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And was India’s 52 overs in Kanpur the fewest a team has faced in a Test win?

Steven Lynch08-Oct-2024India batted for only 52 overs at Kanpur yet won the Test. Was this a record? asked Ahmed Narail from India

You’re right that India’s batters received only 52 overs during that impressive victory in the rain-affected second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur last week. It’s actually the fourth-fewest balls faced by a side winning a Test – and India already have a higher entry on this list from earlier this year: they faced only 46.5 overs in clobbering South Africa in Cape Town in January.Top of the table is another rain-affected match, in Bridgetown in January 1935, when England faced only 46 overs – for totals of 81 for 7 declared and 75 for 6 – but beat West Indies by four wickets.India didn’t let Bangladesh bowl any maiden overs in Kanpur. How many times has a team bowled no maidens in a completed match? asked Sridhar from the United States

No Bangladesh bowler managed a maiden in the second Test against India in Kanpur last week. This is a good spot, as it turns out it has happened in only one other Test with a positive result: in Durban in January 1939 (the third match of the series, not the famous ten-day timeless fifth Test), England won by an innings after scoring 469 for 4 declared in 88.5 overs, none of which was a maiden. Eight-ball overs were used in that match, so it was harder to bowl a maiden. The recent Kanpur Test is thus the only one featuring six-ball overs in which the losing side failed to deliver at least one maiden.I know that Jim Laker and Tony Lock took all 20 Australian wickets at Old Trafford in 1956. But in how many other Tests did two bowlers dismiss all 20 opposition batsmen? asked Daniel Hayward from England

The Surrey spinners Jim Laker (who took 19 for 90) and Tony Lock (1 for 106) famously shared all 20 wickets in the Ashes Test at Old Trafford in 1956. It has happened in just five other Test matches, three of them also Ashes Tests. In Melbourne in January 1902, Monty Noble (13 for 77) and Hugh Trumble (7 for 87) took all 20 England wickets, while the boot was on the other foot at Edgbaston in May 1909, when Colin Blythe (11 for 102) and George Hirst (9 for 86) did the damage. And it happened again at Lord’s in 1972, when Bob Massie took 16 for 137 and Dennis Lillee 4 for 140 against England; rather surprisingly perhaps as there have been more than 1800 Tests since, this remains the most recent instance.The two non-Ashes occurrences were in Johannesburg in January 1910, when the South African spinners Ernie Vogler (12 for 181) and Aubrey Faulkner (8 for 160) accounted for all England’s batters, and in Karachi in October 1956, when Fazal Mahmood (13 for 114) and Khan Mohammad (7 for 112) set up Pakistan’s victory in their inaugural Test against Australia (this was only two Tests after the match at Old Trafford).Megan Schutt recently equalled the record held by Shabnim Ismail for the most wickets in Women’s T20 World Cups, with 43, and might yet add to her tally in the ongoing tournament•Getty ImagesWho has scored the most runs – and who has the most wickets – at women’s T20 World Cups? asked Natalie Grisham from England

The only woman with more than 1000 runs in T20 World Cups before this one got underway was New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, who had 1066. She played in all the first eight tournaments, and has already added to her tally in this one. Australia’s Meg Lanning, who has now retired, finished with 992 runs, but two players who are in the UAE this time started the tournament with more than 900: Alyssa Healy of Australia (941) and West Indies’ Stafanie Taylor (926).As for the bowlers, Shabnim Ismail of South Africa led the way with 43 wickets at T20 World Cups, before Australia’s Megan Schutt caught up with her during the ongoing one. England’s Anya Shrubsole has 41 and Australia’s Ellyse Perr has 40 wickets, but since Perry and Schutt are both playing in this tournament, they may yet add to their tally.South Africa’s top six all reached 35 in a recent ODI against Ireland. How often has this happened? asked Eddie McCann from South Africa

South Africa’s consistent display against Ireland in Abu Dhabi last week was the seventh instance of six batters all reaching 35 in an ODI innings. But only in two of the others did it involve the top six in the order: by Sri Lanka against Bangladesh during the Asia Cup in Dambulla in June 2010 – only six men batted, and the lowest individual contribution was 37 not out – and also by Pakistan against Sri Lanka in Colombo in July 2015 (again only six men batted; the lowest score among them was 35 not out).There are no fewer than 35 further instances of five batters reaching 35 in the same ODI innings.There’s a solitary case of five men reaching 35 in a men’s T20I innings, by Sri Lanka (215 for 3) against West Indies in Pallekele in November 2015. And there have been eight cases of five 35s in a women’s ODI innings (and none in T20Is).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

Manchester United managed to return to winning ways in the Premier League last night, after a dominant 4-1 thrashing of bottom-placed side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ruben Amorim’s men produced one of their best performances of the campaign to date, to put themselves into sixth place and just a point off the top four.

Hearts will no doubt have been in the mouths of all supporters at the break, after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde ensured the game was level going into the break.

However, three goals in the second half secured a seventh league victory of the 2025/26 campaign for the Red Devils – now extending their run to just one loss in the last nine outings.

One player deserves massive credit for his showing at Molineux on Monday night, with the first-team member massively excelling during the well-deserved triumph.

Bruno Fernandes’ stats against Wolves

Bruno Fernandes has often struggled throughout the ongoing campaign, as Amorim has decided to utilise him in a deeper-lying midfield role rather than the number ten position.

It’s required the Portuguese international to think more defensively, which has no doubt had an effect on his output within the final third in the Premier League.

However, his showing against Rob Edwards’ men was arguably his best of the season to date, with the 31-year-old notching two goals and an assist in the triumph.

Such a tally takes him to 10 combined goals and assists in his first 15 appearances of the season, but it was his underlying figures that highlighted his impressive display.

He featured for the entirety of the contest and registered 55 completed passes, whilst creating five chances for his teammates – with both the highest of any player in the meeting.

Bruno also completed 12 passes into the final third, and only misplaced eight passes in total, further highlighting his incredible performance with the ball at his feet.

However, without the ball, the midfielder was just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 100% tackles won, seven recoveries made and a total of five combined aerials and ground duels won.

The United player who is as undroppable as Bruno

As seen by his tally of 15 starts out of a possible 15 in 2025/26, there’s little denying that Bruno is undroppable and certainly one of Amorim’s most important players.

Numerous other players are starting to force themselves into such a bracket, with Bryan Mbeumo just one player who should be a starter week in and week out.

The Cameroonian international netted once again in the clash in the West Midlands, subsequently taking his league tally to six this campaign – the most of any player in the squad.

He registered four shots on target against the hosts, whilst also completing two dribbles – largely being a menace to the Wolves backline during the victory last night.

However, the backline has been a cause for concern over the last couple of weeks, especially with the absence of centre-back Matthijs de Ligt in the last two matches.

As a result, youngster Ayden Heaven has been thrown in at the deep end, but he’s managed to impress – with his showing at Molineux certainly one to remember.

It was just his second start of the season, but the 19-year-old appeared unfazed and produced numerous impressive figures that could make him undroppable within the manager’s current side.

The teenager registered 36 passes during his minutes on the pitch, subsequently achieving a completion rate of 100% – the highest of any player who started the match.

Ayden Heaven – stats against Wolves

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

69

Touches

49

Passes completed

36

Pass accuracy

100%

Blocks made

1

Clearances made

7

Duels won

100%

Fouls won

2

Stats via FotMob

He also made seven clearances, three of which were with his head, whilst making three recoveries, which enabled him to be in the right place at the right time when called upon.

Heaven’s dominance at the heart of the three-man defence was further highlighted by his impressive tally of six combined duels won – also at a success rate of 100%.

It’s no mean feat for such a young defender to start in the middle of a Premier League defence, but Heaven has made it look routine over the last couple of weeks.

Given his tender age, expectations will no doubt need to be managed by Amorim, but it is certainly hard not to get excited by the youngster after his showing at Molineux.

He’s certainly done enough to cement his place in the starting eleven for the run-up to Christmas, potentially being a huge asset for the club in their hunt for Premier League glory in the years ahead.

Related Bad news for Mainoo: INEOS make £70m "passing machine" Man Utd’s no.1 target

Man United’s need for a new centre-midfielder is as pressing as ever.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair 4 days ago

It seems like Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has settled on his first-choice midfield pivot. His infamous 3-4-2-1 system has sparked plenty of debate, but with United now five games unbeaten, perhaps it is a sign of things improving.

Indeed, one of those reasons could be continuity in team selection. The midfield is one of those areas, with Amorim choosing captain Bruno Fernandes and the experienced Casemiro as the two pivot players. It has meant the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte cannot get a look in, with the United boss sticking to that pair.

However, the Red Devils might well dip into the transfer market in January to add to the depth in the centre of the park.

Man United's new midfield target

There are reportedly a few names on United’s list for a new midfielder. One of those is Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes, who could cost upwards of £44m, with a deal said to be in advanced stages.

However, the Brazilian is not the only midfielder United are looking at this winter with the likes of Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba high-profile targets from within the Premier League.

Alongside those players, Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher has once again emerged as a target for Amorim’s side, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Indeed, talking to The United Stand, via TEAMtalk, he claims the former Chelsea man is a “definitive” target ahead of the transfer window opening in just over a month. The player is thought to be keen on returning to England in 2026.

This isn’t a deal that would come cheap, though. Atleti could demand a fee of up to £52.4m, as reported back in September, with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace also interested.

How Gallagher compares to Gomes

It has certainly not been the easiest season for Gallagher in La Liga. He has struggled to break into Atleti’s starting lineup, playing 17 times in all competitions, but featuring for just 566 minutes in total. That is an average of just 6.2 full 90-minute games.

The 22-cap England star was more important under legendary Atleti boss Diego Simeone last season. He made 50 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with four goals and six assists and earning himself the nickname “Pitbull” for his energetic performances.

Of course, the Chelsea academy graduate has plenty of Premier League experience. He’s played 136 times in the top flight, becoming an established player for the Blues after a couple of loan spells. Gallagher certainly knows where the back of the net is and has 18 Premier League goals and 13 assists to his name.

If United were to bring Gallagher to the club, he might prove to be a better option than Gomes, the other top target in midfield. Of course, the Brazilian is currently plying his trade in the Midlands for rock-bottom Wolves, for whom he has played 15 times this season.

The Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder has played 104 times for the Old Gold, in a similar system to the one United play under Amorim. He’s even been known to chip in with a goal, bagging seven times in a Wolves shirt.

Yet, despite the familiarity the 24-year-old has with United’s system, Gallagher may well prove to be the better option. His on-the-ball quality exceeds that of Gomes, whilst he still offers plenty without the ball, to succeed in Amorim’s pivot.

Described as an “intensity monster” and as “one of the best midfielders in the sport when it comes to running long distances” by one notable analyst on social media, a look at the stats paints a more vivid picture of what to expect from Gallagher.

Analysing the data from the Englishman’s last season in the Premier League, compared to Gomes’ from last term, highlights the differences. For example, Gallagher created 1.5 chances on average and won 50.68% of his ground duels. In comparison, the Wolves man created 0.7 chances and had a ground duel win rate of 48.01%.

Chances created

1.5

0.7

Opposition half passes completed

29.1

22.2

Take-ons completed

1.1

1

Ground duel success rate

50.68%

48.01%

Interceptions

1.3

0.8

Ball recoveries

6.4

6.1

Described as a “relentless” midfielder by Statman Dave, 25-year-old Gallagher would provide tenacity off the ball and progression and final third quality with it.

That is certainly something he has over Gomes, and, thinking ahead, could be important for United as they hopefully start dominating games and have the ball more.

A fee of £52.4m is sizeable given it is the January window, but the Cobham graduate could help add quality to the United midfield, as they look to push up the Premier League table.

Man Utd now "leading the chase" to sign "special" Casemiro replacement

He has a massive future ahead of him.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 22, 2025

Leeds United are looking like they will have a huge fight on their hands to avoid relegation this season. Their first campaign back in the Premier League is not going to plan, with Daniel Farke’s side just one point clear of the drop zone at the moment.

The underlying numbers do not make for good reading if you are a Leeds fan, either. The West Yorkshire outfit have massively underachieved according to their expected points, which is 15.49xPTS, over four more than they actually have.

In attack, they’ve only scored ten goals, although Farke has continued to pick a similar front three across the season. That means Brenden Aaronson has kept his place in the side.

Aaronson’s disappointing form this season

As an attacking unit, Farke’s Leeds side have certainly left a lot to be desired. The Whites’ lack of form in front of goal has been an issue, as has the fact that they are struggling to create a substantial number of chances.

Aaronson is certainly someone who has underperformed. The USA international only has one goal and one assist this season, but has been one of Farke’s most trusted lieutenants.

He’s played all 11 games in the top flight this season, and has started all of the last eight.

In terms of output for the 54-cap American international, he’s only managed one goal and one assist so far this term.

Perhaps that is because he is playing on the right wing despite being a number ten by trade, but Leeds fans must surely be expecting better numbers.

As far back as last season, there have been question marks surrounding Aaronson’s ability.

Former Leeds defender Jon Newsome said, “I don’t think he’s at the level in my honest opinion,” implying the Whites could do better in that area of the pitch.

They might have the perfect Aaronson replacement already at the club, in a player who is thriving out on loan.

The on-loan Leeds star who could break into the first team

Perhaps Leeds can make better use of their talent in and around the first team squad, if not this season, then in years to come. Farke has shown trust in up-and-coming youngsters in the past, with Archie Gray a prime example a few seasons ago.

Another player who could fit that bill next season, when he returns to the club, is on-loan star Joe Gelhardt. The 23-year-old attacker is excelling in the Championship for Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals Hull City this term.

The versatile attacker, who can play on the right, as a number ten or at centre-forward, has seven goals and two assists in the second tier for the Tigers this season.

His form in recent weeks has been particularly impressive, with Gelhardt racking up seven goal involvements in just six games.

The Liverpool-born forward has certainly received lots of praise for his excellent form in a Hull shirt this season. Their boss, Sergej Jakirovic, described him as a “special” footballer and said that “he can reach the Premier League” one day.

It is easy to see how he could end Aaronson’s Leeds career next season, if he is given the chance to shine in a Leeds shirt. His underlying numbers this term are superior to the American’s. For example, he averages 0.8 goals and assists per 90 minutes compared to just 0.4 for Aaronson.

Goals and assists

0.8

0.4

Chances created

1.1

1.4

Take-ons completed

1.7

1.2

Ground duel success rate

54.55%

52.08%

Ball recoveries

5

4.6

Gelhardt – previously lauded as a “human wrecking ball” by Marcelo Bielsa – has never really been given a consistent chance at first-team level for the Whites. He’s only played 57 games across five seasons, with ten goals and assists in that time.

However, his performances this season will surely make Farke sit up and take notice.

Aaronson simply has not cut it in the Premier League, and with a talent like Gelhardt on their books, perhaps it is time Leeds give the 23-year-old a chance to shine next season.

Worse than Perri: Leeds dud is one of their worst signings in PL history

Leeds United have dropped some transfer clangers when looking back at their summer business.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 11, 2025

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن تفاصيل أزمة جديدة تضرب نادي الزمالك، بسبب لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم السابق، الفلسطيني عمر فرج.

عمر فرج كان قد انضم إلى الزمالك، لكن تراجع مستواه قلل من فرص مشاركته بشكل منتظم، لتتم إعارته، ثم عاد إلى الزمالك في يوليو الماضي بعد فترة إعارة قصيرة في الدوري السويدي، لكنه لم يجد مكانا له في التشكيل الأساسي أو حتى على مقاعد البدلاء.

طالع| خاص | رحلة عمر فرج مع الزمالك تقترب من النهاية.. قرار حاسم في النادي

وبدأ جون إدوارد المدير الرياضي التحرك لتسويق اللاعب في عدد من الدوريات الأوروبية، أبرزها الروماني والسويدي، حيث يمتلك خبرات سابقة هناك قبل انتقاله إلى الزمالك.

وقال الإعلامي أحمد شوبير، في برنامجه الإذاعي: “عمر فرج عندما انضم إلى الزمالك كان الأمر في تصوري لعبة وكلاء، لأن البعض روج أن الأهلي يريد ضمه”.

وتابع: “من المفترض أن تعرف احتياجاتك من الصفقات، والزمالك تعجل في حسم الصفقة لكن اللاعب رحل للسويد ثم عاد ولكنه لا يشارك”.

وكشف شوبير: “هناك كلام يقال إن عمر فرج قرر يفسخ عقده وبالتالي سيحصل على مستحقاته كاملة لكن مسؤولي الزمالك طلبوا منه العودة للتدريبات وتسوية المستحقات ونحدد طريقة رحيلك بشكل ودي لعدم الدخول في أزمات”.

Former Australia allrounder signs three-year contract to succeed Trevor Griffin

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-2025Somerset have appointed Erin Osborne, the former Australia allrounder, as women’s head coach. Osborne, 36, has signed a three-year contract and replaces Trevor Griffin, who stepped down after Somerset’s first season in the newly professional Tier 1 county structure.Osborne played 121 times for Australia between 2009 and 2016. She retired from domestic cricket in 2022, going on to hold a number of coaching roles with Canberra-based ACT Meteors.”I’m thrilled to be joining Somerset as women’s head coach,” Osborne said. “This is an incredible opportunity to work with a club that has a proud history and a passionate supporter base.”I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and working closely with the players, coaches, and support staff as we strive for continued growth and success.”Somerset finished bottom of the Vitality Blast group last season, although fared better in the One-Day Cup, winning six games out of 14 and just missing out on the knockouts.On Osborne’s appointment, Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said: “Erin was the standout candidate for the position, and her knowledge and experience, aligned with her drive to succeed, really resonated with the panel, and will stand the club in good stead moving forward.”Her coaching path to date has seen Erin gain a thorough understanding of how to construct effective programmes, inspire players, and improve performance across female and male pathways. These traits will prove invaluable as we look to build on the inaugural year of professional women’s cricket at the Cooper Associates County Ground.”Erin has established an excellent reputation as a coach in Australia, and we are excited to see her lead Somerset Women into the next stage of our journey.”

Kiran Navgire, the India and Maharashtra opener, has smashed the record for fastest hundred in women’s T20s. She hit her record-breaking blitz in the Women’s T20 Trophy on Friday, hammering a 34-ball century while finishing on a 35-ball 106. It helped Maharashtra crush Punjab with eight overs to spare in Nagpur.Navgire broke Sophie Devine’s record for the previous fastest women’s T20 century, in 36 balls. That came in Wellington’s ten-wicket win over Otago in January 2021 where Devine scored 108 not out in 38 balls. An incredible strike-rate of 302.86 makes Navgire’s performance the only women’s T20 century to have a 300-plus strike-rate.It was all one-way action from Navgire’s bat. In the unbeaten 103-run second-wicket partnership, No. 3 Mukta Magre needed to contribute only six runs as Navgire plundered 14 fours and seven sixes. Maharashtra’s team total of 113 for 1 – the chase completed in eight overs – is now the lowest total to include an individual hundred in women’s T20s, going above the previous lowest of 123 in a CSA T20 game where Annerie Dercksen scored 106 not out.