Also: the oldest maiden Test centurions, most Test matches missed, and keeper-captains’ double-hundreds

Steven Lynch03-May-2016Who missed the most Test matches during his entire career (I don’t mean between successive appearances, but overall between debut and final cap)? asked Steve Wilson from England

Three Englishmen top this particular list. Brian Close made his Test debut in July 1949, and his last appearance in July 1976. In that time, England played 244 Test matches – and Closey appeared in only 22 of them, so missed 222 in all. Next comes Pat Pocock, who missed 145 Tests during a career that stretched from 1967-78 to 1984-85. Pocock had an eight-year break from Test cricket between 1976 and 1984, and Fred Titmus had something similar: he did not feature between 1967 and 1968 (and the accident that cost him several toes) and a brief comeback in 1974-75. In all, Titmus missed 132 Tests during a career that had started in 1955. The first non-Englishman on this list is still playing in the IPL: Brad Hogg won only seven Test caps, between 1996-97 and 2007-08, during which time Australia played 129 Tests without him.Has any country ever changed all 11 players in their side for successive Test matches? asked Peter Samuels from Scotland

This has happened only once during a Test series. In the 1884-85 Ashes, Australia fielded an entirely different side for the second Test in Melbourne, after the players from the first Test in Adelaide insisted on better pay. Peace broke out in time for most of the original side to return for the third Test, in Sydney, which Australia won narrowly. Something similar happened to West Indies in 2009, after another player dispute: the side for the first Test against Bangladesh in St Vincent in July was entirely different to the team which had faced England in Chester-le-Street in May. Not surprisingly, South Africa’s team against West Indies in Bridgetown in 1991-92 was entirely different from their previous Test side, against Australia in Port Elizabeth 22 years earlier. There are a few other instances of a side changing entirely between series, all of them involving long-ago England teams.Zubair Ahmed faced 77 balls for his 111 in a T20 in Karachi in 2014•PCBManish Pandey holds the record for the slowest IPL century, in 67 balls. Is it the slowest in all Twenty20 cricket? asked Shubham Singh from India

Manish Pandey’s 67-ball hundred for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Deccan Chargers in Centurion in May 2009 remains the slowest in the IPL, despite a near-miss by David Warner, who needed 66 balls to reach three figures for Delhi Daredevils against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Feroz Shah Kotla in March 2010. The slowest hundreds in all senior T20 cricket have both taken 74 balls. In the first one, Misbah-ul-Haq rescued Pakistan A from 9 for 2 against New Zealand A during a quadrangular competition in Darwin in July 2006, while Scotland’s Calum MacLeod also reached his hundred from 74 deliveries in the World T20 Qualifier against Oman in Sharjah in July 2012. Both Misbah and MacLeod faced 76 balls in all: the only man to face more in any T20 innings is Zubair Ahmed, whose unbeaten 111 in Quetta Bears’ ten-wicket victory over Larkana Bulls in Karachi in September 2014 lasted 77 deliveries.Who is the only keeper-captain to score a double-hundred in a Test? asked Ibrahim Kamara from Sierra Leone

Only eight men have made a double-century in a Test in which they were also the designated wicketkeeper, with Andy Flower’s unbeaten 232 for Zimbabwe against India in Nagpur in 2000-01 the highest score among them. Six of the eight players concerned captained their country at some point, and two of them scored their double-hundreds during matches in which they were in charge. Both happened in the space of a few days in 2013: first MS Dhoni made 224 for India against Australia in Chennai in February, then – early in March – Mushfiqur Rahim hit a round 200 for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka in Galle.Mushfiqur Rahim was Bangladesh’s keeper-captain when he made his double-century in Galle in 2013•AFPWhat is the lowest individual score that has yet to be made in a T20 international? asked Joshwin Maharaj from South Africa

No one has yet finished with a score of 92 in men’s T20Is. No one has made 95 either: these are the only two numbers under 100 that haven’t been recorded yet. Charlotte Edwards did compile 92 not out for England Women against Australia in Hobart in January 2014. The corresponding record for men’s one-day internationals is 155 (there have been three 154s, and five 156s), while in Tests the lowest individual score not yet made is 229; that and 238 are the only ones under 250 which have not yet happened.Who’s the oldest player to make his Test debut for India, and who’s the oldest to score a maiden Test hundred? asked Shalin Shah from India

India’s oldest debutant is the slow left-armer Rustomji Jamshedji, who was 27 days past his 41st birthday when he played against England in Bombay in 1933-34. He took three wickets, including England’s top scorer, Bryan Valentine (136). India fielded another 40-year-old newcomer, Cotar Ramaswami, against England at Old Trafford in 1936. India’s oldest debutant in the last 60 years is Robin Singh – he was 35 when he played his only Test (to go with 136 one-day internationals) against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1998-99. For the overall list of the oldest Test debutants, click here. The oldest player from anywhere to score a maiden Test century was the South African Dave Nourse, who was 42 when he made 111 against Australia in Johannesburg in 1921-22. If you mean the oldest Indian to score a maiden hundred, that was 36-year-old Anil Kumble, against England at The Oval in 2007.Send in your questions using our feedback form.

While the likes of London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were being chucked out of the FA Cup this weekend, Arsenal were out in Dubai for some warm-weather training and much-needed rest.

However, the only reason the North Londoners are out in the Middle East is that they failed to get past Manchester United in the last round of the competition.

What makes that all the more frustrating is that Mikel Arteta’s side were arguably the better side on the day, creating four big chances to the visitors’ two, but poor finishing from Kai Havertz and a dire penalty from Martin Odegaard cost them.

The former has come in for a lot of stick in recent months, and there was perhaps an admission from the club that they need more attacking reinforcements when they reportedly made an unsuccessful bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins late last month.

Arteta ultimately ended up with no new players, and to make matters worse, one of their former youth prospects is continuing to excel on the continent and is outperforming Havertz and Watkins in the process.

Why Arsenal need an attacker

It was no secret that heading into the transfer window, the one area of the pitch Arsenal desperately needed to strengthen was attack.

That need was only made more acute with Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury just after Christmas and again when Gabriel Jesus suffered an ACL injury against United in the FA Cup midway through last month.

However, injuries are not the only reason fans and pundits have been calling out for the Gunners to sign some new attackers, as Leandro Trossard has just 11 goal involvements to his name in 36 games this season, Gabriel Martinelli had as many in 35 games before his Hamstring injury, and Raheem Sterling has just three in 18 games.

Saka

24

9

13

Havertz

34

15

5

Martinelli

35

7

4

Trossard

36

5

6

Jesus

27

7

2

Nwaneri

23

7

0

In fact, the only player to hit double figures for goals thus far is Havertz, who has found the back of the net 15 times and provided five assists in 34 games, while Saka remains the overall leader for goal involvements, with 22 in 24 games.

This all helps to explain the club’s reported bid for Watkins, as prior to suffering his own minor injury, the former Exeter City star had racked up a brilliant haul of 11 goals and nine assists in 33 games this season.

Yet, as impressive as the Englishman has been this year, he’s being outperformed by one of Arsenal’s former youth players who left the club years ago.

The former Arsenal prospect outperforming Havertz and Watkins

Thanks to Arsenal having such a brilliant academy in Hale End, quite a number of the club’s former youth players are enjoying stellar campaigns this season.

From Mika Biereth at AS Monaco to Donyell Malen, who just joined Aston Villa, there are a number of attacking players who Arteta would probably love to have in his current squad, but in this case, the player outperforming both Havertz and Watkins is Michael Olise.

Before appearing on people’s radar at Reading, moving and making a name for himself with Crystal Palace and securing a mega-money move to Bayern Munich, the Hammersmith-born dynamo spent a brief period in the Gunners’ academy set-up before leaving as a boy on a free transfer.

Appearances

31

Minutes

1959′

Goals

10

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

89.04′

Since moving to Germany, the 23-year-old “wizard,” as dubbed by writer Muhammad Butt, has been nothing short of spectacular and has more than justified the sizable £50m outlay FC Hollywood made on him.

For example, in 31 appearances so far, totalling 1959 minutes, he has scored ten goals and provided 12 assists for the Bavarian behemoths.

Not only is that two more goal involvements than both Havertz and Watkins managed, but it also works out to a brilliant average of one every 1.40 games, or every 89.04 minutes – talk about being a game-changer.

Ultimately, it’s hard to blame Arsenal for missing out on the incredible talent when he left the club so young, but even so, we can’t help but imagine how much more dangerous Arteta’s team could be with a player like Olise in it.

Arsenal hit the jackpot on sensational star worth far more than Gordon

Anthony Gordon has terrorised Arsenal throughout the years…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 7, 2025

Mumbai’s captain has reached double digits just twice in eight innings this year while batting in the middle order, which could prompt a rethink about moving him back to open

Nikhil Kalro24-Apr-2017When a batsman isn’t picking the direction of spin, a cross-batted stroke, like a sweep or a reverse sweep, is the most logical option because it offers a wider second line of defence. ​Sweeping a legspinner means it is unlikely the ball will spin past the outside edge or will go through a bat-pad gap for a right-hander.A flipper, a topspinner and a slider are flat-trajectory variations, so when a legspinner flights a ball, he limits his options to two – a legbreak or a googly. The raw probability of not picking that variation, therefore, is 50%. Top-order batsmen, struggling to pick a legspinner, are rarely willing to back themselves with that amount of chance, even in T20s.So when Rohit Sharma chose a premeditated sweep off Amit Mishra in the ninth over against Delhi Daredevils last week, it wasn’t the worst option. He may or may not have picked the googly from the hand, but he found deep square leg with a sweep he didn’t keep along the ground. Perhaps Rohit’s sweep was borne largely out of distrust in his ability to differentiate the googly from a legbreak, for his form against legspinners this IPL has been woeful.Against Imran Tahir in Mumbai’s first game against Rising Pune Supergiant, Rohit was done in by a slider, his feet rooted to the crease. He didn’t pick the variation and was beaten in pace. Rohit played Tahir with more conviction and intent in Mumbai’s loss to Rising Pune at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday night though, taking him for 23 runs off 15 balls, but still failed to pick the regulation legbreak from the googly.Earlier in the season, Rohit was out lbw to a googly from Rashid Khan against Sunrisers Hyderabad, another delivery he failed to pick. He even failed to keep out Samuel Badree’s hat-trick ball, another googly that sneaked between bat and pad. He struck an unbeaten 29-ball 40 against Gujarat Lions, who didn’t have any wristspinners. Against Kolkata Knight Riders, he was out lbw – albeit to a poor umpiring decision – against Sunil Narine, another bowler he wasn’t quite picking. The choice of stroke in all these dismissals was similar – offering a straight bat with a full face at the ball.Against right-arm spinners this IPL before Monday’s game against Rising Pune in Mumbai, Rohit had been dismissed five times and scored just five runs in 15 balls. “I was trying to play with the spin, which is what we’re taught, but these [legspinners] were bowling googlies, so I had to play against it,” Rohit had said about his approach to legspin after his unbeaten 40 against Lions. “I decided to not play in the ‘V’. I know it sounds stupid to not to play in the ‘V’ but that’s how it is now.”Although his problems against legspin weren’t accentuated before this season, Rohit’s numbers are well below his average. Excluding the first year of the IPL, his highest strike-rate against legspin was 133.33 in 2012.

Rohit Sharma v legspin, IPL

Year Inns Runs Bf Dis SR Ave2008 8 68 45 1 151.11 68.002009 9 53 45 3 117.78 17.672010 6 44 40 0 110.002011 6 31 41 3 75.61 10.332012 5 44 33 0 133.332013 9 52 52 2 100.00 26.002014 8 29 31 1 93.55 29.002015 11 78 65 2 120.00 39.002016 7 45 41 1 109.76 45.002017 6 28 30 5 93.33 5.60What are his options then? The simple solution is opening the batting. Rohit does it for India in T20Is and has also opened for Mumbai in previous seasons. But that could displace the relatively successful pair of Jos Buttler and Parthiv Patel. Rohit had said batting himself at No. 4 improves the balance of the side and also opens up the possibility of him finishing games.If he replaces Parthiv, that would mean either Buttler taking the gloves – which he does for England – or not making full use of Parthiv’s potential in utilising the Powerplay. After the Powerplay in the IPL, Parthiv averages just 20.36 with a strike rate of 119.16. In T20 terms, that equates to an inefficient use of resources.However, pushing Buttler down the order wouldn’t affect Mumbai’s top order much, nor would it disrupt their balance. He has played 52 of his 53 T20I innings in the middle order, with a strike rate of 139.20. Buttler has played the finishing role for England for his whole international career, save one innings. Rohit has batted in the top order for the majority of his. A simple swap makes all the sense in the T20 world, efficient utilisation of resources and all. Despite their success this season, are Mumbai willing to alter their winning style?

da blaze casino： Following a hectic January transfer window, in which Jhon Duran left for Al-Nassr in a big-money move, Aston Villa are now reportedly in the race to sign a key replacement for the forward this summer.

Aston Villa transfer news

da dobrowin： Whilst Duran’s exit certainly opened the floodgates for further arrivals to come flying in at Villa Park, the Midlands club ultimately ended the window without signing a replacement. Instead, they seemed to focus on the surrounding areas – strengthening on the flank through Donyell Malen and Marcus Rashford, before replacing Diego Carlos with Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.

Speaking to the club website after putting pen to paper, late arrival Disasi said: “My happiness to play, my desire to play and to win. I’m still young, but I have experience, so I want to bring this.

“I’m just a guy that loves to give everything for the team, and it’s this that I want to bring. I hope we will succeed. I would say I like to be aggressive, I like to be dominant. I like to play with the ball also from the back, and I can score some goals. I am very happy to be here.”

Related Revealed: Why Aston Villa missed out on £365k-p/w trio before Disasi loan

It was a busy and hectic winter window at Villa Park as they tried for several new signings.

Posts ByBen Browning Feb 4, 2025

After such a busy window, the Villans are still not done there it seems. According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Aston Villa could now take advantage of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract doubts to land their Duran replacement.

The Crystal Palace striker is reportedly deliberating over a new deal with his current contract coming to an end in the summer 2026. Leaving the door ajar, Villa could come swooping in and sign the added firepower they may need ahead of other interested parties such as Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest.

"Strong" Mateta is ready for step up

As Aston Villa eye Champions League qualification for the second year in a row, they could welcome a striker who is more than ready to step up to that European level following two standout campaigns at Selhurst Park. Even as Ollie Watkins’ deputy too, Duran proved that there’s still space in the spotlight for another striker to shine.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Jhon Duran

Minutes

1,862

638

Goals

10

7

Assists

1

0

Expected Goals

8.2

4.9

Outperforming his expected goals by two and hitting double figures this season, it’s no surprise that Mateta has found himself at the centre of Paul Merson’s praise.

The former Arsenal midfielder and now Sky Sports pundit said, as relayed by The Metro: “He’s a strong lad up front, playing at the top of his game, he leads the line, scoring goals now. He runs and works his socks off harder than anyone you know.”

With his Crystal Palace future still in question, Mateta looks set to have quite the decision to make in South London when the summer arrives and Aston Villa alongside others come calling for his signature.

West Ham United managed to bolster their attacking department during the final day of the January transfer window.

The Irons have a horrible history of signing centre forwards and that hasn’t improved with a certain German named Nicklas Fullkrug.

Well, with the striker injured, they’ve been keen to boost their options at the top end of the pitch and they did so by signing Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson on a loan deal until the end of the season.

His arrival will give Graham Potter a big boost, especially if the Republic of Ireland international centre-forward can stay fit and healthy.

What Evan Ferguson can bring to West Ham United

Ferguson hasn’t exactly enjoyed the most productive of seasons on the South Coast. A series of injuries have restricted him to just 15 appearances in all competitions, scoring just one goal in the process.

While this term and 2023/24 have been hampered by injury problems, when Ferguson burst onto the scene during the 2022/23 campaign, he was a breath of fresh air.

Ten goals and three assists for the Seagulls in just 25 games as a teenager looked like it had set the striker on the path to greatness, with a series of big clubs already showing interest.

While things haven’t exactly gone to plan over the previous 18 months or so, if Potter can get Ferguson to bring the sort of form that he showcased in his maiden season, West Ham may have made one of the best signings of the window as they strive to score more goals.

Michael Owen

1998

25

126

Robbie Fowler

1994

22

140

Nicolas Anelka

1998

12

221

Francis Jeffers

1999

12

172

Wayne Rooney

2005

11

175

Evan Ferguson

2023

11

143

However, has the club already sold their own version of Ferguson?

West Ham's very own Evan Ferguson

A certain Divin Mubama made his senior debut for the Irons during the 2022/23 season, but it wasn’t until the following season that he began to enjoy more minutes under David Moyes.

During that term, Mubama scored 30 goals for the first team, U21s and U18s, being instrumental to the success of the latter two sides.

He even won the Mark Noble Award due to his impressive displays, with Academy Manager Kenny Brown lavishing praise on the forward, saying: “He has truly enjoyed an incredible season and he’s a great personality too.”

The 20-year-old made 12 first-team appearances for the club throughout 2023/24, although he failed to get on the scoresheet or grab an assist.

His contract expired at the end of last season and, despite his early promise at the club, it was soon announced that he had departed West Ham along with Ben Johnson after rejecting a contract extension.

Manchester City soon snapped him up, with the two clubs agreeing on a compensation fee of just £1.2m for the Englishman.

Mubama has already made two appearances under Pep Guardiola, no mean feat given the players at his disposal, even scoring against Salford City in the FA Cup last month.

If he continues performing and impressing the Spaniard, more game time in the first team could come between now and the end of the season.

There is no doubt that failing to keep the 20-year-old will turn out to be a poor decision by the Irons and considering they’ve now loaned in another top young prospect, a player who is coincidentally the same age, perhaps they will regret not tying their academy prospect down.

After Ferguson: West Ham plot bid to sign their biggest talent since Rice

It’s deadline day, and Graham Potter is looking to make more than one West Ham signing.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 3, 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jul-2016After Voges chipped a return catch to Rangana Herath, Mitchell Marsh and Smith added 43 as Australia chipped away at the target•Associated PressHowever, Sri Lanka’s spinners struck thrice just before lunch to leave Australia tottering at 141 for 7 at the break•Associated PressPeter Nevill and Steve O’Keefe, batting with a hamstring injury, resisted with a four-run stand off 178 balls•AFPHerath’s nagging accuracy, though, was too good for Australia. Before the tea break, he picked up the last wicket to finish with match figures of 9 for 103•AFPSri Lanka won by 106 runs – just their second Test win against Australia – to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series•Associated Press

Aston Villa succumbed to their first defeat of the year in all competitions away at AS Monaco as the French hosts beat Unai Emery’s men by a single goal.

In truth, it wasn’t the most exciting Champions League spectacle but Monaco got over the line in the end to clinch three points in Europe’s most esteemed competition courtesy of an early Wilfried Singo header.

Emery will be praying this unwanted defeat doesn’t knock his side’s confidence heading back into Premier League action shortly, with a large portion of his first-team personnel underperforming on Tuesday night.

What went wrong for Aston Villa vs Monaco

It was a flat performance overall from the Villans who can play swashbuckling football when at the peak of their powers. After all, they have already beaten Bayern Munich in this season’s edition of the Champions League.

But, it was a tired showing from the majority of the Villa attackers in the principality, with Ollie Watkins unable to get on the scoresheet to gift his side a foothold in the contest.

On another day, the England international would fire home a chance like the one above after some excellent Emiliano Buenda trickery found him in space, but it wasn’t to be on a night where that was his only effort on the Monaco net surprisingly.

Away from the misfiring number 11, it could be argued Morgan Rogers also had a quiet night by his high standards, with only 33% of his dribbles successfully pulled off.

But, there is one player that hasn’t yet been named that put in another yet dire display for Emery’s men, with the 2024/25 season not being kind to him whatsoever after a blistering campaign prior.

Chalkboard

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

Leon Bailey's performance in numbers

It was always going to be difficult for the Jamaican attacker to live up to his 2023/24 numbers, with the ex-Bayer Leverkusen winger helping himself to a stunning 19 goal contributions in the Premier League alone.

But, nobody would have predicted how sharp of a decline Leon Bailey would take in such a short amount of time, with the out-of-sorts 27-year-old registering just three goal contributions from 18 league games this season, as his poor form domestically begins to be apparent in his forgettable showings in the Champions League.

Bailey’s numbers vs Monaco
Minutes played	57
Goals scored	0
Assists	0
Touches	20
Accurate passes	8/11
Shots	3
Big chances missed	2
Total duels won	1/3
Stats by Sofascore

Only managing 20 touches of the ball from his lacklustre 57 minutes on the pitch, that was fewer than goalkeeper Emi Martinez (41), which only goes to show the forward’s lack of influence on proceedings.

Bailey did manage to get himself into some promising areas for the away side on occasion, but two big chances would go begging for the 5 foot 10 forward to try and steer his side to a confident win in Europe.

With only eight accurate passes registered too, on top of just one duel being won from three attempted, it wasn’t a great shock to see Bailey hooked just shy of the hour mark as Villa’s first alteration, with Emery now left to ponder whether the 27-year-old should have his game-time cut back in the top-flight.

Handed a 4/10 rating by Birmingham World journalist Charlie Haffenden, it could well be time for Emery to ditch his winger and unleash Donyell Malen down the right instead.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund man is no doubt eager to make an impact having cost his new side around £21m to obtain last week.

Whatever side is fielded next, Emery will be looking for a response after this drab evening in Monaco saw his side’s unbeaten run in 2025 come to a disappointing end.

A better deal than Malen: Aston Villa close in on signing an "elite talent"

Aston Villa are closing in on signing a defender…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 21, 2025

South Africa pull one back finally, and our correspondent is there to watch – while practising a bit of yoga on the side

Firdose Moonda19-Jul-2017July 2
What should be a straightforward short commute from London to Leicester turns into a three-hour trip via Bedford because they are working on the train lines and there is a replacement bus to take us most of the journey. It means I arrive late in Leicester. So late that I miss seeing South Africa bowl West Indies out for 48 and arrive in time to watch them knock off the runs inside seven overs. It’s not really a day to talk to a batsman but I take the chance to interview Laura Wolvaardt, the young opener in her final year of school, who is deciding between a career in cricket and a medical degree. That she even has that choice is a victory for the women’s game.July 3
Back to the men in London, where Russell Domingo has returned to the team camp and confirms he has reapplied for the coach job. The team are in good spirits and many of them have their families with them. Faf du Plessis is at home with his and news comes through that mother and baby are doing well. After interviews, I walk through (you guessed it) Hyde Park, where Morne Morkel, his wife Roz and son Ari are enjoying an evening picnic. Ari has a bat and ball with him and is keen to face some fast bowling, but because his dad is managing his workload, I take the ball. After a loosener, I find my length and with my second delivery, I beat the bat to dismiss an international cricketer’s son. He has not yet turned two, but I’m claiming it.July 4
The trip just keeps getting better for me because today I get a raise. In the form of a plastic step. After almost a decade working in cricket, I will finally be tall enough to see eye to eye with my interviewees, and taller than some of my colleagues.I take a walking tour of London in the evening, exploring the history of European immigration in Soho. The French were particularly prevalent in the area and Charles de Gaulle formed the Free French Front at a pub on Dean Street. They were also waves of Dutch, Hungarian and German residents – including Karl Marx.Is that fair play in a height contest?•Firdose Moonda/ESPNcricinfoJuly 5
Dean Elgar becomes the 12th South African since readmission to deliver a captain’s pre-match press conference and he is awfully nervous about the whole thing. Far from the bullish opener we have come to know over the last five or so years, Elgar is softer-spoken today. His father, one of his high-school teachers, and his best friend will all be in attendance at the match: all of them had promised him they would make a special effort to get to Lord’s if he ever played a Test there, so this is as big an occasion for them as it is for him. He doesn’t reveal too much else, except that he probably won’t bowl himself.July 6
And at first it seems he may not need to. South Africa enjoy a good morning session even though they drop two catches. Elgar seems to have things under control – until Joe Root takes it away from him. I have the chance to chat to Vince van der Bijl about a charity project he has involved the MCC in, in Masiphumelele, a township outside Cape Town. Van der Bijl is passionate about doing good and contributing to making a meaningful change to South Africa, especially as a member of the privileged class.July 7
England get far ahead of South Africa. Temba Bavuma and Theunis de Bruyn are given a chance to bowl, neither with any success. And then the new opening pair also fail. South Africa knew it would be tough, but this tough… perhaps not.July 8
The final Test in the series between the All Blacks and the British and Irish Lions, who are locked at one-all, is being played this morning. I saw pubs packed early in the morning for the previous two, and I decide to try and get to one for the third match. The one I try, closest to my guesthouse and the tube station, is so full, I can’t even squeeze in, so I go to Lord’s instead. I join a throng of people huddled around a small screen in one of the shops. We see a Lions penalty that makes it 15-all and that’s the way it stays. “What happens now?” one bewildered fan asks. “Does it just stay a draw?” I tell him it does. “What an anti-climax.” I agree. See, it’s not just cricket where things happen for days only for there not to be a winner.Soho: a magnet for European immigration over the decades•Firdose Moonda/ESPNcricinfoJuly 9
At Lord’s, there will definitely be a winner. England make a mess of South Africa as returning captain du Plessis looks on. He joins Elgar for the post-match press conference and Elgar jokingly returns an imaginary armband to him.In more sombre news, Domingo has had to leave the tour again. His mother, who had recovered from a car accident she was in two weeks ago, enough to be discharged from hospital before the first Test, has suffered a setback, been put on life support, and passes away later that night. Suddenly the South African camp really is about life and death. Just a week ago, du Plessis welcomed a daughter into the world; now Domingo will bury his mother.July 10
What should have been the fifth day is now a day spent analysing the defeat. I decide to do my work at the Monocle Café in Chiltern Street, a creative hub I really enjoy. Back home, I am an avid listener to Monocle Radio and in this café, they even play it in the toilet. In the evening, there’s time for a stroll through Marylebone, which is a good way to say goodbye to London for now.July 11
Nottingham is a new stop for me and I am excited to head there. was the first play I performed in when I was at school. I was in second grade and I don’t remember my character, but I’m fairly sure it wasn’t Maid Marian. I’ve been told this is a city of students but also a good way to experience some old England, and my first look around does not disappoint. Cobbled streets and gorgeous churches greet me. So does the rain.Soaking in some of old England in Nottingham•Firdose Moonda/ESPNcricinfoJuly 12
Gunn & Moore have invited Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander, Duanne Olivier, Aiden Markram and some media to their factory to see how bats are made. It’s a fascinating and intricate process that involves pressing the blade and shaping it to individual preferences. Some of the staff at the factory have worked there for decades – one, Kevin Stimpson, for 43 years – and are well versed in what several international players want. Olivier meanders along somewhat aimlessly and admits he doesn’t have all that much use for bats, while Markram muses about when he might go home. I suspect it will be fairly soon, but it will also not be long before he plays Test cricket.July 13
“I wouldn’t say I was the best manager in the world but I was in the top one,” Brain Clough, the former Nottingham Forest coach once said. His was a story of triumph over adversity, much like South Africa’s will have to be if they are to square the series. A statue of Clough looms over the city’s main square, about a mile from the Trent River.July 14
On a cloudy morning, at a venue where England bowled Australia out for 60 in a Test, du Plessis chooses to bat first. At best, it seems brave. South Africa were skittled for 119 the last time they faced this attack, remember? But moving de Kock to No. 4 works a charm and South Africa are much more convincing. I sense the makings of an epic comeback.July 15
Qamar Ahmed, who will turn 80 later this year and is covering his 427th Test, has invited a bunch of us to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, which claims to be the oldest inn in England. It opened its doors in 1178. Qamar assures us he was not there on opening night, but regales us with tales of India in the 1940s, London in the 1970s, and everything in between. I’ve seen a lot of Qamar on the road and I always enjoy spending time with him. He promises to take me to Curry Mile in Manchester and I’m going to hold him to it.Brian Clough – an inspiration for the touring South Africans?•Firdose Moonda/ESPNcricinfoJuly 16
I have picked up a second yoga student. The ‘s Jonathan Liew joins my morning class before play, which has now evolved into a full 45-minute session. I put the boys through sun salutations, lunges, and some basic back bends. I try to keep it slow and gentle, much like South Africa’s batting. Hashim Amla and Elgar tick over and South Africa build a big lead, big enough to stick England in just before the close.July 17
A third yogi joins the group. This time, it’s Nick Hoult. Like me, he is a runner, so we have a lot of the same aches and pains – but not as many as England. Far from putting up the fight South Africa are expecting, England collapse. South Africa dedicate the win to Domingo, who should be back in a week’s time, ahead of the third Test. The squad will have a few days off but I will go to Bristol, where the South African women’s team are playing England in the semi-final. By the time I see the men again, du Plessis hopes he can pick up a few tips on how to win knockout matches from Dane van Niekerk, and there will be a decision on the coaching position. There are some big things happening for South African cricket in the next three weeks.

Liverpool are believed to be in talks to complete the signing of an “extraordinary” attacking player when the summer transfer window arrives, according to a fresh claim.

Latest Liverpool news

The Reds are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon, making the trip to Manchester City for another huge game in their title push.

There is no question that Liverpool have wobbled a little of late, drawing four of their last eight league games, not to mention crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Plymouth Argyle. A win at the Etihad would feel significant, but further dropped points would really give Arsenal hope.

Regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season, the Reds could make a number of new signings this summer, strengthening in various areas of the pitch. Atletico Madrid forward Giuliano Simeone has been linked with a move to Anfield, giving Arne Slot even more depth in the final third, amid doubts over the futures of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.

Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong has also been backed to seal a switch to Liverpool, potentially even being looked at as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should the vice-captain join Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Liverpool in talks to sign "extraordinary" £50m+ attacker

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Liverpool have “held talks” over the signing of Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman this summer.

The Nigerian is “on the radar of a number of top clubs”, including the Reds and Arsenal, with his current team possibly wanting as much as £53.7m for his services. The talks with Liverpool are described as the “most advanced”, along with the Gunners.

Lookman could be a hugely exciting addition for Liverpool, having matured so much as a player since his time in English football with the likes of Charlton Athletic and Everton.

Last season, the 27-year-old famously scored a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League, inspiring Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over much-fancied Leverkusen, and his manager Gian Piero Gasperini has lauded him, saying:

“He’s [Lookman] a top player. In terms of character, there are perhaps players who have more continuity and are more solid, but that’s normal. Even his role is difficult. He always has to be very fit, but he has become a truly extraordinary player, among the best in Europe and the world. Because he has improved his consistency and in some ways he has started to be an important Atalanta player.”

This season, Lookman has continued to shine for Atalanta, scoring 10 Serie A goals in 17 starts, not to mention netting five times in the Champions League from his centre-forward role.

Liverpool also without "complete" ace vs Man City as Gakpo faces late call

More frustration for the Reds…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 21, 2025

With doubts persisting over Nunez’s quality and Jota’s availability – Diaz has also been hit-and-miss in a new role down the middle, too – the Nigeria international could be a brilliant choice to bring in and lead the line for Liverpool.

Hoping to get back to winning ways for the first time in three games, West Ham United could welcome the return of one summer arrival against Brentford this weekend.

West Ham injury news

Whilst Graham Potter has earned just one win in his first five games in charge, the former Chelsea boss has far from been helped on the injury front. Arriving to a side in desperate need of a striker amid the absence of both Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug, Potter at least welcomed the arrival of Evan Ferguson, who could yet get his debut this weekend after arriving on deadline day.

The young striker isn’t the only one who could come into the side, either. Recent injury news suggests that Potter could be handed another boost against the Bees this weekend.

According to The Sun, as relayed by West Ham Zone, Jean-Clair Todibo has now returned to training and is closing in on a return for the Hammers after missing the last five games in all competitions.

West Ham hold talks with "underrated" forward's camp ahead of free transfer

Graham Potter’s side are sensing a bargain opportunity.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 14, 2025

The central defender will be desperate to get off to a good start under Potter after never truly seeing eye-to-eye with former manager Julen Lopetegui. A fresh start should hand Todibo fresh hope of turning his early West Ham career around before earning a permanent move.

The London club could certainly do with their summer signing at his best if they want to revive their season. When firing on all cylinders, there’s no doubt that he should be a key man for the Hammers.

Todibo needed fresh start at West Ham

Starting just eight Premier League games under Lopetegui and reportedly falling out with the Spaniard, the longer that the manager’s reign went on the longer it seemed likely that Todibo’s West Ham tenure would be cut short. In the end, however, it was the defender who won the war as Lopetegui faced the sack.

Now, under Potter, Todibo must take full advantage of a fresh start once he is back to full fitness. The defender should be chomping at the bit, having been forced to watch from the sidelines in all five of his new manager’s first games in charge.

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Conceding 10 goals in the five games that he has missed, Tobido will certainly have to earn his £20,000-a-week wage at West Ham if he wants to help turn things around and fix what has been an incredibly leaky backline in recent weeks.