India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is aware of the impact Mayank Yadav can create with his express pace but he says it is important to “manage him well”.Mayank took everyone by storm with his 155kph pace during IPL 2024. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants, he picked up the Player-of-the-Match award in his first two games but was ruled out of the tournament soon after with an abdominal injury. He has not played any cricket since then but Suryakumar said he was back to full fitness.”He definitely has the X factor – it was evident when he played franchise cricket,” Suryakumar said ahead of the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior. “He has that extra pace. I didn’t face him in the nets; our net plan was such that someone else faced him. But I have seen what potential he has and what difference he can make for the team. From that point of view, I feel he is a good addition to the Indian team and I am hoping he will do well.Related

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“It’s important to manage him well because of the amount of cricket being played. Everyone is playing for their state too. There was the Duleep Trophy recently. So it is important to pay proper attention and the BCCI is doing that.”Sunday’s match will be the first international at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium. In fact, the venue has not hosted any domestic cricket either. So there is an element of surprise about the conditions.While Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy expected the pitch to be “slow and low” with not much chances of a high-scoring game, Suryakumar Yadav had different views.”As you saw in Sri Lanka, Riyan [Parag] bowled four overs. If someone says he can bowl in the pressure situation, then why not”•Associated Press

“The pitch looks good,” he said. “We practised on the centre wicket, just two pitches away. We didn’t find it that low and slow – we practised all three days. So it [the match pitch] should not be much different.”For T20 cricket, these are good wickets. There will be good competition [between the bat and ball] but at the same time it looks good [for run-scoring]. The rest we will get to know tomorrow.”Yes, it’s a new ground but having practised here for three days, we know what the conditions are, how the pitch is, how the outfield is, what the wind factor is like, whether the dew settles in or not. We will like to play the way we did in the last T20I series. And if everyone does their job, you will get the desired results.”Until recently, India had the problem of their batters not chipping in with the ball in white-ball cricket. But that seems to be changing now, with India’s T20I squad including a plethora of allrounders and part-time bowling options.”It’s good if your batters can bowl an over or two,” Suryakumar said. “I think there is hardly anyone in this squad who doesn’t bowl. That gives you more bowling options on the ground. As you saw in Sri Lanka, Riyan [Parag] bowled four overs. If someone says he can bowl in the pressure situation, then why not.”

A look at how the teams are placed, and their chances of qualifying for the final

S Rajesh10-Sep-2024

Sri LankaThe Oval win keeps Sri Lanka in contention for a top-two finish. If they win all six remaining matches, they’ll finish with 69.23, which will almost certainly take them to the final. Five out of six wins will take them to 61.54, which will still keep them in contention. Four of their six remaining Tests are at home, against New Zealand and Australia.Related

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EnglandEngland’s unexpected defeat at The Oval against Sri Lanka means they can no longer breach the 60% mark in this cycle. The maximum they can achieve now, with wins in their six remaining Tests, is 57.95. That could still be enough if other results go their way.For instance, if India run away from the rest of the pack, then England can finish second if Australia get no more than 42 points out of the 84 on offer from their seven remaining Tests, and if other teams stay below 57.95 as well. If Australia finish on top then England need India to take no more than 58 points and stay below 57.95. However, if England drop more points – five wins and a draw will reduce their percentage to 54.92 – they will need even more help from other teams.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

IndiaIndia remain on top of the table with a healthy percentage of 68.52, but they still have 10 matches to go, the most for any team. To keep their percentage above 60 – they qualified for the 2023 final with 58.8 – they need 63 more points, which they can achieve with five wins and a draw. Six wins will lift the percentage to 64.03, but to match their current score they will need seven wins, which will lift their overall percentage to 69.3.AustraliaCurrently in second place, Australia need 47 more points from their remaining seven Tests to finish on the right side of 60%. They can achieve that with either four wins, or three wins and three draws. To a large extent, their final standing will depend on how many points they rack up in the five-Test home series against India.BangladeshBangladesh’s terrific 2-0 series win in Pakistan has pushed their percentage up to 45.83 and fourth position in the points table. If they win each of their six remaining Tests, they will go up to 72.92, while four wins out of six will keep them at 56.25.PakistanPakistan not only lost 2-0 to Bangladesh, but they also dropped six points due to slow over-rates. Their percentage dropped from 36.66 at the start of the series to 19.05. From here, the maximum they can achieve is 59.52, if they win each of their seven remaining Tests.New Zealand will play three of their remaining six Tests in the cycle in India•AFP/Getty Images

New ZealandNew Zealand have played only six out of their 14 Tests in this cycle. Five of their eight remaining Tests will be in Asia. Out of the 96 points available, they need at least 65 to finish on 60%. That means five wins and a couple of draws (or six wins), but it’s a tough ask given three of those Tests will be in India.South AfricaIf South Africa win each of their next six Tests, they will finish on 69.44, which will almost certainly take them to the final. They have home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan later this year, apart from what could be a tricky two-Test series in Bangladesh.West IndiesWest Indies have already played four series and have only scored 20 points out of 108. Even if they win their last four Tests, they can only finish on 43.59%.

After kicking off their Premier League Summer Series campaign with a 2-1 win over West Ham, Manchester United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a big-money striker.

Fernandes stars as Man Utd continue pre-season tour

Whilst they’ve so far welcomed just two marquee reinforcements in the form of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United’s preparation is going well. The Red Devils have so far squared off against Premier League rivals Leeds United and West Ham in Sweden and America without suffering defeat.

Getting the Premier League Summer Series underway in style, Ruben Amorim’s side edged past West Ham courtesy of usual suspect Bruno Fernandes, who – as ever – looks ready for the new campaign.

Although it was his captain who stole plenty of the headlines, Amorim had plenty of praise for new arrival Cunha as well as Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo following victory over the Hammers in pre-season.

The United boss told reporters: “Matheus Cunha is that kind of player that can help us, he can help us a lot because he can run with the ball and that is something that can change the game. We missed that last year.

“In the first half, Kobbie [Mainoo] and Manu [Ugarte] were really good. I’m not going to talk about the second team because it’s really hard for 11 [10] players to go to the pitch, you know, a lot of young kids. But I really like the team. Of course, you have to look at the game and you have to improve things.”

Even after a decent start to pre-season, however, there’s still improvements to be made and the addition of one particular forward would complete United’s attacking rebuild once and for all.

Man Utd battling Tottenham to sign Mitrovic

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now battling to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic from Al-Hilal alongside Tottenham Hotspur this summer. The two Premier League rivals have set their sights on the former Newcastle United and Fulham man, who has only continued his goalscoring exploits in Saudi Arabia.

Whilst Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund struggled in front of goal last season, Mitrovic found the back of the net a staggering 28 times. And if there were any concerns that he wouldn’t be able to replicate similar numbers in the Premier League, then his 14-goal haul in his final season at Fulham should help to ease those worries.

What’s more, those at Old Trafford have seen the quality that the Serbian possesses for themselves when he scored in a visit to Manchester United in Fulham’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat in that same final season.

Alas, the deal won’t be cheap. Even if Man United can negotiate a lower price with Al-Hilal, they’ll still need to find a way past Mitrovic’s reported £22m-a-year salary which would make him their highest earner.

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Ask Fulham boss Marco Silva whether that price would prove worthwhile, however, and his answer will be a resounding yes. The Portuguese coach told reporters during Mitrovic’s time at Craven Cottage: “The numbers of Mitrovic are unbelievable, they are outstanding. Since I arrived in this football club, in 57 games he scored 52 goals. It is an unbelievable number for a striker.”

Manchester United have been constantly pursuing a move for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo throughout this summer window, but it appears their persistence has finally paid off.

The Red Devils managed to agree a deal with the Bees for the 25-year-old forward, in a move that could reach up to £71m should all the add-ons be reached in the future.

There’s no denying that it’s a huge fee for a player who’s only had one top-level season in the Premier League, but it highlights the ambition shown by the board this window.

The Cameroonian international registered 20 league goals last time around, over two times more than any player within Ruben Amorim’s side that finished the 2024/25 campaign.

However, despite agreeing to such a hefty sum for the forward, the hierarchy appear to be continuing their hunt for added reinforcements, including the signing of one player who could prove to be a better addition than that of Mbeumo.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Emiliano Martínez is one high-profile signing United are looking to complete during this summer’s market, with the Aston Villa shot-stopper available for a fee in the region of just £21m.

It’s been reported that the player himself would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, potentially taking advantage of Villa’s PSR situation, which could require player sales before the end of the window.

However, another player has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils during the off-season, with RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons on their radar, according to Sport via Sport Witness.

They claim that higher-ups from United have already had meetings with the Dutch international’s representatives over a possible transfer before the September 1st deadline.

It also states they aren’t alone in their hunt for the 22-year-old, with Chelsea also firmly in the race for his signature, leading to a £60m price tag being mooted.

Why United’s £60m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

Given his tally of goals last season, it’s no surprise that a deal for Mbeumo would excite the fanbase, subsequently handing Amorim the clinical talent he’s lacked in attacking areas since arriving.

However, the 25-year-old mainly operated in a wide right role at Brentford last season, a position which he won’t be able to occupy at Old Trafford, given the manager’s 3-4-2-1 system.

It’s already confirmed that he won’t be utilised as a striker, leaving the Cameroonian to play in one of the two number ten positions behind the striker, potentially partnering Matheus Cunha in providing the goods.

Such a deal could prove to be a risk, splashing serious money on a player and utilising him in a slightly unfamiliar role, especially considering the other options available this summer.

As seen by their attempts to convince Simons to join the club, the club have been targeting countless options, with the Dutchman a much bigger talent than Mbeumo.

He’s a younger star, subsequently having the potential to explode into an elite-level talent in the years ahead and would’ve even been a cheaper deal given his £60m valuation placed on his shoulders by the Bundesliga outfit.

However, when comparing his stats to those of the pending new arrival, he managed to outperform him in multiple areas, highlighting why he’d be a better signing for Amorim’s system.

Games played

25

38

Goals & assists

16

27

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

43%

Goal per shot on target

0.5

0.4

Progressive passes

5.9

3.7

Pass accuracy

78%

66%

Key passes made

2.2

1.8

Take-on success

1.4

1.3

Carries into final third

2.9

1.8

Fouls won

2.4

1.1

Simons, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by OptaJohan, may have been outscored, but did manage to post a better goal per shot on target rate than Mbeumo, showcasing he’s more clinical with the chances he’s presented with in front of goal.

He also completed more key passes per 90, along with more progressive passes per 90, having the end product to allow those ahead of him to find the back of the net – a crucial component for any number ten in the modern game.

The Leipzig star’s dominance doesn’t stop there, completing more take-ons per 90, highlighting the ability he possesses with the ball at his feet, offering a more all-round threat than United’s soon-to-be £71m signing.

Given the difference in figures produced and the price tags between the pair, it’s evident that a deal for Simons would be a better signing for the Red Devils this summer.

Both players possess a lot of talent, but ultimately, if the club are to reach the next level in the years ahead, they need to be making the correct calls in the market, something which they’ve failed to do once again if they land Mbeumo over Simons.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are now in talks over a deal to sign a “powerful” defender, and they are in a strong position to win the race for his signature, according to a report.

Wolves looking to bolster defensive options

Wolves were vulnerable defensively for large parts of the 2024-25 campaign, particularly struggling to prevent their opponents scoring from set-pieces, and they have now set out to upgrade their backline this summer.

Several targets have been identified at centre-back, including Udinese’s Thomas Kristensen and Christopher Wooh, while Vitor Pereira may also be required to bring in a new right-back, with Nelson Semedo still yet to commit to a new contract.

Wolves battle to sign versatile £17m+ star who created 22 chances in 24/25

The Old Gold are ready to ramp up their pursuit.

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The Old Gold are still working on keeping Semedo at Molineux, with a new deal being offered, but the full-back is yet to give them an answer, amid interest from Manchester United, who have held internal talks over a move for the 31-year-old.

As such, Pereira may also be eager to get a new right-back through the door this summer, and Wolves are one of two clubs best positioned to sign Almeria’s Marc Pubill, according to a report from Marca (via Sport Witness).

Talks have been opened over a deal for Pubill, with Almeria looking to receive a fee of €15m (£13m) after failing to achieve their goal of promotion to La Liga last season, and the next few days will be key in terms of his future.

The defender is said to be considering offers from both AC Milan and the Old Gold, indicating that a proposal of sorts has already been made by the Premier League club, and he now has a big decision to make.

"Powerful" Pubill could be solid long-term Semedo heir

Of course, everyone at Wolves will be hoping that Semedo commits his future to the club, given that the right-back remained a key player last season, making 34 Premier League appearances, but the Almeria full-back could be a solid long-term replacement.

Perhaps most notably, the Spaniard is an Olympic gold medallist, having been a part of the squad that was crowned champions at Paris 2024, scoring his side’s first goal in the competition.

The 22-year-old is not afraid to push further up the pitch and contribute going forward, as pointed out by football scout Ben Mattinson, who described him as “marauding” earlier this month.

Pubill’s exploits for his country indicate that he could be a fantastic signing for Wolves, capable of making an instant impact at Molineux, and at £13m, a deal for the full-back would not break the bank.

تحدث الدولي الأسكتلندي، أندرو روبرتسون، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول عن فوزه أمام أتلتيكو مدريد ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحقق ليفربول فوزًا قاتلًا على أتلتيكو مدريد بنتيجة 3-2 في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، والتي أقيمت مساء أمس، الأربعاء، على ملعب “آنفيلد”.

وقال روبرتسون، في تصريحات نقلها الموقع الرسمي للنادي الإنجليزي عن منافسته مع كيركيز: “إنه جزء لا يتجزأ من كرة القدم، عندما تلعب في ناد مثل ليفربول تتوقع مواجهة تحديات في كل موسم”.

وأكمل عن تفكيره في الرحيل عن ليفربول: “من الواضح أن هذا الموسم كان مختلفًا بعض الشيء، إذ ربما تعاقدنا مع لاعب سيبدأ أساسيًا، لذلك كان الأمر مختلفًا بعض الشيء بالنسبة لي، كان صيفًا صعبًا بعض الشيء وبعد أن حسمت أمري التزمت به”.

اقرأ أيضًا | فريمبونج: جئت إلى ليفربول من أجل تلك اللحظات.. وفيرتز قادم

واستطرد: “من الواضح أن لدي عامًا واحدًا فقط، أحب اللعب مع هذا النادي وأحب اللعب مع اللاعبين، أستطيع مساعدة اللاعبين أيضًا، من الواضح أن حصولي على منصب نائب القائد هذا الموسم منحني مسؤولية إضافية أيضًا، لذلك فقد ازدهر أدائي”.

وتابع: “بمجرد انطلاق المباريات وخوض المزيد منها، أعتقد أنني سأشارك بما يكفي، أستفيد من الإيجابيات وأتطلع إلى الموسم المقبل”.

وتحدث روبرتسون عن مشاركة إيزاك الأولى: “أعتقد أنه كان ممتازًا، من الواضح أنه لم يخُض فترة تحضيرية كافية، ولم يشارك في الكثير من المباريات منذ الموسم الماضي لكنني أعتقد وخاصةً في الشوط الأول أنه كان ممتازًا للغاية”.

وعن استبداله بزميله الفرنسي هوجو إيكتيكي: “لقد تعب بشكل طبيعي ومن الرائع أن يشارك لاعب مثل هوجو، كلاهما يتمتعان بجودة عالية”.

Out of the promoted three that soared out of the Championship last season, Sunderland could well be the side that’s most well-equipped to secure immediate safety in the Premier League if their whirlwind summer activity is anything to go by.

Of course, Leeds United have flexed their muscles as well with the recent £12m pick up of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United sticking out, but that’s nothing compared to the millions continuing to be splashed by Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats.

Minus Reinildo joining on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid, Sunderland has amazingly forked out £12m+ on every other signing so far this summer, with that spending unlikely to slow down.

Sunderland closing in on another new signing

Nobody can knock Sunderland’s ambition since promotion was achieved gloriously, knowing time is of the essence if they want to recruit well and attempt to stay afloat in the Premier League.

Yet, the Black Cats haven’t quite added in proven Premier League quality to their ranks, like Leeds have managed with Longstaff, but that could soon change emphatically.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the latest development from Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg via X reveals that a verbal agreement has now been reached between the Wearside outfit and Bayer Leverkusen over the signing of ex-Arsenal warrior Granit Xhaka.

If the deal goes through it would see Xhaka join the Stadium of Light ranks until 2028, and talks are now ongoing to finalise a move. One sticking point could be the midfielder’s £17m price tag.

A further report from Keith Downie, however, says that Sunderland are actually “close to completing a deal.”

How Xhaka can be Le Bris' next Le Fee

Xhaka is definitely worth pursuing for that amount, with the potential here for the 32-year-old to be Le Bris’ next statement buy, much like when Le Fee joined the building last summer.

Le Fee immediately showed off his class last season as Sunderland gunned for promotion back to the Premier League.

Not fazed by his new daunting environment whatsoever – having already been a classy performer in others top divisions such as Ligue 1 – Le Fee managed to pick up one goal and three assists for his troubles from 18 outings, with the ex-Lorient midfielder picking up two of those assists in crucial moments during the Black Cats’ tense, but ultimately, successful playoff journey.

Xhaka also proved himself to be the man for the big occasion when plying his trade for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, as seen in the Basel-born battler collecting two mighty FA Cup triumphs when still situated in North London, on top of his many Premier League appearances for Arsenal as a regular member of the first team.

Games played

33

33

Goals scored

3

2

Assists

0

7

Touches*

110.5

94.5

Accurate passes*

91.0 (92%)

75.8 (91%)

Ball recoveries*

6.0

5.4

Total duels won*

3.5

3.9

In total, 225 of Xhaka’s 297 appearances for Arsenal came in the demanding terrain of the top-flight, with his combative style helping the Gunners get through some testing times, which should also stand him in good stead on Wearside if a relegation dog-fight is on the menu.

Staggeringly, across that extensive back catalogue of Premier League clashes, Xhaka would throw himself into 1001 duels, with 368 tackles also attempted, leading to Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm labelling him as a “monster.”

Fortunately, that same bite has followed him to the Bundesliga, too, with his standout numbers across his last two seasons in the German top division showing off a star that’s still at the peak of his powers.

He also has a moment of magic just waiting in his locker like Le Fee, with a combined goal and assist haul of 67 from 396 games for Arsenal and Leverkusen, further making him a statement signing worth getting over the line.

Football journalist Henry Winter has even hailed the potential signing as “inspired”, with Xhaka just one part of the ongoing jigsaw that might allow for Sunderland to thrive up a level.

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