All posts by n8rngtd.top

Don’t say it too loudly, but things might be turning around for West Ham United.

Nuno Espírito Santo made changes to his team ahead of the Newcastle United game at the weekend, and lo and behold, came away with all three points.

Moreover, it wasn’t a smash-and-grab; the East Londoners actually played well, with one player in particular doing spectacularly.

In fact, with the proper support around him, that starter could become a leading figure for West Ham and their biggest star since Mohammed Kudus.

Why West Ham were right to sell Kudus

Now, it should be noted that one significant issue with selling Kudus in the summer was that he went to Tottenham Hotspur.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, while doing business with rivals is never ideal, deciding to move the former Ajax star on for £55m was still the correct decision from the club.

After all, while he had a stellar first season in Claret and Blue, he was anonymous at best last year.

For example, in 35 appearances across all competitions last season, totalling 2721 minutes, the Accra-dud mustered up a dismal return of five goals and four assists.

In other words, he managed a dire average of a goal involvement every 3.88 games, or one every 302.33 minutes.

For comparison’s sake, Jarrod Bowen scored 14 goals and provided ten assists in 36 games, totalling 3148 minutes.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.5 games, or every 131.16 minutes.

Therefore, while he was capable of some magic moments, Kudus was not consistent enough to justify his place in the team, especially not when someone offers over £50m for him.

Anyway, in addition to Bowe, West Ham appear to have another superstar in the making on their hands this season.

West Ham's future star

It would be fair to say that, at the moment, West Ham’s biggest star is Bowen, but over the coming years, that title could shift to Freddie Potts.

Now, it is still so early on in the midfielder’s Hammers career, but there is a real sense around the fanbase that he could be something special.

Moreover, although he has just one competitive start for the club, he has plenty of experience with other sides, having made 38 appearances for Portsmouth and 43 for Wycombe Wanderers.

However, while his experiences in the Championship and League One help bolster his CV, it was really his performance against Newcastle that has excited the Hammers faithful.

It was a game in which the academy graduate put in a quintessential all-action midfield display.

From helping break down attacks to kickstarting them himself, the Englishman was near enough faultless in the middle of the park and totally vindicated the fans who have been calling for him to start for some time.

He would even have got himself a goal if he had worn one size smaller boots.

After the match, one analyst described the Barking-born star as possessing a “similar aura to Rice when he first came through” and as being blessed with a “supreme confidence” on and off the ball.

It certainly sounds like hyperbole, but it’s rather difficult to argue against such statements.

Ultimately, it’s still early in Potts’ career, but as things stand, he looks like he could become West Ham’s biggest star since Kudus.

West Ham 'sound out' £30m striker with Fullkrug 'determined' to leave in January

The Irons are making plans to replace him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 6, 2025

Much was made of New York Yankees right fielder and designated hitter Aaron Judge missing a game against the Philadelphia Phillies Saturday—but it appears he avoided a worst-case injury scenario.

Judge did not tear his UCL, manager Aaron Boone told reporters after the Yankees' 9–4 loss Saturday via Joel Sherman of the . Per Boone, Judge in fact strained a flexor and will go on the injured list.

Boone added that Judge, who has a negative defensive bWAR on the year, will not be able to play the field right away when he comes back.

New York will badly miss Judge's bat in its lineup. The future Hall of Famer is slashing .342/.449/.711 with 37 home runs and 85 RBIs this season. Baseball Reference has him leading the American League in 14 standard offensive categories.

The Yankees, once the American League East leaders, now trail the Toronto Blue Jays in that division by six games.

One Serie A star is believed to be strongly considering joining Chelsea as talks slow down over a new contract, according to one media source.

Sticking to the pitch, Enzo Maresca is looking to put that disappointing 2-2 draw against Qarabağ in Azerbaijan behind him, with Chelsea preparing for their second meeting against the Premier League bottom side in just 11 days.

In late October, Chelsea came out the other side of a thrilling seven-goal thriller at Molineux with a 4-3 victory in the Carabao Cup, but Maresca will be hoping for a much more routine win this time round as he looks to kickstart a consistent run of form.

Managerless Wolves remain the only team in the league without a win, making Maresca’s side the overwhelming favourites, and the statistics paint a very grim picture for the visitors.

The Old Gold have picked up just two points in 10 top flight games this season from two draws and eight losses, and every single Premier League side in history with two or fewer points at this stage of the campaign has gone on to be relegated.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are likely to extend their unbeaten streak across all competitions to three games, with Joao Pedro looking to impress once again, having been involved in six goals in his last nine Premier League appearances. His next game will be his 100th in the competition, becoming the 31st Brazilian to reach that milestone.

However, while Chelsea are expected to pick up all three points against Wolves, there are still gaping holes in the team that Maresca needs to address.

Defensively, it is believed that Chelsea are prioritising the signing of a centre-back in January after Maresca appeared to demand one in the summer window, but they could also sign a new goalkeeper.

Robert Sanchez committed five errors leading to goals last season, more than any other Premier League shot stopper, and Chelsea attempted to bring in AC Milan star Mike Maignan as an alternative earlier this year.

The 30-year-old, who’s poised to leave Milan as a free agent in 2026, is still attracting serious interest from Stamford Bridge heading into the new year, and Chelsea could offer Maignan a pre-contract in January ahead of a Bosman move next summer.

Mike Maignan "quite firmly leaning" towards Chelsea move next year

According to journalist Marco Pasotto, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Milan News), Maignan himself is pretty keen on the idea of joining Chelsea.

The Rossoneri had wanted to extend his deal, but those talks have apparently slowed down, opening the door for Maresca’s side to move for him.

Maignan is among the best goalkeepers in world football and France’s undisputed number one, captaining Les Bleus in their last game against Iceland, so signing him on a free would be one of the biggest transfer snips of next year.

Chelsea haggled over Maignan’s price in the summer and couldn’t reach an agreement before September deadline day, but with Milan soon to be out of the equation, the only worry for BlueCo is rival interest from abroad.

Liverpool keeper Alisson has branded him an “elite” shot stopper and one of world football’s finest too, so it could be deemed a no-brainer to at least attempt finally getting him over the line.

India overseas star underpins hosts’ reply, to leave Durham looking towards Southampton clash

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay25-Sep-2025Yorkshire 314 for 5 (Agarwal 175, Lyth 69) trail Durham 346 (Raine 101, White 5-69) by 32 runsYorkshire had the better of day two of their final-round Rothesay County Championship clash with Durham at Headingley to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation, with Mayank Agarwal’s superb 175 in turn increasing their visitors’ fear of the drop.This was a batter’s day in sunny Leeds, where two men posted centuries. Durham allrounder Ben Raine was the first, advancing from 87 not out overnight to a superb 101. Unfortunately for him, though, Durham could only convert a 322 for 7 score into 346 all out, with new-ball seamer Jack White completing an impressive 5 for 69.Indian overseas batter Agarwal – 20 fours and five sixes in 195 balls – followed Raine to three figures as the hosts then replied with a commanding 314 for 5 from 86 overs. He shared a second-wicket 127 either side of lunch with opener Adam Lyth, whose 69 came on his 38th birthday.Yorkshire started this week seventh in Division One on 146 points, six clear of second-bottom Durham but with a better most-wins tiebreaker record. They needed 10 points to survive. Five of those have been accrued, and a draw will be enough from here.For Durham, although it’s not yet certain, they will likely have to win this game to stay up. Should Hampshire lose to Surrey, a draw would be enough. Hampshire have the advantage in Southampton.Durham’s innings was wrapped up inside an eventful first eight overs of the day which saw White claim all three wickets and Raine reach his second career first-class century.White bowled Matthew Potts and Daniel Hogg in the 100th over, his second of the day. Potts, bowled through the gate, lost his middle stump and Hogg was beaten on the outside edge and lost off. Raine and Potts had shared 87 for the eighth wicket from late evening onwards on day one, aggressively advancing Durham from 245 for 7.Raine reached his hundred off 101 balls as he took the majority of the strike away from last man Shafiqullah Ghafari before top-edging a swish at White to third-man to end the innings.Raine’s influence on the contest was extended amidst a tight start to Yorkshire’s reply, him trapping Fin Bean lbw stuck on the crease as the score slipped to 9 for 1 after seven overs. Potts and Raine started with three successive maidens before the latter’s strike.So, despite good batting conditions, Lyth and Agarwal had to be watchful. They were, but not so much that the runs didn’t come. Lyth was strong through the off side and Agarwal full of touch as he recovered from two ducks in three previous innings for Yorkshire.Touch, yes. But there was also increasing power. Both he and Lyth reached afternoon fifties, the latter first off 102 balls. Agarwal’s came off 84 balls with a six down the ground off Afghan Ghafari’s legspin.Shortly afterwards, Ghafari had Lyth caught at slip by Potts via a deflection off wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson – 136 for 2 in the 41st over. But Durham needed more.Agarwal then took on Ghafari, hitting him for three more sixes before tea – two down the ground in an over and another pulled over midwicket to get him to a 122-ball century.Yorkshire reached the break at 198 for 2. But shortly afterwards, Raine bowled James Wharton and then had Jonny Bairstow caught behind with 203 on the board.Agarwal’s presence was a calming influence, however, and went on to 150 off 176 balls. He pulled Potts for another six. Ghafari did gain revenge for the earlier sixes when the 34-year-old right-hander miscued to long-on at 281 for 5 in the 75th over, Yorkshire’s deficit now 65.Matthew Revis and George Hill whittled that down further to 32 through to close and will begin day three on 28 and 23 respectively.

Pep Guardiola cut an irate figure after Manchester City's 2-1 loss to Newcastle United at St James' Park. The former Barcelona manager got into an intense discussion with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, the match officials, and even a cameraman on Saturday night. The result also somewhat took the wind out of City's Premier League title bid in a day to forget for the visitors.

• Man City lose dramatic game

  A Harvey Barnes brace, either side of Ruben Dias' strike, secured Newcastle all three points on home turf. But the game was not without controversy as City felt they should have been awarded a first-half penalty when Phil Foden went down in the box after a late tackle from Fabian Schar. And there were question marks about Barnes' second goal, as goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed he had been fouled and Bruno may have been offside in the build-up. The loss means City could fall seven points behind table-toppers Arsenal on Sunday if they beat Tottenham in the north London derby.

Advertisement

• Guardiola loses his cool

  At the full-time whistle, Guardiola got into a very animated chat with Bruno, with both individuals looking testy at times. The 54-year-old also appeared to argue with a cameraman as he struggled to keep his cool. 

  By the time he was interviewed, the ex-Bayern Munich manager gave little away. 

  When questioned on the matter, he said: "No questions, everything is fine. I said how good he [Bruno] is [but that conversation] is for private situations. Everything is fine."

• Guardiola unhappy with Man City stars

  Despite being the top scorers in the Premier League with 24, Guardiola believes his team have to be more clinical in front of goal. They had 68 per cent possession and 17 shots to Newcastle's nine, but only had four efforts on target. Moreover, they created an Expected Goals (xG) tally of 1.88 in a wasteful display that showed they cannot always rely on Erling Haaland, who has scored 14 of their league goals this term.

  Guardiola added: "Tight game. Entertaining game. They had chances. We had chances. In the end they scored one more goal. Two or three chances that he [Haaland] always have because he is the best. And yeah, go to the next. Two or three chances that he always have because he is the best. And yeah, go to the next."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• AFP
  

  What comes next for Man City?

  City don't have long to rest on their laurels as they host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday, before entertaining lowly Leeds United in the Premier League next Saturday. 

Other talking points from Australia’s contracts list included Mitchell Marsh’s future, the overlooked white-ball players and the fast-bowling depth

Andrew McGlashan and Alex Malcolm01-Apr-2025Sam Konstas may have to wait beyond June’s World Test Championship final to earn back his spot in the Australia side with selectors prepared to pick a team very specific to winning the one-off match against South Africa in relatively early-season English conditions.Konstas was handed a first central contract on Tuesday after making his debut against India late last year where he shot to prominence with his 60 off 65 balls at the MCG. He did not feature in the following series against Sri Lanka, with selectors using Travis Head as a horses-for-courses opening option, and there is no certainty he will return at the top of the order against South Africa at Lord’s although the contract indicates selectors view him as someone likely to feature prominently over the next 12 months.Related

• Labuschagne to reset after leanest run-scoring summer

• Green nears return ahead of World Test Championship final selection race

• Konstas, Kuhnemann handed CA deals, Connolly overlooked

There will be a selection squeeze on positions with Cameron Green likely to be available as a batter, Josh Inglis having made a century on debut in Sri Lanka and Beau Webster, who was also handed his first contract, having slotted in well a No. 6.Head is expected to return to No. 5 in England, so if it isn’t Konstas, there will be a vacancy at the top of the order.”The way we’ve sort of viewed the World Test Championships we’ve been involved in is that they are one-off games,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “They’re quite specific to that, obviously in England in those conditions. So, the way we frame that and potentially look at how we structure up that team may be different to the West Indies tour.”We’ve got Cam Green returning and hopefully that continues to track well. Along with Sam we’ve also seen Beau Webster, Josh Inglis perform really well when they’ve had opportunities as well. So, we’ll work through that over the coming months.”After making headlines for a wild innings against Victoria at the SCG on his return from Sri Lanka, where he fell sweeping Scott Boland in the third over, Konstas made two half-centuries to finish the Sheffield Shield season.

Marsh given Test lifeline but bowling future in doubt

Mitchell Marsh faces a big period as Australia’s T20I captain•AFP/Getty ImagesMitchell Marsh has been offered hope that his Test career isn’t over after he lost his place in January although there are doubts about how much bowling he will do across formats in the future.Marsh was dropped after making 73 runs in seven innings against India and then missed the Champions Trophy with a back injury. He has returned in the IPL, making 72 and 52 for Lucknow Super Giants, where the impact sub rule has meant he hasn’t yet needed to field. He remains Australia’s T20I captain ahead of next year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka with 19 bilateral T20 games on the schedule before that.”It’s an ongoing conversation as to where bowling may or may not fit into his international cricket going forward,” Bailey said. “I still think he can play an incredibly important role in setting that [T20] team up and hopefully leading that team to some success in the T20 World Cup.”I think he’s got plenty of one-day cricket left in him as well. I don’t necessarily think that his red-ball career is over as well. I still think there’s an incredibly exciting skill set there with the bat, the way he can rip a game open. If you look ahead to a team like England and the way they play their cricket and the way they seem to be framing up their team, I think he’s got a skill set there that could be helpful as well.”

White-ball opportunities loom for those who missed out

The likes of Spencer Johnson could earn upgrades given the volume of T20 cricket•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesThere were only a handful of true white-ball specialists in the contract list despite the heavy T20 presence in the next 12 months as well as up-to nine ODI matches as they build towards the 2027 World Cup, with a clear priority placed on Test cricket even though Australia only has two series in the contract period.Bailey said the likes of Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly were unlucky to miss out and would likely get opportunities to play during the year. Jake Fraser-McGurk, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David and Spencer Johnson all qualified for contract upgrades last year through playing more than six limited-overs internationals each while Ben Dwarshuis fell one game shy.All those players could well earn upgrades again before the end of this calendar year given Australia play five T20Is in the Caribbean on the back of four Tests, with several of the three-format players who are also playing in the IPL almost certain be rested. There is also a five-match T20I series against India in early November just prior to the Ashes where those same Test players may be rested even though there is a bigger gap on the schedule next season.”I think anytime we’ve had a T20 World Cup, and those big years of bunches of games, we’ve used a broad range of players,” Bailey said. “I envisage it’ll probably be similar this year.”Just depending where a few guys are in terms of their prep for Test cricket there’s every reason to think that there will be opportunities for plenty of players who may be just outside this contract list.”

Morris and Richardson remain long-term investments

Lance Morris showed encouraging form this season as he was carefully managed•Getty ImagesThere were eyebrows raised when Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson were centrally contracted last year after injury woes. They have been contracted again despite Morris playing just one ODI for the year and Richardson having just one first-class match for the summer in which he injured his shoulder while high-fiving a team-mate.Morris finished the season by resting from the last Shield game, amid a strong run of form, as he continued to be carefully managed. Richardson will spend the winter rehabbing from a third surgery on his troubled shoulder.But Bailey said the pair remain in Australia’s long-term Test plans and a central contract means they can be carefully managed by CA’s high-performance staff.”It’s no secret that the Test bowling group will undergo a little bit of transition, I think, over the next period,” Bailey said. “When we’ve seen them at their best and getting an extended run at red-ball cricket they have pretty exciting skill sets.”But they’ve both had very different setbacks and some challenges along the way. I think getting your body right to be robust enough to be a consistent candidate for Test cricket is a challenge.”But we’re invested in that journey. When they are up and going, we like what they can provide. That journey is ongoing, and hopefully both of them can be in the mix for Test positions come this summer.”

The Boston Red Sox received some unfortunate news on Sunday morning as they continue their push for an AL wild card spot.

According to manager Alex Cora, rookie infielder Marcelo Mayer will undergo surgery on his injured right wrist. He'll miss the remainder of the 2025 season and is expected to be ready for spring training.

Mayer was placed on the injured list at the end of July after spraining his wrist, but there was optimism that he could return this season. He received an anti-inflammatory shot at the beginning of August to "get him back," but it unfortunately didn't go as planned. He'll now go under the knife. The recovery timetable is expected to be three months.

The Red Sox selected Mayer with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft. He was promoted to the big leagues at the end of May and through 44 games, slashed .228/.272/.402 with four home runs and 10 RBIs.

Manchester United are keen to strengthen their attacking ranks under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to raid South America for a bristling talent dubbed the next Neymar Jr.

Man Utd prepare to address squad issues in mid-season window

The Red Devils find themselves in the middle of the Premier League pack heading into a hectic run of fixtures between now and the New Year, which will offer Amorim some insight regarding where he needs to add steel to help his side continue their recent improvement.

Ultimately, setbacks are part of football, and Monday’s defeat against Everton will sting for the Manchester United support, especially given the difficulty their side had in breaking down the low block David Moyes deployed at Old Trafford.

Delivering an honest assessment of what needs to change going forward, Matthijs De Ligt urged his teammates to bounce back against Crystal Palace on Sunday and show improved urgency in South London.

He stated: “Overall, just a really bad performance. The next game, obviously, is really important now. We have to bounce back from this performance. We had some good performances over the last couple of weeks, and now we had a bad one.

“Now, it’s for us to come back, to stay together and to make clear what has to be better. We lacked maybe the urgency to score the goals, to create the chances – and then you know against a team like Everton, who drop back and are really strong in the air, it’s going to be quite difficult. That basically sums up the night.”

Man Utd to "complete" move and sign "the next Casemiro" in coming days

The Red Devils are now ready to open their transfer chequebook.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Nov 28, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers pair Andre and Joao Gomes have been identified by Manchester United as January targets. Casemiro’s potential contract expiry has led Amorim down the path of searching for a midfielder, and it is clear he is making inroads on that front.

Conversely, the Red Devils are now said to be leading the race for a talent who could become one of South America’s brightest stars in the next few years.

Man Utd leading race to sign Santos star Robinho Jr

According to reports in Spain, Man Utd are leading the race to sign Santos prodigy Robinho Jr, and they have made contact with his entourage over bringing the 17-year-old winger to Old Trafford.

Compared to Neymar by peers in his homeland, he is a recognisable name as the son of former Manchester City and Real Madrid star Robinho, and he may be allowed to leave his current club due to their financial situation.

Santos are unlikely to let the winger go for a modest fee, albeit Manchester United have been tracking his progress for months and see a unique opportunity to develop his talent in England.

This is something that the Brazilian giants are willing to seriously evaluate as they look to bring funds into the club, especially given they are at risk of relegation, potentially creating a scenario where everyone is a winner.

Celtic have reportedly taken a key step in their managerial search by formally approaching the Columbus Crew about Wilfried Nancy, with talks now advancing. The Scottish champions have been led by an interim staff since Brendan Rodgers’ resignation in late October, and discussions with the MLS coach appear to be moving forward.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Scottish champions officially contact Crew

  Celtic have reportedly formally contacted the Columbus Crew about Wilfried Nancy as their potential next manager, marking the club’s first direct approach after weeks of reported discussions with the MLS coach. The outreach represents a significant step forward in their search to replace Brendan Rodgers.

  ESPN reports that the two sides are now “working to finalize an agreement that’s trending toward Wilfried moving to the Scottish Premiership.” Negotiations also involve determining which members of Nancy’s current coaching staff would join him in Glasgow should the move to European football materialize.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Celtic's managerial vacancy follows difficult start

  Celtic have been without a permanent manager since Brendan Rodgers resigned on Oct. 27 after a difficult start to the season that saw the club struggling both domestically and in European competition. Club legend Martin O'Neill has been serving as interim manager since Rodgers' departure, guiding the team through a transitional period while the board conducted their search.

  Under O'Neill's temporary leadership, Celtic have stabilized somewhat but remain four points behind in the Scottish Premiership title race, albeit with a game in hand. U.S. internationals Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both play for the club. Carter-Vickers is currently sidelined with an injury until next April. 

• Nancy's impressive MLS record

  Wilfried Nancy has built an impressive coaching résumé since transitioning from a modest playing career in the lower divisions of French football. Before arriving in Columbus, he made his mark with CF Montréal, guiding the club to one of the best seasons in its MLS history in 2022 and earning widespread praise for his player development and tactical approach.

  His move to the Crew proved transformative, as he implemented an attractive, possession-focused style that quickly delivered results. Under his leadership, Columbus won MLS Cup in 2023, and Nancy was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2024, further cementing his status as one of the league’s top managers.

  The Crew have been widely reported to have held discussions with Nancy in recent years about extending his contract – which currently runs through 2026 – and elevating him among the league’s highest-paid coaches. However, Nancy is understood to have been reluctant to commit to a longer-term deal and has long harbored ambitions to pursue an opportunity overseas.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Next steps, timing and potential hurdles

  Reports indicate talks are moving toward finalizing terms, but any appointment will depend on agreement between clubs over compensation, staff movement and a realistic timetable for Nancy’s departure. 

Batter set to link up with Dubai Capitals in December but hopes to impress during Ashes warm-up fixture

Matt Roller13-Oct-2025Jordan Cox, the newly-crowned PCA men’s player of the year, will leave England Lions’ tour to Australia early to take up a lucrative contract with Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.Cox missed out on selection for England’s 16-man Ashes squad after they deemed Ollie Pope to be sufficient wicketkeeping cover for Jamie Smith. He will have a chance to impress Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes first-hand when playing for the Lions in England’s only warm-up fixture but, barring an injury, will arrive in Dubai before the ILT20 starts on December 2.”We have got an agreement,” Cox said at last week’s Toyota PCA Awards. “I won’t be at the Lions as long as people think. I will be there for the first game, maybe the second. It’s mainly to help the England boys get ready for the Test matches, which is the most important thing. When they don’t need me, they will flick me off to Dubai.”The Capitals signed Cox as a replacement player before the ILT20’s recent auction and he is understood to be one of the league’s highest earners, with a contract worth around US$250,000. His exact itinerary is yet to be confirmed, but he is expected to leave the Lions tour before they play Australia A in Brisbane on December 5.After missing out on a Test debut there last winter with an ill-timed thumb injury, Cox is back in New Zealand with England’s T20I squad ahead of the start of the series on Saturday. He capped an excellent summer for Essex and Oval Invincibles with a maiden international half-century in Ireland last month, and is anticipating a busy winter.Brydon Carse hopes his injury problems are behind him, going into the Ashes•Getty Images

“There is some England stuff I’d love to be a part of,” he said, “but if not, there’s a few franchise competitions and I’ll have some fun. My aim is to play Test cricket, but I wouldn’t wish an injury on anyone. If I get a chance, it would be awesome.”It will be nice to show Stokes, Baz and Keysy [Rob Key]. They haven’t watched me live much in red-ball [cricket]. They have come to Hundred or T20 games, but I don’t imagine they are coming to much four-day cricket. Maybe they will see something different that they like – or not – and I’d like to show them [what I can do] in the flesh. That would be really good.”I was close to a Test call-up but hopefully I will get closer. It will be nice to be on the Lions and try to score a few runs against the England bowlers to show them I’m capable… You always notice more outside of the nets: do they mingle well with the group? Are they polite, well-mannered? All that sort of stuff you need to be if you want to be an England player.”Related

• Jordan Cox, Emma Lamb land prestigious PCA player of year awards

• 'He doesn't need much' – Starc says Cummins can play off limited preparation

• Brook named as Ashes vice-captain as Jacks wins recall

• Joe Root relishes chance to make history as latest Ashes shot looms

• Boland's MCG heroics more relevant than 2023 Ashes blip

Meanwhile, Brydon Carse – who, like Cox, has arrived in New Zealand ahead of Saturday’s first T20I – has revealed that he has stockpiled specially modified bowling boots ahead of this winter’s tours. Carse struggled with an infected toe last winter and churned through pairs of spikes this summer as he tried to avoid cutting it back open.Carse said he had “absolutely no problems” with his toe this summer, and said that his sponsors have been an “unbelievable” help. “They’ve kitted me out with enough pairs of boots to go away,” he said. “They’ve started cutting holes into my boot for me, specifically made for me, which has been a massive help.”I’ve got a little hole in the second toe [area of the boot]… During that India Test series, I struggled in the first couple of games. I probably went through five or six pairs during the first two Tests. New Balance have been really supportive with me. As long as they keep churning out pairs of boots, I’ll be happy.”Carse spent two weeks training at Loughborough before travelling and said that Stokes and Mark Wood are progressing well in their recovery from injuries: “Ben is looking near enough 100% fit, and so is Mark. It’s exciting to see where they have got to after their setbacks during the summer. They will be raring to go come Australia time.”