Everton are now said to have entered the race to complete the signing of a “talented” midfield player during the summer transfer window.
Everton make call to sign star winger
The Blues still have over a month to bring in new signings, ahead of an exciting era at the club, with PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko emerging as an eye-catching target.
Everton are believed to be among a host of clubs who have “called” about a potential move for the 22-year-old Belgian, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Bakayoko is far from the only young target for the Blues, however, with talks reportedly taking place with Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee over a move to Merseyside.
He played a key role in England’s Under-21s winning the European Championships earlier this summer, and could be a fantastic long-term option for Everton, providing so much guile and quality.
Everton make contact sign "talented" midfielder ahead of Roma
Now, according to a fresh report from TEAMtalk, Everton have “joined the race” to sign highly-rated Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui this summer ahead of AS Roma.
The 24-year-old is valued at £26m by his current club and there could now be a tug of war between two teams who have the same owners in The Friedkin Group. Everton have been in contact over a deal by recently asking for information regarding a transfer.
RC Lens'NeilElAynaouishakes hands with Juma Bah
El Aynaoui could be a strong addition for Everton, at a time when midfield reinforcements are important, given the fact that Abdoulaye Doucoure has moved on and Idrissa Gueye is now well into his 30s.
The Moroccan operates mainly as a box-to-box midfielder, but is also adept at taking up a more disciplined role in the middle of the park, with journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter describing him as a “highly talented” player.
Last season, Aynaoui scored eight goals in just 17 starts in Ligue 1, highlighting the level of end product he is capable of from his midfield role, but he also averaged 1.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game at the same time, showing that he can be a force both in and out of possession.
Everton battling to sign Italian midfielder who's lined up for England move
The Toffees will be keen to win the race…
BySean Markus Clifford Jul 13, 2025
That is exactly what Everton need this summer, and at 24 years of age, the Lens ace is likely to have his peak years ahead of him, which David Moyes would no doubt love to see happen under his management. It feels like a deal that is very much worth pushing hard to get over the line.
Daryl Mitchell says that issuing of NOCs for overseas tournaments may need to be more sparing
Matt Roller02-Oct-2024
Sam Billings was one of 14 English players to feature in last year’s PSL•PCB
Counties will be increasingly discerning in issuing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to their players as the number of franchise leagues “encroaching” on the English summer grows. That is the view of Daryl Mitchell, the interim chief executive of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) which represents the interests of English players.The number of overseas leagues clashing with the English summer has grown significantly in the last five years. English players have featured in leagues in India, Sri Lanka, the US, the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands and Zimbabwe this year, while a late start to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will add to the logjam next season.Fourteen English players made appearances in PSL 2024, including white-ball specialists Sam Billings, Alex Hales and David Willey who are all likely to return in 2025. But other players will not be available, with the tournament running parallel to the IPL for the first time, and with counties reluctant for their players to miss the start of the season.Liam Dawson, who has featured in five PSL seasons, will not play in the tournament next year. “I’ll be playing for Hampshire at that time,” Dawson said at Tuesday night’s cinch PCA awards, where he was named men’s player of the year primarily for his performances in the County Championship.Alec Stewart, Surrey’s departing director of cricket, told the on Wednesday that the ECB should take the lead. “Money talks, and if they are earning five times what they earn at our place, their heads will get turned,” Stewart said. “We need the ECB to stand firm on this and not say, ‘It’s up to the counties’, and to bring in regulations.”As things stand, counties have the power to withhold or withdraw NOCs for players who are not centrally contracted – as Surrey did earlier this year, to pull Jamie Overton out of the PSL. But others believe that if they do not meet players’ demands in the middle, then they will lose them altogether – either to other counties, or to the franchise circuit.”The global landscape and how things are shifting there is obviously pretty important to our members – or at least, the top 20% of our membership, who go around playing global tournaments,” Mitchell said. “NOCs are always on the agenda as well, and how that’s going to look moving forwards.Related
Players threaten legal action over new ECB stance on NOCs
IPL mega auction: Six retentions, RTM back, Impact Player to stay
Kyle Abbott, James Vince lead the way as Hampshire secure second-place finish
Two-year ban for overseas players pulling out after being picked at IPL auction
October 31 set as deadline for IPL teams to finalise retentions
“It’s a challenge, isn’t it? That’s something we are going to have to work through. It’s a bit too early to say what that will look like by the time we get to April next year. The challenges are there. Obviously there’s a lot of tournaments that encroach onto our season now, and we have to work through that, possibly on an individual basis, to see how that aligns.”Daniel Gidney, the Lancashire chief executive, said last month that NOCs and standard county contracts have been “diluted” over the last decade and criticised player agents, saying they “don’t care” about the Championship. Mitchell said he was “confused” by the criticism: “Some of that didn’t actually make sense, particularly around the NOCs.”Instead, Mitchell predicted that counties will increasingly look to wield their power to ensure that the best English players are available throughout the season, rather than skipping Championship games in order to play overseas.”At the moment, they’ve got the right to [deny NOCs] within the summer months – and actually, for some of the smaller competitions in the winter as well… They probably haven’t used their rights as much as they could have done, which is obviously to the benefit of some players when they do go away.”It’s up to the counties, and their discretion… The global landscape is shifting so quickly and the game, players, counties, the ECB – we have to evolve with it and try to find the best fit that works for everyone.”Mitchell said that the PCA’s other main focus during the English winter will be lobbying on the players’ behalf in a bid to resolve the long-running debate around the domestic schedule, with an ambitious aim to have a plan in place for the 2026 season by the start of next summer. “The debate needs to start pretty quickly, in truth,” Mitchell said.”Counties ideally would like to know exactly what they’re playing for. If there are going to be any structural changes come 2026, they want to know what they’re playing for in ’25, I would imagine. It’s really challenging. There’s loads of moving parts in there, and ultimately, the counties will decide what they want the structure of the county season to look like.”Recent changes to the IPL’s regulations are likely to encourage a swathe of English players to enter the mega-auction for the league’s 2025 season. Where, previously, players have been able to pick and choose whether they will enter a certain season, the BCCI have now stipulated that a failure to register for a mega-auction will make that overseas player ineligible for the following season too.
Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has broken a finger in his left hand at training and has been ruled out of at least the T20I series against India. Dilshan Madushanka comes into the squad as his replacement.*Team manager Mahinda Halangoda confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that Thushara’s injury was sustained on the non-bowling hand. Nevertheless, it is severe enough for him to be ruled out. Halangoda said the injury had occurred late on Wednesday, when Sri Lanka were training under lights. Thushara had been at fielding practice.He is the second Sri Lanka fast bowler to be ruled out of the series. Just on Wednesday, Sri Lanka announced that Dushmantha Chameera was out with illness, and replaced him with Asitha Fernando.Thushara had consistently been part of Sri Lanka’s T20I XI this year. He had been among their best bowlers at the T20 World Cup, taking eight wickets in the three matches Sri Lanka played. Earlier this year, he had also taken a T20I hat-trick on his way to figures of 5 for 20 against Bangladesh.The first T20I between Sri Lanka and India is scheduled for Saturday.*
Liverpool’s 2024/25 campaign was one of undisputed success, but there are some within Arne Slot’s squad who will have been left feeling pensive in spite of the club’s incredible Premier League triumph.
Harvey Elliott, for one, adores Liverpool and has no doubt envisaged a career-long affinity with the Anfield side, dominating with his creative flair and ingenuity. However, starting berths were few and far between after Jurgen Klopp left, and the recent club-record acquisition of Florian Wirtz would see the 21-year-old play still less.
That’s why he’s expected to leave this summer, with Brighton & Hove Albion among the interested parties, prepared to pay £40m for the talented playmaker.
Liverpool's HarveyElliottcelebrates
But Elliott isn’t the only one. Jarell Quansah has been another of the Merseysiders’ most exciting prospects after emerging in 2023/24 and earning praise for his “absolute monster” season from talent scout Jacek Kulig.
However, Slot wasn’t so enamoured as his predecessor, and after subbing the young centre-back off against Ipswich Town last August, the first game of a new era, Quansah never looked the same.
Jarell Quansah for Liverpool
Thus, a deal worth £30m plus add-ons has been agreed with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of the Three Lions star, who has been called up to the national camp, if not actually fielded yet.
So much potential; it’s a shame. However, FSG aren’t messing about this summer, and have already found their dream replacement in Marc Guehi.
Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi
Guehi is one of the most exciting defenders in English football, having only got better under Oliver Glasner’s Eagles wing, already established at Crystal Palace after leaving Chelsea for £18m in 2021.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehicelebrates after the match
The 24-year-old is the real deal, all right, and played an instrumental part in Palace’s stunning FA Cup triumph in May, beating Manchester City in the final.
It’s been reported that Liverpool are close to agreeing personal terms for the England international, who is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.
However, Guehi wants assurances over his playing time; with Ibrahima Konate believed to have rejected Liverpool’s latest contract proposal, maybe he’ll get his wish.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
Though Guehi is “among the best centre-backs”, as claimed by one data analyst, Liverpool are keeping their options open. Indeed, there’s another on the outfit’s shortlist who might be an even bigger talent.
Liverpool eyeing Guehi alternative
As per The Athletic, Liverpool have an admiration for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, though they have concerns over the Tricky Trees’ £80m valuation.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Murillo, 22, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s biggest breakout stars and is also coveted by Chelsea. Though it’s absolutely certain that Liverpool would not be forking out £80m for the Brazilian, if the young talent pushes for an exit, a deal may yet be struck.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson celebrates scoring their first goal with Nikola Milenkovic andMurillo
After joining Forest from Brazilian side Corinthians for £15m in August 2023, Murillo signed a new long-term deal in January 2025, extending his deal to the end of the 2028/29 season.
Why Liverpool want Murillo
Let’s be clear: the chances of Liverpool signing Murillo are low, but it is not out of the question. The hulking centre-half is one of the most ferocious defenders in the business, praised as a “monster” by teammate Anthony Elanga and as “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by certain experts on Brazilian football.
Over the past two years, Murillo has played 68 times in the Premier League, instrumental in reinforcing Nottingham Forest as a Premier League outfit and then lifting them into the top half of the division, securing a place in European competition through their efforts last season.
He’s also a bit Joel Matip-esque, capable of taking the ball and ploughing forwards in a way which is elusive to most backliners. To be honest, though, scant few defenders would even attempt the Brazilian’s trademark forays, sure to end in a wonder goal at some stage.
Guehi likes to carry the ball upfield too, as you will see through the statistical analysis coming up in a moment, but Murillo simply does it better.
Indeed, both players enjoyed stunning seasons in their own right, but Murillo perhaps edges his positional peer after demonstrating a blooming roundedness that, with a bit more work, could see him become a superstar in Slot’s system.
Murillo vs Marc Guehi in the Prem (24/25)
Stats (* per game)
Murillo
Guehi
Matches (starts)
36 (36)
34 (34)
Goals
2
3
Assists
0
2
Clean sheets
11
11
Touches*
55.4
64.9
Pass completion
80%
84%
Key passes*
0.4
0.5
Ball recoveries*
3.9
4.3
Dribbles*
0.8
0.4
Tackles + interceptions*
2.5
2.6
Clearances*
6.7
4.6
Duels (won)*
3.6 (60%)
4.9 (59%)
All data via Sofascore
In fairness, facing Murillo and Guehi off against each other is akin to splitting hairs: both have proven their quality in the Premier League, and both have demonstrated a technical aptitude that would allow them to dovetail into the Anfield side.
It’s worth noting that Murillo has played in a system which precludes ball-playing emphasis. Nuno Espirito Santo has fashioned something special at the City Ground, qualifying for the Conference League with a seventh-place Premier League finish, and he did so without the ball.
Forest averaged 41.2% of possession in 2024/25, as per FBref, in front of only Everton and Ipswich Town for that metric. This, basically, shines a positive light on Murillo’s creativity, still finding cause to play progressive passes with consistency in spite of the limited ball time. He’d fit Slot’s system like a glove.
He’s also marginally ahead of Guehi in terms of duel success, a further illustration of his defensive prowess. While Murillo would need some work to shape his skill set into the completeness of a Liverpool-tailored central defender, there’s no question that he’s an outstanding talent who has proven his elite credentials in the Premier League.
Moreover, his creativity and athleticism prove the conclusive factors in outstripping another wonderful player in Guehi – and he’s two years his junior at that.
Slot's answer to Mane: Liverpool chasing "monster" £70m Premier League star
Liverpool have set their sights on another attacking star this summer.
Aston Villa have opened direct transfer talks with one player over joining Unai Emery next season, according to reports, as the Premier League top five contenders attempt to build upon another impressive campaign.
Aston Villa seal vital win over Tottenham in Champions League race
Nerves were rife throughout Villa Park in their crunch encounter against Tottenham on Friday night, before their opening goal 30 minutes from full-time, with defender Ezri Konsa breaking the deadlock before Boubacar Kamara doubled their advantage.
Monchi now leading Aston Villa charge to sign "exciting" Serie A midfielder
Monchi is reportedly a fan of the Argentine midfielder.
ByTom Cunningham May 16, 2025
Villa eventually ran out 2-0 victors over Ange Postecoglou’s side and cemented a crucial win in their chase for Champions League qualification.
Ezri Konsa
The result means Emery’s side are still right in the thick of it, as they contend for a top five finish heading into the Premier League final matchday, and it is shaping up to be a dramatic last game with six teams involved in the battle for Europe.
2. Arsenal
68
3. Newcastle United
66
4. Chelsea
66
5. Aston Villa
66
6. Man City
65
7. Nottingham Forest
62
Emery, speaking after their victory against struggling Spurs, heaped praise on his players for making their home ground a serious fortress.
“I’m very grateful for the supporters,” Emery said. “Here, we are feeling strong and we’re feeling comfortable. We only lost one match here in the Premier League, the first match against Arsenal. Progressively, we were getting better. Of course, we drew some matches in the way, and now we are missing some points from those moments, but we have to accept it.
“We have to accept the 37 matches we’ve played being consistent, more or less, and getting the moment we are in now, feeling good and in our best moment. We’re achieving the challenges we are facing. We enjoyed in the FA Cup and in Carabao Cup, but mostly our moment in the Champions League.
Aston Villa manager UnaiEmerybefore the match
“The Premier League is the most important competition we are facing because through it we are getting again our main objective, and the objective is to be in Europe.
“We are in Europe next year, but we are in the running for the Champions League positions, and we can have chances in the last match in Manchester to get it.”
Aston Villa open talks with Axel Disasi over joining next season
The result of their Champions League chase will have direct effects on their recruitment plans off the field, but that hasn’t stopped NSWE and Monchi from making moves behind-the-scenes.
Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi could remain beyond 2024/2025, with the Frenchman very highly-rated by Emery, his coaching staff and Villa’s transfer chiefs.
That is according to Foot Mercato, who state that Villa have already opened talks with Disasi over joining them next season.
The 27-year-old cost Chelsea £39 million to sign from Monaco in 2023, and Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that they’re keen to sell him for profit this summer. It is unclear how much Villa would be willing to pay to keep Disasi in the Midlands, but he could be a significant addition.
The defender has been called a “leader” at times, and his experience at the top level could be invaluable for Emery.
Sheffield Wednesday are looking to build the foundations for another tilt at the Championship playoffs next term, though they may now face a fight with Blackburn Rovers to sign a reported target.
Sheffield Wednesday remain in a state of limbo with Danny Rohl
Usually, stability at a football club starts from the manager and filters down to his players, but the future of Danny Rohl at Hillsborough appears anything but certain at this point.
With the 36-year-old’s work in South Yorkshire not going unnoticed, interest is starting to mount in his services as clubs around Europe enter a period of change in the off-season.
If he were to leave South Yorkshire, where could the Sheffield Wednesday boss end up? Glasgow could be a potential destination after Rangers identified Rohl as a prospective permanent successor to Philippe Clement.
Fulham are another side intrigued by his managerial style, though ties haven’t been formally severed, which has led to a state of limbo involving all parties.
Regardless, Sheffield Wednesday need to start building for the new season. Some clarity over the direction of their squad has been found in Thursday’s retained list amid a lack of communication on matters at managerial level.
Sheffield Wednesday ready to make five new signings including Leeds 17 y/o
The Owls could welcome as many as five future stars.
ByTom Cunningham Apr 15, 2025
Barry Bannan, Akin Famewo and Callum Paterson are in talks to stay, while Anthony Musaba, Michael Smith and Josh Windass have been tied to new deals following the club’s decision to trigger their options. Stuart Armstrong, Mallik Wilks and Marvin Johnson are among notable departures, paving the way for eventual reinforcements to take their place.
Undoubtedly, a feeling of anxiety exists over Rohl’s future, but forward planning is underway regarding their pursuit of a highly-rated defensive target.
Sheffield Wednesday make enquiry to sign Aston Villa youngster Rowe
According to Football Insider, Sheffield Wednesday are pursuing Aston Villa youngster Triston Rowe on a loan basis amid competition from Blackburn Rovers for his signature and have made a move by launching an initial enquiry.
The Villans have seen enough in the England Under-19 international’s development to decide on farming him out to the EFL Championship for further experience after his role in their Under-18 side’s treble victory.
Triston Rowe in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
35
Goals
1
Assists
1
Primarily a right-back, Rowe can also deputise in central defence or further up the flank if needed and was previously called up to Aston Villa’s matchday squad in their 2-1 EFL Cup victory over Wycombe Wanderers last year.
Nevertheless, he isn’t yet viewed as a viable competitor to Matty Cash, so a loan move would allow him to continue developing without the spotlight of being thrust into a high-stakes top-flight environment.
Former Scotland international Liam Palmer isn’t getting any younger, which may have prompted Sheffield Wednesday to assess their own pecking order on the right-hand side of defence.
Now, their challenge will be to convince the youngster that Hillsborough is the correct environment to thrive while growing into the senior game next campaign.
After their win over Fulham during the week, it was another disappointing Premier League affair on Saturday for Arsenal.
The title race may be all but over, but Mikel Arteta and Co would still have been hoping for a win over Everton ahead of the must-win clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow night.
Instead, the Gunners played out another dismal draw against the Toffees, and while they never really looked in danger of losing, they didn’t look like winning either.
It was another encounter that demonstrated the North Londoners’ need for a new striker, and the good news is that recent reports have touted one of the most exciting in Europe for a move to the club, a striker who’d be a better signing than Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal striker search
It’s no secret that the area of the squad Arsenal need to strengthen the most this summer is centre-forward, so recent reports linking them to players like Sesko are no surprise.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
The RB Leipzig star is one of the most exciting up-and-coming number nines on the continent at the moment, has amassed a tally of 25 goal involvements in 39 appearances and, per reports from earlier this month, remains a key target for the Gunners.
However, while he would undoubtedly help improve Arteta’s attacking options, there is another target who’d be an even bigger game-changer: Viktor Gyokeres.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Yes, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal’s strong interest in the Swedish superstar has intensified over the last week.
Moreover, in even better news, the report has revealed that the player’s representatives will attend the game against Real tomorrow night, indicating that further talks may take place.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates after the match
The report does not reveal a potential fee, but according to stories from late last month, the former Coventry City marksman could be available for around £58m in the summer.
It could still be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gyokeres’ immense ability, it is well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a far better signing than Sesko.
How Gyokeres compares to Sesko
So, while both strikers would certainly improve Arsenal’s attack next season, why would Gyorkeres be the better signing?
Well, while there are a few reasons, the most significant is their respective output, as, after all, they’re number nines.
For example, since the start of last season, the Sporting CP star has scored 86 goals and provided 26 assists in just 93 appearances, which comes out to a simply staggering average of 1.20 goal involvements every game.
Appearances
81
93
Minutes
4918′
7599′
Goals
37
86
Assists
8
26
Goal Involvements per Match
0.55
1.20
Minutes per Goal Involvement
109.28′
67.84′
In contrast, the Slovenian international has scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 81 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.80 games.
Now, it is true that the Leipzig star is playing in a more challenging league, but when we look at their output from their time in the Champions League, it’s once again clear who the superior striker is.
For example, the “complete” Stockholm-born monster, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored six goals in eight UCL appearances, while the former RB Salzburg gem has six in 28 games.
Lastly, Sesko is still just 21, and while he could become a superstar in the future, he is not entirely developed, whereas, at 26, Gyokeres could come into Arteta’s team as the finished article and immediately lead the line.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal
Ultimately, while he may cost a significant amount of money, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the Sporting star this summer over the Leipzig ace.
Alongside Gyokeres: Arsenal make contact to sign ace who'd revive Odegaard
Arsenal could be set for a huge summer with Viktor Gyokeres and one other player firmly on their list.
The miracle at Edgbaston or the second-highest chase in history. Pick between the two as we begin to identify The Greatest Test of the 21st century
Himanshu Agrawal06-May-2025Update: This poll has ended. The SA-AUS 2008 Perth Test moves to the round of 16.South Africa bend Australia to their will – WACA 2008Australia were in transition ahead of the home summer in 2008-09, but showed that none of their powers were lost in beating New Zealand 2-0. They kept finding a hero to lead the rescue mission.But the script was flipped in the first Test against South Africa in Perth. Despite a familiar lower-order resolve in the first innings, despite typical macho fast-bowling from Mitchell Johnson, who bagged a career-best 8 for 61, and despite setting South Africa a huge 414 to win, Ricky Ponting’s side was left aghast. Centuries from AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith, and half-centuries from Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla and debutant JP Duminy, led South Africa to the second-highest successful chase in Test history.That was Australia’s second successive loss at the WACA after India beat them there in 2007-08. And who knew at the time that it would lay the foundation for the first of three back-to-back Test series wins by South Africa in the country? Australia’s aura had started to fade.The two runs that brought the Ashes alive – Edgbaston 2005The drama had begun before the toss. Glenn McGrath had hurt his ankle on the first morning of the match, and the man who replaced him nearly did it for Australia… with the bat. On the fourth day, Australia were 137 for 7 in their pursuit of 282. Michael Clarke was their only hope, and it took an ahead-of-the-time slower ball from Steve Harmison to dismiss him and make it 175 for 8. With Shane Warne, Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz, who took McGrath’s place in the side, remaining, England were favourites.But run by run, and minute by minute, Warne hurt England with the bat after bagging ten wickets with the ball. His stoic stand with Lee, who also looked unmoved, was fanning belief. But then, with Australia 62 runs away and the pair having added 45, a little flicker of a sound broke the silence of the stadium. Everyone searched for it. Warne found it. He had trod back onto his stumps. He was hit-wicket.Most of us would have forgotten by then that it was the Australia of their pomp. On their day, even a No. 11 could raise the ceiling with the bat. Kasprowicz did exactly that. Michael Vaughan looked frustrated with every run Lee and Kasprowicz scored. Until, with three to get, Harmison’s short ball saw Kasprowicz fending, and nudging behind to a diving Geraint Jones. Billy Bowden’s crooked finger was up, Edgbaston erupted, and Andrew Flintoff consoling Lee became an iconic image.
Return of Kane Williamson and Tim Southee will pose selection questions after strong start to tournament
Firdose Moonda09-Oct-20231:25
McClenaghan: Ravindra could bat at No. 4 upon Williamson’s return
After the emotional release of their victory over England – the team that denied them the trophy four years ago – in the World Cup opener, New Zealand continued their campaign in almost surgical style against Netherlands. The runs were scored, the wickets and catches (mostly) taken, two points secured, NRR gains made and, most importantly, selection questions answered. It is the last of those that was their biggest takeaway from this win.New Zealand came into the tournament with only 12 of their 15-player squad available for the first game, with Kane Williamson and Tim Southee recovering from serious injuries and Lockie Ferguson suffering back stiffness. By the time they play their next match, on Friday, they should have all 15 players available and the performance against Netherlands could help them decide who to pick.Let’s start with the obvious: when captain Williamson is ready for competitive cricket, he’ll slot straight back in at No. 3, which would ordinarily leave room for only two of Devon Conway, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra. All three have put good numbers on the board at this tournament, Young becoming the latest to do so. He came back from a second-ball duck against England to score his sixth half-century this year and third in six innings, making a strong claim to continue as an opener.Related
Ackermann: Netherlands 'need to put together all three phases'
Ferguson, Southee likely to be fit; Williamson remains on sidelines for Netherlands clash
'Locals' Ravindra, Williamson bask in Hyderabadi familiarity
Live report – Netherlands vs New Zealand, World Cup 2023
Five-star Santner and batters make it two in two for New Zealand
As much as the runs mattered, the manner in which he scored them may end up counting for more. Young’s first signs of aggression came in the fourth over, when he took two fours off Ryan Klein to get New Zealand going, but a hallmark of this innings was his takedown of spin. His first six was a glorious, high-elbowed loft over long-on off Aryan Dutt. Later, he played a similar shot off Colin Ackermann. In total, Young scored more than half his runs – 39 – off the 38 balls of spin he faced and he did it at a good time. New Zealand’s next two matches are on spinner-friendly surfaces in Chennai against spin-heavy sides, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, and Young has shown the kind of form that merits a place.That means when Williamson returns, if New Zealand want to retain their current opening pair and Ravindra’s form, they will have to make some changes to the composition of their line-up. The most likely solution will be to bench Mark Chapman, who won the thanks-for-coming award in the England match (he did not bat or bowl) and then scored 5 against Netherlands, and to ask Ravindra to bat in the No. 6 spot. An alternative would be to allow Ravindra to bat at No. 4 and have the others move one spot down. Either way, Chapman is the most likely to fall away, according to ESPNcricinfo expert Mitchell McClenaghan.Leaving out Chapman and James Neesham – who made way for Ferguson against Netherlands – means that lower-order runs from Mitchell Santner hold significant weight. Batting at No. 8 in Hyderabad, Santner played a cameo that was the difference between New Zealand scoring 285 and 320; he took 18 runs off the last over as Bas de Leede lost his composure and Santner picked his slower ball. Although it was only a welcome top-up in this match, a contribution like that could be crucial in future contests.Rachin Ravindra and Will Young were both in the runs against Netherlands•ICC via Getty ImagesMatt Henry was with Santner for the final phase of the innings and contributed a four-ball 10, which should be a footnote but also adds to his case as New Zealand assess the make-up of their attack. That’s where a tough decision will have to be made between Tim Southee, Henry, Ferguson and Trent Boult. No team will mind having this kind of problem of plenty but New Zealand still need to figure out how to solve it.As things stand, Henry has made himself undroppable with six wickets in his first two matches and it’s not just the numbers that work in his favour. He has taken wickets with the new and old ball and consistently troubled batters in the channel and found the edge. In the last two years, Henry has 38 wickets at an average 25.18 and McClenaghan said he would pick him over Southee, even if Southee is fit.That would likely mean a longer run for Ferguson, who had recovered for this clash. He bowled eight overs, conceded at four runs an over and showed off his variations with but did not deliver anything in the 145kph-plus range, which is what New Zealand would want from him at this tournament. It may have been that Ferguson was being conservative on his comeback from injury but if he is not going to offer out-and-out pace, it could open the door for Southee to get some game time.”This is the option – in the next game against Bangladesh, do you want to get three wins in a row? He bowled really well against Bangladesh in the past – he troubled them with speed, but if the speed is not there in these conditions, he may not be as troubling,” McClenaghan said. “You’ve also got to think about if you’d rather get overs into Tim Southee in a competitive fixture, and is that going to be this next game against Bangladesh?”Whichever way New Zealand go, in Boult, Henry, and one of Ferguson, Southee or Neesham, they have an attack with the qualities to be among the best in the tournament and are stacking up fairly well albeit still early in the event. While McClenaghan was slightly concerned about some lapses in their intensity, especially in the field, where they put down five chances, none of them cost much. Even if New Zealand were going through the motions at stages, they got everything they needed from this match – including a bit of a test with the ball – to set themselves up for the ones to come.
Axar and Root dominate the stats analysis in a game dominated by spin bowlers
Sampath Bandarupalli25-Feb-2021 0 Completed Tests since World War II to last fewer balls than the Ahmedabad Test (842 balls). The day-night Test match at Motera is now the seventh shortest completed Test match and the shortest since 1935. 77 Matches taken for Ravichandran Ashwin to complete 400 wickets in Test cricket. Muttiah Muralitharan is the only player to have reached the milestone quicker than Ashwin. The Sri Lankan got to the 400th Test wicket in his 72nd Test match.ESPNcricinfo Ltd387 Lowest Match aggregate in a completed Test match in Asia. The previous lowest was the 2002 Test between Pakistan and Australia at Sharjah (422 runs). The Ahmedabad Test is also the lowest aggregated Test in the last 74 years.81 England’s second innings total at Motera, the second-lowest Test total by any team against India. South Africa’s total of 79 in the first innings of the 2015 Nagpur Test still remains the lowest Test total against India. England’s previous lowest Test total against India was 101, way back in 1971 at The Oval. 193 Runs scored by England across both the innings. This is the first instance of a team being bundled out twice in a Test match in India with an aggregate of less than 200 runs. The previous lowest was 212 runs that was made by India and Afghanistan – against Australia and India respectively. This was also just the second Test since 1904 for England where they were bowled out twice in a Test with an aggregate lower than 193 runs. England were all-out for 93 and 82 respectively against New Zealand in Christchurch,1984. 0 Balls bowled by the pace bowlers in the second innings of both teams in this Test. This is only the second instance in a Test that yielded a result where only spinners bowled in the 3rd and 4th innings. R Ashwin , Axar Patel and Washington Sundar bowled for India while Jack Leach and Joe Root bowled for England.ESPNcricinfo Ltd 8 Runs conceded by Joe Root for his five-wicket haul. Only once has a spinner taken a five-for conceding fewer runs: Australia’s Bert Ironmonger, a left-arm spinner, took 5 for 6 against South Africa way back in 1932*. Two other Australians feature among the top four such cases: Tim May conceded nine runs and took five wickets against West Indies at the Adelaide Oval in 1993, while Michael Clarke took 6 for 9 in Mumbai, 2004. 1 Instance of a ten-wicket win in Test cricket with a first-innings total lower than the 145 scored by India. England came back to defeat Australia by ten wickets in Birmingham in 1909 after they were bundled out for only 121 in the first-innings. 11/70 The cheapest ten-wicket Test match haul for India, achieved by Axar. The previous record was held by Ashwin who gave away only 85 runs for his 12 wickets against New Zealand during the 2012 Test match in Hyderabad. Axar also now holds the best match figures in a Day-Night Test going past Pat Cummins who took 10 for 62 against Sri Lanka in Brisbane. 3 Number of Indians with five-wicket hauls in three or more consecutive Test innings before Axar. Harbhajan Singh in 2001, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan in 1984 and Javagal Srinath in 1999 were the others to have achieved this rare feat. The overall record is with Charlie Turner from Australia who had taken six consecutive five-wicket hauls.* 0300GMT: The piece had originally said that Root’s eight runs is the fewest for a five-for by a spinner, because it was believed that Ironmonger bowled medium pace as well. This has been corrected after confirming that Ironmonger was indeed a spinner.