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On a ground he has played the hero before, allrounder Cooper Connolly stepped up with a game-changing half-century as Perth Scorchers continued their long-time dominance over Melbourne Stars in the BBL season-opener at Optus Stadium.Chasing 147, Scorchers were in trouble at 37 for 3 before Connolly and captain Ashton Turner combined for a 68-run partnership. Returning from a fractured hand sustained on the ground in last month’s third ODI against Pakistan, Connolly hit 64 from 51 balls before Turner sealed the result in trademark composed fashion.There was late drama when Stars batter Hilton Cartwright was stretchered off the ground in a mini-ambulance with what appeared to be a neck injury. He had given chase from deep point in a bid to prevent a boundary from Connolly and seemed to jar his neck as he sprawled across the turf.Cartwright, a Western Australian cricketer, had the support of a neck brace as he left the ground to warm applause from the fans before being taken to hospital.It was the seventh straight win for Scorchers over Stars much to the delight of the 30,649 crowd – a record for a BBL season-opener.

Connolly and Turner lift weakened Scorchers batting

Stars’ score of 146 for 9 appeared under par, but there were concerns over a weakened Scorchers’ batting line-up missing injured No.3 Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis, who is part of Australia’s Test squad.Expectations were high over New Zealand opener Finn Allen, who had tuned up for his Scorchers debut with a succession of massive hits during an intra-squad match at the WACA.Allen didn’t bother with a sighter as he launched compatriot Adam Milne for a massive six over wide long-on to trigger bedlam among the orange-garbed fans in the terraces.But he was bowled by Milne on the next delivery before Scorchers slumped further when English batters top-order Keaton Jennings and Matt Hurst struggled to handle the extra bounce.In familair scenes, Turner came to the crease and brought calmness to the middle. He started slowly in trademark style as Connolly did the bulk of the damage.Connolly has said his preference is to bat at No.6 but his flexibility came to the fore as he reached his maiden BBL half-century. He was not able to stay there at the end, like he memorably did in the final of BBL 12. He fell after when Scorchers took the power surge in the 14th over but Turner, who has missed much of the domestic season with injuries, finished the job with an unbeaten 37 as Scorchers reached the target in the 18th over.

Same ol’ Scorchers attack

New season, same old menacing Scorchers attack. It was like a collection of greatest hits for this reliable group of bowlers.Left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff has for years been a devastating weapon with the new ball and this was no exception. He didn’t take wickets in his opening two-over spell, but indirectly helped account for the early dismissals of Joe Clarke and Sam Harper.Behrendorff conjured trademark dangerous swing and started the season with a maiden. The pressure built on Stars with Jhye Richardson the beneficiary at the other end as he capped Scorchers’ early dominance by dismissing Harper plumb lbw as he grinned widely before appealing to the umpire, who raised his finger in a decision that was upheld on review.Richardson capped his fine performance with the wicket of Beau Webster, who had been released from Australia’s Test squad, in the 17th over.It was a well-rounded effort from a full-strength Scorchers attack with speedster Lance Morris bowling at speeds touching 145 kmh, while left-arm spinners Ashton Agar and Connolly each took a wicket in their returns from injuries.

Stoinis starts captaincy reign well before run-out

It’s a new era for Stars, a high-profile franchise that are famously titleless, with Marcus Stoinis taking the captaincy reins from Glenn Maxwell, who stepped down after five seasons in the role.Stoinis came to the crease under pressure but he’s well used to these fast and bouncy conditions having come up through the Western Australian cricket ranks.And he met fire with fire, taking a liking to Morris’ extra pace before smashing Agar for a huge six down the ground. In the process he became the sixth batter in BBL history to reach 100 sixes.With batting conditions becoming easier, Stoinis attempted to bludgeon every delivery like when he launched into a full-pitched Richardson delivery only to break his bat in half.But two deliveries later Stoinis took off for a quick single only for Tye at mid-on to produce a spectacular direct hit to throw down the stumps at the bowler’s end. Stoinis instantly knew his fate and was clearly livid as he threw his head back and chucked his bat in the air.Stoinis trudged off after making 37 off 33 balls but Tom Curran, recruited from Sydney Sixers, gave them a lift in the backend with 37 off 19 balls. But it wasn’t enough as their shorthanded attack missing Scott Boland could not defend the sub-par total.

Amad Diallo is a player who has had to switch up his game over the last couple of months due to the implementation of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford.

The Ivorian has largely operated in a right wing-back role when fit, having a huge impact on the side and arguably taking his career to the next level as a result.

He managed to register eight goals and six assists in the Premier League last season, potentially having to feature in such a position once again throughout 2025/26.

The addition of Matheus Cunha and the potential signing of Bryan Mbeumo would likely see the pair operate in the number ten positions, which could see Amad drop back into a deeper position.

However, the hierarchy could land numerous targets this summer, with many of which benefiting the former Atalanta star in his quest for success at Old Trafford.

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

Over the last couple of days, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been named as a possible addition for the club throughout the current window.

The 32-year-old may be allowed to depart Unai Emery’s side ahead of 2025/26, with the player himself wanting a move, but he could cost in the region of £40m.

However, he’s not the only defensive option currently on their radar, with PSG star Lucas Beraldo a key target for Amorim’s side, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Brazilian centre-back could be allowed to depart the French outfit during the off-season, opening the door to a move to the Red Devils.

Transfer Focus

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

It also states that Jason Wilcox and Co are preparing a bid for the 21-year-old in the coming days, potentially adding further depth to the backline, but also providing quality elsewhere in the squad.

He could be available for a fee of around £25m, according to reports in France.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Amad

Whilst injuries somewhat plagued his progress throughout last season, Amad managed to produce numerous impressive moments in what was a huge year for the star personally.

He was seen as a squad player by former boss Erik ten Hag, but the arrival of Amorim saw him become a key member of the side, as seen by his assist for Marcus Rashford in the 40-year-old’s first game at the helm.

Other key outings saw him register a hat-trick against Southampton, whilst also netting the winner against local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.

Undoubtedly, given his setbacks with various injuries, he will be hoping to put a run of games together and replicate his best form in the club’s charge up the table next year.

If he is to be a success, he could be aided by defender Beraldo, who could hold the keys to the Ivorian reaching the next level despite his current defensive role.

When delving into his stats from the previous campaign in Ligue 1, the Brazilian thrived in and out of possession, offering a real top-level talent to Amorim’s side as a result.

Beraldo, who’s been labelled “incredibly eye-catching” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed to complete 95% of the passes he attempted last season, 5.9 of which per 90 were progressive – subsequently handing Amad the chance to impress when he receives the ball.

The youngster’s impressive ability on the ball is further reflected by his tally of 7.5 passes into the final third per 90, a figure that puts him in the top 2% of the division – having the ball-playing ability to allow Amad to torment the opposition.

However, the defender has also been a key defensive option for the Parisians, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 along with a 68% aerial success, which could massively bolster the options currently on the books at Old Trafford.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for his signature would cost this summer, it’s evident that any deal would be a superb one, having the potential to improve further given his tender age.

If he can transfer his skillset to England, he would have the quality needed at both ends to impress, potentially allowing Diallo to reach the next level as a result.

Needed more than Watkins: "Cantona of his generation" wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United appear to be edging closer to landing the signature of another star.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 16, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is about to welcome another new player to his squad, with sporting director Andrea Berta also poised to build upon his impressive portfolio of Gunners signings this summer.

More exciting than Gyokeres: Romano reveals Arsenal's new "top target"

The sensational game-changer would be an incredible signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 24, 2025

Their deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera have done wonders to reinforce multiple areas of Arteta’s side in their bid to finally win a long-coveted Premier League title.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£140m

Kepa’s top-level experience is a real asset to Arteta, and the Spaniard’s impressive performances on loan at Bournemouth last term seriously suggest that he’ll keep number one David Raya firmly on his toes.

Zubimendi comes in as a world-class replacement for Jorginho after years of convincing La Liga displays at boyhood club Real Sociedad, while Norgaard’s Premier League know-how and reliability helps to shore up Arteta’s midfield further.

Arsenal supporters will have to wait before seeing Madueke don the red and white jersey, though, as he’ll play no part in their pre-season tour of Asia. The Englishman is resting after competing in the Club World Cup with Chelsea, but the same cannot be said for Mosquera, who’s flown out to Singapore and joined up with his new teammates (The Athletic).

However, the name on everybody’s lips in the past few weeks has been Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners reached an agreement in principle to sign him midway through July for a potential £64 million, including add-ons (The Athletic), and after a lengthy wait, the striker is now expected to complete his move to north London after a breakthrough earlier this week (Fabrizio Romano).

Gyokeres’ eagerness to join Arteta’s side has been well documented, and his agent even reduced any commission fees due to help facilitate the transfer.

Viktor Gyokeres set for Arsenal medical in next 24 hours

In terms of when fans can expect to see the Sweden international on the field, they won’t have to wait long at all.

According to Fabrizio Romano, sharing his latest update on the saga, Gyokeres is set to have a medical at Arsenal in the next 24 hours. The 27-year-old has been given the formal green-light to travel with all necessary paperwork exchanged, with Romano adding that the centre-forward is “coming soon”.

Gyokeres’ arrival has been cried out for, especially after Arsenal’s struggles breaking down teams in the low block across 2024/2025. Indeed, the signing of a prolific striker was a long time coming, and Arteta can now breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Arsenal drew more Premier League games than any other side in the top 10 last campaign, scoring just 69 goals, but Gyokeres’ potency in the final third will come as a serious antidote to their scoring woes.

“The news on Arsenal signing Gyokores is massive; Arsenal have signed well, but signing a No9 in Gyokores can be the missing piece of the jigsaw to get Arsenal over the line for the title,” said club legend Ray Parlour, via GB News.

“He still has to prove himself in the Premier League as the Portuguese League is different, but this will give the whole club and fanbase a huge lift, and excitement will build ahead of the new season.

“We’ve been missing and out-an-out No9 and now they signed one, it can be the missing link that Arsenal have been waiting for.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had one striker at the very top of his transfer priority list, but the expectation is that he’ll now remain at his club for another window.

Related Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal given "green light" to sign "machine" after agreement

Mikel Arteta is being backed to the hilt.

Posts 10 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 11, 2025

The Gunners have showcased serious ambition under new sporting director Andrea Berta this summer, having already announced the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

This trio of deals takes Arsenal’s transfer expenditure to around £75 million, not including add-ons, but Arteta’s side are certainly not done there.

Chelsea have given the green light for winger Noni Madueke to join Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano), in a deal worth around £50 million, and the 23-year-old is poised to become the seventh player in six years to swap Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium.

Despite striking a deal for Madueke, Arsenal haven’t given up on their pursuit of Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, and talks have been held with the 27-year-old’s representatives in an entirely separate move to his England international teammate.

However, the one signing all Gunners supporters want to see above all is the potential addition of a new striker.

Arsenal scored just 69 Premier League goals last term, far below their previous tallies of 88 and 91 in the 22/23 and 23/24 campaigns, and it is widely reported that they’re now in advanced talks to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres in an attempt to solve this conundrum.

However, the Swede who scored 54 goals in all competitions last season wasn’t always their main target.

Benjamin Sesko expected to remain at RB Leipzig this summer

That is according to reliable journalist Christian Falk, who wrote in his FactFiles column, as quoted by CaughtOffside, that Benjamin Sesko is set to be priced out of a transfer away from RB Leipzig.

Sesko was Arteta’s “first choice” potential striker signing for Arsenal, but the Slovenia international is now expected to remain in the Bundesliga, unless a suitor is willing to pay close to his £78 million price tag.

“Benjamin Šeško was Mikel Arteta’s first-choice option to reinforce the striker position,” said the head of football at BILD.

“However, Edu Gaspar, Arsenal’s former sporting director, was more focused on Viktor Gyökeres because the Sporting Lisbon star is a cheaper option.

“Now, at the moment, Šeško is too expensive for Arsenal and Manchester United. So, it seems he’s going to stay put for another season, unless a potential suitor is prepared to come in and pay €90m [£77.5m].

“It could still happen, but as we’re seeing with Arsenal, not every club is willing to pay this amount.”

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the charge to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s ranks this summer, with the Gunners determined to end their two-decade-long-plus wait for a Premier League title.

Arsenal have "submitted an offer" to sign "strong" £30m Premier League star

The north Londoners are opening talks.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 2, 2025

Berta officially unveiled his first signing as Edu Gaspar’s replacement earlier this week.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Kepa Arrizabalaga is a now-confirmed Arsenal player after completing his medical at the club last week (Sky Sports), and the 30-year-old David Raya back-up joins from Chelsea for just £5 million.

“We are really happy to have Kepa joining us,” said Arteta about Kepa’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

“He is a player we know, having come up against him many times in recent seasons. He brings a wealth of experience, which his teammates will benefit from, and he has a real hunger to win.

“Kepa works hard and will elevate our levels. I know he will fit in perfectly, already knowing some of his teammates, and we are really excited about his future with us.”

Arsenal are likely to announce Martin Zubimendi’s signing at some point this week too, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard also expected to undergo his medical in the next few days (The Athletic).

Arsenal also want to sign a new attacking-midfielder/winger, amid talks for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, but supporters are especially keen to see Berta end the club’s long wait for a prolific star striker.

While there have been tentative links to the likes of Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, two big names stand out as Arsenal’s top centre-forward targets – RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Sesko, fresh off the back of his best Bundesliga campaign to date, was a top target for Arsenal last summer and in January (Ben Jacobs), with Berta holding talks over the £94,000-per-week Slovenia international again this summer.

Gyokeres, meanwhile, is at the centre of a public fallout with Sporting and president Frederico Varandas, and the 27-year-old is believed to be very keen on a move to Arsenal, whilst being worried that his price tag could jeopardise a move (Record).

Sesko and Gyokeres eyeing Arsenal moves as Berta leads talks

As per GiveMeSport and reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Arsenal’s intentions are clear when it comes to a deal for either man.

Berta has “advanced talks” for Sesko and Gyokeres, as widely reported elsewhere too, and Jacobs says that they would both welcome a move to north London. However, the key for a deal to be done is, of course, down to their final price tags.

Arsenal’s aim is to sign Sesko or Gyokeres for around £60 million, but personal terms shouldn’t be a problem for either really, especially considering the latter is only on around £40,000-per-week in Portugal right now.

Given the likes of Man United are also hunting for a top striker, amid links to Gyokeres in particular, Arsenal cannot afford to dilly-dally for too long here.

Tom Bailey, Will Williams wrap up Kent resistance to give Lancashire a lift in relegation fight

ECB Reporters Network26-Jun-2024Lancashire have routed Kent by an innings and 83 runs in their Vitality County Championship showdown at Canterbury.The visitors bowled Kent out for 222 in their second innings, Will Williams taking three for 26 and Tom Bailey three for 36. Charlie Stobo hit his highest first-class score of 64 but the hosts were all out after 30.2 overs on day four.The result, against the only side who were below them in Division One before this round of fixtures, drastically increases Lancashire’s chances of avoiding the drop, while Kent remain anchored to the foot of the table.It was an outcome that had looked almost inevitable ever since Kent lost a cluster of wickets midway through day one. The hosts were a shadow of the side who won convincingly at Old Trafford earlier this season, with six of the players who pulled off what remains their only red ball win of the season injured or unavailable.They resumed on 143 for six and with a deficit of 162 not many observers were expecting them to take the game deep into the fourth day.Beyers Swanepoel, batting with Tawanda Muyeye as his runner, was the first man to fall, cutting Bailey to Jack Blatherwick for 26 in the fourth over of the morning, but Stobo and Matt Parkinson responded with an obdurate stand that took out 18.3 overs.The sparse crowd meant the on-field chatter was amplified, especially, it seemed, when George Balderson bowled. During one over Lancashire’s fielders shouted: “Go on Baldie!” or variations thereof, a staggering 37 times, including 10 after a single delivery. No other bowler received this level of encouragement: Nathan Lyon’s next over was greeted with near silence.The partnership broke when Parkinson, who’d joked on Tuesday night that he planned to block for 96 overs, abandoned his previous discipline. He tried an ill-advised pull shot against Lyon and although that was spilled by Bailey at backward square leg, he was out to the next ball he faced.Stobo brought up his second first-class fifty in the next over when he drove Luke Wells for four, but after taking a single Parkinson was left with the strike and Wells pinned him lbw for seven.Wells then had George Garrett caught at first slip by Keaton Jennings at first slip for five and the victory was sealed when Williams used the new ball to send Stobo’s off stump cartwheeling.

Tottenham Hotspur failed to win for the 24th time in 35 Premier League matches yesterday, being held to a 1-1 draw by London rivals West Ham United.

Ange Postecoglou’s side went ahead early on through Wilson Odobert, but were unable to hold on to claim a rare three points after Jarrod Bowen’s equaliser.

Given the lack of importance to the fixture with nothing left to play for in the league, it’s no surprise that the Lilywhites failed to deliver, with all eyes on the Europa League semi-final on Thursday night.

However, the remaining outings give the manager an opportunity to evaluate his first-team squad ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window in North London.

Numerous players will likely be moved on from the club, with investment and changes desperately needed if they are to reach the heights they have done in previous years.

Spurs’ poor performers against West Ham

Yves Bissouma produced an excellent showing against Bodo Glimt on Thursday, but the same can’t be said about his display against the Hammers yesterday.

The Malian featured for the entirety of the contest, but lost possession ten times and failed to complete any of his dribbles – looking extremely wasteful with the ball at his feet.

Fellow midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has struggled to match his high levels of performance after his recent injury layoff, with his showing in East London another cause for concern.

The Swede lost 12 duels during the draw – the most of any player on the pitch – whilst also completing just one of his six attempted dribbles, unable to catapult the side to all three points.

However, despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other Spurs star struggled to make an impact, potentially ending his stint at the club ahead of next season.

The Spurs who needs to be sold after a 4/10 display

No Spurs fan could’ve envisaged how poor the current campaign has been, but a repeat simply can’t happen next season, with huge work needing to be done during the off-season.

Incomings and outgoings are needed across the board, with owner Daniel Levy needing to put his hand in his pocket to hand Postecoglou the tools he needs.

Given the lack of spending from the board in recent years, it’s likely that sales will be needed, resulting in the manager cutting a lot of the deadwood currently on the books in North London.

One of those who should be sold is striker Richarlison, who failed to take advantage of the start handed to him against the Hammers yesterday afternoon.

The Brazilian only managed to register a total of 22 touches during the draw – a tally lower than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who notched a total of 44, highlighting his lack of impact in the final third.

He also only managed to post a tally of four passes completed, and failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, leading to his withdrawal in the 68th minute.

Richarlison was also caught offside twice during the contest, unable to direct any of his efforts on goal and deserving of his substitution – subsequently replaced by youngster Mikey Moore.

Minutes played

68

Touches

22

Pass completed

4/10 (40%)

Dribbles completed

0/2 (0%)

Times caught offside

2

Shots on target

0

Possession lost

11x

As a result of his showing, he was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by London World’s Tony Bryant – topping off what was a disappointing showing at the London Stadium.

After such a showing, it’s evident that he doesn’t have the tools required for a side needing to return to the top level after a hugely embarrassing season in the Premier League.

If the side are to jump back up the standings, departures are needed, with Richarlison needing to be one of the first to be sacrificed by Postecoglou and the club’s hierarchy.

Better than Johnson: Spurs racing to sign prolific £25m "physical beast"

The sensational international would be perfect for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 3, 2025

And who has the fastest T20I hundred for India by balls faced?

Steven Lynch23-Jul-2024England reached 50 in 4.2 overs at Trent Bridge, and Ben Duckett got there from just 32 balls. Were either of these fast starts a record? asked Chris Seargent from Australia
England’s rocket-powered start at Trent Bridge – they reached 50 in 4.2 overs, despite losing Zak Crawley for a duck – would appear to be the fastest any team has posted a half-century from the start of a Test. England got there in 4.3 overs in their second innings against South Africa at The Oval in 1994, thanks to Graham Gooch (29 off 16 balls) and Mike Atherton (20 off 14). Note that we don’t have ball-by-ball data for all Tests.Ben Duckett reached 50 at Trent Bridge in just 32 balls, the joint third-fastest half-century for England in Tests after Ian Botham, who got there in 28 against India in Delhi in 1981-82, and Jonny Bairstow, in 30 against New Zealand at Headingley in 2022. Botham also smacked a 32-ball fifty against New Zealand at The Oval in 1986.Duckett’s 50 came up in just 9.1 overs from the start of the match, which again seems to be a record (remember that we don’t have full data for all matches though). Charles Davis, the Melbourne statistician, tells me that Australia’s Justin Langer reached 50 after 9.4 overs against New Zealand in Hobart in 2001-02.England’s team at Trent Bridge had an unfamiliar look. When was the last time England took the field in a Test without Jimmy Anderson or Stuart Broad? asked Peter Huntley from England
The second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge was only the second time in 17 years that England had gone into a home Test without either Jimmy Anderson or Stuart Broad in the side. The run started in 2007: Anderson did not play in the four-Test series against West Indies in May and June, but he was back in July for the series against India, and then Broad made his debut in December against Sri Lanka in Colombo. After that, the only home Test in which either of them appeared until last week was the rain-affected draw against West Indies at Edgbaston in 2012. The pair did miss quite a few of England’s overseas Tests in this period.Abhishek Sharma hit a century in 46 balls against Zimbabwe recently. Was that India’s fastest in T20s? asked Aparna Mahendra from India
Abhishek Sharma followed a duck on his T20I debut, against Zimbabwe on July 6, with a round 100 in his second match, in Harare the following day.There have been two quicker centuries for India in T20Is, both scored against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav got there in 45 balls in Rajkot in January 2023, but Rohit Sharma needed only 35 deliveries to hurtle to three figures in Indore in December 2017. KL Rahul also scored a 46-ball century, against West Indies in Lauderhill (USA) in August 2016. For the list of the fastest centuries in T20 internationals – a table headed by a batter from Estonia – click here.Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball hundred is the fastest for India in T20Is, and joint fourth overall•BCCIWhich current county cricketer – an Australian international – is the son of an English tennis player who appeared at Wimbledon? asked Kyle McKenzie from Australia
The answer to this little mystery is the offspinning allrounder Chris Green, who has been playing for Lancashire. He was born in South Africa, but has played one T20I for Australia, against India in Raipur in December 2023.Green has played for various T20 franchises, and first-class cricket for New South Wales and Lancashire. He is no relation to the even taller Australian Test allrounder Cameron Green. His parents, Warren and Lisa, were both professional tennis players. Lisa Gould, as she was then, was one of five British women to reach the second round of the singles at Wimbledon in 1987, a number not matched until 2024, when five ladies made it through again.Unsurprisingly, Green was also a good tennis player in his youth, and eventually had to choose between his two sporting loves. “It was a very tough decision – I could never decide growing up,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald in 2019. “I learnt to walk on a tennis court and then cricket came as a second passion. I think the challenge of individual sports, where you are actually isolated by yourself, can become a little bit consuming. I think I’m definitely more people- and team-oriented than individual-oriented.”Further to last week’s questions about the Lord’s Test and Jimmy Anderson’s farewell, how many people played Tests for longer than his 21 years? asked Jamie Banks from England
The Test career of Jimmy Anderson lasted from May 22, 2003 (against Zimbabwe at Lord’s) to July 12, 2024 (against West Indies, also at Lord’s). That’s a total span of 21 years 51 days, which gives Anderson the 12th-longest Test career of all. And his 188 Tests places him second by appearances, behind only Sachin Tendulkar’s 200.Tendulkar, whose Test career lasted 24 years and one day, is one of those above Anderson for longevity: leading the way is the Yorkshire and England allrounder Wilfred Rhodes, whose 58 Tests spanned almost 31 years, between June 1899 and April 1930.None of those with longer careers than Anderson bowled at any great pace, although Dave Nourse, whose Test career lasted almost 22 years, did occasionally take the new ball for South Africa – including in his last Test, at The Oval in 1924, when he was 45. Imran Khan, who was usually quicker than Anderson, played his first Test in June 1971 and his last in January 1992: he is one of is one of just 18 men who had Test careers longer than 20 years.The only woman whose Test career lasted longer than 20 years is the New Zealander Vera Burt (formerly Robinson). She played against Australia in March 1948 and England a year later, then was recalled after almost 20 years to play her third and final Test, against England in Wellington in February 1969.Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Also: where does Jasprit Bumrah’s five-for stand among the best bowling performances in the IPL?

Steven Lynch17-May-2022 I noticed that Gus Logie played 158 ODIs for West Indies, of which 49 were against Pakistan. Is that the highest percentage against a single opponent, given a minimum of 100 matches played? asked Rafay Iqbal from England

You’re right that the diminutive West Indian batsman Gus Logie played 49 of his 158 one-day internationals – 31.01% – against the same opponent, Pakistan. I think it was just an accident of the schedule at the time – it doesn’t seem to be because of any particular proficiency against Pakistan’s bowlers, as Logie’s average of 20.66 against them was lower than those against any of his other seven opponents (apart from Zimbabwe, whose bowlers he only faced twice).Given a minimum of 100 matches, Logie comes in only fifth on the list. On top is his long-time team-mate Michael Holding, whose 102 matches included 35 against Australia (34.31%). This is rather more understandable, as West Indies were regular participants in Australia’s annual triangular one-day tournament in Holding’s time.Chamara Kapugedera of Sri Lanka played 34 of his 102 ODIs against India (exactly a third, or 33.33%); Pakistan legspinner Abdul Qadir had 33 of his 104 matches (31.73%) against West Indies, and 36 of Richard Hadlee’s 115 ODIs for New Zealand came against Australia (31.30%).Where does Jasprit Bumrah’s 5 for 10 come on the list of best bowling performances in the IPL? asked Gautham Singh from India

That stunning spell by Jasprit Bumrah for Mumbai Indians against Kolkata Knight Riders in Navi Mumbai last week was statistically the fifth-best performance in the IPL.The best figures also came for Mumbai: the West Indian seamer Alzarri Joseph claimed 6 for 12 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019. Remarkably, that was Joseph’s IPL debut: before signing for Gujarat Titans this season, he had played only two other matches; later in 2019 (he sent down five overs, and had 0 for 75). As I write he has 12 wickets from ten games in all in the IPL.The Pakistan seamer Sohail Tanvir took 6 for 14 for Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings in Jaipur in 2008, while the Australian legspinner Adam Zampa claimed 6 for 19 for Rising Pune Supergiants against Sunrisers in Visakhapatnam in 2016. The only cheaper five-for than Bumrah’s came when Anil Kumble took 5 for 5 for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Rajasthan Royals in Cape Town in 2009.Colin Munro holds the record for the most sixes in a first-class innings: 23 for Auckland vs Central Districts in 2014-15•Hannah Peters/Getty ImagesBen Stokes hit 17 sixes in his first innings of the English season. Was this a record for a county match? asked Dilan Gunasekera from Sri Lanka

That remarkable onslaught by England’s new Test captain, Ben Stokes, for Durham against Worcestershire at New Road did indeed contain a record for the number of sixes in a Championship innings. Stokes’ 161 from 88 balls included 17 sixes – one more than Andrew Symonds hit in his unbeaten 254 for Gloucestershire against Glamorgan in Abergavenny in 1995; Graham Napier also hit 16 for Essex vs Surrey at Whitgift School in 2011.Only four first-class innings have contained more sixes. The New Zealander Colin Munro smote 23 in his 281 for Auckland against Central Districts in Napier in 2014-15, while Shafiqullah Shinwari (200 not out in a total of 299 for 5) clouted 22 for Kabul against Boost in Kunar in Afghanistan in 2018. Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Burgher vs Ports Authority in Colombo in 2018-19) and Najeeb Tarakai (Speen Ghar vs Mis Anaik in Kunar in 2018-19) both hit 19 sixes in an innings. Another Sri Lankan, Oshada Fernando, hit 17 for Chilaw Marians against Colts in Colombo in 2018-19.Was Anya Shrubsole, who retired recently, England’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs? asked Christine Hemingway from England

Anya Shrubsole took 106 wickets in 86 ODIs, putting her fourth for England behind Katherine Brunt (167), Jenny Gunn (136) and Laura Marsh (129). Clare Taylor (102) and Isa Guha (101) also took more than 100 wickets in ODIs for England. Shrubsole’s best performance – both statistically and memorably – was her 6 for 46 to propel England to victory over India at Lord’s in the 2017 World Cup final, an achievement that made her the first woman to feature on the cover of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack.Overall, Shrubsole lies 20th on the list, with Brunt fifth; a long way clear at the top is India’s Jhulan Goswami, with 252 wickets. Next come Cathryn Fitzpatrick (Australia) and Anisa Mohammed (West Indies), with 180 apiece.Shrubsole also took 102 wickets in T20Is, the most for England (Brunt is next with 98). Four other women have reached 100 wickets; Anisa Mohammed currently leads the way with 125.How many people have captained, kept wicket and opened the batting in the same Test? asked Soham Agarwal from India

Only three men have managed this impressive all-round feat. The first was the old South African captain Percy Sherwell, who did it in seven matches between 1907 and 1910-11. In the first, at Lord’s in 1907, he made 115 in the second innings. In his first Test as captain, against England at home in 1905-06, Sherwell had gone in at No. 11.The others to do all three jobs were Gerry Alexander of West Indies in two Tests in 1958-59, and Pakistan’s Imtiaz Ahmed three times between 1959-60 and 1961-62.The only woman to do it was Australia’s Margaret Jennings, in the last of her eight Tests, against India in Perth in January 1977.Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

There might still be plenty of the season to go, but West Ham United look like they are in real trouble.

Nuno Espírito Santo was able to get something of a new manager bounce away to Everton, but since then, the team have lost to Arsenal and Brentford and remain in the Premier League relegation zone.

Moreover, while the former is understandable, the performance at home against the Bees was hugely worrying.

Therefore, to ensure the club can arrest their terrible form against Leeds United, Nuno needs to make a number of changes to the team, such as dropping Tomáš Souček.

The changes Nuno needs to make at West Ham

Starting at the back, Nuno needs to replace Kyle Walker-Peters and Oliver Scarles with Aarron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The former would offer more protection on the right-hand side, and the latter would add far more explosiveness and ingenuity to the left.

For example, the former Slavia Prague gem already has three league assists to his name in eight games, and the equalising goal against Everton came about because of his brilliant crossing.

There needs to be dramatic changes up top as well, with Lucas Paqueta moving back into the ten position and Callum Wilson starting up top.

The Brazilian was utterly anonymous in the false nine, and while he’s not been in brilliant form this season, he’s still one of the Hammers’ most creative players and therefore has to be somewhere he’ll see more of the ball.

Moreover, with the former Lyon star in the middle, Nuno can move Crysencio Summerville back out to the left.

This should have a significant impact on the side, as while the Flying Dutchman lacks somewhat in terms of actual output, he is an incredibly direct and tricky winger who can move opposition defenders around.

Additionally, with Diouf behind him, the left-hand side could be a seriously productive area of the pitch for the East Londoners.

Finally, Andy Irving has to be dropped in favour of the far more mobile, exciting and technically complete Soungoutou Magassa.

The young Frenchman still has a lot to learn at this level, but unlike the Scotsman, he’s blessed with “pure athleticism” and can “spray passes wide out to the wings” according to respected analyst Ben Mattinson.

With that said, there is one more change Nuno should make to the team – a change that would see him drop Souček.

The West Ham star who should start ahead of Souček

Now, it should be said that while he should be dropped from the starting lineup for the game against Leeds, there is certainly still a space in the squad for Soucek.

Chalkboard

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

After all, the Czech international is someone you can trust to give his all for the team whenever he’s on the pitch.

However, as was abundantly clear against Brentford, that isn’t enough to be starting anymore, as his dire lack of athleticism is a problem, as is his less-than-impressive passing range.

Therefore, if Nuno wants to help start a new, more exciting and progressive chapter at the club, he should look to start academy gem Freddie Potts alongside Magassa.

It would certainly be a young and relatively inexperienced pairing, but even then, it would be better than what fans have seen so far this season.

For example, Mattinson has described the academy product as a promising midfielder who is “so smooth on the half-turn and composed under pressure.”

On top of that, he is also someone who can get the ball up the pitch quickly for his side, thanks to his impressive “passing range and powerful carrying.”

Finally, while he does lack top-flight experience, the Barking-born ace did incredibly well on loan in the Championship with Portsmouth last season.

He ended up making 38 appearances for the side, of which 36 were starts, scoring one goal, providing four assists, and helping keep the club in the second tier.

Appearances

38

Starts

36

Minutes

3108′

Goals

1

Assists

4

Ultimately, it would be bold, but given how poorly West Ham are performing, Nuno needs to be bold, and therefore, he should start Potts against Leeds.

Nuno can finally drop Paqueta for West Ham teen with "the world at his feet"

With Paqueta playing so poorly, Nuno should do something bold and bring in the exciting West Ham gem.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 22, 2025