Newcastle United’s wait for a first away win of the season is now over.
On Saturday night, the Magpies demolished Everton 4-1 on Merseyside, enjoying their first-ever visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Malick Thiaw broke the deadlock inside 60 seconds, with Lewis Miley lashing home a second and then Nick Woltemade making it three in first half stoppage time, before Thiaw bagged his second shortly after the interval, rubber stamping victory.
Before this, Eddie Howe’s side had failed to win any of their six Premier League away games this season, losing each of their last three on the road, their most recent away league victory coming at a hopeless Leicester in April.
Now, ahead of back-to-back home games this week against Tottenham and Burnley, which Newcastle player put in an excellent performance at Bramley-Moore Dock, suggesting he may be the club’s best young talent?
Can Lewis Miley break into Newcastle's midfield?
For so long, the backbone of Newcastle’s rise, twice qualifying for the Champions League and winning last season’s EFL Cup, has been their midfield trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
However, attempting to balance both domestic and continental commitments, Howe has started to rotate his team a bit more, ahead of a jam-packed December featuring eight fixtures, so could Lewis Miley force his way into the starting lineup on a more regular basis?
Still a teenager, Miley started in the Premier League for just the second time this season on Saturday evening, scoring his first goal since netting during a 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest in February.
Dominic Scurr of the Shields Gazette awarded him a 9/10 for his performance against Everton, stating that it was ‘so good to see him shining’ having been handed a rare start, getting the nod over Tonali.
For a long time now, Miley has been viewed as the brightest young talent in this Newcastle squad, becoming the second-youngest player in the club’s Premier League history to both score and record an assist in a single match, behind only Charles N’Zogbia.
Meantime, almost two years ago, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout asserted that he is a “special talent”, labelling him “technical, elegant, composed, and hardworking” who is an “absolute unicorn in midfield”, emphasising that he’s been in the spotlight for quite a while.
However, did another player come to the fore at Hill Dickinson Stadium and underline that he is Newcastle’s brightest young thing?
Newcastle's bigger talent than Lewis Miley
Given their side’s inconsistent form, the Geordie faithful have been calling for Howe to tinker with his lineup, and they may be getting their wish.
Aaron Ramsdale displaced Nick Pope this weekend, while full-back is the other positions supporters have wanted to see a change, with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall both starting too, and the latter certainly caught the eye.
The 21-year-old has now started back-to-back Premier League games, having been included in the lineup only twice this season in any competition beforehand, and underlined why supporters have been eager to see more of him, as the table documents.
Hall’s stats vs Everton
Stats
Hall
Match rank
Assists
1
1st
Successful dribbles
3
1st
Passing accuracy
91%
7th
Key passes
2
1st
Accurate crosses
2
2nd
Big chances created
2
1st
Ground duels won
5
1st
Tackle win %
100%
1st
Touches
87
3rd
Match rating
7.8
4th
Stats via SofaScore
As the table notes, Hall ranked first in a wide variety of statistics on Merseyside on Saturday evening.
He registered an assist, created two big chances and completed 91% of his 55 passes, while also winning five ground duels and 100% of his tackles.
For the majority of this season, Dan Burn has been the first-choice left-back, but the 6 ft 7 in hometown hero has been massively exposed in recent weeks.
This was particularly the case when he met Dango Ouattara of Brentford earlier this month, conceding a penalty and being sent off for fouling the Burkinabé winger during a 3-1 defeat in West London.
Thus, against both Man City and now Everton, Hall has proved he has to be Howe’s first-choice going forward, while the same may not yet be the case for his namesake in midfield.
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Portugal secured their first-ever Under-17 World Cup title courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Austria in the final in Qatar on Thursday and Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the greatest Portuguese player of all time was first in line to offer his congratulations with a simple but very effective message to his huge audience of 668 million followers on Instagram.
AFPPortugal become U17 world champions
The decisive goal came in the 32nd minute when Benfica forward Anisio Cabral found the back of the net from close range, with his seventh goal of the tournament. Austria pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, but a resilient Portuguese defence held firm. The win marks a historic milestone for Portugal and capped a tournament where they remained unbeaten, having reached the final by defeating Brazil in a dramatic penalty shootout in the semi-finals.
AdvertisementRonaldo sends celebratory message
Ronaldo often shows significant public and private support for younger Portugal teams and players. He embraces his role as a leader and mentor, offering advice and encouragement to the next generation of Portuguese talent. His commitment to the national team also serves as a benchmark for young players, as he once stated, "nothing compares to representing your country".
And following Portugal’s victory over Austria, Ronaldo shared an image on Instagram to his 668 million followers, saying: "Giants! Congratulations, World Champions!"
Instagram
Stunning tournament concludes in Doha
The Under 17 World Cup in Qatar was a landmark event, marked by a major format overhaul and the maiden title for Portugal. The tournament saw the field expanded to a massive 48 teams and shifted from a biennial to an annual competition, with Qatar locked in as the host nation for five consecutive editions – 2025-2029. Highlights included a compact "football paradise" set-up, with most matches in the state-of-the-art Aspire Zone, allowing fans to easily watch multiple games. The new developments centered on FIFA's strategy to accelerate youth development by providing more frequent, high-level international competition. The tournament's expanded, single-city format was praised for its logistical efficiency, leveraging the facilities built for the 2022 senior World Cup.
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Getty Images SportWhat next for Ronaldo?
The global football icon may be heading into the twilight of his playing career, with one eye on a last hurrah on the world stage at next year’s World Cup, but he also continues to pursue multiple avenues to continue building Brand Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar has announced he is making a move into MMA, revealing a new role in a link-up with UFC legend and compatriot Ilia Topuria on WOW FC.
WOW FC, once a small promotion, has rapidly become one of Europe's fastest-growing MMA organizations. In the last year, attendance has soared by over 400 per cent, with events consistently selling more than 5,000 tickets. Live broadcasts now reach over 170 countries. The addition of Ronaldo is set to accelerate the promotion's expansion into Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, leveraging his involvement to blend sport with culture, fashion, entertainment, and education.
In a statement, Ronaldo said: "MMA represents values I truly believe in – discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence. WOW FC is building something unique and powerful, and I’m proud to join this project to help elevate the sport and inspire the next generation."
And in a separate post on social media, he added: "I’m excited to share some big news: I will become a shareholder of @wowfcmma! We share values I truly believe in – discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence. WOW FC is building something unique and powerful, and I’m proud to join this project to help elevate the sport and inspire the next generation."
Sunday's Mariners–Rangers game was a big one for Seattle star Julio Rodriguez.
The center fielder crushed his career 100th career home run, a 391-foot two-run homer off of two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom in the third inning.
But, that wasn't the biggest news of the game. This home run was Rodriguez's 20th of the season, marking his fourth consecutive season in which he's logged at least 20 homers. On top of that, Rodriguez has also tallied at least 20 stolen bases in all four of his MLB seasons. With this combination, Rodriguez officially became the first MLB player in history to start their career with four consecutive seasons of at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, per Mariners PR.
Rodriguez has 20 homers and 20 stolen bases so far this season. In his rookie year, the Mariners star logged 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. His second season was his career-best with 32 HRs and 37 SBs and last year, Rodriguez had 20 HRs and 24 SBs. He's currently on pace to pass his totals from last season.
Over recent years, Tottenham Hotspur’s work in the transfer window has often left a lot to be desired, with numerous additions often failing to meet expectations.
The hierarchy has started to splash some serious cash on new talent over the past few seasons, but not all of them have managed to win over the supporters in North London.
Tanguy Ndombele is arguably the biggest example of their failures in the transfer market, with the board paying £63m for his signature back in the summer of 2019.
The French international arrived with huge expectations given the fee, but ultimately struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League – racking up just over 90 appearances before being released in 2024.
In the present day, Thomas Frank could have his own version of the midfielder, especially if one first-team member is unable to match his own expectations with the Lilywhites.
Xavi Simons’ dismal start to life at Tottenham
During the summer window, new boss Frank made it clear he wanted a new attacking midfielder to help bolster his Spurs first-team squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
Morgan Gibbs-White was just one name constantly touted with a switch to North London, with Eberechi yet another player who was firmly on their radar during the off-season.
The former of the duo stayed at Nottingham Forest, while the latter rejected the Lilywhites in favour of a fairytale return to join boyhood club outfit Arsenal – a move that no doubt stung the Spurs faithful.
As a result, a £52m fee was forked out for the signature of Xavi Simons from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, with the 22-year-old the man chosen to provide the goods for Frank’s men.
Two months on from his big-money switch to England, the Dutchman has so far failed to live up to expectations – as seen by his tally of just one goal or assist in his first 12 outings.
His lack of form saw Frank even bench him against Chelsea, but he was quickly introduced into the game after Lucas Bergvall was forced off with a head injury.
However, his start to life in North London was summed up in the 73rd minute, after the substitute was substituted – further highlighting his lack of talent at present.
No doubt he will need time to flourish in the Premier League, but rapid impact is what has been needed from Simons, but ultimately, he’s struggled to match the expectations placed on his shoulders.
The Spurs player who’s becoming one of their worst signings
Given the European triumph at the back end of 2024/25, there was a real sense of urgency for Spurs to build on their success and rise up the table under Frank’s guidance.
However, after three home league defeats in just five matches this season, there are numerous cracks starting to appear during the early months of the Dane’s tenure.
Djed Spence and Micky Van de Ven were both pictured ignoring the manager after the final whistle, even storming off the pitch without applauding the supporters in North London.
Their frustration will no doubt have been caused by the defeat against their city rivals, with the Lilywhites looking toothless in their attempts to secure bragging rights.
Frank’s men achieved a measly total of just 0.05 expected goals during the contest, with striker Randal Kolo Muani unable to have the desired impact in the final third.
The Frenchman joined the club on a season-long loan from PSG on deadline day last summer, even paying a reported £5m to take him on a temporary basis in 2025/26.
After he netted 10 goals in just 22 appearances at Juventus last season, such a move generated huge excitement – like Simons – but like the midfielder, he’s massively struggled in England to date.
His start against Enzo Maresca’s side was just his second for the club, but his performance showcased why the manager has chosen other options over him at the top of the pitch.
The 26-year-old featured for 73 minutes before being withdrawn from the contest, only achieving a total of 16 touches in that time frame – showcasing his lack of impact on proceedings.
Minutes played
73
Touches
16
Passes completed
5
Possession lost
7x
Shots taken
0
Dribbles completed
0
Duels lost
50%
Touches in opposition box
0
Kolo Muani also only registered a total of five passes completed, even failing to register a single shot on goal and losing possession seven times – a tally over 50% of his total touches in the defeat.
Other figures, such as 100% dribbles incomplete and 50% aerial duels lost, further showcase his lack of positive impact, with his substitution certainly justified on Saturday.
It’s evident that the player is yet to get to grips with the demands of the Premier League, with frustration already being shown by the supporters towards him, alongside Simons.
The pair have so far failed to deliver, potentially bringing the club’s spending spree into question once again, given their recent failures under Frank’s guidance.
Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani
They still have time to turn things around in North London, but if they continue in the same vein, there’s little doubt that they will go down as some of the worst additions in the club’s history.
As bad as Simons: Frank must drop Spurs dud who lost the ball 23 times
Tottenham Hotspur laboured to a dismal 1-0 defeat against Chelsea.
There is more at stake for West Indies, who will want to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup
Abhimanyu Bose15-Nov-2025
New Zealand’s hot run of form
New Zealand have been enjoying a good run of form in ODIs: since the start of 2025, they have played three series at home and won all of them, losing just one of the nine matches. Their last two series at home – against Pakistan and England – were 3-0 whitewashes.In February, they had won a tri-series in Pakistan that also involved South Africa, winning all their games. That was a precursor to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and UAE, where New Zealand finished runners-up, losing only their two games against India, including the final.
New Zealand’s pace threat
West Indies’ faced trial by spin in their recent ODI series in Bangladesh, but it will be a complete turnaround as they will now face a different challenge altogether.During New Zealand’s most recent ODI outing, also at home, England were bowled out under 225 on all three occasions, with fast bowlers taking 27 of the 30 wickets to fall.Blair Tickner, who came into that series as an injury replacement for Kyle Jamieson, led the charts with eight wickets while Zak Foulkes and Jacob Duffy took seven apiece.New Zealand will also be boosted by the return of their most experienced pacer, Matt Henry, who missed out the last two ODIs against England with a calf strain.While West Indies may feel more comfortable taking on quicker bowling than spinners, they will still need to be ready for a high-quality attack that will be raring to carry on the momentum gathered against England.Blair Tickner finished the series against England with eight wickets•Getty Images
Seales key for West Indies
With injuries to Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades, the responsibility will fall on Jayden Seales to lead a relatively inexperienced West Indies pace attack.Matthew Forde has played just 13 ODIs, while Johann Layne and fast-bowling allrounder Shamar Springer have received their maiden call-ups.Allrounder Justin Greaves has bowled in just nine of his 18 ODIs and picked just six wickets, so he will likely be expected to play just a holding role with the ball.With a batting line-up that is still unsettled, West Indies know the onus will be on the bowlers to a lot of the heavy lifting in the series.John Campbell is set to return to the ODI side after six years•Getty Images
Will the West Indies batters stand up?
It has long been the case for West Indies that they pick promising batters who show sparks at the international level, but fail to maintain consistency.Keacy Carty in ODIs has been among the ones to deliver on their promise, with four centuries and five fifties, but two of those centuries came against Ireland. He has not crossed fifty in his last seven innings.Alick Athanaze returned to the ODI setup in the Bangladesh tour after being dropped at the end of last year, and showed good application to get starts in testing conditions, but needs to begin converting those starts.Amir Jangoo began his ODI career with a century on debut, but failed in the three ODIs against Ireland and the one game he got in England.Captain Shai Hope is their Mr Dependable in the department, but he will need support from his team-mates. In an attempt to bolster their batting, West Indies have opted to give John Campbell another shot, after six years out in the cold in the format, in place of Brandon King.
Can he make an impact on his ODI comeback, like he did in Tests with a fine century against India?
O Grêmio planeja qual será o local para retomar os treinamentos, após a destruição causada no CT devido às intensas chuvas no Rio Grande do Sul, e conversa pela utilização da infraestrutura do RB Bragantino.
continua após a publicidade
➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
As conversas estão em andamento e são consideradas complexas. Não há confirmação de datas, por exemplo, exatamente pela dificuldade logística que envolve a mudança dos gaúchos para o interior paulista. Atualmente, jogadores e outros trabalhadores do clube estão realizando ajuda humanitária à população do RS, além de prestar suporte às suas próprias famílias.
A questão logística também envolve mais obstáculos. Até porque uma mudança poderia envolver as famílias dos atletas e funcionários.
A cessão do espaço do Bragantino ao Grêmio vem através de uma relação colaborativa e não envolve aluguel ou qualquer negociação em dinheiro. O próprio clube paulista, nas últimas semanas, foi um dos que se disponibilizou a ceder as estruturas para contribuir com as equipes gaúchas. Além do Massa Bruta, Palmeiras, São Paulo e Corinthians foram outros que se colocaram à disposição dos times gaúchos.
continua após a publicidade
A ideia seria para o Grêmio treinar no novo e moderno CT do Bragantino, além de utilizar o Estádio Nabi Abi Chedid como casa provisória.
A informação sobre a conversa entre as partes foi publicada inicialmente pelo jornalista André Hernan e confirmada pelo Lance!.
As melhores e mais variadas ofertas para o Brasileirão estão no Lance! Betting! Abra já a sua conta!
O centro de treinamento está em terreno de em torno de 157 mil m², tem seis prédios, 86 quartos, três refeitórios, piscina e banheiras de hidromassagem, mini estádio e auditório. Clique aqui e veja fotos do espaço.
Os jogos de Grêmio, Internacional e Juventude, além de todos os outros clubes gaúchos, estão adiados em competições da CBF até 27 de maio.
CHUVAS NO RS
Segundo a Defesa Civil do Rio Grande do Sul, são 148 mortes confirmadas, 124 pessoas desaparecidas e quase 540 mil desalojados, em decorrência das enchentes no estado.
Stats highlights from the match between SRH and RR in Hyderabad
Sampath Bandarupalli23-Mar-20252:06
‘Kishan hammered everyone to every corner’
286 for 6 Sunrisers Hyderabad’s total against Rajasthan Royals is the second highest in the IPL. They missed equalling their own record by one run.242 for 6 RR’s total against SRH is their highest in the IPL, going past the 226 for 6 against KXIP in 2020.528 Total runs scored by SRH and RR – the second-highest aggregate for a T20 match. The highest is 549 runs by RCB and SRH in last year’s IPL match in Bengaluru.4 Number of 250-plus totals by SRH in the IPL; all have come since the start of 2024. They have four of the top five IPL totals. SRH are the only team with four 250-plus totals in men’s T20s.34 Fours hit by the SRH batters against RR – the most in a men’s T20 innings .208 Runs scored by SRH in boundaries vs RR. Only RCB have scored more in an IPL innings – 210 boundary runs in their 263 for 5 against Pune Warriors in 2013. SRH also scored 208 runs through boundaries during their record 287 against RCB last year.81 Boundaries hit by the SRH and RR batters – 51 fours (SRH 34, RR 17) and 30 sixes (SRH 12, RR 18) – equalling the most in a T20 match. South Africa and West Indies also hit 81 boundaries in the 2023 Centurion T20I, while RCB and SRH hit 81 in 2024.76 Runs Jofra Archer conceded in his four overs – the most expensive spell in the IPL, going past the 73 runs Mohit Sharma conceded against Delhi Capitals last year.14.1 Overs in which SRH passed 200 against RR – the joint fastest in the IPL, equalling RCB against Kings XI Punjab in 2016.94 for 1 SRH’s powerplay score on Sunday is the fifth highest in the IPL. Three of the top five powerplay totals in the IPL have been by SRH, including the top two.
Leeds United decided to revamp their options in the centre-forward position in the summer transfer window after they won promotion from the Championship.
The Whites swooped to sign experienced striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer from Everton to be Daniel Farke’s first-choice number nine for the Premier League season.
So far, though, the former England international has scored one goal and missed nine ‘big chances’ in eight appearances in all competitions, per Sofascore, for Leeds, with five ‘big chances’ missed in the top-flight.
Because of his struggles in front of goal for his new club, Calvert-Lewin may be worried and looking over his shoulder at emerging academy talent Harry Gray.
Why Harry Gray will have Leeds strikers worried
The 17-year-old centre-forward, who made his first-team debut against Stoke in the Championship last season, has been on fire for the club’s academy, and could be a future star for Farke.
Gray has scored four goals in four Premier League 2 matches for the U21s side this season, per Transfermarkt, whilst he also scored a hat-trick against Scunthorpe United in the National League Cup.
This means that the teenage forward has plundered seven goals in all competitions for the young Whites, whilst Calvert-Lewin has scored one goal for the first-team.
Gray also scored eight goals in 11 matches for the U18s before making the step up to the U21s, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he has been a regular goalscorer for several seasons.
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His impressive goalscoring form will have the current Leeds strikers worried because he appears to be on course to crash into the senior side to take one of their spots in the squad, if he can translate his academy form over to the first-team.
The Leeds striker on borrowed time because of Harry Gray
Despite his struggles in front of goal in the Premier League this season, it is not Calvert-Lewin who is on borrowed time because of Gray’s potential. It is Lukas Nmecha.
The former Germany international joined on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, as the first signing of the summer, and scored on his debut from the penalty spot against Everton.
Since that debut goal, Nmecha has rarely been seen by supporters, despite featuring in every match, as he has been used as a late substitute in almost every game.
Everton
12
Arsenal
32
Fulham
70
Newcastle United
21
Wolverhampton Wanderers
1
Bournemouth
1
Tottenham Hotspur
11
Burnley
24
West Ham United
3
No Leeds player who has featured in all eight games has played fewer minutes than Nmecha, per WhoScored, as he is the only player to have played in every match without hitting at least 242 minutes.
Calvert-Lewin, on the other hand, has started six of his seven appearances in the Premier League, playing 534 minutes in total, which suggests that his place in the squad is not under as much threat as Nmecha’s is.
Unlike the former Toffees man, Farke does not seem to trust the German centre-forward to play significant minutes in games, which does not bode well for his future at Elland Road.
Nmecha’s return of five goals in all competitions in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined, per Sofascore, does not suggest that he is likely to catch fire in front of goal and establish himself as a regular starter.
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Therefore, it may be the former Wolfsburg number nine who is on borrowed time because of Gray’s emergence as an incredibly exciting striker prospect at U21 level, as the 17-year-old could break through and take his place to compete with Calvert-Lewin for a starting berth in the not-too-distant future.
Mitchell Starc ripped through England with a seven-wicket haul but England hit right back thanks to Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes
Tristan Lavalette21-Nov-2025
Ben Stokes holds the ball aloft after claiming a five-for•Getty Images
Living up to the hype after such a prolonged build-up, the first Ashes Test started in frenetic fashion with wild momentum swings as pace bowlers from both attacks dominated on a bouncy Perth Stadium surface.By the end of a thoroughly entertaining opening day, England have amazingly finished with the edge after 19 wickets fell in front of 51,531 fans.Stepping up in the absences of fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc had initially given Australia a sensational start to the series with career-best bowling figures of 7 for 58 as England were dismissed for just 172 in their first innings.Related
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Stats – Stokes and Starc lead the charge as wickets tumble in Perth
In the lead-up to the Test, Starc had stated his preference for series-openers to be played in Australia’s traditional fortress of the Gabba, while he was also dubious about a Perth surface dubbed as a “green monster”. Bowling consistently around 145kph/90mph, Starc relished a green-tinged surface he was able to find some extra zing off to tear through England’s batting.Learning from Starc’s efforts, England’s all-out pace attack hit back against a reshuffled Australia batting order after Usman Khawaja was unable to open having spent time off the field during England’s innings with back stiffness.After months of speculation over who would open, Marnus Labuschagne did end up partnering debutant Jake Weatherald, who at the start of the day had received his cap from David Warner.Much like Nathan McSweeney a year ago against India on the same ground, Weatherald faced a baptism of fire and was trapped lbw by quick Jofra Archer to fall for a second-ball duck.Jake Weatherald was blown off his feet by Jofra Archer to fall for a duck•Getty Images
Khawaja was still not able to bat by this point, meaning Steven Smith walked out at No. 3 for the first time in a Test since 2017. He had a torrid time, smacked on the elbow by a vicious short ball from Gus Atkinson that required medical attention.Bowling at speeds around 150kph, Archer was a handful and he conjured awkward bounce that accounted for Labuschagne, who was also struck on the elbow and bowled.Having copped another painful blow, Smith battled hard with 17 off 49 balls before edging a sharp delivery from Brydon Carse to second slip. Batting at No. 4 for just the second time in his Test career, Khawaja could do little against a rapid short delivery from Carse that grazed the bat handle and he was caught behind.Feeling in much better spirits than he had earlier in the day, Ben Stokes finished with five wickets in his six-over spell, including Travis Head and Cameron Green – who had threatened with a 45-run partnership – in the shadows to cap England’s remarkable rally.There are eerie parallels to the corresponding India Test from 12 months ago when 17 wickets fell on the opening day. This surface did not appear to be quite as challenging, but sharp bounce and pace was evident with a slew of top-order batters falling caught behind the wicket.Harry Brook was the only one to score a half-century•Getty Images
England’s first attempts of unfurling their aggressive batting style on Australian soil did not go to plan after winning the toss. They did score at 5.3 runs per over but were bowled out in just 32.5 overs, capitulating to lose 5 for 12 in 18 deliveries by the drinks break of the second session.It was the shortest innings of an Ashes Test since Trent Bridge 2015 when Australia were routed for 60 on the opening day. Three of England’s top-six batters were caught behind the wicket – by the keeper or in the well-stocked cordon – in a mode of dismissal that has been common in Perth over the years, while the other three were beaten by pace.England’s fightback later in the day has vindicated their decision to go in with an all-out pace attack, with offspinner Shoaib Bashir missing out in a rarity when fit.There had been an expectation that Australia would bat regardless of which side the coin landed, given Stokes’ preference of bowling first. But he opted to follow the brief history of the ground, where batting first had proven advantageous before the surface cracked up later in the match.Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett walked to the crease amid some jeers from Australian fans, who only just outnumbered their English counterparts in the terraces. Given the high drama over first deliveries of several previous Ashes series, there was a swirl of anticipation as Starc charged in with thundering clapping reverberating around the massive ground.Steven Smith grimaces after being struck on the elbow by Gus Atkinson•Getty Images
Crawley, of course, had famously swatted Cummins for a boundary on the first delivery of the last Ashes series, but he blocked Starc into the off side in an anti-climax.It didn’t take long for drama to ensue with Crawley, who effectively collared Starc in the 2023 series, playing and missing on the third delivery before being unable to see out the opening over after edging to Khawaja at first slip.There had been concerns over Crawley’s ability to drive on a length in Perth and the shorter length from Starc undid him. While Starc was a handful from the jump, a nervous looking Scott Boland struggled with his lengths in his first red-ball match at Perth Stadium as Duckett pounced with several lovely drives down the ground.After a strong hit-out in the Lilac Hill warm-up cemented his No. 3 spot, Ollie Pope underlined his confidence with several crisp punches down the ground, striking the right mix of balance and aggression.The runs flowed despite the outfield being particularly sluggish after a Metallica concert was held on the ground just three weeks ago. Even though he cruised at run-a-ball pace, Duckett was never at ease against Starc and on 21 was beaten by pace to fall lbw after an unsuccessful review.Joe Root arrived at the crease in the ninth over, with a tough task ahead to produce an elusive century in Australia. But Starc was on a roll and had Root turned inside out to nick to third slip with a cracking delivery that pitched on leg and nipped across. It was Starc’s 100th Ashes wicket and his celebration was fitting.To that stage, Starc had the figures of 3 for 10 from five overs, but Harry Brook was undaunted in his first Test innings in Australia as he unfurled trademark cavalier shots, some of which failed to connect.Brook and Pope combined for a brisk 55-run partnership to steady the ship briefly for England. Starc was playing a lone-hand amid Boland’s struggles, while debutant Brendan Doggett, who came on first change just before the drinks break, bowled sharper than his pace in the 130s suggested.Mitchell Starc acknowledges his five-wicket haul•Getty Images
Pope appeared to be cruising to his first half-century in Australia before being trapped by a full delivery on leg stump from Green, who proved his fitness in his return to Test bowling since March 2024.There was the expectation that batting would be easier after the lunch break and Brook wasted no time by flaying a hapless Boland for six over extra cover that had spectators ducking.But Starc’s momentum was not halted by the interval and he rattled the stumps of Stokes with a cracking delivery that nipped back through the gate as Stokes dropped to one knee in disbelief. It was the tenth time Starc has dismissed Stokes in Tests, heightening the burden on Brook who punched his way to a half-century off 58 balls with the Australian bowlers resisting bowling short.But Brook soon walked off after gloving a short delivery from Doggett, who had only appealed half-heartedly before being swamped by his team-mates in a memorable first-Test-wicket celebration.Doggett, who had earlier received his cap from Boland and his former South Australia coach Jason Gillespie, also dismissed Carse with a short ball as England collapsed.Starc claimed the final two wickets in consecutive deliveries, walking off the ground to a loud ovation from the home fans. But just three hours later he trudged off the field after his dismissal as the match took a dramatic turn.
It was a steamy September Sunday night in Cincinnati in 2013, just another game in the inclined treadmill that is a single baseball season that, before you know it, becomes a career. It was Clayton Kershaw’s night to pitch, but there was a problem. His back was killing him.
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly and general manager Ned Colletti did not want him to pitch. Los Angeles had a fat, 11-game lead atop the National League West. Sure, the Dodgers had lost three games in a row. But there was no need to take a chance with the best pitcher in the game.
Remembers Colletti, “He begged me to pitch. We let him go.”
Kershaw grinded through seven innings in the 85-degree heat and left in a 2–2 tie. He threw 104 pitches. He gave up two solo homers to Jay Bruce, the third and final time he allowed two homers to a left-handed hitter in the same game. The Reds walked off the Dodgers, winning 3–2.
The final score or even his pitching line do not matter. What matters from that night is what best defines Kershaw. It was not the parabolic beauty of his curveball, which arrived one day in a spring training game in Vero Beach, Fla., in the same frightening manner of what the military calls an Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon. It was so scary that the great Vin Scully immediately called it, “Public Enemy No. 1.”
It was not that herky-jerky, stop-and-start delivery, in which he mimed a man trying to step over a curbside puddle, only to change his mind midway, then resume the quest.
It wasn’t that backfoot slider that was to right-handed hitters—no matter how many times they read it they still could not figure it out.
It wasn’t the 222–96 record, the three Cy Young Awards, the three strikeout titles, the five ERA titles or the MVP Award.
It was a ferocious, almost maniacal will to compete. Kershaw, one of the great competitors of his generation, is leaving the arena by his own choice, the best way to go out. He announced Thursday that he will retire after this season, literally taking it to the house to be with his wife, Ellen, and their four children, with a fifth due in December. He will take the ball at Dodger Stadium Friday night in what could be his final appearance there, where he became as much of a fixture as the golden light at sunset on the San Gabriels. Nobody ever struck out more batters in any ballpark than Kershaw did at Dodger Stadium (1,645), having surpassed Steve Carlton’s total at the Vet in Philadelphia (1,615) earlier this year.
This is Kershaw’s greatest legacy, if not the source of his greatest unspoken pride: he is the toughest pitcher to beat in the 132 years since the mound was set at 60 feet, six inches from home plate. His career winning percentage of .698 is the greatest among all the pitchers who threw more than 1,500 innings in that time.
Hall of Famer Tom Seaver liked to say he was most proud of finishing his career more than 100 games better than .500 (311–205). Kershaw pitched 18 seasons—his start Friday will be career start No. 450—and he still has not lost 100 games.
No one is close to Kershaw when it comes to the most wins without losing 100 games. Behind him is Ron Guidry, with 55 fewer wins, and Sandy Koufax, his spiritual guru in both spin and Dodger blue and white, with 57 fewer wins.
“Sometimes,” Colletti says, “you almost had to protect him from himself. He would go out there in pain. The drive, the quest to always get better, never, ever wavered. I don’t think I ever saw him rest on his laurels, or say, ‘This is good enough.’”
When Kershaw won his first Cy Young Award in 2011, Joe Torre, his first manager, texted him to congratulate him.
“Next year,” Kershaw replied, “I have to be better.”
Kershaw made his debut just after his 20th birthday against the St. Louis Cardinals. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Kershaw debuted for Torre’s Dodgers May 25, 2008, two months after his 20th birthday, in a start against the Cardinals. It was so long ago the Cardinals had no video on Kershaw; just written scouting reports. Skip Schumaker was his first strikeout, fanning on a 95-mph fastball.
“He definitely has good stuff,” Schumaker said then. “And he challenged us. You have to be impressed with what he did.”
Kershaw threw six innings, walked one and struck out seven.
“I thought he had good stuff,” Albert Pujols said. “He came at you pretty much. I think it’s fair to say he can have success at this level.”
His curveball was almost too good. Hitters did not want to swing at it. So, with the help of pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, Kershaw developed a slider to slip between his fastball and curve, in terms of velocity and break. He became a beast with such a fearsome three-pitch mix that he never really needed an off-speed pitch, though his tinkering with a changeup became something of a running gag.
At the height of his prowess, Kershaw put together a seven-year run (2011–17) in the dominant manner, if not the volume, of Koufax: 118–41 with a 2.10 ERA, three Cy Youngs, one MVP and seven straight years in the top five in Cy Young Award voting.
Proper acclaim eluded him because of his postseason record. Through 2019, Kershaw was 9–11 with a 4.43 ERA in 32 games. But what was lost in those numbers was the burden Kershaw carried. Only Andy Pettitte has started more postseason games on three days' rest than Kershaw. Mattingly and Dave Roberts would leave him in games because no one in the bullpen was better than a tiring Kershaw. And too often, as Colletti says, “when he was in trouble, he looked to throw hard, harder and harder.”
Kershaw did have his moments. In the 2016 NLDS, Kershaw beat Max Scherzer in Game 1, pitched two outs into the seventh inning of Game 4 on short rest, and volunteered to close Game 5 just 48 hours and three time zones later. That same year, he started the first postseason shutout at Wrigley Field.
In the 2017 World Series, after a gem in Game 1, he was undone by a ridiculous 13–12 loss at Houston during the height of the Astros’ sign-stealing scheme. He threw 39 sliders that night. The Astros swung and missed at only one of them. Houston pitchers were using multiple signs even with nobody on base. Kershaw was not. He was playing by an old honor code in a den of thieves and paid for it.
When I revisited that night with Kershaw the next spring, he told me, “The only thing that bothers me is the real-time stuff. I’m sure a lot of teams were going up to that line, but once [Houston] started doing it in real time and using technology in real time that’s what separates it.
“I’m sick of people saying that everybody was the same, that everybody was doing it. No. We weren’t all doing that. That was separated from everybody else.”
Kershaw celebrated his first World Series in 2020 after years of disappointments in the postseason. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
True satisfaction finally came in 2020. The Dodgers won their first World Series since 1988. Kershaw that postseason was 4–1 with a 2.93 ERA in five starts, including 2–0 with a 2.31 ERA in the World Series.
It seems odd now, as it was for the likes of Peyton Manning and Michael Jordan, to think Kershaw was once thought to be lacking in big moments. The drive was in his heart all along. Torre remembers Kershaw’s first spring training appearance with the Dodgers. They brought him over from the minor league complex. Kershaw was 19.
“It was a night game,” Torre says. “The first pitch he threw, he gives up a home run. I didn’t watch the home run. I watched him and his response. All he did was hold up his glove to the umpire to say, ‘Give me another ball.’ I absolutely loved it. A kid 19 years old pitching with the big club, normally he cringes at giving up a home run. That was impressive to me.
“He had a great confidence in himself. He never backed off anything. That first year I had to call him into my office to send him back to the minors. He could have burned a hole in me with the look on his face. This is where he wanted to be, and he felt he had the ability to be here.
“He’s got that fierceness. I remember how hard he worked on his hitting and his bunting. You trust him. That’s the bottom line. You trust him with your life.”
Many years ago, Braves Hall of Fame executive John Schuerholz gave Colletti a piece of advice: if you want to know about a player, just ask yourself if you can trust that player.
“And I always ask myself, do I trust the player, the person?” Colletti says. “There was never a moment since the day he showed up that I did not trust Clayton Kershaw. Never a moment where I wondered what I was getting from him or if there was more in there. Never.”
Over these 18 seasons, there are so many memorable nights. A no-hitter. World Series wins. Three thousand strikeouts. There are even more nights with less fanfare, like that sweatbox in Cincinnati for a meaningless game, when his effort knew no other level but the maximum.
And there are the many late afternoons at Dodger Stadium, when Kershaw, like Monet heading to the garden in Giverny, would walk alone to the Dodgers’ sun-drenched bullpen in his sleeveless T-shirt and shorts with a baseball and his glove. There he would pantomime his signature delivery over and over, without letting go of the baseball. In these shadow boxing sessions, while saving his arm from the wear and tear of throwing, Kershaw perfected this Rube Goldberg contraption of a delivery. Nobody ever released a baseball from darn near the exact same spot, regardless of the pitch or the inning or the year, than Kershaw. It happened not by accident. It happened in the same way Kershaw became the toughest pitcher to beat in the history of this game: with an iron will that never wavered.