Category Uncategorized

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was seen observing training sessions at the New York Red Bulls' facility, ahead of their crucial Hudson River Derby match against New York City FC this weekend. The German coach, who began his role as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer in January, continues his tour of the organization's global football network with this timely visit to the MLS club.

Klopp's visit creates buzz

Players appeared energized by Klopp's presence on the training ground, with several stopping to chat with the Champions League-winning manager between drills. The 57-year-old was spotted talking to New York's head coach Sandro Schwarz, and engaging with players. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGlobal Soccer role brings Klopp to multiple Red Bull clubs

This New York visit represents Klopp's latest stop on his global tour of Red Bull's football properties, having previously visited RB Leipzig in Germany and Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil since assuming his new position. While Klopp does not handle day-to-day operations at any individual club, his role focuses on supporting sports directors, developing coaching talent, and advancing the Red Bull football philosophy across the organization's teams.

Former U.S. international Michael Bradley credited Klopp's involvement as part of the reason he decided to join New York Red Bulls II as head coach. 

"One of the things that I've been able to do in the last few months is spend some time on a few different occasions with Jurgen, as well. And when you get that opportunity, and you hear him talk about the game, and you hear the way he speaks, and you see his passion and his energy, it's amazing," Bradley told GOAL. "The opportunity for a young coach to be inside this organization with people like this. That opportunity doesn't come around very often."

Hudson River Derby adds significance

The timing of Klopp's appearance coincides with one of the most anticipated fixtures on the Red Bulls' calendar, as the team prepares to host rivals NYCFC in the latest edition of the Hudson River Derby on Saturday. The fixture carries additional weight this season as the Red Bulls need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The 2024 MLS Cup finalists currently sit in 10th, just two points back from the Chicago Fire, who are in ninth with 45 points. The Fire do have a game in hand over the Red Bulls, though. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPKlopp expected to attend weekend match

Klopp will be in attendance for Saturday's derby match at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. His presence in the executive box will undoubtedly add an extra spotlight to an already high-profile fixture.

كشف لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي عن تفكيره في اعتزال كرة القدم بسبب معاناته المستمرة من الإصابات.

ويحاول مانشستر سيتي العودة مرة أخرى إلى الطريق الصحيح بعد الموسم الماضي السيئ الذي قدمه جوارديولا ولاعبوه وعدم التتويج بأي بطولة.

ويحتل الفريق السماوي المركز الخامس برصيد 13 نقطة بعد خسارتين وتعادل و4 انتصارات في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وقال ستونز، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة بي بي سي سبورت: “الموسم الماضي كان صعبًا بالنسبة لي، إلى الحد الذي جعلني أفكر في الاعتزال”.

وأكمل: “لم أكن أرغب في فعل ذلك، لقد سئمت من الاحترافية المفرطة ومحاولة القيام بكل ما في وسعي، ثم استمررت في الانهيار وعدم الحصول على الإجابات، كان الأمر صعبًا للغاية”.

اقرأ أيضًا | تشيلسي يجهز عرضًا لمنافسة آرسنال على ضم لاعب برشلونة

الإصابات حرمت ستونز من المشاركة في أكثر من 27 مباراة في موسم واحد بالدوري مع مانشستر سيتي، والذي انضم إلى الفريق قادمًا من إيفرتون في عام 2016.

وأضاف ستونز: “تصل إلى نقطة لا تعرف فيها سبب حدوث ذلك ويصبح الأمر أصعب عندما تبذل الكثير من الجهد أو عندما تكون محترفًا للغاية، لتكون قادرًا على اللعب والتواجد”.

واستطرد: “عندما يحين ذلك الوقت ويحدث أمر ما، سيكون من الأسهل قول حسنًا، لم أفعل كذا وكذا لهذا السبب ولكن عندما تفعل ذلك، يصبح الأمر مُرهقًا نفسيًا، آمل ألا أعود إلى تلك الفترة”.

وأتم: “كانت مشاعري متوترة، لم أكن أفكر بشكل سليم، لا أعتقد في قرارة نفسي أنني كنت سأفعل ذلك، قلت قبل سنوات، عندما أرادني مانشستر سيتي أن أخوض تحديًا جديدًا، سأقاتل، هذا كل ما أعرفه منذ صغري فلماذا أتوقف عن ذلك الآن؟ لذلك نعم، هناك تلك الروح القتالية بداخلي وتلك العقلية الفائزة التي لا تريد أن تتوقف”.

تحدث الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول عن مباراة فريقه أمام ساوثهامبتون ضمن منافسات كأس رابطة الأندية المحترفة.

ومن المقرر أن يواجه ليفربول نظيره ساوثهامبتون مساء اليوم، الثلاثاء، في بداية مشواره لبطولة كأس رابطة أندية المحترفين، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

ويستضيف ملعب “آنفيلد” مباراة ليفربول وساوثهامبتون ضمن منافسات دور الـ 32 من بطولة كأس رابطة أندية المحترفين “كاراباو”.

وقال سلوت في تصريحات قبل المباراة عبر الموقع الرسمي للنادي: “ندخل هذه المباراة بعد فوزنا على جارنا إيفرتون في ديربي ميرسيسايد، حافظ هذا الفوز على بداية الموسم الواعدة، رغم أننا نعلم أن هناك مجالًا للتحسين”.

وأكمل: “لقد منحني هذا الفوز متعة كبيرة ليس فقط لأنه جاء في مباراة ديربي، بل لأنه جاء بعد جدول مباريات حافل بالتحديات أيام الأحد والأربعاء والسبت، لا محالة لم تكن مستويات طاقتنا في نهاية أسبوع صعب كهذا كما كانت في بدايته”.

اقرأ أيضًا | موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وساوثهامبتون اليوم في كأس كاراباو.. والمعلق

وأضاف: “أود التأكيد مجددًا على أن هذا ليس عذرًا، أولًا، لسنا بحاجة إلى عذر لأننا فزنا بالمباراة، وثانيًا، إنه تبرير جدير بالتكرار نظرًا للمتطلبات الموجودة على عاتق لاعبينا”.

وأردف: “لقد أظهرت الطريقة التي واجهوا بها هذا التحدي عقلية جماعية قوية، والفوز في مثل هذه المباراة الصعبة يعد إنجازًا كبيرًا لهم”.

واستطرد: “من التأثيرات الأخرى لجدول المباريات أننا سنجري بالتأكيد عددًا من التغييرات على تشكيلة مباراة الليلة، حتى كتابة هذه السطور، من المبكر جدًا تحديد عددها ولكن مهما كان عددها سنختار تشكيلة أساسية جاهزة تمامًا لمواجهة ساوثهامبتون، الفريق الذي نعرفه جيدًا حيث واجهناه 3 مرات الموسم الماضي”.

وتابع: “أود أن أرحب بويل ستيل وجهازه الفني، ولاعبيه، وجماهير ساوثهامبتون ومسؤوليها في آنفيلد، نعلم أن ساوثهامبتون سيشكل خصمًا صعبًا، وهذا التوقع لم يتغير، رغم أننا نلعب الآن في دوريات مختلفة”.

وأكد: “بصرف النظر عن المباراة النهائية، والتي للأسف لم تسر في صالحنا فقد استمتعنا ببعض اللحظات الجيدة حقًا في هذه المسابقة الموسم الماضي”.

وأتم: “هدفنا هو أن نفعل الشيء نفسه هذه المرة، وبدء هذه الرحلة في آنفيلد أمام جماهيرنا، هو شيء سنسعى إلى تحقيق أقصى استفادة منه”.

Given their already-strong net run rate, a win here will prop up West Indies’ semi-final chances

Sruthi Ravindranath09-Oct-2024Bangladesh vs West IndiesDubai, 6pm local timeBangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha BiswasWest Indies squad: Hayley Matthews (capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (vice-capt, wk), Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa CraftonTournament guide: After a win in their first match against Scotland, Bangladesh crumbled to a loss against England on a surface that aided spin. West Indies, meanwhile, lost their first match to South Africa but bounced back with a dominating win against Scotland thanks to an all-round show from Chinelle Henry.Related

Afy Fletcher: 'West Indies are here for business, not just a joyride'

Powerplay podcast: Australia march on but who is dancing behind?

News brief: Left-arm spinner Zaida James suffered a blow to the jaw while fielding off her own bowling in the match against South Africa and subsequently missed the Scotland game. A West Indies statement said she “fortunately does not have breaks and fractures” and continues to be monitored by the medical team.West Indies earned a massive net run rate boost after their win against Scotland, and winning this match will strengthen their semi-final chances. If Bangladesh lose this match, their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals will take a big hit given their negative NRR. This will be West Indies’ first game of the tournament in Sharjah.Despite being used to spinning tracks back home, Bangladesh – after a fine outing with the ball – were undone by England’s quality spin attack in the previous game in Sharjah. This match, too, will come down to how well the teams counter spin. The average first-innings total at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium this tournament is 119, and only twice have teams won chasing.Player to watch: Bangladesh’s batting unit has not been up to mark in both games, but one player who’s stood out is Sobhana Mostary. She helped Bangladesh put up a competitive total scoring 36 against Scotland, and once again top-scored with 44 against England. Coming in after an early wicket against England, she dropped anchor as regular wickets at the other end piled the pressure on her. She hit a four and a six in her 48-ball stay on a slow surface against tight bowling and kept at it till the 19th over, but the target of 119 was too much of an ask in the end.

Celtic are back in pre-season training with the new campaign on the horizon and could be set to add a fresh face to their camp imminently, according to reports.

Brendan Rodgers looks for Celtic to make more additions

The Bhoys are back in action this Friday against Queens Park and Brendan Rodgers has already hinted Celtic are set to make further signings after the arrivals of Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren.

He stated: “We’re not needing a major overhaul of the squad, but freshness is so important. Some of these guys have been here a long time. It’s so important, even in a winning squad, that you refresh that and reset the competition in the squad.

“We’ve done some really good business up until now. I see us doing more to get us set up for hopefully what will be a really exciting season.”

While not a direct first-team arrival, Cork City winger Cathal O’Sullivan could be next in line to join Celtic, and they will have the added bonus of being able to witness him live in the flesh when both sides meet in a friendly at Páirc Uí Chaoimh next Tuesday.

Former Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski has also been linked with a move to Parkhead, potentially adding more SPFL pedigree to their forward line following 44 goals in 98 outings for the Dons before his move to the North East.

It'd be Ryan Christie 2.0: Euro club open talks to sign £2m Celtic ace

A European team are interested in a deal to sign a star from Celtic this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 3, 2025

Planning ahead for the defence of their Scottish Premiership title and featuring in the UEFA Champions League playoff round will be of immediate concern for the Hoops, so it will come as no surprise that they are closing in on yet another signing.

Celtic-bound Hayato Inamura spotted ahead of medical

According to Sky Sports, Albirex Niigata defender Hayato Inamura has travelled for his Celtic medical and was spotted boarding a plane to London on Wednesday before conducting the formalities needed to ratify his move to Glasgow.

His club have already announced his departure, and a fee in the region of £250,000 is said to have been agreed between both sides ahead of the transfer becoming official.

Primarily a centre-back, Inamura can also feature on the left of a back three or at left-back if needed, which could offer cover now that Greg Taylor has left the Scottish champions to join Greek Super League outfit PAOK.

Beginning his professional journey at Albirex Niigata, the Tokyo-born man has registered a goal and two assists across 36 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Celtic have been in the hunt for a defender this window and Inamura could prove to be a bargain if he manages to replicate his exploits in the J League once he settles in at Parkhead.

One of the top priorities for Celtic in the summer transfer window might be finding a winger to replace Jota until the Portuguese star returns from his long-term injury.

The Hoops swooped to sign the exciting forward from Rennes during the January window, re-signing him 18 months on from his move to Al Ittihad, and he made a fast start to life back in Glasgow.

Jota racked up four goals and two assists in 11 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, despite starting just seven of those matches, after returning to the club at the start of the year.

Unfortunately, though, he suffered a knee injury against Dundee United that is now set to keep him out of action for the start of next season, and possibly into next year.

It was stated at the start of May that Jota had suffered a cruciate ligament injury that is going to see him sit on the sidelines for between six and nine months.

Celtic may look to go out and sign another winger before the end of the summer transfer window because Brendan Rodgers could be without the forward’s talents for half of next term.

Why Jota's injury is a big blow for Celtic

As aforementioned, Jota made a fast start to his second spell at Parkhead and showed that he can still make a big impact at the top end of the pitch at Premiership level, 18 months on from his first exit from Glasgow.

The 26-year-old whiz did not play a competitive match under Rodgers during his first spell, as he left in the same summer that the manager returned, but the attacker quashed any concerns that the style would not suit him as well as Ange Postecoglou’s did.

As you can see in the table above, Jota immediately became one of the top attacking wide players in the Premiership after his return to Parkhead, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key metrics as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

That form would not have come as a big surprise to many in Glasgow, though, as the winger had produced 21 goals and 21 assists in his two seasons in the Scottish top-flight under Postecoglou’s management in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns.

Jota, as shown in the highlights above, found the back of the net 15 times in all competitions for the Scottish giants in his second season under the Australian boss, which led to his move to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023.

His form across his two spells at Celtic so far illustrates why it is such a blow to lose the forward to a long-term injury heading into the 2025/26 campaign, because Rodgers’ side will not benefit from the goals and assists that he can provide for several months.

This is why the club may look at their options in the summer transfer window to potentially bring in a new player to compete for a spot out wide, to ensure that the manager is not left short at the top end of the pitch before Jota returns.

However, Celtic could save themselves millions by unearthing a surprise replacement for the Portuguese wizard in the form of Marco Tilio, who has been out on loan in his home country this season.

Why Marco Tilio could be a surprise Jota replacement

The 23-year-old winger signed for the Hoops from Melbourne City in the summer of 2023, but arrived at Parkhead with an injury that meant that he started his career at the club on the back foot.

Tilio only made two appearances in the Premiership as a substitute after coming back from his injury, before being sent out on loan to Melbourne for the second half of the season.

The left-footed star did not fare much better in that initial loan spell back in Australia, though, as he missed a further 13 matches through injury, and managed just one goal in four league appearances.

Tilio then re-joined Melbourne City on loan for the 2024/25 campaign and was absent for 12 games during the first half of the season with a hamstring injury, which left the forward in a difficult situation after 18 months of constant injury problems.

However, the Hoops loanee, who was once described as a “phenomenal” talent by A-League striker Bruce Djite, has not suffered a single injury since returning to action in January, and has caught the eye with his impressive performances.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once compared Tilio to Manchester City superstar Phil Foden, describing them as “similar” players, and the left-footed playmaker is finally starting to live up to that hype with his form in the A-League for Melbourne City during the 2024/25 campaign.

Whilst he may not be on the same level, quality-wise, as the Premier League star, the Celtic loanee is similar in the sense that he is also a left-footed and diminutive playmaker who can play on either flank or centrally in the attack.

As you can see in the table above, Tilio was on fire in Australia in the second half of this season with an eye-catching haul of 14 goals and ‘big chances created’ combined in just 19 appearances.

These statistics show that the potential is there for him to provide quality in front of goal on a regular basis when fit and available to play, whilst playing on the left or the right flank, like Jota.

Interestingly, he also won possession back in the final third 1.4 times per game in the final third, which suggests that he would be brilliant for the way that Rodgers wants his team to counter press and win possession back off the opposition in their defensive third.

Daizen Maeda, for example, only won the ball back in the final third 0.4 times per game in the Premiership this term, which speaks to the kind of pressing quality that Tilio could offer.

Dream XI Celtic could build: Idah axed for "sensational" CF, Tierney starts

The dream starting XI that Brendan Rodgers could build for Celtic next season.

2

By
Dan Emery

May 31, 2025

Overall, Celtic could save themselves millions by utilising the Australia international as a short-term replacement for Jota until he returns from injury, as he would not cost a penny to bring into the squad and his form out on loan suggests that the potential is there for him to be an exciting option for the Hoops moving forward.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now set to say goodbye to Rayan Ait-Nouri as Manchester City are reportedly closing in £33.7m deal to sign the player.

The Algerian defender has been with Wolves since 2020, but after five seasons at Molineux, now is the time to cash in.

This follows on from Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha, bringing in £62.5m for Vitor Pereira to use this summer.

Cunha will be missed, no doubt about that, but Ait-Nouri has been one of the best players for Wolves in the Premier League over the previous few years.

Rayan Ait-Nouri's record at Wolves

Last season, the defender enjoyed his most productive season with regards to attacking output since he joined Wolves.

Across 41 matches, Ait-Nouri scored five times while registering seven assists for the club. He also created eight big chances in the Premier League for the Old Gold, while averaging 1.3 key passes and succeeding with 1.7 dribbles per game last term.

The onus for Pereira now is to find a player who can be signed cheaply that will go on to replicate the success that Ait-Nouri has at the club.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

41

5

7

2023/24

38

3

4

2022/23

27

2

1

2021/22

27

1

6

2020/21

27

1

2

He will have money to spend. That’s a certainty. Could he sign a player from his homeland this summer who might be an even bigger talent than Ait-Nouri?

Wolves eyeing move for Roger Fernandes

Journalist Graeme Bailey stated recently that Wolves are keeping tabs on Braga’s Roger Fernandes ahead of making a potential swoop.

Transfer Focus

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

“I think the Portuguese league will be somewhere that they explore; it wouldn’t surprise me if they do look towards that league again,” said Bailey.

“I’ve heard Roger Fernandes’ name linked to Wolves in recent weeks as well, wouldn’t surprise me if he was on the agenda.”

Despite typically operating as a right-winger, Fernandes can also play either left-back or left wing-back, positions that Ait-Nouri made his own at Wolves.

Quite how highly-rated the 19-year-old is evident by the fact that he even made his debut aged just 15 years and eight months for Braga back in August 2021 – a record in Portugal’s top-flight. Ait-Nouri, by contrast, was 17 when he made his first senior bow for Angers in August 2018.

Last season, meanwhile, Fernandes made 48 appearances across all competitions for the Portuguese side, scoring five goals and chipping in with seven assists.

For context, Ait-Nouri’s final season in France saw him register just three assists in 17 games in Ligue 1, before joining Wolves at the age of 19.

Fernandes shone at both ends of the pitch. Not only did he create six big chances while averaging 1.3 key passes per game, but the youngster also won over 50% of his contested duels while averaging 1.5 tackles per match for Braga.

Last summer, talent scout Jacek Kulig praised the teenager, describing him as “Braga’s biggest jewel” and “one of the most exciting U19s in Portugal.”

It would certainly be a significant coup should Pereira land the winger this summer, especially given his high ceiling for development.

Wolves might only have to pay a fee of around £25m to secure his services. With the club raising nearly £90m by selling Cunha and Ait-Nouri, it could prove to be a wonderful bargain this summer.

Wolves now keeping tabs on £25m winger who is similar to Antonio Valencia

The Old Gold are looking to add some attacking flair this summer.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 5, 2025

A £45,000-a-week star has said yes to signing for Leeds United following promotion to the Premier League, according to a transfer update.

Leeds looking to lift Championship title at Plymouth

It has been a memorable season for the Whites, with Daniel Farke’s side setting numerous club records and achieving their goal of winning promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds can still get to 100 points and lift the Championship title with a win at Plymouth Argyle on the last day of the season, something which Farke wants to do.

“The main job is done, we are promoted to the PL. We had a fantastic final home game. The connection between the club and the supporters. Icing on the cake is silverware for the bus tour. It’s pretty useful as you can drink something out of [silverware]. Both teams would deserve to win the league.”

Related Top 1% for clean sheets: Leeds now keen on "1-on-1 king" to replace Meslier

The Whites are looking to bring in a new goalkeeper in the summer, given how error-prone Illan Meslier has been this season.

Posts ByDominic Lund May 1, 2025

Attention after the last game of the season at Home Park will then be on the summer transfer window. Decisions will have to be made on the likes of Junior Firpo, Sam Byram and Josuha Guilavogui, all of whom are out of contract in the summer.

Meanwhile, calls will also be required on loanees Manor Solomon, Joe Rothwell. When asked if decisions were already made on those players, Farke said: “No not yet. Until everything is settled and done, we won’t speak about individuals about the future. It will happen pretty fast, right now we have clarity. But no rush because we have the whole of May and June to speak but we will do things relatively quick.

“Middle of next week we will make some decisions then we will speak to agents and move forward. We’ve had a few meeting already [re strategic planning]. Many structural and personal changes in the past. It’s important we sit down together and have clarity over budget.

“Scouts and data analysts doing a very good job. Right now we will prepare for next season with Robbie and Alex – they are in different roles now and we have to make sure the processes are right. A bit more time needed to discuss these processes. Next week we will need a few meetings. I’m optimistic.”

Now, there has been another transfer update on Solomon signing for Leeds on a permanent basis from Tottenham.

Leeds confident of signing Solomon who says yes to Elland Road move

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are open to selling Solomon this summer, and the player himself has said yes to signing for Leeds.

A permanent transfer ‘is expected to go through in the coming weeks’, with the 49ers Enterprises confident of a transfer and the winger and his fiancé, Dana Voshina, very happy in Leeds.

The 25-year-old, on £45,000-a-week, has been a standout performer for Leeds in the pressure moments of the season, as can be seen from his form during the run-in.

Manor Solomon’s recent Leeds performances

WhoScored rating

Leeds United 4-0 Bristol City

8.75/10

Leeds United 6-0 Stoke City

8.84/10

Oxford United 0-1 Leeds United

7.45/10

Leeds United 2-1 Preston North End

8.67/10

Middlesbrough 0-1 Leeds United

7.3/10

Nine goals and 12 assists in 38 Championship games from the left hand side has been Solomon’s contribution, striking up a brilliant relationship with Firpo. Now, it looks as if the Israel international, once dubbed a “pocket rocket”, could be here to stay.

New Zealand went through the 2024 edition without a fifty, and a top partnership of 34

Sampath Bandarupalli17-Jun-20244 – Maiden overs from Lockie Ferguson against Papua New Guinea. He is the second to bowl four maidens in a men’s T20I after Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar in 2021 against Panama. Before Ferguson, no one had bowled more than two maidens in a men’s T20 World Cup match.Outside of internationals, Akshay Karnewar is the only other man to do it: for Vidarbha vs Manipur, only a week before Saad’s effort, in an Indian domestic T20 at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.4 – Maidens in PNG’s innings overall. It was the first instance of a team bowling as many as four maidens in an innings at a men’s T20 World Cup match. There have been six instances of three maidens at the showpiece event previously, four of which came in 2024.Getty Images81 – Dot balls played out by PNG’s batters – the second-highest in a men’s T20 World Cup game. The highest is 89 dots by Uganda against New Zealand on Saturday.78 – PNG’s total against New Zealand was their second-lowest in men’s T20Is, behind the 77 all out they made against Uganda earlier in the tournament. Three of PNG’s four lowest totals in this format have come in this World Cup.34 – Partnership runs between Devon Conway and Kane Williamson for the third wicket. It was the highest partnership for New Zealand in this T20 World Cup. It was also the lowest “highest partnership” for any team in an edition of the men’s T20 World Cup where they played four or more matches. The next is 35 for Uganda, across four games in 2024.40 – Glenn Phillips’ score against West Indies was the highest for New Zealand in this tournament. They are only the fourth team to play four or more matches at a men’s T20 World Cup without an individual 50-plus score.Ireland played five matches in the 2009 edition without an individual fifty, while the highest score for Uganda in 2024 was 33. No New Zealand batter hit a fifty in the five matches they played in the 2010 edition, played in the West Indies. England don’t have a fifty in this year’s World Cup as yet, but they have the Super Eight to set that right.

Australia allrounder keen to don London Spirit colours after pulling out of last year’s competition

Vithushan Ehantharajah03-Aug-2022On Thursday evening, playing against Oval Invincibles at the Kia Oval, Glenn Maxwell will finally add London Spirit to the list of teams he has graced on the lucrative short-form circuit.It has been a long time coming, or perhaps not long at all if you’re on Maxwell’s “tick follows tock” schedule of franchise tournament into international duty and back into franchise tournament again, where time moves that little bit quicker. He was one of the most sought-after names ahead of the original draft at the end of the 2019 summer, then one of the many overseas withdrawals for the inaugural season in 2021.But as the £100,000-man sits on the pavilion benches at Lord’s, looking out on the historic ground he will call home for four games before returning to Australia for their white-ball series with Zimbabwe, he appreciates where he is in this moment. “I’m not sure you get a better venue for an interview, do you? This is as good as it gets.”Related

Southern Brave have 'no excuses' after Will Smeed, Will Jacks centuries leave title defence on line

Glenn Maxwell still hungry to succeed in Test cricket

Last summer, it was all fun and frolics – now comes the real test for the Hundred

'Going to keep seniors on toes' – Moeen cherishes pressure of intense competition

Bairstow out of the Hundred after opting for rest

Amid the excitement of his first taste of the Hundred, there is a tinge of sadness that the man who brought him here is no longer around. Prior to the draft three years ago, Shane Warne had been buttering up Maxwell – not that the 33-year-old needed much convincing to spend a few weeks of the summer in the capital.”When the draft happened, I wasn’t sure who I was going to go to, but as soon as I was picked up to London I was basically on the phone to Warnie pretty much nonstop,” Maxwell says. “Trying to work out the team and all that sort of stuff. Different combinations.”Warne, who died suddenly in March, had a rough time as Spirit head coach last summer, ruled out of a chunk of games after contracting Covid-19 at the start. Nevertheless, his enthusiasm remained undimmed. Warne had spent the winter planning on springing a surprise on the rest after finishing bottom in the regular season, with Maxwell central to his plans to make amends.”He said it was an amazing tournament to be a part of and all he was talking about after last year was ‘oh next year we’re going to get it right, it’s fine, you’ll be coming over’. The excitement in his voice, he spoke really passionately about it and, yeah, he loves this team.”He loved being able to almost brag about coaching the team playing at Lord’s, which was always quite funny. Being in the heart of London suited his lifestyle, he absolutely loved it here.”Much like Rajasthan Royals in this year’s IPL, then Hampshire in the Vitality Blast, the legendary Australian will be in Spirit’s thoughts as they go through their second campaign under new head coach Trevor Bayliss. Maxwell also hopes Warne will be able to have family representation at the odd game: “I got to see Jackson [Warne’s oldest child] the other day. It’s nice to see him over here and hopefully he can get to a game and see the boys play. I know he [Shane] would have loved to have been here.”Perhaps the surprising element to all this is the emotional attachment to a team he hasn’t even played for. Most of that is Warne, of course: the pair were thick as thieves, with plenty in common beyond being avid St Kilda supporters. But part of being Glenn Maxwell is knowing you need to be Glenn Maxwell when a tournament of this billing comes calling.

“I’ve got a long nine months on the road so it’s about getting my body right. Being able to be injury free for all that time is going to be key. Especially the wrong side of 30, you have to do all the right things”

There is little doubt the Hundred needs Maxwell more than he needs it, particularly with high-profile England Test players such as Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow resting from season two. But the challenge of a new environment, conditions and an altogether different format is exactly what he’s after as he begins his step-up in preparations for the home Twenty20 World Cup awaiting him in October. In turn, the competition, even for those four rounds, should benefit.”I think me personally, I’m trying to get my own preparation done for the World Cup. That’s my whole game at the moment, is gearing towards that T20 World Cup. I’ll use these conditions and the quality of teams and players in all those teams to hopefully get myself prepared. I know I’m only here for a short period of time but I’m going to be training with a goal in mind to be ready for that T20 World Cup.”I still think this is an exciting new tournament that I wanted to be involved in anyway. Even if there wasn’t a World Cup I’m still going to approach the game as I do every other game. It’s more the off-field stuff, I’m starting to prepare longer down the road.”A best-ever Big Bash League season, with 468 runs at an average of 42.54 for Melbourne Stars, was followed by a middling IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore (301 across 13 innings and just one half-century), though his wedding during the early stages of the competition puts that in perspective. Then came a tour of Sri Lanka where, following ODI and T20I series, he came agonisingly close to a first Test cap since September 2017.And yet it is what lies ahead that Maxwell regards as a tougher period. Hence why the Hundred will be the start of his tuning up with a packed home summer on the horizon.”I’ve got a long nine months on the road so it’s about getting my body right. Being able to be injury free for all that time is going to be key. Especially the wrong side of 30, you have to do all the right things around your training and it’s certainly one of the things I’ve been working really hard at, to keep that consistency of training going and consistency of gym work to make sure I do stay injury free. And I know that’ll help in the back end of my career as well.”The card for all short-format cricketers is only growing, with the lucrative new UAE T20 league and South Africa’s own big-money offering, which are due to sandwich the BBL. As a contracted player with Cricket Australia – for the time being – organising his calendar is that little bit easier given they are his primary employer. But he has sympathy for those now spoilt for choice but having to sort their own path during what is both an exciting time for T20 cricketers but more precarious for those with irons in the fire elsewhere.”For the domestic player, there are so many opportunities all over the place,” he says. “Trying to organise your own schedule and pick and choose what you do left right and centre, that’ll be a nightmare. I’m probably going to be retiring at the right time in a few years – there are going to be T20 tournaments everywhere.”Maxwell is gearing his preparation towards Australia’s T20 World Cup defence•AFP/Getty ImagesThese next weeks in England should set him right. The lack of Covid-19 restrictions make it the best touring destination at the moment, a far cry from when Maxwell was last here at the end of the 2020 summer when he had and his Australia team-mates were kept to the bio-secure confines of the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford for their white-ball tour. When he arrived for this stint, he grabbed a beer and dinner with Bayliss, something he did not take for granted. “I remember a couple of years ago, you’d be silly to think ‘oh it’s an amazing effort to get to the pub and just have a drink and a meal.’ But it just felt like you were normal again.”As for getting down to business, he is armed with some ideas on the Hundred, fuelled by his own observations and what he has learned from conversations with other cricketers. All underpinned by a pretty crucial love for someone in his line of work – mathematics.”Well, one of the things that they did say [to look out for] was the countdown,” he says of runs required and balls remaining ticking down in the chase – a quirk that caught some off-guard.”I think that’s a good way of trying to do it because saying you need 12 an over and saying you need two a ball, it’s the same thing. But sometimes it can sort of mess with the batter’s head a little bit and they said they struggled with that last year and it’s something that you’ve gotta get used to. But that’s why maths is something that you have to learn.”Marnus [Labuschange] isn’t that good at maths and, as a cricket nuffie, it has to be one of those things that you just know. I used to work on my maths just by net run rates watching Australia play England in a one-dayer, and I’d be working it out on the screen before it came up anywhere. And that’s how you get better, that’s how you work on things, but to be able to look at the scoreboard and just go okay, I need this, saves you so much stress and time. Marnus is there like trying to carry the one…”Interestingly, one prospect he is unsure of is bowling 10 deliveries straight. Last season, captains left the same bowler on around 10% of the time, with spinners bowling 69% of the 10-ball sets. As an off spinner with street smarts and a quick turnaround, Maxwell is an ideal candidate for that tactic.”I prefer to get five and just get out of the way. Whenever I bowl an over, even in the Big Bash, I bowl my sixth ball and I run. I’m like, I’ve got away with that. So I’m not sure about bowling 10 balls in a row. I think, unless you get the match-up right and we can keep them on strike, as a standard offspinner with not too many tricks it’s going to be hard to get away with 10 balls in a row. If you can get five and then come back on another five balls later that might work but I just think you need that break as a standard spinner.”Perhaps at some point over these first four games his skipper Eoin Morgan will be able to convince him otherwise, especially as Spirit used the 10-ball option more than any other team. One thing is for sure, Maxwell’s presence in the Hundred will enhance both its intrigue and cache.