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Thomas Frank will be entering the biggest season of his managerial career in 2025/26, as he looks to take Tottenham Hotspur to the next level after his appointment this summer.

The Dane spent seven years in charge of Brentford across the capital, but he’s now been tasked with the challenge of leading the Lilywhites back to the top end of the Premier League.

Whilst he’s constantly thrived during his stint with the Bees, the expectations of the fanbase of Spurs will bring added pressure to him in his quest for success in North London.

The Europa League success back in May will only heighten the need for added trophies in the years ahead, with the fanbase wanting to reach the next level under Frank’s guidance.

Undoubtedly, he will want to make his own mark on the side, needing funds to make additions to land the players he craves, with numerous players already on their radar.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Attackers have been the main focus for Frank in recent weeks, with numerous forwards already touted with a move to join Spurs during the current window.

Antoine Semenyo, Rodrygo and Xavi Simons have all been touted with big-money moves to join the Lilywhites, as the hierarchy look to back the Dane in his quest for success.

However, none of the aforementioned stars have been close to a move, but the same can’t be said for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, who’s emerged as a key target.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that positive talks have commenced over a deal to sign the 24-year-old winger this summer, with the player himself wanting a move to join the club.

However, any deal could prove to be an expensive one, with the Ghanaian currently having a £85m release clause within his contract at the London Stadium.

Why Kudus would be a better signing than Eze for Spurs

In their quest for added attacking reinforcements, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been strongly linked with a move to join Spurs this summer, but not for the first time in his career.

He’s been a player firmly on their radar over the past couple of years, but no deal has ever been agreed for his services, however, that could change this summer.

The 27-year-old currently has a £68m release clause in his contract, a deal which could be a bargain given his tally of 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season.

However, it appears as though they will face stiff competition from North London rivals Arsenal, after they made contact with his representatives over a move to the Emirates.

The Spurs fanbase shouldn’t worry, with a move for Kudus being a better addition, having the tools to become a key player in Frank’s ambitions of taking the side to the next level.

When comparing the player’s respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the West Ham star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting the talent he possesses.

Kudus, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Joel Bortey, has registered a higher shot on target rate, demonstrating his accuracy within the final third.

Games played

32

34

Goals & assists

8

16

Shot on target accuracy

28%

27%

Pass accuracy

84%

74%

Take-ons completed

3.2

2.3

Carries into final third

2.1

1.6

Carries into opposition box

1.5

0.7

Fouls won

2.2

1.7

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, along with more carries into the opposition penalty areas, showcasing his desire to get the ball forward at any given opportunity.

The Ghanaian has also won more fouls per 90 and completed more of the passes he’s attempted, offering a real nuisance to the opposition’s backline – something which has been desperately missing in North London.

It’s unclear if Spurs will negotiate a deal for the winger this summer, but it’s evident that he could provide Frank with the tools to thrive in his first season in charge.

Eze will remain as a key target no doubt, but it’s clear that Kudus is a better option in attacking areas, with the hierarchy desperately needing to pursue a move for his signature.

More exciting than Semenyo: Spurs in talks to sign "generational" £85m star

The brilliant attacker could be just what Spurs need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 1, 2025

If Liverpool aren’t already favourites to retain their Premier League title after signing Florian Wirtz for a British record transfer fee of £116m, then they certainly would be if they signed Alexander Isak.

Plenty of teams around the globe have dreamed of bringing the Swede to their club and the Anfield outfit could well make that a reality this summer.

Boy, what a signing this would be. Isak scored 27 goals in all competitions last term. He netted 23 in the Premier League. The only man with more was Liverpool hero, Mo Salah.

So, the Newcastle United forward is a pretty special talent and it’s understandable that the Toon have no desire to let him depart St James’ Park this summer.

Still, Liverpool are trying and they’re willing to put a lot of money on the table to bring him further south to Merseyside.

The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool

While Liverpool have dreamt of signing Isak all summer long, they haven’t made their intentions clear until this week.

Indeed, the Athletic’s David Ornstein dropped a seismic piece of news earlier in the week that the league winners have made an approach, but no formal offer just yet, to sign Isak. The Magpies have reiterated that he is not for sale, that’s despite Liverpool suggesting they are willing to pay around £120m for his services.

That being said, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has suggested that “every player has their price” and Newcastle could be brought to the negotiating table if a £150m bid is made.

Transfer Focus

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

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Whether the Reds have what it takes to put that sort of money out there after breaking their transfer record once this summer already remains to be seen.

With such money involved, a move does feel unlikely. It’s why they are courting alternatives.

Liverpool's two best Isak alternatives

The main striker on the radar of the recruitment team at the moment is Hugo Ekitike. However, like the Isak situation, it’s a tricky situation. That’s because Newcastle are embroiled in this saga as well.

News broke at the beginning of the week that Newcastle are working on a deal to sign the Frenchman from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. Yet, he’s also a player that Liverpool like.

Ornstein again revealed on Wednesday that the Merseysiders have made contact with the Bundesliga club regarding a move.

Fabrizio Romano has already indicated that if Newcastle don’t sell Isak then they will aim to steal the Toon’s number one target away from them. Well, the wheels are in motion on that move already, with Romano revealing on Thursday that a bid has now been submitted to sign the Frankfurt striker.

Liverpool have other players on their radar, perhaps most notably Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. The most exciting name is Julian Alvarez.

A report from Spain earlier in the window indicated that Liverpool were prepared to pay around £142m for the Atletico Madrid forward and now Anfield Watch reporter Bence Bocsak has revealed that the Argentine is still on their ‘radar’.

He suggests that Alvarez is a ‘dream option’, but like Isak, it’s unlikely Atleti will sanction a sale just one year after bringing him to Spain from Manchester City.

How Alvarez compares to Isak and Ekitike

Isak would be a remarkable coup for Liverpool if they could get a deal over the line. He’s one of the best strikers around the globe and has proven over the last two campaigns that he can score goals at a regular rate in the Premier League.

Ekitike, by comparison, clearly has lots of potential. He’s already been described as “the next Mbappe” in some quarters but rather like Darwin Nunez, he’s a raw talent, someone who still needs to refine his game.

What’s Alvarez like? Well, he’s proven, not just on the continent now with Atleti but also in the Premier League, where he won trophy after trophy with Manchester City.

He’s also the complete package, cut from a similar cloth as Roberto Firmino. This is not just a goalscorer. He’s a creator, a facilitator, and someone who could thrive just as Firmino did with the likes of Salah and Cody Gakpo either side. Dare we say, it could even be with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo to one side? Liverpool are currently leading the race for the Brazilian, according to reports, but that’s a story for another day.

Described as a “monster” by Argentine journalist Pablo Gonzalez and remarkably as “the best forward in the world” by reporter Roy Nemer, he ended his debut campaign in the Spanish capital having scored 29 goals, two more than Isak, and he also registered eight assists.

Let’s also cast your mind back to his final term at the Eithad. During 2023/24, he was prolific in front of goal, bagging 19 goals and registering 14 assists. This is a player who does a lot of things right.

Alvarez vs Isak since 2023/24 (league only)

Stat (per 90 mins)

Alvarez

Isak

Goals

0.49

0.79

Assists

0.21

0.14

Shots

2.90

3.00

Pass success %

78%

77%

Key passes

1.88

1.22

Progressive passes

3.40

2.85

Shot-creating actions

3.94

2.94

Progressive carries

2.50

2.71

Stats via FBRef.

Analysing the numbers deeper across the last two seasons, we get a sense for what Isak and Alvarez do well, but primarily from the metrics assessed, where the Argentine superstar thrives in comparison.

The Swede is clearly more prolific per 90 minutes as far as goals are concerned but Alvarez offers the ability to create, registering more key passes, progressive passes and producing an extra shot-creating action every 90 minutes.

That means that even if he doesn’t score quite as many goals, he’s remaining a big threat in the final third and would provide that Firmino-like ability to make things happen in Slot’s attack.

Isak is the dream but here us out, Alvarez has his perks too. His overall game is certainly better, that’s for sure.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

With time running out to ease their PSR fears, Aston Villa could have no choice but to sell a player that Unai Emery loves amid reported interest from Atletico Madrid this summer.

Aston Villa must sell players this summer

Despite their success in recent years and rise into becoming a top six side, Aston Villa must sell players to comply with PSR rules this summer. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explained their situation on Sky Sports, saying: “I think of the 20 Premier League clubs, Villa are the ones who we’re most concerned about.

“Last season, when they did qualify for the Champions League, for every £100 of revenue that Aston Villa brought in, they spent £91 on wages. Those players will have had contract step-ups for qualifying for the Champions League.

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“And remember, Villa have done very well in that competition. So that will be a plus. And they have sold some players as well, in both the last summer market and the January one. But I think there is still a perception that Villa will have to box clever.

“And of all of the clubs under pressure to sell players by June 30, I guess they’re the ones who are the club that gives the most attention because their spending in the last couple of years before getting into Europe was so extensive.”

It’s, therefore, likely to be a frustrating summer for those in the Midlands. Already, Emiliano Martinez has found himself among the headlines, and he’s one player who could make way to help Villa on the PSR front.

Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers is not short on admirers, although he is someone that Villa want to keep hold of in the coming months. Whichever route the Villans go down, they must approach their PSR problems with caution – avoiding a sanction at all costs – and that could yet see them sell one particular defender.

Atletico Madrid eyeing Lucas Digne move

As reported by Paul Joyce and relayed by Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid are now looking at a move to sign Lucas Digne in the event that they fail to sign Andy Robertson from Liverpool this summer.

Whilst Digne’s departure would be a frustrating one, he is the type of player that Aston Villa should be looking to move on if they are to comply with PSR rules this summer.

At 31 years old, the £120,000-a-week defender will be past the peak of his powers sooner rather than later and as Ian Maatsen looks to break into Villa’s best side, this summer could be the best time for all parties to go their separate ways.

Whether Emery agrees will be the question, however. The Spaniard has never hidden his admiration for his left-back – going as far as to describe Digne as “amazing” last year.

Chelsea are convinced a marquee Brazilian would be a star for Enzo Maresca next season, and a move for the player is expected to happen “soon”.

Chelsea agree Liam Delap deal as BlueCo continue forward search

Earlier this week, Chelsea reached an agreement over the signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap, with the Englishman, barring any unexpected surprises, looking set to become their first completed deal of the summer.

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The 22-year-old had alternative offers on the table, particularly from Man United, Newcastle and Everton, but Delap started to give his preference to Chelsea after they qualified for the Champions League (talkSPORT).

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

Reports then began emerging that Delap had fully agreed to join Chelsea after being convinced of the project, with Maresca now also said to have played a “crucial” role in convincing the ex-Man City starlet to choose a Stamford Bridge move.

Delap is now also set for a medical at Cobham ahead of a £30 million switch from Portman Road.

While Chelsea are closing in on the Englishman, this doesn’t appear to be the end of their search for new forwards. Now that they’ve qualified for the Champions League, and with many squad members potentially leaving to raise even more funds, there is a chance that Chelsea sign two strikers this summer.

As well as this, BlueCo are targeting a winger, as heavily reported, and one name high on their transfer shortlist is Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

The Brazil international is valued at £84 million by Real, following his 23 goal contributions over 50 appearances last season (13 goals, 10 assists), so Chelsea would need to invest significantly in his capture as they also “push” for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké (Florian Plettenberg).

Chelsea convinced Rodrygo would be a star for Enzo Maresca

Spanish newspaper Diario AS, and their reporter Eduardo Burgos, share some interesting details on Chelsea’s links to the 24-year-old.

Chelsea believe Rodrygo could be one of Maresca’s “crown jewels” next season, envisaging a key role in the squad for him. While London rivals Arsenal have already held informal discussions over the £202,000-per-week attacker, Chelsea are expected to do the same “soon”.

Burgos writes that Chelsea are intent on making a “statement” this summer and anticipate a very busy window, especially after confirming their spot in the Champions League, and Rodrygo “ticks all the boxes”.

“Rodrygo, so underrated,” said Jude Bellingham about his Real teammate.

“For me he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad. The things he can do with the football — we’ll be messing around and he’ll flick the ball up somehow and you’re like, ‘How do you do that?’. I’m trying to do it, twisting up my ankles and everything like that. He’s a pleasure to play with.”

Chelsea are now racing to sign an “incredible” forward from one of their bitter Premier League rivals, who are now willing to cash-in this summer, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new forward

With Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku failing to do the business in front of goal, the Blues have now set their sights on signing a new striker in the summer transfer window, and they have a number of top-level targets in mind.

Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, who has been extremely impressive in the Champions League this season, is one of the latest strikers to be targeted, with the 29-year-old joining the likes of Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres on the shortlist.

Not only are the west Londoners looking to bring in an out-and-out striker, but there have also been suggestions they could look to bolster their wide options, with fellow Dortmund star Jamie Gittens well-liked, alongside Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki.

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However, according to a report from Caught Offside, there may be an option from much closer to home, with Chelsea now keen on signing winger Mohammed Kudus, who currently plays for bitter rivals West Ham United.

The Blues are not alone in their pursuit of Kudus, however, with Arsenal and Liverpool also in the race, alongside Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who have reportedly already submitted a £87m bid for the Ghanaian.

Enzo Maresca’s side are yet to make any moves to sign the forward, but there are some indications they could be successful if they choose to formalise their interest, as West Ham are now willing to cash-in to fund their own summer transfer business.

"Incredible" Kudus impressing at West Ham

The 24-year-old’s debut campaign at the London Stadium last season certainly caught the eye, picking up 14 goals and nine assists in 45 appearances in all competitions, establishing himself as a key player under former manager David Moyes.

In light of his impressive performances, the Ghana international received high praise from journalist Raj Chohan, who believes the right-winger would be able to make the step-up to a top club.

The Accra-born attacker has been less impressive this season, failing to score and picking up just one assist in his last 15 Premier League games, but it is difficult to stand out in a very poor West Ham side, who sit in 17th place.

Kudus, who ranks in the top 2% of all wingers for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, as per FBref, could be an exciting signing for Chelsea, but given his goal and assist return this season, it would be unwise to match Al-Nassr’s £87m offer.

In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has lured a number of superstars to play their football in the Middle East, with big money on offer.

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the first big names to make the move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr in 2023 and the Portuguese icon now picks up an eye-watering £178m per season.

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Some big money has been turned down over the years.

ByCharlie Smith Jul 19, 2025

Some star players have turned down moves to the Saudi Pro League, including Lionel Messi, Bruno Fernandes and Kylian Mbappe. However, the likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante swapped some of the best clubs in Europe for Saudi Arabia.

Darwin Nunez is the latest to do so, heading to Al-Hilal from Liverpool in a transfer worth an initial €53m. But where does he rank on a list of the 10 most expensive Saudi Pro League transfers of all-time?

Player

From

To

Fee

Neymar

PSG

Al-Hilal

€90m

Jhon Duran

Aston Villa

Al-Nassr

€77m

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

Al-Qadsiah

€68.25m

Moussa Diaby

Aston Villa

Al-Nassr

€60m

Malcom

Zenit

Al-Hilal

€60m

Otavio

FC Porto

Al-Nassr

€60m

Ruben Neves

Wolves

Al-Hilal

€55m

Darwin Nunez

Liverpool

Al-Hilal

€53m

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham

Al-Hilal

€52.6m

Galeno

FC Porto

Al-Ahli

€50m

10 Galeno €50m to Al-Ahli

Brazilian winger Galeno swapped FC Porto for Al-Ahli in 2025 in a deal worth €50m.

Arguably at the peak of his powers at the age of 27 when swapping Portugal for Saudi Arabia, Galeno helped Al-Ahli win the first-ever AFC Champions League Elite title, scoring in the final against Kawasaki Frontale.

9 Aleksandar Mitrovic €52.6m to Al-Hilal

Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored goals everywhere he has been during his career, and after starring in England for eight years with Newcastle United and Fulham, caught the attention of Al-Hilal.

In 2023 they decided to pay those at Craven Cottage €52.6m for the Serbian striker, who has gone on to average more than a goal or an assist each game. Mitrovic helped Al-Hilal win a league title in 2023/24 and the Saudi Cup.

8 Darwin Nunez €53m to Al-Hilal

Looking likely to be Mitrovic’s replacement at Al-Hilal in 2025 is Darwin Nunez.

The former Liverpool striker was hit and miss at Anfield after costing the Reds £85m, with Arne Slot and those on Merseyside deciding to cash in halfway through a six-year deal.

7 Ruben Neves €55m to Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal have been big spenders in recent years and also splashed the cash on midfielder Ruben Neves in 2023.

The Portugal midfielder followed his national teammate Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League, paying Premier League side Wolves €55m.

6 Otavio €60m to Al-Nassr

Another Portuguese star who headed to the Middle East in 2023 was Otavio, with Al-Nassr triggering his €60m release clause in his FC Porto contract.

Playing alongside Ronaldo in attack, the winger has made close to 100 appearances for Al-Nassr and is under contract until 2026.

5 Malcom €60m to Al-Hilal

Malcom cost Barcelona more than €40m in 2018, however, after selling the Brazilian winger to Zenit Saint Petersburg, he was then on the move again in 2023, joining Al-Hilal.

Still on the books in 2025, Malcom has won one Saudi League title, one Saudi Cup and two Saudi Super Cups.

4 Moussa Diaby €60m to Al-Ittihad

Despite signing the likes of Benzema, Kante and Fabinho in recent years, Al-Ittihad’s most expensive signing is Moussa Diaby.

Costing €60m from Aston Villa in 2024, Diaby has turned into an assist machine for Al-Ittihad, registering 16 in his first Al-Ittihad season.

3 Mateo Retegui €68.25m to Al-Qadsiah

After finishing fourth in the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League, Al-Qadsiah splashed the cash and broke their transfer record by signing striker Mateo Retegui from Atalanta.

Looking to topple the likes of Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, Retegui joins Al-Qadsiah after scoring 25 Serie A goals in 24/25.

2 Jhon Duran €77m to Al-Nassr

Like Diaby, Aston Villa also sold Jhon Duran for big-money to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Nassr briefly partnering the Colombian alongside Ronaldo.

They paid a club-record €77m for the forward, however, Duran was loaned out to Turkish side Fenerbahce for the 2025/26 season.

1 Neymar €90m to Al-Hilal

Topping the charts as the most expensive Saudi Pro League transfer of all time is Neymar, who cost Al-Hilal €90m from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

Unfortunately for Neymar and Al-Hilal, the Brazilian suffered a serious injury shortly after joining and never starred in Saudi Arabia, making just seven appearances for the club.

He left in 2025 after having his contract terminated, returning to Santos.

Games

7

Goals

1

Assists

3

Minutes played

428

He may be far from Pakistan’s poster boy, but his consistency with both bat and ball is helping them play the kind of cricket they want to

Danyal Rasool13-Sep-20258:26

Wahab: Haris Rauf has to come back against India

This story begins, as any story about Mohammad Nawaz, in an MCG dressing room, head in hands as he tries to hold back tears. Babar Azam isn’t prone to giving rousing speeches, but he sees the sensitivity of the moment, and rises to it. He modulates the emotional temperature of the room perfectly, aware that, in front of rolling in-house PCB cameras, any attempts to be excessively rousing may come off as a loss of control.”Koi masla nai hai, [It’s not the end of the world],” the Pakistan captain begins, voice steady, pitch level. “We need to work together as a team.” He then turns to Nawaz, who moments earlier just bowled the final over of that pulsating contest against India, failing to defend 16 as a match Pakistan had controlled slipped out of their hands.”And especially you, Nawaz,” Babar says to the man who cannot take his eyes off the floor. He switches to Punjabi, using both men’s mother tongue to further cement their collective solidarity, “you’re my match-winner, and I’ll always have faith in you, come what may. Keep your head up.”Related

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It was particularly cruel on Nawaz, who had been forced into a situation that wasn’t his to manage. He was bowling the final over when Pakistan had banked on pace to have finished the job by then. There was a no-ball for height that arguably wasn’t the correct call, and a free hit that knocked back a stump only to then trickle away for three.Just weeks earlier, Nawaz had produced a remarkable all-round performance against India in the Asia Cup in Dubai. He had doubled up as the game’s most economical bowler and the most destructive batter, sealing a classic win that would go on secure Pakistan’s berth in the final. It was that kind of showing that led Babar to declare him a match-winner, and yet, it had been wiped from memory, replaced by that chaotic over in Melbourne. Sunday will be the first time he faces India since that heartbreak.Mohammad Nawaz after the chaotic final over against India at the MCG•Getty ImagesThe one thing Babar couldn’t relate to – at the time, anyway – was being left out of the side. Pakistan have not always viewed Nawaz as a matchwinner in that same vein over his career, ever since he lit up the first game in PSL history, where he took 4-13 and was unbeaten with the bat for Quetta Gladiators. That is evident in when he has played; he has batted every position from 3 to 9. At four, where his numbers are strongest and where he first batted in that Asia Cup win over India, he would be sent in just twice more, and never again. With the ball, Pakistan have used him during the Powerplay, where he has bowled about a third of his T20I deliveries, and boasts a better economy rate than in any other phase of the innings.But more telling is how often Pakistan have not used him at all. In the 162 T20Is they’ve played since his debut up until July this year – when Nawaz returned once more after 18 months in the wilderness – he had taken part in just 60. It seems Nawaz can be deployed, with ball and bat, whenever Pakistan want, or, as about two-thirds of the games during his career attest, not deployed whatsoever.2:08

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It is what makes this most recent resurgence hard to view as anything more than transitory, but his impact for Pakistan over the last 12 T20Is has been phenomenal. Called up for the spin-heavy conditions of Bangladesh in July, Nawaz is holding together this fragile strategy Pakistan have adopted under Mike Hesson, where specialist fast-bowling heft is sacrificed at the altar of piecemeal lower-order batting contributions.A hat-trick during a five-for against Afghanistan, and significant runs accrued over the past month in the UAE at a strike rate just under 140 have propelled Nawaz to perhaps the single most important player in this Pakistan set-up. Hesson on Thursday called him “the best T20I bowler in the world right now” and the numbers agree; no Full Member player has more T20I wickets this year (21), and no one that has bowled at least 200 deliveries has bettered his economy rate of 6.47.This is the kind of cricketer Nawaz was meant to become when he offered Pakistan a snapshot in that first PSL game. A decade on, Pakistan, and perhaps Nawaz himself, may finally have begun to work out what kind of cricketer he is. Though similar flashes in the past have proven false dawns, he has perhaps never played cricket as well, or as consistently, as he has in this latest edition of a cricketer whose reinventions are becoming impossible to keep track of.In one sense, Nawaz cannot really be called a match-winner. Not in the conventional sense of the word. He isn’t, and won’t ever be, Pakistan’s best spinner, and isn’t, and won’t ever be, their best batter, or their most explosive. But on any given day, he could fit either of those descriptions, and that, in T20I cricket, wins you matches. Matches of the sort Nawaz has been winning for Pakistan of late, and that Nawaz won when he last played India at the Asia Cup three years ago.

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It’s possible Babar Azam has never batted in as humdrum an atmosphere as what existed at the Narendra Modi Stadium while he was around, making India work. When you are box-office royalty, even a simple hand wave can fire the decibel levels. So what are the chances that a pristine cover drive elicits nothing more than pin-drop silence? It just seems wrong, right?When Babar bats, even the most objective person cannot help the odd clap or loud thump. It’s simply a natural reaction to witnessing a thing of beauty. And Babar’s shots are this most times. The kind of shots you pay big money to watch. And people who flocked into Motera on Saturday invested big, of course.Whether it was the time taken to cover train journeys from the far east or down south, or spending a night in pitched tents at designated spots on the outskirts in neighbouring Nadiad. People had traded months of savings and plenty of energy just to be able to witness the occasion.And then they saw Babar bat. There was disdain and dominance in the way he simply met the ball right under his eyes and caressed it with minimal feet. It’s the kind of batsmanship that has wings to transport you into a parallel universe. Like the on-drive he welcomed Shardul Thakur with first ball. Ufff. High elbow, straight bat, an element of wrist, a lovely followthrough. Magic.Babar was simply loading up and the stunned silence in the crowd told you quite clearly that India had a task at hand. But Rohit Sharma and Co weren’t perhaps as stressed as the crowd was; they knew their bowling had all-round awesomeness. And all it took was one awe-inspiring spell to kill off the contest. Even batters as seasoned as Babar and Mohammad Rizwan, coming off a seminal knock in the previous game, weren’t immune to it.Related

ICC chair Barclay on Arthur remark: 'Will review all criticisms'

India's bowling unit: Gods of small things

Pakistan’s tactic seemed clear. Build an innings, go deep and then tee off. Babar was largely copybook in his pursuit, Rizwan a bit more enterprising. One of his first acts was one of daredevilry – you simply don’t sweep Ravindra Jadeja against the turn, at least not that early.ESPNcricinfo’s Karthik Krishnaswamy posed this question to Jadeja after the Australia game, asking whether he lines up a batter based on the surface and how he decides the amount of turn he wants to impart to a delivery. Jadeja jokingly dismissed it, not wanting to give away much for the risk of his plans being “printed in English” for the world to read. It’s now a popular Instagram reel beneath which there’s sound logic for anyone wanting to decode it.Rizwan completely shunned the sweep against the turn from deliveries starting on middle from there on. It was a direct acknowledgment of Jadeja’s skills. As Jadeja went about tying knots at one end, Kuldeep Yadav was strengthening this position at the other. Pakistan’s first reaction was to try and keep him out, limiting their range of shots. Kuldeep strung together 17 dots in five overs and even nearly had Babar lbw. The pressure to break free was beginning to show.The stranglehold wasn’t lost on Rohit. He duly went back to Mohammed Siraj in the hope of a wicket in the 28th over and succeeded two overs later when Siraj had Babar. He was no more than a split-second late on a ball he wanted to glide but was defeated by the skid. You wondered if all that risk was worth one run, but then it’s also a shot he profits a lot from.It’s a pressure-relieving shot that Babar plays with great finesse; when he reels off boundaries through them, it seems all too cute and mushy. So far this tournament, Babar hadn’t lasted long enough for teams to apply this kind of squeeze. Now that India had done it, it was the first time he’d been tested in a real sense. And he didn’t quite get his release shot right in the first instance. This then was the inch of an opening that India would go on to open up into an acre.Saud Shakeel could’ve been out second ball had Siraj effected a direct hit at the bowler’s end, but he couldn’t cash in on the luck. If it was skid that did Babar in, decisiveness cost Saud as he played back to one that drifted in. It was a costly mistake against Kuldeep, who is a confidence bowler.1:27

‘Lack of application, mindless batting’, says Urooj Mumtaz

When he’s in rhythm, there’s an unmistakable confidence to his wrong ‘uns. Some wristspinners use it as a stock ball, Kuldeep doesn’t, but cleverly varies his line of attack. Iftikhar Ahmed expected the ball to spin in, and because it started from outside leg, he backed himself to go through with the slog sweep even though he didn’t get to the pitch of it. This one went the other way and snuck through to crash into the stumps. At that point, Pakistan had lost 3 for 11 in 3.3 overs.This is Kuldeep 2.0, but even in his previous avatar, he’d been gobbling up Pakistan’s batters with his thrift and guile. Remember that ball to Babar from the 2019 World Cup? The ball that had Shane Warne guffawing in awe?Okay, why go that far? Let’s look back just six weeks prior, to Colombo, where he bamboozled Pakistan with a five-for at the Asia Cup. So, there’s a history of struggle against Kuldeep. Here, in a World Cup game, a combination of mental cobwebs from the past and a bowler at his peak contributed to the collapse. It’s the kind of scenario that leave captains wanting to attack from both ends and Rohit certainly wasn’t in the mood to let it slip.With Jasprit Bumrah back on, the alarm bells began to ring. Pakistan don’t play India a lot, and there’s only so much you can analyse. All told, Bumrah can bowl deliveries that can be hard to analyse. Sure, he does wicked angles, bowls mean bouncers, floors batters with pinpoint yorkers. But how can data and match-ups prepare you for his most underrated delivery – or is it underrated anymore? An offcutter that landed on a perfect length deviated just about enough to beat Rizwan’s push. To outdo a batter with Rizwan’s form, after he was well set, told you of Bumrah’s clutch mentality. And yet it wasn’t even his best ball.

‘All told, 8 for 36 in 80 balls and little over an hour – it’s what nightmares are made of’

That was reserved for Shadab Khan, who was befuddled by late seam movement that squared him up and kissed the top of off. They’re deliveries you dream of as a fast bowler. This was no dream though; it was unfolding in reality. Pakistan’s innings had just gone from being one full of hope half an hour earlier to a collapse of epic proportions. The heart of their innings had just been ripped out in broad daylight.And just like that, the soft underbelly of their middle order, which had been papered over by individual brilliance on other nights, stood exposed. Rizwan had done the papering over three nights ago. Tonight’s collapse left you wondering what would’ve been had Rizwan retired out with cramps back then. But now they were back to square one. Big top, weak middle.For much of their innings, Pakistan had been walking a tightrope anyway, and that one passage of play from Kuldeep and Bumrah was the nightmare from hell that had the potential to undo everything they’d built up so far at this World Cup. Two wins, including a record chase, the emergence of young stars in Saud and Shafique, the return to form of Babar, and the Rizwan magic. All told, 8 for 36 in 80 balls in little over an hour – it’s what nightmares are made of.It all suddenly felt a little foggy for Pakistan. And the humdrum quiet was gone from the Motera.

And how many players have outscored the opposition on their own in a Test innings?

Steven Lynch19-Oct-2021In a recent IPL game, Kieron Pollard was Player of the Match though he only meaningfully participated in 14 deliveries in the entire game. What’s the lowest number by someone who received the award in a T20 match? asked Nathan from Australia
You’re right that Kieron Pollard was only actively involved in 14 deliveries during Mumbai Indians’ IPL victory over Punjab Kings in Abu Dhabi on September 28 – he faced seven balls, bowled one over, and took one catch. Pollard was the third man to win the award having been involved in only 14 deliveries in an IPL game, after Nuwan Kulasekera, for Chennai Super Kings against Pune Warriors in Chennai in 2012, and Munaf Patel, for Mumbai Indians against Pune Warriors in Mumbai in 2011.But they’re not top: there are two cases of 13 by IPL match award-winners – Mark Boucher for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kolkata Knight Riders in Durban in 2009, and James Faulkner for Rajasthan Royals against KKR in Abu Dhabi in 2014. Boucher faced 13 balls and didn’t take a catch, but he was keeping wicket, so would undoubtedly have been actively involved in rather more deliveries.The record for all T20 matches, as far as we can establish, is active involvement in just eight deliveries before lifting the match award. This was achieved by the South African David Wiese, for Titans against Dolphins in Centurion in 2012-13, and Dinesh Karthik for India vs Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy final in Colombo in March 2018. The scorecard for Yorkshire against Leicestershire at Headingley in 2014 suggests that Adam Lyth was involved in only eight deliveries, but he shared the award in that match with Aaron Finch after a spectacular relayed boundary catch – and since Finch ended up with the ball, Lyth doesn’t feature on the scorecard. But he thus played a major role in at least one other ball in addition to the eight he faced while batting.There are a few caveats with these figures. First, we only have full statistics for around 70% of T20 games. Most significantly, we can only consider scorecard entries – so a player who, for example, received the award in part for outstanding fielding wouldn’t show up. We’ve also ignored matches reduced by rain or other reasons. So Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team had a fun time totting up the rest!What’s the highest Test score by a batter outside his home country? asked Kevin Millard from England
The highest individual score away from home in a Test remains Hanif Mohammad’s epic match-saving 337 – in a record 970 minutes – for Pakistan against West Indies in Bridgetown in 1957-58. That just edged out Wally Hammond’s 336 not out for England against New Zealand in Auckland in 1932-33.In all, there have been 11 triple-centuries by batters in overseas Tests, two of them by Don Bradman at Headingley, in 1930 and in 1934. (There are 12 if you count Azhar Ali’s unbeaten 302 for Pakistan against West Indies in a “home” Test in Dubai in 2016-17.)How often has a player scored a hundred and a duck in the same Test? asked Bevan McAllister from New Zealand
In all, this has now happened 172 times in Test matches. The most recent instance involved Najmul Hossain of Bangladesh, against Sri Lanka in Pallekele in April. The first time it happened was in the first ever Test in England, at The Oval in 1880, when Australia’s captain, Billy Murdoch, made 0 and 153 not out.Two men have done it three times: Shivnarine Chanderpaul for West Indies, and England’s Andrew Strauss. A further 22 batters managed it on two occasions.Wisden records the 11 leaders given honorary MCC life membership in 1946•WisdenI noticed that Matthew Hayden outscored Pakistan’s match aggregate on his own in his only innings of a Test in 2002. Has anyone else done this? asked Abdul Shabeer from India
Matthew Hayden was the fifth man to exceed the opposition’s aggregate score on his own in his only innings of a Test with a definite result: Pakistan made 53 and 59, while Hayden hit 119 for Australia in Sharjah in 2002-03. The others to achieve this were Bobby Abel (120) for England against South Africa (43 and 47) in Cape Town in 1888-89, Len Hutton (364) for England vs Australia (123 and 201) at The Oval in 1938, Don Bradman (185) for Australia vs India (98 and 58) in Brisbane in 1947-48, and Inzamam-ul-Haq (329) for Pakistan vs New Zealand (73 and 246) in Lahore in 2002.For batters who went in twice, Justin Langer (191 and 97) outscored Pakistan (179 and 72) in Perth in 2004-05, while Gordon Greenidge (134 and 101) made more than England (71 and 126) managed at Old Trafford in 1976, as did Patsy Hendren (169 and 45) vs Australia (122 and 66) in Brisbane and Dimuth Karunaratne (158 not out and 60) vs South Africa (126 and 73) in Galle.I read that Dwight Eisenhower was the only American president to attend a Test match. But is it right that he was also a member of MCC? asked Syed Iliyas Hussain from England
President Eisenhower witnessed at least part of a somewhat somnolent day’s play in the third Test between Pakistan and Australia in Karachi in 1959-60. During the day, which was uninterrupted apart from a break while the teams were introduced to Eisenhower, Pakistan scored 104 for 5 in 65 overs, so it’s unlikely the distinguished visitor was terribly excited.This was the last Test played on a matting pitch. Australia’s captain in that match, Richie Benaud, in his book Willow Patterns, wrote that Eisenhower “made the remark that he thought this cricket game was supposed to be played on grass rather than mat. The Pakistan president [Mohammed Ayub Khan] then said, ‘This is the last time a Test match will be played on matting in this country’, and he gave orders to that effect.”It’s also true that Eisenhower was a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club, although it wasn’t because of any particular liking for the game. General Eisenhower, as he then was, was one of 11 leaders given honorary life membership of MCC in 1946, in recognition of their efforts in the Second World War. Eisenhower was the only American; the other ten were all British. Winston Churchill, the wartime prime minister, was one of those honoured, along with the top brass from the army, navy and air force. Arguably the most famous of the others were Field Marshal Montgomery of Alamein, and Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Queen’s second cousin and uncle of the Duke of Edinburgh.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez is set to miss more time this season with a "significant" left ankle sprain, Houston manager Joe Espada said on Tuesday.

Espada said Alvarez will be "out for a while," so a long-term plan hasn't been decided on yet. There is a chance he could return this season, which ends on Sunday, Sept. 28. The Astros currently sit in the last AL wild-card spot, so Alvarez could be needed for the postseason, too.

“Let’s not get into days or weeks or anything like that,” Espada said, via . “We are going to take one day at a time, but this is going to take some time to heal. We don’t have that many days left in the regular season. He’s in there getting some treatment, getting some work done. Hopefully he’s not out for a long period of time.”

Alvarez suffered the injury during Monday night's game vs. the Rangers. Alvarez was sprinting from third base and opted against sliding into home. He touched home plate with his left foot and appeared to roll his ankle after scoring. Alvarez could barely walk off the field under his own power, and was removed from the game as a result of the injury.

The three-time All-Star just returned to the majors on Aug. 26 after being out since May 2 while he dealt with a small fracture in his hand.

Through 48 games this season, Alvarez has averaged .273/.367/.430 with 45 hits, 17 runs, 27 RBIs and six home runs.