Category Uncategorized

The allrounder plundered his fifth T20I century then West Indies’ chase faltered with too many early wickets

Tristan Lavalette11-Feb-2024

An unstoppable Glenn Maxwell equalled Rohit Sharma with a record fifth T20I century as Australia wrapped up the series after a comfortable victory over West Indies at the Adelaide Oval.Maxwell flattened a full-strength West Indies in perfect batting conditions with eight sixes and his unbeaten 120 runs off 55 balls was the second highest T20I score for a batter at No.4 or lower.Australia’s 241 for 4 was their highest on home soil and proved well beyond the reach of West Indies despite an attractive 63 from 36 balls from skipper Rovman Powell.Marcus Stoinis claimed three wickets, while left-arm quick Spencer Johnson, in his first home international, took 2 for 39 as Australia clinched the series following their 11-run game one victory at Bellerive Oval.There was late controversy when Alzarri Joseph was short of his ground attempting a tight single, but he remained at the crease after umpire Gerard Abood said there had been no appeal. Tim David insisted he had appealed as Australia remonstrated in heated scenes, but the incident ultimately didn’t affect the match’s outcome.The series has effectively started T20 World Cup preparations for both teams with the third and final game to be played in Perth on Tuesday.Marsh dominates powerplay before Maxi magicJosh Inglis started well in Hobart to kick-start the race over who will partner opener David Warner at the T20 World Cup. He hit 39 off 25 balls in the series-opener but couldn’t back up and fell for 4 in the second over.The dismissal brought captain Mitchell Marsh to the crease, who did not bat in the powerplay in game one and played having tested positive to Covid-19. He was feeling better and relished batting in the powerplay by blasting 29 off 12 balls.He smashed a first-ball boundary before unfurling his power with a six over backward point and another over the legside boundary. Attempting to maximise the powerplay, Marsh holed out in the sixth over and Australia soon fell to 64 for 3 when Warner was dismissed in the next over.Maxwell started slowly and should have been run out on 10 when wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran missed a shy at the stumps. He capitalised on the next delivery with an incredible sliced six over cover point off Romario Shepherd to ignite his innings.Maxwell completely dominated a half-century partnership with Stoinis and targeted Powell with a trio of boundaries, including a clever reverse sweep.He raced to his half-century off 25 balls before producing another inventive stroke with a switch hit for six off left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein. Maxwell notched an incredible century off 50 balls in the penultimate over of the innings to reach a second T20I ton in his last three innings.Rovman Powell gave West Indies a glimmer of hope•Getty Images

Joseph bowls rapidly, but West Indies fall awayDespite his attack conceding 213 for 7 at Bellerive Oval, Powell again decided to bowl but he bafflingly stuck first up with Hosein who was hit for six on the second delivery by a reverse swat from Warner.But their seamers had much better success against Warner, who had blasted 70 off 36 balls in Hobart, as they bowled a straighter line with Joseph producing swing and hitting speeds close to 150 kmh. A frustrated Warner groaned loudly when he fell to a slower Shepherd delivery, but West Indies were then monstered by Maxwell.With Maxwell in a mood, West Indies were made to look helpless and there probably wasn’t a lot they could do. But some of their tactics were head-scratching, including often not having a third man despite their strategy of bowling wide yorkers.Hometown hero Johnson impressesWest Indies, of course, came out swinging and smashed 42 off the first over fours. That was despite Josh Hazlewood delivering a wicket-maiden in the second over as left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff’s tough series continued with his first two overs costing 31 runs.Johnson entered the attack in the fifth over and immediately started with a 143 kmh short delivery. Two balls later he had Pooran spooning to midwicket before nicking off Sherfane Rutherford with a line and length delivery that was more reminiscent of the longer formats.Having debuted for Australia late last year and then starring for BBL champions Brisbane Heat, Johnson is a bowler of considerable interest across formats and he might be in the frame for a T20 World Cup spot.Dre Russ provides big hitting in vainAndre Russell had only played one T20I in Australia before the series. He had been a fan favourite in the country due to the BBL, but only faced two deliveries in Hobart.Coming to the crease with West Indies at a forlorn 63 for 5, Russell started with three boundaries off Johnson. With no helmet or cap, he whacked legspinner Adam Zampa for six over deep midwicket before clubbing a short delivery from Stoinis into the second tier.But he succumbed to the short delivery later in the over to end an entertaining 37 off 16 balls. An overshadowed Powell then took over, but West Indies never threatened.

MatériaMais Notícias

da bet nacional： Na esteira da aliança entre as diretorias de Palmeiras e São Paulo, a Mancha Verde e a Independente, principais torcidas organizadas dos times alviverde e tricolor, respectivamente, além da Torcida Jovem, do Santos, decidiram selar um ‘pacto de paz’. O objetivo, conforme apurou o LANCE!, é ajudar no lobby dos cartolas pelo fim da torcida única e a liberação de mais materiais das facções nas arquibancadas paulistas.

Conforme o L! revelou no início do mês, Leila Pereira e Julio Casares, respectivamente mandatários de Verdão e Tricolor, tem como objetivo a queda do veto à presença de torcedores visitantes nos clássicos do futebol paulista, além de partidas envolvendo os dois clubes de Campinas (SP), Guarani e Ponte Preta.

RelacionadasCruzeiroEm ação na Justiça, Cruzeiro é condenado a pagar R$ 4 milhões ao zagueiro RamonCruzeiro16/02/2023Futebol InternacionalZagueiro brasileiro vai às ruas, oferece ajuda e relata situação na Turquia: ‘O país está de luto’Futebol Internacional16/02/2023Futebol InternacionalTrabzonspor, da Turquia, faz mosaico em homenagem aos sobreviventes e às vítimas por tragédia com terremotoFutebol Internacional16/02/2023

da brwin：
+Goleada empolga torcedores do São Paulo: “Me deram uma Seleção”

As duas agremiações acertaram um ‘troca-troca’ de estádios, com palmeirenses jogando no Morumbi e são-paulinos no Allianz Parque, que será usado pela FPF (Federação Paulista de Futebol) como base de um estudo para pressionar Secretaria de Estado da Segurança Pública de São Paulo e Ministério Público Estadual. O pano de fundo, além da queda da torcida única, é o fim de outros vetos, como venda de cerveja e mais autonomia para os clubes em relação a seus estádios.

O L! apurou que uma ata de reunião entre Leila, Casares e dirigentes dos dois clubes listou reclamações de vetos das autoridades paulistas por motivos de segurança até em medidas consideradas institucionais dos clubes, como artefatos de luzes e papel picado, além de ações para sócios-torcedores.

DE OLHO EM LIBERAÇÕES, ORGANIZADAS ENDOSSAM O CORO

As organizadas entram em um segundo movimento. Destacam o fato de que desde o retorno no ano passado das chamadas ‘bandeiras de mastro’, ou seja, com bambu, não foram registrados incidentes. Querem mais. E por isso temem retrocessos com casos pontuais de violência.

O sinal de alerta foi ligado na madrugada do último dia 10 (sexta-feira), quando um ônibus da Gaviões da Fiel, do Corinthians, foi emboscado e destruído supostamente por palmeirenses. Cinco pessoas ficaram feridas, uma delas baleada no rosto.

Mancha, Independente e Torcida Jovem usaram suas redes sociais para divulgaram conjuntamente notas definindo que estão proibidos atos de violência por parte de integrantes das torcidas. Todas alertam para punições a quem se envolver em incidentes.

Ao L!, lideranças ouvidas destacam o fato de que uma ‘união’ de bastidores, com direito a reuniões conjuntas, tem como objetivo a entrega de uma lista de reivindicações, como a liberação de mais bandeiras e artefatos. Também está prevista uma manifestação pública em prol do fim da torcida única.

Os Gaviões foram a única das grandes torcidas organizadas do Estado a não se posicionarem publicamente. A reportagem não conseguiu contato com a agremiação para comentar o fato.

AÇÕES E REAÇÕES

O pano de fundo da ‘paz’ principalmente entre Mancha e Independente envolve a aproximação entre as diretorias.

O L! apurou que a diretoria são-paulina consultou sua principal organizada antes de decidir fechar o ‘acordo informal’ com o rival. Em ‘troca’ do fechamento da sede da Independente, os cartolas aceitaram a maior das exigências da facção: que a arquibancada laranja (atual setor sul), onde ficam as uniformizadas tricolores, ficasse fechado. A palmeirense Mancha Verde ficará na amarela (setor norte) e o clube alviverde promete abrir o setor apenas se esgotarem as entradas dos outros setores das arquibancadas.

O esquema de segurança colocado em prática por São Paulo e Polícia Militar isolou alguns pontos da casa são-paulina e seu entorno. A estátua em homenagem a Telê Santana, inaugurada mês passado, está cercada de tapumes. A sede da Independente, localizada em frente à entrada das arquibancadas laranja e azul (sul e leste), também está isolada e com presença constante de PMs.

Mesmo com um alerta divulgado nas redes sociais da Independente, em que havia uma promessa de ‘revide’ para casos de vandalismo no Morumbi, nenhum incidente mais sério foi registrado e uma nota conjunta entre os clubes foi divulgada.

Para levar a ideia de acabar com a torcida única em clássicos adiante, a FPF agora quer ver como será ‘o outro lado da moeda’. Por isso a presidente alviverde Leila Pereira vem assegurando que não importa a pressão interna, vai ceder o Allianz Parque ao rival quando necessário.

A reciprocidade tem data para acontecer. O Palmeiras aceitou a proposta do São Paulo para usar o Allianz Parque entre os dias 10 e 18 de março, quando o Morumbi receberá seis shows da banda britânica de pop-rock Coldplay. Para estas datas estão previstas as realizações das quartas e semifinais do Paulistão.

A reportagem apurou que partiu das próprias organizadas são-paulinas e palmeirenses a iniciativa de fechar um ‘acordo informal’ para garantir que nada ocorrerá às sedes das facções alviverdes que se encontram em frente ao Allianz, que também deverão ser isoladas.

A presença do Santos também entra nesse contexto, já que o Tricolor colocou o Morumbi à disposição do time litorâneo, que em breve fechará a Vila Belmiro para reformas.

> Confira jogos, classificação e simule os resultados do Paulistão-23

The captain had one of his poorest games in the crunch moment of the season while the defender's poor form since returning from injury continued

Manchester United's dreams of saving their worst season in half a century with Europa League glory were shattered as they limped to a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham in the final. Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu both defended poorly to allow Brennan Johnson to score the only goal of the game in the 40th minute.

It was a suitably scruffy goal to win a final severely lacking in quality between the two worst English sides not to be relegated this season, and the ragged Red Devils simply had no response to going behind, with Bruno Fernandes failing to inspire his troops.

Harry Maguire and the tricky Amad Diallo were the only bright spots from a drab first half which ended in terrible fashion. Shaw, who had looked unconvincing from the start and has really done so ever since returning from injury, allowed Johnson to get in front of him and diverted the ball towards his goal before the forward got the final touch. Patrick Dorgu had not done his team-mate a favour either as he did not even try to stop Johnson, who should have been his man.

Ruben Amorim took too long to make his changes, although Alejandro Garnacho gave them faint hope with some thrusting runs down the left side. United came closest to scoring when Rasmus Hojlund had a header cleared off the line brilliantly by Micky van de Ven, while Shaw got power on a last-ditch header deep in injury time, but Guglielmo Vicario saved well.

It was too little too late from a United side who never deserved to win the final and, to tell the truth, did not deserve a good ending to this miserable campaign.

GOAL rates United's players from San Mames…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (5/10):

The goal was not totally his fault, but he did not help himself with slow reactions and diving backwards into his own goal. Before then he had left Yoro in the lurch by failing to come out of his area and sweep up Richarlison's pass.

Leny Yoro (5/10):

Didn't have the best communication with Onana and did not carry the ball as well as he can. A little rustiness should have been expected given he rushed back from injury for this final.

Harry Maguire (6/10):

Gave a strong display, particularly in the first half. Moved the ball well, especially with his defence-splitting pass to Dorgu. But there were no miracles down the other end.

Luke Shaw (3/10):

Looked shaky from the off, letting Johnson start a dangerous attack early on. He totally botched his next match-up with the forward, being too weak to get in front of him and then diverting the ball inside the near post. Nearly made amends with his last-gasp header but was denied by Vicario.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

Defended well, clearing a dangerous ball from Porro and then making a superb tackle on Son. Didn't get forward much.

Casemiro (5/10):

Made some aggressive tackles but lacked ideas with the ball and didn't cause a nuisance of himself in the box.

Bruno Fernandes (4/10):

Uninspiring when it mattered most. His shot at Vicario was one of United's few efforts on target. A loose pass invited a dangerous Spurs break and he couldn't muster any magic at all as the minutes ticked away.

Patrick Dorgu (4/10):

Too passive for the goal, standing still and letting Johnson attack the ball. Tried to make up for it with some positive play down the left, but couldn't make a tangible difference.

Getty Images SportAttack

Amad Diallo (7/10):

United's brightest player from start to finish. Fired inches wide, tested Vicario in the first half and tried desperately to get his side back in the game.

Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):

A bit unlucky. Got hardly any service and his one good effort was sensationally cleared off the line by Van de Ven. Taken off for Zirkzee.

Mason Mount (5/10):

Offered little in the first half, and although he improved in the second, he lost his footing after his best piece of play inside the area. Taken off for Garnacho.

Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):

Instantly created danger, getting at Porro and then forcing Vicario into a fine save.

Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):

Offered very little going forward, although he did halt a dangerous counter by taking a booking.

Diogo Dalot (N/A):

Replaced Mazraoui in the 85th minute.

Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):

A desperate substitution in added time.

Ruben Amorim (4/10):

His line-up was risky, fielding Yoro so soon after injury, but more seriously starting Shaw despite his poor form, as well as picking Mount over Garnacho. And now there is no golden ticket after all, the benefit of the doubt he has been getting will disappear.

Visitors made to follow on after Somerset declaration as Gregory, Abell share seven

ECB Reporters Network22-Sep-2023Relegation-threatened Kent had to endure the ordeal of a final day follow-on before emerging from the rain-ruined LV= Insurance County Championship match against Somerset at Taunton with a potentially valuable draw.The visitors were bowled out for 235 after Somerset had declared their first-innings total on an overnight 404 for 4, Joe Denly making a priceless 73 to guide his side from a perilous 31 for 4. Skipper Tom Abell was the pick of the home bowling attack with 4 for 52, while Lewis Gregory claimed 3 for 49.Trailing by 169 and faced with a possible 41 overs in their second innings, Kent made a better fist of things and were 44 for 2 when the players shook hands at 4.30pm. They took six points from the game and Somerset 12.The home side’s decision to declare on their overnight total robbed Tom Kohler-Cadmore of the chance to break Viv Richards’ record for the fastest first-class century scored by a home player at Taunton – 48 balls against Glamorgan in 1986. The former Yorkshire player was left unbeaten on 68, off 31 deliveries, having struck eight sixes and two fours.But the declaration also offered the hosts their only chance of winning the game. And it soon looked more than an outside bet as Kent lost four wickets in the first 10.3 overs of the day, Gregory claiming three of them from the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion End.The experienced allrounder had Ben Compton caught behind pushing forward, Daniel Bell-Drummond pouched at midwicket off a full toss and Jack Leaning leg-before in a seven-over opening spell of 3 for 30 that included four no-balls.Jack Brooks, on his final Somerset appearance, weighed in with the wicket of Tawanda Muyeye, well caught low down by Andy Umeed at second slip and there was clear evidence of help for the seamers in a pitch that retained a tinge of greenness.The number of times Kent batsmen played and missed offered evidence that their own bowling attack had failed to capitalise on favourable first-day conditions after skipper Leaning had won the toss.The visitors’ need for batting points saw them bat positively in adversity, aided by an unusually wayward three overs from Neil Wagner, which cost 32 runs, mainly due to over-pitching. Denly and Harry Finch added 54 in 10.1 overs before the latter nicked a drive off seamer Abell through to wicketkeeper James Rew.Denly was severe on anything around half-volley length, producing a string of well-timed straight and cover drives to move to 40 by lunch, which was taken at 110 for 5.The afternoon session began well for Kent with Marcus O’Riordan providing good support for Denly, who went to a precious half-century off 74 balls, with eight fours. The pair built on the score with increasing confidence and had added 71 in 17.2 overs when O’Riordan fell lbw moving across his stumps to a delivery from Abell.Still it seemed Kent might avoid the follow-on and perhaps notch a batting point until a clatter of wickets with the total on 200 saw Abell gain another leg-before decision to remove Denly before striking again four balls later, bowling Jas Singh for a duck.With no addition to the score, Joey Evison, who had batted well for his 23, pulled a short ball from Wagner to Tom Banton at square leg. Michael Hogan, injured bowling on the first day, walked out with a runner and contributed 19 to a last-wicket stand of 35 with Arafat Bhuiyan before having his stumps scattered by Abell, who had been prevented from bowling by a side problem for much of the season.Tea was taken before Compton and Muyeye launched the Kent follow-on, knowing their side had garnered only one bonus point from the match and desperate to ensure five for the draw.There was greater assurance to their batting in bright sunshine, but with the total on 34 in the 11th over Josh Davey had Muyeye well caught by the diving Abell at third slip for 24. Compton edged a ball from Wagner that left him through to Rew, but by then the draw was inevitable and after one over from occasional spinner Banton the players shook hand.

Wrexham’s promotion fate rests in their own hands, but what happens if they finish level with Wycombe on points and goal difference?

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Red Dragons sit second with two games left
• Chairboys still in the promotion picture
• Dramatic finish to 2024-25 campaign

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  That remains a possibility in League One, while Charlton Athletic will believe that they are not out of the top-two picture just yet. There are just two more rounds of fixtures to be taken in by teams in the third tier of English football.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As it stands, Wrexham – who have welcomed Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to fixtures in recent weeks – occupy second place. If they can cling on to that position, then history will be made when taking a third successive step up the EFL ladder.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Wycombe are, however, just two points adrift of the Red Dragons. There are a number of scenarios that could play out and see the Red Dragons finish on the same number of points as the Chairboys. They are also level pegging in the goal difference department at present.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT THE EFL HANDBOOK SAYS

  If there was to be no separating the two teams on those fronts come the end of play on May 3, then Reynolds and McElhenney would face an agonising end to the regular season. That is because the EFL handbook states: “If any two or more Clubs have scored the same number of points and have the same goal difference, the higher or highest placed Club shall be the Club having scored the most goals in League Matches in that Season.”

da bet vitoria： The 2024/25 Premier League season was disappointing for West Ham United with the Hammers coming 14th in the Premier League.

da jogodeouro： Whilst they were never in any real danger of relegation, they would have been hoping for a much better performance across the board. They lost 17 games in total in the top flight.

It could be all change for Graham Potter this summer with some big outgoings on the cards. One of those is Mohammed Kudus, who, as recently as the 6th of June, was reportedly offered to Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

If someone as prominent as Kudus does leave the London Stadium this summer, they will, of course, need a replacement.

West Ham's potential Kudus replacement

It does indeed seem like Kudus could be on his way out of West Ham this summer and considering his performances since moving to the English capital, he will be hard to replace.

Fortunately, the Irons seem to have someone in mind already.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Indeed, if the Ghanaian attacker does leave West Ham in the next few weeks or months, they could be set to replace him with Anderlecht attacking midfielder Mario Stroeykens.

A report from Belgian outlet Votebal Belgie suggests that he has been on the Hammers’ ‘wish list for some time’.

In fact, they are already believed to have made a bid for the talented 20-year-old.

The report suggests West Ham made an £8.5m offer, which was promptly rejected by the Belgian giants. Instead, they could ask for as much as £17.1m to make a deal happen.

Why Stroeykens would be a good signing

Belgium U21 international Stroeykens has certainly made a big impression for Anderlecht last season. After coming through the club’s youth academy, the attacking midfielder has gone on to become a key player.

Last season in all competitions, Stroeykens featured 39 times across all competitions, contributing to five goals and seven assists. After starting the season strong with nine goal involvements in 13 league games, he suffered from a ligament injury, which slowed his progress.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Zellik, just outside of Brussels, would also bring European pedigree to the London Stadium. He played 430 minutes in the Europa League last term, both scoring and assisting in that time. The goal he scored was a sublime effort, showing his excellent technical quality.

Replacing the 24-year-old Kudus would not be easy for Stroeykens. The Ghana international has impressed for the Hammers in the 80 appearances he has made, scoring 19 times and registering 13 assists.

His first season in Claret and Blue saw him score and assist 23 times, including five goals in nine Europa League appearances. However, last term was not as fluid, with the Hammers’ number 14 managing just nine goal involvements.

Despite the struggles Kudus endured last season, there is no doubt about his importance to Potter’s side when at his best. That leaves Stroeykens with a big job to replace him, but as football scout Antonio Mango said, he is a “creative force” and can certainly look to match the output of the Ghana star.

The underlying stats via FBref suggest that the Belgian youngster, who tends to operate as a number 10, can indeed step up in Kudus’ absence.

For example, last term he averaged 1.54 key passes and 6.63 progressive passes each game, compared to 1.08 key passes and 2.74 progressive passes per 90 minutes for the Hammers star.

Stroeykens and Kudus key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Stroeykens

Kudus

Goals and assists

0.41

0.28

Key passes

1.54

1.08

Progressive passes

6.63

2.74

Shot-creating actions

4.02

3.72

Goal-creating actions

0.77

0.35

Ball recoveries

5.21

4.79

Stats from FBref

Those stats highlight the creativity that Mango was talking about. They certainly suggest that Stroeykens has the ability to step into Kudus’ boots and take on some of the creative burden that will be there if, or when, he leaves.

For just £17m, this could be a brilliant addition for the Hammers, who will be hoping Stroeykens can become a key player for the club in the long term.

Related Free transfer: West Ham in contact to sign £100k-p/w star who Potter loves

The Hammers could land themselves a bargain.

Posts 2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 15, 2025

SA’s quicks Rabada and Jansen then tore through a line-up already missing the injured Ayub

Danyal Rasool04-Jan-2025

Pakistan’s horror day in Cape Town was complete after South Africa ripped through their top order to leave them staring down the barrel of a huge defeat. Having posted 615 thanks to a double-hundred from Ryan Rickelton and a century from Kyle Verreynne, South Africa’s quicks Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen tore through a Pakistan line-up already missing the injured Saim Ayub. So effectively, South Africa are six wickets away from making Pakistan bat again, with the visitors a mammoth 551 runs behind after day two.Having taken command before lunch, South Africa ground Pakistan into the dust in the afternoon. Rickelton ended up with 259, falling just short of Stephen Fleming’s 262 as the highest score at Newlands. Verreynne brought up his fourth Test hundred. Jansen, out of form with the bat all year in 2024, heralded the new year with a whirlwind half-century. Six fours and three sixes helped him get there in 42 balls. Thus, as many as 137 runs were added in the second session, with South Africa having surged to 566 for 7 by tea, already their highest score at home in four years.Pakistan gamely battled on, but their efforts never looked like bearing fruit on a wicket that had long since flattened, and batters that had long since settled. Much of the second session became a milestone-marking exercise. Verreynne continued with the belligerence that had lit up the first session, a boundary off Mohammad Abbas and a single off the next ball bringing up three figures. It brought Newlands to its feet once more; they may have sore legs from the frequency with which they had to do that.Salman Ali Agha struck next over to prise him out as Verreynne went for a slog sweep, but it did little to stymie South Africa’s momentum. With no scoreboard pressure, Jansen let his natural talent speak for itself, swinging freely and timing it beautifully. He took 11 balls to get off the mark, but once he did, there was no stopping him. Two fours and a six off Khurram Shahzad in two successive overs helped bring up the 50 partnership in 46 balls, while each of Rickelton and Jansen helped themselves to sixes off Salman.Kyle Verreynne got to his fourth Test hundred•AFP/Getty Images

Pakistan finally saw the back of Rickelton before tea was called. Having slapped Mir Hamza over his head for four, he top-edged the next ball to Abbas at long-on, who hung on to send him on his way, but not before he had nearly doubled his Test tally in one innings.In the morning, Rickelton had become the first South African in eight years to score a Test double hundred as South Africa tightened their grip on the Test. Pakistan began the session with some promise, taking the new ball immediately and striking within four overs, when Abbas tempted David Bedingham into a push outside off stump and induced an outside edge. It gave Pakistan a lift, but Rickelton merely carried on with the discipline that saw him go in overnight unbeaten on 176. He was cautious against the length deliveries and dismissive of everything else.Verreynne, meanwhile, was less discerning in his shot selection, a hook over deep backward square off Abbas revealing his intentions. It was a shot that defined the session for him; he picked up another two sixes off Jamal in the final over before lunch the same way. When Shan Masood put in three fielders close in at cover, he still found a way to pierce them through that region against Hamza, whose attempts to induce cover drives were successful, but just not in the way he had hoped.At the other end, Rickelton got to his double hundred with a punch through the off side, haring off halfway down the field in celebration. But the highlights all belonged to Verreynne, who greeted Salman with a reverse sweep for four off the second ball, and another one to finish the over off. Before the session was out, Verreynne had taken Jamal down by plundering 17 runs in an over.Kagiso Rabada got two early wickets with the new ball•Gallo Images

Pakistan finally did manage to bring the innings to a close after more than 140 overs under the hot Newlands sun, finishing, with pleasing symmetry, the way they started it. Abbas hit the top of off to knock back debutant Kwena Maphaka’s stumps, just like ball-tracking projected Abbas would have done off the innings’ first ball had Aiden Markram’s pad didn’t get in the way.But as soon as they started with the bat, they might almost have been left wishing South Africa’s innings didn’t end. Masood didn’t see out the first over, pushing at a Rabada delivery that nibbled away and took his outside edge along with it. Saud Shakeel fell in almost identical fashion as he uncharacteristically drove at Rabada, the same edge carrying to the same slip fielder, with David Bedingham making no mistake.In between, extra pace and bounce from Jansen forced Kamran Ghulam into an awkward position that culminated in his stumps being scattered behind him.So threatening was South Africa’s opening salvo and so listless were Pakistan’s batters that it felt the hosts might burrow deep into the tail this evening. But Babar Azam, opening in the absence of Ayub, dug in alongside Mohammad Rizwan, and South Africa’s replacement bowlers were not quite at Rabada and Jansen’s devastating level.It helped Pakistan that made sure they ended a day that had no redeeming features with the hope the next one may delay the inevitable a while longer.

It is a journey into an unknown world for both Australian cricket and Cummins himself, who will have to juggle a number of responsibilities

Andrew McGlashan20-Nov-2021In the middle of last week – a moment that now feels a long time ago – Pat Cummins was asked about the likely need for Australia to rotate their fast bowlers during the Ashes.While in one breath saying he thought it unlikely that all the quicks could play the five Tests, he then added: “I certainly won’t be putting my hand up to be rested unless I’ve got something going wrong.”If what is highly expected to happen in the coming days is confirmed, and Cummins is named as Australia’s next Test captain following the sudden departure of Tim Paine, then it may not even be up for discussion.Related

• Lyon endorses Cummins and Smith as 'two best candidates' for captain and vice-captain

• Paine scandal fallout: CA left with questions to answer

• Cummins won't ask for rest 'unless I've got something going wrong'

• Tim Paine's full resignation statement

It is a remarkable part of the Cummins story that he has become Australia’s most durable fast bowler. Since his return to Test cricket in 2017, only Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Nathan Lyon and R Ashwinhave bowled more overs. A major success story for sports science after Cricket Australia saw the talent they had but held him back from Test cricket for six years following his stunning debut – which marked its 10th anniversary just a few days ago. But that durability will now be tested to the full.There is recent evidence that Cummins can withstand the strains of the five Tests which are largely back-to-back from early December to mid-January. He was the only one of Australia’s fast bowlers to play all five Tests in the 2019 Ashes as the team embraced rotation although conditions in England are not as brutal as those that can play out in this country.However, if his elevation is rubberstamped it is a journey into an unknown world, both for Australian cricket and Cummins himself. The previous fast bowler to captain an Australia men’s side in any format was Ray Lindwall who did it for one Test in 1956. Having a wicketkeeper in the role was going against the grain, too, even if not quite so much and it does raise a question about whether an on-field leadership void has opened up in the Australian men’s game.History is not without specialist quicks (the list is widened if allrounders are included) who have held the position over the longer-term – Courtney Walsh, Wasim Akram and Bob Willis among them – but it remains a select group. Bowling fast is the toughest job in the game, physically at least, and there is the added challenge of a bowler-captain needing both a singular focus and a wider view of the game when they have ball in the hand.For a batter, the traditional custodians of captaincy in the game, all they need to worry about at the crease doing their main job is the next ball and that innings. The other questions don’t go away, but they are more easily parked when the team is at the crease.The other factor for Cummins will be knowing when not to bowl. He was Paine’s go-to man last season against India, particularly by the time the series reached the final Test, but he will need to resist the temptation of feeling he has to be the one to take the ball on all occasions. When Andrew Flintoff was named England captain in 2006 he bowled himself into the ground, peaking at 68 overs during a Test against Sri Lanka in Lord’s after which he was never the same again.Pat Cummins will be the first fast bowler to captain Australia in any format since Ray Lindwall in 1956•Getty ImagesWriting in newspapers, Greg Chappell said that Cummins had some natural advantages that other quick bowlers may not.”The captain traditionally fields close to the wicket to control proceedings,” he said. “Cummins is such a brilliant all-round fielder that he can be close to his bowlers, instead of the outfield pastures usually favoured by fast bowlers. My biggest fear? The workload, which could preclude him playing a full, five-Test series, without a rest. So, it would be interesting to see who is appointed as his deputy. Cummins will also have to learn to use himself judiciously and neither over-bowl nor under-bowl. It is imperative that the seniors in the team advise him, in a timely manner.”That is not say Cummins won’t be able to make a success of it, he is a hugely impressive cricketer with a terrific mind – and, perhaps significantly, a broad range of interests beyond runs and wickets – but there is precious little on-field evidence to go by. His professional captaincy experience is four one-day games for New South Wales last season, a role he was given with the future national leadership in mind although not quite so soon.He was good in those domestic one-day matches but was not overly taxed by too many situations. And, with due respect to the Marsh Cup, the consequences of it not going so well were minimal. That certainly won’t be the case come next month in Brisbane, not to mention the weeks leading up to that first ball which will test his leadership given the situation in which he is set to be appointed.

“My biggest fear? The workload, which could preclude him playing a full, five-Test series, without a rest. So, it would be interesting to see who is appointed as his deputy.”Greg Chappell on Cummins’ challenges

As Chappell pointed out, the identity of the vice-captain is arguably just as intriguing. Steven Smith is a strong candidate although that would put him one injury away from taking the captaincy again and it remains to be seen if, in the current climate, that is something Cricket Australia wants. Beyond that, it becomes a rather thin field, particularly in terms of experience.David Warner is not an option as he remains banned from any leadership position in Australian cricket for life – although there is a push to have that reconsidered – and it feels too early for Marnus Labuschagne. Travis Head is a previous vice-captain but is not assured of his place in the middle. Usman Khawaja has the experience and standing but is fighting for the final batting spot with Head. During the era of dual vice-captains, Josh Hazlewood also had the title. If ultimately it is decided that Paine can’t keep his position in the team and Alex Carey takes the gloves, he would be a candidate even on Test debut. Nathan Lyon, with 100 Tests to his name, would seem worthwhile of consideration.Whoever is the deputy, Cummins faces an even tougher transition into the job than Paine did. When the ball-tampering unfolded at Newlands, there was very little expectation that the final Test in Johannesburg would be anything other than a car crash for Australia and so it played out. By the time their next Test came around, six months later, there had at least been time to take stock even if the fallout would still be felt for a long time. This time there are barely days to pick up the pieces before the series that so often defines Australian cricket.

The defending champions need some crucial replacements after trading out a couple of players

Abhimanyu Bose21-Dec-20225:12

Who should replace Lockie Ferguson at Gujarat Titans?

Who they’ve got
Gujarat Titans, the defending IPL champions, released only six players ahead of this mini-auction and, rather unsurprisingly, have kept the majority of their title-winning squad intact.Follow the 2023 IPL auction LIVE

You can watch the auction live in India on Star Sports, and follow live analysis with Tom Moody, Ian Bishop, Wasim Jaffer and Stuart Binny right here on ESPNcricinfo.

Current squad: Hardik Pandya (capt), Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade, Wriddhiman Saha, B Sai Sudharshan, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav, Pradeep Sangwan, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Rashid Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, R Sai Kishore, Yash DayalWhat they have to play with
The Titans have a total purse of INR 19.25 crore (USD 2.3 million approx.), and seven slots to fill, including three overseas slots.What they need
A fast bowler. They traded Lockie Ferguson to Kolkata Knight Riders and will need a replacement, as head coach Ashish Nehra said earlier this month. Another Indian quick will also help, because they would want a back-up for Yash Dayal. Not to forget Hardik Pandya’s workload management. Having released Jason Roy and traded Rahmanullah Gurbaz to Knight Riders, Gujarat would also want to bring in a top-order batter, who can either open or come in at No. 3. And a fast-bowling allrounder, but with only Rajasthan Royals (INR 13.2 crore), Royal Challengers Bangalore (INR 8.75 crore) and Knight Riders (INR 7.05 crore) left with smaller purses than them, they may end up being out-bidded for the big names (think Sam Curran, Cameron Green, Ben Stokes) in that category.The likely targets
Sam Curran would be a perfect fit, adding batting depth while also replacing Ferguson as a frontline quick. However, he will be in high demand and teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings have plenty left in their purse and could break the bank for him.Reece Topley, a tall left-arm quick with a deadly yorker, will add to the team’s arsenal and might be easier to get than some others. Titans could target him as a like-for-like replacement for Ferguson.Jaydev Unadkat has a history of being expensive, but he brings with him a wealth of experience as well as form and confidence. He led his domestic side Saurashtra to the domestic 50-overs Vijay Hazare Trophy title this month, and also got a Test recall for India’s ongoing tour of Bangladesh.Mayank Agarwal is likely to be the most sought-after Indian batter in the auction. He would fit into the Titans top order, but they will face stiff competition from several teams.And why not Kane Williamson? He was released by Sunrisers and could become Titans’ glue at the top of the order. He can open the innings or play at No. 3.