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The three who quit are Naimur Rahman, Khaled Mahmud and Enayet Hossain Siraj

Mohammad Isam31-Oct-2024

Faruque Ahmed chairs the BCB meeting•BCB

The BCB has removed 11 directors from the board after they failed to attend three or more consecutive meetings, in accordance with the board constitution. The list includes former president Nazmul Hassan and BPL chairman Sheikh Sohel.The others are Manzur Kader, AJM Nasir Uddin, Anwarul Islam, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury, Ismail Haider Mallick, Tanvir Ahmed, Obeid Nizam, Gazi Golam Murtoza and Nazib Ahmed. In addition to the 11, the BCB accepted resignations from three other directors: Naimur Rahman, Khaled Mahmud and Enayet Hossain Siraj.All of the above names have been missing in action since the Awami League government was dethroned on August 5 following a violent student uprising. They have direct or indirect connections with the Awami League. Nazmul was the sports minister, Shafiul an Awami League MP while Nasir was a former Chattogram mayor during the Awami League’s 15-year reign. Sohel and Nazib are relatives of Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister, while Mallick was Nazmul’s close associate.The BCB had 25 directors in all before the fall of the government and 10 remain after the departure of those 14, as one had passed away before August.The BCB also formed a constitution amendment committee headed by director Nazmul Abedeen. According to the press release, “the committee will be responsible for assessing the current BCB constitution, identifying areas of improvement and proposing amendments that align with the strategic goals and evolving needs of the BCB”.Two weeks after an interim government was sworn in on August 8, the BCB directors elected Faruque Ahmed, the former Bangladesh captain, as the president while Abedeen, the renowned coach, also became a director. They took the places of Jalal Yunus who resigned as a director and Ahmed Sajjadul Alam was removed as director.

Paul Gascoigne is one of the geatest players in Glasgow Rangers history and undoubtedbly one of the most entertaining footballers of all time.

‘Gazza’ joined the Gers from Lazio in 1995 and won the lot in his debut campaign at Ibrox, lifting the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup while being crowned the SFWA Player of the Year and PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

Perhaps his finest moment in a Blue shirt came against Aberdeen in that 1995-96 campaign, as a hat-trick at Ibrox which included a stunning solo goal sealed the league title.

The 10 greatest Rangers players of all time – ranked

Rangers have had plenty of legendary players turn out for them over the years.

ByRoss Kilvington Nov 29, 2024

The following year is remembered for Gascoigne’s masterclass in the Scottish League Cup final against Hearts, as he scored twice in a 4-3 victory, and Ally McCoist recalls an argument with the match-winner that day: “The half-time whistle goes and we’re up the tunnel and we’re still at it the two of us, we’re in the dressing room and we’re still at it, so Walter Smith comes in and says: ‘Right, everybody shut up and calm down’.

“But Gascoigne is still raging and I can see Walter getting angrier and angrier. I’ve known Walter long enough by this point to just keep my mouth shut, but Gascoigne keeps going.

“Eventually Walter picks him up by the scruff of the neck and hangs him up on the peg where you put your coats and he says: ‘Paul, I will not tell you again to shut up!’”

He continued: “Eventually when it calmed down Gazza got up, went out of the dressing room and straight into the director’s room – in his gear by the way! – and had a whiskey.

“He threw it down his neck, came back into the dressing room, sat down, Walter did his team talk, he walked out for the second half and he scored two goals. He was unbelievable.”

McCoist and Gascoigne played with some incredible names during that era – perhaps no surprise given they won nine straight league titles – from Richard Gough to Brian Laudrup, and Gazza has revealed it was the Dane who blew teammates away in training.

Gascoigne: Laudrup was 'one of the best players in the world'

Speaking about his greatest teammates, Gascoigne named EURO 1992 winner Laudrup as a ‘match-winner’ who was ‘virtually untouchable’ both in games and on the training ground.

Laudrup won three titles in four seasons at Glasgow, while both he and his brother are widely regarded as two of Denmark’s greatest ever players.

1994/95

49

16

1995/96

40

10

1996/97

48

23

1997/98

42

7

Even in a team stacked full of big names, his elegance, quick feet and creativity stood out like a sore thumb.

Newcastle United look to be making strides in the transfer market. Eddie Howe is not one to make signings on a whim. Rather, he aims to find value and only strengthen when required.

With Champions League football gracing St James’ Park once again, however, the manager must add some high-profile players to his first-team squad, especially if he wishes to make progress in the competition.

An improved bid of £55m was submitted for winger Anthony Elanga recently and Howe will be hoping that this will be enough to secure the services of the Swede.

Their first offer was rejected, but the Magpies are desperate to land their man and it would be a significant coup should they sign Elanga.

Another move that is in the pipeline is for James Trafford. The Toon are aiming to get a move for the Burnley goalkeeper tied up by next week.

Signing these two should be the catalyst for Howe to land a few more significant signings over the next couple of weeks.

Bolstering his defence is certainly a priority and one name that has been touted for a move to Newcastle is Atalanta starlet Giorgio Scalvini.

Latest on Newcastle's pursuit of Scalvini

It was reported on Friday by journalist Martin Hardy, who is the Northern sports correspondent for The Times, that Newcastle have made Scalvini their top target.

The youngster is valued by the Serie A side at around £30m, which means Howe will need to splash the cash to lure him to England.

Is he worth it, however? He could only muster eight appearances all season due to a cruciate ligament injury, which hampered his progress.

It was the 2023/24 campaign in which the 21-year-old began to demonstrate his potential. He featured in 44 matches across all competitions for his club, scoring twice and grabbing three assists in the process.

The centre-back also played a key role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph, playing 45 minutes in the final which the club won 3-0 against Bayer Leverkusen.

During his 45-minute cameo in that game, Scalvini won two of his three duels contested, made three clearances and finished the game with a 92% pass success rate.

It was an excellent performance and there is no doubt he would have continued this fine progress into the 2024/25 campaign if it weren’t for his injury.

He appears to be back at full fitness and ready to prove a point. Still only 21, Scalvini is yet to even hit his peak and this could entice Howe into making a swoop for the defender this summer.

Will the potential price tag put him off, however? Especially if moves for Elanga and Trafford go through as planned in the coming days.

Could the club perhaps go for another transfer target instead? One that won’t cost north of £30m to sign.

Newcastle have also been linked with another defender from Serie A. This time, it is AC Milan star Malick Thiaw.

Newcastle chasing move for AC Milan defender

Although Scalvini would be a solid signing, especially with his long-term potential, might Howe be slightly put off by his lack of game time due to the cruciate ligament injury?

Journalist Graeme Bailey provided an update on Newcastle’s transfer business on Friday, naming Thiaw among those that the Magpies are showing “major interest” in.

There are several targets that Howe clearly wishes he could sign, but ultimately, only one or two will arrive at St James’ Park.

Milan are holding out for a fee of between €25m to €30m (£22m to £26m) for the German centre-back, which could be more appealing for Howe.

Thiaw has already played 14 games in the Champions League, which is another aspect that will please Howe amid his chase for another defender.

Might he be an even better signing than Scalvini too? Let’s take a look at the statistics.

Why Newcastle must sign Malick Thiaw this summer

The German international played 31 times for Milan last term, including five games in the Champions League. He showed his class by even scoring against Real Madrid in the group stages.

Hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig as “simply superb” following his debut season for Milan, Thiaw has gone from strength to strength during his time in Serie A.

Accurate passes

53.5

Tackles

1.1

Interceptions

0.7

Total duels won

3.7

Possession lost

4.5

Balls recovered

3

If comparing both he and Scalvini, however, taking a look into their respective stats from the 2023/24 league season is the best option due to Scalvini missing most of 2024/25.

From an attacking point of view, the Italian did record more goals and assists that campaign (four vs one) and registered more shots per 90 (0.67 vs 0.28) than Thiaw.

The Milan star registered a higher pass completion percentage (91.6% vs 81.3%) than Scalvini, while also recording a higher percentage of dribblers tackled (48% vs 47.5%) and committing fewer fouls.

Thiaw also made more clearances (2.6 vs 2) in Serie A that campaign, along with losing possession fewer times (5.4 vs 10) and completing more accurate passes (51.4 vs 37.8) for their respective teams.

Of course, this data is from two seasons ago, but it proves that Thiaw shone across a range of metrics compared to the Atalanta starlet.

Howe will have plenty of thoughts regarding who he could sign to bolster his defensive options, but much will depend on the finances involved.

Scalvini will likely cost more, yet he is younger and has a potentially higher ceiling for development, meaning he could make the club a significant profit in the near future.

Thiaw, on the other hand, is two years older, but he comes with much more experience, especially in the Champions League, having been hailed as a “top-class centre-back” at his best by Kulig.

Given that this is a tournament which Howe wants to do well in next term, perhaps making a move for the German international is the best way to go.

Could be better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "insane" winger

Newcastle have identified a winger who could be even better than Anthony Elanga.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2025

Already closing in on Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now reportedly very keen to sign an upgrade on Casemiro in the form of a £35m midfield star this summer.

Man Utd submit fresh Mbeumo bid

It hasn’t been the easiest deal to negotiate and the winger is yet to sign on the dotted line, but Manchester United’s latest bid to sign Mbeumo could yet prove to be successful at long last. The Red Devils have reportedly offered Brentford over £60m to sign their talented star who looks destined to become the second summer arrival at Old Trafford sooner rather than later.

Mbeumo’s arrival would take United’s spending to over £160m for the summer despite missing out on European football and often watching on as INEOS implemented several money-saving plans.

Success on the pitch has been given the priority no matter what, however, and the pressure will now be on Ruben Amorim to get the best out of his side next season.

What’s more, it seems unlikely at this stage that it will just be Cunha and Mbeumo who arrive. The likes of Emiliano Martinez have threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks as Aston Villa attempt to comply with PSR rules, as has Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

Related Their own Osimhen: Man Utd start talks to sign one of Europe's "best STs"

Manchester United appear to be making strides in a deal to land a new striker for Ruben Amorim.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Both arrivals would again offer Amorim much-needed upgrades on Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan in recent weeks.

Before Martinez and Ekitike enter Old Trafford, though, United may turn their focus towards a talented defensive midfielder worth just £34m this summer.

Man Utd very keen to sign Jashari

According to HLN, as relayed by Get Belgian & Dutch Football News, Manchester United are now very keen to sign Ardon Jashari from Club Brugge and, unlike others, are not put off by his €40m (£34m) price tag.

The Red Devils would be signing a player who was just voted the best player in Belgium – winning the Player of the Season award in the Belgium Pro League – and one who would be an instant upgrade on the ageing Casemiro.

Dubbed “impressive” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Jashari certainly isn’t short on suitors this summer but it’s a race that Manchester United could have the financial power to win once again.

If the 22-year-old was the follow Cunha and Mbeumo through the Old Trafford doors then Amorim would instantly have three very impressive signings to work with this summer.

As Manchester City’s summer clear-out commences, Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid could reportedly come calling in pursuit of one particular player in the coming months.

Man City set for summer clear-out

It’s been a season to forget for Manchester City, who will be desperate to secure Champions League qualification this Sunday and finally put the current campaign behind them. For the first time in Pep Guardiola’s time at The Etihad, the Citizens have it all to do in the summer transfer window.

No longer are they the dominant champions capable of dispatching 19 other Premier League sides with ease. That’s an era which is ruthlessly and rapidly coming to an end. Instead, the Manchester club need to write a new chapter with new heroes and fresh characters, starting with a number of emotional farewells to several players who will be deemed undeniable legends.

Man City preparing to step up deal to sign £50m star they want done by June

He could be the first signing of their midfield rebuild.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 24, 2025

Already, of course, Kevin De Bruyne has said his goodbyes. The Belgian – one of the best to ever play for Manchester City – bid an emotional farewell to The Etihad last week to begin a summer of departures for the Citizens.

The midfielder told the fans after waving goodbye: “I wanted to play with creativity, I wanted to play with passion. I wanted to enjoy football and I hope everyone enjoyed it.

“Everybody has pushed me so hard inside and outside the club to be the best version of myself and these guys in front of me have made me better than I was before. It’s an honour to play with these guys. I’ve made so many friends for life.”

In the coming months, it will be a question as to who joins De Bruyne out the exit door at Manchester City. There are certainly a few candidates who are coming to the end of their peaks, whilst another name has also reportedly been targeted by Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid now targeting Grealish

According to reports in Spain, Simeone and Atletico Madrid are now targeting a summer move to sign Jack Grealish, who could leave Manchester City this summer in a bid to gain a starting place elsewhere. The England international has often been forced to watch on from the bench this season and desperately needs a fresh start.

Of course, Grealish wouldn’t be the first English player to complete a move to the Spanish club either. Just last summer, Conor Gallagher decided to leave Chelsea in favour of the Metropolitano and has thrived ever since. Now, a year on, it could be Grealish’s turn to join Simeone in La Liga.

Despite a difficult spell at The Etihad, the £300,000-a-week midfielder has still found himself at the centre of praise from Guardiola, who told reporters following Grealish’s performance against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup earlier this season: “I’m happy for him. I know it’s not easy when you don’t play regularly. In the last game in the FA Cup he played very good, much better than today.”

Whether that praise is enough to keep hold of Grealish seems unlikely at this stage, but only time will tell if Atletico Madrid come calling this summer.

While the fans and team will have their full attention on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week, the Arsenal board will already be planning for what could be a blockbuster summer of transfer business.

Last year, Mikel Arteta and Co shifted a lot of the club’s unwanted players for good money, but they didn’t really strengthen the first team enough to sustain a successful title challenge this season.

It looks like it’s going to be a totally different story this year, with links to top-level attackers like Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins and Nico Williams coming in from every direction.

However, while the frontline certainly needs addressing, the midfield could be just as important, and it seems like the club agrees; a recent report has touted one of the most exciting midfielders in world football for a move to the Emirates, a player who might just be able to get the best back out of Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal's midfield targets

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at a couple of the other midfielders that Arsenal are said to be interested in, such as Hugo Larsson.

Transfer Focus

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

Reportedly available for around £51m, the Eintracht Frankfurt gem would undoubtedly be an investment for the future, but with respected analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “transitional monster” and comparing him to a young Jude Bellingham, he might just be one worth making.

However, the far more likely acquisition would undoubtedly be Martin Zubimendi.

The Spanish international has long been touted for a move to the Gunners, and based on more recent reports, it appears the club themselves are confident of getting their man.

However, perhaps the most exciting link of them all has been to Frenkie de Jong.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are now one of several Premier League sides interested in the Dutch international.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Liverpool and Manchester City are also keen on the player.

While no price is mentioned in the story, it is said that Barcelona are being forced to consider selling him as no progress has been made on his renewal.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could help revive Odegaard.

Why De Jong would be perfect for Odegaard

So, if Arsenal are able to get ahead of the chasing pack and get their man, why would he be an ideal partner for Odegaard?

There are two key reasons for this; the first is his defensive qualities.

While the Dutchman is now primarily an eight and would likely join as such, he’s got plenty of experience playing as a six – making 132 appearances there – and so, were he to chip in with the defensive work alongside Declan Rice, that might allow the captain to focus all of his energy and focus at the sharp end of the pitch.

The second reason is that, on top of his defensive abilities, the former Ajax star is an incredibly technical and gifted midfielder, with former manager Xavi going as far as describing him as “one of the best players in the world.”

It’s not hard to see where the Spanish legend is coming from either, as the 27-year-old’s underlying numbers are nothing short of spectacular.

Goals per Shot

0.25

Top 1%

Pass Completion

94.0%

Top 1%

GCA from Take-Ons

0.12

Top 1%

Progressive Carrying Distance

169.24

Top 1%

Carries into the Final Third

3.14

Top 1%

Passes Completed

78.36

Top 2%

Goal-Creating Actions (GCA)

0.64

Top 2%

GCA from Live Passes

0.52

Top 2%

Passes into the Final Third

9.72

Top 3%

Live Ball Passes

81.56

Top 3%

Carries

57.65

Top 3%

Touches

90.29

Top 4%

Progressive Passes

7.62

Top 7%

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for goals per shot, pass completion, goal-creating actions from take-ons, progressive carrying distance, carries into the final third, the top 2% for passes completed and goal-creating actions, the top 3% for passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

So, just imagine a vastly experienced international who currently captains Barça, who can influence the game in almost all areas of the pitch playing alongside the North Londoners’ number eight – he’d undoubtedly improve as well.

Ultimately, it would be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but with how much of a difference De Jong could make to Odegaard’s career and Arsenal overall, Arteta and Co must do what they can to get it done.

Mega Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal initiate talks for "superb" £34m monster

The experienced international could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

Mikel Arteta and newly-appointed sporting director Andrea Berta have been handed a summer striker boost, as one marquee forward is prioritising a move to Arsenal when it comes to preferred destinations.

Andrea Berta's striker targets for Arsenal this summer

Berta’s official arrival at the Emirates Stadium has brought plenty of excitement with it, especially now Arteta has admitted that Arsenal are set for a “big” first transfer window led by the ex-Atletico Madrid chief

Leroy Sane set for imminent Arsenal transfer decision after "concrete talks"

The German is set to leave on a free as things stand.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 2, 2025

One of many items on Berta’s agenda is reportedly the acquisition of a prolific new striker, following long-term injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who won’t be returning to the field before next season.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

A goal-scoring vocal point up front has long been viewed as the missing piece of Arteta’s jigsaw, and it is believed that Berta will seek to finally acquire one during his debut summer window at the club.

While Fabrizio Romano expects Berta to make an important offer for Alexander Isak, the Swede’s reported £150 million price tag may be too big of a hurdle for Arsenal to jump over, and Newcastle United are unlikely to be kind in negotiations.

More realistic targets, and ones of similar quality, come in the form of RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal wanted to sign Sesko last year, making a proposal to the Slovenia international which was ultimately turned down (Fabrizio Romano). However, reports this year suggest Berta could move for Sesko and make a second Arsenal attempt for his signature.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein has reported that Arsenal are growing increasingly interested in Gyokeres as another option, with the Sweden international enjoying yet another prolific campaign in the Primeira Liga.

Gyokeres has racked up a sensational 42 goals in 42 appearances over all competitions, including 11 extra assists, leaving little wonder he’s turning Arsenal’s head.

Viktor Gyokeres really wants to join Arsenal from Sporting CP

The 26-year-old, understandably, is also wanted by his former boss Ruben Amorim at Man United, while other elite European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich are in the mix.

That is according to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, who also write that Gyokeres has Arsenal at the “top of his preferences” in what could be seen as a major boost for Arteta and Berta.

The former Coventry star has an £84 million release clause, and while the bidding will start at around £58 million, A Bola claim he’s likely to leave for a value closer to his release clause – as Sporting are anticipating an auction for his services.

Even a fee in and around the clause would arguably be worth the punt, as Gyokeres’ exceptional goalscoring record really does speak for itself, not to mention plaudits from past teammates like Jake Bidwell, who called him “unstoppable”.

“The way he plays as well, with his aggression, the two (qualities) go hand in hand with how well he has done,” said Bidwell to the MEN.

“He all of a sudden realised how quick and strong he was and had the confidence to use it, and mixed with the aggression, it’s made him pretty unstoppable.”

And have two Tests ever played out simultaneously in the same country?

Steven Lynch06-Aug-2024For a while last week there were two Test matches going on at the same time in the United Kingdom. Is there any previous instance of two men’s Tests in the same country at the same time? asked Russ King from England

You’re right that the one-off Test between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Belfast and England’s third Test against West Indies at Edgbaston were being played at the same time. Unlike Dublin, where Ireland played their inaugural Test in 2018, Belfast is in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, so two Tests were thus being played in the same country at the same time. This has never happened before, although there was a near-miss in India in 2019: India played Bangladesh in Kolkata from November 22-24, then Afghanistan took on West Indies at Lucknow on November 27.It’s not quite the same question, but there have been two occasions when England were playing Test matches at the same time in two different countries: in 1929-30, two of the four Tests of both England’s tours of New Zealand and the West Indies were played on some of the same dates. There was also a near-miss early in 1892, when an England side took on South Africa in Cape Town from March 19 to 22, and another team in Australia started the third and final Test against Australia in Adelaide on March 24.Zimbabwe’s new wicketkeeper Clive Madande conceded 42 byes in the first innings against Ireland recently. Was this the worst on debut? asked Blake Forrester from Australia

The unfortunate Clive Madande had a largely forgettable Test debut against Ireland in Belfast last month. First he bagged a golden duck when he batted on the first day, then conceded 42 byes in Ireland’s modest total of 250.That’s not just the most conceded by a wicketkeeper on debut, it’s the most by a keeper in any Test innings. The previous record was 37, conceded by England’s Frank Woolley in an Australian total of 327 at The Oval in 1934. Woolley did have an excuse: he was 47, and not a regular wicketkeeper – he’d been pressed into service after Les Ames injured his back.There are also two cases of a wicketkeeper allowing 35 byes in a Test innings: Dinesh Karthik for India in Pakistan’s 537 in Bengaluru in 2007-08, and England’s Matt Prior against West Indies (544) in Port-of-Spain in 2008-09.The previous highest on Test debut was 28, by Hanif Mohammad in Pakistan’s inaugural Test against India in Delhi in 1952-53. Perhaps taking the hint, Hanif soon gave up keeping and concentrated on his batting.I noticed that during Ireland’s Test win over Zimbabwe recently, all their players took a catch during the match. How often has this happened in a Test? asked Michael Bradbury from Ireland

You’re right that all 11 of Ireland’s players made a contribution in the field to their exciting win over Zimbabwe in Belfast last month. There’s only one other Test in which all 11 players on one side took a catch, by New Zealand in Wellington in 2022-23. Actually New Zealand went one better, as 12 men – including substitute Will Young – held on to a catch over both Sri Lanka’s innings. There are 19 instances of ten players taking a catch in a match, but no other 11s.Rashid Khan and Paul Stirling both took six-fors in the same ODI in Greater Noida in 2017•AP Photo/Tsering TopgyalAre there any one-day or T20Is in which two bowlers took six wickets? asked Graham McAllister from England

There’s a grand total of one white-ball international that fits the bill here. In an ODI in Greater Noida in India in March 2017, Rashid Khan took 6 for 43 as Afghanistan (who had earlier made 338) restricted Ireland to 304. You might expect Rashid to do this sort of thing, but the identity of the Irishman who did well with the ball earlier in the day might surprise you: it was Paul Stirling, whose offbreaks brought him 6 for 55. He’s taken 37 wickets in 160 other ODIs. There have been no such instances yet in T20Is, or in women’s white-ball matches.There also remains a solitary ODI in which two bowlers from the same side took five wickets apiece, and again the gentlemen concerned were hardly known as demon bowlers. For Australia against England at Edgbaston in June 1977, shortly before that summer’s Ashes series started, Greg Chappell took 5 for 20, and his fellow medium-pacer Gary Cosier 5 for 18. “We both, at our lower pace, made the ball bend in the air and seam off the pitch,” said Chappell, “and with the help of some undistinguished batting from the England batsmen, whose footwork often left a lot to be desired, we finished off the innings for 171.” Unfortunately for Australia’s captain, his own side’s batting was even more undistinguished, as they collapsed to 70 all out. “A humiliating scoreline – and I regretted bitterly that England’s bowlers had had this ego boost so early in the summer.”I noticed that Riyan Parag’s first three international wickets were all bowled. Was this a record? And what’s the longest such streak at any point in a bowler’s career? Bowled is after all a special form of dismissal! asked Rahul Vats from the United States

It’s true that the Indian legspinner Riyan Parag’s first three wickets in internationals – in his fourth T20 match, against Sri Lanka in Pallekele late last month – were all out bowled. But Parag has a fair way to go to break the record: the Pakistan seamer Khan Mohammad (in Tests in the 1950s) and Luxembourg’s Ankush Nanda (in T20s against Turkey and the Czech Republic in 2019) both started by bowling their first seven victims. The England left-arm seamer Frank Foster (in the 1911-12 Ashes) and Bhutan’s Tenzin Wangchuk (in T20s between 2022 and 2024) both began with six.The most consecutive bowled dismissals by a bowler at any stage of their international career is ten, by England’s George Lohmann, all in the same Test against South Africa at Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) in 1895-96. Four men managed nine: Johnny Briggs of England (also in a Test against South Africa at Port Elizabeth, in 1888-89), South Africa’s Sandy Bell (in Tests against England in 1929 and 1930-31), Dinesh Nakrani of Uganda (T20s in October 2021) and Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus in T20s in July 2023, including all his victims against China in Kuala Lumpur. His 7 for 8 that day remain the best figures in T20Is.And there’s an Irish-themed update to one of last week’s questions, from Dave C from Ireland

“Just to point out, you missed one in your list of two-country players who also appeared against their former countries: one of Boyd Rankin’s Tests for Ireland was against England.” You’re right – Rankin won his only England cap in Sydney in 2013-14, then played in Ireland’s inaugural match against Pakistan in 2018, and against England at Lord’s the following year. That means ten of the 17 two-country players played Tests against their first team. Apologies to all for the slip – especially Boyd Rankin!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

To hang in there or go for broke, they’ll know soon enough

Alan Gardner30-Nov-2022It is 17 years since England last played Test cricket in Pakistan, and more than two decades since they managed to win a game there (one of only two victories in 24 attempts). In 2000-01, Nasser Hussain wanted his team to “stay in the series for as long as possible”, a plan which came together beautifully as they stole the spoils under cover of dusk in Karachi.This time around, Brendon McCullum has made it clear that draws are very much the last refuge of this England side – and even suggested that the tourists would accept being beaten as a result of pushing for the win. Their “Bazball” approach has been well documented, but will it pay off in conditions associated much more closely with grinding out results? And even if their batters can capitalise on what may be docile surfaces, do they have the tools to take 20 wickets, as Australia achieved during their 1-0 series win earlier this year?Batters up
With Test cricket only having returned to Pakistan three years ago, due to the security situation and the reluctance of teams to tour, there is obviously a limited sample size on which to base assumptions about the style of cricket that might succeed. “I’ve told guys to not go in there with too many preconceived notions,” Usman Khawaja said before Australia flew into the country in February. “We’ve toured India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, but I wouldn’t be going over to Pakistan thinking they’re going to be exactly the same wickets.”As Khawaja was to discover, on his way to a series-leading aggregate of 496 runs at 165.33, Pakistan can be very hospitable for batters. In fact, since December 2019, no Test-playing country has a higher average runs per wicket than the 37.28 achieved in Pakistan.!function(){“use strict”;window.addEventListener(“message”,(function(e){if(void 0!==e.data[“datawrapper-height”]){var t=document.querySelectorAll(“iframe”);for(var a in e.data[“datawrapper-height”])for(var r=0;r<t.length;r++){if(t[r].contentWindow===e.source)t[r].style.height=e.data["datawrapper-height"][a]+"px"}}}))}();