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Rohit Paudel and Shane Snater are among the promising players to watch out for at the World Cup Qualifier

Peter Della Penna03-Mar-2018Scott McKechnie – Hong KongThe bulk of Hong Kong’s batting success throughout the WCL Championship was down to the form of captain Babar Hayat, vice-captain Anshuman Rath and power-hitter Nizakat Khan. Wicketkeeper and former captain Jamie Atkinson had been a mainstay at the top of the order for nearly half a decade, but work commitments in his job as a PE teacher have curtailed his availability.It has opened a path for Scott McKechnie to emerge as a diamond in the rough in the middle order. The Manchester-born talent bounced around several second XI sides in county cricket before settling in Hong Kong. A heavy scorer on the domestic scene, he made his ODI debut in
Dubai against Papua New Guinea during the final round of the WCL Championship in December. Despite modest scores (29 and 11 not out), he impressed with his bold shot selection, regularly jumping around the crease in the death overs to attempt ramps and scoops. He could play a pivotal role in Zimbabwe – both behind the stumps and in the Hong Kong middle order.Rohit Paudel – NepalThe youngest player in the tournament at 15, the middle-order batsman was an unsung hero at WCL Division Two in Namibia. Lost in the shuffle of Sandeep Lamichhane’s Player-of-the-Tournament performance, Paras Khadka’s vital knock in a brief but nervy chase against UAE and Karan KC’s tail-end heroics in the do-or-die showdown against Canada, Paudel finished as the team’s second leading scorer – behind only Khadka – in his debut tournament with the senior team, ending with 140 runs at an average of 28, not to mention cutting off runs galore in the field and patrolling backward point with vigor.That may not sound like much, but in a notoriously brittle Nepal batting line-up, he provided a bridge in the middle order to stretch out several chases before the tail-enders clinched victory. A 37-run stand for the seventh wicket with Sharad Vesawkar, Nepal’s biggest of the day, kept hope alive for a one-wicket win over Namibia on his senior team debut. Paudel top-scored with 47, adding an 87-run sixth-wicket stand with Aarif Sheikh, in a final-ball win over Kenya. Against Canada he teamed with Sheikh again for another key
partnership – 46 for the sixth-wicket – to keep Nepal’s pulse beating before the epic stand between Karan and
Lamichhane took them home. With vice-captain Gyanendra Malla struggling for form, Paudel’s emergence couldn’t come at a better time.Shane Snater – NetherlandsThe 20-year-old former Zimbabwe junior representative and Harare native is looking to make a splash on return to his homeland this month. In a team with enviable pace bowling depth, Snater has worked his way toward the top of the queue through his performances over the last six months. It began in white-ball cricket against his former countrymen, claiming 3 for 30 in a romp at the Hague, albeit with several first-choice players rested after Zimbabwe had clinched the series two days earlier.He showed more promise at the end of the northern summer with his maiden five-for against Ireland, in just his second Intercontinental
Cup in September. He then backed it up with another five-for against Namibia in Dubai, in the final round of the I-Cup. Most recently, he claimed 4 for 46 in a tournament warm-up against Afghanistan before rain denied Netherlands a chance to chase. Paul van Meekeren was making a strong claim for the title of best pace bowler in Associate cricket at the start of 2017, but Snater’s form at
the start of 2018 may keep him out of the Netherlands XI in Zimbabwe.Peter Della PennaKiplin Doriga – Papua New GuineaDoriga was PNG’s leading scorer at the 2014 Under-19 World Cup in the UAE but it has taken some time for the 22-year old to mature at the senior level. Part of the difficulty in terms of breaking into the line-up was that as a wicketkeeper. He was competing with the experienced former captain Jack Vare for time behind the stumps.However, his batting improved in 2016 to the point where PNG’s coaching staff couldn’t keep him out any longer, selecting him as a
specialist batsman for his ODI debut against Scotland in November 2017, when he was the second-highest scorer for the team with 34 off 64 balls, although in a losing cause. In his fourth ODI against Hong Kong, he produced an unbeaten 89, batting intelligently with Alei Nao in a 69-run ninth-wicket stand before he ran out of partners in a losing effort. Sandwiched around those scores are innings of 0, 1 and 0, marking him out as a boom or bust proposition.Chris Sole – ScotlandScotland’s transformation as a consistent threat to Associate opposition has been propelled mainly by the explosive batting approach at the top of the order from Kyle Coetzer and Matthew Cross. But as Afghanistan have demonstrated, to become a serious challenger to Full Members, an Associate team needs a a pace-bowling spearhead capable of rattling a few cages. Enter the 23-year-old Sole, who never shies away from sending down a bouncer or two. The son of David Sole – the man who captained Scotland’s rugby team to the 1990 Grand Slam – Chris was reared with the
aggression that has been evident since his ODI debut against UAE in 2016.After Coetzer’s century took Scotland to their maiden ODI win over a Full Member against Zimbabwe last summer, Sole nearly inspired
Scotland to a series win the following day with an electric burst of 3 for 36 defending a low total. He may miss the opening match against Afghanistan as he is recovering from a hamstring injury in the lead-up to the tournament, but his value
may be evident later in the tournament when fit.Ahmed Raza – UAEThe past two World Cup qualification cycles for UAE have been dominated by two men respectively – former captain Khurram Khan and middle-order batsman Shaiman Anwar. Current captain Rohan Mustafa has emerged as an all-round force, but most of UAE’s bowlers rarely get the plaudits they deserve. Nobody exemplifies that more than left-arm spinner Ahmed Raza. In a country that is often derided for a failure to produce homegrown talent resulting in an over-reliance on South Asian expats, Raza is one of the rare success stories of a player who
came through UAE’s Under-19 programme, born and bred in Sharjah, to achieve senior team success.A boa constrictor with the ball, and a surprisingly athletic fielder in the circle for a man of his 6’5″ stature, Raza’s unheralded economical spells tighten the noose before others bask in the spoils of wickets. Nowhere was that more evident than in a crucial encounter against Oman at WCL Division Two. Facing elimination on the fourth day of the group stage, his nine-over spell of 2 for 16 built the pressure before the dam burst in a run-out by Mustafa. On the slow wickets in Harare, Raza might find himself amongst the wickets more regularly.

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da betway： Fernando Lázaro pode seguir no Corinthians, mas não mais na função de treinador. Após a derrota do Timão para o Argentinos Juniors, pela Libertadores, na noite da última quarta-feira (19), a direção corintiana optou pela mudança no comando técnico do clube. Porém, a ideia é que Lázaro retorne às funções auxiliares.

Porém, tanto a mudança de treinador, quanto o remanejamento do cargo de Fernando ainda não tiveram o martelo batido. Uma reunião foi agendada para a manhã desta quinta-feira (20), no CT Joaquim Grava, onde as decisões serão tomadas. Além do técnico, o presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves, e o gerente de futebol Alessandro Nunes participam do encontro.

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da bet sport： + Fernando Lázaro tem noite desastrosa e leva a pior nota em derrota do Corinthians

A ideia é ainda contar com Lázaro no dia a dia do clube, principalmente explorando o conhecimento do profissional na análise de desempenho. Porém, não se sabe, ao certo, que cargo exatamente ele ocuparia. A decisão pela permanência, ou não, no clube, mas em novo posto ficaria exclusivamente nas mãos de Fernando.

A derrota corintiana para o Argentinos Junior na última noite pesou para que a direção do clube alvinegro mudasse de opinião sobre o trabalho do treinador. Antes prestigiado, até mesmo após a derrota para o Remo, pela Copa do Brasil, na semana passada, o técnico passou a ter o trabalho questionado internamente após o revés pela Libertadores. O entendimento da diretoria é que o trabalho de Fernando Lázaro à frente do Corinthians dava margem para evolução, mas não poderia mais comprometer os resultados do clube na temporada.

+Jogos da Série A sob investigação: listamos os maiores escândalos envolvendo ações em campo

Existia, por exemplo, uma empolgação pelo que a equipe vinha apresentando no Campeonato Paulista, mesmo com a eliminação precoce, nas quartas de final, para o Ituano. A desclassificação foi considerada internamente um ‘acidente de percurso’. Até mesmo a derrota para o Remo, na semana passada, no jogo de ida da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil, não pesou, muito por conta da estreia com vitória na Libertadores, contra o Liverpool, do Uruguai, em Montevidéu.

Porém, o resultado negativo para o Argentinos Juniors, na última noite, foi a virada de chave para que a direção entendesse que a mudança no comando do clube é o melhor caminho. Há o tempo que uma possível insistência na continuidade comprometa a temporada, já que a missão na Copa do Brasil já está difícil, com a equipe tendo que reverter uma desvantagem de dois gols para se classificar às oitavas de final, e na Libertadores também pode ficar complicada, caso o time perca mais uma partida na fase de grupos.

Australia recovered from 80 for 5 to hunt down a challenging run chase in Christchurch

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-20241:29

Cummins: We always found a way to win

Pat Cummins has praised the ability of different players in the Australia side to stand up when the team needed it after they conjured a remarkable run chase in New Zealand to take the series 2-0.Australia were in huge trouble on the third evening at 34 for 4 chasing 279 and then at 80 for 5 early on the fourth morning when Travis Head departed. However, Mitchell Marsh – who had been given a life the ball before Head’s wicket – and the under-pressure Alex Carey put together a match-changing stand of 140 in 29 overs.Related

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Carey, whose position in the side was coming under increased scrutiny after a run of poor strokes, remained unbeaten to the end with 98 after Ben Sears had again rattled the chase with two wickets in two balls.”Think the story of this series was in key moments one guy stood up, we didn’t necessarily play the complete game, but in those pivotal moments someone stood up and made themselves a matchwinner,” Cummins, who struck a vital 32 not out, said. “[We] keep finding ways to win, it’s a pretty awesome squad.”He added that the tempo Marsh and Carey were able to bat at was vital in putting the pressure back on New Zealand’s bowlers. It also meant the second new ball wouldn’t be a factor.”We’ve been on the other side of it plenty of times and if the scoreboard’s not moving you feel in the game, but if they are chipping away it seems like it’s all happening pretty quickly,” he said. “That was goal today, be busy, keep the run rate ticking over and bit by bit getting closer.””[It was] pretty tense,” he added. “Pretty nervous watching for the last couple of hours, everyone trying to keep themselves busy then looking up at the board. Amazing win.”The victory meant Australia finished with six Test wins and one defeat in the season having beaten Pakistan 3-0 and drawn 1-1 with West Indies. They now have a long break from Test cricket before facing India at home in November.New Zealand captain Tim Southee was proud of the way his team fought but was left regretting seeing a golden chance of a first win at home against Australia in 31 years slip away.”The partnership with Mitch Marsh and Alex Carey sort of broke the back of our attack, but then a great little exciting end to the day,” he said. “When you are playing the No. 1 side in the world you need to go that little bit further. But a great Test match…ebbed and flowed throughout the whole match.”

The pair combined for a brisk 140-run sixth-wicket partnership to inch Australia closer to victory

Tristan Lavalette11-Mar-2024Alex Carey produced a brilliant knock under pressure to crush New Zealand’s bid for a famous victory as Australia ran down a tough 279 runs in a nerve-jangling chase at Hagley Oval.Australia’s bid to win the second Test and seal the series 2-0 appeared in major trouble at 80 for 5 after the early wicket of Travis Head on day four. But Carey and Mitchell Marsh, who made 80 after being dropped on 28, combined for a brisk 140-run sixth-wicket partnership to inch Australia within 59 runs.Debutant Ben Sears, bowling in the mid-140 kph, flipped the match on its head with the wickets of Marsh and Mitchell Starc on consecutive deliveries to revive New Zealand’s hopes. Carey, however, was unperturbed and finished Australia’s hero with an unbeaten 98.He found calm support through Pat Cummins, who again helped Australia over the line much like he memorably did at Edgbaston in last year’s Ashes. Cummins made 32 and hit the winning boundary at an increasingly gloomy Hagley Oval as the batters embraced mid-pitch.Australia had only run down 279 or more in the fourth innings on 13 previous occasions and only twice since 2006. Only three teams in Test history had scored more runs after the fall of the fifth wicket in a successful fourth-innings chase.The victory capped a hectic period of Test cricket for Australia, who have played 22 Tests in the last 15 months. But they will have a long breather from the format with their next assignment not until next summer against India in a five-Test blockbuster.It was a satisfying triumph for Australia, who before this had only one won series away from home since their last Test tour of New Zealand in 2016.But New Zealand were left bitterly disappointed as their misery against Australia continued having only beaten them once in the past three decades. With their next series against Australia not due until 2026-27, several senior players in the team might never again have a chance to beat their neighbours.After a stirring fightback ever since being bowled out for 162 in their first innings, New Zealand had been in the box seat heading into the fourth day’s play, which was delayed by an hour due to rain.Resuming at 77 for 4 and needing a further 202 runs, Australia’s hopes seemingly rested with Marsh and Head who had combined for 43 runs late on day three after a top-order collapse.In overcast conditions, Marsh went for broke off Tim Southee’s first ball when he hit a bullet to backward point only for Rachin Ravindra to drop a chance.But New Zealand’s agony was short-lived when on the next delivery Head replicated Marsh’s full-blooded stroke and Will Young made no mistake at point. It completed a tough season for Head, who scored just 150 runs in 11 Test innings outside of his match-winning century against West Indies in Adelaide.With Josh Inglis breathing down his neck, Carey’s place in the team had been in the spotlight having only made two half-centuries in his previous 18 innings. Buoyed by a record-equalling 10 dismissals by an Australian wicketkeeper, Carey looked solid as he quickly moved to 19 until he was given out lbw after being trapped on the knee roll by Matt Henry bowling from around the wicket.But Carey was saved by the DRS with ball tracking deeming the ball to be sliding down the leg side. He calmly resumed his innings and kept the runs trickling along, but did have an anxious moment on 37 when Scott Kuggeleijn loudly appealed for caught behind. New Zealand unsuccessfully reviewed as their nerves heightened.Entering the innings on the back of consecutive ducks, Marsh rediscovered his form from the Australian summer as he and Carey notched their half-centuries and Australia reached lunch needing a further 105 runs.A single from Marsh after the interval notched the pair’s century partnership and reduced Australia’s deficit to under a hundred, with batting becoming easier against the older ball. New Zealand’s fading hopes seemingly rested with Henry, who was also seeking a 10-wicket haul, but Marsh continued to counterattack and whacked his bouncer for six.Southee desperately turned to Sears and it proved a masterstroke as he trapped Marsh lbw after hitting him in front of middle and leg. Marsh reviewed in the hope that the ball was sliding down the leg side, but it was upheld in an umpire’s call to spark New Zealand.It was bedlam at a near-capacity Hagley Oval when on his next delivery Sears had Starc hitting straight to square leg. Sears almost completed his hat-trick when Cummins nervously edged in front of second slip.But Sears was then thwarted by inventive batting from Carey and an unruffled Cummins, who continued his knack for ice-cool batting in run chases. Both batters endured some anxious moments as Southee reverted to Henry for one last push but it was in vain. Carey fell short of a deserved century as Cummins sealed victory with a punch through point and he let out a roar in celebration.

Before a ball had been kicked this season, 30 BBC Sport pundits were asked to jot down their Premier League pre-season title predictions. Not one pundit picked Liverpool as champions.

In fact, only two pundits – Stephen Warnock and Fara Williams – had the Reds in their top two, for Jurgen Klopp had left, and in his place was Arne Slot, former Feyenoord boss and relative unknown.

Rivals rejoiced, because Klopp was gone, and with him a legacy that would not easily be mimicked. Liverpool, you see, had fallen by the wayside under Brendan Rodgers and looked headed for more interminable years in the background of Europe’s biggest scene.

Well, here we are. The 2024/25 campaign has reached March and Liverpool find themselves in top spot, some 13 points clear at the top of the ladder, with Arsenal depleted and Manchester City all but deposed, startlingly below their usual lofty standards.

Liverpool have been immense. Mohamed Salah is a shoo-in for the Player of the Year awards at this point, but Liverpool are certainly not a one-man outfit.

Liverpool's best players in 24/25

In case you hadn’t heard, Salah’s doing rather well this season, scoring 30 goals and supplying 22 assists for his teammates across 38 matches. Three months of the season remain, by the way.

In defence, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have been impregnable at times. No team in the Premier League has kept more clean sheets than Liverpool’s 12.

The midfield has been the lifeforce, with Klopp’s 2023 summer rebuild paying dividends this season. Alexis Mac Allister’s mischievous and battling personality has seen him go as one of the unsung heroes of the campaign. But still, he’s very much integral.

Ryan Gravenberch’s rise from the murkly waters of untapped potential has been the glue which has kept Slot’s vision together. After efforts to sign Martin Zubimendi failed last summer, the silky and mobile midfielder was identified as an internal solution, pushed into a more disciplined and deeper central role. He’s been a revelation.

Then there’s Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been playing out of his skin in recent times and is now looking at the prized number ten position in English football.

Slot has hit the jackpot on Dominik Szoboszlai

This is Szoboszlai’s second season in Red, having left RB Leipzig for Merseyside in a deal worth £60m in 2023.

He had his ups and downs last term but has gone from strength to strength in Slot’s system, with his performances over the past few months leading content creator Asim Mahmood to describe him as an “absolute monster” and a “champion performer.”

Hailed as an “absolute engine” by journalist Bence Bocsak, the Hungary skipper is uncontainable at times, running at full throttle amid a forest of tired legs in late stages. He just doesn’t stop churning.

And now, with greater clinical output in the final third, Szoboszlai is being compared to a name that holds some weight at Liverpool: Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool when he played for Borussia Dortmund, before the Reds opted out and focused on a more evenly spread central overhaul.

The Three Lions superstar, 21, might be one of the best players in the world but it’s hard to argue against FSG’s logic, with Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo all playing important roles.

And according to FBref, Szoboszlai’s form has actually put him in the same bracket as Bellingham, who is one of the deadliest midfielders in the game but also works with an indefatigable drive.

Both looking to get on the ball whenever they can and influence play, Szoboszlai’s energy outstrips his Los Blancos rival’s, though Bellingham does boast the superiority in goal involvements.

Szoboszlai can also defend when needed. Liverpool put themselves in an almost uncatchable position when beating Newcastle in the Premier League on Wednesday, and while the 23-year-old got his name on the scoresheet after bagging at the Etihad last weekend, he also won eight of his ten contested duels and made five tackles, as per Sofascore, further illustrating his complete nature.

Only one month ago, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said he wasn’t “Szoboszlai’s biggest fan,” acknowledging the player’s energy but raising questions over his clinical output.

This is fair enough. After 81 Liverpool appearances since signing, Szoboszlai has scored 14 goals and provided ten assists for his teammates, marking a goal contribution rate of 0.30 per game.

In the same timeframe since joining Real Madrid, Bellingham has clinched 58 goal involvements from 78 matches, a rate of 0.74 per fixture.

There’s a reason he’s regarded as “one of the best midfield talents in the world” by his colleague David Alaba, with CIES Football Observatory, the world’s leading platform in statistical football studies, recording that the £331k-per-week talent is currently valued at about £225m on the modern market.

This is staggering, and not a figure that Szoboszlai is likely to reach during his career. No shame in that, Dom.

However, it does act as a barometer of sorts that can determine the quality of player that Liverpool have on their hands. Quite simply, Liverpool’s robust and athletic number ten is proving himself to have the wide-ranging arsenal to inflict damage on opponents, control matches through technical distinction and indeed get stuck in

He has the full gamut, just like Bellingham. Liverpool have their own version of the English sensation, and they also have a dynamic midfield comprised of important parts.

FSG won’t rue their decision to look elsewhere back in 2023.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 27, 2025

Looking ahead to the future, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly leading the race to sign an impressive in-demand 18-year-old for Nuno Espirito Santo this summer.

Nottingham Forest set sights on future star

Those at the City Ground are within touching distance of Champions League qualification in what would be a monumental achievement for all involved, having previously struggled in the bottom half since returning to the top flight.

With just nine Premier League games remaining, Espirito Santo’s side sit as many as six points clear of fifth-place Manchester City and seven wins away from a place among Europe’s elite.

It may not be long before Forest attempt to flex their new-found Champions League muscles, either. The Midlands club have recently been linked to a mega move for Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swede has been one of the most clinical strikers in Europe this season and has attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona as a result. Yet, as the summer approaches, it’s Forest who could yet win the race to secure what would be one of the signings of the window.

Meanwhile, those at the City Ground have also reportedly turned their attention towards the future. According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are now in pole position to sign Cathal O’Sullivan from Cork City this summer.

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The young right midfielder recently turned 18 years old and could yet become the latest Irish talent to make his way to the Premier League – following in the footsteps of Evan Ferguson and, more recently, Mason Melia.

In a move with the future in mind, Forest would be landing a top prospect, albeit one who would have to wait for his chance at the City Ground. In pole position to sign O’Sullivan, the midfielder is one to watch.

"Brilliant" O'Sullivan is one for the future

Whilst it’s Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga lighting up the flanks for Nottingham Forest this season, there seems to be every chance that it’s O’Sullivan tasked with doing exactly that in years to come. The 18-year-old has already taken strides in senior football too, making two appearances for Cork City and even grabbing himself an assist this season.

Cork manager Tim Clancy was full of praise for his young star when asked about his recent rise, telling reporters: “I’ve spoken to Cathal about how I want him to be more positive and get at players, and if he gives the ball away, we don’t mind, because we want him to be more energetic and positive, and he’s got so much ability.

“Last week, he got his first assist of the season, and he’s added to that by getting his first goal now. He’s flying, and he’s doing really well for us and we are looking forward to the progress he makes.”

Also earning praise from The Next Wave – an X account run by a scout based in London – O’Sullivan was dubbed “brilliant” back in January as he prepared for the current campaign.

The Oval is known to assist spinners from time to time, and Ponting wants India to field both Ashwin and Jadeja, with Jadeja batting at No. 6

Ashish Pant29-May-2023Ricky Ponting wants India to play as many X-factor players as possible if they want to have an edge over Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Like Ishan Kishan, who, Ponting feels, is a stronger bet than KS Bharat to play as the wicketkeeper-batter in the absence of Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav.Speaking on the latest episode of the ICC Review podcast, Ponting said his India XI at the WTC final would also include both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, with Jadeja playing primarily as a batter at No. 6, with Suryakumar above Jadeja in the middle order.”If I was them [India], knowing the importance of this game – and you have to win this Test match – I’d be going with Ishan Kishan in this game,” Ponting said. “He provides that little bit of X-factor that you need when you might be pushing for a win in a Test match. Obviously, if Rishabh Pant is fit, he is playing, and he provides that X-factor for India. But with him not being there, and this is no blot on Bharat whatsoever, but I think Kishan just provides that little bit more X-factor, who’d do a good job with the gloves but can provide that really high-scoring run rate that is required in a one-off Test match to push for a win.Related

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“I’d be going with as many X-factor players as I could and put some real pressure back on Australia.”Neither Kishan nor Suryakumar are Test regulars. Kishan is yet to make his Test debut, though he was in the squad for the home Test series against Australia earlier this year, while Suryakumar played his only Test in that same series, making eight runs the only time India batted in Nagpur, where they won by an innings and 132 runs on their way to a 2-1 series win.Both players, however, have decent first-class records.While Suryakumar has scored 5557 runs in 80 first class games at an average of 44.45, Kishan has 2985 in 48 matches, averaging 38.76. They have both, however, made their names mainly as explosive short-format batters.While Ponting did not elaborate on why he wanted Suryakumar to bat at No.5, he did say he was happy to see Ajinkya Rahane back in the Test fold.Rahane, India’s No. 5 until he was dropped in early 2022, had a good domestic season (2022-23) where he finished as Mumbai’s highest run-getter in the Ranji Trophy with 634 runs in seven matches at 57.63. Rahane also surprised many watchers with his aggressive stroke play as a top-order impact batter for Chennai Super Kings in the latest IPL.”Jinks (Rahane) has had an incredible IPL as well. It’s funny, isn’t it, how IPL runs can now get you picked back into a Test match squad,” Ponting said. “Jinks has been on the outer for the last couple of years in Test cricket, but everyone saw how confident he looked and how well he played in the IPL and that was enough to get him back in.”I think they will pick Jadeja and Ashwin because Jadeja can hold that No. 6 batting spot”•BCCI”He has been there and done it before in Test cricket. It was probably a bigger hurdle for him to climb to get back into playing really good T20 cricket than it is for him to go back and play good Test cricket. His make-up is much more suited to the Test game than it is to T20 cricket. He has rediscovered some confidence and if he does get picked, I won’t be surprised to see him get runs in that Test match.”He has always been a really high-quality player and we saw him even with his leadership qualities here in Australia, in that last series to turn things around.”The 15-man India squad has three frontline spinners – all of them spin-bowling allrounders – in Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar Patel. While Axar has showed consistency across formats in recent months, Ponting expects India to opt for Ashwin and Jadeja purely because of the nature of the pitch at The Oval, where the Test will be played from June 7 to 11.”I think they will pick Jadeja and Ashwin because Jadeja can hold that No. 6 batting spot,” Ponting said. “His batting has improved that much that they can pick him as a batter now that might just bowl a few overs if required. There is no doubt that Ashwin is a more skilled and better Test bowler than what Jadeja is, but if Jadeja can hold down that batting spot and then as the game goes on, getting into the fourth and fifth day, if it does start to turn, then you have got that really high-class second spin bowling option if required.”Historically, the Oval pitch has been a very good batting wicket. It’s generally offered something for the fast bowlers on day one, not a lot. But I have also played some games there where it has turned a lot. If it starts a little bit dry, it can turn a lot.”

India batter Tilak Varma has become the first player – male or female – to hit centuries in three successive innings in T20 cricket. He achieved the feat when he struck 151 off 67 balls in Hyderabad’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 opener against Meghalaya in Rajkot.Tilak, 22, headed into the domestic T20 competition on the back of consecutive hundreds in South Africa – 107 not out in Centurion followed by an unbeaten 120 in Johannesburg. With his knock for Hyderabad, he became the first Indian male cricketer to have a 150-plus score in T20s. Kiran Navgire, who now plays for Maharashtra, had scored an unbeaten 162 playing for Nagaland against Arunachal Pradesh in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy in 2022.Tilak batted at No. 3 against Meghalaya and finished with a strike rate of 225.37 after walking out in the first over, hitting 14 fours and 10 sixes before falling on the last ball of the innings. He was severe on medium pacer Dippu Sangma, off whom he scored 50 off 18 balls with six fours and three sixes. He added 122 for the second wicket off just 48 balls and that formed base for Hyderabad’s 248 for 4, their highest score in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. It is also the fifth-highest total in the history of the competition.Tilak was one of five players Mumbai Indians retained ahead of the auction for IPL 2025, having played for them for the past three seasons.

Tottenham Hotspur have a new manager at the helm in Thomas Frank, though he could now have a decision to make on one of his key stars, according to a report.

Tottenham make Tel second signing under Frank

There were plenty of mixed opinions when Ange Postecoglou was relieved of his duties at Tottenham. He delivered on his promise to bring a trophy to North London, but Daniel Levy couldn’t look past the Lilywhites’ dismal form in the top flight.

Frank has since been appointed and arrives as a revered figure among many of his Premier League peers. The former Brentford boss released an emotional statement after swapping Hounslow for N17 as he gets to work ahead of pre-season.

He stated: “I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one.

“For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community – it’s an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you.”

Mathys Tel has been announced as a permanent Tottenham star and has signed until 2031, becoming an early signal of the former Brentford man’s transfer intent. Kevin Danso has also joined after his loan spell from RC Lens.

Looking to tempt one of his old flames to work together again, Spurs boss Frank is targeting a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has reportedly changed his stance on potentially swapping the Gtech Community Stadium for Manchester United amid recent talks.

Tottenham meet asking price for "key" Thomas Frank target after lodging bid

The Dane personally wants him in north London.

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Jadon Sancho has also been linked with a surprise switch to Spurs. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils would be willing to deal with a direct Premier League rival after his spell at Chelsea.

Making inroads, Frank has now been left with a crucial decision to make after a big-money proposal came to light for one of his established stars.

Tottenham star Son Heung-min has offer to join Fenerbahce

According to reports in Spain, Fenerbahce have tabled a big-money proposal to Tottenham icon Son Heung-min that could see the South Korea international earn around £195,000 per week in Istanbul.

The outlet suggests that a deal between all parties is ‘very close’ despite nothing being fully set in stone, which could mark the end of an era for the 32-year-old after lifting the Europa League trophy last month following a decade-long wait for silverware.

Son Hueng-min – the end of an era at Tottenham Hotspur?

Appearances

454

Goals

173

Assists

101

Trophies won

UEFA Europa League

Admittedly, he did wane during a difficult campaign on a week-to-week basis for the Lilywhites, though he still managed to register 11 goals in 12 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.

From a personal perspective, Son bowing out with a winners’ medal in-hand would be the perfect way to depart, even if his exit would be an emotional one following his excellent ten years in North London.

Nigar Sultana and Nahida Akter headlined Bangladesh’s maiden win against West Indies in any format

Mohammad Isam22-Jan-2025Bangladesh are one win away from direct qualification for this year’s Women’s ODI World Cup after they beat West Indies by 60 runs in the second ODI in Basseterre on Tuesday. It was Bangladesh’s first win against West Indies in any format as they levelled the series 1-1 after West Indies had won the first game by nine wickets on Sunday.Bangladesh are now in seventh place in the ODI Women’s Championship points table with 21 points, the same as New Zealand who are placed sixth. The top five teams from that table and hosts India will gain direct entry into the ODI World Cup and the the third ODI between West Indies and Bangladesh will be the final game of this Women’s Championship cycle. If Bangladesh win the final game or there is a no result on Friday, they will overtake New Zealand and get direct qualification for the ODI World Cup for the first time.West Indies are languishing in ninth place with 16 points and are out of the race for direct qualification. The remaining four teams from the Women’s Championship table will play in the ODI World Cup qualifiers along with two more teams for the remaining two spots for the main event.On Tuesday, captain Nigar Sultana led the way with 68 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 184 in 48.5 overs. She struck five fours in her 120-ball stay, bringing up her fifth half-century in ODIs. Nigar was the anchor of the innings, adding a 51-run stand with Sobhana Mostary for the fourth wicket. Offspinner Karishma Ramharack took four wickets for the first time in ODIs, while fast bowler Aaliyah Alleyne picked up three wickets.Nahida Akter led the Bangladesh charge with the ball, taking three wickets, which included two of West Indies’ top three. Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan and Fahima Khatun all took two wickets each as the hosts were bowled out for 124 in 35 overs. Shemaine Campbelle top scored with 28 while the big hitters Hayley Matthews (16) and Deandra Dottin (2) fell for low scores.After the match, Nigar said that she had the World Cup qualification in the back of her mind, but it was far more important to bounce back after the big defeat in the first ODI.”I think it was great to see how we bounced back in such a short turnaround time, especially after the nine-wicket defeat. We definitely wanted this momentum,” she said. “Of course, the two points are priceless but we really also want to achieve a series win by winning the next game. We haven’t won an overseas series before.”Nigar said that she took her time in building her half-century, but was pleased the runs came in a winning cause for her team.”I took a long time to settle down in the middle, [I] played out a lot of deliveries, but the runs turned out to be important,” she said. “I am really happy to contribute to the team’s cause. It was, however, a team performance. We gave an outstanding effort out there.”The team had belief. We didn’t score a lot of runs on this wicket where the bowlers have a tough life defending a low total. We just planned to bowl in the right areas, and wait for the batters to make mistakes.”