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The Premier League season is only 15 games old, but it’s already been something of a roller coaster for West Ham United.

For the first couple of months, with Graham Potter in charge, it looked like the East Londoners were destined for relegation and unable to buy a win.

However, over the last few weeks, new boss Nuno Espírito Santo has helped to turn the ship around, and while they’re still in the relegation zone, the Hammers have lost just one of their last six games.

However, there are still problems on and off the pitch, including the fact that they’ll likely have to sell Lucas Paqueta in the summer, but before they do that, West Ham should get rid of someone else in the winter window.

Why West Ham should sell Paqueta

Now, the first thing to say here is that, at his very best, Paqueta has a claim to be one of the most exciting and talented attacking midfielders in the Premier League.

However, the problem is that he hasn’t been at, or really anywhere near, his scintillating best for quite some time.

For example, while he managed a brilliant haul of 15 goal involvements in 23/24, he then followed that up with just five last season, and so far this year, he’s produced just four.

Appearances

36

14

Minutes

2536′

1217′

Goals

5

4

Assists

0

0

In other words, it’s hard to make a case that his performances over the last year and a half have justified his sizable £150k-per-week wage.

Speaking of his contract, the next reason the Hammers should probably be looking to sell the former Lyon star is the fact that he’ll have just a year left on his deal in the summer.

Therefore, he’ll either need to be handed another bumper contract or be sold to protect his valuation.

Finally, the 28-year-old revealed that he almost forced a move back to Flamengo in the summer. So it’s not impossible to imagine he’ll want to leave sooner or later, which comes back to the idea that the Hammers should be the ones to instigate his departure at the end of the season and protect his value.

With all that said, there is another player, someone far less important to the side, that West Ham should look to move on before Paqeuta.

The West Ham flop Nuno has to sell

With West Ham improving over the last month or so, fewer players are sticking out for the wrong reasons, but one who continues to disappoint is Max Kilman.

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The former Wolverhampton Wanderers star joined the Hammers for a whopping £40m fee in the summer of 2024.

Since then, while there have been the odd moments in which he’s looked like a quality centre-back, the Englishman has largely been a flop and someone who has been more of a hindrance at the back than a help.

For example, in the 2-0 defeat at home to Brentford earlier this season, the 6 foot 4 titan was partly to blame for both goals and looked miles off the pace and, in the words of one content creator, was “shocking.”

Worryingly, his former manager, Gary O’Neil, went into detail about some of his weaknesses and described him as someone who likes to “switch off” during games.

That does not sound like the kind of defender you want in the backline when fighting to stay in the Premier League, and, based on reports, it seems Nuno would agree.

According to a story from earlier this week, the Irons would be willing to part ways with the centre-back should someone make an offer of around £25m, and reports from earlier in the season claimed that Crystal Palace were interested in the defender.

On top of the eye test, another reason the club should perhaps lower their asking price is the fact that his underlying numbers are dire.

According to FBref, the Chelsea-born dud ranks in the bottom 45% of centre-backs in the Premier League for pass completion, the bottom 18% for tackles, the bottom 14% for progressive passes, and the bottom 9% for interceptions, all per 90.

Ultimately, while West Ham will likely need to sell Paqueta in the summer, they must sell Kilman first, as he simply isn’t good enough.

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For the second year in a row, pitcher Tarik Skubal will start on Opening Day for the Detroit Tigers as the Tigers take on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though the Tigers will field the same Opening Day starter as they did last season, much has changed from when Skubal took the mound for the Tigers a year ago.

Since that last debut start, the Tigers became a playoff team for the first time in a decade. They earned a wild-card spot in the American League and defeated the Houston Astros to become one of the final eight teams standing. Their season would end when they fell to the Cleveland Guardians in the divisional round.

Ahead of his first start this year, Skubal penned a letter to Detroit, setting the tone for what he calls a "new era" for the Tigers.

"It's a new era of Tigers baseball, and we're building something different," Skubal wrote in his letter. "A new standard has been set, and we're about to clock in like the blue-collar people of this city. So, say what you want about us… about Detroit… we have unfinished business, so…let's run it back."

Skubal also addressed the similarities he feels he shares with the city of Detroit. Skubal, who has spent his entire career with the Tigers so far has proven to be a great match for the city and team. He reached another level last season in his career, going 18-4 as a starter with a 2.33 ERA and 228 strikeouts. He made his first MLB All-Star Game, led the AL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, and won the AL Cy Young award unanimously. He wants to continue

"Even though I'm from a small town in Arizona, we have a lot more in common than you might think," Skubal said. "As I've learned more about our city, it's clear that Detroit has faced its fair share of adversity, which has at times put its future in question.

"From a 0.2% chance of making the postseason to hosting playoff games at Comerica Park. From a ninth-round pick to unanimous Cy Young winner. From a city in crisis to one of the greatest renaissance stories in America. We are all overcoming the odds. You believe in us, and we all believe in you."

Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka were stretched into a decider by a spirited Zimbabwe side. On Monday, they nearly stumbled against Asia Cup’s lowest-ranked team, Hong Kong, but eventually pulled through, courtesy Pathum Nissanka’s 68 in their chase of 150.What ought to have been a cruise – Sri Lanka needed 32 off 30 with eight wickets in hand – turned into a mini-collapse. Nissanka was run-out at the start of the 16th over while chancing a second that didn’t seem on, and Kusal Perera fell off the very next delivery when he was lbw attempting a slog sweep.Six balls later, it was the captain’s turn to be dismissed as Charith Asalanka sliced a fullish delivery to short third. And when Kamindu Mendis slogged one straight to deep midwicket, attempting a release shot, Sri Lanka had lost 4 for 8, needing another 23 off 17 balls.Related

• Nissanka helps Sri Lanka edge sloppy Hong Kong in a thriller

“In that moment, I think our heart was in our mouths,” Asalanka said. “There are a few areas I am really disappointed about. First three overs when we were bowling and then the 16th over, we lost a couple of wickets and then lost my wicket.”In the shorter format, these things can happen but it cannot keep happening consistently. We have to analyse it and improve ourselves.”It wasn’t just the middle-order batting Asalanka was critical about. He wasn’t happy with the way they started with the new ball, with Hong Kong racing to 38 without loss in four overs, after Anshy Rath and Zeeshan Ali took on the new-ball bowlers.In the sixth over, Sri Lanka missed a DRS appeal for lbw with replays confirming all three reds, reprieving the experienced Babar Hayat. After his dismissal, Rath and Nizakat Khan put on 61 to shore up Hong Kong to 149 for 4.”We felt confident of chasing it because the pitch was looking good,” Asalanka said. “Credit goes to them (Hong Kong), they batted really well and we bowled badly in the first three overs.Wanindu Hasaranga’s nine-ball 20 not out saw Sri Lanka through•Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images

“This is not the way we wanted to play. When we are playing these sides, there is always pressure. But we are professionals and as professionals, we have to do much better than this.”It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Sri Lanka. Nissanka rallied their chase with a patient innings, his second straight half-century. The ball wasn’t coming on, and Hong Kong’s seasoned spinners – Ehsan Khan and Yasim Murtaza – had Sri Lanka in a stranglehold.Yet, at no point did Nissanka look like a batter desperate for a release shot, fully knowing the target was always within touching distance. He brought up a half-century off 35 balls, and it wasn’t until the asking rate jumped past eight an over, with eight overs left that Nissanka decided to shift gears.And when he did so, it was exhilarating to see him beat two deep fielders on the leg side with precision with two pull shots off two different deliveries – first off a slower bouncer that needed him to hold his shape, and the next off a hard-length delivery dug into the pitch.”Over the last two years, I’ve worked on my strike rates,” Nissanka said at the post-match press conference. “I started off as a red-ball batter, but I’ve worked on becoming consistent across all formats. The coach [Sanath Jayasuriya] has always given me the confidence to play my game, that really is a boost.”After starting the tournament with two wins, Sri Lanka will automatically progress to the Super Fours if Afghanistan beat Bangladesh on Tuesday. A Bangladesh win will leave the two spots to be decided on Thursday, when Sri Lanka play Afghanistan. That said, it’s Bangladesh who have all the catching up to do on the net run rate front.

تحدث حسام حسن المدير الفني لـ منتخب مصر، على مباراة فريقه أمام أوزبكستان الودية، والتي تأتي ضمن برنامج الاستعداد لبطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025. 

وكان منتخب مصر قد خسر أمام أوزبكستان وديا بهدفين دون رد، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما، اليوم الجمعة، على ملعب هزاع بن زايد. 

طالع.. تعديل موعد مباراة مصر والجزائر الودية بسبب المنتخب الأول

وقال حسام حسن عبر قناة  “أون سبورت”: “ألعب بدون القوام الأساسي، بجانب محمد الشناوي وحمدي فتحي اللذين تعرضا للإصابة قبل بداية المباراة”. 

وأضاف: “اللاعب الذي اختاره يكون لدي ثقة فيه، وكان لا بد أن يحدث مبكرًا قبل قدومي للمنتخب الدفع بعناصر جديدة، أرى الدوري بالكامل وبقدر الإمكان نحاول نختار الأفضل والذي نحتاجه للمرحلة المقبلة سواء استعدادًا لكأس أمم إفريقيا أو لكأس العالم”

وتابع: “إصابة حمدي فتحي عبارة عن شد في السمانة أثناء الإحماء، ومحمد الشناوي اشتكى من العضلة الضامة وانضم للمنتخب وهو لديه بعض القلق منها، وأطمئن كل الجماهير المصرية أننا نسعى للأفضل”.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank says a “not as highlighted” member of his Spurs squad is extremely underappreciated ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup trip to Newcastle on Wednesday.

Tottenham defence shines in 3-0 victory at Everton

On Sunday, the Lilywhites continued their solid start to the campaign overall by making history away to Everton.

Tottenham became the first away team to win at the brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Merseyside, with a brace from star defender Micky van de Ven and substitute Pape Sarr catapulting the north Londoners to third in the Premier League.

In the build up, much was made about Spurs’ problems with creativity in the final third, especially after a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend and their tepid 0-0 draw away to Monaco in the Champions League — where goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario spared their blushes time and time again with fantastic saves.

Vicario did make a vital stop to prevent Everton from going 1-0 up with a fine, point-blank save from Jack Grealish before van de Ven opened the scoring midway through the first-half.

The Toffees did briefly equalise, only for the goal to be chalked off for a foul on Vicario, with van de Ven then doubling the away side’s lead by getting on the end of another corner just before half-time.

Vicario’s fine form continued, thwarting Beto’s acrobatic overhead kick with an excellent reflex save from close range before denying them again. Richarlison had a chance to kill the game off when he found himself in on goal, but Jordan Pickford frustrated the Brazilian with a one-on-one save.

However, the striker redeemed himself with an assist for Sarr in the 89th minute to seal all three points for Frank’s side – putting what was a torrid week behind them as they prepare for another tough trip to St. James’ Park on Wednesday.

Tottenham will be without nine players to face Eddie Howe’s side, with Frank confirming no changes to their absentee list from their win at Everton.

Tottenham absentee list to face Newcastle

Problem

Estimated return date

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

22/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Cristian Romero

Groin

01/11/2025

Destiny Udogie

Knee

08/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

08/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

While van de Ven stole all the headlines for his obvious contribution, January signing Kevin Danso also enjoyed an absolutely solid outing.

The 27-year-old, tasked with replacing Cristian Romero, has done an excellent job in the Argentine’s stead, especially against Everton, with Danso winning 100 per cent of his duels, both in the air and on the ground.

Danso also made a whopping 18 clearances at the Hill Dickinson, and his defensive heroics were key to Spurs coming away with a much-needed three points.

Vs Everton

Kevin Danso

Micky van de Ven

Minutes

90

90

Tackles won

1/1

0/0

Clearances

18

7

Blocked shots

2

0

Ball recoveries

3

2

Ground duels won

2/2

1/2

Aerial duels won

4/4

1/4

Stats via Sofascore

In the aftermath, Frank was quick to herald Danso’s contribution.

Thomas Frank says Kevin Danso is Tottenham's underrated star

Speaking after Tottenham’s win at Everton in a post-match press conference, Frank claimed Danso’s performance was “not as highlighted”, but just as vital to his side claiming victory.

When asked about Danso again before Tottenham’s trip to the North East, Frank piled more praise on the Austrian – claiming he deserves praise.

Danso was brought in at the start of the year to help Spurs during their defensive injury crisis under ex-boss Ange Postecoglou, and he’s hardly set a foot wrong.

Signed on an initial loan with which became permanent for £21 million in the summer, Danso is proving to be worth every penny, but reports suggest he could face stiff competition for minutes pretty soon.

Tottenham are believed to be in the market for another defender in January, despite Danso’s presence and Radu Dragusin coming back from injury, so it will be interesting to see how often he’ll feature for Frank if a new centre-back comes through the door.

Wayne Rooney has no faith in Ruben Amorim to turn things around at Manchester United and believes the soul has gone from his former club.

Head coach Amorim has taken 34 points from his 33 Premier League games in charge following Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Brentford and is yet to oversee consecutive top-flight wins.

Rooney, United’s all-time leading goalscorer, said he goes to games expecting the team to lose and feels some players do not deserve to represent the club.

Despite the ongoing poor form, which includes last month’s Carabao Cup exit at League Two Grimsby, Amorim reportedly retains the backing of United’s board.

“I just don’t know what’s going on,” Rooney, 39, said on his BBC podcast.

“I have tried my hand in management and it didn’t work out too well, so I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he’s still a young manager and I’m sure he’s got a massive future, but what’s going on at Man Utd, this is not Man Utd.

“I honestly hope he can turn it round and he does. But…after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it.”

Amorim was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s successor last November after winning two Portuguese titles with Sporting Lisbon.

United endured their worst Premier League campaign last season, finishing 15th – their lowest position since they were relegated from the old First Division in 1974.

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“I don’t recognise the whole football club,” said Rooney, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League with United.

“I don’t see players fighting, I don’t see character, I don’t see desire to win. I go to a game watching… expecting the team to lose or maybe pick up a point.

“The soul has gone from the club. It needs a new engine, a new lease of life. It needs something to kickstart that football club.

“What is going on, this is not all on the manager, by the way. Players, they’re not deserving to wear that shirt and it hurts.”

Rooney scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for United between 2004 and 2017.

“The culture of that football club has gone,” added the former England captain. “I see it on a daily basis. I see staff losing jobs, people walking out of jobs.

“I’ve got two kids (in the academy) at that football club and I really hope this doesn’t affect what they’re doing. What I’m seeing at that football club is not Manchester United.”

United, who sit 14th in the table, return to action on Saturday at home to Sunderland before travelling to leaders Liverpool after the October international break.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan and the Hammers board have come under fire from supporters for a long time — even more so after their downward trajectory since 2023.

West Ham braced for fan protests as tension with ownership escalates

As per The Telegraph, West Ham supporters are poised to stage protests against the ownership at every Saturday home game this campaign — sending a clear message of discontent towards the hierarchy.

Their controversial move to the London Stadium, which forced loyal supporters to wave goodbye to the beloved Boleyn Ground in 2016, was promised to bring a change of direction — with supporters told they would get a “world-class stadium for a world-class team” (The Telegraph).

However, after what was an unforgettable closing ceremony at the Boleyn, made better by a 3-2 win over Man United that night, West Ham have done little to make good on their pledge to kick on.

David Moyes guided the club to three consecutive seasons in Europe during his second spell in charge, including a journey to the Europa League semi-finals in 2022, and West Ham topped off their exploits abroad by winning the Conference League.

Their glorious night in Prague ended the Irons’ 43-year-wait for silverware, with West Ham also lifting their first European trophy since 1965.

However, apart from a brief adventure under Moyes, their move to the London Stadium has failed to deliver what was promised by the board — and West Ham have only got worse since their Conference League victory.

A succession of managers in Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter were shown their marching orders after failing to build upon Moyes’ era, with Nuno Espírito Santo now in the West Ham hot seat as he seeks to deliver where his predecessors failed.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12 Graham Potter

26.1%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

Nuno is making his presence known by axing James Ward-Prowse already, and some reports suggest that West Ham are prepared to back their new manager with new signings in January.

However, tensions between the fanbase and West Ham have now reached breaking point, with former boss Harry Redknapp now predicting a bold move by Sullivan to transform the club.

Harry Redknapp predicts David Sullivan decision to transform West Ham

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the ex-West Ham and Tottenham manager has predicted that Sullivan will sell his West Ham shares to billionaires from the Middle East.

Interestingly, the 78-year-old has actually moved to defend Sullivan too — claiming that the divisive chair has pumped his own money into the club and a lot of the blame for West Ham’s woes lies with their recruitment department.

West Ham take on Arsenal this Saturday as Nuno prepares for his second game in charge, with Mikel Arteta’s side overwhelming favourites, especially considering their major threat from set pieces.

Failure to deal with dead balls has been a real thorn in West Ham’s side this season, so Nuno’s men are seriously up against it at the Emirates, as they also look to contain Arsenal’s plethora of attacking talent.

Gearing up to do battle in the transfer market once again, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined a Premier League race to sign a Bundesliga talent.

Howe admits Newcastle "different" without Isak

It was another frustrating away draw for Newcastle on Sunday. This time, the Magpies were forced to settle for a point in a 0-0 draw against a stubborn Bournemouth side. It makes it just one win in five games for Eddie Howe’s side, who are still adjusting to life without star man Alexander Isak.

The good news for Newcastle is that there aren’t many sides in the Premier League without problems as of late. Only Liverpool, who sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League, have maintained a 100% record.

With new signing Yoane Wissa likely to be on his way back from injury after the international break too, Howe will be hoping to see his side find their feet sooner rather than later.

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Posts ByWill Miller Sep 22, 2025

In the meantime, PIF are still focusing on potential incomings away from the action. With 2026 presenting those at St James’ Park with a fresh opportunity to spend big, the Magpies have reportedly joined a Premier League race to sign another Bundesliga talent.

Newcastle join race to sign Brown

As reported by Caught Offside, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt. Joining Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Manchester United in the battle to welcome the German left-back, those in Tyneside should be desperate to finally get one over on their rivals in the transfer market.

Signing another young left-back would certainly make sense following the interest that came Tino Livramento’s way in the summer. Losing the Englishman would be a major blow for Howe, but welcoming Brown would instantly provide the Newcastle boss with a replacement.

Described as a “pacy, flying” left-back by analyst Ben Mattinson back in May, Brown is one to watch in the Bundesliga. Newcastle already dipped into the pool of young German talent to welcome Nick Woltemade in the summer and could do so again to welcome a defensive talent.

Josh Windass revealed a gruesome injury to his social media followers after coming off early in Wrexham's Championship draw with Leicester City. The Foxes went ahead in the first half through Jordan James’ and held onto their lead until the 77th minute. However, nerves and wastefulness opened the door for Wrexham, with Nathan Broadhead grabbing a late equaliser at the King Power Stadium.

• Agony for Windass in Foxes clash

  Windass left fans wincing after revealing a new injury. The forward came off just after the hour mark, replaced by Broadhead, who turned saviour for the Red Dragons with a late equaliser. What came next was a grim social media update. Windass posted a close-up of his severely bruised ankle, swollen and mangled, with the caption:

  @windassjnr Instagram

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Windass’ injury curse strikes again

  Windass only recently clawed his way back from a hamstring tear suffered in Wrexham's 3-2 defeat to West Brom. That setback kept him out of five matches before he finally made his return against Norwich on September 20. Now, the 31-year-old could be set for another period on the sidelines, with a medical examination on his ankle likely to take place later this week. Manager Phil Parkinson may be robbed of one of his most experienced heads for another important stretch of the campaign.

• Parkinson’s warriors refuse to fold

  Parkinson’s men continue to show steel after a tough start to the 2025-26 campaign. The boss, who has masterminded three successive promotions to guide Wrexham into the Championship, stuck with the same XI that battled through a bruising 1-1 draw with Derby just days earlier. And once again, his players found a way. Lewis O’Brien’s relentless chase of a lost cause created the late chance against Leicester, and Broadhead’s ice-cool finish ensured Wrexham’s remarkable record of scoring in every league and cup fixture this season remained intact.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Hollywood derby up next

  All eyes now turn to Friday night, when Birmingham City arrive at the Racecourse for the latest edition of the “Hollywood derby”. Injuries may be piling up, but Wrexham’s spirit is unbreakable, and the script feels primed for another nail-biter.

After Strikers posted BBL’s second-highest total of 251, D’Arcy Short took 4 for 15 to bowl Heat out for 195

Tristan Lavalette11-Jan-2025

Matthew Short made 109 off 54 balls•Getty Images

Captain Matthew Short returned from a toe injury in spectacular fashion with a blistering century against Brisbane Heat as Adelaide Strikers revived their finals hopes after making the second highest total in BBL history.Sent in to bat on a very flat Adelaide Oval surface, Strikers smashed 251 for 5 highlighted by Short’s 109 off 54 balls after he missed the last three matches. He reached his ton in 49 balls to set a new franchise record.Heat never seriously threatened in the chase and were bowled out for 195 after 20 overs.The result has breathed life into Strikers’ season (three wins in eight games) having entered the match in last position and they moved within striking distance of fourth-placed Heat.Short/Lynn rampage before Carey’s brief knock in season debut There was a lot of anticipation over the season debut of Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was listed at No.3 but made to wait until almost the ninth over after a destructive 121-run opening partnership between Short and Chris Lynn.During Short’s absence, Lynn moved up to open from three and such was his success that he stayed in the position. He dominated the powerplay and thrashed quicks Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett, normally so reliable with the new ball.Lynn raced to 42 off 13 balls as Strikers motored to 62 for 0 in the most runs hit by a team in the powerplay this season. Short then took over with two sixes off left-arm quick Spencer Johnson as Strikers moved to 81-0 after five overs.Hogging the strike, Short soon sped past Lynn to reach his half-century off 24 balls. In the first seven overs, Short and Lynn smashed seven sixes while they failed to score off just 11 balls.Matt Short and Chris Lynn turn the crowd into umpires•Getty Images

But Lynn did lose his rhythm and was also ailed by a tight hamstring before being knocked over by a quicker delivery from left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.Carey finally came to the crease, but only lasted eight deliveries after being bowled by another faster ball from Kuhnemann. He did, however, hit arguably the best shot of the innings after a classy check drive sailed prettily over extra cover and into the crowd.Short was unperturbed as he fittingly reached his ton with a boundary. Travis Head had held Strikers’ previous fastest century with his famous 53-ball ton against Sydney Sixers on New Year’s Eve in 2015.It was a brilliant knock from Short, who has recently opened for Australia in white-ball cricket, marked by staying still at the crease and clean ball striking. He ruthlessly targeted the shorter boundaries on the legside before finally holing out to deep midwicket.Alex Ross clubbed 44 not out from 19 balls at the death to ensure Strikers’ momentum continued.Spinners Kuhnemann, Swepson try their best With their star quicks Neser, Bartlett and Johnson having rare off performances, unable to hit their lengths, spinners Kuhnemann and Swepson took five wickets between them in battling efforts.They weren’t spared, with 91 runs hit off their eight overs, but at least ensured Strikers didn’t reel in the BBL record score of 273 for 2 set by Melbourne Stars three years ago.Kuhnemann, in his first match since being selected to the Test tour of Sri Lanka, got some zip off the surface, while Swepson cleverly mixed up his bowling to be the most economical of the five bowlers used.Debutant quicks face tough initiation, D’Arcy Short takes four wickets On a surface that rivalled some of the unforgiven pitches seen in the IPL, Strikers debutant quicks Liam Haskett and Jordan Buckingham faced a difficult initiation.Haskett impressed last season for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, but had a delayed start to this summer due to a back injury. The tall left-arm quick was unleashed in the second over, but struggled with his lengths initially and whacked over the legside for successive sixes by Neser.D’Arcy Short finished with 4 for 15•Getty Images

Haskett was later pulled for six by Nathan McSweeney and caught, remarkably, by his father in the terraces. He returned later to dismiss Tom Alsop to finish with 2 for 43 from 3 overs.The 24-year-old Buckingham was given a chance in the BBL having impressed in the Shield in recent seasons. Like almost every other bowler in the match, he copped some punishment but claimed the key wicket of Matthew Renshaw in the 14th over.With bowlers sporting bowling figures that were an eyesore, D’Arcy Short’s handy legspin was used to good effect as numerous Heat batters holed out to him. He finished with 4 for 15 off 3 overs.Munro bats well down the order after injuries in the field Heat’s monumental task was made harder with skipper Colin Munro batting well down the order after dislocating a finger in his left hand and suffering a shoulder injury in a torrid time in the field. He came out at No.7 and made a second ball duck.Neser was promoted to open and ordered to go for broke, but it didn’t do the trick. McSweeney played fluently with several gorgeous drives and he made an attractive 43 off 24 balls.But he was run out attempting a second run as Heat’s slim chances effectively ended despite entertaining cameos from Renshaw, in-form Max Bryant and Johnson, who hit 27 from 13 balls at No.11.