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Rauf, who plays for Melbourne Stars in the BBL, has more experience at the MCG than any other bowler on either side

Alex Malcolm22-Oct-20222:06

Babar Azam – ‘We have confidence in our bowling unit’

The MCG can be an uncomfortable cauldron for most visiting cricketers, but it will feel like home for Haris Rauf.When Pakistan and India face off in Sunday’s blockbuster, no bowler on either side will have more T20 experience at the venue than Rauf.His rise from a Lahore Qalandars project player, to playing club cricket in Sydney and Hobart, to starring in the BBL for Melbourne Stars and then bursting into international scene has been quite extraordinary.Related

• Shadab Khan is Pakistan's Mr T20, and it suits him fine

• How to bat and bowl in each of Australia's T20 World Cup venues

• Haris Rauf on India-Pakistan at the T20 World Cup: 'I'm very happy because it is at the MCG'

• Haris Rauf sets sights on World T20 following meteoric rise

It was his first season with Stars in 2019-20 that set him on the path to becoming one of the best death bowlers in T20 cricket. Since the start of 2020, no bowler has taken more wickets in the death overs in T20Is than Rauf’s 37. One man who was influential in getting him to Stars was their former List Manager Trent Woodhill, who believes Rauf’s MCG experience could hold the key to the outcome of the Pakistan-India match.”I think Haris’ experience at the MCG makes Pakistan favourites,” Woodhill told ESPNcricinfo. “I think because [Jasprit] Bumrah is out, that’s a massive loss for India. And they are similar types of bowlers at the MCG where that slower ball grips and yorkers are hard to get under. I know it’s early in the season so things might be a little bit different. But I think the four overs from Haris probably determines the outcome of the game.”It’s hard to argue with the numbers. In seven T20s at the MCG, he has 11 wickets at a strike rate of 13.6 and an economy rate of 6.92. He took a hat-trick in his first game there for Stars, against Sydney Thunder. Stars couldn’t believe their luck when he landed in their lap following a spate of injuries and some quick thinking from then-general manager Nick Cummins, coach David Hussey and Woodhill. But what Stars didn’t expect was how well he would be suited to the MCG pitch itself.

His contributions were central in ensuring India didn’t crumble in Melbourne like they might well have done

Ian Chappell03-Jan-2021It was no surprise that Ajinkya Rahane captained India flawlessly at the MCG; anyone who saw him in charge in Dharamsala in 2017 would have recognised a man born to lead cricket teams.There were a lot of similarities between that 2017 match and the one at the MCG. Firstly it was between the same two highly competitive rivals, then there was the valuable first-innings lower-order contribution from Ravindra Jadeja, and finally Rahane aggressively accumulating the required runs in a nervy pursuit of a moderate victory total.Related

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The moment that caught my attention in the Dharamsala match was the time Rahane called on debutant left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav when David Warner and Steve Smith were involved in a century partnership. “This is a brave move,” I thought, and it turned out to be a very smart one. Yadav quickly claimed the wicket of Warner – expertly caught by Rahane at first slip – and this prompted a five-wicket slide.That’s part of Rahane’s success as a skipper: he’s brave and smart. However, there’s much more to his leadership than just those two important qualities. He is calm when things could easily get out of hand. He has earned the respect of his team-mates, one of the most important aspects of good captaincy. And he gets runs when they are needed, which adds to the respect his team has for him.India knew they would be missing the highly valued skills of Virat Kohli following the first Test. Adding to the weight on Rahane’s shoulders, they suffered an abysmal collapse in Adelaide. As if that wasn’t enough, Rahane was responsible for Kohli’s run-out in the first innings in that game, when India were easing into a dominant position.Despite all those deflating factors, India strode onto the MCG a week later – after Tim Paine had won the toss – as though they were leading 1-0. In part that was because they were aware the Australian opening partnership was in turmoil. They also knew that one man couldn’t replicate the supreme deeds of Kohli and it was going to take an extra effort from all concerned to overcome his absence. And finally, there was the captain they greatly respected; they wanted to play well for Rahane.4:58

Ajinkya Rahane – from the sidelines to the centre

And boy, didn’t they do that. There was Jasprit Bumrah, excelling as usual at the MCG, ambushing batsmen regularly. R Ashwin, with his new-found confidence in Australian conditions, exerted his influence over Smith, a vital early wicket that further boosted India’s confidence. Inspired by the seniors, the debutants, Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj, made significant contributions as they adjusted quickly to Australian conditions.Despite those valuable performances, the one that turned the match firmly in India’s favour was the Johnny Mullagh medal-winning contribution from Rahane. The captain’s century came at a time when India could easily have faded to a two-nil deficit, and it was this performance that gave his team the conviction that victory was attainable.A former resident of Mumbai told me his wife lip-read Rahane say the words “Come on, India,” when he reached his MCG century. That is another thing that defines Rahane’s captaincy: he’s all about the team.At a time when aggressive, proactive international captaincy is in short supply, India are fortunate to have two leaders who both understand the value of taking wickets over containing the opposition.This tantalising series is far from over. India still have concerns with yet another fast-bowling injury and an opening batsman in a quandary. However, despite coming off a disastrous collapse in Adelaide, along with the departure of their best batsman and the loss of two leading fast bowlers, India have fewer selection headaches than Australia.It’s helpful that they have a strong, calm leader and a vibrant spirit that has built up under the Kohli-Rahane-Ravi Shastri coalition.If India do go on to repeat their last tour’s success in Australia, the Mullagh medal won’t be the only gong Rahane receives.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared what’s impressed him most about teenager Andre Harriman-Annous after the Hale End graduate’s senior debut against Brighton on Wednesday.

The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 11 in all competitions whilst booking a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after their victory over Brighton.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Goals from fellow youngster Ethan Nwaneri and star winger Bukayo Saka handed Arsenal a routine win at the Emirates Stadium, despite summer signing Kepa Arrizabalaga being forced into a string of early saves to deny the Seagulls, who threatened to break through first.

The headlines initially belonged to Max Dowman, after the 15-year-old became Arsenal’s youngest ever starter.

Dowman showed flashes of brilliance on the right-hand side in place of Saka and the injured Noni Madueke, who’s believed to be making “faster-than-expected” progress in his recovery from a knee injury.

However, once the teenager was hauled off Saka, and Harriman-Annouss replaced Declan Rice, attention turned towards the latest in a long queue of star-studded talents from the Hale End production line.

Harriman-Annous, who bagged 18 goals in 37 games for the Under-21s last season, has been a regular in first-team training at London Colney with Arteta taking note.

The England Under-18 international can feel hard done by that he didn’t mark his first senior appearance for the club with a goal too, having watched Jason Steele save his one-v-one effort before Saka dispatched the rebound.

Arteta shares what's impressed him about Harriman-Annous after Arsenal debut

It was a night to remember for Harriman-Annous, with Arteta explaining in a post-match press conference why he finally gave the youngster a chance to shine at N5.

Arsenal’s boss explains that Harriman-Annous has impressed him with a fierce mentality and work ethic behind-the-scenes, with the versatile centre-forward desperate to make an impact.

Arsenal supporters have plenty of reasons to feel excited about Harriman-Annous after his debut against Brighton.

Stepping onto the pitch in a high-stakes cup match is no small feat, and the teen showed glimpses of the potential that has impressed coaches throughout his development.

His composure and confidence stood out. He demonstrated good technical skills and an understanding of the game that belies his age. For a young player making his first senior appearance, showing such calmness under pressure is a promising sign of future growth.

Harriman-Annous made the bench against Liverpool in August, and if he continues to seize his opportunities like he did against Brighton, it’s only a matter of time before he makes his first Premier League outing.

تمكن نادي برشلونة من تحقيق الانتصار على حساب ريال بيتيس اليوم السبت بخمسة أهداف مقابل ثلاثة، ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

واستطاع برشلونة الابتعاد في صدارة الدوري الإسباني مؤقتًا بفارق أربع نقاط عن ريال مدريد، والذي سوف يواجه نظيره سيلتا فيجو غدًا الأحد على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

وقدم برشلونة عرضًا رائعًا أمام ريال بيتيس وبسط رجال المدرب هانز فليك سيطرتهم على مجريات اللقاء محققين الفوز بخماسية في النهاية. رجل مباراة برشلونة وريال بيتيس اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

وحصل فيران توريس، مهاجم برشلونة، على جائزة رجل المباراة، وذلك بعد مستوى اللاعب الرائع الذي قدمه في لقاء اليوم.

طالع .. موعد مباراة برشلونة القادمة بعد الفوز على ريال بيتيس في الدوري الإسباني

توريس استطاع تسجيل هاتريك ليقود برشلونة إلى الفوز بخماسية في لقاء اليوم، في حين قام فليك بإجلاس روبرت ليفاندوفسكي على مقاعد البدلاء.

وشارك توريس في المباراة كاملًة وصنع نجم فالنسيا السابق الفارق مع برشلونة، إلى جانب لامين يامال وماركوس راشفورد، وروني بردجي.

Liverpool are already reportedly working on their move to sign a £100m winger to replace Mohamed Salah, who was left out of the squad entirely for their trip to face Inter Milan.

Thierry Henry: Salah "wrong" for public Liverpool spat

In truth, Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Elland Road feels like an eternity ago such is the drama that’s unfolded since. Salah’s bombshell is still leaving shrapnel around Anfield and around the Premier League, with Jamie Carragher delivering a brutal assessment on Monday Night Football and Thierry Henry since adding to that in midweek.

The Frenchman said on CBS’ Champions League show: “Look, nobody is talking about what Mo Salah has achieved in the game. We’re talking about a moment in time that I think he got wrong.

“You do not talk about your personal situation openly when your team is struggling. You do it in a dressing room. I’ve done it. I went to the dressing room and smashed everything in. I went to the office of the boss and complained about stuff.

“When I was at Barcelona, I went away with the team. They put me in the stand. Did you hear me talking about it? No. There is a team. You need to protect your team at all costs, all the time.”

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Liverpool appear to have turned their attention to signing a suitable successor to Mohamed Salah.

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Arne Slot, meanwhile, is still awaiting an apology and has at least seen his side bounce back from the Leeds game with a professional 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro.

The Athletic believe that Salah’s outburst was either aimed towards securing an exit away from the club or to put pressure on Slot’s position. If it is the former and there really is no way back then the Reds could reportedly turn their attention towards Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool begin "work" on Barcola move

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are already “working” on a move to sign Barcola in an attempt to replace Salah in 2026. The PSG man is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal in France, leaving the door ajar for those at Anfield to make their move.

Sources told Caught Offside: “Liverpool have already begun background work on replacing Salah. A player they really like, and have been following closely for some time, is Bradley Barcola.”

Even though he’s yet to sign a new deal, Barcola’s current contract doesn’t expire until 2028. That means Liverpool will likely have to pay a premium fee to secure his signature, with reports in the summer suggesting that PSG value their winger at as much as £100m.

Dubbed “special” by Como scout Ben Mattinson last year, it’s easy to see why Barcola has emerged as an option to replace Salah. In 1,274 minutes so far this season – the same as around 14 games – the Frenchman has scored five goals and assisted another three from out wide.

Replacing Salah will be one of the toughest jobs that Richard Hughes has had as sporting director, but he may already have an ideal candidate in mind.

He could be captain after Van Dijk: £35m star very keen on joining Liverpool

It might not have been vintage Bruno Fernandes this season, yet, even so, the Manchester United skipper is still the heartbeat of Ruben Amorim’s side, as was evident again on Monday night.

Up against an undoubtedly poor Wolverhampton Wanderers side, the 31-year-old was arguably the deciding factor, netting twice himself, while providing a delicious assist for Mason Mount to convert for United’s third.

Two missed penalties earlier in the campaign may have highlighted a drop in standards, although Fernandes still ranks third in the Premier League for goals and assists in 2025/26, while leading the way again for chances created (45).

The hope will be that the Portugal star can replicate last season’s heroics, which saw him overcome a slow start – having failed to score until Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim appointment – before going on to rack up 38 goals and assists in all competitions.

Suitable for a midfield two or not, the ex-Sporting CP playmaker remains so influential to United’s fortunes – but what will happen if the club are left to make do without him?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a midfielder

It’s worth noting that Fernandes, speaking ahead of his 300th United appearance earlier this season, gave no suggestion that he was angling for a move away from Old Trafford, having openly discussed the decision to turn down a move to Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer.

Nor, however, did the £300k-per-week sensation completely shut down the topic of his long-term future, having relayed that he won’t discuss any potential plans until after the World Cup, with just 18 months left to run on his existing deal.

There have been suggestions that INEOS could even look to cash in on their talisman in order to help fund a midfield overhaul in 2026, with potential replacements seemingly being eyed up.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have claimed that the Red Devils are among the clubs pursuing a move for Real Madrid sensation, Arda Guler, with both Arsenal and Liverpool also in the frame.

The report suggests that United have already ‘accelerated initial contacts’ regarding a possible swoop, with the 20-year-old’s ‘versatility’ noted as a selling point for Amorim and co.

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Whether the LaLiga giants would be willing to sell the Turkish starlet remains to be seen, although prior reports indicate he could command a fee of around £88m.

Why Guler could be the perfect successor to Fernandes

It was a moment that epitomised the genius of Bruno Fernandes.

Picking the ball up just outside the Wolves box, the midfielder – who had been sent off at Molineux just over a year ago – had the vision and the quality to pick out Mount with a stunning dinked pass, building on the two inventive assists he produced at Selhurst Park late last month.

Even when not at his free-flowing best, the majestic talent can still unlock a defence in an instant, possessing the type of creative quality that few can match across the global game.

Finding a successor to such a figure thus appears almost impossible, if not improbable, yet Guler would be a more than worthy option, having been hailed as the “best CM/AM prospect in world football right now” by writer Neal Gardner.

That praise is not without merit, with Como’s Nico Paz the only attacking midfielder under the age of 21 to have registered more goals and assists (ten) than Guler in Europe’s top five leagues this season, as per Transfermarkt.

A key beneficiary of Xabi Alonso’s arrival at the Bernabeu, the rising star has already chalked up ten goals and assists in 22 games in all competitions this term, the same number of goal involvements that Fernandes has achieved back in Manchester.

Like Fernandes, the former Fenerbahce man has the flexibility to flourish in a more advanced role, or on the flanks, although he has blossomed in a slightly deeper role of late, averaging 2.3 key passes per game and creating eight ‘big chances’ in LaLiga this season, as per Sofascore.

For context, back at United, Fernandes has created seven ‘big chances’, albeit while averaging three key passes per game, with the pair both representing the creative hubs for their respective sides.

Interestingly, too, the Red Devils skipper is noted as the fifth most similar midfielder to Guler across Europe’s top five leagues, with regard to their stylistic and statistical likeness, as per FBref, further reinforcing why the Madrid man could fill that possible void in Amorim’s future side.

Fernandes vs Guler – Key stats

Stat (per 90)

Fernandes

Guler

Non-penalty goals

0.18

0.20

Assists

0.31

0.41

Shot-creating actions

6.40

6.08

Pass completion

76.3%

85.4%

Progressive passes

9.67

7.91

Progressive carries

2.18

2.00

Successful take-ons

0.71

1.06

Touches in opposition box

2.65

2.94

Prog passes received

3.45

5.43

Stats via FBref

As indicated above, the pair – across the last 365 days – have enjoyed a particularly similar record with regard to assists, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, all key attributes for a playmaking midfielder in their pomp.

In truth, United have rarely seen a side without Fernandes in it, such is his remarkable reliability and availability, although if the day comes where he opts to move on to pastures new, Guler must surely be at the top of the list with regard to replacements.

Prising him from the Spanish capital might not be easy, although with Alonso’s place at Los Blancos seemingly under threat, now could be the time to pounce.

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Coming off an MLB record three straight losses by a score of 1-0, the Cincinnati Reds were in desperate need of a spark Friday night against the Milwaukee Brewers. And as he often does, Elly De La Cruz tried to provide that.

The Reds' offense was sputtering again at American Family Field, as they were being no-hit by Brewers left-handed pitcher Tyler Alexander through five innings. Batting in the top of the sixth inning, De La Cruz laid down a bunt on the first pitch of his at-bat—a big no-no in the unwritten rules of baseball.

Although it was just the sixth inning—and not the ninth, when it would be unforgivable—Alexander did not appear too pleased with De La Cruz's bunt attempt to try to break up his no-hitter.

Alexander left the game soon after with the no-hitter still intact, holding the Reds without a hit or a run through 5 2/3 innings. Cincinnati went on to break up the no-hitter in the seventh when Gavin Lux singled to center field off Milwaukee reliever Abner Uribe.

In the eighth inning, Cincinnati scored two runs to finally snap its scoreless streak at 35 innings, the club's longest drought without a run since the 1946 team was held off the scoreboard in 37 straight innings.

The Reds will return to the diamond Saturday for a rematch against the Brewers in Milwaukee. Brady Singer will take the mound for Cincinnati, while Elvin Rodriguez will toe the rubber for the Brewers.

After Ange Postecoglou’s dismal season in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, changes simply had to be made if Tottenham Hotspur were to progress in the right direction.

His Europa League triumph certainly papered over the cracks, but former chairman Daniel Levy saw the bigger picture and decided a switch in manager was needed.

Such responsibility fell into the hands of Thomas Frank, with the former Brentford boss tasked with the responsibility of transforming the Lilywhites’ fortunes in England’s top-flight.

The backline was a real issue for the club last time around, but the 51-year-old has already made an immediate impact – as seen by their tally of six clean sheets across all competitions.

However, the upcoming January transfer window is rapidly approaching, which could see added quality being injected into the opposite end of the pitch.

Spurs’ hunt for new attacking talent in January

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have once again been linked with a deal to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo after previously wanting him during the summer.

The Ghanaian international has enjoyed a phenomenal start to 2025/26, scoring on six occasions and registering three assists within his first eight outings.

However, he’s not the only Premier League forward currently on their radar, with Sporting Director Fabio Paratici targeting a move for Everton star Iliman Ndiaye.

The latest report from TEAMtalk states that the Lilywhites see the 25-year-old as a top target for the winter window, but face competition from a fellow top-flight rival.

Newcastle United are also in the race to land the versatile forward in the coming months, which has seen a £60m price tag mooted to prise him away from the Toffees.

Why Spurs’ latest target is even better than Kudus

Landing an attacker from another Premier League side certainly isn’t alien to Spurs, as seen by their deal to land winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The hierarchy forked out a fee in the region of £55m for the 25-year-old’s signature, with the Ghanaian seen as the player to take the frontline to the next level.

It’s safe to say he’s already had an immediate impact at the Lilywhites, scoring once and notching four assists within his first eight Premier League appearances.

Kudus has certainly nailed down the role on the right-hand side of the frontline, but he could be joined by another phenomenal talent in the form of Ndiaye.

The Toffees forward has rapidly progressed under David Moyes over the last couple of months, with the Senegalese international now one of the most potent attackers in the division.

When comparing his stats to those of the new Lilywhites addition, Ndiaye has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas throughout the early stages of 2025/26.

The Toffees star has achieved a better shot on target rate and a higher goal per shot on target average – which showcases the added goalscoring threat he possesses.

Games played

8

8

Goals & assists

4

5

Shot on target accuracy

83%

38%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.2

Pass accuracy

77%

73%

Key passes

1.8

1.7

Take-on success

47%

46%

Carries into final third

2.1

1.6

Fouls won

1.5

0.8

He’s also completed more passes and registered a higher tally of key passes per 90 – leading to one analyst labelling him as “one of the best” talents in the Premier League.

Ndiaye’s dominance over Kudus is further reflected in his higher take-on success and better tally of carries into the final third per 90 – highlighting his ability to progress the ball into dangerous areas whenever possible.

£60m would be another huge statement from the hierarchy, but it’s a deal that could add further quality into Frank’s frontline in his quest for success in North London.

The prospect of Ndiaye thriving with Kudus at the Lilywhites is truly one to behold, which could see the club be the home to two of the division’s best attacking talents.

However, the board will have to act quickly in January to complete a deal for his signature, especially given the interest from rivals Newcastle United.

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