Category Uncategorized

Also: which other team has won a Test with their two leading run scorers at the crease like New Zealand did?

Steven Lynch29-Jun-2021When New Zealand completed victory in the World Test Championship final, their two all-time leading run scorers were at the crease. Has this ever happened before for a Test-winning side? asked Raymond Rulach from England
It was very fitting that Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor should be batting together at the climax of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton last week: as you say, they top New Zealand’s Test-runs list at the moment (after the match, Taylor had 7564 and Williamson 7230; during the game Williamson passed Stephen Fleming’s tally of 7172).The deft database skills of ESPNcricinfo’s Shiva Jayaraman uncovered four previous instances of a country’s top two run scorers being at the crease for a Test victory. Two of them were by Aravinda de Silva and Arjuna Ranatunga for Sri Lanka – against Zimbabwe in Colombo in 1997-98, and against Australia in Kandy in September 1999. The others were by Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid for India against Australia in Bengaluru in 2010-11, and Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith for South Africa against Australia in Cape Town in 2011-12 (the match in which Australia were bowled out for 47, after being 21 for 9 at one point).There have been 28 further Tests in which a country’s top two run scorers at the time finished on the winning side, but were not together at the crease at the end.When was the last six-day Test before the World Championship final? asked Michael Jones from England
The exciting World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton last week was the first Test scheduled to last six days since another ICC showpiece, the Super Series match in Sydney in 2005-06 – but that one finished in four days, with Australia romping home by 210 runs against a star-studded World XI.The last Test that ran to six days was between Sri Lanka and West Indies in Moratuwa in December 1993, which was extended to include the rest day after the first was rained off – but the last two days fell foul of the weather too. The last Test to have play on a sixth day was Australia vs Pakistan in Sydney in 1989-90, but that was still drawn since no play had been possible on the first, second and fifth days.The last Test before the 2005-06 Super Series which was scheduled in advance to run for six days had been the sixth match between India and West Indies in 1978-79, in Kanpur. Bad light and rain meant there was no play on the fifth day of that game; the last Test to feature play on each of six scheduled days was New Zealand vs England in Auckland in 1977-78 (it didn’t help much: the match was still drawn).Has there ever been a case of three scores of 90-99 in a Test innings? asked Dawood from India
There has never been a case of three nineties in the same Test innings; there have been 58 instances of two, most agonisingly by Pakistan against England in Karachi in 1972-73, when both Majid Khan and Mushtaq Mohammad were out for 99. Sadiq Mohammad was out for 89 in that innings, and later Dennis Amiss made 99 for England.That Karachi match was one of 15 Tests to feature three scores in the nineties, but there have been two cases of four: by England and New Zealand in Christchurch in 1991-92 (Robin Smith 96, Allan Lamb 93, Dipak Patel 99 and John Wright 99 – Patel was run out and Wright stumped), and by England and West Indies at The Oval in 1995 (Graeme Hick 96, Jack Russell 91, Richie Richardson 93 and Mike Atherton 95).How Geoff Griffin’s hat-trick at Lord’s was reported by English newspapers•Daily MirrorIs it right that only one South African bowler had taken a Test hat-trick before Keshav Maharaj did it? asked Steve Rafferty from South Africa
That is correct: before slow left-armer Keshav Maharaj dismissed West Indians Kieran Powell, Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva in St Lucia last week, South Africa’s only hat-trick in 444 previous Test matches was way back in 1960, when Geoff Griffin removed Mike Smith (for 99), Peter Walker and Fred Trueman at Lord’s. It remains the only hat-trick in 140 Tests at cricket’s most famous ground. Fast bowler Griffin was a controversial figure, as he had been no-balled for throwing several times: after he was called again in an exhibition match following that Test, he never appeared again. For the list of Test hat-tricks, click here.Charl Langeveldt, JP Duminy, Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir have taken hat-tricks for South Africa in one-day internationals, while for their women’s side, Dane van Niekerk and Masabata Klaas have taken ODI hat-tricks, and Marizanne Kapp one in a T20I.After eight Tests, Kyle Jamieson has 46 wickets at 14.17, and five five-fors. How many men have improved those figures? asked Don Henderson from New Zealand
The giant New Zealander Kyle Jamieson has indeed made a remarkable start to his career. Thirteen bowlers have taken more wickets in their first eight Tests – England’s Tom Richardson leads the way with 66 – but only one of them had a better average: Charles “Terror” Turner had taken 56 wickets at 11.93. Both Richardson and Turner played in the 19th century, when scores generally were lower; the nearest modern bowler to Jamieson after eight Tests is Australia’s Rodney Hogg, who had taken 51 wickets at 15.37, while Vernon Philander had 53 at 15.66.Just behind Jamieson comes another 19th-century England bowler, George Lohmann, with 45 wickets at 10.51. Lohmann finished his career with 112 at 10.75, the best average of any bowler who took more than 14 Test wickets, apart from the Indian slow left-armer Axar Patel, who currently has 27 at 10.59.Turning to hauls of five or more wickets in an innings, Jamieson’s five in his first eight Tests puts him level in fourth place with eight other bowlers, including R Ashwin and Ian Botham. Richardson leads the way again with ten such hauls, while Turner had eight and Philander six.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

MatériaMais Notícias

A Neo Química Arena, casa do Corinthians, será palco da partida entre Santos e Red Bull Bragantino, pela semifinal do Campeonato Paulista. A decisão foi anunciada na última quarta-feira (20), pela Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF).

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Como o próximo compromisso do Timão no local será apenas em abril, a diretoria do clube aceitou ceder o estádio por empréstimo ao rival. A negociação foi conduzida pelos presidentes Augusto Melo e Marcelo Teixeira, que mantém uma relação de proximidade desde o início da temporada.

Para mandar a partida na Arena, o Santos terá que arcar com os custos operacionais do duelo, avaliados em cerca de R$ 800 mil, além do pagamento de R$ 700 mil de aluguel. O montante será depositado à vista na próxima semana.

continua após a publicidade

Até o momento, mais de 40 mil ingressos foram vendidos para a partida eliminatória, e a previsão é que todas as entradas disponíveis (45 mil) sejam comercializadas.

O Corinthians deve voltar a atuar em seu estádio apenas no dia 9 de abril, quando encara o Nacional, do Paraguai, às 19h (de Brasília), pela segunda rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana.

continua após a publicidade

Tudo sobre

Campeonato PaulistaCorinthiansFutebol NacionalSantos

While they are still some way from being the finished article, Chelsea have built a squad full of incredible players over the last few years.

The likes of Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, and probably even Enzo Fernández would be able to get into most Premier League teams.

However, at the same time, West Londoners also have more than a few players who are arguably holding them back, with Tosin Adarabioyo perhaps the most obvious example over the last few weeks.

The former Fulham star has been at the centre of more than a few dire defensive performances for Chelsea, so it’s not all that surprising to see reports linking them to someone who’d be a dream upgrade.

Chelsea target Tosin upgrade

While talk of a title race might be a tad premature for Chelsea this season, they are most certainly in a race for the Champions League place.

Transfer Focus

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

With that in mind, it’s unsurprising to see them linked with a plethora of talented players ahead of the transfer window reopening next month.

For example, the Blues are among several Premier League sides who have shown real interest in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and have also been linked with Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız.

However, while hugely talented, neither of those exciting wingers would help solve the West Londoners’ defensive problems, nor send Tosin packing, unlike Castello Lukeba.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have maintained their intense interest in the French centre-back.

In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the Blues are now ready to submit a bid of up to £52m for the player in the coming weeks.

Interestingly, while the 22-year-old has a release clause worth around €80million in his contract, which is £70m, the report claims that Leipzig may be willing to cash in on the player for that £52m fee in January.

However, it might not be all that straightforward, as the story also states that Bayern Munich are keen to make a mid-season move for the highly rated defender.

In all, it could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Lukeba’s ability and potential, one Chelsea should be pursuing, especially as he could send Tosin packing.

How Lukeba compares to Tosin

Now, when it comes to midfielders, forwards and wingers, it can be relatively straightforward to compare players, as more often than not, their goals and assists are going to be what matters most.

However, when it comes to defenders, and centre-backs in particular, it can be a little trickier, and as a result, you have to go into more detail, you have to take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Unfortunately for Tosin, doing so demonstrates just how far ahead of him Lukeba is.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.10

0.02

Progressive Passes

4.17

2.90

Progressive Carries

0.83

0.48

Key Passes

0.33

0.00

Shot-Creating Actions

1.25

0.48

Goal-Creating Actions

0.17

0.00

Blocks

1.92

0.65

Interceptions

1.58

0.97

Clearances

5.67

6.77

Successful Take-Ons

1.00

0.00

Ball Recoveries

5.67

2.58

For example, according to FBref, the Frenchman comes out on top in the vast majority of relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, blocks, interceptions, and ball recoveries, all per 90.

In other words, as analyst-turned-scout Ben Mattinson puts it, the Frenchman is a “defensively exceptional” centre-back.

However, his advantages over Tosin extend to more than just his ability off the ball.

For example, the “outstanding” titan, per Mattinson, also comes out on top in metrics like progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Essentially, the Leipzig star is someone who can snuff out an opposition attack and then, either through his carrying ability or range of passing, kickstart one for his own side.

Ultimately, from every conceivable angle, it’s clear that Lukeba would be a massive upgrade on Tosin and, therefore, Chelsea should do all they can to sign him in January.

Gittens upgrade: BlueCo convinced they must sign £87m star for Chelsea

The sensational superstar in the making would be an incredible signing for Chelsea, but bad news for Gittens.

ByJack Salveson Holmes 4 days ago

The Los Angeles Angels will be without superstar Mike Trout for a little while.

Angels manager Ron Washington announced Thursday night that Trout was being placed on the injured list due to a bone bruise in his left knee. However, Washington added that the injury was not believed to be significant and that tests showed no structural damage in his knee.

Trout exited Wednesday's loss to the Seattle Mariners during an at-bat in the third inning when he tried to run out a ground ball. After the game, Trout told reporters his knee was feeling better, but he was left out of the lineup for Thursday's series opener against the Detroit Tigers.

It's another trip to the IL for the oft-injured Trout, who just hasn't been able to stay on the field over the past several years. He suffered a torn meniscus in the same knee last season, and before that, dealt with a broken hamate bone, a back injury and a calf sprain.

The Angels have lost six straight games and currently sit in last place in the AL West with a 12-18 record.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca seems to have pulled a major U-turn over one of his axed stars as a photo from Cobham training reveals his surprise change of heart.

The Blues are back to winning ways after suffering a shock 2-1 home defeat to newly-promoted Sunderland in October, with Chelsea winning three out of their last four in all competitions and briefly climbing to second in the Premier League table.

The in-form Joao Pedro scored Chelsea’s only goal of the game to seal a dominant 1-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham, maintaining Chelsea’s impressive derby record, and followed that up with a comprehensive 3-0 triumph over bottom-side Wolves in their last match before the international break.

The victory came despite Maresca making eight changes from their midweek 2-2 draw with Qarabağ in the Champions League, continuing his rotation policy that has seen a grand total of 93 starting eleven changes in all competitions so far this season — the most of any Premier League side.

Their plethora of injury problems throughout the campaign, which has seen Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos and Josh Acheampong all sidelined at various points, has forced Maresca’s hand in this regard.

Chelsea also have 25 players in their squad who’ve been given at least 45 minutes of playing time this term, with only Nottingham Forest and West Ham (24) coming anywhere close to that number.

Two of the only Chelsea players who’ve not seen a single minute thus far are ‘bomb squad’ outcasts Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi.

Both men, after failing to secure moves away in the summer, are training in isolation, with Sterling causing quite a stir when he posted an image of him training alone and very late at night in what looked like a barren training complex.

This social media post even prompted the PFA to intervene and ensure that Chelsea weren’t treating the duo unfairly, coming after Maresca previously stated there was no way back for either man and they’d continue training away from the group.

When asked if they could play their way back into the first team, Maresca’s reply was brief, and it was a resounding ‘no’ (The Mail).

Sterling, who spent last term on a failed loan spell at Arsenal, has been linked with a move to Celtic ahead of the January window. Disasi, meanwhile, was surprisingly spotted training with the first team this week — despite Maresca previously saying there was no way.

Enzo Maresca pulls U-turn over axed Axel Disasi as Cobham photo reveals surprise call

In a twist, The Mail have shared a photo from Cobham of Disasi tussling with Liam Delap in an international break session, with Maresca now going back on his word and allowing the Frenchman to compete with his squad after all.

While there was still no sign of Sterling, Disasi’s recall to first-team training makes for an intriguing development, and one which will make on-lookers wonder whether he’s done enough to earn back Maresca’s favour.

After playing only 18 per cent of available Premier League minutes under Maresca last term, Disasi failed to establish himself as a regular starter domestically, despite captaining them in the Conference League and largely playing as an emergency right-back.

Aston Villa sealed his loan signing for the remainder of 2024/2025 last January, coming after Disasi reportedly rejected a loan to Tottenham, insisting on competing with Unai Emery’s side in the Champions League instead.

Disasi’s brief flashes ultimately failed to convince Villa to make the move permanent, and when the summer transfer window opened, Disasi found himself back in Chelsea’s notorious bomb squad alongside Sterling.

Having rejected moves to Crystal Palace and West Ham among others, and despite rumoured interest from clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, Disasi snubbed multiple opportunities, leaving him stranded at Stamford Bridge.

With the January window looming, Maresca could well be planning to hand the 27-year-old some minutes as a way to drive up interest from suitors, but we’re purely speculating here.

دافع جنارو جاتوزو مدرب منتخب إيطاليا عن أداء الأزوري خلال الفوز ضد مولدوفا بثنائية نظيفة في تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وقال جاتوزو في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “فوتبول إيطاليا”: “ماذا تقصد بأن هذا لم يكن أفضل أداء لإيطاليا؟ رأيت اللاعبين يسيطرون على المباراة ولم تسدد مولدوفا كرة على المرمى”.

وأضاف: “إذا كنت تتوقع أن تخرج النتيجة بـ11-1 مثل التي حققتها منتخب مولدوفا ضد النرويج، فهذه ليست مشكلتي، لا توجد مباريات سهلة”.

وواصل عن احتجاجات جماهير إيطاليا مع قرب نهاية المباراة عندما كنت النتيجة تعادلا سلبيا بين المنتخبين: “أشعر بالأسف لذلك، هتافات تطالبنا بالعمل، هذا هو الوقت الذي يجب أن نبقي فيه متحدين، الفريق يقوم بما يجب عليه فعله، أن أسمع أكثر من 500 مشجع يهينون اللاعبين، لا أقبل ذلك”.

وتابع عن تسجيل منتخب إيطاليا مع دخول البدلاء: “لا بأس، إشراك 11 لاعبا جديدا منذ البداية أمر صعب، كنت أشعر في داخلي أنني ربما نخسر اليوم مع كل هذه التغييرات ولكني أرفع لهم القبعة، قدموا أداء أفضل مما كنت أتوقع”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | في الوقت القاتل.. إيطاليا تخطف فوزاً ثميناً من مولدوفا في تصفيات كأس العالم

وتعد هذه المرة الأولى على الإطلاق التي يحقق فيها منتخب إيطاليا الفوز بست مباريات في تصفيات كأس العالم ولكن لا يعد كافياً لأن النرويج فازت بكل مبارياتها السبع ويتراوح فارق الأهداف بين 29 و12 هدفا.

ورد جاتوزو على سؤال حول التأهل لأدوار الملحق: “هذا السؤال لمن يضع القواعد والمجموعات، في عام 1994 كان هناك منتخبان إفريقيان في كأس العالم والآن لابد من وجود العديد من الفرق وهذا الفارق في ازدياد مستمر”.

واختتم: “في أيامي كان يتأهل متصدر كل مجموعة وأفضل فريق ثاني، لدينا 18 نقطة وفزنا بست مباريات ولدينا مباراتان آخرتان للتأهل، لا يبدو الأمر منطقي”.

وتستضيف إيطاليا النرويج في سان سيرو يوم الأحد، وسيعادل الفوز فارق النقاط بينهما ولكن سيكون من المستحيل تعويض فارق الأهداف، لذلك فإن الأزوري سيلعب بهذا الشكل في الأدوار الفاصلة على حجز بطاقة للمونديال.

Many of Eddie Howe’s trusty Newcastle United old guard now find themselves on borrowed time on Tyneside.

Indeed, with just two wins next to their name from their opening eight Premier League games, it’s clear that the Toon aren’t firing on all cylinders anymore week in week out, with figures such as Dan Burn on shaky ground arguably when it comes to consistent first-team minutes heading their way in the near future.

Burn will be worrying when he will next be reinstated to the heart of the Magpies’ defence with the emergence of Malick Thiaw into the side, with the £30m summer recruit already looking right at home on English shores, hailed by some as their “signing of the summer.”

With Kieran Trippier not getting any younger in the right-back spot, either, it does feel as if Newcastle are heading towards a situation where a refresh is needed in certain areas of the squad.

Obviously, watching these Toon stalwarts decline in front of their very eyes will be heartbreaking to watch from a Newcastle fan’s perspective.

But, Newcastle have been here before in terms of having to pull the plug on a once regular starter in the form of Miguel Almiron, who was a beloved presence at St James’ Park, even if his playing days in black and white did unfortunately fizzle out.

Almiron's decline at Newcastle

Even if it did end in Almiron being offloaded back to Atlanta United last January for a cheap £11m fee, considering he was once purchased for £20m by the Premier League side, it’s clear from goals such as his outrageous curled effort against Everton that the South American is still fondly remembered as an entertainer on Tyneside.

Back in January of 2019, the Paraguayan entering the building for that high amount meant that he was seen as a statement purchase from the get-go, which had a negative effect initially on him being able to settle in his new environment.

Staggeringly, it took Almiron 27 appearances in the Premier League before he finally broke his top-flight duck with a strike against Crystal Palace.

Thankfully, with a monkey now off his back, the 31-year-old would eventually go on to be seen as a “very special” asset to have around St James’ Park by Howe.

Across a mighty 223 appearances for the Toon, Almiron netted 30 goals and 16 assists for the club, with one of those efforts even pushing the former number 24 into the record books to sit alongside Magpies royalty in Alan Shearer.

Amazingly, Almiron would score Newcastle’s first strike in Champions League action since 2003 when getting the ball rolling during that famous night against PSG at St James’ Park, with Shearer the last goalscorer to bag for the Toon in such an illustrious competition, before Almiron delivered.

With an 11-goal Premier League season also under his belt during the 2022/23 campaign, it appeared as if Almiron would be sticking it out with Newcastle until the very end of his long career, with the 31-year-old continuing to age gracefully as a star capable of serving up “magical” moments, as his manager also waxed lyrical.

However, all began to unravel for Almiron last season, as the adaptable attacker – who can play all over the attacking positions if needed – was frozen out of his manager’s lineups, as injury issues also took a hold of the declining South American.

Games played

14

Minutes played

412

Games missed through injury

8

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Even when he was fit and free of knee troubles, the once slick and daring forward looked a shadow of his former self, with zero goals or assists coming his way during limited opportunities last campaign.

In the end, Almiron closed out his long-standing affliation with the Toon on a sombre note, with a very real fear in the air now that Howe has an Almiron 2.0 scenario going on.

Newcastle have another Almiron problem

Around the time Almiron joined the club in 2019, Newcastle were splashing the cash regularly on some exciting new gems.

In the summer transfer window after the 5-foot-9 playmaker had moved to England from America, Newcastle also purchased Allan Saint-Maximin, who was guilty of some hit-and-miss moments himself on Tyneside.

Alongside him, the Toon also went all out to land Joelinton for a whopping £40m.

At the start, much like his fellow South American counterpart before him, Joelinton severely struggled in the bright lights of the Premier League, with the-then striker seen as an expensive laughing stock, when scoring just a meagre two league goals during his debut campaign.

However, much like Almiron managed, Joelinton would breathe significant life into his Magpies playing days the more he became attuned to the intense nature of the English game, with Howe’s decision-making to push him into a central midfield spot proving to be a masterstroke.

Even Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher heralded the no-nonsense Brazilian as a “revelation” for what he would go on to offer his side from the middle of the park, with a clear highlight of his 230-game spell in black and white to date surely being the Carabao Cup trophy being lifted earlier this year.

Joelinton was vital in that 2-1 upset being pulled off against Arne Slot’s heavily fancied Liverpool, and although he didn’t add to his goal or assist tally at Wembley – which stands at an impressive 52 goal contributions – it’s clear why Howe once noted that the 29-year-old was “gold dust”, always putting in a shift when needed.

Yet, despite all his past successes making him an undoubted modern icon, time has seemingly caught up with Joelinton in the same way it begun to weigh down on Almiron, with this season – in particular – highlighting the number seven’s alarming drop-off.

Joelinton’s creative spark has now left his game, with zero goals or assists coming his way in league action from seven largely forgettable games, with his energy and determination also lacking, when you consider he has only won 4.2 duels per game across that same span of games. As journalist Mark Douglas noted after Saturday’s defeat to Brighton, the midfielder is now “nowhere near his best.”

Minutes played

45

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

39

Shots

0

Accurate passes

21/26 (81%)

Key passes

0

Total duels won

5/7

To add context, at the peak of his powers during the 2022/23 campaign, he won a high seven duels per game, with his lacklustre showing last time out against Brighton seeing Magpie Media state that his performance was “tough to watch.”

With Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes still performing at their optimum in the middle of the park – with Tonali boldly being branded as “world-class” by one Newcastle content creator this season – it feels as if Newcastle might need to have some tough conversations soon about ditching Joelinton, with Almiron leaving the building initially hurting, but is now seen as the correct and decisive call looking back.

Newcastle can forget Elanga by unleashing 19-year-old "star in the making"

Eddie Howe could have a surprise Anthony Elanga replacement up his sleeve in this exciting 19-year-old talent.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 20, 2025

Manchester United are now readying a £70m bid for a “world-class” midfielder, who could join as part of a Kobbie Mainoo swap deal.

Mainoo fails to force his way into Amorim's plans

It is clear that Ruben Amorim isn’t the biggest fan of Kobbie Mainoo, who is still yet to start a Premier League game this season, despite Man United making an awful start, with their most recent setback coming in a 3-1 defeat against Brentford.

With Casemiro suspended, Manuel Ugarte came into central midfield, alongside Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo once again had to settle for being a substitute, with the 20-year-old being brought on for the final 25 minutes of the game.

Having been unable to force his way into Amorim’s plans, there have been suggestions the Englishman could be ready to move to a new club this winter, and rivals Manchester City have even been named as surprise potential suitors.

That said, with Amorim now under significant pressure, receiving criticism from club legend Wayne Rooney, the midfielder may soon have a new manager, who is more willing to give him consistent game time.

For now, however, INEOS are persisting with the 40-year-old, and Mainoo’s future remains up in the air, with a report from Spain revealing the youngster could be used as part of a swap deal for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.

Man United are said to be preparing an offer of around €80m (£70m) for Valverde, but they may be willing to use their youth product as a makeweight in negotiations, in order to reduce the cost of the operation.

Fabrizio Romano says legendary 4-3-3 manager wants Amorim's job at Man Utd

He’s previously won a top-flight title and enjoyed a distinguished playing career.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Sep 29, 2025

However, Real Madrid are currently showing little interest in sanctioning a departure, with the midfielder emerging as one of their most ‘trusted’ players, so it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible.

"World-class" Valverde could take Man Utd's midfield to next level

Let’s make it clear — Man United definitely shouldn’t consider letting Mainoo leave, given that the England international has previously shown he has what it takes to perform at the top level, excelling in the 2024 FA Cup Final.

That said, signing the Real Madrid star for straight cash should still be a very attractive proposition, having proven himself over a number of years in La Liga and the Champions League, with Jurgen Klopp once dubbing the maestro “world-class”.

Casemiro has made it clear he is unreliable, with the Brazilian naively getting himself sent off in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea, and at 33-years-old, United are in need of a long-term replacement in the middle of the park.

Over the past year, Valverde has shown that he is a well-rounded midfielder, capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch, and the Uruguayan would undoubtedly be an exciting signing for the Red Devils.

Ollie Robinson top-scores in hosts’ 277 but late wickets keep contest on an even keel

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay23-May-2025Matt Henry took four wickets for Somerset but 20-year-old Mitch Killeen’s late strike helped Durham just shade the first day of the Rothesay County Championship match at the Banks Homes Riverside.Despite Ollie Robinson’s 52 and a half-century stand for the last wicket, the home side were dismissed for 277 in their first innings in a match between teams who possess identical records and are currently separated by a handful of bonus points in the Division One table.Having accounted for three top-order batsmen, Henry returned figures of 4 for 60 but Somerset were 63 for 3 in reply at the close with the wicket of Tom Lammonby falling to Championship debutant Killeen for 24 just seven balls before the close.The day’s cricket began in atrocious fashion for the home side when their captain, Alex Lees, inside-edged Henry’s first ball of the game onto his off stump ands departed for a golden duck.Ben McKinney and Emilio Gay then repaired the home side’s innings with a 65-run stand in 20 overs before McKinney was caught behind by James Rew for 30 when he played outside a ball from Josh Davey that was angled in to him from around the wicket.Gay had already been dropped on 26 at midwicket by Jack Leach off Migael Pretorius when McKinney’s wicket fell but the former Northamptonshire batsman could not capitalise on his escape. Instead he was dismissed for 41 a quarter of an hour before lunch when he top edged a pull off Henry to Tom Abell at long leg.Having seen Lewis Gregory lose the toss, Somerset’s bowlers were probably satisfied with a lunch score of 96 for 3. And they would have been ecstatic a few minutes after the resumption when the palpably dangerous David Bedingham shuffled across his stumps, looked to work the ball to leg and was lbw to his fellow South African, Pretorius, for 17.Robinson responded to that reverse by taking hitting three fine fours in four balls of an over from Craig Overton and all this seemed to set the tone for a session in which quick runs were traded for wickets. Having made 51 runs off 45 deliveries since his lunch and reached his half-century in 61 minutes off 52 balls in all, Robinson was caught by Rew off Henry when he nicked a ball of full length towards first slip, only to see the diving keeper complete a fine catch.Graham Clark then made 15 in 21 minutes before apparently snicking Josh Davey down the leg side to Rew and his departure left Durham on 185 for 6 in the 50th over. Colin Ackermann was bowled by Overton for 30 and five balls later, Raine was leg before to Pretorius for 25. Tea arrived with Durham on 227 for 8, 131 runs having been scored and five wickets taken in the session’s 34 overs.Five balls into the evening session, Killeen’s first innings in Championship cricket ended when he was caught by first slip Lewis Gregory off Henry for a 15-ball nought but Codi Yusuf and Minto then batted as calmly and sensibly as most of the top order to take Durham to their first bonus point of the innings.And not content with adding the 23 runs necessary for that landmark to be reached, the pair put on exactly 50 before Minto, who made 67 as a nightwatch-opener last week, was caught by Lammonby at square leg off Pretorius for 34. Yusuf was unbeaten on 16 and Pretorius finished with 3 for 63.Somerset’s first innings also began poorly when Gregory was bowled by Minto for 5 when his attempt to let the ball go only diverted it into his stumps but Davey and Lammonby added 42 before Davey was caught at slip off Yusuf for 24 and Lammonby was caught behind off Killeen for 18

These two teams have only played each other three times in the IPL and GT lead the head-to-head record 2-1

Sidharth Monga20-Apr-20254:40

Pujara backs Narine for opener, Finch suggests Rahane

Big picture: Batting worries for KKRKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have played 259 matches in all these years, but only three of them against Gujarat Titans (GT). Only Kochi Tuskers (no longer active) have played them less often. GT have not played any team this infrequently.It is a shame because these two teams make for fascinating contests. They love themselves a match-winning spinner or two, but their batting approaches couldn’t be more different. At their best, KKR are innovative and bold, pushing the realms of possibility. They open with Sunil Narine, and bowl spin at the death more than other teams. GT like to play within themselves, if you will. A majority of their runs are scored by three anchors at the top. They rely on their bowling to win games. They rely on minimising errors.Related

GT's Solanki impressed with Gill's captaincy, Siraj's work rate

Abhishek Nayar returns to KKR's backroom staff

Rahane: 'I take the blame' KKR's failed 112 chase

Prasidh the new leader on IPL Purple Cap table

Boss Buttler and the art of ball hitting bat

IPL 2025, though, has not been the best for the defending champions KKR. They lost Phil Salt and Shreyas Iyer at the auction table, which left their batting light. They are the second-lowest on the scoring rate (9.05 runs per over). It is their bowling, the most economical (8.30) in the tournament, that is keeping them alive. Only just, though, with three wins in four games. GT have been the quickest batting side (10.10), and the third-stingiest (9.01) with the ball. Not a surprise that they are among the best sides with five wins out of seven.If the tournament so far has not done enough to remind KKR of their failures between the two seasons, imagine coming up against Shubman Gill, a former Knight. The nature of the tournament is such that you can’t hold on to all your best players forever, but the batting unit that KKR have built leaves more than a little to be desired. This is not to have a go at him but if Ajinkya Rahane is your best batter – and he is not in the top-15 run-getters – it says a lot about the line-up on the whole.GT will look to keep chipping away at KKR’s batting, which failed to chase down 112 the last time they played a game. GT themselves have the confidence of having won chasing 200-plus in their last match. All signs point to only one favourite in this match, but IPL has its own rhythms.4:39

Finch: Gujarat Titans are the team to beat

Form guideKolkata Knight Riders LWLWL
Gujarat Titans WWWLWIn the spotlight: Andre Russell and Shubman GillAndre Russell has faced just 31 balls, and bowled just 39. Halfway into the league stage, he has a batting strike rate of a tick over 75. His point of entry has been 14.6, 10.3, 19.3, 14.6 and 10.4. There hasn’t been anything particularly inefficient about how KKR have used him: easy wins when he hasn’t been required to bat or when he came out in the 20th over, two collapses, and two perfect points of entry with five overs to spare. Russell will want to make the use of those opportunities, especially with the middle order not doing well.He is not having a bad IPL at all – an average of 36 and a strike rate of 149 – but Shubman Gill is being outshone by the other two of GT’s holy trinity: B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler. Gill has scored 215 of the 895 the top three have scored in seven matches. Coming off a run-out in the last match, now against his former team, Gill will want to get back among the runs.Team news and likely XIIsKKR handed Anrich Nortje a debut in the last match because they felt they could attack the Punjab Kings (PBKS) batting with the extra pace. Nortje did a job but they also sacrificed on Moeen Ali’s batting. Conditions will determine which of the two plays, but Moeen’s all-round capabilities make him the favourite after 95 all out.Kolkata Knight Riders: 1 Sunil Narine, 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Ajinkya Rahane (capt), 4 Venkatesh Iyer, 5 Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Ramandeep Singh, 9 Harshit Rana, 10 Moeen Ali/Anrich Nortje, 11 Vaibhav Arora, 12 Varun Chakravarthy2:27

Why aren’t KKR getting the best out of Russell?

GT have a fairly settled line-up with only one player they rotate based on the conditions. It could be Ishant Sharma, Washington Sundar or Kulwant Khejroliya. Washington gives them extra batting, but he plays only if the pitch is going to be slow.Gujarat Titans 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 B Sai Sudharsan, 3 Jos Buttler (wk), 4 Sherfane Rutherford, 5 Shahrukh Khan, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 Arshad Khan, 9 Sai Kishore, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh Krishna, 12 Ishant Sharma/Washington Sundar/Kulwant KhejroliyaThe big questionPitch and conditions: The Eden Gardens mysteryIt is going to be hot and humid in Kolkata, where teams winning the toss have elected to chase in all three games this season with mixed results. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) restricted KKR to 174 and won, but the other two games featured successful defences of 200 totals.Stats and trivia GT lead the head-to-head between these two teams 2-1, winning the only match they have played against each other in Kolkata. GT’s top-three batters average 49.72 this IPL, the highest for any team. Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) top three have aggregated more runs and have been scoring way quicker than GT: 172.4 compared to 155.92. Rashid Khan has taken just four wickets and is averaging 63.25 this IPL, easily his leanest. His economy rate of 9.73 also makes this his most profligate year.