Non-compliance concerns centre around USAC not fulfilling governance norms set by the US Olympic body, and longstanding vacancies in top administrative posts

Nagraj Gollapudi18-Jul-2024The ICC has warned USA Cricket (USAC) it risks being “put on notice” for non-compliance with its Associate membership status, barely a month after the last game of a historic, first-ever ICC global event staged in the country. The USA was a co-host, with the West Indies, of the T20 World Cup in June, staging games at three venues as the ICC acted on its long-held ambition of breaking into North America.But the difficulty of that ambition is evident in the warning, which says USAC is potentially in breach on two counts. One concerns USAC not fulfilling the governance norms set by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) necessary for it to earn the National Governing Body (NGB) status, which is mandatory for all sports that were last year added to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. And on the second the ICC has hauled up USAC for not having a “fit-for purpose administrative structure”, including not filling in the vacant CEO position after it sacked the previous incumbent months into his job.”USA Cricket is currently Non-compliant with ICC Associate Member Membership Criteria 2.2(b)(i) (governance structure) and 2.2 (b)(ii) (administrative and executive structure) and is at risk of being placed ‘On Notice’,” the ICC said in an note sent recently to all its members attending the global cricket body’s AGM, which will take place on July 22 in Colombo immediately after the ICC Board meets.Titled “Associate Member Membership Update”, the five-page document, accessed by ESPNcricinfo, was sent on July 11. The ICC noted that the USOPC had “expressed serious concerns” over the governance model of USAC. “The USOPC has written to the USAC expressing serious concerns about the ongoing governance of USAC. Whilst this does not put USAC in breach of ICC Membership Criteria, it reflects broader concerns regarding USAC’s governance.”However, USOPC have stated if USAC do not achieve NGB certification, they will be required to commence a process to recognise an alternate NGB for cricket, which could put USAC in breach of ICC Membership Criteria to be “recognized by the ICC (at its absolute discretion) as the primary governing body responsible for the administration, management and development of cricket (men’s and women’s) in its country”.This is second time this year the ICC has put USAC on alert. After its quarterly meetings in March, the ICC sent a missive to USAC hauling it up over several issues, including warning it even back then that USAC was not doing enough to become USOPC compliant. The ICC also raised the issue of not having a CEO in place ever since it released the incumbent Dr Noor Mohammad Murad, as well as not appointing an independent director on its Board.That email, sent by ICC CEO Geoff Allardice six days after the ICC Board met in Dubai, was addressed to USAC chair Venu Piske, who was elected to the position in July 2023. While the ICC Board acknowledged USA’s “importance” as a “cricket territory”, Allardice noted in the email, seen by ESPNcricinfo, it was also aware of the “long history of problems” with USAC.The ICC Board had even toyed with the idea of suspending USAC membership in March for “being in serious breach of membership obligations”, but it did not happen eventually only because Allardice said it would disrupt USA’s preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Instead, the ICC Board decided to give USAC a “last chance” to “remedy” the non-compliance issues.As a primary punitive measure though, the ICC Board did stop the annual funding USAC receives until it fulfilled all membership criteria, only allowing “controlled funding” on an “exceptional basis” between April and July “to enable cricket in the USA not to be prejudiced”. During the T20 World Cup, ICC chair Greg Barclay and Allardice once again reiterated to USAC that it was in danger of being suspended if it failed to comply with the membership criteria.Now, in the July AGM note, the ICC said the USAC continued to still be in breach and recommended stronger sanction. “USAC still does not have a fit-for purpose administrative structure. USAC do not currently have a CEO, having terminated the employment of their most recent one after only a few months in the role. A recruitment process for a replacement CEO has commenced. In April, the two remaining USAC Development staff (the Development Manager and Women’s Manager) resigned. A process to replace these staff as has not yet commenced. Currently, replacement staff are temporary and part-time contractors.”It is Management’s view that USAC has not remedied all areas of non-compliance as outlined in the ICC’s letter to USAC dated 21 March, 2024, and is therefore at risk of being placed ‘On Notice’.”In its initial response, sent on July 12, USAC is understood to have told the ICC that it had appointed an independent director – Pintoo Shah – who also took charge as the Treasurer. His appointment was ratified by the USAC Board on the same day. The delay in filling up the independent position, USAC explained, was due to it amending its constitution to fall in line with USOPC regulations.The USAC email, copied to senior USOPC officials, also said it was harsh on ICC’s part to threaten “drastic action” when it was working hard to meet compliance. USAC said it was informed of the NGB accreditation process only on January 24, so it was unfair to expect it to be compliant by March when the ICC sent the initial warning, and especially when the deadline for compliance submission to USOPC was September 30.As for the vacant CEO position, USAC said that it had received several applications when it advertised for the position this April and shortlisted names, keeping ICC Americas in the loop. The new USAC CEO, it is understood, will be appointed immediately after the ICC AGM.

Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell both have a lot on their plate in the summer transfer window as they look to build a Glasgow Rangers team that can compete for the Scottish Premiership title.

The Gers have failed to win the title in each of the last four seasons and the new Light Blues duo are tasked with bringing glory back to Ibrox in the years to come.

They recently made their first signing of the summer transfer window with the arrival of Max Aarons on loan from Bournemouth to bolster their defensive options. Lyall Cameron has also joined the Scottish giants, but he had agreed to sign from Dundee on a pre-contract deal in January.

As well as potential incoming signings, Martin and Thelwell will also have to deal with the potential of some of the club’s key players moving on from Ibrox.

Nicolas Raskin, for example, is a reported target for Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as they aim to snap him up from Ibrox in the coming weeks.

Why losing Nicolas Raskin would be a big blow for Rangers

If the Belgium international completes a move to England before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September, Martin’s squad could be weaker.

The 24-year-old star walked away from last season with the Men’s Player of the Season and the Men’s Players’ Player of the Season awards to show for his efforts on the pitch for the Gers.

This demonstrates the high regard in which he is held at the club, among players, and by supporters, and it is well-deserved following his impressive displays in the Premiership and the Europa League.

Raskin did produce four goals and ten assists in the Premiership for Rangers, flexing his attacking quality, but it was his defensive work that really caught the eye domestically and in Europe.

Appearances

33

12

Tackles per game

2.8

3.7

Interceptions per game

0.6

1.3

Ball recoveries per game

5.6

7.4

Ground duel success rate

57%

50%

Aerial duel success rate

56%

55%

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian midfielder offered defensive protection in front of the back four with plenty of tackles, interceptions, and ball recoveries.

These statistics illustrate why losing the former Standard Liege star would be a big blow for Martin, as he is a combative and quality midfield operator, but the Gers are reportedly interested in a gem who could be a dream replacement for him.

Rangers eyeing deal for Brazilian midfielder

According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers are lining up a move to sign Troyes central midfielder Metinho on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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The report claims that the Light Blues are long-term admirers of the 22-year-old talent, and have been eyeing him up as a target throughout this summer.

It states that the Scottish Premiership giants are now ready to ramp up their efforts to bring the former Basel loanee to Ibrox, who joined Troyes for a fee of £4m from Fluminense in 2021, ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Scottish Sun adds that Troyes are willing to cash in on the Brazilian star and that Basel are ‘desperate’ to win the race for his signature, which may be why Rangers are now looking to speed up their pursuit of the midfielder.

It now remains to be seen whether or not Thelwell will be able to do enough to beat the Swiss giants to his services before the end of the summer window.

Why Rangers should sign Metinho

The Ibrox side should push to beat Basel to this signing because the 22-year-old midfielder has the potential to be a dream replacement for Raskin this summer.

Metinho spent the first half of last season on loan at Sparta Rotterdam and only started two of his 12 appearances in the Eredivisie, in what was a frustrating few months for the midfield talent.

However, a move to Basel in January helped him to kick on and flourish in the second half of the campaign, as he caught the eye with his impressive performances in the Swiss top-flight as a combative midfielder.

The right-footed star played 12 league matches for the club and completed 86% of his passes, whilst delivering two assists, but his most impressive contributions on the pitch came out of possession in the middle of the park.

Tackles made

2.77

Top 10%

Tackle success rate

71%

Top 20%

Duels won

6.66

Top 24%

Duel success rate

65%

Top 3%

Interceptions

1.51

Top 15%

Ball recoveries

6.66

Top 20%

Dribbled past

0.50x

Top 14%

As you can see in the table above, the Troyes loanee ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in a host of defensive metrics, which show that he excelled off the ball as a screener in front of the back four.

His tackle and duel success rates are particularly impressive because they show that he is efficient with his defensive work, rather than competing in and losing a lot of duels. The Brazilian gem is tough to get past, which is why he is a formidable defender.

These statistics also suggest that he would be a dream replacement for Raskin to take up the defensive responsibilities that the Belgian has in midfield at Ibrox. The current Gers star averaged 2.84 tackles and interceptions and was dribbled past 0.86 times per 90 in the Premiership, whilst he won 66% of his tackles.

Metinho, who was once described as an “exciting” prospect by talent scout Jacek Kulig, posted more impressive defensive numbers than that in the Super League, as shown by his aforementioned statistics, which suggests that he has the potential to offer even more than Raskin out of possession.

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Of course, the £4m-rated star needs to add a goal threat to his game, as Raskin managed four league goals to go along with his ten assists, but he is only 22 and has time left ahead of him to develop into the dream replacement for the Belgian.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is very keen to land one of his transfer targets before July 23, with a report this week sharing exactly why and lifting the lid on their plans to submit a new bid for the player.

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The Gunners will confirm their first signing of the summer very soon.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi travelled to London last week as he finalised a switch to Arsenal and put the finishing touches on his contract, while fellow Spaniard and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is also poised to join Arteta after being deemed surplus by Chelsea.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Both men are set to be followed by a striker too, but debate still surrounds who that might be.

Arsenal have been working on deals for both RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, as per numerous reports, including the BBC, but there is a growing belief among some media outlets that the latter is currently in pole position to join Arteta’s side.

“Sporting are going to play hardball, there’s been a fallout between Gyokeres and the club because his agent has suggested that they had a gentleman’s agreement he could leave for £60million, I think they’re looking for nearer £80m,” said talkSPORT’s Alex Crook last week.

“Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Sesko, they’ve opened talks with Leipzig as well but at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely.”

Reports in Portugal have claimed that Arsenal saw a £55 million bid rejected for Gyokeres turned down recently. However, they’re expected to go back in with another offer closer to Sporting’s valuation.

Arsenal prepare new Viktor Gyokeres bid as Mikel Arteta pushes

As per another Portuguese source, the newspaper Correio de Manha, Arsenal are “prepared to make another offer” for Gyokeres, with Arteta pushing to sign the prolific 27-year-old in time for their pre-season tour of Asia – which kicks off in Singapore against AC Milan on July 23.

So, in short, if Arsenal decide to go all in for the Sweden international over Sesko, Arteta is keen for Gyokeres to be signed within the next month, and it isn’t exactly hard to see why Coventry City’s ex-star is high on the Gunners’ transfer shortlist.

He spearheaded Rui Borges’ side to their first domestic double in two decades with an outstanding 54 goals in all competitions last season, but they face stiff competition from Man United.

Gyokeres would prefer Arsenal ahead of a move to Old Trafford, as confirmed by the likes of Fabrizio Romano, but he still hasn’t completely snubbed United either.

“Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs on X in the last 10 days.

“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed for #MUFC. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m.”

Liverpool are now looking to sign an attacking superstar who has been likened to Florian Wirtz to replace Luis Diaz in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Diaz linked with Liverpool summer exit

The future of Diaz has been a big talking point at Anfield in recent months, with the 28-year-old not exactly committing his future to the Reds, hinting that “negotiations” have taken place over an exit.

“We’re there, negotiating. We’ll see what can happen, for us and for the club. We’ll try to do our best and make the best decision. We’re in the process of negotiations, talking with the club, with Liverpool, with everyone who’s approaching us. But I’m very calm where I am, you know, very happy. Trying to make the best decision, now.”

Bayern Munich appear to be the front-runners to snap up Diaz before the summer transfer window reaches its conclusion, but it remains to be seen what his decision will be, with Liverpool reportedly not willing to hand him a contract extension.

If the Colombia international does move on, a top-quality replacement will need to be found by Liverpool, with Lyon’s Malick Fofana one player who has been mentioned as an option, as well as Newcastle United ace Anthony Gordon, who was backed up come in last year.

Liverpool express interest in Real Madrid's Rodrygo

According to AS, Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo to replace Diaz this summer, should the Colombian leave Anfield.

The 24-year-old Madrid ace is valued at as much as £112m by the La Liga giants, which is almost as much as the £116m the Reds paid Bayer Leverkusen for Wirtz, who he has been compared to as a player by FBref.

Rodrygo is arguably one of the world’s best wide attacking players currently, so the idea of him in a Liverpool shirt is a mouthwatering prospect.

The Brazil international has enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Madrid, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns, among other trophies, while Carlo Ancelotti has lauded him in the past.

“He is a special striker, he can play in all positions. He is fast, smart and effective one on one. The learning is over. He is a Real Madrid player for all purposes.”

In reality, though, Liverpool’s chances of signing Rodrygo appear to be unlikely, given the amount of money they would have to pay for him, having already spent a record-breaking amount on Wirtz.

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While the Reds’ finances appear to be good this summer, being able to splash out the same amount again feels like a stretch too far, and there is also no guarantee that Diaz will depart.

Fire must wait to confirm their knock-out place while Phoenix kept their top-three hopes alive

ECB Media10-Aug-2024An inspired bowling performance by Birmingham Phoenix flipped the formbook against Welsh Fire to keep the Phoenix squarely in the mix as The Hundred reaches the business end.Marshalling her attack superbly to defend a modest 121, Phoenix skipper Ellyse Perry was once again the catalyst, claiming wickets in successive balls to remove Sophie Dunkley and Sarah Bryce after Charis Pavely had early induced a thin edge from Tammy Beaumont.Those wickets checked the Fire’s progress but from 42 for 3 the overseas stars Hayley Matthews and Jess Jonassen got together to repair the innings. They put on 46 together, with Jonassen playing beautifully down the ground, check-driving what would turn out to be the only six of the Fire’s innings.But with 34 needed from 27 balls, leg-spinner Hannah Baker scuttled a straight one past Jonassen’s attempted reverse sweep, and the squeeze was on.Fellow leggie Katie Levick, daring to give it some air, then encouraged the dangerous Georgia Elwiss to pick out deep mid-off, before returning for the penultimate set of five to claim the key scalp of Matthews for 35 (38), caught at extra cover looking to clear the infield.With 14 needed, a nerveless final set from Emily Arlott iced the match.Earlier in the piece, the Phoenix’s innings was held together by the Netherlands right-hander Sterre Kalis, who started circumspectly in cahoots with Sophie Devine before unfurling eight fours en route to her first half-century of the tournament.Although Matthews’s off-breaks – 3 for 32 from her full quota – kept the Phoenix middle-order in check, their total on a turning pitch was just good enough, ensuring that the Phoenix are alive and kicking going into the tournament’s final week.Kalis, named the Meerkat Match Hero, said: “Obviously we struggled a bit at the start on a used pitch and I probably let the bowlers bowl a bit too much to me, rather than getting out there with more intent, but I stuck around and finally got some away and felt alright!”I’m really happy with the opportunity to go in up top, it was something I really wanted this year and to get an opportunity is something I really appreciate.”Credit to Pez [Perry] early on and then the spinners. It wasn’t the highest total to defend, so the bowlers did an amazing job to restrict them. Two more games to go. A good win for us today and hopefully we can stay in the competition.”

Nottingham Forest are now the club pushing hardest to sign an attacking midfielder who’s been likened to Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, and a deal could be possible for a fee of £25m, according to a report.

Forest keen on attacking midfielder amid Gibbs-White uncertainty

There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White’s future, with Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett revealing Forest are determined to keep hold of the attacking midfielder, despite Tottenham Hotspur triggering the £60m release clause in his contract.

However, the Tricky Trees may have a hard time keeping the England international at the City Ground, given that he has reportedly made it clear he wants to join Tottenham in talks with chairman Evangelos Marinakis.

It remains to be seen whether Nuno is able to keep one of his star players at the club, but should the move to Tottenham go through, the manager will need to bring in a replacement, and the Europa League side are now stepping up their pursuit of a new attacking midfielder.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which reveals that Nottingham Forest are the club pushing hardest for Manchester City’s James McAtee, who is set to be available for £25m this summer, having been informed he is free to leave.

Forest are currently in discussions with McAtee, working to convince him to move to the City Ground, despite widespread interest from elsewhere, with the likes of West Ham Unied, Everton and Fulham submitting enquiries.

There is also interest from the Bundesliga, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the Man City ace has now travelled to Germany ahead of a potential move.

McAtee could be exciting replacement for Gibbs-White

Forest may have their work cut out trying to get a deal for the Englishman over the line, given the interest from elsewhere, but the fact they are now set to take part in the 2025-26 Europa League should work in their favour.

Should the Tricky Trees win the race, however, there are plenty of signs the 22-year-old could be an exciting replacement for Gibbs-White, with former Sheffield United striker Carl Asaba even describing him as “like Odegaard”.

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During his time with the Blades, the Salford-born maestro picked up nine goals and three assists in their Championship promotion-winning 2022-23 campaign, before going on to feature regularly in the Premier League the following season.

Since returning to City, however, McAtee has been unable to establish himself as a regular starter, meaning a move could be best for all parties, and it would be a real bonus for Forest if he decides to move to the City Ground.

لطالما كان ليفربول يملك بعضاً من أفضل المواهب في التاريخ لكن الجدل لم يتوقف أبداً بين نجوم الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز الآخرين حول من الأفضل.

ويحب المشجعون والخبراء مقارنة لاعبي ليفربول بلاعبين آخرين من تاريخ كرة القدم أو حتى مقارنتهم بلاعبين من نفس الحقبة التي كانوا يلعبون بها.

ومن المواضيع التي لطالما شغلت أوساط كرة القدم على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، أفضل لاعب في الدوري الإنجليزي بين محمد صلاح وإدين هازارد.

وبدأ هازارد مسيرته مع تشيلسي عام 2012 بينما بدأ محمد صلاح مسيرته في ملعب أنفيلد بعد ست سنوات وترك بصمة فورية في النادي.

ويعد ميكيل دامسجارد لاعب برينتفورد الحالي ومنتخب الدنمارك هو أحد أولئك اللاعبين الذين تم وضعهم في اختيار بين الثنائي في فيديو نشرته رابطة اللاعبين المحترفين على “تيك توك”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. هامان: صفقات ليفربول الجديدة ستؤثر على عدد أهداف محمد صلاح هذا الموسم

ورغم صعوبة الاختيار إلا أن النجم الدنماركي اختار محمد صلاح وابتسم في تصريح نقلته “rousing the kop” :”أوه هذا حديث طويل في غرفة الملابس، لكنه محمد صلاح طول العمر”.

وأضاف :”من الصعب أن ننتقد صلاح لذلك ربما سأختاره، ولكن بالنسبة لي إدين هازارد لاعب جيد جداً ويفعل بعض الأشياء التي لا تراها دائماً في الإحصائيات لكنني أختار محمد صلاح”.

Matt Walker will leave Kent at the end of the season after seven years as men’s head coach.Walker, who had a 16-year playing career with the county, was promoted in 2017 to replace Jimmy Adams, having been assistant coach at the club, a position he had held since 2014.During his time in charge, the 50-year-old enjoyed limited-overs success in the form of the 2021 Vitality Blast and the One-Day Cup in 2022. Kent also earned promotion to Division One of the County Championship in 2018.However, they look set for a return for Division Two this summer, languishing bottom having won just one of 11 matches so far. They also propped up the South Group in this season’s T20 Blast and won just three of eight in the Metro Bank, finishing seventh in Group A.Related

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“It’s been an incredible honour to be the head coach of my home county for eight years,” Walker said in a statement released by Kent on Friday.”Now is the time for new ideas and new personnel to come in and make their own mark on men’s cricket at Kent, something that I have really enjoyed doing in my time here. The promotion to Division One and trophy successes have been fantastic to be a part of but most of all working with the players and the coaches here has always been the most rewarding.”Winning the Vitality Blast in 2021 will always be up there for me as one of the best days of coaching this great club. The players brought us that success on the field but the knock-on effect that had for everyone, including the staff and of course our loyal members and supporters, was a feeling that people rarely experience.”I’d like to thank everyone involved with Kent Cricket for making this one of the best jobs in the world, and I wish the club, and everyone connected to it, the very best for the future.”Kent’s director of cricket Simon Cook said: “Matt has been an outstanding servant to the club not only as a player but as a coach, too.”He is one of a handful of people to have won trophies as both a player and a coach, and his name will forever be associated with recent successes at Kent Cricket.”On behalf of all of the coaches, players, and staff behind the scenes, I’d like to thank Matt for his extremely hard work as men’s head coach, and we all wish him the very best for the future.”It is understood Walker’s successor will be sourced externally, with Matthew Mott under consideration after stepping down as England’s white-ball coach earlier this summer.Mott has experience in county cricket, having worked at Glamorgan between 2011 and 2013 as head coach before becoming the county’s head of elite performance. He still has residence in Cardiff, but is due to return to Australia next week, having agreed a contract to work as an assistant coach at Sydney Sixers.He also came close to taking over at Kent ahead of Walker’s appointment, before deciding to stay on as Australia Women’s head coach. In 2007, he spent the summer at Canterbury as part of a coaching exchange with New South Wales.

He and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored 77, added 196 for the seventh wicket, as visitors posted 565

Vishal Dikshit24-Aug-2024

Mushfiqur Rahim completed his 11th Test century•Associated Press

Mushfiqur Rahim turned the tables on Pakistan on a hot and humid fourth day in Rawalpindi with an innings of 191 by being a figure of patience, and exhibiting controlled aggression and compact technique. His 11th Test hundred was also his first against Pakistan in the format.Mushfiqur’s two century partnerships poured water on any hopes the hosts had of taking a first-innings lead at the start of the day. Riding on his knock, Bangladesh first took a sizeable lead of 117 runs by putting up 565, and then adding to Pakistan’s jitters by dismissing Saim Ayub late in the day, with the hosts still trailing by 94 runs with three sessions left in the game.Bangladesh’s opening bowlers Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud swung the ball beautifully in the ten overs Pakistan had to see through. They drew multiple edges out of which only one carried, beat the edges of the bat consistently, and bowled stifling lines to create several tense moments for Pakistan to concede only 23 runs.Mushfiqur’s century partnership with Litton Das didn’t last long on Saturday, and when he added another hundred with No. 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, it made Bangladesh only the second team with two century partnerships after the fall of the fifth wicket in a Test innings against Pakistan. Mehidy gave Mushfiqur company in a massive stand of 196 runs for the seventh wicket with his seventh Test half-century – and only his second outside Bangladesh – which first loosened Pakistan’s grip on the game, and then strengthened their own by taking a lead after lunch.Bangladesh were 316 for 5 and trailing by 132 at the start of the day, which will make Pakistan rue the chances they put down to allow a wicketless second session. Seeing that there was nothing in the pitch for the bowlers, and that Pakistan were without any frontline spinner, the visitors changed gears after a slow first hour.The only time Mushfiqur came close to getting dismissed in the first session was when Mohammad Ali trapped him in front, on 59, but a review overturned the on-field decision. Ali jagged one sharply into Mushfiqur with the help of movement off the pitch to hit him in front of leg stump. Mushfiqur, however, reviewed with success, with ball-tracking showing the ball missing leg stump. Bangladesh had started the day with all three reviews intact while Pakistan had none left in the bank.Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 77•AFP/Getty Images

Once Litton edged one behind off Naseem Shah’s short delivery outside off which he failed to get on top of, Mushfiqur hit the pedal – especially against the spinners. Soon after Mehidy, whose technique wasn’t as compact as Mushfiqur’s in the first session, collected fours in consecutive overs off Khurram Shahzad, Mushfiqur raced from 73 to 100 in just 20 balls. He punished Shahzad for two more fours in an over – a deft steer through gully, and a punch through the covers – before also driving Shaheen Shah Afridi straight for four in the next over, to reach 88.With Bangladesh chipping away at the deficit and Pakistan desperate for wickets, Masood brought on spin from both ends with 12 minutes left for lunch, and Mushfiqur cashed in. He smote Ayub for back-to-back fours, first against the turn over midwicket and then to the long-on boundary to reach 96, and in the next over nudged one to the leg side for two to spark off animated celebrations for his hundred.In the second session, the temperature had crossed 35 degrees Celsius, Pakistan had bowled over 100 overs already, and it was going to take something extraordinary to take the remaining four wickets quickly. Mehidy looked a lot more assured after lunch, while Mushfiqur continued to play the ball late and right under his eyes to collect runs. Ali soon resorted to a short-ball plan for Mehidy by placing six fielders on the leg side, but his wayward lines failed to create opportunities, and Pakistan moved away from that tactic a bit too soon.The scant Pakistan crowd at the ground thought Mushfiqur, on 126, was finally gone when he nudged a ball from Agha Salman to square leg, but the ball actually fell just short of Saud Shakeel. Mushfiqur wasn’t deterred though; he then lofted Salman over Shakeel two balls later to bring up the century stand as Bangladesh soon took the lead, and when he reached 140, Mushfiqur had overtaken Tamim Iqbal as Bangladesh’s top-scorer in away Tests.The real chance of dismissing Mushfiqur came after he reached 150, when he tickled the ball down leg where Babar Azam put down a catch at leg slip to his left. Mehidy, meanwhile, moved along to his half-century, and in the last over before tea, Mushfiqur smacked Salman for four over extra cover and then almost for a six to the long-on boundary to further stamp Bangladesh’s authority on the day.Once Mushfiqur fell in the last session by edging Ali behind just before the third new ball was taken, Shoriful gave his side the kind of attacking and late lift Afridi had given Pakistan, with 22 runs off 14 balls, while Afridi took two of the last three wickets with the new ball to help Pakistan take 4 for 37 and wrap Bangladesh’s lower order up.Among the Pakistan bowlers, Salman toiled the most by bowling a spell of 24 overs, split by the tea break, which saw 16 overs on the trot in the second session.

Tottenham Hotspur will be expected to be fighting for Europe once again next season, with Thomas Frank the man who’s been tasked with taking the side back up the table.

The Dane was appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss last month after owner Daniel Levy decided to fork out £10m to prise him out of his contract at Brentford.

He’s showcased in the Premier League that he’s capable of overachieving, helping the Bees register a top-half finish despite losing top scorer Ivan Toney last summer.

He will likely have much bigger funds to spend after taking the reins in North London, needing to make the changes he desires if he is to be a success in the role.

Frank has already wasted no time in identifying key options to help him in his quest at the club, already edging ever closer to landing his first signing since replacing Ange Postecoglou.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player of huge interest in recent weeks and a deal for the West Ham United star was officially confirmed by the club on Thursday evening.

£55m appears to be the golden number between the two clubs, with the Ghanaian now arriving as Frank’s first addition this summer.

However, other moves have also been made in recent days, with Morgan Gibbs-White set to put pen to paper after the Lilywhites activated his £60m release clause at Nottingham Forest.

Another Premier League star could be inbound too, with Yoane Wissa potentially following Frank to Spurs, according to BBC Sport.

They claim that talks have been held over a deal to land the Congolese international striker, who managed to score 19 times in his 35 league appearances last campaign.

The report also states that the player himself is extremely keen on a move to link up with his former boss, but they are demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the 28-year-old this summer.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be the dream CF for Kudus

Soon-to-be Spurs star Kudus is a player who will undoubtedly bring excitement to the fanbase in North London, given his spell in England with West Ham.

The 24-year-old has registered 19 goals over the last two years since his move from Ajax, often catching the eye with his mazy runs and incredible solo efforts.

He’s often scored numerous times after dribbling past the opposition effortlessly, but arguably his best strike was his bicycle kick against Manchester City in the 2023/24 campaign.

His pending move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium would be a big-money one, no doubt, but one that would be worth every penny if he can replicate his form from the London Stadium.

Kudus could also link up with Wissa if he also completes a move, with the pair having the prospect of helping the Lilywhites rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

The Brentford star, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, managed to score four goals with his head last campaign, something which could fall perfectly into the Ghanaian’s hands given his cross success rate of 26% last season.

Wissa also managed to register 1.3 shots on target per 90, able to link up with the £55m addition next season, especially considering his tally of 1.2 chances created per 90.

Games played

35

Goals scored

19

Shots on target per 90

1.3

Aerials won

46%

Pass accuracy

80%

Touches in opposition box

5.2

Fouls won

1.6

The Congolese star has further impressed by winning 46% of the aerials he’s entered, a superb record considering he’s not the tallest of players, standing at just 5”9.

Whilst it may be an expensive addition at around £50m this summer, it’s evident that Wissa would be a phenomenal addition given his previous spell in England’s top-flight.

The prospect of the Brentford talent linking up with Kudus in North London is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the club potentially possessing two of the division’s leading talents going into 2025/26.

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