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“I know most of his tricks so for sure I’ll be hunting him, first ball,” Taylor says of taking on his friend Akeal Hosein

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2024USA opener Steven Taylor will be singing David Rudder’s when he lines up against the team he grew up supporting in Barbados on Friday night in the T20 World Cup 2024. Taylor, born in Florida to Jamaican parents, has also laid down a marker for his friend Akeal Hosein, whom he said he would be “hunting, first ball” at Kensington Oval.Taylor was brought up on America’s south-east coast but was a West Indies fan on account of his family heritage. He said it will be “a wonderful feeling” to play against West Indies on Friday: “I’m representing my parents, my Jamaican heritage,” he said. “At the end of the day, I might be born American, but I speak more Jamaican than I speak American sometimes.”While defeat will not mathematically eliminate USA, they realistically need to win both remaining games to qualify for the semi-finals.Related

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“[I remember] growing up, watching [Brian] Lara, Chris Gayle,” Taylor said. “To have the chance of playing against [West Indies] now and on a World Cup stage, on the highest stage of life… I might beat them. It might be a great feeling.Taylor was part of the USA side which lost by 39 runs to West Indies in the 50-over World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe last year, and said the margin of defeat showed they were capable of beating the opposition. “We gave them a fight at the end of the day and we know that we have a chance of beating them once we play good cricket on the day.”Speaking about playing West Indies, he said, “I used to sing the song ‘rally’ growing up as a kid, but at the end of the day, I’m representing my real country, where I was born and grown, and I just hope that we can come over the line against West Indies.” Asked if he would be singing the anthem on Friday, he said with a grin, “I did last time, but in my head.”Taylor has been on the books of three different CPL franchises and has also played regional cricket for Jamaica, and is relishing the chance to take on some familiar faces – and Hosein, his former Barbados Tridents team-mate, in particular. “He’s a good friend of mine,” Taylor said. “I know most of his tricks so for sure I’ll be hunting him, first ball.”

“We know that we’re going to be the underdogs for all teams that we play against in the Super Eights. So, we’re just here to play good cricket and if we go in, we win; if we lose, we lose”Steven Taylor

He is also looking forward to coming up against Andre Russell, another former team-mate: “I played with him most days,” Taylor said. “I wouldn’t say I look up to him, but he’s more of a big brother to me as well.”USA fell to an 18-run defeat in their opening Super Eight fixture against South Africa in Antigua, but took confidence from Andries Gous’ innings of 80 not out and a good comeback with the ball after an expensive start.”I would say we’re playing good cricket and the team is gelling well together,” Taylor said. “At the end of the day, we know that we’re going to be the underdogs for all teams that we play against in the Super Eights. So, we’re just here to play good cricket and if we go in, we win; if we lose, we lose.”

He came into the role amid the Covid-19 pandemic having worked on the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup

Andrew McGlashan06-Aug-2024Nick Hockley has announced he will step down as Cricket Australia chief executive in March 2025 after five years in the job.Hockley, who has worked in the Australian game in various positions for 13 years, initially came into the role in an interim capacity early in the Covid-19 pandemic after Kevin Roberts resigned following unrest at CA’s initial handling of crisis which included a mass stand down of staff.He was appointed full time in May 2021 having helped the game navigate the 2020-21 season amid border closures which included successfully hosting the Test series against India that ensured the game was able to survive financially.”This was a difficult decision, however following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge, while giving the Board plenty of time to find its next CEO to build on the strong foundations now in place,” Hockley said.”This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focussed on the season ahead and supporting the Board on succession and a smooth transition.”Hockley’s final season in charge of CA will again see India visit, this time for a five-Test series, as well as the hosting of the Women’s Ashes in January.Alongside the pandemic, the major challenges on Hockley’s watch included an associated stand-off with broadcaster Channel Seven who pushed for a discount. Relationships were later repaired to an extent that Seven has remained a long-term broadcast partner, although the new seven-year deal signed with them and Foxtel in 2023 did not produce a significant uplift in value.However, he was able to oversee a much smoother MoU agreement compared to 2017 which included large pay increases in the women’s game.Hockley had to contend with the controversial departure of Tim Paine as Test captain on the eve of the 2021-22 Ashes, although the transition to Pat Cummins eventually proved smooth and successful, and an ugly split with head coach Justin Langer.Hockley also attempted to have David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban overturned although that fell apart in late 2022 when Warner angrily withdrew his case amid pressure from an independent panel to relive what happened at Newlands in 2018.He has been in charge during a period of significant on-field success which has included the men’s and women’s teams winning T20 and ODI World Cups plus the men claiming last year’s World Test Championship and the women gold in the Commonwealth Games. Significantly, in 2022 the men’s team also toured Pakistan for the first time since 1998.One of the major projects he has led in recent years has been the implementation of CA’s Multicultural Action Plan which aims to improve participation and attendance among the South Asian communities.”As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability,” CA chair Mike Baird said. “Under Nick’s leadership, several major deals are now in place – many for the next seven years – and the game is set up for continued success.”As Nick says, his full focus is on delivering another successful summer for our fans, players, broadcasters, partners and the whole of Australian Cricket and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps down from the role next year.”Prior to his hasty elevation into the top CA role, Hockley had been chief executive of the 2020 T20 Women’s World Cup committee that had staged the record-breaking tournament in Australia. Before that, he had worked on the 2015 Men’s World Cup, having also previously been involved in the London Olympics.CA will search globally for Hockley’s successor although Todd Greenberg, the current CEO of the Australia Cricketers’ Association, will likely be a frontrunner if he is interested in the job.

Manchester United failed to impress last season, and won’t play any football overseas next season. Ruben Amorim’s side finished 15th in the Premier League and lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

And yet…

And yet Man United have moved with vicious intent in the summer transfer window, winning the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha before setting their sights on Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo, 25, scored 20 league goals last year as he underscored his credentials as one of English football’s finest goalscorers. Many teams have registered their interest, but the Cameroonian has reportedly informed the Bees that if he is to leave the Gtech this summer, Old Trafford is the sole destination he has in mind.

With Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur among the curious parties, it’s a fine representation of the Theatre’s unbreakable pull.

However, will that influence be enough to convince Viktor Gyokeres?

The latest on Viktor Gyokeres to Man Utd

As soon as Amorim was confirmed last autumn, rumours surfaced pertaining to Gyokeres’ eventual transfer to Manchester.

Those rumours persist still, but the forward’s hesitance to commit to the move, with Arsenal also chasing his signature, comes as a by-product of last season’s struggles.

Having played under Amorim’s wing at Sporting, Gyokeres’ skill set has been infused with a natural grasp of the way United are now trying to play. He’d be perfect, no doubt.

However, the Sweden striker is 27, and thus it’s understandable that he’d want to make the most of his prime years by playing at the highest level.

Still, United aren’t out of the equation, with Caught Offside revealing it is a matter of time until Gyokeres completes his big move – and the Red Devils very much remain in the race.

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With Arsenal believed to be favourites, though, it would be remiss of INEOS not to identify an alternative, and talks have indeed commenced for the transfer of a former Premier League sensation.

Man Utd enter race for Gyokeres alternative

According to reports in Spain, Man United have entered the race for Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who left Brentford to join the Saudi Pro League in a £40m deal last summer.

In fact, the English outfit have already placed a proposal on the table worth €35m (£30m), which could lead to Amorim securing a bargain for a Premier League-proven frontman.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Discussions between United and the 29-year-old’s entourage are also underway, and the feeling at Old Trafford is that a shrewd signing can be completed in the coming weeks.

What Ivan Toney would bring to Man Utd

With Rasmus Hojlund set to leave Manchester after a pretty abject year, United desperately need to sign a centre-forward who will provide and sustain a strong, prolific presence.

Former Brentford superstar Toney would certainly arrive with the reputation of carrying such qualities, with his strength and potency exactly what Amorim is looking for.

Toney’s 2023/24 campaign was marred by a lengthy suspension, but he still chipped in with four goals and two assists in the Premier League, having returned in January.

And the term before, the Three Lions star, of course, illustrated his ability to throw down with the finest strikers the Premier League had to offer; namely, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane at Tottenham.

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In fact, Toney’s physicality and completeness even led Arsenal’s Declan Rice to declare he’s “like Harry Kane”, with some elements of his game like that of a throwback striker, albeit one who has an eye for playmaking and sharp link-up play.

When plying his trade for Brentford in 2022/23, Toney scored 20 goals in the league but also created 12 big chances for his teammates, as per Sofascore, also averaging a rather remarkable 6.7 duels per game.

We all know Kane’s qualities as a creator, influencing matches in a multiplicity of ways, far removed from the bulk of strikers competing across the globe.

As per FBref, the Bayern Munich star ranked among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe last season for progressive passes and the top 12% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Toney, moreover, isn’t really a striker who relies heavily on his pace, and so while he stares at the arrival of his 30th birthday, there’s every sense he could emulate his countryman Kane in producing elite-level performances across the coming years.

There’s also the matter of his tried-and-tested success in the Premier League, something Gyokeres has not yet fulfilled (in fact, the Sporting star has yet to even compete in one of Europe’s top five leagues, and he’s only two years older than Toney).

Toney has, of course, stepped away from European football and into the Gulf region, taking a lucrative payday at the expense, ostensibly, of playing at the highest level.

However, he’s kept himself sharp, all right, scoring 30 times across 44 matches for Al Ahli. Furthermore, Thomas Tuchel was not dissuaded from calling the £411k-per-week striker up for England duty last month, making an interesting comment on the view he is still regarded in.

All told, here we have a proven, powerful and prolific forward who has earned praise in the past for his “world-class” skills by manager Thomas Frank.

United could do a lot worse, and if Gyokeres does prove to linger out of reach, Toney might be the perfect alternative. In fact, this Kane-esque star may be the better pick altogether.

Their next McTominay: Wilcox in talks to sign £51m "machine" for Man Utd

Manchester United could win themselves a new version of Scott McTominay by signing this £51m machine.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 29, 2025

Tom Price bags five-for as Gloucestershire gloveman James Bracey takes seven catches

ECB Reporters Network09-Sep-2024Jack Davies posted his best first-class score of 91 as Middlesex built a strong platform after being put in by Gloucestershire in their Vitality County Championship clash at Lord’s.The Middlesex left-hander missed out on the chance of a maiden hundred after sharing a sixth-wicket partnership of 120 with Josh De Caires, who struck 64 as the home side were bowled out for 377.Max Holden’s battling knock of 77 had provided an initial foundation for the promotion contenders before he became one of seven dismissals for Gloucestershire gloveman James Bracey.The bowling honours were dominated by Tom Price, who finished with a season’s best of 5 for 81, and Ajeet Singh Dale, with figures of 4 for 70.Gloucestershire – who included 19-year-old debutant Archie Bailey among their seam quartet – were immediately rewarded for opting to bowl as Singh Dale’s opening effort seared back down the slope and crashed into Sam Robson’s middle stump.The lively Bailey, who entered the attack as early as the sixth over, might also have struck with his first delivery which found the edge of Holden’s bat, but dropped fractionally short of slip.However, Middlesex gradually settled down and Mark Stoneman raised the tempo with a flurry of cover boundaries, advancing to 42 before he attempted to hook Tom Price and top-edged it to provide Bracey with a routine catch.That ended Stoneman’s partnership of 71 with Holden, who reached lunch one short of a half-century as he and Leus du Plooy kept the scoreboard ticking along at more than four an over.Holden added that single off Tom Price to reach 50 soon after the interval, but the very next delivery accounted for Du Plooy, slanting across the left-hander to take the edge.Price and Bracey combined again to remove their former team-mate Ryan Higgins, caught swishing outside leg stump and the Gloucestershire keeper claimed his fourth dismissal of the innings when Singh Dale returned at the Nursery End to prise out Holden.But Davies looked in good touch, pulling and cutting against the seamers as well as driving spinner Zafar Gohar for the first six of the contest as he and De Caires shared Middlesex’s fourth partnership in excess of 50.The shot that took Davies to his own 50 was a streaky one, though, slashing across the line at Tom Price and edging over Bracey’s head for a boundary that also earned the home side their first batting bonus point.De Caires was given a life just after tea, with Cameron Bancroft spilling an edge to slip off Bailey, but he played the spinners with confidence and pulled Zafar off the back foot for a boundary to post his second half-century of the season.Singh Dale returned to take the new ball and, although Davies got away with a leading edge that flew through the slips, he was undone in the seamer’s next over as he nudged one that moved away into Bracey’s gloves.De Caires soon followed, trapped in front by a ball that followed a similar trajectory to Singh Dale’s first of the day before Tom Price wrapped up the innings by capturing the wickets of Luke Hollman and Henry Brookes.

Arsenal have spent big in transfer windows in the past, but this summer is starting to feel like something else entirely.

At the back, Andrea Berta and Co have signed Kepa Arizabalaga and are soon to sign Christian Mosquera.

In midfield, they’ve made a significant investment in the £60m Martin Zubimendi, are being linked with Eberechi Eze, and have completed the shrewd signing of Christian Norgaard.

Then, in attack, the club are set to land Noni Madueke for around £52m and, perhaps most exciting of all, look set to make the statement signing of Viktor Gyokeres, and if reports are to be believed, they are now looking at someone who’d help him perform even better at the Emirates.

Arsenal target perfect teammate for Gyokeres

There was no doubt in the minds of most fans that, coming into this summer, Arsenal had to go all out for a new striker.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Mikel Arteta and Co must have felt the same way, as their hunt for a number nine has been one of the biggest sagas of the window thus far.

However, once it was clear that Benjamin Sesko was being priced out of a move by RB Leipzig, the Gunners promptly turned their attention to Gyokeres.

Despite Sporting CP’s president talking a big game, it now looks like the North Londoners have got their man, for an initial price said to be just £55m.

The good news doesn’t stop there, though, as it now appears that Berta and Co are looking to sign another attacker, someone who could help the Swede perform even better at the Emirates.

At least, that is according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, who has revealed that Arsenal are keen on Anthony Gordon.

Jacobs claims that the Premier League runners-up hold a ‘genuine interest’ in the Newcastle United star, although they’d likely have to make a sale before making an offer for him.

Moreover, while there is no mention of how much he might cost in the story, reports from earlier this month claim that the Magpies could demand as much as £100m for the Englishman.

While it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, Gordon would undoubtedly be a level-raiser for Arsenal’s left-hand side, and someone who could help Gyokeres be even more effective.

Why Gordon would make Gyokeres even better

While there are undoubtedly a range of reasons Gordon could help Gyokeres perform at an even higher level at Arsenal next season, the most important of the lot is down to his output.

After all, if the Swedish international isn’t being supplied a steady stream of chances to convert, he’s not going to rack up the goals.

Additionally, with 13 assists to his name last season, the former Coventry City ace is reasonably creative, but if the man to his left isn’t a reliable finisher, then he won’t see his assist tally soar either.

Fortunately, over the last couple of years, the Newcastle star has proven himself to be a real threat on the wing, both as a creator and a goalscorer.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, he’s scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in 90 appearances, totalling 6815 minutes.

In other words, the Liverpool-born “nightmare,” as he described himself, has averaged a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 154.88 minutes across the last two years.

In contrast, Gabriel Martinelli, who he’d likely replace, has scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists in 95 games, totalling 6204 minutes in the same period, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.27 games, or every 213.93 minutes.

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Finally, in addition to his output, the former Everton gem also ranked in the top 15% of attacking midfielders and wingers for passes into the penalty area last season, according to FBref.

This is important because, by looking at the Swedish goal machine’s heatmap from last season, it’s evident that he likes to spend as much time in the penalty area as possible.

Therefore, to get the most out of him, his teammates need to get the ball to him in dangerous areas, which is something the Toon star could do based on that metric.

Ultimately, Gyokeres has the potential to be a game-changing signing for Arsenal, and Arteta and Co. could get even more out of him by pairing him up with Gordon.

As exciting as Gyokeres: £80m "superstar" now open to signing for Arsenal

The international monster would be a game-changing signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 15, 2025

India’s T20I captain expected the Gwalior pitch for the first T20I to be conducive to run-scoring

Hemant Brar05-Oct-20242:03

Suryakumar Yadav ‘enjoying’ his role as captain

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is aware of the impact Mayank Yadav can create with his express pace but he says it is important to “manage him well”.Mayank took everyone by storm with his 155kph pace during IPL 2024. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants, he picked up the Player-of-the-Match award in his first two games but was ruled out of the tournament soon after with an abdominal injury. He has not played any cricket since then but Suryakumar said he was back to full fitness.”He definitely has the X factor – it was evident when he played franchise cricket,” Suryakumar said ahead of the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior. “He has that extra pace. I didn’t face him in the nets; our net plan was such that someone else faced him. But I have seen what potential he has and what difference he can make for the team. From that point of view, I feel he is a good addition to the Indian team and I am hoping he will do well.Related

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International cricket returns to Gwalior after 14 years, at a brand new venue

“It’s important to manage him well because of the amount of cricket being played. Everyone is playing for their state too. There was the Duleep Trophy recently. So it is important to pay proper attention and the BCCI is doing that.”Sunday’s match will be the first international at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium. In fact, the venue has not hosted any domestic cricket either. So there is an element of surprise about the conditions.While Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy expected the pitch to be “slow and low” with not much chances of a high-scoring game, Suryakumar Yadav had different views.”As you saw in Sri Lanka, Riyan [Parag] bowled four overs. If someone says he can bowl in the pressure situation, then why not”•Associated Press”The pitch looks good,” he said. “We practised on the centre wicket, just two pitches away. We didn’t find it that low and slow – we practised all three days. So it [the match pitch] should not be much different.”For T20 cricket, these are good wickets. There will be good competition [between the bat and ball] but at the same time it looks good [for run-scoring]. The rest we will get to know tomorrow.”Yes, it’s a new ground but having practised here for three days, we know what the conditions are, how the pitch is, how the outfield is, what the wind factor is like, whether the dew settles in or not. We will like to play the way we did in the last T20I series. And if everyone does their job, you will get the desired results.”Until recently, India had the problem of their batters not chipping in with the ball in white-ball cricket. But that seems to be changing now, with India’s T20I squad including a plethora of allrounders and part-time bowling options.”It’s good if your batters can bowl an over or two,” Suryakumar said. “I think there is hardly anyone in this squad who doesn’t bowl. That gives you more bowling options on the ground. As you saw in Sri Lanka, Riyan [Parag] bowled four overs. If someone says he can bowl in the pressure situation, then why not.”

Manchester United have now submitted a £34 million bid to sign an “intelligent” midfielder who Ruben Amorim has worked with before, according to a new report.

Man Utd looking to sell first-team players in mini overhaul

Man United have spent big money on two proven Premier League stars this summer, and if they wish to do more business it looks as though they are going to need to sell multiple first-team players.

Scored at Old Trafford: Man Utd now battling to sign £22m-a-year striker

He knows the Premier League well…

2 ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2025

Marcus Rashford is so far the biggest departure out of Old Trafford, as the England international has joined Barcelona on loan with an option to buy. The Red Devils are still looking to sell Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Antony.

And they could be in line to see one of those leave fairly soon, as according to Foot Mercato, Al-Nassr have submitted a bid to sign Antony. It isn’t clear how much the offer is worth from the Saudi side, but United are holding out for a fee of £52 million.

Meanwhile, it’s been reported by The Sun that United are now open to the possibility of selling defender Luke Shaw. The 30-year-old is gathering strong interest from the Saudi Pro League, and with two years left on his contract at Old Trafford United could be tempted to sell, despite the fact he featured for Amorim last season and looks to be part of his plans for the upcoming campaign.

Man Utd submit £34m bid for Hjulmand

As departures become the main talking point at Old Trafford, the Red Devils are still assessing their options for reinforcements, as they look to bolster their midfield. According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Man United have now offered €40 million (£34 million) to sign Morten Hjulmand from Sporting.

The 26-year-old is believed to have a release clause worth €80 million, but Sporting are willing to lower their demands to €50 million. Juventus are also interested in the midfielder, but they too must sell players before making a move for Hjulmand.

This has now opened the door for United, especially as Hjulmand’s entourage believes the right valuation is around the €30/40 million mark, which is roughly £26/34 million. His agents are unsurprisingly keen to land a big move, with the Sporting star worth almost double their next top client, Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard.

The Dane is well known to manager Amorim, as he worked with the player at Sporting, and this report states that the player himself would rush back to England to work with him again, but United have still got to find an agreement with the Portuguese club.

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Hjulmand, who has been dubbed defensively “intelligent” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has been a key performer for Sporting in the last two seasons, as they have won Liga Portugal twice. The Denmark international is under contract until 2028, but United will hope the lure of working with Amorim will help them secure this transfer, as the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur also hold an interest.

Real Betis are preparing a new deal for Isco that will put him alongside Antony as the club’s joint-highest earner following the Brazilian’s arrival.

Betis begin Isco renewal talksSalary to match Antony’s new dealMidfielder has contract until 2027Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Betis have opened talks with Isco over a contract renewal that will see his salary rise to the same level as Antony, who became the highest-paid player at the club following his deadline-day transfer from Manchester United for €25 million (£21m/$27m). Isco, who last extended his deal in December 2023 after a stunning first half-season, is now in talks over a salary adjustment. Negotiations began earlier in the summer but are now set to accelerate in the coming weeks despite the midfielder currently being sidelined with injury.

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The move highlights Los Verdiblancos’ determination to reward key figures in Manuel Pellegrini’s squad. Antony’s arrival has reshaped the wage structure at the club, and Isco, who has been instrumental since arriving in Seville is seen as equally vital to their long-term ambitions. Talks with Pellegrini over his future are also pending, as Betis look to secure stability both on the pitch and on the bench.

TELL ME MORE…

According to , Betis and Isco spoke at the start of September to prepare for a definitive round of talks, with both parties keen to finalise the renewal this month. Currently tied to the club until 2027, he had interest from elsewhere during the transfer window but made it clear that he sees his future at Betis, where he has become a leader and fan favourite.

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The former Real Madrid star is recovering from an injury that will keep him out for around three months, but Betis are confident of tying him down before his return to action. The agreement will place him alongside Antony as the joint-highest paid star in the dressing room, a reflection of his influence in the club’s ambitious push for trophies.

South Africa were struggling at 66 for 6 in a small chase before Stubbs and Coetzee turned the game around

Firdose Moonda10-Nov-20243:33

Takeaways – Varun, Stubbs, Coetzee show how good they can be

Tristan Stubbs’ coming-of-age season continued as he batted South Africa to a series-levelling win over India at St George’s Park. Stubbs rescued South Africa from 66 for 6 and shared in a 42-run stand off 20 balls with Gerald Coetzee to end India’s winning streak in T20Is, which extended back 11 matches. In the last month, Stubbs has scored his first Test and ODI centuries and though his 47* in Gqeberha will not go down as a milestone, it was an innings of maturity that turned things around for a struggling South African side.Since reaching the T20 World Cup final in June, South Africa had played six matches before today and won only one. They appeared to lack a certain structure to their game, which showed glimpses of returning when they put together a complete performance in the field and kept India to 124. The fast bowlers set the tone upfront before the spinners put on a squeeze and all but Keshav Maharaj were among the wickets. Importantly, they removed India’s top three early, and for a combined total of eight runs, and their middle-order had to play catch up. A 37-run stand between Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh for the seventh wicket was the only time India’s scoring rate went above six an over.Given the target, South Africa may have thought the win would come easily but they were made to work for it. Varun Chakravarthy’s first international five-for left them reeling while captain Aiden Markam’s poor form remains a concern. It has been 26 innings since he last scored a T20I half-century. South Africa were kept quiet by India’s spinners and as wickets fell, the required run-rate climbed to the point where they needed 40 off the last five overs. Stubbs held his nerve, Coetzee showed his batting prowess and South Africa got home with an over to spare.Gerald Coetzee – the batter Coetzee was put on a 12-week conditioning break to work on his bowling, but it seems as though he’s paid as much attention to his batting. After an 11-ball 23 at Kingsmead, with the game all but lost, Coetzee came in with everything at stake at St George’s Park. South Africa were 86 for 7 and needed 39 runs in 26 balls. He was off the mark with a single and that was all the sighting he needed. He dispatched the next ball he faced, a full delivery from Arshdeep Singh, over long-off to relieve the pressure. Stubbs ended the 17th over with a stunning drive through the covers which left South Africa needing 25 runs from 18 balls. Coetzee got that down to 17 off 16 balls with back-to-back boundaries off Avesh Khan, who erred in length. South Africa scored 12 runs off the 18th over and needed 13 off the last 12 balls to level the series.Varun confounds South Africa South Africa insist they have made progress in their batting against spin but then someone like Varun comes along and it doesn’t seem that way. He followed up a career-best in Durban with another in Gqeberha and made India’s modest total appear much bigger than it was. His second ball was a slow googly that Markram, struggling for form, did not pick. Markram slogged, missed and was bowled. The same delivery did Reeza Hendricks in in the next over. Hendricks had just hit Varun for four and was foxed by the wrong ‘un as he played for turn away and was bowled. Then, he changed ends and was equally dangerous from the other side. In his third over, Marco Jansen had no idea what to do against the googly but it was the final over where Varun all but ended South Africa’s hopes. Heinrich Klaasen tried to take him on and could only find long-off and with his next ball, Varun bowled David Miller to claim his five-for.Varun Chakravarthy removed Marco Jansen for 7 on his way to a five-for•AFP/Getty ImagesSouth Africa’s sensational bowling start Cricket has its way of humbling humans and it did to Sanju Samson, who was bowled off the third ball of the innings for a duck, after back-to-back hundreds in his last two matches. The delivery was impressive as Jansen got the ball to seam and then swing but Samson moved too early to give himself room and may have been in a better place to keep it out if he had remained in line. Jansen’s first over was scoreless and South Africa had set the tone. Four balls later, Coetzee and umpire Lubabalo Gcume thought Abhishek Sharma gloved him down the leg side but an immediate review proved otherwise. Coetzee had the last laugh when Abhishek top-edged him to Jansen at short fine. But the moment of the powerplay came when Andile Simelane, who was wicketless on debut in Durban, seared in a yorker to Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav to get his first international wicket. Suryakumar tried to flick it away but was beaten for pace and hit on the pad and did not even bother to review. India were 15 for 3 after four overs and recovered to 34 for 3 after the powerplay. David Miller’s wonder catch Tilak Varma smashed Markram towards cover. The ball rocketed towards Miller who moved to his right, reached overhead and plucked it out of the Gqeberha. Tilak stood open-mouthed and stared at Miller in disbelief. At the stands, the spectators’ eyes were the size of saucers. The commentators struggled to get the words out.’Oh, my, word’, was the overall sentiment as India slumped to 45 for 4. South Africa stayed sharp in the field and legspinner Nqaba Peter reacted quickly when Hardik drove the ball to him at the end of his second over. Peter got a touch as the ball deflected onto the non-striker’s stumps and Axar Patel was run out. Hardik hits out Hardik scored 19 runs off the first 29 balls he faced and only found the boundary off the 28th as South Africa dried up India’s run-scoring opportunities. The middle overs were heavy going as India scored 24 runs in five overs and went 35 deliveries without scoring a boundary. Finally, in the 18th over, Hardik found his touch. Jansen was brought back on after his first two overs cost only five runs and Hardik immediately punched them through the covers for four. Two balls later, he got under a wider delivery and hit it over extra cover for six and then closed out the over with a ramp shot off a short ball for India’s most profitable over.

Tottenham are expected to be one of the busier Premier League sides during the final few weeks of this summer transfer window, and technical director Johan Lange will have multiple plates spinning behind-the-scenes.

Lange is known to operate in secrecy when it comes to his transfer planning, with Spurs showing a tendency to agree out-of-nowhere deals since the Dane took over from ex-managing director Fabio Paratici.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites’ move for Wilson Odobert last summer took everyone by surprise, while their botched deal for Morgan Gibbs-White accelerated in similar fashion with very few leaks to the press – until the transfer was very close to being done.

Unfortunately for Lange, he ended up missing out on Gibbs-White in what was a very bizarre transfer saga.

After losing club legend Son Heung-min to the MLS, and now James Maddison for the majority of the season, it is absolutely imperative that Tottenham’s technical director brings in a fresh, proven attacking alternative before the deadline on September 1.

Maddison will undergo surgery on an ACL rupture, Spurs confirmed today, with the 28-year-old set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Tottenham called Man City over Jack Grealish in the last few days, according to Fabrizio Romano, but face stiff competition from Everton, who have now opened formal talks over a loan deal for the 29-year-old.

Elsewhere, Liverpool sensation Harvey Elliott has been mooted as a potential target for Spurs after his exceptional Euro Under-21 Championships with England.

However, Bundesliga sides like RB Leipzig are offering Elliott the chance to further his development abroad, with sides across Europe now clamoring to reinforce their squad as we reach the final phase of this window.

Daniel Levy is dealing with a major headache when it comes to their pursuit of an attacker, and that botched deal for Gibbs-White is now looking all the more significant after Maddison’s injury.

According to Alasdair Gold, the most reliable Spurs source you could ask for, Levy and Lange have other items on their transfer agenda too – namely signing another new centre-back.

The club triggered Kevin Danso’s obligation to buy clause from RC Lens earlier this summer, and already boast the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin among their crop of central defensive options.

Dragusin was recently handed Sergio Reguilon’s number 3 jersey, whilst Romero’s links to Atlético Madrid have practically died after Diego Simeone sealed a deal for David Hancko – so none of the quartet appear likely to be going anywhere this summer.

Tottenham ready to meet asking price for Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi

Regardless, Spurs are apparently in the market for another central defender, and they’re still contenders for Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi.

According to French newspaper L’Équipe, as translated by Sport Witness, the Ukranian’s switch to PSG is advanced, but Luis Enrique’s side are currently haggling over a few million.

PSG made a recent written offer to the Cherries for Zabarnyi – £52m whilst covering FIFA’s solidarity payment.

Bournemouth are prepared to accept this bid, if PSG include a further £3m in bonuses, which the Ligue 1 giants are currently refusing to do.

This has handed Levy an opportunity to hijack the deal, with L’Équipe reporting that Tottenham are ready to meet Bournemouth’s demands for Zabarnyi ‘immediately’ and are ‘pushing’ to sign the 22-year-old.

Spurs were actually in the mix for his former Bournemouth teammate, Dean Huijsen, before he chose a move to Real Madrid (Fabrizio Romano).

Now, Frank could win the race for another Bournemouth defender instead, but they’ll first have to convince Zabarnyi himself, who’s been chasing a move to Paris for quite some time.