The England seamer displaced Ravindra Jadeja from the No. 1 spot following his career-best 7 for 42 in the Lord’s Test
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Sep-20173:28
The classic Anderson dismissals
England seamer James Anderson has moved to No. 1 on the ICC’s Test rankings for bowlers. He displaced India spinner Ravindra Jadeja, following the Lord’s Test, in which he became the sixth player to pick up 500 Test wickets, and also returned a career-best 7 for 42.Anderson, 35, became the oldest bowler to claim the top spot since Muttiah Muralitharan in July 2009 and the oldest seamer since Glenn McGrath in 2006. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes leapfrogged Moeen Ali to fourth in the allrounders’ rankings. His 60 in the first innings against West Indies pushed him four places up to 20th in the batting rankings, while his 6 for 22 helped him gain two places to 21st in the bowling rankings.West Indies batsman Shai Hope, who was the top scorer in the three-Test series with 375 runs, including twin hundreds in Headingley, jumped up 11 places to a career-best 30th. Fast bowler Kemar Roach, who was West Indies’ leading wicket-taker in the series, moved up four places to 24th.
The emerging theme from the series between Pakistan and the World XI is that it’s more than just cricket, with the feeling that this is the first time real, high-profile international cricket returns to Pakistan. The actual cricket looks to have taken a back seat, but Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed is eager to push it back into focus, looking to maintain Pakistan’s T20 ranking by winning games.The players comprising the World XI hail from seven different countries, and landed in Lahore with a view to reviving cricket in Pakistan. It is a series being celebrated around the country as the future of Pakistan as viable host hinges on the success of the series, which has been ratified by the ICC and holds T20 international status.”I think the burden of responsibility has been increased because we are playing at home but we take every series seriously,” Sarfraz said ahead of the first T20. “This might be a series for a great cause to revive cricket but we have to watch out for our T20 ranking as well. Our ranking is quite high (No. 3) and we want to maintain it so the series is equally important. We will try to win every game one-sidedly. But obviously, they are a strong team on paper and we will have to fight to win.”Sarfraz grew up in an era when Pakistan used to host international teams frequently. He played in the 2008 Asia Cup and was part of the Pakistan squad when Zimbabwe toured the country in 2015. He had also captained Quetta Gladiators in the PSL final earlier this year, but this will be the first instance of him captaining Pakistan on home soil in an international game. Apart from Sarfraz, as many as 10 players out of the 16-man squad have never played an international game at home.Amir debuted in 2009 but has never played at home while Babar Azam, Ahmed Shehzad, and Imad Wasim played their first international in 2015 against Zimbabwe. “I am very excited to have cricket back home after a long time and it is a moment of joy,” Sarfraz said. “Since the incident (Sri Lanka team attack in 2009) this is my third event in Pakistan.”As captain it’s my first, so for me, it’s a proud moment, as well as for all those who have been selected to play against World XI. I think nothing is more joyous for them than to be playing cricket in Pakistan and we are hopeful that after this series, cricket will be regularly played in the country. We have a young team building up and we are fully prepared ahead of the game. We played with a blend of young player in West Indies, as we are now, but at the same time, we have the likes of Ahmed Shezhad, with ample experience along with Shoaib Malik, so there isn’t any worry at all. We are actually trying to play young players who will step up to the plate.”
Everton manager Sean Dyche is looking to burnish his attacking steel ahead of the start of the 23/24 Premier League campaign later this week, and could now move for long-term Toffees target Niclas Fullkrug.
After a somewhat slow start to the summer transfer window, the Merseyside outfit have now completed signings for Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma (on loan), while a £13m fee has been agreed with Sporting Lisbon for 19-year-old striker Youssef Chermiti.
Everton finished two points and one place above the relegation zone last term, and given that they were the division's second-lowest goalscorers, targetting an established centre-forward of Fullkrug's ilk could be a prudent move.
What's the latest on Niclas Fullkrug to Everton?
That's according to BILD Sport, who claim that Werder Bremen – who finished 13th in the German Bundesliga last season – are offering Fullkrug the role of vice-captain in an attempt to ward off interest in the striker.
Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…
In July, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that the Germany international has "long been on Sean Dyche's wanted list" and that there have been "enquiries made".
Serie A side Fiorentina are also interested, and reportedly available for only €10m (£9m), he would be the ideal option to bolster the frontline.
How good is Niclas Fullkrug?
The Blues have indeed been lacking in the offensive department but could rectify the issues of last season by completing a swoop for Fullkrug on a bargain fee and unleashing their very own version of Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane at Goodison Park.
Fullkrug, aged 30, scored 16 goals and supplied five assists from 28 appearances in the Bundesliga last year and was instrumental in Bremen's navigation away from relegation danger.
He also starred for a subpar Germany at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, earning a 7.17 average Sofascore rating and scoring twice from three outings as Hansi Flick's side crashed out from the group stage, despite not starting a single match, hailed as his nation's unlikely "hero" by journalist Jack Otway.
His exploits left compatriot and German record goalscorer Miroslav Klose waxing lyrical, with the 45-year-old saying: "He has a certain presence in the penalty box and a good nose for situations. He brings a good package for a striker: good finishing inside the box, he's two-footed and strong with headers."
The £29k-per-week ace ranks among the top 7% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 10% for progressive passes and the top 7% for aerials won per 90, while as per FBref, he is said to share a stylistic and statistical similarity to Kane.
While Everton would not be signing a player on the same level as the "world-class" – as described by Graeme Souness – Spurs talisman, the semblance in style could enhance the squad considerably.
Kane has been the centrepiece for Spurs since rising through the youth ranks, with the 30-year-old now having plundered 280 goals and 64 assists from 435 outings for the London side while also netting 58 strikes from 84 games for England – he is the record scorer for both club and country.
The Spurs legend, who has been hailed as "one of the best strikers I have ever seen" by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, ranks among the top 13% of positional peers for goals, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive passes per 90, with his selfless creativity blended with an innate striking potency unleashing a truly phenomenal forward.
He scored 30 goals from 38 matches in the English top-flight last campaign despite Tottenham's poor season, and he threaded the squad together with his ball-playing skill and ferocious ability in front of goal.
Fullkrug could emulate this at Everton, and while he might not have quite the same effect, the German's dynamism would only serve to pump life back into the Merseyside outfit and restore the attacking verve.
Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane's prospective exit to Bayern Munich 'is probably going to happen' and chairman Daniel Levy will let him go when an 'acceptable fee' arrives from the German champions, according to journalist Paul Brown.
Is Harry Kane leaving Tottenham Hotspur and who could replace him?
According to The Guardian, Tottenham have rebuffed Bayern Munich's latest offer for Kane, which is said to have been in the region of £86 million and the German champions are now mulling over whether to continue their pursuit of the £200k-a-week ace.
The report states that Daniel Levy has held firm in negotiations and has not budged regarding Kane despite the London-born forward being out-of-contract in north London next summer. Kane wants 'clarity' before Spurs gear up to take on Brentford this Sunday and also has the offer of a new deal on the table from his current employers.
Despite speculation over his future, Kane delivered a marvelous performance in Tottenham's 5-1 demolition of Shakhtar Donestk in a pre-season friendly last week, scoring four goals in front of an adoring home crowd, as per BBC Sport.
As per The Daily Mail, Genk's Gift Orban, Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson and Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel all form part of a three-man shortlist that could potentially succeed Kane in N17.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Rosario Central youngster Alejo Veliz is on his way to Tottenham as a deal has now been struck for the teenage striker.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that it is only a matter of time before Kane leaves the building to join Bayern Munich from his boyhood club.
Brown told FFC: "It still feels to me like this is a transfer that will probably get done. I think all parties know that that is probably going to happen and that there is a point where the deal gets done."
Who else could join Tottenham Hotspur?
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo via The Sun, Porto striker Mehdi Taremi has cropped up on Tottenham's radar as a surprise candidate to replace Kane.
The Iran international's entourage have reportedly opened talks about a move to north London for Taremi and he is believed to be available for a fee of £17 million.
Porto's Mehdi Taremi
Micky van de Ven is set to be announced imminently as a Tottenham player; however, Tanguy Ndombele and Djed Spence have been put up for sale by Lilywhites boss Postecoglou, as per The Evening Standard.
Foot Mercato claim that despite Tottenham's interest in Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, he would prefer to move to Ligue 1 side Monaco to replace Axel Disasi, who has landed across London at Spurs' bitter rivals Chelsea for around £38.5 million.
Uma das boas novidades do Corinthians nesta volta da paralisação por conta da pandemia de coronavírus, Araos não esconde a felicidade pelo bom momento que passa nessa fase da temporada. Em entrevista para a TV oficial do clube, o chileno venceu a timidez para falar sobre o que tem sentido nesse período e em relação a como tem ajudado o time a conquistar os objetivos.
O meio-campista, que tem recebido frequentes chances com o técnico Tiago Nunes, explicou por que resolveu se manifestar, mesmo sendo tímido.
-Eu falei que não gosto de falar muito, mas estou muito feliz com o que está se passando comigo, por tudo o que está acontecendo com o grupo, pela vitória, muito contente por isso. Temos que continuar e seguir melhorando – afirmou.
Araos, inclusive, disse ter melhorado muito o seu português e valorizou o quanto tem conseguido se comunicar com os companheiros de elenco.
-Eu já melhorei bastante, estou falando bem. Aprendi a falar bem o português, com os companheiros já temos todo tipo de contato e já melhorei tudo – disse.
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De acordo com o chileno, sua boa performance nos últimos jogos se deve ao aumento da confiança. Por consequência disso, ele tem recebido muitas mensagens de apoio por parte dos torcedores nas redes sociais.
-Estou muito contente pelas partidas que eu estou jogando, estou com mais confiança e tenho recebido muitas mensagens de apoio, estou muito contente, espero continuar assim e seguir melhorando – declarou o meia.
Essa boa fase foi premiada com um gol logo na estreia do Corinthians pelo Brasileirão, contra o Atlético-MG, após receber um belo passe de calcanhar de Jô. Na comemoração, Araos dedicou o tento anotado para sua filha Daymi.
-Foi muito emocionante, eu estava muito feliz, comemorei para a minha filha e é uma sensação inexplicável – contou o meia, que mostrou ser parte da Fiel:
-Corintiano, maloqueiro e sofredor. Vai Corinthians!
Araos e o elenco voltam a treinar nas tardes desta segunda e desta terça-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava, de olho no duelo com o Fortaleza, na próxima quarta-feira, na Arena Corinthians, pela quinta rodada do Brasileirão-2020. Neste momento, com quatro pontos, o Timão ocupa a 14ª posição na tabela, com dois jogos a menos em relação ao líder Internacional, que está com 12 pontos.
Referee Andy Madley may have made a massive error in Newcastle United’s rampant 5-1 home win against Aston Villa for not showing Emiliano Martinez a red card for his crazy challenge on Miguel Almiron in the dyine embers of the first half.
What’s the latest on Newcastle and VAR?
Eddie Howe’s Toon played host to Unai Emery’s rejuvenated Villains on Saturday as the sides got their Premier League campaigns underway with what looked like it would be an enthralling battle in the Northeast.
What transpired, however, was a somewhat one-sided affair in which the home side tore the visiting side asunder, scoring five goals whilst conceeding just one against a rather limp Villa attack.
It was a dream debut for Italian Sandro Tonali, who gave his new team the lead just six minutes in before going incredibly close to doubling that lead just a few minutes later were it not for a brilliant bit of keeping from Martinez.
Read the latest Newcastle United transfer news HERE…
It looked as if it was going to be a day for the debutants 11 minutes in as Moussa Diably levelled the score with his first shot on target for the Birmingham side; however, it took just four minutes for the hosts to regain control through a brilliant strike from Alexander Isak and from then it was one-way traffic.
That said, things could’ve been a lot worse for the visiting side when just before half-time, the Argentine number one came flying out of his penalty area to challenge Almiron, only he missed the ball entirely and took his man out instead.
Whilst the crowd demanded a red card, Madley and the VAR team felt a yellow card was the appropriate response.
Did Emi Martinez deserve a red card against Newcastle United?
Looking at the pictures from the game, it’s easy to see why fans of the Toon felt aggrieved by the decision not to send the Ma del Plata-born man off. It is pretty clear that he completely misses the ball and clatters into the attacking Almiron.
It was very reminiscent of what the Magpies’ own Nick Pope did against Mohamed Salah earlier this year, with his punishment being a straight red card that caused him to miss the club’s Carabao Cup final just a week later.
However, the explanation for this decision was that due to three Villa players getting back into position, Martinez did not stop a clear goal-scoring opportunity with his foul.
That said, journalist Dominic Scurr believed that the number one had got away with one, writing on Twitter: “Goalkeeper Emi Martinez lucky to still be on the pitch here. Takes out Miguel Almiron outside the box.”
It was clearly a sentiment shared by those within the stadium, with the fans chanting: “You’re not fit to referee.”
Luckily the game was so one-sided that the incident ultimately had little effect on the outcome. Still, you can imagine if Emery’s men had managed to salvage a draw – or even sneak a win – Martinez’s expedition from his area would’ve probably have got a lot more attention.
With that in mind, perhaps the rules around what keepers can and can’t get away with outside their area need some reexamination this season.
Aston Villa are still among the chasing pack to sign Galatasaray midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo this summer, according to reports.
The Italian would be the Villans' fourth signing of the current transfer window, if he made the move to Villa Park.
What's the latest on Nicolo Zaniolo to Aston Villa?
Zaniolo has been linked with a move away from Galatasaray for the majority of the summer, with Aston Villa consistently among the clubs reportedly interested. And, now, according to TuttoMercatoWeb, via Sport Witness, Villa, alongside Bayer Leverkusen, are leading the way in the chase for the Italian's signature.
The Italian outlet have reported that Galatasaray will clarify Zaniolo's future as soon as possible, amid offers from around Europe, and in Saudi Arabia, with the Villans showing particularly strong interest.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also reportedly keeping an eye on the midfielder as another option this summer.
It remains to be seen just how much Galatasaray will ask for Zaniolo in the coming weeks, but Villa have shown that they are more than happy to spend big in recent months, splashing out to welcome Moussa Diaby for a reported £51.9m whilst also signing Pau Torres for a reported £31.5m.
With that said, if the Premier League side increase their interest, it may be one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Should Aston Villa sign Nicolo Zaniolo?
Nicolo Zaniolo, attacking midfielder, Galatasaray
As Unai Emery's side gear up to juggle commitments in both the Premier League and the Europa Conference League, adding depth to their midfield wouldn't exactly be a bad thing.
Zaniolo would arrive with plenty of experience, too, despite being just 24-years-old. The midfielder was a permanent fixture at AS Roma for three seasons, before making the move to Galatasaray last season. Whilst in Turkey, he has found his best form, scoring five goals in just ten appearances in the Super Lig.
Such is his talent, Zaniolo has earned plenty of praise throughout his career, with journalist Zach Lowy saying back in 2019 on Twitter: "Nicolò Zaniolo (19). Fast, diligent & physically imposing, Zaniolo is superb in all defensive assets, from pressing to tracking back. With a deadly left foot & top vision, he’s a lethal playmaker. Without a doubt, the crown jewel of Monchi’s otherwise disappointing time at Roma."
Of course, Monchi is now at Villa Park, so could look to repeat his own masterclass regarding the Italy international for a second time.
Meanwhile, in the highest praise that he has received, Roma legend Daniele De Rossi said back in 2019, via the official club website: “He has an incredible natural physique for someone who is only 19 and also has great technical quality. In my opinion, as perhaps with everyone now, he is already a very good player – and can become a great one.”
When a player earns such praise from an iconic midfielder, it is clear that they have plenty of talent.
With that said, Villa, next to Leverkusen in pole position, must make a decision regarding their pursuit of Zaniolo. If they push ahead and secure his signature, Emery will have welcomed four big marquee reinforcements this summer, as his side look to cause a few shocks in the coming months.
Fulham have opened talks to sign Everton forward Demarai Gray as manager Marco Silva looks to reinforce his attacking options, according to The BBC.
Who will Fulham sign?
As we enter the final stretch of this summer transfer window, Silva's side are running out of time to make more major signings, having already sealed deals for both Raul Jimenez and Calvin Bassey.
The latter star joins from Ajax in a deal worth around £18.2 million, with the centre-back putting pen to paper on a four-year contract, while Mexico international striker Jimenez has swapped Wolves for Craven Cottage.
Fulham have been linked with a plethora of other names slowly heading towards deadline day. Indeed, central midfield is an area Silva could look to strengthen, with Man United's Fred and Fluminese star Andre among the targets.
The west Londoners enjoyed a solid 2022/2023 league campaign, comfortably avoiding relegation and securing a top half finish above cross-town rivals Chelsea. However, if they're to build upon that success, new signings are an absolute necessity.
As star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic pushes for a move away from Fulham, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, the club have been tipped to move for extra forward options.
Everton forward Demarai Gray.
One of those options could be Everton's Gray, as The BBC claim they've opened talks to sign the Jamaica international.
"Fulham are in talks to sign Jamaica international winger Demarai Gray from fellow Premier League side Everton," wrote the broadcast giant.
"Crystal Palace, Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas and clubs in Saudi Arabia have also been interested in signing Gray.
"But BBC Sport understands Gray's preference is a move to Fulham, who require reinforcements in attack. Former Leicester player Gray only recently returned to training after competing at the Concacaf Gold Cup."
The 27-year-old made 33 league appearances under both Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche last season, scoring four goals and notching one assist in the process.
How good is Demarai Gray?
Gray was indeed a regular at Goodison Park over 22/23 as the Toffees narrowly avoiding relegation to the Championship.
His attacking stats make for solid reading, with the winger sitting in Everton's top three for attempts at goal, key passes completed and successful take-ons per 90 (WhoScored).
Gray has also been subject to praise from esteemed pundits, like former England international and Man United star Rio Ferdinand.
“Demarai Gray’s the only one. Unbelievable find," said Ferdinand on his YouTube channel (via TBR) after Gray starred in an Everton loss.
"He’s the one, in recent weeks anyway. He hasn’t done it over the course of the whole season, but in recent weeks, he’s been the one. They need more."
Meanwhile, Dyche also praised Gray for his influential performance during a 2-2 draw away to Nottingham Forest in March.
"He (Gray) was just someone who I thought could effect the game and he showed a strong workload, which is good for Dimi," said Dyche.
“He’s technically very good and he’s stronger than you think. I mean, he’s not a big figure but he is strong. I was pleased for him."
The attacker was arguably one of Everton's shining lights at certain points and he could be a good option for Fulham.
Yasir Ali’s brisk century and Abu Hider’s three-for starred for Bangladesh A, helping them trounce Ireland A by 76 runs in the fifth unofficial ODI in Cox’s Bazar, leaving the visitors without a win on tour. Bangladesh A completed a 4-0 win in the ODIs, and had also win the solitary unofficial Test.Batting first, Bangladesh A racked up 286 for 6 in 50 overs. Yasir joined Shadman Islam at the crease in the 15th over, by which time Anamul Haque and Nazmul Hossain Shanto were both dismissed. Yasir and Shadman added 132 runs in 22.5 overs, with the latter making 68 off 103 balls, with one six and four fours.Bangladesh A scored 85 runs in the last five overs with Yasir leading the charge. He struck five sixes and eight fours in his 101-ball 102. Barry McCarthy and Shane Getkate took two wickets each while Simi Singh and George Dockrell took one apiece.The visitors started poorly, losing Sean Terry and the in-form Andrew Balbirnie in the first 9.2 overs. Thereafter, Jack Tector and John Anderson added 83 runs for the third wicket to bring them back into the contest.But from 117 for 2, Ireland A lost four wickets in the less than eight overs, before eventually getting bowled out for 210 runs in 43.4 overs.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the only footballer ahead of Kohli, No. 7 on the Forbes list of most valuable brands among sportspersons
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Oct-2017It has got nothing to do with the celebrity football match he recently played or the football team he owns, but Virat Kohli is now a more valuable brand than Argentina and FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo is the only footballer ahead of Kohli, who is No. 7 on the Forbes list of most valuable brands among sportspersons.Forbes list of 10 most valuable athletes in 2017
1. Roger Federer: $37.2m
2. LeBron James: $33.4m
3. Usain Bolt: $27m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo: $21.5m
5. Phil Mickelson: $19.6m
6. Tiger Woods: $16.6m
7. Virat Kohli: $14.5m
8. Rory McIlroy: $13.6m
9. Lionel Messi: $13.5m
10. Steph Curry: $13.4m
Forbes calculates the brand value of an athlete by subtracting the average income of the top 10 athletes in the same sport from the total earnings of that athlete, excluding salary and bonus from their sport and all investment income. Forbes calculates Kohli’s brand value at US $14.5 million, a million dollars more than the No. 9 Messi, and $22.7m short of the biggest brand among athletes in sport, Roger Federer. In other words, Kohli’s endorsements earn him $14.5m more than the average endorsement income of the top 10 cricketers. Despite a major dip in their brand value over the last year, golfers Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods were in the top six.Kohli, however, is neither the first Indian nor the first cricketer in the top 10 of the Forbes list. MS Dhoni, Kohli’s predecessor as India captain, was the fifth-most valuable sports brand among athletes in 2014, with his brand value calculated at $20m, a million lower than it had been in 2013. Even after he gave up Test cricket and captaincy, Dhoni was the tenth-biggest brand in 2016. His brand value, though, did take a big hit that year, coming down from $21m in 2015 to $11m in 2016. Now India’s captain in all formats, Kohli has made the big move up, which might be an indicator of how valuable the India captaincy is.The IPL, however, failed to make it to the 10 biggest brands among sport and sport-entertainment events. Led by Super Bowl, the list has the two Olympics and the football World Cup featuring at No. 2 and 3.