AL MVP: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals SS Last year Witt was worth 9.4 WAR and won the AL batting title—in his age 24 season. He also won a Gold Glove. In other words: He’s valuable.
AL Cy Young: Logan Gilbert, Mariners SP Breakout alert: Seattle’s workhorse led the AL in innings and WHIP while striking out nearly six times as many hitters as he walked.
AL Rookie of the Year: Kristian Campbell, Red Sox 2B He played at three levels in the minors last sason and his worst OPS was .898. Meanwhile, Boston’s second basemen were worth -2.3 WAR in 2024.
AL Manager of the Year: Alex Cora, Red Sox Cora has the Sox poised to break their three-year playoff drought (their last four-year dry spell was in the early 1990s).
NL MVP: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers SP/DH Now that he’s back on the bump, Ohtani is a strong bet to become the first player (non-Bonds division) to threepeat as MVP.
NL Cy Young: Paul Skenes, Pirates SP For those concerned about his durability: As a rookie last year, his best month was September (0.75 ERA, 12.8 strikeouts/9 IP).
NL Rookie of the Year: Roki Sasaki, Dodgers SP The Dodgers own this award. They’ve had 18 winners; no other team has more than 10. Sasaki, who can touch 102 mph, should make it 19.
NL Manager of the Year: Carlos Mendoza, Mets Expectations are high in Queens after a 67–40 finish last year—and a new addition you might have read about.
Aaron Judge and the Yankees are seeking New York’s 28th championship after falling short in the World Series last year. / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesPostseason PredictionsAL Wild CardAL Division SeriesAL Championship SeriesNL Wild CardNL Division SeriesNL Championship SeriesWorld Series
Newcastle United were their own worst enemies again, facing off against Marseille on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
The Magpies looked to have a strong grip on the contest at the intense Orange Velodrome when Harvey Barnes popped up with yet another strike to add to his glittering back catalogue for the campaign.
Yet, in typical Newcastle fashion this season on the road, Eddie Howe’s men ended up being architects of their own downfall, as a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang-inspired comeback handed the Ligue 1 hosts a slim 2-1 win.
While the Gabonese marksman continued his fine season in France and beyond, Howe’s experiment with Anthony Gordon as a lone striker seriously failed, as the 24-year-old’s own campaign – away from Aubameyang and Barnes – shows no signs of getting better.
Gordon's woes at Newcastle
As writer Thomas Hammond stated at full-time whistle of yet another away loss for the Magpies, Gordon’s showing was another “nothing” display from the ex-Everton man this season.
The 24-year-old did manage to register three shots at the Marseille goal, but with only 25 touches amassed before Nick Woltemade came into the contest, it’s fair to say the experiment of starting the Liverpool-born attacker as a sole centre-forward must come to a close soon.
Unfortunately for Gordon, though, he is unlikely to displace the aforementioned Barnes from his more natural left wing spot when considering their side-by-side numbers of late.
The underperforming England international remains on zero goals and assists in the Premier League this campaign to date, while the ex-Leicester City man has a blistering seven strikes in all competitions, from just 925 minutes of total action.
He could slide down the pecking order so much that a sale is even considered, with Newcastle clearly well-stocked down the flanks, away from their former £45m purchase.
Recouping some of that £45m back could put the Magpies in a position to go after former star Elliot Anderson, who has been touted with a return to St James’ Park.
Manchester United are also in the mix, however, and believe they could strike a deal for £60m.
With Joelinton also not what he used to be, this feels like a signing that should be urgently pursued by Newcastle and PIF if the correct sum of money is found.
To get even nearer to that golden amount, Howe will also be considering ditching this other shaky Toon regular, who had another “moment of madness” against Roberto De Zerbi’s outfit last match, as per journalist Mark Douglas.
The Newcastle dud who could now be sold
There is a somewhat stale feel to Howe’s starting XIs at the moment, as he remains staunchly loyal to many first-team faces who have delivered in the past, in the form of Joelinton and Gordon.
Nick Pope also definitely fits into this category, now, with the shot-stopper a shadow of his former self, having once been labelled as “one of the best” goalkeepers the under-fire manager has ever worked with.
There’s merit behind his comments, too, with the ex-Burnley ‘keeper 78 clean sheets down in the challenging Premier League.
Still, Howe can’t afford to be stuck in the past, if he wants to keep his employment at St James’ Park, with Pope guilty of another error this season when rushing out of his goal rashly against Marseille, leaving Aubameyang with an open goal to shoot at in the process.
This would kickstart the Marseille comeback, with reporter Andy Kerr stating – at full-time – that something isn’t “right” with the 33-year-old at this moment in time, despite the 6-foot-6 ‘keeper previously being seen as a long-standing, reliable servant of the club.
Pope for Newcastle in November
Stat
Pope
Games played
4
Minutes played
347 mins
Clean sheets
1
Goals conceded
10
Stats by Sofascore
With ten goals now haphazardly given up all across November, Pope could be the next figure Howe considers getting rid of to try and make up some money for the Anderson kitty, with Aaron Ramsdale a competent enough replacement in the short-term.
With Pope’s wealth of Premier League experience, as well, surely a top-flight club would gamble dropping around £10m on the number one’s services, which is what Newcastle paid for him, despite being boldly labelled as “disgraceful” at the moment by Magpie Media.
Indeed, reports earlier this year indicated that PIF were looking for a fee of around £15m for the ageing stopper, heading into the summer window.
But, for Newcastle, where they are now, a fresh pair of gloves could be what’s needed, alongside a revamp up top to turn around their current slide, to put together some substantial funds to finally bring Anderson back to Tyneside.
Same agent as Tonali: Newcastle now eyeing January move to sign Serie A midfielder
The Magpies are looking to make up for the summer.
Life before VAR was different. When goals would fly in undissected and celebrations could go on uninterrupted. That was a life without the need for weekly referee shows and the dreaded wait for the finest offside calls, but it is ultimately the reality of modern-day Premier League football.
Alas, what if it wasn’t? What if VAR didn’t exist? And the Premier League was forced to rely on the timing of the linesman’s flag and the whistle of the referee and referee only?
Stat site quawka have played out that scenario and put together the Premier League table without VAR errors this season.
Premier League Set-Piece Goals Rankings 2025/2026
Who are the best from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins?
ByCharlie Smith Nov 12, 2025
The ‘errors’ are voted by Squawka followers in polls based on the most controversial VAR calls every week and the latest standings have now been revealed.
Note: The standings have been compiled on the basis that penalties which should have been awarded would have been converted.
20 Wolverhampton Wanderers: +/- 0 places
Unfortunately for Wolverhampton Wanderers fans, not even a life without VAR errors would be enough to stop their current rot. The Midlands side are yet to have an error go against them, but have actually had one go in their favour.
With or without VAR, Rob Edwards’ side sit rock bottom on two points and without a single win in the first 12 games of the Premier League season. Whether it comes courtesy of refereeing decisions or on their own merit, Wolves desperately need three points from somewhere.
19 Leeds United: -1 place
With one error going their way, Leeds United should be among the few sides grateful for VAR in the Premier League this season. The Whites would be two points worse off without it and one position lower than where they currently find themselves.
Defeat at the hands of Aston Villa left Daniel Farke’s men in the dropzone last time out and those at Elland Road now have the task of keeping their composure in a desperate attempt to survive at the first time of asking.
18 Burnley: +1 place
Although they’ve had one error go against them and none in their favour, Burnley’s point total wouldn’t change without VAR. The Clarets would remain on 10 points, but in 18th rather than 19th. That shows just how tight the relegation scrap is down at the bottom and the difficulty of the task on Scott Parker’s hands.
The Burnley boss will at least be hoping to have more VAR calls go in his side’s favour in the coming months.
17 West Ham United: +/- 0 places
Like Burnley, West Ham United’s point total wouldn’t change if VAR wasn’t around. The Hammers would still sit just outside the dropzone on 11 points, despite having one VAR error in their favour.
Nuno Espirito Santo has so far done an impressive job to steer those at the London Stadium in the right direction, but will be well aware that there’s still plenty to do, with or without the help of VAR.
16 Nottingham Forest: +/- 0 places
At their third attempt this season, it seems as though Nottingham Forest have got their managerial appointment right. Sean Dyche mirrored Nuno’s achievement from last season by winning at Anfield, but did so in far better style – thrashing the Reds 3-0 in shocking fashion.
It was in that game that the Tricky Trees had a VAR error go against them, when Igor Jesus’ goal was controversially disallowed for handball just before the break. It wasn’t enough to stop Forest, however, whose points and position have not been affected by the technology.
15 Brentford: -1 place
Having had two VAR errors go in their favour and two go against them, it’s been a busy season for the technology at Brentford. As it turns out, the Bees would rather have the video assistant available, given that they’d have lost a point without it and drop down to 15th.
It has been a solid start for Keith Andrews, who is proving doubters wrong every week, but he will be well aware that every point matters in the Premier League.
14 Fulham: +1 place
Fulham managerMarcoSilva
If anyone has reason to complain about VAR this season, it is Fulham. The West London side would move up one place in the Premier League and would have collected an extra two points without the technology this season.
Marco Silva’s men have had one error go their way and three go against them – the worst difference in the Premier League. As they look to push on from early relegation concerns, the Cottagers will be desperate for that to change.
13 Newcastle United: +1 place
Just like Fulham, Newcastle United would be two points better off without VAR and would be sat in 13th, rather than 14th. Of course, it still wouldn’t be enough to hide how poor Eddie Howe’s side have been at times in the current campaign, but life without the technology would have at least taken them closer to European places.
Howe is unlikely to look for excuses, however, and will be aware that the Magpies simply must kick on before they are down and out in the race for Champions League qualification. They’ve had two errors go their way and three against them.
12 Liverpool: +/- 0 places
Liverpool can’t even fall back on VAR controversy to hide just how disastrous their title defence is going. The Reds would still sit on just 18 points after 12 games without the technology.
That said, no team in the Premier League has had more VAR errors go against them than the four that Liverpool have. Whilst Arne Slot’s side simply haven’t been good enough, they could certainly do with a tad more luck when it comes to the officiating.
11 Bournemouth: -3 places
Without VAR, Bournemouth would be one point worse off and sit 11th rather than eighth — highlighting just how tight much of the Premier League table is after 12 games. The Cherries have largely impressed in the current campaign, but have had the fortune of enjoying two VAR errors in their favour and none against them.
Just one point adrift of the Champions League places, Andoni Iraola could yet Bournemouth to greater heights than ever before in the Premier League.
Southampton interim manager Tonda Eckert will be in the dugout for the next three Championship matches before a decision is made on his future at the club.
Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas added that the German tactician is bidding to land the role on a full-time basis, which makes these next three games an important audition for him.
He has already won his first two games in charge of the club, beating QPR 2-1 and Sheffield Wednesday 3-1, after stepping in because of Will Still’s departure.
Why Southampton need an upgrade on Will Still
The Saints need to find a manager who can be an upgrade on their previous head coach, as obvious as it sounds, because his track record before coming to St. Mary’s did not suggest that he was an obvious candidate.
Of course, finishing in midtable with two different Ligue 1 clubs as a 33-year-old head coach is impressive, given that it is one of the best leagues in Europe, but each manager has different skills that suit certain environments.
Southampton, from the outside looking in, appeared to need a leader who could galvanise the club after such a dismal relegation from the Premier League, whilst also having the coaching outlook required to mount a promotion push.
Will Still’s managerial career at league level
Season (league)
Games
Points (league position)
25/26 (Championship)
13
12 (21st)
24/25 (Ligue 1)
34
52 (8th)
23/24 (Ligue 1)
31
40 (11th)
22/23 (Ligue 1)
28
43 (11th)
20/21 (Pro League)
13
17 (9th)
17/18 (Challenger Pro League)
9
22 (3rd)
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Still, aside from nine games as an interim years before his first major job, had never been in an environment where he was expected to win consistently and be at the top of the table.
That lack of alignment between coaching and expectation may have been a contributing factor to Southampton ending up in 21st place in the table, with the benefit of hindsight.
Now, in what may be a controversial suggestion, Sport Republic could replace Eckert and find an upgrade on Still by returning to Russell Martin to hire him as their next manager.
Why Southampton should hire Russell Martin
It was reported earlier this month that the former Rangers boss still has admirers in the boardroom at St. Mary’s and it has been claimed that some first-team players and staff are open to his return, suggesting that he could be an option in their managerial search.
Like him or loathe him, Martin is a good communicator and can lead a group when there is buy-in and potential for positive momentum with results, which may not have worked out at Premier League level, or at Rangers.
The 39-year-old tactician’s style of play was described as “successful” and a “joy to watch” by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. Whilst they may have been untrue in the Premier League, it was certainly the case in the Championship, which is where Southampton are now.
Russell Martin’s attacking style of play
23/24 Championship
Southampton
League rank
Pass accuracy
87.7%
1st
Passes into the penalty area
594
1st
Progressive passes
2556
1st
Shot-creating actions
1255
1st
xG
79.8
2nd
Points per game
1.89
4th
Stats via FBref
When the Saints were promoted under Martin in the 2023/24 campaign, his team were incredible offensively, as shown in the table, above, as they went on to win the play-offs.
This shows that the ex-Swansea boss has the relevant experience required to take on the job at hand, as Southampton look to get promoted back to the top-flight, because he has been there and done it, which was not the case for Still in the summer.
There are major question marks over his Premier League capabability, due to one win in 16 matches last season in the division, which is why it would be interesting to see if he would consider a deal until the end of the season.
Bringing Martin in on a short-term deal until the end of this season to see if he can spark a reaction out of the players and use his experience to guide the team towards the play-offs, before a longer-term appointment is made with the Premier League in mind, could be a shrewd way to go about it.
Southampton face 'complex' Tonda Eckert visa issues as permission granted
One of Vitor Matos’ first transfer targets at Swansea City has now confirmed that he’s received contact from the Jacks ahead of a potential January move.
Vitor Matos instantly pinpoints "clear" Swansea problem
It wasn’t the start that Matos had been dreaming of on Tuesday evening, as Derby County battled to defeat a struggling Swansea, who now sit just two points clear of the Championship’s dropzone.
The former Liverpool coach would have been well aware that it’s not a quick fix in Wales, however, and has already pinpointed one “clear” issue that the Jacks had against Derby.
It’s clear that the young manager learned a thing or two from Jurgen Klopp during his time at Anfield, given his counter-pressing approach, but whether he can instill that approach into his side by this weekend remains to be seen.
Swansea square off against West Bromwich Albion knowing that defeat could leave them in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend.
It’s a squad in desperate need of reinforcements and Matos can’t afford any passengers in his pressing system – making the January window crucial.
It’s then that the new manager could welcome his first signing in Wales after Finland’s Leo Walta revealed contact from Swansea ahead of the winter window.
Leo Walta "ready" for big move after Swansea contact
Following initial reports that Kim Hellberg wanted to bring him to Wales before the manager chose Middlesbrough in controversial fashion, Swansea have kept their interest in Walta alive.
The Sirius midfielder could yet become Matos’ first signing after revealing that he’s already had contact from Swansea. Speaking to reporters, the 22-year-old said: “Yes. Yes, I have heard (from them). That they like me as a player and are interested.
“It’s quite early, we’re still in November. I’m going through different options, and we also have to talk to Sirius about the winter. I’m ready for a good league and to take a place straight away. I am a pretty good player, in my opinion, and I want to take a big step and see how far I can go.”
Instant blow for Matos as "one of Swansea City's key players" could now leave
An immediate concern for the managerial target.
ByTom Cunningham Nov 19, 2025
Still just 22 years old, Walta is undoubtedly one to watch, especially amid Swansea’s interest. The midfielder scored 17 goals and provided three assists in Sweden last season and could quickly become an impressive signing in Wales.
Already a Finland international, Walta is certainly ready to take the next step in his club career. Whether that results in a first signing for Matos remains to be seen, however.
Early blow for Matos: "Top clubs" now moving to sign Swansea's best young star
O Palmeiras enfrenta o São Paulo neste domingo (3), no Estádio do Morumbis, em jogo válido pela 11ª rodada do Paulistão 2024.
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Se a casa tricolor gerou muitas derrotas para o Palmeiras neste Século XXI, nos últimos anos Abel Ferreira conseguiu reverter a lógica e somar importantes pontos no Morumbi.
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Para um clube que ficou mais de 15 anos sem vencer o rival no Morumbis entre 2002 e 2018, já são três vitórias nas últimas duas temporadas. Uma pela primeira fase do Paulistão (2022) e duas pelo Brasileirão (2022 e 2023).
Com casa cheia, o São Paulo sempre dificulta a vida do time de Abel Ferreira, que agora busca a revanche do vice da Supercopa, um mês atrás, em Belo Horizonte.
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Mesmo já classificado em primeiro de seu grupo, o Palmeiras sabe o peso do clássico e deve ir com o time completo para tentar atrapalhar o rival que ainda não garantiu a sua vaga na fase final do Estadual.
O provável Palmeiras para encarar o São Paulo é: Weverton, Marcos Rocha, Murilo, Luan e Piquerez; Aníbal Moreno, Richard Rios, Zé Rafael e Raphael Veiga; Endrick e Flaco López.
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A bola rola para São Paulo x Palmeiras neste domingo (3), a partir das 20h (horário de Brasília), e o jogo terá transmissão da TNT/ HBO Max.
Leeds United are now set to make an imminent bid for Real Madrid star Gonzalo Garcia, following involvement from manager Daniel Farke.
Leeds have been urged to sign a new striker, having failed to score in five of their 11 Premier League matches up to this point, with Clinton Morrison saying: “If Leeds want to survive, they need to bring in an out-and-out goalscorer that’s going to get them the 10 to 15 goals to keep them in the Premier League, which is going to be difficult.
“Because in the Premier League. You’re only as good as your strikers. But I hope Leeds do stay up because it’s going to be difficult.”
Farke would’ve been hoping Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be the man to fire his side to safety, but the centre-forward has recorded an xG of just 2.02 in the Premier League so far this season, with his only goal coming in the 3-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers back in September.
With Joel Piroe goalless, Farke is short on top-quality options to rival Lukas Nmecha for a starting spot, and the West Yorkshire outfit are now set to make a move for a new striker ahead of the January transfer window.
Leeds set to make imminent bid for Gonzalo Garcia
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Leeds are now set to make an imminent bid for Real Madrid forward Garcia, with a formal £17m offer ready, and the Spanish club are willing to sanction his departure for a fee in that ballpark.
Farke has managed to convince the 49ers the 21-year-old could propel the Whites to Premier League safety, which means the board have now sanctioned a move, but there could be competition from rival Premier League clubs.
Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also preparing moves of their own, with Brighton and Sunderland also being named as potential suitors for the Spaniard, who has been unable to force his way into the Real Madrid starting XI this season.
Hailed as “world-class” by journalist Zach Lowy, the youngster has impressed when given the opportunity by Xabi Alonso, finding the back of the net four times in six outings at the Club World Cup, while also grabbing an assist in the Champions League this season.
Unfortunately for the five-time Spain U21 international, however, he is behind some global superstars in the Real Madrid pecking order, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo all vying for first-team spots, which means he is at risk of his development being hampered.
As such, Garcia should seek a move in the January transfer window, and he would become an instant cult hero at Elland Road if he were able to fire Leeds to safety…
Leeds looking to fund transfer business by selling "unbelievable" star in January Leeds open to selling £40k-p/w star who Firpo called "unbelievable" this January
The Whites are now willing to cash-in on a first-team star this winter, in order to reinvest the money raised into other areas of the squad.
“It will help in Shubman’s growth as a captain. It’s good if young and experienced play together”
Tristan Lavalette17-Oct-20252:16
What to expect from Rohit, Kohli in this phase of their careers?
The symbolism was striking. During India’s main training session ahead of the first ODI against Australia, Virat Kohli was having a typically intense hit with Rohit Sharma to his left in the next net at Optus Stadium.Shortly after, India’s last two Test and ODI skippers were joined in the nets by their successor Shubman Gill, who started preparation ahead of his ODI captaincy debut as a new era begins.Having set such a commanding tone launching his Test captaincy against England, where he finished as the highest run-scorer with 754 runs at an average of 75.40, Gill has suddenly become the face of Indian cricket.Although his predecessors, especially Kohli, still hog most of the attention publicly as gleaned by a strong Perth media presence and smattering of fans around Optus Stadium following their every move.Related
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It could be viewed as an awkward balancing act amid a transition for this India team after Kohli and Rohit dominated the leadership over the past decade, a particularly fruitful period across formats.But their presence will undoubtedly deflect some spotlight off Gill, who can ease into the role with the support of his sage team-mates as India make their first steps towards the 2027 World Cup.”This is a great experience for Shubman too. Rohit are here and Shubman is doing the captaincy. It will help in Shubman’s growth as a captain. It’s good if young and experienced play together.”While typically steely in the nets, Kohli has been notably jovial during the first couple of days of the Australian white-ball tour.After his 40-minute net session on Friday, Kohli clearly enjoyed himself bantering with several team-mates leading to much laughter all around. India’s training sessions have had a relaxed vibe around them, perhaps a sign of things to come in this new era.But much focus of this three-match ODI series will be on the performances of Rohit and Kohli, almost certainly their farewell on Australian soil, at the top of the order.Shubman Gill won his first Test series at home as captain•BCCI”If you look at their form, the way the two of them have prepared – they trained at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and also played practice games – I think they are ready performance-wise,” Axar said.”They look in good touch in the training sessions. And if you talk about their physical fitness, of course everyone has passed their fitness tests, I think they are ready to go.”The series is a chance for Gill, 26, to start moulding a XI in a bid to put his stamp on the ODI team. Axar, 31, looms as an intriguing player, whose versatility makes him so appealing in the shorter formats.Having been picked ahead of Ravindra Jadeja for this tour, there will be pressure on Axar who is set to bat at No.5 and will be India’s leading allrounder with Hardik Pandya on the sidelines due to injury.”I am very confident about this series,” Axar, who last played in Australia during the 2022 T20 World Cup, said. “In the Asia Cup, I did well with bat and ball. I am ready for the challenge.”If you look at my growth – I came here in 2015 for the first time during the World Cup – I have been with the Indian team regularly in recent years.”I know what I have to do. The team relies on me now – ‘it’s Axar, he can get us the results’. If you perform continuously, you get the confidence too.”I am more confident now and I know and I can do my bit to win games for my team.”
Play was halted for 15 minutes while the field was fumigated but the effect seemed to be temporary
Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Oct-2025
Bugs stopped play after 34 overs•ICC/Getty Images
The India v Pakistan fixture in Colombo was stopped for 15 minutes while the playing area at Khettarama was fumigated, to clear it of a swarm of insects. Play had been paused once before this, as less intensive insect-clearing methods were tried.The fumigation appeared to work only briefly. The insects – likely a variety of winged termite attracted to the stadium floodlights – seemed to return less than 10 minutes after play resumed. They continued to cause delays in play. Pakistan offspinner Rameen Shamim appeared to need to have an insect picked out of her eye in the 38th over.The bugs had begun to appear roughly 20 overs into India’s innings, just as the sun was setting. The insects were seen causing problems for the India batters and the Pakistan bowlers, with Nashra Sandhu particularly irked by the swarm. Five balls into the 28th over of the innings, Sandhu and captain Fatima Sana called for what appeared to be bug spray, and they applied it around the bowling crease, and on parts of their clothing.The drinks break was taken early during that first insect-related stop, but the insects continued to swarm near the centre of the playing area.After 34 overs, play was stopped, the cricketers left the field, and a man wearing a gas mask entered the playing area with a fumigation machine (fogging machine). Within minutes virtually the entire playing area was covered with anti-insect smoke. Play resumed after the smoke had cleared.”To be honest, you had to concentrate a lot more,” Jemimah Rodrigues said after India scored 247. “Couldn’t see much when the bugs were coming through.”Insect-related stoppages are uncommon in Sri Lanka, but are not unknown. Some species of termite swarm after rains, and during the wetter months of the year. This ground had seen rain on Saturday, when the Sri Lanka v Australia fixture had been washed out without a ball being bowled.