, para avançar nas negociações. Pedrinho se reuniu com o jogador nesta quarta-feira (05). Seguindo a linha do ‘resgate do DNA vascaíno’, o volante Souza, sugerido por Coutinho, pode ser mais um nome em pauta para retornar à Colina.
Aroldis Chapman has seen both sides of the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry, having pitched for New York for seven seasons and now Boston this past season. And, as Chapman made crystal clear during a recent appearance on the podcast, he doesn't intend on ever going back to the other side of the rivalry.
"No way, not even dead," Chapman said in Spanish in response to being asked if he'd ever play for the Yankees again. "If I were told that I was being traded to New York, I'd pack my things and go home. I'll retire right on the spot if that happens. I'm not crazy. Never again."
Why does Chapman feel so adamantly about never playing for the Yankees again?
"I dealt with a lot of disrespect [with the Yankees]," Chapman said. "I put up with a lot of things. I knew that they just wanted to find a way to get rid of me, but they didn't know how. And I just dealt with it quietly, kept playing, and doing what I always do."
Chapman was dealt to the Yankees in December of 2015 in exchange for four minor league players amidst allegations into a domestic violence incident allegedly involving the talented relief pitcher. Citing conflicting accounts and insufficient evidence, prosecutors declined to convict Chapman, though he received a 30-game suspension from MLB.
Chapman, after recording a 2.01 ERA and 20 saves in his first 31 games with the Yankees, was dealt to the Chicago Cubs at the 2016 trade deadline, then later reunited with the Yankees on a five-year deal that ensuing winter.
Chapman, a hard-throwing lefthander who routinely hits triple digits with his fastball, was largely effective during his tenure with the Yankees. From 2017 to 2022, he recorded the fifth-most saves in MLB, a 3.05 ERA and posted a 37 percent strikeout rate.
Unfortunately, for Chapman, his Yankee tenure was remembered more for two key home runs he allowed in the postseason, a 2019 American League Championship Series-winning dinger served up to Astros star Jose Altuve and a ninth-inning go-ahead blast to then-Rays infielder Mike Brousseau in the 2020 American League Division Series.
Chapman and ths Yankees also didn't seem to end their relationship on the best of terms.
Chapman's disappointing end to Yankees' tenure
In August of 2022, his last season in the Bronx, Chapman was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a "pretty bad infection" arising from a new tattoo he had recently got at the time. While the Yankees publicly showed no signs of frustration with the flamethrowing closer amid the unfortunate situation, that would soon change later that year.
Days before the Yankees were set to take on the Guardians in the ALDS, Chapman, after disappointing for much of the season, skipped a mandatory team workout and was then fined and subsequently left off the ALDS roster. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was openly critical of Chapman, calling his absence "disappointing" and questioning whether the eight-time All-Star was "all in."
Judging by Chapman's words, it seems pretty clear who he directs his ire towards with the Yankees.
"I got along well with all the players," Chapman said. "Never had a problem with anybody, even the manager. We're friends and we talk and everything. The bosses are the ones who make those decisions."
Chapman bounced from the Royals to the Rangers—with whom he won his second World Series title—and the Pirates before signing with Boston last winter. He pitched to a 1.17 ERA with 32 saves for the Red Sox in '25.
Arsenal are now expected to sign one club’s highly-rated standout attacker, with talks believed to have been held ahead of January.
Arsenal look to bounce back against Club Brugge
Arsenal arrive in Belgium tonight determined to maintain their flawless Champions League record while rebounding from Saturday’s agonising 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa.
The loss ended their previous 18-match unbeaten streak, but Mikel Arteta’s side have every reason to be very confident heading into their clash with Club Brugge.
Arsenal remain the only team with a 100 per cent record from five matches in the Champions League, sitting atop the 36-team standings following impressive victories over Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, Slavia Prague, Olympiacos and Athletic Club.
So, victory at the Jan Breydel Stadium would virtually guarantee automatic qualification to the knockout stages.
However, Arsenal’s defensive crisis has deepened significantly ahead of the 20:00 kick-off.
Gabriel Magalhaes (thigh) and Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) remain sidelined for several weeks, whilst William Saliba continues recovering from a knock.
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Riccardo Calafiori’s fitness also remains uncertain after he was spotted limping off at Villa Park, though his Premier League suspension doesn’t apply in European competition.
Fresh concerns have emerged with Declan Rice missing the trip through illness and Leandro Trossard aggravating his calf problem. Gabriel Jesus provides welcome news, though, having returned to the Champions League squad after exceeding recovery expectations from his lengthy injury absence.
Arteta is expected to rotate heavily, with Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Norgaard, Ethan Nwaneri and Viktor Gyokeres all pushing for starts. Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze could be rested ahead of demanding domestic fixtures.
Club Brugge, meawhile, are an opposition in disarray.
Nicky Hayen was sacked following two victories from seven matches, with Ivan Leko appointed as his successor ahead of a baptism of fire.
The Belgian side have collected just one point from their last four Champions League fixtures and currently sit 26th in the league phase. Their defensive vulnerabilities prove very alarming, having conceded 24 goals across 11 Champions League matches in 2025 — only Barcelona have shipped more.
Both first-choice goalkeepers, Simon Mignolet and Nordin Jackers, are also fitness doubts, though the former has returned to training.
Arsenal boast impressive Belgian form, winning three of their last four visits. Brugge’s solitary victory against English opposition this century came against Aston Villa thirteen months ago, offering little encouragement ahead of facing Europe’s most dominant team this season.
All signs point towards a straightforward victory for Arsenal this evening, but off the field, sporting director Andrea Berta is making plans to strengthen the squad.
Toni Fruk 'expected' to join Arsenal soon after talks
According to Sport Klub, the Italian has set his sights on HNK Rijeka star Toni Fruk.
The attacking midfielder, who SK believe is the Croatian National League’s ‘best’ footballer and ‘most valuable’ player, is said to be attracting serious interest from N5.
Arsenal have held talks over a deal for Fruk, and the outlet reports that there is an expectation he will ‘soon sign’ for Arteta with the Gunners in pole position ahead of other sides.
Negotiations are apparently in ‘full swing’, but the financial details of this potential deal are still unclear.
The 24-year-old, who’s won five caps for the Croatia national team, has played as a both a number 10 and as a centre-forward this season — bagging 10 goals in all competitions already.
Fruk, who was once on the books at Fiorentina before returning to his homeland with Rijeka in 2023, could also be a very astute signing when considering his deal currently expires in 2027.
The highly-rated forward has also impressed scouts from both Liverpool and AC Milan this season, so he could be a real one to watch.
Liverpool ended a run of three successive defeats in all competitions by claiming all three points against West Ham United at the London Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s team had lost 3-0 to Nottingham Forest and 3-0 to Manchester City in their last two outings in the top-flight, which is why it was so important for them to bounce back with a win against the Hammers.
Alexander Isak scored his first league goal for the Reds after his £125m move from Newcastle United in the summer, as part of an attack that looked very different after some impressive tweaks from the head coach.
The key tactical tweaks Liverpool made against West Ham
Instead of playing Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, Slot opted to go with a natural defender in Joe Gomez in the back four and it was a tactical decision that paid off big time.
The former England international was not dribbled past a single time in the 90 minutes on the pitch, per Sofascore, and provided an assist for the second goal with an excellent cross after Szoboszlai, who was able to play further up the field, did well to lay the ball off to him.
Slot also played Florian Wirtz in the number ten role, after he was left on the bench against PSV, and the Germany international completed 93% of his attempted passes in a controlling and metronomic display in the middle of the park.
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What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.
The Liverpool boss also made the bold call to drop Mohamed Salah from the starting line-up to play Szoboszlai out wide on the right, days after Alan Pardew suggested that the Egypt international has looked “lost”.
In Salah’s absence, though, Reds forward Cody Gakpo showed that he is the manager’s most clutch player this season with an impressive display.
Liverpool's most clutch player
In March of last year, the £40m signing from PSV was criticised by former Liverpool defender and pundit Jamie Carragher, who claimed that the Dutchman “plays like the game is in slow motion”.
Believe it or not, that’s not the first time the former centre-back has criticised the Dutchman.
Indeed, just after he signed, Carragher wrote that he was ‘baffled watching Gakpo’s early performances,” further stating that ‘Gakpo is not a typical Klopp signing, lacking lightning pace and the capacity to lead a high press.’
There is a languid demeanour to the way that Gakpo plays for Liverpool on the wing, but that is not an inherently bad thing because it is not down to a genuine lack of effort, as shown by his output this season.
The Netherlands international added a goal and an assist to his tally in the 2-0 win over West Ham, setting up Isak for the opener before burying a finish late on to seal the win.
With Salah out, Gakpo once again showed that he is the most clutch player in the squad in the Premier League this season, because he has been the most productive player in front of goal.
Last season, Salah was the player Liverpool looked to when they needed a goal, as he ended the campaign with a staggering 29 goals and 18 assists, per WhoScored.
xG
3.8
1st
Goals
4
1st
Big chances created
7
1st
Chances created
25
1st
xA
2.6
1st
Assists
3
1st
Goals + assists
7
1st
As you can see in the table above, it is Gakpo who has been the go-to man for Slot in the top-flight so far this term, leading the way in pretty much every significant attacking metric.
These statistics show how clutch the Dutchman has been for the Reds this season, because he has been their main star for both goals and creativity at the top end of the pitch, which was on full display with a goal and an assist on Sunday.
Until Salah is able to get back to his best in the Premier League, which will hopefully happen in the coming weeks, Gakpo should be considered the most clutch player in the squad for his output so far.
Liverpool in move for £100m Salah upgrade who "can reach Mane's level"
Liverpool are starting to prepare for Mo Salah’s departure from Anfield.
Newcastle United have now reportedly set their sights on signing a Ligue midfielder if they fail in their pursuit to welcome young star Kees Smit in 2026.
Newcastle set to make Kees Smit move
It’s a fairly open secret that Newcastle are after a midfield reinforcement in 2026. The trio of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali is undoubtedly impressive, but as Joelinton continues to struggle, Eddie Howe could certainly do with some quality in depth to make a change.
Names like Alex Toth have emerged on the Magpies’ radar in recent months as a result, though it seems like Smit remains top of their midfield shortlist.
Reports have even claimed that Newcastle are set to make their move to sign the AZ Alkmaar star, despite competition from the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Such interest could hand those at St James’ Park some fresh Déjà vu after missing out on several big names in the summer. It’s only now that Howe is beginning to get his full squad together following the chaos of the summer window and instant injury to Yoane Wissa.
The Newcastle boss welcomed his forward into the squad for the first time on Saturday, telling reporters: “He’s got a lot more work to do to get to the very best level that he can. We hope to keep him available by managing correctly.
He once cost £38.5m: Newcastle plot concrete move to sign "brilliant" PL star
He desperately needs a move.
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With Wissa back, the Magpies and their manager can turn their full attention towards avoiding a repeat of the summer chaos even if they miss out on Smit.
Newcastle eyeing move to sign Kevin Danois
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle have now set their sights on signing Kevin Danois if they fail to sign Smit in 2026. The AJ Auxerre midfielder has emerged as an ideal alternative as the Tyneside club continue to plan ahead.
Compared to Joao Neves and dubbed “intelligent” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, Newcastle would be wise to instantly move for Danois if they miss out on their Smit next year.
The Magpies have seemingly learned from last summer and have identified a cheaper alternative who is yet to attract the same intense interest as their main target. Whether they’re forced to turn towards the Ligue 1 star remains to be seen, however.
Newcastle star was entering Obertan territory, now he's their "best player"
Sunderland are now keen on a January move for an “unreal” defender and could make a £12m approach for his services.
Black Cats looking to strengthen this winter
The Black Cats have fared very well upon their return to the Premier League, currently sitting just three points off the Champions League places, and 10 clear of the bottom three, but they are not out of the woods just yet.
With only 15 games played, Regis Le Bris will be well-aware there is still a long way to go, and some January additions could strengthen his side’s chances of preserving their Premier League status, or perhaps even making a surprise push for Europe.
Although the Mackems have had some tough matches in recent weeks, taking on Arsenal in November, before facing reigning champions Liverpool and title contenders Manchester City, they have looked a little more shaky defensively.
Nine of the 17 goals Sunderland have conceded in the Premier League this season have come in the last five matches, most recently suffering a 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, and they are now keen on signing a new centre-back.
That is according to a report from Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), which states the Black Cats are still interested in signing Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, after submitting a €28m (£24m) bid for his services during the summer.
Having maintained their interest, the 2024-25 Championship play-off final winners could make an approach at half the price during the upcoming transfer window, with a €14m (£12m) bid on the cards.
Lucumi is out of contract with the Italian club in 2027, and with Bologna struggling to tie him down to a new deal, the defender’s future is up in the air heading into the January transfer window.
"Unreal" Lucumi could be bargain signing at £12m
It would be a steal if Sunderland were able to sign the centre-back at the heavily discounted rate of just £12m, given just how impressive he has been in Italy, being lauded as “unreal” by journalist Ethan Todd courtesy of his performances across the three previous campaigns.
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Regis Le Bris could hold one key advantage.
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Not only has the 27-year-old put in some solid performances in the Serie A, but he has also established himself at international level, picking up 34 caps for Colombia, most recently helping his side pick up a clean sheet in a 3-0 win against Australia.
The Bologna star is comfortable with the ball, while he is also strong at winning back possession, as showcased by his performance across some key statistics over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs.
Statistic
Average per 90 (past year)
Progressive carries
1.03 (81st percentile)
Successful take-ons
0.37 (85th percentile)
Passes attempted
67.14 (79th percentile)
Tackles
1.94 (83rd percentile)
Sunderland are already in a strong position to avoid the drop, but they would be boosting their survival chances even further if they were able to sign Lucumi next month.
Chelsea have now entered negotiations over a deal to sign a rapid new centre-back, and an opening offer is set to be made within weeks.
Blues looking to sign new centre-back despite Cahill comments
With Levi Colwill suffering an ACL injury back in August, the Blues’ offer centre-back options have had to step up to the plate this season, and Gary Cahill has been very impressed with their performances, so much so that he believes his former club don’t need to sign a new defender.
Cahill said: “There has been a lot of noise around this for a long time, but I think the lads that are there are doing a very good job of proving that they don’t need to add to this position,”
“I’ve been very impressed with Wesley Fofana since he’s come back. Touch wood that he stays fit.
“Trevoh Chalobah: look at the job he’s been doing – he’s a bit of an unsung hero. Trevoh is probably the most underappreciated player at Chelsea.
However, while a senior centre-back may not be required, BlueCo are always keen to bring in exciting up-and-coming prospects, and they have now entered negotiations over a deal for Gremio defender Luis Eduardo.
That is according to a report from AS (via Sport Witness), which states Chelsea have now entered talks to sign Eduardo, alongside Premier League rivals Manchester United, with opening offers set to be made in the coming weeks.
The Blues are now trying to ‘accelerate’ their pursuit of the centre-back, given that scouts have been left impressed with his performances, with the 17-year-old well-known for his pace, having reached 38 km/h for Gremio earlier this year.
The speedster has a €60m (£53m) release clause included in his contract with the Brazilian club, although it is unclear whether BlueCo would be willing to shell out such a big fee on a very young player.
Chelsea now ready to trigger £44m release clause for "unstoppable" striker
The Blues are looking to sign a new centre-forward, who has been in fantastic form so far this season.
By
Dominic Lund
Nov 30, 2025
Luis Eduardo impressing at youth level
The teenager is yet to establish himself as a regular starter for Gremio, having made just one appearance for the senior team, but he has put in some eye-catching performances for both club and country at youth level.
Despite being a centre-back, the Corrente-born ace managed to score two goals in seven appearances for Gremio U20s in 2025, while he has also netted three goals in 13 appearances for Brazil U17s.
Eduardo could be one for the future, but Cahill is correct in his assessment that Chelsea don’t need to worry about bringing in a new centre-back anytime soon, given Chalobah’s recent form, most recently netting the opening goal in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Enzo Maresca also has Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile at his disposal as back-up options, and with Colwill still to return, the manager is well-stocked at centre-back.
Wayne Rooney was ridiculed after admitting it was “hard” to watch his wife Coleen during her stint on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, revealing he struggled emotionally while alone in Plymouth, as she became a fan favourite in the jungle. The former Manchester United striker explained why viewing her on the show left him feeling overwhelmed during a difficult period in his managerial career.
Wayne and Coleen Rooney's differing ends to 2024
Coleen’s appearance on I’m A Celebrity in late 2024 became one of the most talked-about moments of the show’s recent history, as she entered the Australian jungle after years of avoiding reality TV. Her decision came at a time when her young children were older, allowing her to commit to a long stint away from home. Coleen embraced the challenge head-on, participating in 'Bushtucker Trials' and endearing herself to viewers with her competitiveness and resilience.
While Coleen flourished on screen and ultimately finished as the runner-up, her success contrasted sharply with Wayne’s struggles back in England. The United legend was enduring a turbulent spell as manager of Plymouth Argyle, battling a disastrous run of results and mounting pressure. As Coleen captured the nation’s attention, Wayne was facing relentless scrutiny and the stress of a looming relegation fight. This unique overlap created widespread public discussion around the couple, with many viewers joking about Wayne struggling while his wife dominated the headlines.
AdvertisementGetty Images EntertainmentWayne reveals why it was 'hard' to watch Coleen on I'm A Celeb…
Coleen revealed on why she finally agreed to join the show, saying: "I just felt like the time was right. The kids were all a little bit older. I think in the past, the kids have been too young to leave them for that amount of time. But, also, I'd made this decision to start doing some better work again. So I thought that would be the good a good start."
She added that although she was not naturally drawn to reality TV, this particular show had always appealed to her competitive side. "Also, I think it's I've never been one for reality TV. Like, there's not much I would do. I've always said if I was to do one, I'd do that. I'm quite competitive."
Wayne, meanwhile, admitted that the experience of watching the show was unexpectedly difficult for him. "It was hard watching, you know," he confessed to a spate of laughs, prompting the interviewer to ask why. "I was away in Plymouth, so I was on my own as well," Rooney continued, while Coleen laughed beside him as he recalled his lonely viewing nights.
The former England captain added that the impact took him by surprise. "So in the apartment on my own, so I'm watching it, and then it was, it was emotional."
Coleen's positive public image after I'm A Celeb…
Coleen’s appearance on the show coincided with one of the highest-profile public redemptions in recent celebrity TV history. After years of being at the centre of the so-called 'Wagatha Christie' saga involving Rebekah Vardy, she used the jungle setting to reshape her public image. Her warmth, humour, and willingness to take on difficult tasks quickly made her a favourite among viewers, and her journey to the final cemented her as one of the breakout stars of the series.
At the same time, Wayne was enduring a managerial nightmare at Plymouth Argyle. His team entered a severe slump, conceding goals at an alarming rate and failing to secure wins during the very weeks Coleen was excelling on television. The pressure intensified with each match, ultimately resulting in Rooney’s departure from the club on December 31, 2024.
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Getty Images SportColeen's TV future — Wayne's uncertain managerial career
With Coleen’s public profile rejuvenated and her popularity soaring, there has been speculation that she may pursue further media projects following her successful stint on I’m A Celebrity. Her openness about the experience suggests she is more comfortable stepping back into the spotlight than at any point in recent years. Whether she chooses more television or focuses on other professional ventures remains to be seen.
For Wayne, the future is more uncertain. After leaving Plymouth, he has been linked to several coaching roles but remains at a crossroads following another setback in his managerial career. The Manchester United legend has been taking up punditry duties and working with the BBC's 'The Wayne Rooney Show' to keep himself occupied as he decides upon his future.
Australia are on the brink after taking six wickets in the final session, with England still trailing by 43
Tristan Lavalette06-Dec-20255:03
‘Neser has justified his selection ahead of Lyon’
Mitchell Starc continued his remarkable Ashes 2025-26 after stonewalling a weary England attack amid Brisbane’s stifling humidity before dismissing Joe Root under the lights as Australia finished day three on the brink of a comprehensive second Test victory.Just five days into this much-hyped series, England’s hopes of regaining the Ashes look forlorn although skipper Ben Stokes survived a tough period before stumps.The situation is grim for England after spending more than half a day wilting in the heat before losing six wickets under the lights in the final session. Quicks Scott Boland and Michael Neser, perhaps justifying his controversial selection over offspinner Nathan Lyon, had the pink ball zipping around on the Gabba surface.Related
Australia's tail smokes and chars predictable England in Gabba cauldron
But the standout of the day was again Starc, who is submitting an Ashes series for the ages after he top-scored with 77 off 141 balls to help Australia secure a sizable 177-run first innings lead. It meant England’s second innings started late in the second session amid the dipping sun as the floodlights took over.Starc did look gassed after his batting effort as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett finally managed to survive the opening over for the first time in the series.Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett added 45 runs in the first six overs of the second innings•CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images
Duckett was lucky on 6 after rifling back to Neser who couldn’t take a sharp return catch although he would soon get more opportunities. In what was England’s best passage of a tortuous day, Duckett and Crawley batted well and eased to 45 for 0 after just six overs.There was some concern over Starc who grabbed at his lower left side and he needed some painkillers. However, Australia’s dominance resumed in the final session with Boland rattling the stumps of Duckett with a delivery that was short of a length but didn’t get above shin height.Ollie Pope briefly defied Boland, who had his tail up, but did not look convincing as he edged nervously on several occasions. He did manage to get to 26 only to fall in tame fashion when he was caught and bowled by Neser after miscuing a drive. It was the third time in the series that Pope failed to kick on from a start with the pressure on his spot set to intensify once more. England’s increasingly slim hopes rested on Root, fresh off his first ton on Australian soil in the first innings.But he watched in horror as Crawley on 44 attempted to drive on the up only to miscue and chip back to a giddy Neser, who couldn’t believe his good fortune. All the pressure fell on Root but he could not back up his first day heroics after he fell caught behind on review having chopped down on a full and wide Starc delivery.Boland was almost unplayable and thought he had Harry Brook caught behind on 15, only for replays to show that he missed the ball by a mile. But on the next ball he had Brook nicking off in a decision that was overturned on review.Pushing through the pain barrier, the indefatigable Starc summoned a remarkable late spell that accounted for Jamie Smith as the match appears headed for an early finish on day four.Mitchell Starc left Ben Stokes exasperated•CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images
Starc had earlier played a major role in Australia’s supreme and complete effort with the bat, marked by six half-century partnerships and five individual fifties. It didn’t even matter that no one kicked on for a big score. For just the 12th time in Test cricket, every batter made it into double figures but no centuries were struck.Australia batted with controlled aggression – apart from a bizarre passage of play late on day two – much to the envy of England as they finished with a run rate of 4.34.Starc had the right template, leaving the ball well but swinging freely when the bowling missed its length which was quite often in a ragged England effort.Seamer Brydon Carse encapsulated their wildly inconsistent performance by taking four wickets, including Steven Smith and Cameron Green in the space of three extraordinary deliveries on day two, but he leaked 152 runs from 29 overs.England had started the day desperately needing a strong start after a slew of dropped chances proved costly under lights on day two. Australia resumed on 378 for 6 with the aim of not only scoring runs but stretching their innings through the daytime when batting has been at its best.Alex Carey quickly became the latest Australian to notch a half-century, crisply off 55 balls, before Stokes nicked off Neser with a perfect length delivery.Mitchell Starc acknowledges his half-century•CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images
Starc came out aggressively to dish up more pain to Carse, whose tame attempts at a short-ball barrage proved once again ineffective. The second new ball did seem to produce more inconsistent bounce off the surface, offering hope for England to wrap up the innings. They appeared to be closing in when the luckless Gus Atkinson finally took his first Ashes wicket after nicking off Carey for 63, ending 41 overs of toil without reward in the series.But England were made to endure the heat for a few more hours as Starc and Boland combined for the longest partnership of the series in terms of balls faced. Starc cleverly farmed the strike as their plan to keep batting until the sun set worked to perfection.England appeared on the brink of imploding with a flustered Stokes furious with Jofra Archer after some lackadaisical fielding allowed Boland to get off strike. A lionhearted Stokes tried to will his team by pushing his body through a long spell but to no avail as he finally turned to spinning allrounder Will Jacks who only bowled one over on day two in his return to the side.Jacks opened the second session with a delivery that fizzed and bounced past Starc’s bat, no doubt catching the eye of Lyon in the terraces. But a few deliveries later Starc smoked a boundary to notch his 12th Test half-century. In the process he became the first Australian to score a fifty and take a five-wicket haul in an Ashes match since Mitchell Johnson during his wondrous 2013-14 series.Starc moved past Stuart Broad for most career Test runs batting at No.9 as he inched closer to a maiden century having once made 99 in India. But after more than two hours in the middle, Starc started to feel the pinch as he called for medical assistance with his right elbow feeling sore. He didn’t last much longer after holing out to mid-off but England’s agony was prolonged by No.11 Brendan Doggett and Boland, who finished 21 not out in a career high Test score.Jacks finally ended Doggett’s resistance to claim the first wicket through spin in the series.