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Liverpool have come out of the blocks with a vengeance this season after struggling to impress last time out, with Jurgen Klopp's squad desperate to restore intensity and success to the club.

The Premier League giants have asserted their authority over the lion's share of rivals in domineering fashion since the German manager took the reins, with a wealth of silverware – including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup – snapped up.

But after falling flat last term, finishing fifth and going trophyless, the Reds have made the requisite summer changes for success once more, and while the term's in its fledging phase, three wins and a draw (against Chelsea, again) have created a sturdy foundation to build from.

Who did Liverpool sign this summer?

It was a summer characterised by midfield upheaval, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving in June after their contracts expired before Jordan Henderson and Fabinho's heads were turned by the lucrative Saudi Arabian transfer raid.

With Fabio Carvalho also leaving on loan, replacements were important, but the calibre of the additions was imperative, and it certainly appears to have been a successful summer so far.

Creative midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were signed before the unlikely move for Wataru Endo was made to replace Fabinho – after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea – and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch was snapped up on deadline day to complete the rebuild.

However, there could be a significant move on the cards in future transfer windows with Kylian Mbappe's name the centre of attention once more.

Are Liverpool interested in Kylian Mbappe?

A window exclusively made up of midfield transfers, the discourse surrounding Mohamed Salah's future remains, with Al-Ittihad looking to make an exorbitant £200m offer for the Egyptian forward.

Per year

£127.4m

Per week

£2.45m

Per day

£350k

Per hour

£14.6k

Per minute

£243.30

Figures sourced via talkSPORT

In the wake of this, L'Equipe report this week that Paris Saint-Germain's Mbappe is on the Reds' radar once again, with his contract set for expiry at the end of the campaign.

The prominent outlet claim that the 24-year-old France star is tempted by a move to Anfield, though the complications that would arise from swooping for the £1.2m-a-week World Cup winner are daunting.

Such a financial commitment may be out of the question for Liverpool, who instead could turn to options already at their disposal. A certain Ben Doak is one name that could benefit from a lack of forward acquisitions in the future.

How good is Ben Doak?

The thought of Mbappe plying his trade on Merseyside, wreaking havoc on Premier League defences and rivalling Manchester City's Erling Haaland as the eminent offensive force on English soil is tantalising to say the least.

But Liverpool would have to shatter their wage bill, their structure, to make room for the phenomenon. Because of this, Klopp might be inclined to provide rising star Doak with greater responsibility this season as he nurtures the young Scotsman to the fore.

Doak, aged just 17, has been riding the crest of a wave in the maiden phase of his career after impressing at Celtic and earning a move to Liverpool for a compensation fee of around £600k.

Hailed as a "special" talent by Klopp, the teenager has made six senior appearances for the Anfield side having posted 11 goals and eight assists from 22 outings for the youth sides.

A genuine "prodigy" – as has been said by Liverpool reporter Keifer MacDonald – the young Scot impresses with his barrelling gait, maintaining a low centre of gravity and weaving through the lines with his blistering pace and diminutive stature.

The three-cap Scotland U21 international has all the innate qualities to soar to the very highest level, remarked by his agent Jackie McNamara as a 'Scottish Wayne Rooney' for his style and stature.

A very pacy player with impressive physicality, to say that Doak will reach the same heights as Mbappe would receive ridicule from many, and while Mbappe – who has scored 217 goals and provided 98 assists from just 263 displays for PSG, by the way – has a transcendent ability to leave defenders in anguish, there's no reason why he can't develop into a starring member of Klopp's Liverpool team.

With Liverpool anticipating Salah's departure at some point, even if they rebuff the relentless advances of Al-Ittihad, Mbappe would be the dream replacement, but that might just have be accepted as somewhat unrealistic.

With Doak waiting in the wings, Liverpool have a youth star ready for a prominent role, and as he grows into his skin he could leave the Kop roaring his name in adulation for years to come.

New Zealand women have roped in former allrounder Jacob Oram as their bowling coach. Oram has accepted an 18-month contract, which will see him join the team for incoming and outgoing tours as well as training camps.Oram has worked with the team in the past after his retirement and has also coached many of New Zealand’s elite women cricketers.”I’m really excited to come on board with the White Ferns and join Haidee Tiffen’s coaching team,” Oram said. “There’s an immense amount of talent and potential in the team and I’m looking forward to working with the bowlers in particular, and seeing what improvements we can make.”Oram represented New Zealand from 2001 to 2012 and played in 229 international matches. He was one of the three shortlisted candidates for the interview and head coach Tiffen said he was appointed because of his experience with some of the present players.”Jake’s a great guy and builds strong relationships,” she said. “We’ve seen what he can do through his work with Hannah Rowe at the Central Hinds and we’re looking forward to having him with us on a full-time touring basis.”Matthew Bell, the side’s batting coach, has extended his contract until the middle of next year.”Matt’s been working with the White Ferns since 2014 and always brings great energy and knowledge to the group,” Tiffen said. “I know the batting group, especially, will be excited to see him stay on in his role.”The team currently holds a 1-0 lead in the home ODI series against West Indies in the latest round of the Women’s Championship. They are also expected to tour England later this year before the World T20 in November.”I’m really keen to spend some time with the players in camp and get an idea of how we can all improve,” Oram said. “To go to any world tournament is a real buzz and I think it will be just as exciting as a coach.”

Manchester City's pursuit of Lucas Paqueta has taken a positive turn, according to reports, as the Premier League champions look to complete their squad ahead of the start of the new campaign.

Pep Guardiola has already welcomed two reinforcements this summer, with Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol coming through the door at The Etihad.

What's the latest on Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City?

Whilst Manchester City are yet to see an offer accepted by West Ham United for Paqueta, as confirmed by David Moyes, they have, at the very least, agreed personal terms with the Brazilian, according to Mohamed Bouhafsi.

Bouhafsi has reported that the midfielder has agreed a six-year deal with the treble winners, who saw an £85m, plus £10m in add-ons rejected by West Ham. The Hammers reportedly want £110m without bonuses if they are to sell their star this summer, but City chiefs are confident they'll find a deal.

Moyes confirmed that the offer that the London club received did not reach their valuation, saying, via Roshane Thomas: "We've had an offer from Manchester City, but at the moment it's not anywhere near meeting our valuation."

With time running out in the transfer window, City may be keen to get the deal done as quickly as possible in the remaining weeks, especially after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Paqueta.

Should Manchester City sign Lucas Paqueta?

City's pursuit of Paqueta came somewhat out of nowhere, given his place in a side that struggled in the Premier League for the majority of last season. Guardiola's eye for talent is not one to be questioned, though, and the statistics show exactly why the Manchester club are after the midfielder.

According to FBref, when compared to Ilkay Gundogan, the West Ham man wasn't far off in what was ultimately a poor side domestically under Moyes last season.

Paqueta made just 0.48 less progressive passes per 90 than Gundogan last season, who he may be replacing at The Etihad this summer, with both making over five. Meanwhile, he was also involved in just four fewer goals, and won more tackles per 90 than the German.

So, whilst Paqueta may have been an unexpected target for some, the stats show that City could get themselves an ideal Gundogan replacement.

It is those numbers that have earned the midfielder such high praise in the past, too, including from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who said last season, via HITC: "We respect them a lot.

“They have caused us a lot of problems here and there as well, all the time. David is just doing an incredible job, they have really quality players and options to change. Paqueta is a great player."

The fact that he's got the approval of both Guardiola and Klopp speaks volumes about the calibre of player that Paqueta is. And if Manchester City can add him to their treble-winning side, he will only get better.

Of course, there's still a long way to go in negotiations, given West Ham's reported £110m asking price, but those at The Etihad could yet land their man before the summer transfer window slams shut in the Premier League.

Arsenal have enjoyed a period of stable progression under Mikel Arteta, with little cause for worry as he forges a brighter future. However, that has not been a process without its hiccups…

Is Douglas Luiz leaving Aston Villa?

Having handed Emi Martinez a show of faith amidst Bernd Leno's injury, the Argentine impressed in between the sticks for a period.

Many thought they have pulled a blinder when such a stint resulted in a permanent move away to Aston Villa, retrieving a hefty £17m fee for what was essentially a backup goalkeeper. Few could have imagined just how far he would continue to grow.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Now, in an attempt to avenge that devastating decision, and bolster their midfield too, perhaps the Gunners could seek to snag Douglas Luiz from Unai Emery's clutches.

After all, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones suggested that they remain in the hunt, speaking to GIVEMSPORT:

"I think it’s an open secret in football that Arsenal still want Douglas Luiz, but they have failed to sign him in the past and given that Aston Villa are in a better place now than they were in 2022, I would expect them to keep hold of him again.

"It would take a huge offer to change their stance on that and while I do actually think this would be a great style of player for Arsenal to sign, I’m not convinced they have the capability in this window to make an offer that is so strong that Aston Villa can not turn it down.

How good is Douglas Luiz?

In his debut campaign at Villa Park, the Argentina international quickly established how much of a blunder sanctioning his exit was with his fine goalkeeping displays.

Featuring in all of their Premier League games that year, he maintained a 7.18 average rating, buoyed by his 15 clean sheets and 3.7 saves per game, at a 76% success rate, via Sofascore.

He was comfortably the highest-rated shot-stopper in the division that term, made even more impressive given how busy he was. Martinez was forced to make the third-most saves that year too.

However, that was not the extent of his success in the Midlands, given he has gone on to feature 112 times for the club.

His exploits led to an emergence within his national team, which had huge ramifications on the recent 2022 World Cup.

The 30-year-old was called upon on numerous occasions, emerging at the biggest moments to keep his side alive. He helped them crawl through a penalty shootout against the Netherlands before his last-minute save from Randal Kolo Muani prevented France from winning the final at the death.

Then, he would be the hero yet again, saving once in another shootout to become the hero. Gabby Agbonlahor even suggested: "I think he's the best goalkeeper in the world."

To think of where his career has risen, and how easily he was allowed to leave by Arteta, it likely remains one of his few big regrets from his time at the Emirates.

However, adding Luiz to his ranks should alleviate that frustration, given the attacking impetus he would offer to his engine room, alongside a tireless work rate. It could be the key addition that helps push them closer to that title.

His 7.10 average rating in the league last season was the best of any Villa player, largely bolstered by his 12 goal contributions 86% pass accuracy, two tackles and 1.2 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

The Brazilian is creative yet cut-throat, with writer Jack Grimse having branded the £75k-per-week star a "warrior" in the past.

To bring this kind of steel and elegance to Arteta's side, which prides itself on blending work ethic with pure quality, and at last, they could be set to get back at Villa for taking and turning Martinez into one of the world's best.

There is likely to be a great deal of trepidation in the air for Leeds United supporters, who will be desperate to keep hold of midfielder Tyler Adams despite falling into the Championship this year.

Leeds endured a torrid campaign that saw two managerial dismissals before Sam Allardyce was handed the reins in the closing weeks of the season in a final scramble for salvation.

It didn't work, and Daniel Farke – formerly of Norwich City and, more recently, Borussia Mönchengladbach – now prepares to lead the club back into the Premier League instantaneously.

He has already completed deals for goalkeeper Karl Darlow and defender/holding midfielder Ethan Ampadu, and now could look to improve the Whites' centre further by signing Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.

Are Leeds trying to sign Glen Kamara?

According to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post earlier this month, Leeds have looked at completing a deal for Kamara this summer, with the 27-year-old midfielder believed to hold a £5m release clause in his contract.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Leeds could do with another centre-midfielder following the departures of Brenden Aaronson and Marc Roca on loan this summer, and if Adams were to leave too, it would only intensify the need for another fresh face.

How good is Glen Kamara?

Having played 193 fixtures for the Gers since arriving from Dundee for a paltry £50k, scoring nine goals and supplying 11 assists, Kamara has been an integral part of the club's recent resurgence and has gleaned the Premiership and Scottish Cup.

The 52-cap Finland international was once called a "terrific footballer in possession" by former boss Steven Gerrard, and this can certainly play to his favour as Farke will likely target such a midfielder given his possession-based style – according to WhoScored, Kamara boasts a career average pass success rate of 89.3%.

While not a like-for-like replacement, the former Arsenal youngster could be the perfect remedy for Leeds if Adams does indeed secure a reported move away from west Yorkshire over the coming weeks.

Ampadu, arriving from Chelsea for £7m, played the defensive midfield role on loan at Spezia last term, while Kamara is efficient himself, if not boasting the same output as Adams.

The USMNT star has been praised as a "tackling machine" by pundit Kevin Campbell and ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles and the top 3% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.

Adams does not, however, boast the same level of ball-playing composure, and only completed 82% of his passes in the Premier League last season, whereas Kamara completed 89% in the Scottish first division.

And while Kamara did not enjoy the most successful of seasons last term, recording an average Sofascore rating of 6.7, his 7.01 score the previous campaign illustrates how effective he can be at his zenith.

Across the 21/22 term, he scored three goals and assists apiece, averaged 1.3 key passes per game, completed 91% of his passes and made one tackle per outing, praised as a "monster" by Gerrard.

That 'monster' tag indicates that he boasts the physicality and industriousness to thrive in Farke's system, and if Adams does indeed go, he would be an apt replacement given Ampadu has already been signed.

تغلب فريق مانشستر سيتي على برايتون برباعية دون رد، مساء الخميس، في منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريمرليج”.

وحل برايتون ضيفًا على مانشستر سيتي بملعب “الاتحاد” في مباراة مؤجلة من الجولة التاسعة والعشرين للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتقدم كيفين دي بروين بهدف أول لمانشستر سيتي من رأسية في الدقيقة 17 من عمر اللقاء.

ثم أضاف فيل فودين الهدف الثاني لمانشستر سيتي في الدقيقة 26، وسجل ثاني أهدافه والثالث لفريقه بالدقيقة 34.

اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي بعد ثنائية فودين في مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبرايتون

في الشوط الثاني، أحرز جوليان ألفاريز هدف مانشستر سيتي الرابع بالدقيقة 64 من اللقاء. أهداف مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبرايتون

لم تشهد المباراة مزيدًا من الأهداف وانتهت بفوز مانشستر سيتي بأربعة أهداف دون رد أمام برايتون.

بهذه النتيجة يرفع مانشستر سيتي رصيده إلى النقطة 76 في المركز الثاني خلف المتصدر آرسنال بفارق نقطة، وتراجع ليفربول للمركز الثالث برصيد 74 نقطة.

أما برايتون تجمد رصيده عند النقطة 44 في المركز 11، ويتبقى مباراة مؤجلة لمانشستر سيتي أمام توتنهام.

Fulham have now made a bid of €25m (£22m) for Benfica defender Morato, who is keen on a move to Craven Cottage this summer, according to a recent report from Maisfutebol.

What's the latest Fulham transfer news?

At the moment, Fulham appear to be bracing for a couple of major departures, with Aleksandar Mitrovic reportedly telling relatives he will never play for the club again, in light of them valuing him at £52m to ward off interest from Al Hilal.

Marco Silva's future is also in doubt, with the manager's agents meeting with representatives of Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in London, to discuss a potential £40m deal to manage in the Saudi Pro League.

With the future of their star striker and manager up in the air, it is a worrying time for Fulham, however, they still remain active in the transfer market, having recently submitted a bid of £15m for Ajax defender Calvin Bassey.

However, considering the Dutch side paid £20m for the 23-year-old last summer, it seems unlikely they would be willing to part with him for a lower amount, and the Cottagers have now identified Morato as a major target.

That is according to a report from Portuguese outlet Maisfutebol (via Sport Witness), which states that Fulham have now stepped up their interest in the Benfica defender by lodging a "decisive" offer of €25m (£22m) in order to acquire his services.

Silva's side are willing to offer the 22-year-old a significantly-improved salary package, which would nearly quadruple his wages, and the player himself would be keen on a move to Craven Cottage.

The Brazilian has allegedly instructed Benfica to accept the proposal made by the west London club, but Benfica have already turned down four bids in recent days, so it remains to be seen whether £22m is deemed to be a high enough offer.

Who is Morato?

The Francisco Morato-born defender initially made his breakthrough with Sao Paulo, attracting the attention of Benfica, where he has spent the last four seasons, making a total of 50 appearances for the Portuguese club.

However, the 6 foot 3 centre-back has been unable to cement a regular place in the starting XI, making a total of just nine outings in the league last season.

Given that Benfica won the league title last season, it is understandable that the former Sao Paulo man was not able to break into the first team, and he could still be a quality signing for Fulham.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the Benfica ace as "magnificent", while also claiming he "has everything to become a world-class centre-back."

One of the £8k-per-week defender's best attributes is his passing ability, having averaged a pass-completion rate of 90% over the past year, which places him in the 96th percentile compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level.

It would certainly be a risk for Fulham to sign Morato, given that he only has very limited first-team experience, but he is still very young and he is showing signs that he could go on to be a top player.

Arsenal are reportedly one of the clubs interested in Israeli sensation Oscar Gloukh, as the Gunners eye reinforcements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Mikel Arteta will hope to close the gap on Manchester City in making sufficient signings this summer, something that the Spaniard is seemingly mastering with Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber Emirates bound.

The Gunners will face competition for Gloukh, who has been linked with a potential move to north London from Austria.

Are Arsenal signing Oscar Gloukh?

As reported by The Guardian on Tuesday, Arsenal are one of the Premier League representatives eyeing RB Salzburg midfielder Oscar Gloukh.

The report names the Gunners, along with City and Tottenham as the side’s wanting to secure the teenager’s signature, stating that the player would ‘prefer’ to join an English or Spanish side next.

It's thought that all three of those clubs have made enquiries to sign the player too.

It was only in the winter window that the youngster was picked up by Salzburg from Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv for a fee of €7m (£6m), however, a sharp start to his budding career has suggested that another move could be on the cards.

How good is Oscar Gloukh?

Labelled a "wonderkid" by journalist Tom Maston, the teen lit up the recent U21 European Championships, where he actually played against Emile Smith Rowe's England on Wednesday night.

The Arsenal star bagged an assist as Gloukh's side exited the tournament following a 3-0 defeat. He did, however, bow out having created four big chances in the tournament, the most of any player, while also registering three assists.

Deployed primarily as an attacking midfielder for Salzburg, the 19-year-old clearly has talents in the final third, as further highlighted by his two goals and one assist since arriving in the Austrian Bundesliga.

In the Bundesliga, Gloukh created five big chances, as well as averaging 1.2 key passes, despite only averaging 52 minutes per game for his new club.

For Arsenal, the teenager’s talent is an exciting prospect when taking into consideration Arteta’s confidence in young players at the Emirates, with the Gunners averaging the joint-youngest team last season.

The north Londoners are expected to bid farewell to Granit Xhaka this summer, who could depart for a German Bundesliga return after an eventful seven years at the club.

The Swiss midfielder’s exit could allow for a new face to flourish in his place alongside Rice, with Gloukh signalling to be a perfect heir to the 30-year-old.

Hailed as being a “jewel” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the teenager has been tipped by Kulig to become a “future legend of Israeli football” and could emulate the creative spark that Xhaka introduced to his game in the latter stages of his Arsenal career.

Typically used as a deep midfielder, the Swiss ace was identifiable as a hot-headed cog in the engine room, before displaying a more offensive role under Arteta, scoring nine times last term.

The 30-year-old averaged 1.3 key passes per game for the Gunners, as well as creating six big chances, just one more than Gloukh in his half-a-season at Salzburg, implying that the youngster could one day fill the void left by Xhaka’s departure.

One thing that is certain is that the club that secures the signing of the starlet will have an audacious talent on their hands, in a player that has a glass ceiling to his abilities in central midfield.

Cheteshwar Pujara secured the longest occupation ever by an Indian batsman in terms of balls faced as he and Wriddhiman Saha ground Australia’s bowlers into the Ranchi dust on the fourth day

The Report by Daniel Brettig19-Mar-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:44

Chappell: I see India being 2-1 up

Cheteshwar Pujara secured the longest occupation ever by an Indian batsman in a Test match as he and Wriddhiman Saha ground Australia into the Ranchi dust on the fourth day. The tourists were unable to maintain their shackles on the middle-order pair after a pair of close calls went against them in the morning, leaving India as the only side who can win this match.That fact was underlined by the final eight overs of the day, in which Ravindra Jadeja bowled David Warner through the gate and then followed up by skidding through the nightwatchman Nathan Lyon with the day’s last delivery. Jadeja’s accuracy and variation of spin loom as the gravest threats to Steven Smith’s bedraggled team on day five.In all the Pujara-Saha stand was worth 199, denying Australia a wicket until the evening session when both batsmen fell in pursuit of quick runs to increase India’s lead. Jadeja prolonged the punishment with a rapid fifty, and the tourists were left with eight overs to survive before the close, manoeuvred into a position from which India have already won Test matches at home this season.Patience has always been a strength of Pujara’s, and by surpassing Rahul Dravid as the Indian batsman to spend the longest time batting in a Test, he showed fortitude of a truly rare kind. Saha offered excellent support, opening his shoulders to play attractively against a tiring Australian attack and reaching a deserved century.Pat Cummins, who again bowled with great quality for the tourists and deserved his four wickets, had Saha given out lbw with his first ball of the day, but the wicketkeeper’s referral showed the ball to be missing leg stump by millimetres.Closer to lunch Pujara was given out lbw to a delivery that Lyon straighted down the line of the stumps from around the wicket, but his review showed the ball to be spinning too much and also sliding past leg stump. Steve O’Keefe also came close to a breakthrough when Saha edged a cut shot attempt but the chance was dropped by Matthew Wade.Chances dried up almost entirely in the afternoon as Pujara and Saha went on to a partnership that has redefined the match and possibly the series. Not least by placing a considerable physical strain on Australia’s four-man bowling attack – Glenn Maxwell’s offbreaks were used only sparingly.Pujara’s performance has effectively cancelled out the big hundred made by Australia’s captain Smith, and put India in the ideal position to pressure the tourists on the final day. Saha’s assistance was also vital in frustrating a touring team that had started the day with hopes of quickly rolling up the India tail and setting a fourth-innings target.Cummins had briefly enjoyed the sensation of claiming a fifth wicket of the innings in his return to Test cricket nearly six years after his storied debut against South Africa in Johannesburg. Saha was nowhere near a ball angled into him, and there was some discussion with Pujara before he reviewed. The Australians were floored when ball-tracking showed the ball to be missing leg stump.From there Pujara and Saha accumulated slowly, against bowling that remained disciplined under an overcast sky that compelled the umpires to turn on the stadium floodlights. Pujara’s 150 was a marker of his concentration and temperament against bowling that rarely lapsed into looseness.Lyon was not used until midway through the session, and from around the stumps he appeared to have found a way to winkle out Pujara when the umpire Ian Gould raised his finger in response to the lbw appeal. However Hawk-Eye again went the way of India.Wade’s drop of Saha from O’Keefe on 51 drew an apology from gloveman to bowler, then shortly before the interval Lyon again appealed and then referred, this time for caught behind when Saha essayed a sweep shot. But replays found no evidence of contact and left the Australians having made no progress for their morning’s efforts.Smith took the third new ball soon after play resumed, and once more Cummins produced a series of testing deliveries but was unable to claim the wicket Australia so dearly needed. Instead the hosts forged into the lead while the visitors used up their two decision referrals with a pair of overly optimistic appeals.Pujara’s long-batting milestone was followed by Saha’s approach to within one run of his century at tea. The stand was worth an unbeaten 175 at the break, with two whole sessions elapsing without a single wicket. Another 24 runs were accrued after tea at an increasing rate, including Saha’s century, before Pujara popped a catch to midwicket to hand Lyon his first wicket since day one of the Bengaluru Test.Saha fell in a similar manner, but Jadeja was more successful in taking the attack to the visitors. O’Keefe’s 77 overs were the sixth most ever by an Australian bowler in a Test innings, a tally not surpassed since Jim Higgs against England in 1979. Australia were defeated in that match, and the loss of Warner and Lyon ensures their 2017 descendants now face an almighty struggle to avoid the same fate.

Quetta Gladiators started off strongly last year, losing only two games during their run to the final – but eventually fell short against Islamabad. Can a refurbished side go one better?

Danyal Rasool08-Feb-20170:48

Will Quetta Gladiators fight their way to the top?

Inaugural season results
Quetta Gladiators were the form team of the group stages last year, demonstrating what could be achieved with savvy recruitment as opposed to throwing money at the big names. After six wins in their eight group-stage games, they eked out a thrilling one-run victory against Peshawar to qualify for the final. That was as good as it got, the Gladiators finding themselves outplayed by an Islamabad side which was flying by that stage, ending a dynamic first season somewhat meekly.Team assessmentOf the five franchises in the format last year, Quetta Gladiators had, by far, the lowest profile. However, their 2016 results mean they won’t be flying under anyone’s radar this time around. They are led by Sarfraz Ahmed, who looks like the clear favourite to take over Pakistan’s limited-overs captaincy, and whose chances were certainly done no harm by his ability to make an unassuming Quetta side click last season.Quetta have retained their biggest foreign stars Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright, as well as a large number of local players who exceeded expectations 12 months ago. But a number of new players have been drafted in, including Sri Lankan allrounder Thisara Perera, South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw, and Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah Riyad.Exciting English quick Tymal Mills, who can comfortably exceed speeds of 90mph in addition to possessing a devilishly disguised slower ball, has also been brought in. With Umar Gul well past his prime and David Willey replaced by Nathan McCullum, proven fast bowling resources are scant for Quetta, meaning Mills is almost guaranteed a starting berth.Opener Ahmed Shehzad is another concern for the team from Balochistan. When recruited last year, he was one of Pakistan’s most valuable limited-overs players, and ended up being the fourth highest run-scorer of the tournament. But his stock has fallen sharply since. He has lost his place in the national team, having played almost no international cricket since last year’s PSL. Should he struggle this time around, it could put a lot of pressure on the likes of Mohammad Nawaz and Anwar Ali, last year’s brightest local boys, to simply pick up where they left off last February.Ahmed Shehzad was the tournament’s fourth-highest scorer last season with 290 runs at a strike rate of over 140•Chris Whiteoak

Key foreign player
It would be neither informative nor original to say Kevin Pietersen’s performance will be important to Quetta Gladiators’ success this tournament, but his countryman Tymal Mills’ T20 performances have also begun to catch the eye. In the recently concluded Super Smash, a T20 competition in New Zealand, Mills was among the top ten wicket-takers, and, at 6.61 per over, had the best economy rate of anyone who bowled more than 16 overs. After a pair of impressive games for Brisbane Heat during the Big Bash, he was called up by England for the T20 series against India. He mixes express pace with cunning slower deliveries, making him a useful asset at both top and tail of an innings. With the Gladiators looking rather thin in the fast bowling department, Mills could quickly establish himself as leader of the pace attack.Under the radar local lad
Not much is known about 18-year old slow left arm bowler Hasan Khan, and the numbers aren’t particularly impressive. But ask Quetta Gladiators head coach Moin Khan which player fans should watch out for, the response is immediate: Hasan Khan. He’s an Under-19 Pakistan international who Moin thinks has potential to go all the way. On paper, his brand of cricket – left-arm spin bowling – is well suited to the slow wickets of Sharjah and Dubai. Just ask his teammate Mohammad Nawaz.Availability
Carlos Brathwaite and Rovman Powell of the West Indies will miss the tournament, after the WICB made it mandatory for players seeking national selection to play in the Reigional Super 50, the domestic one-day cup. Moeen Ali was initially drafted, but he withdrew to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage, so Mahmudullah Riyad and Thisara Perera have been called up to replace the West Indian duo. International commitments mean Mohammad Nabi misses out, replaced by Rilee Rossouw. In addition, David Willey was dropped in favour of Black Caps allrounder Nathan McCullum.Coaches and Staff
Moin Khan (head coach), Sir Vivian Richards (batting coach/mentor), Abdul Razzaq (bowling coach), Julien Fountain (fielding coach)Quetta Gladiators squad
Sarfraz Ahmed (c, wk), Kevin Pietersen, Ahmed Shehzad, Luke Wright, Anwar Ali, Tymal Mills, Umar Gul, Zulfiqar Babar, Mohammad Nawaz, Rilee Rossouw, Mahmudullah, Asad Shafiq, Saad Nasim, Umer Amin, Hassaan Khan, Noor Ali.Supplementary players: Nathan McCullum, Thisara Perera, Bismillah Khan, Mir Hamza