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India Women will play a day-night Test against Australia at the WACA in Perth next March in what is expected to be the first international at the fully redeveloped venue.The Test, from March 6 to 9, forms part of a tour that also includes three T20Is and three ODIs which begins in mid-February following the WPL. India previously played a day-night Test on the Gold Coast in 2021. The MCG, which hosted the Ashes Test this season, was not an option due to work that is due to be taking place at the ground.Related

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The WACA hosted a Test against South Africa in February 2024, which was a day game, where Australia won by innings and 284 runs with Annabel Sutherland making a double century. The ground has been undergoing extensive building work in recent seasons which is hoped to be completed by next year’s Test.With the WPL moving to a new window in January, Cricket Australia has been forced to adjust when they play their major women’s series which means it now falls outside of the school holiday period although the schedule has been worked to have as many games as possible around weekends.T20Is will again be hosted at major venues with the SCG staging the first game (February 15), Canberra the second (February 19) and Adelaide Oval the third (February 21). The third ODI at Junction Oval in Melbourne on March 1 is planned to be the first day-night international at the venue which is due to have lights installed over the winter although there is currently opposition from local residents to plans.When the India tour starts it will have been more than a year since Australia played at home following this season’s Ashes.The ODI World Cup, which will be staged in India from late September, means there are no early-season internationals. Australia and India are set to meet in a one-day series in India ahead of that tournament.The World Cup, which could finish on November 2, will also have a knock-on effect to the WBBL, the dates for which will be announced later in the year, with that competition starting later than usual and running into early December, very close to the start of the BBL.India A are also due to tour Australia for a second consecutive season, before the senior side, with those fixtures to be confirmed at a later date.

Australia Women 2025-26 home schedule vs India

February 15: 1st T20I, SCG (N)
February 19: 2nd T20I, Canberra (N)
February 21: 3rd T20I, Adelaide (N)
February 24: 1st ODI, Allan Border Field (D/N)
February 27: 2nd ODI, Hobart, (D/N)
March 1: 3rd ODI, Junction Oval, (D/N)
March 6-9: Test match, WACA, (D/N)

Liverpool have plenty of plates spinning ahead of the transfer deadline, though they could now have some thinking to do after a sizeable offer was made for one of their key men.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot retains optimism amid transfer deadline

While Liverpool’s two-pronged pursuit of Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi plays out, there are plenty of other reasons for Arne Slot to remain optimistic as his side look to claim the Premier League title once again.

Hugo Ekitike’s arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt has lived up to expectations, and the Dutchman is confident the Frenchman will only continue to improve over the coming months as he fully settles in at Anfield.

Addressing his development and how he can improve, Slot said before his side took on Arsenal: “I think he’s already made a big impact in the attacking part of our game. The most simple answer to what he can improve is his match fitness. So I expect him to do even a lot more without the ball than he already does, because he’s already working hard.

“There he can improve, which is completely normal, because he has to adjust from a different league, from a different playing style. “

With a wealth of riches at his disposal, Slot also wants to bring Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers to Anfield, albeit that may be easier said than done, given they are already working on other deals at a late stage in the window.

New Gakpo: Liverpool agree personal terms for "unplayable" new signing

Liverpool are looking to complete a few more signings before the transfer deadline on Monday.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 29, 2025

Excitement is bubbling ahead of a deadline day that could deliver another few statement signings, though there is now a scenario where one of the Dutchman’s key men could be set to leave Anfield for a new challenge.

Liverpool could allow Ibrahima Konate to depart for Real Madrid

According to reports in Spain via Anfield Watch, Liverpool were willing to allow Ibrahima Konate to leave for the Saudi Pro League, but the player himself has rejected a move that would’ve been worth over £50 million to head to the Gulf region.

While the team that put forward the proposal remains unnamed, the Reds clearly have one eye on his contract situation, as his deal is set to expire next summer. Their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Guehi is only likely to fan the flames further, suggesting that a departure may be on the cards.

After featuring against Arsenal in the 1-0 victory at Anfield, Konate has made 136 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, and in that time, has cemented himself as a key figure under Slot and Jurgen Klopp.

Labelled “sensational” by David Lynch, the France international won 137 duels in the Premier League during the Reds’ title victory last term, though speculation over his future may well lead to a considerable dilemma over whether to stick or twist in light of his complex contract situation.

فتح جياني إنفانتينو رئيس الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” الباب أمام إقامة بطولات كأس العالم وكأس العالم للأندية في الشتاء.

ويعتقد إنفانتينو أن كرة القدم بحاجة للتفكير بعقلية منفتحة بشأن نقل البطولات الكبرى من الصيف.

وتجرى مناقشات حول جدول مباريات ما بعد 2030 وهو ما يمثل نقطة توتر خاصة بالنظر للضغط المتزايد الذي تفرضه البطولات الموسعة.

وشكل الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم مجموعة عمل لدراسة هذه المسألة وقد وضع الاتحاد نفسه في مأزق بمنح استضافة كأس العالم 2034 للمملكة العربية السعودية.

ومن شبه المؤكد أن تقام هذه البطولة في فصل الشتاء كما حدث مع قطر 2022، واقترح إنفانتينو أن تعتاد كرة القدم على فك ارتباطها بالصيف الأوروبي.

أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | إنفانتينو يهنئ منتخب مصر على التأهل إلى كأس العالم 2026

وقال إنفانتينو في تصريحات نقلتها “جارديان” البريطانية: “نحن بالفعل في صميم الموضوع ونناقشه طوال الوقت، الأمر لا يتعلق بكأس عالم فقط بل هو انعكاس عام، حتى اللعب في بعض الدول الأوروبية في يوليو يكون حارًا جداً، افضل شهر للعب كرة القدم وهو يونيو لكنه لا يستخدم كثيراً في أوروبا”.

وواصل: “ربما توجد طرق لتحسين التقويم، لكننا نناقشها وسنرى ما سيحدث عندما نتوصل لاستنتاجات، علينا فقط أن نكون منفتحين”.

وتابع: “من المعروف أنه إذا أردت اللعب في نفس الوقت في كل مكان فمن المرجح أن تلعب في مارس أو أكتوبر لأنه في ديسمبر لا يمكنك اللعب في مكان ما من العالم وفي يوليو لا يمكنك اللعب في مكان آخر”.

وأكمل: “علينا أن نأخذ جميع هذه العوامل في الاعتبار عند الحديث عن مسابقات المنتخبات الوطنية ومسابقات الأندية وأن نبحث كيف يمكن تحسينها بما يعود بالنفع على الجميع لذا هناك الكثير على المحك”.

وأضاف إنفانتينو أنه يأمل ألا يتم استهداف مباراتي أحد المنتخبات المقبلة في تصفيات كأس العالم ضد النرويج وإيطاليا من قبل المتظاهرين بعد الاتفاق على وقف اطلاق النار مع حماس.

وختم: “الآن هناك وقف لإطلاق النار ويجب أن يكون الجميع سعداء ويدعمون ذلك، الأمر يتجاوز كرة القدم، اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار خبر رائع للعالم أجمع”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em alusão ao abril azul, mês designado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para conscientizar a população sobre o autismo, o Cuiabá, em parceria com a Secretaria do Estado de Assistência Social e Cidadania – Setasc-MT, deu início a um projeto que leva crianças autistas e familiares a um camarote para os jogos do Dourado na Arena Pantanal.

A iniciativa vai perdurar até o final da disputa do Campeonato Brasileiro e faz parte dos programas SER Família Inclusivo e SER Família Sensorial, da Setasc-MT.

– Promover a inclusão é uma das missões do Cuiabá Esporte Clube e quando fomos procurados para a realização desse projeto, aceitamos de imediato. A inclusão é uma das virtudes do esporte e, no Dourado, acreditamos que o futebol é para todos. Estamos cada vez mais abertos para iniciativas como essa – afirmou Cristiano Dresch, vice-presidente do Cuiabá.

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+Corinthians tenta convencer Tite, Cuéllar na mira de gigante brasileiro… O Dia do Mercado!

A cada jogo do Cuiabá na Arena Pantanal, oito crianças autistas serão sorteadas para torcer pelo Dourado em um dos camarotes – cada criança terá direito a um acompanhante responsável. O sorteio se dará pelas plataformas digitais da Setasc e, para participar, a criança deverá estar devidamente cadastrada no banco de dados da entidade, além de portar a carteira do autista, emitida pelo MT Cidadão.

A ação, que teve início no último sábado, foi considerada um sucesso pelo vice-presidente da equipe.

– Foi gratificante ver as crianças se divertindo, curtindo a Arena Pantanal e torcendo para o Dourado. Já estamos ansiosos para contar com esse apoio nos próximos jogos e vamos trabalhar para recebê-los cada vez melhor. Agradecemos à Setasc pela confiança e por nos procurar para um projeto tão especial – finalizou Cristiano.

+Câmara dos Deputados cria CPI para investigar manipulação em jogos de futebol

A secretária interina de Estado de Assistência Social e Cidadania, Grasielle Bugalho, ressaltou o trabalho em parceria com a Secretaria de Segurança Pública (Sesp), por meio da Rede Cidadã, e o Cuiabá.

– Pela primeira vez, estamos oferecendo para as pessoas autistas um espaço, dentro da Arena Pantanal, para assistir aos jogos do Cuiabá. Para nós é uma experiência única, uma forma de divulgar a Carteira do Autista, a importância de se ter a carteira, para que os autistas possam acessar inúmeros serviços. Essa sinergia do Cuiabá oferecendo esse espaço e a gente podendo levar esse trabalho para os autistas é muito importante – concluiu Grasielle.

Zinedine Zidane is eyeing the France job after Didier Deschamps’ 2026 exit, with Kylian Mbappe among the stars eager to see him take charge.

Deschamps will step down after the 2026 World CupZidane remains the favourite to replace himFrance legend has monitored players including MbappeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Deschamps will step down as France manager after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable 13-year reign, and Zidane is seen as the most likely replacement. The former Real Madrid coach has been patiently waiting for the opportunity, having refused multiple club offers since leaving Los Blancos in 2021 with the aim of taking over the national team. According to , Zidane has been closely following Les Bleus, monitoring players and competitions to prepare for the role. Several senior stars, including Mbappe, are said to be eager to work under the 1998 World Cup winner, who remains one of the most iconic figures in French football.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 53-year-old reportedly turned down blank cheque offers from Manchester United and Chelsea, while also rejecting a €100 million (£84m/$113m) one-year deal from Saudi side Al-Hilal. Instead, his focus has been entirely on the France post, which he views as the ultimate role. Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), is treading carefully. He wants Deschamps to finish his reign without external pressure, while also weighing other candidates such as Thierry Henry. However, Zidane’s reputation, success at Madrid, and connection with France’s players, notably Mbappe, make him the overwhelming favourite.

TELL ME MORE…

The 1998 Ballon d'Or winner's coaching reputation remains sky-high after guiding Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles and a league triumph during his two stints in charge. His bond with Les Blues runs just as deep, he remains the hero of their 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 triumphs. Close associates suggest he already knows the profiles of every France-eligible player inside out and is quietly building his vision for the squad he could inherit after the 2026 World Cup.

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Deschamps will remain focused on leading France at the 2026 World Cup, aiming to end his reign on a high. Behind the scenes, all signs point to Zidane finally stepping into the dugout for France once the World Cup concludes. Until then, he will continue to wait, turning down club riches to chase his one true dream.

Liverpool have reportedly made their first approach to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United and could now break the British transfer record for a second time this summer.

Liverpool make first approach to sign Isak

Whilst the initial consensus was reportedly that Newcastle United’s attempted move to sign Hugo Ekitike would not leave the door ajar for Isak’s exit, Liverpool didn’t seem to receive that message. Now, according to David Ornstein, the Reds have made their first approach to sign the Swede in another big-money deal.

As things stand, Newcastle’s stance, as it has always been, is that Isak is not for sale. But Liverpool’s decision to make their approach may yet have loosened their grip on one of the Premier League’s hottest talents. From ‘not for sale’, a record-breaking £120m price tag has now been mooted, which could hand Liverpool the encouragement they need.

Liverpool’s admiration for Isak is far from new and it certainly isn’t a surprise. If there was a weakness in Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning side last season, it came in the No.9 role, as Luis Diaz was often forced to play out-of-position to lead the line and Darwin Nunez continued to struggle.

Now that both have been linked with moves away to Bayern Munich and now AC Milan respectively, however, Liverpool may finally have the funds and room to welcome the ultimate solution to their striker problem. In one summer, the Reds could go from Diaz, Nunez and Mohamed Salah to arguably the world’s best trio in Florian Wirtz, Isak and Salah.

Starts

34

25

38

Goals

23

10

29

Assists

6

12

18

Expected Goals

20.3

9.4

25.2

There’s still a long way to go before Isak becomes Liverpool’s next No.9, but that’s not to say Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes don’t already have their next trick planned.

What Liverpool plan to do next in Isak chase

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will “for sure” submit a club-record bid to sign Isak this summer and follow up their initial approach. The Swede is their “dream” target in a deal that could reportedly cost in the region of £120m.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “For sure, Liverpool want to try for their dream target with an eventual club-record bid. Liverpool have intention to try and they made an approach with Newcastle.”

The transfer specialist then went on to reveal that if Liverpool fail in their pursuit of Isak, then their attention will turn back towards Ekitike. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been the subject of a £60m+ bid by Newcastle, but the Magpies could now be facing a lose-lose situation up against the Reds in a ruthless mood.

Wirtz's dream CF: Hughes in talks to sign £63m "monster" for Liverpool

Isak and Ekitike aren’t the only high-level strikers Liverpool have their eye on.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

As the season approaches and the transfer window progresses, both forwards are likely to steal plenty more headlines. As things stand, however, in a transfer battle between Liverpool and Newcastle, it seems as though the Premier League champions have the edge.

Leicestershire opener upstages David Willey’s milestone-game 71

ECB Reporters Network21-Jun-2024Leicestershire’s Rishi Patel maintained his rich vein of form in this year’s Vitality Blast, savaging Northamptonshire’s bowlers for an outstanding 104 from 45 balls to set up a thrilling tie at Wantage Road.Patel, the Blast’s leading run-scorer this season, equalled the Foxes’ fastest ever T20 century – set by Ben Raine against Birmingham six years ago – as he reached the landmark in just 41 deliveries.The 25-year-old opener upstaged Steelbacks skipper David Willey, who marked his 300th career T20 game by top-scoring with 71 from 48 – and passing 4,000 runs in the format – as the home side posted 208 for 5.Northamptonshire struggled in the face of Patel’s onslaught, but rookie seamer Raphy Weatherall pegged the Foxes back with 4 for 50 before Lewis Goldsworthy edged a boundary from his final delivery to tie the contest.The Steelbacks recalled Ricardo Vasconcelos to their line-up and the opener made a sprightly start after they opted to bat first, hitting a couple of early cover boundaries off Wiaan Mulder.He and Matthew Breetzke, who dispatched Ben Mike’s first three balls to the fence, rattled along nicely as they added 42 from 24 before Scott Currie pounced to run the left-hander out with a pinpoint throw from long off.Another piece of individual brilliance by Currie accounted for Breetzke, who was yorked for 47 from 24, but Willey began to accelerate, slog-sweeping Goldsworthy for the first six of the night and punching the next ball for four.Ravi Bopara (22 from 15) helped to keep the scoreboard racing along before he was castled by Goldsworthy, but it was Sikandar Raza’s explosive knock of 36 not out from just 14 balls that did most to propel Northamptonshire beyond 200.Raza hammered both Goldsworthy and Ian Holland for successive sixes and, although Willey perished in the final over, miscuing to mid-off – the first of two wickets in as many balls for Josh Hull, the Steelbacks’ total looked competitive to say the least.However, Patel eagerly accepted the challenge when Leicestershire replied by smashing 18 from Willey’s first over and hitting cleanly over the ring as he and Sol Budinger accumulated an opening partnership of 61 from 28.Ben Sanderson eventually removed Budinger, caught in the deep for a supporting act of 13, but Patel sped past his half-century from 22 deliveries with a cover-driven four off Raza and continued to plunder boundaries from seamers and spinners alike.A six and four from successive Sanderson deliveries took Patel to his hundred and, although he was dropped by Breetzke at long-on on 103, the fielder made amends in the next over by safely pouching a top edge off Freddie Heldreich.Willey gave Northamptonshire renewed hope, trapping Louis Kimber leg before and Mulder and Mike both holed out to deep square leg off Weatherall in quick succession to leave the Foxes needing 19 from the last two overs.A trio of dot balls by Sanderson built pressure, though, and Weatherall dismissed both Peter Handscomb (43 from 41) and Ben Cox to bring the equation down to five from the last ball, but Goldsworthy’s outside edge flew to the boundary to rescue a point for Leicestershire.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has now dropped some early team news ahead of Bodo/Glimt, and he has hinted that a key player may not be available.

Europa League or bust for Ange

It was always going to be a daunting task travelling to Anfield to take on a Liverpool side that needed just one point to clinch the Premier League title, but it was yet another dismal performance from Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, suffering a crushing 5-1 defeat.

Courtesy of a third defeat on the spin, Spurs are 16th in the table with just four games left to play, but it appears as though Postecoglou’s job could be safe for the time being, given that his side are in a strong position to win the Europa League.

The Lilywhites picked up a rare clean sheet against Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of the quarter-final, advancing to the final four after a 1-0 victory in Germany, and on paper they have a kind route to the final in Bilbao.

Tottenham serious contenders to sign Premier League star at £50m+ discount

Tottenham are among the main suitors for a winger, whose club are now willing to let him leave this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 27, 2025

Postecoglou’s side are set to face Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final, with the Eliteserien champions becoming the first Norwegian side ever to reach the semi-finals of a European competition after defeating Lazio over two legs in dramatic fashion.

The Norwegian side defeated the Italians on penalties at the Stadio Olimpico, progressing to the semi-finals despite losing 3-1 on the night, so they will be confident they are capable of causing Tottenham problems.

As such, Postecoglou will be hoping to have Son Heung-min available for the crucial match, but the manager has now hinted the forward may not be available for the first leg, saying: “It’ll be touch and go for Thursday. He’ll try hard. If [he’s not ready] for the first game we think he’ll be ready for the second game.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming fixtures	Date
Bodo/Glimt (h)	May 1st
West Ham United (a)	May 4th
Bodo/Glimt (a)	May 8th
Crystal Palace (h)	May 11th
Aston Villa (a)	May 18th

"Incredible" Son would be big miss for Spurs

Tottenham may have seriously underperformed in the Premier League this season, but Son has continued to catch the eye with some of his performances, picking up seven goals and ten assists in 28 appearances.

The £190k-per-week forward has impressed throughout the Postecoglou era, with his manager previously lauding him as “incredible”, and he could be a big miss if he is unavailable for the crucial encounter against Bodo/Glimt.

That said, Spurs should have more than enough to progress past the Norwegians regardless, given the disparity between the Premier League and the Eliteserien.

There have been suggestions that Postecoglou is set to face the sack regardless of whether Tottenham win the Europa League, but if they come up short in the semi-final, it would surely be the end of the road for the Australian.

Two innings in which we saw the best of Virat Kohli’s chasing prowess

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Nov-2023Voting for this match-up has ended. The 133* vs Sri Lanka in Hobart moves to the final round.

115*(66) vs Australia, 6th ODI, Nagpur, 2013

Kohli walked in during the 30th over of the chase, with India 178 for 1 in pursuit of 351 to level the series at 2-2. After Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan had put on a 178-run partnership, Kohli continued his rich vein of form in the series, smashing four fours and a six in the first 18 balls he faced, and brought up his fifth consecutive score of 50 or more. In the 41st over, he hit a hat-trick of fours off Mitchell Johnson, who struck twice in his next over. From 62 off 48, the equation became 35 off 18. Kohli, though, pulled out some of the most incredible shots of his innings, driving chest-high balls for fours wide of long-off, to take India through with three balls to spare. His hundred came in the 49th over and off 61 balls, the third-fastest by an Indian in ODIs, just two weeks after he had smashed the fastest. It was the second Kohli hundred in a successful chase of 350+ in the series, making India the first team to achieve the feat twice.

133*(86) vs Sri Lanka, CB Series, Hobart, 2012

On a long tour of Australia, Kohli was in combat mode. He had already flipped off the Sydney crowd, had verbal battles with Mitch Johnson and most of the Australia team, got his first Test hundred, in Adelaide, and celebrated it with some aggressive bat-waving and swearing. Now, in the tri-series, India were set an improbable task to keep their hopes of making the finals alive: they needed to chase 321 in 40 overs or under to get a bonus point. Kohli, who came in at 86 for 2, stitched together a 115-run partnership with Gautam Gambhir and then cut loose. A hat-trick of boundaries off Nuwan Kulasekara came, followed by an angry thud over the covers off Thisara Perera. The final flourish was a 24-run over off Lasith Malinga. In all, he scored 44 runs off 15 deliveries from Malinga, consigning the best death bowler in the world to the poorest economy rate (minimum of five overs) in an ODI innings at that time. By the time the winning shot – an off drive for four – was hit, it was clear that this was a next-generational talent. And yes, India were home in 36.4 overs.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

And who holds the record for the most consecutive Tests at the end of which his average has gone up?

Steven Lynch18-Jan-2022 Who holds the record for the most consecutive Tests at the end of which his average has gone up? And what about the opposite record – average going down? asked Muhammad Hashir Hassan Khan from Pakistan
Two batters share the record for improving their batting average in the most successive Tests. Brian Close did so in 11 consecutive matches for England leading up to August 1963, and he was followed by Sarfaraz Ahmed of Pakistan, in 11 in a row to November 2014. Four players improved their average in ten successive Tests: another Pakistani, Mudassar Nazar (up to January 1983), Mike Gatting of England (up to August 1985), the South African fast bowler Andre Nel (to April 2006), and Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews (to December 2014).The opposite statistic was being discussed during the just-completed South Africa-India series, as both Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli seemed to be in ever-decreasing circles, and went into the third Test in Cape Town after 14 successive matches in which their averages had gone down. Kohli stopped the rot at Newlands, but Rahane made it 15 in a row. Only Zimbabwe’s Grant Flower lies ahead – his average dropped in 16 successive Tests leading up to November 2000. Five others match Kohli in going 14 Tests with a declining average: John Edrich (to August 1972), Darren Gough (July 1997) and Alastair Cook (July 2014) for England, Mark Greatbatch of New Zealand (October 1995) and Pakistan’s Azhar Mahmood (May 2001).Scott Boland finished the recent series with 18 wickets at less than ten apiece. Was this a record for the Ashes? asked Peter Daniels from Australia
Australia’s incredibly impressive newcomer Scott Boland finished with 18 wickets at 9.55. Only four men have had a lower average in an Ashes series in which they took more than 12 wickets – and all of them were in the 19th century, when pitches were less trustworthy and batting techniques more rudimentary – although some might say England’s haven’t improved much since then!Top of the list is the Yorkshire and England slow left-armer Bobby Peel, who took 24 wickets at 7.54 in the three-Test Ashes series of 1888. Another left-arm spinner, Lancashire’s Johnny Briggs, took 17 at 7.76 in 1886. The Surrey seamer George Lohmann claimed 16 at 8.56 in Australia in 1886-87, while his Australian opposite number Charles “Terror” Turner had 17 at 9.47 in the same low-scoring series (the highest total in the two Tests was 184).Just behind Boland comes the Surrey and England offspinner Jim Laker, who reaped no fewer than 46 wickets in the 1956 Ashes series at an average of 9.60. That included 19 victims – the Test record – in the fourth match at Old Trafford. No other bowler has averaged under ten in an Ashes series in which they took at least 13 wickets: England’s Richard Ellison comes next, with 17 at 10.88 in the last two matches in 1985.Has there ever been an instance of more than one batsman being dismissed for a pair in the same Test match? asked CJ Marland from New Zealand
There have been four Test matches to date in which three batters from the same side have bagged a pair. The first was in Auckland in 1954-55, in the match in which New Zealand slumped to 26 all out against England, the lowest total in Test history: Matt Poore, Ian Colquhoun (a king pair) and John Hayes were all out for 0 in both innings.It happened next to England, against Australia in Adelaide in 1974-75, when Dennis Amiss, Derek Underwood and Geoff Arnold all bagged pairs, then to Pakistan against Australia in Perth in 1978-79 (Majid Khan, Wasim Bari and Sikander Bakht). The most recent occasion came in Chandigarh in 1990-91, when Marvan Atapattu, Rumesh Ratnayake and Graeme Labrooy all made two noughts for Sri Lanka against India. There have been exactly 50 other Tests in which two members of the same side bagged a pair.There is one other Test that contained three: at Headingley in 2014, Lahiru Thirimanne and Dhammika Prasad bagged pairs for Sri Lanka, while Jimmy Anderson collected one for England (his second innings nonetheless lasted 81 minutes and 55 balls, and Sri Lanka won when he was dismissed by the fifth delivery of the last possible over). There are 18 further Tests in which a batter from both sides collected a pair.Paul Stirling (left) has a little over 600 runs more than team-mate Kevin O’Brien in T20Is•ICC via GettyKevin O’Brien is on the verge of completing 2000 runs for Ireland in T20Is. Has anyone from a non-mainstream country made more? asked Sean Griffiths from Ireland
Kevin O’Brien has so far scored 1973 runs for Ireland in T20Is, which puts him in 15th place on the overall list. His compatriot Paul Stirling is above him – he’s currently sixth on the list with 2606 runs. Just above O’Brien at the moment is Mohammad Shahzad of Afghanistan, with 2015 runs. All the others with more runs come from long-established Test nations. It remains to be seen whether O’Brien will add to his tally. His 38th birthday is fast approaching, and he was omitted from Ireland’s T20I squad for their recent matches in the United States.Apparently one of the relations of England’s new wicketkeeper Sam Billings is a world champion – in what sport? asked Robin Downing from England
The Kent wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings received England cap No. 700 before the last Ashes Test in Hobart. Slightly confusingly, he’s actually the 699th man to play an official Test for England; the Glamorgan opener Alan Jones was recently presented with cap number 696 by the ECB, to mark his one and only appearance for England, against the strong Rest of the World side at Lord’s in 1970.Billings’ cousin, Tom, has been the world champion is the sport of rackets (sometimes spelled racquets) since 2019, when he won the title in Detroit. He succeeded Bermuda’s James Stout, who had beaten him in the 2017 final. For more details about Tom, click here.Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions