Sunderland had one of the busiest transfer windows in the Premier League, with Regis Le Bris’s side having the 5th highest net spend of the entire league.
Earlier in the window, Sunderland brought in some of their most expensive ever players ever, such as Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra and Enzo Le Fée. The Black Cats were still pushing for deals on deadline day as they signed Ajax’s Brian Brobbey in the window’s final hours.
However, one deal they didn’t manage to complete was that of Jhon Lucumi. Sunderland placed numerous bids with Bologna for the centre-back that culminated with a £24 million deadline day offer that was rebuffed.
Bologna had already sold centre-back Sam Beukema to Napoli in the window and were reluctant to let another defender go. They were also hoping to get Lucumi to sign a new contract, but this has not yet materialised, providing Sunderland with the opportunity to reignite the transfer saga in January.
Sunderland given hope in Lucumi transfer
Jhon Lucumi for Bologna.
Renato Villa spent six years at Bologna and retired there after making nearly 200 appearances for the club. In a recent interview, he spoke about Bologna’s current defensive options and was pressed about Lucumi’s future: “Selling him now would have brought in £21.7 million, while if you sell him in January, you’ll only get £9 million. It’s an evaluation the club will surely have made, weighing up the technical and financial factors.”
As an alternative to Lucumi, Sunderland agreed a deadline loan deal with RB Leipzig for Lutsharel Geertruida, paying just over £2 million as a loan fee, and they have the option to sign him permanently next summer for £20 million. Despite bringing in another option though, with Geertruida only guaranteed to be on Wearside for one year, Sunderland may go back in for their top target when his price drops, providing he does not sign a new contract.
Space for Geertruida and Lucumi
While both are good options for Le Bris, they are two very different defenders. Last season, Lucumi played considerably more of the pair; his extra minutes equalled almost 12 full games. Their defensive strengths had significant variations, with Geertruida on the front foot with more interceptions, whereas Lucumi was better at tackling dribbling players and getting blocks in.
As well as the ways they vary statistically, they also vary stylistically. Lucumi is a traditional centre-back, while Geertruida is a little more versatile and fluid in his position, having previously been utilised at centre-back and full-back. This means that if Lucumi were to join in January, there may still be a place for Geertruida as cover along all of the backline.
Overall, Sunderland seem to still have the funds available to sign Lucumi, especially for the cut-price, as they submitted that deadline day bid for him and only signed Geertruida on loan. If they feel they can accommodate both players in their squad, this would be the best strategy, and having multiple defensive options won’t hurt their chances of Premier League survival.
The ACB has given him a 12-month contract extension after a successful 2024 that featured the team’s maiden appearance in a World Cup semi-final
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Dec-2024
Afghanistan have tasted major wins under Jonathan Trott’s tenure•ICC via Getty Images
Jonathan Trott will continue as Afghanistan men’s head coach till the end of 2025. His next assignment will be the ODI leg of Afghanistan’s multi-format tour of Zimbabwe, but he will not take charge in the other formats for personal reasons. In his absence, Hamid Hassan will deputise as head coach and Nawroz Mangal as assistant coach.The Afghanistan Cricket Board has extended Trott’s contract by 12 months following a highly successful 2024 for the team. The year featured Afghanistan’s first ever World Cup semi-final appearance following victories over New Zealand and Australia in the Group- and Super-Eights stages of the T20 event in the West Indies and the USA. They have since beaten both South Africa and Bangladesh in ODI series in Sharjah.Related
Jonathan Trott to step down as Afghanistan head coach after 2026 T20 World Cup
Mujeeb returns for Zimbabwe tour, Akbari earns maiden T20I call-up
Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi to retire from ODIs after Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan’s next major global tournament is a maiden appearance in the Champions Trophy next year. They qualified for the event after finishing among the top eight teams on the 2023 ODI World Cup points table, after a campaign that featured wins over England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.Trott’s tenure began in July 2022 with an 18-month stint that was renewed by a year in January 2024. Afghanistan have won 14 of the 34 ODIs and 20 of the 44 T20Is they have played since his appointment.The ongoing stint with Afghanistan is Trott’s first as head coach. He was a consultant with Scotland during the 2021 T20 World Cup. As a player, he made 3835 runs in 52 Tests at an average of 44.08, and was a key figure in England’s away Ashes victory in 2010-11. In ODI cricket, he made 2819 runs at an average of 51.25 with four hundreds and 22 fifties.
حسمت الأندية تأهلها إلى منافسات دور الـ16 من بطولة كأس رابطة الاندية الإنجليزية، موسم 2025/26، حيث انتهت مباريات دور الـ32 من المنافسات مساء الأربعاء.
وانطلقت منافسات دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس الأندية الإنجليزية، كاراباو، قبل أسبوع، وانتهت قبل قليل.
وتأهل برينتفورد بعدما فاز على أستون فيلا بركلات الترجيح، وتأهل كريستال بالاس بنفس الطريقة أمام ميلوول، بينما ودع نوتينجهام فورست على يد سوانزي سيتي.
وحقق ليفربول فوزًا صعبًا على ساوثهامبتون بهدفين لهدف في الجولة نفسها (لمتابعة التفاصيل من هنا)، بينما قلب تشيلسي الطاولة على لينكولن سيتي بهدفين لهدف.
كما حقق مانشستر سيتي فوزًا على هدرسفيلد تاون بهدفين دون رد، وانتصر توتنهام أمام دوكانستر بثلاثية نظيفة، كما تخطى آرسنال نظيره بورت فايل بهدفين دون رد. الفرق المتأهلة إلى دور الـ16 من كأس كاراباو
تحدث روبن أموريم، مدرب مانشستر يونايتد، بعد فوز فريقه أمام تشيلسي في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، مساء السبت.
وحقق مانشستر يونايتد فوزًا بهدفين لهدف أمام تشيلسي، في مباراة شهدت طرد حارس الخصم روبرت سانشيز، والبرازيلي كاسيميرو.
وقال أموريم في تصريحاته لـ”بي بي سي سبورت”: “كل فوز، وخاصةً في هذه اللحظة، هو فوز مهم ضد خصم قوي”.
وأضاف: “بدأنا المباراة بالطريقة الصحيحة، كنا عدوانيين للغاية، ساعدتنا البطاقة الحمراء على السيطرة على المباراة، لكننا كنا جاهزين لها بالفعل”.
وتابع: “سجلنا هدفين، ثم حاولنا تعقيد مباراتنا مرةً أخرى، دائمًا ما يكون الأمر معقدًا بالنسبة لنا، كان ينبغي أن تكون الأمور مختلفةً هذه المباراة”.
اقرأ أيضًا | ماريسكا: البطاقات الحمراء غيرت مباراة مانشستر يونايتد.. واستبدلت بالمر مبكرًا لهذا السبب
وعن كاسيميرو، أردف: “إنه يشعر بشعورٍ أسوأ مني، لقد فزنا، لذا سأنسى الأمر قليلًا، وسيعاني هو لأنه لاعب محترف من الطراز الرفيع، إنه يفهم ما فعله، لديه خبرة كافية، لذا لا ينبغي أن تُلعب هذه المباراة بهذه الطريقة، إنه يهتم كثيرًا”.
وأكد: “لقد عانينا في النهاية، لكننا استحقينا الفوز، جمهورنا وجماهيرنا من السهل إرضاؤهم، إذا بذلنا قصارى جهدنا، فسيكونون حاضرين، هذا أمر يجب أن يفهمه لاعبونا، لكي نحظى بدعم الجمهور، علينا فقط أن نركض ونقاتل ونُنافس”.
وأتم: “مع هذا الفوز، علينا أن ننسى شعور الفوز الجميل ونستعيد شعورنا بضرورة الفوز بالمباراة القادمة”.
Young seamer takes 3 for 52 as Glamorgan’s perfect start continues
ECB Reporters Network04-Aug-2024Ben Morris blasted a hole in the Essex middle-order to introduce himself on to the first-team stage as Glamorgan maintained their 100 per cent record in this season’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Chelmsford.A year after making his Glamorgan debut in the competition, the 20-year-old seamer grabbed his maiden List A wickets in only his third appearance with figures of 3 for 52 as Essex struggled to defeat. He was the perfect foil to his more experienced fellow seamer Jamie McIlroy, who took late wickets to register a career-best 3 for 33.That Essex were so close to their second win of the season was thanks to a record last-wicket stand of 68 in nine overs between Ben Allison (26) and Aaron Beard (42 not out) that would have embarrassed some of their batting superiors.That Essex had to chase 284 was largely down to Sam Northeast, who cemented Glamorgan’s innings with a 93-ball 89. He was ably supported in stands of 74 and 71 stands by Billy Root and Asa Tribe respectively.Northeast was eventually out after two hours and 15 minutes, one of seven wickets in which Essex rookie wicketkeeper Simon Fernandes was involved – five catches behind the stumps and two run-outs. Shane Snater took three Glamorgan wickets for 46 and Jamal Richards posted List A best figures of 3 for 68 as Glamorgan ran up 283.Essex put in Glamorgan on a green-tinged wicket of considerable bounce and carry early on before flattening out. Snater exploited the conditions and had Eddie Byrom caught behind off one that hissed and fizzed during a personal sequence of 12 scoreless deliveries.Glamorgan captain Kiran Carlson hung around for 11 overs for 13 in a 54-run partnership with Will Smale. But his eyes lit up at a half-volley from Richards that he flashed low into extra cover’s hands. Smale stroked seven fours in an attractive 43, but departed lbw to one from Richards that nipped back.Northeast and Root looked unperturbed in a stand of 74 that spanned 16 overs until Root pushed Tom Westley for a risky single to mid-on. Northeast showed no interest, turning his back, Root kept running, Snater dived and threw to the striker’s end to complete the run-out by more than half the pitch.As the wicket flattened out, Tribe helped Northeast add another 71 in 10 overs until he tried to work Ben Allison down to third man and edged behind. Snater claimed his second wicket soon after when Tom Bevan sliced high and Fernandes made ground to take the catch at short fine leg.Douthwaite hit Richards for 24 in an over, including two sixes, but that precipitated a collapse of four wickets in 22 balls for 17 runs. At the start of the next over, Northeast attempted to cut Allison and was caught behind. Fernandes claimed a fifth catch when Andy Gorvin went to ramp Snater, and then ran Douthwaite out with a direct hit. Morris departed first ball to a catch at fine leg for Richards’s third wicket.Essex, missing bright hope Charlie Allison to a hamstring injury, were quickly in trouble. Glamorgan bowled four maidens in the first nine overs, by which time they had sent back openers Feroze Khushi and Nick Browne as well as Robin Das. Khushi got a leading edge to third man against Douthwaite, Browne hoicked McIlroy to mid-on and Das skied Douthwaite towards square leg where wicketkeeper Smale ran round to pouch.Sixteen dot balls followed Das’s dismissal before Douthwaite conceded 17 in the 10th over, including three delightful cover drives by Benkenstein, who contributed to Carlson leaking 10 more in the next to drag Essex back into the game.Benkenstein put on 61 for the fourth wicket with Westley, hitting six fours in his 41-ball 39 before misjudging one from Gorvin that kept low. Noah Thain hung around for 19 balls before taking a swing at Morris and holed out in the deep.Morris claimed his second scalp the ball after Westley had pulled him for four to reach a 72-ball half-century, and then had Fernandes bowled playing over a delivery.
Everton manager David Moyes faces a few challenges this summer, most notably set to lose a number of players, experienced ones at that, with Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin out of contract at the end of this month.
With both looking likely to depart, Moyes will need to bring in replacements to bolster his defensive and attacking options.
Jack Grealish could reportedly head to the Toffees, although his wage demands and asking price may deter the Merseyside club.
Jack Grealish and Matheus Nunes.
Another player who Moyes is keen on is Villarreal star Thierno Barry, and he could strengthen Everton’s frontline.
The club are also considering a move for another forward, however, and he could be an even better signing than Barry.
Everton considering move for Barry upgrade
Much will depend on the money that Moyes has available to him this summer. With Profit and Sustainability regulations to be mindful of, the manager will have to spend wisely.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are now considering making a move for Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade in a bid to bolster their attack.
Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade
The Bundesliga striker would be available for a transfer fee of £42m. Whether this is in Moyes’ budget remains to be seen.
He is exactly what the club needs, however. Everton finished the 2024/25 Premier League season with just 42 goals scored, the lowest of any team outside the relegation zone.
As such, a move for Woltemade could be vital if Moyes aims to get his team scoring more next term.
How Nick Woltemade compares to Thierno Barry
Barry scored 16 goals for Villarreal last season, having made the move from FC Basel in the summer. He is also capable of playing out on the right wing, a position which Moyes is desperate to strengthen in the summer.
While the Frenchman would be an excellent signing, pursuing Woltemade is perhaps the better idea.
In their respective domestic leagues last season, the German not only registered a better shots on target percentage (50% vs 36%) than Barry, but he also recorded more shots on target per 90 (1.28 vs 1.09) and registered way more shot-creating actions (4.38 vs 1.78) than the versatile Frenchman.
Woltemade also recorded a 25% goal conversion rate in the Bundesliga last term, whereas Barry’s was only 15% in La Liga.
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The German also created more big chances (eight vs seven) and succeeded with more dribbles (1.1 vs 0.5) domestically.
These statistics point towards Woltemade being the most attractive signing for Moyes this summer.
Barry vs Woltemade last season (league only)
Metric
Barry
Woltemade
Goals
11
12
Assists
4
2
Big chances created
7
8
Key passes per game
0.7
1.3
Shots per game
2.1
1.8
Scoring frequency (minutes)
211
136
Hailed by U23 scout Antonio Mango as “exceptional” following a stunning season for Stuttgart, Moyes would be signing a player with a bright future indeed.
Everton aren’t his only suitors, however, and this could make life difficult for the manager as he eyes up a swoop.
He could be an incredible signing and would prove that the Toffees mean business next season in the Premier League.
The next few weeks will be interesting to say the least. Watch this space, Everton fans.
Everton willing to pay large fee to sign star with over 100 PL appearances
A new centre-forward could be on the cards for Celtic as they prepare for the upcoming summer transfer window, which officially opens for business next month.
The Scottish giants decided to cash in on one of their star forwards in the January transfer window when they allowed Kyogo Furuhashi to join Rennes on a permanent deal.
The Japan international, who scored 34 goals in all competitions in the 2022/23 campaign, moved on from Parkhead and the club did not opt to sign a direct replacement for him ahead of the second half of the season.
Celtic could land a domestic treble by beating Aberdeen in the SFA Cup final, which suggests that their form on the pitch has not been harmed by that decision.
However, Brendan Rodgers and his staff may want a longer-term solution to Kyogo’s exit when the summer transfer window opens for business, as Adam Idah is the only senior and recognised centre-forward at the club, alongside the versatile Daizen Maeda and young Johnny Kenny.
There is one former Celtic number nine who has recently made it clear that he would love to play for the Hoops again if the opportunity was there.
Former Celtic striker who would love to return to Parkhead
Greece international Giorgos Giakoumakis has revealed that he would be interested in playing in the green and white again, having left the club in 2023 to sign for Atlanta United in the MLS.
When asked if he would fit into the current team, the forward told the Daily Record: “You want to set the fire? I would love to play for Celtic again. I don’t know if that’s a utopia or if it could happen again – but who wouldn’t?”
Former Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis.
There is nothing to suggest that Celtic are considering, or even would consider, a move to bring the striker back to Glasgow, but he did enjoy an interesting first spell at Paradise after joining from VVV-Venlo in the summer of 2021.
Giakoumakis was never a nailed-on starter who was in the XI week-in-week-out under Ange Postecoglou, as he preferred Kyogo Furuhashi in closer to a false nine role, but he performed admirably when given an opportunity.
Appearances
21
19
40
Starts
11
4
15
Goal
13
6
19
Minutes per goal
81
114
92
Goals from shots inside the box
13/39
6/39
19/78
Conversion rate
30%
14%
24%
As you can see in the table above, the Greek star almost averaged a goal every 90 minutes in the Premiership across his two seasons at the club, which speaks to how lethal he was in the final third when on the pitch.
Whilst Celtic may not be interested in a reunion with the experienced attacker, Rodgers could land his own version of Giakoumakis by swooping for one of the club’s reported transfer targets.
Celtic have interest in Scottish starlet
Last month, the Chronicle Live reported that Celtic are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Hearts centre-forward James Wilson in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The outlet claimed that Rangers and Celtic have both checked the teenage forward out, which suggests that they have sent scouts to watch the gem in action, whilst he has also played against both teams in the Premiership.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It revealed that Premier League side Newcastle United, who are currently vying for Champions League football, are also keen on the Scotland international.
However, the Chronicle Live did not reveal how much Hearts would actually demand for the young centre-forward if a team decided to come in with a formal approach for his services.
Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not Celtic are prepared to act upon their interest in Wilson, or if they would be able to convince him to turn down Newcastle to remain in Scotland, Rodgers must push for the club to seal a deal for the attacker because he could be Giakoumakis 2.0.
Why James Wilson could be Giakoumakis 2.0
Wilson could arrive at Parkhead as the manager’s own version of the Greek sensation because he is a clinical striker who can deliver goals without starting games on a regular basis.
Giakoumakis, as aforementioned, was excellent at scoring goals consistently without being a regular starter throughout his time in the Premiership, which made him such a valuable option for Postecoglou.
Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Rodgers already has Maeda and Idah available to him as starting-calibre centre-forward options, and Wilson could come in as the perfect squad option to be the third-choice striker.
At the age of 18, the Scottish youngster would come in as a promising talent with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and grow, which is why starting out as an option off the bench could be the ideal role for him at this moment in his career.
The Hearts gem, dubbed a “live wire” in training by Neil Critchley, has also shown that he can be an effective player when called upon at Premiership level, having scored five goals from 4.9 xG in the division this season.
Appearances
24
Starts
15
Goals
5
Big chances missed
4
Conversion rate
23%
Shots from inside the box
5/17
As you can see in the table above, Wilson has an impressive conversion rate of 23% in the Premiership, just shy of Giakoumakis’ 24% conversion rate in the league during his time at Celtic.
This shows that both strikers are clinical and effective forwards who can thrive without starting every single game, making them perfect squad options for the Hoops.
James Wilson in action for Hearts.
Aged 17 years and 288 days, Wilson became the youngest European scorer in Hearts history with a goal against Petroclub in the Conference League, and he became the youngest senior Scotland international ever at the age of 18 years and 17 days old with a cap against Greece earlier this year.
The record-breaking youngster is emerging as a hugely promising player in Scottish football, hence the links to Newcastle and Celtic, and that is why the Hoops should push to bring him to the club as their next Giakoumakis, with the potential for him to kick on even further in the future.
A "Larsson-type signing": £7.8m star would "love" to play for Celtic
A former Celtic star has revealed that he would love to play for the club again.
Manchester United now expect to complete the transfer of an “unplayable” striker target who Chelsea have already made a bid for, according to a new report.
Man Utd chasing reinforcements ahead of busy summer
This summer is expected to be a busy time for the Red Devils – several contracts are up and plenty more players are expected to depart, as Ruben Amorim tries to put a squad together that suits his system and his system only.
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Christian Eriksen looks set to leave United, and there are still doubts over whether Casemiro will remain beyond the summer. Both players leaving would open the door for a new midfielder at least, and United have their eyes on one or two players they would like to sign. Over the weekend, the Red Devils were linked with a move for Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, who would be able to leave the Italian side for £34 million.
Lobotka is not the only Napoli midfielder United could sign, as they have been offered the chance to sign Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who is set to become a free agent in the summer. United are not alone in the race, as Manchester City have also been offered the chance to sign the player via his entourage.
Meanwhile, the Premier League side are also keeping a close eye on Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A. The Brazilian could also be available for a relatively low fee.
Man Utd expect Gyokeres to pick them over Chelsea
Signing a new midfielder may have to wait until United have addressed their forward options, as Amorim is desperate to sign a new striker to end the misery in front of goal. According to Football Insider, Man United are now confident they are going to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP this summer.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
The report states that United have been working hard in the background to reach an agreement, and they are now in a good position to complete the transfer of Gyokeres. The Sweden international is considered a top target at Old Trafford and has been since Amorim was appointed head coach.
United will hope securing Champions League football by winning the Europa League will give them the advantage they need, as Chelsea have made a bid worth £64 million for Gyokeres already, and they are yet to know if they will be playing in Europe’s biggest competition. It is believed Amorim’s relationship with the forward has swung it in United’s favour, and they are now confident it’s a “done deal”.
Apps
98
Goals
95
Assists
27
Gyokeres, who has been dubbed “unplayable” by former teammate Maxime Biamou, has scored a staggering 38 goals in 30 Liga Portugal games this season, as well as a further six in the Champions League. United may hold another advantage in the race for Gyokeres, as the Swedish striker has the same agent as current United defender Victor Lindelof.
He has taken tough, unpopular calls, and used his bowlers brilliantly, but Bangladesh need their young leader to get out of a prolonged batting slump
Mohammad Isam15-Jun-20242:23
Najmul Hossain Shanto on his rise and Bangladesh’s strengths
As Bangladesh stand one win away from a Super Eight place in the T20 World Cup 2024, their captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is a subject of mixed feelings.He has led Bangladesh superbly. He has been proactive in his on-field leadership. His handling of bowling changes has been spot-on, which is hard to do in three consecutive games at a T20 World Cup, and he has not shied away from taking tough but unpopular decisions on and off the field.Shanto’s decision to give Shakib Al Hasan just the one over against South Africa was akin to heresy in Bangladesh cricket. It was a little like Rahul Dravid declaring the India innings with Sachin Tendulkar unbeaten on 194. It was called the “declaration of independence” at the time, a loud proclamation of a team-first attitude. Shanto giving Shakib just one over was a widely debated call, and a major one for a Bangladesh captain about to turn 26. His captaincy has been a key component of Bangladesh’s comeback from a nightmare start to their tour of North America.Related
Can Najmul Hossain Shanto pilot a successful World Cup campaign?
Shanto’s batting form, however, is a cause for concern. His three innings at this World Cup so far have brought him scores of 7, 14 and 1, and he has not scored a half-century in his last 16 innings across international formats, averaging 13.43 in this period. His form has worsened since his arrival in North America in mid-May: he has passed 14 just once in five T20I innings over the course of Bangladesh’s 2-1 defeat to USA last month and this World Cup.Shanto’s North America tour began with his getting stumped off the USA part-timer Steven Taylor as he looked to hit his way out of trouble with Bangladesh stuck at 51 for 2 in the eighth over. He looked in better shape in the next innings, scoring 36 off 34 balls before a mix-up with Towhid Hridoy got him run out.In Bangladesh’s first match at the T20 World Cup, Shanto scratched around for 12 balls before hitting a drive straight to cover. It was a similar story against South Africa: he scratched around for 22 balls before he got rushed by Anrich Nortje, caught at short square-leg trying to pull a 146kph delivery. Shanto had been dismissed in similar manner against India in the warm-up game in New York.Against Netherlands, Shanto reverse-swept offspinner Aryan Dutt straight to slip. He was facing just his third ball.Three innings at the T20 World Cup so far have brought Najmul Hossain Shanto scores of 7, 14 and 1•Getty ImagesThe shot brought to mind a comment in a recent interview from Shanto’s club coach, the former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud.”He [Shanto] is a confident guy, but consistency is becoming a hurdle for him,” Mahmud had said. “I spoke to him recently. I told him that it looks like you are in a lot of hurry in the middle. It is not written anywhere that you have to hit a six every ball in T20s.”Away from the batting crease, however, Shanto is a completely different character. He keeps his calm in public, and smiles a lot in the field. He enjoys his teammates’ success. It takes a strong character to survive the high-pressure and lonely world of Bangladesh captaincy, and Shanto has shown character off the field too, sticking to his guns even when taking unpopular decisions.He is, for instance, part of the decision-making group that has kept picking Tanzim Hasan Sakib over Shoriful Islam, who has been fit since June 8, and Tanzim has vindicated this with his new-ball displays.The highlight of Shanto’s captaincy, though, has been his handling of legspinner Rishad Hossain. After the South Africa match, coach Chandika Hathurusinghe praised Shanto for risking Rishad in the 19th over against a hungry David Miller. Rishad got the left-hander out first ball. Hathurusinghe said the credit for the wicket should go not just to the bowler but the captain too.He used Rishad smartly against the Netherlands too, keeping faith in him even after he went for 14 in his first over. Rishad rewarded Bangladesh with three wickets in two overs when Shanto gave him the 15th and 18th overs. A Bangladeshi legspinner getting important wickets is a sight for sore eyes, and so is a Bangladeshi captain trusting the legspinner to bowl the big overs.1:34
Shakib: Shanto has a great head on his shoulders
Shanto is also Bangladesh’s best all-round fielder. He makes innumerable stops in the covers and midwicket when he is in the circle, and he doesn’t shy away from fielding in the deep in the death overs. Shanto communicates well with the bowlers even when he is in the deep, sometimes relying on his throat, and at other times running all the way to the bowler before heading back to his fielding position.Shanto has also shown he can get out of his own comfort zone to help his team-mates. When Soumya Sarkar failed in the first game against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh replaced him with the middle-order batter Jaker Ali. Someone had to move up the order to open in Soumya’s place, and with Litton Das having scored runs at No. 3 against Sri Lanka, Shanto stepped up, allowing Litton to stay in his position.Fans, however, remain skeptical about Shanto’s batting form. He hasn’t yet adjusted to the new batting position, and his shot against Netherlands has drawn heavy flak. Yet, it seems like Shanto is equipped to handle the frustration at not scoring runs and the criticism he gets for it. At least that’s what his strong captaincy and brilliant fielding suggest. That’s all the public needs to see.Shanto isn’t the first Bangladesh captain to go through a lean run at a World Cup. Two of their better campaigns, in fact, were helmed by struggling captains: Habibul Bashar averaged 13.12 across eight innings at the 2007 ODI World Cup, when Bangladesh made the Super Eight stage, and Mashrafe Mortaza took one wicket for 361 runs in 2019, when they pulled off memorable wins over South Africa and West Indies.The BCB has previously taken rash decisions based on a captain’s performance at a World Cup, so it will be in Shanto’s best interests – as well as that of Bangladesh’s struggling top order – for him to get back among the runs as soon as possible.It’s important that he does this, because he’s ticked every other box. In him, Bangladesh may have found a captain ready to move the team into the future while shedding the baggage of the past, and do so with a smile on his face.
No team starts as favourite, but will the thinner spread of talent compromise the league’s competitiveness?
Nagraj Gollapudi and Gaurav Sundararaman25-Mar-20225:10
IPL 2022 – Will KL Rahul win another Orange Cap?
Fast bowlers could dominate the powerplay With the IPL returning to India from the UAE, batters should look forward to playing on smaller grounds and the potential for dew. But fast bowlers could enjoy themselves as well, especially at the Wankhede Stadium. During the first half of IPL 2021, which was played in India, fast bowlers were dominant during the powerplay at this venue. As per ESPNcricinfo logs, in the first six overs, fast bowlers took 31 out of 33 wickets that fell here in 20 innings, the highest for all the seven venues last season.Related
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The Wankhede also logged the second-lowest powerplay scoring rate in IPL 2021 – 7.22 – behind only Sharjah. Franchises invested heavily on Indian fast bowlers during the auction, and the onus will be on them to drive home the early advantage.New rule, a potential game-changer This IPL will not only see teams have two DRS reviews per innings, but also newly revised playing conditions that, if triggered, could have a potential impact on the match result.It concerns the new batter taking strike regardless of whether the two players crossed or not in case of a catch being taken, unless it is the last ball of an over. Previously the new batter would head to the non-striker’s end if the batters crossed, but the MCC recently revised the law and the playing condition was first tried out in the Hundred last year to give the bowler the advantage. While this is applicable at any point during an innings, the effect will be felt the most in the end overs.Take the example of Qualifier 1 between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals last season. The Capitals might have felt they had the edge when Tom Curran had Moeen Ali caught off the first ball of the final over, which had begun with the Super Kings needing 13 runs. Moeen’s pull failed to clear square leg and MS Dhoni, who had hit Avesh Khan for a six in the previous over, quickly crossed to take strike. He duly finished off the match with two balls to spare and led Super Kings into the final. Under the new rule, new batter Ravindra Jadeja would have been on strike against Curran.Umran Malik is all ears as Jasprit Bumrah holds forth•BCCI7.30pm starts and the dew factor Remember Dhoni fussing about 7.30pm starts because of the dew factor? He felt that with dew usually setting in around 8pm, teams batting first were under pressure to score 15-20 extra runs in the Powerplay. To add to their challenge, teams bowling second in dewy conditions then had to also try and pick up early wickets. Dhoni hinted that the advantage was with the teams that bowled with a dry ball for the first 30-40 minutes of the match before dew kicked in. The 7.30pm starts were put in play to ensure matches didn’t spill over past midnight, as had become the trend in previous seasons. The dew factor will be on the mind of teams this time around, too, when they go out to toss.Short straight boundaries, bigger square boundaries All four venues have short straight boundaries, measuring around 70 yards. Surfaces at all four venues are also known for good bounce and carry. The red-soil decks in Mumbai help the ball come nicely on to the bat. This means the par score could hover close to 170-180. Harshal Patel, IPL 2021’s highest wicket-taker, believes bowlers can still dominate by using hard lengths on fresh pitches, as will be the case at all four venues. Harshal reckons another good strategy to counter the short straight boundaries would be to bowl very full and either at the heels of the batter or wide outside off stump. Why? To bring the longer square boundaries into play. However, teams will also need to keep in mind that one square boundary might be significantly shorter than the other; it is understood each of the four venues will use five pitches across the square to ensure all of them remain lively through the league phase.Rashid Khan will play for the Gujarat Titans this time•BCCI/IPLWristspinners vs fingerspinners Surfaces at each of the four venues have different characteristics. While the numbers are strongly stacked against spinners of every variety, it can’t be denied that spin will eventually play a part, mostly from the second half as pitches begin to tire. In the first half, though, wristspinners who are quicker through the air are likely have an edge over traditional legbreak bowlers. So expect the likes of Rashid Khan and Ravi Bishnoi to prosper as compared to, say, Kuldeep Yadav, who has struggled with his pace variations lately.The bounce, the short boundaries, and dew are all factors that could work against loopy wristspinners. Based on the history of the venues, the role of the fingerspinners would be to contain. Their role could change towards the business end as surfaces slow down considerably due to the heat and the volume of cricket played through the tournament.An emerging crop of new leaders IPL 2022 will unveil four new captains: Mayank Agarwal (Punjab Kings), Hardik Pandya (Gujarat Titans), Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) and Faf du Plessis (Royal Challengers Bangalore). Among them, only du Plessis has the been a long-term captain, at South Africa, but even he will acknowledge that leading a popular franchise like RCB is a different challenge. His predecessor Virat Kohli, a highly successful international captain, could not take the franchise to a title in nine seasons.Agarwal might be happy to team up with former India captain and coach Anil Kumble, but it is his responsibility to quickly earn the trust and respect of a team brimming with explosive batters. In addition, he may also have some pressure from the ownership for they have been desperate for Punjab to win an IPL title. They have rebranded the team, wiped slates clean, and changed coaches and captains several times. Will it be their year?Jadeja was announced as CSK captain just 48 hours before their first game and has admitted he has “big boots” to fill. He will, however, benefit from Dhoni’s presence even though the former India captain will want Jadeja to be his own man. That is the key to successful teams: they are made in the image of their leaders.Mayank Agarwal is set to lead a franchise for the first time this IPL•BCCI/IPLA test of India’s talent pool The IPL’s expansion to a 10-team event will test the tournament’s quality. The fluctuating auction prices for certain skillsets was the first indicator of the challenges of demand vs supply, with teams chasing the same set of players rather than looking for new ones. There is a possibility of frequent one-sided matches, which was the case a decade ago during the 2011 season when the IPL had 10 teams for the first time.If that happens, it could affect the narrative surrounding the last days of the league phase. Since 2016, the playoffs spots have only been confirmed after the last match of the league phase. Can the 10-team IPL keep that trend going? Some pundits want the IPL to allow teams to field five overseas players in order to keep its competitive nature alive, but that might not necessarily work.Take this auction, for example. Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals failed to even fill their quota of eight overseas slots. Then there is the issue of availability with several overseas players missing the initial set of matches for their teams. One advantage of the additional teams is that it offers opportunities to several more Indian players, especially uncapped ones. While the youngsters will be excited, their franchises will remain anxious and hopeful that they can fulfil their talent and withstand the pressure of the IPL.