Eagles needed a point to overtake Gloucestershire into fourth but were undone by Turner’s 4 for 23
ECB Reporters Network19-Jul-2024Hampshire Hawks fast bowler John Turner’s best T20 figures knocked Essex out of the Vitality Blast.The Eagles, who were losing finalists in 2023, only needed a point at Utilita Bowl to overtake Gloucestershire into fourth but were undone by Turner’s 4 for 23.Ben McDermott’s exquisite 64, together with 41s for James Vince and Tom Prest got Hawks to a defendable 181.Essex looked out of it at 58 for 5 but teenagers Luc Benkenstein and Charlie Allison crashed maiden T20 half-centuries in an 86-run stand.Turner’s return at the death ended their hopes of a quarter-final place as Hawks secured a fourth win of an otherwise poor competition by seven runs.Vince and McDermott got Hawks off to a flyer after being stuck in, as the opening partnership finally clicked in 2024 to put on a highest first-wicket stand of 97.Before this innings, Australian McDermott had only scored 173 runs across this season’s Blast but came alive with a mix of the brutal and inventive for a 39-ball fifty – his 10th across three seasons at Hampshire.Vince fell nine short of following McDermott to the milestone when Benkenstein bowled him, but Prest entered to thump Paul Walter for 18 off an over.The Hawks were on for 200, but Shane Snater put a spanner in the works with a double-wicket over in the 16th – which saw the back of McDermott for 64 and Benny Howell.Two overs later, Walter ended Prest’s sensational 21-ball knock before Liam Dawson identically pulled to deep fine leg.Joe Weatherley and Toby Albert bashed 25 off the final two overs to drag the hosts to a total Essex would have felt comfortable chasing.However, things never got going, especially when Adam Rossington tickled the first ball of the innings behind before Chris Wood also found Dean Elgar edging to snare two wickets in the first over of the reply.Wood passed the flame to Turner – who also began with two wickets in an over.Michael Pepper skied a caught and bowled, Walter pulled to short third before Matt Critchley gave Turner figures of 3 for 6 after two overs.A rescue act was needed for Essex, and two 19-year-olds stepped up.Benkenstein had already almost single-handedly beaten Glamorgan during a collapse earlier in the season but it was Allison who took control.His whipped six and hammering over long on were the stands out from a 37-ball fifty – his first in T20s having only previously had 50 runs to his name.Benkenstein also reached his maiden format half-century – four balls quicker than his contemporary – as the partnership extended to 86.But with 38 required off 18, Benkenstein scooped straight up to end his fun before Turner clean-bowled Harmer for his fourth.Turner’s penultimate over only went for six, which left 15 needed off the last, which Wood defended brilliantly – despite Allison ending up on a valiant 69.
Tottenham Hotspur’s frontline has been impressive throughout the 2024/25 campaign, managing to catch the eye despite the club finishing in a lowly 17th position in the Premier League.
The Lilywhites netted 64 goals in their 38 outings, with only six other sides in the division scoring more, four of which managed to secure Champions League qualification.
Brennan Johnson finished the season as their top scorer in the league with his tally of 11 goals, adding to his excellent collection, which saw him net the winner in the Europa League final.
Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson
He was the only player to register double figures in the league, but numerous players across the squad managed to register key goals, which contributed to their excellent tally.
However, new boss Thomas Frank has immediately wanted to target reinforcements in such an area, evidently wanting strength and depth in his quest for success.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer
After his successful stint at Brentford, the Dane has already targeted a move for striker Yoane Wissa, with the Congolese star a man in demand this window.
He’s not the only Bees star on their radar, with Bryan Mbeumo another player who’s been strongly linked with the Lilywhites, but it appears they’ve missed out on his signature, with a move to Manchester United now edging closer.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match
Another name has been mentioned in recent days as a result, with Canadian international Jonathan David firmly on their radar, according to Get Football News Italy.
They report that Frank’s side have made contact with his representatives over a move to North London with his contract at Lille set to expire at the end of the month.
It also states that the 25-year-old has now halted talks with Italian sides Napoli and Juventus to explore a deal to the Premier League, after scoring 25 times in 49 appearances this season.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s own Kane
Harry Kane is a player who has cemented himself in Spurs’ history forever, catapulting himself into the hearts of the fanbase given his spell in the first team over a 10-year period.
The 31-year-old rose through the youth ranks before registering 280 goals for the club, a tally which has made him the highest goalscorer in the club’s history.
However, his goals weren’t enough to catapult the Lilywhites to any form of tangible success, subsequently seeing the forward leave for Bayern Munich in an £82m deal back in 2023.
Since his departure, the club have spent big on Dominic Solanke, dropping a club-record £65m fee to secure his signature, but he’s struggled to maintain elite levels of performance over the course of his first campaign – scoring just nine goals in the process.
The club have greatly lacked that clinical presence in forward areas, something which David could provide in North London should the club land him in the coming weeks.
Lille'sJonathanDavidcelebrates scoring their fourth goal
When comparing his stats to those of fan-favourite Kane, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas this campaign – with FBref labelling him as a similar player to the England international.
David, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro, has achieved a better shot on target rate than Kane this season, highlighting his clinical nature within the final third.
How David compares to Kane throughout the 2024/25 campaign
Statistics (per 90)
David
Kane
Games played
32
31
Goals & assists
21
35
Shot on target accuracy
43%
42%
Pass accuracy
82%
78%
Key passes made
1.3
1.2
Take-on success
48%
43%
Progressive carries
1.4
1
Fouls won
1.3
0.7
Stats via FBref
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher tally of key passes per 90, offering Frank’s side an all-round option that can provide alongside scoring.
The Canadian has further demonstrated his all-round talents, registering a higher take-on completion rate, whilst posting more progressive carries per 90 – having the skillset to create his own opportunities, rather than be dependent on his teammates.
Given that the forward is available on a free transfer this summer, it would be a no-brainer for Spurs to strongly pursue a move to avoid missing out on his signature in the coming weeks.
If he can get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the departed forward in North London, it would be a superb signing, with his talents undoubtedly handing the manager the attacking quality he desires.
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June is nearly upon us, yet Glasgow Rangers still don’t have a permanent manager. Philippe Clement was sacked 96 days ago, and ahead of the most important in the club’s recent history, the onus is on the board to bring the right man to Ibrox.
Whenever there is a managerial vacancy, plenty of names have been linked with a move to Glasgow.
At the start of the month, Marco Rose and Danny Rohl were named potential Rangers managers, yet the links died down after a few days.
Steven Gerrard’s name has been mentioned over the past few months regarding a potential return to Scotland.
Between 2018 and 2021, the former Liverpool captain took over a shambles of a club and returned them to the summit of Scottish football within three years.
Recent news suggests that he wont be the next manager of the club, however, leaving Russell Martin and Davide Ancelotti as the leading candidates.
Steven Gerrard
Whatever happens, getting someone in swiftly should be the main priority for the board. With pre-season set to start in a few weeks, plus the prospect of Champions League qualifiers in mid-July, the longer the wait goes on, the worse it could turn out for the Light Blues.
Latest on Davide Ancelotti's move to Rangers
With Gerrard now out of the frame, it appears as though Ancelotti is the frontrunner for the vacant role.
The Italian has held talks with the board and is currently a free agent, having not joined his dad, Carlo, on his adventure with the Brazil national side.
“Davide is thinking [about] what to do for the future,” said the elder Ancelotti. He’s in talks with other clubs as he tries to be first coach, and he knows if he doesn’t find the opportunity, he will be here with me.”
Having assisted his dad at clubs such as Real Madrid, Napoli, Bayern Munich and Everton, Davide has a plethora of experience in a coaching capacity.
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The younger Ancelotti was the brains behind Madrid’s tactical approach, which saw them win two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies between 2021 and 2024.
A fluid approach to the game, which means his team can play across multiple formations at will, is certainly a positive.
Davide Ancelotti
The caveat being that he hasn’t managed a side on his own. While the pressures of Ibrox may be slightly different to those at the Bernabeu, the desire to win every game remains the same.
Should he win the race and get the job, it would be an almighty gamble for the board, no doubt about that. Is there a better option currently available, however?
Rangers search for a new manager
Now, a new name has entered the fray. According to the Herald journalist, Stephen McGowan, Rangers have now reportedly held talks with former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli.
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The Italian left the Dutch side following their Eredivisie collapse, which saw them lose the league title to PSV Eindhoven, despite being nine points clear with five matches left.
He dragged Ajax from fifth the previous season to the brink of the title, while securing a return to Champions League football for 2025/26.
Farioli reportedly blamed a difference in ‘visions and timeframes’ from the Ajax board as to why he quit the role after just a single season in the Netherlands.
When Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked in November 2022, the former Nice manager was sounded out to be his replacement. In the end, it was Michael Beale who eventually took over the role. Might things be different three years later?
Why Rangers must hire Francesco Farioli
Of course, fingers will be pointed following Ajax’s major collapse over the final five matches of the season. Considering that the Dutch giants endured their worst season in living memory just a year ago, however, getting that far was certainly a step forward.
Journalist Lars Jesse praised the 36-year-old after he left the club, saying: “Francesco Farioli has achieved something unique at Ajax. After years of incompetence, uncertainty, and misery, he brought back calm and structure.”
Francesco Fariloi’s managerial statistics
Club
Date appointed
Games in charge
Points per game
Ajax
July 1, 2024
54
2.09
Nice
July 1, 2023
38
1.68
Alanyaspor
December 31, 2021
48
1.54
Karagümrük
March 22, 2021
27
1.52
Via Transfermarkt
During the 2023/24 season, Ajax lost eight league games, scored 74 goals and conceded a staggering 61 times.
A year later, they may have scored four fewer goals throughout the campaign, but the club lost just four times and conceded 32 goals, a major improvement.
Farioli tends to utilise an attacking 4-3-3 system, which could be a wonderful fit for some of the current Ibrox squad. He will also be keen on signing his own targets for the club during the transfer window.
Across his 54 matches in charge of the Dutch side, Farioli’s side scored 115 goals – 2.1 per game – while he accumulated 2.09 points per game.
This focus on dynamic attacking football would certainly win over the Ibrox faithful, who have had to endure Clement’s distinct lack of style. Despite his tender years, the Italian manager has managed an impressive 167 senior games throughout his managerial career to date.
Coming so close to success with Ajax will hurt, but it might give him the confidence that he can lead a fallen giant back to its previous glories.
In that regard, taking on the role of Rangers manager would suit him nicely. A total cultural reset is required at Ibrox this summer, and only by bringing in someone who is able to provide a fresh start will that happen.
Much will depend on whether Farioli wishes to jump straight back into a hot seat so soon after his Ajax departure. If so, then the board must be doing everything it can to convince him that Rangers are the right choice.
Like any managerial appointment, bringing Farioli will be a big gamble – although considering his recent experienced in a top job at an elite club, he would certainly be less of a gamble than Ancelotti.
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Arsenal have been handed significant news about their pursuit of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, with Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta and the recruitment team now alerted to a potential deal-breaker in talks.
Arsenal in reported talks over signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer
In the last few days, reports from both Portugal and England have claimed that Mikel Arteta’s side are moving forward in their attempts to seal a move for the 26-year-old.
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ByEmilio Galantini May 16, 2025
A Bola report Arsenal have offered Gyokeres a £7 million-per-year contract already, with Sporting setting an asking price of around £63 million amid Berta’s pretty serious interest in striking a deal for the Primeira Liga superstar.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
CaughtOffside, meanwhile, state Arsenal are in advanced club-to-club talks for Gyokeres as they look to steal a march on Premier League rivals Man United and Liverpool in pursuit of his signature.
Going by these claims, it would appear that the Gunners’ links to Gyokeres stretch far beyond just interest, with Berta looking to sign a top striker for Arsenal as one of his key summer priorities.
“I’m not inside to know their thoughts, but definitely, I would say a striker, a top, top striker, that can bang in 40 to 50 goals like all the top teams.” said ex-Arsenal star and Como boss Cesc Fàbregas to Amazon Prime recently.
“He [Gyokeres] could be an option, 100 per cent. He is an extraordinary striker.
“He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn’t want to rest. He is as an athlete, a player and team-mate who instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team.”
Called a “phenomenon” by Rui Borges, the former Coventry City striker has been free-scoring since making the move to Portugal, and currently boasts 52 goals from 50 appearances in all competitions this season.
Arsenal receive "major" Gyokeres update amid Sporting deal-breaker
However, Gyokeres’ electric form also puts Sporting in a solid negotiating position, even if there is a release clause in his deal.
Football Transfers state that Arsenal are determined to finalise a deal for Gyokeres, and will have representatives in attendance to watch him play in the Taca de Portugal final against Benfica on May 25.
In what they describe as a “major update”, though, Berta and co are informed of a key requirement on Sporting’s end which could prove an obstacle in Arsenal’s talks to sign Gyokeres.
Sporting are adamant the vast majority of his final agreed transfer fee must be paid within two years, and this may prove problematic for the north Londoners. Arsenal are required to agree to Sporting’s terms or risk another club swooping in to hijack their move, as per FT, so the transfer is proving more complicated than initially reported.
Arsenal have alternatives to pursue if a move does collapse, but Berta is believed to be especially keen on Gyokeres.
Celtic returned to action in the Scottish Premiership last weekend with an emphatic 3-0 win over Hearts to retain their 13-point lead at the top of the table.
The Hoops secured all three points against the Jam Tarts thanks to a brace from Daizen Maeda, either side of a close-range finish from Jota, as they bounced back from their 3-2 defeat to Rangers before the international break.
Brendan Rodgers is closing in on his second Premiership title in as many seasons since his return to Parkhead in the summer of 2023, having already won the League Cup earlier this term.
The Northern Irish head coach has a domestic treble in his sights between now and the end of the campaign, with a healthy lead at the top of the league and a semi-final against St. Johnstone in the SFA Cup booked in.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
Rodgers may, however, have one eye on the upcoming summer transfer window and how he can make moves to improve his squad to perform even better next term, with the Champions League in mind.
The former Leicester City and Liverpool head coach already knows that he has a situation to deal with at left-back, after revealing that Greg Taylor is likely to move on from Parkhead.
The latest on Greg Taylor's Celtic future
Speaking after the win over Hearts, Rodgers claimed that it is more likely that the Scotland international will leave when his contract expires this summer, rather than signing a new deal to remain in Glasgow.
He told BBC Sport: “I’ve been in this position so many times and I can read situations. It’s probably more likely now that Greg will move on than stay, which is a big shame for me because I love him as a person – and I love his game because it’s suited to how we work.”
The Celtic head coach added: “It’s not financial, but I respect his position because he wants to feel he’ll play every week. Whoever is in next year with Kieran will still play a lot of games, but my feeling is that Greg may well move on.”
The former Kilmarnock man has been an unused substitute in five of the last six matches in all competitions, and was withdrawn at half-time against Hibernian in the only start during that run.
24/25
22
19
23/24
35
35
22/23
31
28
21/22
24
22
20/21
26
23
19/20
13
12
As you can see in the table above, Taylor has been a regular starter, when available, throughout the majority of his time in the Premiership at Parkhead, since his move to Glasgow in the summer of 2019.
But his lack of minutes in recent weeks, as aforementioned, may be a driving factor in his likeliness to leave on a free transfer this summer, at the same time that Kieran Tierney is due to return to Celtic.
Why Kieran Tierney is a gamble for Celtic
It has already been confirmed that the Scotland international will be a part of the squad next season after his contract with Arsenal expires at the end of the current campaign.
As you can see in the table above, the former Celtic star enjoyed a terrific first spell at Parkhead after coming up through the academy system, as he won five titles and made 170 first-team appearances.
His terrific form for the Scottish giants over the years earned him a £25m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2019, which remains one of the biggest sales in the club’s history.
Despite all of this, signing Tierney this summer is set to be a gamble by the Hoops because of his worrying injury record that could cause Rodgers problems moving forward.
The 2022/23 campaign is the only season that the left-back has not missed 17 or more matches through injury since the summer of 2018, whilst he has been absent for 39 games through injury since the start of last term.
Celtic are, therefore, gambling on his fitness as he will not be too much use on the pitch if consistent injury problems keep him away from it, which is why it is important for the club to have another capable left-back in line to play.
So, rather than viewing Tierney as the replacement for Taylor, is it Ghana international Jeffrey Schlupp who should be signed permanently as a replacement for the Scottish full-back.
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Why Celtic should sign Jeffrey Schlupp permanently
The experienced defender joined the Hoops on loan from Crystal Palace in the January transfer window and has hit the ground running at Parkhead in the second half of this season.
Schlupp, who Rodgers claimed has “incredible pace and power”, is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of June, which suggests that Celtic have the chance to snap him up on a free transfer this summer.
That could make him the dream replacement for Taylor, who is also due to depart for nothing, as the Hoops would not have to spend a penny on transfer fees, whilst they would also be bringing in a player who has already proven that he can perform in the current team.
Schlupp has also not missed a single game through injury since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, which suggests that he would also come in as a reliable figure who could cover when Tierney is unavailable.
Appearances
7
Goals
1
Assists
1
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.8
Duels won per game
4.6
Ground duel success rate
52%
Aerial duel success rate
60%
As you can see in the table above, the Palace loanee has provided defensive strength in his short time at Parkhead to date, winning the majority of his duels on the deck and in the air.
His performance against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League play-off, winning eight of his ten duels and making a staggering 11 tackles and interceptions combined, also showed that he has the quality to step up in big games against huge European teams.
Jeffrey Schlupp
This suggests that Schlupp could be a great signing for Celtic with their European hopes in mind, because the 32-year-old ace has proven that he can perform on the biggest stage.
Therefore, signing the loanee on a permanent deal could result in the Hoops having their dream replacement for Taylor, as he is not as injury-prone as Tierney and the defender has already proven his quality on the pitch for Rodgers in recent months.
It is now down to the manager and the recruitment staff to complete a free transfer for the full-back, should he not sign a new deal at Palace, to bolster the squad in the summer transfer window.
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Abhishek Sharma failing to make the most of his opportunities was perhaps the only thing that didn’t go to plan for India against Bangladesh
Hemant Brar13-Oct-20244:28
Takeaways: Samson and Hardik fly, but Abhishek misses out
Abhishek’s missed opportunityWhen Abhishek Sharma was picked as the only regular opener in the squad, it was clear he was going to play all three matches. It gave him an opportunity to strengthen his case as India’s back-up opener when Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal return. He did show great intent but failed to last more than 11 balls in any of the games – though, to be fair to him, he was run out for no fault of his in the first T20I in Gwalior. With ball, he sent down three overs and took one wicket for 18 runs.Related
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Samson shows his strengthAfter two successive ducks in Sri Lanka, it seemed like Sanju Samson was going to fall behind, again. Opening the innings against Bangladesh, he looked good in the first T20I before holing out for 29 off 19 balls. Finally, in the third T20I, he showed why he has so many backers – in a masterclass in effortless hitting, he scored the second-fastest T20I hundred for India. It may not make him India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in a full-strength squad, but he shouldn’t have to worry about his place in the squad when the team tours South Africa next month for four T20Is.India’s fearless approachAt the start of the series, Suryakumar Yadav had said he wanted his players to be selfless. And the players followed their captain’s order to a T. Samson’s innings in the first T20I was one such case. Given India were chasing only 128, he could have taken his time after a quick start but he was dismissed attempting a six. The second T20I in Delhi gave an even bigger example of that approach. Even after being reduced to 41 for 3 in the sixth over, they kept their foot on the pedal and eventually got 221 for 9. When everything went as per the plan in the third T20I, they posted 297 for 6, the second-highest total in the format.2:39
Ten Doeschate: ‘We don’t give opportunities; the guys earn them’
India, a team of allroundersAnother significant feature of India’s playing XIs in the series was the presence of a plethora of allrounders. Till recently, India struggled to find players who could chip in with both bat and ball. But that is no longer the case. Without compromising on the batting depth, Suryakumar had at least seven bowling options in every match. Hardik Pandya showed he could still finish with bat and bowl at a lively pace. Nitish Kumar Reddy emerged as Hardik’s worthy understudy, scoring 74 off 34 balls and taking two wickets in only his second T20I. Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar also gave good accounts of themselves in the limited chances they got.Varun’s successful comebackWith multiple allrounders in their XI now, India do not necessarily need a like-for-like replacement for Ravindra Jadeja. In this series, they went with Varun Chakravarthy as their lead spinner (who can’t really bat) and he did not disappoint. Making a comeback after three years, Varun started with a three-for in the first T20I before picking up 2 for 19 in the second. He capped it with an economical 4-0-23-0 in the last game. He will face stiff competition when Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are available but he has done no harm to his chances.1:53
‘Always good to have competition within the team’ – Varun Chakravarthy
Mayank leaves his markWhen Mayank Yadav was picked after a long injury layoff, everyone wanted to see if he was the same 155kph bowler who took the cricket world by storm at IPL 2024. Making his T20I debut in Gwalior, he started with a maiden and bowled 18 of his 24 deliveries above 140kph. Twelve of those were in excess of 145kph. Even though his top speed in the series was 150.3kph, he was largely accurate and played all three games without any fitness concerns. He has also worked on his slower ball and used it regularly.Mayank and Reddy’s debuts, though, might not be great news for Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad, their respective IPL teams. Now they cannot keep them for INR 4 crore, the retention fee for uncapped players. Kolkata Knight Riders were lucky in that sense as Harshit Rana had a viral infection before the third T20I and remains uncapped.
It changes and adapts in response to the situation and today it did what it needed to – mostly
Firdose Moonda18-Aug-2022So this is Bouchball. It’s not sexy but it’s solid. It’s not entirely slow, but it’s mostly sensible. It’s probably not going to fill the stands with young fans but with so few Tests in their future, South Africa may not have to care much about that. What they care about is whether it works and the 124-run lead suggests they’re on the way to being able to declare that it does.The key to being successful in England – and probably in most places – is to have a decent opening stand. India showed that last year when KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma shared stands of 83, 126 (scored in a winning cause at Lord’s) and 97 on last year’s tour. Those starts set India up for totals of 466, 364 and 278, and they weren’t beaten in any of those encounters. On the basis of those numbers, Dean Elgar and Sarel Erwee can be satisfied with the 85 they put on and especially the way they saw out the toughest period against the England attack.Related
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They did it without looking as though they were navigating landmines even though the going was pretty tough against the most reputed pair these two have faced. Elgar successfully reviewed being given out caught behind to a Stuart Broad ball he didn’t hit and was dropped by Zak Crawley off Matthew Potts at second slip when he was on seven but for a batter with a reputation for inelegance, he actually played quite sweetly. He hit the full balls and survived the jaffas.When his opposite number, Ben Stokes, came on to bowl later in the afternoon, he made his most aggressive statement, punching him up the slope and steering him through backward point for two fours in three balls. Stokes has made it his business to set the tone in the England camp and Elgar responded in kind. By taking on Stokes, he showed the rest of his line-up, none of whom have played a Test in England before, that can stand up to their opposition.At the other end, Erwee showed the value of his years in the domestic game after taking the old-fashioned route to the Test team. He is in the 14th year of his professional career and until six months ago, he may have thought he’d finish without an international cap. But Erwee got an opportunity in New Zealand and he has held onto it tightly since.He spent the 10 days in camp before the Test visualising what it’s like to be at Lord’s. Everything about it. What it feels like to see the pavilion and walk the stairs, to face a ball, to hit it, to see it go to the boundary and to hear the polite applause. He prepared himself the way a nervous newcomer would but then played like an experienced hand. He moved his feet to meet the fuller deliveries and the leg-stump half-volleys stood no chance.Sarel Erwee didn’t look too shabby when playing his shots, and scored at a strike rate of 50•Getty ImagesAll that also speaks to the line and lengths England employed early, which failed to create the same kind of pressure South Africa did on the first day. According to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, England left 57 of the 270 deliveries they faced in their innings – that’s a little more than one in every five. They were made to play at the same number of balls. South Africa’s openers alone, left 70 of the 227 balls they faced, just over 30%, and defended 49. So England made South Africa’s top two play as often as South Africa allowed England’s line-up to watch the ball through. That’s an area that England will want to sharpen up, especially given the way they responded later in the day.In two Stokes’ overs, South Africa went from looking in a position that was close to control to barely clinging on to their hard-fought lead. England set a funky field, mostly spread with a wide short fine-leg and a fine-ish short third and Stokes began to bounce Erwee, upping the ante until the South African opener could do nothing but throw his hands up and glove one high for Ben Foakes to collect. Stokes changed his length to trap Rassie van der Dussen on the knee roll and from that moment (which was also after 5pm when they were well-hydrated) the Lord’s crowd came properly alive.A wave of noise swelled and then broke every time Stokes delivered a ball. For Marco Jansen and Kyle Verreynne, with only 13 Tests between them, this would have been the most pressure either of them have been under. Verreynne also fell victim to England’s short-balls-to-the-tail tactic but Jansen played with the stature of his height, not his age. His authoritative drive through backward point off Potts as the shadows grew long and the hoist over fine leg and one-bounce smash through mid-on off Stokes with minutes to go before stumps were executed with the right mix of mastery and mischief to underline his case to bat higher than his wicketkeeper, but it still leaves some questions for South Africa about the composition of their XI.Dean Elgar was bowled in luckless fashion via a deflection into his stumps•Getty ImagesIn the absence of Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s line-up was always going to lack some clout but it looked particularly short when they led by only 27 runs with their last recognised batter at the crease. In picking Jansen as a lower-order bowling allrounder South Africa have created the room for five specialist bowlers – four quicks and a spinner – but they will ask themselves if they have over-resourced the bowling department by under-resourcing the batting. Keshav Maharaj added his opinion by getting himself in sight of a fifth Test fifty and then chucking it away at the end. Even with nearly 1,000 Test runs to his name, Maharaj doesn’t always inspire confidence he will be consistent and with such a long tail, the limitations of Bouchball have been somewhat exposed.While Bazball can cause self-induced implosions and quick collapses, Bouchball may look like it’s getting somewhere when it may not be. At one stage, on 160 for 2, South Africa looked like they were set for a lead of 150-plus, but from 192 for 5, a lead of 50-plus seemed satisfying enough. By the end of the day, South Africa were more than 100 runs ahead, so somewhere between fold-your-arms and sit-back-satisfied to if-only-we-could-get-a-few-more.That probably sums up what we know about Bouchball best. It’s not the finished product but a work in progress. It changes and adapts in response to the situation, so maybe it will soon be criticised for being too reactive and not as proactive as it could be. That’s a discussion for another day. Today, it did what it needed to. Mostly.
The Super Kings batsman finally got a big score, after months of uncertainty, including a tryst with Covid-19
Karthik Krishnaswamy25-Oct-2020Singles are a devalued commodity in T20s, but some singles can be important. Off the fifth ball he faced on Sunday, Ruturaj Gaikwad took one such single. It was a routine clip down to long-on, played with the turn, but it exuded a feeling of comfort, and smoothness. Head on top of the ball, a pleasing turn of the wrists.It was his first run. It felt significant because Gaikwad had been on 0 off 4 in his previous innings too, when a Trent Boult inswinger did for him.It’s a delivery that’s done for numerous batsmen over the years, some massive names among them, but a duck is a duck, and a duck to follow scores of 0 and 5 in his two previous IPL innings wouldn’t have been easy to digest.That’s the sort of run of scores which is hard to classify as poor form. He’d walked in at No. 4 in two of those innings, with the required rate climbing steeply in chases. He’d been stumped in one, run out in the other. And then there had been Boult.Oh, and that run of low scores had come after months of uncertainty. Covid-19 had cast its net over world cricket, first, and then picked Gaikwad out specifically. He had spent an extra two weeks in quarantine compared to most of his team-mates upon arrival in the UAE, and spent it in a separate space.He’d recovered and returned to training, but who knew what sort of form and rhythm he was in. The form and rhythm of his 2019-20 season – in which he’d been the second-highest run-getter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 competition, made a couple of first-class hundreds in the Ranji Trophy, and scored a 93 in a List A game on an India A tour of New Zealand – must have been buried in his muscle memory, somewhere, but who knew if he’d be able to recover enough of it to make an impact in his maiden IPL season.
Obviously it was tough for me, going [into] quarantine for [a lot more] days than the other guys. Everyone was with me – friends, family, everyone was supporting me, and somewhere I knew I was practising well. I had a good domestic season last year, so I knew one knock was around [the corner], but unfortunately three matches, just got out, but the support staff, and having the captain Mahi always supporting me, it helped a lot for me
And who knew if he’d get enough of a chance. Even amid the ruins of their worst-ever campaign, the Chennai Super Kings were only able to give him scattered opportunities. The first 0 and the 5 came on September 22 and 25, the second 0 on October 23.Then, on October 25, Gaikwad got to open the batting for the second time in the season. The pitch was slow, but the target was modest. Here was an opportunity to spend some time in the middle, gauge the conditions, assess the bowling, and get used to feeling bat on ball, all over again.Four dots, and then that single.There was something about that single. Even MS Dhoni thought so.”I feel this year has been tough for Rutu also,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation, after Gaikwad’s unbeaten 65 had steered the Super Kings to an eight-wicket win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore. “He batted a bit in [the Super Kings’ pre-season camp in] Chennai, then he came back over here, and then he got Covid, which meant his quarantine was longer than some of the other players, and he also gets a very long break – he has to get back again to some kind of a batting practice. So it was tough.”Even in the last game, if you see, all of a sudden when you go in to bat, it happens in cricket, you face one of the best bowlers in the world, you nick one, it just happens in cricket, you have to be mentally strong.”You alone have to get out of it. People will try their best, the coaches will help you, but ultimately once you’re inside, you have to fight it out with your mind, and I felt he did very well, after the first single that he took and the first hit, I felt he got more and more comfortable with himself, and he knew what really needs to be done.”There was a lean, fluid elegance to that single. And then, off the ninth ball Gaikwad faced, came the “first hit” Dhoni referred to. To call it a hit would be inaccurate, because it was just an extension of the same lean, fluid elegance, against the same bowler, Washington Sundar. A glide down the pitch, a step away from the line to create room, and a checked inside-out drive. A shot that flew over the long-off boundary. Gaikwad’s head stayed down at impact, then lifted in sync with his left elbow, and he seemed to mouth an “oh” as he finished his stroke with his back leg raised behind him.MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad during their stand•BCCIA cricketer as steeped in the game as Dhoni can sum up an innings by referring to two shots. The single, and the first hit. He seemed to be talking about this very shot when he spoke of how Gaikwad approached his innings. “He backed himself to play the kind of shots that he is known for, not looking at the big shots, just timing the ball,” Dhoni said. “Looking for a boundary, you get a six, fair enough.”, if you can time it like that. As his innings progressed, Gaikwad showed he could do it against pace too – notably another sashay down the pitch, against Mohammed Siraj, for a wristy drive over the covers; and a checked drive off Navdeep Saini, all along the ground this time, that bisected extra-cover and mid-off – but what stood out most was the ease with which he timed the ball against the spinners on a slow pitch. He was able to do this because of his footwork – either with nimble forays down the pitch or with a long, feline forward stretch, such as the one he employed to sweep Yuzvendra Chahal past the square-leg umpire.Gaikwad could afford to pick his moments, of course, given the smallness of the Super Kings’ target, and he was able to bat at his own tempo because Faf du Plessis and Ambati Rayudu kept nailing riskier shots at the other end. But even if it didn’t come in the most challenging circumstances, the innings came during a highly challenging phase in Gaikwad’s career.”Yeah, obviously it was tough for me, going [into] quarantine for [a lot more] days than the other guys,” Gaikwad said, picking up his Player-of-the-Match award. “Everyone was with me – friends, family, everyone was supporting me, and somewhere I knew I was practising well.”I had a good domestic season last year, so I knew one knock was around [the corner], but unfortunately three matches, just got out, but the support staff, and having the captain Mahi always supporting me, it helped a lot for me.”All that will have helped, but as Dhoni said, Gaikwad had to go out and do it all himself. He did that, and served up a reminder of the talent he possesses. It was a reminder to everyone else, yes, but surely just as much to himself.
The 2025 All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta couldn't be decided in just nine innings. Instead of the typical extra innings we'd see in any other game, we got another Home Run Derby to finish off the night.
Each league got to send up three batters who each got three swings apiece. Whichever side had the most total homers would win the game. The National League came out on top of the swing-off thanks to three homers from Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. In total, the NL had four homers compared to three for the American League after the even 6-6 contest.
Here are the full results from each player who participated in the swing-off. Remember, they only had three swings to hit as many long balls as they could.
Player
Team
League
Swing-Off Home Runs
Brent Rooker
Athletics
American League
2
Kyle Stowers
Miami Marlins
National League
1
Randy Arozarena
Seattle Mariners
American League
1
Kyle Schwarber
Philadelphia Phillies
National League
3
Jonathan Aranda
Tampa Bay Rays
American League
0
Pete Alonso
New York Mets
National League
N/A (swing-off decided)
The AL had a 3-1 lead before Schwarber stepped to the plate and went 3-for-3 which put the NL on top heading into the final two batters. Rays infielder Jonathan Aranda followed Schwarber with an opportunity to tie things up or give the AL the lead before the NL's final batter, Pete Alonso. Aranda hit a ball just off the top of the wall in right field for a close call, but wasn't able to go deep, which ended the thriller with the NL on top.
Schwarber was named the All-Star Game MVP for the swing-off performance. What a way to end the festivities.
Tottenham are ready to offload a member of Thomas Frank’s squad in January following a behind-the-scenes incident, according to a new report.
Players who could leave Spurs in January
Spurs are poised for an intriguing January transfer window, and not just in terms of incomings.
Among the few players who could leave next month, Mathys Tel has emerged as a credible candidate for the exit door with Roma named as an interested suitor.
The 20-year-old, signed permanently from Bayern Munich for £30 million last summer, has reportedly expressed unhappiness with his limited opportunities at Spurs — managing just 409 minutes across 14 total appearances this season.
His exclusion from the Champions League squad earlier this term signaled his peripheral status under Frank, and a temporary switch to Serie A is probable even if Tel has since been recalled to the European fold to replace Dominic Solanke.
Richarlison’s long-term future also remains uncertain despite scoring seven goals so far this term, including two goal of the season contenders against Burnley and Arsenal respectively.
Tottenham handed pitiful Solanke injury update with new timeline shared
The Englishman hasn’t featured since Man City in August.
By
Emilio Galantini
4 days ago
Tottenham are preparing to receive offers from Brazil, Saudi Arabia and potentially Everton — his former club where he enjoyed considerably greater success.
However, media sources indicate Spurs will reject loan proposals and only entertain a permanent sale.
The Brazilian’s inconsistency throughout his Tottenham career, just 39 goal contributions since joining in 2022 for £60 million, has frustrated sections of supporters.
With his contract expiring in 2027, January represents Tottenham’s optimal window to recoup a reasonable fee before his value diminishes.
Frank apparently views Richarlison as an ‘expendable’ member of his squad, even if he selects the 28-year-old regularly, with Solanke and Kolo Muani likely to be his first choices once the former at last returns to full fitness.
There is also the matter of Yves Bissouma, who’s already fallen foul with Frank after disciplinary issues and is yet to make a single competitive appearance under the Dane’s tutelage.
The Mali international has suffered injuries this campaign which have limited his availability, but according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Spurs have seen enough.
Tottenham decide to sell Yves Bissouma in January
Recent footage emerged showing the 29-year-old midfielder allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide in early November, despite being sidelined through injury at the time.
This marks the second such incident involving Bissouma, who was previously suspended by the club in August after similar footage surfaced.
The midfielder issued a public apology then, acknowledging a “severe lack of judgment” and recognizing the health risks involved, but his latest alleged breach has now exhausted the club’s patience.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s visit of Slavia Prague in the Champions League, Frank said: “It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it.”
Now, Crook reports that Tottenham are ready to sell Bissouma in January following this incident, which has effectively sealed his fate in north London.
Bissouma earns over £55,000-per-week, but has now become completely surplus to requirements under Frank.
The former Brighton star, who played a key role in Spurs’ Europa League final win last term, was excluded from Tottenham’s 22-man Champions League squad and subsequently underwent ankle surgery in October.
Tottenham Hotspur's YvesBissoumareacts after being substituted
Bissouma’s contract expires at the end of the season, but Tottenham do hold an option to extend it by another year, according to The Mail.
As per talkSPORT again, Galatasaray remain interested in securing his signature after a proposed summer transfer collapsed. The Turkish champions nearly signed Bissouma before the deal fell through, and they are prepared to revive their pursuit next year.