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PERTH – Western Australia have secured their place in the ING Cupcricket final with a thrilling 26 run win over Victoria at the WACAGround tonight.After posting a respectable 5-270 thanks largely to a whirlwind MurrayGoodwin innings, WA then had to rely on the experience of Jo Angel(3-45) and Brad Williams (4-34) to get them into their 20th domesticone-day final.The Warriors will play either Queensland or NSW in the final.Chris Rogers and skipper Justin Langer also followed their contributionswith the bat with some inspired fielding – but the result was in doubtuntil the penultimate over.Opener Nick Jewell (60) made a blistering start to his and the Victorianinnings, square cutting successive fours off Williams.Son of Richmond AFL player and premiership coach Tony Jewell, the25-year-old took to both Williams and Callum Thorp with pulls and cutsout of the top drawer.Brad Hodge could not match his partner, and was first to perish as heedged thickly to Mike Hussey off Williams.Jewell ploughed on, pulling Callum Thorp to the boundary twice in twoballs, and then driving Paul Wilson for two fours in his first over tobring up a sparkling 47-ball fifty.The pressure seemed to be getting to Langer, who took umbrage withumpire Bruce Bennett after he called a no-ball for having too few men inthe circle.Langer’s comments in the middle could be heard at the back of theLillee-Marsh stand – but his anger was soon turned to delight by theveteran Angel.After having found the boundary eleven times in his 55-ball knock,Jewell attempted an injudicious drive to a full ball which pegged backhis off stump, and Victorian hopes.Andrew McDonald looked the next batsman likely to dash WA’s finaldreams, racing to 19 off 22 balls, before Angel struck again, nipping aball back to win an lbw decision.Once again, the Victorians fashioned a partnership to keep them well inthe hunt, Brendan Joseland and Michael Klinger finding the gaps and theboundary to compile 50 in 61 balls.But once again, a bowling change by Langer did the trick, with ShaunMarsh’s second ball for the state being lobbed back to him for a sharpcaught and bowled.Four balls later a drive from David Hussey produced a superb full lengthdiving stop by Langer, followed by an accurate throw to Campbell thatsaw Klinger run out by half a metre.Hussey, younger brother of WA’s Mike, did his best to prevent hissibling from appearing in the final, but as the run rate rose so didVictoria’s desperation.After 46 from 45 balls, Hussey was bowled by Williams and when Whitefollowed suit in the next over Victoria’s hopes were dashed.WA will now have to wait on the result of Queensland’s match againstTasmania later today to see who will host the February 23 final.If Queensland lose to the Tigers then the the WACA Ground will host thefinal for the second time in three years.

Indian coach John Wright on Thursday confirmed Hemang Badani will openthe innings along with Shiv Sunder Das in the second Test againstZimbabwe starting at Harare tomorrow.”Badani will open the batting. He wants to…” Wright said, adding theTamil Nadu left-hander was given a choice to bat either as an openeror at number seven and he opted to open.”Looking at the wicket and other factors, I think it is a goodopportunity for him. It will not be held against him as he isbasically a middle order batsman. It is his first opportunity in thisposition,” he said.Badani, who will make his Test debut tomorrow, has never opened theinnings in his first class career but he possesses a sound techniqueand impressed when he was given the opportunity in a three-day matchagainst the CFX Academy where he scored an attractive 35 beforeretiring.Badani gets his first Test in place of his state mate SadagoppanRamesh who has not recovered from a back injury he sustained whilefielding in the first Test.Wright said Badani had it in him to make a transition from a middleorder batsman to an opener and expressed confidence that the stylishleft-hander would make the most of the opportunity offered to him.”In my opinion, he has the technique to open the batting. Some peoplecan make the transition and some can’t. There is this psychology ofthe whole position. But Hemang wants to do it and I think he would doa good job. He will put in his 100 per cent,” Wright said. “He is aquality player. It is a good opportunity for him.”A person must want to open the batting. If he is going out in themiddle at an unlikely position and is not comfortable, then it is notgoing to work. But we are in a position where we do not have an extraspecialist opener on this tour. If something has to happen, this isthe best option.”Wright said fast bowler Ashish Nehra had corrected his run up andwould feature in the second Test. “In the two nets we had here, therewas absolutely no problem with Nehra. He didn’t tread on to the dangerline. We are very confident that the problem will not arise again.”Nehra was stopped from bowling in Zimbabwe’s second innings in thefirst Test after he was repeatedly found to be damaging the pitch inhis follow-through. There were some doubts over his participation inthe second Test but the bowler corrected his run-up and the processwas smooth. “It didn’t require much work. It was marginal in the firstplace. He is aware of all sorts of things about his bowling. He isalso a very quick learner,” Wright said.The coach was diplomatic in his comment on Nehra being dropped for thetriangular series starting on June 23 with West Indies as the thirdteam. “Well, he is not in the squad. But he has been our best bowler.He has been a standout performer and I think everyone is aware of it.”Asked whether the announcement of the one-day squad ahead of thesecond Test would affect the performance of those who have beendropped, Wright said, “Players have to be professional enough to takethe disappointment in their stride and still keep performing.”Captain Sourav Ganguly said India would once again go in with threemedium-pacers and a spinner. “The three seamers have done pretty welland the wicket will help them. I don’t think the pitch will turn much.Two spinners will be a luxury. There is so much less grass on thewicket this time than the one we played here in 1998. It will be agood wicket to bat on,” he said.Ganguly said he was not perturbed about his own form. “If you look atit, I have failed in only two Test matches in Mumbai and Chennai. HereI got a rough decision. I just have to back myself.” He said the teamhad chalked out a strategy to contain Andy Flower who is having aprolific run against the Indians. “We must bowl in the right channelsto get him out. He is due for a failure now.”

Mithun Manhas has switched from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir for the forthcoming domestic season. It will be a homecoming for Manhas, who was born in Jammu, but left his home state in his teens in search of better cricketing opportunities in Delhi.”It’s a sort of mixed bag emotions,” Manhas told ESPNcricinfo. “While it was difficult to move on from Delhi where my cricket career has shaped up, I am delighted to be joining Jammu and Kashmir. Not only is it my home team but also because the team has been doing quite well in the domestic circuit over the last couple of years. I hope I can help them take their games to the next level.”Ever since making his first-class debut for Delhi in 1997-98 along with the likes of Virender Sehwag, Ashish Nehra and Aakash Chopra, Manhas has been a run machine in domestic cricket. While the other three went on to earn India caps, Manhas did not, partly due to the presence of Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly in India’s middle order.Manhas has made 9071 first-class runs in 147 matches, at an average of 45.81. He insisted he had “no regrets” and stressed that he was not leaving Delhi on a bitter note. “I spoke with Chetan Chauhan [the former India opener, who is now a DDCA vice-president] and he told me I could help groom Delhi youngsters,” Manhas said. “But I thought there are plenty of youngsters who are ready to shoulder more responsibility, so I should not stick around.”Moreover, experienced players like Rajat [Bhatia] and Gautam [Gambhir] will ensure the youngsters will be taken care of even in Viru’s [Sehwag, who has moved to Haryana] and my absence.”Manhas has plenty to look forward to in the forthcoming domestic season, which starts on October 1: he is 89 runs short of joining Wasim Jaffer (9759 runs), Amol Muzumdar (9202) and Hrishikesh Kanitkar (8059) in the elite club of batsmen with 8000 Ranji Trophy runs.Manhas said he wasn’t too focused on personal milestones. “I am sure I have at least a couple of seasons left in me, so records isn’t a concern,” he said. “The primary focus will be to help Jammu & Kashmir take yet another step towards becoming a consistently top team in domestic circuit.”

Arsenal have been dealt a fresh injury update with Mikel Arteta now set to be without a key player until 2026.

Arsenal's state of play with injuries

According to a recent report by The Telegraph, 17 of Arsenal’s 25-man squad have missed at least one game through injury or suspension — so it is safe to say their bad luck has carried on from last season.

Arsenal’s title ambitions face mounting scrutiny as a result, with Arteta confronting a defensive injury crisis that threatens to derail their Premier League title charge during the congested festive schedule.

Ben White’s hamstring injury sustained against Wolves represents the latest devastating blow, with scans revealing the England international will miss at least a month.

The 28-year-old pulled up while tracking back during Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 victory, clutching his left hamstring in visible discomfort.

His absence proves particularly cruel given he had only recently re-established himself following extended periods managing knee problems throughout last season.

White’s injury compounds Arsenal’s already precarious defensive situation.

Related Berta to consider January move for 'big-name' Premier League star amid Arsenal worry

It would be a surprising move.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Gabriel Magalhaes has been absent since November’s international break after representing Brazil, with his return not expected until late December or even in the new year.

Cristhian Mosquera faces a similar timeline, with his ankle injury far worse than initially anticipated. The versatile Spaniard could miss another six weeks, as per the BBC, so his return isn’t expected until late January to early Feb.

The simultaneous absences create significant tactical headaches for Arteta.

Both White and Mosquera provide crucial versatility, capable of operating at right-back or right-centre-back, yet Arsenal now possess no obvious alternatives to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.

The situation forces reliance on academy prospects Marli Salmon and Josh Nichols, both recently involved in first-team training despite their inexperience.

15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman adds to Arteta’s concerns after suffering ankle ligament damage during an Under-21 friendly against Man United, ruling him out for approximately two months.

Meanwhile, Kai Havertz continues his lengthy rehabilitation from August’s knee injury, and he was once battling to be in contention to face Tottenham in the North London derby back in November.

Kai Havertz out till early to mid-January after Arsenal injury setback

However, after suffering a setback, the prognosis is now much longer.

As per The Mail’s Isaan Khan this afternoon, Havertz is ‘set to be sidelined’ until early to mid-January, meaning he won’t be available again for the festive period and faces a wait until after the new year.

The 26-year-old has been a sore miss for Arteta, and will carry on to be after this update.

Subscribe for in-depth Arsenal injury coverage Stay informed about Arsenal injuries – subscribe to the newsletter for focused analysis: clear breakdowns of who’s available, tactical consequences, and recovery outlooks to help you understand selections and match implications. Subscribe Subscribe for in-depth Arsenal injury coverage Stay informed about Arsenal injuries – subscribe to the newsletter for focused analysis: clear breakdowns of who’s available, tactical consequences, and recovery outlooks to help you understand selections and match implications.

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The German international’s absence since August removes a crucial dimension from Arsenal’s forward line.

Havertz offers unique qualities as a false nine capable of dropping deep to link play, while possessing the technical intelligence to operate between defensive lines too.

Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to replicate Havertz’s complete game despite his goalscoring pedigree, managing just six goals across all competitions while appearing isolated during Arsenal’s recent labored performances.

The Swedish striker’s limited involvement against Wolves, completing merely three passes, highlighted Arsenal’s difficulties creating chances without Havertz’s movement and link-up play.

With Arsenal navigating nine December/January fixtures across multiple competitions, including crucial clashes against Everton, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Aston Villa and Liverpool, Havertz’s continued absence forces Arteta into compromised team selections — precisely when squad depth matters most.

Related Arsenal to hand fans 'huge Christmas gift' with new deal 'close' after Berta talks

It would be great news for the Gunners.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Katie Cross’s future is one of promise © Simon Pendrigh

Lancashire’s Katie Cross has won the Eversheds Most Promising Young Cricketer award. The accolade is decided by England selectors and coaches – and Cricinfo understands their decision was unanimous.Cross, a 15-year-old pace bowler, was the first female on the Lancashire Academy and becomes the sixth recipient of the award which was introduced in 2002 to sit alongside the male winners. She joins Sarah Taylor, Jenny Gunn, Katherine Brunt, Kathryn Doherty and Sophie Le Marchand on the list of recipients.She has already played for England Under-21s, at the European Championships in Netherlands this summer, and she has been tipped for the senior side by no less than the ECB’s executive director for women’s cricket, Gill McConway.”Katie is a very exciting young prospect,” McConway said. “She will train with the England senior side this winter and her progression into that side will not be too far away if she continues to produce eye-catching performances.”Cross, who plays for Heywood CC, broke into the England Development side this summer and put in some highly impressive performances in the County Championships and for the Sapphires in the Super 4s. She first played aged eight, and went on to represent Lancashire under-13, under-15 and under-17, finally making her debut for the senior side – still aged 13.She will collect the award on November 2 at the Royal Overseas League in London.

ScorecardShahid Nazir staked his claim for a spot in Pakistan’s attack for the second Test at Old Trafford with an impressive burst against Northamptonshire. His three wickets helped skittle the home side for 140 in their second innings, leaving Pakistan to chase 160 after they had declared their first innings 19 runs behind.Nazir removed Bilal Shafayat, Rikki Wessels and Usman Afzaal as Northamptonshire slumped to 43 for 5 second time around. However, that wasn’t the only damage he inflicted as a bouncer struck Sourav Ganguly in the face and forced him to retire hurt on 5.Iftikhar Anjum chipped in with a couple, including the first-innings century-maker Stephen Peters second ball, while Arshad Khan and Imran Farhat played their part with the ball with two wickets each. Ben Phillips at least ensured the Pakistanis had some sort of target to chase with a defiant 39 before being stumped off Arshad.Earlier in the day the Pakistan batsmen certainly didn’t have it all their own way. Younis Khan only added eight to his overnight 50 before being caught and bowled by David Wigley, who then added Faisal Iqbal to his haul. Wigley’s fine performance continued as the scalps of Jannisar Khan and Shahid Nazir handed him the first five-wicket haul of his career.Ganguly snared Kamran Akmal, who had again appeared in fine form before edging to third slip, but some late hitting from Iftikhar and Arshad pushed the total close to Northamptonshire’s.Salman Butt and Faisal Iqbal, the under-pressure openers, managed to negotiate the final seven overs of the day and knock off 24 from the target. The rest of the run chase shouldn’t provide too many problems on the final day.

Inzamam-ul-Haq and Rahul Dravid will be on the same side this time around © AFP

Inzamam-ul-Haq will lead the Asian XI against the African XI in the forthcoming Afro-Asia Cup. He has Rahul Dravid as his deputy, and a strong squad of 15 for the three one-day matches, which will be played in South Africa from August 17 to 21. “It’s a great honour for me and for my country” a delighted Inzamam told AFP.Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan and Anil Kumble are the other Indians in the team. Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas represent Sri Lanka while Mohammad Ashraful is the lone Bangladeshi in the team. Pakistan are well accounted for, with Yousuf Youhana, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Shoaib Akhtar making the cut.The team was selected by a panel appointed by the Asian Cricket Council and comprised Majid Khan (Pakistan), Ravi Shastri (India), Graeme Labrooy (Sri Lanka) and Mohammed Shafiqul Haque (Bangladesh). The African Cricket Association is yet to pick its team for the series.Asian squad Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Kumar Sangakarra, Sanath Jayasuriya, Yousuf Youhana, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Naved-ul-Hasan, Irfan Pathan, Mohammad Ashraful, Anil Kumble, Shoaib Akhtar. Reserves Marvan Atapattu, Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Khaled Mashud.

England 319 and 284 for 6 beat New Zealand 384 and 218 by four wickets
ScorecardDay 1
Bulletin – Fleming’s century lifts New Zealand
Roving Reporter – The boys behind the blimp
Verdict – A polylingual prince charming
Day 2
Bulletin – New Zealand fall for 384
Roving Reporter – Sports replica v Sports casual
Verdict – New Zealand’s lucky streakDay 3
Bulletin – New Zealand keep their noses in front
Verdict – Trojan horseplay
Day 4
Bulletin – Thorpe leads England to victory
Verdict – A powerful cat among pigeons
Paper Round – Thorpe takes the plaudits
Paper Round – Cairns calls time on his Test career
New Zealand Verdict – The perils of underachievement

No fewer than six Otago Volts players have been included in the Otago A side for the first of two matches against Canterbury in February, the games concluding this summer’s Provincial A competition.Mohammad Wasim, Andrew Hore, Jordan Sheed, Marcel McKenzie, James McMillan and David Sewell have been named for the game in Christchurch starting on Sunday, with the majority needing game time. After a fine start to the State Shield, Wasim and McKenzie lost form, mirroring the Volts fortunes, while McMillan has bowled few overs so far this summer.Sheed and Sewell have been regular members of the A side and Hore’s inclusion gives him the opportunity to fight his way back into the Volts team for the remainder of the State Championship campaign.Eric Standfield, a New Zealand Under-19 player this season, has also been included while Chris Gaffaney, the regular captain this year, is not available due to his involvement with the South Island selection in Sunday’s State of Origin match in Auckland.Otago lies just three points adrift of the competition lead in third place with the two games against Canterbury to play while the red and blacks are a more distant fourth.The Otago A team for the match against Canterbury A in Christchurch on Sunday and Monday, February 2 and 3 is: Mohammad Wasim, Andrew Hore, Darin Smith, Jordan Sheed, Marcel McKenzie, Anthony Wilkinson, Tim Weston, Jarrad Waldron, Nathan McCullum, Eric Standfield, James McMillan and David Sewell. Coach: Mike Hesson. Manager: George Morris.

Another solid batting performance by Pierre de Bruyn and a five-wicket haul from Andre Nel enabled Easterns to claim a comfortable 59-run victory over North West in their Standard Bank Cup match in Potchefstroom on Friday evening.Easterns won the toss and elected to bat first, putting on an impressivetotal of 210 for nine wickets in their 45 overs.North West were bowled out for 151 in 43.3 overs of yet anotherrain-delayed match.Easterns got off to an inauspicious start with the loss of openers DerekBrand and Mike Rindel for no runs.Rindel was the first wicket to fall with the score on a paltry 1-1 andwith his wicket coming off only the fourth ball of the match.Derek Brand’s wicket fell five balls later, and with Easterns’ total notmuch healthier at 2-1.When Derek Crookes left the crease with the score at 7-3, it seemed asthough Potchefstroom’s faithful were destined for an early evening.But Deon Jordaan provided the first bit of stability to the Easternsinnings with his 49 runs, lifting the visitors to 103 for four.However, it was young Pierre de Bruyn who again stood out for his team. Sensing the urgency, De Bruyn fired 68 runs off 92 balls, including six fours and one six, to provide the backbone of Easterns’ innings. De Bruyn also weighed in with a useful bowling performance that saw him claim two wickets for 30 runs.Lower down the Easterns batting order, De Bruyn’s teammates seemed tofeed of his form.Kenny Benjamin was looking good on 21 runs off only 23 balls before hewas dismissed, and Graeme Pollock also added a quickfire 34 off 28 ballsbefore being sent back to the changeroom.The start to the North West innings was equally dismal. The home teamwere reeling at 30 for five as Andre Nel sunk his teeth into some poorbatting by the hosts.The Easterns paceman, who bowled a superb line and length, finished thematch with figures of 5-27 in his 8.3 overs.