The no-ball that reprieved Andre Russell ended up costing Kings XI Punjab 29 runs, according to ESPNcricinfo’s Luck Index
ESPNcricinfo stats team27-Mar-2019When Andre Russell got a second chance after being bowled off a no-ball from Mohammed Shami in the 17th over, you could sense that it would be a key event in the innings. On 3 off 5 balls at that stage, Russell went on to bludgeon 45 from the next 12 deliveries to propel Kolkata Knight Riders to 218.ESPNcricinfo LtdAccording to ESPNcricinfo’s Luck Index, which puts a quantitative value on every lucky event in a game, Russell’s reprieve helped Knight Riders score an extra 29 runs. This is calculated after taking into account the runs that the other batsmen, coming in after Russell, would have been expected to score off those 12 extra balls that Russell was lucky to face.Given that the final margin of result was only 28 runs, it could be argued that the no-ball actually cost Kings XI the match (though it’s true that both teams would have approached the second innings differently had the target been 190 instead of 219).Twenty-three of Russell’s 45 runs came off five balls from Shami, who will now surely pay extra attention to fielders inside the ring, given that the no-ball was called as Kings XI only had three inside the circle for that delivery.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe 29 extra runs that Knight Riders scored makes this the luckiest event of IPL 2019. Keep watching these pages as ESPNcricinfo tracks the luckiest and unluckiest players and teams throughout IPL 2019.
Liverpool were taken to the cleaners by Newcastle United on Sunday, a distant second-best as the Magpies earned a 2-1 victory at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup and end 70 years of hurt.
It closed a miserable week for the Reds, whose Champions League campaign tail-spun into the murk as Paris Saint-Germain won the shootout at Anfield. Newcastle’s victory has closed the door on another pathway, leaving the Premier League standing alone over the final two months.
Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore
But, of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. Arne Slot’s side are 12 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the division and can now invest their time and energy exclusively on clinching the covetous trophy. Supporters would have snapped at the chance for such an outcome last summer after Jurgen Klopp departed and Liverpool were prematurely written off.
Maybe it’s the high ceiling Slot has offered a glimpse of that has left such a deflating feeling across Merseyside. Liverpool, to be sure, will be frustrated with having fallen from all three cup fronts, with potential departures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold adding insult to injury.
Liverpool are going to need a revamp at the front of the ship, and Alexander Isak, scorer in the capital on Sunday, is set to be at the top of the wish list.
Liverpool's summer transfer plans
Multiple sources have confirmed over the past few months that Liverpool are attentive to Isak’s situation at St. James’ Park. Arsenal also have a vested interest, and he may yet remain in black and white, potentially buoyed by winning a trophy and potentially qualifying for the Champions League.
For upwards of a reported £150m, Isak’s arrival would blow a blow out of FSG’s transfer chest, perhaps detrimentally so. Newcastle want the Sweden striker to stay for the long run and will fiercely protect him this summer.
He’s desirable, that’s for sure. But Isak isn’t the only player who could fit right in as a starting member of Slot’s Liverpool team. Last summer, Anthony Gordon came close to moving back to Merseyside, but Liverpool ultimately decided against the £75m-rated winger.
Anthony Gordon celebrates for Newcastle
With Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez all facing uncertain futures at Liverpool, such interest may be revisited. However, there’s actually another member of Eddie Howe’s outfit who should be prioritised above his peers in the market this year.
Forget Isak: Liverpool might need another Newcastle star
On Monday, Fabrizio Romano discussed several plot points regarding Liverpool’s plans this summer, confirming talks have been held regarding Isak.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
However, there’s another Newcastle man Slot may want to sign this summer, and he’s not a forward.
Since arriving in the Premier League in January 2022, Bruno Guimaraes has been a revelation in midfield for the Toon. The £40m signing from Lyon was described as a “world-class” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig. With such an impressive all-round game, you’d say Guimaraes would dovetail right into the Liverpool starting lineup.
According to FBref, the Brazilian bears a distinct statistical likeness to Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister and Declan Rice, an amalgamation of the three, capable of excelling across the different functions of an elite midfielder.
At Wembley, Guimaraes might not have retained the ball with the greatest crispness, but it mattered not. Newcastle were content with Liverpool holding onto the ball and doing little with it. His combative and tenacious nature showed though, winning a whopping nine duels, making six interventions and just putting in a worthy shift for the trophy.
It’s this kind of presence Liverpool need in their centre, offering something more crunching to pack an extra punch while still retaining every bit of technical style. Guimaraes led his team and followed PSG’s blueprint, both sides steamrolling the Reds out of cup competitions.
Minutes played
90′
67′
74′
Touches
40
45
53
Shots (on target)
2 (2)
0 (0)
0 (0)
Accurate passes
14/22 (64%)
28/33 (85%)
34/42 (81%)
Key passes
2
0
0
Dribbles
1/1
1/2
1/1
Tackles + interceptions
6
1
3
Duels won
9/14
2/7
3/7
The Guardian even handed Guimaraes a 9/10 match rating after his display at Wembley, hailing his success in imposing himself on his Liverpool adversaries, overwhelming them.
His passing range is something to behold, a technical level most all high-performing midfielders across Europe can only dream of.
As per FBref, he actually ranks among the top 5% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals + assists, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.
If you’re not convinced already, well-respected analyst Raj Chohan said “Newcastle have every right to be putting a £100m valuation” on their general, whose dynamic and all-encompassing midfield qualities would not be found in a replacement.
That said, if FSG do indeed have money to burn this year, there are few options in that exorbitant ballpark who would be worth the effort more than Guimaraes, who could reinforce the central fold and unlock a new level to Slot’s team. He ran the show at Wembley, after all.
When discussing Liverpool’s interest in Isak, Romano also suggested midfield could be an area FSG do business in the summer. “Let’s see what happens,” he said.
Given Liverpool were reported to have been keen last summer, perhaps they could now revisit a deal.
Slot’s reluctance to change his starting options in the centre this year does make a telling comment on his view toward some fringe options. Guimaraes would change all of that; in fact, the midfield machine might just become the cream of Liverpool’s crop.
His worst display in Liverpool red: 3/10 star was even worse than Jota
Arne Slot’s abject Liverpool side were defeated by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
The Titans hero also spelt out his gameplan: “bigger boundaries if they are bowling in good areas, look for doubles; smaller boundaries, you can take it on”
ESPNcricinfo staff26-May-20231:54
Manjrekar: Gill took his T20 game to the next level in 2022
Shubman Gill’s third century of the season – a 60-ball 129 – has put Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 final, their second appearance in the title round in just their second year in the tournament. But for someone who scored at a strike rate of 215.00, with seven fours and ten sixes, the feeling of “this is my day” came only in the 12th over of the innings, which started with him on 59 off 37, when he hit Akash Madhwal for three sixes in a 21-run over.”For me, it’s all about playing ball to ball, assessing the situation over by over,” Gill said on the official broadcast after his Player-of-the-Match performance. “Maybe the over in which I hit three sixes, that’s when I got the momentum to go big and I realised maybe this is my day and I have to make it big, because it is a good wicket to bat on.”Gill doesn’t come across as a six-hitter – he was No. 42 in the list of six-hitters in IPL 2022 – but has become one – he has 33 sixes this year, joint-second-highest with Shivam Dube and only behind Faf du Plessis’ 36. Is the change a conscious one?Related
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“[Six-hitting] is not a conscious decision. Obviously, you keep practicing, you want to keep growing, want to keep evolving as a batsman,” he said. “But I feel the belief is more important and that’s what I have had this year and the last year as well.”Gill is in the middle of a purple patch. In international cricket this year, he has one Test century, three ODI centuries (including 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad) and one T20I century, and averages 51.33, 78.00 and 40.40 in the three formats respectively. Cut to the IPL, and he has the Orange Cap now, for a total of 851 runs so far, scored at an average of 60.78 and strike rate of 156.43. And this was his third century in his last four innings.”It helps when you are coming off a good international season with runs under the belt,” he said. “With me, I know it’s about starting [well]; I know once I start, I can keep going.”Last year, from the West Indies tour, that’s when I shifted gears. I got injured in 2021 leading up to the IPL and I was out for a couple of months. That’s when I started realising the areas to work on and made some technical changes in my batting around December, when I was called up for the New Zealand series just after the T20 World Cup.”ESPNcricinfo LtdOn Friday, Gill got to his century off the first ball of the 15th over, off 49 balls, bringing the 75,655 people at the stadium to their feet. The journey from 50 to 100 took just 17 balls.”The first couple of overs, it [held] a bit on the surface and after that because there was not as much grass on the wicket, the ball was coming on nicely,” Gill said at the halfway stage of the match. “I think also because of the outfield being a little wet [because of rain in the lead-up to the match], the ball stopped swinging after two overs and it got easier as we progressed into the innings.”Titans began a bit slow with Gill on 20 off 15 after five overs. Opening partner Wriddhiman Saha (18 off 16) and No. 3 B Sai Sudharsan (43 off 31) also found the going tough. Gill was dropped by Tim David in the last over of the powerplay when he was on 30 off 19. But he changed gears gradually, teeing off after getting to his half-century. Along with the 17 hits to the boundary, there were lots of singles and doubles at a ground where one square boundary was much shorter than the other.”Definitely [the shorter boundary] plays a part,” he said. “As a batsman, you have to be aware which side to target and you have to take on the bowlers according to that. This is something I had in mind… bigger boundaries if they are bowling in good areas, look for doubles. Smaller boundaries, you can take it on.”
Atalanta coach Ivan Juric says the club need to make "intelligent" signings to restore their firepower amid Ademola Lookman's transfer saga.
Atalanta manager stresses club needs 'targeted' signingsCoach concerned by the club's lack of firepowerAdemola Lookman has also issued transfer requestFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
After appointing Juric as coach this season, the Bergamo side's frontline has been depleted, with the team set to lose one of their most prolific attackers, Lookman, to Inter. The loss of the Nigeria international is a concern for the Croatian coach, who stresses they are in for a tough time forming a top quality attack for the new campaign.
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With the departure of former head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, a few players also wanted to transfer out of the club. Mateo Retegui, the club's top scorer last season, left for Saudi Arabia for a huge transfer fee. Lookman too has been trying to secure a move to Inter this summer, with the clubs still unable to agree on a deal. However, with the Nigeria forward issuing a public statement regarding his transfer, his time with the club is likely over. Juric understands that after such "a profound cycle ends, many things change," but "intelligent and targeted" signings are essential to replace them.
WHAT JURIC SAID
Lookman and Retegui scored a total of 48 goals and registered 16 assists among them. In an interview with ,Juric said he understands it's impossible to replace them instantly but smart work can work wonders stating: "We lost 80-90 per cent of the goals we scored last year. Retegui and Lookman were crucial: it won't be easy to replace them, but we need intelligent and targeted work."
However, the Croatian coach has seen some positive signs from Gianluca Scamacca in the training, as he says: "He's given me excellent feedback in recent weeks. I want to include him in the rotation immediately. With so many commitments, however, we will also need another alternative in attack."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ATALANTA?
The newly-appointed coach has a lot of work to be done at the club, and the central theme of it all is to "build a genuine bond, based on commitment and the team's identity." The new manager will kick off his journey on August 25 when he faces Pisa in his first league game of the season.
Everton have made contact with another Premier League club over the signing of a £25m-rated youngster, according to a new transfer update.
Everton targeting attacking reinforcements
A new era is on the horizon for the Blues, with life at their new Bramley Moore Dock stadium beginning next month, hopefully heralding the beginning of a more positive period in the club’s great history.
New signings are vital if David Moyes’ Everton side are to kick on in 2025/26, however, and plenty of players are being linked with moves, including Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson. It is claimed that he would love the chance to remain in the Premier League, following his relegation to the Championship back in May.
Ipswich Town'sOmariHutchinsonreacts
The Blues are also believed to have held talks with Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz over a summer switch to Merseyside, which could be a fantastic piece of business. The Brazilian was a huge hit at Aston Villa, so Moyes doesn’t have to worry about him adjusting to the pace and power of the Premier League.
It is clear that extra attacking quality is needed at Everton, especially following the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and now a hugely talented young player has been revealed as a target.
Everton make contact for McAtee signing
According to a new report from The i Paper, there “has been dialogue” between Everton and Manchester City over a summer move for James McAtee.
The Englishman is valued at £25m and Moyes is said to be a “big admirer”, with the attacking midfielder fresh off the back of European Championship glory with England’s Under-21s.
England's James McAtee applauds fans after the match asHarveyElliottlooks on
This feels like it could be a perfect move for everyone concerned, allowing McAtee to be a regular starter away from City, and getting him off their wage bill in the process.
The 22-year-old is too talented to be warming the substitutes’ bench most weeks, and he showed his quality at the aforementioned recent Euros, scoring once and helping Lee Carsley’s side go all the way in the tournament.
Meanwhile, former Sheffeld United striker Carl Asaba has even compared him to Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, saying: “He’s a bonus player in that he plays midfield and you have an extra number in there but then he can just attack. He’s like Odegaard. You play him in midfield so he’s defending for you, he’s another body for them to try and navigate away from but he likes the ball 30 yards out because he can go past you like you’re not there.”
There are few negatives to Everton signing McAtee, with his price tag far from extortionate, and the fact that Moyes rates him highly can also only be a good thing.
Ndiaye 2.0 for Moyes: £35m star 'would love' to sign for Everton
David Moyes is looking to sign another attacking player this summer at Everton.
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The City youngster would add much-needed guile in the No.10 role, scoring and creating at will, and he could grow into an elite footballer as the years pass.
Quadricep tear could force her to miss eight of Sydney Sixers’ 10 league games
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Oct-2024New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against India after tearing her left quadricep muscle. Kerr picked up the injury during the opening game on Thursday, which India won by 59 runs, and is expected to take approximately three weeks to recover. She will not be replaced in the ODI squad.This also puts her WBBL participation in serious doubt for Sydney Sixers with the tournament set to start on Sunday. Amelia was a big-name pre-signing for Sixers as a platinum-category pick and could miss eight of Sixers’ 10 league games even if she recovers in three weeks.An NZC release stated Amelia was taken for scans on Friday morning, which revealed a grade-one quadricep tear, and that she would return home on Sunday to start her rehabilitation.”We’re really gutted for Melie,” New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said. “Injuries are always a challenging time for a player and we know how disappointed she is to not be able to play these games.”Everyone knows how much of an integral part of this team Melie is so we’ll certainly miss her but we’re wishing her a speedy recovery.”Soon after playing a pivotal role in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps, Amelia was New Zealand’s best bowler in the opening ODI too, taking 4 for 42 before scoring an unbeaten 25 off 23 in the chase. The remaining two ODIs are on October 27 and 29, also in Ahmedabad.Amelia’s absence could hurt New Zealand’s hopes of climbing the Women’s ODI Championship table, where a top-six finish will ensure direct qualification for the ODI World Cup in 2025. New Zealand are currently placed sixth out of 10 teams and will next play Australia in December.
Alisha Lehmann has confirmed that she is leaving Juventus after one title-winning season, with Douglas Luiz reacting to her emotional statement.
Moved to Italy alongside Luiz in 2024Savoured Serie A title glory in TurinReady to embrace another new challengeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Switzerland international, who recently represented her country at a home European Championship, moved to Italy in the summer of 2024. She bid farewell to the WSL at that point, having represented the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa.
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Lehmann headed to Turin alongside partner Luiz, but the pair have since split up. They are now going their separate ways, with more transfers being lined up. Lehmann is severing ties with Serie A champions Juve in order to link up with Como.
WHAT LEHMANN SAID
She has said on Instagram: “I want to say thank you for this amazing year, especially to my teammates and the amazing fans. The hard work we have put in last season and won titles, a team that I will never forget.
“I didn’t just have teammates, we were a family and I made friends for life. To leave such an amazing club and people that are close to me, was a very difficult decision. This club, this team and those fans will always have a special place in my heart.”
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Brazil international Luiz ‘liked’ that post despite no longer being romantically tied to Lehmann. He could soon be on the move himself, with the ex-Villa midfielder seeing a return to the Premier League speculated on.
Here’s all we know about the players who are set to be retained by their respective franchises
ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-202410:37
Who will RCB retain apart from Kohli?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)MS Dhoni is one of five players set to be retained by CSK, along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube and Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana. The amounts CSK are paying to each retained player is yet to be confirmed but they will lose at least INR 65 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore. Gujarat Titans (GT)Gujarat Titans are likely to retain Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, B Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan, leaving them with one right-to-match card (RTM) option at the upcoming IPL mega auction. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)The franchise is set to retain Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy. Their 2024 title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer and star allrounder Andre Russell are unlikely to be retained. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, along with the uncapped pair of Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni, are set to be retained by LSG for IPL 2025. KL Rahul, who has led the franchise since its inception in 2022, is unlikely to be retained. Rajasthan Royals (RR)Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Sandeep Sharma are the four players set to be retained by Rajasthan Royals. ESPNcricinfo has learned that England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler and India legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal are not part of the retention list. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)South Africa power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen is set to be the top retention for SRH and will get INR 23 crore (US$ 2.74 million approx.) as the first retained player. Pat Cummins, who was SRH captain in 2024, is set to be retained at INR 18 crore (US$ 2.14 million approx.), and India allrounder Abhishek Sharma at INR 14 crore (US$ 1.67 million approx). Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also set to be retained as their final two capped retained players ahead of the auction. Delhi Capitals (DC)Rishabh Pant is all set to go into the auction after not being retained by DC. ESPNcricinfo has learned that talks between DC’s ownership group and Pant failed after stretching over the past few months and Wednesday. The franchise has retained four players: the spin pair of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, South Africa batter Tristan Stubbs and uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel. Punjab Kings (PBKS)Punjab Kings are likely to retain only two uncapped players – batters Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh – from their IPL 2024 squad. They will go into the upcoming mega auction with the largest purse, likely in excess of INR 100 crore, and also have four right-to-match options which can be used to buy back their players. Mumbai Indians (MI)Mumbai Indians are set to retain their four major Indian players – Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav – along with Tilak Varma ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.With those five capped players retained, MI can use their one right-to-match option only on an uncapped player at the auction. While the individual amounts for each of their retained player is yet to be ascertained, MI will lose at least INR 75 crore from their purse of INR 120 crore, or more if they have paid a higher aggregate amount to the five.
Former Manchester United player Eric Bailly is returning to La Liga after rejecting a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
Bailly to return to La LigaFormer Manchester United defender snubs move to Saudi ArabiaMedicals to be completed todayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Oviedo are set to sign Bailly. The defender travelled to Spain yesterday and is set to undergo his medicals on Monday. In the process of signing for Oviedo, the 31-year-old has snubbed a move to Saudi Arabia.
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Bailly gained immense popularity after his move to Manchester United back in 2016. Under the mentorship of Jose Mourinho, he, along with his teammates, lifted the Europa League, United's only continental trophy in the last 10 years. In 2023, he joined Besiktas and the following year signed for Villarreal in La Liga. His contract expired at the end of the season, and now he is set to sign for newly promoted La Liga side Oviedo, who finished third in Segunda Division last term.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bailly played the most games in his career for United – as he clocked 113 appearances at Old Trafford.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BAILLY?
Bailly will join training at Oviedo after his medicals and will be expected to feature for them in the upcoming La Liga games, especially the one against Real Madrid on August 24.
Babar’s dropping was collectively recommended by the newly formed selection committee, which met in Lahore within hours of the loss in the first Test
Danyal Rasool13-Oct-2024Babar Azam will be the biggest name casualty as Pakistan make significant changes to their squad for the second Test, two days after a chastening innings loss to England in Multan. ESPNcricinfo has learned Babar’s dropping was recommended by the newly formed selection committee, which met in Lahore within hours of the loss in the first Test on Friday. They met for a second time on Saturday in Multan, in a session which included chairman Mohsin Naqvi, as well as the five mentors appointed by the PCB on three-year deals.In the immediate aftermath of the defeat, Pakistan captain Shan Masood publicly backed Babar, calling him “Pakistan’s best batter” and repeating his call to give players more time. That sentiment, for continuity, has been backed by Test coach Jason Gillespie too. Privately, though, it is understood the selection panel collectively felt Babar would benefit from time away from the national side as runs remain elusive; he has not scored a Test half-century since December 2022.The newly configured selection panel comprises Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, former ICC umpire Aleem Dar, analyst Hassan Cheema and the captain and head coach of the format for which the squad is being selected. However, it is understood neither Masood nor Gillespie were part of the selection committee meeting on Friday. Selectors traveled to Multan on Saturday to meet with the captain and coach, as well as the PCB curator Tony Hemming. At the meeting on Saturday, it is believed some of the mentors were in favour of keeping Babar in the squad, but majority opinion was in favour of the dropping.Related
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It is not yet clear whether Babar – who has struggled for form for the best part of two years – will make himself available to play the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on October 20. Babar has not played a game in that first-class cricket competition since 2019.The scrutiny around Babar’s form has been magnified with each subsequent failure with the bat. He appeared especially out of sorts against England, on a flat wicket, scoring 35 runs across two innings. beaten on the inside edge in the first innings and the outside in the second. It extended his run without a half-century in Test cricket to 18 innings; just four specialist batters in Pakistan’s history have gone more successive innings without a score in excess of 50. Since the start of 2023, Babar averages under 21 in nine Tests.The loss of form has dovetailed with a turbulent time in terms of his leadership status. Following Pakistan’s elimination at the ODI World Cup in 2023, he reluctantly resigned as captain from all formats. Just four months later, the T20I and ODI captaincy were returned to him, with Shaheen Afridi sacked after just one series.The second stint was ill-fated. Pakistan won one of three T20I series – against Ireland 2-1 – and were eliminated from the T20 World Cup in 2024 in the first round after defeats to the USA and India. Just six months after he was reappointed, he quit captaincy once more, citing a desire to focus on his batting.Babar’s omission will not be the only change. Abrar Ahmed, for one, remains in hospital and is extremely unlikely to recover. Selectors are understood to be considering a couple of other spinning options, with Noman Ali and Sajid Khan in contention. There is also a chance that Afridi does not play the second Test as his struggle to return to his pre-knee injury form continues. Afridi has played in two of Pakistan’s last four Tests, and missed one in each of the previous two series.But it is Babar’s omission that will send shockwaves through Pakistan cricket and its followers. He remains, despite his recent struggles, the biggest name in Pakistan cricket by some distance, having built up an enormous, doting individual fanbase quite separate from the Pakistan team as a whole. Though his ability as captain split opinion and was hotly debated throughout his tenure, there has never – up until very recently – been a debate about his value to the team; even without the armband, he remained an automatic selection and the first name on the team sheet.While consistency came to Babar more easily in the white-ball formats, he was comfortably among the world’s best Test batters during his prime. Between November 2019 and the end of 2022, he averaged just shy of 62 in 25 Test matches, including eight hundreds and 15 half-centuries. His consistency led to speculation it was only a matter of time before the ‘Fab Four’ quartet became a quintet, with Babar pushing his all-format case.The second Test against England begins on October 15 in Multan. England won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs to consign Pakistan to a sixth Test defeat on the trot, one that puts them at the bottom of the World Test Championship table.