All posts by n8rngtd.top

He has the ability to bat at any tempo and he showed an ability to overcome difficult batting conditions

Deivarayan Muthu26-Jan-20252:01

Tilak Varma’s finishing reminds Manjrekar of MS Dhoni

An Indian No.3 picks up Jofra Archer over long leg for six in T20I cricket. One of the fastest bowlers in the world is left stunned. The shot leaves jaws on the floor.It happened in 2021 in Ahmedabad. History repeated itself four years later in Chennai. Except the No.3 wasn’t Suryakumar Yadav this time. Tilak Varma did SKY things – like owning the spaces behind square – and added his own touch.The odds were stacked against Tilak: Archer and company clocked speeds north of 150kph, Adil Rashid was getting the ball to rip, wickets kept tumbling around him and the Chepauk pitch was not conductive to strokeplay. This unbeaten 72 off 55 balls was a coming of age innings. India’s regular No.3 in T20Is and captain Suryakumar was so impressed that he bowed down to Tilak after he nervelessly finished a chase of 166 with four balls to spare. Tilak also bowed down to Suryakumar before they exchanged hugs, with the Chepauk crowd cheering on India’s No.3s.The mood at the start of the chase was very different. Archer and Wood had ripped out Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson with 148kph rockets. Everyone held their breath when a similar rapid delivery from Wood beat Tilak on the hook and whooshed past his head. Everyone except Tilak. He still kept throwing punches. With the black-soil Chepauk track playing true to its nature and slowing down, he understood that he had to maximise the powerplay.Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav bow down to each other after India’s thrilling win•BCCITilak manufactured swinging room, exposed his stumps, and violently cracked Archer over point for four to start the fifth over. Then, when Archer slanted into into his pads next ball, he unleashed that pick-up shot over long leg for six. Two balls later, when Archer aimed for Tilak’s head, he spliced him over the keeper’s head for six more in a thrilling sequence. In all, Tilak took Archer for 30 off nine balls – no other batter has scored more runs off Archer in a T20 innings. In the end, Archer was left nursing his worst T20 figures: 4-0-60-1.Related

• Will England have an answer to India's spinners in Rajkot?

• Carse extends his excellent winter with a do-it-all performance

• Reddy and Rinku injured, Dube and Ramandeep join India's T20I squad

• Tilak Varma carries India home in nail-biter

“If you see I want to target [England’s] best bowlers,” Tilak said at his post-match press conference. ‘If you take on their best bowlers, other bowlers will be under pressure. So, [even] when the wickets are falling, I want to take their best bowler. It’s easier for the [batter] at the other end also. So I backed myself and I took chances against him. And also whatever shots I have scored for Archer, I have worked in the nets. Mentally I was ready for that. So, it has given me a good result.”Tilak’s ultra-aggression would’ve even made England coach Brendon McCullum proud, but he was prepared to dial it down after India suffered a middle-order slide. With the surface also offering more grip and turn to the spinners in the second innings, Tilak sat back and saw off Rashid, England’s lone specialist spinner.In Rashid’s last over, Tilak farmed the strike and dealt with the first five balls before leaving the No. 9, Arshdeep Singh, just the bare minimum to do. Though Arshdeep holed out the next ball, Tilak stayed cool, farmed the strike again and got the job done along with No.10 Ravi Bishnoi.2:56

Tilak: I was only thinking of batting till the end

“I know I can play both types [of innings],” Tilak said. “I can hit with a good strike rate and also at 6 or 7 [runs per over], I can bat at a higher strike rate. That is what I have discussed with Gautam [Gambhir] sir in the last match. He said that you can play with a good strike rate over 10 [an over] also and below 10 [an over] also. When team requires, you should be flexible and I got the chance to prove it in this game.”I said that I will be playing till the end. And that is what Gautam sir also said during the drinks break. He said that it is a time that you can show the people that you can play both the innings. So, I said that whatever happens I will be staying till the end and I want to finish the game.”Tilak shifted up the gears and did finish the chase in grand style with a drilled four through the covers off a slower variation from Jamie Overton. Coming off back-to-back T20I hundreds on fairly flat pitches in South Africa, this innings, in tougher conditions to see off a chase that required thought and nuance, showed that Tilak might be a Swiss army knife of a batter. Versatile, adaptable and powerful.With Tilak also acing the No.3 role – he has scores of 72*, 120*, 107* in his last three innings there – he gives India the option of maintaining a left-right combination, if Abhishek falls early, and holding Suryakumar back. And if India can’t find room for Washington Sundar once the first-choice players return from injury, Tilak can pitch in with his occasional offspin and fill that hole as well.Tilak is only 22, but he’s already opened up endless possibilities for India in T20Is

A look some of the replacement players in recent IPL seasons who have exceeded expectations, and how!

Omkar Mankame07-Apr-20251:28

What makes Shardul Thakur effective?

Shardul Thakur | LSG, IPL 2025

After eight straight seasons in the IPL, Shardul Thakur went unsold at the auction prior to IPL 2025. He made a statement in the last Ranji Trophy season, taking 29 wickets in six matches and also hitting a hundred and three fifties. He was scheduled to play county cricket with Essex when LSG asked him to replace the injured Mohsin Khan. It was on the cards – Thakur had been training with LSG before the season. He took six wickets in the first two matches of the season, even winning the Player-of-the-Match award in LSG’s win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). While his 1 for 40 against Mumbai Indians (MI) might not look spectacular, he conceded just seven runs in the 19th over, giving his team the clear edge in a tense finish.

Phil Salt | KKR, IPL 2024

Along with Sunil Narine, Phil Salt was responsible for getting Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) off to blazing starts in their victorious IPL 2024 campaign. He hit 296 of his 435 runs inside the powerplay, at a strike rate of 185.00. Salt finished the season as KKR’s second-highest run-getter and played a critical role in taking them to the playoffs, after which he had to leave for England duty. All after going unsold at the auction and only getting in because Jason Roy had pulled out.Jake Fraser-McGurk faced just 141 balls but finished as Delhi Capitals’ third-highest run-getter with 330 runs•Getty Images

Jake Fraser-McGurk | DC, IPL 2024

Rarely has an overseas youngster made an impact on an IPL season as quickly as Jake Fraser-McGurk did in IPL 2024. The 22-year-old Australian was picked by Delhi Capitals (DC) two weeks into the season as a replacement for the injured Lungi Ngidi – a batter for a bowler – and he swiftly cornered all the attention. He faced all of 141 balls in the nine matches that he played in the season and still finished as DC’s third-highest run-getter with 330 runs at a barely believable strike rate of 234.04.

Sandeep Sharma | RR, IPL 2023

Seamer Sandeep Sharma, the IPL veteran, had gone unsold at the 2023 auction but found himself with Rajasthan Royals (RR) because Prasidh Krishna had been ruled out with a back injury. In only his second game back, against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he defended five runs off the final ball against MS Dhoni. He had an even better season with the ball in 2024, where he picked up 13 wickets in 11 appearances at an economy of 8.18, and was among RR’s six retentions ahead of IPL 2025.Rajat Patidar has taken over as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after becoming an integral part of their make-up since 2022•Associated Press

Rajat Patidar | RCB, IPL 2022

Rajat Patidar, the current RCB captain, was let go after just four games in IPL 2021 and went unsold at the following mega auction. But midway through IPL 2022, he returned to the squad as an injury replacement for Luvnith Sisodia, and hasn’t looked back since. Patidar scored 333 runs in eight matches that season, including a stunning century in the Eliminator. After sitting out the next edition owing to a heel injury, Patidar bounced back with a strong IPL 2024 and was named RCB captain ahead of this year’s campaign.

Umran Malik | SRH, IPL 2021

Umran Malik had played just one List A match and one T20 when he joined SRH as a short-term Covid-time replacement for T Natarajan. He got his chance only after SRH were out of the playoffs’ race but made an immediate impact by clocking 150kph on his IPL debut. Despite playing just three games, he was retained by SRH ahead of IPL 2022. Umran showcased his full potential that season with 22 wickets and even clocked 156.9kph – the fastest delivery by an Indian bowler in the tournament.

He once again came so close to sealing his place in popular legend, but it was not meant to be

Sidharth Monga14-Jul-2025

Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes added so much to this Test match•Getty Images

Ravindra Jadeja is a cricketer’s cricketer. Barring certain freakish geniuses, he is the first name many want on their team sheet. He is a solid, dependable player who contributes in many different ways.Everything he does – barring wielding his bat like a sword which can break weaker wrists – looks effortless and repeatable. As a bowler, he can hit the good length straight out of the bed, and can keep hitting it until he draws water out of the ground. He is a sensational fielder in the outfield.As a batter, Jadeja doesn’t need to premeditate or make trigger movements. A lot of it is just physical gifts that he has honed and trained. He hardly ever looks hurried. His batting is pure. He just reacts to what is bowled, as coaches teach you at grass roots levels. If it is short, go back. If it is full, go forward. If it is wide, leave it alone. Score off bad balls, keep good balls out.Related

• Battered players leave bits of hearts and spirits behind after bruising Lord's Test

• Jadeja's defiance in vain as England pull off dramatic win

• Gill 'extremely proud' of India's lower-order fight

• Stats – England clinch the narrowest Lord's win

For years now, Jadeja has been the premier allrounder in the most demanding format of the game. He is also perhaps the closest to being an allrounder in the classic sense of the word. He can be genuinely picked as a specialist top-six batter in almost all conditions. He can be selected as a bowler alone in most conditions, barring ones that make it impossible for spinners to bowl in.Since Jadeja’s debut, only five men have bowled more deliveries in Test cricket. His batting took time to come along, but he is averaging 42.01 since 2018, the year in which he scored his first century. That is in the top 20 among those who have scored at least 2000 runs in this period.Yet, to the casual observer, Jadeja hasn’t delivered that one memorable performance to remember him by. It is the curse of being so good. When you win, you win big. His countless five-fors and runs at home are completely taken for granted in popular memory largely because they are not done in the epic matches that – no offence to him – Ben Stokes does, for example. Or Andrew Flintoff before him.This Test at Lord’s – a venue where Jadeja scored 68 priceless but chancy runs 11 years ago and clinched the match-winning run-out – was an opportunity for him to finally give storytellers a story to back his numbers with. He is just what this young, inexperienced unit needs. Just someone old-school to drive home the advantage they are capable of getting.Ravindra Jadeja notched up a fourth straight half-century•Getty ImagesThis was Jadeja’s fourth straight half-century. At a time when it was not easy to think straight, he calmed India down with his solid batting. When he went in, India had almost lost the match. Yet again, a Test they had been the better team for longer periods in. When Jadeja went to lunch, he had lost Nitish Kumar Reddy, the last recognised batter he had. India still needed 81 runs for the win. He scored 61 of the 99 runs that came while he was at the wicket. He faced over 30 overs out of the 55 bowled in that time.Jadeja is so old-school and so naturally gifted that he has not had to constantly upgrade himself. Sometimes it frustrates those who watch him. He still defends spin with his bat beside the pad, something that has been erased from the game with DRS taking over. Still, his basics are so good that he is one of the best Test players going around.It is this strength that can become a slight weakness at times. Let’s firstly get it clear that Lord’s doesn’t really have pockets to hit twos into. The square is lush, and it is not easy to use the bowler’s pace to run the ball behind square. The balls are soft; even Rishabh Pant doesn’t charge against the old ones because there is no guarantee they will travel.So once England set defensive fields for Jadeja, he was handcuffed. He doesn’t play the reverse sweeps and the ramps and the kind. With traditional shots, it was difficult to find gaps in the spread-out field for twos to transfer the pressure back on England. It was almost a situation of taking it one run an over, provided the Nos. 10 and 11 hold their end up for one or two balls every over.Ravindra Jadeja held his own after India lost three wickets early•Getty ImagesJadeja, though, was prepared to do it in singles. He clearly calculated these were not conditions where he could take the risk. He had the discipline and the physical strength to keep turning up over after over, and back himself to be the last man standing. He kept the sword celebration aside when he reached fifty.What started as just a “let’s see how far we can get” ended up as a heartbreakingly close defeat. Jadeja came this close to sealing his place in popular legend. A story mothers would tell their babies on their laps. It was not to be. His strengths brought him close. They perhaps kept him from attaining the ultimate win. People will argue whether he should have taken risks. There is no straight answer.Jadeja didn’t show much emotion when the ball wickedly bounced onto the leg stump off a seemingly solid defensive shot from Mohammed Siraj, who was on his haunches and almost injured himself punching his bat. As if asking it, “What did I do to deserve this?”A lot in life is about turning up. About being there. With equanimity. Jadeja has faced a lot of heartbreak in his life, including the World Cup semi-final six years ago in this country when he again nearly won India a lost match. Jadeja knows more than most about the value of turning up. His team has been the better team over way more time than their opposition in the series. Yet, they find themselves behind 2-1. If India need any inspiration to turn up and repeat doing the good stuff in Manchester, all they need to do is look at Jadeja.

Greaves and Roach stayed put for 68.1 overs to deny New Zealand and eke out a miraculous draw

Abhijato Sensarma06-Dec-20251:01

Chase: Roach is a modern-day legend

Strong winds make impressions on the sweaters worn by New Zealand’s players. Creases on their foreheads make a bigger one. The sun is out, shadows lengthen, and they are being made to sweat.Cricket’s most aesthetic miracles end in victory against the odds – Kolkata 2001, Edgbaston 2005, Gabba 2021 to pick three from this century. High drama and tense finishes. Christchurch 2025 is different.West Indies are 72 for 4, chasing 531, before tea on the fourth day. Defeat appears inevitable. Shai Hope and Justin Greaves survive until stumps. Normal service resumes when Hope and the No. 7 Tevin Imlach fall quickly on the final morning. Kemar Roach joins Greaves. They begin to bat, and bat.Related

• Justin Greaves: 'Test cricket a massive step up from first-class cricket in Caribbean'

• Greaves 202*, Roach 58* anchor West Indies to epic draw

• Greaves' fourth-innings double and WI's marathon

• Greaves: 'Special, special day for me; special day for the team'

For the next session and a half, they survive on a pitch without much jeopardy. The odds of a draw increase ever so gradually; the faintest glimmer of a shot at victory. West Indies need 132 in the final session of the final day, but are one wicket away from it all crashing down. A crowd of a few hundred around the lush banks at Hagley Oval is watching.Across the Tasman, thousands are watching Test cricket in fast-forward at the Gabba. If Bazball is aesthetic for some, Australia are responding with their own brand of break-neck batting. Roach, however, has not scored for 72 balls. At some point during this passage of play, he survives an appeal for caught behind to a Michael Bracewell delivery spinning away from off stump, and is saved because New Zealand have no reviews left. Soon, a ball from Zak Foulkes rises at him. He gets inside the line – almost in a tangle – and somehow pushes it to mid-on.Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach helped West Indies pull off an epic draw•Getty ImagesNew Zealand will not be breaching his defences today.At some point in the final session, as the rest of the cricket world begins to wake up to the possibilities in Christchurch, it becomes evident West Indies are playing for a draw. Like the summit of a mountain, 531 is within sight, but it’s farther and more fraught with risk than it appears to those on the outside. Fatigue is physical and mental, and focus is fragile.Roach deadbats deliveries. The pitch is placid but once in a while a ball rips in from the footmarks outside off to threaten the stumps or the edge, forcing the batter into coming forward to block. At other times, he contorts into positions that keep the bat face tilted down, knocking the ball into the pitch.Defence becomes an all-encompassing routine: eyes on ball, move your feet, keep head still, pat it down, repeat. No matter whether you need one run to win, or a couple hundred, you defend the same. The ball yields no result beyond an annotation for itself: it’s a , an acknowledgment of the inability to – or intent not to – score off it.Turbo-charged batting influenced by white-ball formats has contributed to some memorable Tests in recent years, but this match has entered a meditative space unique to the five-day format – the aesthetic of attrition. Roach is on 53 for the longest time… and suddenly, 54. He keeps meeting the ball with the full face of the bat anyway. His contortions do not matter as much as the fact that he is running down the overs.1:36

Did West Indies think of going for the win on the last day?

At the other end is Greaves, taller, with a higher back-lift, and a more solid defence, inching towards a double-century. New Zealand’s bowlers pull back their lengths. Greaves plays with a long stride, and brings his bat down with flair, almost like a full-frontal chop.He too has pared back his scoring options as the overs go by. New Zealand start bringing fielders in as the danger of defeat recedes. For Roach, there are four close catchers on the corners of the small box around him. Once in a while, ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ are heard: a close chance at short leg, a ball drifting in padded away, the faint hopes of a fainter edge.The final hour begins. West Indies are 96 away with four wickets in hand. Greaves on 185, Roach on 53. No Bazball batting here. Spectators stroll beyond the boundary, a child stretches out on his father’s shoulders, and out in the middle they block.After another incidental run, an announcement is heard that West Indies have achieved the second highest fourth-innings total in Test history – 452. It’s received with a ripple of applause. Greaves and Roach gently bump fists in the middle. They have climbed a summit no one else has this century.Justin Greaves scored his maiden double hundred in Tests•Getty ImagesGreaves gets to his own landmark in the penultimate over of the match – off a rare full delivery, sliced over backward point. For once, the ball means something beyond survival. He takes off his helmet, bumps fists with his partner, and acknowledges his dressing room. He’s only the seventh man to make a double hundred in the fourth innings of a Test.They remain unbeaten for 68.1 overs. Greaves for 388 deliveries, Roach for 233. West Indies finish 74 short of the target, but their victory is in 163.3 overs survived.Let’s stay with them for this one last ball. Rachin Ravindra jogs in. His delivery is short of a length, sliding across off. Greaves moves back, head still, eyes on the ball, offering the full face of the bat for one final time.The shadows are now long in Christchurch. Greaves and Roach take off their helmets and gloves and embrace near the pitch. It’s still a sunny evening. A strong wind makes impressions on their jerseys. And as they begin walking towards their team-mates in the dressing room, the creases on their foreheads are gone.

On Friday, the rumors became official: Wrigley Field will play host for the MLB All-Star Game in the near future.

After a few months' worth of reports connecting the famous ivy wall to All-Star festivities, commissioner Rob Manfred announced at the ballpark that the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field would host the 2027 All-Star game. It is an exciting time for the city and especially the fans who will get to enjoy Wrigleyville throughout the All-Star week.

The social media account for the ballpark released a video celebrating the occasion shortly after Manfred's announcement.

The 2027 game will mark the fourth All-Star Game the Cubs have hosted, with the three previous occasions coming in 1947, 1962 and 1990. Chicago's game will come on the heels of Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia hosting the 2026 All-Star Game.

Fans and players both have much to look forward to in 2027, as one of MLB's most historic ballparks plays host to All-Star festivities.

Bryan Mbeumo arrived at Manchester United with huge expectations from the fanbase, after the hierarchy forked out a whopping £71m, including add-ons for his signature.

The Cameroonian has already matched those expectations in the Premier League, as seen by his tally of five goals within his first nine encounters at Old Trafford.

His latest showing against Brighton and Hove Albion was arguably his best for the Red Devils, scoring twice and leading Ruben Amorim’s men to a third successive league victory.

The 26-year-old also created two chances and completed four dribbles – with both tallies the highest of any player on the pitch from both of the starting elevens.

There’s little debate that he’s taken the responsibility of being the club’s biggest offensive threat, surpassing the levels previously set by one other first-team member.

The change of Bruno’s role & lack of impact against Brighton

For large periods of the 2024/25 campaign, Bruno Fernandes was often United’s go-to man for goals and assists – undoubtedly saving the club from an unthinkable relegation battle.

The Portuguese international ended the year on a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions, a tally which was by far and away the highest of any player in the squad.

However, the attacking midfielder has been forced to drop into a slightly deeper number eight position to accommodate the likes of big-money addition, Mbeumo.

Such a decision has taken the responsibility off his shoulders, with a more all-round performances now expected from the Red Devils’ first-team captain.

His deeper position has seen a slight decline in his performance level, as seen by the latest display against Brighton at Old Trafford, with the 31-year-old enduring somewhat of a quiet afternoon.

Bruno only completed six passes into the final third against the Seagulls and only completed 50% of the dribbles he attempted – subsequently being unable to match the levels from 2024/25.

He was also dribbled past on three occasions, whilst also losing nine duels – the most of any player – showcasing the lack of positive impact he’s had in his new position.

As a result, one other player within the first-team squad has taken the responsibility of providing the goods alongside Mbeumo within the final third in recent weeks.

The United star who’s becoming Amorim’s next Bruno

Whilst it’s still early days in 2025/26, United look like a different team compared to last campaign, with Amorim deserving huge credit for the work done during the off-season.

After the first nine games of the new Premier League season, the Red Devils rank second for expected goals (xG), showcasing the threat the side now possesses in forward areas.

Amorim’s men have also registered the highest average of shots on target per 90, with such a record enabling the side to score 15 goals in the first nine matches of the new league campaign.

As previously mentioned, Mbeumo has played a key role in such success, as seen by his tally of five goals and one assist – working out at 40% of the side’s goals to date.

However, the Cameroonian international has been joined at Old Trafford by Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian joining the Red Devils in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He also arrived with huge expectations this summer, after he registered a total of 21 combined goals and assists in the Premier League whilst being involved in a relegation battle.

The 26-year-old has partnered Mbeumo in the number ten role behind the striker, which has subsequently resulted in Bruno dropping into his deeper role over the last couple of months.

However, Cunha has taken to such a task like a duck to water, arguably replacing the Portuguese international as one of the Red Devils’ leading talismen.

He netted his first goal for the club in the recent triumph over Brighton, with such an effort getting the ball rolling for Amorim’s third league victory in a row.

Cunha, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, also produced numerous impressive figures that showcase his class within the final third.

Along with his goal, the attacking midfielder completed 89% of the passes attempted and registered two chances created for his teammates – showcasing his ability to provide for those around him.

He also placed 100% of his shots on target, whilst also completing two of his three dribbles – highlighting his incredible all-round ability within the final third.

Whilst it may be early days in his career at Old Trafford, Cunha has already captured the hearts of the fanbase and cemented himself as a key player within Amorim’s ranks.

Should he continue in such vein, there’s no reason why he can’t soften the blow of Bruno’s drop in form and lead the side to new heights in the near future.

This season's Rashford: Man Utd talent looks "increasingly likely" to leave

Manchester United could be making a huge mistake in allowing one talented first-team member to leave.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 28, 2025

New Zealand, who are playing a Test for the first time this year, are without Latham, Williamson, Phillips and Jamieson

Hemant Brar29-Jul-2025

Big picture: Zimbabwe eye first win against NZ

Welcome back to Test cricket, New Zealand. The last time they played a Test was in December 2024, against England in Hamilton. Given that this two-match series against Zimbabwe doesn’t count towards the World Test Championship, they can take their time to reacquaint themselves with the flow and rhythm of red-ball cricket.On the other hand, Zimbabwe have played seven Tests this year, the joint-most with Australia. But with six losses and just one win, they have the worst record for any team. Moreover, they are yet to beat New Zealand in Test cricket. Of the 17 Tests against New Zealand, they have lost 11 and drawn six.Having said that, this is a slightly weakened New Zealand side. They are without captain Tom Latham, former captain Kane Williamson and allrounders Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson. Williamson is unavailable for the series, having signed a deal with Middlesex, which includes playing for London Spirit in the Hundred; Jamieson is at home, awaiting the birth of his first child; Latham is yet to recover from a shoulder injury he picked up during the Vitality Blast; and Phillips is sidelined with a groin injury he picked up during the MLC.Related

• From net bowler to 'X factor' – Fisher on cusp of potential debut

• Bracewell replaces Phillips for the first Test

• Latham out of first Test, Santner to lead

In Latham’s absence, Mitchell Santner will lead the side. He has plenty of experience captaining New Zealand in ODIs and T20Is, but this will be a first for him in first-class cricket, let alone Test cricket.Recently, an understrength South Africa proved to be too good for Zimbabwe. But for this series, they are bolstered by the returns of allrounder Sikandar Raza and opener Ben Curran. Raza lends the much-needed balance and experience, and Curran should add the solidity at the top. Brendan Taylor’s ban has also ended but he has not been named in the squad yet.

Form guide

Zimbabwe LLLLW (last five Tests, most recent first)
New Zealand WLLWW

In the spotlight: Williams and Henry

Sean Williams has been easily the best Zimbabwe batter this year. In seven Tests, he has scored 577 at an average of 52.45 and a strike rate of 76.83. Only Shubman Gill (755) and Rishabh Pant (580) have scored more Test runs than him in 2025. One thing he would like to improve, though, is his conversion rate. Of his five 50-plus scores this year, he converted only one into a hundred.Sean Williams averages 52.45 in Tests this year•Zimbabwe Cricket

Matt Henry’s overall Test record – 120 wickets at an average of 29.84 – does not scream elite. But scratch beneath that and you realise why Henry is rated so highly. When he opens the bowling, his record becomes 105 wickets at 24.11. Last year, he picked up 48 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 18.58 and a strike rate of 33.97. Among the top ten wicket-takers of 2024, only Jasprit Bumrah had a better average (14.92) and a strike rate (30.1). Don’t be surprised if Henry continues from where he left off.

Team news: Fisher might debut

Blessing Muzarabani is the only fast bowler in the Zimbabwe squad to have played at least ten Tests. He will be supported by Tanaka Chivanga, with Newman Nyamhuri likely to be the third seamer.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Ben Curran, 3 Nick Welch, 4 Sean Williams, 5 Craig Ervine (captain), 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), 8 Wellington Masakadza, 9 Newman Nyamhuri, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Tanaka ChivangaWith Latham and Phillips out injured, Henry Nicholls and Michael Bracewell are expected to play. Matt Fisher, who can hit 140kph, could make his debut.New Zealand (probable): 1 Will Young, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Matt Henry, 10 Will O’Rourke, 11 Matt Fisher

Pitch and conditions

In the five Tests Bulawayo has hosted since December 2024, there have been three totals in excess of 580, including South Africa’s 625 for 6 declared that featured Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 367. Fast bowlers have done much better in those games, averaging 29.63 and striking every 50.5 balls, as compared to spinners, who average 38.62 with a strike rate of 62.9. The forecast is for cool and dry weather.

Stats and trivia

• New Zealand have won each of their last six Tests against Zimbabwe, four of them by an innings and another by 254 runs.
• Santner will become New Zealand’s 32nd Test captain.
• Three of Williams’ six Test hundreds have come at the Queens Sports Club.
• Williams is 125 away from 2000 Test runs, and Craig Ervine 159.
• Nicholls needs 27 runs to reach the 3000 mark in Test cricket.

Stand-in captain falls to brilliant catch, but all-or-nothing innings have been feature of his year

Matt Roller08-Oct-2024A missed stumping, a dropped catch, an injured opener and a second-ball duck: this was the chaotic half-hour under the Multan sun which underlined the scale of England’s challenge.England were ground down across a 149-over innings in which Pakistan posted 556 all out. Rather than pulling the plug early – as they did in a recent 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh – Pakistan drove England into the dirt, with their physical and mental exhaustion evident as the innings wound to its conclusion.The longest Ollie Pope had spent in the field in his first series as England captain, against Sri Lanka, was 89.3 overs. This was new territory, with his seamers flagging after more than 20 overs each in punishing conditions, no assistance in the surface for his spinners, and the lingering knowledge that he would likely have to bat on the second evening despite his fatigue.Before he knew it, he was walking out to open the batting for the first time in first-class cricket, let alone Tests. Pope was off the field for a comfort break when Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s No. 11, slashed Joe Root’s attempted bouncer straight into Ben Duckett’s left thumb at slip, and the decision was quickly made that he should replace him at the top of the order.After waiting five-and-a-half sessions to bat, Pope’s innings was over after two balls. Naseem Shah dropped short, Pope latched onto a pull and Aamer Jamal flung himself to his right at midwicket, holding onto a blinding catch. As Jamal ran off in celebration, Pope dragged himself off as though in disbelief.This has been a bizarre year for Pope, albeit one that has encapsulated his curious Test career. It started with an epic, match-winning 196 in Hyderabad, one of his three hundreds in 2024, yet he has also failed to reach 20 in more than three-fifths of his innings. His average for the year, 35.47, is almost identical to his career figure.In fact, his duck on Tuesday – his third of the year – brought his career average back below 35, midway through his 50th Test match. He increasingly looks as though he will be remembered as a player of great innings rather than a great player, and his all-or-nothing record is more that of a middle-order strokemaker than a long-term No. 3.Jamal’s catch was the culmination of a bruising couple of days for Pope, which started on the first morning when he lost an important toss. In the field, Pope then missed a diving run-out opportunity when Abdullah Shafique – one of Pakistan’s three centurions – was on 34, and could not cling onto a half-chance at point when Shan Masood had 133.Related

• Root and Brook hit big centuries to make Pakistan's 556 look inadequate

• Jeetan Patel: England's 'high-end toil' keeps them in contention in first Test

• Shan Masood's statement of intent sets out Pakistan's stall for the series

• Olly Stone to leave Pakistan tour to get married this weekend

• Crawley leads England reply after Salman hundred sets up Pakistan

If comparison is the thief of joy then Pope is doomed to a life of misery when held up against Ben Stokes, perhaps England’s best captain of the modern era. Even Stokes would have struggled to restrict Pakistan on this surface – they racked up 579 against his side on a similarly lifeless pitch at Rawalpindi two years ago – and Pope did his best to get creative.England’s seamers shifted between orthodox plans, sustained bouncer ploys and umbrella fields but struggled to find any lateral movement, while their spinners generally bowled to in-out fields after Shoaib Bashir’s expensive first spell on the first day. Pope tried almost everything, but could not bend the game in England’s favour.By the time Abrar joined Salman Agha, Pope had burned his 11th and 12th reviews of his tenure, and is still yet to enjoy his first success. He needed a quick kill and a chance to put his feet up in the dressing room, but instead watched Jamie Smith miss a simple stumping and an weary Gus Atkinson let a catch slip through his fingers at midwicket.In reality, Pope’s batting is significantly more important to England’s medium-term planning than his captaincy, which is only an interim solution. Just over a year before the start of the Ashes tour which they have been building towards, he remains the most vulnerable member of their first-choice top seven.Duckett’s injury was the last thing that Pope – or England – needed to cap off two gruelling days in the heat, compounded only by Jamal’s catch. The only relief for Pope was that Zak Crawley and Joe Root batted serenely to chip away at the daunting deficit before the close, and there is nothing in the surface to suggest that England should not bat through the third day.If they do, Pope will have the chance to reflect on two of the most challenging days of his England career. When ruling himself out through injury, Stokes said that England’s seamers would quickly learn in Multan “how hard Test cricket can be”. If the stand-in captain did not know it already, then this was a reminder to Pope of the same lesson.

David Alaba has rejoined Real Madrid group training and is expected to be in the squad for Sunday's La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, providing a major boost for Xabi Alonso. The defender returns from a calf injury that has seen him miss four games, as the club continues to cope with injuries to Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni.

• Alaba's return provides crucial defensive relief

  Madrid have received a significant defensive boost as Alaba has rejoined group training and is poised to make his return to the squad for match against Vallecano, according to a report from .

  The 33-year-old defender's return provides a timely solution for manager, whose squad has been severely depleted by injuries, particularly in defence.

  Alaba participated in the majority of group exercises during Friday's training session at Valdebebas, with the outlook for his recovery described as "very positive." The Austrian international is expected to complete Saturday's final session without issue and be named in Alonso's squad for the trip to Vallecas.

  The comeback of the experienced centre-back is a critical development for Real Madrid, who are facing an injury crisis in their backline. Alonso remains without four key players for the upcoming league fixture.

  The injury list includes starting right-back Carvajal and fellow centre-back Rudiger, whose absence has compounded Madrid's defensive woes.

  Furthermore, the club is without key defensive midfielder Tchouameni, who was the latest player to be sidelined. The Frenchman is suffering from a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg and is not expected to reappear until after the upcoming international break. His target is reportedly the match against Elche on November 23. Youngster Franco Mastantuono also remains unavailable.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Four-match absence follows calf strain

  Alaba has been sidelined for Madrid's last four matches after sustaining a strain in his right calf muscle, identified as a soleus injury. The setback occurred at the end of the first half of the club's league match against Getafe on 19 October.

  His injury, coinciding with Rudiger's spell on the treatment table, forced Alonso to field a makeshift defensive partnership. The manager has had to consolidate a centre-back pairing of Eder Militao and 20-year-old summer signing Dean Huijsen.

  This pairing was further disrupted during Alaba's absence, with Spanish international Huijsen also missing the Champions League match against Juventus, highlighting the precarious lack of depth Alonso has been navigating.

• A difficult start to the 2025-26 season

  The injury has been a frustrating interruption for Alaba, who has had a limited impact on the 2025-26 campaign. The defender, whose contract expires in 2026, has struggled for consistent fitness and game time.

  Prior to his injury, the Austrian had featured in only four matches for Madrid this season, accumulating just 145 minutes of playing time.

  His involvement has been sporadic, receiving minutes from the bench against Real Sociedad and Levante in La Liga, and making one start on the second matchday of the Champions League in Almaty.

  His return to fitness is therefore crucial not only for the team's immediate needs but also for Alaba himself as he looks to re-establish his role as a cornerstone of the Madrid defence.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  What next? Vallecas test and historic Austria call-up

  Provided he passes Saturday's final fitness test, Alaba will be in line for minutes in Sunday's La Liga encounter at Vallecas. Following the match against Rayo Vallecano, Alaba's immediate focus will shift to international duty. The defender has been called up by manager Ralf Rangnick for a potentially huge international break for Austria.

  The Austrian national team are on the verge of securing qualification for the next World Cup, an achievement they have not managed in 28 years. The country's last appearance at the tournament was in 1998 when it was held in France.

  Austria will face Cyprus on Saturday, November 15, before a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina the following Tuesday evening. Alaba's return to fitness will be a welcome sight for Rangnick, who will rely on his captain's leadership and experience as his side attempts to make history.

Manchester United’s central midfield department has been one that has been up for debate, with numerous players trying to stake their claim for a regular starting role.

Ruben Amorim has often struggled to find his best partnership in such an area of the pitch, leading to countless players being utilised in the middle of the park since his appointment.

However, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been the manager’s duo of choice of late, with the pair starting each of the Red Devils’ five Premier League matches in a row.

The club have remained unbeaten during such a period, showcasing that the boss has made the right decision in opting for the pair instead of selecting the likes of Kobbie Mainoo.

However, with Casemiro now 33, he’s likely coming to the back end of his career at the top level, with the hierarchy already laying the foundations for a move for one player in the January window.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder in January

Over the last couple of days, it’s been reported that United are targeting a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in the upcoming January transfer window.

It’s been claimed that the Red Devils have already made an approach to Sean Dyche’s side to register their interest in landing the 23-year-old England international in the coming months.

However, any deal would be a club record, with the Reds currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with their star man during the upcoming market.

He’s not the only midfielder in their sights at present, as Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba has once again appeared on their radar, if recent reports are to be believed.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim and INEOS have made the Cameroonian international their “dream” target for January, but like Anderson, he would set them back a small fortune.

They also state that a £100m deal would be needed to prise him away from the AMEX, but that the player himself would be open to a switch to move to Old Trafford in the near future.

Why United’s £100m target would end Ugarte’s career

It wouldn’t be the first time United have splashed the cash on a new central midfielder, especially after spending a reported £50m for the signature of Manuel Ugarte back in 2024.

The Uruguayan’s transfer generated huge excitement within the Red Devils fanbase, with his arrival finally handing the side the disruptive presence needed to regain possession.

However, a little over 12 months on from his switch to England’s top-flight, he’s since dropped down the pecking order, as seen by his tally of just two league starts in 2025/26.

Amorim has undoubtedly lost faith in the 24-year-old at present, with a new addition only pushing the former PSG star further down the list – which could tempt the hierarchy to cash in on his services.

Spending £100m on a new addition would be a huge statement of intent, but it would no doubt put the future signing ahead of Ugarte in the pecking order due to the fee alone.

Baleba now appears to be the most likely candidate to join the Red Devils in January, with the youngster offering an immediate and long-term upgrade on the Uruguayan.

When comparing their stats from the 2025/26 campaign, the Brighton star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – potentially making his £100m price tag an excellent deal.

The 21-year-old has completed more of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, whilst completing more of the long passes he’s attempted – highlighting the dominance he has over Ugarte in possession.

He’s also completed more of the dribbles he’s attempted, further showcasing his all-round talents with the ball at his feet in the Premier League this season.

Out of possession, Baleba has won more duels per 90, whilst making more interceptions per 90 – subsequently offering the side a more dominant option out of possession.

£100m would be a huge statement of intent from the United hierarchy, but given his tender age, Baleba would be the perfect immediate and long-term solution to their problems.

As to Ugarte, such a transfer would likely spell the end of his time in Manchester, with the board needing to offload him to avoid losing a huge chunk of their £50m investment.

Forget Sesko: Man Utd's "anxious" dud is now becoming INEOS' worst signing

Manchester United have one player who has massively struggled to meet expectations at Old Trafford.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 11, 2025