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Leeds United confirmed their latest signing of the summer transfer window on Tuesday when they welcomed 6 foot 4 defensive midfielder Anton Stach to the club.

The German star has put pen to paper on a four-year contract to join Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, and Lukas Nmecha in arriving at Elland Road this summer.

Whilst there is, clearly, plenty of work going on behind the scenes to bolster the club with new signings, there is also the possibility that Leeds could move on from some players.

It was recently reported that Spanish sides Real Betis and Celta Vigo are both interested in signing Mateo Joseph, who has asked to move on from Elland Road this summer.

The Whites are said to value the Spain U21 international, who came through the academy set-up at Thorp Arch, at a fee of around £10m, and it remains to be seen if either team are willing to pay that price for him.

Why Leeds may sell Mateo Joseph

On the face of it, selling a 21-year-old, academy graduate, Spanish youth international who has shown promise as a striker may not seem to be an attractive prospect for Leeds.

However, selling Joseph for £10m, should a team meet that valuation, would strengthen the club’s situation with PSR and potentially allow them to reinvest more money into their starting XI for the upcoming Premier League season.

Whilst the Spanish striker is an exciting prospect, it is fair to say that he is not expected to be a regular starter for the Whites in the top-flight, after the forward scored three goals in 39 appearances, including 11 starts, in the Championship last season.

Appearances

39

Starts

11

xG

5.10

Goals

3

Big chances missed

6

Big chances created

4

xA

1.47

Assists

3

Joseph failed to establish himself as a regular starter in the second tier, as Joel Piroe took the number nine mantle, and there is little to suggest that he is suddenly going to emerge as a Premier League-grade centre-forward in the next few months.

This is why it may make sense for Leeds to decide to cash in on him now to improve their team in the short-term as they look to avoid an instant relegation from the top-flight.

Whilst some may read that and think that the Whites would be ruining their long-term prospects, given Joseph’s age, in pursuit of a short-term objective, that may not be the case.

That is because the Premier League newboys are reportedly interested in a deal to sign another centre-forward who is even younger than Joseph, but could provide more quality on the pitch in the short term.

49ers in talks to seal new Leeds signing

According to Turkish-Football, the 49ers are interested in a deal to sign 19-year-old Besiktas centre-forward Semih Kilicsoy to bolster Daniel Farke’s squad.

The report claims that they have identified the Turkey international as a ‘prime target’, as they look to add to their attacking options ahead of the Premier League campaign.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It adds that the Whites are impressed by the teenage forward’s potential and that they believe that he could be an excellent long-term signing for the club this summer.

The outlet states that the Turkish giants would be willing to part ways with the young attacker for a fee of up to £18m, because they recently signed Tammy Abraham to lead the line for the team next season.

Leeds could take advantage of that situation by offering Kilicsoy a chance to come to Elland Road to play regular football in the Premier League, and he could play alongside another exciting new addition.

The Whites are reportedly chasing a deal to sign £30m-rated Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, who would love to play alongside the Turkish forward because of his potential as a finisher.

Why Leeds should sign Semih Kilicsoy

The 49ers could seriously bolster Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch by securing deals for both Paixao and Kilicsoy, who could form an exciting partnership in the final third.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the Feyenoord attacker created 12 ‘big chances’ and registered ten assists in the Eredivisie from the left flank, whilst he also assisted four goals in 11 games in the Champions League for the Dutch side, to go along with his 16 goals in the division.

This shows that the Brazilian star is a fantastic creative threat down the left wing, having assisted 15 goals in those two competitions last season, which is why he would love Kilicsoy, who could be an upgrade on Joseph in front of goal.

As aforementioned, the £10m-rated Leeds striker underperformed his xG by scoring three goals from 5.10 xG. Meanwhile, the Besiktas forward has shown promise as a finisher over the last two seasons in the Super Lig.

Appearances

55

Starts

31

xG

9.90

Goals

14

Big chances created

11

Assists

6

As you can see in the table above, Kilicsoy has overperformed his xG by roughly four goals in the last two seasons, whilst he has also created 11 ‘big chances’ in 31 starts.

The Turkish star, who was described as a “powerful” forward by analyst Ben Mattinson, has showcased his ability to ruthlessly finish the high-quality chances that are created for him, which is why Paixao could love him as a winger who has the quality to consistently create those kinds of openings.

This means that Kilicsoy could come in as an upgrade on Joseph, due to his goal return and his overperformance as a finisher, whilst also being a dream partner for Paixao.

However, it is now down to the 49ers to ensure that they win the races for both of these players so that Farke has them as options to pick from when he comes to selecting his team in the Premier League next season.

He'll send Harrison packing: Leeds chase deal to sign "explosive" £30m star

Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign a star who could send Jack Harrison packing this summer.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 22, 2025

يرى إسماعيل يوسف، لاعب الزمالك السابق، ومدير الكرة في الاتحاد الليبي الحالي، أنه لا توجد بفائدة من الدفع بلاعب الأهلي في تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام بوركينا فاسو.

ويلعب منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو، مساء اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة للمجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

وقال يوسف خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2” لبرنامج “الكورة مع فايق”: “الاختبار الحقيقي غدًا أمام بوركينا فاسو، منتخب قوي، توقعي غدًا محمد صلاح سيكون في مستوى جيد، ومعه عمر مرموش”.

طالع | تشكيل منتخب مصر المتوقع أمام بوركينا فاسو اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم

وأضاف: “وجود أحمد سيد زيزو لاعب الأهلي في جبهة محمد صلاح غير مفيد، حسام حسن لن يجازف بدفع مروان عطية لأنه غير جاهز”.

وأكمل: “مباراة بوركينا فاسو، تتطلب جهدًا خارقًا من قبل وسط ملعب منتخب مصر، من أجل حسم التأهل إلي كأس العالم”.

وفيما يتعلق بنادي الاتحاد الليبي، قال: “سندرس في بداية الموسم الجديد في نادي الاتحاد الليبي إمكانية ضم لاعبين من الدوري المصري”.

ويتصدر منتخب مصر حاليًا ترتيب المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 19 نقطة، بعد مرور 7 جولات، فاز في 6 وتعادل في لقاء.

Despite already confirming Matheus Cunha’s arrival and seemingly submitting an opening bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now interested in signing a third Premier League forward this summer.

Man Utd submit first Mbeumo bid

With captain Bruno Fernandes set to stay put amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Cunha sealed and signed, Manchester United have enjoyed the perfect start to their summer. But they’re not done there. The Red Devils will be well aware that they still have plenty of work to do and have already turned their focus towards welcoming Mbeumo.

As David Ornstein reported and Fabrizio Romano relayed, however, signing Mbeumo will be easier said than done in the coming months. Brentford, after watching on as Manchester United splashed out on Cunha, are reportedly keen to receive a similar fee for a player who outperformed the Brazilian talisman in the 2024/25 campaign.

The big question is whether Manchester United can afford to splash out another £60m+ without completing a significant sale first. As much of a relief it has been to see Fernandes stay put, those at Old Trafford could now find themselves limited without his big-money sale.

The midfield star confirmed the news that Al-Hilal were, indeed, in pursuit of his signature but he declined a move to Saudi Arabia in pursuit of keeping his place among the very best, telling reporters: “I want to play at the highest possible level.

“I want to play major competitions. I know I still can and I want to be happy doing the thing I love the most. For better or worse, this is how I see football and I’m passionate about football and this is the decision I’ve made.”

It’s also worth noting that the Red Devils already have potential alternatives to Mbeumo in their sights should they be priced out of a move for the Brentford star this summer.

Man Utd interested in Calvert-Lewin

According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are now interested in a move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer. The forward is on course to become a free agent at the end of his current Everton contract this month and, therefore, represents a bargain option for those at Old Trafford.

Whilst Calvert-Lewin has endured his fair share of injury problems and disappointing form in recent years, his Premier League experience is undeniable and it’s the type of experience that both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund lack.

Their own Wirtz: The "best finisher in the world" now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to land their marquee signing just a week into the transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2025

The 28-year-old has earned plenty of praise during his time in Merseyside, including from former manager Sean Dyche, who told reporters following an impressive victory against rivals Liverpool in the 2023/24 campaign: “I thought he was excellent.

“He’s had a bit of illness. We’re hopeful that has passed, he had it before the game, so I must commend him on that. His physical performance was outstanding, He’s not quite over it but we hope it settles down a bit.”

Newcastle United fans are surely in dreamland at the moment, with their Magpies heroes in the driver’s seat now involving the ongoing Champions League race in the Premier League.

Sunday’s lunchtime kick-off versus Chelsea had all the ingredients of a high-stakes affair with both the Toon and the Blues heading into the game on 63 points each.

But, Eddie Howe’s men didn’t play with any nerves visible in their free-flowing game, meaning the Magpies are now sat in a pretty third position – only one point off Arsenal – after easing past Enzo Maresca’s men 2-0.

Both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes would steal the limelight on the day as the Newcastle goalscorers, with the fantastic midfield pairing looking ready made for Champions League football off the back of their polished displays.

Tonali and Guimaraes stole the show

In such a tense affair, the best possible mood setter would be to score early on.

Tonali certainly felt that way anyway when he gifted Howe’s hosts the lead after just two minutes, with the former AC Milan maestro managing to tap home after an inviting delivery into the box fell charitably at his feet.

Away from sending the home masses into delirium with the opening strike of the day, Tonali would continue to keep plugging away centrally with his boundless energy, leading to the standout number eight winning three ground duels.

On top of that, he was also on the lookout for an assist to complement his goal with two key passes tallied up, but no such moment would arrive.

Instead, Dan Burn would turn provider when teeing up Guimaraes for Newcastle’s game-clinching second, with the popular Brazilian also showing off his varied game – much like Tonali – when winning three duels, while registering two more shots past his fabulous late effort looping over Robert Sanchez.

But, there is another sensational forward player for Howe’s side that hasn’t even been mentioned yet who is slowly but surely turning into Newcastle’s next iteration of Nolberto Solano with his expert eye for an assist.

Newcastle's new version of Solano

The now retired right winger would consistently dazzle Premier League defences with his trickery when donning Magpies black and white.

He would also pick up assists by the bucket-load to back up his memorable showboating, with Solano’s assist haul of 15 in league action during the 1999/2000 season yet to be topped, until potentially now.

Jacob Murphy amazingly only finds himself three short of Solano’s bumper total in the here and now, with his 12th assist of the Premier League season to date the cross that Tonali very kindly finished off.

It’s been a remarkable campaign for the 30-year-old so far, considering he had only picked up eight assists last season when he was sparingly used 21 times in league action due to injury concerns. Now, he’s as crucial as Tonali and Guimaraes are in Newcastle’s exciting hunt for European glory.

1. Alexander Isak

33

23

6

2. Jacob Murphy

33

8

12

3. Harvey Barnes

31

9

4

4. Anthony Gordon

32

6

5

5. Bruno Guimaraes

36

5

6

Staggeringly, only Alexander Isak is able to surpass Murphy for goals and assists this season in the Premier League for the Magpies, with the ex-Norwich City man certainly living up to his next Solano label more when powering home eight goals from 33 games. In total, the silky Peruvian would pick up 48 strikes on Tyneside.

Murphy will hope he can get near to that sizeable tally soon, with the hard-working yet skilful winger another gem playing out of his skin for the Toon as Champions League football possibly reappears.

Howe thinks he's perfect: Newcastle make bid for "incredible" £21m maestro

The Magpies have submitted a significant offer for a new midfielder.

ByDominic Lund May 9, 2025

Leeds United are currently preparing for a huge summer transfer window as they look ahead to trying to avoid instant relegation from the Premier League.

The Whites won the Championship title, with a staggering 100 points, with their win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day, and now have a top-flight season to look forward to.

Daniel Farke and his staff must recruit players who they feel can bolster the squad to improve their chances of survival, and the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly looking to bring a former star back to Elland Road.

Leeds considering move for Premier League midfielder

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United are “considering” a deal to sign Manchester City defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The reporter claims that the England international would be “ready” to return to West Yorkshire ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, having left the club to join the Cityzens in the summer of 2022.

Bailey’s report on The Boot Room adds that a permanent deal would be difficult for the Whites to do, because the midfielder has three years left on his contract at The Etihad, and that they are currently eyeing up a loan move for their former academy graduate.

Phillips has spent the current season on loan with Ipswich Town, who have already been relegated from the Premier League, but his previous form for Leeds in the top-flight suggests that he could star alongside Ao Tanaka at Elland Road.

Why Kalvin Phillips could thrive with Ao Tanaka

The Japanese midfielder enjoyed a fantastic season in the Championship with the Whites and showed potential to make the step up to the Premier League, with his passing and defensive qualities.

Tanaka ended the 2024/25 campaign with a pass completion rate of 90% and a duel success rate of 55% across 43 appearances, which shows that he was efficient in and out of possession in the middle of the park.

Leeds will need their midfielders to be reliable on the ball and strong off it in the top-flight, as they will be battling against relegation, and that is also why Tanaka could thrive alongside a physical operator like Phillips, who was once dubbed “exceptional” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Appearances

29

43

Pass accuracy

85%

90%

Tackles per game

2.6

2.2

Interceptions per game

1.6

1.3

Duels won per game

5.3

4.5

Duel success rate

52%

55%

As you can see in the table above, the English maestro’s defensive form for Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign was even more impressive than the current Leeds star’s in the second tier this term.

This suggests that the potential is there for them to be a robust midfield pairing who can provide protection in front of the back four, whilst also being reliable with their passing into the front players, which could be needed as they battle it out for vital points.

Of course, there are question marks over whether or not Phillips can get back to that level, having struggled of late in loans with Ipswich and West Ham, losing 57% of his duels in the top-flight for the former and 52% of his battles for the latter.

Perhaps a return to familiar surroundings at Elland Road, where he has been successful at the top level in the past, could help him to return to form.

Leeds could seal best striker signing since Wood with move for 20-goal star

Leeds could land their best striker signing since Chris Wood in a swoop for this star.

ByDan Emery May 7, 2025

Signing him on loan, therefore, could be a worthwhile gamble and one that could pay off for Leeds and Farke as it could result in him and Tanaka forming an impressive midfield partnership.

Newcastle United are in the race to sign a “magnificent” Premier League player this summer, with it emerging he is now set to leave his club, according to a report.

Newcastle's summer transfer plans

The main transfer saga Newcastle are involved in at the moment centers around the future of talisman Alexander Isak, who is attracting widespread interest from some of England’s biggest clubs, with Liverpool and Arsenal set to make summer proposals.

The Magpies are determined to keep hold of Isak, but should they be forced to sanction a departure, there are some fantastic potential replacements in mind, having recently made an approach for Lille striker Jonathan David.

Striker is not the only position in which Eddie Howe may strengthen this summer, however, with a move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke being plotted, and there is a feeling the Blues may be willing to cash-in on the England international this summer.

Newcastle and PIF in contact to sign "incredible" £33m+ PL star for Howe

Eddie Howe is eyeing a deal for an in-form star once the transfer window opens.

BySean Markus Clifford Mar 31, 2025

There have also been suggestions Newcastle could pursue a new goalkeeper to provide competition for Nick Pope between the sticks, with Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens on the shortlist, alongside a Premier League shot-stopper.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the EFL Cup winners have Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on the radar for a potential summer transfer swoop, with the Englishman set to leave in the summer, given his side’s impending relegation.

Ramsdale has no desire to play in the Championship, meaning he is set to depart at the end of the season, and there is a relegation release clause in his contract, which could make him an attractive option for a number of Premier League clubs.

AFC Bournemouth and Championship promotion-hopefuls Leeds United are also interested in the goalkeeper, who cost the Saints £25m last summer.

"Magnificent" Ramsdale has experience playing under Howe

The report makes it clear that James Trafford remains Newcastle’s top target, but the Southampton goalkeeper may also be a solid choice, particularly considering his experience playing under Howe.

During his time with Bournemouth, the 6 foot 2 colossus was lauded as “magnificent” by the Newcastle manager, and he has been one of the only bright sparks in a Saints side which has vastly disappointed this season.

SofaScore ranks the five-time England international as Southampton’s best-performing player in the Premier League, and he also impressed at times during his spell with Arsenal, before ultimately being replaced by David Raya.

Ramsdale could be a solid signing for Newcastle this summer, but it is clear to see why Trafford remains the priority target, with the Burnley goalkeeper shipping just 11 goals all season in the Championship, playing a major role in the Clarets’ promotion push.

In the end the target was well out of reach for Hong Kong but there are greater challenges ahead

Danyal Rasool10-Sep-20251:36

Mukund: Dropped catches a concern for Afghanistan

While Pakistan have five days between the final of the tri-series on Sunday and their first game in the Asia Cup on Friday, Afghanistan did not get that luxury. Less than 48 hours after a humbling defeat in that game, they lined up for the tournament opener of the biggest T20I competition this year.They were aware that, bunched together in a group with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, defeat against Hong Kong would put them on the brink of elimination as soon as the tournament began. They needed to shake the early nerves off, but four balls into the game, Sediqullah Atal nicked Hong Kong seamer Ayush Shukla to first slip.It felt like a continuation of their horror run with the bat from two days earlier and a hundred miles further north, when Afghanistan folded for 66. But this is a new tournament, and it brought with it better fortune for the Afghans. Captain Yasim Murtaza put the sitter down, and it would be two hours before Atal walked off: not as a man vanquished, but one who had batted through his side’s innings, scoring an unbeaten 73 off 52 as Afghanistan ran up an imposing 188, 34 more than the average first-innings score in Abu Dhabi.Related

• Trott: Afghanistan 'not shy about achieving new things or breaking new ground'

• Bangladesh in need of a handout against buoyant Afghanistan

• Kaushal Silva: 'No one is going to hand us anything'

• Atal, Omarzai and Afghanistan bowlers dismantle Hong Kong

It was a sliding-doors moment Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott acknowledged.”We started averagely today,” Trott said following the game. “We were a bit fortunate with a few dropped catches that sort of let us off. We need to make sure we improve on a few areas for the rest of the group games. We’ve got a few days off now. We’ve had a hectic schedule, six games in 12 days. So this is a good win. An important game for us and glad we’ve won it in the style we have.”However, for a side that opened the tournament with a 94-run win, Trott emphasised how far away this performance was from Afghanistan’s ceiling, or even the median level the coach has come to demand of this ever-improving group.Much of the concern will come from another turgid batting display for four fifths of the innings, when Hong Kong kept themselves in the game with the ball; better fielding would have put them in an even handier position. With 24 deliveries to go, Afghanistan had shuffled along to 119 for 4, needing to accelerate to even get to that average Abu Dhabi score.Azmatullah Omarzai ensured Afghanistan had plenty of runs in the bank•Getty ImagesIt was only as Hong Kong’s bowling fell away, particularly in an errant 17th over from Ateeq Iqbal, that the quality gap between these two sides began to reveal itself. A pair of sixes, a pair of fours, and a pair of balls that produced three wides combined for a 25-run over. With Azmatullah Omarzai at his explosive best, Shukla – of first-over misfortune – was pumped for another 24 in the penultimate, and 69 came off the final four.It took the target well beyond Hong Kong’s realistic ability, but Trott was adamant not to let this paper over the cracks.”We need players to take responsibility,” Trott said. “For me it’s important some of our players need to get in some form and need to start going runs. That’s very important.”I would like us to have batted better. But then the way Sediq played and the way Azmat came in and hit the ball showed us it’s a pretty good pitch. I’m fairly happy with the total that we got, but there are still things we need to work on and make sure we’re ready for the rest of the games.”

“We’ve won nothing. Let’s just make that clear. We’re an up and coming side and we’ve got a lot of work to do”Jonathan Trott

The strength of Trott’s words suggest he wants to head the problem off before the stakes are raised. They have a week off before two games in three days, with the quality of opposition vastly superior in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. One of those three sides – barring a miracle from Hong Kong – will be elbowed out at the expense of the other two. Trott appeared to warn his players – despite the heavy win – that a drop in level might mean it could be them against more familiar opponents.”All three teams have played each other quite a lot. We know each other quite well,” he said. “Recently we haven’t played a lot of games each other, but in the last couple of years we have. It’s about remembering those things that we’ve done well against them individually but as a side as well. For me, Azmat coming into a bit of form today and Sediq carrying on the form that he’s been in [are good signs].”But still, we need to play better because I think we were helped a little bit by Hong Kong’s fielding. Because if Azmat had been caught or Sediq had been caught in the first over, it could have been a very different game so we need to make sure we’re better in the next few games.”2:26

Mukund impressed by Afghanistan’s on-field trial

However, Trott knows the difference between self-criticism and dwelling on the past, and where he was keen to draw the line was that dispiriting loss in the tri-series final to Pakistan on the weekend.”This win was helpful just to move on and get past the final and move on and go into the Asia Cup,” he said. “So we don’t have to dwell on a very disappointing game for us which I think we were a good shot of winning at the halfway mark. Lessons learnt and I think the guys applied those lessons very well. We’ll get those habits going again, and get ready for the next game.”Afghanistan now come with a large fan following, particularly in the UAE, where their supporters perhaps outnumbered Pakistan’s in that final on Sunday. It is by far the most followed sport in a country that has bought into South Asian cricket fan culture much the same way as the more established nations from the region, with every moment, decision, selection or omission parsed and analysed to within an inch of its life.1:36

Chopra: ‘It will take time for Atal to mature into a T20 rockstar’

That support may be the lifeblood of a cricketing ecosystem, but in tournaments like these, it is not always helpful.”I’m not really worried about the media’s expectation or the outside expectation,” Trott said. “I’m worried about our expectation as players and as a side that we have for each other, and the standards we hold each other to on the field and off the field. That’s the most important thing. If we get those right, the bigger picture will take care of itself. We’ve been pretty good and come pretty close to being within a shot of a few things. But we need to be better.”We’ve won nothing. Let’s just make that clear. We’re an up and coming side and we’ve got a lot of work to do.”With that unflinching focus on constant improvement, Trott, and Afghanistan, may change that over the next three weeks.

And does Tammy Beaumont have the highest individual Test score in a losing cause?

Steven Lynch25-Jul-2023Zak Crawley hit 189 from 182 balls at Old Trafford. Was this the highest Test score made at faster than a run a ball? asked Niall Edwards from Ireland
That exciting innings by Zak Crawley in the fourth Test at Old Trafford was the highest score in an Ashes Test at a strike rate of over 100, beating the previous record of 152 by Adam Gilchrist (143 balls) at Edgbaston in 2001, and Travis Head (148) in Brisbane in 2021-22. The noted Australian statistician Charles Davis, who has re-scored many early Tests from original sources, estimates that Joe Darling made 160 from 160 balls for Australia vs England in Sydney in 1897-98.There are eight higher scores in all Tests at better than a run a ball, the biggest being Virender Sehwag’s 319 off 304 for India against South Africa in Chennai in 2007-08. Sehwag is also second on this list, with 293 from 254 deliveries against Sri Lanka in Mumbai in 2009-10. Next comes Ben Stokes, with 258 from 198 against South Africa in Cape Town in 2015-16, just ahead of another Sehwag special – 254 from 247 against Pakistan in Lahore in 2005-06.The other scores higher than Crawley’s 189 at a strike rate above 100 are Nathan Astle’s 222 from 168 balls for New Zealand against England in Christchurch in 2001-02, two electric innings by England’s current coach Brendon McCullum (202 from 188 for New Zealand against Pakistan in Sharjah in November 2014, and 195 from 134 vs Sri Lanka in Christchurch a month later), and Shikhar Dhawan’s 190 from 168 against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2017.It’s a sign of the times that the earliest of the innings mentioned above was in 2002. The highest in the previous century was Ian Smith’s 173 from 136 balls for New Zealand against India in Auckland in 1989-90.England’s team at Old Trafford included ten players with more than 1000 Test runs each. Was this a record? asked Sandy Whitlock from England
You’re right that ten of England’s players in the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford had more than 1000 runs each when the match started (the odd one out was Mark Wood, with 681). That turns out to be the most by any national side in a Test match, equalled only by the multinational World XI against Australia in the one-off Super Series Test in Sydney late in 2005 (Steve Harmison was the outlier that time).There have been 18 instances of a team starting a Test with nine players who each had 1000 or more runs, including Australia at Old Trafford, in which 19 of the 22 participants therefore had a four-figure run total to their name.England’s starting XI at Old Trafford also included five bowlers with 100 wickets each; Mark Wood joined them during the game, the first occasion a Test side had included six men with more than 100. It remains to be seen whether they will all start the next match at The Oval.How many people have been stranded on 99 not out in a Test, like poor old Jonny Bairstow? asked Terry Daniels from England
Jonny Bairstow was the seventh player to finish with a score of 99 not out in a Test, during the fourth Ashes match at Old Trafford. Six of them were left high and dry when the last man was dismissed – but at Edgbaston in 1999 Alex Tudor had 95 when he hit the four that sealed England’s win over New Zealand.The first man to be left stranded on 99 in a Test was Bairstow’s fellow Yorkshireman Geoff Boycott, against Australia in Perth in 1979-80. The only other instance in an Ashes Test was also in Perth, in 1994-95, when Steve Waugh’s batting partner was run-out after a mix-up involving his runner – Waugh’s twin, Mark.Bairstow has also been out for 99 in a Test, against South Africa in 2017, again at Old Trafford. He’s one of only 11 men to have recorded two scores of 99 (that includes Misbah-ul-Haq, who uniquely made three 99s, one of them not-out).In all, there have been 28 instances of 99 not out in men’s internationals across the formats. There has only been one in a women’s international, by Carol-Ann James of West Indies against Denmark in the 50-over World Cup in Delhi in December 1997.Ricky Ponting’s 242 against India in Adelaide is the highest individual score in a losing cause across all Tests, men’s and women’s•Hamish Blair/Getty ImagesTammy Beaumont scored a double-century in the recent women’s Ashes Test, but England still lost. Was this the highest score in a losing cause in a Test match? asked Chloe Jackson from England
The England opener Tammy Beaumont’s 208 against Australia at Trent Bridge last month was easily the highest score in a losing cause in a women’s Test, surpassing Claire Taylor’s 137 for England vs Australia at Headingley in 2001.The men’s record is 242, by Ricky Ponting for Australia against India in Adelaide in 2003-04. In all, there have been 18 individual double-centuries in defeats in men’s Tests.In that same women’s Ashes match at Trent Bridge, slow left-armer Sophie Ecclestone took ten wickets, making it the first Test – men’s or women’s – in which the losing side had a batter with a double-century and a bowler with a ten-for.Alick Athanaze top-scored for West Indies in both innings of his debut recently. Was this unique? asked Rajat Sharma from the United States
Making his Test debut in the first Test of the current series in front of his home crowd in Dominica, left-hander Alick Athanaze top-scored with 47 out of 150 in West Indies’ first innings, and 28 out of 130 in the second.I don’t suppose he’ll be too delighted, as West Indies still lost heavily, but Athanaze was the 15th man to top-score in both innings of his debut (all-out totals only). The first to do this was England’s Edward Tylecote, against Australia in Melbourne in 1882-83, while the last was Kevin O’Brien, in Ireland’s inaugural Test, against Pakistan at Malahide in May 2018.Also in Dominica, the Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal hit 171, becoming the first debutant to make a score higher than both the opposition innings in the same Test.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

She became the first Indian and the second overall to score 10,000 runs in women’s international cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Mar-20211:09

Mithali Raj: ‘Women’s cricket has evolved and you need to tune your game accordingly’

Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing runs in International Cricket.

Terrific achievement…
Keep going strong! pic.twitter.com/1D2ybiVaUt

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 12, 2021