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Both teams have qualified for the knockouts, but the team that wins will get an extra day’s rest before their semi-final against India

S Sudarshanan24-Oct-20252:37

The secret to six-hitting in the women’s game with Katey Martin

Big picture: Winner faces India in semi-finalOn Wednesday, Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp were on the opposite sides of the Holkar Stadium. Tryon was lofting throwdowns inside out from the practice nets towards the main pitch while Kapp was taking some high catches on the other side of the ground. Tryon and Kapp were on the same side and made vital contributions in the only ODI South Africa have won against Australia. They could once again be key in South Africa’s last league game of the Women’s World Cup, against the same opponents.This is a top-of-the-table clash. Australia are yet to lose a game, on 11 points, while South Africa are on 10. The winner on Saturday will go to Navi Mumbai for the semi-final against India, while the loser will head to the Guwahati semi-final, where England will be waiting.Related

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An Australia vs South Africa fixture has been an anomaly in women’s cricket. Before they played a multi-format series at the start of 2024, both the teams had last played a bilateral series in 2016 (only ODIs). Their meetings have often been restricted to ICC tournaments, where Australia have emerged victorious every single time – until the T20 World Cup semi-final last year.In the ODI World Cup in 2022, South Africa had done well to post 271. However, their sloppy fielding – they dropped four catches – meant Australia comfortably aced that chase, with Meg Lanning’s century eclipsing Laura Wolvaardt’s 90.This South African unit, though, not only knows how to reach knockouts but also keeps its nerves in check. That was on show in the two chases in Visakhapatnam in this World Cup, where they hunted down 252 against India despite being 81 for 5, and then chased 233 against Bangladesh from 78 for 5. This is not to say that only the lower order has fired for them. As many as five South Africa batters have scored 150 or more in the competition.4:19

Healy, Knight, Mandhana, Devine, Dottin – analysing the best six-hitters

However, Australia could pose a completely different challenge to them on Saturday. There are question marks over Alyssa Healy’s fitness, but Australia have shown they can line up strongly even without her. One thing that Australia promise is being relentless. They keep coming hard and offer little respite, be it with bat or ball. Annabel Sutherland will be crucial to their all-round excellence: she has been superb with both bat and ball in the tournament so far, while being supported by the spin battery.Australia are dominant. However, they will know that South Africa are a team with pedigree, as recent ICC tournaments show. At stake is not just the top spot in league standings but a semi-final in Navi Mumbai on a truer batting surface than Guwahati (plus an extra day in hand before a knockout match).Form guideAustralia WWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa WWWWWIn the spotlight – South Africa vs legspinSouth Africa have been quite good against legspin in the last two years. Since the start of 2023, their top five averages 44.76 against that style of bowling. This is telling, because only Pakistan have faced more legspin bowling in this time (917) than South Africa (883). Australia average more (47.09) against legspin but their top five has faced only 491 such deliveries. Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt all average over 58 against legspin in this period. Brits and Luus also score quite quickly, and only have two dismissals each against legspin.2:11

The big question – Is Healy fit?

On Saturday, they will be faced with one of the most economical bowlers at this World Cup in Alana King. She has six wickets so far, but her X-factor has been the control she affords Australia in the non-powerplay overs. Against England, she was at her stingy best, which allowed other bowlers to pick up wickets from the other end. Australia also have another legspinner in Georgia Wareham, who has three wickets in the two matches she played when they rested Sophie Molineux. King has eight wickets in four ODIs and averages 13.25 versus South Africa. Before the Ashes where she took a five-for, her best bowling figures (4 for 26) came last year against South Africa.Team news: Is Healy fit?Alyssa Healy did a few rounds of the outfield before a half hour batting stint in the enclosed nets. Tahlia McGrath said Australia are taking it day by day with their captain, who missed the previous game with a minor calf strain. Beth Mooney did her wicketkeeping drills before nets on Friday. Is that an indication Australia don’t want to risk Healy before the semi-final?Australia (probable): 1 Georgia Voll, 2 Phoebe Litchfield, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Annabel Sutherland, 5 Beth Mooney (wk), 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Tahlia McGrath (capt), 8 Sophie Molineux, 9 Alana King, 10 Kim Garth, 11 Megan SchuttSouth Africa are one of the two teams to use all 15 players in the squad. They could bring back seamer Masabata Klaas instead of offspin-allrounder Nondumiso Shangase against Australia. They could also bring back Anneke Bosch, who scored 44 in South Africa’s only ODI win over Australia and also scored an unbeaten 74 against them in the T20 World Cup semi-final last year.South Africa (probable): 1 Laura Wolvaardt (capt), 2 Tazmin Brits, 3 Sune Luus, 4 Annerie Dercksen, 5 Marizanne Kapp, 6 Karabo Meso (wk), 7 Chloe Tryon, 8 Nadine de Klerk, 9 Nondumiso Shangase/Masabata Klaas, 10 Ayabonga Khaka, 11 Nonkululeko MlabaMasabata Klaas might slot into the side•Getty Images and Cricket Australia

Pitch and conditionsA fresh pitch will be used and this one will also be a black-soil surface. But a day out from the contest it had a lot of barren patches and very little green grass on it. Indore will be hot and humid, but there is a spell of thunderstorm in forecast in the afternoon. However, similar weather was in forecast for the last game on Wednesday, but rain did not make an appearance. Friday morning in the city was cloudy before Australia trained under the hot afternoon sun.Stats and trivia Both Marizanne Kapp and Megan Schutt have 38 wickets in ODI World Cups. Only Lyn Fullston (39) and Jhulan Goswami (43) are ahead in the list of most wickets in the competition Australia’s batters have scored five centuries at this World Cup, the most for them in a single edition Among those with at least 150 runs at this World Cup, Nadine de Klerk’s strike rate of 150 is the best, followed by Alyssa Healy’s 131.25 South Africa registered their first ODI win against Australia in February 2024 in their 17th attemptQuotes”We’ve been here for six weeks now. The fact that it’s South Africa doesn’t change much from our prep. We’ve been pretty consistent with how we prepare for teams. So, we looked at South Africa in detail this morning. We match up pretty well and are pretty thorough in our plans. Even though we haven’t played a lot against them, we feel as though we’re really well planned and prepared.”
“They are the best team in the world, it is very difficult to beat them. You have to do the basics really well. The team that does the basics better for longer and stays in control for longer becomes successful. Even when they were in difficult situations, they found a way to put the other team under pressure. Just doing the basics well and sticking to what we do well should give us the best chance.”

Also: more Pakistani talent, local Under-19s on show, and questions over Shakib and Mashrafe’s participation

Mohammad Isam28-Dec-2024

Who will challenge Barishal for the title?

Fortune Barishal have another strong line-up for 2025. Tamim Iqbal leads a team that is nicknamed the “national team”, for the number of Bangladesh stars in it. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah continue to be their middle-order mainstays, while Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy have joined this year.Ariful Islam is their exciting new batting talent. Rishad Hossain and Ebadot Hossain add to their bowling strength. Their overseas firepower includes Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nabi, Kyle Mayers, Dawid Malan and Pathum Nissanka.Rangpur Riders, meanwhile, are cock-a-hoop after their successful Global Super League (GSL) campaign. Alongside the likes of Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar and Mahedi Hasan, they have enlisted Alex Hales and Saurabh Netravalkar. They also have Pakistani recruits Khushdil Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed, and Afghanistan’s AM Ghazanfar and Sediqullah Atal.Durbar Rajshahi and Dhaka Capitals are new franchises while Chittagong Kings are making a comeback. All three have acquired exciting cricketers from home and abroad. Khulna Tigers and Sylhet Strikers are banking heavily on local talent.

No Comilla this season

The record four-time BPL champions are missing this year because of their political connections. AHM Mustafa Kamal, the former ICC and BCB president who owned Comilla Victorians was also Bangladesh’s finance minister during the Awami League reign. That government has been overthrown and Kamal has been missing from the country since its fall on August 5.Dhaka and Barishal have signed three players each from last season’s Comilla squad. Dhaka took Litton Das, Mustafizur Rahman and Johnson Charles, while Barishal now have Towhid Hridoy, Tanvir Islam and Rishad Hossain.Chittagong have taken Moeen Ali and Aliss Al Islam while Khulna have signed up Mahidul Islam and Imrul Kayes. Jaker Ali, who got into the Bangladesh team last season after his exploits for Comilla, is going to be playing for his native Sylhet this time.

BPL free of PSL schedule clash

The good news for the BPL this year is that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has shifted from its usual February window to April and May. That frees up the BPL franchises to sign Pakistani cricketers for possibly the entire season. Before the tournament begins, they have signed up 20 Pakistani cricketers including Shaheen Afridi. The BPL however will continue to clash with the ILT20 (January 11 to February 9), SA20 (January 9 to February 8) and Big Bash League (December 15 to January 27).

NCL T20s provide BPL with starlets

The BCB holding the National Cricket League (NCL) T20s just before the BPL has been a blessing for plenty of cricketers and franchises. The tournament was a success in itself as local players finally found a competitive ground to showcase their many skills. The franchises, as a result of the tournament, find most of their players in form – or at least with match time under their belts – going into the BPL.Thanks to the NCL T20s, the franchises were also able to identify and pick up young talent: five Under-19 cricketers including captain Azizul Hakim and pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon were signed. They were part of Bangladesh’s Under-19 Asia Cup winning squad recently and put up eye-catching performances at the NCL T20s.

What about the big five?

At the other end of the age scale is the uncertainty surrounding the participation of the veterans, Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza. Shakib – also formerly aligned with the Awami League government – couldn’t play his farewell Test in Bangladesh in October after students protested his return. Mashrafe has also not made a public appearance since that day, as he, like Shakib, was a member of parliament with the Awami League. Mashrafe has more substantial political connections, so it remains to be seen if he will turn out for Sylhet Strikers. Shakib is part of the Chittagong Kings squad.Tamim meanwhile continues to lead the Barishal franchise, having led them to their maiden BPL triumph last season. He will have Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur in his team. Tamim credited Mushfiqur for his contributions as a fielding captain last season. Mahmudullah retired from T20Is earlier this year, but is in a rich vein of form in ODIs.

تحدث آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول عن لقاء فريقه أمام آيندهوفن، في الجولة الخامسة بمرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويحتل ليفربول المركز العاشر برصيد 9 نقاط في مرحلة الدوري بفارق 3 نقاط عن صاحب المركز الأول بايرن ميونخ.

ويحتل آيندهوفن المركز 24 برصيد 5 نقاط في مرحلة الدوري بدوري أبطال أوروبا أيضاً.

وقد أعلن آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول تشكيل الفريق يتكون من: “مامارداشفيلي، سوبوسلاي، كوناتي، فان دايك، كيركيز، جرافنبيرخ، ماك أليستر، جونز، صلاح، إيكتيكي، جاكبو”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. سبب استبعاد أليسون بيكر من قائمة مباراة ليفربول وأيندهوفن

وقال سلوت في تصريحات نشرتها “Anfield Sector” عبر منصة “إكس” حول اللاعب الذي سيلعب في مركز الظهير الأيمن اليوم: “كورتيس جونز وليس سوبوسلاي”.

وأضاف سلوت حول ما فكر فيه هذا الأسبوع قبل لقاء أيندهوفن: “كان تركيزي يدور حول بعض اللحظات، استحوذنا على الكرة بنسبة 75%، وهذا يعني أنه لا داعي للدفاع كثيراً ولكن في بعض اللحظات التي اضطررنا للدفاع فيها، لم ندافع بنفس طريقة دفاع فورست الذي دافع 25 مرة في مناطقه”.

وواصل: “مهما كانت جودة أدائك ومهما طال وقت وصولك، إذا اندفع الفريق الآخر نحو الكرة وقام بالتصدي بكل تسديدة وعرضية فلن يكون الفوز مضموناً”.

وتابع: “قلت إنني لا أستطيع لومكم كثيراً من الناحية الكروية ولكن في المرات الأربع أو الخمس التي اضطررنا فيها للدفاع علينا بالتأكيد أن نتحسن”.

واختتم عن إيزاك الذي لا يشارك أساسياً اليوم: “لعب 30 دقيقة في الأسابيع الأربع الماضية، ثم لعب معنا 70 دقيقة، في مباراة لم تكن حماسية لأننا سيطرنا على الكرة كثيراً لكنني أعتقد أنني أدركت أنه لم يكن من السهل عليه إدارة نفسه خلال تلك الدقائق السبعين، لذا إذا كان لدينا تسعة لاعبين آخرين جيدين جداً فمن المنطقي إشراك اللاعب الآخر وهو هوجو إيكتيكي الليلة”.

Former Spain star Gaizka Mendieta believes that Martin Zubimendi is becoming just as important to Arsenal as Rodri has been for years at Manchester City. The Gunners completed a £52 million move for the Real Sociedad midfielder over the summer, despite stiff competition from Real Madrid. Now, only being at the club for a few months, he is already being hailed as a vital component to their success.

Zubimendi explains Arsenal switch

Zubimendi had the chance to join Liverpool last year but opted to stay at Real Sociedad just when it looked like he would be Arne Slot's first major signing. The 26-year-old bided his time, before sealing a switch to Emirates Stadium. So, why did he choose Mikel Arteta's team over other rival suitors? It appears that Arteta's conviction was the clincher. 

He said: "When Mikel Arteta called me – well, if you’ve ever spoken to him you'll know that he can be very convincing. He's mad about football, crazy about having everything under control, trying to get something from every little detail. He's very clear on everything and the proposal he had was the best for me.

"When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at la Real. And it wasn't the right moment. I stayed and it was a hard season, but I learned a lot. I wanted to step forward, take that weight after others went. I've always tried to choose the right time and I'm happy with how it happened in the end."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportZubimendi compared to Rodri

Former Valencia skipper Mendieta believes there are similarities between 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and Spain team-mate Zubimendi. The former has helped City win a hatful of trophies over the years, including Premier League titles and the Champions League, and the latter could be on the path to doing that for Arsenal – as they seek to win the league for the first time since 2004.

Mendieta told : "When I think of Martin Zubimendi at Arsenal, I think of Rodri at Manchester City. City can have other players that can play in that role like Nico Gonzalez but it's not the same. That's why Rodri has been one of the best players in the Premier League since he arrived. He's the kind of player that you might not see much because they're not always on the ball or not allowed on the ball.

But his position, how they give freedom to team-mates, how he allows other players around him to do things is not always visible, but it's very important. You can't put your finger on why it's not happening when Rodri isn’t there, but it makes a difference whether they are on the pitch or not. They allow other players to do things that they can't do when they're not there, it’s a very similar situation for both."

Rodri a fan of Zubimendi

Mendieta is not the only fan of Zubimendi. Indeed, City talisman Rodri himself sang the praises of the Spaniard back in September.

"He's a great player. He has the discipline and mentality that can lead him to become one of the best, if he isn't already. I spoke to him the other day and told him it was his time, that I was leaving him the keys to the [Spain] team," said the 29-year-old.

And this week, Arsenal star Declan Rice talked up how integral Zubimendi has become for the Gunners in a short space of time. The England international described him as an "unbelievable player" who is a pleasure to play alongside.

He told this week: "Yeah, it's been so easy to play with him. We only signed him in the summer and usually it takes a while to build a connection, but from the first moment we had together in pre-season, I could just tell that I was going to play some good football with him. I just really liked him as a person and as a player.

"As the games have gone on, our understanding of each other has been outstanding. He's such a nice guy. He is the Spain No. 6 and we know what Spanish No. 6s are like. They are the best at first phase build up, turning on the ball and playing forward, playing into pockets and that is exactly what we've got with him. We all trust him with the ball. If there is a player on you, it is just easy to give him the ball and we all feel so confident with him. He has been so good for us – an unbelievable player."

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Getty Images SportArsenal face huge test

The past seven days have been pretty seismic for Arsenal. Firstly, they thumped rivals Tottenham 4-1 last Sunday, and on Wednesday, they outclassed an in-form Bayern Munich team in the Champions League. On Sunday, another big test takes them to second-placed Chelsea in a top-of-the-table Premier League clash. Zubimendi may need to be at his best for Arteta's side to come out on top in this one.

With the international break coming to an end, Celtic have now reportedly discovered when Wilfried Nancy is likely to take charge for the first time after submitting a £2m compensation offer to Columbus Crew.

The Bhoys have been without a manager since the departure of Brendan Rodgers, but have watched on as Martin O’Neill has rolled back the years on an interim basis. The 73-year-old has taken his old club into a Scottish League Cup final, which will take place with or without him against against St. Mirren on December 14.

As things stand, O’Neill will still be in charge for Celtic’s return to action against St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership this weekend in a preview of that aforementioned final. The veteran manager recently addressed fans, admitting that it was a “bit of a whirlwind fortnight” before the international break.

After this weekend’s clash, however, the Hoops may move closer to their managerial appointment. After being linked with the likes of Kieran McKenna and Ange Postecoglou throughout the process, it looks as though Nancy could be arriving.

Celtic learn Nancy timeline with deal close

As reported by TeamTalk, Celtic have now submitted a £2m compensation package to sign Nancy from Columbus Cew along with multiple members of his backroom team. The board hope to have their new manager in the dugout by November 30, when they square off against Hibernian.

The Bhoys are also reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with the MSL manager, with comparisons to Postecoglou instantly making him a top target around Celtic Park.

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Often operating in a 3-4-2-1 system, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Nancy adjusts his ways right away in Scotland. It’s rare that Celtic are seen in such a formation, but it’s one that has brought their potential new manager plenty of success in America.

Having earned plenty of praise during his time in the MLS, Nancy now looks destined to become the next Celtic manager.

He's better than Kenny: Nancy could unearth Celtic's new Kyogo very quickly

He moved to Kerala ahead of the 2016-17 season and represented them through the 2024-25 season for a total of 125 matches

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Sep-2025 • Updated on 13-Sep-2025Allrounder Jalaj Saxena has decided to part ways with Kerala after nine seasons. *He will now turn out for Maharashtra in the upcoming domestic season.”It is a matter of great pride for me to join the Maharashtra cricket team,” Saxena said in a statement. “Maharashtra cricket has a rich legacy and I am fully prepared to contribute my best for the team. It is an honour to play alongside players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Ankit Bawne as well as many talented newcomers…I sincerely thank the Maharashtra Cricket Association for the opportunity.”After making his domestic debut for his home state, Madhya Pradesh, in the 2005-06 season, he moved to Kerala ahead of the 2016-17 season and represented them through the 2024-25 season for a total of 125 matches.”It’s never easy to put my feelings into words, but today I want to share something close to my heart,” he wrote on his Instagram post. “I have played my last game in Kerala colours, and that thought still feels surreal. Saying this brings a strange mix of emotions – gratitude, pride and a little ache. Over the years, this team has given me more than just cricket. It gave me brothers, friends and a family that stood by me through every high and low.”I’ve given blood, sweat, and tears – everything I had – for this journey, and in return, it gave me memories and bonds that will last a lifetime.”Related

'My emotions, heart, everything is with first-class cricket'

Saxena amassed 3153 runs for Kerala and claimed 352 wickets across formats. Among these, in 58 first-class matches, he scored 2252 runs, including three centuries, and took 269 wickets at an average of 20.68, with 23 five-wicket hauls. During the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season – when Kerala fell short in the final against Vidarbha – he became the first player in the tournament’s history to achieve the double of 6000 runs and 400 wickets. His 269 wickets are also the second-most by any player representing Kerala in first-class cricket behind KN Ananthapadmanabhan’s 310.Across his entire first-class career, Saxena has accumulated 7060 runs and 484 wickets, with 34 five-wicket hauls.”To each and every teammate – thank you for making the dressing room a place of laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. To the KCA, coaches, support staff, and the unsung heroes – the groundsmen who work tirelessly so we can have our game – my deepest respect and gratitude. None of this journey would have been possible without your support,” he said.”Cricket has taught me that every ending is just a new beginning. My heart will always beat for Kerala, and I’ll always carry these memories with me whenever I go.”Despite being one of the most consistent performers in the Indian domestic circuit in the last two decades, the national team cap has constantly eluded Saxena.

It’s been a long time since the mood around Arsenal has been this positive.

Mikel Arteta’s side are through to the quarter-finals of the League Cup, flying high in the Champions League and currently top of the Premier League.

Moreover, even with the injustices they’ve had to contend with, the Gunners have looked far and away the most assured and confident team in the country.

However, the North Londoners cannot rest on their laurels and have the chance to put more pressure on their rivals with a game against Burnley this afternoon. To ensure his side gets all three points, Arteta must drop one of those who starred on Wednesday night.

The changes Arteta should make for Burnley

Starting at the sharp end of the pitch, and for as well as they did against the Seagulls, Arteta should obviously take Andre Harriman-Annous and Max Dowman out of the team for Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka.

Chalkboard

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

The latter is simply the side’s talisman, and the former, while he hasn’t scored enough in the league, does stretch opposition defences and create space for his teammates.

On the left, with Gabriel Martinelli confirmed to be out of contention, it would make sense to bring Leandro Trossard back into the team and move Eberechi Eze back into the midfield.

The former Crystal Palace star scored last time out in the league, and while Ethan Nwaneri looked good on Wednesday, Arteta will want more of a controller in the middle of the park in Martin Odegaard’s absence.

Coming into the midfield alongside the 27-year-old has to be Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, as the former’s deadball wizardry should come in handy against a Clarets side that will likely sit deep, and the latter could help kickstart attacks from deep.

Finally, while they performed well in the week, Arteta should consider replacing most of his defensive unit for this game.

While David Raya, Jurrien Timber, and Gabriel Magehele pick themselves, the manager will have a decision to make for his second centre-back, as William Saliba remains a doubt for the game.

Fortunately, Cristhian Mosquera has been incredible this year, and therefore should start a second game in succession, as risking the Frenchman at this point would be foolish.

Last but not least, Arteta has a decision to make at left-back.

Arteta must start Arsenal's player of the season

It might sound harsh considering his sensational performance against Brighton, in which he provided an assist, but Arteta should drop Myles Lewis-Skelly, who club insider Hand of Arsenal has dubbed a “future captain,” for Riccardo Calafiori.

There are a few reasons why he should make this decision, but the primary one is the simple fact that the Italian has, in the words of Ray Parlour, one of Arsenal’s “players of the season.”

After a disappointing campaign last year, in which he was blighted by injury, the Italian international has come back like a man possessed so far this year and become a key part of the team in defence and attack.

For example, he has played in every league game so far, helping the team concede just three goals.

Additionally, he scored the only goal in the match against Manchester United and provided two assists against Leeds United for good measure.

Moreover, even though Arteta has a reputation for being a somewhat conservative coach, he allows the former Bologna star to maraud all over the pitch, so much so that the Telegraph’s Sam Dean described him as a “wild horse” and journalist James Benge called him “the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.”

Such appraisals of the 23-year-old are proven accurate by simply watching him play, but they are also more than backed up by his underlying numbers.

Shots Total

2.20

Top 1%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.13

Top 1%

xG: Expected Goals

0.25

Top 4%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.25

Top 4%

SCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.26

Top 4%

GCA (Shot)

0.13

Top 4%

Goals + Assists

0.39

Top 7%

npxG + xAG

0.31

Top 7%

SCA (Shot)

0.39

Top 7%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.65

Top 7%

Touches (Att Pen)

3.50

Top 7%

SCA (Defensive Action)

0.13

Top 10%

Assists

0.26

Top 13%

npxG/Shot

0.11

Top 16%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.39

Top 16%

Goals

0.13

Top 19%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.13

Top 19%

Passes Completed (Medium)

18.78

Top 19%

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 1% of full-backs in the league for total shots, the top 4% for expected goals, the top 7% for goals plus assists, the top 10% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while dropping Lewis-Skelly might seem harsh, Arteta simply has to start Calafiori in the league, as he has been nothing short of sensational this season.

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ESPNcricinfo staff31-Oct-2025

The Hundred is to switch from the draft system that has been in place since inception•Getty Images

The Hundred will switch from a draft system to a player auction for the 2026 season, imitating the long-standing method for squad-building in the IPL, while the overall salary pot for the men’s and women’s competitions will be significantly hiked, by 45% and 100% respectively, according to changes agreed in the wake of this year’s equity sale, which raised more than £550 million for the ECB.The maiden auction is set to take place in March 2026, and is one of several significant changes that were ratified by the Hundred’s Board on Thursday, as part of the ‘reset’ process to launch the first season in which the eight teams will be either co- or fully owned by private investors.In a bid to attract the best available players for the tournament, the total amount that men’s teams can spend per season will rise from the present level of £1.2 million to £2.05 million, while the women’s figure will rise to £880,000 per team. The base salaries for the lowest-paid women’s players will increase by 50%, from £10,000 to £15,000.According to the ECB, there will be salary caps in place, but also salary collars – a minimum spend per team per season – and the option of multi-year contracts will also be introduced. As flagged by ESPNcricinfo last year, the number of overseas players per squad is set to rise, from three to four – subject to Home Office clearance – with a total of 16-18 players permitted per squad.There will be no right to match, but direct signings will be permitted: up to two overseas players and two centrally-contracted England players. The window for such signings will extend from mid-November to mid-January, while the Hundred Board has also approved the retention of the wildcard system which will allow two players per franchise to be selected from the T20 Blast, via a player draft in June 2026.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

As a consequence, a cumulative pre-auction deduction will be factored in for each franchise, which will reduce the spend permitted at the auction depending on the number of players picked up beforehand.For the men’s competition, this will equate to: £350k (1 signing), £650k (2 players), £850k (3 players), £950k (4 players). For the women’s competition, the figures are: £130k (1 signing), £240k (2 players), £310k (3 players), £360k (4 players).Vikram Banerjee, the Managing Director of the Hundred, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for the Hundred. These changes will help us make the competition even better, ensuring we get the best players in the world and improving the standard of cricket and level of entertainment further again.Related

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“Working alongside our new partners we’ve been exploring how we can take The Hundred forward and we’ve decided that moving to an auction will allow us to improve the competition. For a competition that has always been proud to innovate, we’re delighted to be holding the first auction in major UK sport.”In making this decision, we have stuck to three key principles: i) ensuring The Hundred attracts the best players in the world, ii) maintaining a competitive balance between the squads, iii) guaranteeing whatever changes we make work across the men’s and women’s games. “The decision to increase the men’s salary pot by 45% has been taken because market forces in the men’s game necessitate a more significant uplift to ensure we’re able to attract the best players in the world.”The salary pot for the women’s competition in the first year of The Hundred was £120,000, with the top-earning players earning £15,000 – the pot has risen for the third year in a row. With the pot now £880,000, top-earning players are set to earn in the region of £130,000, as well as a significant increase in salaries for those at base price.”Salaries in The Hundred women’s competition are very competitive, and they compare favourably with other franchise cricket competitions and across the landscape of women’s sport.”It’s been fantastic to work alongside our new partners, they’re already bringing energy and expertise and I know that together we can make The Hundred even better, for fans and players alike.”

Afghanistan completed their third successive ODI series win against Bangladesh, all in the last three years, as they defended a modest 190 in the second ODI in Abu Dhabi. It was the lowest first-innings total at the Zayed Cricket Stadium but in response, Bangladesh folded for a mere 109.Just like the first ODI, the Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan combination wrecked Bangladesh. Omarzai took three early wickets before Rashid’s 5 for 17 blew away the Bangladesh middle and lower order. It was his sixth five-wicket haul in ODIs.Afghanistan’s series win is a comeback after their early exit from the Asia Cup and the 3-0 loss in the T20I series against Bangladesh. Even though they dropped a few experienced players for the series, they had plenty of top performers in the side.Ibrahim Zadran’s 95 was an invaluable contribution, especially when the rest of their batters couldn’t muster up enough runs. Omarzai failed with the bat but showed his worth by contributing with the ball. He did the early damage by having Tanzid Hasan caught at fine leg when the left-hand opener top-edged in the first over. Najmul Hossain Shanto was next to go, run out trying to complete a second run.Saif Hassan once again threw away a good start. He made 22 off 23 balls but having hit Omarzai for a four and a six of the previous two balls, he went for the uppercut and was pouched by Bashir Ahmad at the deep third. Omarzai’s third wicket was Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was trapped lbw for 4.Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 95 off 140 balls•Afghanistan Cricket Board

Towhid Hridoy offered a semblance of hope before playing a needless slog sweep against Rashid to be bowled in the 17th over. He made 24 with four boundaries, but the dismissal betrayed his earlier approach. Nurul Hasan played the same shot in the 23rd over and missed the googly. He, too, was bowled.Next ball, Rashid had Tanzim Hasan Sakib lbw. Rishad Hossain used the review to deny Rashid the hat-trick after he too was ruled out lbw. Jaker Ali fell in the following over as Bangladesh lost three wickets without adding a run. Tanvir Islam fell for a duck, lbw to Rashid, before Rishad was stumped in the 28th over.Earlier, Zadran held Afghanistan’s innings together after they decided to bat. He made 95 off 140 balls with only four boundaries while wickets kept tumbling at the other end. He started with a straight six off Mehidy before hitting two more fours within the first 13 overs. His only other boundary came in the 30th over but his strike rotation kept Afghanistan going for most of the innings. He fell in the 44th over when Mehidy had him caught at deep midwicket.Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal paid for their aggression, falling inside the first nine overs. Rahmat Shah’s calf injury, too, disrupted Afghanistan. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Omarzai also fell cheaply, and in quick succession, to leave Afghanistan at 79 4.Mohammad Nabi and Nangeyalia Kharote offered a bit of support to Zadran before No. 10 AM Ghazanfar, whose 22 consisted of two fours and a six, helped the side get closer to 200.

And the ECB’s HR has New Zealand on speed dial

Alan Gardner16-May-2025Stop all the clocks, put the Kohli-cam on pause: Virat has decided that he’s had enough of nicking off on sixth stump. Never again will we see that totemic cover drive unleashed in Test whites, or watch him race up from the slip cordon with his finger pointed in the air like an angry PE teacher. Never again will we wonder if he really would deliberately shoulder-barge a teenager just to gain his team a competitive edge (he would).Kohli confirmed he was out with an Insta post soundtracked by “My Way” – Frank Sinatra, rather than the Limp Bizkit version, somewhat disappointingly. There was always something nu-metal about the way Kohli played the game, with all the screaming and pouting and mic drops. Although even the younger version, who famously let his middle finger do the talking after being abused by a section of the SCG crowd, might have blanched at Fred Durst’s 47 f-bombs on “Hot Dog”.Anyway, we digress. You know Test cricket is in a tough spot when the most diehard Test fanatic EVER!!! (copyright all news outlets) decides he doesn’t have enough energy for the format anymore. Rohit Sharma had got in there with his red-ball retirement first and Kohli wasn’t going to be talked around by BCCI bigwigs intent on protecting commercial interest run-scoring potential for India’s tour of England, nor mollified by Gautam Gambhir suggesting he could “jolly well play till 45” if he wanted to, in the manner of the Famous Five discussing their future over toffee apples and ginger beer.Related

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Presumably someone involved in the discussions might have mentioned the fact that a certain James Anderson is no longer around for England, bending the Dukes to his will (although that decision was made very much against his will). But then again, knowing what we know of Kohli’s competitive fires, perhaps the lack of such a challenge would have counted against carrying on?Certainly the series will be lacking something without either’s involvement – and we don’t just mean contributions to the swear jar. But the Light Roller isn’t so worried about the future of Tests, eulogised by Kohli for “the quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.” Old Blue Eyes might have struggled to be so poetic, never mind Durst. Yes, Virat clearly knew what made our game special, and not just because he hasn’t (yet) won an IPL.

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One cricketer not going anywhere in a hurry (not with those knees, hoho) is ageing yellove guru MS Dhoni. Which is great news for those of us who like to recycle old material. “I only play two months in a year and now after this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another six to eight months just to see if my body will be able to take this kind of pressure and everything,” he said after CSK had trundled to a stop outside the playoffs for a second year running. “So nothing for me to decide as of now, but I feel the love and affection wherever I’ve been.” Including, no doubt, from the cottage industry of people writing clickbaity headlines about whether MS will or won’t be involved in IPL 2026.

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England’s cricketing debt to New Zealand is long-standing, from Andy Caddick to Ben Stokes to the 2019 World Cup final – and that’s before Brendon McCullum arrived to beguile the stuffed suits at Lord’s with his laid-back credo. Now we can add Tim Southee to the list, after the recently retired Black Cap was appointed as England’s “specialist skills consultant”, aka the team’s bowling coach, replacing the semi-retired-though-still-not-entirely-happy-about-it Anderson. Is it a coincidence that Southee is one of McCullum’s mates from their decade of sharing a dressing room? Probably not. But then this is the ECB, where Andrew Flintoff was handed a succession of plum appointments seemingly on the basis that he is a long-time pal of Rob Key. Only if England replace Jeetan Patel (another Kiwi) with Nathan McCullum should we start to get worried.