Palmeiras campeão paulista de 1993: 30 anos do título que mudou para sempre o Dia dos Namorados alviverde

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Nesta segunda-feira (12), brasileiros e brasileiras comemoram o Dia dos Namorados, quer dizer… brasileiros e brasileiras que não são torcedores do Palmeiras. Para o palmeirense, desde 12 de junho de 1993, essa data não é mais somente para presentear parceiros e parceiras, mas principalmente para celebrar o aniversário do título paulista de 1993, considerado por muitos o maior da história do clube, que naquela época vivia um longo jejum de taças. Quem não viveu naquela época e tem se acostumado a esta fase atual, não tem ideia do que foi aquela conquista.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

É importante contextualizar aquele momento. Imagine você que o torcedor alviverde estava sedento por um título. O último havia sido em 1976, ao levantar a taça do Paulistão. Quando entrou em campo naquela final contra o Corinthians, no Morumbi, o time carregava nas costas um jejum de 16 anos sem gritar “é campeão”, além de um histórico de fracassos em decisões, como o vice para a Inter de Limeira em 1986 e o vice para o São Paulo em 1992. Situações traumáticas que a torcida e os rivais não tiravam da cabeça.

Mas 1993 era um ano diferente, com caras diferentes, resultados diferentes e realidade financeira diferente. Em 1992, o clube firmou uma parceria com a Parmalat, gigante alimentícia italiana que resolveu apostar no futebol do Palmeiras injetando dinheiro e grandes jogadores. No primeiro ano, a empresa trouxe nomes como Zinho e Mazinho, que ainda não haviam conseguido alcançar o tão sonhado título. No ano seguinte, porém, a artilharia veio pesada, trazendo reforços como Edmundo, Edílson e Roberto Carlos.

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+ VÍDEO: Palmeiras faz homenagem ao elenco campeão paulista de 1993

Apesar de falarmos da conquista celebrando aquele grande time e aqueles grandes jogadores, a verdade é que o Verdão oscilou bastante no estadual, trazendo para o presente várias memórias preocupantes de anos anteriores. “Será que vamos ficar na fila de novo?”, pensava o palmeirense. Isso aconteceu até que o jovem treinador Vanderlei Luxemburgo assumiu o comando da equipe, fazendo com que aquelas peças estreladas funcionassem coletivamente e encaminhassem uma vaga na decisão estadual.

No entanto, engana-se quem pensa que o caminho foi de flores até o Alviverde levantar a taça. No primeiro jogo da decisão (domingo, 6 de junho de 1993), contra o Corinthians, o baque no palmeirense veio logo aos 13 minutos do primeiro tempo, quando Neto cobrou falta e Viola, no segundo pau, se esticou para abrir o placar diante de 93 mil pessoas no Morumbi. Mais uma vez o torcedor sentia os sinais dos fracassos anteriores assombrando o sonho da quebra do jejum. Para completar, o jogador corintiano fez questão de imitar o “porco” na comemoração.

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Aquele gol acabou sendo o único da primeira partida da final, mas que gerou combustível suficiente para o elenco do Palmeiras ser preparado psicologicamente para a partida de volta, que aconteceria no sábado seguinte, exatamente o 12 de outubro, Dia dos Namorados. Luxemburgo e sua comissão técnica trabalharam o mental daquele time durante todo esse período que antecedeu a entrada em campo, inclusive utilizando a provocação de Viola como elemento motivador.

+ VÍDEO: veja os melhores momentos de São Paulo x Palmeiras pelo Brasileirão

Em campo, um Palmeiras muito superior tecnicamente ao adversário, mas altamente pressionado pelo peso dos 16 anos sem títulos e uma derrota na primeira partida. Ainda que o Verdão estivesse criando chances, o primeiro gol saiu somente aos 36 minutos, com Zinho, o que garantia a ida para a prorrogação, conforme previa o regulamento. O jogo era nervoso, e contou com três expulsões antes de o placar ser mexido novamente: Henrique e Ronaldo (goleiro) pelo lado do Corinthians, e Tonhão pelo lado alviverde.

Com um a mais em campo, o Verdão ampliou o placar com gols de Evair e Edilson, embora o saldo de gols não interferisse no destino da decisão, que seria a prorrogação. Mas para não haver dúvidas e não dar “sopa para o azar”, aqueles dois gols ajudaram a deixar o torcedor mais tranquilo, algo quase impossível de acontecer. No tempo extra, o Palmeiras ainda tinha a vantagem do empate, mas ninguém queria dar tanto espaço para o pior acontecer. Foi aí que Evair, “O Matador”, cobrou o pênalti mais importante de sua vida, talvez da história do clube, que garantiu o 1 a 0 no placar e o título paulista de 1993.

O torcedor do Palmeiras de hoje em dia, principalmente aquele que não viu 1993 ou que está tendo o privilégio de acompanhar conscientemente o futebol nesta atual fase, não tem a menor ideia da comoção que foi aquele dia 12 de junho de 1993. Se vencer o Flamengo na final da Libertadores foi incrível, se o pênalti de Prass em 2015 foi surreal, pode colocar essa sensação multiplicada a mil, ou um milhão. Nenhuma dessas conquistas terá o peso de 16 anos sem gritar “é campeão”, ainda mais diante do maior rival e para mais de 100 mil pessoas no Morumbi. O renascimento de um gigante acontecia ali e o Dia dos Namorados não teria mais como ser o mesmo depois de tudo aquilo.

New videos explain why Championship game between Blackburn and Ed Sheeran's Ipswich was abandoned ten minutes from full-time

New videos have emerged which explained why Saturday's Championship fixture featuring Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town had to be abandoned just ten minutes before full-time at Ewood Park. Blackburn were leading 1-0 against ten-man Ipswich, who are part-owned by singer Ed Sheeran, when the referee stopped the game due to torrential rain and, after checking the pitch conditions, called it off.

Yellow weather warning was issued

Before the game kicked off, a yellow weather warning was issued by the Met Office. Despite the rain, the match went ahead as scheduled and it was goalless in the first half. The visitors were reduced to ten men after the break as Jacob Greaves was shown a red card for a clumsy last-man foul on Yuki Ohashi. Minutes later, Todd Cantwell scored from the penalty spot to hand his team the lead. As Rovers were racing towards a win, the game had to be halted due to the deteriorating condition of the playing surface.

AdvertisementVideos show why referee abandoned the match

A video shared by journalist Alex Jones on X revealed that the referee tested the pitch condition by rolling the ball on a couple of occasions. In the video, the ball can be seen getting stuck due to a waterlogged pitch. Meanwhile, UK broadcaster ITV have shown the moment the referee brought play to a halt.

Stadium announcer delivers bad news to home fans

Addressing the fans at Ewood Park, the stadium announcer said: "Thank you for your patience. Game abandoned. A decision will be made by the officials whether the match will be replayed in due course."

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Getty Images SportWhen will the match be played?

The replay date for the Championship clash has not been announced yet, and it is not yet known whether it will be fulfilled in its entirety or from just the point the initial match was stopped.

'With Milos I can never be 100%' – Arne Slot explains brutal first-half substitution of Kerkez after embarrassing dive against Burnley

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted he could not fully trust Milos Kerkez to avoid a red card after the Hungarian’s early dive against Burnley. The left-back was hooked in the 38th minute following a yellow card, with Andy Robertson replacing him. The switch paid off as Liverpool held firm before sealing a 1-0 win thanks to Mohamed Salah’s late penalty.

Kerkez hooked in the first half after yellow card for dive

Kerkez was booked for simulation in the 22nd minute after throwing himself to the ground in the Burnley box. The hosts then began targeting the Hungarian left-back's flank, forcing Slot into an early change to protect Liverpool from further risk. Robertson came on to steady the backline and impressed as Salah’s stoppage-time penalty secured the three points for the defending Premier League champions. Slot has now issued a rather concerning reason for Kerkez's substitution.

AdvertisementGettySlot reveals the reason for Kerkez sub

Speaking to BBC Sport, Slot said about Kerkez's first-half substitution: “It was because he got a yellow card. I think the fans here thought a chance for them to win the game is if we ended up with a second yellow.

“With Milos, I can never be 100% he doesn't make the next foul, then the fans are on top of the referee. I thought the only way we could lose it today was if we went down to 10 men.”

Could Robertson get back his starting spot?

Kerkez arrived at Liverpool from Bournemouth as part of the Premier League champions' plans to replace the ageing Andy Robertson. While the Hungarian was expected to be an outright starter on Slot's side this season, Slot's admission about not being able to trust Kerkez may thrust the Scottish left-back back into contention for the starting spot.

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GettyWill Kerkez start against Atletico Madrid?

Kerkez will still likely be the starting left-back against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, September 17, when Liverpool host the Liga side in the Champions League opener. However, whether he can remain disciplined through the course of the next few games may determine his fate for the rest of the season.

Tottenham set to make offer for "sensational" £45m star after holding talks

Tottenham Hotspur are now set to make an offer for a “sensational” player, having held talks over a potential deal, according to a report.

Spurs ramping up pursuit of new midfielder

It is no secret that Tottenham want to make major improvements to their midfield this summer, having recently missed out on a deal for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, despite triggering the £60m release clause in his contract.

Not only does Thomas Frank want to sign a new attacking midfielder, but he is also keen to bring in a new option capable of playing in a slightly deeper role, and Alan Brazil has stated Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo would be a solid addition.

Brazil believes Frank needs to upgrade his options in the engine room considerably before the transfer window slams shut, saying: “I’ve always said that Tottenham’s midfield is not good enough; they need more pace in there, so the jury is out here. I’d like to see him stay at United, I’d like to see him get his career back on track, like playing every week and starting. But he could be alright for Spurs.”

Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo in action with West Ham United's AaronCresswell

Mainoo is not the only option on the shortlist, however, and there has now been a positive new development in the Lilywhites’ pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.

According to a report from O Jogo (via Tottenham Hotspur News), Tottenham are now set to submit a low-ball bid for Palhinha, with Daniel Levy planning to offer far less than the near £45m Bayern Munich paid to sign him from Fulham last summer.

Talks have already been held with the Bundesliga side over a potential deal, and Spurs could be well-placed to win the race for the maestro’s signature, given that rival suitors Manchester United will only sign a new defensive midfielder if Casemiro departs.

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ByDominic Lund Jul 27, 2025 "Sensational" Palhinha could be solid signing for Spurs

It would be fair to say the former Fulham man impressed considerably during his previous stint in the Premier League, having been lauded as “absolutely sensational” by ex-midfielder Steve Sidwell.

With Frank searching for a new defensive midfielder, there may be no better option on the market than the 30-year-old, given that he made by far the most tackles and interceptions combined of any player in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2023-24 season.

There may be some concerns that Palhinha has failed to hold down a consistent place in the starting XI since moving to Bayern, but the midfielder has already proven himself in the Premier League, and he could be a solid addition to Frank’s squad.

He'd be Frank's next Mbeumo: £68m "superstar" now wants to sign for Spurs

This summer appears to be massive for Tottenham Hotspur if they are to leap back up the Premier League table throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas Frank will be the latest manager tasked with taking the Lilywhites back towards the top end after the side registered a 17th-place finish this time around.

However, the Dane will have to find the balance between the league and Europe, with the club entering the Champions League as a result of their Europa League triumph.

Squad depth will be vital if they are to be competitive across both competitions, needing to strike a balance between the two to avoid any further embarrassment.

If the 51-year-old is to have the depth he desires, he will need the board to back him in the transfer market to allow him to land the stars he wants to be a success in his stint in North London.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a key target for Spurs this window, with the Ghanaian high on their list of priorities after netting 11 goals and registering five assists at the Vitality this season.

He’s not the only one on their radar, with Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz another talent on their radar, but it could cost a pretty penny with the Cottagers demanding £50m to part ways with the Brazilian.

However, despite the interest in the aforementioned duo, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has once again emerged on their shortlist, according to TBR Football’s latest update.

They claim that the Lilywhites are prepared to trigger his £68m release clause in his contract, with Frank’s men confident of completing a deal for the England international.

It also states that the 26-year-old is very keen on a move to join the North London outfit this window, even preparing to push for a move to depart his current employers during the off-season.

Why Eze would be Frank’s answer to Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s made a name for himself under Frank at Brentford over recent years, being a key reason for the success endured across the capital.

Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match

The Cameroonian international has endured his own rise after joining from French side Troyes back in 2019, registering 70 goals for the Bees in the last six seasons.

He’s exploded into life in 2024/25, notching 20 league goals – the best return of his professional career – cementing himself as one of the Premier League’s most threatening talents.

After the Dane’s switch to join Spurs, he’s already attempted to bring the attacker to the club with him, but faces stiff competition from Manchester United for his signature.

It’s unclear whether the Lilywhites will be able to land the 25-year-old in this window, with attention potentially being turned in the direction of Eze as a result.

The attacking midfielder has caught the eye this campaign, registering 16 combined goals and assists in the league, even scoring the winner in their FA Cup triumph.

He could become Frank’s next version of Mbeumo should he complete a move, being his new talisman that can create endless opportunities – as seen with his respective tallies.

Eze, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Adam Keys and as a “superstar” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered 3.5 shots per 90, with 37% of his efforts going on target, showcasing his clinical edge in attacking areas.

His creative nature is also reflected in his tally of 2.1 key passes per 90, whilst also registering 3.4 progressive carries per 90, having the skillset to take the ball into attacking areas and carry the threat that Frank desires.

Eberechi Eze’s PL stats for Crystal Palace (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

34

Goals & assists

16

Shots taken

3.5

Shot on target accuracy

37%

Key passes

2.1

Progressive carries

3.4

Take-on success

49%

Stats via FBref

The midfielder has also completed 49% of the take-ons he’s attempted, with 4.7 shot-creating actions per 90, having the tools to create and score on his own – replicating that of Mbeumo at Brentford.

Whilst £68m appears to be a hefty figure, it would be a deal that could hand Frank a completely new dimension within the final third during his first season at the helm.

Eberechi Eze for Crystal Palace.

Should he replicate the levels produced by the Cameroonian across the capital, it would be a superb piece of business, handing the side the best chance of returning to a European battle next season.

A better signing than Semenyo: Spurs set to make approach for £50m striker

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move for a star who would improve Thomas Frank’s options in the final third.

2

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Ethan Lamb

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Chelsea: Striker double-deal on with key target set for decision "this week"

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to be backed over what is expected to be another eventful summer transfer window at Stamford Bridge, especially after their now-confirmed qualification for the Champions League next season.

Chelsea handed summer transfer boost with Champions League spot confirmed

While Maresca refused to get drawn into any questions about the summer window in his post-match press conference, there is little denying that Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday has seriously boosted the club’s recruitment strategy.

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Chelsea’s finish in the Premier League top five, courtesy of a second-half strike from Cobham academy graduate Levi Colwill against Forest, means BlueCo have been handed a significant potential windfall of around £64 million.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

The Blues should earn around £48 million just from finishing fourth in the table, while Chelsea are also guaranteed £15.7 million from qualifying for the Champions League, even if Maresca’s side lose every game and go out in the league phase (Sky Sports).

Chelsea manager EnzoMarescacelebrates after the match

Alongside the financial boost, Chelsea will also have far more player-pull in the market, given they’ll be competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition next term.

In an x-rated celebratory statement, following their Sunday heroics, Maresca sent a message to his critics after Chelsea’s place.

“I didn’t have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside. All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s finish to the season.

“They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced. Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything. So in English, how you say? F off to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic.”

Chelsea could now sign two strikers with Liam Delap set for imminent decision

According to journalist Simon Phillips, their Champions League status now means that Chelsea could sign not one, but two, strikers this summer.

One of their key targets, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, is set to decide on his next destination “this week”, and Chelsea are firmly in contention for the Englishman after holding talks with his camp (Fabrizio Romano).

However, Maresca’s side are keen on bringing in one of their two potential new centre-forwards before the Club World Cup, so given Delap’s desire to play at the Under-21 Euros with England, this could pose a slight issue.

In terms of other high-profile number nines who could join alongside Delap, it has been reported in the last two days that Chelsea are now “really pushing” for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Tottenham in contact with "quick" target as Paratici plots first move back

With Fabio Paratici set to return to the club, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly in constant contact with an impressive defender who’s also found himself on the radar of Real Madrid.

Fabio Paratici set for Tottenham return

Having left the North London club in 2023 following a two-and-a-half-year ban by FIFA which he is still serving, Paratici has reportedly agreed to return to Tottenham. The Lilywhites have plenty of work to do this summer and the return of an experienced sporting director may well go a long way towards things finally changing for the better under Ange Postecoglou.

How much room Spurs have to manoeuvre in the transfer window is the big question. Should they miss out on winning the Europa League and, subsequently, a place in next season’s Champions League, those in North London are unlikely to have a large budget to spend. After taking one leg in the final with a 3-1 first leg victory over Bodo/Glimt, however, Europa League victory is still very much a possibility.

Many will be quick to assume that a place in Bilbao is now firmly in Spurs’ grasp and Postecoglou reiterated that a repeat of his side’s performance on Thursday night next week will see them advance.

He told reporters: “Obviously they scored the goal late, which doesn’t reflect our dominance in the game, but if we repeat that performance next week it’ll be enough for us to get through.

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A lot is on the line.

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“Yeah, I think it puts us in a good position. I thought the players were outstanding today, I thought our performance was everything it needed to be, really well organised and disciplined defensively and really calm going forward and created good opportunities for ourselves.”

Europa League victory would no doubt help to turn the narrative of their season on its head, perhaps saving Postecoglou’s job in the process and even luring top transfer targets to the club.

Tottenham in constant contact with Jonathan Tah

According to The Boot Room, Tottenham are in constant contact with Jonathan Tah over a summer switch following the expiry of his current Bayer Leverkusen deal at the end of the season. The Lilywhites are far from alone, however, with Manchester United and now even Real Madrid also looking to convince the defender into a move.

As Paratici plots his first transfer back, those in North London could end the summer having landed a true bargain. The Leverkusen defender played a pivotal part in last season’s invincible domestic double and has impressed once again throughout the current campaign.

A player who’s earned plenty of praise over the years, former Germany boss Joachim Low told reporters after handing Tah his international debut at the beginning of his career: “He’s a young player with a lot of potential. He’s physically strong and very quick. Everything is possible.”

Fewer touches than Vicario: Ange must axe Spurs dud who lost 66% of duels

Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the semi-final of the Europa League last night, with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty was enough for Ange Postecoglou’s side, securing a 2-1 aggregate win after the 1-1 draw in North London last Thursday.

The triumph sets up a last-four clash with Bodo Glimt, moving the Lilywhites one step closer to European glory and potentially putting a superb end to a dismal season.

Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecogloucelebrates after the match

It certainly was a night to remember, giving a generation of supporters a new high in their time supporting the club, aiming to reach a first European final since 2019.

However, despite the impressive victory, numerous players failed to deliver in Germany, potentially putting their place in the side at huge jeopardy going forward.

Spurs’ poor performers against Eintracht Frankfurt

Winger Mathys Tel has been an inconsistent player to say the least since his January loan move from Bayern Munich, with last night no different for the Frenchman.

The 19-year-old only completed one of the five dribbles he attempted, whilst finding a teammate on just 33% of the times he delivered the ball into the 18-yard box.

He wasn’t the only one who struggled, with Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur looking a shadow of his former self during the victory over Frankfurt.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, but only managed to win 17% of the ground duels he entered, along with getting dribbled past twice as he was unable to make a huge impact on proceedings.

Despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other player failed to impress, with boss Postecoglou desperately needing to drop him ahead of Monday’s game with Nottingham Forest.

The Spurs player who needs to be dropped after Frankfurt

Injuries at Spurs have left Postecoglou with limited options at numerous points of the season, undoubtedly having a huge impact on the club’s lowly league standing.

Such an occurrence has allowed numerous players to stake their claim for a regular starting role, taking advantage of an opportunity that often wouldn’t be thrown in their direction.

Lucas Bergvall is arguably the biggest example of the situation, now being a vital member of the side, featuring for the entirety of the win against Frankfurt last night.

However, despite his success, winger Brennan Johnson was unable to have a similar impact, once again struggling to provide a reason as to why the hierarchy paid £47.5m for his signature.

The Welshman featured for 85 minutes before being replaced by Kevin Danso, with Ange opting to see out the result and switch to a back five for the closing stages.

Such a change was inevitable, but the 23-year-old did himself no favours during his time on the pitch, completing just 69% of the passes he attempted, whilst losing possession six times.

He also lost 66% of the duels he entered against the German opposition, whilst managing just 22 touches – a tally less than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who registered 45.

Minutes played

85

Touches

22

Passes completed

11/16 (69%)

Duels lost

4/6 (66%)

Possession lost

6x

Shots taken

0

Dribbles completed

0

As a result of his showing last night, Johnson was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by the London Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick – highlighting how disappointing he was in the triumph.

Given his display, Ange simply has to drop the winger ahead of the clash with his former side, needing to give other players an opportunity to demonstrate their quality.

He’s struggled massively in recent weeks once again, potentially needing to be taken out of the firing line to recapture his early season form in North London.

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Was India's six-run win at the Oval their closest in a Test?

Also, were England and India’s four changes apiece for the fifth Test a record?

Steven Lynch05-Aug-2025Was India’s six-run win at the Oval their closest in a Test? asked Jaswant Mohan, among many others
India’s pulsating victory at The Oval yesterday was indeed their closest by runs in any Test match – previously it was a 13-run win over Australia in Mumbai in 2004 (Australia were set 107, but were bowled out for 93).There have been only seven narrower victories by runs in all Tests, including two by just one run, by West Indies over Australia in Adelaide in 1993, and by New Zealand over England in Wellington in 2023.There have also been 15 victories by one wicket, including India’s over Australia in Mohali in October 2010 (VVS Laxman and Pragyan Ojha scrambled 11 for the last wicket to win that one).Ravi Jadeja passed 1000 Test runs in England during the fourth Test, and he’s also taken more than 30 wickets. How many people have done this double over the years? asked Afzal Burman from India
After his century in the second innings at Old Trafford, the Indian allrounder Ravindra Jadeja had 1096 runs in 16 Tests in England, plus 34 wickets: by the end of the Oval Test, he had increased that to 1158 runs (and still 34 wickets). Only two other visiting players have collected more than 1000 runs and 25 wickets in Tests in England: the durable Australian allrounder Charlie Macartney, with 1118 runs and 26 wickets in 21 Tests between 1909 and 1926, and the great West Indian Garry Sobers, who amassed 1820 runs at 53.52 and took 62 wickets at 31.58 in 21 matches between 1957 and 1973. He also pocketed 28 catches.Nine other overseas players have completed the Test double of 500 runs and 25 wickets in England. Of those, Shane Warne took 129 wickets in 22 matches (to go with 563 runs), while Richard Hadlee (70) and Mitchell Starc (65) both took more than 50 wickets.For the fifth Test, both England and India made four changes from the previous match. How unusual is this number of changes mid-series? asked Alex Baker from Scotland
There was an unusual shuffling of the cards for the fifth Test at The Oval last week. It was the sixth time that both teams had made four changes in a Test in the middle of a series, following Australia and India in November 1956, England and Pakistan in July 1962, England and West Indies in July 1976, and Pakistan and Sri Lanka in March 1982 and also in July 2015.In the middle of the 1994-95 series down under, Australia made four changes and Pakistan five, while in England in July 1959, England made six changes and India five between the second and third Tests. But the record was set in Sri Lanka in July 2002, when the hosts made no fewer than seven changes for the second of two Tests, and Bangladesh five.The most team changes by one team in mid-series is the maximum of 11, back in 1884-85 when Australia selected an entirely new side for the second Ashes Test in Melbourne after a pay dispute. England, however, kept an unchanged team. Australia made another seven changes for the third Test in Sydney: four of the “new” team survived, three of the pay rebels returned from the first Test, and four new players were called up – so Australia used 26 different men in the first three Tests of that series.Australia’s 3-0 thumping of West Indies last month was only the second instance a team losing all 60 wickets and still going on to win a Test series•AFP via Getty ImagesIn the recent Test series in the West Indies, Australia lost all 60 wickets but still won the series 3-0. Has this ever happened before? asked Rawle Agard from Canada
The recent Frank Worrell Trophy series in the Caribbean was a low-scoring one, without an individual century, as this column touched on two weeks ago. Looking into it a little more closely, it seems the recent encounter was only the second three-Test series in which all 120 wickets fell. The other one was South Africa vs India in 2017-18, which the home side won 2-1.Early in 2004, Australia won 3-0 in Sri Lanka, despite losing 58 of their 60 wickets in the series (Sri Lanka lost all 60). There are two other three-Test series in which 118 wickets fell, both resulting in 2-1 wins.I noticed that Paul Allott took 26 Test wickets, all of them in England. What’s the most? asked Jack McConnell from Manchester
You’re right that all of the Lancashire and England fast bowler Paul Allott’s 26 Test wickets came in England. He did play two Tests overseas – one in India and one in Sri Lanka in 1981-82 – but failed to strike. Allott did lead the way for England on this esoteric list – until the fifth Test against India at The Oval last week, in which Josh Tongue took eight wickets, which gave him 31 in Tests to date, all so far at home. So Tongue leads the way for England now, at least until he takes a wicket overseas.The overall leader is the unorthodox left-arm spinner Bert “Dainty” Ironmonger, whose 74 Test wickets all came at home in Australia. There are various theories about why he never toured England, ranging from doubts about his bowling action to worries about whether he had the social graces required for such a trip. England definitely missed out on an interesting character: Ironmonger spun the ball off the stump of a finger mangled in a farm accident, and was almost unplayable on a helpful pitch. Against South Africa in Melbourne in February 1932, he took 5 for 6 and 6 for 18 on a “sticky dog” that was drying after rain. He made his Test debut in 1928-29 at the age of 46, and played in the 1932-33 Bodyline series when he was 50 years old.Two more Australians come next: legspinner Herbert “Ranji” Hordern took 46 Test wickets without playing abroad, while the later fast bowler Alan Hurst collected 43. Like Allott, Hurst played two Tests on the subcontinent without taking a wicket. Also ahead of Allott are a trio of South Africans whose wickets all came at home:Mike Procter (41), Alf Hall (40) and “Goofy” Lawrence (28).Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Stats – Devine slams 74 off 22 against spinners as RCB ace record chase

Royal Challengers Bangalore chased down the target of 189 with 27 balls to spare.

Sampath Bandarupalli19-Mar-2023189 Target chased by Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Gujarat Giants, the highest successful chase in the major women’s T20 leagues. Yorkshire Diamonds’ chase of 185 against Southern Vipers in 2019 was the previous highest chase. Brabourne also stood host to the highest successful target chase in women’s T20Is – England chased down 199 against India in 2018.12.19 Run rate of Royal Challengers during their 189-run chase, the highest for an innings of 150-plus runs in women’s T20 leagues. The next highest is 12.1 by Sydney Sixers in the 2017-18 WBBL against Melbourne Stars, when they posted 242 for 4 in their 20 overs.99 Sophie Devine’s score during the 189-run chase, the highest individual score of the WPL. Alyssa Healy’s 96* was the previous highest, which came during the 10-wicket win of UP Warriorz against the RCB.275 Devine’s strike rate during his 36-ball 99 against the Giants, the second highest for a 50-plus runs innings in women’s T20 leagues. Tess Flintoff’s unbeaten 51 off 16 balls against Adelaide Strikers came at a strike rate of 318.75 during the 2022 WBBL.336.36 Devine’s batting strike rate against spinners during her 99-run knock. She scored 74 runs off 22 balls against the spin, with six fours and seven maximums. No batter before Devine had a strike rate of 300-plus against a bowling type (spin or pace) in a women’s T20 league game (minimum of 50 runs scored vs a bowling type).

3 T20 Scores of 99 for Devine, including the 99 against the Giants on Saturday. Devine remained unbeaten on 99 twice, previously – vs Northern Districts in 2010 and Hobart Hurricanes in 2019. Had Devine got to her century instead of the dismissal, she would have equalled her own record of the fastest century in women’s T20s – off 36 balls in the Super Smash 2020-21.5 Dismissals for Smriti Mandhana in the WPL against offspinners, the most for any batter in the tournament. Mandhana faced 39 balls against off-spin across the seven innings, scoring 23 runs at an average of 4.6 runs per dismissal.53 Runs conceded by Megan Schutt in her four overs on Saturday. It is the first time she gave away 50-plus runs in a T20 game in her 290-match career. Earlier, 48 runs were the previous most, which she conceded during the Australia Women’s T20 Cup game in 2013 against New South Wales.

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