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Only once before has more runs been scored in a women’s ODI, while this is the first instance of four women scoring centuries in an ODI

Sampath Bandarupalli19-Jun-2024325 for 3 – India made their first 300-plus total in women’s ODIs at home. Their previous best was 298 for 2 against West Indies in 2004.2 – Number of times India have scored more than their 325 for 3 in ODIs. Their highest is 358 for 2 against Ireland in 2017, and the 333 for 5 against England in 2022 is the second-highest.It is also the fifth-highest ODI total against South Africa, with the top four scores all recorded by England.Related

Despite defeat, Kapp focuses on learnings with ODI World Cup in India next year

Wolvaardt, Vastrakar and a six-ball emotional rollercoaster like no other

Mandhana and Harmanpreet top Wolvaardt and Kapp in landmark 646-run contest

4 – Number of batters to score a hundred in the Bengaluru ODI – Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Kapp and Wolvaardt, in that order. This is the first instance of four batters scoring centuries in a women’s ODI – it’s happened thrice in men’s ODIs.There has been only one instance of three centurions in a women’s ODI previously – a game between England and South Africa in 2018 in Hove – Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Taylor and Lizelle Lee got to the milestones then.15 – Number of sixes hit on Wednesday – eight by India and seven by South Africa. These are the most sixes hit in a women’s ODI, surpassing the 14 between Australia and New Zealand in 2012 at North Sydney Oval.646 – Runs scored in the game, the second-highest in a women’s ODI. The highest aggregate is 678 runs between England and South Africa in Bristol during the 2017 World Cup.321 for 6 – South Africa’s total is the highest by any team in a chase in women’s ODIs. The previous highest was South Africa’s 305 for 9 in an unsuccessful chase against England in 2017 and 305 for 4 by Sri Lanka while chasing South Africa’s 302 earlier this year.Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt put on an 184-run stand•Getty ImagesThe total of 321 is also the third-highest for South Africa in women’s ODIs and the third-highest by any team against India.87 – Number of balls Harmanpreet needed to bring up her century. It is the fastest recorded hundred by an Indian in women’s ODIs, bettering her own 90-ball effort against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final.1 – Mandhana became the first India batter to score hundreds in successive innings in women’s ODIs. She joined nine other women in achieving this feat with only Amy Satterthwaite scoring more than two in succession – she made four in a row in 2016-2017. Beaumont is the only batter with successive centuries on separate occasions.7 – Number hundreds for Mandhana in ODI cricket, the joint-highest for India alongside Mithali Raj. Harmanpreet is next on the list with six, all while batting at No. 4 or lower.ESPNcricinfo Ltd8 – Sixes hit by India in this game, their highest in a women’s ODI. Their previous highest was seven.These are also the most sixes any team has hit against South Africa in a women’s ODI, surpassing the six by New Zealand in the 2013 World Cup.136 – Mandhana’s score, the highest for India in a women’s ODI at home. Her 117-run knock on Sunday in the first ODI was the previous highest.2 – Partnerships of 150-plus runs between Mandhana and Harmanpreet in ODIs. They are only the third pair with multiple 150-plus partnerships for the third wicket or lower in women’s ODIs.118 – Runs scored by India in their last ten overs in Bengaluru with 14 fours and five sixes. India started on a slow note, scoring only 47 runs in their first 15 overs, with just five fours. They faced 72 dot balls in that period.A total of 15 sixes were hit in the game•BCCI2 – Mandhana and Harmanpreet are only the second pair to score hundreds twice in the same women’s ODI innings. The two hit hundreds against West Indies in the 2022 World Cup.Beaumont and Taylor are the other such pair. They both scored hundreds against South Africa at the 2017 World Cup and in 2018 at Hove.85 – Balls Kapp needed for her hundred, the quickest for South Africa in women’s ODIs, bettering Lee’s 86-ball effort against Australia in 2016.2 – Kapp has hit three ODI hundreds, and two have come while batting at No. 5 or lower. Kapp is the first batter to score multiple hundreds from No. 5 or lower in women’s ODIs.Her 114 against India is also the first century scored by a batter from No. 5 or lower in a women’s ODI chase.

The country has for long had the potential; with the IPL, it has been translated into performance

Ian Chappell07-May-2022Apart from the massive financial boost and enormous increase in fan interest, India’s biggest gain from a highly productive IPL competition has been the huge improvement in playing depth.About 20 years ago, India’s overseas reputation was an improving one, especially under the captaincy reign of a competitive Sourav Ganguly but the pace of that ascent gradually increased when the IPL began 15 seasons back, in 2008. The quietly thoughtful MS Dhoni – who is still exerting an influence – built on Ganguly’s reputation, which was then improved upon by the highly competitive leadership of Virat Kohli.The firmly established IPL is now seen as the most important part of India’s enviable depth in international cricket.Related

• How did India build their world-beating bench strength? They have a system

• Could India become mighty like West Indies and Australia of old?

• How good have India been in Tests under Kohli? (2019)

• Why India's recent debutants might make other sides envious

To thoughtful players, as far back as the 1970s, Indian cricket had the potential to be a major power. It was felt even then that if India ever capitalised on its enormous population advantage and decided to select its best teams, eventually size would prevail. That notion crystallised when the IPL gathered worldwide popularity. India’s overseas results initially were creditable, and then – especially in Australia – by the 2020s, they were the most feared team in the Test competition. Not only did India under Kohli, ably assisted by Ajinkya Rahane, win internationally, but in 2021 they also achieved an incredible series victory over Australia that confirmed their player depth. This was an Indian team not only ably led but also displaying ample resolve and being competitively better than the previously almost impregnable Australia in home conditions.India have always had individual stars. In the past there were outstanding batters like Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar and Mohammad Azharuddin. The allrounders were headed by the extremely athletic and successful Kapil Dev, and earlier, Vinoo Mankad, who too held a special place among his peers.Spinners there were plenty but the big three – Erapalli Prasanna, Bishan Bedi and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar – headed the list of past greats.However, India, who had produced the odd faster bowler, lacked a pace conglomerate. Then the IPL began to bare its teeth, and now we have the current generation of fast bowlers to round out a versatile attack, which accompanies a strong batting line-up and a decent catching combination.Nowadays India’s enormous depth in pace bowling is the envy of most countries. The development of star quick bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj has been instrumental in India’s improved overseas reputation. There is also a depth below that group, in the successful Ishant Sharma, the underrated Umesh Yadav, and handy back-up in Shardul Thakur.India have evolved from a team that had a reputation where some players treasured the blazer, sweater and cap more than actual selection in the Test side, to one that was extremely difficult to beat under any conditions.In addition to the enormous increase in pace-bowling power, the improved fielding culture – boosted by the international flavour of the IPL – has helped advance India’s reputation. Years ago in a documentary on Indian Test cricket, former captain “Tiger” Pataudi spoke of how “the batsmen used to go into the slips and drop all the catches”. This comment elicited a guffaw from the audience but it was a valid point the influential Pataudi, who was a brilliant cover fielder himself, was making.India’s pace-bowling revolution shows no sign of abating, and the name on IPL watchers’ lips is currently that of the pacy Umran Malik. In the past India has displayed patience in developing its fast-bowling group but the genuine pace of Malik will be hard to ignore.In a world where fast bowling is a valuable commodity, India are now a shining light. However, as England have displayed recently, thoughtful captaincy isn’t easy to uncover, but India seem to be doing a good job in this regard too, thanks again to the extremely competitive IPL.India are currently a dominant international side and if they continue to show the required resolve, will continue to be a leading team. That is an envious position and India can thank the highly successful IPL for much of their lofty reputation.

Have a debut, Zach Cole.

The Astros called up the outfield prospect Friday to help provide a spark to their offense, according to the . He did just that as he hit eighth and played left field in his first game with the team.

Cole wasted no time recording his first hit and home run as he took the first pitch he saw in the big leagues out of the park against the Braves. He turned on a 93-mph cutter up in the zone from Atlanta starter Hurston Waldrep and took it 423 feet over the right-field wall at Truist Park.

His family was in attendance sitting just beside Houston’s dugout and they couldn’t believe it. Pure bliss:

Cole spent most of his season in Double A Corpus Christi and his teammates went wild for the massive swing as they watched on TV from their locker room:

He was promoted to Triple A Sugar Land just last month and quickly impressed in his 15 games played with a slash line of .353/.459/.745 with five home runs and 16 RBIs. The hot start in his MLB debut didn’t end with the third-inning homer which put the Astros on the board. He ended the night 3-for-4 with four RBIs and the one long ball in an impeccable first showing.

He may just be the offensive spark the Astros needed as they sit with a half-game lead over the Mariners in the AL West with just 14 games left in their regular-season schedule.

Tensions have quickly risen in Thursday afternoon's rubber match between the Cleveland Guardians and Toronto Blue Jays, with two of the game's stars being plunked by pitches within the game's first four innings.

In the top of the third, Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was struck by Guardians starter Tanner Bibee. He left the game with what the team is calling a "forearm contusion." X-rays have since came back negative for a fracture.

Then, just an inning later, Guerrero's teammate Kevin Gausman seemingly retaliated by beaning Cleveland third baseman Jose Ramirez with the first pitch of the frame. The slugger also left the game with a bruised forearm.

"And now with the first pitch Kevin Gausman hits Jose Ramirez," play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman said on the Sportsnet broadcast. "And that will tell you everything you need to know about how the Blue Jays feel about Guerrero getting hit."

Both benches were warned following the altercations. The Blue Jays took a 3-0 lead over the Guardians into the ninth inning.

Lancashire have confirmed Steven Croft as their new head coach after a successful period in the interim role.Croft stepped up after the departure of Dale Benkenstein in May. Lancashire did not win a game during the first half of the County Championship season, but rallied to finish fifth in Division Two, as well as reaching T20 Blast Finals Day.”It means so much to have the honour of being named head coach of this great club,” Croft said. “Lancashire has been a huge part of my life – from joining the academy as a young player, to captaining the team, and now stepping into this role off the field.”I’m incredibly proud of how the lads responded last season, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. We have a talented, driven squad who are passionate about representing the Red Rose and I believe there is much more to come.”My focus now is on building on the second half of last season’s progress, helping each player improve, and bring success back to the club for our members and supporters at Emirates Old Trafford.”Croft, 41, was part of the team when Lancashire last won the Championship in 2011. He retired in 2023 after playing more than 600 times for the club.Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, said: “We are thrilled that Steven has accepted the role permanently after making such a strong impression this summer.”Taking over during a challenging period in May, Steven displayed outstanding leadership throughout this summer. His passion for Lancashire Cricket, knowledge and understanding of the game, and ability to connect with players made him the outstanding candidate.”He will take a hands-on role in the leading of day-to-day coaching of the first team and will be supported by a restructured cricket department – including assistant coach Will Porterfield – with further appointments to follow.”

The pitch in Mirpur continues to frazzle the batters, who have to find a way even though they know spinners will call the shots

Mohammad Isam20-Oct-2025

Big picture – tackling spin top of teams’ agendaHow to bat on this Mirpur pitch is a question that might be baffling both Bangladesh and West Indies ahead of the second ODI, to be played on Tuesday. The Bangladesh batters spent a long time in the middle, visualising, the day before the game, all standing in a circle, with head coach Phil Simmons providing the sermon. West Indies have suggested that they picked up a clue or two by watching their opponents in the first ODI, which produced just 340 runs in 88.4 overs.What’s for certain is that Bangladesh will double down on their spin-to-win strategy after they added Nasum Ahmed to the ODI squad. The left-armer picked up five wickets in three T20Is against Afghanistan recently, a tally bettered only by Rashid Khan in that series. He will complement Tanvir Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, who took a six-wicket haul this weekend.Related

'I stuck to my process' – Rishad makes light work of dark pitch

Bangladesh, however, are looking for improvement in the batting. They put up a modest 207 in the first ODI, with Towhid Hridoy the only half-century-maker. Newcomer Mahidul Islam also made an important contribution (46 off 76). But, overall, Bangladesh batted slowly. They are yet to get out of the habit of playing too many dot balls and finding too few boundaries.West Indies will also look for batting improvement after getting bowled out for 133. Brandon King and Alick Athanaze went after the spinners in the first game but both of them fell to Rishad, and that was followed by a collapse. There was not much resistance from even the likes of Shai Hope and Roston Chase, the only batters in the line-up to have previous experience of playing ODIs in Bangladesh.The bowlers therefore will once again have to keep West Indies in the contest. Jayden Seales took three wickets while Khary Pierre, playing his first ODI in five years, bowled well for just one wicket. But Chase and Gudakesh Motie have to get among the wickets, especially in these conditions.Form guideBangladesh WLLLL
West Indies LWWLLRishad Hossain picked up six wickets in the first ODI•AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlight – Rishad Hossain and Brandon KingRishad Hossain coming to Bangladesh’s rescue both with the bat and the ball in the first ODI is exactly what is expected of him. Six wickets and a quick 26 would be too much to ask of him every day, but a legspinner has to provide breakthroughs where other bowlers fail. Another bag of wickets could bring the ODI series to a favourable end for his team.Brandon King was one of the few West Indies batters to show a positive mindset in the first ODI. He struck boundaries with ease until Rishad had him caught behind for 44 off 60. As long as King was at the crease, West Indies had hope. He added 51 runs for the opening stand with Athanaze, who also attacked the Bangladesh spinners while the ball was new. King, though, carried on for a bit more. The problem was King getting out after getting set, something he can’t afford to do.Team news – WI lose Shamar, Blades to injuriesBangladesh usually rotate their fast bowlers every game so Hasan Mahmud or Tanzim Hasan Sakib are likely call-ups.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Soumya Sarkar, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Mahidul Islam, 6 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), 7 Nurul Hasan (wk), 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 10 Tanvir Islam, 11 Mustafizur RahmanA day out from the game, West Indies appeared likely to trust the same batters to do better on this difficult Dhaka pitch. Can they cope with the injury-enforced absences of Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades? Akeal Hosein and Ramon Simmonds have been added to the squad as their replacements for the remaining two ODIs.West Indies (probable): 1 Brandon King, 2 Alick Athanaze, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt, wk), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Gudakesh Motie, 8 Justin Greaves, 9 Romario Shepherd, 10 Khary Pierre, 11 Jayden SealesKhary Pierre came away with figures of 10-2-19-1 on Saturday•AFP/Getty Images

Pitch and conditions – complexion of the pitch in focusThere is unlikely to be much change in the pitch, which looked unusually dark, for the second ODI. There is dry weather in the forecast.Stats and trivia – Pierre returns after five years Tanvir Islam bowled his most expensive over in international cricket in the first ODI, when he conceded 18 runs. Bangladesh used just seven (of 39) overs of pace in the first ODI, only the fifth occasion they have bowled seven or fewer overs in a match that they won. Khary Pierre returned to the West Indies playing XI after missing 73 ODIs since January 2020. Quotes”It is a lot of pressure if you don’t do well on these kind of surfaces. I just try to keep it simple and stick to my plans. I think once you put the ball in the right areas and do not go wicket-hunting, I think it will be the best suitable for the wicket. You can leak runs if you try to go wicket-hunting.”

Unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were recently named as the world’s two highest-paid footballers by Forbes, and the two legendary forwards have amassed mind-boggling net worths across their careers.

Ronaldo recently became the first current player to achieve billionaire status, having earned £1.04bn through wages, endorsements, investments and sponsorship deals, while Messi has managed to amass a stunning €598m (£527m), given long-term deals with Adidas, Apple, and Konami.

Such numbers are perhaps to be expected, given that the former La Liga stars, who are widely regarded as the two best players of all-time, have won a combined 13 Ballon d’Ors between them, but a player who had a more modest career, at least in comparison, has managed to make over double their combined net worth.

Ex-Man Utd star Louis Saha's net worth revealed

As reported by Manchester Evening News, Louis Saha has managed to build up a whopping £4.3bn fortune since retiring from football following a brief spell with Lazio back in 2013, accumulating his wealth after founding his sports company AxisStars.

The platform, which connects athletes and entertainers with trusted companies, was founded not long after Saha called time on his career, and it has clearly been hugely successful, given the vast riches the former Manchester United star has been able to amass.

Although the Frenchman did not reach the dizzy heights of the likes of Ronaldo and Messi, he also had a career to be proud of, scoring 84 Premier League goals across spells with Fulham, Man United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Everton and Sunderland.

The 20-time France international was also named among Everton’s greatest strikers in the Premier League era, courtesy of scoring 34 goals in 115 matches across all competitions for the Toffees.

During that time, the former striker scored what was the fastest goal in FA Cup final history at the time, until the record was broken by ex-Man City star Ilkay Gundogan, who found the back of the net after just 11 seconds in the 2023 final against United.

However, what the 47-year-old has gone on to achieve post-football is arguably even more impressive, having amassed a higher net worth than the vast majority of former players, albeit his riches still pale in comparison to that of Leicester City flop Faiq Bolkiah.

That said, rather than being born into wealth, Saha is well-known to come from a working-class background, with his mother a nurse and his father an aircraft mechanic, meaning money was tight growing up, which makes the former Everton man’s unbelievable success even more impressive.

Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler stunned by footballers' wages Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler stunned by footballers' wages

Marler was more surprised than at Jonathan Ross’ traitor reveal.

ByBen Goodwin Nov 3, 2025

Martin O’Neill marked his Celtic homecoming with a comprehensive win at Parkhead, and there has been a claim on the chances of him landing the Hoops job on a permanent basis.

O’Neill Celtic return begins with 4-0 win over Falkirk

The 73-year-old former Hoops manager was installed along with ex-Celtic player Shaun Maloney as the interim management team following the stunning resignation of Brendan Rodgers on Monday night.

Irish striker Johnny Kenny scored twice in the first half before goals after the break from midfielder Benjamin Nygren and wide-man Sebastian Tounekti took the Hoops to within six points of William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts, who drew 2-2 at St Mirren. O’Neill, who was Hoops boss between 2000 and 2005, said:

O’Neill joked about being nervous before the game. He added: “Well, first of all, I jokingly said – maybe true – I have not been as nervous since I sat my 11-plus but, again, I think I passed that when I was 48.

“But honestly, really concerned about the game, naturally. Concerned about the usual thing about letting myself down, which is I’ve done so many times it’s untrue, and letting other people down here at the football club.

“Just coming in a bit of a whirlwind and to play in the manner which we did when I thought was great and obviously most important thing was winning the game. Naturally, I couldn’t be more pleased. I thought the players did really brilliantly.”

Games

266

Wins

200

Draws

26

Losses

40

Trophies

7

Players used

56

Next up for O’Neill and Maloney is Sunday’s League Cup semi-final against rivals Rangers, who are also showing early promising signs under new manager Danny Rohl.

Chances of Celtic making Martin O’Neill permanent manager

Talking to Sky Sports, Tino Callaghan from the Celtic Exchange said that conversations could be had over O’Neill staying on as permanent Celtic manager if the Hoops defeat Rangers on Sunday.

However, Callaghan also added his personal opinion, believing those at Parkhead need to ‘go in a different direction’.

A number of managers have been linked with the permanent job, such as Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Wales’ Craig Bellamy.

How Nicky Haven feels about taking Celtic manager job

O’Neill looks set to be in the dugout at Hampden Park, and if Callaghan’s claim is correct, another positive result may see Celtic chiefs take note and explore the idea of keeping the Irishman on.

David Raya has credited former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze for Arsenal’s remarkable defensive form this season. The Argentine joined Mikel Arteta’s backroom staff in the summer and is said to have brought intensity and resilience to the Gunners’ back line, who have now kept seven consecutive clean sheets and sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

• Arsenal's spectacular defensive record this season

  Arsenal extended their winning run to 12 games in all competitions after beating Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor on Saturday. The result marked yet another clean sheet for Raya, who has now recorded 10 shutouts in 13 matches across competitions. Arteta’s side have conceded just three goals all season.

  The Gunners’ defensive discipline has been central to their early-season dominance, combining organisation with aggression to suffocate opposition attacks. Arsenal’s victory over Burnley also strengthened their grip on top spot in the Premier League, keeping them six points clear of Manchester City and seven points ahead of defending champions Liverpool. Heinze’s arrival as assistant coach in the summer has reportedly added an edge to their defensive training sessions, with players embracing his high-intensity methods.

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• AFP
  

  Raya praises Heinze for defensive solidity

  Raya heaped praise on Heinze for instilling a fighting spirit throughout the team, crediting the Argentine’s influence on Arsenal’s clean sheet record. "He’s a guy, he’s a coach, where he wants us to fight – a lot of intensity," said Raya after Saturday’s win. "To win games, you have to defend very well, especially in this league. This is the toughest league in the world.

  "You have to be very, very, very solid to be able to win games. Normally, the games are won by one goal. So, it’s really, really important to keep that asset from us, from everyone. Not just the back line, just every single player. So, it’s a lot of credit to him as well."

  Raya also reminded his team-mates to stay grounded despite their excellent start. "We have to think game by game," he continued. "We have to think it’s very early in the season. We’ve played 10 [league] games in the season, so it’s a lot of football to be played.

  "We are only just starting in November, so obviously it’s nice to be there [at the top of the league] and to have those points. But we have to focus on ourselves, focus game by game and in the present.

  "It’s incredible, not just the defence, I think it’s a collective achievement, if you want to put it that way. It starts from the striker, finishing with the goalkeeper. So, it’s just incredible to have that work rate from everyone, trying to shut teams down and not concede that many chances, not concede anything. And that’s just credit to everyone. So, it’s incredible to have that achievement."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Heinze: A former Red Devil becomes a Gunner

  Heinze, a former Manchester United defender, joined Arsenal’s coaching team in the summer and has made a noticeable impact. The Argentine played for the Red Devils between 2004 and 2007 after joining from Paris Saint-Germain, making 83 appearances in all competitions and scoring four goals before moving to Real Madrid. Known for his fierce style and leadership, Heinze’s influence appears to have translated seamlessly into coaching under Arteta, who he played with at PSG.

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• Arsenal fighting for first PL title in over two decades

  Arsenal’s next assignment comes in the Champions League, where they travel to face Slavia Prague looking to maintain their flawless start in that competition. A win would not only secure qualification from the league stage but further reinforce their growing reputation as Europe’s most in-form team. Domestically, the Gunners will then prepare for a testing run of November fixtures that includes meetings with London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea, as they continue their pursuit of a first league title in over two decades.

  For Raya, the goal will be to maintain his Golden Glove momentum, while Heinze’s challenge will be to ensure the team’s defensive structure remains consistent through the winter schedule.

Leeds United have always gained great pride from allowing their homegrown starlets eventual minutes in the first team.

Kalvin Phillips would become a household name in the Premier League after making his Elland Road breakthrough, with Archie Gray also going on to be a £30m purchase by Tottenham Hotspur after he exploded into life in the senior picture at the Whites.

With Daniel Farke also recently stating that the development of youth is one of the “cornerstones” of the club’s ongoing philosophy, it wouldn’t be a great shock to see a new Phillips or Gray emerge in the very near future.

Amazingly, another member of the Gray family in Harry Gray, is already making considerable strides to break into the men’s set-up.

Harry Gray's rise at Leeds

With the young pair also having Leeds royalty deeply ingrained into their family tree in the form of great uncle Eddie Gray, it appears as if Elland Road is just woven into their DNA.

Before anyone gets too carried away, the 16-year-old striker has only made one fleeting cameo in Farke’s first-team to date, but his future does look very rosy in West Yorkshire, with his early goalscoring form in the Premier League 2 this season only adding to his immense hype.

From just four games this campaign in all competitions, Gray has helped himself to a blistering four strikes, with his weighty goal tally for both the U18s and U21s now standing at a very impressive 15 goals from 22 outings.

Branded the “real deal” by analyst Ben Mattinson, it does only feel like a matter of time now before the teenage sensation is leading the line for Farke’s men, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin potentially pushed all the way for a starting spot very soon by the England U17 international.

However, he isn’t the only hotly-tipped youngster at this moment in time in the U21 picture.

Leeds could even be brewing their next Phillips when looking at this very promising midfield talent who just signed his first-ever professional contract at his boyhood employers.

Leeds' next Phillips

While his career path has hit many a bump since exiting Leeds in 2022, with just 31 Manchester City appearances coming his way in three years, it goes without saying that he is the standard that many of the new rising crop at Thorp Arch still try to hit.

Indeed, under Marcelo Bielsa’s transformative guidance, Phillips would turn into an extremely hot midfield commodity, with a senior Three Lions call-up even falling into the 29-year-old’s lap, before moving on to the Etihad for a substantial £40m.

While Ollie Pickles is way off hitting those heights at the moment, he will hope – sometime down the line – that he can experience these same amazing highs, having just penned his first-ever professional contract at Elland Road that runs until 2028.

The 17-year-old hotshot warranted that deal coming into play, too, with Pickles even donning the captain’s armband for the U21s last time out to show off similar leadership skills to those of Phillips in the main team.

The similarities don’t just end there, however, with Pickles also showing off a similar eye for a goal and an assist to that of the former Bielsa favourite, with a standout five-goal contributions tallied up from the central midfield position from just ten outings.

Arguably, his added adaptability to slot into a right-wing or left-wing spot if needed also stands him in good stead to replicate Gray’s sharp rise, with the Spurs number 14’s malleable nature turning him into a constant regular under Farke.

Still, with previous interest in his services coming from the likes of Gray’s new employers, it could be that Pickles goes on to be another major sale for Leeds in the midfield department, like Phillips.

Before anything more concrete pops up over Pickles leaving, however, the teenager will have to prove himself in the senior side, with chances potentially handed to him in the near future.

Danny Murphy says Leeds "will" go down and names Farke's "biggest problem"

The talkSPORT pundit has revealed why he thinks the Whites will go down, despite the victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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By
Dominic Lund

Sep 23, 2025