Category Uncategorized

Also: who was the youngest IPL centurion before Vaibhav Suryavanshi?

Steven Lynch06-May-2025Mehidy Hasan Miraz reached a century and later that day took five wickets against Zimbabwe. Has anyone else done this? asked Sameed Quasem from Bangladesh
On the third (and last) day of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Chattogram last week, Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan took his overnight score of 16 to 104, then claimed 5 for 32 as his side levelled the series with a comfortable victory.This combination of 88 runs and five wickets is arguably the best all-round performance on a single day of a Test, although there’s a contender from the mists of time: back in April 1899, South Africa’s Jimmy Sinclair took 6 for 26 on the first day against England in Cape Town, then scored the first 59 runs of an eventual 106, his country’s first Test century. For the list of those who have scored a hundred and taken a five-for in the same Test (not on the same day), click here.Who was the youngest IPL centurion before Vaibhav Suryavanshi? asked Rajesh Rao from India
The precocious Vaibhav Suryavanshi was just 32 days past his 14th birthday when he zoomed to a 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur a little over a week ago. Assuming his published date of birth is correct, he shattered the previous IPL record by more than five years: Manish Pandey was 19 years 253 days old when he hit 114 not out for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Deccan Chargers in Centurion in May 2009.Liam Livingstone has hit more sixes than fours in T20 internationals. Is this unique? asked Deepak Krishnan from India
So far, the England batter Liam Livingstone has scored 995 runs in T20Is, with 54 fours and 59 sixes. But there are some others with more runs and a similar preference for sixes: the West Indian Rovman Powell (1747 runs in T20Is) has hit 99 fours but 117 sixes so far, while Kieron Pollard (1569 runs) hit 94 fours and 99 sixes and another West Indian, Andre Russell, 63 fours and 89 sixes in 1063 runs.Babar Hayat of Hong Kong (2068 runs) has so far hit 126 fours and 126 sixes in T20Is, while others who might flip the balance one day are the West Indians Nicholas Pooran (2275 runs, 152 fours, 149 sixes) and Evin Lewis (1643 runs, 125 fours, 124 sixes).In all T20 cricket, three of the top four six-hitters have collected more sixes than fours: Pollard 908 and 842, Russell 738 and 601, and Pooran 633 and 607. Another West Indian, Chris Gayle, who is well clear at the top of the overall run-scorers’ list, almost managed it: his 14,562 runs in all T20 matches included 1132 fours and 1056 sixes.Ravindra Jadeja is the only player to score three triple-hundreds in the Ranji Trophy•PTI I noticed that Ravi Jadeja has scored three triple-centuries in the Ranji Trophy. Has anyone else done this? asked Mukul Pandit from India
There have so far been 55 triple-centuries in India’s Ranji Trophy (that includes the 443 not out of Bhausaheb Nimbalkar in Poona in December 1948). And you’re right that Ravi Jadeja has scored three of them, all for Saurashtra: 331 against Railways in Rajkot in December 2012, 314 vs Orissa in Cuttack in November 2011, and 303 not out against Gujarat in Surat in November 2012.Jadeja is the only man to score three triple-centuries in the Ranji Trophy. There are four others with two: Cheteshwar Pujara (also for Saurashtra), VVS Laxman for Hyderabad, Wasim Jaffer for Mumbai, and Taruwar Kohli, who made 300 not out for Punjab against Jharkhand in Jamshedpur in January 2013, and 307 not out for Mizoram vs Arunachal Pradesh in Puducherry in December 2019.Has anyone ever been caught and bowled twice by the same bowler in a Test? asked Peter Maxwell from England
This has happened *four times in all, but not very recently – the last such instance was in January 1961, when Australia’s captain Richie Benaud was caught and bowled in both innings in Sydney by the West Indian slow left-armer Alf Valentine. Before that, Everton Weekes of West Indies was caught and bowled twice by India’s Ghulam Ahmed in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1948-49 – Weekes had the consolation of having scored 162 and 101 – while in Melbourne in 1950-51 Australia’s Keith Miller gave return catches in both innings to England’s captain Freddie Brown. The first such instance was also in Melbourne, way back in January 1885: John Trumble, who was making his debut for Australia, was caught and bowled twice by the England seamer Billy Barnes.There are a further 18 instances of batters being caught and bowled in both innings, but by different bowlers: the most recent was Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam (dismissed by Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha of Sri Lanka) in Sylhet in March 2024.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions02.02GMT, May 7, 2025: This answer said “three” previously. The first instance, featuring John Trumble and Billy Barnes, was added on.

Punishment for the county must be weighed against further hits to inclusion and diversity

David Hopps01-Apr-2023Once a war approaches its end, it is instructional to remind yourself of the point of the peace. In the case of Yorkshire cricket, that should be blindingly obvious: to create an environment in which talented cricketers have equal opportunity to succeed in a culture free from prejudice and discrimination, and in which all spectators can feel a true sense of belonging. An outcome about which everyone – or at least everyone who really cares – can take pride.Now judgment has been passed on Yorkshire’s racism scandal, focus must be upon achieving such an aim. This should not be about a thirst for further punishment, or yet more trashing of reputations. Nor should it be about the further vilification of Azeem Rafiq or the parading of holier-than-thou responses towards those he has accused. And those who think it’s all about Michael Vaughan have clearly surrendered long ago to the cult of celebrity. Although with charges against him unproven, there is no justification to prolong his absence from the BBC.The ECB chair, Richard Thompson, has already set the direction of travel, pleading that if cricket is to find lasting benefit from this, it must be “a time of reconciliation”, a chance “to collectively learn and heal the wounds”. Many still remain aggrieved. But Yorkshire cricket must never visit here again.Related

Michael Vaughan cleared of racism charge by ECB disciplinary committee

Cricket Discipline Committee racism hearings: The verdicts

Yorkshire seek solace in cricket but Rafiq racism scandal casts long shadow

Vaughan regrets 'disgusting' tweets but denies making 'you lot' comment

Rafiq, Vaughan, Yorkshire: a race reckoning

Such aspirations are not exactly groundbreaking. They were all enshrined in the Equality Act of 2010, a hotchpotch of laws brought together in a single act by the last Labour Government: protection against discrimination not just because of race, but religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy. An Act intended to underpin the basic tenets of a fair and equal society.Presumably Yorkshire were otherwise occupied at the time.Presumably much of English cricket was, too, because one of the reasons Rafiq’s allegations struck a chord was because English cricket felt guilty by association.But Yorkshire has a right to a wider context. As the media digested the guilty verdicts handed down by the ECB’s cricket disciplinary committee, Yunus Lunat, a Leeds-based lawyer with a particular expertise in discrimination in sport, underlined on BBC Look North that this is not a Yorkshire cricket problem, or even a cricket problem, this is a society problem. To deny that is to retreat into an act of supreme self-delusion.It is not to engage in “whataboutery”, or to dismiss Yorkshire’s failings as inconsequential, but merely to search for a sense of perspective, to reflect that the ECB cricket disciplinary committee announced its verdict at the end of a month in which the Metropolitan Police, the nation’s fire brigades and Welsh Rugby have been dubbed hotbeds of racism, homophobia and misogyny. Or to point to the vile racism openly on show during anti-immigration protests fanned by far-right groups last month in South Yorkshire, and captured by the News Agents podcast. There are countless other examples. All of them deeply disturbing.As culture wars play out across Britain, it is also instructional to reflect that Yorkshire admitted to institutional racism before the Department of Culture, Media and Sport Committee a year or so before the Home Secretary dismissed the phrase as “politically charged” and “not helpful”, appearing to blame the phrase itself rather than blame people’s inability – or refusal – to understand what it means.

Opportunity for disadvantaged and minority-ethnic kids is not best served by heavy fines that at best might cause cuts in development budgets and at worst tip Yorkshire into bankruptcy

In cricket, though, there is now cause to hope that the world has changed. From all this, Yorkshire cricket must move forward, owning its shame and committed to a more enlightened future. And here’s the thing: it already is. Those who value Yorkshire primarily as a convenient symbol of bigotry might be reluctant to concede as much, or chide that they have heard it all before, and indeed they have, but a recently-constituted and more progressive board has been driving change across the county even though trust is low, opinions are entrenched, feelings run high, and the county (not for the first time) is on the verge of bankruptcy.A joint statement from the interim chair, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, and chief executive Stephen Vaughan, made the right noises, saying: “As a club we needed to accept and take accountability for the cultural issues which allowed racist and discriminatory behaviour to go unchallenged. We are making great progress in our ambition to become a more inclusive and welcoming club for all.”But this is not just noises off while the scenery collapses all around them from a county that pled guilty on four amended charges – essentially, failing to address and act upon allegations of racist and discriminatory language. Matters had to come to a head for Yorkshire to recognise their wider responsibilities, but the facts bear out that they have embarked upon a new direction.Central to Yorkshire’s ambition has been their serious attempts to transform a previously narrow performance pathway that had favoured children of monied and well-connected white parents – a charge that it has long been established can be levelled not just against Yorkshire but, to varying degrees, every county club in the land.To increase access from lower income households, match fees have been removed, free kit has been provided, winter coaching has been free of charge and there has been a hardship fund for those worthy of further support.Potential bias in selection has been addressed by abolishing private one-to-one coaching from staff involved with age-group pathways – a recognition that parents who pay for such coaching expect results from those who can influence team selection. Selection committees have been established. It would be naïve, though, to imagine a perfect world. Already there are grumblings of parental pressure and potential conflicts of interest. Junior selection in sport is a perpetual minefield wherever the power lies.Nevertheless, these and other changes have brought a 60% increase in participants from minority-ethnic or poorer backgrounds in the age-group performance pathways. Poorer kids, too, because the issues of race and class are intertwined.Under the heading “Cricket is a Game for Me”, Yorkshire’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plan, modelled on the ECB’s “Inspiring Generations” strategy, is being implemented with conviction. Inclusivity is also increasingly at the heart of the spectator experience.So much, so boring, some social media sabre-rattlers will be thinking. What’s our next campaign? As Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart indicated on a recent The Rest is Politics podcast, the coming generation might have a stronger moral conscience than many who passed before, but by their own admission they have less appetite for civic contributions. But only by tens of thousands of hours active commitment by hundreds of people does change occur. After the dislocation must come the vision and after the vision must come the dedication.Lord Patel failed to get everyone pulling in the same direction at Yorkshire•Getty ImagesWhat still seems to be lacking in Yorkshire’s approach – and what has been lacking on all sides since the Rafiq affair began – is a recognition of the importance of education in building deep and long-lasting trust in a multi-racial environment. Lord Patel did not go in for education – despite promising upon his emergency appointment to “take people on a journey”, he summarily sacked 16 people, a decision that eroded trust and divided the county. It did not just go against natural justice, or cost the club millions in legal fees, but erroneously concluded that the problem was in the individual, rather than the culture.It is worth remembering that as much as Yorkshire can, and must, use its influence to be a general force for good, its primary function is that of a professional sports club – to find and develop elite players and to run a successful and profitable business.What Yorkshire also need therefore is a social contract for all players who appear in their age group sides and beyond, an appreciation of the cultural and sporting codes of behaviour that underpin the right to a non-discriminatory environment, but also which makes clear their own responsibilities in a talent-driven sporting environment. A new code of White Rose values that goes beyond the traditional image of playing hard and telling it straight.There will never be a better chance for minority-ethnic communities to abandon their pessimism and trust that the opportunities are for real, to play an active part in a club from which they have largely regarded themselves as excluded. Not to do so would deny Rafiq a valuable legacy and a victory – because victory it has been – of lasting substance.While Yorkshire wrestle with the many social and ethnic challenges that (apart from a brief period earlier this century) have been beyond them, to punish a county that has now embraced change would seem to be entirely counterproductive.By announcing their verdict, but delaying their sentence, the ECB’s disciplinary committee appears to recognise that. They may be in a quandary, but opportunity for disadvantaged and minority-ethnic kids is not best served by heavy fines that at best might cause cuts in development budgets and at worst tip Yorkshire into bankruptcy. By showing evidence of progress to the disciplinary committee, as they now must because the process will drag on for a while yet, they will have reason to appeal for clemency.Not everyone will be placated. If not fines, they say, then points deductions. The ECB will fear reputational damage if they are seen to be lenient and considering that they recently deducted 10 points from Durham for an oversized bat precedent is hardly in Yorkshire’s favour.But even this – a more likely option – has little purpose nearly seven years after Rafiq first complained formally about racism, and then was eventually released for the second time at the end of that season. It would be a brutal response to a young Yorkshire side that is entirely unconnected with the racism allegations. In the meantime, they must begin a second successive season not knowing what points deductions they may face, but their consolation is that with every week that passes the extent of that punishment may lessen.It is time to embrace the positives. The success over the past three years of the African-Caribbean Engagement programme, tirelessly headed by Ebony Rainford-Brent, has become the template on what can be achieved to champion diversity in sport. ACE began in South London but it has expanded into Birmingham and Bristol, and has ambitions, among others, to gain a foothold in Leeds, too. Make that happen.According to figures from , the charity has already touched 10,000 pupils in their schools’ programme and provided 44 players for county age-group sides. As Lawrence Booth, editor of , asked: “If a charity can produce them from scratch in next to no time what on earth has the game’s governing body been up to?”ACE has enjoyed substantial financial backing, not least from Sport England and the ECB, as well as attracting individual donations. Yorkshire are a long way from building the credibility to receive such support. Building their own membership and attracting sponsors is battle enough. Their expansion of coaching is already a heavy drain on their finances.But the success of ACE is a reminder that for the ECB to debilitate Yorkshire financially at precisely the time they are striving to change for the better would be one more terrible miscalculation in a saga that has been full of them.

Professional educator Peter Sutcliffe cleared a coaching path successors at the ECB have since smoothed and modified

Paul Edwards08-May-2021
There is more chance of Priti Patel appearing on than us seeing any cricket today. Yorkshire may be God’s own county but He has shown no favouritism towards His chosen people this morning regardless of how much brass they have in their building society accounts. (Suspicions are growing in Harrogate that the Almighty might be a bloody leftie.) The rain set in early and has displayed an adherence of which Emmott Robinson would have been proud. The umpires have announced an inspection for 11.00 and the only thing they can possibly be considering is whether the day’s play should be abandoned.If so, Messrs. Kettleborough and Hartley could spend their afternoon reading Yorkshire’s 2021 Yearbook. After all, they are both in it, as is every other cricketer who has represented the White Rose in a first-class game. The 123rd edition arrived in the Roy Kilner auditorium -why not press box? – yesterday and, as usual, it occupies a smaller area than its counterparts in other counties and is also much less glossy, but it contains far more pages. In other words it is a proper book and should Yorkshire think of changing the format the consequent uprising would make the Pilgrimage of Grace look like a philatelists’ outing.As ever, the Yearbook is a fine read, as much for its articles as its extraordinary quantity of statistics. The most sombre section is the obituaries which, this year, include my tribute to a Yorkshireman who never played a first-class game yet whose contribution to the game should be better known, particularly in a summer when “engagement” is a buzz-word and women’s cricket becomes stronger by the week. What follows is an edited and also augmented version of that obituary and another moment of quiet fame for Peter Sutcliffe:Related

Zak Crawley's old-fashioned elegance belies the ambition of youth

Gary Ballance, Joe Root raise Yorkshire's hopes against Kent

Peter Sutcliffe coaching on the outfield•Simon SutcliffeAnd that is where Peter Sutcliffe’s story ends and also where it continues. For unlike his father, Simon Sutcliffe became a professional county cricketer who represented Warwickshire for three years before moving into teaching while also coaching and playing the recreational game to a high level. In recent seasons, as Master-in-Charge of cricket at Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby, he has played an important role in the development of Tom Hartley and George Lavelle, both of whom made their first-class debuts for Lancashire last summer.”Pass it on, boys. That’s the game I wanted you to learn,” says Hector in Alan Bennett’s play If one was not on the verge of tears by that stage of the play, one would be inclined to cheer. Hector’s words are a reminder that inheritance is about more than blood and money; it concerns choice, responsibility, guardianship. Peter Sutcliffe could never see the full results of his coaching or his initiatives, much less will he be able to follow the careers of Lavelle and Hartley. But if we value what we see, it is plainly right that we should preserve it for others to love as well. This is not the worst thing to remember on a wet May morning in Leeds as we prepare for a summer of change and, some might say, threat.

The season only kicked off a month and a half ago, but it’s already been full of twists and turns for Arsenal.

For example, after winning their opening two Premier League games, Mikel Arteta’s side then lost away to Liverpool, after which many fans and pundits alike began to write off the team’s title credentials.

However, fast-forward to today, and the Gunners find themselves atop the table and with two wins from two in the Champions League.

Yet, while things are going brilliantly from a performance and results perspective, the North Londoners continue to be ravaged by injury, including club captain Martin Odegaard.

Fortunately, Arteta now has a few options when it comes to replacing him, one of which could be starting a star player in an entirely new position.

Arsenal's injury problems

For a period this season, it felt as if Arsenal were unable to complete a game without losing a player to injury, and while things are no longer that bad, the situation is far from ideal.

For example, while the likes of William Saliba, Ben White and Christian Norgaard are fit again, and Declan Rice looks ready to play for England this week, Arteta is set to be without five first-team players when the international break comes to an end.

The most prolonged absence remains Gabriel Jesus, and while he has taken pictures of himself back on the grass, the manager confirmed that it would be “many, many months” before he plays regular minutes for the first team again.

What makes the Brazilian’s absence so much more of a problem is the fact that Kai Havertz is also out following the surgery he had on his knee back in late August, meaning there is no natural competition for Viktor Gyokeres at the moment.

The attacking woes don’t stop there, though, as Noni Madueke is expected to remain out of contention for at least another month or so after suffering a knee injury in the home game against Manchester City last month.

The former Chelsea player is yet to score or assist a goal in red and white, but his performances this season have been brilliant, and he added a blistering directness that has sometimes been missing from the team.

Another summer signing currently sidelined is Piero Hincapie, who is out with a groin injury, and while his absence is a blow, it’s hard to determine how much of an impact he’ll have this season, considering he’s played just six minutes thus far.

Finally, arguably the most impactful injury of them all is Odegaard’s, as before being forced off with what has now been confirmed as an MCL injury, the Norwegian was starting to look like the creative force he was a couple of years ago.

Fortunately, Arteta does have a few ways he can address the captain’s absence, and perhaps one worth trying is starting his best player in a new position.

The Arsenal star who could replace Odegaard

So, the way Arteta is likely to solve the problem of Odegaard being out injured is by starting Eberechi Eze in the attacking midfield position.

Chalkboard

While this is a perfectly logical solution, and one that many will be calling for, it does create one issue: a weaker left-wing position, as neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli has excelled when starting for a long time.

Therefore, a way to keep the left-hand side strong is to do something entirely new and try playing Arsenal’s most important player in a central location: Bukayo Saka.

Now, before the pitchforks and torches come out, this isn’t an example of moving the Englishman to a less important position to accommodate someone else; if anything, moving him to the middle of the pitch would allow him to have a far greater influence on the game.

Described as one of the club’s “very best players,” by podcaster Adam Keys, the Hale Ender has shown time and time again that he has the technical and mental skills to play a more central role.

He’s an excellent striker of the ball, can see a pass that few others in the team can, has spent the last three years being double and triple-teamed by defenders, and, while he’s not the fastest, he has incredible agility in the way he moves around the pitch.

Moreover, with 100 goal involvements in 200 league games, the 24-year-old has the output to be measured against the best number tens in the game.

Finally, in addition to the eye test and his record, the North Londoners’ “legend in the making,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has the underlying numbers to prove he’d be a goal-scoring chance-creating machine in central areas.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 1% of wingers and attacking midfielders in the Premier League last season for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, shot-creating actions, goal-creating actions, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, it would be a left-field decision, but Saka is a genuinely world-class player, and perhaps Odegaard’s injury will be the perfect opportunity for Arteta to see how he fares in the middle of the park, where he can have a more significant impact on the game.

Berta holds new Arsenal contract talks with big-name duo after Raya, Saka and Timber

The Italian is looking to extend a host of deals.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 9, 2025

Nottingham Forest are seemingly testing the waters for long-term heirs to star midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the Englishman now a man in serious demand.

Elliot Anderson attracts serious interest ahead of 2026

Anderson has emerged as one of English football’s most coveted midfielders following his sensational performances for Forest this season, with Man City reportedly establishing themselves as frontrunners for his signature despite the club’s eye-watering £100 million asking price.

The 23-year-old has exploded onto the scene at Forest since departing Newcastle in 2024, a move that originally stemmed from the Magpies’ PSR pressures.

Anderson has transformed into one of England’s brightest prospects, establishing himself as a near-certainty for Thomas Tuchel’s squad at the 2026 World Cup.

City have especially been ‘captivated’ by Anderson’s abilities, with Etihad scouts apparently watching the midfielder over ten times this season (Sky Switzerland).

Reports suggest Pep Guardiola views Anderson as the perfect successor to Rodri and an ideal fit for his system, appreciating the youngster’s versatility to operate as either a holding midfielder or box-to-box number eight.

Most significantly, Anderson is said to have privately informed his representatives that City are his preferred destination should he leave the City Ground.

This revelation provides the Premier League title contenders with a crucial advantage over fierce rivals Man United, who had identified Anderson as their priority midfield target for 2026.

Arsenal identify marquee Nottingham Forest star who Arteta loves as 'top target'

The Spaniard is a big fan.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 26, 2025

However, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis remains steadfast in his valuation, demanding fees potentially exceeding £100m for a player contracted until 2029.

Anderson has been exceptional for Forest throughout the campaign, winning more duels than any other player in the Premier League this season.

His combative presence, defensive tenacity and progressive passing have caught attention across Europe, with Liverpool also rumoured to be monitoring his situation closely.

Any departure remains unlikely until the summer, with Forest determined to retain their prized asset in January.

A standout tournament performance next summer could push Anderson’s valuation even higher, though his believed preference for Eastlands suggests City hold an advantage when negotiations eventually intensify.

As Sean Dyche faces the looming threat of his star midfielder next year, the Tricky Trees have begun succession planning.

Nottingham Forest make approach for Atalanta sensation Sergej Levak

According to TUTTOmercatoWEB reporter Andrea Losapio, Forest have made an enquiry to sign Atalanta Under-23 midfielder Sergej Levak.

The 19-year-old has impressed significantly since arriving from Roma last summer, making 13 appearances and scoring three goals in Serie C’s Group C during his debut professional campaign for Atalanta’s ‘B team’.

His performances have grabbed attention across multiple divisions, with Forest making a preliminary approach to gauge Levak’s availability.

Levak stands at a towering 6 foot 4 and combines technical ability with physical presence, earning comparisons to former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic.

Atalanta moved quickly to secure his signature ahead of strong competition from Genoa, Parma, Juventus and Inter Milan, who all explored routes to sign him through their respective Under-23 setups before promoting him to senior level.

Beyond Forest’s attention, several Serie C clubs alongside various European teams have shown interest in securing Levak’s services.

However, sources indicate Roma harbored doubts about his capabilities before his departure, making Atalanta’s swift intervention particularly shrewd business.

The Bergamo side are now faced with an important decision regarding Levak’s pathway. Options include allowing him to complete his debut season with the Under-23 side or entertaining January offers from clubs across different leagues.

The Croatian sensation is a fairly unknown quantity, but Forest’s interest perhaps indicates they have scouts working in Italy to identify top talent.

Manchester City have now moved into pole position in the race for an “incredible” star, with Pep Guardiola captivated by him.

Man City's January transfer plans taking shape

It is clear that Man City could do with bringing in some additional attacking firepower this January, given that Erling Haaland has scored more than half of their 27 Premier League goals this season, although Phil Foden is showing signs he could be getting back to his best.

City survived a scare to defeat Leeds United 3-2 on Saturday, with their academy graduate bagging a brace, scoring the all-important third goal in stoppage time.

However, with Haaland perhaps still in need of additional support in attack, the Blues are looking to sign a new forward, and they are now exploring a move for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Semenyo is not the only target though, with Guardiola’s side setting their sights on a new midfielder, amid Rodri being unable to overcome his injury woes, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

According to a report from Spain, Man City are now the clear favourites to sign Anderson, but they will have to shell out one of the highest transfer fees in their history to get a deal done, with a €100m (£88m) asking price being touted.

Guardiola has been left captivated by the midfielder, who has attracted interest from some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool, but City have now moved into pole position in the race for his signature.

The Blues’ financial resources should also give them the edge, and there is every indication he would be a fantastic addition to Guardiola’s squad…

"Incredible" Anderson has earned move to top club

The central midfielder has been nothing short of a revelation for both club and country this season, most recently putting in a top performance against Brighton & Hove Albion, despite Forest losing 2-0, winning more duels and completing more dribbles than any other player.

Elliot Anderson’s key statistics

Number completed

Dribbles

6

Duels (won)

17 (12)

Accurate passes

62/71 (87%)

Crosses (accurate)

13 (6)

Lauded as “incredible” by journalist Konstantinos Lianos, the Forest star has also received high praise from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who said: “He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent. He is fulfilling his role in the best way possible so we are very happy with him.”

Man City now frontrunners to sign "world-class" £80m star, Pep's a big fan

There has been a new update on City’s pursuit of a new forward, who Pep Guardiola has dubbed “extraordinary”.

ByDominic Lund Nov 27, 2025

With Rodri still struggling on the injury front, it would be ideal to bring in a new midfielder who could help keep the pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race, and Anderson has proven himself as a top player this season.

Three days into the 2025 season, the biggest story in baseball was the New York Yankees' bats.

On the first Saturday of the year, the Yankees—using innovative "torpedo" bats exalted by announcer MIchael Kay—crushed the Milwaukee Brewers 20–9 and watched both leagues raise their respective eyebrows. Soon, the bats were everywhere.

Not even fancy bats, however, could stem the tide of regression to the mean. New York is now a good-but-not-great 8-6, and the extent to which its initial detonation may have been a sample-size mirage was on full display Sunday against the San Francisco Giants.

With his team up 1–0 in the second inning, shortstop Anthony Volpe swung out of his shoes and flung his "torpedo" bat into the stands.

"Somebody just caught the torpedo," Kay said as the fan who caught the bat could be seen feeling its barrel.

Volpe is slashing .240/.339/.540 with four home runs and 13 RBIs so far; it remains to be seen whether he can keep those career-best numbers up.

Travis Head returns to add more batting power but South Africa are able to call on Kagiso Rabada

Andrew McGlashan09-Aug-20252:34

The best of Cameron Green from the West Indies series

Big Picture: International cricket returns to DarwinThere was a little more riding on the outcome when these two teams met a couple of months ago at Lord’s, where South Africa wrote a new chapter in their history by claiming the World Test Championship title. This series is very much a stepping stone to the next global tournament: February’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.Both sides are in T20 mode. Australia have recently completed a 5-0 sweep of West Indies where their batting power stood out – and it’s been strengthened further for this series by the return of Travis Head – while South Africa were part of a tri-series in Zimbabwe where they fell short in the final against New Zealand with an experimental side.Related

Rabada ruled out of Australia ODI series with ankle inflammation

Rickelton 'won't change' approach as he looks to make T20I opening spot his own

Should Nathan Ellis be a first-choice Australia T20I bowler?

Rabada excited by the new generation of South African players

A few key names have returned for this trip, notably captain Aiden Markram and pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, but it also continues to be an exploration of South Africa’s depth and potential options ahead of the World Cup alongside getting further games into the likes of Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis and Kwena Maphaka.”Zimbabwe [T20I tri-series] was a valuable exercise and we obviously want to build on the good things in particular the form of our two young batters and someone like Kwena as well to continue to grow his stocks in T20 cricket,” coach Shukri Conrad said.Australia are staggering the return of their all-format quicks with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc continuing to rest ahead of the home summer, while Josh Hazlewood is back, although he is likely to have his workload managed. However, Nathan Ellis’ performances are raising the question as to whether it’s time to permanently split up the big three in this format.The other significant aspect of the opening matches of this series is that it sees a return of international cricket to Darwin in Australia’s Top End for the first time since 2008, when Bangladesh were the visitors. The opening match is a sellout with the second on Tuesday heading that way, too. The city is a likely host of a Test match against Bangladesh next year as Australia’s home season extends into the northern summer.Form guideAustralia WWWWW
South Africa LLWLWIn the spotlight: Mitchell Marsh and Dewald BrevisAustralia’s batting order came together impressively in the West Indies, but captain Mitchell Marsh was the one player to not make a significant contribution, with 81 runs in five innings. It won’t be a major concern with plenty of T20Is ahead for Marsh to hit his stride – and he’s locked in at the top alongside Head – but it would be an unwanted distraction should Marsh remain short of runs, especially given the plethora of top-order options available.South Africa have clearly earmarked Dewald Brevis as a likely World Cup player in the middle order•SA20There were some promising signs for Dewald Brevis in the Zimbabwe tri-series as he finished as South Africa’s leading run-scorer with 133 at a strike rate 187.32, although he couldn’t quite see them home in the final. Those were Brevis’ first T20Is since his debut, which came against Australia in 2023, a year after he flayed an astonishing 162 off 57 balls in the domestic one-day competition. South Africa have clearly earmarked him as a likely World Cup player in the middle order.Team news: Hazlewood likely to return, Pretorius may miss outMatt Short continues his recovery from the side strain he picked up in the West Indies, and will miss the first two games of the series which partly eases the batting squeeze for now. Marsh confirmed he and Head would open – and are set to be the duo for the World Cup – which will see Glenn Maxwell return to the middle order and Mitchell Owen potentially being as low as No. 7. Hazlewood will strengthen the pace attack, although he may not play every match. Matt Kuhnemann is part of the squad should an extra spinner be needed.Australia (possible): 1 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 2 Travis Head, 3 Josh Inglis (wk), 4 Cameron Green, 5 Tim David, 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Mitchell Owen, 8 Ben Dwarshuis, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodSouth Africa’s top order is bolstered by the return of Markram and Ryan Rickelton, which may see 19-year Pretorius squeezed out of the XI. Left-arm spinner George Linde took on an allrounder’s role at No. 6 in Zimbabwe and could continue in that capacity.South Africa (possible): 1 Aiden Markram (capt), 2 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Dewald Brevis, 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 George Linde, 7 Prenelan Subrayen, 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Nandre Burger, 11 Lungi NgidiMitchell Owen could bat as low at No. 7•AFP via Getty ImagesPitch and conditionsGiven Darwin is effectively starting again as an international venue after such a long gap, there is some uncertainty over what the conditions will be like, although there shouldn’t be anything untoward in the surface. The forecast, for both matches, is good with mild, dry evenings.Stats and trivia The last time Darwin hosted an international, Australia were captained by Michael Clarke. These two teams have not met in T20Is since 2023, when Australia came out 3-0 winners in South Africa. Maxwell needs four wickets to reach 50 in T20Is. He will become just the fourth men’s player to score 2500 runs and take 50 wickets in the format. Since the start of 2024, Australia have the highest batting strike rate in T20Is.Quotes”They’ve some young guys that have, I guess, burst onto the scene over the last couple of years. That’s always exciting for international cricket, and provides us with a different challenge, but certainly looking forward to coming up against them.”
.”You can see these guys are raring to go. It’s great having the experience back – Aiden’s leadership and then obviously the leadership roles that someone like Kagiso plays. So, really excited about this next couple of weeks. We know it’s going to be a great challenge.”
.

It is fair to say that the end of the summer transfer window did not go exactly to plan for Celtic in their attempts to bolster the attacking options in the squad.

Brendan Rodgers wanted to add more firepower to his frontline by bringing in a new number nine, whilst he also allowed Adam Idah to leave to sign for Swansea.

The Ireland international scored 20 goals in all competitions for the Hoops last season, per Transfermarkt, and his exit left Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada as the only natural strikers at the club.

Unfortunately, Celtic were unable to bring a new centre-forward to Parkhead on deadline day. Instead, they signed Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer the day after deadline day, and he has scored three goals for the club to date.

The Nigeria international has scored one goal from open play, along with two penalties, and missed four ‘big chances’ in six appearances so far, per Sofascore.

Celtic did make a signing on deadline day, though, as they brought Sebastian Tounekti in from Hammarby for a fee of around £5m, and he has hit the ground running in Glasgow.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with Sebastian Tounekti

Typically, crowds love to watch exciting wingers who take their man on and make things happen with the ball at their feet, because it creates excitement and gets fans off their seats.

Tounekti is that sort of winger. The Tunisia international could be described as fearless in the way that he is willing to try and try and try again to dribble past opposition defenders.

He completed five of his eight attempted dribbles and created four chances for his teammates against Kilmarnock, per Sofascore, on his debut for the club in the Scottish Premiership last month.

The 23-year-old star, who scored his first goal for the club in the League Cup against Partick Thistle, has completed 14 dribbles in five appearances for the club in the Premiership and the Europa League to date.

He has been an electric figure on the left flank for the Scottish giants with his ability to whiz past opposition full-backs with ease to get into promising positions in the final third.

Sebastian Tounekti

5

14

James Forrest

9

11

Benjamin Nygren

9

7

Daizen Maeda

9

5

Colby Donovan

4

4

As you can see in the table above, Tounekti has the most completed dribbles of any player in the Celtic squad, despite playing four fewer matches than the three players who are closest to his tally.

One thing that you may notice about that table is that summer signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who is a winger, does not make it into the top five at the club for completed dribbles.

That is because he has not completed a single dribble in five appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, per Sofascore, which shows that he has been a bit too timid with the ball at his feet so far for the Bhoys.

Whilst that suggests that he is unlikely to follow in Tounekti’s footsteps as an exciting and dynamic wing wizard, Rodgers does have another Celtic player who can get supporters off their feet with exciting wing play.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Jota suffered an ACL injury in May against Dundee United that ruled him out of action for up to nine months, which means that the Hoops may not have him back until the second half of this season.

Once the former Rennes and Al Ittihad star does return to the field at Parkhead to play for Rodgers, though, the manager could have another Tounekti at his disposal.

Why Jota is the original Tounekti

The Portuguese starlet signed for, left, and rejoined Celtic before Tounekti arrived in Glasgow on deadline day at the start of September, but is currently on the sidelines because of his injury.

Jota produced 25 goals and 23 assists in the Premiership and European competitions across his two seasons at the club under Ange Postecoglou’s management, which attracted interest from Al Ittihad.

The electric forward joined the Saudi Pro League side for a fee of £25m in a move that was a blow for the Scottish giants, because he was their most exciting attacking outlet.

1

Jota – 1.7

Jota – 1.5

2

Tom Rogic – 1.6

Alexandro Bernabei – 1.5

3

Mikey Johnston – 1.3

Anthony Ralston – 1.0

4

Anthony Ralston – 0.9

Reo Hatate – 0.8

5

James Forrest – 0.9

Greg Taylor – 0.8

As you can see in the table above, Jota was the most prolific dribbler in the squad in both of his first two seasons at Parkhead with Postecoglou in the dugout, which shows that he was the original Tounekti.

Of course, the Portugal international returned to Celtic in the January transfer window this year, joining from Rennes, and he hit the ground running at the start of his second spell in Glasgow.

The 26-year-old star scored four goals and provided two assists in 11 Premiership appearances in the second half of last season, whilst completing 1.6 dribbles per 90, per Sofascore.

Jota, who pundit Michael Stewart described as a “game-changer” who “raises the bar”, gets fans off their seats in anticipation because he takes defenders on and makes things happen in the final third.

Along with his dribbling skills, the Portuguese talent also has the output, with his return of goals and assists, to give supporters the belief that he will score or create a goal when he gets the ball in dangerous positions.

Not Bonnar: Celtic's "dangerous" 18-year-old star could replace McGregor

Celtic may have their next Callum McGregor in the making in their academy system.

ByDan Emery Oct 9, 2025

Therefore, Rodgers will be patiently waiting for Jota to be available for selection once again, because the manager will then have two electric and exciting wingers to select on the flank in Tounekti and the former Benfica star.

As Nuno Espirito Santo looks to solve their goalscoring problem, one striker has reportedly “definitely” emerged as a January transfer target for West Ham United.

West Ham's striker problem

It’s a problem that Michail Antonio covered for a number of years and one that Jarrod Bowen is desperately attempting to do without his former teammate, but one that is simply not going away. West Ham simply lack goals. Take away their captain’s output and the Hammers have scored just three goals in seven Premier League games, despite welcoming new striker Callum Wilson in the summer.

On Nuno’s list of priorities, a new striker must sit at the absolute top. Neither Niclas Fullkrug or Wilson are likely to take the role as talisman in years to come, given that they’re both in their 30s, and that should ring alarm bells about the summer transfer window that West Ham just endured.

As much as Graham Potter struggled, it’s clear that the Hammers should have signed a striker at the peak of their powers when they had the chance in the summer.

2025/26 PL goals

Goals

Bowen

3

Fullkrug

0

Wilson

1

Just who arrives is the question. The likes of Joshua Zirkzee have already been linked with shock moves to the London Stadium in 2026 and there’s no doubt that he could return to his best away from Manchester United. Like Wilson and Fullkrug, however, Zirkzee has not shown the type of form in front of goal that the Hammers need.

Nuno was bought in to solve West Ham’s current problems, but he must be backed with an attacking addition when the winter window swings open. To do that, the Hammers could use the upcoming World Cup and one player’s desire to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad to their full advantage.

West Ham "definitely" targeting Toney

According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, West Ham are “definitely” targeting Ivan Toney, who could leave Al-Ahli on loan in the hope of winning a World Cup place in January.

Related West Ham join race for "insane" £105k-a-week striker who "loves a Cruyff turn"

The Hammers are looking to sign a Premier League centre-forward, who is keen to leave his current club.

Posts ByDominic Lund Oct 13, 2025

A loan deal would certainly suit West Ham too. It would likely mean a discount on the forward’s hefty £22m-a-year wages in Saudi Arabia and there’s no doubt that the 29-year-old is still capable of finding the back of the net in the Premier League.

After scoring eight goals in 10 games in all competitions this season, Toney would be an excellent addition for West Ham as they look to finally solve their striker problem. Whether the forward is granted a January exit remains to be seen, however.