Muscles, Maritzburg mamba and other nicknames

Our readers weigh in on cricketer’s nicknames, South Africa’s stonewalling, the fortunes of Amir and Irfan, John Mooney’s career and Ambrose’s stirring words

12-Dec-2015Whatever happened to the clever nickname?
Reader: Indianinneredge
Venkatapathy Raju, the former Indian spinner was called “Muscles” for his obvious lack of them. In the 1970-71 Ind-WI series, Windies had a quick called Uton Dowe, seems Indian batsmen took a liking to his bowling prompting the famous banner and take on on the 11th commandment, ‘Dowe shalt not bowl’. How could you miss Jesse “Giddyap” Ryder, Jonty-on-the victory-Rhodes who also was nicknamed ‘the Maritzburg mamba’. “Iron Bottom” was legendary, Rahul Dravid was “Jammy” as his Dad worked in a jam factory, Mark “Purple” (Great)batch, Chris “Drum-roll”… how about ‘the Ab-devil ‘for ABD?Lehmann backs scrapping of toss
Reader: puntificator
When I was growing up watching cricket, the curator was assumed to be a neutral party, like a match official. Their job was to produce the best cricket wicket possible under the circumstances of local conditions and weather, while staying true to the character of the wicket. Now the ground staff are increasingly seen as part of the home side’s entourage. Home fans and commentators scream if the wicket isn’t tailored to the home side’s bowling. This is the thin end of the wedge though. The next step is zoning a pitch, so that it favours right-handed over left-handed fast bowlers, or offspin over legspin. Together with the right to choose the make of ball, too much is in the home team’s hands.The solution? Make the ground staff answerable to the match referee, and give the MR the power to award the toss to the visiting side, if they feel the pitch is not prepared appropriately for competitive cricket, given local conditions and the historical character of the wicketA tale of two Pakistani bowlers
Reader: r1m2
Irfan has done very well with the limited opportunities he’s had during his career thus far. He was unlucky to be playing at a time when Pakistan isn’t playing many Tests and whatever Tests they play are on the barren desert land. I feel the story of both Irfan and Amir are kind of tragic. Amir everyone knows the reason. Irfan because of his age. I wish he was discovered by 20 and groomed to be ready for international by 25. Instead he started around 28 and now with his typical fast bowler’s injuries and Pakistan’s lack of cricket he’s turned 33 (34 soon) without playing a whole lot of matches.For me a cricketer doesn’t leave much of a legacy if they play less than 50 Test matches. For me those talented and performing cricketers with less than 50 Test matches are in the category of potentials. At the same time variety of stadiums and pitches also account for much of the practical international performance.I have a slight hope that Irfan by some miracle gets to play at least 50 matches and some matches in Australia, England and West Indies, more in South Africa. Then we will know the true quality of Irfan. I also hope that he is able to show his talent more consistently with the limited opportunities he gets so that he can be talked about in the same tone as the West Indian greats, especially for his height. All these are highly unlikely occurrences . Hence they are hopes.If only the current West Indies side had a player like Curtly Ambrose•WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks LaTouche PhotoReader: Khurram S Chaudhry
In Ahmer’s last article, he gave some stats for bowlers after WC 2015. Based on those, I think none of Wahab or Irfan or Yasir is (the) leader of attack. Wahab has been wicketless 7 times in 12 matches. Yasir 5 times in 12, Irfan 4 times & picked more than 1 wicket in only 3 games (3 wickets twice & 2 once). Clearly not leaders of attack. Wahab can give you spells here & there which most will keep talking (about) but not wickets which are required. Same is the case with Irfan. Difficult to play but batsmen can avoid giving him wickets.Amir has been good and he is bowling well in BPL or QAT. He has served his ban so should be given fair chance. Not based on past performances but recent ones (which) are better than the bowlers played in last 12 months or so. Also Pak need to think about Junaid Khan. He has been really good on these Asian wickets in ODIs & Tests. Out of form after his injury but what’s been happening for him to get back to some shape?South Africa push for draw in epic blockathon
Reader: _-Will-_
Stone cold resistance. Indeed, this is one of the primary elements that has contributed to South Africa’s awesome nine-year away record. Very glad to see they’ve still got it!This final match, albeit a dead rubber, has been the most enjoyable for me. From an Indian perspective several things were quite refreshing, including: all our bowlers operating as a cohesive and effective unit in the second innings, Rahane’s superb twin hundreds, the stoic Rahane-Kohli partnership on day three, Ashwin’s 50.Nothing wrong with Kohli’s declaration IMHO; he removed the chance of an SA win from the equation, allowing over five sessions on a day 4-5 pitch to bowl SA out. If this isn’t enough time, we don’t deserve a win.But again, really happy to see the re-emergence of the renowned SA brick wall type resistance/determination. Their fast bowling was also of typical top shelf quality.Already looking forward to the SA v ENG tests. As for India, we must wait many months for more Test matchesMooney retires from internationals
Reader: MariusPontmercy94
So much loyalty to that shirt that he may as well have bled green when bowling himself into the ground for his team. A giant of Irish cricket in more ways than one. Cricket is poorer for your retirement, but so much better off now than it was when you first came along. Thanks for the memories, and all the best for whatever comes next, Mooney.Ambrose fires up Frank Worrell bout
Reader: tappee74
Sir Curtly is among my dearest cricketers. He is a no-nonsense man trademarked with that glare. Anyone young or old knows that he is indeed among the finest fast bowlers ever. How I wish we can have a man or two of his like in the WI team. I have entertained his views,but I do not necessary agree with him. The ammunition in the quiver is weak,the alloy lacks the lethal steel. Nevertheless, pouring from his heart are words of comfort and hope, which in many ways may be an inspiration to a group who is about to face the greatest challenge in cricket or perhaps in life. I wish them well, I am still disappointed with the selectors for not taking Chanderpaul, who in my opinion would have been important to the batting.

Leeds Could Sign ‘Unplayable’ £25m Aaronson Partner

Leeds United will be well aware of the looming Championship season that draws ever closer, making their reluctance to appoint a new manager somewhat concerning.

With Daniel Farke the frontrunner, it seems that the confirmation of the 49ers' takeover is stalling the official announcement that would allow the German to actually get to work not only with the current squad but in adding to it too.

Despite that, there have already been numerous transfer targets that have seemingly been drawn up by the club. One such example is Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, who continues to be linked with an Elland Road switch despite Premier League and other top-flight clubs from across Europe having shown an interest.

The Swedish marksman has already shown his ability to dominate the English second tier, so it would take an almighty task for the Whites to convince him to stay for one more season.

However, should they earn a promotion at the first time of asking, this 25-year-old marksman could star up front for them for the next decade. This would make his reported £25m price tag more than justified.

Should Leeds United sell Brenden Aaronson?

Should this hulking, pacey front-man decide on a move to Yorkshire, he could not only revolutionise their attack in an instant but have a transformative effect on those around him too.

At last the wingers would have a true focal point with which to play off, and the midfielders can now seek to push on knowing the chaos this 6 foot 2 finisher will bring.

However, should such a move accelerate, it is perhaps Brenden Aaronson that would be most excited to welcome this classic number nine into the side.

The American only joined last summer for a mouth-watering £24.7m fee, but struggled under the weight of his price tag and the physicality of the Premier League.

What did not aid matters was that Patrick Bamford, Leeds' usually-reliable striker, endured one of his worst seasons in recent memory. Rodrigo had to pick up the pieces, and whilst his 13 league goals marked an outstanding year, he plays without those physical assets that make Gyokeres so frightening and tricky to defend.

Should he join up with the 22-year-old attacking midfielder, perhaps the two could strike up a fine partnership that revitalises the former RB Salzburg maestro at last.

After all, in his final year in Austria, he did record 16 goal contributions across all competitions.

brenden-aaronson-leeds-united

Not only would Aaronson be able to feed off the carnage his new teammate would provide, but the space he would be afforded would multiply massively as Gyokeres wrecks his way through defenders.

His tally of 21 goals and ten assists in the Championship last term somehow dwarfed the 17 he scored the year before even that, with it being no surprise to see former teammate Maxime Biamou brand him "unplayable".

It could be argued that this level is now beneath him, and therefore a move to Yorkshire makes little sense. However, should he look to the long-term, and was to be the man to spearhead their promotion the Sweden international would remain a hero at this famous club for many years to come.

Reigniting Aaronson though, who could only muster one league goal all last campaign, would still remain his most impressive feat though should he manage both.

Chelsea: "Plot twist" as things hot up on transfer front

Chelsea have a good relationship with Lyon amid their attempts to sign midfielder Rayan Cherki this window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Rayan Cherki and Christian Pulisic?

As per Football London, Cherki is a target for Chelsea this summer and the Blues sent scouts to watch the Frenchman on several occasions last season.

The report states that Chelsea are in the hunt to replace the departed Kai Havertz and Mason Mount and Cherki could represent a second arrival from Lyon in the past six months following the purchase of Malo Gusto.

One outlet in France claim that both Newcastle United and Paris Saint-German are also keen on Cherki, who Lyon will demand around £43 million for before sanctioning his departure.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has also revealed in recent times that Lyon have made advances to try and sign Chelsea winger Pulisic this window, stating on Twitter: "EXCL: Chelsea have received written offer from Lyon for Christian Pulisic. €25m (+ meaningful sell-on still being negotiated): a level CFC would find acceptable. Good relations with Textor & Olympique Lyonnais via Malo Gusto deal."

AC Milan are also keen to strike a deal for Pulisic and have submitted a bid for the USA international and hold internal belief that he would choose to move to the San Siro over a switch to Ligue 1 giants Lyon, according to 90min.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Chelsea and Lyon hold an agreeable relationship as the Blues try to sign Cherki this summer.

Jones stated: "He’s right on the money when it comes to fitting Chelsea’s profiling and he is a great player, but what makes this one more interesting is that Lyon are open-minded about offers.

"And a plot twist to the Cherki interest now is that Lyon are currently making a play for Christian Pulisic, and their offer was pretty decent for him, so the conversations between the clubs are already open and the relations seem good so far."

Would Rayan Cherki fit the Chelsea project under Mauricio Pochettino?

Cherki is a creative rising star that would add some further polish to Chelsea's midfield and would fit into their philosophy of signing young stars with the potential to grow into elite stars.

Last term, the £59k-a-week ace made 39 appearances in all competitions for Lyon, registering five goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

rayan-cherki-lyon

WhoScored take into account that Cherki completed an average of two key passes and 2.3 dribbles per match during the campaign, making him a dangerous presence for Ligue 1 backlines to tame.

Capable of scoring and fashioning chances for others, the Frenchman also successfully performed 128 shot-creating actions in the French top flight, as per FBRef.

Chelsea have lost a lot of experience in the middle of the part this window, letting go Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Mount and Havertz.

Acting to acquire Cherki would not only help them to gain another body in midfield, but it would also excite supporters of the Blues as he has the ability to evolve into a Premier League star in the coming seasons.

Spurs target Solanke upgrade in "world-class" £70m ace who Madrid also want

As it was last year, Tottenham Hotspur’s campaign has been entirely unpredictable this season.

Ange Postecoglou’s side go from looking like world-beaters to looking utterly hopeless, sometimes in the space of just a week.

However, following their emphatic 5-0 Premier League win over Southampton on Sunday, things are starting to look up for the Lilywhites.

Moreover, their free-flowing football could soon be even more dangerous as recent reports have linked the club with an incredible centre-forward who could be an instant upgrade on summer signing Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from one Spanish outlet, Tottenham are one of several clubs interested in Inter Milan star Marcus Thuram.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Liverpool, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Arsenal are all keeping an eye on the French centre-forward.

Unfortunately for Daniel Levy and Co, the competition isn’t the only obstacle to getting their man, as the story claims that he’d cost a whopping €85m, which converts to about £70m.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Thuram’s unreal ability, it is one worth pursuing, especially as he’d be an upgrade on Solanke.

How Thuram compares to Solanke

Now, if Spurs are successful in their pursuit of Thuram next year, it seems incredibly unlikely that he’d join the club and be happy to sit on the bench as a backup option.

Therefore, even though he only arrived in the summer himself, Solanke would be in direct competition with him for a place up top in the starting lineup, but who would come out on top between the two forwards?

Well, based on their pure output, the Inter ace comes out ahead, and by quite some way at that.

For example, in just 20 appearances this season, the “world-class” Frenchman, as dubbed by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schäfer, has scored 12 goals and provided six assists, equating to an incredible average of a goal involvement every 1.11 games.

In contrast, the former Bournemouth star has scored just seven goals and provided four assists in 21 appearances, equating to a decent but significantly less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.90 games.

Unfortunately for the Lilywhites’ new number nine, the one-sided nature of this comparison also extends to the pair’s underlying numbers.

For example, the Inter star comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, key passes and passes into the penalty area, shots and shots on target and goal and shot-creating actions, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.63

0.68

Actual Non-Penalty G+As

1.06

0.55

Progressive Carries

2.05

1.56

Progressive Passes

1.74

2.19

Progressive Passes Received

6.14

4.14

Shots

2.88

2.51

Shots on Target

1.59

1.25

Key Passes

1.36

0.70

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.83

0.47

Live Passes

17.9

13.4

Shot-Creating Actions

3.18

1.96

Goal-Creating Actions

0.68

0.55

Aerial Duels Won

2.12

1.56

Ultimately, Solanke is an undeniably talented striker who could go on to have a brilliant career for Spurs, but from practically every angle, Thuram looks to be a clear upgrade.

Therefore, Levy and Co should do all they can to bring the French international to North London as soon as possible.

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Garth signs long-term with Melbourne Stars

Former Ireland allrounder signs a three-year deal as a local player having completed residency

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jun-2022Former Ireland international Kim Garth has locked in her future in Australia signing a three-year WBBL deal to remain at the Melbourne Stars.Garth, 26, has played 85 times for Ireland in ODI and T20I cricket but has not represented her country since 2019 and relocated to Australia full-time in 2020 after signing a contract with Victoria in the WNCL. She has now completed her residency so will be classed as a local player.Garth was a shining light for Stars in a dismal WBBL season last year as their player of the season finishing with 15 wickets, including a remarkable opening spell of 3-3-0-3 against Sydney Thunder, and averaging 27.33 with the bat.Garth will be part of a Stars side now under the guidance of new coach Jonathan Batty.”I’m loving my time in Melbourne and I can’t wait for the next three seasons with the Melbourne Stars,” Garth said.”I haven’t been home [to Ireland] for over two years so it has been great to get back in the offseason but I’m looking forward to getting back and putting in a solid block of work before the start of the season and working with Jonathan and the entire coaching team.”I haven’t had the chance to play in front of our members and fans at home yet which is something I’m really looking forward to in WBBL08.”Stars general manager Blair Crouch was delighted to secure Garth for three more years.”Her energy on and off the field is infectious and her impact on the group in a short time has been profound,” he said. Kim has worked extremely hard on her game over the last couple of seasons and her improvement with both bat and ball is a credit to that hard work.”

Ravi Bopara named Sussex T20 captain, Tom Haines to lead in Championship

George Garton appointed T20 vice-captain, with Ollie Robinson supporting Haines

Matt Roller28-Mar-2022Ravi Bopara will take over from Luke Wright as Sussex’s T20 captain for 2022, with Tom Haines returning to lead their County Championship side after finishing last season in the role.Wright resigned as T20 captain earlier this month, suggesting it was “the right time to step down” after seven seasons in the role and that the move would allow him to concentrate on his batting for the rest of his career.Bopara, his replacement, joined the club ahead of the 2020 season, and his previous captaincy experience includes the white-ball leadership at Essex in 2016 and a short stint leading Sylhet Sunrisers in the recent Bangladesh Premier League.George Garton has been named as vice-captain but, counterintuitively, will not captain if Bopara becomes unavailable. James Kirtley, the club’s T20 coach, said he was “very conscious of not over-burdening him [Garton] as he continues his development” and that either Jofra Archer or Tymal Mills will lead the side if required.”Ravi’s appointment was an obvious one for us, he’s got tremendous experience at the highest level, having played over 400 T20 games in his career,” Kirtley said in a press release. “But when you look down at the list of players available to us, we have such talent and experience within the squad that it could have gone to many of the boys.”Haines, meanwhile, captained the side in the Royal London Cup as well as the final four Championship games last year, after Ben Brown was stood down in the middle of the season. Travis Head was due to take over in 2022 but withdrew from his contract earlier this month due to his international commitments and the news that his partner is pregnant.Haines, the leading Championship run-scorer in the country last season with 1176, has been appointed “on an interim basis” with Ollie Robinson as his deputy. Haines will also captain the 50-over side.Ian Salisbury, the club’s Championship and 50-over coach, said: “Tom Haines has been brilliant for Sussex, not only with his run scoring, but also the leadership he showed last season in both the 50-over and County Championship games.”This is a great step in his development, and he will be supported by the experienced lads like Steve Finn and Ollie Robinson.”

£150k-p/w star out & Rashford axed: Man Utd predicted lineup & team news

Manchester United will be looking to win their first Premier League away game under Ruben Amorim when they travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. The 195th Manchester Derby is the blockbuster event of the weekend in the top-flight.

It is certainly a good time for the Red Devils to meet their bitter rivals. Pep Guardiola’s side have won just one game in their last ten, the most unfathomable run of form, and something United can capitalise on.

Amorim’s men themselves haven’t been in the best form, and have won three games out of six during his tenure so far. The trip to the Etihad represents a chance to turn their form around, and right some wrongs from last season.

Man United’s last trip to the Etihad Stadium

Under the tutelage of former manager Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals in East Manchester. Goals from Erling Haaland and two from Phil Foden were enough to sink United.

However, it was actually United who took the lead, thanks to a phenomenal strike from homegrown hero Marcus Rashford.

The United academy graduate, who hails from Wythenshawe, smashed home a lay-off from Bruno Fernandes from well outside the area. It rifled against the crossbar and into the back of the net, leaving goalkeeper Ederson with no chance.

It was like Foden saw Rashford’s wonder strike and tried to one-up him, lashing home a fantastic strike on his left foot from distance outside the penalty area. The England international waltzed into the penalty area and fired home to give City the lead, with Haaland getting in on the act after United made a mess of things playing out from the back.

Tackles

Casemiro

4

Duels won

Casemiro, Diogo Dalot

9

Dribbles completed

Bernardo Silva

5

Clearances

Raphael Varane

9

Chances created

Bernardo Silva

7

It was a very frustrating day at the office for the Red Devils, who will now be hoping they can rectify that loss last season, on Sunday afternoon under Amroim.

Man United team news vs. Man City

In terms of team news from the Red side of Manchester ahead of the derby, Amroim might well be able to count on one of his most experienced players to return to the squad. That man is Jonny Evans, who has been injured since the new manager’s first game in charge against Ipswich Town.

When quizzed about the defender in the buildup to the match, the former Sporting manager confirmed that “he’s training already”. That certainly suggests there could be some involvement for the United stalwart.

However, one player who will likely not be back in the fold for the short trip to East Manchester will be Luke Shaw. The left-back picked up an injury in the Premier League clash against Everton, and it was confirmed the £150k per week star will be unavailable on Sunday afternoon.

However, the United manager confirmed that no one else picked up any injuries in United’s last outing against Viktoria Plzen. Amorim explained United got through the trip in the Czech Republic unscathed and said “everyone is going to be fit and ready to win the game” against City.

Man United’s predicted lineup vs. Man City

It will be fascinating to see who lines up from the start for United. Of course, Andre Onana will be in goal, looking to put two errors in his last two outings behind him. Lisandro Martinez might not start as one of the three centre-backs due to a potential height mismatch against Erling Haaland so Leny Yoro could get the nod.

Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte could well pair up in midfield again, with Amad moving back to right wing-back to accommodate Mason Mount as one of the number 10s, next to Bruno Fernandes.

That leaves question marks over Rashford’s place in the side. He has struggled for form of late and could miss out on a starting berth against City, despite the fact he has six goals against them across his career, including one in his first Manchester Derby.

Man United predicted lineup in full: Onana, Yoro, De Ligt, Mazraoui; Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Mount, Fernandes; Hojlund.

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'Clear that América is the biggest club' – Erick Sánchez sends message to Cruz Azul, Las Águilas' opponent in CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals

América advanced to the Champions Cup quarterfinals after defeating Chivas, with Cruz Azul awaiting in next round

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América dominated in a 4-0 victory over Chivas

Brian Rodríguez, Diego Valdés, Alejandro Zendejas, Álvaro Fidalgo scoreLas Águilas now will face Cruz Azul for a ticket to semifinalsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

After securing América’s spot in the Champions Cup quarterfinals, Erick Sánchez said that the team let their performance on the field do the talking, and didn’t get caught up in outside comments.

'We like to let our game do the talking. The team proved it, everyone gave their all. I’m proud of what we did. We were clinical, but it was all built on humility," Sánchez said after the match.

Sánchez also sent a message to Cruz Azul, their opponent in the Champions Cup quarterfinals: 'We know Cruz Azul is a great opponent, but it's clear that América is the biggest club."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Sánchez has become a key player in André Jardine's system. América paid $10 million for him last tournament, and after a somewhat disappointing start, the midfielder has finally secured a spot in the Azulcrema starting lineup. Sánchez has scored two goals in 12 matches for América this year.

Despite his good form, Sánchez was not called up by Javier Aguirre for the Final Four of the CONCACAF Nations League due to the strong competition in Mexico’s midfield.

Getty Images SportWHAT ANDRÉ JARDINE SAID

'In this tournament, everyone knows how much a victory like this means for the entire club," André Jardine said. "This win was going to define a lot about our future, and if you analyze everything, the team has very good numbers in both attack and defense. There’s growth from practically everyone, and the group is ready for decisive moments."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA?

América will face Atlas this Saturday as visitors in Matchday 12 of the Clausura 2025. Las Águilas, currently second in the standings with 24 points, are on a four-game unbeaten streak in Liga MX. Meanwhile, Atlas comes into the match after a historic 4-3 comeback victory over Xolos, where they were trailing 3-0.

Hassan Azad, Colin Ackermann defy Durham bowlers

Leicestershire duo share unbroken century stand for third wicket after Bedingham’s 191 helps hosts to 428

ECB Reporters Network15-Apr-2022Leicestershire dug in on day two of their LV= Insurance County Championship Division Two clash against Durham at the Riverside after the home team posted 428 in their first innings.David Bedingham’s brilliant knock of 191 was the foundation of a strong first-innings total from the North-East outfit, while Ben Raine added a useful 51 not out. The visitors had work to do in response, and although it was slow going, half-centuries from Hassan Azad and Colin Ackermann defied the Durham bowlers with a stout defence in an unbroken partnership of 107 for the third wicket.However, Leicestershire still trail the home side by 269 runs with eight wickets remaining in their first innings heading into day three.Resuming on 356 for 6, there was an air of ante-climax as Bedingham was only able to add seven runs to his overnight total, falling frustratingly short of a double-century. A delivery from Beuran Hendricks stuck in the wicket, prompting a loose straight drive that the left-arm bowler claimed with ease. Raine and Matthew Potts attempted to guide Durham towards maximum batting points, but Ackermann delivered four straight dot balls in the 110th over to deny Raine the two runs the hosts required.Durham continued their innings towards the lunch break with Raine and Potts combining for a stand of 61 for the eighth wicket, which was only undone by a sharp Will Davis delivery that kept low to remove Potts for 23. Raine ground his way to his 13th first-class fifty to further frustrate his former club, but was left stranded as Oliver Gibson and Chris Rushworth were the final two wickets to fall in the Durham innings albeit with a competitive total of 428.Leicestershire openers Azad and Sam Evans blunted the home side’s new-ball attack as Rushworth, Potts and Raine were held in check. Azad, following his century against Worcestershire in the first week of the campaign, was measured in his approach and nullified the opening burst without issue.The home side were forced to be patient for the breakthrough, which eventually came through Raine as he got seam movement off the pitch to find Evans’ outside edge, allowing Scott Borthwick to claim a routine catch at second slip. Rushworth prised out George Rhodes as Borthwick collected his second catch of the day, but Ackermann would prove a huge obstacle for Durham’s bowlers in the evening session as the Riverside pitch flattened out.The Leicestershire captain combined with Azad to thwart the hosts with a fifty partnership, displaying great control and poise at the crease. A rare mistake by Ackermann on 34 was not punished behind the stumps by Ned Eckersley, who put down a catch on the leg-side off Potts.Azad was rewarded for his resilience with a half-century, nurdling a Liam Trevaskis delivery into the leg-side to reach the milestone from 161 balls. Ackermann followed his team-mate past fifty to bounce back from a disappointing return against Worcestershire and leave his side well in the contest at the close after reaching the century stand for the third wicket.

Casemiro salary: How much does Manchester United star earn per week and annually in the Premier League?

Everything you need to know about Casemiro's salary playing Manchester United

Casemiro arrived at Manchester United after spending nine seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu with Real Madrid, having won every trophy available with Los Blancos before deciding to move to the Premier League for a new challenge.

Casemiro has been a regular for the Premier League side ever since, even if he has not quite hit the heights of his Madrid spell at Old Trafford, while also being one of the top earners in the squad and across the league.

But exactly how much does he earn at Manchester United?

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

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Casemiro's wages at Manchester United in numbers

Under his current contract with Manchester United, Casemiro earns £350,000 ($452,296) on a weekly basis, while his annual salary scales up to £18.2 million ($23.5m)

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in GBP

Weekly wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Casemiro

Brazilian

  £350,000

$452,296

£18,200,000

$23,519,400

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTop earners at Manchester United

Casemiro is Manchester United's current highest earner, ahead of Portuguese midfielder, Bruno Fernandes who makes about £300,000 per week.

At third comes a surprise entrant in Mason Mount. The former Chelsea man is yet to establish himself at Old Trafford despite being on such high wages.

Rounding off the list at fourth and fifth position are centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire respectively.

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages GBP

Weekly wages USD

Annual wages GBP

Annual wages in USD

Casemiro

Brazilian

£350,000

$452,296

£18,200,000

$23,519,400

Bruno Fernandes

Portuguese

£300,000

$387,682

£15,600,000

$20,159,485

Mason Mount

English

£250,000

$323,069

£13,000,000

$16,799,571

Matthijs de Ligt

Dutch

£195,000

$251,994

£10,140,000

$13,103,665

Harry Maguire

English

£190,000

$245,532

£9,880,000 

$12,767,674

Top 5 earners in the Premier League

Casemiro is not only the highest earner at Manchester United, but also the fourth-highest earner across the Premier League.

The top spot belongs to Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, followed by his Manchester City team-mate Kevin de Bruyne.

At number three comes Liverpool's Mohamed Salah the number five spot belongs to yet another Manchester City player in Jack Grealish.

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in GBP

Weekly wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Annual wage sin USD

Erling Haaland

Norwegian

£525,000

$678,444

£27,300,000

$35,279,099

Kevin De Bruyne

Belgian

£400,000

$516,910

£20,800,000

$26,879,314

Mohamed Salah

Egyptian

£350,000

$452,296

£18,200,000

$23,519,400

Casemiro

Brazilian

£350,000

$452,296

£18,200,000

$23,519,400

Jack Grealish

English

£300,000

$387,682

£15,600,000

$20,159,485

Getty Images SportHighest paid players in the world

Despite Casemiro's astronomical wages at Manchester United, him or none of the Premier League players come close to salaries of the highest-paid players in the world.

At the pinnacle sits the top goal-scorer of the Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays his football for Al Nassr, followed by his former Real Madrid attacking partner Karim Benzema.

Meanwhile, former Manchester City player Riyad Mahrez makes an appearance at number three, followed by Senegalese internationals Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly.

All five highest paid players in the world currently play in the Saudi Pro League.

Player

Club

Weekly wages GBP

Weekly wages USD

Annual wages GBP

Annual wages USD

Cristiano Ronaldo

Al Nassr

£3,224,935

$4,166,513

£167,696,622

$215,658,680

Karim Benzema

Al Ittihad

£1,612,468

$2,083,257

£83,848,311

$108,329,340

Riyad Mahrez

Al Ahli

£841,708

$1,087,460

£43,768,818

$56,547,915

Sadio Mane

Al Nassr

£644,987

$833,033

£33,539,324

$43,331,736

Kalidou Koulibaly

Al Hilal

£559,526

$722,890

£29,095,364

$37,590,281

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