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It’s already been a very busy transfer window at Arsenal.

So far, the Gunners have brought in six new recruits, signing Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Nørgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga for around £187m.

According to Sam Dean of The Telegraph, this is the first time since transfer windows were introduced that the Gunners have signed six players before their first pre-season fixture, last making six or more signings in July all the way back in 1997.

However, as Mikel Arteta targets the Premier League title, they are not done yet, so could the most exciting addition be yet to arrive, a move that would be bad news for one of the club’s longest-serving players?

Arsenal need to add creativity

Following victories over AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, Arsenal’s Asia tour ended on a sour note.

On Thursday, the Gunners were beaten 1-0 by North London rivals Tottenham at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.

The only goal of the evening came on the cusp of half-time; David Raya played a hospital pass to Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had his pocket picked by Pape Matar Sarr, who then lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper from inside the centre circle.

However, it was at the other end where supporters’ concerns lay, creating just one big chance, while only one of 16 shots found the target, according to SofaScore, with the Gunners unable to break down a low block in the second half, reverting to the familiar horse shoe of doom, passing from side-to-side without any penetration.

Thus, as they seek to address this lack of creativity, journalist Sébastien Vidal reported that Arsenal are “preparing to submit” a £52m bid to Crystal Palace in an attempt to sign Eberechi Eze, who he claims is “keen” to join this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

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Elsewhere, Dom Smith of the Evening Standard documents that Eze’s £68m release clause actually expires on 15 August, just ahead of Palace’s Premier League opener, but they still intend to make an offer irrespective of this deadline.

So, could the 27-year-old be the fabled final piece in the jigsaw, as Gooners everywhere dream of a first Premier League title since 2004?

Where Eberechi Eze would fit in at Arsenal

It is not entirely clear where Eze would fit into Arteta’s team, but this is exactly why he would be such an exciting addition, given the need for something a bit different.

Zubimendi’s arrival suggests that Declan Rice will be deployed as the left eight, given license to get forward alongside Martin Ødegaard, while Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz are also options for that left-sided midfield role.

So, could the 27-year-old become the starter wide on the left-wing, given that many Gunners fans believe a Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli upgrade is required?

As noted by Simon Collings of the Evening Standard, very few members of the Arsenal squad produce a better ‘work ethic’ than Martinelli, praising his ‘brilliant defensive work’, but there has been a clear decline in the Brazilian’s attacking output, as the table below documents.

Gabriel Martinelli season-by-season statistics

Statistics

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Appearances

46

44

51

Minutes

3,440

2,640

3,564

Goals

15

8

10

Assists

7

5

6

Shots

55

39

40

Shooting accuracy %

58.18%

56.41%

62.5%

Big chances missed

6

5

8

Chances created

58

44

38

Big chances created

11

7

7

Take-on Success %

52.94%

39.6%

35.48%

% of touches in the box

15%

15%

18%

Average Sofascore Rating

7.17

7.11

6.96

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, Squawka and SofaScore

As the table notes, when comparing the last three seasons, the vast majority of Martinelli’s attacking statistics peaked during Arsenal’s first title challenge in 2022/23, and have subsequently plateaued, namely goals, assists, shots, chances created, and dribbling.

So, would the English “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, represent a major upgrade?

Well, ahead of their clash at Selhurst in November, Fulham manager Marco Silva labelled Eze a “top player”, adding “I really enjoy watching him play”.

Meantime, Daryl Gouilard of Total Football Analysis is impressed by his ‘technical ability’, thriving as a ‘primary playmaker’ who tends to drift towards the left, while Sam Tabuteau of Breaking the Lines notes that he is capable of producing ‘match-winning moments’.

So, let’s compare Eze to Martinelli.

Gabriel Martinelli vs Eberechi Eze 2024/25 PL comparison

Statistics

Martinelli

Eze

Appearances

33

34

Minutes

2,299

2,603

Goals

8

8

Assists

4

8

Shots

40

61

Chances created

38

57

Big chances created

7

11

Big chances missed

8

8

Take-on success %

34%

52%

Touches per 90

42.4

54.9

Average SofaScore rating

6.96

7.28

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, SofaScore and Squawka

As the table documents, Eze’s attacking statistics were universally more impressive than those of Martinelli in the Premier League last season, registering more assists, creating more chances, and completing a higher percentage of his take-ons.

Thus, it is undeniable that the England international would be an amazing signing for Arsenal, and they might just need him if they’re going to overtake big-spending reigning champions Liverpool, and it would be bad news for Martinelli.

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As the Alexander Isak saga continues to evolve, Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on beating Everton to one of their top targets in an unexpected hijack.

How Liverpool can afford Isak

Having already spent close to £300m to welcome the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez, the idea that Liverpool could now break the British transfer record for a second time to sign Isak seems absurd. But Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are not done with their statement summer, as they look to spend FSG’s riches at long last.

The question that rival fans will be asking is, how exactly can Liverpool afford such a blockbuster summer? The likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle have had run ins with profit and sustainability in the past, so why are those at Anfield in a position to spend before completing significant sales?

The answer, however, is far simpler than the question. This summer has been a long time coming for those at Anfield. Across the last five seasons, Liverpool’s net spend has been £200m less than Tottenham Hotspur and they’ve even spent less than West Ham United.

In that time, they won the Premier League, an FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and reached the Champions League final.

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Now, using that success, and smart sales in that same period, Liverpool are enjoying their biggest-ever transfer window. With that said, even after a potential deal to sign Isak, those at Anfield could reportedly look to get one over on Merseyside rivals Everton this summer.

Liverpool plotting shock Douglas Luiz hijack

As reported by Caught Offside, Liverpool are now plotting a shock hijack to sign Douglas Luiz ahead of Everton this summer. The Toffees have already reportedly launched an opening offer to sign the Brazilian, but the Reds’ presence could yet scupper their plans.

The former Aston Villa man looks destined to leave Juventus after his pre-season no-show and a return to the Premier League seems inevitable at this stage.

Minutes

2,993

3,160

Progressive Passes

168

181

Tackles Won

38

35

Ball Recoveries

184

193

Although it’s Liverpool’s attack that could steal the biggest headlines for its strength in depth next season, Arne Slot could also enjoy similar quality in the No.6 role by welcoming Luiz.

At his best in his final season at Aston Villa, the Brazilian put up incredibly similar numbers to Ryan Gravenberch, who unexpectedly became one of Liverpool’s most important players last season.

A player who Villa’s sporting director, Monchi, described as “strong”, Luiz would finally hand Gravenberch some much-needed backup and Slot the chance to hand the Dutchman a much-needed rest at times.

A fourth century of the season by Keaton Jennings steered Lancashire into a strong position on 344 for 8 after the first day of this Vitality County Championship match against Nottinghamshire at Southport.It was a masterful, battling innings of 183 not out off 258 balls, with 26 fours and four sixes, by Red Rose captain Jennings that held the Lancashire innings together after the visitors had threatened to take charge after lunch.A sellout crowd had turned up hoping to see James Anderson in action for Lancashire one more time, evinced by the collective groan that rose around the Trafalgar Road ground when it was announced Haseeb Hameed had won the toss and opted to bowl. Those present had to settle for watching one of Anderson’s potential England successors instead.Dillon Pennington, selected for the first time alongside Anderson in the England squad to face West Indies, put in a strong shift that returned 2 for 70 from 23 overs across five separate spells on a slowish pitch.Pennington’s lively six-over opening spell conceded just three runs but went without reward and it was the first change bowler Dane Paterson who struck first, nipping one back to bowl Luke Wells for 7.Jennings and Bohannon steered Lancashire to 59 for 1 at lunch in a session shorn of 22 minutes due to rain but the visitors fought back strongly with three wickets in the afternoon.Wicketkeeper Joe Clarke, having taken over the gloves from Tom Moores, dropped an edge by Bohannon off Olly Stone but redeemed himself by holding onto a near identical edge by the Lancashire batter off the very next ball.Pennington snared his first wicket when George Bell edged to second slip for 8 after an uncomfortable 39-ball stay at the crease followed by Matty Hurst tamely chipping Lyndon James to Stone at midwicket for 2 to leave Lancashire 120 for 4 after the Notts attack had skilfully dried up the run scoring during the afternoon.It was Jennings who held the innings together with a mixture of calculated attack and strong defence that saw the left-hander deposit Paterson over square leg for six while his 16th four brought up a 179-ball hundred.Jennings found strong support from George Balderson, who made 41 and twice lofted consecutive Liam Patterson-White deliveries into the Harrod Drive gardens overlooking the ground, in an 88-run partnership that wrestled the initiative back for the hosts.In a lengthy 41-over final session that saw 194 runs scored, Chris Green and Tom Bailey were both lbw to James while Will Williams edged Pennington behind for a duck. But Jennings opened up as started to run out of partners, hammering a tiring attack and taking 47 balls to go from his hundred to 150 as he deposited Stone for six onto the adjacent railway line and ramped Paterson over long-on for six more.Notts cause was hardly helped by three chances of varying difficulty offered by Jennings being put down during the evening that ended with Lancashire having a strong total that they will look to bolster on Monday – and with, for those spectators attending, Anderson likely to both bat and bowl.

On the assumption England beat Namibia, Richie Berrington’s team have a simple but daunting equation

Andrew McGlashan15-Jun-20241:17

Roller: ‘Scotland have been a smart team so far’

Match detailsAustralia vs Scotland
St Lucia, 8.30pm local timeBig PictureEngland’s thumping win over Oman has ensured against any run-rate shenanigans in this match (and David Warner won’t be opening the bowling). Providing Namibia don’t pull off an upset against England in the hours leading into this game, the equation will be simple: Scotland win and they go through – although a washout would also do.Simple equation, difficult prospect.Scotland are not planning on the earlier result to help them. “We always knew this was going to be a must-win game for us and look, it’s a hell of an opportunity for us to go and play really good cricket and take on one of the best in the world,” Michael Leask said.Related

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Australia have looked like one of the best sides in the competition and even if, as expected, they rest a few players for this one they will retain a very strong XI. However, Scotland have played some excellent cricket themselves and are not without a chance of pulling off what would be one of their most famous results. Progression to the Super Eight would also guarantee a place in the next T20 World Cup.As they showed against Oman, the top order is full of power, led by George Munsey, while captain Richie Berrington provides an experienced and calming influence in the middle order. He and Leask combined critically in the matchwinning stand against Namibia.Australia have the luxury of looking ahead to the Super Eight stage – where they will face Afghanistan, India and most likely Bangladesh – and can rotate players for this game if they wish. Pat Cummins said it was an aim pre-tournament to get a match into as many of the squad as possible.The last time they met was at the 2015 ODI World Cup when Australia won by seven wickets. Leask hoped that could work in their favour. “It does kind of hold us in a little bit of good stead as well because they don’t know what we’re capable of, given the fact that we’re playing really good cricket at the moment.”Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)
AustraliaWWWWW
Scotland WWLWLGeorge Munsey provides power at the top of the order•ICC/Getty ImagesIn the spotlight: Nathan Ellis and Mark WattWith Australia likely to manage some players Nathan Ellis would appear set for another outing, meaning three games for him in the group stage. A sign that he has yet to break into the big three came when he didn’t play against England, but he is a very consistent performer when called upon. It’s hard to make a case to leave out one of the other quicks, but Ellis’ skiddy style and his excellent yorker does offer a good contrast.Mark Watt is a crafty and clever left-arm spinner – his 24-yard delivery is much talked-about – who in the last T20 World Cup in Australia became centre of attention for the notes he had written down in his pocket against West Indies. He can operate at various phases of an innings and against Oman took the new ball – having been a touch more expensive than is often the case against Namibia – although a repeat of that may be unlikely against the left-handed opening pair of Warner and Travis Head.Team news: Possible outing for Green; Currie could returnAustralia have strongly suggested there will be some rotation, but who sits out remains to be seen. It would appear sensible not to rush Mitchell Starc back while, given the compressed schedule from the Super Eight onwards, there may be some consideration to managing Marcus Stoinis. Cameron Green, Ashton Agar and Josh Inglis are yet to feature.Australia (possible) 1 David Warner, 2 Travis Head, 3 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Marcus Stoinis/Cameron Green, 6 Tim David, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodBrad Currie missed the Oman game with a niggle but Leask said that everyone was fit so he could return in place of Safyaan Sharif.Scotland (possible) 1 George Munsey, 2 Michael Jones, 3 Brandon McMullen, 4 Richie Berrington (capt), 5 Matthew Cross (wk), 6 Michael Leask, 7 Chris Greaves, 8 Mark Watt, 9 Chris Sole, 10 Brad Wheal, 11 Brad Currie.Pitch and conditionsIt is the first game of the tournament for St Lucia, so another venue for the teams to get used to. Australia will return for their Super Eight game against India and either Scotland or England will face West Indies at the ground which carries the name of their coach Daren Sammy. The forecast suggests only a small chance of a shower. A reminder, a no result would be good enough for Scotland.Stats that matter George Munsey needs 29 runs to reach 2000 in T20Is. He would be the second Scotland player to reach that mark after Richie Berrington Of players to have scored at least 500 T20 runs this year, Travis Head has the third-highest strike-rate of 183.57, behind Jake Fraser-McGurk and Andre Russell. If the cut-off is 700 runs (which 21 players have reached) Head is No. 1 Australia have played nine T20Is in St Lucia with a 5-4 winning record, although lost 4-1 in 2021. It is the venue of one of their most famous T20 wins when Mike Hussey pulled off a remarkable chase in the semi-final of the 2010 T20 World Cup.Since the start of 2023, no team has scored faster in the powerplay than Australia’s 10.08.Quotes”I think coming here a lot of us have prepared for plenty of spin depending on what venue you get to. I know here’s a good wicket. I think this might be the venue we play India at so that’ll be nice. But, yeah, we’re going to get a heap of spin. We expect nothing different and they’re all, on their day, they’re all going to be very very hard teams to beat.”
“I think it’d be an incredibly proud moment for Scottish cricket if we did progress to the Super Eight. And look, let’s not beat around the bush. It would be the tough way. We know we’re going to have to beat Australia. So, I think that would make it extra special for us, knowing that we’ve played an incredibly good game of cricket, taking on the best in the world, beat the best in the world to progress.”

After crashing out of the Champions League on Wednesday night, it looked like Arsenal were set to end the week with a humbling at the hands of Liverpool at half-time on Sunday afternoon.

Fortunately, Mikel Arteta’s team talk seemed to do the trick, and his side came out, fought back to parity and ensured the travelling fans at least had something to celebrate.

While a fair few of the Gunners’ starters put in a good showing in the second 45, Gabriel Martinelli was the most impressive, and thanks to his goal and general centre-forward play, he was awarded the man of the match award.

However, even though the 23-year-old looked bright, his time in the starting lineup could be coming to an end, as recent reports have linked the club with another Premier League star who’d be a significant upgrade on the Brazilian.

Arsenal's winger search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other wide players who have been linked with moves to Arsenal this summer, such as Nico Williams and Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is set to be available for just £48m thanks to a release clause in his contract, and, just like last year, has enjoyed a stellar campaign in which he’s scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 games.

Likewise, Rodrygo has been relatively effective for Real Madrid this season, scoring 13 goals and providing ten assists in 50 appearances, although with a reported price tag of £85m, he might be a little out of range if Andrea Berta and Co also plan to invest heavily in a striker.

Moreover, the Gunners might want a Premier League-proven winger to come in and bolster the team, which is where Antoine Semenyo comes in.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their interest in the Bournemouth star.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that due to growing problems in the North Londoners’ attack, their pursuit of the 25-year-old, who is valued at €50m – £42m – has now gained momentum.

While he might not be the big name some fans are after, Semenyo is a sensational footballer and one Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign, even if his arrival could spell trouble for Martinelli.

How Semenyo compares to Martinelli

Now, one of the really significant advantages of signing Semenyo is that, thanks to him being so strong with both feet, he’s able to play in a multitude of positions on both sides of the pitch.

However, while this would certainly allow Arteta to rest Bukayo Saka more often, there is no way that the Bournemouth star would replace the Englishman on the right on a permanent basis.

Therefore, to get regular game time, the Ghanaian international would have to start on the left, putting him in direct competition with Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes to the most important metric of all, raw output, it’s the Cherries ace who comes out ahead.

For example, in 40 appearances this season, totalling 3382 minutes, he’s scored 11 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.22 games, or every 187.88 minutes.

In contrast, the former Ituano gem has scored ten goals and provided six assists in 49 appearances, totalling 3403 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.06 games or every 212.68 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Gunners’ ace, the one-sided nature of this comparison only continues when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.43

0.40

Progressive Passes

3.18

1.88

Progressive Carries

4.08

4.71

Shots

3.60

2.07

Shots on Target

1.15

0.93

Passing Accuracy

73.1%

71.0%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.78

2.82

Goal-Creating Actions

0.39

0.23

Tackles Won

0.99

0.53

Successful Take-Ons

1.99

1.53

Ball Recoveries

4.52

3.15

Aerial Duels Won

1.85

0.65

For example, in almost every relevant metric, the “unplayable” 25-year-old, as dubbed by journalist Ed Aarons, comes out top; metrics such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, aerial duels won, tackles won and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Martinelli could certainly still be an incredibly valuable squad player next season, it’s evident that Semenyo is the superior winger in practically every way. Therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him this summer.

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A player who was described as the “best midfielder in the world” earlier this season is now reportedly keen on sealing a move to Manchester City this summer.

Guardiola eyeing Man City summer signings

The Premier League champions have been linked with plenty of potential new signings in recent weeks, with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz said to be in talks over a summer move.

The Germany international may be considered a natural replacement for Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad, with the legendary midfielder confirming that he is leaving City at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola is believed to be willing to pay £60m for the signing of Tottenham midfielder James Maddison, as he looks for more creativity in his squad. The Spurs ace has nine goals and six assists to his name in the Premier League this season.

At the other end of the pitch, Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been sounded out as a new option between the sticks, possibly even being seen as an eventual replacement for Ederson.

World-renowned star keen on joining Man City

According to Manchester Evening News‘ Daily Briefly, Wirtz is now interested in joining Manchester City this summer, but Leverkusen will demand £129m for his services.

Real Madrid are also in the mix to sign the 21-year-old, and if Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso ends up replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu then they could arguably become the favourites to snap him up, but City are “very tempting” to the player.

Wirtz is an outstanding footballer who has already achieved so much in his career, winning the Bundesliga title last season and earning 29 caps for Germany. The attacking midfielder can also thrive out wide, so his versatility could appeal to Guardiola, who loves to have attacking players who are fluent in the final third.

Meanwhile, former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes paid him huge praise earlier this season: “I was in the stadium for the Champions League match against Salzburg. What Florian Wirtz can do is absolutely exceptional for me. Probably the best midfielder in the world. I think that Wirtz has something different that Jamal Musiala isn’t quite ready for yet. I think Wirtz will simply move on in the summer. He has left huge shoes to fill in Leverkusen. With the way he plays football, he is an absolute hero there, the best player in the squad.”

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If City managed to sign Wirtz, albeit for huge money, it could be a wonderful piece of business, with the German arguably already a world-class player at the age of just 21.

Hugely mature both in and out of possession, his end product is highlighted by a tally of 56 goals and 63 assists for Leverkusen, coming in a total of 192 matches, and he could fill the void left by De Bruyne.

The South Africa Test captain talks about taking inspiration from those less fortunate than him

Leonard Solms15-Aug-20251:33

‘It’s a source of inspiration you are looking for’

South Africa’s World Test Championship-winning captain Temba Bavuma is defining his legacy not only with his runs and cricketing intelligence, but also by the way he is extending help to others, on and off the field.He hopes to be remembered as a captain who helped others express their individuality, a recent instance of which came when he supported batter Wiaan Mulder in his decision to not break Brian Lara’s Test score record.Off the field, Bavuma is trying to make sure that young South Africans in vulnerable positions have a local cricketing hero they can relate to – which he himself took some time to find in his own youth.One of the key ways he’s giving back is through non-profit organisation DKMS Africa – a donor recruitment centre and registry – to raise awareness about the importance of registering as a stem cell donor, which helps save the lives of blood-cancer and blood-disorder patients.Bavuma told ESPN about his motivation to join DKMS as an ambassador: “My late grandma passed away via leukemia and that was something that was never spoken about in the household. I guess for them to see me getting behind a cause like this allowed them to somewhat heal – at least to speak about it, but also heal from what was traumatic for them.”Apart from his grandmother, Bavuma was inspired by the story of an aplastic anemia patient – a 14-year-old fan named Iminathi. DKMS Africa told Bavuma Iminathi’s story, and he hosted the boy at the Wanderers alongside Lions, Bavuma’s domestic team.Bavuma was the toast of South Africa after their World Test Championship win. He made 36 and 66 in the low-scoring Lord’s final in June•Phil Magakoe/AFP/Getty ImagesBavuma said: “I think in life we all need heroes. We all need people to look up to. I guess we all grow up with our own dreams and aspirations and ambitions and those easily come to life – or at least become reachable – when you see people like you who are doing it.”For an individual like Iminathi – [he] also was a source of inspiration that I could draw from. I’m quite privileged in a lot of ways within my life. The pressures and struggles that I go through are nothing compared to what Iminathi does and he is still able to do it with a smile on his face.”DKMS Africa was established in 2021, following the amalgamation of international organisation DKMS and the South African Sunflower Fund. Although they have made some progress reaching South Africans of all ethnicities, they still face challenges building diversity among their donor base.South Africans are classified by the government according to four main racial groups: black, coloured, Asian/Indian and white. Among DKMS Africa’s 125,000 registered donors, 45% are white, 38% black, 9% coloured and 8% Asian. White South Africans make up 7.3% of the country’s total population, as per the 2022 national census, and are therefore disproportionately represented among donors. As a result, it may be easier for white South Africans in need of a stem cell donor to find a match than for their black counterparts, who make up 81.4% of the total population.Apart from disparities in access to information, Bavuma attributes the relative shortage of black stem cell donors to the importance of blood in some African cultures, and the fact that most stem cell donations are collected from the bloodstream.At a Unicef event in Lucknow during the 2023 ODI World Cup. “I think in life, we all need heroes. We all need people to look up to”•Matthew Lewis/Getty Images”I think there’s a lot of stigmas that exist among people of my [ethnicity] when it comes to blood and giving blood. I think that can only be challenged by educating people, and also people seeing someone similar to them going out and supporting these kinds of causes,” said Bavuma.In the Xhosa culture he grew up in, blood is viewed as the essence of life and a conduit for connection with the ancestors. “Black culture is a bit interesting if you haven’t grown up with it,” Bavuma said, “especially if you look at it from a Western type of lens. Blood is quite sacred within our culture. The sacrifice of blood, the use of blood and the exchange of blood – those things have a certain significance.”To challenge that, you need the right education. You need the right type of people as well, to be able to speak the language that those types of people understand.”In his youth Bavuma had a taste of both the hardship that many South Africans face and the privilege reserved for a few, of whom a disproportionate number are white. Born and raised in Langa Township in Cape Town, Bavuma quickly gained attention for his prodigious cricketing talent.This afforded him scholarships at two of South Africa’s most prestigious schools – first the South African College School in Cape Town during his junior schooling, and then later St David’s Marist Inanda in Johannesburg after his family relocated during his high school career.When there has been division in the South Africa side, Bavuma has been able to draw upon his experience of both worlds to ensure unity prevailed. One notable example was in 2021, when Quinton de Kock withdrew from a T20 World Cup game against West Indies over a hasty directive from Cricket South Africa to the players five hours before the game to take a knee against racial discrimination.De Kock later apologised and credited Bavuma for being a “flipping amazing leader” for maintaining unity among those who played that match in de Kock’s absence without ostracising him for following his convictions.That was a period Bavuma acknowledged at the time as being one of his hardest as a leader. However, more recently, he has witnessed his conviction that no player under his watch should be afraid to make a bold decision – as exemplified by Mulder, under much happier circumstances.”That, for me, shows what the team is about,” Bavuma said about team-mate Wiaan Mulder’s decision to not go for Brian Lara’s Test innings run-scoring record against Zimbabwe in July•Zimbabwe CricketMulder – serving as stand-in captain in a Test against Zimbabwe in July for the then-injured Bavuma – declared despite being on 367 not out himself, only 33 runs shy of Brian Lara’s world record. The decision drew praise in some quarters and criticism in others.Regardless of whether it was the right call, the sheer bravery of the decision was a sign in itself that Bavuma’s values are likely to be upheld in the South Africa set-up beyond the end of his captaincy.”People always ask: ‘What is it about this team?’ We’re not a team of superstars, but there are always moments or snippets that give you a real shot or preview into what the team is about,” Bavuma said.”That moment there – Wiaan Mulder – a young guy making his mark in international cricket, in his first game as a stand-in captain, has an opportunity to break the world record and is able to make a decision like that. That, for me, shows what the team is about,” Bavuma said.”I was actually there in Zimbabwe when Wiaan and the coach [Shukri Conrad] made that decision. I think he would have earned a lot of respect not just from us as players but from the cricketing world.”It’s easy to say that you’re going to put the team first and all of that, but the important thing is: when it’s in front of you, what do you exactly do?”Whether it relates to his work building a winning cricket culture within the South Africa side or a culture of awareness regarding people with blood disorders through his work with DKMS Africa, Bavuma is looking to ensure that actions do the talking.

Both Litton Das and Lockie Ferguson do not remember Bangladesh beating New Zealand 4-0 and 3-0 in their last two ODI series in Bangladesh

Mohammad Isam20-Sep-2023It was incredulous that both captains Litton Das and Lockie Ferguson do not remember Bangladesh beating New Zealand 4-0 and 3-0 in their last two ODI series in Bangladesh, in 2010 and 2013. You can forgive Ferguson as neither series was broadcast live in New Zealand. Maybe at that age he didn’t take cricket that seriously.In Bangladesh cricket, though, the two series wins were big milestones. They were celebrated long and hard. Some of Litton’s current team-mates cut their teeth at the highest level with those series wins. Everyone in Bangladesh remembers it. Except Litton, it seems.When asked whether the long, unbeaten run for Bangladesh at home against New Zealand was an inspiration, Litton asked the journalist at the press conference whether New Zealand had toured Bangladesh after 2008. It was a strange start to his pre-match press conference which featured more clipped replies than proper answers. Litton is the stand-in captain for the series. In the last week, a lot has happened in Bangladesh cricket that needs a steady hand at the top. Litton was doing his best to get out of the press conference unscathed especially after his strange performance at a press conference on July 7, the day after Tamim Iqbal retired from international cricket, even if for 24 hours.Related

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Or perhaps, Litton and Ferguson play so much cricket these days that they had simply forgotten about what happened so many years ago.Ferguson is among the few in this New Zealand squad who haven’t played in Bangladesh yet. He said that those who haven’t played here will ask the likes of bowling coach Shane Jurgensen about conditions in Dhaka, but they have to adapt quickly to the pitches.”I didn’t know that (New Zealand haven’t won here since 2010),” Ferguson said. “Yeah, look, every series we play, we play to win. Bangladesh is very good in their home conditions and it is a huge challenge here. The boys are very much prepared to take the series out. However, we know it starts with the first ball in the first game. So, it’s important for us just to focus on what’s coming up tomorrow and try to adapt as quickly as possible to the conditions.”For some of us, we haven’t played here, so we’ll have to adapt quicker. But certainly leaning on the knowledge of the guys who have been here previously and leaning on Jurgo about how to play the game and construct our innings with the bat and then try to defend it with the ball. Or vice versa. But it’s going to be a great challenge, and hopefully we can do better than what you just said (about Bangladesh’s long unbeaten run at home).”Ferguson, who has never captained at the highest level barring a tour game last month, said that being a fast bowler and captain at the same time “brings a lot of benefits”.”It is a huge honour for myself to be captain. Obviously, I am just in an interim position while our other three captains are away,” he said. “But I am very privileged to be in this role. As a fast bowler, I guess things do change, but I think at the same time it brings a lot of benefits. Talking to bowlers, working out plans, obviously being in their shoes a lot of the time, in the pressure moments. So that’s the strength that it brings. But certainly just carrying on the great leadership we’ve had with Black Caps, and try to take that forward during the series.”Litton, meanwhile, has captained Bangladesh in seven international matches, including the ODI series win against India last year, and the massive 546-run win in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June. In a situation where he is not in great form and others need rest, Litton was the obvious choice for captaincy.The New Zealand team enjoy a game of football on the eve of the first ODI•Getty ImagesLitton will have a couple of stalwarts playing under him as Tamim and Mahmudullah returned to the ODI squad for this series. They also return from different circumstances. Tamim retired and unretired within a span of 24 hours in July, before resigning as the ODI captain in August. He is now returning from a back injury to get some game time before the World Cup.Mahmudullah was first rested in April this year, before it became obvious that the selectors and team management didn’t want him in the side. They have, however, brought him back for a last look before they pick the World Cup side by the September 28 deadline.”They are both senior players so they will certainly help me in every way possible,” Litton said. “They are returning after a while. I don’t want them to take any pressure. They should enjoy the game as it usually allows you to have more chance of success.”(Mahmudullah) Riyad bhai’s role will depend on the situation. If we lose early wickets, he will play his game for the remaining 30-35 overs. He is a very mature player. He will score runs at any given opportunity.”Ferguson acknowledged that players were being rested by both sides but said the Bangladesh side has “a lot of power”.”Bangladesh has a very strong side and we’ve been doing our homework on them,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of strong players still playing in the side. I know a few are being rested and that’s the nature of it.”Similarly with our side, but we certainly feel there’s a lot of power within the Bangladesh side and some crafty players. So we’ll be prepared for it tomorrow. We’ll just take it as it comes.”The first ODI series between the sides in Bangladesh in almost ten years comes at a critical time for both sets of players. New Zealand will be looking at possible back-up options for the World Cup with injuries affecting some of their top players while Bangladesh have a few spots open in their 15. New Zealand also have their record to fix in this country, but they could yet have to wait. There has been an unusually long monsoon in Bangladesh this year. September is usually drier, but rain breaks could give Litton and Ferguson chance to catch up on highlights from 2010 and 2013.