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When he came to the crease, NZ needed 181 off 130 balls; Bracewell ended with 127* off 82, with the lower order for company

Deivarayan Muthu11-Jul-2022Michael Bracewell is known as “The Beast” to his New Zealand and Wellington Firebirds team-mates. On the recent Test tour to England, he had been beasted with the ball, and questions were raised over his selection ahead of left-arm fingerspinner Ajaz Patel.On Sunday, in the ODI series opener against Ireland in Malahide, similar questions were raised over his selection, although Mitchell Santner wasn’t available to play after having a bout of Covid-19. Bracewell struggled for control with the ball against the right-hand pair of Harry Tector and Curtis Campher, but turned up with the bat under immense pressure to show what is truly capable of in New Zealand’s white-ball side.When Bracewell came to the crease, the game seemed all but over for New Zealand, who at that stage needed another 181 off 130 balls in a chase of 301, with only the lower order for company for Bracewell. Some of the Irish fans were already celebrating in the stands, but Bracewell hushed them and powered New Zealand to an incredible victory with a calculated assault in only his fourth ODI, thus ending unbeaten on 127 off just 82 balls.Related

• Ajaz Patel peers through sliding door to see Michael Bracewell

• Report: Bracewell's 127* the centrepiece of incredible NZ drama

Campher gleaned seam movement off the deck and swing in the air. Bracewell was particularly cautious against him and offspinner Simi Singh, who was matched up with the left-hander Bracewell. It was Ish Sodhi who took greater risks in a 61-run seventh-wicket partnership with Bracewell.Bracewell then seamlessly shifted through the gears and took the chase deep. It ultimately came down to one man vs the other. Bracewell vs Craig Young. New Zealand needed 20 off the last over, with just one wicket in hand. Young’s plan was to bowl wide yorkers away from the swinging arc of Bracewell and deny him the access to the shorter leg-side boundary.Bracewell proactively veered across off stump and scooped the first two balls for fours, with both square leg and fine leg in. His smarts and power dismantled Ireland’s best-laid plans as he then jumped across off and walloped the next two balls for four and six, both over midwicket. He added another four and six to the sequence to cap a sensational turnaround.Bracewell is used to dealing with pressure. He has been around the domestic scene for over a decade, and captains Firebirds. His Malahide miracle is somewhat comparable to the rescue act in New Plymouth in the Super Smash in January earlier this year. Firebirds were 24 for 4 against Central Stags in pursuit of an imposing 229, but despite wickets tumbling around him, Bracewell turned on the beast mode in cracking an unbeaten 141 off 65 balls. Coincidentally, he had also finished that match with a No.11 for company, with one ball to spare.Michael Bracewell on his first hundred: “Pretty proud moment walking off the field and seeing all the boys’ faces”•Sportsfile/Getty Images”Those experiences… you always learn from and learn what you’ve done well, and probably what you can do better next time,” Bracewell told NZC after scripting New Zealand’s come-from-behind win against Ireland. “I think that’s the benefit of playing plenty of domestic cricket and putting yourself in those pressure situations; you sort of learn how to get through them, and [are] fortunate enough to come on the right side in a couple of times now.”Bracewell said that the win didn’t sink in until he walked off to a rousing reception from his team-mates and family, who were among the sell-out crowd in Malahide.”That was pretty special. That was when it sunk in that I just got a hundred for my country and it was a pretty proud moment walking off the field and seeing all the boys’ faces,” he said. “Yeah, something that I will cherish for a very long time.”[I] had mum and dad come over a couple of days ago and my wife Lauren and little baby Lennox. Yeah, it has been special; Lennox and Lauren have been here for a while now. Nice for them to see a win on the tour. And for mum and dad, I’m pretty proud to put on the performance for them in the crowd.”Bracewell’s big-hitting and left-handedness in the middle order could be an attractive option to have, especially in a T20 World Cup year. And if Bracewell can tighten up his offspin, New Zealand could have a variety of spinners to choose from in white-ball cricket: Sodhi (legspin), Santner (left-arm fingerspin), and Michael Rippon (left-arm wristspin) being the other options.It is this depth on various fronts that has transformed New Zealand into a force to reckon with in white-ball cricket – with or without their seniors. Bracewell’s emergence is the latest embodiment of it.

احتفل فريق برشلونة، مساء يوم الأحد، بتتويجه ببطولة كأس السوبر الإسباني نسخة 2025، بعد التغلب على غريمه ريال مدريد، في كلاسيكو مثير وعامر بالأهداف.

واستضاف ملعب “الجوهرة المشعة” في المملكة العربية السعودية مباراة النهائي بين برشلونة وريال مدريد.

وتمكن برشلونة من تحقيق فوز عريض بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين، بعدما كان متأخرًا في النتيجة بهدف منذ الدقيقة الخامسة.

وبعد إطلاق صافرة نهاية المباراة ومن ثم الفوز بكأس السوبر الإسباني، احتفل لاعبو برشلونة بشكل رائع على أرض الملعب، وسط سعادة غامرة.

وظهر أكثر من لاعب في برشلونة وهو يرتدي نظارة شمسية خلال الاحتفال، مثل رافينها ولامين يامال، مما أثار التساؤلات حول مغزى ذلك.

وذكرت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية أن أصل تلك الطريقة الغريبة في الاحتفال، والتي ظهرت لأول مرة في إسبانيا بين لاعبات المنتخب النسائي، تعود إلى الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وتحديدًا دوري كرة السلة للمحترفين.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تير شتيجن: لاعبو برشلونة يستحقون رفع كأس السوبر أكثر مني

وأوضحت أن لاعبي كرة السلة في أمريكا دائمًا ما يحتفلون بتلك الطريقة، عن طريق ارتداء النظارات الشمسية.

وأفادت أن ارتداء تلك النظارات لها أكثر من تفسير، الأول والأكثر منطقية هو استخدامها كحماية عند فتح زجاجات المشروبات الكحولية، حيث يعتاد اللاعبون على فعل ذلك خلال تلك النوعية من الاحتفالات.

ليس هذا فقط، بل أن ارتداء تلك النظارات والتقاليع الغريبة يُعد جزءًا من الثقافة الأمريكية، حيث يستخدم اللاعبون جميع أنواع العناصر المختلفة للتميز، بما في ذلك تلك النظارات.

كما يعتبر استخدام هذا النوع من العدسات منتشرًا جدًا في الرياضات الأمريكية، بما في ذلك بعض الفرق التي صممت نظارات خصيصًا لهذه المناسبة، وعادة ما تكون مزينة بشعار الفريق الذي ينتمى اللاعبون إليه.

وترى الصحيفة أن احتفال لاعبي برشلونة بتلك الطريقة يدل على مدى انتشار الثقافة الأمريكية في غرفة ملابس النادي الكتالوني.

Tottenham are looking to sell a "fast" player after Eric Dier and Djed Spence with Ange Postecoglou also looking to offload unwanted squad members.

Spurs seal Werner and Dragusin deals

It's been quite the hectic last few days at Spurs, with the Lilywhites sealing two major signings already in RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner on loan and defender Radu Dragusin from Genoa.

Tottenham want to sign £20m player after Dragusin as club prepare to sell

He’s turned heads this season.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 10, 2024

Werner joins Tottenham on a temporary deal with an option to buy at around €17 million (£14.6m), while Dragusin puts pen to paper at Spurs for a package in excess of £26 million (Fabrizio Romano).

Postecoglou will be thrilled by these developments, as the Australian often made public his desire to secure signings early in the January transfer window. Reports suggest Spurs could look to sign some of Europe's brightest talents or a new midfielder, depending on outgoings and whether the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leave north London.

Out-of-favour defender Eric Dier is also subject to interest from Bayern Munich after the Bavarians failed in their Dragusin hijack attempt (Florian Plettenberg), while Spurs right-back Djed Spence is heading to Genoa as part of the deal.

Another player who's currently battling on the fringes of Postecoglou's eleven is young midfielder Bryan Gil. The Spaniard, signed by former technical director Fabio Paratici in the summer of 2021, hasn't quite managed to become a Tottenham mainstay since his arrival from Sevilla.

Gil has been sent on various loan spells abroad in a bid to further his development, but according to Sky Sports Italia, Tottenham could actually look to offload for good.

Tottenham looking to sell Gil

According to the broadcast giant, via Get Football News Italy and TMW, Spurs are looking to outright sell Gil as things stand with Fiorentina making contact over a potential deal. It remains to be seen whether Postecoglou's side could be open to an initial loan with the option to buy, but it appears the 22-year-old may not figure in Tottenham's plans.

Gil himself is believed to want an exit and a "change of scenery", which will come as a shame given the midfielder arrived with such promise two and a half years ago.

Despite barely playing him, former Spurs boss Antonio Conte even said Gil was born to play football and likened him to Man City star Bernardo Silva – all while praising his quality as a "fast" and endurant player.

“It was really important, you know about Bryan Gil we are talking about a player who was born to play football," said Conte in January 2023.

"He understands football quickly. He’s so clever, so intelligent to understand the situation. Then you know this league is difficult, because you have to be good in quality and be fast and to have good endurance, and he has this type of quality.

“But at the same time you have to be strong physically. I think compared to last season Gil is improving a lot also under this aspect. He has to become stronger physically. I compared him to Bernardo Silva, at Manchester City, because in my opinion they are really, really similar."

Leeds United could look to strengthen in January and the 49ers Enterprises could now look to enact a cut-price deal for an exciting player at Elland Road, according to BBC pundit John Hartson.

Leeds United look ahead to Blackburn Rovers…

Last Saturday, Leeds ensured they remained seven points behind Ipswich Town in their chase for automatic promotion by defeating Middlesbrough 3-2 at Elland Road, courtesy of goals from Daniel James, Crysencio Summerville and Joel Piroe.

Winning their seventh home match in succession, the Whites look to be a credible force this term after an uncertain few months over the summer. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke commended how his side were able to handle elements of the tie against a contender for promotion, saying:

"It’s a really good side and it was important today to be brave, to press with intensity and perhaps even be a bit over-aggressive and emotional instead of being too relaxed. It's always important you're fully committed off the ball, against Boro, or you are punished and they’ve proved this, this season.

"We showed this in the first half; we created so many good situations and moments. It was a wild game in the first half and probably every football fan must have enjoyed this game. I’m a football fan as well, so I loved what we did, but as a manager I liked the second half when we calmed everything down."

Leeds United keen on signing "very talented" ace wanted by multiple clubs

Leeds United are in the market as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his side’s promotion bid…

BySean Markus Clifford Dec 4, 2023

Blackburn Rovers lay in wait on Saturday as Leeds United delve into a busy period of festive fixtures, which will go a long way to determining the level of squad surgery Farke may well carry out in January. Speaking of the mid-season window, BBC pundit Hartson has now suggested one man that the Whites should look to pursue that would add further squad depth at Elland Road.

John Hartson recommends David Turnbull to Leeds United

As cited by Leeds Live, former Wales international Hartson has recommended Celtic midfielder David Turnbull as a potential cut-price signing for Leeds United in January, with the 24-year-old facing an uncertain future at Parkhead due to his contract at the Scottish Premiership giants being set to expire in the summer of 2024.

David Turnbull in 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

15

Goals

7

Assists

0

Hartson stated: "I like David Turnbull. I have always said it, he is a goalscoring midfield player. He adds that 10-14 goals every year for you from midfield. I can see him going to a top Championship team, like Leeds United."

Known as a cultured midfielder with an eye for goal, Scotland international Turnbull has shown incision when trusted by Brendan Rodgers this campaign, averaging around 2.1 shots and 1.4 key passes per match in the Scottish Premiership (Turnbull statistics – WhoScored).

Given his potential availability, Turnbull could be a worthwhile pick-up for Leeds who still has the potential to develop further as a player; however, it remains to be seen whether Celtic would be willing to sanction his departure in mid-season.

Harry Kane has been told he made the right call in joining Bayern as Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League are “next to nothing”.

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Left Tottenham in summer of 2023In danger of missing out on silverwareReturn to Premier League speculated onWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils were long-standing admirers of the former Tottenham striker heading into the summer transfer window of 2023. No official approach was made as Spurs made it clear that they were reluctant to do business with a domestic rival and Bayern were prepared to pay big money.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kane has impressed on a personal level in Germany – breaking through the 30-goal barrier – but is attracting ridicule as Bayern run the risk of experiencing a first trophyless campaign since 2012. Questions have been asked of whether Kane made the correct decision, and if a hasty return to England could be beaten, but Dietmar Hamann believes long-term benefits will be found at the Allianz Arena.

WHAT HAMANN SAID ABOUT KANE

The former Bayern midfielder, who also spent time with Newcastle and Liverpool in his playing days, has been speaking to , who offer the latest Premier League odds, and said of Kane favouring Munich over Manchester: “It’s a huge club and I think the other option was to go to Manchester United. He’s probably got another two or three good years but in your mid 30s it becomes very hard for the forwards to score goals because you lose a bit of pace and things become harder. If he had gone to Manchester United, what are the chances of him winning the league there? I think the chances are next to nothing. I can’t see United winning the league in the next three seasons at least. Kane made the decision to come here and going abroad is always a good experience to broaden your horizon and learn a new language. There are reasons for and against, it’s just a shame that he might end up without a trophy in his first season because that was the main reason he came here.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

Kane remains in the hunt for Champions League glory this season, but Bayern must overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit against Lazio in order to reach the quarter-finals of that competition. The Bundesliga title appears destined to fall out of reach as Bayer Leverkusen have opened up a 10-point lead at the summit.

Philippe Clement has enjoyed a dream start at Glasgow Rangers, but he must not get carried away just yet and keep his players grounded.

The Ibrox side have an excellent chance of winning their first trophy since May 2022 when they face Aberdeen in the League Cup final next month, while progress in Europe looks attainable.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, the Belgian may be able to delve into the market and sign a couple of players who could freshen up the squad while ditching a few who don’t seem to have a future at the club.

Ben Davies is a key example, and could he find himself moving away from Ibrox in the coming months?

Ben Davies’ season in numbers

The Englishman has been a regular in the Europa League, starting all four matches so far, yet he ranks 15th across the squad for interceptions per game (0.3) and seventh for possession lost per game (11.5), which suggests he hasn’t quite been at the races.

Domestically, Davies has started only four times in the Premiership so far, with the Gers conceding four goals across those matches.

For large spells during the summer, it appeared as though the former Liverpool centre-back was ready to leave the club, with Stoke City rumoured to be eyeing a swoop for him.

Nothing materialised, however, and he remains in Glasgow, until January at least. Clement must surely utilise the services of Leon Balogun on a more regular basis, especially judging by his displays under the Belgian.

Leon Balogun has impressed recently

While the decision to re-sign Balogun during the summer wasn’t exactly met with choruses of applause by the Ibrox faithful, his spell in Scotland between 2020 and 2022 was impressive.

Under the former QPR boss, however, he made just two appearances, in games that the Light Blues both won and it seemed as though his backup stature was working.

Under the 49-year-old, however, Balogun has started three of his first seven matches and performed admirably, especially against Livingston on the weekend.

The 35-year-old was a titan at the heart of the defence alongside Connor Goldson as he won all four of his ground duels along with nine out of his 11 aerial duels – working out as 86% of his total duels won – and the Livi forwards just couldn’t find a way past him.

The Nigerian wasn’t even dribbled past during the tie and made three interceptions, two tackles and four clearances in what was a commanding performance at a ground in which the club have occasionally struggled on in the past.

While not a long-term option for Clement, Balogun’s class has shone through over the last month or so and it's clear that the club have been better defensively in the games that he has started.

Rangers have yet to concede a goal from open play across Balogun’s five appearances thus far and this could make Clement’s decision on who should partner Goldson at the back slightly easier.

Davies has sparkled in spells, yet his lack of consistency could lead to him being moved on in the foreseeable future.

da gbg bet： Leeds United made an impressive managerial appointment over the summer as they swooped to bring in German tactician Daniel Farke, who had left Borussia Monchengladbach earlier this year.

da bet7： The 47-year-old head coach arrived with an exceptional record at Championship level as he won the title twice during his spell with Norwich City; once in 2019 and then again in 2021.

Alongside his superb results in the second tier, the ex-Canaries boss also came in with a proven track record for developing and bringing through young players.

The likes of James Maddison, Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey, Emiliano Buendia, and Jamal Lewis, among others, all hit their stride at first-team level under Farke's management.

Maddison (to Leicester for £24m) and Buendia (to Aston Villa for £38m) left Norwich for a combined £62m during the German's tenure in Norfolk, which illustrates his ability to get the best out of young players to increase their value.

He has already displayed this at Leeds by unearthing Archie Gray from the academy at the age of 17. The England U19 international has already had a valuation of £40m reportedly placed on his head amid interest from Liverpool.

Gray has already racked up 15 Championship appearances, including 13 starts, so far this season – as a central midfielder and right-back – despite only turning 17 in March.

Farke has placed his faith in the teenage Thorp Arch prospect and been rewarded as the English dynamo has earned himself a regular spot in the team this season.

Supporters may now have one eye on the academy to see who could be the next talented ace to follow in Gray's footsteps to make an impact at first-team level.

With this in mind, here are three young Leeds gems who could make the senior squad if they continue to develop at an impressive rate…

1 Luca Thomas

The versatile academy teen – Luca Thomas – has made an impressive start to life with the U21s after being promoted from the U18s for his phenomenal form at that age group.

He has played the majority of his matches as a centre-forward but has showcased his versatility by being able to play out wide on either flank as well as in a number ten position.

Thomas burst onto the scene with the U18s during the 2021/22 campaign as the exciting youngster plundered an eye-catching 15 goals and two assists in 17 U18 Premier League matches.

The Whites prodigy followed that up with eight goals and one assist in 14 games at that age group throughout the following season, which took him to a total of 23 goals in 32 outings.

He has been a regular for the U21 side so far this season, after his incredible exploits for the U18s, and has hit the ground running with three goals and one assist in six Premier League 2 appearances.

Having scored and assisted goals at a superb rate at academy level, the next step for Thomas is to impress Farke enough to earn a shot with the first-team.

2 Mateo Joseph

One player who is close to making his first-team breakthrough is U21s star Mateo Joseph, who has already been given a taste of senior action at Elland Road.

The 20-year-old prospect has made six appearances for Leeds, including three in the Premier League last season, and has been on the bench for two Championship matches this term.

Joseph has enjoyed a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign with two goals and one assist in two Premier League 2 outings, along with a goal and an assist in one Premier League International Cup clash.

The England U20 international came into this season off the back of a return of 17 goals and two assists in 24 U21 matches for the club last term.

This means that the Spanish-born dynamo has racked up 20 goals and four assists in his last 27 U21 appearances for the Whites since the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

Joseph's phenomenal form for the academy has not gone unnoticed as Farke did include him on the bench twice earlier this season, which suggests that the young gem is on the German tactician's radar for a first-team inclusion.

It is now down to the Leeds game to prove to the ex-Norwich boss that he has what it takes to translate his outstanding goalscoring form over to the senior side in the coming months or years to follow in Gray's footsteps.

3 Sean McGurk

Finally, the third Thorp Arch academy prospect who could be the next young talent to burst onto the scene at Elland Road is 20-year-old winger Sean McGurk.

Signed from Wigan in 2021, the winger did not catch the eye with consistently impressive displays for the U21s across his first two seasons with the Whites.

Despite being described as a "whizz kid" by journalist Alan Nixon at the time of his move to Yorkshire, McGurk only managed three goals and one assist across 22 U21 matches for the club during the 2021/22 campaign.

The Liverpool-born wizard followed that up with a return of three goals and three assists in 18 U21 appearances throughout the 2022/23 season.

Sean McGurk's youth career (via Transfermarkt)

Statistic

FA Youth Cup

Premier League 2

Appearances

Five

44

Goals

Three

Ten

Assists

One

Six

These statistics did not suggest that Leeds had a productive winger who could deliver goals and assists on a regular basis. However, his form this term has reflected his development in recent years.

McGurk has managed four goals and two assists in eight Premier League 2 matches, alongside four goals and two assists in five Premier League Cup and International Cup clashes.

This means that the 20-year-old magician has racked up eight goals and four assists in 13 U21 games so far this season for Leeds, whilst no first-team player has managed more than six league strikes so far.

He has finally hit his stride in the final third and is now thriving as an excellent winger who can chip in with goal contributions at an impressive rate, which suggests that a first-team promotion is not completely out of the question.

McGurk must now remain consistent and show Farke that he has the quality to deliver big moments at senior level for Leeds to become the latest gem to follow in Gray's footsteps under the German tactician.

da realsbet： There are deep-rooted issues at Sheffield Wednesday that have contributed towards their demise this season.

da heads bet： The ownership of Dejphon Chansiri has been the biggest factor, insisting against putting any more money into the club which has left the Owls with a cash-strapped squad that isn't good enough to compete in the Championship.

On top of that, the decision to hire Xisco Munoz has proven to be a terrible one, although he wasn't helped with the tools provided, he led Wednesday to the worst start in the club's history with no wins after 10 matches.

Following that horrendous start to the campaign, the Spaniard was sacked and replaced with former German assistant manager, Danny Rohl, who will take charge of his first game on Saturday against Watford.

While it seems unthinkable for him to pull Wednesday out of this mess and guide them to safety, it isn't the only time that the club have attempted to pull off something remarkable, and their attempts to sign striker Jamie Vardy in 2015 certainly aligned to that narrative.

Did Sheffield Wednesday almost sign Jamie Vardy?

According to Football Insider, a £5m deal was in place for Wednesday to sign Jamie Vardy in the summer of 2015 with the ex-Leicester boss, Nigel Pearson, sanctioning a deal for the Premier League sensation.

During his time at the club, Chansiri has wound up Owls supporters on several occasions with his reckless decision-making, but deciding to pull out of a deal to sign Vardy at the last minute is arguably his worst piece of misjudgement.

Despite chalking up 15 goal contributions in his debut season in the top flight, the Thai owner was reportedly unconvinced by the former Fleetwood man.

To make matters worse, Vardy is a lifelong Wednesdayite and was reportedly interested in moving back to the area, only to find out that a deal had been called off and he would remain at the King Power stadium.

What unfolded next was the most remarkable story in Premier League history. From pulling off the "great escape" in the 2014/15 season to miraculously winning the Premier League title a year later, Vardy would etch his name into Foxes folklore by plundering 24 goals and eight assists in 36 appearances.

It is astonishing to think that the Premier League could have been denied one of its greatest-ever goal-getters if Chansiri hadn't pulled the plug on a deal to sign him in 2015, instead splashing the cash on Gary Hooper and Fernando Forestieri.

How many Premier League goals has Vardy scored?

Vardy's well-documented rise from non-league striker to Premier League title winner has become a tool of inspiration for talented players plying their trade lower down the pyramid.

The Englishman has built a career from being a predatory number nine who is always looking to burst into spaces in behind utilising his lightening pace to free him away from opposition defenders.

While his incisive movement and pace put him in the position to score, his calmness in front of goal and exceptional finishing has seen him become one of the top flight's most prolific strikers, setting the record for scoring a goal in 11 consecutive matches that still stands today.

With the range of finishing techniques stashed in his locker, Vardy showed he was capable of scoring all types of goals, including the long-range screamer against Liverpool and the deft lob that saw him set the above record against Manchester United.

The 36-year-old's legacy as a lethal finisher is backed up by his relentless consistency in front of goal, racking up 136 goals in 309 Premier League appearances, a total that puts him in 15th position in the all-time charts.

Vardy's exploits have even been used as an example for the next generation of strikers with goal machine Erling Haaland revealing the inspiration he took from the Englishman for one type of goal he scored previously.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I’ve been watching a lot of players, let’s take for example the run in behind the centre-back when the No 10 has the ball, You have maybe the best in the world at that, Jamie Vardy."

Lauded by Pep Guardiola for his "exceptional" qualities, the predatory striker has reined in the plaudits across his illustrious career and if he manages to fire Leicester back to the top flight, at the age of 36, the Foxes legend will have another remarkable achievement to add to the list.

County cricket’s finest overseas signing talks of how he had to leave his country to get his due, and the change religion has made to his life and career

Sriram Veera14-Oct-2008

Going out with a bang: Mushy leads Sussex off the field after taking 13 wickets in their last game of his penultimate county season, 2007 © Getty Images
Some 15 minutes into our chat Mushtaq Ahmed sums his philosophy up in a nutshell: “You can’t buy respect with wickets.” Self-respect and right conduct are recurring themes through the conversation, and they figure prominently in the explanations for his absence from the Pakistan team during the years he shone for Sussex. So does talk of his faith, of course.The obvious question is thrown across early: How come he was not playing for Pakistan during his successful Sussex period? In 2003 Mushtaq became the first bowler in five years to take 100 wickets in an English season, helping end Sussex’s 164-year wait for the County Championship. He repeated the feat in 2006, and then took 90 wickets in the next season, taking Sussex to a two more titles, before retiring to play in the ICL. His last appearance for his country, though, came in 2003.”I didn’t get a single phone call when I played all those years for Sussex,” Mushtaq says. He isn’t bitter, however. “I have no regrets. I am at complete peace with my career and life. I have never ever criticised anybody and I won’t do it, but I am just raising this point so that the people know what was their mistake.”We are in an elegant mahogany-panelled room in a plush five-star hotel in Hyderabad, where Mushtaq is playing in the ICL for the Lahore Badshahs, led by his friend Inzamam-ul-Haq. When Mushy, smiling, robed in a flowing , came gliding in, looking serene, the room grew quiet immediately.Mushtaq rarely raises his voice through the interview, even when he has a strong point to make – and especially when it happens to be against the Pakistan board. If the board or selectors didn’t call him, couldn’t Inzamam, as the captain, have supported Mushtaq’s case? “I never asked him why I was not playing and he has never told me. He backed Danish Kaneria. Our base of friendship was never about cricket and it will never be, Inshallah. I never want any favours from my friends.”So just why does he think he wasn’t called by the selectors? “You have to go see them, say hi to them. It’s never about your ability. It’s everything to do with your contacts, and I don’t believe in that. People in the board think, ‘He has to come to us.’ They have ego.”Maybe I have my ego too,” he says with a smile, but quickly retracts, unhappy at the choice of word. It’s against his faith. “Ego is a bad word. For me it was about self-respect and morals.””When I have performed why should I go and tell them? Once, someone asked me why I was not playing. I told them I was playing in the domestics. I was the captain and the highest wicket taker. That is the best answer I can give – performance, right? In Pakistan you have to go see the selectors, say hi to them. It’s never about your ability. It’s everything to do with your contacts, and I don’t believe in that “He said, ‘You are not showing interest.’ I said, ‘How does one does that?’ He told me to go and tell them [selectors, board], ‘I want to play.'”I don’t want to do that. I played these games and got so many wickets. What does that show, that I don’t want to play for my country?”How did he handle that phase of his career? “I got my best support from religion,” Mushtaq says. “Once, the Prophet Mohammed’s companion asked him, ‘Who is the strongest among us?’ And he said, ‘The strongest is the one who forgives the other.’ That struck me a great deal. You tell me how difficult it is not to take revenge.”Talk turns to Kaneria and the words “decline” and “detractors” slip out. Mushtaq’s response is revealing of the man. “I have always backed Danish. There is no decline.” A slight pause before he adds, “He has taken 200 wickets in 47 or 48 Test matches. He was the quickest Pakistan spinner to get 200 wickets. He or Saqlain.” (Saqlain, as it happens, who reached the mark in 46 Tests, one less than Kaneria.)”And then on the other side there are bowlers who have not performed for Pakistan but still get more recognition. I don’t want to name them.”Shoaib Akhtar, maybe?”I don’t want to mention. People can guess. They will have a fair idea. Danish is not getting the recognition and respect he deserves. If the guy is performing well, taking wickets, and you get him down from the A category in the contracts to C, then what does that mean?” It’s a statement, not a question.Respect cuts both ways
We move on to the reasons for his success in county cricket. “The environment,” is the quick answer. “I was enjoying it. It’s like you want to go back home after a hard day’s work – you know your parents or your wife will make you happy and less tired. In Sussex I didn’t even have to ask, ‘Where are my socks?’ Everything was organised. If my family had problems, there was a guy who would take them to the doctor. So I didn’t have any worries, and I started enjoying it more and more. It’s natural that if you take care of me, I will do my best as well.”For their part, the English fell in love with Mushtaq too. After he retired, at least one newspaper wondered if he was the finest foreign player in county cricket history.”It’s a great honour for me,” Mushtaq says. “Last year Peter Moores left his practice and made a speech for me. I was very emotional and thanked Allah. Now they are organising a dinner for me, in January or February.”

“You realise destiny is not in your hand” © PA Photos
He tries to be analytical about why he got the respect and acclaim he did. “Obviously my performance was good, but more importantly the way you behave is very important. You can get five wickets, but if you are bad in the dressing room then you cannot get that respect. It doesn’t matter how big a player you are. You’ve got to respect others, be loyal to the team. Hopefully I have done that.”I was given a Citizen of the Year award. The previous year Fatboy Slim got it. I was the only Pakistani – in fact, the first foreigner to get that award. You don’t get that respect with wickets.”Finding my religion
How did the change from a boisterous young cricketer to this serene alter ego come about? Some have said the match-fixing controversy of the 1990s damaged Mushtaq, and that his religious turn was inspired by a desire for redemption.He only offers a lack of peace of mind as the reason. “I had got wickets, I had played for Pakistan, but peace was missing. If you have a new car and are getting worried that someone will smash it, then what’s the use of that car?”It was a former team-mate who first sowed the seeds of faith in Mushtaq. “Zulqarnain – you remember the Sharjah game where [Javed] Miandad hit that last ball six? He was the wicketkeeper – had turned religious and took lots of effort to teach me. He said we would have to leave this world sooner rather than later. ‘Have you prepared for the last world?’ he asked me.”I did take a little bit of time. He was a big influence. Then, of course, Saeed Anwar. The real change came after the 1999 World Cup.”Mushtaq’s concern about the afterlife has had a big impact on his here and now. It has helped his cricket flourish. “I didn’t worry about the results. You realise destiny is not in your hand. I started to enjoy the game more.”There is a prayer I say a lot: ‘Oh mighty Allah, show me the direction that you like and not what I like.’ As human beings, we make mistakes.”On that note, the chat is over and he gets up as he spots Rana Naved-ul-Hasan. “Rana, ” (Isn’t it time for Let’s go.)

In May, Football Insider reported that Leeds United were not planning to build their attack around Dutch centre-forward Joel Piroe in the Premier League next season.

It claimed that the Whites have doubts over his ability to make the step up to the top-flight as the first-choice number nine, but we are two months further on and no marquee striker signing has arrived at Elland Road.

Leeds had been linked with an interest in Brighton forward Evan Ferguson this summer, but he is now reportedly in talks to join Roma on an initial loan deal.

This means that the Ireland international may be one name that has to be crossed off the club’s shortlist of options to lead the line for Daniel Farke next season.

Leeds could make new offer for Serie A striker

Missing out on Ferguson to the Serie A giants may not be a major concern for the Championship champions, though, because they are keen on signing an even better striker who is already playing in Italy.

Transfer Focus

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

According to La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign Lecce centre-forward Nikola Krstovic to bolster their attack this summer, after seeing a bid turned down earlier in the window.

The report claims that the Whites are in the ‘background’ in the race to sign the Montenegro international at the moment, because he would prefer to stay in Italy or play for a team in a European competition.

However, the outlet adds that Leeds will make a new offer to bring the striker to England later in the window if he does not move elsewhere in the coming weeks, in the hope that the player will change his mind.

Why Leeds should sign Krstovic

If the Whites can convince the £21m-rated number nine to make the move to Elland Road, Farke could land an even better striker option than Ferguson for his side next term.

Krstovic has played for Lecce in the Serie A in the last two seasons and has proven his ability to find the back of the net at an impressive rate in one of Europe’s major leagues.

The 25-year-old Leeds target ended the 2024/25 season with an eye-catching haul of 11 goals in 37 games in the Serie A for Lecce, which is more goals than Ferguson has ever managed in a single senior campaign.

Season

23/24

24/25

23/24

24/24

Appearances

27

21

35

37

Goals

6

1

7

11

Minutes per goal

231

418

345

279

Big chances created

1

2

4

5

Assists

0

0

1

5

As you can see in the table above, Krstovic has outscored Ferguson by 11 goals at league level in the past two seasons, whilst also creating six more ‘big chances’ for his teammates.

These statistics suggest that the Lecce forward, who was hailed as “integral” by former boss Roberto D’Aversa, would be a much better signing for the Whites for next season, as he appears more likely to have what it takes to make a significant impact in front of goal on a regular basis.

At the age of 20, Ferguson is still learning and developing as a player, which is why he would have been a risky signing for the club. Krstovic, however, is in the prime years of his career at the age of 25 and could hit the ground running at Elland Road.

Therefore, the Whites should be doing everything possible to convince the player to ditch Italy for England this summer to bolster Farke’s options in the number nine position, as the Montenegro international could be the proven goalscorer they are looking for.

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3 ByDan Emery Jul 12, 2025

Piroe is yet to score a goal in one of Europe’s major leagues in his career and the aforementioned report from Football Insider stated that there are doubts over his ability, which is why Leeds should sign Krstovic to fill that spot in the team.