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Bowlers have it better, timekeeping is key, women have equal billing as men… there’s a lot to get behind

Alan Gardner30-Jul-2021Bowlers catch a break
Reducing the number of deliveries a team needs to bat, without cutting the resources (i.e. wickets) at their disposal, usually sees the rate of scoring go up – just think T10, or any rain-affected five-over thrash you have been to. But that doesn’t seem to have been the case in the early stages of the Hundred, admittedly when players are still working out how best to approach the format. In the men’s competition, there have only been three totals above 150 (which is roughly the equivalent of 180 in a T20), and only two above 140 in the women’s. Overall, there have been 14 half-centuries from 17 completed matches, and the only player to have got close to scoring a century is Jemimah Rodrigues.As has been pointed out, several of the changes seem to have made the Hundred more bowler-friendly – from the shorter powerplay, the ability to bowl ten balls if things are going well or bail out after five if not, and the fact new batters almost always take the strike. That last feature seems increasingly significant and is something for teams to start factoring in. In Trent Rockets’ dramatic Alex Hales-led resurrection against Northern Supercharger, Hales faced 19 balls in the first half of the chase, and then 15 in the second as wickets fell around him, limiting the damage he may otherwise have been able to inflict in a small chase.Watching the opening stages, it has often felt as if timekeeping is meant to be one of the foremost skills on show•Getty ImagesA matter of timing
“Every ball counts” is the tagline of the Hundred, but perhaps “every second counts” would have been more apt. Watching the opening stages, it has often felt as if timekeeping is meant to be one of the foremost skills on show; that the major reason T20 hasn’t brought floods of new fans to the game in this country is not down to the arcane workings of the county system, or a (relative) lack or star signings, or the absence from free-to-air television, but rather a somewhat tardy over rate.Then again, the ability to complete 100-ball games inside two-and-a-half hours was supposedly an appealing factor to broadcasters – in particular the BBC, which isn’t keen on prime time cricket running over and disrupting the schedules. Although a requirement for there to be 50 seconds between each change of ends, presumably for advertising purpose, sits at odds with the need for speed.Related

• Has the Hundred reached the newbie fans it wanted to target?

• Mahela Jayawardene: 'Two overs in a row for a bowler makes the Hundred tactically quite fascinating'

• Sam Billings: Youngsters 'far better off' from playing in Hundred ahead of Blast quarter-finals

• Indians at the Hundred: Jemimah Rodrigues sparkles, slow start for Shafali Verma

• Hundred present linked to John Player past

Whatever the truth, discussions of the cut-off time – after which teams lose fielders outside the ring if they have not started to bowl the final set of five – have been a near ubiquitous feature of the closing stages of innings, only missing the theme being played over the top.Women on the rise
The ECB’s scrapping of the successful Kia Super League was one of the more perverse decisions around the creation of the Hundred. But giving the women equal billing with the men, as well as first use of the pitches, has helped create a genuinely uplifting narrative as well as an entertaining drawcard, while the presence of England players throughout the competition looks set to ensure high standards.While official attendance figures for the double-headers have looked on the generous side, attempting as they do to account for people who have tickets for both games but don’t arrive until late in the day, there’s no doubt that the crowds in general have been good. Remember that the first-ever KSL match, at Headingley in 2016, was watched by fewer than 1000 people at the ground – compared to nearly 8000 at The Oval for last week’s curtain raiser. To have internationals such as Rodrigues, Dane van Niekerk and Stafanie Taylor command the stage alongside emerging stars like Lauren Bell and 16-year-old Alice Capsey, in front of thousands of spectators and a large televised audience, is tangible progress for the sport.Jemimah Rodrigues is the only batter to have come close to scoring a century•Getty ImagesNew vibe, same crowd?
The in-game experience has clearly been pitched more at families and those potentially coming to a cricket match for the first time: DJ sets and live music, pitch-side interaction on the big screens, and a simplified scoreboard, counting up to 100 balls during the first innings and then down for the second. Anecdotally, and from watching on TV, there seems to have been a greater proportion of women and children coming through the gates, certainly for the early fixtures; however, the evenings have rung to the sound of here-for-beers chanting familiar to anyone who has ever been to a T20 Blast match.Some of the spin around the competition has been laughable – notably TV presenters standing in front of near-empty stands while continually hailing the “great crowds” – but somewhere in between the PA-renditions of “Happy Birthday” to seemingly nonplussed kids, and the obligatory sunset choruses of “Don’t Take Me Home” as the business at the bars gets brisker, the ECB will be hoping a section of that near-mythical new audience has found its way through the turnstiles. The next step is to turn them into Hundred diehards.Talent show
Whether you think the new format is a ground-breaking moment for the game or a gimmicky rip-off of T20 cricket, the introduction of a pseudo-franchise tournament (because none of the new teams is technically a franchise) to the UK has certainly condensed the competition and turned up the temperature for those domestic players lucky enough to be involved.The opening rounds saw little-heralded names such as Chris Benjamin, Harry Brook, Calvin Harrison and Matthew Carter – as well as Capsey, Bell, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith and Katie Levick – rise above the established talent to seize their moment. After the double-header at Lord’s on Thursday, London Spirit captain Eoin Morgan hailed a “finer-tuned, highly skilled competition” that pitted international regulars against the best from the county circuit, creating an environment for “young talent [to] come through and really shine”. And that’s a proposition many can get behind.

While this season is shaping up to be a spectacular one for Arsenal, Sunday was a disappointment for Mikel Arteta and Co.

The Spaniard’s team looked second best in their Premier League game against then-second-placed Chelsea, and then failed to capitalise when the Blues went down to ten men.

With that said, while it was a poor showing from the Gunners, they were without a number of the best players, like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and just as important, Leandro Trossard.

The Belgian has been in scintillating form for Arsenal in recent months, and yet, if reports are to be believed, the club are looking to sign someone who’d be a significant upgrade.

Arsenal target Trossard upgrade

During the summer, it looked like Trossard would be leaving Arsenal, as he didn’t have a great campaign and was linked with clubs like Bayern Munich.

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However, the former Brighton & Hove Albion gem stayed, was handed a pay rise, and since then has played like a man possessed.

For example, it was his thunderous effort against Sunderland that ensured the Gunners left with a point, and then against Tottenham Hotspur, he scored and assisted a goal.

However, even with performances such as these, it looks like the North Londoners are looking to sign an upgrade on the 30-year-old.

At least that is according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, which claims Arsenal are interested in Michael Olise.

In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the club have placed the Frenchman at the top of their wishlist for next year and, with Sporting Director Andrea Berta, are already laying the groundwork for the deal.

However, it won’t be a cheap transfer to get over the line, with the report claiming that it will cost in excess of £100m to convince Bayern Munich to sell their star attacker.

Even so, given Olise’s immense ability and further potential, this is a deal Arsenal should be going all out for, especially as he’d be a significant upgrade on Trossard.

How Olise compares to Trossard

So the first thing to get out of the way is that, yes, Olise is primarily a right-sided player, and Trossard plays mostly on the left.

However, Arteta has made it quite clear with the signing of Noni Madueke that he is more than happy to play wingers on the opposite flank, and given the Frenchman’s immense ability, it feels like he should have no problem playing out there.

Moreover, when the former Chelsea ace has played in the team, he and Bukayo Saka have swapped sides back and forth during games, which suggests the manager has almost moved beyond the idea of a wide player starting and sticking to a position as matches progress.

With all that said, why would the former Crystal Palace star, who shone with Eberechi Eze in South London, be an upgrade on the Belgian?

Well, the first and most important reason is the simple fact that he is a far more potent goal threat, be that through scoring or assisting them.

A “magician” – according to Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano – in 20 appearances this season, totalling 1583 minutes, he’s scored nine goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.05 games, or every 83.31 minutes.

In contrast, the former Brighton star has scored five goals and provided five assists in 16 appearances, totalling 948 minutes, which averages out to a goal involvement every 1.6 games, or every 94.8 minutes.

The second reason is that, at just 23 years old, the 13-capped international has far more upside than the 30-year-old and should even improve in the coming seasons.

Finally, on top of his better output, the former Reading man also comes out on top when you take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

1.00

0.38

Progressive Carries

5.70

2.63

Progressive Passes

6.40

3.63

Shots on Target

1.99

0.62

Passing Accuracy

81.4%

69.3%

Key Passes

2.60

1.38

Shot-Creating Actions

6.68

3.25

Goal-Creating Actions

1.10

0.37

Successful Take-Ons

2.40

0.88

For example, he comes out ahead in the most critical metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, successful take-ons, goal and shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Trossard is a brilliant player, but Olise is clearly superior in practically every way and more than justifies Oliver Glasner’s claim that he’s “one of the best talents in the world.”

Therefore, even if it costs a king’s ransom, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him in 2026.

Their next Eze: Berta agrees deal to sign "exciting" new star for Arsenal

The hugely promising teenage talent could one day become Arsenal’s heir to Eberechi Eze.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 2, 2025

Chasing 152, Hurricanes were bowled out for 114 to register a second successive loss

AAP26-Nov-2025

South African Marizanne Kapp has again showed how big a loss she will be to the Melbourne Stars once she leaves the WBBL for international duties. Kapp starred in the field as the Stars easily beat Hobart Hurricanes by 37 runs on Thursday at Junction Oval.Their third-straight win left the Stars second on the ladder ahead of Saturday’s massive home derby against the third-placed Melbourne Renegades.While teammate Amy Jones was Player of the Match, Kapp bowled Lizelle Lee with the first delivery of the Hurricanes innings. She removed fellow opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge in the third over and took an outstanding catch to remove No.4 Nicola Carey.But Saturday’s match will be the last for Kapp before she returns to the South African team.”Obviously Kappy is going to be a massive loss – it seems like she’s playing her best cricket, now that she’s leaving us, which is a bit frustrating,” teammate Kim Garth said. “But I feel like we do have the depth to cover it.”Garth added they were worried about what damage Lee could do.”I was pretty relieved – she was hitting them pretty well,” Garth said. “We did a lot of planning for her and when Kappy comes in and knocks her over first ball, it’s quite nice.”After starting the season with five-straight wins, Hurricanes have lost their last two and are in danger of ceding top spot to either Melbourne team.Renegades will host Perth on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Stars, who are only one point behind Hurricanes.After Hurricanes won the toss on Wednesday at Junction Oval, Jones and Danielle Gibson gave momentum to Stars’ stalled innings and the home side reached 151 for 6 from their 20 overs. Hurricanes were bundled out for 114 with 22 deliveries left.Jones top-scored with 59 from 40 balls, featuring six fours and a six. Jones and Gibson came together at 91 for 4 in the 14th over – not yet a crisis, but Hurricanes would have felt they had the momentum.Instead, Gibson belted 39 from 27 deliveries, with five fours and a six, as they put on a quickfire 44 for the fifth wicket. Carey took 2-29 from her four overs.After Hurricanes slumped to 59 for 6, captain Elyse Villani and Hayley Silver-Holmes gave them a glimmer of hope with their 40-run stand for the seventh wicket.Then Sophie Day bowled Silver-Holmes for 18 from 14 deliveries and Sutherland bowled Villani for 38 off 21 balls to kill off the late rally.Kapp took 2 for 29 from her four overs, while Sutherland also snared two and Day cleaned up the tail on the way to 4 for 17 from three overs.

Leeds United are in a dire situation. The Whites continue to lose games in the Premier League consistently, with their most recent defeat coming away to Manchester City, 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium.

Indeed, bagging two goals away to Pep Guardiola’s side was impressive, and the performance going forward was slightly better.

The Whites managed nine shots at Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal, with four of those finding the target. They were more clinical, too, scoring two out of the three big chances they created.

Yet, with another loss, the pressure continues to mount on Daniel Farke, and the underlying numbers are evidence as to why.

Leeds' underlying numbers this season

Many people expected the West Yorkshire side to be in a relegation fight by the end of the season, including ESPN pundit Bill Connelly, who predicted them to finish 18th. Well, they are now in that exact position in the Premier League, with 11 points to their name.

Goalscoring has been a real issue for the Whites this term. Farke’s side have only bagged 13 goals. That is better than one side, bottom-place Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have only scored seven times.

Leeds are drastically underachieving on their expected goals, too, a metric which currently stands at 16.96 xG. That is almost four goals more than what they have managed, the third biggest underachievement in the Premier League this season.

The spread of goals in their squad is perhaps concerning, too. Summer signing Lukas Nmecha is their top scorer in the Premier League with four, and only three players have found the back of the net multiple times. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one of those, after he scored his second of the season against City at the weekend.

Looking at those numbers, it might not be a surprise that Leeds are struggling as much as they are. It is why Farke’s job is under pressure, although an alternative could have been identified.

Leeds' Farke alternative

A recent report from talkSPORT suggests that the Whites are ‘admirers’ of former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.

Of course, he hasn’t long been out of the game, having left the East Midlands a few months ago, but could already return to the Premier League if Leeds approach.

His first season in North London showed exactly how good he can be. Described as a “highly entertaining” manager by former Spurs star Graham Roberts, Postecoglou played high-octane football, which helped the Lilywhites qualify for the Europa League.

That is a style the Elland Road faithful might be used to. Marcelo Bielsa, one of their best managers in recent years, was famed for his energetic brand of football, a style Anthony Hudson said is “a really positive approach.”

In fact, former Chelsea and Arsenal defender William Gallas has even said that “demands remind me a little bit of Bielsa” because of how “physically exhausting” it can be. Remember Bielsa’s famed murder ball? Well, that could be back at Thorp Arch before too long.

In Postecoglou’s first campaign in the hot seat at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, the Australian won 21 games in 41 that he coached. His side were fluid going forward, bagging 79 times across all competitions.

It is interesting to look at a comparison between the numbers that Postecoglou’s Spurs put up in their first 13 games in the Premier League, compared to Farke’s side from this season. Indeed, they stack up well and hint at the attacking football he could bring to Elland Road.

For example, Spurs had scored 25 goals in those opening 13 matches in 2023/24. They were overachieving slightly when it came to expected goals, too. The Lilywhites racked up 23.83 xG, a steady pace along with their actual total.

Points

26

11

Expected points

20.66xPTS

17.88xPTS

Goals

25

13

Expected goals

23.83xG

16.96xG

Goals conceded

17

25

Expected goals conceced

21.28xGA

18.52xGA

It is easy to see how Postecoglou could be an upgrade on Farke. The Australian manager might play risky football with a high line, but it has proven to be entertaining and a good source of goals.

The numbers highlighted show what fans can expect to see if the Whites execute Postecoglou’s game plan well. He could certainly bring an exciting brand of football to Elland Road and would ultimately be an upgrade on Farke.

Fewer touches than Perri: Farke must bin Leeds star who lost the ball 14x

Daniel Farke must drop one player after Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 30, 2025

تعادل فريق الترجي التونسي مع نظيره بترو أتلتيكو الأنجولي، بهدف لمثله، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وتواجه الترجي مع بترو أتلتيكو، على ملعب الفريق الأنجولي، في إطار الجولة الثانية من عمر مباريات دور المجموعات للبطولة القارية.

طالع بالفيديو | الترجي يخطف تعادلًا قاتلًا أمام بترو أتلتيكو في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

ويتواجد الترجي التونسي في المجموعة الثالثة من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، بجانب أندية بترو أتلتيكو الأنجولي والملعب المالي وسيمبا التنزاني.

وكان الترجي تعادل مع فريق الملعب المالي، سلبيًا في لقاء الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات، الذي أقيم في ملعب رادس بتونس.

وضمن نفس الجولة لمنافسات نفس المجموعة، فاز فريق الملعب المالي على سيمبا التنزاني بهدفين مقابل هدف، مساء الأحد.

وبعد نهاية الجولة الثانية للمجموعة الثالثة من دوري أبطال إفريقيا، يتصدر فريق بترو أتليتكو الترتيب برصيد 4 نقاط، يأتي في المركز الثاني فريق الملعب المالي بنفس عدد النقاط، يحتل فريق الترجي المركز الثالث بنقطتين. ترتيب مجموعة الترجي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

1- بترو أتلتيكو، 4 نقاط (مباراتين).

2- الملعب المالي، 4 نقاط (مباراتين).

3- الترجي التونسي، نقطتين (مباراتين).

4- سيمبا التنزاني، بدون نقاط (مباراتين).

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras venceu o São Bernardo por 1 a 0 nesta quinta-feira (15), pelo Paulistão, e Abel Ferreira abordou diversos assuntos além do triunfo alviverde. Jorge Jesus, ex-técnico do Flamengo, e Flaco López foram alguns dos temas da entrevista.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

De acordo com Abel, seu sucesso no Brasil também está ligado ao do compatriota, que protagonizou temporada histórica em 2019 pelo Rubro-Negro.

– Se estou aqui é porque outro treinador se aventurou pela Europa afora, fez sucesso, que é o (José) Mourinho, e abriu portas para outros. Teve outro que atravessou o Atlântico para vir ao Brasil quando ninguém queria. E falou maravilhas, que é o Jorge Jesus, que abriu portas para mim, por exemplo. Vieram outros. A competência dos treinadores não tem nacionalidade – disse.

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Artilheiro do Palmeiras no ano, Flaco López está com moral junto a Abel Ferreira. Porém, o treinador colocou “pé no freio” na empolgação e lembrou as críticas sofridas pelo argentino no início da passagem pelo Verdão.

Além disso, o técnico citou o caso do colombiano Borja, que não foi bem no Alviverde e hoje atua no River Plate.

– (Flaco) É o mesmo jogador que vocês criticavam há cinco ou seis meses… Aqui, as pessoas querem meter a semente e que ela no outro dia germine. Plantam hoje pra colher amanhã. Não é assim que funciona. Ninguém cresce de um dia para o outro. Sabemos o que fomos contratar, o potencial que ele tinha. Já quero colocar gelo. Já disse, é preciso tempo e paciência. Não só pra ele, mas para todos os jovens. Temos o Zé, o Veiga. O Veiga hoje é ídolo, mas já foi amassado, queimaram camisas. Eles têm isso na memória.

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– Felizmente, nossos jogadores sabem o que trabalhamos no clube. E sabem lidar com o 8 ou 80 do futebol brasileiro. O Borja aqui não deu nada, completamente trucidado pelos nossos torcedores. Está bem no River. Entre outros. Pedro foi vaiado no Flamengo, Hulk no Atlético. A cobrança aqui é muito grande – concluiu.

SEQUÊNCIA

No domingo (18), o Palmeiras de Abel Ferreira encara o Corinthians, às 18h (de Brasília), na Arena Barueri, pela nona rodada do Paulistão.

Tudo sobre

Abel FerreiraPalmeiras

Manchester United will travel to Anfield on Sunday afternoon to take on one of their biggest rivals, Liverpool. It is the chance for Ruben Amorim’s side to finally win back-to-back games under the Portuguese boss for the first time, but it will be tough.

United’s record away to the Reds in the last decade or so has been abysmal. They haven’t won at Anfield since the end of the 2015/16 campaign. That day, Wayne Rooney’s strike was the only thing that separated the two sides.

The season before, Juan Mata’s heroics secured all three points for the Red Devils.

Looking back on ‘Juanfield’

One of the most iconic trips to Anfield in recent history for United was certainly the 2014/15 clash. The Red Devils were victorious thanks to Mata’s two goals, which led supporters to lovingly dub the game as ‘Juanfield’ after the Spanish midfielder.

It was a superb performance from the former United number eight. He gave his side the lead with a right-footed strike in the first half in front of the Kop, poking the ball past Simon Mignolet less than a quarter of an hour into the game.

His second goal will always be the one that stands out. Mata doubled United’s lead with a fantastic scissor kick, checking his run before executing the acrobatic effort to perfection.

His strike nestled into the bottom left corner to put the Red Devils 2-0 up. MUTV commentator Stewart Gardner said it was “one of the great United goals at Anfield.”

Despite Daniel Sturridge’s strike, which pulled a goal back for the home side, it was always going to be hard for Liverpool to get back into the game. Steven Gerrard was infamously sent off at the start of the second half, just 38 seconds after entering the fray.

It was a win that will live long in the memory for United, with Mata’s brilliance off the right-hand side the reason why they secured the victory. Amorim has a player of his own who could replace the heroics of ‘Juanfield’.

Amorim can unleash his own Juan Mata

Despite another poor start to the season, United do have attackers who can hurt the opposition.

Bruno Fernandes is always a threat, although he is playing in a pivot. Matheus Cunha scored at Anfield last season, and Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko are in fine goalscoring form.

However, the key man for United this weekend could be Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroonian star has shown great promise in his short Red Devils career so far, with two goals and one assist across eight games in all competitions, replicating Mata in operating off that right flank and cutting in onto his favoured left foot.

The 26-year-old has built up a strong reputation with fans and pundits alike. Former United academy player turned MUTV commentator Ben Thornley said last season that he is “unplayable” for a lot of defenders.

This could see him cause problems for Liverpool’s left-back, although it is unclear if that will be Milos Kerkez or Andy Robertson. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have also shown defensive frailties this season.

On top of that, Mbeumo knows what it takes to score past the Reds.

He did so as a Brentford player back in 2022/23, running in behind the Liverpool defence, latching a long pass ahead of Konate and slotting the ball past Allison.

It would be excellent for United if Mbeumo can replicate his performance that day.

The Cameroon star was imperious, creating two chances, making five ball recoveries and, of course, getting a late third goal in a 3-1 win.

A win at Anfield on Saturday would be huge for Amorim. Not only would it be back-to-back three points in the top flight, but a win at one of their biggest rivals for 10 years, which would be a huge achievement for the Portuguese boss.

How he would love Mbeumo to recreate the heroics of ‘Juanfield’ this weekend, and earn United a huge three points.

Forget Mainoo: Amorim has the next Pogba in "generational" Man Utd talent

Manchester United appear to have another elite-level star already within Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 18, 2025