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Nat Sciver-Brunt scores her first England century since becoming a mother and celebrates it, with partner Katherine and son Theo in the stands, with a baby-rocking gesture

Valkerie Baynes12-Oct-2025

Nat-Sciver Brunt does it for Theo after scoring her century•ICC/Getty Images

“For Theo”. As Nat Sciver-Brunt celebrated her match-winning, tenth ODI century – and first as a mother – by rocking her bat like a baby, there was no doubt about the dedication.A run-a-ball 117, also her first international century as England captain, allowed Sciver-Brunt to set up a thumping 89-run win against Sri Lanka and keep her side unbeaten from three games at the World Cup.Somewhat unexpectedly, her wife, the former England seamer Katherine, and their six-month-old son Theo, were in the stands to see it all after the family were reunited in Colombo.Related

The revving, fizzing, whirring excellence of Ecclestone

Sciver-Brunt and Ecclestone help England brush aside Sri Lanka

“For Theo, that one,” Sciver-Brunt said of her century celebration. “I had sort of spoken about it a little bit with Katherine, but you never know if you’re going to get another hundred, I suppose. It was in the back of my mind a little bit. They’ve come out to Sri Lanka to watch me, so I thought I’d give back to them for supporting me.”Sciver-Brunt thought she would be saying goodbye to her family for the duration of the tournament and she spoke to ESPNcricinfo about her trepidation over being apart for so long. But, given the logistics of flying from Guwahati to Colombo to Indore to Visakhapatnam through the group stage with a baby, it made sense.They managed to spend England’s pre-tournament training camp in Abu Dhabi together before Katherine and Theo returned to England, but then a previously unplanned trip to Sri Lanka meant they were all in the right place at the right time on Saturday.”It was a really nice bonus for her to be able to come out here,” Sciver-Brunt said. “She had to take on the flight alone with Theo. It was a lot for her to commit to. I’m glad I made it worth their while.”It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of missing them. I obviously got a bit more sleep when they were at home but it’s really nice to have them here and to tour the world with your family, it’s really, really special.”Sciver-Brunt was the difference that allowed England to post a respectable total of 253 for 9 after the top three of Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight failed to convert starts and no one else reached 20.Dropped on 3, Sciver-Brunt made Sri Lanka pay, striking nine fours and two sixes in the face of a threatening home spin attack led by left-armer Inoka Ranaweera’s 3 for 33.Another left-arm spinner, Sophie Ecclestone, sealed the result for England with brilliant 4 for 17 from her ten overs, accounting for four of Sri Lanka’s top five – including Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama, who shared a spirited 58-run partnership while Chamari Athapaththu was off the field battling cramp – and Athapaththu herself with a gem that enticed the drive and slid between bat and pad to rattle the stumps.3:19

Sri Lanka undone by Sciver-Brunt’s masterclass

The victory sent England to the top of the table on the eve of Sunday’s heavyweight clash between India and Australia, while Ecclestone’s performance placed her on top of the wicket-takers’ chart with nine at an average of 6.66.Sciver-Brunt is the second-highest run-scorer so far with 149, between New Zealanders Sophie Devine with 260 and Brooke Halliday’s 142. She also collected 2 for 25 from five overs against Sri Lanka as she continued her comeback after a six-month layoff from bowling because of an Achilles tendon injury. Offspinner Charlie Dean, Sciver-Brunt’s newly appointed vice-captain, also picked up two wickets.”In terms of leading the team, I probably don’t think about that so much when I’m batting,” Sciver-Brunt said of her developing ability to compartmentalise her roles as captain and allrounder. “I may pick up things here and there about the wicket and what would be best for our bowlers and thinking in that way but when I’m a batter I’m a batter and I really have worked on trying to focus on that, on one thing at a time.”With the bowling, that’s a little bit different and that’s where I can lean on Charlie a little bit more as vice-captain when I’m bowling to make sure I am clear. There is a lot to think about with captaincy but it’s something I’m enjoying so far.”

أفادت تقارير صحفية أن ليفربول حدد أحد الأسماء التدريبية البارزة كبديل للمدرب آرني سلوت، في حال قرر النادي الانفصال عنه.

وخسر ليفربول تسع مباريات من آخر 12 مباراة، في سلسلة نتائج مخيبة للآمال وكانت آخر الهزائم التي تعرض لها أمام آيندهوفن برباعية لهدف في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقاد سلوت ليفربول لتحقيق لقب الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز، وأنفق النادي أكثر من 400 مليون جنيه إسترليني في سوق الانتقالات الصيفية قبل موسمه الثاني.

ووفقاً لصحيفة “ذا صن” البريطانية فإن يورجن كلوب يعد المرشح الأوفر حظاً لخلافة سلوت في حال قرر ليفربول أن التغيير ضروري، ويأتي ذلك بعد استقالة الألماني من منصبه العام الماضي بعد تسع سنوات تولى فيها المسؤولية.

أقرأ أيضاً.. وارنوك: محمد صلاح سيعود لحالته في ليفربول.. ولكن بشرط

ويشغل حالياً كلوب منصب رئيس قسم الرياضة العالمية في ريد بول ولم يستبعد أن يتجه النادي لإعادته لإنقاذ موسمه في خطوة قصيرة الأمد حتى نهاية الموسم الحالي.

ويعد لويس إنريكي هدفاً على المدى الطويل لدى إدارة ليفربول لتدريب النادي، حيث يعتبر أكثر المدربين الذين يحظون بتقدير كبير في عالم كرة القدم وقاد باريس سان جيرمان إلى لقب دوري أبطال أوروبا، وكان الإسباني قد لمح برغبته بالتدريب في إنجلترا في المستقبل.

Cricket South Africa has reported a profit for a second successive financial year after three previous years of losses at their AGM on Saturday. They announced a profit of R238 million (approx US$13.7 million), significantly less than the R815 million from last year (approx US$ 45.6 million) but substantial after a season in which their only profitable incoming tour was four T20Is against India.Last summer, CSA also hosted Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are typically loss-making series, but generated revenue from a combination of broadcast income, ICC disbursements and the addition of seven new sponsors.They also boasted increased interest in South African cricket with viewership of matches at one billion in 107 countries, earning CSA R707 million (approx US$40 million). The rest of their income was derived from R378 million in ICC distributions (approx US$21 million) and R125 million in sponsorships (approx US$7.2 million). Income from the SA20 was not itemised in this year’s report.Their biggest expense was the running of professional cricket including players salaries, hosting matches and upkeep of facilities which amounted to R1.3 billion (approx US$75 million). CSA maintains reserves of R1.42 billion (approx US$82 million) which their integrated report said will “provide a stable foundation for the future.”The report also included details of the country’s stadiums, which are being upgraded for the 2027 World Cup. Among the more notable developments so far is that The Wanderers and SuperSport Park have new high-definition LED floodlights while George’s Park has refurbished seating and a new scoreboard.Drop-in pitches are also still in development around the country. “The upcoming 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup represents an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the best of South African cricket. Preparations are already well underway,” Pearl Maphoshe, chairperson of the board of directors, said in a statement. “This tournament must be more than a sporting event. We are focused on ensuring it leaves a meaningful legacy through infrastructure improvements, youth development, environmental accountability and shared national pride.”With 2027 preparations underway, South Africa do not host any Tests this summer but will begin their World Test Championship (WTC) title defence on a full tour to Pakistan next month. That will be followed by an all-format tour of India before the SA20 kicks off on Boxing Day. The only men’s international cricket this summer will be five T20Is against West Indies in January-February 2026. In the absence of any Test fixtures, the mace will be taken on a country-wide trophy tour next week.

Grimace has become part of the fabric of the New York Mets' 2024 postseason run. The fast food mascot first linked up with the team from Flushing when it threw out a surprisingly good first pitch ahead of a game on June 12.

While other curiosities have gotten involved this season, Grimace has endured as a symbol of hope for the team with the highest payroll in American sports this year.

As the National League Division Series returned to Queens on Tuesday, the Grimaces were out in full force with a number of amusing pictures and videos emerging before and during the team's Game 3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

With the Mets leading the NLDS 2-1, we won't have to wait long to see if the fairy tale continues. With that in mind, here's the Grimace version of Cinderella losing a slipper—a Grimace costume hung upside down in a bathroom stall. If the Mets fortunes start to turn, this image could end up being the defining one of the season.

MatériaMais Notícias

Neste sábado (16), às 15:30 (horário de Brasília) o Criciúma recebe o Mirassol no Heriberto Hülse  pela 28ª rodada do Brasileirão Série B, e opõe o sexto e o 11º colocado em uma partida decisiva para se aproximarem do G4.

+Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

CAÇA AO G-4

O time de Santa Catarina vive altos e baixos no Campeonato Brasileiro Série B. De momento, o Criciúma soma duas vitórias nos últimos cinco jogos, ainda assim, vem de uma derrota e um empate. A equipe segue brigando pela parte de cima da tabela buscando o acesso e agora ocupa a sexta colocação com 45 pontos. A pontuação é a mesma do Novorizontino, primeiro time no G4, no entanto, soma uma vitória a menos.

EM BUSCA DA REABILITAÇÃO

Enquanto isso, o Mirassol voltou a encontrar o caminho das vitórias após seis rodadas, o time paulista bateu o Botafogo-SP em casa pelo placar de 1 x 0 e amenizou o momento ruim. No momento, ocupa a 11ª colocação com 40 pontos.

FICHA TÉCNICA
Criciúma x Mirassol

Data: 16/09/2023
Local: Estádio Heriberto Hülse, Criciúma – SC
Onde assistir: SporTV e Premiere

PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES:

CRICIÚMA (Técnico: Claudio Tencati)
Gustavo; Cristovam, Rodrigo Fagundes, Walisson Maia e Marcelos Hermes; Rômulo, Arilson, Fellipe Mateus e Marquinhos Gabriel; Éder e Felipe Vizeu

Desfalques: Felipe Marques (lesionado)

MIRASSOL (Técnico: Mozart)
Alex Muralha; Lucas Ramon, Luiz Otávio, Rodrigo Sam e Guilherme Biro; Danielzinho, Neto Moura, Chico, Gabriel e Negueba; Zé Roberto

Desfalques: Leandro Vilela e Manoel (lesionados)

West Indies bowled out for 141 in a session after Head, Webster and Carey combined to set up a match-winning lead with the bat

Andrew McGlashan27-Jun-20250:47

Hazlewood tears through West Indies’ top order

Josh Hazlewood led Australia’s surge to a 159-run victory in Barbados as West Indies lost all ten wickets in the final session of the third day, the final two falling in consecutive deliveries to Nathan Lyon in what would have been the last over of the day.Australia claimed the extra half-hour with West Indies seven down but with Shamar Joseph throwing the bat, having been dropped in the deep by Sam Konstas, and Justin Greaves playing solidly, it appeared Australia would be forced to return on the fourth day. However, Shamar edged to slip before Jayden Seales was caught at short leg to end the match. It completed a performance where familiar Australia strengths came to the fore amid continued questions about the top order, but they were confronted by challenging conditions.Travis Head, who was the beneficiary of West Indies’ seventh dropped catch of the match, Beau Webster and Alex Carey all played with the proactiveness needed on this surface. Head was named Player of the Match for his twin half-centuries on a tricky surface. Carey’s superb strokeplay gave Australia plenty of buffer zone when it came to defending the target, meaning a repeat of what happened in the World Test Championship final was always unlikely on a surface that remained devilish at times, especially with the harder ball.Related

Chase calls out 'so many questionable calls' in Barbados Test

However you get 'em – Head, Carey and Webster show the way

Mitchell Starc struck in the first over of the chase when former captain Kraigg Brathwaite clipped loosely to backward square0leg where Konstas held a low catch. However, that was followed by some adventurous strokeplay by John Campbell, including a sweep against Hazlewood, as he and Keacy Carty made encouraging process.But innovation brought Campbell’s downfall when he attempted to lap-sweep Hazlewood again, and this time could only glove the ball to Carey. Next ball, Brandon King got an inside edge into his pads which flew high towards gully where Cameron Green, who had earlier given Carty a life on 1, used all his height to cling on. Sadly for Hazlewood, he did not make Roston Chase play at the hat-trick delivery as a packed ring of catchers awaited.Not that he was delayed long when, two overs later, Chase got an inside edge that looped to short leg before spearing one through Carty. This was Hazlewood at his very best: hammering away at a back-of-a-length and giving the surface every chance to play some tricks.Pat Cummins was then the beneficiary of those tricks when Shai Hope was cleaned up by a wicked delivery that scuttled under his bat. The run-scoring of Australia’s middle order against an older ball felt a long time ago. The only question was whether the visitors could get the job done in the evening.Marnus Labuschagne, on as a sub, produced a direct hit to remove Alzarri Joseph and Hazlewood removed Jomel Warrican for his fifth wicket. Shamar Joseph launched two balls out of the stadium and some frustration was growing for Australia before Lyon sealed the job in fading light.Travis Head celebrates his second fifty in the match•Randy Brooks/Associated PressThe game was in the balance at the start of the day, Australia ahead by 82, with plenty of eyes on how the surface would play. There was an early grubber to Head, which fortunately for him wasn’t straight, and he responded by flaying the next delivery through the off side. As Head would later find out there was always something lurking, but with a touch of fortune, runs were there to be made when intent was shown.West Indies, though, were their own worst enemy again. On 21, Head was given a life when Greaves spilled a chance at second slip. It was the seventh they had put down for the game and had come after coach Daren Sammy had overseen the morning slips catching practice where nothing had been spilled. Head went to his second fifty of the match from 77 balls.Webster, meanwhile, built an excellent innings, the third of his brief Test career, which has come on a challenging surface following the debut half-century against India at the SCG. He used his reach to good effect to get to the ball but was especially eye-catching off the back foot through the off side.Travis Head and Beau Webster got the first century stand of the Test•Randy Brooks/Associated PressThe stand of 102 was broken when Head received a brute of a delivery from Shamar Joseph that barely bounced, the only success for West Indies in the morning session when they would have hoped to knock over most of the remaining Australia batting.After the break, Webster brought up his fifty from 100 balls with a thick edge along the ground through gully before glancing Shamar Joseph down the leg side to Hope. An on-field not-out decision was overturned by third umpire Adrian Holdstock without any of the drama of the previous day.By then Carey was into his stride after having started positively but went up a gear in the over following Webster’s departure when he took 14 off Seales including the shot of the match: a skip down the pitch and perfectly executed lofted straight drive into the sightscreen. He went on to repeat the stroke against the lesser pace of Greaves, sending him over the stands at long-off, to motor to a 40-ball half-century as the game sped away from West Indies.When joined by Lyon and Hazlewood, he started to farm the strike as West Indies set their entire field back to him before lofting Chase into the deep. Shamar Joseph, who bowled the most overs in a match of his brief Test career, removed Hazlewood to claim the five-wicket haul which eluded him in the first innings.

The powers that be at West Bromwich Albion would have been very aware that appointing Ryan Mason this summer was an almighty gamble.

After all, away from the odd caretaker game in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, the 34-year-old had never been a fully-fledged manager in North London. Rather, he was seen as a highly-regarded coach, attempting to get even more out of an exciting pool of youngsters at the Premier League club.

However, the early signs of his Baggies tenure show that he is cut out for the pressures of a main gig in the Championship, with three victories collected from his four clashes in the tough division sticking out.

Mason should be commended for this largely positive start, even if some defeats have started to pile up in recent games, having had to navigate his new side through a choppy summer in the transfer window.

West Brom's bumpy summer

Indeed, late on into the window, West Brom had to wave goodbye to homegrown favourite Tom Fellows, as a move to Southampton beckoned.

With Fellows tallying up a stunning 14 assists last season in Championship action, it was an obvious knock to the Baggies’ confidence losing their star-man to a second-tier promotion rival, with other notable departures only opening up the West Brom wound even more.

Notable West Brom summer sales

Player

Games last season

Sold for

Torbjørn Heggem

45

£10m

Darnell Furlong

43

£3.5m

Semi Ajayi

15

Free transfer

John Swift

37

Free transfer

Grady Diangana

35

Free transfer

Sourced by Transfermarkt

At least West Brom managed to get a considerable £8m out of the Saints to then part ways with their homegrown prodigy, with the second-tier giants unfortunately saying farewell to Semi Ajayi, John Swift, and Grady Diangana for nothing, alongside further seeing the back of Torbjorn Heggem to Bologna.

They have recovered, though, with the signing of Nathaniel Phillips from Liverpool boosting their depleted numbers in the heart of defence, alongside Isaac Price immediately stepping up in the absence of Fellows.

The ex-Everton starlet would chip in with two strikes in West Brom’s early-season victory on the road at Wrexham, with scout Jacek Kulig even going as far as to describe the Northern Ireland international as “outstanding.”

With Mason being well-known for working with some top youngsters at Spurs, there is one rising ace at the Hawthorns who could well fancy their chances now of being the next Price.

The "outstanding" youngster who could be another Price

After all, it appears that the 21-year-old just needed an appropriate platform to express himself, having been previously labelled as “tremendous” by journalist Joe Thomas when he was still just a youngster attempting to cut his teeth on Merseyside.

Despite such glowing praise, Price would never go on to make a first-team appearance for the Toffees, with Harry Whitwell hoping he’s not in danger of being forgotten about in a similar dismissive manner in the current youth set-up in the West Midlands.

Thankfully, he already trumps his midfield counterpart in terms of senior chances, with Whitwell even handed a run-out towards the tail-end of last season in the bread and butter of the Championship.

Having shone on the youth pitches at the Baggies for some time now, on top of being handed more first-team experience this campaign on loan with Robbie Savage’s Forest Green Rovers in non-league, it does feel as if the building blocks are all slowly falling into place for the 19-year-old to be a success under Mason very shortly.

Whitwell’s career numbers

Stat

Whitwell

Games played

90

First team appearances

3

Age

19

Goals scored

14

Assists

9

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Savage has even gone out of his way to label the teenager as “outstanding” for his early efforts at the New Lawn, with his overall career goal contribution numbers coming in at a weighty 23, further reinforcing the argument that he could be a Price-level talent.

The promotion-chasing Baggies will have to play the long game here, however, with Whitwell out on loan in the National League for the remainder of the season.

But, if the unthinkable were to occur and Price moved on, alongside other damaging sales happening again, the time might finally be right for the Oxford-born youngster to leave his mark.

Related Value has dropped by £13m: West Brom sold a bigger talent than Isaac Price

West Bromwich Albion sold a bigger talent than Isaac Price when they offloaded this former dud.

Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Sep 23, 2025

While KKR will be bolstered by Narine’s return, MI have a 9-2 record against them at the Wankhede

Vishal Dikshit30-Mar-20251:48

Rapid Fire Review – Serious concerns for Mumbai?

Big picture – MI seek first win on homecomingWhether you are in Mumbai city or the Mumbai Indians (MI) dressing room, it has started getting hot. While the temperatures in Mumbai have hit 35°C, MI must be feeling uneasy about their position on the points table: tenth.MI have traditionally been slow starters in the IPL, having not won their opening game since 2012, and scraping through to the playoffs at the last minute at times, including in 2023. While they could draw confidence from their 2023 campaign – they were without Jasprit Bumrah even then – they have plenty of other kinks to iron out this time as they prepare to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday.In captain Hardik Pandya’s own words, MI’s top order hasn’t come to the party yet, with totals of 155 for 9 and 160 for 6 in two games so far. Against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday, they committed numerous fielding errors and probably made a mistake with their batting order too. As they finally get home after two away games, they have had only one day’s break.Related

Sunil Narine fit to play against Mumbai Indians on Monday

Manjrekar: 'Things are slipping away' for Rohit Sharma

KKR coach bats for home teams getting favourable conditions

In the absence of Bumrah, who would have been primarily their death bowler, MI’s new-ball specialists – Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar – have largely been ineffective, with just one wicket between them in the powerplay. Lack of runs from the senior batters – especially Rohit Sharma – is hurting them too. The sooner MI fix those issues, the better it will be as two of their next three games are again away from home.KKR, meanwhile, don’t have that many issues to worry about. They adjusted very well on the slow track of Guwahati even without Sunil Narine, who was unwell for that game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) but is now 100% fit. Different batters chipped in against RR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and be it spin department or pace, KKR’s bowling looks a lot more potent and well-rounded than MI’s. They have not even had to bowl Andre Russell yet, who was their joint-second-highest wicket-taker in the victorious campaign last season.Will Mitchell Santner miss out if MI include Reece Topley?•Mumbai IndiansTeam news and likely XIIsMI left out Will Jacks and recent-debutant Vignesh Puthur against GT to bring in Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Hardik. They might bring in the tall left-arm quick Reece Topley for the red-soil surface at home, which aids pace and bounce. Topley’s ability to bowl yorkers will give MI another option in the death overs on a ground with small boundaries. Including him could mean leaving out either Mujeeb or Mitchell Santner.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Tilak Varma, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Hardik Pandya (capt), 6 Robin Minz, 7 Naman Dhir, 8 Deepak Chahar, 9 Mitchell Santner/Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 Trent Boult, 11 S Raju, 12 Reece TopleyNarine will slot right back in for KKR, which means leaving Moeen Ali out despite him bagging 2 for 23 against RR.Kolkata Knight Riders (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Ajinkya Rahane (capt), 4 Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 5 Venkatesh Iyer, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Ramandeep Singh, 9 Spencer Johnson, 10 Vaibhav Arora, 11 Varun Chakravarthy, 12 Harshit RanaBig questionShould Hardik bat ahead of Robin Minz? When Hardik returned to action in Ahmedabad, the captain sent the inexperienced Minz above himself when MI needed a stiff 100 off 51 balls on a tricky pitch. Hardik himself may want to shoulder more responsibility going forward to not leave as much work for Minz.In the spotlight – Rohit Sharma and Angkrish RaghuvanshiRohit Sharma bagged a duck against CSK, and lasted just four balls to score 8 against GT when an inducker from Mohammed Siraj castled him. While many batters may not have had an answer to that Siraj delivery, Rohit’s dismissal against CSK – a flick to midwicket – brought back memories of similar dismissals that plagued him in the Tests against New Zealand and Australia, and in the Ranji Trophy before he got back into runs in ODIs. Despite a century against England at home and a 76 in the Champions Trophy final, Rohit looks far from the batter that used to take down bowlers after having his eye in, in the IPL. Now, back to his home ground where he has played for nearly 20 years, MI will bank on Rohit to give them the start they missed in the first two matches.Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored quick runs in the middle order•AFP/Getty ImagesAlso returning home is Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who moved from Delhi to Mumbai at the age of 11. He has, however, played only one game at the senior level at the Wankhede – in last year’s IPL – when he scored 13 off six balls against MI. But he has had two good IPL seasons, and with his tall frame and sound technique, he will hope to get some runs in the city that has adopted him.Pitch and conditionsThis is the first game at the Wankhede this IPL, and the ground is expected to see humidity and a decent sea breeze coming in from Marine Drive. Even though the dew isn’t expected to play a big role, the teams might still play it safe and bowl first. With short boundaries awaiting the crowd that is likely to make the game a sellout, they should be ready for some catching practice.Key stats Boult and Chahar with the new ball against KKR’s top order could make for a delicious contest. Boult has dismissed Ajinkya Rahane three times in six IPL innings (strike rate 97), Narine four times in four T20s (strike rate 135), and Quinton de Kock six times in nine T20s (strike rate 114). Chahar has also removed de Kock four times (strike rate 117.50), Rahane four times in four IPL innings (strike rate 91.30), and Narine twice in four T20s but while leaking at 209.09. The Wankhede is also a home ground for KKR’s new captain Rahane, who averages 40 there in the IPL against MI, with three half-centuries from ten innings. Rahane scored his fastest IPL half-century, off 19 balls, at the Wankhede two years ago when he was with CSK. MI dominate KKR in the head-to-head rivalry at this ground, with a 9-2 record. However, KKR have won five of the last six matches against MI.Venkatesh Iyer’s lowest score against MI is 42. He averages 72.40 against them in six matches, with a century and three half-centuries, while striking at 165.29. Rohit has been dismissed by Narine ten times in all T20s. No bowler has dismissed a batter more times, which is level with Dwayne Bravo getting Kieron Pollard, who are in the KKR and MI dressing rooms, respectively. Suryakumar Yadav is only 20 away from 8000 runs in T20s.Next three fixturesAfter their first home game at Wankhede, Mumbai fly out to Lucknow to play Lucknow Super Giants, then come back to host RCB before going to Delhi to play Delhi Capitals.KKR will return home from the west coast for two home fixtures – against Sunrisers Hyderabad and LSG – before going down south to play CSK.Quotes”There should not be a concern [about the batting]… and it’s [at an] early stage. But at the same point of time, I think batters have to come to the party. And yeah, hopefully they come soon.”
“More than anything, I’m focused on how well our team played in the last game. Mumbai Indians haven’t been performing at that level, which gives us another advantage to put pressure on them.”

Birmingham City suffered a shock defeat to Port Vale in the League Cup on Tuesday night. The Valiants are currently sitting 41 places below Birmingham in the league pyramid, and post-match, Chris Davies tried to explain the result, via the club’s official channels.

“I think overall, we just didn’t find our normal rhythm to our game that we are so used to seeing – especially at home. Ultimately, we’ve gone behind to a set-piece, which can happen, but we just couldn’t find enough of our normal fluidity to create pressure and chances.”

The Birmingham boss thought that his side’s lack of attacking threat was a bigger concern than the goal they conceded: “Our connections, our passes, we weren’t as quick onto the ball as we normally are. A little bit of our intensity wasn’t there; they broke away a few times and got up the pitch. We just couldn’t find those chances.”

The Blues only managed an xG of 0.33 and didn’t register a shot on goal despite having 70% possession. Following the defeat, Birmingham have entered the race for an attacking talent who may help them avoid a repeat of their League Cup embarrassment in the Championship.

Birmingham turn to Celtic for new forward

Birmingham City are the latest club to enter the race for Yang Hyunjun as they “approach” Celtic to discuss a permanent deal, via Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph. The 23-year-old currently has three years left on their contract.

The Scottish champions have received a number of inquiries about the South Korean so far this window from clubs including Legia Warsaw, Gent and Norwich City, and when Norwich came in for the winger, it was reported that he indicated to Celtic his desire to explore a move away from the club

Warsaw inquired about Yang in early July, and they have since signed Sparta Prague winger Ermal Krasniqi on loan. Sky Sports have also reported that Gent are out of the race for Yang. Like Warsaw, Norwich have also signed an alternate winger since their Celtic inquiry with Senegal’s Papa Amadou Diallo.

This indicates that Birmingham’s rivals for Yang may be out of the race, allowing them a free run at the forward.

Suitors moved away from Yang, but that shouldn't dissuade Birmingham

While the Huddersfield game has illustrated Birmingham’s need to sign another attacker, the fact that numerous teams have inquired about Yang and gone in a different direction may raise concerns for some Birmingham fans.

Sky Sports went into detail about Gent’s decision not to sign Yang, saying: “The Belgian club’s head of recruitment and director of football both wanted to sign the South Korea international. However, it’s understood the manager, Ivan Leko, ultimately blocked the move as he wanted a left-footer with a better goals and assists record.”

Last season, Yang got 11 goal involvements in 34 appearances, which, while a decent return, isn’t an exceptional feat. What makes Yang’s record more impressive is that in the league, his 23 appearances lasted an average of 42 minutes, which indicates that when given the chance to play, he makes the most of it.

Despite his limited opportunities, Yang’s work ethic has been praised by Celtic’s Arne Engels, who, when asked about him, described Yang as “unbelievable”.

This indicates that Yang has the positive attitude and work ethic that will help in Birmingham’s promotion push, and his goal involvement will likely increase when he is given more opportunities to play.

Liverpool won the Premier League last season, and quite remarkably at that.

Over the past decade, the Reds have gone from bad to good to great to incredible, and it’s through the defining presumption of their brilliance under Jurgen Klopp that they have been expected to compete for the biggest honours each year.

But that changed when Arne Slot arrived last summer. This relative unknown had stepped into big old boots and was expected to drift away like flotsam. He couldn’t replace Klopp: didn’t Liverpool want Xabi Alonso, anyway?

Doubt is one of the first conditions any manager is forced to deal with in the Premier League, both from outside and within, but Slot knuckled down and thrived across his maiden year as the Anfield head coach, not just winning the top-flight title but blowing the competition out of the water.

And he did it with minimal transfer investment, which is quite a thing. However, that’s all changed this summer, and FSG are still keen on bolstering Slot’s squad before the market deadline in under two weeks.

Why Liverpool need a left winger

Should Liverpool complete a statement deal for Isak this summer, the impressive Hugo Ekitike would have a tough time starting invariably from number nine.

Both strikers are men of mobility, and some would say Ekitike’s pace and dynamism lend themselves to a role on the wing. But that is not his natural berth.

In this respect, Liverpool could do with some more depth to even out any wrinkles in Slot’s title-winning team; it’s a new season, and now Liverpool are title challengers just like the rest.

Slot must not ride the coattails of his own previous success, and must instead propose to FSG a plan to complete the Merseyside frontline, even with Federico Chiesa and the Reds in harmony over a role at Anfield across the year for the Italian.

Isak’s stature and track record within the European game demand his signature being a priority, but Liverpool need a left winger all the same, with Cody Gakpo the only senior option operating naturally from the berth.

Rio Ngumoha looks like a fantastic talent, but overburdening him this year could run counter to the hopes of him reaching his ceiling. If the stars align, sporting director Richard Hughes must sign an alternative.

Liverpool ready late bid for new winger

According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool remain interested in signing Lyon winger Malick Fofana this summer, having opened a line of communication with the French club when selling Tyler Morton to them at the start of August.

In fact, it’s felt that FSG’s desire to sign a left winger is separate from the bid for Isak, and that Liverpool are ‘ready’ to strike a late deal for Fofana, having scouted him across the transfer window.

Valued at around £43m, Fofana’s signature would be attainable following the sales of forwards like Diaz and Darwin Nunez, and he would arrive primed to rival Gakpo for a starting spot on the left flank.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool

Gakpo proved on Friday evening that he’s more than just a goalscorer. Not that he needed to prove anything following a year of meteoric progress in Slot’s Liverpool system.

But the Dutchman has his detractors, with some clamouring for a new winger like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, whose future is up in the air and who has been linked with a move to Liverpool across the summer.

However, Rodrygo would cost something in the region of £86m, and he’d expect to start every week. In a rising prospect like Fofana, Slot would not find that problem at his desk, but rather, would be able to work with an exciting talent who could operate in flux with Gakpo.

Fofana, 20, has enjoyed a rip-roaring start to life in French football, joining Lyon from Genk when he was only 18. Last season, he scored 11 goals and supplied six more assists across 41 matches in all competitions, of which only 23 were starts.

Hailed for his “explosive” style of play by analyst Ben Mattinson, Fofana ranks among the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe over the past year for goals scored and the top 3% for progressive carries per 90, with such data presented by FBref.

Looking at this data, we can see in Fofana a talented player looking to blend his high-speed running with a natural eye for goal, and in this way, he shares some of Gakpo’s strengths but could actually end up outstripping the Netherlands star.

Matches (starts)

29 (16)

35 (23)

Goals

5

10

Assists

4

4

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

1.6 (0.7)

Big chances missed

4

6

Pass completion

84%

84%

Big chances created

6

11

Key passes*

0.9

1.1

Dribbles*

0.8

0.9

Tackles*

1.1

0.8

Duels won*

2.9

3.1

Though Gakpo is currently more clinical and more effective, it’s promising to note that the fleet-footed Fofana has already shown signs of prolific shooting and that he is equally crisp and effective on the ball.

Given the need for depth at Liverpool this season and beyond, should Slot hope to not just defend his Premier League title but claim further silverware too, adding a player like Fofana for a shrewd figure could be a fantastic move.

He would arrive on Merseyside without the weight of expectation that certain other transfer targets would bring, but the Lyon winger could still add much to the Redmen cause, and might even nail down a starting berth on the left wing in the coming years.

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