Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be worried Ruben Amorim will walk away from his Manchester United rebuild after sending out 'mixed messages'.
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“As a captain, my job is to create a culture where the player can play without fear and not be blamed for failing”
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Nov-20223:51
Hardik: ‘Batters will have to chip in with the ball in T20s’
India fielded a total of 12 players in their three-T20I series in New Zealand, which they won 1-0 after a washout and a rain-hit tie, which meant no game-time for Sanju Samson, Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav and Umran Malik. Hardik Pandya agreed that it was harsh on the ones who missed out, but said that in a short series, as this was, the team management’s hands were tied.Related
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“This is my team, firstly. The coach [VVS Laxman, in this case] and I will pick the team we feel is right,” he said after the series. “And there’s a lot of time, everyone will get a chance, and when they do, they will get an extended run. But it’s difficult since this was a short series. If it had been a long series, more players would have got a chance.”It was a short series, and I don’t believe in chopping and changing much, and I won’t in the future either. So it was simple, and had to do with what the team needed. I wanted a sixth bowling option. We got that here. Deepak (Hooda) bowled, and if batters chip in (with the ball) as he did. Eventually, in T20 cricket, there will be opportunities. And in a game, even if things are not going your way, you can mix things up by bringing in new bowlers, and surprise the batters.”Samson, especially, and Gill might have expected an outing or two in New Zealand in the absence of the top three from the recent men’s T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. Gill has never played T20I cricket, but Samson has, and has a T20I average of 44.75 in the past 12 months, his runs coming quickly. In ODIs in the same period, he averages 82.66.How does he deal with players who have to warm the bench for long stretches?”It’s not difficult, but about how you handle it,” Hardik said. “It’s simple for me – I have the same sort of equation with all the players, and when I can’t pick a player, he knows it’s not personal. It’s got to do with the situation. I am a peoples’ person. So if anyone needs me, I will be there for them. Everyone knows that if they feel anything at all, my doors are always open for them to come and have a chat with me, because I understand how they are feeling.Only one match could be completed, but VVS Laxman and Hardik Pandya will take the result•Associated Press
“If they are sitting out… Sanju Samson, for example: we wanted to play him, but for whatever reason, we couldn’t. But I can get into their shoes and understand how they are feeling. As a cricketer, it is difficult, whatever one might say. You are in the Indian team, but you are not getting a chance in the XI, so that’s difficult. At the end of the day, I can say whatever I want, but those will just be words. It will still be difficult for them to deal with. But if I can create a healthy environment, where the players can come and speak to me if they are feeling bad, or go and speak to the coach, if I remain the captain, I think it won’t be a problem. Because my nature is such that I make sure everyone is together.”After India’s semi-final exit at the World Cup, their somewhat conservative approach at the top of the batting order came in for criticism. There has been some talk of Hardik taking over the T20I captaincy, his leadership of Gujarat Titans in their first season of the IPL in 2022, where they won the title, having pushed his case.”What I have tried to do is… if you have reached the international level, you have obviously done well and achieved success at the levels below,” Hardik said. “As a captain, my job is to give the players as much freedom as possible, and create a culture where the player can play without fear and not be blamed for failing.”That was our approach at the World Cup, too, but since we didn’t win, what we couldn’t do well was highlighted. But, going forward, it will be about not playing in any one way; the effort will be to enjoy the game, play without fear. If you think you want to smash the first ball, go ahead; the management will back you. We want players to play with freedom.”
Looking to steal the show on and off the pitch this season, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly plotting a move to sign a rival star in a repeat of their previous deal to sign Morgan Gibbs-White.
Even whilst shocking the rest of the Premier League by competing for Champions League qualification and perhaps even the title itself, Forest are seemingly in pursuit of a star striker this month. The likes of Baris Alper Yilmaz and, most recently, Yoane Wissa have emerged on the radar of the Midlands club as they seek further firepower alongside talisman Chris Wood.
Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that Forest have submitted a bid worth £22m to sign Wissa only for Brentford to deem that offer below their valuation of the forward. With plenty of time still to go in the January transfer window, however, Forest could yet go again in pursuit of Wissa in what would be an excellent mid-season addition.
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Meanwhile, if it’s not to be the Brentford man then another option could emerge. Those at the City Ground are certainly in a position to present an attractive project these days and reports suggest that it may even be attractive enough to sign a rival star.
According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, Nottingham Forest are now plotting a move to sign Matheus Cunha from Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in an “audacious” move which would instantly steal the headlines.
It wouldn’t be the first time that such a move has taken place either, with Gibbs-White opting to leave Wolves in favour of Forest in a deal worth a reported £42.5m in 2022 and receiving reminders through Molineux boos ever since.
In what has otherwise been a season to forget, Cunha has been Wolves’ brightest spark and one of the Premier League’s standout players. The Brazilian, simply put, is not a player who should be competing in a relegation scrap. What he is without any doubt is a forward capable of playing Champions League football and that would be recognised at Nottingham Forest.
As the current Wolves captain, however, it would be the most controversial move that he could make in the Premier League and it remains to be seen whether Cunha will want to tarnish his Molineux reputation to that extent this month.
Having scored 10 goals and assisted another four for Wolves so far this season, it’s no surprise that Cunha found himself at the centre of Vitor Pereira’s praise when the new manager arrived. The Wolves boss told reporters as relayed by the Premier League: “He is a special player. He can do things that can make the difference in small details.
“We try his corner because we want the swing inside to explore this. But you can work a lot and in the end nothing happens. With this kind of player this can happen. I think it is not about work, it is about quality, his individual quality.”
Post the 2021 T20 World Cup, India have played a total of 29 T20Is heading into this series. Australia, meanwhile, have played just nine. Irrespective of their prep, Australia might turn up in their usual confident manner at the T20 World Cup – but this time they’ll have to defend the title in their backyard. And they have quite a bit to figure out compared to their better-prepped opponents.In the age of packed cricket calendars and schedules, it does seem quite surprising that these two teams haven’t played each other in a T20I since December 2020. India won that away series 2-1, while Australia won the last T20I series they played in India, in February 2019. Also, how can we forget match in Mohali, when Virat Kohli left Australia speechless? Irrespective of the format, the meetings between these two countries have always been high-octane and largely competitive, and this series should be no different, provided Australia can overcome a few selection questions.Related
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Their captain Aaron Finch’s recent form seems to be among the biggest of concerns. Steven Smith’s middling strike rate has also raised questions around his place in the XI. And, Australia are without the injured trio of Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis for this series, while David Warner has been rested. The team playing this series looks quite different from Australia’s first-choice World Cup side. But it does give Australia the space to experiment with the back-ups but they will also want to build a winning momentum. They have five more matches after this series – a two-match series against West Indies and three T20Is against England at home – before the T20 World Cup.It’ll be interesting to see how Tim David, who will be in Australia colours for the first time, fits into the international set-up. Australia are also likely to experiment with Josh Inglis, making him open alongside Finch. Finch said there will be a lot of “mixing and matching” ahead of the World Cup.India, meanwhile, have had some time to figure out what has worked for them and, more importantly, what hasn’t. They’re back home after some travelling, having won bilateral T20I series in Ireland, England and the Caribbean. But it was their most recent prep – at the Asia Cup – that left them with key takeaways.After the Asia Cup Super 4s exit, captain Rohit Sharma said India were “90-95% settled” ahead of the T20 World Cup. Their aggressive approach has largely worked out well. Kohli finally hit form, so his place in the XI is – at least for now – no longer a debate. They are entering the series with the strongest available squad and will be looking to mainly focus on making roles clearer.4:48
Hodge: Australia shouldn’t look back from this point when it comes to Tim David
The return of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel means Hardik Pandya no longer has to be the third seamer in the side. India will also want to see how they can use the likes of allrounders Axar Patel and Deepak Hooda better. Rohit was clear KL Rahul has his backing as the opener. As for Pant, India will be hoping he comes good in the series. India still have a home series against South Africa to go before the T20 World Cup to further firm up their plans.
India WLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia LWWWL
All eyes will be on Tim David, who will be looking to showcase his power-hitting skills, this time in Australia colours. The Singapore-born batter has impressed in various T20 competitions, most recently in the IPL as well, and he’ll be looking to replicate his success on the international stage. His big-hitting skills aside, his ability to take on spinners and quicks alike makes him a must-have in a T20 side. He averages 32.48 with a strike rate of 164.12 in T20s. He is likely to take up the middle-order spot in Stoinis’ absence in this series. But Australia will not be able to accommodate him if both Stoinis and Marsh are fit when the World Cup begins. It’s Smith’s position that appears a bit vulnerable as of now – but he too has the reputation of being the anchor in the XI – so it remains to be seen how Australia fit David into their XI at the World Cup.Rishabh Pant is yet to find his mojo in T20Is•Associated Press
Rishabh Pant has not quite been able to live up to the expectations in the T20 format. In T20Is since 2020, he has averaged just 27.63 and has struck at 129.95 in 32 innings. At the Asia Cup, Pant had to be brought into the XI in place of Dinesh Karthik following an injury to Ravindra Jadeja as India wanted a left-hand batter in the middle. But he could only make scores of 17 and 14 against Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively in the Super 4s. While having Pant and Karthik in the squad offers them flexibility, it looks like India can currently accommodate only one of the two in the XI. Pant will have to make use of his time in the middle in the upcoming T20Is to get back into form before the T20 World Cup.
Umesh Yadav, who was originally meant to undergo rehab for a quad injury in Bengaluru, has been called into the squad after Mohammed Shami tested positive for Covid-19. But with the return of Bumrah and Harshal, India are unlikely to play Umesh in the XI.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 KL Rahul, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Rishabh Pant/ Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7 Axar Patel, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar/ Deepak Chahar, 9 Harshal Patel, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Jasprit BumrahWith Marsh absent, Smith will bat at No. 3 against India. David looks set to make his Australia debut in the middle order. Australia are also likely to play Inglis – who has so far played at No. 3 and in the middle order in T20Is – as an opener and push Matthew Wade down the order. Cameron Green, who has been impressive with the ball and the bat, has been brought back into the T20I squad – having played a solitary match in April this year – and is also likely to find a place in the XI.Australia (probable): 1 Aaron Finch (capt), 2 Josh Inglis, 3 Steven Smith, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Matthew Wade (wk), 6 Tim David, 7 Cameron Green, 8 Adam Zampa, 9 Pat Cummins, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Sean Abbott/ Daniel Sams
It is expected to be partly cloudy and humid in Mohali tomorrow, with a 25% chance of precipitation in the evening. In T20s since 2018, the chasing team has won seven out of 11 matches at the ground. On the eve of the match, Finch said the wicket had “a bit of grass on it”.
“… Only we know what role is expected of each person. Everyone is trying to give their best, and not every time will a player succeed. And that is the kind of environment we have created, that players are not afraid to play, or players are not afraid to make mistakes.”
“The last thing you want to do is have an injury derail your whole campaign because you’re pigeon-holed into playing one style of cricket or one structure of team.”
The Spanish full-back's equaliser came soon after the in-demand Frenchman's superb opener on a boisterous night in north London
Tottenham Hotspur could only manage a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final with Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night, with question marks still remaining of Ange Postecoglou's long-term future.
Even though the Premier League have been awarded an extra Champions League place, Spurs' only viable route to Europe's top table for 2025-26 comes via Europa League glory this term, given they sit 14th in the standings. Postecoglou's job is reportedly dependent on delivering this trophy and may feel disappointed his side didn't take advantage of their home leg, particularly given they had the better of the chances on the night.
Before Spurs could barely set themselves, Frankfurt broke the deadlock. James Maddison turned the ball over in midfield and the visitors were able to move the ball upfield, with the in-form Hugo Ekitike able to carry the ball 30 yards towards goal cut inside from the left and pick out the bottom corner of Guglielmo Vicario's net with a piercing low drive inside five minutes.
But Tottenham hauled themselves off the canvas in some style midway through the first half. Son Heung-min's ball into the channel found Dominic Solanke, who held it up for Maddison to attack the left side of the Frankfurt defence. He scampered to the byline and cut it back for Pedro Porro to flick in with deft precision.
After the break, the hosts nearly edged themselves in front in stunning fashion. Lucas Bergvall dropped his shoulder away from several chasing bodies and let fly from 25 yards, only for his effort to cannon back off the crossbar. Kaua Santos then made a stunning save to deny Son's top corner-bound strike soon after, and Rodrigo Bentancur's header from the following corner smacked the upright.
Another opportunity for Spurs came and went when Maddison weaved his way inside from the right and forced another save out of Santos, while Djed Spence's low cross for Brennan Johnson ended up in row Z.
With one final attack in stoppage time, Tottenham nearly snatched the win. Porro's in-swinging free-kick found Rodrigo Bentancur, whose flick on was headed towards goal by Micky van de Ven and tipped over the bar by Santos.
GOAL rates Spurs' players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Following an initial solid start to the campaign on a personal note, Andre Onana has endured a turbulent couple of weeks to ignite reports that Manchester United could yet look to sign a replacement.
Man Utd transfer news
If the Red Devils were hoping to benefit from a new manager bounce under Ruben Amorim, they’ve been handed a rude awakening.
With Marcus Rashford cast aside and the former Sporting CP boss sticking to his guns on the tactical front, Manchester United have managed just two wins in their last five games and welcome Newcastle United on Monday off the back of defeats against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers and an impressive Bournemouth side.
Like the rest of Old Trafford, Amorim will be desperately waiting for the January transfer window to swing open. The new manager is currently stuck using square pegs in round holes in a system that his squad simply aren’t capable of playing as of yet. Not for the first time at Manchester United, reinforcements are a must in the new year.
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With that said, according to The Telegraph, Manchester United are now targeting a move to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp in 2025 as a “long-term” option.
The 22-year-old would likely replace Altay Bayindir immediately if he decides to depart next year, whilst also putting Onana under pressure and perhaps even eventually taking the shot-stopper’s No 1 spot, with United clearly looking to the future.
Onana is already under pressure after conceding straight from Matheus Cunha’s corner last time out as well as making a mistake when attempting to play out from the back in the Europa League against Viktoria Plzen earlier this season.
If Lammens did arrive, it would certainly be interesting to see who Amorim prefers.
Lammens is one to watch
As Manchester United continue to struggle, welcoming a younger goalkeeper to build alongside Amorim’s project could quickly prove to be key.
At 28 years old, question marks remain over Onana’s ability to take the Red Devils forward in the No 1 role, especially when it comes to executing Amorim’s risky demands when playing out from the back as we saw against Plzen not so long ago – and that should open the door for Lammens.
Starts
20
18
Save percentage
80.6%
68.1%
Saves per 90
4.10
2.44
Clean sheets
5
6
Passes attempted
676
686
Lammens’ stats highlight just how excellent he has been for Royal Antwerp so far this season. Not many goalkeepers in European football can boast such a save percentage whilst maintaining over four saves per 90. The young shot-stopper looks destined for the top.
And while Onana has improved, he remains replaceable. The Red Devils may well have other priorities in a squad full of issues, but that does not mean that Onana is not on the list of players who could find themselves watching on from the reserves in the near future.
MatériaMais Notícias
Na Arena, o Grêmio contou com Diego Souza inspirado para vencer o Guarani por 3 a 1 pela 3ª rodada da Série B do Brasileirão. O resultado deixa o Tricolor na 3ª colocação, com quatro pontos. O Bugre é o penúltimo, com um ponto.Na próxima rodada, o Grêmio visita o Operário-PR, no Paraná. Enquanto isso, o Guarani tenta a recuperação diante do Criciúma, no Brinco de Ouro.
>>> VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B
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O JOGO
GOL RELÂMPAGO
Logo no primeiro lance do jogo, Gabriel Teixeira recuperou a bola na entrada da área e acionou Diego Souza, que dominou e bateu forte para colocar o Grêmio em vantagem.
GUARANI DOMINA E EMPATA
O Bugre não sentiu o golpe. Com sabedoria, o time de Daniel Paulista mostrou poder de reação e atacou o Tricolor. As chances foram criadas e o gol saiu através de Mateus Pereira. Em defesa de Brenno, o jogador do Guarani aproveitou o rebote e mandou para o fundo da rede.
DIEGO SOUZA DECIDE
Na reta final do primeiro tempo, Diego Souza aproveitou o cruzamento açucarado de Nicolas e cabeceou forte para desempatar. Na etapa final o Grêmio voltou a mostrar a sua força. Melhor em campo, o Tricolor perdia as chances e deixava o torcedor aflito. Porém, aos 14 minutos ele apareceu. Em novo levantamento de Nicolas, Diego Souza cabeceou e ampliou, dando números finais à partida.
GRÊMIO 3 X 1 GUARANI
Local: Arena Grêmio, Porto Alegre (RS)
Data-Hora: 21/4/2022 – 16h30
Árbitro: André Luiz de Freitas Castro (GO)
Auxiliares: Edson Antonio de Sousa (GO) e Hugo Savio Xavier Correa (GO)
VAR: Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira (SC)
Público/renda: pagantes/R$
Cartões amarelos: Diego Souza, Villasanti, Ricardinho(GRE), Derlan, Giovvani Augusto, Rodrigo Andrade, Leandro Vilela (GUA)
Cartões vermelhos: –
Gols: Diego Souza (1’/1ºT) Mateus Pereira (25’/1ºT) Diego Souza (39’/1ºT) Diego Souza (14’/2ºT)
GRÊMIO: Brenno; Edilson (Rodrigo Ferreira, aos 14/1ºT), Geromel, Bruno Alves e Nicolas (Diogo Barbosa, 31 aos /2ºT); Villasanti, Lucas Silva e Bitello; Campaz (Elias, ao 0/2ºT), Diego Souza (Ricardinho, aos 31/2ºT) e Gabriel Teixeira (Janderson, aos 22/2ºT). Técnico: Roger Machado.
GUARANI: Kozlinkski; Diogo Mateus (Lucas Ramon, aos 33/2ºT), João Victor, Derlan e Mateus Pereira; Leandro Vilela (Índio, aos 22/ºT), Rodrigo Andrade e Giovanni Augusto (Marcinho, aos 37/2ºT), Júlio César (Yago, aos 22/2ºT) e Bruno José; Lucão do Break (Nicolas Careca, aos 22/2ºT). Técnico: Daniel Paulista.
Chelsea are now seriously considering making a big money move to sign an international star in January as they look to bolster Enzo Maresca’s ranks, it has been reported.
Chelsea aiming for Premier League title
Despite Maresca’s claims to the contrary, it is clear that at almost the halfway stage of the season Chelsea are in the race for the Premier League title. Their win over Brentford, a seventh straight victory, lifted them four points clear of Arsenal and just two points behind current league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand on all the sides around them.
However, there remain concerns at Stamford Bridge. One of those is in defence, where the Blues have managed to keep just three clean sheets this season, half as many as either Arsenal or Liverpool have managed, and Robert Sanchez needed to be on top form to help his side cling to three points against Brentford.
Part of that is down to the defence, where neither Axel Disasi nor Benoit Badiashile have looked capable of inspiring a Premier League title win, while Wesley Fofana has suffered another injury.
Chelsea were already on the hunt for new defenders, with the likes of Benfica talent Tomas Araujo and RB Leipzig starlet Castello Lukeba both having been mentioned over a potential move to west London.
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However, both deals will be expensive, with a gaggle of clubs interested in their signatures and neither Benfica nor Liepzig wanting to sell cheaply. As a result, the Blues have pivoted their attention, and are now considering another talent.
Chelsea "seriously considering" January move for England defender
That is according to Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips, who reports that the Blues are “seriously considering” a move to bring back Marc Guehi in January.
The centre-back was part of Chelsea’s youth set up before he left to join Crystal Palace in a deal worth £18m, but with a sell-on clause added into the deal which demanded that Chelsea receive 20% of any profit from a future sale.
A regular for England, he was dubbed “sensational” and a “superstar” by Palace chairman Steve Parish, who added that it would take “superstar” money to let him leave.
However, Guehi is down to the final 18 months of his £50,000 a week deal at Selhurst Park, meaning that his value is only going to continue to decline unless Palace can agree fresh terms, something that looks unlikely at this stage.
This, plus the sell on clause (which would effectively allow Chelsea to sign him at a reduced cost), has made him an attractive option for Maresca and co. in west London.
Wesley Fofana
Marc Guehi
Appearances
12
16
Tackles and interceptions per 90
2.21
1.81
% of tackles won
42.9%
62.5%
Pass Accuracy
89.6%
84.4%
Goals and assists
0
3
Yellow Cards
6
3
Red Cards
0
0
Already with over 100 Premier League appearances to his name and just 24-years-old, he could be something of a bargain for any club who snaps him up, with Guehi able to play on either side of defence to a high level.
Chelsea are not the only interested party, with Newcastle having endured a protracted saga to try and sign him over the summer. But should they be able to complete a deal for the former Blue, it could be the final piece in their title charge under Maresca.
Wyatt added 116 with Dunkley before Ecclestone’s career-best ODI figures polished off South Africa
Annesha Ghosh31-Mar-2022
Sophie Ecclestone picked up her maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs•Getty Images
Few occasions can be more fitting than a World Cup knockout match for the defending champions to deliver a perfect game. Against South Africa in the 2022 ODI World Cup semi-final, England achieved that feat with an emphatic 137-run win in Christchurch.Danni Wyatt’s 129, Sophia Dunkley’s 60 and a career-best six-for by Sophie Ecclestone orchestrated the fifth straight win in England’s astounding turnaround at this World Cup and powered them into Sunday’s final against favourites Australia.Anya Shrubsole’s two early strikes, too, played a pivotal role in England’s successful defence of 293, as they skittled South Africa out for 156 in 38 overs. In a rematch of the 2017 World Cup semi-final, Thursday’s victory extended England’s incredible comeback in the tournament after three consecutive losses and sealed their sixth appearance in the final in 12 editions of the ODI World Cup.Related
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South Africa were no match with the bat or in the field as Wyatt and Dunkley’s 116-run partnership ensured they would need to pull off the highest successful chase in Women’s ODIs in their pursuit of a maiden appearance in a world tournament final. Against an opposition that consigned them to a heartbreaking loss in the semi-final in Bristol five years ago, South Africa bore the brunt of slipshod fielding. Five dropped catches off Wyatt alone meant the England opener got lifelines on 22, 36, 77, 116 and 117 en route to her maiden World Cup century.Wyatt’s fifth-wicket stand with Dunkley steered England to the second-highest total in a 50-over World Cup knockout game after South Africa sent them in in slightly overcast and windy conditions at the Hagley Oval. Dunkley, who scripted a match-winning rescue act with a fifty in England’s final league-stage game on Sunday, compiled a confident 72-ball 60 before Ecclestone carted three back-to-back fours off Shabnim Ismail in the 50th over during her 11-ball 24 at No. 8.South Africa started off reasonably well in their new-ball burst on a fresh surface which had a fair amount of bounce, carry and movement. A well-directed outswinger from Marizanne Kapp had opener Tammy Beaumont edge to keeper Trisha Chetty in the fourth over.Masabata Klaas created an opportunity off the first ball of her spell. Wyatt leaned in and offered a thick edge to first-slip Lizelle Lee, who couldn’t hold on to a low catch and the ball raced away for four. Wyatt bludgeoned an authoritative cover drive one ball later and England finished the powerplay on 44 for 1.Captain Heather Knight, who scratched her way to a 19-ball 1, was then adjudged lbw via the DRS off an Ayabonga Khaka inswinger. Nat Sciver initially proved up to the task of keeping up the tempo when she joined Wyatt in the 13th over. But her stay was cut short to an 18-ball 15 as Ismail picked up the first of her three wickets, with a bouncer, reducing England to 77 for 3.Danni Wyatt scored 129 after surviving five dropped catches•ICC via Getty Images
Wyatt responded to South Africa’s ploy aimed at targeting one of her strong suits with aplomb, early in her innings. Their quicks sent down a barrage of short-and-wide deliveries, backed up with a well-patrolled arc between extra-cover and backward point. But it didn’t deter Wyatt from unleashing the cut at will, her most productive shot on the day, which fetched her 34 runs.With No. 5 Amy Jones, she led a sizeable rebuild, their 51-ball 49 stand taking England past 125 inside 26 overs. Striking at over 90 for the best part of the innings helped Wyatt ensure England’s run rate was never quite a concern in batting-friendly conditions, though the regular loss of wickets was.After Chloe Tryon took an agile catch running back to dismiss Jones for 28 off 32, Dunkley superbly complemented Wyatt, who reached her half-century off 56 balls and her hundred with a single off the 97th delivery of her innings. The England dressing room lauded her effort with a standing ovation as Wyatt raised her fist upon reaching the milestone. When she was dismissed in the 45th over, congratulatory pats on the England opener’s back and handshakes from the South Africans came thick and fast.England rounded out a supercharged performance with the bat with 75 runs in their final 10 overs. It wasn’t long before Shrubsole, who hit the winning runs against South Africa in the 2017 World Cup semi-final and was the Player of the Final in that edition, further swung the game their way. She took a return catch to remove Laura Wolvaardt, the leading run-getter of this World Cup, for a duck off the second ball of her spell and had the other opener, Lee, caught by Sciver in the next over.Sophie Ecclestone gestures after dismissing Shabnim Ismail•Getty Images
On a belter of a surface that had plenty for the quicks to capitalise on early, Kate Cross was the next to strike, bowling captain Sune Luus, who was making her 100th ODI appearance alongside Lee, through her defences. It was largely an Ecclestone show thereafter as the ODI No. 1 bowler ran through the middle and lower order with wily variations.The top-score from the South African line-up was 30. With seven wickets down inside 30 overs, even a miracle seemed unlikely to avert a second elimination at the hands of England in a World Cup knockout.Either side of completing her maiden international five-for, Ecclestone sent Ismail off with a finger-on-the-lip celebration and had Jones stump Chetty for her sixth wicket. For a team that became the first in women’s ODI World Cup history to make the final after three consecutive defeats at the start of their campaign, it was fitting that England’s win marked the first-ever women’s ODI to feature a century and a six-wicket-haul.
Liverpool reportedly have a replacement lined up for Darwin Nunez, who is enduring a difficult third season at the club.
Nunez struggling as Reds held on Tyneside
Following an £85m switch to Liverpool from Benfica in 2022, Nunez’s performances during his first two seasons at Anfield were inconsistent, but he showed glimpses of brilliance, including a memorable brace in a resounding 7-0 win over Manchester United in 2023.
His output wasn’t bad either, scoring 15 in all competitions in his first year, before improving on that total to notch 18 the following year. This term, however, the Uruguayan striker appears to have completely hit a wall.
He’s scored just three goals in 18 games, and has come under heavy scrutiny for his lacklustre performances, most notably in the Reds’ recent 3-3 draw with Newcastle United.
Nunez gave the ball away cheaply on multiple occasions during the game, and missed a great opportunity in the second half.
In light of his display, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said that he doesn’t expect the 25-year-old to be at the club for too much longer.
When asked about Nunez’s future at Liverpool, Carragher said on The Overlap: “I’m not sure he’s here next year, I think he’ll probably move on. He’s more like a cult hero because he’s a bit mad and he likes to run around.”
Liverpool leading race for new striker
As alluded to by Carragher, Liverpool already appear to be preparing for life without Nunez. At least that’s according to Calcio Mercato, the Reds are leading the race to sign Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram, who is also attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
Thuram, the son of France legend Lilian Thuram, has been one of Inter and Serie A’s best players since moving to the San Siro from Borussia Monchengladbach last summer. This season, he’s already scored nine goals in just 13 Serie A games – a return that makes him the division’s second-top scorer behind only Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui, who has 12.
Calcio Mercato claim that Thuram is on Liverpool’s list of potential Mohamed Salah replacements, with the Egyptian’s future at Anfield currently up in the air. The publication says, however, that while the Reds are “at the forefront” for a deal, Inter would only be willing to let go of the striker if a “truly unmissable offer” came in or if his £70 million release clause is met.
Thuram, 27, has previously been described as “world class” by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer, while Daniel Farke, who managed the striker at Gladbach during the 2022/23 season, once called him “an exceptional player of the highest international class”.
Former Gladbach teammate Denis Zakaria, meanwhile, said of Thuram in 2019: “He is a great guy, a little crazy maybe, but what he brings to the pitch is phenomenal.”