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CA have backed the process the umpires went through although say ideally it would have happened more quickly

Andrew McGlashan07-Oct-2025Chris Green has been handed a code of conduct breach for dissent after being involved in the unusual situation of being given out and then recalled to the crease during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia at the WACA.Green was initially given out caught behind by umpire Gerard Abood as he ducked a bouncer and made it clear he was unhappy with the decision. After a lengthy period where Abood consulted with the square-leg umpire, the decision was changed.Cricket Australia has acknowledged the correct decision was ultimately made but said it should have happened more promptly. However, they said that Green’s reaction played no part in the process and that the umpires had no knowledge of replay footage which had been shown on the broadcast.”Under CA playing conditions clause 31.6, umpires are permitted to consult the other umpire to clarify points of fact so they can arrive at the correct decision,” a CA spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. “Whilst CA doesn’t encourage this in the ordinary course, there are rare occasions where it is appropriate for umpires to clarify points of fact so they can arrive at the correct decision.”CA acknowledge that the correct decision was ultimately made in this case, but would have preferred this to have occurred more promptly.”It should be noted that under no circumstances did the batter’s actions contribute to the umpire reviewing or overturning the decision and the umpire did not see a replay before the decision was reversed.”While Sheffield Shield matches are streamed in high quality, there is no third umpire for matches except in the final and replays aren’t used in making decisions.CA also said that the second time Abood raised his finger was to confirm to a player that the initial decision was out. “Further, the umpire did not give Green out twice. His second signal of out was to clarify the original decision to a participating player,” the spokesperson said. “CA also wishes to advise that Chris Green was issued a code of conduct breach for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during a match.”Green was dismissed eight runs later on the third day when he toe-ended a pull to second slip.Speaking after the match, which NSW won by 74 runs, WA coach Adam Voges said the way Green had reacted to the initial dismissal was not good for the game.”I think the umpires make make incorrect decisions and that’s part of the game. I understand that,” he said. “I guess probably it’s just not a great look when a player remonstrates with an umpire for a period of time and then that gets overturned, and I guess the message that that sends is probably not a good one.”So if he’s been done for dissent, so be it. But I don’t have much more else because I’m not out there and don’t hear the conversations. We’ll leave it at that.”

MI now have a 17-0 record in the IPL when defending 200 or more

Sampath Bandarupalli01-May-20256 Consecutive wins for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025 after starting with four defeats in the first five matches. It is their joint-longest winning streak in the IPL, alongside the six they won in 2008 and 2017.3 MI’s win, by 100 runs, against Rajasthan Royals (RR) was their third victory in the IPL by 100 or more runs. Only Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have done it more often, with four such wins. MI’s win also took them to the top of the points table for the first time in the IPL since April 17, 2021. For RR, it was their second-biggest defeat by runs behind the 112-run loss against RCB in 2023.217 for 2 MI’s total against RR is the joint-highest in the IPL at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, equalling Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) 217 for 6 against RR in 2023. This is also the highest total for MI against RR in the IPL.2012 The previous instance of MI winning an IPL match in Jaipur, a ten-wicket victory. MI lost all four IPL matches against RR, which they played at this venue between 2013 and 2024.Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma set base with a century stand•Associated Press4 Batters scored 40-plus runs for MI in Jaipur. It is only the fourth instance of four batters scoring 40 or more runs in an IPL innings. Only once before each of the top four scored 40 or more in an IPL innings – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against RR in 2011.11 Consecutive scores of 25-plus for Suryakumar Yadav in IPL 2025. It is the longest streak of 25-plus scores for any batter in the IPL, bettering Robin Uthappa’s run of ten innings in 2014.6024 Runs scored by Rohit Sharma in all T20s for MI. No player has even 4000 T20 runs for the franchise. Rohit is only the second batter to score 6000-plus runs for a team in T20s, after Virat Kohli, who has 8871 runs for RCB.ESPNcricinfo Ltd29 Balls MI took to pick up the first five RR wickets, the fewest they have needed to do so in an IPL innings. Only four times did a team lose their first five wickets in the IPL in fewer than the 29 balls.17-0 MI extend their unbeaten record while defending targets of 200 or more in the IPL. Alongside being the only team to defend all the 200-plus targets they set in the IPL, the 18-0 record of MI in all men’s T20s defending 200-plus targets is the best for any team.281.81 Strike rate of MI batters against the short of good lengths and short lengths against RR pacers on Thursday. They scored 61 runs off 22 such deliveries, with ten fours and two sixes. In return, RR batters scored only 34 off 38 balls on those lengths and lost five wickets.

Navi Mumbai showcased not just Radha’s precision and control, but also her ever-expanding mindset and skillset

Sruthi Ravindranath27-Oct-2025

Harmanpreet Kaur is delighted by fan favourite, and captain favourite, Radha Yadav•AFP/Getty Images

Radha Yadav has long been considered one of India’s best fielders, so much so that whenever a player in the XI steps off the field, she’s almost always the first one to be substituted in. At the 2025 ODI World Cup, she didn’t feature in India’s first six matches, yet appeared in nearly all of them as a substitute.When her opportunity finally arrived in India’s last league game against Bangladesh, she reminded everyone not just of her fielding prowess, but also of her craft as a left-arm spinner. Radha showcased the precision and control that have long defined her T20 reputation, the result of hard work and technical refinement during her time away from the side.Radha’s T20 credentials have never been in question. After being dropped in 2023, she forced her way back last year and has collected 35 wickets in 22 T20Is since her return. In ODIs, however, her journey has been far less straightforward.Related

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Radha shines in washout between India and Bangladesh

Radha played just one game in 2021, and it wasn’t until 2024 that she earned another run, featuring in home series against South Africa and New Zealand, taking seven wickets against the latter. Yet, she was overlooked again for the tri-series earlier this year in Sri Lanka and South Africa, as India handed a debut to young left-arm spinner Shuchi Upadhyay.Offspinner Sneh Rana’s strong WPL showing and her comeback to the ODI squad in the tri-series meant competition for spin places intensified. On that tour, left-arm spinner N Shree Charani emerged as one of the standouts and complemented Rana with six wickets at an economy of 5.39.But when Upadhyay was injured, Radha found herself recalled for the England ODIs ahead of the World Cup. Her three games yielded just one wicket, and with India leaning towards a combination of two frontline spinners alongside Deepti Sharma, the team balance once again worked against Radha.During her time away from the international circuit in 2023, Radha worked extensively on her lines and release points. She moved away from bowling just stump-to-stump to operating a touch wider of off-stump. As a bowler capable of getting the ball to drift both ways, she uses her pace range – in the mid-70s kph – to vary flight, forcing indecision and mis-hits.Radha Yadav has worked extensively on her lines and release points•ICC/Getty ImagesOn the eve of the Bangladesh game, India bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi was asked about the conversations he’d had with Radha and other fringe bowlers.”The conversation between the coaching group and the players is generally the kind of mindset what they are having, the kind of areas they need to work upon, the kind of strengths that we want them to operate onto the games,” he said. “Everybody is inspiring and everybody is motivated for the World Cup.”So that doesn’t rule out that even if they are not getting a chance, they still turn up for the practice sessions and they are very keen on working on their different aspects. So, the quality of their bowling they try to work upon. So, during the practice sessions they come with a mindset that we will work, we will iron out our skills and, and probably use it into the game whenever we get an opportunity.”When India decided to experiment in the dead rubber against Bangladesh, Radha replaced Rana, joining Charani as the second left-arm spinner in the XI. It turned out to be a showcase of the progress Radha had made, this time in ODIs.Brought on after a rain break following left-hander Rubya Haider’s dismissal, Radha immediately found rhythm. Her loop and control denied Bangladesh any scoring momentum. In the 22nd over, she dismissed Sobhana Mostary – who looked the most assured of Bangladesh’s batters – with a 76 kph delivery that dipped late and invited the drive, only for Mostary to spoon it to mid-off.Radha Yadav’s direct hit removed Nigar Sultana•ICC/Getty ImagesHer next two wickets came in classic fashion: a fuller ball that went straight through Nahida Akter, followed by one that drifted in from around the wicket, drawing Rabeya Khan down the track and through the gate. She nearly had a fourth when Nishita Akter Nishi survived a close DRS call the very next ball.In between, Radha produced another of her signature moments in the field – a sharp direct hit from point that caught Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana short at the non-striker’s end.”The way Radha played today gives us another option for the next game,” Harmanpreet Kaur said at the post-match presentation.Radha’s spell reaffirmed India’s depth in spin, even if she’s unlikely to feature in the semi-final, with Rana expected to return, but her performance underscored India’s bench strength.India also rested young seamer Kranti Gaud for the Bangladesh game, bringing Amanjot Kaur back into the XI. With Radha impressing in Navi Mumbai – the venue of the semi-final – and Charani continuing to build her credentials, India have a healthy mix of combinations to consider. Whether the team management opts to field both left-arm spinners against Australia – who have just two left-handers in the top four – remains to be seen.

Wyatt-Hodge scored her fourth half-century of the season while Strano starred with five wickets

AAP01-Dec-2025Hobart Hurricanes have reinforced their standing as the team to beat in the WBBL, bolstering their grip on first spot with an 81-run demolition of Melbourne Stars on DLS method at Bellerive Oval.Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s classy 71 paced Hurricanes’ imposing 176 for 4 from 17 rain-reduced overs in the top-of-the-table blockbuster on Monday night, before Molly Strano (5 for 16) reduced Stars to a paltry 98 in response, after they were set an adjusted target of 180.Wyatt-Hodge moved past Meg Lanning to the head of the Golden Bat standings with her fourth half-century of the season, before pouching three catches.She started slowly with two off her first 11 deliveries, before blossoming in her 47-ball knock.”Sometimes you’ve just got to ride that wave and Lizzy (Lee) was smashing it at the other end, so I didn’t need to panic,” Wyatt-Hodge said.”It was just a matter of digging in, keeping the intent and staying brave. Hopefully we can keep the form up – everyone’s playing really well.”Hard-hitting South African Lizelle Lee was the early aggressor, but a 33-minute rain delay stalled her momentum and she holed out for 32 just after the resumption.Nat Sciver-Brunt (31) found Danielle Gibson in the deep, before captain Elyse Villani was run out late.Stars started horribly in reply and never recovered as their four-game winning streak came to a crashing halt, with tail-ender Sasha Moloney (31) offering the only resistance.Rhys McKenna (1) was trapped plumb in front by a hooping Nicola Carey inswinger, before Linsey Smith (2-29) captured the key scalp of Lanning (9), bowled after missing a cut shot.Smith dismissed Stars skipper Annabel Sutherland (11), before fellow spinner Molly Strano came on and bagged three wickets in her first over.Wyatt-Hodge snared a left-handed blinder at point to remove Amy Jones (19), before Marizanne Kapp (0) was caught behind and Gibson (1) holed out.Strano then picked up a fourth wicket with just her seventh ball when Kim Garth (3) offered Wyatt-Hodge another catch.The offspinner’s fifth scalp was Moloney, caught by player of the match Wyatt-Hodge.

Babar Azam scored his first hundred in international cricket after a gap of 807 days on Friday night in Rawalpindi

Sampath Bandarupalli15-Nov-202583 – Consecutive innings without a hundred in international cricket for Babar Azam before his unbeaten 102 against Sri Lanka on Friday. His previous hundred in any format for Pakistan came in August 2023, when he scored 151 against Nepal in the Asia Cup.Eighty-one of those 83 innings were while batting in the top four, the second-longest such streak for a Pakistan batter. Mohammad Rizwan didn’t score a hundred for 82 consecutive innings while batting in the top four between 2021 and 2023.20 – Hundreds for Babar in ODI cricket, the joint-highest for Pakistan alongside Saeed Anwar.ESPNcricinfo Ltd136 – Innings Babar needed to get to 20 ODI hundreds, the third-quickest to get there. Hashim Amla is the fastest with 108 innings, while Virat Kohli achieved it in 133 innings. Anwar, for the record, needed 243 innings.Babar holds the record for being the quickest to 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 ODI hundreds.8 – Hundreds for Babar in ODIs in Pakistan, the highest, going past Mohammad Yousuf’s tally of seven. Babar’s eight ODI hundreds at home have come in just 31 innings.Related

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4 – Specialist batters with a century-less streak as long as Babar’s in men’s internationals (with a minimum of 20 innings in each format in that period). During his century drought, Babar batted 33 times in ODIs, 26 times in T20Is, and 24 times in Test cricket.Kohli also had a streak of 83 innings without a century between 2019 and 2022, while Suresh Raina went 123 straight innings without a century between 2010 and 2014. Malcolm Waller did not score a hundred in his 131 innings at the international level.Pakistan’s Umar Akmal, who was picked as a wicketkeeper occasionally, went 144 consecutive innings without a century between 2009 and 2014, while Bangladesh’s Sabbir Rahman, who was selected as an all-rounder at times, had a century-less streak of 112 innings between 2014 and 2019.40 – Number of century partnerships involving Babar in ODIs. Only one batter has been part of more century stands for Pakistan in the format – Inzamam-ul-Haq, with 41.289 – The target Pakistan chased down on Friday, the second-highest by them while losing two or fewer wickets. Their highest is 309 against India in 2008, which they won by eight wickets in Karachi.

Federico Chiesa is now in talks to leave Liverpool, with his agent entering discussions with a new club, amid involvement from Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso.

Chiesa has been unable to force his way into the starting XI this season, despite a number of Arne Slot’s other forwards making slow starts, at least by their usual standards, including Mohamed Salah, with Gary Neville suggesting the technical side of his game has gone downhill.

Neville said: “I’m not seeing a physical decline – some of his sprints look quite sharp, he looks busy in the box. But crazy things like the ball comes to the back post… his technique on his kicking and his crossing, that’s the thing that looks well off.”

Florian Wirtz has also been unable to make an instant impact in the Premier League, with the German still yet to register a goal or an assist, although his Champions League performances have been far more encouraging.

Federico Chiesa now in talks to leave Liverpool

According to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness), Chiesa’s agent has now entered talks over a move to Napoli, with his client yet to start a single game for Liverpool in the Premier League this season, and Italy boss Gattuso has now gotten involved.

The 47-year-old has specifically requested the 28-year-old to return to Italy, which could play a role in his decision-making, with Napoli keen to ask the Reds about a loan deal, with an option to buy, in the January transfer window.

The Merseysiders would rather get the Italian off the books permanently, however, and are eager for an obligation to buy to be included in any loan agreement, with the reigning Serie A champions willing to fork out around €13m (£11m) to get a deal done.

The winger has become somewhat of a cult hero due to his chant, and has exhibited some promising signs this season, scoring against AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, while also grabbing an assist against Manchester United.

However, it would not be the end of the world if Liverpool decide to cash-in this winter, given that the £150k-a-week forward clearly isn’t a major part of Slot’s plans, featuring for just 117 minutes across eight appearances in the Premier League this term.

A return to Italy may be best for all parties, with Gattuso seemingly eager for Chiesa to receive more game time ahead of the World Cup next summer, and the Reds should sanction a January move unless he manages to become a regular starter over the next month and a half.

Liverpool now preparing club-record bid for Mohamed Salah heir The new Diaz: Liverpool preparing club-record bid for "magical" Salah heir

Liverpool are facing the truth that they will need to start drawing plans to replace the great Mohamed Salah on the right wing.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 15, 2025

Being a midfielder at the top level is extremely difficult, with every attribute arguably required to be considered world-class in today’s era. Whether it be shielding the defence, controlling the game or scoring goals, we have seen some iconic midfielders over time.

A number of midfielders have won the Ballon d’Or, most recently Rodri and Luka Modric, and, right now, Barcelona’s Pedri and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham are currently seen as the best in world football. But who is the midfield GOAT?

The Best 15 Midfielders in World Football Ranked (2025)

Some of the best players in the world do their stuff in the middle of the park, but who’s number one?

5

By
Charlie Smith

Nov 20, 2025

Here is a list of 20 midfield legends football has ever seen, factoring in their longevity and consistency at the highest level, while also looking at their team and personal accolades.

20

Frank Lampard

If a goalscoring midfielder is what you need, then Frank Lampard is certainly one of the best. A Chelsea legend, the Englishman is actually the Blues’ all-time leading scorer, netting 211 times at Stamford Bridge across 13 years.

Lampard won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, a Champions League and a Europa League, deservedly being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021.

19

Patrick Vieira

Continuing the trend of Premier League icons, Patrick Vieira is best known for his time as Arsenal captain under Arsene Wenger and is also a member of the Premier League Hall of Fame.

The Frenchman only cost the Gunners £3.5m back in 1996 and was worth every penny, being named in the PFA Team of the Year in six successive seasons.

Vieira, a World Cup and Euros winner, could help protect the defence by breaking up play, driving his team forward with his power and popping up with a goal from time to time.

18

Socrates

Recognisable during his playing days for his beard and headband, Socrates was an extremely elegant and intelligent midfielder in his peak, combing power with touch.

A skilful inspiration for the next generation of Brazilian stars, Socrates saw football as an art, and that truly came across during his career, with the 6ft 4 midfielder starring for Corinthians.

17

Kaka

Another Brazilian who would’ve grown up learning all about Socrates was Kaka, and he’d go on to become an icon himself after starring for AC Milan and Real Madrid.

Kaka was quick, skilful, strong and had plenty of end product and is among a small select group of players to win the World Cup, the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or.

He may not have had the longevity and consistency as some of the others on the list, but at his peak, there was no stopping Kaka.

16

Clarence Seedorf

Still the only player in football history to have won the Champions League with three different clubs, Clarence Seedorf was influential for the likes of Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan.

The Dutchman was an iconic box-to-box midfielder and could ping 60 yard passes, make last ditch tackles and score all in the same game.

Named the Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1993 and 1994, Seedorf was also named UEFA’s best midfielder in 2007, showing how goof he was over time.

15

Xavi

A product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, Xavi would go on to play more than 750 games for the Catalan giants and formed one of the most iconic midfield trios at the Nou Camp alongside Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.

A passing genius, Xavi was an unbelievable leader of one of the best teams in history, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

The Spaniard also lifted two European Championships and one World Cup, and the fact he was a regular across his career in dominant sides shows how good he was.

14

Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos has rightly gone down as a Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Germany icon after a glittering 17-year career at the highest level.

Winning six Champions Leagues, six league titles and the World Cup, Kroos was known for his unbelievable passing range and registered more than 100 assists in the Bundesliga and La Liga over his career.

13

Andrea Pirlo

Arguably the coolest midfielder in history, Andrea Pirlo ran games of football with ease and never looked like he was breaking a sweat.

A deep-lying playmaker, the Italian won six Serie A titles, two Champions Leagues and the World Cup, Pirlo starred for AC Milan and Juventus, finishing in the top 10 on three occasions at the Ballon d’Or.

12

Paul Scholes

Like Kroos and Pirlo, Paul Scholes’ passing range was off the charts during his Man Utd career which saw him win 11 Premier League titles.

Although his England career didn’t match his club honours, Scholes was called a “teacher” by Lionel Messi, the “best” teammate by Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane’s “toughest opponent”, and the praise from the iconic trio goes to show how good he was.

11

Luka Modric

Not many would have predicted Luka Modric to become one of the best midfielders in hostly when he signed for Tottenham in 2008.

However, the Croatian icon starred in the Premier League and was then a Real Madrid regular for 13 years, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018. A six-time Champions League winner, Modric’s passing range and ability to dictate any game sees him stand out from the rest.

First win at Sophia Gardens since 1981 can’t make up for disappointment of missing out on promotion

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-Sep-2025Lancashire 374 (Wells 78, Jones 62, Balderson 51, van der Gugten 5-85) and 134 for 3 (Jennings 47) beat Glamorgan 265 (van der Gugten 53, Bailey 5-51) and 241 (Cooke 52, Balderson 4-75) by seven wicketsLancashire wrapped up their 2025 Rothesay County Championship campaign with a three-day win over Glamorgan thanks to a one-day style evening session.Stand-in captain Josh Bohannon oversaw his side’s first County Championship win at Sophia Gardens since 1981 against Glamorgan, whose promotion was confirmed last week. It was also Glamorgan’s first red-ball defeat since April, in departing captain Sam Northeast’s last appearance.After controlling the game from day one, Lancashire took eight wickets, including 4 for 75 for George Balderson before Keaton Jennings’ top-order blaze of 47 from 33 balls set the visitors on their way to chasing 133 inside 26 overs remaining in the day.The north-west county provisionally rise to third in an unsuccessful attempt to gain promotion from their first season back in Division Two while Glamorgan will play in Division One for the first time since 2005 next year.Resuming with the intention and requirement to bat all day, Northeast and Zain-ul-Hassan kept Lancashire’s bowlers at bay for a 58-run partnership before the former’s dubious lbw for 21 in his last Glamorgan innings, and Zain’s reckless reverse sweep on 45 chalked the hard work off.Balderson’s impressive stint of 25 overs all told gave a feel of him nagging at Glamorgan batters for the whole innings. On a varying pitch, his skiddy medium-pace with Matty Hurst stood up to the stumps for the majority saw Billy Root and later Mason Crane pinned, the latter putting up a good fight with half-centurion Chris Cooke before being undone by the new ball straight after tea.Despite single-figure scores prominent, every other wicket seemingly kept day four in contention for Glamorgan – Colin Ingram and Cooke held things together before the wicketkeeper’s hard-fought 50 came up with a counter-attacking six while in the company of No. 11 Ned Leonard.Lancashire made no changes to batting order, seemingly happy to see through day three on a pitch that provided plenty of turn for Tom Hartley – promising signs for Crane – as well as bounce variety for seamers. The assumption was wrong. Luke Wells together with Jennings in white-ball mode belted the new-ball around to take all the pressure off.Twenty from James Harris’ fourth over left wickets of no concern before Bohannon, George Bell and Hurst continued the momentum despite two consolation wickets for Crane.With five to win, Northeast stepped up to bowl as the final act of his four-year captaincy stint.

Where to begin? That sentence, perhaps, sums up the malaise at Liverpool this season, the catastrophic failure that has tainted not just the form of Arne Slot’s side but the culture and the club-fanbase connection too.

The overwhelming frustration that the supporters have felt since this abject run of results started is clearly shared by the players, with Mohamed Salah’s audacious outburst after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United leading to an overspill that has threatened to engulf the club.

Slot is walking a tightrope, now, but the plain truth is that FSG are right to givew the head coach their overwhelming support. Backing a player, even Salah, over the boss is something the ownership simply cannot do, even with Slot pitted against a peerless hero, even against Salah.

This is a mess of a situation, so far removed from the culture and stability that has left rivals so envious over the past decade, Jurgen Klopp starting the fire.

Salah’s calculated gambit will prove the end for one of Liverpool’s leading parties, to be sure.

Liverpool already looking at big-money Salah replacement

Slot and Salah’s long-term futures at Anfield are now mutually exclusive, with the Egyptian King’s incendiary comments after being benched for three successive games confirming a breakdown in the relationship between the two.

The Premier League champions have been sent in a tailspin, and Salah’s divorce from Slot’s plans stands as a symbol of the staggering collapse.

But, whichever side of the fence you stand on, there’s no denying that Salah is 33 years old and has been well below expectations this season, just five goals and three assists to show for his campaign, 19 matches in.

That’s why Spanish sources suggest plans to sign Desire Doue from Paris Saint-Germain have been ramped up, with FSG ready to launch a British-record €150m (£131m) bid in 2026.

Doue, 20, was crowned the European Golden Boy after his incredible breakout campaign in Paris, now established as one of the most talented wide attackers in the world.

He is not as polished as Salah in his prime, but this would be the perfect signing to replace the £400k-per-week superstar on Merseyside, should push come to shove.

Why Doue would be a Salah upgrade

Doue is quite the talent, unique in his dynamic and versatile wing play. He is a talented technician, but he also wears his qualities with such personality and gusto, splitting defences open with fleet footwork and calculated passing.

He was hailed as a “magician” by talent scout Jacek Kulig after his “incredible performance” against Inter Milan in the Champions League final last year, a fine indication of his ability to showcase his skills on the grandest of stages.

Moreover, the France international is able to balance his output; not shy to shoot, he is a fierce playmaker, and this is why he could prove such a perfect upgrade on the ageing Salah.

Doue has yet to get going in Ligue 1 this season, but Sofascore data presents an average of 5.1 duels and 1.5 tackles in the league last year, underlaying a return of 16 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, and plenty of flashy dribbling besides.

Salah’s deterioration this season has been well documented, but he was in contention for the Ballon d’Or last year, and when looking at how he compares to Doue over the past year, you begin to see why this French up-and-comer is so highly touted.

Goals scored

0.52

0.55

Assists

0.30

0.35

Shots taken

3.07

2.90

Shot-creating actions

4.09

5.13

Touches (att pen)

8.72

6.27

Pass completion (%)

70.2

82.0

Progressive passes

4.06

6.19

Progressive carries

4.11

5.02

Successful take-ons

1.34

2.66

Ball recoveries

2.70

4.82

Tackles + interceptions

0.70

3.64

Doue is a combative player, and the energy and mobility he would add to Liverpool’s right flank would help steer Anfield back into calmer waters, flowing toward the attacking successes and fluency of last year.

It is clear that some measure of change is needed, and while FSG will fight tooth and nail to retain Salah’s services for now, Doue would mark a significant upgrade, nailing down the right-sided wing for many years to come.

Salah is a one-of-a-kind sort of winger, and Liverpool would likely fall by the wayside if signing someone mimicking his style. Doue is his own player, and his creative emphasis would help service the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in the centre.

In this way, he would prove an upgrade on a legend whose Liverpool career sadly seems to be winding down.

Perfect for Wirtz: Liverpool could hire the "best young manager in Europe"

Liverpool have an interest in a manager who would be the perfect appointment for Florian Wirtz.

ByDan Emery 4 days ago

The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground in Colombo will get floodlights and other upgrades in preparation for the Men’s T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka co-hosts with India in February and March next year. Although the SSC has occasionally hosted daytime limited-overs internationals – especially women’s games – Colombo’s day-night games have all been played at Khettarama (R Premadasa Stadium), which in any case is the highest-capacity stadium in the country.SSC’s first match that will require lights will be the T20 World Cup Group B game between Oman and Zimbabwe, scheduled to start at 3pm local time on February 9. It is one of five matches the SSC is due to host at this World Cup. The first of those – between Netherlands and Pakistan on February 7 – will begin at 11am local time whereas the third fixture – between Pakistan and USA on February 10 – is the only match there to start at 7pm local time. Khettarama is set to host at least eight matches, and possibly the first semi-final and the final if Pakistan make it that far. Pallekele, the only Sri Lanka World Cup venue not in Colombo, will host seven games.Building floodlights at the SSC will open up fresh possibilities for Sri Lankan cricket with day-night Tests becoming more viable in the country. Although Khettarama is the preferred limited-overs venue in Colombo, the SSC and the P Sara Oval are still preferred for Tests, owing partly to their reputation for being boutique Test venues.Related

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Sri Lanka has never hosted a day-night Test, but Sri Lanka’s Test captains have also asked their board to arrange such a fixture, over the years.SLC confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that floodlights construction were already under way at the SSC.The ICC announced the schedule for the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, with the tournament set to run from February 7 to March 8 across five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka.