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Murphy claimed 3 for 38 after Usman Khawaja posted 57, as Victoria held on despite some late batting heroics from Michael Neser

Alex Malcolm27-Sep-2024Three wickets to Test offspinner Todd Murphy and some nerveless catching from Victoria helped them to a thrilling six-run win at the Junction Oval after a brilliant cameo from Michael Neser almost stole the game for Queensland.Murphy took 3 for 38 as Queensland collapsed from 106 for 1 in the 24th over to 205 for 9 in the 46th chasing a very gettable 241. Neser was left with No.11 Tom Straker to chase the last 36 required from 24 balls. That equation became 19 off six after three excellent overs from captain Will Sutherland, Fergus O’Neill and Peter Siddle gave up just 15 runs.Neser faced two dots from Sam Elliott in the final over before launching two massive sixes to pull the Bulls within seven runs of victory with two balls remaining. But off the penultimately delivery he holed out to Jono Merlo at deep square who took an excellent catch looking into the setting sun to finish the game. Neser finished with 49 from 41 balls.Earlier, Test opener Usman Khawaja made a fluent 72-ball 57, sharing in a 90-run stand with opening partner Ben McDermott to have the game under control. But Murphy shifted the tide with an excellent spell. He forced a mistake from McDermott to break the stand after building some pressure. Sutherland then seized the moment.Noticing the grip and turn Murphy was getting on the worn surface, having seen another Test spinner in Mitchell Swepson take 3 for 38 earlier in the day, he called on the part-time offspin of opening batter Josh Brown, who had previously bowled just three balls in his professional career. After conceding a boundary first ball, Brown snared Khawaja caught behind with some extra bounce.Siddle then squeezed through the middle overs picking up two wickets. The second was courtesy of a stunning one-handed diving catch by Marcus Harris at mid-on. When Matt Renshaw fell for 38, Murphy turned the screws picking up two more to swing the game in Victoria’s favour.”It was really good that we were able to sort of stay in it,” Murphy said after the match. “I think when the ball got a little bit older, a bit softer, it’s a bit harder to hit as well. And I think we knew, especially the way their team structured, that they were very heavy at the top. So if we could make a breakthrough, sort of at any point and get a new batter in and put some pressure on him with a soft ball and a wearing wicket it was always going to be difficult.”Victoria were able to hold on despite Neser’s late heroics. His stand-in captain Swepson was full of praise for his efforts.”Ness played an unbelievable knock on a very tricky wicket, it seemed like it got harder and harder at the end there,” Swepson said. “For him to get us into the game in that last over, incredible knock from him. Unfortunately, we just fell short.”Queensland thought they had done enough with the ball, restricting Victoria to 240 for 7 after winning the toss. Harris made a vital 63 to hold the innings together before Sutherland (31 not out) and Elliott (32) produced more late-over heroics as they did against Tasmania, sharing a 63-run stand off the final 35 balls to post a winning total.Harris was pleased to spend some time in the middle after missing out in the opening game against Tasmania. But he was more excited to talk about his one-handed catch to dismiss Hugo Burdon.”I didn’t move very well and I thought I better stick a hand out and see what happens,” Harris said. “It was luck more than anything.”The win moves Victoria to the top of the One-Day Cup table after two rounds with two wins. Queensland depart Melbourne with just two points following a wash out against Tasmania.

Taskin Ahmed replaced him in Bangladesh’s XI

Mohammad Isam31-Aug-2024Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam has been ruled out of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi with a groin injury. He is now in a race against time to be fit for the two Tests in India next month.According to the Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan, Shoriful complained of discomfort in the groin area after the first Test last week, and subsequent tests confirmed the injury.”Shoriful underwent an MRI following the first Test and the results show a Grade 1 left adductor strain,” Bayjedul said. “Recovery usually takes around 10 days in such cases and he has started his rehab.”Shoriful had taken three wickets in Bangladesh’s ten-wicket win in the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. He was also handy with the bat, hitting two sixes in a 14-ball 22. Taskin Ahmed replaced him in Bangladesh’s starting XI for the second Test.Shoriful has played 11 Tests but also missed 11 Tests for Bangladesh since his debut three years ago. Taskin, meanwhile, is returning to the format after more than a year.Bangladesh’s next assignment is a tour of India, with the first Test in Chennai from September 19. They play two Tests and three T20Is during the tour that run until October 12.Bangladesh have a busy schedule till the end of 2024: after the tour of India, they have two Tests at home against South Africa in October, and a full tour of West Indies in November and December.

Well, it feels like Liverpool and Newcastle United are primed for a summer of fencing over Alexander Isak. The Magpies striker is on FSG’s wishlist, even if there’s a prevailing sense that Eddie Howe’s side are going to ensure their talisman stays put.

In fact, PIF have priced the centre-forward at £200m and are reportedly prepared to make him the highest-paid player in Newcastle’s history.

It’s unlikely that this one will come to fruition for Arne Slot’s side, but the door isn’t completely closed on a stunning summer capture to complement the thick breadth of talent already being added to the Anfield ranks: Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz brought in from Bayer Leverkusen, Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez just announced too.

Isak was only outscored by that man Mohamed Salah in the Premier League last season, and is one of the most mobile and talented nines in Europe, even remarked to have been “the best striker in the world” last season by analyst Raj Chohan.

Of course, in order to get such a deal over the line, Liverpool would need to make sure they offload Darwin Nunez.

The latest on Darwin Nunez's future

25 years old, Nunez should be heading into his prime – and he might be, but not at Liverpool. It hasn’t worked out for the man who cost FSG some £64m to bring over from Benfica (his full £85m fee will not be reached).

Anticipated to be on the move for several months, things are starting to move, with Serie A champions Napoli locked in talks with Liverpool to bring the player – who has green-lit the potential transfer – over to Naples.

Despite his flaws, Nunez remains popular within the Liverpool fanbase and is endowed with the archetypal physical faculties of the modern high-level striker. But consistency has proved elusive across his three years on Merseyside, and now it’s time for change.

Nunez actually regressed under Slot’s management, scoring just seven times across 43 matches in 2024/25. Others rose to the occasion, stepped up, but, tactically, the Uruguayan was incongruent in the system, unable to process the calculated and measured nature of the coach’s vision.

Liverpool might not sign Isak this summer, but it’s pretty clear that a new striker will be required to combat Nunez’s departure. Someone refined and respected as one of the continent’s sharpest marksmen.

And someone affordable at that.

Liverpool open talks for Nunez upgrade

According to Correio da Manha, Liverpool have entered the race for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, with Arsenal and Manchester United the notable competitors.

The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past few years and is believed to have a €80m (£68m) price tag, something Liverpool have confirmed after opening talks with the player’s representatives.

Said to be ‘heartbroken’ after Sporting president Frederico Varandas purportedly went back on a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for a comparatively modest fee at the end of the 2024/25 season, Gyokeres has no intention of playing for the two-in-a-row Liga Portugal champions again.

Arsenal are the clear favourites in the race, but Liverpool are there, and they need a striker.

Why Liverpool should sign Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres is at the top of his game and has been profiled favourably by some of English football’s heaviest hitters. He might not have the same depth of talent as Isak, and indeed remains at this point unproven in the Premier League, but he’s a “ball-striking monster”, as per analyst Ben Mattinson and could prove a massive upgrade on Nunez.

When you consider he’s available for a fraction of the cost that FSG would need to pay to bring Newcastle’s goal-getter over to Anfield, snapping him up before rivals steal ahead feels like a bit of a no-brainer.

In fact, Isak’s 27-goal haul across the campaign is dwarfed by that of his compatriot, who fired 54 goals home for his outfit across domestic and European endeavours, playing only 52 matches.

Top Scorers – Top 10 Leagues (24/25)

#

Player

Apps

Goals

1.

Viktor Gyokeres

33

39

2.

Kylian Mbappe

34

31

3.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

4.

Robert Lewandowski

34

27

5.

Harry Kane

31

26

Data via Transfermarkt

Think of a forward, the best you can. They didn’t outscore Gyokeres in any of Europe’s top ten divisions last season, with the Swede’s 39-goal haul an illustration of his prowess.

His clinical nature – something that Nunez is decidedly lacking in – has even illustrated a sharper ball-striking quality than Isak, and if that can be translated over to English football, Slot will be a happy man indeed.

A fair criticism would be that he plies his trade in Portugal, and Nunez wrapped up his final campaign in the country with 34 goals across 41 matches in all competitions, prompting Jurgen Klopp to spend prodigally on his signature.

However, Gyokeres is far more accomplished, technically, athletically and physically, having been described as a “very physical striker” and a “powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Moreover, he’s proven his ability to steal the show against the Premier League’s finest.

And if that’s not sold him, just take a look at FBref’s evaluation, Gyokeres’ data gleaned across a period of 12 months to paint a vivid picture of his completeness, not just a goalscorer.

Indeed, he ranked among the top 11% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for assists, the top 1% for progressive carries and shot-creating actions, and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

Nunez was much younger when he arrived in the Premier League, a raw prospect with the hint of something special. Conversely, Gyokeres is at the heart of his prime years, no doubt robust and confident enough to work well with Salah, Wirtz and the like.

Fans have always clung onto hope that their record forward would come good, but when Slot stated in February that he “can’t accept” his work rate after a string of disappointing performances, it became quite clear that his day was done.

It’s time for change, and Gyokeres would be a fantastic addition given his relatively affordable price tag and the existing depth of creative quality in Slot’s squad.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jun 26, 2025

Whilst Daniel Farke will want to keep the main ingredients of his Leeds United camp together, which just sealed a fantastic Championship title success, he will be very aware that some stars from that promotion journey might not be able to cut it in the intense environment of the Premier League.

After all, despite Ipswich Town cruising to automatic promotion alongside Leicester City during the 2023/24 campaign, both of those previously high-flying outfits have now been hit over the head with the reality of relegation, alongside an equally dire Southampton side.

Therefore, if there is an upgrade available to Farke, he should bring them into the building with open arms.

Leeds could consider loan swoop for Aaronson upgrade

As per a report from journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds have been ‘looking at’ signing long-term target £15m-rated Emiliano Buendia, with Aston Villa preparing to loan him out again this summer.

The report states that Unai Emery’s Villans are seeking out a fresh loan destination for Farke’s former Norwich City wizard, and this availability will surely pique the interest of the German situated in the Whites dug-out after promotion.

Nixon further elaborates that the Whites will wait it out, however, considering they are only allowed two Premier League loan arrivals. But, the silky South American has starred under Farke before, so the temptation will surely be palpable for a reunion.

Adding Buendia will also gift the former Canaries boss more freedom in the number ten spot in his starting lineups to come, with a worry that Brenden Aaronson just isn’t well-equipped to be a dangerous attacking midfield force up a level, having struggled in the elite league before.

How Buendia could be a huge upgrade on Aaronson

When Buendia has been injury-free at Villa Park, he has more than shown off his suitable nature for the testing division.

Indeed, minus picking up eight goal contributions for Norwich during his debut season at that level under Farke, a further 17 of the Argentine attacker’s goal and assist tally in the Premier League have come about when donning Villa claret and blue.

Unfortunately for Aaronson, away from just helping Leeds seal the title with a respectable nine goals and two assists, he can only boast one goal and three assists next to his name in the deep-end of the Premier League, with his spell so dismal that he was chucked out on loan to Union Berlin.

Therefore, if there is an opportunity to bring in one of Farke’s former Carrow Road favourites, Leeds should persist, with Buendia not just comfortable playing in a number ten spot to potentially usurp Aaronson, meaning he could also offer the Whites plenty of versatility ahead of the gruelling 38-game marathon to come.

Buendia’s G/A career numbers by position

Position played

Games

Goals

Assists

RW

129

25

43

AM

88

13

10

LW

44

9

7

RM

8

0

1

SS

4

0

0

CF

3

0

0

RB

3

0

0

LM

2

1

0

CM

1

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Judging by the numbers, Buendia is actually more adept playing as a right winger than an out-and-out number ten.

As a result, the “outstanding” South American – as Farke once waxed called him – could give the likes of Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto a run for their money, away from stealing the American’s starting space.

Having also played in the Champions League last season with Bayer Leverkusen, this could be just one temporary signing, alongside other new recruits entering Elland Road, that allows Leeds to compete in the big time, knowing he has what it takes to dazzle some tough defenders.

Whilst Aaronson didn’t miss a single game in the Championship last season, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether, as plans begin to be put in place to ensure Leeds upgrade all over the park.

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Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025

Manchester United are now readying a £68 million bid to sign a player from Barcelona ahead of rivals Liverpool, according to a new report.

Man Utd's summer transfer plans taking shape

As the summer transfer window moves another week closer, the Red Devils are gearing up for what could be a very busy time for the hierarchy. United have the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao this week, and the hope is that they can keep their three-goal lead and seal their spot in the final.

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By
Henry Jackson

May 6, 2025

Winning the Europa League would be a huge boost for United and Ruben Amorim, as not only does it bring more money to the club, but it also means they are in the Champions League, and this could be so beneficial for bringing in top players in the summer.

Signing a new striker is high on the list, and while United are reportedly closing in on the signature of Matheus Cunha, the Red Devils are also planning to make a bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, with the forward valued at £65 million.

But as well as looking to add to their forward line, Amorim and United are also looking to strengthen their options at the back. It’s been reported that United have held talks over the signing of Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The defender’s contract is soon set to expire and has interest from the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.

Man Utd readying £68m bid to beat Liverpool in race for Barça ace

Tah is not the only defender on United’s radar, and if Barcelona do win the race for the German international, it could benefit the Red Devils a lot. That is because, according to a report from Spain, Man Utd and INEOS are willing to go all out and sign Ronald Araujo from the Spanish giants this summer.

The report states that United chiefs are ready to do what they can to bring Araujo to Old Trafford and are willing to offer € 80 million, which is roughly £68 million, to Barcelona to secure his signature. The Red Devils see the defender a key player for their defensive rebuild and hope this offer is enough to tempt Barca into selling.

Araujo, who has been dubbed an “athletic monster” by BBC analyst Raj Chohan, is seen by United as the leader to solidify their defence, which at times this season has been all over the place. United’s interest isn’t a new thing, but they hope an offer like this can convince Barca to sell, but can also see them beat Liverpool to Araujo’s signature, as they have also been linked with a move for the defender in recent weeks.

Ronald Araujo’s 24/25 La Liga stats
Apps	10
Starts	9
Goals	1
Touches	66.0
Key passes	0.4
Interceptions per game	0.8
Tackles per game	1.2
Balls recovered per game	2.3
Clearances per game	1.6

Barcelona have not ruled out selling Araujo this summer, and that has also raised interest from Bayern Munich, who are also fans of the Uruguay defender. The 26-year-old has struggled with a few injury problems this season, but when he’s been fit and available, Araujo has been a key player for Hansi Flick as they close in on the La Liga title and a possible Champions League final.

Therefore, this could make it even more difficult for United to secure Araujo’s signature, given he is highly thought of by Flick.

2025 has already been a year of big spending by Manchester City, but they’re only just getting started.

In January, as outlined by, the Sky Blues spent around £180m, which is more than the other 19 Premier League clubs combined, recruiting Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Omar Marmoush, Nico González and Juma Bah.

Now, as Pep Guardiola oversees a mass-squad overhaul, could Man City beat their Premier League rivals to the signature of one of the division’s most sought-after talents?

Manchester City seeking to sign Premier League star

So, with that winter overhaul complete, the attention now turns to the summer where more money will need to be spent in order to bridge the gap to Liverpool and Arsenal.

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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Where will they begin? Well, as reported by Caught Offside, Man City are one of many Premier League clubs ‘eager to snap up’ Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze this summer, reportedly valued at £60m.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are also ‘competing’ for his signature.

Eze’s goal at Craven Cottage on Saturday, a strike his manager Oliver Glasner hailed as “unbelievable”, took the 26-year-old’s tally to six goals, as well as nine assists, for the campaign, also opening his international account by scoring for England against Latvia at Wembley last Monday.

Now into his fifth season in South London, there are many rumours about Eze potentially leaving Palace this summer, so could he be on his way to Manchester City, potentially tasked with filling the void vacated by the club’s greatest-ever player?

How Eze compares to De Bruyne

Back in January, it was reported by the Athletic that San Diego FC, who have joined Major League Soccer as an expansion club this year, are very interested in signing Kevin De Bruyne on a free this summer.

Joe Lowery of Total Soccer Show meanwhile, believes this move is ‘increasingly likely to happen’, given that San Diego have kept a Designated Player roster spot available, while the Belgian also hasn’t signed a new contract in Manchester.

De Bruyne remained an unused substitute when the Citizens were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid at the Bernabéu in February, something Sam Lee of the Athletic claims would’ve been ‘unthinkable’ not too long ago, with Richard Martin of Goal believing that the 33-year-old ‘has reached terminal decline’.

Considering De Bruyne is ‘the best playmaker to grace modern English football’, according to James Westwood of Goal, he’s going to be tough to replace, so let’s assess Eze’s credentials to do just that.

Eze (23/24-24/25) vs De Bruyne (19/20-20/21) PL comparison

Statistics

Eze

De Bruyne

Appearances

52

60

Minutes

4,069

4,788

Goals

13

19

Assists

10

32

Chances created

106

210

Through-balls

16

45

Progressive carries

126

241

Shots on target %

32.3%

30.5%

Shot-creating actions

218

381

Pass completion %

75.6%

74.3%

Attempted take-ons

250

148

Touches per 90

61

85

Stats via of FBref and Squawka

Slightly unfairly to Eze, we’ve compared him to peak-De Bruyne, with 2019/20 and 2020/21 chosen, considering the Belgian equaled Thierry Henry’s record for most assists in a single Premier League season during the period analysed.

Nevertheless, across this season and last, Eze compares well to De Bruyne, even if the Belgian ranks higher for the overwhelming majority of statistics included.

In summary, De Bruyne is a world-class creator, while Eze is more of a dribbler, but the Englishman’s shot-creating actions, pass completion and chances-created statistics do suggest he would be a good fit.

Aged 26 and approaching his prime, Palace content creator Luke Weaser-Seychell believes Eze is capable of becoming “world-class” and he could reach that potential by joining a club like City.

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Posts ByBen Gray Apr 3, 2025

Clarkson’s ability to go bang from the get-go makes him a particularly daunting T20 prospect

Deivarayan Muthu18-Feb-2024No James Neesham (Bangladesh Premier League). No Daryl Mitchell (injured). Step forward, Josh Clarkson. Josh, who?The biggest hitter in the Super Smash in recent years, that’s who.Since the start of 2020, Clarkson has had a strike rate of 155.70 in New Zealand’s premier domestic T20 tournament – the highest among all batters who have played more than 30 innings during this period. The next best on this list is Chad Bowes with a strike rate of 153.50. And only Finn Allen (66) and Bowes (51) – both top-order batters – have hit more sixes than Clarkson (50) in the Super Smash from January 2020.Clarkson’s ability to go bang from the get-go, like Allen does, makes him a particularly dangerous T20 prospect. This is the opinion of Glenn Pocknall, Clarkson’s domestic coach at Central Districts, who has also had a stint as New Zealand coach.”Look the Blackcaps have plenty of brilliant ball-strikers and Josh can do it (hit sixes) from ball one which is what makes him dangerous,” Pocknall tells ESPNcricinfo. “Finn Allen is another who can hit from ball one and when these types of players get going, they make batting look easy.”Related

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Pocknall has also been at the receiving end of Clarkson’s middle-order onslaughts when he was Wellington’s coach from 2018 to 2022. A strong Wellington attack, which included Hamish Bennett, Logan van Beek and Ben Sears, had reduced Central Districts to 81 for 4 at the start of the 11th over, but Clarkson came out and crashed an unbeaten 71 off 32 balls to lead his team to a match-winning total of 190 for 4 at the Basin Reserve in a Super Smash game in December 2021.Clarkson, 27, is a modern T20 player. His towering frame – 6 feet 3 inches – and long reach gives him a broad range and there are no half-measures about his ball-striking.”Of late he’s worked really hard on his ability to hit the ball behind the wicket which has enabled him to use not only his power but also have some finesse when it’s required,” Pocknall says. “Given his height he can turn good balls into fuller balls and then they go sailing over the bowler’s head. Also, a big development I’ve seen over the last few years is his ability off the back foot meaning he can now access all areas of the ground, which makes him hard to bowl to.”Ross Taylor, who has played alongside Clarkson at Central Districts, also rates Clarkson’s middle-order batting highly and backs him to do a job with the ball as well.”When I played the last season, he [Clarkson] was head and shoulders the best middle-order player, I think, going around,” Taylor told in December after Clarkson was called into the New Zealand ODI side. “Obviously had a few injury issues with elbows, backs, and things like that, but don’t underestimate his bowling.Since the start of 2020, Clarkson has had a strike rate of 155.70 in the Super Smash•Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images”We’ve talked a lot about his batting – probably the biggest hitter going around in the circuit – but his bowling is there, especially on wickets that are low and slow. He’s a tall bowler, probably that Colin de Grandhomme 125-130 [kph] and bowl wicket-to-wicket to give the skipper an option, I think. Hopefully, he can turn that potential into reality in the next sort of a while.”While de Grandhomme more or less kisses the pitch with the ball, Clarkson can actually hit the deck with hard lengths, like he showed on his ODI debut against Bangladesh in Dunedin, where he bounced out opener Anamul Haque. And in his most recent game, in the Ford Trophy, he returned career-best List A figures of 4 for 60 against Canterbury in Christchurch.”His bowling is going from strength to strength and naturally bowls a heavy ball given his height,” Pocknall says. “His accuracy and change-ups have developed over the last few seasons and is becoming more and more a genuine threat with the ball.”Clarkson won’t tinker with his game and will continue to play with the same approach that has brought him domestic success over the years.”Nothing really changes. Obviously picked on your performances in the domestic game, so nothing really changes for me,” Clarkson said recently. “It’s just go out there with freedom and just play the way I do.”The biggest hitter in the Super Smash is finally ready for the big stage. Against Australia, the ODI World Cup champions and T20 World Cup title contenders, in Wellington on February 21, in front of his family.

And what’s the lowest score a batter has a Player-of-the-Match award for?

Steven Lynch14-Jun-2022I spotted that Mustafizur Rahman took 28 wickets in his first ten ODIs. Was this a record? And what’s the most by anyone in any spell of ten ODIs? asked Khaled Hossain from Bangladesh
Mustafizur Rahman’s tally of 28 wickets in his first ten one-day internationals for Bangladesh – starting with 5 for 50 and 6 for 43 against India in June 2015 – has been bettered only by another left-arm seamer, New Zealand’s Mitchell McClenaghan, who managed 29; the West Indian Ottis Gibson also took 28.The purplest ten-match patch at any stage in ODIs belongs to Pakistan’s Waqar Younis, who claimed 35 wickets in ten games between April and November 1990, a run that included five five-fors, three of them in succession, and even one wicketless match. Ajantha Mendis once took 34 wickets in ten ODIs for Sri Lanka, while Rashid Khan of Afghanistan and Oman’s Bilal Khan (earlier this year) have both managed 32.All nine Bengal players who batted reached 50 in their recent match against Jharkhand – is this a record? asked Peter Dayson-Smith from England, among others
This was reasonably fresh in the memory, as a few weeks ago I answered a similar question after seven Surrey players reached 50 in an innings against Kent. And so it’s easy to confirm that Bengal’s nine half-centuries against Jharkhand in Bengaluru last week is a record for any first-class innings, beating eight by the Australian tourists in their match against Oxford and Cambridge University Past and Present in Portsmouth in 1893. There have been 26 instances of seven scores of 50 or more in an innings, including Surrey’s total of 671 in that match in Beckenham in May, which remains the highest in first-class cricket without an individual century.In the same round of Ranji Trophy quarter-finals, in Alur, Mumbai thrashed Uttarakhand by 725 runs, another first-class record: the previous-heaviest defeat by a runs margin was 685, by New South Wales against Queensland in Sydney in 1929-30, in the match in which Don Bradman made 452 not out, the highest score in first-class cricket at the time. There have been heavier innings defeats, the grand-daddy of them all being Pakistan Railways’ victory over Dera Ismail Khan in Lahore in 1964-65, by the little matter of an innings and 851.What’s the lowest all-out Test total that included a 200-run partnership? asked Vipul Shah from India
There have so far been four completed innings in Tests which were less than 300 but nonetheless featured a partnership of 200 or more. Lowest of all is Australia’s 284 against West Indies in Brisbane in 1968-69, which included a stand of 217 between Bill Lawry and Ian Chappell (no one else made more than 17).When Pakistan made 288 against West Indies in Georgetown in 1999-2000, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Abdul Razzaq put on 206, quite a recovery from 39 for 5. India’s 293 against England at Headingley in 1952 included a partnership of 222 by Vijay Hazare and Vijay Manjrekar, while South Africa made 296 vs India in Kolkata in 2009-10, with a stand of 209 between Alviro Petersen (who was making his debut) and Hashim Amla. New Zealand’s 283 against West Indies in Kingston in 1984-85 included a stand of 210 between Geoff Howarth and Jeff Crowe – but only nine wickets fell in that one as Jeremy Coney had broken his arm and was unable to bat.If we look at innings which were not all-out, Pakistan’s 230 for 3 to beat New Zealand in Hyderabad in 1984-85 included a partnership of 212 between Mudassar Nazar and Javed Miandad.Asif Ali faced only seven balls and made 25 runs in his Player-of-the-Match performance against Afghanistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup•ICC via GettyI noticed that Aiden Markram has played 31 Tests, and has not yet taken part in a draw – is this a record? asked Keith McKenzie from South Africa
You’re right that the South African batter Aiden Markram has so far taken part in 19 Test victories and 12 defeats – and no draws yet. This is indeed a record: Jason Gillespie took part in 26 Tests before playing in a draw, while his Australian team-mates Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden had 22 and 21 respectively; the 19th-century England allrounder Johnny Briggs played 20 Tests before his first draw.Markram currently has the most Tests in a complete career without a draw, although he might yet lose that distinction. George Lohmann, another 19th-century Englishman, played 18 Tests without ever featuring in a draw; next comes Alok Kapali, who played 17 Tests for Bangladesh and lost them all. Keaton Jennings has so far appeared in 17 Tests for England, all of which ended in definite results, while Shimron Hetmyer has played 16 for West Indies.In the second match in Sri Lanka, Matthew Wade was Man of the Match for his 26 not out from 26 balls; he didn’t bowl, or make any catches or run-outs. Has anyone won the award after scoring fewer than this as their only formal contribution to a T20 international? asked Rohan Kennedy from Australia
Australia’s Matthew Wade won the match award in the second T20 international against Sri Lanka in Colombo last week for his run-a-ball 26, which came after he entered at a tricky time – 80 for 5 in the ninth over, chasing only 125. You’re right that he didn’t otherwise feature on the scorecard, although that wouldn’t show, for example, any particularly good pieces of fielding; Wade did keep wicket through a Sri Lankan innings that included no extras.However, Wade’s 26 balls is a long way from the smallest involvement by a player who ended up with the match award in a T20 international. Playing for Pakistan against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup in Dubai in October 2021, Asif Ali was given the award after having an active involvement in only seven deliveries, from which he hammered 25 not out. Brad Hodge (21 not out) faced eight balls for Australia against South Africa in Durban in 2013-14, as did Dinesh Karthik (29 not out) for India vs Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy final in Colombo in 2017-18 (he did also complete a run-out while keeping wicket). Against England at The Oval in 2009, Ramnaresh Sarwan won the award for his nine-ball 19 not out as West Indies chased a rain-reduced target.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

The Angels were considering multiple former franchise stars to become their next skipper, but they reportedly ruled out two big names in their managerial search after Ron Washington and interim Ray Montgomery's departure.

According to a report from 's Bob Nightengale, Los Angeles has informed five-time All-Star Torii Hunter that he is no longer in the running to become their next manager. Earlier Monday, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that Albert Pujols have broken off talks on the role as he receives interest from the Orioles and Padres for their openings.

Neither former franchise star possesses experience as a manager at the MLB level, but Pujols has found quick success as a manager in his native Dominican Republic. He's slated to manage their national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Hunter joined the Angels as a special assistant to general manager Perry Minasian last year.

Who are the other candidates for the Angels' managerial vacancy?

Los Angeles could still look to a former player with Kurt Suzuki still in the mix, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. Suzuki has served as a special assistant to Minasian as well. Bollinger mentioned Rangers special assistant Nick Hundley, Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde as well as former Twins skipper Rocco Baldelli as additional candidates linked to the Angels.

The Angels finished last season 72-90 and missed out on the playoffs for the 11th season in a row.

MLB All-Star voting races are heating up and the All-Star break is around the corner, which means that it will soon be time to see baseball's biggest stars take center stage in the Midsummer Classic at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga. But prior to the 2025 All-Star game, baseball fans will get an appetizer in the form of the Home Run Derby, in which some of the game's best sluggers will aim to test the limits of Truist Park on July 14.

The Derby certainly hasn't been short on stars in past years, and this year is no different. The Home Run Derby field is officially set with eight sluggers.

During a June 25 appearance on , Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. became the first player to announce he'd be participating in the Derby. But Acuna, who had missed a July 8 game against the Oakland Athletics due to back tightness, withdrew from the Home Run Derby on July 11, saying he was doing so as a "precaution." Acuna's Braves teammate Matt Olson replaced him in the Derby, ensuring there will be a representative of the Braves at Truist Park.

MLB's home run leader and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh announced his intention to take part in the first Home Run Derby of his career on June 27. It will be a family affair for Raleigh, as his father Todd will throw to him and his younger brother, Todd Jr., may catch at the event.

On July 3, Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood announced via Instagram that he would be taking part in the Home Run Derby for the first time in his career. Then, the Derby got its fourth contestant on July 7 when Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton on Instagram announced his intention to participate, later revealing his son Brixton's adorable plan to help his father during the competition.

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz was added to the list of participants Tuesday, making him the fifth player to commit to the Home Run Derby. On Wednesday, Tampa Bay Rays rising stra Junior Caminero entered the Derby via an Instagram post. On Thursday, Oakland Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker took to Instagram to announce that he'll be participating in the Derby, making him the seventh player.

Finally, New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. became the eighth and final participant added to the Derby on Thursday, July 10. Chisholm confirmed his interest in the event after a two home run night for the Yankees against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. Since his return from a stint on the injured list, Chisholm has been on an absolute tear, with seven home runs in his last 12 games.

Full List of Every Player in the 2025 Home Run Derby

Player

Participated in HRD Before?

Home Runs

Average exit Velocity (mph)

Max exit Velocity (mph)

Average launch angle (degrees)

Matt Olson

Yes

17

93.7

113.8

14.4

Cal Raleigh

No

33

92.0

113.2

23.7

James Wood

No

22

94.0

117.9

6.2

Byron Buxton

No

20

91.5

112.5

18.1

Oneil Cruz

No

15

96.1

122.9

8.4

Junior Caminero

No

21

91.2

116.5

10.1

Brent Rooker

No

19

91.5

112.4

14.5

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

No

17

90.0

112.1

11.9

Who's out? Players who have declined to participate in Home Run Derby

Unfortunately for MLB, some of baseball's brightest stars have already declined to participate in the Derby. Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Elly De La Cruz, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., just to name a few. Perhaps most notably, four-time Derby participant and two-time champion Pete Alonso also won't be taking part in the festivities this year, citing a desire to enjoy the time off during the All-Star break. As mentioned earlier, Acuna, the first player to enter the Derby, withdrew on July 11.

Home Run Derby participants by the numbers

With the field of eight sluggers presumably set, let's take a deeper statistical dive into the participants for the 2025 Home Run Derby. We'll rank the sluggers in a series of Statcast metrics, first with average bat speed.

Player

Avg. Bat Speed (mph)

Oneil Cruz

78.6

Junior Caminero

78.0

James Wood

76.1

Cal Raleigh

75.1

Byron Buxton

74.9

Brent Rooker

73.8

Matt Olson

73.7

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

73.4

Next, we'll rank the sluggers by barrel rate.

Player

Barrel Rate (%)

Oneil Cruz

22.5

Cal Raleigh

20.0

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

19.0

James Wood

18.6

Matt Olson

16.3

Byron Buxton

15.0

Brent Rooker

14.4

Junior Caminero

11.0

Finally, we'll take a look at the Home Run Derby participants ranked by their hard-hit percentages, another key metric when evaluating home run hitters.

Player

Hard-Hit %

Oneil Cruz

58.1

James Wood

55.8

Matt Olson

54.1

Byron Buxton

53.9

Cal Raleigh

49.2

Junior Caminero

47.7

Brent Rooker

47.5

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

45.6