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The five teams have 19 slots to fill, and have 120 players to choose from on December 15 in Bengaluru

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Dec-2024

Sneh Rana is among the big-named Indian players who will be going into the auction•BCCI

A total of 120 players have put their hats in the auction ahead of the 2025 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) to fill the 19 slots vacated by the five teams in the latest round of releases/retentions last month. The line-up includes 91 Indians – including nine capped players – and 29 from overseas, who will be in the fray to fill a maximum of five vacancies.The big names who have listed their reserve price at the highest slab of INR 50 lakh (US$60,000 approx.) are Deandra Dottin, Heather Knight (released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru – RCB) and Lizelle Lee. Of the Indians, Sneh Rana (released by Gujarat Giants – GG), Poonam Yadav (released by Delhi Capitals – DC), Shubha Satheesh (released by RCB), Tejal Hasabnis and Mansi Joshi are the prominent names.But there are some other big overseas cricketers around to pick from too. Lauren Bell, who was released by UP Warriorz (UPW), will be going under the hammer, as will her England mates Maia Boucher, Sarah Glenn and Sophia Dunkley, apart from Knight. A total of eight cricketers from England are going to be part of the auction, the second-highest representation – outside of India – behind Australia’s 12. Amanda-Jade Wellington, Alana King, Kim Garth, Laura Harris (released by DC) and Darcie Brown are the major Australians who will be hoping to find teams. Of the overseas players up for grabs, Garth and South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk have been part of the WPL in the past.Related

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UAE’s Samaira Dharnidharka and Theertha Satish and Scotland’s Sarah Bryce are going to be part of the auction from among Associate teams. Kathryn Bryce of Scotland, who was released by GG, has not registered for the auction.The WPL 2025 auction is scheduled to take place on December 15 in Bengaluru.RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, are the defending champions, having beaten DC in the WPL 2024 final, played in Delhi.Below is a look at the five teams and their vacancies: Delhi Capitals: Four vacancies, including one overseas Gujarat Giants: Four vacancies, including two overseas Mumbai Indians: Four vacancies, including one overseas Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Four vacancies, no overseas UP Warriorz: Three vacancies, including one overseas

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A CBF divulgou, nesta segunda-feira (17), a comunicação entre o árbitro de vídeo e Anderson Daronco, responsável por apitar a vitória do Corinthians por 2 a 1 sobre o Cruzeiro, pela primeira rodada do Brasileirão. O lance analisado foi o gol de Róger Guedes, aos 43 minutos do segundo tempo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansSem os titulares, Corinthians inicia preparação para enfrentar o Argentinos JuniorsCorinthians17/04/2023Futebol InternacionalEx-Corinthians na seleção da Itália? Lembre brasileiros que defenderam ou podem defender outros paísesFutebol Internacional17/04/2023CorinthiansGiuliano recupera visão, mas é dúvida no Corinthians para confronto contra o Argentinos JuniorsCorinthians17/04/2023

+ Matheus Araújo e Róger Guedes comandam vitória do Corinthians sobre o Cruzeiro; veja notas

Em cobrança de escanteio, Gil disputou espaço com o volante Filipe Machado, cabeceou e Rafael Cabral fez a defesa. No rebote, Róger Guedes apareceu no canto da pequena área e finalizou para o gol vazio, mas Daronco deu falta do zagueiro corintiano.

No áudio divulgado pela CBF, Wagner Reway, responsável pelo VAR, afirma que o jogador da Raposa simulou o empurrão, e Gil foi apenasse afastando. Ele também verificou a possibilidade do camisa 10 corintiano estar impedido no lance.

+ Guia Corinthians: onde assistir, análise dos adversários e tudo sobre o Timão na Libertadores

– Ele não fez o movimento, ele só foi se afastando. Agora vamos ver um possível impedimento. Já vi a falta, eu vou te chamar para uma revisão pela falta, mas antes deixa eu ver um possível impedimento. Te recomendo um on field review, não houve a falta, o jogador do Cruzeiro simulou o empurrão e não teve impedimento – disse Reway ao árbitro Anderson Daronco.

-Tá vendo? Ele se joga. Se precisar tem outros ângulos. Ele não faz o movimento de empurrar. O azul se joga – explica Reway.

Após rever o lance em velocidade normal, Daronco concorda com o árbitro de vídeo e muda sua decisão, validando o gol de Róger Guedes.

+ Veja tabela e a situação do grupo do Timão na Libertadores

-Ok, ele só está delimitando o espaço – concluiu Daronco.

O Corinthians volta a campo nesta quarta-feira (19), pela Libertadores, contra o Argentinos Juniors. Já o Cruzeiro terá a semana para treinamento e irá enfrentar o Grêmio, em casa, pela segunda rodada do Brasileirão.

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Former Arsenal man Jermaine Pennant has told Football FanCast that the Gunners should be prioritising the signing of another high-profile forward, if a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres falls flat.

Latest on Arsenal's pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres

Will he, won’t he? There’s been more twists and turns in this transfer saga than a Formula 1 race.

At one stage having seemingly been behind RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko on the north Londoners’ striker shortlist, Gyokeres has emerged as the leading target for Andrea Berta and co in recent weeks, amid the need to end the club’s lengthy wait for a new number nine.

After netting 97 goals in just 102 games in Lisbon, the 27-year-old Swede appears to be edging ever closer to moving to the Emirates, albeit with the situation having dragged on of late.

Indeed, while a £63.5m agreement with the Portuguese outfit is nearing completion, following Gyokeres’ public dispute with his current side, the final details have yet to be resolved.

There had even been whispers in Portugal that rival suitors Manchester United were keen to hijack the deal, amid Ruben Amorim’s desire for a reunion, although that reported interest from the Red Devils has seemingly been overblown.

Regardless, those of an Arsenal persuasion won’t rest until the former Coventry City man is signed, sealed and delivered, with it perhaps wise to still be considering alternatives – as Pennant suggested…

Pennant suggests "big-money" alternative to Gyokeres

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of Adventure Gamers, the one-time Gunners academy graduate outlined that if his former club can’t get a deal done for Gyokeres, then a more fluid forward – in the mould of Gabriel Jesus – should well be considered, namely Real Madrid’s wantaway star, Rodrygo:

The 24-year-old wideman has been heavily linked with an exit from the Bernabeu this summer, having played a limited role at the recent Club World Cup under new boss Xabi Alonso, with Arsenal believed to be one of the clubs interested in capitalising on the uncertainty surrounding the £85m-rated talent.

2024/25

30

12

2023/24

34

15

2022/23

34

18

2021/22

33

8

2020/21

22

7

2019/20

19

2

Rodrygo wouldn’t be the only option to consider, however, with Pennant also tipping the Emirates hierarchy to renew their approach for the aforementioned Sesko:

The Slovenian is fresh off the back of the campaign in which he scored 21 times in all competitions for Leipzig, while Rodrygo scored 14 times across all fronts for Los Blancos.

Those returns fall shy of Gyokeres’ mammoth 54-goal haul in 2024/25, although as Pennant suggested, any of that trio would be a worthy addition to Mikel Arteta’s ranks.

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Captain’s 80 not out sets up 121-run thrashing as Glamorgan crash out

ECB Reporters Network14-Jul-2024Jack Taylor blitzed his way to a brilliant unbeaten 80 as Gloucestershire beat neighbours Glamorgan by 121 runs in a one-sided Vitality Blast encounter at Cheltenham.Leading by example, Gloucestershire’s captain smashed 80 from 35 balls with seven sixes and four fours to lift his side to a substantial 206 for 6 in front of a packed crowd at the College Ground. Cameron Bancroft hit 44 and James Bracey 31 in a second-wicket partnership of 64, while Beau Webster contributed 33 in a blistering stand of 63 in 6.3 overs with Taylor for the fourth wicket as the home side achieved their record winning margin in a T20 game.It was altogether too big an ask for Glamorgan, who were bowled out for 85 in 15.5 overs, five of their top six batters failing to make it into double figures and only Colin Ingram offering top-order resistance in an innings of 20. Continuing his good form in the short format, David Payne returned figures of 3 for 7 from three overs, while Tom Smith and Josh Shaw weighed in with 3 for 33 and 2 for 7 respectively as Gloucestershire won inside the distance.Still occupying fifth place in the South Group, Gloucestershire remain in with a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals after Essex lost their penultimate match to Surrey. Gloucestershire must now win their final game against Middlesex at Chelmsford on Wednesday and hope Essex lose to Hampshire at Southampton.”It was a great way to finish the Cheltenham Festival,” Taylor said. “It was really nice to get some runs, get the win and keep the campaign alive going into the final round of matches. Cameron Bancroft and James Bracey laid really good foundations at the top of the order, and that enabled Beau Webster and myself to come in and strike the ball through the middle during the later stages.”I really enjoyed batting here and it was good to get a good score. Any score of 200 or more is a good score in T20 and we knew we could defend it. We were never going to risk sitting on our laurels and all five of our bowlers hit their lengths and did an awesome job in setting the tone. After taking those early wickets, we just had to keep it going.”This win will help with our run rate and we’re pleased to be able to take it into the last game. We have to do our bit by beating Middlesex and then see what happens elsewhere.”Glamorgan captain Kiran Carlson’ decision to field was justified when Timm van der Gugten opened up with a wicket maiden from the Chapel end, Miles Hammond driving the fourth delivery straight to mid-on. But Bracey wasted no time in changing the mood, twice pulling van der Gugten to the mid-wicket boundary and then helping himself to a trio of fours in a Dan Douthwaite over that yielded 13 runs, while Bancroft ramped Jamie McIlroy for four to afford the innings crucial early momentum.Bancroft then took McIlroy for 23 runs in one over, including six off a no-ball, as Gloucestershire advanced their score to a useful 61 for 1 at the end of the powerplay. When Bracey hoisted van der Gugten high over cow corner for an imposing six, it took him to 1,000 runs in T20 cricket.Cameron Bancroft gets low to scoop over fine leg•Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesAndy Gorvin afforded the visitors much-needed relief, having Bracey held at long-on in the seventh for a 20-ball 31, and then removing Bancroft for a a 25-ball 44, the Australian held in the deep as Gloucestershire reached halfway on 92-3.Taylor hit the ground running, raising two boundaries in one Mason Crane over and then smashing Gorvin for six over mid-wicket to put the home side back in credit. Having played himself in, Webster provided acceleration at the other end, hitting three fours in one van der Gugten over to exert additional pressure. Taylor then hit Crane down the ground for six to bring up the 50 partnership in 31 balls as the fourth-wicket pair raised the tempo.Douthwaite had Webster caught at the wicket for a 36-ball 33, Marnus Labuschagne accounted for Ben Charlesworth and Ollie Price fell to Gorvin, who finished with 3 for 26 from four overs. But Taylor kept his foot to the floor, raising an exhilarating 24-ball 50 by smiting McIlroy for six over long-off before finishing with a flourish, taking 19 off the final over to further spoil Douthwaite’s figures and lift his side to an imposing total.Gloucestershire further improved their position when Payne dismissed Will Smale and Carlson in the space of three deliveries with the new ball from the College Lawn end. Shaw then had Tom Bevan held at short third man and Matt Taylor took a return catch to send back Labuschagne as Glamorgan slipped to 18 for 4 in a lacklustre powerplay that yielded just two boundaries.Worse followed, with slow left-armer Smith removing Chris Cooke and Ingram in quick succession and van der Gugten succumbing lbw to Webster as the visitors lurched to 48 for 7 in the tenth. Douthwaite became the seventh batsman to be out in single figures when he hoisted Shaw to deep midwicket, Payne returned to remove Gorvin and Smith wrapped up the innings with 4.1 overs unused.

With time running out to ease their PSR fears, Aston Villa could have no choice but to sell a player that Unai Emery loves amid reported interest from Atletico Madrid this summer.

Aston Villa must sell players this summer

Despite their success in recent years and rise into becoming a top six side, Aston Villa must sell players to comply with PSR rules this summer. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explained their situation on Sky Sports, saying: “I think of the 20 Premier League clubs, Villa are the ones who we’re most concerned about.

“Last season, when they did qualify for the Champions League, for every £100 of revenue that Aston Villa brought in, they spent £91 on wages. Those players will have had contract step-ups for qualifying for the Champions League.

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“And remember, Villa have done very well in that competition. So that will be a plus. And they have sold some players as well, in both the last summer market and the January one. But I think there is still a perception that Villa will have to box clever.

“And of all of the clubs under pressure to sell players by June 30, I guess they’re the ones who are the club that gives the most attention because their spending in the last couple of years before getting into Europe was so extensive.”

It’s, therefore, likely to be a frustrating summer for those in the Midlands. Already, Emiliano Martinez has found himself among the headlines, and he’s one player who could make way to help Villa on the PSR front.

Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers is not short on admirers, although he is someone that Villa want to keep hold of in the coming months. Whichever route the Villans go down, they must approach their PSR problems with caution – avoiding a sanction at all costs – and that could yet see them sell one particular defender.

Atletico Madrid eyeing Lucas Digne move

As reported by Paul Joyce and relayed by Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid are now looking at a move to sign Lucas Digne in the event that they fail to sign Andy Robertson from Liverpool this summer.

Whilst Digne’s departure would be a frustrating one, he is the type of player that Aston Villa should be looking to move on if they are to comply with PSR rules this summer.

At 31 years old, the £120,000-a-week defender will be past the peak of his powers sooner rather than later and as Ian Maatsen looks to break into Villa’s best side, this summer could be the best time for all parties to go their separate ways.

Whether Emery agrees will be the question, however. The Spaniard has never hidden his admiration for his left-back – going as far as to describe Digne as “amazing” last year.

Wingers have played a key part in Liverpool’s success over recent years, helping them win multiple domestic and continental trophies under various managers.

Mohamed Salah has been a key part in the success endured throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly being the star in Arne Slot’s side that claimed the Premier League title.

The Egyptian has registered 28 goals and 18 assists in his 37 appearances – the highest of any player within the division, highlighting his importance.

His new two-year contract at Anfield will enable him to be a star for multiple more campaigns, potentially adding to the two league triumphs he’s already won on Merseyside.

However, there’s only so much work he can do on his own, with the 32-year-old needing to be joined by reinforcements within the final third to sustain any long-lasting success.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Over recent weeks, Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, looking to secure a move away from the Bernabeu this summer.

The Brazilian, who also has admirers from Arsenal ahead of the transfer window, has registered 23 combined goals and assists this campaign – undoubtedly handing Slot the added quality he desires.

However, such a deal could prove to be too expensive in the coming months, with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams emerging as a key target, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report states that the Reds have been monitoring the 22-year-old for a number of months and are considering a move for the winger, who’s registered 18 goals and assists in 2024/25.

It also claims that the LaLiga outfit won’t stand in the Spaniard’s way in the coming months, as long as any interested party forks out the entirety of his £50m release clause.

Why Liverpool’s £50m target would be Liverpool’s best LW since Mane

Sadio Mané is a player who captured the hearts of the fanbase during his spell at Liverpool, proving to be one of their best signings of the modern-era at Anfield.

The Senegalese international, who joined from Southampton for £36m in the summer of 2016, spent six years on Merseyside, producing countless moments of magic along the way.

He registered a staggering 120 goals in his 269 appearances for the club, an average of one every 2.2 outings – undoubtedly leading them to their title triumph in 2019/20.

However, he would leave for German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, leaving a huge hole within the first team setup – something which they’ve failed to replace in the three years since.

Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have been the two players to often fill the void over the last couple of seasons, having various levels of impact as seen by their total of 23 league goals combined in 2024/25.

Both have shared the role in the title-winning campaign, but could find themselves with decreased game time next season should Williams arrive at Anfield.

When comparing his stats to those of the aforementioned duo since Mane’s departure, the Bilbao star has outperformed them in numerous key areas, handing Slot the club’s best option since the departed winger.

Games played

95

89

104

Goals & assists

36

37

56

Progressive carries

5.7

4.2

2.7

Carries into final third

2.7

2.4

1.8

Shot-on-target accuracy

40%

36%

39%

Crosses completed

5.7

1

3.5

Take-ons completed

3.1

2.2

1.6

Williams, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Zach Lowy, has registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered a higher shot on target rate – showcasing his threat in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more progressive carries per 90 and completed more carries into the final third, handing Slot an added threat when driving into the final third at Anfield.

He’s also completed more take-ons than current first team members Diaz and Gakpo, whilst completing more crosses – handing other options on the books the opportunities to improve their own tallies.

It would be a superb addition should the club trigger his £50m release clause this summer, having the potential to improve massively in the years ahead, given his tender age.

Should he reach the levels produced by Mane on Merseyside, it would be one of the best additions they could make in the near future, setting them up for added success during the Dutchman’s tenure.

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A player who has been really important for Rangers this season could now be tempted to leave Ibrox in the summer and join Besiktas, according to a new report.

Rangers announce new sporting director

Wednesday was a busy day for the Gers, as they confirmed a deal that they hope can help transform them on and off the pitch, as they look to close the gap on arch-rivals Celtic. Rangers are in the middle of trying to find a new manager, but before that appointment is made, they have announced that Kevin Thelwell is joining as their new sporting director.

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The 51-year-old will join Rangers once his contract with Premier League side Everton expires at the end of the season. The Gers stated that finding a new sporting director was made a priority in their football review, and Thelwell has stated that it is a “huge honour” for him to join the club.

“This is a huge honour for me to be joining a club with the size, stature and expectations of Rangers. From the first conversations, it was clear to me how ambitious the club is, and I’m excited to play a part in shaping its next chapter.

“I know how much Rangers means to so many people, and that brings both responsibility and motivation. Rangers needs to win. That’s the bottom line. There’s a strong foundation already in place, and I look forward to working closely with the teams across the men’s, women’s and academy programmes to build something that delivers consistently.

“Of course, there’s important work ahead, especially in the men’s first-team structure, but we’ll approach it with energy and purpose. While change takes time, I’m confident that we can make real progress. I can’t wait to get started.”

Rangers star could be tempted to leave Ibrox and join Besiktas

Thelwell is not yet through the door at Ibrox, but he already has a lot of work ahead of him, as according to Turkish outlet A spor, via Inside Futbol, Besiktas have added Rangers’ Vaclav Cerny to their list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

The report states that Cerny has emerged onto Besiktas’ radar after impressing for the Gers, especially in the Europa League this season. Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in charge of the Turkish outfit, and the club’s board are keen to back him with signings over the summer.

The 27-year-old joined the Scottish side on a season-long loan deal from German side Wolfsburg in the summer, and as part of that deal, Rangers do have the option to make the deal into a permanent switch. It is unclear how much he will cost, but given he has scored 11 goals in 28 league games, it is a deal that Rangers are likely going to want to proceed with.

Apps

12

Starts

12

Goals

6

Shots per game

3.4

Chance conversion rate

15%

Assists

2

Key passes per game

1.2

However, it does state that Cerny could be convinced to join Besiktas, and if the Turkish outfit manage to secure European football for next season, it could strengthen their bid to sign the Czech Republic international.

And what’s the latest a batter has come and scored a hundred in an ODI?

Steven Lynch09-Sep-2025England beat South Africa by 342 runs at the Rose Bowl. Was this their biggest win in ODIs? asked Bill Green from England
England ran up 414 for 5 in Southampton last weekend, then bowled South Africa out for 72 to win by 342 runs. It was – by exactly 100 – their biggest win in a one-day international, beating 242 runs against Australia at Trent Bridge in June 2018.More than that, though, it was the largest victory margin in any men’s one-day international, beating 317 runs by India (390 for 5) against Sri Lanka (73) in Thiruvananthapuram in January 2023. There have been three others by more than 300 runs.There have also been exactly 50 ODIs that were won by ten wickets: the quickest of those came when New Zealand overhauled Bangladesh’s 93 in Queenstown in December 2007 in just six overs.There have been bigger victories in women’s ODIs: New Zealand (455 for 5) beat Pakistan (47) by 408 runs in Christchurch in January 1997, and there have been seven further wins by more than 300 runs.In the Duleep Trophy semi-final the other day Central Zone scored 600 without anyone reaching a century. Was this a record? asked Akram Fazal Mirza from India, and others
The highest individual score in Central Zone’s total of 600 against West Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final in Bengaluru last week was Shubham Sharma’s 96. This was only the fifth time any team had reached 600 in a first-class innings without anyone making a hundred: the highest of all remains Surrey’s 671 for 9 declared against Kent in Beckenham in May 2022, when the highest individual contribution was also 96, by Ollie Pope.Namibia made 609 against Uganda in Windhoek in September 2010, with a highest score of 87 by Ewald Steenkamp, while the Indian record remains 605, by Madhya Pradesh against Haryana in Rajnandgaon in March 1999 (highest score Jai Yadav’s 90). Surrey’s 603 against Gloucestershire in Bristol in July 2005 included a highest individual score of 89, by Azhar Mahmood.Cameron Green came in in the 35th over against South Africa and hit a century. Has anyone entered later in an ODI and reached 100? asked Michael Z from Australia
Australia’s Cameron Green entered after 34.1 overs against South Africa in Mackay last month: he reached his century off 47 balls, and ended up with 118 not out.There have been five known centuries scored in one-day internationals by batters entering even later in the innings (we don’t have ball-by-ball details for all ODIs, but it looks unlikely there are any additions). Top of the list is Green’s frequent team-mate, Glenn Maxwell, who came to the crease after 39 overs against Netherlands in Delhi during the 2023 World Cup, and hit eight sixes in a 40-ball hundred.AB de Villiers came in after 38.3 overs for South Africa against West Indies in Johannesburg in January 2015, but still had time to smash 149, with 16 sixes: he reached 100 from just 31 balls, still the ODI record. United Arab Emirates’ Asif Khan hit 101 not out against Nepal in Kirtipur in March 2023, having entered after 37.3 overs. And England’s Jos Buttler has two such innings, both against Pakistan: in Dubai in November 2015 he entered after 35.3 overs and scored 116 not out, while in Southampton in May 2019 he came in after 35.1 and hit an unbeaten 110.Glenn Maxwell came out to bat in the 40th over against Netherlands in 2023, and reached his hundred off the next 40 balls•AFP/Getty ImagesAndrew Hudson scored 163 on his Test debut against West Indies, but was out for a duck in the second innings. How many other players have done this? asked Greg Nilsen from South Africa
Opener Andrew Hudson did indeed start his Test career with 163, against West Indies in Bridgetown in South Africa’s “comeback” Test in April 1992. He followed that with a duck in the second innings: at the time the only other man to start his Test career with a century and a duck was India’s Gundappa Viswanath, with 0 and 137 against Australia in Kanpur in November 1969.Since Hudson, three others have achieved the feat on debut: Mohammad Wasim made 0 and 109 not out for Pakistan against New Zealand in Lahore in November 1996, Keaton Jennings collected 112 and 0 for England vs India in Mumbai in December 2016, and earlier this year Ismat Alam made 0 and 101 for Afghanistan against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.There’s also been one instance in a women’s Test: in Bloemfontein last December, England’s Maia Bouchier made 126 and 0 against South Africa.Rahul Dravid, by never making 89 in Tests, missed out on scoring the first 14 numbers in the Fibonacci sequence in Tests. Has anyone else managed 13? asked Chris Goddard from England
The first 14 numbers in the Fibonacci sequence – in which the next number is obtained by adding the previous two together – are 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144 and 233. You’re right that while Rahul Dravid did score 233 – against Australia in Adelaide in December 2003 – he was never out (or not out) for 89.It appears that no one can beat him, although there are six other batters who have 13 of the 14 numbers (unlike Dravid, they are all lacking 233): Mike Atherton, MS Dhoni, Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, Shakib Al Hasan and Steven Smith (who might yet add the next number in the sequence!)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

India play South Africa in Kolkata on Virat Kohli’s 35th birthday and the spotlight on him will only intensify

Sidharth Monga04-Nov-2023Virat Kohli walks into the nets at Eden Gardens on Saturday evening. A small crowd gathered in the stands behind him starts chanting, “King Kohli”. He gestures at them to stay quiet during the training session. And immediately there is pin-drop silence. Security officers, police, and crowd-management personnel seem redundant.Hardik Pandya gets injured while bowling against Bangladesh. Kohli comes on to complete the over. Pune goes wild. Against Sri Lanka, he conducts fans at the Wankhede like an orchestra. The digital platform streaming the World Cup breaks viewership records when he nears what would have been a 49th ODI century, against New Zealand in Dharamsala.India will play South Africa on Kohli’s 35th birthday. The Cricket Association of Bengal wants to hand out 70,000 Kohli masks to the crowd. A grand cake-cutting ceremony is planned in front of the fans. It is all cancelled – was it on Kohli’s request? – on the previous evening.Related

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• India vs South Africa – a high-voltage contest between contrasting approaches

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India’s World Cup campaign is in full swing, but sometimes, aside of that and at times independent of that, Kohli is carrying on his symphony with his fans. Modern-day royalty and his subjects almost. Everybody is playing their part. KL Rahul is turning down singles and Ravindra Jadeja is blocking balls in the death overs, so that Kohli can get to a hundred.Coach Rahul Dravid is saying they have a “wrong-footed inswinging menace” when asked how India are planning for life without a sixth bowler. “And with the crowd behind him, I’d back him for a couple of overs there and a few wickets,” Dravid says. “The crowd was demanding his bowling in the last game. We came very close to giving him an over.”If there is one player you wouldn’t worry about in such intense spotlight, it is Kohli. But he is human too. It eventually got to Sachin Tendulkar when he neared his 100thhundred, and so Dravid was asked how Kohli is handling all the attention.”I think Virat’s been really relaxed,” Dravid said. “As you can see in his performances, batting really well for us, really keen to do well as he always is. So, look, I haven’t noticed anything different. He’s always been the same. He’s always been professional, always been hardworking, always been switched on. So, nothing different.”And no, I don’t really think he’s thinking too much about 49 and 50, and probably certainly not about his birthday getting a year older. I think he’s been really focused on winning the tournament and playing some good cricket for us. I think he’s doing that really well.”Kohli is not really a wrong-footed bowler though he might appear so. And apart from falling just short of two centuries, he has rarely been on the wrong foot when batting. Whether all this is playing on his mind or not, whether it is affecting him or not, only Kohli can tell. One thing is apparent: it hasn’t shown in the way he has batted.And why assume it might have a negative impact on a player? Imagine a whole nation celebrating your birthday with you, wishing for your milestones and cheering them with you, dancing to your tunes. What if Kohli is really enjoying it and it is having a positive impact on his game?

The pair registered a number of records during their 122-run partnership

Sampath Bandarupalli06-Mar-202211 – India have defeated Pakistan in all 11 Women’s ODIs they played. Only three teams have played more ODIs against an opponent with a 100% win record – 15 by Australia against Ireland, 12 by Australia versus Pakistan and 12 by India against Ireland.122 – Partnership runs between Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar, the highest stand for the seventh wicket or lower in Women’s ODIs. The previous highest was 104* by Nicola Brown and Sarah Tsukigawa against England in 2007, while Danielle Hazell and Nat Sciver also put on 104 against Sri Lanka in 2016.ESPNcricinfo Ltd1 – The Rana-Vastrakar partnership is also the first-century stand for the seventh wicket or lower at Women’s World Cups. The 85-run stand between Katherine Brunt and Jenny Gunn against Australia in 2017 was the previous highest.1 – Rana and Vastrakar also became the first pair to score fifties in the same innings in women’s ODIs while batting at No. 7 or lower. There is only one previous instance of two fifty-plus scores by a No. 7 and lower in the same ODI – Sophie Devine (74*) for New Zealand and Jess Duffin (68) for Australia in 2010 in Queenstown.0 – Number of players before Rana and Vastrakar to score fifty-plus runs while batting at No. 6 and below on Women’s World Cup debut. The previous highest for a World Cup debutant while batting outside the top five was 48 by Shandre Fritz against Ireland in 2005. In all, only three Indians had scored a fifty in their maiden Women’s World Cup match before Rana and Vastrakar.