Category Uncategorized

Century stand between second-wicket pair puts Essex on front foot before rain arrives

ECB Reporters Network26-Sep-2024An unbeaten century second-wicket stand between Dean Elgar and Tom Westley before the rains came brought champions Surrey back down to earth after their week-long celebrations.Surrey completed their third successive Vitality County Championship win in their last game against Durham but were on the back foot during the 28-and-a-half overs possible until persistent heavy rain drove the players off the pitch nine minutes before lunch. By that time, Essex, who won the toss, had reached 116 for 1 with Elgar and Westley hitting an under-strength Surrey attack to all corners of Chelmsford in a stand worth 112 in 26 overs.Westley had started circumspectly but accelerated the more the partnership became entrenched. He had 11 boundaries in his 52 from 78 balls. Elgar, who passed 1000 runs for the season during his 54 from 88 balls, had started brightly before handing the initiative to his captain.Play started promptly but only after groundstaff had started pumping 4500 litres of water off the playing area from 6.30am. The operation started all over again just as they were settling in for their lunch break with play called off for the day at 2.30pm.Under heavy clouds but with some sunshine interspersed, Essex got off to a disastrous start with Robin Das lasting just six balls before he hung his bat out to Tom Lawes and helped settle whatever nerves Josh Blake might have had behind the stumps. Blake, who posted an unbeaten century at Chelmsford in the Metro Bank Cup earlier in the summer, was one of three first-class debutants for Surrey, batsman Ollie Sykes and spinner Yousef Majid completing the triumvirate.Elgar dominated the first fifty of the stand with Westley contributing just 13 to that point. The South African took three boundaries off Kemar Roach early on, two of them driven crisply through the covers. His seventh four, flicked to fine leg off Dan Lawrence, took him to four figures in his first year at Essex; a single off James Taylor carried him past fifty for the ninth time this season.Westley, who passed 1000 runs for the first time in his career last season, accelerated as the clouds turned threatening and the rain approached. He reached his sixth fifty-plus score of the year – as well as passing 700 runs – shortly after the pair’s century stand had been marked.Westley’s half-century took 76 balls, two fewer than Elgar’s, with three of his 11 fours coming in a frenetic six-ball spell against Taylor and Lawrence that was followed two balls later by four leg byes. The best of some well-placed shots from the one-time England batter was a sharp pull backward of square off Taylor

Some of Arsenal’s business in the transfer market has been questioned over the last couple of days, especially considering the big money spent by some of their rivals.

Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke are the latest names in the mix, with the Dane already moving to the Emirates whilst the latter appears to be moving closer to a switch across the capital.

The Gunners agreed a £52m deal with Chelsea for the Englishman’s signature, in a move which is expected to see the 23-year-old be a backup to Bukayo Saka.

Such dealings are expected to just be squad additions, with various other key areas of Mikel Arteta’s side in desperate need of investment over the coming weeks.

Various targets have been on their radar in recent times, but it appears as though they could be edging closer to landing a star who could make the difference in their Premier League title charge.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer

The attacking third has been the area of most attention this window, with Eberechi Eze one player who could still move to the club given his £68m release clause.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo remains a key option, with the Brazilian expected to be allowed to depart the LaLiga outfit this window, which could aid the Gunners’ quest for his signature.

Transfer Focus

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

However, work has been done for additions elsewhere, with Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres now at long last set to become an Arsenal player.

The news was reported by a number of sources on Sunday evening, firstly by The Athletic’s David Ornstein who revealed that an agreement in principle has been reached for the Swede to move from the Portuguese side to the Emirates Stadium.

It’s revealed that a deal worth €63.5m guaranteed + €10m in add-ons has now been agreed.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared that a “very good phone call with Mikel Arteta” has left the deal “on the verge” of being completed, with Gunners insider Hand of Arsenal revealing that a medical has now been planned.

Why Arsenal’s latest target could be Arteta’s answer to Salah

Mohamed Salah is a player who has caused countless problems to numerous backlines within the Premier League, with every side wishing they had a talent of his quality.

The Egyptian has registered 186 goals in England’s top-flight, with his tally of 29 in his 38 outings last campaign firing Arne Slot’s outfit to the title and losing just four matches.

He’s scored 11 times in his 18 outings against the Gunners, including the equaliser in the 2-2 draw between the sides in North London back in October last year.

His two-year contract extension will see him continue to offer a constant threat to Arteta’s side once again in the near future, but the Gunners could land their answer to the forward this window.

Gyokeres could be just that man, offering the club the clinical and consistent presence in front of goal that they have desperately been lacking over recent seasons.

Their highest league goalscorer last season was Kai Havertz, who only registered nine goals, with no player managing to achieve double figures in England’s top-flight.

The Swede could be about to change that, given his record for Sporting in the 2024/25 campaign, managing to find the net on 54 occasions in his 52 outings across all competitions.

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

33

39

Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid

34

31

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

38

29

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

34

27

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

31

26

Victor Osimhen

Galatsaray

30

26

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

36

25

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has managed to register 2.2 shots on target per 90, getting 52% of his efforts on target – with such a record handing Arteta the quality he craves in front of goal.

Doubts have been raised about his all-round ability, but he’s showcased his all-round ability, creating 2.1 chances per 90, whilst winning 51% of the aerials he’s contested – subsequently offering that focal point the side need this summer.

£70m may appear to be a massive sum of money for an unproven talent, but his goalscoring record in recent seasons is certainly worth taking a risk on, with the positives outweighing the negatives.

If he can move to England and have a similar impact to Salah, he would be a sensational addition and one that could transform the club’s ambitions of ending their title drought.

Instant Norgaard upgrade: Arsenal make contact for "spectacular" £43m star

Following the signings of both Christian Nørgaard and Martín Zubimendi, Arsenal are now targeting a midfielder who is at a “spectacular level”.

ByBen Gray Jul 12, 2025

After sealing the appointment of Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur are now set to tackle the transfer market in preparation for an all-important campaign where they’ll be back in the Champions League.

Tottenham agree deal with Thomas Frank to become new manager

Earlier today, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano gave his famous ‘here we go’ to Frank joining Spurs, with the Lilywhites triggering his £10 million release clause and agreeing terms on the Dane’s contract.

Tottenham: Frank already urging Levy to sign "immense" £100k-a-week talent

The Dane is now set to replace Ange Postecoglou.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 10, 2025

The 51-year-old’s move to Spurs comes just five days after chairman Daniel Levy’s decision to sack Postecoglou was announced, despite the Australian ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy and guiding them back to Champions League football.

Tottenham cited their woeful domestic form last season as the main reason behind Postecoglou’s dimissal, regardless of certain squad members like James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Pedro Porro publicly speaking out in his defence and wanting the 59-year-old to continue.

Taking this into account, Frank could now be set to inherit an awkward atmosphere, and the Premier League-proven boss has an intriguing task on his hands to carry on the club’s momentum after their Europa League triumph in Bilbao.

Following their well-documented injury crisis last term, it is also imperative for Levy to back Frank in the summer transfer market.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge recently claimed that Tottenham want to ideally strengthen all areas bar their goalkeeper, and Frank has reportedly already recommended Spurs move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in particular (GiveMeSport).

A new wide-attacker is on the agenda, especially on the left, with out-of-favour winger Timo Werner returning to parent club RB Leipzig, despite Postecoglou initially holding high hopes for the German and calling him a “quality player”.

Tottenham hold "genuine" Jack Grealish interest

According to reliable transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, writing in a column for talkSPORT, Tottenham are targeting £300,000-per-week Man City forward Jack Grealish as an option to replace Werner on that side.

Jacobs reports that Tottenham hold a “genuine interest” in signing Grealish, but they face competition from Everton, AC Milan, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.

His sky-high salary is a major stumbling block for any suitor, meaning a permanent sale is made all the more challenging given City value their man at around £50 million.

Realistically, a loan deal where City pay a fair percentage of Grealish’s wages is perhaps the most likely avenue for Spurs to explore a potential deal here.

Grealish would be competing with Mathys Tel for a regular starting berth on that side, with Jacobs also reporting that the Frenchman is expected to remain in north London.

The England international wants regular game time to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans in time for the World Cup next year, and Tottenham could be an ideal landing spot in that regard.

Birmingham City might well have made promotion out of League One look like a walk in the park – with the Blues winning the title on a mammoth 111 points – but they won’t be heading into the Championship completely naive about the challenges they’ll face.

Of course, the first reality check for Chris Davies’ men heading back into the second-tier is the fact they’re no longer a big fish in a small pond, with plenty of high-stature clubs like Birmingham aiming to take the elite division by storm.

Moreover, a whole host of clubs in the Championship will be able to splash the cash to the same level as the well-backed Blues, who sent shockwaves through League One when purchasing Jay Stansfield for £15m.

Regardless, the West Midlands giants will still fancy their chances of clinching immediate back-to-back promotion successes if all goes to plan, especially if a Championship-calibre striker ends up joining Davies’ confident camp.

Birmingham ready to swoop for free agent striker

As per journalist Alan Nixon, the newly promoted side is now ready to swoop in for soon-to-be free agent Oli McBurnie.

Nixon states that Birmingham are placed at the front of the queue in trying to land the La Liga-based striker, with McBurnie free to leave his current side Las Palmas this summer off the back of a clause in his contract allowing him to depart if the club were relegated.

The former Sheffield United favourite is also on the radar of Hull City and another of his former employers in Swansea City, but it appears that Birmingham is leading the way for his coveted signature.

How McBurnie can be Birmingham's next Adams

If the Blyes were successful in landing the explosive Scotsman, Birmingham would be thanking their lucky stars that they held off going after reported target Che Adams, with McBurnie a cost-effective striker that’s very much in the same mould as the Torino marksman.

Unfortunately, Birmingham have been on the receiving end of McBurnie’s goalscoring prowess in the Championship in recent times, with a powerful header breaking St. Andrew’s hearts back in 2023.

Adams isn’t known to be the most effective attacker when it comes to heading home crosses, but both the 28-year-old and McBurnie – away from sharing the same national allegiance – do have plenty in common when assessing their deadly finishing ability in the second tier.

Games played

125

156

Goals scored

44

49

Assists

8

17

Promotions

1x

1x

Impressively, McBurnie is only five shy of Adams’ bumper 49-goal tally in the Championship despite lining up for 31 fewer clashes than his prolific counterpart.

He could well end up even eclipsing the 28-year-old’s amount if he relocates to St. Andrews very soon, with his last season at the demanding level seeing him bag a standout 13 strikes as Sheffield United moved up to the Premier League.

This potent edge has seen him be labelled as “unbelievable” by ex-Blades teammate John Egan, with McBurnie’s output not drying up at all in Spain either, with five strikes registered last season in all competitions.

Birmingham only had a minor role to play in Adams’ career in the end, as seen in the 28-year-old going on to be a Premier League-capable talent with Southampton.

But, with McBurnie, Birmingham could be able to play a huge part in him coming back to England and being an overwhelming success, with Davies already licking his lips at the prospect of having the Scotsman at his disposal, alongside Stansfield and Alfie May.

He'd be amazing with Gelhardt: Birmingham eyeing move for £8m winger

This new potential Birmingham City star could end up forming a fantastic attacking duo with Joe Gelhardt.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 16, 2025

Leeds United have reportedly made a £20m defender similar to Joe Rodon one of their top targets following a recent scouting mission.

Leeds reach 100 points and lift Championship title on final day

It was a final day to remember for Daniel Farke and his Leeds side after clinching the Championship title in stoppage time.

A Manor Solomon goal in the 91st minute ensured a come-from-behind victory for the Whites at Home Park and meant they’d finish the season on 100 points.

Talking after winning the title, Farke said: “Today I was allowed to have one or two tears in my eyes. After Wembley I had to be there for my players and give them some belief, it was a tough moment. For Ethan [Ampadu], Ilia [Gruev], Joe [Rodon] they were all in tears.

“I wanted to create something really special with them. To see them like little kids [after the title was won], enjoying themselves like they did at the age when they started playing football. In these moments you’re never thinking about money or contracts. To be a bit reminded how happy they are, like children, it’s one of the best moments you can have as a manager.”

Related Leeds make advances in move to sign "top-class" 243 career-goal striker

The Whites are in the hunt for attacking reinforcements.

Posts 2 BySean Markus Clifford May 3, 2025

Now, the club’s attention behind the scenes at Elland Road will be on the summer, looking to bolster the current squad ahead of their Premier League return. Adam Underwood has been promoted to the role of sporting director having been at the club for more than 10 years, and it could be a crucial first transfer window with him at the helm.

Solomon has been linked with a permanent move to Leeds, whereas a raid on Celtic for the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn has also been mooted.

Additions at the back and in attack look likely, and now, a new defensive option has emerged on Underwood’s radar.

Leeds eyeing bid to sign £20m defender Leonardo Balerdi

According to reports from The Sun, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have recently sent scouts to watch Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi.

The Whites have now made Balerdi one of their top targets, and the Argentine is open to a move to England. It is added that Marseille would demand a £20m fee for their defender over the coming months.

Balerdi signed for Marseille from Borussia Dortmund back in 2021 and is now the captain of the Ligue 1 side having made more than 160 appearances for his current employers.

Stat

Balerdi

Rodon

Passes attempted

99th percentile

97th percentile

Passes completed

99th percentile

98th percentile

Passes into final third

93rd percentile

94th percentile

Capped six times by Argentina, Balerdi has impressed on the ball over the last 12 months. As per FBref, he has ranked in the top 1% of centre-backs when it comes to passes attempted and top 3% for successful passes per 90, whereas the Marseille man is also in the top 1% for successful take-ons.

Balerdi is similar Rodon as the Leeds star ranks in the top 3% for passes attempted and top 2% for successful passes, and by the looks of things, he could be partnering the Wales international at the back next season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now tabled a contract offer to sign an “excellent” midfielder, and they are looking to beat Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur to his signature, according to a report.

Wolves stepping up summer transfer plans

Wolves are on a remarkable run of form under the helm of Vitor Pereira, winning their last six Premier League games on the spin to move up to 13th in the table, and the manager will be hoping his side can carry the momentum into the 2025-26 campaign.

Before then, however, Pereira will have the opportunity to put his own stamp on the squad, and targets have been picked out in a number of areas in recent days, with Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy recently being named as an option at striker.

Internal talks have also been held over a move for West Bromwich Albion’s Grady Diangana, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, although it may be difficult to convince the winger to move to the Baggies’ bitter rivals.

Related Vitor Pereira wants Wolves to sign 22 y/o ace who he's worked with before

He could be a strong addition to Wanderers’ midfield.

Posts 1 ByHenry Jackson Apr 25, 2025

With speculation building over Matheus Cunha’s future, it may be particularly important for Pereira to strengthen in forward areas this summer, but the Old Gold are also keen on strengthening their options in the middle of the park.

That is according to a report from Spain (via Sport Witness), which states Wolves have now offered to triple Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso’s salary, in a bid to lure the USA international to Molineux this summer.

Tottenham have a deal which allows them to buy Cardoso for €25m (£21m) which he agreed to last summer, but there is now a growing possibility that he leaves for a higher amount, with a €30m – €35m (£25m – £30m) move on the cards.

Interest is growing from within the Premier League, and the Old Gold’s willingness to triple his salary underlines just how highly the 23-year-old is regarded at Molineux.

"Excellent" Cardoso impressing in La Liga

It is little wonder that clubs are now queuing up to sign the Betis star, given that he has put in some impressive performances over the past year, most notably flourishing in a defensive role, although he also ranks relatively highly for non-penalty goals, when compared to other midfielders.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.12 (72nd percentile)

Successful take-ons

0.96 (80th percentile)

Interceptions

2.12 (98th percentile)

Clearances

2.47 (91st percentile)

As such, the American is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, and he has also been praised for his ability to pick out his teammates by scout/writer Ben Mattinson.

It may be difficult for Wolves to compete for Cardoso’s signature, given that Tottenham have the option to sign him, but there is every indication he could be a success at Molineux if they are able to win the race.

Pitch is likely to suit India’s spinners while England might use both Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone, as well as Adil Rashid

Matt Roller26-Jun-2024The pitches at Guyana’s Providence Stadium, just south of Georgetown, have historically had a strong bias towards spinners, offering sharp turn and low bounce. “It’s been like that for a long time, as long as I can remember,” Samuel Badree, two-time T20 world champion, told ESPNcricinfo.Providence is a rare venue in T20 cricket: spinners bowl a slightly higher proportion of overs than seamers, bucking the global trend. In the last two years, spinners have conceded fewer than seven runs per over (6.96) in Guyana, while seamers have conceded 8.51. It should suit India’s three spinners – Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja – while Jos Buttler is likely to use both Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone, as well as his banker Adil Rashid.”They were recently relaid for this T20 World Cup, but generally it has been low-scoring and favours the spinners,” Badree said. “The last couple of CPLs have been more productive for the batters, so it has improved. But for this World Cup, the handful of games played down there, they favoured the spinners: low bounce, and some turn.”Related

Manjrekar: India had a 'clear advantage' in knowing their semi-final venue in advance

'Most important player' Adil Rashid looms as key threat against India

Tactics Board: The Bumrah, Archer and Kuldeep overs will be pivotal

England to call on Adelaide 2022 memories against 'brilliant' India

Rohit transformation steers India towards date with destiny

Guyana is an unlikely “home away from home” for the Australian spinner Chris Green, but few are better placed to assess conditions at Providence. He has played 22 CPL games there, the joint second-most of any player, and has been on the winning side in 16 of those.Green, like Badree, has noticed a gradual improvement in the pitches. “Over the years, it’s actually improved and been a higher-scoring ground in the CPL,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “However, I think the day games stand out as being a bit abnormal now – probably more similar to the old-school Guyana wickets, very spin-friendly.”Thursday’s semi-final will be played on Pitch 3, the central strip which has equidistant square boundaries measuring 73 metres. It has previously been used once in this tournament, for Uganda’s low-scoring win against Papua New Guinea. The two teams aggregated 155 runs for the loss of 17 wickets, with low bounce a prominent feature.The match is due to start at 10.30am, though weather forecasts suggest it may be delayed by showers in the morning. The only previous day game at Providence in this World Cup saw West Indies make hard work of chasing 137 against Papua New Guinea on a pitch with variable bounce.ESPNcricinfo LtdWith a north-easterly crosswind blowing across the ground and no dew, the ball is unlikely to come onto the bat as it might under lights. “Definitely, I’d think the day games would be more favourable to the spinners,” Badree said. “Kuldeep, Axar and Adil Rashid should all come into the equation.”Green believes that batters should go hard in the powerplay, knowing that it will be the best time to bat. “Sometimes you have to over-attack the powerplay with the bat, with the field up… Naturally, that goes one of two ways, depending on the wicket, the bowling and the luck. But through the middle, it’s pretty hard going.”At the back end, if you have a platform, you can push up to an above-par total and then it’s pretty tough to chase down. If you’re batting second, it’s much the same: try to over-attack, get ahead of the game, force the opposition to chase the game and force errors on a tough wicket. It doesn’t really get easier in the daytime as the dew doesn’t really come in.”Daren Ganga, the former West Indies captain, suggests that 160 could be a par score. “That pitch is going to have an even covering of root structure,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “If anything, it’ll have a lowish bounce: in Trinidad, you might get some steep bounce, but in Guyana, it’ll be lower.”T20 World Cup stats:Matches: 5
Average first-innings score: 146
Average runs per over: 6.20
Defending wins: 3
Chasing wins: 2All T20I stats since July 2021:Matches: 9 (excluding two no-results)
Average first-innings score: 151
Average runs per over: 7.18
Defending wins: 4
Chasing wins: 5

All the numbers from Sri Lanka’s series-levelling Test win against Australia

Sampath Bandarupalli11-Jul-20221 Sri Lanka’s win in Galle was their first-ever innings victory in Test cricket against Australia. It was also the first time Australia lost a Test by an innings since losing to South Africa in November 2016 at Hobart.2 Previous instances of Australia losing a Test match in Asia by innings margin after batting first. They lost against India by an innings and 219 runs in Kolkata in 1998, and by a margin of an innings and 135 runs in Hyderabad in 2013.12 for 177 Prabath Jayasuriya’s match figures in Galle are the best for Sri Lanka on Test debut and the fourth-best overall. Praveen Jayawickrama’s 11 for 178 against Bangladesh were the previous best figures on debut for Sri Lanka.Jayasuriya’s match figures are also the second-best for Sri Lanka in a Test match against Australia. Only Rangana Herath returned better figures, as he took 13 wickets for 145 runs in the 2016 Colombo Test.ESPNcricinfo Ltd2 Number of players with ten or more wickets on Test debut against Australia since 1900, including Jayasuriya in Galle. Ken Farnes was the other bowler, with figures of 10 for 179, way back in 1934 at Trent Bridge. Jayasuriya’s 12 for 177 are also the second-best for a debutant against Australia behind the 12 for 102 by Fred Martin in 1880 at The Oval.6 for 59 Jayasuriya’s bowling figures in the second innings are the best for a Sri Lankan on Test debut. Jayawickrama’s 6 for 92 against Bangladesh last year was the previous best for Sri Lanka. Jayasuriya had figures of 6 for 118 in the first innings is third on this list.ESPNcricinfo Ltd206* Dinesh Chandimal became the first Sri Lankan to score a double century against Australia. Kumar Sangakkara’s 192 in the 2007 Hobart Test was the previous highest individual score for Sri Lanka against Australia.17 Consecutive Test matches with a result in Galle, a streak that began in 2014. Only two venues stood host for more consecutive Tests producing a result – 37 by Sydney Cricket Ground (1882 to 1947) and 31 by Melbourne Cricket Ground (1882 to 1937).