Pat Cummins became a genuine option for a recall in Brisbane over the past week as he surprised everyone with the speed of his recovery. However, Australia’s selectors ultimately decided there was too much risk attached in playing a bowler whose overs would still need to be managed, but are very confident in him being ready for Adelaide.Chair of selectors George Bailey said his panel had not been “playing silly buggers” in leaving Cummins out of the squad but refusing to officially rule him out of contention in the lead-up to the second Test. However, he did admit a hug between Cummins and Andrew McDonald during a pitch inspection on Wednesday had been “for laughs”.Bailey said that there had been no expectation of Cummins being available when the group was selected but it became a realistic prospect as he ramped up his training in Brisbane, which included two spells on Monday and his first bowls on back-to-back days.”We weren’t playing silly buggers with him not being in the squad and in the mix. But I think once we got up here, saw his training, got as much of the background medical information as well, it became a live possibility,” he said. “Then it was just working through the permutations of what would that look like in terms of the amount of overs, what would it look like going forward from that as well.Related

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“I don’t think we thought he was going to be as close, it really changed through the week. Then risk tolerance became the conversation around what could he take on. Yes, he could have played. There would have been some restrictions around the overs and then obviously just the permutations [around that].”There was also consideration into what bringing Cummins back for this Test could mean going forward, and the added pressure it could leave on the rest of the attack. “Being in a really controlled environment [in] the nets where you can be really structured around the breaks and how you want it, then it’s just that risk of maybe going into a game,” Bailey said. “There’s some things you can control and probably some things that do get taken out of your control.”Meanwhile, Bailey said that the selectors had not got to the stage of debating whether Usman Khawaja would retain his place for the Gabba because he had never been passed fit to play. Khawaja batted on Tuesday before being ruled out of the Test the following day, having not recovered from the back spasms he suffered in Perth. He returned to the nets on Thursday. Travis Head, who made 123 in Australia’s chase in the opening match, will continue in the opening role during the second Test.”He hadn’t got his back back to baseline,” Bailey said. “And if you’re not back to the starting point then it’s obviously a heightened risk. There’s obviously your own performance, but when you’re injured and you feel like you’ve let the team down, I think that was something he was just conscious of; if it happened again, it would be an awful feeling. So sitting this one out buys time.”For now, Head is not being locked in at the top beyond this Test, and there has even been discussion of having in-match flexibility to batting orders.”We’ve gone into this series so far very much with a Test-by-Test focus,” Bailey said. “I imagine we’ll get another look at it here and see what that looks like and see that combination. We can cross that bridge [and] make that decision as and when we need to make that decision, but it’s an interesting one. What’s the threshold now for it to be a specialist opener, what’s that look like?”

Major names in line for lucrative deals after equity sale transforms Hundred finances

Matt Roller10-Dec-2025Harry Brook is set to earn nearly £500,000 for playing in the Hundred next year as the tournament’s new investors scramble to secure their direct signings and retentions ahead of March’s auctions.Brook, who is in Noosa on England’s mid-Ashes break after their eight-wicket defeat to Australia at the Gabba, has captained Northern Superchargers for the last two editions of the Hundred and has agreed a deal worth around £470,000 to stay with the team in their new guise as Sunrisers Leeds, which could make him the tournament’s highest earner.Brook is serving a two-year ban from the IPL after withdrawing from a contract with Delhi Capitals, and said when he was named England’s white-ball captain last year that overseas franchise cricket would have to take “a step back”. But new investment in the Hundred ensures that he will still secure a hefty payday on top of his two-year England central contract.The eight Hundred teams were centrally run for the tournament’s first five seasons but operational control has now transferred to host counties and private investors, who will run the franchises as joint ventures. Sunrisers are the only exception, having bought out Yorkshire’s entire 51 percent stake earlier this year.The recruitment model has changed from a draft to an auction, and teams can only pre-sign a maximum of four players since the ECB are keen to maintain competitive balance. Of those, at least one must be a retention from last year’s squad; at most two can be overseas players; and at most two can have held a central contract in either 2024-25 or 2025-26.The retention window opened on November 27 and teams have been quick off the mark to make their signings as early as possible. The ECB have specified set deductions from team salary caps depending on the number of players pre-signed, but teams can split the money however they see fit within those constraints.Brook’s new deal means that top wages in the Hundred have nearly quadrupled in the space of two years. The highest salary band increased from £125,000 (2024) to £200,000 (2025) in the men’s competition, and from £50,000 (2024) to £65,000 (2025) in the women’s.Phil Salt has been a fixture at Manchester Originals but is set to sign for Welsh Fire•Nathan Stirk/ECB via Getty ImagesPhil Salt is also in line for a substantial payday of around £450,000 after Welsh Fire won a three-way race for his services, beating London Spirit and Manchester Super Giants. Salt has been with Manchester Originals since inception and captained them for the last two seasons, but was born in North Wales and has been openly targeted by the franchise.ESPNcricinfo has learned Sunrisers have also signed Brydon Carse and Mitchell Marsh along with Brook, and may yet sign an overseas fast bowler before the auction. They will be coached by Daniel Vettori next year, after Andrew Flintoff quit citing a low-ball contract offer from the new owners.Fire are leaning on their sister franchise Washington Freedom, which is also run by new co-owner Sanjay Govil, with Marco Jansen and Rachin Ravindra both targets along with Salt. Mike Hussey will continue as coach, with Michael Klinger joining in a joint role as general manager and women’s coach.Manchester Super Giants are set to retain Jos Buttler, Noor Ahmad and Heinrich Klaasen from their 2025 squad, with Tom Moody taking charge in his new global role as director of cricket and Justin Langer in line to replace Simon Katich as head coach.Trent Rockets, under Peter Moores (head coach) and Adam Voges (assistant), have lined up Joe Root and Ben Duckett, while Birmingham Phoenix are interested in signing Rehan Ahmed and Donovan Ferreira as well as retaining Jacob Bethell under new coach Shane Bond.MI London are expected to retain Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Rashid Khan, with either Nicholas Pooran or Trent Boult rounding out their overseas contingent. London Spirit, under Mo Bobat (director of cricket) and Andy Flower (head coach), have signed Liam Livingstone and Jamie Overton, and are targeting Adam Zampa. They have also announced Dinesh Karthik as their batting coach and mentor.Jofra Archer is understood to have signed a lucrative deal to stay at Southern Brave under new owners GMR Group, who have also lined up Jamie Smith, Marcus Stoinis and Tristan Stubbs. Hemang Badani, the Delhi Capitals head coach, is the favourite to take over from Adi Birrell.Related

The Hundred to introduce player auction for 2026 season

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In the women’s Hundred, Marizanne Kapp is expected to move across the Thames to London Spirit after five years with Oval Invincibles. Meg Lanning is understood to have signed for Manchester Super Giants, who have lined up Matthew Mott as their new women’s head coach.Lauren Bell has signed a lucrative new deal with Southern Brave despite significant interest elsewhere, while allrounder Freya Kemp is set to join Welsh Fire on a six-figure deal. Sunrisers, the defending champions, are expected to retain both Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland.The eight men’s and women’s teams must finalise their retentions by January 16, ahead of the inaugural auctions in March. The Hundred will run from July 21 to August 16 next summer, sandwiched between England men’s series against India (five T20Is and three ODIs) and Pakistan (three Tests).Several prominent England players are hoping for paydays in next Tuesday’s IPL auction, with Livingstone expected to attract several bids after his release by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jonny Bairstow, Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith are also likely to win deals, while Josh Tongue is a notable name on the longlist after finishing last season as the Hundred’s leading wicket-taker.

Mohamed Salah has reportedly been given the chance to link up with the Egypt squad earlier than planned amid the furore around his uncertain Liverpool future. The 33-year-old grabbed the headlines when he accused the Reds of "throwing him under the bus" after being left out of the starting XI. While speculation has mounted about an Anfield exit, it seems a January departure is very unlikely.

• Salah vents his frustration

  Shortly after Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw with Leeds on Saturday, a game where Salah was an unused substitute, the former Roma star said that someone at the Reds wanted him to "get all of the blame" and that he no longer had a relationship with manager Arne Slot. The Dutchman later said that he had "no clue" whether the forward had played his last game for the Anfield outfit, while club legend Jamie Carragher branded Salah a "disgrace" and accused him of trying to get the former Feyenoord boss sacked.  

  Salah told reporters after the Leeds game, "I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don't have any relationship. I don't know why but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. This club, I will always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much and I always will. It [the situation] is not acceptable to me, to be fair. I don't get it. It's like I'm being thrown more under the bus. I don't think I'm the problem. I have done so much for this club. I don't have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it. I am not bigger than anyone but I earned my position. It's football. It is what it is."

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  Salah wants Liverpool stay

  Despite Salah's outburst and being left out of Liverpool's Champions League clash away to Inter on Tuesday night, claims he has 'no intention' of leaving the club in the January transfer window. The veteran, who has been an unused substitute in two of Liverpool's last three Premier League matches, is said to be 'disappointed' by this turn of events, especially as he hoped to retire at the Merseyside outfit. Salah feels someone at the club is trying to push him out, and he himself is aware he would not be short of suitors should he choose to leave the club next month. Incidentally, his comments came as 'no surprise' to some of his team-mates, who have noticed he has cut an 'unhappy figure' in recent weeks.

• Salah gets Egypt FA's support

  The report adds that Salah has held talks with Egypt's national team coach, Hossam Hassan, who assured him he would be happy to welcome the ex-Chelsea player into the Pharaohs' camp this week. The Egyptian international is available for selection for the Reds' Premier League clash against Brighton this weekend but Hassan has reportedly offered him a chance to get away from this intense situation ahead of their tournament opener against Zimbabwe on December 22.

  Incidentally, Egyptian FA football director Ibrahim Hassan added, "Mohamed Salah is a great player and he will return stronger and better, as we have always known him to be, in the upcoming matches. Salah will continue to make history with Liverpool after becoming one of its legends. Mohamed Salah will also make history with the Egyptian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations, along with the coaching staff and his teammates, by winning the championship."

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  What comes next for Salah?

  adds that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are monitoring Salah's situation ahead of the January window but are more hopeful of launching a successful bid next summer. Salah's ambition reportedly remains a 'far stronger' driving force than 'financial incentives', so he could stay at Liverpool for the foreseeable future. 

Raphinha's brace sent Barcelona seven points clear at the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Osasuna. Hansi Flick's team were toothless in front of goal for long periods but the former Leeds United star came up trumps just when his team needed him in the second half. The result widened the gap to rivals Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso under increasing pressure to keep his job.

Barcelona made a bright start to the game, with Ferran Torres twice going close, while Marcus Rashford had a penalty appeal turned down. At the other end, Ante Budimir worked Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia and the pacey Victor Munoz caused the home defence a number of problems. It looked like the hosts had taken the lead in the 24th minute when Ferran Torres headed in Rashford's pinpoint cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside in the build-up from the corner. 

Torres was a whisker away from breaking the deadlock with an overhead kick, while Munoz shot just wide on the counter-attack. Rashford brought out a good save from keeper Sergio Herrera from a free-kick, and then some desperate defence denied the 28-year-old soon after. Just when it looked like the away side would frustrate the league leaders, captain Raphinha produced something out of nothing when his 20-yard shot whipped into the corner in the 70th minute. 

Jorge Herrando tucked the ball in the net five minutes from time but the goal was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Joan Garcia, and shortly after, Raphinha volleyed in from three yards to well and truly end Osasuna's stubborn resistance. The Blaugrana are now seven points clear but Madrid could cut that to four if they beat Alaves on Sunday night.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Camp Nou…

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Joan Garcia (7/10):

Had to be alert to the dangers of Budimir and particularly Munoz and did a decent job in goal.

Jules Kounde (6/10):

Wasn't able to get forward in an attacking sense as much as usual as Osasuna's swift offence were a handful.

Pau Cubarsi (5/10):

The young centre-back didn't have a great night. He was sloppy at the back and found it difficult to keep a lid on Osasuna's attack.

Gerard Martin (6/10):

Struggled to handle the rapid Munoz but also showed good pace when getting back to clear the danger. 

Alejandro Balde (6/10):

Had some good races with Munoz, and sometimes came off second-best, but largely had a competent evening. 

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Eric Garcia (5/10):

Didn't add a great deal to Barcelona's midfield at a time when they needed more creativity to break down a stubborn away team. 

Pedri (7/10):

The Spaniard worked his socks off and kept chugging away when trying to unlock the away defence. He got an assist and is such a force for Barca.

Raphinha (8/10):

The Brazilian wasn't at his best on the whole but he took his first goal in brilliant fashion. Then was in the right place at the right time for his second.

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Lamine Yamal (7/10):

While the teenager was a threat, Osasuna's Abel Bretones did a decent job against the Spanish winger. Still showed off some lovely bits of skill, mind. 

Ferran Torres (6/10):

Was unlucky to have an excellent header ruled out but other than that, should have scored a couple. 

Marcus Rashford (7/10):

Continues to earn his place in Barcelona's starting XI, with his trickery and crossing ability a real bonus. After a lively first half he wasn't quite as good in the second, though.

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Fermin Lopez (7/10):

The attacking midfielder looked sharp off the bench.

Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

Was about to come on to turn the tide in Barca's favour but Raphinha did that so his impact wasn't really needed or felt.

Marc Casado (N/A):

Too little time to make an impact.

Andreas Christensen (N/A):

Came on with minutes to spare.

Roony Bardghji (N/A):

Barely touched the ball when brought on.

Hansi Flick (7/10):

His team created a hatful of chances and had the lion's share of possession but they weren't clinical in front of goal for the majority of the contest. Will be thankful he has Raphinha back fit again as he resisted going to his bench for a long time.

Two days, two walk-off wins for the Minnesota Twins.

One day after Harrison Bader walked it off in a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday with a 378-foot homer in the bottom of the ninth, Brooks Lee did the same Saturday. Only his heroic knock traveled about 300 feet less.

With Byron Buxton representing the game-winning run on third base and nobody out in the ninth inning, Lee squared up to bunt on the first pitch he saw from Tampa Bay reliever Garrett Cleavinger.

The Rays weren't expecting it. By the time first baseman Yandy Diaz could field the ball, Buxton was already home. Diaz's only chance to save the game was to let it roll foul—but Lee's bunt stayed about six inches into fair territory all the way to first base.

That's a walk-off bunt for the win.

"I was surprised too," Lee said of the call to bunt in that situation to Twins.TV reporter Audra Martin. "Any way we can get it done. I've been bunting my whole life—West Coast baseball. That's [Cal Poly baseball coach] Larry Lee right there. And it paid off."

That bold call to bunt secured the 500th career win for Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. The 43-year-old skipper is the fourth manager in Twins history to notch at least 500 wins, joining Tom Kelly (1,140 wins), Ron Gardenhire (1,068 wins) and Sam Mele (524 wins).

"It's awesome. I'm sure he doesn't want to talk about it, but we're gonna," Lee said with a smile about Baldelli's milestone.

The Twins climbed to 43-46 with the win over Tampa Bay. They are 12 games back of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central and 3.5 games out of a playoff spot.