Kamran Ghulam has never made any attempt to hide his desperation. All he wanted to do was play international cricket, and he would wait as long as it took. On Tuesday, 11 years on from his first-class debut, as he sat in front of the media after becoming the 13th Pakistani to score a hundred on Test debut, it is that burning desire he repeatedly recalled.”I’d been waiting for my chance a long time but I never gave up,” Ghulam, 29, said. “I had been waiting for my chance. That’s all I thought about. I kept being selected and then omitted from squads, and all I used to think about was how to take the chance I’d been given.”That thinking has paid off well. Ghulam came into the side under huge pressure as he replaced Babar Azam. The stakes were further raised by the situation he walke out to – Pakistan were 19 for 2, having lost Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique cheaply as the England spinners threatened to run riot.”When I came to the wicket we’d lost two wickets. But I wanted to play with a positive mind like I do in first-class cricket. That was at the back of my mind, and I wanted to play my natural game.”And Ghulam’s domestic oeuvre is particularly hefty. Only 12 players have scored more runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy since he made his debut in 2013, with his average, a smidge under 50, placing him behind only Fawad Alam, Saud Shakeel and Usman Salahuddin.It was what he drew on as he negotiated a tricky opening session, banking his aggressive shots before lunch, and setting the platform for a 149-run partnership with Saim Ayub that gently eased England’s grip on the game. He hung around when Ayub fell, building up another 65-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan, one in which he brought up his century with a slap over midwicket off Joe Root. By the time he fell, missing a drive off Shoaib Bashir who cleaned him up, he’d scored 118: his 17th first-class hundred.”I’ve scored a lot of first-class runs,” Ghulam said. “I didn’t care about the venue or the team, I just needed to make my debut. I knew I had a lot of hard work behind me, and thankfully that work has paid off for me.”He also acknowledged the circumstances in which he’d made his debut, paying tribute to the man he replaced in the side. “Babar is a very good player and at the back of my mind I was thinking he’s a legend, a very good player. But I thought I’d give 110% and play with a positive mindset. I knew I had to take my opportunity.””And,” he says in his vulnerable, soft spoken tone with characteristic understatement, “when it came, I did well.”
Newcastle United may have signed Anthony Elanga this summer, but that is the only highlight for Eddie Howe thus far.
Moves for no.1 target Joao Pedro and striking sensation Hugo Ekitike failed in recent weeks while Howe was also keen on signing Bryan Mbeumo, but it appears as though Manchester United have snatched him away from the Magpies.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
The Cameroon international would have been an excellent versatile option for Howe next season, as he can play across the front three.
As such, he will have to explore other options ahead of the new season.
Newcastle's forward search
Benjamin Sesko and Julian Alvarez have both been linked with moves to Newcastle in recent days. Either one would make for a magnificent signing, no doubt about that.
With everything, the transfer fees could be the biggest problem regarding either deal. This could mean Howe might have to turn elsewhere to sign another forward.
According to Africa Foot, Newcastle have entered the race to sign Evann Guessand, now set to rival Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.
It’s claimed that the Toon have recently opened talks with the player’s entourage as they now explore whether to formalise their interest in the player.
He would only cost a reported £22m, which could enable Howe to move for other targets while simultaneously improving his attacking options.
Nice winger Evann Guessand
Guessand, given his positional flexibility, could even be Howe’s own answer to Mbeumo should he sign for the Toon 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.
Why Newcastle must sign Evann Guessand
While the signing of Elanga is a promising one, giving Howe some depth on the flanks, it is evident another centre-forward is required.
Callum Wilson left the club upon the expiration of his contract, leaving just Alexander Isak and William Osula as the only recognised strikers at the club.
Last season for Brentford, Mbeumo scored 20 goals and grabbed nine assists. He spent the season operating either as a main striker or on the right flank, showcasing his versatility.
Guessand may not have matched this tally of 29 goal contributions, but he still scored 13 goals and recorded ten assists in all competitions for Nice.
24/25
42
13
9
23/24
38
7
2
21/22
25
1
3
20/21
3
0
0
19/20
1
0
0
Like the Brentford star, the Ivorian played either as a striker or on either wing for the French club, and this sort of flexibility could give Howe a major boost.
Guessand’s performances in Europe last season will offer Howe more positives. Indeed, the attacker shone when compared to his peers in the Europa League.
According to FBref, not only did Guessand rank in the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90 (2.67), but he also ranked in the top 5% for touches in the opposition penalty area (7.21) per 90. That’s certainly an Mbeumo-esque set of traits.
He also ranked in the top 12% for aerials won and in the top 16% for tackles per 90, highlighting that he is solid off the ball and is always looking to win it back for his team. While Mbeumo may not be prolific in the air, his work-rate is also exemplary.
U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed the 24-year-old as “electric” earlier this season, and considering he could be available for £22m, it makes perfect sense for Howe to move ahead with a move.
Newcastle might have missed out on Mbuemo, but in Guessand, they could have the next best thing.
Even better than Sesko: Newcastle agree personal terms to sign £50m striker
Newcastle United would love to welcome in this £50m striker who is even better than Benjamin Sesko.
Burnley are back in the promised land of the Premier League and could now look to swoop for two young stars to bolster their hopes for the long term at Turf Moor, according to a report.
Burnley sign Loum Tchaouna to complete fourth summer signing
Scott Parker has begun to make moves in Lancashire ahead of the Clarets’ return to the Premier League, with Axel Tuanzebe, Quilindschy Hartman and Max Weiss joining their fight to stay in the top-flight.
Now, Loum Tchaouna has joined Burnley from Lazio for a fee in the region of £13 million, further illustrating their commitment to strengthening ahead of an exciting campaign for all involved at Turf Moor.
Speaking after his arrival was confirmed, the French talent stated: “I spoke with the manager during the (Under-21) Euros this summer and we had a really good conversation, which made me realise I wanted to be here.”
Financially, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford’s seemingly inevitable move to Newcastle United could free up £40 million to be invested in further reinforcements, even if losing the England Under-21 international will come as a blow to those within the corridors of power.
With July now upon us, the transfer window never rests and Lee Hendrie believes Norwich City forward Josh Sargent would be a ‘great signing’ for the Clarets in light of links involving the United States international with a switch to the Premier League newcomers.
Burnley now plotting summer move for £90,000-a-week Premier League star
He has scored 36 goals in the top flight.
ByHenry Jackson Jun 28, 2025
Either way, it feels like several additions will be necessary to help Burnley stand a chance of avoiding the drop, which is becoming an increasingly difficult task year on year due to the financial disparity between newly-promoted sides and the established clubs.
Nevertheless, Parker could now be set to strengthen the ranks further if recent reports are to be believed.
Burnley make advances to land Salford City duo
According to EFL Analysis, Burnley have seen a bid rejected for Salford City forward Kyrell Malcolm and they are also reportedly interested in bringing his teammate Will Wright to Turf Moor.
Intriguingly, Malcolm, 18, is admired by Everton and Blackburn Rovers, while Wright has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Brentford.
Kyrell Malcolm at Salford City
Will Wright at Salford City
Appearances – 9
Appearances – 4
Goals – 0
Goals – 0
Assists – 1
Assists – 0
Both players are only in the infancy of their careers, but suitors are beginning to emerge for both strikers in light of their potential to develop into stars of the future.
Previously, Salford City co-owner Ryan Giggs described Malcolm as an “exciting player”, which is quite the compliment given his own standing as one of the Premier League’s finest ever performers at Manchester United.
Neither would be expected to become first-team assets straight away, but the fact Burnley want to add two rising talents to their ranks is an indication that the club are on the correct trajectory.
A player trading model at Glasgow Rangers has been largely non-existent over the previous few years.
The club’s rivals at the other end of the city have sold some of their prized assets when the iron is hot, raking in massive profits in the process.
Indeed, the likes of Kieran Tierney, Jota and Matt O’Riley were all sold for just over £75m. Combine this with the financial rewards on offer in the Champions League, and it is clear to see why Celtic are light years ahead of the Gers, from a financial viewpoint at least.
Nathan Patterson
Under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Rangers sold Nathan Patterson for £16m in January 2022 to Everton.
A few months later, Joe Aribo was offloaded to Southampton for a fee in the region of £10m, while Calvin Bassey became the club’s record sale, moving to Ajax in a deal worth up to £23m.
Since then, the Ibrox side have allowed the contracts of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos to expire. At one time, they were considered the two most bankable stars in the team.
Last summer, it was revealed that the club brought in just £800k, despite selling Sam Lammers, Connor Goldson, Todd Cantwell and Scott Wright.
Russell Martin must ensure the Gers are selling players at their peak in order to receive the highest possible fee.
Hamza Igamane and Mohamed Diomande have been linked with a move away from Glasgow this summer. It makes sense for Martin to try and hold onto them as long as possible, however.
The case might be different for Nico Raskin. The Belgian was arguably the club’s best player throughout 2024/25. As such, he should command a high fee this summer amid reported interest.
Why Rangers could sell Nico Raskin this summer
Not only did the midfielder take the captaincy at times last season when James Tavernier was injured, he also secured his maiden national team call-up.
Raskin made his debut for Belgium in March against Ukraine and was called up again for the World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia and Wales recently.
Last month, it was revealed that Aston Villa and Leeds United were showing interest in the former Standard Liege starlet.
Amid this growing interest from the Premier League, TEAMtalk stated that Rangers would expect at least £25m in order to sell Raskin this summer.
This type of money could go a long way, especially as Martin looks set to rebuild a squad that failed to win a trophy last season.
Rangers' Leon Balogun, James Tavernier and NicolasRaskincelebrate after the match
On the other hand, if Raskin stays and enjoys another good season, plus shines for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, he could potentially attract an even bigger bid.
Much for the new manager to ponder, that’s for sure. What he must do this summer is bring in another midfielder or two in case Raskin does leave the club.
With that in mind, it appears as though the Glasgow giants are after an English starlet who played in the Championship last term.
Rangers search for a midfielder
Martin has set his sights on Flynn Downes this summer in a bid to improve his midfield options. The Southampton star played under the Scot and would be a solid addition to the first team squad at Ibrox.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Another player who could make the move is Saints midfielder Shea Charles. He also played under Martin last term and journalist Graeme Bailey is backing the Light Blues to make a move for him this summer amid interest from Leeds United.
“He’s an interesting one. It is more likely that he joins Rangers. He’s not on huge wages and obviously he played under Russell Martin at Southampton.” said Bailey.
Northern Ireland'sSheaCharlesin action with Belarus' Valeriy Gromyko
The Northern Irishman spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, with the 21-year-old – who joined the Saints for £15m in 2023 – enjoying a productive season.
Bringing in or two temporary signings could mean Martin uses his funds elsewhere. Should Raskin depart in the summer, Charles would be an instant replacement for the Belgian dynamo at the heart of the Rangers midfield.
Why Rangers should sign Shea Charles
Charles played all but three league games for the Owls last term, notching one goal and five assists in the process.
He typically operated in a defensive midfield slot and exuded plenty of the qualities which made Raskin enjoy such a fine season.
When compared to his positional peers in the Championship throughout 2024/25, Charles ranked in the top 9% for interceptions (1.46) per 90, while also ranking in the top 19% for tackles (2.68) per 90 and 7% for percentage of dribblers challenged (63.9%) per 90.
This no-nonsense approach allows Charles to win the ball back once his team have lost it, where he is then able to move it on and start an attack.
The Irishman also won an impressive 6.5 total duels per game last term – a success rate of 59% – while recovering 5.7 balls per game in the second tier.
Amid the interest in the youngster, analyst Kai Watson heaped plenty of praise on the midfielder, saying that “he can do everything”, as a result of his “great physical and technical profile”.
It would be an interesting move to secure the services of the highly-rated player, especially as Leeds United are seemingly keen.
He would add defensive solidity to the midfield and, if Raskin is sold, the midfielder would be an ideal replacement. For that there is no doubt.
Will Martin act swiftly in a bid to bring his former player north of the border? As mentioned, a permanent move may be hard to pull off.
A loan deal, however, could work out perfectly for all parties involved. Charles gets the chance to play in Europe and challenge for trophies, while Rangers manage to utilise a talented young player who could add plenty to the squad.
It’s a no-brainer.
Martin on verge of first Rangers signing as "aggressive" gem takes medical
No club has been as active in the transfer market as Chelsea in recent years.
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed the takeover of the club three years ago, the Blues have signed over 40 first-team players costing in excess of £1bn.
Some of these signings have proved to be major successes, some have come and gone without a trace, while others have proved to be a massive waste of money, with one current squad member, who arrived just last summer, proving to be very reminiscent of, arguably, Chelsea’s worst-ever signing; Danny Drinkwate.
Danny Drinkwater's Chelsea career
Drinkwater will always be remembered in history as a key figure in Leicester City’s momentous Premier League title triumph of 2015/16.
He started 35 league games that season, forming a partnership alongside N’Golo Kanté that many, including Bleacher Report labelled ‘formidable’.
Danny-drinkwater
A year later, Drinkwater was reunited with Kanté at Chelsea, the Blues paying a reported £35m to secure his services, but it’s safe to say this move did not pay off, and the table below helps support this assertion.
Appearances
23
Starts
12
Minutes
1,181
Goals
1
Matches an unused sub
12
Matches not in the squad
118
The England international’s final appearance for Chelsea came in the 2018 Community Shield, never seen again in blue after that, spending brief loan spells with Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasımpaşa and Reading, before retiring back in October 2023.
Four Four Two Magazine believes Drinkwater to be Chelsea’s worst-ever signing, noting that few players have ever endured such a career ‘nosedive’, but is a current member of the Blues’ squad in danger of repeating this miserable drop-off?
Chelsea's latest big-money flop
Last summer, Chelsea signed the lesser-spotted Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City for a reported fee of £30m, thereby reuniting with manager Enzo Maresca who, according to Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian, viewed him as an ‘ideal fit for Chelsea’s style of play’, forecasting he would be a ‘key player’.
Chelsea's KiernanDewsbury-Hallin action with Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana
Maresca also described the midfielder as “fantastic”, backing him to become an “important” figure.
Well, fair to say, this has not transpired, as the table below outlines.
Appearances
28
14th
Total minutes
1,564
15th
Total starts
17
15th
PL minutes
254
22nd
PL starts
2
2nd
UECL minutes
1,105
1st
UECL starts
12
1st
Total goals
3
12th
Total assists
3
16th
As the table outlines, Dewsbury-Hall has been nothing more than a bit part player in the Premier League this season, starting just two matches, while seeing a miserly 254 minutes on the field, which is fewer than João Félix and Axel Disasi, both of whom were allowed to leave on loan in January.
In the Conference League however, it’s been a completely different story, considering he has started 12 of the Blues’ 13 fixtures to date, introduced at half time of the other, scoring three times, on target during home wins over Gent, Shamrock Rovers and København.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old surely cannot be happy with this limited role, hence why Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider has reported that he will be ‘available for transfer’, while Ciaran McCarthy of TEAMtalk adds that the Blues, rather optimistically, will ‘demand’ to recoup the £30m paid for him last summer.
Jonathan Wilson of the Guardian believes Dewsbury-Hall will simply never get enough opportunities at Chelsea, so must therefore leave to avoid further stunted development, and the Blues should look to cash in on their depreciating second version of Dewsbury-Hall as soon as possible.
Big Colwill upgrade: Chelsea ready to move for "immense" £40m star
Chelsea love signing young players don’t they? The Blues are “seriously considering” making a move to sign an “immense” defender as Colwill upgrade.
Manchester United are now in pole position to sign one of European football’s most in-demand players after holding positive initial talks, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
United falter once more against Wolves
After what has already been one of the most dismal campaigns in the club’s history, Manchester United’s season hit a new low on Sunday as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford. A spectacular free-kick from Pablo Sarabia proved the difference, taking Wolves’ winning streak to five and moving them level on points with United in the Premier League table.
The loss also confirmed a grim milestone for the Red Devils: even if they win all of their remaining five matches, they will still end the season with their lowest-ever Premier League points tally – unable to surpass the 58-point finish recorded under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick in 2021/22.
Speaking after the defeat, Amorim reflected on United’s struggles, telling BBC Match of the Day: “This season is going to end like this, so we need to take the positives and work on what we need to improve.”
The Portuguese manager also hinted at significant changes ahead during the summer transfer window, indicating that recruitment will be a key focus.
Amorim must axe Man Utd dud who makes them look like they’re playing with 10
Manchester United fell to yet another Premier League defeat against Wolves this afternoon.
By
Ethan Lamb
Apr 20, 2025
“We have to look at everything — our squad, what we have to do in the market. We will see,” he said. “We talk every day about next season, and with time, we will get what we need to improve the team.”
United lead race for Wolves star Cunha
One player who could be on his way to Old Trafford this summer is Wolves’ very-own Matheus Cunha. While the Brazilian didn’t find the net in Wolves’ win over United at the weekend, he’s been the standout performer at Molineux this season. His 14 Premier League goals — many of them stunning long-range efforts — along with four assists, have been instrumental in keeping Wolves clear of relegation trouble.
Matheus Cunha Premier League Stats (2024/25)
Games played
26
Goals
14
Assists
4
Progressive carries
95
Progressive passes
119
Pass accuracy
71%
Take-ons completed
55
Stats via FBref
Despite signing a new deal with the club back in February, Cunha’s eye-catching form has put him firmly on the radar of several top-flight clubs, including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, however, it’s United who currently lead the chase for his signature.
Writing on X on Monday, Romano revealed that initial talks between Cunha and United have been positive, with personal terms already being discussed. He also noted that United are fully aware of growing interest from other clubs — as well as Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause.
Speaking about Cunha back in November, former Premier League defender turned pundit Micah Richards described him as “absolutely sensational”.
England’s batting line-up no longer resembles a side playing with a single-minded purpose and utter conviction in their approach
Matt Roller08-Dec-20250:53
Finch: ‘England’s shot selection has been horrible’
It was like being offered a mouthful of the meal you wish you had ordered.Ben Stokes and Will Jacks’ tenacious – if ultimately futile – resistance on the fourth day at the Gabba served only to underline just how wrong England had already got it, a bite of someone else’s steak that left them wondering how they had ended up with nothing more than a bowl of soggy chips.Stokes and Jacks’ partnership for the seventh wicket was worth 96 in 221 balls, the longest stand of the series on either side, and felt like England’s captain directly rebuking his batters for their shot selection during a collapse of 5 for 38 on the third evening. They hit six boundaries between them, one every half-hour: “I just wanted us to fight,” Stokes said.Throughout his captaincy, Stokes has seen batting as an opportunity to make a point to his team-mates. In his first summer in the job, he would start in fifth gear and rarely change back down, scoring at a strike rate of 73.45; in 2025, he has slammed the brakes on, highlighting the need for some middle-order ballast with his strike rate dipping to 47.67.Related
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“I said last night, ‘we are where we are’. We talked about taking the scoreboard out of the equation,” Stokes said. “Nothing’s guaranteed in life, and nothing’s guaranteed in sport, but as long as you walk out there and think in your head, ‘I’m going to fight all the way to the end here’, that’s all you can focus on.”What you saw from me and Will Jacks was me saying, ‘anyone who’s got responsibility left in this game, just show fight’. Sometimes, that doesn’t show in the output of what you’re trying to do. It’s all in the mind.”For all that conditions were easier – the ball had gone soft, and there were no visibility issues in the daytime – it provided a stark contrast to England’s approach the night before. The return catch that Zak Crawley chipped back to Michael Neser had summed up the ineptitude, a carbon copy of Ollie Pope’s dismissal, which showed a total failure to learn from others’ mistakes.0:50
Stokes: ‘If we lose hope, we might as well not turn up’
Jacks had a few sketchy moments during his innings of 41, most notably when Australia attacked him with the short ball. He may well have faced more bumpers on Sunday afternoon than in his 54 first-class appearances for Surrey but, after a handful of plays-and-misses, developed a method as he gradually grew in confidence. Put simply, he learned on the job.Yet, far too many of his more experienced team-mates seem incapable of doing so: Crawley and Pope most obviously, who are both still making the same mistakes after more than 60 Tests each, but so too Harry Brook, whose decision to play a booming drive at the first pink ball he had ever faced from Mitchell Starc under lights was indefensible.But the most galling aspect of England’s struggles is that their batting line-up no longer resembles a side playing with a single-minded purpose and utter conviction in their approach. Brook aside, most of their dismissals in Brisbane came from half-hearted shots ill-suited to the Gabba’s pace and bounce.
“We are a much better team at applying it than we are at absorbing it at the moment”Ben Stokes
Australia have outperformed England across every main batting metric in the first two Tests: they have lost a wicket every 50.3 balls to England’s 32.9; they have averaged 38.20 runs per wicket to England’s 22.77; and they have even outscored England, going at 4.55 per over to England’s 4.15. Really, this is barely even Bazball Lite.Pope inadvertently summed up the confusion that has crept into the England dressing room two days out from the Test, providing a barely comprehensible answer when asked about their approach. The thrust was that “complete clarity” as to whether to attack or defend was vital, but he batted as though totally unclear – particularly in his skittish second innings.Stokes and Brendon McCullum have attempted to “refine” their set-up – in terms of both method and personnel – over the past 18 months, an admission that beating the best Test teams demands nuance and nous. But the most notable effect appears to have been to dull England’s attacking strength without improving at all on their shortcomings.6:09
‘Australia have sat back, waited for England and pushed them over’
It was a theme that Stokes himself acknowledged after England’s defeat, looking physically and emotionally drained after four gruelling days. Stokes said that he was “definitely not doubting” England’s approach but made an unusually candid admission that his team has lacked the resilience and character to withstand pressure in this series.”I remember my first team chat with Baz. It was, ‘our blueprint is about applying pressure to the opposition, but also understanding that we do need to absorb that at moments’. I will agree, and say that we are a much better team at applying it than we are at absorbing it at the moment.”You’ll always see us chase the ball hard to the boundary, and you’ll always see people leave everything out there on the field. That is the blueprint of this team. And we can definitely look to improve on the moments where we need to absorb [pressure], and just understanding a lot better what that looks like.”The fear is that it is too little, too late. England are already 2-0 down in the series, a deficit that has only once been overturned to win the urn in Ashes history. Stokes has a four-night stay in a Noosa resort and three training sessions in Adelaide to ensure that the message he tried to send has got across to his batters, but is it the right one?With every passing week, England’s early success under Stokes and McCullum – the heady run of 13 wins in their first 18 Tests, including the intoxicating comeback from 2-0 down in the 2023 Ashes – looks increasingly like a cricketing equivalent of football’s new-manager bounce. Since then, they have been a coin-flip team who have lost as many Tests as they have won.
England’s star seamer hasn’t won a Test against Australia since 2015, and time is running out
Matt Roller27-Jun-2023At London Stadium on Saturday night, Adam Wainwright had one of the worst games of his career. A St Louis Cardinals pitcher, Wainwright conceded seven runs – his worst performance of what is his final Major League Baseball season, at the age of 41. Watching from the stands was James Anderson.Along with Nathan Lyon, Anderson threw the ceremonial first pitch of the match before joining the BBC commentary team, which featured his podcast co-host Felix White. “Remind you of anyone?” White asked Anderson after explaining Wainwright’s back story. “Definitely,” Anderson replied with a wry smile.Anderson’s performance in Birmingham earlier that week was not as bad as Wainwright’s in London – but it was not a Test match that he will look back on with any fondness. He took a solitary wicket in his 38 overs across both innings and admitted in his column this week: “I wasn’t on top of my game”.It could easily have been three wickets, however. Anderson had two chances missed off his bowling: in the first over of the third morning, Jonny Bairstow put Alex Carey down, and in the first over of Australia’s run chase, Usman Khawaja’s outside edge flew away between Bairstow and Joe Root at first slip for four.But uncharacteristically, he played a bit-part role. He bowled fewer overs than England’s other main bowlers; the first innings was the first time in 14 years that he had played in a home Test and not taken the new ball; in the second, he was unused for the final 36.3 overs as Australia snuck home.That stretch included not taking the second new ball. “We agreed it was the type of pitch the taller bowlers were getting more out of,” Anderson said. In a match that was decided in the 93rd over, his final ball was in the 56th – and was crashed over mid-off for four by Cameron Green.James Anderson walks out for practice ahead of his record 28th Test at Lord’s•PA Images via Getty ImagesIt all added up to a familiar sensation for Anderson on the final evening: walking off the field after losing an Ashes Test. This was his 19th defeat to Australia, the third-most of any Englishman after Alec Stewart and Mike Atherton, and his 10th consecutive Ashes Test without a win.Remarkably, the last time Anderson won against Australia was eight years ago at Edgbaston, a Test in which Alastair Cook captained England and Steven Finn was named Player of the Match. This summer, both men are working as pundits for the second successive Ashes series.Four years ago, Anderson came into the Ashes undercooked – and his series lasted four overs. He had not played in over a month after a calf niggle, missed a Test match against Ireland, and suffered a recurrence of his injury at Edgbaston that ruled him out for the summer.This summer, he came into the series after a similar break since his last first-class match and admitted during the first Test: “I feel like I do need a bit of game time to get back into it.” England’s hope is that he will be better for the run, and will have a greater impact at Lord’s this week.”Jimmy’s flying,” Stokes said on Tuesday. “He had a good bowl yesterday and a good bowl today and was completely fine.” England’s decision to pick an extra seamer might alleviate his workload, but Stokes clarified: “We didn’t pick four seamers to make this week easier for Jimmy – just to make that clear.”He’s good,” Stokes added. “I mean, he’s just an unbelievable athlete, still doing what he’s doing at 40 years old… it is just unbelievable to watch him go about his business.” Anderson celebrates his 41st birthday on the penultimate scheduled day of this series.Related
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Anderson has a remarkable record in the Stokes-McCullum era, with 46 wickets at 19.60 even after his quiet outing in Birmingham. He has spoken of feeling reinvigorated by the new regime, enjoying a new lease of life as he approaches the end of a long and storied career.But the first Test was a reminder of his humanity. Anderson has defied retirement for so long that it is hardly worth speculating how long he has left, but told the before the series: “I don’t want to drag it out and people are thinking: ‘Can you just do one?’ I would like to be able to go out on a nice note.”It is often said that England players are remembered for their feats against Australia but Anderson might be an exception to that rule. They are the opponent against whom he averages the most (34.43), with a slightly worse record at home (45 wickets at 35.06) than away (68 at 34.01).The next five weeks provide him with an opportunity to change that. Anderson has thrived at Lord’s and conditions for the second Test looked ideally suited to him: a covering of live grass on a pitch that MCC hope will have more pace than last week’s, plus cloud cover throughout the five days.There are five months between the end of the Ashes and the start of England’s next Test series in India, an obvious opportunity for Anderson to bow out if he decides it is time to move on. What better stage for it than a potential Oval decider?
Firdose Moonda28-Oct-2021It may be tempting to think that Quinton de Kock’s refusal to take a knee ahead of the match against West Indies earlier this week is out and out racism, but ignorance of racial inequalities that have resulted from slavery, colonialism and apartheid might be what caused him to not comply with Cricket South Africa’s directive, and to consequently withdraw himself from the match.That’s not the soft view, nor one that seeks to justify de Kock’s continued inaction over antiracist gestures, but rather one that aims to add nuance to the ever-complex conversation around race and sport, and especially race and sport in South Africa.Outrage has dominated the narrative locally on both sides. On the one hand, there is the argument that the right to freedom of speech and expression, which is enshrined in the South African constitution, must be respected, and that CSA should not have made taking a knee mandatory. On the other is long-brewing dissatisfaction with the national team’s inconsistency over their approach to antiracism, which is now embodied in de Kock’s refusal. And all this is happening while CSA conducts Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) hearings, where some of those who have appeared, including former team manager Mohammed Moosajee and South African Cricketers Association CEO Andrew Breetzke, have called for the national team to have a unified approach to taking a knee.Related
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As a collective, South Africa have swayed between a steadfast approach to doing nothing, as was the case in the lead up to the 3TC event last July, to doing everything, when all players and support staff took a knee. (de Kock missed this last event because of a Covid-19-related issue.)They then planned to do nothing in the series against Sri Lanka, before deciding to raise their fists in the Boxing Day Test. Then there was a three-pronged approach on their tour to West Indies this winter, where some team members, all of colour, as well as Rassie van der Dussen and Kyle Verreynne, took a knee; others – all white, like Test captain Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram, raised a fist; and others, also all white, like Anrich Nortje, stood to attention. de Kock did nothing and has continued to do nothing. One of the issues is that no one yet knows why.de Kock is not against gestures. Historically, he has joined the rest of the team in wearing a black armband to commemorate a death, and the pink shirt at the annual Pink ODI to raise awareness for breast cancer. He has also made individual gestures. On scoring a century in the first Test against West Indies in St Lucia, de Kock displayed a bat sticker in favour of rhino conservation. And he made a finger gesture in support of a friend who had lost a digit. You might argue that de Kock made his own decision in all of these, but it would be interesting to see the reaction if he opted to wear a blue shirt on that all-pink day. The point being that employers often expect certain commitments from their employees. Very seldom do they impose expectations on them.
The gesture is a way to tell South Africans, the majority of whom have suffered under racial segregation, that there is recognition of what they have been through
CSA went as far as imposing expectations only after more than a year of the men’s national team umm-ing, ahh-ing and half-gesturing. In that time, the board has been imploding: it changed from an interim board to a permanent one, and has had to deal with a significant lack of senior staff after suspensions over the last two years. It is plausible that the collective response to antiracism has not been top of mind, and the seriousness of the division in South Africa’s appearance only occurred to them when they saw the opening match of the Super 12s, where Australia took a knee together and their own team presented a mish-mash of posturing.Two images caught fire on social media. One was of members of the team on the sidelines that showed Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada and van der Dussen taking a knee; Dwaine Pretorius, Aiden Markram and David Miller raising a fist; and Anrich Nortje and Heinrich Klaasen standing to attention. The other was of Temba Bavuma taking a knee and de Kock standing with his hands on his hips. CSA board chair Lawson Naidoo confirmed that was the spark that forced CSA to act, but to do so five hours before the next game was risky.Perhaps CSA thought it had called the team’s bluff and the speed of the command would ensure it was obeyed. Then de Kock called the board’s back. When the team arrived at the ground in Dubai, he made himself unavailable without even telling his team-mates why. In so doing, he put his captain and his team-mates in a difficult position.Bavuma said it was the toughest day of his captaincy, as he had to do without de Kock the batter and de Kock the senior player. Reeza Hendricks would have been told at the last moment that he was going to open the batting. Heinrich Klaasen would have been told he would have to take the gloves, after having done so just once in a T20I in the last six months. He went on to drop the first chance he got. Bavuma was run out for 2 after failing to beat Andre Russell’s arm. Had South Africa gone on to lose, doubtless focus would have been on those three players and it’s likely the blame would have been laid on them. Luckily for them, they didn’t.The act of taking a knee has been described as a gesture of antiracism, rather than a gesture in support of Black Lives Matter, and that is another significant point. Although BLM has become synonymous with the fight against racism, the two do not have to be the same thing, especially in a country like South Africa, where the right for racial equality predates the BLM movement. The BLM organisation is seen by some in South Africa (and elsewhere) as a radical political, and even Marxist, movement rather than a civil-rights activist collective that speaks to global issues of exclusion. This is the kind of movement that white South Africa has in the past been afraid of; they have had terms to describe being overrun by the disenfranchised majority as “black danger” () and “red danger” (). And therein may lie part of the explanation for why taking a knee has been difficult for some of South Africa’s white players.Although none of the members of the current side are old enough to have lived through the horrors of apartheid, all of them will have had parents or caregivers who grew up then. van der Dussen was influenced by a father who was part of the African National Congress to take a knee.The array of gestures before the game against Australia that probably drove CSA to mandate the whole team taking the knee•ICC via GettyWhich is where Michael Holding and Carlos Brathwaite and Daren Sammy and Kieron Pollard’s calls for education come in. All of the last three have been part of a West Indian set-up that has been unrelenting in their consistency in taking a knee, and who have spoken at length about the experiences of being black in a world, especially a cricketing world, governed by whiteness.As South Africa readied to collectively take a knee, sans de Kock, on Tuesday, Sammy was on air. “My mother always told me, ‘You’ve got to stand for something or you will fall for anything’,” he said. “It’s good to see players united over something that has affected so many people across the world.”Pommie Mbangwa went further: “Some will say it is being political but I cannot shed my skin. I hope that the discussion at the very least can be about how to be united about something that everybody agreed on. This is also in the hope that there is agreement in that regard.”The pair referenced de Kock’s absence before Sammy expressed his disbelief at those who struggled to support antiracism. “Sometimes I don’t understand why is it so difficult to support this movement if you understand what it stands for. That’s just my opinion because of what my kind have been through. There are a lot of issues affecting the world, but I don’t understand why it’s so difficult.”Brathwaite, speaking on BBC Five Live, understood the significance of South Africa taking a knee together and de Kock not being there. “I’m not an advocate of forcing anyone to do something that they don’t want to do. But I also understand where Cricket South Africa is coming from,” he said. “There are a lot of conversations and a lot of education that still has to happen around why you take the knee, what it signifies, but more importantly, for things to change in society, taking a knee has to be a start and not the be-all and end-all.”Talk to some around de Kock and they will say this is the exact reason he does not want to take a knee: because it achieves nothing. The footballer Wilfried Zaha has argued similar. What that does not acknowledge is the simple fact that human beings can walk and chew at the same time. They can gesture publicly and they can act behind the scenes. The gesture is a way to tell South Africans, the majority of whom have suffered under racial segregation, that there is recognition and understanding of what they have been through. The rest is what shows our education in action.
Reintegrado ao elenco do Fluminense, John Kennedy foi relacionado e está à disposição da comissão técnica para o duelo contra o São Paulo, válido pela sexta rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.
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As melhores e mais variadas ofertas para o Brasileirão estão no Lance! Betting! Abra já a sua conta!
No fim de abril, o atacante foi afastado junto a Kauã Elias, Alexsander e Arthur em razão de atos de indisciplina cometidos na concentração da equipe para o jogo diante do Vasco. À época, a reportagem apurou que o quarteto convidou mulheres para a concentração e organizou uma festa, que irritou as principais lideranças do time.
O jogador, que retorna após cumprir suspensão imposta pela diretoria, iniciará o confronto desta segunda-feira (13) entre os reservas. Para a partida, Fernando Diniz terá que modificar o meio-campo da equipe, uma vez que Paulo Henrique Ganso, suspenso, e Renato Augusto, lesionado, estão fora do jogo.
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Além da dupla, outros jogadores não viajaram com o restante da delegação e serão desfalques: os zagueiros Marlon e Thiago Santos, os volantes André e Gabriel Pires, e o atacante Lelê.
Portanto, a provável escalação do Fluminense tem: Fábio; Guga, Felipe Melo (Antônio Carlos), Manoel e Marcelo (Diogo Barbosa); Martinelli, Lima e Alexsander; Marquinhos, Arias e Cano.
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Felipe Melo e Marcelo, no entanto, podem não iniciar o duelo no Morumbis. A dupla será submetida a testes, e a fisiologia irá determinar se eles terão condições físicas para entrar em campo.
Com apenas cinco pontos conquistados, o Fluminense está na zona de rebaixamento e busca se reabilitar no Campeonato Brasileiro. Nesta segunda-feira (13), a equipe comandada por Diniz visita o São Paulo, às 20h (de Brasília), no Morumbis.