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Mohamed Salah has been left out of Liverpool's starting line-up to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, as Arne Slot has taken action following the Premier League defeat at home to Manchester United last Sunday. Hugo Ekitike has replaced the Egyptian winger in the Reds' XI after starting on the bench against the Red Devils.

Salah dropped amid poor form

Salah has finally been dropped from the Liverpool team after a series of poor performances in the 2025-26 campaign. Since the start of the new season, the Egyptian goal-machine has scored only three goals across all competitions and provided as many assists. The loss against United at Anfield after nine years last Sunday was the final straw for Slot, who took the tough call of starting Salah on the bench in the crucial Champions League fixture against Frankfurt.

Ekitike returned to the line-up, replacing Salah in the attack, while another underperforming star Florian Wirtz also made it into the team. Defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Andy Robertson have also been drafted into the 11 in Germany

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCarragher wanted Salah to be dropped after United defeat

After going seven games in the English top flight without registering a non-penalty goal – his longest barren run in that department since joining Liverpool in 2017 – Reds legend Jamie Carragher had urged Slot to drop Salah from his starting line-up.

Following the loss at Anfield at the weekend, Carragher said on : “I think we're at that stage now where Mo Salah shouldn't be a guaranteed starter every week. I do think this is a real conundrum for the manager going forward."

The former defender then said on the : "I don't think Salah should be like a Virgil van Dijk where it's like 'first name on the team sheet'. Liverpool have got two away games – in the Champions League at Frankfurt and then they go to Brentford. I don't think Salah should start both of those games. He should always start at Anfield because Liverpool will be on top, around the edge of the box and more often than not he scores in those situations today.

"But I do think in the away games and helping your full-back, I don't think Salah should be starting every game right now, certainly away from home, with the form he's in. Would he be OK with that? Probably not. But when you get to a certain age you have to understand that, especially when you're not playing well, where's your argument? It's different if you're banging in the goals and your manager makes a tactical decision and you're frustrated. I don't think Mo Salah's in any position to complain if he was left out of one of the next two away games."

Slot isn't bothered about slump in form

After winning their first seven matches across all competitions, the reigning English champions have experienced a sudden slump in form as they have now lost four successive matches, including three in the Premier League. However, despite the poor run, Slot isn't too worried, as he insisted to "It should not matter if we win or lose a game of football for the next one. The aim is if you play for Liverpool if you wear this shirt, the aim is to win every single game. So if we win seven in a row, how we started this season, then we want to win the next three. And we didn’t, now we’ve lost the last four, so now of course we want to see Liverpool winning again. But like I said, that is not different than when you’ve lost four in a row or won four in a row."

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Getty ImagesWirtz under the scanner

After failing to make the Reds' starting line-up in their last two Premier League outings against Chelsea and United, Wirtz has finally made a comeback. The German midfielder has made a slow start to his journey in the Premier League, having just one assist across all competitions. The former Bayer Leverkusen star will be eager to start delivering for the English champions, starting with the Champions League fixture against an opposition from the Bundesliga. 

A “natural winner” could be in line to become the next Leeds United manager amid “reservations” over Daniel Farke, it has been claimed.

Farke and Leeds off to a solid start in the Premier League

There were suggestions that Leeds were looking to replace Farke in the summer, despite the German reaching the 100-point mark in the Championship last season, given that he hasn’t exactly been successful in the Premier League previously.

Both times the 48-year-old led Norwich City to promotion, his side ended up finishing 20th in the top flight, which doesn’t bode well for the Whites, but they have made a solid start to the campaign, picking up four points from their opening three games.

As such, the former Norwich boss appears to be safe for the time being, but there are still some doubts over whether he is capable of leading Leeds to safety, according to reporter Alex Crook.

Farke could make move for "relentless" £20m+ CF who's "perfect for Leeds"

The Whites launching a move for a striker is “one to keep an eye on”, with Daniel Farke personally keen.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 10, 2025

Speaking on talkSPORT, Crook suggested that Jose Mourinho could be in line for a sensational return to the Premier League, having recently been sacked by Fenerbahçe, which could open the door for a move to West Ham United or Elland Road. Crook said:

"Natural winner" Mourinho may be past his best

Having been sacked by Fenerbahçe after failing to win a trophy, journalist Henry Winter has now suggested the Portgueuse manager’s best days may now be behind him, with his style-of-play behind the times.

The 62-year-old has been lauded as a “natural winner” by journalist Josh Bunting in the past, which is underlined by the fact he has enjoyed a remarkably successful career, winning three Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.

However, despite once being known as ‘The Special One’, the former Chelsea boss has been on the decline for some time, failing to win a trophy during his time with Tottenham Hotspur, before also being sacked by AS Roma.

As such, it may be wise for Leeds to avoid making a move, particularly considering there is no reason to part ways with Farke at the moment.

That is despite the fact Lee Sharpe believes Mourinho could be a perfect fit at Elland Road, saying: “Jose Mourinho at Leeds United would be absolutely classic because Leeds is a little bit of a rebel team when it comes to how they do things and Mourinho would love that.

“The fans would get onboard with him, and he would have an unbelievable relationship with the fans and would be a great club for him. It would be fantastic.”

Victoria allrounder Flintoff is uncapped at international level but has regularly featured for Australia A

Andrew McGlashan16-Apr-2025

Tess Flintoff has joined Australia’s contract list•Getty Images

Georgia Voll and allrounder Tess Flintoff have been awarded their first Cricket Australia central contracts but the chances of Jess Jonassen making a comeback have receded further after she was omitted from the 18-player list.Voll’s deal was largely a formality after a breakout season where she debuted across all three formats and scored a maiden ODI century against India followed by a brace of T20I half-centuries against New Zealand, stepping into the shoes of the injured Alyssa Healy at the top of the order.Flintoff, though, remains uncapped at international level although was called up for 2023 tour of Ireland has long been marked as a player for the future and has featured for Australia A including in the recent series against England A where she claimed five wickets in the four-day game.However, her elevation comes after a 2024-25 season where she had a poor WBBL for Melbourne Stars with 59 runs in seven innings and just three wickets. Her batting returns in the WNCL for Victoria were much stronger with 330 runs at 33.00 although her eight wickets came at 59.25.Back in 2022, as a 19-year-old, Flintoff struck the fastest WBBL half-century from just 16 balls against Adelaide Strikers.”Tess is an exciting young player who we can see having a long future in the green and gold,” national selector Shawn Flegler said. “Having overcome injury we’re looking forward to seeing her fit and firing throughout summer which adds further depth to our pace-bowling stocks.”Georgia has made a sensational start to her international career, showing her immense talent from the onset and playing a pivotal role for the team in the absence of Alyssa Healy at the top of the order.Georgia Voll has made an impressive start to her international career•Getty Images

“Her ability to adapt to the various formats has been impressive and will come into play with an ODI World Cup later this year and a multi-format series against India in the new year.”Meanwhile, left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Jonassen has not played for Australia since December 2023 although has remained a consistent performer in domestic cricket and T20 leagues, most recently in the WPL for Delhi Capitals.Alana King, Georgia Wareham and Sophie Molineux, the latter who missed the Ashes and New Zealand tour with a knee injury, are now ahead of her in the spin-bowling pecking order.”While Jess Jonassen has not been included on this year’s list, we’re always keeping an eye on players outside of the squad and she is no exception,” Flegler said.Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck retains her place on the list as she continues her recovery from the shoulder injury she suffered early in last year’s T20 World Cup.Players not awarded contracts as part of the initial squad of 18 can earn upgrades throughout the year by accruing 12 upgrade points. Players receive five points for a Test match, two for an ODI and two for a T20I.Australia do not play again until an away series against India ahead of the ODI World Cup which is expected to start in late September. The home season features a multiformat series against India which will be followed by a tour of West Indies in late March and April which will also feature a Test match.Australia Women contracts list 2025-26Darcie Brown, Tess Flintoff, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

India Women will play a day-night Test against Australia at the WACA in Perth next March in what is expected to be the first international at the fully redeveloped venue.The Test, from March 6 to 9, forms part of a tour that also includes three T20Is and three ODIs which begins in mid-February following the WPL. India previously played a day-night Test on the Gold Coast in 2021. The MCG, which hosted the Ashes Test this season, was not an option due to work that is due to be taking place at the ground.Related

• Mullanpur to host the final of Women's ODI World Cup 2025

• WPL, Hundred, WBBL given separate windows in new women's FTP

• When Alana King did a Shane Warne

The WACA hosted a Test against South Africa in February 2024, which was a day game, where Australia won by innings and 284 runs with Annabel Sutherland making a double century. The ground has been undergoing extensive building work in recent seasons which is hoped to be completed by next year’s Test.With the WPL moving to a new window in January, Cricket Australia has been forced to adjust when they play their major women’s series which means it now falls outside of the school holiday period although the schedule has been worked to have as many games as possible around weekends.T20Is will again be hosted at major venues with the SCG staging the first game (February 15), Canberra the second (February 19) and Adelaide Oval the third (February 21). The third ODI at Junction Oval in Melbourne on March 1 is planned to be the first day-night international at the venue which is due to have lights installed over the winter although there is currently opposition from local residents to plans.When the India tour starts it will have been more than a year since Australia played at home following this season’s Ashes.The ODI World Cup, which will be staged in India from late September, means there are no early-season internationals. Australia and India are set to meet in a one-day series in India ahead of that tournament.The World Cup, which could finish on November 2, will also have a knock-on effect to the WBBL, the dates for which will be announced later in the year, with that competition starting later than usual and running into early December, very close to the start of the BBL.India A are also due to tour Australia for a second consecutive season, before the senior side, with those fixtures to be confirmed at a later date.

Australia Women 2025-26 home schedule vs India

February 15: 1st T20I, SCG (N)
February 19: 2nd T20I, Canberra (N)
February 21: 3rd T20I, Adelaide (N)
February 24: 1st ODI, Allan Border Field (D/N)
February 27: 2nd ODI, Hobart, (D/N)
March 1: 3rd ODI, Junction Oval, (D/N)
March 6-9: Test match, WACA, (D/N)

Liverpool have plenty of plates spinning ahead of the transfer deadline, though they could now have some thinking to do after a sizeable offer was made for one of their key men.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot retains optimism amid transfer deadline

While Liverpool’s two-pronged pursuit of Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi plays out, there are plenty of other reasons for Arne Slot to remain optimistic as his side look to claim the Premier League title once again.

Hugo Ekitike’s arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt has lived up to expectations, and the Dutchman is confident the Frenchman will only continue to improve over the coming months as he fully settles in at Anfield.

Addressing his development and how he can improve, Slot said before his side took on Arsenal: “I think he’s already made a big impact in the attacking part of our game. The most simple answer to what he can improve is his match fitness. So I expect him to do even a lot more without the ball than he already does, because he’s already working hard.

“There he can improve, which is completely normal, because he has to adjust from a different league, from a different playing style. “

With a wealth of riches at his disposal, Slot also wants to bring Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers to Anfield, albeit that may be easier said than done, given they are already working on other deals at a late stage in the window.

New Gakpo: Liverpool agree personal terms for "unplayable" new signing

Liverpool are looking to complete a few more signings before the transfer deadline on Monday.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 29, 2025

Excitement is bubbling ahead of a deadline day that could deliver another few statement signings, though there is now a scenario where one of the Dutchman’s key men could be set to leave Anfield for a new challenge.

Liverpool could allow Ibrahima Konate to depart for Real Madrid

According to reports in Spain via Anfield Watch, Liverpool were willing to allow Ibrahima Konate to leave for the Saudi Pro League, but the player himself has rejected a move that would’ve been worth over £50 million to head to the Gulf region.

While the team that put forward the proposal remains unnamed, the Reds clearly have one eye on his contract situation, as his deal is set to expire next summer. Their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Guehi is only likely to fan the flames further, suggesting that a departure may be on the cards.

After featuring against Arsenal in the 1-0 victory at Anfield, Konate has made 136 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, and in that time, has cemented himself as a key figure under Slot and Jurgen Klopp.

Labelled “sensational” by David Lynch, the France international won 137 duels in the Premier League during the Reds’ title victory last term, though speculation over his future may well lead to a considerable dilemma over whether to stick or twist in light of his complex contract situation.

فتح جياني إنفانتينو رئيس الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” الباب أمام إقامة بطولات كأس العالم وكأس العالم للأندية في الشتاء.

ويعتقد إنفانتينو أن كرة القدم بحاجة للتفكير بعقلية منفتحة بشأن نقل البطولات الكبرى من الصيف.

وتجرى مناقشات حول جدول مباريات ما بعد 2030 وهو ما يمثل نقطة توتر خاصة بالنظر للضغط المتزايد الذي تفرضه البطولات الموسعة.

وشكل الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم مجموعة عمل لدراسة هذه المسألة وقد وضع الاتحاد نفسه في مأزق بمنح استضافة كأس العالم 2034 للمملكة العربية السعودية.

ومن شبه المؤكد أن تقام هذه البطولة في فصل الشتاء كما حدث مع قطر 2022، واقترح إنفانتينو أن تعتاد كرة القدم على فك ارتباطها بالصيف الأوروبي.

أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | إنفانتينو يهنئ منتخب مصر على التأهل إلى كأس العالم 2026

وقال إنفانتينو في تصريحات نقلتها “جارديان” البريطانية: “نحن بالفعل في صميم الموضوع ونناقشه طوال الوقت، الأمر لا يتعلق بكأس عالم فقط بل هو انعكاس عام، حتى اللعب في بعض الدول الأوروبية في يوليو يكون حارًا جداً، افضل شهر للعب كرة القدم وهو يونيو لكنه لا يستخدم كثيراً في أوروبا”.

وواصل: “ربما توجد طرق لتحسين التقويم، لكننا نناقشها وسنرى ما سيحدث عندما نتوصل لاستنتاجات، علينا فقط أن نكون منفتحين”.

وتابع: “من المعروف أنه إذا أردت اللعب في نفس الوقت في كل مكان فمن المرجح أن تلعب في مارس أو أكتوبر لأنه في ديسمبر لا يمكنك اللعب في مكان ما من العالم وفي يوليو لا يمكنك اللعب في مكان آخر”.

وأكمل: “علينا أن نأخذ جميع هذه العوامل في الاعتبار عند الحديث عن مسابقات المنتخبات الوطنية ومسابقات الأندية وأن نبحث كيف يمكن تحسينها بما يعود بالنفع على الجميع لذا هناك الكثير على المحك”.

وأضاف إنفانتينو أنه يأمل ألا يتم استهداف مباراتي أحد المنتخبات المقبلة في تصفيات كأس العالم ضد النرويج وإيطاليا من قبل المتظاهرين بعد الاتفاق على وقف اطلاق النار مع حماس.

وختم: “الآن هناك وقف لإطلاق النار ويجب أن يكون الجميع سعداء ويدعمون ذلك، الأمر يتجاوز كرة القدم، اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار خبر رائع للعالم أجمع”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em alusão ao abril azul, mês designado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para conscientizar a população sobre o autismo, o Cuiabá, em parceria com a Secretaria do Estado de Assistência Social e Cidadania – Setasc-MT, deu início a um projeto que leva crianças autistas e familiares a um camarote para os jogos do Dourado na Arena Pantanal.

A iniciativa vai perdurar até o final da disputa do Campeonato Brasileiro e faz parte dos programas SER Família Inclusivo e SER Família Sensorial, da Setasc-MT.

– Promover a inclusão é uma das missões do Cuiabá Esporte Clube e quando fomos procurados para a realização desse projeto, aceitamos de imediato. A inclusão é uma das virtudes do esporte e, no Dourado, acreditamos que o futebol é para todos. Estamos cada vez mais abertos para iniciativas como essa – afirmou Cristiano Dresch, vice-presidente do Cuiabá.

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+Corinthians tenta convencer Tite, Cuéllar na mira de gigante brasileiro… O Dia do Mercado!

A cada jogo do Cuiabá na Arena Pantanal, oito crianças autistas serão sorteadas para torcer pelo Dourado em um dos camarotes – cada criança terá direito a um acompanhante responsável. O sorteio se dará pelas plataformas digitais da Setasc e, para participar, a criança deverá estar devidamente cadastrada no banco de dados da entidade, além de portar a carteira do autista, emitida pelo MT Cidadão.

A ação, que teve início no último sábado, foi considerada um sucesso pelo vice-presidente da equipe.

– Foi gratificante ver as crianças se divertindo, curtindo a Arena Pantanal e torcendo para o Dourado. Já estamos ansiosos para contar com esse apoio nos próximos jogos e vamos trabalhar para recebê-los cada vez melhor. Agradecemos à Setasc pela confiança e por nos procurar para um projeto tão especial – finalizou Cristiano.

+Câmara dos Deputados cria CPI para investigar manipulação em jogos de futebol

A secretária interina de Estado de Assistência Social e Cidadania, Grasielle Bugalho, ressaltou o trabalho em parceria com a Secretaria de Segurança Pública (Sesp), por meio da Rede Cidadã, e o Cuiabá.

– Pela primeira vez, estamos oferecendo para as pessoas autistas um espaço, dentro da Arena Pantanal, para assistir aos jogos do Cuiabá. Para nós é uma experiência única, uma forma de divulgar a Carteira do Autista, a importância de se ter a carteira, para que os autistas possam acessar inúmeros serviços. Essa sinergia do Cuiabá oferecendo esse espaço e a gente podendo levar esse trabalho para os autistas é muito importante – concluiu Grasielle.

Zinedine Zidane is eyeing the France job after Didier Deschamps’ 2026 exit, with Kylian Mbappe among the stars eager to see him take charge.

Deschamps will step down after the 2026 World CupZidane remains the favourite to replace himFrance legend has monitored players including MbappeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Deschamps will step down as France manager after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable 13-year reign, and Zidane is seen as the most likely replacement. The former Real Madrid coach has been patiently waiting for the opportunity, having refused multiple club offers since leaving Los Blancos in 2021 with the aim of taking over the national team. According to , Zidane has been closely following Les Bleus, monitoring players and competitions to prepare for the role. Several senior stars, including Mbappe, are said to be eager to work under the 1998 World Cup winner, who remains one of the most iconic figures in French football.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 53-year-old reportedly turned down blank cheque offers from Manchester United and Chelsea, while also rejecting a €100 million (£84m/$113m) one-year deal from Saudi side Al-Hilal. Instead, his focus has been entirely on the France post, which he views as the ultimate role. Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), is treading carefully. He wants Deschamps to finish his reign without external pressure, while also weighing other candidates such as Thierry Henry. However, Zidane’s reputation, success at Madrid, and connection with France’s players, notably Mbappe, make him the overwhelming favourite.

TELL ME MORE…

The 1998 Ballon d'Or winner's coaching reputation remains sky-high after guiding Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles and a league triumph during his two stints in charge. His bond with Les Blues runs just as deep, he remains the hero of their 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 triumphs. Close associates suggest he already knows the profiles of every France-eligible player inside out and is quietly building his vision for the squad he could inherit after the 2026 World Cup.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Deschamps will remain focused on leading France at the 2026 World Cup, aiming to end his reign on a high. Behind the scenes, all signs point to Zidane finally stepping into the dugout for France once the World Cup concludes. Until then, he will continue to wait, turning down club riches to chase his one true dream.

Liverpool have reportedly made their first approach to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United and could now break the British transfer record for a second time this summer.

Liverpool make first approach to sign Isak

Whilst the initial consensus was reportedly that Newcastle United’s attempted move to sign Hugo Ekitike would not leave the door ajar for Isak’s exit, Liverpool didn’t seem to receive that message. Now, according to David Ornstein, the Reds have made their first approach to sign the Swede in another big-money deal.

As things stand, Newcastle’s stance, as it has always been, is that Isak is not for sale. But Liverpool’s decision to make their approach may yet have loosened their grip on one of the Premier League’s hottest talents. From ‘not for sale’, a record-breaking £120m price tag has now been mooted, which could hand Liverpool the encouragement they need.

Liverpool’s admiration for Isak is far from new and it certainly isn’t a surprise. If there was a weakness in Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning side last season, it came in the No.9 role, as Luis Diaz was often forced to play out-of-position to lead the line and Darwin Nunez continued to struggle.

Now that both have been linked with moves away to Bayern Munich and now AC Milan respectively, however, Liverpool may finally have the funds and room to welcome the ultimate solution to their striker problem. In one summer, the Reds could go from Diaz, Nunez and Mohamed Salah to arguably the world’s best trio in Florian Wirtz, Isak and Salah.

Starts

34

25

38

Goals

23

10

29

Assists

6

12

18

Expected Goals

20.3

9.4

25.2

There’s still a long way to go before Isak becomes Liverpool’s next No.9, but that’s not to say Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes don’t already have their next trick planned.

What Liverpool plan to do next in Isak chase

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will “for sure” submit a club-record bid to sign Isak this summer and follow up their initial approach. The Swede is their “dream” target in a deal that could reportedly cost in the region of £120m.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “For sure, Liverpool want to try for their dream target with an eventual club-record bid. Liverpool have intention to try and they made an approach with Newcastle.”

The transfer specialist then went on to reveal that if Liverpool fail in their pursuit of Isak, then their attention will turn back towards Ekitike. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been the subject of a £60m+ bid by Newcastle, but the Magpies could now be facing a lose-lose situation up against the Reds in a ruthless mood.

Wirtz's dream CF: Hughes in talks to sign £63m "monster" for Liverpool

Isak and Ekitike aren’t the only high-level strikers Liverpool have their eye on.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

As the season approaches and the transfer window progresses, both forwards are likely to steal plenty more headlines. As things stand, however, in a transfer battle between Liverpool and Newcastle, it seems as though the Premier League champions have the edge.

Leicestershire opener upstages David Willey’s milestone-game 71

ECB Reporters Network21-Jun-2024Leicestershire’s Rishi Patel maintained his rich vein of form in this year’s Vitality Blast, savaging Northamptonshire’s bowlers for an outstanding 104 from 45 balls to set up a thrilling tie at Wantage Road.Patel, the Blast’s leading run-scorer this season, equalled the Foxes’ fastest ever T20 century – set by Ben Raine against Birmingham six years ago – as he reached the landmark in just 41 deliveries.The 25-year-old opener upstaged Steelbacks skipper David Willey, who marked his 300th career T20 game by top-scoring with 71 from 48 – and passing 4,000 runs in the format – as the home side posted 208 for 5.Northamptonshire struggled in the face of Patel’s onslaught, but rookie seamer Raphy Weatherall pegged the Foxes back with 4 for 50 before Lewis Goldsworthy edged a boundary from his final delivery to tie the contest.The Steelbacks recalled Ricardo Vasconcelos to their line-up and the opener made a sprightly start after they opted to bat first, hitting a couple of early cover boundaries off Wiaan Mulder.He and Matthew Breetzke, who dispatched Ben Mike’s first three balls to the fence, rattled along nicely as they added 42 from 24 before Scott Currie pounced to run the left-hander out with a pinpoint throw from long off.Another piece of individual brilliance by Currie accounted for Breetzke, who was yorked for 47 from 24, but Willey began to accelerate, slog-sweeping Goldsworthy for the first six of the night and punching the next ball for four.Ravi Bopara (22 from 15) helped to keep the scoreboard racing along before he was castled by Goldsworthy, but it was Sikandar Raza’s explosive knock of 36 not out from just 14 balls that did most to propel Northamptonshire beyond 200.Raza hammered both Goldsworthy and Ian Holland for successive sixes and, although Willey perished in the final over, miscuing to mid-off – the first of two wickets in as many balls for Josh Hull, the Steelbacks’ total looked competitive to say the least.However, Patel eagerly accepted the challenge when Leicestershire replied by smashing 18 from Willey’s first over and hitting cleanly over the ring as he and Sol Budinger accumulated an opening partnership of 61 from 28.Ben Sanderson eventually removed Budinger, caught in the deep for a supporting act of 13, but Patel sped past his half-century from 22 deliveries with a cover-driven four off Raza and continued to plunder boundaries from seamers and spinners alike.A six and four from successive Sanderson deliveries took Patel to his hundred and, although he was dropped by Breetzke at long-on on 103, the fielder made amends in the next over by safely pouching a top edge off Freddie Heldreich.Willey gave Northamptonshire renewed hope, trapping Louis Kimber leg before and Mulder and Mike both holed out to deep square leg off Weatherall in quick succession to leave the Foxes needing 19 from the last two overs.A trio of dot balls by Sanderson built pressure, though, and Weatherall dismissed both Peter Handscomb (43 from 41) and Ben Cox to bring the equation down to five from the last ball, but Goldsworthy’s outside edge flew to the boundary to rescue a point for Leicestershire.