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Xabi Alonso is set to ditch the five-man defence that he used at Bayer Leverkusen in favour of a more classic formation at Real Madrid.

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Alonso to ditch Leverkusen's defense approachSpaniard favours a 4-3-3 setupVinicius Jr set for key tactical conversationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After leading Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title using a back three system, Alonso is expected to shift to a new system at Real Madrid. According to , Alonso's tactical plan includes a base 4-3-3 formation, but with flexibility to adapt as the season progresses. The system will require defensive contribution from the entire squad, including the team’s "biggest stars", emphasising collective effort over individual brilliance.

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Alonso's tactical change is partly due to personnel limitations, with Madrid’s top central defenders Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger all recovering from injuries. The former Madrid midfielder is also placing emphasis on his wingers' defensive effort, demanding extra effort from forwards, especially Vinicius Junior, whose defensive commitment will be under scrutiny. The coach is set to hold talks with the Brazilian over changes to his role.

DID YOU KNOW?

Alonso’s tactical analyst, Benat Labaien, has already started observing Los Blacos' recent games to understand player habits and defensive issues. This groundwork is helping to shape the early planning for the new season.

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The 43-year-old's tenure in Madrid has already begun and the Club World Cup will be crucial testing grounds for his new setup. Madrid may consider signing another centre-back if injury concerns persist. Alonso will also hold early talks with players like Vinicius to align them with his tactical demands.

Those with state and WBBL contracts stand to earn $151,000 on average next season

AAP02-Apr-2023Cricket is poised to become the first sport in Australia to break the six-figure wage mark for the vast majority of its domestic female athletes, with players on state and WBBL contracts to earn an average of AU$151,000 from next season.Cricket Australia and the players’ union are closing in on finalising the sport’s new pay deal, with a Memorandum of Understanding likely to be announced as soon as early this week.Final details are still being sorted, through a negotiation that has been largely amicable and headed by Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley and union counterpart Todd Greenberg.Sources from both sides have confirmed talks have been far removed from the dramas of the pay war of 2017, which resulted in an abandoned tour and threats of strikes.The big winners of the deal will be domestic female cricketers. AAP has been told that the lowest-paid players with state and Women’s Big Bash League contracts will earn AU$83,000, with state squad sizes to increase from 14 to 16 across each of the seven WNCL sides.Players will also continue earn match fees for WNCL matches beyond their salary, meaning a significant portion of those on a minimum salary will earn more than AU$100,000 in 2023-24.Ultimately, the deal will take the average salary to AU$123,000 and AU$151,000 after match fees.In comparison, players with a minimum WNCL and WBBL contract last year who received full match payments were paid AU$70,000.The deal will rocket cricket well above other women’s sports, with its nearest competitor being Super Netball where the minimum salary is AU$43,000 with no additional match payments.The AFLW minimum wage sits at close to AU$40,000, while NRLW is AU$30,000 and A-League women’s is AU$25,000.It’s also believed that contract values will significantly increase in the WBBL for overseas and Australia’s centrally contracted stars in a bid to keep the league competitive with England’s Hundred and other franchise tournaments.Organisers are hopeful the pay rise will be able to continue to attract the best overseas talent to Australia, for a tournament that was once unrivalled as the stand out in global women’s cricket.The deal will also mean Australia’s centrally contracted players have the potential to earn close to AU$1 million a season, when factoring in national deals and big-money offers from the WPL.

Leeds United want to sign an international forward in the summer who has been likened to former Newcastle United and Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to a new report.

Leeds latest transfer news

Despite a recent drop-off in form, Leeds United are still well in the race for a return to the Premier League, two seasons after they dropped out of the division.

With just eight games to play, Daniel Farke’s side lead the Championship table, ahead of second-placed Sheffield United only on goal difference and two points clear of Burnley in third.

Whether that’s in the Premier League or the Championship, the Whites seem to already be preparing for next season, with a number of transfer targets reportedly already on their radar.

Among those are Southampton striker Cameron Archer, who was a target for the club in January, while, according to reports from Africa Foot, the Yorkshire club are also keen on signing Almeria forward Ibrahima Kone in the summer.

The most talked-about of Leeds’ potential summer transfers, however, is the proposed return of Kalvin Phillips. A recent report from TEAMtalk revealed that Leeds already have a verbal agreement with Phillips, who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester City, to return to Elland Road if Farke’s side secures promotion back to the Premier League.

49ers break through and agree deal with £20m star to join Leeds this summer

Promotion needs to happen first.

5 ByCharlie Smith Mar 13, 2025

Phillips himself is also said to be keen on returning to his boyhood club and is pushing for a move, which he hopes will be able to help him revive his stalling career.

Leeds want new 23 y/o forward likened to Mitrovic

Another player reportedly on Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises radar ahead of the summer is Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat. The 23-year-old, who has been capped 10 times by Ukraine, has scored 16 goals in 34 appearances this term, helping put Kyiv in pole position to land the Ukrainian Premier League title.

According to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, Leeds are one of a number of clubs, alongside West Ham United and Fulham, who are now keeping tabs ahead of a potential swoop in a few months’ time.

Vanat has been described by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig as a “complete forward” who boasts excellent “pace, finishing, shot power, movement, link-up play, ambidexterity”.

According to Football Transfers, Vanat has a similar style of play to former Fulham star Mitrovic, who now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Hilal.

Leeds know all too well about the Serbian striker’s talents, with him having netted five goals and produced three assists in nine games against the Whites during his career, including twice in a thrilling Premier League game in September 2020, which Leeds won 4-3, and by the looks of things, a move for Vanat could be one to watch.

Fabio Capello has launched a fiery attack on Italy’s national team after their shocking defeat to Norway, calling out players for their bad attitude.

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Capello ashamed by Italy’s loss to NorwayCriticises Calafiori and Acerbi by nameWants Claudio Ranieri to replace SpallettiFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Italy suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Norway, sparking an explosive reaction from former manager Capello. Speaking on , Capello tore into the national team setup, accusing several players of lacking commitment and faking injuries to avoid call-ups.

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He singled out Calafiori, Acerbi, and others for their attitude, claiming their actions show “no love for the blue shirt.” This latest crisis adds to a growing list of issues for the Azzurri. With Spalletti dismissed following Italy’s loss to Norway, a dip in form, and growing reports of a divided dressing room, the national team finds itself in turmoil.

WHAT CAPELLO SAID

The former AC Milan manager didn’t hold back in his scathing assessment of Italy’s national team. He said: “I was ashamed. Players didn’t want to come. That’s something I never thought possible,” expressing disbelief over the lack of commitment.

He specifically called out Calafiori and Acerbi, accusing them of faking injuries to dodge national duty, saying, “They claimed injury but were playing a week earlier. That’s betrayal.”

Capello endorsed Ranieri as the man to lead the revival: “He’s the right name. He’s experienced, knows the players, and can spark a turnaround.”

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Former Roma manager Ranieri is now being championed as a calm, experienced figure who can restore order and unity. Whether the Italian Football Association acts quickly or waits for another collapse will shape the future of the Azzurri heading into their next campaign.

Dockrell’s unbeaten and career-best 91 goes in vain for Ireland

Ashish Pant19-Jun-20231:35

Aqib: Best feeling when you beat Test-playing nation convincingly

On just the second day of the World Cup Qualifier, Oman brought about the first upset of the tournament by chasing down 282 against much-fancied Ireland with five wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare in Bulawayo.Kashyap Prajapati, Aqib Ilyas and captain Zeeshan Maqsood all scored crucial fifties as Oman went about the chase with utmost professionalism. At no point did they look hurried, they stitched partnerships at every corner and registered a historic maiden ODI win against a Full Member nation to spark off delirious scenes in the dugout .That Ireland reached 281 was down to George Dockrell’s career-best 89-ball 91 after Oman’s spinners had the Ireland batters on a leash in the middle overs.Sent in to bat, the new opening pair of Andy McBrine and Paul Stirling hit their straps immediately, adding 51 runs in nine overs. With the 9am start, there was a lot of movement on offer for the fast bowlers, but the Oman quicks Fayyaz Butt and Bilal Khan failed to capitalise and gave away too many freebies.Kashyap Prajapati scored a free-flowing 72•ICC/Getty ImagesHowever, almost against the run of play, Ireland lost both openers off consecutive balls. Having just nailed a pull the previous ball off Bilal, Stirling went for the same shot to a similar ball. The difference being a fielder had just moved to deep backward square leg and Stirling toe-ended his pull straight down his throat. The very next ball, McBrine picked out mid-off to an innocuous short ball outside off.Things got worse for Ireland, with captain Andrew Balbirnie falling for a 19-ball 7 as they lost 3 for 18 in seven overs. It was a trial by spin for Ireland, with the trio of Maqsood, Ayaan Khan and Jay Odedra tying them up.Lorcan Tucker was cleaned up by Ayaan, but Dockrell and Harry Tector added 79 runs for the fifth wicket. Tector fell after his fifty, but Dockrell took the innings deep. He helped Ireland slam 86 runs off the final ten overs. But the fact that they faced 157 dot balls in their innings was always going to haunt them.At no stage did Oman look out of depth in the chase. The bright sunshine did make things easier for batters, but the nervelessness with which Oman got about the chase was a sight to behold.Mark Adair got the ball to hoop around up top, and had Jatinder Singh edging to second slip. Prajapati and Ilyas, however, made sure the required run rate never got out of hand. They kept the good balls out and capitalised on the loose ones. Ilyas targeted Graham Hume by slamming him for three successive fours in the seventh over. The duo added 94 runs off 88 balls for the second wicket before Ilyas top-edged Dockrell to short fine leg.Maqsood came in at No. 4 and added a 63-run stand with Prajapati and then a 56-run partnership with Mohammad Nadeem. At no point did the required rate go above six an over as the Oman batters got the boundaries regularly and rotated the strike brilliantly.Maqsood reached his fifty off 58 balls and while he fell soon after, there were no flutters in the Oman camp. Nadeem (46 not out), Ayaan (21) and Shoaib Khan (19) all played their part as Oman cantered home.

West Ham have spent some big money over the past few seasons, since earning a huge figure for their club captain (at the time), Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal in 2023 for a fee of around £105m. This enabled the Hammers to reinvest that money, looking to upgrade in multiple departments.

The 2023/24 season saw West Ham spend a total of €144.56m (£120.903m) bringing five new players to the club on permanent transfers, whilst the 2024/25 season was even busier, spending another €144.40m (£120.769m) on eight new signings, as well as a few loan deals with options to buy.

Jarrod Bowen

£150,000

Lucas Paqueta

£150,000

Danny Ings

£125,000

Alphonse Areola

£120,000

James Ward-Prowse

£115,000

Edson Alvarez

£100,000

Max Kilman

£100,000

Emerson

£95,000

Mohammed Kudus

£90,000

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

£90,000

Five of West Ham’s ten highest earners are from these two seasons of spending, with James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, Max Kilman, Mohammed Kudus, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all being purchased in this timeframe. But their highest earner was bought back in 2020, which has proven to be excellent value for money signing over the years.

West Ham's highest earner

West Ham’s highest earner is clearly the benchmark here, after all, this article is all about the best signing since this man. Jarrod Bowen earns £150,000k per week, making him the joint highest earner at the club alongside Lucas Paqueta.

Bowen has made 229 appearances since joining the Hammers back in January 2020, scoring 68 goals for the club, providing 46 assists, and totaling 18,102 minutes played. The England international has shown his versatility playing as both a right-sided player and a striker, and is now West Ham’s club captain.

Finding another player who can match this type of value of a signing, costing the club around £20m five years ago, is always going to be tough, but West Ham seem to have struck gold once more in those forward areas, with a signing they made in the 2023 summer window.

West Ham's game-changing signing

West Ham signed Mohammed Kudus from Ajax in August 2023, joining the club for a fee of around £38m. Since his arrival, the 24-year-old has made 72 appearances for the London club, netting 17 goals, providing eight assists, and totaling 5,634 minutes played.

The Ghana international was valued at €40m (£33.5m) when he first joined the club, according to Transfermarkt, but according to GIVEMESPORT, West Ham could be set to receive a huge bid of around £84m for their superstar, with Al-Nassr reportedly making him a key target.

Goals

0.13

0.34

Assists

0.09

0.19

xG

0.27

0.26

xAG

0.10

0.21

Progressive Carries

3.57

3.42

Progressive Passes

2.90

3.13

Shots Total

2.64

2.87

Key Passes

1.04

1.77

Shot-Creating Actions

3.67

3.79

Successful Take-Ons

3.17

1.56

Kudus hasn’t had the best 2024/25 campaign so far, struggling to find the same heights as his debut season for the Hammers, but as you can see from his underlying metrics, he still outperforms Bowen in select areas, producing more progressive carries and successful take-ons, which speak to his direct nature.

Analyst Ben Mattinson described Kudus as a “game-changer” back in May 2024, stating that the forward can be a brilliant cover for all five attacking positions, which is something we have already seen at West Ham, with Kudus playing off of both flanks and centrally under David Moyes, Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter.

Whilst Kudus may have cost a bit more than Bowen, but he is earning £60,000 less per week and is currently valued higher by Transfermarkt, making a good case for being their best signing since Bowen back in 2020 and showing that the Hammers hit the jackpot on the exciting forward.

West Ham once had Declan Rice 2.0, then Moyes sold him for just £500k

David Moyes made a huge mistake selling West Ham’s next Rice on the cheap

1 ByConnor Holden Mar 28, 2025

Stand-in captain Alyssa Healy admitted it’s been ‘a rough couple of days’ amid mixed emotions

Alex Malcolm and Andrew McGlashan29-May-20231:39

Alyssa Healy: ‘Grappling with being excited and nervous about captaining in Ashes’

Australia were left rattled by the news of Meg Lanning’s sudden withdrawal from the Ashes tour, and stand-in captain Alyssa Healy admitted it had been an emotional few days, but there is a determination to ensure they do not let it derail their hopes of success in England.The squad gathered in Brisbane on Monday for their latest training camp ahead of their departure but will travel without captain Lanning, who has withdrawn from the series to remain at home to manage an undisclosed medical issue.”I’ve finally probably come to terms with it, it’s been a rough couple of days,” Healy told ESPNcricinfo. “Everyone is a little bit emotional about the whole Meg situation but at the same time I’m grappling with being really excited and nervous about the challenge of captaining an Ashes series.”Australia head coach Shelley Nitschke could not shed any light on what Lanning was dealing with – although it’s understood not to be related to her break from the game last year – but admitted her sudden absence from the tour had rocked the squad as they gathered together for the first time since the announcement was made on Saturday.”I’m sure they were a little bit rattled by the news,” Nitschke said. “But I think Meg is in our thoughts. We also know that she wants us to go over there and get the job done.”We’ve had some time to sort of get our head around it now and having the girls up here this week, it’s really nice to get them together.”

“The fact that she [Healy] captained the team in India last year and did a fantastic job, the girls got around her, played some really good cricket, so I think she should take a lot of confidence out of that and I think she enjoyed it.”Australia women’s coach Shelley Nitschke

Australia have dealt with Lanning’s absence previously during the successful T20I tour of India late last year when Lanning took a break from the game with Healy standing in as captain and vice-captain Tahlia McGrath taking one game when she was injured. Nitschke believes that Healy and the group will be able to handle Lanning’s absence again.Related

Lanning ruled out of the Ashes, Healy to lead Australia

Healy considers ditching Test match opening role

Meg Lanning takes indefinite break from cricket for personal reasons

“[Healy] had a big couple of days herself, to find out that she’s captaining for an Ashes series,” Nitschke said. “But I think the fact that she captained the team in India last year and did a fantastic job, the girls got around her, played some really good cricket, so I think she should take a lot of confidence out of that and I think she enjoyed it.”I think we’ve got some really good leaders in the group. We’ve got a lot of experience in the group. I think one thing that we’ve been really good at over the years is just being able to adapt and take some knocks as they come. I’ve got the utmost confidence in our group to head across and hopefully get the job done.”The India tour is an experience Healy is now even more grateful for as she embarks on the pressure and expectation of an Ashes.”I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I’m kind of glad that happened over in India, that I was thrown amongst it and got to do it the way we wanted to,” she said. “It was new for Shell as well so we were both going there and leaving our mark on the group. Grateful to have that experience and hopefully we can carry on from where that left off and get amongst England.”Alyssa Healy is considering not opening in Tests•Getty ImagesHowever, the void Lanning leaves in Australia’s top order might not be as easily covered in the Test match, given there are already holes to fill. Lanning and Healy have occupied a spot in the top three in two of the last three Tests Australia have played dating back to the 2019 Ashes. Healy opened in all three games while the recently retired Rachael Haynes opened in Australia’s last two Tests. Lanning batted at No. 5 in the last women’s Ashes Test in early 2022 in Canberra and made 93 in the first innings, her highest Test score.In Lanning’s absence, Healy is highly likely to step away from the opening role given the captaincy has been added to her wicketkeeping duties.”It’s a lot on her plate,” Nitschke said. “I think it’s a definite conversation that we’ll be having pretty soon to see how that might look for her in the batting order.”Australia did pair Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield together with great success in the ODI series against Pakistan earlier this year when Healy was injured. Mooney has opened in three of her seven Test innings and batted at No.3 in the last Test against England in 2022 and looks set to replace Haynes, while Litchfield made 78 not out and 67 not out in her first two ODIs opening the batting and is well and truly in the frame to make her Test debut in Nottingham.”Phoebe is so talented…so she’s certainly got the attributes,” Nitschke said. “I think when we get over there in the English conditions, we’ve been training here with red balls and we had some overcast conditions in the first camp, but it’s just different again over there.”I think there’s a little bit to play out before we sort of work out who our best XI is for that Test match. But Phoebs is certainly putting her hand up. We’ll see where it lands.”Australia, who have been training with the red Dukes ball in Brisbane ahead of the Test, will play a two day intrasquad game this week involving players from the Australia A squad.

Barcelona have rejected an offer that would have seen Fermin Lopez move to Chelsea, with Christopher Nkunku joining Hansi Flick's side.

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Chelsea offer Barca swap deal for FerminWanted to send Nkunku the other wayBarca reject Chelsea's advances outrightFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite not being one of Barcelona's big-name starters, Lopez has been one of the most important parts of Flick's domestic treble-winning side. The Spanish midfielder had been expected to leave the Catalan side last summer on the back of his Olympics campaign, but was convinced to stay by the German coach.

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Despite his strong showing, it is expected that Fermin will not be an outright starter next season, and Chelsea have offered Barcelona a possible way to offload the Spain international. As per Mundo Deportivo, the Blues offered the Catalan side a possible swap deal, which would see Fermin join Enzo Maresca's squad, while flop winger Nkunku would move to Barcelona.

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The report has also claimed that Barcelona immediately turned down Chelsea's offer. The Catalan side will reportedly only consider selling the 22-year-old if he himself requests to leave the club. However, the Spain international is not thought to be interested in leaving the side this summer, as he looks to fight for his spot against Dani Olmo.

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WHAT NEXT FOR FERMIN AND NKUNKU?

Barcelona had been interested in Nkunku last summer; however, the French international's lack of form at Stamford Bridge has meant that the Catalan side are now no longer interested in the winger. As for Fermin, the Spaniard is unlikely to demand to leave unless Flick prefers other players over him.

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged by the Football Association for his derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp.

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Coote charged with improper conductSanction comes after social media video emerged Former referee already serving banFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Coote hit the headlines in 2024 when a video emerged on social media of the referee making derogatory comments at Liverpool and then-manager Klopp. Another scandal followed after a second video appeared apparently showing Coote snorting a white powder at Euro 2024. An investigation subsequently ensued which saw Coote sacked by the PGMOL. Coote has also now been hit with an FA charge for improper conduct but has been cleared of any gambling misconduct following an investigation into allegations he discussed a booking with a fan prior to a match.

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Coote subsequently came out as gay and revealed he took cocaine as an "escape route" due to struggles with his sexuality and the pressure and intensity of being an elite referee. He also claimed he was "not sober" during his rant against Klopp but added he has since managed to kick his drug habit.

WHAT THE FA SAID

A statement read: "David Coote has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to comments that he made about Jurgen Klopp in a video recorded around July 2020 which appeared on social media in November 2024. It's alleged that the referee acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It's further alleged that this constitutes an 'Aggravated Breach,' which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationalty. No charges have been issued in relation to allegations of gambling misconduct against David Coote, which were also fully investigated."

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Coote has since been spotted delivering parcels for Evri as he tries his hand at a new line of work after being hit with a ban from football by UEFA.

Sub-par target of 143 proves ample as Craig Overton, Henry and Green set up Essex showdown

Andrew Miller15-Jul-2023Somerset 142 for 7 (Abbott 4-23) beat Surrey 118 (Henry 3-19, Overton 3-24, Green 3-25) by 24 runsCraig Overton, Matt Henry and Ben Green claimed three wickets apiece in a stunning defence of a sub-par target of 143, as Somerset overcame Surrey by 24 runs to book their place in the Vitality Blast final, where they will face the 2019 champions, Essex, with the chance to cap a record-breaking campaign with their first T20 title since 2005.At the halfway mark of the contest, it seemed Surrey already had one foot in the final, after a masterful display from their own seam attack, led by Sean Abbott’s stand-out figures of 4 for 23. The build-up to their campaign had been overshadowed by the absence of Sunil Narine, who opted to stay in the USA for the maiden season of Major League Cricket, but Surrey didn’t require a single over of spin. Their extraordinary wealth of allrounders seemed to have turned up the ideal combination for the blustery conditions, but as it transpired, they had simply inspired their opponents to raise their own game in response.Desperation does the trick for SomersetAfter finishing as runners-up and semi-finalists in consecutive Finals Days, Tom Abell had conceded Somerset were “desperate” to go one better this year. And while that was a choice of words that might have implied weakness, it was also an apt description of their hungry, clawing response to a sub-par batting display.In the course of Somerset’s innings, Jamie Overton didn’t even get a bowl against his old county, given how stacked with pace options his new team clearly is. But the onus on hitting the pitch hard and forcing Surrey into errors was right up his alley of his Taunton-based twin brother. With his fourth ball of the chase, Craig Overton found enough jag off the seam from his favourite back-of-a-length to smash Laurie Evans stumps for a second-ball duck, and spark his side with renewed belief.Matt Henry’s hardly averse to hard lengths either. His second over did for the key scalp of Jason Roy, who looked aghast skywards as an attempted flick to leg got pick on him and spiralled out to a sprawlingv Sean Dickson, running in from deep square. And with the going good for the quicks, Lewis Gregory gambled on a third powerplay over for Overton, and was quickly vindicated as Will Jacks holed out to deep midwicket.At 24 for 3, Somerset had stolen the ascendancy for the first time in the match, albeit at the cost of five overs from their strike bowlers.Green and Sodhi becalm the middle orderGregory, however, still had a significant trump card up his sleeve. Green, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, entered the attack for the eighth over of the innings, and struck with his first ball as Sam Curran scuffed a tame drive to Henry at mid-on (38 for 4). He left for 5 from 10 balls, perhaps ruing his failure to assert himself against the legspin of Ish Sodhi, whose previous over – the first sighting of spin in this contest – had gone for just five runs.With the wind now swirling and making strikes down the ground from the City End particularly fraught with peril, Green’s naggingly awkward cutters were the ideal impediment for a team in a hurry. Jamie Smith didn’t get the memo, with an ill-conceived club down the ground that held in the breeze and was dying on Craig Overton as he swooped in from long-on.Jamie Overton, next man in, got away with a similar drill that scudded over the head of long-off for a second-ball four, and though he found a more convincing route to the rope in Sodhi’s next over, one ball later he too was gone, and in the most galling fashion possible … another long-levered club down the ground, but straighter this time and straight into the hands of his brother at long-on (68 for 6).Short-side bluesSurrey’s unparalleled depth means that no cause is lost until the tenth wicket has been toppled, and as the England pairing of Tom Curran and Chris Jordan combined with 75 needed from 48 balls, it was clear that Somerset’s graft was not done yet. Three sixes in as many overs kept that rate very much under control, with both men recognising that the short leg-side boundary from the City End was the place to take on the quicks.But then, after depositing the return Overton in that very direction, Jordan succumbed to the same stroke three balls later, getting underneath his pull on this occasion for Will Smeed to cling on at square leg. And one over later, with a touch of desperation setting in, Curran decided to chance his arm on the long side instead, and wiped Henry into the hands of deep midwicket. He departed for 22 for 15, with his team in the soup at 103 for 8.Three balls later, Green had his third – and his 30th of the tournament – after another reviewed nick off Cam Steel, and nine balls later, Somerset were home and hosed, as Abbott became just the latest – but arguably most blameless – victim of some superb outfielding, as Smeed clung onto another flat smash into the leg side.Top-order power failureSomerset’s record-breaking run in the group stages had been built on the form of their bombastic top three. Smeed, Tom Banton and Tom Kohler-Cadmore came into Finals Day with more than 400 runs apiece, each at strike-rates in excess of 150. And though it hardly seemed like it at the time, their application of the usual template for the first four overs of match would prove to be the difference between the teams.It wasn’t that Smeed and Banton came hurtling out of the blocks in their opening stand of 38 (the same score at which Surrey would lose their fourth wicket), but with four fours and a six between them – the latter swatted off the eyebrows over fine leg by Smeed – the pair had emerged with a clear determination to get busy. That trait would be noticeably absent by the back-end of the innings, with not a single boundary coming from the final 20 balls as Jordan and Tom Curran nailed their death lengths.That Smeed six, however, had been a harbinger of the hardships to come. Gus Atkinson’s extra pace had all but decapitated his quarry in the process, and when Abbott entered the attack with similar licence to slip the handbrake, he took just two balls to make the breakthrough. More pace and bounce outside off drew a flat-footed drive from Smeed, and after a review, a thin nick through to the keeper was confirmed.Banton carried on attacking, dispatching Atkinson for a second six with an excellently played ramp over fine leg. But one ball later, he too was gone – once again via a review as Atkinson followed him down the leg side with that pitch-battering length and found another graze of willow to the keeper. Kohler-Cadmore by this stage had got off the mark with a genuine edge through deep third off Abbott, but he wouldn’t add to his boundary count before Abbott got his revenge, via a steepling catch to point. Somerset’s big three were gone before the end of the tenth over and the innings never quite regained its poise. In the end, it never needed to.