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And who scored two hundreds in his final Test?

Steven Lynch19-Oct-2020Which batsman has the best career strike in the IPL? asked Mohan Shetty from India
Top of the pile here, for those who have faced at least 125 balls, is the explosive Jamaican Andre Russell, whose overall strike rate after the Kolkata Knight Riders’ match against the Mumbai Indians on Sunday was a towering 181.72 per 100 balls. That’s around 22 clear of the next man to have scored more than 1000 runs, Rishabh Pant, although another West Indian, Nicholas Pooran, is hurtling along at a strike rate of 170.83: he’d only scored 410 runs, though.Which player scored two hundreds in his final Test? asked Richard Daniels from South Africa
This remarkable finale was managed by the Essex and England batsman Charles Russell – who, like the later England wicketkeeper, was generally known as Jack. Russell toured Australia in 1920-21, and after two failures made a century in Adelaide. Back home, with Australia the opposition again, he added hundreds in the last two Tests of the summer, at Old Trafford and The Oval.With England’s regular openers, Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe, taking the winter off, Russell toured South Africa with an under-strength England side in 1922-23. He took some time to get going, but followed 96 in the fourth Test, in Johannesburg with 140 and 111 in the fifth, in Durban, battling illness as well as the home bowlers to become the first Englishman to score twin centuries in a Test.That gave Russell five hundreds in his ten Test matches, and an average of 56.87 – but surprisingly he was never chosen again. England’s next Tests were more than 18 months away, against South Africa at home in 1924: Hobbs and Sutcliffe returned, and there was no place for Russell, who was 36 by then. He played on for Essex until 1930, passing 2000 runs in both 1925 and 1928.Which cricketer got married on the rest day of his Test debut? asked Jamie Collins from England
My first thought was that this was the Sussex seamer Tony Pigott, who received a surprise call-up for what turned out to be his only Test, against New Zealand, in Christchurch in 1983-84. But he actually postponed his wedding, as he’d been due to tie the knot on the fourth day of the match: ironically, he needn’t have bothered, as England collapsed for under 100 in both innings, and lost on the third day.The charismatic South African fast bowler Andre Nel actually got married during a Test match he was playing in, against West Indies in Centurion in January 2004. The ceremony took place after play ended early because of bad light on the second day; Nel was whisked there by helicopter, but was back next day, and celebrated by dismissing Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. ­But that wasn’t Nel’s debut – and so, finally, the answer to your question: the man who got married on the rest day of his first Test was the Guyanese offspinner Clyde Butts, during West Indies’ second Test against New Zealand in Georgetown in April 1985. Butts didn’t take a wicket, and played only six more Tests. He later became a West Indian selector.Andre Nel got married during the fourth Test against West Indies in 2004, dashing away in a helicopter after close of play one day•Getty ImagesWho just missed making centuries on his Test and ODI debuts, scoring nineties in both? asked James Morton from England
This near-miss specialist was New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming, who made his Test debut in March 1994 against India in Hamilton, and made 92 in the second innings. A few days later, in his first ODI, in Napier, Fleming was run out for 90.I remember a strange story a few years back about someone who invented some batting statistics and was given a county contract, only to be soon found out – who was this? asked Nick Hamilton from England
This strange episode concerned Adrian Shankar, who had played at Bedford School with Alastair Cook, and had a few matches for Bedfordshire and Cambridge University. He scored a genuine first-class century, in the Varsity Match at Oxford – although his coach, Chris Scott, later described the opposition bowling as “terrible”.Shankar’s career went off the rails when he became a rather surprising signing by Worcestershire in 2011, six years after his last first-class match. After a duck in a List A game and 10 (retired hurt) in the Championship against Durham, Shankar’s story unravelled. It transpired that he was three years older than he had told Worcestershire – he’s supposed to have said later that he was on life support until he was three, so those years didn’t count – while claims he had been a prolific scorer in senior tournaments in Sri Lanka turned out to be wide of the mark. Shankar was sacked, and several documents handed over to the police.Use our feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

UConn Huskies women's basketball star Azzi Fudd is having herself an excellent couple of days. Last week, she announced her new podcast , co-produced with Steph Curry's Unanimous Media.

And on Monday, the Arlington, Virginia, native threw out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals' game vs. the Cincinnati Reds.

Fudd rolled up to the mound in a custom Nats jersey, and showed off her athleticism with a pretty decent—albeit seemingly short—throw.

Check that out below:

Although she was a projected first-round pick, Fudd opted against the 2025 WNBA Draft for another year at UConn, where she'll have one last chance to study under the tutelage of Geno Auriemma.

Still, she'll have access to the WNBA and its spoils via her recently confirmed girlfriend Paige Bueckers, currently in her rookie year with the Dallas Wings.

So it's the best of both worlds for everyone. And we can't wait to see what this DMV native does next season.

Benjamin Sesko's continued injury layoff is a significant blow for Manchester United and boss Ruben Amorim. Sesko has been sidelined since early November with a knee injury sustained against Tottenham Hotspur and while there were initial reports suggesting a swift recovery, the United boss announced a disappointing reason for his striker's latest setback.

• Bitter blow for United boss

  Amorim has revealed the Slovenian striker, a £74 million ($98.8m) summer signing from RB Leipzig has suffered a recent bout of food poisoning which will delay his comeback beyond the originally anticipated date. Sesko's absence has been keenly felt, particularly as United are set to lose key forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving the squad short on attacking options. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Sesko's fitness puts immense pressure on other available forwards like Joshua Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha. And his agent, Elvis Basanovic, has noted Sesko is "impatient" to return. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Amorim: 'We have to see'

  Speaking to the press ahead of the clash with Bournemouth on Monday evening, Amorim said: "(Harry) Maguire is out, (Matthijs) De Ligt is out, Ben (Sesko) we have to see. We have to see if he's available, he has some food poisoning but let's wait, we have two training sessions still."

• Sesko agent: 'We will see him on the pitch very soon'

  Speaking earlier this week, Sesko’s representative Basanovic told Slovenian broadcaster Arena Sport: "Benjamin feels very good, his rehabilitation is going according to plan. He can’t wait to get back on the pitch. He’s missing matches, he’s a little impatient and we hope that he will return soon, to be where he feels best again. It’s hard to say exactly (when he will return), it will ultimately be decided by the medical service and the coach. I think we will see him on the pitch very soon. Maybe sooner than it seems at the moment."

  And on Sesko’s relationship with boss Amorim, Basanovic added: “I must say he (Amorim) received Benjamin excellently. I think Ruben is first of all, an excellent person with fantastic charisma, extremely intelligent, emotionally intelligent and I think he knows what he’s doing. I believe he’s in a difficult situation. It’s not easy to build such a project that requires enormous knowledge and amount of time. United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the biggest and people don’t understand you need time. But I think every team being built needs time. Just look at [Matheus] Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko: they have played very few matches together.

  "And I think that they especially need games and they need to develop certain automatisms because then it’s much easier. When you have these automatisms, you don’t need to think where a player is or runs but that you start automatically. Then the results come and everything looks much better."

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  Bournemouth up next for United

  United face a demanding festive schedule with four Premier League matches leading up to the New Year and begin their run with a home match against Bournemouth on. The Cherries have become a banana skin for United in recent meetings and are winless in their last four Premier League games against them. But Amorim's side are in a good vein of form after a rocky start to the season, having lost just one of their last nine league games, with the defeat being the recent 1-0 at home to Everton. They then travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa on December 21st and their Boxing Day fixture (which is the only top-flight game that day) sees them host Newcastle United at Old Trafford. And they round off 2025 with another home game against Wolves on December 30th.

Juventus have reportedly joined the race for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as the young Red Devils star continues to attract interest from Serie A amidst the stagnation of his Old Trafford career. The 20-year-old has frequently been linked with Napoli and Juve are now said to be 'monitoring' Mainoo, whom they see as the next Paul Pogba if they can convince Mainoo to swap Manchester for Turin.

Mainoo could become new Pogba at Juventus

Reports by in Italy dub Mainoo the ‘talent which conquers half of Europe’ and say that the 20-year-old could become ‘Paul Pogba 2.0’ if he joins Juventus, whom ‘the player likes’.

Reports state that while Mainoo’s potential ‘does not go unnoticed’ at United, Napoli could make him a ‘priority target’ amidst a lack of similar options in the midfield, with a permanent move touted. The door is open for Juventus to make a swoop in January, though, and recreate a famous scenario where Pogba joined the Italian giants from United as a 19-year-old and went on to become one of the world’s best midfielders before returning to Old Trafford for £89 million ($117m) in 2016.

Whether Mainoo’s career could take a similar trajectory remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that comparisons can be drawn between the Carrington academy graduate not being given the first-team opportunities he perhaps deserves, in the same manner Pogba had to deal with before his first exit from the club.

AdvertisementAFP'The club comes first' – Mainoo and Zirkzee told exit reality

Mainoo has previously been reported to have demanded an Old Trafford exit in search of more game-time, but Ruben Amorim recently stated in a press conference that January exits will only occur if it is in the best interests of the club. He appeared to be referring to want-away stars Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee.

"The first thing is that the club comes first, so we have to think about the club and the team, and then everything can happen," said Amorim. 

"I was a football player, I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation, so I don't know what is going to happen.

"I want my players happy. I understand the frustration of some players, seeing that the World Cup is there, and I know what it means for the World Cup, but Manchester United comes first, so if I can help the club and the players, I will be happy, if not I have to think about the team."

Midfielder maintains minor Old Trafford role

Having played just 170 minutes in the Premier League so far this season, Mainoo’s role within Amorim’s side does not appear to be growing in the near future. While the Portuguese continues to proclaim his trust in the 10-cap England international publicly, his continued selection decisions tell an entirely different story.

Mainoo has even recently been told to join league leaders Arsenal, by former Gunners star Stefan Schwarz: "Arsenal have the best conditions for young players. And they have a manager in Mikel Arteta that is not afraid to give responsibility to them and give them opportunities when he feels they are ready. It's just about preparing them in the best way and that's what Arsenal have done very well the last couple of years."

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AFPMainoo exit situation as Serie A interest intensifies

Speculation linking Mainoo with an Old Trafford exit will undoubtedly only increase in volume as the January transfer window approaches.

Monday’s home defeat to Everton ended a five-game unbeaten run for the Red Devils and consigned Amorim’s side to a first home defeat since August, having won all four of their Premier League home fixtures since opening-day defeat to Arsenal.

Whether the disappointing result will impact Mainoo’s chances of further minutes in the coming weeks remains to be seen, with his 32 minutes on the field against the Toffees representing his longest cameo since August 30 against Burnley.

United have European ambitions this season and with the Champions League race looking wide open at present, Amorim has previously expressed how difficult it is to give minutes to his entire squad with only one game per week. This could, ultimately, lead to Mainoo demanding a departure once again, particularly if interest from the likes of Juventus becomes more concrete.

Lionel Messi extended his remarkable scoring streak in the MLS Cup Playoffs, netting his ninth goal in seven matches to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead over FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinal. The Argentine legend struck in the 18th minute, showcasing his aerial ability as he rose to meet a pinpoint cross from young winger Mateo Silvetti, silencing the packed crowd inside TQL Stadium.

Getty Images SportArgentine connection

Messi gave Inter Miami a crucial advantage in their Eastern Conference semifinal against FC Cincinnati, heading home in the 18th minute to put the visitors up 1-0 at TQL Stadium. The goal came after a swift counterattack sparked by former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, who intercepted a misplaced pass from Nick Hagglund in midfield.

Alba quickly found Messi in a central pocket, and the forward slid a perfectly weighted ball out to Argentine winger Mateo Silvetti on the left. The youngster delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Messi met it with a bouncing header that beat goalkeeper Roman Celentano and nestled into the far corner.

AdvertisementWatch the goalGetty Images SportMiami's tactical approach pays dividends

Inter Miami's tactical setup under head coach Javier Mascherano has proven effective thus far, with the team looking to advance to its first Eastern Conference final since joining MLS in 2020. Despite playing away from home, Miami have executed their game plan perfectly, absorbing Cincinnati's early pressure before striking clinically on the counter-attack.

The hosts had their best chance in the 22nd minute when forward Ender Echenique narrowly missed equalizing, his shot sliding just inches wide of the far post. The goal also sparked something in Miami, as Rodriguez fired a shot at Celentano after being fed in the area by Messi, only for the keeper to parry it clear.

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Getty Images SportMessi's playoff dominance showcases continued excellence

Messi's header against Cincinnati further cements his status as the most influential player in Major League Soccer. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, the Argentine superstar has transformed the franchise from expansion strugglers to legitimate title contenders, bringing unprecedented global attention to the league.

أعلن الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف” رسميًا عن اعتماد استاد برج العرب بالإسكندرية لاستضافة المباريات الإفريقية والدولية خلال الفترة المقبلة، بعد استيفائه جميع المعايير المطلوبة.

وجاء قرار “كاف” عقب زيارة ميدانية مشتركة قام بها أعضاء من الاتحاد الإفريقي واتحاد الكرة المصري، بهدف متابعة مدى جاهزية الاستاد لاستقبال المباريات القارية.

وأكدت اللجنة خلال زيارتها أن استاد برج العرب استوفى جميع الاشتراطات الفنية والتنظيمية الخاصة بمباريات الفئة الثالثة، ما أهله لاستقبال مباريات الأندية والمنتخبات في مختلف البطولات.

طالع أيضًا | الجيش الملكي يعلن قرارًا مفاجئًا قبل مواجهة الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وفي خطاب رسمي، أوضح الاتحاد الإفريقي أن الموافقة على عودة الاستاد تأتي في إطار حرص “كاف” على توفير ملاعب ذات معايير فنية عالية، تضمن سلامة اللاعبين والجماهير، بالإضافة إلى جودة تنظيم المباريات.

ويمثل اعتماد استاد برج العرب خطوة مهمة للكرة المصرية، إذ يمنح الأندية والمنتخبات الوطنية فرصة خوض المباريات القارية على ملعب مجهز بأحدث المعايير المطلوبة.

أجرى بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي مؤتمراً صحفياً للحديث عن آخر استعدادات فريقه لمواجهة ليفربول في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات نشرتها “سيتي إكسترا” عن وصوله لألف مباراة في مسيرته التدريبية: “ألف مؤتمر صحفي، ياله من شرف، كانت تلك اللحظة الأفضل بجانب المقابلات السريعة”.

وأضاف إذا كان يتذكر مباراته الأولى في التدريب: “أجل، أشعر بقلق أقل الآن، لكن في الوقت نفسه، بصراحة لا أتذكر، لقد مر وقت طويل”.

وواصل :”اسمعوا، لو خيرت بين منافس واحد لمشاركة هذا الإنجاز بخوض 1000 مباراة، أرغب في مشاركة ذلك مع الكثيرين لكن ليفربول سيكون الأفضل، خاصة مع كلوب، الذي كان أكبر منافس لي هنا، لا يمكن أن يكون هناك أفضل من ذلك، لقد قرر الكون ذلك، لطالما شعرت بمدى احترامنا لبعضنا البعض، يورجن منحني الكثير وأفتقده بشدة، قلت يا آلهي تغلبت على هذا الرجل، كم علي التفكير والعمل والتحسين وهذا يعود إلى ليفربول ولأنفسنا”.

وسئل جوارديولا إذا كان يعرف عدد انتصاراته في 999 مباراة تدريبية: “بالتأكيد أعرف الكثير، الأرقام جنونية، يؤسفني إخبارك بذلك، أنا مغرور ومتغطرس، لكنها جنونية، إذا قلت إنني لا أعيش وأفكر في عدد الانتصارات فعندما تصل لهذا الإنجاز وتقرأ ما أنجزته، تجد أننا حققنا إنجازات مذهلة، من الصعب الوصول لذلك ولو بدأت من جديد، لما وصلت لذلك، إنها مباريات كثيرة وهزائم قليلة مقارنة بألف مباراة ونأمل المواصلة الأحد”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. كومباني يكشف عن مرشحه المفضل للفوز بالدوري الانجليزي هذا الموسم

وتحدث جوارديولا عن مواجهة ليفربول :”لقد دفعنا ليفربول ليكون أفضل وليفربول دفعنا لنكون أفضل، هذا أمر مؤكد”.

وأكد بيب: “الأساسيات هي ما كنت أؤمن بها في اعماق قلبي، لم أخنها ولو مرة واحدة في مسيرتي، اتخاذ قرار خاطئ أو اللعب بشكل سئ أو أن الخصم أفضل، لا يعني أنني أشعر أنني فعلت شيئاً لم أؤمن به، أبداً أبداً، دائماً ما أحاول إنهاء المباراة بقول أنه أعجبني أداء الفريق”.

وذكر بيب: “لا تسألونني إن كنت سأدير 1000 مباراة أخرى، لا، لا، لا، إنه كثير جداً، بفضل برشلونة ولاعبيهم، وبايرن وسيتي، لاعبين كنت معهم ومازالت، هناك الكثير من العمل والشغف والحب وفي ذلك لا أحد يتفوق علي،أحب اللعبة والتدقيق في أسرار الخصوم وكيف يلعب دورتموند وبورنموث وكيف تدير الأمور وتقنع اللاعبين وكيف تشركهم ودائماً ما يتابعني اللاعبين، لا يتابعونني فقط عندما لا يلعبون، أما البقية أقول لهم اذهبوا إلى هناك فإنهم يتابعونني دائماً”.

وتحدث بيب عن سباق اللقب هذا الموسم: “كل ما يمكن فعله الفوز بمبارياتنا والاقتراب من المنافسة، يجب على آرسنال الحضور إلى هنا، في آخر عامين أو ثلاثة وخلال عملية إعادة بناء النادي والفريق ودخول سوق الانتقالات لسنوات عديدة، ما يفعلونه استثنائي، وفعلوا بالفعل لموسمين أو ثلاثة لكننا في أوائل نوفمبر وفي أوائل نوفمبر لا يفوز أحد باللقب”.

وتحدث بيب عن إصابة رودري: “سنرى غداً لكن في الوقت الحالي لا أعتقد أننا سنخاطر، بعد ذلك تأتي فترة التوقف الدولي، مازالنا في نوفمبر والجزء الأكبر من الموسم لم يأتي بعد ونحن بحاجة لرودري، ونتشوق بشدة لعودته لكننا نعلم أن نيكو لاعب مهم وجيد للغاية”.

وذكر بيب عن كونه أعظم مدرب على الإطلاق، بطريقة ساخرة: “إنهم على حق تماماً، أمي وأبي منحاني القدرة التنافسية، ولكن ليس هذا، آه أريد أن أموت، أريد أن أقتل لأكون الأفضل”.

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has announced that he is stepping away from international cricket, as he looks to prioritise his T20 league future.The decision means Klaasen, who will be 34 next month, played his last game for South Africa in the Champions Trophy semi-final defeat to New Zealand in Lahore in March. That has turned out to be the final game of a seven-year international career, in which he played four Tests, 60 ODIs and and 58 T20Is. It was in the white-ball formats that he really made an impact, and his reputation as one of the game’s most fearsome middle-order hitters; he exits ODIs with one of the highest career strike rates.Related

• How much of a loss are Pooran's and Klaasen's retirements to international cricket?

• Klaasen's retirement a short-sighted move? SA head coach Conrad hopes not

• Klaasen not in SA central contracts list

It was in the 50-over format that he played one of the innings people will remember most, a blistering 83-ball 174 against Australia in Centurion. He was a key figure in South Africa’s runs to the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup as well as the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. His dismissal in that final against India for a 27-ball 52 was one of the major turning points in South Africa’s ultimately doomed chase.The decision to retire, though, had been on the cards for a while now. He was overlooked for Cricket South Africa’s central contracts in April. Klassen had been on a white-ball only contract until then, having retired from Test cricket in January 2024.1:45

Would Heinrich Klaasen rather dance at the IPL opening ceremony or appear in a Telugu film?

At the time, both David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen accepted hybrid contracts which allows them to play in ICC events and agreed-upon bilateral tours. Of Klassen, CSA had said in a statement only that “discussions regarding his future are ongoing and a final decision will be made in due course.”Klaasen’s decision was also inevitable given Shukri Conrad’s plans for the national side. Announced as South Africa’s white-ball coach last month, Conrad made it clear that playing for South Africa would be the priority over T20 leagues in his tenure and committed to putting the best South African team forward in all their games.South Africa have a busy schedule coming up across formats, including several white-ball commitments through July, August and September. Those series clash with a number of leagues, including Major League Cricket (MLC), the Hundred and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). As one of South Africa’s most sought-after players on the T20 franchise circuit, Klaasen is signed up for the MLC and the Hundred (for the Seattle Orcas and Manchester Originals respectively).ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Conrad was expected to talk to players who were not given central contracts, including Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi as well but he was very clear when taking over about his selection criteria: “All our players must be available for selection. If they make themselves unavailable for selection, well, that’s a decision that they’ve made and the path that they’ve chosen.” He was especially keen to avoid situations where players do not feature in bilaterals but are parachuted in for an ICC event or one where a severely under-strength national squad has to take the field.”It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket,” Klassen said in a statement. “It took me a long time to decide what’s best for me and my family for the future. It was truly a very difficult decision but also one that I have absolute peace with.”To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career. I look forward to spending more time with my family as this decision will allow me to do so.”Enoch Nkwe, CSA’s director of national teams and high performance, said they respected Klaasen’s decision. “Heinrich has been a true match-winner for South Africa. He was a player capable of changing the course of a game in a matter of overs,” he said. “His commitment and impact in the white-ball formats have been immense, and we thank him for his outstanding service to South African cricket.”He has been transparent with Cricket South Africa throughout the past few months, and we fully respect his decision to retire from international cricket. We wish him continued success in the next chapter of his journey.”

After several years of relative caution in the transfer market, Newcastle United made a splash this summer with a host of new arrivals.

That investment bore fruit in Europe when the Magpies thrashed Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Belgium, their first win of this season’s competition and the biggest in their history.

Domestically, however, there were concerns. Newcastle’s attack looked disjointed in the early weeks of the season, with the team sitting towards the bottom of the league in their expected goals tally.

While new players are settling in, the club also had to balance the books, leading to some painful sales – including Alexander Isak’s £125m move to Liverpool.

Isak's early struggles at Liverpool

Isak’s exit dominated the summer headlines for months on end.

Having scored 62 goals and provided 11 assists in 109 appearances for Newcastle, the Swedish striker left an indelible mark on Tyneside.

His winner in last season’s Carabao Cup final sealed the club’s first major trophy in decades, making him a hero in black and white.

But the manner of his departure left a sour taste.

Isak pushed hard for the move, skipping parts of pre-season to engineer a transfer, and while Newcastle ultimately received a British record fee, the relationship between player and fans has been tarnished beyond repair.

Liverpool won the race for his signature, hoping Isak would provide the cutting edge needed to reclaim the Premier League title.

Yet, so far, things have not gone to plan.

Isak has looked far from his best, still working back to full fitness after missing much of Newcastle’s pre-season.

His lone goal for the Reds came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, but he has struggled in the league and Europe.

Against Crystal Palace last weekend, Isak’s difficulties were clear.

He registered three shots, all of them off target, and missed two big chances, as per Sofascore, in what turned out to be a frustrating afternoon. He attempted one dribble, which was unsuccessful, and completed just six of his ten passes.

A cameo against Galatasaray in the Champions League brought little improvement as Liverpool slipped to defeat.

At Newcastle, the system was built to maximise Isak’s movement and finishing, but at Anfield, he has struggled to replicate that influence.

For £125m, Liverpool will expect far more, and quickly.

If Isak’s summer switch has left him looking adrift, Sean Longstaff’s move has provided the perfect reset. Both departures have created talking points, but their fortunes could not have contrasted more.

Newcastle outcast is now shining in the Premier League

While Isak is yet to catch fire, Longstaff has quietly flourished in his new home. Journalist Daniel Storey even went as far as to describe his capture as “one of the best signings in the Premier League.”

A boyhood Newcastle supporter, Longstaff made 214 appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals and assisting 11 more.

He was part of the side that famously defeated Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in the Champions League last season and played a role in the Carabao Cup triumph.

Yet, in the era of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the midfielder represented pure profit on the balance sheet. Eddie Howe, seeking a more technically progressive profile in midfield, allowed him to leave.

Leeds United snapped him up for £12m, and it already looks like one of the bargains of the summer.

In seven appearances so far, Longstaff has scored once and registered one assist, both of which came in a standout performance during a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

He completely dominated the midfield, and the numbers tell the story of that display.

Longstaff had 70 touches and completed 36 of his 41 passes, giving Leeds control in possession.

He produced seven key passes, created two big chances, and was equally impactful without the ball, making six tackles and three clearances.

It was the kind of all-action midfield performance Newcastle fans once enjoyed, only this time in white.

Leeds currently sit 12th in the table, a solid return for a side adjusting to life back in the Premier League, and Longstaff has been central to their early progress.

Premier League 2025/26

Matches Played

6

Minutes

386

Goals

1

Assist

1

Progressive Passes

8

Source: FBref

His energy, vision, and defensive contribution have helped Daniel Farke’s side adapt quickly, and his blend of experience and hunger has made him a fan favourite.

For Newcastle, his departure may have made financial sense, but watching him thrive elsewhere will sting.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Oct 2, 2025

Warwickshire wriggle out with a draw after dogged rearguard on final day

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay21-Apr-2025

Dominant Nottinghamshire ran out of time and had to settle for a draw against Warwickshire after rain took out much of the final day of their Rothesay County Championship Division One match at Edgbaston.Warwickshire, trailing by 274 on first innings, entered the final day on 163 for six second time around, with the visitors four wickets away from the win their command of the match deserved. But rain prevented play until 3.45pm, leaving Nottinghamshire’s bowlers just 36 overs at their disposal on a flattening pitch.Overnight pair Ed Barnard (40 not out, 149 balls) and Olly Hannon-Dalby (seven not out, 62 balls) blocked their way to safety as Warwickshire ended on 181 for six.Warwickshire ended with much relief at a draw, having been outplayed. Nottinghamshire’s frustration, after seizing control with some brilliant bowling on the second day, was deep, though they did not help themselves with pedestrian batting on the third morning. With heavy rain always likely on day four, there was a clear case for pressing home their advantage in more proactive fashion and trying to force victory before the final day.Nottinghamshire’s gamble on the weather allowing them sufficient time did not succeed as Barnard and Hannon-Dalby ‘parked the bus’ on an increasingly placed pitch. After play finally resumed, just three runs came from the first 14 overs.The seventh-wicket pair survived 20 overs with few alarms when Nottinghamshire had their last throw of the dice – a new ball with 16 overs remaining. By that stage, however, the dark clouds had rolled back in and the floodlights were on and only four balls were possible with the new ball before the umpires took the players off for bad light, never to return.Warwickshire were left mightily relieved to have drawn a match in which they were so emphatically second best. Nottinghamshire might reflect that county championship matches are very hard to win, so when you do build a winning position, it’s a good idea to stay positive and do everything you can to turn it into a victory.