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Jaker’s 91 helped Bangladesh set a target of 287 before Taijul ran through West Indies with a five-for

Mohammad Isam03-Dec-2024

Bangladesh posted their first Test win in the West Indies in 15 years when they beat the hosts by 101 runs in Jamaica. It was a remarkable comeback by the visitors after their big defeat in the first Test in Antigua, with the series finishing 1-1. It was cathartic for a side that lost their last five Tests so emphatically, as the likes of Taijul Islam, Jaker Ali and Nahid Rana scripted their third away win in 2024 – their most in a calendar year.Seales, Sinclair fined for Code of Conduct breaches

Jayden Seales and Kevin Sinclair have been fined 25% and 15% of their match fees respectively, for ICC Code of Conduct breaches in Kingston. Seales also got one demerit point, which will remain on his record for 24 months.
Seales was guilty of making “aggressive gestures” towards the Bangladesh dressing room after picking up a wicket, while “ignored warnings from the on-field umpires and continued using aggressive language at the visiting players”, the ICC website said.
Both players admitted to their offences and accepted the sanctions.

Left-arm spinner Taijul took 5 for 50 in the fourth innings to help bowl out West Indies for 185. It was his 15th five-wicket haul, fourth abroad and a first in the Caribbean after 10 years. Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and Rana took the other five wickets.Rana took his maiden Test five-wicket haul in the second innings, helping bowl West Indies out for 146.Bangladesh had made only 164 in their first innings, but their revival in the second innings was a notable one too. This was courtesy Jaker, who cracked five sixes and eight fours in a counter-attacking 91. Jaker scored 62 out of Bangladesh’s 75 runs in the morning session of the fourth day.Related

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West Indies will feel they gave away a great start in the Test match when Jayden Seales returned remarkable figures of 5 for 4 from 15.5 overs. A fired up Seales however leaked runs in the third innings as Bangladesh shifted the momentum in a feisty third afternoon.On the fourth morning, Jaker held Bangladesh’s key to grow their lead from 211. It didn’t start well for him, as Alzarri Joseph pinged him on the top of his helmet. The Bangladesh physio Bayezid Islam Khan took a bit of time to clear Jaker, with the BCB wary of his history of concussions.The situation compounded when Bangladesh lost back to back wickets.Jaker Ali posted his Test best score of 91•Athelstan Bellamy

Taijul edged a short ball on 14, after he and Jaker added 34 runs for the sixth wicket. Mominul Haque completed his second Test pair when he fell off his fourth ball. He looked visibly ill as he walked off, with Bangladesh’s tail now exposed.With his back to the wall, Jaker went after the West Indies attack. He hooked Kemar Roach over wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva for a boundary. Jaker then timed a pull shot off Alzarri for his first six, which took him to his third consecutive fifty in his first three Tests. He is only the second Bangladesh player with the feat after Zakir Hasan.Jaker got on a roll in the next two balls. He flayed at a short ball to get a four over the slips, and then followed it up with a hooked six. Jaker smashed Roach over wide long-on in the next over, but he fought back with two more wickets. Roach removed Mahmud and Taskin in consecutive overs.Jaker however had one more burst of boundaries in him. He smashed Shamar Joseph for two fours in an over, both pull shots, before launching Roach for his fourth six, straight down the ground. His fifth six was off Shamar, hoicked over midwicket, before falling to a catch in the deep later in the over.Kavem Hodge was the only West Indies batter to cross fifty in the match•Athelstan Bellamy

Taijul got to work as early as the fifth over when he had Mikyle Louis in a tangle. Attempting to drive the ball, Louis edged the ball on to his front foot, with Shahadat Hossain claiming a diving catch at forward short leg.Sensing the need to grab the momentum, Brathwaite went after the Bangladesh bowling. He had already picked up a boundary with a square-cut, but after the lunch break, he drove Mahmud through the covers. He launched Taijul over wide long-on for a six, but Keacy Carty couldn’t quite get the bowlers away at the other end.Taskin had Carty caught behind for 14, after a build-up of dot balls, before Taijul accounted for the big one of Brathwaite. He troubled the West Indies captain a few times, before getting one to turn and pop on the shoulder of Brathwaite’s bat. Mahmudul Hasan Joy ran to his right from slip, to complete a tumbling catch. Taijul then got one to pitch on a rough patch and spin back through Alick Athanaze’s huge gap between bat and pad. Athanaze, who went for an expansive drive, looked confused about his approach in his six-ball stay.All this time, Hodge kept his shape, looking sharp as he picked up regular boundaries. He slapped Rana and cut Taskin in consecutive overs. He struck Mehidy for two fours in an over, before going inside out against Taijul before tea.West Indies started the third session on a happy note. Hodge got to his fifty off the first ball after the interval, but he fell shortly afterwards too. Hodge played back to a Taijul delivery that kept very low, trapping him lbw. Keshav Maharaj and Shoaib Bashir have also got him out in similar fashion before.Taskin then cleaned up Justin Greaves with one that kept a little low too, but the batter didn’t make an effort to get low enough to meet the ball. Joshua Da Silva’s miserable series ended when Taijul had him lbw, again another West Indies batter falling lbw to a ball that they could have played off the front foot.When Mehidy brought around Mahmud for a second spell, he made an instant impact. He removed Alzarri and Roach to bring Bangladesh to the brink. Then came the big moment when Rana, who changed the momentum of the game with his first-innings five-for, removed Shamar with a yorker to seal the hard-fought win.

A new update has claimed that Celtic are believed to be in pole position to sign a “very promising” player in the summer transfer window.

Celtic make contact with transfer target

The Hoops have been linked with a summer move for FC Cukaricki midfielder Andrej Bacanin, with the teenager seen as a player with a bright future in the game.

Celtic are thought to be locking horns with Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers, along with European sides Ajax and Udinese, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top, if either, with Bacanin expected to leave his current club before the new season gets underway for around £2.6m.

Elsewhere, Royal Antwerp attacker Michel-Ange Balikwisha continues to be mentioned as an option for Celtic this summer, with the Hoops reportedly in ongoing talks over a move to Parkhead.

He isn’t the only option being looked at, though, with CFR Cluj striker Louis Munteanu backed to join Brendan Rodgers’ champions in the near future.

Celtic and Rangers in pole position for Bacanin

According to Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are one of two sides in pole position to complete the signing of Bacanin during the current window.

The Hoops and Rangers “lead the race” for the 18-year-old’s signature ahead of Ajax and Udinese at this moment in time.

At this point, it would arguably be a surprise if Bacanin wasn’t plying his trade in Scotland next season, but it remains to be seen which of the two giants of the national game will snap him up.

Celtic pipping Rangers to his signature would be another psychological blow to their rivals, with the teenage midfielder a player with so much long-term potential, being described as “very promising” by analyst Hit The Byline.

Despite still only being 18 years of age, Bacanin has already made 19 appearances for Cukaricki at senior level, scoring once and registering two assists in that time, and he has also won 10 caps for Serbia’s Under-19s.

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Granted, he may not be a key starter for Celtic from the off, given his age and lack of experience, but if he reaches his potential, Rodgers could have a future star on his hands.

Manchester City have held talks over a deal to sign an “exceptional” £100m star, with personal terms agreed, but he could now join Tottenham Hotspur.

Man City eyeing midfielder amid doubts over Gonzalez's future

Despite only signing Nico Gonzalez last winter, Man City are already thinking about sanctioning the midfielder’s departure this summer, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey saying: “I am told that City would be open to Gonzalez leaving this summer.

“Gonzalez is one to watch, we have been anticipating the likes of Ilkay Gundogan going, maybe even Mateo Kovacic – but Gonzalez could very well be looking at a quick-fire City exit.”

“It has been played down in some quarters, but his name has come up in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, intermediaries are working and have been told to look at it.”

Bailey also suggests that Gundogan and Kovacic’s futures are in doubt, which means Pep Guardiola may need to bring in at least one new midfielder this summer, and progress was made in the pursuit of a Premier League star.

That is according to a report from Football Insider, who stated Man City have agreed personal terms with Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, having been working on a deal behind the scenes.

The attacking midfielder has decided the Etihad Stadium is his preferred destination, but City are yet to reach an agreement with Forest, and it could be difficult to prise the midfielder away from the Tricky Trees.

Since then, it has been revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race for Gibbs-White, with new Spurs boss Thomas Frank keen on a deal and a £60m move appears to be progressing.

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Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are reluctant to lose both Anthony Elanga and Gibbs-White in the same transfer window, and the former is now set to sign for Newcastle United in a £55m deal, but it looks as if it could happen.

Gibbs-White could be "exceptional" signing for Man City

Some previous reports suggested his current employers could hold out for £100m, but there are plenty of signs that he could be a good acquisition for Guardiola or Spurs.

Unlike Gonzalez, who has failed to kick on at the Etihad Stadium, the England international is already Premier League proven, which makes the deal less risky, having performed very well for Forest over the past three seasons.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2022-23

35

5

8

2023-24

37

5

10

2024-25

34

7

10

Forest flirted with relegation in their first two seasons back in the Premier League, yet the maestro still managed to record very impressive attacking numbers, which indicates he could kick on considerably in a better side.

Gibbs-White is clearly held in very high regard by Guardiola, with the City boss lauding him as “exceptional” last season, so it is little wonder that City are pursuing a deal, however, they may miss out to Tottenham.

India left-arm spinner thanked rescue forces for helping her out of a difficult situation

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Aug-2024India left-arm spinner Radha Yadav needed assistance during the flooding in Vadodara in Gujarat and has thanked the National Disaster Response Force for coming to her aid.”We were stuck in a very bad situation. Thank you so much NDRF for rescuing us,” Yadav posted on Instagram on Wednesday night.The video in her post shows the surrounding areas submerged in water and rescue personnel approaching on a raft. People can also be seen wading through chest-high water.Several areas in Gujarat have been affected by floods in recent days. As per reports on Thursday, 28 people had died and nearly 18,000 had to be relocated to safe areas because of rain and flood-related incidents.Yadav is a part of India’s 15-member squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup , which begins on October 3. India are grouped with defending champions Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, and play their opening game against New Zealand on October 4.Yadav was last in action in the women’s Asia Cup, where she took a three-wicket haul in the semi-final against Bangladesh.Yadav has played 80 T20Is for India, returning 90 wickets. Her appearances have been more limited in ODIs, with one wicket from four matches.

Thomas Frank has a huge task on his hands next season if he is to transform the situation at Tottenham Hotspur after the club’s form in England’s top flight.

The Lilywhites finished the season in 17th place in the Premier League last time around, losing 22 times in the process – leading to Ange Postecoglou’s subsequent dismissal in North London.

However, the side’s Europa League triumph against Manchester United in Bilbao is evidence of the levels they can reach, needing to use such an achievement as a springboard into 2025/26.

Frank will need to be backed by the hierarchy in his quest, needing to make key changes to his squad he desires to push them back towards a top five finish in the near future.

The Dane has showcased at Brentford he’s able to thrive in the Premier League, hoping to do so again across the capital as he wastes no time in making moves in the market.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

Wingers have been high up on their list in recent weeks, with Spurs strongly linked with a move to land Bryan Mbeumo, securing a return between the player and the manager.

However, he looks set to make a move to Manchester United this window, leading to West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus also emerging as a potential option.

Whilst the aforementioned duo have been on their radar, progress appears to have been made on a deal to land Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that Frank’s side are set to make a £65m bid to land the 25-year-old this window after 11 goals and five assists in the league this campaign.

It also confirms that the Cherries aren’t prepared to lose another one of their star players, but the Lilywhites are confident they can secure a move for his signature this window.

Why Semenyo would be Frank’s next Solanke

Striker Dominic Solanke joined in a £65m deal from the same club last summer, with the English international seen as the heir to Harry Kane after his departure 12 months prior.

The 27-year-old managed to score 16 times in his 45 appearances across all competitions, with five of his efforts coming in Europe and helping the side end their 17-year trophy wait.

Like many players in the current first team squad, he’s had his own injury issues this campaign, restricting him from having the dream first year in North London.

However, he’s still managed to showcase his talents within the final third, ending the year as the club’s second-highest goalscorer in the division for 2024/25.

Frank could be about to land his next version of Solanke this window, with Semenyo following in his footsteps and moving to Spurs to rekindle their impressive partnership.

Whilst the fee touted appears to be an expensive one, the Ghanaian international has showcased his skillset this season, adding a new dimension to Frank’s forward line should he complete a move.

Semenyo, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Owuraku Ampofo, registered 16 combined goals and assists, a figure that would’ve made him the joint-highest contributor in the current squad.

Games played

37

Goals & assists

16

Shots on target

1.2

Successful dribbles

1.9

Chances created

1.3

Touches in opposition box

5.9

Aerials won

1.9

His underlying stats are just as impressive, registering 1.2 shots on target per 90, along with 1.9 successful dribbles – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

The 25-year-old has also created 1.3 chances per 90, whilst also notching 5.9 touches in the opposition box per 90, having the tools to star alone or even provide players around him in North London.

If he can transfer his skillset over to the Lilywhites next season, it would be a superb deal at £65m, having the potential to improve further with further quality players around him in Frank’s side.

Such a transfer could provide the added cutting edge needed for success, handing the manager the best possible chance of impressing during his first year at the helm.

Big Johnson upgrade: Spurs open initial talks to sign £70m "monster"

Tottenham are hoping to sign a right-sided forward this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 21, 2025

Arsenal once again failed to get over the line in the Premier League or Champions League this season, so to ensure they achieve their goals next year, the club look set for an incredibly busy summer.

For example, while no signings have officially been announced, it’s been widely reported by the likes of Fabrizio Romano that Martin Zubimendi is incredibly close to joining the North Londoners in the coming weeks.

The Spanish international has been a key component of Real Sociedad’s midfield for years, played a crucial role in Spain’s European Championships triumph last year, and is still just 26 years old.

In short, the San Sebastian-born international will be an excellent addition to the Gunners’ squad, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now targetting someone who’d be even more exciting.

Arsenal transfer news

The good news is that, over the last few weeks, Arsenal have been linked with a host of incredibly exciting players, so before getting to the star in question, it is worth examining a few of them, like Benjamin Sesko and Antoine Semenyo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been a long-term target for the Gunners and is reportedly available for close to £70m, which might end up being a bargain for someone described as “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 games this season.

Semenyo, on the other hand, may cost just as much as the Slovenian and managed to rack up a reasonable enough tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances for Bournemouth this season.

However, it now looks like the North Londoners are interested in an even more prolific Premier League-proven attacker: Bryan Mbeumo.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Romano, Arsenal are now one of several English teams seriously keen on the Brentford star.

Romano claims that alongside the Gunners, Manchester United and Newcastle United are also big fans of the Cameroonian international, who, according to other stories from the last few weeks, could be available for around £60m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, especially as Mbeumo would be a more exciting addition than Zubimendi.

Why Mbuemo would be a more exciting signing than Zubimendi

Okay, so the first thing to say is that for the aforementioned reasons, like his experience and track record of performing in big moments, Zubimendi would be an important and exciting signing for Arsenal.

However, it’s also true that Mbeumo would be an even more exciting addition to the team this summer for a host of reasons, chief among them being his unreal output.

For example, despite playing for a mid-table – at-best – team, and who were without their star striker for half of last year, the former Troyes star managed to end the 23/24 season with an impressive haul of nine goals and seven assists in 27 appearances, totalling 2079 minutes.

That means the Avallon-born dynamo managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games, or every 129.93 minutes, which is undeniably impressive.

Yet, somehow, instead of plateauing or even regressing, the often “unplayable” international, as dubbed by manager Thomas Frank, did even better this season.

In 42 appearances, totalling 3577 minutes, the 25-year-old phenomenon scored 20 goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or every 123.34 minutes.

On top of his outrageous output, the 18-capped attacker can also play up top or as a second striker, and if there is anything we know about Arteta, it’s that he likes players who can excel in more than one position.

Ultimately, Zubimendi could be an incredibly important cog in the machine next season, but goals and dynamic attacking phases of play are what get fans on their feet, and for that reason, Mbeumo would undoubtedly be the more exciting signing for Arsenal.

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Tottenham Hotspur have now made an approach to sign a “superb” £34m player, who has already turned down a move to Arsenal this summer, according to a report.

Spurs eyeing new signings amid Frank pursuit

With Daniel Levy controversially dismissing Ange Postecoglou last week, the chairman has wasted no time searching for a replacement for the Australian, and widespread reports are suggesting that Thomas Frank has now agreed to take the job.

However, former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood has admitted he is “worried” about what Levy’s objective for the new manager will be, given that Postecoglou was sacked after winning a trophy, and it must be noted Frank has never won a major honour, despite doing a stellar job at Brentford.

Should the Dane be appointed, he is likely to have a say in the recruitment this summer, but the Lilywhites are continuing to assess potential options without a permanent manager in place.

That is according to a report from RMC Sport, which states Tottenham have now made an approach over a deal for AS Roma’s Evan Ndicka, having submitted an enquiry, with Premier League rivals Manchester United doing the same.

Ndicka, who is valued at €40m (£34m) is in no rush to decide his next move, and will take time to consider the offers he receives, but one thing that is clear is that he will not be heading to the Emirates Stadium, having already turned down a move to Arsenal this summer.

"Superb" Ndicka could be solid Romero replacement

Postecoglou may not be the only key Spurs figure to leave this summer, as there have been doubts over Cristian Romero’s future for quite some time, with it previously being revealed that Levy is open to sanctioning the Argentina international’s departure this summer.

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As such, one of Frank’s most important tasks, should he become the new manager, may be to bring in a new centre-back, and there are some signs the Roma defender could be a solid option, having previously been dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig.

The 6 foot 4 colossus is certainly an imposing presence, which means he is also a threat from set-pieces, as shown when he bagged his first goal for Roma against Tottenham in the Europa League last November.

Ndicka could be a solid signing for Spurs, but it is important they get the green light from Frank or any other potential new manager before pursuing a deal.

Manchester United are believed to be in contact about the signing of another exciting player this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Man Utd set to sign Kana-Biyik as INEOS plot youth overhaul

The Red Devils won 3-0 away to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday evening, allowing them to start dreaming of a place in the Europa League final, and some intriguing transfer business was reported at the same time.

At the same time as the game was going on, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano took to X to report that United have agreed a deal to sign Le Havre attacking sensation Enzo Kana-Biyik on a five-year deal.

At 18, Kana-Biyik is still clearly a raw talent, but it is a further sign that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are targeting young players with huge potential this summer, as well as focusing on signing star men who can come in and be an immediate hit.

Winning the Europa League will only help United bring in the right players, ensuring qualification for the Champions League in the process, and now a new update has emerged alongside Kana-Biyik.

Man Utd make contact to sign La Liga 2 gem Christian Kofane

According to reports in Spain [via Sport Witness], Manchester United are among the clubs in contact to sign Christian Kofane from Albacete Balompie this summer. The striker has a £4.2m release clause in his contract that can be triggered this year.

The update claims that “half of Europe” have been in touch about signing the 18-year-old, with fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Aston Villa mentioned, as well as Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Villarreal, Real Betis, Lille and Monaco.

Kofane may not yet be a household name, but he is a teenage star who could grow into a special player over time, having already scored six goals in 15 appearances for Albacete at senior level.

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Meanwhile, Under-23 scout Antonio Mango has hailed the “pace”, “technical skills” and “movement” that the Cameroonian has in his locker, showing that he is an attacker with many key attributes.

As is the case with Kana-Biyik, Kofane isn’t the immediate solution for United, and could be loaned out given he has only thrived in the second tier in Spain so far, but the level of interest in him shows what a mouthwatering prospect he is.

If there is one thing Arsenal fans want this summer, it’s a striker.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in a marvellous position to do something spectacular in the Champions League this season, but their domestic campaign has been a real letdown, partly due to a lack of clinical finishing up top – they’ve scored 14 goals fewer than Liverpool in the Premier League.

So, it’s not been all that surprising that, over the last few months, the North Londoners have been linked with a whole host of prolific marksmen, most notably Alexander Isak.

However, with Newcastle United now looking likely to secure a spot in next year’s Champions League, it feels doubtful that the Gunners will be able to prise their star striker away from them this summer.

Fortunately, Arsenal appear to have already moved on from the former Real Sociedad star for another free-scoring forward, someone who might be a wiser signing anyway.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the man in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other centre-forwards who have been linked with the North Londoners in recent weeks, such as Ollie Watkins.

The Aston Villa star was a surprise target for the club in the winter window, and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta is reportedly still interested in the Englishman; it’s not hard to see why, as he’s scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists in 48 appearances this term.

Another name that has popped up recently is Jonathan David, who will be a free agent in the summer and has reportedly held talks with the North Londoners quite recently.

The Canadian international has been enjoying an incredible season this year and has already amassed a tally of 25 goals and 11 assists in 45 games, although that still pales in comparison to the unreal Viktor Gyokeres.

Yes, the player in question is none other than the Sporting CP superstar, and according to a recent report from Portuguese outlet A Bola as relayed by Football Transfers, the North Londoners are now in ‘pole position’ to secure the Swede’s signature.

The report has revealed that the Gunners have stepped up their pursuit of the 26-year-old in the weeks following Berta’s appointment and that the former Coventry City star will be available for around €70m, which comes out to £60m.

It would still be a costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gyokeres’ incredible output, it is one worth completing and one that could be better than signing Isak.

Why Gyokeres would be a better signing that Isak

So, it’s no secret that Isak is one of the most exciting strikers in world football at the moment, and as such, we wouldn’t be surprised if most fans wanted the club to sign him or Gyokeres, but there are a few reasons why the latter would be the wiser acquisition.

The first is simply the cost involved, as even when it looked like the Toon would miss out on Champions League football, reports were coming out that they would demand around £150m for the talisman.

So now that the Magpies look set to play in Europe’s top competition next season, it would surely take a genuinely absurd offer to tempt them into selling, the sort of offer that would scupper the Gunners’ other summer plans.

So, it feels far more sensible to spend a fraction of that on the Sporting “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, and make sure that other top players are bought in to help bolster the squad in multiple areas.

Moreover, the second reason is that the Stockholm-born poacher has shown himself to be even more of a goal threat this season.

Appearances

46

38

Minutes

3700′

2977′

Goals

47

25

Assists

11

6

Goal Involvements per Match

1.26

0.81

Minutes per Goal Involvement

63.79′

96.03′

For example, in just 46 appearances, totalling 3700 minutes, he’s found the back of the net 47 times and provided 11 assists for good measure, which comes to an average of 1.26 goal involvements every game or one every 63.79 minutes.

In comparison, the Newcastle star has scored 25 goals and provided six assists in 38 appearances, totalling 2977 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.22 games or every 96.03 minutes.

Now, it is true that the Solna-born ace is playing in a tougher league, but even with that taken into consideration, Gyokeres’ level of output is astounding.

Finally, and this is important, Isak is an injury-prone player and has missed 39 games for club and country since the 22/23 season alone, whereas the Sporting dynamo has missed just five games across his entire career.

Ultimately, while Isak is a superb player, Gyokeres would be the better signing, as not only would he cost a fraction of the price, but he’s arguably just as dangerous, and his fitness record is near enough impeccable.

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Does the tournament schedule really give some teams a competitive advantage over others? Here’s a deep dive

Sidharth Monga06-Jun-2024After Sri Lanka had a disrupted start to their tournament thanks to a delayed flight that kept them in the airport all night followed by long drives to the ground in New York – their opponents South Africa stayed minutes from the ground – the schedule for the T20 World Cup 2024 has come under the scanner. Does the schedule really give some teams a competitive advantage over others? We look at some important criteria.

Warm-up match and first match

Where you warm up and where you play is important because this is a short, sharp tournament, and you want to be settled, rested and used to conditions for your first match. Especially in Groups C and D, which are the groups of death. This is all the more important for those playing in New York and the rest of the USA because the conditions are completely unknown.Related

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Sri Lanka played their warm-up games in Lauderhill before going to New York for their first match against South Africa in a group of death. They get back to the familiar surroundings of Florida only for their third match.At the other end of the scale are Canada, India, Nepal and USA, who were settled in a place, played a warm-up match there and then started their tournament there.In the middle of the scale are Bangladesh and Netherlands, who did a bit of travel but also played a warm-up match at the venue where they began the tournament. The other teams either didn’t play warm-ups or travelled within the Caribbean.

Travel in the first round

India, New Zealand and South Africa enjoy a great schedule, getting to play three successive matches at one venue. England, Ireland, Namibia, Oman and PNG only go to two venues each.Sri Lanka suffer again. Apart from Netherlands, they are the only team that travels for every match in the first round.

Super Eights

All teams play matches every alternate day but again some teams travel, some teams don’t, and some teams get convenient timings while some don’t. Assuming the top two pre-tournament seeds from each group qualify, Australia, India and West Indies play all their Super Eights at different venues. The others get to play two matches at the same venue.India and West Indies are the only teams that play all their matches at the same time of day. All of India’s matches are in the morning, while West Indies play theirs at night. England will play one night match in St Lucia, and be back there for another match in a matter of 30 hours or so. Pakistan will do the same in Barbados. Fortunately, no team will play a morning match immediately after a night match have to travel for it.

Semi-finals

If they qualify, India have the advantage of knowing their game is in Guyana, but they will not have been to Guyana at all before their semi-final. They will also be the only team to not play a night game in the entire tournament should they go all the way to the final.

Amount of travel

It all comes down to how much you are having to travel in this short, sharp tournament. Not counting the one that brought them to their first resting spot in either the USA or the West Indies, this is the number of flights the teams are taking.ESPNcricinfo LtdA word of caution here. The participating teams are given an opportunity to give feedback and raise any major concerns before the schedules are finalised. So a part of the blame should also lie at the door of the teams. Perhaps there were some that got their concerns addressed?That said, even while we appreciate the privilege of being a professional sports team and earning good money to build a good life, this is not at all about that. This is about competitive advantages and disadvantages. And teams are bound to look at how other teams go on that front.When they played South Africa, a bleary-eyed Sri Lanka woke up at 5.30am, started loading their bus at 6.30am, travelled an hour and a half to get to the ground, and only had their breakfast at the ground. That same afternoon, they drove back into the city, packed up, checked out, and were ready for a 6pm flight. Their opponents, South Africa, had been in New York for a week, travelled 14 minutes to the ground, and will stay put for two matches.Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are bound to make their comparisons when they make their frequent flights.