Jurgen Klopp's former assistant Peter Krawietz hit back at criticism of the former Liverpool manager's decision to join the Red Bull group as head of global soccer. The announcement stunned supporters after the former Reds boss left the dugout to head upstairs and take a strategic role at the German club.
England Men start the new year in India with Brendon McCullum looking to revive their white-ball fortunes. Alan Gardner is joined by Matt Roller and Vithushan Ehantharajah to preview the tour
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jan-2025
Brendon McCullum and Jos Buttler will oversee England’s white-ball fortunes•Getty Images
Brendon McCullum begins his tenure in charge of England’s white-ball teams with T20I and ODI series in India ahead of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. On the first pod of 2025, Alan Gardner was joined by Matt Roller and Vithushan Ehantharajah to discuss how McCullum might overhaul their fortunes. Topics include reinvigorating Jos Buttler, bringing back Joe Root and a focus on pace in the seam attack.
SL were bowled out for 42, their lowest Test total, as SA gained a 149-run first-innings lead
Firdose Moonda28-Nov-2024South Africa are in control at Kingsmead after a fast-forward second day in which 19 wickets fell, and records tumbled. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 42, their lowest Test total, which was also the lowest Test score against South Africa, and the second-shortest in terms of number of balls faced: 83.Marco Jansen’s 7 for 13 headlined South Africa’s pace pack. He bowled 41 balls in the innings – the joint-fewest in history to take seven wickets – and gave South Africa a 149-run first-innings lead. By the end of the day, that had grown to 281, and the partnership between Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs to 43, the second-highest of the match.Under blue skies and in sunshine, there was still significant movement on offer, and batting conditions remained tough. South Africa had started day two by resuming their first innings on 80 for 4, and found themselves in trouble 15 overs into the day on 117 for 7. They were in danger of being shot out for their lowest score against Sri Lanka – 128 – but three handy lower-order partnerships, and Bavuma’s knock of 70 took them to 191, their third-lowest against Sri Lanka. And it was made to look like a much bigger total when South Africa got the ball in hand.Only two Sri Lanka batters got into double figures, and their misfortunes were a combination of incisive bowling and poor shot selection. Of the top seven, Pathum Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva all played at deliveries they could have left.Kagiso Rabada started the slide when Dimuth Karunatratne hung his bat out to a length ball outside off. and edged to David Bedingham at first slip. Four balls later, Jansen drew Nissanka forward, as the latter reached out for a wide-ish ball. As a result, he was caught at third slip.Dinesh Chandimal left a gap between bat and pad, and a delivery from Jansen nipped through him•AFP/Getty ImagesTwo overs after that, Dinesh Chandimal displayed questionable defence when he left a gap between bat and pad, as a delivery from Jansen nipped through to bowl him. Mathews’ experience also let him down when he wafted at a ball that angled away, and edged to Bedingham. Sri Lanka were 16 for 4 in the eighth over.South Africa’s first, and as it turned out only, bowling change was to bring on Gerald Coetzee in place of Rabada. He started with a full toss that Kamindu drove for four. Coetzee soon had reward when Kamindu played a big shot, attempting to whack him through the covers, but edged to first slip.Jansen’s two wickets in his sixth over brought him his second Test five-for. The first of those two wickets was came when Dhananjaya missed an attempted drive and was bowled. The second wicket in the over was of Prabath Jayasuriya’s, as he was kept on the back foot and prodded to Stubbs in the slips.Coetzee took the eighth off the next ball, an lbw that was confirmed on review, before Jansen did another double in his last over to end Sri Lanka’s innings 78 minutes after it began.Their bowling effort eclipsed a strong Sri Lanka performance earlier in the day, led by good pace from Lahiru Kumara, and well supported by Asitha and Vishwa Fernando. They shared five wickets between them, seamed and swung the ball, and enjoyed operating on a surface with good bounce and carry. Add to that Sri Lanka’s good catching in breezy conditions, and they would have been fairly satisfied with their first session’s work.Wiaan Mulder was hit on the middle finger of his right hand by a delivery from Lahiru Kumara•AFP/Getty ImagesVishwa appealed for an lbw against Kyle Verreynne second ball, but replays showed an inside edge. Verreynne only faced three more deliveries, before Kumara fired in a 141kph ball that beat him and rapped him on the front pad.Three balls later, Sri Lanka wasted a review as Wiaan Mulder inside-edged onto his pad, but Mulder’s troubles were only just beginning. In Kumara’s next over, he was hit on the middle finger of his right hand as he tried to defend a ball that nipped back in. He received treatment on field and tried to continue despite struggling to grip the bat.Mulder kept out the next ball he faced and immediately wrung his hand in pain, left the last ball of the over, and then retired hurt. He returned to bat for the final partnership and also in the second innings, though X-rays confirmed he had fractured the finger and would not be able to bowl or field in the match.After Kumara’s opening spell, which had started on day one, ended with an analysis of 8-1-51-3, Sri Lanka went for a double change. Asitha replaced Kumara, while Jayasuriya’s spin came on for Vishwa. Jayasuriya had success with his tenth ball, when Jansen missed a tossed-up delivery, and was rapped on the pads.Coetzee was also drawn in by one that was tossed up, and recklessly hit Jayasuriya to deep midwicket, where Kamindu ran forward to take a good catch. South Africa had lost 3 for 34 in 9.1 overs at that stage, with no real batting to come.Temba Bavuma ramped one for six during his knock of 70•Gallo Images/Getty ImagesKeshav Maharaj joined Bavuma on the back of four successive Test ducks, and made his highest Test score in nine innings. He showed some fight against Jayasuriya, whose fourth over he hit for 15 runs, including a stunning six straight down the ground. When Jayasuriya was replaced by Vishwa, Maharaj did not rein his instincts in, and reached for a wide ball to drive it aerially to Dhananjaya at mid-off.Bavuma had only just reached fifty but was running out of partners, and took matters into his own hands. He left his feet to ramp Kumara for six, and drove him through extra cover and then back past him. The fun didn’t last long, and when Kumara was replaced by Asitha, Bavuma swiped across the line and top-edged to midwicket, where Kumara judged the catch well in the wind. That brought the first stanza of Mulder’s bravery, and he ended on 9 not out.Later, Mulder came in at No. 3 in South Africa’s second innings, after Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram’s 47-run opening stand ended when de Zorzi skied Jayasuriya to deep-backward square to become his 100th Test wicket. Jayasuriya, in his 17th Test, became the joint-fastest bowler in 74 years to the landmark.Meanwhile, Mulder scored 16 off 31 balls and looked in increasing levels of discomfort before being given out lbw. Markram, whose last five Test innings have not yielded a single half-century, looked convincing until he inside-edged Vishwa on to his stumps. Bavuma and Stubbs bedded in for the rest of the session, and will resume on what is expected to be an easier day for batting on Friday.
Former Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders has told Football FanCast the player Unai Emery must keep hold of this summer amid exit rumours surrounding several of Villa’s top stars.
Villa players who could leave this summer
Emery has done a fantastic job re-establishing Villa on the European stage, reaching the Champions League quarter-final and narrowly missing out on the Premier League top five last season, but the success means rival clubs are now queuing up for their top players.
The likes of Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey, Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez have all been linked with moves away, and with the Villans still treading a fine line PSR-wise, it could be tempting to cash-in on one of their older players this summer.
In fact, Manchester United have now tabled a loan offer for Martinez, which was knocked back, but the Red Devils are now expected to return with a permanent offer, although it remains to be seen whether they are willing to match the £40m asking price.
Watkins is also in Man United’s sights, with Ruben Amorim’s side weighing up a bid for a striker, although it would be a risk to cash in, having already sold Jhon Duran in the January transfer window.
Discussing the players who could be sacrificed either to raise funds for Emery or to comply with PSR, Saunders gave Football FanCast, in partnership with NewBettingSites.uk, an emphatic “no” when asked about Watkins.
Villa must keep Watkins despite PSR concerns
Unfortunately, PSR rules mean clubs are now often forced to cash-in on their best players to avoid punishment, with Villa believed to be hours away from a 10-point deduction before completing the sale of Douglas Luiz last summer.
However, as pointed out by Saunders, the England international is far too important to even consider a sale, netting 16 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.
That said, given that the 29-year-old remains contracted until 2028, Villa should be in line to receive a sizeable fee if they do decide to cash in, with reports suggesting they are set to hold out for £60m.
Where is Alexander Isak going to be playing his football next season? The Newcastle United striker is one of two attackers embroiled in a huge transfer saga involving the Magpies and Premier League champions Liverpool. It is fair to say that his future is up in the air right now.
A new report from David Ornstein explains that the Reds have contacted Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible move for Hugo Ekitike, also a key target for Liverpool. However, Arne Slot’s side have also made a move for Isak. Newcastle are hoping to keep their number nine and also sign Ektiike.
At this stage, it is too difficult to predict which striker will end up where next season. A recent development could see Newcastle move for a different striker altogether.
The latest on Newcastle’s striker pursuit
It will be fascinating to follow this transfer saga, which does not seem like it will come to a conclusion anytime soon. Perhaps the Magpies will instead look to pursue a new target up front, and have been linked with someone from within the Premier League.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the North Eastern giants hold a strong interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, and, in the view of Bailey, like the striker ‘an awful lot’.
They are said to be ‘one of several Premier League clubs in talks’ to sign the forward in the 2025 summer window, meaning the competition will be stiff.
Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are also interested in a deal that could see the striker leave for as little as £40m.
Why Wissa would be a good signing
Perhaps it would be wise for Newcastle to untangle themselves from this Isak and Ekitike saga and focus on someone with a fantastic record in the Premier League, instead. Wissa is certainly that guy, and his top-flight numbers speak for themselves.
The 28-year-old has played 137 Premier League games in his career so far, finding the back of the net 45 times and assisting a further 13 goals. The last two seasons have seen the DR Congo international reach double figures for goals.
The 2024/25 campaign was comfortably Wissa’s best in the Premier League. He featured in 35 games for Brentford, scoring 19 times and grabbing five assists, stepping up in the wake of Ivan Toney’s departure. Impressively, the striker contributed to seven goals in the final seven games of the season.
If Isak is to depart St James’ Park this summer, then replacing him will be no mean feat. Last season, former defender-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports the Swede is the “best striker in the Premier League”, talking in December 2024.
Well, the stats from last season make it easy to see why the Liverpool legend spoke so highly of Isak. He bagged 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances, as well as that crucial strike in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Carragher’s former side.
Finding an heir to the throne of Isak will not be easy, but perhaps Wissa, an “exceptional” striker according to Jamie Redknapp, could be the guy they’re looking for. They are actually noted as statistically similar players, as per FBef from the top flight last season and some of the stats stand out.
Of course, one of the most important stats for strikers is their shooting numbers. The Brentford star averaged 0.21 goals per shot per game last season, slightly pipping Isak, who had 0.2. The pair averaged the same number of goals per shot on target, with 0.46, too. Wissa’s 0.59 goals per game is not too far off Isak’s tally of 0.75.
Goals
0.59
0.75
Goals per shot
0.21
0.2
Goals per shot on target
0.46
0.46
Goal-creating actions
0.31
0.46
Ball recoveries
2.5
1.88
Aerial duels won
0.93
0.85
This could be a steal for Newcastle, at a price of just £40m. Wissa is undoubtedly one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League, and only scored four fewer goals last season than Isak managed.
He has the quality and consistency to become the heir to the Swede’s throne and make the Magpies forget all about signing Ekitike this summer.
Elanga's dream CF: Newcastle exploring move for £50m Ekitike alternative
Following the signing of Anthony Elanga, Newcastle are now exploring a move to sign a Premier League striker worth £50m who has a “nose for goals”.
ByBen Gray Jul 14, 2025
Chelsea suffered a disappointing defeat to Flamengo in the Club World Cup, despite opening the scoring in the first half.
The Blues were still leading until the 62nd minute, but then three unanswered goals from the Brazilian side saw them secure all three points.
With the score 2-1 in favour of Flamengo, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who had only been on the field for four minutes, saw red after a dreadful challenge on Lucas Ayrton.
It opens the door for Liam Delap to cement his place as the club’s main attacking option, but what now for Jackson?
Nicolas Jackson’s future at Chelsea is unclear
Last season, Jackson could only manage 13 goals across 36 matches for the Stamford Bridge side in all competitions.
Injuries may have played their part in this disappointing campaign, but it is no wonder that Maresca signed Delap and is looking for other centre-forward options.
Aston Villa are seemingly keen on making a move for the Senegal international, and, given his poor form of late, it might be a deal Enzo Maresca is keen on getting done.
According to Transfermarkt, Jackson is valued at €50m (£43m), and it remains to be seen how much money the Blues would demand to allow him to leave the club this summer.
Nicolas Jackson’s PL stats with Chelsea
Metric
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
14
10
Assists
5
5
Shots per game
2.3
2.5
Big chances created
8
6
Goal conversion percentage
18%
13%
Via Sofascore
Delap could be an ideal long-term option for the Italian amid the interest in Jackson. But did the Stamford Bridge outfit sell someone a few years ago who could have slotted into Maresca’s side with ease?
Chelsea must rue selling Kai Havertz
Havertz joined the Blues in 2020 and played a key role in the club winning their second Champions League title in 2021, scoring in the final against Manchester City.
The German international even netted in the final of the Club World Cup a few months later, which shows that he turned up in the big moments. His time in London saw the forward register 48 goal contributions – 32 goals and 16 assists in 139 games.
After three seasons with the club, he was sold to Arsenal in 2023 and has since emerged as a key player under Mikel Arteta.
Indeed, he was even dubbed “magnificent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig upon his move to the Emirates, and he has lived up to the hype with his uptick in form for Arsenal.
42 goal contributions in just 87 games at the Gunners show he made the right move in leaving Chelsea, but it must be a sale that the club regrets.
Now, according to Transfermarkt, his valuation stands at €65m (£57m), and this has soared since his last Chelsea valuation in 2023, which was €55m (£47m), which shows that he has taken his game to another level in North London.
The former Bayer Leverkusen forward is thus valued higher than Jackson, and if he can continue his fine form throughout the 2025/26 campaign with Arsenal, this value will rise even further as he continues to shine in a red shirt.
In this regard, Maresca would love to be able to call on someone like Havertz ahead of the club’s first Champions League campaign in a couple of seasons.
Chelsea have sold a few players prematurely over the years, but Havertz must be the one they regret the most.
Not just Jackson: 5/10 flop must never play for Chelsea again after the CWC
Chelsea were beaten 3-1 by Flamengo in their second game of the Club World Cup.
ByMatt Dawson Jun 21, 2025
Although their Champions League fate remains in question, Aston Villa have already reportedly entered talks to sign a rising star who could become a crucial part of Unai Emery’s side for years to come.
Aston Villa's final UCL push
It certainly hasn’t been for the want of trying, but Aston Villa still need help from elsewhere to grab a place in the Premier League’s top five. Emery’s side have lost just one of their last nine league games and enter their trip to Manchester United on Sunday knowing that just one Chelsea slip up against Nottingham Forest or Newcastle United against Everton will leave them with a golden opportunity.
Liverpool (C)
83
45
Crystal Palace (H)
Arsenal
71
34
Southampton (A)
Manchester City
68
26
Fulham (A)
Newcastle United
66
22
Everton (H)
Chelsea
66
20
Nottingham Forest (A)
Aston Villa
66
9
Manchester United (A)
Nottingham Forest
65
13
Chelsea (H)
Anything could still happen in the Champions League race, with the top five the only real remaining drama when the final day arrives. Emery is well aware of just how important it is that his side focus on their own task at hand, too.
The Spaniard told reporters after victory over Spurs on Friday: “I am very happy. Today, we closed out our season here with our supporters trying to transmit our energy. We won, but there is still work to do to have a chance to play in the Champions League. We have to try and keep the inconsistencies down and focus.”
Whether their fate changes their summer ambitions is the big question for Aston Villa, of course. Their PSR concerns are no secret these days, but that hasn’t stopped them from reportedly opening talks to potentially secure an early incoming this summer.
Aston Villa open talks to sign Zepiqueno Redmond
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are now in talks to sign Zepiqueno Redmond are in pole position to welcome the 18-year-old Feyenoord sensation to the Midlands this summer. The young forward could be the first striker that Villa sign since losing Jhon Duran in January and may well have finally found their replacement for the Al-Nassr forward.
Villa’s pursuit of Redmond should come as little surprise. The teenager has enjoyed a promising season in the Netherlands, scoring twice for the senior side in their domestic cup, the Toto KNVB Beker, and three more times for Feyenoord’s youth side.
Aston Villa and Emery keen to sign "extraordinary" £73k-p/w Martinez heir
The Villa boss has set his sights on a goalkeeper, who he feels is capable of replacing Emiliano Martinez.
ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025
Dubbed “powerful and quick” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Redmond may not steal the same headlines as others this summer, but there’s no denying that Aston Villa would have a rising star on their hands.
It’s been coming. Liverpool have enjoyed the most incredible of campaigns, FSG hitting the jackpot with their appointment of Arne Slot, but in keeping with the yearly routine, the season has produced a bitter pill for the fanbase to swallow.
Last year, it was a tired Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down after nearly nine illustrious years at the helm. 12 months earlier, Liverpool waved goodbye to Bobby Firmino, with the core of Anfield’s midfield all departing too.
Now, Trent Alexander-Arnold has decided to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract this summer, and while it hasn’t been set in stone, he will sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Why Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool journey has been synonymous with the club’s ascension under Klopp’s wing. The German gaffer birthed Trent onto the senior stage, handing him his debut across every competition for the Reds.
He’s won it all, but the 26-year-old’s decision to leave Liverpool and the peak of their (and his) powers is something that many fans aren’t going to be able to accept.
Premier League
257
18
67
Champions League
60
2
13
FA Cup
13
1
3
Carabao Cup
10
0
6
Europa League
5
0
2
Club World Cup
2
0
1
CL Qualifying
2
0
1
Community Shield
2
1
0
UEFA Super Cup
1
0
0
FSG did everything in their power to keep him on the books, reportedly offered him a healthy upgrade on his £180k-per-week contract, showcased an ambitious plan led by Slot, whose tactical grasp Trent has been dazzled by.
In the end, he just wanted to leave.
We could pick at it all day but the truth is that Alexander-Arnold feels he has given two decades of his life to his football club and won the lot. He believes that this is the right time for a change, and Real Madrid usually get what they want.
Sky Sports have even suggested that playing in Los Blancos white is something of a lifelong ambition for the England international, whose sights have likely been set on a move for a few years now, in one way or another.
Sporting director Richard Hughes will take his time in working with Slot and deciding on the best route forward at right-back. For now, though, he is looking to sign another defender nice and swiftly.
Liverpool lining up new defender
The Premier League champions are gearing up for a big summer, and the perfect way to put Alexander-Arnold’s decision in the background would be to win the race for Dean Huijsen.
Bournemouth’s star centre-back has been one of the breakthrough stars of the season, thriving on the South Coast. He has a £50m release clause in his contract and is being pursued by all of England’s heaviest hitters.
Certain reports have suggested Chelsea have the edge but according to Fabrizio Romano, the race is very much on, and Liverpool are in need of a new up-and-coming defensive star.
Why Dean Huijsen could be a bigger talent than Trent
Huijsen hasn’t been in the Premier League for long, but he’s already being head-hunted by the best of the best and this is all down to his performances on the pitch.
How Juventus must regret their decision to sell the 20-year-old to Bournemouth in a £15m deal last summer, for he has featured prominently in a Cherries side chasing Europe, with journalist Henry Winter even noting that he “shackled [Alexander] Isak on ground and in the air” back in January.
Sofascore record that Huijsen has won 61% of his aerial battles in the Premier League this season, also averaging 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game, so it’s clear he’s able to produce the goods against the best of the best with consistency. One analyst has already declared that he’s going to be “world-class” in the coming years.
His latest showstopping game, a 2-1 win over Arsenal away from home, highlighted many of the qualities that have piqued the interest of so many clubs, notably scoring the equalising goal.
It was a statement display, not just the architect of the Emirates fall through his headed goal, but an all-round display that negated much of the Gunners’ attacking play.
A big-game player, dynamic as they come, Huijsen is already demonstrating an ability that could see him slot right into Liverpool’s starting line-up, fostering his talents over the coming years to eventually become an even bigger star than Alexander-Arnold.
With some suggesting that he has everything he needs to become “the ultimate modern-day centre back,” Huijsen could actually rise to an even higher level than Alexander-Arnold, should he make the move to Liverpool.
That’s not actually to detract from the Three Lions star’s skill set: Trent is a one-of-a-kind player, with a celestial range of passing that has been so important across a sustained period of success at Anfield.
But Huijsen, too, is showing himself to be a unique player. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 7% of defenders in the Premier League this season for goal contributions, the top 16% for progressive passes, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for blocks and clearances per 90.
It’s not difficult to see why Liverpool (and all the rest) have a vested interest in securing his services as he steps toward footballing maturity.
Surpassing Alexander-Arnold’s legacy would take quite an effort from a young Spaniard like Huijsen (born in the Netherlands), but the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have already arrived as foreigners and established themselves as heroes for the ages.
Huijsen could repeat the trick, outstripping Alexander-Arnold in doing so.
Better than Rogers: Liverpool could see £65m bid accepted for 18-goal star
Liverpool are in the market for new forwards this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair May 5, 2025
Tottenham Hotspur are now very interested in signing a “sensational” Premier League forward this summer, and they are preparing a €60m (£51m) offer for his services, according to a report.
Spurs planning for the summer transfer window
The 1-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night was a stellar effort, with Ange Postecoglou’s side booking their place in the Europa League semi-final, but there is still a great deal of uncertainty lingering over Tottenham as we edge closer to the summer transfer window.
Given Spurs’ very poor Premier League campaign, Postecoglou’s future remains in doubt, and AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been invited for talks over a potential move to north London this summer.
The Lilywhites are also putting plans in place to improve their squad, and there could be a focus on bolstering their attacking options, with Athletic Bilbao attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet recently joining the list of targets, given the Spaniard’s goalscoring exploits.
The next Dele Alli: Levy readying Spurs offer for the "next big talent"
2025 could be a big year of change at Tottenham Hotspur, so are Spurs seeking to sign the “next big talent” in sensational Dele Alli repeat?
ByBen Gray Apr 19, 2025
Signing a new winger is also on the agenda for Tottenham, and scouts have been left hugely impressed by Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa, having recently watched the Frenchman in action.
However, given that Bakwa remains unproven in the Premier League, it could be viewed as a risk to sign the 22-year-old, and Spurs have also set their sights on a winger from much closer to home, namely AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
That is according to a report from Spain, which states the Lilywhites and by extension Daniel Levy are now preparing to make a €60m (£51m) offer for Semenyo, having been impressed by the forward’s performances in the Premier League this season.
Bournemouth are open to negotiations over a move, which suggests the door could be open for a deal, should the north Londoners be willing to stump up a sizeable fee.
"Sensational" Semenyo impressing for the Cherries
The Ghanaian made a flying start to the campaign, and he has continued to impress throughout the season, picking up ten goals and six assists in all competitions, most recently scoring the winning goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over Fulham.
Journalist Thierry Nyann lauded the Bournemouth star as “sensational” earlier in the campaign, and he has developed a reputation for scoring some spectacular goals, including a fine effort in his side’s 3-1 victory against Southampton in September.
The only concern about signing the winger will be the fact he is yet to prove himself at the very highest level, but he has shown remarkable signs of development throughout his career, working his way up from League 2 to the Premier League.
At 25-years-old, Semenyo still has time on his side to improve even further, and he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham this summer.
He is the first Indian in men’s internationals to get to his hundred with three back-to-back sixes (where data is available)
Sampath Bandarupalli07-Jul-20241 Abhishek Sharma became the first Indian to complete his century in men’s international cricket by hitting three consecutive sixes (where data is available). Shubman Gill has done something similar, but his back-to-back-to-back sixes took him to 200 in an ODI against New Zealand in 2023.46 Balls Abhishek needed for his century, the joint-third-fastest for India in men’s T20Is. Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball century in 2017 and Suryakumar Yadav’s 45-ball ton in 2023, both against Sri Lanka, are the two fastest tons for India, while KL Rahul also had a 46-ball hundred against West Indies in 2016.2 Innings Abhishek needed to score his maiden hundred in T20Is. No one from a Full Member country has got that landmark out of the way so quickly. He joins Evin Lewis, who like Abhishek, has a duck and a century as his first two T20I innings, while Richard Levi’s maiden ton also came in his second innings.65 Runs Abhishek scored against the Zimbabwe spinners, the most for India in a men’s T20I, going past Yuvraj Singh’s 57 runs against Pakistan in 2012 in Ahmedabad. Abhishek scored those 65 runs off 28 balls at a strike rate of 232.14 with six sixes and four fours.ESPNcricinfo Ltd317.39 Abhishek’s strike rate after being dropped in the eighth over. He scored 72 runs off his last 23 balls, with seven sixes and five fours. Abhishek’s first 24 balls fetched only 28 runs with three boundaries.2 Players before Abhishek to score a century in men’s T20Is in Zimbabwe. Aaron Finch’s world-record 172 against Zimbabwe in 2018 came in Harare, while Steven Taylor scored an unbeaten 101 against Jersey in Bulawayo in 2022.234 for 2 India’s total in Harare is now the highest by any team against Zimbabwe in men’s T20Is, surpassing Australia’s 229 for 2 in 2018. It is also the second-highest T20I total by any team in Zimbabwe, behind the 236 for 5 by Zimbabwe against Singapore in 2022.161 Runs scored by India in their last ten overs on Sunday, the third-most by any team in a men’s T20I innings, where ball-by-ball data is available. Nepal scored 192 runs in the final ten overs against Mongolia in 2023, while Japan scored 161 against China earlier this year.