Jasprit Bumrah, the Player of the Series in the T20 World Cup, rose 12 places to No. 12 among bowlers
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jul-2024Hardik Pandya has become the first Indian to occupy the No. 1 spot for T20I allrounders, as per the latest ICC rankings. He climbed two spots to join Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga at the top following his all-round contributions in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, where they went unbeaten to lift the trophy.Pandya smashed 144 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151, while also bagging 11 wickets at 17.36 in the West Indies and USA. That included a match-winning haul of 3 for 20 in the final against South Africa, which India won by seven runs to lift the trophy. Pandya’s best performance with the bat in the World Cup came against Bangladesh, as he hit 50* off 27 balls.Full rankings tables
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His team-mate Jasprit Bumrah, the Player of the Series in the T20 World Cup, meanwhile made big gains in the bowlers’ rankings. Bumrah rose 12 places to No. 12 after claiming 15 wickets at an average of 8.26, and an economy of just 4.17. With South Africa requiring only another 30 runs from the last five overs in the final, it was Bumrah’s spell towards the end which helped turn the game around for India.ESPNcricinfo LtdAmong other India players to make gains on the table were left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav, who got ten wickets at 13.90 in the World Cup, as he moved up three positions to be joint-eighth among the bowlers. Seamer Arshdeep Singh, the joint-highest wicket-taker in the competition with 17 wickets, gained four places to be ranked a career-best No. 13.Meanwhile, South Africa quick Anrich Nortje climbed seven places to a career-high No. 2 among the bowlers after being their highest wicket-taker in the World Cup. His 15 wickets came at an average of 13.40, and an economy of 5.74.Also, the quartet of Marcus Stoinis, Sikandar Raza, Shakib Al Hasan and Liam Livingstone rose one spot each to be ranked No. 3, 4, 5 and 8, respectively, among the allrounders.
The drop-in pitches at the venue haven’t produced ideal T20 cricket, and the relentless schedule of eight matches in ten days isn’t helping
Nagraj Gollapudi08-Jun-2024 • Updated on 17-Feb-20254:23
Rohit: Even the curator is confused how the pitch will behave
First, what is a drop-in pitch?A drop-in pitch is the same as a normal 22-yard cricket strip, but is prepared and kept encased in a steel tray and not developed at the ground, as is traditional. It is prepared in favourable conditions – it can be outside the ground or at a turf farm – and comprises layers of soil, clay and grass that are bedded in together for a period of time. Once it is “dropped in” on the main square, the pitch gets the same care as a traditional pitch. This includes rolling, watering, and cutting the grass before match days.Related
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Why were drop-in pitches chosen for New York?While the ICC had cast the net wide to identify the right big venue for the World Cup in 2021, it was only in September 2023 that the Nassau County venue, located in Eisenhower Park in Long Island, was finalised. Mindful of the tight timeline, the ICC decided on drop-in pitches as a turnkey solution. Accordingly, ten drop-in pitches – four for the main ground and six for the practice facility in Cantiague Park, a few miles from the main venue – were used.The original trays were prepared in Adelaide by Adelaide Turf International, which also oversees the preparation of the drop-in pitches at Adelaide Oval. The trays were shipped in December 2023 to Florida because it is sunnier and warmer there compared to New York, which has freezing temperatures from December to March. The pitches were then moved to New York at the end of April before being fixed in the main square and practice venue in early May.Is it usual for international cricket to be played on a drop-in pitch before any trial games?Usually, a fresh, relaid pitch at a stadium’s main square will be tested with several practice matches and even domestic games before international cricket is played on it.In the case of the New York project, the organisers had to raise the entire venue from scratch in just 106 days between January and May before South Africa played Sri Lanka on June 3. Two days prior to that, Bangladesh and India played a warm-up match at the venue – it was the first proper match there.Eight of the 16 matches in the USA leg were allotted to the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York•ICC via Getty Images
What is the nature of the drop-in pitches at Eisenhower Park?Damian Hough, the head curator at Adelaide Oval, who made the drop-in pitches for the New York project, explained that strips usually need high clay content to facilitate good pace and bounce. In this case, for the soil, Hough used the local American variety of soil called BlackStick, which has a clay content of over 60% [considered high], similar to the Adelaide Oval. Bermuda grass has been used both for the pitch and the outfield, which is commonly used for cricket grounds.Was there an ICC inspection before the venue got the go-ahead?As part of its protocol, the ICC sends an expert team to carry out due diligence at all their venues – including the ground itself, the pitches and practice facilities – before granting them international status. While there was no formal announcement of the New York venue getting international status, on May 15, the ICC launched the stadium for the World Cup.Is the scheduling an issue?Yes. Eight of the 16 World Cup matches of the USA leg of the T20 World Cup were allotted to New York, and these have been scheduled across ten days between June 3 and 12, with the last six matches – including the marquee game between India and Pakistan on June 9 – on consecutive days. Such a schedule is unprecedented at an ICC event. This has been the biggest challenge for Hough and his team, because it is not just one pitch, but the entire square comprising all four strips that need attention at all times.India will play Pakistan in New York on June 9•ICC/Getty Images
How many pitches have been used so far?Three*. Pitch No. 4 has been used for three matches so far: Bangladesh vs India warm-up (June 1), India vs Ireland (June 5) and Canada vs Ireland (June 7). Pitch No. 1 was used for the South Africa vs Sri Lanka game on June 3. Pitch No. 2 was used for the Netherlands vs South Africa game on June 8. Pitch No. 2 was a more true pitch than the others, but fast bowlers still had a bigger say.Has the ICC identified any factor(s) contributing to the variable bounce?ESPNcricinfo has learned that Hough had spotted lines of grass sprouting in the cracks in some spots on the pitch, which he suspected could have contributed to the uneven bounce that frequently caused distress to batters in the South Africa vs Sri Lanka and India vs Ireland matches. Another contributing factor was the overcast conditions – the moisture played a role in the exaggerated sideways movement, and the swing the fast men generated.Was any remedial work carried out?It is understood that ahead of the Canada vs Ireland match on Friday, Hough covered the areas where grass shoots were growing under the cracks with topsoil and rolled it to make the surface much flatter.Did it make a difference?On Friday, while the odd ball did keep low, the surface was much truer, albeit a bit sluggish as a consequence of overnight rain. Ireland captain Paul Stirling pointed out that the pitch looked totally different to the one used for the India match, with much of the greenish tinge wiped away.
The window might not be officially open yet, but silly season is already in full swing, and it looks set to be a busy one for Arsenal.
The Gunners didn’t make sufficient additions to the first team last year, and it came back to bite them in a big way, with injuries and a lack of cutting-edge subjecting them to a fifth trophyless season and yet another second-place finish in the Premier League.
One of the few positives to come from the campaign was Bukayo Saka’s continually impressive development, as even though he missed almost four months of action, the Englishman managed to rack up a brilliant haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances.
So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking the club to another Premier League-proven winger who has not only won comparisons to the Hale Ender but also has something distinctly Thierry Henry-esque in his game.
Arsenal's winger search
Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other wingers who have been touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Bryan Mbeumo and Jamie Gittens.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former could be available for up to £51m in the coming weeks, and, in all honesty, that’s probably a more than fair price, as in just 42 appearances for Brentford this season, the Cameroonian dynamo scored 20 goals and provided nine assists.
On the other hand, Gittens looks likely to cost somewhere in the region of £46m this summer, which, again, doesn’t seem unreasonable for a 20-year-old talent who scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 48 games this season.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
However, neither of these players have been compared to both Saka and Henry, unlike Kaoru Mitoma.
Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are now interested in the Brighton & Hove Albion star.
Plettenberg revealed that the club have added the Japanese international, who is also of interest to Bayern Munich, “to their list for the summer.”
However, the most significant obstacle to this transfer could be the price, with reports from last month claiming that the Seagulls want up to £80m for their star winger.
Brighton & Hove Albion's KaoruMitomain action with Fulham's Timothy Castagne
It looks like this will be a costly and complicated transfer to get done this summer, but given Mitoma’s ability and the comparisons to Saka, it might be one worth fighting for.
How Mitoma compares to Saka
So, before we get to some of the other reasons why Arsenal might want to sign Mitoma this summer, it’s worth examining this comparison to Saka and where it comes from.
In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions in the Premier League this season and concluded that the Arsenal star ranked at the very top.
The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals, progressive carries, passing accuracy, live passes, tackles and more, all per 90.
Non-Penalty Expected Goals
0.32
0.31
Progressive Carries
5.05
5.00
Passing Accuracy
75.8%
75.5%
Live Passes
33.4
33.5
Tackles
1.56
1.51
Ball Recoveries
3.43
3.65
On top of his similarities to the Gunners’ mercurial number seven, there are some other reasons why Arteta and Co should be signing the Seagulls’ incredibly entertaining left-winger, like his output.
For example, in the Premier League alone, the “insane” talent, as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to score ten goals and provided four assists in 36 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.57 games.
Moreover, while the Kawasaki-born maestro has proven himself able to produce a number of finishes, perhaps his most effective sees him peeling off from the left and placing the ball in the far corner, leading to former teammate Christian Burgess claiming he “finishes like Thierry Henry.”
Ultimately, while it would require a substantial financial effort, Mitoma could be just what Arsenal need next season, and therefore, the club should do what they can to sign him this summer.
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It was another semi-final defeat on Wednesday night for Arsenal and, as a result, another season that’ll end trophyless.
It was always going to be a tough challenge for Mikel Arteta’s side to overturn their first-leg defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain, but to lose 2-1 on the night just makes it all the more painful.
Moreover, while the visitors started the first half pretty well, they soon faded, and while they played with some real heart, a number of players just didn’t perform well enough.
One of those was Thomas Partey, who picked up a 3/10 match rating from Alex Turk of the Express, and while there was talk of a contract renewal, there have also been links to a certain international who could join this summer and send him packing.
Arsenal transfer news
Before getting to the player in question, it is worth taking a look at some of the other midfield stars Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, like Hugo Larsson and Eduardo Camavinga.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former is still only 20 years old but has already become an established starter at Eintracht Frankfurt and could reportedly cost up to £51m, while the latter was sent off against the Gunners in the first leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final with the club, but with a release clause of £1bn, who knows how much he’d cost.
Fortunately, another international midfielder heavily linked with the North Londoners has a far more reasonable release clause and could be the ideal Partey replacement: Martin Zubimendi.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are still incredibly keen on signing the Real Sociedad star this summer, with Arteta making him a ‘top reinforcement priority.’
While interest from Real is far from ideal, reports from elsewhere claiming the Spaniard has a release clause worth £51m could and should make signing him far more straightforward for the North Londoners.
It might still be a lot of money, but Zubimendi has proven his ability over several years now, and as he could be the perfect Partey replacement, Arsenal should do all they can to bring him to N5.
How Zubimendi compares to Partey
So then, if Arsenal are able to sign Zubimendi this summer, there is no doubt he’d come in and play the position Partey has this season, but how does he stack up to the veteran?
Is he good enough to send him packing in the summer without a new contract?
Well, given their position on the pitch and what their primary roles are, their raw output is not all that important.
Instead, the best way to better understand how they truly stack up against one another is to look under the hood at their relevant underlying numbers.
When doing this, it’s evident that while the former Atlético Madrid star does have the advantage in some areas, the bread and butter of a number six, the defensive work, is done far better by the San Sebastian-born star.
Progressive Carries
1.14
1.14
Progressive Passes
5.92
6.09
Passing Accuracy
83.2%
87.3%
Completed Long Passes
3.55
3.02
Blocked Shots
0.54
0.25
Blocked Passes
0.77
0.64
Interceptions
1.20
1.14
Clearances
2.47
1.64
Errors Leading to a Shot
0.10
0.14
Fouls
1.40
1.43
Ball Recoveries
4.38
4.38
Aerial Duels Won
1.67
0.93
Aerial Duel Win %
61.7%
54.2%
For example, the “world-class” defensive midfielder, as dubbed by former teammate Kieran Tierney, comes out on top in essential metrics like blocked shots and passes, interceptions, aerial duels won, clearances made, and he even makes fewer mistakes that lead to a shot, all per 90.
On top of this statistical advantage, the “elite” international, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also five and a half years the Ghanaian’s junior and has a far healthier injury record.
For example, across his entire career, the Basque star has missed just ten games for club and country, whereas the Gunners’ number five has missed a staggering 88, so no matter how available he’s been this year, you can never truly rely on him in the long run.
Ultimately, from his defensive output to his availability and age, it’s clear that Zubimendi would be the perfect player to come in and replace Partey this summer, in turn making a new contract for the 31-year-old redundant.
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Liverpool are interested in completing the signing of a “really fantastic” Premier League midfielder this summer, according a new transfer report.
Liverpool's midfield in need of defensive nous
Arne Slot’s side may have stumbled of late, including losing 3-2 away to Fulham on Sunday afternoon, but they are still in a wonderful position to win their second Premier League title.
Liverpool have excelled in midfield throughout the season, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai making up Slot’s go-to trio in the middle of the park. Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott have also been good options, but there is still a feeling that one more signing is needed there this summer.
Atalanta ace Ederson has been linked with a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window, with the Brazilian potentially exactly what the Reds need. His tenacity in front of the midfield could add more balance to the team, as well as allowing more rotation and increasing the competition for minutes.
VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller has been mentioned as an option for Liverpool in recent months, too, with the 24-year-old registering five assists in the Bundesliga so far this season, also winning three Man of the Match awards from WhoScored.
Liverpool eyeing move for Premier League midfielder
According to a new report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara is a target for Liverpool this summer, with Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to snap him up, too.
In fact, the Reds are “actively monitoring” the 25-year-old, with Inter Milan another team who are mentioned as potential suitors. As much as £51m could be required to prise him away from Villa Park.
Kamara could be absolutely ideal for Liverpool this summer, adding the defensive quality and energy that Slot wants alongside the guile of the likes of Mac Allister and Gravenberch in the middle of the park.
Appearances
19
31
Starts
14
31
Minutes played
1200
2658
Goals
0
0
Assists
0
3
Tackles per game
2.3
1.8
Clearances per game
2.1
1.6
Pass completion rate
89.1%
89.4%
The Frenchman has averaged 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League this season, which is superior to Gravenberch’s tally of 1.8, and Villa manager Unai Emery is a big admirer.
“He has talent, but he works and he helps the other players on the field, he provides the cover and he has such versatility. He has played as a centre-back, a midfielder, a right-back, and he is always ready to do it, always focused on his new task. He is really fantastic and I appreciate this versatility a lot, and how he is showing us that his mind is open to everything we are trying to do.”
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Kamara isn’t out of contract at Villa until 2027, so Liverpool may not find it easy to sign him, but the five-cap France international stands out as a great option, especially as he has already proven himself in England, making 63 appearances in the Premier League.
Our crew takes a deep dive into the situation of India’s current crop of fast bowlers, the behind-the-scenes set-up to look after them, and how to create new fast bowlers
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-2025As the fans continue to wallow in the warm memories of the fiery Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India’s fast bowlers, such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and others, get some well-deserved rest this month. Which of them plays the Asia Cup next month and which one doesn’t is a question for later. For now, the trio of Sidharth Monga, Karthik Krishnaswamy and Dustin Silgardo get together to discuss the workload management of India’s fast bowling contingent: what’s the best way to manage Bumrah; is there a fitness issue with Akash Deep; how should the BCCI – the selectors, the NCA and the coaches – prepare a bench strength for the quicks? Listen to the latest episode of here:
The USA and MI New York spinner believes there’s no substitute for hard work where he comes from
Peter Della Penna17-Jul-2023In the summer of 2016, a 25-year-old hospital equipment diagnostics technician showed up to an open tryout at a typically unkempt cricket outfield with an artificial jute matting wicket in the Bronx, New York. He was hoping somebody would notice him and give him a shot to go a little further on the pathway to play for the USA national team.That goal was itself only a way of going from one amateur pursuit to another, since USACA was a year into their suspension and a year away from expulsion by the ICC, while the rest of the USA ecosystem was in limbo and the thought of a professional career was a mirage in the desert of the American cricket landscape.Left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige might as well have been Moses on that day at Van Cortlandt Park, a stranger in a strange land. VCP is a place where cricket has been played for more than 100 years – mostly anonymously – at the Parade Ground between 244th and 252nd Streets just off the Henry Hudson Parkway. Though he was born in Alabama and was a US citizen, Kenjige had spent almost his entire life living in Karnataka and had only come back to the USA late in 2015, initially to Virginia before quickly moving north to New York City, and taking up a job inspecting hospital MRI and X-Ray machines. Barring the friends he quickly made after joining Columbia Cricket Club, nobody knew who he was, let alone how to pronounce his name.Related
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Fast forward seven years, and Kenjige is taking the new ball in Grand Prairie Stadium for MI New York. With his third delivery of the night, he beats Martin Guptill’s attempted sweep and lets out an excited and knowing plead for lbw before umpire Billy Taylor obliges with a finger raise. It’s validation for all of the hard work that Kenjige has put in to get to this moment, going from an amateur club cricketer in New York to a centrally contracted player with the USA national team, and now also representing a professional T20 franchise tied to New York and the IPL.”It’s been unreal,” Kenjige said in the post-match press conference after MI New York’s 105-run demolition of LA Knight Riders, a match in which he finished with figures of 2 for 7 in three overs and also took two catches in the field. “To just get the tournament started, I know we were all eagerly looking forward to it for the last one or two years and to have such good teams and such good management teams which are running the teams, it just feels unreal. To have such good cricketers from all around the world playing right here in Dallas, this is all what we wanted from the USA cricketing point of view. So I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”It means a lot. I think there’s a lot of responsibility on the local guys as well. Local and the other USA cricketers who are playing this tournament because a lot of kids look up to us and they see us practice. They look at us going through the fitness regimes and they want to play for the country and obviously for them to see us playing alongside the superstars of the game, it just motivates them even more. So I think it’s a big responsibility for us to do the right things all the time, even when nobody’s looking.”
“To have such good cricketers from all around the world playing right here in Dallas, this is all what we wanted from the USA cricketing point of view”Kenjige says the MLC still feels ‘unreal’
That last line sums up the majority of Kenjige’s cricket journey, literally and figuratively. The 32-year-old is the epitome for what it takes to make it grafting away in the USA cricket scene. After Kenjige had been identified as a genuine prospect at the 2016 VCP open tryout in New York, he took a five-wicket haul at a USA intra-squad trial two months later in Florida and the USA men’s selection panel, at the time headed by former West Indies international Ricardo Powell, gave him a heads up that they were interested, but that he was currently ineligible to play for USA until he met some additional requirements.Though he was a US citizen, the ICC eligibility rules at the time in 2016 stated that someone who had not been living in the USA for at least four years must demonstrate a commitment to the local community, which could be done through completing 100 days of coaching in the country. According to the ICC definition, 100 days equaled eight hours. So Kenjige would work a normal 9-5 pm shift going around hospitals in New York City inspecting x-ray machines, then drive to an indoor facility and do four hours of coaching on every weeknight from 6 to 10 pm.On weekends, he would come to the same facility from 10 am until 6 pm to do more coaching with academy players. Before long the owners of the facility gave him his own key so that he could lock up the place after taking a few more hours to spot bowl in the nets on his own after everyone else had left. By February 2017, he had completed his 100 days of coaching and was deemed eligible to represent USA. He took another five-wicket haul at another USA national team intra-squad scrimmage in March 2017 in Houston, and was immediately picked to play for USA on a World Cricket League tour of Uganda.Kenjige has been a fixture in the USA setup since 2017•Peter Della PennaHe’s been a fixture in the USA setup ever since, and has since migrated from New York to Dallas, leaving the world of hospital equipment inspecting behind in favor of a place where the weather and facilities are more conducive to year-round cricket playing and training. He is an active coach and mentor with the MLC-affiliated Mustangs Academy. But getting a chance to perform on the T20 franchise stage and running with it now puts Kenjige onto a different level.”Nosh doing so well, it makes me so happy,” LA Knight Riders bowler Ali Khan, Kenjige’s USA team-mate, said. Ali himself has gone through a similar journey to Kenjige, starting off life in the USA as a mobile phone salesman while playing for USA in his free time as an unpaid amateur before finally striking it big in the summer of 2018. “He’s been working hard, a really hard-working guy, and a lot of other players who are also working hard. They’re just waiting for the opportunity and the opportunity is here now and it’s up to them now to avail it with both hands and I’m sure the world will see a lot of talent coming up now.”Just one innings or one spell can change your life because all these players are here. Just like I played with [Dwayne] Bravo in a local tournament and I did well and he picked me in other leagues. Then that changed my life. So just one opportunity, one good performance can change your life.”Kenjige was USA’s leading wicket-taker at the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe•ICC/Getty ImagesKenjige was USA’s leading wicket-taker at the recent ICC World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, one of the few bright spots on a team that finished winless and in last place. Though he has been in every 50-over squad for USA since his maiden call-up in 2017, he has not played in T20 cricket for USA since September 2018 at the ICC Americas Subregional T20 Qualifier in North Carolina. He was USA’s leading wicket-taker in that event, with 12 wickets in six matches before being mysteriously left out of USA’s squad for the ICC Americas T20 Regional Final in Bermuda in 2019, and has yet to make his official T20I debut for USA.However, MI New York scouted him and rated him highly enough before the MLC Draft in March that they invested a fourth round draft pick in him at the $40,000 slot level. Mahela Jayawardene singled Kenjige out for special praise stating that, “We honestly thought that Nosh would probably go in round two or three” and that, “as soon as we had the opportunity, we grabbed him. He’s one of the best left-arm spinners going around the US. He knows these conditions better than anyone else and he’s a two or three phase bowler. He bowls in the powerplay, which is a massive thing for us, being a left-arm spinner, and a good character as well. He’s not afraid of a challenge.”Whether or not having a stellar debut for MI New York on his resume will get him back into USA’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad plans remains to be seen. For now, Kenjige is focused on continuing to do well with MI New York and will let the chips fall where they may when it comes to a possible recall in USA’s T20 side.”It’s just about what I can do with the bat and the ball and the field,” Kenjige said. “Apart from that in terms of words or sentences, it’s not gonna go a long way. So I think it’s best to just leave the performances on the field and I know at some point I will get an opportunity and I just need to be ready for it.”
Unglamorous left-armer completes another frugal spell as Scotland fight hard against NZ
Matt Roller03-Nov-20214:45
Borren: Scotland took the foot off the throat when NZ were three down
Left-arm fingerspin is a grubby, unglamorous skill at the best of times but in T20 cricket, particularly so. The majority of its purveyors in this World Cup hardly try to spin the ball, instead bowling defensive lines and lengths in a desperate attempt to escape from their spells unscathed. Few of them have wrong ‘uns, instead they rely on arm balls, angles and changes of pace for their variety. Their art is constructing an over, finding a way to string six balls together without becoming predictable.The poster boy for defensive darts at this tournament has been Mark Watt, Scotland’s broad-shouldered, combative linchpin. He has bowled his full allocation of four overs in every game, taking exactly one wicket in each, and has been hit for seven boundaries in total. With games against India and Pakistan to come, he is yet to concede more than 23 runs in a spell.Counterintuitively for a defensive bowler, Watt’s strength lies in his variety. His delivery points are hugely varied, sometimes bowling from a two-pace run-up with a release-point in line with the umpire, and regularly going so wide on the crease from round the wicket that his front foot lands off the cut strip. He regularly bowls at up to 65mph/104kph, and his height helps him generate both good bounce from a good length and dip on his yorkers.
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Watt’s variety is a natural response to bowling on Scotland’s small ground in Edinburgh when they play at home. “Bowling spin at the Grange is quite tough,” he said earlier in this tournament. “It’s a small round, fast outfield, and a good wicket. If you can bowl spin there, you can bowl pretty much anywhere. You need to think about different variations to keep the batter guessing when it’s only fingerspin.”The wickets you get in international cricket these days, they don’t do a lot for fingerspinners,” he told Wisden’s podcast after Scotland’s win against Bangladesh. “It’s about trying to keep the batter guessing, trying to keep them watching you all the time, and finding any sort of advantage you can get. White-ball cricket for a fingerspinner is tough.”It might be a bit cheeky bowling from 25, 26 yards – but if it gets me a dot ball in T20 cricket, I’m going to try and keep doing it. Everyone in the nets tries to hit it to the moon so I was a bit scared bowling it in games but it seems to work: the batter is looking down at his toes, then looks up and the ball is halfway through its flight.”Perhaps the biggest compliment paid to Watt was New Zealand’s approach against him in Dubai. He took a wicket with his first ball, having Devon Conway caught behind off the glove while reverse-sweeping, and despite the fact that both Martin Guptill and Glenn Phillips were set for the second half of his spell, New Zealand’s batters made only two boundary attempts off him; neither was successful.Mark Watt celebrates Devon Conway’s wicket with his team-mates•Getty ImagesHis death bowling has been particularly impressive, jamming in yorkers and cramping batters for room: he was entrusted with the 18th over against New Zealand, conceding only five runs – including a leg bye – after nutmegging Phillips with a yorker with his first ball. Watt’s figures of 1 for 13 were his best in the tournament to date, and the cheapest four-over spell by a Scotland player in all men’s T20 World Cups.”He just doesn’t give a lot,” Guptill said. “He wasn’t trying to turn the ball necessarily, or anything like that. He’s just bowling good lines and lengths, getting inside our arcs so that we couldn’t really take him down. He bowled very well and it was just a matter of trying to get through it and not let him bog us down too much.””Mark was fantastic,” Kyle Coetzer, Scotland’s captain, said. “He’s been bowling extremely well for quite a while now on this whole tour that we’ve been on. He’s been the guy who you can throw the ball to at any end: short boundary or long boundary, into the breeze or against the breeze, he’s there and he’s willing to do it.Related
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“He’s shown that the skill he has and the ability to be able to restrict runs. It’s not just about being able to deliver a ball that has some revs on it or might turn, or being able to bowl a good yorker; it’s about understanding and reading the game and he has excellent game sense, and showing why he’s on this stage. Mark’s very aware on who does what, whether players sweep or reverse-sweep, and where they look to hit the ball.”Watt has had two brief experiences playing county cricket, signing a short-term deal with Lancashire in 2018 and playing for Derbyshire for some of the following summer, and since he qualifies as a local player, his performances in this tournament should attract further interest ahead of the 2022 season.”I think Mark deserves that, as far as I’m concerned,” Coetzer said. “He’s certainly got the ability to go and play in those competitions – not only the county stuff, but maybe other franchise tournaments around the world. He’s certainly put his hand up to be one of the best left-arm spinners in this competition.”
The 48 hours before the 2025 MLB trade deadline were hectic, with a ton of movement from contending teams looking to improve their roster. Nearly two months later, it has become clear which teams won and lost at the deadline.
The flurry of activity before the deadline on July 31 didn't produce great results for every team, but some have hit the jackpot, and their additions fueled their sprint to the postseason. What follows is a look at the players who have solidified themselves as the best trade deadline pickups this year.
10. Kyle Finnegan, Tigers
Finnegan was having a wobbly season for the Nationals when the Tigers acquired him on deadline day in exchange for pitchers Josh Randall and R.J. Sales. He has been lights out ever since.
In 40 games for the Nationals, the 34-year-old reliever was 1–4 with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, with 20 saves in 26 opportunities. Since Detroit acquired him, he’s been dominant, going 3–0 with a 0.00 ERA, a 0.42 WHIP, and 19 strikeouts against three walks in 14 1/3 innings over 12 appearances. He also has four saves without blowing one. Unfortunately, an adductor injury has sidelined him for most of September, but he appears close to a return.
Before the deadline, I identified a high-leverage reliever as Detroit’s biggest need. Finnegan has filled that role. His injury is the only thing dragging this ranking down.
9. David Bednar, Yankees
The Yankees also needed relief help at the deadline and found it in Bednar. New York landed the two-time All-Star from the Pirates in exchange for Rafael Flores, Edgleen Perez and Brian Sanchez. He has rewarded them by helping solidify their previously erratic bullpen. Fellow deadline acquisitions Jake Bird and Camilo Doval have produced mixed results, but Bednar has been excellent.
In 17 appearances for the Yankees, the 30-year-old is 3–0 with a 2.75 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts against six walks in 19 2/3 innings. Bednar has eight saves in 11 chances, and opposing batters are slashing .181/.244/.319 against him. He has only allowed four runs since Aug. 4, and hasn't blown a save since Aug. 20, when the Yankees rallied to get him a win after he gave up two runs against the Rays.
Bednar is under team control through next season, and the Yankees will happily keep him as their closer moving forward after Devin Williams's mess of a season.
8. Miguel Andújar, Reds
The Reds acquired Andújar from the A’s at the deadline in what was an under-the-radar move. He had been solid up to that point in the season, slashing .298/.329/.436 with six home runs and 27 RBIs in 60 games, but he exploded upon joining the Reds.
In 26 games with Cincinnati, Andújar is slashing .351/.405/.545, with three homers and 15 RBIs. His .950 OPS and 161 wRC+ are outstanding. Unfortunately, a lingering quad injury has limited his availability, which has knocked this pickup down the list. He’ll hit free agency after the season, so this could be a brief pairing. When he’s been available, Andújar has been excellent, though.
7. Leo De Vries, Athletics
This is a bit of a curveball because I’m adding a minor leaguer who won’t see the big leagues for quite a while, but De Vries is a special case. The Athletics were part of the biggest deal at the deadline when they sent Mason Miller and JP Sears to the Padres in exchange for prospects. De Vries was the headliner. The 18-year-old is a consensus top-five prospect in baseball as a shortstop with elite skills at the plate. Many, including myself, couldn’t believe San Diego traded him. It’s looking like a move the Padres will come to regret, no matter how good Miller is for them.
The A’s bumped De Vries to Double A in mid-August, and he has gone on a tear. In 21 games, he has slashed .281/.359/.551 with five home runs and 16 RBIs. He posted a wRC+ of 144 in that span. Just as a reminder, he won’t turn 19 until next month. He has incredible plate discipline, and his power has continued to increase as he has climbed the minor league ladder. It’s not a stretch to think he could be in the big leagues by next summer, though 2027 is a more likely target.
The Athletics appear to have a future star on their hands thanks to a savvy deal at the deadline that, yes, moved an All-Star, but may have gotten them a future cornerstone. Speaking of the guy he was traded for…
6. Mason Miller, Padres
To land Miller, the Padres shipped a king's ransom to … Sacramento? Las Vegas? What are we going with here? He’s one of the game’s elite relievers and added to an already strong bullpen, which made the deal puzzling. Regardless of the price paid to land him, Miller has been even better than advertised since arriving.
The 27-year-old has been on the mound for the Padres 18 times and boasts a 0.93 ERA, a WHIP of 0.67 and 36 strikeouts against six walks in 19 1/3 innings. He has only allowed two runs, both came in his second appearance for the team on Aug. 5. Since then, he has authored 16 scoreless outings while mostly acting as the setup man for All-Star closer Robert Suárez. Opposing hitters are batting .115 off of him with an OPS of .358 since the trade.
It remains to be seen what the Padres’ plans for Miller are long-term. He came up to the big leagues as a starter and is under team control through 2029. They could transition him back to that role. If not, they will have an elite reliever under team control for a long time. They paid a high price for it, but he has lived up to his billing so far.
Since joining the Phillies at the trade deadline, Duran leads all closers with 15 saves. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
5. Jhoan Duran, Phillies
One of two Twins-to-Phillies deals that has worked out great for Philadelphia (more on the other later). Duran was one of the best closers in baseball with Minnesota, so he was costly, as the Phillies sent Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait to the Twins in exchange for him on July 30. It was a risky deal, but Philly desperately needed bullpen help. Duran has provided it.
In 20 appearances with the Phillies, Duran is 1–2 with a 1.53 ERA, a 0.79 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts against one walk in 17 2/3 innings. He has 15 saves in 17 chances, and opposing batters are slashing .197/.209/.288 against him.
The hard-throwing 27-year-old features one of baseball’s best splitters and should be a huge piece of the puzzle if the Phillies make a deep postseason run. Duran is also under team control through the 2027 season, so the move should continue to pay off for the next few years.
4. Carlos Correa, Astros
In one of the more shocking deals at the deadline, the Astros re-acquired Correa, who was drafted by the franchise and spent the first seven years of his career there. As the Twins worked to clear out most of their roster, Houston took advantage and landed the three-time All-Star (and most of his big contract) in exchange for prospect Matt Mikulski. It has been an excellent fit.
The 30-year-old slid right into the lineup as the team’s starting third baseman and has provided excellent defense while hitting consistently. In 43 games, he’s slashing .295/.354/.439 with six home runs, 19 RBIs and a wRC+ of 123. The 1.4 fWAR Correa has produced is tied with Bader as the most for any player swapped at the deadline. The only thing holding him back from being higher on this list is a BABIP of .354, which means his numbers are likely a bit inflated, plus the nearly $70 million the Astros will owe him through 2028.
Correa’s return to the Astros has been a nice story, and his .860 lifetime playoff OPS should come in handy in a few weeks (though some of that may or may not have been trash can aided).
3. Tyler Kinley, Braves
Kinley was on no one’s radar before the trade deadline, but Atlanta scooped him up on July 30 in a deal for minor leaguer Austin Smith. The Braves are far removed from playoff contention but have made several moves with next season in mind, including claiming Ha-seong Kim off waivers from the Rays. The deal for Kinley fits that mold. The 34-year-old has been one of baseball's best relievers since the trade.
Before moving to Atlanta, Kinley was 1–3 with a 5.66 ERA, a 1.45 WHIP and 51 strikeouts against 27 walks in 47 2/3 innings. In 19 outings for the Braves, he's 5–0 with a 0.45 ERA, a 0.70 WHIP and 19 strikeouts against six walks in 20 innings. Opposing hitters have an OPS of just .313 against him in that time. Kinley has allowed a single run since moving to Atlanta, and that came on Aug. 5. He’s currently working on a 16-outing scoreless streak. He has been a different pitcher since leaving Coors Field in his rearview.
The Braves hold a $5 million club option on Kinley for 2026, and it feels like a no-brainer for them to pick that up.
2. Ramón Laureano, Padres
Laureano was having an excellent season in Baltimore and has continued his trajectory since the Padres acquired him along with Ryan O’Hearn in exchange for six prospects on July 31. In 82 games with the Orioles, the 31-year-old outfielder was slashing .290/.355/.529 with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs. Since joining the Padres, that slash line is similar at .279/.333/.515, plus he’s added nine home runs and 30 RBIs. In Baltimore, his wRC+ was 144; in San Diego, it stands at 143. He has not fallen off one bit since the move.
In San Diego, Laureano has already produced 0.9 WAR. His addition accomplished two things: it lengthened the Padres’ previously top-heavy lineup and solidified what had been a black hole in left field. The fact that he carries an affordable $6.5 million club option for 2026 makes this pickup look even better.
1. Harrison Bader, Phillies
Bader’s career year has continued in Philadelphia. The Phillies acquired the veteran outfielder from the Twins at the deadline in exchange for Hendry Mendez and Geremy Villoria. They have not regretted the move. During 96 games with Minnesota, Bader slashed .258/.339/.439 with 12 home runs, 38 RBIs and a wRC+ of 117, which was tracking to be a career high. He’s been even better since the trade.
In 41 games with the Phillies, Bader is slashing .331/.389/.500, with four home runs, 15 RBIs and a wRC+ of 147. He has already produced 1.4 fWAR, all while playing solid defense in center field. That 1.4 fWAR is tied with Carlos Correa for the most among hitters acquired at the trade deadline.
Bader’s contract has a $10 million mutual option for 2026 that he’s now almost certain to turn down. Given how he’s played, the Phillies might look to re-sign him.
أعلن تشابي ألونسو، المدير الفني لنادي ريال مدريد، عن قائمة فريقه لمباراة مانشستر سيتي، والتي سوف تلعب ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
وسوف يستضيف ريال مدريد مانشستر سيتي على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو مساء اليوم الأربعاء، وذلك لحساب بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا ضمن الجولة السادسة من مرحلة الدوري.
ويسعى ريال مدريد إلى الفوز على مانشستر سيتي واستعادة الثقة، وذلك في ظل النتائج السلبية التي ضربت الميرنجي بشكل متتالي خلال الفترة الأخيرة.
وتعتبر مباراة اليوم بمثابة عنق الزجاجة لمدرب ريال مدريد، تشابي ألونسو، والذي ورد أنه قد تتم إقالته من تدريب النادي الإسباني حال الخسارة أمام مانشستر سيتي.
طالع .. أسطورة ريال مدريد مدافعًا عن ألونسو: تعرض لظلم كبير .. والإصابات أثرت على مستوى الفريق
وشهدت قائمة ريال مدريد تواجد كيليان مبابي، رغم التقارير العديدة التي أكدت أن مشاركة الدولي الفرنسي ضد مانشستر سيتي صعبة للغاية، بسبب الإصابة.
وعلى الجانب الآخر غاب العديد من اللاعبين عن قائمة ريال مدريد، مثل دين هويسن، وداني كارفاخال، وترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، وديفيد ألابا، وإدورادو كامافينجا، وإيدير ميليتاو، وفيرلاند ميندي، وذلك بسبب الإصابة.
ويتواجد جود بيلينجهام بجانب أردا جولر في وسط الملعب، في حين يزين خط هجوم ريال مدريد، فينيسيوس جونيور، ورودريجو جوس. قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة مانشستر سيتي في دوري أبطال أوروبا