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Lyon's best year and Root's conversion problem

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

In 2017 alone, Root has been dismissed four times between scores 50 and 59. On the other hand, Lyon has had a dream year with 51 wickets so far

Gaurav Sundararaman26-Nov-2017Root’s conversion problemsJoe Root currently has 33 fifties and 13 centuries. He was dismissed lbw by Josh Hazlewood for 51 in the second innings. Since his debut in 2012 until the end of 2014, Root scored five hundreds and seven fifties. However, since then Root has 26 fifties but only eight centuries. Root scores a half-century once every 2.4 innings and a century only once every 8.6 innings. If you look at his peers, Root has the best innings-per-fifty ratio but in terms of converting them to bigger scores Root is the worst.Steven Smith scores a century once every five innings while Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and David Warner make a century once every six innings. Root, on the other hand, takes nine innings per century which is three more than the best. In 2017 alone, he has been dismissed four times between scores 50 and 59 which is a cause of a concern. Interestingly, since his debut, Root has 29 scores between 51 and 90 – the most for any batsmen in this period. The next on the list is David Warner with 21 such scores. Interestingly, when it comes to the second innings the poor conversion rate is even more evident. Root has just one century and 12 half-centuries in the second innings but has 12 hundreds and 17 fifties in the first innings.

Joe Root – Innings wise comparison
Player Innings Runs Avg 100s 50s
1st Innings 61 3597 63.1 12 17
2nd Innings 51 1792 40.7 1 16

ESPNcricinfo LtdDream year for LyonNathan Lyon has had his best year in Test cricket. He now has 51 wickets for the year – third-highest for a bowler this year. He also became the first spinner from Australia since 2005 to take 50 or more wickets in a calendar year. Shane Warne took 96 in 2005. Lyon is also the first offspinner from Australia to take 50 or more wickets in a calendar year since Hugh Trumble took 53 in 1902. In 2017, Lyon has 24 wickets and averages 17.20 against left-handed batsmen and 27 wickets at an average of 28.59 against right-anded batsmen.Aggressive MoeenMoeen Ali played a key role in increasing the lead for England with some quick runs. Before he walked out to bat, England were scoring at a run rate of 2.19 runs per over. They had scored 74 runs from 202 balls with seven fours. When Moeen was batting, England scored 81 runs from 117 deliveries at a rate of 4.15 with 12 fours. Moeen added 39 runs with Root and 42 with Jonny Bairstow, taking England from 74 to 155 in under 20 overs.Australia’s targetAustralia were set 170 to win against England. Historically, when they have been set a target between 170 and 200 against England, they have won thrice, lost twice and drawn twice. However, earlier this year, Australia failed to chase 188 against India in Bengaluru but those conditions were much harder for the batsmen.

Chahal v Klaasen: 12 balls, five sixes, 41 runs

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

A stats analysis from the second T20I in which Heinrich Klaasen struck seven sixes and destroyed Yuzvendra Chahal’s economy rate

Bharath Seervi22-Feb-2018230- Heinrich Klaasen’s strike rate in his innings of 69 off 30 – the second-highest for any batsman in a 50-plus score against India. Only Johnson Charles’ 79 off 33, which was at strike rate of 239.39 in Lauderhill in 2016, is a quicker 50-plus score against India. Among South Africa batsmen, Klaasen’s innings is the fifth-fastest 50-plus knock.7- Sixes hit by Klaasen in his match-winning innings, which are the joint third-most by any batsman against India in T20Is. Only one player has hit more sixes against India in the format – Evin Lewis, who hit 12 sixes and nine sixes during his two centuries in 2017 and 2016 respectively. For South Africa, only Richard Levi (13 sixes), Loots Bosman (nine) and David Miller (nine) have hit more sixes in a T20I.2- Man-of-the-Match awards Klaasen has won already in six international matches; both came in South Africa’s wins, in the ODI and T20I series on this tour. He was also named the Man of the Match for his unbeaten 43 off 27 in the Johannesburg ODI.5- Bowlers to concede seven sixes in a T20I. Yuzvendra Chahal is the first such bowler from India. The other four bowlers were Stuart Broad, Xavier Doherty, Barry McCarthy (Ireland) and Andrew Tye. For India, the previous highest was six sixes by Ravindra Jadeja against Australia in the 2010 World T20. Klaasen hit five of the seven sixes off Chahal. He collected 41 runs off 12 balls he faced from Chahal, which are also the most any batsman has scored off an India bowler in a T20I.

Most runs by a batsman v an India bowler in a T20I
Batsman Bowler Runs Balls SR Fours Sixes Year
H Klaasen YS Chahal 41 12 341.66 1 5 2018
MDKJ Perera Kuldeep Yadav 38 14 271.42 2 4 2017
C Munro Mohammed Siraj 37 14 264.28 2 3 2017
SR Watson RA Jadeja 35 14 250.00 2 3 2016
E Lewis RA Jadeja 34 13 261.53 0 5 2017

64- Runs conceded by Chahal in his four overs, the most by an India bowler in T20Is. The previous record was 57 runs by Joginder Sharma against England in the 2007 World T20. Overall, only two bowlers have had more expensive figures than Chahal – McCarthy (69 runs) against Afghanistan last year and 68 leaked by Kyle Abbott against West Indies in 2015. Last week, two more bowlers conceded 64 runs in a T20I – Tye and Ben Wheeler in the same game between Australia and New Zealand in Auckland.1- Instances of a batsman hitting more sixes off a bowler in a T20I than the five sixes by Klaasen against Chahal. Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes off Stuart Broad, all in one over, in Durban in the 2007 World T20 are the most. Lewis had also hit Stuart Binny and Jadeja for five sixes each in his two century knocks.13- Sixes conceded by Chahal in the two India losses in ODIs and T20Is on this tour. He conceded runs at an economy rate of 13.89 in the two games – 68 runs in 5.3 overs in the Wanderers ODI and 64 runs from four overs in this T20I. He could manage just one wicket in these two matches. In the six matches won by India, Chahal picked 16 wickets at an average of 14.56, with an economy rate of 4.59, and conceded only six sixes.

Yuzvendra Chahal in ODIs and T20Is this tour
Type Mats Overs Wkts Ave Eco SR Sixes
Won matches 6 50.4 16 14.56 4.59 19.0 6
Lost matches 2 9.3 1 132.00 13.89 57.0 13

'I kept getting dropped from the ODI side because of my Test performances' – Mohammad Sami

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Over a dozen comebacks into a stop-start career that never delivered on his early promise, Mohammad Sami looks back

Interview by Faraz Sarwat04-Aug-2018You’ve had a lengthy career. You have 85 Test wickets, but I’m sure you recognise that your average (52.74) is below par. What do you see as the reason for your struggles in Test cricket?
Test cricket was a struggle. I was Man of the Match in my first Test. But then after two or three series, I did not play regularly. And really, I did not perform according to the expectations of me.After that, the issue was that I was in and out of the side. I would play one Test and then sit out for a year before making a comeback. That does have an impact on you mentally, constantly being in and out of the team. In those days the wickets in the subcontinent were very much batting wickets. Still, even with all of that in mind, I didn’t perform as well as I should have in Test cricket.In your first Test you bowled with extreme pace and picked up a lot of wickets. That must have been satisfying?
It was a dream come true. With Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar around on the scene, to be Man of the Match in my first Test was an honour for me. Every kid in Pakistan dreams of playing Test cricket for the country and donning the green cap. So you can imagine as a young cricketer to be named Man of the Match in your first Test is a dream coming true.There was a time when people, looking at the retirements of the Ws, were talking about the coming of the Ss -you and Shoaib Akhtar – as two genuinely fast new-ball bowlers. Was that something you were looking forward to as well, to step into Wasim Akram’s and Waqar Younis’ shoes?
The plan always was to serve Pakistan as well as I could, but when you speak of Wasim and Waqar, you’re talking about all-time greats and legends of the game. I don’t think it’s right to compare me to them. Opportunities were there, but again, I didn’t perform as I should have.

Quiz: Which of these statements about Mohammad Sami is true?

You’ve been playing cricket professionally for over 17 years and you still have pace. Given that in the early part of your career you were bowling well over 90mph, was there something that the PCB should have done to support you that they didn’t do when you were struggling?
I don’t think so. Honestly, 36 Test matches is enough for someone to prove themselves and I didn’t do it. But because I didn’t perform well in Test cricket, it had an impact on my place in the ODI team. If you look at my performance and my ODI statistics, they are very good, but because of my Test performances, I kept getting dropped from the ODI team. To be honest, that did hurt. I accept that my Test match performance was not great, but my ODI stats suggest I should not have been dropped from the ODI team.When you were dropped from the ODI team because of your performances in Test cricket, was there anyone to talk to about it, such as the captain or team manager?

Yes, of course, you can talk to the captain, the coach or the cricket board, but the person you really need to talk to is yourself. Self-motivation is most important. Once you get dropped, the way back is long and very difficult. You have to go back to domestic cricket and work hard to start the process of your comeback, the course of which you have to plot yourself. You have to self-motivate at a time when you’re most disheartened. I’ve had 14 or 15 comebacks. It doesn’t happen without hard work and mental toughness.When you speak of being self-motivated, did you always have that? And if you’re self-motivated, are the comebacks still difficult?
Of course. It’s very difficult. If you’ve played at the highest level, it is distressing to go down a few levels. The facilities you’ve been used to, the attention from fans and media coverage – all the things you get when you play international cricket, you don’t get any of that at the lower levels. But I’ve always loved the game and as long as I stay fit, I will play. I made 14 comebacks because I love the game to the point of obsession. I told myself that anything else could be happening around me or in the team, but I had to focus on my own game.Let’s talk about one of those comebacks – the 2010 Sydney Test match. You had an inspired opening burst in which you took three wickets, including Ricky Ponting for 0. But you only bowled 12 overs in that innings, taking 3 for 27. Was it frustrating that when you were bowling so well in your comeback match, you only got 12 overs?
Yes, it was frustrating because I was bowling well, but then again there were also wickets falling from the other end. Things like that can be frustrating when you’re bowling well but don’t get the ball, or you might want to bowl from a particular end, but there’s another strike bowler in the team who also wants that end. But that’s part and parcel of the game. You don’t always get what you want, and you have to cope with that. When the captain takes the ball away from you in such circumstances, can’t you ask for more overs?
Well, you can ask but the decision rests with the captain. The most frustrating thing from a personal point of view about that Test was that I was dropped again. There were other occasions too when I was in a good spell and the ball was taken away, and then I got dropped. The cycle resumed of going back to domestic cricket to make my way to the Test team again. So, going back to one of your earlier questions, about working my way back up to Test cricket – it takes a lot out of you, the energy and motivation you have to put in. Sometimes you work so hard to get back that by the time you get there, you’ve lost steam. I think this long comeback process has ultimately been a factor in my performance at Test level too.In the modern game it is recognised that bowlers can be suited to particular formats, but when you were at your peak that wasn’t really a common way of thinking.
Yes. T20 didn’t exist. It was just Tests and ODIs and it was a batsman’s era. Look at the scorecards from the subcontinent in that time – 500 runs in an innings was quite common.Sami fells Ricky Ponting in Sharjah in 2002•Hamish Blair/Getty ImagesWhen you would return to Test cricket, you were often coming back in those batsman-friendly, flat pitch conditions.
I loved to play, so I didn’t mind. My extra pace was a factor in playing me on flat tracks, but then of course, it also continued the worsening impact on my overall record. I maybe played four or five Test matches in helpful bowling conditions. I played most of my Tests on the flattest pitches, which is a factor in why I couldn’t show my true potential. There was always a sense that you were particularly unlucky also with catches being dropped off your bowling.
I don’t want to name anyone. I guess I have been unlucky too. Everyone has appeals turned down by umpires, but there were certainly times when I had put hard work into a spell and was bowling well, that calls that definitely should have gone my way didn’t. That was just my luck. All I could do was put in my best effort.Of all the captains you had in your Pakistan career who do you think used you best?
There were a lot of them, but I think Inzamam-ul-Haq used me well and he gave me the most chances. Rashid Latif understood my bowling well. I played most of my cricket under the two of them.When you were at your fastest, speed guns weren’t around much. It is said that you could bowl 100mph, but as far as you know, what is your highest recorded speed?
I think it’s 97.68mph or something like that. There were matches where, like Shoaib Akhtar, I was clocked at 100mph, but for whatever reason those speeds have not been recognised. Maybe the machine was faulty. I really don’t know.Have you changed anything in your bowling to adapt to T20 cricket?
Definitely. Even as the ODI game evolved, I had to adapt. I brought changes to the length I bowled and how I placed my field. There were a lot of bowlers who were very good in ODIs but couldn’t adapt to the T20 format.Did you work these things out yourself or through working with a particular coach?
I’ve worked with a lot of coaches on these things and received all kinds of advice. Ultimately as a bowler you have to choose what is the best option from all of that advice, and figure out yourself what works for you and what suits your bowling.Is playing in leagues like the Global T20 Canada and the CPL, which is your next stop, satisfying for you?
Yes. Everyone has their time. I think my international career for Pakistan is over. I could still play T20 cricket, but my Test and ODI days are over. I do work hard and pay attention to my fitness. I try to make sure my bowling stays in rhythm. T20 is a shorter format and I think I can still play in T20 leagues for another couple of years if I stay fit.

First innings defeat under Kohli's captaincy

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

An in-depth look at India’s batting troubles in England

Bharath Seervi12-Aug-20181 – This was the first time that India have lost a Test match by an innings under Virat Kohli. It was in England again that they were last beaten by an innings – The Oval in 2014 – although never in the past 44 years have they fared so poorly at Lord’s. Meanwhile, for England, it was their first innings victory at Lord’s since the 2010 Test against Pakistan.1023 – Balls bowled in this Test, making it the third-shortest among all completed matches in England over the last 100 years. It is the second-shortest Test at Lord’s, and the shortest since 1888.494 – Balls faced by India in this Test. Only four times have they faced fewer than that while losing all 20 wickets.ESPNcricinfo Ltd4.77 – Ratio of India’s bowling average to their batting average in this Test, which puts it among their ten worst defeats in history. They conceded runs at 56.57 per wicket while scoring just 11.85 per wicket. The last time they had a poorer was in 2011-12, during the SCG Test.33 – The highest score for India in this Test, by R Ashwin in the second innings. There have been only three Tests where the top score was lower.1952 – The last time an England bowler returned better match figures than James Anderson’s 9 for 43 in a home Test against India. That was Fred Trueman when he took 9 for 40 at Old Trafford in 1952. India lasted only 349 deliveries in that Test. Anderson also became the highest wicket-taker (99) in India-England Tests going past Bhagwath Chandrasekhar’s tally of 95.153.50 – India’s average total in England over their last four Tests. They have passed 200 only once and have been bowled out five times in under 50 overs. Since 2014, India’s average runs per wicket of 23.17 in England is the worst among all visiting teams.ESPNcricinfo Ltd6 – India openers to bag a pair in Tests. M Vijay was the unfortunate batsman in this Test, following on from his partner Shikhar Dhawan, who scored nothing in the Mohali Test against South Africa in 2015. Vijay is also the sixth opener to get two ducks in a Lord’s Test and first since Saleem Elahi in 2001. Kuldeep Yadav also bagged a pair in this Test, which makes it the fourth instance of two India players not opening their accounts.1996 – The last time India’s top-three batsmen combined for fewer runs in a Test. Vijay, KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara made 36 at Lord’s. Vikram Rathour, WV Raman and Sourav Ganguly made 26 runs in Durban.9.83 – The combined average of India’s No. 1, 2 and 3 on this tour – their worst in any series of two or more Tests, eclipsing the 13.91 set on a tour of New Zealand in 2002-03. In 12 innings between them at Edgbaston and Lord’s, India’s top three have added just 118 runs with highest score of 26. On the recent South Africa tour, they averaged just above 15, whereas in the two series against Sri Lanka at home and away last year, they managed averages of 75.16 and 54.66 respectively.

Worst average for India’s top-three batsmen in a Test series (2+ matches)
Series Average Highest score 50+ scores Series result
India in England, 2018 9.83 26 0 –
India in New Zealand, 2002-03 13.91 76 1 Lost
South Africa in India, 1999-00 14.16 37 0 Lost
India in South Africa, 2017-18 15.50 50 1 Lost
India in South Africa, 1992-93 17.52 62 1 Lost

Trent Boult and Tim Southee: The curious case of New Zealand's expendable titans

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

New Zealand’s most prolific new-ball pairing kept their series hopes alive in Abu Dhabi. It might seem odd that it was their first joint outing of the tour

Osman Samiuddin in Abu Dhabi04-Dec-2018You take 27 wickets between you in your last Test series together – in just two Tests mind you, because that’s just the way it is for you, 10 of your last 14 Test series having been two-Test series. That was all of seven months ago.But you come to the UAE and the first thing they do is break you up. We can do with one of you, but not both. The UAE’s just not cut that way.Hang on. We’re talking about 360 wickets in 45 Tests together, and over 400 Test wickets if you put career hauls together and you’re saying one of us has to be benched?Yes.Alright, fine. No drama.And so New Zealand stuck with Trent Boult and did not play Tim Southee in the first two Tests of this series. And, if results are the way to judge such decisions, it’s difficult to say for sure they were wrong in doing it, even if New Zealand lost one of those Tests by an innings and were one hit from losing the other.What it definitely is, however, is no big deal. They’ve been doing it in Asia for a while now. Since Boult’s debut at the end of 2011, New Zealand have played 15 Tests in Asia. Boult has played all of them, but Southee only seven.Imagine if we weren’t talking about Boult and Southee but some other pair, a pair as established as these two. England have only lately become comfortable with the idea that James Anderson and Stuart Broad can be broken up in Asia. South Africa never thought to break up Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, or Steyn and Vernon Philander. Australia don’t break up Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood if they can help it.

Most wickets as a fast-bowling pair in Tests, since 2010
Pair Mats Wkts Ave 5-fors 10WM
Anderson-Broad 89 704 25.66 31 5
Steyn-Morkel 47 397 23.96 19 2
Boult-Southee 45 360 27.6 11 2
Steyn-Philander 37 307 21.5 18 3
Starc-Hazlewood 29 266 24.56 13 1

Now you could argue those other pairs are just better, more unbreakable. New Zealand’s results aren’t great in those 15 Tests – just three wins and eight losses. And there was no need to break up Steyn and Morkel or Philander, because at their best they turned South Africa into a very good side in Asia.But it’s worth noting the lack of fuss around this decision. This is easily New Zealand’s best bowling pair ever and yet it’s absolutely fine to break them up. Remember how they didn’t play either of them at any stage of the World T20 in 2016, despite both being in the squad? You can’t imagine it happening anywhere else, because New Zealand have a way of doing big things with little fuss.It feeds into how overlooked the two are as a pair, just as so much about New Zealand’s cricket often is, from Kane Williamson to BJ Watling to Neil Wagner, himself dropped for this game, despite his heroics as recently as the first Test. Every now and again, when they roll over a big side (England, looking at you here and here) or at a World Cup, they’ll be feted. Somebody will say they’re the best new-ball pair in the world. But sooner or later, New Zealand will disappear off the radar once again.

At home
Pair Mats Wkts Ave 5-fors 10WM
Anderson-Broad 54 472 23.31 23 5
Steyn-Morkel 24 217 22.63 11 1
Boult-Southee 22 198 25.73 5 1
Steyn-Philander 19 180 19.25 12 2
Hazlewood-Starc 15 146 26.12 5 0

Maybe it’s more accurate to say that they’re not always celebrated as a pair. Both are recognised as very good bowlers in their own right but their coupling comes as an afterthought and not an accompaniment, in the same way that it would be when talking about either of Anderson and Broad, or the Ws, or Ambrose and Walsh, or Pollock and Donald, or Steyn and Morkel or Philander. Maybe you think they shouldn’t be talked about in this company but this isn’t about how they measure up as much as how they don’t come across as conjoined as the others.But then, now that we are here, how do they measure up? Sticking to just the last decade, not too shabbily. Their total wickets (divided almost identically: Boult has 188 at 26.50, Southee 172 at 28.71, the former six five-fors and one ten-for, the latter five five-fors and also one ten-for) put them behind Anderson and Broad, but ahead of Steyn-Philander and they are set to go beyond Steyn-Morkel as well.At home they have a slightly better average than the pairing of Starc and Hazlewood; away, they average better than Anderson-Broad. Not as prolific as Anderson-Broad, nor as destructive as Steyn-Philander and if that isn’t exactly praise, neither is it a way of cutting them down. That is elite company and normcore as they are, they’re not out of place in it. Give them some grass and they’re up there.

Away from home
Pair Mats Wkts Ave 5-fors 10WM
Anderson-Broad 35 232 30.44 8 0
Steyn-Morkel 23 180 25.57 8 1
Boult-Southee 23 163 29.85 6 1
Steyn-Philander 18 127 24.70 6 1
Starc-Hazlewood 14 123 22.73 8 1

And New Zealand are quite happy with what they have at their disposal “I know we look at them and say they’ve had fantastic careers so far,” BJ Watling said. “Broad and Anderson are two of the greats and the fact is that they’ve played twice as many Tests. In my head, they’re brilliant and we wouldn’t change them for anyone.”Today wasn’t the most obvious day for it, a slow-moving, cagey wrestle for control between bat and ball, on a slow surface. But in a way it was exactly the day for it. Southee’s return meant the pair began, by cute coincidence, on exactly the same number of Test wickets: 220 each. By the day’s end, Boult was one ahead, though cuter still was the fact that Southee was the catcher for both of the edges Boult induced from Pakistan’s openers.Southee was rusty to start, looking not unlike someone who hadn’t played a Test in seven months. He was taken off after four overs, straying in his lines, but he didn’t throw a strop. He wasn’t indulged as fast bowlers sometimes should be, and there probably won’t be any whispers either about a strike bowler coming off so early, and not even for a spinner, but for Colin de Grandhomme. In the afternoon, Southee came back better, settling into the same groove that Boult has been in all series. The wicket was a bonus.All great bowling pairs have worked off some element of friction, no matter how thin. Not everyone can thrive individually or as a pair while maintaining as dysfunctional a relationship as Wasim and Waqar, but even Anderson and Broad, who have a good relationship off the field, have something going on. “There’s not really, I don’t think, though maybe there is subconsciously,” Anderson told Derek Pringle once, when asked whether there was a bit of a rivalry between them.These two? They’re friends off the field, have come through together in age-group cricket, live close to each other and were born seven months apart. It’s impossible to imagine any friction here.Whatever dynamic it is, it’s worked and will be very much in play over the next three days.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad: 1000 Test wickets between them

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

We break down the numbers as England’s leading Test wicket-takers reach a combined four figures

Alan Gardner23-Jan-2019With his second wicket during England’s late rally in Barbados, James Anderson claimed a significant – if slightly contrived – landmark for himself and regular new-ball partner Stuart Broad. With 567 and 433 wickets respectively, the English pair had reached 1000 in Tests, albeit with Broad currently out of the team.ESPNcricinfo LtdAnderson and Broad are, by some distance, England’s leading Test wicket-takers and they have taken plenty while on the field together – 851, to be exact, which is behind only two other combos: Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, and Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas. If we narrow things down to pace partnerships, they are well out in front, having overtaken Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh a while ago.

Should Broaderson (Branderson?) be reunited on the field, either in the Caribbean or during England’s home season, they will be only the third pair of bowlers to play together with 1000 Test wickets cumulatively – Warne and McGrath, who retired at the same time, bowed out with a grand tally of 1271; Muralitharan and Vaas had 1124 after their last joint-appearance in 2009.

Home advantageUnsurprisingly, they both have better records in English conditions, although the similarity in proportion of wickets taken home and away – 65% at home for Anderson, 64% for Broad – is interesting. Where Anderson swings it is with an average of 23.76 at home, compared to 32.50* away; Broad averages a very respectable 27.09 in England, and 32.43 elsewhere.

Greatest tag-team momentsIt is on the green grass of home where they have combined to best effect, too. Twice Anderson and Broad have shared 15 wickets in a match – scything through New Zealand at Lord’s in 2013, and Sri Lanka at Headingley in 2016. Lord’s, with its encouragement for swing and the assistance of the slope, has been a fruitful hunting ground: four times have they collected 14 wickets or more at HQ, with India, in 2011 and 2018, and West Indies, in 2012, the other teams put to the sword.ESPNcricinfo LtdOn the road, their best joint-return came just last year, with 13 wickets at Christchurch – although that match will be remembered for the ones that got away, as New Zealand hung on eight down for a draw. It was also a Test that saw the most-recent of Broad’s 16 five-wicket hauls. Whether he gets back in the side to celebrate 1000-up with his old friend remains to be seen.*Stats correct up to the close of day one in Barbados. With inputs from S Rajesh and Bharath Seervi

'Pakistan keep the dream alive!'

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Former and current players react to Pakistan’s win over New Zealand, which kept their hopes of making the semi-finals alive

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2019Pakistan kept their hopes of making the semi-finals alive by handing New Zealand their first defeat of the tournament. Shaheen Afridi stood out with the ball, while Babar Azam and Haris Sohail steered the chase.

The support was electric at Edgbaston.

It was a maiden World Cup hundred for Babar – his 10th overall in ODIs.

Well, the comparisons continue.

What say, Pakistan fans?

And your four for the semi-finals are…

The World Cup on social media

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jul-2019Remember when the World Cup started? It feels like a long while ago, when most of the cricketing world was wondering about when the first 500-plus ODI score would be made, Virat Kohli was peering into his crystal ball and declaring 250 would be hard enough to chase, and Sir Viv Richards was smashing it to all parts of the Mall in central London during the opening ceremony.Here’s the story of a long, memorable tournament, told through the eyes of social media.May 29

May 31
While every other expert was predicting semi-finalists and winners, Brendon McCullum went many steps further and put out his results for every game of the league phase. He even predicted the impact rain would have on the tournament.

View this post on Instagram

World Cup game by game predictions. 4 teams will fight out the 4th qualifying spot and net run rate will decide who progresses. Rain and luck will likely play a part as well. I hope Nz gets that little bit of luck and can qualify. Enjoy the 6 week celebration of the best players on the planet. #CWC2019

A post shared by Brendon McCullum (@bazmccullum42) on May 31, 2019 at 12:13am PDT

The other Pakistan turned up for their first game against West Indies, for a good reason, as we found out soon enough.

June 1
Ben Stokes and Co finished eighth in the Under-19 World Cup eight years ago. How far could they go this time, at home?

June 2
These two were welcomed by fans dressed as sandpaper sheets in Bristol.

June 3
England were favourites, and they hadn’t lost chasing at home for 20 successive games, but none of that mattered, because they were facing the Pakistan.

June 4
In one of the lines of the tournament, Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood had said, “England have to play 300 balls to get to that record, but we have to bowl ten good balls to get ten wickets.” Turns out he was off by a ball.

June 6
AB de Villiers wasn’t even at the World Cup, but news about his near return from retirement sent shock waves through the cricket world.

June 9
Twitter superstar Jimmy Neesham turned it on with the ball, picking up his first five-wicket haul in international cricket. The self-deprecation that followed was just as good.

June 10
A high-profile retirement came early in the tournament, just as India were finding their range in a World Cup.

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Enjoy retirement Legend @yuvisofficial

A post shared by Stuart Broad (@stuartbroad8) on Jun 10, 2019 at 3:17am PDT

June 14
Everyone said it at the start of the World Cup, but Michael Vaughan served a mid-tournament reminder, in case you’d missed it.

As many as four games were washed out in the space of a week, one of them being the New Zealand-India encounter. Neesham’s gesture to disappointed fans at Trent Bridge came in for praise on social media, before…

June 15
The memes were out in full force. Maybe rain had dropped the World Cup?

India-Pakistan was just around the corner. Not everyone had to pick one side, as Chris Gayle reminded us.

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Yup! I’m rocking my india Pakistan Suit, all love and respect!… I really love it and this will be one of my outfit at my birthday party September 20th…its lit #FashionOverStyle #UniverseBoss #KingGayle #45 #333 #Suit @sidbafna #Attiitude #CWC19

A post shared by KingGayle (@chrisgayle333) on Jun 15, 2019 at 5:16am PDT

June 16
India v Pakistan at Old Trafford wasn’t entirely one-sided, but it wasn’t quite a treat either. Try telling that to the press pack, though.

While Indian fans were in overdrive, revelling in the victory over their neighbours, Stokes left a note to everyone reminding them he was getting bored.

Three centuries from Rohit Sharma and the recently retired Yuvraj Singh was predicting that his former India and Mumbai Indians team-mate would go all the way, just like he himself had done in 2011.

June 17
Rohit sent a square-cut six flying into the stands. You knew the throwbacks were coming.

His press conference performances were even better. It all started here.

Old Trafford cricket ground, Theatre of Dreams. Who knew?

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Old Trafford is really the 'Theatre of Dreams' #CWC19 #INDVSPAK #dreamdebut #gratefulandblessed

A post shared by Vijay shankar (@vijay_41) on Jun 16, 2019 at 2:44pm PDT

Meanwhile, Bangladesh were motoring along, carried largely by one man’s sustained excellence.

June 18
Pakistan were smarting after another World Cup defeat to India. Their fans weren’t sparing them and players took to social media appealing for calm.

June 19
India’s injury scare turned out to be a tournament-ending one. Shikhar Dhawan was on his way home.

Not all great Jofra Archer tweets are from his archives. There was some refreshing candour from him through this tournament as well.

June 22
As the league phase was in danger of turning into a dead-rubber-filled snoozefest, Sri Lanka woke everyone up with a shocking win.

June 23
Carlos Brathwaite, remember the name? Ben Stokes sure does. In case you didn’t, he served another reminder.

But when West Indies fell agonisingly short of winning against New Zealand, it was Brathwaite who had to be consoled.

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What a game! Super hitting @ricky.26 @cricketworldcup #cwc19

A post shared by Ross Taylor (@rossltaylor3) on Jun 22, 2019 at 2:36pm PDT

June 27
Pakistan were back in business and making a late surge for the qualifying spots. Remember when it last happened?

June 28
England were on the mat after two successive defeats, to Sri Lanka and Australia, and Jonny Bairstow laid into his “critics”. Fellow Yorkshireman Vaughan wasn’t having any of it.

June 29
There were plenty of great catches at this World Cup, but it didn’t get better than a full-blooded Steven Smith pull caught at leg gully, and certified by one of the greatest modern-day close-catchers.

By this point, the 1992 parallels were getting more uncanny by the day.

South Africa’s tournament had few silver linings. Imran Tahir’s performance in his final ODI tournament was one of them.

June 30
With one injury after another, some former players wondered if something was afoot in the Indian camp.

July 1
The runs were flowing for David Warner and there was some happy news for him on the personal front too. Newlands seemed a long time ago.

July 2
Up in Durham, there was a surprise visitor for West Indies’ game against Sri Lanka.

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When Rihanna met the Universe Boss #CWC19 #cricket #lovecricket #MenInMaroon

A post shared by Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) on Jul 1, 2019 at 12:02pm PDT

TV broadcasters spotted 87-year-old Charulata Patel blowing a horn and rooting for India during their game against Bangladesh. Soon enough, she became an internet sensation.

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Also would like to thank all our fans for all the love and support and especially Charulata Patel ji. She's 87 and probably one of the most passionate and dedicated fans I've ever seen. Age is just a number, passion takes you leaps and bounds. There was only love and blessings for the whole team in her eyes. What an inspiration. With her blessings, on to the next one.

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) on Jul 2, 2019 at 11:13am PDT

July 3
There were only eight league games in the 1992 World Cup. By the time the ninth game came along in this World Cup, Pakistan were in uncharted waters, having left themselves with too much to do.

July 5
Their campaign was over, and so was one of the last surviving international careers from the 20th century.

July 6
Master and protege reunited, less than two months after teaming up to win the IPL.

July 7
Bangladesh’s campaign that had promised so much ended up with an unflattering position on the points table.

July 11
India bowed out of the World Cup, but not before Ravindra Jadeja had played one the finest knocks in a World Cup semi-final.

In the black corner, the victors were marching on, on and on to Lord’s.

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How good?! Off to the big dance once more! #CWC19 #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS

A post shared by Ross Taylor (@rossltaylor3) on Jul 10, 2019 at 8:45am PDT

Arguably the most memorable New Zealand performance on the day came from the commentary box, from Ian Smith.

Is this the end for MS Dhoni? We don’t know, but Adam Gilchrist dropped a thank you note in advance.

Only three teams were left in the competition, and pre-match nervousness gave way to full-blown schadenfreude for England fans. Australia’s barefoot-walking routine was an unfortunate victim.

July 12
The AB de Villiers saga wasn’t going away anytime soon.

July 13

The stories of elderly Indian fans enjoying the game were among the most heartwarming of the tournament.

July 14
An epic Wimbledon final. A World Cup final for the ages. It was a day to remember for sports fans.

Of course, a Jofra tweet had called the ending.

July 15
New Zealand didn’t lose the final, didn’t lose the Super Over, but went home without a trophy yet again.

Naturally, there were contrasting emotions from both sides.

The new Fabinho: Slot must sell Liverpool dud after "awful" 4/10 display

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

With the Premier League still yet to be decided, Liverpool still need to win four games to claim the title after only a second league defeat against Fulham yesterday.

Arne Slot’s men simply weren’t at the races, unable to produce the performance that they have done so many times over the last couple of months, which has led them to the summit of the division.

The Reds will be hoping to make amends against West Ham United next week, aiming to close in on a first league title since Jürgen Klopp’s triumph back in 2019/20.

Despite the heights achieved during the Dutchman’s first year at the helm, the showing against the Cottagers was one of the worst of the campaign with countless players way off the pace.

As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see various players dropped from the starting eleven, with changes needed to prevent such a defeat from occurring in the near future.

Liverpool’s poor performers against Fulham

Curtis Jones has been forced to operate at right-back in recent weeks after the injuries suffered by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley – doing an admirable job against local rivals Everton.

However, the same can’t be said for his showing in the capital yesterday, contributing to an error that led to a goal, whilst also failing to win any of the two tackles he entered.

He wasn’t alone in failing to deliver, with Dominik Szoboszlai producing one of his worst displays in recent memories, uncharacteristically so given his rise under Slot.

The Hungarian failed to create a single chance for any of his teammates, whilst also losing 100% of the ground duels he contested, ultimately being a passenger during the loss.

Despite the showings from the aforementioned players, one other star failed to deliver, with the manager needing to offload him when the summer transfer window opens.

The Liverpool player who’s become the new Fabinho

Brazilian midfielder Fabinho was a fan-favourite during his time at Anfield, starring in the heart of the side and making over 200 appearances during his five years as a Red.

fabinho-liverpool-premier-league

However, his last season on Merseyside was one to forget, falling way below the expectations he’d set for himself given the heights he achieved after helping Klopp’s side win the league title.

He would leave in a £40m deal to join Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023, with one player potentially suffering the same fate in the form of left-back Andy Robertson.

The Scottish international will go down as one of the biggest bargains in the club’s history, making over 300 appearances and notching 66 assists after joining for just £8m back in 2017.

Whilst he’s achieved some impressive performances over the years, he’s rapidly declined in recent months, with the club targeting Milos Kerkez as a replacement this summer.

Liverpool's AndrewRobertsoncelebrates after the match

The 31-year-old once again failed to impress against Fulham, also making an error leading to a goal before being replaced with just eight minutes remaining.

He also failed to complete any of his attempted crosses, coming out on top in just 50% of his tackles and being dribbled past once in the process.

Andy Robertson’s stats for Liverpool against Fulham

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

82

Touches

59

Crosses completed

0/2

Tackles won

1/2

Possession lost

10x

Dribbled past

1x

Errors leading to goals

1

Stats via SofaScore

Robertson also lost possession 10 times during the defeat and was unable to produce the goods as he did during his early days as a player on Merseyside.

As a result of his showing, he was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by The Express’ Jack McEachen, with fellow journalist Lewis Steele labelling his showing as “awful”.

Given his age, it’s likely that he’s going to continue declining over the next couple of years, with Slot needing to offload him this summer to allow for fresh blood in the backline.

He’s been an incredible servant to the club, helping them win countless major honours, but ultimately his showing against the Cottagers was further evidence that he’s unable to cut it at the top level.

Kane & Alvarez hybrid: Liverpool open talks to sign "world-class" striker

Liverpool are looking to replace Darwin Nunez in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 4, 2025

"Aggressive" – Celtic could make 5 new signings amid Rodgers warchest claim

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Celtic will look to tie up loose ends from a domestic standpoint ahead of next season before looking to strike while the iron is hot on the transfer market.

Celtic in hunt for domestic treble to reflect progress under Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has led Celtic to within touching distance of another treble and will hope his side can push a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title over the line this weekend should permutations fall their way.

The Bhoys need to defeat Kilmarnock on Saturday to move within a point of the league crown, which could be handed to them the following day if Rangers lose out at Aberdeen.

Despite the promise of a fantastic end to the campaign, Rodgers has warned against Celtic complacency following a surprise 1-0 defeat for his side against St Johnstone last Sunday.

He stated: “It’s happened too many times. I’ve seen a trend now with us, and it will be interesting between now and the end of the season in terms of mentality.”

Losing three of his last seven Scottish Premiership encounters, the Irishman has possibly been given food for thought as the summer window approaches.

Rodgers must finally get rid of Celtic dud who earns more than Maeda

Celtic must move on from the forward who earns even more than Daizen Maeda.

4

By
Dan Emery

Apr 9, 2025

Reports have suggested Celtic want to sign Augsburg midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj to shore up their options in the engine room, which may go some way to indicating where he sees the most pressing need for reinforcements.

Delivering domestic trophies is deemed as the bread and butter in Scotland, but there is an ever-blooming expectation that the Hoops’ rude financial health should translate to regular impressive showings in Europe, with recent claims suggesting Rodgers has demanded a summer warchest to stay at Celtic.

Tapping into that theme, the manager could now be granted several new arrivals at Parkhead to help his cause, according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness.

Wyness: Celtic boss Rodgers could line up five summer signings

Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness claimed Celtic could make up to five summer signings in what is set to be an “aggressive” window for all involved at Parkhead, citing their desire to grow in the Champions League as a critical factor.

He stated: “Brendan will definitely want to be aggressive this summer, every manager wants that. I’ve never had a manager work for me who isn’t two players short of what he wants. No matter what you give them, they always want at least two more.

Where are Celtic most likely to strengthen this summer?

Left-back – almost certain to happen

Greg Taylor likely to leave for free, cover needed for Kieran Tierney

Defensive midfield – possible but not at top of priority list

Callum McGregor is 32 in June and may need his minutes managed

Central midfield – if departures occur

Reo Hatate may be at the end of his cycle, so another body is likely

On the flanks – high likelihood

Daizen Maeda’s move to central striking role has created a void

Striker – almost certain to happen

Maeda and Adam Idah could use competition through the middle

“Brendan will, in this case, want another three, four, or even five – given the Champions League and the levels they want to be at. So it will be that usual battle.”

Although there is unlikely to be a sea change at Celtic this summer, a squad refresh may be needed to instill the hunger needed to claim a fifth Scottish Premiership title in a row alongside staking a claim in the Champions League.

Now, the onus remains on Parkhead recruitment chiefs to ensure the Bhoys are prepared by the time qualifiers come around, which won’t be an easy test so early into the new campaign.

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