The bails being used for WPL 2025 were found to be lighting up prematurely
Nagraj Gollapudi17-Feb-2025In the wake of the contentious run-out incidents during the last-ball thriller between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians on February 15, the WPL has notified teams that the Zing bail will need to be fully dislodged for umpires to judge that the wicket is broken in the context of run-out and stumping decisions.This means the pre-existing playing condition, which states that the stumps are deemed to be broken when the bails light up, will not be applicable in WPL 2025 going forward. Appendix D of the tournament playing conditions, which was shared with teams in the lead-up to the season, states: “where Zing wickets are used, the moment at which the wicket has been put down shall be deemed to be the first frame in which the Zing lights are illuminated and subsequent frames show the bail permanently removed from the top of the stumps.”ESPNcricinfo has learned that the reason for the rule change is that the batch of bails being used during this WPL have been lighting up at the slightest disturbance, even when both spigots have not come off the grooves on top of the stumps. Under the Laws of cricket, a bail is completely dislodged only when the bail comes entirely off the groove.Related
Run-out calls in MI-DC game turn focus on rules around LED stumps
The BCCI has used Zing bails both in bilateral and domestic cricket including the IPL and WPL. Each bail contains a microprocessor that detects the moment when both spigots have come off their grooves, and causes the bail to light up within 1/1000th of a second. During this WPL, it is understood that the bails began to flash even when one spigot was still resting on its groove. Consequently it was decided that third umpires would base their final ruling on the moment when the bail becomes completely dislodged, with both spigots coming off their grooves.This was why Gayathri Venugopalan, the third umpire for the Capitals-Mumbai match, made her final ruling in the three run-out decisions – which led to widespread debate – based on the point when the bails were completely off their grooves.It is learned that the match officials were told about this rule change on the morning of the Capitals-Mumbai match, which was the second game of the season. The teams, though, were notified on the day after the match.
Leeds United are believed to have reached an agreement over the signing of an international attacker this week, but a deal is far complete as the Whites have yet to convince the player to join.
Leeds targeting three more signings
The Whites need as much squad depth as possible upon their return to the Premier League, with plenty of new faces already arriving at Elland Road, from Anton Stach to Jaka Bijol. Leeds’ summer business is unlikely to be done there, however, with former scout Mick Brown claiming that as many as three new faces could still arrive this month given they have yet to truly reinforce their attack.
“The feeling at Leeds has been that if they want to compete in the Premier League, the squad is going to need strengthening and that hasn’t changed. Their recruitment has been okay so far, but I would suggest none of them are nailed-on Premier League players who you know are going to be a success.
“They don’t have the type of Premier League experience in their squad that they would like. Before the window closes, there are two or three new players they want to bring in and I think it’s something they’re working on behind the scenes. There are still positions they want to strengthen in, and they’re going to concentrate on getting in Premier League players to aid that transition.”
A new forward needs to be near the top of Leeds’ wishlist, in order to have enough firepower to cope in the top flight, and a promising update has dropped regarding one target.
Leeds reach agreement to sign Serie A attacker
According to an update from Italian media [via Sport Witness], Leeds have reached an agreement to sign Sassuolo attacker Andrea Pinamonti this summer, who has been capped once by Italy.
That said, the update does also state that the 26-year-old has rejected the chance to join the Whites, with his reasoning for the decision not explained. It is now a case of Daniel Farke and those high up at Elland Road working to change his mind.
Andrea Pinamonti in action for Sassuolo.
Pinamonti is a proven attacker at the highest level, having scored 50 goals in 212 Serie A appearances. Former coach Moreno Longo has heaped praise on him during their time working together in the past.
At 26, Pinamonti is both an experienced head and someone with years ahead of him, so he could come straight in as an influential leader of the line for Leeds.
Leeds closing in on "underrated" striker who's scored over 200 career goals
He’d hand Daniel Farke a major boost.
6
By
Tom Cunningham
Aug 9, 2025
Last season, the Italian scored 10 Serie A goals on loan at Genoa, also winning six Man of the Match awards from WhoScored, and the lure of moving to the Premier League will hopefully sway his thinking.
No próximo domingo, dia 30 às 16h, Flamengo e Botafogo fazem o primeiro clássico carioca na Série A do Brasileirão. A partida, válida pela terceira rodada, será no Maracanã, às 16h, e os ingressos estarão à venda a partir das 10h desta quarta. As entradas custam entre R$ 80 e R$ 450.
+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!
Neste primeiro dia, a venda será apenas online para a torcida rubro-negra. Na quinta, começam a funcionar os pontos físicos. Veja os locais e mais informações divulgadas pelo clube mais abaixo.
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A torcida do Botafogo ficará no Setor Sul B, com ingressos a R$ 80 (R$ 40 a meia). A abertura de vendas também será nesta quarta-feira, às 10h. Os pontos de troca e venda ainda serão divulgados.
Para retirar os ingressos, tanto para a torcida do Flamengo quanto para os alvinegros, será preciso apresentar voucher impresso, preenchido e assinado; documento original com foto e CPF; e documento que comprove o benefício de meia (se houver). Não é permitida a retirada por terceiros.
Mais informações sobre a venda de ingressos para Flamengo x Botafogo, pelo Brasileirão:
خسر ريال مدريد اليوم السبت بشكل مهين أمام نظيره أتلتيكو مدريد بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين، اليوم السبت، وذلك في قمة منافسات الجولة السابعة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.
وأقيمت مباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد على ملعب واندا ميتروبوليتانو، حيث فشل الملكي في تقديم المستوى المطلوب ضد الروخي بلانكوس.
وأذاق أتلتيكو مدريد ريال مدريد مرارة الهزيمة الأولى هذا الموسم في كافة المسابقات ككل وفي بطولة الدوري الإسباني بشكل خاص.
وتوقف رصيد ريال مدريد عند 18 نقطة، وأصبح الملكي مهددًا بخسارة الصدارة إذا تمكن برشلونة من الفوز على ريال سوسيداد، غدًا الأحد، على ملعب أنويتا.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ترتيب الدوري الإسباني بعد هزيمة ريال مدريد أمام أتلتيكو مدريد موعد مباراة ريال مدريد وكيرات ألماني الكازاخستاني في دوري أبطال أوروبا
ويلعب ريال مدريد مباراته المقبلة في مسابقة دوري أبطال أوروبا أمام كيرات ألماني الكازاخستاني، ضمن الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري بالمسابقة الأوروبية.
وتقام مباراة ريال مدريد وكيرات ألماني في كازاخستان يوم الثلاثاء المقبل الموافق 30 سبتمبر، في تمام الساعة الثامنة إلا ربع مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.
ريال مدريد سوف يسعى إلى تحقيق الفوز على كيرات ألماتي عقب عثرة اليوم ضد أتلتيكو مدريد، وتعتبر المهمة سهلة نوعًا ما بالنسبة للفريق الملكي.
وكان ريال مدريد قد فاز في الجولة الأولى من مرحلة الدوري بدوري أبطال أوروبا على أوليمبيك مارسيليا بهدفين مقابل هدف.
A mixed start to Newcastle United’s pre-season fixtures.
First, the Magpies demolished Carlisle United 4-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with the now-departed Sean Longstaff breaking the deadlock, before Joelinton, Jacob Murphy and youngster Ben Parkinson were all on target.
Newcastle midfielder Joelinton
However, on Saturday, with over 10,000 Geordies in attendance in Glasgow, Eddie Howe’s side were embarrassingly battered 4-0 by Celtic at Parkhead, with Nick Pope responsible for an absolute howler, gifting the Hoops their second.
Next up, the Toon Army will take on Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium on Sunday, but will they have a new signing to get excited about before then?
Newcastle United's latest transfer news
So far this summer, Newcastle have signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £55m, making him the club’s second-most expensive signing of all-time, behind fellow-Swede Alexander Isak.
Meantime, they’ve seen a £25m bid rejected for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, although the DR Congo international has left the Bees’ pre-season training camp in Portugal, and it is widely expected this deal will be finalised in the end.
While Wissa would be an excellent addition, representing a major upgrade on the released Callum Wilson, are Newcastle also turning their attention back to their top target?
Well, as reported by Chris Waugh of the Athletic, Newcastle ‘remain interested’ in signing Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi, noting that internal discussions during recruitment meetings have been held.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Fair to say, Newcastle hold a long-standing interest in the England international, having had four bids rejected for Guéhi last summer, the highest of which was £60m, with Palace owner Steve Parish telling BBC Sport back then that it would require “superstar money” for the Eagles to consider selling their captain.
Guéhi is purportedly valued at £70m by the South London side, so should Newcastle push the boat out to bring him to Tyneside?
How Marc Guéhi would improve Newcastle
Howe will be looking to bolster his centre-back options this summer, ahead of a very busy schedule, given that his side have qualified for the Champions League.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe reacts
The table below underlines his limited options in that position last season.
Newcastle United’s centre-back options 2024/25
Statistics
Dan Burn
Fabian Schär
Sven Botman
Appearances
46
42
10
Starts
44
40
8
Minutes
3,974
3,629
581
% of total minutes played
91%
83%
13%
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com
As the table outlines, due to Sven Botman’s injury issues, Dan Burn and Fabin Schär started the vast majority of Newcastle’s 48 fixtures last season in league and cup, something that’ll surely not be possible again with, at a minimum, eight Champions League ties thrown into the mix.
Should Guéhi arrive, he would certainly become first-choice in that spot, given that then-England manager Gareth Southgate described his performances at last summer’s Euros as “exceptional”, while former teammate Josef Buršík, now of Club Brugge, labelled him an “absolute tank”.
Meantime, Nathan Jackson of Total Football Analysis outlines how he has the potential to become the best centre-back in the Premier League, with Elias Burke of the Athletic praising his ability to complete ‘ambitious’ forward passes, due to his top-class quality on the ball, citing Roy Hodgson, who asserted that he is a future England captain.
So, let’s see how he compares to Burn, the man he’d surely be usurping in the Newcastle pecking order.
Marc Guéhi vs Dan Burn 2024/25 Premier League comparison
Statistics (per 90)
Guéhi
Burn
Pass completion %
84.15%
88.62%
Forward passes
20.8
17
Duels contested
8.4
8.9
Aerial duel success %
53.91%
66.07%
Ground duel success %
63.46%
50%
Tackles
1.8
1.1
Interceptions
0.9
0.8
Blocks
0.7
0.7
Ball Recoveries
4.3
2.8
All statistics courtesy of Squawka
As the table outlines, Guéhi comes out on top for the vast majority of defensive metrics included; it is little surprise that Burn boasts better numbers when it comes to aerial duels!
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
This is exactly why Guéhi would be such a key signing for Newcastle, as he would represent a massive upgrade in a position of need.
Wissa, on the other hand, while an excellent player, not so much.
The Magpies already have Isak, who Graham Ruthven of Total Soccer Show asserts is one of the best four centre-forwards on the planet, alongside Erling Braut Håland, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski.
Of course, an Isak back-up is necessary, but this is why they signed William Osula last summer, a player who Beth Limb of Breaking the Lines believes has a ‘bright future ahead’, praising his ‘strong physical profile’ and ‘wonderful burst of acceleration’.
So, while Wissa will be a useful squad addition, Guéhi would represent a transformational first-team starter, hence why Newcastle should go all out to secure his signature.
Better fit than Ekitike: Newcastle lead race to sign £44m Wissa alternative
Newcastle eye highly-rated French forward after losing out on Ekitike
After all, they finished second in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce last season, and there is only so much time Mikel Arteta will have to bring the glory days back to the Emirates.
The good news is that the board seem intent on giving him all the help they can in the transfer window this summer, with a host of brilliant players already touted for a move to N5, like Eberechi Eze.
However, if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal are now closing in on a deal to sign an international star who would be an even more exciting addition to the team than the Englishman.
Arsenal move to sign a new goalscorer
It was last week that stories linking Arsenal to Eze began to appear, but it was over the weekend that things supposedly accelerated in a meaningful way.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to reports from Monday, the Gunners had held talks with the Crystal Palace star’s camp, and, according to Fabrizio Romano, he’s now more than open to a move to the Emirates.
The 27-year-old has a release clause in his current deal widely reported to be worth around £68m, but even at that price, he could still be worth going all out for.
Yet, it appears as if the North Londoners are now making serious progress in their attempts to sign someone who’d be an even more exciting addition: Viktor Gyokeres.
According to a recent report from Belgium, Arsenal are now in “advanced talks” with Sporting CP over the Swedish international, and feel like they are near the “final line” of the deal.
Moreover, it has been revealed that the club and player have already agreed personal terms.
A potential price is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this week claimed that a fee in the region of £69m could be enough to seal the deal.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
It’s a lot of money to spend on one player, but given Gyokeres’ recent record, it could prove to be more than worth it, and he could end up being a far more exciting signing than Eze.
Why Gyokeres would be more exciting than Eze
While there are so many different things to enjoy in football, from a well-timed tackle to a wonderful ball over the top, there is one thing that excites fans more than anything else: goals.
Viktor Gyokeres celebrating.
When it really comes down to it, what supporters want to see above all else is their team putting the ball in the back of the net, and when it comes to that, there seem to be few, if any, better than Gyokeres.
It’s this reason why his arrival would be more thrilling than Eze’s, as he’s been a lean, mean goalscoring machine over the last two years.
Appearances
50
52
Minutes
4169′
4248′
Goals
43
54
Assists
15
13
Goal Involvements per Match
1.16
1.28
Minutes per Goal Involvement
71.87′
63.40′
For example, in his first campaign with Sporting, the “ball-striking monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 4169 minutes, which comes out to an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.87 minutes.
Then, somehow, he managed to do even better last season, scoring 54 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 appearances, totalling 4248 minutes, which comes out to a simply sensational average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.
In contrast, Eze has scored 48 goals and provided 28 assists in the 167 appearances he’s made for Crystal Palace since joining them in 2020.
Ultimately, it is a little simplistic, but sometimes football can be an extraordinarily simple game, and based on the sheer weight of goals he’s scored in recent seasons, we can’t imagine many, if any, players being a more exciting signing for Arsenal than Gyokeres would be.
£60m Madueke upgrade: Arsenal eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"
Arsenal could sign a winger who’s one of the fastest players in the Premier League.
Since being taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital three years ago, the Blues have signed over 35 senior first-team players for in excess of £1bn, but are showing no signs of slowing down.
The Blues have already completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m, meaning he will be eligible to feature at the Club World Cup, with Enzo Maresca’s side kicking off their campaign against LAFC next Monday.
Before that match in Atlanta, could Chelsea sign another young attacker?
Chelsea's search for a new wide-attacker
BlueCo are incredibly busy trying to improve the squad before the Club World Cup gets underway with Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan reportedly closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Yet, he’s not the only player who could arrive before Chelsea’s American adventure.
According to a report by RMC Sport, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens on a whopping seven-year contract.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
This comes after David Ornstein of the Athletic reported that the Blues have submitted an official bid, although Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland claims that Chelsea’s initial bid of €29.5m was “rejected”, with die Schwarzgelben “demanding” closer to £51m.
Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian has previously documented that adding a ‘right-footed left-winger’ to their squad, having previously assessed Nico Williams and Alejandro Garnacho, but Gittens has emerged as the first-choice target.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
So, it appears to be just a matter of time until this deal gets done, although they only have until 7pm (BST) on Tuesday to finalise the transfer, if Gittens is going to feature at the Club World Cup.
How Jamie Gittens could unleash Liam Delap
Neel Shelat of Total Football Analysis outlines how Delap has all the attributes to be a top-class penalty box poacher, so why would Gittens’ arrival be the dream signing for him?
Well, Felix Johnston describes the 20-year-old winger as “electric”, praising his “variation with crosses” and ability to make threatening “back post” runs.
Meantime, Lebohang Mwamuka of Breaking the Lines believes Gittens has the ability to become a ‘regular creator from wide areas’, given that he is “strong with both feet… dynamic” and possesses “remarkable dribbling’.
Jacek Kulig of Talent Football Scout agrees, believing Gittens’ ‘potential is extremely high’, noting that his primary strengths are dribbling, ‘decision-making and movement’.
So, let’s analyse Gittens’ statistics in the Bundesliga this season.
Gittens Bundesliga statistics 2024/25
Statistics
Gittens
Bundesliga rank
Minutes
1,776
149th
Goals
8
32nd
Assists
3
71st
Progressive carries
113
4th
Attempted take-ons
171
1st
Successful take-ons
77
2nd
Carries into penalty area
63
1st
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com
As the table outlines, there are few better dribblers in the Bundesliga than Gittens, ranked first for attempted take-ons and carries into the opposition penalty area, behind only Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz for successful take-ons.
In fact, across Europe’s big five leagues, the Englishman ranks seventh for attempted take-ons as well as seventh in the Champions League for the same metric. Thus, Gittens’ dribbling and creative abilities would surely get the best out of centre-forward Delap.
The duo have actually played together on nine occasions before, seven of which have been with England’s U21s, while they were briefly teammates in Manchester City’s academy too, with Delap assisting Gittens for a goal against Liverpool’s U18s in September 2019.
Thus, if the pair are reunited in West London later this summer, they could form quite the devastating attacking duo.
Talks ongoing: Chelsea mainstay could be forced out if they sign "elite" player
There is set to be real shake-ups at Stamford Bridge this summer.
It has been a strong season for Enzo Fernandez in a Chelsea shirt. The Argentina international, who joined the club in 2023, has largely been a key player under his namesake, Enzo Maresca, this term, despite a period where he was not first choice in midfield at the start of the campaign.
In all competitions, he’s made 44 appearances, scoring seven goals and registering 13 assists. Of those goal involvements, 13 have come in 35 Premier League appearances. He has also been the Blues’ captain this term, leading them in 29 appearances in total.
These impressive performances have clearly been eye-catching, with Fernandez now linked with a shock move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.
The latest on Enzo Fernandez’s future
It will be an interesting couple of weeks for Fernandez, who is reportedly a key target for one of Europe’s biggest clubs Real Madrid.
The former Benfica star was first linked to Los Blancos back in March by TeamTalk, who said they ‘are considering a move’ for him. Fernandez was reportedly ‘very interested in a move to Madrid if the opportunity presents itself’ this summer.
In recent days, there has been more positive news for fans of the West London club to hear. Highly reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano said that Todd Boehly and co are desperate to keep the World Cup winner, after interest from the Santiago Bernabeu.
In a news article from one Spanish outlet, it seems that a potential price tag for Fernandez this summer has been revealed. It is an eye-watering amount that the Blues would ask for, specifically £102m, if Madrid want a deal to get over the line.
Although Romano suggests Chelsea do not want to lose their vice-captain, there could be a ready-made replacement in the pipeline and ready to step if he does depart.
Chelsea’s in-house Fernandez replacement
It is not often midfielders are described as a “complete” midfielder at just 21 years of age, but that is exactly what football analyst Ben Mattinson said about Andrey Santos.
The Brazilian – who signed for a fee in the region of £18m in January 2023 – is still on Chelsea’s books, but is currently on loan at French side Strasbourg.
What a season it has been for the former Vasco da Gama midfielder, who was born in Rio de Janeiro. He has featured in 34 games across all competitions from the middle of the park, scoring 11 times and registering five assists.
In Ligue 1 for a Strasbourg side who impressed throughout the campaign, he managed to hit double-figure goals, one of only two players from his club to do so. The tenth was a special strike in the final game of the season, in a 2-2 draw with Le Havre.
Between Fernandez and Santos, Chelsea have two players of very similar profiles. Just look at the position they have played this season. Fernandez has played as a number eight for the most part, playing 28 times in that role, also playing 11 times as a number six. As for the Strasbourg star, he has played 24 times as an eight and ten as a six.
In fact, when looking at their stats from this season, their profiles seem to align well. They are all-action midfielders who can pop up with a regular goal, create chances and also put in some impressive shifts without the ball.
Andrey Santos
There are numbers on FBref that reinforce the fact they are so similar, with Santos arguably better. For example, he averages 0.32 goals and 5.93 ball recoveries per 90 minutes compared to 0.19 goals and 4.83 ball recoveries each game for Fernandez.
Santos and Fernandez – key stats compared
Stat (per 90)
Santos
Fernandez
Goals
0.32
0.19
Passes into final third
4.45
5.24
Progressive carries
0.91
1.86
Tackles and interceptions
4.48
2.46
Ball recoveries
5.93
4.83
Stats from FBref
Described as a “monster” in that midfield by Mattinson, it certainly seems like Santos could hold his own in the Chelsea side and replace Fernandez, should the need arise. He beats him in several key stats and has more combined goals and assists this season.
If Boehly and co do lose Fernandez, Chelsea fans must surely feel in safe hands, with Santos ready to step in at any given moment and help fill the void of such an important player in their side.
Could be another Sterling: Chelsea lead Arsenal in race for "superstar"
Chelsea are looking to add depth to their side this summer
This summer is massive for Arsenal football club in their attempts to finally end the two-decade wait for a Premier League title, with the transfer window providing them with a huge opportunity.
Numerous players will need to be sold and brought in to hand manager Mikel Arteta the best possible chance of being a success and completing the overhaul of the first team squad.
The Spaniard has done an excellent job in taking the side from mid-table struggling to title challenges in the five years he’s been in charge at the Emirates.
However, his side have finished second place in each of the last two seasons in England’s top flight, looking set to finish in the same position once again this season.
There’s no denying that key areas are in need of investment to take the side up a notch in 2025/26, with the hierarchy already laying the foundations for various moves in the summer window.
The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new midfielders this summer
The one midfielder whose name is on the lips of many supporters is that of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who’s been a constant target for the Gunners in the last few months.
Arteta’s men tried to land him during the January transfer window, but ran out of time to complete a deal, subsequently needing to wait until the upcoming window to land their target.
It appears they’ve done just that, with new sporting director Andrea Berta confident that the 26-year-old will become his first addition after joining the club after Edu’s departure a couple of months ago.
However, despite the potential incomings, it was confirmed earlier this week that the club were planning on offering Thomas Partey a new deal with his current one set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Whilst the 31-year-old would be a solid squad option in 2025/26, he shouldn’t be a regular starter in Arteta’s side – needing to utilise one player ahead of him at the Emirates.
The Arsenal star who should be ahead of Partey in 2025/26
Declan Rice has been a key player for Arsenal over the last couple of months, single-handedly playing a vital role in their two-legged Champions League quarter-final triumph over defending champions Real Madrid.
His two free kicks in the first leg helped the Gunners boast a three-goal lead ahead of the second leg, whilst producing another Man of the Match showing to seal the deal for the club at the Bernabeu.
The 26-year-old now looks to be a bargain at £105m, but he needs to be partnered by other top-quality talents if they are to go one better and win the title for the first time in over 20 years.
The hierarchy may not need to spend any money on finding a perfect player to play alongside him in the form of Myles Lewis-Skelly, who’s mainly featured at left-back after breaking into the first team.
However, the 18-year-old is a central midfielder by trade, subsequently having the tools to star in such a position – with his stats from the current season backing up his versatility.
Myles Lewis-Skelly for Arsenal
The teenager, who’s been labelled “sensational” by former Spurs star Jamie O’Hara, has completed 94% of the passes he’s attempted, at an average of 40 passes per 90 – handing added opportunities to those around him in the process.
He’s also completed 57% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst notching 1.3 touches per 90 in the opposition box, showcasing the impressive talents he has with the ball at his feet.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s stats for Arsenal in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
19
Goals & assists
1
Pass accuracy
94%
Passes completed per game
40
Dribbles completed
57%
Touches in opposition box
1.3
Tackles won
67%
Duels won
6.3
Stats via FotMob
Lewis-Skelly’s impressive ability doesn’t end there, winning 67% of the tackles he’s entered, and coming out on top of 6.3 duels per 90 – not afraid to put himself about despite his tender age.
The youngster’s performances in 2024/25 have been nothing short of remarkable, having the ability to star in Arteta’s side for many years to come.
He’s already earning rave comparisons, notably similar in style to fellow Hale Ender Jack Wilshere. Like Lewis-Skelly, his ability to evade the press, manipulate the ball in tight areas and dribble, are certainly reminiscent.
However, he should be doing so at the heart of the side alongside Rice, with the boss needing to drop Partey out of the side and utilise him as a bench option with Lewis-Skelly needing a chance to star in midfield.
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It is likely KL Rahul will move up to open, leaving a batting spot in the middle order up for grabs
Nagraj Gollapudi08-May-20252:03
Who replaces Rohit as Test captain?
Other than captaincy, the other immediate impact of Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement is it has created an opening in India’s batting order. It is likely that KL Rahul will take Rohit’s opening slot, and if that happens, it opens up a middle-order slot. ESPNcricinfo looks at the most significant contenders, names that are understood to be pencilled in by the national selectors, who will soon finalise the squad for the five-Test series against England starting June 20.
Dhruv Jurel, 24 years
It was Jurel whom Rohit had replaced in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, having missed the first Test in Perth for the birth of his second child. The solitary batter to impress, both in defence and attack, during the second unofficial Test for India A against Australia A in Melbourne, where he made 80 and 68, Jurel played as a specialist batter at No. 6 in Perth. It would end up being the only Test Jurel played on the tour, making 11 and 1.Related
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While he is set to be picked again as back-up to Rishabh Pant, the Indian selectors have remained confident about Jurel, who has played four Tests, growing into a pure batter ever since he won the Player-of-the-Match award in his second Test, against England on a challenging Ranchi pitch last February.
Karun Nair, 33
How can Nair, who played last of his six Tests in 2017, even be part of this list? While it’s a valid question, you wouldn’t have asked that in case you were following the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, where Nair was among the chief architects in Vidarbha winning their third title. Nair, who was dropped by his home state Karnataka two years ago, moved to Vidarbha ahead of the domestic season in 2023-24 as a professional, and ended last season as the fourth-highest run-getter in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 863 runs in 16 innings at an average of nearly 50, including four centuries.A right-hand middle-order batter, Nair, who scored a triple ton against England in the Chennai Test in 2016-17, has a compact technique, and has vast first-class experience. Nair also featured for Northamptonshire in the Division 1 County Championships over the last two seasons: overall, in 14 innings, he scored 736 runs at an average of 56.61, with two centuries – including an undefeated 202.
B Sai Sudharsan, 23
Regarded as among the most talented batters in the domestic circuit, Sai Sudarsan has been on the fringes of India’s Test set-up for the last two years. Recognised for his temperament and sound technique, the Tamil Nadu left-hand batter bats predominantly in the middle order, although he has played in the top order too. Currently among the leading run-getters in the ongoing IPL 2025, where he’s playing for Gujarat Titans, Sai Sudarsan has also got decent county experience, with two stints with Surrey: first in 2023, and then last year, during which he scored 281 runs in eight innings at an average of 35.13, including 105 in his last match.
Sarfaraz Khan, 27
Last October, Sarfaraz was “fighting” for one middle-sorder slot with Rahul during the home series against England. With an entertaining 150 in the second innings in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, which featured some unorthodox but bold strokeplay, Sarfaraz retained his spot for the remaining two Tests in that series, while the more experienced Rahul sat out.However, Sarfaraz, who had made his debut against England earlier in 2024 after several successful seasons in domestic cricket, was part of the collective batting failure in the final two Tests of the New Zealand series, failing to go past 11 in four innings. Though he was part of India’s squad for the Australia tour that followed, Sarfaraz, who has played six Tests, failed to get an opportunity and returned home with a single run, which he scored in the tour match against PM’s XI. Since then, though, Sarfaraz has not played any competitive cricket due to a rib injury.