India A remain in contention to finish on top of the table heading into the final round
ESPNcricinfo staff15-Sep-2024India A bounced back from a first-round defeat to record a 186-run win over the Shreyas Iyer-led India D to remain in contention to finish on top of the table heading into the final round of the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy.Having set India D a target of 488, they were made to toil for 82 overs to earn an outright, with Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian playing key roles with the ball, picking up seven wickets between them. Mulani was named Player of the Match for his four wickets in the match along with his crucial first-innings 89 that helped India A set up the game.Resuming on 62 for 1, Bhui drove the innings and brought up his 18th first-class hundred, but none of the other batters managed to play out time. Iyer and Sanju Samson, both of whom missed out in the first innings, made 41 and 40 respectively.Bhui and Yash Dubey put on 100 for the second wicket as India D’s pursuit to secure a draw received a massive leg up. But the run out of Dubey followed by Devdutt Padikkal’s dismissal on 1 off Shams Mulani set them back.Iyer and Samson were typically adventurous and batted with flair, at no point looking to rein their natural game. Iyer became Mulani’s second victim when he was bowled. That wicket opened the floodgates for his Mumbai team-mate Kotian to get into the thick of things. Kotian ended up with a four-for as he sliced through the lower order to seal victory in the final session.India A’s other notable performers included 32-year-old Railways batter Pratham Singh and Hyderabad batter Tilak Varma, both of whom slammed hundreds to set up a declaration late on the third day.
Liverpool are in a ruthless mood this summer and after welcoming Florian Wirtz for a British-record fee, Richard Hughes is reportedly set for talks to sell one of Arne Slot’s star and has already contacted his potential replacement.
Liverpool not done after record Wirtz deal
Unlike in the past, Liverpool are not just sitting back and admiring their silverware. They’re gunning for more. Jeremie Frimpong arrived first to replace Trent Alexander-Anrold, but the biggest headlines were still to come as Wirtz followed his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate to Anfield in a British-record £116m deal.
The German is ready to take the Premier League by storm too, telling Liverpool’s official media channels: “I’m really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: that I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League.
“I will see how I can perform there. I hope I can do my best. I spoke also with some players who played there and they told me that it’s perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game. I’m really looking forward to playing my first game.”
Florian Wirtz for Germany
Even after Wirtz, however, Liverpool are not done there. It has been a summer full of business for Richard Hughes, who is making up for lost time following a quiet debut year in Merseyside. Up next looks set to be Milos Kerkez, whilst reported talks to sell one star man could lead to another big-money incoming.
Liverpool set to hold talks to sell Nunez
According to Fabrizio Romano, reporting on Saturday afternoon, Liverpool are set to hold talks with Napoli next week over the sale of Darwin Nunez. The Italian club reportedly see the forward as their dream target and are now looking to learn more about the details of a potential move.
The sale of the struggling forward could be good news for those in Merseyside, who have reportedly already contacted Hugo Ekitike over a deal to replace Nunez this summer.
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2
By
Sean Markus Clifford
Jun 21, 2025
When speaking about the Frenchman, Romano recently told the Market Madness Podcast: “Well, I think for Ekitike this could be a possibility to go to Liverpool, because there were calls from Chelsea two weeks ago. Man United, in recent days, also made contact with the agents to understand the situation.
“But for Liverpool, this is also a possibility. Liverpool also spoke to the agents. Also, Liverpool considered Ekitike an interesting opportunity. And so that’s the name I would keep in their shortlist.”
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Hugo Ekitike
Darwin Nunez
Minutes
2,563
1,133
Goals
15
5
Assists
8
2
Expected Goals
21.6
5.8
As the numbers show, Liverpool would once again be landing an instant upgrade this summer to continue what is likely to go down as their best-ever transfer window, even if the Frenchman could cost £85m.
Liverpool have been the team to watch in the transfer window so far and could now look to strike for a star who has previously been labelled “fantastic” by Jordan Henderson, according to reports.
Liverpool march on in the transfer window
Exciting times are on the horizon at Anfield and Jeremie Frimpong is set to be joined by Milos Kerkez at Liverpool as the latter edges closer to signing on the dotted line for a move to Merseyside, as per David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
Florian Wirtz is also signing for Liverpool for a record fee, creating a triple-axis of exciting transfers that have placed Arne Slot and his side in a great position to retain their Premier League title.
Incredibly, The Reds are said to be plotting a blockbuster bid for Newcastle star Alexander Isak in a deal that could be worth £100 million and add-ons, exceeding any fee paid for Wirtz.
Nevertheless, that is likely to be contingent on whether Darwin Nunez leaves the club, albeit there is plenty to marvel about regarding Liverpool’s commitment to conducting smart business.
Club could allow "special" £85k-a-week Premier League winner to join Leeds
It’s a potential big boost for Daniel Farke.
ByHenry Jackson Jun 20, 2025
There is plenty of speculation surrounding the reigning champions, and nobody is expecting that to slow down anytime soon. The dust has now settled on their title victory, and hard work is well underway ahead of another campaign fraught with excitement.
Now, there is another name on their radar that could stir up headlines across Europe if Liverpool are able to push a deal over the line.
Liverpool hold talks over move for Jorrel Hato
According to journalist Duncan Castles on the Transfers Podcast, Liverpool are in talks to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato and could face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for the versatile Netherlands international.
He stated: “There have been direct conversations between Liverpool and Hato over joining the Premier League champions this summer, and those talks are taking place with the knowledge of Ajax, who are open to selling the player.”
Five similar players to Jorrel Hato (FBRef)
Trai Hume
Sunderland
Sam Byram
Leeds United
DeAndre Yedlin
Cincinnati
Franco Escobar
Houston Dynamo
Bryan Colula
Mazatlan
Later, he added: “Now we have a situation where Liverpool are looking at the player, with Arsenal and Chelsea also seriously interested in him.”
Labelled “fantastic” by former teammate Jordan Henderson, Hato registered three goals and six assists across 50 appearances in all competitions last campaign, and can play left-back or centre-back.
Intriguingly, this news comes as Atletico Madrid begin to step up their interest in Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, potentially offering a clue into who his replacement will be alongside Kerkez.
As talks continue, Reds supporters will hope they come to a satisfactory conclusion as the club look to stock up with elite arrivals ahead of the new campaign.
Liverpool are set for a summer that could see some statement arrivals link up with Arne Slot at Anfield and they are now closing in on yet another high-profile capture, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Liverpool finally lift the Premier League trophy
Admittedly, Liverpool took their foot off the gas after being crowned Premier League champions, but that is only a natural consequence of securing glory with several matches left to spare.
Nevertheless, Arne Slot has given a positive overview of potential transfer business at Anfield as the Reds begin to put the wheels in motion to defend their status as top-flight holders.
Liverpool manager ArneSlot
He stated on prospective arrivals: “I don’t know if it’s going to be a lot but we know, the club, Richard (Hughes), the ownership, we are all aligned on what we are trying to achieve.
“It is already very, very positive that we kept Mo and Virgil and a few others that we are trying to sign look positive.”
Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong could be on their way to Liverpool. Both deals look to be edging closer, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is headed out of the club after his last appearance on Sunday against Crystal Palace.
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1 ByHenry Jackson May 25, 2025
Contact has also been made between the Reds and Viktor Gyokeres’ camp amid rumours that Liverpool are set to go all out for a number nine once the window opens.
Contrary to recent times, FSG are set to use their licence to probe in the market as Slot’s men attempt to compete on both domestic and European fronts next campaign.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool have reached an agreement on personal terms with a proven Premier League performer.
Romano: Liverpool reach personal terms 'agreement' with Milos Kerkez
Speaking via GIVEMESPORT on Monday morning, Romano has confirmed that Liverpool are closing in on Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez after finding an ‘agreement’ on personal terms with the Hungary international.
He stated: “My information, guys, is that Kerkez already has an agreement on personal terms with Liverpool. So just about some small details to be clarified.
Milos Kerkez’s Premier League statistics in 2024/25
Goals
2
Assists
5
Chances created
36
Tackles won
26
Successful dribbles
22
Recoveries
169
“And then Liverpool are in contact with Bournemouth. Liverpool are still working on this one. So not only Wirtz, not only Frimpong, also in active conversations for Kerkez, and this week, the conversations will continue to get the deal done.”
Deemed to be on the move for a fee of £45 million, the 21-year-old has registered two goals and six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, putting himself in the shop window for a switch to one of England’s elite clubs.
Liverpool need a long-term competitor for Andy Robertson and Kerkez is one of the best around in that respect. Now, it remains to be seen whether the finer details can be thrashed out to bring him to Anfield.
Will Manchester City qualify for next season’s Champions League?
Last Sunday, the Sky Blues reached a third successive FA Cup final, courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley, in which Rico Lewis and then Joško Gvardiol were the scorers.
Back in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s team have enjoyed three successive victories, now seeking to win four in a row for the first time since the first four matches of this season.
Victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday night would propel the Sky Blues up to third, but this won’t be easy, considering Wolves travel to the Etihad following six successive victories, achieving this in the top division for the first time since 1970.
If Guardiola is going to end Wolves’ winning streak, he should make a change to his forward line with Jack Grealish likely to come out of the side.
Jack Grealish's Manchester City decline
When Grealish arrived at Manchester City for £100m, at the time breaking the British transfer record, few would’ve forecast that, four years later, he’d merely be a peripheral figure.
The 29-year-old has started just 16 matches across all competitions this season, going a whopping 392 days without a club goal, starting only once in the Premier League since Christmas, hence why his name was a surprise inclusion against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The table below illustrates the England international’s decline.
Jack Grealish season-by-season Man City career
Statistics
2021/22
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
Appearances
39
50
36
31
Starts
31
41
26
16
Minutes
2,730
3,487
2,114
1,520
Matches unused
19
11
18
20
Goals
6
5
3
3
Minutes per goal
455
697
705
507
Assists
4
11
3
5
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table outlines, since Grealish’s best season, the treble-winning campaign of 2022/23, he’s been little more than a bit part player, no longer a regular starter and not a regular contributor when it comes to goals and assists.
Jeremy Cross and Oli Gamp of the Daily Mirror believe it is very likely that Grealish will depart this summer, making it pointless Guardiola picking him for Man City’s four remaining league fixtures, so here’s who he should unleash against Wolves instead.
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The Man City forward yet to fulfil his potential
Jérémy Doku joined Manchester City two summers ago from Stade Rennais, costing a reported £55.5m, with Director of Football Txiki Begiristain describing him as a “very exciting young player” who has the potential to “develop into a world-class attacking talent”.
Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labeled him an “explosive winger” with “superb dribbling skills” who “plays with a natural flair”.
Well, so far, we’ve only seen this in glimpses, with the Belgian scoring only six goals both this season and last, the most recent of which came during the 6-0 demolition of Ipswich all the way back in January.
Nevertheless, Doku does rank more favourably when it comes to other metrics, as outlined by the table below.
Jérémy Doku Premier League statistics 2024/25
Statistics
Doku
PL rank
Minutes played
1,307
247th
Goals
3
99th
Assists
5
41st
Progressive carries
176
1st
Attempted take-ons
175
2nd
Successful take-ons
98
1st
Take on success % (min 50 attempted)
56%
4th
Carries into the final third
83
4th
Carries into the penalty area
80
2nd
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com
As the table highlights, despite his relative lack of minutes, Doku has accumulated the most progressive carries and successful take-ons of any player in the Premier League.
Meantime, only Mohammed Kudus of West Ham has attempted more take-ons, while only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has registered more carries into the opposition penalty area.
Still only 22-years-old, Doku has the potential to be the future of this team, while the same cannot be said of Grealish.
Thus, given that Vítor Pereira is likely to set Wolves up in a low defensive block on Friday night, their back three quickly retreating and becoming a back five, Doku’s one-vs-one dribbling ability could be invaluable as Man City seek to break them down.
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Liverpool are the Premier League’s Champions-Elect, defeating Everton on Wednesday evening to restore their 12-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the table.
Eight games left. To fall now would be to become the biggest laughing stock in Premier League history, such is the gap which the Gunners surely won’t be able to bridge.
Arne Slot has been a revelation in the dugout, but his prowess in the coaching department must now be met by summer investment to ensure Anfield can do it all over again next season.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Sadly, FSG’s parameters can only stretch so far, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contractual renewal feels like an unattainable thing.
Liverpool's right-back conundrum
Alexander-Arnold was all smiles as Liverpool won the Merseyside derby at Anfield, beaming from the sidelines as he recuperates from an ankle injury suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last month.
But Real Madrid have come knocking and it looks like Liverpool’s vice-captain is going to answer the door. Approaching the end of his contract, Trent is expected to sign for the Spanish giants and end a lifelong affinity with Liverpool.
It’s a bruising blow, one that will sting for a while, but dismay is tempered somewhat by Conor Bradley’s emergence, the Northern Irish defender having been lauded by Alexander-Arnold for his “absolutely phenomenal” performances since breaking from the academy ranks.
Alexander-Arnold may need replacing, though, and reports suggest that Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is the man for the job; Sky Sports actually claim that direct contact has already been made between Liverpool and the player’s representatives.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
Frimpong is expected to cost around £40m to prise away from Xabi Alonso, and given Liverpool’s need for sweeping changes this summer, Slot may be tempted to make do with his current options at right-back, even if the star player does indeed depart.
And yes, that is plural. Bradley isn’t the only man capable of a strong performance on the right wing of the backline, as we saw in the Merseyside derby.
Why Liverpool don't need to sign Frimpong
FSG might have a bit of a cost-cutting reputation but Liverpool are built on the American owners’ diligent and sustainable model. Simply look at some of the club’s divisional rivals as a barometer, should frustrations ever threaten to boil over.
Strikers are needed, as is a left-back. Recent performances have perhaps shown us that Liverpool don’t pack a powerful enough punch in the middle of the park either, in spite of Slot’s midfield triumvirate being among the finest on the continent.
One of those midfielders is Curtis Jones, who doesn’t start every week but is a highly valued member of the squad. Events this summer may even see him take the mantle as Liverpool’s star and most experienced Scouser.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones celebrates
The 23-year-old has made 37 appearances this season, directly involved in ten goals and playing across a vast range of different positions. His tactical bendability is most impressive, making him a priceless part of the tactical process.
His most recent reshift came at right-back against Everton, a role that he performed with aplomb as Alexander-Arnold, Bradley and Joe Gomez all sat on the sidelines.
Central midfield
14
0
3
Attacking midfield
14
2
3
Defensive midfield
4
1
1
Centre-forward
1
0
0
Left midfield
1
0
0
Right-back
1
0
0
There’s little question that Jones is one of the most underappreciated players in the Premier League, ranking among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90, as per FBref, and the top 1% for pass completion.
Not only is he creative, but he’s typically unerring in his distribution, maintaining a metronomic style while driving play forward with darting, energetic runs and a playmaker’s touch.
These are translatable skills, indeed convincing Slot to field him in defence against the Toffees. For extra context, this was not a hasty decision, with Liverpool’s boss revealing that “it’s something I’ve thought about” for a long time, suggesting that early tactical plans were mapped out “in the first-half of the season.”
Keeping a clean sheet, the England international looked composed and convincing in his makeshift berth, with The Liverpool Echo handing him a noteworthy 8/10 match rating and hailing the willingness to play out from the back while upholding a combative sheen.
Given that Bradley is on the cusp of a comeback and that Gomez (for now) and Quansah reside in the ranks too, it seems like Slot might have sufficient options to charge into the upcoming campaign with.
Frimpong’s a fine player, for sure, but is his signature actually necessary? Perhaps in more conventional circumstances, it would be, but Liverpool are about to attack the market with a vicious hunger, and resources may be better directed toward other areas.
Jones is underrated in some ways, but he’s also receiving new waves of recognition for his talents. Hailed as a “truly special” player by one hawk-eyed analyst, the versatile ace is everything you’d want in a midfielder.
He’s also on the rise from a financial standpoint, with Transfermarkt hiking up his projected market price of late to a valuation of about £42m. That’s more than the £40m-rated Frimpong, by the way.
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Whether Liverpool opt to enrich their Dutch contingency this summer remains to be seen, but Jones has proved that he’s a priceless part of this soon-to-be title-winning team, and financial attention might be better off turned elsewhere.
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The West Indies opener looks back on the best moments of his previous 99 Tests – his maiden century, the Headingley win, and the hundreds in Australia and South Africa
Interview by Andrew McGlashan02-Jul-2025On Thursday in Grenada, Kraigg Brathwaite will become the tenth West Indian to play 100 Tests. At his best, his powers of concentration have been legendary: he has faced the most balls by a West Indian batter in a Test.Runs have been harder to come by of late, and a new-look batting order needs him to perform, but his career is littered with some outstanding performances. Among the teams he’s played more than once, it’s only against India that is he missing a century. Brathwaite also captained the Test side on 39 occasions before stepping down earlier this year. And he holds one of the game’s quirkier stats for a player of this generation, having not played a single professional T20.”I was privileged to be captain when he played his first Test and to be coach now as he’s playing his 100th Test, 14 years later, it shows his contribution to the game,” West Indies coach Daren Sammy said. “I think that’s a great achievement. And I wish him all the best. I know his team will be rallying with him. It will be a special moment for him and also for the team.”On the eve of his landmark Test, Brathwaite spoke to ESPNcricinfo.Related
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What does 100 Tests mean to you?
It means everything. Words to describe it would be pretty tough. You always want to play for the West Indies as a youngster, but to play 100 Tests was a dream. I’ll never forget when I was teenager, I was 14 years old, I would have done an interview and they asked me what my goals were. I remember one of my goals was to play 100 Tests.I think it’s quite amazing to go through the journey of 14 years playing for West Indies and seeing that goal come to fruition. I just want to be a role model, to hopefully inspire even just one youngster in the Caribbean to set their goals from a young age. Whether it’s 100 Tests, 300 one-dayers, playing in all the franchises around the world, whichever it may be, the key is to set a goal and work extremely hard throughout, through the ups and downs, to achieve it.But despite setting that goal, when you played your first Test, against Pakistan in 2011, did you think 100 was realistic?
Obviously, I’ll say no. Playing the first Test wasn’t the easiest. To say it at that time, that I would play 100, would be pretty hard. But from scoring my first hundred [against New Zealand in 2014] – I never thought I’d score a hundred for West Indies, I never thought I was that good, even though I was inspired to want to play – that really helped me get the confidence to go on.There have been a few periods where things really clicked for you: in 2014 you averaged over 77 and in 2022 you were named in the ICC Test team of the year. Do they stand out for you?
In 2014, I remember every series we played I scored a hundred. That was a very good patch for me. Then 2022 as well, those two really stood out for me. We played Bangladesh in 2022 and I made 95 or so [94], otherwise it would have been the same [a century in each series]. As a batsman that’s what you set out to do. I was obviously hoping that 2025 would be as good as those two periods.In West Indies’ famous win at Headingley in 2017, Brathwaite scored 134 and 95•Getty ImagesThe runs haven’t flowed of late. Where do you feel your batting is? Have you got another peak in you?
I still have that belief. I still feel ready and raring. I think it’s just an example of what Test cricket is; it’s a grind, especially as an opener, it’s never easy. You always have your ups and downs, so it’s about staying strong and believing in yourself. Test cricket is all about being mentally strong. I do believe I have those periods left in me.Is opening now as tough as it’s been? It’s a topic in Australian cricket, for example. Are pitches doing more?
I won’t say they’re doing anything different to normal, to be honest. Playing in the Caribbean is obviously never an easy place because pitches, especially early on, can be a bit slow and the ball gets a bit of a nip. But I won’t say the pitches have changed. I think the challenges as an opener still remain, regarding fielding for whether it’s 90 overs or 100 overs and having to run off for five minutes to change, then face world-class bowlers. Kudos to the bowling around the world. Each team pretty much has quality fast bowlers. So it’s always a mental grind for openers.Looking back on the 99 Tests from a batting perspective, can you pick out some highlights?
I can never forget the maiden hundred. At the time I was in total disbelief that I could actually score a hundred for West Indies. But moving on from there, the hundred [against Pakistan] in Sharjah; for me as an opener, I always dream about being there at the end, especially in the second innings, for the team. And to be able to do that in both innings was quite special for me. That was Jason Holder’s first win as captain, so very special.Then Headingley [in 2017] as well. There’s a bit of back story behind that. We lost the first Test, so to come back and play two innings like that to help us to win was quite amazing. But also, and this is just an example of opening the batting, it was my first tour to England and we had three county games before the first Test. I barely got any runs. Mentally, you are really doubting yourself at times.Brathwaite’s advice to young cricketers: “Dream big first. Set your goals from a young age. And then you’ve got to work hard. It’s a a long journey playing red-ball cricket”•Nick Potts/PA Photos/Getty ImagesGoing into the first Test, I made zero in the first innings. It’s not easy place to be. But that’s just the example of having to keep having that inward belief. When that bowler runs up and bowls the ball, pacer or spinner, you’ve got to have that deep belief in yourself. In the second innings of the first Test, I got 30-odd [40], then the second game we won and I got runs. That was just a great example for me as a player and as an opener of what it really takes to do well in this career. You’ve got to be mentally tough. So those were special.But then, emotion-wise, when I got the hundreds in Australia [in Perth in 2022] and in South Africa [in Gqeberha in 2014] – they were both No. 1 [teams] at the time. For me, that was very, very special. We drew one and lost one but those two against the No. 1 team meant a lot.Have you always prided yourself on your powers of concentration?
For sure. When I was young, 10 or 11, I used to bat really fast and hit a lot of boundaries, a lot of sixes. But as I got older, I started to buckle down. I always understood my strengths and weaknesses from a young age. I still knew what I was good at aggressively and not going for other things. But as I developed, I understood playing the longer format.I remember there was an intermediate game back home. I got out playing a bad shot, looking for something that wasn’t there. The next week – because it plays on weekends – two of the guys scored a double and a 180. From there I decided I’ve really got to buckle down. The next game I made a double.That was an example of taking your time and waiting for your strengths. You know your weaknesses, you don’t go too hard at them. And that stood with me throughout my career. Playing for West Indies, it’s always my job, and I knew once I could bat at least two sessions as opener, it will only benefit the team.Brathwaite captained West Indies in 39 Tests, winning ten, including famous victories in Chattogram, Brisbane and Multan•AFP/Getty ImagesDo you think there will be an opportunity for more West Indians to reach 100 Tests?
There’s a lot of talk about it in recent years. At the end of the day, we need all the teams; we need South Africa, they’ve just won the Test Championship, we need West Indies. I think eventually we’ll get to ten-plus Tests in a year, hopefully. Right now, we’re averaging probably between six to eight a year. So, obviously, that would take a younger guy playing for a number of years to get up to 100. But I do believe that in time we will get more games. I can see it happening. I think there’s a lot of youngsters that are spurred to want to play for West Indies.Is there one opener you’ve especially enjoyed batting with?
I’ve enjoyed batting with them all, because I’ve batted with a number of openers, but John Campbell. For me, the bond is quite special because we played from Under-15, then to U-19s and senior cricket. So that one will always remain. We have good camaraderie.Having not played any T20s in this era does stand out. How has that played out? Would you still like to play?
To say I still want to play, it’s pretty foreign. But it’s something I wanted to do. I played a few 50-over games [for West Indies] but I missed a few regional tournaments in the Caribbean, so I was never really able to put my case to get back in the one-day team. Not being able to play 50-overs, it’s pretty tough to play T20s. It’s just how it went. I’d have loved to have played T20, it just didn’t work out. But you never know, there’s a lot of leagues about.If you had advice for a next-generation batter who has that dream of 100 Tests, what would it be?
Dream big first. Set your goals from a young age. Obviously that inward belief in yourself is very important. And then you’ve got to be disciplined, you’ve got to work hard. Things won’t always be easy. It’s a long process, a long journey playing red-ball cricket.But the main thing is, regardless of success or failure, do your routine. Whatever it is, in terms of running, gym, hard work at home, after a series, you don’t ever stop it. You do well, you’ve had a purple patch, a great year, you don’t sit back on your laurels and think that, okay, I’m done working, I’ve received or retained a contract and I’m happy. To be able to do it year-in, year-out through all the success and failure – because there’s way more failure than success, especially in red-ball cricket. But it’s about believing and dreaming it because you can do anything you put your mind to.
At a time when Afghanistan is in the world’s political focus again, the first pan-subcontinental star offers a respite from all that heavy context
Osman Samiuddin14-Jun-2021There’s been something slightly disorienting about watching Rashid Khan, Afghan superstar, in the Pakistan Super League, although that feeling is also entirely appropriate. Though this is a debut in the league for him in body, in spirit it feels like a homecoming. This is a league run by the country he grew up in, possibly spent his formative cricket years in; where his cricket hero is from; where a large segment of the population are kindred to him in soul, mind and spirit – a tie that can never be erased or confined by material irrelevances like passports or borders.Said league, as it happens, is being played in a country Khan now resides in for convenience, because it allows him to travel easily. Said country is also the birthplace of said league, so Rashid Khan, a 24×7 on-the-road athlete, is, in many roundabout ways, home.He has been a life-affirming figure at this PSL, not least because it plays out at a time when that dreaded, wholly inadequate, hyphenated term “Af-Pak” is (with capital I) Important again. The TL;DR is that the US is pulling the last of its troops out of Afghanistan, 20 years after 9/11 and that has (capital I again) Implications for neighbouring Pakistan because there have been implications forever since the British drew a line in the sand in 1893 and divided one people into two.In a tiny but undeniable way Khan’s participation is significant in this connection – to say that yes, there is some very real life to sort out, but in the meantime here’s a slice of life that is also real and infinitely less exhausting. What is being played out here, an Afghan icon starring in Pakistan’s biggest event, is both a refuge from all that geopolitical context but also a reminder that the context need not be something to always take refuge from.Related
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And at some level, to Pakistanis specifically, it should be challenging. Millions of Afghans fled Afghanistan to seek refuge in Pakistan after the Soviet invasion of their country in 1979. But in a metropolis like Karachi, far from being seen as fellow sufferers – let alone citizens, because a majority have not been allowed to become citizens – they are seen by Pakistanis as troublesome, and worse, deleterious to society at large.More directly, hopefully, by dint of Khan’s participation in the PSL, through simple familiarity it can work away at the complications of cricket ties between the two countries, tied up within the broader complications of that hyphen. Khan’s celebration of the dismissal of Asif Ali in the 2018 Asia Cup is part of the friction, the clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan fans in Leeds in the 2019 World Cup a result of it.Imagine, though, the power of him bowling as he did last Thursday against Peshawar Zalmi but doing it in front of a full house at Gaddafi Stadium, the home of his team? Better yet, at some point, imagine him playing in Peshawar, once – maybe forever – a home, in front of thousands of his people? There’s not enough wattage in the world to measure the electricity of such an occasion.In a way, prolonged participation in the PSL should also complete the uniqueness of his stature. Here is a player whose home is Afghanistan, who has grown up in Pakistan, who is not only a star in India but plays his “home” internationals there. He plays those for a country that is central to a geo-strategic proxy war – bragging rights, in plainer words – between the other two.He is at home right across these three countries. He is freely able to play in front of their crowds. He is freely able to play alongside their best players and against them. To varying degrees, each of the three can claim a bit of him, and Pakistan more once he has played more of the PSL. To that end, speaking publicly in Urdu post-match has been a nice touch. It may appear a small touch but, given that until as recently as the 2019 World Cup, Afghanistan’s team was reportedly under instructions by its board to not speak Urdu publicly, it is not that small.
Imagine him playing in Peshawar, once – maybe forever – a home, in front of thousands of his people? There’s not enough wattage in the world to measure the electricity of such an occasion
That could make him potentially the first true pan-subcontinent star. Nobody, not Hanif, not Mankad, not Gavaskar, not Kapil, not Imran, not Javed, not Wasim, not Sachin, not Kohli, not Babar – none can claim to have cut through the jingoism and blind hatred that blights cricket fandom in these countries. In the adulation and respect he inspires in these countries Khan might have quietly accrued a status that sets him apart from nationalities. He’s a country of one, and equally one of all countries. It seems unnecessary to state that how big he is in Australia too.There’s so much going on here, and after it all there is still his cricket. Of which, it’s safe to say that he has equalled his hero in some respects. “He is one player who has fans all over the world,” Khan told the a couple of years ago. “You don’t get such players every day. Check his record, he doesn’t have many centuries, but whenever he arrived, he would hit four-five-six sixes, entertain and leave. That is why he had fans. You to become his fan.”Aside from the detail of the batting, this could be about Khan himself. He, of course, was talking about Shahid Afridi, whose gravitational force he himself now comfortably channels, and which demands you’re pinned down for every single ball he’s involved in. Plus, he creates these moments, it seems, far more consistently. The other night, against Islamabad United, he stole a win with the bat in all of five balls, which in totality was a very Afridi thing to do but in its execution was far more ruthless. Although, just as Afridi would tell himself walking to the crease, Khan told himself to not play big shots. But when it came to the crunch, like Afridi again, he couldn’t hold himself back.By now everyone knows everything about the genius in his bowling, not that this knowledge helps batsmen any. Each ball is delivered as an expression of the same superiority and certainty as has been done by the true masters – the Marshalls or McGraths or Akrams.A special word for the googly, though. Fittingly for the nature of the delivery, Khan’s googly works in the opposite way to most others. The more he bowls it the it is understood, like the best magic, or undoubtedly for some people, maths.This is a great league for showing off googlies in. For a long while, it was a Pakistani delivery and in Imran Tahir at the Multan Sultans, there is a direct descendent of the Abdul Qadir lineage. At the same franchise there is also Qadir’s blood, and perhaps the beginnings of a theory that the googly can be inherited genetically. Khan’s googly though stands apart from all of them. And in doing so, it still feels right at home.
West Ham chiefs have one eye fixed on the January transfer window as Nuno Espírito Santo reportedly pleads for new signings behind-the-scenes.
Nuno Espírito Santo set to be backed by West Ham in January
It has been a disastrous start to the season for West Ham, who are surely candidates for this year’s relegation dogfight.
The east Londoners have conceded more goals than any other side in the Premier League so far and would be at the foot of the table, if not for Wolves being that bit worse, with Vitor Pereira’s side yet to win a single game.
Nuno is also still waiting for his first victory as West Ham boss since replacing Graham Potter at the end of last month, but judging by their torrid performance at home to Brentford, he could be forced to wait a while longer.
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West Ham 0-2 Brentford
The Bees ran riot at the London Stadium, attempting 17 shots at goal, and the 2-0 defeat flattered a West Ham side who looked bereft of answers.
Nuno’s much-changed line-up against Keith Andrews’ men raised plenty of eyebrows as the Portuguese experiments to find his best team, but it doesn’t get any easier for West Ham, who travel to face newly-promoted Leeds United at Elland Road on Friday.
Concerns surround whether West Ham really have enough quality and depth in their squad to compete in world football’s most glamorous division, with chairman David Sullivan and the board reportedly planning a small spending spree in the winter.
According to Sky Sports this week, West Ham are targeting a new defender, midfielder and forward once the winter window opens, and Nuno has got “confirmation” that funds will be available to strengthen the team.
Other reports claim that Nuno has urged West Ham chiefs to bring in much-needed January additions, and this is backed by GiveMeSport, who’ve shared an update of their own on Sullivan’s recruitment plans.
West Ham hold internal talks over signing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos
As per GMS, Nuno has told Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to attack the market once it reopens past the turn of the year.
The tactician personally wants a new addition to his backline, a technician for the engine room and an attacker to provide that extra injection of creativity going forward.
In terms of the midfield, West Ham have set their sights on a very intriguing option — Chelsea star Andrey Santos — and they’ve held internal talks over a potential move.
The Brazil international, who bagged 11 goals and five assists on loan at Strasbourg last season, has featured in nearly every game for Chelsea so far, with Maresca showing real faith in Santos as a key component of his midfield.
Santos can play anywhere in the centre, whether that be further forward as a CAM or in a deep-lying anchor role, so the appeal for West Ham is pretty obvious, especially considering the 21-year-old’s excellent form over the last 12 months.
Nuno apparently wants a box-to-box style midfielder who can add pace in the middle of the park, something which West Ham sorely lack right now, even if highly-rated youngster Freddie Potts is ready and raring for selection.
That being said, Maresca appears to be a massive fan of Santos, so it remains to be seen whether the Italian would sanction a mid-season departure for a player he’s used very often so far.
Interestingly, Santos isn’t the only Brazilian who West Ham are considering.
According to other reports, West Ham have already spoken to Real Madrid about signing Endrick, and that deal looks far more likely with Los Blancos prepared to green-light a loan move away for the striker amid his limited minutes at the Bernabeu.