Leeds 1-2 Aston Villa: "Sneaky" Elland Road moment that VAR may have missed

Sky Sports presenter Dan Bardell has now shed light on a “sneaky” Leeds United moment against Aston Villa, which VAR may have missed in Unai Emery’s side’s 2-1 win at Elland Road.

Morgan Rogers’ second-half double sealed Aston Villa a 2-1 win at Leeds and lifted his side into the Premier League’s top four. The England forward cancelled out Lukas Nmecha’s early opener for Leeds soon after the interval before his exquisite free-kick secured Villa a sixth win from their last seven league games.

A fifth defeat in six league matches was a bitter pill to swallow for Leeds, who remain in the relegation zone and had nothing to show for a spirited display, which saw them match their opponents for long periods.

Leeds dropped into the bottom three for the first time this season after Saturday’s results and a second home league defeat of the season heaped further pressure on head coach Daniel Farke.

Eight of Leeds’ 11 points prior to kick-off this season had been won at Elland Road and they made the ideal start, taking an eighth-minute lead after a lengthy VAR decision.

Sean Longstaff’s free-kick was hooked back across goal by Gabriel Gudmundsson and after Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez dropped the ball under pressure from Anton Stach, Ezri Konsa’s attempted clearance rebounded off Nmecha and into the net.

VAR Paul Tierney concluded after a lengthy check that neither Gudmundsson or Stach had been offside.

"Sneaky" moment VAR may have missed in Leeds v Aston Villa

Nmecha’s third goal of the season was confirmed after a lengthy VAR check for offside. There will have also been some fears that a foul could’ve been given, something which may not have been checked in great detail.

Taking to X during the first half, Sky Sports man Bardell suggested the goal shouldn’t have stood due to a “sneaky nudge”, despite the fact Martinez should’ve done a lot better, saying: “Could be disallowed for a couple of things there, but not great from Martinez, although I do think there was a sneaky nudge too. Not ideal.”

Ultimately, regardless of whether there was meaningful contact, the Argentinian should’ve done a lot better, considering he is still regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

That said, Villa managed to force their way back into the game regardless, with Rogers putting in a fantastic second-half display, bagging a brace, which ensured his side moved up to fourth in the Premier League table.

Leeds looking to boost survival chances by submitting imminent bid for Real Madrid star Leeds set to make imminent bid for Real Madrid ace after Farke convinces 49ers

The Whites are looking to bring in a new forward, having not scored enough goals so far this season.

ByDominic Lund Nov 21, 2025

Man Utd boss Marc Skinner claims rivals City were 'not that far ahead' despite humiliating derby defeat that leaves WSL title hopes in pieces

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner delivered a surprisingly defiant assessment after his side suffered a heavy derby defeat at the Etihad. He insisted that Manchester City were “not that far ahead” despite a humbling 3-0 scoreline that leaves United’s title hopes hanging by a thread. United were outplayed from the first whistle to the last as they registered zero shots on target and struggled to generate any attacking threat. The shocking performance comes just three days after their historic 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Women’s Champions League at Old Trafford.

  • City dominate early before cracking United open

    City's aggressive pressing and dominance in central areas immediately forced United onto the back foot. Yet, for the opening half-hour, their superiority lacked an end product, with United managing to survive the early storm. But the resistance fractured shortly after the midpoint of the first half. Lauren Hemp’s pinpoint delivery found Khadija Shaw, whose cushioned header across goal allowed Rebecca Knaak to nod home from close range. The match swung decisively before the interval. United believed a foul had been missed in the build-up to City’s second goal, but Amy Fearn again dismissed their protests. Kerstin Casparij’s driven cross picked out Shaw, who stabbed past Mary Earps to double City’s advantage. Any remaining hope was extinguished minutes later when United gifted possession in a dangerous area. Hemp pounced with ruthless efficiency, sweeping a curling finish into the top corner to put City 3-0 ahead and effectively end the contest before half-time.

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    Defiant Skinner offers surprising verdict

    Despite the gulf in the scoreline and the lack of genuine openings, Skinner delivered a surprising verdict afterwards. 

    "It's a strange feeling to have lost the game 3-0 and still feel the opponent wasn't that far ahead of you", he said. 

    United entered the derby with obvious fatigue after a gruelling week that included their first-ever Champions League match at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, City, who are free from European commitments, benefitted from a less demanding schedule. But Skinner refused to use that as justification.

    "We won't use it as an excuse," he said after the game. "We had an advantage on City last year when they were doing the same. It's nothing against City, they did what they had to do today. For us, we've designed the squad, but it needs to be impacted by the winter window, to be clear."

  • Skinner wants reinforcements

    However, the United manager made clear that his squad, which is stretched by injuries and the pressure of a busier calendar, urgently needs reinforcements.

    "It needs to support these players that are giving absolutely everything," he said. "It wasn't a lack of commitment, the players gave as much as they could, but in moments we switched off. That can be fatigue. Our standards is that we can't accept that, we have to fix it going into Wolfsburg [in the Champions League on Wednesday].

    "We've got to fight. We've got a bit more recovery time. We've had to walk through training this week, it's these factors we're getting used to now being in the Champions League. I'm not moaning about that, we have to take the challenge on. That's why in the winter window we have to supply some support for the players."

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    United’s attack under the microscope after toothless derby display

    Perhaps the clearest indictment of United’s performance was their lack of threat in the final third. Skinner wants reinforcements in the attacking department, where depth has been stretched to breaking point.

    "If I look at the way we attacked today, I felt we were a bit passive, I'm going to make sure we look at that as an area to support the fantastic work our players are already doing," he said.

    However, he made it clear that the management remains adamant to improve the women's team and added: "The club care about the women's team, I'll be clear on that. Us identifying the right talent and bringing them in in the right moment is key. We're working hard behind the scenes to do so. I have no doubt the club care. What we need to do is bring the right people in."

    The win moves City four points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League. United, meanwhile, remain in third, now seven points adrift of City and three behind Chelsea. For a team hoping to mount a genuine title challenge, the derby defeat represents a reality check. It is a reminder of the work still required to bridge the divide between themselves and England’s elite.

Wolves targeting Brendan Rodgers amid doubts about Vitor Pereira

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now targeting Brendan Rodgers as a replacement for Vitor Pereira, amid boardroom doubts about the Portuguese manager, who has made a very poor start to the campaign.

Indeed, Pereira is arguably fortunate to still be in a job, given that West Ham United and Nottingham Forest have already made changes, with the Old Gold sitting bottom of the Premier League, having failed to win any of their opening nine games.

Wolves have amassed just two points, which means they are currently six points adrift of safety, and the most recent result is likely to be particularly concerning, suffering a 3-2 defeat at home against newly-promoted Burnley.

Pereiera had to be dragged away from an altercation with the fans after the full-time whistle, before going on to urge the supporters to stick with the team in his post-match interview, saying: “We understand the frustration of the people and supporters but what I must say, if we fight united with them, we can win games and compete and achieve our targets – without them, it is impossible,”

“If we win two or three games in a row, things will change.”

The 57-year-old appears to be safe for the meantime, with the board not taking any drastic action after the Burnley defeat, but the club’s hierarchy are starting to have doubts about their manager…

Wolves targeting Rodgers to replace Pereira

According to a report from The Boot Room, Rodgers has now emerged as a target for Wolves, with the 52-year-old now available after resigning from his position as Celtic manager earlier this week.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey adds: “Wolves, as it stands, are sticking with Vitor Pereira, but I understand the club’s hierarchy is split. Some wanted Pereira out after their weekend defeat to Burnley, so they are one to watch.”

As such, the former FC Porto manager may get a few more games to save his job, but if results don’t improve, the Northern Irishman could be brought in to replace him, having decided moving back to England is his “number one priority”.

After such a poor start to the season, the Old Gold may need a special manager to guide them to safety, and the ex-Celtic boss, who has managed 34 Champions League games, could fit the bill.

Gabriel Agbonlahor once lauded the former Leicester City boss for the work he did at the King Power Stadium, describing him as a “world-class” manager.

During his time with the Foxes, Rodgers, who often utilises a 4-3-3 formation, secured two fifth-place finishes and won the FA Cup, showcasing that he is capable of punching above his weight with a smaller club.

Despite signing a new three-year contract last month, there is only so long Wolves can stick with Pereira if results don’t improve dramatically, and the former Leicester manager could be the ideal replacement.

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The talented international could be another Cunha-type star for Wolves this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 18, 2025

Celtic chiefs line up Lee Carsley approach amid "huge praise" from Roy Keane

Celtic are eyeing a potential move for England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley as their next boss, as they look to find the perfect replacement for Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

Rodgers’ second spell in charge of the Hoops went out in a whimper, following an underwhelming start to the season in the Scottish Premiership, with Martin O’Neill placed in interim charge.

While the Irishman has seemingly only come in for a short spell as manager, taking charge until the right permanent appointment is made, a new report has claimed that he would be willing to take the job until the end of the season.

Victory at home to Rangers on Sunday afternoon would not only be a massive step in the right direction for Celtic, but could even persuade those high up at the club that O’Neill is the right man to continue for longer than originally expected.

That’s not to say that other potential candidates aren’t being mentioned, however, with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna backed to be Rodgers’ successor, and Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen also seen as an option.

Lee Carsley linked with Celtic job

Now, 67 Hail Hail claim that Celtic are eyeing Carsley to be their next manager, with the Hoops “long-term admirers” of him, meaning he could “be in contention” to come in.

That said, the former Republic of Ireland international “isn’t a frontrunner for the job”, so at this stage, others feel more likely to take charge at Parkhead.

Carsley would be an interesting choice for Celtic if they did go down that route, with Roy Keane heaping praise on him during his brief stint as England’s interim boss before Thomas Tuchel came in.

Perhaps the biggest risk in Celtic appointing Carsley is the fact that he is yet to manage at club level, with his only roles coming with England, including his current Under-21s role.

England Under-21s

2025-present

11

2.27

England (interim)

2024

6

2.50

England Under-21s

2021-2024

29

2.41

England Under-20s

2020-2021

1

3.00

For that reason, bringing him in would be a gamble at a point when a safe pair of hands is required to steady the ship after a frustrating end to Rodgers’ reign.

Postecoglou 2.0: Celtic looking at hiring "box-office" McKenna alternative

With Ange Postecoglou unlikely to return to Celtic, should the Hoops appoint a “box office” title-winning manager instead of Kieran McKenna?

ByBen Gray Nov 1, 2025

Carsley may be desperate to prove his worth in the club game, though, and if he impresses Celtic’s bosses more than the rest, they need to be trusted.

Celtic manager search takes twist as O'Neill makes decision about interim role

Richardson stands out with four wickets as England Lions collapse

Jhye Richardson has announced his triumphant return to bowling, taking four wickets in his second game back from injury as Australia A punished a hapless England Lions.The hosts went to stumps on day one of their four-day match in Brisbane at 155 for 2, after Richardson had taken 4 for 35 to help bowl the Lions out for 166.Richardson would almost certainly have figured in Test contention for this summer, had he not been recovering from shoulder surgery. He went wicketless during 20 overs for a CA XI against the Lions late last month, but was back bowling at pace at Allan Border Field on Friday.Richardson had Ben McKinney dropped at first slip in his third over of the day, before running through the tourists in the second session. He bowled James Rew for 7 when the left-hander inside-edged a ball that angled across him onto his stumps, before Richardson’s pace had Ben Kellaway playing on.In almost comical fashion, Kellaway defended a delivery from the quick before he was unable to stop the ball rolling back onto his stumps.Richardson then had both Matthew Fisher and Nathan Gilchrist edging behind the wicket, as the Lions fell from 72 for 1 to all out for 166 in 50 overs.Richardson played his last Test in December 2022, but has battled constant shoulder and hamstring injuries since then. His recovery from last season’s dislocated shoulder ruled him out of contention for the start of the Ashes, with Brendan Doggett debuting in Perth.Todd Murphy and Xavier Bartlett also took two wickets each for Australia A, before Campbell Kellaway flew to 71 off 75 balls in the final session.Earmarked as a Test opener of the future, Kellaway’s runs came after he also hit a half-century for the Prime Minister’s XI against England last weekend.Kellaway produced one of the shots of the day with a cracking pull shot off Gilchrist, before he later pulled the quick straight to mid on.England spinner Shoaib Bashir meanwhile had an unhappy afternoon, taking 0 for 22 from three overs after being overlooked for the Gabba Test.Nathan McSweeney (40 not out) pulled Bashir’s first two balls for four, before Kellaway also took to him in the next over and he was dragged out of the attack.

Neser five-for trumps England's belated resistance as Australia take 2-0 lead

Ben Stokes, Will Jacks show application in 96-run stand but crushing defeat was in the post

Tristan Lavalette07-Dec-2025

Michael Neser walks off with the ball raised•Getty Images

England batted against type and belatedly produced a rearguard, but it was in vain as seamer Michael Neser justified his contentious selection with a five-wicket haul to lead Australia to a crushing second Test victory.Just six days in, Australia have a stranglehold of an Ashes series that is quickly becoming decidedly one-sided. But they were made to work on day four with England skipper Ben Stokes and Will Jacks stonewalling for almost half a day in a 96-run seventh-wicket partnership lasting almost 37 overs.But Neser, surprisingly selected ahead of offspinner Nathan Lyon, dismissed both batters as England quickly fell away much like they have done numerous times in this series. Neser was sensational on the back of a deadly spell with the pink ball under lights on day three.Related

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  • 'We'll leave it out there' – Steven Smith on Jofra Archer confrontation

  • McCullum: England 'over-prepared' in second Test build-up

  • Smith praises 'exceptional' Neser and 'freak' Carey

He was aided by outstanding fielding, a notable contrast between the teams after England dropped five catches in Australia’s first innings.Skipper Steven Smith snatched a stunning one-hander low to his left to end Jacks’ 92-ball grind, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey completed a stellar effort with the gloves by holding on to a nick up at the stumps to dismiss Stokes.Any hope of a miracle ended with the sight of a forlorn Stokes trudging off the Gabba having given his all with 50 off 152 balls.Needing just 65 runs for victory, Travis Head came out blazing as Australia raced to 33 for 0 after five overs but dinner was still taken despite fears of stormy weather closing in on the Brisbane area.Head could not carry over the momentum on resumption, chopping on to Gus Atkinson who also nicked off Marnus Labuschagne. There were unexpected late fireworks when Smith and Jofra Archer had a war of words.But Smith, fittingly, came out on top with a hooked six off a 150 kph Archer bumper before sealing the victory in style with a huge blow over deep square off Atkinson. Smith finished 23 not out off just nine balls to ensure England left the field in need of plenty of soul searching ahead of the third Test in Adelaide.England will rue several passages of brainless play earlier in the match as their hopes of regaining the Ashes appear shot. Had they batted with the application and grit that Stokes and Jacks exhibited earlier than the match might have taken a different course.But Australia thoroughly deserved their victory after such an even team performance. They outclassed and outsmarted England in another impressive effort without quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.Jofra Archer and Steven Smith exchanged words•PA Photos/Getty Images

Smith continues to provide an excellent stand-in for Cummins as Australia’s mastery and experience of day-night cricket overwhelmed a ragged England.The main question at the start of the day was how long would play last with the result basically a formality. England resumed their second innings in dire trouble at 134 for 6 and still 43 runs from making Australia bat again. With the knives out, a beleaguered England’s only hope seemingly rested on Stokes replicating his Headingley-esque heroics.Going against type, a backs-to-the-wall approach was needed. Unlike a slew of his team-mates, Stokes had been very watchful late on day three to survive Australia’s onslaught and finish unbeaten on 4 from 24 balls. Under the baking sun, Stokes encountered far easier conditions with minimal swing on offer in a sedate start to the day’s play.He crawled to 12 off 50 balls before cracking a superb cover drive off Brendan Doggett in the highlight of a dour 28-run opening hour. There wasn’t much out of the ordinary apart from when Stokes backed away anticipating a bouncer and proceeded to forehand smash the ball, forcing Doggett to do his own fielding to the boundary at long-off.Australia’s quicks bowled excellently without reward and they tried different tactics in search of a breakthrough. In what had seemed unlikely at the start of the day, England hauled in the deficit prompting a standing ovation from the Barmy Army.The 50-run partnership between Stokes and Jacks was brought up a run later to a ripple of mostly ironic cheers from the terraces. They scored at 2.45 – the slowest scoring rate of the 164 partnerships of 50-plus in the Bazball era.Stokes had a nervous moment just before the elongated tea break when a short delivery from Scott Boland hit the shoulder of his bat and flew over a leaping Cameron Green in the gully.With a wicket proving elusive for the quicks, Smith might have wished he could throw the ball to Lyon but, instead, he gave Head’s part-time spin a go. Labuschagne also unfurled his seam bowling in the last over before tea as Stokes and Jacks defied the odds in the first wicketless session of the series.It was much the same early in the second session with Stokes digging in while Jacks, playing just his third Test, looked composed and balanced at the crease.
Jacks brought up his first boundary of the day when he clipped beautifully through midwicket as he passed his previous Test high score of 31.Smith had started to look frustrated in the field, but his mood brightened considerably when he took it upon himself to produce a moment of magic to end Jacks’ resistance.Stokes had barely acknowledged his hard-fought half-century, knowing there was so much work still to do. But he soon walked off disappointed after falling to Neser, throwing his head back in agony with the bitter realisation that the match was effectively over.England lost their last 4 for 17 in their latest collapse as Neser claimed his first five-wicket innings haul of his brief Test career when he dismissed Brydon Carse.Smith equalled Rahul Dravid to sit second all-time in outfield catches and he celebrated with gusto knowing Australia were on the brink of another big win over their hapless opponent.

'Hopefully he gets that call-up soon' – Mason Greenwood backed for England return for World Cup 2026 by Marseille team-mate

An unlikely England recall isn’t out of the question for controversial Marseille star Mason Greenwood, according to one of his team-mates, who has vowed to do all he can to help the former Manchester United winger back into the Three Lions reckoning. Greenwood has been in prolific form for the Ligue 1 side again this season and is believed to be keen on return to the England squad.

  • Greenwood revival in south of France

    Greenwood joined Marseille in July last year, leaving Manchester United following charges of attempted rape, assault, and controlling behaviour, which were discontinued after key witnesses withdrew and new material emerged which meant there "was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction." After a successful loan spell at Getafe, Marseille signed him permanently for a reported £26.7 million ($35.3m), with the forward quickly becoming a key player under Roberto De Zerbi. 

    His career has seen a resurgence, with him becoming Marseille’s top scorer last season and continuing his form into the current campaign. In the recent Champions League clash with Newcastle, Greenwood delivered an excellent performance. He was a constant threat from the right wing, creating four chances and providing the cross for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's first goal as Marseille secured a crucial 2-1 victory. 

    And USMNT star Timothy Weah, son of former Paris St-Germain, AC Milan and Chelsea striker George, has promised to do all he can to help Greenwood make a remarkable return to to the England team. 

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    Weah: 'I'm super proud of him'

    After the victory over Newcastle, Weah told : "When I speak about Mason it’s a special feeling because it’s very rare in a lifetime that you get to share the pitch with such an amazing player and amazing character. We’ve grown closer since I've joined the team and been here. Hopefully he gets that call-up soon. I’m super proud of him. He's having an amazing season and hopefully I can help him to reach those heights that he's aiming for."

  • England boss clear on Greenwood position

    Greenwood has made just one senior appearance for the England national team when he was brought on as a substitute in a Nations League match against Iceland in September 2020. But there was controversy afterwards, as he was sent home shortly along with team-mate Phil Foden for breaching COVID-19 quarantine rules by bringing female companions back to the team hotel. He has not been called-up to the England squad since. 

    And while he is eligible to play for Jamaica, he holds hopes he could return to the England set-up, but Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel says he isn’t being considered for selection at the moment. Speaking in September, Tuchel said: "I have not spoken to him until now. I have not spoken to him or his camp. My understanding was that he tries to play for Jamaica so we didn't give it another thought. He was not in the mix at the moment, and he is not in our thoughts for our team."

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    Greenwood 'not wanted' by Jamaica players

    Greenwood has also been tipped to switch allegiance to Jamaica after gaining his passport earlier this year. Steve McClaren resigned as Jamaica's head coach after the team failed to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following a 0-0 draw with minnows Curaçao earlier this month. However, Jamaica's World Cup dream is not over and can qualify through the inter-confederation play-offs. But former Arsenal youngster Isaac Hayden has slammed the possibility of Greenwood changing his mind and joining up with the Reggae Boyz if they qualify for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. 

    Hayden said: "I've only played for Jamaica for a year, and there was some resistance to me when I started, but I have played 12 games and everyone can see my passion and the way I play the game. The quality of the player, his numbers, what he is producing, is of the highest level. But it comes down to principle and integrity. If players can just rock up because of a World Cup, it would make the whole thing a farce. That would say a lot about the player, and the organisation for allowing that to happen."

John Textor makes Sheffield Wednesday contact as EFL prepare to relax key rule

After they were placed into administration last Friday, Sheffield Wednesday have now received contact from American billionaire John Textor about buying the club.

The Owls knew the inevitable was coming for some time and it speaks volumes that many around the club will be relieved to be in administration rather than under the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri. His decade-long ownership has finally come to an end following a period in which staff and players went unpaid on a number of occasions.

Whilst there may be some light at the end of the tunnel off the pitch, however, Sheffield Wednesday have suffered on it. Henrik Pedersen’s side have been dealt an automatic 12-point deduction which has left them on -6 points and an impossible battle to stay up in the Championship.

Many have had their say on the consequences that they’ve been handed by the EFL, including Gary Lineker. The former Match of the Day host told The Rest is Football podcast: “They have gone into administration, obviously, and hopefully they can sort it all out. But they have got the 12-point penalty and are now on -6.

“I understand why clubs have to suffer repercussions, but I just think it’s like kicking a club when it’s down and at its lowest. We have had this with other clubs, and it just doesn’t sit well. It’s almost like the fans take the punishment.”

Julian Pitts, Kris Wigfield, Paul Stanley and Begbies Traynor have been appointed joint-administrators and are tasked with finding a suitable buyer for the club, with the EFL ready to relax their 21-day insolvency guideline to fast-track any potential sale.

John Textor makes contact with Sheffield Wednesday

According to reporter Alan Myers, Textor has now made contact with Sheffield Wednesday and their administrators about a potential deal to buy the club.

The American billionaire has also been linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers and it’s clear that he’s looking to invest in English football after selling his Crystal Palace shares in the summer.

That said, Sheffield Wednesday should proceed with caution. Having only just ended a toxic relationship with Chansiri, the last thing they need is another difficult ownership.

Textor stole the headlines when he resigned from his leadership position at Lyon after they were relegated to Ligue 2 amid financial problems. Although they have now been reinstated to France’s top flight and Textor remains a shareholder from afar, his day-to-day role received major protest from fans.

A repeat at Sheffield Wednesday is not guaranteed, but the Owls must ensure that Textor is right for them if they are to add themselves to his portfolio of clubs.

Sheffield Wednesday administrators reveal criteria owners must meet

Gus Atkinson takes five as India collapse for 224

He took three of the remaining four India wickets that India had when they arrived on Friday morning on 204 for 6

Vithushan Ehantharajah01-Aug-2025

Gus Atkinson finished with a five-for•PA Photos/Getty Images

Gus Atkinson’s fourth five-wicket haul helped England make light work of what remained of India’s first innings of the fifth Test, dismissing them for 224.Atkinson’s 5 for 33 upon his return to the XI after two months out was all the more important after news this morning that Chris Woakes would play no further part in the match after a suspected dislocated shoulder sustained in the field last evening. And the Surrey quick, on his home ground, took three of the remaining four wickets that India had up their sleeve when they arrived on Friday morning on 204 for 6.It was Josh Tongue who made the first key incision, albeit with a choatic approach that would get any surgeon struck off. His first over, opening from the Vauxhall End, went for nine, but he was able to remove Karun Nair for 57 in his second. A sharp delivery that nipped into the stumps – Nair no doubt expected something short and wide either side of them – pinned the right-hander on the back leg. Plumb in front, Nair took one of India’s three reviews with him.Washington Sundar should have assumed the responsibility at that point as an elongated tail became exposed, but he fell five deliveries later, waltzing into a short ball trap, heaving Atkinson to deep square leg, where Jamie Overton sprinted in to take a smart catch.Atkinson would then skittle Mohammed Siraj before Prasidh Krishna felt for a delivery outside off, completing a collapse of four for six in 18 balls. This is now the lowest first innings total of the series. The previous lowest was India’s 358 at Manchester.Atkinson now boasts an average of 21, the fourth best for an England seamer with fifty or more dismissals, and the second best strike rate, ever, at 34.9, for those who have taken 60 wickets.

Buckingham claims four to put South Australia on top

Buckingham took 4 for 49 to help bowl Tasmania out for 195 despite Kellepotha’s 50 on debut for Tasmania

AAP05-Dec-2025South Australia seamer Jordan Buckingham bagged four wickets to put South Australia on top of their Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at Adelaide Oval.Tasmania debutant Ruwantha Kellepotha led a rescue mission for his new team, scoring a half-century but it was the home side’s day.Batting at No.8, Kellepotha top-scored with 50 as Tasmania could only manage 195 after winning the toss on Friday.They slumped to 86 for 6 before Jake Doran made 44 at No.6 and tailender Gabe Bell posted his highest first-class score of 27.Buckingham led the attack with 4 for 49, and South Australia at stumps were well-placed at 116 for 3.Jake Lehmann had made 37 and Jake Fraser-McGuirk was also looking well-set on 26.Kellepotha moved from Sri Lanka, where the legspinner played first-class cricket, in 2013.The 34-year-old played one Shield game for Victoria, and also had three games with the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL, but moved south ahead of this season and broke into the Tasmanian team.He hit two fours and three sixes in his 104-ball innings. Lehmann gave him a life on 31 when he dropped a chance in the deep off legspinner Lloyd Pope.SA player Hanno Jacobs had to leave the field after he was hit on the head while trying to take a catch. He was later cleared of injury.After his important contribution at No.10, Bell then struck twice to remove Henry Hunt and fellow SA opener Mackenzie Harvey, making his Shield debut.Billy Stanlake snared the wicket of Jason Sangha to leave the home side in early strife at 63 for 3.But Lehmann, who scored at faster than a run a ball, and Fraser-McGurk batted through to stumps. Tasmania must break up their partnership early on Saturday to have any hope of a first-innings lead.SA fielded a recast batting line-up, with captain Nathan McSweeney away on Australia A duties. Tasmania similarly made several changes because of injury and national commitments.After five games, SA are fourth on the Shield ladder in their title defence with only one win, and Tasmania are third.

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