Tag Futebol

Till Monday evening, Priyansh Arya must have been a relative unknown. But the people who matter at three IPL franchises – Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – had certainly heard of him, and wanted him in their team for IPL 2025. Eventually, he went to PBKS, who forked out INR 3.80 crore (USD 450,000 approx.) for him. That’s what hitting six sixes in an over in a competitive local T20 league can do.But he did more than just hit those six sixes for South Delhi Superstarz at the inaugural Delhi Premier League in August this year. He was the leading run-scorer in the tournament, with 608 runs in ten innings opening the batting for his team.

Arya loves hitting sixes down the ground

In the very first match of the Delhi Premier League, against Old Delhi 6, Arya hit 57 runs in 30 balls, and followed it up with 82 in 51 balls against Central Delhi Kings, hitting seven sixes. The carnage continued. Against East Delhi Strikers, he scored 53 in 32 balls, against Old Delhi 6, he hit 107 runs in 55 balls, and against Central Delhi he again scored 88 in 42 balls.Then came that innings that made headlines. South Delhi Superstarz scored 308 for 5 in their 20 overs against North Delhi Strikers, and Arya contributed 120 in 50 balls in that. That was the game in which he hit Manan Bharadwaj, a left-arm spinner who even sent one delivery in right-handed to try something different, for six sixes in an over, the 12th of the innings. All of Arya’s sixes were in the “V” down the ground.Overall, his 608 runs came at a strike rate of 198.69 and an average of 67.56. He his 43 sixes in those ten innings.Priyansh Arya on Ayush Badoni: “I interact with him a lot on and off the pitch and his experience is very useful to me”•Delhi Premier League T20

On to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

The performance in the Delhi Premier League put Arya in the Delhi squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this season – he had played the tournament, as well as the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy, the previous season too – and while run-scoring hasn’t been as easy there as it was at the Delhi Premier League, he hit 102 in 43 balls, with five fours and ten sixes, against Uttar Pradesh. The timing couldn’t have been better: that century came November 23, the day before the IPL 2025 auction began.More importantly, take a look at who the Uttar Pradesh bowling line-up had: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shivam Mavi and Piyush Chawla. Apart from Bhuvneshwar, everyone conceded runs at more than ten an over.

The Gautam Gambhir connection

Arya’s parents are teachers in a government school in Delhi, and he trains under Sanjay Bhardwaj, Gautam Gambhir’s former coach.”When I was young, I used to watch Gautam Gambhir sir bat in the nets,” Arya told ESPNcricinfo during the Delhi Premier League. “When I grew up a little, I started talking to him. Apart from this, Ayush Badoni [of Lucknow Super Giants] is my good friend. He is also our captain in the Delhi Premier League and he has IPL experience also. So I interact with him a lot on and off the pitch and his experience is very useful to me.”

The bidding war at the IPL 2025 auction

DC first bid for Arya when he was introduced at his base price of INR 30 lakh on the second day of the auction in Jeddah. PBKS got involved. The price gradually reached INR 1 crore. RCB got involved around then. The price rose, till PBKS, who had more money to spare at that point, got their man at INR 3.80 crore.

يستعد عماد النحاس، المدير الفني المؤقت للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، لخوض مواجهة سيراميكا كليوباترا اليوم الجمعة، في الدوري المصري.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا كليوباترا على أرضية استاد القاهرة، في إطار لقاءات الجولة السابعة من الدوري المصري، في الثامنة مساء بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.

ويأمل النحاس، في قيادة الأهلي لاستعادة التوازن بعد الخسارة أمام بيراميدز والتعادل أمام إنبي في الدوري.

طالع.. تشكيل الأهلي أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا في الدوري.. عودة ياسر إبراهيم وبن شرقي أساسيًا

ويتولى النحاس، منصب المدير الفني بشكل مؤقت خلفًا للإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو بعد توجيه الشكر لحين التعاقد مع مدرب أجنبي

ويتواجد الأهلي في المركز السادس عشر بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 6 نقاط، من 5 مباريات، حقق الفوز في مباراة وتعادل في ثلاث، وتلقى هزيمة واحدة.

ويتواجد سيراميكا كليوباترا في المركز السابع بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، ولديه 10 نقاط من 5 مواجهات، فاز في 3 وتعادل في لقاء، وتلقى هزيمة وحيدة.

ويغيب عن الأهلي إمام عاشور بعد إصابته بفيروس A، وأحمد سيد زيزو بعد تعرضه للإصابة خلال المباراة الماضية. تشكيل الأهلي المتوقع أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا

حراسة المرمى: محمد الشناوي

خط الدفاع: محمد هاني – ياسر إبراهيم – ياسين مرعي – أحمد نبيل كوكا

خط الوسط: أليو ديانج – مروان عطية – محمد علي بن رمضان- تريزيجيه – أشرف بن شرقي

الهجوم: محمد شريف

Everton are building for the new campaign under David Moyes and have revived their interest in an experienced midfielder who could be available on the cheap this summer, according to a report.

Everton encounter confusion in Kenny Tete pursuit

Over the last few days, Everton appeared to be closing in on Fulham right-back Kenny Tete after talks were said to have progressed on a free transfer deal that would see the Dutchman pitch up at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

However, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Fulham have now submitted a fresh contract offer to Tete as his present terms at Craven Cottage come to an end, with a final decision on his future expected in the next few days.

He explained: “Fulham have sent today new improved contract proposal to Kenny Tete after he verbally agreed to join Everton earlier this week. Both Fulham and Everton have proposals on the table now for the right back who’s available as free agent. Final decision soon.”

Despite a deal looking signed and sealed, there may be more work to do for the Toffees on the market following recent developments, though David Moyes is seemingly wasting no time in his mission to strengthen.

Villarreal forward Thierno Barry could join Everton following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure, but they will seek to negotiate at a figure below his current £40 million release clause.

Dream Gueye replacement: Moyes pushing Everton to sign £17m "big game" star

Everton may need a replacement for Idrissa Gueye.

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 24, 2025

Plenty of bodies have gone out the door at Finch Farm and there is a need for strength in depth as the Toffees enter a new era under Moyes.

Now, Everton fans could have something to shout about after the Tete debacle amid news that their side have revived their interest in a proven Premier League midfielder.

Everton could sign Wilfred Ndidi for a bargain price

According to talkSPORT, Everton have revived their interest in Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and could land the Nigeria international for £9 million due to a release clause in his contract that is now active after the Foxes’ relegation.

Manchester United are also attentive to his situation, while Saudi Pro League clubs linger in the background, ready to offer the 28-year-old an escape route from the King Power Stadium.

Wilfried Ndidi’s Premier League campaign in numbers (Fotmob)
Chances created	17
Successful dribbles	13
Pass accuracy	82.4%
Duels won	177
Recoveries	127

Labelled “brilliant” by James Maddison, Ndidi registered one goal and five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions last campaign, though he couldn’t help his side escape relegation under Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s stewardship.

Possessing a high level of pedigree, the former KRC Genk man has won 65 caps at international level for Nigeria and would be an ideal replacement for Orel Mangala following the latter’s departure.

Nevertheless, competition is fierce for his signature, meaning Everton will need to act quick on the market to ensure he is wearing a different shade of blue next season.

Liverpool fell by the wayside under Arne Slot’s wing last season, the Dutch tactician getting the sack as the Anfield side failed to qualify for the Champions League and went without silverware.

That paragraph is completely, painfully incorrect, but it perhaps conveys the result that rivals had hoped for and expected after Jurgen Klopp packed his bags and left Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 term.

Liverpool might have lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, but things are going well indeed, with the Reds revelling in the glory of winning the Premier League and now making staggering moves in the transfer market.

FSG are planning for extensive changes this summer, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is sure to be the cream of the crop, currently in the process of signing for the Merseysiders.

However, Liverpool need new forwards too. Wirtz is technically an attacker, but he’s more of a playmaker, a string puller.

Liverpool looking for new forwards

With Luis Diaz potentially leaving Liverpool this summer, courted by Barcelona and Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, Reds sporting director Richard Hughes may want to turn toward a new wideman.

And if recent reports are to be believed, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is one of Liverpool’s top targets to replace their Colombian talent.

Gordon, however, has struggled to recapture his form from 2023/24, and given the Magpies want £80m for his sale, Liverpool might be better off focusing their time and resources elsewhere.

Though the England international’s dynamism and ability to shift across the frontline is something which echoes Diaz, who has played a false nine role at times in Slot’s set-up, there might be another option on the market who can play that Bobby Firmino-esque role.

Though Wirtz would be the obvious pick for such a position, he might actually be placed on the wing during his Liverpool career, for his ball-carrying skills are “out of this world”, according to one data analyst.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu, and while Arsenal are interested in striking a deal for the Brazilian, Liverpool have also been credited with an interest last month, holding discussions to ascertain the feasibility of launching an official bid.

But given Los Blancos would be hoping to bank around €100m (£84m) for the 24-year-old’s sale, FSG would need to be certain he’s the man for the job.

Luckily, Rodrygo ticks all the boxes, and could be the perfect fit.

Why Liverpool should sign Rodrygo

Real Madrid signed Rodrygo from Brasileiro Serie A giants Santos in a deal worth €45m (£39m) back in 2019, when the talented young forward turned 18.

He’s been immense in white, praised as a “world-class superstar” by former teammate Luka Modric. Rodrygo perhaps doesn’t get the acclaim teammates like Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham reap, but then he’s often placed on the right flank, which he doesn’t enjoy.

That’s because it inhibits the right-footer’s goalscoring, and given that Mohamed Salah has extended his Liverpool contract by two years, the Brazil star shouldn’t have that problem, instead allowed to play on the left or in the false nine role that Diaz has performed across the past year.

Right winger

145

34

30

Centre-forward

82

22

8

Left winger

78

23

16

Attacking midfield

4

–

1

It’s not as if he hasn’t played in the centre before, and with such dynamic technical qualities, Rodrygo could become Salah’s new Firmino, ranking as he does among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as per FBref.

Regarded as a “magician” by Statman Dave, the £202k-per-week talent has a similar silkiness to his compatriot, who in his Liverpool pomp was one of the most elegant and influential forwards in the business.

Excitingly, Rodrygo is also a superior finisher to Firmino, evidenced by his missing just one big chance in La Liga this season, converting six big chances, as per Sofascore.

Moreover, he’s one of the definitive big-game players of his generation, as evidenced by his immense record in the Champions League knockout rounds.

As Liverpool look to clinch number seven in the coming years, Rodrygo’s profile would be doubly important. You’d have to say, his record and indeed future potential suggest Liverpool would be better off moving for him than pushing ahead with a move for Newcastle’s Gordon.

With Salah likely entering the penultimate year of his legendary Liverpool career, finding the right formula to win the Champions League is going to be crucial for the Egyptian, who would certainly relish the opportunity to play alongside a seasoned continental star like Rodrygo.

And further to the point, Rodrygo’s finishing could find the perfect battery power in Salah, who stormed his way toward the Premier League Playmaker award this season, scoring 34 goals from 52 matches in all competitions but also laying on 23 assists.

Two years ago, Salah declared his departing Brazilian peer would be remembered as one of “the best players to ever play for Liverpool”, and now he could find a new incarnation of Bobby Dazzler in Rodrygo.

Only a few months ago, in March, Jude Bellingham claimed Rodrygo is “the most gifted player in the squad.”

It’s clear that Rodrygo isn’t drawing the praise he perhaps deserves, and if Liverpool were to make their move, he could become a bona fide superstar in the Premier League, acting as the connective force in the frontline to elevate Salah and combine with Wirtz.

Rodrygo, for sure, could emulate his iconic countryman Firmino and become a staple of the incipient era at Anfield.

Better than Gyokeres: Liverpool dream of signing "the best ST in the world"

Liverpool plan on signing a new centre-forward in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 7, 2025

Aston Villa may not be playing Champions League football next season, but that hasn’t deterred Unai Emery from trying to sign high-profile players this summer.

Indeed, Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho has been linked with a stunning move to the Midlands, while a potential move for Jack Grealish would surely satisfy the football romantics at Villa Park.

These two players would bolster the first-team squad, without a shadow of a doubt, and this is the type of player the club should be targeting.

Might Emery also be keen on raiding Liverpool for one of their young gems this summer? A move for a midfielder who didn’t enjoy the best of seasons under Arne Slot could be on the table.

Aston Villa could see bid accepted for Liverpool starlet

Harvey Elliott has been recently linked with a move to Villa this summer, and this could be a shrewd piece of business by the Spaniard.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Former Villa scout, Bryan King – speaking about that speculation – suggested that the Midlands side could potentially see a bid accepted of around £30m, should they wish to firm up their interest:

“He is a player who has come up through the system, and he’s a London boy; his parents are from London. Therefore, watch this space, a London-based club might also be interested in him. I’d imagine that Liverpool would accept £30m for Elliott, that is how much they’ll want.”

In today’s market, £30m could turn into a bargain, especially as he shares similar qualities to a certain Cole Palmer.

Why Aston Villa must sign Harvey Elliott

Palmer is arguably one of the finest English attacking midfielders in the country right now. During his two full seasons at Chelsea, he has registered 40 goals and 27 assists across just 91 matches.

This works out as a goal involvement every 1.3 matches for the Blues. Therefore, signing someone who exuded these sorts of skills, for a fraction of the price, should be high on Emery’s list of priorities.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

28

5

3

2023/24

53

4

14

2022/23

46

5

2

2021/22

12

1

1

2019/20

8

0

1

Indeed, Palmer is the eighth-most comparable player to Elliott in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref, judging by their respective statistical profiles, with the pair both creative, left-footed playmakers who can operate centrally or on the right flank.

The pair have registered similar statistics across several metrics, including shots per 90 (4.12 vs 3.41), shots on target per 90 (0.97 vs 1.24), shot-creating actions per 90 (5.11 vs 5.7) and successful take-on percentage (44.4% vs 45.1%) in the Premier League last term.

Previously hailed as a “machine” for his tireless work rate by journalist Sam McGuire, it appears as though his spell at Anfield is coming to an end.

The midfielder started just eight of his 28 appearances for Liverpool last term, and with the signing of Florian Wirtz imminent, Elliott will be deemed surplus to requirements.

This should put Emery on high alert, especially if he can secure his signature for the aforementioned £30m fee this summer.

The next few weeks could be interesting indeed for the Villa faithful as they wait and see who will arrive at the club.

Aston Villa now want to sign £25m Chelsea ace as replacement for Martinez

Aston Villa have identified a new goalkeeper who they think could replace Emi Martinez.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 13, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur could sign a big-name Premier League star if they manage to win the Europa League, according to reports, with a lot already on the line as Spurs aim to make history by lifting their first major trophy in 17 years.

Tottenham face Bodo/Glimt in crunch Europa League semi-final

Norwegian minnows and this year’s unlikely Europa semi-finalists, Bodo/Glimt, stand between Ange Postecoglou and Spurs’ first European final since 2019.

Manager open to immediate Tottenham talks after missing out on Man United

He appears pretty keen on Spurs.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 30, 2025

However, they would be foolish to take them lightly, considering Bodo/Glimt are in this position for a reason, not to mention fresh off knocking Serie A giants Lazio out in the quarter-finals.

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

On paper, the north Londoners blow them away in terms of quality, but crazier upsets have occurred in Europe. Postecoglou will be fully aware that his side have a tough task on their hands, with the Australian praising Bodo/Glimt heading into their two-legged tie.

“Yeah, they have been pretty consistent the last few years, obviously the same manager and core group of players, but definitely a distinct style of football that they have stuck to, and they’ve had success with,” said Postecoglou about Bodo/Glimt.

“They’ve been pretty consistent in the Norwegian league but also in Europe and every game they’ve played, irrespective of the opposition, they’ve played some really good quality opposition in Europe and always been really competitive. I think that is very borne from the fact they are very stable, have a clear understanding of how they play their football. It will be a good challenge for us.”

Tottenham are in dire need of a successful European campaign after their dire 2024/2025 domestically, having lost an unacceptable 19 Premier League games, with real uncertainty surrounding Postecoglou’s long-term future as a result.

Postecoglou could even leave Spurs regardless of their success in the Europa League (The Telegraph), but even if the former Celtic boss is destined to leave N17, winning the competition could significantly boost their hopes of attracting key transfer targets in the summer.

Victory in the Europa League would mean qualification for next season’s Champions League, with £300,000-per-week Man United outcast and current Aston Villa star Marcus Rashford on Spurs’ shortlist.

Tottenham could sign Marcus Rashford if they win the Europa League

Tottenham are believed to be in the race to sign Rashford this summer, once his Villa loan expires, and the England forward appears to have many options after an impressive temporary stint in the Midlands.

As per Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Lilywhites are outside contenders for the 27-year-old as things stand, and Tottenham only stand a chance of signing Rashford if they win the Europa League.

This comes as a pretty intriguing update, and one which adds yet more weight to their semi-final tie. Rashford would be a great addition for Postecoglou or any prospective new manager, but there will be some negotiating to do around his mammoth salary.

Tottenham’s current highest earner, Son Heung-min, is only on around £190,000-per-week by comparison, and it is highly unlikely chairman Daniel Levy would be willing to cripple the club’s wage bill to sign Rashford.

It’s never straightforward with Manchester United, is it?

With just seconds remaining, the Red Devils looked to have secured an invaluable first-leg win over Lyon on Thursday evening, with Joshua Zirkzee’s late header steering the visitors into a deserved 2-1 lead on the night. And then…

With almost the last kick of the game, the Ligue 1 side ensured that this Europa League tussle is very much alive heading into next week’s reverse fixture at Old Trafford, with Rayan Cherki pouncing at the death to dink home.

The French outfit had initially taken the lead courtesy of Thiago Almada’s free-kick, albeit with United hitting back in first-half stoppage time, as Leny Yoro netted his first goal for the club with an inventive, glancing header.

Zirkzee’s own bullet header at the backpost looked to have been enough to seal the win, yet as it is, the tie is certainly still finely poised – largely thanks to the impact of one man, Andre Onana…

Andre Onana's costly display

Quite what Onana was thinking prior to the match – when insisting that the Red Devils are “way better” than their opponents – is difficult to fathom, with the Cameroonian ‘keeper engaging in a war of words with ex-Old Trafford star, Nemanja Matic.

Related "At least I've won trophies": Onana hits back at Matic "worst 'keeper" claim

Matic had sent a brutal dig to Onana ahead of Man Utd’s Europa League clash with Lyon.

Posts ByStephan Georgiou Apr 9, 2025

While the Serbian giant watched on from the substitutes bench, one of the “worst goalkeepers in Man Utd’s history” – as so dubbed by Matic – was very much in the thick of the action. Having talked the talk, the 28-year-old, unfortunately, couldn’t walk the walk.

In almost inevitable fashion, it was Onana’s blunder that allowed Lyon to sneak into the lead in the opening exchanges, with the former Inter man failing to deal with Almada’s relatively routine in-swinging set-piece.

The £47.5m flop – who has now made more errors since the start of last season than any other Premier League goalkeeper in all competitions – looked to have got away with one as both Yoro and Zirkzee nodded home, with the experienced stopper even taking the time to rile up the home crowd even further when taking a typically laboured goal kick late on.

Much to the delight of the hosts, however, it was they who would have the last laugh, with Onana proceeding to spill the ball into the path of the lively Cherki at the death, with the dazzling Frenchman duly converting.

From one horrow show to another then as far as United are concerned, with Ruben Amorim also likely to be deeply frustrated by the performance of a man at the other end of the pitch, in Rasmus Hojlund.

The Man Utd star who now needs to be sold

Talk is already rife that Amorim is seeking a new goalkeeper this summer, with reports also suggesting that Onana has been the subject of interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, amid the possibility of an end to his two-season stay in Manchester.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Expand Collapse

On current evidence, the one-time Ajax star could well be joined through the exit door by young Hojlund, with the 22-year-old looking like a player who “will be up for sale” at the end of the season, in the words of journalist Tom McDermott.

Branded with a 4/10 match rating from MEN correspondent, Samuel Luckhurst, the struggling Dane was again simply lifeless in attack for the away side, having been restricted to just 11 touches, while making just two passes in total on the night.

Rasmus Hojlund’s stats vs Lyon

Stat

Record

Minutes played

63′

Touches

11

Shots on target

1

Shots off target

1

Passes completed

2/3

Key passes

2

Ground duels

0/3

Aerial duels

N/A

Possession lost

3x

Fouls

1

Stats via Sofascore

While those were both recognised as ‘key passes’, the former Atalanta starlet did little of any note prior to his withdrawal on the hour mark, with the misfiring striker failing to pounce on a rare opening after scuffing his attempt wide following Patrick Dorgu’s pull-back.

The £85k-per-week marksman – who also failed to win a single duel up against the Lyon backline – memorably passed the ball out of play down the right flank at one stage, having also drawn the ire of Bruno Fernandes after failing to read the Portuguese playmaker’s dummy inside the area.

Whether it be failing to beat his man when running in behind, or struggling to keep hold of possession, Hojlund simply looks lost at present, having now scored just once in all competitions since mid-December.

With only eight goals to his name across all fronts this season, United’s number nine – who has been linked with a return to Serie A – appears to be on borrowed time, not least with speculation ramping up regarding the potential addition of Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.

Having seen his replacement, Zirkzee, take little time to make an impact, Hojlund must surely be second fiddle ahead of next week’s meeting at the Theatre of Dreams. Much like Onana too, this Erik ten Hag signing could find himself on the scrap heap this summer.

No longer can the Red Devils accept mediocrity at both ends of the pitch.

Related Amorim already has his own Matheus Cunha in Man Utd's "sensational" talent

Man Utd have been heavily linked with a summer swoop for the Wolves sensation…

Posts 1 ByRobbie Walls Apr 10, 2025

The South Africa captain’s composed fifty and his gutsy call to bowl Maharaj proved to be the difference in a nervy win

Firdose Moonda16-Nov-20254:55

Philander: ‘On that surface 123 was like 350-400’

Sometimes a captain gets a feeling of what to do. With tea looming at Eden Gardens on a tense day three, Temba Bavuma had one of those times.India needed 47 runs with three wickets in hand. In reality, they had only two because of Shubman Gill’s injury-enforced absence. Left-hand batter Axar Patel was on strike. He had 10 runs off 12 balls and looked steady but not particularly dangerous. Aiden Markram’s three overs had cost just five runs and he had burgled a wicket, so it seemed sensible to keep him and build pressure. Bavuma had a different idea.Despite the risk that would come from turning the ball into Axar, Bavuma turned to his left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Immediately, it looked like a stroke of genius.Axar could not resist the offer and slog-swept Maharaj to deep midwicket, where Ryan Rickelton was positioned for that shot. But looking into the sun and with spectators in the background potentially blurring his view, Rickelton lost the ball. What could have been a catch became a boundary and suddenly, Bavuma’s decision looked like a tactical blunder, especially with so few runs to play with. It got even worse when Axar hit Maharaj for two sixes in the next three balls and shaved off a third of what India needed in four balls and wasn’t done.Related

Bavuma and South Africa look to silence every last doubter in Guwahati

'Job's far from done' – Conrad eyes series win

Thrills vs skills: Are Test pitches sacrificing balance in favour of results?

Bavuma, Harmer and Jansen script sensational South Africa win

The Bavuma-Bosch 'turning point' in Harmer's Test at Eden Gardens

Axar went again off the fifth ball, another slog sweep, but he top-edged it. The ball hung and then dipped through the Kolkata air for the longest few seconds of the last three days.Bavuma sprinted from midwicket to almost long-on and initially looked like he had run too far. The ball was almost behind him when, looking back, he got his self-labelled “small hands” to it and held on by his fingertips. “There’s not much time to think during those moments. The ball went quite high, so I was just trying to make sure that I caught the ball,” Bavuma said after the match.When he did, Bavuma also proved his own plan, which seemed to be unravelling over the previous four balls, right. How had he felt in the moment when Axar was attacking? “You try and keep to your wits. The decision [to bowl Maharaj] stays a decision. It doesn’t change because of the way the guy is batting,” he said. “I knew there was sense behind the decision, so at no point did I second-guess the decision.”That was the way Bavuma played for most of this match.After his first-innings dismissal for 3, when he fell to Kuldeep Yadav’s leg-side trap, Bavuma rewrote his role in the game with a match-winning second-innings 55 not out, which showed a level of self-assurance of a player at his peak. No other batter made more than 39 in the match as variable bounce and, what Bavuma called, “spin that was a little bit on the extreme side yesterday” planted confusion through their game plans. “He went against the grain of everybody else in the match,” Shukri Conrad, South Africa’s coach, said.One of the biggest differences between Bavuma’s innings and everyone else’s was the way he absorbed pressure in the early stages. He scored just four runs off the first 23 balls he faced, and 17 of those deliveries were from the spinners, who were brilliant in squeezing South Africa. “You feel suffocated as a batter but Temba was comfortable. I don’t think anybody’s ever happy to be suffocated but he was comfortable that if he stuck to his game plan, knowing he was going to get beaten by balls on the outside, but as long as he didn’t get beaten on the inside, he knew he could bat through this,” Conrad said.Bavuma explained that given the conditions, he had to rely on the blueprint that is built around the block more than usual. “I found it a bit tricky to trust the bounce of the wicket. Some balls were bouncing nicely, others were squatting, so that was a bit tricky, which made cross-batted shots a bit harder but I always back my defence. My game is that simple. I try to play around my defence,” Bavuma said.2:08

Philander: Conrad’s done himself justice as South Africa coach

In total, he defended 59 of the 136 balls he faced, and the bulk of that was on the second evening, when some of South Africa’s shot selection left much to be desired. While Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs were done by lack of turn, Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi by extra bounce, Markram swept straight to short leg and Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen got slog sweeps horribly wrong. Bavuma was on 29 off 78 balls overnight. His only two aggressive shots were a sweep off Ravindra Jadeja and a backfoot punch off Kuldeep Yadav that went for four.The sweep came out a few more times on the third day, when Bavuma had to drag South Africa to a defendable total and could not have done it without support from Corbin Bosch, with whom he added 44 for the eighth wicket. Their approach on the third morning was to “just try and play what’s in front of me and try not to have too many preconceived ideas”, Bavuma said.That mindset brought what Conrad called a “calmness” to South Africa overall because they know that even though Bavuma is as likely as anyone to get a ball he can’t keep out, he very seldom gives his wicket away and works for every run. Bavuma created his own opportunities to accumulate singles (33) and twos (3) by playing with soft hands and setting off for his runs quickly, often just as he had hit the ball. “The fact that he’s been here before might also have given him that bit of confidence,” Conrad said.But being in India before was also humiliating for Bavuma, especially his most recent visit in 2023, at this very ground. Eden Gardens was where he finished the ODI World Cup as the only member of the top five not to score a century and where he played in the semi-final with a hamstring injury. He hasn’t hidden away from what he called his own “poor record” in the country and had come on this Test tour determined to improve on that and prove himself in these conditions. Now, South Africa are unbeaten in 11 Tests under his captaincy.That he has achieved something special was evident when the almost 40,000 people who came to watch the match on Sunday gave him a standing ovation when he reached his half-century. Though they were stunned into silence by his catch later on, it was clear that the Kolkata faithful appreciated South Africa’s efforts, and Bavuma may well have won them over. “It was crazy. Obviously the crowd cheers quite loudly when India has done something good but it gives us energy and keeps us connected to the game. As much as it spurs on the Indian team, it also has a positive influence on us,” Bavuma said.And sometimes when you have a feeling that things are going your way, you end up with a result like South Africa’s.

Just eight points separating table-toppers Tasmania and fifth-placed South Australia, while bottom-of-the-ladder Queensland could still make a late push

Tristan Lavalette02-Feb-2024Tasmania (29.77 points)You’re forgiven if you’ve forgotten that Tasmania currently head the table narrowly ahead of two-time defending champions Western Australia.Tasmania finished fifth last season and haven’t won the Shield since 2012-13 when George Bailey was skipper and Ricky Ponting had a fitting farewell after his retirement from international cricket.But they were the surprise package in the first half of the season, highlighted by an incredible chase of 432 against Queensland at Bellerive Oval. After thrashing NSW by an innings, Tasmania were sitting clear on top until they lost the rematch when they were routed for just 68 chasing 143 on a treacherous SCG wicket.Tasmania will look to restart strongly against Queensland at the Gabba, but will be without injured quicks Nathan Ellis and Lawrence Neil-Smith, who has had a breakout season with 25 wickets at 23.72 including a ten-wicket haul against NSW at the SCG.Matthew Wade, who smashed a hundred in the chase against the Bulls, is being rested ahead of Australia’s T20I series against West Indies.Tasmania squad vs Queensland: Jordan Silk (capt), Gabe Bell, Iain Carlisle, Jake Doran, Jarrod Freeman, Bradley Hope, Caleb Jewell, Mitchell Owen, Samuel Rainbird, Billy Stanlake, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Beau WebsterAaron Hardie’s absence could hurt Western Australia•Getty ImagesWestern Australia (28.22)A short-handed WA started their title defence with an innings thrashing of Victoria in a rematch of last season’s final. It was an ominous statement to the competition, but things have become tougher since with WA only winning two of their next five matches.Both were against South Australia, including escaping with a two-wicket win at the WACA. Much like Perth Scorchers in the BBL, WA have felt vulnerable in their quest for a hat-trick of Shield titles and there have been signs of slippage.WA will be without Australia ODI squad members Josh Inglis, Lance Morris and Aaron Hardie, who has enjoyed a superb Shield season with averages of 45.5 with the bat and 21.45 with the ball. Jhye Richardson also remains absent due to his side strain.WA will test their depth against NSW at the WACA as they look to exact revenge after copping a ten-wicket thrashing at the SCG in their only defeat this season. Cameron Green won’t play against NSW due to his Australia commitments, but after the ODI series, he is set to play in the Shield in preparation for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.Fergus O’Neill has had a breakout season•Getty ImagesWestern Australia squad vs New South Wales: Sam Whiteman (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Hilton Cartwright, Sam Fanning, Cameron Gannon, Jayden Goodwin, Liam Haskett, Matthew Kelly, Joel Paris, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Charlie Stobo, Teague WyllieVictoria (26.12)After starting the season with two massive defeats, last season’s runners-up Victoria slowly found form and a tense 23-run away victory against South Australia kept them near the top of the table.The teams will renew their rivalry at the Junction Oval, but one-time Test opener Will Pucovski has been ruled out after experiencing delayed concussion symptoms after a blow to the head in a second XI game last week.In better news for Victoria, wicketkeeper Sam Harper has been cleared to play after suffering a horrific head injury at a Melbourne Stars’ training session in the later stages of the BBL.Captain Will Sutherland and batting allrounder Matt Short are unavailable after being included in Australia’s ODI squad. Nic Maddinson has been named to play his first Shield game of the season after missing the early part of the summer due to a knee injury, while veteran seamer Scott Boland also returns.There will be a lot of attention on rising quick Fergus O’Neill, who was a standout before the break with 21 wickets at 17.57.Victoria squad vs South Australia: Peter Handscomb (capt), Scott Boland, Xavier Crone, Sam Elliott, Marcus Harris, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Nic Maddinson, Jon Merlo, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Mitch Perry, Tom RogersNathan Lyon has been given a break•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesNew South Wales (21.59)After a winless bottom-placed finish last season, NSW appeared set for more misery but wins against WA and Tasmania have revived their campaign.The Blues reverted to youth and it paid off as they rose in the ladder to be within striking distance of an unexpected finals spot. NSW face a tough challenge first up in Perth, where they’ve struggled over the years to handle the WACA’s pace and bounce.Emerging batter Sam Konstas is unavailable due to the Under-19 World Cup, but NSW will be bolstered by experienced batter Daniel Hughes and allrounder Jack Edwards, who both starred for Sydney Sixers in the BBL. Nathan Lyon won’t line up against WA after a hectic Test summer.New South Wales squad vs Western Australia: Jackson Bird, Ollie Davies, Jack Edwards, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hackney, Liam Hatcher, Moises Henriques (capt), Daniel Hughes, Blake Macdonald, Blake Nikitaras, Jack Nisbet, Chris TremainNathan McSweeney continues to be one of the best batters in the Shield•Getty ImagesSouth Australia (21.41)If South Australia’s Shield drought extends to a 28th season, they might just rue agonising defeats to WA and Victoria. But the Redbacks did celebrate a remarkable three-run win against Queensland in a first half of the season that tested their nerves.After five consecutive wooden spoons, South Australia lifted off the bottom last season and they’ve continued to show signs of improvement with two outright victories so far this season.Head coach Jason Gillespie is seemingly getting the best out of his squad with the hierarchy’s decision to focus on luring fringe players from other states paying dividends.Nathan McSweeney continues to be one of the best batters in the Shield and sits behind only Cameron Bancroft on this season’s run-scorers’ list, while the Redbacks boast a formidable pace attack led by Nathan McAndrew, who has taken 30 wickets at an average of 19.20.But they will be without explosive young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, who is set to make his international debut in the ODI series against West Indies. He made his first Shield century with a typically belligerent knock against Victoria before the break.South Australia squad vs Victoria: Jake Lehmann (capt), Nathan McSweeney, Wes Agar, Jordan Buckingham, Jake Carder, Brendan Doggett, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Liam ScottQueensland will miss Xavier Bartlett, who made his ODI debut on Friday•Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesQueensland (15.12)Queensland need to make up ground quickly having fallen away since their innings victory against Victoria in round two. But the stunning BBL triumph of Brisbane Heat – a team built around a core of Bulls players – might just provide the spark needed for Queensland to turn things around in the longer format.Queensland have selected opener Angus Lovell to make his Shield debut against Tasmania, while veteran batter Ben McDermott returns with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne absent.Seamer Xavier Bartlett is unavailable after making a spectacular international debut against West Indies in Friday’s ODI at the MCG.Queensland squad vs Tasmania: Jimmy Peirson (capt), Joe Burns, Jack Clayton, Liam Guthrie, Angus Lovell, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Gurinder Sandhu, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wildermuth

Also: how many women have scored World Cup centuries in a losing cause?

Steven Lynch08-Mar-2022Sakibul Gani followed his 341 on debut with 98 and 101 in the next match. Has anyone scored more runs after three first-class innings? asked Azweer from India, among many others

That astonishing start from Bihar’s Sakibul Gani has seen him score 341 against Mizoram in Kolkata (the record score for anyone on first-class debut), followed by 98 and 101 not out against Sikkim at Eden Gardens (the first match was at the Jadavpur University Campus).Gani’s 540 runs is a record for a player’s first three first-class innings, surpassing 494 (12, 290 and 194) by the New Zealander Bill Carson for Auckland in 1936-37. Gani made 38 and 23 in his next match, so did not pass the Australian Bill Ponsford’s records of 616 runs after four-class innings, and 724 after five. The records for six and seven innings – 831 and 900 runs – were set by the Afghanistan batter Bahir Shah in 2017-18. Ponsford reached 1000 runs in his eighth innings, the record at the moment.Sophie Devine scored 108 in the World Cup opener, but still lost – how many other women have scored a World Cup century but finished on the losing side? asked Deborah Mitchell from New Zealand

That hundred by New Zealand’s captain Sophie Devine in the opening match against West Indies in Mount Manganui last week was the sixth time that an individual century had not been enough to bring victory in a Women’s World Cup match. The seventh was not long coming: Nat Sciver scored an unbeaten 109 for England as they ran Australia close next day in Hamilton.Devine was the third New Zealander on the list, after her current team-mates Suzie Bates, with 102 against Australia in Cuttack in February 2013, and Amy Satterthwaite, who hit 103 a week later against England in Mumbai.There have also been two cases for India: Harmanpreet Kaur made an undefeated 107 in vain against England in Mumbai in 2013, and Punam Raut 106 against Australia in Bristol in 2017. The other instance – and the highest such score – was made by Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, with 178 not out against Australia, also in Bristol in 2017. Despite Athapaththu’s remarkable effort, Sri Lanka managed only 257 for 9 in their 50 overs, which Australia chased down with some ease; Meg Lanning hit 152 not out.In the men’s World Cups, it has happened on 40 occasions.I heard that Shakib Al Hasan is the only batter in ODI history whose average never fell below 30 in his entire career. Is this true? asked Fahim from Bangladesh

Well, it’s partly true: Shakib Al Hasan currently averages 37.62 in one-day internationals, and the lowest his average has ever been was 30.91. But, given a qualification of 30 innings, there are no fewer than 31 other men whose average has also never been below 30 (including Eoin Morgan, who once averaged exactly 30). Of these, three have never averaged below 40: Imam-ul-Haq of Pakistan, whose lowest to date is 49.18, and the retired Australian pair of Michael Hussey (47.89) and Michael Bevan (42.33). This record is perhaps overly dependent on someone making at least 30 in their first ODI innings.Shane Warne played 145 Tests without ever representing Australia in a T20I•Jack Atley/Fairfax Media/Getty ImagesWho has played the most Tests without ever playing a one-day international, and what’s the equivalent record for T20s? asked David Knight from England

Leaving aside players like Godfrey Evans, who won 91 Test caps but had retired before the first one-day international in 1971, the ODI record is held by England’s Mark Butcher, who won 71 Test caps without ever featuring in England’s one-day team (this always struck me as slightly odd, as he had a very respectable record in List A cricket). Next comes the New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner, who has so far played 58 Tests without a single white-ball appearance. The former England captain MJK Smith played 50 Tests, but no ODIs, although his international career only just stretched into the ODI era. Of players who made their Test debut after ODIs started, Butcher and Wagner lead the way, then come the Sri Lankans Kaushal Silva (39 Tests) and Tharanga Paranavitana (32), alongside England’s Rory Burns (32 Tests).Moving to T20Is, Shane Warne played 145 Tests without appearing in a 20-over international, which started towards the end of his great career. Considering only players who made their Test debut after the first official T20I early in 2005, the leader is Cheteshwar Pujara (95 Tests), ahead of Azhar Ali (91), Dimuth Karunaratne at 75 and Kraigg Brathwaite and Dean Elgar bracketed together on 74. All of these players did play some ODIs.What are the best bowling figures by a captain in ODIs and T20Is? asked Ramaswamy Gohel from India

The best by a captain in ODIs is 7 for 36, by Waqar Younis, for Pakistan against England at Headingley in 2001. Next, rather surprisingly perhaps, comes Viv Richards, with 6 for 41 for West Indies against India in Delhi in 1989-90. There have been three more six-fors, by Dwayne Bravo (2012-13), Gulbadin Naib (2019) and Waqar again, with 6 for 59 two days later in 2001 at Trent Bridge.There are a further 21 instances of a captain taking a five-for in a one-day international. Waqar did it three times in all, and Greg Chappell, Jason Holder, Shahid Afridi and Wasim Akram twice.In T20Is the best figures by a captain are 6 for 18, by Argentina’s Hernan Fennell against Panama in a World Cup Americas Region qualifier in Antigua in November 2021. Next comes Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, with 5 for 6 against New Zealand in Pallekele in September 2019.There are four other cases of a captain talking a five-for in a T20I, by Moazzam Baig (Malawi), Charles Perchard (Jersey), Ahmed Raza (UAE) and Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh).Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions