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Toluca begins its title defense, América aims to reclaim the throne, and Cruz Azul builds a dream team.

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Rayados reinforced only their goalkeeping positionTigres signed a 2022 World Cup winnerPumas made headlines by landing Aaron RamseyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPKey matchups to watch

The wait is over – the Apertura 2025 kicks off this weekend with a triple-header featuring Puebla vs Atlas, FC Juárez vs América, and Tijuana vs Querétaro. This season promises high-level action as Liga MX clubs continue to attract marquee signings that were once rare in Mexican football.

One of the season's early highlights will be the Matchday 2 rematch between Toluca and América, a replay of the Clausura 2025 final. El Clásico Nacional between América and Chivas is set for Matchday 8 (Sept. 12), followed by América vs Pumas on Matchday 11 (Sept. 27), and Chivas visiting Pumas on Matchday 12 (Oct. 5).

The Clásico Joven between América and Cruz Azul will take place on Oct. 18 (Matchday 13), while the Clásico Regio between Monterrey and Tigres will be played on Nov. 1 at the Estadio BBVA (Matchday 16). The regular season wraps up with Pumas vs Cruz Azul on Nov. 8 at Ciudad Universitaria.

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International stars continue to arrive in Liga MX. Following the high-profile additions of Sergio Ramos (Monterrey) and James Rodríguez (León) during the Clausura, Pumas made a splash this summer by signing Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey. The former Arsenal standout – who also played for Juventus, Rangers, and Nice – now joins UNAM as one of the league’s marquee names.

Tigres also made noise by bringing in Ángel Correa from Atlético de Madrid. The Argentine World Cup winner from 2022 is the biggest signing of the window so far, even as Tigres largely keep faith in the squad that reached last season’s semifinals.

América have focused on youth, adding Alexis Gutiérrez (Cruz Azul), Isaías Violante (Toluca), and Ralph Orquin (FC Juárez). However, fans are beginning to pressure the club’s front office, demanding more impactful signings to keep pace with the fierce competition.

Chivas added depth with the arrivals of Efraín Álvarez, Richard Ledezma, Bryan González, and Diego Campillo. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul heads into the tournament as the early favorite. With Nicolás Larcamón taking over as head coach, La Máquina has already landed José Paradela and Jéremy Márquez. And all signs point to the imminent arrival of Luka Jović – formerly of Real Madrid and AC Milan – who is currently a free agent and close to joining the club.

AFPTitle contenders and betting odds

Despite falling short in the Clausura, Club América are the odds-on favorite to lift the Apertura 2025 trophy, with most sportsbooks putting them at 4.0 decimal odds. A back-to-back title run for Toluca isn’t far behind, listed at 5.40.

Tigres, Monterrey, and Cruz Azul are all close contenders, each at 7.0, according to the latest lines. A championship for Chivas would offer a solid return at 13.00, while a title win for Pumas – which would be their eighth – is a long shot at 21.00.

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Despite featuring big-name players and clubs like Cruz Azul and Pumas making bold moves in the transfer market, Liga MX squads are entering the new season with their lowest overall market value in the past seven years, according to .

The combined market value of Liga MX rosters stands at $1,040,261,128. While still a massive figure, it marks the lowest since the 2017-18 season, when the league’s total value was $878,641,290. Back in the 2016-17 season, the number was even lower, at $829,855,934. That means the 2025-26 season ranks as the third-lowest in the last decade.

The three most valuable players in the league right now are: Player Team Value

Alexis VegaToluca$11,741,361Ángel CorreaTigres$11,741,361Álvaro FidalgoAmérica$10,567,225

Based on the latest data, the ten most valuable clubs in Mexican football are: Team Value

América$102,948,255Cruz Azul$92,521,927Monterrey$91,289,084Toluca$88,588,571Tigres$81,543,754Chivas$81,168,030Pachuca$67,865,068Necaxa$56,828,189León$50,405,664Pumas$48,844,063

Most valuable players by team Team Player(s) Value

AméricaÁlvaro Fidalgo$10,567,225Cruz AzulÉrik Lira$9,393,089MonterreyNelson Deossa, Sergio Canales, Lucas Ocampos & Germán Berterame$7,044,816 eachTolucaAlexis Vega$11,741,361TigresÁngel Correa$11,741,361ChivasRoberto Alvarado$7,631,884PachucaOussama Idrissi & John Kennedy$8,218,952 eachNecaxaDiber Cambindo$7,631,884LeónFernando Beltrán$4,696,544PumasNathan Silva & José Caicedo$5,870,680 each

كشف مصدر بـ النادي الأهلي، عن تحديد البديل الأول لـ وسام أبو علي مهاجم الفريق، بعد اقتراب رحيله عن القلعة الحمراء، خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية.

وتشهد الفترة الأخيرة، حالة من الشد والجذب بين إدارة النادي الأهلي واللاعب الفلسطيني وسام أبو علي، بسبب تمسكه بالرحيل عن الفريق، بينما الإدارة ترغب في استمراره.

طالع | سيد عبد الحفيظ يفتح النار على وسام أبو علي: أخذ من هيبة المكان واعتذاره غير مقبول

وعلم بطولات، أن الأهلي يضع أسامة فيصل على رأس المرشحين للانضمام إلى صفوف الفريق ليكون بديلًا لـ وسام أبو علي.

وتواصل مسؤولو الأهلي خلال الساعات الماضية مع إدارة البنك الأهلي لمعرفة شروطهم المالية من أجل إتمام الصفقة.

وكان أسامة فيصل قدم أداءً متميزًا مع البنك الأهلي خلال الموسم الماضي، بعدما سجل 12 هدفًا محتلاً المركز الثاني في ترتيب هدافي الدوري المصري خلف إمام عاشور لاعب الأهلي.

أكد عمدة مدينة مالاجا الإسبانية فرانسيسكو دي لاتوري، انسحاب المدينة رسميًا من ملف إسبانيا لاستضافة حدث كأس العالم 2030.

وأعلن دي لاتوري في مؤتمر صحفي :”أعلن اليوم بشكل رسمي سحب ترشيح مالاجا من ملف استضافة إسبانيا لكأس العالم 2030″.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ورطة كبرى.. أونانا يربك حسابات مانشستر يونايتد قبل الموسم الجديد

ويرى دي لاتوري أن هناك أزمة تتعلق بجدوى المشروع وغياب الضمانات فيما يتعلق بانتقال نادي مالاجا إلى ملعب الجامعة خلال سنوات تجديد ملعب لاوزاليدا والذي سيعمل بنسبة 50% من طاقته الاستيعابية مقارنة بالملعب الحالي.

وأضاف دي لاتوري :”إذا كان كأس العالم يشكل خطراً على النادي ويسبب مشاكلا للجماهير فلا جدوى من الاستمرار”.

وقد أثار هذا الإعلان دهشة وردود فعل متباينة بين سكان مدينة مالاجا الذين كانوا يأملون باستضافة مباريات البطولة الدولية.

ومع هذا الإعلان أيضاً فإنه من المتوقع أن يعاد النظر في خريطة المدن المضيفة في إسبانيا بينما يواصل تنظيم كأس العالم مسيرته نحو عام 2030 وسط شكوك جديدة قد تؤدي إلى ظهور مدن مضيفة جديدة كانت تبدو خارج دائرة المنافسة مثل فيجو.

وكانت تقارير صحفية قد نشرت أمس أكدت أن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” قد استقر على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو معقل ريال مدريد لاستضافة نهائي كأس العالم 2030.

وستكون بطولة كأس العالم 2030 حدثًا تاريخيًا حيث ستستضيفها المغرب والبرتغال وإسبانيا بشكل مشترك وذلك بعد خمس سنوات من الآن.

Alejandro Garnacho has been filmed appearing to shove a fan as the Manchester United winger's future remains up in the air.

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United willing to sell GarnachoRuben Amorim has exiled ArgentineVideo shows him clashing with fanFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Garnacho has been filmed being approached by a supporter, who asks him to choose between countryman Lionel Messi and his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Garnacho does not answer, but appears to push the fan away, who reacts with surprise, and tells the winger: "Bro, you pushed me".

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Garnacho is seemingly on his way out of Old Trafford after manager Ruben Amorim reportedly told the Argentine to "pray" he can find a new club. The winger brutally labelled the club's season as "sh*t" after their Europa League final defeat, and is now said to be keen on a potential move to Chelsea, despite rival interest from Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen.

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Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT?

Garnacho's future will need to be decided soon. All signs point to an exit before United play their first pre-season friendly – a clash with Leeds in the United States on July 19.

حقق فريق يوفنتوس الفوز على نظيره الوداد المغربي، بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما ضمن منافسات كأس العالم للأندية 2025.

وأقيمت مباراة يوفنتوس والوداد، في إطار مباريات الجولة الثانية من منافسات المجموعة السابعة بالبطولة، على أرضية ملعب “لينكولن فاينانشال فيلد”.

ويتواجد يوفنتوس في المجموعة السابعة ضمن منافسات كأس العالم للأندية، رفقة أندية الوداد المغربي ومانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي بالإضافة إلى العين الإماراتي.

تقدم يوفنتوس في البداية مستفيدًا من هدف عكسي أحرزه عبد المنعم بوطويل في الدقيقة 6.

موعد مباراة الوداد القادمة في كأس العالم للأندية بعد الهزيمة أمام يوفنتوس

وأضاف يلدز الهدف الثاني لصالح فريقه في الدقيقة 16، من تصويبة صاروخية على حدود منطقة جزاء الوداد سكنت المرمى مباشرة.

وجاء هدف الوداد الوحيد في الدقيقة 25 من عمر المباراة عن طريق ثيمبنكوسي لورش، بعد انفراد بالحارس عقب تمريرة رائعة من أمرابط.

وأحرز كينان يلدز الهدف الثالث لصالح يوفنتوس في شباك الوداد، وذلك بحلول الدقيقة 69 من المباراة

واختتم فلاهان فلاهوفيتش الأهداف عن طريق ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 90.

ورفع يوفنتوس رصيده إلى 6 نقاط ليتأهل رسميًا إلى دور الستة عشر، بينما ودع الوداد البطولة، حيث يتبقى له مباراة واحدة أمام العين في الجولة الأخيرة. أهداف مباراة يوفنتوس والوداد في كأس العالم للأندية

Arsenal are now willing to make a bid of over £80m for a striker who has a “great attacking IQ”, according to a report.

Mikel Arteta's search for a striker

Mikel Arteta finds himself light on options in the striker department, with Kai Havertz suffering a season-ending hamstring injury just after the January transfer window came to an end.

As such, Arteta may be inclined to bring in a new striker on a free transfer, and the Gunners have been linked with a move for Leandro Damiao, who has a career total of 219 goals.

However, any out-of-window move would likely be a stop-gap until the end of the season, at which point, the north Londoners will be tasked with bringing in a new forward capable of leading the line for years to come.

Forward has "already decided" to join Arsenal with signing "imminent"

Mikel Arteta considers him a “key” potential addition.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 15, 2025

There have been widespread rumours about a number of players making the move to the Emirates Stadium, with Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko among the main strikers linked.

There has now been a new update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko, with reports from Spain suggesting they are willing to make an offer of around €100m (£83m) for the RB Leipzig star.

The willingness to shell out over £80m shows how serious the Gunners are about signing the forward, who they consider a key target, with getting a deal done deemed their main objective for the summer.

However, negotiations with Leipzig are not expected to be easy, with the German club reluctant to sanction the departure of the Slovenian marksman.

Sesko's goal record in the Bundesliga

It is no wonder Arsenal are so keen on signing the 21-year-old, who has already chalked up 55 appearances in the Bundesliga, given that he has been showing signs of year-on-year improvement.

Since making his breakthrough in the 2021/22 season, the Slovenia international has gone on to establish himself as a key player for Leipzig, and he could yet record his best goal return this term.

Benjamin Sesko’s Bundesliga record
Season	Appearances	Goals
2021/22	24	5
2022/23	30	16
2023/24	31	14
2024/25	21	9

Not only that, but the Leipzig star has impressed in the Champions League, with four goals to his name in Europe’s elite competition this season, recently scoring in his side’s 2-1 victory against Sporting CP.

The 6 foot 5 colossus towers over most defenders, but given his ability in possession of the ball, he is not merely a target man, as pointed out by members of the media, who laud him for his “great attacking IQ”.

£80m is a huge amount to pay for any player, but Sesko is showing signs he could go to the very top.

Wout Weghorst has hit the headlines after taking a swipe at a camera following Ajax's incredible Eredivisie title collapse.

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• Ajax lost title with one game to go
• PSV retain crown at rivals' expense
• Weghorst lashed out in fury after hearing news

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ajax conceded a 99th-minute equaliser to FC Groningen on Wednesday, forfeiting their advantage over PSV at the top of the Eredivisie and putting the title in the grasp of their rivals. It meant Weghorst, Jordan Henderson and Co. needed to beat FC Twente on the final day – which they did – but hope PSV dropped points to Sparta Rotterdam. As the news filtered through that PSV were champions, Weghorst could not contain his anger as a cameraperson approached him for a close-up post-match.

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  The Dutchman's anger is understandable considering the circumstances in which Ajax ceded the title. Their recent form has left fans stunned, winning just one of their final games and eventually missing out on the crown by a single point having held a nine-point lead at one stage.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR WEGHORST AND AJAX?

  Ajax have not won the Eredivisie since 2022 and must regroup ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Weghorst will likely be part of the squad for next season, with his contract running until 2026.

A war of words has erupted between Cricket Australia and Justin Langer after CEO Nick Hockley rejected criticism from the former coach and moved to defend senior players.Langer attracted front- and back-page headlines on Wednesday when he lashed out at officials over his February axing, while accusing players of not being up front with him early enough.The former coach also claimed the majority of players supported him, while labelling sources who leaked concerns over his intense nature to the media as “cowards” with agendas.Speaking to the podcast, Langer praised former Test captain Tim Paine’s feedback but claimed others, including Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch, should have been up front earlier.Related

• Starc: I have a pretty good relationship with Langer

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• Langer looks at 'other opportunities' despite Ponting's pursuit for Hurricanes job

“I spoke to Pat Cummins. He said to me about five times, ‘This might be brutally honest’,” Langer recalled. “I said, ‘Pat, there is nothing brutal about your feedback. What is brutal is I’m hearing it behind my back through the media or through sources’.”No one’s telling me. Tell me. People say that I’m very intense, but they’re mistaking intensity with honesty.”The drama coincides with concerns of a rift between current and former players over Langer’s exit, centred around whether players should have stood by the coach.Langer insisted he was not an angry coach, and that players had misinterpreted his silence and reflection after losses.He also claimed there was no mutiny against him beyond a few loud voices, and was adamant he deserved more than a six-month extension after T20 World Cup and Ashes successes.”The hardest thing for me of all of it was, I got the feedback [and] I did something about it,” Langer said. “We won the T20 World Cup, we won the Ashes. We were No.1 in the world…and I’ve still got sacked. You can’t give someone feedback, [they] do something about it, and then [for] that to happen.”Having largely maintained an eight-month silence over Langer’s exit, Hockley on Wednesday broke that when he claimed he wanted to “correct inaccuracies” in the former coach’s comments.”Regular formal and informal opportunities to provide and receive feedback took place throughout his tenure, which is consistent with a high-performance environment,” Hockley said. “Following a comprehensive process, Justin was offered a short-term contract extension, which he rejected.”I am disappointed by Justin’s comments unfairly criticising some of our players. The playing group are aware they have my full support.”The drama comes a week out from Australia’s first Test against West Indies in Perth, where there is significant hometown support for Langer.The former coach will also step into the commentary box for the first time with Seven, meaning the ghosts of his tenure are likely to linger over the summer.It is unlikely Langer’s comments will go down well with current players, who could be interviewed by their old coach during broadcasts during the season.Some close to the team have claimed last summer’s success came after Langer took a back seat following the mid-year feedback, with assistants taking charge.There were signs of feedback as early as the 2018 Boxing Day Test, after which Usman Khawaja can be seen in documentary telling Langer players were “intimidated” and “walking on eggshells”.

Rangers have only managed to add Rafael Fernandes to their squad in this transfer window so far, but that could soon change as they have their eye on a “talented” player, according to a new report.

Rangers make it seven unbeaten in the league

The Gers bounced back from a disappointing Europa League night against Manchester United on Thursday by beating Dundee United 3-1 at Tannadice Park. Goals from Mohamed Diomande, Robin Propper, and Cyriel Dessers saw Rangers come back from a goal down to go 10 points behind Celtic, even though they have a game in hand.

Rangers star just showed why Koppen can forget about signing Lyall Cameron

The Glasgow Rangers midfielder put in a fantastic performance against Dundee United.

By
Dan Emery

Jan 26, 2025

Philippe Clement was pleased with the victory, labelling the performance as “mature” and “brave”. Clement said: “A very mature performance, a very good performance for sure in the second half also.

“A lot of braveness on the ball and a lot of power in the duels – necessary against a good Dundee United, who gave everything, and they deserve to be in third position this season because they’ve shown a lot of quality the last couple of months. We’ve had to change a lot in the last couple of weeks, and the team keeps on performing, and that’s a really good sign.”

Dessers took his tally to 18 goals on Sunday, after netting in Rangers’ last two games, and the forward believes he has a “lot of unfinished business” at the club, despite being linked with a move away. “No talks at all. I don’t mind that. I try to focus on the football, the things that are happening on the pitch,” said Dessers after the Dundee United match.

“Those are the things that I can control. And like Sunday, I’m just happy to be out there with the guys and fight for the points and be important. That’s what I want. There’s a lot of unfinished business at Rangers for me.”

Rangers eyeing move for £4m-per-year forward

Even though Dessers has scored in back-to-back games and has 18 goals this season, according to The Sun, Rangers are eyeing a move for Emmanuel Dennis of Nottingham Forest.

The report states that Forest are looking to offload the striker this month, as they try to move him and his £4 million-a-year salary (£77,000-a-week) off their books. Dennis has held talks over a return to Vicarage Road, but Watford are unable to afford his wages. Sheffield Wednesday are also keen on the striker but cannot afford his salary, meaning that leaves the door open for Rangers, who are monitoring his situation.

The 27-year-old, who has been dubbed a “talented” player in the past by Claudio Ranieri, has fallen well out of favour at the City Ground. Dennis, who has 53 career goals to his name, joined the Reds in August 2022 but has not played for the club since May 2023.

Emmanuel Dennis’ Premier League record
Apps	52
Goals	12
Assists	8

Dennis spent the second half of last season on loan at Watford, where he scored four goals in 17 Championship games. The Nigerian international still has 18 months left to run on his contract, so given his salary, a loan move may be on the cards once again in this transfer window, and Rangers could be a destination.

Sol Budinger shines but Gloucestershire overhaul target

ECB Reporters Network10-Aug-2022

Sol Budinger’s dominant innings could not prevent defeat•Getty Images

James Bracey scored a brilliant unbeaten century to propel Gloucestershire to a thrilling five-wicket triumph over previously unbeaten Nottinghamshire in an entertaining Royal London One-Day Cup contest at the sun-drenched Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol.Chasing 295 to win, the home side reached their target with 10.2 overs to spare thanks to a superb fifth wicket stand of 179 between Bracey and Jack Taylor, who made 104 not out and 95 respectively to help Gloucestershire achieve a second success on home soil in the space of four days.Australian Marcus Harris weighed in with a useful 48, while offspinner Matt Montgomery proved the pick of the Nottinghamshire bowlers, returning figures of 2 for 48 from seven overs.Sol Budinger had earlier staged a high-class innings of 89 from 56 balls, dominating an opening stand of 77 in 10.3 overs with Ben Slater, who contributed 34. Lyndon James contributed a workmanlike 47 during the middle overs and Zak Chappell, Brett Hutton and Dane Paterson also contributed as Nottinghamshire recovered from 216-8 to register a competitive 294 all out in their 50 overs.Gloucestershire relied heavily on spin, Taylor, Tom Smith and Zafar Gohar sending down 30 overs and taking five wickets between them, while Paul van Meekeren claimed 3 for 73 on a day when the home side’s seam attack found the going hard.Back-to-back victories over Somerset and Nottinghamshire have revived Gloucestershire’s prospects of making the knockout stages and their account will move into credit if they defeat Durham at Riverside on Friday. Despite suffering a first defeat of the campaign in this format, Nottinghamshire will remain well-placed to reach the quarter-finals should they overcome Middlesex at Trent Bridge in their next outing.In buoyant mood following comprehensive victories over Sussex and Somerset, Nottinghamshire’s top-order seized the initiative after winning the toss, Budinger and Slater trading almost exclusively in boundaries to raise 50 in 7.5 overs as Gloucestershire’s seamers struggled with their line.Boasting a career average of 55 in List-A matches, Slater had moved effortlessly to 34 from 36 balls when he drove Zafar and was brilliantly held by Chris Dent on the run at mid-on.Striking the ball cleanly from the outset, Budinger required 33 deliveries to raise 50, in the process taking van Meekeren for 17 runs in one over. Demonstrating guile in the face of spin, he was just 11 runs short of what would have been a sparkling hundred when an unexpected loss of concentration caused him to hoist slow left armer Smith to the long-on boundary.Unperturbed by Nottinghamshire’s early onslaught, Gloucestershire opted to take the pace off, Taylor and Smith bowling in tandem to good effect as the visitors, handily-placed on 117 for 2, lost six wickets for the addition of 99 runs in 22 overs.When James was bowled by Jared Warner in the 40th over, so ending a sensible knock, Gloucestershire sensed an opportunity with Notts teetering on 216 for 8 and in danger of falling short.Thereafter, the lower order took matters into their own hands, the last three batsmen between them amassing 48 runs in boundaries as Nottinghamshire reasserted their authority during the final 10 overs.Inside knowledge garnered during two loan spells with Gloucestershire this summer no doubt assisted Chappell, who bit the hand that had so recently fed him by staging an exhilarating stand of 52 for the ninth wicket in 5.5 overs with Hutton, who then added a further 28 valuable runs with last man Paterson.In need of solid foundations, Gloucestershire lost openers Dent and Ben Wells inside 11 overs, the latter falling for 28 to a wonderfully acrobatic catch by Montgomery at mid-wicket off the bowling of Paterson, leaving overseas hired hand Marcus Harris and Bracey to carry the fight to the visitors. These two added 56 in seven overs to keep the required rate below six, only for Harris to be bowled by a straight delivery from the ubiquitous Montgomery when just two runs shy of 50.Montgomery’s off breaks yielded further dividends in his next over, Oli Price pushing uppishly to mid-wicket, his tame dismissal leaving the home side on 115 for 4 in the 20th over.That was the cue for new batsman Taylor to inject a surge of positivity, Gloucestershire’s captain producing a flurry of boundaries to fundamentally shift the balance of power and ease the pressure on Bracey, who himself proved no slouch in raising a progressive 50 from 54 balls.In authoritative mood, the no-nonsense Taylor required 24 deliveries fewer to attain the same landmark and the partnership entered three-figure territory in the 33rd over, at which point Gloucestershire needed to score a further 80 runs at less than five an over. Now under intense pressure, Nottinghamshire’s bowlers were powerless to part the fifth wicket pair, much to the delight of the home crowd.Bracey won the race to reach 100, smashing Hutton back over his head for a huge six to spark a standing ovation. With the scores level and one run needed to win, Taylor attempted to hoist Singh high over mid-wicket in pursuit of the six that would have secured him a hundred of his own, only to hole out to Martindale.His high-octane innings occupied 55 balls and included 10 fours and 5 sixes, while Bracey’s 93-ball sojourn was adorned by 9 fours and a brace of sixes, these two providing rich entertainment for those brave enough to endure the searing heat.