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Elly De La Cruz is having a great season. He has improved in every statistical category from his rookie year, collecting more hits, doubles, triples and home runs than he did in 2023. He has also improved his batting average, on-base and slugging percentages in a larger sample size thanks to more than 200 more plate appearances than he had as a rookie.

Of course, it's his speed that truly sets him apart as one of the most electric athletes in the sport. With a week-and-a-half remaining in the season, he leads baseball with 64 stolen bases. He's just the sixth person to steal more than 60 bases in a season in the last decade.

But that's not what makes this season truly historic.

De La Cruz also leads baseball with 203 strikeouts and counting. With 11 games remaining on the Reds schedule, he has 15 more strikeouts than the next most K'd batter in baseball, Ezequiel Tovar.

It's not the best historical achievement, but when you do something that has never been done in the entirety of a sports existence, it's pretty amazing. Especially when that sport has existed for over a century. And they've been keeping incredibly detailed records of stuff like this since the 1880's.

Stats highlights from the second Test between New Zealand and India, which ended in a high-scoring draw in Napier

S Rajesh30-Mar-2009Gautam Gambhir’s 643-minute innings is the seventh-longest by an Indian batsman•Associated Press

• India batted 180 overs in their second innings, which is the eighth-highest number of deliveries they’ve batted in the second try. The first six of those instances had all been before 1980, which indicates how the nature of the game has changed. The last time they batted more overs was also against New Zealand, in 1999 in Mohali, when they scored 505 for 3 in their second innings after being bundled out for 83 in their first. Surprisingly, seven of the top nine such efforts have happened overseas.
• It’s also the second-highest number of overs they’ve played when following on – the only occasion they batted longer was at Leeds in 1967 against England, when they faced 209.2 overs to score 510 in a match they ultimately lost by six wickets. Of the 30 games when India have been asked to follow on, they’ve saved eight, lost 21 and won one.
• India managed to draw a Test after conceding a lead of over 200 in the first innings for the tenth time. Overall, such a feat has been achieved on 78 occasions.
• For New Zealand, it was the first instance of not winning a Test after enforcing the follow-on at home. Before this match, they had a perfect 7-0 record in games in which the opposition followed on. Overall, of the 14 occasions they’ve asked teams to follow on, New Zealand have won ten and drawn four.
• Gautam Gambhir’s 436-ball 137 was easily the slowest of his 15 fifty-plus scores in Tests. His innings spanned 643 minutes, which is the seventh-longest by an Indian. (Click here for the entire list of longest Test innings in terms of minutes.)
• Gambhir’s knock is the slowest by an Indian, in terms of balls faced, for an innings of less than 150. His strike rate of 31.42 is still better than Sanjay Manjrekar’s strike rate of 24.64, when he scored 104 off 422 balls against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1992.
• There were 12 scores of 50 or more in this Test, which equals the record in New Zealand for most number of 50-plus scores in a match. The only previous occasion when this happened in New Zealand was also in a Test against India, in 1999 in Hamilton.
• This is the ninth drawn game among the last 25 when captains have enforced the follow-on. Eight of those games involved Zimbabwe or Bangladesh, all of which the minnows lost. Exclude them from the equation, and there have been nine draws out of the last 17 Tests which have involved the follow-on.
• VVS Laxman’s unbeaten 124 contained 25 fours, which is the highest by any batsman in an innings of 125 or less. Extend the filter to 150 runs, and still only six batsmen rank above him. Laxman’s century was also his first in New Zealand, and his second against them in six Tests.

Australia’s touring party for South Africa is a sensible squad chosen with an eye to both the present and future

Alex Brown05-Feb-2009

	The selection of Marcus North gives hope to consistent Sheffield Shield players across the country © Getty Images

This week, the prime minister Kevin Rudd announced a $42 billion stimulus package aimed at preventing the Australian economy falling into recession. A nation hopes.Sadly, there is no such optimism for Australia’s cricket team. Having posted negative growth figures for the past two quarters, and with no sign of an impending upswing, Australians have arrived at the realisation that the boom market of the Warne-McGrath era is a thing of the past.Opinion polls suggest Australians are supportive of Rudd’s move to revive the national economy. The same cannot be said for the stewardship of Andrew Hilditch. Over the past year, Australia’s chairman of selectors has alternated between roles of bull and bear, and the subsequent confusion has done little for the confidence of established players, the nerves of those on the periphery and the patience of supporters across the wide, brown land.But maybe, just maybe, lessons are being learned. Following an inglorious 2008, in which Hilditch’s panel was justifiably criticised for its shabby treatment of emerging spinner Beau Casson and its poor handling of Andrew Symonds, Australia’s selectors have begun the new year by displaying prudence and foresight in naming their 14-man squad for the three-Test tour of South Africa.Any line-up that contains eight players with a combined ten Tests to their name – four of whom are uncapped – is bound to raise eyebrows, but in reality, this is a sensible squad chosen with an eye to both the present and future. Retirements, injuries and suspension have ensured that Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey are the only survivors from the Johannesburg Test of three years ago, while the remaining selections form the framework for a solid cricketing stimulus package – loyalty to seniors, patience to emerging players and incentive to rookies.Australia’s cricketers have watched their stock price tumble in recent seasons, prompting major writedowns and revised forecasts across the board. It was only two years ago that Ponting – speaking on the eve of his first Test without Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer – boldly declared that his new-look Australian team would improve on the performances of previous squads. Similar levels of hubris could be detected among team management.But with regression has come humility, and with humility, sagacity. The move to retain all members from the victorious Sydney Test team (minus, of course, Matthew Hayden) sent the kind of reassuring message that was all but absent nine months ago, when Hilditch’s men named a 25-man contract list – ostensibly the best cricketers in the land – then all but ignored it over the series that followed.The elevation of the 20-year-old batting phenom Phillip Hughes is an acknowledgement of the need to develop players for the future, while the selection of the well-performed Bryce McGain, 36, represents a pragmatic move to address Australia’s spinning concerns in an Ashes year. McGain may almost qualify for a seniors discount, but he remains by some measure the best, attacking spin-bowling option in the country. He could yet play the generational bridging role for which Stuart MacGill had been earmarked.Marcus North, meanwhile, has been rewarded for a career of honest toil at the coalface of first-class cricket. At 29, and with 125 first-class matches to his name, the Western Australian left-hander provides solid batting support, and a handy finger-spinner option when required. His is a selection that should imbue hope into Sheffield Shield players across the country, indicating that national squad selection is no longer reserved to an exclusive clique ordained by Hilditch’s panel.Of course, none of this guarantees Australia victory in South Africa. The climb is steep. But there can be little argument that this 14-man squad represents the best Australia has to offer in this current credibility crunch.

Arsenal chiefs are now targeting an “all-round” forward, who arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur bid for last summer.

Andrea Berta's transfer plans for Arsenal this summer

The Gunners’ new sporting director, Andrea Berta, looks set to be a very busy man when the transfer window reopens for business.

Injury to Arsenal star stops Berta from signing two players in key position

The north Londoners had a potentially ambitious plan.

ByEmilio Galantini May 1, 2025

Manager Mikel Arteta has already admitted that the club are set for a “big” summer after Berta’s arrival, and the Spaniard is “excited” by what could be in store.

“It’s going to be a big one, and we are very excited about it,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s transfer plans ahead of next season.

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

“When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step. Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.

“But it’s a big summer for many things, because first of all, we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then, obviously, how can we improve and evolve the team.”

Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a second-choice keeper, full-back, midfielder, left-winger, right-winger and striker (GiveMeSport), with a host of players looking set to depart N5.

Neto will return to Bournemouth after his straight loan expires, while Kieran Tierney is off to Celtic after agreeing a pre-contract with his former club in the winter window.

Arsenal are expected to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko as well, and veteran midfielder Jorginho will be free to find a new club after his contract expires on June 30th – emphasising the need for new arrivals in key areas.

Thomas Partey and Arsenal are in negotiations over a contract extension right now, but a new midfielder remains high on Berta’s agenda, amid reports a deal for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is close.

Arsenal are internally behaving like they’ve already signed Zubimendi, according to David Ornstein. Meanwhile, as Arteta’s side also reportedly chase new wide options, Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey is emerging as an option.

Arsenal targeting Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey

As per journalist Graeme Bailey, writing in a piece for The Boot Room, Arsenal are targeting Ramsey as a potential option, and a Villa Park exit for the 23-year-old isn’t entirely ruled out.

Ramsey has been a firm regular under Unai Emery this term, making 43 appearances in all competitions, where he’s predominantly featured on the left-wing. The Englishman could be a solid alternative to Gabriel Martinelli on that side, but Arsenal are not the only north London club to conjure up ideas about signing Ramsey.

According to The Times, Tottenham made a part-exchange bid for Ramsey, offering Villa £20 million plus Giovani Lo Celso, but this offer was rejected out of hand.

Called an “all-round” player by ex-Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ramsey’s rumoured price tag stands at around £50 million, so Berta will have to pay a significant fee if he wishes to seal an Arsenal deal.

Tottenham have given a "huge boost" for the January transfer window as journalist Pete O'Rourke shares some news on a top target.

Spurs form under Postecoglou

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has suffered from a plague of injury and suspension issues over the last few weeks, and they've resulted in his side taking a major downturn in form.

Starting the Premier League campaign with a ten-game unbeaten run, Postecoglou enjoyed the best start made by any new boss in the division's history.

Levy now ready to make Spurs bid for player and offer him "monstrous" wages

He’s “unlikely” to refuse Tottenham’s proposal.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 8, 2023

Now, following injuries to key stars like Micky van de Ven and James Maddison, Spurs have lost four out of their last five league matches since early November and haven't won since their 2-1 victory away to Crystal Palace.

Their latest 2-1 defeat to London rivals West Ham was a particularly sore one to take for Postecoglou and supporters, with Spurs' head coach lamenting his team's poor performance in many aspects.

"No I don't think so," said Postecoglou on the loss to West Ham and whether their first-half performance was a positive (via football.london).

"I think it's another game where we've dominated a game of football and haven't turned our dominance into something more tangible and kept the opposition in the game. I thought we were really poor in both boxes tonight – both with our finishing and both goals were terrible to concede.

"We had some unbelievable chances – for us it's another game, like the Villa game and other games earlier this year, and I said during the week our attacking play has a long way to go. In general we have a long way to go, and tonight was more evidence of that."

One saving grace for Spurs could be the transfer window opening next month, and reports suggest they're keen to strengthen in key areas.

Indeed, Tottenham are chasing a left-sided centre-back most of all, while Spurs are also keen to sign another winger (Sky Sports).

Spurs gifted "huge boost" in Iling-Junior chase

In the latter position, one name who's been regularly mentioned as a top target for Tottenham is Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior.

There have been reports that Spurs are favourites to sign the 20-year-old, with reporter O'Rourke now sharing a bit more good news for Postecoglou's side.

The journalist, writing for Football Insider, claims Juventus are ready to accept £20 million for Iling-Junior in what he describes as a "huge boost" for Tottenham.

Spurs view the former Chelsea academy ace as an "ideal fit" for Postecoglou's style of intense style of play, with the Serie A side now prepared to cash in on Iling-Junior in the winter window.

While the winger has struggled for consistent game time under Massimiliano Allegri, the same could've been said for Dejan Kulusevski during his time at the club.

The Swede has now gone on to thrive at Spurs, and supporters will be hoping Iling-Junior could follow a similar path if he signs.

Their inclusion means Bangladesh now have 11 frontline batsmen at their disposal for the rest of the Asia Cup

Mohammad Isam21-Sep-2018Batsmen Soumya Sarkar and Imrul Kayes have been added to Bangladesh’s Asia Cup squad, which has suffered a spate of injuries. The additions were announced after Bangladesh were bowled out for 173 against India; a second batting debacle following their 136-run loss to Afghanistan on Thursday.Bangladesh’s leading batsmen have suffered setbacks: Tamim Iqbal fractured his wrist against Sri Lanka and is out of the tournament, while Shakib Al Hasan (finger) and Mushfiqur Rahim (rib) have been playing despite injuries. The bigger worry, however, has been the poor form of the younger batsmen.Openers Liton Das and Nazmul Hossain Shanto have been ineffective so far, so have Mominul Haque and Mosaddek Hossain, while Mohammad Mithun has scored one fifty in three innings.Both Soumya and Imrul have had played little cricket lately. They last featured in ODIs in the away series against South Africa last year, where Soumya played one match scoring 8 – making his tally 42 in his last five ODI appearances. Imrul played all three, totalling 100 runs. Neither was picked in the subsequent tri-series at home, or for the tour of West Indies in July-August.Their inclusion means Bangladesh now have 11 frontline batsmen at their disposal for the rest of the Asia Cup.Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Shakib Al Hasan (vc), Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Ariful Haque, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Nazmul Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Hider, Mominul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes

The batsman said the sweep had been a key weapon during his innings of 101 in the second Test at the SSC

Andrew Fidel Fernando at the SSC23-Jul-2018For most of this series, it appeared as if no South Africa batsman would bat for 100 balls in an innings, let alone score a century. Even getting to triple figures as a team seemed difficult enough. On the last day of the series, though, two relatively new batsmen saved some face for the visitors. Theunis de Bruyn and Temba Bavuma put on 123 together – South Africa’s best partnership of the series by a distance.De Bruyn then went on to score his maiden Test hundred, in his sixth Test, in a series in which much more senior men had failed dramatically. He had had a feeling he just might manage a breakthrough in Sri Lanka, after having made only modest scores in his five previous Tests.”It’s been quite a journey – it’s been tough. My international career didn’t start the way I wanted it to,” he said. “But I just had a bit of calmness landing in the airport here in Sri Lanka. As we drove to the hotel, I looked at the ocean and said to myself: ‘Yep, there could be something special.’ As a team, it wasn’t special, but for me it was special.”De Bruyn was especially effective square of the wicket against the spinners, employing the sweep, which he said he had learned in South Africa’s spin camps. He batted 232 balls all up, which made his the longest innings of the series, even if it wasn’t the biggest in terms of runs.”Back home you don’t need the sweep, because we play on bouncier wickets and you can play spinners down the ground,” he said. “But here, you know they’re bowling in good areas, and the wickets don’t bounce as much. The sweep is a better option.”For me, it was important to get the fielders out on the boundary, early on – especially with the new ball. If you’re just defending, it can be difficult. So if you put the bowlers slightly under pressure, you can get the fielders out. I didn’t know it was going to take that long to get a hundred. They just don’t let you go. They keep on bowling very accurately. It’s Test cricket. It’s not easy.”Bavuma was the more positive partner during their long partnership, making 63 off 98 balls before a spitting Rangana Herath delivery took the outside edge. Bavuma’s was the only other fifty-plus score for South Africa in this series.”Temba actually came in and played quite comfortably,” de Bruyn said. “He scored runs all the way through his innings and could start ticking over the strike. I think we almost had the same game plan – to sweep a lot and reverse sweep, and hit your ones over the legside. I think we both learned a lot over the last few hours, playing against the Sri Lankan spinners on this wicket.”De Bruyn had batted lower down the order in his earlier jaunts in Test cricket but said he felt more comfortable at No. 3, where he bats in domestic cricket.”For me, it does make a difference batting at No. 3. I’ve batted there my whole career, even as a youngster. The waiting game when you’re batting at six and seven mentally drains you – I don’t know, I’m not used to it. But I wanted to do really well batting at No. 3. It’s a place I really cherish and I’d like to make it my own one day if I get more opportunities.”

ScorecardSurrey routed Somerset by an innings with more than four sessions to spare to replace them at the Specsavers County Championship table.Jade Dernbach and Morne Morkel shared eight wickets as Somerset, who had followed on 279 runs behind, were bowled out for 210 in 61.2 overs to hand Surrey victory by an innings and 68 runs.Only James Hildreth, who finished unbeaten on 89, offered prolonged resistance to a rampant Surrey seam attack. It is the first time since 1958 that Surrey have won three games in succession by an innings and they went on to win the Championship that season as well.The odds on a first title since 2002, which was when Surrey last won at Guildford, will have shortened after this impressive performance.They set victory by taking five wickets in the first hour as Somerset, who resumed on 18 for 0, lurched to 69 for 5.Morkel made the breakthrough with his first ball of the day, trapping Matt Renshaw lbw half forward for two. Dernbach then picked up the first of two wickets in his opening spell when George Bartlett drove loosely and was caught behind.Ed Byrom could only fend off the next delivery – a well-directed bouncer from Morkel – to short leg then Dernbach pinned Tom Abell deep in his crease.Rikki Clarke had Steve Davies held in the gully at which point Somerset had lost five wickets for 51 runs before Hildreth and Lewis Gregory dug in, either side of lunch.They added 62 runs to raise Somerset hopes of a fightback before another well-directed short ball from Morkel broke the stand as Gregory edged low to Clarke at slip.Dom Bess played down the wrong line and lost his off stump to Clarke but Josh Davey gave Hildreth good support in an eighth wicket stand of 62 although Davey rode his luck. Surrey were convinced he had been caught behind before he had got into single figures and he was dropped on 19 by Scott Borthwick at second slip.Hildreth pulled offspinner Amar Virdi, who was being watched by England’s chief selector Ed Smith, into the adjoining road for six and coped well with Morkel’s pace but he ran out of partners. Davey eventually gloved another good lifter, this time from Dernbach, to wicketkeeper Ollie Pope and Tim Groenewald played on for a second-ball duck.Morkel applied the final touch when Max Waller, batting as concussion replacement for Jack Leach, who had been struck on the helmet by the South African on the second day, edged another bumper to Pope.Hildreth hit 13 fours and faced 127 balls but lacked support against a Surrey side who look well equipped to end their long wait for the title on this evidence.

Liverpool are facing the extremely real possibility of parting ways with Mohamed Salah in January.

The Egyptian forward’s post-match outburst at Leeds United last weekend outlined in no uncertain terms his view toward being cast to the bench in recent matches. FSG and Arne Slot want to keep the 33-year-old, who extended a new £400k-per-week contract only in April after months of speculation. However, there is an acceptance that the situation may become untenable.

Salah has been Liverpool’s main man in the Premier League for many years. He is an all-time great. But he is also approaching the autumn of his prime years, and there’s no question that he has been well out of sorts this term, five goals and three assists across 19 fixtures.

Salah is off to AFCON after Liverpool host Brighton this weekend, a game that may not see the right winger grace the field. It may be farewell.

Liverpool's plans to replace Salah

Regardless of this developing Salah conundrum, Liverpool plan to sign a wide forward in 2026. Cody Gakpo has flattered to deceive on the left, and Luis Diaz was not directly replaced after his summer sale to Bayern Munich.

Liverpool also need a centre-back, but the urgency for a prolific winger is clearly getting more intense, and that’s why the Merseysiders have been confirmed to be leading the race for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause in his contract that becomes active in January.

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old ahead of the winter window, though there is no confirmation over Semenyo’s movements as Manchester City press too.

This is boiling down to something of a jousting match between the English heavyweights, and it’s a battle FSG cannot afford to lose, with the versatile forward having the potential to be Liverpool’s new version of Luis Suarez.

Why Semenyo would be Liverpool's new Suarez

Semenyo, clearly, is not a similar player to Suarez, one of the greatest central strikers of his generation. But the Ghana international is a potent attacking threat and he has been named the “best winger in the country” by pundit Chris Waddle after posting six goals and three assists for Bournemouth this season.

Recognised by teammate Justin Kluivert for being a “world-class” player, so consistent in the final third, Semenyo is clearly itching to take the next step in his career and establish himself for a European heavyweight, and in this, he could make a talismanic introduction in the same vein as Suarez back in January 2011.

Let’s explain. Suarez arrived from Ajax as a raw and talented number nine, but few felt he had what it took to step into Fernando Torres’ boots. The iconic Spaniard forced his way out of Liverpool and signed for Chelsea in a contentious, record-breaking transfer. There he flattered to deceive.

Semenyo could echo this, arriving halfway through the campaign and making headway in Salah’s stead. The circumstances differ, but the Egyptian King is a heralded figure, and he will need someone capable to come in and take his spot, firing Liverpool back into the ascendancy.

Matches (starts)

13 (12)

11 (11)

Goals

4

6

Assists

2

3

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (0.8)

2.4 (1.4)

Big chances missed

6

5

Accurate passes*

21.5 (75%)

19.8 (78%)

Chances created*

2.2

1.0

Succ. dribbles*

0.8

1.6

Tackles*

0.2

1.7

Duels won*

2.3

6.5

Could Semenyo reach the same Suarez-esque level? It is impossible to say, though, how often have we seen a talented star need that level-up at a prominent outfit to unlock the extent of their potential?

The Uruguayan was one of the best in the world, but he started somewhere, and Salah did too, with the winger struggling at Chelsea before making his name in Italy with Fiorentina and then Roma. It was at Liverpool, though, that he became a superstar.

Liverpool football club have an incredible ability to come together during tough patches. It’s never quiet down Anfield Road, and while the Suarez sale felt like the beginning of the end times way back when, it actually precipitated the club’s golden period of modern times.

Jurgen Klopp enjoyed years of illustrious success with Salah as his talisman, but now, the Reds are into a new era, and though the circumstances are unsavoury, the veteran will not be plying his trade for the club forever.

Semenyo would be a fantastic mid-season addition, marking a continuation of Liverpool’s ability to keep on going. When Torres forced his way out, Suarez replaced him and played some of the finest football England has ever seen.

Now, it’s happening again. Semenyo hasn’t reached the top yet, but he has the potential to do so.

He could be captain after Van Dijk: £35m star very keen on joining Liverpool

Liverpool clearly need to fix some defensive problems after a wretched start to the season.

1 ByAngus Sinclair 2 days ago

If there is one thing LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey is going to do—besides coach her team to victory, of course—it's give us some instantly memeable content.

In this case, we have an expertly-timed camera pan during Sunday afternoon's LSU-Kentucky game to thank for the Mulkey meme du jour. After a bucket from Kentucky's Clara Silver extended the Wildcats' lead, the broadcast wisely cut to Mulkey, who was standing on the sidelines with a comically serious expression, very likely mourning her team's current position. The announcers described the look as "disturbed and frustrated."

Despite a 12-point deficit at the half, the Tigers still rallied to win 65–58. But of course, Mulkey's hilarious facials have become the focus of the conversation.

Check out the online reaction below: