After seven weeks of rehab, Hasan Ali is injured again

Fast bowler fractures ribs upon return after long layoff; ruled out of next month’s home Tests against Sri Lanka

Umar Farooq29-Nov-2019Hasan Ali is injured again, days after recovering from a back injury that took seven weeks to heal. The latest one is a rib fracture that is set to rule him out for at least another six weeks. This automatically rules him out of the two home Tests against Sri Lanka next month.”Fresh CT scans revealed cortical rib fractures involving the ninth rib on the right side and eighth and ninth ribs on the left side,” a PCB spokesman said. “The fractures will require up to six weeks of healing. He will start a rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy from Monday.”Hasan last played for Pakistan in June. Since then, he has featured in just the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy opener in September. Earlier in the week, he was cleared to play the last two rounds of the first-class competition and even joined his side Central Punjab in Karachi. During training, he complained of sudden pain in his left side after which the fractures were revealed.ESPNcricinfo understands that Hasan received the clearance to play from Sohail Saleem, PCB’s director for sports and medical sciences. He had been bowling approximately 50 overs a week at the NCA in Lahore. It is yet unclear how he sustained the rib fractures.Hasan’s injury comes at a time when the team management is in search for a genuine quick to complement the existing pace pack in Australia. Over the years, Pakistan have invested significantly in Hasan, because of which he became an automatic pick across formats under previous head coach Mickey Arthur.Between his debut in May 2017 and his previous Test appearance in January 2019, Hasan picked 31 wickets in nine Tests at 28.90. He also featured in 53 ODIs and 30 T20Is, which yielded 82 and 35 wickets respectively.Pakistan’s long list of injuries in Australia forced them to field 16-year old rookie Naseem Shah and 19-year old Musa Khan. While both are quick and touch the 145kph mark, their lack of experience has shown. Pakistan’s Test captain Azhar Ali touched upon the dearth of genuine quicks ahead of the second Test against Australia in Adelaide.”It’s been five-seven years now that we’ve been struggling without proper fast bowlers,” Azhar said. “I think the nature of the ball and our first-class cricket pitches meant that there was no need for really genuine fast bowlers. You could manage with medium-pacers, who were taking a lot of wickets. Teams were being bundled out in within 30-40 overs.”That really made openers in Pakistan redundant. Like their job was to only come to the ground. The batting began at No.5. The conditions were such that pace-generating bowlers weren’t being encouraged. Look at what’s happening this year. There are hardly any pacers with wickets.””That’s because for five-seven years they got away without bending their back. Now there’s a need to put some effort and it’s changing. If this continues in their vein, if we get flat wickets where just swinging the ball at medium-pace isn’t enough and you have to put more into it, then you’ll get more bowlers.”

Day-night Test could create 'T20 or one-day atmosphere' – Daniel Vettori

The spin-bowling consultant said Bangladesh’s fast bowlers are ‘very excited’ about the help they are likely to get at Eden Gardens

Mohammad Isam in Kolkata20-Nov-2019The pink ball and day-night Tests are here to stay, according to Daniel Vettori, the former New Zealand captain who is now Bangladesh’s spin-bowling consultant. Vettori said the game in Eden Gardens could give a glimpse of how Test cricket could, in the future, be played in front of crowds similar to those that attend T20s and ODIs.”I think pink ball is a big part of Test cricket,” Vettori said. “I think you have to appreciate the fact that there’s going to be so many people here. You have to acknowledge that. If you can extend the Test match into the nighttime, it brings more and more people into the game. I think it has a big part of the future but has to be balanced with day games.”It could almost have a T20 or a one-day atmosphere. [Virat] Kohli or Rohit [Sharma] going out to bat is going to feel like a T20. I think there’s going to be an atmosphere no player has played in Test-match conditions. I think that brings another element to the game.”Vettori said the most positive aspect of the day-night Test, from a Bangladesh perspective, is how it has excited the team’s fast bowlers, who generally have a minor role in home Tests and have struggled abroad. With up to 6mm of grass expected to be left on the surface to help maintain the pink ball, Bangladesh are likely to play three quicks, with Mustafizur Rahman and Al-Amin Hossain likely to come into the XI.”The four fast bowlers are very excited,” Vettori said. “It is a nice thing. Bangladeshi fast bowlers don’t get to be excited a lot. I think they are coming to grips with a slightly different ball. It is the SG pink ball. I think most guys have limited experience with the Kookaburra one.”But I think there’s real optimism. There’s going to be a big crowd, so for the whole time it is a real joy to play in this first pink-ball Test.”The main challenge, Vettori indicated, would come during twilight, though the period doesn’t last for too long in the eastern part of India, where the light fades quickly and the sun sets early in the evening in winter.”Pink ball plays normal [during the afternoon],” he said. “I think the challenge will be when the Test is under lights. Sunset is quite early here. I think that’ll be the time when we see the pink ball come into play. The twilight hour, dusk, is when it seems to do a little bit more, but my experience is only from watching on TV.Mustafizur Rahman completes a delivery•AFP”It will be the period of the Test match when tactically teams might do a few different things. The wicket will be pretty good and that last session will be very interesting with the pink ball.”Vettori said he had heard from the Bangladesh players that sighting the ball may be an issue from square of the wicket. “Visibility is fine, but the only anecdotal conversation I have heard is around being a little bit hard to pick up from point and square-leg.”It will be interesting to find out if slips, gully and umpire is picking it up well. They say there’s a small halo effect [around the ball]. We are excited to play rather than think about the negatives.”Bangladesh have had two sessions at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, where the local authorities gave them access to centre-wicket practice. They had one full session under lights there, but it is a different perspective in Kolkata where the light towers are different.”We have only had one session when it is slightly dark, so tomorrow will be our first full session under dark with lights on,” Vettori said. “So far so good. Because the pink ball plays well at this time of the day, it has generally been positive about the Test.”He also acknowledged the limited role for spinners, particularly against an Indian batting line-up that has been dominant against spin. Vettori said the best a spinner could hope for is to bowl economically in the first innings, without thinking too much about wickets. “In the last three or four years, overseas spinners have been put under a lot of pressure [in India],” he said. “It is because of the nature of wickets, expectations that spinners have to do a job, and the Indian batsmen’s skills.”We saw the pressure Mayank [Agarwal] and [Ajinkya] Rahane put our spinners under. There wasn’t a lot to do in the good wicket in Indore. It will probably be similar here. The overseas spinners can’t look to dominate here like they do back home. They should try to take 2-60 or 2-70 in the first innings, and then see what the second innings presents to you. It is the right way to go about it.”

Garnacho is a Blue! Chelsea complete £40m signing of Argentina international winger from Man Utd

Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.

Chelsea sign GarnachoWinger joins Blues for £40mGarnacho had been exiled by AmorimFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old has become Chelsea’s latest new arrival following the earlier signings of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato, while Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez all joined following pre-existing agreements.

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Garnacho had been linked with Chelsea for some time after being told – alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia – that he was not part of United manager Ruben Amorim’s plans for the 2025-26 season.

WHAT GARNACHO SAID

Speaking to Chelsea's official club website, Garnacho said of his move: "It’s an incredible moment for my family and I to join this great club. I can’t wait to get started. 

"I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special – we’re the best team in the world! It’s amazing to be here and I’m very happy."

DID YOU KNOW?

Emerging through United’s youth academy, Garnacho made his senior debut for the club in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League in April 2022. He then became a regular in the United first team, helping the Red Devils win the Carabao Cup in 2022-23 and the FA Cup in 2023-24 under Erik ten Hag’s stewardship. However Garnacho endured a difficult relationship with current United boss Amorim, with the winger being omitted – alongside Rashford – from the matchday squad which faced rivals Manchester City in the derby in December 2024. And Garnacho would later express his frustration at only being used as a 71st-minute substitute in United's 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in May.

Klopp could land his own Foden in Liverpool swoop for "wonderful" £60m whiz

The January transfer window opened for business at the start of the month and Liverpool are yet to make a first-team addition to their squad as of yet.

It remains to be seen whether or not Jurgen Klopp will be able to bolster his side before February but he does have around two weeks left to get any potential business over the line.

The Reds could use the window to lay the groundwork for deals in the summer transfer window, when it may not be as difficult to strike agreements with clubs.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Teams are, naturally, more reluctant to part ways with their best players midway through a season as it could impact how their campaign pans out over the next five months.

Liverpool's search for a new winger

Therefore, Liverpool could need to wait until the summer to get their top targets, which appears to be the case with Crystal Palace whiz Michael Olise.

FootballTransfers reported earlier this month that the Reds are interested in a deal to sign the former Reading starlet to bolster Klopp's wide options.

The outlet claimed that they are considering an approach to land the French talent, who is also attracting interest from fellow Premier League side Manchester United.

However, the report did state that the forward is expected to remain at Selhurst Park beyond the end of the current transfer window, but that a move in the summer is 'on the horizon'.

michael-olise-transfer-gossip-arsenal-ajax-edu-arteta-mohammed-kudus-crystal-palace

FootballTransfers added that he has a release clause in his current contract with Palace that allows a team to sign him for a fee of £60m, and the Eagles are not willing to negotiate a lower fee with any team.

Olise is not the only player on the club's radar to add to their options out wide, though, as the report named Leeds forward Crysencio Summerville as a winger they have an eye on.

The Dutch magician has produced 12 goals, seven assists, and 13 'big chances' created in 24 Championship appearances for Daniel Farke's side so far this season.

Liverpool must, however, prioritise a swoop for Olise as he is a Premier League-proven winger with the quality to be a fantastic signing for the Reds, in the short and long-term.

The 22-year-old could come in as Klopp's own version of Manchester City and England star Phil Foden, who has been in superb form this season.

Why Michael Olise is similar to Phil Foden

Both players are left-footed playmakers who can operate on either flank or through the middle as an attacking midfielder for their respective sides.

They are also both 23 or younger and have plenty of time on their hands to develop and improve over the years to come, which makes them both highly valuable assets due to their current ability and potential.

Jack Grealish

1

Bukayo Saka

2

Marcus Tavernier

3

James Maddison

4

Phil Foden

5

As you can see in the table above, Foden is also one of the most similar attacking midfielders and wingers to Olise in the Premier League this season, based on their statistics for Manchester City and Palace respectively.

Foden is on fire this season

The England international has racked up 11 goals and eight assists in 31 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side so far this term.

He has been in sublime form in the Premier League for the Cityzens with five goals and six assists in 18 top-flight starts, including one goal and two assists in his last three games.

The 23-year-old magician has produced 2.1 key passes per game and ranks highly among his positional peers in a host of creative and progressive statistics.

Foden ranks within the top 11% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for assists (0.34) per 90 and the top 20% for shot-creating actions (4.54) per 90. He also ranks within the top 24% for progressive passes (4.71) and the top 31% for Expected Assisted Goals (0.24) per 90.

Phil Foden's 2023/24 Premier League statistics.

These statistics show that he has been excellent at coming in on his left foot from the right flank, or driving through the middle to make things happen, to create chances and progress the play for City.

Why Olise would be Klopp's own Foden

Meanwhile, Olise has produced five goals and one assist in nine Premier League appearances for Palace so far this season. However, one assist does not accurately reflect his creative output.

The 22-year-old wizard has created four 'big chances' and produced 2.2 key passes per game across those nine appearances and only been rewarded with one assist, which suggests that his teammates have let him down with their wasteful finishing in the final third.

Expected Assisted Goals (0.36)

Top 6%

Shot-creating actions (5.85)

Top 3%

Progressive passes (4.52)

Top 27%

Successful take-ons (3.19)

Top 4%

As you can see in the table above, the Palace star ranks highly in a number of key creative metrics for his side this season, which shows that his one assist is not a fair reflection of his creativity.

Last term, Olise racked up 11 assists from 11 'big chances' created in 37 Premier League appearances for the Eagles. This proves that his current form is not a flash in the pan, as he has been a superb creator for his team over the past 18 months.

These statistics suggest that Klopp would be bringing in a player with the quality to create high-quality opportunities for the likes of Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, and Diogo Jota, among others, frequently.

Olise, who was hailed as "wonderful" and a "technician" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has a terrific left foot and would not need a period of adaptation as he has already proven himself in the Premier League as a scorer and a creator since his move to Selhurst Park from Reading.

This suggests that he could hit the ground running at Anfield, whether a move is possible this month or if they have to wait until the summer to make their move, as Klopp's own version of Foden in the final third.

Leeds dealt setback ahead of Arsenal clash

Leeds United have been dealt a huge setback ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Arsenal on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Evening Standard), Gunners boss Mikel Arteta revealed that Ben White, who missed Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United last weekend due to a hamstring injury, is now back in contention for the clash against Leeds tomorrow afternoon.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds United news and rumours!”]

Regarding the current condition of the centre-back, the Spaniard said: “Ben White is still in contention. He needs to train [on Saturday] to make sure that he is available to play.”

Marsch will be gutted

Considering how just how important it is for Jesse Marsch and his side to pick up a positive result from their trip to north London on Sunday, coupled with how impressive White has been for the Gunners this season, the news that the England international is in contention to feature against Leeds is sure to have left the American gutted.

Indeed, over his 31 Premier League appearances this term, the £36m-rated defender has been extremely solid in the heart of the Arsenal backline, helping his side to keep 13 clean sheets, along with making 1.4 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances and winning 4.4 duels (at a success rate of 59%) per game.

These returns have seen the £120k-per-week talent average a SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as Arteta’s joint 10th-best player in the top flight.

As such, it is clear  to see that the return of the former Leeds loanee would come as a huge blow to the Whites’ chances of leaving the Emirates Stadium will a decent result on Sunday afternoon – with a loss potentially seeing Marsch and his side fall into the relegation zone with just three matches left to play.

AND in other news: Leeds now plotting bid for “fabulous” £45k-p/w target, Orta should “take him all day”

Top Bangladesh players likely to go on strike amid growing discontent with cricket board

The trigger seems to be the BCB’s decision last month to abandon the BPL’s franchise-based model

Mohammad Isam21-Oct-2019Bangladesh’s cricketers have called a spontaneous – and unprecedented – press conference on Monday afternoon, with sources suggesting they could go on strike and even cast a shadow over next month’s tour of India. The country’s top cricketers are expected to be present at the press conference, which comes in the backdrop of simmering discontent among them over how the game is run in the country.The trigger seems to be the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s decision last month to abandon the Bangladesh Premier League’s franchise-based model. It meant that the average professional cricketer’s earning has gone to an all-time low. The players’ woes were furthered after the BCB didn’t raise the match fees in the first-class competition that began earlier this month. These, in addition to the salary cap applied to the Dhaka Premier League, although it used to be an open market for club-to-club transfer for players, for the last several years.Professional cricketers have been voicing their concerns over the last month or so. None more than Shakib Al Hasan, the Test and T20I captain and Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketer, who said in a recent interview that cricketers are “suppressed” and must be treated better.Shakib’s stance was praised in most quarters, particularly among the cricketers, although the BCB didn’t react to his stinging criticism.

You have to be firm about how you will support the players. A long-term policy maker is needed in this regard. Then a lot of good things will happenShakib Al Hasan to

In another interview to the Dhaka-based published on Monday, Shakib said that he didn’t see any long-term planning in Bangladesh cricket. “Actually, we only focus on whatever series we have going on. But if it’s something like a World Cup, then maybe we plan six to eight months in advance. Otherwise, we only focus on the ongoing series. It’s a cultural thing,” he said. “People expect that we will win all matches. We plant a tree and crave the fruits the very next day. This is why it’s difficult to plan long-term.”Shakib said that the players also needed someone strong in a technical position to take these long-term decisions, and used Andrew Strauss’ example – vis-à-vis English cricket – to make his point.”The guardians of the country’s cricket have a big role to play here,” he said. “You have to be firm about how you will support the players. A long-term policy maker is needed in this regard. Then a lot of good things will happen. There is a lot to be changed and it’s a technical matter.”There are points about requirements. It will be good when someone takes these factors into account while planning. For instance, England has [chair of the ECB’s cricket committee] Andrew Strauss, who plans everything. The planning of the last four years is all his. We need someone like that who can plan only regarding cricket, someone with foresight.”

Arsenal ALREADY have an Eberechi Eze mural! Artist unveils stunning work after Gunners' sensational hijacking of Spurs deal

A street artist has wasted no time in marking Eberechi Eze's move to Arsenal, unveiling a mural dedicated to the midfielder within hours.

Stencil painting of Eze completed overnightArtist 'Northbanksy' added mural to Arsenal 'street gallery'Gunners fans jubilant after pipping Spurs in transferFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Renowned street artist and Arsenal fan 'Northbansky' worked on the painting overnight, after the Gunners announced they had agreed a £67.5m ($90m) deal for Crystal Palace's talisman. The piece has been added to his self-styled street gallery dedicated to the club, called 'The Tunnel'. Eze is depicted in an Arsenal shirt while hitting his trademark goal celebration. 

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It's further proof of the pure excitement Arsenal fans are feeling as they pipped their arch rivals Spurs to the 27-year-old's signature. An injury to Kai Havertz forced the Gunners back into the market, with Eze choosing his boyhood club despite agreeing terms with Tottenham. 

DID YOU KNOW?

The Hornsey Road Tunnel, a stone's throw from the Emirates, has become a landmark for Arsenal fans. The anonymous artist has produced tributes to a number of former and current Arsenal players including Dennis Bergkamp, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. 

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR EZE?

It's hard to think of a better set of circumstances for a player to ingratiate themselves with a new fanbase. Eze's decision to snub Spurs will buy him a lot of capital with the Arsenal fanbase once he completes his transfer. First,. he has to get through his likely last game for the Eagles when they face Norwegian side Fredrikstad in the Conference League on Thursday.

Arsenal "warrior" who won 100% duels is looking like Arteta's new Gabriel

Well, that was about as perfect a night of Champions League action as Arsenal could have hoped for.

Mikel Arteta’s side travelled to Czechia to take on Slavia Prague on Tuesday night, and while they were without the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, they came away with all three points.

More than that, though, the Gunners scored three goals, fielded the youngest player in the competition in Max Dowman, and most crucially of all, kept another clean sheet.

There were standout performances across the pitch, including one player who’s starting to look like Arsenal’s new Gabriel Magalhães.

Arsenal's standout stars vs Slavia Prague

Starting up top, and while he had a quiet first half, Mikel Merino once again found himself on the scoresheet in the second half. In fact, he ended up there twice.

The Spaniard’s first came just 35 seconds into the second 45 when he got on the end of a wonderful Leandro Trossard cross.

Then, 22 minutes later, he put the game well and truly to bed by heading home another cross from Declan Rice.

However, it wasn’t just the Merino show, as other starters like Jurrien Timber and Gabriel looked exceptional once again.

The former was as sturdy at the back as ever, but also, as he has all season, was a massive threat going forward.

One moment, he was overlapping on the right, and then the next, he was surging through the middle of the park.

Likewise, while he failed to get his customary goal from a corner, Gabriel was as imperious as ever.

In his 95 minutes of action, he made four clearances, blocked two shots, recovered the ball three times and won four of six aerial duels, which is impressive considering the absurd size of Slavia’s centre-forward.

There can be no doubt that the former LOSC Lille monster is now one of Arsenal’s most important players, and so it’s a good thing that another starter on Tuesday is starting to look just like him.

Arsenal's new Gabriel

If he could, Arteta would undoubtedly have a team of 11 Gabriels.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Alas, unfortunately for him, or fortunately for opposition set-piece coaches, cloning is yet to be invented.

However, there is one summer signing who is starting to look more and more like the Brazilian: Piero Hincapie.

Yes, the tough-tackling Ecuadorian “warrior,” as dubbed by one analyst, might still be finding his way in English football, but he’s already looking like another masterful addition to the Gunners’ defensive unit.

The same analyst points out that the 23-year-old shares several similarities with the Gunners’ number six, including his mobility, aggressiveness, aerial threat, and the fact that he’s a left-footer.

With all that in mind, it was hardly a surprise to see him put in such an impressive performance on Tuesday night.

For example, in his 73 minutes of blood-pumping action, he won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, won 100% of his aerial and ground duels, made one clearance, recovered the ball once, took 42 touches and completed 100% of his dribbles.

Minutes

73′

Tackles (Won)

2 (2)

Interceptions

1

Clearances

1

Recoveries

1

Ground Duels (Won)

6 (6)

Aerial Duels (Won)

2 (2)

Long Balls

1

Touches

42

Dribbles Completed

1/1

Ultimately, it truly was as complete a defensive performance from Hincapie as could’ve been asked for, and one that should see him get more minutes.

Moreover, his fiery Gabriel-esque attitude and desire are going to make him a fan favourite very quickly indeed.

Arsenal star is starting to play like Cazorla & he's not even a midfielder

The incredible international is starting to show shades of Cazorla for Arteta and Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 4, 2025

‘I’ve never thought this tournament was balanced' – Tigres' Javier Aquino joins growing number of Liga MX players and managers to criticize Leagues Cup

The Felinos have earned two victories in the tournament, meaning qualification is in their hands.

They beat San Diego FC 2–1Ángel Correa scored a braceThey will face LAFC on TuesdayGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Tigres are one of the few teams still boasting a perfect record at the Leagues Cup, after recording back-to-back wins against MLS opponents. Under Guido Pizarro’s watch, they cruised past the Houston Dynamo and then defeated San Diego FC – with Ángel Correa netting a brace in both outings.

Following the win over San Diego, Javier Aquino spoke in the mixed zone and joined the criticism aimed at the tournament, insisting it has never been balanced between the leagues.

“I’ve never thought this tournament was balanced – honestly, fairness would be them having to come play at our place too, travel, leave their families and their homes. That would make things more even. But the rules are there and we have to respect them,” he said.

Aquino added that Tigres feel a responsibility to step up for Liga MX and showcase the quality of Mexican clubs.

“We have to show the level the Mexican league is known for and try to uphold the reputation of both the league and our club. We’re trying to do our best and represent Tigres properly,” he said.

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Aquino's comments reflect the growing frustration among Liga MX sides, who have been vocal about their discomfort with the competition’s format – especially the fact that every match is staged in the United States. While several MLS teams have been able to play at their home stadiums, Mexican clubs have had to travel constantly from city to city, fuelling the perception that the tournament is lopsided. Still, after two rounds of action, the level of play has been strong, and both leagues continue to feed a rivalry that is growing rapidly.

Getty Images SportWHAT GUIDO PIZARRO SAID

Pizarro also praised Ángel Correa’s form since arriving from Atlético de Madrid.

“I’m happy for Ángel, he’s getting more comfortable every day – credit to the group for helping him settle. We’ve only played two games, nothing is decided yet, it’ll all come down to the last match,” he said.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TIGRES?Tigres will look to close out a perfect group stage next Tuesday when they take on LAFC at BMO Stadium.

Batty extends Surrey deal to embark on 24th season

Rikki Clarke also signs on for extra year at age of 38

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Oct-2019Gareth Batty will embark on a 24th season of first-class cricket next year, after agreeing a one-year extension to his contract at Surrey that will keep him at the club at least until the eve of his 43rd birthday.Batty, who turned 42 on Sunday, claimed 48 wickets in all formats in 2019, including 26 at 26.07 in eight County Championship fixtures, the second-most of any England-qualified spinner, behind Jack Leach.His season included a remarkable display against Warwickshire at Edgbaston in May, where his ten wickets in the match included a hat-trick as he finished with a career-best 8 for 64 in the second innings.After beginning his career at Yorkshire in 1997, Batty played for Surrey for four seasons before moving to Worcestershire in 2002, then returned to The Oval in 2010.In 2016, at the age of 39, he was unexpectedly recalled by England for the Test series in Bangladesh and India, where he made his first Test appearances for more than 11 years.Batty will be joined once again in Surrey’s ranks by his fellow old boy, Rikki Clarke, 38, who has also extended his stay by another year. Coincidentally, the pair made their England Test debuts in the same fixture 16 years ago, against Bangladesh at Dhaka in October 2003.Despite Surrey’s disappointing season, Clarke enjoyed another prolific campaign with the ball, claiming 43 wickets at 23.97, including a best of 7 for 74 against Hampshire at The Oval.Gus Atkinson, a 21-year-old seamer who has yet to make his first-team debut, also signed a one-year extension for the club.

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