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The patio heaters, industrial-sized fans and rakes have worked their magic. But as Rawalpindi’s famed batting track produced 13 wickets on the opening day of this third and decisive Test, it was England who benefitted, first scrapping to 267 and then making that a workable total by reducing Pakistan to 73 for 3 by the close.On a pitch that had everyone guessing, Ben Stokes winning England’s first toss in eight attempts felt heaven-sent, especially as his opposite number Shan Masood admitted to trepidation as to how matters would play out underfoot. But it would have been a wasted miracle were it not been for a remarkable 89 from Jamie Smith, bagging a first half-century way from home, and driving a vital 107-run stand with Gus Atkinson (39) for the seventh wicket.Sajid Khan flourished once more, finishing with 6 for 128 from 29.2 overs for the third five-wicket haul of his career, and second in as many first-innings in this series. His early incisions and quick dismantling of the tail kept England in check as they dreamed of 300 following Smith and Atkinson’s rebuilding effort from 118 for 6.The initial foundations set by Ben Duckett’s accomplished 52 had collapsed on an uncertain surface displaying irregular bounce rather than excessive turn. A score of 56 for 0 became 98 for 5 in the space of 12.5 overs as the pitch started to play tricks, exacerbated once more by Sajid and left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who finished with 3 for 88.As expected after sharing all 20 English wickets in the second Test in Multan to square the series, the spin duo did the lion’s share of the bowling, sending down all but 11 of the 68.2 overs, including the first 42 unchanged. For only the second time in Test history – and first since 1882 – no pace bowler was used in the first innings of the match.England began reasonably enough, with a relatively untroubled 50 up in 12 overs. After a watchful start before Zak Crawley – playing in his 50th Test – he fell to Noman with a scuffed drive to backward point. Ollie Pope unfurled another skittish effort of 3 off 14 – trapped in front playing a desperate sweep – before Duckett (wearing one on his toes), Joe Root (trapped in front) and Harry Brook (bowled leg stump attempting to sweep) succumbed to deliveries that did not get up as expected.That England had something to work with, lunching on 110 for 5, was thanks largely to Duckett. While somewhat precarious, it was hard to label it outright as a problematic position, and in propelling that total to 242 for 8 by tea, Smith and Atkinson ensured England had a firm footing.By the time Sajid was eventually relieved of his mammoth first spell of 21 overs, he had removed Stokes, caught at slip, 11 balls into the second session, for his fourth wicket. He eventually returned to bring Noman’s opening salvo to an end after 23 overs.Sajid Khan salutes the crowd after his six-wicket haul•Getty Images

Atkinson joined Smith and set about an all-Surrey stand, acting as the straight man to the latter’s devastation, even if those roles only truly came to the fore at the end of their century stand. After a watchful start from both – Smith’s fifty took all of 94 deliveries – the final 39 runs to take their partnership to three figures took just 21 deliveries.It was a charge instigated by Atkinson, striking three fours in the last four balls off the 56th over, against the legspinner Zahid Mahmood who was was now in England’s sights as the bowler to target. That being said, Smith followed with successive boundaries off Sajid, albeit the second – his third six – pierced the hands of Saud Shakeel at long on.Had Shakeel been set back on the fence rather than a few feet in front, he might have ended the keeper-batter’s innings on 54. Alas, Sajid felt the brunt of that miss, taken for another two more boundaries by Smith in his next over – the first smeared over midwicket for six, the second lofted gloriously down the ground for a one-bounce four.The second took the value of the seventh wicket to 103 from just 159 deliveries. And though it would only reach 107 as Noman returned to take a catch off his own bowling as Atkinson bunted back a delivery that stuck in the pitch, Smith kept going, blasting two sixes down the ground off Zahid as he rounded on his second Test century. A third six at the end of the over was avoided thanks to exemplary work from Sajid, who took a boundary catch twice, but had to hurl the ball back in play for a second time to prevent the boundary.Alas, Smith would fall nine short, Zahid the beneficiary of a top-edged heave that was taken to end a remarkable knock and polish the legspinner’s figures, which would read 1 for 44 from 10 overs. It was Pakistan’s first wicket in 28 for a bowler other than Sajid and Noman, who combined for all 20 in second Test in Multan.Leach and Rehan Ahmed, recalled to the side for his first international appearance since February, resumed after the break but lasted just 32 deliveries, with Sajid dragging both out of the crease to claim his fifth and sixth wickets of the match, and his 15th in three innings since his recall in Multan.Naturally, Stokes opened with Leach, though he handed Atkinson the new ball at the other end for the first sight of pace, albeit for just a two-over spell. A leg bye in the second of that burst took Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub past their previous highest opening stand of 15. But having made it to 35, Bashir spun one into Shafique’s front pad for the first of three Pakistan wickets to fall for just 11 runs.An attempt to batten down the hatches through to stumps allowed England to squeeze. Leach pocketed Ayub, prodding to Root at midwicket – the middle of three catchers on the leg side – before Atkinson returned for a solitary over and profited from the low bounce to knock back the off stump of Kamran Ghulan, gone for three having marked his debut in Multan last week with a century.Masood will resume on day two with Shakeel, who was incorrectly given out on one when adjudged to have been caught by Stokes after Smith deflected the ball to his skipper at first slip when attempting a take down the leg side. It was the second of two clear errors from umpire Sharfuddoula overturned by DRS, having earlier raised the finger to Ayub at the start of the seventh over for a similarly mistaken call for a catch in the cordon.

Tottenham Hotspur are now very keen on signing an “incredible” £50m forward who’s been likened to Chelsea star Cole Palmer, according to a report.

Spurs eyeing new forward amid Son uncertainty

Thomas Frank has recently implied that Tottenham will soon have to make a big decision about Son Heung-min’s future, with the manager saying: “Right now I have a player that is fully committed and training well, and will play tomorrow. If a player has been at a club a long time, then there will always be a decision for the club to take, of course.

“Because, there is something in it if someone wants to leave at a certain stage. But the club will always decide in the end, of course.”

It doesn’t appear that a move will be on the cards in the near future, with Son clearly still a part of Frank’s plans, but given that the South Korean is now 33-years-old, it could make sense to bring in a long-term replacement this summer.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Spurs are in talks for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who could be a like-for-like replacement for Son, given that he is able to play at both left-wing and through the middle.

However, Wissa is not the only winger of interest to the Lilywhites, with a report from EFL Analysis revealing that Tottenham are very keen on signing Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, but a deal will be on the expensive side.

Despite suffering relegation from the Premier League last season, the Saints are set to hold out for a fee of £50m, showcasing just how highly Dibling is rated at St. Mary’s.

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There may be fierce competition for the winger’s signature, with Manchester United, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest also named as potential suitors, while the 19-year-old could be tempted to remain at Southampton if he believes promotion is possible.

"Incredible" Dibling likened to Palmer

The Saints were relegated without putting up much of a fight last season, but the youngster still managed to catch the eye, with Dion Dublin even comparing him to Chelsea star Palmer.

Dublin said: “Do you know what it is? I don’t want to put any pressure on him, but he plays his game like Cole Palmer, doesn’t he?He plays free and easy, and he gets himself into good positions, rolls players and takes the ball well.”

Reporter Alfie House was also left impressed by the teenager’s displays, describing him as “incredible” last November, indicating the winger could make a real impact at N17.

£50m is a large fee to shell out for a player who is yet to establish himself at the top level, but Dibling enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League, and a move to north London could be of great appeal, with Champions League football on offer.

Allrounder hits 115 to set up win against Leicestershire, whom he represented in the Blast this year

ECB Reporters Network18-Aug-2024

Lewis Goldsworthy hit a career-best 115 not out as Somerset progressed to the final of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup with a 23-run victory over holders Leicestershire Foxes at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.The hosts posted 334 for 4 after losing the toss, Goldsworthy blasting five sixes and six fours in a brilliant 86-ball innings against the team he represented on loan in this season’s Vitality Blast. James Rew contributed 71 and Andy Umeed 57.In reply, Leicestershire made 311 for 9, Peter Handscomb leading the way with 111 off 86 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes, while Ben Cox hit 49. Somerset go forward to face Glamorgan in the final at Trent Bridge on September 22.Somerset openers Umeed and George Thomas took time to assess the pace of the pitch with a solid stand of 91 in 19 overs. It ended when Thomas, on 47, departed lbw to Tom Scriven falling across his stumps, having struck seven fours.Umeed’s half-century was the tenth in his last 15 One-Day Cup innings. His 76-ball knock concluded when he tried to lift a ball from Roman Walker over mid-on and was well caught by the back-pedalling Ian Holland above his head.After 30 overs, Somerset were becalmed on 135 for 2. But Goldsworthy and Rew soon began to raise the tempo, Goldsworthy going to fifty off 52 balls and Rew quickly following off 44.The pair had taken the score to 251 in the 44th over when Rew was superbly caught by the diving Louis Kimber on the midwicket boundary off Chris Wright. By then Goldsworthy was in full flight, smashing two of his sixes in the same Holland over as Somerset plundered 119 off the last ten overs of their innings.Goldsworthy, the 23-year-old Cornishman, raised his second List A century off 79 deliveries and he went past his previous career-best score of 111 with a pulled four off Walker. Skipper Sean Dickson made a rapid 18 and Ben Green, another Leicestershire loanee this summer, cleared the ropes off Walker.Peter Handscomb’s century was not enough for Leicestershire•MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

It was Somerset’s highest-ever List A total against Leicestershire. But soon Sol Budinger and Holland were eating into it, putting on 54 in eight overs before Budinger, on 33, pulled a catch to deep square off Josh Davey.Holland and Lewis Hill then accumulated sensibly and had taken the total to 92 in the 17th over when Hill top-edged a pull off Green to be caught for 19. Holland followed in Green’s next over, bowled by a slower ball that kept low, having moved comfortably to 40.Green struck a third and vitally important blow when Ajinkya Rahane pulled a short ball straight to substitute fielder Ned Leonard at deep backward square and Leicestershire were in disarray at 106 for 4 in the 21st over.Kasey Aldridge bowled his first five overs for 11 runs to increase the pressure and at halfway in their innings the Foxes were 126 for 4, needing a further 209 at more than eight an over.While Handscomb was going strong there was hope. The experienced Aussie went to a 42-ball half-century with a six off Goldsworthy, whose second over went for 18 runs. Cox provided impressive support as the fifth-wicket partnership reached the century mark off 13.4 overs.Aldridge switched to the Marcus Trecothick Pavilion End to have Cox caught behind, having faced 55 balls. Kimber quickly followed, skying a catch off Jack Leach to long-on and Aldridge took a steepling caught and bowled to remove Liam Trevaskis.Scriven provided some belligerent blows and Handscomb went to a deserved hundred by lofting Aldridge over mid-off for four, having faced 75 balls. But when he holed out to long-on off Davey with 42 still needed, Leicestershire were a spent force.

Manchester United’s need for reinforcements is there for all to see after the club registered a 15th-place finish in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.

Ruben Amorim was unable to work his magic with the current crop of players at his disposal after taking the reins from Erik ten Hag back in November.

However, this summer presents the 40-year-old with a major opportunity to make the changes he desires to try and push the club back up the standings next time around.

He’s already completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, whilst releasing Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof to help free up funds on the wage bill.

It’s likely that numerous players will also be sacrificed to help try and raise additional money to use in the market, with numerous players already linked with a move from Old Trafford.

The latest on players who could leave United this summer

Over the last couple of days, winger Alejandro Garnacho has been a man in demand after it was confirmed that the Argentine would be allowed to depart the Red Devils this summer.

The 20-year-old registered 11 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, but attitude issues have led to links with fellow Premier League outfits Chelsea and Arsenal, with Bayer Leverkusen also interested.

However, he may not be alone in leaving the club this summer, with Joshua Zirkzee another talent who could be sacrificed, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.

They claim that they are willing to offer the Dutch international in a deal to land Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen this summer, less than 12 months after his £34m move from Serie A side Bologna.

It also confirms that the board have been disappointed by his lack of impact this season, netting just seven times in his 49 appearances across all competitions – an average of one goal every seven games.

Why United’s £105k-p/w star could be the next McTominay

Scottish international Scott McTominay left United last summer in a switch to join Napoli for just £25m, bringing his 22-year spell at Old Trafford to a disappointing end.

He registered over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, but was offloaded to raise funds for the rebuild under former boss Ten Hag – similar to the situation which Amorim faces this summer.

However, his switch across Europe has been a blessing in disguise, registering 13 goals and four assists, subsequently playing a pivotal role in Antonio Conte’s side’s ability to claim the league title in 2024/25.

Such form and achievements saw the 28-year-old named the Serie A’s Most Valuable Player for last campaign – further indicating how much of an error the club made in allowing him to depart Old Trafford.

However, the hierarchy must bear such a transfer in mind this summer with Zirkzee, potentially seeing another repeat of McTominay’s success unfold right in front of their very eyes.

The 24-year-old has certainly failed to live up to the hype, as seen by his measly goalscoring tally, but his underlying figures prove there is a player in there, needing to be given more time to thrive in England.

Zirkzee, who earns £105k-per-week in Manchester, has registered 39% of his efforts on target, with an xG of 4.83 – meaning he’s been unlucky not to score more than he has throughout his debut year in the Premier League.

Joshua Zirkzee’s stats for United in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals scored

3

Shot on target accuracy

39%

Expected goals (xG)

4.83

Successful dribbles

1.9

Aerials won

1.5

Shots taken

1.8

Stats via FotMob

He’s also completed 1.9 successful dribbles per 90, whilst also winning 1.5 aerial battles per 90 – having the all-round skillset to hand Amorim with an impressive option in 2025/26.

The former Bayern Munich star has also operated in the number 10 role at times this season, having the versatility to thrive in numerous positions, something which could be crucial given the options already moving to Old Trafford in the near future.

It would be a harsh decision to allow the forward to depart the club this window, needing to hand him another 12 months at least to demonstrate the talent he possesses.

Given the success of former United players in Italy, it would be no surprise to see Zirkzee follow in McTominay’s footsteps should he depart, with their loss potentially being someone else’s gain next campaign.

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Rangers may have to brace for the departure of one of their key players, as two clubs could soon table serious bids for his services, according to a report.

Summer of change on the horizon at Ibrox

It is set to be a summer of major change at Ibrox, with the 49ers on course to complete their takeover of the Scottish club, and the prospective new owners are also tasked with installing a new manager to replace interim boss Barry Ferguson.

Not only that, but with the Gers currently 17 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table, there are clear signs the new manager will need to make major changes to his squad in the summer window, and potential targets have already been identified.

The 49ers are plotting the statement signing of a new midfielder, with Troyes’ Metinho in their sights, amid concerns over the future of Nicolas Raskin, who the Light Blues are determined to keep hold of despite growing interest in his signature.

£3m Rangers flop must be first player Ancelotti axes & it's not Tavernier

Davide Ancelotti should instantly axe this Rangers flop before James Tavernier this summer.

2

By
Dan Emery

May 15, 2025

There has now been a new update on Raskin’s Rangers future, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing they have been rocked by major interest in the midfielder, having attracted the attention of soon-to-be Premier League side Leeds United.

Aston Villa, who made it to the Champions League quarter-finals this season, have also registered their interest in the Gers star, and there is now a feeling that a serious bid could be made for his services over the next few weeks.

The Belgian’s current £19k-a-week contract is set to run until 2027, and the Ibrox outfit are now ready to offer him a new deal, in an attempt to ward off the interest from elsewhere, and to make sure his market value is protected.

Rangers must keep hold of "phenomenal" Raskin

Having barely managed to even compete in the Scottish Premiership title race this season, the Gers may be looking to re-shape their squad this summer, but the Belgian maestro is undoubtedly one of the players they should be looking to keep hold of.

Scottish football analyst John Walker has been particularly impressed by the 24-yerar-old’s performances, having lauded him as “phenomenal” earlier in the campaign, while also claiming the central midfielder improved the entire team after returning from injury.

The Liege-born maestro has four goals and ten assists to his name in all competitions this season, most notably scoring in his side’s 3-2 victory against bitter rivals Celtic back in March.

That said, while Rangers should be looking to tie Raskin down to a new deal, he may be unwilling to commit to fresh terms, which means it could make sense to cash-in at the end of the campaign, as they should be able to command a good fee for his services this summer.

After turning their season around in excellent fashion, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly turned their attention towards keeping hold of one of Vitor Pereira’s star men.

Wolves' resurgent run under Pereira

When Wolves sacked Gary O’Neil before replacing him with a manager who had never stepped foot in the Premier League, there were plenty of concerns over their ability to avoid relegation. Five months on, however, Pereira has silenced doubters and even shared a few drinks with his fans following a recent run of six-straight Premier League victories. The Midlands club haven’t just survived under their new manager, they’ve thrived.

Vitor Pereira at Wolves

Premier Legaue record (via Transfermarkt)

Games

19

Wins

10

Draws

2

Defeats

7

Goals Scored

27

Goals Conceded

22

What makes that record even more impressive is the fact that star man Matheus Cunha has missed four of those 19 games, including three of Wolves’ six-consecutive wins between March and April.

It’s an absence that Wolves fans would have feared, but one that they now know Wolves can perform with. And that’s something that Pereira’s side will likely have to get used to amid rumours that Cunha will be on the move this summer.

The Brazilian has a release clause worth around £63m and has attracted interest from Manchester United and others as a result. Following an excellent campaign, there’s no doubt that the forward deserves a big move. Whether that big move will be to Old Trafford and a side who are on course to finish below Wolves remains to be seen, however.

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If the former Atletico Madrid man does depart, meanwhile, then those at Molineux will be in for an important summer. With money to spend, they would have to instantly replace Cunha whilst also keeping hold of their other star men amid similar interest.

Ait-Nouri set for new contract talks

According to the Express and Star, Wolves are now set to offer Rayan Ait-Nouri a fresh deal in an attempt to keep hold of their versatile left-back just over a year before his current deal expires.

Although the Algerian has gone under the radar at times this season thanks to Wolves’ early struggles, there’s no denying that it’s been another fantastic season. With three Premier League games to go, the defender has scored five goals and assisted another seven in all competitions to significantly improve on last season’s numbers.

As important to Pereira as he was O’Neil, Ait-Nouri found himself at the centre of the latter’s praise last season when his former manager told reporters: “It’s very important being able to use him in a few different positions out of necessity.

“He could roll inside and play in midfield from left back, he played as a 10 in the second half. He’s a great lad. He’s come on professionalism-wise and asks loads of questions now.”

Whilst reports suggest that Wolves value their full-back at £40m this summer, Ait-Nouri’s time at the club may not be coming to an end any time soon with a new contract seemingly set to be on the table.

Seamer shines as late replacement for Jofra Archer and could still force his way into World Cup contention

Vithushan Ehantharajah11-Sep-2025Not all England caps are equal, and Luke Wood would have been under no illusions that his 10th across formats on Wednesday evening was, essentially, as a fall guy. And yet, with 2 for 22 from his two overs, he left the first T20I against South Africa with something worthwhile.After enough Cardiff deluges for three rainbows and a start delayed by two hours and 20 minutes, England called an audible on the XI they had announced on Tuesday. The outfield was deemed too saturated for Jofra Archer; a four-year journey back to all formats has been physically, emotionally and financially taxing enough to not be worth what became a forgettable defeat across 12.5 overs at a slip-and-slide Sophia Gardens.”I wouldn’t run my horse around here in this type of weather, let alone my premium fast bowlers,” former England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan joked. The current one, Harry Brook agreed: “It would have been stupid to play him.” And thus, as uncouth as it may sound, wiser to risk Wood.Related

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Brook, aligned with head coach Brendon McCullum, made the decision to park Archer as soon as the match was set to be reduced. It meant Wood had under two hours to prepare. Such was the regularity of showers throughout the day, it would have only been when the left-arm seamer had the ball in his hand at 8.50pm, ready to kick things off from the River Taff End, that he would have known there was actual work to be done.He removed Ryan Rickleton with his second ball, a late away-swinger drawing an edge through to Jos Buttler. Lhuan-dre Pretorius was pocketed with his penultimate one, rushing the batter into an ungainly hack that required an acrobatic effort from Brook at mid-off. He should have had Aiden Markram on 24, when Phil Salt spilled a far simpler catch at cow corner; Wood then held on to dismiss Markram off Adil Rashid an over later.Brook, clearly exhausted at the end of a long night of an already long summer, lauded Wood’s efforts: “He didn’t have much time to prepare, but he went out and did a good job with the new ball, as he always does.”It was a sincere appraisal from Brook, more so than his intimation at the toss that Wood’s inclusion was on tactical grounds for what initially began as a nine-over affair. The 30-year-old may have been collateral, but he was the only England player to inflict any real damage on their opponents.This is a fascinating period in Wood’s career, one which the man himself had assumed would be without any international requirements. His participation in the West Indies T20Is at the start of this season could hardly be termed a recall given his previous seven appearances in 2022 and 2023 came, much like Wednesday, as a seat filler for the A-listers. Even his inclusion for May and June’s ODIs against West Indies was the result of Archer-related caution.There is a lot to like about Wood; quick enough, always finding movement through the air, and doing so immediately. Rickleton was the 11th batter he has removed in the first over of a T20 in 2025 alone – only fellow English leftie David Willey has more (14).Wood is also not shy of a bit of confrontation. These traits were brought to the fore in Brook’s second match as T20I captain in June, with a player-of-the-match display of 2 for 25. It was reminiscent of Wood’s T20I debut in Pakistan back in 2022, another award-winning turn of 3 for 24.Such was the impression Wood made that there were unofficial, idle thoughts that he could come into contention for the India Test series had England encountered a handful more injuries to their already depleted fast bowling stocks. His last first-class match came in September 2023, one of two County Championship appearances for Lancashire that season. But as was the case with Jamie Overton this summer, a lack of red-ball experience might not have precluded Wood from selection.Overton has since made himself unavailable for Test cricket ahead of the Ashes to prolong his career in the shorter formats. Though Wood need not make any official statements, having never earned a Test call-up, his winter has already been hitched to the franchise circuit with Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, which runs from December 2 to January 4. It is worth noting that since the 2023 home summer, Wood’s 72 matches since have been exclusively in the T20 formatNevertheless, the remaining two matches against South Africa, next week’s jaunt to Ireland and October’s tour of New Zealand will present Wood further opportunities to press his case for 2026’s T20 World Cup squad. Having been on the periphery for England’s success in 2022, as a late replacement on the reserve shortlist, he may finally be considered first-string.On an otherwise treacherous night that Brook regarded as “a bit of a shambles”, Wood was able to emerge unscathed and better for it.

With quiet confidence, they are continuing to announce their presence at the World Cup

Firdose Moonda12-Oct-20231:40

Steyn: South Africa bowlers had the energy that Australia lacked

Kagiso Rabada was not so much laughing at Steven Smith as with technology when the big screen flashed three reds. It confirmed that the delivery Rabada bowled, which straightened from middle stump and struck Smith high on the pad would go on to hit leg stump, something very few people, other than Quinton de Kock, thought would happen.It was on de Kock’s nod that Temba Bavuma decided to review what seemed an appeal for appealing’s sake. On immediate assessment, the ball appeared to be missing leg even going over the stumps. Rabada himself was “hoping for an umpire’s call,” so South Africa could retain the review and Smith would be temporarily stopped from taking him on. The previous two balls were hit for four and Smith looked in imperious form but with the help of the DRS, his stay was cut short and Rabada created an opening into Australia’s middle-order. It was as good a time as any to have a chuckle.Related

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The significance of that wicket lies both in the fact that it was Smith who was dismissed and that it was Rabada who did the dismissing and the events it triggered. The pair have history, of course, dating back to 2018 when Rabada’s shoulder made contact with Smith as he celebrated removing him in a Test match at St George’s Park. Then, the incident sparked the unraveling of Australia in a series now known as Sandpapergate. This time, it also prompted a collapse: Australia lost four wickets for 20 runs starting with Smith and Rabada was responsible for three of them.He cleaned Josh Inglis up – a wicket that was clearly a wicket – and had Marcus Stoinis caught behind off the bottom glove, which may or may not have been in contact with the top glove. Technology, again, smiled on South Africa.But it would be grossly unfair on South Africa to attach their win to the gains they made on the DRS – though it is worth mentioning that the only time Australia asked for a review on the field half-heartedly was when they thought Quinton de Kock had nicked off Cummins and UltraEdge showed only a flat line – and not give credit to a flexible batting blueprint backed up by potent attack. Unlike in Delhi, where South Africa could capitalise on the last 10 overs, where they scored 137 runs against Sri Lanka, on a surface that slowed up in Lucknow, they had to start well and did.De Kock and Temba Bavuma are now South Africa’s most successful opening pair by average and have shared four century stands. De Kock, freed from the burdens of continuing in this format post the World Cup, is playing as well as he has ever done but that does not mean he is doing it recklessly. In fact, his starts have become more circumspect, his shot selection more careful and his understanding of his scoring areas more clear. Today, he targeted the short boundary, just 63 metres square of the wicket and played a selection of reverse-sweeps just wide of that in a display of pinpoint placement.That de Kock is having a good World Cup so far after South Africa’s poor showing in 2019 bodes well for the team; that Rabada is, is even better.Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi were on fire with the ball•Getty ImagesFour years ago, Rabada was bowling in an attack that was supposed to be led by Dale Steyn, who ended up having to withdraw with a shoulder injury. Now, he is supposed to lead the attack – which is without its most intimidating quick Anrich Nortje and its death bowling specialist Sisanda Magala – and is also supposed to do it from first change. South Africa have made what Rabada called a “team decision,” to open the bowling with Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen in a search for any early swing. That paid off handsomely in Lucknow.While the heat of the day was leaving the city, it found a home in South Africa’s new ball bowlers, Ngidi in particular. His opening spell of five overs included two scoreless ones and the wicket of David Warner, cost nine runs and was consistently delivered at 144 kph. He stuck to back of a length and maintained tight lines and said after the match that he feels fitter and stronger than before. Given who South Africa are missing, that’s good news.South Africa are also demonstrating qualities of adaptation that are needed in a long tournament across various venues. In Delhi, they picked four seamers and a spinner, in Lucknow, they opted for a three-two combination on a surface that was expected to, and did, offer some turn. By the time Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi were called on, the bulk of the damage was already done and there may still be questions over how quickly they cleaned up the Australian tail. For Rabada, South Africa played ‘pretty much the perfect game.”Over the last seven years, they have an exceptional record against Australia and had beaten them in 15 out of 20 ODIs before today, including winning a recent home series 3-2. That was the only competitive cricket South Africa played between April and this World Cup. Australia, on the other hand, have competed in an Ashes, a white-ball series in England and South Africa and played ODIs in India before the tournament and could, understandably, be spent. Their fielding performance suggested as much and the crowd kept a tally of their missed chances and displayed them on a banner to remind them how much they were getting wrong. It would also be that given the recent results, South Africa have figured Australia out. But there’s another option here. It could also be that South Africa have finally figured themselves – the squad that came to this World Cup – out.Their bowlers came into this tournament with some big names and reputations but without Nortje and Magala were very much seen as the supporting cast to their stellar top six, who are expected to set the tone. It’s helped that they were put in to bat in both matches and have yet to be tested in a chase. It has also helped that they have come in under the radar in both their own country and this one. South Africans are focused on the Springboks – who play a Rugby World Cup quarter-final against hosts France – this weekend and in India, the focus is on the home team, on England, on Pakistan and now, on whether Australia can get back on track.Perhaps quietly, that has given South Africa the opportunity to have a laugh amongst themselves as they continue to announce their presence at this event. But is it too early to dare to dream? Obviously.”We’re still a long way away but there are plenty of positives to take. It’s just about leaving this behind once we leave that behind and focus on the next game, that’s it,” Rabada said.And for now, that’s it that we’ll say about South Africa.

He could have been a high-flying management professional, but this Rajinikanth devotee chose a different path

Shashank Kishore20-Sep-2021″I was a bright student, inclined towards academics. It’s generally the other way round, especially in orthodox South Indian families, where parents push kids to focus on studies. In my case, my mother pushed me towards playing cricket.”Venkatesh Iyer, 26, couldn’t have been more thankful to his mother on Monday, after being handed his IPL cap by the Kolkata Knight Riders.Iyer, who bats in the top order and bowls handy medium pace for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit, started like most kids in India – playing for fun. “Honestly, I started playing when my mother would often nudge me to get outdoors and burn energy rather than being cooped up indoors with books all the time,” he laughs. And then life happened, and academics would soon take over. Cricket wouldn’t make an appearance until he was nearly 19.Iyer enrolled for a B.Com degree, alongside a chartered accountancy degree. Once he cleared the intermediate examination in 2016, Iyer had a decision to make. Attempting the CA finals would mean giving up the game, or at least temporarily putting his cricket career on hold.He had already made his T20 and 50-overs debuts for the Madhya Pradesh senior team and was captain of the state’s Under-23 team. A first-class debut was imminent, and he let his instincts take over.”I decided to give up my CA and pursue an MBA in finance,” Iyer says. “I gave a lot of entrance exams, had decent scores, and enrolled into a good college. I was fortunate the faculty liked cricket, and they saw I was doing well, and gave me the cushion by taking care of my attendance, preparing notes and rescheduling exams.’I quickly realised you could have a conversation with just about everyone’ – Iyer on the KKR team environment•KKR”Honestly, I didn’t have to put in a lot of effort to manage both. I’m not bragging, I’ve always been a bright student, I can’t say the same about my cricket. That is the kind of confidence I have in my academics. Had there been no cricket, I would have landed in an IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) or IIM (Indian Institute of Management).”If it came down to training or classes, I’d often choose training, because my grasping power was good. But if I went to college for just two hours, I’d ensure my focus would completely be on those two lectures. They anyway gave me the cushion of lower attendance. That helped me pursue an internship too.”During the off-season, when it rains in Indore, I’d play weekend league cricket in Chennai, and focus on my studies during the week. Everything was very smooth, there was nothing even worthy of time management. If anything, maybe I could have worked on my fitness better.”Iyer landed a job with the “Big Four” accounting firm Deloitte, at their India headquarters in Bengaluru in 2018. It was decision time again, and Iyer let go of the offer, which he eventually wouldn’t regret, because he soon made his Ranji Trophy debut for Madhya Pradesh in December that year.”I knew I wasn’t going to take up the offer,” he says. “I would’ve had to move cities, and that would’ve meant the end of my cricket. We all need a Plan B in life, right? So my MBA was just that. My parents anyway wanted me to complete a basic degree. Dad is a Human Resources consultant, mom has spent many years in hospital administration. A basic degree is all they asked of me. With their help and of course the faculty at college, I was able to focus equally on both academics and cricket.”While letting the job go was tough, Iyer justified it in his own way. “I had a good one-day season, I hadn’t got a hundred, but then we had two three-day practice games against Chhattisgarh. In the first game I got out cheaply, but the second one was the turning point,” he says. “I had my MBA internal exams, so I went to college, gave the exams, left early, jumped a few signals on the way, and when we got to the ground, we were 60 for 6.”I was actually thinking about the answers I missed, things I could’ve written better, but as I took guard I went blank. I made a century in the game. Actually I ended on 96 overnight, so I came back the next day, finished my batting, I think I made 130 or 132, and then went back to college late in the afternoon to give my internals the next day. And soon after that game I got to make my Ranji debut.”Venkatesh Iyer made his Ranji Trophy debut in December 2018•PTI While he has been around the domestic circuit since 2015, Iyer came into his own in the truncated 2020-21 season, when he had a prolific white-ball season. He topped the run-charts for his side in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with 227 runs in five innings at an average of 75.66 and a strike rate of 149.34. Then in the one-day competition, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he came into his own, hitting a blistering 146-ball 198 against Punjab that helped Madhya Pradesh amass 402 for 3.In the first half of the IPL, match time eluded Iyer, but he says time spent with the team helped him gain a perspective around his cricket. He credits the hierarchy of communication at KKR for this, and the openness with which he could communicate with the senior leadership group. He also derived great satisfaction at being able to play the likes of Pat Cummins and Sunil Narine in the nets.”It’s a great set-up, you learn so much being in a team environment,” he says. “Sometimes as young players you tend to get overawed, you tend to feel ‘oh, but can I go up and talk to them.’ For me, I looked at all this very normally. And in this set-up, I quickly realised you could have a conversation with just about everyone. That is the best part of the group and I’ve enjoyed the time with the franchise.”Off the field, Iyer loves reading, and watching cooking shows and movies. He is a huge Rajinikanth fan. “A (boss) devotee,” he laughs. “I can watch his movies ‘n’ number of times. He’s a legend.”Iyer doesn’t believe in looking too far ahead, but wants to make the most of his opportunities as they come. For starters, he wants to make a mark in the second phase of the IPL and then translate that into success in the upcoming domestic season.In the Tamil blockbuster , Rajinikanth’s character belts out the punchline “.” It translates to something like “my way is unique.””That line has become my punchline too,” Iyer says. “It’s been a fabulous journey, hopefully with many more learnings and good experiences along the way.”

Aaron Boone called upon relief pitcher Fernando Cruz to get the Yankees out of a bases-loaded jam against the Red Sox on Tuesday night—and he did just that, leading to quite the fired-up reaction.

After taking over for starter Carlos Rodón in the top of the seventh with runners on first and second, Cruz retired three of the four Boston batters he faced—finishing the frame by forcing Trevor Story into a pop out to deep center field.

The inning-closing out had Cruz understandably fired up. Take a look at how he celebrated:

Boone's decision to leave his starter in Rodón in the game for as long as he did nearly backfired, but Cruz saved his manager's you-know-what. One question remains, however. Where'd his hat go?!

The Yankees and Red Sox are tied 3–3 in Game 2 as they enter the ninth inning from the Bronx. The winner of the American League wild-card series will move onto the divisional round, where they'll take on the Blue Jays.