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Doubts put to bed, as battling performance in front of parents brings England batsman to the brink of tears

George Dobell in Perth14-Dec-2017An emotional Dawid Malan admitted he almost broke down in tears after reaching his maiden Test century towards the end of the first day of the Perth Test.Malan, playing his eighth Test, knew he needed to provide a substantial innings to sustain both his own career at this level and England’s hopes of retaining the Ashes. Shortly after he came to the crease, England were 131 for 4 and facing the prospect of squandering first use of a pitch that may offer bowlers pace and bounce, but also looks full of runs.But in partnership with Jonny Bairstow, Malan saw England through to the end of play. Despite conceding he had to look away when England’s opener, Mark Stoneman, sustained a crushing blow to the side of the head, Malan led the way as the pair produced not only their side’s highest partnership of the series to date – an unbroken 174 for the fifth wicket – but took them to their highest total so far.While England’s batsmen still have work ahead of them on day two – their bowlers could struggle to find much encouragement from this surface – Malan and Bairstow’s efforts represented perhaps England’s best day of a tour in which they have tended to make the headlines for the wrong reasons.Rendering the occasion all the more special for Malan, he played the innings in front of his parents, Dawid and Janet, who had flown in from South Africa to watch him. He pointed his bat in their direction upon reaching three figures and hugged his mum as he left the pitch at the end of the day.”It was so emotional, I didn’t really know what to do,” Malan said afterwards. “I almost started crying when it happened.Dawid Malan shapes to sweep•Getty Images

“To make my maiden Test century in front of my parents after the amount of sacrifices my old man and mum made for me made it very special. It’s nice to repay them for all the time they’ve given me.”Reflecting on the off-field issues that have dogged England’s tour, he said: “We made the headlines for the wrong things and the only way to put those things to bed is to win games of cricket. We’re in a position now when we’ve got one foot in the door and we need to capitalise on that on day two.”Malan concedes there were moments during the first few weeks of his Test career when he doubted he was good enough to make it. Feeling he was picked for his Test debut in July just as he had lost a bit of form, his first innings brought him just one run and ended when Kagiso Rabada both bowled him and knocked him off his feet with a perfect yorker. After his first four innings yielded just 35 runs, he feared he may be dropped.But now, with a century behind him, he hopes he has proved to himself he belongs at this level.”After those first two games, I never thought I’d score a run in Test cricket to be honest,” Malan said. “It was quite tough. But I’ve adjusted my game here and there to work at Test cricket.”I was under a bit of pressure coming into the game. And there was a tough period at the start of my innings and then another about an hour later. In other innings I’ve felt comfortable but given it away. Here I was ruthless. It was especially nice to get some runs when the team needed it.”It’s good to put the doubts to bed. We always felt we have the backing from the coach and captain, but every time you open the newspaper you read how poor you are and how bad you are. So it’s nice to tick a box and prove to yourself you can play at this level and score hundreds.”Anything you do is about self-belief. You need to prove to yourself you belong. When you get that first hundred or first five-for, you have the belief to trust your game going into the next match. It doesn’t mean you’ll be successful, but you have the belief you need to perform at the highest level.”He endured a couple of nervous moments, most notably when he was dropped on the slips on 92, but says he generally relished the pace of the bowling and the challenge it offered.”I got a bit ahead of myself there,” he said. “I knew I was two or three shots away from scoring a hundred and premeditated my shot a bit. I thought the ball would be full, so I set up to clip through midwicket but it swung away a bit. It was a good time to have a let-off. It put me back in my box.”When I saw Mark Stoneman hit on the head, I wanted to walk away and have a chat with someone in the back of the dressing room. But I’ve really enjoyed the pace that these guys bowl. When you play county cricket you’re more worried about being nicked off with 78mph dibbly dobblies, so I’ve really enjoyed the challenge. It tests you in different ways: not only technically but your heart as well.”Now we need to capitalise on the moment. We need to put as much pressure on them as we can and score as many as we can. That first hour will be crucial and if we give them a sniff, we’re going to be on the back foot.”

Australia have lost each of their last nine completed ODIs on the road, and will hope they can turn their form around on an Eden Gardens surface that has aided seam rather than spin in recent months

The Preview by Nikhil Kalro20-Sep-20172:28

Expert Pick – Agar for Zampa?

Big PictureIn their last 10 completed ODIs on the road, Australia have won one game, against Ireland in September 2016. Never in their ODI history have Australia had a 10% win rate over a similar sample size. Where has it gone so wrong? With Tests preferred over bilateral ODI series, key personnel have consistently been rotated, and while it may keep the players fresh, it has had a regressing effect on the set-up of the team.Australia’s troubles against spin were exacerbated in a 3-0 drubbing against Sri Lanka in the Tests in July 2016. In their subsequent Test series in India and Bangladesh, there were discernible signs of improvement, but they were by Australia’s most technically efficient batsmen. For the ODIs, Australia have sacrificed technique for run-scoring ability, and that trade-off – whether apt or not – proved counter-productive in the first game in Chennai. Wristpinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav exerted absolute control over Australia’s batsmen apart from Glenn Maxwell.With their recent form, India were a confident team coming into this series. That morale may have climbed another level after they recovered from 11 for 3 to post 281, and subsequently defended a revised target of 163 with little trouble. In Hardik Pandya, India have found a fifth bowler who isn’t a weak link and a No. 7 who has the maturity and arrogance to weather tough periods and then take on long, straight boundaries even with a trap set just for that.Form guideIndia WWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia LLLLWIn the spotlightEvery ODI team, apart from Bangladesh, has a wristspinner in, or close to, their best XI. Playing wristspinners is advantageous not only because batsmen struggle to differentiate between their stock ball and their variations, but also due to the extra bounce that they generate, making the sweep a risky get-out-of-jail shot. That was evident when Chahal and Kuldeep ran through Australia’s middle order in Chennai. Ahead of the series, captain Steven Smith said the surfaces wouldn’t spin as much, which presents batsmen an arguably tougher challenge to preserve their wickets.Australia’s genuine fast bowlers, Pat Cummins and Nathan Coulter-Nile, troubled India’s top order with pace and lateral movement in Chennai. In the last ODI in Kolkata, England’s seamers also enjoyed a rare quick surface. Coulter-Nile also has the experience of playing at Eden Gardens, having taken eight wickets in four IPL games at the venue for Kolkata Knight Riders.Team newsIndia’s only question lies in their middle order. Will they stick with Manish Pandey, who was dismissed for a two-ball duck in Chennai?India (probable): 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli (capt), 4 Manish Pandey/KL Rahul, 5 Kedar Jadhav, 6 MS Dhoni (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Jasprit BumrahAustralia’s batting issues have caused them plenty of distress already. Debutant Hilton Cartwright, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade failed miserably in Chennai. An alternative option is Peter Handscomb, who has shown he could be Australia’s long-term No. 4 in Tests, and has the technique and ability to score quickly. Stoinis struggled to pick wristpin, but bowled tidily, which could help him retain his spot.Australia (probable): 1 David Warner, 2 Travis Head, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Peter Handscomb, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 James Faulkner, 9 Nathan Coulter-Nile, 10 Pat Cummins, 11 Adam ZampaAFP

Pitch and conditionsHeavy rains in the lead-up to the ODI have hampered the preparation of the pitch, which has remained primarily under covers. There is a forecast for thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon.On the eve of the match, Smith noted that the pitch had a bit of grass on it, “probably more than I’ve seen in India for a while”. This suggests it could play true to its recent reputation of aiding seam more than spin. Remember Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 49 all out? The short boundaries, though, could level out the balance between bat and ball.Stats and trivia Rohit Sharma has scored 794 runs at an average of 113.42 and a strike rate of 99.87 across formats (first-class, List A and T20) in his last nine innings at Eden Gardens. In ODIs and T20Is, Hardik Pandya hits a six every 6.4 balls against spin, the best frequency for any batsman. Of his 19 sixes, 14 have been struck straight, in the arc between long-on and long-off Seamers took 61 wickets at a strike rate of 16.4 in the previous IPL season in Kolkata, while spinners picked up 24 wickets at a strike rate of 23. The average score in the last five ODIs at Eden Gardens is 311.Quotes”I don’t think I’m in a bad place with my captaincy. Obviously results haven’t been the way we would have liked and that’s something we are trying to rectify.”

Arsenal are one of the sides keen on signing Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz before summer deadline day, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who else will Arsenal sign?

The Gunners and manager Mikel Arteta are closing in on yet another signing with Arsenal sealing a deal for Brentford keeper David Raya, who has been given the "here we go" by renowned transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal look set to bolster their goalkeeping department with Raya's signing as sporting director Edu Gaspar provides stiff competition for current number one Aaron Ramsdale.

It's been a summer window to remember for Arsenal, who have spent well over £200 million, having also put pen to paper on deals for winger Kai Havertz, defender Jurrien Timber and club-record signing Declan Rice.

Buoyed by their victory over treble-winners Man City in the Community Shield as well, it could be a season to really look forward too for supporters.

More outfield signings are certainly not out of the question, either, as Arsenal are linked with moves for the likes of Barcelona forward Ansu Fati and Dinamo Zagreb's Josip Sutalo.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Luiz, who starred for Villa regularly last term, is another player who could make the move to north London this summer.

That is according to Football Insider and O'Rourke, who say Arsenal have held a long-standing interest in the former Man City star, namely since the summer of 2022.

Villa are actively pursuing USA international and Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams, and that could apparently open the door for Luiz to depart before deadline day.

Arsenal, it is believed, are keen on signing the 25-year-old alongside arch rivals Spurs. There is little detail given beyond that line, but it appears a move for Luiz is still firmly on the cards.

How good is Douglas Luiz?

The South American midfield ace racked up six goals and six assists in 37 league appearances last season for Villa, all while ranking among their best-performers by average match rating according to WhoScored.

Luiz also featured among Villa's best for tackles made and successful interceptions per 90, highlighting how he could be a very good job under Arteta if signed.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright, speaking on his podcast last year (via football.london), has praised Luiz and believeds he is actually an "underrated" top flight player.

“Someone like Douglas Luiz," said Wright.

"He is ready to be one of the best midfield players in the Premier League. He is so underrated. They [Villa] blasted us (on Sunday). We had no chance. It was men against boys."

Meanwhile, Luiz has also attracted praise from City boss Pep Guardiola, who has called the midfielder "strong".

"He’s a guy who plays all of the minute," said Guardiola after Villa played City in 2021.

"He’s an important player for Aston Villa. A guy who’s clever with the ball, so physically strong. He’s a lovely, lovely guy."

Arsenal's interest in Luiz is clearly not unjustified and it will be interesting to see whether they can pull off a move for the star so late this window.

Indeed, with just weeks till the deadline, it is set to be a very interesting time.

Faf du Plessis had cause to anticipate a satisfying return to the Test captaincy as South Africa took a potentially decisive first-innings lead of 130

The Report by David Hopps15-Jul-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJoe Root took a sharp catch at second slip to remove Keshav Maharaj•Getty Images

Faf du Plessis had cause to anticipate a satisfying return to the Test captaincy as South Africa took a potentially decisive first-innings lead of 130 midway into the final session of the second day of the second Investec Test at Trent Bridge. The birth of a son followed by the prospect of a Test victory to square the series: personal delight and professional satisfaction in quick succession.South Africa’s lead at the close of the second day was 205, for the loss of Heino Kuhn, unpicked by James Anderson at second slip. England do have the consolation of a sunny forecast for the fourth day, but historically Trent Bridge surfaces deteriorate more than average in this country so it is hard to conceive of an escape route.They have already lost one review, failing in a cockeyed attempt to win an lbw decision against Kuhn: a long way down the pitch, a new ball, impact high on the pad: there was not much to like. Anderson therefore joined Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad in failed reviews. At least Joe Root is spreading his largesse to all, but he has some reflecting to do.The panache of Root, a young captain eager to assert himself, provided England’s main sustenance as they mustered only 205 in awkward batting conditions, dismissed in only 51.5 overs as they trusted to enterprise and came up short. Only late in the innings could England be described as reckless, but at no point did they deserve to be termed resilient.Root has slipped down to No 4 this summer in his first summer as captain, but wherever he bats, he bears an onerous responsibility. His elegance, at least, made light of the challenge posed by South Africa’s attack as he required only 76 balls for his 78. He played with authority from the outset, before a misjudgement against Morne Morkel saw him edge to the wicketkeeper.The rest of England’s first innings had less to commend it as South Africa held sway on a pitch that had quickened since the opening day and with plentiful swing and seam on offer under overcast skies. Root’s Yorkshire team-mates Gary Ballance and Jonny Bairstow sought a response. But the openers failed and Root’s dismissal began a sequence in which the last seven wickets evaporated for 62 in 22.4 overs. Still, at least it ensured regular activity on a day when the over-rate was a pitiful 12.5 an hour.Morkel and Vernon Philander, South Africa’s new-ball pair, posed most of the threat and Morkel, in particular, was unfortunate to finish with only two wickets on a day when he was always an imposing figure. When they were obliged to turn to the left-arm spin of Keshav Maharaj, with a holding operation in mind, he came up trumps with the wickets of Stokes, for nought, and Bairstow shortly before tea. Chris Morris, lightly used after a short initial spell – short in both senses of the word – adorned his figures with three late wickets.Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings were rounded up in only 4.1 overs before lunch as it soon became apparent that South Africa’s 335 offered them the chance of a sizeable first-innings advantage.It took a review to remove Cook, with South Africa searching, initially at least, for an lbw as an inswinger from Philander flew off the pad to the wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. That mode of dismissal was ruled out by an inside nick, only for Cook to be dismissed courtesy of the keeper’s catch.Jennings fell to the next delivery, this time from Morkel, a peach of a ball from around the wicket which bounced and left the Durham left-hander. He had no cause to berate himself about getting out to that.The rest of the morning was a story of South African ill-discipline as Root and Ballance included 14 boundaries in an 83-run partnership spanning, in all, only 84 balls. Root produced some princely off-sides drives from the outset and had another Test fifty to his name by the interval. Ballance, who got off the mark with a fortunate edge wide of gully off Philander, offering hunched support, sitting deep in his crease with the suspicious air of a mole peering out of a mole hill.South Africa’s challenge was much more focused throughout the afternoon, although their back-up seamers carried limited potency before Morris’ late intervention. They achieved this, lest we forget, without Kagiso Rabada.Ballance, very much Root’s pick, has laboured to prove his worth. Once again, he got a start but failed to prosper. He perished in the second over after lunch, bowled by Philander as he deflected the ball loosely onto his pads. Bairstow, who lacked Root’s certainty, was more of a bellwether. He reached 45, but survived two hairy moments against Morkel on the way, the ball twice flying perilously close to his stumps off a play-and-miss that escaped for four byes and an inside edge. Another edge spared him when South Africa reviewed a refused lbw appeal by Philander.Maharaj then took a hand. Stokes fell for a 12-ball duck, his inside edge onto his pads, finally clutched at the second attempt, off his shoulder, by de Kock as he changed direction. There was a suspicion of helmet involved, which would have spared him, but after innumerable replays he was sent on his way.Maharaj also found a hint of turn to bowl Bairstow, bringing South Africa their fourth wicket in a productive session.England’s problems intensified after tea as three wickets fell within eight balls. Moeen Ali fell tamely to a pre-conceived plan, flapping a full ball from Morris out of the footholes to du Plessis at point. Broad received the cheers awarded to a local boy, but his innings are always hair-raising affairs and this one did not make it past the first ball as South Africa successfully reviewed Morris’ lbw appeal.Liam Dawson had managed to escape a fourth successive Test duck – Bob Holland, Ajit Agarkar and Mohammad Asif hold the record with five – before overturning a caught behind decision against Morris, replays showing the ball had missed the bat by a distance. He did not make much use of his let-off, as he top-edged Maharaj to square leg.England’s increasingly tame affair came to a conclusion when Mark Wood deflected a rearing delivery from Morris to second slip.Earlier, James Anderson had demolished South Africa’s tail in a spell of 4 for 4 in only 20 deliveries to finish with 5 for 72, taking five in an innings for the 22nd time in his Test career.England had carped about the second new ball on the previous evening, and they managed to negotiate an immediate change on the second morning. The skies were grey, the floodlights were on and Anderson had a spring in his step, his 34 years falling off him with every delivery.The best of his wickets was Maharaj, for nought, outwitted by the inswinger/outswinger routine, his edge inviting Root to hold a flamboyant catch at second slip. He had provided a brief masterclass, but South Africa were to make good use of their own opportunity.

Leeds United have been linked with West Bromwich Albion star Grady Diangana and he would be an 'unbelievable' capture at Elland Road, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Grady Diangana going to Leeds United this summer?

In conversation with West Brom News, former Baggies frontman Kevin Campbell has backed his old side to net a decent fee for Diangana this summer, stating: “I could see him leaving and I think there’s an opportunity for him to leave. He’s a good player, but he could be leaving.

So obviously, Corberan, who’s a good manager may be going in a different direction and there’s going to be a deal and with a good fee that can be negotiated. I’m not sure what he’ll be, but, he’s a good player. There’ll be a good fee but the amount I have no idea."

These comments come in light of interest in Diangana's services from Leeds United, Southampton and Leicester City; however, West Brom won't sell the Lumbumbashi-born winger unless they receive a considerable outlay for his services, according to the Express and Star.

Sunday Mirror journalist Darren Witcoop has also confirmed that Diangana has eyes on his situation, stating on Twitter: "Cardiff City chasing a loan deal for West Brom forward Karlan Grant. Albion looking to shift players to save money this summer. Interest elsewhere for Grady Diangana and Darnell Furlong. Cedric Kipre’s future also up in the air."

Last term, Diangana made 35 appearances in all competitions for West Brom, registering four goals and three assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

Contractually, the 25-year-old is tied to his current employers on a deal that runs until June 2025 and is said to pocket £20,385 per week at the Hawthorns Stadium, as per Capology.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones thinks that Diangana is an 'unbelievable' player that would make 'defenders dizzy' at Elland Road.

Jones stated: "The potential availability is there given West Brom's situation. He would be such a good player for whoever can get him. He makes defenders dizzy and some of the things he's capable of doing in tight spaces are unbelievable. If Gnonto does end up leaving Leeds, this would be someone new that can dazzle and excite. It'll be interesting, though, to see if they have the capacity to actually get a sale going."

Who else are Leeds United keen on bringing in this summer?

Leeds United are closing in on their first signing of the summer in the form of Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu according to The Athletic's Phil Hay, who referenced the Evening Standard's initial report of a £12 million bid for the Wales international on Twitter, stating: First signing close for Leeds United (as reported by Nizaar Kinsella) – centre-back Ethan Ampadu lined up to join on a permanent deal from Chelsea. Terms still to be finalised but well advanced."

Football Insider claim that Leeds United have been given a shot in the arm regarding their attempts to sign Nottingham Forest striker Emmanuel Dennis, who has been given the green light to leave the City Ground to find a new club.

The Athletic cite that Swansea City frontman Joel Piroe has emerged as another target to bolster Daniel Farke's forward line as they prepare for life in the Sky Bet Championship.

In the next few weeks, Leeds United will likely firm up interest in key targets as they aim to get into the best shape possible before their first game in the English second tier against Cardiff City on August 6th, as per Sky Sports.

Liverpool look like they are increasingly keen to get a deal done for Romeo Lavia this summer, with reports suggesting that the midfielder is the centre of their attention in the market currently.

How many games has Romeo Lavia played for Southampton?

The 19-year-old has been with Southampton for just one campaign but has already made his mark in the Premier League for the club. Despite the Saints suffering relegation to the Championship, the midfielder shone and became an established member of the first-team squad despite his age, with journalist Benjy Nurick hailing him as an "absolute monster" back in January.

He featured for the Saints on 29 occasions and even bagged a goal from the centre of the field. Despite it being his first campaign of regular, top-level football, he only missed nine league fixtures all season and adapted with ease.

Prior to joining up with Southampton, he had never played a minute of league action for a club. He was turning out for the Man City reserve squad when he was with the Etihad Stadium outfit and even played in the youth side for the Saints before being given the chance to shine in their first-team squad.

His showings in the Premier League now have led to the Belgian being given his debut for the national side too, with his country calling him up to action back in March. He has yet to add to his one cap, but the teenager looks like he could be a real future star in any team going forward, with Southampton valuing him at £50m.

Are Liverpool signing Romeo Lavia?

Having impressed at the top level, and with Southampton now in the Championship, there is interest from those higher up the pyramid in snapping him up. One club that has been regularly linked is Liverpool, who believe he wants to make the move to Anfield, and now, according to a report from The Daily Mail + via Rousing the Kop, the Reds are ready to prioritise the signing of Lavia this summer.

It adds that the Reds want to try and sign younger players to bring their squad's average age down. The midfielder ticks that box and also has admirers at Anfield, with many at the club now big fans of the Saints youngster and wanting to try and bring him to the side.

He's already viewed as a big talent in the game, with a real future at the very top if some of the praise lathered on him is anything to go by. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig stated that Lavia is "underrated" in terms of his passing ability and that he also sees the Southampton man as a "future midfield leader" for both his country of Belgium and a "top Premier League club."

The opportunity to boss the middle of the field for a high-end side may come sooner rather than later if Liverpool have anything to do with it – and if they did add the 19-year-old, it could be excellent business ahead of next season and the club's third midfield addition after securing moves for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are “ready to push” to bring Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres to the Premier League, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Viktor Gyokeres leaving Coventry?

The Sky Blues' forward’s contract is set to expire next summer meaning that this window will present Mark Robins with his final big opportunity to cash in on his prized asset, which shouldn’t be too difficult considering that he was his top-performing offensive player last season.

Back in May, TalkSPORT reported that the Old Gold were preparing an approach for the Sweden international, who has had a £25m price tag placed on his head, as Julen Lopetegui looks to bolster his attacking ranks.

On the same day, Football Insider stated that the Molineux outfit were the one suitor trying the hardest to sign the 25-year-old despite interest from the likes of Everton, Burnley and Leeds United, with his club resigned to losing him having failed to achieve promotion to the top-flight.

Are Wolves signing Gyokeres?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Wolves are prepared to fight for Gyokeres and are willing to do whatever it takes to secure his services ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

“Viktor Gyokeres future, key hours/days ahead. Decision has not been made by player and his camp — potential free transfer in 2024 being discussed. Coventry owner, asking for huge amount with just 1 year left on contract. Fulham, Wolves, West Ham & Sporting are ready to push.”

Should Fosun table a bid for Gyokeres?

Wolves lacked any kind of firepower and were missing a prolific out-and-out centre-forward last season so it’s easy to understand why they want to add to their attacking department, and having been dubbed “unplayable” by his former teammate Maxime Biamou, Gyokeres is 100 per cent a player worth submitting an offer for.

The Building Society Arena talisman clocked up 31 goal contributions (21 goals and ten assists) in 46 Championship appearances during the previous term, with this outstanding form seeing him receive ten man-of-the-match awards, so it really is no surprise that he's in such high-demand.

Gyokeres, who also recorded 191 shot-creating actions – higher than any of his fellow peers – is additionally a versatile operator having been deployed in six various positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even in the midfield, so he possesses all the qualities that would make him the perfect candidate to slot into Lopetegui’s squad.

India captain Virat Kohli has said that while the bowling attack can change depending on conditions,constantly changing the batting line-up affects the confidence of the players

Mohammad Isam in Hyderabad08-Feb-20172:26

‘Rahane deserves to walk back into the team’ – Kohli

Virat Kohli has said that India are unlikely to make too many changes, particularly in their batting line-up, as the think-tank looks to back players and give them confidence. The India captain has also said that youngsters who have performed will be groomed further as the team looks to build on its bench strength.If India opt to not play six batsmen in this game, Karun Nair could miss out despite his triple-hundred in India’s previous Test. Kohli said that Nair has done well to stay in the squad but if it comes down to picking between the two players, the more established Ajinkya Rahane will get the call. Nair, who made his debut in the third Test against England in Mohali, got two more opportunities after Rahane was forced out due to a finger injury. India coach Anil Kumble had also said the side had not forgotten Rahane’s performances over the last two years.Kohli said that while certain conditions may dictate the selection of an extra pace bowler or spinner, the batting line-up is likely to be kept consistently similar”You need to back players for a long time for them to become match-winners and have long careers. I think bowlers can be switched according to conditions. You might want to play seamers or three spinners, some guys might have more pace or reverse swing, you can change those.”I think from a batting point of view you need big runs in Test cricket, and to chop and change continuously doesn’t let them gain confidence. People who have been regular in the XI need to be given a chance. If form or that kind of thing happens you are subject to that change, otherwise it’s important to back your top XI. At the same time, you need to keep those youngsters within the squad and groom them. I think communication is a big thing on that front and we do that very well with the management, conveying to the players what they want.”Kohli said that India’s bench is filled with cricketers who can step up to replace the incumbents when needed. “Bench strength gives you options when people are injured. That’s where it comes. An injury should not deplete a team; that’s something that bench strength contributes from. We are lucky to have guys who are up and ready for Test cricket. Jayant [Yadav] walked in beautifully. In T20s and one-dayers you saw [Yuzvendra] Chahal and Kedar [Jadhav] stepping up. We do have a pool of players who are coming up nicely. Credit obviously goes to the selectors for identifying them, and to the players as well who practise their disciplines regularly, that’s how you come up into that pool.”I think it’s a back-and-forth sort of thing where you identify players but they have to put in the effort, which they have. So we’ve been lucky. We have good bench strength going forward. God forbid if there is any injury, we have two-three guys to fill up positions,” he said.Kohli said that the India bowling attack’s patience during partnerships had helped them win seven of the eight home Tests this season, against New Zealand and England.”I think is what we have done well over the last four Test matches not before, I would say, is be patient when there’s been a partnership. I think there was one instance in West Indies in Jamaica when we kept going positive and we didn’t hold back and we couldn’t take 20 wickets and the bowlers got tired,” he said. “I think we have done the patience bit very well in the series against New Zealand and England, bogging down the batsman and earning the wickets in difficult situations in the game.”That’s something we want to do and to improve on as a team. When everyone is young, everyone is excited in the team. Sometimes people tend to get carried away and you don’t understand the importance of being patient.”But I think the guys have worked hard on their fitness, they don’t mind bowling dot balls without attacking the batsman throughout the day. They have the fitness to bowl all day in one channel and when the door opens, just sneak in. That’s the biggest learning we have had in the past season and we’d like to take that forward.”

تلقى المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، تشافي هيرنانديز، خبرًا سارًا في تدريبات برشلونة اليوم، الأربعاء.

وبدأ برشلونة الاستعداد لمباراة ريال مايوركا في الجولة الثامنة والعشرين من بطولة الدوري الإسباني في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة”.

ويحتضن ملعب “منتجويك” مباراة برشلونة وريال مايوركا يوم، الجمعة، خاصة وأن النادي الكتالوني مرتبط بإياب دور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا أمام نابولي يوم، الثلاثاء المقبل.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جوارديولا: دوري أبطال أوروبا أصبح أصعب مما كنت في برشلونة

واليوم، الأربعاء، شارك ماركوس ألونسو في جزء من التدريبات الجماعية بعد غياب منذ نوفمبر 2023 بسبب الإصابة في الظهر، بحسب ما ذكرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الكتالونية.

وخضع ألونسو لعملية جراحية في يناير الماضي، وبالتالي، فهو غائب عن مباريات برشلونة تمامًا منذ تلك الفترة.

ويخوض ألونسو برنامجًا تأهيليًا مكثفًا في الوقت الحالي حتى يحصل على التصريح الطبي وإمكانية المشاركة في المباريات الرسمية بالفترة المقبلة.

وظهر اللاعب في 7 مباريات فقط مع برشلونة هذا الموسم بإجمالي 299 دقيقة، وبالتالي، فأنباء عودته إيجابية بالنسبة للمدرب، تشافي، خاصة مع كثرة الإصابات مثل بيدري، فرينكي دي يونج وآخرين.

South Africa couldn’t have asked for a better start to their summer. After having achieved their initial objective – a series win – they are in a position to inflict a whitewash against the top-ranked ODI side

The Preview by Firdose Moonda11-Oct-2016Match factsOctober 12, 2016
Start time 1330 local (1130 GMT)South Africa have an opportunity to inflict the first whitewash of Australia in a five-match series•AFPBig PictureSouth Africa couldn’t have asked for a better start to their summer. After having achieved their initial objective – a series win – they are in a position to inflict a whitewash against the top-ranked ODI side.The margins of victory reflect how South Africa have been dominant in every aspect. Two of the wins have come with more than 10 overs to spare, another by more than 140 runs. In the only match Australia threatened to come close, in Kingsmead, a freak performance by an out-of-form David Miller sealed the series.Miller apart, South Africa have been helped with contributions from Rilee Rossouw, Andile Phehlukwayo and Kyle Abbott, all of whom were considered fringe players coming into the series. That has meant South Africa are spoilt for choice, something Australia will covet.That Australian haven’t bowled South Africa out even once in the series reiterates the inexperience in their attack. But that doesn’t mean there are no other headaches. Australia have crossed 300 just once and have been bowled out for under 220 twice. Their over-reliance on big names hasn’t helped their cause. But they have the added motivation of trying to avoid being blanked.That they will have to do that at one of South Africa’s favourite grounds, in front of a sell-out crowd, will be a challenge. Newlands had earlier raised concerns about the match being scheduled on the same day as a religious holiday, , but it seems the enthusiasm is hardly affected by that.Form guideSouth Africa: WWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia: LLLLW
In the spotlightWith seven wickets in four matches, Andile Phehlukwayo has underlined the difference between both sides so far. Phehlukwayo is not part of the national squad in any other formats yet, but his ability to change pace and his maturity in accepting the responsibility of bowling at the death could change that. He has proved himself handy with the bat too, and can further boost his claim to be an allrounder.Steven Smith and David Warner are the only two Australians to have scored a hundred so far. Smith, the captain, doesn’t seem to bring as much out of his men as Warner did when he led them to an ODI series win in Sri Lanka. Before the series, Smith said he hoped to continue riding the wave Warner had created, but now may be left wondering if his one-day leadership credentials could be measured against Warner’s.Team newsSouth Africa are looking at bringing back their big bowling guns in search of a clean sweep. That means Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada may force one of Kyle Abbott or Phehlukwayo out of the XI. They may continue with two spinners, with Imran Tahir likely to be brought back in place of Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm wrist spinner. With the Tests looming, there’s merit in giving Shamsi a breather and allowing him to fully recover from a quad niggle. Others walking wounded include Rossouw, who hurt his finger, and Farhaan Behardien, who tweaked a hamstring. Both passed fitness Tests, but Temba Bavuma has been at training as cover, while Miller has made sufficient progress from his groin strain.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt), 4 Rilee Rossouw, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Farhaan Behardien/David Miller, 7 Dwaine Pretorius, 8 and 9 Andile Phehlukwayo/Kyle Abbott/Dale Steyn/Kagiso Rabada, 10 Aaron Phangiso, 11 Imran TahirHaving tried all their bowling combinations in vain, Australia could make their young attack draw straws to decide which of Chris Tremain, Daniel Worrall, Joe Mennie or Scott Boland has to play the final ODI. Usman Khawaja has not been used at all and may be brought in to add depth to the batting.Australia (possible): 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch/Usman Khawaja, 3 Steve Smith (capt), 4 George Bailey, 5 Mitchell Marsh, 6 Travis Head, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 John Hastings, 9 Adam Zampa, 10 and 11 Chris Tremain/Scott Boland/Daniel Worrall/Joe MenniePitch and conditionsA cold front early in the week brought rain to Cape Town on Tuesday, but Newlands has a new drainage system which should keep the outfield dry should the rain stay away. Groundsman Evan Flint does not predict a run-fest, instead aiming for a surface that will offer the bowlers something as well. The weather is expected to be mild with temperatures in the teens, with a light breeze.Stats and triviaAustralia have never lost all of the matches in a five-game ODI series. The last time they lost all the matches played in an ODI series was in 2006-07 when they were beaten 3-0 by New Zealand. The only other time they were blanked 3-0 was by England, in 1997 South Africa have beaten Australia 4-1 before, in a series in Australia in 2009Quotes”If you play against Australia, every little mental thing you can get on your side does play a role. It’s important for everyone to be in good touch. The one-percenters play a big role.”