Their captain pushed the hosts from 112 for 5 to 407, before Vidwath Kaverappa struck twice with the ball

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Feb-2023Mayank Agarwal converted his third hundred of the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season into his second double-century, a mammoth backs-to-the-wall 249 to put Karnataka firmly on top in the semi-final against Saurashtra in Bengaluru.Karnataka had resumed on day two at 229 for 5, as Agarwal added 139 to his overnight tally to run the visitors ragged until half an hour prior to tea. By the time Agarwal – the last wicket to fall – was run out trying to steal a non-existent second run, he had helped Karnataka stage a remarkable recovery; they ended with 407 after being 112 for 5 at one stage, with Agarwal’s vigil alone lasting 626 minutes and 429 balls.Pace bowler Vidwath Kaverappa then got into the act by jagging back deliveries that both Saurashtra batters Snell Patel and Vishvaraj Jadeja left alone, to flatten the off stump. Vasuki Koushik, the other seamer, complemented Kaverappa superbly by starting his spell with seven maidens on the trot.Koushik should have also had Sheldon Jackson caught at slip on 23 in the penultimate over of the day, but the catch off the outside edge was dropped by R Samarth, as Saurashtra ended the day on 76 for 2, another 331 runs behind the hosts’ first-innings total.Big swing and seam movement from the first day’s play gave way to slightly easier batting conditions on the second, but batters still had to apply themselves; and Agarwal gave himself the best chance. As the day progressed, he feasted on some tired bowling that neither asked questions of the batters nor strung up any pressure by way of run containment.If self-restraint was the order of Agarwal’s innings on Wednesday, his flamboyant strokeplay and tactful strike rotation with the lower order was the hallmark of his effort on Thursday. On 141 when No. 10 Kaverappa joined him, Agarwal – who finished with 28 fours and six sixes – played some of the most aesthetically pleasing strokes in trying to swell Karnataka’s score.Saurashtra’s decision to spread the field out and target Agarwal’s batting partners was a ploy that backfired spectacularly. It was also a surprise move, given Saurashtra had struck twice in the first 45 minutes of the morning.Srinivas Sharath, after making his third half-century in first-class cricket, was trapped lbw for 66 in the sixth over of the day when left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya got one to bend back in. Three overs later, K Gowtham was out nicking to the slips off Chirag Jani. At that point, Karnataka were 255 for 7, and not out of the woods yet.Then Agarwal farmed strike superbly with the lower order to haul Karnataka to a position of strength. All said, the surface was still very good for batting. Saurashtra will hope for better application from their middle order to keep them in contention for a place in the final.

South Africa 190 for 2 (Bavuma 90*, Markram 51*, Dutt 1-30) beat Netherlands 189 (Nidamanuru 48, Vikramjit 45, Shamsi 3-25, Magala 3-37) by eight wickets South Africa gained ten crucial points on the World Cup Super League table by cruising to victory over Netherlands. The win puts South Africa on the same number of points as eighth-placed West Indies, who have played all their matches, bringing the hosts within reach of automatic qualification for this year’s fifty-over World Cup.To secure their spots without going through the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe in June, South Africa need to beat Netherlands again on Sunday and hope that Ireland lose at least once to Bangladesh in May. On the evidence of this match, the first of those is possible.The Adelaide anomaly – when the Dutch defeated South Africa and cost them a place in the semi-final – appeared long-banished as the hosts bowled an inexperienced Netherlands line-up out for under 200 and chased it down in 30 overs. Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram scored half-centuries and shared an unbeaten third-wicket stand of 102 to take South Africa to an easy win after Sisanda Magala and Tabraiz Shamsi claimed three wickets apiece in conditions that offered both swing and turn.South Africa lost Quinton de Kock early in the chase, when he top-edged a sweep off Aryan Dutt and was caught at backward square leg. It wasn’t long before Netherlands suffered the bigger blow. Dutt bowled one more over and then had to leave the field after colliding with Musa Ahmed in the deep with what looked like a knee injury. Dutt did not return to the field and was seen on the sidelines gingerly testing out his ability to put weight on his right leg.Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen put South Africa on track with a second-wicket stand of 70. Van der Dussen was aggressive from the get go and drove the fourth ball he faced through the covers for four. He was equally confident on the back foot and his next two boundaries came as he hung back in his crease before he struck three successive fours off Shariz Ahmad, all with the pull shot. Van der Dussen outscored Bavuma and was racing towards the finish when he was undone by Fred Klaasen bouncer that he top-edged to Musa at midwicket.Markram took over from van der Dussen and was alongside Bavuma, who brought up fifty with a loft over mid-off with rain in the air. Although South Africa were well ahead of the DLS requirements, both batters pushed on. Bavuma scored 40 runs off the next 24 he faced and flirted with getting to a third ODI century. Instead, it was Markram who got to a sixth ODI fifty, off 37 balls. Bavuma hit the winning runs off the last ball of the 30th over, to seal an important win.Tabraiz Shamsi took three wickets•Gallo Images/Getty Images

The home batters would have been comfortable with the task they were set after their attack kept Netherlands largely quiet even as they notched up their second-highest ODI score against South Africa. Apart from forties from Vikramjit Singh and Teja Nidamanuru, no other Dutch batter made more than 18 and they unravelled after a good start.Max O’Dowd and Vikramjit posted a 58-run opening stand dominated by Vikramjit. He took on all the bowlers he faced and his coup de grace was hitting Kagiso Rabada for two sixes in his fourth over. O’Dowd was less proactive, especially against a searing opening spell by Marco Jansen, and walked when he tried to steer Magala to deep third but edged to de Kock instead. Vikramjit launched one more six before he mistimed a chip over mid-off to Bavuma and was dismissed five short of a half-century. Netherlands lost their third wicket three overs later, when Wesley Barresi picked out Rabada on the fine leg boundary as he tried to flick Anrich Nortje over.At 81 for 3 in the 18th over, it was up to captain Scott Edwards and Musa to steady things but Edwards was sucked into a drive off Nortje and edged to Jansen at slip. Musa nicked Tabraiz Shamsi off and Netherlands were 105 for 5 after 26 overs.Nidamanuru took the fight to South Africa when he whipped a Jansen half-volley over backward square leg for six and then shuffled across to hit him over square leg. He shared a 30-run stand with Dutt which threatened but Dutt sent a Shamsi wrong’un to Rabada at deep midwicket. Nidamanuru fell for 48 when he feathered an edge off Magala and South Africa were into the Dutch tail. They lost their last six wickets for 84 runs and would have known their total was unlikely to be enough.

Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez believes it is highly unlikely that goalkeeper Joan Garcia will join rivals Barcelona amid Premier League links.

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Keeper Garcia set to leave EspanyolLinked with Man Utd, Arsenal & moreManager casts doubt on Barca moveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Garcia appeared to confirm his future was away from Espanyol after saying he can leave with his "head held high" at the weekend. While the 24-year-old – who played a key role in maintaining their La Liga status – hasn't ruled out a move to local rivals Barcelona, his manager has rejected the idea of a crosstown switch.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT GONZALEZ SAID

He said on : "Maybe he’s already sold, but the club hasn’t told me anything. Personally, I highly doubt he’ll sign for Barcelona. I’m not saying I’d cut off one of my hands to guarantee it, but nearly."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Garcia may be the most in-demand keeper in the world right now. The Spaniard has been linked with Arsenal, Bournemouth, Barcelona, Aston Villa, Newcastle and more, but it remains to be seen where this coveted stopper will head for the 2025-26 season.

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If Garcia does move on, it is up in the air what his price tag will be. Reports suggest he has a €25 million (£21m/$28m) release clause, which will rise to €30m (£25m/$34m) for the last 15 days of the summer transfer window. But other outlets say he could leave for as little as €15m (£13m/$17m) to balance Espanyol's books before June 30.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery made the trip to Spain over the weekend to watch a South American star in action who he is keen to sign in the summer, according to a new report.

Marco Asensio lands Aston Villa award

Aston Villa and NSWE made some serious moves in the January transfer window, signing a number of new players including Marcus Rashford and Axel Disasi, who joined on loan from Manchester United and Chelsea respectively, as well as Donyell Malen, who signed permanently from Borussia Dortmund.

None, however, have been as impactful as Marco Asensio.

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The Spaniard, who is spending the rest of the season on loan at Villa Park from Paris Saint-Germain, has scored seven goals in his first eight games for Emery’s side, including three against Club Brugge in the Champions League as Villa eased into the competition’s quarterfinals.

For his exploits, Asensio was recently named Villa’s Player of the Month for February, scooping a massive 60% of the fans’ votes.

Given his stellar performances, Villa supporters will no doubt be hoping the club can keep hold of the former Real Madrid man past his initial loan spell.

Fortunately, after Villa progressed past Brugge in the Champions League, Emery provided a glimpse of hope that in fact happen. Asked about Asensio, the Spanish coach said, according to AS: “It depends. Of course, we’re happy with it.”

Emery watches Foyth in action for Villarreal

With a plethora of attacking talent at his disposal, it seems Emery has now turned his attention to reinforcing his defence. According to a new report from Spain, per Sport Witness, Emery was back at his former club Villarreal over the weekend to watch them lose 2-1 to Real Madrid at El Madrigal, and not just for fun.

The publication reports that the 53-year-old was there to keep an eye on Villarreal defender Juan Foyth – a player he tried and failed to land in January.

The Argentine, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, scored his side’s goal on the night, and it’s thought Emery hasn’t given up on landing him in the summer because he feels he “fits perfectly” into his system.

Villarreal are thought to be willing to accept an offer of €15m (£12.6m) for Foyth – which is the same figure they played Spurs for him back in 2021.

World Cup winner Foyth, who has been described as “fantastic” by former Liverpool star Luis Garcia, recently hinted that he would be open to a move to Villa Park.

Speaking to AS, per Birmingham Live, about Villa’s interest in January, the 27-year-old said: “I learned a lot from Unai; I became more mature and a better footballer. I was surprised that they were interested in me almost without playing. I thought it was strange, since I’d been practically blank for a year.”

“That interest shows the confidence Unai has in me, and I’m flattered,” he added.

Surrey keeper “happy with the way things have gone” under Stokes-McCullum regime

Vithushan Ehantharajah03-Apr-2023

Ben Foakes has been a consistent performer under Ben Stokes•AFP/Getty Images

Of the thoughts pre-occupying Ben Foakes ahead of the 2023 season, his status as England’s No. 1 wicketkeeper is not one of them.The news Jonny Bairstow has requested the keeping gloves upon his return to action for Yorkshire in a bid to boost him claims on a Test place after breaking his leg last September was a shot across the bows for Foakes. The Surrey wicketkeeper has been the go-to gloveman under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, assuming the role for nine of the 12 matches in the new era. Now, with a one-off Test against Ireland and the summer headliner of an Ashes on the horizon, his place is under threat.Foakes drew special praise from head coach McCullum at the end of the New Zealand tour, stating the 30-year-old’s performances to date were “excellent, not just as a wicketkeeper, which is world-class”. The development of his batting was singled out, with some vital innings across the last nine months.But after Bairstow’s 2022, which featured six centuries and 1061 runs at an average of 66.31 before his year came to an abrupt halt, along with the blockbuster returns of his middle-order replacement, Harry Brook, Foakes is aware he has an all-too-familiar fight on his hands to retain his spot. McCullum has said he would not attempt to “crowbar” Bairstow in, but that would not be the case if the Yorkshireman kept – something he has done in 49 of his 89 Test caps so far.Related

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And given Foakes was left out of the second Test against Pakistan back in December, after Ollie Pope deputised as keeper when Foakes was ruled out of the first through illness, it is evidently a decision England are willing to make.It was only really on the tour of the West Indies last year, off the back of England’s 4-0 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes, that Foakes was given a clear run as Test keeper. His debut in Sri Lanka in 2018 came about after Bairstow damaged ankle ligaments playing football in the warm-ups during the ODI series that preceded the three-match Test series. Foakes marked the occasion with a hundred in his first innings, but soon fell back down the pecking order, behind Bairstow and Jos Buttler. To many, Foakes’ status as England’s first-choice gloveman has been long overdue.”I’m happy with the way things have gone for me,” Foakes said at Surrey’s media day on Monday. “So it is a bit unique to be asked about that [his place]. But I can’t remember a time when I haven’t been asked that stuff to be honest with you, since I started playing.”It is just something I obviously put up with but it is only really times like this where you hear it. Within the camp there is no chat about any selections, whoever it might be at any stage, so it is more just stuff like this.”Blocking out the noise is helped by an average of 38.90 under Stokes. There have been four standout scores above 50, including a second Test century (and first at home) scored during a vital stand with his captain in the series-squaring victory in the second Test against South Africa at Old Trafford. Time away from the field in the four series he has played during that time has also helped him reinforce his ability to cut out negative distractions.”Obviously playing county cricket you don’t get any [media scrutiny] and then all of a sudden it ramps up quite significantly, and that can be a difficult thing. But I’ve found by doing things like staying off social media, not checking Cricinfo during series and things like that just allows me to play the game of cricket again and just be more focused on whatever my job is that day.”I think it’s just a distraction you don’t need, it can just muddle your thinking, if you think ‘this might happen, so I’ve got to do this or I’ve got to do extra’. It takes you away from what you do well and just makes your job more difficult. I think experience over the years for me has showed me that. So nowadays, I just ignore it all.”Nevertheless, Foakes admitted his last outing with England, his 20th cap, still sticks in a craw. He came within eight runs of seeing his side to victory in the second Test against New Zealand at Wellington back in February. Having arrived at the crease with England 201 for 6 chasing a target of 258 on day five, he watched Joe Root fall for 95 one run later before assuming the lead role to marshal the tail through what remained.Foakes walks off after being dismissed on the final day at Basin Reserve•Getty Images

On 35, a pull off Tim Southee in search of his fifth boundary ended up nestling into the hands of Neil Wagner at fine leg, which made it 251 for 9. Wagner went on to dismiss No. 11 James Anderson to give the Blackcaps a famous one-run victory to square the series.While both sides revelled in the part they played got such a thrilling climax, Foakes was visibly distraught at the conclusion. Though he has shaken off that disappointment, it reiterated a sense he needs to expand his repertoire with the bat.”That night, I was gutted,” Foakes said. “I think that’s the area of the game I need to work on. I play a different role at Surrey so that’s the area I’ve been working on the most. I was really happy with the way I stuck to my processes and did what I wanted to do, but obviously gutted to fall just short and get out with seven to go and not quite get over the line.”I think one thing I’ve taken from playing for England is for me, it’s more about how many times can I impact the game. Batting at seven and the style we play you might not often get too long to bat in certain situations. So it’s about how can I impact, how many games can I contribute to in a positive way.”The crux of Foakes’ conflict is his position in the England line-up. Having developed as a top-six batter on the domestic circuit for Essex and Surrey, he is still learning on the job at No. 7 for the national team. The need to switch between batting normally with the top order or aggressively with the lower order is part of the job description. The former comes naturally, but the latter still needs work in Foakes’ opinion.”The challenge I find and the difference is when I go in and someone gets out early and you’re batting with the tail trying to ramp it up and play a slightly different style from say your 10th ball. I think that is the challenge and something you have to train for. Whereas my training over the last few years trying to get into the England team is trying to bat in nets, develop a technique that’s solid and all the old-school stuff. Whereas I think there are different elements to batting at seven you require so they’re the things I’ve tried to work on.”It is worth stating at no point have England voiced any public or private displeasure at how Foakes has operated so far. Those within the camp have been impressed with how he has approached an unfamiliar role, the ownership taken over his game and the manner in which he has carried himself on the field, emerging as a key sounding board for Stokes, whether suggesting shifts in the field or taking it upon himself to stand up to the stumps against the seamers.All told, he has done everything expected of him – and done it well. Regardless of the situation with Bairstow, such self-prescribed improvement will only be of benefit to England and, more importantly, Foakes himself.

Things might have been a little ropey at Chelsea over the past few months, but there are still plenty of reasons for Blues fans to be excited.

Looking at Enzo Maresca’s squad, there is ample quality to hit new heights in the coming years. While Chelsea’s sole chance of silverware this season lies in the Conference League, it’s important to remember the Blues are making incremental gains after a turbulent period while sitting fifth in the Premier League, just two points away from third-placed Nottingham Forest.

Though Maresca hasn’t enjoyed a jaw-dropping addition in the same vein as Mauricio Pochettino did with Cole Palmer, his side is still brimming with exciting attacking talent, and one or two more signings could elevate the club to the next level for 2025/26.

Where Chelsea need to strengthen

Injuries to Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu have highlighted the need for a new centre-forward this summer, one who can jockey for the No 1 spot and provide a goal source fit for a title fight against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.

A young squad assembled with comparative rapidity was always going to encounter teething problems, but it’s clear Todd Boehly and co need to acknowledge – internally, at least – their mishaps since arriving and push for fresh faces.

Both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have struggled to keep errors out of their games between the sticks, so don’t be surprised to see a new goalkeeper.

Defensive issues on the field and injury sufferings to the likes of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile may also see that area of the market perused. Indeed, according to insider Simon Phillips, a seven-man shortlist was compiled in January to improve the club’s all-round quality.

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1

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However, Chelsea are rather well stocked on the attacking flanks. Jadon Sancho could improve but is a talented dribbler, while Noni Madueke continues to show plenty of promise.

There’s another winger at Chelsea who started slow but has been enjoying an uptick in performances in recent weeks, and may yet become a bona fide star under Maresca’s wing.

Chelsea's £100m star in the making

Chelsea’s scattergun spending under the new regime has produced undesirable results over the past few years, but there’s no question the Blues are making progress and might even be playing Champions League football next season – ahead of schedule, by Maresca’s account.

Pedro Neto, 24, will be crucial in achieving this, for he is starting to impress at a time when Palmer has, for the first time, faltered.

Chelsea signed Wolverhampton Wanderers’ talented forward for £54m in August, but he struggled to acclimatise in the early knockings of the campaign, only starting two of his opening seven Premier League games.

However, with four goal involvements in his last three league starts, there’s no question the “incredible” winger, as he has been called by Gary O’Neil, is coming into his own.

Journalist Tom Overend has been impressed by Neto’s recent performances, saying: “Pedro Neto being moved to the central forward position might just have launched his career at Chelsea.

“He immediately looks more threatening, positions better and is getting more goal and assist output as well.”

Pedro Neto: Chelsea stats by position
Position	Apps	Goals	Assists
Right-winger	15	2	3
Left-winger	12	2	2
Centre-forward	2	1	2
Attacking midfield	1	0	0
Stats via Transfermarkt

His natural progressiveness and creativity are coming to fruition, and you can only imagine how impressive he might be with a clinical and powerful out-and-out No 9 alongside him.

As per FBref, Neto ranks among the top 26% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for assists (0.27) and the top 8% for progressive carries (5.66) per 90.

Such qualities have seen FBref record Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon as one of his most comparable players this term, with the Three Lions star averaging 0.31 assists and 4.69 progressive carries per 90 this season.

Like Neto, Gordon’s positional pliability has seen him play across the frontline this season, filling in up front when need be.

Chelsea were prepared to pay up to £60m for Everton’s academy star back in 2022, and given he’s now at St. James’ Park and thriving, they may kick themselves – not least because Newcastle transfer-listed their talent at a jaw-dropping £100m last summer when Liverpool were linked with him.

Neto’s got a way to go before he reaches his potential at Chelsea, but he’s making all the right moves and has the perfect playing style to do so, for he’s just like Gordon – a player the Stamford Bridge side profiled extensively

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When we look back at the 2024/25 campaign, it won’t be remembered for Liverpool’s premature exit from the Champions League.

After such indomitable success in the group phase, Liverpool were rewarded for their first-place finish with an unsavoury meeting against Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, arguably the toughest opponent possible.

But you’ve got to beat the best to be the best, as the maxim goes, and Liverpool can issue little complaint over their shootout agony, for PSG were well worth their victory over the two legs.

Anyhoo. Liverpool’s first campaign with Arne Slot at the helm will be remembered for winning the Premier League (fingers crossed). With nine matches to play, the Reds are 15 points clear at the top of the table. It’s turning into a procession.

However, Slot’s not one to forget a defeat and Liverpool’s Champions League defeat will rankle for some time.

It will also have confirmed in the Dutch coach’s mind – were it not already sealed – that Liverpool need a new striker. But will it be Alexander Isak?

Will Liverpool sign Alexander Isak?

Back in December, Jamie Carragher hailed Isak for being “the best striker in the Premier League right now,” with his goalscoring quality, powerful running and intelligent movements proving too much for the division’s defences.

1.

Mohamed Salah

29

27

2.

Erling Haaland

27

20

3.

Alexander Isak

24

19

4.

Chris Wood

28

18

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

28

15

As you can see, Isak is indeed one of the best forwards across English football, though that man Mohamed Salah still stands mightily above him in the charts.

Though Isak would be a brilliant addition to Liverpool’s ranks, certainly an upgrade on the misfiring Darwin Nunez, it’s been reported Newcastle will demand in excess of £150m for his signature this summer, with further Tyneside reports revealing Eddie Howe hasn’t received any inkling his talisman wants to leave.

Liverpool will be there, but their options stretch beyond that of one man, evidenced when the pursuit of Jude Bellingham was abandoned and an amalgamation of midfield talent was signed instead (Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo).

Whatever FSG do this summer, it’s clear a striker needs to be signed. With Nunez reportedly set to depart, Liverpool should have funds to invest, however sporting director Richard Hughes may want to think about selling Diogo Jota too.

Liverpool need to cash in on Diogo Jota

Liverpool may lift some silverware by the end of the season, but there’s going to be plenty going on this summer, especially with Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk’s contract quandaries still unresolved.

Market Movers

Although selling both Nunez and Jota would be something of a bold move, opening space for not one but two new centre-forwards, it might be worth the hassle. Both stars have flattered to deceive for much of the campaign and Slot needs to stamp his design on Liverpool’s first team.

Jota, typically regarded as one of the most clinical players in the Premier League, has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks, going eight games without a goal after suffering more injury misfortune. His interminable fitness problems finally appear to be wearing him down.

With only eight goals all season, the one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers talent admitted “I don’t feel my best” at the moment, toiling to little avail.

And anyway, the Portugal international is entering the penultimate year of his £140k-per-week deal. He’s still worth a hefty figure at 28, but if his fitness problems and loss of potency in front of goal persist, Liverpool might find themselves taking a far more minimal fee.

According to Football Transfers, Jota has actually been deduced to be worth about £50m in the current market, which makes an interesting comment on his underlying quality, even if he’s out of sorts at the moment.

Indeed, across the past 365 days, he ranks among the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 17% for assists per 90, as per FBref.

There’s a real player in there, evidenced by Jota currently boasting a worth higher than Salah (£25m) and Alexander-Arnold (£45m).

Of course, both stars are out of contract at the end of the season but this still highlights the high regard Jota is held in from a financial standpoint, with all but a select few Redmen towering above the £50m-rated Iberian, it may indeed be worth cashing in now that signs of regression are starting to show.

In fact, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg revealed at the beginning of the week that “a reshaping of the squad is planned,” with Jota among the potential sales.

He’s been a terrific servant for the club, scoring 64 goals and providing 22 further assists across 173 outings, winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup twice, maybe making that thrice after the weekend. Of course, Liverpool are also 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, all but set to lift the title in May.

Liverpool signed him from Wolves for £45m in September 2020 and he’s more than paid his due since, but Jota’s time may be coming to an end, with Slot set to welcome some fresh faces to freshen the ranks and continue the pursuit of glory.

BBC analyst Raj Chohan hailed him for his “deadly” goalscoring instinct in the past, but with that trait beginning to desert him, Liverpool indeed need to act before his lofty value starts to depreciate.

Liverpool need to prepare for the summer ahead, and if Hughes and co fail to tie down the likes of Salah and Trent to new deals, it may well be that Liverpool need to cash in on Jota as well as Nunez, for a spree of spending will be required to revamp the squad.

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Both teams are neck and neck in several key metrics like death-overs strike rate and spin strength

Alagappan Muthu04-May-20235:53

Zampa can play if Holder isn’t being used as allrounder – Deep Dasgupta

Big picture: Some yellove for the TitansHas anybody else watched Gujarat Titans and got major CSK vibes? They have a captain who thrives under pressure. A coach who backs him no matter what. A fast bowler who is a powerplay phenom. A spinner who is very hard to hit (CSK used to have that with R Ashwin). And players who look like they have plenty of job security.Take Vijay Shankar for example. He made 17 runs in 35 balls last season. Titans knew he was better than that. They have trusted him with a spot in the middle order in seven of nine games so far and the result of that trust is, currently, he has the highest strike rate (290) of all batters who have faced at least 24 deliveries in the death overs. People on the outside say players who go to CSK blossom. What will they say of a team which has made a former CSK player who couldn’t blossom at CSK blossom with them?Rajasthan Royals have built themselves a T20 powerhouse team. Proven performers at the two most crucial positions in a T20 batting line-up – the top and the death – and wonderful variety in their bowling attack. Which is why it will sting that they have lost (4) almost as many matches as they’ve won (5), including their last game where Yashasvi Jaiswal seemed to have single-handedly secured victory. Doing the double over the defending champions might be just the thing to help them get their bounce back.Team news: Little set to leaveJosh Little has been outstanding in his first IPL season, picking up five wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 8.5 while operating primarily in the powerplay and the death. Titans will be able to use him against Royals, but he leaves India after this game to play for Ireland in an ODI series against Bangladesh that is crucial to their chances of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup.Form guideRajasthan Royals: LWLLW
Gujarat Titans: LWWWL3:59

Moody: Jaiswal has jumped the queue for India call-up

Impact Player strategyKuldeep Sen didn’t have the best time in the last game, but there’s a little more real estate in Jaipur, where this match will be played, than there was in Mumbai. So he might still get a second go as an Impact Player. If not, Royals might go back to left-armer Kuldip Yadav, who did well on IPL debut last week, picking up 1 for 18 in three overs.Royals Probable XII: 1 Jos Buttler, 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 4 Devdutt Padikkal, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, , 7 Jason Holder, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Yuzvendra Chahal, 10 Sandeep Sharma, 11 Trent Boult, Wriddhiman Saha is averaging 16 from nine games, but he’s Titans’ wicketkeeper, so it’s unlikely they’ll fiddle with his spot. Besides, they like giving their players time to get better. His opening partner Shubman Gill is likely to Impact Sub in or out with fast bowler Mohit SharmaTitans Probable XII: 1 Shubman Gill, 2 Wriddhiman Saha, 3 Hardik Pandya (capt), 4 Vijay Shankar, 5 David Miller, 6 Abhinav Manohar, 7 Rahul Tewatia, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Noor Ahmad, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Josh Little, The big questionStats and Trivia: Best vs Best Royals have been the quickest scoring team (run rate of 9.6) in the powerplay this IPL but that’s alright. Titans have the most economical bowling unit (7.3 run rate) in the powerplay this IPL. Both these teams have been best in class in other key metrics as well like scoring rate at the death: Titans on top (12) followed by Royals (11.7) and spin strength: Titans on top (15.5 balls per wicket) followed by Royals (16.2) Jaiswal is yet to be dismissed by a spinner in this season. He has faced 93 balls and hit 139 runs, including seven of his 18 sixes. But don’t hit him with pace just for the sake of it because he hits them right back. His balls per boundary ratio against the quicks is 3.1. If he is able to score a minimum of 25 in his next innings, he will become the third-quickest Indian to 1000 IPL runs behind Sachin Tendulkar (31) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (31) Shivam Mavi has knocked Sanju Samson over five times in 25 deliveries for 34 runs in T20 cricket. Could Titans consider using him as a super specialist, like how Sunrisers Hyderabad brought in Bipul Sharma against a right-hander-heavy RCB and he took out AB de Villiers to help them win the IPL final in 2016? Titans and Royals had a thrilling finish the last time they met•AFP/Getty Images Because if Samson is able to get off to a start, he poses the single biggest threat to Titans’ best bowler Rashid Khan. The Royals captain won this head-to-head handsomely in the previous game, hitting 28 runs in just nine balls. That’s part of an overall head-to-head in the IPL which reads 109 runs in 92 balls for one dismissal. Hardik Pandya is one of the best spin-hitters in the world, but his record against Yuzvendra Chahal does not reflect it: 48 runs in 55 balls including three dismissals. David Miller might be able to help his skipper out there though. His record against Chahal is excellent: 96 runs off 52 balls for three dismissals. If he spends a long time in the middle, he could neutralise one of Royals’ key wicket-takers. Jos Buttler started the tournament well, scoring 204 runs in his first four matches at a strike rate of 170. But in five matches since then, he’s managed only 85 runs at less than run-a-ball. Offspin isn’t supposed to work against right-handers but try telling Ashwin that. He’s taken out nine of them and is the league’s joint fourth-best dismisser of RHBsPitch and conditionsSince IPL 2018, the average first-innings score at Sawai Man Singh Stadium is 164. Over the same time period, fast bowlers have taken more wickets than spinners (97 vs 64) but spinners have been more economical (7.4 vs 8.6). The weather is set fair for the game after some showers in Jaipur this week.The pitch for Friday night’s game had a substantial covering of live grass on Thursday evening as the teams trained, with some drier patches just full of a good length. The strip is just off-centre, so one square boundary will be marginally shorter than the other.Quotes”Whether runs are coming or not, it’s really important for me to stick to what I know… the end column [on the scorecard] if I do that will look after itself. I started the tournament really well doing that and I haven’t scored the runs I would have liked in the last few games, but it’s much more important to me to stay true to myself and just play in the fashion that I know.”
“Every game in the IPL is a difficult game so you can’t take teams for granted and too lightly. I just think that we need to be on it every single game… in a period of 14 games you are going to slip up every now and again and that happens with every other team.”

Manchester United's Amad Diallo & Alejandro Garnacho appeared to ask for help from Malaysian fans to pay for their electric scooters in Kuala Lumpur.

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• Man Utd currently in Far East
• Amad & Garnacho had trouble hiring scooters
• Malaysian locals lent a helping hand

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils arrived in Malaysia this week following the conclusion of their Premier League campaign to participate in a friendly against the ASEAN All-Stars. While enjoying their downtime in the capital, Amad & Garnacho attempted to rent scooters to explore the area, but were unable to navigate the process.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The duo appeared unable to access or pay for the service themselves and reportedly asked the fan to cover the payment on their behalf and assist in setting the scooters up. The situation drew an amused crowd, with other players – including Ayden Heaven – facing similar difficulties.

  The scene quickly turned into a fan frenzy, as curious pedestrians and United supporters flocked around the players to get a glimpse of the footballers outside their usual match setting. Once the issue was resolved, the players obliged fans with selfies, much to the delight of the Malaysian public.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Despite the enthusiasm of fans abroad, the club’s on-field struggles have been well documented. Under the leadership of head coach Ruben Amorim, they endured one of their poorest seasons in recent memory as they limped to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League, far from the lofty standards traditionally associated with the club.

  Following their 1-0 loss to the ASEAN All-Stars, United’s travelling squad will head to Hong Kong for their final fixture before the summer break, where they are set to take on the Hong Kong national team on May 30.

Enzo Maresca had a great start to life at Chelsea, taking them to second in the Premier League before Christmas. However, since then, the Blues have struggled for consistency. Despite still producing fairly good underlying metrics, the results haven’t always followed.

Chelsea are averaging 58.2% possession per game which is the second highest in the division, taking 16.1 shots per game – the third highest in the league and have scored 52 goals in 27 games, making the fourth highest scorers.

Cole Palmer

14

Nicolas Jackson

9

Noni Madueke

7

Enzo Fernández

4

Marc Cucurella

3

Pedro Neto

3

Christopher Nkunku

3

Jadon Sancho

2

Moises Caicedo

1

Reece James

1

However, in recent months, the Blues have struggled more in front of goal, showing inconsistency in finding the back of the net and therefore costing them some valuable results and points.

But, this isn’t a new feature for the Blues, as one man in particular was known for this in his Chelsea career.

How Timo Werner struggled at Chelsea

Timo Werner joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig back in 2020 for a fee of around £48m. In his 89 appearances for the club, the German scored 23 goals, provided 17 assists and totalled 6,051 minutes.

Despite still scoring some important goals and playing a big part in Chelsea’s Champions League winning campaign under Thomas Tuchel in 2021, Werner was often criticised for his inconsistency in front of goal, missing some huge chances in his time for the Blues.

Tuchel still rated him, however, notably jumping to the German’s defence in a press conference, saying: “It’s an easy solution to point the finger at Timo, which I cannot fully understand and I will not accept.”

In 2025, Chelsea may have found their next Werner, also coming from the Bundesliga and beginning to show the same level of inconsistency for the Blues.

Chalkboard

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

Chelsea's "new" Timo Werner

It’s safe to say that since the days of Didier Drogba and Diego Costa, the Londoners have struggled to find a consistent and reliable number 9.

That has stretched into the current iteration of this Chelsea side with a certain Christopher Nkunku now the scapegoat.

Signed from RB Leipzig back in 2023, joining the Blues for a fee of around £52m, the Frenchman has struggled with injury, only making 48 appearances, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists, totalling 2,092 minutes played.

Much like Werner, Nkunku has still shown his capability to score goals, having some big moments of quality and netting 14 times this season in his 34 appearances in all competitions. However, many of these goals have come in cup competitions, with only three being scored in the Premier League.

Goals

0.71

0.34

Assists

0.27

0.28

xG

0.56

0.48

xAG

0.25

0.19

Progressive Carries

1.77

3.54

Progressive Passes

2.66

2.37

Shots Total

2.80

2.73

Goals/Shot

0.22

0.10

Key Passes

1.65

1.11

Shot-Creating Actions

3.67

2.77

When you compare the metrics between Nkunku’s 24/25 season and Werner’s 20/21 season, you can see Nkunku’s numbers are actually far better, showing higher levels of output, clinical finishing and creativity.

However, a key difference between the two players is their work rate, as Werner may not provide the same on-ball value and numbers, but he did work much harder off the ball.

Nkunku was once labelled a “monster” in the making by Jacek Kulig, having shown his quality for Leipzig in the Bundesliga after joining from PSG, but like Werner, the 28-year-old has struggled to find his best form at Chelsea, often playing out of position and lacking consistency.

Whilst it may not have reached true Werner levels yet, he has shown signs of inconsistency, with Chelsea fans growing frustrated with his body language at times on the pitch.

Both players have struggled to fully show their best coming from Germany to England, and Nkunku could find himself elsewhere next season if he doesn’t finish this campaign in strong form.

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