Category Uncategorized

The New York Yankees suffered an embarrassing blunder during Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs on account of some sloppy plays from Oswald Peraza and Jazz Chisholm, who'll no doubt want this one back.

At the top of the third and down 2-0 to the Cubs, Peraza fielded Cubs' Dansby Swanson's hit but threw the ball to the right side of Chisholm, forcing the second baseman to reach across his body to catch it. That may have thrown off Chisholm's timing, as he then overshot his throw to first, sending the ball way up into the stands and allowing the Cubs to score a run.

Watch that pair of unfortunate mistakes below:

Both Chisholm and Peraza are arguably at fault here having squandered the Yankees' chance for a sweet double play.

Chisholm, who has been dealing with shoulder soreness that could be affecting his throwing, only recently returned to his natural position at second base after an experimental stint at the hot corner this season. For now, Peraza appears primed to handle third base duties but the Yankees may likely seek some upgrades ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, especially if more sloppy infielding like this happens again.

Their contribution to ODI cricket has been rooted in identity and belief

Greg Chappell23-Oct-2025Author and Philosopher Bo Bennett once said “Success is not what you have but who you are.”
In an era where cricket often bends to the whims of fleeting formats and instant gratification, two Indian giants stood tall, not just for the runs they scored but for the men they became. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two pillars of modern Indian cricket, carved their legacies through distinct journeys, both marked by immense skill, fierce preparation, and an abiding respect for the 50-over format. Their contribution to ODI cricket wasn’t accidental – it was deeply personal, rooted in identity and belief.Kohli was never just a batter, he was a movement. He arrived on the ODI scene in 2008 with raw promise, and by 2017, when he was full-time captain in the format, he had seized the reins of a side in transition and reshaped it. He brought what few dared to – a warrior’s mindset. He turned India’s ODI side into a sharp, focused and supremely fit unit that played to win, home or away.But what truly set him apart, even from the legends who came before him, was his detachment from personal statistics. While the world raved about centuries and aggregates, Kohli cared only about the outcome. He once said that he played for India, not for records – a statement that defined his leadership. Individual feats were often the focal point of India’s cricketing narrative; Kohli sought something larger. His currency was legacy, not numbers.Related

• What to expect from Rohit, Kohli in this phase of their careers?

• Josh Hazlewood and the beauty of a wicketless spell

• Kohli finds rhythm, Rohit shakes off the rust in India's first training session

• Rock and Roll It Podcast: Rohit Sharma's white-ball legacy

• The wait for 'Ro-Ko' is over and it's okay to be a bit emotional about it

Under his watch, India beat Australia 2-1 in an ODI series in 2018-19. They held fort at home like a colossus, dominating bilateral contests and ICC events. Kohli made chasing a priority, fielding a crop of finishers who could rattle teams even in high-pressure chases. He transformed India’s attitude from reactive to relentlessly proactive.Where Kohli’s rise was meteoric and defined by intensity, Rohit’s journey was more about a slow-burn path to greatness. For years he dazzled in limited-overs cricket; his timing, poise and flair made him a household name. But it didn’t come easy: though he made his debut in 2007, inconsistency and middle-order struggles kept him from cementing a place, especially in big tournaments.Then came 2013. Promoted to open during a home series against England, he seized the opportunity with quiet confidence. There was a double-century against Australia. Elegant hundreds, of which the first came also against Australia that year. Sudden comfort against the swinging ball. Something had changed – not just in technique but in belief. What followed was one of the most remarkable second winds in Indian cricket. Rohit didn’t just adapt to ODI cricket, he conquered it.

Where Kohli’s rise was meteoric and defined by intensity, Rohit’s journey was more about a slow-burn path to greatness

His batting, so often described as “effortless”, now carried the weight of responsibility. The short-arm pull, the nimble footwork against spin, the patience outside off stump – all made for a batter who could both grind and grace. A blistering 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 cemented his credentials as a record-breaker, while his measured leadership in the 2023 ODI World Cup showed a cricketer at peace with pressure.When Kohli stepped down as captain in 2021, it was Rohit who inherited the mantle – not by clamour but by quiet readiness. Where Kohli roared, Rohit observed. His captaincy was marked by calm decisions, clear planning, and unwavering support for younger players. He doesn’t chase the camera. He lets his cricket speak – and speak it does, fluently.Their captaincies were a study in contrasts, but both chased one of the same ends – Indian excellence in ODIs. Kohli led in 95 ODIs, winning 65 – among the top two highest by an Indian captain. His win rate of over 68% came against the best teams, in the toughest conditions. Rohit, newer in the role, led in just a little under half as many matches as Kohli and had an even better win percentage – 75%. Together they ensured that India remained an ODI superpower, not just a red-ball giant.Technically, Kohli’s game was forged in fire. His mastery of pace, particularly the searing quicks of Australia, England, and South Africa, made him a modern-day gladiator. His cover-drive became a symbol not just of class but of courage. Off the field, his dedication to fitness, diet and relentless improvement made him a trendsetter.Rohit, on the other hand, thrived on rhythm. His strokeplay is a masterclass in timing. Few play spin better; fewer still can pull like he does. He doesn’t impose himself on bowlers initially – he outsmarts them, and then dismantles them relentlessly. Mentally, both men were titans – Kohli driven by the fire of legacy, Rohit by the calmness of knowing his time would come.There were moments when they didn’t just shine, they paused the game itself. Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup, in a high-pressure chase, showed he wasn’t afraid of the big stage. His leadership in the 2018-19 Australia series win remains a defining Indian cricket moment.It’s one last time into the breach in Australia for the two•ICC/Getty ImagesFor Rohit it was the 264 against Sri Lanka, the innings that declared him an ODI phenomenon. Then the five centuries at the 2019 World Cup, where he tamed global attacks with poise. And more recently, his tactical nous through the 2023 World Cup campaign as captain.But beyond individual brilliance in ODIs lay something rarer: their love of and devotion to Test cricket. Kohli wasn’t shy about it – he spoke often, and passionately, about the purity of the format. He made it cool again to care about playing in whites. Rohit, through his transformation, showed that Test cricket rewards those who respect its tempo.In an age where players often chase leagues, fame, and IPL contracts, Kohli and Rohit were naturals who became the face of their franchises for over a decade. No matter the format, they dominated. They were never trying to be viral. They were trying to be vital.Praise for them came from everywhere. Michael Vaughan was effusive in his admiration of Kohli as an ODI player, and Ravi Shastri lauded his obsession with chasing success. Ben Stokes admired Rohit’s calm control. Steve Smith admired Kohli’s competitiveness. Ajinkya Rahane said once that Rohit always made you feel like the team came first. Their team-mates loved them. Their opponents respected them. Their fans, like us, will remember them as more than just batters, as torchbearers.Now, as the cricketing world moves forward, new names will rise. New captains will lead. But this golden chapter – the Kohli-Rohit era – will remain engraved not just in record books but in the hearts of every fan who understood what they stood for. Kohli’s passion, his refusal to settle, his belief in legacy over statistics. Rohit’s elegance, his humility, and his redemption arc, which reminded us all that timing is everything – in cricket, and in life.What they gave the game can’t be fully measured in runs or centuries or wins. They gave it belief, dignity, and character – which, as Bo Bennett reminded us, is the true measure of success.

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير تطورات جديدة بشأن مستقبل لاعب الأهلي، مؤكدًا أن النادي تلقّى بالفعل خطابًا رسميًا من أحد الأندية الألمانية لضم اللاعب، مع اقتراب خوضه فترة معايشة خارجية قد تمهّد لاحترافه.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأربعاء: “نادي هانوفر الألماني طلب ضم بلال عطية، وقد وصل إلى الأهلي خطاب رسمي بشأن ذلك”.

طالع أيضًا | هل يفكر الأهلي في الاستغناء عن محمد مجدي أفشة؟

وتابع: “من قبل، كان نادي شتوتجارت مهتمًا باللاعب، وخاض فترة معايشة هناك، لكن ضيق الوقت وإجراءات التأشيرة وبعض التفاصيل اللوجستية حالت دون إتمام الأمر في شهر ديسمبر كما كان مقررًا”.

وأشار: “ولذلك وافق الأهلي على سفره لفترة المعايشة، وما زال النادي يراجع بعض التفاصيل المتعلقة بالاتفاق”.

واختتم: “الخطوة التالية هي أن يخوض اللاعب فترة المعايشة بنجاح، ينبغي أن يحرص الأهلي على هؤلاء اللاعبين الشباب، مثل بلال وحمزة عبد الكريم، وأنا شخصيًا أول من يتمنى لهم الاحتراف، ولكن الأهلي يحرص على ترتيب الأمور بشكل دقيق فيما يخص هذا اللاعب، حتى تكتمل العملية على خير”.

تحدث آرني سلوت، المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، من جديد عن قراره باستبعاد النجم المصري محمد صلاح من مباراة يوم الأحد الماضي ضد وست هام في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي.

واستضاف ملعب “لندن الأولمبي” مباراة فريقي ليفربول ووست هام، حيث حقق حامل اللقب فوزًا بهدفين دون رد، في لقاء شهد غياب محمد صلاح الذي تواجد على دكة البدلاء.

وقال سلوت، في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “إندبندنت” الإنجيزية: “كان محمد صلاح رائعًا لهذا النادي لسنوات عديدة، وسيظل كذلك معنا في المستقبل، هذا الأمر (جلوسه على دكة البدلاء) ليس بالأمر الجيد بالنسبة له، ولا لمشجع ليفربول، ولا لي أيضًا”.

وأضاف: “إنه لاعب بالغ الأهمية بالنسبة لنا، نرغب برؤيته في الملعب، أنا أفضل رؤية محمد صلاح في الملعب، يسجل أهدافه ويقدم أداءً مميزًا، بدلًا من أن تُركز عليه الكاميرات وهو لا يشارك في المباراة”.

وواصل: “لقد كان مهمًا جدًا لنا لسنوات عديدة، وسيظل كذلك في الأيام القادمة حيث سيشارك بعد ذلك رفقة مصر في كأس الأمم الإفريقية”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بول ميرسون: سأتعرض لصدمة إذا قرر سلوت شيئًا ما تجاه محمد صلاح

وأردف: “رد فعل كل لاعب في هذه المجموعة، سواء كان يلعب أم لا، هو تقديم أفضل ما لديه كل يوم في هذا النادي، وعندما نلعب، هذا بالضبط ما أظهره يوم الأحد وأمس أيضًا”.

حل دومينيك سوبوسلاي محل محمد صلاح في مباراة وست هام، ولكن سلوت أكد أن المجري ليس بديلًا للمصري، حيث قال: “لا أرى دومينيك لاعبًا في الجناح الأيمن على المدى البعيد في هذا النادي”.

وشدد: “دومينيك لاعب وسط يمكنه مساعدتنا كظهير أو كجناح إذا لزم الأمر، لا أتوقع أن نكون في فبراير أو مارس ويكون سوبوسلاي يلعب دائمًا هناك، لكنني لا أعرف حتى الآن”.

وأوضح: “إنه لاعب وسط أكثر منه جناحًا، لكن الميزة فيه أنه يمكنه مساعدتي ومساعدتنا في عدة مراكز إذا احتجنا إليه في ذلك المركز، على المدى البعيد، يجب أن يكون لدينا أجنحة يلعبون كأجنحة، ولاعبو وسط يلعبون كلاعبي وسط، ومدافعون يلعبون كمدافعين”.

Micky Van de Ven’s addition back in the summer of 2023 raised eyebrows among many Tottenham Hotspur supporters, especially after the hierarchy forked out £40m for his signature.

Such a fee was a hefty one during the Daniel Levy era, but it may have come as more of a surprise given the Dutchman was largely an unknown quantity to many of the fans.

However, just over a couple of years on from his move, he’s cemented himself as a key member of Thomas Frank’s squad – arguably being one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Despite his defensive role, the 24-year-old has had a huge impact within attacking areas, netting three times in the Premier League this season – putting him joint top of the Lilywhites’ goalscoring charts.

It’s not all been plain sailing for the club within the defensive department, with numerous other big-money additions unable to live up to the hefty fees paid for their services.

Spurs’ issues at centre-back for Van de Ven’s arrival

Spending big on centre-backs hasn’t been alien to Spurs in recent years, as seen by their £42m addition of Davinson Sanchez back in the summer of 2017 – a then club-record transfer.

The Colombian racked up over 200 appearances for the Lilywhites over a six-year period, subsequently leaving in the summer of 2023 to join Turkish side Galatasaray.

He was a solid option under various managers in North London, but ultimately, the fanbase were left disappointed – especially after paying a club-record fee for his signature.

Joe Rodon was another youngster signed by the hierarchy to potentially grow into an elite-level centre back, subsequently paying Swansea City £11m back in the summer of 2020.

However, the Welshman would only make 15 Premier League appearances for the club, before being sold to Leeds United as part of the Archie Gray deal in 2024.

It’s safe to say with Van de Ven, times have changed in North London, but the club have already unearthed another top-level talent who could be a real hit with the fans in the years to come.

The Spurs star who’s a bigger talent than Van de Ven

Whilst he’s been battling with injuries over the last few months, Van de Ven’s importance to the Spurs side simply cannot be understated – with Frank’s men a much better side with the Dutchman at the back.

He’s already helped the Lilywhites keep seven clean sheets across all competitions, with the 24-year-old evidently having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.

The defender has also demonstrated his strength in another area, with the former Wolfsburg man registering the fastest speed of any player in England’s top-flight throughout 2024/25.

At present, he’s currently partnered by Cristian Romero at the heart of the backline, but that could be about to change in the years ahead, given the emergence of Luka Vuskovic.

The Lilywhites forked out a reported fee in the region of £12m for the signature of teenage sensation from Hajduk Split, with real hope he can be a first team starter in the near future.

The Croatian has spent a couple of years out on loan, with his spell on loan at Westerlo catching the eye – but for his attacking quality rather than his talent at the back – just like Van de Ven.

He scored seven times and notched two assists in his 36 outings, a simply staggering feat for a young defender, which earned him another loan move – this time to Bundesliga side, Hamburg.

The prospect of top-flight German football may have seemed like a huge jump to many, but the 18-year-old has wasted no time in impressing the supporters of Die Rothosen.

Vuskovic, who’s been labelled “one of the most exciting teenage centre-backs” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has already opened his account for the German side in 2025/26.

However, his defensive stats are just as impressive, with the youngster winning a staggering 10.2 duels per 90 – 7.5 of which have been in the air – subsequently achieving a success rate of 87%.

He’s also completed 100% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst completing a total of 84% of his passes – showcasing his incredible all-round game despite his tender age.

It’s very rare you come across such a dominant young centre-back, but it’s clear Vuskovic has all the tools needed to be a monster hit with the Lilywhites fanbase in the years to come.

Should he stay on his current path, there’s no reason why he can’t emulate Van de Ven’s success in North London and even surpass the Dutchman’s recent levels.

Frank's next Toney: Paratici leading Spurs move for "one of the best STs"

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a January move to land a new talisman for Thomas Frank.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 28, 2025

The winger, who has been a steady contributor for the MLS Cup hopefuls, talked to GOAL about his impressive season since returning to North America

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Emmanuel Sabbi knew Vancouver had what it takes from early on. All of the signs were there: a manager in Jesper Sorensen who was locked in and invested, a motivated squad, and a fanbase that was truly willing to get behind the team. 

"When I got here, I saw the firepower we had. It's been next man up mentality since Day 1, since I got here, and we've really shown that, and it looked prevalent early. You know, our coach demands a lot from us," he tells GOAL. 

But could he have ever hoped that they would be playing in MLS Cup? That's less certain. Still, the work has been put in:

"So it's just a testament of hard work, and the reality now is here," he says. 

And it's deserved, in truth. Vancouver started hot, stayed hot, and then got that extra piece in Thomas Muller to take them over the line. Sabbi, meanwhile, has been a mainstay. He tallied double-digit goal contributions with seven goals and three assists for the Whitecaps and has been a steady presence in attacking areas all year. Where that lands him remains to be seen. He has one cap for the USMNT. There could yet be others. But first, there is a trophy to win. And it's a big one.

Sabbi joined GOAL Convo, a weekly Q&A with central figures in North American soccer, and talked about Vancouver's improvement, playing against Lionel Messi, and why he hopes to be in the USMNT conversation in the future. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  ON PREPARING FOR THE FINAL

  GOAL: You're playing in MLS Cup, a massive final. What's going through your head?

  SABBI: Yeah, I didn't really know what I was coming to. But yeah, I'm here, talked to Jesper [Sorensen] and Ryan Gauld, and got a real gist of what Vancouver is like, and ultimately made my decision to come. And it's been a great season.

  GOAL: What has surprised you the most about playing in MLS?

  SABBI: The pace, honestly. The pace is really, really high here. There are great, tremendous players around and, yeah, it's very pacey here. So I really like that.

  GOAL: Do you think that suits your game?

  SABBI: Definitely. You've just got to get into it, right? I mean, I came, got a little injury, and then just had to get up to speed. And once I got up to speed, it was really amazing to be in MLS.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  ON CONTENDING FOR MLS CUP

  GOAL: When you came into the season, did you in the back of your mind say, 'MLS Cup is a reality,' or when did it start to really hit you that this is a contending team?

  SABBI: When I got here, I saw the firepower we had. It's been next man up mentality since Day 1, since I got here, and we've really shown that, and it looked prevalent early. You know, our coach demands a lot from us. And also, we demand a lot from each other. Honestly, it looks like we would get here from all the games that we've played and how we perform. So it's just a testament of hard work, and the reality now is here. 

  GOAL: What makes Jesper Sorensen so unique as a manager? You always hear from players like, 'oh, this guy, he's, he's laid back,' or 'this guy is he's super tactically driven or focused.' What makes him special?

  SABBI: He kind of has everything, honestly: tactically, he's sound mentally, he's prepared for every game. I think all-around, he's a great coach. He helps the young ones as well, as you've seen a lot of young players play and played a big role. So I think all-around, he is a great coach. He helps everyone. He's also into our personal lives. And it's really nice to have a coach like that.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  ON MIAMI

  GOAL: Who is your favorite player?

  SABBI: [Laughs] Lionel Messi. 

  GOAL: You played against Messi in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. What's it like playing against him?

  SABBI: I mean, it's the best player of all time, and you're standing on the pitch with him and playing against him and trying to defend him. And, you know, it's surreal. 

  GOAL: What's your earliest Messi memory?

  SABBI: Honestly, his first goal was insane. And just getting a pass from Ronaldinho like that, and just finishing it the way he did. It's insane. It's incredible to see that he's still doing it today, and yeah, hopefully he doesn't go against us! 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  ON THE USMNT

  GOAL: You've been capped before. Do you ever think about the possibility of being on the national team again? 

  SABBI: I hope so. My job was to try to have good performances and be consistent. And I hope that, you know, the national team has seen that, that I'm a candidate to try to make my mark there as well. And I'm just grateful for the opportunity to come back and play in MLS and show how good I am and that I'm ready.

  GOAL: Was that part of your decision to come back to MLS, to get a little more visibility? 

  SABBI: Not really. I think the national team looks at all the leagues, honestly. And it was just a different choice for my family and me, and I listened to my family and talked to my agent, and then had a couple of calls with Vancouver, and that's how it became possible.

The New York media does not have the same patience with Juan Soto that the Mets star has at the plate. Soto was mere games into his New York Mets career when WFAN's Sal Licata started screaming about how much he stunk. More recently ESPN New York's Michael Kay had an issue with Soto's attitude about missing the All-Star game.

On Thursday, the morning after Soto broke up a no-hitter in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians, Boomer Esiason opened WFAN's , talking about Soto's attitude and leadership. Like many Mets fans, he does not like what he's seeing.

"When Juan Soto hit that ball he might have been thrown out at first base if it didn’t go out of the building because he’s loping out of the box," said Esiason. "Now I don’t expect him to sprint to first base in a situation like this, but he watched the whole thing. This to me is a reoccurring.. and he’s got a nice smile on his face you know like he’s laughing. I’m sick of it. I want to see attitude."

Esiason then invoked names like Gary Carter and Ray Knight and said the team looked "overpaid and underwhelmed." He also said that no player is worth Soto's salary.

“Your highest-paid player, whether it be Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani or, in this case, Juan Soto, has to lead the team," Esiason continued. "They have to set the example. And when the example that is being set is one that just doesn’t look, at least to the naked eye, and as a former athlete looks to me like… If that’s the guy making $760 million and he’s supposed to be a leader, I’m not following that guy."

This was the Mets' eighth loss in their last nine games so it's no surprise that people are frustrated. Considering his salary, the weight of a prolonged slide was always going to fall on Soto's shoulders, even when he's the only person to manage a hit in a loss. His previous time in New York should have prepared him for this so perhaps it's not a surprise that his smile can be used as a negative data point.

Is it fair? Depends who one asks. Mets fans are understandably and rightfully demanding of their team this year considering the payroll. Soto was supposed to be the game-changer to get them over the hump and into the World Series.

The good news for the superstar is that the project is still very much a work in progress and it might be two months before the final verdict is in. If the Mets start winning more, smiles will be contagious and a sign of positivity, not lack of leadership.

Southampton and Sport Republic have seemingly made their permanent St Mary’s manager decision during the international break.

Southampton's manager targets

The Saints are yet to announce Will Still’s full-time successor after parting ways with the 33-year-old following the 2-0 defeat to Preston North End earlier this month.

A number of candidates have been linked with the St Mary’s vacancy, including former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, Stoke City’s Mark Robins and even Frank Lampard at league leaders Coventry City. There have also been suggestions that former West Brom and Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray could be an option on a short-term basis.

Tonda Eckert has been in caretaker charge of the Saints following Still’s exit, recording back-to-back Championship victories against QPR and Sheffield Wednesday to steer Southampton clear of the relegation zone.

He was quizzed on taking the role on a permanent basis prior to the win over the Owls, to which Eckert said:

Eckert is still in his role as interim manager during the international break, and by the looks of things, it could get even better for the 32-year-old.

Southampton on course to appoint Eckert as full-time manager

According to talkSPORT, ‘Eckert is going to be given the job full-time’ at St Mary’s after impressing in his two games in charge.

The Saints are seriously considering their caretaker and appear to have made the decision, should this claim prove accurate.

Tonda Eckert’s coaching career

Role

Years

1.FC Koln U17

Assistant manager

2013-2016

RB Salzburg YL

Assistant manager

2016-2017

RB Leipzig YL

Assistant manager

2017-2019

FC Bayern U17

Assistant manager

2019-2020

Barnsley

Assistant manager

2020-2022

Genoa

Assistant manager

2022-2025

Eckert has already impressed supporters with back-to-back victories, and he has also come in for praise from Saints star Finn Azaz, who called him “top level”.

“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.

“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”

Southampton can land Still upgrade by hiring manager who's won 13 trophies

Fast bowler returns to group with England considering changes for The Oval

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jul-2025England have brought Jamie Overton back into their squad for the fifth Test against India. The addition of Overton, who played for Surrey in the County Championship last week, is the only change to the group from Old Trafford, where India salvaged a fighting draw to keep the series alive.England’s bowlers shouldered a heavy workload in vain during the fourth Test, sending down 257.1 overs across two innings, and captain Ben Stokes admitted afterwards that fresh legs might be required with a three-day turnaround between Tests.”If you look at how long we’ve been out in the field and the overs that we bowled as a bowling unit, everyone is going to be pretty sore and pretty tired going into the last game of the series,” he said. “There’ll be an assessment of everyone, and hopefully we can use these next two or three days’ rest period wisely and then have to make a decision.England squad for fifth Test against India•ESPNcricinfo Ltd”These recovery days are going to be pretty important, and we might have to make a few decisions to get some fresh legs in. But that won’t be decided until we get closer to the last game.”England have largely kept the same attack during the four Tests to date, with Jofra Archer replacing Josh Tongue after two games and Liam Dawson coming in for the injured Shoiab Bashir at Old Trafford the only changes. Chris Woakes has bowled more overs (167) than anyone on either side, while Brydon Carse (155) and Stokes (140) are not far behind. Archer, meanwhile, has only just returned to Test cricket after a four-year absence.Gus Atkinson had been expected to be involved by this stage of the series and could come in for Woakes, having proved his fitness after a hamstring injury while playing for Surrey’s 2nd XI last week. Tongue, who is still England’s second-leading wicket-taker in the series with 11, may also be in contention, while a recall for Overton would see him playing Test cricket for the first time since his debut Test in 2022.England have cancelled their training session for Tuesday to allow the players more recovery time, and will reconvene at The Oval on Wednesday.England squad for the fifth Test against IndiaBen Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes

Major League Baseball has approved a request from the Blue Jays for a medical substitution on their postseason roster for outfielder Anthony Santander, the league confirmed on Thursday night.

Santander was dealing with back stiffness following Toronto's Game 3 win on Wednesday. After treatment and evaluation on Thursday, it was determined that it would be a longer recovery time for Santander, prompting the Blue Jays to make a move.

"Today MLB has approved a roster substitution due to an injury to Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander, who will be replaced by outfielder Joey Loperfido for the remainder of the ALCS vs. the Mariners. By rule, Santander will be ineligible for the World Series should the Blue Jays qualify," the league said in a statement.

Santander was hitting just .200 with three RBI this postseason.