One Manchester United midfielder has agreed personal terms to leave the club this summer, it has been reported, in a move that could have consequences for the rest of the Premier League giants’ transfer window.

Manchester United waiting on exits

Despite the news breaking at the beginning of the summer that almost all of Erik ten Hag’s squad are available for the right price, there have been very few exits at Old Trafford so far this summer.

French pair Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane both left on free transfers after their deals in Manchester came to an end, while Omari Forson also departed as a free agent.

Elsewhere, Mason Greenwood was sold to French side Marseille in a deal worth £22m, whlle talented defender Willy Kambwala has joined Villarreal in an £8m move.

Midfield outcast Donny van de Beek has also finally departed permanently following a horror spell at Old Trafford since his £35m move from Ajax, joining Girona for a nominal fee.

It has allowed Manchester United to make two new signings, with Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro coming in to replace Varane and Martial for a combined £86m, but they are still waiting on exits.

It is believed that a deal for Noussair Mazraoui is all but done, but requires right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s departure before it can be confirmed, while any new incoming centre-back is likely to hinge on the future of Victor Lindelof.

The same can be said in midfield, with deals likely waiting to be completed after they can shift one of Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay or Casemiro, all of whom have been linked with moves away. Now, one man has agreed terms to leave.

Midfielder agrees to leave Man Utd

That comes in the shape of academy graduate McTominay, who has reportedly agreed personal terms over a move to Galatasaray this summer. The Scottish midfielder is believed to be a target for Premier League side Fulham as well as the Turkish giants, with both sides tussling for his signature.

Scott McTominay’s 23/24 Premier League season

Appearances

32

Starts

18

Goals

7

Assists

1

Yellow Cards

2

As per reports in Turkey, relayed by Sport Witness, McTominay is top of the Galatasaray wishlist and has even said yes to joining the Turkish side.

Related Fabrizio Romano: "Top talent" has now accepted offer to sign for Man Utd

Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously said he wants to find the next Kylian Mbappe.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Jul 31, 2024

Indeed, he has given the green light to a deal worth a reported €5.5m a year (£4.5m per year, or £86,500 per week), an increase on the £60,000 a week deal he finds himself on at Old Trafford.

That may well have been the easy part though, with reports earlier in the week suggesting that Galatasaray had seen an opening bid of €15m (£12.7m) knocked back for the Scottish international, with Dan Ashworth and Co keen to hold out for closer to £25m to let him leave this summer.

Should that price be met and McTominay depart, it could allow Manchester United to move for one of their midfield targets, with PSG’s Manuel Ugarte among those that they have been linked with in recent weeks.

علق وائل جمعة لاعب الأهلي السابق، على هزيمة الفريق أمام أورلاندو بايرتس، بهدفين مقابل هدف، وذلك خلال المباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

والتقى الأهلي مع أورلاندو، على أرضية استاد القاهرة، في إطار لقاءات الجولة السادسة والأخيرة من مرحلة المجموعات بدوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وقال وائل جمعة في تصريحات عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”: “شكل حزين للأهلي ومنظر سيء للاعبين أن يخسروا مباراة على ملعبهم وسط جمهوروهم، لكن قلنا إننا في مرحلة ممكن تؤدي ولا تفوز، أو لا تفوز ولا تؤدي مثلما حدث اليوم”.

طالع أيضاً.. موعد مباراة الأهلي القادمة بعد الهزيمة أمام أورلاندو في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وتابع: “أخطاء دفاعية كثيرة، قلت إن هذه الفترة ستظهر اللاعبين الذين يستحقون الاستمرار أو الرحيل”.

وأضاف: “أخطاء دفاعية ولاعبين غير مركزين في وقفتهم، لا أريد أن أقسو على اللاعبين، لكن هناك مشاكل كثيرة موجودة، لا بد أن تحدث غربلة في الأهلي، وتطهير لبعض العناصر لم تثبت كفاءتها للتواجد في الفريق”.

وأوضح: “هناك أنانية في الجانب الهجومي، وسام أبو علي من أفضل اللاعبين لكن الكرة كانت تعانده، ومع ذلك هو العنصر الوحيد الذي يُمكن الوثوق به”.

وأكمل: “الأهلي لا يستغل وسام بشكل جيد، وسام يحتاج إلى كرات عرضية وهذا لا يتحقق، إمام عاشور أكثر لاعب يمكن أن يساعده، لكن لم يقم بذلك”.

واستكمل: “تغييرات كولر غريبة، أن تلعب على أرضك ومع ذلك تدفع بـ أكرم توفيق، كيف ذلك، الهدف الذي دخل مرمى الأهلي بدايته من عند الضغط السيء لأكرم، ليس من الممكن أن يكون لاعب يمتلك خبرة ويتم مراوغته هكذا، أنا لم أكن مع الدفع به، هو ابتعد بالفعل بعد قرار رحيله ومناوشاته مع الجماهير، كان في رأيي ألا يتم الدفع به في مباراة اليوم، هناك أشياء خاطئة تحدث”.

وأشار: “لا نريد أن نحصر المشكلة في خط الدفاع، المنظومة كلها بها مشكلة، والحل هو التعاقد مع لاعبين محترفين، لا يصح أن يلعب الأهلي بدون محترفين، وهناك لاعبون في حالة تشبع، ولاعبون إمكانيتهم لا تسمح لهم باللعب في الأهلي، لا بد من التدعيم وضخ دماء جديدة تُحسن أداء الفريق”.

وأتم: “الأخطاء الدفاعية، بالتأكيد لن أعلم خالد عبد الفتاح وياسر إبراهيم كيف يقفان، ردود أفعالهما وحركات جسديهما سيئة جدًا، ليس من المعقول وهما بهذه الخبرة أن أقول لهما كيف يقفان في الملعب؟”.

Fast bowler S Sreesanth was among the heroes for Kerala as they beat Uttar Pradesh by three wickets to register their second win in two games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Sreesanth took 5 for 65 as Kerala bowled UP out for 283, before fifties from Robin Uthappa (81 off 55) and Sachin Baby (76 off 83) laid the foundation for a chase that went deep.Sreesanth is playing in his first full domestic season for Kerala since 2013 following his ban in relation to the IPL spot-fixing episode. He played the entirety of the 20-over Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that preceded the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the 50-over competition, he now has seven wickets in two games.This was the 37-year-old Sreesanth’s second five-wicket haul in List A cricket, the first one being his ODI-best 6 for 55 against England in 2006. He dismissed two of UP’s half-centurions, opener Abhishek Goswami and middle-order batsman Akshdeep Nath, and took the last four wickets of the innings, including that of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.In their chase, Kerala lost Vishnu Vinod early to Bhuvneshwar, but a brisk 104-run stand between Uthappa and Sanju Samson kept them on track with the required rate. Two quick wickets followed, however, and it took consolidation from the middle order before No. 9 M Nidheesh struck an unbeaten 13 off 6 to help them get over the line.

MatériaMais Notícias

Cortado do último jogo por conta de um quadro febril, João Gomes foi diagnosticado com dengue nesta sexta-feira. O Flamengo informou que o volante ficará afastado das atividades do futebol profissional até a próxima segunda-feira (18), através de sua assessoria de imprensa.

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Na última quinta, na reapresentação do elenco após a vitória sobre o Juventude, pela 26ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, Gomes treinou com o grupo, mas voltou a sofrer as consequências da dengue e teve que interromper as atividades.

Se Gomes é desfalque, o Flamengo terá, em contrapartida, a volta de Diego Ribas na próxima partida, além de Vitinho, que retorna de suspensão, e do trio que estava disputando as Eliminatórias (veja mais aqui).

> Veja e simule a tabela do Brasileirão

Na caça ao líder Atlético-MG, o Flamengo volta a campo neste domingo, quando receberá o Cuiabá, às 20h30, no Maracanã. O duelo, válido pela 27ª rodada do Brasileirão, será transmitido em Tempo Real pelo LANCE!.

Wicketkeeper-batsman, who initially rejected contract extension, is awarded a Benefit Year

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Mar-2021

Ben Cox has struck a deal to stay at Worcestershire•Getty Images

Ben Cox has agreed terms to keep him at Worcestershire until the end of the 2023 County season.Cox initially rejected an offer to stay with the club beyond the 2021 season, but Worcestershire announced on Tuesday that he had agreed a two-year contract extension.Cox, who made his debut for Worcestershire as a 17-year-old schoolboy in 2009, has also been awarded a Benefit Year in 2021, recognising his “lengthy and outstanding service”, the club said.”This club means the world to me, being a Worcestershire boy, and it means a hell of a lot to commit for another three years to the club,” Cox told the Worcestershire website. “If you had asked me when I made my debut that you would have had a 15-year career, and the club had offered you a Benefit Year, I would have snapped your hand off.”I’m over the moon to get things sorted for another three years, and I will still have more to give at the end of this contract, which excites me in itself. Fitness is always something I hold a high regard too, so, as I get older, I don’t see that changing, and I just want to keep doing the best I can be every time I go onto the field.”Cox believed that the club had taken “a big step in the right direction” last year in finishing second in the Central group of the Bob Willis Trophy.”There are some excellent keepers in the country,” he added. “If I can finish my career and people are saying ‘he was pretty good’, that is how I want to leave it.”Ben Cox starred on Blast Finals Day in 2018•Getty Images

Cox reached 500 career dismissals last year, including including 343 in first-class cricket, and he has scored 4764 first-class runs. He played a pivotal role in Worcestershire Rapids’ 2018 Vitality Blast triumph with Man-of-the-Match performances in the semi-final and final at Edgbaston.Worcestershire CCC Chairman Fanos Hira said: “It is pleasing that Ben will be with us until at least 2023. He is an impressive, popular player who has performed at a high level as a wicketkeeper since making his debut as a local schoolboy. He has ability, ambition, desire and potential to improve further.”I’m delighted he has reflected on and accepted our contract extension. Members will be able to support him in his richly deserved Benefit Year during his contract. We wish him well.”

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui is working hard to build a side which could get back to securing European qualification next season.

So far, Max Kilman and Luis Guilherme have joined the side, while a deal is reportedly close for Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville.

Lopetegui is also chasing another centre-forward, with Borussia Dortmund’s Niclas Füllkrug closing in on a move to London after the side agreed a fee of £27m with the German side for the player.

Slowly, but surely, a team which could break back into the European spots during the 2024/25 campaign is being built.

Opponent

Date

Aston Villa (H)

August 17

Crystal Palace (A)

August 24

Manchester City (H)

August 31

Fulham (A)

September 14

Chelsea (H)

September 21

West Ham United closing in on World Cup winner

It isn’t just his attacking options that Lopetegui is looking to bolster, as a move for Argentinian World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez is reportedly close.

That’s according to the Standard, who claim that the Irons are in advanced talks with the former Real Betis midfielder, who is currently a free agent after leaving the La Liga side at the end of his contract.

The 30-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to the club, and he would be an ideal signing for Lopetegui, especially on a free transfer.

Could the Spaniard land Rodriguez a perfect midfield partner? As he is chasing a midfielder who has won the Champions League twice…

West Ham United eyeing up move for ex-Barcelona midfielder

According to Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast (via Football Insider), West Ham are considering a move for Sergi Roberto, the former Barcelona midfielder.

Having left the Catalan giants following the expiration of his contract, Lopetegui would be able to sign him for nothing in a move similar to that of Rodriguez. Judging by his experience at the highest level, he could be a worthwhile addition to the squad.

Roberto and Rodriguez may even form a wonderful partnership in the heart of the midfield as West Ham chase a top-eight finish next season.

Sergi Roberto & Guido Rodriguez partnership

Rodriguez typically operates as a defensive midfielder, making 29 appearances in that position for Real Betis last season.

He demonstrated his defensive capabilities in the Spanish top flight last term, winning 4.9 total duels per game – a success rate of 60% – while making 2.2 tackles and recovering 6.5 balls per game throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Rodriguez ranked in the top 13% for interceptions per 90 (1.49) and the top 12% for clearances per 90 (2.05), yet more evidence of his defensive skills.

Roberto, on the other hand, tends to perform slightly further forward than Rodriguez, and he made 24 appearances for Barcelona last term, registering six goal contributions – three goals and three assists – in the process.

During his 14 La Liga appearances, Roberto created one big chance, succeeded with 75% of his dribbles, averaged 0.6 key passes per game and finished the season with a 90% pass success rate, not bad considering he only averaged 62 minutes per game.

Metric

La Liga

Champions League

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

1

Accurate passes per game

40.7

23.8

Total duels won per game

2.6

1.6

Big chances created

1

2

Despite this lack of game time domestically, he still shone when compared to his peers. Indeed, across Europe’s top five leagues, Roberto ranked in the top 2% for non-penalty goals (0.25), the top 5% for assists (0.25) and the top 4% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.22) per 90, showcasing his attacking talents from the heart of the midfield.

These statistics clearly show that Rodriguez and Roberto could form a solid partnership in the West Ham midfield, offering both defensive and attacking skills to complement each other well.

Not only that, but the Spaniard is also like a current Manchester City star who was the player of the tournament at Euro 2024…

Why Sergi Roberto could be West Ham’s own Rodri

Rodri shone for Spain as they won their first major international tournament since 2012, finishing the tournament with a stunning 93% pass success rate while recovering 6.8 balls per game and winning 5.2 total duels per game.

He was the beating heart of this wonderful Spanish side and if Lopetegui could sign a player who performs like him, then West Ham would be all the better for it.

According to FBref, Rodri is the seventh-most comparable player to Roberto, which means the club could be signing their own version of the City gem should a deal be made for the 32-year-old this summer.

Last season, the pair registered similar domestic statistics with regard to shots per 90 (1.05 vs 1.9), pass success percentage (89% vs 92%), successful take-on percentage (50% vs 65.6%) and goal-creation actions per 90 (0.31 vs 0.71), evidence of their similarities last term.

Although he may not be at his peak anymore, Roberto – who has been described as "extraordinary" by ex-Barca boss, Xavi – would bring a host of big game experience to this West Ham side.

Throughout his career, the Spaniard has won seven La Liga titles plus two Champions League crowns, proving that he has what it takes to shine on the biggest stage of all.

Overall, Roberto made 373 appearances for his boyhood club since making his debut during the 2010/11 campaign, scoring 12 goals while grabbing 34 assists in the process.

It would certainly signal a major statement of intent if they were to bring the former Spain international to London in the next few weeks, showing that Lopetegui means business in the transfer market.

If deals can be done to bring him and Rodriguez to the club, then the midfield area will be bolstered significantly heading into the new season.

If the pair hit the ground running, completing both signings without spending a penny could soon be seen as a masterstroke by the former Wolves manager.

Time will tell however, but the signs are looking good for West Ham heading into a new season.

In the race: West Ham want "complete midfielder" who can replace Paqueta

Things are happening over in east London.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 2, 2024

Arsenal have been told that signing Victor Osimhen and Rafael Leao would make the difference in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

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Arsenal chasing Premier League titleTold they need two more stars to succeedOsimhen and Leao named ideal signingsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mikel Arteta has turned the Gunners into Premier League title contenders, but they have fallen short of beating Manchester City to the crown. Arsenal surrendered leads at the top of the table to finish second two years in a row and hope to go a step further this time around.

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However, former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit feels their squad is not strong enough to win major silverware yet, but feels bringing in Nigerian striker Osimhen, who is starring at Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, and AC Milan star Leao would get them over the line. Osimhen's future remains unclear amid interest from Premier League sides, including Arsenal, while Portugal star Leao has been linked with a move after falling out of favour at Milan.

WHAT PETIT SAID

"My dream signings for Arsenal to win major silverware are Victor Osimhen and Rafael Leao," he told . "They need a striker like Osimhen and Leao would be perfect in a rotation with Gabriel Martinelli, they need that competition. I’ve said before that Arsenal don’t have the depth of other teams and that’s what they need to add. Those players would take Arsenal to the next level and make them a real threat in both the Premier League and Champions League under Mikel Arteta."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arteta's team are already nine points behind Premier League leaders and will be desperate to avoid a costly slip up when they host Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

With another win under their belt last night, it would be fair to say that Arsenal's preseason has largely been a success this summer, and there is still one more game to go.

Mikel Arteta's side were electric against Bayer Leverkusen and look ready to fight for the Premier League title for the third year running next season. Still, to ensure they have the best chance of succeeding this time, Edu Gaspar and Co must bring in some more quality signings before the transfer window slams shut.

Riccardo Calafiori remains the only new addition to the first team, while Martin Zubimendi, a player the club were heavily linked to in the past, could now be on his way to potential title rivals Liverpool.

However, while this news may leave some fans feeling a little annoyed, the player they have been heavily linked with since is a better option anyway.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano via GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in Real Sociedad ace Mikel Merino.

The Italian journalist revealed that, similar to the Calafiori deal, Arteta has been "pushing" the club to pursue the Spanish midfielder as he is a "player he would love to have at the club."

According to Romano, the Spanish manager has been "very influential" for the club this summer, and in good news, the Sociedad star is "very keen on the move."

There is no mention of how much the player could cost the Gunners, but other reports this summer have suggested the fee could be around £25m, and while that's not insignificant, it could prove to be value for money, especially as Merino would be a better signing for Arsenal than Zubimendi.

How Merino compares to Zubimendi

Okay, so the first thing to point out is that, yes, both Merino and Zubimendi are talented midfielders who would bring a lot to Arsenal. After all, the Gunners were supposedly interested in the latter earlier this year, but overall, the former would be a better signing for a few reasons.

The first is that while both players can start in either central or defensive midfield, the 28-year-old is more of a natural eight, while his younger compatriot is a more natural six, and at this point, the North Londoners clearly need someone to fill the left-eight spot.

For example, while Declan Rice did play there at points last season, he admitted that starting in the six was his "best position," and considering it's where he's spent the vast majority of his career, it's hard to disagree with him.

The second reason is that the former Newcastle United ace has proven himself to be more of a goal threat, and with Arsenal scoring five goals fewer than Manchester City last season, this is clearly an issue he can effectively address.

For example, in 45 appearances for La Real last season, the 6 foot 2 "monster," as data analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him, scored eight goals and provided five assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 3.46 games.

In contrast, the Liverpool target scored four goals and provided one assist in 45 appearances, equating to a goal involvement on average every nine games.

Lastly, the 28-capped international also comes out on top when we examine their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.23

0.13

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.33

0.12

Progressive Carries

0.92

1.07

Progressive Passes

6.10

5.21

Shots

1.35

0.77

Shots on Target

0.50

0.29

Passing Accuracy

76.5%

86.0%

Key Passes

0.84

0.56

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.07

0.48

Shot-Creating Actions

2.52

1.79

Goal-Creating Actions

0.26

0.11

Tackles Won

1.48

0.92

Blocks

1.27

1.12

Interceptions

0.63

1.08

Clearances

2.02

1.76

Successful Take-Ons

0.98

0.45

Aerial Duels Won

5.98

1.55

Ball Recoveries

7.28

5.94

For example, his attacking prowess is evident in the fact that he ranks far better in metrics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive and key passes, passes into the penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions and successful take-ons all per 90.

Interestingly, despite not playing in a slightly more attacking position than Zubimendi, he also performs better in several defensive metrics, such as tackles won, blocks, aerial duels won, and ball recoveries per 90, showing that he can excel in both phases of play.

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The “world-class” striker would be a game-changer for the Gunners.

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Ultimately, while both midfielders are serious talents, Arsenal fans can rest assured that in Merino, they're getting a signing who suits them better and has Zubimendi comfortably beat in most measurable metrics.

Alisha Lehmann bagged her second goal of the season as Juventus maintained their unbeaten start to Serie A season with a 2-2 draw against Sassuolo.

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• Juventus held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo
• Lehmann scores her second goal of the season
• Juventus remain unbeaten in Serie A so far

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Juventus have had a good start to their Serie A season as the Bianconere have kicked off their campaign with eight wins and two draws. The second of those came on Sunday afternoon as Sassuolo held them to a 2-2 draw thanks to Gina Chmielinski's brace. Swiss forward Lehmann found the back of the net for Max Canzi's side to give Juventus the lead on the hour mark as she scored her second goal for her new side since leaving Aston Villa this summer.

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  The draw came as a disappointment to Canzi's side as they hoped to extend their lead onerFiorentina in the Serie A standings after La Viola's 0-0 draw against Napoli on Saturday evening. However, Juventus continue to remain four points clear of second-placed Fiorentina, and five points clear of Inter Milan and defending champions, Roma.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR LEHMANN?

  The former Aston Villa star has not had the minutes she would've hoped for when she joined Juventus in the summer, however, she will hope that her goal against Sassuolo may thrust her higher up the pecking order and potentially put her back in form for their next game against Arsenal in the Champions League on Thursday, November 21.

“I’ve played four Tests matches here and this is easily the most special Test match”

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Feb-2021R Ashwin said he felt like a “hero” whenever he bowled – or just removed his cap for that matter – in front of his home crowd during the second Test against England at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.Ashwin, who starred in India’s win – eight wickets and a century in very challenging conditions in the second innings – dedicated his “most special” Test performance to the crowd: the stadium had allowed spectators at 50% capacity for the game.”When I was young I’ve wondered if I would ever play on this ground and if people would turn out and clap for me,” Ashwin told the host broadcaster after India’s series-levelling win. “I’ve played here as an eight-nine year-old. I’ve watched matches from these stands, my dad would get me here for most of the games.”I’m speechless right now. I’ve played four Tests matches here and this is easily the most special Test match. It gave me a hero feeling.Related

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“Every time I bowled or removed my cap there was a different feeling [because of the cheers]. During Covid times when there’s hardly any cricket, the knowledgeable Chennai crowd came in large numbers without worrying. I dedicate this win to the Chennai crowd. We went one-up after they allowed the crowd, hopefully we continue to do well [in the presence of crowds] in Ahmedabad as well.”After picking up a five-for to restrict England to 134, Ashwin hit a 148-ball 106 in the second innings, stretching India’s lead to a challenging 482, and then returned 3 for 53 in the final innings to help bowl England out for 164. In the process, Ashwin moved to second on the list of players to have scored a century and take a five-for in the same Test, having done it for the third time, and is only behind Ian Botham, who achieved it five times in his career. The latest five-for also took Ashwin past James Anderson to No. 4 on the list of players with most five-wicket hauls at home.While the spinning Chennai pitch earned criticism from former players such as Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh, Ashwin, while admitting that the surface behaved very different to how it did during the first Test – also played in Chennai – said that it was the Indian spinners’ mental ability that gave them the edge this time, and not just the pitch.”This wicket is very different to what we played in the first game,” he acknowledged. “That [in the first Test] was a red soil wicket and this is a clay wicket. As much as it looked bad from the top, many people were predicting a lot of things – those balls weren’t the one that got the wicket.”It was the mind that was actually getting the wickets. We had to play in the minds of the batsmen to get the wicket. It’s easier to say ‘go out there, bowl and get wickets’ but it’s not as easy as it looks because I’ve been playing here for years now. It takes a certain amount of pace and guile to be able to do it.”