Bayern Munich’s perfect start to the season continues with 13 wins in 13 games across all competitions, setting a new European record under Vincent Kompany. Yet, history could’ve looked very different. Schalke’s former sporting director Rouven Schroder has now revealed that before Kompany took charge of Burnley, talks were held for him to take the reins in Gelsenkirchen.

From near miss to masterpiece – Kompany's Bayern on a rampage

Bayern’s remarkable start under Kompany has stunned Europe. With 13 consecutive wins in all competitions to begin the 2025-26 season, Bayern equalled AC Milan’s 1992–93 European record for teams in the continent’s top five leagues. This flawless run, stretching across the Bundesliga, Champions League, DFB Pokal, and DFL-Supercup, has come with a staggering 47-9 goal differential, technically surpassing Milan’s own scoring stats from their historic streak.

Under Kompany, Bayern have become the first German club in history to achieve this milestone. The Belgian’s tactical precision, calm authority, and focus on team culture have not only stabilised the club but positioned them among the favourites for this season’s Champions League title.

However, this story could have taken a very different turn. As former Schalke sporting director Schroder revealed, he once held talks with Kompany over potentially taking charge at Schalke before the Belgian opted to move to England and join then Championship-side Burnley.

AdvertisementAFPSchroder recalls talks with 'authentic' Kompany

Schroder opened up about his early encounter with Kompany during the Belgian’s time at Anderlecht, when he tried to persuade him to join Schalke.

"When he was at Anderlecht and we were looking for a coach at Schalke for the Bundesliga, I was simply tempted to talk to such a great player. He was also Manchester City captain. That was one of the best conversations you can have with a coach. A young, up-and-coming coach. The door opens; he's huge and superbly prepared," said the Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director.

"When you meet him, you notice: He has an incredible authority, a lightness. He is authentic. He explained what was on his mind and what he wanted to do for the preparation and follow-up. He had an incredible number of sheets, a PowerPoint presentation that really showed: 'Here's someone who plays football with passion, trains, and leads the way'. And then there's this multilingualism. You felt something there."

However, the 50-year-old wasn't able to get a second meeting in place as there were budgetary constraints.

"It was ultimately due to his large staff. We didn't talk any further after that. It became clear relatively quickly that it wasn't financially feasible. It simply didn't fit into the budget. Several clubs were interested in him at the time. Whether we would have been awarded the contract is unclear," said Schroder.

Burnley – the foundation of Kompany’s managerial rise

After Schalke’s approach fell through, Kompany joined Burnley in 2022, a move that would shape his managerial identity. In his debut season, he led Burnley to a record-breaking Championship title, amassing 101 points, winning 29 of 46 matches, and securing promotion to the Premier League in emphatic style.

His attacking philosophy, heavy on possession and positional play, revitalised a team that had been struggling financially and emotionally after relegation. This identity was something he didn't let go of even after Burnley's lowest club total of 24 points and 78 goals conceded in the 2023-24 season. Burnley became the first club since Leicester City in the 2013–14 season to surpass the 100-point barrier.

Although the Premier League proved unforgiving – Burnley finished 19th and were relegated – Kompany’s approach earned him admiration across Europe. His charisma, clarity and commitment to progressive football didn’t go unnoticed. In summer 2024, Bayern Munich came calling, paying €12 million to bring him to the Allianz Arena.

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Imago Images / Sven SimonKompany’s Bayern rewrite the script

In little over a year, Kompany has turned Bayern into a powerhouse reborn. Amid their 13-match winning streak, his calm leadership and modern footballing vision have reignited the club’s spirit. The transformation has been so profound that Bayern recently extended his contract until 2029, making him the first Bayern manager since 2010 to receive an early renewal.

Under his guidance, Harry Kane has been in breathtaking form, breaking goal-scoring records and steering Bayern’s dominant attack with 20 goals and three assists to his name already this season that too in just 13 games.

Everton’s start to the 2024/25 Premier League season has been anything but dull.

David Moye’s side may have lost their opener 1-0 at a raucous Elland Road, but the response was emphatic.

The Toffees christened their new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a 2-0 win over Brighton, followed by a breathless 3-2 victory at Wolves.

The ride hasn’t been smooth every week – a cagey 0-0 with Aston Villa showed they are still bedding in their summer signings, and the Merseyside derby ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat.

Yet, there is a newfound sharpness in attack.

Everton’s front four of Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye, and Beto have breathed life into Moyes’ forward line, offering pace, technical quality, and variety of movement.

Sitting 10th in the table, Everton already look like a far more threatening side going forward compared to last season.

Their next test comes against struggling West Ham, where the Toffees will be favourites to build further momentum.

Amid this early-season optimism, however, one player is quietly developing in the background.

A 6ft 5in striker who may yet become the jewel of this Everton project.

Thierno Barry finding his feet at Everton

When Everton paid £27.6m to bring Thierno Barry from Villarreal, they knew they weren’t buying the finished article.

At just 22, the French U21 international represents an investment in the future – a striker whose raw attributes suggest a ceiling as high as some of Europe’s elite forwards.

Barry arrives in England off the back of a promising season in La Liga, scoring 11 goals from an xG of 11.7 while adding four assists.

What makes him stand out is not just his finishing, but his ability to impose himself physically and stretch defences.

Ranking in the 87th percentile for aerial duels won (3.84 per 90), Barry has the profile of a classic penalty-box predator yet also shows surprising agility with strong progressive carries and take-ons.

Standing taller than most centre-backs, Barry has been compared to Dusan Vlahović and Ollie Watkins for his blend of physicality and dynamism, as noted by FBref.

He thrives in attacking the six-yard box but is equally capable of pulling wide to create space for teammates.

So far, Moyes has been cautious with his integration. Barry has featured in five league matches, totalling 142 minutes, with flashes of potential rather than complete performances.

The Everton manager has stressed patience, saying the striker will require a period of adjustment to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League.

It is a smart approach. Everton have the luxury of easing Barry in thanks to the immediate impact of their new frontline.

But make no mistake, the long-term plan is to see him leading the line. Hopefully, he does not go the same way as those before him…

Why Thierno Barry can learn from Moise Kean

For Everton fans, Barry’s situation may feel eerily familiar.

In 2019, the club signed another young striker in the form of Moise Kean.

Like Barry, Kean arrived with high expectations, touted as a generational talent who could transform the club’s attack.

But unlike Barry, he was thrust into the spotlight without the right platform, and his time at Goodison never truly took off.

Kean made 39 appearances for Everton, scoring four goals and registering two assists, before a series of loan moves eventually led him back to Juventus and later Fiorentina.

It was in Serie A where his career took off.

Last season with Fiorentina, Kean netted 19 goals in 32 appearances, finishing second in the league’s scoring charts behind Mateo Retegui.

Matches Played

31

Goals

19

Assists

3

Progressive Carries

42

Progressive Passes

26

Now valued at €50m (£45m), as per Transfermarkt, Kean has become the striker many thought he could be, while drawing statistical comparisons with Erling Haaland for his explosive pace, direct style, and ruthless finishing.

Indeed, FBref notes that the most similar striker to him in Europe’s top five leagues is the Manchester City hitman. Former teammate Weston McKennie went as far as to describe him as a “beast.”

His numbers underline the transformation: ranking in the 89th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.58), the 87th percentile for total shots (3.39), and the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons (1.46).

Everton undoubtedly let a gem slip through their fingers.

Yet in Barry, they have a second chance.

The lesson from Kean’s time on Merseyside is clear: patience and the right environment are crucial.

Barry cannot be burdened with expectation too soon, but if nurtured properly, he has the potential to blossom into one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.

However, this time in blue.

Everton are brewing their own homegrown Ndiaye in “fantastic” teen talent

Everton is now brewing their very own homegrown version of Iliman Ndiaye in this exciting teenager.

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Tottenham have been handed a major boost which could leave members of the Spurs squad thrilled, as detailed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Thomas Frank looking to extend excellent Spurs start against Aston Villa

Thomas Frank has lost just two out of his first 11 games in charge of the Lilywhites, including excellent wins away to Man City, West Ham and Leeds United.

Matches

11

Wins

5

Draws

3

Losses

2

Points

18

Points per game

1.91

While ex-chair Daniel Levy’s decision to part company with Ange Postecoglou — despite the Australian guiding Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years — was met with a very mixed response, the call has so far been vindicated.

Aston Villa, who are in the midst of a mini-revival after a very poor start to 2025/2026, winning their last four games in all competitions, pose a tricky test for Frank’s side as former Arsenal boss Unai Emery looks to keep Villa’s good form going.

Much like the last international break in September, it’s been a very eventful last fortnight for Spurs in the build up to their Premier League return.

Last week, the club announced a £100 million capital injection from the Lewis family, which could partly be reinvested into Tottenham’s recruitment drive or bolstering their wage structure (Kaveh Solhekol).

Soon afterward, the North Londoners confirmed that Fabio Paratici has returned to the club in an official full-time capacity, after months of reports tipping the Italian to come back after his worldwide FIFA ban ended.

Paratici was managing director between 2021 and 2023 before he was forced to resign, and has regularly worked as an outside consultant for the club, including the most recent summer window.

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The 53-year-old advised Johan Lange — who he now works alongside in a co-sporting director role — CEO Vinai Venkatesham, and Frank on Tottenham’s transfer strategies, with Paratici now back at N17 as a proper employee.

Before his exit two years ago, the transfer chief played a key role in signing key first-team stars like Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr, with Paratici now tasked as Tottenham’s ‘dealmaker’ while Lange shoulders the responsibility of scouting and data-driven recruitment.

Romano shares why Paratici return is "really important news for Tottenham"

Speaking via his YouTube channel after the announcement of Paratici’s re-hire, famous reporter Romano shared exactly why it is “really important news” for Tottenham — suggesting that members of the squad will be thrilled as well.

Bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record in transfer dealings, Paratici is also known for his extensive contact network across Europe, with Michael Bridge jokingly reporting it’s as long as the Yellow Pages (Sky Sports).

Paratici’s reputation as a fierce negotiator is another significant asset. He’s renowned for his ability to navigate complex deals, and his savvy approach to negotiations ensures Tottenham can compete in the transfer market without overpaying, while still landing impactful players to strengthen the squad.

Beyond his contacts and negotiation skills, Paratici is also rumoured to possess a relentless work ethic. He is hands-on and detail-oriented, often working long hours to ensure all aspects of a deal are covered.

This dedication translates into a focused recruitment strategy that aligns with the club’s ambitions, with Paratici’s presence coming as a big boost for Frank.

David Moyes has made a strong start to his second spell in charge of Everton, but it will take a lot to match what he achieved in his first stint on Merseyside. The Scot had a 12-year reign at Goodison Park first time around, where he managed 518 games, winning 221 of them.

Although he never guided the Toffees to any silverware, Moyes, who left the club to manage Manchester United in 2013, turned them into a consistent top-four challenger.

Fourth place was the highest he took the club in 2004/05, finishing in the top half eight other times.

Moyes had some iconic players at his disposal in that first spell, with Marouane Fellaini one that springs to mind.

Fellaini’s time under Moyes at Everton

Belgian international Fellaini is certainly someone who could be classed as a cult hero of the Premier League. The now 37-year-old was brought to Goodison Park by Moyes in 2008/09, joining from Standard Liege, whose academy he is a graduate of.

Well, the midfielder, who stands at six foot four, shone under Moyes during their time together on Merseyside.

He played 173 times under the Scot in that famous Blue shirt, scoring 32 goals and assisting 24.

His best campaign came in the final season the pair spent together at Goodison Park, 2012/13. That season, Fellaini scored 11 times and chipped in with five assists in 31 top-flight games.

He was a huge aerial threat, with this header in the season opener against Man United an example of how deadly he could be in the opposition box.

The Everton manager clearly appreciated a player of Fellaini’s profile in his squad. Back in 2011, he explained in an interview that “he is a bigger threat than most because of his size, he can create goals and can be disruptive to the opposition.”

Of course, now Moyes is the Toffees manager once again, he might be looking for their new Fellaini. Over the summer, he may have signed the perfect player to execute the role.

Moyes’ new Fellaini

When looking to replicate Fellaini, it is clear what profile Moyes needs in his squad. A tall, physical midfielder who is strong in duels and can have an impact crashing the box, looking to get on the end of crosses and disrupt play.

This summer, Everton signed 23-year-old German midfielder Merlin Rohl on loan from Freiburg, with an obligation to buy him for £17.3m at the end of the season.

Well, standing at 6 foot 4 himself, Rohl could be the ideal candidate to fill the Fellaini role.

Although he’s only played once for Everton so far, after picking up an injury, the Berlin-born midfielder showed his value in a Freiburg shirt. In 60 appearances, he bagged three goals and assisted six.

This strike in the Europa League shows exactly the kind of chaos he can cause in the opposition penalty box.

Indeed, the underlying numbers from his last two full seasons in the Bundesliga show how much of a threat he can be in and out of possession.

For example, he won an average of 5.7 duels per 90 minutes last season, and the campaign before created 1.2 chances each game.

Chances created

1.2

0.9

Forward passes

6.6

4.7

Aerial duels won

1.4

1.6

Ground duels won

4.2

4.1

Ball recoveries

6.3

4.6

One of the real strengths of Rohl’s game is the versatility he can bring to Everton’s side. The 23-year-old, described by Klemens Hartenbach as a player with “enormous potential,” can operate anywhere in midfield and has even played out wide.

This was something that Everton tactical analyst Matt Smith pointed out over on X, explaining he is “capable of playing in multiple positions” in midfield. Yet, Smith said that he sees Rohl “playing slightly deeper” in the future.

With his height, goal threat and ability to win duels in midfield, it is easy to see how Rohl can become Moyes’ new Fellaini.

He is certainly a unique profile in this Everton squad, and, once he is back from injury, it will be fascinating to see how the Scot deploys him.

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With Ruben Amorim set to keep hold of his job at Old Trafford, Manchester United are reportedly preparing a January offer to sign a midfield star who he loves.

Ratcliffe defends making Man Utd staff cuts

After revealing that he’s willing to give Amorim as long as three years to make his mark at Man United, INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has defended his decision to make a number of staff cuts earlier this year. The British billionaire insisted that profitability is key to any success and used United’s recent record revenue as an example.

Alas, even as results begin to improve off the pitch, they’ve remained woeful on the pitch. Amorim’s side have won just twice in seven Premier League games and are yet to even win back-to-back league games under the former Sporting Club manager.

Alarm bells have been ringing all season, but Amorim maintains the faith of INEOS. In fact, instead of sacking the manager, the minority owners are reportedly prepared to back him in the transfer market once again and could even welcome a midfielder that he loves in 2026.

Man Utd preparing Hjulmand offer

According to reports in Spain, Man United are now preparing a €60m (£52m) offer to sign Morten Hjulmand from Sporting Club. The Denmark midfielder thrived under Amorim at Sporting and could now become the first player from his former side to complete a move to Old Trafford in 2026.

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He’s enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign.

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Amorim has never shied away from praising the 26-year-old, either. The Man United boss told reporters after his final game in charge of Sporting, in which Hjulmand scored in a 4-2 victory: “It was a great goal by a fantastic player and captain who arrived at Sporting a year ago.”

The leader that the Red Devils are arguably lacking, Hjulmand would slot straight into Amorim’s midfield next to Manuel Ugarte – allowing Bruno Fernandes to move back to an advanced role in the process.

League stats 25/26

Hjulmand

Fernandes

Minutes

720

626

Progressive Passes

50

61

Tackles Won

13

7

Ball Recoveries

50

43

When compared, it’s the Dane’s defensive traits that stand out and those traits would allow one of the best midfielders in the world to play in his best role under Amorim. If United can secure his signature for just £52m, then Hjulmand would simply be a no-brainer.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has confirmed a "long-term injury blow" to Lewis Brunt as the Red Dragons continue to struggle following a dreadful start to the 2025-26 season. Brunt has already undergone surgery after he injured his thigh during the 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough last Saturday and is staring at a lengthy rehabilitation before he regains match fitness.

• League Cup dream shattered

  Brunt was forced to sit out Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City in the League Cup, which marked the latest chapter in a spiralling campaign for Wrexham. The midweek clash at The Racecourse Ground was meant to be a night of history as it provided them a chance to reach the League Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1978. Instead, it ended in heartbreak and disappointment. A much-changed Wrexham side fell flat against a fired-up Cardiff team. The visitors took control early on through Yousef Salech’s opener, before former Manchester City striker Kieffer Moore briefly lifted home spirits by levelling the score. But it was Will Fish’s volley that sealed Cardiff’s 2-1 win and bragging rights in their first meeting with Wrexham in 21 years. The final whistle was met with boos and jeers from frustrated supporters, with their anger compounded by another lifeless performance. Their performance in the league has also been ordinary. The Championship newcomers, who climbed from the National League to England’s second tier in just three seasons, are now 16th in the table, having managed just three wins in 12 games. 

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• Parkinson forced to stretch squad

  As if things weren’t bad enough, Parkinson has also confirmed that Brunt is facing a long spell on the sidelines.

  "It's not good with Brunty," he said before the Cardiff game. "He had a scan and he's going to see a specialist. It is a long-term injury; the actual time-scale on that we won't know until he's seen the specialist. We have got problems in a few areas of the team, we're a little bit stretched at the moment, but we'll deal with those and also protect a few of the lads who have been carrying knocks in these last two league games." 

  The manager had to put a lot of thought into picking his starting XI for the League Cup tie, as Parkinson added: "In any situation like this, you have got to balance the team selection out. Not putting players at risk who have played a lot of minutes and after a Wednesday-Saturday game, we have probably got to get some freshness on the pitch. We have got a big game on Friday [against Coventry]. That's what we've done successfully so far in this competition."

  Later, Brunt himself took to social media to deliver an update on his condition, posting: "Gutted. Surgery successful, back soon ❤️”.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Pressure mounting after League Cup exit

  Under mounting pressure after the Cardiff loss, Parkinson cut a frustrated figure in his post-match interview. He admitted his team were “off the pace” and lacked aggression in the first half.

  "We were off the pace in the first half," he said. "That’s probably an understatement. We didn’t close down with enough aggression or intent, and made it too easy for them. Then second half I thought the changes got us back in the game, and I felt we could go on and win the game but we probably didn’t produce the right decisions at the right time in that top third of the pitch. We’re hugely disappointed. We knew it was an important night for us, the supporters."

  Parkinson didn’t shy away from criticism either, even directing some of it at himself.

  "We’ve had lots of praise over the years and we’ll take the criticism, myself included, for going out the cup tonight," he said. "We made a lot of changes and I’m sure everybody will be analysing that, like myself, but I did it for the reasons I thought were the right ones with the schedule we’ve got coming up."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Lampard's Sky Blues to inflict more pain?

  There will be no respite for the Red Dragons as they return to league duty on Friday night, hosting table-toppers Coventry City, who are managed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard. Needless to say, it will be a daunting assignment for a side short on form, confidence, and fitness. A 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough last weekend offered a brief glimpse of resilience, but with Brunt injured and other key players struggling for rhythm, Wrexham face a fight to keep their season from unravelling entirely. Pressure is ramping up on Parkinson, and he must deliver against a team who are yet to lose in the division. 

أتم نادي الزمالك التعاقد مع صفقة جديدة لتدعيم صفوف فريق كرة اليد خلال المرحلة المقبلة، وذلك قبل المشاركة المنتظرة في بطولة السوبر المصري.

ويستعد الزمالك لمواجهة سموحة اليوم الأربعاء، في تمام الساعة الرابعة عصرًا، على صالة العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة، ضمن منافسات الدور نصف النهائي للبطولة.

وأعلن الزمالك رسميًا عن تعاقده مع حسن قداح، نجم منتخب مصر الأول لكرة اليد ولاعب نادي كيلسي البولندي، لينضم إلى صفوف الفريق في الموسم الحالي، في خطوة تهدف لتعزيز قوة الفريق استعدادًا للمنافسات المحلية والقارية.

طالع أيضًا | الزمالك يستعين بثنائي أجنبي في الجهاز الفني قبل مواجهة بيراميدز بالسوبر المصري

وكان حسن قداح قد مثل الزمالك في وقت سابق قبل احترافه في الدوري البولندي منذ موسمين، حيث حقق مع الفريق الأبيض عدة بطولات محلية وقارية، وساهم في تتويج كوماندوز اليد بالعديد من الألقاب.

ويأتي ضم قداح في إطار خطة إدارة الزمالك لتدعيم صفوف فريق اليد بالعناصر المميزة، من أجل مواصلة المنافسة على البطولات المحلية والإفريقية خلال الموسم الجاري.

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Standing in for Harmanpreet, who suffered a head injury in the warm-up game, Mandhana struck her maiden T20I ton while Charani took four wickets on debut

Valkerie Baynes28-Jun-2025

Smriti Mandhana scored her maiden T20I century•Getty Images

A maiden T20I century for stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana powered India to an emphatic 97-run victory over England to open their five-match series at Trent Bridge.With Harmanpreet Kaur sitting out after she suffered a head knock during the warm-up game against ECB Developent XI on Wednesday, Mandhana struck three sixes and 15 fours on her way to 112 off 62 balls in a beautiful knock which only ended in the final over of India’s innings after they had been sent in.The scrappiness in the field which haunted England in the aftermath of their T20 World Cup exit returned against an opposition that were always going to punish any mistakes but Mandhana was a class above, reaching her ton in just 51 deliveries. She joined Heather Knight, Tammy Beaumont, Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney as the only women to score centuries in all three formats.Related

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Stats – A day of batting highs for Mandhana and India

While Mandhana reprised her opening partnership with the recalled Shafali Verma, it was Harleen Deol who played the best supporting role with the bat in a 23-ball 43 as India reached 210 for 5, their second-highest total in T20Is.It was a wake-up call for England, who swept both their home white-ball series against West Indies, but were also found wanting with the bat, crumbling to 113 all-out inside 15 overs with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt playing a lone hand with 66 as debutant spinner N Shree Charani claimed 4 for 12.Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma now have the most fifty-plus stands in T20Is•NurPhoto/Getty Images

Mandhana weaves magic in NottinghamEngland thought their short-ball plan to Shafali had worked when, on 6, she chased one the pull and was given out caught behind by umpire Jacqueline Wilson. But Shafali indicated it had struck her helmet and used DRS to overturn the decision.Shafali was by far the quieter of the opening pair, scoring her first boundary when she crashed Lauren Filer’s previous ball through mid-off. She struck another off the last ball of the over, advancing down the pitch to pierce the covers with some force.Mandhana was the picture of elegance as she started the next over with back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith and finished it with another over the head of mid-on. She raised her fifty off 27 balls, cutting Alice Capsey for a second four off her first over. Em Arlott, whose misfield had contributed to the first of those boundaries, made amends when she broke up the pair as Shafali tamely chipped to mid-off and departed for 20 in a 77-run opening stand.Mandhana’s six off the first ball of Filer’s third over went several rows into the stands at deep backward square leg after Deol had settled straight into her work at No.3, sweeping three fours off one Smith over. Mandhana cruised to her century via consecutive fours off Lauren Bell, with Harmanpreet beaming and applauding from the dressing room balcony as her substitute soaked in the moment.Ecclestone’s not-so memorable comebackSophie Ecclestone returned to England for the first time since the dire Ashes tour of Australia after missing West Indies’ visit and taking a short injury and wellbeing break from domestic cricket. She watched as Mandhana slog-swept her first delivery for six and, three balls later, Mandhana sent another over the rope at wide long-on, Ecclestone conceding 19 runs in all off the over. She switched to the Stuart Broad end for her second, Mandhana and Deol helping themselves to 12 runs from it. Deol remained strong on the sweep but she fell mistiming a slog off Bell as Arlott ran round from long-on to take a strong catch just inside the rope.Sophie Ecclestone misfielded on the first ball of the game•Getty Images

Deol’s dismissal raised the question whether Bell should have been brought back into the attack earlier to limit the damage India were inflicting, but she bowled soundly at the death. She accounted for Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues cheaply, the former holing out to Sophia Dunkley at wide long-off and the latter for a second-ball duck when Sciver-Brunt took a brilliant catch diving low to her left at cover point.Bell had said on the eve of the match that she was looking forward to bowling to Mandhana, her team-mate at Southern Brave, but it was Ecclestone who finally captured her wicket when called upon to bowl the final over. Mandhana smashed the first ball, a full toss, down the ground for four but miscued the second into the air over the covers and was caught by Sciver-Brunt. Ecclestone ended with 1 for 43 from three overs while Bell took 3 for 27 from four.Indian spinners on songThe home side’s reply was off to the worst start imaginable when Ghosh took a stunning catch behind the stumps, reaching high to her right to pluck the ball from the air after Dunkley slashed at a swinging delivery from Amanjot Kaur at the end of the first over.Deepti Sharma had taken a blow to the helmet from a ball thrown in from the outfield as she dived to make her ground off the last ball of India’s innings. But she struck with the first ball of the next over as Danni Wyatt-Hodge sent a leading edge straight to Deol at short third. The dismissal continued a poor international season against spin for Wyatt-Hodge, who was dismissed cheaply three times by left-arm spinner Zaida James during the T20Is against West Indies.Deepti struck again when she bowled an advancing Tammy Beaumont, back in the T20 side for the first time since touring Ireland last September and playing just her sixth international match in the format since January 2022. England’s 58 for 3 at the end of the powerplay quickly became 62 for 4 when Radha Yadav beat Amy Jones’ attempt to drive and Ghosh overcame a fumble to remove the bails in time.N Shree Charani piled on the dots and got wickets•Getty Images

England’s reality checkLeft to shoulder a huge load, Sciver-Brunt’s task was made even harder by Capsey’s tame dismissal spooning Charani straight to Arundhati Reddy at short third. Arlott, a more-than-capable batter, as she proved earlier in this domestic season shortly before being called up for England, smashed a six over deep midwicket off Radha but was caught in the covers by none other than Mandhana and England’s fate was sealed.Sciver-Brunt brought up her fifty off 31 balls with a four off Deepti over the covers, but she was caught behind attempting to cut Charani, who also took the last wicket, Bell picking out to Rodrigues at deep midwicket. Charani finished with a memorable haul. England were expecting a tougher task than West Indies had posed when they came to face India but this match gave them the ultimate reality check.

Bangladesh’s fast-bowling coach Shaun Tait feels that his seamers could not make the best use of the first new ball against Sri Lanka on the third day of the Galle Test.After Bangladesh finished their first innings on 495, Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana opened the bowling but couldn’t make a breakthrough. Mahmud bowled six overs with the new ball and Rana seven in two short spells as Bangladesh had a fast bowler operating from one end till the 20th over. But it was Taijul Islam who got the first wicket, in the 13th. By stumps, Sri Lanka had sped to 368 for 4, reducing the deficit to 127.”It is a good batting wicket, and it was difficult conditions for fast bowlers today,” Tait said. “They toiled hard. They gave effort. We could have started better with the first new ball. We probably missed out. They know that. That’s all you can ask for. You bowl on a different day on a different wicket, you get a different result. We batted for two days. It is one of those good batting wickets.Related

• Nissanka 187 leads SL's strong reply to Bangladesh's 495

“I think they batted really well. Sri Lanka are no pushovers. This is the team that was competing for the WTC final. They are a good side with good batters. The pacers missed a trick with the new ball. It would have been nice if they had taken a couple of wickets with the new ball but I am not going to be negative.”Sri Lanka forced the issue, particularly Pathum Nissanka with a career-best 187. He struck 23 fours and a six in his 256-ball stay. The Galle pitch typically starts helping spinners from the third day but that was not the case in this Test.”I think the wicket is pretty good,” he said. “It hasn’t changed a great deal. Today was a good batting day, we saw that. It probably hasn’t spun as much as maybe people thought it would on the third day.Pathum Nissanka’s century was his third in Test cricket•Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP/Getty Images

“Normally, Galle starts to turn a bit more. It turned a little but nothing significant. There are still a couple of days left. Test cricket can change pretty quickly. There’s hard work to be done.”With Mehidy Hasan Miraz out with illness, Bangladesh played just four frontline bowlers, which has made their task difficult. Rana, who is playing only his eighth Test, was particularly expensive as he tried to bowl attacking lines and lengths. He went for 80 from his 16 wicketless overs, but Tait said it was up to him to work with the youngster.”Anyone who bowls that pace should get the new ball from time to time,” he said. “I don’t know, going forward, who is going to take the new ball. This is my first Test [as fast-bowling coach]. We have two fast bowlers. He has to take the new ball. He is absolutely fine [taking the new ball].”It is early in his career. He burst onto the scene. There’s a lot of attention and expectation on him. I don’t know if Bangladesh have ever had a fast bowler as exciting as him. There’s a little bit of pressure on him from the media and public. It is up to me to work through that with him as the bowling coach. It is not just about the bowling all the time. It is also how you deal with the extra pressure of being a young superstar.”Towards the end of the day, Mahmud made some amends by dismissing Nissanka with the second new ball. He set up Nissanka with the one that went away before bowling him through the gate with a big inswinger.”He struck the middle stump – it was a good ball,” Tait said. “You have to take little wins to the shed on this wicket. At the end of the day, it is a positive.”