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Whilst Newcastle United’s focus has been on keeping hold of Alexander Isak, another player could yet be on his way out of St James’ Park amid interest from the Bundesliga.

Latest on the Alexander Isak saga

With less than 10 days left until the transfer window slams shut, Isak is still a Newcastle player. For all his efforts to force a move – from going on strike to releasing a strong statement on social media – Newcastle have remained firm on their stance that he is not for sale unless they manage to welcome an adequate replacement before the deadline.

To their credit, the Magpies have been trying all summer long to find that replacement, but have ultimately missed out on several targets. They initially locked onto Joao Pedro, but he soon chose Chelsea. The same happened with Bryan Mbeumo, who chose Manchester United. Then, in ironic fashion, it was Hugo Ekitike’s move to Liverpool that stood in the way of Isak’s departure.

Sesko finally added the cherry on top and although the likes of Alexander Sorloth have threatened to steal the headlines as of late, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle are willing to seriously pursue what would not even be their third-choice target at this stage.

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Having his say on the saga of the summer and responding to Isak’s recent statement, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe told reporters: “I think it is a lose-lose situation to a degree for us because I don’t think we can come out of this winning in any situation.”

As the want-away Swede continues to steal the headlines, however, those at St James’ Park are reportedly at risk of letting another player sneak out of the exit door this month.

Bayer Leverkusen eyeing Osula move

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Bayer Leverkusen are now eyeing a move to sign William Osula from Newcastle this month. The 22-year-old is reportedly one to watch as the deadline approaches in what could see the Magpies handed another striker blow.

Given that Isak is currently on strike and may not even play for Newcastle ever again, keeping hold of Osula should suddenly be one of the top priorities at St James’ Park.

Although Howe has preferred to play Anthony Gordon in the forward role in Isak’s absence, Osula still has an important part to play. Without him, the Magpies would not have a single recognised striker in their squad and that simply can’t happen.

Praised for a “brilliant” performance at the U21 Euros by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this summer, the young Dane is still capable of reaching his potential at St James’ Park.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi says any decision on hosting should be made “on the basis of equality”

Danyal Rasool28-Nov-2024PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has insisted that the the board remains “clear” in its view that any decision on the hosting of the Champions Trophy should be made “on the basis of equality”. With the ICC virtually meeting and potentially voting on the issue on November 29, Naqvi said he had been in touch with ICC chairman Greg Barclay and that “his team” at the PCB was in contact with the ICC.”Our stance is very clear,” Naqvi said during a press conference held at the Gaddafi Stadium at 1am on Thursday morning. “I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I’m constantly in touch with the ICC chairman and my team is talking to them constantly. We’re still clear in our stance that it’s not acceptable that we play cricket in India, and they don’t play cricket here. Whatever will happen, will happen on the basis of equality. We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and what happens next we’ll let you know.”The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted across three venues in Pakistan over February and March next year. But India, who have not toured Pakistan since 2008, told the ICC their government had not given them permission to travel to Pakistan for the event earlier this month.Related

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Previously, Naqvi has categorically stated a “hybrid model” where Pakistan hosts most of the games, but any games India play be held elsewhere, was unacceptable. “Our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have,” he said earlier this month. “Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”Naqvi confirmed India had not provided Pakistan any written objections and he didn’t say whether, in his communications, the ICC had answered questions the PCB had asked about India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the event.But he did not directly answer repeated questions about whether a hybrid model remained just as unacceptable to the PCB. “Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” Naqvi said multiple times. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here.”Naqvi’s comments are a reference to Pakistan considering the terms of its involvement in future events hosted by India. India are hosts of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, as well as co-hosts of the 2026 T20I World Cup alongside Sri Lanka.Naqvi did say any decision taken at the ICC meeting would then be taken to the Pakistan government by the PCB for final approval. He also urged Jay Shah, who leaves his post as BCCI secretary to take over as ICC chairman on Sunday, to show concern for the ICC’s benefit in his handling of the organisation.”[Jay Shah] takes charge in December, and I’m sure once he moves from the BCCI to the ICC, he will think about the ICC’s benefit, and that’s what he should do. Whenever anyone assumes such a role, he should only consider the interests of that organisation.”Naqvi also said that the PCB’s goals going into the meeting were not financial. “I promise you that we’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money. This will never happen. But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan.”

New Chelsea signing Alejandro Garnacho has been slammed for an error on his Blues debut which led to Brentford's late equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 draw. Enzo Maresca's side were on course to climb to the top of the Premier League table with a win at the Gtech Community Stadium but Fabio Carvalho's leveller allowed the Bees to stage a comeback and walk away with a point.

• Garnacho blamed for Brentford equaliser

  Former Premier League star Jamie Redknapp pointed the finger of blame at debutant Garnacho, who was marking Carvalho before the late equaliser. Garnacho was in charge of stopping the midfielder as the Bees attempted to equalise from a long throw-in, but was caught napping as the Bees sealed a crucial point.

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  Garnacho's nightmare debut

  Garnacho came on as a substitute in the second half alongside Cole Palmer and created the chance for Moises Caicedo's 85th-minute strike which put the Blues in front, but his defending at the last prevented Chelsea from overtaking Arsenal and claiming top spot in the table.

• What did Redknapp say about Garnacho?

  While speaking on after the match, Redknapp said: "They obviously made a few changes, Brentford, to try and chase the game. He brings on Carvalho, he brings on (Kristoffer) Ajer as well. With (Michael) Kayode going off who is throwing the ball with such height and pace, I didn't even realise they had another long thrower in their midst with Schade. He launches one into the box, you can see you've got (Nathan) Collins and Ajer there, and what happens as it develops is this is the key battle here. 

  "Garnacho has got a job to do. He's got to mark Carvalho. That's your job, simple as that. Don't lose him, you're now one of the defensive players in here. If he gets in behind you, it's on you. Everybody in there is trying to win that first contact, it's not easy. Brentford have got some big guys. But Garnacho just falls asleep at the vital moment. The ball comes in from Schade, Garnacho's not concentrating, they get that contact and there he (Carvalho) is at the back post."

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  When are Chelsea playing next?

  Chelsea are set to face Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener on Wednesday away from home before taking on Manchester United in the Premier League next Saturday.

Everton are reportedly looking to seal the ambitious summer signing of a player who has even been compared to Lionel Messi.

Moyes expecting late Everton signings this summer

The Blues still have well over a month to seal some important summer transfer business, as they look to push on in the Premier League next season, becoming an established mid-table team looking upwards at Europe again, rather than over their shoulders at the relegation zone.

While David Moyes will no doubt be keen to see some early business completed at Everton, he has spoken honestly about the situation, admitting late-summer signings are arguably more likely: “We’d like to get business done. I don’t think we’re a country who likes to get their business done early. If you can get business done early, it’s good, but in the same breath, quite often, a lot of the stuff doesn’t happen until later on.”

That’s not to say that top-quality players aren’t being linked with moves to the Blues, though, with Manchester City youngster James McAtee one rumoured target. Everton are said to have made contact with the Premier League giants, with the 22-year-old valued at £25m.

Meanwhile, the Merseysiders have reportedly held talks with Douglas Luiz over a move to the club this summer, with the Brazilian looking likely to leave Juventus. Now, another signing of intent has been mentioned as a potential option for Everton ahead of next season.

Everton offered chance to sign Takefusa Kubo

Accordingn to The i Paper, Everton are interested in signing Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, with the Japanese starlet “offered around Premier League clubs this summer by intermediaries”.

The 24-year-old is valued at £30m, should the Blues want to make a move for him, but while he “would represent an ambitious upgrade” for them, the report adds that “there is an acknowledgement that they could face competition from clubs who can offer European football”.

Kubo would be such an exciting signing for Everton, and while their chances of snapping him up may not be great, it is encouraging to see the club targeting such a talented footballer.

The Sociedad star has even been dubbed the ‘Japanese Messi’ in the past, which is about as big a comparison as any player can ask for, while Zinedine Zidane spoke positively about him during his time at Real Madrid.

“I think he’s having a good season. He’s playing a lot and that’s what we all wanted. He is a very interesting player, for the present and the future. I’m happy he’s doing well. Of course, if he were to stay at home tomorrow then that’d be better. But, I wish him the best and urge him to continue like this. His future, though, we won’t decide until the summer. That’s something for later.”

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A right-sided winger by trade, Kubo could provide quality and end product on the opposite flank to Iliman Ndiaye – he has 41 goal contributions in 137 appearances for Sociedad – giving Everton two hugely gifted wide options.

Mushfiqur Rahim turned the tables on Pakistan on a hot and humid fourth day in Rawalpindi with an innings of 191 by being a figure of patience, and exhibiting controlled aggression and compact technique. His 11th Test hundred was also his first against Pakistan in the format.Mushfiqur’s two century partnerships poured water on any hopes the hosts had of taking a first-innings lead at the start of the day. Riding on his knock, Bangladesh first took a sizeable lead of 117 runs by putting up 565, and then adding to Pakistan’s jitters by dismissing Saim Ayub late in the day, with the hosts still trailing by 94 runs with three sessions left in the game.Bangladesh’s opening bowlers Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud swung the ball beautifully in the ten overs Pakistan had to see through. They drew multiple edges out of which only one carried, beat the edges of the bat consistently, and bowled stifling lines to create several tense moments for Pakistan to concede only 23 runs.Mushfiqur’s century partnership with Litton Das didn’t last long on Saturday, and when he added another hundred with No. 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, it made Bangladesh only the second team with two century partnerships after the fall of the fifth wicket in a Test innings against Pakistan. Mehidy gave Mushfiqur company in a massive stand of 196 runs for the seventh wicket with his seventh Test half-century – and only his second outside Bangladesh – which first loosened Pakistan’s grip on the game, and then strengthened their own by taking a lead after lunch.Bangladesh were 316 for 5 and trailing by 132 at the start of the day, which will make Pakistan rue the chances they put down to allow a wicketless second session. Seeing that there was nothing in the pitch for the bowlers, and that Pakistan were without any frontline spinner, the visitors changed gears after a slow first hour.The only time Mushfiqur came close to getting dismissed in the first session was when Mohammad Ali trapped him in front, on 59, but a review overturned the on-field decision. Ali jagged one sharply into Mushfiqur with the help of movement off the pitch to hit him in front of leg stump. Mushfiqur, however, reviewed with success, with ball-tracking showing the ball missing leg stump. Bangladesh had started the day with all three reviews intact while Pakistan had none left in the bank.Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 77•AFP/Getty Images

Once Litton edged one behind off Naseem Shah’s short delivery outside off which he failed to get on top of, Mushfiqur hit the pedal – especially against the spinners. Soon after Mehidy, whose technique wasn’t as compact as Mushfiqur’s in the first session, collected fours in consecutive overs off Khurram Shahzad, Mushfiqur raced from 73 to 100 in just 20 balls. He punished Shahzad for two more fours in an over – a deft steer through gully, and a punch through the covers – before also driving Shaheen Shah Afridi straight for four in the next over, to reach 88.With Bangladesh chipping away at the deficit and Pakistan desperate for wickets, Masood brought on spin from both ends with 12 minutes left for lunch, and Mushfiqur cashed in. He smote Ayub for back-to-back fours, first against the turn over midwicket and then to the long-on boundary to reach 96, and in the next over nudged one to the leg side for two to spark off animated celebrations for his hundred.In the second session, the temperature had crossed 35 degrees Celsius, Pakistan had bowled over 100 overs already, and it was going to take something extraordinary to take the remaining four wickets quickly. Mehidy looked a lot more assured after lunch, while Mushfiqur continued to play the ball late and right under his eyes to collect runs. Ali soon resorted to a short-ball plan for Mehidy by placing six fielders on the leg side, but his wayward lines failed to create opportunities, and Pakistan moved away from that tactic a bit too soon.The scant Pakistan crowd at the ground thought Mushfiqur, on 126, was finally gone when he nudged a ball from Agha Salman to square leg, but the ball actually fell just short of Saud Shakeel. Mushfiqur wasn’t deterred though; he then lofted Salman over Shakeel two balls later to bring up the century stand as Bangladesh soon took the lead, and when he reached 140, Mushfiqur had overtaken Tamim Iqbal as Bangladesh’s top-scorer in away Tests.The real chance of dismissing Mushfiqur came after he reached 150, when he tickled the ball down leg where Babar Azam put down a catch at leg slip to his left. Mehidy, meanwhile, moved along to his half-century, and in the last over before tea, Mushfiqur smacked Salman for four over extra cover and then almost for a six to the long-on boundary to further stamp Bangladesh’s authority on the day.Once Mushfiqur fell in the last session by edging Ali behind just before the third new ball was taken, Shoriful gave his side the kind of attacking and late lift Afridi had given Pakistan, with 22 runs off 14 balls, while Afridi took two of the last three wickets with the new ball to help Pakistan take 4 for 37 and wrap Bangladesh’s lower order up.Among the Pakistan bowlers, Salman toiled the most by bowling a spell of 24 overs, split by the tea break, which saw 16 overs on the trot in the second session.

Leeds United now face Burnley in a transfer battle to sign a Premier League level defender on a free transfer this summer, according to a new report.

Leeds eyeing more transfers after Nmecha deal

The Whites confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window on Sunday afternoon, as Lukas Nmecha agreed to join Leeds once his contract at Wolfsburg expires at the end of the month.

The attacking midfielder is a player who is likely to be an important figure in Farke’s team this season, but the club are not resting with just his arrival, as they are already working on more additions.

As reported by Africa Foot, Leeds have made contact with Manchester City over signing Juma Bah on a loan deal. The 19-year-old joined the Blues back in January but spent the rest of the campaign on loan at RC Lens. He now looks set for another temporary move away, with Leeds and Southampton fighting for his signature.

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Meanwhile, defender Jaka Bijol has agreed terms over a move to Elland Road this summer and a deal appears to be nearing completion. He is not the only defender on the club’s radar, as a report from Football Insider states that Alex Moreno is also interested in a move to Leeds this summer. The 32-year-old could be available for £5 million, as the Whites are in the market for a new left-back.

Leeds face Burnley in Keane battle

The list of potential new defenders to sign doesn’t stop there, as according to the Liverpool Echo, Leeds are among the teams interested in signing Michael Keane from Everton.

Keane, who has been at Goodison Park since July 2017, is out of contract at the end of this month, and while he remains in talks over a new contract, he is looking more likely to leave. That has alerted Leeds, who, along with Burnley and Sheffield United, are keen on swooping in and securing the defender on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old, who has been dubbed “immense” in the past by Harry Redknapp, has fallen down the pecking order at Everton in recent seasons. Keane went from playing 32 games in the Premier League during the 2021/22 season to playing just 12, 9 and 14 times in the last 3 campaigns.

Apps

230

Goals

16

Assists

10

Keane could be a viable option for the Whites to provide more depth behind Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, and there aren’t many free signings on the market who provide such a wealth of top flight experience.

With rumours continuing to surround Morgan Gibbs-White over his future at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly ready to take formal steps in the race to sign a potential replacement.

Man City plotting Gibbs-White swoop

Gibbs-White undoubtedly plays a huge role in everything positive Nuno Espirito Santo’s side do at the City Ground, meaning that clubs above them were always likely to keep a keen eye on his talents. Such is the ruthlessness of Premier League football, not even European football could stand in the way of Manchester City making their move successfully this summer.

The midfielder was once again at the centre of the action against West Ham United last time out, scoring a crucial opening goal to send Forest on their way to a crucial 2-1 victory at the London Stadium.

His seventh Premier League goal of the season to go alongside his eight assists, replacing Gibbs-White will be one of the toughest tasks that Nottingham Forest face this summer if he chooses to join Manchester City.

On that front, however, those at the City Ground have already reportedly been lining up a number of targets, including City’s own James McAtee. The young midfielder has struggled for game time at The Etihad and if Gibbs-White heads to Manchester, he could yet head in the opposite direction towards the Midlands this summer.

Unlike in recent years, it’s worth reiterating that Forest are now a European club again and should be in a far stronger position to attract top talent as a result. So, if it’s not McAtee who replaces Gibbs-White, it may well be a talented option from outside of English football.

Nottingham Forest readying Akliouche move

According to L’Equipe, Nottingham Forest are now ready to take formal steps in the race to sign Maghnes Akliouche from AS Monaco this summer in a deal worth as much as €60m (£51m). Battling against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain for the winger’s signature, Evangelos Marinakis should consider making his official move as soon as possible.

With the ability to play as both a winger and attacking midfielder, it should come as no surprise that Akliouche is on Forest’s shortlist to potentially replace Gibbs-White this summer. Even on the numbers front, the 23-year-old has almost mirrored the Forest star.

Starts

27

33

Goals

5

7

Assists

10

8

Key Passes

49

51

All signs point towards a player who’d be ready to step into the Premier League next season and step into European football with Nottingham Forest. Whether those at the City Ground win the competitive race to sign Akliouche remains to be seen, however.

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Described as “elegant” by Jacek Kulig, Akliouche is undeniably one to watch when the summer transfer window arrives. If Forest are looking to instantly ease their potential Gibbs-White problem, then the Frenchman should be a serious option.

Manchester United are now set to make an approach for an “immense” defender, with Ruben Amorim believed to be a big fan, according to a report.

Man Utd pursuing defensive reinforcements

Amorim has made it clear that he will not compromise on his style of play, having implemented a three-at-the-back system ever since arriving from Sporting CP, which means the manager may need to recruit another centre-back in the summer transfer window.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is one of the names on the shortlist, with Man United looking to hijack Real Madrid’s move for the defender, while they have also sent scouts to watch Fiorentina’s Pietro Comuzzo in action.

Comuzzo is being targeted as a potential replacement for Lisandro Martínez, who may not be back until 2026, which underlines the need for a new centre-back to be brought in prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

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According to a report from Football Transfers, not only is Amorim concerned by Martinez’s injury woes, but the manager also has doubts over whether the Argentine is suitable for his three-at-the-back system.

As such, the 40-year-old wants to bring in a new centre-back this summer, and he has demanded the signing of Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.

Amorim knows Inacio well from their time working together in Portugal, and he remains a huge admirer, with Man United expected to make an approach of some description over the next few weeks, although there are yet to be any formal talks.

The Portuguese defender is protected by a €60m (£52m) release clause in his contract, but there are indications he could be available for as little as €35m (£30m), which would make him a relatively low-cost addition to the squad.

"Immense" Inacio impressing in Portugal

Sporting are once again challenging for the Liga Portugal title this season, and the 23-year-old has been one of their most important players, making 22 appearances, during which time he has picked up three goals and three assists.

Not only is the Portugal international a threat going forward, but he is also strong defensively and solid in possession of the ball, as showcased by his performance on some key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Blocks

2.22 (99th percentile)

Tackles

2.04 (84th percentile)

Passes attempted

88.70 (97th percentile)

With Amorim having doubts over whether Martinez is capable of playing in a three-at-the-back system, it would make sense for the manager to bring in a player he can trust, and the “immense” Sporting star is showing signs he could be a success at Old Trafford.

The only doubt over the signing of Inacio will be the fact he is yet to prove himself in a major European league, unlike some of the other players on Man United’s shortlist, such as Hincapie and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Rangers and the 49ers Enterprises could sell an Ibrox star for a huge profit after receiving enquiries, according to a new update.

Rangers preparing for Athletic Club second leg after Aberdeen draw

The Gers and Barry Ferguson are preparing to head to Spain to take on Athletic Club in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final this week. The first leg at Ibrox was a stalemate as 10-man Rangers held the La Liga side, with Liam Kelly saving a penalty late on.

It is all to play for on Thursday, and Ferguson’s side go into the game off the back of a 2-2 Scottish Premiership draw with Aberdeen, where they once again played large parts with 10 men.

Ross McCausland received two yellow cards in the first half at Pittodrie, however, second half goals from Hamza Igamane and Ianis Hagi ensured the points were shared.

Talking after the draw with Aberdeen, Ferguson said: “After going down to 10 men and 2-0 down, you’ve got to be pretty happy with coming back into the game and getting a point. [Character] is one thing I’ve tried to drill into them. They’ll dig deep for me. They never give in. They kept going until the end. But we don’t help ourselves.”

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Igamane starred over the weekend and looks set to play a big role for Rangers against Athletic Club, however, a worrying transfer update has emerged on the 22-year-old.

Rangers could sell Igamane for £20m as Marseille make serious move

According to a new transfer report from TEAMtalk, a number of clubs have been making enquires to sign Rangers star Igamane.

Ligue 1 side Marseille, under Roberto De Zerbi, have made ‘serious moves’ to sign Igamane, whereas Everton, Tottenham, Bayer Leverkusen, Nice and Rennes, are also credited with an interest.

It is added that Rangers want £20m to sell the forward, a fee which would represent a 700% profit on the £2.5m they paid for Igamane last summer.

Igamane’s stats at Rangers

Games

41

Goals

15

Assists

3

Minutes played

2,373

The Morocco international has enjoyed a brilliant first season in Scotland, with five of his 18 goal contributions coming in the Europa League.

Back in December, Derek Ferguson, brother of Barry, hailed the attacker, saying: “Igamane is a real breath of fresh air, the young man. The manager said he was trying to get him up to speed, but in the last few games he has been nothing short of brilliant. He is off the cuff and he had three or four nutmegs this afternoon – and took his goal brilliantly. I don’t know if you remember Ted McMinn, but Igamane’s got that unpredictability.”

Sabina Park collapse symbolises West Indies’ Test malaise, but what is the way ahead?

Andrew McGlashan15-Jul-2025

AFP/Getty Images

There’s never a good time to be bowled out for 27. Monday at Sabina Park felt like a particularly bad one for West Indies.At 11 for 6, New Zealand’s 70-year record of 26 all out was under threat. When Scott Boland took his hat-trick, there was a realistic chance they would at least have someone to share it with. There won’t be many people across the Tasman shouting Sam Konstas a beer after his misfield.Less than 24 hours later, Cricket West Indies has called an emergency summit with invites to a host of former greats for help. But there will be skepticism about whether it will make any difference.Related

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As impressive as Mitchell Starc and Boland were, it was a woeful display. They couldn’t even say it happened in the night session. There had been warning signs in the first two Tests when their second innings fell apart rapidly; their last performance of the series was the sum of all fears. Within six balls, there was the sense it could be a horror show.John Campbell can be excused somewhat as he edged a perfect outswinger from Starc. He had shown some gumption in earlier innings. You also need to have some sympathy for debutant Kevlon Anderson padding up to an inswinger and then reviewing, a clear sign of a frazzled mind. Brandon King, who had performed encouragingly, decided a booming drive was the best option despite having seen Starc curving the ball late.King made West Indies’ one half-century of the series – his 75 was also the highest individual score on either side – but no one else, barring Anderson Phillip who played a single match, averaged over 20. Batting was tough, for sure, and Australia weren’t immune from their own problems, but there were numerous techniques exposed. No doubt the game in West Indies needs help, but it also needs to help itself.Since February 2023, when Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul each score hundreds in a 336-run stand against Zimbabwe, West Indies have had two centuries: Kavem Hodge against England and Justin Greaves against Bangladesh. There have been some fallow periods in West Indies’ batting over the last 25 years – they started the 21st century by making totals of 54, 61 and 82 in 2000 – but this might be the lowest point, and not just statistically.This performance also comes at a time when the future structure of Test cricket is at the forefront of debates. Nothing is yet decided, although some plans may be outlined at the ICC’s annual conference in Singapore this week, and while it can be easy to be drawn into sweeping statements after events such as Sabina Park, the problems facing West Indies in the format are as acute as any of the Full Members.They have managed a couple of landmark victories in recent times – defeating Australia at the Gabba and Pakistan in Multan – but they look like outliers. The win in Brisbane persuaded administrators to add a third Test to this series, which became the Sabina Park day-nighter.Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph troubled Australia all series with the ball•AFP/Getty ImagesThat they competed with Australia for the first two days of each Test is worthy of note, but that was largely down to the fast bowlers. Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and latterly Alzarri Joseph performed superbly, supported by Greaves’ brisk medium pace, and made life very uncomfortable for the visitors. They are carrying the team but are being asked to perform miracles.It needs to be questioned whether a factor they are taking advantage of – the pitches – has veered too far one way; although, with something of a grimace, Roston Chase said the Jamaica pitch was the best of all three.It’s all well and good playing to your strengths, the bowlers making the most of a ball zipping around, but when your weakness is so weak it makes everything futile. Since the start of 2023, the West Indies, as a venue for Tests, has the lowest collective batting average where more than a single match has been played. West Indies, themselves, average just 18.39 in that period, by far the lowest for a home side.Clearly, the problems in West Indies run deeper than the 22 yards but after the second Test in Grenada, coach Daren Sammy spoke about the surfaces around the Caribbean and how batters even at domestic level are unable to trust their games. Slightly counter to that, Chase said it was hard to judge players properly as each team had a couple of good bowlers.West Indies have away tours of India and New Zealand next where the batters are likely to be severely challenged again. Their other away series in this WTC cycle is in Bangladesh. Back at home they will face Sri Lanka and Pakistan, teams they may believe they can compete with.After the match had raced to its hasty conclusion and the presentations were completed, Starc delayed his return to the Australian celebrations to chat with uncapped West Indies quick Johann Layne who is highly regarded as part of the next generation. Layne appeared to be lapping up all the tips from one of the game’s greats. It can only be hoped that he has a viable Test team to be part of, and a chance to face Australia in the future.