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Tottenham Hotspur have now directly contacted a “fantastic” defender’s club, in order to assess the possibility of a potential deal, according to a report.

Spurs looking to bolster full-back options despite Spence renewal

Tottenham are relatively well-stocked in the full-back department, given that Thomas Frank has Destiny Udogie at his disposal at left-back and Pedro Porro on the opposite flank, while Djed Spence is capable of playing on either side.

Despite a rocky start to his career at Spurs, Spence has now done enough to earn a new long-term contract, and the full-back has admitted he is delighted to extend his stay in north London.

That said, given that Spence has predominantly featured on the left in recent times, Frank may want to bring in another full-back to provide competition for Porro on the right, and Manchester City’s Rico Lewis was recently identified as a potential option.

Last week, intermediaries made contact with the Lilywhites over a potential deal, and Frank’s side have now stepped up their interest, having made direct contact with Man City.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Tottenham have now submitted an enquiry to City about Lewis, but there could be fierce competition for the full-back’s signature, with a number of rival Premier League clubs also keen.

Indeed, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have all made approaches for the 20-year-old, with the Tricky Trees even submitting an offer worth €30m (£26m), which was knocked back by the Blues.

That said, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible, with Pep Guardiola keen to keep hold of the youngster, while also recently saying: “I think he’s going to stay, I think. He told me that. But, I said, maybe tomorrow, after tomorrow, it’ll change.”

"Fantastic" Lewis could challenge for Porro's starting spot

Once lauded as “fantastic” by Guardiola, the English starlet has managed to repay his manager’s faith in him by establishing himself as an important player for City, making 28 appearances in the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign.

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During that time, the Bury-born defender has also showcased his versatility, featuring at left-back and even in central midfield, although right-back is the five-time England international’s favoured position.

As such, Lewis would most likely be brought in as a direct competitor to Porro, and he could have the potential to usurp the Spaniard on a long-term basis, considering Pep has stated the City ace is “one of the best” players he has trained.

That said, it could be difficult for the full-back to displace the 25-year-old in the Tottenham starting XI, given that Porro has outperformed him in both an attacking and defensive sense over the past year.

Average per 90

Pedro Porro

Rico Lewis

Non-penalty goals

0.09

0.03

Assists

0.21

0.14

Tackles

2.13

1.46

Interceptions

1.23

0.66

Manchester United have enquired about the potential signing of a “completely unique” striker this summer, according to a new claim from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Man Utd still searching for new striker

It has been a good summer transfer window to date for United, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo having the potential to be strong signings from Wolves and Brentford respectively.

United desperately need to sign an elite striker, however, with Rasmus Hojlund not yet doing enough to suggest that he is the answer to lead the line for Ruben Amorim in the coming years.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko appears to be the current front-runner to come in this summer, with the Slovenian ultimately now having to choose between the Red Devils and Newcastle United.

While some reports have suggested that the Magpies have won the race to sign Sesko, a different update has claimed that Director of Football Jason Wilcox is confident of getting his man and bringing him to United. Now, another huge player has been mentioned as an alternative option.

Man Utd make contact over signing "unique" striker

According to Sky Germany‘s Plettenberg on X, Manchester United recently enquired about Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, amid strong interest from Liverpool.

In truth, it looks unlikely that United will be able to sign Isak, with Liverpool the obvious favourites to get him, and the player himself keen on a move to Anfield and turning down any chance of a move to Old Trafford.

That said, if the Red Devils were suddenly able to strike a deal for the £120,000-a-week star, it could have been a game-changing piece of business, with journalist Matthew Ketchell speaking glowingly of him.

“He’s got a real easy-on-the-eye, unique style about his play, it’s almost balletic the way he moves, it’s completely unique. The balance he has, the speed he has, the strength he has, the intelligence, it’s kind of all there. He had a little bit of an issue with one-on-ones last season (2023/24), start of this season, where he was going through on goal and not taking his chances – he seems to have cleaned that up.”

Assuming United miss out on Isak, it then has to be a case of them signing Sesko instead, with the Leipzig star having the potential to be a huge hit at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils don’t have Champions League football to offer him, however, or any European football for that matter, whereas Newcastle are playing in the top club competition next season.

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Hopefully, the lure of United ultimately proves too great for Sesko to turn down, but missing out on him would be a big blow, forcing the club to look at an alternative.

After months of speculation, Manchester United finally secured the signature of Bryan Mbeumo earlier this week, with the Cameroonian international penning a five-year contract.

The hierarchy forked out a whopping £71m for the 25-year-old’s signature, becoming Ruben Amorim’s second signing of the summer after Matheus Cunha joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, whilst it may be a hefty sum, it could prove to be a worthwhile investment should he replicate his form in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.

He registered 20 league goals last time around, with only talents such as Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland finding the net more in the same period.

Despite the big-money addition of Mbeumo, the hierarchy are still working tirelessly to improve the current squad to try and be successful in the 2025/26 season.

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

Ollie Watkins is a player who’s been constantly linked with United over the last couple of weeks, leading to strong interest from Amorim’s side this summer.

The England international could be available for a fee in the region of £60m this summer, a figure that could be slightly inflated given he’s 29 and coming into the back end of his professional career.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix over recent days, with PSG striker Randal Kolo-Muani also in their sights, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Red Devils are preparing an opening offer for the Frenchman after scoring 10 goals in his 22 appearances on loan at Italian side Juventus.

It also states that Newcastle United are in the hunt for the 26-year-old, with Luis Enrique’s side currently demanding a fee in the region of £39m for his signature this summer.

Why United’s £39m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

There’s no doubt that signing a player after scoring 20 league goals in England’s top flight is excellent business for a club who were lingering in the bottom half all campaign.

However, there may be some concerns around his impact next season, potentially having to operate in an unnatural role at the club given Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

The Cameroonian operated in a right-wing position during his time at Brentford, but could be forced to play in a central attacking midfield role during his time at Old Trafford.

It could prove to be a huge investment on a player who’s not featuring in a familiar position, potentially failing to replicate his excellent form from 2024/25 as a result.

As a result, Kolo Muani could be a better option this summer, handing the manager the centre-forward he’s craved since taking the reins back in November last year.

When comparing the Frenchman’s stats to those of Mbeumo from the most recent season, he’s managed to better him in numerous key areas, highlighting the threat he carries in attacking areas.

Kolo Muani, who’s been labelled a “superstar” by former Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthäus, may have been outscored, but he posted the same goal per shot on target rate, showcasing the clinical edge he possesses in front of goal.

Games played

26

38

Goals & assists

12

27

Shot on target accuracy

48%

43%

Goal per shot on target

0.4

0.4

Pass accuracy

71%

66%

Take-ons completed

1.5

1.3

Aerials won

1.2

0.9

Aerial success rate

39%

31%

He also managed to register a higher shot on target accuracy rate, whilst winning more aerial battles – handing Amorim the all-round talent he desires at the top end of the pitch.

Such dominance is further reflected in his tally of take-ons completed and a higher pass completion rate highlights he can also provide for others along with finishing off attacks himself.

£39m could prove to be an excellent fee for the 26-year-old striker, who will be entering the prime years of his career should he complete a move to Old Trafford.

If he can solve the issue the Red Devils currently have within the final third, he would be worth every penny, filling the void at the top end of the pitch, subsequently making him a better signing than Mbeumo.

He'll love playing with Mbeumo: £70m CF now keen on signing for Man Utd

Manchester United have set their sights on a new centre-forward this summer.

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Derbyshire go down by an innings despite resistance from Harry Came, Wayne Madsen

ECB Reporters Network01-Sep-2024Sussex took a firm grip on the second division of the Vitality Championship when they defeated Derbyshire by an innings and 59 runs, their sixth win of the season. They took a maximum haul of 24 points as they placed more daylight between themselves and their pursuers and with two of their last the games at home they are now clear favourites to win the title.Their undoubted star was offspinner Jack Carson, who followed his innings of 97 with match figures of 11 for 157, the biggest return of his career. His second-innings figures of 6 for 67 was another best. He has taken 20 wickets in his past two games, following his nine in last week’s defeat to Yorkshire at Scarborough.After brave resistance from Harry Came and Wayne Madsen, Derbyshire lost their last eight wickets for 54 runs in just 25 overs. And this match represented a cruel return to normal form following their heavy defeat of GlamorganDerbyshire started the final morning on 141 for 2, still needing 176 runs to make Sussex bat again, with Came 54 not out and Madsen unbeaten on 31.For almost 90 minutes there was an intriguing battle between bat and ball, with Sussex captain John Simpson switching his bowlers thoughtfully, in an attempt to both conserve their energy in the warm sunshine and also to disrupt the immense concentration of Derbyshire’s third-wicket pair. It looked like being Derbyshire’s morning. But then, at 196 for 2, the new ball became available and there was a new match to contemplate.Simpson decided to give the new ball to Fynn Hudson-Prentice and – bowling from his favourite Cromwell Road End – Ollie Robinson. But, after two ineffectual overs from Hudson-Prentice, Simpson replaced him with Jaydev Unadkat, for his first bowl from the Sea End. And Unadkat immediately turned the match towards Sussex with two wicket maidens.With the fourth delivery of his opening over he had Madsen caught by Tom Haines, the more square of the two gullies beside the two slips. Madsen had faced 149 balls and hit ten fours in his 77. He had also batted for five minutes under three hours, to add to the five hours and 12 minutes for his first innings 138.Then, with the second ball of his second over, Unadkat struck again, this time having Derbyshire captain David Lloyd caught low down behind the wicket by Simpson. At lunch Derbyshire were 208 for 4, still 109 runs behind.When Carson replaced Unadkat at 230 for 4 the pressure appeared to be coming off. But in his second over the spinner ended Came’s long vigil when he had the batsman caught at slip by Haines. His 79 had occupied three minutes less than six hours and he had faced 273 balls. And at 251 the same combination accounted for Zak Chappell, with Haines taking his third catch of the innings.Aneurin Donald decided to play his shots, which is the game he knows best. But in Carson’s next over he was caught at backward square leg, as he swept towards the short boundary on the east side of the ground, and Derbyshire looked broken at 252 for 7. Without addition, Jack Morley was caught behind off Carson, his tenth wicket in the match.Four runs later Carson had Daryn Dupavillon caught at bat-pad and finally Anuj Dal, batting heroically with hand and groin injuries, after also being struck on the head, was bowled by Henry Crocombe.

Usman Khawaja has said he believes Australia should be playing Afghanistan in bilateral cricket although is sympathetic to the human rights issues for women stemming from the Taliban rule.Cricket Australia has twice withdrawn from playing Afghanistan – a Test match due to be staged in Australia and a T20 series overseas – citing “a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls”, but continues to face them in ICC events.Related

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Rashid Khan again commented on the situation in the aftermath Afghanistan’s famous victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, saying that he couldn’t understand how World Cup events can happen but not bilateral cricket.”I personally think yes we should be playing Afghanistan,” Khawaja told Nine Newspapers at an Amazon Prime event in Melbourne. “I am sympathetic to both sides of the puzzle. I totally respect and agree with a lot of aspects of the stance Cricket Australia has in terms of women’s cricket in Afghanistan, but there’s also another side to it, of promoting and growing the game.”This is the second time Australia have backed out of a bilateral series, and I talked to Rashid Khan. He was really disappointed, more so because the Afghanistan people love cricket, and for them cricket is one of the few things they enjoy and brings happiness, and the fact they were going to play Australia was going to be huge, and they don’t get to see that now. So it actually hurts the people, and the people are separate from the government.”Khawaja also referenced Afghanistan players appearing in the BBL, with Rashid having become a star for Adelaide Strikers over the years. Rashid initially threatened to withdraw from the competition last year over CA’s stance but subsequently made himself available before suffering an injury.”It’s a little bit hypocritical too if we say no we’re not going to play Afghanistan, but then allowing Afghanistan cricketers to play in the BBL,” Khawaja said. “They 100 percent should [play], but then how do you do one and not the other?”Speaking after Afghanistan’s victory in St Vincent, Rashid said: “Some things which are not under the control of anyone in cricket, and that’s something we can’t do anything about it. Wish we could do something, and wish that was a kind of solution for it, we would have been happy, but I don’t know what’s the solution for that.”

Promotion up to the Premier League will surely be Ryan Mason’s main, intimidating task when he shortly steps into the West Bromwich Albion dug-out.

After all, Regis Le Bris managed to guide Sunderland up to the promised land during his debut campaign at the Sunderland helm, meaning the 33-year-old will be hoping that the good luck that rubbed off on the Frenchman comes his way too.

He would love to use his Tottenham Hotspur connections to feel more comfortable in his new surroundings. Indeed, rumours continue to swirl that Mason could soon add North London starlet Mikey Moore to his ranks on loan this summer.

West Brom's ongoing pursuit of Moore

Of course, adding Moore to the camp would be an exciting purchase to kick off Mason’s new regime.

The 17-year-old Spurs attacking prodigy will surely be champing at the bit to test himself out on loan away from his boyhood employers, considering a bumper 36 goals and assists combined have now come his way in the U18 and U21 ranks.

He even broke his senior duck last season when galloping forward in the Europa League up against Elfsborg, with the challenges of the Championship now his potential next onward destination to strut his stuff even more.

However, it could be argued that the Baggies aren’t in desperate need of reinforcements down either the left or right wing – which is where Moore predominantly operates – with both Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston top-drawer options on these flanks already. Between them, the entertaining duo can boast 41 goal contributions and counting in the second tier.

Therefore, adding in the teenage sensation might not be deemed the most urgent priority, irrespective of Moore’s familiarity with Mason.

On the other hand, swooping in for some centre-back reinforcements will be judged as a must, with this new, defensive colossus potentially West Brom’s chosen target.

The defender who could be a better signing than Moore

West Brom’s transfer activity this time around is already playing out like their business from last summer, with centre-back brute Semi Ajayi allowed to leave the Hawthorns for nothing, much like Cedric Kipre before him.

With Mason Holgate also only on the Baggies’ books on loan, that leaves the potential promotion chasers light on numbers in this department, which is where Liverpool titan Nathaniel Phillips, who has been linked with a move to the club, could come to the rescue.

Whilst Phillips has impressed infrequently for the Reds – as seen in his impressive tally of seven clean sheets from 17 Premier League clashes – it’s his expertise of the Championship when chucked out on loan away from Anfield that will instantly stick out for Mason and Co, with this headed effort last campaign for Derby County just one key contribution he managed during his memorable loan stint.

In total, the one-time Premier League title winner has now amassed 67 appearances at the daunting level, with his tag as a “monster”, as he was once labelled by Jurgen Klopp, clear for all to see last season when bravely battling away for the relegation-threatened Rams.

Phillips’ league numbers on loan with Derby (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Phillips

Games played

32

Goals scored

1

Assists

3

Ball recoveries*

2.6

Clearances*

5.0

Total duels won*

6.0

Clean sheets

5

Stats by Sofascore

Indeed, the £45k-per-week powerhouse would end his sterling season with six duels won on average across his 32 Championship clashes. To add context, the departing Ajayi would only win 3.3 himself across the same period.

Therefore, adding in the “intelligent” Phillips – as Klopp also glowingly described him – could really enhance Mason’s defensive options as he goes about building a promotion-worthy team.

Whereas, when it comes to the promising Moore, there’s no guarantee he would instantly upset the apple cart at the Hawthorns on his arrival and push into the first team mix, which is why Phillips would be an even better signing.

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After tying both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah down to new deals, Liverpool are now reportedly set to offer another star man a fresh contract in the hope that he stays put.

Liverpool still trying to convince Alexander-Arnold

Although the Reds have plenty to celebrate with Van Dijk and Salah staying put before they sealed their status as Premier League champions last weekend, there still remains questions to be answered in the coming weeks. And the first on everyone’s mind will undoubtedly surround Trent Alexander-Arnold and his future at the club.

Yet to follow in his teammates’ footsteps by putting pen to paper, it seems likely at this stage that the academy graduate will be off to Real Madrid as a free agent when the summer arrives. Liverpool, however, are reportedly yet to give up hope and after Alexander-Arnold received a reminder of what Anfield glory truly feels like, perhaps they are right to hold onto that belief.

Alexander-Arnold, himself, chose to remain reserved when questioned about his future following his winning goal against Leicester City, meanwhile. He told reporters: “I have said all season that I am not going to speak on my situation. I am not going to go into the details.

“But days like today are always special. Scoring goals, playing games, winning games, winning titles — they are special moments for me and I am glad to do my part.”

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With that said, the right-back isn’t the only Anfield star who has found himself at the centre of contract headlines, with one of Liverpool’s most important players now reportedly set to be offered a fresh deal in Merseyside.

Liverpool set to offer Ryan Gravenberch fresh contract

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool have now made contact with Ryan Gravenberch’s camp over a fresh deal at the club, as they look to tie down yet another one of Arne Slot’s key men.

The Dutchman, who is currently on £150,000-a-week has been a revelation under Slot, converting from a struggling midfielder to Liverpool’s unlikely solution in the No.6 role – replacing Fabinho at long last.

The Liverpool boss has rarely hidden his admiration for the former Bayern Munich star either, telling reporters earlier in the campaign after his side drew against Fulham: “Impressed, like everyone who was in the stadium or saw the game. Ryan did outstanding again today.

“Without the ball, he was mostly in our last line, had to play sometimes against a nine, against wingers who are really fast. And with the ball, he came into the midfield. An outstanding performance from him.”

With three years left on his current deal, it looks as though Liverpool are keen to ensure that Gravenberch is at the heart of their midfield for years to come and even beyond those three years.

Liverpool moved one step closer to winning the Premier League title, whilst relegating their opponents in the process, by beating Leicester City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

The Reds battled hard throughout the game to take the lead, but had to wait until deep into the second half to find the opening strike from substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Arne Slot brought the defender off the bench in the second 45 and was rewarded with a match-winning cameo from the academy graduate, who is out of contract this summer.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's match-winning display

The England international came off the bench to secure all three points for the Reds with his goal in the second half, after Conor Bradley started the game.

Alexander-Arnold had only scored two goals in 28 matches in the Premier League before Sunday’s match, yet the full-back stepped up to seal the win with a superbly hit left-footed strike that was too hot for Mads Hermansen to handle.

His match-winning display was not perfect, though, as his use of the ball outside of that goal was not up to usual standards, completing 50% (4/8) of his attempted passes and losing possession eight times from 15 touches.

This could have provided Leicester with a route back into the match late on in the game, as he was consistently giving them the ball back, but the hosts did not have the quality to make anything out of their extra possessions.

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There was a Liverpool player who was even better than the match-winner on the day, as midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai made himself undroppable with a superb all-round display from the start.

Why Dominik Szoboszlai is undroppable

The Hungary international was left out of the XI in the narrow win over West Ham at Anfield last time out, as Curtis Jones started ahead of him, but he has just made himself undroppable with an excellent showing.

Szoboszlai should keep his place ahead of the England international after an incredibly efficient and creative display in the middle of the park against Leicester.

The midfield whiz, who was once described as “magic” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, created two ‘big chances’ for his teammates, which they failed to take, and only lost possession twice from 46 touches of the ball.

Stats

Szoboszlai vs Leicester

Jones vs West Ham

Minutes

71

68

xG + xA

0.37

0.28

Big chances created

2

0

Duels won

2/4

2/5

Possession lost

2x

5x

Dribbled past

0x

0x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Szoboszlai outperformed Jones in that midfield role after the Englishman failed to create any chances, let alone ‘big chances’, in the West Ham clash.

The Hungarian dynamo, who lost possession fewer times than Alexander-Arnold despite playing 52 more minutes, should now be undroppable in that position ahead of Jones, after significantly outperforming him.

Szoboszlai was also more impressive than the match-winner for Liverpool because the rest of the defender’s performance outside of the strike left a bit to be desired, whilst the former RB Leipzig man was excellent on and off the ball throughout his time on the pitch in midfield.

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Slot must, now, keep the creative maestro in the starting line-up for the club’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Premier League next weekend.

The Wankhede crowd found their full voice as Suryakumar walked to the crease, and they weren’t left disappointed

S Sudarshanan12-Apr-20243:13

Dasgupta: ‘Not just a win, it was a statement’

It was hard to make out if the roar was for Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally picking up a wicket. After conceding 101 in just 52 balls, they had managed to see the back of Ishan Kishan, who blazed away to 69 off just 34 balls in Mumbai Indians’ chase of 197. Those in the Sachin Tendulkar Stand and the Dilip Vengsarkar Stand were jumping with joy, and only when the cheers grew louder after the incoming batter’s name was announced at the Wankhede Stadium, did the reason become clear: it was for Suryakumar Yadav.If Rohit Sharma is Mumbai (king of Mumbai), Suryakumar is Surya (elder brother) for the MI fans. ” [Only one promise, Surya brother!]” chanted a group of fans in their twenties as they made their way to the Wankhede Stadium. “SKY for the sky” read a poster by another supporter. The lynchpin of Mumbai’s batting commanded support even if he had played only one match – for a two-ball duck – since returning from a four-and-a-half-month injury layoff.It was only a four-ball wait before SKY opened up. He flicked Akash Deep, playing his first IPL match as a capped India cricketer, through midwicket before pummeling him for three sixes – including his trademark shot over deep-backward square leg.Related

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Suryakumar did not spare the experienced Reece Topley either, taking 18 with three fours and a six in the bowler’s third over. Having seen Suryakumar’s on-side prowess earlier, Topley’s attempt to bowl wide from his hitting arc was an understandable ploy. But the Mumbai batter managed to get under one such length ball and carved it over deep point for half a dozen.Suryakumar has done all of it before – accessing parts of the ground that seemed near impossible. But after being sidelined for a lengthy period – first with an ankle injury and then because of sports hernia – the only question was if he could get his touch back. But in smashing a 17-ball half-century – the joint second-fastest for MI in the IPL history – in a high-octane chase, Suryakumar dispelled any doubts in a flash.”When the tournament started, I was mentally here but physically [at the National Cricket Academy] in Bangalore,” Suryakumar told the host broadcaster after the match. “When I came here, it felt like I never left. When chasing 200 at Wankhede, it is important to know the dew factor. If it is there, then you have to take your chances.Suryakumar Yadav brought out his full range of thrilling strokes•AFP/Getty Images”I just try to play the field, I have practised these shots a lot. It is just in my muscle memory – I go and enjoy it. The slice over point for six I enjoyed the most.”Suryakumar’s routine during rehab was “boring” but as he inched closer to returning to competitive cricket, his motivation increased. He is never one to shy away from the spotlight and wanted his comeback to be a bit different. With an impactful knock as Impact Player on Thursday, he ensured that his return to the runs did not fly under the radar.Suryakumar enjoyed every bit of his one hour on the field. After his dismissal, he had a wide smile as he acknowledged the crowd – helmet off and arms aloft – as he made his way off the ground. He knew that a second win was assured for Mumbai after his 19-ball 52 – that featured five fours and four sixes – brought down the asking rate to just a shade over three per over.It was almost like last year when Suryakumar’s 35-ball 83 had helped Mumbai overhaul RCB’s 199 for 6 at the same venue without breaking much sweat. This time, Mumbai won with 27 balls to spare.”When he scored his fifty, I told him, ‘Welcome back’,” captain Hardik Pandya said. “It’s always good to have Surya in your team. I have been opposition captain to him, and it is pretty tough to set the field, because he hits places where I have never seen many batters hit.”After the game, Suryakumar revealed that he never faces Jasprit Bumrah in the nets because “he either breaks my bat or my foot!” Suryakumar versus Bumrah last played out in the open in IPL 2017, when the former was with Kolkata Knight Riders.It is a loss for fans that they may never get to watch these two superstars pitted against each other at the peak of their powers.

For one, they understand bowling, which is key for decision-makers on the field

Ian Chappell03-Jul-2022Much recent talk in cricket circles has centred around captaincy and retirement.No one should be shocked by the success of Ben Stokes as captain. He’s an allrounder who understands bowling. On the field his main priority is taking wickets, and despite Joe Root’s dazzling success as a batter, Stokes is the most inspirational England player on the field.The former cricketer and excellent captain Imran Khan declared that a good captain understands bowling. Stokes is such a player, and the team believing in his approach is a huge positive for the England side.When Eoin Morgan announced his retirement from the England limited-overs captaincy, the timing of it reaffirmed former Australia captain Richie Benaud’s thoughts on how to make the decision on when to step down. “You’ll know,” was his typically succinct and wise comment on the touchy subject. The best summary of it came from another former Australia allrounder, Keith Miller, who in reply to a question said, “I wanted to retire while people were asking why did you, rather than them saying why don’t you.”Related

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No fear: England have dared to dream under their new brains trust

Despite all the talk of consulting partners, grandmas, and other assorted gurus, retirement should be a selfish decision: it is made to satisfy only one person.When England coach Brendon McCullum discussed Morgan’s retirement with him, he said: “You’ll know. It will be a feeling that just comes and hits you. Just make sure you recognise it when it comes.” Morgan recognised the sign and made the correct decision.Perhaps looking to emulate the success of captains Pat Cummins and Stokes, India appointed fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as captain for their current Test with England. This is a courageous appointment and speaks volumes for Bumrah’s on-field nous.Like with Stokes, no one should be surprised by Cummins’ success. He leads a varied attack that contains very good bowlers and he utilises them wisely. It also doesn’t hurt that Nathan Lyon is a very experienced and long-time spinner.

If a captain has a competitive team who believe in his methods, a lot of good things happen. The players tend to expect, and consequently produce, a good outcome

Part of Cummins’ success as captain comes from recognising Australia’s ability to handle an opposition assault, and how he maintains his composure. Australia also have enough good batters to mount a challenge, and their superiority helped them demolish a weak Sri Lankan side this week. Handling opposition assaults and not spreading fields senselessly is one sure way to gain an advantage in Test cricket.This is an area where Stokes scored over New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. Fast bowler Trent Boult was the only New Zealander who maintained a semblance of control under assault, especially from the destructive Jonny Bairstow. The fact that Williamson had a very inexperienced spinner in Michael Bracewell didn’t help.If a captain has a competitive team who believe in his methods, a lot of good things happen. The players tend to expect, and consequently produce, a good outcome.One of the main things a player has to deal with in cricket is the strain that develops when the opposition goes on the attack. England have performed brilliantly with the bat in this aspect, and Stokes’ own aggressive batting shouldn’t be underestimated. While he will have to slightly temper that aggression, it has rubbed off on the other players. As the best slip fielder, being in the slips is also Stokes’ best fielding position.England have also started gradually picking their best players for a position, with wicketkeeping being a priority. However, they have to ditch the nonsensical bouncer barrages, and they need a varied bowling attack rather than an all-right-arm-seam squad. They’ll also come to understand that Jack Leach is not the spinner to withstand an onslaught from the better batters.Nevertheless, they have improved immensely under Stokes’ positive guidance. While Root remains a top-class player, his captaincy, although afflicted with bad luck in regard to his faster bowlers, was going downhill fast and the team had lost faith in his tactics.Now it remains to be seen how much Stokes’ imagination and positivity can help England against a tested team. His leadership battle with Bumrah will be a fascinating sidelight to what will be an entertaining game.