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Afghanistan have now won each of their bilateral ODI series against Zimbabwe bar the one in 2014, which was split

Himanshu Agrawal21-Dec-2024

AM Ghazanfar now has two five-fors in his 11 ODIs•ACB

Sean Williams slog-swept Rashid Khan in the 24th over of Zimbabwe’s innings, but the ball ballooned off the top edge for Hashmatullah Shahidi at midwicket. Shahidi looked to catch it with a reverse cup, but dropped the ball – possibly because of the sun in his eyes – and invited the loudest cheers until then from the sparse crowd at Harare Sports Club.They didn’t have much going for them, really, since Zimbabwe were 89 for 8 at that stage. Williams, on 33 at the time, went on to score 60 at just under a run a ball, and dragged his side to 127 in 30.1 overs. Afghanistan wiped out the target of 128 with eight wickets and 23 overs in the bank. Sediqullah Atal followed up a knock of 104 from the second ODI with 52 off 50 balls in the third, hitting four fours and two sixes on the way, and Afghanistan completed a 2-0 series win over Zimbabwe after the first ODI was washed out.That gave Afghanistan their sixth successive ODI series win over Zimbabwe, who are yet to beat them in a bilateral series in seven attempts – the first one, back in July 2014, was shared 2-2.The chase began with just 15 runs from the first six overs, as Zimbabwe kept it tight. But Atal drove and got a top edge for four off Richard Ngarava in the seventh over, and that got Afghanistan going. Although Abdul Malik, the other opener, took his time, Atal attacked from the other end to raise the fifty stand in the 11th over. The partnership ended at 83 when Ngarava had Malik chopping on for 29, before Brian Bennett took a blinder running and diving to his left to send Atal back. Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, however, didn’t have any bothers finishing the job.[File photo] Sean Williams was the only Zimbabwe batter to take the fight to Afghanistan•Getty Images

But Afghanistan’s win on Saturday was set up by 18-year-old offspinner AM Ghazanfar. He bowled his quota of ten overs unchanged starting from the seventh, and finished with 5 for 33, his second ODI five-for in just 11 games. Shahidi chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and his bowlers proved the decision right. Afghanistan’s seamers were getting appreciable swing even after the powerplay, while their spinners almost magically turned the ball both ways.Eight of the ten wickets went to Ghazanfar and Rashid, who got 3 for 38. That, though was aa result of both batters not reading them well, and the on-field umpires making debatable calls – perhaps not reading the bowlers well either. In a series where the teams don’t have DRS to turn to, Craig Ervine and Ben Curran walked back unhappy. Even Sikandar Raza shook his head on being given out lbw off Rashid, but whether he did that because he was disappointed with the umpire or with himself… who can tell.Zimbabwe’s innings featured a mini-collapse as well as a big crumble. But before either of those, Afghanistan’s new-ball bowlers Fareed Ahmed and Azmatullah Omarzai kept a tight leash on opening batters Curran and Joylord Gumbie. Twenty-two of the first 28 balls were dots; there were four more to start the seventh over, after which Zimbabwe lost three wickets for five runs in next to no time.It started with Gumbie top-edging an attempted sweep off Ghazanfar to short fine-leg. Next over, Omarzai got one to seam away from Ervine, who was squared up as the ball went past. Ervine was given out caught behind, but there was no visible nick. Ghazanfar then got his second when he trapped Curran in front for 12 in the ninth over, although the first impression was that the ball was heading down the leg side.Rashid Khan picked up three wickets, but played second fiddle to his junior colleague, AM Ghazanfar•Afghanistan Cricket Board

Senior hands Raza and Williams briefly rebuilt thereafter. Williams had 21 runs off his first 22 balls, including three fours and a six, after 14 overs. But come the 16th, Raza’s wicket triggered a period where Zimbabwe lost five wickets for 29 runs. He was hit on the back leg by one which turned in from Rashid, and was adjudged lbw for 13. In his next over, Rashid had Bennett lbw with a googly as well, as Bennett played down the wrong line.Ghazanfar then got two more back to back, almost in identical fashion. He cleaned up both left-hand batters Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wellington Masakadza in the one over, the 19th of the innings, and each time, going around the wicket, the carrom ball fi the trick. Both batters swung across the line, and left a big gap between bat and pad for the ball to hit the off stump. On the hat-trick ball, Ghazanfar beat Newman Nyamhuri on the outside edge, with Shahidi placing as many as three slips for the right-hander.Williams, meanwhile, continued ticking at the other end even as he kept running out of partners. He whacked Rashid for four over midwicket, and slogged him for six over square leg, while Ghazanfar completed his five-for by having Nyamhuri top-edging to slip in between.Williams added 30 for the ninth wicket with Ngarava, and brought up his 36th ODI fifty when he hammered debutant seamer Bilal Sami to deep backward point. Williams had also bashed birthday boy Sami for a four and six off consecutive balls in the 14th over.But when going for a reverse sweep against Rashid in the 28th, Williams ended up tickling one to slip, where Mohammad Nabi caught him. Zimbabwe’s innings lasted only another 15 balls, in which Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu added eight runs. The defeat capped off a year in which Zimbabwe’s collective batting average was at its lowest at 14.22 (with a minimum of nine batting innings).

The past several transfer windows saw minimal activity from Liverpool, but that didn’t stop Arne Slot from replacing Jurgen Klopp and winning the Premier League in his first year at the club.

But having achieved such staggering success last term, the Dutch coach has been rewarded by FSG with a series of impressive signings this summer, with Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz all joining the title-winning side.

Wirtz, in particular, has the potential to become a superstar on Merseyside. Signed from Bayer Leverkusen (after Frimpong) for a British-record £116m fee, the 22-year-old has been described as “the best midfielder in the world” by former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes.

To surpass this incredible acquisition would be a Herculean task, but Liverpool are inclined to try, with sporting director Richard Hughes looking to bag a forward.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans

After a move to Napoli collapsed, Darwin Nunez’s future is currently uncertain. Liverpool want a new centre-forward, and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is the dream.

However, the Sweden star has been priced at £200m, which should put him beyond FSG’s reach.

However, with Luis Diaz mooted for a move away from Anfield this summer and having agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich, perhaps the Reds need to prioritise a bid for a left-sided forward.

And according to reports from Spain, Liverpool could be set to shatter the footballing world with a formal offer for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who is valued at €130m (£113m) by Florentino Perez.

While there is an expectation that Vinicius Jr, 25, will finalise a new deal with Los Blancos sooner rather than later, the protracted nature of the talks could lead Liverpool to swoop in and secure an incredible addition.

What Vinicius Junior would bring to Liverpool

While Liverpool have struck gold with the signing of Wirtz, they might hit an even richer stream through the signing of Vinicius Jr, who has been called “the best player in the world” by Perez in the past.

While there was a fair share of controversy (putting it modestly) around the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, the dynamic forward did win The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024 after missing out on the apex of individual accolades.

Joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in the Brasileiro Serie A for £39m in 2018, making him the most expensive under-19 player in history, Vinicius Jr has since become a superstar on the global stage, one of the most marketable and decorated rising stars of his generation.

Across the past year, he ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 13% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, underscoring the elite danger that could see him surpass even Wirtz at Anfield.

24/25

58

22

19

23/24

39

24

11

22/23

55

23

19

21/22

52

22

17

20/21

49

6

5

19/20

38

5

3

18/19

31

4

9

The Brazil international is a remarkable player, and his sustained brilliance over the past four seasons illustrates his world-class level, which is maybe even higher than Wirtz’s, even though the German has notched 69 goal involvements for Leverkusen across the past two seasons, winning the Bundesliga Player of the Year for 2023/24 aftet his outfit’s invincible, title-winning campaign.

Wirtz is the real deal, but he needs to do more at this stage of his career to reach Vinicius Jr’s level, with any far-fetched deal to sign the Madrid superstar set to see him arrive with a pre-existing reputation as a Ballon d’Or contender, a platform Wirtz still needs one final push to reach.

Described as a “legend in the making” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Vini Jr. could be a stunning signing for Liverpool, making a real signal of intent.

While the Reds have already secured a marquee arrival in the form of Wirtz, the South American might just prove to be the cream of the crop, should he arrive in the coming weeks.

A Gakpo upgrade: Liverpool ready to submit bid for "world-class" £86m star

Liverpool will need to replace Luis Diaz if they sell the Colombian this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 14, 2025

Arsenal chiefs have their eyes on an England international star for manager Mikel Arteta, with sporting director Andrea Berta leaving no stone unturned in his chase for fresh Gunners talent.

Arsenal transfer latest as Berta looks to make big impact

The north Londoners are working on a busy transfer window and have held talks over numerous targets.

Arsenal enter race to sign £25m Sesko alternative who's "like Haaland"

The dangerous international would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 17, 2025

The pending arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is expected to be finalised soon, with the La Liga side ultimately delaying his exit so they can register his transfer as part of the next financial year, starting in July (David Ornstein).

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Nevertheless, regardless of Zubimendi’s cryptic comments causing quite a stir in the last few weeks, Arsenal are still fully expected to sign Zubimendi this summer after months of talks.

The Spaniard could be joined by one of two heavily linked strikers – Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko – who’ve both been at the centre of Arsenal talks as Berta works on deals for both of them (BBC).

Arsenal are also chasing a new winger, even if Nico Williams is likelier to join Barcelona as things stand, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo still being targeted by Arteta as they look to add further quality in the wide area (Football Transfers).

Amidst all of this rumoured activity, there are some reports sharing information that Arsenal are considering the signing of another defender.

Reports from Brazil in the last few days revealed Arsenal’s interest in signing Lille centre-back Alexsandro, who’s just made his first two senior starts for Brazil, but another highly-rated international is also in Berta’s thinking.

Arsenal targeting Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi

That man is Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, who looks almost certain to leave Selhurst Park this summer.

The England star is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at Palace, giving Eagles chairman Steve Parish until September 1 to make any significant money off his sale.

Parish actually rejected an ambitious £70 million bid for Guehi in the January window, which came from Tottenham, so they’re still unlikely to be pushovers when it comes to parting company with the “sensational” 24-year-old.

Reports suggest Palace could still demand up to £60 million to sell, regardless of his contract situation, but Arsenal are showing an interest in signing Guehi, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

“He’s now into the final year of his contract, so if Crystal Palace aren’t able to persuade him to sign a new deal, this is one of their last chances to cash in,” said O’Rourke to Football Insider.

“Right now, I wouldn’t say there are any clear favourites for him. I think it’s an open race. We know Newcastle are long-term admirers, so I’m sure they’ll be monitoring the situation.

“Arsenal have also shown a bit of interest as well. A lot of it will come down to the player and what he wants to do. If he was to go to Arsenal, there’s no guarantee that he would be a regular starter, and that might not be what Guehi wants especially heading into a World Cup year.

“That’s something that’s going to play a part.”

The Palace captain’s pace and composure on the ball make him a very enticing potential signing for Arsenal, but given the presence of both William Saliba and Gabriel, he’d struggle to break into Arteta’s first team regularly enough.

Arteta also already has Riccardo Calafiori and Jakub Kiwior as back-up options, even if the latter has been linked with an exit, which makes you seriously wonder if the mooted £60 million fee for Guehi would be far better spent elsewhere.

Looking to get their summer business underway, Everton are now reportedly battling to sign a Premier League winner who would instantly become their highest earner.

Everton set to miss out on Liam Delap to Chelsea

Although the summer transfer window is yet to officially get underway, Everton have already reportedly been handed their first rejection courtesy of Liam Delap. The Toffees presented their project to the Ipswich Town star in an attempt to convince him that a step towards David Moyes’ side would suit this stage of his career rather than an instant jump into the Premier League’s top six. As right as that argument could prove to be, however, it was not enough to convince the talented striker.

Set to turn Everton and Manchester United down as well as others in favour of a move to Chelsea this summer, Delap’s decision will disappoint those in Merseyside who would have seen their frontline transformed.

Moyes even confirmed Everton’s interest in Delap earlier this month, telling reporters when asked about Delap: “He spoke to three or four clubs. He’s given us our opportunity to pitch our case. We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but hopefully, you never know what happens.”

Now, however, the Toffees must turn to alternative options in pursuit of improving Moyes’ frontline this summer. And whilst names such as Gustavo Hamers have already been mentioned, Everton could first push to sign a Premier League-winning attacking addition when the transfer window swings open.

Everton keen on signing Liverpool "monster" who could rival Branthwaite

Everton are lining up a couple of audacious transfer swoops this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 27, 2025

It would be some statement from the Friedkin Group and one that could instantly ease Everton’s Delap woes.

Everton now looking to sign Jack Grealish from Man City

According to The Boot Room, Everton are now battling AC Milan and a host of other clubs to sign Jack Grealish this summer, with Manchester City willing to allow the attacking midfielder to leave on loan in the coming months. Alongside the Toffees and Milan, Aston Villa, Napoli, Newcastle and West Ham are also keen, as are clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The former Aston Villa star has won all there is to win at the Etihad, including three Premier League titles, but may look back on his spell at Manchester City with slight frustration, having never truly hit the heights that his £100m price tag suggested he could. Now, after being left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad on the final day of the Premier League season, an exit seems increasingly likely.

That said, even on loan, a deal to sign Grealish may not come cheap. If he completed a summer switch to Everton, for example, then he would instantly become their highest earner by some distance at £300,000-a-week.

Everton’s highest earners compared to Jack Grealish	Salary per week
Jack Grealish	£300,000
Jordan Pickford	£125,000
Idrissa Gueye	£120,000
James Tarkowski	£100,000
Michael Keane	£80,000

Earning over double what Pickford earns at Everton, the pressure would certainly be on Grealish to perform. In regards to how difficult a deal could be to complete, meanwhile, things are likely to be made that much easier by the fact that the Manchester City man is represented by the same CAA Stellar agency as Jordan Pickford.

Everton and rival Premier League club West Ham United are fighting to complete the signing of a “brilliant” player this summer, according to a new transfer rumour.

Who are Everton linked with?

There is plenty of optimism in the air among Blues supporters about a productive summer transfer window lying ahead, with plenty of funds set to be made available for new signings.

Everton have been linked with sealing a reunion with John Stones, amid doubts over his Manchester City future, which could prove to be extremely popular. Granted, his injury problems have been well-documented at times, but he would feel like a statement signing by Moyes.

Another City player, this time James McAtee, has also been mentioned as an option, with the Englishman unlikely to be able to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans moving forward. He could be ideal for the Blues, adding creativity in attacking areas.

With reported Everton target Liam Delap off to Chelsea, Tammy Abraham is considered an alternative option for Everton, as he potentially looks to seal a return to the Premier League this summer. The former Chelsea man has fallen out of favour at Roma, spending this season on loan at AC Milan, scoring just three goals in 28 Serie A appearances for the latter.

Everton battling West Ham for Brownhill

According to a fresh claim from Claret & Hugh, Everton and West Ham are locking horns over the signing of Burnley Player of the Year Josh Brownhill this summer, as the Clarets look to keep hold of him after their return to the Premier League.

It is described as a “straight shootout” between the two clubs, even though Leeds United get a mention in the report, with the Blues linked with signing the 29-year-old multiple times in the past and Moyes thought to be a big fan.

Brownhill feels like a player right at his peak, following an outstanding season for Burnley that saw him score 18 times in the Championship from midfield, playing a huge role in their promotion from the Championship.

The fact that Moyes wanted him during his time at West Ham can only bode well, as the update states, and the Englishman would bring box-to-box quality to Everton’s team, being hailed by Clarets manager Scott Parker early in the campaign.

“There are not enough words to compliment Browny. He’s a driving force in this team, he’s got brilliant box habits and he’s always in and around the right areas. He’s got huge quality and he’s now got nine for the season, so he’s been fundamental for us.”

Ndiaye 2.0: Everton take first steps to sign £25m ace who's "like Odegaard"

Everton appear to be targeting a player who has shades of Iliman Ndiaye…

ByRobbie Walls May 31, 2025

Granted, some may look at Brownhill’s age and wonder if a younger option should be the priority, but he could offer plenty for the next three or four years, coming straight in as a key starter, as Moyes plans for both the short-term and long haul on Merseyside.

As Graham Potter looks towards the summer transfer window to turn the early days of his tenure around, West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign a £47m defender who kept Erling Haaland quiet this season.

Potter's West Ham struggles continue

From Julen Lopetegui’s disappointing few months to Potter’s current struggles, it has been a season to forget for the Hammers. When they decided to part ways with the Spaniard, there would have been plenty of hope that Potter, in his first return to management since leaving Chelsea, had the ability to get the true potential out of an impressive side on paper. That has so far proved anything but the case, however.

Graham Potter at West Ham

Record (via Transfermarkt)

Games

15

Wins

3

Draws

8

Defeats

4

Whilst West Ham have had their injury struggles and January arrivals such as Evan Ferguson haven’t quite worked out, three wins in 15 games is a fairly inexcusable record for Potter and one that he simply must turn around next season.

After summer signing Niclas Fullkrug failed to hold back his criticism of his own side recently, Potter issued a critical response of his own, telling reporters: “I think he [Fullkrug] wears his heart on his sleeve.

“I would disagree with him in some things and agree with him in others. But he’s entitled to his opinion. As a senior player, we’ve had lots of honest conversations. And I think for me it’s better to have the conversations in private, not in public.”

Related Better than Calvert-Lewin: West Ham make contact over "phenomenal" £12m ace

West Ham appear to have their eye on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, yet might there be a better alternative out there?

Posts ByJoe Nuttall May 1, 2025

As problems continue to arise, the former Brighton & Hove Albion desperately needs to mark his own stamp on his side in his first summer in charge and desperately needs to instil his style on a struggling squad at long last.

West Ham battling to sign Yann Bisseck

Already turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, those at the London Stadium have reportedly set their sights on a Champions League semi-finalist. According to Caught Offside, West Ham are now battling Manchester United to sign Yann Bisseck from Inter Milan, who will allow their defender to leave for around €55m (£47m) this summer.

The 24-year-old recently started for the Italian giants against Barcelona in a thrilling affair which ended in a 3-3 draw to make next week’s clash at the San Siro all the more important. It was earlier on in Inter Milan’s European journey that Bisseck truly impressed, though, as he helped to keep Manchester City’s Erling Haaland quiet in a 0-0 draw.

By the end of the 90, Haaland had been limited to just 0.33 expected goals, two touches in the Inter Milan box and just 14 touches overall. Bisseck, meanwhile, came away with four recoveries, a ground duel success rate of 75% and was not dribbled past once, as per Fotmob. If there were any doubts that he could perform on the big stage, they were put to bed that night, as he simply outmuscled the Norwegian superstar.

Dubbed “commanding” by analyst Ben Mattinson for performances like that one, Bisseck is exactly the type of player who could spearhead Potter’s West Ham turnaround this summer.

Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta could now sign a forward for half price this summer, after reliable news that they’ve been in “ongoing” direct talks with his representatives.

Arsenal face PSG in Champions League semi-finals after Real Madrid triumph

After Wednesday night’s Champions League triumph, Mikel Arteta’s side became the first club in history to beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on their first two visits, and are the only side to ever achieve this feat both domestically and on the European stage.

Chelsea eye £40m Netherlands star who Arsenal have targeted since he was 16

The Gunners are very long-term admirers.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 17, 2025

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a 2-1 win at Real and booked Arsenal’s place in the Champions League semi-finals, where they will face Ligue 1 champions PSG in a blockbuster two-legged tie after they knocked out Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games	Date
Ipswich Town (away)	April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)	April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)	May 3rd
Liverpool (away)	May 11th
Newcastle United (home)	May 18th

It was a statement quarter-final victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s which shocked the whole of Europe, beating the Spanish heavyweights 5-1 on aggregate, with club-record signing Declan Rice putting in two world-class performances over the two legs.

Supporters have been given real belief their side can go on and win the competition, and if they do, this season could be viewed as a major success from Arsenal’s perspective, despite missing out on the Premier League title to Liverpool.

“It’s been quite different before because it was impossible to be in any round because the club wasn’t in the Champions League for seven years,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s evolution since he took charge.

“So, that shows you the turnaround, and a lot of great decisions that the club has made and the contribution a lot of people have made to be where we are. It’s a team that you can feel today how hungry, how determined and ambitious that is to go. We’re going for more, for sure.

“The biggest pride is when I look at them and I talk to them, how convinced they feel and that’s been part of our job and of the coaches, and that’s why it’s a joy to work with them.”

Arsenal given 50 per cent discount for Bayern winger Kingsley Coman

Off the field, Berta is already preparing to back Arteta by signing star upgrades for the squad this summer.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg and other sources, £280,000-per-week Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman is emerging as a serious target.

Plettenberg reported recently that Arsenal are in “ongoing” and “direct” talks with Coman’s representatives over a summer move, with fellow reliable journalist Ben Jacobs now sharing an update of his own for TEAMtalk.

The reporter states Bayern could let Coman leave for a half-price fee of £30 million, with his initial value of £60 million dropping “significantly” since last summer. The France international’s contract expires in 2027, so Vincent Kompany’s side have precious little time to make any cash off his sale.

£30m would still come as a profit for Bayern, considering they only signed him for £18 million from Juventus in 2017, so this could be a win-win for both parties.

Called a “complete” forward by those who’ve worked with him, Coman would leave Bayern as a legend, having racked up 330 appearances for the club in total with 69 goals and 69 assists to show for his efforts.

Celtic will look to tie up loose ends from a domestic standpoint ahead of next season before looking to strike while the iron is hot on the transfer market.

Celtic in hunt for domestic treble to reflect progress under Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has led Celtic to within touching distance of another treble and will hope his side can push a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title over the line this weekend should permutations fall their way.

The Bhoys need to defeat Kilmarnock on Saturday to move within a point of the league crown, which could be handed to them the following day if Rangers lose out at Aberdeen.

Despite the promise of a fantastic end to the campaign, Rodgers has warned against Celtic complacency following a surprise 1-0 defeat for his side against St Johnstone last Sunday.

He stated: “It’s happened too many times. I’ve seen a trend now with us, and it will be interesting between now and the end of the season in terms of mentality.”

Losing three of his last seven Scottish Premiership encounters, the Irishman has possibly been given food for thought as the summer window approaches.

Rodgers must finally get rid of Celtic dud who earns more than Maeda

Celtic must move on from the forward who earns even more than Daizen Maeda.

4 ByDan Emery Apr 9, 2025

Reports have suggested Celtic want to sign Augsburg midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj to shore up their options in the engine room, which may go some way to indicating where he sees the most pressing need for reinforcements.

Delivering domestic trophies is deemed as the bread and butter in Scotland, but there is an ever-blooming expectation that the Hoops’ rude financial health should translate to regular impressive showings in Europe, with recent claims suggesting Rodgers has demanded a summer warchest to stay at Celtic.

Tapping into that theme, the manager could now be granted several new arrivals at Parkhead to help his cause, according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness.

Wyness: Celtic boss Rodgers could line up five summer signings

Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness claimed Celtic could make up to five summer signings in what is set to be an “aggressive” window for all involved at Parkhead, citing their desire to grow in the Champions League as a critical factor.

He stated: “Brendan will definitely want to be aggressive this summer, every manager wants that. I’ve never had a manager work for me who isn’t two players short of what he wants. No matter what you give them, they always want at least two more.

Where are Celtic most likely to strengthen this summer?

Left-back – almost certain to happen

Greg Taylor likely to leave for free, cover needed for Kieran Tierney

Defensive midfield – possible but not at top of priority list

Callum McGregor is 32 in June and may need his minutes managed

Central midfield – if departures occur

Reo Hatate may be at the end of his cycle, so another body is likely

On the flanks – high likelihood

Daizen Maeda’s move to central striking role has created a void

Striker – almost certain to happen

Maeda and Adam Idah could use competition through the middle

“Brendan will, in this case, want another three, four, or even five – given the Champions League and the levels they want to be at. So it will be that usual battle.”

Although there is unlikely to be a sea change at Celtic this summer, a squad refresh may be needed to instill the hunger needed to claim a fifth Scottish Premiership title in a row alongside staking a claim in the Champions League.

Now, the onus remains on Parkhead recruitment chiefs to ensure the Bhoys are prepared by the time qualifiers come around, which won’t be an easy test so early into the new campaign.

And what’s the earliest in their career that a player has scored a hundred and taken a five-for in the same Test?

Steven Lynch15-Jul-2025I heard that KL Rahul was the 100th player to be out for 100 in a Test. Who did it most often? asked Arqam Fazal Mirza from India
You heard correctly: KL Rahul’s round 100 at Lord’s last weekend was indeed the 100th time a batter had been dismissed for exactly 100 in a men’s Test. The great England opener Len Hutton managed it four times between 1937 and 1951, while a later Australian opener in Graeme Wood had three round 100s. Four others were out for exactly 100 twice – both Waugh twins, Gordon Greenidge and Kevin Pietersen.There have also been 69 cases of 100 not out, including two by Allan Border, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saleem Malik (and another one by Steve Waugh). There are also three instances (plus one not-out) in women’s Test matches.England and India tied on the first innings at Lord’s. What are the highest and lowest such instances? asked Ahmedul Kabir from Bangladesh
Both first innings at Lord’s last week ended at 387: this was the ninth time such a tie had happened in all Tests.Twin totals of 387 come in fifth – exactly halfway – on the list. The highest was 593, by West Indies (who declared five down) and England in St John’s in April 1994, in the match in which Brian Lara first claimed the Test record with an innings of 375. The lowest such instance involved two totals of 199, by South Africa and England at the old Lord’s ground in Durban in January 1910 (England were 198 for 7, but lost their last three wickets for one).Corbin Bosch scored a hundred and took a five-for in just his second Test. Has anyone else done this? asked Nelson from South Africa
South Africa’s Corbin Bosch scored 100 not out in the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo at the end of June, and then took 5 for 43 in the second innings.He was the fourth man to do this in his second Test, following Jack Gregory, for Australia against England in Melbourne in January 1921, Roston Chase for West Indies vs India in Kingston in August 2016, and one of his opponents in the match in question – Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett, against Afghanistan, also in Bulawayo in December 2024.But there’s one man who achieved this all-round feat on his Test debut: New Zealand’s Bruce Taylor followed 105 with 5 for 86 against India in Calcutta in March 1965. There’s also one woman: Chamani Seneviratna made 105 not out after taking 5 for 31 in Sri Lanka’s only women’s Test to date, against Pakistan in Colombo in April 1998.Bosch was the fourth to do this particular double for South Africa in Tests, following Jimmy Sinclair, Aubrey Faulkner and Jacques Kallis (twice). It was also Bosch’s maiden first-class century: he was the fifth South African to do this in a Test – but the first since 1955, following Sinclair, Percy Sherwell, Tuppy Owen-Smith and Paul Winslow.Corbin Bosch was the fourth man to score a hundred and take a five-for in his second Test•Zimbabwe CricketLhuan-dre Pretorius scored 157 runs in all on his Test debut. What’s the record for this? asked Biraj Bohara from Nepal
The South African left-hander Lhuan-dre Pretorius had scores of 153 and 4 on his Test debut, against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo at the end of last month.Rather surprisingly, perhaps, no fewer than 46 men have made more runs in their first Test: the list is headed by Lawrence Rowe, who marked his debut for West Indies – against New Zealand in Kingston in February 1972 – with 214 and 100 not out. The only other batter to score more than 300 runs in his first Test is England’s Reginald “Tip” Foster, who followed his 287 against Australia in Sydney in December 1903 (the highest individual debut score) with 19 in the second innings.The South African record is held by Jacques Rudolph, with 222 not out against Bangladesh in Chittagong in April 2003.Has anyone ever scored centuries in the second and third innings of a Test? asked Nirmal Mendis from Sri Lanka
This is obviously quite a difficult thing to do, as it requires your team to bat second and then be forced to follow on. But it’s dangerous to say “never” about this sort of thing, because actually it’s happened twice in Tests! The first to do it was India’s Vijay Hazare, who contributed a valiant double of 116 and 145 (his first two Test centuries) as his side slipped to an innings defeat in Adelaide in January 1948. In the opening innings of the match Hazare had bowled Don Bradman – but unfortunately he’d made 201 by then, and Australia were well on their way to a total of 674.The other instance came in a match in Harare in September 2001. After South Africa romped to 600 for 3 declared, Andy Flower made 142 in Zimbabwe’s total of 286. He was soon back at the crease in the follow-on, and this time remained undefeated after almost ten hours with 199 out of 391. His epic resistance forced South Africa to bat again, and extended the match close to tea on the final day before the visitors finally won by nine wickets.Flower was only the second man, after South Africa’s Jimmy Sinclair against England in Cape Town in April 1899, to score more than half his side’s runs in a match in which they were bowled out twice. They were later joined by Brian Lara, with 221 and 130 as West Indies (390 and 262) lost by ten wickets to Sri Lanka in Colombo late in 2001.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

An astonishing onslaught against Australia showed all the hallmarks of his white-ball evolution

Firdose Moonda16-Sep-2023Heinrich Klaasen spent Friday night either watching the highlights of his 83-ball 174 or looking after his nine-month old daughter Laya; or maybe juggling a bit of both as he soaked in what he hinted was the most enjoyable match of his career.”It was special and a lot to take in. I will go tonight and watch a bit of the highlights,” a visibly emotional Klaasen said afterwards, though he later turned on dad mode when asked what keeps him motivated. “Having a family has changed things for me. The little one doesn’t care what I’ve done tonight. I saw she’s awake already so it might be a long night.”It was likely a long one either way as Klaasen tried to make sense of a blistering knock that he approached with a Midas touch.Related

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As it was happening, he tried not to think about it and forced himself to stay in every moment of the match, so much so that when offered the chance to sit out the first part of South Africa’s fielding innings, he refused, so that could be on the park with the rest of the team.”What’s changed in my career is that I am playing every ball as it is and for me to stay in that mindset, I don’t recap what I have done the previous ball or think of what I might do the next ball,” he said. “Tim David asked me how many sixes I hit and I said I didn’t know. It shows my mindset was good and I was only focusing on what’s coming in that moment. I have to go back and look at it. It was awesome out there and you don’t often get that feeling – maybe once or twice in your career.”He used the word changed because Klaasen wasn’t always such an in-the-zone player. He admitted that in his early days, he tried to do much and emulate players he admired but that it didn’t always work.”You look up to some role models and you want to be like them – like AB de Villiers. You want to play all the shots but the genius behind guys like AB was knowing when to play them,” Klaasen said. “For me, I explored a lot with it and it didn’t work. It was about maturing into my game and knowing my options are.”That level of fine-tuning only happened when Klaasen was dropped after a series against Sri Lanka in 2021. He missed matches against India and Bangladesh in early 2022 and went back to his domestic team, the Titans, based at SuperSport Park. “The coaches said to me, ‘You are using too many options. Let’s limit yourself,’ he explained.

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— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 15, 2023