India batsman asks to be considered for all formats of the game
ESPNcricinfo staff29-Aug-2019Nearly two months after announcing his retirement amid high drama, Ambati Rayudu has made a giant U-turn. According to the , the 33-year-old batsman has sent an email to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) saying his decision to retire was an “emotional one” and that he was “willing to play in all formats of the game” again.On their part, the HCA want Rayudu to groom the next generation of Hyderabad batsmen, with chief selector Noel David going as far as to say that “he has at least five years of cricket” left in him.”I want to take this opportunity to thank Chennai Super Kings, VVS Laxman and Noel David, who have been very supportive during the tough time and are instrumental in making me realise that I have enough cricket left in me,” Rayudu wrote in an email to Prof Ratnakar Shetty, a member of the panel currently overseeing affairs at the HCA.”I am looking forward to a wonderful season ahead with a very talented Hyderabad team and help the team realise its full potential. I will be available from September 10 to join the Hyderabad team.”Rayudu sent out mixed signals last week when he stated his desire to play in the IPL. He is presently contracted to Chennai Super Kings.”It is great news for us. I still believe he still has five years of cricket and groom youngsters, which is more important for us. Last year without him, we struggled in Ranji Trophy,” David said. “Rayudu’s class and experience will prove to be very handy for Hyderabad and will surely have a major positive influence on the other players as he will be playing in all the formats.”Hopefully he carries on the good work and leads from the front and I am confident of Rayudu getting support from all quarters.”Rayudu announced his retirement after he wasn’t chosen as a replacement for the injured Shikhar Dhawan despite being named one of five stand-bys for the World Cup. He also courted controversy for a not-so-cryptic “3D” tweet aimed at chief selector MSK Prasad who had said that Vijay Shankar – the player picked ahead of Rayudu in the initial 15 – had three dimensions to his game, capable of contributing with bat, ball and in the field.Last year, Rayudu announced his retirement from first-class cricket to focus on his limited-overs career with the World Cup in mind. He played the last of his 97 first-class games in November 2017. Hyderabad finished seventh in Group B in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season.
Uma das peças fundamentais na engrenagem do futebol do Sampaio Corrêa nas últimas três temporadas, o executivo de futebol Juliano Camargo se desligou da equipe Maranhense nesta quarta-feira. O profissional que seguirá em busca de novos desafios na sequência da carreira destacou que a decisão foi tomada “por forças circunstanciais pessoais.
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– Foi uma decisão difícil, mas tomada por forças de circunstâncias pessoais. Creio que seja o momento oportuno para buscar novas possibilidades. Sempre serei grato ao que vivi no Sampaio Corrêa e, tenho certeza, que o que realizamos por aqui poderá me projetar para grandes desafios.
Juliano Camargo chegou ao clube em 2019 e foi um dos responsáveis direto pelo bom desempenho da equipe em âmbito estadual e nacional nas últimas três temporadas. Além do acesso à Série B, o time maranhense também conquistou o título estadual, que deu vaga direta à Copa do Brasil e Copa do Nordeste de 2020. Além disso, o Sampaio Corrêa fez uma das melhores campanhas da própria história na segunda divisão do Campeonato Brasileiro em 2020.
– Encontrei no Sampaio um ambiente favorável para trabalhar, sempre contando com todo apoio do presidente, e me dediquei ao máximo nessa minha passagem, com grandes momentos na lembrança, como o acesso para a Série B em 2019, o título estadual de 2020 e a melhor campanha do clube na série B do mesmo ano – afirmou.
Em tom de despedida, Juliano Camargo fez questão de demonstrar seu carinho e apresso pelo Sampaio Corrêa. O profissional enalteceu os profissionais do clube e se despediu com um “até logo”.
– Deixo muitos amigos e um carinho enorme pelo Sampaio, clube que me abriu as portas e me fez virar mais um boliviano. Desejo toda a sorte à equipe nessa temporada, que tem tudo para ser muito positiva, e quem sabe essa saída seja apenas um até logo – finalizou.
يستعد فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي برشلونة، بقيادة المدرب هانز فليك، لخوض مباراة جديدة في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2024/25، مساء اليوم الثلاثاء.
ويستضيف ملعب “لويس كومبانيس” مباراة برشلونة ضد خصمه يونج بويز، والتي تأتي في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
طالع أيضًا | مواعيد مباريات برشلونة في شهر أكتوبر 2024.. كلاسيكو وصدام قوي أمام بايرن ميونخ
وكان برشلونة قد خسر في الجولة الأولى من موناكو بهدفين مقابل هدف، بينما سقط يونج بويز أمام أستون فيلا. موعد مباراة برشلونة يونج بويز اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا
تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة برشلونة يونج بويز اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا
تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN Sports HD 2. معلق مباراة برشلونة يونج بويز اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا
سيعلق أحمد البلوشي على أحداث مباراة الليلة.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.
In what could be a busy month in the transfer window, Rangers are looking to take full advantage of Philippe Clement's first chance to add reinforcements. The Gers trail behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race, but reports suggest that they're looking to improve across the board, having already strengthened in attack with the arrival of Fabio Silva.
Rangers transfer news
After allowing Sam Lammers to leave on loan, it's no surprise that Michy Batshuayi's Rangers rumours have come to the forefront of the headlines, with those at Ibrox reportedly interested in the former Chelsea man. Meanwhile, the latest Million Manhoef news suggests that the Scottish giants could get a cut-price deal for the young winger amid Vitesse's financial difficulties.
By the end of the month, Clement may well find himself with a variety of fresh attacking options who could make all the difference in the title race. Currently eight points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic with two games in hand, it's clear that Rangers could do with all the help they can get.
Michy Batshuayi for Belgium
That said, whilst their focus has seemingly been on offensive options, reports now suggest they could add someone to keep all of that together at the base of their midfield. According to Graeme Bailey, Rangers have been watching Oscar Zambrano alongside Celtic and Bournemouth, with the latter reportedly leading the race to sign the £5.5m LDU Quito defensive midfielder.
January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland
Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.
ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024
Left impressed by the news, Dean Jones told GiveMeSport: “This would be a sensational transfer if you could persuade someone like this to pick Rangers over some of the clubs that have been linked with him across recent months.
“The signs have been that he would end up in the Premier League. As I understand it, Bournemouth continue to be interested in the player and would be the team probably leading the race to sign him. But that doesn't mean they win the race. There have to be other considerations as to what will suit him. But if Rangers could somehow get involved with that and win the battle by signing him, they would be acquiring an unbelievable player that completely changes the landscape for how they could look to build that team.”
"Sensational transfer" for Zambrano could tip title race
Zambrano, still only 19-years-old, is a player who should only get better over time. Zambrano's stats show how he's already playing his part for Quito too, making 31 appearances in all competitions last season, so it's no shock that his current club have reportedly placed a £5.5m on their defensive midfielder. As Rangers look to gain an edge over Celtic in the title race, however, it could be a price worth paying this month or when the summer transfer window arrives.
The Gers have already proved their power to attract players under Clement, with Silva choosing a move to Ibrox over elsewhere. Now, with both Celtic and Bournemouth reportedly interested in Zambrano, Rangers will have to flex their muscles once more if they are to convince the young midfielder over a potential move.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery could land a massive boost ahead of the upcoming transfer window after news of a cash injection in the West Midlands.
NSWE provide cash injection into Aston Villa…
According to a report from Football Insider, Aston Villa's ownership NSWE have administered £55 million of financial support into the club by way of creating a new share issue in the West Midlands.
Companies House received a submission backdated to December 15th showing that over one billion shares have been allotted for five pence each, creating just under £55m in funds; however, the outlet claim that the distinction between whether the capital is straight cash or debt converted into equity is not clear.
Expert delivers worrying Aston Villa injury update on "fantastic" player
It doesn’t sound good…
By
Sean Markus Clifford
Dec 27, 2023
Nonetheless, it is suggested that Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are committed to arming Emery with a large transfer budget to help add further quality to his side following a superb showing in the Premier League from the Villans, with additions in attack of interest.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones has signalled his desire for Aston Villa to sign a prolific goalscorer in January to help support the likes of Ollie Watkins, as he stated to the outlet:
"They're going to make transfers, particularly in attack. In that case, I'd be looking for someone that can give you those vital goals and has a proven history of doing that, to give you an extra belief as you get to that home straight later in the season.”
One separate claim from Football Insider has pointed the Villans in the direction of making a loan capture in the forward areas mid-season before then returning in the summer to bring a "superstar striker signing" to Villa Park in the summer of 2024.
Looking ahead, it looks likely that the Villans will aim to flex their muscle in the window, though the question on everyone's lips is, who will Emery look to buy?
Aston Villa transfer targets
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are one of several clubs keeping an eye on Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville; however, the Whites have no intention to sell the Dutchman due to his importance as a player at Elland Road.
Journalist Jones has also spoken about Aston Villa's interest in Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena and has stated that Emery could be keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, stating via GIVEMESPORT:
"I think that Emery will be certainly aware of their situation right now [Villarreal players in light of Baena interest] and also the players' situations within that team as to who might be gettable."
Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena.
Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho has also emerged as a target for the Villans in January who they believe is gettable for between the £5-10 million mark, given that his contract is set to expire at the King Power Stadium at the end of the current campaign.
Aston Villa will be hoping to add some star quality in several key areas come the New Year, so it could bee a busy stat to 2024 for those at Villa Park.
A side strain to Ngidi might mean Steyn returns for South Africa, while Sri Lanka continue to search for a combination that delivers results
The Preview by Liam Brickhill18-Mar-2019
A joyous moment for Imran Tahir and JP Duminy during their last ODI at home•Getty Images
Big PictureDespite the change in format, the focus for both teams remains the swiftly-approaching fifty-over World Cup. South Africa made as much clear by naming the same squad for the first T20I as that chosen for the ODIs just past, with national selector Linda Zondi stating that Cricket South Africa regard the match as another step towards the completion of ‘Vision 2019’, their grand plan for World Cup success.Captain Faf du Plessis says that he is “99.9% sure” about the personnel he will take to the tournament in England at the end of May, and all of South Africa’s chopping and changing over the course of a long and generally successful home summer has meant that they have a decent idea of who can do what. South Africa have regained form and confidence during the ODIs, and despite their focus being elsewhere, their T20I outfit will be extremely hard to beat.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, seem only to have regressed since the remarkable triumph that opened their tour. Indeed, the glory of their historic Test series win seems a distant memory after their 5-0 drubbing in the ODIs, and they are in the midst of another coaching crisis as Chandika Hathurusingha has been asked to return to Sri Lanka, with fielding coach Steve Rixon tasked with filling the acting head coach’s role for the T20Is.The visitors have been unable to arrest their slide in one-day cricket, and they also have plenty of ground to make up in the 20-over format, in which their recent record isn’t much better. Sri Lanka are ranked 9th in the format, below Afghanistan, and have won just six of their last 20 T20I matches. Before they get their World Cup squad in order, they will need to get an XI to click on the field.Form guideSouth Africa LWWWW (completed matches, most recent first) Sri LankaLLWLLIn the spotlightWhile all of his 10 international hundreds have come in cricket’s other two formats, it’s arguably in Twenty20s that JP Duminy has made the most of his undeniable talents. At franchise level, he has 6,000 runs in the format, while his T20I average of 37.91 is higher than that for Tests or ODIs. His rapid 31 to close out the game in the fourth ODI at St George’s Park showed that Duminy has lost none of his touch despite a lengthy injury lay-off, but with the World Cup drawing closer and the window for selection closing, Duminy will want to make his presence felt in the T20Is.Few in South Africa would have heard of Isuru Udana when he arrived here ahead of the ODIs. Udana had played just two ODIs previously, against India seven years ago, but after a couple of counter-attacking knocks down the order and a nagging line with the new ball, he was one of the few Sri Lankan players to emerge from the carnage of the one-day series having actually enhanced his reputation. Udana has had a few more opportunities in the shortest format, having played 18 T20Is since his debut at the World T20 in 2009, and his contributions as a back-up seamer and lower-order slugger could help bolster Sri Lanka.Team newsSouth Africa may look to play a similar XI to the one they did in the fifth ODI, given how that match ended. The only change is likely to be Dale Steyn playing in place of Lungi Ngidi, who is nursing a side strain. Other than that, the hosts will want to re-test the combination before the squad changes once again for the second and third games, as well as give JP Duminy and Imran Tahir the chance for a fitting send-off.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 Aiden Markram, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Dwaine Pretorius, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Anrich Nortje, 10 Dale Steyn, 11 Imran TahirThere are a few new faces in Sri Lanka’s squad, while several of their frontline players – including Angelo Mathews, who has still not recovered from his hamstring injury – are still not available for selection. Sadeera Samarawickrama may join Niroshan Dickwella at the top of the order, while Jeffrey Vandersay is one of two wristspinners in the squad. Seamer Asitha Fernando, the 21 year old seamer, could well be in line for a T20I debut.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 2 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Angelo Perera, 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Jeffrey Vandersay, 9 Isuru Udana, 10 Lasith Malinga (capt), 11 Asitha FernandoPitch and conditionsSummer is drawing to a close, but the weather should be good in Cape Town, with a mild night expected. The Newlands surface can often be a little on the slow side, but before the lights went out in the fifth ODI, fast bowlers from both teams enjoyed themselves on a track that offered pace and bounce. The last time South Africa played a T20I here, against Pakistan at the beginning of February, they cracked 192 for 6: the highest total ever recorded in a T20I at this venue.Stats and trivia No player has yet hit a century in a T20I at Newlands. No-one has scored more T20I runs at Newlands than JP Duminy, who has 229 runs at 45.80 from seven games here. Sri Lanka have played two T20Is at Newlands, losing to Australia by 10 wickets in the 2007 World T20, and beating South Africa by five wickets the last time they toured in 2017.Quotes”We said as a selection panel that we sort of look at it like the Ryder Cup selection where the Ryder Cup captain has a wild card pick. So there’s still an opportunity for someone who comes in and does something unbelievable in the next couple of games. There is still a chance for selectors to consider that person.”Even though the format has changed, success in the T20Is could lead to selection in South Africa’s World Cup squad, says coach Ottis Gibson
Newcastle United had scored through Alexander Isak's penalty. Nottingham Forest, without a win in seven matches and losing lionised manager Steve Cooper as a result, were surely headed for further misery.
But Newcastle's faltering form proved to unravel what promised to be a triumphant day at St. James' Park, and Chris Wood came back to haunt his former club with a well-taken hat-trick to offer some respite.
PIF eyeing Newcastle deal to sign "great" goalkeeper in January
This could be a shrewd move by the Magpies…
ByTom Cunningham Dec 28, 2023
The Magpies, having qualified for the Champions League last season, have now lost six matches from their past seven across all competitions and are in dire need of some reinforcements, having been decimated by injuries across the campaign.
Eddie Howe will remain convinced of his squad's ability to succeed in the Premier League, but there is no disputing the fact that something needs to change in January, with recent rumours suggesting that a summer transfer target could now make the move to Tyneside.
Newcastle transfer news – Kalvin Phillips
According to the Daily Telegraph, Newcastle bosses are confident that a deal can be struck to sign Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Magpies are desperate to fortify their squad with impactful signings this winter but are constrained by Profit and Sustainability rules, effectively restricting the options available in the transfer market.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips would be allowed to depart the Etihad Stadium on loan and would bring industriousness and Premier League experience, with Howe and United's technical director Dan Ashworth hoping to agree a deal swiftly.
Transfer specialist Rudy Galetti has confirmed that the club are "set to open talks" to sign their number one target, but with Juventus also pushing for a deal, it's right that efforts are made early to secure his services.
Kalvin Phillips' Manchester City career in numbers
Having dazzled with Leeds United and played an instrumental role in his boyhood club's rise from the Championship and sublime return to the Premier League, Phillips turned the heads of more than a few top European outfits.
And when Manchester City came calling in 2022, the 28-year-old couldn't resist the allure of English football's standout side and completed a £45m transfer.
However, a dream move turned into a nightmare when injuries precluded a chance at wedging his way into a prominent position, and the £150k-per-week ace would ultimately only start four matches across the entirety of the 2022/23 campaign as the Sky Blues won the treble.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Tackling
Aerial duels
Intercepting
Discipline
Blocking
Direct free-kicks
*Sourced via WhoScored
Despite a full pre-season under his belt this summer, Phillips' fortunes have not turned any brighter and he remains marooned on the fringe of one of English football's greatest squads.
Often, pragmatism is a virtue and it seems that all parties have accepted that a change of scenery would be apt for Phillips' future, and Newcastle are only too happy to accommodate.
Kalvin Phillips' style of play
At his best, Phillips is a tenacious and cultured midfielder with a wealth of tools fit to serve a squad like Newcastle's challenge for continental qualification.
The 31-cap England star was fantastic as Leeds recorded a ninth-placed Premier League finish in 2020/21, on their return, captivating with their offensive efforts and winning over supporters through their energy and expression.
Across 29 appearances that season, he made 2.6 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game and completed 85% of his passes, leading The Times' Henry Winter to marvel over his all-encompassing skill set.
As per FBref, Phillips ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 9% for shots taken, the top 7% for clearances and the top 19% for aerial wins per 90.
While he has only received limited action over the past 12 months, such statistics do highlight the crispness and composure that Phillips holds within his skill set.
Once described as a “monster” of a midfielder by former Crystal Palace maverick Yannick Bolasie, Phillips' struggle to make an impact under Pep Guardiola's tutelage does not define him as a player, and he would be a credit to Newcastle's impressive team, perhaps even merging with Bruno Guimaraes in the centre to revive the squad's success.
Imagine Kalvin Phillips & Bruno Guimares
Howe is the mastermind behind Newcastle's stunning rise to the fore since the PIF takeover in 2021, but the £40m acquisition of Lyon midfielder Guimaraes has proved to be one of the most influential additions to any Premier League side in recent memory.
Having now amassed 84 displays for Newcastle, scoring 11 goals and supplying nine assists, the Brazilian is regarded as one of the division's standout stars, with teammate Dan Burn even dubbing him "world-class" for his performances.
Ranking among the top 16% of midfielders for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for progressive passes and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, the 26-year-old is the perfect orchestrator in the centre, but Sandro Tonali was signed in the summer to complement his style, and after struggling to acclimatise the Italian was banned from football for ten months in October for breaching betting rules.
#
Player
Club
1
Gavi
Barcelona
2
Adrien Rabiot
Juventus
3
Manuel Locatelli
Juventus
4
Rodrigo Bentancur
Tottenham Hotspur
5
Guido Rodriguez
Real Betis
*Sourced via Football Transfers
Once hailed as a “Rolls-Royce” by journalist Josh Bunting, Phillips is composed and assured in his passing and could offer the kind of style to allow Guimaraes to assume an even more remarkable role.
While Newcastle probably need to make several signings to combat the injury problems, Phillips' availability on a loan deal marks an excellent opportunity to complete an astute move, and Howe must ensure that this one gets over the line.
Lionesses star Ella Toone scored a thunderbolt after coming off the bench to give Manchester United a narrow Women's Super League win over Leicester.
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Toone not involved in the starting XIMade a big impact when introducedBagged sixth WSL goal of the seasonWHAT HAPPENED?
The England international had only been on the pitch for ten minutes before unleashing a powerful effort from 25 yards that flew past goalkeeper Janina Leitzig and into the top-right corner. Toone did well to find space on the turn and it was a fabulous strike that left the player herself looking shocked.
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The strike from Toone was the one real bit of quality on show from either side in what was a pretty poor match. Man Utd dominated for large spells but failed to find the net. It was not until Marc Skinner introduced Toone alongside Nikita Parris did the visitors step up the tempo and eventually seal a 1-0 victory.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
The win moves Man Utd three points clear of rivals Liverpool in fourth, with the Reds set to take on Chelsea on Wednesday night. Up next for Skinner's side is a trip to Merseyside to face Liverpool on May 5, where a win will guarantee them a spot in the top five of the Women's Super League.
Coach’s focus on the ‘soft dismissals’ of Sarfraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, with talk emerging of ‘big changes’ in the next Test
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Dec-2018Pakistan’s latest batting disaster led to a heated team meeting post-play in Centurion and it could yet lead to some big changes ahead of the second Test in Cape Town next week.Pakistan were well-placed at tea on the second day of the first Test, 100 for 1 at the break with a lead of 58 and two set batsmen in Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood. Imam, however, chopped on in the first over after tea and, as has happened so often over the last couple of years, Pakistan’s batting fell apart, failing even to see out the session.The collapses have been a regular feature through the tenure of Mickey Arthur but the problem has become acute since the departures of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan in April 2017. But perhaps because Pakistan were in such a promising position this time, the anger and frustration in the dressing room post-play tipped over.Arthur is understood to have had, what several sources described variously as a “strong” and “honest” discussion with his batsmen. A few of the batsmen “were reminded of their responsibilities”, according to a team source, though particular focus fell on the dismissals of the senior-most trio in the side: captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq.Sarfraz fell for a duck – a pair for the Test – chasing a wide ball and edging to slip; Shafiq edged a lazy waft behind, the ball after having he was reprieved by DRS which over-ruled an lbw decision; Azhar got into a terrible tangle off a short ball, unsure whether to defend or pull. They were told, in clear terms, that their dismissals were “soft”.It was the latest in a series of cheap dismissals for the trio in crunch situations. Twice in the recent home series against New Zealand, the three failed or fell at inopportune moments in chasing a low total or trying to bat out less than a day to save a Test.But it is a trend since Sarfraz took over the Test captaincy last year. It began with all three failing in a low chase against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. Sarfraz and Shafiq briefly raised hopes of a successful 300-plus chase in the very next Test in Dubai, before the captain fell sweeping early on the fifth day. Azhar and Shafiq were part of a mini-collapse in a chase of 160 against Ireland in Malahide, which left Pakistan tottering at 14 for 3 before Babar Azam and Imam saw them home (Sarfraz failed in that chase too, though the win was all but sealed by then).And then, against New Zealand, having taken Pakistan all but home at 130 for 3 in a chase of 176, Shafiq fell on the stroke of lunch, precipitating a collapse in which Sarfraz fell for 3. Azhar was last man out for 65, unable to find ways to score the five runs that would’ve won the Test.In the final Test, again in Abu Dhabi, Azhar and Shafiq both made first-innings hundreds, but careless dismissals led to a collapse which let the advantage slip. And when tasked to bat out an hour less than a full day on the final day, the trio once again failed, contributing 33 runs between them (Shafiq fell for a first-ball duck).There were even suggestions in the meeting of “big changes” ahead of the next Test. The nature of those is as yet unclear, however, and would depend on the result of this Test – South Africa need 149 runs to go one-up in the series.Though Sarfraz has been under pressure for some time now, and acknowledged as much before this tour, it is difficult to see Pakistan doing anything drastic with their captain mid-tour. Azhar’s experience at the top of the order with an inexperienced opening pair insulates him to a degree for now, and he does average 40.36 since the start of Pakistan’s home season.That leaves Shafiq in greatest danger. He holds the Pakistan record for the most number of consecutive Tests played (62 and counting), but not only have his returns been poor this year, the manner and timing of his dismissals have started attracting attention. It will not be easy convincing Sarfraz to drop him but, especially if Pakistan lose in Centurion, that might become an easier option.Reports in Pakistan suggest the meeting was more than just heated, with words exchanged between Sarfraz and Arthur. There are even suggestions that equipment was thrown around but that has been denied by players and staff, some of whom are unhappy that news of the dressing-room meeting leaked out.The PCB issued a statement, reiterating that nothing untoward had happened: “As per the norm, Mickey held a debriefing meeting at the end of the day’s play which was held in a cordial atmosphere with inputs from team members and management as is the usual practice.”Any speculation about coach’s angry behaviour towards the players is grossly exaggerated.”
Manchester City sent representatives to watch an exciting target in action last weekend as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his squad, as per reports.
Manchester City transfer updates…
The Blues have made a typically strong start to the Premier League campaign and look to be in a good position to challenge for their fourth title in four successive campaigns. Summer signings Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic have all made a tangible impact since arriving at the Etihad Stadium; nevertheless, more incomings and outgoings will occur in January as Guardiola looks to get his squad into shape ahead of the second period of the season.
In a recent shock transfer update from Four Four Two, Manchester City are believed to be keen on Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo; nevertheless, there isn't documentation of the type of fee Guardiola's men may need to fork out to land the 18-year-old.
Only a handful of players have crossed the divide in Manchester over recent years, with the last to play for both clubs being Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho, who featured prominently in the City youth set-up before moving on to Borussia Dortmund.
Nevertheless, Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne could be set to walk through the exit door next summer, with Saudi Pro League big-spenders Al Nassr believed to be eyeing a swoop for the Belgium international. Reportedly, the 32-year-old was sounded out over a move to the Middle East during the summer transfer window; however, no official bid was made by Al Nassr, who are keen to bring in a string of high-profile players to accompany the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic at Al-Awall Park.
Now, it looks as if Manchester City have been keeping tabs on a player who could potentially provide competition to De Bruyne or even replace the veteran, according to new developments.
Manchester City scout Bayer Leverkusen ace Florian Wirtz
According to 90min, Manchester City sent scouts to watch Bayer Leverkusen man Florian Wirtz last weekend, as his side defeated Hoffenheim 3-2 away from home in the Bundesliga.
Florian Wirtz's statistics in 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)
Appearances
15
Goals
6
Assists
9
Germany international Wirtz opened the scoring during the encounter in an impressive display, which will only increase Manchester City's admiration toward his talent, which is said to go back several years. Argentinian midfielder Exequiel Palacios was also in action for the visitors and is rumoured to be a player that the club are also examining.
Florian Wirtz.
From an offensive standpoint, Wirtz has been in exceptional form this term for Bayer Leverkusen, recording an average of two shots, 2.5 key passes and 2.5 dribbles per match in the Bundesliga (Wirtz statistics – WhoScored).
Labelled a "great player" by Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, the 20-year-old has no shortage of elite-level suitors, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern themselves also believed to be in the hunt to sign Wirtz.
As his stock continues to rise, it may only be a matter of time before Wirtz swaps the BayArena for a fresh challenge as he continues to catch the eye of the world's best sides.