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An “important” Glasgow Rangers player has been offered to another club this summer, with his Ibrox future looking in serious doubt.

The Gers know the importance of keeping hold of their most important players this summer, as they look to bridge the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race.

One player whose future is reportedly up in the air is Nicolas Raskin – the likes of Aston Villa and Wolves have been linked with signing him – but manager Russell Martin has spoken about improving his game moving forward, suggesting that he doesn’t see him leaving.

“We can get more end product out of Nico by doing a bit less. He has big character, he wants to take the ball but I think he’s had to do a lot in the previous season, whereas now we’re going to ask him to do a bit less, and when he does have to stuff, to do it with real quality, intensity and aggression. So, hopefully, we’ll be able to bring out a more impactful Nico.”

While Rangers supporters may be buoyed by Martin’s comments, a worrying new update has now emerged regarding his future at Ibrox.

Raskin's agent offers deal to Real Betis

According to a fresh update from Estadio Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Rangers midfielder Raskin’s agency, Libera Sports, “offered” him to Real Betis in the last few days, as well as Saint-Etienne striker Lucas Stassin.

The Gers ace is valued at around £8.6m, however, and the report states that it will be difficult for Betis to acquire his signature for a “modest price” this summer. Meanwhile, Radio Sevilla also claim that sporting director Manu Fajardo sees the Belgian as high up on the list of midfield options to come in.

Retaining Raskin’s services has to be seen as priority business for Rangers in the coming weeks, considering what a key part of their midfield he has been since arriving from Standard Liege back in 2023.

The 24-year-old is an influential figure in so many ways, bagging six assists and also winning an average of two aerial duels per game in the league last season, being hailed as “important” by Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia.

Martin has to do his utmost to show Raskin that he is ready to build something special at Ibrox, making the Belgium international a vital part of his plans and building the team around him.

Fernandez upgrade at Ibrox: Rangers want to sign "quality" star for UCL tie

Rangers are still pushing to sign Russell Martin’s top target.

By
Ben Gray

Jul 18, 2025

A new contract for the midfielder would arguably feel as important as new signing that comes in for the Gers this summer, but that feels like far from a guarantee currently.

His extended tenure is likely to be beyond the end of the current World Test Championship cycle

Andrew Fidel Fernando29-Sep-2024Sanath Jayasuriya’s contract as men’s head coach is likely to be extended for a year, following his success with the Sri Lanka team over the past few months. The team has beaten India in an ODI series, won a Test at The Oval, and another in Galle against New Zealand since he took over as interim coach in early July.Sri Lanka Cricket had advertised the permanent head coach position following Chris Silverwood’s exit in late June. But with at least two of Sri Lanka’s three sides showing signs of improvement under Jayasuriya, SLC has initiated the process to bring Jayasuriya in on a longer term.”We are in the final stages of negotiating the contract with him,” board CEO Ashley de Silva told ESPNcricinfo. “Probably in the next two or three days you will get to hear more.”Related

Jayasuriya appointed Sri Lanka's interim head coach

Oval 1998 or Oval 2024? Jayasuriya chooses between two great Test wins

Jayasuriya had originally been appointed cricket consultant for one year in December last year, a role that would have mostly had him working with the High Performance Centre. But he traveled with the team to this year’s T20 World Cup, and subsequently took the head coach role.Under him, there have also been a T20I series loss against India, plus two Test defeats in England. But the successes have outweighed these. Sri Lanka are now in the hunt for a World Test Championship final place, and Jayasuriya’s next contract will take the team past the end of the ongoing cycle.Feedback from players has also been positive, with Angelo Mathews – the most experienced player in the Test side – having described Jayasuriya taking over the team as a “turning point”.”Sanath Jayasuriya was superb as cricket director and now as coach,” he said. “He communicates well and has given us a lot of freedom. We are all working towards one goal, and now everyone is on the same page. He’s also done a superb job grooming the players. He has been amazing. I wish him all the very best.”Jayasuriya had previously been chief selector in two different stints in the last decade, but these had largely been defined by modest performances from the men’s team. There has been more stability during his ongoing assignment, however.

Fast bowler to use competition’s month-long window to continue rehabilitation

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jul-2024

Mahika Gaur bowls during the Women’s Hundred in 2023•Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Mahika Gaur, England’s highly-rated left-arm seamer, has withdrawn from this year’s Women’s Hundred, to continue her recovery from a side strainGaur, 18, had been retained by Manchester Originals after impressing in her debut season last year, but will instead use the competition’s month-long window to continue her rehabilitation, under the supervision of the medical teams at both the ECB and her regional side, Thunder.Gaur was not available for England’s early-season white-ball series against Pakistan, as she was completing her A-levels, but was then ruled out of the T20I squad to face New Zealand this month after picking up her injury.Her absence from the Hundred could impact her hopes of breaking into England’s squad for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, with that competition set to form a key part of the players’ preparation in the absence of any other bilateral cricket prior to their departure in October.Gaur, who represented UAE from the age of 12, made a strong impression in her first England appearances against Sri Lanka last summer, including with figures of 3 for 26 on her ODI debut at Chester-le-Street in September.

It may be odd to argue, amid what was a wretched campaign for Manchester United as a whole, although 2024/25 was in many ways a season of redemption in some quarters, with Harry Maguire re-establishing himself as a central figure under the new Ruben Amorim regime.

Thrust into an unorthodox number nine berth during United’s Europa League run, in particular, the England international delivered arguably the greatest Old Trafford moment in recent years, following his last-gasp winner against Lyon.

Once written off under Erik ten Hag, having been stripped of the captaincy amid talk over a move to West Ham United, the 32-year-old, to his credit, fought his way back from the brink, having notably been hailed as “perfect” for the 3-4-3 system by Amorim.

Fittingly too, that heroic winner against the Ligue 1 side had been supplied by another man on a mission, in the form of Casemiro, with the Brazilian having also delivered the assist for Kobbie Mainoo just minutes earlier – alongside winning the prior spot-kick.

Central to that comeback, the 33-year-old is in many ways the comeback kid, having shaken off the disappointment of being left out of the starting lineup for last season’s FA Cup final, to then edging out Manuel Ugarte to get the nod for the Europa League showpiece 12 months later.

That resurgence has been a joy to behold, although the fact remains that his £70m addition was perhaps a costly, long-term mistake. Could something similar soon be repeated?

Latest on Man Utd's transfer search

Speaking of fixing prior mistakes, the Red Devils appear to be searching for a suitable successor to Andre Onana between the sticks, with the 29-year-old facing an uncertain future at the club after just two years in Manchester.

Linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, the £47.2m signing made a catalogue of errors again in 2024/25 – including three leading to a goal in the Premier League – with it no surprise that Amorim is reportedly seeking a replacement.

As noted by journalist Rudy Galetti, United are said to have “renewed interest” in Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with the club holding “internal talks” over whether to make a move for the German.

Transfer Focus

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

Writing in his attached piece for TEAMtalk, Galetti notes that the 33-year-old has emerged as a ‘leading target’ for the Red Devils, amid their search to replace Onana this summer.

The veteran goalkeeper – who is said to have also been considered by Chelsea – is facing his own uncertainty back in Catalonia, amid the potential arrival of Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.

Why Ter Stegen could be another Casemiro for Man Utd

It is heartwarming that a man who won the lot at Real Madrid – namely five Champions Leagues – appears to simply love life at Manchester United, with Casemiro memorably collapsing to the floor in delight following the wild celebrations after Maguire’s Lyon winner.

The one-time Porto man has looked back to his first season best in recent months, having notably described 2022/23 as the “best” individual campaign of his career, with Erik ten Hag having hailed him as the “cement” in the side at the time.

Frustratingly, however, such performances were not maintained in the following year, with Casemiro described as looking like he’s playing “in Soccer Aid” by pundit Jamie Redknapp, having failed to justify his reported £350k-per-week salary.

Games (starts)

28 (24)

25 (24)

24 (18)

Goals

4

1

1

Assists

3

2

0

Big chances created

7

2

3

Key passes*

1.0

0.6

0.9

Pass accuracy*

79%

83%

80%

Tackles & interceptions*

4.4

4.0

4.1

Balls recovered*

N/A

5.3

4.3

Dribbled past*

1.6

2.2

1.2

Total duels won*

55%

52%

64%

Despite his recent renaissance, the decision to plump for the ageing talent remains a costly one then, with the same potentially set to occur with regard to Ter Stegen – a player who takes home £102k-per-week in Barcelona.

Like his former Madrid rival, the 44-cap Germany international could bring a wealth of experience to United, undoubtedly, having racked up 422 appearances for the club to date, while winning a plethora of major honours.

Much like Casemiro too, Ter Stegen has repeatedly delivered the goods at the elite level over a consistent period, having previously been described as “extraordinary” and “among the three best keepers in the world” by former boss Xavi. Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak also stated that it is “is crazy the way he can make some saves”.

The problem is, however, that at 33, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach man would hardly be a long-term solution, not least considering his unfortunate injury woes of late.

Indeed, last season, the long-serving Barca star made just nine appearances in all competitions, having only recently made his return from a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to a tendon issue.

That spell out of action – which saw Ter Stegen miss 51 games for club and country – follows a previous period of absence in 2023/24, in which he missed a further 19 games with a back injury.

For a club like United who have endured frequent injury setbacks in recent times, that must surely have alarm bells ringing, with Amorim unable to afford further disruption in such a key position.

Yes, like Casemiro, the 6 foot 2 ace – who ranked in the top 7% in LaLiga in 2023/24 for save percentage – can be a quality asset on his day, but those days may prove to be few and far between as his career reaches its climax.

As United found with Casemiro – and Raphael Varane before him – Spain’s elite clubs are rather canny at affloading ageing stars at the right time. United simply can’t prove another victim of that this summer.

Their best CF since Ronaldo: Man Utd eager to sign "fearless" £44m striker

Manchester United are eyeing up a move for a striker who would be their best forward since Cristiano Ronaldo.

ByDan Emery Jun 8, 2025

Everton are now stepping up their pursuit of a midfield “magician”, with manager David Moyes believed to be a big fan, according to a report.

Everton's summer transfer plans taking shape

The 2025-26 campaign will be the start of a new era for the Toffees, with Moyes’ side set to move to Bramley-Moore Dock, and the Friedkin Group are looking to make some statement signings to mark the move to the new stadium.

Manchester City’s John Stones is among the targets at centre-back, with the Blues open to bringing the Englishman back to Merseyside, while Ipswich Town star Liam Delap is an option, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin yet to commit to a new deal.

Not only that, but Moyes is keen to strengthen in the middle of the park, having requested the permanent signing of Carlos Alcaraz, who has been on loan from Flamengo since January, while the manager is also a big fan of a Ligue 1 midfielder.

Everton set to cut ties with "outstanding" 93 career-goal ace in summer exit

He’s been a valiant servant at Goodison Park…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 12, 2025

That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states Moyes is an admirer of Lille’s Angel Gomes, who is set to leave the French club on a free transfer this summer, and Everton are now making moves to secure his signature.

The Toffees are making a renewed attempt to win the race for Gomes, but they may have a huge battle on their hands, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and West Ham United also expressing an interest in the midfielder.

The need to bring in a new central midfielder may also be exacerbated by the fact that Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye and Orel Mangala are all currently set to exit Goodison Park upon the expiration of their contracts this summer.

"Magician" Gomes could be fantastic signing

The England international has found game time hard to come by in the second half of the season, having suffered some injury setbacks, but his previous exploits in Ligue 1 indicate that he could be a fantastic signing for Everton this summer.

After being called up to the Three Lions squad earlier this season, the 24-year-old received high praise from French football writer Julien Laurens, who said: “He’s one of the best players in Ligue 1, there’s no doubt.”

The maestro went on to catch the eye during his full debut against Finland, given his passing accuracy and eagerness to get the ball forward.

Nottingham Forest’s Jonathan Panzo has also lauded the Englishman in the past, saying: “He’s like a magician. He’s a small player, but his IQ is so smart and he just knows how to get around the pitch.”

It is little wonder that Everton are so keen on Gomes, but it could be difficult to secure the Lille star’s signature, given the level of interest.

The Premier League has been honoured by plenty of iconic midfielders since its creation back in 1992. Whether it be no-nonsense defensive midfielders, passing maestros who control the game or attacking midfielders who score as many goals as some strikers, plenty of legends have come and gone.

But who is the best midfielder in Premier League history? Ranking such an accomplished group of players is no easy task…

Ranking factors Honours Appearances Goals Assists Teams played for What others have said about them 20 best midfielders in Premier League history: in pictures 20 Gareth Barry Aston Villa, Man City, Everton, West Brom

Starting the countdown is the Premier League’s record appearance holder – Gareth Barry. Playing more than 650 top flight games, Barry was a reliable figure during his career and was known as a more defensive-minded midfielder who could also chip in with goals in the early stages of his career.

The Englishman earned a marquee move to Man City from Aston Villa in 2009 and would go on to win the top flight and the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium.

Appearances

653

Goals

53

Assists

64

19 James Milner Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Man City, Liverpool, Brighton

Another long-lasting central midfielder who has been the engine for numerous sides he has played for is James Milner.

After bursting onto the scene at the age of 16 for Leeds United in 2002, Milner has gone on to have an extremely successful career, winning multiple honours with Man City and Liverpool.

At the age of 39, Milner, who has played in a variety of midfield roles throughout his career, is currently still going with Brighton and may have his eyes on breaking Barry’s record.

Appearances

643

Goals

56

Assists

89

18 Paul Ince Man Utd, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Wolves

Paul Ince had the perfect blend of attacking and defensive qualities as a central midfielder, even managing to squeeze in a stint with Inter Milan between playing for Man Utd and Liverpool.

A member of the first squad to ever win the Premier League, Ince would win the trophy again in 1993/94, with his last Premier League appearance coming for Wolves in 2004.

Former teammate Christian Ziege once said of Ince: “He goes forward looking to score goals and goes backwards to defend his own goal with the same determination. Not a lot of players have that – good at defending and going forward.”

Appearances

306

Goals

42

Assists

29

Titles

2

17 Luka Modric Tottenham

Arguably one of the best signings Tottenham have ever made in the Premier League is Luka Modric, who would spend four years in north London before Real Madrid came calling in 2012.

The Croatia icon caught the eye with his exceptional passing and playmaking ability, and even though he didn’t win the league with Spurs, is still regarded as a great.

Modric went on to become a Ballon d’Or winner, which wouldn’t have surprised Harry Redknapp, who called the midfielder Tottenham’s one “world-class player” back in 2010.

Appearances

127

Goals

13

Assists

15

16 Xabi Alonso Liverpool

Another midfielder who could dictate the tempo of the game was Xabi Alonso, who signed for Liverpool in 2004 from Real Sociedad.

The Spaniard, who was Rafael Benitez’s first addition at Anfield, would go on to form a brilliant partnership with Steven Gerrard on Merseyside and help win the Champions League in 2005.

In the Premier League, Alonso may not have lifted the title, however, he was called “by some distance, the best central midfielder” Gerrard has played alongside.

Appearances

143

Goals

14

Assists

17

15 Claude Makelele Chelsea

Chelsea legend Claude Makelele was so good as a defensive midfielder during his career that it is now well known as the the “Makelele role”.

The Frenchman actually only moved to England and the Premier League at the age of 30, but during those five years at Stamford Bridge, won two titles under Jose Mourinho.

Recently, Mourinho named Makelele in his best XI of players he’s worked with, which just shows the impact he had on the iconic manager.

Appearances

144

Goals

2

Assists

4

Titles

2

14 Michael Carrick West Ham, Tottenham, Man Utd

Despite winning five Premier League titles with Man Utd, Michael Carrick is arguably a midfielder who went under the radar during his career.

After coming through at West Ham and joining Tottenham for two years, the Red Devils made their move in 2006, with Carrick spending 12 years at Old Trafford.

Known for his passing qualities and ability to control a game, Sir Alex Ferguson even called Carrick “the best English centre-midfield player” in 2014.

Appearances

481

Goals

24

Assists

40

Titles

5

13 Rodri Man City

One of the best defensive midfielders in the current modern-day era, Rodri has been Man City’s most important player since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

Replacing Fernandinho at the heart of the City midfield, Rodri has even come up with some crucial goals, including netting the Champions League final winner to complete a treble for Pep Guardiola’s team in 2023.

A four-time Premier League winner, Rodri has also lifted the Ballon d’Or at the Etihad Stadium and has been called a “reference point for every aspiring midfielder in the game”.

Appearances

180

Goals

22

Assists

21

Titles

4

12 N’Golo Kante Leicester City, Chelsea

Arriving in England for just over £5m in 2015, N’Golo Kante would go on to star in his first Premier League season, helping Leicester City shock the world to win the title.

The Frenchman made more tackles and interceptions than any other player in 2015/16 and would move to Chelsea a year later, where he would lift the title again at Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard and Joe Cole even said that having Kante is like having “two” in his position due to his engine, and he has gone on to become a world-class midfielder.

Appearances

227

Goals

12

Assists

17

Titles

2

11 David Beckham Man Utd

One of the best set-piece takers in Premier League history, David Beckham was a quality right-midfielder at Man Utd in the top-flight between 1995-2003.

The Englishman won six league titles during that time and was named as the Ballon d’Or runner up in 1999, highlighting the impact he made at Old Trafford.

A global icon, Beckham was only 20 years of age when he became a regular under Sir Alex Ferguson, who called the right-midfielder “magnificent” before he left for Real Madrid.

Appearances

265

Goals

62

Assists

80

Titles

6

Chelsea have seen a huge improvement defensively in recent weeks, keeping five clean sheets in their last seven games, only conceding two goals and 16 shots on target across those seven games.

However, the attacking prowess does seem to have tailed off, with the Blues only scoring nine in their last seven games, with four of those goals coming against bottom of the Premier League, Southampton.

Enzo Maresca will be keen to add some extra firepower to his forward line this summer, with a new striker high on the wish list, alongside a new winger who suits the Italian’s system.

Chelsea battling for £64m "cheat code"

The Blues have been linked with a number of forwards over recent months, from Newcastle superstar Alexander Isak to Ipswich forward Liam Delap.

However, they’re not just casting their net across the Premier League but across European football, too.

Indeed, according to reports from TBR Football, Chelsea are interested in signing AC Milan’s £150m-rated winger, Rafael Leao. The player’s camp are currently assessing the player’s options ahead of the summer.

Transfer Focus

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

That being said, the Blues could face competition from London rivals Arsenal, who are also now emerging as an option for the Portuguese winger.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal are keen to add a right-footed left-winger who offers a direct goal threat, speed in transition and creative qualities to unlock a game through their individual brilliance.

Leao has made 43 appearances for the Italian outfit this season, scoring ten goals, providing nine assists and totaling 2,997 minutes.

Chelsea are also reportedly in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, so just how do the pair compare?

How Leao compares to Gittens this season

Dortmund’s Gittens is another target emerging for Maresca’s side and it’s easy to see why.

The 20-year-old sensation – who is seen as the future of English football – has made 42 appearances for the German outfit this season, netting 12 goals and providing four assists.

He notably shone in the Champions League, scoring against Real Madrid, and would be a superb signing. Still, he’s not quite as good as Leao.

Both players fit the bill of a Maresca winger, looking to get into plenty of 1v1 isolations with the opposition fullback, capable of going both inside and outside and having the directness to drive towards the box themselves.

One factor that could be slightly more worrying surrounding Leao compared to Gittens is work rate, with Maresca often asking his wide players to work hard defensively.

Goals

0.28

0.43

Assists

0.26

0.11

xG

0.28

0.20

xAG

0.27

0.13

Progressive Carries

4.86

5.74

Progressive Passes

3.67

2.08

Shots Total

2.30

2.59

Key Passes

2.09

1.09

Shot-Creating Actions

4.37

3.77

Successful Take-Ons

2.99

3.81

Whilst Gittens has a slightly higher shot volume, manages more progressive carries and successful take-ons, Leao offers more through creative passing, with more key passes, more shot-creating actions and higher assist numbers.

Described as one of football’s “cheat codes” by analyst Raj Chohan, Milan’s Portuguese star has blistering pace, the persistence to be direct and attack the opposition full-backs. He always forces them into uncomfortable scenarios and has the ability to create something out of nothing in a split second.

Both players would be excellent signings for Chelsea, but with the Blues already having such a young and inexperienced side, an addition like Leao could provide more of an instant boost, with a big-name signing to raise morale and ready to play a significant part in a title challenge.

By the numbers: all the highlights from the fourth day of the Bengaluru Test

Sampath Bandarupalli19-Oct-20244 India batters, who in the second innings, outscored their team’s first-innings total of 46: Rohit Sharma (52), Virat Kohli (70), Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99). Only one team had more batters outscoring their first-innings total in a Men’s Test – five by South Africa against England in 1924 in Birmingham.416 The difference in runs between India’s two totals in Bengaluru is the second-highest for any team after being bowled out for a sub-100 first-innings score. The highest is also by India, who scored 422 runs more in the second innings (505 for 3) than the 83 all-out in the first innings against New Zealand in Mohali in 1999.Related

• O'Rourke: 'I've been pretty streaky, pretty hot and cold with the ball'

• Eccentric, electric, entertaining – it's the Sarfaraz & Pant show

• India flex batting muscle before collapsing to set New Zealand 107

• Bengaluru weatherwatch: spells of rain and thunderstorms forecast for last day

10.04 The ratio between India’s totals in Bengaluru – 462 all-out and 46 all-out. It is the second-highest ratio between a team’s totals in a Test match, behind South Africa’s 13.00 – 30 all-out and 390 all-out against England in 1924.462 India’s second-innings total against New Zealand is the second-lowest all-out total in Tests, where the top five batters aggregated 400-plus runs. The lowest is 433 by Australia against England in 1970 at Brisbane.Zero to hero – Scoring ducks and 150+ runs in the same Test among Indians•ESPNcricinfo Ltd3 Indian batters with a duck and a 150-plus score in a Test match, including Sarfaraz. Madhav Apte followed up his first-innings duck with an unbeaten 163 against West Indies in 1953 at Port of Spain, while Nayan Mongia bagged a duck after scoring 152 in the first innings against Australia in 1996 in Delhi.Sarfaraz is now only the 13th batter to follow up his first-innings duck with a 150-plus score in a Test match. The last of the previous 12 was Dimuth Karunaratne against New Zealand in 2014 in Christchurch.59 Runs Sarfaraz scored behind the wicket on either side during his 150-run knock. These are the third-most runs scored by an India batter behind the wicket on either side in a men’s Test innings since 2002, according to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data logs.Rahul Dravid scored 61 runs behind the wicket on either side against Pakistan in 2004 during his 270 in Rawalpindi, while Kohli scored 60 against South Africa in 2019 during his 254* in Pune.7 Dismissals in the nineties for Rishabh Pant in Test cricket. No batter other than Pant has been dismissed more than three times in the nineties since his debut in August 2018. He is also the only batter with more nineties than centuries scored (among players with five or more hundreds in Test cricket)Pant also became the first Indian batter to be dismissed on 99 in Tests since Murali Vijay against Australia in 2014 at the Adelaide Oval.7 for 62 India’s total in the 19.3 overs after the second new ball was taken by New Zealand. They managed only 29 runs for the loss of six wickets in the 11.3 overs after William O’Rourke was introduced in the 89th over.42 Runs added by India after the fall of their fifth wicket across both innings in Bengaluru. These are the second-fewest runs by India for their last five partnerships across both innings in a Men’s Test, behind the 28 against Australia in 2017 in Pune.7 Indian batters to have bagged a duck in Bengaluru, the joint-most for them in a Test match. Seven Indian batters bagged ducks also against England in 1952 in Leeds.

The superstar from the T20 league circuit is all but certain to play the three T20Is against India next week

Andrew McGlashan17-Sep-2022There has been a lot of talk about what Tim David be able to do in an Australia shirt. Next week we will get the first chance to see what he do.It was always likely these three games in India would provide David the chance to make a debut for his second international team – he has played 14 T20Is for Singapore – but the injuries to Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis have made it all but certain.Related

Smith to bat at No. 3 in India T20Is in Mitch Marsh's absence

Australia challenged to 'find a way' to fit Tim David in

Tim David earns Australia call for T20 World Cup

Being a finisher was never 'a sole focus' for Tim David

Ponting: Tim David 'could actually win you a World Cup'

By the time the World Cup comes around in a month’s time, David could have eight matches for Australia under his belt with series against West Indies and England to follow.But David’s is a strange entry into Australian colours because he’s been up in lights on the big stage for some time already, yet apart from his two-month stint in the BBL, he is outside of the Australian cricket system. The way the sport’s landscape is rapidly changing, he is unlikely to be the last to take this path. Some of his new team-mates are still to be introduced.”I look forward to meeting him,” said Mitchell Starc, who will now have to wait until next month having sat out the India trip. “He’s obviously plied his trade around the world in different leagues. He’s got his opportunity now in the World Cup squad.”Think we’ll see more and more players [emerge] in that fashion. Certainly the next generation I’m sure we’ll see it more and more with more opportunities in different leagues, that’s just the way cricket seems to be heading at the minute.”I’m much the same as [the public], I’ve seen him on TV. Obviously that power and what he brings to the table to any team he plays for and now he has a chance to do that on the international stage.”David’s body of work produced during his globe-trotting cannot be doubted. Of teams he has played more than two games for since December 2020 (when his T20 league career started to take off with Hobart Hurricanes) his lowest strike-rate is 143.92 with St Lucia Kings in the CPL. His strike-rate of 216.27 for Mumbai Indians in the last IPL made a mockery of him being left out during that competition.That latter figure also suggests he should not have too many concerns adapting to the conditions over the next week in India. The quality of the bowling may be a different challenge given that there is rarely a weaker link that is sometimes the case in franchise cricket, but he has a good grounding.”One of the rare things he has which there isn’t a whole lot of in Australia is just raw power,” Glenn Maxwell said. “He’s able to muscle the ball, much in the same way Stoinis and Mitch Marsh do it. He’s probably developed his game a little bit over the last two years where he’s got a bit more off-side [shots] so he’s not a one-dimensional hitter, he’s able to clear the boundary in different areas. He does it against spin and quicks which is something that’s really impressive and something that impressed me during the IPL as well watching him go about his business.”However, in terms of David’s position in the team, it’s what comes after India that is most interesting. Assuming that Marsh and Stoinis are both fit come the World Cup there remains a decision to be made as to how he fits into the final XI.4:48

Hodge: Australia shouldn’t look back from this point when it comes to Tim David

Despite being able to shed his tag of “Mr Fix It”, Steven Smith would appear the most vulnerable (setting aside, for a moment, the ramifications of Aaron Finch’s poor form extending through the next few weeks).”I feel like when I’m playing good T20 cricket, I’m in that team for sure,” Smith said during the recent one-day series against Zimbabwe. “The role that I’ve been given the last couple of years is the ‘Mr Fix It’ role and that tag’s been taken away from me now. I can just take the game on and if I want to smack someone for six first ball, then I’m able to do that freely.”Whether that is really his game, though, is the question. While not a completely fair comparison given their roles, in 200 T20 innings Smith has hit 130 sixes and in 119 innings David has already struck 165.There remains a feeling that Australia like having Smith in their line-up. So if they keep him and swap David for a more like-for-like player, the only option would be Stoinis, who helped win the World Cup semi-final against Pakistan last year and has since struck at 162.50 in T20Is. He can also provide some overs if needed.A lean return in these three matches against India should not dampen David’s chances of playing the World Cup, either. But if he replicates the type of innings he has already shown around the globe, then he will be even harder to leave out than it already looks.

Also watch out for Sandeep vs Kohli, and how big an impact the toss will have

Nagraj Gollapudi and Gaurav Sundararaman05-Nov-2020Remove the obstacle called PadikkalThe Sunrisers’ attention will no doubt be on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers whose batting fortunes continue to dictate the success for the Royal Challengers. However, one man who has played a big role in the seven wins for the Royal Challengers this IPL is Devdutt Padikkal, who has made the most runs in a season by a debutant in the history of the tournament.Padikkal, an attractive left-hand batsman, has scored 298 runs at a strike rate of 125.20 in the seven wins while making 174 runs at nearly 129 in the seven defeats. To counter Padikkal, the Sunrisers have Sandeep Sharma, one of the best bowlers in the powerplay this IPL.Sharma has picked nine wickets in the first six overs this season, with four of them of left-hand batsmen, conceding just 57 runs in 54 deliveries to them. The away swing and the slower ball will remain his attacking options and will challenge both Royal Challengers openers – Padikkal and one of the two Australians: Josh Philippe or Aaron Finch.Padikkal’s weak point has been the short delivery; he has scored just 46 runs off 48 short balls while getting out twice. Jason Holder, who is likely to bowl with the new ball, has the pace and height to trouble Padikkal with short-pitched deliveries.Attack Sandeep earlySharma’s modus operandi has been to bowl three out of his four overs in the powerplay. So far he has bowled seven overs in the middle phase at an economy rate of 6.85 and nine overs at the death where he has leaked runs at 10.44 per over. If the Royals Challengers top order can attack Sharma early on, it can disrupt the Sunrisers’ bowling plans. The openers could charge at Sharma to try and negate his swing, and unsettle him by making him bowl to their strengths rather than letting him to dominate.Can Kohli break the Sandeep jinx?Seven times Sharma has got the Royal Challengers captain in the IPL, the most by any bowler. If Sharma pitches the ball a bit too full or short, Kohli picks him for runs. But it’s the good-length deliveries from Sharma that have troubled Kohli the most, dismissing him as many as five times in the IPL, while conceding only 17 runs off 23 balls.Should Kohli just wait for the loose deliveries or walk to the other end and exercise patience? With Kohli having tough match-ups against Rashid Khan and Sharma, he needs to maximise against the other three or four Sunrisers bowlers.ESPNcricinfo LtdRashid v Kohli and de Villiers – the heavyweight title in the middle oversThe pressure will be on both batsmen, who bat in the middle overs, the phase where Khan prowls like a proud lion. Kohli has often been a suspect against the googly in the IPL, which is one of Khan’s stealth weapons. Kohli has managed only 18 runs off 19 deliveries against Khan in the IPL, with one dismissal. The Sunrisers strike bowler has also got de Villiers twice in the IPL, allowing only 25 runs off as many balls.Clearly then both batsmen will remain watchful against Khan who has delivered three of his most economical spells in the IPL this edition. The challenge, though, for both Kohli and de Villiers will be to provide a push in the middle phase where the Royal Challengers’ run rate is the worst. In overs seven through 16, the Royal Challengers have the weakest scoring rate of 7.28, which has contributed heavily in their batting failures.ESPNcricinfo LtdALSO READ: Royal Challengers Bangalore ‘could be more brave with the bat’ – KohliIf the Royal Challengers have to raise a big target or chase one successfully, both Kohli and de Villiers will need to bat deep. That is why it is important their openers take the gamble and attack the Sunrisers’ new-ball unit of Sharma, Holder and T Natarajan.Beware of Warner-Saha partnership The Sunrisers’ run rate of 9.50 in the powerplay in the last seven matches of the league phase is the best this IPL. David Warner has regained his ruthless touch in this period and in their wins in the last three matches, Wriddhiman Saha has played a massive hand with two quickfire half-centuries while opening. Both batsmen have also been key performers in IPL playoffs in the past, so the Royal Challengers bowlers would want to be at their absolute best in order to keep them in check.ESPNcricinfo LtdHow to stop Warner?Bowl Washington Sundar in the powerplay. In the last contest between these two teams, Warner paid for his greed. Having hit Sundar for a six on the first delivery the offspinner bowled in the match, Warner went for another big hit and was caught promptly at midwicket. It was the first time Warner had lost his wicket inside the powerplay to a spinner, since 2016 against Sunil Narine.The importance of removing the prized wicket of the best batsman early on cannot be overstated. In the 22 instances Warner has been out inside the powerplay, the Sunrisers have lost 12 times in the IPL.ESPNcricinfo LtdSundar has strong numbers in the powerplay: 115 runs off 120 deliveries at an economy rate of 5.75, which is second only to Jofra Archer so far this tournament. Sundar has kept Warner in check so far during their one-on-one contests too. On the three occasions he has bowled against Warner so far, Sundar has given away just 28 runs off 24 deliveries, including 11 dot balls while picking his wicket once. So this will be one of the most important match-ups in the contest.Win toss – say ‘chase’!The last five matches played in Abu Dhabi have been won by teams chasing. It’s a no-brainer then that both Kohli and Warner will want to field after winning the toss. Overall, too, teams chasing have won 12 out of 20 matches at this venue, which has seen a lot of dew in recent games.Kohli will also hope that his luck at the toss changes: he got the toss in his favour six out of the 14 matches in the league phase. Warner, meanwhile, has had a better record of winning 10 out of his 14 tosses.The Royal Challengers have also lost two of their four matches in Abu Dhabi and both those defeats happened in the last week, including their last league match, against the Delhi Capitals. The Sunrisers have played three matches at the venue, winning just once. One of their two defeats came in the Super Over against the Kolkata Knight Riders.