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Stats highlights from the third day of the India-Pakistan Test in Kolkata

Cricinfo staff02-Dec-2007

Surrey’s promise and resources should be enough for Division One consolidation, even if some of their recruitment suggests a lack of faith in the academy

George Dobell05-Apr-2016Director of cricket: Alec Stewart. Head coach: Michael Di Venuto
Captain: Gareth Batty
Last season
In: Mark Footitt (Derbyshire), Mathew Pillans (ancestral visa), Conor McKerr (UK passport), Ravi Rampaul (Kolpak)Out: Kevin Pietersen (released), Vikram Solanki, Tim Linley, David Balcombe, Chris Tremlett (all retired)Overseas: Kumar Sangakkara, Dwayne Bravo (T20), Chris Morris (T20), Aaron Finch (July-August)2015 in a nutshell
Encouraging. In winning promotion from Division Two and reaching the final of the Royal London Cup, Surrey took significant strides of progress. To make that achievement all the more promising, it was achieved largely through the performances of a group of young players – the Curran brothers, Zafar Ansari, Matt Dunn, Ben Foakes and Rory Burns – while senior players such as Kumar Sangakkara, Steven Davies, Gareth Batty and Jade Dernbach provided the example. The departure of the coach, Graham Ford, appeared to take the club by surprise, with Michael Di Venuto – previously Australia’s batting coach – brought in as his replacement.2016 prospects
It has become notoriously difficult for promoted clubs to find their feet in Division One, but Surrey have the depth and quality to buck that trend. It is possible the loss of Ford could destabilise them, but they look to have a nice mix of youth and experience and – unlike Worcestershire last year, for example – the resources to sustain a challenge throughout the season. How many other clubs could entertain the idea of using a bowler of the quality of Dernbach (who misses the start of the season with a potentially serious back injury) as a limited-overs specialist? They have attracted criticism – much of it fair – for signing two South African-born seamers and Ravi Rampaul as well as their four overseas players, though they still have more homegrown players in their squad than some and a few injury issues (Dernbach and Stuart Meaker, who has a groin injury, among them) at the start of the season. They are, like many big clubs, desperate to improve their T20 form and, with the prospect of a two-division split still real, have again invested heavily in overseas players. There is no reason they cannot improve.Key player
Rory Burns is not the most glamorous player at the club but he offers solidity and consistency at the top of the order. If he can convert his Division Two form to the higher level, it will go a long way to securing Surrey’s status. Expect more from Meaker, too.Bright young thing
It bodes well for Surrey that there are several contenders for this category, with Sam Curran an outstanding prospect. But while he is busy with his A levels, the progress of Ben Foakes will be intriguing. Tipped by some within the England set-up as the best young keeper in the county game, he has had little opportunity to keep at Surrey to date. While he averaged in excess of 50 with the bat in the Championship last year, he kept in only five innings as Gary Wilson was preferred. For Foakes’ international aspirations – and arguably for the good of England – Surrey need to provide greater opportunity for him with the gloves this year.ESPNcricinfo verdict
A season of consolidation in the Championship’s top division seems a reasonable expectation, but they could well challenge in the limited-overs formats. With three seamers having retired, one out injured and Sam Curran sitting exams, perhaps the recruitment of Rampaul, Pillans and McKerr was justified for a promoted club – but it does seem an expression of a lack of confidence in an academy system that appeared to be working very well.Bet365 odds: Specsavers Championship, Div 1: 17-1; NatWest Blast 17-2; Royal London Cup 12-1

Inter Miami have officially landed Argentine talent Federico Redondo for a fee of $8m from Argentinos Juniors.

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• Redondo officially joins Miami
• Signs via U22 initiative
• Midfielder son of Real Madrid great, Fernando

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 21-year-old officially inked a new deal through 2027 with the Herons, who have a club option for the 2028 season. He will not, however, take up a coveted Designated Player spot – and instead is joining via U22 initiative.

  He will also be replacing winger Facundo Farias on the roster, as a season-ending injury player replacement, meaning his contract will not go against the Herons total.

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• WHAT INTER MIAMI SPORTING DIRECTOR CHRIS HENDERSON SAID

  “We’re pleased to bring an exciting young midfielder like Federico to Inter Miami. He’s a very promising player who is sharp with the ball at his feet, and shows awareness out of possession. We believe in his potential, but also feel he will immediately be a strong addition to our squad as we look to build on our successes in 2024,” said Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director.

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  WHAT REDONDO SAID

  “I’m very happy to join a club that is growing so much. It’s a great opportunity to share the pitch with top players,” said Redondo. “I’m looking forward to integrating in the group with my teammates. We have to go step by step but always dream big.”

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Redondo – son of Real Madrid great Fernando – has been likened to be a regeneration of Sergio Busquets in the midfield… who he will of course share the pitch with at Inter Miami.

  The midfielder will instantly boost the Herons odds of success in 2024, while also being a key addition to their youthful core moving forward. Also an integral part of the Argentina U23 international squad, Redondo will be headed to Paris this summer for the Olympic Games with La Albiceleste.

  The 21-year-old is the next Argentine star at South Beach, and Herons fans are buzzing over his potential.

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Legspinner Eddie Leie ended up conceding the second-most runs in a single over in List A cricket history

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jan-2018JP Duminy broke the South African List A record for most runs scored in a single over when he hit Eddie Leie for 37 runs in a Momentum one-day cup match on Wednesday.It happened when the Cape Cobras were comfortably placed at 208 for 2 in the 36th over of a chase of 240 against the Knights. But Duminy, batting on 34 off 30 balls, sensed the opportunity to steal a bonus point. And it helped that the man he was facing was a legspinner, turning the ball into his hitting arc.The carnage began with a slog sweep. It continued with a biff straight down the ground. Then came a couple of heaves into the grass banks on the leg side. Four balls. Four sixes. Two more and he would match Herschelle Gibbs’ feat in the 2007 World Cup.Duminy took strike again as excitement built around Newlands. But Leie doused it all by making sure his fifth delivery cost only two runs. There was only one ball left in the over and it seemed like the record wouldn’t be broken.Except Leie coughed up a no-ball, and Duminy hit it for four through extra cover. That took the tally to 31 runs off the over and it was game on again.Duminy took his stance. Leie ran in. A split second later the ball was soaring away for six. Duminy had not only won the match but secured his place in history as the batsman to hit the second-most runs in an over of List A cricket. In October 2013, Zimbabwe’s Elton Chigumbura had played a big hand in ransacking 39 runs against Bangladesh’s Alauddin Babu in the Dhaka Premier League.”It is not every day you get the opportunity, so of course I was trying to go for the six sixes in an over,” Duminy said after finishing unbeaten on 70 off just 37 balls. “I initially thought it was all about the bonus point. I looked up at the scoreboard and we needed 35 with four overs still to go to get the bonus point, so I just decided to take Eddie on. I was striking the ball really cleanly, and when the first two went for six, I figured I might as well give it a full go now because regardless whether I get out we would still have secured the bonus point. It was enjoyable.”

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has advised Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck to reject a potential move to Bayern Munich if Dayot Upamecano remains at the club. The pundit believes the centre-back would struggle for game time in Bavaria and suspects that Schlotterbeck is currently stalling on a new contract because he is holding out for a lucrative transfer to the Premier League.

• Schlotterbeck considering his options

  Former Bayern Munich and Germany captain Matthaus has urged Schlotterbeck to think twice before swapping Borussia Dortmund for the Allianz Arena, warning the defender that he risks stalling his career if he moves to Bavaria while Upamecano is still present. The future of the 26-year-old centre-back has become a dominant topic in the Bundesliga with his contract at Dortmund expiring in the summer of 2027 and Bayern Munich monitoring his situation closely.

  Schlotterbeck, who has established himself as a cornerstone of the Dortmund defence since his arrival from Freiburg, is currently at a career crossroads. With his contract winding down and no extension yet signed, despite Dortmund's clear desire to tie him to a new deal, speculation has mounted that the German champions could look to poach another key asset from their fierce rivals. However, Matthaus believes such a move would be fraught with risk for the player, particularly given the current hierarchy in Vincent Kompany’s squad.

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  The Upamecano obstacle

  Speaking to Sport Bild, Matthaus analysed the potential transfer and identified French international Dayot Upamecano as the primary barrier to Schlotterbeck’s success in Munich. Despite Schlotterbeck’s evident quality, the World Cup winner feels the tactical setup at Bayern does not currently have a vacancy for him.

  "He is one of the best central defenders we have in Germany," Matthaus stated, acknowledging Schlotterbeck's rise to prominence. However, he quickly qualified that praise with a stark warning about the competition for places.

  "I think it depends a lot on Upamecano," Matthaus continued. "If Upamecano stays, then it will be very difficult for Nico Schlotterbeck to become a regular player at Bayern. But we are not there yet. I don't know what Nico is planning."

  The comments highlight the resurgence of Upamecano, who has seemingly solidified his place in the Bayern starting XI. Matthaus argues that unless the Frenchman departs, Schlotterbeck would likely find himself warming the bench – a scenario that would be detrimental to his ambitions with the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

• Eyes on England?

  Matthaus also offered a theory regarding the delay in Schlotterbeck’s contract renewal at Signal Iduna Park. While Dortmund are keen to tie their defensive leader down to a long-term deal, the player’s camp has remained non-committal. The German legend suspects that this hesitation is not about leverage for a better salary in the Bundesliga, but rather a desire to test himself in England where Liverpool are said to be eyeing him.

  "In Dortmund he has his position," Matthaus observed. "I don't know what he is waiting for: probably still for offers from England."

  The Premier League has long been touted as a potential destination for Schlotterbeck, whose physical profile, left-footed distribution, and ability to drive into midfield make him an attractive proposition for top English clubs. A La Liga adventure has also been touted as a possibility for the Germany international, with Real Madrid said to be interested. Barcelona had also been linked due to his connection with coach Hansi Flick but recent reports claim the club are reluctant to move for him over concerns about his playing style.

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  'At the back of the queue'

  Ultimately, Matthaus’s advice was clear: stay where you are a guaranteed starter, or move abroad, but do not go to Munich to be a backup. He reiterated that as long as the current defensive partnerships at Bayern are functioning, Schlotterbeck would be taking a significant gamble by moving south.

  "But if Bayern get along with Upamecano, then I wouldn't necessarily advise Nico to go to Bayern Munich, because then he will be at the back of the queue for the time being," Matthaus concluded.

  The intervention from such a high-profile figure adds pressure on Schlotterbeck to clarify his future. For Dortmund, the priority remains securing the signature of their defensive talisman to avoid losing him on a free transfer or for a reduced fee. Bayern, meanwhile, are confident of convincing Upamecano to sign a new contract as the threat of a free transfer looms, suggesting Schlotterbeck may have to give some real thought to Matthaus' comments.

Voting has begun for Australia’s best commentator and to help you judge here are the leading tributes to the men and their microphones

27-Mar-2007

Voting has begun for Australia’s best commentator and to help you judge here are the leading tributes. Channel 9 and ABC members polled highly in the nomination stage and there are 26 mouthpieces to consider. You only get one vote, so make it count. To choose go here and more reader praise is here.Ian Healy
Ian is an intelligent cricketer who demystifies the game for his audience. Cricket commentary is changing from the more descriptive to an insightful style. In doing this, Heals exposes the best of any situation, bringing to life the challenges and psychology the players face during battle. As a recent retiree of the game, he knows it and has played with and against many of the current players. Heals is competitive and passionate and his love for the game resonates with me. Cricket is much richer for his commentary. Jason Limnios
Mark Taylor
Ever since the introduction of new blood and youthful verve into what was becoming a stale team at Nine, Mark Taylor has shown to have a fine combination of flair for the dramatic and real-life knowledge of the intricacies of the game. I can still hear his voice as Cyclone Gilchrist peppered the Barmy Army during that fabulous knock in the third Test in Perth. “That sounds magnificent … and it IS magnificent!!!” as the camera shows Andrew Flintoff’s eyes upwards and backwards. And as much as they tried to manufacture Bill Lawry’s presence during that moment when Shane Warne reached the 700 mark, time ran out and we were not let down as Taylor captured the moment with all the drama it deserved. “He’s got it, he’s got 700.” It makes the hairs stand up. Andrew McGlynn
Ian Chappell
Ian Chappell has the best mix of knowledge of the modern game combined with a real presence with the microphone. He is controversial and opinionated, and his aggressive nature as a captain shines through in his commentating. Jake Robertston
Richie Benaud
I was introduced to the game through marriage to a cricket tragic. I’ve become a complete and utter tragic myself! My appreciation and thanks go to Richie Benaud. His careful analytical commentary of cricket has educated me to the nuances of the game. Richie has found the balance. He doesn’t need to speak every moment the game is in play, he is measured, careful, unbiased and a pleasure to listen to. He refrains from talking about his own experience (ad nauseum) and this sets him apart. Thank you Richie, you are a legend. Lilli Parsons
Tony Greig
Tony Greig is ahead of the rest by miles. Tony manages to capture the excitement out in the centre at a level that makes you want to watch cricket on TV. Dominic Goonawardena
Bill Lawry
Yes he’s got him! The crowd, the atmosphere, the excitement! It’s all happening! And now coming to the crease is a fantastic young Victorian, Cameron White. He’s young, athletic, fantastic in the field, a big hitter and quick between the wickets. He’ll do all of Victoria proud if he can win it from here for Australia. Should be more Victorians in the side but it’s hard to get in front of Symonds, Gilchrist, Clarke, Hussey, all wonderful cricketers. The crowd are on the edge of their seats, it’s 30 off 30, four wickets in hand. It has to be Bill. Matt Renwick
Mark Nicholas
Nicholas has it all. He’s as intelligent and as insightful as Benaud, but has the ability to get you fired up in the big moments in the same way Ray Warren can during the NRL or the swimming. Nicholas’ short monologue to finish the day-five covering of the miracle that was Adelaide left me counting the minutes to Perth. Evocative, intelligent, articulate, and obviously a cricket-tragic in the Michael Hussey mould, he’s been an absolute pleasure to listen to over the summer. I hope he returns next year. James Williamson
Michael Slater
Michael Slater is a breath of fresh air in the commentary box. His enthusiasm for the game makes his commentating entertaining, easy listening and he is a great “commentary coach” for us armchair players at home. In Slats Channel Nine has found the perfect balance between a recent player and a player who has been out of the game too long. He has played in the modern era, yet has been out enough not to be too closely connected to the players – he has bias but not too much! Joshua Habel

Jim Maxwell
Blues legend B.B. King once said “it ain’t the notes, it’s the space in-between”. When Jim Maxwell levitates over the sound of the bubbling crowd and announces the bowler running in, he times his sweet timbre with the delicate panache of Don Bradman. Never too forceful or too bland, the audience feels the love of the game in his voice. “Caught,” we’ll suddenly hear, or “down to the boundary for four”. Then just the sound of the crowd, Jim lowers his voice, signalling to his commentary partner, it is his turn. Seamlessly, Jim listens to their expertise and never have I heard him answer without respect and intelligence. Rather, like an old blues master, he simply moves with the rhythm. Stephen Kanaris
Kerry O’Keeffe
He is insightful, warm, engaging and to put it simply he adds real flavour to the game. He is a far better commentator than he ever was a player. There has always been humour in sport and Kerry never takes either the action or himself too seriously. What really sets him apart from everyone is that he offers opinion before the event rather than after the fact. His eye, much like Ian Chappell’s, is always looking to inform, challenge and offer something different for the punter. He is a rare talent indeed. An afternoon listening to Kerry is as pure a joy as there is. Brett Kajar
Peter Roebuck
Peter Roebuck is unparalleled in his incisive, evocative and knowledgeable commentary of cricket, both on radio and in the press. Even the faster one-day form of the game cannot survive mere description of the on-field action. From a field including some very pedestrian pundits, Peter shines in his wisdom, his wit and his palpable love of cricket. He is able to give commentary a sense of occasion, to highlight the ebb and flow of the game, and to do so without resorting to unnecessary hyperbole or bias. Roebuck is a commentator for those who live and breathe cricket. Paul Carrington
Glenn Mitchell
Glenn Mitchell can make a dull game sound like a million dollars and what he doesn’t know doesn’t matter anyway. Peter Hart
Keith Stackpole
He has an easy-on-the-ears voice, uses precise and compact sentences and has second-to-none cricket knowledge. Stackpole is modest but has a complete understanding of his role as a cricket commentator. He realises that the viewers/listeners want to know what is happening at any given time. He is the sort of cricket commentator you would like to have a cup of tea with during a Test match. Billy Ibadulla
Mark Waugh
He is not in the Channel Nine camp, which reduces his exposure to listeners. However, he always commentates in an impartial and professional manner. He is not afraid to say what he thinks, but does so in an unemotional and forthright manner. His comments on batting techniques are always enlightening. The fact that he has played both forms of the game until quite recently means he can provide constructive opinions on up-and-coming players, which is refreshing. The commentator of the future. Bill Chesterman

Alexia Putellas has confirmed that she is nearing a return after being included in Spain's squad for their Nations League final against France.

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• Putellas included in squad
• Recovering from ACL injury
• Did not get on the pitch

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Putellas is recovering from an ACL injury but was included in Spain's squad for their Nations League final against France, which they won 2-0. Putellas did not get on the pitch but she confirmed after the game that she is very close to returning to action.

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• WHAT PUTELLAS SAID

  The Barcelona star told reporters: "Very good, I'm super happy, goal accomplished, let's go to the Olympic Games as champions.

  "I feel good, looking forward to playing, there isn't much time left."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Putellas has been absent since November, when she was injured in Barcelona's Champions League clash with Benfica. She subsequently underwent surgery, but now looks poised to make a return. She won the Ballon d'Or back-to-back in 2021 and 2022.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Barcelona Femeni are next in action Athletic Bilbao in the Copa de la Reine, before returning to league action next weekend against Real Sociedad.

Stats preview to the third Test between South Africa and West Indies in Durban

Cricinfo staff09-Jan-2008With the series level at 1-1 and everything to play for, South Africa will be pleased with the venue for the decider. Of the 31 Tests they have played here, the South Africans have won 12 and lost nine, but it’s their recent record which will give them more confidence: seven victories and two defeats since their readmission into international cricket in 1992. The last time they lost to a side other than Australia in a Test here was almost ten years ago, when Pakistan beat them by 29 runs in February 1998.West Indies’ two trips here have hardly been memorable. In the Boxing Day Test in 1998 they went down by nine wickets, while five years later the hammering was even more severe, by an innings and 65 runs.

Jacques Kallis has, as usual, been the leading batsman for South Africa at this ground: he needs just 143 more to get to 1000 runs here, but for the rest it’s been a mixed bag. Shaun Pollock has enjoyed himself with the bat, with three half-centuries in 11 Tests, but some of the bigger names have struggled. It hasn’t been a happy venue for the captain, but for Hashim Amla Durban will conjure up miserable memories: in four innings he has scores of 1, 0, 1, 0.

Graeme Smith got some form back with his 85 in the second innings in Cape Town, but in ten innings in Durban, he has only scored one half-century. His average of 20.30 is his worst among home venues where he has played at least three Tests.

The absence of Chris Gayle will seriously weaken the West Indian batting. Among the batsmen in their squad, only two have played at this ground before. Shivnarine Chanderpaul has a healthy average here, but Daren Ganga, who will take the mantle of senior opener in the absence of Gayle, has struggled, scoring just 51 in four innings.

Not only has Pollock enjoyed batting here, he has also been among the wickets, taking 39 at an average of less than 23. Makhaya Ntini has averaged more than five wickets per Test here, but in his only Test he played here, against England in 2004, Dale Steyn only managed match figures 3 for 148.

Fans have slammed Neymar for appearing to be overweight and say that he should "retire" after returning to Al-Hilal training following his ACL injury.

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• Neymar out with ACL injury
• Brazilian back training at Al-Hilal
• Fans criticise his physique again

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 32-year-old hit back at football supporters who criticised his physique last month as he recovers from hisanterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear he suffered while on national duty with Brazilin October. Now the former Barcelona star is doing individual training work at the Saudi Pro League side, his detractors are once again lambasting the Brazilian.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  NBA Memes wrote: "Neymar is on that (basketball player) James Harden diet."

  Agurama JnR commented: "What happened to Neymar??"

  ReecyTM tweeted: "Neymar should just retire from playing football and focus on riding horses."

  UncleKeyz added: "Neymar looks like a blesser now," while Iconic Blanco did a side by side photo of Neymar at 32 versus a ripped Cristiano Ronaldo at 36.

  S.J.O put: "What is happening to all Brazil legends?" and showed a side by side of ex-forward Ronaldo and Neymar.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Former Paris Saint-Germain man Neymar, who left the Ligue 1 outfit for Al-Hilal last summer in a £77.2million ($98.3m) move, is in a race against time to play some part in the Saudi Pro League season – with ACL ruptures or tears typically taking eight to 10 months to recover from. The campaign ends in late May and there is no guarantee the ex-Barcelona ace will kick a ball again this term.

Sergio Aguero has opened up on how he felt during his final professional game at Barcelona before being forced to retire due to a heart condition.

• Aguero hung up his boots in 2021
• Heart condition saw his retire early
• Opens up on final game as a professional

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Aguero announced he was hanging up his boots at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with a heart condition. The striker suffered chest pains and dizziness while playing for Barcelona against Alaves in La Liga in a match which turned out to be his final appearance as a professional. Aguero has now spoken about the game and revealed how he felt before the match was stopped and he was able to receive medical attention.

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  WHAT SERGIO AGUERO SAID

  He told Juan Pablo Varsky for : “I felt like I was drowning, I didn’t feel pain. I had a lot of pressure in my head. I figured it was because I was physically ill and I thought: 'Shit, I’m so bad.'

  "I jumped for a header. They went to counter and I started to get dizzy. I felt like I was going to faint and I wanted to calm down. I wanted to say something and the words didn’t come out. I grabbed the hand of the Alaves captain as if to say: 'Stop the game.' He started screaming and they stopped the game.

  "When I calmed down, I felt like my heart started beating faster. That’s where the arrhythmia attack caught me. A week before it had happened to me in training but it had only been for 20 seconds.”

  Aguero also revealed why he opted to take the No. 19 shirt shirt when he moved to Barcelona in 2021, rather than the 10 left vacant after Lionel Messi's shock exit.

  “When Leo left Barcelona, they offered me the number 10 shirt and I said no. Not because I didn’t want it. I thought he was going to come back," he added. "They told me that I was the only one that could use it but for me, the number 10 belongs to Leo. Lastly, if he is not there, don’t use it.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aguero was taken to hospital after the Alaves match and then ruled out for three months by Barcelona. He subsequently confirmed he would be retiring at an emotional press conference. The striker has since been able to return to the pitch, playing in the seven-side Kings League tournament organised by former Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique. Aguero has even encouraged his good friend Messi to join his team at some point in the future.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AGUERO

  Aguero continues to be involved in football and shares a close friendship with Messi. He joined the Argentina squad at their base camp before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and made sure he was involved in their celebrations after victory at the tournament. Aguero has also managed to tempt Messi to join him as a co-owner of his KRU Esports team.