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Chelsea ran out 2-1 winners over Premier League champions Liverpool on Saturday despite fielding a weakened side, and Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards says a previously struggling player shined alongside Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea battle to dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool

After what was a difficult last few weeks in the build up to their clash at Stamford Bridge, with reports even suggesting tension between Enzo Maresca and Chelsea’s board (Simon Phillips), the Blues couldn’t have gone into the international break on more of a high.

Supporters perhaps feared the worst, knowing that Maresca had precious few options to pick from defensively, with Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo all forced to miss Liverpool through injury or suspension.

Maresca elected to start youngster Josh Acheampong alongside Benoit Badiashile at the heart of Chelsea’s defence, and the duo managed to keep Arne Slot’s side fairly at bay as the West Londoners sealed a dramatic victory.

Caicedo opened the scoring with one of the goals of the season so far, thundering a long-range strike past Giorgi Marmadashvilli just 14 minutes into the keeper’s Premier League debut.

Cody Gakpo managed to grab one back for the visitors, but it was exciting teenage sensation Estevao Willian who scored next deep into added time — securing all three points as the delighted Maresca was sent off for his jubilant celebrations.

Caicedo and Estevao grabbed most of the headlines for their obvious contributions on an afternoon to remember for Chelsea, but a few other star performers deserve a worthy mention.

Star right-back Reece James was impeccable against Liverpool, and Chelsea will be praying the Englishman’s shin problem isn’t too serious after he withdrew from the England squad with Man City’s Nico O’Reilly replacing him.

Statistics

James

Match rank

Tackles

5

1st

Defensive actions

10

1st

Blocks

1

1st

Interceptions

2

2nd

Key passes

2

4th

Accurate passes

50

2nd

Duels contested

10

3rd

Duels won

8

1st

Aerial duels won

2

1st

Touches

83

1st

SofaScore rating

7.2

5th

As well as the aforementioned, redeemed star Enzo Fernandez once again proved very capable in his more advanced midfield role.

The Argentina international was struggling to justify his mammoth price tag around this time last year after a difficult start to life in London, but he’s since become a mainstay of Maresca’s midfield as Fernandez also attracts serious rumoured interest from Real Madrid.

Micah Richards says Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez now has "everything"

Speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, Richards was effusive in his praise for the 24-year-old after Liverpool — saying Fernandez now has “everything” after becoming a “leader” at Chelsea.

Even taking into account the odd sub-par performance this season, Maresca has made it clear what he thinks of Fernandez, with the Italian underlining his plan to utilise the ex-Benfica star in an attacking midfield role more often than not.

Wayne Rooney’s son Kai is nearing a return to action after suffering a “life can’t get any worse” injury blow. The talented youngster, who continues to catch the eye in the Red Devils’ academy system, has been nursing a foot problem since September. His recovery is almost complete, with Rooney junior back in boots and stepping out onto the training field.

• Another Rooney to lead the line for Man Utd?

  Kai celebrated turning 16 on November 2, but has spent several weeks stuck on the sidelines unable to do what he loves most. The highly-rated teenager is held in high regard at Old Trafford, with there every chance that he will follow in the illustrious footsteps of his famous father.

  Wayne remains United’s all-time leading scorer, having registered 253 goals for the Red Devils, but could see his eldest son begin to chase down that record at some point in the not too distant future.

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• Has Kai Rooney recovered from injury?

  Kai has been stepping up the age groups in United’s youth ranks, earning a call-up to their U19 side prior to being laid low with an untimely knock. He has already savoured success in tournaments around Europe, with trophy wins being added to his CV.

  It was, however, revealed in September 2025 that a blow to his right foot had been suffered – leaving Rooney sporting a protective boot. He posted an image on social media alongside the caption: “Life can’t get worse.”

  More pictures from behind the scenes have now been shared, with Kai revealing how close he is to earning a recall at United. He is back on the grass, with boots being laced up again as he works on rebuilding match fitness and sharpness.

  Instagram

• Man Utd urged to appoint Rooney as a coach

  The Rooneys have been lapping up some sunshine of late, with Kai joining dad Wayne on a trip to Dubai. The ex-England captain was in the Middle East during the October half-term break as he continues to deliver coaching sessions in that region with Football Escapes. He was joined on this occasion at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel by former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham defender Michael Dawson.

  Having enjoyed a relaxing break, Kai is now ready to resume his football career. It has been suggested that his ongoing development could be aided by a return to Old Trafford for his father – who has struggled as a manager across stints with Derby, D.C. United, Birmingham and Plymouth.

  Former team-mate Danny Simpson recently told GOAL when asked if United should add Rooney to their coaching team – allowing him to work with Kai in the academy ranks: “Kai, I’ve seen him play a few times and he looks fantastic – looks just like his dad but obviously left-footed! Any time that you get a chance to bring these ex-players back in, I think you have to. Whether he would want to do that, I don’t know.”

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  Disney documentary: What next for the Rooneys?

  Kai has not always wanted his father to be that close, with mother Coleen telling of how Wayne can be an unwelcome distraction: “I’ve got to make them aware that with social media, things can come back around again. My eldest is 15, he’s at a football academy [in Manchester] where they have social media workshops. They’re told if they put anything online now and you’re in the public eye, it can affect you later on.

  “But I think our kids grew up with it. There’s certain things that it does affect – there were times when the kids have said, when Wayne was playing, ‘Can Dad stay at home?’ because we didn’t get around the theme park. Or, ‘He’s not watching me play football because he’s being asked for selfies.’

  “He’s grateful for fans too, so it’s a hard situation. We’ve obviously made them aware of things as they’ve got older and started to understand things.”

  Wayne is free to watch Kai in action at present, having opted against another return to management, with the 40-year-old enjoying punditry work with Match of the Day and TNT Sports. He is also set to star in an upcoming Disney+ documentary alongside Coleen and their four sons.

Pant had shown dissent by throwing the ball on the ground in front of the umpires on the third day after they had refused to change the ball

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2025

Rishabh Pant has scored two centuries in the Headingley Test•Getty Images

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been handed an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Headingley Test. In addition, one demerit point has been added to Pant’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in 24 months.The ICC found that Pant had breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.” The incident had occurred in the 61st over of England’s first innings when Pant was having a discussion with the umpires regarding the condition of the ball, while Ben Stokes and Harry Brook were at the crease.”When the umpires refused to change the ball after checking it with the ball gauge, the wicket-keeper showed his dissent by throwing the ball on the ground in front of the umpires,” the ICC release said. Pant admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Richie Richardson, after the charges were brought in by on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel.The first Test of the series is poised nicely for the last day, with England set a target of 371. They were 21 for 0 after the fourth day, with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley at the crease.

Thomas Frank must be wondering what the fuss is all about. Managing Tottenham Hotspur isn’t that tricky, is it? Think again.

Spurs kicked off their Premier League campaign with back-to-back wins over Burnley and Manchester City. They even led PSG 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup. However, a mini crisis is always around the corner at Spurs.

While crisis may be pushing it a bit, their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday did raise some alarm bells. The Cherries managed 20 shots. Spurs managed just five and failed to create a single big chance.

Well, the arrival of Xavi Simons should certainly help in that regard, but is there more to come for the Lilywhites? Quite possibly.

Spurs transfer deadline day plans

If there’s one area that Spurs could recruit in during the dying hours of the transfer window, it’s in attack where you sense some quality is still left to be found.

A number of players, including Ademola Lookman and Savinho have been touted, with both players hoping to move before the window slams shut.

Savinho, in particular, is pushing for a move to north London and has been left frustrated by Manchester City’s stance this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, it would appear an alternative has been lined up. According to The Independent this Sunday, one player Spurs are said to be ‘looking’ at is AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.

The report states that Spurs would ‘prefer’ to sign a winger before 7pm on Monday, although a move for Leao is seen as a difficult one to do at this moment in time.

Why Leao is as exciting as Simons

After James Maddison suffered an ACL injury it was imperative that Spurs went out and signed another no.10.

They failed with their pursuit of Eberechi Eze but it matters no more as far as Frank and Co are concerned. Simons is now a Spurs player.

He was unveiled in front of Tottenham supporters prior to the defeat to Bournemouth and he must have been wishing he was on the field to help his new teammates.

Help is exactly what he’ll provide, specifically from a creative point of view. He’s also a goalscorer and could transform this Spurs attack.

In 2024/25, the former Leipzig man scored 11 goals and supplied eight assists. The campaign prior, the young Dutchman was even better, netting ten times and registering 15 assists.

Games

25

Goals & assists

17

Pass accuracy

83%

Chances created

2.2

Successful dribbles

1.4

Tackles won

75%

Duels won

5.7

Yet, Leao, who has been causing chaos for Champions League defences in recent years, would be an even more exciting addition.

The primary reason is that, in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, he is “one of the best left wingers in the world”.

Why is that the case? Well, back in 2022, Milan coach Stefano Pioli said: “Leao reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry, who started wide then came inside.”

It’s safe to say he’s one of the most captivating forwards in the world, something backed up by the numbers. In 2024/25, the Portuguese winger scored 12 times and also provided 13 assists in all competitions. One year prior, the electric speedster scored 15 and managed 14 assists.

He’s a duel threat packed with speed, chaos and energy. He’s like a younger Heung-min Son in that sense.

Over the last year, the 26-year-old ranks inside the top 4% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons. He’s so lively and that ability to beat a player and get in behind a backline will be game-changing alongside Simons.

The Netherlands international is a superb pick-up for Spurs but Leao is a true game-changer. He’s been renowned as one of the best wingers in European football for a number of years now and would be the maverick forward Frank needs to really push on domestically and on the continent this season.

Simons will love him: £69m star wants to seal deadline day move to Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur could conclude a late deal after bringing Xavi Simons to the club.

2 ByMatt Dawson Aug 31, 2025

Alejandro Garnacho broke his silence on his bitter Manchester United exit after an impressive performance for Chelsea during their Champions League win over Benfica. The Argentine winger shone under the lights of Stamford Bridge as Chelsea edged past Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League. His dangerous cross forced Richard Rios into an own goal, sealing a priceless 1-0 win for Enzo Maresca’s side.

• The 'bomb squad' fallout

  Garnacho’s Chelsea move came after he was lumped together with Marcus Rashford, Antony and others in a so-called 'bomb squad', training away from the first-team picture as Ruben Amorim decided they no longer fit his plans. While his former team-mates scrambled for new clubs, Garnacho eventually landed in London. Four appearances in for Chelsea, with two starts under his belt, it’s looking like a transfer that could haunt United.

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  Garnacho eager to move on

  Garnacho's attitude was frequently criticised at United and he engaged in a public spat with Amorim, which ultimately led to him being exiled from the United first team. The Argentine has been given a fresh start at Chelsea, though, and is eager to move on from a difficult period in his career. Speaking after the Benfica match, Garnacho chose not to lash out at his old club, despite the bitter split. 

  “I’ve got nothing bad to say about my old club Manchester United, just bad moments in life," he told . "I’m very happy to be here now, play in this competition and get 3 points today."

• Maresca lavishes praise on winger

  Chelsea boss Maresca gave a glowing assessment of the young winger. The Chelsea boss highlighted not just Garnacho’s attacking flair, but the dirty work he put in without the ball during the narrow win over Benfica. 

  "Not only on the ball, I think defensively he was very good, the way he pressed," he said. "In the last third, he has freedom to go one-on-one when he decides. To arrive in the box is important because it’s from there we score goals."

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  Liverpool test looms large

  As Chelsea gear up to face Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend, the big question is whether Garnacho has done enough to earn his first league start. Handing Garnacho the nod against the champions would be the ultimate vote of confidence, and another chance for the winger to show United exactly what they’ve lost.

Nottingham Forest are probing in their hunt for some late transfer additions and are now preparing a bid to bring a talented midfielder to the City Ground, according to a report.

Nuno Espirito Santo situation still uncertain at Nottingham Forest

Despite a fantastic campaign for all involved last term, Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has come under the microscope in recent days after publically calling for more reinforcements before the window closes.

With the power struggle at the City Ground rumbling on, European football expert Julien Laurens believes the former Tottenham Hotspur boss won’t win a battle of wits with Evangelos Marinakis, but it remains to be seen whether speculation over his future will begin to subside.

He said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “This is a battle that Nuno will lose. We all know that once you start questioning your owner, it’s done. For him to come out with this unprompted – he offered it to the whole world – he knows that it is coming and that he can’t win this battle.”

Either way, Nottingham Forest are pushing for signings and Aston Villa star Matty Cash is a key target to offer competition for Ola Aina at right-back.

Furthermore, the Tricky Trees want to bring in Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to battle with Matz Sels and Angus Gunn, given their busy schedule that will involve juggling both domestic football and their Europa League adventure.

Earning a surprise upgrade on European competition at the expense of Crystal Palace has offered greater recognition for Forest’s excellent 2024/25 campaign.

Nevertheless, their Premier League rivals are beginning to make tracks on the recruitment front, so it will come as no surprise to hear that they are now set to make a beeline for a talented midfielder who could be on the move.

Nottingham Forest preparing bid for Mads Bidstrup

According to Salzburger Nachrichten via Nottingham Forest News, Nottingham Forest are preparing a £17 million offer for RB Salzburg star Mads Bidstrup, though his current employers are set to boot out the bid despite being tempted to cash in.

Encouragingly, the Koge-born man is said to be open to a move to the City Ground, meaning that if a higher proposal is submitted, he may edge closer to pitching up on the River Trent ahead of the transfer deadline.

Nottingham Forest now submit higher bid than West Ham for £15m midfielder

The Tricky Trees are looking to move ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race for a midfielder.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 24, 2025

Labelled “silky” and “outstanding” by AnalyticsForest, the 24-year-old is Salzburg’s club captain and has made eight appearances already this season, featuring either in central midfield or a deeper-lying role.

Cementing his reputation as a tough tackler, he has won 21 duels on league duty this term, via Fotmob, and has previously spent time at Brentford before joining the Austrian giants.

With some experience of English football already under his belt, Bidstrup will hope he can show his maturity to claim a place in Espirito Santo’s engine room.

MatériaMais Notícias

Um Alexandre Pato focado, espirituoso e de família. Essa foi a imagem que o atacante de 33 anos quis passar durante sua apresentação oficial para a terceira passagem no São Paulo, na terça-feira (30), no CT da Barra Funda. Sem rodeios, de fato o jogador se disse mais concentrado. E disposto a assumir a função de um exemplo para os mais jovens do elenco tricolor. Tal como seus ídolos de Milan foram com ele quando foi um adolescente de 17 anos, sozinho na Itália. Confira:

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Kylian Mbappe received a Lionel Messi reality check from Leonardo Balerdi ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille. Balerdi believes that Argentina team-mate Messi "will be the best player in the world until he retires", though he does admit Kylian Mbappe is among the top players in the game right now.

• Getty Images
  

  Messi still ahead of Mbappe in Balerdi's eyes

  Ahead of their trip to Santiago Bernabeu, Marseille captain Balerdi has expressed his belief that Messi will continue to remain the best player in the world until he announces his retirement. Balerdi does, however, also admire Mbappe's qualities and has been particularly impressed by his performances in Real Madrid colours this year.

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  Mbappe at a 'great level' with Real Madrid

  Ahead of the game, Balerdi was asked if Mbappe is the best player in the world, to which he replied: "Until Messi retires, Messi will be the best player in the world. But I’m sure Kylian is one of the best in the world, too. He’s been proving it for years, and this year he’s also at a great level."

• Balerdi reveals plan to stop Mbappe

  The Marseille skipper also hinted that Roberto De Zerbi's side will have a plan to keep Mbappe and the rest of Madrid's star players under wraps, as he added: "If you look at the names on Real Madrid’s roster, it’s impressive. But we have to work the same way. The players are top quality, but we have to do what we do every weekend: stay focused. Any opportunity can change the course of the match. We’re ready to play against these great players. It’s a challenge, and we have to be smart."

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  Crucial week of action for Los Blancos

  Following their Champions League opener against Marseille on Tuesday, Mbappe will be back in action for Madrid against Espanyol on September 20 in a La Liga clash. Xabi Alonso's side are currently top of the table with four wins from their opening four games of the new season, but cannot afford any slip-ups with arch-rivals and reigning champions Barcelona only two points behind them in second.

India put on a chasing masterclass in Ahmedabad after their bowlers – led by Deepti Sharma’s 3 for 39 – restricted New Zealand to 232

Ashish Pant29-Oct-20243:55

Mandhana: ‘Team still had half a mind on World Cup, series win will boost confidence’

After scores of 5 and 0 in the first two ODIs, Smriti Mandhana regained her touch in the series decider as she cracked her third ODI century of the year, helping India beat New Zealand by six wickets and take the three-match series 2-1. She was ably supported by first Yastika Bhatia (35) and then Harmanpreet Kaur (59 not out) as India put on a chasing masterclass in Ahmedabad.Batting first, New Zealand rode largely on Brooke Halliday’s career-best 86 off 96 balls as she lifted her side from the depths of 88 for 5 in the 24th over to 232 all out in 49.5 overs. Teams batting first won both ODIs in the series, but India were having none of it as the top order shone through in the chase as they romped home with 34 balls to spare.Mandhana had fallen to the outside-the-off-stump trap twice in two innings in this ODI series. In the first game, she carved Jess Kerr to backward point. Two days later, she did it again, chipping it straight to point for a duck. So, when Mandhana came out in pursuit of New Zealand’s target of 233, she was circumspect to the point that in the first three overs, she shouldered arms to at least five balls. She was ready to be patient and build her innings. The move paid dividends.Mandhana has had a good 2024 in ODIs, having scored two centuries and a half-century in six innings coming into this game. On Tuesday, she played the patient game. She was on 9 off 26 balls at one point, but did not throw it away. She had a slice of luck when she seemingly inside-edged a Lea Tahuhu full-length delivery on to her pad in the third over. Replays later suggested the ball had hit her pad first and had New Zealand reviewed, she would have been out. It was the luck Mandhana needed, and she did not look back.ESPNcricinfo LtdAt the other end, Shafali, though, had no such luck. She got going with two crips fours, but was caught down the leg side after a faint nick in the fourth over.Mandhana was joined by Bhatia in the middle and the two kept their composure in the chase. Mandhana struck her first four in the ninth over, a swivel-pull against Sophie Devine, followed by a chip down the ground off Eden Carson. Bhatia also struck a few smart boundaries. They added 76 runs for the second wicket before Bhatia was caught and bowled by Devine.Harmanpreet walked out at No. 4 and with a platform set, the two went about their innings calmly. Mandhana brought up her half-century with a short-arm jab through midwicket and soon started finding the fence with more regularity. Harmanpreet, too, was wary initially but soon found the measure of the surface and the runs started flowing from both ends. They brought up the 50-run stand for the third wicket in the 31st over.Harmanpreet did go down with cramps not long after, but that was not going to stop her. She unleashed an array of drives and pulls with Mandhana also going after Devine. Harmanpreet reached her half-century off 54 balls while Mandhana got to her century, the eighth of her career, off 121 balls with a push down the ground. She fell without adding another run, cleaned up by Hannah Rowe, but the job was done by then.Jemimah Rodrigues walked out and immediately got four fours away as India could see the finishing line. She fell lbw to Fran Jonas with India needing a run, and Harmanpreet fittingly finished off the chase in the 45th over.Brooke Halliday hit three sixes despite tiring in the heat•BCCIEarlier, Halliday braved the scorching Ahmedabad heat as she strung important stands with Izabella Gaze and Rowe, before Tahuhu smashed an unbeaten 24 off 14 balls to get New Zealand past the 230-run mark.It was a much-improved Indian fielding show on display in the third ODI. They had dropped as many as six catches in the second ODI, to go with multiple misfields, as they went down heavily. But they came out as a unit on a mission on Tuesday, led by the two usual fielding stars, Radha Yadav and Rodrigues, as they frustrated the New Zealand openers, Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, in the powerplay.Rodrigues was into the act in the third over as she almost effected a run-out after a stunning save at short extra-cover, with Bates having to dive full length to just about make her crease. Rodrigues’ brilliance came to the fore in the seventh over again when there was a spot of miscommunication between the two batters and this time Bates was caught well short of her crease despite the dive.Plimmer had, meanwhile, started to find the hang of the red-soil surface. She got her boundary-counter running with a solid on-drive off Renuka Thakur before piercing the gap between mid-off and cover off the same bowler. Saima Thakor was also driven for two fours in three balls in the sixth over, but she bounced back with the wicket of Lauren Down, removing her with a gentle length ball that tailed away late and caught her outside edge.Devine, the star of the second ODI, looked ominous from the get-go, striking two authoritative fours within her first seven balls. But she was undone by a stunning wrong’un from Priya Mishra as she went back to a delivery that she ideally should have been forward to, and the ball crashed into her middle stump.Deepti Sharma was named the Player of the Series•BCCIHalliday, though, looked the part all the way. She got off the mark with an elegant off drive, but regular wickets at the other end pinned New Zealand down. Plimmer was removed by Mishra, who induced a thick outside edge, with Deepti Sharma taking a sharp catch at slip – she was guilty of dropping three catches in the second ODI.New Zealand then lost half their side when another miscommunication ensued between Maddy Green and Halliday, with the former stuck in the middle of the pitch. Rodrigues was again in the thick of things at point.Halliday had to do the repair job, and she found an ally in Gaze. Halliday struck her first six in the 38th over off Mishra, and soon reached her sixth ODI fifty with a flick in the 40th over.Gaze fell chipping a full toss meekly back to Deepti for her first wicket, but Halliday and Rowe carried on by adding 47 off 41 balls for the seventh wicket. Halliday, who was spent by that time, put her foot on the pedal, even showing off a few innovative reverse hits and paddles. She managed to generate enough power to clear the ropes twice – once off Harmanpreet Kaur and then off Deepti – but fell in the 46th over caught at deep midwicket.Rowe fell soon after but Tahuhu smashed two fours and a six to help New Zealand end on a high. Eventually, they were well below par.

Morkel said he interacted with the players about their goals and was “blown away” by how professional they were

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Sep-2024

The Indian team is having a preparatory camp in Chennai before the Bangladesh Test series•PTI

As India’s new bowling coach, Morne Morkel’s foremost goal is to protect an already well-oiled set-up, and make sure the players “feel at home” despite the weight of expectations.Morkel, who replaced Paras Mhambrey in the role last month, joined the team in Chennai, where it is preparing for the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh.”Coming here, this is a set-up that operates by itself,” Morkel said on bcci.tv. “To protect that and make it better in small ways is going to be the goal.”When I was sitting in the plane, I reflected that we are so lucky to have quality senior players and they will lead the charge. Our responsibility is to support them and give them the best sort of advice that we can give.Related

Chepauk's red-soil pitch poses selection question for India: three seamers or three spinners?

India's stars descend upon Chennai to prepare for bumper Test season

Morne Morkel appointed India's bowling coach

Morkel’s name was recommended by head coach Gautam Gambhir. The two had worked together for Lucknow Super Giants during IPL 2022 and 2023. Morkel said it was important for him to connect with the players and make them feel secure to get the best out of them.”I have played a lot against some of the players, I have seen and connected a little bit with some of the guys during the IPL,” he said. “To be now in the camp and form friendships and relationships is very important.”Today’s goal was to get an understanding of the guys, their strengths and weaknesses, and help them with planting those seeds for goals for the upcoming series. That’s the sort of conversation we had today. And the guys did really well. I was blown away by how they went about things, how professional they were. So that’s a good sign and, hopefully, we can build on that.”It’s one thing to have talent and skill but how can you make those guys feel welcome in an intimidating environment… India playing in the blue shirt is a lot of expectations, so for me, having the experience, going through that, and passing that sort of knowledge and helping them settle in and feel at home [is important].””As soon as a player has that comfort and feel that they belong, that’s when the performance comes. So it’s about looking after that and … from there obviously upskill them and get them up to the standard.Talking about his appointment, Morkel said his dad was the first person he shared the news with.”It [the appointment] was quite a special moment for me. I enjoyed it for about five to seven minutes with myself and then obviously shared it with the family. The first thing did was to phone my dad first. I spoke to him about it. I didn’t go to my wife. Normally, they say go to your wife first. But I spoke to my dad.”I feel ready to take up this challenge. I understand and know that there will always be expectations of winning. Luckily, I have experienced that in my playing days and I can share that knowledge.”